Young and Profiting (YAP) with Hala Taha: Entrepreneurship and Self-Improvement Podcast

Adam Schafer turned childhood adversity into a business superpower. Despite growing up in poverty, he went on to co-found Mind Pump, a fitness podcast that became a multimillion-dollar business. Instead of chasing viral fame, Adam and his partners published over 240 free podcast episodes before selling their first digital fitness program, building such a loyal audience that customers began asking how they could support the company. In this episode, Adam shares how his difficult upbringing shaped his approach to entrepreneurship, how to build successful business partnerships, and how he scaled Mind Pump without relying on millions of followers.

In this episode, Hala and Adam will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction

(00:00) Starting a Business Out of Necessity

(06:30) Turning Childhood Adversity Into Resilience

(15:27) How Sports Shaped His Growth Mindset

(19:29) How Vulnerability Builds Customer Trust

(25:04) Why Customer Value Comes Before Sales

(34:44) Mind Pump’s Origin Story

(47:20) Navigating High-Stakes Business Partnerships

(1:02:10) The Power of Authentic Marketing

(1:13:46) Why Email and Podcasts Beat Social Media Followers

(1:23:35) Choosing the Right Content Platform

(1:27:34) How Mind Pump Built a $5M Advertising Business

(1:38:23) Fitness Advice for Busy Entrepreneurs

Adam Schafer is an entrepreneur, fitness expert, and co-founder of Mind Pump, a multimillion-dollar fitness media business known for its podcast and digital training programs. Before launching Mind Pump, he worked as a personal trainer and managed some of the largest fitness clubs in the San Francisco Bay Area. He has earned eight national fitness certifications and a professional bodybuilding card.

Sponsored By:

Indeed - Get a $75 sponsored job credit to boost your job's visibility at Indeed.com/profiting

Shopify - Start your $1/month trial at Shopify.com/profiting.

Northwest Registered Agent - Get a complete business identity with Northwest. Visit northwestregisteredagent.com/YAPFree and start using free resources to build something amazing.

HeyGen - Create AI avatar videos without constantly being behind the camera. Get your first three videos free at HeyGen.com/profiting.

Life at the Speed of Play - Learn how to test ideas quickly and identify the ones worth pursuing with Mark Pincus’s book. Get two books for the price of one at getmarksbook.com/yap.

Whatnot - Grow your business through live shopping, community, and real-time connections with buyers. Search Whatnot, W H A T N O T, in the App Store and start selling today.

MOD - Connect with licensed medical providers for modafinil to support sustained energy, focus, and alertness. Visit MOD.com for a free consultation and get 10% off your first order plus free shipping with code PROFITING. See the website for important safety information.

AG1 Next Gen - Support your nutritional foundation with vitamins, minerals, prebiotics, probiotics, and superfoods. Get a free Immune Support Bundle with your first subscription order at DrinkAG1.com/PROFITING.

Resources Mentioned:

Mind Pump’s Website: mindpumpmedia.com/

Active Deals - youngandprofiting.com/deals

Key YAP Links

Reviews - ratethispodcast.com/yap

YouTube - youtube.com/c/YoungandProfiting

Newsletter - youngandprofiting.co/newsletter

LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/htaha

Instagram - instagram.com/yapwithhala

Social + Podcast Services: yapmedia.com

Transcripts - youngandprofiting.com/episodes-new

LinkedIn Creator Club - Skool.com/linkedin-creator-club

Entrepreneurship, Entrepreneurship Podcast, Business, Business Podcast, Self Improvement, Self-Improvement, Personal Development, Starting a Business, Strategy, Investing, Sales, Selling, Psychology, Productivity, Entrepreneurs, AI, Artificial Intelligence, Technology, Marketing, Negotiation, Money, Finance, Side Hustle, Startup, Mental Health, Career, Leadership, Mindset, Health, Growth Mindset, Passive Income, Online Business, Solopreneur, Networking

Katie Diasti turned her business school class project into Viv, a sustainable period care business, with just $5,000. When manufacturers demanded massive minimum orders, far beyond her budget, she negotiated a $3,500 production run and hand-packed orders from her apartment. As demand grew, she turned to Amazon to reach more customers and handle fulfillment. Today, Viv has generated over $3 million in revenue and expanded into 2,000 retail locations. In this episode, recorded at Amazon Accelerate 2026, Katie shares how she uses Amazon's seller tools to drive repeat sales and build a profitable business with product margins above 70%.

