Agents of Innovation

Francisco Gonzalez
Agents of Innovation

The Agents of Innovation podcast features interviews with entrepreneurs, philanthropists, and artists.

  1. 6D AGO

    Episode 159: Riley Kaminer, Founder, Clear Critical; Tech Writer, Refresh Miami

    Riley Kaminer is the Founder of ClearCritical, a team of storytellers and strategists helping VCs amplify their vision. They turn investment theses and portfolio successes into compelling narratives that engage LPs and elevate their firms' brands. An experienced tech journalist, Riley’s research and writing has appeared in Forbes, The Times (UK), Rest of World, Cities Today, Refresh Miami, and many more. Through his coverage of 400+ startups – and ghostwriting for dozens more – he is keenly aware of what gives stories long-term impact. Riley leverages his experience as a journalist to empower startups to build their own media ecosystem. His bespoke content strategy will enable you to become a thought leader and spread your ideas at scale. Ultimately, this content creation helps your company gain credibility, lock down leads, and drive sales. As a founder, your insights can change the world. But these ideas won’t go anywhere unless you create content. Work with Riley and unlock your inner thought leader. You can also watch this episode on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/XZaLosM6V2k You can learn more about Riley Kaminer at: https://rileykaminer.com Find his company ClearCritical at: https://www.clearcritical.com Follow the Agents of Innovation podcast on: Instagram: / innovationradio Twitter: / agentinnovation Facebook: / agentsofinnovationpodcast You can support this podcast and our Fearless Journeys community on our Patreon account: www.patreon.com/fearlessjourneys You can also join our network -- and our group trips -- through the Fearless Journeys community at: https://www.fearlessjourneys.org 0:00 Episode Intro 1:47 Introduction of Riley Kaminer 3:04 Growing up with an international mindset 5:58 Attending College in the UK / Scotland 8:54 Studying abroad in Madrid 10:18 Comparing to U.S. college experience 13:10 Degrees in Business, Spanish, and Latin American Studies 14:58 Becoming a Writer Requires Collecting Experiences 16:18 Working for a Film Distributor in the UK 18:00 Moving to Spain with a Digital Nomad Visa 18:59 Living and Working in South Florida Post-Pandemic 23:03 Writing about Tech for Refresh Miami 25:17 Freelance writing for a variety of publications 25:48 First job develops work ethic 28:12 What sparked early interest in journalism 31:58 Founding ClearCritical to tell stories in a different way 35:21 Repurposing your skills in a rapidly changing economy 39:59 How ClearCritical can help you 41:28 The importance of repetitive storytelling 47:52 Choosing to live and work from Madrid 51:48 Personal benefits of entrepreneurship

    54 min
  2. Episode 158: Vuk Velebit, Pupin Initiative, Belgrade, Serbia

    JUL 5

    Episode 158: Vuk Velebit, Pupin Initiative, Belgrade, Serbia

    Vuk Velebit is the co-founder and executive director of the Pupin Initiative, which has become the hub for bolstering US-Serbia ties, doing so through collaborative and non-partisan efforts and policies. The Pupin Initiative was established with the same values that renowned Serbian-American scientist and inventor Mihajlo (Michael) Pupin espoused over 100 years ago. They bring together young entrepreneurs, cross-field experts, and value creators from both the United States and Serbia, focus on creating impactful networks through a bottom-up approach, and provide an authentic understanding of local contexts. The Pupin Initiative is privately funded to ensure commitment and efficiency, and to surpass any bureaucratic shortcomings. Vuk Velebit is a leading new-generation political analyst, renowned for his expertise in foreign and security policy, media analysis, and political strategy. You can also watch this episode on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/5qvATL-79q8 You can learn more about the Pupin Initiative at: https://pupin.org Follow the Agents of Innovation podcast on: Instagram: / innovationradio Twitter: / agentinnovation Facebook: / agentsofinnovationpodcast You can support this podcast and our Fearless Journeys community on our Patreon account: www.patreon.com/fearlessjourneys You can also join our network -- and our group trips -- through the Fearless Journeys community at: https://www.fearlessjourneys.org 0:00 Episode Intro 1:55 Introduction of Vuk Velebit 3:52 Why the Pupin Initiative? 5:55 Who was Michael Pupin? 10:28 Serbia's dynamic geographic location 14:06 U.S. companies with hubs in Belgrade 16:08 Serbia's startup ecosystem & US trade partnership 17:00 High-skilled tech talent 18:16 Why most Serbians speak English 24:05 Real Estate Investment in Belgrade waterfront 28:53 The need for internal investment in Serbia 30:43 Serbian economy and access to international markets 37:15 Serbian Dinar a very sound currency 37:50 Visiting Belgrade & learning its history 43:40 U.S. Presidential visits to Serbia 46:38 Connecting Belgrade and Miami 48:45 The affect of Russia, Ukraine, and Israel on Serbia 51:48 Serbian Orthodox Church & rich history in Belgrade 54:25 Events and Activities of the Pupin Initiative 58:01 Meeting with decision makers in Washington DC 1:01:06 The future of Serbia and U.S.-Serbia relations

