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Ever wondered how to use your experience to start or grow a business? The First Customer intimately dissects successful entrepreneurs journeys to their first customer. Learn from practical real-life examples of regular people transforming into superheroes by starting their own business. Buckle up … the rocket is taking off!
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Who Thought We'd Be Here?

Steven Aigner and John Pugh

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"Who Thought We'd Be Here" is a podcast about changing your mind, redefining the stigma around mental health, and living a vulnerable and productive lifestyle. Both seeking answers from the Universe as they turned 30, co-hosts and longtime pals Steven Aigner and John Pugh found themselves improving in ways their younger and much more wild selves could have never seen coming. They began conquering and healing their past selves with unfamiliar mindfulness tools like meditation, yoga, breath-wo ...
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Author to Authority

Kim Thompson-Pinder

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Kim Thompson-Pinder interviews thought-leaders, consultants, professionals and entrepreneurs who share with you from their vast knowledge to help grow your business bigger, stronger through authority and influencer marketing. Scaling your business to the next level is hard. To do so you need to grow in so many areas including sales, marketing, networking, communication social media and leadership skills. On the Author to Authority Podcast we cover all of those plus brand marketing authority, ...
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In this episode, I was lucky enough to interview Will Blackburn, co-founder of DevClarity. Will shares he's from Birmingham, Alabama, where he still resides. Although he moved to Atlanta, thinking Birmingham lacked a tech ecosystem, he returned after seeing local success stories and opportunities. Birmingham’s smaller, supportive startup community,…
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In this episode, we sit down with Taylor Lyons, owner of Kelta Wellness Center, a space dedicated to cutting-edge wellness technology, including sensory deprivation tanks, meditation beds, sauna therapy, and cold plunges. Taylor shares her journey from being a school teacher to a certified yoga instructor and entrepreneur, detailing what led her to…
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In this episode, I was lucky enough to interview Tatsiana Kirimava, CEO and co-founder of Orangesoft. Tatsiana shares that she grew up in various countries, including Poland, Belarus, and the U.S. She attributes her open-mindedness and independence to her parents, who encouraged her to make her own decisions. She highlights her ability to communica…
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In this episode, we reflect on the challenge of maintaining consistency and accountability in both the podcast and everyday life. We share our experience in a sensory deprivation tank in preparation for an upcoming episode, while we discuss the importance of movement, yoga, and staying active—especially as Steve sets his goal to be in top shape bef…
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In this episode, I was lucky enough to interview T. Brad Kielinski, Founder of IT Pros. Brad shared his journey from growing up in Plymouth Meeting near Germantown Academy to becoming a successful tech recruiter in Philadelphia. Inspired by witnessing his uncle and aunt’s homegrown business grow to 400 employees and his father’s inventive spirit, B…
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In this episode, we open up about the evolving role of family in our lives and the unexpected ways it shapes us. From navigating the overwhelming nature of big life changes to learning how to be present with the people who matter most, we reflect on the moments that define us. We talk about the resistance that comes with pushing ourselves toward ne…
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In this episode, I was lucky enough to interview Charles Sims, CEO and founder of Investimate. Charles shares how he grew up around innovation and leadership inspired him to build and scale ventures, starting with a paintball supply company as a child. His ability to adapt and thrive in chaos earned him the moniker "Hurricane CTO" during his tenure…
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In this episode, I was lucky enough to interview David Snider, founder and CEO of Harness Wealth. Growing up in Boston, David's early exposure to financial services and an interest in problem-solving shaped his career. After co-founding and helping grow Compass, a major real estate brokerage, he realized that navigating tax and financial complexiti…
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In this episode, we sit down with musician Brandon Purdy to dive into the healing power of music, creativity, and spirituality. Brandon shares how loss and personal struggles reshaped his artistic journey, transitioning from making “hollow” music to creating songs with real meaning. We explore the importance of reconnecting with childhood passions,…
