//podcastplus.net/feed/growth-pioneers~cadd8553 From the Biggest Little City in the World comes a podcast about Pioneers. Not the covered wagon types, the modern day Pioneers exploring new territory in economic development, entrepreneurship and personal development. Join your host, Doug Erwin as he explores what it takes to build resilient communities, companies and lives in this wide ranging podcast.Doug is former serial entrepreneur turned economic developer and executive coach. He is committed to growing Northern Nevada’s startup and technology ecosystem and supporting entrepreneurs as they embark upon their own journeys. Doug’s work at the Economic Development Authority of Western Nevada has helped change the perception of Reno and lay the foundation for future generations of entrepreneurs to thrive in the region. He was a member of Entrepreneurs Organization for 13 years, helped launched and curate TEDx Reno for its initial 3 years, sat on the board of the Discovery Museum and currently serves as a commissioner on the Reno Arts and Culture Commission. https://www.linkedin.com/in/douglasrerwin/ Tue, 22 Sep 2026 07:25:54 +0000 https://media.resonaterecordings.com/growth-pioneers/8333780d-1346-43f0-8354-692a8d5e78f7.mp3 On this special episode of the Growth Pioneers Doug joins host Mary Meyer of the Health Happy Wise and Wealthy podcast to discuss Reno Startup Week 2025.Mary Meyer brings together an inspiring panel of Reno's entrepreneurship leaders—including Doug Erwin, Candi Block, Monica Terrero, Daniel Smith, Melissa Saavedra, and Allison Greene—to give you an insider’s look at Reno Startup Week. Whether you’re an aspiring founder, a seasoned entrepreneur, or just startup-curious, this episode unpacks how a free, week-long event can help launch, grow, and nourish local small businesses and innovation, and why removing cost barriers for entrepreneurs is so vital. Get ready for takeaways on networking, pitch competitions, government support, community organizations, wellness initiatives, and much more, straight from the passionate volunteers and ecosystem builders making it happen.Topics Covered: -What is Reno Startup Week and who is it for? -The power of keeping entrepreneurial resources free -How government and n... Tue, 26 Aug 2025 09:00:00 +0000 https://media.resonaterecordings.com/growth-pioneers/8333780d-1346-43f0-8354-692a8d5e78f7.mp3 https://media.resonaterecordings.com/growth-pioneers/bdc2de47-715b-4c40-b6f0-459a71ff8628.mp3 On this episode of the podcast Doug speaks with Joe Chauklin the founder of Freedom Air. Freedom Air is a new charter air service in Reno operating multiple turbo prop aircraft and executive helicopters. They discuss the origin of Freedom Air, the need it fills in our community and the intricacies of running a charter service. Special thanks to Joe and team for hosting Reno Startup Week's Poker Tournament fundraiser in August. Tue, 06 May 2025 09:00:00 +0000 https://media.resonaterecordings.com/growth-pioneers/bdc2de47-715b-4c40-b6f0-459a71ff8628.mp3 https://media.resonaterecordings.com/growth-pioneers/bdc2de47-715b-4c40-b6f0-459a71ff8628.mp3 On this episode of the podcast Doug speaks with Joe Chauklin the founder of Freedom Air. Freedom Air is a new charter air service in Reno operating multiple turbo prop aircraft and executive helicopters. They discuss the origin of Freedom Air, the need it fills in our community and the intricacies of running a charter service. Special thanks to Joe and team for hosting Reno Startup Week's Poker Tournament fundraiser in August. Tue, 06 May 2025 09:00:00 +0000 https://media.resonaterecordings.com/growth-pioneers/bdc2de47-715b-4c40-b6f0-459a71ff8628.mp3 https://media.resonaterecordings.com/growth-pioneers/090e6b09-e5ca-4698-892a-0ee8707b361a.mp3 On this episode Doug speaks with Mitesh Agrawal the CEO of Positron.ai. Positron is advancing the world of AI hardware right here in the Biggest Little City, with their first product that provides 3X the performance of NVIDA at a lower cost. They discuss the changing landscape of AI, the importance of purpose built hardware and Positrons unique value. They discuss the Positron team, their investors and their success to date as well as dive in the future for them in our region. Mon, 10 Feb 2025 10:00:00 +0000 https://media.resonaterecordings.com/growth-pioneers/090e6b09-e5ca-4698-892a-0ee8707b361a.mp3 https://media.resonaterecordings.com/growth-pioneers/090e6b09-e5ca-4698-892a-0ee8707b361a.mp3 On this episode Doug speaks with Mitesh Agrawal the CEO of Positron.ai. Positron is advancing the world of AI