20 Episodes In: A Trip Down Memory Lane with Innovate or Evaporate

What started as an idea brainstormed in casual conversation has turned into something bigger than we ever imagined. When we launched Innovate or Evaporate at the start of 2025, the goal was simple: to explore the relentless pace of change and the fearless pioneers driving it.

Fast forward just a few months, and we’ve now hit a major milestone: 20 episodes and over 50,000 streams. That number isn’t just a metric. It’s a testament to the stories, the guests, and the community that’s grown around this podcast. And to celebrate, we sat down with Darryl “DMC” McDaniels of the legendary RunDMC.

But before we get to Episode 20, let’s take a moment to look back at how we got here.

From Idea to Impact

The original concept behind Innovate or Evaporate was to build something that sat at the intersection of storytelling and strategy; where culture meets business, and visionaries aren’t just praised but understood.

Our guests aren’t chosen for the headlines they make (though many of them make plenty), but for their mindset: a willingness to evolve, disrupt, and challenge the status quo. That lens has allowed us to welcome some of the most dynamic leaders in business, government, media, sports, and tech.

The Conversations That Shaped Us

We’ve been honored to sit down with trailblazers from across the spectrum. People like:

• Alex Rodriguez, who reminded us that reinvention is possible—whether you’re at the plate or in the boardroom.

• Mung Chiang, President of Purdue University, who walked us through the future of academic innovation and why Indiana is becoming a global research hub.

• Pam Whitten, President of Indiana University, who is leading IU through a bold new era of collaboration and cross-disciplinary learning.

• David Stout, founder of WebAI, who demystified AI moonshots and reminded us how much can be built in a basement with vision and grit.

• Jann Mardenborough, who took us from gaming consoles to professional racing and left us inspired by the power of focus and discipline.

• Shelley Zalis, founder of The Female Quotient, who champions gender equality and inclusive innovation on a global scale.

• Manny Ohonme, founder of Samaritan’s Feet, whose story of impact and purpose proves that innovation doesn’t always come from Silicon Valley.

 

From the halls of NASDAQ with Jill Malandrino, to reflections on leadership, venture building, and legacy with guests like Chuck Surack, Gary Brackett, Amy Brown, Jeanne Liu, Sheldon Day, and Ambassador Reuben Brigety—each episode has become a chapter in a story that’s still unfolding.

Expanding the Conversation

We’ve also explored modern marketing with Brooke Wyatt, a rising influencer, and her agent Logan Watkins, who helped us understand what authenticity looks like in today’s creator economy. And we went deep on AI and responsible innovation with Tia White, whose path from self-taught coder to Amazon executive is a masterclass in breaking barriers and building diverse teams.

Episode 20: Darryl “DMC” McDaniels

And now, Episode 20.

Having Darryl join us wasn’t just an honor, it was a full-circle moment. RunDMC didn’t just top charts. They moved culture. In our conversation, Darryl opened up about more than just music. We talked legacy. Mental health. Creativity as a business. Reinvention in an industry that often leaves its icons behind.

And most importantly, we talked about staying relevant. Not through gimmicks, but through purpose.

This episode is a reminder that innovation isn’t reserved for startups or tech founders. It belongs to anyone willing to evolve.

 

Behind the Mic

This milestone wouldn’t have happened without the incredible team behind the scenes. Our producers, engineers, designers, and supporters have turned a blank studio into a storytelling machine. Special shoutouts to:

• Chris Spangle, without whom the studio wouldn’t be the standout space it is today

• Keith Baker, who always comes through for last-minute recordings

• Matt Wells, for opening doors to some of the best audio engineers in the business

• Tyler Hergott, whose eye has greatly improved the quality of our video.

What’s Next?

We’re just getting started.

In the next wave of episodes, you’ll hear from even more disruptors—founders building in unexpected places, public officials shaping innovation policy, and creatives redefining what leadership looks like.

We’ll continue leaning into the intersection of ambition and authenticity. Of scale and soul. Of what’s new, and what never goes out of style.

So whether you’ve listened to every episode or are just now joining us, thank you for being part of this.

 

🎧 Catch the latest episode featuring Darryl “DMC” McDaniels: https://link.chtbl.com/ioe

📺 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EvaporatePodcast

Let’s Keep Building

If Innovate or Evaporate has resonated with you—if it’s made you think differently, act boldly, or just feel less alone in the hustle—we hope you’ll share it. Every listen, every repost, every conversation helps this community grow.

 

Here’s to the next 20.

 

Let’s innovate.