Pitch Lab brings Merrick Creative’s Tom Frank and communication guru Jackie Hampton together to spotlight CEOs and founders hustling to take their brands to the next level. Whether they're launching groundbreaking products, tackling growth challenges, or in the midst of raising capital, Tom and Jackie dive into the heart of their stories. Each episode features a spirited conversation uncovering the quirks, origin tales, and future plans that make these brands tick. But the real magic happens ...
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Merrick Creatives Podcasts
Place Shapers, hosted by Todd Fidelman, dives into the often radical origin stories of real estate’s most prized residential and mixed-use communities—many of which have become thriving hubs, cultural landmarks and rejuvenators of entire geographies.
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Welcome to Don't F*ck This Up, the podcast answering the ultimate question: ‘how the fuck did you land that cool job?’. Two decades of executive coaching and team building at the world's coolest brands have paved the way for Lauren Alvarez to host weekly conversations with creators, leaders and entrepreneurs and dig into what it takes to champion the road less traveled. New episodes every Wednesday. Click subscribe on whatever platform you listen to podcasts, and share your favorite episodes ...
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This week on Pitch Lab, we’re cracking open a can of nostalgia with Jamie Fahrner, co-founder of Shake Up Cocktails — the fairground-inspired canned cocktail brand bringing the zest of the Midwest to life. From barbecue stands to business plans, Jamie shares how a childhood lemonade stand moment became a booming beverage brand — and how Shake Up is…
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Noel Carson on Authentic Branding, Emotional Design, and the Power of Connection
56:54
56:54
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56:54In this episode of Place Shapers our host, Todd Fidelman, sits down with Noel Carson, VP of Marketing and Creative Director at Bozzuto, to explore how genuine connection and thoughtful design shape every experience — from brand storytelling to the feeling of home. They discuss balancing creativity and consistency, building emotional resonance in mu…
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What do ripped knees, fast fashion, and circular economies have in common? They all show up in this week’s conversation with Marianna Sachse, founder and CEO of Jackalo, a kidswear brand built on durability, sustainability, and serious style. A former public health advocate, Marianna shares how she went from policy to play clothes—designing pants t…
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Actor–writer–producer Mark Elias (9-1-1: Lone Star, Lucifer, Truth Be Told, Criminal Minds, Justified, CSI) drops into Pitch Lab to unpack fifteen years of grind and how he leveled up from co-star credits to building his own slate. We get into the Beverly Hills Playhouse days, why almost every gig traces back to hustle, and the indie math of making…
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Joanne King on Agency Life, Client Loyalty, and the Art of Creative Operations
35:31
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35:31This week on Place Shapers, producer-turned-guest-host Ryan Strohl sits down with friend and former colleague, Joanne King—a legend behind the scenes whose agency career spanned decades, disciplines, and more than a few unforgettable moments. From fax machines and paste-up boards to brand launches and operational wizardry, Joanne shares the evoluti…
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Neil Kumar on Designing for People, Not Just Spaces
41:56
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41:56In this episode of Place Shapers, host Todd Fidelman welcomes Neil Kumar, seasoned real estate developer and strategic mind behind some of the most thoughtfully designed communities in the D.C. region. Together, they unpack the virtues that drive long-term development—courage, patience, and intelligence—and which truly deserves the captain’s seat w…
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In the latest episode of Pitch Lab, hosts Jackie and Tom slice into the flavorful world of craft meats with George Turkette, CEO and founder of Turchetti’s Salumeria. From DIY pancetta in restaurant kitchens to building a premium meat brand with national reach, George shares the unfiltered story behind one of the most exciting names in charcuterie …
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John Clarkson on Creativity as the Catalyst for Residential Transformation
36:13
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36:13From metro-topping towers to campus-cool student digs, John Clarkson has seen (and steered) residential developments of every size and shape. As Senior Managing Director for Greystar Development Services, he leads innovative, landscape-shifting projects across the Mid-Atlantic—and still finds time to geek out over site plans and Spanish poetry. Joi…
