

Strictly From Nowhere: A Podcast Experiment by Cause of a Kind
Justin Abrams
Five shows. One mission. Uncover wisdom and share it with all of you.
Strictly From Nowhere is a podcast experiment by Cause of a Kind. We are Justin Abrams and Mike Rispoli. Co-founders. Bootstrappers. Builders. We interview founders, break down what is happening in tech and business, go deep on engineering and AI, and document our own journey of building from nothing every single day.
Stand up. Show up. Build.
Strictly From Nowhere is a podcast experiment by Cause of a Kind. We are Justin Abrams and Mike Rispoli. Co-founders. Bootstrappers. Builders. We interview founders, break down what is happening in tech and business, go deep on engineering and AI, and document our own journey of building from nothing every single day.
Stand up. Show up. Build.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 21, 2024 • 50min
Michelle Wild, Founder & CEO @ BEST Connections
In this episode, Justin Abrams interviews Michelle Wild, a tech founder and professor who has dedicated her career to supporting individuals with brain injuries. Michelle shares her journey from teaching at a community college to developing technology solutions that address cognitive challenges faced by her students. She discusses the inception of her nonprofit, BEST, and the various apps created to help individuals manage their recovery. The conversation delves into the personal stories behind brain injuries, the challenges faced by those affected, and the importance of education and awareness in supporting recovery. Michelle emphasizes the need for a supportive system that fills the gaps left by traditional medical care, aiming to create a new normal for individuals living with brain injuries. In this conversation, Michelle Wild discusses the complexities of living with a brain injury, emphasizing the importance of recognizing the ongoing challenges rather than simply accepting the condition. She shares insights into her journey as a tech entrepreneur, detailing the iterative process of developing applications that cater to the needs of individuals with brain injuries. The discussion also covers her vision for the future, including the creation of a supportive community and resources for survivors. Finally, Michelle highlights ways for the audience to get involved and support the cause.
Takeaways
Michelle Wild has been a professor for 39 years, focusing on brain injury education.
The program at Coastline College was the first in the country for individuals with brain injuries.
Technology has played a crucial role in helping students with cognitive challenges.
BEST was founded to create technology solutions for individuals with brain injuries.
Many people are unaware of the signs of brain injuries, which can stem from minor accidents.
Cognitive challenges include decision-making, memory issues, and time management.
BEST aims to provide ongoing support after traditional medical care ends.
Education is key to understanding and supporting individuals with brain injuries.
The organization focuses on creating a community for those affected by brain injuries.
Michelle's personal connection to brain injury influences her work and mission. You have to acknowledge and recognize the brain injury.
Fatigue significantly impacts daily functioning after a brain injury.
Pacing oneself is crucial for managing energy levels.
The journey of recovery is often non-linear and unpredictable.
Creating technology that solves real problems is essential for success.
User feedback is vital in the development process of applications.
Integrating cognitive rehabilitation with technology can enhance recovery.
Finding joy in work can lead to fulfillment and purpose.
Building a community of support is important for survivors.
Donations are crucial for the sustainability of nonprofit initiatives.
Finding a New Normal After Brain Injury
The Role of Technology in Rehabilitation Vision and Roadmap for the Future
Navigating Life After Brain Injury
"I'm thrilled for this episode."
"You are a very formidable tech founder."
"I can't think of anything else I'd rather do."
"I don't like the word acceptance."
"Fatigue is such a major factor."
"Pace My Day is really all about helping them."
00:00 Introduction to Michelle Wild and Her Journey
03:05 The Inception of Best Connections and Technology in Education
05:51 Understanding Brain Injuries: Personal Stories and Insights
08:49 Challenges Faced by Individuals with Brain Injuries
12:05 The Role of BEST in Supporting Brain Injury Recovery
14:56 Education and Awareness: Bridging the Gap for Families
18:08 Creating a New Normal: Life After Brain Injury
25:38 Navigating Life After Brain Injury
29:06 The Journey of a Tech Entrepreneur
32:15 Iterative Development and User Feedback
37:35 Vision and Roadmap for the Future
44:11 Getting Involved and Supporting the Cause