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In this episode, I was lucky enough to interview Jason Shafton, CEO and founder of Winston Francois. Jason shares his journey from growing up in a family of entrepreneurs in Chicago to becoming a growth and marketing consultant for tech startups. Inspired by his parents’ business ventures in high-end audio equipment, Jason developed an early passio…
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In this episode, we welcome Licensed Master Social Worker Nina Lugo, a passionate social worker making a difference in the lives of students, parents, and educators. Nina opens up about the realities of social work, shedding light on the often-overlooked emotional toll that comes with helping others navigate life's challenges. We explore how social…
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In this episode, I was lucky enough to interview Vladimir Baranov, CEO and founder of Human Interfaces. Vladimir had early exposure to the turbulent Russian business climate, which made him cautious about entrepreneurship, but his experiences in the U.S. gradually changed his perspective. In college, he created a textbook-sharing platform, an early…
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This episode is a big one. An important one. Our most personal one yet. We told you we were gonna cry today—and for good reason. Steve is having a baby, and we dive deep into the whirlwind of emotions that come with it. Excitement, nerves, and the realization that life is about to change forever. We talk about giving up vices when major life shifts…
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In this episode, I was lucky enough to interview Peter Bonney, CEO and founder of Fastbreak RFP. Peter shares his entrepreneurial journey, starting from his childhood in a small town in Massachusetts. Growing up with a father who ran shoe stores and constantly engaged in side hustles, Peter absorbed key lessons in customer focus and hustle. He refl…
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In this episode, we dive into the environments that fuel our best work, the luxury of staying ahead, and the mindset shifts that help us keep going. We reflect on learning to trust ourselves, overcoming perfectionism (“Perfectionism is better spelled paralysis” – Winston Churchill), and embracing where we are while recognizing how far we've come. F…
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In this episode, I was lucky enough to interview Shae Feltz, CEO and founder of NOTICS, an IT service provider based in Minneapolis. Shae delves into his humble beginnings in Brainerd, Minnesota, where he learned early on that working for someone else wasn’t for him. At just 16, Shae launched a mobile iPhone repair business, gaining valuable insigh…
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In part two of our conversation with Rayvin Rey, we explore powerful insights on overcoming scarcity mindsets and embracing patience in personal growth. Rayvin shares her thoughts on finding alignment outside of relationships, balancing happiness with financial success, and breaking free from childhood beliefs about money. We discuss how physical a…
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In this episode, I was lucky enough to interview Brian Glick, CEO and founder of Chain.io Brian traced his inspiration to a family background in leadership and entrepreneurship, coupled with firsthand experience in customs brokerage. Dropping out of college, Brian’s entry into the supply chain world began humbly, crawling under desks to set up comp…
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"Rayvin Rey on Overcoming Shame, Cultivating Self-Love, & Finding Your Authenticity" EP050 (Pt. 1) In this episode, we sit down with our longtime friend and inspiring guest, Rayvin Rey, to explore the transformative power of unlearning, self-love, and personal growth. Rayvin shares her journey of shifting her baseline from negativity to positivity,…
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In this episode, I was lucky enough to interview Jon Wise, the founder and CEO of Jon Wise Creative (JWC). Jon started his childhood in suburban Atlanta, where his father ran a local software store. Jon recalls his earliest entrepreneurial endeavor at a community festival, selling “Tucker Rocks” to neighbors, which marked the beginning of his creat…
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This week, we’re thrilled to bring you a very special episode, recorded live from the dojo with our longtime friend and karate master, Joe Fry! Joe is not only the owner of a thriving karate studio and a 5th degree black belt, but also a dedicated mentor, parent, and entrepreneur. In this episode, he shares his incredible journey of resilience, sel…
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In this episode, I was lucky enough to interview Etienne de Bruin, Founder and CEO of 7CTOs. Etienne shares his entrepreneurial journey, starting from his upbringing in South Africa to founding his organization that supports technology leaders. Growing up during a time of global isolation for South Africa, Etienne reflects on how this scarcity of r…
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It’s a New Year, and we’re starting 2025 by looking back at everything we learned in 2024. We talk about how one of us made the life-changing decision to get sober, and how that single choice improved not only our personal lives but the direction and consistency of this podcast. We also reflect on the massive growth we’ve seen since taking the podc…