In this episode, Hala and Katie will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction

(00:58) Introducing Viv: Clean, Sustainable Period Care

(03:28) Turning a College Project Into a Business

(07:39) Launching a Startup With Just $5,000

(13:42) How Amazon Drives Sales and Subscriptions

(19:14) Using Social Media and Amazon Insights

(24:12) Turning Viral Attention Into Product Sales

(30:11) Using Amazon Data to Drive Repeat Sales

(32:16) Viv's Revenue, Costs, and Product Margins

(34:54) Raising $2 Million After Proving Profitability

(39:54) How Amazon Supported Viv's Retail Expansion

(44:49) Building a Profitable, Sustainable Product Brand

Katie Diasti is the founder and CEO of Viv, a modern period care brand sold online and in 2,000 retail locations across the U.S., including Whole Foods and Sprouts. Named to Forbes' 2024 30 Under 30 list and recognized as one of Women in Retail's 25 Most Inspirational Female Leaders in 2024, Katie has led Viv to raise over $3 million in funding and achieve over 70 million in social media reach.

Sponsored By:

This episode is sponsored by Amazon and recorded at Amazon Accelerate 2026, Amazon's annual seller conference. More than 60% of sales in Amazon's store come from independent sellers, most of which are small and medium-sized businesses. Amazon provides tools and services to help these entrepreneurs grow their businesses. To learn more about how Amazon is helping independent sellers succeed, visit https://sellingpartners.aboutamazon.com.

Resources Mentioned:

Katie’s Company, Viv: vivforyourv.com

Katie’s Amazon Storefront: bit.ly/KD-Storefront

Amazon's Seller Tools: sellingpartners.aboutamazon.com

Amazon Accelerate EP1 with Lisa Curtis: youngandprofiting.co/Amzn-EP1

Active Deals - youngandprofiting.com/deals

Key YAP Links

Reviews - ratethispodcast.com/yap

YouTube - youtube.com/c/YoungandProfiting

Newsletter - youngandprofiting.co/newsletter

LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/htaha

Instagram - instagram.com/yapwithhala

Social + Podcast Services: yapmedia.com

Transcripts - youngandprofiting.com/episodes-new

LinkedIn Creator Club - Skool.com/linkedin-creator-club

Disclaimer: This episode is a paid partnership with Amazon. Sponsored content helps support our podcast and continue bringing valuable insights to our audience.

Entrepreneurship, Entrepreneurship Podcast, Business, Business Podcast, Self Improvement, Self-Improvement, Personal Development, Starting a Business, Strategy, Investing, Sales, Selling, Psychology, Productivity, Entrepreneurs, AI, Artificial Intelligence, Technology, Marketing, Negotiation, Money, Finance, Side Hustle, Startup, Mental Health, Career, Leadership, Mindset, Health, Growth Mindset, Passive Income, Online Business, Solopreneur, Networking

Adam Grant once struggled to build real connections, often watching conversations stall after a single question. Now, as social skills fade and people replace face-to-face interactions with social media and chatbots, building genuine human connection has never felt harder. In this episode, Adam draws from his new book, Vibe, to unpack how mismatched expectations can create disappointment and conflict, even in relationships that seem strong. He also shares how understanding the four relationship wavelengths (associates, allies, pals, and companions) can help entrepreneurs set healthy boundaries, resolve conflict, and build stronger friendships and business partnerships.

In this episode, Hala and Adam will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction

(01:37) Why Modern Human Connection Is Declining

(05:12) Skipping Small Talk for Meaningful Connections

(07:13) What It Really Means to Vibe

(08:45) The Four Wavelengths of Relationships

(11:45) Navigating Real-Life Relationship Scenarios

(32:45) Why Strong Friendships Don't Need Constant Contact

(37:13) Building a Diverse Circle of Support

(44:51) How Men and Women Connect Differently

(46:31) How Small Gestures Strengthen Friendships

(52:10) Hosting Events That Build Genuine Bonds

Adam Grant is an organizational psychologist, a #1 New York Times bestselling author, and a professor at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. He has been Wharton's top-rated professor for seven consecutive years, and his research explores motivation, leadership, and human connection. He hosts the podcast Re:Thinking and co-hosts The Curiosity Shop with Brené Brown. His latest book, Vibe, explores the science of building meaningful connections in an increasingly isolated world.

Sponsored By:

Indeed - Get a $75 sponsored job credit to boost your job's visibility at Indeed.com/profiting

Shopify - Start your $1/month trial at Shopify.com/profiting.

Northwest Registered Agent - Get a complete business identity with Northwest. Visit northwestregisteredagent.com/YAPFree and start using free resources to build something amazing.

HeyGen - Create AI avatar videos without constantly being behind the camera. Get your first three videos free at HeyGen.com/profiting.

Life at the Speed of Play - Learn how to test ideas quickly and identify the ones worth pursuing with Mark Pincus’s book. Get two books for the price of one at getmarksbook.com/yap.

