Archives: Episodes

In this episode of the Kanawha Valley Hustlers podcast, I talk with Jessica A. Martin to talk about her work as a radio personality, content creator, and community supporter. Jessica explains how she begins by using social media to promote local businesses, fundraisers, and events around Charleston. That work grows into a larger platform and leads to her role with 107.3 The Beat. We discuss the planning, scheduling, filming, editing, and attention to detail that people often do not see behind content creation. Jessica also shares how she handles negative comments, builds her brand, and avoids spending money on things her business does not need. She introduces the Golden Plate Society, which brings people together to review food and support local restaurants. After leaving the corporate world, Jessica focuses on spending more time in the community and building real connections. Her main principle is to stay positive, support others, and use her platform to help people and businesses gain attention.

In this episode of the Kanawha Valley Hustlers podcast, I talk with David Dean and Travis Goodwin to talk about real estate investing and the work behind running a business. David shares how he moves from playing football at Marshall University into real estate sales, rentals, house flipping, and education. Travis explains how business changes his view of success by showing him that the work is about serving people and solving problems. Together, they buy homes between Huntington and Charleston and help owners dealing with inherited property, repairs, tax issues, or houses that may not fit a traditional sale. They also coach new investors through their first deals. We discuss affordable housing, communication, marketing mistakes, and the long hours that come with entrepreneurship. David stresses the value of people skills, while Travis focuses on mindset, discipline, and learning through failure. Their message is clear: focus on work that produces results, build trust, solve real problems, and do not let fear stop you from starting.


In this episode of the Kanawha Valley Hustlers podcast, I talk with Shauna McQuerrey, founder of Vandalia Music Therapy. She works with children, teens, adults, and seniors who have conditions such as autism, Down syndrome, Parkinson’s disease, dementia, and brain injuries. Shauna explains how music therapy uses music to support communication, sensory regulation, cognition, and social skills. We talk about the training required to become board certified, including university study, clinical hours, an internship, and a board exam. She also shares the challenges of building partnerships, finding funding, and increasing awareness of music therapy in West Virginia. Shauna stresses that this work is more than singing to clients. It is a clinical practice that requires training because music can cause harm when used without care. We also discuss the value of listening, buying quality instruments, learning grant writing, and building trust over time. Her goal is to make music therapy and music engagement available to more people.

In this episode of the Kanawha Valley Hustlers podcast, I explain why the biggest opportunity in AI may not belong to the companies building the models. History shows that the real value often comes from businesses that apply new technology to solve problems. Computers became more useful through software. Electricity created opportunities for appliance makers. Railroads helped companies like Sears reach customers, and the internet gave rise to companies like Google, Netflix, and Facebook. I believe AI will follow the same pattern. The best model today may not be the best model tomorrow, so I do not think business owners should build their strategy around one platform. Instead, I encourage them to study their current workflows, find gaps, remove bottlenecks, and improve customer outcomes. AI does not need to replace every employee or handle every task. It needs to help people work better, serve more customers, and extend the value of their expertise.

In this episode of the Kanawha Valley Hustlers podcast, I talk with Josh White to learn how a passion for racing grew into a business with a purpose. Josh shares how his Marine Corps background shaped his approach to overcoming obstacles and how that mindset carries into building a NASCAR race team and helping fellow veterans. We talk about his plans to launch a trade school that will teach veterans racing, fabrication, marketing, and automotive skills that can lead to careers across the country. Josh also explains the Laps of Honor program, which gives Gold Star families the chance to honor fallen service members at the racetrack. Our conversation turns to the realities of running a race team, where sponsorships, funding, and finding skilled people are constant challenges. He reflects on years of learning through trial and error and why creating value for sponsors matters as much as building fast cars. We wrap up by discussing marketing, business growth, and the importance of integrity. Josh believes trust is earned by staying true to your values, and he carries that belief into every part of his business.

In this episode of the Kanawha Valley Hustlers podcast, I talk with Scott Hardy and Matt Ballard to explore cryptocurrency, blockchain, and where the industry is headed. We discuss why clear regulation is still one of the biggest barriers to wider adoption and how legislation like the Clarity Act could give more people the confidence to invest. We also look beyond digital currencies and talk about how blockchain can improve business, government records, logistics, and real estate. Scott shares lessons from his own investing journey, including the dangers of chasing hype and why research always comes before returns. Matt explains why their investment club was created to educate people first and invest second, helping members understand the technology instead of simply following trends. We also cover trusted resources for beginners, how people in the Charleston area can connect with the group, and why both of my guests believe blockchain is becoming part of the future regardless of where cryptocurrency prices go.