Innovation Crush

Appointed by Mayor Eric Garcetti, Peter Marx is Los Angeles' first Chief Innovation and Technology Officer. Born and raised in the city of angels, his motivation is simple: "I want to see my city become a better place." With a self-referenced "$40 title," a seemingly oversimplified work goal, and zero experience in government, the former Qualcomm and EA exec comes to Innovation Crush to breakdown how he has continually used naivete as one of his greatest professional strengths. Along the way, he shares some superbly informative anecdotes on how Los Angeles (currently ranked 6th!) is leading the world in municipal innovation. https://twitter.com/pietromarx

Before Walter O'Brien discovered his intellectual gift, he was a socially awkward and often bullied kid at his school. One day, a bully had gone too far, and Walter was able to use his new found martial arts skills for a schoolyard triumph. Like a true scorpion, Walter was a docile creature, that when pushed enough, will attack and cause some pretty serious damage. Fast forward to 2014 where adult Walter (who has the 4th highest IQ in the world) has become the James Bond of geeks and geniuses, and now has an action packed television series based on his life. On Innovation Crush, Walter takes us on his journey and fills us in on his mission to save geniuses all over the planet.

Amanda Slavin is a former teacher and event planner who just happened to be given a great opportunity... to build communities with some of the world's top minds in business and creativity. That opportunity birthed CatalystCreativ, a one-of-a-kind "community design firm" that focuses on developing ecosytems that foster seemingly serendipitous moments of networking, education, and collaboration. Her firms first client? Tony Hseih's Downtown Project, a $350 million dollar effort to rethink downtown Las Vegas and the world at large. Now her company's sights are set on new cities, brands, and organizations in need of inspiration. On Innovation Crush, Amanda shares her journey, her passion, and the inherent nuances of creating a truly unique method of inspiring the world to think greater. www.catalystcreativ.com

Andy Rohm is a marketing professor at Loyola Marymount University. The Detroiter turned marketer (Reebok, Brooks) turned surfer turned education innovator is one of the minds behind LMU's M-School, a new education program that covers all things marketing, innovation, and even invention. On this installment of Innovation Crush, Andy Breaks down how he and his team are reinventing the way we teach young minds to create for and connect with consumers in this rapidly evolving world. http://blogs.lmu.edu/mschool/

Hugh Forrest has been an integral part of the SXSW movement since its inception in the late 80's. The veteran festival director has been the visionary behind mulitple components, including primarily the interactive programming, which now sees more attendees than both its music and film counterparts. On Innovation Crush, Hugh breaks down the multiple levels of perseverance, support, and vision it's taken for the festival -along with its participants - to rise to massive event's current state of meteoric success. https://twitter.com/Hugh_W_Forrest

For some, the introduction of wearable technology is like the introduction of fire, or the wheel to mankind. The growing industry has opened a whole new ways to how we think, interact, learn, and survive, and progress. On this 1 year anniversary episode of Innovation Crush, the king of wearable tech, and co-founder of Wearable World, Kyle Ellicott guides us through the past, present and future of this highly fascinating billion dollar industry. http://wearableworld.co/ twitter.com/kyleellicott

Director Joel Zwick and and producer Steve Sunshine are legends in the entertainment business. Classic storytellers, the two have helmed legendary projects ranging from Laverne & Shirley, to Webster, Full House, My Big Fat Greek Wedding, EXTRA, Mork and Mindy, Shake It Up!, and more, touching over 1000 episodes of television and dozens of films in their careers. On Innovation Crush, the hilarious duo discuss undying principles of storytelling, building relationships, how audiences have changed. Plus they give us an exclusive breakdown of Serrano, their new hitman musical which they are crowdfunding via Indiegogo. See their project here: igg.me/at/SerranoTheMusical

We've all been there... at the height of success or in the midst of on-the-job misery, and saying to ourselves, "You know what? This isn't for me!" Steve Belanger was a talented media executive, holding top positions at publishers like Penthouse and TIME. Then, he became an actor, comedian, host, and author. On this is installment of Innovation Crush, Steve breaks down the careful nature of his decision making process, how his past shaped his future, and gives damn good advice for those looking to make the shift.

