JAN 6

Kwasi Amaning Asare on Music, Tech, and Building the Future at Sundance

Episode SummaryIn this high-energy festive episode of Let’s Bubbl, host Hayley Melidonis welcomes Kwasi Asare, a serial entrepreneur and the founder of 2050 House. Kwasi shares his incredible journey from institutional investment banking in New York—where he was a 9/11 survivor—to becoming a powerhouse in the music and tech industries. The conversation explores Kwasi’s impressive resume, including selling over 35 million records with icons like Snoop Dogg and Wu-Tang Clan, and his work as a senior advisor to White House campaigns. Kwasi and Hayley discuss the evolution of their partnership, culminating in the launch of the 2050 House at the Lighthouse—the world’s first co-living village for the Sundance Film Festival, designed to bridge the gap between the UN, Hollywood, and Silicon Valley. Key TakeawaysThe 9/11 Turning Point: How surviving the World Trade Center attacks led Kwasi to leave Wall Street and pursue a career rooted in community, music, and service.From Snoop to the UN: The trajectory of a career that spans digital marketing for hip-hop legends to advising the UN on sustainable development goals.The 2050 Vision: Why the 2050 House was created to align innovation, public policy, and culture to address existential threats like climate change and ethical AI.Sundance Co-Living: How Bubbl is solving the massive logistical and financial challenges of festival housing while fostering a "Burning Man-esque" spirit of giving. Golden Nugget"It’s about healing the earth and creating the coalitions that are going to enable us to have a better quality of life—both mental and physical. 2050 House is about that knowledge, that technology, and using culture to push those ideas to the mainstream." – Kwasi AsareMentioned in the Episode2050 House – A bridge between the UN, Silicon Valley, and Hollywood.The Lighthouse – The heart of 2050 House’s community in Park City.Project Green – A non-profit children's charity supported by this collaboration.Book a Guest Spot – Want to share your story? Apply to be on the show.Join Bubbl – Explore or create your own Bubbl. Listen and SubscribeSpotify | Apple Podcasts | RSS Powered by Bubbl Bubbl helps people stay and travel together for events, retreats, and group adventures. Plan less. Connect more.

56 min

JAN 6

Brian Figueroa on Graphene, Tony Robbins, and Scaling GreenTech

Episode SummaryIn this high-energy episode of Let’s Bubbl, host Hayley Melidonis welcomes Brian Figueroa, a serial entrepreneur and the CEO of GreenTech Technologies. Brian shares his journey from working in renewable energy at Intel to leading a company that is disrupting the battery storage market with cutting-edge graphene technology. The conversation dives deep into how Brian’s commitment to personal development—including 17 firewalks with Tony Robbins—has shaped his leadership style and his vision for a sustainable future. Brian and Hayley also discuss their successful partnership using Bubbl to host intimate, high-impact networking houses at major global conferences like South by Southwest and the Global Family Office Investment Summit in Monaco. Key TakeawaysThe Graphene Revolution: How GreenTech is utilizing graphene to create utility-level batteries that can handle 500,000 cycles, far outperforming traditional lithium-ion technology.The Power of Proximity: Why Brian uses "Bubbl houses" to move networking away from sterile hotel environments and into shared spaces that foster genuine human connection.Personal Development as a Business Strategy: How mentors like Tony Robbins and Professor Alan Tratner (co-founder of Earth Day) influenced Brian's drive to build a legacy of environmental impact.Arbitrage in Energy: Understanding the business model of storing energy during the day and selling it back to the grid during peak hours. Golden Nugget"The biggest thing is taking that first step and coming out of your comfort zone. When you apply yourself to something like this, it definitely makes an impact and helps you make things happen." – Brian FigueroaMentioned in the EpisodeGreenTech Technologies – Innovating in renewable energy and battery storage.Bubbl – The platform for real-world travel and event experiences.Professor Alan Tratner – Co-founder of Earth Day and mentor to Brian.Join Bubbl – Explore or create your own Bubbl. Listen and SubscribeSpotify | Apple Podcasts | RSS Powered by Bubbl Bubbl helps people stay and travel together for events, retreats, and group adventures. Plan less. Connect more.

