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by Big Shot
If the walls of Kosher delis could speak, they would (schm)ooze invaluable wisdom and endless laughs. Harley Finkelstein (Shopify) and David Segal (DAVIDsTEA) are Jewish entrepreneurs influenced by the greats who came before them. But, they realized no one was archiving the best behind-the-scenes stories ever told. Before time was up, they set out on a passion project to preserve the memories, mishaps, and wins of the people who have seen it all. Big Shot tells the stories of the people that shaped an entire generation.
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The most recent episodes — sign up to get AI-powered summaries of each one.
- Jun 25, 20261h 21m
How a 17-Year-Old From Tehran Turned $750 Into a Toy Empire | Isaac Larian
Isaac Larian is the founder and CEO of MGA Entertainment, the company behind Bratz, L.O.L. Surprise!, Little Tikes, and dozens of other iconic toy brands. But long before he built one of the largest private toy companies in the world, Isaac was a Jewish kid growing up in Tehran, where he faced antisemitism, bullying, and poverty. After arriving in America alone at 17 with just $753 in his pocket, Isaac worked the graveyard shift washing dishes while putting himself through college. He later built a successful electronics distribution business, became one of Nintendo's largest distributors, and eventually shifted into toys, where he created some of the most successful doll brands of the last two decades. In 2026, Isaac was inducted into the Toy Industry Hall of Fame in recognition of his transformative impact on the industry and his role in creating global brands including Bratz and L.O.L. Surprise!.In this episode of Big Shot, Harley Finkelstein and David Segal sit down with Isaac to discuss the experiences that shaped his relentless drive, the lessons he learned from failure, and the persistence that helped him build MGA Entertainment. They talk about his years in electronics, how he broke into Nintendo, why getting cut off led him into licensing, the creation of Bratz, the battle with Mattel, and why he believes fortune favors the bold.—In This Episode We Cover: Intro How Isaac's childhood experiences with antisemitism and poverty in Iran shaped him Arriving in America at 17 with $753 and getting his first job Why the survival instinct never leaves him Why he studied civil engineering How he got into mail order and shifted to electronics How he learned to be a good storyteller Becoming a distributor for Nintendo Why he got cut out of Nintendo and shifted into licensing Getting into the doll business The creation of Bratz Going all in on Bratz The battle with Mattel and the toll it took on Isaac How he built lasting business relationships The case for crying as a show of strength Why he loves his work and his advice for the next generation—Where To Find Isaac Larian:X: https://x.com/realIsaacLarianWebsite: https://www.mgae.comWhere To Find Big Shot: • Website: https://www.bigshot.show/• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bigshotpodcast • TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bigshotshow• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bigshotshow/ • Harley Finkelstein: https://twitter.com/harleyf • David Segal: https://twitter.com/tea_maverick• Production and Marketing: https://penname.co
- Jun 11, 20261h 17m
The Coney Island Kid Who Made Rocky, Goodfellas, and Raging Bull | Irwin Winkler
Irwin Winkler has spent more than six decades in Hollywood, producing films that have earned 52 Academy Award nominations and helped define generations of moviegoers. His credits include Rocky, Raging Bull, Goodfellas, The Right Stuff, and The Irishman, but the path that led to those films was anything but predictable.In this episode of Big Shot, hosts Harley Finkelstein and David Segal sit down with Irwin to look back on the twists, turns, relationships, and moments of good fortune that shaped his remarkable career. From the William Morris mailroom to launching an agency with Robert Chartoff, from representing Julie Christie to hearing Sylvester Stallone pitch Rocky, Irwin shares the stories behind a life spent at the center of the movie business.Along the way, he reflects on the people who changed his life, the opportunities he almost missed, and the unexpected chain of events that led from a kid growing up in Brooklyn to one of the most successful producers in Hollywood history.—In This Episode We Cover: Intro Growing up in Williamsburg, Brooklyn Moving to the Sea Gate in Coney Island Irwin's first attempt at NYU Why he enlisted in the Army Back to NYU after the Army How he got interested in working for a talent agency From summer mailroom gig at William Morris to full-time job Climbing the ranks at William Morris Leaving William Morris to work with Bob Chartoff How Julie Christie helped launch his producing career Meeting Sylvester Stallone and hearing the Rocky pitch Rocky's reception and the reshoot that saved the film How he started working with Martin Scorsese Managing productions and safeguarding creatives How Rocky II helped get Raging Bull made Funding movies then vs. now Irwin’s thoughts on AI and CGI The role of luck, hard work, and partnerships in his success The story of meeting Jack Warner and the Six-Day War Irwin's perspective on Jewish success in business and entertainment—Where To Find Irwin Winkler:• Website: https://winklerfilms.comWhere To Find Big Shot: • Website: https://www.bigshot.show/• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bigshotpodcast • TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bigshotshow• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bigshotshow/ • Harley Finkelstein: https://twitter.com/harleyf • David Segal: https://twitter.com/tea_maverick• Production and Marketing: https://penname.co
