2 CPAs & The Mic

In this inspiring episode, entrepreneurial pioneer Teresa Knox joins us to share her journey from growing up in poverty to becoming one of Tulsa's most influential business and community leaders. Starting with just $700 and a vision, Teresa built Community Care College and Clary Sage College, creating opportunities for thousands of students before transitioning the schools to nonprofit ownership t...

In this episode, Jeff Frable and Sara Mays welcome fellow partner Kyna Leyva to discuss the reality of navigating a thriving family life and robust career. Kyna shares candid insights about how "work-life balance" is a misleading concept and how to think about "harmonizing" your whole life instead, the importance of setting realistic expectations and giving grace to yourself, how to be fully prese...

Mikey Manghum, VP and Financial Advisor at Regent Private Wealth, joins the podcast to unpack a powerful journey shaped by sports, mentorship, and purpose. From growing up overseas, playing Division 1 basketball to building a career centered on redeeming the narrative around money, Mikey shares how mindset, discipline, and calling have guided every chapter of his life. Mikey dives deep into why mi...

What do moon missions and business leadership have in common? More than you might think. In this episode of 2 CPAs & The Mic, we sit down with former NASA communications leader Paul Wizikowski to discuss crisis communication, leadership under pressure, and why silence is often the biggest mistake an organization can make. Drawing from real-world experience with NASA missions, including Artemis and...

Brand is far more than a logo—it's the feeling people carry with them. In this episode of 2 CPAs & The Mic, Johnie Hampton joins our hosts and breaks down the difference between brand and marketing. He gives an inside look at his team's collaborative creative process and explains why a humble, people‑first culture consistently outperforms even the best strategies. We also dig into AI as a true cop...

Employee benefits are no longer just a perk. They're a competitive advantage. Join us as we sit down with Jess Bass Bolander, Senior Vice President at Lockton, to explore how benefits impact culture, retention, profitability, and growth. From supporting a four-generation workforce to navigating mental health, flexible work arrangements, and rising benefit costs, Jess shares practical strategies bu...

Josh Juarez joins Jeff Frable on the mic to share how a college side hustle became one of Tulsa's favorite summer traditions. He discusses his entrepreneurial journey, building snow cone shacks across Tulsa, and fostering a workplace culture that keeps teens returning each year. The conversation explores passing the leadership baton to family, and his latest venture, a year-round community hangout...

In this episode of 2 CPAs & The Mic, we're joined by financial advisor Noah Parris to unpack the new Trump Accounts created by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Noah breaks down who qualifies, how the government-funded $1,000 contribution works, contribution limits, tax considerations, and how these accounts compare to traditional savings options like 529 plans. We also explore why starting early ma...

In this episode of 2 CPAs & The Mic, we are joined by Lisa Nichols, author, podcast host, CEO, and co-founder of Technology Partners.   We explore Lisa's 32-year journey of building a people-first IT firm alongside her husband, culminating in an impressive Net Promoter Score of 100. The conversation becomes personal as Lisa shares how her daughter Allie, who has Down syndrome, has been her greates...

Think cybercriminals only target large companies? Think again. Ron Searle of Forte Technologies joins us to break down the biggest cybersecurity threats facing businesses today and the simple steps that can help prevent them. Learn how to reduce risk, strengthen your security culture, and avoid becoming the next cautionary tale. Along the way, Ron shares stories from the front lines of cybersecuri...

Michael Brody-Waite shares how his journey through addiction and recovery became the foundation for building a high ‑ growth company—and why he believes he's successful because of recovery, not despite it. He breaks down three leadership principles that matter in any high ‑ pressure profession: rigorous authenticity, surrendering the outcome, and doing uncomfortable work. Whether you're leading a...

In this week's episode of 2 CPAs & The Mic, we step behind the gates of one of the most iconic country clubs in America with Scott Booren, CFO of Southern Hills Country Club and former CCK teammate. From public accounting to PGA Championships, Scott shares his unique career journey and offers a behind-the-scenes look at the business of championship golf. We discuss the power of servant leadership,...

In this episode of 2 CPAs & The Mic, we sit down with Cory Hatch, Academy Director at Ark Financial, for a powerful conversation about what happens when professional success doesn't translate to peace at home. Cory shares his personal turning point, career setbacks, a 120-pound transformation, rebuilding his marriage, and how his journey has shaped his present mission. Cory introduces the idea of...

In this special episode of 2 CPAs & The Mic, CCK Strategies partners Sara, Kaitlin, Kyna, and Luann share the unconventional paths that led them to leadership and the lessons they've learned along the way. From discovering their "why" and embracing servant leadership to helping entrepreneurs navigate complex challenges, these women offer an honest look at what it takes to build a meaningful career...

In this episode of 2 CPAs & The Mic, Jeff Frable and Sara Mays sit down with entrepreneur Lisa Riley for a candid, high-energy conversation about what it really takes to build and lead a business through chaos. From oil-and-gas trade floors to scaling three Pinot's Palette studios, Lisa shares hard-earned lessons on leadership, cash flow reality, outsourcing your weaknesses, customer experience, h...

What separates good businesses from unforgettable ones? Dr. Toby Joplin joins 2 CPAs & The Mic to break down the real drivers of sustainable success; clear strategy, authentic core values, and standout customer experiences. Drawing on his journey from public accounting to academia and consulting, Toby shares practical frameworks to help leaders define their vision, build data-driven strategies, an...

Estate planning isn't just about what happens after you're gone. It's about protecting your family, your assets, and your peace of mind today. In this episode, estate planning attorney Scott Helton joins Jeff and Kristie to unpack the biggest misconceptions around wills, trusts, and probate, and how a lack of planning can create unnecessary stress, cost, and conflict for your family. Whether you'r...

In this episode of 2 CPAs & The Mic , Jeff Frable and Sara Mays sit down with Kathy Towne-Sautters of the BDO Alliance to unpack how the accounting profession is evolving beyond compliance into a true advisory powerhouse. Kathy shares why being a "connector" matters, how active listening builds trust faster than any sales pitch, and why firms can't afford to operate in a vacuum. They dive into the...

This episode of 2 CPAs & The Mic explores leadership succession, focusing on transitions from founders to next-generation leaders. Scott Dannemiller shares that many challenges stem from communication gaps, imposter syndrome, and the "curse of knowledge."   He outlines the distinct hurdles for internal and external successors and emphasizes that successful transitions require transparency, realist...

What really happens during a 401(k) audit—and why should you care? Hosts Jeff Frable and Sara Mays sit down with Jeremy Smith to pull back the curtain on employee benefit plan audits, explaining key rules, common compliance traps, and the surprising ways things can go wrong. From simple payroll slip-ups to shocking fraud cases, this episode delivers both eye-opening stories and actionable advice t...

Workplace stress is at an all-time high, but burnout isn't just a personal issue, it's a relationship issue. In this candid and insightful conversation, hosts Jeff Frable and Sara Mays sit down with Chris King, owner of GPS Therapies, to unpack what's really happening to our mental health at work. With nearly 30 years of experience as a counselor and leader, Chris shares why every problem is a rel...

What happens when fine-dining hospitality meets auto repair? In this episode, Jeff Frable and Sara Mays sit down with Russ Knight, owner of a Christian Brothers Automotive franchise in Tulsa, Oklahoma, to explore how the principles from Will Guidara's book Unreasonable Hospitality can transform even the most unexpected industries. Russ shares how applying a hospitality-first mindset—focused on lis...

What really makes a great first impression in business and why do so many professionals get it wrong without realizing it? In this episode of 2 CPAs and The Mic, Jeff Frable and Sara Mays sit down with etiquette expert Rachel Wagner to break down modern business etiquette for today's entrepreneurs, students, and professionals.   With nearly 20 years of experience, Rachel delivers clear, actionable...

In this week's episode of 2 CPAs & The Mic, Jeff Frable and Sara Mays welcome Lisa Nichols, author, podcast host, CEO, and co-founder of Technology Partners.  Together, they explore Lisa's 32-year journey of building a people-first IT firm alongside her husband, culminating in an impressive Net Promoter Score of 100. The conversation becomes personal as Lisa shares how her daughter Allie, who has...

April 15 th may have passed, but entrepreneurs have new opportunities to build on their success. In this episode of 2 CPAs & The Mic, CCK Strategies partners Jeff Frable and Sara Mays discuss what business owners should consider after the April 15th deadline.  To keep things practical (and a little spicy), they introduce the CHILI framework, a simple, memorable approach to proactive tax strategy:...