Hot Girls Build Cults

About Hot Girls Build Cults

Hot Girls Build Cults is a cheeky, smart podcast exploring the art and strategy behind building powerful communities that people actually want to be part of — online, offline, and everywhere in between. Hosted by Megan Liken, the show features conversations with founders, creators, and community builders unpacking how connection turns into influence and impact. We explore the messy, magnetic, and sometimes chaotic realities of bringing people together — the good kind of cult.

Publisher

megan liken

Category

society & culture

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

30 Jan 2026

Latest episode

21 Sept 2026

Latest episodes

17 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   21 Sept 2026

   How PowerPoint-Style Dating Became a Global Phenomenon | Pitch a Friend | Ep. 16

   In this episode, I sit down with Melissa Shipke, founder of Pitch a Friend, to explore how a simple idea in Philadelphia turned into a global community-building movement. What started as a local event has grown into 60+ cities across 12+ countries, fueled by viral social media, word of mouth, and thousands of people around the world wanting to bring Pitch a Friend to their own communities. We talk about the origins and rapid growth of Pitch a Friend, what Melissa has learned about connection and community across different cultures, the power of creative event formats, and why people everywhere are looking for more human ways to connect. Chapters 00:41 What is Pitch a Friend and its purpose 01:57 Melissa shares the origin story of Pitch a Friend 04:02 Global growth and expansion of Pitch a Friend 05:39 The role of community and social connection in dating 06:02 Success stories and impact of Pitch a Friend 09:34 The importance of authentic connections over apps 12:09 Pitch a Pet and community support for shelters 14:33 Business model and monetization strategies 17:41 Future plans and new event formats 22:04 Advice for community builders and entrepreneurs 26:31 Melissa’s journey as a community builder 28:55 Getting involved and next steps for listeners keywords community building, social events, Pitch a Friend, dating, community entrepreneurship, event series, social clubs, community growth, creative events, local businesses

2. 

   9 Sept 2026

   How to Build, Monetize & Scale a Community with Noor Nassar of Gather and Glow Club | Ep. 15

   In this episode, Noor Nassar shares her journey of building Gather and Glow Club, a community for women centered on creativity and connection. She discusses strategies for sustainable community building, monetization, and scaling while maintaining warmth and authenticity. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Noor Nassar and Gather and Glow 01:57 What is Gather and Glow Club? 03:32 Exponential growth and community metrics 05:51 The origin story of Gather and Glow 08:02 Pricing, value, and sustainability 12:06 Building a team and delegation 16:13 Differentiating Gather and Glow from other clubs 19:56 Expansion plans and multi-city strategy 33:58 The importance of saying no to collaborations 49:09 Advice for community builders and entrepreneurs 01:00:01 The growth mindset and future vision Connect with Noor (https://www.linkedin.com/in/noor-nassar-tech/) Follow Gather and Glow Club (https://www.instagram.com/gatherandglowclub/) Gather and Glow Club website (https://gatherandglowclub.com/) Connect with Megan (https://www.linkedin.com/in/meganliken/) Hot Girls Build Cults website (https://www.hotgirlsbuildcults.com/) keywords community building, women entrepreneurs, creative communities, monetization, scalability, Gather and Glow, event planning, small business, community strategy, women in business

3. 

   2 Aug 2026

   The Community-First Playbook with Tucson Love Letter | Ep. 14

   In this episode I sit down with Gloria Knott, founder of Tucson Love Letter, to explore community building, local journalism, and the power of authentic engagement in Tucson. Discover how Gloria's approach fosters connection, supports local businesses, and creates inclusive spaces that resonate with the community. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Megan and Gloria Knott 01:00 Gloria's background and founding Tucson Love Letter 02:20 Inspiration and community needs in Tucson 03:59 Gloria's journalism career and transition 05:55 Community feedback shaping Tucson Love Letter 07:07 Approachability and branding of Tucson Love Letter 08:30 Involving community in decision-making 09:56 Pivoting and experimenting with content and events 13:03 Approach to sponsorships and transparency 17:47 Balancing journalism and content creation 22:00 Community events and their evolution 25:47 Diverse community activities and inclusivity 30:09 The uniqueness of Tucson's community culture 34:59 Collaboration over competition in Tucson 39:48 Favorite community events and their impact 43:56 Future plans and sustainability of Tucson Love Letter 48:12 Advice for aspiring community builders 50:03 Connecting with Gloria and closing remarks resources Instagram - https://instagram.com/tucsonloveletter (https://instagram.com/tucsonloveletter) Website - https://tucsonloveletter.com (https://tucsonloveletter.com) keywords community building, Tucson, local journalism, social events, community engagement, Tucson Love Letter, local businesses, storytelling, community spaces, authentic connection

