Best Sand Box Podcasts (2025)

1
Katelin Holloway's Billion-Dollar Box Scores 35:59

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28d ago35:59

35:59

Venture capitalist Katelin Holloway—founding partner at 776— unpacks the new math of sports investing. From incubating Angel City FC and LA Golf Club to why women’s sports offer the biggest upside, Holloway explains where value is created (media, sponsors, merch) and how pay equity should be built from first principles. Plus: the origin of “776,” T…

1
Abhinav Asthana: Building for Developers, Not Headlines 19:11

21d ago19:11

19:11

Postman began as a side project by Abhinav Asthana and his two co-founders, and turned into the most widely adopted API collaboration platform, used by millions of developers worldwide. In this conversation, Abhinav breaks down why developer feedback matters more than early paywalls, how “just ship” beat long strategy decks, and why he’s still bull…

1
Ireland’s Big Bet on Silicon Valley 17:47

1M ago17:47

17:47

Ireland is making an aggressive play to strengthen its ties with the West Coast. IDA Ireland—the nation’s foreign investment agency—has launched a trade mission aimed at securing €250 billion (about $300 billion) in new capital and creating 75,000 jobs over the next five years. Already, a West Coast company opens or expands in Ireland every month, …

1
NEA's Aaron Jacobson on Robotics, AI Startups and Defense Innovation 20:15

2M ago20:15

20:15

NEA partner Aaron Jacobson joins Sand Hill Road to discuss the next wave of robotics and AI — from warehouse automation and drone manufacturing to autonomous construction and defense innovation. Jacobson explains why the future of robotics isn’t humanoids but specialized machines that perform one task perfectly. He shares insights on startups like …

1
How to Train Your Dragon 13:25

2M ago13:25

13:25

Join me for the latest episode of the Half Full Reviews Podcast. I talk all about How to Train Your Dragon, the cartoons, the books, and the live action movie. Join my Discord: https://discord.gg/2Eq4NSueWU Send me an email: [email protected] Visit my website: https://halffullreviews.com/By Half Full Reviews

1
Steven Lee: From Last Kid Picked Up to Earliest Money In 15:19

2M ago15:19

15:19

Steven Lee raised $40 million in five weeks to fund his own venture firm — with just his reputation, network, and a bet on AI. From being the last kid picked up at school to becoming one of Silicon Valley’s earliest investors in breakout companies, Lee shares his journey from his parents’ clothing store in Los Angeles, to Twitter, to launching his …

1
Rehan Jalil's Four Wins and a Vision 18:41

2M ago18:41

18:41

Rehan Jalil has sold three companies. His fourth, Securiti AI, might be his first to go public. A decade after we first met him as the founder of Elastica, Rehan returns to explain why protecting enterprise data is the gateway to unlocking AI’s full potential—and why building companies will always be his passion. From reading market signals to rede…

1
The Meme is the Message: Kanyi Maqubela on Crypto, Culture, and the Future of Value 27:59

3M ago27:59

27:59

Kanyi Maqubela’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary—from fleeing apartheid South Africa as an infant, to living in a homeless shelter in New York City, to becoming a venture capitalist in Silicon Valley. As managing partner at Kindred Ventures, Maqubela sits at the intersection of culture, finance, and technology. In this episode, he talks w…

1
Heavybit Announces Its Largest Raise Yet: $180m 23:08

3M ago23:08

23:08

Scott McGrew sits down with Tom Drummond, co-founder of developer-first VC firm Heavybit, fresh off the announcement of the firm’s fifth fund and second opportunity fund. Drummond explains why the traditional enterprise sales model is fading, and why developers now hold the keys to software adoption. He talks about resisting the temptation of early…

1
Sand Box MMO's like SWG & Dune Awakening 18:50

3M ago18:50

18:50

Join J3di DJ for a discussion on the evolution of Sand Box MMO's throughout the years. I discuss Everquest, Star Wars Galaxies, Eve Online, and Dune Awakening.By Half Full Reviews

