Founder admits he doesn’t know everything, but getting vulnerable could shed light on the answers
Editor’s Note: Startland News serves as the in-kind media sponsor of “Beyond the Founder.” This story was produced independently by Startland News’ staff.
For 23-year-old Will Strout, the entrepreneurial journey isn’t just about profit margins and business plans — it’s about the people behind the passion.
Launched this week, “Beyond the Founder” aims to uncover the raw, unfiltered stories of entrepreneurs and creators, offering listeners a fresh perspective on what it takes to build something meaningful.
“Podcasting might be a crowded space, but I think there’s a need for more authentic, vulnerable conversations,” Strout said. “I aim to stand out by focusing on the people, their deeper ‘why,’ and the lessons they’ve learned along the way.”
The Kansas City-based podcast takes a deeply personal approach to storytelling, exploring themes of resilience, adaptability, and the power of staying connected to one’s purpose. Each episode dives into the emotional and human side of entrepreneurship, breaking away from the highlight reel often portrayed on social media.
Click here to connect with Strout on LinkedIn.
Authentic voices in a crowd
With a background in startups — including some that didn’t succeed — Strout isn’t afraid to admit he doesn’t have all the answers. Instead, curiosity drives the podcast’s unique format. Guests are chosen for their willingness to be vulnerable, sharing not just their successes but also their setbacks, doubts, and moments of transformation.
Will Strout, “Beyond the Founder” podcast; courtesy photo
“I look for guests who aren’t afraid to be vulnerable, who are willing to share both their wins and their challenges,” he said. “It’s not about having the biggest name or the most successful company; it’s about finding people who have a compelling story and a clear passion for what they’re building. Authenticity and depth are what I value most in a guest.”
One misconception the podcast hopes to challenge is the idea that entrepreneurship is a straight path to overnight success. By spotlighting the struggles behind the triumphs, “Beyond the Founder” offers a more nuanced view of what it means to build something from the ground up.
“People don’t see the hard work, failures, or personal sacrifices behind the scenes,” Strout explained. “Through this podcast, I want to highlight those realities and show that success is rarely a straight line.”
Check out the first episode of “Beyond the Founder,” featuring LaunchKC winner Jeffrey Annaraj, co-founder of Cybership.
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Learning by listening
The podcast also reflects Strout’s personal journey as a young entrepreneur. His openness about failures and a desire to learn from others shape the heart of the series.
“I’m 23 — what do I know?” he said. “Instead of acting like I know the answers or have all of them, what if I said I don’t know and found people who knew the answer and had conversations with them? My age, curiosity, and wanting to learn more about people and their stories is what drives this podcast. More importantly, [I’m] sharing these conversations so [listeners] can learn with me.”
Episodes — which drop each Sunday and Thursday evening — will feature candid conversations with a diverse range of guests, from founders and content creators to innovators in unexpected industries. Each guest is encouraged to dig deep, sharing the “why” behind their work and the lessons they’ve picked up along the way.
Building community through stories
Beyond being a source of inspiration, “Beyond the Founder” aims to foster a sense of community within the entrepreneurial ecosystem. By demystifying the process of building a business and highlighting the humanity behind the hustle, the podcast hopes to empower listeners to embrace their own unique journeys.
“Storytelling is one of the most powerful tools for connection,” Strout said. “When people hear authentic stories of triumphs and setbacks, it reshapes how they think about challenges and motivates them to keep going. My hope is that these stories remind people they’re not alone in their struggles — and that they have the power to push through and create something great.”
The podcast is available on all major streaming platforms, with new episodes expected to drop weekly.
Click here to listen to Beyond the Founder.
