Shows
Cultureful2 Partners, 1 Family Gathering: Polyamory & Respect – Michelle (Pt 2)How do you bring your whole self to a family function? In the second half of our conversation, Michelle reveals the radical honesty required to integrate her polyamorous and queer reality with her Colombian family roots. From navigating family gatherings with two partners to a tough conversation with her aunt, Michelle shares the pillars of integrity and respect that guide her life.While many choose the path of least resistance, Michelle’s story is a masterclass in bridging cultural and generational gaps without shying away from her true self.In this episode, we...
2026-04-2851 min
CulturefulFlipping the Latino Script: Colombian & Queer – Michelle (Pt 1)“I do it for myself. Because I want to feel confident for me. I could care less about the male gaze. That’s a part of Latino culture that I have flipped.”Michelle identifies as Latina first. She is a 32-year-old creative, and in this first half of our conversation, we trace the roots of her identity from the mountains of Pereira, Colombia to her life today in Atlanta.From the "telenovela" of her first love and the end of a marriage to the intimate beauty rituals she sh...
2026-04-1437 min
CulturefulBONUS: The Wind Down 3 with Willy – The American Blueprint and Costco as DisneylandIn this "Wind Down" bonus session, we step away from the historical timeline to debrief with Willy on the personal "blueprint" that shaped his childhood. From the tactical way his mother navigated American extracurriculars to his surprisingly strong defense of why Costco beats a theme park, this conversation explores the lighter side of the 1.5 generation experience.In This Episode, We Explore:The Reflection: Willy shares why discussing personal culture and childhood feels "fuzzy" compared to the concrete world of science and tech.The American Blueprint: How Willy’s mother used his cousins’ childhoods as a ma...
2026-04-0912 min
CulturefulWilly, Pt. 2: Hagwons, Cultural Brokering, & Science Olympiad | Korean American 1.5 GenIn the second half of our conversation with Willy, a 28-year-old biomedical researcher, we shift from the historical foundations of his family’s past to the lived reality of the 1.5 generation experience. This episode explores the high-stakes world of the South Korean education system and the invisible labor of children who serve as the primary bridge between two cultures.From the late-night intensity of Hagwons to the competitive stage of the Science Olympiad, Willy’s story reveals how external feedback and cultural expectations shape a child’s path toward a career in STEM. We also dive into the co...
2026-03-3142 min
CulturefulWilly, Pt. 1: Korean Church, the Japanese Occupation, & the Grammar of Respect | Korean AmericanIn this episode, we sit down with Willy, a 28-year-old biomedical researcher originally from Sacramento and currently living in Atlanta, to explore a lineage rooted in the resilient history of the Korean Peninsula. From the forced labor of the Japanese occupation to the enduring community structures of the Northern California delta, Willy's story is a map of the 1.5 generation experience. This conversation isn’t just a biography; it’s a deep dive into the historical backdrops of the 20th century—from the systematic linguistic hierarchy of the Joseon Dynasty to the unique community network of immigrant neighborhoods.In T...
2026-03-1746 min
The Asian Madness PodcastUSA Unsolved 16 (CA) - Jenny LinThis episode of Asian Madness covers an unsolved case: USA Unsolved 16 (CA) - Jenny Lin. Join Jess as she investigates this case that remains without answers. If you have any information related to this case, please contact local law enforcement.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
2026-03-1616 min
CulturefulBONUS: Extra Gems with Jin - Elite Training in China & Finding FlowTaking a little extra time this week to get our next full episode ready, so today I’m sharing our first-ever "Extra Gems" bonus segment!In this episode, we’re diving back into my conversation with Jin to share a few stories that were too good to keep in the vault. Jin takes us back to her childhood training at elite youth ping pong centers in Beijing and reflects on the beautiful consistency of her mentor, Uncle George. We also talk about the "flow state" of returning to the sport postpartum and the magic of finding your agil...
2026-03-1010 min
CulturefulJin, Part 3: Family Restaurants, Ping Pong, & Life LessonsIn the final chapter of our journey with Jin, we step behind the counter of the family restaurant and into the world of competitive ping pong. This episode explores childhood as a restaurant kid and treasured moments of quality family time in between whirlwind schedules for parents and children alike. From her parents’ challenging backgrounds, we see the family they were able to build and the people their children grow up to be. And how, though remarkably challenging for immigrant families, Jin was able to build an adult friendship with her parents.In This Episode, We Ex...
2026-02-241h 00
The Holistic Life with Jess Martinez, CHN | For Women in Their 30s & 40s Who Want To Balance Their Hormones, Live Holistically, Build Resilience, & Develop A More Loving Self-Image89. Toxins, Hormones, and Why Context Matters More Than Perfection👋 Hi, there! Do you have a question about a topic covered on this podcast? Click here to send me your question! I'll answer it in an upcoming episode. Include your name and IG handle if you'd like a shout out! You can also use this link to send me a non-question message. 😀 If you’ve ever felt anxious or overwhelmed trying to live low-tox, this episode is for you.We talk about why toxin exposure isn’t as black-and-white as it’s often made out to be, how hormones respond to context and timing, and why trying t...
2026-02-2330 min
CulturefulJin, Part 2: A Blind Date in Chinatown and 150 Pounds of RiceIn Part Two of our journey with Jin, we move from the harrowing escape routes of the 1970s to the vibrant, complex grid of 1980s San Francisco Chinatown. This episode explores the different timelines of the Chinese diaspora—where four-generation American families collided with a new wave of Southeast Asian refugees. We trace a crazy meet-cute that involves a blind date gone wrong, the high costs of long-distance longing, and a relentless pursuit involving 150-pound bags of rice.In This Episode, We Explore:Chinatown’s Linguistic Map: Why 1980s Sa...
2026-02-1040 min
CulturefulJin, Part 1: The Serial Entrepreneurship of Survival | 1960s China & Vietnam“In a world that often feels divided, Cultureful is about the intersections—where we put ourselves in each other’s shoes.”In the Season 3 premiere, we sit down with Jin - a 37 year old, Teochew Chinese American tech product manager from Peoria, IL- to trace a family lineage that spans the specialized merchant guilds of Southeastern China to the high-stakes escape from the outskirts of Saigon. This episode isn't just a survival story; it’s a deep dive into the historical backdrops of the 1970s—from the "Planned Economy" (jìhuà jīngjì) of the Cultural Revolution to the existenti...
