Social Currency with Sammi Cohen

Buy now, pay later is everywhere. Maybe you've seen it when you were buying a Sephora haul, or deciding that you deserve to splurge on your DoorDash delivery, but what’s the truth behind the trend? Today, Sammi answers the question: is BNPL just a shiny new version of the old school layaway, gamified for the TikTok generation? Or is it more dangerous? Follow Sammi on Instagram here Subscribe to the Social Currency newsletter here Here’s what Sammi covers today: 00:00 The Allure of Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) 01:00 How BNPL Works 01:42 The Popularity… and Risks 06:40 Economic and Social Implications of BNPL 09:11 The Financial Realities of BNPL 12:42 BNPL and Your Credit Score 15:55 Pros, Cons and the Future of Payments All investing involves the risk of loss, including loss of principal. Brokerage services for US-listed, registered securities, options and bonds in a self-directed account are offered by Public Investing, Inc., member FINRA & SIPC. Public Investing offers a High-Yield Cash Account where funds from this account are automatically deposited into partner banks where they earn interest and are eligible for FDIC insurance; Public Investing is not a bank. Cryptocurrency trading services are offered by Bakkt Crypto Solutions, LLC (NMLS ID 1890144), which is licensed to engage in virtual currency business activity by the NYSDFS. Cryptocurrency is highly speculative, involves a high degree of risk, and has the potential for loss of the entire amount of an investment. Cryptocurrency holdings are not protected by the FDIC or SIPC. *APY as of 6/30/25, offered by Public Investing, member FINRA/SIPC. Rate subject to change. See terms of IRA Match Program here: public.com/disclosures/ira-match. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if paying rent could actually help you own a home someday? That’s exactly the idea Ankur Jain ran with when he launched Bilt Rewards, the first loyalty program that lets renters earn points on rent—and it’s now backed by over 2 million units nationwide, plus Mastercard, Wells Fargo and more. Sammi sits down with Ankur to unpack how he built one of the most disruptive fintech startups in the housing space, why homeownership is getting harder for younger generations, and how Built is changing that. From navigating brutal regulatory red tape to raising $250 million in funding, Ankur shares what it really takes to scale a company that aims to fix real-world problems. He also opens up about his time at Tinder, his immigrant roots, the flaws of traditional venture capital, and his unbelievable wedding at the Great Pyramids of Giza. Here’s what Sammi covers with Ankur: 00:00 Ankur Jain’s Social Currency 02:04 Ankur's Time at Tinder 03:55 How Private Companies Can Solve Public Problems 14:08 COVID-19’s Unexpected Impact on Bilt 18:12 Ankur’s 18 Months in DC Tackling Regulatory Hurdles 22:42 Building a Complex Ecosystem 26:37 The Bilt Model and Connecting Renters with Merchants 31:36 Ankur’s Take on Fundraising 38:14 Surprising Gen Z and Millennial Money Habits 41:55 The Benefits of Working with Friends 44:27 The Future of Living 46:31 Social Currency Corner 47:58 The Wedding of the Century Follow Sammi on Instagram here Subscribe to the Social Currency newsletter here Check out Bilt here Peruse Ankur's Wedding Photos here All investing involves the risk of loss, including loss of principal. Brokerage services for US-listed, registered securities, options and bonds in a self-directed account are offered by Public Investing, Inc., member FINRA & SIPC. Public Investing offers a High-Yield Cash Account where funds from this account are automatically deposited into partner banks where they earn interest and are eligible for FDIC insurance; Public Investing is not a bank. Cryptocurrency trading services are offered by Bakkt Crypto Solutions, LLC (NMLS ID 1890144), which is licensed to engage in virtual currency business activity by the NYSDFS. Cryptocurrency is highly speculative, involves a high degree of risk, and has the potential for loss of the entire amount of an investment. Cryptocurrency holdings are not protected by the FDIC or SIPC. *APY as of 6/30/25, offered by Public Investing, member FINRA/SIPC. Rate subject to change. See terms of IRA Match Program here: public.com/disclosures/ira-match. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mel Robbins didn’t invent self-help—but she might’ve made it viral. From courtroom stress to content queen, Mel turned panic attacks into a personal brand empire, built on bite-sized truths like the Five Second Rule and Let Them. Her strategy? Simplicity that scales, relentless experimentation, and showing up as exactly herself. In today’s episode, Sammi breaks down how Mel went from anonymous anxiety to global influence—and what her journey teaches us about brand-building in the era of oversharing. Whether you want to grow your platform or just get your butt out of bed, Mel’s story is full of real, replicable takeaways. Follow Sammi on Instagram here Subscribe to the Social Currency newsletter here Here’s what Sammi covers today: 00:00 The Power of Bite-Sized Wisdom 00:30 Who Is Mel Robbins (and Why Is She Everywhere)? 05:10 The Five Second Rule: TikTok Therapy in Disguise 07:24 Let Them: Simplicity as a Business Strategy 10:07 The Mel Media Machine: How She Experiments Her Way to the Top 11:54 Lessons in Authenticity, Attention, and Algorithms 13:27 What You Can Steal From Mel’s Playbook All investing involves the risk of loss, including loss of principal. Brokerage services for US-listed, registered securities, options and bonds in a self-directed account are offered by Public Investing, Inc., member FINRA & SIPC. Public Investing offers a High-Yield Cash Account where funds from this account are automatically deposited into partner banks where they earn interest and are eligible for FDIC insurance; Public Investing is not a bank. Cryptocurrency trading services are offered by Bakkt Crypto Solutions, LLC (NMLS ID 1890144), which is licensed to engage in virtual currency business activity by the NYSDFS. Cryptocurrency is highly speculative, involves a high degree of risk, and has the potential for loss of the entire amount of an investment. Cryptocurrency holdings are not protected by the FDIC or SIPC. *APY as of 6/30/25, offered by Public Investing, member FINRA/SIPC. Rate subject to change. See terms of IRA Match Program here: public.com/disclosures/ira-match. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if freezing your eggs didn’t have to feel out of reach, financially or emotionally? Lauren Makler, co-founder and CEO of Cofertility, is reimagining how we think about egg donation and preservation. Lauren’s company helps women freeze their eggs for free— in exchange for donating half— breaking down financial barriers while fostering a more transparent, human-first approach to fertility. In this conversation, Lauren tells Sammi about the wake-up call that sparked her mission, the challenges of innovating in healthcare, and how she balances operational complexity with a deeply personal, purpose-driven vision. Here’s what Sammi covers with Lauren: 00:00 Lauren Makler’s Social Currency 01:45 From Uber Health to Women’s Health: Lauren’s Career Journey 04:56 The Personal Story Behind Cofertility 09:36 Rethinking the Business of Fertility 16:26 How Co-Fertility’s Model Works 19:57 Making Egg Donation More Transparent 22:01 Fundraising in FemTech 23:00 Testing the Concept and Winning Over Investors 27:01 Navigating Operational Challenges 29:22 Building Trust Through Partnerships and Brand 32:50 Consumerizing Healthcare Without Losing the Human Touch 38:49 Advice for Founders Pivoting into Women’s Health 42:11 How to Support the Show Follow Sammi on Instagram here Subscribe to the Social Currency newsletter here Follow Cofertility here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nearly 60% of Gen Z wants to be a creator—but how do you actually turn posting into profit? In this episode, Sammi pulls back the curtain on the creator economy and shares the real business model behind full-time content creation. From brand partnerships to your own storefront, affiliate links to equity deals, Sammi breaks down all the ways creators monetize (and the pitfalls to watch out for). Plus, she shares her own behind-the-scenes journey: how she priced her first brand deal, the mistakes she learned the hard way, and her big vision for Social Currency as a platform and a business. Whether you’re dreaming of becoming a creator yourself, already building your side hustle, or just curious about