IDEA GENERATION

Epizodes

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  How Ryan Clark Pivoted From Forcing Fumbles to Winning Emmys 27.05.2025 48min

  In 2012, an undersized football player with a chip on his shoulder from Marrero, Lousinia had an idea.In the middle of an NFL playing career that saw him go from undrafted free agent to Pro Bowler and Super Bowl Champion, Ryan Clark channeled the competitive streak that fueled his play into a media career.Clark not only overcame the odds to simply play in the NFL, he also overcame a terrifying on field health scare that nearly took his life, and turned it into the next chapter of his career.Since then, Clark has become one of the top voices in sports media, becoming a regular on ESPN, winning an Emmy, and launching his own wildly successful podcast, The Pivot.And it all started with one idea… 0:00 Intro2:02 Biggest Problem in Sports Media6:30 Lessons at LSU8:23 NIL Deals vs NFL Rookie Contracts11:03 Getting Cut From the Giants13:01 “Now You’re a F*cking Steeler”16:02 Battle With Sickle Cell: “I Thought I Was Dying”19:04 Super Bowl Win and Loss25:40 First TV Opportunities While Playing / Debating Skip Bayless / ESPN31:25 “Players are Humans”36:50 The Pivot: Business, Guests, & The Future44:40 Where Does Motivation Come From?
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  Lena Waithe Breaks Down the Modern Hollywood Playbook 14.05.2025 42min

  In 1991 a 7-year-old girl on Chicago’s South Side had an idea.Inspired by the stories she heard from her grandmother and mother, Lena Waithe decided she wanted to see the lives of herself and her family and neighbors depicted on television.Moving to Los Angeles in her early twenties, Waithe worked her way up through the television business, eventually winning an Emmy for her writing, creating The Chi, a beloved series loosely based on her own life, and launching her own production company, Hillman Grad.And despite facing sharp criticism for her distinct creative vision, Waithe remains committed to shaping her legacy her way.…and it all started with one idea.Chapters:0:00 - Intro2:10 - Growing Up / 3 Generation House4:05 - Working at Blockbuster / Hoop Dreams7:15 - Navigating Changing Audience Behavior 10:49 - Early Days as an Assistant in Hollywood12:19 - Master of None “Thanksgiving” Episode17:00 - Dealing With Scrutiny That Comes With Fame22:42 - Does Culture Influence Creation? 26:05 - The Chi / Keeping it Fresh 7 Seasons In32:10 - Finding Inspiration Today35:50 - Future Aspirations / Leaving a Legacy
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  Jae Tips Had a Sneaker of the Year at ComplexCon—So Why’d He Storm Out in Protest? 29.04.2025 45min

  In 2020, a 30-year-old father of two in the Bronx had an idea. While struggling to establish a music career, John Jaequan Cotton, better known as Jae Tips, took inspiration from the streetwear brands he loved and committed fully to a vision for a personal brand focused on apparel and merch.After building an organic following for his designs, Jae stepped outside of his comfort zone and started knocking on the doors of the people who could help scale his vision. That hustle led to a partnership with an obscure running shoe brand, Saucony, and a series of beloved footwear collaborations that captured the imagination of the sneaker community.But despite critical and cultural acclaim, the harsh economics of streetwear and the crowded footwear landscape mean that Jae still cannot take success for granted.And it all started with one idea…Chapters:0:00 - Intro2:15 - Growing Up / Early Influences4:50 - Dealing with Social Anxiety 6:08 - The Influence of Billionaire Boys Club and BAPE8:10 - Lessons Learned Working at Footlocker9:10 - Music Career / Shifting Focus to Merch13:00 - Opportunities During COVID15:00 - Creating Hats, Sneakers, and Shirts17:55 - Keys to Building Community19:30 - First Sneakers with Saucony24:17 - Balancing Supply & Demand / Marketing27:30 - Aftermarket and Resellers29:00 - Five Year Plan / Managing Growth of the Brand32:40 - Biggest Challenges as an Entrepreneur38:20 - Aspirations / What’s Success?40:30 - Leaving ComplexCon Sneaker of the Year Panel43:05 - Turning Adversity into Art
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  How Killer Mike Risked $500k and Won a Grammy 25.08.2023 1h 9min

