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In this episode of Forward Thinking Founders, Mat Sherman sits down with Meaghan Franks, founder of Sport Sitters, a marketplace that connects college athletes with families for high-trust, high-energy babysitting. What started as an accidental idea at Arizona State quickly became a powerful new way for student-athletes—especially women and non-revenue sport athletes—to earn income through NIL while inspiring the next generation of kids. Parents get vetted, elite athletes in their homes. Athletes get meaningful income, brand-building, and real community impact. Timestamps00:00 – Introduction to Meaghan Franks and Sport Sitters01:10 – The origin story: athletics, parenting, and NIL colliding03:00 – How Sport Sitters works for parents (matching, safety, experience)05:00 – Why parents don’t choose the sport—and why that matters for kids06:40 – Athletes as role models, not just babysitters09:00 – NIL explained: why Sport Sitters couldn’t exist before12:00 – The challenge of international athletes and NIL restrictions14:30 – Meaghan’s journey as a first-time, non-technical founder17:00 – Building the platform, tech bottlenecks, and lessons learned19:30 – Why overusing AI slowed development instead of speeding it up22:45 – Strong demand, scaling pressure, and “good problems”23:45 – Pricing, payments, and how parents actually book28:00 – The long-term vision: Sport Sitters as “first-class” babysitting31:00 – Where to learn more and how to get involved This is a must-listen for founders building two-sided marketplaces, anyone curious about NIL beyond brand deals, and parents interested in a new, elevated approach to babysitting that blends athletics, role models, and community. ★ Support this podcast ★

In this episode of Forward Thinking Founders, Mat chats with Kosuke July Hata, the founder behind the ROC Camera — a groundbreaking device built to take verifiably real photos in the age of AI. He shares how his background in robotics, autonomous vehicles, and flying cars at Kitty Hawk shaped his belief that “impossible things are buildable with enough time,” and how that mindset led him to create a camera that can cryptographically prove an image was captured by a real sensor, in a real moment, by a real human. We dive into: Why AI-generated “image slop” is eroding trust onlineHow ROC uses sensor attestation + zero-knowledge proofs to verify authenticityUse cases from journalism to robotics to combating “this is AI” accusationsWhat it takes to build hardware in a world dominated by softwareWhy early adopters include cryptography engineers and AI-conscious creatorsJuly’s thoughts on SF, outrageous ideas, and building hard tech today If you care about the future of photography, data provenance, or restoring trust to the internet, this is a must-listen conversation. Learn more at roc.camera and follow July at @0xjuly. ★ Support this podcast ★

In today’s episode of Forward Thinking Founders, Mat sits down with Bo Shaffer, founder and CEO of Playswise, a startup using computer vision and AI to unlock deep basketball analytics straight from broadcast footage. Bo played basketball at Duke, and she saw firsthand how much of the sport still relies on slow, manual film review. Playswise is her attempt to change that — bringing NBA-level insights to any team, coach, or player by automating detection, tracking, and advanced breakdowns using modern AI models. In the conversation, we get into Bo’s path from college basketball to tech, how AI can transform scouting and player development, why legacy tools like Hudl and Synergy are ripe for disruption, and what the future of automated sports analytics could look like. We also talk about AI agents, staying on top of rapid AI progress, and what it means to build an AI-native company in an industry that hasn’t kept up. If you’re interested in sports, AI, or the intersection of the two, you’ll enjoy this one. Timestamps: 00:01 – Intro + Welcoming Bo Shaffer 00:30 – What Playswise is and why it matters 01:19 – Bo’s background at Duke + how she got into AI 02:42 – Discovering tech and realizing the basketball world is still manual 03:55 – How the internet (Twitter, open source) helps her build 05:13 – Staying focused while AI evolves so fast 07:06 – How she trains the models and improves accuracy 08:19 – What training looks like behind the scenes 09:41 – Coaches’ reactions + existing tools in the space 10:57 – Thoughts on AI agents and future tech 12:24 – Are agents real or still early hype? 14:02 – College years, Zoom era, and seeing AI rise 16:17 – Her big goals for Playswise over the next few years 17:35 – Why legacy systems like Hudl/Synergy are outdated 18:21 – The accuracy problem in today’s sports tools 19:08 – Where to find Bo + Playswise online ★ Support this podcast ★

