Uploaded July 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Watch the full episode here: inspiredinsider.com/rick-gardiner-interview
Rick Gardiner is the Founder and CEO of iAffiliate Management, a boutique performance marketing agency helping DTC e-commerce brands grow revenue through high-impact affiliate and partner programs. With over 20 years of experience, Rick has helped brands — from fast-growing startups to established names like Groupon and Home Chef — turn affiliate marketing into a scalable revenue engine. A former Division I athlete turned entrepreneur, he brings a disciplined, team-first approach and a passion for building aligned, high-value partnerships in an ever-evolving affiliate landscape.
In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz sits down with Rick Gardiner, Founder and CEO of iAffiliate Management, to discuss scaling growth through affiliate and strategic partnerships. They explore building quality partnerships, navigating compliance and tech tools, and leveraging cross-brand collaborations. Rick also shares tips for integrating affiliates into broader revenue strategies.
Watch the full episode here: inspiredinsider.com/rick-gardiner-interview
Rick Gardiner is the Founder and CEO of iAffiliate Management, a boutique performance marketing agency helping DTC e-commerce brands grow revenue through high-impact affiliate and partner programs. With over 20 years of experience, Rick has helped brands — from fast-growing startups to established names like Groupon and Home Chef — turn affiliate marketing into a scalable revenue engine. A former Division I athlete turned entrepreneur, he brings a disciplined, team-first approach and a passion for building aligned, high-value partnerships in an ever-evolving affiliate landscape.
In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz sits down with Rick Gardiner, Founder and CEO of iAffiliate Management, to discuss scaling growth through affiliate and strategic partnerships. They explore building quality partnerships, navigating compliance and tech tools, and leveraging cross-brand collaborations. Rick also shares tips for integrating affiliates into broader revenue strategies.
![[Top Author & Direct Response Series] How Real Experience Becomes a Bestseller With Travis Cody](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/lXLsZ1GrnYA/mqdefault.jpg "[Top Author & Direct Response Series] How Real Experience Becomes a Bestseller With Travis Cody
Book a Complimentary B2B Podcast Strategy Call:
https://rise25.com/bookcall
Download our B2B Podcast Strategy & Tools List PDF:
https://rise25.com/podcastcheatsheetyt
Travis Cody is the Founder of Bestseller By Design, where he helps founders, consultants, and experts turn their knowledge and experience into bestselling books. With a background in Hollywood screenwriting, copywriting, and journalism, he is the author of 19+ books and has worked with leading marketers, including Russell Brunson and Brian Kurtz. He has helped clients achieve #1 Amazon rankings and raise millions in funding through strategic storytelling and publishing. Travis is also known for his creative approach to relationship-building, direct response marketing, and his perspective on the ethical use of AI in writing and publishing.
Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:
• [0:00] Intro
• [2:08] Travis Cody shares how Russell Brunson’s trilogy serves as a blueprint for building a successful business
• [4:35] Doberman Dan’s $1,000 direct response book experiment and pricing psychology
• [5:34] Why Perry Marshall’s 80/20 Principle continues to shape modern marketing strategy
• [9:19] Travis on authoring over 20 books while managing multiple creative and publishing projects
• [13:22] The hero’s journey framework transforms copywriting and storytelling
• [22:49] The impact of Gary Halbert’s legendary letter and its lasting influence on marketing
• [27:12] Strategies for building meaningful connections with top industry figures
• [47:50] Travis breaks down the ethical use of AI in writing and publishing for greater creativity
In this episode…
Breaking into a new industry is often a mix of strategy, persistence, and relationships. While skills and credentials matter, real opportunities usually come through trust and connections built over time. How do entrepreneurs and creators establish credibility and grow meaningful relationships from the ground up?
Sponsor for this episode
At https://rise25.com, we help B2B businesses give to and connect to your Dream 200 relationships and partnerships.
