Business Speaks Podcast

The Business Behind Entertainment: Jonas Hosmer on WME, Netflix & the Future of Streaming | BSPOD | S2 | EP8

In this episode of the Business Speaks Podcast, Cooper Stacey and Joey Echiendia sit down with Jonas Hosmer — former WME brand partnerships executive and Netflix business strategist — to unpack how the entertainment industry actually works behind closed doors. Jonas shares his journey from brokering major brand and celebrity partnerships at one of Hollywood’s most powerful talent agencies to spending four and a half years inside Netflix during one of the most transformative periods in streaming history. The conversation dives into how billion-dollar entertainment deals are structured, who really holds power in Hollywood negotiations, and how streaming platforms are reshaping the relationship between content, advertising, and culture. The episode also explores Netflix’s internal culture, the rise of ad-supported streaming, the economics of influencer marketing, and why live sports may become the next battleground in entertainment. Along the way, Jonas breaks down what makes brand partnerships feel authentic, where media budgets are actually flowing today, and how AI could completely disrupt the future of entertainment and advertising. From talent agencies to streaming giants, this episode is a deep look into the business side of Hollywood — and where the industry is headed next.

Do Not Let the Old Man In: Robert Stocker on Law, Racing, Reinvention & Refusing to Slow Down | BSPOD | S2 | EP7

In this episode of the Business Speaks Podcast, Kam Sanghai and Cooper Stacey sit down with Robert Stocker — attorney, entrepreneur, endurance athlete, and Bullis Class of ’61 — to unpack a life built on constant reinvention. Robert shares his journey from clerking for a federal chief judge and building his own solo law practice to running marathons, and completing triathlons well into his later decades. The conversation explores discipline, goal setting, aging, and the mindset behind refusing to slow down. Robert opens up about the realities of practicing law today, the psychology of competition, and the moment he realized the limits people place on themselves are often just stories they’ve accepted for too long. From the courtroom to the racetrack, this episode is about pushing past expectations, staying curious, and never “letting the old man in.”

From Consultant to CEO: How Fred Costa Built MetaPhase | BSPOD | S2 | EP6

In this episode of Business Speaks, we sit down with Fred Costa, Founder and CEO of MetaPhase Consulting, to break down his journey from consultant to building a thriving company. Fred shares how he made the leap into entrepreneurship, the challenges of scaling a business, and the lessons he’s learned leading a team and navigating growth. If you’re interested in consulting, startups, or what it really takes to build something from the ground up, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.

Breaking Barriers in Construction Leadership: Legacy Business, Trades & Growth | BSPOD | S2 | EP5

In this episode of the Business Speaks Podcast, Kamran Sanghani and Cooper Stacey sit down with Libby Mendiratta, Executive Vice President and Co-Owner of Frisco Woodline, to explore leadership inside a legacy construction materials business. Libby shares her path from IT into a family-run company, lessons from building new divisions, and her work advancing women in construction through NAWIC. The conversation covers trades as a career path, certification strategy, culture, and what it takes to grow and lead in an often overlooked but essential industry.

From Overlooked Industry to Durable Wealth: Building an Insurance Business | BSPOD | S2 | EP4

In this episode of the Business Speaks Podcast, Kamran Sanghani and Cooper Stacey sit down with Kevin Rowe and Steven Bender, co-founders of Still Creek Insurance, to unpack the business behind one of the most overlooked yet essential industries. From home and auto insurance to residual revenue and long-term stability, Kevin and Steven share how they built, sold, and rebuilt insurance businesses while competing in the same market for years. They dive into early struggles, trust, acquisitions, private equity exits, and why insurance remains one of the most durable and recession-resistant business models out there. Along the way, they break down real-life risk, lessons for young people and first-time drivers, and timeless principles around trust, consistency, and long-term thinking. This episode challenges common misconceptions about insurance and shows why boring businesses can be some of the smartest ones to build.