Best Michael Scharf Podcasts (2025)

1
The Threads That Scale Innovation with Brian Hall EO Austin 59:01

9d ago59:01

59:01

Innovation does not scale on size alone. It accelerates on the connective threads of an ecosystem, from curated founder groups to open networks and through shared stories and honest champions. Brian Hall, incoming President of the Austin Chapter of Entrepreneurs’ Organization, joins us to explore what actually drives trust, access, and scale in a t…

1
Houston Will Be the Industrial Bio Capital of the World with Veronica Breckenridge, First Bight Ventures 59:31

1M ago59:31

59:31

The $6 trillion chemical industry is on the verge of a revolution as biology moves from the doctor's office to the industrial zone. Veronica Breckenridge, Founder and Managing Partner of First Bight Ventures, is investing in early-stage bio manufacturing companies while building the ecosystem to catalyze their growth. We discuss the tech powering t…

1
Endless Frontiers and the Future of American Innovation with Jordan Blashek, Managing Director America's Frontier Fund 1:15:49

2M ago1:15:49

1:15:49

At a hinge point when tech leadership determines the balance of geopolitical power, deep tech investment has never been more critical to America's future. Jordan Blashek, co-founder of America's Frontier Fund, brings his perspective on innovation for national advantage. From investing in defense tech to the newly launched Endless Frontiers, we disc…

1
From Semiconductors to AI Ecosystems with Tyson Tuttle, Founder and CEO Circuit 1:13:06

2M ago1:13:06

1:13:06

From cutting-edge chips to AI networks the disruption happening up and down the tech stack is upending invention and value. Everything is on the table. Tyson Tuttle, former CEO of Silicon Labs and current founder and CEO of Circuit, brings decades of experience building innovative products across multiple tech waves. In this conversation, Tyson sha…

1
Texas Innovation Ecosystems in the AI Era with Samantha Lewis, Partner Mercury Fund 1:03:42

2M ago1:03:42

1:03:42

The Texas innovation ecosystem is accelerating at breakneck speed as technologies like AI and institutions such as the Texas Stock Exchange reshape what is possible. Samantha Lewis, Partner at Mercury Fund, recently relocated to Austin from Houston to strengthen the firm's presence in the region. Our conversation reveals how the founders and funder…

1
Activating the Future of Human Flourishing with Janine Leger, Co-Founder Edge City 56:19

3M ago56:19

56:19

Technology is advancing rapidly, but our social systems and institutions struggle to keep pace. Janine Leger co-founded Edge City, a society incubator accelerating social innovation through popup and experimental communities, and they're bringing their next gathering to Austin March 2-7. We explore how rethinking the intersection of technology and …

1
Rewriting Biopharma's Playbook with Mallory Factor, Founder and CEO IntraBio 49:25

3M ago49:25

49:25

A unicorn biopharma that ignores the traditional playbook, breaks development speed records, and chose Austin over the traditional biotech hubs. Mallory Factor, Founder and CEO of IntraBio, joins us to share how his Oxford-born company created an FDA-approved drug in record time while doing everything differently. In this wide-ranging conversation,…

1
Engineering Agency, Innovation, and Ecosystems with Gena Gorlin 1:13:26

4M ago1:13:26

1:13:26

A coffee conversation turned into a deep exploration and personal obsession about how we shape our world and how it shapes us. I had to invite my partner in that conversation, Dr. Gena Gorlin, on to the podcast to bring her perspective as a psychologist, professor, and founder coach to examine the interplay between agency, innovation, ecosystems, a…

1
Austin4America Rises From SXSW's Military Sponsor Ban with Luke Fischer, Co-Founder & CEO SkyFi 52:55

4M ago52:55

52:55

Last June, SXSW announced they would no longer allow military and defense companies as sponsors. This sparked strong reactions from Austin's defense tech community, with one of those reactions leading to the creation of Austin4America. I'm joined by Luke Fischer, one of the summit's creators, to discuss why this matters and how it fits into Austin'…

1
Science in the Commercial Space Age: Live from UATX's SOMA Inaugural Summit 38:48

5M ago38:48

38:48

This past November, the University of Austin hosted their Inaugural SOMA Summit to explore the amazing transformation in space right now, especially how the commercial space era is decentralizing access. I had the privilege to moderate a fascinating panel titled "Science in the Commercial Space Age" featuring Chris Sembroski from Blue Origin, along…

