Careers Over Beers Podcast

Ben Valencia and Kiana Lucero both work for Tanganika Wildlife Park in Goddard, KS. During this episode, Ben gets into his start in the animal world and what it's like being the Carnivore Specialist for the big cats. Kiana also discusses her origins in Marine Biology, and what her daily life entails as the Animal Experience Specialist. Both keepers also get into their favorite animals, some of their funnier experiences, and why Tanganika Wildlife Park is more than just a Zoo.

Troy Brooks is the Founder & CEO of Greatness Vodka. During this episode, Troy gives insight into his early years of being homeless, quitting basketball, and grinding to earn money for creating his own vodka brand. Also, Troy gives advice on striving for Greatness, the pros & cons of starting a business, and how you can achieve anything that you set your mind to.

Steve Hewitt is the CEO of the Kansas Turnpike Authority. During this episode, Steve discusses his pathway to CEO and how he maintains 236 miles of user-fee supported roadway from the Oklahoma border to Kansas City. Also, Steve goes into detail about the KTA going 100% Cashless Tolls in the summer of 2024 and what that means for customers using the highway.

Cody Howell is a rising Country Musician that served 7 years in the Navy before moving to Nashville, TN to pursue his love for music. During this episode, Cody talks about being a Kansas native, how he started recording music, working with Dolly Parton, and much more!

Jeff Kraus is the third-generation owner of Kraus Foods, a beloved grocery store in the Colwich, KS community. Four years ago, Jeff expanded the business by opening Kraus Liquor, a venture that has seen remarkable success. During this episode, Jeff gives insight into running a small business, what it's like competing with big corporations, how the COVID pandemic had major impacts on his stores, and much more!

Chase Kear is a pole vaulter, public speaker, artist, & survivor of a horrible pole vaulting accident that he should not have survived. During this episode, Chase talks about the day of the accident, how doctors did not think he was going to make it, and how he miraculously recovered after a Catholic community came together in prayer to Father Emil Kapaun.

Krista Torres is a Content Creator, TikTok Star, Writer, & Social Media expert that works for BuzzFeed. During this episode, Krista gives insight into the stress of creating new content, what makes a video go viral, her journey to becoming a social media personality for her employer and herself, & so much more!

Dr. Heather Greenberg is a Clinical Psychologist and Therapist. During this episode, Dr. Heather discusses her passion for helping people through therapy, why it's important for people to seek help, & what it's like to listen & diagnose people's mental health problems all across the board.

Oscar Pineda is an award winning coffee roaster & cafe owner that runs and operates Esperanza Coffee Roasters & Las Adelitas Cafe in Wichita, KS. During this episode, Oscar talks about bringing Mexican coffee to the USA, how he roasts coffee to bring out flavors, & his passion for igniting nostalgia and relationships with coffee.

Jarrod Jansen is a Financial Planner, Wealth Manager, and CFP at Heritage Private Wealth Management. During this episode, Jarrod discusses ways to grow your wealth, which stocks to buy, and how rewarding it is for him to help people learn about finances. 

Eilene Maclaskey is a Nanny and Private Caretaker for wealthier families in Denver, CO. During this episode, Eilene gives her perspective on finding your passion in life, what her journey has been like as a caretaker for kids, and all of the nitty gritty details about her experience working in people's households. 

Trooper Ben is a State Trooper with the Kansas Highway Patrol that has gained a massive following on Twitter over the past 15 years. During this episode, Trooper Ben discusses why being a State Trooper is so rewarding, what a normal shift is like, and how he has used social media to help the community around him.

Jacky Goerzen is the Director of the historic Old Cowtown Museum in Wichita, KS. During this episode, Jacky talks about working her way up to being the Director, how their museum immerses you into the 1800's with 25 acres of real historical buildings, & many of the paranormal encounters that workers experience in the museum!

BJ Hunt is the co-founder & co-owner of Walnut River Brewing Co. in El Dorado, KS. During this episode, BJ recalls starting his brewery in the back of a flea market, the struggles of owning a business, and what it takes to make great tasting beer.

Stephen Walker has been teaching english to students of other languages in South Korea for over 20 years. During this episode, Stephen talks about leaving for the Peace Corps, what it takes to become a TESOL, and how important he thinks it is to travel the world.