Nancy Gale is a not only a survivor, but a thriver. While overcoming many personal difficulties at various stages throughout her life, the luxury accessory designer has skyrocketed beyond success with an attention to detail and craftsmanship second to none. Always inventive and holistically innovative, she has woven social responsibility into her productions, working with underprivileged youth to conceive, develop, produce, market, and sell the lines products with a program called In True Fashion. On Innovation Crush, Nancy explains the difference between visionaries and entrepreneurs, details the experiences of her life, walks us through the intricacies of In True Fashion, and tells tells of working with names like Richard Branson and Bill Clinton. www.intruefashion.org www.jamah.com

Innovation Crush goes live in partnership with Tribe Talks, a series of entertaining and informative events created by millenial focused marketing and branding agency, Tribemint. In this episode, we chat with Natasha Case and Freya Estreller, co-founders of Coolhaus, a specialty dessert company that seamlessly fuses architecture and... err ice cream! Launching at Coachella 5 years ago with one truck, Coolhaus is now on track to scoop in over $7 million in revenue in 2014, with 12 trucks across the country, 2 stores, a best-selling cookbook, and partnerships with retailers like Whole Foods. TRIBEMINT has developed a new paradigm in the way companies create and seed cultures of engagement where loyalty, innovation, and success thrive and convert consumers and employees alike into brand advocates. Equal parts funny, hip, and brilliant, these co-founders walk us through their personal journey of the creating their brand. www.tribemint.com www.eatcoolhaus.com

Jamen Shively possesses an insane ability to envision ecosystems. When he thinks of an idea, he almost just as immediately can frame up all its social implications, hypothetical nuances, pros, cons, supporters, naysayers, and world changing opportunities. A former top executive at Microsoft, Jamen left to begin an in depth venture into the business and social ecosystem of Cannibis, that has involved presidents, congressmen, celebrities, and even sparked the world's first branded marijuana. On Innovation Crush, Jamen rolls up several insights around his history at Microsft (he diligently fought against the launch of Bing), finding his life in danger in his new business, creating world peace, the implications of marijuana legalization, where his second nature ability to create comes from, and more! http://iccco.org/

Keith Clinkscales is the man responsible for making Sean Combs gigantic dream, a gigantic reality. The former ESPN executive, and Vibe Magazine president is now leading the effort behind Revolt TV, a new music platformed some have labeled the perfect rebirth of MTV. On Innovation Crush, Keith discusses the impact of hip hop culture, how the music business has changed over the years, what its like working for one of the worlds renown visionaries, and what it takes to successfully launch a multi-faceted music platform like Revolt TV in today's world.

In this farewell episode of Innovation Crush, Robert Dones Jr, says goodbye to the Innovation Crush crew and the Crushers he's entertained for the past year... But not without a few of his peers and colleagues who see him as an on-the-job, peer-to-peer mentor, and friend. Together they discuss their generation's social habits, technology, the future of the workforce, entitlement, and share a few words of praise and wisdom for one another. https://twitter.com/donteventrip

Chris Gore is probably one of your favorite independent creator's favorite independent creators. The multi-hyphenate Gore, has hosted television, published a magazine, made films, performed stand up, and probably even dabbles in cooking and fine art. He is one of the most sought after authorities in creating independent success within industries traditionally dominated by large corporations. On Innovation Crush, Chris walks us through the trials and triumphs of creating, marketing, and partnering to see your vision through... on your own. www.twitter.com/thatchrisgore www.thatchrisgore.com