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On this episode of Pitch Lab, we cracked open a can of Donna’s Pickle Beer and an even better story with co-founder Scott Baird—a hospitality lifer whose career spans from world-renowned cocktail bars to roadside burger joints. Alongside his longtime collaborator Josh Jankovic, Scott has created a beer that’s turning heads, dividing palates, and so…
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Harry Merrick on Legacy, Creativity, and the Future of Real Estate Marketing
29:03
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29:03In this special conversation, host Todd Fidelman welcomes advertising veteran Harry Merrick for a compelling conversation about the evolution of marketing, leadership, and legacy. As the co-founder of Merrick Towle—now Merrick Creative—Harry helped shape one of the real estate industry’s most influential creative agencies. Though recently retired a…
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Place Shapers, dives into the often radical origin stories of real estate’s most prized residential and mixed-use communities—many of which have become thriving hubs, cultural landmarks and rejuvenators of entire geographies. The Place Shapers podcast is made for ambitious professionals who love bold ideas and fresh perspectives, and is part of the…
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In this engaging conversation, Brooke Vaughn, founder of Please and Thank You, shares her journey from a barista to the owner of a thriving coffee shop and bakery known for its acclaimed chocolate chip cookies. She discusses the evolution of her brand, the impact of the pandemic on her business model, and the importance of building a strong team cu…
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In this episode, Niles X. Lichtenstein, CEO of Nestment, shares his journey from a challenging childhood to becoming a leader in innovative real estate solutions. He discusses the importance of home ownership, the challenges faced by first-time buyers, and how Nestment aims to make home ownership attainable through co-buying and other strategies. N…
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Bartholomew Jones, the co-founder of Cxffeeblack, discusses how his brand seeks to reclaim coffee's African roots while empowering Black farmers and promoting social justice. Through storytelling, music, and ethically sourced ingredients, Cxffeeblack offers an authentic coffee experience that emphasizes cultural connection and community. Key Takeaw…
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Pitch Lab brings Merrick Creative’s Tom Frank and content wizard William “Classic” Thomas together to spotlight CEOs and founders hustling to take their brands to the next level. Whether they're launching groundbreaking products, tackling growth challenges, or in the midst of raising capital, Tom and Classic dive into the heart of their stories. Ea…
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You CAN be Pretty, Stylish, Smart, Own a Business, and Be Disabled w/ Dr. Akilah Cadet
1:22:59
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1:22:59In this conversation, Lauren hosts Dr. Akilah Cadet for a heartwarming chat about the importance of embracing one's intersectionality and finding confidence in yourself. They go all in on talking through topics such as codeswitching, imposter syndrome, and the challenges faced by marginalized individuals in corporate environments. Dr. Cadet pulls f…
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Your Network is Your Net Worth w/ Chris Grdovic
1:07:28
1:07:28
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1:07:28In this conversation, Lauren Alvarez interviews Chris Grdovic, Chief Partnerships Officer at Goldbelly. They discuss Chris's career journey, including her time at Food and Wine and her experience on the very first season of reality TV show, Top Chef. They also talk about the importance of collaboration, trust, and caring in building successful team…
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You’re Special, But You’re Not Special w/ Susanna Merrick
1:03:12
1:03:12
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1:03:12In this episode, Lauren hosts fashion’s favorite spiritual stylist and the founder of AuraWear, Susanna Merrick. Susanna discusses her work as an aura reader and stylist, and how color can influence our energy and style choices. She shares her personal journey of discovering her gift of seeing auras and explains their connection to our energy and e…
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The Feminist Case for Remote Work w/ Lisa Conn
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1:06:45It's time for season 2, and on this all-new episode of DFTU, Lauren welcomes Lisa Conn, CEO and Co-Founder of Gatheround, to share her insights on leadership, virtual spaces, and work-life balance. Lisa discusses the natural roles people play in challenging situations, the impact of virtual environments on behavior, and the importance of maintainin…
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From Purse Wine to Table Wine w/ Tamara Shevon
56:49
56:49
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56:49On today’s episode of Don’t F*ck This Up, Lauren welcomes stand-up comic and writer, Tamara Shevon. Tamara opens up about her spontaneous post-graduation move to Beijing - and how living in China led to her trying her hand at stand up comedy. We talk about the importance of putting in the work, having respect for the craft, and why you can’t cut co…
