Superpowers for Good: Empowering Changemakers for Social Impact via Regulated Investment Crowdfunding from the SuperCrowd.

Superpowers for Good should not be considered investment advice. Seek counsel before making investment decisions. When you purchase an item, launch a campaign or create an investment account after clicking a link here, we may earn a fee. Engage to support our work. Watch the show on television by downloading the e360tv channel app to your Roku, LG or AmazonFireTV. You can also see it on YouTube. Devin: What is your superpower? Troy: Making a plan. Food delivery apps have revolutionized how we eat, but at what cost? Hidden fees, high commissions, and driver exploitation have left restaurants struggling to stay afloat. Recognizing this broken system, Troy Smith, CEO of Chop Chop, created a solution designed to empower restaurants and drivers alike while saving money for small businesses. Chop Chop isn’t your typical food delivery app. “We’re not an ordering app,” Troy explained in today’s episode. “We believe restaurants should take their own orders and payments. What we do is connect drivers with restaurants.” This unique approach eliminates the hefty commissions that traditional apps charge—often up to 30% of an order—enabling restaurants to retain more of their revenue. Troy’s innovative model is simple yet impactful. Restaurants pay a flat $199 monthly fee to access the app, allowing them to connect with vetted drivers who deliver orders. Unlike other platforms, Chop Chop ensures drivers are paid fairly—directly from the restaurant through Stripe, with funds held in escrow until delivery is confirmed. Customers receive real-time updates via SMS without needing to download the app, while restaurants maintain full control of the customer relationship. This streamlined system offers a lifeline to small businesses, especially mom-and-pop restaurants, which have been disproportionately affected by high delivery fees. “Deliveries have become a huge revenue stream for restaurants, especially since COVID,” Troy shared. “But the current system just isn’t working. Restaurants are paying more money to send food to their own customers than ever before.” Chop Chop’s mission extends beyond financial benefits. Many drivers and restaurants in the network are first-generation immigrants who often face exploitation in the gig economy. “FundingHope really resonated with us because they’re looking out for the small guy,” Troy said. Chop Chop’s crowdfunding campaign on FundingHope invites customers, drivers, and supporters to invest in the platform and help scale this game-changing solution. For just $199 a month—less than the price of a cup of coffee per day—restaurants can reclaim control, drivers can earn fairly, and customers can support their favorite local businesses without guilt. Chop Chop is more than a delivery app; it’s a movement to restore fairness and transparency in food delivery. Visit ChopChop.mobi or FundingHope to learn more about this revolutionary app and its crowdfunding campaign. tl;dr: Troy Smith explains how Chop Chop empowers restaurants by eliminating high delivery fees and exploitation. The platform charges restaurants a flat $199 monthly fee, connecting them with vetted drivers for deliveries. Chop Chop ensures drivers are paid fairly via Stripe, fostering transparency and trust in the process. Inspired by personal experiences and challenges during COVID, Troy created a practical, scalable solution. The company invites investors to join its FundingHope campaign, supporting a fairer food delivery ecosystem. How to Develop Making a Plan As a Superpower Troy Smith’s superpower, as he describes it, is the ability to “make a plan.” Growing up in Zimbabwe, he adopted the Afrikaans phrase maak a plan, meaning to solve problems through creativity and resourcefulness. “When something presents itself, a challenge, something is going wrong, you make a plan,” Troy explained in this episode. One powerful story that exemplifies this superpower occurred during the early days of COVID. Troy visited a small...

Superpowers for Good should not be considered investment advice. Seek counsel before making investment decisions. When you purchase an item, launch a campaign or create an investment account after clicking a link here, we may earn a fee. Engage to support our work. Watch the show on television by downloading the e360tv channel app to your Roku, LG or AmazonFireTV. You can also see it on YouTube. Devin: What is your superpower? Gregory: Vulnerability. Filmmaker Gregory Falatek is channeling his creative energy into a captivating psychological thriller, Elmwood Park, set in his hometown of Norristown, Pennsylvania. With this project, Gregory is not only telling an intriguing story but also building a bridge between art and community through crowdfunding on WeFunder, where anyone can invest in the film for as little as $100. The film, a 90s-era psychological thriller, follows three high school seniors in a post-industrial East Coast town as they navigate a series of events after witnessing a murder. Gregory explained that the story draws on his own experiences growing up in Norristown, as well as his observations of the town’s transformation. “This story came to me based on a lot of kind of past experiences. And I just took that and kind of heightened it into fiction,” Gregory shared. After spending a decade in Los Angeles honing his skills in acting and directing—two of his films even premiered at Cannes—Gregory returned to his roots in Pennsylvania. Inspired by the town’s history and architecture, he envisioned Elmwood Park as more than just a thrilling night at the movies. “It’s not just an exciting kind of thriller of a film… but it also could serve over time as like an architectural time capsule of this place,” he said. Crowdfunding plays a pivotal role in turning this vision into reality. Gregory saw platforms like WeFunder as a way to democratize investing in film. “What I liked about it is… you don’t just get a T-shirt. You get actual ownership in the film and can collect on it for the rest of your life,” he explained. By inviting the community to invest, he hopes to inspire others to pursue creative endeavors, just as he was inspired by local role models like Kate Flannery, a fellow Norristown native and actor known for The Office. Gregory’s approach is refreshingly inclusive. He shared, “Even if it makes one kid around here think that they can make a film… I think that’s super important.” By leveraging crowdfunding to connect with his community, Gregory is creating an opportunity for people to feel both figuratively and literally invested in the film. Filmmaking is no small feat, but Gregory’s blend of creativity, vulnerability, and community-focused strategy is proof that art can thrive outside traditional Hollywood systems. Visit to learn more about this project and how you can be part of it. tl;dr: Gregory Falatek shares how Elmwood Park, a psychological thriller, draws on his hometown’s history. Crowdfunding on WeFunder enables the public to invest in Elmwood Park for as little as $100. Gregory highlights how returning to Norristown inspired him to preserve local architecture and culture. Vulnerability, Gregory’s superpower, fuels his creativity and helps him connect with others authentically. Gregory invites everyone to join the project, emphasizing community impact and the democratization of film. How to Develop Vulnerability As a Superpower Gregory’s superpower is his ability to embrace vulnerability, a skill he credits for enhancing his creativity and human connection. He explained, “I think my creativity comes from being open and vulnerable, actually, in my art.” Gregory shared that growing up, he struggled with being misunderstood, which made him hesitant to open up. Over time, he learned that vulnerability allows for deeper connections, both in life and on screen. “You need this deep sense of vulnerability to make [characters] human… even if you’re being funny about it,” he said. Gregory...

