WKYA.tv Podcast Episodes

In this episode of WhatKeepsYouAwake.TV, host David Hooser sits down with Kyle McIntosh, co-founder of the MAC6 Entrepreneurial Center in Tempe, Arizona. Kyle and his father built one of the Southwest’s most vibrant startup communities by uniting purpose and profit—creating a campus where entrepreneurs don’t just rent offices, they find belief, connection, and the support to turn ideas into reality. From helping founders escape the “hamster wheel” to reshaping how nonprofits, investors, and comm...

In this episode of WhatKeepsYouAwake.TV, host David Hooser sits down with Roseanne Higgins, founder of SPiES (Single Professional Introductions for the Especially Selective). After attending more than 15,000 events on behalf of busy entrepreneurs, executives, and professionals, Roseanne shares how she applies business strategy, intuition, and discipline to one of life’s biggest decisions: finding the right partner.From headhunting at galas and charity events to qualifying long-term compatibility beyond first impressions, Roseanne explains why dating should be intentional—and why successful people shouldn’t leave relationships to chance.🎯 Inside This Episode:• Matchmaking as strategy: why entrepreneurs should approach dating like business—optimize time and quality• The SPiES process: headhunting at events, qualifying compatibility, and stacking the deck for success• Why apps and bars fail busy professionals—and what works instead• Screening for real alignment: values, l…

In this episode of WhatKeepsYouAwake.TV, host David Hooser sits down with Jeff Glazier, co-founder and CEO of General Oncology, a biopharmaceutical company advancing a promising treatment for stage 4 pancreatic cancer. What began as a deeply personal mission—helping a family member survive a diagnosis with a 0% survival rate—has grown into a decade-long journey through clinical trials, scientific risk, and relentless problem-solving.Jeff shares what truly keeps him awake at night: navigating the countless variables that can derail early-stage biotech, building the right team, and pushing forward when the stakes are measured in human lives.🎯 Inside This Episode:• The origin story: how a family cancer diagnosis sparked the creation of General Oncology• Breakthrough science: developing a low-toxicity treatment for stage 4 pancreatic cancer• Clinical progress: nearing the end of a Phase 1 trial at Memorial Sloan Kettering• Quality of life focus: why fewer treatments and fe…

In this episode of WhatKeepsYouAwake.TV, host David Hooser sits down with Steve Feld—MBA, business marketing architect, TEDx presenter, serial entrepreneur, and business coach. Having owned, operated, bought, and sold seven companies, Steve shares what truly keeps him awake at night: helping small business owners beat the odds, build real businesses (not just income streams), and create sustainable paths to growth and exit.From early failures and hard-earned lessons to leveraging AI, automation, and disciplined planning, Steve breaks down what owner-operators must do differently to survive—and thrive.🎯 Inside This Episode:• From idea to exit: why most businesses fail—and how planning backward changes everything• Learning from failure: turning setbacks into strategy, systems, and stronger foundations• AI & automation: using tools as leverage—not replacements—for smarter decision-making• Marketing clarity: defining your target market, brand voice, and message that actual…

In this episode of WhatKeepsYouAwake.TV, host David Hooser sits down with René Johnson, CEO and founder of Power Zone Coaching. A published author, international speaker, and trusted leadership advisor, René shares what truly keeps her awake at night: helping entrepreneurs stop choosing struggle and start leading from their “power zone.” With over two decades of experience, she breaks down how leadership—not hustle—is the greatest profit center in any business.🎯 Inside This Episode:• Choosing struggle vs. choosing growth: why many entrepreneurs underfund, overwork, and under-delegate• Power Zone leadership: turning leadership into your most valuable profit center• The three “power leaks”: time, money/resources, and people alignment—and how to plug them• Systems before scale: building repeatable processes that drive profitability and freedom• Life-first business design: using your company as a vehicle to live your best life, not burn out📌 Work With / Connect:• Power…

