The Angel Next Door Podcast

The Angel Next Door podcast is a show about how people got started investing in startup companies. Hosted by Marcia Dawood, member of the SEC Small Business Capital Formation Advisory Committee, Chair Emeritus of the board of the Angel Capital Association, the professional organization of angel investors across the US and globally, and author of Do Good While Doing Well. If you want to see change in the world you have to create it, invest in it or be it! Tune in to hear stories of what angel investing is, who does it and why!

New episodes released every Thursday!

Listen to the newest episode

Building an AI-Driven Fashion Company: Anya Cheng's Secrets with Unique Data

with guest Anya Cheng

Unmask the hidden biases in AI image generation—watch the video that reveals what algorithms aren’t showing you, featuring podcast guest Lucy Farey-Jones.

Explore the categories below to easily find episodes tailored to your interests! Dive into specific topics and discover the insights that matter most to you.

  • • 1/23/25

    Building an AI-Driven Fashion Company: Anya Cheng's Secrets with Unique Data

    Have you ever wondered what it truly takes to turn a groundbreaking idea into a successful business venture? On this episode of The Angel Next Door Podcast, our host Marcia Dawood explores this question with Anya Cheng, an innovative entrepreneur from the Bay Area. Anya’s journey from big tech to launching her own AI-powered company showcases the transformative potential of unique data in revolutionizing an industry.

    Listen here.

  • • 1/16/25

    Unlocking Investment Mindsets: Money Conversations Everyone Should Be Having

    Why do we hesitate to talk openly about money, and how can breaking this silence transform our financial futures? In this compelling episode of "The Angel Next Door," host Marcia Dawood explores the pervasive taboo surrounding money conversations and how lifting this veil can lead to a healthier financial mindset. Through insightful dialogue, the episode illuminates the importance of embracing vulnerability and the power of open discussions about wealth and investments. Our esteemed guests for this episode are Sandi Bragar and Cammie Doder, co-hosts of the popular "Money Tales" podcast.

    Listen here.

  • Empowering Founders: Anne Maghas's Approach to Building Successful Companies

    What does it take to successfully navigate the transition from being an entrepreneur to a CEO while maintaining your company’s core values intact? This intriguing question sets the stage for a deeply insightful conversation with Anne Maghas on "The Angel Next Door Podcast." Anne’s journey from curiosity about angel investing to becoming a significant mentor and investor is full of valuable lessons about leadership, diversity, and resilience amidst rapid change.

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  • Building Impact Through Investment: Wendy Ryan Talks Leadership and Generational Wealth

    Have you ever wondered what it takes to leave a lasting legacy in the world of entrepreneurship? In this illuminating episode of The Angel Next Door Podcast, host Marcia Dawood engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Wendy Ryan, who transforms our understanding of leadership, investment, and legacy-building. Wendy's journey from human resources to becoming a game-changing investor offers valuable insights for anyone looking to make a meaningful impact in the business world.

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  • Year-End Review 2024: Empowering Women and Strategic Investments - A Joint Episode with Venture F

    On this special, year-end episode, our host Marcia Dawood wraps up the year with a joint episode with Laura Nix Gerson, host of the Venture F podcast. This year marked a significant milestone for The Angel Next Door podcast, hosted by Marcia Dawood. With a full year of weekly episodes, we celebrated key achievements, impactful conversations, and global recognition for our contributions to angel investing and impact-driven funding.

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  • • 12/19/24

    Turning Conversations into Opportunities: Michelle Tillis Lederman on Effective Networking

    Have you ever wondered why some entrepreneurs seem to effortlessly connect with high-profile clients and seemingly land opportunities out of thin air? In this episode of The Angel Next Door Podcast, we unravel the secrets behind successful networking and relationship building, which are crucial to making those magic moments happen. Our guest today, Michelle Tillis Lederman, is an accomplished author, networking expert, and dynamic speaker known for her strategic insight into the world of relationships and connections.

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  • • 12/12/24

    The Power of Franchising: Dawn Lafreeda’s Road to Owning 72 Denny's

    What does it take to turn a humble beginning into a thriving empire? In this episode of The Angel Next Door Podcast, host Marcia Dawood explores the intricacies of entrepreneurship and franchising with Dawn Lafreeda, a highly successful Denny’s franchisee. Dawn's entrepreneurial journey from a young hostess to owning more Denny’s franchises than anyone else globally underscores the power of determination, resilience, and strategic thinking.