2026-01-2938 min
CulturefulSeason 3 Trailer: Bridging Cultures & Building EmpathyCultureful is a project for bridging cultures and building empathy. We’re back for Season 3 on Tuesday, January 27th! New intimate, up-close, and human stories coming your way. I have deep-dive conversations with regular, amazing people about the everyday experiences, traditions, and family histories that connect us all.3 Ways to Join the Global Neighborhood:Subscribe: Hit the "Follow" button so you don't miss our premiere on Jan 27.Watch on YouTube: Experience these stories in video at https://youtube.com/@cultureful?si=oV0E-T7UfcNHKAr3Support the Mission: Become a...
2026-01-2001 min
CulturefulBONUS: 2025 Reflections & Gratitude — Building the Global NeighborhoodIn this 2025 reflection, Cultureful host, Jess Lin, shares a personal update on hosting while healing, navigating a career pivot, and building a global neighborhood. From leaving a decade in Global Health to the realities of independent podcasting, this episode is a sincere thank you to the Founding Friends and neighbors who made this year possible.Support the Neighborhood: We are currently raising funds to help record and preserve more of these vital stories in 2026. If these memoirs have moved you, please consider contributing to our mission: 👉 https://ko-fi.com/culturefulStay Connected: J...
2025-12-3111 min
人生协奏曲EP14: 对话古典音乐营销人Jess:在柏林把音乐会卖到Sold Out，古典音乐营销到底在做什么？聊天的人：Jessie：在柏林的资深古典音乐营销人，曾经就职于古典音乐权威厂牌DG，以及Sony Classical Music。现在柏林一家知名音乐会经纪公司从事音乐会营销Lin: 一位爱听音乐的trader01:08 可以分享一下你的学习经历吗？小提琴、会计、商业、德语……是怎么样的学习路径成为了今天的你？02:45 什么事件或时间点让你放弃成为职业小提琴演奏者？08:55 什么样性格的人适合做古典音乐的marketer呢？09:18 请Jessie分享一下入行经验吧！——通过LinkedIn研究目标公司从业者的专业和履历，大厂牌从业者多是商科、音乐学、音频工程背景，而非纯乐器演奏，于是自身商科背景反而成了优势12:30 真正拿到第一份在Sony的实习是什么样的机缘巧合？15:09 可以给大家分享一下你在label的工作经历吗？DG是大家心目中的权威厂牌呢！20:04 为什么从DG的project manager转到去做音乐会营销呢？20:45请问：做出一场售罄（soldout）的演出有多难？ ——在柏林市场极其难！21:52如何做好新人音乐家的票房推广？ ——最重要的就是行业各方（经纪人、厂牌、经纪公司、PR）需要协同合作，不能各自为战，最终实现共赢24:25 可以悄悄透露一下你合作过最快乐最舒服的经纪人是哪位吗？26:20哪些经纪公司的行为会让你反感？29:42采访类短视频很能刺激购票欲，那么拍摄1-2分钟的音乐家采访视频，需要投入多少时间和人员？ 通常是什么样的流程？42:02 古典音乐行业在数位营销上的发力如何？因为总是感觉行业整体对于营销比较佛系55:07你职业生涯中第一次有惊喜感的项目是什么？ ——DG的“Original Source”系列，将旧黑胶唱片重新母带处理，由柏林知名工作室操刀，品质极高；团队起初没预料到爆火，结果在预售阶段就售罄了58:43在音乐会领域的惊喜案例：俄罗斯钢琴家亚历山大·马洛费耶夫的柏林首秀，各方协同最终取得了sold out的好成绩！01:04:13 除了这些暖心的案例，有没有奇葩的合作故事？01:09:40 以业内视角，年轻音乐家做哪些事会让人反感？请你给年轻的音乐家们避避雷吧！01:18:54 现在的年轻音乐家除了比赛，还有哪些路径可以打出名气？ |01:27:00如果比赛名次不理想，是不是只能靠一场场音乐会积累名声？01:29:46 现在去现场听音乐会，你是会享受还是觉得在工作？ |01:35:29 你同事的里面，有没有专业背景很特别的？ |01:36:58在古典音乐做marketing这个岗位，最重要的能力是什么？ |01:40:07你在柏林生活了很多年，请给大家推荐一些你最喜欢的地方吧！1. 犹太人纪念碑广场；2. 杜斯曼书店（有专门的乐谱部门，书籍种类多，靠近勃兰登堡门）；3. 夏洛腾堡附近的Kantstraße街（亚洲美食聚集地）；4. 柏林国家歌剧院（Staatsoper），听音乐会有复古氛围1:47:00 回答上一位嘉宾的问题~
2025-12-261h 48
CulturefulMartina, African American - Kwanzaa, Southern Roots, & Growing Up in San Francisco👉 Join the circle of Founding Supporters: https://ko-fi.com/culturefulKwanzaa is more than a holiday — it’s a living tradition shaped by family, history, and intention.In this Season 2 finale of Cultureful, Jess Lin sits down with Martina to explore Kwanzaa as a living tradition shaped by family, history, and community. Martina reflects on growing up in San Francisco, her family’s roots in the U.S. South, and how her grandmother’s stories influenced her early student activism and relationship with Black identity.Together...
2025-12-1657 min
CulturefulBONUS: The Wind Down 2 with Joanne - The Galápagos MomentAfter our full interview, Joanne and I sat down for a more relaxed conversation — a space to debrief, unwind, and share a few favorite things. In this bonus “Wind Down” episode, Joanne talks about the surprising through-line she discovered while telling her story, from childhood to her work in belonging and organizational coaching today.We also get into lighter moments: perfectionism, Brene Brown, nostalgic foods, the band Elbow, and the places that hold meaning for her — including an unforgettable trip to the Galapagos Islands that brought her to tears.If you enjoy hearing the human side of...
2025-12-0907 min
CulturefulJoanne, Part 2 - Chinese American: STEM, Identity & Choosing to BelongIn Part 2 of our conversation, Joanne shares how her STEM journey unfolded in ways she never expected—through academic pressure, nonlinear pivots, surprising mentors, and the slow, intentional work of choosing where she belongs.We talk about what it means to grow up under high expectations, nearly failing out of college, rediscovering purpose through neuroscience and teaching, and the moment she finally said: “I get to choose to belong.”This episode is about identity, resilience, and rewriting your story when the old one no longer fits.Watch on Youtube: https://youtu.be/Sdx...