Superpowers for Good should not be considered investment advice. Seek counsel before making investment decisions. When you purchase an item, launch a campaign or create an investment account after clicking a link here, we may earn a fee. Engage to support our work. Watch the show on television by downloading the e360tv channel app to your Roku, LG or AmazonFireTV. You can also see it on YouTube. Devin: What is your superpower? Meseret: Persistence. Ethiopia is on the cusp of an entrepreneurial revolution, and Ignite Investment is leading the charge. Founded by Meseret Warner, Ignite Investment has taken on the ambitious task of enabling equity crowdfunding in Ethiopia, a country where capital markets had been almost non-existent until recently. In today’s episode, Meseret shared how her platform is connecting Ethiopia’s burgeoning entrepreneurs with the African diaspora to overcome geographic and financial barriers. “Ethiopia never had capital markets in the country,” Meseret explained. “But now we have a new proclamation in 2021... and equity investment crowdfunding is one of them.” This regulatory breakthrough has allowed Ignite Investment to operate in Ethiopia under a sandbox model, enabling the platform to test innovative financial systems while adhering to local laws. What makes Ignite Investment’s approach unique is its focus on the African diaspora. Every year, billions of dollars flow from the diaspora back to the African continent, primarily as remittances. Meseret has created a mechanism to transform these funds into equity investments that support Ethiopian entrepreneurs. “Our target market is the African diaspora that sends billions and billions of dollars… as remittances and even investment,” she said. One of Ignite’s recent successes is a rideshare company addressing the transportation challenges in Addis Ababa. This venture, which connects commuters with a network of minibus drivers through an Uber-like system, has nearly closed its fundraising round thanks to Ignite’s platform. Meseret revealed, “They could have been oversubscribed because there are a lot more people interested to see them.” This is no small feat. Meseret’s persistence has helped Ignite Investment craft partnerships with organizations like Zemen Bank and the African Development Bank, facilitating cross-border investments and providing vital financial infrastructure. Her team’s partnership with GIZ, the German development agency, also helps local companies become more attractive to investors by improving transparency and governance. Ignite Investment is more than just a crowdfunding platform; it is a bridge between Ethiopia’s untapped innovation and the global capital it needs to thrive. Meseret’s vision extends beyond her home country, with plans to expand into other African nations. For investors in the diaspora and beyond, Ignite Investment offers an unprecedented opportunity to support impactful businesses while earning financial returns. Meseret’s work is a testament to the power of persistence, innovation, and a belief in the potential of African entrepreneurs. tl;dr: Ethiopia’s regulatory progress enabled Ignite Investment to launch equity crowdfunding under a sandbox model. Meseret Warner connects diaspora wealth with Ethiopian entrepreneurs, fostering impactful investments across borders. Ignite’s partnerships with Zemen Bank, GIZ, and the African Development Bank strengthen its financial infrastructure. A rideshare company solving Addis Ababa’s transportation issues exemplifies Ignite’s successful ventures. Meseret’s persistence has been key to overcoming challenges and scaling Ignite Investment’s mission to other African nations. How to Develop Persistence As a Superpower Meseret defines her superpower as persistence, a trait she’s relied on during her 11-year journey to build Ignite Investment. She shared that overcoming regulatory hurdles and scaling an innovative platform in Ethiopia required unwavering...

Superpowers for Good should not be considered investment advice. Seek counsel before making investment decisions. When you purchase an item, launch a campaign or create an investment account after clicking a link here, we may earn a fee. Engage to support our work. Watch the show on television by downloading the e360tv channel app to your Roku, LG or AmazonFireTV. You can also see it on YouTube. Devin: What is your superpower? Mark: Being able to get to near expert level on practically anything very quickly. Smallholder farmers are facing unprecedented challenges. With 97% of farm income concentrated in just 3% of farms, the remaining 97% struggle to make ends meet, often forcing the next generation to leave farming altogether. Mark Smith, CEO and Co-Founder of Carbon Country, is working to reverse this trend with a groundbreaking vision that combines renewable energy, sustainable farming practices, and economic innovation. Mark’s approach centers on agrivoltaics, a system of integrating solar panels with farming. “The idea behind Carbon Country is to transform the economics and sustainability of smallholder farms by adding agrovoltaics, which is a fancy word for solar above farming,” Mark explained. By installing solar panels over grazing land and using regenerative practices like rotational sheep grazing, Carbon Country creates a dual-purpose solution that enhances both energy production and soil health. The potential doesn’t stop there. Mark is pioneering carbon removal practices, including biochar production and “wood vaulting,” a process developed by a University of Maryland professor. “We’re building the first large-scale biochar facility in Maryland,” Mark said. These initiatives not only sequester carbon but also improve soil quality, making farms more productive and sustainable. To further amplify the economic viability, Mark has integrated energy storage and Bitcoin mining into the model. “We’re putting battery storage and Bitcoin mining together, creating an ecosystem with our panels,” he said. By arbitraging peak and non-peak power prices, Carbon Country maximizes revenue while helping stabilize the energy grid. Currently, Carbon Country is raising capital through a regulation crowdfunding campaign on Vicinity Capital. This innovative platform connects investors with high-impact projects, providing opportunities to support sustainable solutions like Mark’s. Mark’s work is more than a business—it’s a mission to ensure smallholder farms remain productive for future generations. “Our goal is to make these farms legacy assets,” he said, “doing important things for both the economy and the environment.” If you want to learn more or invest in this inspiring initiative, visit Carbon Country’s crowdfunding page and join the movement to reshape agriculture and energy for a better future. tl;dr: Mark Smith shares how agrivoltaics can transform smallholder farms by combining solar panels with farming. Carbon Country integrates biochar production and carbon storage to improve soil health and sequester carbon. Renewable energy, Bitcoin mining, and storage create economic opportunities for struggling smallholder farmers. Mark explains his superpower of rapid learning and offers advice for mastering new fields. This episode highlights Carbon Country’s crowdfunding campaign to support sustainable farming and energy solutions. How to Develop Rapid Learning As a Superpower Mark Smith’s superpower is his ability to quickly master new fields of knowledge. “I think my superpower really is being able to get to near expert level on practically anything very quickly,” he said. This remarkable skill has allowed him to tackle challenges in diverse areas such as recycling, water filtration, and now agrivoltaics. Mark credits his success to curiosity, humility, and a willingness to dedicate time to learning and experimentation. Illustrative Story:Mark shared an example of how his rapid learning ability transformed an idea...

Every month, I sit down with my friend and collaborator, Jen Risley, editor of Main Street Journal, for a live conversation about what’s working—and what’s next—in local investing and impact crowdfunding. These sessions keep me humble and energized. There’s simply more high-impact work happening than any one newsletter can cover, even when we publish more than once a day, and I’m grateful Jen brings her readers into this ongoing, practical conversation about building community wealth. This month’s livestream circled three powerful themes: * How one statewide “buy local” champion became a policy and procurement force * Why small wind—done right—could be a missing piece in local clean-energy finance * What rural communities keep teaching us about ownership, scale, and “fair exchange” between local economies Below I’ve stitched together the ideas in the most useful order I know: start with place, organize around ownership, and finance work that has a credible path to cash flow and measurable community benefit. Scaling Local: The Kimber Lanning/Local First Arizona Playbook If you want a concrete picture of what “going local” looks like at scale, study Local First Arizona and its leader, Kimber Lanning. In our discussion, I highlighted the organization’s growth to 65 staff and 2,500 paying members, and the way that capacity translates into actual power: influencing city procurement, training and mentoring entrepreneurs, and generally changing the rules of the game for locally owned businesses. That’s not a marketing campaign—that’s economic development. From an investor’s standpoint, the lesson is straightforward: ecosystem capacity multiplies enterprise capacity. When cities rethink procurement, local firms land contracts. When founders get hands-on mentoring and peer accountability, they grow steadier revenue and become stronger candidates for Reg CF and community note offerings. This is the flywheel we want: policy → pipeline → performance. A second takeaway is strategic humility. Not every community can—or should—copy and paste Arizona’s structure. Jen noted that the old “build a nonprofit business alliance” model was financially unsustainable in her small New Hampshire region, even though it succeeded in places like Phoenix. The right structure is local by definition. The goal is to right-size the vehicle so it can actually deliver value where you live. Action moves for builders and funders: * Map the procurement levers you can move in the next 12 months (city, county, anchor institutions). * Stand up a founder services sprint (8–12 weeks) that teaches 5–10 local firms exactly how to win those contracts. * Pre-vet 2–3 entrepreneurs from that sprint for a Reg CF raise; pair with a local “buy from” campaign timed to their working-capital needs. Small Wind, Big Idea: Cluster Effects & Localized Clean Energy Jen brought a fresh perspective from my recent conversation with Dr. Daniel Farb of Flower Turbines. The concept that grabbed both of us: smaller wind turbines can improve each other’s performance when thoughtfully clustered—a “1+1>2” effect we don’t see with utility-scale wind. That’s a meaningful design distinction with financing implications. Why does this matter? Because distributed wind complements rooftop solar in the two places where solar is weakest: at night and on cloudy days. That can reduce storage requirements—still costly and, in many chemistries, environmentally fraught. If we can meet more load in real time with a mixed portfolio (solar + small wind), we make community microgrids both cleaner and cheaper. I also love the place-based finance angle. Flower Turbines’ current posture prioritizes local projects; if momentum builds, I expect a pattern we’ve seen with solar developers: batching geographically defined projects and raising for the bundle—streamlining diligence while preserving neighborhood-level benefits. That’s an ideal use case for impact notes and project-level Reg CF offerings with...