how the influencer sausage gets made—this episode will give you a roadmap to stand out, stay authentic, and actually make money online. Follow Sammi on Instagram here Subscribe to the Social Currency newsletter here Here’s what Sammi covers today: 00:00 Why the creator economy is just getting started 02:15 The myth of saturation—and how to stand out 03:44 The brand partnership playbook (and how to price yourself) 11:09 Owning your storefront: products, courses, and merch 15:07 Platform payouts, affiliate links, and even equity deals 16:33 The realities of creator cash flow and mental load 20:55 How to show Social Currency some love Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How would the health of the planet be impacted if we could control the weather? Augustus Doricko, founder and CEO of Rainmaker, is on a mission to find out. Augustus’ company makes it rain— literally. Through a process called cloud seeding, Rainmaker creates rain for farms, watersheds and ecosystems. In this conversation, Augustus tells Sammi about the brain-bending challenges of engineering cutting-edge technology, the impact of being a Peter Thiel fellow, and why his company motto is “we love the taste of blood in our mouth.” Here’s what Sammi covers with Augustus: 00:00 Augustus Doricko’s Social Currency 01:45 The Mission of Rainmaker 02:38 The Tech Behind Cloud Seeding (Making It Rain) 03:34 The Origin Story of Weather Modification 04:46 The Importance of Attribution 05:36 How To Create a Brand-New Market 08:02 How Rainmaker Makes It Rain 09:42 Augustus’ Path to Rainmaker 11:00 How Rainmaker Can Address Water Scarcity 21:23 The Community of El Segundo 25:25 Making Engineering Cool 29:08 Fundraising for Hard Tech 31:14 The Peter Thiel Fellowship Experience 34:06 Advice for Aspiring Founders 35:55 Social Currency Corner Follow Sammi on Instagram here Subscribe to the Social Currency newsletter here Follow Rainmaker hereFollow Augustus here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Trader Joe’s has no loyalty programs. No flashy ads. Stores that look like they time-traveled in from the '70s. And yet… Trader Joe’s generates more sales per square foot than almost any other grocery store in America. Why? Today, Sammi unpacks the genius of Trader Joe’s—how a company that breaks every retail rule has built one of the most beloved (and profitable) grocery brands in the country. From decision paralysis and private-label domination to its anti-corporate vibe, cult-like fanbase, and German ownership, Trader Joe’s is proof that sometimes the most radical business model is the simplest one done exceptionally well. Plus: Sammi explains the psychology behind limited-time products, how mystery breeds loyalty, and why treating your employees right isn’t just good karma—it’s good business. Follow Sammi on Instagram here Subscribe to the Social Currency newsletter here Here’s what Sammi covers today: 00:00 The Retail Rule-Breaker Nobody Saw Coming 01:35 How Trader Joe’s Was Built for the Over-Educated and Underpaid 04:02 From Flashlights to Fearless Flyers: The Early Days 06:18 Why Fewer Choices = More Sales 09:15 The Power of Private Label and the Two-Buck Chuck Strategy 12:50 The Real Reason You Love Their Packaging 14:07 How Trader Joe’s Built a Culture—Not Just a Store 16:34 The Anti-Influencer Marketing Model That Actually Works 19:15 Cult Products, Secrecy, and Brand Mythology 23:02 The German Empire Behind America’s Favorite Grocer 25:44 What You Can Learn From Trader Joe’s Playbook 27:10 How to Support the Show + Stay in the Loop Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What does it take to build a luxury beauty brand that’s as cool as it is strategic? Cassandra Grey has the answer. She’s the force behind Violet Grey—the ultra-curated beauty platform that has become a tastemaker in Hollywood and beyond. Cassandra’s playbook is not the usual one: she launched her brand, grew a cult following for nearly a decade, sold the company in 2022, and then bought it back in 2024. Today, she shares what she learned from every milestone. Cassandra explains what selling her brand taught her about business, insights from her early meetings with Anna Wintour and Gwyneth Paltrow, and how to find your aesthetic as a brand. Here’s what Sammi covers with Cassandra: 00:00 Meet Cassandra