Podcasts about business show

Today's episode is for the gym owner who's generating $5k-$15k per month.  We identify the 7 constraints that hold most gym owners generating this level of revenue back.  I'll walk you through what they are and what you need to do to free up more time and start growing your gym.  To apply for Class 8 of the Iron Business Blueprint starting on 8/25/26 click here -->> https://www.ironbusinessblueprint.com/ 

To grow your gym you need to know exactly what to focus on.  Which means you also need to know what NOT to focus on.  Because how you spend your time determines your level of success.  On today's show I walk you through what needs your attention and what doesn't so you can grow to $30k-$50k/month and beyond.  Enjoy the show. 

AI isn't just another business tool it's becoming the new way business gets done.In this live Q&A, Alvin Bearden and I break down how we're using AI agents to build websites, automate everyday tasks, improve marketing, create reservation systems, and keep multiple projects moving at once.We also discuss the shift from traditional SEO to AI search, how to establish your company as a trusted authority, when to hire someone for advertising, and why chasing viral content can actually hurt a local business.Whether you're already experimenting with AI or have no idea where to begin, this conversation will help you understand what's changing, what matters, and how to start adapting.Learn more about Bounce Into Biz at bounceintobiz.com.Resources for growing your party rental business: jumpoffstore.com.

On this episode I share one of the major traps many gym owners fall into.  And when you get sucked in not only does it destroy the culture of your gym, but you'll end up resenting the business you devote your life to.  Today I'll share what that is and how to avoid it, so you can build can continue to grow and build a business you're truly proud of.  Enjoy the show.

Join us as we hear from Mary McCarthy and Sharon Tilbe, who are the President of the Board and the Volunteer Coordinator respectively at Easthampton Neighbors. They serve 55+ in the Easthampton community who need a little help from their friends to get by. With so many people aging in place it is important to have safety nets like EN so that people can get to appointments, the grocery store, have a small repair done, get computer assistance, or just have a friendly face to check in on them. The village-to-village network has taken off across the state and county with many nonprofits like EN right here in the 413. Listen in on how you can help with becomming a member, volunteer, or board member. Save the date for the Cow Plop Derby on 9/13 at Fletchers Farm in Southampton, MA. Sounds like a fun time for everyone. Thanks for listening to the WMBS. www.easthamptonneighbors.com

On the August 1, 2026 episode of the Hardcore Mortgage Real Estate & Business Show, we welcomed Curt Shewell of eXp Realty for an insightful discussion on today's real estate market. Curt shared his expertise on current housing trends, market conditions, and valuable strategies for buyers and sellers navigating an evolving Michigan real estate landscape.Whether you're looking to purchase your first home, sell a property, or stay informed on the latest real estate developments, this episode delivers practical advice and industry knowledge from a trusted real estate professional.

In 2026 there's now a gym on every corner.  And although your training might be superior, the marketplace doesn't know that.  Which leads to you losing business to competitors who don't provide the same level of service as you.  I made this episode to change that.  On today's show, I teach you exactly how to separate yourself and stand out from the competition.  Enjoy the show. 

Join us as we meet Feyla McNamara, Co-founder and Co-executive director and Dale Geddes, Director of Development for Tides for Reproductive Freedom. Founded in 2018, and staffed up in 2023, Tides as an abortion fund led by people who have had abortions and queer folks. Tune in as we learn what an abortion fund is and how this small grassroots network can help over 900 people last year alone. We discussed how hard it is to do the work in these times but how in these times the work is the most essential effort that they produce for humanity. How Rowe was not the ceiling, but the floor and the rebuilding must be done better and for more people in the future. For more information about Tides please visit www.tidesforchange.org. Thank you for listening.

On the July 25, 2026 episode of the Hardcore Mortgage Real Estate & Business Show, we welcomed Ed Brittingham of RE/MAX Eclipse for an engaging discussion about Michigan's real estate market.Ed shared his expert perspective on current housing trends, market conditions, and valuable insights for both buyers and sellers navigating today's ever-changing real estate landscape. From market opportunities to challenges facing homeowners and prospective purchasers, this episode provides practical information for anyone interested in Michigan real estate.

