Peaking Podcast

Wyatt Carr & Bryan Mikolaitis
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We built this podcast to meet amazing people, and showcase their stories of grit, courage, and ingenuity! On Peaking, Wyatt Carr and Bryan Mikolaitis sit down with business leaders, entrepreneurs, innovators, and friends from Denver, Portland, and beyond to dive into their journeys—how they built their companies, navigated challenges, and balanced peak performance in both work and life. Expect insightful conversations, practical takeaways, and a little bit of randomness sprinkled in along the way! Peaking is guaranteed!

  1. 11/07/2025

    #47 - Peaking with Kyle Jennings! Writing in the age of AI slop

    Summary In this episode of Peaking, host Wyatt Carr interviews Denver entrepreneur Kyle Jennings, a copywriter who transitioned directly into freelancing after college. They discuss the challenges and opportunities of writing in the age of AI, the importance of networking, and the value of autonomy in freelancing. Kyle shares his journey from marketing graduate to successful freelancer, emphasizing the significance of understanding audience needs and differentiating factors in copywriting. Takeaways Writing is about making a compelling argument for your product.Freelancing offers autonomy but requires self-management.Networking is crucial for business development.Understanding your audience is key to effective copywriting.Differentiating factors make your product stand out.AI can assist but not replace human creativity in writing.Freelancing requires adaptability and continuous learning.Building relationships is more effective than cold pitching.Copywriting involves persuasion and sales expertise.Research is essential before writing effective copy. copywriting, AI, freelancing, entrepreneurship, networking, autonomy, marketing, audience understanding, business development, writing

    32 min

  2. 10/27/2025

    #46 - Peaking with Dr. Josh Simmons! Building Success Out of Nothing

    In this episode, Wyatt Carr interviews Dr. Josh Simmons, author of 'Ex Nihilo', discussing his unconventional career journey, the importance of finding passion, and the allure of achievement. They explore the significance of commitment, mentorship, and hobbies in personal growth, as well as the challenges of writing a book in today's fast-paced world. The conversation highlights the changing landscape of education and the impact of digital distractions on reading habits. Takeaways Josh's career has been a series of missteps leading to success. Education can be a path chosen by others, not just oneself. Finding passion is crucial for motivation and fulfillment. The journey is often more important than the destination. Commitment is key to achieving long-term goals. Mentorship can be found in unexpected places. Engaging in hobbies can lead to personal growth and insights. Writing a book can be a grueling but necessary process. Reading habits have changed in the digital age. Homeschooling may be a viable option for some families. Sound bites "You need to think about what you're chasing and why." "Reading habits have changed in the digital age." "You put the spark of possibility in me now." Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Connection on LinkedIn 02:39 Career Journey: From Music to Tech 10:23 The Allure of Achievements and the Summit 16:17 The Reality of Motivation and Commitment 20:42 Discipline and the Brain's Role in Hard Work 22:50 Relocating and Lifestyle Choices 24:29 The Importance of Mentorship 27:24 Finding Hobbies and Building Connections 28:12 The Balance of Work and Personal Life 32:36 The Challenges of Writing a Book 36:17 The Impact of Technology on Reading 39:54 Final Thoughts and Recommendations

    42 min

  3. 10/22/2025

    #45 - Peaking with Christian Elston! From the CIA to Cybersecurity.. and Fitness?

    In this episode of the Peaking Podcast, Bryan Mikolaitis interviews Christian Elston, a former CIA officer turned cybersecurity expert and fitness coach. Christian shares his unique journey from a young age, his experiences in the CIA, and the lessons learned about confidence, mindset, and the importance of failure in personal growth. He discusses his transition into cybersecurity, the significance of application security, and his new venture, Echo Team, which focuses on helping high-performance men achieve their fitness goals. The conversation emphasizes the importance of health, mindset, and personal development in achieving success. Takeaways Christian's journey began with a unique upbringing and early education.He transitioned to the CIA at a young age, driven by a fascination with spycraft.Confidence is built through consistent effort, not just achievements.Mindset plays a crucial role in entrepreneurship and personal growth.Failure is a necessary part of the learning process.Application security is vital in today's digital landscape.Echo Team aims to empower men through fitness and health.Sleep and hydration are foundational to performance.Custom-tailored fitness programs are essential for individual success.Christian emphasizes the importance of being present and engaged in life. Sound bites "I really wanted to do it.""Don't be a dick.""Eat a high protein diet."    Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Christian Elston02:30 Early Life and Education Journey05:46 Transition to the CIA10:17 Experiences and Lessons from the CIA19:52 Mindset and Confidence in Entrepreneurship24:37 The Role of Failure in Growth32:14 Transitioning to Cybersecurity37:52 Building a Career in Application Security43:49 The Importance of Application Security51:33 The Launch of Echo Team59:38 Advice for High-Performance Living