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  • 100th Episode Special: Empowering Women in Venture Capital with Catherine Gray

    Ever wondered what it really takes to break into the world of venture capital, especially as an underrepresented entrepreneur or an emerging fund manager? In our milestone 100th episode, host Marcia Dawood sits down with Catherine Gray, the visionary Executive Producer of the award-winning documentary Show Her the Money, to demystify this complex space. The film shines a light on the staggering statistics around the lack of funding for female entrepreneurs but goes beyond the numbers with powerful storytelling and remarkable profiles of women founders making a difference.

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  • Philanthropy Meets Startup Investing: A New Approach to Funding Innovations

    Have you ever considered the possibilities that arise when philanthropic capital is directed towards funding startup companies? In this episode of The Angel Next Door Podcast, host Marcia Dawood sits down with Sally Boulter from Impact Assets to unravel an often overlooked but transformative investment approach—using donor-advised funds to fuel entrepreneurial ventures. If you're an angel investor or contemplating entering the startup ecosystem, this episode will give you a fresh perspective on navigating investments impactfully.

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  • • 11/21/24

    NasaClip’s Fundraising Journey: Integrating Crowdfunding with Traditional Methods

    What inspires a doctor to create a life-saving device outside of the ER? In this episode of The Angel Next Door, Marcia Dawood sits down with Dr. Liz Clayborne, the remarkable founder of NasaClip, to uncover her journey from hospital hallways to the heart of medical innovation.

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  • Lisa Gable Discusses AI, Culture, and Secrets to Successful Organizational Turnarounds

    Have you ever wondered what it takes to turn around a failing organization or to drive remarkable change in business, government, and philanthropy? This thought-provoking question sets the stage for an insightful conversation with Lisa Gable, a seasoned expert in orchestrating turnarounds across diverse sectors. In this episode, Marcia Dawood sits down with Lisa to unveil the intricacies of driving meaningful change, tackling complex problems, and navigating the turbulent waters of entrepreneurship.

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  • • 10/31/24

    Unlocking Investment Opportunities in Women's Health with Economist Mark Gannott

    Have you ever wondered what it takes for a startup, particularly in a niche field like women's health, to secure the necessary funding to move forward and make a meaningful impact? In this episode of The Angel Next Door Podcast, Marcia Dawood sits down with Mark Gannott, who brings a unique blend of neuroscience, economics, and entrepreneurship to the table. From navigating the complex landscape of women's health financing to shedding light on economic modeling and network strategies, Mark's insights are invaluable for anyone looking to understand the intricacies of funding in highly specialized areas.

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  • • 10/24/24

    AI Evolution, Data Sovereignty, and the Future of AI & Tech

    Have you ever wondered what the future of entrepreneurship looks like in a world where artificial intelligence can take on the roles traditionally reserved for human employees? In this episode of The Angel Next Door Podcast, host Marcia Dawood sits down with AI expert Sharon Zhang to explore the transformative impact of AI on business and society. Sharon talks about the evolving landscape of AI and its potential to not only automate mundane tasks but also to foster new business models and opportunities for creative entrepreneurship.

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  • • 10/10/24

    Transforming Workplace Culture with Inclusion with Gena Cox

    What if the key to a successful startup lies not just in its venture's brilliance but in its workplace's inclusivity? In this episode of "The Angel Next Door Podcast," Marcia Dawood invites Gena Cox to explore a crucial aspect that entrepreneurs often overlook amidst the hustle of financial planning and product development—organizational culture. Cox, an organizational psychologist with over 30 years of experience, asserts that the human experience within an organization is foundational to its innovation, customer satisfaction, and overall success.

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  • Success Story: Transitioning from Physical Shops to Online Growth

    Have you ever wondered what it takes to turn a personal experience into a thriving business? In this inspiring episode of The Angel Next Door Podcast, we dive into the incredible entrepreneurial journey of Jasmine Jones, a remarkable founder and CEO who channeled her life's experiences and challenges into creating a groundbreaking company. This episode offers invaluable insights for anyone interested in the power of resilience, innovation, and purpose-driven entrepreneurship.

