The Kara Goldin Show

On today’s episode, we welcome Tisha Thompson, Founder & CEO of LYS Beauty — the trailblazing clean cosmetics brand proving that high-performance, inclusive, and accessible beauty can coexist. As the first Black-owned clean makeup brand to launch at Sephora, Tisha has quickly built one of the fastest-growing brands in the category, earning major industry awards, viral product moments, and a loyal global following in just five years.Tisha’s journey to founding LYS Beauty was shaped by more than two decades in the beauty industry as a makeup artist, executive, and product developer. From pioneering expansive shade ranges earlier in her career to boldly launching her own brand in the middle of the pandemic, she set out to challenge long-held industry myths — especially the idea that clean beauty couldn’t deliver both performance and inclusivity at an affordable price. Despite the well-documented funding gap facing Black female founders, Tisha recently secured an 8-figure Series A investment, marking a pivotal moment not only for her company, but for representation across the beauty landscape.In this episode, Tisha shares what she’s learned during her first five years building LYS, the story behind “drunk texting” Sephora with her idea, and how viral success can translate into long-term business growth. We talk about resilience through personal loss, leading with purpose, scaling without compromising values, and why accessibility remains core to the brand’s mission. A powerful conversation for founders, leaders, and anyone looking to disrupt an industry while staying deeply connected to their why. Are you interested in sponsoring and advertising on The Kara Goldin Show, which is now in the Top 1% of Entrepreneur podcasts in the world? Let me know by contacting me at karagoldin@gmail.com. You can also find me @‌KaraGoldin on all networks. To learn more about Tisha Thompson and LYS Beauty:https://www.lysbeauty.com/https://www.instagram.com/lysbeautyofficial/https://www.tiktok.com/@lysbeautyofficialhttps://www.instagram.com/tishathompson/https://www.linkedin.com/in/tishathompson/ Sponsored By:DailyLook - For 50% off your first order, head to DailyLook.com and use code KARAGOLDINDell - Visit Dell.com/dealsStamps.com - Go to Stamps.com and use code kara to get sixty days risk-free!Found - Take back control of your business today. Open a Found account for FREE at Found.com Check out our website to view this episode’s show notes: https://karagoldin.com/podcast/801

On today’s episode, we welcome Heather Morgan, CEO of Neurobiologix — the science-driven wellness company using nutrigenomics to personalize supplements and help people get to the root cause of their health challenges.Neurobiologix is redefining how we think about supplementation. Instead of generic, one-size-fits-all products, the company pairs advanced genetic testing with practitioner-grade formulas designed to support immune, cognitive, and neurological health based on an individual’s DNA. Neurobiologix represents an evolution toward precision, personalization, and evidence-based care.In this episode, Heather shares how Neurobiologix blends genetics, technology, and clinical expertise to deliver smarter wellness solutions, why personalization is critical in an industry full of noise, and how partnering with healthcare providers helps build real trust and long-term impact. We dive into nutrigenomics, root-cause health, leadership lessons from scaling a science-backed company, and where precision wellness is headed next. This is a thoughtful conversation for founders, operators, and anyone interested in the future of personalized health. Are you interested in sponsoring and advertising on The Kara Goldin Show, which is now in the Top 1% of Entrepreneur podcasts in the world? Let me know by contacting me at karagoldin@gmail.com. You can also find me @‌KaraGoldin on all networks. To learn more about Heather Morgan and Neurobiologix:https://www.neurobiologix.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/meetheathermorgan/https://www.linkedin.com/company/neurobiologix/ Sponsored By:Chime - Join the millions who are already banking fee-free today. Head to Chime.com/KARAGOLDIN.Function Health - Visit FunctionHealth.com/KARA or use gift code KARA25 for a $25 credit towards your membership! Check out our website to view this episode’s show notes: https://karagoldin.com/podcast/800