Whatnot - Grow your business through live shopping, community, and real-time connections with buyers. Search Whatnot, W H A T N O T, in the App Store and start selling today.

MOD - Connect with licensed medical providers for modafinil to support sustained energy, focus, and alertness. Visit MOD.com for a free consultation and get 10% off your first order plus free shipping with code PROFITING. See the website for important safety information.

AG1 Next Gen - Support your nutritional foundation with vitamins, minerals, prebiotics, probiotics, and superfoods. Get a free Immune Support Bundle with your first subscription order at DrinkAG1.com/PROFITING.

Resources Mentioned:

Adam's Book, Vibe: bit.ly/AG-Vibe

Adam's Website: adamgrant.net

Active Deals - youngandprofiting.com/deals

Key YAP Links

Reviews - ratethispodcast.com/yap

YouTube - youtube.com/c/YoungandProfiting

Newsletter - youngandprofiting.co/newsletter

LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/htaha

Instagram - instagram.com/yapwithhala

Social + Podcast Services: yapmedia.com

Transcripts - youngandprofiting.com/episodes-new

LinkedIn Creator Club - Skool.com/linkedin-creator-club

Entrepreneurship, Entrepreneurship Podcast, Business, Business Podcast, Self Improvement, Self-Improvement, Personal Development, Starting a Business, Strategy, Investing, Sales, Selling, Psychology, Productivity, Entrepreneurs, AI, Artificial Intelligence, Technology, Marketing, Negotiation, Money, Finance, Side Hustle, Startup, Mental Health, Career, Leadership, Mindset, Health, Growth Mindset, Love, Dating, Marriage, Breakup, Trust, Communication, Boundaries, Compatibility, Intimacy, Therapy, Conflict, Commitment, Couples, Dating Apps, Love Languages, Heartbreak, Attraction, Dating Coach

Tori Dunlap grew up learning how to manage her personal finances, but she soon realized that many women had never been taught how to build wealth. Instead, they were often encouraged to spend less, feel guilty about wanting more, and leave major financial decisions to men. Tori knew money could offer something far greater: freedom. After saving $100,000 by age 25, she quit her corporate job and turned her side hustle, Her First $100K, into a multimillion-dollar business. In this episode, Tori shares how to overcome financial shame, spend without guilt, manage debt strategically, and achieve financial freedom through saving and investing.

In this episode, Hala and Tori will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction

(01:29) Why Tori Started Teaching Personal Finance

(05:04) Saving $100K by 25 Without Deprivation

(10:59) The Advantage of a Nontraditional Background

(15:10) How Men and Women Learn About Money

(23:32) Unpacking the Psychology of Money

(32:35) The Money Diary: Track Why You Spend

(36:04) The Four-Step Financial Priority List

(41:53) When to Pay Off Debt or Invest

(45:11) Why Entrepreneurs Need Retirement Savings

(49:36) How to Choose the Right Side Hustle

Tori Dunlap is a financial educator, entrepreneur, Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree, and New York Times bestselling author of Financial Feminist. She is the founder of Her First $100K, a multimillion-dollar company empowering women to build wealth and achieve financial independence. She also hosts the Financial Feminist podcast, where she shares strategies for earning, saving, and investing money.

Sponsored By:

Indeed - Get a $75 sponsored job credit to boost your job's visibility at Indeed.com/profiting

Shopify - Start your $1/month trial at Shopify.com/profiting.

Northwest Registered Agent - Get a complete business identity with Northwest. Visit northwestregisteredagent.com/YAPFree and start using free resources to build something amazing.

HeyGen - Create AI avatar videos without constantly being behind the camera. Get your first three videos free at HeyGen.com/profiting.

Life at the Speed of Play - Learn how to test ideas quickly and identify the ones worth pursuing with Mark Pincus’s book. Get two books for the price of one at getmarksbook.com/yap.

Whatnot - Grow your business through live shopping, community, and real-time connections with buyers. Search Whatnot, W H A T N O T, in the App Store and start selling today.

MOD - Connect with licensed medical providers for modafinil to support sustained energy, focus, and alertness. Visit MOD.com for a free consultation and get 10% off your first order plus free shipping with code PROFITING. See the website for important safety information.

AG1 Next Gen - Support your nutritional foundation with vitamins, minerals, prebiotics, probiotics, and superfoods. Get a free Immune Support Bundle with your first subscription order at DrinkAG1.com/PROFITING.