21 min

JAN 5

Brad Nye on innovation at Regenworld - SXSW

Episode SummaryIn this insightful episode of Let’s Bubbl, host Hayley Melidonis sits down with Brad Nye, seasoned event organizer and founder of Regenworld, to explore the intersection of community building and the regenerative movement. With over 40 years of experience bringing people together, Brad shares his vision for creating "intentional trust networks" that go far beyond standard event production. Listeners will hear how Brad’s journey through Burning Man culture and his transition from the Tribalize conference led to the birth of Regenworld—a platform dedicated to ecological restoration, circular economies, and bio-regional living. From the power of shared housing in deepening human connections to the importance of localized food systems, this episode is a masterclass in how we can design gatherings that restore both the land and our relationships with one another. Key TakeawaysThe "Village" Ethos: Why the depth of connection at an event is often determined by the intimacy of shared living spaces and "staying together".Beyond Sustainability: Understanding regeneration as the creation of "self-perpetuating abundance" rather than just maintaining the status quo.Bio-Regional Economies: The shift toward circular, closed-loop systems that prioritize local food and energy intelligence over global extraction.The Future of Gatherings: How Regenworld 2026 is integrating venture showcases, artistic expression, and "cross-disciplinary" collaboration to solve modern challenges. Golden Nugget“I’m not just producing events; I’m building intentional trust networks. What’s truly memorable about an event is never the content—it’s the connections people take home with them.” – Brad NyeMentioned in the EpisodeRegenworld – A platform and community focused on ecological restoration and regenerative living.Book a Guest Spot – Want to share your story? Apply to be on the show.Join Bubbl – Explore or create your own Bubbl. Listen and SubscribeSpotify | Apple Podcasts | RSS Powered by Bubbl Bubbl helps people stay and travel together for events, retreats, and group adventures. Plan less. Connect more.

21 min

08/18/2025

Jim McClellan on Travel, Wine, and Building Fort

Episode Summary In this thoughtful episode of Let’s Bubbl, host Hayley Melidonis sits down with Jim McClellan, traveler, entrepreneur, and co-founder of Fort System, to explore how a life of global adventure shaped his career in technology and wine. From teaching English at the base of Mt. Fuji to navigating the complexities of U.S. alcohol laws, Jim shares how curiosity, resilience, and connection fueled his journey. Listeners will hear how Jim’s time abroad inspired his openness to new ideas, how serendipity in the wine world led to love, and how building a remote-first company before it was mainstream taught him the power of trust and adaptability. Key Takeaways How teaching English in Japan became a springboard for global perspective and lifelong friendshipsWhy wine became both a personal passion and a professional pathwayThe challenges and opportunities of building Fort in a highly regulated industryHow Jim balances entrepreneurship with family, traditions, and play Golden Nugget “Life opens up when you follow your curiosity—it’s the spark that connects people, places, and opportunities.” – Jim McClellan Mentioned in the Episode FortSystem – Software platform reshaping how the alcohol industry connectsBubbl – The platform for real-world travel and event experiencesBook a Guest Spot – Want to share your story? Apply to be on the showJoin Bubbl – Explore or create your own Bubbl Listen and Subscribe Spotify | Apple Podcasts | RSS Powered by Bubbl Bubbl helps people stay and travel together for events, retreats, and group adventures. Plan less. Connect more.

29 min

08/11/2025

Annette Merriman on Curating Connection: From Ski Leases to AI Retreats

Episode Summary In this episode of Let’s Bubbl, host Hayley Melidonis sits down with Annette Merriman, a Silicon Valley veteran, outdoor adventurer, and master of group experiences, to explore how intentional gatherings can deepen relationships and spark unexpected collaborations. With over 20 years in tech at companies like Salesforce and Capital One, Annette now blends her expertise in AI with her passion for travel and adventure to create unforgettable retreats. From organizing multi-year ski leases in Lake Tahoe to scuba diving trips in Indonesia, Annette shares how she curates the perfect mix of people, setting, and activities to turn strangers into friends — and sometimes, business partners. She also dives into her latest venture, Imagine AI Consulting, and her upcoming AI and adventure retreat in Truckee. Tune in for stories, strategies, and insights on designing experiences that leave a lasting mark. Key Takeaways How group adventures create lasting bonds and open unexpected opportunitiesThe role of intentional design in event and retreat planningWhy mixing professional development with adventure amplifies learningHow AI workshops can be paired with immersive, real-world experiences Golden Nugget "When you bring the right people together in the right place, magic just happens." – Annette Merriman Mentioned in the Episode Bubbl – The platform for real-world travel and event experiencesImagine AI Consulting – Annette’s AI strategy and workshop companyBook a Guest Spot – Want to share your story? Apply to be on the showJoin Bubbl – Explore or create your own Bubbl Listen and Subscribe Spotify | Apple Podcasts | RSS Powered by Bubbl Bubbl helps people stay and travel together for events, retreats, and group adventures. Plan less. Connect more.