- May 21, 202649 min
From Paramount to Fox to Expedia: How Barry Diller Built One Massive Business After Another
Barry Diller started in the mailroom at the William Morris Agency, but he had no interest in becoming an agent. He didn’t hustle the way others did. Instead, he spent his time in the file room, reading everything he could and learning how the business actually worked. By his own account, he likely would have been fired if not for one thing: his connection to Danny Thomas.In this episode of Big Shot, Barry sits down with Harley and David to reflect on the path that took him from that mailroom to running studios, building networks, and shaping modern media. He shares how his ambition came later, not as something he chased but something he discovered, and how his career was shaped as much by timing and luck as by intention.Along the way, Barry walks through the decisions that defined his career, from rising quickly through ABC and becoming chairman of Paramount at 32, to building the Fox network alongside Rupert Murdoch, and later taking control of IAC and acquiring companies like Expedia.This is a conversation about instinct, timing, and the willingness to walk through the door when it opens.—In This Episode We Cover: Intro Barry’s early heroes and influences Where his ambition came from Getting his start in the mailroom at the William Morris Agency What he learned from reading client files at William Morris Working as an assistant at William Morris How he got a job at ABC Barry’s thoughts on serendipity Developing The Movie of the Week and miniseries at ABC Becoming chairman of Paramount at 32 Working with Charles Bluhdorn Why he still feels like he hasn’t made it Building the Fox network and bringing Rupert Murdoch on board How he took control of IAC The story behind buying Expedia Barry’s leadership philosophy M&A strategy at IAC How Eastern European Jews built Hollywood Barry’s relationship to Jewish culture —Where To Find Barry Diller:• Website: https://www.iac.com/leadership/barry-dillerWhere To Find Big Shot: • Website: https://www.bigshot.show/• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bigshotpodcast • TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bigshotshow• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bigshotshow/ • Harley Finkelstein: https://twitter.com/harleyf • David Segal: https://twitter.com/tea_maverick• Production and Marketing: https://penname.co
- Apr 30, 20261h 21m
The Quiet Dealmaker Who Bought the Warriors and A’s | Lew Wolff
Lew Wolff didn’t set out to become a billionaire developer or a professional sports team owner. He didn’t grow up around business, and by his own account, he stumbled into real estate almost by accident. But over the course of a decades-long career, he would go on to reshape downtown San Jose, partner with 20th Century Fox, and take ownership stakes in teams like the Oakland Athletics and Golden State Warriors.In this episode of Big Shot, Lew sits down with Harley and David to reflect on the unconventional path that led him there. He shares how the sudden death of his father forced him to grow up quickly, how a chance decision in college set him on a career in real estate, and how one unexpected opportunity led to a role at Fox and a headline that would change everything overnight.Along the way, Lew explains why he built his career around partnerships, how he thinks about choosing the right people to work with, and why he has always prioritized relationships over short-term profit. He also reflects on his time in professional sports, including the story behind Moneyball, the challenges of public scrutiny, and the behind-the-scenes dynamics that shaped the future of the A’s.—In This Episode We Cover: Intro Lew’s early years growing up in the Midwest How his father’s death changed his path Growing up Jewish in St. Louis His first job and move to Los Angeles Starting his own firm and selling to Booz Allen His work with 20th Century Fox Balancing the San Jose development with his work at Fox How his studio office helped attract clients How Bud Selig led him to buy a stake in the Oakland A’s Lew’s philosophy on partnerships and how to choose them Buying and selling his stake in the Golden State Warriors The kind of work he enjoys and what he credits for his success The story behind Moneyball Why he stays focused on the future Why he prioritizes relationships over profit How he handled negative press as owner of the A’s How the Giants blocked the A’s from building a new stadium How he learned to let things go Lew and Bud’s attempt to integrate their fraternity His thoughts on Jewish entrepreneurship What he’s most proud of—Where To Find Lew Wolff:• Website: https://www.wolffurban.com/ Where To Find Big Shot: • Website: https://www.bigshot.show/• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bigshotpodcast • TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bigshotshow• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bigshotshow/ • Harley Finkelstein: https://twitter.com/harleyf • David Segal: https://twitter.com/tea_maverick• Production and Marketing: https://penname.co