1
2025 Summer VC Reading List 8:42

3M ago8:42

8:42

It's our annual tradition—venture capitalists and startup founders share the books that shaped them. From sci-fi and civil rights to artificial intelligence and management, this year's reading list offers insight into the minds of Silicon Valley’s most thoughtful leaders. Highlights include: Master of the Senate by Robert Caro, recommended by Casbe…

1
The Systems Leader vs The Lone Wolf with Robert Siegel 20:32

4M ago20:32

20:32

Stanford lecturer and venture investor Robert Siegel argues the lone-wolf CEO is not just outdated—but dangerous. In this episode, he joins Scott to explain why today's most effective leaders are those who can hold competing truths at once: acting with empathy and accountability, being tactical and strategic, thinking locally and globally. Drawing …

1
From MySpace to Liquid Death: Mike Jones on Building Brands People Love 28:48

4M ago28:48

28:48

(Encore! Encore!) Mike Jones has helped launch some of the most unexpected breakout brands in consumer goods—from canned water with a death metal vibe to subscription underwear and a prayer app. The former CEO of MySpace and founder of Science Inc. joins Sand Hill Road to talk about why creating fans matters more than just getting customers, what h…

1
Practicing Venture Not Performing It: Joseph Alalou’s Outsider Ethos 27:56

4M ago27:56

27:56

Joseph Alalou of Daring Ventures says too many VCs choose "performance" over discovery — prioritizing brand-building over finding overlooked talent. In this episode, he shares how his journey from washing cars at Enterprise to investing in underdog founders shaped his contrarian view of venture capital. We talk about cultural gatekeeping, the myth …

1
Biotech and Bold Bets with Jessica Owens, Inititate Ventures 28:56

4M ago28:56

28:56

Jessica Owens of Initiate Ventures joins Scott McGrew to talk biotech, bold bets, and what happens when venture capital meets whiteboard-stage science. From her early days in a CDC biohazard lab to co-founding an $8 billion cancer detection company, Owens shares inside stories from the front lines of public health and startup investing. It’s a cand…

1
Masha Bucher Day One Ventures 17:00

5M ago17:00

17:00

This week on Sand Hill Road, a remarkable conversation at the kitchen table of Masha Bucher. Scott McGrew talks with the founder of Day One Ventures about her transformation from PR powerhouse to unicorn-spotting investor, the emotional toll of exile from her homeland, and what it means to align your life's work with your deepest values. Sara Bueno…

1
Lori Rosenkopf's Unstoppable Entrepreneurs 16:30

5M ago16:30

16:30

Sand Hill Road Host Scott McGrew speaks with Wharton Vice Dean of Entrepreneurship Lori Rosenkopf, author of Unstoppable Entrepreneurs: 7 Paths for Unleashing Successful Startups and Creating Value through Innovation. They talk about breaking the mold of the "typical" founder, why the median age of successful startup founders is older than you thin…

1
Entrepreneurship through the eyes of Navin Chaddha 24:26

5M ago24:26

24:26

Sand Hill Road Host Scott McGrew spoke with Navin Chaddha, managing partner at Mayfield Fund, to learn more about what the world of entrepreneurship really is. Chaddha has placed in the Top 10 of Forbes' Midas List four times and is hoping to make that list again. Sand Hill Road is hosted by Scott McGrew. Sara Bueno manages NBC Bay Area's digital p…

1
Larry Gadea's startup journey 28:54

5M ago28:54

28:54

Sand Hill Road Host Scott McGrew spoke with Larry Gadea, CEO and founder of Envoy, to learn more about his early days at Twitter, now known as X, and Google and what led him to make the entrepreneurial jump. Sand Hill Road is hosted by Scott McGrew. Sara Bueno manages NBC Bay Area's digital platforms. Stephanie Adrouny is the station's news directo…

1
Bobby Franklin’s unkillable movie monster 23:23

6M ago23:23

23:23

Just like Godzilla and Frankenstein were misunderstood, so is the case with tax breaks on carried interest, according to those who benefit from it. Some would characterize venture capital as a high-risk business, and the economic incentives of carried interest make it worthwhile.Congress has attempted to kill the carried interest tax loophole, but …

1
How AI is transforming the cybersecurity landscape 27:49

6M ago27:49

27:49

There's no shortage of cybersecurity companies, and artificial intelligence continues to help transform that competitive landscape. So, how do investors decide who's worth helping? Casber Wang, a partner at Sapphire Ventures, identifies what's hot in the market now and where there's promise. Sand Hill Road Host Scott McGrew spoke with Wang to learn…

1
Dune Awakening Pre-Orders 25:50

7M ago25:50

25:50

Join DJ and Jarod for a fun discussion on Dune Awakening, Funcom's latest survival MMO game.By Half Full Reviews

1
Diagnosing diseases and saving lives with AI 19:10

7M ago19:10

19:10

Dr. Joshua Reicher, co-founder and CEO of Imvaria, initially missed the opportunity to develop a company similar to DraftKings and instead decided to focus on saving lives. As a serial entrepreneur, he has been committed to using artificial intelligence to improve patient diagnostics since some may not be accurate. Reicher aims to change that, part…

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AI 's role in developing category killer therapeutics 30:16

7M ago30:16

30:16

Dr. Jim Tananbaum, founder and CEO of Foresite Capital, has always had two areas of interest: mathematics and computer algorithms, biology and healthcare. With his passions in mind, he has developed and managed a venture firm with close to $3.5 billion in assets under management. Sand Hill Road Host Scott McGrew spoke with Tananbaum to learn more a…

1
Fungus among us? 'Canadian values' in the Bay Area VC market 27:06

8M ago27:06

27:06

Terry Doyle, managing partner and vice president of Telus Global Ventures, is vocal about spreading the firm's mission, from changing names to understanding how 'Canadian values' play a role in the venture capital market. Sand Hill Road Host Scott McGrew spoke with Doyle, the former senior director of corporate development at Nokia, to learn more a…

1
Why does Steve Vassallo of Foundation Capital choose to invest early? 29:00

9M ago29:00

29:00

Steve Vassallo, a general partner at Foundation Capital, has been known to invest at the intersection of design, technology, and business, but at a very early stage. He said much of it has to do with hearing the lessons of his "helicopter mom," the late Helen Guillette Vassallo, a well-known business professor at Worcester Polytechnic Institute. Sa…

1
A $40 Million Investment in Exploding Kittens 20:24

9M ago20:24

20:24

Exploding Kittens, a kitty-powered version of Russian Roulette, has become a household staple. The company launched on Kickstarter and has never lost its edge. However, despite much success, the company's founding team decided to accept a $40 million investment, which it has yet to use. Sand Hill Road Host Scott McGrew spoke with Elan Lee, the crea…

1
Bay Area Venture Market Remains King 11:36

10M ago11:36

11:36

The state of venture capital appears to be rocky at the moment. A report from PitchBook Data and the National Venture Capital Association highlights potential weakness ahead in the venture industry. The Pitchbook/NVCA Venture Monitor First Look report showed fewer active investors and high deal counts but repeat investing. What does that mean for t…

1
League Legends 2025 Season Updates 44:33

10M ago44:33

44:33

Join DJ and Bucee for another episode on League of Legends Season 2025 changes. We also discuss our favorite League Champions, Ranks, and Playstyle. Thanks for listening! Visit the website @ https://halffullreviews.com/By Half Full Reviews

1
ARK: Survival Ascended - Aberration Map 50:29

11M ago50:29

50:29

We're back with an all new episode dedicated to ARK: Survival Ascended! Join your host DJ and special guest Buccee for a fun discussion of all things ARK. We also discuss Pokemon, Gaming, and League of Legends. Visit us online @ HalfFullReview.com Join our Discord or send us an email.By Half Full Reviews

1
San Francisco's Death is Greatly Exaggerated 14:10

11M ago14:10

14:10

Analysis by SignalFire shows the Bay Area still has more tech than 10 other cities combined. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.By NBC Bay Area

1
Mike Schroepfer is Saving the World, One Big Step at a Time 28:05

12M ago28:05

28:05

The Gigascale founder has big ideas on clean power and clean air. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.By NBC Bay Area

1
Brian Cho is Ready to Play 18:34

1y ago18:34

18:34

Patron Fund's co-founder invests in video games. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.By NBC Bay Area

1
Michael Marks of Celesta Capital 25:07

1y ago25:07

25:07

Marks discusses global supply chains, manufacturing and his stint as interim CEO at Tesla in 2007. This episode was first released on Nov. 22, 2023. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.By NBC Bay Area

1
Rob Smith of M13 23:14

1y ago23:14

23:14

Smith talks about AI company misconceptions and his journey from startup fixer to venture capitalist investor. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.By NBC Bay Area

1
Mike Maples Jr. on Pattern Breakers 21:29

1y ago21:29

21:29

The Floodgate co-founder considers how some startups change the future. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.By NBC Bay Area

1
James Joaquin's World Positive Outlook 32:31

1y ago32:31

32:31

The co-founder of Obvious Ventures gets deep into the science. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.By NBC Bay Area

1
"Astounding and Inevitable": SVB's Second Act 20:49

1y ago20:49

20:49

Silicon Valley Bank's Marc Cadieux examines the bank's past and ponders its future. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.By NBC Bay Area

1
Friends & Family Capital 16:52

1+ y ago16:52

16:52

Colin Anderson funds public safety company Peregrine. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.By NBC Bay Area

1
Scott Beechuk is Bullish on SF 24:36

1+ y ago24:36

24:36

Norwest Ventures announces a new $3 billion fund. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.By NBC Bay Area

1
2024 VC Reading List 14:51

1+ y ago14:51

14:51

Favorite books from leaders on Sand Hill Road. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.By NBC Bay Area

1
GV's Frédérique Dame's "win win win approach" 18:25

1+ y ago18:25

18:25

Dame on women's health, her path as an immigrant and "living elegantly." Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.By NBC Bay Area

1
Samyr Laine's Celebrity Investments 27:04

1+ y ago27:04

27:04

Laine is an investor, Olympic athlete and Mark Zuckerberg's college roommate. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.By NBC Bay Area

1
Liquid Death and Dollar Shave Investor Mike Jones 28:45

1+ y ago28:45

28:45

Jones is founder of studio and venture fund Science Inc. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.By NBC Bay Area

1
The Godfather of Israeli Cybersecurity 14:18

1+ y ago14:18

14:18

Shlomo Kramer created Check Point and now Cato Networks. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.By NBC Bay Area

1
Every Pokemon Game Ever 1:11:24

1+ y ago1:11:24

1:11:24

Join us for episode 42 of the Half Full Reviews Podcast! DJ and Will discuss every main series Pokemon game ever made. From Pokemon Red/Blue to Scarlet/Violet, we cover them all. We talk about our favorite Pokemon, games, Mega Evolutions, and more in this hour-long episode. Need a website or marketing services? Visit HalfFullMarketing.site! Want to…

1
Elad Gil: The Most Sought-After Angel Investor in the Valley 10:59

1+ y ago10:59

10:59

Gil was some of the first money into Airbnb, Stripe and Pinterest. This episode was first released on February 12, 2019. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.By NBC Bay Area

1
Bornstein's Rule of 30 18:21

1+ y ago18:21

18:21

Investor Howard Bornstein on shaking up industries. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.By NBC Bay Area

1
Popular eSports Games of 2024 30:13

1+ y ago30:13

30:13

Join host DJ and special guest Will as they discuss the most popular eSports games of 2024. Be sure to check out our website: https://halffullreviews.com/ You can find Will and the Big Dub Gaming community at: https://bigdubgaming.com/ Did we mention your favorite eSports games? Have a question or topic for us? Email DJ directly at: ZaunerDarin@gma…

1
The Skinny With TPB's Bharat Vasan 25:36

1+ y ago25:36

25:36

Vasan's experience with Ozempic and how GLP-1s may affect the food industry. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.By NBC Bay Area