2025-12-0247 min
CulturefulJoanne, Part 1 - Chinese American: Catching Snakes & Camping TripsJoanne shares what it was like growing up as one of the only Chinese American kids in a small upstate New York town—and the year her family moved to Taiwan, placing her in a public school during the height of martial law and anti-communist propaganda. In Part 1, she talks about her parents’ refugee journey from mainland China to Taiwan, learning Mandarin and Bopomofo, and navigating identity, belonging, and culture shock across two countries. This episode explores family history, diaspora, growing up between cultures, and the moments that shaped Joanne’s understanding of who she was.Watch on You...
2025-11-1845 min
In Jess We TrustBuilding Community with Jessica LinJessica Lin started Queer Friendly Fun in LA just 3 years ago. Today, the group has over 8,000 followers on Instagram and multiple events every month. She started this organization with the goal of building community beyond the bar and club scene. Follow the group on Instagram here.Check out their Link Tree here.Submit your questions for the show: https://www.injesswetrust.com/askBe a guest on the show: https://www.injesswetrust.com/guest
2025-11-1426 min
CulturefulBONUS: The Wind Down 1 with Hakim - Healing Out LoudJoin Jess for The Wind Down, a new bonus series from Cultureful — a cross-cultural podcast about how stories shape who we are. In this first ever “after-show,” Jess and Hakim unwind after recording their main episodes to reflect on vulnerability, healing, and the power of storytelling. Hakim shares memories of his grandmother, what “home” means to him, and some of his favorite things — from books and music to nostalgic foods.Support the showConnect with us on Instagram: @thecultureful Website: https://linktr.ee/culturefulCultureful—Culture-F-U-L like beautiful.Thanks for being here!
2025-11-1309 min
CulturefulHakim, Part 2 - Black American: Sweetheart & Highest ConsciousnessJoin us on Cultureful as Hakim Asadi, a Black queer therapist from Upstate New York, shares his journey of growing up queer in a religious community. He opens up about the challenges of navigating faith, family expectations, and shame, and how therapy, self-reflection, and community helped him embrace his authentic self.This episode explores:Growing up queer in church and Black communitiesOvercoming internalized shame and stigmaFinding authenticity, resilience, and self-loveHow childhood experiences shaped his career as a therapist and public speakerIf you’re interested in queer experiences, faith, identity, and mental health, this conversation is...
2025-11-0443 min
CulturefulHakim, Part 1 - Black American: Churches, Cookouts & KickbacksHakim Asadi, a 35-year-old Black American therapist, reflects on his childhood, family, and community, exploring what it was like growing up between the inner city and suburbs. Host Jess Lin dives into his experiences in the church his grandparents founded, formative family moments, and the influences that shaped his curiosity, values, and identity.This first half of a two-part conversation lays the foundation for Hakim’s journey: love, upbringing, and the people who helped him grow and “beat the statistics.” Part 2 continues with his exploration of his faith, queerness, and authenticity.Connect with Hakim at HakimA...
2025-10-2146 min
CulturefulTaryn, Part 2. Mexican American: Silo Parties, Weddings & Día de los MuertosHost Jess Lin continues her conversation with Taryn, a third-generation Mexican American from Northern California. This episode explores cultural identity, heritage language, and how learning traditions like Día de los Muertos can help families reconnect to their roots.Taryn reflects on her parents’ love story, family visits to Mexico, and how her family’s connection to Mexican culture has evolved across generations. Listeners will hear personal stories, insights on volunteering and giving back, plus special musical performances from her father, Ray, and her sister, Lia Rae.With humor, heart, and heritage, this episode highlights the i...
2025-10-0744 min
Spout PodcastJess Val Ortiz: From TikTok to the TheaterContent creator, actor, and Broadway hopeful Jess Val Ortiz joins Erik Zachary for a conversation that’s as funny as it is heartfelt. From viral sketches to real-life auditions for Wicked and Moulin Rouge, Jess opens up about her journey from musical theater student to digital powerhouse — and the grind behind chasing a Broadway dream.
She talks about meeting Lin-Manuel Miranda (yes, it was just as wild as you’d imagine), the balance between authenticity and brand work, and why she uses her platform to speak on serious issues even when it’s not “on trend.” Plus, Jess shares how thera...
2025-10-0638 min
CulturefulTaryn, Part 1. Mexican American: Farmers' Markets & Fur CoatsIn this episode, Jess Lin interviews Taryn, a third-generation Mexican American from Woodland, California and a Returned U.S. Peace Corps Volunteer. Taryn shares powerful stories about her grandparents’ migration from Mexico, their resilience as farmworkers, and the traditions that shaped her family’s life in California’s Central Valley.She reflects on her grandpa Eloy’s journey crossing the border, his time in the Marines, and his role in the Woodland community. On her father’s side, she recalls her grandpa Ramon’s determination as an orphan who built a thriving almond farm and helped start the Davis Fa...
2025-09-231h 02
CulturefulAisha, Part 4. Pakistani American: Eid, Mehndi & MotherhoodIn Part 4 of Aisha’s story, we follow her into adulthood as she marries her husband and begins a new chapter back in Pakistan. She shares the culture shock of adjusting to a different city, trying to break glass ceilings, and the challenges of navigating career and motherhood. Aisha also reflects on her identity as a Muslim feminist, how she celebrates Eid, and what it means to find home across cultures and geographies. This episode explores themes of marriage, motherhood, gender roles, Pakistani culture, feminism, and the evolving search for belonging.Full episode on Youtube: https://youtu.be...
2025-09-0948 min
CulturefulAisha, Part 3. Pakistani American: Be TamedEpisode photo credit: Asher Imtiaz https://www.asherimtiaz.com/In Part 3 of Aisha’s story, we follow her journey through adolescence and young adulthood as she navigates loss, family, and identity. After losing her father during childhood—a central figure in her life and a source of deep love—Aisha grapples with childhood grief, searches for a sense of home, and learns to code-switch between different cultural contexts and varying expressions of Islam across Muslim communities. This episode explores themes of growing up, father-daughter love, childhood bereavement, feminism, belonging, and the complexities of Pakistani American and Muslim identi...
