Blog

In this episode of the Kanawha Valley Hustlers podcast, I talk directly to entrepreneurs who say they want to grow but still think like employees. I remind them that success doesn’t come from a 9-to-5 mindset — it takes nights, weekends, and sacrifice. Building a business is hard work, not balance, and if they want stability, they should get a job. I tell them to get their finances straight, stop wasting money on convenience, and invest in tools and marketing that move their business forward. Flashy spending won’t impress the right people — results will. I also call out habits that hold people back, like drinking and hanging with the wrong crowd. If your friends aren’t pushing you forward, it’s time to find new ones. Growth means discomfort, new habits, and staying focused. You don’t need more excuses — you need discipline and consistency. I believe anyone can build something great if they’re willing to work for it.

In this episode of the Kanawha Valley Hustlers podcast, I talk with Rozanna Bracken, director of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline for West Virginia. She explains that 988 replaced the old 1-800-273-TALK number to make it easier for people to remember and now allows calling, texting, or chatting for help. Anyone can reach out — whether they’re struggling themselves or worried about someone else — and trained counselors will listen and guide them to resources. Rozanna says crisis is defined by the person in it, not by anyone else, and emphasizes that listening without judgment can save lives. We discuss how family and friends often try to fix problems instead of simply hearing what someone is going through, and that’s where 988 provides real support. Rozanna also serves on the board for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and talks about the Out of the Darkness Walk, an event that helps break stigma and brings people together. She ends with a message of hope: everyone matters, and if you’re struggling or know someone who is, call, text, or chat 988.

In this episode of the Kanawha Valley Hustlers podcast, I talk with Reed Byers, founder of the One Billion Hugs movement. Reed shares how his mission to connect a billion people through hugs came from his own battles with mental health and loss. He tells me about a day when wearing a free hugs shirt at Tudor’s Biscuit World turned a bad moment into one of hope and connection, inspiring him to turn that feeling into a movement. He says that even in a world where we’re constantly online, people are more disconnected than ever, and physical touch can make a real difference. At the Out of the Darkness Walk for Suicide Prevention, Reed explains that events like this help start life-saving conversations and show people how to get involved. He’s already sold over 100 shirts, given hundreds of hugs, and recruited ambassadors to help spread the message. As we wrap up, Reed reminds me that one small gesture—a hug—can be enough to change a life.

In this episode of the Kanawha Valley Hustlers podcast, I talk with Tara Miller at the 10th annual Out of the Darkness Walk in Charleston, hosted by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. She explains that the walk raises awareness about mental health and suicide prevention while honoring those lost, with funds staying in West Virginia to support free education and advocacy programs. Tara shares that she became involved after losing her brother, Todd, to suicide in 2023, and that walking and volunteering have been part of her healing. She tells me there are walks across the state in places like Huntington, Beckley, and Parkersburg, and that all are run by volunteers who want to make a difference. Tara says anyone can learn more or get involved by visiting afsp.org. As we wrap up, she reflects on how this work creates a sense of family among those affected by suicide.

In this episode of the Kanawha Valley Hustlers podcast, I share how I learned that great work alone doesn’t bring clients. I start my career in 3D animation for education, then move into creating courtroom visuals for attorneys, always producing strong work but still struggling to grow. I realize that success comes from visibility, not just skill. When I become marketing director for an IT company, I dove into digital marketing—websites, email, and social media—and helped the company make the Inc. 5000 list in 2019. That experience shows me the power of marketing and storytelling. Two years ago, I launch Joe Justice Media to help West Virginia businesses get attention and grow through video. Running my own company teaches me even more—about taxes, paperwork, and the realities of entrepreneurship. The tools of business keep changing, from print to digital to AI, but the goal never does: get attention, grow your brand, and keep hustling.