Superpowers for Good should not be considered investment advice. Seek counsel before making investment decisions. When you purchase an item, launch a campaign or create an investment account after clicking a link here, we may earn a fee. Engage to support our work. Watch the show on television by downloading the e360tv channel app to your Roku, LG or AmazonFireTV. You can also see it on YouTube. Devin: What is your superpower? Chad: Grit Hemp is more than a crop—it’s a solution. In today’s episode, Chad Rosen, Founder and CEO of Victory Hemp Foods, shared how his company is revolutionizing agriculture and nutrition while supporting farmers and sustainable practices. Chad started Victory Hemp Foods in 2014, inspired by the legalization of industrial hemp and its potential to solve critical problems in the food industry. “Farmers needed a manufacturer who could bring their products to market,” Chad explained. His company processes hemp seeds to create nutrient-dense ingredients like protein powder and oil that are used by global food brands in everything from protein bars to beverages. The secret to Victory Hemp Foods’ success lies in its patented process. “We separate the oil and protein into two fractions,” Chad said. This innovation produces a clean, lightly flavored protein powder rich in essential amino acids and a heart-healthy oil with the ideal omega-6 to omega-3 ratio. By valorizing all parts of the hemp seed, including turning the hulls into sweeteners, Victory Hemp Foods creates a sustainable, profitable model that benefits farmers and consumers alike. Hemp’s environmental benefits are equally compelling. It promotes biodiversity, breaks pest and weed cycles, and can grow with less water compared to many other crops. Chad emphasized its potential: “Hemp can be a 20-million-acre crop,” he said, noting its ability to transform both farming and food production. Victory Hemp Foods is scaling its operations to meet growing demand. The company is currently raising capital through a regulated crowdfunding campaign on WeFunder, allowing community members to invest in its mission. “This is a vote of confidence,” Chad said, encouraging supporters to back regenerative agriculture and healthy food systems. Hemp is more than a niche ingredient; it’s a key to a healthier, more sustainable future. Victory Hemp Foods is leading the way—and you can be part of it. tl;dr: Chad Rosen shared how Victory Hemp Foods creates sustainable, nutrient-dense products from North American hemp. The company’s patented process transforms hemp seeds into protein powder, oil, and sweeteners. Hemp farming supports biodiversity, reduces environmental impact, and offers economic opportunities for farmers. Victory Hemp Foods is raising capital on WeFunder, inviting community investment in its mission. Chad emphasized his superpower, grit, as the key to overcoming challenges and driving innovation. How to Develop Grit As a Superpower Chad identified his superpower as grit—the ability to persevere through challenges without giving up. “The ability to look at a letdown and turn it around…keeps you grinding,” he explained. Over more than a decade, Chad’s persistence has allowed him to overcome obstacles, adapt to setbacks, and lead Victory Hemp Foods to success. He emphasized that grit is essential for entrepreneurs navigating uncertain paths. Illustrative Story:Three years ago, Chad faced a major setback when a potential investor backed out after six months of due diligence, citing concerns about the company’s technology. This left Victory Hemp Foods without funding or a clear path forward. Instead of giving up, Chad and his team reimagined their process, developing a more efficient and profitable solution. The unexpected challenge forced them to create a breakthrough that became the foundation of their current success. Tips for Developing Grit: View setbacks as opportunities to learn and grow. Believe that every disappointment is a...

Superpowers for Good should not be considered investment advice. Seek counsel before making investment decisions. When you purchase an item, launch a campaign or create an investment account after clicking a link here, we may earn a fee. Engage to support our work. Watch the show on television by downloading the e360tv channel app to your Roku, LG or AmazonFireTV. You can also see it on YouTube. Devin: What is your superpower? Briar: Adaptability Business isn’t just about profits—it can be a catalyst for building community. Briar Rose Penney, the steward and CEO of Inner Space KC, exemplifies this philosophy. During today’s episode, Briar Rose shared how their unique yoga studio and community space blends wellness, creativity, and collaboration in a way that has not only grown their business but strengthened the bonds between diverse groups in Kansas City. Inner Space KC operates as more than a yoga studio. It’s a thriving ecosystem where martial arts, dance, qigong, and tai chi classes meet creativity and collaboration. “We have 12 commercial tenants that rent with us,” Briar Rose explained. “Their rent directly subsidizes our programming and stabilizes our finances. But also, we all kind of would only be here because of each other.” This symbiotic relationship allows the space to host everything from art markets to activism events, creating a vibrant hub where personal care and creativity intersect. One key to this success is Briar Rose’s emphasis on building community through intentional care. Volunteers, or “caretakers,” play a vital role in maintaining the space’s welcoming atmosphere. “Touch everything—even if it’s something that no one is going to notice,” Briar Rose said, underscoring the importance of attention to detail. “The feeling of it being connected with and touched and attended to does translate. People can feel that when they walk in the space.” This meticulous care has contributed to Inner Space KC’s remarkable 30% revenue growth over the past year. Briar Rose’s approach also underscores the importance of staying true to the values that make a business unique. After a period of trial and error, they found that leaning into their studio’s distinct offerings—rather than imitating others—created the consistency and growth they needed. “We had to come back to what was already working and let that show us, ‘Oh, this is how we grow.’” Inner Space KC is currently raising capital through a regulated investment crowdfunding campaign on Honeycomb Credit, marking their second successful foray into alternative funding. Briar Rose emphasized how this approach has opened doors where traditional financing fell short. “Banks really just don’t see you,” they said. “The Honeycomb thing was a really cool expansion of my horizon. There are alternative sources of capital out there—you just have to open up to them and look.” By blending business with community-building and creativity, Briar Rose is helping redefine what success can look like. Inner Space KC is proof that fostering connection and care can lead to both financial growth and meaningful impact. tl;dr: Inner Space KC blends yoga, martial arts, and creativity to foster community and collaboration in Kansas City. Briar Rose Penney embraces volunteers as a cornerstone of Inner Space KC’s welcoming, thriving environment. Adaptability and a willingness to pivot have been key to the studio’s 30% revenue growth. Alternative crowdfunding has enabled Briar Rose to bypass traditional financing and expand Inner Space KC. By building a business rooted in care, Briar Rose proves that community and profit can coexist. How to Develop Adaptability As a Superpower Briar’s superpower is adaptability—the ability to pivot, learn, and grow through challenges. They describe this skill as a willingness to “try things and recognize that not everything you try is going to work,” adding, “You really just have to be willing to pivot without drama or ego or blame.” Briar Rose’s...