Grey 01:30 Cassandra’s Introduction to Glamour and an Unusual Childhood 04:06 The Violet Grey Origin Story 05:20 Crafting a Business Plan Without an MBA 12:29 The Violet Code 17:31 THE Gwyneth Paltrow Phone Call 19:40 Acquisition by Farfetch 24:04 Why Delusion is Good in Business 25:56 Buying Back Violet Gray 28:02 Incubating Brands with Violet Labs 30:29 The Push into Retail 37:26 Hiring for Your Weaknesses 40:31 Actionable Tips for Finding Your Brand’s Look 44:34 How to Show Social Currency Some Love Follow Sammi on Instagram here Subscribe to the Social Currency newsletter hereFollow Violet Grey here Follow Cassandra here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Away wasn’t just luggage—it was millennial wanderlust personified. Backed by $150 million in funding and powered by influencer buzz, Away rocketed to unicorn status in four years. But behind the minimalist branding and Instagrammable carry-ons was a workplace culture scandal, a global travel shutdown, and the hard truth that they were never a tech company… they were just selling suitcases. Today, Sammi unpacks the stunning rise and near-collapse of Away: the Slack surveillance, the CEO whiplash, the overfunding problem, and the brutal reality check of pandemic-era travel. Plus, what happens when your brand is built on vibes… and the vibes shift? Follow Sammi on Instagram here Subscribe to the Social Currency newsletter here Here’s what Sammi covers today: 00:00 Away: A Millennial Success Story 01:04 The Broken Luggage Origin Story to Unicorn Status 03:33 The Marketing Magic of Creating a Must-Have Brand 04:56 Rocket Ship Growth and Market Competition 06:08 Toxic Culture and the Beginning of the End 07:54 … and Then There’s COVID 09:06 Post-Pandemic Strategies 12:43 Lessons From The Rise and Fall of Away 13:50 How to Show Social Currency Some Love Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Grant LaFontaine says the future of shopping is here— and it’s live. Literally. Grant is the cofounder and CEO of Whatnot—a $5 billion live shopping brand that’s shaking up the traditional retail playbook and betting big on the future of social commerce. Sammi sits down with Grant to unpack what it takes to build a unicorn; from the lesson Y Combinator taught him about working with a cofounder, to the unique way he thinks about hiring, and why user feedback is his North Star. He shares what he’s learned building in tech, what AI can and can’t do, and why a little paranoia is good for founders. Follow Sammi on Instagram here Subscribe to the Social Currency newsletter here Learn more about Whatnot here 00:00 Grant LaFontaine’s Social Currency 01:40 Understanding Whatnot and the Live Shopping Opportunity 02:48 Who Is the Whatnot Customer 04:38 Social Interactions as a Secret Weapon 11:33 The Value of Y Combinator 13:42 Finding Product-Market Fit with Funko Pop 17:29 Scaling Whatnot and Entering New Markets 19:13 The Importance of Hiring and Company Culture 26:13 Fixing Breaks and Providing User Value 26:41 Why Paranoia is an Asset in Business 29:25 Using Mistakes as Data Points 31:32 User Feedback and Product Evolution 33:39 Co-Founder Dynamics and Decision Making 37:06 Social Currency Corner 48:59 How to Show Social Currency Some Love Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

People are lining up at 4 AM, crashing websites, and dropping thousands on a fuzzy vinyl creature with nine teeth and a cult following. Meet Labubu: part toy, part fashion statement, part emotional coping mechanism. Born from a Nordic mythology-inspired art project and catapulted to fame by Pop Mart, Labubu has become a collector’s dream and a status symbol—thanks to limited drops, blind box buying, and celebrity fans like BLACKPINK’s Lisa. Today, Sammi unpacks how scarcity, nostalgia, and the chaos of modern life created the perfect storm for Labubu’s rise—and what that says about the future of fandom, consumption, and identity. Follow Sammi on Instagram here Subscribe to the Social Currency newsletter here Here’s what Sammi covers today: 00:00 Labubu’s Bizarre Social Currency 01:08 Where Labubu Came From 02:55 Scarcity as a Business Plan 04:10 The Lisa of It All 05:27 What Labubu Tells Us About the State of the World (Really) 06:31 The Future of Fandom 07:22 How to Show Social Currency Some