In this episode of the Founders Club Podcast, host Dez DeCosta sits down with attorney and author Kent Heckenlively to explore big questions at the intersection of science, policy, and public discourse. Kent’s work has stirred conversation and controversy — and in this conversation he pulls back the curtain on his journey, the research that drives his convictions, and the tension between consensus and dissent in today’s world.

They dive into key ideas from his writing, unpack the risks and rewards of challenging dominant narratives, and discuss how we navigate complexity when there’s no single “right” answer. You’ll come away with sharper critical thinking tools, a deeper understanding of controversy in science, and fresh perspectives on how we talk about uncertainty.

To learn more about Kent’s work, visit kentheckenlivelybooks.com.

In this conversation with Dez DeCosta, Andy takes us from his roots in Germany’s Black Forest to years in Berlin, a hard left turn to remote Alaska, and finally to the bright lights of the Vegas Strip. We get into how place shapes perspective, why humor is a powerful lens for insight, and the invisible rules that govern the choices we make when we “play the game.”

What we cover:
• Early influences from the Black Forest and how they shaped the tone of the book
• Berlin to Alaska to Las Vegas, and the turning points that made Andy a storyteller
• “Social misdemeanors,” favorite mishaps, and the lessons that stuck
• How to balance humor and heart so readers laugh and reflect
• Who Andy writes for, what he would tell his younger self, and what is next

Grab the book and connect with Andy: andysbook.com

If you like this episode, follow the show, leave a rating, and share it with someone who needs a good laugh and a nudge to learn from their own misadventures.

In this episode of Founder's Club, Dez DeCosta sits down with Ujwal Arkalgud—a cultural anthropologist turned entrepreneur who built and sold a high-eight-figure company without a single dollar of venture capital. Ujwal unpacks how understanding the "invisible rules" of human behavior and perception can give founders a powerful edge in product–market fit, credibility, and scaling without traditional sales tactics. From bootstrapping MotivBase to $5M ARR with no sales team to helping founders de-risk their ventures and master buyer psychology, Ujwal shares the mindset shifts and tactical frameworks that turn insight into impact. Whether you're a startup founder or a seasoned builder, this conversation will challenge how you think about growth.

Connect with Ujwal
newsletter.invisible-rules.com
https://www.instagram.com/ujwal.arkalgud/