Bold Inventor

J.D. Houvener

At the Bold Inventor Podcast, we're dedicated to bringing you the cutting-edge knowledge you need to navigate the complex world of patents, trademarks, and intellectual property law. Whether you're an aspiring inventor, a seasoned entrepreneur, or simply curious about how ideas turn into successful products, our podcast delivers expert advice and actionable insights to fuel your innovative journey.  Our content helps inventors everywhere—from filing their first patent to securing trademarks that protect their brands. Every episode is designed to simplify the complicated legal processes that inventors face, ensuring you can focus on what matters most: your ideas.  📚 Patent & Trademark Law Simplified:Our podcast breaks down the complex world of intellectual property law, giving you step-by-step guidance on how to protect your inventions and ideas.  🎧 Top-Notch Expert Interviews:We bring on patent attorneys, successful inventors, and legal professionals to share their insider knowledge.  🚀 In-Depth Episodes Packed with Value:Our listeners rave about the practical advice we provide on topics like patent application strategies, trademark registration, and protecting intellectual property rights.  🌐 Reaching Inventors Worldwide:Your support will enable us to expand our reach, ensuring that inventors from around the globe can benefit from our expert advice on patents and trademarks.  🔑 Free and Accessible for Everyone:We believe that everyone should have access to the tools and knowledge to secure their intellectual property—regardless of budget. Ready to take a Bold Step? Schedule a free Discovery Call here: https://calendly.com/business-consultations/am06-podcast LEGAL NOTICE: By listening to this podcast, you are not becoming a client of Bold Patents nor of J.D. Houvener. Confidential discussions and consultations can be scheduled so that we can discuss your specific invention with a Patent Attorney. This forum is for general questions about the process, not about specific legal advice.

  1. 9H AGO

    🍼 From Diapers to Patents: 30+ Years of Innovation with Alex Neeb

    Send us Fan Mail What can the diaper industry teach us about patents, trade secrets, and global innovation? A LOT. 😄 In this episode of the Bold Inventor Show, J.D. Houvener and Matt Kulseth sit down with Alex Neeb—a veteran material scientist and inventor with 30+ years of experience at companies like Kimberly-Clark—to unpack the real-world strategy behind intellectual property. 👉 From developing absorbent hygiene products to navigating high-stakes patent battles, Alex shares what it’s like to innovate inside billion-dollar industries… and why patents are just one piece of the puzzle. They dive into: 🧠 The surprising science behind everyday products (yes… diapers!)  ⚖️ Patent vs trade secret—when NOT to file a patent  💥 What happens when patents get enforced (and companies disappear)  🧾 How big corporations build powerful IP portfolios  🤖 The growing role of AI in invention and patent drafting  🌍 Global differences in IP protection and enforcement Alex also shares some eye-opening lessons: 🔥 Not every invention should be patented—some are better kept secret  🔍 If you can’t detect infringement, a patent may have limited value  📚 Documentation used to be EVERYTHING (hello, lab notebooks!)  ⚔️ Patent disputes can reshape entire industries  🤝 Great innovation often comes from collaborative teams And yes… they even tackle the big question: ♻️ Are compostable diapers possible? (Short answer: YES—but scaling is the challenge) Whether you’re an inventor, engineer, or founder, this episode gives you a rare behind-the-scenes look at how innovation really works inside major industries—and how to think strategically about protecting your ideas. 🎯 Bottom line: Patents aren’t just paperwork—they’re business weapons. But knowing when not to use them might be just as powerful. 🔥 Hashtags  #BoldInventors, #PatentStrategy, #TradeSecrets, #Innovation, #MaterialScience, #IPStrategy, #InventorJourney, #EngineeringLife, #AIInnovation, #PatentLaw, #StartupStrategy, #ProductDevelopment, #Manufacturing, #GlobalBusiness, #Sustainability, #FutureOfInnovation, #GoBigGoBold, #BoldPatents Support the show Have an invention or brand to protect? Or just curious about learning more? Download our FREE Inventor Kit here: https://keap.page/gw292/inventor-kit.html DISCLAIMER Everything discussed on this podcast is for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing legal advice.

