Founder Fumbles Podcast

Welcome to Founder Fumbles podcast , where we dig deep into real life startup struggles and comeback strategies. My hope is for entrepreneurs to learn how to bounce back, from real entrepreneurs that had real struggles.

Founder Fumbles Podcast is a business podcast hosted by Dahmari Taplin, with 24 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80.

Dahmari Taplin hosts Founder Fumbles Podcast, a business show with 24 episodes published.

Our AI reads these to draft pitches. Use them as grounding for a pitch that cites a real guest and a specific topic.

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  Episode #8

  How Faith Shapes Financial Success | Van Adams | S2 #8

  Sep 29, 20261h 12mS2

  Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Founder Fumbles, we sit down with Van Adams — founder of Van Adams Ministry, author of It's Working for Your Good, assistant pastor at Solomon's Temple Detroit, emerging housing developer, content creator, and social justice enthusiast — to explore the intersection of faith, purpose, entrepreneurship, and leadership. From ministry and authorship to community impact and real estate, Van shares the experiences that shaped his journey and the mindset that keeps him moving forward through life's challenges. We dive into the realities of balancing multiple callings, overcoming moments of doubt, staying committed to a bigger purpose, and building a lasting impact both inside and outside the church. Whether you're a founder, creator, leader, or someone searching for purpose, this conversation offers honest insights about resilience, growth, and showing up even when the path isn't easy. In this episode: The story behind Van Adams Ministry The inspiration behind It's Working for Your Good How Van became an assistant pastor at Solomon's Temple Detroit His perspective on faith, leadership, and community impact The journey into housing development The biggest challenges he's faced as a pastor and author How he pushes through doubt and difficult seasons Daily habits that keep him grounded Advice for aspiring entrepreneurs and purpose-driven leaders What's next for Van Adams Connect with Van Adams: Email: vanadams77@gmail.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/van.d.adams/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@vanadamss LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/van-adams-9638bb10/ Linktree: https://linktr.ee/vanadams?fbclid=IwY2xjawPGe8xleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFHTm5iU3hVTms5Y01DU3pkc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHhKH5q_2mry1TAoz5hFShALLmL4Zt6tVpQmbkbYhrsvcjuZWJTvVunSTaI_O_aem_fTLKCoSbKug4ujwMTweeaQ ️ Founder Fumbles Hosted by Dahmari Taplin Real-life startup struggles. Real comeback strategies. Sponsored by ZIGA.APP If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to like, subscribe, and leave a review. Share this with a fellow founder or creator who needs the reminder that even the biggest breakthroughs often begin with a fumble. Support the show

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  Episode #5

  How to Turn Your Passion to Profit | Deion Aldridge | S2 #5

  Aug 18, 202644 minS2

  Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Founder Fumbles, we sit down with Deion Aldridge — founder of Crushedvelvet Collection, designer, former stylist, and mental health advocate — to explore the real journey behind building a fashion brand. From getting started in styling and fashion to becoming a founder, Deion shares the challenges, lessons, mindset shifts, and experiences that shaped her entrepreneurial journey. We talk about overcoming difficult seasons, finding purpose, staying motivated, and continuing to build even when things don't go according to plan. In this episode: • The story behind Crushedvelvet Collection • Deion's journey from stylist to founder • The meaning behind her brand logo • Building and growing a fashion business • Finding models and creating opportunities • The biggest challenges of being a founder • Overcoming setbacks and moments of doubt • Finding purpose in entrepreneurship • Daily routines that keep her focused • The biggest lessons she's learned • Advice for aspiring entrepreneurs • What's next for Deion and Crushedvelvet Collection SPECIAL OFFER FOR FOUNDER FUMBLES VIEWERS! Deion is offering 20% OFF to everyone watching and supporting this episode! Use the exclusive discount code when shopping with Crushedvelvet Collection and enjoy 20% OFF your purchase. Just comment or message us on our social media accounts to get the discount code. Don't miss this opportunity to support a fellow founder while getting a special discount! Connect with Deion Aldridge & Crushedvelvet Collection: Website: http://youregonnacrushit.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crushedvelvetcollection_ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@crushedvelvetcollection ️ Founder Fumbles Hosted by Dahmari Taplin If this episode inspired you, subscribe, follow, share it with a fellow founder, and leave a review! Support the show

