Episode 35 (Dec. 15, 2020): Nick Cianfaglione, Founder and CEO of Artist Republik

Can’t get enough Bryant Bulldogs breaking barriers and re-inventing entire industries?  Nick Cianfaglione joins us this week to discuss his founding of Artist Republik, a platform for independent artists & musicians.  We discuss his method of tearing down barriers for creators to monetize and market their products, and the ordeal that artists usually encounter with their “managers.” How can an independent musician monetize their work without coughing up a large chunk of their earnings to their managers’ pockets? What’s the best way to distribute songs on a low budget?  Nick gives us answers that every artist should be dying to know.  We also discuss how he built a duct-tape wallet empire in his middle school days, and his desperate plea to the creators of Fortnite.

BEERS: Tree. ******. House. We brought back a haul from the “Brewery on the Hill” in Charlton this past weekend, and it certainly did not disappoint. Jake reviews “Juice Project” with Citra and Mosaic hops; his rating will leave your jaw on the floor.  Meanwhile, in his quest to break 1,000 beers before 2021, Will reviews the Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Peppermint Porter by Lexington Brewing Company. He’s got 37 left to go in just 14 days – can he do it?

BUSINESS: As we mentioned last week, AirBnB was one of the most highly anticipated IPO’s of our time. We expected the stock to rise after officially being listed on the markets last week, but how did they pull off more than a 100% increase in less than 2 days?  The guys evaluate if AirBnB could be one of the stocks you wished you bought 5 years from now.

BALLS:  Both the Giants and the Patriots suffered tough losses against powerhouse opponents this week, and – although we don’t want to – we break down what went wrong for the increasingly-less-likely playoff hopefuls.  Contenders and Pretenders reprises itself for another week – who is legit, and who is just here for the ride? Our choices might surprise you.

POSITIVITY CORNER: If you are in the giving spirit, please consider writing a letter to the family of Keyontae Johnson, who remains in critical condition after collapsing on the court on Saturday.  Send a message of hope & goodwill to PO BOX 14485, Gainsville FL 32604.