    32 min

  2. APR 15

    🤖 From AI Confusion to Intelligent Learning: Jim Barnebee on Solving Problems That Matter

    Send us Fan Mail What does it really mean to be a lifelong inventor? 💡 In this episode of the Bold Inventor Show, J.D. Houvener sits down with Jim Barnebee—AI strategist, former IBM innovator, and problem-solving powerhouse—to unpack what it takes to build meaningful innovation in a world flooded with tech hype. From early work on ontologies and IBM Watson 🧠 to cutting-edge ideas in AI memory and adaptive learning, Jim shares how invention isn’t about chasing trends—it’s about solving problems no one else has solved. 👉 His latest breakthrough? Teaching AI to actually learn YOU—your preferences, your team, your organization—so it becomes a true collaborator, not just a tool. Along the way, they dive into: 🧩 Why “problem-first” thinking beats chasing shiny tech  📄 White papers vs patents—when to protect vs publish  🛠️ How to validate ideas before locking them into IP  🌍 The global realities of AI (regulations, compliance, risk)  🚀 Turning ideas into deployable, real-world solutions Jim also shares hard-earned wisdom from decades in innovation: 🔥 Don’t invent for money—solve real problems  🧠 Don’t reveal the “secret sauce”—but test your ideas publicly  ⚖️ Patents protect implementation, not just ideas  🤝 White papers can open doors to collaboration and credibility  📈 AI success = strategy first, tools second If you’ve ever wondered how to move from idea → impact—or how AI is evolving beyond chatbots into true learning systems—this episode is packed with insight. 🎯 Bottom line: The best inventors aren’t chasing technology… they’re solving problems no one else dares to tackle. 🔥 Hashtags  #BoldInventors, #ArtificialIntelligence, #InnovationMindset, #InventorJourney, #AITrends, #MachineLearning, #StartupStrategy, #ProblemSolving, #TechInnovation, #PatentStrategy, #WhitePapers, #EntrepreneurTips, #FutureOfAI, #AILeadership, #GoBigGoBold Support the show Have an invention or brand to protect? Or just curious about learning more? Download our FREE Inventor Kit here: https://keap.page/gw292/inventor-kit.html DISCLAIMER Everything discussed on this podcast is for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing legal advice.

    30 min

  3. APR 8

    From IBM Patents to Horse-Powered Innovation: Trisha Garrett’s Inventor Journey 🧠✨

    Send us Fan Mail What if the next great invention didn’t come from engineering… but from curiosity, collaboration, and a mindset shift? 🤯 In this episode of the Bold Inventors Show, J.D. Houvener and Matt Kulseth sit down with Trisha Garrett—former IBM inventor turned entrepreneur—to explore how innovation can come from any role, not just engineers.  Trisha shares her journey from technical writer to named inventor on multiple patents at IBM, proving that creativity + problem-solving = powerful innovation 💡 👉 You don’t need to be an engineer to invent  👉 You do need to see problems differently And that’s just the beginning… 🔥 What You’ll Learn 💡 How Trisha transitioned from tech writer → inventor at IBM  🧠 Why mindset is the biggest barrier (and breakthrough) to innovation  🤝 The power of collaborative inventing teams  🌍 How global teams (yes—even across countries!) co-invent successfully  📜 Real examples of patents born from everyday workflow problems  🔍 How identifying pain points leads directly to invention opportunities  🏇 Why she pivoted into entrepreneurship with “The Happy Hippocampus”  🧘‍♀️ What neuroplasticity coaching is—and how it unlocks potential 💥 Standout Moments 🚀 “Anyone can be an inventor—it starts with seeing problems differently.”  🌐 Collaborating across continents to solve real-world challenges  🧠 Turning cognitive science into a business model  🐎 Blending innovation with equine-based leadership coaching After her time at IBM, Trisha didn’t stop innovating—she reinvented herself. She’s now the founder of The Happy Hippocampus, combining neuroscience, leadership coaching, and experiential learning (yes… with horses 🐴) to help individuals and teams rewire how they think, lead, and grow. 🎯 Bottom line:  Innovation isn’t about your title.  It’s about your perspective. If you’ve ever thought “I’m not technical enough to invent”… this episode will change your mind. 🔥 Hashtags #BoldInventors, #InventorMindset, #InnovationJourney, #WomenInTech, #IBM, #PatentStories, #EntrepreneurLife, #Neuroplasticity, #LeadershipDevelopment, #StartupJourney, #CreativeThinking, #InventorTips, #ProblemSolving, #EquineTherapy, #MindsetShift, #PersonalGrowth, #TechInnovation, #GoBigGoBold Support the show Have an invention or brand to protect? Or just curious about learning more? Download our FREE Inventor Kit here: https://keap.page/gw292/inventor-kit.html DISCLAIMER Everything discussed on this podcast is for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing legal advice.

