Episodes

  • Lt. Gen. Paul Ostrowski | Episode 22
    Feb 18 2026

    In this episode of The Fabric, Buddy Arnheim sits down with Lieutenant General Paul Ostrowski, a retired three-star U.S. Army leader whose 36-year career spans Special Forces, Army acquisition, and Operation Warp Speed.

    From growing up in rural Arkansas to graduating from West Point and serving in elite Special Operations units, Paul shares the formative experiences that shaped his leadership philosophy. He reflects on the discipline and mental resilience forged at the Academy, the realities of modern warfare, and his transition from operational command to transforming the Army through acquisition.

    Paul offers a rare inside look at defense innovation, explaining how new technologies move from concept to battlefield and why speed, dual-use capability, and practical deployment matter more than ever. He also recounts his role in Operation Warp Speed, helping mobilize one of the most complex public-private efforts in modern history to develop, manufacture, and distribute COVID-19 vaccines at unprecedented speed.

    The conversation explores:

    • The leadership lessons forged at West Point and in Special Forces

    • How procurement and innovation shape the future battlefield

    • The importance of AI, cyber, and space in modern defense

    • What startups need to understand when working with the Department of Defense

    • The team effort behind Operation Warp Speed

    Above all, Paul emphasizes that no mission is accomplished alone. Behind every breakthrough stands a team committed to service, resilience, and shared purpose.

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    1 hr and 3 mins
  • Alexa and James Hirschfeld, Co-Founders of Paperless Post | Episode 21
    Apr 21 2025

    In this episode of The Fabric, Buddy sits down with James and Alexa Hirschfeld, the sibling co-founders of Paperless Post. From the company’s early days in 2009 to its role today as a go-to platform for designing and managing meaningful events, James and Aleksa share the personal and entrepreneurial journey that brought Paperless Post to life.

    We go beyond metrics and markets to uncover what drives their vision—from crafting beautiful digital experiences to navigating the challenges of startup life as family and business partners. You’ll hear about the traits, decisions, and moments of serendipity that helped them build a business that continues to redefine how we gather.

    Whether you’re planning your next event or building your next company, this conversation unravels the fabric of what makes a modern founder story so compelling.

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    48 mins
  • Bernard Aceituno, Co-Founder of Stack AI | Episode 20
    Mar 12 2025

    What if you could build powerful AI-driven applications—without writing a single line of code? In this episode of The Fabric, host Buddy, General Partner and Co-Founder of Lobby Capital, sits down with Bernard Aceituno, the visionary behind Stack AI, a groundbreaking no-code platform that’s changing how businesses harness artificial intelligence. As a proud portfolio company of Lobby Capital, Stack AI is on a mission to democratize AI, making it accessible to companies of all sizes.

    Bernard’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary. From growing up in Venezuela amidst political and economic turbulence to diving deep into the world of AI and machine learning, his story is a masterclass in resilience, curiosity, and innovation. We explore his early fascination with technology, the moments that shaped his entrepreneurial mindset, and how Stack AI is redefining automation for modern enterprises.

    Tune in for an inspiring conversation about breaking barriers in AI, the mindset of a founder, and the thrill of solving problems that matter. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast, entrepreneur, or just love a great origin story, this episode is packed with insights and energy you won’t want to miss.

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    59 mins
  • Selina Tobaccowala, CEO & Co-founder of HomeBoost, and venture partner at Lobby Capital | Episode 19
    Jan 27 2025

    In this episode, we have the privilege of speaking with Selina Tobaccowala, a seasoned entrepreneur and venture partner at Lobby Capital. From co-founding Evite, the groundbreaking online invitation platform, to her leadership roles at Ticketmaster and SurveyMonkey, Selena has consistently leveraged technology to make a real-world impact. Now, with her latest venture, HomeBoost, she’s empowering homeowners to improve comfort and reduce energy costs through innovative solutions.

    Join us as Selena reflects on her entrepreneurial journey, the power of teamwork, and the lessons learned from scaling globally recognized brands. From creating viral consumer experiences to navigating acquisitions and building culture-driven teams, this conversation is packed with actionable insights and inspiration.

    Tune in to learn how Selena’s career exemplifies the essence of weaving innovation, resilience, and purpose into the fabric of success.

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    58 mins
  • Suzanne Spaulding | Episode 18
    Sep 12 2024

    On this episode of The Fabric, host Buddy Arnheim sits down with Suzanne Spaulding, a national security expert and board member at Hidden Level (one of Lobby Capital's portfolio companies), to explore the qualities that make a great board member and the serendipitous moments that have shaped her extraordinary career. Suzanne reflects on how chance opportunities—like a colleague connecting her to a role at the CIA—have influenced her path through national security, private practice, and policy-making. She shares valuable lessons on effective communication, collaboration, and adaptability, essential traits for boardroom success.

    The conversation also delves into Suzanne’s work in cybersecurity, where she emphasizes the need for public engagement to drive policy changes. She highlights how informed citizens can demand stronger transparency and resilience from both the government and businesses in the face of growing cyber threats.

    Tune in to hear Suzanne’s inspiring career journey, her insights on being an impactful board member, and her call for more active public participation in shaping cybersecurity policy—all on The Fabric podcast by Lobby Capital.

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    1 hr and 5 mins
  • Alex Cyriac & Shobin Uralil, Co-Founders of Lively | Episode 17
    Aug 21 2024

    In this episode, Alex Cyriac and Shobin Uralil share how their long-standing friendship and deep familial connections became the bedrock of their successful partnership in founding Lively. With roots in South India and years of shared experiences, their relationship was built on mutual respect and unwavering trust. From angel investments to confiding in one another during challenging times, their bond transcended business, proving that blind trust in each other’s work ethic and character can lead to remarkable success. Tune in to hear how their shared values of hard work, commitment, and family shaped their entrepreneurial journey.

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    1 hr and 5 mins
  • James Everingham, VP of Engineering at Meta, and venture partner at Lobby Capital | Episode 16
    Aug 7 2024

    On this episode of The Fabric, Buddy Arnheim interviews James Everingham, VP of Engineering at Meta, and venture partner at Lobby Capital. They discuss the unpredictable paths to successful entrepreneurship and the combination of past experiences, relationships, serendipity, and personal characteristics that shape achievements. Join them as they unravel the fabric of successful entrepreneurs and explore the world of early-stage software businesses.

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    1 hr and 2 mins
  • Mohamed Elgendy, Co-Founder & CEO of Kolena | Episode 15
    Jun 5 2024

    In this episode of The Fabric podcast by Lobby Capital, host Buddy Arnheim interviews Mohamed Elgendy, founder and CEO of Kolena. Mohamed’s journey to AI mastery is a testament to following one’s instincts and seizing opportunities as they arise. Hear how his instinctual choices and willingness to explore new fields led to the creation of Kolena, an AI quality platform that supports the rapid deployment of AI products with confidence. Tune in to learn about the pivotal moments and decisions that shaped Mohamed’s successful career in AI.

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    1 hr and 2 mins