    1h 4m

  3. MAY 21

    Episode 157: Kevin Comer & Brian Graham, Fearless Travelers

    Kevin Comer and Brian Graham are both frequent travelers on group trips organized by Agents of Innovation podcast host Francisco Gonzalez, who is also the founder & CEO of Fearless Journeys. In this unique podcast episode, the three recount personal and group trips and offer lots of great travel advice while recounting amusing stories -- some of which are almost hard to believe! You can also watch this episode on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/zGZWcKE1WAg Follow the Agents of Innovation podcast on: Instagram: www.instagram.com/innovationradio/ Twitter: twitter.com/agentinnovation Facebook: www.facebook.com/AgentsOfInnovationPodcast You can support this podcast and our Fearless Journeys community on our Patreon account: www.patreon.com/fearlessjourneys You can also join our network through the Fearless Journeys community at: www.fearlessjourneys.org Find Brian Graham on Instagram at @brianhgraham Find Kevin Comer on Instagram at @kevininFlorida

    1h 40m
  4. Episode 156: Tomás Ambrosetti & Martin D'odorico, Guardian Capital, Buenos Aires, Argentina

    MAY 5

    Episode 156: Tomás Ambrosetti & Martin D'odorico, Guardian Capital, Buenos Aires, Argentina

    Guardian Capital S.A. is a Buenos Aires-based financial advisory firm dedicated to helping individuals and businesses achieve their financial goals through personalized investment strategies. With a team of seasoned professionals, the firm offers tailored solutions in asset allocation, risk management, and portfolio optimization to ensure clients' capital is both protected and positioned for growth. Episode 156 of the Agents of Innovation podcast features two of their co-founders, Tomás Ambrosetti and Martin D'odorico. You can also watch this episode on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRFF3p8qmrEG4l4uR1BDZQg On the 2024 Fearless Journeys group trip to Argentina, our group visited with Tomas and Martin. Now, we bring the world a full conversation with them about how they have grown to about 1,000 clients in just two years as a firm. They use many social media platforms (see below) to communicate financial education messages; these communication and media efforts also help to expand their brand and attract new clients. You can learn more about Guardian Capital at: https://guardiancapital.com.ar Follow Guardian Capital on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/guardiancapital_/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@guardiancapital YouTube: Follow the Agents of Innovation podcast on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/innovationradio/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/agentinnovation Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AgentsOfInnovationPodcast You can support this podcast and our Fearless Journeys community on our Patreon account: www.patreon.com/fearlessjourneys You can also join our network through the Fearless Journeys community at: https://www.fearlessjourneys.org

