Sam Yagan shares his inspiring origin story with Al and Ravin, from founding SparkNotes as a senior at Harvard to selling it for 50M just 9 months later. His 8-year journey at OKCupid culminating with a sale to Match Group/IAC is discussed, with the runaway success af Tinder. At peak, the market cap of his company was 50B.

Sam also shares his thoughts on immigration, the venture market, and spotting the next big thing - even when it doesn't sound like it in the VC world. The value of elite colleges is debated, and also how to maintain harmony in business partnerships.

Disclaimer: The Forged in America podcast features personal stories, experiences, and opinions from hosts Al Goldstein and Ravin Gandhi. This content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not investment advice, financial advice, solicitation of investments, or any form of professional recommendation.We strive for accuracy, but mistakes can happen and are unintentional. Nothing discussed should be relied upon for making financial, business, or personal decisions. Always consult qualified professionals before acting on anything you hear.Past performance or results mentioned do not guarantee future outcomes. Listeners are responsible for their own choices.

ALPHA SCHOOL's Mackenzie Price joins Ravin and Al to discuss the future of education, and how their unique school uses AI to teach K-12 tudents. Kids work with screens and guides for 2 hours, and then transition to projects in the afternoon to foment financial literacy, public speaking, and grit.

They also discuss the broken model in modern America for education, and how AI might help the underserved in the USA. Mackenzie shares her journey founding Alpha School after growing frustrated, and securing $1B from entrpreneur Joe Liemandt.

Disclaimer: The Forged in America podcast features personal stories, experiences, and opinions from hosts Al Goldstein and Ravin Gandhi. This content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not investment advice, financial advice, solicitation of investments, or any form of professional recommendation.We strive for accuracy, but mistakes can happen and are unintentional. Nothing discussed should be relied upon for making financial, business, or personal decisions. Always consult qualified professionals before acting on anything you hear.Past performance or results mentioned do not guarantee future outcomes. Listeners are responsible for their own choices.

Jackie Reses shares her inspiring story with Ravin and Al, from attending boarding school at age 14 to get away from an unstable home to starting businesses at the University of Pennsylvania. From Goldman Sachs to sitting on the Alibaba board, to starting a bank at Square to finally creating Lead Bank.

She is candid about dealing with impostor syndrome, and the challenges of being an alpha woman who still struggles to be heard by "the country club." Jackie discusses how she builds team and culture, and the playbook to closing the best names in Silicon Valley as investors. Jackie also discusses her brother, who is Chief of Staff to VP Vance.

She closes with thoughts on parenting, and stories of her successful children.

Disclaimer: The Forged in America podcast features personal stories, experiences, and opinions from hosts Al Goldstein and Ravin Gandhi. This content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not investment advice, financial advice, solicitation of investments, or any form of professional recommendation.We strive for accuracy, but mistakes can happen and are unintentional. Nothing discussed should be relied upon for making financial, business, or personal decisions. Always consult qualified professionals before acting on anything you hear.Past performance or results mentioned do not guarantee future outcomes. Listeners are responsible for their own choices.