Hollywood Actress to Investor: The $10K Bet That Made Sophia Bush Millions

From teen drama star to angel investor, Sophia Bush joins Phoebe Gates and Sophia Kianni for an unfiltered conversation about building wealth, walking away from toxic systems, and making purpose profitable. In this episode of The Burnouts, Sophia reveals how a surprise $10,000 angel check into Uber kickstarted her investment journey—and how that single move led to millions. She opens up about the real economics of being a young actress, fighting for equal pay on One Tree Hill, and the dark side of working in Hollywood. Sophia also shares what it means to build power as a woman in business: launching inclusive salons, shaping the future of femtech, and helping fund America's first women-founded bank. She breaks down the difference between angel investing and venture, gives practical advice for women who want to build wealth without gatekeeping, and explains why doing good and doing well should never be mutually exclusive. Also: The best financial advice she’s ever received.