    28 min

  4. APR 2

    🚀 From Salsa Bowls to Big Exits: The Calibowl Story with Jeff Bollengier 🍲💼

    Send us Fan Mail What does it take to go from a napkin idea… to Oprah… to a full-on acquisition? 🤯 In this episode of the Bold Inventors Show, J.D. Houvener and Matt Kulseth sit down with entrepreneur Jeff Bollengier—creator of the wildly successful Calibowl—to unpack the REAL journey behind building, protecting, and selling a product-based business.  Jeff shares how a simple observation (chips + salsa = messy fingers 😅) turned into a patented product, massive retail success, and eventually a high-stakes business exit. But the story doesn’t stop there… 👉 What happens AFTER you sell?  👉 What mistakes show up when the deal is done?  👉 And what would you do differently if you started today? This episode is packed with raw, real insights every inventor and founder needs to hear. 🔥 What You’ll Learn 💡 How Calibowl went from garage startup to millions of units sold  📺 What it’s like to land on Oprah and scale overnight  📜 The patent journey—from idea to issued utility patent  🌎 Why NOT filing international patents can come back to bite you  💼 Inside a real acquisition deal—what went right (and wrong)  🤝 The importance of choosing the RIGHT buyer, not just any buyer  📦 Manufacturing realities: sourcing vs owning production  ⚡ Why direct-to-consumer is dominating in 2026  🤖 How AI is changing product development speed forever 💥 Real Talk Moments 🚫 “They put us in a corner and forgot about us…”  💸 Why a big exit doesn’t always mean big support  🧠 Lessons learned the hard way—so you don’t have to Jeff also shares how he’s applying everything he learned into new ventures (like custom maple baseball bats ⚾🔥) and how he now helps founders avoid the exact mistakes he lived through. 🎯 Bottom line:  Building the product is just the beginning.  Protecting it matters.  Scaling it is hard.  And exiting it? That’s a whole different game. If you’re an inventor, entrepreneur, or founder dreaming of a big win—this episode will recalibrate your expectations (in a good way). 🔥 Hashtags #BoldInventors, #Calibowl, #StartupStory, #EntrepreneurJourney, #PatentStrategy, #ProductDevelopment, #StartupExit, #FounderLessons, #DirectToConsumer, #EcommerceGrowth, #Innovation, #InventorLife, #IPStrategy, #BusinessAcquisition, #ScalingUp, #StartupReality, #GoBigGoBold Support the show Have an invention or brand to protect? Or just curious about learning more? Download our FREE Inventor Kit here: https://keap.page/gw292/inventor-kit.html DISCLAIMER Everything discussed on this podcast is for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing legal advice.