hardware right here in the Biggest Little City, with their first product that provides 3X the performance of NVIDA at a lower cost. They discuss the changing landscape of AI, the importance of purpose built hardware and Positrons unique value. They discuss the Positron team, their investors and their success to date as well as dive in the future for them in our region. Mon, 10 Feb 2025 10:00:00 +0000 https://media.resonaterecordings.com/growth-pioneers/090e6b09-e5ca-4698-892a-0ee8707b361a.mp3 https://media.resonaterecordings.com/growth-pioneers/65e3f35c-a79f-4876-a03e-bf2627ede96d.mp3 On this episode of the podcast Doug speaks with Jon Dalton, President of the Nevada Coalition for Psychedelic Medicine. JD, a former Navy SEAL of 23 years, shares his personal story of overcoming debilitating depression and anxiety because of multiple traumatic brain injuries and combat related trauma. They discuss the current state of Veterans mental health, suicide rates and treatment modalities. They explore the promise of psychedelic medicine in addressing mental health challenges facing Veterans and the barriers to access. They deep dive into NCPMs role in changing policy in Nevada and outline a legislative framework for providing access regulated legal access. Thu, 23 Jan 2025 10:00:00 +0000 https://media.resonaterecordings.com/growth-pioneers/65e3f35c-a79f-4876-a03e-bf2627ede96d.mp3 https://media.resonaterecordings.com/growth-pioneers/65e3f35c-a79f-4876-a03e-bf2627ede96d.mp3 On this episode of the podcast Doug speaks with Jon Dalton, President of the Nevada Coalition for Psychedelic Medicine. JD, a former Navy SEAL of 23 years, shares his personal story of overcoming debilitating depression and anxiety because of multiple traumatic brain injuries and combat related trauma. They discuss the current state of Veterans mental health, suicide rates and treatment modalities. They explore the promise of psychedelic medicine in addressing mental health challenges facing Veterans and the barriers to access. They deep dive into NCPMs role in changing policy in Nevada and outline a legislative framework for providing access regulated legal access. Thu, 23 Jan 2025 10:00:00 +0000 https://media.resonaterecordings.com/growth-pioneers/65e3f35c-a79f-4876-a03e-bf2627ede96d.mp3 https://media.resonaterecordings.com/growth-pioneers/1c0258d6-8282-4b31-9da3-8f4f2a0633f4.mp3 On this episode of the Growth Pioneers, Doug speaks with Sean Montgomery. Sean has a PhD in Neuroscience, is an immersive experience artist, and the founder of a medical wearables company. They talk about Sean's journey to Reno and dive deep into his current product which detects minor cognitive decline. They also have a wide ranging conversation about the future of wearables as it relates to consciousness, subtle energy, meditation and human flourishing. Wed, 22 Jan 2025 10:00:00 +0000 https://media.resonaterecordings.com/growth-pioneers/1c0258d6-8282-4b31-9da3-8f4f2a0633f4.mp3 https://media.resonaterecordings.com/growth-pioneers/1c0258d6-8282-4b31-9da3-8f4f2a0633f4.mp3 On this episode of the Growth Pioneers, Doug speaks with Sean Montgomery. Sean has a PhD in Neuroscience, is an immersive experience artist, and the founder of a medical wearables company. They talk about Sean's journey to Reno and dive deep into his current product which detects minor cognitive decline. They also have a wide ranging conversation about the future of wearables as it relates to consciousness, subtle energy, meditation and human flourishing. Wed, 22 Jan 2025 10:00:00 +0000 https://media.resonaterecordings.com/growth-pioneers/1c0258d6-8282-4b31-9da3-8f4f2a0633f4.mp3 https://media.resonaterecordings.com/growth-pioneers/9d75d696-9c33-412c-9a8e-8d72745c0db1.mp3 In this episode of The Growth Pioneers Podcast, I’m thrilled to welcome David Ezell, a brand strategist at Meta and host of the podcast How to Ride a Roller Coaster. David shares his journey as a recent transplant from Dallas to Reno, bringing a unique perspective on ecosystem building in both cities. Together, we dive into his experiences interviewing entrepreneurs, his insights into the dynamics of Reno and Dallas, and the future of entrepreneurial growth here in Reno. David's dynamic personality and passion for the entrepreneurial mindset make this conversation both engaging and inspiring. Join us as we explore the nuances of building supportive communities for entrepreneurs and the exciting possibilities for Reno's future. Wed, 08 Jan 2025 10:00:00 +0000 https://media.resonaterecordings.com/growth-pioneers/9d75d696-9c33-412c-9a8e-8d72745c0db1.mp3