On today’s episode, we welcome Raj Alva, Co-Founder of Whiskey JYPSI — the award-winning whiskey brand redefining modern American whiskey through craft, culture, and storytelling.Raj is a serial entrepreneur, brand architect, and investor known for building culturally resonant consumer brands that thrive during moments of disruption. With Whiskey JYPSI, he saw white space in a category steeped in tradition and chose to approach it differently — focusing on blending excellence, creative freedom, and emotional connection rather than owning a distillery or following conventional playbooks.In this episode, Raj shares how Whiskey JYPSI was built by leaning into uncertainty, why blending can be a creative advantage, and what it takes to build a brand that resonates beyond the bottle. We dive into brand-building during disruption, the role of culture and storytelling in consumer loyalty, founder responsibility beyond profit, and how values-driven leadership creates durable, meaningful businesses. This conversation offers powerful insight for founders, operators, and anyone building brands with intention and conviction. Are you interested in sponsoring and advertising on The Kara Goldin Show, which is now in the Top 1% of Entrepreneur podcasts in the world? Let me know by contacting me at karagoldin@gmail.com. You can also find me @‌KaraGoldin on all networks. To learn more about Raj Alva and Whiskey JYPSI:https://www.linkedin.com/in/raj-alva-a654801/https://www.linkedin.com/company/whiskeyjypsi/ Sponsored By:Bilt - Join the loyalty program for renters at JoinBilt.com/KARAGOLDIN Check out our website to view this episode’s show notes: https://karagoldin.com/podcast/799

On today’s episode, we welcome Kayse Gehret, Founder and Microdosing Guide behind Microdosing for Healing — a global education platform bringing clarity, intention, and responsibility to the rapidly growing conversation around microdosing.With nearly 30 years of experience in the healing arts, Kayse has supported more than 1,400 individuals across 30+ countries. Her work stands apart for its grounded, nervous-system–informed approach, emphasizing preparation, integration, and discernment over hype or quick fixes. Rather than treating microdosing as a trend, Kayse frames it as a deeply personal practice rooted in safety, self-awareness, and lived experience.In this episode, Kayse breaks down what microdosing actually is (and what it isn’t), who it may or may not be right for, and what responsible guidance looks like in a space often clouded by misinformation. We explore how to begin thoughtfully, what to look for in a guide or program, what to realistically expect, and why integration matters just as much as the protocol itself. This is an honest, educational conversation for anyone curious, cautious, or simply looking for better information. Are you interested in sponsoring and advertising on The Kara Goldin Show, which is now in the Top 1% of Entrepreneur podcasts in the world? Let me know by contacting me at karagoldin@gmail.com. You can also find me @‌KaraGoldin on all networks. To learn more about Kayse Gehret and Microdosing for Healing:https://www.microdosingforhealing.com/https://www.instagram.com/kaysegehret/https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaysegehret/ Sponsored By:BetterWild - up to 40% off your order at betterwild.com/KARAGOLDINCircleback - Go to Circleback.ai and use code KARA for 1 month free. Check out our website to view this episode’s show notes: https://karagoldin.com/podcast/798

On today’s episode, we welcome Genevieve Dolan, Founder & CEO of Golden Child Beauty — the modern skincare brand built around balance, simplicity, and supporting skin through real life.Genevieve’s path to building Golden Child Beauty was shaped by years of navigating cystic acne, prescription treatments, and extremes that often left her skin — and confidence — worse off. Instead of launching an overwhelming routine, she chose a radically restrained approach: a simple system designed to calm, hydrate, and support the skin barrier, while working alongside stress, seasonal changes, and even dermatologist-prescribed treatments.In this episode, Genevieve shares why doing less can actually create better results, how emotional trust plays a role in skincare, and what it takes to build products people rely on — not just physically, but emotionally. We talk about restraint in a hype-driven industry, transparency, product compatibility, and how to scale a brand without losing its intention. A thoughtful conversation for founders, operators, and anyone rethinking how skincare — and self-care — can feel more supportive and human. Are you interested in sponsoring and advertising on The Kara Goldin Show, which is now in the Top 1% of Entrepreneur podcasts in the world? Let me know by contacting me at karagoldin@gmail.com. You can also find me @‌KaraGoldin on all networks. To learn more about Genevieve Dolan and Golden Child Beauty:https://www.goldenchildskin.comhttps://www.instagram.com/goldenchildskin/https://www.instagram.com/vievesss/https://www.linkedin.com/in/gsdolan/ Sponsored By:Upwork - Visit Upwork.com right now and post your job for free and connect with top talent.Quo - Try Quo for free, PLUS get 20% off your first 6 months when you go to Quo.com/karagoldin Check out our website to view this episode’s show notes: https://karagoldin.com/podcast/797

