People are the Answer

In this episode, Brian and Jeffrey discuss his career path, the evolution of his world view, and approaching all things with curiosity. He shares poignant quotes and references that serve to frame his thought processes

Watch this episode on YouTube https://youtu.be/C0OjL7cq-No

Learn more:

Host: Jeffrey M. Zucker

Producer: Kait Grey

Editor: Nick Case

Recording date: 4/8/24

Brian:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/btabrams/

B Ventures Group:

https://www.bventuresgroup.com/

Bio:

Having managed over $1 billion in assets, seen nearly 10,000 startups, sat on over 15 boards of directors, and generated top-tier returns, I’ve learned that a human-centric approach to investment is not only the right way but also the best way. “Who?” and “Why?” are much more important questions than “What?” and “How?”. At its best, venture capital should be a financial means to a human end, not the other way around.

Today I’m working to discover and connect with great human beings around the world in emerging regions such as Southeast Asia (e.g. Vietnam) and Central/Eastern Europe (e.g. Ukraine, Poland, Romania, Bulgaria) as well as “hot spot” ecosystems (e.g. Tel Aviv, Berlin, Tallinn, Reykjavik, and many others). I also have a passion for peacebuilding and conflict resolution, and I’m exploring ways to apply the venture capital model toward a more peaceful world.

Chapters:

0:00 - Intro

2:20 - What Motivates You?

6:40 - Early Life

9:49 - Education

13:55 - Early Career

28:07 - Shift in Career

31:32 - B Ventures Group

38:31 - AI

43:55 - Peace and Conflict Resolution with AI

47:58 - Sourcing Deals

52:41 - Future of B Ventures Group

55:24 - When Work Affected Change

57:19 - Mentor

59:04 - Ask Jeff a Question

1:11:25 - Most Grateful for

1:13:06 - Snap Your Fingers

1:15:52 - How to Support

In this episode, Stacey and Jeff discuss her upbringing, a brief consideration of journalism, her time as Miss Colorado, and dedicating herself to helping people.

Watch this episode on YouTube https://youtu.be/-FRzTgKLvEA

Learn more:

Host: Jeffrey M. Zucker

Producer: Kait Grey

Editor: Nick Case

Recording date: 4/4/24

Stacey:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/stacey-putka/

https://www.instagram.com/stacey_c_putka/

Breakthrough:

https://www.linkedin.com/company/timetobreakthrough/

https://timetobreakthrough.org/

https://www.facebook.com/TimeToBreakthrough/

https://www.instagram.com/time2breakthrough/

https://www.youtube.com/c/TimetoBreakthrough?sub_confirmation=1

Bio:

Stacey believes fiercely in challenging perceptions and in the power of transformation. Growing up in an entrepreneurial household, with a father who took full advantage of his second chance in life after recovering from addiction, Stacey has always been inspired to facilitate transformation in the lives of others. Stacey received a Bachelor of Science in psychology from Colorado State University and a master’s in social work from the University of Denver. Prior to joining the organization, Stacey provided mental health and substance abuse treatment to men on parole and probation.

Chapters:

0:00 - Intro

7:58 - Education

14:51 - Early Career

29:18 - Breakthrough

37:40 - Continued Involvement

41:12 - When Work Affected Change

46:55 - Mentor

49:47 - Ask Jeff a Question

51:28 - Most Grateful

53:21 - Criminal Legal System

56:32 - Snap Your Fingers

59:08 - How to Support

In this episode Kevin and Jeff discuss his lead up to becoming an entrepreneur, including living in Dubai, his ultimately getting the itch to do his own thing, endless searches for perfect fabrics, the difficulty of getting good sleep as a parent, and so much more!

Watch this episode on Youtube: https://youtu.be/FSwf_RSbvhI

Learn more:

Host: Jeffrey M. Zucker

Producer: Kait Grey

Editor: Nick Case

Recording date: 4/2/24

Kevin:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinlavelle

https://kevinslavelle.com/

https://www.instagram.com/kevinslavelle/

https://twitter.com/kevinslavelle

Harbor:

https://www.linkedin.com/company/harborsleep/

https://harbor.co/

https://www.instagram.com/harborsleep

https://www.facebook.com/HarborSleep/

https://twitter.com/harborsleep

Other resources:

https://www.mizzenandmain.com/

Bio:

Kevin brings a wealth of experience from his role as the Founder and Chairman of Mizzen+Main, having invented the world’s first performance fabric dress shirt. With a successful growth round raised from L Catterton, partnerships with world-renowned athletes like Phil Mickelson and JJ Watt, and a background in omnichannel retail, Kevin is not only a dedicated entrepreneur but also a loving husband and father of two.