    29 min

  5. MAR 25

    From Costly Damage to Clever Invention: The Dumpster Guard Story

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Bold Inventor Show, J.D. Houvener sits down with Douglas Forte—builder, problem-solver, and inventor of the Dumpster Guard—a simple but powerful solution to a very expensive problem 💥 Imagine thousands of dollars in property damage… caused by something as routine as taking out the trash 🗑️➡️💸  That’s exactly what Doug kept seeing across his commercial properties—dumpster trucks knocking over enclosures and racking up repair bills. So what did he do?  👉 He built a fix  👉 Filed for a patent  👉 Turned it into a product used across the country 🇺🇸 From Starbucks to Dunkin’, and even a 400-unit order from New York City 🏙️—this “side hustle” quickly became something much bigger. Doug shares the real story behind:  ⚙️ Building early prototypes (and literally teaching himself to weld 🔥)  📄 Filing design + utility patents (and why timing matters!)  🚫 Dealing with copycats and enforcing his IP  📦 Scaling manufacturing + shipping nationwide  🤝 Exploring licensing opportunities to go even bigger This episode is packed with raw, real-world insight for inventors who want to move from idea → product → profit. 🔑 Key Takeaways  💡 The best inventions solve real, everyday problems  🛠️ You don’t need to know everything—just start building  📄 Filing early can protect you from costly mistakes later  ⚖️ Patents are powerful—but enforcement is on YOU  🚀 A “side hustle” can turn into a national product  🤯 Validation > money—if people buy it, you’re onto something  📦 Manufacturing & logistics can make or break your idea  🔥 Mistakes aren’t failures—they’re part of the process Whether you're a builder, inventor, or entrepreneur, this episode will challenge you to look at problems differently—and act on them. 🎯 Got an idea? Don’t wait. Build it. Protect it. Test it. 🔥 Hashtags  #BoldInventors #DumpsterGuard #InventorStory #PatentJourney #StartupLife #EntrepreneurMindset #ProblemSolving #Innovation #ProductDevelopment #SideHustleToSuccess #IPStrategy #PatentLaw #InventorTips #BusinessGrowth #ConstructionInnovation #RealWorldProblems #GoBigGoBold #BoldPatents Support the show Have an invention or brand to protect? Or just curious about learning more? Download our FREE Inventor Kit here: https://keap.page/gw292/inventor-kit.html DISCLAIMER Everything discussed on this podcast is for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing legal advice.

    27 min

  6. MAR 19

    What Do Patents & Trademarks REALLY Cost? Breaking Down IP Pricing for Inventors

    Send us Fan Mail After a short break, J.D. Houvener and Matt Kulseth are back on the Bold Inventors Show—and this episode tackles one of the most common (and misunderstood) questions in innovation: 👉 “How much does it actually cost to protect my idea?” From patents to trademarks, legal fees to government fees, this episode delivers a transparent, no-fluff breakdown of what inventors and entrepreneurs should realistically expect when investing in intellectual property. J.D. walks through the full lifecycle of a patent, from idea validation to filing to prosecution—while Matt unpacks the true cost of trademarks, including classes, filings, and long-term maintenance. Along the way, they answer live audience questions about: Using patents as collateral for loans 💼Whether you can reuse a “dead” trademark 🔄Trademark scams and how to spot them 🚨DIY filing vs hiring an attorney ⚖️This episode is a must-watch for anyone navigating early-stage innovation, budgeting for IP, or deciding when (and if) to invest in protection. 🔑 Key Takeaways 💡 Patent costs typically range from $10K–$25K+ depending on complexity🏷️ Trademarks usually fall between $3K–$5K total⚖️ Government fees are only part of the equation—strategy matters more🔍 A proper search upfront can save thousands later🚫 Be cautious of trademark scams and fake “renewal” notices💰 Patents alone rarely secure loans—commercial traction matters🧠 Investing in IP is a business decision, not just a legal oneWhether you're an inventor with a napkin sketch or a founder preparing to scale, this episode gives you the clarity and confidence to make smarter IP decisions. 🔥 Hashtags #BoldInventors, #PatentCosts, #TrademarkCosts, #IntellectualProperty, #StartupStrategy, #InventorJourney, #EntrepreneurTips, #IPStrategy, #PatentLaw, #TrademarkLaw, #StartupFunding, #InnovationCosts, #BusinessPlanning, #FoundersGuide, #ProtectYourIdea, #LegalStrategy, #InventorTips, #SmallBusinessGrowth, #GoBigGoBold, #BoldPatents Support the show Have an invention or brand to protect? Or just curious about learning more? Download our FREE Inventor Kit here: https://keap.page/gw292/inventor-kit.html DISCLAIMER Everything discussed on this podcast is for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing legal advice.

