Raw and Real Entrepreneurship®

Be a Guest on the Show

Unfiltered conversations with founders who have walked through the fire to build and scale. If you have a story worth telling and you are willing to tell all of it, we want to hear from you.

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Beyond the highlight reel. The grit behind the glory.

Raw and Real Entrepreneurship® is not for the faint of heart. Hosted by award winning entrepreneur Susan Sly, the show features unfiltered conversations with powerhouse founders who have walked through the fire to build and scale, and who are not afraid to talk about it. We are looking for exceptional founders and cofounders, not coaches or consultants, who are willing to go deep, share the raw truth of the journey, and show how they are using AI in their business.

01. Founders who have exitedYou have sold a company

A founder or cofounder who has had a successful exit and can speak candidly about what it really took, including the parts that never made the press release.

02. Investors with insightYou back founders

An investor with deep startup insight and a founder first mindset, who can tell listeners what actually gets a company funded and what quietly kills one.

03. Founders in the arenaYou are building right now

A founder or cofounder actively building a business, willing to share the highs and the lows while they are still living them.

Past guests include

You will be in good company.

More than 300 episodes and counting. Please listen to the show before you apply so you know the tone, the depth, and the kind of honesty we ask of every guest.

Glenn Stearns

Undercover Billionaire, Founder of Stearns Lending

Jesse Itzler

Co-Founder of Marquis Jet, Zico, and 100 Mile Group

Jen Pelka

Co-Founder of Une Femme Wines

Lori Harder

Influencer and Founder of Lite Pink

Who we are looking for

A founder or cofounder who has had a successful exit
An investor with deep startup insight and a founder first mindset
A founder or cofounder actively building a business

Requirements

A combined social following of 25,000 or more across all platforms
Willing to share the episode when it airs
Willing to speak candidly and authentically about the highs and lows of building a company

Guest Application

Let’s go raw. Let’s get real.

Due to the volume of interest, our team reaches out only to those selected for an interview. Selection is ongoing throughout the year. We cannot wait to meet the next founder whose story needs to be heard.

Raw and Real Entrepreneurship®

Guest Application with Susan Sly

Before you apply

Please check out the show first. The strongest applications come from people who know exactly what Raw and Real sounds like.

01About you

First name* Please enter your first name.

Last name* Please enter your last name.

Pronunciation of your name in phonetics* Please tell us how to say your name.

Best contact email* Please enter a valid email address.

Phone number* Please enter a phone number.

Name of your company* Please enter your company name.

Which best describes the type of company you own?* Please make a selection.

Are you the founder or cofounder? What is your current role?* Please tell us your role.

Your mailing address* Please enter your mailing address.

Which recording options would work for you?*

Virtual only In studio (Los Angeles) Either virtual or in studio

Please choose a recording option.

02Your story

How are you using AI in your business?* Please tell us how you are using AI.

How did you hear about the Raw and Real Entrepreneurship® podcast?* Please let us know how you found the show.

Have you sold a company? If so, what was the exit price?

Please include any media coverage of the transaction.

Explain why you would be a great fit for Raw and Real Entrepreneurship®* This one matters. A few sentences is plenty.

Your bio* Please share a short bio.

As an entrepreneur, what are your top 3 key messages?* Please share your top three messages.

What is your one core message around entrepreneurial skills?* Please share your core message.

Links to samples of interviews or media you have done within the last 2 years

03Website and social media

Please include the number of followers on each platform, and both your personal and business accounts where applicable. Links or handles both work.

Website

Facebook

Instagram

YouTube

TikTok

Email address where we can send the social share materials for show promotion* Please enter a valid email address.

04Media release and promotional agreement

By selecting Yes below, I confirm that, if selected to appear as a guest on the podcast, I grant full permission for my name, image, likeness, and voice to be recorded, edited, and distributed in connection with the show. I understand that the content may be used across all media formats now known or later developed, including promotional and commercial uses. I waive any right to inspect or approve the final version and acknowledge that all recordings and content remain the sole intellectual property of the podcast producers.

Furthermore, I agree to actively support the promotion of my episode by sharing it across my digital and social media platforms, including but not limited to websites, newsletters, and social channels, within a reasonable timeframe of its release.

Yes, I agree No

Please make a selection.

Please review the highlighted fields above.

Our team reaches out only to applicants selected for an interview. By applying, you will also receive Susan’s weekly email. Unsubscribe any time.

Raw and Real Entrepreneurship® with Susan Sly · susansly.com

Application Received

Thank you. Your story is in good hands.

Our team reviews every Raw and Real Entrepreneurship® application personally. Because of the volume of interest we reach out only to those selected for an interview, and selection is ongoing throughout the year.

While you wait, catch up on recent episodes and get to know the show.

Listen to the Podcast