‘Founding DC’: New WTOP podcast to share highs, lows of business

WTOP News announces the launch of “Founding DC” presented by NFP, a dynamic podcast hosted by local restaurateur and entrepreneur Dan Simons.

The innovative series dives into the stories behind some of the D.C. area’s most successful business ventures. Recorded in front of a live audience, the podcast will feature candid and lively conversations with local founders, exploring the highs, lows and in-betweens of their entrepreneurial journeys.

The podcast will be recorded on March 13, from 8 to 11 a.m. and will air on March 25. The inaugural episode features an exclusive and meaningful conversation with distinguished guests Seth Goldman, co-founder of Eat the Change and Honest Tea and chair of Beyond Meat, and Mark Ein, entrepreneur, Chairman of Kastle Systems and minority owner of the Washington Commanders.

Each episode will explore the beginnings of business ventures, the core values that shape their leaders, and the innovative strategies driving their achievements. Listeners will gain valuable insights as guests share their triumphs, setbacks and lessons learned along the way. From exploring missed opportunities to reflecting on game-changing failures, “Founding DC” aims to inspire and inform both current and aspiring entrepreneurs.

“Our mission with ‘Founding DC‘ is to pay it forward by spotlighting the unique paths forged by local founders. By sharing their stories, we hope to spark new ideas and connections, and ultimately celebrate the spirit of entrepreneurship that makes our community thrive,” Dan Simons, co-founder of Founding Farmers, said.

Each episode of “Founding DC” will be recorded at WTOP Studios in Chevy Chase, Maryland, before an exclusive audience of approximately 50 local business leaders and influencers. Guests and attendees are invited to a breakfast reception before the recording, fostering opportunities for networking, idea exchange and real-time feedback. The intimate setting enhances the sense of community and shared purpose that defines “Founding DC.”

“As part of the community, WTOP News is a leader in engaging audiences across the region. With this endeavor, we’re raising the profile of entrepreneurship in D.C. by connecting the local people and stories that make up the heart of D.C.’s thriving business community through content that is both interactive and multimedia,” WTOP News President Joel Oxley said.

Join a celebration of the entrepreneurs shaping the future of Washington, D.C. Subscribe to “Founding DC” on your favorite podcast platform and visit WTOP News for updates and featured highlights. Shulman Rogers is a supporting sponsor of “Founding DC.”

Simons is the co-founder and CEO of the Farmers Restaurant Group (FRG), which includes the popular Founding Farmers restaurants. With seven locations, and a new location opening in Alexandria this month, FRG is best known for its award-winning farmer-owned restaurants, distillery and catering company. Committed to sustainability, community engagement and hospitality excellence, Simons brings a thoughtful, human-centered approach to the podcast. His engaging interview style encourages guests to share the personal and professional experiences that make their ventures exceptional.

WTOP has served the Washington region as the leading source for news, traffic and weather 24/7 for more than 50 years.