2025-08-261h 02
CulturefulAisha, Part 2. Pakistani American: Dahlias, Dupattas & the Last BornIn this second part of our 4-part conversation, Aisha Sarwari shares vivid stories of her childhood in Uganda as the youngest in her family. She recalls her mother sewing dupattas for her and her sister, the blooming dahlias in their garden, and the deep love she felt for her father. Aisha reflects on her lifelong connection to nature, her gratitude for growing up surrounded by it, and what it meant to be a minority in Uganda in the shadow of historical events like the expulsion of Asians. Through her lens as part of the Pakistani diaspora in Africa, Aisha...
2025-08-1243 min
The Drafting TableThe Truth About Product-Led Growth and How This Company Got It Right, with David Dorman VP Growth at Grafana LabsProduct-led growth (PLG) isn’t just a switch you flip, it’s a strategy that only works when layered with thoughtful go-to-market. David Dorman VP Growth / Self-Service at Grafana Labs, joins The Drafting Table to share what it really takes to scale Product-Led Growth inside a modern SaaS company.In this episode, Jessica Lin and David break down:✅ Why great PLG starts with a product that actually speaks for itself✅ The playbooks Grafana borrowed and rewrote, from DigitalOcean✅ How to balance...
2025-08-0558 minThe Drafting TableWhat Every First-Time Startup Founder Needs to Know, According to Jessica Lin of Work-BenchHow do you know if your idea is strong enough to build a company? When is the right time to raise funding, or hire your first employee? And what actually matters most at the seed stage?In this episode of The Drafting Table, Jessica Lin, co-founder and general partner at Work-Bench, an early stage enterprise software & Saas VC firm in NYC, answers the most frequently asked questions from early-stage founders.From figuring out if you need a co-founder, to founder-led sales, to when to build a prototype, Jessica shares the unfiltered realities of startup life...
2025-07-3038 min
CulturefulAisha, Part 1. Pakistani American: Street Fighter, Parkour & the Original AudiobookIn the Season 2 premiere of Cultureful, host Jess Lin talks with Aisha Sarwari, a 43-year-old Pakistani American women's rights activist, author and public speaker, and corporate communications expert, and public speaker based in Atlanta.Aisha shares about her family’s multi-generational migration story—from India to Uganda and Kenya and eventually to Pakistan and the U.S.—intertwining personal history with major events like India’s Partition and the expulsion of Asians from Uganda. In this episode, she reflects on her parents’ backgrounds and communities. This is the first of a four-part conversation full of insight, co...
2025-07-2949 minCulturefulSeason 2 TrailerTrailer for Season 2, which drops THIS TUESDAY, July 29th, 2025! Interviews of epic family migration stories, exploring identity and love, and much more. Spanning cultures, geographies, and intersecting with historical moments like India's partition.Subscribe now and catch new episodes every other Tuesday.Support the showConnect with us on Instagram: @thecultureful Website: https://linktr.ee/culturefulCultureful—Culture-F-U-L like beautiful.Thanks for being here!
2025-07-2601 minThe Drafting TableWhat does it really take to build and scale a modern healthcare startup in 2025? | Akash Magoon – CEO and Co-founder of Adonis, Trey Holterman – CEO and Co-founder of TennrWhat does it really take to build a fast-growing healthtech startup in one of the most complex industries in the world?In this episode of The Drafting Table, Jessica Lin sits down with Akash Magoon (Co-founder & CEO of Adonis) and Trey Holterman (Co-founder & CEO of Tennr) to unpack the early journeys of two of NYC’s fastest-growing healthcare startups.They talk about the brutal reality of finding product-market fit in healthcare, navigating buyer resistance, building through messy integrations, choosing the right go-to-market strategy, and why saying "yes" too often nearly killed their early momentum....
2025-07-1755 min
Diverse Stories for KidsOnce Upon A Book, by Grace Lin and Kate MessnerAlice loves to imagine herself in the magical pages of her favorite book. So when it flaps its pages and invites her in, she is swept away to a world of wonder and adventure, riding camels in the desert, swimming under the sea with colorful fish, floating in outer space, and more! But when her imaginative journey comes to an end, she yearns for the place she loves best of all.From Caldecott and Newbery Honoree Grace Lin and bestselling author Kate Messner comes a modern folktale about the joy of reading.
2025-07-1706 min
CulturefulStefanee, Filipino and Spanish American: I had a Michael Jackson ChildhoodIn the Season 1 finale of Cultureful, host Jess Lin talks with Stefanee Clontz, a 44-year-old Filipino and Spanish American working mom and Director of Operations at Hydra+, a medical spa in Atlanta.Stefanee shares what she calls her “Michael Jackson childhood,” her evolving connection to her Asian American identity, and how that connection has grown over time. She also opens up about the balance of not only work and family, but also finding time for herself.Thanks for listening to Season 1. Stay tuned—Season 2 is coming soon.Watch the video on Youtube https://youtu.b...
2025-07-121h 00The Drafting TableHow Merge Landed the World’s Biggest Bank, with Shensi Ding, Co-Founder of MergeCan a startup go straight to enterprise and survive? Shensi Ding, Co-Founder at Merge, shares how they scaled from zero to 25,000+ customers by starting enterprise-first, rebuilding their go-to-market team, and why founders should skip SMBs entirely.⏱️ Timestamps3:00 – Merge's origin story and why they wish they started with enterprise sooner8:34 – The case for starting enterprise-first vs selling to startups13:30 – Rebuilding go-to-market: hiring new CRO and team18:00 – Rethinking B2B marketing beyond LinkedIn vibes...
2025-06-1044 minThe Drafting TableThe Hidden Cost of Shipping Fast: How to Prioritize Without Burning Out Your TeamIt’s easy to keep saying yes to new features. It’s a lot harder to say no, especially when the customer is dangling a big contract.In this episode of The Drafting Table, Danielle Leong (CTO at FireHydrant and former engineering leader at Twilio and GitHub) breaks down how to scale product and engineering without running your team into the ground.We dive into the practical tradeoffs every founder faces between building what customers want and maintaining a healthy, high-functioning product team.Together with...
