The Kara Goldin Show

On today’s episode, Kara welcomes Blake Niemann, Founder and CEO of Levels — the leading natural whey protein brand redefining what clean nutrition looks like in the U.S.Blake started Levels from his apartment in 2016 and bootstrapped it into a nationally recognized brand now sold across major retailers. His mission from day one has been simple: create high-quality protein made with clean, honest ingredients — no fillers, no artificial sweeteners, no gimmicks. Built on integrity, transparency, and long-term thinking, Levels has become a trusted name for consumers who care about what they put in their bodies.In this episode, we talk about how Blake turned a simple idea into a nationwide brand, what it takes to scale a self-funded company in a crowded industry, and the lessons he’s learned about staying true to his values while building for the long game. It’s an inspiring conversation for founders, operators, and anyone passionate about creating meaningful products that last. 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 Blake Niemann and Levels:https://www.levelsprotein.com/https://www.instagram.com/levels/https://www.linkedin.com/in/blake-niemann/https://www.linkedin.com/company/levelsprotein/ Sponsored By:LinkedIn Jobs - Head to LinkedIn.com/KaraGoldin to post your job for free.Shopify - Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at Shopify.com/karaAuraFrames - Visit AuraFrames.com and get $45 off Aura’s best-selling Carver Mat frames by using promo code KARA at checkout. Check out our website to view this episode’s show notes: https://karagoldin.com/podcast/769

On today’s episode, Kara welcomes Lindsay Holden, Co-Founder of Odele Beauty — the clean, inclusive, and high-performing haircare brand redefining prestige beauty for all.After more than a decade in retail — including eight years as a merchant at Target — Lindsay and her two co-founders set out to build something different: a gender-neutral, salon-grade haircare brand that was affordable, transparent, and designed for real people. They launched Odele in 2020, reaching profitability within six months, and have since grown into more than 12,000 retail doors nationwide, including Target, Ulta, and CVS.In this episode, Lindsay shares how she turned her corporate experience into founder grit, the challenges of breaking into a crowded beauty aisle, and why progress over perfection has become her personal and professional mantra. We also dive into the brand’s Odele For Good platform and how purpose, inclusion, and community are at the heart of everything they do. This episode is packed with lessons on leadership, building with intention, and creating products that make people feel seen. Don’t miss it! 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 Lindsay Holden and Odele Beauty:https://www.odelebeauty.comhttps://www.instagram.com/odelebeautyhttps://www.tiktok.com/@odelebeautyhttps://www.instagram.com/lindsayroseholdenhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/lindsay-holden-b44b941 Sponsored By:AG1 - Head to DrinkAG1.com/KARAGOLDIN to get a FREE Welcome Kit, including a bottle of Vitamin D and free AG1 Travel Packs, when you first subscribe!AuraFrames - Visit AuraFrames.com and get $45 off Aura’s best-selling Carver Mat frames by using promo code KARA at checkout.Function Health - My first 1,000 listeners get a $100 credit toward their membership. Go to FunctionHealth.com/KARA or use code KARA100 at sign-up.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/768

On today’s episode, Kara welcomes Danuta Mieloch, Founder of Rescue Spa and Danucera — two pioneering names redefining modern skincare through simplicity, science, and results.A renowned esthetician and skincare expert, Danuta built Rescue Spa into a luxury destination known for its transformative treatments and personalized care, introducing European skincare philosophies to the U.S. long before they became mainstream. Her commitment to holistic, results-driven beauty made her a trusted name among clients, celebrities, and beauty insiders alike.Building on decades of hands-on experience, Danuta launched Danucera, a clean, high-performance skincare line rooted in her “less is more” philosophy. Instead of overwhelming routines and endless products, Danuta distilled her knowledge into a handful of essentials that deliver visible, lasting results. Her mission: to make radiant, healthy skin achievable for everyone — at any age.We talk about the early days of Rescue Spa, the inspiration behind Danucera, and how Danuta is changing the beauty conversation from excess to effectiveness. She also shares what she’s learned from decades of touching skin, listening to clients, and creating products that truly make a difference. This episode is filled with timeless insight for founders, beauty enthusiasts, and anyone who believes that confidence starts with care. Don’t miss it! 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 Danuta Mieloch and Danucera & Rescue Spa:https://www.rescuespa.com/https://www.danucera.com/https://www.instagram.com/danutamieloch/https://www.instagram.com/rescuespa/https://www.instagram.com/danucera/https://www.linkedin.com/in/danuta-mieloch-1014b825/ Sponsored By:Dell - Get a new Dell PC at Dell.com/ai-pcSommsation - Discover wine the way it was meant to be enjoyed at Sommsation.com/TheKaraGoldinShow to shop now.LinkedIn Jobs - Head to LinkedIn.com/KaraGoldin to post your job for free.Chewy - Send your pet’s wish to Chewy.com/ChewyClaus and it might become a reality. Plus, your wish means Chewy will donate five meals to pets in need. Check out our website to view this episode’s show notes: https://karagoldin.com/podcast/767