We help you cultivate amazing relationships in 2 ways:
#1 Podcasting
#2 Strategic Gifting
#1 Our Predictable Podcast ROI Program
We’re committed to helping you connect with your Dream 200 referral partners, clients, and strategic partners through our done-for-you podcast solution.
We’re a professional podcast production agency that makes creating a podcast effortless. Since 2009, our proven system has helped thousands of B2B businesses build strong relationships with referral partners, clients, and audiences without doing the hard work.
What do you need to start a podcast?
When you use our proven system, all you need is an idea and a voice. We handle the strategy, production, and distribution — you just need to show up and talk.
The Rise25 podcasting solution is designed to help you build a profitable podcast. This requires a specific strategy, and we’ve got that down pat. We focus on making sure you have a direct path to ROI — plus, our podcast production company takes any heavy lifting of production and distribution off your plate.
We make distribution easy.
We’ll distribute each episode across more than 11 unique channels, including iTunes, Spotify, and Amazon Podcasts. We’ll also create copy for each episode and promote your show across social media.
Cofounders Dr. Jeremy Weisz and John Corcoran credit podcasting as being the best thing they have ever done for their businesses. Podcasting connected them with the founders/CEOs of P90x, Atari, Einstein Bagels, Mattel, Rx Bars, YPO, EO, Lending Tree, Freshdesk, and many more.
The relationships you form through podcasting run deep. Jeremy and John became business partners through podcasting. They have even gone on family vacations and attended weddings of guests who have been on the podcast.
#2 Our Comprehensive Corporate Gifting Program
Elevate business relationships with customers, partners, staff, and prospects through gifting.
At Rise25, thoughtful and consistent gifting is a key component of staying top of mind and helps build lasting business relationships. Our done-for-you corporate gifting service ensures that your referral partners, prospects, and clients receive personalized touchpoints that enhance your business gifting efforts and provide a refined executive gifting experience.
Whether you’re looking to impress key stakeholders or boost client loyalty, our comprehensive approach makes it easy and affordable to create lasting impressions. Get started today and experience the difference a strategic gifting approach can make.
You can learn more and watch a video on how it works here: https://rise25.com/giftprogram
Contact us now at support@rise25.com or message us here: https://rise25.com/contact
Powered by Rise25 Podcast Production Company - https://rise25.com")
![[SaaS & eCommerce Series] Reality of Buying a Founder-Led Business With Brian Nolan](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/mPhzuKCrca0/mqdefault.jpg "[SaaS & eCommerce Series] Reality of Buying a Founder-Led Business With Brian Nolan
Book a Complimentary B2B Podcast Strategy Call:
https://rise25.com/bookcall
Download our B2B Podcast Strategy & Tools List PDF:
https://rise25.com/podcastcheatsheetyt
Brian Nolan is the Co-owner of Darren & Phillip, a purpose-driven lifestyle brand creating premium matching apparel and accessories for dog lovers and their dogs. He leads the brand’s American growth, strategy, and e-commerce expansion while advancing its mission to support dog rescue organizations worldwide. Before acquiring the company, Brian co-founded and led Sellbrite and BookOutdoors, which were acquired by GoDaddy and Hipcamp, respectively. A USC Marshall School of Business alumnus, he draws on extensive experience in entrepreneurship, product development, marketing, and e-commerce to build customer-focused brands that combine commercial growth with meaningful social impact.
Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:
• [0:00] Intro
• [5:59] Brian Nolan introduces Darren & Phillip and its mission-driven apparel brand
• [12:12] The criteria Brian used to evaluate an e-commerce acquisition
• [15:49] Brian’s first steps after taking ownership of Darren & Phillip
• [18:10] Inventory challenges across human sizes, dog sizes, and seasonal collections
• [22:59] Lessons from structuring seller transitions and acquisition incentives
• [25:10] Brian’s transition from Sellbrite founder to GoDaddy executive
• [28:25] Bootstrapped growth versus venture-backed expansion
• [31:51] How Brian validated demand before building Sellbrite’s full product
In this episode…
Building a successful software company and buying an established consumer brand require very different operating skills. When a founder moves from SaaS exits into e-commerce ownership, how can past experience create an advantage without obscuring the realities of inventory, brand identity, and customer behavior?