2025-06-0448 minThe Drafting TableHow Do You Find Product-Market Fit When No One Cares Yet? With Kevin Wang, Chief Product Officer at BrazeMost founders think they’ve hit product-market fit. Kevin Wang wants you to prove it.As Chief Product Officer at Braze (NYSE: BRZE), Kevin joined the team in 2012 as an early engineer and helped build the company from near-zero to 2,200+ customers and $500M+ in revenue. In this episode of The Drafting Table, he sits down with Jessica Lin to unpack the messy, unsexy reality of what PMF actually feels like—and why most early teams get it wrong.Together, they break down:The difference between poli...
2025-05-2846 minThe Drafting Table12 Years, 12 Lessons: The Unfiltered Playbook for Emerging VCs, with Jonathan Lehr, Co-Founder/GP at Work-BenchWhat does it really take to raise and run a venture fund from scratch?In this special episode of The Drafting Table, Work-Bench co-founders Jessica Lin and Jon Lehr pull back the curtain on their 12-year journey building one of New York’s most respected enterprise seed funds. They share the lessons they wish someone had told them before they ever raised their first fund—and the painful, tactical, and often hilarious moments that shaped Work-Bench along the way.From getting cold-shouldered by LPs to standing by a tea tabl...
2025-05-1457 minThe Drafting TableHow Great Startups Build Pipeline From Day One, with Alex Rosemblat, Advisor and Former CMO at DatadogMost founders think if they build a great product, the pipeline will magically appear.It won’t.In this episode of The Drafting Table, Alex Rosemblat (Advisor and Former CMO at Datadog) joins us for a tactical breakdown of how startups should actually think about marketing — especially in the early days.We cover:Why “knowing your customer” is a cliché…until you realize you really don’tHow Datadog thought about scoping, focus, and qualifying customers outWha...
2025-05-0758 min
Hot Takes & Deep Dives"Rent" & "Hamilton" Power Producer is a Theater Kid (w/ Jeffrey Seller)Jess is joined by 4x TONY Award winning Broadway producer JEFFREY SELLER, best known for "Hamilton," "Rent," "In the Heights" & "Avenue Q." Topics — his review of "Sunset Blvd," being the creative nurturer and critic to Jonathan Larson & Lin Manuel Miranda, inventing the Broadway lotto system, crippling anxiety of opening night reviews, renovating his dream Upper West Side townhouse & more! Jeffrey Seller's memoir THEATER KID is available now! Jess' docu-series on the history, mystique & lore of Fire Island: Finding Fire Island IG: @jessxnyc
2025-05-0556 min
Emerging Tech Unpacked with Lucy LinOlympic Swimming Tech: How Australia Dominates with AI, Wearables & DataSend us Fan MailHow does Australia, a nation of just 26 million, consistently dominate Olympic swimming?In this episode of Emerging Tech Unpacked, host Lucy Lin sits down with Jess Corones, General Manager of Performance Support and Olympic Campaign at Swimming Australia, to reveal the tech and teamwork powering Australia’s swimming success.Discover the latest innovations - from AI-driven computer vision and wearables in training, to real-time race analysis and cloud-powered decision-making on competition day. Jess shares exclusive insights on how technology is shaping elite athlete preparation, the culture of high performance, an...
2025-05-051h 05The Drafting TableConferences Aren’t a Vibe. They’re a Sales Channel. How to Actually Make Them Worth It, with Amy Holtzman, CMO at CHEQMost founders don’t realize it, but they could be wasting thousands of dollars attending conferences — and getting very little pipeline to show for it.In this episode of The Drafting Table, Amy Holtzman (CMO at CHEQ and former marketing leader at Splash, AlphaSense, and Conductor) breaks down the exact prep, playbook, and post-event tactics her team uses to turn conferences into real revenue.🎙️ Covered live in this episode:How to decide which conferences are worth itCreative ways to show up if you don’t have a booth
2025-04-3056 minThe Drafting TableWhat Founders Don’t Know About QBRs, with Rose Kozar, VP of Client Solutions at Courier HealthMost founders think the sale ends with a signed contract. But according to Rose Kozar, that’s just the beginning.In this episode of The Drafting Table, Rose Kozar—VP of Client Solutions at Courier Health—makes the case that post-sales is the most overlooked growth lever in SaaS. She breaks down how to run high-impact QBRs (Quarterly Business Reviews) that retain customers, unlock expansion, and turn champions into megaphones.We cover:What a QBR actually is (and why most teams get it wrong)
2025-04-2257 minThe Drafting TableThe Tactical Things You Can Do To Amp Up Your Seed Pitch, First Meeting, Data Room, and More, with Daniel ChesleyIn this episode of The Drafting Table, Jess sits down with her teammate, Work-Bench investor Daniel Chesley for a rare behind-the-scenes look at how early-stage VC decisions actually get made.If you’re a pre-seed or seed-stage founder, this is the real talk you’ve been craving—but rarely get from investors.We break down:What separates a great wedge from a forgettable oneWhy your “champagne problem” might not be a real marketHow to package your pitch to stand out in a saturated category
2025-04-1658 minThe Drafting Table“Don’t Hire an SDR Until You’ve Done This” – Alexandra Kane on Founder-Led Sales, Cold Emails & Outbound That WorksMost founders want to hire an SDR as soon as they’ve closed a few deals. Alexandra Kane (VP of Revenue at Chalk) says that’s a massive mistake.In this episode of The Drafting Table, we dive into the tactical truths no one tells you about early-stage sales: how founders should approach cold outbound, when to actually hire an SDR, and why your cold email probably sucks.Alexandra has led GTM at B2B startups across cybersecurity, infra, and dev tools—and she’s seen firsthand what separates real pip...
2025-04-0949 min
CulturefulDenetra, Part 2. Black American: I have to know my purposeJoin Jess Lin in Part 2 of her conversation with Denetra, as they discuss her son DeAndre's life journey from high school graduation to battling cancer. Denetra opens up about DeAndre's work and love life, his fight with osteosarcoma, and the impacts of his illness. She also shares her own experience with grief, healing, and how she channels her energy into projects like Smiley Connections LLC to support other parents who have lost children. Listen to Denetra's story and learn about her efforts to pass a bill for more bereavement leave in Georgia, as well as her dream of organizing...