On today’s episode, Kara welcomes Sarah Moret, Founder and CEO of Curie — the clean personal care brand on a mission to prove that “clean” can be powerful.Sarah’s journey began with a personal frustration: she couldn’t find a natural deodorant that actually worked. A marathon runner and wellness enthusiast, she set out to change that — investing $12,000 of her savings and spending more than a year perfecting a formula that delivered on both performance and purity. The result? Curie, a high-performance, aluminum-free deodorant that quickly grew from a small side hustle into an 8-figure business sold in over 4,500 stores nationwide, including Walmart and Anthropologie, and featured in locker rooms at Equinox and SoulCycle.Before founding Curie, Sarah worked in venture capital, where she invested in early-stage wellness startups — experience that gave her the insight and drive to build her own brand from the ground up. We talk about her journey from investor to entrepreneur, the lessons she’s learned about formulating clean products that truly work, and how she’s scaling Curie while staying true to her mission and values. From her Shark Tank deal with Barbara Corcoran and Mark Cuban to building a brand that’s redefining the meaning of clean, this episode is full of lessons and inspiration for founders and consumers alike. Don’t miss it! 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 Sarah Moret and Curie:https://ww.curiebod.com/https://www.instagram.com/curiebod/https://www.instagram.com/sarahjmoret/https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahmoret/ Sponsored By:Odoo - Discover how Odoo can take your business to the next level, by visiting Odoo.comSquare - Get up to $200 off Square hardware when you sign up at square.com/go/karagoldinLinkedIn 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/766

On today’s episode, Kara welcomes Jason Wright, Founder and CEO of WILDE — the Nashville-based brand rewriting the rules of snacking with its high-protein chips made from real chicken breast. Since launching in 2015, Jason has built WILDE into a powerhouse in the better-for-you snack space — doubling revenue year after year, developing patented production technology, and operating a state-of-the-art facility in Kentucky.Jason shares how he turned a simple idea — reimagining the classic potato chip with clean protein and bold flavor — into a fast-growing brand that’s changing how we think about healthy snacking. We talk about the early challenges of scaling production, what it takes to win in a competitive CPG category, and the leadership lessons Jason’s learned while building a company that refuses to compromise on taste, texture, or quality. From innovation and manufacturing to brand storytelling and vision, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration for every entrepreneur, builder, and snack lover out there. Don’t miss it! 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 Jason Wright and WILDE:https://www.wildebrands.com/https://www.instagram.com/wildebrandshttps://www.linkedin.com/company/wildebrands Sponsored By:Quo - Get started for free, plus get 20% off your first 6 months at Quo.com/KARAGOLDINSommsation - Discover wine the way it was meant to be enjoyed at Sommsation.com/TheKaraGoldinShow to shop now.Warby Parker - head over to WarbyParker.com/GOLDIN right now to try on any pair virtually!AG1 - Head to DrinkAG1.com/KARAGOLDIN to get a FREE Welcome Kit, including a bottle of Vitamin D and free AG1 Travel Packs, when you first subscribe! Check out our website to view this episode’s show notes: https://karagoldin.com/podcast/765

On today’s episode, Kara welcomes Sandra Oh Lin, Founder and CEO of KiwiCo — the global brand inspiring creativity, confidence, and curiosity in kids through hands-on play. What started in Sandra’s garage with a simple idea to spark learning has grown into a billion-dollar company that’s shipped over 50 million crates worldwide, earned the trust of millions of families, and brought KiwiCo’s brain-building projects to major retailers like Target and Barnes & Noble.Sandra shares how her background at eBay, PayPal, and Procter & Gamble helped her build a mission-driven company that empowers kids to see themselves as makers and innovators. We talk about what it takes to scale a purpose-led brand without losing your core values, how to nurture creativity at every age, and the lessons she’s learned from leading a fast-growing company with heart. From the early garage days to KiwiCo’s global impact, this episode is packed with insight and inspiration for founders, parents, and innovators alike. Don’t miss it! 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 Sandra Oh Lin and KiwiCo:https://www.kiwico.com/https://www.instagram.com/kiwico_inc/https://www.linkedin.com/company/kiwicoinc/https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandralin/ Sponsored By:RULA - Go to Rula.com/KARAGOLDIN for convenient therapy that’s covered by insurance.SimpliSafe - Save 50% on a SimpliSafe home security system at SimpliSafe.com/KARAGOLDINLinkedIn 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/764