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"Grounding into Gratitude & Dealing with Your Displaced Anger | Episode #048 This week, we’re digging into the big stuff—like how to handle displaced anger, break free from people-pleasing, and challenge outdated stereotypes about masculinity. We explore how mindfulness and gratitude can help you stay grounded, even when life throws you a curveball…
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“The Power of Consistency, Mastering Your Brain States, Wisdom from Matthew McConaughey | EP 047 We’re back, and we’re leveling up. In this episode, we recap Will McGuire’s last visit, hype up our plans to bring on new, fascinating guests, and celebrate sticking with this podcast journey. Spoiler alert: we’re kind of proud of ourselves. We dive int…
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In this episode, I was lucky enough to interview Rachel Sanders, CEO and Co-Founder of Rootine. Rachel shares the transformative journey behind her health and wellness brand. Rootine’s mission is to empower individuals with personalized, data-driven health solutions, starting with custom multivitamins tailored to biological data. Rachel recounts ho…
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We do apologize for the poor sound quality in this episode, we had some audio issues throughout this episode, but we're still in good spirits because our good friend of the pod and honorary member of the Who Thought We’d Be Here? family, Will McGuire, stops by to drop knowledge, crack jokes, and remind us why he’s one of our favorite people. Will w…
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In this episode, I was lucky enough to interview Hunter Fortuin and Tom Carmona, co-founders of Wolfjaw Studios. Based in Troy, New York, Wolfjaw specializes in backend development for online gaming services, tackling the complex systems that enable matchmaking, account management, and telemetry. Tom recounts how the company’s first major client or…
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In this reflective and candid episode of Who Thought We’d Be Here?, we tackle resistance, overthinking, and finding balance in life and creativity. Recorded the day after the election, we start with a discussion on seasonal warmth in New York and dive into the struggles and lessons of the week. Steve opens up about his rough week and the importance…
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In this episode, I was lucky enough to interview Jason Barnard, CEO of Kalicube. Jason recounts his beginnings in the music industry, where he started a record label after failing to secure a deal for his band. This led him to his first customer, a record company, which he gained through relationship building. He further explains the challenges he …
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In this special Thanksgiving episode of Who Thought We’d Be Here?, we’re here to keep you company on the way to your family gathering or maybe on that walk before dinner with your favorite cousin. The focus today is all about gratitude, self-reflection, and enjoying the season. We kick things off with a reminder to embrace the moment and focus on w…
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In this episode, I was very, very lucky enough to interview my former boss, Dave Reinhold, Founder of VentureCPO. Growing up in New York, Dave recounts his first “business” selling bubble gum and fans to classmates, reflecting a lifelong drive for independence and resourcefulness. His early passion for technology blossomed with his first computer, …
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In this reflective and empowering episode, we dive deep into the subtle yet loud voice of self-doubt and how it impacts your relationships, mindset, and growth. Starting in our brand-new recording space, we explore the art of creating hope for the future and the wisdom behind Lao Tzu’s Tao Te Ching (Ep. 9). Along the way, we uncover insights about …
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Jay Aigner is a seasoned entrepreneur and business growth expert with a rich background in software testing and quality assurance. As the CEO of Gdaqa, a leading software testing agency, Jay has successfully built a thriving business from the ground up, starting as a one-man consulting shop. His perspective on business growth and entrepreneurship i…
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In this episode, I was lucky enough to interview Deanna Sheward, co-founder and Chief Product Officer of Capablanca. Deanna shares her unique journey from academia to entrepreneurship. She recounts how her background in art, architecture, and research instilled in her a passion for learning and personal growth, which later fueled her pivot into the…
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In this episode, we dive deep into the journey of self-awareness, personal growth, and creative evolution, exploring themes that resonate with anyone navigating change or creative pursuits. We kick off by defining what this podcast truly represents and drawing inspiration from the likes of Rich Roll and other influential voices. Conversations cente…
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Carrie Pierce is a seasoned writer with over two decades of professional experience, including a background in the film and TV industry, and a co-founder of Morgan Pierce Media and Publishing. Carrie's unique insights on creating wholesome children's literature and overcoming writing challenges stem from her own journey. Initially, she pursued a ca…
