With a special ability to connect with fans and build a global community, Hanson put themselves on the map long-term through their popular music and, in recent years, their craft beer. But the band had many near misses while building their careers, like almost signing sketchy record deals and running out of beer at their first Hop Jam festival. Listen as Taylor Hanson talks about what he learned through years of posturing himself both as a musician and as an entrepreneur.

Verinovum is changing the way healthcare providers serve their patients. By making healthcare data easier to access and share, The Tulsa-based technology startup is mitigating health risks and ensuring better patient care. But despite their well-known success, the story of Verinovum wasn’t all sunshine and roses. Listen as cofounder Mike Noshay talks about the creative ways he kept his business afloat in the early stages— and how the company has evolved because of the choices he made.

It started with a sweet little drawing on a simple greeting card. Then Strawberry Shortcake exploded, becoming the star of everything from toys to clothing to bedding to lunchboxes. Based on the franchise's success, you would expect the artist behind Strawberry Shortcake to be living large. But Tulsa resident Muriel Fahrion actually hasn't made a dime off the character. Listen as Muriel (who also created the Care Bears) talks about the hard lessons she learned early in her career, and how those lessons led her on a path of entrepreneurship.

Identifying a need in his community for better representation, teacher Nehemiah Frank founded The Black Wall Street Times. Despite lacking formal journalism training, he created a publication that is drawing national attention as it offers a new perspective on Tulsa's African American community. Listen as Nehemiah talks about how the failure he experienced in other entrepreneurial endeavors prepared him to create one of the state's most progressive news sources.

Building a restaurant in an up-and-coming part of town is risky on multiple levels. Yet Mike Bausch, the founder of Andolini’s Pizzeria, continues to do it, opening locations in areas many would call “dead.” In our final episode of The F Word Season Two, listen as Mike explains the theory behind his expansion and how his life experiences (like a stint in the Marine Corps) prepared him for inevitable failures along the way.

A chemist fed up with the bureaucracy of a large corporation takes the leap to start his own company. Thanks to some grit, great people skills and a bit of luck, Dr. Dayal Meshri has become a global leader of chemical manufacturing with his company Advanced Research Chemicals. His clients include brands like General Motors, Panasonic and Intel, who all depend on him for the components to power their products. Listen as Dr. Meshri talks about overcoming fears and a difficult childhood to build his wildly successful company- and using his success to give back.

KKT Architects, one of Tulsa’s top architecture firms, is responsible for designing many of the city’s landmarks. Over time, the company has proven itself to be resilient through both internal and external trials and changes. Under the current leadership of Andy Kinslow and Sarah Gould, the firm continues to grow and take on some of Tulsa’s biggest projects. But what many don’t know, is that one of the co-owners almost didn’t become an architect at all. Listen as Sarah shares her story of overcoming personal failure and unexpected hurdles to land her dream job.

A landmark in Tulsa since 1952, the Admiral Twin Drive-In continues to draw crowds each summer seeking a fun, nostalgic night out. It’s alive and well today thanks to owner Blake Smith, who’s been immersed in the theater industry his entire life. And while the Admiral Twin continues to see success, Smith’s other local, indoor theaters have been dramatically impacted by the ever-evolving nature of the movie industry, forcing him to close multiple locations in the past few years. Listen as Blake talks about adapting to change and making hard choices in the midst of unexpected trials.

She just wanted to be her own boss and create some unique Mexican food. She had no idea her work would be the start of the revitalization of downtown Tulsa- especially since she had no formal business training. But despite flirting with failure multiple times, Libby Billings ended up founding some of Tulsa’s favorite restaurants and bringing new life into an area that many saw as dead. Listen as Libby talks about fighting for her dream, taking big risks to stay afloat and walking down the road less traveled.

The 36 Degrees North team gives a preview of what's in store for season two of The F Word podcast.