Love Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Meet Loren Castle, the powerhouse behind Sweet Loren’s—the #1 natural cookie dough brand in the U.S. Today, Sammi chats with Lauren about how a shocking medical diagnosis pushed her to turn her kitchen experiments into a multimillion-dollar business. They get into the wild ride of breaking into the food world—from the first big break with Whole Foods to juggling supply chain chaos and sticking to Loren’s mission of allergen-free, feel-good ingredients. Lauren also shares how she built Sweet Loren’s without taking a dime of venture capital, the secret to good packaging, and what’s next for the brand. If you’re an aspiring entrepreneur or just a cookie lover with big dreams, you’ll want to tune in. Follow Sammi on Instagram here Follow Sweet Lorens here Here’s what Sammi covers today with Loren: 00:00 Loren Castle’s Social Currency 01:37 How a Health Crisis Sparked a Cookie Empire 03:22 The Taste Tests Process and the State of Clean Ingredients 05:58 The Whole Foods Deal That Changed Everything 10:56 Lessons in Scaling and Finding Processing Partners 17:54 How to Find White Space 22:47 Profits Without VCs—How She Did It 26:58 COVID, Cookies, and Supply Chain Curveballs 29:27 Branding That Sticks (and Sells) 32:00 Trendy Collabs and What’s Coming Next 37:15 Social Currency Corner: Tips for Food Entrepreneurs 43:25 How to Show Social Currency Some Love Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today Sammi digs into the retail scandal that ties together private equity, power plays, broken promises, and a $2.65 billion luxury merger that's now unraveling in public. Also known as: the story of Saks. Sammi follows the money trail to the center of Saks’ downfall: the mastermind behind the merger that would lead to the financial and reputational mess the brand is in now. This isn't a story about just one department store. It's a case study in how private equity can gut a brand, how debt can disguise dysfunction, and how small businesses are often the ones that are left holding the bag. Today Sammi Covers: 00:00 How Saks Got Here 00:33 Richard Baker: the Mastermind 01:30 The Saks and Neiman Marcus Merger 02:00 Richard Baker's Wild Real Estate Strategy 04:31 Saks' Financial Decline 08:01 Vendor Fallout 10:13 What’s Next For Saks 12:50 How to Show Social Currency Some Love Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Think it's too late to become a creator if you don't have a social media following? Think again. According to John Hu, cofounder of Stan—a platform that helps creators turn their platform into income—the creator economy is just getting started. Today, John shares how he’s building Stan with unicorn status in mind, what MrBeast’s business empire can teach us about the business of content, and why he is “guarded” when it comes to fundraising. This is a deep dive into the business of influence—and what it takes to turn followers into a foundation for long-term growth. Follow Sammi on Instagram here Follow Stan on Instagram here Follow John on YouTube here Here’s what Sammi covers today with John: 00:00 John Hu’s Social Currency 00:35 Why Investment Banking Wasn’t It 04:43 How Stan Came From a Personal Pain Point 05:50 John’s Takes on the Creator Economy and Building a Business 11:23 Stan’s First Major Win 14:53 Stan’s Seed Round and Why John Is “Guarded” About Fundraising 18:36 John’s Tips on Finding a Business Opportunity 23:46 Stan's Unique Monetization Model 27:19 Behind Stan’s Customer Engagement and Content Strategy 27:38 Why Stan Personally Delivered One of Their Creators a Cake 29:23 John Answers Whether It’s Harder to Build a Personal Brand or a Company Brand 35:29 Secrets and Challenges to Building in Public 45:27 Social Currency Corner and Mr Beast 53:16 How to Show Social Currency Some Love Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Once dismissed as the next big retail casualty, Barnes & Noble had all the makings of a cautionary tale—shrinking sales, shuttered stores, and a revolving door of leadership. But in a surprising turn of the page, the bookstore giant is not only surviving—it’s thriving. Today, Sammi unpacks the epic comeback story of Barnes & Noble under the leadership of James Daunt. You’ll hear how the company pivoted away from a centralized, cookie-cutter model to embrace local