As a gym owner you wear a lot of different hats.  It's easy to get overwhelmed and lost in the day to day.  And when you're lost working in the business, it's hard to work on this business.  So on today's show I provide you with a daily checklist that ensures you're generating more leads, making more sales, and growing your gym, even with a crazy schedule.  Enjoy the show.  ironbusinessblueprint.com 

On the July 18, 2026 episode of the Hardcore Mortgage Real Estate & Business Show, we welcomed Michelle Saward of eXp Realty for an informative discussion about today's real estate market and the opportunities and challenges facing buyers, sellers, and investors.Michelle shared valuable insights on current market conditions, housing trends, and strategies for navigating an ever-changing real estate landscape. The conversation covered important topics for anyone considering buying a home, selling property, investing in real estate, or staying informed about the Michigan housing market.Hosted by the mortgage and real estate experts of the Hardcore Mortgage Show, this episode delivered practical advice and timely market knowledge to help listeners make confident real estate decisions.

If you're not tracking the right data in your gym your business will remain stuck.  You'll spend hours every week trying to solve the wrong problem.  But when you know what metrics are important, it's like a superpower.  Because anytime something is wrong within your business, you'll be able to see where the problem lies and put your time and attention into fixing it.  That's how you break through bottlenecks in business.  On today's show I share the 12 stats that every gym owner must track to achieve massive growth in their gym.  Enjoy. 

On the July 11, 2026 edition of the Hardcore Mortgage Real Estate & Business Show on 97.1 FM, we welcomed an outstanding lineup of real estate professionals from House Of May to discuss the latest trends shaping Michigan's housing market.Featured guests included Dade DiMaggio, Owner and Broker of House Of May, who shared how his Birmingham-based boutique brokerage grew from a single agent to a thriving team of 20 professionals and surpassed $100 million in sales volume through strategic branding, strong relationships, and innovative marketing.We also spoke with Sid Jamil, one of Metro Detroit's premier luxury real estate agents and a 2025 & 2026 HOUR Magazine All-Star. Sid discussed the luxury home market, client expectations, and the strategies that have helped him achieve more than $75 million in career sales.Rounding out the conversation were House Of May rising stars Alexis Sprankle and Lamar Turner, who shared insights on leveraging social media, personal branding, and modern marketing techniques to build successful real estate careers while helping buyers and sellers across Michigan.Topics discussed included: ✅ Michigan real estate market trends ✅ Luxury real estate and high-end home sales ✅ Building a successful independent brokerage ✅ Branding and marketing strategies that drive results ✅ Tips for home buyers, sellers, and real estate investorsThe Hardcore Mortgage Real Estate & Business Show continues to bring listeners expert advice from industry leaders throughout Metro Detroit and beyond.#HardcoreMortgageShow #HouseOfMay #DadeDiMaggio #SidJamil #AlexisSprankle #LamarTurner #MichiganRealEstate #DetroitRealEstate #LuxuryRealEstate #RealEstateMarketing #BirminghamMI #HomeBuying #HomeSelling #RealEstateInvesting #971FM #MortgageTips #RealEstateExperts #MetroDetroitHomes #BrokerLife #LuxuryHomes

In this episode I share the six steps I would take to rapidly grow any gym in 90 days.  To join our live Gym Growth Masterclass on Friday July 17th at 2 PM EST and enter to win a full scholarship to our 90-day coaching program, click here -->> https://go.ttschallenge.com/live-webinar-page

Dr. Kevin Christie shares Episode 7 of the MCM Student Business Show, designed for chiropractic students and early-career doctors, and featuring a clinical segment with Dr. Mark King. Dr. Christie explains how new associates can contribute to practice growth by building a referral directory, reaching out—with patient permission—to allied healthcare professionals to strengthen patient care and develop referral relationships. Dr. King reflects on the evolution of his clinical confidence, from the certainty he felt after graduation, through the challenges of inconsistent outcomes, to the confidence he developed around age 40 through experience, mentorship, continuing education, and improved case management skills. Also in this episode, Dr. Christie introduces the patient-adherence “Communication Triangle” and shares advice on evaluating associate opportunities, emphasizing the importance of aligning with a clinic's philosophy and clinical approach to avoid long-term mismatches. This is a must-listen episode for students and early-career chiropractors looking to build both clinical confidence and professional success.

