Shows / Trailblazers by Erica Wenger
Trailblazers by Erica Wenger
Trailblazers is your favorite business podcast, hosted by Erica Wenger, GP at Park Rangers Capital. Each week, Erica sits down with top investors, founders, and business icons who’ve found conventional success in unconventional ways.
From billion-dollar exits to scrappy early pivots, Trailblazers brings you unfiltered stories of how the next generation of firms and companies are really built.
New episodes every Tuesday.
Episodes
Trailblazers by Erica WengerMelanie Strong: Founding Partner at NEXT VENTURES
This week, we chat with Melanie Strong! Mel started her career as a first grade teacher and journalist. A fateful interview with her running hero Joan Benoit…
Trailblazers by Erica WengerLauren Berson-Sugarman: Founder and CEO at Conceive
This week, we chat with Lauren Berson-Sugarman! Lauren Berson is an executive turned entrepreneur with 20 years of experience building brands, products, and…
Trailblazers by Erica WengerSolo Episode: Tips for Navigating Career in Your 20s
This week, our host, Erica Wenger, shares practical and honest advice on how to navigate your career in your 20s—drawing from her own journey through college…
Trailblazers by Erica WengerCourtney Powell: COO & Managing Partner at 500 Global
This week, we chat with Courtney Powell! Courtney is COO and Managing Partner at 500 Global, tasked with helping the firm scale globally and explore new…
Trailblazers by Erica WengerTJ Taylor: Founding General Partner at Hobart Ventures
This week, we chat with TJ Taylor! TJ has spent over a decade as an early stage consumer operator—most recently Employee #1 at Raya and founding team member at…
Trailblazers by Erica WengerSolo Episode: Fundraising 101 for Early Stage Founders
This week, our host, Erica Wenger, shares a number of practical and unconventional tips on how to fundraise effectively as an early-stage founder! In this…
Trailblazers by Erica WengerSiqi Chen: Founder of Runway
This week, we chat with Siqi Chen! Siqi is the founder and CEO of Runway, a next generation FP&A platform that makes finance actually understandable and…
Trailblazers by Erica WengerTroy Osinoff: Co-Founder of JUICE
This week, we chat with Troy Osinoff! Troy is the Co-founder of JUICE, a digital marketing agency credited by Facebook as being a top 1% agency with clients…
Trailblazers by Erica WengerSolo Episode: My "Getting Off The Alphabet Train" Essay Deep Dive
This week our host, Erica Wenger, chats about her most recent essay: Getting Off The Alphabet Train! On this episode Erica dives into her newest essay which…
Trailblazers by Erica WengerJacqueline Blackburn: Principal at Decisive Point
This week, we chat with Jacqueline Blackburn! Jacqueline is a Principal at Decisive Point and leads the acceleration portfolio. Jacqueline graduated from the…
Trailblazers by Erica WengerSolo Episode: Tips for Throwing a Curated Tech Event
This week, our host, Erica Wenger, goes solo to break down the secrets to hosting a standout curated tech event. From timing it just right to crafting the…
Trailblazers by Erica WengerGrace Clarke: Founder of GGC Consulting
This week we chat with Grace Clarke! Grace Clarke is the founder of GGC Consulting, redefining how brands grow by building community-powered flywheels, not…
Trailblazers by Erica WengerEli Weiss: VP Retention Advocacy at Yotpo
This week we chat with Eli Weiss! Eli has spent the last decade building and operating early-stage startups. He is particularly known for his work around the…
Trailblazers by Erica WengerBrett Perlmutter: Founder of Bulletpitch
This week we chat with Brett Perlmutter! Brett is the founder of Bulletpitch. Bulletpitch is redefining venture through media. Their flagship product is a…
Trailblazers by Erica WengerNihal Mehta: Founding General Partner of Eniac Ventures
This week we chat with Nihal Mehta! At Eniac, they call Nihal the human Rolodex, thanks to the thousands of connections he has made with some of the world’s…
Trailblazers by Erica WengerSolo Episode: Reflections from 2024 & Hopes for 2025
This week our host, Erica Wenger, takes a step back to reflect on the highs, lows, and lessons of 2024 while looking ahead to the opportunities of 2025. In…
Trailblazers by Erica WengerDennis Hegstad: Co-Founder of Vigilance and Internet Research Unit
This week we chat with Dennis Hegstad! Dennis is an experienced entrepreneur and founder, having co-founded LiveRecover, an SMS marketing company for Shopify…
Trailblazers by Erica WengerLisa Mayer: Founder and CEO of Boss Beauties
This week we chat with Lisa Mayer! Lisa Mayer is the co-founder & CEO of Boss Beauties, a next gen tech company backed by Serena Ventures, the $100M+ venture…
Trailblazers by Erica WengerMac Reddin: Founder and CEO of Commsor
This week we chat with Mac Reddin! Mac Reddin is the Founder and CEO of Commsor. At Commsor he's focused on building tools to enable companies to embrace…
