All Episodes

This episode marks a new kind of conversation on The Hustle by Hanna. Instead of spotlighting founders who have already scaled, Hanna turns the focus to the early hustle, the building phase where ideas are still taking shape and innovation is happening in real time.Hanna sits down with Bhavani Kalisetty and Arjun Chintapalli, co-founders of RTRVR AI, a browser-based agent that is changing the way people and businesses work online. Built to make the internet do more for you, RTRVR AI automates the everyday: researching leads, pulling data, sending emails, posting content, and even analyzing competitors, all while you focus on the bigger picture.For entrepreneurs, RTRVR AI can build prospect lists, send outreach emails, and follow up with leads automatically so they can grow the business without hiring another person. For marketers and creators, it can research trends, draft posts, and even publish content across platforms while they focus on strategy and storytelling. And for anyone buried in tabs, tasks, and spreadsheets, it can pull reports, find suppliers, or fill out forms in the background so their browser finally starts working for them.Bhavani and Arjun share how a late-night hackathon project turned into one of the most talked about tools in AI and what the “agentic web” means for the next generation of productivity.In this episode: • How RTRVR AI automates real tasks for businesses and individuals • Practical examples across marketing, research, and content creation • Why the browser is the next frontier for AI • The mindset behind building at the edge of innovationWatch this one on YouTube. It is a hands-on, demo-style episode where you can see RTRVR AI in action and follow along as Hanna tests live use cases.If you have ever wondered what it looks like when your computer truly starts working for you, this episode is the one to watch.Follow #TheHustleByHanna for more founder insights, behind the scenes clips, and weekly takeaways:• LinkedIn• Instagram

Henry Elkus is the founder and CEO of Helena, a problem solving institution that brings together leaders from business, science, policy, and philanthropy to take on humanity’s hardest challenges. From climate change to AI safety to the future of democracy, Helena is rewriting how institutions act on the issues that will define our century.Unlike a think tank or a traditional nonprofit, Helena does not stop at ideas. It sources, vets, and implements real projects. That has meant protecting the U.S. electrical grid through the SHIELD Project, responding to pandemic threats through Helena Biosecurity, and reimagining democracy with America in One Room, a deliberative experiment featured on the front page of The New York Times.Henry started Helena when he was just 20 years old, leaving Yale to pursue the vision of building an institution designed to last far beyond his own lifetime. In less than a decade, Helena has grown into a platform where Nobel laureates, entrepreneurs, scientists, and policymakers come together to take action on problems that affect us all.In our conversation Henry shares:How he went from Yale dropout to building a global institution at 20 years oldThe relentless early hustle of cold emails, rejections, and conference crashes that led to Helena’s first members, including Nobel laureatesWhy Helena was structured to act across nonprofit, for profit, and policy channels depending on what a problem demandsThe inside story of Helena’s early projects, from securing critical infrastructure to advancing pandemic preparedness and democratic reformHis reflections on a decade of building and why Helena must be designed to outlive its founderThis is a story about ambition at scale and the grind it takes to turn vision into an institution that can change the future.Henry’s BookshelfHenry shared several books that have shaped his thinking on leadership, problem-solving, and building institutions:The Brothers Karamazov: A recent, life-changing read that offers a mind-blowing and intimate exploration of human nature, madness, and family dynamics through deeply developed characters.The Lessons of History: A profound 100-page summary of 50 years of historical study, conveying essential, repeated lessons about human nature and civilization that deeply changed his perspective.The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire: A recent read that illustrates how civilizations collapse in slow motion, providing crucial, timeless lessons on structural decline and societal challenges relevant today.The Little Prince: His all-time favorite book for its ability to distill complex philosophical concepts into a simple, beautiful children’s story, representing a philosophy of life he constantly revisits.Paleolithic Cave Art (Textbook): An unexpected recommendation that sparked new ways of thinking about early human intelligence, communication, and the meaning behind ancient cave paintings.If you want to dive deeper into his bookshelf and follow along with the titles that continue to shape him, you can find his full reading list on ElkList or AnalogueDon’t miss next week’s episode:Listen and subscribe here:• Apple Podcasts• Spotify• TransistorFollow #TheHustleByHanna for more founder insights, behind the scenes clips, and weekly takeaways:• LinkedIn• Instagram