42 min

08/11/2025

Dan Ellis on Experience Design: How Purpose-Driven Events Build Real Connection

Episode Summary In this kickoff episode of Let’s Bubbl, host Hayley Melidonis explores the stories behind the events that bring people together. Whether it's retreats, workshops, festivals, or life-changing travel experiences, we spotlight the creators who lead with heart, intention, and a desire to build real community. Tune in to hear how small decisions can spark deep human connection and why the world needs more experience creators now than ever. Key Takeaways The purpose behind creating shared experiencesReal examples of unexpected moments that turned into lifelong connectionsThe emotional side of event planning and community buildingWhat it means to “Bubbl” and how the platform helps you do it Golden Nugget "It’s not just about the logistics. It’s about creating the space for something meaningful to happen." – Hayley Melidonis Mentioned in the Episode Bubbl – The platform for real-world travel and event experiencesBook a Guest Spot – Want to share your story? Apply to be on the showJoin Bubbl – Explore or create your own Bubbl Listen and Subscribe Spotify | Apple Podcasts | RSS Powered by Bubbl Bubbl helps people stay and travel together for events, retreats, and group adventures. Plan less. Connect more.

36 min

08/11/2025

Heartheld with Dr. Stephanie Bridwell and Bruce Cryer : Coherence, Connection & Feminine Power in Business

Episode Summary In this kickoff episode of Let’s Bubbl, host Hayley Melidonis explores the stories behind the events that bring people together. Whether it's retreats, workshops, festivals, or life-changing travel experiences, we spotlight the creators who lead with heart, intention, and a desire to build real community. Tune in to hear how small decisions can spark deep human connection and why the world needs more experience creators now than ever. Key Takeaways The purpose behind creating shared experiencesReal examples of unexpected moments that turned into lifelong connectionsThe emotional side of event planning and community buildingWhat it means to “Bubbl” and how the platform helps you do it Golden Nugget "It’s not just about the logistics. It’s about creating the space for something meaningful to happen." – Hayley Melidonis Mentioned in the Episode Bubbl – The platform for real-world travel and event experiencesBook a Guest Spot – Want to share your story? Apply to be on the showJoin Bubbl – Explore or create your own Bubbl Listen and Subscribe Spotify | Apple Podcasts | RSS Powered by Bubbl Bubbl helps people stay and travel together for events, retreats, and group adventures. Plan less. Connect more.

43 min

08/11/2025

Hunter Boon on Music, Philanthropy & the Art of Human Connection

Episode Summary In this inspiring episode of Let’s Bubbl, host Hayley Melidonis sits down with Napa-based connector, photographer, and philanthropist Hunter Boon. From photographing rock legends to hosting magical vineyard dinners, Hunter has spent decades weaving together music, food, wine, and meaningful encounters. He shares the stories behind his philanthropic work feeding orphaned children around the world, his deep love for live music, and his involvement in the documentary Touching the Sky, which explores the healing power of acro yoga and human touch. Tune in to discover how Hunter transforms passions into purpose and why creating shared experiences is more vital than ever. Key Takeaways How a vineyard white party sparked a lasting friendship and creative collaborationsBehind-the-scenes of photographing music legends over four decadesThe mission of Project Flower Power and feed a million childrenThe connection between trust, play, and healing in Touching the SkyWhy real-world, in-person connection matters more than ever in a digital age Golden Nugget "Music, food, and wine bring people together—but it’s what happens after the table is set that really matters." – Hunter Boon Mentioned in the Episode Touching the Sky – Documentary on trust, touch, and human connectionProject Flower Power – Philanthropic mission to feed a million childrenBubbl – The platform for real-world travel and event experiencesBook a Guest Spot – Apply to share your story on the showJoin Bubbl – Explore or create your own Bubbl Listen and Subscribe Spotify | Apple Podcasts | RSS Powered by Bubbl Bubbl helps people stay and travel together for events, retreats, and group adventures. Plan less. Connect more.

