Invent America Podcasts with America's Inventor Lady, Rita Crompton, and the Cajun Contractor, Michael King, Founder of HomeT

America's Inventor Lady
America's Inventor Lady
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Why do some inventions that have become products fail, while others succeed? Tune in once a week and discover, over time, the answer to that question and the ingredients required to move your idea from your "mind to market". Tune in and share the discussion that the co-hosts have with their inventor guests and experienced industry specialists. Learn what it takes to turn any invention into a successful product. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

  1. 1d ago

    Topic: Why AI Can’t Patent Your Next Big Invention (And What Solo Inventors Must Do Instead)

    AI is dominating headlines, but can it actually generate true Intellectual Property for your startup? On this full episode of Invent America, co-hosts Michael King and "America's Inventor Lady", Rita Crompton, bust the hype around AI and super-intelligence, explaining why artificial intelligence can only package existing data—not create the genuinely novel ideas required for valid IP. We’re also joined by solo inventor and former court reporter Kerry Chitkowski, who shares her journey of bringing a game-changing, collapsible pet platform to market out of pure necessity to help her mother and service animals. From initial sketch to securing a patent and landing interest from major distributors, Kerry and Rita walk step-by-step through navigating prototype phases, avoiding predatory scams, and making logical, emotion-free business decisions. Key Takeaways for Founders & Inventors: Why AI tools won't secure your patents or generate original IP The 3 core steps every solo inventor must follow: Idea -> Prototype -> Patent How Kerry Chitkowski turned a personal problem into a patented, multi-industry product Warning signs of predatory "inventor scams" and why professional legal help is non-negotiable Listen to the full show, subscribe for weekly inventor insights, and drop your questions in the comments below! Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

    Topic: Why AI Can’t Patent Your Next Big Invention (And What Solo Inventors Must Do Instead)

  2. Oct 3

    Topic: From Uber Driver to Retail Empire: How a DIY Phone Mount Hit 450+ Stores Nationally

    In this complete episode of Invent America, host Rita Crompton ("America's Inventor Lady") sits down with solo inventor Larry Goldstein to unpack his remarkable product journey. After shifting from owning 30 hair salons to driving Uber in Atlanta, Larry rigged a DIY phone mount out of a Bed Bath & Beyond pizza wheel just to navigate busy city streets. What started as a simple solution for non-airbag steering wheels led to patent grants with Georgia Tech’s legal clinic, a deal landed at the ASD Vegas trade show with Love's Truck Stops across 450+ locations, navigating COVID-19 retail shutdowns, overcoming iPhone vs. Android redesign challenges, overseas manufacturing, and expanding into golf carts, boats, and UTVs. Key Topics Covered: ·       Turning everyday problems into patented consumer products. ·       How to leverage free university legal aid for patent searches. ·       Transitioning product designs when tech standards shift (Android to iPhone). ·       Leveraging Amazon as a hands-off fulfillment infrastructure. ·       Navigating tariffs and maintaining overseas manufacturing quality. 📌 Subscribe for weekly inventor stories and tips on bringing your brainchild from mind to market! Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

    Topic: From Uber Driver to Retail Empire: How a DIY Phone Mount Hit 450+ Stores Nationally

  3. Sep 26

    Topic: The $100,000 Patent Trap Most Inventors Fall Into (And How to Avoid It)

    Have a million-dollar product idea, but don't know what step to take next? You’re not alone. Every year, thousands of solo independent inventors drain their savings on the wrong legal fees, premature prototyping, and bad advice from industry "sharks." In this full episode of Invent America Radio, co-hosts Michael King and Rita Crompton ("America's Inventor Lady") sit down with veteran inventor and former first-responder Rich Vigil. Together, they break down the raw, honest reality of bringing a new product to market. What You’ll Learn in This Episode:• Why "doing it all yourself" is the most expensive mistake you can make. • The truth about patent attorneys—how to find a protector, not a predator. • How to calculate true "landed costs" so shipping and packaging don't kill your profit margins. • Master the 10-second trade show elevator pitch that bypasses corporate gatekeepers. • First-to-file vs. First-to-invent: Protecting your IP in today’s market. Stop guessing your next step. Learn how to protect your idea, keep your equity, and turn your prototype into a retail reality. 👉 Subscribe for weekly, actionable inventor insights!#Inventors #StartupAdvice #Patents #Entrepreneurship #ProductDevelopment #InventorAmerica Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

    Topic: The $100,000 Patent Trap Most Inventors Fall Into (And How to Avoid It)

  4. Sep 19

    Topic: The Sticky Truth About Post-It Notes: Lessons on How to License Your Inventions

    This episode of Invent America Podcasts (hosted by Michael King and "America's Inventor Lady", Rita Crompton), centered on an interview with serial inventor Alan Amron. Across the four segments, the discussion covers: Introduction & Network Background: The shift from traditional radio/vector units to streaming/YouTube, how free broadcast networks operate vs. "pay-to-play", and the introduction of serial inventor Alan Amron (40+ patents). Inventing Background & The Licensing Debate: Alan’s background (inventing since age 12), his early inventions (battery-operated water gun, first-down NFL laser line, Photo Wallet for Nikon), and an in-depth debate on why solo inventors should license products instead of manufacturing them themselves. The Post-it Note Origin & Trade Secrets: Alan’s story of creating the "Press-on Memo" in 1973 using his "Stick-Em-Up" spray, presenting it to 3M executives at a 1974 NYC expo, the legal concept of trade secrets/commerce vs. formal patent claims, and his ongoing battle regarding sticky note authorship. Advice for Beginners & Latest Innovation: Alan’s crucial advice for new inventors (keep detailed records and document everything) and his latest product—the Regen Candle, designed to eliminate wax waste, pooling, and mess. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

    Topic: The Sticky Truth About Post-It Notes: Lessons on How to License Your Inventions

  5. Sep 5

    Topic: Why Most Inventors Go Broke Manufacturing Overseas (And How to Fix It)

    Thinking about taking your new invention overseas to cut costs? Think again. In this episode of Invent America, host Michael King and inventor resource expert Rita Crompton ("America's Inventor Lady") break down the hidden financial traps of global manufacturing. Plus, special guest Shelley Brady—joining us live from Paris—shares her personal journey from flat-chested costume designer in Los Angeles to inventing global consumer hits like Colour My Bath. What you’ll learn in this show: o   The Hidden Cost Formula: Why US manufacturing is often cheaper than overseas production once you factor in shipping, tariffs, and quality control. o   AI vs. Human Hands: Why AI is a powerful business tool, but can’t fix your plumbing or build a physical prototype. o   The 5x Pricing Rule: The crucial math every solo inventor needs to know before setting a retail price. o   Knowing When to Walk Away: Why holding onto the wrong idea for too long will destroy your budget—and how to pivot. Don't let hidden fees or fear kill your big idea! Watch the full discussion and subscribe for weekly inventor insights. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

    Topic: Why Most Inventors Go Broke Manufacturing Overseas (And How to Fix It)

  6. Aug 29

    Topic: From POTS Lines to 1,200 Episodes: The Real Hustle Behind Building a Media Empire

    How do you build a media brand that spans 1,200 episodes, 30+ years, and national syndication? You solve real problems. In this milestone celebration episode, "Cajun Contractor" Michael King, co-host Rita Crompton ("The Inventress"), and the original crew look back at the early days of Home Talk USA and discuss what it really takes to bring physical products and media properties from mind to market. Later in the episode, guest inventor Mike Wood (WoodenWood Seamless Gutters) breaks down his journey of identifying industry pain points, engineering custom tools in his basement, and navigating manufacturing decisions—from domestic production to overseas scale. Key Moments & Topics: ·       The early days of syndication: Connecting via POTS phone lines and building a network. ·       Intellectual Property & Legal Strategy: Why inventors need protectors, not just partners. ·       Case Study: Mike Wood's No Overflow diverter & Tiger Stripe gutter cleaning wipes. ·       The reality of scaling physical hardware products as an independent founder. 💡 Resources for Inventors & Founders: ·       Need IP guidance? Visit RPB Law Offices ·       Looking for patent searches? Check out SearchQuest Patents ·       Want to network with fellow inventors? Join the Inventors Round Table Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

    Topic: From POTS Lines to 1,200 Episodes: The Real Hustle Behind Building a Media Empire

  7. Aug 22

    Topic: Navigating the Inventor’s Journey: Lessons Learned, Market Realities, and Product Development.

    On this episode, co-hosts Michael King and Rita Crompton ("America's Inventor Lady"), and guest Eitan Kramer focus on the real-world experiences, common pitfalls, and strategies required to bring a product from concept to commercial success: ·       Learning from Past Mistakes & Protecting Intellectual Property: The hosts discuss the financial cost of mistakes in product development, the complexities of patenting, and the legal challenges independent inventors face against larger competitors. ·       Transitioning from Idea to Execution: Guest Eitan Kramer shares his personal journey from professional half-pipe skater to product inventor, detailing the process of prototyping, raising funds, launching on Kickstarter, and ultimately pivoting products for market viability. ·       Licensing vs. Entrepreneurship: The dialogue explores when inventors should manufacture and sell products themselves versus when it is smarter to license intellectual property to established industry partners who hold existing retail infrastructure and market reach. ·       Adapting to Market Demands & Managing Timelines: Discussions cover the necessity of listening to consumers rather than personal preference, adapting to unexpected industry disruptions (e.g., supply chain/manufacturing constraints, tariffs, pandemics), and accepting the long timeline of product development. ·       Leveraging Modern Tools: The final segment highlights leveraging AI, customer feedback scrapers, and data analysis to streamline product naming, market research, and problem-solving without sacrificing core human creativity. Whether you are holding a sketch on a napkin or navigating production delays, this interview is packed with actionable blueprints to bring your product from mind to market. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

    Topic: Navigating the Inventor’s Journey: Lessons Learned, Market Realities, and Product Development.

  8. Aug 15

    Topic: How To Scale Your Invention Internationally (And Avoid Getting Ripped Off!) ✈️ |

    Are you an independent inventor or startup founder wondering how to take your product from a garage prototype to retail shelves worldwide? You are in the right place. Welcome to a special television episode of InventAmerica!, hosted jointly by Rita Crompton ("America's Inventor Lady") and Michael King of HomeTalk USA. In this 4-part broadcast event, we break down the critical concept of leverage—why solo creators must stop trying to do everything themselves and instead partner with the right experts to scale. Featured Guests & Topics: Mike Ryan (CEO & Founder of Pronto Launch): Mike reveals how his advisory company helps inventors gain global distribution by securing retail placements in over 500+ stores across Australia, New Zealand, and Oceania. He explains why credibility is the foundation of true leverage and how to sustain growth once you hit your first $1,000,000 in sales. David Crouch (Creator of Sanova Luggage): David spent 10+ years working as an airline baggage handler and saw firsthand why 30+ million bags get lost each year—the exterior handle tag gets ripped off. He shares his story of developing a suitcase with an integrated protective tag sleeve, securing co-branding talks with major airlines, and preparing for a massive global presale. Episode Chapters: 00:00 - Part 1: The Tortoise vs. The Hare: Why "Get Rich Quick" Scams Ruin Inventors 09:23 - Commercial Break (Sponsor: TrueView Blind Spot Mirrors) 11:25 - Part 2: 10-Year Airline Veteran David Crouch Solves the Lost Luggage Epidemic 18:37 - Commercial Break (Sponsor: RPB Law Offices) 20:39 - Part 3: Why Tracking Tags Fail & How Sanova Luggage Built an Airline-Endorsed Solution 30:51 - Commercial Break (Sponsor: TrueView Blind Spot Mirrors) 32:53 - Part 4: Global Scaling Masterclass with Mike Ryan of Pronto Launch 👉 Subscribe to @InventAmericaTV for weekly masterclasses on bringing your physical product to market! 💬 Let’s talk in the comments: What is the hardest part of the invention process for you—prototyping, patenting, or marketing? #InventAmerica #HomeTalkUSA #ProntoLaunch #SanovaLuggage #SoloInventors #Startups #ProductScaling #LicensingDeals #InventionBlueprint #ApplianceRepair Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

    Topic: How To Scale Your Invention Internationally (And Avoid Getting Ripped Off!) ✈️ |
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Why do some inventions that have become products fail, while others succeed? Tune in once a week and discover, over time, the answer to that question and the ingredients required to move your idea from your "mind to market". Tune in and share the discussion that the co-hosts have with their inventor guests and experienced industry specialists. Learn what it takes to turn any invention into a successful product. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

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