fml podcasts
Founders Music Lab is the podcast born out of our own startup journey to build a live music space and startup incubator in Waterloo, Ontario. It will be a space that supports professional and emerging musicians along with early stage startups.
​
Hosted by founders Bill, Steve, and Ed, each episode features a surprise guest. It could be a founder, artist, entrepreneur, educator, or first follower who is helping shape creative culture from the ground up.
We talk about the parallel paths of artists and startups, the hustle, the self doubt, the breakthroughs, and what it really takes to launch something new.
Our project is about more than just great performances and pitch decks. We offer programs for people who want to connect or reconnect with music, explore their creativity, or find others doing the same. Whether you're getting back into singing after years away or trying something new for the first time, there is a place for you here. The same goes for aspiring founders who want to test an idea, grow a project, or find support among peers on a similar path.
​​​
01
Journey to Purpose with Ed Denyer,
Eco Coffee
In our inaugural episode we talk with our partners Steve Lehmann and Ed Denyer, about their personal journeys in the discovery of their passions and businesses. What becomes clear is that they had very different roads and very different motivations, but it was their attention to the client and the discovery of differentiations that helped propel them to success. It was also the emphasis on continual learning and the impact of constructive networking that provided opportunities and direction. How they succeeded are examples that there are more ways than one to get an education.
​
02
WHAM!
and Beyond with Noel CastelL
Noel takes us on the journey of a kid that got kicked out of every school he attended to a life working with some of the greatest musical artists of all time, including George Michaels and Andrew Ridgeley. He turned his networking and business skills from music to later start up flight schools, become a commercial pilot, race cars and build a beautiful life with his wife and kids. The stories are incredible, and the lessons are compelling. As both a musician and a founder, Noel demonstrates how evident the commonalities between the two are.
​
03
Founders Rarely Succeed Alone with Blake Schwartz, Ennios Pasta House
‘I want to make a difference in everything I do’, says Blake. Admittedly, not a founder, but represents the key to success that most founders fail to recognize. He was the ‘First Follower’ for Ennio and Rosa, the founders of Ennios Pasta House. To understand what a ‘First Follower’ is, search for Derek Sivers, Leadership Lessons from Dancing Guy. When Ennio started his restaurant at the age of 63 at the encouragement of church friends, he had no idea how to run a restaurant, but man did he know how to cook. Two years in, he knew he needed help, and Blake came to the rescue. This is truly what every founder needs.
COMING JULY 15
04
The Human Side with
Victoria Ott
It is remarkable that so many businesses fail to understand the Why’s. We go deep in understanding the true nature of marketing and branding and uncover what makes the heart of a business beat. Victoria thrives in the messy parts of business where creativity and strategy meet. For Founders and Musicians this is a very challenging place where success or failure are determined. Join us as we meet for coffee and talk about Victoria’s experiences and expertise in connecting the human side of business.
​
COMING JULY 22