On today’s episode, we welcome Kristi Lord, Co-Founder of L’AVANT Collective — the plant-based, design-forward home care brand redefining how everyday cleaning looks, feels, and smells.Kristi’s journey to entrepreneurship wasn’t linear. After spending two decades in finance and accounting, she and co-founder Lindsay Droz set out to challenge an overlooked category by creating high-performance, non-toxic home care products that were not only effective, but beautiful enough to live on your countertop.In this episode, Kristi shares how L’AVANT Collective was built at the intersection of efficacy, sustainability, and luxury — from developing formulas that truly work to scaling into more than 1,000 retail locations nationwide. We dive into co-founder dynamics, trust and alignment, category creation, and what it takes to grow a values-driven brand without losing its essence. A thoughtful, inspiring conversation for founders, operators, and anyone reimagining how functional products can also be aspirational. Are you interested in sponsoring and advertising on The Kara Goldin Show, which is now in the Top 1% of Entrepreneur podcasts in the world? Let me know by contacting me at karagoldin@gmail.com. You can also find me @‌KaraGoldin on all networks. To learn more about Kristi Lord and L’AVANT Collective:https://www.instagram.com/lavantcollectivehttps://www.linkedin.com/company/lavant-collectivehttps://www.linkedin.com/in/kristi-lord/https://www.lavantcollective.com Sponsored By:Square - Get up to $200 off Square hardware when you sign up at square.com/go/karagoldinRULA - Go to Rula.com/KARAGOLDIN for convenient therapy that’s covered by insurance.Wix -Try Wix Harmony for free at wix.com/harmony Check out our website to view this episode’s show notes: https://karagoldin.com/podcast/796

On today’s episode, we welcome Alex Whitmore, Founder & CEO of Taza Chocolate — the pioneering craft chocolate brand known for its bold, stone-ground texture and radical transparency in sourcing.Alex’s journey began with a single cup of traditional stone-ground chocolate in Oaxaca, Mexico — an experience that completely reshaped how he thought about food, sourcing, and business. When he returned to Boston, he and his wife Kathleen Fulton began making chocolate using the traditional methods he learned there, and Taza was born.In this episode, Alex shares how Taza grew into one of the most values-driven chocolate companies in the U.S., why it became the first to implement third-party-certified Direct Trade cacao, and what it really means to publish exactly what farmers are paid. We also discuss how the chocolate industry has changed over the past 20 years, what’s happening behind the scenes with rising cocoa prices and supply chain pressure, and where Alex sees the future of ethical food heading next. This conversation is packed with insight for founders, operators, and anyone interested in building principled brands that challenge the status quo. Are you interested in sponsoring and advertising on The Kara Goldin Show, which is now in the Top 1% of Entrepreneur podcasts in the world? Let me know by contacting me at karagoldin@gmail.com. You can also find me @‌KaraGoldin on all networks. To learn more about Alex Whitmore and Taza:https://www.tazachocolate.comhttps://www.instagram.com/tazachocolatehttps://www.linkedin.com/company/taza-chocolate/ Sponsored By:Shopify - Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at Shopify.com/karaFora - Become a Fora Advisor today at ForaTravel.com/karagoldinDell - Find out more. Visit dell.com/deals for more information! Check out our website to view this episode’s show notes: https://karagoldin.com/podcast/795

On today’s episode, we welcome Heather Andersen, Co-Founder of New York Pilates — the cult-favorite reformer studio that helped define modern Pilates culture in New York and beyond.Heather’s journey began as a professionally trained ballerina, where Pilates was first introduced as part of her classical training. After an injury shifted her path away from dance, she spent years teaching privately and deepening her expertise under industry leaders before identifying a major gap in the fitness landscape: the need for high-energy, results-driven group reformer classes that still honored the integrity of the Pilates method. That insight led to the launch of New York Pilates in 2013.In this episode, Heather shares how she built a culture-driven wellness brand rooted in anatomy, precision, and thoughtful design, why the current Pilates boom has created confusion around the method, and what it takes to scale a cult-favorite fitness concept without compromising quality. We also discuss instructor training, leadership evolution, brand consistency, and where modern movement is headed next. This conversation is packed with insight for founders, operators, and anyone building enduring brands in wellness and beyond. Are you interested in sponsoring and advertising on The Kara Goldin Show, which is now in the Top 1% of Entrepreneur podcasts in the world? Let me know by contacting me at karagoldin@gmail.com. You can also find me @‌KaraGoldin on all networks. To learn more about Heather Andersen and New York Pilates:https://www.instagram.com/newyorkpilates/https://www.instagram.com/heatherandersen_/https://www.linkedin.com/company/new-york-pilates/https://www.newyorkpilates.com Sponsored By:LinkedIn Jobs - Head to LinkedIn.com/KaraGoldin to post your job for free. Check out our website to view this episode’s show notes: https://karagoldin.com/podcast/794

