Raise Your Own Bar Podcast

Most entrepreneurs don’t start a business because they dream about payroll, compliance, HR headaches, or administrative chaos. They start because they love creating, leading, building, teaching, serving, or solving problems. In this episode, I sat down with Jennifer Gray, founder and CEO of Gray Operations Group, to talk about how smarter systems, delegation, and operational support can help busin...

Today’s conversation is for anyone who’s ever been told they’re “too much.” Too loud. Too emotional. Too intense. Too different. What if being “too much” is actually your advantage? Yesterday I sat down with award-winning nurse, author, and founder, Sheila Ray Montgomery . She shared her wisdom about life, love, and living through the kind of loss that reshapes everything. After losing her husband...

In this week’s episode, I sit down with an extraordinary guest: the host of the JRC Podcast, a powerhouse community advocate helping to market and promote events and small businesses across Guernsey County, Ohio. A disabled Army veteran, he credits his service with teaching him two defining lessons: discipline and resilience. He has built his entire life around both. He opens up about his years as...

Change isn’t just inevitable, it’s guaranteed! How we respond to it shapes the trajectory of our work, our leadership, our lives, and our happiness. In this week’s episode, I sit down with Justin Allen, sales and leadership guru, to unpack what it really means to manage uncertainty, adapt in real time, and stay grounded when everything around you shifts. We talk about: * Why some people thrive in...

In this episode of Raise Your Own Bar , we dive into the real work of building stronger, healthier, more intentional relationships. From the way you communicate under pressure, to how you forgive, let go, and set boundaries, this conversation will challenge the way you show up for yourself and others. Here’s what is covered: * Communication: Why it’s not just about talking, but translating, and ho...

In this episode, I’m joined by Brian Bettis , a recently retired U.S. Army Colonel and now Chief Strategist at C2 Integration , where he helps bring new technologies to the market. Brian has spent much of his life leading, innovating, and navigating complex systems. In this episode, he brings that same insight to one of the biggest questions of our time: Are we using technology, or is it using us?...

In this episode of Raise Your Own Bar , I sit down with Lynn Abrams, CPA—known as The Happy Accountant . Lynn and her all-women accounting team are more than number-crunchers; they’re business builders, collaborators, and community connectors. We talk about Lynn’s entrepreneurial journey, her bold business rebrand, and what drives her to help small businesses not just survive, but thrive. As she s...

Feeling stressed? Running on caffeine and vibes? Same. That’s why in this episode, I’m sharing real-life ways to chill out, get more energy, and stop feeling like your to-do list is your boss. We’re talking about: * How to calm down when your brain is on overdrive * Networking without being that awkward person clutching their drink in the corner * Prioritizing the stuff that actually matters * Why...

This week’s episode features Jose Flores, a retired Army veteran, soon-to-be retired Army civilian, fitness coach, and podcast host. Jose’s story is packed with lessons on leadership, resilience, and what it truly means to live with purpose. Jose believes that everything starts with hope and a plan. During our conversation, he shares how the Army shaped his approach to leading others, why progress...

What happens when a mic becomes more than just a microphone? When a voice becomes a vehicle for change? T Mill isn’t just a media producer or on-air radio personality with Cumulus Broadcasting, he’s a cultural architect. His work reaches beyond the booth as he mentors the next generation, builds bridges in the community, and uses storytelling as a tool for transformation. In this episode, we explo...

What do nuclear subs, dental software, four kids, and a rabbit named Maleficent have in common? They’ve all been expertly managed by Kyle Campbell, a strategic project leader, Navy veteran, and founder of Epic Outcomes Management LLC. In this episode, Kyle shares how an unexpected career detour sparked the beginning of something epic . With a little encouragement from Chat GPT and a lot of support...

This week’s episode features someone I’ve known since high school — Justin Allen. He’s a powerhouse in sales and leadership, but what makes his story truly unforgettable is the resilience and heart behind it. In 2020, Justin survived a life-altering accident — he was electrocuted by his own stove. That moment forced him to completely rethink how he lived, led, and connected with others. In this co...

This week’s guest is Malachi Fly — a multi-talented musician, videographer, and social media consultant based in Huntsville, Alabama. At just 25, Malachi is already a force in the digital space. He started creating music and videos back in high school and was ahead of the curve when it came to monetizing content online. In fact, he joined Meta’s Creator Program in 2021 and hasn’t looked back. In t...

Welcome back to Raise Your Own Bar , the show where we talk mindset, momentum, and making moves! In this episode, I’m joined by serial entrepreneur Alex Eubanks—a guy who’s not afraid to say yes to new ideas, new people, and new challenges. From consulting to firearms to whatever catches his interest next, Alex keeps raising his bar by stepping outside his comfort zone. We talk about the challenge...

In this episode, I sit down with Mike Blake of High Score Strategies , where he and his wife Cordelia help businesses grow, scale, and protect their value through expert business, patent, and data appraisals. Mike recently weathered a massive power outage in Portugal , which sparked a bigger conversation: What happens when you’re forced to unplug? We dive into society’s addiction to technology, th...

This week’s episode features Sandra Doss — lawyer by day, comedian by night, and a master of musical improv. We talk about what it means to juggle multiple passions, careers, and family without losing your spark. Sandra shares how she got started in comedy, how she performs in multiple languages, and why it’s never too late to try something new — even if you’re already established in a completely...

In episode 24, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Sandra Rice. She's a nurse, she's a brand ambassador, and she's an activist making a real difference in her community. In this episode, we talk about how it’s up to us to do good when and where we can. Even the smallest gestures make a difference! We also discussed her entrepreneurial journey, including how she became a brand ambassador for La...

Unlock the secrets to success for foster youth with entrepreneur and coach, Judiece Oliphant! In this powerful episode, we dive into the inspiring journey of Judiece Oliphant, a dynamic entrepreneur and coach dedicated to empowering foster youth. Discover how her own entrepreneurial path intertwines with her mental health journey, leading to profound insights and a mission to give back. Judiece ha...

Ever wondered how to get started in comedy? In our latest episode, I had the pleasure of sitting down with comedian and entertainer, Tyler Perea. Tyler open up about his struggles with mental health and how he overcame drug addiction, all while finding his voice in comedy. He shares entertaining stories that are sprinkled with wisdom. Check out his latest venture, No Insurance Podcast, on Spotify...

Episode 21 is our second #AskMeAnything session where I answer the questions you and other listeners have sent in as it relates to government employees facing layoffs. I share slides with information relating to preparing for layoffs, finding a new opportunity, and how to make yourself stand out as a candidate with your resume, on your LinkedIn, and in the interview. If you are facing layoffs and...

Ever wondered how to balance financial savvy with the joy of celebrating life's milestones? In our latest episode, I had the pleasure of sitting down with the incredible DeOnah Norfleet – accounting manager, serial entrepreneur, and master of both budgeting and celebrating your life! DeOnah's journey is a testament to the power of strategic planning and the importance of savoring life's wins. We d...

Imagine juggling a full college course load, managing a fast-paced restaurant, and coaching a high school football team. That's just a typical week for 18-year-old Kameron Downes, my guest on episode 19. Kam, a 2024 high school graduate and college freshman pursuing a Computer Information Systems degree, demonstrates an incredible work ethic. He balances the demanding responsibilities of a being a...

In episode 18, I got to interview Travis “Sky” Turner. Travis is a serial entrepreneur, motivational speaker, life coach, and unofficial preacher. Travis has been through a lot of hard knocks in life, including addiction and incarceration. He is now helping people better themselves through his outreach and transitional housing programs so they can step into their greatness! In our conversation, we...

In episode 17, I got to interview one of the Navy’s newest ensigns, Jenny Lake. Jenny was the first in her family to go to college and she started her career in Human Resources. After 9 years working in the field, she decided she wanted to pursue a dream she has had since she was a teen—joining the military. She became a Naval commissioned officer last year. In our conversation, we talk about purs...

In episode 16, I had the opportunity to sit down with David Scott, cofounder of To Your Door LLC. Dave has had a lot of interesting experiences in his life, from being home schooled, performing stand up comedy (how we met), to being incarcerated. Dave shares some of his journey from getting in trouble with the law to starting a business--both in the pursuit of bringing medical cannabis to the mark...