In this episode of WhatKeepsYouAwake.TV, host David Hooser sits down with Nicole Zeno, founder of CleverCow Media and co-host of What the Frack?. A three-time exited founder and fractional CMO, Nicole breaks down what really keeps business owners awake: misalignment between life and business, broken growth strategies, and the trap of entrepreneurial poverty. This is a practical, mindset-shifting conversation for founders who want freedom—not just revenue.🎯 Inside This Episode:• Entrepreneurial poverty: why many founders trade a 40-hour job for a 160-hour grind—and how to escape it• Life-first strategy: architecting your business around the life you actually want• Fractional leadership: how part-time C-suite thinking unlocks scalable growth for small teams• Marketing myths: why execution alone fails without strategy, systems, and clear KPIs• AI + humanity: where automation helps—and why storytelling and emotional connection still win📌 Work With / Connect:• CleverCow…

In this episode of WhatKeepsYouAwake.TV, host David Hooser sits down with Jennifer Whittingham, founder of Whittingham Creations, a UX and digital strategy firm born nearly 20 years ago out of motherhood, necessity, and the early dot-com era. From Silicon Valley startups to building a home-based business, stepping into corporate leadership, and now redefining her next chapter, Jennifer shares what keeps her awake today: purpose, growth, and helping others succeed.🎯 Inside This Episode:• From dot-com boom to mom-preneur: how Jennifer launched Whittingham Creations to balance career and family• To scale or stay small?: the real trade-offs between creativity, growth, contractors, and employees• UX beyond screens: designing end-to-end experiences that actually serve users and businesses• AI in design today: where AI speeds up research, prototyping, and systems—and where human judgment still matters• The next chapter: shifting from “doing the work” to mentoring, consulting, a…

In this episode of WhatKeepsYouAwake.TV, host David Hooser sits down with Francine Sumner, founder and CEO of Kid in the Corner, a youth mental health awareness and suicide prevention nonprofit. After the devastating loss of her youngest son, Francine transformed grief into action—building a program that meets kids where they are, breaks down stigma, and equips students with life-saving tools to support themselves and one another.From schools that resist mental health conversations to the power of peer-to-peer support, Francine shares what truly keeps her awake at night—and why normalizing mental health care as early as elementary school can change lives.🎯 Inside This Episode:• Why stigma—not funding—is the biggest barrier to youth mental health support• The Penny Pledge program: teaching kids to care for themselves and each other• Reaching students as young as 4th grade with age-appropriate mental health tools• Turning personal tragedy into a statewide mission serving…

In this episode of WhatKeepsYouAwake.TV, host David Hooser sits down with Len Munsil — president of Arizona Christian University since 2010, attorney, educator, and leader behind one of the most dramatic Christian university transformations in the Southwest. From tripling enrollment to navigating cultural headwinds, Len shares the mission, miracles, and mindset behind ACU’s growth.🎯 Inside This Episode:• The real pressures that keep a university president awake — leadership, culture, and constant change• How ACU tripled enrollment and transitioned to the historic Thunderbird campus• Why mission matters: equipping Christians to lead, influence, and build flourishing communities• Expanding academics & athletics — from pre-law and pre-med to top-tier NAIA programs• The challenge and calling of being “Courageously Christian” in today’s cultural climate📌 Learn More / Connect with ACU:• Arizona Christian University — degrees, athletics, campus life & mission• ACU Gradu…

In this episode of WhatKeepsYouAwake.TV, host David Hooser sits down with Irin Daniels — former ASU professor, two-time Emmy nominee, TV/film producer, and founder of the nonprofit Glowframe Initiative. From Hollywood sets to heartfelt caregiving and community uplift, Irin shares what really keeps him awake: balancing creativity, responsibility, and purpose. 🎯 Inside This Episode: • Juggling roles: producer, creative educator, family caretaker — and the sleepless nights that come with it • From ...

In this episode of WhatKeepsYouAwake.TV, host David Hooser sits down with Dr. Sonja Elcic, psychologist, professor, and marketing strategist. Blending behavioral science with real-world business experience, Sonja helps entrepreneurs understand what truly drives decision-making—online and offline—and why mastering human behavior leads to smarter, more sustainable growth.🎯 Inside This Episode:• From academia to entrepreneurship: Sonja’s journey from clinical psychology to brand strategy• Human behavior 101: why people buy, what motivates action, and how emotions shape every decision• Marketing that works: shifting from trends and tactics to psychology-driven strategy• The overwhelm epidemic: time, pressure, and why small business owners feel stretched thin• Content creation clarity: how to communicate authentically without chasing every platform• AI + marketing: how founders can use tools wisely without losing the human connection• Building confidence: why understandin…

In this episode of WhatKeepsYouAwake.TV, host David Hooser sits down with Kelley Hutta, owner and chief instructor of Chandler Martial Arts Center. After decades of training and teaching, Kelley continues the 50-year legacy of her dojo—creating a space where discipline, confidence, and community thrive for students ages 4 to 80.🎯 Inside This Episode:• Legacy leadership: how Kelley stepped into a 50-year-old martial arts tradition and made it her own• From student to sensei: building confidence, character, and resilience through lifelong training• Running a community dojo: cultivating a safe, structured, and family-centered environment• Teaching philosophy: balancing discipline, encouragement, and individualized instruction• Business behind the belt: what it takes to run a multi-generational martial arts center• Community impact: empowering youth, supporting parents, and offering a positive alternative to screens• Growth mindset: why martial arts remains a lifelong pr…

In this episode of WhatKeepsYouAwake.TV, host David Hooser sits down with Diane Palacios, founder of Palacios Crew Counseling. After navigating personal and family challenges, Diane redefined success—building a perinatal mental health practice focused on supporting expecting and new moms while balancing family and business.🎯 Inside This Episode:• From stress to strategy: how Diane turned personal challenges into a thriving counseling practice• Building Palacios Crew Counseling: blending professional expertise with empathy and client-first care• Entrepreneurship in mental health: leading a private practice while mentoring and supporting other clinicians• The “why” behind private practice: creating a space that meets the needs of moms, families, and their support networks• Parenting parallels: lessons from her own journey with three kids and client care• Sustaining balance: managing family, business, and personal well-being while growing a meaningful enterprise• Palaci…

In this episode of WhatKeepsYouAwake.TV, host David Hooser sits down with Andres Vargas, founder of Strength Cave and co-founder of Studio Vargas. From overcoming personal health challenges to building a remote coaching business and diving into real estate investing with his spouse, Andres shares how he turned passion into scalable ventures, balanced multiple enterprises, adapting to changing markets.🎯 Inside This Episode:• Transformation journey: losing 120 lbs without fad diets, studying exercise science, and turning personal success into a coaching business• Strength Cave: shifting from in-person to remote coaching, one-on-one training with video feedback, and growing a loyal client base• Entrepreneurial lessons: starting small, managing multiple projects, and balancing work, health, and family life• Real estate venture: co-founding Studio Vargas, focusing on traditional sales, fix & flips, rentals, and design/construction• Market insights: navigating Phoenix real est…

In this episode of WhatKeepsYouAwake.TV, host David Hooser talks with JP Middleton—AI agency owner and founder of Gym Members Now—about going from his mom’s basement in Kentucky to serving national fitness franchises (Anytime Fitness, Burn Boot Camp, Club Pilates, Pure Barre, YogaSix, StretchLab). JP breaks down how he productized “done-for-you” marketing, built follow-up and sales systems, and now adds AI to re-engage leads, drive reviews, and spark referrals—while sharing the mindset shift that took him from $15/hr security guard to ~$200K/month in revenue.🎯 Inside This EpisodeThe pivot: SMMA beginnings → niche focus on gyms → selling training (higher LTV) vs. just membershipsSystems that scale: GoHighLevel CRM, Meta/TikTok/Google ads, automated nurture, book/show/close frameworksAI in the stack: reactivating old leads, auto-requesting reviews, then asking for referrals (free acquisition!)Surviving shocks: COVID shutdowns, rebuilding the offer, and partnering wit…

In this episode of WhatKeepsYouAwake.TV, host David Hooser sits down (again!) with Trang Hooser, a Las Vegas–based real estate pro working toward her broker license. From shifting mortgage rates to downsizer-friendly cash offers, Trang shares practical strategies for buyers and sellers navigating today’s market—no hype, just a plan.🎯 Inside This Episode:• Market now → near-term: lower rates favor buyers, but falling rates may increase competition• “Marry the house, date the rate”: buy smart, then refinance when rates improve• Pricing reality: 90-day-old comps don’t reflect today’s market; adapt your mindset• Downsizers/empty nesters: appraisal-based cash offer, zero prep, flexible move-out, no showings• Traditional + luxury sales: pre-list walkthrough, high-ROI fixes, professional marketing, targeted campaigns📌 Work with Trang:• Las Vegas / Henderson / Summerlin specialist; trusted Arizona & California referrals• Start with a no-pressure planning call; ask about …

In this episode of WhatKeepsYouAwake.TV, host David Hooser sits down with Trang Hooser, a Las Vegas–based real estate expert and the boss behind the iconic “Boss” shirt 😉. From running full-service salons as a single mom to guiding buyers and sellers across Las Vegas—and connecting clients in Arizona—Trang shares how planning beats panic, relationships outlast transactions, and why Summerlin offers a suburban lifestyle unlike anywhere else in Vegas.🎯 Inside This Episode:• Entrepreneurship & family: moving from salons to real estate for flexible growth• Client-first strategy: planning, prep, and process for stress-free buying and selling• Real-life case study: navigating probate, timelines, and communication during complex sales• Market insights: why skillful pricing and preparation outperform “list high, pray” tactics• Why Summerlin & Vegas: master-planned communities, trails, parks, plus access to world-class dining and entertainment📌 Learn more / connect:• Call o…

In this episode of WhatKeepsYouAwake.TV, host David Hooser sits down with Art Bejarano, CEO of Integrity Engineering & Design Solutions (IEDS) and founder of Cogen, an engineer-to-engineer talent platform. From leaving a limiting job to scaling a multimillion-dollar engineering firm, Art shares the systems, mindset, and lessons that shaped his path through aerospace, defense, and high-tech industries.🎯 Inside This Episode:• How leaving a stagnant role launched a fast-growing engineering business• Navigating cash-flow shocks and the realities of net-30 to net-180 contracts• Scaling IEDS from PCB layout to full-service engineering with AS9100/ISO 9000 quality• The Flex Interface™ model that helped deliver major aerospace projects ahead of schedule• Why Art built Cogen to streamline engineering talent matching and prepare teams for the AI-driven future📌 Learn more: Integrity Engineering & Design Solutions | Cogen (beta) | Fire Yourself on Amazon🔔 Subscribe to WhatKeep…

In this episode of WhatKeepsYouAwake.TV, host David Hooser sits down with Allan Draper—serial entrepreneur, investor, business coach, and now author of Pack Your Lunch. Allan shares the genesis of his book, the 13 sacrifices that actually move the needle, and why risk, regret, and endurance are at the core of every entrepreneurial journey.🎯 Inside This Episode:• Why Allan wrote Pack Your Lunch: recognizing patterns of sacrifice across 20+ startups• Sacrificing the right things: avoiding mistakes like giving up family time that doesn’t advance the business• 13 sacrifices unpacked: from financial strain to shifting relationships when success makes others uncomfortable• Redefining risk: financial vs. emotional costs, and why not pursuing your potential is the greater danger• The “Pack Your Lunch” metaphor: preparing in advance vs. fast-food shortcuts in business and life• Writing the book: two-year process, bestseller launch in entrepreneurship & leadership categories• …

In this episode of WhatKeepsYouAwake.TV, host David Hooser sits down with Allan Draper, serial entrepreneur, investor, business coach, and author of Pack Your Lunch. From practicing law at one of the largest firms in the world to founding 20+ companies across industries, Allan shares the real costs of entrepreneurship, why endurance matters more than excitement, and how defining non-negotiables changed both his businesses and his life.🎯 Inside This Episode:• From law to pest control: leaving a high-paying legal career, moving to Detroit, and starting Proof Pest Control with his brother• Scaling strategy: door-to-door sales still driving 40–50% of new customers alongside digital marketing• Proof Pest Control today: 10 branches across 7 states, recurring revenue model, and the importance of technician safety• Lizard SEM: building a digital marketing agency for home-service companies that don’t know Google Ads but know hard work• Endurance - excitement: ideas are easy—stick…

In this special episode of WhatKeepsYouAwake.TV, host David Hooser welcomes U.S. Congressman David Schweikert — Arizona’s representative for the 1st Congressional District — for a candid conversation on business, policy, and the future of entrepreneurship in America.🔥 Inside This Episode:• Why small businesses remain the true engine of the U.S. economy• The demographic shifts shaping America’s workforce and economy• How regulation and bureaucracy can crush or empower entrepreneurs• The role of technology and AI in leveling the playing field for SMBs• Policy insights: productivity, tax incentives, and what needs fixing in healthcare• Why Arizona’s entrepreneurial ecosystem is poised for growth — and what challenges lie aheadCongressman Schweikert also shares his personal entrepreneurial journey, lessons from navigating business cycles, and what local founders can do to thrive in a rapidly changing economy.📌 Key Takeaway: Small businesses and entrepreneurs aren’t…

In this episode of WhatKeepsYouAwake.TV, host David Hooser sits down with Jason Turnquist, CEO & co-founder of Firesite, an award-winning web & app development studio in Tempe, Arizona. From bootstrapping out of an apartment in 2009 to shipping Shopify builds and custom apps, Jason shares 15 years of lessons on product, people, and staying cash-flow positive—plus why his team still answers the phone with a human.🎯 Inside This Episode:Cash is king: how Q2 tariffs froze B2B deals and what he did to manage cash flowFrom HTML to CMS to SaaS: the evolution (WordPress → Shopify) and why UX still makes or breaks youOmni-channel done right: POS + e-com + marketplaces + loyalty under one Shopify roofApp story: building the first Wi-Fi–connected pellet grill app—and what it taught them about IoT UXPractical AI: launching proplaintiff.ai to turn hours of legal grunt work into minutesHuman - bot (sometimes): where AI fits, and where real people must stay in the loop (s…

In this episode of WhatKeepsYouAwake.TV, host David Hooser sits down with Sara Gullickson, CEO & founder of Cannabis Business Advisors. With 15 years in the cannabis industry, Sara shares her journey from Craigslist gig to leading a national advisory firm, helping businesses navigate licensing, regulation, and community acceptance in one of the most complex industries in America.🎯 Inside This Episode:• Early entry: from marketing spas & salons → assisting cannabis applicants in Arizona’s first licensing wave• Lottery vs. merit-based licensing: why Sara lobbies for fairness and long-term operators, not just luck• Building and selling firms: from taking out trash to leading a publicly traded company, then launching her second firm in 2020• National perspective: only half of Americans have access to recreational cannabis—growth ahead for many states• Community relations: winning trust through education, economic revitalization, and security planning• The corporate shift: …

In this episode of WhatKeepsYouAwake.TV, host David Hooser sits down with Jack Spencer, Business Development Director for the MBPS team, one of the show’s core sponsors. Jack shares insights on MBPS’s mission, how they support entrepreneurs, and the unique role business development plays in scaling client partnerships.🎯 Inside This Episode:• The role of MBPS in backing small business leaders• How business development drives partnerships and growth• Sponsor perspective: why MBPS supports entrepreneurial storytelling• Building long-term client value through development and service📌 Learn more: [MBPS website/link if available]🔔 Subscribe to WhatKeepsYouAwake.TV for more stories from entrepreneurs building bold, resilient brands.📣 Drop a comment: How has a sponsor or partner helped you grow your business?🔑 Hashtags:#MBPS #BusinessDevelopment #SmallBusinessSupport #Entrepreneurship #Partnerships #GrowthStrategy #WhatKeepsYouAwakeTV