    1h 8m

  4. 10/06/2025

    #43 - Peaking with Avi Latner! Revolutionizing 3D Creation with AI: The Sloyd Journey

    In this episode of The Peaking Podcast, host Bryan Mikolaitis interviews Avi Latner, co-founder of Sloyd, a startup focused on revolutionizing 3D creation using AI. Avi shares his journey from Israel to the U.S., his early career in product management, and the challenges he faced while building Sloyd. The conversation delves into the impact of AI on game development, the user demographics of Sloyd, and the monetization strategies the company has explored. Avi emphasizes the importance of persistence in entrepreneurship and shares his vision for the future of 3D creation, highlighting the exciting possibilities for creators in the digital space. Takeaways Avi Latner is the co-founder of Sloyd, a startup focused on AI-driven 3D creation.He transitioned from a career in product management to entrepreneurship during COVID.Sloyd aims to simplify 3D creation for both indie developers and larger studios.AI can significantly reduce the time and effort required to create 3D models.The startup initially struggled with user retention and monetization strategies.Avi emphasizes the importance of being prepared for financial challenges in entrepreneurship.Sloyd's user base includes thousands of active subscribers and many more casual users.The company has evolved its product offerings from web-based tools to API integrations.Avi believes that 3D creation will become more accessible and integral to various forms of media.The future of Sloyd includes expanding capabilities and enhancing user experience with AI.Sound bites"You have to be persistent.""We've been through a lot.""It's a good time to be a creator." Chapters00:00 Introduction to Avi Latner and Sloyd02:15 Avi's Early Career and Transition to Entrepreneurship05:12 The Birth of Sloyd and AI in 3D Creation09:37 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs14:48 Understanding Sloyd's Technology and Market17:39 The Future of Game Development with AI21:31 Sloyd's User Base and Growth25:00 Team Dynamics and Co-founders' Roles27:14 Challenges Faced by Sloyd29:45 Monetization Strategies and Product Market Fit31:49 Lessons Learned in Early Development33:54 The Future of 3D Creation and Sloyd's Vision36:33 Exciting Developments and Tools in the 3D Space39:35 Final Thoughts and How to Connect with Sloyd

    41 min

  5. 10/02/2025

    #44 - Peaking with Timothy Daniel! From Indonesia to Silicon Valley!

    In this episode of the Peaking Podcast, Bryan Mikolaitis interviews Timothy Daniel, the CEO of RIMBA, an AI automation software company focused on operational analytics and compliance data management for energy companies. Timothy shares his unique journey from Indonesia to Silicon Valley, his experiences in law and energy, and the lessons learned along the way. He discusses the inception of RIMBA, its mission to automate compliance processes, and the various types of renewable energy solutions they provide. The conversation also delves into the challenges of navigating client relationships, the evolving vision of RIMBA, and the significant role AI plays in the energy sector. Timothy emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and adaptation in the startup world, as well as his personal interests and hobbies outside of work. TakeawaysTimothy's journey from Indonesia to Silicon Valley shaped his entrepreneurial spirit.RIMBA aims to automate compliance processes in the energy sector.The importance of education and mentorship in Timothy's life.Timothy's experiences in law provided valuable insights into the energy industry.The shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy is crucial for the future.RIMBA's solutions focus on operational analytics and compliance data management.Building a great product requires effective marketing and communication.The renewable energy market continues to grow despite political challenges.AI has the potential to revolutionize data analysis in the energy sector.Timothy values on-site collaboration and team building for RIMBA. Chapters00:00 Introduction to Timothy Daniel and RIMBA02:19 Timothy's Journey from Indonesia to Silicon Valley05:59 Lessons from Law and Energy Industry Experience08:33 The Birth of RIMBA: Addressing Compliance Challenges14:10 Understanding Renewable Energy and RIMBA's Role20:58 Navigating Client Relationships and Market Challenges26:37 Evolving Vision and Trends in Renewable Energy30:07 AI's Impact on the Energy Sector35:47 Growth and Future Plans for RIMBA40:03 Personal Insights and Hobbies of Timothy Daniel

    39 min

  6. 09/15/2025

    #42 - Peaking with Parth Modi! Navigating the AI Venture Landscape!