On today’s episode, Kara welcomes Steve Booher, Founder and CEO of Always Full — the company revolutionizing pet care with a smart hydration system that keeps pets healthy and pet owners worry-free. Designed to be fully automated, the Always Full Pet Water Bowl uses advanced laser sensors and a triple-filtration process to automatically refill and clean your pet’s water — all while tracking hydration in real time through an easy-to-use mobile app.Steve shares how he came up with the idea for Always Full, the product development journey, and how decades of entrepreneurial experience helped him turn a simple problem into a breakthrough solution. We dive into the importance of proactive hydration for pets, the challenges of building smart hardware, and what’s next as the company looks to expand in the fast-growing pet tech category. Whether you're a founder, a dog parent, or just love hearing how smart ideas come to life, this episode is packed with practical insights and inspiration. Don’t miss it! 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 Steve Booher and Always Full:https://www.instagram.com/alwaysfull___/https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-booher-9107832/https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559005383069https://www.alwaysfull.com/ Sponsored By:Robinhood - Get started today at robinhood.com/yourmoneyLinkedIn Jobs - Head to LinkedIn.com/KaraGoldin to post your job for free.Shopify - 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/763

On today’s episode, Kara welcomes Kelsi Petersen, Co-Founder of Kelsi’s — the better-for-you dessert brand making indulgence clean, crave-worthy, and full of purpose. A trained raw-food chef and CrossFit athlete, Kelsi created her first Brownie Batter Bites while teaching raw food classes with her mom in rural Idaho. What started as a passion project turned into a brand that’s redefining what it means to treat yourself well.Kelsi shares how her mother’s health journey inspired the original recipe, how she teamed up with co-founder Cassandra Hume to bring the product to life, and how the brand is creating mission-driven desserts that give back — donating 5% of profits to ALS research. We talk about the challenges of launching a food brand, the importance of staying true to your values, and what it takes to scale a snack that tastes like dessert but fuels you like real food. From early product development to leadership lessons and what’s next for Kelsi’s, this episode is packed with insight and inspiration for CPG founders, wellness enthusiasts, and dessert lovers everywhere. Don’t miss it! 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 Kelsi Petersen and Kelsi’s:https://kelsiskitchen.com/https://www.instagram.com/kelsis.browniebatterbiteshttps://www.tiktok.com/@kelsis.browniebatterbitehttps://www.linkedin.com/company/kelsi-s-kitchen Sponsored By:Nutrafol - For a limited time get ten dollars off your first month’s subscription and free shipping when you go to Nutrafol.com and enter the promo code KARAGOLDINDell - Get a new Dell PC at Dell.com/holidayMerit Beauty - Our listeners gat a FREE Signature Makeup Bag with your first order at MeritBeauty.comLinkedIn Jobs - Head to LinkedIn.com/KaraGoldin to post your job for free.Sommsation - Discover wine the way it was meant to be enjoyed at Sommsation.com/TheKaraGoldinShow to shop now. Check out our website to view this episode’s show notes: https://karagoldin.com/podcast/762

On today’s episode, Kara welcomes Marcy Syms, author of Leading With Respect: Adventures of an Off-Price Fashion Pioneer. For 35 years, Marcy helped build her family’s company, Syms Corp, into a retail powerhouse famous for the slogan, “An educated consumer is our best customer.” Working alongside her father, Sy Syms, she pioneered the off-price retail model and made designer fashion accessible to millions of educated shoppers nationwide. When Syms went public, Marcy became the youngest female president of a New York Stock Exchange-listed company — breaking barriers while redefining what leadership looks like.In this episode, Marcy shares her inspiring journey from the stockroom to the boardroom and the lessons behind her leadership philosophy — that respect isn’t just a value, it’s a strategy. We dive into how she built trust with customers and employees, the story behind the $10 coupon that saved hundreds of shoppers, and the risks and rewards of taking a family business public. Marcy also opens up about her philanthropic work, her advocacy for gender equality, and how she continues to “change the conversation” in business and beyond.Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a leader, or someone passionate about building with integrity, this episode is full of wisdom and inspiration. Don’t miss it! 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 Marcy Syms and Leading With Respect:https://sysymsfoundation.orghttps://www.linkedin.com/in/marcy-syms Check out our website to view this episode’s show notes: https://karagoldin.com/podcast/761

On today’s episode, Kara welcomes Lauren Makler, Co-Founder and CEO of Cofertility, the revolutionary fertility care platform making egg freezing more accessible and egg donation more human. Cofertility offers women the opportunity to freeze their eggs for free when they donate half—reshaping an industry traditionally built on transactional models and high cost barriers. Lauren’s work is transforming reproductive healthcare into something more equitable, transparent, and empowering.Lauren shares how her personal fertility journey and background launching Uber Health inspired her to create Cofertility. We dive into her approach to ethical egg donation, building trust in a sensitive space, and scaling a tech-enabled platform that puts patients first. From disrupting outdated healthcare systems to navigating the emotional and logistical complexity of fertility, this episode is packed with insights for founders, healthcare innovators, and anyone curious about the future of family building. Don’t miss it! 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 Lauren Makler and Cofertility:https://www.cofertility.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenmaklerhttps://www.instagram.com/cofertilityhttps://www.instagram.com/laurenmaklerhttps://www.cofertility.com Check out our website to view this episode’s show notes: https://karagoldin.com/podcast/760