Trailblazers by Erica WengerBen Lang: Founder of next play
This week we chat with Ben Lang! Ben has spent his life hopping between New York, Tel Aviv, and San Francisco. He is a builder, former founder, and community…
Trailblazers by Erica WengerNik Sharma: CEO of Sharma Brands
This week we chat with Nik Sharma! Nik is the CEO of Sharma Brands, a strategic initiatives firm working with a wide range of brands to help grow and scale…
Trailblazers by Erica WengerSieva Kozinsky: Founder at Enduring Ventures
This week we chat with Sieva Kozinsky! Sieva is a founder of Enduring Ventures, a long-term holding company that buys wonderful businesses and holds them…
Trailblazers by Erica WengerLiz Wessel: Partner at First Round Capital
This week we chat with Liz Wessel! Liz Wessel is a Partner at First Round Capital, a pre-seed and seed venture fund, based in San Francisco. Prior to joining…
Trailblazers by Erica WengerCasey Lewis: Youth Trends Expert and Brand Consultant
This week we chat with Casey Lewis! Casey is a youth trends expert and brand consultant. Formerly an editor at Teen Vogue, MTV, and New York Magazine. She now…
Trailblazers by Erica WengerSolo Episode: My "Elephants in the Wild" Essay Deep Dive
This week our host, Erica Wenger, chats about her most recent essay: Elephants in the Wild! On this episode Erica dives into her newest essay which draws a…
Trailblazers by Erica WengerJason Yeh: Founder of Adamant
This week we chat with Jason Yeh! Jason Yeh is the Founder of Adamant, a fundraising strategy and investor relations firm dedicated to making capital raising…
Trailblazers by Erica WengerApril Underwood: Co-founder and Managing Director of Adverb Ventures
This week we chat with April Underwood! April Underwood is co-founder and Managing Director of Adverb Ventures, a venture capital firm investing in early-stage…
Trailblazers by Erica WengerAndrew Gazdecki: Founder and CEO of Acquire.com
This week we chat with Andrew Gazdecki! Andrew is a 4x founder with 3x exits, former CRO, and founder of Acquire.com. Gazdecki has been featured in The New…
Trailblazers by Erica WengerSara Mauskopf: CEO and Co-Founder of Winnie
This week we chat with Sara Mauskopf! Sara Mauskopf is the CEO and Co-founder of Winnie, a leading marketplace for daycare and preschool helping millions of…
Trailblazers by Erica WengerSteve Schlafman: Founder of Downshift
This week we chat with Steve Schlafman! Steve is a Professional Transition Coach based in New York. He helps high performers navigate transitions with clarity…
Trailblazers by Erica WengerRachael Horwitz: Chief Marketing Officer of Haun Ventures
This week we chat with Rachael Horwitz! Prior to joining Haun Ventures as the Chief Marketing Officer, Rachael served as an Operating Partner at a16z crypto…
Trailblazers by Erica WengerSolo Episode: Welcome to Season 4!
This week, our host, Erica Wenger, welcomes us to the 4th season of Dear Twentysomething! In this season opener, Erica sets the stage for what's to come—real…
Trailblazers by Erica WengerWelcome to Season 4 of Dear Twentysomething!
Welcome to Season 4 of Dear Twentysomething! The Dear Twentysomething podcast started because we wanted to create a space for ambitious and curious…
Trailblazers by Erica WengerSolo Episode: Season 3 Recap and Season 4 Sneak Peek
This week our host, Erica Wenger, recaps Dear Twentysomething Season 3! On this 100th episode of Dear Twentysomething, we look back on the 3 most popular solo…
Trailblazers by Erica WengerAnnie Reardon: Co-Founder & Co-CEO of Ludo
This week we chat with Annie Reardon! Annie Reardon is co-founder and co-CEO of Ludo and leads marketing and sales for the company. Annie is a front-end…
Trailblazers by Erica WengerSolo Episode: My Elephant DNA Essay Deep Dive
This week our host, Erica Wenger, chats about her most recent essay: Elephant DNA! On this episode Erica dives into the formula to know if your company has…
Trailblazers by Erica WengerTara Bosch: Founder of SmartSweets
Tara Bosch made Canadian history by scaling her company to be the fastest growing CPG brand founded by a solo female founder...ever. When a love affair with…
Trailblazers by Erica WengerNiven McCall-Mazza: Editor-in-Chief of theSkimm
This week we chat with Niven McCall-Mazza! Niven McCall-Mazza is Editor-in-Chief of theSkimm, overseeing its news, money, wellness, audio, and video teams…
Trailblazers by Erica WengerKimmy Scotti: Founder of 8VC & Fig.1 Beauty
This week we chat with Kimmy Scotti! Kimmy Scotti is co-founder and CEO of skincare company Fig.1, and founding partner at venture capital fund, 8VC. As an…
Trailblazers by Erica WengerHalloween Episode: Scary Myths about Fundraising
As a Halloween special for this week, our host, Erica Wenger talks about the unsettling myths surrounding fundraising and venture capital. On this episode…
Trailblazers by Erica WengerB. Pagels-Minor: Founding GP at DVRGNT Ventures