2025-04-0454 minThe Drafting TableThe Hidden SaaS Metrics That Actually Predict Startup Success, With Michaela LehrMost seed-stage enterprise software founders obsess over topline growth. But the smartest ones? They dig deeper.In this episode of The Drafting Table, Jessica Lin sits down with Michaela Lehr, seasoned CFO and startup finance leader, for a tactical breakdown of the non-obvious SaaS metrics that actually matter.Whether you’re building your first model, navigating messy margins, or just trying to understand what your numbers are really telling you—this is the financial playbook every founder needs.We cover:✅ Why termination-for-convenience clause...
2025-04-0249 min
CulturefulDenetra, Part 1. Black American: DeAndre always had the biggest smileIn honor of Women's History Month, host Jess Lin sits down with Denetra Smiley, a 54-year-old African American medical coder from the Gullah Geechee community, now living in Acworth, Georgia. Denetra shares her personal story, her son DeAndre's story, and her path through grief and healing after DeAndre’s passed from cancer. Denetra speaks candidly about her childhood, the importance of her cultural roots, the example of her parents’ marriage, her experiences raising two sons, and the founding of her support group- Parents who have lost a child/children support group on Facebook, and her business: Smiley Connections LLC, which...
2025-03-2949 minThe Drafting TableProduct Marketing Magic: Launch Strategies That Actually Drive Adoption with Natalie MarcotullioMost SaaS founders get product launches wrong. They think it’s about blasting their features everywhere on Day 1—but the best launches don’t happen in just one day.In this episode of The Drafting Table, I sit down with Natalie Marcotullio, Head of Growth and Product Marketing at Navattic, to break down how to run a product launch that actually works.We cover:✅ Why you shouldn’t launch the day your product is released✅ How to build momentum with a multi-week launch strategy✅ The right way to test messaging before launch day(s)✅ Why your launch should focus on end users, no...
2025-03-2653 minThe Drafting TableHow Founders Can Establish an Effective Operating Rhythm That Scales, With David PolitisYour startup’s biggest risk isn’t running out of money—it’s running out of alignment.In this episode of The Drafting Table, I sit down with David Politis, founder of BetterCloud, to unpack one of the most underrated yet critical skills every founder needs: building an effective operating rhythm.We cover:✅ Why every startup needs a structured operating rhythm (even at 5 people!)✅ How to run all-hands meetings that actually keep teams aligned✅ The CEO’s job as the Chief Repeat Officer and why repetition matters✅ Why investor communication should happen every 2 weeks—not just at board meetings✅ How a single company-w...
2025-03-1953 min
Marketing ATMPolitical Ice Cream, Balls & A $1700 DressFresh from a founders' retreat in the Whitsundays, we're back with our biggest takeaways from four days away. We're talking about Ben & Jerry's, AI hacks, a $1700 dress & picturing your audience in their underwear. A few resources from this episode: Deepseek via Hix.ai BOTIKA HealthLab Leo Lin NatV Basics See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
2025-03-1740 min
CulturefulTina, Part 2. Taiwanese Chinese American: You water it and it growsIn this episode of Cultureful, host Jess Lin continues her conversation with Tina, exploring her experience with intercultural marriage and raising multicultural children. Tina, a Taiwanese Chinese American woman, discusses the cultural differences between her upbringing and her Russian Ukrainian American husband's family. The episode covers how Tina navigated these differences, the challenges of blending their cultural backgrounds, and their parenting styles, which focus on positive discipline, financial literacy, and fostering a love of learning. Tina also shares insights into her family's daily routines, the influence of grandparents, and their efforts to maintain cultural heritage through language and traditions...
2025-02-1149 min
CulturefulTina, Part 1. Taiwanese Chinese American: A cut above the restIn this special bonus episode of Cultureful, host Jess Lin speaks with Tina, a 37-year-old Taiwanese Chinese American tech project manager from Fremont, California. The episode delves into the first half of Tina's life, covering her parents' immigration story from Taiwan, her upbringing, and the background of her family. Tina shares insights about her family's moves from China to Vietnam to Taiwan and eventually to the U.S., and discusses how her parents' cultural backgrounds influenced their lives and hers. The episode also touches on Tina's childhood, her experiences in school, navigating cultural differences, and her relationship with her...
2025-01-2948 minCulturefulAngie, Colombiana: RehacermeEsta entrevista fue grabada en octubre de 2023. En este capítulo, entrevisto a mi amiga Angie G. de Colombia. Ella es abogada y lingüista, actualmente está en un programa de doctorado cerca de San Francisco que combina sus dos carreras para hacer el lenguaje legal más accesible á la gente del común.Mientras se acerca su cumpleaños 40, reflexiona en su vida. Hablamos de su ciudad natal, niñez, viaje personal y profesional, también proyectos nuevos que empieza en su nuevo capítulo de vida. Espero que lo disfruten.¡Gracias por escuchar...
2025-01-211h 01CulturefulAngie, Colombian: Remake myselfThis episode was originally recorded in Spanish in October 2023. Para la versión original de este episodio, que fue grabada en español, regresa al feed y haz clic en el título en español. To share this content with more people, this English version was created with AI tools like Eleven Labs. Though there may be differences in tone and delivery, we hope the message still resonates. In this episode, I interview my friend Angie G. from Colombia. She is a lawyer and linguist, currently in a PhD program in Northern California that combines...
2025-01-2142 min
CulturefulTonisha, Part 2. Black American: Serving in the U.S. Air ForceKeywordsmilitary service, Iraq, personal growth, travel, advice for youth, military experiences, career transitions, life lessons, personal development, military cultureSummaryIn this conversation, Tonisha shares her journey into the military, detailing her enlistment, experiences in Iraq, and the challenges she faced during her service. She reflects on her decision to leave the military, the lessons learned, and offers advice to young people considering military service. Additionally, she discusses her current projects and aspirations, emphasizing personal growth and the importance of making informed choices.Support the showConnect...
2024-12-2638 min
CulturefulTonisha, Part 1. Black American: Serving in the U.S. Air ForceKeywordsidentity, heritage, family stories, military aspirations, Black woman in the military, genealogy, cultural identity, personal history, military experiences, representationSummaryTonisha, 42, explores her identity as a Black American and the rich cultural heritage of her family. She recounts fascinating stories about her grandfather, who influenced her aspirations to join the military. Tonisha reflects on her early career choices, the challenges she faced as a Black woman in a male-dominated military environment, and the importance of representation in various fields. Through her experiences, she highlights the complexities of identity, family...