On today’s episode, we welcome Will Nitze, Founder & CEO of IQBAR — the functional nutrition brand built to support focus, energy, and performance with clean, science-backed ingredients.Will’s journey started with a personal challenge: persistent mental fatigue in a demanding 9-to-5 and frustration with carb-heavy, ineffective food options. That experience led him to launch IQBAR in 2018, creating plant-based protein bars, hydration mixes, and instant coffees formulated with meaningful doses of brain-boosting ingredients. Today, IQBAR is a fast-growing, nine-figure brand with national distribution, including Costco.In this episode, Will shares how he turned a performance problem into a category-defining business, what it takes to stay relevant in a crowded functional food space, and why efficacy, simplicity, and focus have guided every product decision. We also talk about crowdfunding, scaling with a lean team, and what’s next for functional nutrition heading into 2026. Are you interested in sponsoring and advertising on The Kara Goldin Show, which is now in the Top 1% of Entrepreneur podcasts in the world? Let me know by contacting me at karagoldin@gmail.com. You can also find me @‌KaraGoldin on all networks. To learn more about Will Nitze and IQBAR:https://www.instagram.com/willnitze/https://www.instagram.com/iqbar/https://www.linkedin.com/in/will-nitze/https://www.eatiqbar.com/ Sponsored By:LinkedIn Jobs - Head to LinkedIn.com/KaraGoldin to post your job for free. Check out our website to view this episode’s show notes: https://karagoldin.com/podcast/793

On today’s episode, Kara welcomes Jen Fisher, global workplace wellbeing expert and bestselling author of Hope Is the Strategy — the bold new book that reframes hope as one of the most powerful leadership tools of our time.Jen is no stranger to redefining how we work. As Deloitte’s first-ever Chief Wellbeing Officer, she helped transform the way global organizations think about human sustainability, burnout, and what it truly means to thrive. Her own experience with chronic burnout and cancer pushed her to ask deeper questions — not just about how we work, but why.Today, as the founder of The Wellbeing Team, Jen is helping companies build cultures rooted in empathy, wellbeing intelligence, and what she calls “strategic hope.” Through her book, her podcast WorkWell, and her work with leaders around the world, Jen is showing that hope isn’t just an emotion — it’s a business imperative.In this episode, Jen shares the story behind her burnout recovery, why wellbeing programs alone won’t fix broken systems, and how leaders at every level can start being “hope dealers” inside their companies. We dive into the difference between toxic resilience and true sustainability, why vulnerability in leadership is a superpower, and how we can all bring more humanity into how we work and lead.A must-listen for anyone who’s ever felt like they’re running on empty — and knows there’s a better way forward. Are you interested in sponsoring and advertising on The Kara Goldin Show, which is now in the Top 1% of Entrepreneur podcasts in the world? Let me know by contacting me at karagoldin@gmail.com. You can also find me @‌KaraGoldin on all networks. To learn more about Jen Fisher and Hope Is the Strategy:https://www.jen-fisher.com/https://www.instagram.com/jenfish23/?hl=enhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jen-fisher-cwbo/https://www.amazon.com/Hope-Strategy-Underrated-Transforms-Leadership/dp/1394362978 Sponsored By:LinkedIn Jobs - Head to LinkedIn.com/KaraGoldin to post your job for free.Collective - Get fifty percent off of your first two months when you go to Collective.com/KARAGOLDINShopify - Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at Shopify.com/kara Check out our website to view this episode’s show notes: https://karagoldin.com/podcast/792