Social Currency with Sammi Cohen

Dive into the fascinating world of Restoration Hardware and its unconventional CEO, Gary Friedman. Discover how he transformed a struggling furniture company into a luxury brand powerhouse. From quirky beginnings in 1979 to a daring IPO, the journey reveals shocking twists—including a notable true crime interlude. Delve into RH's innovative marketing strategies, the creation of experiential gallery stores, and the ambitious push towards luxury, complete with yachts and private jets. It's a captivating look at ambition, branding, and retail challenges.

Building something that lasts is rare. Building something that rewires an entire industry? That’s almost unheard of. But that’s exactly what Jim McKelvey did when he co-founded Square (now Block) with Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey.  Today, Jim and Sammi talk about how Square went head-to-head with Amazon and won, why Jim believes most startups don’t understand what real innovation looks like, and the surprising psychology behind a piece of tech being just difficult enough to capture attention. Plus, they dive into his more recent ventures, Invisibly and Fastrials, and what serving as an independent director at the Federal Reserve taught him about the intersection of policy and entrepreneurship. Plus, his hot take on— and role in— tipping culture. Follow Sammi on Instagram  Subscribe to the Social Currency newsletter  Here’s what Sammi covers with Jim: 00:00 Jim McKelvey’s Social Currency  01:17 How Square Evolved From A Personal Painpoint 02:37 That Time Jim Stripped in a Business Pitch 05:13 The Psychology of Attention in Business 19:50 How Square Beat Amazon 31:21 Understanding Human Behavior and Social Pressure 32:17 Lessons From Jim’s Time as a Federal Reserve Director 38:19 Why Invisibly Failed, Profitably  40:28 Jim’s Newest Venture and Revolutionizing Drug Trials 45:48 Advice for Entrepreneurs in Regulated Industries 53:33 Tipping Culture and FinTech Predictions 58:24 How to Show Social Currency Some Love Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Imagine a future where AI handles all your shopping—research, recommendations, and purchases within ChatGPT! Discover how the new Agentic Commerce Protocol could transform e-commerce by integrating instant checkout and changing consumer behavior. Sammi explores the potential challenges this poses to Google, from collapsing the traditional shopping funnel to creating a paradigm shift in online search. Hear about the implications for both consumers and merchants, and how quality data will be crucial for AI-driven recommendations.

From small studios to celebrity status, Tracy Anderson has built one of the most influential—and imitated—fitness empires in the world. Today, Sammi sits down with the fitness icon whose method has shaped some of the most famous bodies in Hollywood to peel back the layers of the brand, the science, and the woman behind it. Tracy opens up about the evolution of her signature method, the tension between exclusivity and accessibility, and what it really takes to maintain your signature style in a copycat industry. She also shares her candid thoughts on the rise of GLP-1 weight-loss drugs, the tech takeover of the wellness space, and why protecting intellectual property is the next frontier in fitness. Follow Sammi on Instagram  Subscribe to the Social Currency newsletter  Follow Tracy Anderson on Instagram Here’s what Sammi covers with Tracy: 00:00 Tracy Anderson’s Social Currency 00:22 The Myths Behind the Method 07:45 Spotting the Gap in the Fitness Industry 09:36 The Early Days of the Method 15:42 The Science Behind Her Signature Workouts and Partnering with Gwyneth Paltrow 24:53 Balancing Exclusivity and Accessibility 39:37 Copycats, Copyrights, and IP Protection 51:13 The Rise of Wellness Tech 52:21 Aging, Beauty, and Authenticity 1:01:18 How to Show Social Currency Some Love Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ever thought about turning your passion into a business, only to find it exhausting? Sammi dives into her rollercoaster journey of launching a matcha brand during business school, highlighting the harsh realities of entrepreneurship. From pivoting her product strategy to navigating the pandemic's impact, she shares how she rediscovered her identity after closing the business. With humor and honesty, Sammi illustrates that sometimes walking away can be a powerful move, opening doors to new passions and opportunities.

Neil Parikh, co-founder of Casper and current leader at Slingshot AI, discusses his journey from sleep to mental health tech. He explores how AI can bridge gaps in behavioral health, emphasizing the ethical considerations of using AI in therapy. Parikh shares insights on the surprising user behaviors of his AI tool, Ash, and why he believes in the potential of mission-driven technology. He also provides practical fundraising advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, stressing the challenges that come after raising capital.

Dive into the tumultuous journey of Jeep, once a cultural icon, now facing a dramatic decline. Discover how Stellantis's leadership decisions prioritized profit over fans, leading to the alienation of loyal customers. Sammi explores the impact of failed luxury strategies and competition from rivals like Ford's Bronco. Learn about the financial repercussions of tariffs and supply chain issues that compounded Jeep's troubles. Predictions for future brand surgery and potential restructuring signal a crucial crossroads for this legendary name.

Julia Hartz, Co-founder and CEO of Eventbrite, shares her remarkable journey from TV intern to tech entrepreneur, highlighting her partnership with husband Kevin. She discusses taking the company public, the chaos of the pandemic, and how they adapted to support creators. Hartz believes in the resurgence of in-person events, driven by Gen Z's crave for real connections. She explores quirky event trends like sober raves and cheese raves while reflecting on the challenges and rewards of leading during a crisis.

Why is protein suddenly everywhere? With 61% of Americans upping their intake, even Starbucks is getting in on the action, launching drinks with 36 grams of protein. The craze is fueled by GLP-1 weight loss drugs, viral TikTok trends, and celebrity endorsements. Cottage cheese sales soared by 20% as food companies scramble to innovate and meet skyrocketing demand. Chobani's bold $1.2 billion investment is just one sign of this massive shift in how we approach food. What’s next in the protein revolution?

Maria Davidson, the founder and CEO of Kojo, is transforming the construction industry with her groundbreaking procurement platform. She discusses how her immigrant roots and diverse educational background fueled her entrepreneurial spirit. Maria shares her scrappy beginnings, employing creative strategies like delivering pizza to earn meetings. She reveals lessons learned in fundraising, leadership, and the importance of customer feedback, emphasizing the growing allure of trade careers and her commitment to breaking barriers in a male-dominated field.