Stay Broke Podcast

Karen Raybon of BD’s Hardwood Floors joins the Stay Broke Podcast for a conversation about family business, craftsmanship, leadership, and building a lasting reputation in the hardwood flooring industry. We talk about Karen’s journey, the story behind BD’s Hardwood Floors, what it takes to earn trust with customers, and how quality workmanship continues to separate great contractors from the rest....

In her first solo podcast interview, Amy Shirley shares the incredible story behind Lizard Lick Towing and Recovery. She discusses becoming a licensed mortician, building a nationally recognized business with Ronnie Shirley, the impact reality television had on their company, rebuilding after the cameras stopped rolling, finding strength through faith after the heartbreaking loss of their son, and...

Lori Webb joins the Stay Broke Podcast to share her journey through chronic illness, being diagnosed with POTS at a young age, navigating neurological challenges, and the health complications that followed. She discusses how those experiences led her toward holistic healing, biohacking, and ultimately the creation of Health House. We also explore entrepreneurship, Property Specific Realty, resilie...

Ruslan Millington is an internationally recognized tattoo artist whose signature style has earned him a worldwide following and clients from across the globe. In this episode of the Stay Broke Podcast, Ruslan shares his journey from growing up in Ukraine to building a thriving tattoo career in North Carolina. We discuss the challenges of starting over in a new country, finding a unique artistic vo...

Zeb Croom joins the Stay Broke Podcast to share his journey from underground metal music to creating Skogarmaor, a unique brand built around Nordic folk-inspired music, storytelling, and handcrafted beard products. We discuss creativity, entrepreneurship, audience building, authenticity, and the challenges of turning passion into a business.

John Kotrides, better known as Gen X Jono, joins the Stay Broke Podcast to discuss growing up Gen X, building a large social media following, creating content that connects with millions of people, and turning nostalgia into a successful business. We explore personal branding, audience growth, internet culture, entrepreneurship, and the lessons that come from growing up in a different era.

In this episode of the Stay Broke Podcast, Randy sits down with Adria Sullivan, founder of Cognitive Clarity, to discuss mental health, trauma, burnout, entrepreneurship, and the rise of alternative treatments like ketamine-assisted therapy, psilocybin, and ibogaine. The conversation explores the business side of mental health, why traditional systems fail some people, nervous system regulation, t...

In this episode, Randy Kerr sits down with Patrick Richardson, founder of All Pro Nutrition and partner in PureFactor Formulations. They discuss gut health, multifunction supplements, the supplement industry, professional bodybuilding, entrepreneurship, and the discipline required to build successful companies and relationships.

Chris Webb, Co-Owner of Property Specific Realty, joins the Stay Broke Podcast to discuss the current housing market, building an independent real estate firm, creating a customer-focused experience, and developing systems and leadership that allow a business to grow beyond the owner.

In this episode of the Stay Broke Podcast, we sit down with Harrison Fort, co-owner of FortSmith Landscaping. We talk about his journey from working as a Construction Manager in the corporate world to stepping out and building his own landscaping business. We dive into the transition, early challenges, and what it takes to grow a service-based company. We also discuss partnership dynamics, managin...

In this episode of the Stay Broke Podcast, we sit down with Courtney Barrett, founder of True Insight Direct Care, to talk about her journey from traditional healthcare to building a direct primary care practice. We break down how the DPC model works, why it’s gaining traction, and how it can benefit small business owners. We also dive into major healthcare topics including statins, GLP-1 medicati...

In this episode, we sit down with Camilah Chavez, Owner of Patina Novum, to discuss her journey from college and corporate life to launching her own interior design business. We talk about building skills, transitioning careers, and turning passion into a sustainable business.

In this episode of the Stay Broke Podcast, we sit down with Brian Garff of Panic Point, one of North Carolina’s premier haunted attractions. Brian shares his journey through multiple industries, from travel and real estate to ultimately building a seasonal business that operates at scale. We break down the reality behind Panic Point, including the year-round preparation required to execute a short...

In this episode of the Stay Broke Podcast, we sit down with Elizabeth “Beth” Stevens, also known as Bennett Peach. Beth shares how she reinvented herself after her kids moved out, stepping into content creation, music, and stand-up comedy. We talk about her experience as the lead singer of Killing Fiction, building a brand on TikTok and YouTube, and creating content rooted in authenticity and fun....

In this episode of the Stay Broke Podcast, we sit down with Daniel Stevens, winner of Season 8, Episode 6 of Master Distiller. From running a commercial chicken farm to competing on national television, Daniel shares his journey, including his arrest related to moonshine production, how the charges were dropped, and why he chose to step away from it. We also talk about small-town life, his passion...

Matt Howard, owner of Scoma Construction Services, joins the Stay Broke Podcast to share how he built a successful remodeling business without relying on marketing. Starting in college while pursuing a business degree, Matt worked in construction on the side before fully committing to the trade. After navigating the ups and downs of the 2008 recession and trying commercial contracting, he ultimate...

On this episode of the Stay Broke Podcast, Randy sits down with Nicole Bazinet , founder of bwellbaby , an occupational therapist and board-certified lactation consultant who helps babies eat, move, and develop properly during the earliest stages of life. Nicole shares her journey from working in neonatal intensive care units to starting her own pediatric therapy practice. Through her work, she he...

Maria Kordit’s life story is one of resilience, curiosity, and passion. After immigrating from the former USSR to the United States, Maria grew up in a family where hard work started early. She began working at a young age to help support her mother, learning responsibility and independence long before most kids her age. One day, almost by accident, she stepped into a dance studio — and it changed...

Runbin Dong’s path to founding Scale Social AI is anything but typical. After moving to the United States, he began studying pre-med at UNC Chapel Hill with plans to become a doctor. During college, he adopted his two younger sisters and brought them to live with him — first in his dorm room, then in off-campus housing he worked with the university to secure. With almost nothing materially, they l...

Some businesses are built to sell. Others are built to last. In this episode, Randy sits down with Chris Joyner, owner of Shorty’s Hot Dogs — the oldest continuously operating business in Wake Forest. Shorty’s has survived over a century of change, including World Wars, the Great Depression, suburban expansion, fast food chains, and COVID — all while refusing to change what made it work. Chris sha...

How do you start a distillery or whiskey business from scratch? In this episode of the Stay Broke Podcast, Randy Kerr sits down with Brandon McCraney, founder of Olde Raleigh Distillery. Brandon shares how his four years as an Air Force officer shaped his leadership philosophy, what he learned from senior officers about discipline and decision-making, and how climbing the corporate ladder ultimate...

In this episode of the Stay Broke Podcast, we sit down with Joshua Donahue, co-owner of Audrey’s Barkyard in Wake Forest, North Carolina. Joshua shares his story of growing up in a working-class household, moving multiple times as a kid, and learning work ethic early by watching his father build a career in landscaping. After settling in North Carolina, Joshua took the traditional route—starting a...

In this episode of the Stay Broke Podcast, we sit down with Jessica Daniels Harrison , Mayor of Zebulon, North Carolina, for an honest, non-political conversation about leadership, entrepreneurship, and growth. Jessica shares her real journey into business ownership — including starting a business before she was ready, becoming overwhelmed, and making the difficult decision to step away for severa...

In this episode of the Stay Broke Podcast, we’re joined by Graeson McGaha, a North Carolina comedian who’s built a loyal audience through viral generational humor, family-driven comedy, and authentic storytelling. This conversation goes beyond jokes. Graeson shares the behind-the-scenes reality of growing from content creator to touring comedian and business owner. We talk about social media growt...

In this episode of the Stay Broke Podcast , we sit down with Aaron Wright , a serial entrepreneur who built and sold multiple pharmaceutical-based businesses before opening iSmash Wake Forest . Aaron shares how he knew early in life that he wanted to be an entrepreneur, why experience often matters more than formal education, and what most people misunderstand about franchising. We cover: Early si...