In this episode, we sit down in Austin, Texas with Michael Marra, CEO and founder of Entre, a fast-growing social networking app designed specifically for modern entrepreneurs.

Michael shares his unconventional journey from corporate engineering to launching a social app that has grown to 200,000 users without relying on traditional VC funding. We dive deep into the pitfalls of startup culture, the lessons learned, and why real-life connections are the next frontier for professional networking platforms

If you're an entrepreneur, creator, or just someone looking to build more meaningful professional connections, this episode is packed with takeaways. Tune in now!

https://joinentre.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelmarra1/

https://www.instagram.com/michaelwmarra/

https://x.com/michaelwmarra

https://www.tiktok.com/@michaelwmarra

What does it really take to launch a successful startup and secure venture capital in today's competitive landscape? In this episode of The Josh Lustig Podcast, Travis Hawkes—lifelong entrepreneur and co-founder of Idaho-based VC firm Capital Eleven—pulls back the curtain on the highs, lows, and gritty realities of building businesses from the ground up.With over 70 startup investments under his belt, Travis shares how he’s helping grow the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Boise and beyond, why grit matters more than a perfect pitch deck, and what most founders get wrong when raising money from investors.You’ll hear how early failures—including a spa franchise inside Walmart—helped shape his approach to leadership, company culture, and long-term growth. Plus, he breaks down what venture capitalists are really looking for in a startup: strong teams, coachability, and the ability to execute under pressure.Whether you’re a first-time founder, aspiring investor, or just trying to build a meaningful career in business—this episode delivers practical insights on startup funding, resilience, and what it means to be a modern entrepreneur.https://www.instagram.com/tbhawkes/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/travis-b-...

https://x.com/tbhawkes?lang=en

Matthew Byrd shares his journey from construction tech to media — and what he’s learned along the way about business, family, faith, and why balance is rarely what it seems. From launching new ventures and raising five kids along the way, Matthew gets real about startup life, communication in marriage, and building something that actually aligns with your values.

This episode covers the hard questions most people don’t ask — like what do you do when your identity gets stripped away? And how do you create a life that’s both meaningful and sustainable? Whether you're an entrepreneur or someone figuring it all out — there’s gold in this conversation.