In this episode of Forward Thinking Founders, Mat Sherman sits down with Gulmohar Ahluwalia, founder & CEO of Nyxara — a company building a next-generation space-to-ground communications system using cloud-piercing lasers capable of delivering terabits per second. Imagine downloading all of Netflix in five seconds. That’s the world Nyxara aims to unlock. Gulmohar walks through her path from aspiring astronaut to electrical engineer to telecom expert, and how seeing firsthand the limits of today’s 5G and RF-based networks pushed her toward free-space optical communication. She breaks down, in simple terms, why Starlink and other systems can’t get laser signals through clouds, why RF spectrum is physically tapped out, and why optical frequencies represent the next uncongested frontier for 6G-class internet. She then explains Nyxara’s core breakthrough: using an ultra-high-frequency ground laser to create a “hollow channel” through cloud and fog layers, allowing satellites to send and receive massive data loads reliably — effectively creating a portable, dynamic, distributed network layer in space. Mat and Gulmohar explore: How she broke a world-changing vision into buildable stepsWhy she left Australia for San Francisco, and how the pace, talent density, and serendipity changed everythingThe hardware and optics ecosystem inside Founders IncWhat a typical day looks like for her — ultramarathon training, deep focus mornings, customer calls, and fundraisingHow Nyxara fits into her broader belief that humanity needs four pillars (vessels, fuel, food/water, and communications) to eventually leave EarthWhy she hopes one day fiber optic cables will be remembered like floppy disks Gulmohar closes by sharing where to follow her work: X, Substack, LinkedIn, and the Nyxara newsletter. If you’re into frontier tech, laser communications, AI-ready infrastructure, or ambitious founder journeys, this is one you’ll want to hear. ★ Support this podcast ★

Mat Sherman catches up with Connor Waslo, co-founder/CEO of Caddy, a desktop voice interface that keeps you in flow by turning spoken intent into real work across tools like Linear, Slack, Calendar, Gmail, and Notion. Connor shares the origin story with cofounder Rajiv, hard pivots, and craft standards for their private beta. They compare SF’s tech gravity with New York, reflect on learnings from Loom through acquisition, and talk about how YC’s time pressure reshapes execution from September to Demo Day. You’ll hear concrete use cases—function-key capture, automatic screenshots and tickets, calendar creation—plus takes on context, tone, and why video + AI is earlier, better, and scarier than most realize. They close with founder routines, community, and a billboard-ready reminder: who you work with matters most. Time Stamps:00:00 Introduction and Backstory: How Mat and Connor First Met   01:05 What Caddy Is and How It Works   03:15 The Origin Story: Loom Pain Points, Prototypes, and Pivot Hell   05:41 Lessons From Loom and Transitioning to Founder Life   08:25 Moving to SF for Y Combinator   09:53 SF vs. NYC: Tech Density and Culture   12:49 Inside YC: Speed, Pressure, and Company-Building   15:12 Building in a Fast-Moving AI World   16:59 Current Use Cases, Private Beta, and Product Direction   19:52 Long-Term Vision: Context, Tone, and the Future of Work   26:07 What’s Emerging in SF: AI Video and New Frontiers   28:15 A Day in the Life of a YC Founder   32:05 Launch Plans: Waitlist, Beta Access, and Community   34:00 The Billboard Question: Connor’s Final Message   36:08 Closing Thoughts ★ Support this podcast ★

In this episode of Forward Thinking Founders, Mat Sherman chats with Jared Lerner, co-founder and CEO of Nappr, a marketplace redefining hotel stays by letting travelers book rooms for short, flexible durations. Jared shares how his own struggles with sleep sparked the idea, what it takes to build trust with hotels, and how Napper attracts both travelers and partners. They dive into Napper’s booking experience, marketing approach, and the differences between building in New York versus San Francisco. Jared also teases what’s next — from expanding hotel partnerships to launching a consumer hosting platform. 00:00 Introduction to Nappr 02:28 Understanding the Nappr Experience 05:05 The Founding Story and Mission 07:56 Navigating the Booking Process 10:49 Marketing Strategies and Brand Awareness 12:57 The Startup Scene: New York vs. San Francisco 18:31 Future Growth and Expansion Plans ★ Support this podcast ★

In this episode of Forward Thinking Founders, Mat Sherman chats with Mahdi Nouri, co-founder and CEO of CatDoes, a no-code AI mobile app builder empowering anyone to create apps without writing code. Mahdi shares the story behind CatDoes, the product decisions that shaped its growth, and how he’s navigating the fast-changing AI landscape. They discuss what it takes to build a startup from Germany, how it compares to Silicon Valley, and why accessibility and user experience are central to CatDoes’ mission. Mahdi also offers a glimpse into the future of AI-powered app creation and how CatDoes is making software building radically easier for everyone. ★ Support this podcast ★

In this episode of Forward Thinking Founders, Mat Sherman interviews Adam Cohen Hillel, co-founder of Dafdef, the company behind AI Key—a groundbreaking device that plugs into your phone and allows AI to directly control it. Adam discusses the development journey of AI Key, the importance of privacy and security, and the potential future applications of their technology. The conversation highlights the intersection of personal AI and user experience, emphasizing the need for a consumer-friendly approach in a rapidly evolving tech landscape. 00:00 Introduction to DafDef and AI Key 04:44The Technology Behind AI Key 10:06 Development Journey and Background 16:52 Use Cases and Future Applications 26:28 Vision for the Future of Personal AI ★ Support this podcast ★