    In this episode of the Peaking podcast, hosts Wyatt Carr and Parth Modi discuss the intersection of AI, startups, and venture capital. Parth shares insights into Array Ventures' unique approach to investing in technical founders, emphasizing the importance of speed, technical expertise, and the role of their AI Labs in supporting portfolio companies. The conversation also covers the evolving landscape of venture capital, the significance of leveraging AI for productivity, and actionable advice for founders navigating this competitive environment. Takeaways Array Ventures focuses on deep technology and AI infrastructure. Technical founders with industry frustration are ideal candidates. Speed and execution bias are key advantages in investment decisions. AI is a fundamental lever for efficiency, not just a feature. Understanding customer problems is crucial for building successful companies. Iterating and shipping updates quickly is essential in the AI space. Array AI Labs serves as a bridge between VC and founders. Value addition goes beyond capital; hands-on support is vital. Founders should embrace the changing landscape of AI tools. Sector agnosticism allows for diverse investment opportunities. Sound bites "We are first tech investors." "Keep iterating, keep building." "We are sector agnostic." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to AI and Startups 03:51 Parth's Journey and Background in Tech 06:37 Array Ventures and Its Unique Approach 09:15 Investment Thesis and Founder Selection 11:02 The Role of Technical Expertise in VC 13:34 Array AI Labs: Innovation and Value Addition 16:09 Building Trust with Founders 18:28 Critical Lessons for Founders 21:16 Future of Array Ventures and AI Innovations

    30 min

  7. 09/11/2025

    #41 - Peaking with Joseph Deville! Mastering Go-To-Market Strategies with Clay

    In this conversation, Joseph Deville, a go-to-market expert, shares insights on building effective go-to-market strategies, transitioning from IT to sales, and the importance of email marketing in lead generation. He discusses the tools and technologies that facilitate successful email campaigns, the significance of understanding client needs, and the evolving landscape of sales and marketing. Joseph emphasizes the need for a unique tech stack, the importance of product-market fit, and the future of sales roles in a rapidly changing environment.TakeawaysJoseph Deville emphasizes the importance of a strong go-to-market strategy.Transitioning from IT to sales can provide unique insights into client needs.Email outreach is a numbers game, but quality matters more than quantity.Using the right tools can significantly enhance email campaign effectiveness.Understanding client roles and responsibilities is crucial for effective outreach.Segmentation and personalization are key to successful email campaigns.The future of sales may lean towards automation and AI-driven solutions.A unique tech stack can differentiate a business in a competitive market.Product-market fit is essential for sustainable growth.Ruthless client acquisition strategies can lead to better business outcomes.Sound bites"It's definitely a mental game.""You gotta have a money-making system.""Clay changed everything."chapters00:00 – Introduction and Background03:07 – Transitioning from IT to Sales05:49 – Mastering Email Outreach08:08 – Tools of the Trade10:26 – Client Acquisition Strategies12:33 – Building Effective Campaigns14:46 – The Future of Sales16:49 – Unique Value Proposition19:08 – Challenges in the Tech Space21:41 – Scaling Campaigns23:39 – Final Thoughts and AdvicekeywordsGo-To-Market, Email Marketing, Sales Strategies, Tech Stack, Client Engagement, Campaign Management, Product-Market Fit, Sales Automation, Lead Generation, Business Development

    29 min

  8. 09/03/2025

    #40 - Peaking with Alex Doonanco! Revolutionizing Medicare with AI: Carecycle's Journey

    In this episode of the Peaking Podcast, Bryan Mikolaitis interviews Alex Doonanco, CEO and co-founder of careCycle, an AI-driven operating system for Medicare agencies. Alex discusses the evolution of voice AI technology, its misconceptions, and how careCycle is transforming the Medicare landscape by automating conversations and improving customer retention. He shares insights on startup challenges, building a strong engineering team, and effective go-to-market strategies. The conversation also touches on the future of healthcare and the role of AI in addressing systemic inefficiencies.     Takeaways Carecycle is an AI native operating system for Medicare agencies.Voice AI should prioritize helpfulness over human-likeness.Retention is crucial for Medicare agencies to succeed.Understanding customer needs is key to product development.Building a strong engineering team requires problem-solving skills.Cold calling can be a valuable tool for founders.Y Combinator provides a supportive community for startups.Hiring should be approached with caution and experience.AI can significantly improve healthcare interactions.Momentum is essential in navigating opportunities in technology. Sound bites "Software does work for you.""It's easier to teach engineers to sell.""Build things people want."  Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Carecycle and Voice AI04:47 Transforming Medicare with AI Technology09:49 The Evolution of Carecycle's Product14:32 Founding Story and Team Dynamics20:49 Building a High-Performing Engineering Team24:40 Go-to-Market Strategy and Client Acquisition29:54 Insights from Y Combinator Experience33:13 The State of Healthcare and AI's Role37:25 Future Plans for Carecycle More at https://www.carecycle.ai/

    38 min
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We built this podcast to meet amazing people, and showcase their stories of grit, courage, and ingenuity! On Peaking, Wyatt Carr and Bryan Mikolaitis sit down with business leaders, entrepreneurs, innovators, and friends from Denver, Portland, and beyond to dive into their journeys—how they built their companies, navigated challenges, and balanced peak performance in both work and life. Expect insightful conversations, practical takeaways, and a little bit of randomness sprinkled in along the way! Peaking is guaranteed!

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  • Creator
    Wyatt Carr & Bryan Mikolaitis
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    52
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Wyatt Carr & Bryan Mikolaitis
  • Show Website
    Peaking Podcast