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The DESPAC Podcast

The DESPAC Podcast

Von: Chaz Churchwell
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The DESPAC Podcast gives private company leaders the guidance, structure, and truth they need to approach SPAC and DESPAC transactions with confidence. Hosted by Chaz Churchwell, the show focuses on the real work required to become a disciplined public company. Each episode cuts through confusion and delivers practical insight from operators, CFOs, auditors, attorneys, bankers, SPAC sponsors, PIPE investors, and advisors who understand the process end to end.

Chaz started this show out of frustration. He has seen too many companies rush into the public markets without the systems, controls, and governance needed to survive. His commitment is simple. Help leaders avoid preventable mistakes and build the internal discipline required to thrive after the deal closes. As he says, he is tired of seeing companies go public only to be crushed in the courts because they were not prepared.

The vision of the show is to be the leading catalyst for disciplined private companies exploring DESPAC deals built for long-term public success. The mission is to arm leadership teams with the knowledge and resources needed to navigate SPAC transactions wisely and win on the public stage.

Each conversation gives you a clear view of what public readiness demands. You learn how to evaluate if your company is a real fit for a SPAC, how to prepare financial controls that withstand scrutiny, and how to build a governance structure that protects your company. You hear how auditors assess your internal processes. You understand what regulators expect. You learn how PIPE investors make decisions. You get direct guidance on investor communication, forecasting discipline, board readiness, and the standards that define public-company performance.

The show serves founders, CEOs, CFOs, COOs, controllers, general counsels, private equity partners, and advisors who want to understand the process without spin. Whether you are preparing a portfolio company for a public exit or exploring a SPAC for the first time, this podcast gives you the insight needed to lead wisely.

What makes The DESPAC Podcast different is its focus on preparation over hype. You hear the truth from experts who have lived through successful transitions and from those who have witnessed failures up close. You learn what to do, why it matters, and how to protect your company from the operational, financial, and legal risks that catch most teams off guard.

If you are considering a SPAC or DESPAC path, this podcast helps you build a clear public-readiness roadmap. If you are already in the process, it helps you strengthen your systems and avoid missteps. And if you have already gone public, it gives you the tools to stabilize, communicate, and operate with more discipline.

The DESPAC Podcast is built for leaders who want clarity, accountability, and a serious understanding of what it takes to succeed as a public company. It is a resource you can trust as you prepare for one of the most demanding transitions in business. Chaz Churchwell built this platform to help you win.


© 2026 The DESPAC Podcast Management & Leadership Persönliche Finanzen Ökonomie
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  • Inside the Mind of a SPAC Sponsor: How Good Deals Get Done

    Inside the Mind of a SPAC Sponsor: How Good Deals Get Done
    Jan 19 2026

    In this episode, we are joined by Long Long, a veteran SPAC sponsor and capital markets operator, for a deep discussion on what truly drives successful DESPAC transactions.

    Long shares his journey from corporate finance to leading SPACs and explains why many deals fail long before they ever reach the market. From lack of internal coordination and unrealistic expectations to poor governance and weak readiness, this episode breaks down the issues most private companies underestimate.

    Key topics include:

    • Why SPACs are not just deals but public companies in motion
    • The importance of internal ownership, cadence, and coordination
    • What SPAC teams look for in strong targets
    • How promote structures, warrants, and rights affect long-term value
    • Why public readiness failures lead to shareholder lawsuits
    • The mindset founders must adopt before going public

    This is a practical, experience-driven conversation for leaders who want to approach the public markets with discipline and clarity.

    If you are evaluating a DESPAC or preparing for life as a public company, this episode is essential listening.

    THE DESPAC PODCAST STANDARD LEGAL DISCLAIMER

    The DESPAC Podcast is for informational purposes only. The views and opinions expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not represent the views of Smooth Stone Capital, its affiliates, or any sponsoring organization.

    Nothing in this podcast should be interpreted as legal advice, investment advice, tax advice, or a recommendation to pursue or avoid any transaction. Discussions may reference SPACs, DESPAC transactions, securities regulations, or public-company readiness frameworks. These conversations are educational in nature and should not be relied upon when making financial or strategic decisions.

    Listeners should consult qualified legal, financial, and tax professionals before acting on any information discussed in this podcast. Any examples or scenarios mentioned are illustrative and may not reflect current market conditions or regulatory requirements.

    Participation by a guest does not constitute an endorsement of any company, strategy, product, or service. References to specific firms or individuals are for context only.

    Smooth Stone Capital and the DESPAC Podcast disclaim all liability arising from the use of or reliance on the information presented.
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    53 Min.
  • What Breaks First After a DESPAC: The Deal or the Company?

