The Matt Balaker Podcast

Ophthalmologist Dr. Ming Wang discusses his path from China’s Cultural Revolution to life in America. His life story became a feature film Sight starring Greg Kinnear.

Andrew Scott Easton could have worked in Hollywood. Instead, he ditched the film biz for the blockchain. He discusses his path into the industry and the rapidly evolving role of digital assets in the global economy.

Tired of corporate news that only reinforces bias? Kira Shihskin did something about it. This entrepreneurial immigrant is changing the way we consume news and giving people more time back.

Ariel Imas shares his story from Brooklyn to Wall Street, the lessons he learned in investment banking, and the vision behind Diesis Holdings. He also offers practical insights on reading financial statements, valuing companies, and how artificial intelligence is reshaping the future of investing and business. Perfect for the finance geek in us all.   / aimas   https://www.diesisinc.com/

Greg Giraldo, Jr. grew up with comedy. His parents met at a comedy club. His dad was one of the most beloved comedians of his era. Now he's creating his own name in the business. Check out this episode conducted by one of the authors of Greg Giraldo: A Comedian's Story.   / greggiraldojr   https://www.tiktok.com/@greggiraldojr...   / greg-giraldo-jr  

Gratitude helped this mom create a successful business. Jan Dalton was a busy working mom and now she's busier as the co-founder of eBars. Get her insights on the importance of perseverance, faith, and resilience. https://www.ebars.com/

Justin Harrison discusses You, Only Virtual, a platform that creates virtual versions of loved ones who have passed away. He explains how the technology helps people process grief, maintain connections, and cope with loss in new ways.https://www.myyov.com/

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 c...

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 contro...

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 high...

Comedian and author Lou Perez joins the show to talk comedy, politics, and personal freedom. He shares stories from his tour with Scott Thompson, reactions to Charlie Kirk’s death. Plus offers his own insights on health and education. Lou reflects on navigating relationships in a polarized world and why taking ownership of your choices matters most.https://www.thelouperez.com/https://x.com/theloup...

Howzit Hostels Founder Michael Russell grew up in Carlsbad, California, and built a new life in Hawaii. He shares memories from his first job, lessons on education, and the challenges of living in Maui. Michael talks about the impact of tourism, surviving the devastating Maui fires, and how the experience shaped his outlook. He also details his leap into the hostel business.https://www.howzithoste...

Aidan Brannigan went from eating Spam with Joey Chestnut to founding No Boring Brands, a creative humor agency. He talks losing big in crypto, the role of humor in marketing, and why great ideas still outlast algorithms.

How much protein should you consume? How has the ag industry shifted? Bench press champ and businessman Cody Claflin shares his journey from growing up in a farming family in Missouri to becoming an entrepreneur in agriculture and beyond. He discusses the generational shifts in farming practices, the challenges and lessons learned from hemp farming, and his transition into affordable housing and s...

David Uribe grew up in Miami and built a career helping comedians stand out. As the founder of Uribe Creative, he blends marketing know-how with a deep love of comedy. Hear how he's shaping the future of comedy branding on the Matt Balaker Podcast.www.uribecreative.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/daviduribe/

Jim Carroll has lived in many places and done cool things. Jim reflects on his experiences at Harvard Business School, the challenges of starting in investment banking, and the lessons learned throughout his career. He emphasizes the importance of understanding volatility and resiliency. MORE ABOUT JIMJim Carroll is a Senior Wealth Advisor & Portfolio Manager at Ballast Rock Private Wealth, an...

Ryan Davis knows a good crab cake and the inner workings of the NY theater scene. Now he is the CEO of People First, the biggest influencer firm focused on social impact. He knows how to turn social media into a career path. Hear his story. Connect with him on X and Instagram at @RyanNewYorkwww.peoplefirst.cc

Toly Kvitnitsky emigrated from Ukraine as a child and landed in New Jersey. Since then he's worked as a caddy, tennis instructor, and now serves as the CEO and founder of AI or Not, an AI detection startup. It not easy, but he's having fun. Hear him discuss the importance of authenticity in a world increasingly influenced by AI.

Patrick Keane has traveled the world for the past 24 years performing stand-up comedy and has appeared on the Late Late Show, Live At Gotham, Comics Unleashed and Jimmy Kimmel Live. He has a comedy special on the Dry Bar comedy network and his work can be seen in his book The Patrick Keane Collection. Hear his take on comedy's past and future.

Michelle Harper grew up in Kansas, where she developed a love for basketball and math. Now she lives in Laguna Beach but never lost her heartland roots. Computer programming launched her career. Now she has a unique take on the future of the programming industry and how we can parent in the world of AI.Follow 'The BeEngaged Podcast' on YouTube & Insta ‪@BeEngagedNow‬