Don't Quote Me

Civic designer and facilitator Adam Weiler breaks down the mechanics of meaningful innovation. Adam explains how design thinking and curiosity can lead to better outcomes for everyone. Whether you're in business, government, or somewhere in between, this one’s for the problem solvers.

Stylist, fine artist, and all-around creative powerhouse Lynn Serulla joins us to talk about working in the real world as an artist without losing your voice. This episode is a crash course in thriving creatively while still paying the bills (and following your dreams).

Hannah Berry has been loudly transforming Grand Rapids. In this episode, the Lions & Rabbits founder shares how art can shift public perception, unlock state infrastructure, and center community in lasting ways. It’s about systems, equity (and spray paint).

DJ, event producer, and Grand Rapids cultural icon Adrian “AB” Butler talks identity, longevity, and the challenge of staying true to yourself in spaces that weren’t built with you in mind. Adrian’s journey is full of laughs, lessons, and leadership. This one’s about legacy.

Filmmaker Kenny Acker opens up about his creative journey, the grind of building something real in Grand Rapids, and why trusting your gut (and your DMs) can open doors you never expected. Kenny shows us what it means to be relentlessly resourceful and unapologetically hopeful.

In this soulful episode, Amber Kilpatrick invites us into a conversation about intuition, mindfulness, and the quiet power of presence. From her work in wellness and contemplative practices to her community-based advocacy, Amber reminds us what it means to be a vessel for love, for healing, and for deep listening in a noisy world.

Steven Martinez , known for leading through change, sits down with us to explore resiliency, reinvention, and the leadership required to make bold moves in challenging times. This episode peels back the layers of professional growth, pivoting under pressure, and how tenacity and vision can propel meaningful transformation—even when the future isn’t clear.

In this episode of Don’t Quote Me , we sit down with Miguel Hernandez: a multidisciplinary creative, community-builder, and creator of the short film, Volador. Miguel shares his honest reflections on building something meaningful without burning out. We talk about navigating self-doubt, learning to delegate, and what it means to build a life around your values, even when the blueprint doesn’t exis...

In the premiere episode of Don’t Quote Me , we sit down with Jose Jimenez: an award-winning filmmaker and a longtime friend of the Vance & Company team. Jose shares his journey as a storyteller committed to truth, empathy, and impact. Most notably, he talks about his process directing Citizen: The Jilmar Ramos Gomez Story. Jose reflects on the role of media in shaping public narratives and how...