1
Why Gauntlet AI Chose Austin to Build the Next Wave of AI Engineers with Austen Allred 50:00

5M ago50:00

50:00

AI is becoming the biggest force multiplier for human talent in history. Austen Allred shares how Gauntlet AI is reimagining engineering education for this new reality and why Austin's is the perfect place to build this ambitious program. This is was quick turnaround episode as Gauntlet AI applications close January 4th (application link below). We…

1
From DNA to Deep Space with Eliah Overbey, Professor at University of Austin 1:11:06

6M ago1:11:06

1:11:06

Space is becoming our next great innovation frontier as we move from 700 astronauts spending days or months to tens of thousands spending years. What does that do to the human body? What does it mean for our species? Eliah Overbey, Assistant Professor of Bioastronautics at the University of Austin, joins the podcast to explore topics in the increas…

1
The Skills and Learning Revolution in the New Tech World with Rob Rosenthal, CRO at Udemy 43:10

6M ago43:10

43:10

Austin is rapidly emerging as a significant edtech hub, attracting not just innovative startups but also established industry leaders. In this episode, Udemy's Chief Revenue Officer Rob Rosenthal joins me to explore what skills are in-demand and how technology is transforming both what we learn and how we learn it. Episode Highlights Generational C…

1
Quantum CEOs Get Real About Hype, Hope, and Hardware at Austin's Quantonation Day 36:33

6M ago36:33

36:33

Recorded live at Austin's Quantonation Day this past September, I sat down with senior leaders from Strangeworks, Qunnect, Pasqal, and Tau Systems to discuss the state of quantum and physics tech. This candid panel went beyond the typical quantum computing conversation to face the market realities of building a business in the space. We explored th…

1
Building Austin's Next Health and Wellness Revolution with Jim Donnelly, Humanaut Health 54:04

7M ago54:04

54:04

Optimizing health is about more than just new tech, it's about new models, new ways to engage, and being fun. Jim Donnelly, founder and CEO of Humanaut Health, is pioneering a comprehensive approach that combines advanced diagnostics, the latest interventions, with lifestyle changes to add decades of healthy living to people's lives. In this episod…

1
Backing Extraordinary Leaders to Build Austin Moonshots with Craig Cummings, Co-Founder and General Partner Moonshots Capital 59:42

7M ago59:42

59:42

Building companies that can 10x humanity requires extraordinary leadership. Craig Cummings of Moonshots Capital has made finding and backing these leaders his mission. Craig shares his insights on building the next generation of mission-driven companies and the future of the Austin ecosystem. Episode Highlights What is a Moonshot? Finding the %$^* …

1
Can Austin Lead the Race to Solving Rare Diseases with the Founders of the Firefly Fund 39:01

8M ago39:01

39:01

Nothing motivates a parent to action like a sick child, and for the Andrews family, words like no and impossible became mere roadblocks on their journey to help their kids. Our guests, Pam and Chris Andrews, founders of the Firefly Fund, turned their battle with their daughters' rare genetic disorder into a mission to revolutionize rare disease res…

1
Angel Investing's Evolution and What Austin's Scene Reveals 44:19

8M ago44:19

44:19

Angel investors are supposed to descend and bring early grace to startups but the reality of angel investing is much more complicated and complex. From individual big-check writers to small investors to organized groups, the will, experience, and dynamics vary widely. Katie Russel (Central Texas Angel Network), Hall Martin (Ten Capital), and James …

1
Artificial General Intelligence Modeled on the Human Mind with Peter Voss 1:00:23

9M ago1:00:23

1:00:23

Are we overlooking the most powerful model of intelligence we have in our race to create smarter machines, the human mind? Peter Voss, CEO and Chief Scientist of Aigo.ai, coined the term "Artificial General Intelligence" (AGI) and brings decades of experience in AI research and development. We explore Peter's vision and challenge the current consen…

1
From Tel Aviv to Austin with Texas Venture Partners 58:37

9M ago58:37

58:37

What connects the Startup Nation to the Lone Star State? We're witnessing a growing nexus that crosses tech, cultures, and economic verticals. To explore this emerging relationship, I'm joined by Tal Shmueli and Simone Ledeen from Texas Venture Partners. They're at the forefront of catalyzing this intersection between two innovative ecosystems. Epi…