31 min

08/11/2025

Indy Rishi Singh on Mindfulness, Community, and Redefining Health

Episode Summary In this inspiring episode of Let’s Bubbl, host Hayley Melidonis sits down with Indy Rishi Singh—social innovator, wellness facilitator, and community builder—to explore how mindfulness, humor, and human connection can reshape our approach to health and happiness. From walking away from med school to creating intentional spaces for conversation and laughter, Indy shares his journey of weaving together ancient wisdom, civic engagement, and creative play. Tune in for fresh perspectives on well-being, why healing starts with connection, and how joy can be a radical act of service. Key Takeaways Why Indy left the traditional medical path to pursue holistic and community-centered wellnessThe power of humor and play in building trust and reducing stressHow mindfulness can be integrated into daily life and civic engagementReal stories of grassroots projects that brought people together in transformative ways Golden Nugget "Laughter opens the door for connection. When we connect, we heal." – Indy Rishi Singh Mentioned in the Episode Indy Rishi Singh’s Work – Mindfulness, wellness, and community projectsBubbl – The platform for real-world travel and event experiencesBook a Guest Spot – Want to share your story? Apply to be on the showJoin Bubbl – Explore or create your own Bubbl Listen and Subscribe Spotify | Apple Podcasts | RSS Powered by Bubbl Bubbl helps people stay and travel together for events, retreats, and group adventures. Plan less. Connect more.

42 min

08/11/2025

Raman Frey on Designing Spaces for Connection: From Intimate Dinners to Immersive Retreats

Episode Summary In this episode of Let’s Bubbl, host Hayley Melidonis sits down with Raman Frey, founder of Good People’s Dinners and co-founder of Camp Ernest, to unpack the art of creating environments where genuine connection thrives. From hosting nearly 200 themed dinners to curating multi-day retreats in nature, Raman shares how intentional design can turn strangers into friends and transform the way we interact. Discover the thinking behind the cheeky name “Good People’s Dinners,” why centuries-old hospitality traditions may be holding us back, and how context shapes every conversation we have. Key Takeaways Why the design of an event’s environment is as important as the guest listHow Good People’s Dinners evolved from casual gatherings into a thriving community experienceThe difference between transactional networking and genuine connectionLessons from Camp Ernest on how immersive retreats deepen relationshipsThe role of context in bringing out the best in people Golden Nugget “Community isn’t just about who’s in the room—it’s about how the room is built.” – Raman Frey Mentioned in the Episode Good People’s Dinners – Thoughtfully curated themed dinners that foster connectionCamp Ernest – An annual retreat for creative and openhearted connectionBubbl – The platform for real-world travel and event experiencesBook a Guest Spot – Want to share your story? Apply to be on the showJoin Bubbl – Explore or create your own Bubbl Listen and Subscribe Spotify | Apple Podcasts | RSS Powered by Bubbl Bubbl helps people stay and travel together for events, retreats, and group adventures. Plan less. Connect more.

40 min

08/11/2025

Shaena Harrison on The Art of the Professional Wing Woman: Turning Events into Connection

Episode Summary In this episode of Let’s Bubbl, host Hayley Melidonis chats with Shaena Harrison — connector, collaborator, and self-described “professional wing woman.” Shaena shares how her talent for bringing people together has evolved into a career helping others create spaces where conversations turn into collaborations. From intimate dinners to large-scale events, her approach proves that networking can be fun, natural, and deeply human. Key Takeaways How to make guests feel instantly welcome and includedThe power of “cross-pollinating” different social and professional circlesWhy curiosity is the ultimate networking toolPractical tips for sparking genuine conversations at any gathering Golden Nugget “Networking isn’t about selling yourself — it’s about making others feel seen, heard, and valued.” – Shaena Harrison Mentioned in the Episode Bubbl – The platform for real-world travel and event experiencesBook a Guest Spot – Want to share your story? Apply to be on the showJoin Bubbl – Explore or create your own Bubbl Listen and Subscribe Spotify | Apple Podcasts | RSS Powered by Bubbl Bubbl helps people stay and travel together for events, retreats, and group adventures. Plan less. Connect more.

42 min

Let’s Bubbl

Episodes

Kwasi Amaning Asare on Music, Tech, and Building the Future at Sundance

Brian Figueroa on Graphene, Tony Robbins, and Scaling GreenTech

Brad Nye on innovation at Regenworld - SXSW

Jim McClellan on Travel, Wine, and Building Fort

Annette Merriman on Curating Connection: From Ski Leases to AI Retreats

Dan Ellis on Experience Design: How Purpose-Driven Events Build Real Connection

Heartheld with Dr. Stephanie Bridwell and Bruce Cryer : Coherence, Connection & Feminine Power in Business

Hunter Boon on Music, Philanthropy & the Art of Human Connection

Indy Rishi Singh on Mindfulness, Community, and Redefining Health

Raman Frey on Designing Spaces for Connection: From Intimate Dinners to Immersive Retreats

Shaena Harrison on The Art of the Professional Wing Woman: Turning Events into Connection

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