The Impact Founder Podcast: The Stories That Built Us
The Impact Founder Podcast: The Stories That Built Us
Podcast Description
Resiliency isn’t just about the wins—it’s about what it takes to keep going.
The Impact Founder Podcast, hosted by Kristin Darga and Travis Bockenstedt, takes you deep into the real, raw, and often untold stories of exceptional leaders—founders, executives, and visionaries—who have faced daunting challenges, adapted under pressure, and emerged stronger.
In every episode, we pull back the curtain on the pivotal moments that define resilience. We explore the struggles, the failures, the doubts, and the breakthroughs that come with the journey of building something meaningful. This isn’t just about success—it’s about the real cost of leadership, the emotional toll, and the grit required to push through adversity.
Presented in a dynamic, radio-style format, the show blends in-depth storytelling with expert interviews, making for a listening experience that is both compelling and insightful. As experienced journalists and business leaders, Kristin and Travis bring their sharp interviewing skills, deep curiosity, and passion for powerful narratives to each episode. Their background in storytelling allows them to uncover the truths that many entrepreneurs and executives don’t often share—the hidden struggles, the mindset shifts, and the unfiltered realities of what it means to lead through uncertainty.
Why Listen?
Immersive storytelling: We don’t just tell stories—we bring them to life. With gripping narratives, archival audio, and firsthand accounts, we take listeners into the defining moments of leaders who refused to quit.
Honest conversations: No sugarcoating here. Our guests share their hardest moments—bankruptcy, burnout, betrayal, and the lessons they learned the hard way.
Tactical insights: More than inspiration, this podcast provides real-world strategies for navigating setbacks, making tough decisions, and leading through chaos.
Diverse perspectives: We feature a broad range of voices—from tech startup founders and non-profit leaders to corporate executives and creative entrepreneurs—each with unique experiences and insights into what it takes to build something that lasts.
Whether you’re in the trenches of building a business, leading a team through uncertainty, or simply looking for stories of resilience and grit, the Impact Founder Podcast is here to remind you that you’re not alone.
This is the podcast for those who refuse to give up.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast dives into themes around resilience in various fields, including sports, performing arts, and entrepreneurship, with episodes highlighting personal journeys of overcoming adversity, such as a Super Bowl champion's transition to mentorship and creators adapting to industry challenges.
Resiliency isn’t just about the wins—it’s about what it takes to keep going.
The Impact Founder Podcast, hosted by Kristin Darga and Travis Bockenstedt, takes you deep into the real, raw, and often untold stories of exceptional leaders—founders, executives, and visionaries—who have faced daunting challenges, adapted under pressure, and emerged stronger.
In every episode, we pull back the curtain on the pivotal moments that define resilience. We explore the struggles, the failures, the doubts, and the breakthroughs that come with the journey of building something meaningful. This isn’t just about success—it’s about the real cost of leadership, the emotional toll, and the grit required to push through adversity.
Presented in a dynamic, radio-style format, the show blends in-depth storytelling with expert interviews, making for a listening experience that is both compelling and insightful. As experienced journalists and business leaders, Kristin and Travis bring their sharp interviewing skills, deep curiosity, and passion for powerful narratives to each episode. Their background in storytelling allows them to uncover the truths that many entrepreneurs and executives don’t often share—the hidden struggles, the mindset shifts, and the unfiltered realities of what it means to lead through uncertainty.
Why Listen?
Immersive storytelling: We don’t just tell stories—we bring them to life. With gripping narratives, archival audio, and firsthand accounts, we take listeners into the defining moments of leaders who refused to quit.
Honest conversations: No sugarcoating here. Our guests share their hardest moments—bankruptcy, burnout, betrayal, and the lessons they learned the hard way.
Tactical insights: More than inspiration, this podcast provides real-world strategies for navigating setbacks, making tough decisions, and leading through chaos.
Diverse perspectives: We feature a broad range of voices—from tech startup founders and non-profit leaders to corporate executives and creative entrepreneurs—each with unique experiences and insights into what it takes to build something that lasts.
Whether you’re in the trenches of building a business, leading a team through uncertainty, or simply looking for stories of resilience and grit, the Impact Founder Podcast is here to remind you that you’re not alone.
This is the podcast for those who refuse to give up.
Rooted in Resilience: Small Biz in a Global Trade Tug-of-War — our latest series on The Impact Founder Podcast: The Stories That Built Us — dives into how founders are navigating the ripple effects of global tariffs and trade tensions.
On Episode 6 we’re spotlighting two founders who are challenging the status quo in big ways:
Jacqueline Ros Amable[CEO & Cofounder Matereal is on a mission to detoxify and decarbonize plastic supply chains—starting with textiles. With cofounder Dr. Philip Pienkos, they’re bringing together breakthrough chemistry and AI to tackle toxic plastics. Her background spans Techstars, Venture for ClimateTech, and building safety tech at Revolar—she’s a force of nature, and her story will inspire anyone working at the intersection of innovation and sustainability.
🛏️ Colin McIntosh, CEO & Founder of Sheets & Giggles, self-described “despotic ruler” of the world’s sheetiest company, has turned soft goods into serious business. From a $284K Indiegogo campaign to being featured on Good Morning America, his company has earned accolades for innovation, impact, and cozy sleep. And, oh yeah—he’s hilarious.
This episode is real, raw, and full of lessons for anyone building something bold in a world that’s constantly shifting.
Tune in and follow us for the full series if you’re curious about how global trade impacts your business more than you think.
Disclaimer
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