The VentureWell Voices podcast offers an inside look at the changemakers using science and technology to solve the world’s greatest challenges. Hear their stories of the messy, meaningful path from idea to impact.
VentureWell Voices
Claim This Podcastby VentureWell
5.0(8 reviews)
7 episodes
Updated Daily
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Podcast Overview
The VentureWell Voices podcast offers an inside look at the changemakers using science and technology to solve the world’s greatest challenges. Hear their stories of the messy, meaningful path from idea to impact.
Language
🇺🇲
Publishing Since
10/3/2025
1 verified contact email on file for VentureWell Voices
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Recent Episodes
May 7, 2026
7: Bonus Episode: Phil Weilerstein in Conversation with Rob Lemelson
<p>In this special bonus episode celebrating <a href="https://venturewell.org/30-years/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">VentureWell’s 30th anniversary </a>and <a href="https://venturewell.org/blog/national-inventors-month-schneider-weilerstein/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">National Inventors' Month</a>, Phil Weilerstein, VentureWell president and CEO, sits down with Robert "Rob" Lemelson, professor, filmmaker, board member of <a href="https://www.lemelson.org/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">The Lemelson Foundation</a>, and son of inventor Jerome “Jerry” Lemelson. </p><p>Together, they reflect on the origins of their organizations, from The Lemelson Foundation’s roots in Jerry’s vision to elevate invention as a driver of social and economic progress, to VentureWell’s early days advancing science- and technology-driven entrepreneurship. </p><p>They discuss how invention often begins with real-world needs and grows through collaboration, education, and ecosystem support to address complex global challenges. From designing solutions rooted in local knowledge to scaling innovations that improve lives worldwide, Rob shares insights into his father’s legacy, what it takes to turn ideas into action, and why sustained support for inventors at every stage matters more than ever. Access the episode transcript <a href="https://venturewell.org/wp-content/uploads/VentureWell-Voices-Episode-Bonus-Phil-Weilerstein-Rob-Lemelson-Transcript.pdf" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">here</a>. </p><p><strong>You'll hear: </strong></p><ul><li><p>How Jerry Lemelson’s inventions influenced modern innovation and continue to inform the Foundation’s work</p></li><li><p>Why the best inventions often start with personal need or lived experience</p></li><li><p>How invention drives economic growth and global solutions, and how The Lemelson Foundation supports inventors tackling challenges like clean water and infant health worldwide</p></li><li><p>What it takes to scale climate and social impact innovations</p></li><li><p>A vision for the next 30 years of innovation</p></li></ul><p><strong>Resources: </strong></p><ul><li><p>Learn more about <a href="https://www.lemelson.org/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">The Lemelson Foundation</a> and its work to support invention and entrepreneurship around the world</p></li><li><p>Visit VentureWell’s <a href="https://venturewell.org/30-years/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">30th anniversary page</a> to explore three decades of impact and what’s ahead</p></li><li><p>Read about <a href="https://inventorsdigest.com/jerry-lemelson-legacy-foundation" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Jerry Lemelson’s legacy</a></p></li></ul><p><br></p><p>Don’t forget to follow VentureWell on <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/venturewell" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">LinkedIn</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/idea2impact/?hl=en" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Instagram</a> (@idea2impact), <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:hoz4w7wznsd2solf4grjc4ej" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Bluesky</a> (@venturewell.bsky.social), and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/VentureWell/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Facebook</a> for more stories and insights from entrepreneurs using innovation to change the future of sustainability, healthcare, and tech.</p>
March 3, 2026
6: Clear Breakthroughs: How Elise Strobach Is Revolutionizing Energy-Efficient Windows
<p>Drafty windows account for nearly 30% of U.S. home heating and cooling energy use each year—but a solution is in reach. AeroShield Materials has developed a transparent aerogel for double-pane windows that can boost thermal efficiency by up to 65%, outperforming triple panes while remaining thinner and lighter.</p><p>In this episode, co-founder and CEO Elise Strobach walks listeners through her journey from lab research to developing a market-ready solution, including how a surprising lab mishap became a pivotal breakthrough. She also reflects on a foundational question that has guided her work: “How could we say no to this opportunity to have a small chance to change the world?” Access the episode transcript <a href="https://venturewell.org/wp-content/uploads/VentureWell-Voices-Episode-6-Elise-Strobach-Transcript-1.pdf"><u>here</u></a>. </p><p><br></p><p><strong>You’ll hear:</strong></p><ul><li><p>An inside look at the science and strategy shaping next-generation energy-efficient windows</p></li><li><p>How trying, failing, and trying again led to pivotal discoveries</p></li><li><p>Why curiosity is a critical driver behind successful translation from research to real-world impact</p></li><li><p>How entrepreneurship becomes a series of escalating stress tests—and how resilience is built as the stakes rise</p></li><li><p>What “dancing with elephants” reveals about the risks of relying on major industry players</p></li><li><p>How creativity in the lab can spark creativity beyond it, inspiring artistic pursuits outside the startup world</p></li><li><p>What it takes to move from academic idealism to market reality</p></li></ul><p><strong>Resources:</strong></p><ul><li>Follow <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/aeroshield-materials/posts/?feedView=all"><u>Aeroshield Materials</u></a> on LinkedIn </li><li>Check out the <a href="https://venturewell.org/i-corps/"><u>NSF I-Corps™</u></a> program, run in partnership with VentureWell, which provides hands-on entrepreneurial training to help innovators move from research to commercialization</li><li>Elise participated in VentureWell’s <a href="https://venturewell.org/e-team-program/"><u>E-Team program</u></a>, and the <a href="https://venturewell.org/aspire/"><u>Aspire</u></a> program, which prepares climatetech and medtech startups for investment</li></ul>
February 3, 2026
5: The Scrappy Entrepreneur: Véronique Peiffer on Learning by Doing
<p>Entrepreneurship rarely looks like the highlight reel, and Véronique Peiffer knows that firsthand. A mechanical engineer, biotech founder, author, and mother, Véronique has navigated the sweaty-palms reality of building a company with limited resources, growing and managing a team before you can afford employees, and staying afloat while juggling a never-ending to-do list. </p><p>In this episode, Véronique shares why she wrote <a href="https://veroniquepeiffer.com/book-for-early-stage-entrepreneurs/" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Scrappy Entrepreneur</a>—the book she wished she’d had while figuring it all out in real time—and the practical lessons from her biotech journey, from leading teams on a lean budget and managing administrative chaos to never underestimating the power of a simple happy hour. Access the episode transcript <a href="https://venturewell.org/wp-content/uploads/VentureWell-Voices-Episode-5-Veronique-Peiffer-Transcript.pdf" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>. </p><p><br /></p><p><strong>You’ll hear:</strong></p><ul><li>How a simple list of unmet personal needs became the seed for their medical device startup and a lesson in real problem discovery</li><li>Practical team-building strategies on a slim budget</li><li>Tips for managing the operational realities of entrepreneurship, from taxes and registrations to compliance deadlines, IP paperwork, and grant timelines</li><li>How she navigated a real stress-test moment when a prototype mix-up threatened their clinical study</li><li>Why a startup ending isn’t failure, and how the experiential ROI still pays off</li></ul><p><br /></p><p><strong>Resources:</strong></p><ul><li>Check out <a href="https://veroniquepeiffer.com/" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Scrappy Entrepreneur</a></li><li>Learn more about <a href="https://venturewell.org/venturewell-accelerator/" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">VentureWell programs</a> that support early-stage founders navigating the realities of startup life</li></ul>
7 total episodes available
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Frequently asked questions
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- What is VentureWell Voices?
- 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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