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  • • 9/19/24

    The Surprising Trends in AI Acceptance Across Generations

    Have you ever considered how varying attitudes toward AI could shape entrepreneurial opportunities? In this episode of "The Angel Next Door Podcast," host Marcia Dawood engages with Lucy Farey-Jones, a marketing expert and tech enthusiast. Lucy's TED Talk on AI adoption garnered over 2 million views and combines her marketing prowess with a keen interest in consumer behavior to explore the public’s evolving relationship with technology.

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  • • 9/12/24

    Expanding Accessibility and Awareness: The Future of Private Market Investing

    In this thought-provoking episode of The Angel Next Door Podcast, we explore the world of entrepreneurship and the potential of innovative technologies to transform the way we invest and participate in private markets. Our guest, Kendrick Nguyen, is the founder of Republic.com, an equity crowdfunding platform that aims to democratize access to private market investing. With a background in law and traditional finance, Kendrick's journey into the world of tech entrepreneurship was sparked by changes in securities laws related to crowdfunding in the United States.

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  • Innovating for Good: Linking Philanthropy and Angel Investing

    In this episode of "The Angel Next Door Podcast," we look into the captivating journey of Amy Jacobs, who took the bold step to leave the world of corporate banking and immerse herself in the dynamic environment of first, nonprofit organizations and now start-ups. Her story is both inspiring and a testament to the power of following one's passion and continuous learning.

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  • • 8/15/24

    Buckets, Broccoli, and Pizza: A Financial Advisor's Approach to Diversifying Investments

    Have you ever wondered how your relationship with money can impact your ability to invest in the causes and companies you believe in? In this thought-provoking episode of The Angel Next Door Podcast, host Marcia Dawood explores the intersection of personal finance, values, and entrepreneurship with guest Sarah Charles, a veteran of the financial services industry.

    Listen here.

  • • 8/8/24

    How Financial Experiences Impact Investing Decisions

    In this episode of The Angel Next Door Podcast, we explore this question with Michelle Begina, a financial advisor and author of the groundbreaking book "Be Good With Money." Michelle grew up in a family that exemplified both extremes of financial success and failure, which ignited her lifelong obsession with understanding money and ultimately led her to a career dedicated to improving others' financial well-being.

    Listen here.

  • • 6/20/24

    Breaking Retail Investing Norms

    Have you ever wondered what it takes to turn a personal struggle into a thriving business? In this episode of The Angel Next Door Podcast, Marcia discusses with Vicky and Charisse Pasche their entrepreneurial journey, which transformed their frustration with ill-fitting fashion into the revolutionary brand Dapper Boi.

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  • A Vision for America's Small Businesses

    In this episode of The Angel Next Door Podcast, host Marcia Dawood welcomes Congressman Aaron Bean to discuss his fascinating journey to becoming a member of the US House of Representatives. Congressman Bean's story is one of resilience and determination, as he talks about successfully building four small businesses, including a putt-putt golf business and a retail insurance agency, while also serving in various elected positions. As he shares his experiences, Congressman Bean emphasizes the importance of entrepreneurship and the role of government in supporting small businesses.

    Listen here.

  • Using Philanthropic Capital to invest in For-profit Companies

    In the latest episode of The Angel Next Door Podcast, hosts Marcia Dawood are joined by Patrice and Leah Brickman, founders of Inspire Access, a 501(c)(3) organization aiming to mobilize philanthropic capital to support underrepresented founders in the entrepreneurial space. The episode dives into the experiences and insights of Patrice and Leah, who discuss the impact of investment capital on businesses, particularly those led by women and people of color, and how Inspire Access is pioneering a new approach to redirecting donor-advised funds toward mission-aligned investments, ultimately bridging the investment gap for underrepresented entrepreneurs.

    Listen here.

  • The SEC's Role in Empowering Entrepreneurs and Angel Investors

    In the latest episode of The Angel Next Door Podcast, host Marcia Dawood engages in an insightful conversation with Stacey Bowers, Director of the Office of the Advocate for Small Business Capital Formation at the Securities and Exchange Commission. Stacey shares her extensive experience, ranging from working in securities law to representing founders and small businesses in raising capital, eventually leading her back to the SEC in a significant role. The episode goes into the crucial role of the Office of Advocacy in amplifying the voices of small businesses and investors to advance their interests in the capital markets.

    Listen here.

  • • 3/14/24

    Navigating Fundraising in Women's Health Tech

    Have you ever wondered what it takes to succeed as an underrepresented founder in the world of entrepreneurship? In this episode of The Angel Next Door Podcast, host Marcia Dawood engages in a riveting conversation with guest Alison Greenberg, the co-founder of Ruth Health, a virtual care platform for pregnancy and beyond.

    Listen here.

  • Navigating the Future of Capital Markets with SEC's Commissioner Uyeda

    Can the gatekeepers of capital truly predict the next groundbreaking innovation, or does overregulation stifle potential? This question sits at the heart of today’s pressing conversation with Commissioner Uyeda on The Angel Next Door Podcast with host Marcia Dawood. Entrepreneurs and innovators face a myriad of challenges, but how can regulation strike the right balance between protection and empowerment? This episode dives into the complexities of capital formation, regulatory insight, and the budding entrepreneur's right to risk.

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  • Empowering Entrepreneurs: Congressman Magaziner's Advocacy for Innovation and Growth Opportunities

    Have you ever considered the role of angel investors in fostering and supporting the entrepreneurial spirit in America? In this episode of "The Angel Next Door Podcast," host Marcia Dawood sits down with Congressman Seth Magaziner to explore the intersection of innovation, entrepreneurship, and public policy. Congressman Magaziner has served as Rhode Island's general treasurer and now represents Rhode Island in Congress, where he focuses on expanding economic opportunity, defending democracy, and promoting innovation. The episode dives into his journey, the importance of a strong social safety net for fostering innovation, and the need for pro-innovation policies to maintain American leadership in a global context.

    Listen here.

  • • 1/11/24

    Strategies, Tax Benefits, and Insights into the Midwest Startup Scene

    Have you ever thought about the potential for angel investing in the heartland of America? In the latest episode of The Angel Next Door Podcast, host Marcia Dawood sits down with Bart Dillashaw, a startup attorney and angel investor based in the middle of Nebraska. Bart shares his journey into angel investing and how he has been involved with the Nebraska Angels, an Angel Capital Association member, for over a decade.

    Listen here.

  • • 12/7/23

    Demystifying Femtech - Pioneering Breakthroughs and Transforming Women's Healthcare

    In the latest episode, Marcia welcomes guest Brittany Barreto, an expert in femtech and founder of FemHealth Insights, to discuss how femtech is revolutionizing women's health and empowering female founders to create solutions for a trillion-dollar market. Brittany Barreto is a scientist by training and a passionate advocate for women's health. With her background in molecular and human genetics, she shares her journey from being a nerdy geneticist to a successful entrepreneur in the femtech industry.

    Listen here.

  • Surprising Lessons Learned About Revenue-Based Financing

    Curious about revenue-based financing? In this episode, Marcia sits down with Denise Dunlap, co-founder of Sage Growth Capital, to discuss this unique model of funding, which combines elements of both loans and equity investments.

    Listen here.

  • The Rise of Revenue-Based Financing and How Anyone Can Participate for as little as $100

    Can revenue-based financing revolutionize the way startups raise capital and allow anyone to invest for as little as $100? In this episode of The Angel Next Door Podcast, Marcia is talking to Justin Renfro from Wefunder, who heads up the Revenue-Based Financing division. Together they explore the potential of revenue-based financing as an alternative to traditional equity funding.

    Listen here.

  • How Expanded Legislation Can Help Incentivize Small Business Investments with Congressman David Kustoff

    Congress holds a great amount of influence on how easy it is for small businesses to raise capital.. This week on The Angel Next Door, Marcia speaks with Congressman David Kustoff, representative from the 8th congressional district of Tennessee. Marcia and the Congressman discuss his background and how he came to be a member of the House, as well as his work on the House Committee of Ways and Means introducing new legislation with hopes of making it easier for small businesses to raise capital.

    Listen here.

  • Investments and Capital Markets from the Point of View of SEC Commissioner Hester Peirce

    The mission of the SEC is to protect investors, maintain fair, orderly, and efficient markets, and facilitate capital formation. This week on The Angel Next Door, Marcia talks with one of the five SEC Commissioners, Hester Peirce. Listeners get to hear Commissioner Peirce’s story on becoming a commissioner and her take on some hot topics in today’s investment arena.

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  • Working to Support Small Businesses with Congresswoman Ann Wagner

    Startup growth is everywhere including the middle of the country! Marcia talks with Congresswoman Ann Wagner, who represents the 2nd district of Missouri and is the highest ranking republican on all matters concerning capital markets, investor protection, and capital formation. She is the first woman to chair the House Financial Services subcommittee on Capital Markets. Congresswoman Wagner discusses why she ran for office, the entrepreneurial ecosystem of her home state, and the work she is doing in congress to help advance legislation to support small businesses and investors in the US.

    Listen here.

  • Jenny Lane talks investing with philanthropic dollars

    For this week’s episode, Marcia returns to discuss impact investing and Donor Advised Funds (DAFs) with guest Jenny Lane. Jenny has a background in equity crowdfunding and nonprofit fundraising with a passion for community development, and now, as the CEO of the Ohio Impact Fund, she is working on putting DAF dollars to work investing in early-stage companies.

    Listen here.

  • Alisha Griffey talks Donor Advised Funds

    On this episode of The Angel Next Door, Marcia introduces listeners to Alisha Griffey, the founder of Daintree Capital. After spending years as an operations leader in the startup world, Alisha grew frustrated with the traditional funding process. She noticed that very few companies run by women or people of color receive the funding they need. That’s when, about 3 years ago, Alisha moved to the investor side of the equation to see if she could do something to address that problem.

    Listen here.

  • Jake Whitman talks fundraising through accredited investors and equity crowdfunding

    On this week’s episode of The Angel Next Door, listeners get a taste of what it takes to build a brand and raise capital as Marcia sits down with angel investor-turned-entrepreneur Jake Whitman. After a successful career with Procter & Gamble and working for SoFi in the SF Bay Area, Jake decided to head to Cincinnati with the objective of buying a company. There he joined Queen City Angels as an angel investor but then decided to enter the entrepreneurial world and start Really Good Boxed Wine.

    Listen here.

  • • 1/19/23

    Lyndsey Harper talks about the startup world and trying to solve an overlooked issue

    In this episode, Marcia sits down with Dr. Lyndsey Harper, a physician/OB-GYN who founded Rosy, a subscription-based women’s health app that delivers direct-to-consumer education and community in the women’s sexual health world, while providing anonymity to the user.

    Listen here.

  • • 1/12/23

    Tony Shipley talks important tax codes for investors

    In this episode we discuss some important tax codes that most investors and entrepreneurs don’t know about and could save millions! Marcia Dawood interviews former Chair of the Angel Capital Association, Tony Shipley. Marcia and Tony worked together as ACA board members for over 7 years! Tony is also Chairman and Co-founder of Queen City Angels, Cincinnati’s first group of experienced, accredited investors committed to accelerating the growth of early-stage businesses.

    Listen here.

  • • 1/5/23

    Howard Marks demystifies equity crowdfunding

    Marcia Dawood sits down with Howard Marks, CEO and cofounder of the crowdfunding platform StartEngine. StartEngine is an equity crowdfunding platform that recently acquired SeedInvest, bringing the total amount raised between the platforms to over $1 billion. Howard discusses how he started as an entrepreneur with his roommate at the University of Michigan, and purchased a controlling stake in the video game company Activision and turned it into the industry leading company it is today, leading to a purchase offer from Microsoft of $68 billion.

    Listen here.

  • BONUS Episode with US Congressman Byron Donalds

    The Angel Next Door is back this week for a BONUS episode with US Congressman Byron Donalds. Byron serves as the US representative for Florida’s 19th congressional district which covers most of southwest Florida. In this episode our host Marcia Dawood talks with congressman Donalds about why angel investing plays a crucial role in giving everyone an equal shot at building wealth.

    Listen here.

  • • 12/2/21

    Brian Scott talks Crowdfunding

    In this week's episode we are talking all about crowdfunding! Marcia Dawood sits down with CEO of PittMoss, Brian Scott as he tells us the ins and outs of this newer way of raising capital.

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  • • 10/14/21

    Rachel ten Brink talks E-Commerce and Retail

    This week on ‘The Angel Next Door,’ Marcia Dawood sits down with Rachel ten Brink. Rachel co-founded her company Scentbird and raised $29 million first from angels and then venture funds including Y Combinator. She has now started her own venture capital company, Red Bike Capital.

    Listen here.

  • Denise Dunlap talks Revenue Based Financing

    In this week’s episode Marcia Dawood interviews guest Denise Dunlap, a long time Angel Investor and Managing Partner of Sage Growth Capital. Denise and her company are one of the first to offer Revenue Based Financing as an additional option of funding for businesses.

    Listen here.