    53 min

  5. MAR 6

    Episode 155: Julian Castillo, Urban Architect, Siudad, Guatemala City

    Julian Castillo is an urban architect with Siudad, a company in Guatemala City that proclaims that CITY (spelled "Siudad" instead of the grammatically correct "Ciudad") "is a positive mindset to improve city life." They believe that Guatemalan cities have the opportunity to become successful urban hubs, bringing economic prosperity, well-being and health to their citizens and visitors. Siudad is committed to facilitating, educating and empowering Guatemalans to plan, design and build the cities of the future. Julian Castillo was our guest on episode 155 of the Agents of Innovation podcast. You can learn more about Siudad at: https://siudad.org You can find Julian Castillo online at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julián-castillo-holzheu-9a002599/ You can also WATCH this episode on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/c82rDVMvOUQ Follow the Agents of Innovation podcast on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/innovationradio/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/agentinnovation Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AgentsOfInnovationPodcast You can support this podcast and our Fearless Journeys community on our Patreon account: www.patreon.com/fearlessjourneys You can also join our network through the Fearless Journeys community at: https://www.fearlessjourneys.org/

    1h 12m
  6. Episode 154: Dennis Hulbert, Machaira Entertainment, Montana

    FEB 27

    Episode 154: Dennis Hulbert, Machaira Entertainment, Montana

    Dennis Hulbert has had a very successful career for 39 years with the U.S.D.A Forest Service as the Region 5 Aviation Officer representing California and Pacific Islands. After retiring he began to focus on his lifelong passion as a musician and his work with the music group that he founded 33 years ago, Machaira. Working with such notable musicians as John McFee from Doobie Brothers, Billy Kirchen from Commander Cody, Dennis is looking to take his band to a new level. This current journey is allowing Dennis the opportunity to work/record with many great players: Marc Russo- from Doobie Brothers, Mic Gillette from Tower Of Power, Michael Hossack- from Doobie Brothers, Brent Bourgeois from Bourgeois Tagg, Scott Joss from Merle Haggard, and Keith Edwards from Ricky Skaggs, to name a few. Dennis is devoting his time to developing and managing the Machaira band and the Go Girls of Machaira. Along with co-managing Machaira Entertainment, a multi facet entertainment endeavor. Dennis was our guest on Episode 154 of the Agents of Innovation podcast. Learn more about him and his band Machaira at: https://www.coopdeville.com and their YouTube page at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_2eojoSgKJKcF_FzMd-iTg You can watch this full episode on YouTube podcast: https://youtu.be/O2IJrOYxJs8 Follow the Agents of Innovation podcast on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/innovationradio/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/agentinnovation Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AgentsOfInnovationPodcast You can support this podcast and our Fearless Journeys community on our Patreon account: www.patreon.com/fearlessjourneys You can also learn more about how to join our network through the Fearless Journeys community at: https://www.fearlessjourneys.org/ 0:00 Episode Intro 2:46 Introducing Dennis Hulbert 3:16 Work for the U.S. Forest Service 4:58 Innovating in the fire retardant space 7:43 Be a good team leader 8:22 The inspiration to go into the U.S. Forestry Service 9:12 Aviation Officer in California and Pacific Islands 11:24 Early days learning music 13:02 Faith music, tours of Russia, American diplomacy 14:00 Surround yourself with good people 14:14 Over 40 people have been in the band, world tours, top guest artists 14:35 Nonprofit band, have never charged a penny 15:25 Taking band to the next level 16:10 11-person band, seasoned professionals, and a movie 18:09 A future reality TV show? 19:03 California, Montana, and tours 19:46 New album: Life is a Rock and Roll Circus 21:51 The business of music 26:25 Profiles of other band members 30:52 The origin of the band name, "Machaira" 32:30 New album releases March 2025 and live shows 34:45 Cover of Elvis Presley "Saved" 35:15 Agent of Innovation Matt Stone as Elvis 37:00 Learn by doing, never miss a gig, and practice 39:50 Keys to success