    32 min

  7. FEB 12

    🌎 The Dirt Whisperer: Reinventing Foundation Repair with SpatialVision™ and Smart Soil Innovation

    Send us Fan Mail What if the biggest threat to your home isn’t what you see — but what’s happening underground? On this episode of The Bold Inventor Show, J.D. Houvener and Matt Kulseth sit down with inventor and soil expert Bob Brown, founder of Transparent Engineered Solutions and creator of SpatialVision™ 3D Software. Known as “The Dirt Whisperer,” Bob has spent decades diagnosing structural failures caused by soil movement, expansive clay, moisture imbalance, and corroding rebar. After building and selling a successful foundation repair company, he turned his attention to solving systemic problems in the construction industry through patented systems, non-corrosive materials, and powerful 3D visualization software. From composite rebar systems to moisture mitigation technology and foundation lifting innovations, Bob shares how he moved from costly early invention mistakes to licensing real-world solutions contractors actually use. This episode dives deep into: Why most foundation failures are misunderstoodThe science of soil expansion and structural liftHow rusting rebar silently destroys stem wallsWhy better diagnostics unlock better inventionsThe real economics of licensing engineering innovationsWhen a patent makes sense — and when it doesn’tBob also discusses SpatialVision™, his 3D floor elevation mapping software that helps engineers, inspectors, and contractors visualize slab movement in ways never before possible. Instead of guessing at settlement or heave, professionals can now see it — clearly, precisely, and visually. 🔎 Key Takeaways 🧱 Most foundation issues start with misunderstood soil mechanics💧 Moisture migration can lift a home just as easily as it can sink it🧪 Carbonic acid + steel rebar = long-term structural decay🔬 Composite materials may replace steel in future construction📊 Better data visualization leads to better engineering decisions💡 Invent what people need, not just what sounds clever💼 Licensing can be a powerful path after exiting an operating businessBob’s journey is a masterclass in practical innovation — solving expensive real-world problems with smarter systems and better materials. Whether you’re in construction, engineering, real estate, or product development, this conversation reframes how we think about what’s beneath our feet. 🔥 Hashtags #BoldInventors, #InventorStory, #SpatialVision, #TransparentEngineeredSolutions, #FoundationRepair, #ConstructionInnovation, #SoilEngineering, #StructuralEngineering, #PatentStrategy, #LicensingDeals, #3DSoftware, #EngineeringEntrepreneur, #BuildingScience, #CompositeMaterials, #StartupFounder, #IPStrategy, #InnovationLeadership, #RealEstateTechnology, #SmartConstruction, #GoBigGoBold Support the show Have an invention or brand to protect? Or just curious about learning more? Download our FREE Inventor Kit here: https://keap.page/gw292/inventor-kit.html DISCLAIMER Everything discussed on this podcast is for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing legal advice.