Chapters:

0:00 - Intro

11:00 - What Motivates You?

18:10 - Early Life

21:17 - Giving Back

23:17 - Early Career

32:53 - Mizzen + Main

48:27 - Stepping Down

58:29 - Stand Together

1:03:57 - Harbor

1:21:57 - Future of Harbor

1:27:54 - When Work Affected Change

1:31:06 - Most Grateful

1:34:56 - Snap Your Fingers

1:37:45 - How to Support

In this episode, Ethan and Jeff discuss receiving multiple degrees from Harvard, his transition from Middle Eastern politics to drug policy, orchestrating vast changes in drug policy issues, podcasting, and more.

Watch this episode on Youtube: https://youtu.be/6OHOqD8W5jI

Learn more:

Host: Jeffrey M. Zucker

Producer: Kait Grey

Editor: Nick Case

Recording date: 12/20/23

Ethan:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ethannadelmann/

https://www.instagram.com/enadelmann/

https://www.ted.com/talks/ethan_nadelmann_why_we_need_to_end_the_war_on_drugs

DPA:

https://www.linkedin.com/company/drug-policy-alliance/

https://drugpolicy.org/

https://www.instagram.com/drugpolicyalliance

https://www.tiktok.com/@drugpolicyalliance

https://twitter.com/DrugPolicyOrg

https://www.facebook.com/drugpolicy

https://www.youtube.com/@DrugPolicyAlliance

Resources for Israel: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1RbzoBNQojr7j5cEP0x5yNqppF9CiVXXgDtkuLdvnryc/edit?usp=sharing

Other:

Psychoactive Podcast - https://open.spotify.com/show/0pfK53IF7WhEWtntXAFQ4W

https://www.thefire.org/

Bio:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ethan_Nadelmann

Chapters:

0:00 - Intro

7:25 - Education & Harvard Discourse

14:26 - International Drug Policy

17:55 - Early Experience with Drugs

27:23 - What Drug Policy Needs Now

36:08 - Drug Policy Alliance

47:54 - Becoming Drug Policy Alliance

53:49 - Accomplishments

1:07:58 - A Question for Jeff

1:20:37 - Psychoactive Podcast

1:26:10 - Snap Your Fingers

1:33:34 - How to Support

In this episode, David and Jeffrey discuss his journey from Molecular Genetics to finance, his friendships with Steve Jobs and Michael Jackson, his transformational work on getting the JOBS Act passed, and how providing financial opportunity can continue to be a great equalizer in our society

Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/BcYwprEn0QQ

Learn more:

Host: Jeffrey M. Zucker

Producer: Kait Grey

Editor: Nick Case

Recording date: 1/11/24

https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-weild-iv-03a597/

https://www.weildco.com/

https://www.facebook.com/WeildCo/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/weildco/

Other resources:

https://www.tuesdayschildren.org/

Bio:

David Weild IV is an American investment banker and financial commentator best known for holding the position as Vice Chairman of NASDAQ. He is currently the Founder, Chairman and CEO of Weild & Co. Inc., parent company of the investment banking firm Weild Capital, LLC (dba Weild & Co.) Weild is also known as the "father" of the JOBS Act, and has been involved in drafting legislation for the US Congress.

Chapters: 0:00 - Intro 10:50 - Importance of Giving Back 19:44 - JOBS Act 27:17 - Education and Early Career 32:03 - NASDAQ 39:29 Issue Works 54:47 - Weird & Co 59:40 - Tuesday’s Children 1:05:17 - Michael Jackson 1:10:27 - Market Opening with Jeff Bezos 1:14:14 - Mentor 1:16:08 - Most Grateful 1:18:17 - Snap Your Fingers 1:21:18 - How to Support

In this episode Jeffrey chats with Terrence about his tough upbringing, lengthy prison sentence, ultimately landing a job on Wall Street then starting his own firm after release, and the adaptation of his autobiography into a feature film. Learn more: Host: Jeffrey M. Zucker Producer: Kait Grey Editor: Nick Case Recording date: 12/6/23 Terrence: https://www.linkedin.com/in/terrence-gallman-9b08101a/ https://www.instagram.com/terrencelgallman/ https://www.facebook.com/terrence.gallman.3 GIG Group: https://giggroupinc.com/ https://www.instagram.com/urbanren/ https://twitter.com/urbanren1 Other resources: https://www.amazon.com/Finding-Me-Personal-Journey-Rediscovery/dp/1495928780 https://www.amazon.com/LOVES-JOURNEY-Road-Less-Traveled/dp/1481951238 https://www.amazon.com/WALL-STREET-BONDS-URBAN-RENAISSANCE-ebook/dp/B07KSMY4PR Bio: CEO at GIG Group, Gallman currently leads GIG Group whose mission, shared by its benefactors and sponsors, is deeply rooted in the spirit of inclusion and seeks to provide a wide range of “high-exposure/resume-building” jobs for underprivileged communities and provides an opportunity for those communities to participate and integrate in the Global and Domestic Financial Markets, starting with local Financial Institutions in community partnership with GIG. Gallman is also AUTHOR of Love’s Journey: The Road Less Traveled, Wall Street Bonds: The Urban Renaissance, JUSTUS screenplay, and the autobiography FINDING ME, the subject of the upcoming feature film "NO RIGHT WAY,” written by Clay Ayers - longtime writer for Quentin Tarantino’s A Band Apart. Chapters: 0:00 - Intro 18:26 - Early Career 21:51 - Sentencing 30:43 - Leaving Prison 35:07 - After Prison 49:58 - GIG Group 58:40 - Mentor 59:54 - Ask Jeff a Question 1:05:04 - Most Grateful for 1:06:06 - Snap Your Fingers 1:10:54 - How to Support

We continue this week with part 2 of a very special episode as our producer Kait Grey sits down with our host and podcast creator Jeffrey M. Zucker, as they discuss his work in start-ups, movie production, and more of his advocacy work in drug policy and criminal justice reform. If you missed last week’s post, head back an episode to part 1 where we discuss his growing up in the South, the incredible legacy his parents bestowed on him, and his early endeavors in hospitality.

Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/eSGC8WB2ssI

Learn more:

Host: Kait Grey

Producer: Kait Grey

Editor: Nick Case

Recording Date 9/7/23

Personal:

https://www.instagram.com/jeffzucker/

https://x.com/jeffzucker

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffreyzucker/

Companies:

https://www.instagram.com/peoplearetheanswer/

https://www.instagram.com/dipdevices/

http://peoplearetheanswer.com

http://saltshaker.com

http://greenlionpartners.com

https://www.bigsmits.com/

https://dipdevices.com/

https://www.thelategame.com/

TLG Trailer - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qFVjH5SsQyc

Other resources:

https://www.mpp.org/

https://ssdp.org/

https://maps.org/about-maps/

https://rocketclub.com/

Bio:

Jeffrey M. Zucker is a serial entrepreneur born and raised in Charleston, SC and currently living in Denver, CO. He graduated from Boston University’s Questrom School of Business, where he founded multiple successful real estate businesses through Saltshaker Holdings, the operating company he founded and runs as President and CEO.

Jeffrey’s other endeavors include film production, cannabis, hospitality, tech, and more. His notable companies include Green Lion Partners and Big Smits Entertainment. Additionally, Jeffrey, who serves as the Vice Chair of the Board of the Marijuana Policy Project, is a philanthropist in the areas of Drug Policy and Criminal Justice Reform, healthcare, and education. His business decisions are determined not only based upon making a profit, but also—inspired by his late father’s mission of Tikkun Olam (repair the world)—with the goal of improving the lives of others as much as possible. Additionally, Jeffrey hosts the podcast People are the Answer where he interviews innovators in social impact.

Jeffrey is happy to get involved with projects, people, and ideas in which he believes. His business decisions are determined not only based upon making a profit, but also—inspired by his late father’s mission of Tikkun Olam (repair of the world)—with the goal of improving the lives of others as much as possible.

Episode 2 Chapters:

2:11 - America Israel Cannabis Association

8:55 - Saltshaker Holdings

11:21 - Green Lion Partners & Dip Devices

18:03 - BU/GLP Cannabis Annual Competition

22:46 - Big Smits Entertainment

29:40 - The Late Game

34:33 - More on Dip Devices & Green Lion Innovations

36:45 - People are the Answer Podcast

44:02 - MPP & Drug Policy

58:11 - MAPS

1:04:35 - Dawg Nation

1:08:16 - When Work Affected Change

1:12:39 - Mentor

1:16:24 - Ask Kait a Question

1:23:44 - Most Grateful For

1:24:42 - Snap Your Fingers

1:27:07 - How to Support

In this episode, Jeffrey and Kait discuss his growing up in the South and starting his career young at the Carolina Ice Palace, the incredible legacy his parents bestowed on him, and lessons learned while being a young entrepreneur in hospitality. We talk about his work in cannabis, as well as his advocacy work in drug policy and criminal justice reform. We also cover his goals for this podcast and his forthcoming movie, The Late Game…episode 2 coming next week.

Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/hC3BlY5QvKA

Learn more:

Host: Kait Grey

Producer: Kait Grey

Editor: Nick Case

Recording date: 9/6/23

Personal:

https://www.instagram.com/jeffzucker/

https://x.com/jeffzucker

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffreyzucker/

Companies:

https://www.instagram.com/peoplearetheanswer/

https://www.instagram.com/dipdevices/

http://peoplearetheanswer.com

http://saltshaker.com

http://greenlionpartners.com

https://www.bigsmits.com/

https://dipdevices.com/

https://www.thelategame.com/

TLG Trailer - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qFVjH5SsQyc

Other resources:

https://www.mpp.org/

https://ssdp.org/

https://maps.org/about-maps/

https://rocketclub.com/

Ep 60 - Aloe Blacc - https://youtu.be/d4MqLu2WrKc?si=iKJtJP7HfUjHjyJz

Fat Cuz - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Fw-kjbfGfo

Bio:

Jeffrey M. Zucker is a serial entrepreneur born and raised in Charleston, SC and currently living in Denver, CO. He graduated from Boston University’s Questrom School of Business, where he founded multiple successful real estate businesses through Saltshaker Holdings, the operating company he founded and runs as President and CEO.

Jeffrey’s other endeavors include film production, cannabis, hospitality, tech, and more. His notable companies include Green Lion Partners and Big Smits Entertainment. Additionally, Jeffrey, who serves as the Vice Chair of the Board of the Marijuana Policy Project, is a philanthropist in the areas of Drug Policy and Criminal Justice Reform, healthcare, and education. His business decisions are determined not only based upon making a profit, but also—inspired by his late father’s mission of Tikkun Olam (repair the world)—with the goal of improving the lives of others as much as possible. Additionally, Jeffrey hosts the podcast People are the Answer where he interviews innovators in social impact.

Jeffrey is happy to get involved with projects, people, and ideas in which he believes. His business decisions are determined not only based upon making a profit, but also—inspired by his late father’s mission of Tikkun Olam (repair of the world)—with the goal of improving the lives of others as much as possible.

Episode 1 Chapters:

0:00 - Cannabis Consumption

4:12 - Intro

8:38 - Importance of Giving Back

11:50 - Jerry Zucker

16:15 - Early Career

23:22 - Carolina Ice Palace

30:03 - Education

37:08 - Internships

53:22 - Hodara Property Management

57:34 - Pizza Persona

1:10:00 - The InterTech Group

1:13:02 - Leaflist & the Cannabis Industry

In this episode, Gillian and Jeffrey discuss her lifelong passion for being on stage, acting and production, desire to tell important stories, and much more.

Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/lSfcw68eaPg

Learn more:

Host: Jeffrey M. Zucker

Producer: Kait Grey

Editor: Nick Case

Recording date: 11/29/23

https://gillianrabin.com/

https://www.tiktok.com/@gillian_ray

https://www.instagram.com/gillianrabin/

https://www.facebook.com/gillian.rabin/

https://www.l8theofficialshort.com/

https://www.geniusmesh.com/

https://resolvemediagroup.com/

Other resources:

https://www.gawinlist.com/

Bio:

From singing herself to sleep in her crib at night to singing on the stage, Gillian’s passion for performance has never wavered. Her love for storytelling, empathetic connection, and creativity is the driving force for everything she does— from writing to acting to marketing.