Superpowers for Good should not be considered investment advice. Seek counsel before making investment decisions. When you purchase an item, launch a campaign or create an investment account after clicking a link here, we may earn a fee. Engage to support our work. Watch the show on television by downloading the e360tv channel app to your Roku, LG or AmazonFireTV. You can also see it on YouTube. Devin: What is your superpower? Dr. Stephen: Courage and tenacity In today’s world, access to affordable, effective healthcare remains a persistent challenge. Dr. Stephen Steinberg, Co-founder and Chief Medical Officer of EndoSound, is tackling this problem head-on with an innovative approach to endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) technology. By dramatically lowering costs, EndoSound is helping more hospitals and surgical centers provide this life-saving diagnostic and therapeutic modality to millions of patients. Endoscopic ultrasound has been a medical mainstay for over 25 years, offering real-time imaging and diagnostic capabilities for conditions like pancreatic cancer. However, the prohibitive cost of traditional EUS systems—up to half a million dollars—has kept the technology out of reach for many facilities. Stephen and his team at EndoSound have developed a system that reduces these costs by 90%, making it accessible to smaller hospitals, surgical centers, and even under-resourced regions globally. “What became apparent was that my backlog of cases and waiting times were getting longer and longer,” Stephen explained, citing the lack of local access to EUS technology. “We adapt the scopes that [medical centers] already have with ultrasound technology, providing a much more cost-effective, much more accessible opportunity.” EndoSound’s innovation doesn’t just lower costs. By enabling earlier diagnoses of conditions like pancreatic cancer, which currently has a five-year survival rate of just 12%, the technology has the potential to save thousands of lives. Stephen described the transformative impact: “Our technology has the ability to impact that curve…to make it so that patients’ tumors are caught earlier.” Beyond patient care, the technology offers financial benefits to facilities. Surgical centers that adopt EndoSound’s system can generate revenue from procedures while improving patient outcomes. With millions of diagnostic procedures performed annually, the market opportunity for EndoSound’s affordable solution is substantial. For those interested in supporting this groundbreaking work, EndoSound is currently raising capital through a regulated investment crowdfunding campaign on WeFunder. This presents a chance for investors to back a company that is not only disrupting the healthcare industry but also saving lives. Stephen’s vision is clear: to democratize access to critical diagnostic tools and improve outcomes for patients worldwide. His work exemplifies the spirit of innovation and purpose that drives meaningful progress in healthcare. tl;dr: Dr. Stephen Steinberg discusses EndoSound’s affordable endoscopic ultrasound technology that improves healthcare access and outcomes. By reducing costs by 90%, EndoSound enables earlier diagnoses, especially for conditions like pancreatic cancer. Stephen highlights the global potential of EndoSound to bring life-saving care to under-resourced regions. His superpower, courage and tenacity, stems from personal experiences navigating his children’s life-threatening illnesses. EndoSound is raising capital via crowdfunding, empowering investors to support its transformative healthcare mission. How to Develop Courage and Tenacity As a Superpower Stephen’s superpower is a combination of courage and tenacity. He explains that courage isn’t about choosing to be heroic but rather about responding to terrifying circumstances. Recalling his experience as a young parent facing life-threatening heart defects in his children, Stephen shared, “You discover courage not because you choose...

Superpowers for Good should not be considered investment advice. Seek counsel before making investment decisions. When you purchase an item, launch a campaign or create an investment account after clicking a link here, we may earn a fee. Engage to support our work. Watch the show on television by downloading the e360tv channel app to your Roku, LG or AmazonFireTV. You can also see it on YouTube. Devin: What is your superpower? Dr. Daniel: If I believe in something, I’ll do it. Clean energy often feels like the domain of massive corporations and sprawling rural installations. But Flower Turbines, led by CEO and Founder Dr. Daniel Farb, is bringing wind power innovation to urban spaces, making it more accessible and efficient than ever before. At the heart of this transformation is what Daniel calls the “cluster effect” or “bouquet effect.” This patented technology allows small wind turbines to enhance each other’s performance when placed together. “Each turbine that you add to a group makes the whole group perform better,” Daniel explained during today’s episode. “If you have two turbines, they perform 50 percent better than if you had two separate ones… Four turbines, it’s double the amount of power.” This unique capability doesn’t just improve efficiency—it makes wind energy viable in more places, from urban rooftops to residential neighborhoods that typically couldn’t accommodate traditional large-scale turbines. Daniel’s tulip-shaped designs are compact, quiet, and visually appealing, making them a perfect fit for densely populated areas. Flower Turbines is also scaling beyond technology development into project financing. The company recently launched a regulated investment crowdfunding campaign via Honeycomb Credit, raising $250,000 in a single week. The campaign aims to fund larger installations of these turbine clusters, offering investors the opportunity to earn dividends from specific green energy projects. “This is the first time that it’s available for wind,” Daniel said, emphasizing the importance of democratizing access to clean energy investment. The urgency of this work is clear. Federal subsidies for renewable energy are set to expire soon, making cost-effective technologies like Flower Turbines’ cluster effect essential for the industry’s future. “What we’re doing is reducing the cost of electricity at the point of use,” Daniel noted, highlighting the practical benefits of deploying turbines where energy is consumed. This innovative approach not only helps Flower Turbines expand its impact but also provides everyday people with a meaningful way to support and profit from the transition to clean energy. If you’re interested in learning more about Flower Turbines or investing in this groundbreaking opportunity, visit s4g.biz/flower to explore the details. tl;dr: Flower Turbines’ cluster effect technology boosts efficiency, making small wind turbines viable in urban spaces. The company has raised over $17 million and is scaling projects with a crowdfunding campaign. Daniel highlighted the importance of developing technology that works without relying on subsidies. Regulated crowdfunding allows investors to earn dividends from specific green energy projects. Daniel’s superpower, persistence, helped him overcome early financial challenges to build Flower Turbines. How to Develop Persistence As a Superpower When asked about his superpower, Daniel described persistence as his defining quality. “If I believe in something, I’ll do it,” he said, reflecting on his commitment to Flower Turbines. He also highlighted the importance of resilience during tough times, sharing that persistence often requires faith. Whether facing financial uncertainty or the challenges of scaling a new technology, Daniel’s steadfast belief in his mission has been the cornerstone of his success. Illustrative Story: In the early days of Flower Turbines, Daniel often faced financial uncertainty while growing the company. He...

Superpowers for Good should not be considered investment advice. Seek counsel before making investment decisions. When you purchase an item, launch a campaign or create an investment account after clicking a link here, we may earn a fee. Engage to support our work. Watch the show on television by downloading the e360tv channel app to your Roku, LG or AmazonFireTV. You can also see it on YouTube. Devin: What is your superpower? Jenny: Ability to make complex financial and legal concepts accessible. Creating a thriving community takes more than goodwill—it requires vision, leadership, and resources. Jenny Kassan, CEO of Opportunity Main Street, is proving that crowdfunding can be a powerful tool for revitalizing communities while offering investors a meaningful way to make a difference. Jenny is raising capital through a regulation crowdfunding campaign on SmallChange to renovate a historic building in Baltimore. This project, called Community Commons, will serve as both a hub for local businesses and a space for community-building activities. The first floor will feature a gathering space, coffee shop, and retail area, while the upper floors will house luxury furnished apartments for short-term rentals. Jenny explains her motivation: “I’ve believed for a while that it’s really important to create a place-based ecosystem to grow this movement to move community capital into small business.” She has already raised $2.5 million for the project but is turning to crowdfunding to close the final gap. What makes this project stand out is its intentional focus on Baltimore. After hosting a women entrepreneurs’ event in the city, Jenny fell in love with its historic charm and resilient spirit. “Baltimore is a beautiful, scrappy city,” she says. “There’s a renaissance going on… it’s a place where you can make a significant impact.” Jenny’s choice of SmallChange as the crowdfunding platform is no accident. She highlights the portal’s commitment to impact-focused real estate projects and its owner, Eve Picker: “She really cares about her clients… and the design of the page is absolutely beautiful.” By combining real estate with a community-driven mission, Jenny’s project offers an opportunity for investors to see both financial returns and social impact. The short-term rental apartments are projected to generate strong revenue, while the first-floor activities will foster relationships, support local businesses, and teach community members how to invest locally. This isn’t just about one building. Jenny hopes the Community Commons project will become a replicable model for other cities. “It’s about creating a replicable model for community wealth building and supporting the local investing movement,” she says. With projects like these, Jenny is showing how crowdfunding can be a bridge between financial goals and community revitalization. Creating a thriving community takes more than goodwill—it requires vision, leadership, and resources. Jenny Kassan, CEO of Opportunity Main Street, is proving that crowdfunding can be a powerful tool for revitalizing communities while offering investors a meaningful way to make a difference. Jenny is raising capital through a regulation crowdfunding campaign on SmallChange to renovate a historic building in Baltimore. This project, called Community Commons, will serve as both a hub for local businesses and a space for community-building activities. The first floor will feature a gathering space, coffee shop, and retail area, while the upper floors will house luxury furnished apartments for short-term rentals. Jenny explains her motivation: “I’ve believed for a while that it’s really important to create a place-based ecosystem to grow this movement to move community capital into small business.” She has already raised $2.5 million for the project but is turning to crowdfunding to close the final gap. What makes this project stand out is its intentional focus on Baltimore. After hosting a...

