Hey There Risers & Thrivers,

In this episode, host Janine introduces the new series format called The Taboo Table, bringing together founders in the pleasure and sex tech industry to discuss the challenges and nuances of building businesses in this stigmatized space. Guests:

Yasmin Stokinger- Founder of heyyoli,

Rosanna Bandomer- Co-Founder of LubeLab,

Avelina de Ment- Co-Founder of LubeLab, and

Lex Gillon- Pleasure Researcher & Founder of Modality Group

Talk about the societal taboos surrounding pleasure, the lack of funding for pleasure products, and their personal motivations for entering the industry. They share their experiences with investors, the importance of education about pleasure, and tips for new founders in this space.

The conversation emphasizes the blend of professional, personal, and social challenges they face, while also highlighting the supportive community and opportunities within pleasure and sex tech.

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction & Welcome to the Taboo Table

02:25 Redefining Pleasure in the Startup World

07:14 The Intersection of Pleasure and Health Tech

18:36 Personal Journeys and Motivations

33:23 Trusting Your Gut and Taking Advice

37:53 Challenges with Investors and Funding

39:01 Exploring Alternative Funding Options

46:08 Dealing with Sexualization in Business

53:48 Positive Experiences and Community Support

59:27 Practical Advice for Aspiring Founders

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AcknowledgmentsThis episode was made possible thanks for our partners at Jane and the Jam, who provided us with the space to record this episode⁠.

In this episode, Maura Oerding, CEO of Kaffee Kooperative joins the podcast to talk about driving change and sustainability in the coffee industry. Maura outlines the challenges faced by coffee farmers, particularly women, and how the Kaffee Kooperative’s model is fostering economic independence and equitable trade practices. The discussion delves into:

• The coffee industries colonial roots

• The importance of community, collaboration, and consumer responsibility,

• The concept of “Fair Chain”

Mara also shares her backstory as an inventor and the journey that led her to becoming a CEO. The episode emphasizes the power of informed consumer choices and collective efforts in bringing about systemic change.

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Follow us on your favorite podcast streaming channels and social media platforms: https://linktr.ee/ontheupandup_podcast

Acknowledgments

This episode was made possible thanks for our partners at Factory Network, who provided us with the space to record this episode⁠.

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Timestamps

00:00 Introduction & Welcome to Maura Oerding

02:10 Challenges in the Coffee Industry

07:12 Fair Trade vs Fair Chain

07:40 Empowering Women in Coffee through the Kaffee Kooperative

10:45 Consumer Responsibility and Impact

25:11 The Role of Cooperatives

In this powerful episode of On the Up & Up, host Janine is joined by Shani St. Louis (Founder, MindHyrst), Adeola Ogunwale (Senior Manager, Amazon), and Sally Osei (Social Media Marketing Manager, AiDiA Pitch) to unpack the complex realities of Black Excellence.

The discussion explores:

• The mental and emotional toll of striving for excellence
• The systemic and cultural expectations shaping Black success
• Whether "Black Excellence" should be redefined, retired, or celebrated as it is

Through personal stories and professional insights, they delve into navigating corporate spaces, media representation, and higher education while sharing practical mental health strategies and the importance of community support. They also reflect on healing generational trauma and redefining success on one’s own terms.

A conversation for anyone striving for success—no matter your background. Listen now!

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Follow us on your favorite podcast streaming channels and social media platforms: https://linktr.ee/ontheupandup_podcast

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Acknowledgments

Intro/Outro & Interlude Music: Music by ⁠⁠oussama arichi⁠⁠ from ⁠⁠Pixabay⁠

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Timestamps

00:00 Introduction and Defining Black Excellence

01:33 Introducing the Panelists

04:37 Debating the Term 'Black Excellence': Retire it, Redefine it, or Leave it?

09:03 Personal Stories of Pressure and Representation

14:28 Mental Health and Coping Strategies

30:12 Creating Our Own Spaces

34:20 Supporting Black Entrepreneurship

37:55 Role Models and Personal Growth

46:45 Final Thoughts and Audience Q&A