Now that summer is here you know what's coming... Members will be reaching out to cancel or put their memberships on hold. It's the nature of the beast.  However, that doesn't mean that you can't still have an awesome summer business-wise. On today's show I share four things you can do to not only improve retention rates but actually grow your business these next few months. 

Join us as we have a robust conversation about the Easthampton Council on aging and enrichment center. We are joined by their Director Cynthia Tarail. She talks about how their programming is a two-way street and how they invite contribution, engagement, and leadership into everything that they do. A participant at the center Ron Contois talks about his experience of coming back to Easthampton and finding community at the center. We are also joined by Katya Shapiro, the Easthampton Public Library Director and Tom Geryk the veteran's agent for Easthampton and Westhampton. Listen as we hear how they partner together and work concurrently to support the residents of the greater Easthampton area. Thank you for listening.

Recorded live on June 27, 2026 on 97.1 FM, this episode of the Hardcore Mortgage Real Estate & Business Show brings you powerful insights on Southeast Michigan real estate and the impact of professional home staging on your bottom line.Our guests:✨ Christin Bracken – Real Estate OneA full-time Realtor with 20+ years of experience serving Southeast Michigan, top-producing agent, and Certified Divorce Real Estate Specialist (CDRE). Christin shares how she helps first-time buyers, sellers, investors, and families navigate every season of life with clarity, care, and expert market knowledge.✨ Michael Rowley – Impact Home Staging ExpertsOwner & President of Michigan's largest home staging company, continuing the legacy started by his late wife, Darla Rowley. With 22+ years in the business, Michael explains how his team has staged more homes than anyone in the state—partnering with Realtors, builders, investors, and homeowners to maximize value and help listings shine.In this episode, we cover:✅ Winning strategies in today's SE Michigan real estate market✅ How professional staging boosts perceived value and speeds up sales✅ Practical tips for sellers to prepare homes that stand out online and in person✅ Advice for buyers and investors competing in Metro Detroit and surrounding areas✅ How expert guidance can help during major life transitions, including divorce and downsizingIf you're a Southeast Michigan homeowner, buyer, investor, or real estate professional, this conversation is packed with actionable tips to help you position your property—and your offers—for success.Subscribe for more real estate, mortgage, and home-selling insights, and catch future episodes of the Hardcore Mortgage Real Estate & Business Show on 97.1 FM.#HardcoreMortgageShow #RealEstateOne #ImpactHomeStaging #SEMichiganRealEstate #MetroDetroitHomes #HomeStaging #RealEstateTips #InvestmentProperties #FirstTimeHomebuyer #RealEstateRadio #MortgageAndRealEstate #BusinessShow #MichiganRealEstate

This is something none of the "grow your gym" business gurus talk about. We can talk about marketing, sales, and the latest AI model all day.  But THIS is the foundation of what your business is built upon.  It's what keeps people coming back.  It's how you build something that's truly special and bigger than yourself.  On today's show I breakdown exactly what that is and how to build it into your gym. Enjoy the show. 

Join us as we speak to Claudia Pazmany Executive Director of the Downtown Amherst Foundation aka the Drake. Many know Claudia from her roles around the region including ED of the Amherst Chamber of Commerce and Development Director at the MLK Center in Springfield. She is joined by Gabrielle Gould, Founder and President of the Board at the Downtown Amherst Foundation and families face around the greater Amherst area in her past role as ED of the Amherst BID. The Drake has been a huge economic driver for downtown Amherst since it's inception in April of 2022. Learn how ticketed events add to the vibrancy and economic development of a town and how partnership is the way we must move forward together. We are also joined by Lincoln Allen, Manager of the Drake and Chris Freeman, ED of the Iron Horse in Northampton. Miles for Music is an 8.1 mile run from the Drake to the Iron Horse on September 13th to coincide with the Taste of Northampton. Be a part of the action and sign up early at runreg.com or go to www.thedrakeamherst.org for more information. Thanks for listening.