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  Episode #22

  Your Pain Has Purpose | T.R. Monroe | vEP.23

  Aug 15, 202627 minS8

  Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Founder Fumbles, Dahmari Taplin sits down with T.R. Monroe an author, educator, media specialist, and storyteller who is on a mission to help others understand that their greatest setbacks can become their greatest testimony. T.R. shares her journey as an author and opens up about the experiences that inspired her to write her book and share a message centered around healing, faith, purpose, and personal growth. We talk about what it means to heal both spiritually and practically, why storytelling can play such an important role in the healing process, and how difficult experiences can eventually become part of your purpose. T.R also explains the difference between simply surviving and actually healing, why people can become stuck in past pain, the role forgiveness can play in moving forward, and what healing can look like in everyday life. We also get into the entrepreneurial side of becoming an author — from the sacrifices required to write a book to the challenges of promoting something so personal. T.R shares some of the lessons she's learned along the way, including the business skills she's still developing and how technology and AI have played a role in her writing process. And, of course, we talk about the Fumble . There was a point in T.R's journey where she questioned whether writing the book was really worth the time, effort, and sacrifice. We talk about that moment, what kept her going, and the people and beliefs that helped her continue moving forward. This conversation is about more than writing a book. It's about turning pain into purpose, finding hope in difficult seasons, and understanding that sometimes the things we go through can become the very things that help someone else. In this episode, you'll hear about: • T.R's journey as an author, educator, and storyteller • What inspired her to write her book • Why healing is both spiritual and practical • How storytelling can help people heal • Finding purpose in painful experiences • The difference between surviving and healing • Forgiveness, shame, and moving forward • The challenges of becoming an author • The sacrifices that come with writing a book • Learning the business side of being an author • Using AI tools during the writing process • Faith and its role throughout her journey • The moment she questioned whether the journey was worth it • What kept her motivated when things got difficult • Turning setbacks into testimony If you've ever struggled with your past, questioned your purpose, or wondered whether the difficult things you've experienced could eventually mean something, this episode is for you. Because nobody talks about this part of the journey... The setbacks. The self-doubt. The moments you question whether you should keep going. But sometimes, your biggest fumble can become your greatest testimony. Connect with T.R. Monroe: Website: https://trmonroebooks.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authortrmonroe TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@authortrmonroe Book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DLLNJPTK Follow Founder Fumbles: Hosted by Dahmari Taplin , Founder Fumbles is a podcast about the real side of entrepreneurship — the mistakes, failures, setbacks, and moments that nobody talks about. Every founder has a fumble. This is where we talk about it. Support the show

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  Episode #4

  Every Founder's Greatest Asset | Lorrena Black | S2 #4

  Aug 4, 202633 minS2

  Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Founder Fumbles, we sit down with Lorrena Black — Founder of SheServed LLC, U.S. Army Veteran, keynote speaker, leadership coach, facilitator, wife, mother, and Christian leader — to explore how emotional intelligence, identity-driven leadership, and purpose can transform both your business and your life. Lorrena shares her journey from military service to entrepreneurship, revealing the lessons she's learned while helping leaders rise differently. We dive into the challenges of building a business, overcoming self-doubt, staying rooted in your purpose, and developing the leadership skills needed to create lasting impact. Whether you're an entrepreneur, business owner, or emerging leader, this conversation offers practical insights on resilience, personal growth, and leading with authenticity. In this episode: Lorrena's journey from the U.S. Army to entrepreneurship The story behind SheServed LLC What emotional intelligence means for leaders Identity-driven growth and why it matters Helping leaders rise differently The biggest challenges she's faced as a founder Lessons learned throughout her entrepreneurial journey How she stays motivated during difficult seasons Daily routines that help her lead with intention Advice for aspiring entrepreneurs and leaders What's next for Lorrena and SheServed LLC Connect with Lorrena Black: Website: https://www.sheserved.co/ Email: lorrena@sheserved.co Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lorrenablack/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lorrenablack/ ️ Podcast: Founder Fumbles Hosted by: Dahmari Taplin Support the show

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  Episode #3

  How He Escaped the 9-to-5 Without Inventing a New Business | Jerome Cooper | S2 #3

  Jul 21, 20261h 9mS2

  Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Founder Fumbles, we sit down with Jerome Cooper — Founder of GRIND Enterprises, Co-Founder of the Oakland Business Alliance, Franchise Owner & Regional Vice President with Primerica Financial Services Investments & Insurances, church youth leader, husband, and father — to explore the realities of building wealth, entrepreneurship, financial education, and creating a lasting impact in the community. From helping families understand financial strategies to building multiple businesses and leadership roles, Jerome shares the lessons, challenges, and mindset shifts that shaped his entrepreneurial journey. We dive into the importance of financial literacy, earning trust in business, overcoming obstacles as a founder, and staying committed to your purpose while building something meaningful. Support the show

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