    42 min
  7. Episode 153: Nick Bourdon, Reef Arches, Miami, Florida

    JAN 7

    Episode 153: Nick Bourdon, Reef Arches, Miami, Florida

    Nick was our guest on Episode 153 of the Agents of Innovation podcast. You can find him on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholasbourdon You can learn more about Reef Arches at: https://reefarches.com Follow the Agents of Innovation podcast on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/innovationradio/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/agentinnovation Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AgentsOfInnovationPodcast Watch this episode on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/lteqI8n6yu8 You can support this podcast and our Fearless Journeys community on our Patreon account: www.patreon.com/fearlessjourneys You can also join our network through the Fearless Journeys community at: https://www.fearlessjourneys.org/ 0:00 Episode Intro 2:25 Intro to Nick Bourdon and Reef Arches 3:40 How Reef Arches solves the problem of beach erosion 5:55 How humans reacted to beach erosion before Reef Arches 7:18 How Reef Arches was conceived and patent achieved 9:19 Being an entrepreneur within a larger company, Hedrick Brothers Construction 15:35 Partnering with local governments in Florida 19:45 Ripple effects across the economy 24:51 Reef Arch construction material and design 29:05 Nick Bourdon's early life and education 32:00 Nick's habits and daily routine 34:02 Transporting Reef Arches 35:00 Nick's first job 36:30 The freedom of being an entrepreneur 37:30 Innovating within a company 48:12 Mentorship 49:20 The ideal customers and products 51:40 Facing the competition 52:43 Global economic solutions 54:10 Last words

    56 min
  8. Episode 152: Ed Moore, President-Emeritus, Independent Colleges and Universities of Florida

    JAN 6

    Episode 152: Ed Moore, President-Emeritus, Independent Colleges and Universities of Florida

    Edwin H. (Ed) Moore, Ph.D., is the President-Emeritus of the Independent Colleges and Universities ofFlorida, a Tallahassee based association of 30 private, not for profit colleges and universities. He led the Association from 2003 until 2019. He also served as the Executive Director of the Higher EducationFacilities Finance Authority in Florida and as Chief Executive Officer of the Florida Independent College Fund, a non-profit organization. Over his career he has served in leadership roles in both legislative and executive branches, in the private sector and in several not for profit organizations. He is a recognized policy expert. He has served in many significant positions in a wide array of policy arenas, including education, insurance, healthcare, mental health, criminal justice, and many other areas. As Florida recovered from Covid related issues he was asked to serve as Executive Director of the RESET Florida Task Force, helping to develop action plans to bolster the Florida economy. He authored "The Speakers Vol. II, a history of the Speakers of the Florida House of Representatives." Ed was appointed by Governor Ron DeSantis to serve as a member of the Florida Commission on Ethics and previously to the Florida Constitution mandated Government Efficiency Task Force. He currently serves as a Trustee for the HCA Florida Capital Hospital, and as a member of the Florida Historic Capitol Foundation Board of Directors. He is a frequent guest on The Morning Show with Preston Scott, The Ed Dean Show, The Usual Suspects, and several other state outlets. Ed earned a BS and an MSPA in the 1970’s from Florida State University, the master’s while working full-time. He had previously earned an AA from Broward Junior College while working full-time. After he sold his company and returned to Florida in 1999, he both worked full-time and pursued and earned his Ph.D. from FSU. He has been married to Kathleen Armstrong Moore for 50 years. They have four adult children and eight wonderful grandchildren. They reside in Tallahassee. Ed was our guest on Episode 152 of the Agents of Innovation podcast. You can follow him on X at: https://x.com/AFloridian You can also watch this podcast on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/vy4pXUfsTHc Follow the Agents of Innovation podcast on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/innovationradio/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/agentinnovation Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AgentsOfInnovationPodcast Subscribe to this channel here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRFF3p8qmrEG4l4uR1BDZQg You can also subscribe to the Fearless Journeys travel channel at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwAHpA_AXxBafhI2jH8_rtg You can support this podcast and our Fearless Journeys community on our Patreon account: www.patreon.com/fearlessjourneys You can also join our network through the Fearless Journeys community at: https://www.fearlessjourneys.org/

    1h 7m
See All (117)

4.9
out of 5
41 Ratings

About

The Agents of Innovation podcast features interviews with entrepreneurs, philanthropists, and artists.

Information

  • Creator
    Francisco Gonzalez
  • Years Active
    2015 - 2025
  • Episodes
    117
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved
  • Show Website
    Agents of Innovation

You Might Also Like

To listen to explicit episodes, sign in.

Stay up to date with this show

Sign in or sign up to follow shows, save episodes, and get the latest updates.
Select a country or region

Africa, Middle East, and India

Asia Pacific

Europe

Latin America and the Caribbean

The United States and Canada