  For more stories rooted in the spirit of perseverance, check out Tres Generaciones Tequila: https://www.tresgeneraciones.com/ On June 8, 2023, IDEA GENERATION and Tres Generaciones Tequila hosted a listening party with Grammy award-winning rapper Killer Mike in celebration of his latest album, 'Michael.'Killer Mike and IDEA GENERATION Founder Noah Callahan-Bever sat down together in Atlanta in front of a live audience to listen to the album, discuss Mike's career, and hear stories about how the legendary rapper constantly persevered throughout his entire career. The room was packed with fans sipping on Tres Generaciones Tequila, and the after party was popping as Mike once again performed records from the album.Special thanks to our partners at Tres Generaciones for bringing this experience to life. More about Tres: https://www.tresgeneraciones.com/
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  How Mike Amiri Built a Luxury Fashion House From a $30,000 Investment in Himself 14.08.2023 1h 42min

  For more stories rooted in the spirit of perseverance, check out Tres Generaciones Tequila: https://www.tresgeneraciones.com/ On this week's episode of IDEA GENERATION, designer Mike Amiri takes us on a journey from his early days growing up in Hollywood, to releasing his first capsule collection, to launching his flagship brand, AMIRI. From handcrafting clothes for musicians, to reaching over $300 million in annual revenue, Mike Amiri's journey is truly remarkable... and it all started with one idea.Special thanks to our partners at Tres Generaciones for bringing this podcast to life. More about Tres: https://www.tresgeneraciones.com/
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  How Sacha Jenkins Went from Self-Publishing Zines as a Teen to an Acclaimed Filmmaker 04.08.2023 2h 15min

  For more stories rooted in the spirit of perseverance, check out Tres Generaciones Tequila: https://www.tresgeneraciones.com/  On this week's episode of IDEA GENERATION, writer and filmmaker Sacha Jenkins takes us on a journey from his childhood in Queens launching his own underground rap and graffiti zines, to pioneering the culture-defining magazine EgoTrip. Eventually Sacha would move into the world of filmmaking, directing the critically acclaimed documentaries 'Fresh Dressed,' 'Wu-Tang Clan: Of Mics and Men,' and his latest work, 'Louis Armstrong's Black & Blues.' And it all started with one idea. Special thanks to our partners at Tres Generaciones for bringing this podcast to life. More about Tres: https://www.tresgeneraciones.com/
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  Marc Eckō Built A Creative Empire, Almost Lost It All, + Came Out On Top 28.07.2023 2h 38min

  For more stories rooted in the spirit of perseverance, check out Tres Generaciones Tequila: https://www.tresgeneraciones.com/  On this week's episode of IDEA GENERATION, designer, artist, and entrepreneur Marc Ecko takes us on a journey from his days as a young airbrush artist in New Jersey, to launching a $500 million brand in Ecko Unlimited, to creating the culture-defining Complex Magazine, to becoming a best-selling author and philanthropist. And it all started with one idea. Special thanks to our partners at Tres Generaciones for bringing this podcast to life. More about Tres: https://www.tresgeneraciones.com/
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  How Rapsody Turned A Decade In the Underground + A Feature With Kendrick Into A Grammy Nomination 20.07.2023 1h 56min

  For more stories rooted in the spirit of perseverance, check out Tres Generaciones Tequila: https://www.tresgeneraciones.com/  On this week's episode of IDEA GENERATION, rapper Rapsody takes us on a journey from her early days in a hip hop collective in college, to rising through the underground rap scene and landing major collaborations with Mac Miller and Kendrick Lamar, to the release of her critically acclaimed debut album, 'Laila's Wisdom.' From rapping for fun to signing to Jay-Z's Roc Nation and getting nominated for Grammy's, Rapsody's career is an incredible story... and it all started with one idea. Special thanks to our partners at Tres Generaciones for bringing this podcast to life. More about Tres: https://www.tresgeneraciones.com/
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  Gabrielle Union on Building Multi-Million Dollar Brands, 50/50 Finances, Family, Activism + Advocacy 16.05.2023 1h 18min

