ORIGINAL HUSTLE is the podcast version of that first fifteen minutes at a great cocktail party.
You know the moment. A drink in hand. Energy in the room. Someone leans in and tells the story that makes you stop scanning and start listening.
These are not small talk stories. They are the real ones. The leap. The near miss. The pivot that changed everything. The insight that only comes after risk, resilience, and a little audacity.
Each episode captures that electric exchange. Founders, creatives, operators, and rule breakers sharing the story they would actually tell when it matters.
The most dangerous person in a real estate deal might be the person who thinks they know everything.
The buyer who has researched every comparable. The seller who knows what their house is “worth.” The couple who insists they’re completely aligned.
Except they’re not.
Gina von sits down with longtime friend and real estate agent Stacey Merryman for a candid conversation about the psychology behind buying and selling a home, and the things people reveal without realizing they’re revealing them.
After more than 20 years in real estate, Stacey has learned to spot the hesitation behind a “yes,” the spouse who isn’t really on board, the emotional attachment disguised as a financial decision, and the moment when the smartest advice is to walk away.
And then there’s AI.
It can analyze the data. Draft the listing. Answer the questions. Give you more information than ever.
But it can’t read the room.
AI can analyze the comps, draft the listing, and tell you what the market is doing.
But can it tell when someone is lying to themselves?
Stacey shares the stories that taught her what no database can, from emotional showings and chaotic markets to squatters, a house fire, and the unpredictable human dynamics behind deals that go right, go wrong, or never should have happened.
Because real estate isn’t just a transaction. It’s psychology, money, family, identity, and emotion.
And sometimes the most valuable expertise isn’t knowing more. It’s seeing what everyone else is missing.
And sometimes the most valuable thing an expert can tell you is the thing you don’t want to hear.
31 Aug 2026
Where Have All The Mediocre Women Gone?
Where are all the mediocre women?
It’s a provocative question. Donald Farmer thinks we may be asking the wrong one.
Gina von talks with Donald about the article that sparked the question, why he later changed “mediocre” to “average,” and what got him thinking about who gets hired, promoted, rewarded, and who eventually walks away.
From hiring conversations at Microsoft to what happens in the room before a meeting even starts, Donald questions some familiar ideas about merit, confidence, persistence, and leadership.
Why do mediocre men seem to stick around while capable women leave? Are workplaces really rewarding talent, or are they rewarding the people who know how to keep playing the game?
A candid conversation about ambition, mentorship, leadership, and the unwritten rules of work.
8 Jul 2026
Digital Nomad Lie: Freedom Was The Promise
Think life as a digital nomad is all beaches and sunsets? Think again. Linda Jackson has been living and working from a sailboat since long before remote work was cool—and she knows freedom comes with plenty of grit.
From running a business while anchored in Fiji to maintaining an 80-foot boat and staying connected with Starlink, Linda shares what it really takes to build a life on the water. She dives into the hidden costs, constant logistics, and why chasing your dream is equal parts adventure and hard work.
Whether you're dreaming of leaving the 9-to-5 or just curious about life beyond the map, this episode pulls back the curtain on modern nomad living. Hit play to discover why the reality is even more rewarding than the fantasy.
19 May 2026
Are we all just faking it?
Carly Astacio shares her unique journey from doing pleasure parties to opening up about sexuality, communication, and breaking taboos. Discover how her experiences fostered openness and understanding around sexuality, and the unexpected stories that emerged along the way.
16 Apr 2026
Physics of a French Mind
Most people come to California with big dreams, but Thomas Been’s journey was different. With just a one-way ticket and curiosity, he turned the unexpected into a life of discovery. Imagine arriving in a new country without a plan, just a love for nature, and a knack for turning surprises into gold. That’s Thomas’s story, and it’s the mindset that keeps life fresh after 14 years abroad.
In this candid discussion, Thomas Been shares with Gina von the challenges and triumphs of adapting to a new culture, revealing how European directness and American charm became his secret tools for success. From the legendary champagne moment in Singapore to the everyday discoveries in California, this conversation is a testament to the power of embracing the unknown and finding home in unexpected places. It's a story of intellectual curiosity, cultural duality, and the personal connections that make life's journey unforgettable.
31 Mar 2026
Som Champagne- Myths Revealed
Gina von and John Andrews discuss their shared passion for wine, particularly champagne. Most catchy champagne myths pop up in massive marketing campaigns — but what’s really bubbling beneath the surface? John Andrews, a true wine ninja and self proclaimed 'bubbles enthusiast', spills the secrets behind this shimmering elixir that will make you rethink your bubbly obsession. From the fascinating science of how those delightful bubbles form (think: a chemical ballet of fermentation, yeast, and magic) to busting myths. Turns out, champagne isn’t just for fancy occasions or spraying in sports stadiums — it’s a “drink anytime” joy that deserves a spot in your daily life.
8 Mar 2026
The Mechanic Chasing The America's Cup
Gina von and Norbert Bajurin dig into a captivating America's Cup journey, highlighting the challenges, triumphs, and the fairy tale-like story of how the Golden Gate Yacht Club rose from debt to victory. They discuss the pivotal moments that shaped their experiences, including the legal battles surrounding the Deed of Gift, the emotional day of winning the Cup in Valencia, and the incredible comeback in the 34th America's Cup. This conversation reflects on the history of sailing and the personal connections and stories that make these experiences unforgettable.
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