    30 min

  8. FEB 5

    Building a Quality Patented Outdoor Product: The Compass Carts Founder Story

    Send us Fan Mail What starts as a cold morning in a Minnesota tree stand turns into a fully patented, premium outdoor product business. In this episode of The Bold Inventors Show, hosts J.D. Houvener and Matt Kulseth sit down with Todd Hanson, founder of Compass Carts, to unpack the real, unfiltered journey from idea to execution. Todd didn’t start with a factory, investors, or a perfect plan. He started with a frustrating problem: hauling gear and game on public land where vehicles aren’t allowed. Instead of settling for rattly, flimsy carts, he asked a better question—why can’t a game cart and hitch rack be the same thing? That question sparked 19 product iterations, countless field tests, and ultimately a granted U.S. utility patent protecting a clever wheel-rotation and hitch-mounted cart system that’s now used by hunters, anglers, outfitters, e-bike riders, and outdoor pros across the country. In this episode, Todd breaks down: How to validate an idea before spending big moneyWhen it actually makes sense to file a patent (and when it doesn’t)Why premium materials can be a competitive advantageHow patents increase company value—even before big salesThe realities of trade shows, copy risks, and overseas manufacturersWhy resilience matters more than perfection for inventorsWhether you’re a first-time inventor, a weekend tinkerer, or a founder thinking about patents, licensing, or acquisition, this episode delivers practical insight without the fluff. 🔑 Key Takeaways 🦌 Solve a real problem you personally experience🔁 Expect many iterations—version 1 is never the final version📄 Patents work best after market validation, not before💰 IP can raise valuation even before major revenue🛠️ Premium design + durability = long-term brand trust🌎 Trade shows create exposure and copy risk—be prepared🧠 Resilience beats perfection every time🎧 Perfect for: inventors, product founders, outdoor entrepreneurs, hardware startups, and anyone curious about patents, trademarks, and real-world commercialization. 🔥 Hashtags #BoldInventors, #InventorJourney, #ProductDevelopment, #StartupStory, #Patents, #EntrepreneurLife, #HardwareStartup, #OutdoorInnovation, #HuntingGear, #EbikeAccessories, #PatentLaw, #TrademarkStrategy, #InventorMindset, #FromIdeaToMarket, #FounderStories, #AmericanInnovation, #IPStrategy, #StartupLessons, #ProductDesign, #GoBigGoBold Support the show Have an invention or brand to protect? Or just curious about learning more? Download our FREE Inventor Kit here: https://keap.page/gw292/inventor-kit.html DISCLAIMER Everything discussed on this podcast is for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing legal advice.

    30 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

At the Bold Inventor Podcast, we're dedicated to bringing you the cutting-edge knowledge you need to navigate the complex world of patents, trademarks, and intellectual property law. Whether you're an aspiring inventor, a seasoned entrepreneur, or simply curious about how ideas turn into successful products, our podcast delivers expert advice and actionable insights to fuel your innovative journey.  Our content helps inventors everywhere—from filing their first patent to securing trademarks that protect their brands. Every episode is designed to simplify the complicated legal processes that inventors face, ensuring you can focus on what matters most: your ideas.  📚 Patent & Trademark Law Simplified:Our podcast breaks down the complex world of intellectual property law, giving you step-by-step guidance on how to protect your inventions and ideas.  🎧 Top-Notch Expert Interviews:We bring on patent attorneys, successful inventors, and legal professionals to share their insider knowledge.  🚀 In-Depth Episodes Packed with Value:Our listeners rave about the practical advice we provide on topics like patent application strategies, trademark registration, and protecting intellectual property rights.  🌐 Reaching Inventors Worldwide:Your support will enable us to expand our reach, ensuring that inventors from around the globe can benefit from our expert advice on patents and trademarks.  🔑 Free and Accessible for Everyone:We believe that everyone should have access to the tools and knowledge to secure their intellectual property—regardless of budget. Ready to take a Bold Step? Schedule a free Discovery Call here: https://calendly.com/business-consultations/am06-podcast LEGAL NOTICE: By listening to this podcast, you are not becoming a client of Bold Patents nor of J.D. Houvener. Confidential discussions and consultations can be scheduled so that we can discuss your specific invention with a Patent Attorney. This forum is for general questions about the process, not about specific legal advice.

Information

  • Creator
    J.D. Houvener
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    161
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Bold Patents Law Firm
  • Show Website
    Bold Inventor