- Apr 9, 202637 min
The 104-Year-Old Godfather of the Shmatta Industry Who Turned $1,800 Into Billions | Joseph Schaffer
Joseph Schaefer arrived in Canada from Poland in the 1930s and built his career in Montreal’s garment district at a time when the industry ran on instinct, relationships, and trust. He had an eye for fashion, a gift for reading people, and a way of doing business that set him apart early.In this episode of Big Shot, Joseph joins hosts Harley and David to reflect on how he found his way into the garment trade and helped shape what Chabanel would become. He shares how he built partnerships that lasted decades, why he never lost a partner, and how he gave others ownership long before equity was common practice.This is a story about a different era of entrepreneurship—one where deals were built on reputation, capital came through relationships, and success depended on understanding both the product and the people behind it. Joseph also reflects on what’s changed, why that kind of success is harder to replicate today, and the role his values and faith played in how he built his life and business.—In This Episode We Cover: Intro Early days after immigrating to Canada How Joseph got his start in entrepreneurship Learning the craft with help from his sister When he brought on salespeople How he built Chabanel Joseph’s approach to capital and equity How Joseph won over banks Why Joseph’s success wouldn’t be repeatable in today’s market How Joseph managed partnerships Joseph’s legacy Joseph’s advice for young entrepreneurs His relationship with the Bronfmans The role of faith in his life—Where To Find Big Shot: • Website: https://www.bigshot.show/• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bigshotpodcast • TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bigshotshow• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bigshotshow/ • Harley Finkelstein: https://twitter.com/harleyf • David Segal: https://twitter.com/tea_maverick• Production and Marketing: https://penname.co
- Mar 19, 20261h 14m
Disney Fired Him. He Built DreamWorks, Shrek, and a $3.8B Empire | Jeffrey Katzenberg
Jeffrey Katzenberg was one of the youngest studio heads in Hollywood when he was named president of Paramount Pictures at just 31. Over the decades that followed, he would help shape modern animation and co-found DreamWorks alongside Steven Spielberg and David Geffen.In this episode of Big Shot, Harley and David sit down with Jeffrey to explore the experiences that shaped his career and leadership approach. He reflects on lessons from his father, whose generosity left a lasting impression, and on a moment with Kirk Douglas that reinforced the idea that you have not truly learned how to live until you have learned how to give.Jeffrey traces his path through Hollywood, from working with Barry Diller to helping lead Disney during a pivotal era for animation, and how being fired from Disney led him to build DreamWorks. Along the way, Jeffrey reflects on failure, success, and the mindset that has guided him through decades in Hollywood, and shares why he never rests on past success, keeping his eyes on what’s next.—In This Episode We Cover: Intro Lessons from his father and Kirk Douglas Volunteering for NYC mayor John Lindsay Growing up with dyslexia The philosophy of exceeding expectations Jeffrey’s role in revitalizing Disney animation Storytelling lessons from Walt Disney Building DreamWorks as its own brand Getting fired from Disney and forming the Dreamworks team Movie studio economics Venture capital vs. filmmaking A story about Jeffrey’s father and the drive of Jewish parents Dealing with failure —Where To Find Jeffrey Katzenberg:• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffrey-katzenberg-4b3b47123• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jeffrey.katzenberg• Website: https://www.wndrco.com Where To Find Big Shot: • Website: https://www.bigshot.show/• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bigshotpodcast • TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bigshotshow• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bigshotshow/ • Harley Finkelstein: https://twitter.com/harleyf • David Segal: https://twitter.com/tea_maverick• Production and Marketing: https://penname.co
- Dec 25, 20251h 48m
Goldman Sachs Rejected Him. Years Later, He Ran the Place | Lloyd Blankfein