community tastes, redesigned stores to rekindle the magic of browsing, and rode the wave of BookTok to win back readers. From understanding the brand’s original rise and near-fall, to dissecting the bold strategies behind its revival, this episode explores what Barnes & Noble’s rebound says about the future of retail—and why the story is far from over. Here’s what Sammi covers today: 00:00 – Why Barnes & Noble Is a Case Worth Studying01:08 – The Origin Story of Barnes & Noble’s Empire 02:56 – The Beginning of the End of Barnes & Noble 04:42 – The Amazon of it All06:15 – Leadership Turmoil and the 80% Fall in Stock Price 08:10 – The Unexpected Turnaround and B&N’s MVP 10:19 – James Daunt’s Playbook for Success 11:42 – The Comeback: Growth, Expansion and BookTok 14:54 – The Future of Retail: Lessons from Barnes & Noble 16:51 – How to Show Social Currency Some Love Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Before the Beautyblender sponge was a staple in every makeup bag, it was a clever DIY tool dreamed up on set by professional makeup artist Rea Ann Silva. Then came a hot pink hero product, a cult following, and a revolution in the beauty industry. Today, Sammi sits down with Rea Ann to unpack how she turned her first invention into a multi-million dollar brand— and what it took to stay on top. They dig into the battle against dupes, the growing pains of scaling, and Rea Ann’s decision not to take outside capital. This is the story of a product that changed the beauty industry—and the founder who created the category. Follow Sammi on Instagram here Follow Beautyblender on Instagram here Here’s what Sammi covers today with Rea Ann: 00:00 Updates from Sammi 00:23 The Origin Story of Beautyblender 03:17 How Rea Ann Built Her Prototype 15:50 The Decision to Keep Operations In-House 22:45 The Process Rea Ann Used to Build Her Team 23:39 Rea Ann’s Decision Not To Fundraise 28:30 The Secret to Organic Marketing 30:23 The Rise of Dupes in the Beauty Industry 33:46 How To Educate Your Consumer 37:46 How To Cater To Different Customers 39:59 Milestones and the Smithsonian Museum Story 46:20 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why is saying “I do” costing Americans more than ever? In today’s episode, Sammi rips the veil off the modern wedding machine—revealing how a once-simple ceremony ballooned into a multibillion-dollar status symbol. From five-figure flower budgets to wedding cake surcharges, Sammi tracks who’s cashing in (think The Knot, Zola, and a swarm of luxury vendors) and how the creator economy has cranked up the pressure to go bigger, farther, and glossier. Plus, Sammi shares what she learned about destination weddings and saving on wedding dresses through her own experience. Here’s what Sammi covers today: 00:00 Updates From Sammi 01:12 How Much the Average Wedding Is Costing Americans 02:33 The Most Expensive Part of Saying “I Do” 04:47 Destination Weddings and Sammi’s Experience 05:52 Which Wedding Brands Are Winning 09:57 The Social Media Effect 11:53 Sammi’s Predictions: Which Wedding Trends Are Here to Stay Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Before credit card points were a lifestyle, Brian Kelly was just a travel-obsessed guy with a blog. Then came a viral New York Times article, a flood of traffic, and a big bet on affiliate marketing that turned The Points Guy into a multi-platform media empire. Today, Brian tells Sammi how he turned his passion project into a profitable business, what he learned from selling his brand twice, and how he secured partnerships with the biggest financial institutions in the world. Plus, Brian drops pro tips for maximizing travel rewards, choosing the best credit cards, and navigating the ever-changing landscape of travel perks. Whether you're a points rookie or a seasoned globetrotter, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss. In this convo, you’ll find out how to travel smarter — and maybe even in first class — without breaking the bank. Follow Sammi on Instagram here Follow Brian on Instagram here and The Points Guy here Order Brian’s book How to Win at Travel here Here’s what Sammi covers today with Brian: 00:00 Updates from Sammi 01:58 How Brian Became The Points Guy 08:01 Brian’s First Deal and Monetizing TPG 16:18 Scaling Challenges and Wins 24:11 Burnout and