Jillian Carroll is the former Host of the lifestyle & entertainment show, Good Day Kansas. During this episode, Jillian recalls her journey to the world of television, her days of cheerleading for the KC Chiefs, & all of the fun experiences she had as the host of Good Day Kansas. 

Dave Akao is a sports performance coach for Amplify My Training in Wichita, KS. During this episode, Trainer Dave talks about helping young athletes use their full potential, what it takes to train for sports, and the difference that hard work and raw talent can make.

Tiger Faulkner is a Personal Trainer & Bodybuilder that works at Genesis Health Clubs. During this episode, Tiger talks about his great success as a trainer, how he helps clients gain strength, what it's like competing in bodybuilding, and many more topics such as Liver King, steroids, & eating disorders!

Ross Janssen is the Chief Meteorologist at KWCH 12 in Wichita, KS. During this episode, Ross discusses his early interests in weather, getting his Atmospheric Science degree, what it's like being a TV personality, and everything you need to know about tornadoes. 

Denzelle Bailey is a 10 year licensed Professional Tattoo Artist & owner of The HiiiPower Tattoo Company. During this episode, Denzelle goes into detail about weird customer requests, different techniques used to beautify people, and what it was like starting his own business.

Dr. Hector G. Rios is an Optometrist that owns his own Eye Care Clinic, Hector Rios Optometry, LLC. During this episode, Dr. Rios talks about what Lasik surgery involves, how kids lie during eye exams, and what it's like going through Med School and starting his own business.

Dr. Clayton Dir is a Performance Physical Therapist at Natural Wellness Physiotherapy in Wichita, KS. During this episode, Clayton recalls some amazing recovery stories, explains his passion for helping patients reach their goals, and describes what it takes to graduate from PT school.

Braeden Oakleaf, (a.k.a., The Men's Hairdresser) is a Barber that has been in the hair business for 9 years. During this episode, Braeden talks about his experience in Cosmetology school, how he teaches different cutting methods, and how important social media is for a hairdresser's success.

Career Advisors Robyn & Kristi return to give Jesse his Career Aptitude Test results. During this episode, Robyn & Kristi explain how they started as school counselors, and how they help people find their ideal college major & career path by using aptitude tests. 

David Michael Hahn is a Lawyer and host of Wichita Podcast. During this episode, David recalls what it's like going through law school, passing the bar exam, and providing clients legal guidance. Also, David discusses his role as a podcast host and how he uses podcasting and food blogging as a creative outlet. 

Host Jesse gives a thank you message to all of his supporters for one year of podcasting.

In this Bonus Episode, The Homie Seth interviews Host Jesse Kraus to discuss starting Careers Over Beers Podcast, his goals, and everything that comes with running a weekly podcast.....along with plenty of laughs!

Kristin Martin is a Museum Professional that works at the Museum of World Treasures. During this episode, Kristin recalls spending nights at the museum with ancient artifacts and why museums play such an important role in our lives.

Danny Seltenreich is a Software Engineer that works for NetApp. During this episode, Danny gives the inside scoop on coding languages to learn, working remotely vs. in office, and the many opportunities that the tech world provides.

Kristen Townsend is a Lifestyle Manager that owns her own company, ICT Lifestyle Management. During this episode, Kristen explains how her company helps people & businesses with the extra duties in their lives so that they can focus more on what matters most. 

Ryan Malone is a Butterfly Farmer that owns his own business, The Hatchery Butterfly Farm. During this episode, Ryan talks about starting his Butterfly Farm, Climate Change, and how he is improving the world with conservation & beauty.

Luke Clouse is a Landscape Designer that owns his own Landscape business, Meadowlark Landscape & Design. During this episode, Luke recalls working his first landscaping job, starting his business with a friend, and some of the weirder customers & their requests. 

Vanessa Whiteside is an author, journalist, and wordsmith that owns her own business, Delightful Life Media, LLC. During this episode, Vanessa discusses her newly published book, "100 Things To Do In Wichita Before You Die", and her passion for using words as a tool to inspire people and help local businesses thrive. 

Brian and Anathea Rivera are Veterans & Custom Hat Designers that own Alpha Bravo Custom Designs. During this episode, the Rivera's discuss turning their passion into a business, leaning to laser engrave, and some of the weirder requests they've had for hat designs.