Lloyd Blankfein never chased a master plan. He focused on whatever was right in front of him, and those small decisions carried him from a Brooklyn housing project to leading Goldman Sachs through the worst financial crisis since the Great Depression.In this episode of Big Shot, Harley and David sit down with Lloyd to explore how that path unfolded. He talks about growing up in public housing and sharing a room with his grandmother, then suddenly finding himself at Harvard at 16, arriving in a suit because he had no idea what college culture looked like. He reflects on the dislocation of moving between the projects and the Ivy League and how he learned to navigate both worlds without ever feeling fully at home in either.Lloyd traces his shift from law to commodities, what he absorbed inside J. Aron, and how a crisis inside Goldman in the 1980s reshaped the firm and opened unexpected doors. He also shares what it was like to lead Goldman Sachs through 2008, why Warren Buffett’s support mattered at a defining moment, and what it took to keep the firm intact while the global financial system was breaking apart.It is a conversation about chance, focus, resilience, and the surprising places a life can go when you simply take the next step.—In This Episode We Cover: Intro Lloyd’s early days How Lloyd graduated early How Lloyd ended up at Harvard at 16 A glimpse at just how humble his beginnings truly were What it was like arriving at Harvard with no roadmap Why top public-university talent can match (and sometimes surpass) the Ivies What it was like moving between worlds Why it took a long time to adjust to the burden of great wealth What led Lloyd to law school Lloyd’s approach of thinking one step ahead Why Lloyd quit practicing law Lloyd’s pivot to finance and initial rejection from Goldman Sachs The J. Aron role that pulled Lloyd into Goldman Inside the meritocracy of Goldman Sachs How Lloyd ended up making partner at Goldman Sachs unexpectedly Building trust across cultures What changed after making partner What sparked Lloyd’s retirement and renewed focus on learning How the 1994 crisis set the stage for Lloyd to become CEO Steering the firm through the 2008 financial crisis The deal with Warren Buffett Risk-taking vs. risk management How anxiety fuels Lloyd’s risk management style Lloyd’s biggest accomplishment at Goldman Sachs A case for self-acceptance —Where To Find Lloyd Blankfein: • X: https://x.com/lloydblankfeinWhere To Find Big Shot: • Website: https://www.bigshot.show/• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bigshotpodcast • TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bigshotshow• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bigshotshow/ • Harley Finkelstein: https://twitter.com/harleyf • David Segal: https://twitter.com/tea_maverick• Production and Marketing: https://penname.co
- Dec 11, 20251h 22m
She Escaped Communism, Reinvented Nail Polish, and Sold for a Billion Dollars
Before OPI, nail color was just another product on the shelf. Suzi Weiss-Fischmann gave it personality and built a global brand in the process.Suzi believed nail color could be personal, playful, and expressive. She pushed the entire industry forward with smarter formulas, bold branding, and shade names that became pop culture, from “I’m Not Really a Waitress” to “Lincoln Park After Dark.” In just six years after its founding, OPI became the number one professional nail brand in America.In this episode of Big Shot, Harley and David sit down with Suzi to explore the instincts that fueled that rise. She talks about welcoming competition, using storytelling to make an emotional connection with customers, and expanding from salons into Walmart without losing trust or quality. Suzi also shares how her Jewish upbringing influenced her approach to business, from the drive that comes from starting with very little to the values of community and responsibility that guided every big decision.—In This Episode We Cover: Intro Growing up in communist Hungary with two Holocaust-survivor parents How honoring faith brought Suzi’s mom back to Auschwitz Why Suzi’s family fled Hungary Suzi’s family’s transitional time in Israel Where Suzi’s work ethic came from Suzi’s adolescence in New York Suzi’s move to Los Angeles How a dental-supply store ended up experimenting with acrylic nails OPI’s first trade show Why competition is good How Starbucks inspired Suzi to personalize nail polish Why OPI named polishes after food and places and how the naming process worked The time Suzi presented to Barbara Broccoli The perks and bonuses OPI gave to their employees How OPI fixed its lipstick mistake How success affected Suzi Entering Walmart and growing beyond the professional market How Suzi’s divorce impacted the family business The emotional impact of selling OPI The Jewish work ethic How to raise resilient, hardworking children—Where to find Suzi Weiss-Fischmann: • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/1stladyofcolors• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/1stladyofcolors• Website: https://1stladyofcolors.comWhere To Find Big Shot: • Website: https://www.bigshot.show/• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bigshotpodcast • TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bigshotshow• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bigshotshow/ • Harley Finkelstein: https://twitter.com/harleyf • David Segal: https://twitter.com/tea_maverick• Production and Marketing: https://penname.co
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About Big Shot
If the walls of Kosher delis could speak, they would (schm)ooze invaluable wisdom and endless laughs. Harley Finkelstein (Shopify) and David Segal (DAVIDsTEA) are Jewish entrepreneurs influenced by the greats who came before them. But, they realized no one was archiving the best behind-the-scenes stories ever told. Before time was up, they set out on a passion project to preserve the memories, mishaps, and wins of the people who have seen it all. Big Shot tells the stories of the people that shaped an entire generation.
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