Chris Dancy has been labeled everything from cyborg to robot to the most connected man in the world. The 45-year-old former software developer has sensors and gadgets galore; his body, home, and car, and even his dog Rocko, are all pumping information in and out at any given time. Where most see techno-clutter, Chris's personal philosophies and natural gravitation toward technology give him the clarity to utilize these as tools for improving his life and the lives of others. He's lost 100lbs, saved his dog from chronic car sickness, improved his peace, quit his job, wired his home to be responsive to his moods, and even become a better lover. On Innovation Crush, Chris - who's also wide open book - fills us in on how he got here, where he's going, and how we're all welcomed to join him. www.chrisdancy.com www.twitter.com/ServiceSphere

When Nirvan Mullick's story behind Caine's Arcade hit the front page of Yahoo!, the media giant proclaimed it as the most positively received story on their home page of all time. Part philosopher, part filmmaker, part marketer, part adventurer, and a whole lotta awesome - one day Nirvan walked into used parts store to get a door handle, and walked out with the beginnings of one of the biggest creative movements in recent history. His film about a 9-year-old entrepreneur received over a million views in 24 hours, sparked a global creative movement, generated 100's of thousands of dollars in fundraising and scholarships, a chance meeting with Bill Clinton, TED talks, and more. feat guest host, Susan Tie. www.twitter.com/nirvan www.twitter.com/imagination The Caine's Arcade Film: http://vimeo.com/40000072

Among many accolades, Ondi Timoner has the rare accomplishment of having won the Sundance Grand Jury award twice. 2014 marks the 10 year anniversary of the Yale graduates first win for a film called DIG. Her second, an early exploration in social internet behavior, called WE LIVE IN PUBLIC. On Innovation Crush, Ondi stops by to talk about the power of storytelling, her history in filmmaking, and her newly launched innovation series, A TOTAL DISRUPTION which profiles founders and innovators of the world' top disruptive companies and projects. features special guest host, Tameka Kee. www.twitter.com/onditimoner http://www.youtube.com/user/atotaldisruption www.twitter.com/geekychic

Kenny Mac is the tastemakers' tastemaker. A connoisseur of cool, Kenny has spent the majority of his career creating organic and effective relationships between influencers and brands. Whether a producing a swanky party in NYC for Moet-Hennessy, or rebranding one of the world's largest conferences, Kenny's expertise has been sought after by some of the most influential brands and individuals on the planet. On Innovation Crush, Kenny explains the power of influence, the importance of family, and walks us through Behind the Hustle, his platform - partnered with Complex Media - for educating professionals on unique opportunities for personal success. Feat. guest host, Tanya Bershadsky www.twitter.com/behindthehustle www.creativecontraband.com

Look up Cindy Gallop, and you'll find any number of accomplishments and descriptors - Chairman of the Board at BBH, Theater Publicist, TED Talker, Sex Educator, Feminist, Public Speaker, etc. The list goes on and on. She is most recently noted for her jaw-dropping appearance at TED where she launched Make Love Not Porn, a revolutionary platform designed change the how intimacy is perceived around the world. On Innovation Crush, the make love maven shares her career highlights, her entrepreneurial challenges, her views on feminism and equality, and defines what she means when she says "I am the Michael Bay of business..." www.makelovenotporn.com www.twitter.com/cindygallop

As human beings, we are hard-wired for preservation and re-creation, constantly stimulated by sexual imagery. Given our "sex cells," it's no wonder that fans of the adult industry consume by the millions, allowing porn to set many precedents in everything from marketing to technology to law. At the same time, not only is the topic of sex a cultural taboo, but the industry itself faces a ton of challenges. Dr. Chauntelle Tibbals socio-pshychological expertise on sexual behavior and the adult industry is highly sought after both by educational institutions and the porn industry itself. On IC, the doctor and author breaks down our quiet cultural obsession, addressing equality in the business, missed perceptions, epic fandemonium, psychology of performers, and more. http://www.chauntelletibbals.com/ www.twitter.com/drchauntelle