This week we chat with the one of a kind, B. Pagels-Minor! Erica and B know each other as solo GPs in the early stage venture capital world. In this episode, B…
Trailblazers by Erica WengerMike Jones: Founder of Science Inc. & Fmr CEO of Myspace
This week we chat with Mike Jones! Mike is co-founder and managing director of Science, a Los Angeles-based multi-asset investment firm partnering with and…
Trailblazers by Erica WengerAngel Investing EXPLAINED ft. Brian Nichols: Active Angel Investor & Founder of Hustle Fund's Angel Squad
This week we’re talking all things angel investing with the enthusiastic & knowledgable, Brian Nichols. In this explained episode, Erica and Brian chat through…
Trailblazers by Erica WengerCommunity Design EXPLAINED ft. Gina Bianchini: Founder of Mighty Networks
This week we’re talking all things community design with the expert on all things community, Gina Bianchini. In this explained episode, Erica and Gina chat…
Trailblazers by Erica WengerMembership Economy EXPLAINED ft. Robbie Kellman Baxter: Author of The Membership Economy and The Forever Transaction
This week we’re talking the membership economy with the knowledgable expert, Robbie Kellman Baxter. In this explained episode, Erica and Robbie chat through…
Trailblazers by Erica WengerLee Anne Grant: Chief Growth Officer at Babylist
This week we chat with Lee Anne Grant! Lee Anne has been an executive at various consumer companies and has launched numerous new products and businesses in…
Trailblazers by Erica WengerFundraising EXPLAINED ft. Robbie Crabtree: Founder of Competitive Storytelling
This week we’re talking fundraising with the enthusiastic storytelling expert, Robbie Crabtree. In this explained episode, Erica and Robbie chat through…
Trailblazers by Erica WengerSolo Episode: Breaking into Venture Capital
This week our host, Erica Wenger, chats about one of the questions she gets asked most often... how to break into venture capital? On this episode Erica talks…
Trailblazers by Erica WengerAli Partovi: CEO of Neo, Co-Founder of Code.org, Angel Investor
This week we chat with fellow twin, Ali Partovi! Ali Partovi is CEO of Neo, a diverse community of tech veterans coming together to invest in the leaders of…
Trailblazers by Erica WengerEgg Freezing EXPLAINED ft. Lauren Makler: Founder of Co-Fertility
This week we’re talking egg freezing with the extremely inspiring Lauren Makler. Lauren Makler is the Co-founder and CEO of Cofertility. Her winding road of a…
Trailblazers by Erica WengerSolo Episode: Why I Moved to NYC!
This week we chat about why our host, Erica Wenger, decided to move from LA to NYC! It's a tough decision to leave comfort (family, friends, amazing apartment…
Trailblazers by Erica WengerVC/Founder PR 101 EXPLAINED ft. Jenna Birch: Founder of Sisu Brand & PR
This week we’re talking all things public relations for founders & VCs with the knowledgable Jenna Birch. Jenna Birch is the founder of Sisu Brand & PR, a…
Trailblazers by Erica WengerMiri Buckland: Founder of LANDING
This week we chat with Miri Buckland! In this episode, Miri and Erica talk about how they each define creativity and how Miri's business, Landing, was created…
Trailblazers by Erica WengerSolo Episode: My Fund Thesis - Backing Elephants, Not Unicorns
This week we chat about the investing thesis that our host, Erica Wenger, has crafted for her venture fund! She's backing the next generation of elephant…
Trailblazers by Erica WengerChristie Pitts: Co-Founder of VCs for Repro & VP of Ops at Mahmee
This week we chat with Christie Pitts! In this episode, Christie and Erica talk about the maternal health crisis that's facing the United States and is…
Trailblazers by Erica WengerSteph Mui: Founder of PIN
This week we chat with Steph Mui! In this episode, Steph and Erica talk about how Steph was an inventor/entrepreneur from a VERY early age (shoutout to her…
Trailblazers by Erica WengerRobbie Shattuck: Founder of ATHOS Wealth (Multi-Family Office)
This week we chat with Robbie Shattuck! Robbie Shattuck is the Founder & CEO of ATHOS Private Wealth, a multi-family office and premier financial services…
Trailblazers by Erica WengerDr. Catherine Chang: Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon & Founder of NakedBeautyMD
This week we chat with Dr. Catherine Chang! Dr. Catherine Chang, a board-certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon and craniofacial specialist, takes…
Trailblazers by Erica WengerSolo Episode: My CRM Walkthrough
This week we chat all things CRMs (aka customer relationship management platforms), with our host, Erica Wenger! It's hard to keep track of your personal and…
Trailblazers by Erica WengerDr. Shereene Idriss: Dermatologist, Content Creator, & Founder of PillowTalkDerm
This week we chat with Dr. Shereene Idriss! Shereene is unlike her peers. In a time when top-name dermatologists have signed on as corporate-brand figureheads…