Archives: Episodes

In this episode of the Kanawha Valley Hustlers podcast, I talk with Tonya Perry, owner of Tickers and Timbers, located on Capitol Street in Charleston. She explains that her business offers axe throwing, rage rooms, escape rooms, and paint splatter experiences, catering to team-building events, parties, and more. With a background as a therapist for children with special needs, Tonya shares how she pivoted during COVID to create a space that is fun and therapeutic. She describes the rage rooms, where participants suit up and break things, and the axe-throwing projector lanes with interactive games like Battleship and zombie challenges. Tonya also highlights her escape rooms, including a wizard-themed room and her popular Mothman escape room, which she designs herself. For kids, she offers paint splatter rooms and axe throwing for ages 10 and up. To book events or learn more, Tonya recommends reaching out via email, phone, or their website. She concludes with advice for entrepreneurs: be ready to wear many hats and stay hands-on in every aspect of the business.

In this episode of Kanawha Valley Hustlers, I sit down with a true trailblazer who’s transforming our local business landscape. We dive into their journey—how they took an idea and turned it into a thriving enterprise that not only serves the community but also inspires others to chase their dreams. From the challenges they faced early on to the lessons they’ve learned along the way, they share insights that every entrepreneur, big or small, can relate to. We talk strategy, resilience, and the power of community support, leaving no stone unturned. By the end of our conversation, I’m reminded of the hustle and heart that define the Kanawha Valley. It’s a story that energizes me and reinforces why I’m passionate about highlighting the people who make this place extraordinary.

In this episode of the Kanawha Valley Hustlers podcast, I sit down with Joey Stepp, a comedy magician who has turned his passion for magic and laughter into a successful side hustle. Joey shares how he got started performing tricks in college and grew his craft into a business, performing shows ranging from birthday parties to corporate events across the region. He talks about the challenges of balancing his day job in the school system with his magic career, emphasizing the importance of staying organized and focused. Joey highlights the role of patience, adapting to new tools like YouTube and TikTok, and the business side of his work, from managing invoices to building strong client relationships. He describes his upcoming show at the Hall of Fame Café in Huntington and explains how his unique style sets him apart. To those considering a side hustle, Joey offers simple advice: follow your passion, block out negativity, and commit fully to your idea. It’s an inspiring conversation about creativity, dedication, and making the most of your talents.

In this episode of the Kanawha Valley Hustlers podcast, I sit down with Carly Chapman, Director of Interior Design at ZMM Architects and Engineers. Carly explains how ZMM focuses on creating spaces that people love, with a commitment to design that prioritizes the experience and needs of the end user. We discuss ZMM’s recent growth, expanding from 35 to over 70 employees and adding offices in Ohio and Virginia. Carly shares how their new leadership team structure helps them serve a wider range of clients across industries like K-12 schools, healthcare, and corporate design. She attributes their success to the quality of their work and their ability to combine functionality with thoughtful design. Carly also reflects on her journey, crediting her tenacity and passion for her work as key factors in her career. It’s clear that Carly loves what she does and believes in the impact of good design.

In this episode of the Kanawha Valley Hustlers podcast, I talk with Valeria Gonzalez about her work in AI and machine learning, particularly in healthcare. Valeria explains her focus on predictive AI, which uses data to help hospitals identify urgent cases and improve patient outcomes. She shares the challenges of implementing new technology, such as resistance from healthcare professionals who value human connection in patient care. Valeria emphasizes that AI is a tool to enhance, not replace, their work. She describes her journey into the field, starting with a background in marketing and a master’s in data and information science, which led her to projects like studying why COVID-19 affected Hispanic populations more severely. We discuss how AI, especially predictive models, can analyze vast amounts of data to identify patterns, such as diagnosing conditions based on patient history. Valeria highlights the potential for AI to save time and improve efficiency in healthcare, while also addressing misconceptions about its role. It’s an insightful conversation about innovation, adaptability, and the future of technology in healthcare.

In this episode of the Kanawha Valley Hustlers podcast, I respond to Mark Zuckerberg’s recent announcement about changes at Meta. Despite plans to be out interviewing people this week, a snowstorm keeps me in the studio, giving me time to dive into this major news. Zuckerberg admits Meta has focused on content takedowns in recent years but plans to simplify moderation going forward. They’re eliminating fact-checkers, introducing community notes, removing restrictions on controversial topics, and refocusing on combating crime and illegal activity. He also reveals that Meta will bring back political content and move its content safety board from California to Texas. These shifts mark a significant change for anyone relying on Meta’s platforms like Facebook or Instagram. I think it’s worth discussing and invite listeners to share their thoughts.