Recorded live on June 20, 2026, this episode of the Hardcore Mortgage Real Estate & Business Show features special guest Antonio Wells of Anthony Djon Luxury Real Estate. Join us as we dive into the Michigan real estate market, Detroit-area home values, and what's new in luxury real estate trends.In this full episode, Antonio shares:How today's real estate market is impacting buyers and sellers in MichiganWhat defines “luxury” real estate in Metro Detroit and surrounding areasPractical tips for buying and selling high-end homesStrategies for succeeding as a real estate professional in a changing marketHow smart mortgage planning can help clients compete and win in tight inventory marketsWhether you're a homebuyer, seller, investor, or real estate agent, you'll get actionable insights on pricing, marketing, financing options, and long-term wealth-building through real estate.Broadcast: June 20, 2026 Station: 97.1 FM Show: Hardcore Mortgage Real Estate & Business Show Time: 8–9 AM ETSubscribe for more weekly mortgage tips, housing market updates, and expert real estate interviews.#HardcoreMortgageShow #RealEstateExpert #LuxuryRealEstate #DetroitRealEstate #MichiganRealEstate #MortgageTips #HomeBuying #RealEstateLife #971FM #RadioShow

On today's episode of The Iron Business Show I walk you through a very simple step by step guide to creating better systems for your gym.  

✨ It's My Birthday Month… So We're Celebrating BIG. ✨ For a limited time, some of my most powerful and transformational programs are on sale. If you're ready to break your next upper limit, expand your wealth, and step into the woman you're meant to become, now is the time. ✨ Explore the Birthday Month Sale What happens when you stop caring what people think and start fully owning who you are? In this episode, I'm talking about the hidden cost of visibility and why so many women hold themselves back from being seen, speaking up, growing their business, and sharing their message with the world. I'll share personal stories and powerful mindset shifts that helped me stop seeking validation, trust myself more deeply, and continue showing up even when faced with criticism, judgment, or misunderstanding. Because if you're building a business, growing a brand, or creating a bigger impact, you cannot allow other people's opinions to determine how visible you're willing to become. If you've ever held yourself back because of what other people might think, this episode is for you. In This Episode, You'll Learn: ✨ Why visibility always comes with criticism and what to do about it ✨ The three types of people you'll encounter when you become more visible ✨ How emotional mastery protects your power and confidence ✨ Why trying to control other people's opinions keeps you stuck ✨ The connection between people-pleasing and fear of being seen ✨ How to keep showing up even when you're misunderstood ✨ What true self-trust looks like when you're building a bigger life and business If you're building a business, growing a brand, or creating a bigger impact, you cannot allow other people's opinions to determine how visible you're willing to become. This episode will challenge you to stop shrinking, trust yourself more deeply, and continue showing up for the people you're here to serve.

Tá foláireamh tugtha ag Banc Ceannais na hÉireann go bhfuil baol air go bhféadfaí an ráta boilsciú sa tír seo bheith chomh hard le 5% i 2027.

Nancy Warson of Real Estate One joined the Hardcore Mortgage Real Estate & Business Show on Saturday, June 13, 2026, airing live on 97.1 FM.During this episode, Nancy shared valuable real estate insights and expert perspective on today's housing market, making it a must-watch for anyone looking to stay informed and ahead of current trends. Whether you're buying, selling, or simply exploring your options, this conversation delivered practical knowledge to help guide your next move.Tune in to hear professional insights from one of the industry's trusted voices and stay connected with the latest in real estate and mortgage updates.

You can't grow your gym to multiple six or seven figures if you operate like a gym owner doing $10k/month. To get to the next level you're going to need to step your game up. In this episode of The Iron Business Show I layout 15 things that all multiple six and seven figure gym owners do, so you can do the same.  #gymowner #gymowners #gymownerlife #entrepreneur #entrepreneurship

Western Mass Business Show on 6.13.26 – Zoar Outdoor by WHMP Radio

Josh and Stephanie Atias of Good Company Realty joined the Hardcore Mortgage Real Estate & Business Show on June 6, 2026, sharing their expertise in helping seniors and their families successfully navigate life's next chapter.As a husband-and-wife real estate team and certified Senior Real Estate Specialists, Josh and Stephanie discussed how they combine industry knowledge with a strong network of trusted resources to guide clients through downsizing, estate transitions, and moves to senior living communities. Their thoughtful, personalized approach helps make complex transitions smoother, less stressful, and more informed.This episode delivers valuable insights for anyone planning ahead, supporting aging family members, or exploring housing options for the future.Subscribe for more expert real estate insights and weekly guest interviews from the Hardcore Mortgage Real Estate & Business Show.#HardcoreMortgageShow #SeniorRealEstate #Downsizing #RealEstateExperts #GoodCompanyRealty #MichiganRealEstate #971FM #EstatePlanning

There are 6 keys to running a successful front end offer at your gym.  When you run these right you'll convert 65% or more of your trial members into recurring members.  Having strong recurring revenue is the backbone of your business. So it's important to get this right.  On today's show you exactly how to execute these 6 keys so you can start growing your gym today.  

Join us as we speak with Mary Yun who is the Executive Director of Click Workspace at 9 1/2 market Street in downtown Northampton. Click is celebrating 10 years on Market Street. Tune in as we talk about what it means to cowork in pre-pandemic, pandemic, and post pandemic life. How do we work? Why Click? Why coworking space? Why Northampton? How did Click come to be? Mary has a background as an architect and designer. Bringing this eye for quality of spatial relationships to light, materials, and color for over 28 years Click Workspace has benefited from her eye for detail. Click as a coworking space, gallery space, and community event space has been a very successful concept. They will be celebrating their 10 years on June 12th from 6 to 8 PM with an large scale event at 9 1/2 Market Street. To find out more please go to www.clickworkspace.org or www.maryyunstudio.com.

Do you actually have the right insurance coverage for your interior design business?In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I'm talking about one of the most overlooked but critical parts of running a successful design business: professional liability protection.Many designers assume their homeowner's insurance covers their business, or they believe they're “too small” to need errors and omissions insurance. But the reality is that every project carries liability, and even happy clients can suddenly become difficult when problems arise.In this episode, I share real stories from my own business experience, including client disputes, product failures, remodel complaints, and unexpected accidents that could have turned into major legal and financial problems.We also discuss why documentation matters, how to protect yourself legally, what errors and omissions insurance actually covers, and why separating your personal and business protections is essential.If you're running an interior design business without understanding your liability exposure, this episode is a must-listen.In this episode, we cover:Why homeowner's insurance does not cover your design businessWhat errors and omissions insurance actually protectsWhy no design business is “too small” for liability coverageReal examples of design-related lawsuits and disputesHow clients can suddenly become difficult after projects finishWhy documentation and signed approvals matterProtecting furniture, inventory, and stored productsUnderstanding liability around specifications and selectionsWhy legal defense costs can become overwhelmingSteps every designer should take to protect their businessShow notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.comFollow us on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademyFollow us on Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy

Join us as we listen to some of the Friends of Forbes Library speak about their love of Forbes and the spaces that it creates for people. Jody Rosenbloom, is the Garden Tour Committee Chair, JoEllen Mackenzie, is the President of the FOF Library Board of Directors, and Alex Kessler, is the Garden Tour Committee Member and Coordinator of the Garden search process. What is the Garden Tour? Well, only the most successful fundraiser that the FOF runs every year, coming up on June 13th, 10AM-4PM. For 46 years the Friends have been supporting the needs of the library through memberships and donations at events like the Garden Tour. Your participation helps the library thrive. Go to www.friends.forbeslibrary.org to purchase tickets or find out more about the Friends of the upcoming Garden Tour. Thanks for listening.

Join us as we speak to John Bidwell about his many roles professionally and what experiences shaped him as a human. From owning a small business to being a regional leader in larger companies spanning for and non-profit roles John has seemingly done it all with grace and ease. What does it mean to reinvent yourself and why should leap of faiths be something that we embrace rather than run from? What does purpose and leadership look like for you and how can you forge your own path of joy and mission. As a Peace Corps volunteer and author John has been in partnership with his wife Kris for many years and encourages us to all find our edge and walk the line (which is not straight) to our own edges where we can live our best lives. Thank you for listening.

Curt Shewell of eXp Realty joined The Hardcore Mortgage Real Estate & Business Show on Saturday, May 16, 2026, for an in‑depth discussion on today's real estate market.During the episode, Curt shared real‑world insight on current market conditions, emerging industry trends, and practical strategies impacting buyers, sellers, and real estate professionals across Michigan and beyond. The conversation covered what's happening now — and what to watch for next — in residential real estate, lending, and business growth.Whether you're a real estate agent, mortgage professional, investor, or planning your next move, this episode delivered timely perspectives and actionable takeaways you can use in today's market.

Join us as we hear from the new owners of Paradise City Arts, Elana Churnick Kritz and Mariah Swanson. They are not strangers to the arts and have developed quite a name for themselves in the art world before taking over the helm at PCA. A 30-year legacy is a hard ship to Captain, but they are taking it in stride and as a team. Please attend PCA on May 23-25 at the 3 County Fairgrounds, go to www.paradisecityarts.com for more information, times, food, and music schledue. Tune in for the surprise news, artist line up, and new showstoppers. Thank you for joining us in the excitement and fun of our local arts, business, and non-profit community.

Wondering where your next client is coming from?In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I break down what to do when your pipeline is empty, and how to get clients coming in consistently.Every designer experiences cycles in their business. There are times when you're fully booked, and times when things feel quiet. But instead of panicking, this is your opportunity to reset, refocus, and rebuild your marketing momentum.In this episode, I share five proven strategies to help you generate new clients, reconnect with your network, and create a steady flow of opportunities, without relying on random luck or last-minute hustle.If you've been feeling stuck, worried about where your next project is coming from, or unsure what to do next, this episode will give you a clear plan to get back in motion.In this episode, we cover:Why slow periods are normal in a design businessHow to use downtime productively instead of panickingThe importance of keeping your marketing consistentHow to clearly define your ideal client and projectWhy intention and clarity drive resultsThe power of reconnecting with past (legacy) clientsHow to ask for referrals without sounding needyWhat real networking actually looks likeWhy your elevator pitch matters (and what to say instead)How to build powerful referral partnershipsThe key relationships that bring consistent workWhy timing plays a huge role in landing projectsHow to use social media and email marketing effectivelyThe importance of staying top of mindWhy marketing is the most important part of your businessHow to stop being “busy” and start growing your businessShow notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.comFollow us on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademyFollow us on Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy

Western Mass Business Show on 5.9.26

On this episode of The Iron Business Show Chris breaks down why most gyms stay stuck at $20k/month or less, and what steps you MUST take to grow beyond it.

Join the community built to help you master your money, stay accountable, and reach financial freedom. 

Join the community built to help you master your money, stay accountable, and reach financial freedom. 

In a business world awash with endless content, few voices cut through the noise like Christopher Lochhead: Follow Your Different. In this episode, we sit down with the co-founders of Military Creator Con, James Van Prooyen and Marah Lago, for a candid conversation about the untapped entrepreneurial potential of America's military veterans and their families. The three dive into the values, mindset, and experiences that position veterans as pioneering creator capitalists, explore the origin and purpose of Military Creator Con, and unpack the unique blend of community, grit, and creativity shaping this movement. You're listening to Christopher Lochhead: Follow Your Different. We are the real dialogue podcast for people with a different mind. So get your mind in a different place, and hey ho, let's go. Veterans as America's Untapped Entrepreneurial Force One of the central themes in this conversation is the notion that military veterans embody many of the qualities that make great entrepreneurs. All three agree that the ability to problem-solve under pressure, think outside the box, and adopt a daring, “pirate mentality” are forged through military service as much as through business challenges. James shares firsthand how being tasked with mission-critical communication and IT projects in remote environments taught him to adapt quickly, improvise, and persist; skills invaluable to starting and growing any venture. Marah, coming from a creative civilian background, adds that seeing military spouses and families approach challenges with ingenuity and resilience gave her new appreciation for the community-oriented nature of military life. Both agree that, contrary to common stereotypes, the military is not merely an environment of rigid order-following. Instead, it is a crucible for innovation and resourcefulness, making veterans natural candidates for building businesses or leading creative projects. Building a Community of Military Creators Military Creator Con was born out of a desire to unite veterans, active duty, and military-connected families who were blazing trails in art, digital media, entrepreneurship, and beyond. James and Marah  recognized a gap for military creators and entrepreneurs: while the discipline and camaraderie of military service fostered community, transitioning out of uniform often led to a sense of isolation in the civilian creative or business worlds. They envisioned MCC as a gathering to break down those silos, offering a space to learn, share ideas, and collaborate freely. The event's spirit is deliberately inclusive, welcoming not only veterans but also their spouses, families, and anyone connected to military life. Attendees range from podcasters and artists to business founders and technologists. Workshops and keynote talks are designed to equip participants with practical skills in storytelling, marketing, AI, and social impact — delivering on the promise to empower military-connected visionaries to realize their entrepreneurial dreams while staying true to their roots. Lessons in Grit, Creativity, and Community Throughout the episode, the trio reflects on what sets this community apart. There is an acknowledgment that veterans, and the military world in general, are often filled with what Lochhead calls “misfits”: people who don't always fit into conventional molds and are thus drawn to forging new paths. This trait, they argue, is the beating heart of entrepreneurship and creator culture. MCC aims to harness this shared sense of adventure, service, and innovation, nurturing it through mentorship, new technology, and peer support. Stories about overcoming challenges, learning on the fly, and even embracing some chaos, like a good laugh about rationed whiskey or unscheduled road trips, underscore the theme that creativity thrives on adaptability and boldness. By tapping into these lived experiences, Military Creator Con is more than just an event; it's a movement rallying a diverse community to shape the narrative of what it means to create, lead, and make an impact after service. To hear more from James and Marah about the MCC, download and listen to this episode.  Bio James Van Prooyen and Marah Lago are the founders of Military Creator Con (MCC).  James Van Prooyen, a U.S. Air Force veteran, launched MCC in 2020 as a way to bring military-connected creators, such as podcasters, filmmakers, and entrepreneurs, together to share their experiences and grow their impact. Marah Lago, his wife and co-founder, serves as the CEO of MCC and has been instrumental in expanding the event into a national gathering focused on community, mentorship, and creative empowerment. The conference has grown significantly since its inception, with the 2026 edition scheduled for April 16–18, 2026, in Arlington, Texas. Links Connect with James Van Prooyen and Marah Lago James Van Prooyen: Veterans is Business Show | The Ragnar Life Podcast | LinkedIn Marah Lago: LinkedIn Military Creator Con 2026 Want to get tickets for Christopher Lochhead’s panel for Military Creator Con? Grab your tickets for the Category Design Intensive!  We hope you enjoyed this episode of Christopher Lochhead: Follow Your Different™! Christopher loves hearing from his listeners. Feel free to email him, connect on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and subscribe on Apple Podcast / Spotify!

Join the community built to help you master your money, stay accountable, and reach financial freedom. 

Join the community built to help you master your money, stay accountable, and reach financial freedom.

Join the community built to help you master your money, stay accountable, and reach financial freedom. 

Join the community built to help you master your money, stay accountable, and reach financial freedom. 

Join the community built to help you master your money, stay accountable, and reach financial freedom.