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In this episode, I was lucky enough to interview Sean Languedoc, Founder and CEO of Outforce AI. Sean recounts his unconventional start in business, inspired by advice to "learn by doing" instead of pursuing an MBA. He shares his experience launching a tourism venture during Expo 86 in Vancouver, which taught him the value of adaptability when the …
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Join our exclusive community on GROUPED where you can find uncut episodes, messaging with your hosts, and early access to promotions https://app.grouped.com/whothoughtwedbeherepod Join Whoop with our promotional code and get your first month free! https://join.whoop.com/us/en/Whothoughtwedbeherepod/ Sign up for online therapy with our referral link…
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Joanne Bolt, a southern mama with a snarky attitude, has made a significant impact in the world of podcasting as a strategic tool for business growth. With a background in running a $56 million real estate team, Joanne transitioned to her true passion of helping women build their businesses. Joanne's unique insights on podcasting as a strategic too…
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In this episode, I was lucky enough to interview Jordan Saunders, founder and CEO of NextLink Labs. Jordan reflects on his entrepreneurial journey, starting from his early days in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, building computers at age 12. He shares how his passion for technology led him to pursue consulting right out of college after studying computer…
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Join our exclusive community on GROUPED where you can find uncut episodes, messaging with your hosts, and early access to promotions https://app.grouped.com/whothoughtwedbeherepod Join Whoop with our promotional code and get your first month free! https://join.whoop.com/us/en/Whothoughtwedbeherepod/ Sign up for online therapy with our referral link…
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Braith Bamkin, an accomplished professional and Executive Director of BNI Melbourne Central, has dedicated his career to supporting thousands of business people in achieving new levels of success. With a deep understanding of the power of giving and knowing one's target market, Bamkin believes that genuine acts of giving without expecting anything …
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In this episode, I was lucky enough to interview Alex Levin, Co-Founder and CEO of Regal.io. Alex grew up in Manhattan with a father who ran a steel service business. Alex absorbed early lessons about business operations and efficiency. While his father’s ventures in technology during the late 90s exposed him to a rapidly changing landscape, Alex i…
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We're 40 episodes into this "podcast" thing and we feel like we're just getting started. Thanks to anyone listening, whether you've been with us since day one or you're new to the "Who Thought We'd Be Here? bandwagon, we appreciate each and every one of you. In this episode, Steve and JP chat about how to create the life you want to manifest with a…
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Bridgit Norris, a game-changing leadership coach, has made a significant impact in the corporate world, particularly in the construction industry, with her no-nonsense approach and straight talking. Bridgit holds a unique perspective on embracing uniqueness and creating a movement, believing that it is more important than building a business as it …
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In this episode, I was lucky enough to interview Dave Schneider, the CEO of Shortlist.io. Dave shares his upbringing in Ashland, Massachusetts, a small town where entrepreneurship was not encouraged. He explains how his early life and family background led him toward a more traditional career path, but eventually, after working a corporate job, he …
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Join our exclusive community on GROUPED where you can find uncut episodes, messaging with your hosts, and early access to promotions https://app.grouped.com/whothoughtwedbeherepod Join Whoop with our promotional code and get your first month free! https://join.whoop.com/us/en/Whothoughtwedbeherepod/ Sign up for online therapy with our referral link…
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Alexa Nazzaro is a seasoned professional in the realm of memoirs and publishing, with a rich background in Creative Writing from Concordia University and a successful career as the founder of Axel Author Services. Alexa holds unique insights on the power and benefits of memoirs, viewing them not merely as vessels of knowledge, but as models for lea…
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In this episode, I was lucky enough to interview Dan Balcauski, founder and CPO of Product Tranquility. Dan shared his backstory, growing up in Chicago with no direct entrepreneurial influences but finding his path through engineering and the software industry. He moved to Austin, Texas, over 20 years ago, drawn by its warmer climate and tech oppor…
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