Superpowers for Good should not be considered investment advice. Seek counsel before making investment decisions. When you purchase an item, launch a campaign or create an investment account after clicking a link here, we may earn a fee. Engage to support our work. Watch the show on television by downloading the e360tv channel app to your Roku, LG or AmazonFireTV. You can also see it on YouTube. Devin: What is your superpower? Dr. Jenn: Connecting ideas. Captain Hugo: Pragmatic observation. Restoring ocean ecosystems while offering unforgettable polar expeditions may sound ambitious, but that’s the mission of Positive Polar LLC, led by Dr. Jenn Bonilla and Captain Hugo Hinrichsen. The company is pioneering a new approach to ocean restoration by integrating cutting-edge science into its expedition cruises. Jenn explained, “Our passengers will not only enjoy incredible experiences in pristine polar environments but also witness and even participate in real-time scientific experiments aimed at restoring the ocean’s natural balance.” Positive Polar’s vision includes biomimicking the ecological role of whales, whose populations have been drastically reduced over the past century. This innovative approach seeks to restore biodiversity and sequester carbon naturally, addressing both environmental and climate challenges. The concept is as unique as it is compelling. While many expedition cruises offer educational activities, Positive Polar makes science central to the experience. Jenn highlighted this distinction, saying, “What we’re doing is actually advancing a very specific set of validated—or to be validated—science about ocean restoration.” Guests aboard Positive Polar’s ship will witness experiments in ocean restoration, such as using whale biomimicry to grow phytoplankton, which supports marine life and captures carbon. Captain Hugo emphasized the environmental impact of their operations, explaining that the company goes beyond sustainability. “As our ship sails, we’ll generate life in our wake by spreading nutrients that restore ocean biodiversity and sequester carbon,” he said. Positive Polar also plans to use carbon-neutral fuels like hydrogen-derived alternatives to minimize emissions. The company is currently raising capital via a regulated crowdfunding campaign on WeFunder. Investors not only gain the opportunity to support ocean restoration but also receive benefits like discounted cruise experiences. As Hugo put it, “Finally, our investors will feel the ship and spread our message. It’s a perfect fit.” Positive Polar’s model combines a sustainable business approach with science-driven innovation to create both environmental impact and financial returns. With just a small share of the growing expedition cruise market, Positive Polar aims to fund research, restore oceans, and deliver exceptional experiences. By supporting Positive Polar, investors and passengers alike can play a vital role in restoring the oceans to their pre-industrial health. tl;dr: Positive Polar combines expedition cruises with science to restore ocean biodiversity and combat climate change. Jenn and Hugo discussed their innovative whale biomimicry reactor, which transforms waste into ocean-restoring nutrients. The company’s use of carbon-neutral fuels and nutrient-spreading ensures minimal environmental impact while sailing. Positive Polar is raising funds through WeFunder, offering both environmental and financial returns for investors. Jenn and Hugo’s superpowers—connecting ideas and pragmatic observation—drive the company’s mission and innovation. How to Develop Connecting Ideas and Pragmatic Observation As a Superpower Jenn described her superpower as the ability to connect seemingly unrelated ideas, technologies, and disciplines. She explained, “There should be a way for us to treat waste so it looks like whale poop before it’s dumped in the ocean. If it did, it would grow phytoplankton.” This innovative thinking drives...

Superpowers for Good should not be considered investment advice. Seek counsel before making investment decisions. When you purchase an item, launch a campaign or create an investment account after clicking a link here, we may earn a fee. Engage to support our work. Watch the show on television by downloading the e360tv channel app to your Roku, LG or AmazonFireTV. You can also see it on YouTube. Devin: What is your superpower? Dawson: Recognizing strengths. Storytelling is the beating heart of successful investment crowdfunding. While some founders focus on financial returns, the most effective campaigns connect with investors through powerful, resonant narratives. Dawson Russell, CEO and Co-Founder of RaiseLaunch, has mastered this craft, helping clients raise millions by making their stories irresistible. Dawson explains that campaigns often fail because their story doesn’t resonate with potential investors. "If they can't resonate with it, they're not going to invest," he says. For him, it’s about taking a founder’s vision and shaping it into messaging that makes an investor think, I believe in what you're doing. I want to be a part of that. His work on the Boxable campaign illustrates the power of this approach. Boxable, a company revolutionizing housing affordability, raised over $150 million in part thanks to a compelling AI-driven video ad Dawson’s team created in less than 24 hours. By harnessing AI tools like Google Veo 3, 11 Labs, and Suno, he demonstrated that great storytelling doesn’t require massive budgets—it requires creativity, clarity, and emotional connection. In today’s episode, Dawson revealed a shift in investor priorities he’s witnessed since moving from traditional accredited-investor fundraising to Regulation CF and Regulation A offerings. Many crowdfunding investors care less about immediate financial returns and more about supporting a vision they believe in. They want to join a movement, not just fund a company. For founders, the lesson is clear: numbers matter, but stories move people to act. Whether you hire a firm like RaiseLaunch or DIY with affordable AI tools, invest in crafting a story that makes investors feel they’re contributing to something bigger than themselves. Dawson’s results prove that a well-told story can turn even modest campaigns into runaway successes. For anyone considering a regulated investment crowdfunding raise, his example offers a blueprint for winning hearts, minds, and capital. tl;dr: Dawson Russell shares how compelling storytelling drives successful regulated crowdfunding campaigns, winning investor support through emotional connection. He explains that many crowdfunding investors value vision and impact more than immediate financial returns. Dawson details creating Boxable’s AI-powered ad in under 24 hours, demonstrating cost-effective, high-quality content production. He reveals his superpower of recognizing strengths, focusing RaiseLaunch on storytelling and go-to-market strategy. Dawson offers advice on leveraging strengths, delegating weaknesses, and aligning work with values to achieve lasting impact. How to Develop Recognizing Strengths As a Superpower Dawson described his superpower as the ability to recognize strengths—both his own and those of his team. "You’ve got to recognize what are your strengths and what are your weaknesses and surround people around you that can help," he said. For Dawson, this focus has meant honing in on storytelling and creative strategy for crowdfunding campaigns, rather than trying to "do everything." This clarity has allowed RaiseLaunch to excel by working only on projects that are a strong cultural and skill fit. Illustrative Story: Several years ago, Dawson realized his agency was stretched too thin, taking on all types of projects. The lack of focus led to unsatisfying work and dropped commitments. The turning point came when he decided to narrow RaiseLaunch’s offerings to their strongest...

Superpowers for Good should not be considered investment advice. Seek counsel before making investment decisions. When you purchase an item, launch a campaign or create an investment account after clicking a link here, we may earn a fee. Engage to support our work. Watch the show on television by downloading the e360tv channel app to your Roku, LG or AmazonFireTV. You can also see it on YouTube. Devin: What is your superpower? Deepti: Persistence. Deepti Brambl, the founder of Kaylaan, is on a mission to revolutionize oral care while addressing environmental sustainability. Her innovative company is tackling the global issue of plastic waste with its unique toothpaste tablets, offering a game-changing alternative to traditional toothpaste packaged in plastic tubes. Kaylaan’s toothpaste tablets are designed for simplicity and sustainability. “All you do is crunch it. Your saliva does the magic, and you just brush your teeth how you normally would,” Deepti explained. These tablets, made with clean ingredients, generate zero waste and do not require water for activation. They are an eco-friendly solution for environmentally conscious consumers. The journey to bring this product to market has been filled with challenges. Kaylaan is the first company in the United States to manufacture toothpaste tablets with fluoride, a key component for oral health. “We are the only company in the U.S. that manufactures toothpaste tablets with fluoride,” Deepti shared. Achieving this milestone involved navigating a complex FDA approval process, adopting good manufacturing practices (GMP), and undergoing rigorous testing. Deepti highlighted the financial hurdles her company has faced, particularly the annual FDA fees required for over-the-counter products with fluoride. “This year, we got a bill for $25,000 in FDA fees, and we know it will keep increasing. But we didn’t stop,” she said, underscoring her determination to succeed. Kaylaan’s product lineup includes several flavors tailored to different preferences, from mint to kid-friendly strawberry and watermelon, as well as neem, a nod to Deepti’s Himalayan roots. The company recently expanded its offerings with mouthwash tablets, further advancing its mission to eliminate plastic waste. To scale its operations sustainably, Kaylaan is currently raising funds through a regulated investment crowdfunding campaign on Honeycomb Credit. Deepti views this community-driven approach as a way to grow without compromising the company’s values. “We wanted to give back to our community and use the funds wisely to grow consistently,” she explained. Kaylaan is more than just a business—it represents a movement to rethink oral care and reduce the environmental footprint of daily routines. Deepti’s vision and perseverance serve as an inspiring example of how innovative thinking can create impactful change. tl;dr: Kaylaan founder Deepti Brambl explains how plastic-free toothpaste tablets tackle waste and promote sustainability. Deepti shares challenges of FDA compliance and GMP certification as a small, self-funded startup. Kaylaan’s innovative products include fluoride and non-fluoride options in five unique flavors. Deepti discusses raising capital via a regulated crowdfunding campaign to scale operations sustainably. Persistence and embracing failure are key to Deepti’s success as a purpose-driven entrepreneur. How to Develop Persistence As a Superpower Deepti Brambl’s superpower is persistence—a relentless determination to overcome challenges and achieve her goals. As she explained, “If I’m laser-focused and want to achieve something, that is something I would say is my superpower.” Deepti highlighted the role of failure in her journey, noting, “The superpower is failing a lot because that’s where the real growth happens.” Her ability to embrace failure and keep moving forward has been key to her success as an entrepreneur. Illustrative Story:When Kaylaan faced an FDA audit, Deepti...

Superpowers for Good should not be considered investment advice. Seek counsel before making investment decisions. When you purchase an item, launch a campaign or create an investment account after clicking a link here, we may earn a fee. Engage to support our work. Watch the show on television by downloading the e360tv channel app to your Roku, LG or AmazonFireTV. You can also see it on YouTube. Devin: What is your superpower? Caroline: Positive energy. Founders of social impact organizations—those working to change the world—often experience a unique kind of isolation. The challenges they face extend beyond scaling a business or managing operations; they wrestle with the pressure of delivering meaningful social change while also keeping a wary eye on their bottom line. That’s why Caroline Diehl MBE, Founder and CEO of Social Founders, has dedicated herself to supporting the well-being of the people behind these organizations. She’s not focused on the nuts and bolts of business planning or marketing. Instead, Caroline is building a global network that supports founders themselves, giving them a space to connect, decompress and recharge. As Caroline explained on today’s episode, “It's amazing how some of the most experienced and brilliant social founders in our network still say that they feel lonely. They feel that they can't talk really openly to their board or to their management team. They can't constantly dump on their partner back at home. And they love the idea of connecting with other founders.” She’s quick to note that the ecosystem for social impact founders doesn’t match what’s available to tech founders. “If you’re a tech founder, you’re on to a good thing. But if you’re a charity founder or a social entrepreneur, it’s pretty tough. And there’s not much support for the actual founder.” Caroline’s approach is all about founder well-being. Social Founders doesn’t duplicate what others do. Instead, they partner with organizations offering practical business help, like the UK’s School for Social Entrepreneurs, while focusing on the founder’s mental and emotional health. “We’re there for the well-being of the founder, which in turn helps that founder be a better founder,” Caroline said. The double bottom line—delivering both social impact and financial sustainability—adds another layer of complexity. Caroline captured this tension: “Sometimes you can create more social impact without having to focus on the money all the time and vice versa. If you're focusing on the money all the time, then you end up just maybe selling lots of mugs or stickers or something and not doing enough social impact.” Changemakers need not go it alone. Social Founders offers a global community, recognizing the value of peer support and connection. If you’re building a social enterprise or founding a charity, consider joining the movement at socialfounder.org. You’ll find a group of like-minded leaders who understand your challenges—and a network designed to help you thrive. tl;dr: Caroline Diehl MBE founded Social Founders to support the well-being of social enterprise and charity founders. She highlights the loneliness and unique pressures founders face, especially balancing impact and financial sustainability. Caroline emphasizes building networks over business advice, prioritizing emotional and peer support for changemakers. Her superpower, positive energy, has fueled her success and resilience across multiple impactful organizations. Listeners are invited to join Social Founders’ global network for community, inspiration and support. How to Develop Positive Energy As a Superpower Caroline described her superpower as “positive energy.” She explained, “Whoever I’m talking to, whether I’m meeting some grand poobah running some big company or the people that I really love who are the grassroots founders and changemakers, or whether I’m just on my own… I can call on a superpower inside me of positive energy and make that...

Superpowers for Good should not be considered investment advice. Seek counsel before making investment decisions. When you purchase an item, launch a campaign or create an investment account after clicking a link here, we may earn a fee. Engage to support our work. Watch the show on television by downloading the e360tv channel app to your Roku, LG or AmazonFireTV. You can also see it on YouTube. The regulated investment crowdfunding market is experiencing a remarkable resurgence, with $450 million invested in the first half of 2025—a sign of renewed growth and confidence in this alternative financing method. After a pullback following the 2021 peak, this year’s upswing is breathing new life into opportunities for both entrepreneurs and investors. Brian Belley, Vice President of Product at Kingscrowd, shared insights on this trend during this episode of the “Superpowers for Good” show. He highlighted the resilience of the market, noting, “The numbers were actually very encouraging for this year. So over the first six months, over the first half of the year, there was $450 million committed to these campaigns that are being done online to these offerings.” Despite economic uncertainty and public market volatility earlier this year, investors continued to support small businesses and startups. As Belley explained, “We actually raised $450 million in spite of all of that that was going on.” Beyond the investment totals, this capital is fueling job creation and economic activity across communities. Both Regulation A and Regulation Crowdfunding (Reg CF) are seeing significant participation. Regulation A campaigns attracted $250 million, while Reg CF brought in $200 million—up 9% from last year. Belley pointed out, “In the case of Regulation A, that even exceeded the first six months even going back to 2021,” signaling the historic nature of this year’s growth. One reason for Reg CF’s continued appeal is its accessibility, with minimum investments as low as $50 or $100. Belley said, “The average investment size, check size, as we refer to it, does tend to be in that $1,000 to $1,200 range... there are some bigger investors out there as well who are investing in these companies.” This democratization of investing is helping more people participate in early-stage ventures. Recent successful offerings, such as the Newsmax Reg A+ campaign that raised $75 million, show how large brands can leverage their audiences to achieve record-breaking results. Such campaigns also demonstrate how regulated crowdfunding can bridge the gap between private and public markets, sometimes allowing shares to become tradable soon after the raise. Kingscrowd’s projections suggest that the sector could reach $900 million by year’s end, potentially rivaling or even surpassing the 2021 record. For founders seeking capital and investors seeking opportunities, the data points to a robust and promising period for regulated investment crowdfunding. For those interested in learning more, Belley’s latest report is available at s4g.biz/king or kingscrowd.com, offering data, insights, and tools to help navigate this dynamic market. tl;dr: The episode highlights a renewed surge in regulated investment crowdfunding, with $450 million raised early in 2025. Brian Belley of Kingscrowd shares data and trends, showing growth in both Reg A and Reg CF offerings. Reg CF’s accessibility empowers everyday investors and helps democratize early-stage investment opportunities. The Newsmax Reg A+ campaign illustrates how major brands can achieve record-breaking success through pre-IPO crowdfunding. The episode closes with practical advice for founders and investors to benefit from the evolving crowdfunding landscape. The Newsmax offering stands out as a prime example of pre-IPO crowdfunding. As Brian Belley explained, “Something very unique with the Newsmax offering is this ability where it was kind of this pre-IPO offering, where the shares that were purchased were...

Superpowers for Good should not be considered investment advice. Seek counsel before making investment decisions. When you purchase an item, launch a campaign or create an investment account after clicking a link here, we may earn a fee. Engage to support our work. Watch the show on television by downloading the e360tv channel app to your Roku, LG or AmazonFireTV. You can also see it on YouTube. Devin: What is your superpower? Diana: Relentless passion. Breast cancer treatment is long overdue for a revolution. Diana Tucker, CEO of SenoGuard, is leading the charge with an innovative alternative to post-lumpectomy radiation. Using advanced cryoablation technology, SenoGuard freezes the cavity where a tumor is removed, eliminating residual cancer cells in one procedure. Radiation has been the standard of care for decades, but it comes with significant physical, emotional, and financial costs. Diana explained in today’s episode, “Radiation is horrible both clinically and cosmetically. It changes the shape, size, and feel of the breast. Many women face long-term emotional and physical side effects.” She shared the tragic story of a young breast cancer survivor whose radiation treatment ultimately damaged her heart. “I am very passionate about eliminating radiation if at all possible,” she said. SenoGuard’s approach simplifies treatment. “The patient goes in for her tumor excision, and immediately we freeze the cavity where the tumor has been removed,” Diana said. “It’s one and done. The patient can go back to work the very next day.” This innovation not only reduces the physical toll on patients but also addresses significant disparities in access to care. Many women forego lumpectomies because daily radiation sessions are unaffordable or inaccessible, especially in rural areas. Diana noted, “Almost 30% of women who qualify for a lumpectomy choose mastectomy instead because they can’t afford the time or cost of radiation.” To bring this groundbreaking technology to market, SenoGuard is raising capital through a regulated investment crowdfunding campaign on WeFunder. Diana emphasized the importance of public support, saying, “Everybody knows someone who has had breast cancer. By investing, people feel they are not just supporting a cause but making a difference for society.” SenoGuard’s cryoablation technology has the potential to transform breast cancer treatment, making it less toxic, more accessible, and kinder to patients. By supporting their crowdfunding campaign, you could help bring this life-changing innovation to millions of women. tl;dr: Diana Tucker shared how SenoGuard’s cryoablation technology eliminates the need for post-lumpectomy radiation. Radiation’s side effects often force women to choose mastectomies, highlighting the need for better options. SenoGuard’s innovation reduces treatment time, costs, and disparities in accessing breast cancer care. Diana described her relentless passion and how it drives her to overcome challenges in her work. SenoGuard is raising funds via a WeFunder campaign to bring this life-changing technology to market. How to Develop Relentless Passion As a Superpower Diana Tucker’s superpower is her relentless passion for solving problems she truly believes in. As she explained in today’s episode, “When I have a sincere understanding, I become very passionate, enthusiastic, and relentless to get that…across the finish line.” Her superpower drives her to tackle challenges with unwavering determination, especially when the stakes are high. Story Illustrating Superpower Diana shared a story from her early career, where she was tasked with bringing a French ophthalmology solution to the U.S. market. “The CEO told me, ‘If you can figure out how to bring this over to America, you have a job. If you can’t, you’re fired.’” Fueled by determination, she successfully introduced the technology, which became the standard of care. Years later, an ophthalmologist recognized her...

Superpowers for Good should not be considered investment advice. Seek counsel before making investment decisions. When you purchase an item, launch a campaign or create an investment account after clicking a link here, we may earn a fee. Engage to support our work. Watch the show on television by downloading the e360tv channel app to your Roku, LG or AmazonFireTV. You can also see it on YouTube. Devin: What is your superpower? Jo: Uniting people. Childhood cravings often fade with time, but for Jo Weinand, they became a lifelong mission. Growing up addicted to chocolate milk, Jo eventually realized that her favorite treat wasn’t as healthy as she’d imagined. “It was a sad day when I started to read labels and realized, oof, I just cannot be drinking this anymore,” she shared in today’s episode. As Jo searched for a healthier alternative, she found herself frustrated by disappointing options. Either the products didn’t taste good, or they were full of fillers and oils. When the pandemic hit and life slowed down, Jo seized the opportunity to experiment. Using her Vitamix and pantry staples like cashews, cocoa powder, and agave syrup, she crafted a homemade chocolate milk that surprised her with its deliciousness. “I hit blend, poured it in a cup, tried it and was like, wait, what? This is actually really good,” Jo said. That spark of inspiration soon became Nutcase, a company producing healthier chocolate milk with cashews as the creamy, nutrient-rich base. But Jo wasn’t content with just making something for herself or her local community. “I’m a big dreamer,” she said. “As soon as I realized there was a product here, I started thinking about how to scale it globally.” Jo tested the waters by bottling her creation and selling it in her restaurant, where it quickly flew off the shelves. That validation pushed her to solve the next challenge: extending the product’s shelf life for large-scale distribution. Through persistence and a network of connections, Jo found experts who helped her refine the formulation and production process. Now, Nutcase is on the verge of becoming a global brand, and Jo is inviting others to join her journey. With a regulated crowdfunding campaign currently open, anyone can invest in Nutcase and own a piece of the company. “Having everyday people, super fans, and supporters have skin in the game was a no-brainer for me,” Jo said. Her passion for creating a healthier, better-tasting chocolate milk is undeniable, but her vision for building an inclusive, community-backed brand is just as inspiring. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this delicious revolution. tl;dr: Jo Weinand founded Nutcase to create healthier, cashew-based chocolate milk that tastes amazing. A pandemic experiment with cashews, cocoa, and agave led to a surprisingly successful formula. Jo scaled Nutcase from a local product to a global brand with strategic networking and persistence. Celebrities and influencers, including Steve Aoki and Ninja, joined Nutcase as partners and advocates. Through equity crowdfunding, Jo invites supporters to invest in Nutcase and join the mission. How to Develop Uniting People As a Superpower Jo’s ability to unite people around a common mission is her defining strength. She explained, “As a founder, the best thing ever is building a team...of big celebrities and influencers, but also giving opportunities to people who are such hard workers and hustlers.” Jo’s talent for inspiring enthusiasm and aligning others with her vision has been instrumental in turning Nutcase into more than just a business—it’s a movement. When Jo launched Nutcase’s strawberry flavor, she saw an opportunity to approach Steve Aoki, who initially wasn’t a fan of chocolate milk. Upon trying the strawberry variety, he became so excited about the product and its brain-health benefits, he not only joined as a partner but also introduced Nutcase to his foundation to support brain health initiatives. Jo’s ability to bring...

When Main Street Meets Superpowers: Building Community Through Localism, Crowdfunding, and Collaboration Each month, I have the genuine privilege of sitting down with my friend and colleague Jen Risley, editor of The Main Street Journal, for a conversation that bridges our shared passion for impact, innovation, and community-rooted change. Our most recent dialogue was no exception—it was a deeply thoughtful exchange exploring the intersections of decentralization, localism, and the real power of community-centered finance. And this month’s chat brought a bonus: the announcement of Main Street Journal’s most-read issue to date, “A Localism Manifesto.” It’s an extraordinary piece that’s resonating not only with Jen’s readers but now across the broader Substack ecosystem. If you haven’t read it yet, consider this your personal invitation. But beyond just catching up on what’s new in our respective publications, this conversation highlighted something more powerful: the way our two newsletters—Main Street Journal and Superpowers for Good—complement and enrich each other. So today, I’d like to recap our exchange, share some exciting announcements, and invite you to subscribe to both newsletters for the full scope of this evolving conversation around community, capital, and change. A Localism Manifesto: Decentralization with Heart Jen opened our chat by highlighting the incredible traction “A Localism Manifesto” has gained since its release on July 10. Penned with contributions from Paul Spinrad and Michael H. Shuman, the manifesto doesn’t just explore the theoretical underpinnings of decentralization—it invites community members to shape its next iteration. That’s not just content; that’s co-creation. For Jen, the concept of decentralism was initially daunting—especially coming from New Hampshire, where the libertarian Free State Movement has made headlines. But the manifesto reimagines decentralization as a tool for building resilient, equitable communities, not just a political stance. “There’s a lot of real value in that position,” she said, and I wholeheartedly agree. Our conversation touched on the risks of relying solely on government solutions—particularly at the federal level. While I’ve always believed in the potential for good in government, I also see firsthand the limits and bureaucracy that can get in the way. As I shared with Jen, I once had five different people at the California DMV mistakenly insist I needed a smog test for my electric vehicle. (Spoiler: I didn’t.) This is exactly why Main Street Journal’s work is so important. It offers grounded, accessible pathways for rebuilding economic systems from the bottom up—starting on our very own Main Streets. Decent Tuesday, Anarchy, and the Power of Language We also celebrated the addition of Paul Spinrad to the Main Street Journal team. Paul, one of the early champions of the 2012 JOBS Act that enabled today’s investment crowdfunding landscape, is helping to lead a new series called “Decent Tuesday.” The name itself is a clever double entendre—Decent, as in ethical, and Descent, as in decentralization. Paul’s launch column tackled a bold topic: anarchy. Not the violent imagery we might typically associate with the term, but anarchy in the truest sense of community self-governance and mutual aid. It’s a provocative frame, and Paul’s thoughtful treatment brings it firmly into the realm of community-led development. As someone who has seen both the power and pitfalls of government, I find these discussions invaluable. They sharpen our thinking, challenge our assumptions, and remind us that even controversial ideas can have a role in shaping a better world—especially when led by voices like Paul’s and platforms like Jen’s. Jenny Kasson’s Crowdfunding Campaign: A Case Study in Action Jen was also inspired by my recent interview with Jenny Kassan—another pillar in our space—who is leading an equity crowdfunding campaign on Small Change to finance a...

Superpowers for Good should not be considered investment advice. Seek counsel before making investment decisions. When you purchase an item, launch a campaign or create an investment account after clicking a link here, we may earn a fee. Engage to support our work. Watch the show on television by downloading the e360tv channel app to your Roku, LG or AmazonFireTV. You can also see it on YouTube. Devin: What is your superpower? Cristian: Curiosity and passion. The danger of radiation exposure has always been a concern in medical imaging, especially in surgeries requiring 3D visualization. Cristian Atria, Founder & CEO of nView medical, has tackled this challenge head-on with groundbreaking technology that reduces radiation exposure while improving surgical outcomes. In this interview, Cristian explained how nView’s innovative surgical scanner allows surgeons to see in 3D during operations, creating images in seconds without the risks associated with traditional imaging methods like CT scans. “We’ve created a new way to create images very fast in 3D,” Cristian shared. “The surgeon has the benefit of having 3D visualization, which leads to more accurate surgeries without the cost of having to radiate the patient.” This cutting-edge technology is already making an impact, particularly in pediatric surgeries. Cristian emphasized the importance of protecting children, who are especially vulnerable to radiation, while ensuring surgeons have the tools they need for complex procedures. “We decided to start in pediatrics first because it’s the population that requires more protection with respect to radiation,” he explained. What makes this innovation even more compelling is that it isn’t just a prototype or a distant dream. nView’s devices are already being used clinically, and the company is now raising capital via a regulated crowdfunding campaign on StartEngine. This campaign provides an opportunity for ordinary investors to support—and benefit from—this life-changing technology. Cristian’s work highlights the potential of innovation to improve not just health outcomes, but also the quality of care for vulnerable populations. By reducing risks and enhancing surgical precision, nView medical is reshaping the future of healthcare. For those intrigued by the potential of this technology, the crowdfunding campaign offers a chance to be part of this transformative journey. As Cristian noted, “This is a technology we’ve developed over the last 10 years, and it’s already being used clinically.” This is exactly the kind of innovation that deserves attention and support. tl;dr: Cristian Atria’s nView medical developed technology for fast, low-radiation 3D imaging during surgeries. The technology improves surgical precision, especially in pediatric procedures, reducing risks for vulnerable patients. nView’s devices are commercially available, and the company is raising funds via StartEngine crowdfunding. Cristian’s superpower, curiosity and passion, drives his success in solving complex problems innovatively. A personal story of saving his son’s life illustrates the power of persistence and asking questions. How to Develop Curiosity and Passion As a Superpower During today’s episode, Cristian revealed his superpower: a boundless curiosity paired with a passion for connecting disparate ideas. “One minute in my everyday work, I can be thinking about medical physics. The other minute, I’m thinking about a surgical application or talking to a surgeon,” he explained. This ability to explore, connect, and apply knowledge across domains has fueled his success at nView medical and beyond. Cristian shared a deeply personal story about his twin sons, who were born prematurely. When one faced worsening health issues, Cristian’s curiosity and persistence led to a breakthrough. By asking the right questions and engaging with clinicians, he realized his son’s diagnosis was incorrect. This discovery shifted the treatment plan, ultimately...

Superpowers for Good should not be considered investment advice. Seek counsel before making investment decisions. When you purchase an item, launch a campaign or create an investment account after clicking a link here, we may earn a fee. Engage to support our work. Watch the show on television by downloading the e360tv channel app to your Roku, LG or AmazonFireTV. You can also see it on YouTube. Devin: What is your superpower? Lisa: Refusing to give up. Too many families face overwhelming challenges when trying to access life-saving benefits, often giving up before receiving the help they need. Lisa Marino, Founder and CEO of Dopple, has made it her mission to simplify the process. Lisa’s personal experience navigating the welfare system while earning her MBA at Stanford inspired her to create Dopple. She explained, “We built for others what we did for ourselves to get our own family through.” Her platform connects families to an array of funding sources—government benefits, philanthropic programs, and contributions from friends and family—by streamlining the process into a simple, AI-driven solution. In today’s episode, Lisa highlighted a staggering statistic: “40% of families eligible for SNAP are so overwhelmed by the application process that many just drop out.” She’s determined to eliminate this friction, helping families secure critical funding for essentials like childcare, diapers, and even college savings. Dopple’s approach begins with a 12-month budget, encouraging families to think comprehensively about their needs. The platform then leverages AI to match families with available resources and funding opportunities. Lisa shared, “We’ve taken this budget that maybe started at $25,000 and start whacking away at it… shifting $20,000 plus from being out of pocket to the family to the village that wants to support them.” Dopple’s innovative model also addresses the philanthropic side. By fractionalizing gifting, Dopple enables friends, family, and organizations to contribute directly to a family’s needs. Additionally, the company generates revenue through subscription-based kids’ clothing and essential products like diapers and formula. Lisa’s commitment to making a difference extends beyond her platform’s services. Dopple is currently raising funds on Wefunder, inviting everyday individuals to invest in the company’s vision. Lisa explained, “I believe in being egalitarian… If we’re trying to help families fund the basics, we need to walk the walk.” By tackling the bureaucratic hurdles that prevent families from accessing critical support, Lisa and Dopple are making an extraordinary impact. Learn more about their mission and investment opportunity at thedopple.com/invest. tl;dr: Lisa Marino, CEO of Dopple, shares her journey navigating welfare systems during her MBA at Stanford. Dopple simplifies access to critical benefits, combining AI and a comprehensive family budgeting platform. The platform connects families to funding sources, reducing out-of-pocket expenses by leveraging their community. Lisa emphasizes Dopple’s egalitarian approach, inviting individuals to invest via a Wefunder campaign. Her superpower, refusing to give up, drives her to tackle challenges with persistence and grit. How to Develop Refusing to Give Up As a Superpower Lisa Marino’s superpower is her unrelenting tenacity to overcome obstacles. She described it simply: “The hard part was sitting down and figuring it out.” Whether navigating complex welfare systems during her pregnancy or guiding her company through challenges, Lisa defines success as persistence. As she told her kids, “People who put on the big kid pants clean it up… and move forward.” Lisa’s determination was tested during her time as CEO of Rocky. She inherited a company with a $400 million preference stack and declining revenue. Despite being advised against taking the role, she worked tirelessly to restructure the business, rebuild profitability, and grow...