2024-12-2348 minThe Holistic Life with Jess Martinez, CHN | For Women in Their 30s & 40s Who Want To Balance Their Hormones, Live Holistically, Build Resilience, & Develop A More Loving Self-ImageS1 E14: Build Inner Confidence & Self-Trust One Step at a Time👋 Hi, there! Do you have a question about a topic covered on this podcast? Click here to send me your question! I'll answer it in an upcoming episode. Include your name and IG handle if you'd like a shout out! You can also use this link to send me a non-question message. 😀 In today's episode we dive into the topic of inner confidence. You will:Understand how your thoughts can significantly impact your confidence levels.Learn about the key building blocks that contribute to inner confidence. Discover techniques for shifting...
2024-08-2113 min
TruthWorksBreaking Silence with Elaine Lin Hering Join hosts Patty McCord and Jessica Neal as they chat with author Elaine Lin Hering all about how vital breaking silence is and the power of using your voice. Find out more about Elaine and her book Unlearning Silence here.Do you have an ongoing work issue you need guidance solving? Or maybe you want to know how Patty and Jess would have dealt with a past problem. Share your stories and questions with our producers here.TruthWorks is hosted by Jessica Neal and Patty McCord. The show is edited, mixed and produced by Megan...
2024-07-0947 min
Bird & Bird PodcastsProgress through pride: Episode 1Vincent Rezzouk-Hammachi and Jess Lin talk about navigating the world of business as members of the LGBTQ+ communities – how they overcame their fear of being open at work, what has helped them along the way, and the progress they’d still like to see.
2024-05-3011 min
CulturefulSteve, American and Italian of Chinese descent: Dating and relationshipsThis interview was recorded on June 1, 2022.Steve is a 36 year-old photographer who lives in New York City. He was born in China, raised in Italy, and now lives in the United States. He takes us through his early dating history, reflects on challenges he faced as an Asian male, and shares observations and what he learned along the way.Check out Steve’s photography at Stevegongphoto.com and follow him on instagram @stevegong.If you are interested in a follow-up part two episode with Steve, please send us a mess...
2024-02-171h 14
The Neijiaquan Podcast - An Internal Martial Arts PodcastWu Hui Chuan - Tai Chi Classics and "Listening"We discuss Lin Du Yin's teacher and Yang Cheng Fu's first disciple Wu Hui Chuan. Then we look at the Tai Chi Classics and the concept of "listening" in Tai Chi. Check out our Patreon for extended versions of the episode as well as bonus episodes.
2024-02-1429 minThe Neijiaquan Podcast - An Internal Martial Arts PodcastMore on Tian Zhou Lin and Keeping the Yi in the DantienWe discuss more about the great Tian Zhou Lin and we discuss the Tai Chi Classics and keeping the "Yi in the Dantien" in Tai Chi. Visit our Patreon for extended and bonus episodes.
2024-01-3133 minThe Neijiaquan Podcast - An Internal Martial Arts PodcastOur 100th Episode - Lin Du Yin and Tian Zhou LinFirst we talk about reaching 100 episodes then we discuss Bai Hua's teacher Lin Du Yin and one of his teachers Tian Zhou Lin. Visit our Patreon for extended episode and bonus episodes.
2024-01-1746 min
CulturefulSheng, Taiwanese American: Becoming a hockey reporterThis interview was recorded on May 27, 2022.Sheng is a Taiwanese American from Monterey Park, California who takes on an uncommon career path for Asian Americans and becomes a hockey reporter covering the San Jose Sharks. He shares about his childhood, how his love of sports started early, and his career path. He also reflects on what it was like to be in spaces where he often is the only Asian American in the room. Sheng Peng is the Editor-in-Chief of San Jose Hockey Now at www.sanjosehockeynow.com and hosts the San Jose Hockey Now pod...
2024-01-031h 06The Neijiaquan Podcast - An Internal Martial Arts PodcastWu and Yang Styles for Healing, Lin Du Ying and The Song of the 13 Postures
In this episode we discuss Bruce's use of the Wu style to heal his back after a car accident. Then we talk about his Yang style teacher Lin Du Ying. We also discuss the second verse of the 13 posture song and the concept of the "string of nine pearls".
Visit the Patreon for extended episode and bonus episodes.
2023-12-2031 min
CulturefulSegolene, French American: Growing upSegolene is a 35-year-old French American Hollywood executive and entrepreneur who grew up in California and Texas and now lives in Los Angeles. She reflects on growing up in a French household in the U.S. and navigating two cultures and languages for school, friendship, dating, work, and more.You can support Segolene's business at Mygreengifts.com for ecofriendly gifts and party hosting supplies. Support the showConnect with us on Instagram: @thecultureful Website: https://linktr.ee/culturefulCultureful—Culture-F-U-L like beautiful.Thanks for being here!
2023-11-0941 minCulturefulCultureful (Trailer)This is the trailer for the podcast. Here's the transcript!Cultureful (Trailer)Jess: [00:00:00] Dear listener, hi, I'm Jess. I'm a Taiwanese American, my husband is Sri Lankan Tamil, I'm multilingual, and I'm very interested in culture. I am particularly interested in how people like you and me from different backgrounds and places live their lives. I love hearing about firsthand experiences. In my 20s and early 30s, I had the privilege to live abroad for over seven years in many places ranging from a rural village in Luapula, Zambia, to busy metropolitan Bangkok, f...
2023-11-0202 min
IN DIVINE FLOW - Conscious Motherhood, Soul-Led Business & Aligned Living#272 RESET • die Magie einer Pause
Unser Körper kommuniziert die ganze Zeit mit uns. Es ist die Frage, ob wir uns entscheiden hinzuhören oder die Kommunikation zu ignorieren.
Für dieses wunderbare Thema habe ich, Josephine, meine Embodiment Queen Carolin Körner eingeladen. Wir sprechen über das spannende Thema RESET. Was ist eigentlich ein Reset? Passiert ein Reset auf körperlicher, mentaler oder emotionaler Ebene? Tauche mit uns ein in die Vielfalt eines Resets, über das Wunder, welches entstehen kann, wenn wir einmal pausieren und uns Zeit geben zu verarbeiten. Denn ein Reset bedeutet ganz sicher nicht, dass wir einfach einen Knopf drücken und...
