Where can I listen to this podcast?

This podcast is available on 4 platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more. You can also use the RSS feed directly.

Does this podcast accept guests?

Yes, this podcast regularly features guests.

Hot Takes Big Stakes

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by Natalie Holloway and Lana Elie

42 episodes

Updated Daily

Accepts GuestsHas SponsorsLocation 🇺🇸

Podcast Overview

The real-world highs and lows of building a business—from early ideas scribbled on napkins to multimillion-dollar raises and the pivotal moments in between. Hosted by serial founders Natalie Holloway (Bala) and Lana Elie (Floom). We explore the unfiltered truths most founders are too polished (or too cautious) to say out loud. No hype, no jargon—just honest conversations about what actually works, what doesn’t, and what it really takes to grow something from nothing. Each week, Natalie and Lana sit down founder-to-founder to share sharp insights, fresh perspectives, and the kind of candor you rarely hear in the boardroom. Build your dream. Burn the playbook.

Language

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Publishing Since

7/8/2025

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Recent Episodes

June 3, 2026

She Dropped Out of Harvard and Built a $300M Sustainable Brand | #41

Host Natalie Holloway interviews Sarah Paiji Yoo, founder of Blueland, about building a $300 million sustainable brand and navigating entrepreneurial challenges.

May 6, 2026

From Pop-Up to 15 Studios, The Y7 Founder Story | #40

Host Natalie Holloway interviews Y7 Studio founder Sarah Ayako about her journey building a wellness brand from a pop-up to 15 studios.

April 29, 2026

How MERIT Got To $200M | #39

MERIT Beauty grew from launch to over $200 million in sales in just five years, without a hero product, heavy discounting, or chasing marketing trends. In this episode, the CMO shares how they built a minimalist beauty brand for millennials and Gen X by rejecting industry playbooks and focusing on trust, pricing psychology, and diversified marketing. From launching during COVID to engineering risk across platforms, this is a masterclass in modern brand building. If you are building a business or leading a team, this conversation is packed with hard-earned lessons. This Hot takes big stakes episode is sponsored by: dtcmvp, shopify's modern expert network. Qualified brand leaders can discover vetted tools, get compensated for their time, and give feedback to founders and avoid the traditional sales pitch. For vendors, it's a great way to meet brands where they are, get feedback on what youre building, and improve your company. From intro to insights, dtcmvp handles everything. Together - brands and saas startups can improve the industry faster.https://dtcmvp.com/ http://Hirodiapers.com/natalieMore Hot Takes Big StakesInstagram: www.instagram.com/hottakesbigstakes/TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@hottakesbigstakes/More on Aila Morinhttps://www.instagram.com/ailamorin/https://www.linkedin.com/in/ailamorinMore on Natalie Holloway:Personal Instagram: www.instagram.com/natalieholloway/“Bala” Instagram: www.instagram.com/bala/“Balacize” Instagram: www.instagram.com/balacize/Substack,“Working Out in Heels”: natalieholloway.substack.comBook a 1-on-1 Call: intro.co/NatalieHollowayMore on Lana Elie-Meyers:Personal Instagram: www.instagram.com/lanaelie/LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/lana-elie-875b383a/

42 total episodes available with 19 transcripts

Recent guests on Hot Takes Big Stakes

Guests from recent episodes — sign up to see every guest that has ever appeared on this show.

Sarah Paiji Yoo

Guest

Oli Walsh

Guest

Alex Taylor

Guest

Michelle Wahler

Guest

Allison McNamara

Guest

Natalie Holloway

Guest

Lana Elie-Meyers

Guest

Vanessa Lee

Guest

Rea Ann Silva

Guest

Julian Reis

Guest

Amy Liu

Guest

Becca

Guest

See every guest on Hot Takes Big Stakes

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What is Hot Takes Big Stakes?: The real-world highs and lows of building a business—from early ideas scribbled on napkins to multimillion-dollar raises and the pivotal moments in between. Hosted by serial founders Natalie Holloway (Bala) and Lana Elie (Floom).

We explore the unfiltered truths most founders are too polished (or too cautious) to say out loud. No hype, no jargon—just honest conversations about what actually works, what doesn’t, and what it really takes to grow something from nothing.

Each week, Natalie and Lana sit down founder-to-founder to share sharp insights, fresh perspectives, and the kind of candor you rarely hear in the boardroom.

Build your dream. Burn the playbook.
How often does this podcast release new episodes?: This podcast updates daily.
Where can I listen to this podcast?: This podcast is available on 4 platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more. You can also use the RSS feed directly.
Does this podcast accept guests?: Yes, this podcast regularly features guests.

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