Episodes

  • Why Video Works and How to Get Started

    Why Video Works and How to Get Started
    Jul 10 2025
    In this episode of the Kanawha Valley Hustlers podcast, I share how easy it is to start creating video content for social media using just your phone. I talk about why video is the most effective way to connect with people online and how even small business owners who aren’t familiar with TikTok or Instagram can benefit from it. I break down two simple formats to get started: hook and takeaway, and Q&A. I explain how to come up with hooks, deliver useful takeaways, and answer common questions from your industry. I give practical tips on lighting, background, posture, and speaking clearly. I remind listeners that it doesn’t have to be perfect—just hit record, try a few takes, and post. A short 30-second video can go a long way, and with a little effort, you can create a full month of content in just a couple of hours. If someone wants a more polished look, I’m happy to help, but the most important thing is to start.
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    10 mins
  • Sean Hornbuckle Talks Wealth Management and Community Hustle

    Sean Hornbuckle Talks Wealth Management and Community Hustle
    Jul 8 2025
    In this episode of the Kanawha Valley Hustlers podcast, I talk with Sean Hornbuckle, who’s dedicated to making life better for families, small business owners, and investors through retirement planning and wealth management. He explains that his approach is all about the big picture, helping clients plan for the long-term and create strategies that minimize taxes and ensure financial security. Since 2015, Sean has been running a practice in Huntington, focusing on guiding individuals and businesses toward better financial futures. We discuss the importance of networking, and Sean emphasizes how small business owners play a crucial role in lifting up the community, especially in regions where large industries may not always be present. He’s passionate about connecting people and helping each other thrive. Outside of his practice, Sean stays active in his community, coaching basketball, staying involved in legislative work, and balancing his personal life with his family. His hustle is a great example of how hard work and building meaningful relationships can drive success—not just in business, but in life.
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    4 mins
  • Civil Engineer by Day Inventor by Night with Joey Crookshanks

    Civil Engineer by Day Inventor by Night with Joey Crookshanks
    Jul 3 2025
    In this episode of the Kanawha Valley Hustlers podcast, I talk with Joey Crookshanks at Meet Up 64 about his business, Tailgator Outdoors. He’s created a product that turns a Yeti-style cooler into a beverage dispenser, allowing people to keep mixed drinks separate from the rest of the cooler’s contents. He tells me the idea came from wanting a way for him and his wife to enjoy different drinks from the same cooler. This isn’t his first invention—he worked with Marshall and the Robert C. Byrd Institute in 2020, received grant funding, and sold a previous product to a company in Columbus before moving back to West Virginia. He explains the difference between a full patent and a patent pending, and how he’s revisiting that earlier project. Joey says he’s driven by everyday inconveniences and enjoys solving problems through engineering. He balances this creative work with a full-time job as a civil engineer and uses his Marshall connections to secure support and funding. He reminds me that building a product is about solving a real problem and knowing the right people. You can check out his product at tailgatoroutdoors.com.
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    5 mins
  • Building Home Libraries with Jamie Lima

    Building Home Libraries with Jamie Lima
    Jul 2 2025
    In this episode of the Kanawha Valley Hustlers podcast, I talk with Jamie Lima, state director for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of West Virginia. She tells me how the program mails free books every month to kids from birth to age five to help build home libraries and improve school readiness. It’s been in West Virginia since 2006 and went statewide in 2020. Jamie explains that while people think Dolly funds everything, the program actually depends on local partners and fundraising. Her work focuses on building those relationships and keeping the support strong for the 50,000 kids currently enrolled. She also shares details about the upcoming Dolly Dash 5K happening on August 9 in Huntington, which is Dolly Day in West Virginia. People can run or just register to support the cause and even dress up like Dolly to win prizes. Jamie says they’re still looking for sponsors and encourages folks to visit dollybookswv.com to learn more or get involved.
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    4 mins
  • Why Entrepreneurs Struggle to Ask for Help

    Why Entrepreneurs Struggle to Ask for Help
    Jun 26 2025
    In this episode of the Kanawha Valley Hustlers podcast, I talk about the discomfort many entrepreneurs feel when it comes to asking for things, like Google reviews or referrals. I’ve noticed that some business owners hesitate to ask, thinking that if they did a good job, their clients should automatically offer a review. The truth is, people are busy, and they won’t always follow through on their own. I emphasize that it’s important to ask for what you want but to not be attached to the outcome. If someone says no, it’s not personal—it’s just life. Success comes from asking more people, making small, manageable requests, and not taking rejection personally. Don’t ask for too much at once; keep it simple. Whether it’s a Google review or a referral, the worst someone can say is no, and that shouldn’t stop you from asking again in the future. Stay confident in your work, and keep asking.
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    7 mins
  • Talking AI and Business Growth with Andy Morrison

    Talking AI and Business Growth with Andy Morrison
    Jun 25 2025
    In this episode of the Kanawha Valley Hustlers podcast, I meet Andy Morrison at Lola’s during First Tuesdays with Up Next Charlie West. Andy runs Business Up AI, a company that helps small and medium businesses use artificial intelligence to grow. He explains that AI is still new enough to give businesses an edge, but soon it will be as common as websites or spreadsheets. We talk about the many ways AI can be used, from writing to customer service, and also the risks, like deepfakes and fraud. Andy says fraud isn’t new, but AI makes it faster and harder to detect. His goal is to help people stay ahead and make smart choices. One big challenge he sees is how fast businesses respond to customer questions. If you don’t reply quickly, the customer moves on. His team builds AI tools that help businesses reply right away. I ask if people should fear AI or use it, and Andy says you can either get swept away by the wave or learn to surf it. He wants to help people surf.
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    5 mins
  • Kiersten Holman on Connection and Community

    Kiersten Holman on Connection and Community
    Jun 19 2025
    In this episode of the Kanawha Valley Hustlers podcast, I talk with Kiersten Holman at First Tuesdays with Up Next Charlie West. She’s the member of the month and a new sales rep at Cintas, handling facility services like mats, hand sanitizers, and paper products. She’s been with the company for about a month and says the transition from a smaller company has been smooth, thanks to her network in Charleston. Kiersten moved here from Wheeling a year and a half ago and found her first connections through Up Next Charlie West. She’s now on the leadership board and was recently named the Cintas Champion for the area, which means she’ll be the community outreach face for Charleston. She shares how important it is to show the positive side of West Virginia and how young professionals are making an impact. As we wrap up, she encourages others to get involved, come to events, and explore everything Charleston has to offer.
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    4 mins
  • Corey Austin Talks About Lola's Growth and South Hills Vibes

    Corey Austin Talks About Lola's Growth and South Hills Vibes
    Jun 17 2025
    In this episode of the Kanawha Valley Hustlers podcast, I talk with Corey Austin, the manager at Lola's, a local favorite in South Hills. Corey’s been with the restaurant for seven years, starting in various roles before becoming the manager. She shares how Lola's, known for its artisan pizzas, has grown over the years, including the addition of an outdoor bar last year. Despite the challenges of working in the food industry, Corey enjoys the positive vibe of the community. She talks about the team’s strong work ethic, especially with new employees who move up from host to server to bartender. While Lola's doesn’t cater large events due to its small kitchen, they’ve done smaller events like the Bridge Road Festival. Corey mentions the need for more kitchen staff and appreciates the influx of applications as the restaurant’s popularity continues to grow.
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    4 mins