Guy Raz hosts the advice line with Angie and Dan Bastion, co-founders of Angie's Boom Chickapop Popcorn, who built a multi-million dollar business from a kettle corn side hustle starting in 2010.

Three callers seek guidance on scaling challenges: Michelle Pussiteri of Nana Joe's Granola ($2.2M revenue, 15 years bootstrapped), Gloria Kolb of Elitone (FDA-approved pelvic floor device), and Eric Poulan of Maple Roo (organic sports nutrition from Australia).

The conversation covers investment decisions, overcoming product stigma, competing against established brands, and maintaining company values during growth phases.

Nana Joe's Granola Seeks Values-Aligned Investment

Michelle Pussiteri built Nana Joe's Granola to $2.2 million revenue over 15 years, manufacturing in San Francisco's Dogpatch with 70% wholesale and 30% direct-to-consumer sales.

Three potential investments failed when investors demanded conventional ingredients or increased equity percentages at signing: 'That was a red flag and that was also like okay you know thank you so much for your time' - Michelle.

Angie recommends minority investors who enhance scaling without compromising mission: 'There are investors out there that might only want to do a minority investment with you, which you control' - Angie.

Guy suggests exploring angel investor networks writing $15,000-$50,000 checks or finding retired food industry executives as strategic advisors with equity stakes.

Overcoming Stigma in Women's Health Products

Gloria Kolb's Elitone treats urinary incontinence affecting one in two women over 50 using external electrical stimulation, launching right before COVID forced direct-to-consumer pivot.

Digital marketing costs became unprofitable when 'Meta stopped us from targeting' in 2025, creating customer acquisition challenges in an embarrassing product category.

Angie suggests reframing from medical device to wellness product for prevention and sexual health, targeting Medi spas and women's retreat clinics for broader market exposure.

Guy recommends Gloria become the primary spokesperson with her MIT/Stanford engineering background and personal story front and center: 'You are the influencer. You are the face of this' - Guy.

Maple Roo's Local-First Growth Strategy

Eric Poulan created Maple Roo after collapsing during an Iron Man from poor fueling, discovering maple syrup's digestibility advantages and qualifying for world championships.

The company forecasts $250,000 first-year sales with 80% direct-to-consumer, manufacturing in North America and shipping to Australia for cost efficiency.

Dan advises focusing locally before international expansion: 'We didn't focus on going fast until we were in our millions, like even 10 million' - Dan.

Guy recommends adding performance metrics to packaging like 'slow burning energy' and carb content prominently displayed for quick athlete decision-making.

Lessons from Building Boom Chickapop

Angie and Dan would reduce their 20-hour workdays if starting over: 'It really did damage to us in the sense of just physically, you know, our bodies and emotionally' - Dan.

The founders now mentor food startups and chair boards like Prospera Foods in Nicaragua, learning 'how to retire' after their successful exit.

Dan's advice for his younger self: 'Try not to be so reactionary. Be a little more forward-thinking in the process' rather than constant survival mode reactions.

Angie emphasizes work-life balance: 'Put the phone down for an hour and have dinner and don't talk about work with your family and your kids' - Angie.