In this episode of Forward Thinking Founders, Mat Sherman talks with Nikhil Yadala, cofounder and CEO of Helome, a company building AI copilots to help people slow their aging. Nikhil shares how Helome uses advanced “aging clocks”, AI models trained on blood biomarkers, to measure biological age and guide people toward healthier, longer lives. We explore his decade-long journey from mathematician to longevity founder, why he believes measuring aging is harder than curing it, and how he built an open-source AI assistant called Longevity GPT to make personalized health insights accessible to anyone, anywhere. Nikhil also opens up about moving from India to San Francisco, what the Bay Area’s startup culture taught him, and his candid take on Brian Johnson’s Blueprint experiment. Topics covered: What biological age really meansThe science behind AI-powered aging clocksHow Helome helps people test and track longevity markersLessons from building in the longevity spaceWhy SF accelerates founders faster than anywhere else Learn more about Helome at helome.one and try Longevity GPT at asklongevitygpt.com. ★ Support this podcast ★

In this episode, we dive into one of the most pressing conversations in technology today: the balance between innovation and security in artificial intelligence. The discussion with Will Preble of Covenant Labs unpacks why maintaining control over AI models is critical, the looming risks tied to data security, and the potential fallout of compromised systems. From the threat of economic instability to the need for transparency and collaboration, this episode explores the stakes of AI’s rapid rise. Key Takeaways: Control over AI models is essential for long-term stability.Data security remains one of the biggest vulnerabilities in AI.Hacking risks could have devastating economic consequences.OpenAI and similar technologies must be protected with robust safeguards.Compromised AI has the power to destabilize global markets.Society must better understand AI’s influence on our lives and economies.A delicate balance is needed between advancing innovation and ensuring security.Collaboration and transparency are crucial to building trust.Proactive strategies are necessary to reduce risks before they spiral. ★ Support this podcast ★

In this episode of Forward Thinking Founders, Mat Sherman interviews Cathleen Turner, founder of Autaly, a software company focused on improving logistics businesses by automating invoicing and cash flow management. Cathleen shares her unique journey into the logistics industry, the challenges faced by third-party logistics providers, and how Autaly addresses these issues. The conversation also touches on the importance of networking on platforms like X (formerly Twitter), the balance between work and personal life, and valuable lessons learned as a founder. ★ Support this podcast ★

In this episode of Forward Thinking Founders, host Mat Sherman interviews Jonathan Liu, founder of Cupidly. They discuss Jonathan's journey from a young coder to a startup founder, his experiences with venture capital and bootstrapping, and the innovative AI dating assistant he created. Jonathan shares insights on building a personal brand on X (Twitter), strategies for going viral, and his vision for the future of dating technology. 00:00: Introduction to Jonathan Liu and Cupidly 02:09: The Journey of a Tech Founder 04:39: From Coding to Startups 09:08: The Evolution of Jonathan's Projects 10:28: The Shift from VC to Bootstrapping 11:37: Building a Personal Brand on X 13:23: The Viral Phenomenon of Eunice 16:23: Tips for Going Viral 18:38: Future Aspirations and the Dating Tech Landscape ★ Support this podcast ★

In this conversation, Mat Sherman interviews Danny, the founder and CEO of Nav Robotics, about the innovative solutions his company is developing in the realm of autonomous transportation. They discuss the challenges and opportunities in creating self-driving e-bikes and golf carts, the vision for urban mobility, and the implications of moving operations to Arizona. Danny shares insights into the technology behind autonomous vehicles, the importance of compute power, and the future of learning in the tech space. In this conversation, Danny discusses the development of autonomous golf carts and the future of self-driving technology. He shares insights on the challenges of creating a viable product, the importance of safety and reliability, and the strategies for entering the market. The discussion also touches on the implications of autonomous vehicles on insurance and driving regulations, as well as the user experience in booking rides. Danny emphasizes the need for a regulatory-first approach and the potential for innovation in transportation. ★ Support this podcast ★

In this conversation, Mat Sherman interviews Harvey Pratt, the founder and CEO of Simcluster, an AI video game that combines social networking with innovative gameplay mechanics. Harvey discusses the unique aspects of Simcluster, including its fragment system that allows users to create content without typing, and the challenges he faced in the gaming industry, particularly in fundraising. He shares insights on the evolution of AI content, the importance of user engagement, and his vision for the future of gaming, where SimCluster could redefine how games and social networks interact. ★ Support this podcast ★

In this conversation, Mat Sherman interviews Audrey Chen, co-founder of Nosu, about her journey from gaining a following on social media to launching a startup focused on streamlining hackathon ops. Audrey shares her experiences of going viral on Twitter, raising capital in Silicon Valley, and the features of Nosu that cater to both hackathon organizers and participants. The discussion highlights the importance of networking, the impact of environment on startup success, and the future plans for Nosu. ★ Support this podcast ★