Resources Mentioned:

Tori’s Company, Her First $100K: herfirst100k.com

Tori’s Book, Financial Feminist: bit.ly/FinancialFeminist

Tori’s Podcast, Financial Feminist: bit.ly/FinancialF-apple

Tori’s Instagram: instagram.com/herfirst100k

Active Deals - youngandprofiting.com/deals

Key YAP Links

Reviews - ratethispodcast.com/yap

YouTube - youtube.com/c/YoungandProfiting

Newsletter - youngandprofiting.co/newsletter

LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/htaha

Instagram - instagram.com/yapwithhala

Social + Podcast Services: yapmedia.com

Transcripts - youngandprofiting.com/episodes-new

LinkedIn Creator Club - Skool.com/linkedin-creator-club

Entrepreneurship, Entrepreneurship Podcast, Business, Business Podcast, Self Improvement, Self-Improvement, Personal Development, Starting a Business, Strategy, Investing, Sales, Selling, Psychology, Productivity, Entrepreneurs, AI, Artificial Intelligence, Technology, Marketing, Negotiation, Money, Finance, Side Hustle, Startup, Mental Health, Career, Leadership, Mindset, Health, Growth Mindset, Stock Market, Scalability, Investment, Risk Management, Financial Planning, Business Coaching, Finance Podcast

Lisa Curtis built Kuli Kuli into a $10M+ superfood business, but it took ten years to become profitable. Her biggest turning point came when she shifted focus from leading with the mission-driven messaging that makes up the core of the business to highlighting how her products directly benefited customers. That lesson now shapes Kuli Kuli's growth in Amazon's store, where sales are doubling year over year. In this episode, recorded at Amazon Accelerate 2026, Lisa explains how entrepreneurs can use Amazon's seller tools to understand customer demand, refine products before bigger launches, and drive repeat sales.

In this episode, Hala and Lisa will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction

(00:57) Discovering Moringa and Founding Kuli Kuli

(04:33) Expanding From Retail Into Amazon's Store

(08:58) Creating Demand Through Customer Feedback

(10:09) Amazon AI Tools and Product Testing

(15:24) From Superfood Sourcing to Repeat Sales

(20:37) TikTok Virality and Amazon Customer Insights

(25:04) Crowdfunding and Ten Years to Profitability

(30:55) Kuli Kuli's Mission and Retail Breakthrough

(36:32) Amazon Fulfillment and Inventory Management

(38:48) Amazon Seller Assistant and Founder Advice

Lisa Curtis is the founder and CEO of Kuli Kuli Foods, a Certified B Corporation specializing in sustainably sourced superfoods like moringa and baobab. She founded the company in 2014 after serving in the Peace Corps in Niger and has grown it into a brand sold in 11,000 retail locations nationwide and in Amazon's store. Before founding Kuli Kuli, Lisa drafted political briefings at the White House under President Obama and served as a United Nations Environment Programme Youth Advisor. She has been recognized on Forbes' 30 Under 30 and Inc.'s Top 100 Female Founders lists.

Sponsored By:

This episode is sponsored by Amazon and recorded at Amazon Accelerate 2026, Amazon's annual seller conference. More than 60% of sales in Amazon's store come from independent sellers, most of which are small and medium-sized businesses. Amazon provides tools and services to help these entrepreneurs grow their businesses. To learn more about how Amazon is helping independent sellers succeed, visit https://sellingpartners.aboutamazon.com.

Resources Mentioned:

Lisa’s Company, Kuli Kuli Foods: kulikulifoods.com

Lisa’s Amazon Storefront: bit.ly/LC-Storefront

Lisa’s Website: lisamariecurtis.com

Amazon's Seller Tools: sellingpartners.aboutamazon.com

Amazon Accelerate EP2 with Katie Diasti: youngandprofiting.co/Amzn-EP2

Active Deals - youngandprofiting.com/deals

Key YAP Links

Reviews - ratethispodcast.com/yap

YouTube - youtube.com/c/YoungandProfiting

Newsletter - youngandprofiting.co/newsletter

LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/htaha

Instagram - instagram.com/yapwithhala

Social + Podcast Services: yapmedia.com

Transcripts - youngandprofiting.com/episodes-new

LinkedIn Creator Club - Skool.com/linkedin-creator-club

Disclaimer: This episode is a paid partnership with Amazon. Sponsored content helps support our podcast and continue bringing valuable insights to our audience.

Entrepreneurship, Entrepreneurship Podcast, Business, Business Podcast, Self Improvement, Self-Improvement, Personal Development, Starting a Business, Strategy, Investing, Sales, Selling, Psychology, Productivity, Entrepreneurs, AI, Artificial Intelligence, Technology, Marketing, Negotiation, Money, Finance, Side Hustle, Startup, Mental Health, Career, Leadership, Mindset, Health, Growth Mindset, Passive Income, Online Business, Solopreneur, Networking