Kurt Reichenberger is a Commercial Airline Pilot that flies the Boeing 787 for United Airlines. During this episode, Kurt talks about becoming a pilot, what his work schedule is like, any close calls that he's encountered, and many other topics about air travel.

Katelyn Oare is a Hospice Registered Nurse. During this episode, Katelyn discusses her important role in providing patients comfort care at the end of their lives, and how she deals with being surrounded by constant death in her job.

Robyn Jackson & Kristi Windish are Career Advisors that own True Compass, LLC, a career guidance company. During this episode, Robyn & Kristi explain how they started as school counselors, and how they help people find their ideal college major & career path by using aptitude tests. 

Dave Buche is the Cofounder, Director, and Organizer of the Collegiate baseball tournament Summerball Showdown. During this episode, Dave shares the details on starting a nonprofit organization, and how his baseball tournament benefits young baseball players and the community around them.

Zachary Weatherby is a Police Officer for the Wichita Police Department. During this episode, Zach describes what it takes to become a Police Officer, and recalls some of the interesting, sometimes dangerous, encounters that he's come across during his shift.

Rebecca Zinabu is a Digital Marketer & Real Estate Agent that owns her own business, Bec and Call Marketing LLC. During this episode, Rebecca gets into the nitty gritty about social media and their algorithms that are designed to show you specific content, and how social media is such a powerful tool for business owners.

Delno Ebie is an Actor that has performed in 40+ plays and several different movies. During this episode, Delno describes his journey to Los Angels at a young age, what it's like performing in live plays, and how his experience has led him into roles in movies such as Disney's "The Haunted Mansion". 

Patrick Kraus is an Accountant, CPA, CFO, and my father. During this episode, Patrick talks about his early days as a U.S. Postal Worker, and how he left his job to join the world of finance. Pat goes into details about passing the CPA exam and climbing the corporate ladder as an accountant, and how being an accountant can provide many opportunities in the business world.

Greg Smarsh teaches Social Studies & Government at Andale High School, coached Football and Track & Field, and instructs students in the Driver's Ed program. During this episode, Greg talks about his career of nearly three decades as a teacher and coach in a public high school and all of the fun stories that come with it such as mischievous students, the important lessons taught in sports, and why teaching can be so rewarding.

Amanda Mayflower is a Costumed Entertainer for children and adults that owns her own business, Flint Hills Fairies. During this episode, Amanda discusses her different costumes her and her crew wear such as the Easter Bunny, fairies, elves, and leprechauns, and how they use them to entertain and enlighten people from all different demographics.

Danielle Stephen is a Decorative Artist and owner of Doors by Danielle & Danielle Studios, Inc. During this episode, Danielle discusses her gift as a talented artist and how she painted her way to become a successful business owner and art professional specializing in home décor, murals, and many other types of projects. 

Erik Wong is a Medical Scribe at Vituity that works at three different hospital emergency rooms. During this episode, Erik explains how a Medical Scribe's role in the hospital assists Doctors and PA's in taking notes, and also reveals some of the most shocking stories that he's witnessed from patients in the ER. 

JJ Hayes is a Radio Personality that is the host of The JJ Hayes Morning Show on 101.3 KFDI. During this episode, JJ shares the ins and the outs of being a radio personality for a morning show, and what it's like entertaining all of his listeners on their morning commute each day. 

Jennifer, or Jen With the Coffee, is a caffeinated blogger in the Wichita, KS area that has garnered a following on her social media platforms blogging about coffee and food. During this episode, Jen gives details about her journey to Kansas and what her life is like trying out the best food and drink spots around town. 

Matt Webber is a Vocal Music Teacher that has been teaching children and adults for over 19 years. He also established and directs his own men's acapella chorus group called Smorgaschorus. During this episode, Matt illustrates his career as a musician and mentor, and also explains the importance of music and how it can enhance people's lives.

After 24 fun and entertaining episodes, season one of Careers Over Beers Podcast has come to an end. During this episode, Jesse Kraus, the host, breaks down some of the best moments from every episode of the first season of the show.

Ashley Abedini is a local foodie blogger behind the popular foodie accounts @ICTBrokeGirls and @ATXBrokeGirls, and also owns her own Social Media Agency, Abedini Social. During this episode, Ashley talks about her experiences eating around the local Wichita area and what it's like to manage her accounts on Instagram and Facebook.