4. 

   10 Jun 2026

   The Art of Circling with Benzi Holler

   In this episode I sit down with Benzi Holler and discuss the practice of circling and authentic relating. We explore the art of circling as a group verbal mindfulness meditation, its impact on building empathy, and the dynamics of facilitating such spaces. Benzi shares insights on the challenges faced in circling, including power dynamics and the importance of maintaining a safe container. Our discussion also touches on the influence of circling on personal relationships and its potential application in corporate environments, emphasizing the value of vulnerability and connection in community building. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Circling and Authentic Relating 03:09 Benzie's Journey into Circling 06:01 The Impact of Circling on Relationships 08:31 Circling's Role in Building Empathy 10:22 Navigating Conflict in Circling 12:33 Online vs. In-Person Circling 15:04 Trust and Dependency in Circling 17:57 The Importance of Staying Present 20:40 Circling's Influence on Daily Life 23:39 Empathy and Conflict Resolution through Circling 26:04 Common Challenges in Circling 28:20 Meeting Edges and Personal Growth 30:40 Power Dynamics in Circling 35:03 Scaling Circling Practices 37:02 Closed vs. Open Circles 39:21 Bringing Circling to Communities and Workplaces Connect with Megan (https://www.linkedin.com/in/meganliken/) Connect with Benzi (https://www.benziholler.com/) Keywords circling, authentic relating, mindfulness, community building, empathy, conflict resolution, vulnerability, personal development, leadership, group dynamics

5. 

   10 Jun 2026

   Picnic Pals: Building Community in Tucson with Emiliya Dale | Ep.13

   In this episode Megan sits down with Emiliya Dale a Tucson local, comedian, and founder of Picnic Pals. What began as a sweet little idea to help young adults make friends and has since become a full-blown social club. From community picnics to comedy shows to interactive dating events like Pitch A Pal, Blind Date, and The Love Operator, she’s helping Tucson get offline, laugh loudly, and maybe fall in love. At the heart of it all, Emiliya is creating the kind of community where showing up alone is brave, normal, and probably the start of a great story. Chapters 00:00 Building Community Through Events 04:10 The Origin of Picnic Pals 07:49 Challenges in Community Building 11:07 The Importance of Passion in Community 14:18 Facilitating Connections in Social Settings 18:38 Favorite Events and Personal Connections 20:43 Rebranding Community Events 21:20 The Unique Experience of Picnic Pals 22:49 Inclusivity in Community Building 24:40 Navigating the Singles Scene 26:25 The Importance of Authenticity 28:25 Advice for Aspiring Community Builders 30:23 Overcoming Competition in Community Spaces 32:07 The Journey of Personal Development 38:58 Connecting with Picnic Pals Connect with Emiliya Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/picnic.palz (https://www.instagram.com/picnic.palz) Website - https://picnicpalz.com/ (https://picnicpalz.com/) Connect with Megan Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/hotgirlsbuildcults/ (https://www.instagram.com/hotgirlsbuildcults/) Linkedin -https://www.linkedin.com/in/meganliken/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/meganliken/) community building, inclusive events, Tucson, Picnic Pals, social clubs, event planning, community engagement, networking, event marketing

6. 