TPG’s Acquisition Stories 28:07 How the Pandemic Impacted TPG 29:41 How Brian Built Strong Partnerships 34:13 How Businesses Should Diversify Channels 36:20 Brian’s Unconventional Leadership Strategies 41:27 Social Currency Corner and Tips on Maximizing Travel Rewards Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ever wondered if your side hustle could become your full-time gig? Today, Sammi shares everything she learned from taking that leap herself. If you’re sitting on a big idea or just curious what it really takes to bet on yourself, Sammi uses her own story as a case study to share actionable advice and a behind-the-scenes look at building a brand from scratch. She shares the key lessons from working the opening shift at Aldi, launching a match brand, pivoting into tech and logistics during the pandemic, and how Mindy Kaling gave her the ultimate confidence boost. Follow Sammi on Instagram here Subscribe to the Social Currency newsletter here Here’s what Sammi covers today: 00:00 Why This Episode is Special 02:39 Early Obsessions with Business 03:43 Why Entertainment Was Not It 05:33 The Aldi Experience (and Crying in Chicago) 08:46 Starting a Matcha Brand 12:22 The Origin Story of Tanner's Tea 13:43 The Pandemic Pivot 15:29 The First Video and (Later) Going Viral 19:03 Finding a Niche 19:59 The Turning Point 25:50 Building Social Currency 28:19 How You Can Show Social Currency Some Love Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How did a small health food store become the go-to grocery destination for celebrities, influencers, nepo babies, and anyone who wants to signal their status and health to the world? Today, Sammi unpacks how your favorite influencer’s favorite grocery store, Erewhon, cultivated its cult following. Sammi traces the brand’s rise from its origin story, to the acquisition that changed everything, and how much money the brand is making from the Hailey Bieber smoothie. Sammi uncovers the real secret to Erewhon’s success— not the perfectly-curated aisles— but the transformation of wellness into a status symbol. Here’s what Sammi covers today: 00:00 Updates from Sammi 02:12 Erewhon’s First Location and Origin Story 03:23 Erewhon’s Acquisition and the “Murdochs of Macrobiotics” 05:50 Erewhon’s Business Model, Surprising Bestsellers and Financials 07:46 Influencer Collaborations and Income From Luxury Smoothies 13:01 The Future of Erewhon and Health as a Status Symbol 14:04 How You Can Show Social Currency Some Love Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

At just 23 years old Ty Haney was the face of Outdoor Voices—the mind behind the “Doing Things” movement and a figure of the Girlboss era. Then came the backlash, boardroom battles, and exit from the brand she built. Today, Sammi sits down with Ty to unpack the rise and fall of Outdoor Voices and Ty’s game-changing second act. Ty reveals what she wishes she knew as a first-time founder, the dark side of VC and the most important lesson she’s learned on equity as a founder. She also shares the latest on her new ventures—Joggy, a clean energy brand, and TYB, a platform redefining what community-powered business looks like. If you've ever launched, led, or lost something you built, this one will hit home. Follow Sammi on Instagram here Follow Ty on Instagram here Check out TYB here and Joggy here Here’s what Sammi covers today with Ty: 00:00 How Ty Haney Scaled Outdoor Voices to $100M 02:05 How to Build Community within your Business 06:17 The Curse of the Girlboss Era 08:41 The Trap of Growth Versus Profitability 21:13 The Importance of Equity as a Founder 23:27 Second Acts: TYB and Joggy 29:37 The Value Proposition of Joggy 32:21 The Value Proposition of TYB 46:00 Insights and Reflections 48:52 Social Currency Corner 49:58 Advice for Founders Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On Social Currency, Sammi Cohen unpacks the stories that are shaping business, culture and the intersection of the two. From boardrooms to Instagram trends, Sammi speaks with business leaders to connect the dots between brand, consumer and influence, so you don’t just keep up—you get ahead. New episodes drop every Tuesday and Friday. Follow now to stay in the know. Want more? Find Sammi on Instagram @sammicohentalks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices