Entrepreneurs & Founders
Startup founders, coaches, and creators who built something of their own, across GenX, millennials, and GenZ.
For a generation raised to go get a steady job, a striking number of the show's guests built something of their own instead. The archive is full of founders, from tech startups to coaching practices to personal brands.
Some are literal startup founders: Jacob Kirstein (Chappie and TERA, with a background at SpaceX and NASA), Nick Wucher (co-founder of YIFNO), and Greg Nordone (co-founder of Greyson Technologies). Others turned hard-won experience into a business, like the coaches Gina Rania, Lisa Concepcion, and Kim Muench.
Across GenX, millennials, and GenZ, the throughline is the same: spotting a problem, betting on yourself, and figuring out the rest as you go.
14 episodes exploring this theme
Episode 31 - The Millennials - Jacob Kirstein - Founder of Chapie and TERA
4/28/2025A Zillennial founder (Chappie and TERA) with a SpaceX and NASA background.
Jacob went from SpaceX and NASA to founding Chappie and TERA to solve everyday problems.
Episode 30 - GenZ Series: Nick Wucher - Co-Founder of YIFNO
4/23/2025Co-founder of YIFNO on building a brand and community as a young entrepreneur.
Nick built YIFNO as a Zillennial entrepreneur, stressing community and unplugging to stay well.
Episode 53 - GenX Speaks Series: Greg Nordone - Co-Founder Greyson Technologies
11/16/2025Co-founder of Greyson Technologies on the road to building a company.
Greg co-founded Greyson Technologies after an early adulthood of big responsibilities.
Episode 45 - GenX Speaks Series: MJ Eldridge - MJ aka Mommie
8/23/2025Turning a TikTok following into a creator brand as MJ aka Mommie.
MJ built an audience and brand as a creator while raising her family.
Episode 38 - GenX Speaks Series: Julie Golden - Founder and Host of The Big D Dating Show
7/1/2025Founder and host of The Big D Dating Show.
Julie founded The Big D Dating Show, turning a personal niche into a platform.
Episode 43 - GenX Speaks Series: Gina Rania - Gen-X RESET Coach
8/7/2025Founder of the Gen-X RESET coaching practice for women in midlife.
Gina built the Gen-X RESET coaching practice to help women navigate midlife transitions.
Episode 44 - GenX Speaks Series: Lisa Concepcion - The Love Coach
8/15/2025The Love Coach who built a coaching business around love and healing.
Lisa turned her own hard road through relationships into a coaching practice.
Episode 60 - GenX Speaks Series: Kim Muench - Parent Coach
3/3/2026Founder of Real Life Parent Guide, coaching parents through the hard parts.
Kim founded Real Life Parent Guide to coach parents through raising kids today.
GenX Through The Eyes of a Former 80s Kid - John Kotrides: GenXJono - Episode 75
8/19/2026A banker who reinvented himself as content creator GenXJono.
John left banking to build a content-creation business as GenXJono during the pandemic.
Episode 62 - GenX Speaks Series: Amy Scruggs - Nashville Recording Artist
4/8/2026Left the mortgage industry to build a full-time music career.
Amy transitioned from a corporate mortgage job to a full-time career as an artist.
Episode 42 - GenX Speaks Series: Sherri Dindal - The Real Slim Sherri
7/30/2025An investigator who left corporate life to build her own business.
Sherri left her corporate job to start her own business, with her partner's support.
Episode 28 - GenX Speaks Series: Mary's Story
4/14/2025Started her own activewear line, Man Maker Sports.
Mary founded the activewear line Man Maker Sports after leaving teaching.
Episode 64 - GenX Speaks Series: Jasmin Gomez - Jasmin Ageless Living
5/6/2026Built the Ageless Living brand redefining aging for women.
Jasmin built Ageless Living, a brand redefining aging and self-empowerment for women.
Episode 20 - GenX Speaks Series: Jenn's Story
2/17/2025In Episode 20 of the GenX Speaks Series, Jenn shares her life story as a member of Generation X, discussing her upbringing in Buffalo, her career journey, and her experiences as a single mother.
Jenn was born in Kansas City, Kansas, in 1974 and grew up in Buffalo, New York.
Questions this theme answers
Who are the startup founders on the show?
Jacob Kirstein (31, founder of Chappie and TERA), Nick Wucher (30, co-founder of YIFNO), and Greg Nordone (53, co-founder of Greyson Technologies).
Are there coaches and creators who built their own businesses?
Yes. Gina Rania, Lisa Concepcion, and Kim Muench each founded coaching practices, and MJ Eldridge built a following and brand as a creator.
Is entrepreneurship a GenX thing here, or broader?
Broader. Zillennial founders like Jacob and Nick sit alongside GenX coaches and creators, so it spans generations.
What do founders say the hardest part is?
Betting on yourself, building community around a brand, and protecting your mental health while you do it are recurring themes.