Startup to Storefront

Join us as we welcome back Los Angeles County District Attorney, George Gascon.

Currently, Gascon is campaigning for reelection in 2024. To quote a recent speech given by the DA: “This campaign is not about me, this is a community movement. This is about looking at the criminal justice system of the 21st Century not with a rearview mirror but looking forward. Reform is the collective work of people, both in our community and in the legal system -attorneys as well those who are being impacted, victims and accused. We’re fully committed to fighting for our shared values: investing in community health and safety while ending the death penalty, no longer prosecuting children as adults, and holding law enforcement and big corporations accountable.”

In this enlightening episode, you’ll gain insight into:

The truth about crime rates as we dispel misconceptions.

The potential of mental health beds as a solution to housing insecurity.

Gascon’s passionate journey to make a difference in his community as both a police officer and a prosecutor.

Today’s guest is George Gascón, a candidate running for the office of Los Angeles District Attorney. To quote an editorial from the L.A. Times from October of last year, “There is a strong case to be made that aside from the presidential race, the most important item before voters in 2020 will be the race for L.A. County D.A.” The reasoning behind such a bold prediction is centered on the relatively high incarceration rates in L.A. county. The two-term incumbent, Jackie Lacey, has made a name for herself as being tough on crime. So when George Gascón entered the race running on a platform to end mass incarceration, the death penalty, and to enact police reform, people took notice. His platform has only increased in relevance since the death of George Floyd instigated America’s racial reckoning. Gascón has since garnered the support of progressives such as Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren, as well as musicians John Legend and Common.

Listen in as we cover everything from how he’s running his campaign during the age of Zoom/social distancing, the difficulties of changing structural problems within policing, and how he plans to change them, and we go into the specifics of his plan to completely reform L.A.’s system of mass incarceration.

Diego interviews Dan Deutsch, owner of Dan Deutsch Optical Outlook. Dan has been styling the who’s who of Los Angeles since he first opened his doors. He has taken the simple motto, that “glasses are jewelry to the face and the conviction that: “eyewear defines who you are” from his youthful beginnings all the way to his role today, directing the largest independent chain of retail eyewear stores in the Los Angeles area. He serves as a frequent consultant not only to film and television studios but also to eyewear designers and manufacturers. He has fit heads of state; music icons (Cher, Madonna, Ella, Justin), Hollywood movers and shakers and anyone who cares about looking their best!

Dan Deutsch Optical Outlook Store

Follow Dan Deutsch Optical on Instagram

If you were to set out to cut your caloric intake today, odds are pretty high that your mind would immediately go to what food groups you could swap out or substitute. But what about swapping out or replacing the beverages you consume on a daily basis? Lower calorie beverages are certainly nothing new, like diet and zero-calorie options have been staples of everything from Pepsi to Gatorade to Michelob for decades now. There are some though that are betting big that consumers are becoming bored with those antiquated options. Our guests today are Doug Walker and Jon Feld of Leisuretown, a CBD-infused sparkling water company. They’ve positioned themselves at a significant intersection of wellness, CBD, and non-alcoholic alternatives. Their immediate goal is to be the cool drink to consume at parties without any caloric or inebriated side effects. Their long-term goal has their sights set much, much higher. You don’t have to take my word for it though, as we’re about to dive into the deep end with Doug and Jon.

Listen in as we cover everything from why they got dropped from all major online payment processors in a span of three days, how they turned to NFTs in order to sell and market their drinks, and why Doug is currently running for Mayor of West Sacramento

Today, we're excited to welcome Puneet Nanda, the founder of Guru Nanda, to Startup to Storefront. Puneet's journey to mainstream success is unlike any other— he's built an Ayurvedic-inspired oral care brand that has gone viral thanks to TikTok, with over 285,000 followers and $12.5 million in sales to date. From oil pulling solutions to dual chamber mouthwash, Guru Nanda’s products have captivated millions of consumers, and every viral moment on TikTok leads to a surge not just online but also in retail giants like Walmart and Amazon. Puneet’s success story demonstrates the power of authenticity, customer engagement, and timely content. He’ll be sharing the insights he’s gained along the way, from understanding TikTok’s unique ability to spread trends, to building impactful influencer partnerships, and using the platform to propel Guru Nanda to the forefront of holistic oral care. Whether you're a brand looking to leverage TikTok or simply curious about his innovative approach, Puneet’s story offers valuable lessons on turning a passion into a thriving business.

On this week’s episode, you'll also learn:

How Puneet Nanda unexpectedly became a TikTok sensation and built a viral brand overnight.

The ultimate dental showdown: Flossing vs. Brushing – the surprising truth behind what your routine might be missing.

Why he shifted from traditional marketing to TikTok, and how embracing the platform revolutionized his business strategy and skyrocketed sales.

Let’s dive into the secrets behind the viral success of Guru Nanda!