2023-07-0644 min
Aussie Tiny TalesEpisode 23: The Peaceful Pink Cockatoo (when you feel angry)Do you ever feel angry? Don't fret, it's perfectly normal! In fact, it means that something significant is occurring within your emotions. Even the pink cockatoo encounters anger, but fear not, as black cockatoo has some suggestions to assist her in navigating her anger without feeling overwhelmed. Take a moment to tune in and experiment with the strategies proposed by the black cockatoo!💛 Follow & explore more Aussie Tiny Tales:Support the podcast by making a donation on Ko-fi! https://ko-fi.com/aussietinytales📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AussieTinyTales📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/a...
2023-05-3104 min
創業好了沒 Are You ReadyEP112. 二代接班打造奇雞：全台最狂「炸全雞」來囉！✨feat. 桃城雞排 品牌負責人 JessEP112. 二代接班打造奇雞：全台最狂「炸全雞」來囉！✨feat. 桃城雞排 品牌負責人 Jas 📌傳承媽媽的味道，公關型男因為一通電話決定：「我要回家賣雞排！」。 📌當年桃媽為了生計，從一個人、一台攤車、一片雞排開始；交棒二代，開啟經營新模式。 📌超人氣小吃遭遇疫情，順勢推出「台式鹽酥雞」宅配包：家樂福、7-ELEVEN通通都能買的到！ 📌「炸全雞」風靡全台！採現點現炸，需半小時製作；一定要先預約才吃的到。 📌人氣爆棚，炸雞竟然沒有熟？危機變轉機：老闆誠懇彌補，客人暖心安慰。 📌傳統雞排也能很有趣～好吃又有點怪，搭配醬料讓炸雞行銷全世界！ 📌餐飲業不是「賺錢如流水」的暴利行業．有興趣才是成功經營的關鍵。 📌好的產品就能帶來顧客嗎？餐飲業必備求生術：行銷跟產品力，一樣重要。 📌創業成本試算表：食材成本40%、人力30%、店租水電10-15%，要賺錢不容易！ 📌桃城徵求下一個「小吃奇雞」，想加盟的你快聯絡Jess吧！ ✨桃城雞排-官方網站： https://www.taochicken.com/ ✨桃城雞排-LINE＠： https://lin.ee/E48FpSh ✨桃城雞排-Facebook粉絲團： https://www.facebook.com/taochicken2000 ✨桃城雞排-加盟表單： https://lihi1.com/xIUna/Pod 留言告訴我你對這一集的想法： https://open.firstory.me/user/ckqf7ljc6crsp0855l2xt8f3u/comments -------------------------------------------------------- 歡迎想創業、想繼續上班、或想了解各行各業的大家，一起來訂閱收聽。 Powered by Firstory Hosting
2023-05-2344 min
The Home Staging ShowMastering Buying Inventory and Leveraging Your Expenses in Your Home Staging Business with Home Stager Jess HarringtonIn this episode of The Home Staging Show, Jess takes us on her journey of transitioning from working for auction houses and Wayfair to becoming a successful home staging business owner in the Boston area. Jess candidly shares her progress and challenges in running and building her staging business and highlights how having a warehouse space has improved her staging business and profitability. Moreover, Jess offers valuable insights on buying inventory and creating a curated look for her staged homes. She emphasizes the importance of budgeting and tracking expenses and explains how fine-tuning her financial reports and...
2023-04-131h 02
who let the dawgs out17. Jessica RamsesHow we met: Penn
Current whereabouts: Philly
References made in the episode: NEPRI pasta (Jess’s startup, follow their Instagram and LinkedIn), Penn’s Food Innovation Lab, Cairo Egypt (where Jess grew up), VIP-X (accelerator), CPG (consumer packaged goods), founders who started CPG food companies Liquid Death, KIND bar founders, Chobani founder
Cover art: NEPRI pasta startup development
Discussion: running NEPRI startup in Philly, plans this week, how we can best support her venture
2023-04-1136 min
Holistic Business Growth with Jess ParvinHow to Work From Anywhere as a Part-Time or Full-Time Digital NomadAfter recording this episode, I left for Guatemala. The first stop on a 6-month "digital nomad" adventure. For the past few years, I have been living and working abroad for 2-4 months a year, and this year I am extending it to half the year. I frequently get asked how this lifestyle is possible, and in this episode I'm sharing all of my advice, my plans and lots of helpful links for anyone considering living & working abroad! I know that I am SO lucky to have freedom & flexibility in my business and my life as well as t...
2022-10-2436 min
ABOVE THE JPEGABOVE THE JPEG | DAO Talk w/ Jess Sloss From Seed Club - YC for Web3Yes, we have Jess from Seed Club in the house. As one of the most persistent ones in the sector of DAO, Jess has been in the space since everything started and more.
Jess consolidated so much for us in less than 1 hour on his understanding and experiences from working with top DAOs in the world.
Guest Links:
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jesssloss/?originalSubdomain=ca
Twitter: https://twitter.com/thattallguy?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor
Se...
2022-08-0541 min
Book Cougars Podcast: Two Middle-Aged Women on the Hunt for a Good ReadEpisode 154 - Biblio Adventure to NYC and Author Spotlight with Jess MontgomeryA big welcome back to JESS MONTGOMERY! We have a lovely chat about the new entry in her Kinship Series, THE ECHOES: A Novel.
Emily and Chris are both currently reading DEATH ON THE NILE by Agatha Christie for a buddy read with Our Mystery Man, John Valeri. Stayed tuned for our conversation with John about the novel and the new movie adaptation coming up on episode 155.
The big news in our lives is that we FINALLY got to head back to Manhattan for some BIBLIO-ADVENTURING with Aunt Ellen! It was so good to be back in the city that...
2022-04-261h 33
Bent Outta ShapeEp9: Same College Relationships, Boundaries (feat. Jessica Lin & Adam Chen)In this episode, Jess and Adam (Bentley University) discuss with me their experiences being in a same college relationship while also going over ex's, boundaries and red flags.
Hope you enjoy!
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2022-03-2055 min