Brian Samson leveraged his role at Fuddruckers to join tech bros in the Bay Area. That wasn't his scene, so he moved to the islands, started a family, and a business, Plugg Technologies, and learned some wisdom along the way. Tune in to get his insights at no charge to you.

Jim Hope shares his story from a challenging childhood to a successful career in comedy, television writing, and academia. Discover his insights on overcoming adversity, the importance of kindness, and his optimistic outlook on the future of humanity amidst technological advances.

Matt Washington talks about growing up in Washington and building a life in Laguna Beach. He reflects on early jobs, the impact of having family members with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, and how martial arts—especially Jiu Jitsu —shaped his discipline and mindset. Matt also breaks down his work as a land man, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the business of buying and selling rural land, the challenges of the industry, and what fuels his ambitions moving forward.

Lori Oliver, a former Spanx professional and co-founder of the Sleep Performance brand, shares her journey from growing up in Athens, Georgia, to becoming an entrepreneur focused on sleep hygiene. Lori discusses her upbringing in a health-conscious family, her diverse athletic background, and her career trajectory that led her to work with Spanx and eventually start her own company.

In this episode of the Matt Balaker Podcast, Elijah Khasabo, founder of Vidovo, discusses his journey as a young entrepreneur in the creator economy. He touches on resilience, empathy, and faith, shares insights on relationship-driven sales, and explores the future of advertising and AI. Get his take on whether college is worth it for entrepreneurs.https://www.vidovo.com/

Dylan Snowden shares his journey from grocery bagger to financial coach. He discusses how improv and writing for Who Wants to Be a Millionaire shaped his approach to communication and accountability. Dylan also explores entrepreneurship, the importance of early financial literacy, and using data to make smarter money decisions, ending with an optimistic message about building confidence and control over one’s financial future.https://www.dylanteachesfinance.com/

True crime star and comedian Johnny Mitchell lived in Portland before hipsters overtook the city. He went from teen drug dealer to prisoner to YouTube success. Johnny still hates authority. Hear his story.

https://www.youtube.com/@mrjohnnymitchell

In this episode of the Matt Balaker Podcast, makeup artist and author Dawn Maloney shares her journey from young entrepreneur to beauty industry leader. She reflects on early lessons in sales and talk shows, the importance of education, and her distinctive approach to artistry. Dawn discusses the evolution of makeup in the high-definition era, offers insights on skincare and authenticity, and highlights her latest projects empowering others through beauty and confidence.https://www.makeupclasses.com/