   17 May 2026

   How NARU Reinvents Community Building for Impact and Connection | Ep. 12

   In this insightful episode Michelle, CEO and founder of NARU, shares her innovative approach to community building focused on impact, accountability, and genuine connection. Discover how her platform fosters vulnerability, habit formation, and meaningful engagement beyond traditional social media. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to NARU and Its Purpose 01:20 The Unique Approach of NARU 04:15 The Importance of Accountability in Community 07:00 Building Habits and Identity Through Community 09:36 How NARU Facilitates Accountability 12:32 The Social Component of NARU 15:09 Creating Meaningful Connections in Communities 17:57 The Role of Structure in Community Success 20:17 Transformative Experiences and Community Impact 23:16 The Future of Online Communities and Loneliness 29:39 The Impact of Social Media on Mental Health 30:52 The Evolution of Dating Apps 32:19 Technology's Profit Motive vs. User Well-being 34:04 AI's Role in Human Connection 36:23 The Importance of Authentic Human Interaction 39:00 Building Trust in Community Engagement 40:45 Creating Safe Spaces for Youth 47:33 NARU's Community Programs and Their Impact Resources NARU Official Website - https://www.naru.com.au/ (https://www.naru.com.au/) Michelle's LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-ew (https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-ew/) Megan's Linkedin -https://www.linkedin.com/in/meganliken/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/meganliken/) keywords community building, impact, accountability, belonging, habit formation, online communities, NARU, social platforms, mental health, connection

7. 

   21 Apr 2026

   How Rossy Burgos Built a Thriving Pop up Wellness Community from Scratch | Ep. 11

   In this episode, I sit down with Rossy Burgos, a community builder and wellness entrepreneur, to explore her journey of creating impactful wellness events, building community, and navigating the business side of hosting social clubs. Rossy shares insights on sustainability, authenticity, and the power of intentional community building. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Upleveled Wellness 06:17 Event Structure and Themes 12:21 Navigating Partnerships and Venues 18:16 Sustainability in Event Planning 24:10 Managing Growth and Opportunities 30:16 Differentiation in a Crowded Market 37:38 Understanding Event Goals and Community Impact 44:04 Building a Sustainable Community and Business 51:38 Facing Fears and Expectations in Business 57:11 Self-Discovery Through Community Building 01:04:02 Advice for Aspiring Community Leaders Connect with Rossy https://www.instagram.com/rossy.upleveled/ (https://www.instagram.com/rossy.upleveled/) https://www.instagram.com/upleveled.wellness/ (https://www.instagram.com/upleveled.wellness/) Connect with Megan https://www.linkedin.com/in/meganliken/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/meganliken/) https://www.instagram.com/megan.liken/ (https://www.instagram.com/megan.liken/) https://www.instagram.com/hotgirlsbuildcults/ (https://www.instagram.com/hotgirlsbuildcults/) keywords community building, wellness events, entrepreneurship, sustainability, social clubs, women entrepreneurs, event planning, business strategy, authentic community, wellness community

8. 

   31 Mar 2026

   How CEO Besties Empowers Women Entrepreneurs Through Community| Ep. 10

   In this episode, I sit down with Natalie Bernacchi and Emily Collins of CEO Besties to dive into how intentional community and focused execution can elevate ambitious women entrepreneurs. Together, they unpack the power of surrounding yourself with the right people, cultivating a resilient mindset, and building a business that grows sustainably. You’ll hear about: Creating powerful, supportive communities for women entrepreneurs Why focus and prioritization are the real drivers of business growth Chapters 00:00 Introduction to CEO Besties 00:45 The Birth of CEO Besties 05:14 The Evolution of Community Needs 07:06 Understanding Overwhelm in Entrepreneurship 09:18 The Power of Connection and Support 12:10 Breakthroughs in Community 15:09 Curating the Right Community 17:59 The Difference Between Community and Mastermind 18:59 Building Community: The Importance of Connection 20:04 Learning from Experience: Failures as Growth Opportunities 22:48 The Power of Focus: Momentum in Business 24:44 Engagement Strategies: Keeping Members Active 26:36 Surprising Transformations: The Impact of Community 28:27 Personal Growth: Lessons from Leading a Community 31:17 The Evolution of Business: Adapting to Change 33:10 Future Aspirations: Growing the CEO Besties Community 35:24 NEWCHAPTER Connect with us CEO Besties on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/theceobesties/ (https://www.instagram.com/theceobesties/) CEO Besties Website - https://ceobesties.com (https://ceobesties.com) Connect with Megan -https://www.linkedin.com/in/meganliken/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/meganliken/) https://www.instagram.com/megan.liken/ (https://www.instagram.com/megan.liken/) keywords women entrepreneurs, community building, CEO Besties, mindset, business growth, women supporting women, mastermind, virtual community, in-person retreats, entrepreneurial success

9. 