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You’re Still Doing This? You’re Amazing w/ Brooksie Edmondson
1:00:30
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1:00:30This week on Don’t F*ck This Up, Lauren hosts a conversation with the Founder and Star Baker of Totally Sweet Baking, Brooksie Edmondson. Brooksie shares what it took to go from retail store manager with a vegan baking side hustle to full-time vegan baking company owner with a burgeoning list of wholesale clients. We discuss taking risks and having…
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That’s What I Get For Being an Overachiever w/ Jacquelyn De Jesu Center
1:07:50
1:07:50
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1:07:50This week on Don’t F*ck This Up, Lauren hosts the CEO, Founder, and Inventor of Shhhowercap, Jacquelyn De Jesu Center. The multi-million dollar patent portfolio holder takes us through creating her wildly successful product and what it takes to build a brand that pulses and lives. We talk about some important things: being intuitive, rising above t…
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Everything I’m Afraid of Already Happened To Me w/ Jazerai Allen-Lord
1:05:49
1:05:49
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1:05:49In this week’s episode, Lauren hosts Jazerai Allen-Lord, sneaker icon and Founder of True to Size. Jazerai opens up about turning her passion for community, culture, and sneakers into a career and we discuss finding community in the early internet days. Jaz shares how she gained confidence through other’s beliefs in her abilities, and the pivotal c…
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Taking Risks and Following Your Inner Voice w/ Karen Karch
1:02:04
1:02:04
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1:02:04This week, Lauren sits down with Karen Karch, the Founder, Creative Director, Designer, and Owner of Karen Karch Jewelry. Karen is all about defying convention: from being the subject of her own internship at Parsons and pioneering the “Dangerous Jewelry” movement, to her innovative approach to fine jewelry design and the evolution of her iconic br…
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It’s Not Always How You Envision It w/ Yari Blanco
1:10:39
1:10:39
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1:10:39This week, Lauren sits down with marketing executive, confidence coach, tarot practitioner, and the founder of The Girl Mob, Yari Blanco. Yari reflects on lessons learned during her year-long sabbatical, from navigating friend breakups and confronting her people-pleasing tendencies, to relinquishing the idea of control and changing her relationship…
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I’m a Creative Mind, Not a Business Person w/ Kate Schlichter
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56:53
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56:53On this week’s episode of Don’t F*ck this Up, Lauren has the opportunity to catch up with hairstylist and educator, Kate Schlichter. She’s the owner of Lost Hills LA and the founder of forthcoming haircare line, TOSL. They discuss Kate’s roots as a PNW punk rocker, her huge move to London, and the realities of training at industry juggernauts, Vida…
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Think Like a Spring Chicken w/ Anjali Lewis
1:02:04
1:02:04
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1:02:04It’s Episode 23 of Don’t F*ck This Up, and this week, Lauren sits down with marketing and brand strategist and the founder of The Curious Bird, Anjali Lewis. Anjali shares her career journey filled with pivotal moments and invaluable lessons - from fashion, to publishing and editorial, to planting a stake in the ground with her own consultancy. We …
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So, How Are Your Orgasms? w/ Dr. Karen Toubi
1:00:30
1:00:30
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1:00:30We’re back from the break, and this week’s episode of Don’t F*ck this Up is right on time for Valentine's Day, because it's all about pleasure. Lauren is joined by board-certified gynecologist, sex medicine and menopause expert, Dr. Karen Toubi. From vivid memories in 7th grade, where she declared her future as a gynecologist, to her unwavering com…
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On this week’s episode of Don’t F*ck this Up, Lauren sits down with the incredible Jess Rona, entrepreneurial powerhouse and founder behind the multidimensional brand that is Jess Rona Grooming. You might have always wondered, what happens when you’re both a top improv talent and an award-winning groomer? Well, in Jess Rona’s case, you make a web s…
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Make It ‘Til You Make It w/ Alison Taffel-Rabinowitz
1:14:30
1:14:30
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1:14:30On this week’s episode of Don’t F*ck this Up, Lauren is joined by negotiation coach and founder of The Finishing School, Alison Taffel-Rabinowitz. An unstoppable force on a mission to revolutionize your job hunt game, Alison is all in when it comes to empowering individuals to unleash their storytelling prowess, land their dream jobs, and secure th…