    What Breaks First After a DESPAC: The Deal or the Company?
    Jan 13 2026

    In this episode, host Chaz Churchwell is joined by securities attorney Morris Zarif, founder of Zarif Law Group, for a deep conversation on legal readiness, governance discipline, and the hidden risks private companies face when pursuing a DESPAC transaction.

    Morris brings more than a decade of capital markets experience and breaks down what he consistently sees go wrong for targets that wait too long to prepare. From corporate governance cleanup and IP ownership to board structure, diligence gaps, and cost surprises, this episode gives leaders a clear look at what actually matters before and after going public.

    Key topics include:

    • Litigation patterns emerging from DESPAC transactions
    • Why governance gaps derail deals and increase risk
    • How early legal preparation protects valuation
    • The importance of experienced advisors and consultants
    • Hidden costs beyond legal fees, including audit and D&O exposure
    • What founders must change in mindset to operate as a public company

    This is a practical, experience driven conversation designed to help private companies approach the public markets with discipline, clarity, and confidence.

    If you are considering a DESPAC or preparing for life as a public company, this episode is essential listening.

    THE DESPAC PODCAST STANDARD LEGAL DISCLAIMER

    The DESPAC Podcast is for informational purposes only. The views and opinions expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not represent the views of Smooth Stone Capital, its affiliates, or any sponsoring organization.

    Nothing in this podcast should be interpreted as legal advice, investment advice, tax advice, or a recommendation to pursue or avoid any transaction. Discussions may reference SPACs, DESPAC transactions, securities regulations, or public-company readiness frameworks. These conversations are educational in nature and should not be relied upon when making financial or strategic decisions.

    Listeners should consult qualified legal, financial, and tax professionals before acting on any information discussed in this podcast. Any examples or scenarios mentioned are illustrative and may not reflect current market conditions or regulatory requirements.

    Participation by a guest does not constitute an endorsement of any company, strategy, product, or service. References to specific firms or individuals are for context only.

    Smooth Stone Capital and the DESPAC Podcast disclaim all liability arising from the use of or reliance on the information presented.
    Mehr anzeigen Weniger anzeigen
    45 Min.
  • Continuing to Evolve: How Public Companies Stay Compliant, Agile, and Ready for What Comes Next

    Continuing to Evolve: How Public Companies Stay Compliant, Agile, and Ready for What Comes Next
    Jan 12 2026

    In this final episode of The DESPAC Podcast Go Public Series, host Chaz Churchwell and SPAC attorney Michael Blankenship of Winston & Strawn walk through the last step of the Go Public Framework: C – Continuing to Evolve.

    Public companies operate in a dynamic environment where regulations shift, risks change, and shareholder expectations intensify. Long-term viability depends on continuous adaptation, disciplined execution, and proactive risk management.

    Listeners will learn:

    • Why public-company responsibilities continue long after the DESPAC closes

    • Why annual risk and insurance reviews are essential for executives

    • How litigation trends affect newly public companies

    • Why scalable operations and M&A readiness matter

    • How to use public currency for strategic growth

    • What crypto-involved companies must do to remain compliant as regulations shift

    • Why evolving SEC policy requires proactive transparency

    • Why long-term success is built on adaptability, not just completion of a transaction

    This final episode provides the mindset, structure, and expectations for thriving as a public company in a constantly shifting environment.

    Connect With the Guest:

    Michael Blankenship, Winston & Strawn LLP

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikeblankenship

    Connect With the Host & The DESPAC Podcast:

    Chaz Churchwell LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chazchurchwell/

    YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/@thedespacpodcast

    THE DESPAC PODCAST STANDARD LEGAL DISCLAIMER

    The DESPAC Podcast is for informational purposes only. The views and opinions expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not represent the views of Smooth Stone Capital, its affiliates, or any sponsoring organization.

    Nothing in this podcast should be interpreted as legal advice, investment advice, tax advice, or a recommendation to pursue or avoid any transaction. Discussions may reference SPACs, DESPAC transactions, securities regulations, or public-company readiness frameworks. These conversations are educational in nature and should not be relied upon when making financial or strategic decisions.

    Listeners should consult qualified legal, financial, and tax professionals before acting on any information discussed in this podcast. Any examples or scenarios mentioned are illustrative and may not reflect current market conditions or regulatory requirements.

    Participation by a guest does not constitute an endorsement of any company, strategy, product, or service. References to specific firms or individuals are for context only.

    Smooth Stone Capital and the DESPAC Podcast disclaim all liability arising from the use of or reliance on the information presented.
    Mehr anzeigen Weniger anzeigen
    3 Min.
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