   22 Mar 2026

   Community building vs fan clubs vs cult brands with Ari McDaniel | Ep. 9

   In this week's episode I sat down with Ari McDaniel an award-winning leader in startup and tech PR, known for turning under-the-radar founders into cultural movements people can’t help but join. She’s the creator of Cult Communications, a PR framework behind today’s most magnetic brands, and the founder of Cult Worthy, a network dedicated to scaling community-driven companies. We discussed her unique approach to building cult brands through community and narrative. Discover how PR can be a powerful tool for startups to create obsession, loyalty, and meaningful engagement in the modern digital landscape. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Cult Communications and PR for Startups 03:08 Understanding Cult Brands and Their Unique Characteristics 06:03 The Role of Community vs. Fan Clubs in Brand Loyalty 09:02 The Importance of a Strong Brand Narrative 11:59 Thought Leadership and Founder Visibility 14:59 Innovative Community Building in Tech and AI 17:57 Strategies for Deepening Brand Loyalty 20:58 Cult Communications: Blending PR and Community Building 23:58 Challenges in B2B Cult Branding 27:24 The Human Element in Brand Communities 28:56 Common Mistakes in Building Fan Communities 30:15 Strategies for Engaging Fan Clubs 32:08 The Rise of Software Influencers 34:05 The Impact of AI on Cult Brands 36:50 Evolving Communication in Tech 38:01 The Full Scope of PR Beyond Media Relations 41:31 Exclusivity and Belonging in Brand Communities 44:29 The Irreplaceable Nature of Community in the AI Era 48:45 The Future of PR and Community Building Cultworthy Substack (https://cultworthy.substack.com/) Connect with Ari on Linkedin (https://www.linkedin.com/in/ari-kill/) Connect with Megan on Linkedin (https://www.linkedin.com/in/meganliken/) keywords Cult brands, community building, PR strategy, startup growth, brand loyalty, narrative, social media, AI, brand storytelling, community engagement

10. 

    16 Mar 2026

    Evolution of community strategies in coaching with Johanna Adriaansen | Ep 8

    In this episode I sit down with Johanna, a somatic therapist and coach with over seven years of experience in trauma healing, nervous system regulation, attachment theory, and inner child work. Johanna shares why she shifted from selling standalone courses to building Becoming Secure, a membership community designed to help women build self-trust and create more secure, grounded relationships. We talk about what wasn’t working with the traditional course model, what makes a community emotionally “sticky,” and how creators can design spaces where real transformation happens. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Johanna and Her Work 01:00 The Journey to Somatic Therapy and Healing 03:41 Evolution of Coaching Offers 06:32 Building Community and Membership Dynamics 09:07 Onboarding and Member Experience 11:57 Creating Emotional Stickiness in Community 14:44 Surveying and Understanding Community Needs 17:01 Community as a Product vs. Support 17:27 Fostering Community Engagement 19:36 Building Meaningful Communities 22:22 The Coaching Industry Landscape 28:35 Creating Content and Community 31:36 Evolving Coaching Models 35:50 Facilitating Connection and Transformation Johanna's Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/johhhannamaria/) Healing Anxious Attachment Podcast (https://www.becomingsecurecommunity.com/podcast) Connect with Megan (https://www.linkedin.com/in/meganliken/) keywords community building, coaching memberships, community software, engagement strategies, nervous system healing, attachment theory, somatic therapy, coaching industry

11. 