  On this week's episode of IDEA GENERATION, actor, entrepreneur and activist Gabrielle Union takes us on a journey from her early days as a struggling actor in Los Angeles, to becoming a blockbuster movie star, film producer, and author... all while building a portfolio of her own brands and being a present mother in her family. And it all started with one idea. The Idea Generation Podcast is brought to you by Tres Generaciones Tequila.  The perfect tequila for creatives who are ready to fail twice, but get up Tres!  @TresGenTequila
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  How Tay Keith Blew Up From Local Teen Beatmaker to Producing Global Hits for Drake and Travis Scott 06.04.2023 1h 36min

  On this week's episode of IDEA GENERATION, producer Tay Keith takes us on a journey from his early days taking piano lessons, to meeting BlocBoy JB and building their careers together, to producing smash hits for artists like Beyonce, Drake, and Travis Scott, including the Diamond record "Sicko Mode." The Idea Generation Podcast is brought to you by Tres Generaciones Tequila.  The perfect tequila for creatives who are ready to fail twice, but get up Tres!  @TresGenTequila Credits  Noah Callahan-Bever Creator & Host, Idea Generation Starring: Tay Keith Executive Producer: Helena Ox  Producer: Jack Erwin  Lead Editor, Creative Director & Sound Designer:  Sarathi Garimella  Producer / Editor: Xan of Mars
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  How Nicole McLaughlin Used Instagram to Go From Design Intern to the Leader of Upcycle Fashion 31.03.2023 1h 13min

  On this week's episode of IDEA GENERATION, designer Nicole McLaughlin takes us on a journey from her time as a graphic design intern, to becoming a viral sensation on Instagram by crafting creative upcycled shoes, to starting her own design courses, and collaborating with brands like Reebok and Vans. The Idea Generation Podcast is brought to you by Tres Generaciones Tequila.  The perfect tequila for creatives who are ready to fail twice, but get up Tres!  @TresGenTequila Credits  Noah Callahan-Bever Creator & Host, Idea Generation Starring: Nicole McLaughlin Executive Producer: Helena Ox  Producer: Jack Erwin  Lead Editor, Creative Director & Sound Designer:  Sarathi Garimella  Producer / Editor: Xan of Mars
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  Jason Bolden on Storytelling Through Fashion and Becoming The Biggest Stylist in Hollywood 23.03.2023 1h 36min

  On this week's episode of IDEA GENERATION, celebrity stylist Jason Bolden takes us on a journey from his youth in St. Louis and Chicago, to becoming one of the most sought-after stylists in Hollywood. From opening a vintage shop in New York City, to getting a chance to style Gabrielle Union, to building an all star roster of A-listers as clients, Jason Bolden has reimagined what it means to be a stylist... and it all started with one idea. The Idea Generation Podcast is brought to you by Tres Generaciones Tequila.  The perfect tequila for creatives who are ready to fail twice, but get up Tres!  @TresGenTequila Credits  Noah Callahan-Bever Creator & Host, Idea Generation Starring: Jason Bolden Executive Producer: Helena Ox  Producer: Jack Erwin  Lead Editor, Creative Director & Sound Designer:  Sarathi Garimella  Producer / Editor: Xan of Mars
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  Just Blaze on Shaping Roc-A-Fella’s Sound, Writing Hit Records & Disrupting the Video Game Industry 16.03.2023 1h 39min

  This episode is brought to you by Tres Generaciones Tequila.  On this week's episode of IDEA GENERATION, Just Blaze takes us on a journey from his early days as a math prodigy in Paterson, New Jersey, to becoming one of the premier beatmakers in music. From helping shape the sound of Roc-A-Fella records, to earning a reputation as one of the most sought after pens in the game, to scoring new worlds within video games, Just Blaze has built one of the most impressive resumes in music... and it all started with one idea. Credits  Noah Callahan-Bever Creator & Host, Idea Generation Starring: Just Blaze Executive Producer: Helena Ox  Producer: Jack Erwin  Lead Editor, Creative Director & Sound Designer:  Sarathi Garimella  Producer / Editor: Xan of Mars
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  Paul Rodriguez Jr. on Nike SB, Founding Primitive, & Investing in Everything From Beer to Lemons 11.03.2023 1h 6min

  On this week's episode of IDEA GENERATION, Paul Rodriguez Jr. (aka P Rod) takes us on a journey from his early days as a young skateboarder in California, to becoming the face of Nike Skate, to launching his own company, Primitive Skateboarding. Along the way, P Rod has become an acclaimed investor, exploring the trades of everything from beer to lemons... and it all started with one idea. Subscribe to IDEA GENERATION on YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok and tune in for new episodes every Friday.  Credits  Noah Callahan-Bever Creator & Host, Idea Generation  Starring: Paul 'P-Rod' Rodriguez  Executive Producer: Helena Ox  Producer: Jack Erwin  Lead Editor, Creative Director & Sound Designer: Sarathi Garimella  Producer / Editor: Xan of Mars
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  Scooter Braun On Self-Work, Ariana, Bieber, BTS + HYBE, Selling For A Billion, + Putting Family 1st 03.03.2023 46min

  On the Season 3 premiere of IDEA GENERATION, Scooter Braun takes us on a journey from his days as a college dropout and party promoter in Atlanta, to becoming one of the most successful music executives on the planet. From his time as manager of Justin Bieber and Asher Roth, to his part in acquiring Big Machine Records, to selling his own company for $1 billion, Braun has built one of the most impressive resumes in music. And it all started with one idea. Subscribe to IDEA GENERATION on YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok and tune in for new episodes every Friday. Credits Noah Callahan-Bever Creator & Host, Idea Generation Starring: Scooter Braun Executive Producer: Helena Ox Producer: Jack Erwin Lead Editor, Creative Director & Sound Designer: Sarathi Garimella Producer / Editor: Xan Marsella
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  The-Dream on Collaborating with Rihanna, Beyoncé, and Becoming Music's Cheat Code | IDEA GENERATION 18.11.2022 39min

  Turn Your Ideas Into Reality With Shopify: https://www.shopify.com/idea  Writer, musician, and collaborator Terius Gesteelde-Diamant, better known as The-Dream, takes us on a journey from his days a trumpet player in a high school band to winning Grammy awards with the likes of Rihanna and Beyoncé.   In this week's episode, hear how The-Dream started working with some of the biggest artists in music, decided to go independent as a musician, and jumped into the fashion world by enrolling in the Savannah College of Art & Design. Subscribe to IDEA GENERATION on YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok and tune in for new episodes every Friday. Special thanks to our partners at Shopify for bringing this experience to life. More about Shopify: https://www.shopify.com/idea Learn how to start your own brand with Shopify: https://www.shopify.com/learn Noah Callahan-Bever Creator & Host, Idea Generation Starring: The-Dream Executive Producer: Helena Ox Producer: John Walaszek Lead Editor, Creative Director & Sound Designer: Sarathi Garimella Producer / Editor: Xan Marsella
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  How Jessie Reyez Overcame Adversity and Willed Herself To The Top of Music | IDEA GENERATION 11.11.2022 54min

  Turn Your Ideas Into Reality With Shopify: https://www.shopify.com/idea  Writer, artist, and trailblazer Jessie Reyez takes us on a journey from her childhood writing poems, to hitting open mics around her hometown of Toronto, to becoming one of the most authentic and dynamic songwriters and musicians in the world.  In this week's episode, hear how Reyez first started getting into music thanks to her family, moved to Florida after a failed stint as a Tornoto Raptors cheerleader, and found musical success by leaning into her most authentic self.   Subscribe to IDEA GENERATION on YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok and tune in for new episodes every Friday. Special thanks to our partners at Shopify for bringing this experience to life. More about Shopify: https://www.shopify.com/idea Learn how to start your own brand with Shopify: https://www.shopify.com/learn Noah Callahan-Bever Creator & Host, Idea Generation Starring: Jessie Reyez Executive Producer: Helena Ox Producer: John Walaszek Lead Editor, Creative Director & Sound Designer: Sarathi Garimella Producer / Editor: Xan Marsella
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  How New York Nico Went From Music Video Director to NYC's Unofficial Talent Scout | IDEA GENERATION 28.10.2022 45min

  Turn Your Ideas Into Reality With Shopify: https://www.shopify.com/idea  Storyteller, filmmaker, and leader Nicolas Heller aka New York Nico takes us on a journey from his childhood making short films around his neighborhood, to pursuing a music video directing career in Los Angeles, to becoming the unofficial talent scout of New York City by showcasing the city's most fascinating personalities on his viral Instagram account.   In this week's episode, hear how Heller first picked up a camera in grade school, blew a shot at directing a music video for A$AP Rocky, and turned his Instagram account into a vessel for change by saving small business around the city. Subscribe to IDEA GENERATION on YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok and tune in for new episodes every Friday. Special thanks to our partners at Shopify for bringing this experience to life. More about Shopify: https://www.shopify.com/idea Learn how to start your own brand with Shopify: https://www.shopify.com/learn Noah Callahan-Bever Creator & Host, Idea Generation Starring: NY Nico  Executive Producer: Helena Ox Producer: John Walaszek Lead Editor, Creative Director & Sound Designer: Sarathi Garimella Producer / Editor: Sam Anderson
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  How Hebru Brantley Blew Up In Fine Art + Created the FLYBOY Universe | IDEA GENERATION 14.10.2022 1h 6min

  Artist, storyteller, and entrepreneur Hebru Brantley takes us on a journey from his childhood in Chicago discovering fine art, to studying film in Atlanta, to struggling to make ends meet while styling rappers and designing concert posters, to finding critical acclaim and collaborating with some of the biggest brands in the world. In this week's episode, hear how Brantley launched his art career with used canvases from a local art institute, turned tragedy into triumph with his first major art show in Chicago, and created an entire world with his art that led to every major motion picture studio knocking on his door. Subscribe to IDEA GENERATION on YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok and tune in for new episodes every Friday. Credits  Noah Callahan-Bever Creator & Host, Idea Generation Starring: Hebru Brantley Executive Producer: Helena Ox Producer: Lamonday Baxter Lead Editor, Creative Director & Sound Designer: Sarathi Garimella Producer / Editor: Sam Anderson
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  How LaRussell Became Hip-Hop’s #1 Prospect & Changed The Industry From His Garage | IDEA GENERATION 07.10.2022 45min

  Turn Your Ideas Into Reality With Shopify: https://www.shopify.com/idea  Rapper, entrepreneur, and innovator LaRussell takes us on a journey from his childhood in the Bay Area making music, to his viral freestyles that lead to an appearance on The Breakfast Club, to his current mission of reimagining the music industry from his own garage.   In this week's episode, hear how LaRussell first started gaining traction in his hometown of Vallejo, how he landed appearances on some of the premiere hip-hop radio shows, and why he has turned down offers from every major label in pursuit of building an independent empire. Subscribe to IDEA GENERATION on YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok and tune in for new episodes every Friday. Special thanks to our partners at Shopify for bringing this experience to life. More about Shopify: https://www.shopify.com/idea Learn how to start your own brand with Shopify: https://www.shopify.com/learn Noah Callahan-Bever Creator & Host, Idea Generation Starring: Larussell Executive Producer: Helena Ox Producer: John Walaszek Lead Editor, Creative Director & Sound Designer: Sarathi Garimella Producer / Editor: Sam Anderson