Episodes

  • Truth On Trial: Jennifer Dorian on the Power of Public Media Now
    May 1 2025

    Enjoy this radically transparent conversation with Jennifer Dorian, CEO of WABE, a “76 year old startup.” Hosted by Lisa Calhoun, managing partner at Valor Ventures, these leaders drive into topics of truth and courage today, including:

    • How public broadcasting shapes culture, community, and innovation, particularly in Atlanta
    • How storytelling, and the perception of truth, is changing
    • Research that reveals new deceptive tendencies in the most advanced AI
    • Leadership lessons as CEOs, including knowing when “be a killer”
    • Achieving more by doing less

    Jennifer brings a national media lens to Atlanta’s evolving reality—sharing insights on her own high impact leadership, local business pressures, and, most importantly–why now is a defining moment for all of us in how we seek and experience truth.

    VALOR AI IN THE SOUTH REPORT
    WABE PINTS AND POLITICS TRIVIA NIGHT
    EMAIL TO REACH WABE LEADERSHIP TEAM: WabeExec@WABE.org
    HOW TO PROTECT ATLANTA PUBLIC MEDIA
    POST ON AI MODEL DECEPTIONS

    #AtlantaStartups #Leadership #PublicMedia #WABENews #CivicInnovation

    Show More Show Less
    44 mins
  • SPECIAL REPORT: Valor's AI IN THE SOUTH Q1-2025 is out now!
    Apr 30 2025

    We tracked 123 new startups, uncovered key trends around revenues and financings, and broke it all down in an 11-page Valor Ventures report.

    Better news! You don’t even have to read it. Hit the highlights in this week’s special podcast, hosted by our favorite AI hosts.

    • Get your copy of the AI IN THE SOUTH Q1 2025 report.
    • Get a detailed, AI review of your deck, focusing on what it takes to be perfectly investor-ready.
    • Check out Notebook LLM, which we used to generate this podcast.

    #AIintheSouth #AIEcosystem #SouthernStartups #AITrends2025 #TechInnovation #FutureOfAI


    Let's take this conversation to real time. Join Valor for an upcoming event.

    Show More Show Less
    17 mins
  • AI Racing Ahead with Will Bryan, Ph.D - CEO & Founder of Autonoma
    Apr 1 2025

    What if the key to unlocking true autonomy isn’t just more real-world testing—but a perfect digital twin of reality?

    Meet Autonoma, the company revolutionizing AI and autonomy through ultra-high-fidelity simulation. From self-driving cars to smart cities, their tech is accelerating the future—faster than real time.

    🔹 Why simulation? Because 11 billion miles of real-world driving is impossible—unless you can simulate it.
    🔹 Beyond cars: Airports, warehouses, even entire digital cities are using Autonoma to test, predict, and optimize autonomy.
    🔹 The future is now: Imagine redesigning roads before they’re built, or stress-testing a city for the World Cup—all in a virtual sandbox.

    "The line between simulation and reality is vanishing." – Will Bryan, CEO of Autonoma

    🚗💨 Want a glimpse of the future? Tune in to discover how AI, autonomy, and simulation are transforming everything.

    The revolution is simulated.

    Show More Show Less
    28 mins
  • Raising a Growth Round In the Age of AI with Christy Johnson of BIP Capital
    Mar 4 2025

    Join Lisa Calhoun and Christy Johnson, Performance Engineering Leader at BIP Capital, for an inspiring and insightful conversation on what it takes to build, scale, and thrive in innovation today. From Christy’s unique journey—from rural Costa Rica to leading high-growth companies—to defining the milestones that matter, this episode is packed with actionable advice for founders and investors alike. Whether you're a founder navigating the challenges of scaling or an investor hunting exceptional value, this conversation is a must-listen.

    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 1 min
  • Can Atlanta’s Downtown Be Saved? Inside David Cumming’s Courageous Plan to Restart the City’s Heart
    Feb 4 2025

    In this episode, Lisa Calhoun sits down with Atlanta visionary entrepreneur David Cummings to explore the transformative changes he’s instigated in the heart of Atlanta. David offers a deep dive into his mission to revitalize the city through the purchase of a sixteen acre lot of historic property–and urban blight.

    Tune in for an inspiring conversation about the past, present, and future of one of America’s most exciting cities.

    Don’t miss this chance to learn about the big ideas and investments driving Atlanta’s urban revival. You’ll learn how this affects you, and how you can get involved in one of the most ambitious and visionary urban revitalization projects in the world.



    Show More Show Less
    25 mins
  • Southern Exposure: Exploring Positive Trends in Venture Capital Unique to the South with Peter Walker, Carta’s Head of Insights
    Jan 24 2025

    Get ready for an exciting episode of the Atlanta StartUp Podcast! Founders, ever wondered if you’ve raised too much or too little capital? Not sure how to lock in the best terms in today’s market? Or maybe you’re asking, "Is the South the next big hub for funding, or should I head to the coasts?" We’ve got you covered! This month, we’re joined by Peter Walker, Head of Insights at Carta, who brings his sharp expertise and a treasure trove of data-driven insights. Peter recently visited us in Atlanta for VC Day, where he revealed that a surprising 25% of Carta’s data comes from our Southern region! Don’t miss out on this chance to hear directly from one of the brightest minds in venture capital. Tune in now for an episode packed with valuable tips and fresh perspectives!



    Show More Show Less
    32 mins
  • Empowering Safe and Inclusive Ridesharing with HERide
    Dec 16 2024

    In this episode of the Atlanta Startup Podcast, we welcome Jillian Anderson, founder of HERide, the innovative ridesharing platform designed to provide safe, reliable, and inclusive transportation for women. HERide is reshaping the ridesharing industry by addressing the unique safety concerns faced by women while empowering women drivers. Jillian recently won the EmpowerHER award, presented by NCR Foundation, at the 28th Startup Runway showcase. Tune in to learn how HERide is making transportation safer and more empowering, and get inspired by Jillian’s vision for the future of ridesharing.

    Show More Show Less
    20 mins
  • Transforming Surgical Training with VR: Dr. Lauren Siff of SurgicalEd VR
    Nov 11 2024

    In this episode of the Atlanta Startup Podcast, we’re joined by Lauren Siff, Founder of SurgicalEd VR, the groundbreaking platform that won the first showcase in the Startup Runway Virginia program in Richmond. SurgicalEd VR is redefining how surgical training is approached, offering immersive VR simulations that make training more accessible and effective. Lauren shares her journey, her vision for improving medical education through technology, and the impact of winning the Startup Runway Virginia showcase. Tune in to learn how SurgicalEd VR is transforming the future of surgical education and training.


    Show More Show Less
    29 mins