    8 Mar 2026

    Building a Successful Mastermind: Megan Reed’s Community-First Approach | Ep. 7

    In this episode, I sit down with Megan Reed who is a Quantum Life + Business Coach, Best-Selling Author, Speaker, and Energy Healer here to help you own your weird and unleash your Main Character Energy. She’s the founder of the Creating Confidence® Society and the Book Baddies mastermind. She's on a mission to help people discover the magic of who they truly are so they can ditch their inner critic, get out of their own way, and unapologetically achieve their wildest dreams. She shares her journey from corporate to coaching, her innovative community-building strategies, and her successful book writing mastermind. Discover how to create engaging communities, support members effectively, and turn your expertise into a bestselling book. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Megan Reed and Her Journey 03:01 Evolution of the Creating Confidence Society 05:58 The Importance of Community in Coaching 08:29 Adapting to Member Needs and Feedback 11:38 Community as a Product vs. Support 14:24 The Role of a Community Leader 17:25 Innovations in Coaching Models 20:18 The Book Baddies Mastermind Concept 22:12 The Birth of Book Baddies 23:38 Inside the Book Baddies Mastermind 26:57 Creating a Supportive Writing Environment 30:22 The Importance of Commitment in Writing 33:27 Overcoming Challenges in the Writing Process 36:33 The Role of Mindset in Writing 38:57 Future Directions and Community Engagement 42:30 NEW CHAPTER Connect with Megan Reed Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/heymeganreed/ (https://www.instagram.com/heymeganreed/) Website - https://heymeganreed.com/ (https://heymeganreed.com/) Connect with Megan Liken -https://www.linkedin.com/in/meganliken/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/meganliken/) https://www.instagram.com/megan.liken/ (https://www.instagram.com/megan.liken/) keywords coaching, community building, book writing, mastermind, personal development, online community, entrepreneurship, self-publishing, mindset, leadership

12. 

    3 Mar 2026

    Building Community Through Curated Dinners: Insights from Rae Lambert | Ep. 6

    In this episode, I sit down with Rae Lambert, CEO and co-founder of DNNR—a platform bringing people together through curated, in-person dinners for brands, creators, and communities. We break down how DNNR works and what it takes to start your own dinner club, while also diving into Rae’s entrepreneurial journey from starting River to pivoting to DNNR and everything in between. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Rae Lambert and DNNR 02:35 The Evolution of Community Building 05:20 The Journey of River and Its Challenges 08:02 Pivoting from River to DNNR 10:55 Understanding the Dinner Club Concept 13:19 The Mechanics of DNNR 16:17 The Psychology Behind Dinner Parties 19:06 The Matching Algorithm and User Experience 24:18 Monetizing Dinner Clubs 26:31 Building Community Through DNNR 28:53 Dinner Clubs as a Revenue Model 31:30 The Future of Distributed Dinner Clubs 34:24 Community Building Insights 41:32 Embracing Technology for Community Building Links DNNR (https://www.getriver.io/dinners) IRL > URL Substack (https://open.substack.com/pub/irlurl/p/irl-url-building-the-offline-future) Connect with Rae (https://www.linkedin.com/in/raechel-lambert/) Connect with Megan (https://www.linkedin.com/in/meganliken/) keywords community building, dinner clubs, startups, entrepreneurship, in-person events, platform development, networking, community strategies, Rae Lambert, Megan Liken

13. 

    16 Feb 2026

    How Brands Build Cult-Like Communities Through Co-Creation with Kaylan Sliney | Ep. 5

    In this episode I sat down with Kaylan Sliney the CEO and co-founder of MAGNETIQ — the experience layer for cult brands. She builds at the intersection of culture, consumer behavior, and technology, with a focus on co-creation and emotional loyalty. A former corporate lawyer turned founder, she’s known as the “Unsubscribe Queen” for calling out noisy, distractive marketing and for building systems that replace attention with belonging In this conversation, we discuss the evolution of community engagement and the importance of co-creation in building cult brands. We explore how brands can foster emotional connections with consumers, the significance of authentic engagement, and the role of community in driving brand loyalty. Kaylan shares insights on MAGENETIQ, a platform designed to facilitate meaningful interactions between brands and their consumers, emphasizing the need for brands to involve their audience in the creation process. Our discussion highlights the shift from traditional marketing strategies to a more community-driven approach, where consumer insights and emotional bonds play a crucial role in brand success. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Magnetic and Kaylan Sliney 01:41 The Concept of Emotional Loyalty in Marketing 04:47 The Birth of Magnetic: A Solution to Consumer Chaos 07:31 Understanding Consumer Behavior and Data Utilization 10:44 The Importance of Co-Creation in Brand Strategy 13:38 Building Community Beyond Transactions 16:23 Earning Engagement: The Value of Active Participation 19:20 Navigating Co-Creation and Avoiding Performative Actions 22:04 The Role of Magnetic in Diverse Industries 24:29 Conclusion and Future of Community Engagement Connect with Kaylan (https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaylansliney/) Work with Kaylan (https://www.magnetiq.xyz/) Connect with Megan (https://www.linkedin.com/in/meganliken/) Keywords community, co-creation, brand loyalty, consumer engagement, emotional connection, Magnetic, cult brands, marketing strategy, customer insights, digital clubhouse