What does innovation look like in healthcare today? Is it about new technologies, billion-dollar exits, or the number of companies you build?For James “Jim” Wallace, the answer goes deeper. It’s about harnessing data and AI to transform patient care and making sure the science of medicine stays personal.Jim is an entrepreneur, investor, and thought leader who has built and backed companies at the crossroads of healthcare and technology. He’s also the author of Precision Medicine: The Science and Business of Personalized Healthcare, which unpacks how personalized healthcare is reshaping the future of medicine.In this week’s episode of The Hustle by Hanna, Jim and I dive into:The SpaceX lesson he learned from Elon Musk why “impossible” usually signals opportunityHow AI can turn costs into assets and give doctors time back to focus on patientsWhy trust is the biggest barrier in healthcare and how transparency with AI can increase itThe four drivers shaping the future of care: wearables, genomics, big data, and AIPractical steps patients can take today, from PGX testing to wearables, to improve their own healthWhat entrepreneurs in any industry can learn about empathy, customer trust, and innovation from healthcareJim’s story is proof that entrepreneurship isn’t just about companies, it’s about curiosity, impact, and reimagining the systems that touch every life.If you’ve ever wondered how technology can truly humanize healthcare, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.Want the actionable playbook behind this conversation? James lays it out in Precision Medicine, now available on Amazon.Follow #TheHustleByHanna and connect with me for more founder insights, behind-the-scenes clips, and weekly takeaways:• LinkedIn• InstagramWant to learn more about my journey?Read my feature: Meet Hanna Laikin of BrightPoint Communications

Jerre Stead has led 10 public companies, served on 37 boards, and built a reputation as one of the most trusted leaders in business. His career spans decades at the top of Fortune 500 firms, guiding organizations through transformation and growth.But what makes Jerre unique isn’t just his leadership in the boardroom, it’s his impact beyond it. Together with his wife Mary Joy, he has given more than $400 million to healthcare, education, and communities in need.In this episode of The Hustle by Hanna, you’ll learn:How Jerre approaches decision-making when the stakes are highestThe leadership qualities that matter most in boardrooms and beyondWhy giving back has been central to his life and careerHow to think about legacy in business and in serviceNow in his 80s, Jerre is still mentoring, still building, and still proving that true success is measured by the lives you impact.This conversation is a must listen for anyone who wants to understand what decades at the top and the most intentional form of giving can teach us about leadership rooted in responsibility, not recognition. Follow @TheHustlebyHanna across all platforms.

What separates a successful career from a life of impact?In this episode, Hanna sits down with Mickey Maurer, founder of the Indiana Business Journal and the National Bank of Indianapolis, to go beyond the headlines and uncover the principles that shaped his journey. From law and media to banking and philanthropy, Mickey has built a legacy on perspective, conviction, and community.He doesn’t just talk about success, he lives by it. He’s written seven books, produced films for HBO, climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro, and created Mickey’s Camp, an adult summer camp that has raised millions for Indiana charities. At Indiana University, the Maurer School of Law bears his name, a reflection of his belief that giving back is the most important principle of all.We get into: • The 10 Essential Principles that guided his career • Why community and giving back are core to entrepreneurship • Building networks that last beyond industries and titles • His definition of balance through curiosity, activity, and lifelong learning • The lessons you do not learn in school but every entrepreneur needsThis one is a must-listen for entrepreneurs, builders, and lifelong learners who believe success is about more than profit: it is about purpose and community.Follow @TheHustlebyHanna across all platforms!

What separates a good leader from a generational one?In this episode, Hanna sits down with JP Engelbrecht, CEO of South Central Inc., to talk about what real leadership looks like, not the title, but the lifelong mission of building culture, developing people, and staying grounded in your faith and values. JP doesn’t just lead a third-generation family business, he leads it. From climbing towers as a teen to flying himself to board meetings, he’s spent his life learning every part of the business. But what drives him isn’t the flash, it’s the fit. JP shares why culture is his biggest investment, how he supports CEOs across industries, and why “business is an honorable calling” is more than just a phrase—it’s a leadership philosophy.We get into:Why every success (or failure) comes back to leadershipHow to build teams that care and stayQuiet intensity vs. loud ambition: the leadership styles that workThe real reason family businesses succeed (or don’t)How faith, values, and vision shape his leadership playbookThis one’s a must-listen for founders, operators, and anyone who believes leadership is about service, not ego.Follow @TheHustlebyHanna across all platforms!

When Lisa Wardell looks back on her journey, it’s not the titles or accolades that stand out. It’s the winding, non-linear path that took her from first generation college graduate to CEO of a public company.On this episode of The Hustle by Hanna, Lisa shares how “learning agility” became her greatest asset, why she’s never been afraid to start from scratch, and how confidence is built one hard earned win at a time. We talk about breaking through barriers, mentoring the next generation, and rewriting the story of what leadership looks like.You will learn • How Lisa turned self doubt into a belief she could learn anything • The importance of “learning agility” in navigating career changes • Why non linear career paths can create the most valuable skillsets • The milestones she’s most proud of and the ones people often overlook • How she uses mentorship to help others see their own potentialWhether you’re first in your family to chase a big goal or deep into your own leadership journey, Lisa’s story is proof that resilience, curiosity, and a willingness to learn can take you anywhere.Listen now and share with someone who needs to hear it!

When Darren Litt set out to find a healthy vitamin for his kids, he did not expect it would lead to one of the most successful children’s wellness brands in the country.On this episode of The Hustle by Hanna, Darren shares how his background in digital marketing, his obsession with product design, and a very real frustration as a parent led to the creation of Hiya Health. We talk about building trust with parents, turning a clean product into a captivating experience, and what it really takes to scale a direct-to-consumer brand without raising millions.You will learn• Why Darren launched Hiya without CPG experience and why that worked• The power of creating products with and for your own kids• How he brought a design-forward experience to the vitamin aisle• What it means to build in sprints rather than marathons• How he knew it was time to sell and what founders should know about exitsWhether you are a founder, a parent, or someone building something new, Darren’s story is a reminder that fresh eyes, clear values, and relentless execution can change an entire industry.Listen now and share with someone who is ready to shake things up.