Pursuing her passion, Gillian moved to Atlanta where she attended Oglethorpe University on a Georgia Shakespeare Full-Tuition Scholarship. After four years of studying, rehearsals, writing, internships, and performances, Gillian graduated valedictorian with a BA in Theatre and a BA in Communication & Rhetorical Studies.

Gillian has had the honor of working with People Store Talent Agency as both a Film & Television Intern and as an actor before she signed with AWA and Robyn Bluestone Management. You can see Gillian’s array of characters in Emergency, Gigi & Nate, The ReEducation of Molly Singer, and as a recurring on The Big Door Prize on Apple TV.

Gillian is grateful for the opportunities she’s had to work with phenomenal directors, actors, writers, and producers, and excited for upcoming projects with talented storytellers.

Chapters:

0:00 - Intro

6:07 - Education

10:15 - Early Career

20:27 - Goals

28:06 - L-8 Short Film

37:41 - L-8 Process

49:15 - How to Watch L-8

52:42 - Where Do You Go from Here?

58:30 - When Work Affected Change

1:06:54 - Ask Jeff a Question

1:14:29 - Most Grateful

1:15:32 - Snap Your Fingers

1:18:57 - How to Support

In this episode, Julie and Jeffrey discuss her journey from immigrating from Greece at a young age to growing up in Brooklyn and New Jersey, her unexpected path to becoming a producer, her impact on Jeff’s production career, how taking care of the environment is a win-win for impact and business, and much more…

Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/O4gwHSzyCSI

Learn more:

Host: Jeffrey M. Zucker

Producer: Kait Grey

Editor: Nick Case

Recording date: 9/18/23

https://www.tandempictures.com/

https://www.instagram.com/tandempictures/

https://www.facebook.com/tandempictures

https://www.linkedin.com/company/tandem-pictures/

Other resources:

https://www.tandempictures.com/brand-content?wix-vod-video-id=c1c8e677ffc144c9955977e89f1d6931&wix-vod-comp-id=comp-julnk1ne

https://www.producersunion.org/

https://www.earthangelsets.com/

https://www.motionpictures.org/2020/12/the-sustainable-production-alliance-celebrating-the-green-production-guides-10-year-anniversary/

https://www.bricfoundation.org/

https://www.green4ema.org/

Bio:

JULIE CHRISTEAS is the founder and CEO of Tandem Pictures, since 2010. Her recent films include BLACK BEAR (Sundance 2020) starring Aubrey Plaza, Christopher Abbott and Sarah Gadon, which was released last year by eOne/Momentum, and THE SURROGATE (SXSW 2020/Monument Releasing). She also executive produced the cult horror favorite THE EYES OF MY MOTHER (Sundance 2016/Magnet Releasing), MONOGAMY (Best NY Narrative, Tribeca Film Festival 2010), the feature doc DUKALE'S DREAM starring Hugh Jackman, and GHOST TEAM starring Jon Heder, David Krumholtz, Justin Long, Amy Sedaris and Melonie Diaz. Previously she produced BLOOD STRIPE (Jury Prize for Best Narrative Film, LA Film Festival 2016), WILDLIKE starring Bruce Greenwood and Brian Geraghty (HIFF), and THE SLEEPWALKER starring Christopher Abbott and Brady Corbet (Sundance 2014/IFC). Julie also produces original short-form content for some of the biggest brands in the world -- Amazon, Chase Bank, Ford Motors, Netflix, Cadillac and many more. Before Tandem, Julie was EVP across production and development at Renart Films.

Chapters:

0:00 - Intro

12:47 - Importance of Giving Back

18:29 - Education

27:49 - Early Career

30:31 - Producers

40:13 - Tandem Pictures

46:27 - Representation in the Industry

49:54 - Sustainable Sets

58:35 - Profit Donations

1:00:27 - Black Bear & Nuked

1:05:28 - BRIC Foundation

1:07:40 - Barbie

1:14:02 -When Work Affected Change

1:18:04 - Ask Jeff a Question

1:20:30 - Snap Your Fingers