14. 

    16 Feb 2026

    Community Engagement Strategies That Actually Drive Retention with Becky Pierson Davidson | Ep. 4

    In this episode, I sat down with Becky Pierson Davidson, founder of Affinity Collective and former Head of Product at BossBabe, where she helped scale one of the fastest-growing memberships for women entrepreneurs. With a background in product strategy, user experience, and community design, she now helps businesses turn community into a real growth engine. In this conversation we explore the evolving landscape of community building, emphasizing the importance of creating meaningful connections and engagement strategies. We discuss the shift from traditional content libraries to more interactive and personalized onboarding experiences, the significance of member journeys, and the role of feedback in enhancing community experiences. Becky shares insights from her work at Affinity Collective, detailing her framework for building successful memberships and the importance of product strategy in community development. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Community Building 01:06 The Evolution of Community Models 02:38 Shifting from Content Libraries to Actionable Programming 06:53 Onboarding and Time to Value in Memberships 11:04 Designing for Community Connection 14:54 Distinguishing Between Community and Fan Clubs 17:48 Co-Creation in Community Experiences 19:57 Setting Expectations for Community Engagement 23:44 Becky's Signature Framework for Memberships 25:24 Scaling Community Dynamics 30:36 Data-Driven Engagement Strategies 34:03 The Power of Podcasting in Community Building 39:00 Building a Community Business Model 44:11 Navigating Community for Brands Connect with Becky (https://www.linkedin.com/in/beckypierson/) Work with Becky (https://www.affinitycollective.co/) Connect with Megan (https://www.linkedin.com/in/meganliken/) Keywords community building, membership models, engagement strategies, onboarding, member journey, podcasting, community connection, fan clubs, product strategy, feedback collection

15. 

    4 Feb 2026

    The Art of Circling with Benzi Holler | Ep. 3

    Summary In this episode I sit down with Benzi Holler and discuss the practice of circling and authentic relating. We explore the art of circling as a group verbal mindfulness meditation, its impact on building empathy, and the dynamics of facilitating such spaces. Benzi shares insights on the challenges faced in circling, including power dynamics and the importance of maintaining a safe container. Our discussion also touches on the influence of circling on personal relationships and its potential application in corporate environments, emphasizing the value of vulnerability and connection in community building. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Circling and Authentic Relating 03:09 Benzie's Journey into Circling 06:01 The Impact of Circling on Relationships 08:31 Circling's Role in Building Empathy 10:22 Navigating Conflict in Circling 12:33 Online vs. In-Person Circling 15:04 Trust and Dependency in Circling 17:57 The Importance of Staying Present 20:40 Circling's Influence on Daily Life 23:39 Empathy and Conflict Resolution through Circling 26:04 Common Challenges in Circling 28:20 Meeting Edges and Personal Growth 30:40 Power Dynamics in Circling 35:03 Scaling Circling Practices 37:02 Closed vs. Open Circles 39:21 Bringing Circling to Communities and Workplaces Connect with Megan (https://www.linkedin.com/in/meganliken/) Connect with Benzi (https://www.benziholler.com/) Keywords circling, authentic relating, mindfulness, community building, empathy, conflict resolution, vulnerability, personal development, leadership, group dynamics

16. 

