Best Unstack Podcasts (2025)

1
Francois Mazoudier: Process beats charisma - fundraising in 2025 45:50

Play Pause

6d ago45:50

45:50

In this episode of Nothing Ventured, I’m joined by Francois Mazoudier, serial entrepreneur and seasoned investor, to tackle one of the biggest myths in fundraising: that charisma alone wins capital. As we enter 2025, the truth is clearer than ever — process beats charisma.François shares candid insights on:Why founders must master process-driven fu…

1
Wonderful! 391: All Pothole Tour of Huntington 31:55

8m ago31:55

31:55

Griffin's favorite game that requires no arena or balls! Rachel's favorite squished-together treat! Music: “Money Won’t Pay” by bo en and Augustus – https://open.spotify.com/album/7n6zRzTrGPIHt0kRvmWoya Border Angels: https://www.borderangels.org/By Griffin & Rachel McElroy

1
🌐 Cybersecurity Unmasked 🌐 EP 25: TELUS's $70 Billion Investment: Opportunities and Challenges 14:54

1h ago14:54

14:54

Telus just announced a massive $70 billion investment in Canada's digital infrastructure over the next few years. In this episode of Cybersecurity Unmasked, we unpack what this means for small and medium-sized businesses—the opportunities are huge, but so are the cybersecurity risks. This infrastructure boom promises faster fiber networks, rural co…

1
Biotech vs. AI: Why Venture Capital is Shifting Focus 16:31

13d ago16:31

16:31

Welcome to this month's episode of Nothing Ventured! Join Aarish as we explore the most revealing developments in the world of venture capital and AI investment for September 2025.In this episode, we dive deep into NVIDIA's staggering £2 billion commitment to UK startups and what it really means for the future of AI. We discuss the implications of …

1
🌐 Cybersecurity Unmasked 🌐 EP 24: Canada's $10.3M Cybersecurity Cooperation Fund 16:14

7d ago16:14

16:14

Canada just committed $10.3 million to cybersecurity innovation through the CSCP 2025 program. In this episode of Cybersecurity Unmasked, we explain what this federal funding means for Toronto businesses and how to position yourself for the next application cycle. The threat landscape is exploding—ransomware victims jumped 67% in early 2025, with c…

1
Wonderful! 390: We'll Smell Some Ice Bags and Get Back to You 34:55

7d ago34:55

34:55

Rachel's favorite wondrous poet! Griffin's favorite bone puzzles! Music: “Money Won’t Pay” by bo en and Augustus – https://open.spotify.com/album/7n6zRzTrGPIHt0kRvmWoya Border Angels: https://www.borderangels.org/By Griffin & Rachel McElroy

1
Enis Hulli: Emerging Europe builds US native unicorns 59:02

20d ago59:02

59:02

In this episode of Nothing Ventured, host Aarish Shah welcomes Enis Hulli, a general partner at E2VC, an early-stage venture fund focused on supporting founders from emerging Europe. Enis shares insights from his journey in venture capital, detailing how his experience with 500 Startups helped him navigate the complexities of fund management, from …

1
Wonderful! 389: The Hot Smell of Beefy Chilli 30:12

14d ago30:12

30:12

Griffin's favorite time-traveling device! Rachel's favorite personal hangout space! Music: “Money Won’t Pay” by bo en and Augustus – https://open.spotify.com/album/7n6zRzTrGPIHt0kRvmWoya Equality Florida: https://www.eqfl.org/By Griffin & Rachel McElroy

1
Joe Knowles: Can Europe’s physical infrastructure keep up with its ambitions 1:11:24

27d ago1:11:24

1:11:24

In this episode of Nothing Ventured, host Aarish Shah welcomes Joe Knowles, a partner at Smedvig Capital. Joe shares insights from his diverse background as an Airbus engineer, investment banker, and startup founder. He discusses Smedvik's unique approach to venture capital, emphasizing patient capital and a focus on integrity and founder trust rat…

1
Wonderful! 388: Our Favorite Austin Stuff, Live! 34:19

21d ago34:19

34:19

Griffin's favorite community! Griffin's favorite social nicety! Rachel's favorite amateur performance space! Griffin's favorite ochre nectar! Griffin's favorite civic perk! Rachel's favorite local poet! Griffin's favorite tiny parking lot! Griffin's favorite hottest coolest place! Rachel's favorite moral center! Griffin's favorite way to cram in ar…

1
Aarish Shah: Innovating for Impact: Insights from Venture Capital Leaders 16:32

1M ago16:32

16:32

On this episode of Nothing Ventured, Aarish is joined by leading voices in venture capital — each bringing their own unique story, perspective, and vision for the future of investing.Timestamps:00:00:00 - Introduction to Nothing Ventured Podcast00:00:10 - Quick Fire with Irena Spatzapan00:01:15 - Systemic Capital Overview00:01:44 - Exciting Compani…

1
Wonderful! 387: Whoops Wong Wondies 37:55

28d ago37:55

37:55

Rachel's favorite in-touch and honest writer! Griffin's favorite preposterously intricate machine! Music: “Money Won’t Pay” by bo en and Augustus – https://open.spotify.com/album/7n6zRzTrGPIHt0kRvmWoya Equality Florida: https://www.eqfl.org/By Griffin & Rachel McElroy

1
🌐 Cybersecurity Unmasked 🌐 EP 23: Zero-Trust Security Halts Ransomware Attack for Toronto Law Firm 13:26

1M ago13:26

13:26

A Toronto law firm just proved that the right cybersecurity setup can turn a potential $5 million disaster into a 5-minute win. In this episode of Cybersecurity Unmasked, we dive into the real case study that shows why zero-trust security isn't just tech buzzwords it's what saved this 30-attorney firm from complete devastation. Here's what happened…

1
Aarish: What moves them most 8:31

1M ago8:31

8:31

In this thought-provoking episode, Aarish shares deep concerns about the future of humanity, expressing fears over influential figures like Donald Trump, Putin, and Netanyahu, whom they view as emblematic of our darker animal instincts. The discussion emphasises the ongoing battle between our primal nature and our humanity. Drawing inspiration from…

1
🌐 Cybersecurity Unmasked 🌐 EP 22: Rogers Satellite: Toronto Business Connectivity and Resilience 16:33

1M ago16:33

16:33

What happens when your Toronto business operations extend beyond reliable cell coverage? In this episode of Cybersecurity Unmasked, we explore how Rogers' new satellite service is transforming business connectivity and resilience across the GTA and beyond. This isn't just about getting signal in cottage country—it's about fundamentally changing how…

1
Aarish Shah: Contrarian Opinions 22:00

2M ago22:00

22:00

In this thought-provoking episode, Aarish explores the concept of self-determinism and the chemistry of decision-making. They question the common narrative that attributes success solely to tenacity and drive, examining the role of luck and external circumstances in shaping our lives. Through insightful reflections, the discussion delves into how f…

1
Wonderful! 386: Coming Back to Hooty-Hoo 30:07

1M ago30:07

30:07

Griffin's favorite little fun breaks from frustrating RPGs! Rachel's favorite Napoleon-loved grocery store staple! Music: “Money Won’t Pay” by bo en and Augustus – https://open.spotify.com/album/7n6zRzTrGPIHt0kRvmWoya World Central Kitchen: https://wck.org/By Griffin & Rachel McElroy

1
Wonderful! 385: Who's My Big Honey Guy 41:02

2M ago41:02

41:02

Rachel's favorite experience-documenting poet! Griffin's favorite breathtakingly evocative folk musician! Music: “Money Won’t Pay” by bo en and Augustus – https://open.spotify.com/album/7n6zRzTrGPIHt0kRvmWoya World Central Kitchen: https://wck.org/By Griffin & Rachel McElroy

1
Harry Morgan: Unstacking the deck - On Social Mobility and Venture 1:04:54

2M ago1:04:54

1:04:54

In this episode of Nothing Ventured, host Aarish Shah sits down with Harry Morgan, principal at 7% Ventures, to explore the complexities of investing in climate and deep tech startups. Harry, a former founder turned investor, discusses the challenges of tackling world-shaping problems and the often uncomfortable realities of venture capital, includ…

1
Wonderful! 384: A Dip into BIP 41:16

2M ago41:16

41:16

It's Wonderful's once-a-year dip back into the murky waters of summertime funtime reality dating shows! Music: “Money Won’t Pay” by bo en and Augustus – https://open.spotify.com/album/7n6zRzTrGPIHt0kRvmWoya World Central Kitchen: https://wck.org/By Griffin & Rachel McElroy

1
🌐 Cybersecurity Unmasked 🌐 EP 21: Securing Remote Work for Toronto Law Firm with Azure & Microsoft 365 6:47

2M ago6:47

6:47

In this episode, we explore a real-world transition to remote work, inspired by our blog, Case Study: Office to Remote Work. Learn how reliable managed IT services and comprehensive managed IT services ensure a smooth and secure shift.By ITBizTek

1
Andrea Isoni: CFOs - You're Safe from AI - For Now 1:18:56

2M ago1:18:56

1:18:56

In this episode of Nothing Ventured, host Aarish Shah sits down with Dr. Andrea Isoni, Chief AI Officer at AI Technologies and lead author of the influential State of AI report. Together, they dive into the often misunderstood world of artificial intelligence, exploring its practical applications and the potential pitfalls that accompany its use. A…

1
Wonderful! 383: The Beef Will Go Wherever It Wants To 37:25

2M ago37:25

37:25

Griffin's favorite syntactically ugly comment on automation! Rachel's favorite secret house of wonders and weird stuff! Music: “Money Won’t Pay” by bo en and Augustus – https://open.spotify.com/album/7n6zRzTrGPIHt0kRvmWoya World Central Kitchen: https://wck.org/By Griffin & Rachel McElroy

1
🌐 Cybersecurity Unmasked 🌐 EP 20: Eliminating Productivity Bottlenecks Caused by Outdated Tech 19:05

3M ago19:05

19:05

In this episode of Cybersecurity Unmasked, we tackle how outdated tech slows your team down, inspired by our blog, Eliminating Productivity Bottlenecks. Discover how reliable managed IT services and comprehensive managed IT services can restore efficiency.By ITBizTek

1
Dan Pandeni Idhenga: LVCN - Bringing Good Vibes to Venture 1:00:22

3M ago1:00:22

1:00:22

In this episode of Nothing Ventured, host Arish Shah sits down with DDan Pandeni Idhenga, co-founder of the London Venture Capital Network, one of the fastest-growing venture communities in the UK. Dan shares his diverse journey from Namibia to New York and London, with experiences at J.P. Morgan, AIG, and successful startups like Confirm. The conv…

1
Wonderful! 382: Consider Yourselves Invited, Vampires 25:44

2M ago25:44

25:44

Rachel's favorite car rebus! Griffin's favorite game-building platform! Music: “Money Won’t Pay” by bo en and Augustus – https://open.spotify.com/album/7n6zRzTrGPIHt0kRvmWoya Immigrant Defenders Law Center: https://www.immdef.org/By Griffin & Rachel McElroy

1
Aarish: Risk, Resilience & Reinvention 6:28

3M ago6:28

6:28

In this episode of Nothing Ventured, Aarish dives into the theme of Risk, Resilience, and Reinvention—three forces shaping the future of tech right now. Over the past month, we’ve witnessed a sharp divergence across the industry: while crypto infrastructure is quietly being rebuilt behind the scenes, the creator-platform playbook is showing signs o…

1
Marcus Clover: From Fuel Cell Technology to a VC Fund 58:08

3M ago58:08

58:08

In this episode of Nothing Ventured, host Aarish Shah welcomes Marcus Clover, co-founder of Energy Revolution Ventures (ERV). They delve into ERV's mission to accelerate the transition from carbon-heavy energy systems to renewable electrochemical solutions. With a team boasting seven PhDs and three professors, ERV combines deep technical expertise …

1
Wonderful! 381: No Links, Just Life 29:27

3M ago29:27

29:27

Griffin's favorite quotable fouth-wall-breaking film! Rachel's favorite not quite in the right demographic artist! Music: “Money Won’t Pay” by bo en and Augustus – https://open.spotify.com/album/7n6zRzTrGPIHt0kRvmWoya Immigrant Defenders Law Center: https://www.immdef.org/By Griffin & Rachel McElroy

1
Irena Spazzapan: Is VC still hiding behind the power law? 49:17

3M ago49:17

49:17

In this episode of Nothing Ventured, host Ari Shah welcomes Irena Spazzapan, Managing Partner at Systemic Capital, a venture capital fund focused on addressing planet-scale challenges through technology. Irena shares her journey from Goldman Sachs to venture building, emphasising the importance of software-first, asset-light models in tackling clim…

1
Wonderful! 380: Puppies Up, Low Recline 31:03

3M ago31:03

31:03

It's time for some favorite casual chats and summertime small wonders! Obvious phone games! Sticky summer snacks! Babies learning to talk to you! Three-named game show hosts! Easier chores! Music: “Money Won’t Pay” by bo en and Augustus – https://open.spotify.com/album/7n6zRzTrGPIHt0kRvmWoya Immigrant Defenders Law Center: https://www.immdef.org/…

1
🌐 Cybersecurity Unmasked 🌐 EP 19: Unstacking IT Costs: Strategic Solutions for Business Growth 18:44

3M ago18:44

18:44

In this episode, we explore hidden costs in your IT stack, inspired by our blog, IT Stack Costing You More Than You Think. Learn how our reliable managed IT services and comprehensive managed IT services can help you save and scale smarter.By ITBizTek

1
Aarish Shah: News Episode 10:32

3M ago10:32

10:32

In this episode of Nothing Ventured, host Aarish dives into the latest trends and insights from the venture capital landscape as of June 2025. He reflects on the significant developments in Q4 2024 and Q1 2025, highlighting Nvidia's remarkable performance, which saw revenue soar to $39 billion and $44 billion in consecutive quarters. Despite facing…

1
🌐 Cybersecurity Unmasked 🌐 EP 18: Warehouse WiFi Renovation: Faster, Smarter Networks 18:44

3M ago18:44

18:44

In this episode, we cover how to fix warehouse Wi-Fi problems with faster networks, inspired by our blog, Fixing Warehouse WiFi Woes. Learn how complete system monitoring services and comprehensive managed IT services keep your operations running smoothly.By ITBizTek

1
Wonderful! 379: Alternate Suite of Etiquette Expectations 32:08

3M ago32:08

32:08

Rachel's favorite donut-adjacent poet! Griffin's favorite outdoor sandy entertainment zone! Music: “Money Won’t Pay” by bo en and Augustus – https://open.spotify.com/album/7n6zRzTrGPIHt0kRvmWoya Immigrant Defenders Law Center: https://www.immdef.org/By Griffin & Rachel McElroy

1
Oli Harris: From poker chips to portfolio cos 1:05:21

4M ago1:05:21

1:05:21

In this episode of Nothing Venture, host Aarish Shah sits down with Oli Harris, a partner at Dream Ventures, to explore the intriguing parallels between poker and venture capital. Oli shares his background as an entrepreneur and discusses the unique approach Dream Ventures takes in investing, leveraging a gambler's instinct to identify elite techno…

1
Varun Rekhi: The Roaring 20s Mentality: How Europe Can Celebrate Success in Tech 1:01:53

4M ago1:01:53

1:01:53

In this episode of Nothing Ventured, host Aarish Shah welcomes Varun Rekhi:, a growth investor at Speed invest, to discuss the evolving landscape of venture capital in Europe. Varun shares insights on why he believes Europe's flywheel is broken, highlighting that the continent faces an output problem rather than an input problem. He emphasises the …

1
Wonderful! 378: Boss Socks Energy 32:58

4M ago32:58

32:58

Griffin's favorite sometimes-haunted shield from the weather! Rachel's favorite repurposed building! Music: “Money Won’t Pay” by bo en and Augustus – https://open.spotify.com/album/7n6zRzTrGPIHt0kRvmWoya Transgender Law Center: https://transgenderlawcenter.org/By Griffin & Rachel McElroy

1
Aly Madhavji: Blockchain Beyond the Hype 1:10:01

4M ago1:10:01

1:10:01

In this episode of Nothing Ventured, host Aarish Shah welcomes Aly Madhavji, managing partner at Blockchain Founders Fund, to discuss the evolving landscape of Web3. They delve into the importance of addressing consumer skepticism and the need for effective education about Web3 technologies. Aly shares insights on how to onboard millions of users s…

1
Wonderful! 377: Avocado Lube 34:18

4M ago34:18

34:18

Rachel's favorite musical artist with a famous ostinato! Griffin's favorite meditation on captive-market capitalism! Music: “Money Won’t Pay” by bo en and Augustus – https://open.spotify.com/album/7n6zRzTrGPIHt0kRvmWoya Transgender Law Center: https://transgenderlawcenter.org/By Griffin & Rachel McElroy

1
🌐 Cybersecurity Unmasked 🌐 EP 17: Correcting Tech Budgeting Mistakes for Growing Businesses 20:56

4M ago20:56

20:56

In this episode of Cybersecurity Unmasked, we dive into what growing businesses get wrong about tech budgeting, inspired by our blog, Tech Budgeting Mistakes. Discover how seamless cloud solutions and comprehensive managed IT services can maximize your ROI.By ITBizTek

1
Alvaro Alvarez del Rio: Legacy and the franchise value of your VC matters 1:00:33

4M ago1:00:33

1:00:33

In this episode of Nothing Ventured, host Aarish Shah welcomes Alvaro Alvarez del Rio, founder of Boost Capital Partners. Alvaro shares insights from his extensive experience in venture capital, having invested in over 120 software startups with a total exit value exceeding $10 billion. The discussion focuses on how Boost Capital leverages gaming p…

1
Wonderful! 376: The Big Lady Theory 33:40

4M ago33:40

33:40

Griffin's favorite specifically nostalgic way of relaxing! Rachel's favorite unanimous audience reaction! Music: “Money Won’t Pay” by bo en and Augustus – https://open.spotify.com/album/7n6zRzTrGPIHt0kRvmWoya Transgender Law Center: https://transgenderlawcenter.org/By Griffin & Rachel McElroy

1
🌐 Cybersecurity Unmasked 🌐 EP 16: Email Legacy to Microsoft 365 Business Upgrade 18:29

4M ago18:29

18:29

In this episode of Cybersecurity Unmasked, we explore how to modernize outdated email systems, inspired by our blog, Transforming a Legacy Email System. If you're looking for a reputable IT Company or need reliable IT support services for Microsoft Products, this episode is for you.By ITBizTek

1
Roger Wade: Streetwear, street food, and the streets of South London 1:10:21

5M ago1:10:21

1:10:21

In this episode of Nothing Ventured, host Aarish Shah sits down with Roger Wade, the visionary founder behind Boxfresh and Boxpark, two iconic British brands. Roger shares his inspiring journey from humble beginnings on a South London council estate to building successful companies, including scaling Boxpark into a cultural landmark in East London.…

1
Wonderful! 375: Brand! Brand! Brand! Brand! 34:41

4M ago34:41

34:41

Rachel's favorite controversial music! Griffin's favorite new story in a familiar universe! Music: “Money Won’t Pay” by bo en and Augustus – https://open.spotify.com/album/7n6zRzTrGPIHt0kRvmWoya Center for Reproductive Rights: https://reproductiverights.org/By Griffin & Rachel McElroy

1
Alex Theuma & Kenneth Thomas: Evolving from Community to Capital, SaaStock to BackFuture 47:38

5M ago47:38

47:38

In this episode of Nothing Ventured, host Aarish Shah welcomes Alex Theuma, founder and CEO of SaaStock, and Kenneth Thomas, Principal at BackFuture Ventures. They delve into the importance of building a strong network over a decade to successfully launch a venture capital firm like BackFuture. The conversation touches on the qualitative aspects of…

1
Jay Gujral: From Founder to Venture and Back Again 32:03

5M ago32:03

32:03

In this episode of Nothing Ventured, host Aarish Shah welcomes back repeat founder, angel investor, and blockchain expert Jay Gujralfor the second part of their insightful conversation. Jay shares his entrepreneurial background, discussing how both of his parents were involved in business, including his father's art shop, Athena. The discussion del…

1
Wonderful! 374: Jonesin for Married Content 33:51

5M ago33:51

33:51

Griffin's favorite character story arc! Rachel's favorite vocal affectation! Music: “Money Won’t Pay” by bo en and Augustus – https://open.spotify.com/album/7n6zRzTrGPIHt0kRvmWoya National Immigration Project: https://nipnlg.org/By Griffin & Rachel McElroy

1
🌐 Cybersecurity Unmasked 🌐 EP 15: IT Security Mistakes to Avoid 13:29

5M ago13:29

13:29

In this episode of Cybersecurity Unmasked, we cover common IT security mistakes small businesses make, inspired by our blog, Top IT Security Mistakes. Learn how our trusted Managed IT Services Toronto and professional IT company support can keep your business safe.By ITBizTek