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An Absolute Goddamn F*cking Sh*t Ton of Money w/ Cindy Gallop
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45:42On this week’s episode of Don’t F*ck this Up, Lauren sits down with the trailblazing Cindy Gallop. Cindy is a brand and business innovator, the Founder of Make Love Not Porn, the Founder and CEO of If We Ran The World, and is globally considered the Godmother of Sextech. As a fearless advocate for change in every industry she encounters, Cindy take…
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Failure Is Always an Option w/ Mike Platco
56:26
56:26
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56:26Episode 18 of Don’t F*ck This Up is here, and this week, Lauren hosts storyteller, creator and communications specialist, Mike Platco. We discuss his unexpected career path that took him from wrestling rings and calligraphy pens to Snapchat doodles, the TedX stage, and collaborating with Disney. Named one of the 50 most creative people in business …
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Do F*ck This Up, Please w/ Massaër Ndiaye
1:20:57
1:20:57
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1:20:57Episode 17 of Don’t F*ck This Up is here, and this week, Lauren hosts an invigorating conversation with writer, creative director and cultural expert, Massaër Ndiaye. They hash out the realities of working cross-culturally - and across the globe, why chasing relevancy will never satisfy, and the importance of having diverse teams at all levels. Mas…
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The Power of Totally Winging It & Other Non-Strategies w/ Gavin Bellour
1:11:20
1:11:20
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1:11:20Episode 16 of Don’t F*ck This Up is here, and this week, Lauren sits down with director, writer and producer, Gavin Bellour. They discuss his incredibly dynamic career straddling the commercial, editorial, content and advertising worlds, the happy accident that led to his first gig, and the struggle to find balance between being over- and under-pre…
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You Can’t Work Two Jobs Forever w/ Abby Mills
1:10:23
1:10:23
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1:10:23Episode 15 of Don’t F*ck This Up is here, and this week it’s an incredible conversation centered around career, design, and choice with Abby Mills, Staff Product Designer at Faire, and the founder of Abby on the Internet. Abby and Lauren discuss how to go for things outside your comfort zone, the downsides of 100% remote work, and the important dis…
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“Hey Dad, You’re Going Viral!” w/ Scott Kaylin
1:02:55
1:02:55
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1:02:55Episode 14 of Don’t F*ck This Up is here, and this week we’re sitting down with Scott Kaylin, CEO and Founder of Kaylin + Kaylin Pickle. That's right, it’s The PickleMan himself! A lifelong entrepreneur and get-up-and-do-the-damn-thing-er, Scott takes us on his journey into Pickleland and why it’s never too late to try something new. Along the way,…
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Feel the Fear and Do It Anyways w/ Jera Bean
54:08
54:08
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54:08Episode 13 of Don’t F*ck This Up is here, and this week’s guest is none other than social media coach, educator, speaker and content creator, Jera Bean. She cracks open the tool kit - and the four types of secret sauce - on things she calls ‘messy action’, failing forward, and the vulnerability hangover. We talk about why social media isn’t fake, t…
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Get In Where You Fit In w/ Ash Coleman
1:02:34
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1:02:34In Episode 12 of Don’t F*ck This Up, it's a dynamic, refreshing and can’t-miss conversation with engineering leader turned employee experience executive and coach, Ash Coleman, aka: Ash Your Tech Bestie. We’re pulling up with a full plate, so help yourself to a heaping spoonful of discussion around how to know if big tech is right for you, the prob…
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I’m Not a Regular Doctor, I’m a Cool Doctor w/ Dr. Desmond Wilson, MD
1:08:18
1:08:18
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1:08:18Episode 11 of Don’t F*ck This Up brings Lauren to a conversation with Dr. Desmond Wilson, MD, an internal medicine doctor and the founder of Silo Health, a concierge medical practice focusing on men’s health and longevity. Dr. Des shares what led him to starting his own practice, how telehealth can remove barriers for difficult conversations, and h…
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The Gift of Tricky w/ Mary Connelly
1:15:27
1:15:27
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1:15:27It’s Episode 10 of Don’t F*ck This Up, and this week, Lauren sits down with Executive Coach, Mary Connelly. They discuss the pivots and hallmarks of Mary’s can’t-make-this-up career path which took her from bartending in Chelsea, to American Fashion Director at Vogue, to launching her own consultancy as an executive coach. We get into diagnosing im…
