On the Up & Up is a podcast created to encourage critical conversations in the startup ecosystem, amplify the untold stories and achievements of the underrepresented and underestimated, and inspire visionaries to take the next step into entrepreneurship. The three core pillars are representation, conversation, and education.
29. Pitching Pleasure: What It’s Really Like to Be a Founder in a Taboo Industry
Hey There Risers & Thrivers,
In this episode, host Janine (https://www.linkedin.com/in/janine-vanessa/) introduces the new series format called The Taboo Table, bringing together founders in the pleasure and sex tech industry to discuss the challenges and nuances of building businesses in this stigmatized space. Guests:
Yasmin Stokinger (https://www.linkedin.com/in/yasmin-stokinger/)- Founder of heyyoli (https://www.heyyoli.com/),
Rosanna Bandomer (https://www.linkedin.com/in/rosanna-bandomer-8851b0177/)- Co-Founder of LubeLab (https://lubelab.de/?srsltid=AfmBOopc9m1IbeMPqt_CvdpgsmRni9ECksIX0X-xIMMuthPTiz91x9gG),
Avelina de Ment (https://www.linkedin.com/in/avelina-de-ment-001/)- Co-Founder of LubeLab (https://lubelab.de/?srsltid=AfmBOopc9m1IbeMPqt_CvdpgsmRni9ECksIX0X-xIMMuthPTiz91x9gG), and
Lex Gillon (https://www.linkedin.com/in/lexgillon/)- Pleasure Researcher & Founder of Modality Group
Talk about the societal taboos surrounding pleasure, the lack of funding for pleasure products, and their personal motivations for entering the industry. They share their experiences with investors, the importance of education about pleasure, and tips for new founders in this space.
The conversation emphasizes the blend of professional, personal, and social challenges they face, while also highlighting the supportive community and opportunities within pleasure and sex tech.
Timestamps
00:00 Introduction & Welcome to the Taboo Table
02:25 Redefining Pleasure in the Startup World
07:14 The Intersection of Pleasure and Health Tech
18:36 Personal Journeys and Motivations
33:23 Trusting Your Gut and Taking Advice
37:53 Challenges with Investors and Funding
39:01 Exploring Alternative Funding Options
46:08 Dealing with Sexualization in Business
53:48 Positive Experiences and Community Support
59:27 Practical Advice for Aspiring Founders
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AcknowledgmentsThis episode was made possible thanks for our partners at Jane and the Jam (https://janeandthejam.com/de), who provided us with the space to record this episode.
16 Mar 2025
28. The Dark Truth Behind Your Morning Coffee – And How You Can Make a Difference | Maura Oerding
In this episode, Maura Oerding (https://www.linkedin.com/in/maura-oerding/), CEO of Kaffee Kooperative (https://kaffee-kooperative.de/) joins the podcast to talk about driving change and sustainability in the coffee industry. Maura outlines the challenges faced by coffee farmers, particularly women, and how the Kaffee Kooperative’s model is fostering economic independence and equitable trade practices. The discussion delves into:
The coffee industries colonial roots
The importance of community, collaboration, and consumer responsibility,
The concept of “Fair Chain”
Mara also shares her backstory as an inventor and the journey that led her to becoming a CEO. The episode emphasizes the power of informed consumer choices and collective efforts in bringing about systemic change.
--
Follow us on your favorite podcast streaming channels and social media platforms: https://linktr.ee/ontheupandup_podcast (https://linktr.ee/ontheupandup_podcast)
Acknowledgments
This episode was made possible thanks for our partners at Factory Network, who provided us with the space to record this episode.
--
Timestamps
00:00 Introduction & Welcome to Maura Oerding
02:10 Challenges in the Coffee Industry
07:12 Fair Trade vs Fair Chain
07:40 Empowering Women in Coffee through the Kaffee Kooperative
10:45 Consumer Responsibility and Impact
25:11 The Role of Cooperatives
2 Mar 2025
27. Redefining Black Excellence: Inspiration or Impossible Standard?
In this powerful episode of On the Up & Up, host Janine is joined by Shani St. Louis (Founder, MindHyrst), Adeola Ogunwale (Senior Manager, Amazon), and Sally Osei (Social Media Marketing Manager, AiDiA Pitch) to unpack the complex realities of Black Excellence.
The discussion explores:
The mental and emotional toll of striving for excellence
The systemic and cultural expectations shaping Black success
Whether "Black Excellence" should be redefined, retired, or celebrated as it is
Through personal stories and professional insights, they delve into navigating corporate spaces, media representation, and higher education while sharing practical mental health strategies and the importance of community support. They also reflect on healing generational trauma and redefining success on one’s own terms.
A conversation for anyone striving for success—no matter your background. Listen now!
–
Follow us on your favorite podcast streaming channels and social media platforms: https://linktr.ee/ontheupandup_podcast (https://linktr.ee/ontheupandup_podcast)
--
Acknowledgments
Intro/Outro & Interlude Music: Music by oussama arichi from Pixabay
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Timestamps
00:00 Introduction and Defining Black Excellence
01:33 Introducing the Panelists
04:37 Debating the Term 'Black Excellence': Retire it, Redefine it, or Leave it?
09:03 Personal Stories of Pressure and Representation
14:28 Mental Health and Coping Strategies
30:12 Creating Our Own Spaces
34:20 Supporting Black Entrepreneurship
37:55 Role Models and Personal Growth
46:45 Final Thoughts and Audience Q&A
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
YouTube views
8,177
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
2 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 56 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
47
Social presence
0
YouTube
68
Engagement
95
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