    3 Feb 2026

    Why the Best Entrepreneurs Focus on Community, Not Networking with Marcel Wijermars | Ep. 2

    In this conversation, Marcel Wijermars shares his journey of building the Amsterdam Founders Club, a community for entrepreneurs that began with intimate dinners in Bali. He discusses the evolution of the club, the importance of intentional networking, and how to effectively build connections as a nomad. Marcel emphasizes the value of consistency in community engagement and offers insights on how to show up meaningfully at events. He also shares his current project, 'Super Connected Founder,' aimed at helping entrepreneurs build local networks wherever they are. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Marcel Wijermars 00:52 The Birth of Amsterdam Founders Club 03:32 Transitioning from Dinners to Larger Events 07:12 Building Community as a Nomad 10:08 The Introverted Founder: Networking Efficiently 12:22 Creating Events to Fill Gaps in the Community 15:26 The Value of Providing Connections 15:32 Consistency in Community Engagement 22:16 Current Focus: The Super Connected Founder Course 25:21 Final Advice on Networking and Community Building Connect with Marcel (https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcelwijermars/) SuperConnected Founder (https://amsterdamfoundersclub.com/superconnected-founder/) Connect with Megan (https://www.linkedin.com/in/meganliken/) Keywords Amsterdam Founders Club, community building, networking, digital nomads, entrepreneurship, events, intentional connections, introverted founders, personal growth, local networks

17. 

    30 Jan 2026

    From Kickstarter to Cult Brand: The Heroes Journal Story with Kyle Cole | Ep. 1

    Empowering Your Inner Hero: The Story Behind the Heroes Journal Discover how The Hero's Journal transformed a simple idea into a thriving community-driven brand. Learn the secrets behind community building, product co-creation, and creating emotional connection through storytelling and shared purpose. In this episode, you will learn: The origin story of the Heroes Journal and its community-centric approach How storytelling, frameworks, and product co-creation fuel engagement Strategies for turning customers into passionate community advocates The role of community metrics and how to measure true engagement The importance of intentionality and higher purpose in sustaining communities Insights into launching storytelling themes and seasonal product updates How to handle community growth during unpredictable times like 2020 Differentiating between loyalty programs and authentic community building How to leverage feedback and co-create a delightful customer experience The evolving landscape of online communities and future trends Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction to Hot Girls Build Cults and today's guest, Kyle Cole 00:31 - Kyle's background and the inspiration behind the Heroes Journal 01:13 - The pivotal moment: From a pitch to a startup success story 02:11 - Scaling: From Kickstarter to millions in sales during the pandemic 03:55 - Community growth during COVID-19: Going live and engaging directly 06:13 - The power of doing the next right thing 07:48 - Creating a narrative universe around the journal with co-created lore 09:29 - Strategic product updates: The multiverse story and new designs 12:09 - Building products that embody larger ideals and collective identity 13:03 - Balancing vision with customer feedback in product development 15:08 - Launching new story themes: From Lord of the Rings to wizard adventures 16:30 - The impact of stretch goals and Kickstarter's role in scaling community support 18:25 - Customer support as community investment: The “Beanie Baby” moment 20:43 - Stepping away: Maintaining a community beyond the founders’ involvement 21:00 - The difference between free and paid communities: Value and trust 22:58 - Building community around professional pursuits, like sports training 27:51 - Community as a reflection of higher purpose: Mission-driven vs. mercenary mindsets 30:02 - Systematizing community values and creating opportunities for co-creation 32:08 - Combatting superficial loyalty programs with meaningful engagement 34:36 - The importance of connecting community efforts to emotional and time value 38:32 - The future of community: From online fatigue to intentional engagement in 2026 41:02 - Practical tips for entrepreneurs: Grounding communities in higher purpose 43:05 - How to work with Kyle Resources & Links Kyle Cole on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/kyle-cole-90130396/) Hero's Journal (https://theherosjournal.co/) Megan Liken on Linkedin (https://www.linkedin.com/in/meganliken/) This episode offers actionable insights for entrepreneurs, community builders, and product creators aiming to foster authentic engagement and sustainable growth through storytelling and shared purpose.

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

1 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

4 ratings

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Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.