Join host Matt as he interviews entrepreneur Allen Hurley about the real challenges and rewards of building businesses from scratch. Alan shares stories from his early days hustling in school to leading successful companies, highlighting the importance of persistence, relationships, and community. Discover why true success is never convenient, and how grit, support, and giving back have shaped Alan’s journey. This episode is packed with practical advice and inspiration for anyone interested in entrepreneurship or making a difference in their community.

Manolo Betancur is a Colombian-born, award-winning baker and social activist who founded an allergy-friendly bakery and gelato shop. He shares a heartfelt story of hope, hard work, and the magic of breaking bread together. From humble beginnings, Manolo built a thriving business rooted in passion and community. This conversation explores generosity, resilience, and how one person’s vision can nourish more than just the body—it can feed the soul.

From Addiction to Connection: Rebuilding Lives and Communities in Appalachia

Dustin shares his journey from addiction to recovery, revealing the challenges of rebuilding relationships and the power of community support. We discuss the importance of connection in overcoming substance abuse and how local programs are helping families heal. This episode offers hope, practical insight, and a reminder that even small acts of kindness can change lives.

Jackie Thayer Craft, Hall of Fame King University Volleyball Player, is working to get the homeless in Dallas back in the workforce. She talks about the challenges and the way Dallas is coordinating specialty services to make real progress in the lives of the unhoused. From Bristol, we talk about the unique challenges facing Appalachian communities and solutions.

Josh Holt, head football coach at Tennessee High, explains how the culture trains his three pillars of discipline, simplicity, and consistency. It’s filled with lessons for parents and leaders as he goes deep into the culture they are building, maintaining high expectations, leadership, and the challenges of modern culture.

Pablo, a professional pickleball player, shares his incredible journey from growing up in a sporty family in Bogota, Colombia to becoming a top pickleball player in the world. He discusses his early days playing soccer, transitioning to tennis, and the challenges he faced, including traveling long distances for training. Pablo reflects on his college experience in the US, his initial struggles with the English language, and his ultimate shift from tennis to pickleball. He emphasizes the importance of discipline, proper technique, and mental strength in reaching the top of his game. Pablo also talks about his partnership with Federico Staksrud and their rise in the pickleball world, highlighting the intense training and strategic changes that have shaped his career.

“Don’t let the last point define you.” The PPA #1 ranked pickleball player in the world talks about his journey, what it takes to make it as a professional, and advice for young kids.

King University Hall of Famer and current Director of the Sporting Kansas City professional soccer academy guides us through the narrow path for young professional players in the MLS Academy program. He explains how talent creates the opportunity, but other important factors determine whether prospects make it to become professionals. This conversation is filled with unexpected insights from the culture in his native Zimbabwe to building a culture for high performers in a professional training ground.