1
Riskgaming and Tech's Future Frontiers with Danny Crichton, Lux Capital 1:09:31

9M ago1:09:31

1:09:31

From wargaming to Riskgaming, what can simulations and stories teach us about the future of technology and innovation? Danny Crichton, Head of Editorial and Risk Gaming at Lux Capital, brings his unique insights from his experience in both tech journalism and venture capital. What started as a conversation on the tech-media divide expanded to encom…

1
Evolving Venture Capital for the AI and Data Era with Gopinath Sundaramurthy, Founder & Head of Data Science, Ensemble VC 53:59

9M ago53:59

53:59

Is venture capital on the cusp of a data-driven revolution? Gopinath Sundaramurthy, Founder & Head of Data Science at Ensemble VC, believes AI and advanced analytics are reshaping how VCs identify and support promising startups. From transforming deal pipelines to finding diamonds in the rough around the globe, we explore what this new era will mea…

1
Rekindling Humanity's Ambition Through Story with Devon Eriksen - Theft of Fire 52:40

10M ago52:40

52:40

Can the stories we tell shape the future we build? Devon Eriksen, author of "Theft of Fire" and now Dragon Award finalist, argues that science fiction isn't just entertainment; it's a catalyst for innovation and human progress. Our narratives can be beautiful and optimistic, inspiring us to build, or ugly and pessimistic, causing us to stagnate. It…

1
From Building 3D-Printed Houses to Funding Critical Tech with Evan Loomis, Partner at Overmatch Ventures 1:02:52

10M ago1:02:52

1:02:52

Evan Loomis, partner at Overmatch Ventures and co-founder of ICON, exemplifies Austin's entrepreneurial spirit in tackling audacious challenges. From revolutionizing construction to investing in frontier technologies, Evan shares his journey through Austin's rapidly evolving tech landscape and why now is the moment for critical tech. We don't shy a…

1
Connection and Innovation in the Austin Food Scene with Grace Chow Co-Founder & CEO of Lobos Hospitality 52:11

10M ago52:11

52:11

Can a city’s food scene serve as a catalyst for connection, creativity, and innovation? Grace Chow, Co-Founder & CEO of Austin-based Lobos Hospitality, joins me to share her insights from food scenes across the US, and her in-the-trenches view from building three distinctive Austin restaurants: Toasty Badger, Manny's, and the Powder Room. Episode H…

1
Pattern Breakers with Mike Maples Jr., Founding Partner at Floodgate 1:15:22

11M ago1:15:22

1:15:22

Promising startups often fail despite following best practices, while rule-breakers and those running through chaos can achieve massive success. Why? Mike Maples Jr, Founding Partner at Floodgate, tackles this paradox in his book "Pattern Breakers." We discuss his Inflection Theory, why some pivots work and others don't, unexpected inspirations lik…

1
Startups Playing the International Game with Joe Merrill, Co-Founder and Partner Sputnik VC 53:58

11M ago53:58

53:58

What do global trends affects on startups, the art of selling, startup accelerators, and the future lizard king all have in common? They are all just a few of the diverse and intersecting topics that I explore today with Joe Merrill, Co-Founder and Partner at Sputnik VC. Episode Highlights Sputnik ATX invests in pre-seed startups across various sec…

1
From the Archive: Can A Simple Walk Revolutionize Networking with Elle Beecher, Founder of The Board Walks 1:01:08

11M ago1:01:08

1:01:08

In honor of the The Board Walks' 100th walk this past weekend, we are rereleasing our episode with Board Walks Founder Elle Beecher. Episode Originally Aired September 12, 2023 ---------------------- Fostering connectivity within an innovation ecosystem is crucial for its ongoing vitality and growth. Often revolutionary concepts emerge from the mos…

1
AI, Defense, and the Future of Warfare with Charlie Burgoyne, Founder and CEO of Andromeda and Valkyrie 59:30

12M ago59:30

59:30

The future of defense and warfare has always been linked to technological change, from the discovery of fire to the Bronze Age to the Nuclear Age to now the AI Age. My guest today is Charlie Burgoyne, Founder and CEO of both Valkyrie and their newest spinout Andromeda, who joins me to discuss the future of warfare going forward. But we don't stop t…

1
A Texas Investment Thesis with Krishna Srinivasan, Founding Partner of LivOak Ventures 46:35

12M ago46:35

46:35

The only constant in Austin seems to be change. Whether that be the people moving here, the buildings defining our skyline, or the startups being founded and funded. Today, my guest is Krishna Srinivasan, founding Partner of LiveOak Ventures. We will explore what it means to invest in Texas startups yesterday, today, and tomorrow. Episode Highlight…