Oct 18, 2024 • 49min
Tiffany Slowinski, CEO @ Team Spark
This episode features Justin Abrams hosting Tiffany Slowinski on the "Strictly From Nowhere" podcast. They discuss their initial meeting at a New Jersey networking event where Tiffany's impressive pitch led to their ongoing connection. Tiffany shares her journey from being a high school guidance counselor to co-owning several franchise publications and starting Team Spark Advisors, where she uses data-driven tools to help businesses hire, retain, and empower talent. They delve into her transition from education to entrepreneurship, her perspective on hiring, her approach to family life, and the importance of understanding oneself and one's passion to succeed in both personal and professional ventures.
https://www.teamsparkadvisors.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/tiffanyslowinski/

Oct 2, 2024 • 37min
Randy Herbertson, Principal @ The Visual Brand
In this episode of *Strictly From Nowhere*, host Justin Abrams sits down with Randy Herbertson, founder of *The Visual Brand* and seasoned creative entrepreneur. Randy shares his inspiring journey of bootstrapping his business, the importance of building an energizing work environment, and his thoughts on leveraging AI in today’s evolving business landscape. Tune in for valuable insights on creativity, mentorship, and practical advice for entrepreneurs at any stage.

Jul 9, 2024 • 55min
Generations Beyond CEO, Jesse James Wroblewski
Jesse James Wroblewski joins Strictly From Nowhere Podcast to discuss his perspective on business ownership, operations, marketing and his book, Marketing for Supervillains.
Check out his book: https://a.co/d/097BFjkN
Shout out to @CodieSanchezCT - The Empress of Acquisition in SMB

Jul 8, 2024 • 51min
Design Systems House CEO, Donnie D'Amato
In this episode of Strictly From Nowhere, we catch up with Donnie D'Amato, the founder of Design Systems House. We explore the journey of building a business from the ground up, the trials, tribulations, and struggles of bootstrapping, and where inspiration comes from.
shoutout to vercel.com and astro.build

Aug 16, 2023 • 53min
Mike D'Angelo, Former President and COO of Compliance Science
In this episode of Strictly From Nowhere, we connect with the original co-founder and bootstrapper, turned exited and former President and COO of FinTech powerhouse, Compliance Science. (Today, ComplySci).
In this episode, we explore unconventional paths to success, the glory of building a tech startup, and the failures, and friendships along the way.

Jul 31, 2023 • 43min
Sarah Vilenskiy, Founder & CEO of Blossom Essentials
Sarah Vilenskiy is the Founder and CEO of the skin care brand Blossom Essentials. Follow us as we unpack her bootstrap story and her path from zero-to-market.

Jul 14, 2023 • 1h 16min
Wes Henderson & James Gallagher, Co-Founders of TakeTatt
TakeTatt is a mission driven mobile tattoo removal shop out of Ohio that aims to provide a discrete, ultra high quality tattoo removal experience.

Jun 30, 2023 • 38min
Heard.io CEO, Winsome Kirton Joins Strictly From Nowhere
Winsome Kirton's personal and professional founders journey, the mission and vision behind her businesses Pack Elephant and Heard.io, her commitment to impact-driven work, and her balancing act as an entrepreneur, wife, and mother.
Heard.io CEO and Founder, Winsome Kirton joins an episode of Strictly From Nowhere to share her journey from ZERO-to-Market.

Jun 30, 2023 • 51min
HouseCrunch CEO, Karl Runft Joins Strictly From Nowhere
Despite a traditional career path, an ingrained skepticism led to questioning the legal system, shifting legal focus, and the creation of House Crunch. A gap in an age-old industry lends itself well; to innovation.
Join Strictly From Nowhere as we unpack the journey from ZERO-to-Market for HouseCrunch CEO, Karl Runft.


