logo
episode-header-image
Nov 2024
48m 54s

Advice Line with Chris Ruder of Spikebal...

Guy Raz | Wondery
About this episode

Spikeball founder and CEO Chris Ruder joins Guy on the Advice Line, where they answer questions from three early-stage founders. Plus, Chris shares an early-days strategy that ended up revealing surprising intel about his core customers.

First we meet Jimmy in California, who’s wondering how to find passionate managers as he scales his chain of parkour gyms. Then Cindy in Massachusetts, who’s looking to expand her running brand beyond its niche with a new product. And Nigel in New York, who’s poising himself for a comeback after his Rockaway Beach surf shop went under last year.

Thank you to the founders of Freedom in Motion Gym, Pen and Paces, and Station RBNY Surf Shop for being a part of our show.

If you’d like to be featured on a future Advice Line episode, leave us a one-minute message that tells us about your business and a specific question you’d like answered. Send a voice memo to hibt@id.wondery.com or call 1-800-433-1298.

And be sure to listen to Spikeball’s founding story as told by Chris on the show in 2023.


This episode was produced by Sam Paulson, who also composed the music. It was edited by John Isabella. Our audio engineer was Neal Rauch.

You can follow HIBT on X & Instagram and sign up for Guy’s free newsletter at guyraz.com.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Up next
Aug 11
Crumbl: Jason McGowan
Crumbl may be a cookie business – but Jason McGowan turned it into a fast-growing restaurant chain by building it like a tech startup. He and co-founder Sawyer Hemsley meticulously A/B tested the recipe, launched a delivery app early on, and went viral with weekly drops of wild n ... Show More
1h 4m
Aug 7
Advice Line with Mei Xu of Chesapeake Bay Candle and Blueme
Chesapeake Bay Candle and Blueme founder Mei Xu joins Guy on the Advice Line to answer questions from three early-stage founders. Plus, Mei shares the importance of businesses meeting people everywhere they shop.First, Sasha, who started a gourmet pot pie company in Brooklyn, New ... Show More
41m 48s
Aug 4
Simon Cowell: Music Mogul
Long before he became famous as the sharp-tongued TV personality who launched the careers of pop stars, Simon Cowell was a rebellious teenager who dropped out of school and started his career in the mailroom at EMI. After a failed business left him nearly bankrupt, he found succe ... Show More
1h 8m
Recommended Episodes
Oct 2023
Business Building Tips From The CEO Coach Of Naval Ravikant - Matt Mochary
Today we are joined by Matt Mochary, The leading "CEO Coach" In Silicon Valley. Some of his clients include Naval Ravikant (AngelList), Brian Armstrong (Coinbase), and Sam Altman (Open AI / Chat GPT). He is also the author of "The Great CEO Within". We're also joined by Quin ... Show More
59m 57s
May 2024
Cuba Gooding Jr: Diddy, Assault Allegations & The Dark Side of Hollywood | PBD Podcast | Ep. 407
Patrick Bet-David sits down one-on-one with actor Cuba Gooding Jr. Cuba Gooding Jr., born in 1968 in The Bronx, New York, is best known for his Oscar-winning role as the charismatic Rod Tidwell in "Jerry Maguire" and his compelling performance in "Boyz n the Hood." THE MINNECT LE ... Show More
1h 40m
Mar 2025
Trump’s Speech STUNS Congress | PBD Podcast | Ep. 558
Patrick Bet-David, Tom Ellsworth, Vincent Oshana, and Adam Sosnick are joined by political commentator Rob Smith as they cover Donald Trump's State of the Union address, Rep. Al Green getting booted from the speech, Canada, Mexico & China's response to Trump's tariff, ... Show More
2h 28m
Dec 2023
Q&A: How To Be Seen By The World As Your Most Authentic Self | Living Room Session With Jen Gottlieb, Author, Speaker & Entrepreneur
Welcome to part two of our Living Room Session, where Lindsey Schwartz, Jen Gottlieb, and I answer questions from our incredible live audience! We dive into some really juicy topics, like how to recharge after a busy season, ways to overcome self-doubt, and tips for improving you ... Show More
54m 11s
May 29
Episode 769: Digital CEO Weekly Win: A Voice Actor Turns His Passion Into a 6-Figure Business & Grows His Revenue +177% Doing What He LOVES in a SMALL Niche - Paul Schmidt's BBD Success Story
Each day this week we’ve been highlighting Business By Design members who are doing incredible things in their businesses, and today is no exception! Jenni sits down with Paul Schmidt, a voice actor turned Digital CEO, as he pulls back the curtain and shares the big lessons and i ... Show More
58m 2s
Jul 2022
914. Why Personal Branding is the Future of Marketing with AJ Vaden, the CEO and Co-Founder of Brand Builders Group
I’m joined by AJ Vaden, the CEO and Co-Founder of Brand Builders Group, one of the world’s leading authorities on personal brand strategy. We dive into what it means to have a personal brand and address some of the common misconceptions that people have around the idea. AJ emphas ... Show More
1h 4m
Aug 2021
Business Growth, Risk-taking, and Incorporating Emotional Intelligence Into Your Business with Client Patricia Nowakowski
In today's episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with my awesome SHINE Mastermind member, Patricia Nowakowski. Patricia owns Opulent Beauty, a laid-back, luxury salon in Chicago. Patricia and I talk about why it’s important to have a clear vision in your business, the importanc ... Show More
34m 3s
Jan 2024
BREAKING NEWS: Dave Portnoy Now Part Owner of Rumble w/ CEO Chris Pavlovski | PBD Podcast | Ep. 354
Patrick Bet-David, Adam Sosnick, Tom Ellsworth, and Vincent Oshana are joined by Rumble CEO Chris Pavlovski. Chris Pavlovski is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Rumble. As a three-time successful entrepreneur, Mr. Pavlovski has over 20 years’ experience in the online ma ... Show More
2 h
Apr 2025
"They Stole My Patents" - Terrence Howard RAGES On Tech Theft, Science Clash & Marvel Drama | PBD Podcast | Ep. 571
Actor Terrence Howard joins Patrick Bet-David to discuss his departure from Hollywood, revolutionary scientific theories, and his battle for recognition in the academic world. A mind-blowing conversation that challenges mainstream physics.------Ⓜ️ MINNECT WITH TERRANCE HOWARD: ht ... Show More
2h 9m
Mar 2025
Andrew Tate Tells America: “I’M BACK!” – The Interview They Tried To Stop | PBD Podcast | Ep. 555
Patrick Bet-David reunites with Andrew Tate for a third interview. After visiting him under house arrest, Patrick now welcomes Andrew to Florida. Newly freed, he opens up about his wild ride—from legal fights to rebuilding his empire. Don’t miss this intense follow-up!------🖥️ T ... Show More
3h 22m