From sleeping on the streets to opening luxury hotels across the globe, Chris Adams' journey defies every odd. In this powerful conversation, Chris shares the raw truth behind his transformation and the mindset shift that helped him see opportunities where others saw only obstacles.Chris opens up about the darkest moments of homelessness, the pivotal decisions that changed everything, and how he built a hospitality empire by focusing on what most people ignore - the "pink elephants" in the room that everyone pretends not to see. His approach to business and life challenges conventional wisdom and offers a fresh perspective on turning adversity into advantage.What You'll Learn:The core principles of his philosophy and how to apply themHow Chris identified his first business opportunity while homelessThe mindset shifts that separate successful entrepreneurs from dreamersPractical strategies for building resilience in the face of extreme challengesWhy embracing uncomfortable truths can be your greatest competitive advantageChris's blueprint for scaling a hospitality business internationallyPerfect for: Entrepreneurs facing setbacks, anyone struggling with adversity, business owners looking for unconventional growth strategies, and listeners who want proof that circumstances don't define destiny.Guest Bio: Chris Adams is a hospitality entrepreneur and motivational speaker who has opened hotels in over 15 countries. His journey from homelessness to international business success has inspired thousands to reframe their relationship with failure and opportunity.This episode delivers both inspiration and actionable insights - prepare to see your challenges in a completely new light.

He nearly lost everything. Then he built and sold multiple companies for a combined $1.1 billion. In this episode, Blake Johnson gets real about the moments most people skip over - the early wake-ups in El Centro, the cattle, the chaos, and the near collapse. We talk about: • Growing up in a small border town and how it wired his work ethic • The business that almost broke him and what he did next • Taking risks, building trust, and bouncing back harder • The mindset behind his biggest exits • Why grit still matters more than talentBlake isn’t just a founder, he’s a builder who’s been through it, rebuilt from scratch, and is now mentoring the next generation of entrepreneurs.This is the episode you listen to when you’re stuck, rebuilding, or betting big on yourself.🎧 Follow The Hustle by Hanna for more interviews with founders, visionaries, and underdog entrepreneurs.📲 Tag us on social @hustlebyhanna - we want to hear your biggest takeaway.

In this episode of The Hustle by Hanna, we sit down with Sid Eskenazi—a self-made entrepreneur, founder of Sandor Development, one of the largest privately held shopping center developers in the nation, and the man behind the largest private donation in Indiana state history. His $40 million gift to the hospital that saved his life didn’t just change the skyline, It redefined what it means to give with intention.We explore Sid’s remarkable journey, from growing up in Indianapolis to building a successful real estate empire, and the values that shaped both his business and his belief in giving back.This conversation is about gratitude, legacy, and the real reason we hustle. It’s not just about making money, it’s about what you do with it, who you lift along the way, and how you choose to be remembered.What You’ll Hear:The personal health scare that inspired the donationSid’s early years growing up as a first-generation AmericanThe hustle it took to build a real estate business from scratchHow philanthropy is more than a check—it’s a messageWhat he looks for in young people who want to leadHis advice to the next generation of entrepreneursKey Themes:Legacy > LuxuryGratitude as a guiding principleHow values passed down from immigrant parents fuel ambitionThe quiet strength behind transformational givingWealth with purposeQuote to Remember:“You don’t need your name on a building to make an impact. You need your values in the foundation.” – Sid EskenaziLinks:Eskenazi Health Foundation: https://www.eskenazihealth.edu/ More episodes of The Hustle by Hanna: https://thehustlebyhanna.transistor.fm/ Follow The Hustle by Hanna:Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannalaikin/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehustlebyhannaOther links: https://thehustlebyhanna.transistor.fm/  

Ryan Bartlett, cofounder of True Classic, joins The Hustle by Hanna to break down how he turned a simple idea—better fitting men’s basics—into one of the fastest-growing apparel brands in the world. In this episode, we talk about the mindset required to scale fast, stand out in a saturated market, and stay grounded while building an $850 million business.Ryan opens up about what most people get wrong about brand building, why great marketing only works if the product delivers, and the behind-the-scenes grit that never makes it into an ad campaign.If you're building something of your own, this one is a blueprint in real time.

The Hustle by Hanna dives into the raw, real, and relentless journeys of entrepreneurs, creators, and risk-takers who are building something that matters. Hosted by Hanna Laikin, each episode uncovers the mindset, grit, and moments behind the scenes that shape success. From billion-dollar exits to back-of-the-napkin beginnings, it’s not just about what they built, but how. Whether you’re scaling a business or dreaming up your next move, this show is your blueprint for the hustle.