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Let Your Little Dream Out w/ Kirsty Godso
1:11:13
1:11:13
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1:11:13In Episode 9 of Don’t F*ck This Up, Lauren links up with Nike Global Trainer and the Founder of Made Of Protein, Kirsty Godso. Kirsty and Lauren talk toxic enlightenment, the downside of Erewhon smoothies, LA vs. NYC, and why it’s always a good idea to bet on yourself. Kirsty also shares why it's okay to work in private, how not having boundaries l…
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There’s Nothing Wrong With Discomfort w/ Beth Niernberg
1:12:14
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1:12:14In Episode 8 of Don’t F*ck This Up, Lauren sits down with Boston-based licensed therapist, Beth Niernberg. Beth and Lauren discuss being a pillar in your community, how the global pandemic forever changed the way therapists - and patients - approach therapy, and how there isn’t a diagnosis code for having shitty parents. Beth also shares what she w…
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I’m an Artist and I’m Intentional About My Shit™ w/ Noémie Marguerite
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1:00:45Episode 7 of Don’t F*ck This Up is here, and this week, Lauren hosts photographer, filmmaker and visual creative, Noémie Marguerite. The conversation goes deep on trademarking your intention (quite literally in her case!), the pressures and performance of being on Instagram and how to continue growing when you’re your own boss. Noémie also shares w…
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You Committed To Your Career At Age 10? w/ Dr. Jenna Lagana
1:00:36
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1:00:36On Episode 6 of Don’t F*ck This Up, Lauren meets up with Sports & Rehab Chiropractor and founder of Lagana Wellness Company, Dr. Jenna Lagana. The discussion goes deep on the massive jump from classroom to clinic, the importance of knowing your core values as a business owner, and how a chance meeting with a chiropractor at age 10 set the course fo…
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So You Got In Trouble For Being Too Ambitious? w/ Aura Friedman
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49:00
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49:00Happy Wednesday, and welcome to Episode 5 of Don’t F*ck This Up! This week, Lauren sits down with celebrity hair colorist, Aura Friedman (aka: Aura Colorist). They get right down to it, covering the importance of companies listening to what their hires actually want to do, why stepping back can help propel you forward, and the importance of creatin…
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Are You Still a College Dropout If You Fake Your Own Death? w/ Bill Conway
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1:04:00It’s Wednesday-o-clock and we’re punching in with Episode 4 of Don’t F*ck This Up. What do you get when you pair up two aging hardcore kids with deep Massachusetts roots? Find out as Lauren sits down with Founder and Editor-in-Chief of the Hard Times, Bill Conway. They lay out the importance of not reading the comments, when the perception of succe…
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Life is Too Short to Be Treated Like Shit w/ Lauren Valena
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50:44It’s Wednesday and you know what that means, time for Episode 3 of Don’t Fuck This Up. This time it’s twice the fun, as Lauren Alvarez hosts Lauren Valena: founder, artist and HBIC of BlackHeart Nails in Los Angeles. The Laurens let their inner weird wolves connect resulting in a riveting discussion on why the apprenticeship model is broken, when i…
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The Only Thing Between You and the Job You Want is the Job You Have w/ Nu Goteh
1:01:26
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1:01:26We are back with another episode of Don’t Fuck This Up with Lauren Alvarez, and this week, we’re sitting down with Nu Goteh, Creative Director and Founder of Room for Magic and Deem Journal. Nu and Lauren discuss why he decided to liberate himself from being the best immigrant child he can be, the moment he exclaimed, “lawyer-doctor? I’m gonna be a…
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Slapped By The Universe: The Real Reason I Became an Acupuncturist w/ Dr. Natazia Stolberg
1:28:28
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1:28:28On the very first episode of Don’t Fuck This Up with Lauren Alvarez, we welcome Dr. Natazia Stolberg. Lauren talks with Dr. Stolberg about the exact moment the universe stopped playing it subtle and changed the course of her career, why there should be a Chinese Medicine MBA, and how staying authentic meant stepping out of corporate safety, and dit…
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Welcome to Don’t Fuck This Up, the podcast answering the ultimate question: ‘how the fuck did you land that cool job?’ Two decades of executive coaching and team building at the world's coolest brands have paved the way for Lauren Alvarez to host weekly conversations with creators, leaders and entrepreneurs and dig into what it takes to champion th…
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continue reading