OnlyFounders
What really happens when two founders hit record?
Welcome to OnlyFounders, the unfiltered podcast where Anne Gillaspie and Matt Lo—two wildly different founders with wildly good chemistry—let you eavesdrop on the conversations that usually happen behind closed doors.
From the brand therapist brain of Anne (Fix & Form) to the tech-obsessed mind of Matt (ChipBot), these are the deep dives, off-the-rails riffs, and philosophical rabbit holes that business owners crave but rarely get. Think of it as your morning coffee with two founders who aren’t afraid to disagree, throw a little shade, and get real about the humanity and science of building things that last.
Business. Branding. Technology. Psychology. Strategy. Swearing. It’s all on the table.
Grab your mug. You’re invited.
OnlyFounders
025: When Pain Meets Business: Boundaries, Burnout, and the Franchise Temptation
Anne opens up about her recent battle with nerve pain and how it’s forced her to rethink recovery — both physically and professionally. Matt draws a parallel between nerve pain and startup pain, sharing one of his hardest moments as a founder when investor pressure nearly derailed everything. The conversation unfolds into an honest discussion about client abuse, knowing when to walk away, and why some business pain teaches lessons no success ever could.
The episode then takes a surprising turn as Anne considers investing in a wellness franchise for cold plunges and infrared saunas — sparking a deep dive into the pros and cons of franchises, local market ceilings, and what it really takes to own versus create.
🚨 Stuff You’ll Want to Remember:
- “Nerve pain is no joke. It’s worse than labor — I just lost it on Tuesday.” – Anne
- “When you have an investor saying, ‘What are you doing with my money?’ — you drop everything.” – Matt
- “I sat in an abusive client relationship way too long because I didn’t recognize it as gaslighting.” – Anne
- “If there’s pain, it’s usually a good thing. That’s the signal I listen for.” – Matt
- “Referrals are gold — you’ll do anything for that business.” – Anne
📡 Where to Find Us
- Anne → Fix & Form - LinkedIn
- Matt → ChipBot - LinkedIn