Archives: Episodes

On this episode of the Kanawha Valley Hustlers podcast, I dive into the difference between reciprocal and transactional relationships to help listeners set better expectations and avoid misunderstandings. Reciprocal relationships thrive on trust and mutual support, often seen in friendships, marriages, and business networking groups like BNI chapters. These bonds are long-term and aren’t about keeping score. On the other hand, transactional relationships focus on short-term exchanges with specific outcomes, like employer-employee agreements or customer purchases. Confusing these two types of relationships can lead to disappointment—expecting emotional support in a transactional dynamic or immediate returns in a reciprocal one causes friction. For instance, asking an employee to help move furniture on a weekend without pay assumes a bond that may not exist, creating tension. As we head into 2025, I encourage listeners to evaluate their relationships, identify their nature, and set clear expectations to build trust and success in both personal and professional interactions.

In this episode of the Kanawha Valley Hustlers podcast, I reflect on 2024, thank listeners for their support, and invite feedback as I plan for 2025. My mission is to cultivate entrepreneurship in the Kanawha Valley by spotlighting local businesses, sharing productivity and marketing tips, and fostering community connections. I ask listeners what they’d like to see next year, whether it’s more interviews with local leaders, advice-based content, or technical tutorials on tools like Google Ads or Canva. This year, I’ve leaned into “man on the street” interviews at community events and developed my studio space to create more engaging content. Starting my business in 2024 has taught me a lot, and I want to share those lessons while continuing to support the incredible business growth in our region. As I wrap up the year, I urge listeners to comment on social media or reach out directly with ideas and feedback. Together, we can make 2025 even more impactful.

I chat with Captain Mike Michels of the Salvation Army to talk about their iconic red kettle fundraiser, which is crucial for supporting the community during the holiday season and year-round. Captain Mike shares the history of the kettle campaign, which started in San Francisco when Captain MacPhee wanted to feed those in need but didn’t have the funds. What began as a small effort has now grown into a global campaign raising millions of dollars annually. We discuss the various ways people can contribute, including the traditional kettle and new options like Venmo and Apple Pay. Captain Mike also highlights how donations help fund emergency services, youth centers, and more. As Christmas approaches, he emphasizes the Salvation Army’s message of “love beyond hopelessness,” offering hope to those struggling during the season. It’s a reminder that even a small donation can make a huge difference, and I encourage everyone to contribute when they see a kettle this holiday season.

I chat with John Roberts from Mountain Mission, an organization with nearly 100 years of history, to discuss their work helping those in need. Mountain Mission provides emergency assistance like food, housing, clothing, and furniture, focusing on faith-based support for people going through tough times. John shares how Christmas is especially significant for them, as they provide food for over 1,000 families during the holidays, helping to keep families together and create lasting memories. We also talk about the ongoing issue of food insecurity in West Virginia, with one in four children affected, and how Mountain Mission strives to offer nutritious options like fresh fruits and vegetables to those in need. It’s clear that the work Mountain Mission does has a real impact on the community, and I’m grateful to learn more about their efforts to make a difference in the lives of so many in the Kanawha Valley.

I join Jay Silverman at the Go Mart Ballpark during the Salango Law, PLLC Dirty Birds Light the Night presented by GoMart, where we’re surrounded by 2.5 million lights. We talk about the effort it takes to transform the ballpark into a holiday spectacle, with features like an ice rink, bumper cars, new rides, and opportunities to visit Santa Claus. This is their second year, and they’ve made improvements based on lessons from last year, like moving the train to the field for more space. The event is a hit, drawing families and groups to experience the lights and festivities. Light the Night is a highlight of the year for us at the Charleston Dirty Birds, where they bring more than baseball to the community. It takes months of planning and setup, but seeing the joy it brings makes it all worth it. For more details, I encourage everyone to visit www.DBLightTheNight.com

I’m at the GoMart Ballpark for the Salango Law, PLLC Dirty Birds Light the Night presented by GoMart, joined by none other than Santa Claus. He shares how he’s here nightly until December 23rd, greeting visitors and posing for photos amidst a dazzling display of 2.5 million lights. Santa talks about his hustle—delivering presents on Christmas Eve—and how his team of elves handles toy production while he focuses on quality control, checking his list twice. He also reveals his favorite treats: oatmeal raisin cookies and chocolate milk, encouraging kids to leave those out on Christmas Eve. Santa tells me he loves summer beach vacations, where kids might spot him, and wraps up with warm wishes for happiness, health, and a Merry Christmas. I invite everyone to visit Light the Night and experience the festive magic firsthand.