Founder interviews meet creator economy strategy. In this deep dive, PK Fire reveals how they transitioned from software engineering to building a thriving event and community business—and how that founder mindset applies to launching any venture. Learn the business validation techniques behind community building, the power of early partnerships, and why today's best entrepreneurs are doubling down on experiences and niche audiences. A must-listen for solopreneurs and small business owners exploring alternative revenue streams.

Jason VanDevere shares his experience with silent retreats and how they have shaped his perspective and goals. He discusses the impact of silent retreats on his clarity, goal-setting, and overall happiness, emphasizing the shift from self-focused goals to others-focused goals.

Takeaways

• Silent retreats provide clarity and perspective
• Shift from self-focused goals to others-focused goals

Chapters

• 00:00 The Impact of Silent Retreats

The conversation emphasizes the importance of cultivating empathy and understanding others' perspectives, highlighting its impact on various aspects of business and life.

Takeaways

• Cultivate empathy
• Understanding others' perspectives

Chapters

• 00:00 Cultivating Empathy for Success

The conversation delves into the challenges of overcoming self-doubt and ageism in the online business world, highlighting the journey of empowerment and resilience.

Takeaways

• Overcoming self-doubt
• Empowering older professionals

Chapters

• 00:00 Overcoming Self-Doubt and Ageism in Online Business

A rapid-fire interview with a nail technician covering personal preferences, industry trends, and elevator pitch for her salon.

Takeaways

• Nail technician preferences
• Industry trends
• Elevator pitch for salon

Chapters

• 00:00 Personal Preferences and Rapid Questions

The conversation delves into the use of social media for marketing and brand promotion, highlighting the impact of Instagram on booking success. It also explores the role of happy clients as promoters and the influence of community in client engagement.

Takeaways

• Social media as a marketing tool
• Leveraging happy clients for promotion

Chapters

• 00:00 Marketing, Community, and Brand

In this electrifying episode of Startup or Shutup, Nurse Colin sits down with DJ, rapper, performance artist, and FUTUREHOOD co-founder CoolMomWallace—a Chicago-based creative force known for turning dance floors into portals.

Fresh off his Boiler Room Chicago set (which Colin attended live), CoolMomWallace opens up about blending music, ritual, and queer identity to transform nightlife into something sacred and liberating. From DJing for Beyoncé in Houston to building FUTUREHOOD as a platform for culture and community, this episode dives deep into artistry, intention, and impact.

🎧 What you'll hear in this episode:

• The origin story of CoolMomWallace and what the name means

• Behind-the-scenes of his Boiler Room Chicago performance

• What it felt like DJing for Beyoncé in her hometown of Houston

• How FUTUREHOOD is redefining queer community through music

• His multidisciplinary approach to DJing, rap, and performance

• Real talk advice for emerging creatives and event organizers

• Full-length Boiler Room footage featured at the end

If you care about culture, creativity, or building spaces where people can actually be free—this one’s for you.

🎶 New episodes drop every other Tuesday on Startup or Shutup
📲 Follow us @startuporshutup.pod

What does it take to go from politics to platform — and turn followers into financial freedom?

In this episode, Nurse Colin sits down with Milo, a former politician turned unapologetically bold content creator. They dive into his journey from campaigning to creating, how he built multiple income streams, and what people still get wrong about making money online.

Milo shares the behind-the-scenes of audience building, platform risk, and staying authentic while growing a brand — plus his “Shut Up Moment” that changed everything.

👀 Bonus: Colin breaks down the news of OnlyFans’ potential $1.8 billion sale and what that massive payday might mean for creators.

🔥 Topics covered:

• Pivoting from public office to online business
• Monetizing identity and building loyal communities
• Creator survival in a changing algorithm world
• Financial freedom beyond 9–5 norms

🎧 New episodes drop every other Tuesday.
Follow the show on Instagram and TikTok: @startuporshutup.pod
And don’t forget to tag @nursecolin (with one L — because he’s a short king 👑).