1
Founder’s Perspective: What VCs Look for in AI & ML Startups with Cheryl Sew Hoy, CEO & Founder Tiny Health 28:26

1y ago28:26

28:26

In this episode, recorded at the Austin Data Science Salon, I sit down with Cheryl Sew Hoy, CEO and Founder of Tiny Health. Tiny Health is a pioneer in gut microbiome testing, providing critical health insights for moms and babies during the first 1,000 days. We dive into the current buzz around AI and machine learning, discussing the tailwinds and…

1
Innovation at the Intersection of Venture and Nonprofits with Alice Pomponio, Managing Director BrightEdge - American Cancer Society 45:32

1y ago45:32

45:32

How does a nonprofit innovate and scale its mission? Joining me today is Alice Pomponio, Managing Director of BrightEdge, the venture arm of the American Cancer Society, to discuss the intersection of venture capital and nonprofit work. Is this approach a unique case, or part of a new wave of strategies catalyzing the defeat of cancer and other soc…

1
The Race for Quantum Dominance with Scott Faris, CEO Eqlipse Quantum 54:42

1y ago54:42

54:42

I am diving back into the quantum realm where the stakes are high and the potential for innovation is even higher. Joining me is Scott Faris, a seasoned expert in the field, to unravel the complexities and opportunities of quantum technology. We explore how this revolutionary tech is shaping the future of global industries and national security, an…

1
AI in the Bio Century with Micha Breakstone, Founder and CEO of Somite.ai 58:57

1y ago58:57

58:57

As we enter the Bio Century, AI innovations are becoming pivotal in shaping the future of biology and medicine. In this episode, I am joined by Micha Breakstone, the founder and CEO of Somite.ai, who is at the forefront of integrating AI with stem cell biology. Together, we explore the intersection of AI and health, its history, and its impact on s…

1
From the Frontlines of the Streaming Wars with Blake Sabatinelli, CEO of Atmosphere 1:04:31

1y ago1:04:31

1:04:31

In the midst of the streaming wars, a battle rages over the future of how we watch and interact with media. Joining me is Blake Sabatinelli, CEO of Atmosphere, to navigate the changes in consumer expectations, the future of the industry, and how Austin is quietly becoming a real player. Episode Highlights Atmosphere is designed to enhance communal …

1
What is the Gundo? 50:38

1y ago50:38

50:38

What makes innovation ecosystems thrive and can the learnings of one hub be applied to another? Today I am joined by Isaiah Taylor, a founder building in the Gundo, and John Coogan, who has done his own deep dive on the hub, to discuss all things Gundo. We explore its rise, what makes the region unique, its future, and the first principles that oth…

1
Exploring the Rapidly Evolving E-Commerce Landscape with Roei Yellin Co-Founder and CRO at 8fig 40:12

1y ago40:12

40:12

E-commerce is reshaping how we do business, but where do we stand four years after lockdowns pushed everything online? I'm joined by Roei Yellin, Co-Founder and Chief Revenue Officer of 8fig, to dissect the current state of the industry. We'll explore whether we've returned to previous trends, settled into a new normal, the impact of Chinese compet…

1
Rise of the Meta City with Richard Florida 48:50

1+ y ago48:50

48:50

How we live, work, and innovate is changing, transforming not only our interactions within cities but also how regions interact with each other. In this episode, we welcome back Richard Florida to explore his concept of the Meta City. We discuss and dissect how the physical and digital relationships between regions are rooted in historical connecti…

1
Startups and Statistics: Analyzing 2023's Story and Anticipating 2024 with Peter Walker, Carta’s Head of Insights 1:12:43

1+ y ago1:12:43

1:12:43

As we navigate the tumultuous currents of the startup world, we're thrilled to welcome back Peter Walker, Carta’s Head of Insights. He comes with a treasure trove of data shedding light on the twists and turns of 2023 and what may lie ahead in 2024. We see the impact on the national level, from pre-seed to late stage, and how it is affecting founde…

1
What is the SXSW Effect and how does it shape innovation? 57:44

1+ y ago57:44

57:44

How does innovation show up at SXSW? Is it all carefully crafted, or the result of spontaneous interactions among artists, musicians, technologists, and more? That is the key question that we dive into with Monica Sack and Chris Valentine, key organizers of the festival. We break down specific programs like Pitch and the Innovation Awards, explore …