Sponsor for this episode
At https://rise25.com, we help B2B businesses give to and connect to your Dream 200 relationships and partnerships.
We help you cultivate amazing relationships in 2 ways:
#1 Podcasting
#2 Strategic Gifting
#1 Our Predictable Podcast ROI Program
We’re committed to helping you connect with your Dream 200 referral partners, clients, and strategic partners through our done-for-you podcast solution.
We’re a professional podcast production agency that makes creating a podcast effortless. Since 2009, our proven system has helped thousands of B2B businesses build strong relationships with referral partners, clients, and audiences without doing the hard work.
What do you need to start a podcast?
When you use our proven system, all you need is an idea and a voice. We handle the strategy, production, and distribution — you just need to show up and talk.
The Rise25 podcasting solution is designed to help you build a profitable podcast. This requires a specific strategy, and we’ve got that down pat. We focus on making sure you have a direct path to ROI — plus, our podcast production company takes any heavy lifting of production and distribution off your plate.
We make distribution easy.
We’ll distribute each episode across more than 11 unique channels, including iTunes, Spotify, and Amazon Podcasts. We’ll also create copy for each episode and promote your show across social media.
Cofounders Dr. Jeremy Weisz and John Corcoran credit podcasting as being the best thing they have ever done for their businesses. Podcasting connected them with the founders/CEOs of P90x, Atari, Einstein Bagels, Mattel, Rx Bars, YPO, EO, Lending Tree, Freshdesk, and many more.
The relationships you form through podcasting run deep. Jeremy and John became business partners through podcasting. They have even gone on family vacations and attended weddings of guests who have been on the podcast.
#2 Our Comprehensive Corporate Gifting Program
Elevate business relationships with customers, partners, staff, and prospects through gifting.
At Rise25, thoughtful and consistent gifting is a key component of staying top of mind and helps build lasting business relationships. Our done-for-you corporate gifting service ensures that your referral partners, prospects, and clients receive personalized touchpoints that enhance your business gifting efforts and provide a refined executive gifting experience.
Whether you’re looking to impress key stakeholders or boost client loyalty, our comprehensive approach makes it easy and affordable to create lasting impressions. Get started today and experience the difference a strategic gifting approach can make.
You can learn more and watch a video on how it works here: https://rise25.com/giftprogram
Contact us now at support@rise25.com or message us here: https://rise25.com/contact
Powered by Rise25 Podcast Production Company - https://rise25.com")
![[SaaS & AI Series] Why AI Still Needs a Human Sherpa With Gil Makleff](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/mlPWMDcZI_k/mqdefault.jpg "[SaaS & AI Series] Why AI Still Needs a Human Sherpa With Gil Makleff
Book a Complimentary B2B Podcast Strategy Call:
https://rise25.com/bookcall
Download our B2B Podcast Strategy & Tools List PDF:
https://rise25.com/podcastcheatsheetyt
Gil Makleff is the CEO and Co-founder of Sembly AI, a platform that helps teams turn meetings and conversations into actionable insights and work-ready outcomes. Under his leadership, Sembly AI has advanced tools for AI-assisted collaboration, workflow automation, and human-AI interaction. Before founding Sembly AI, Gil achieved two successful exits to Microsoft and Ernst & Young, where he later served as a Partner. With decades of experience building and scaling technology companies, he is known for championing human-centered AI that empowers people rather than replaces them.
Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:
• [0:00] Intro
• [4:22] Gil Makleff shares the journey that led to founding Sembly AI
• [7:12] How Sembly AI is evolving beyond traditional meeting assistants
• [10:24] The Sherpa approach to keeping humans in control of AI
• [15:31] Sembly’s role across sales, delivery management, and meeting management
• [18:34] Rapid AI change and the future of agent-to-tool interaction
• [25:15] The emotional realities of selling a company and moving on
• [35:13] Leadership lessons for building empowered, high-performing teams
In this episode…
Technology is advancing rapidly, but as AI becomes more capable, how can businesses embrace automation without losing the human judgment that drives meaningful work? What does it take to keep people at the center of innovation?
In Gil Makleff’s view, successful AI is not about removing humans from work but helping them create better outcomes. He highlights the importance of designing AI systems that collaborate with humans, allowing professionals to maintain control while automating repetitive tasks.
Sponsor for this episode
At https://rise25.com, we help B2B businesses give to and connect to your Dream 200 relationships and partnerships.
We help you cultivate amazing relationships in 2 ways:
#1 Podcasting
#2 Strategic Gifting
#1 Our Predictable Podcast ROI Program
We’re committed to helping you connect with your Dream 200 referral partners, clients, and strategic partners through our done-for-you podcast solution.
We’re a professional podcast production agency that makes creating a podcast effortless. Since 2009, our proven system has helped thousands of B2B businesses build strong relationships with referral partners, clients, and audiences without doing the hard work.
What do you need to start a podcast?
When you use our proven system, all you need is an idea and a voice. We handle the strategy, production, and distribution — you just need to show up and talk.
The Rise25 podcasting solution is designed to help you build a profitable podcast. This requires a specific strategy, and we’ve got that down pat. We focus on making sure you have a direct path to ROI — plus, our podcast production company takes any heavy lifting of production and distribution off your plate.
We make distribution easy.
We’ll distribute each episode across more than 11 unique channels, including iTunes, Spotify, and Amazon Podcasts. We’ll also create copy for each episode and promote your show across social media.
Cofounders Dr. Jeremy Weisz and John Corcoran credit podcasting as being the best thing they have ever done for their businesses. Podcasting connected them with the founders/CEOs of P90x, Atari, Einstein Bagels, Mattel, Rx Bars, YPO, EO, Lending Tree, Freshdesk, and many more.
The relationships you form through podcasting run deep. Jeremy and John became business partners through podcasting. They have even gone on family vacations and attended weddings of guests who have been on the podcast.
#2 Our Comprehensive Corporate Gifting Program
Elevate business relationships with customers, partners, staff, and prospects through gifting.
At Rise25, thoughtful and consistent gifting is a key component of staying top of mind and helps build lasting business relationships. Our done-for-you corporate gifting service ensures that your referral partners, prospects, and clients receive personalized touchpoints that enhance your business gifting efforts and provide a refined executive gifting experience.
Whether you’re looking to impress key stakeholders or boost client loyalty, our comprehensive approach makes it easy and affordable to create lasting impressions. Get started today and experience the difference a strategic gifting approach can make.
You can learn more and watch a video on how it works here: https://rise25.com/giftprogram
Contact us now at support@rise25.com or message us here: https://rise25.com/contact
Powered by Rise25 Podcast Production Company - https://rise25.com")
![[Venture Capital Series] Private Stock Needs a Market Too With Sim Desai](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/mmXToRlsEQY/mqdefault.jpg "[Venture Capital Series] Private Stock Needs a Market Too With Sim Desai
Book a Complimentary B2B Podcast Strategy Call:
https://rise25.com/bookcall
Download our B2B Podcast Strategy & Tools List PDF:
https://rise25.com/podcastcheatsheetyt
Sim Desai is the Founder and CEO of Hiive, a marketplace that provides liquidity for private company shares. Since its commercial launch in 2022, Hiive has surpassed $5 billion in closed transaction volume and reached a $123 million revenue run rate while maintaining profitability. With nearly two decades of experience in private equity and secondary markets, Sim is passionate about bringing greater transparency and efficiency to the private-company secondary market.
Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:
• [0:00] Intro
• [3:09] Sim Desai on Hiive’s role in turning private-company liquidity into an asset
• [9:07] Exploring the Hiive50 as a barometer for pre-IPO companies
• [15:51] Why the private secondary market has exploded over the past 15 years
• [18:05] Hiive’s journey to profitability and over 100% annual growth after launch
• [23:36] How companies like Kraken enable passive stock trading through Hiive
• [37:55] Hiive’s white-glove approach to venture funds and large institutional transactions
• [43:53] Sim’s approach to using competitor intelligence as a key entrepreneurial resource
In this episode…
What if employees and investors had a clearer path to unlock the value of private company shares before an IPO? As private markets continue to grow, what would it take to make liquidity more transparent, efficient, and accessible?
For Sim Desai, a private markets and secondary-market expert, technology can transform an opaque, fragmented private share market into a more centralized, automated marketplace. He highlights how structured liquidity options, the Hiive50 index, and a dual-sided marketplace can give shareholders greater access while allowing companies to maintain control.
Sponsor for this episode
At https://rise25.com, we help B2B businesses give to and connect to your Dream 200 relationships and partnerships.
We help you cultivate amazing relationships in 2 ways:
#1 Podcasting
#2 Strategic Gifting
#1 Our Predictable Podcast ROI Program
We’re committed to helping you connect with your Dream 200 referral partners, clients, and strategic partners through our done-for-you podcast solution.
We’re a professional podcast production agency that makes creating a podcast effortless. Since 2009, our proven system has helped thousands of B2B businesses build strong relationships with referral partners, clients, and audiences without doing the hard work.
What do you need to start a podcast?
When you use our proven system, all you need is an idea and a voice. We handle the strategy, production, and distribution — you just need to show up and talk.
The Rise25 podcasting solution is designed to help you build a profitable podcast. This requires a specific strategy, and we’ve got that down pat. We focus on making sure you have a direct path to ROI — plus, our podcast production company takes any heavy lifting of production and distribution off your plate.
We make distribution easy.
We’ll distribute each episode across more than 11 unique channels, including iTunes, Spotify, and Amazon Podcasts. We’ll also create copy for each episode and promote your show across social media.
Cofounders Dr. Jeremy Weisz and John Corcoran credit podcasting as being the best thing they have ever done for their businesses. Podcasting connected them with the founders/CEOs of P90x, Atari, Einstein Bagels, Mattel, Rx Bars, YPO, EO, Lending Tree, Freshdesk, and many more.
The relationships you form through podcasting run deep. Jeremy and John became business partners through podcasting. They have even gone on family vacations and attended weddings of guests who have been on the podcast.
#2 Our Comprehensive Corporate Gifting Program
Elevate business relationships with customers, partners, staff, and prospects through gifting.
At Rise25, thoughtful and consistent gifting is a key component of staying top of mind and helps build lasting business relationships. Our done-for-you corporate gifting service ensures that your referral partners, prospects, and clients receive personalized touchpoints that enhance your business gifting efforts and provide a refined executive gifting experience.
Whether you’re looking to impress key stakeholders or boost client loyalty, our comprehensive approach makes it easy and affordable to create lasting impressions. Get started today and experience the difference a strategic gifting approach can make.
You can learn more and watch a video on how it works here: https://rise25.com/giftprogram
Contact us now at support@rise25.com or message us here: https://rise25.com/contact
Powered by Rise25 Podcast Production Company - https://rise25.com")
![[SaaS & AI Series] AI, Personalization, and the Future of Beauty With Sampo Parkkinen](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/mpobrbUSLUU/mqdefault.jpg "[SaaS & AI Series] AI, Personalization, and the Future of Beauty With Sampo Parkkinen
Book a Complimentary B2B Podcast Strategy Call:
https://rise25.com/bookcall
Download our B2B Podcast Strategy & Tools List PDF:
https://rise25.com/podcastcheatsheetyt
Sampo Parkkinen is the Founder and CEO of Revieve, a beauty technology company focused on helping global beauty, skin, health, and wellness brands deliver personalized digital experiences through AI, AR, and computer vision. A serial technology entrepreneur and operator, he has led Revieve since its founding in 2016 and grown it into a platform supporting brands and retailers across their digital consumer journeys. Sampo previously co-founded RapidBlue Solutions, where he served as COO before its acquisition by ShopperTrak. He is also a Venture Partner at Gorilla Capital, where he supports early-stage technology companies across the Nordics.
Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:
• [0:00] Intro
• [1:42] Sampo Parkkinen’s favorite AI tools and daily reliance on Claude
• [6:26] Revieve’s mission to help consumers buy instead of pushing them to purchase
• [10:37] How RoC Skincare uses AI to drive customer acquisition
• [15:17] Using face scans and AI across skincare, makeup, hair care, and fragrance
• [22:24] How Revieve evolved its SaaS pricing and business model
• [28:01] Why white-glove onboarding helps customers get better results
• [31:31] Reducing friction in e-commerce and improving conversion rates
• [39:38] Sampo’s role at Gorilla Capital and backing resilient founders
In this episode…
Beauty and wellness products are deeply personal, yet most e-commerce experiences still push consumers toward transactions instead of guidance. As AI changes how people discover products, how can brands create digital experiences that feel more helpful, personal, and trustworthy?
For Sampo Parkkinen, a serial entrepreneur and investor focused on AI-powered customer experience, the answer is to shift from selling products to helping consumers buy with confidence.
Sponsor for this episode
At https://rise25.com, we help B2B businesses give to and connect to your Dream 200 relationships and partnerships.
We help you cultivate amazing relationships in 2 ways:
#1 Podcasting
#2 Strategic Gifting
#1 Our Predictable Podcast ROI Program
We’re committed to helping you connect with your Dream 200 referral partners, clients, and strategic partners through our done-for-you podcast solution.
We’re a professional podcast production agency that makes creating a podcast effortless. Since 2009, our proven system has helped thousands of B2B businesses build strong relationships with referral partners, clients, and audiences without doing the hard work.
What do you need to start a podcast?
When you use our proven system, all you need is an idea and a voice. We handle the strategy, production, and distribution — you just need to show up and talk.
The Rise25 podcasting solution is designed to help you build a profitable podcast. This requires a specific strategy, and we’ve got that down pat. We focus on making sure you have a direct path to ROI — plus, our podcast production company takes any heavy lifting of production and distribution off your plate.
We make distribution easy.
We’ll distribute each episode across more than 11 unique channels, including iTunes, Spotify, and Amazon Podcasts. We’ll also create copy for each episode and promote your show across social media.
Cofounders Dr. Jeremy Weisz and John Corcoran credit podcasting as being the best thing they have ever done for their businesses. Podcasting connected them with the founders/CEOs of P90x, Atari, Einstein Bagels, Mattel, Rx Bars, YPO, EO, Lending Tree, Freshdesk, and many more.
The relationships you form through podcasting run deep. Jeremy and John became business partners through podcasting. They have even gone on family vacations and attended weddings of guests who have been on the podcast.
#2 Our Comprehensive Corporate Gifting Program
Elevate business relationships with customers, partners, staff, and prospects through gifting.
At Rise25, thoughtful and consistent gifting is a key component of staying top of mind and helps build lasting business relationships. Our done-for-you corporate gifting service ensures that your referral partners, prospects, and clients receive personalized touchpoints that enhance your business gifting efforts and provide a refined executive gifting experience.
Whether you’re looking to impress key stakeholders or boost client loyalty, our comprehensive approach makes it easy and affordable to create lasting impressions. Get started today and experience the difference a strategic gifting approach can make.
You can learn more and watch a video on how it works here: https://rise25.com/giftprogram
Contact us now at support@rise25.com or message us here: https://rise25.com/contact
Powered by Rise25 Podcast Production Company - https://rise25.com")
