Episode 68 is a full‑on Hotshot takeover of the Podcast Stage at Boston Startup Week 2026 — two jam‑packed parts featuring six incredible guests, real‑time insights, and the kind of energy you only get from a live audience of founders, creators, and innovators.

This is one of our most dynamic episodes ever.

We kick things off with Sue Wei from Magic Promotions, who breaks down how promotional products — when used strategically — can elevate your brand, deepen customer loyalty, and turn everyday items into powerful marketing tools.

Next, we sit down with Nick Anderson, whose career spans Shipyard Software, VaynerX, VeeFriends, and high‑stakes startup operations. Nick shares lessons from supporting a CEO through a four‑month acquisition, driving an 800% increase in TVL, building systems from scratch, managing multi‑million‑dollar product shipments, and working directly with Gary Vaynerchuk. His insights on execution, relationship management, and startup velocity are pure gold.

Then we welcome back Chuck Goldstone, a Hotshot favorite, who dives deep into the art of storytelling — how to truly connect with your audience, how to make your message unforgettable, and why great stories are the backbone of great marketing.

We open Part 2 with Nilya Mitchell, founder of Hemlock, a plant identification app. She shares her journey from idea to product, how she built her audience, and what it really takes to create an app people love.

Next, Jessica McCarthy from Brand Energy joins us to talk about identifying your target audience — especially when you have multiple audiences. She breaks down how to segment, communicate, and stay consistent without losing your brand’s core identity.

We close the live show with Erik Modahl from Bean Trust Coffee, who shares how he builds community through coffee — creating spaces where people connect, collaborate, and feel at home. His approach to community‑driven business is something every founder needs to hear.

This two‑part episode is packed with real stories, tactical insights, and powerful lessons from entrepreneurs who are building, scaling, and creating every single day.

If you want inspiration, clarity, and a front‑row seat to the energy of Boston Startup Week, this is the one to play.

Market Like a Hotshot — Live. Unfiltered. Unleashed.