1
The Counter Culture Spark in Entrepreneurship with Tyler Norwood, Managing Partner at Antler 58:06

1+ y ago58:06

58:06

Is an entrepreneur a high-status position or are true innovators actually counter-cultural icons? This intriguing question forms the heart of my conversation with Tyler Norwood, Managing Partner at Antler. We discuss the role and impact of accelerators, the shift towards physical verticals and its implications for regional ecosystems, and the defin…

1
Innovating at the Intersection of AI and the Physical World with Amir Husain, Founder and CEO of SparkCognition 49:40

1+ y ago49:40

49:40

The next phase of AI's evolution focuses on its convergence with the real world and the built environment, a key theme in my discussion with Amir Husain, Founder and CEO of SparkCognition. We explore the intersection of digital bits and physical atoms, examining the implications and challenges of creating solutions in this space, the progression of…

1
Trailblazing Access to AI in Austin's Young Minds 44:22

1+ y ago44:22

44:22

We shift focus from the broad, macro-level implications of AI to its tangible effects on the ground, as Austin increasingly becomes a hub for educational innovation. Joining me are Principal Keith Moore of Austin's Campbell Elementary and Jules Beesley from Creative Action. We discuss their efforts in bringing AI and other cutting-edge technologies…

1
Understanding Agora and Humanity's Future with Byron Reese and Brett Hurt 1:13:25

1+ y ago1:13:25

1:13:25

In this thought-provoking episode, we are joined by Byron Reese, author of 'We are Agora,' and Brett Hurt, serial entrepreneur, to explore the intersections of superorganisms, technology, and human potential. The ideas presented in Byron's book, serve as a springboard to discuss how evolving technologies shape our future and the unfolding narrative…

1
Breaking Down the State of Austin's Pre-Seed & Seed Funding with Katelyn Donnelly and Rajiv Bala 51:03

1+ y ago51:03

51:03

The impetus for this episode was a recent viral tweet stating that "Austin desperately needs another real pre-seed fund." This sparked fierce debate around the health and scalability of Austin's earliest-stage investing landscape. Looking to settle the controversy, I interviewed two Austin-based VCs laser-focused on pre-seed and seed - Avalanche VC…

1
Plug and Play's Role in Austin's Evolving Innovation Landscape with Kevin Parakkattu, Partner at Plug and Play 50:01

1+ y ago50:01

50:01

As Austin continues to attract leading tech players and establish itself as a magnet for innovation, the role of new entrants becomes increasingly pivotal in shaping its future. In this episode, I talk with Kevin Parakkattu, Partner at Plug and Play, to explore their distinct approach to the entrepreneurial ecosystem. We cover a range of topics inc…

1
From the Archive: Austin's Next Innovation Hub - The Vision Behind the University of Austin with Pano Kanelos 41:42

1+ y ago41:42

41:42

An update since our original episode aired on May 9, 2023: The University of Austin is now accepting applications for their first undergraduate class starting fall 2024. To mark this milestone, we are resharing our interview with founding president Panos Kanelos. The University of Austin is a new and promising institution set to open its doors to f…

1
From the Archive: There’s Always an Us in Austin with Roy Spence, Co-Founder and Chairman of GSD&M and Founder of the Make it Movement 39:28

1+ y ago39:28

39:28

Roy Spence is the co-founder and chairman of GSD&M, an Austin-based advertising agency. With his significant background in the advertising industry, Roy and his team have played a pivotal role in shaping Austin's reputation as a city of ideas and innovation. Roy is also the founder of Make It Movement, a non-profit organization that helps young peo…

1
How My 10-Year-Old Son Became a ChatGPTer 13:02

1+ y ago13:02

13:02

Today I explore how AI is reshaping learning and challenging traditional expertise. Through my own experiences with my 10-year-old son, we'll look at the potential of AI as a new educational frontier. Don't miss this intimate journey into the transformative impact of technology on the next generation. Episode Highlights As new technology empowers n…

1
How Austin Can Write Its Own Innovation Roadmap 17:48

1+ y ago17:48

17:48

In this special solo episode, I dive into what makes Austin not just another 'Silicon Something' and about how we can transform into a generational ecosystem. After defining our region’s superpowers, I introduce a new mental model that synthesizes Austin's eclectic influences, from bleeding-edge technology to advanced manufacturing to the intellect…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Michael Scharf Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen