T-Lokes: Tucson Local Business

Today we talk to Tatiana Thompson, the founder of Re-sourced Counseling; a counseling service that seeks to strengthen relationships, be they romantic, friendships, or familial.  Ultimately - it’s about healing one’s relationship with themselves. Join us as we dig into the powerful story that brought Tatianna to start this business, and the passion that drives her to share her power and uplift her...

Today we talk Expeditions and Excellence with Tracy Banes, CEO of STEP Expedition - a non-profit that seeks to empower low-income youth to achieve academic excellence through self leadership and college financial aid programs. Join us as Tracy details how she discovered her calling to embolden intelligent and hardworking youth that get overlooked by society. Hear how STEP works for the whole famil...

Howdy T-lokes, we have an awesome episode for you today where we talk to Stephanie Rising, the owner of The Rising Effect - a coaching service that seeks to empower solopreneurs and small business owners by helping them grow their business through authenticity. We talk all about the common pitfalls of new business owners, why having a business coach is so important - and how Stephanie utilizes per...

Howdy Folks, today we talk to Brittni Gutman from the Brittni Linae Gutman Allstate Agency based in Oro Valley, AZ. Brittni talks to us about her journey in the insurance industry, and about how she was hand picked to lead the agency she worked for. We discuss why in-person communications with your insurance agent gets you farther, and better protected, than using virtual sources. Brittni elaborat...

Howdy Folks, today we talk to Kim Green, the owner of Blank Page Consulting which offers services like editing, copywriting, coaching for writers and professionals, and much more! We delve into the topic of nuance, and how impact choosing the right words has, for authors and entrepreneurs alike. We talk to Kim about the power of writing and its healing and clarifying effects, and explore Kim’s “Wr...

Get your feet wet with this preview story from "Murderfish," the third installment of the Unhelpful Encyclopedia series, from WonderBird Press. "Real Food," by Jake Stein, is the sci-fi tale of a vegan chef brought to the Earth office of a powerful businessman—with a chilling request.“Murderfish” is still in its kickstarter phase and is looking for more backers! So if you liked...

Howdy Folks, we have an awesome episode for you today - we have our very first Restaurant highlight of the podcast!! This episode we talk to Ayana Malarchik, the co-owner of Tandem American Eatery in Tucson, AZ. Ayana shares the story, and meaning, behind the name “Tandem”, as well as her approach to workplace efficiency, providing a quality experience to guests time and time again, as well as how...

Howdy Folks, today we talk to Michelle Rodriguez-Mohr, the founder and owner of Bodywork @ Onyx, Tucson’s newest boutique gym. Michelle divulges her personal and powerful stories of the medical strife and loss that drove her to accomplish her dreams, and the lives she’s touched that keeps her motivated to help others achieve health and longevity. Connor and Michelle talk about fitness patterns, th...

Howdy Folks, today we talk to the accomplished Jacquelynn Buck from Photography by Jacquelynn! We talk about the myriad aspects of Jacquelynn offers; How she educates new photographers, helps empower women with impactful boudoir sessions, and how she can be your photographer for all of life’s precious moments. Come hear the story of unexpected discovery, stunning art, compassion, and drive that ma...

Howdy folks, we have a cool episode for you today! Brett Bratton, founder and operator of Bloomin’ Blinds Tucson, a family owned, locally based window treatment company obsessed with quality service. Brett shares the story of how he brought Bloomin’ Blinds to Tucson, the growth he’s seen, and the many ways he can keep your house looking - and feeling- cool in the Tucson heat. Thanks for coming on...

Howdy Folks, today we talk with Jason Barrett of Thunder Sky Video, a business that elevates brands through the power of storytelling and quality video. Jason shares how his past work with the Disney company shaped his approach to storytelling, and how he shares that creativity with the Tucson Community. We dive into the services Thunder Sky Video Offers, what you can expect, and what the process...

Howdy Folks, we have an awesome interview with Jeffrey McBride, founder and owner of Yellow Rose Studios here in Tucson. Yellow Rose Studios offers Custom Framing as well as adult art sessions. Join us as we dive into the passion and creativity that inspired Jeffrey to start Yellow Rose Studios, and how they inspire that same creativity in the hearts of Tucsonians. With topics ranging from the mos...

We have a special corssover episode to celebrate the fact that Connor Reads Books is returning for its 2025 season! Today we are kicking it off with “Fangs Out” , a short story from the book Murderbugs. Fangs Out: Private detective A. Sin, the assassin bug, is hired to investigate disturbances around the Portmanteau, an apartment building on the nice side of the yard. What comes next is an intrica...

Howdy Folks, in this episode we talk to Becky Wesoloski - the Kettlebell Whisperer - and the founder and owner of Sol Bodyworks, a business that helps athletes and active adults get out of pain, moving better, and back to doing what they enjoy! We talk about Becky’s wellness journey, and how her passion for wellness, and horseback riding, have shaped the unique and impactful business she runs toda...

Howdy Folks, in this episode we talk to Jessica Barfield, the Director of Tucson Business Development from Local First Arizona. While we have heard from Local First Arizona before - there really aren’t enough good things we can say about it! Jessica talks to us about the impact that shopping locally has on our community, not just from a consumer standpoint, but with B2B as well! Listen to the impa...

We have an AWESOME interview for you all this week. We talked to the board of directors, and founders of, Young at HeART, a non-profit here in Tucson that emphasizes creating connections between youth and older adults by facilitating art and craft days. Come listen to the heartwarming stories of intergenerational friendships, the impact it makes on grandfriends and children, and to the perseveranc...

Howdy Folks, today we are taking a deep dive into loss with TC Chicago, the founder Grief H.E.A.L. - a service that empowers those experiencing grief to nurture their wellbeing, reconnecting them with joy, passion, and purpose, all to heal from within. We talk about the many forms of grief and loss, and how TC’s program offers a very holistic, customizable journey that honors your personal story a...

Howdy Folks, we have a great episode for you this week! Today we talk to Eugene Fera, owner of M.L. Med Spas, a weight loss and aesthetic services spa, dedicated to making a customizable and sustainable weight loss journey for their clients. We talk about Semaglutide, how it works, some side effects, and hidden benefits. We also talk about the quality and care of service that M.L. Med Spas provide...

Howdy Folks, welcome back to another great episode of T-lokes where we get to talk to Rachel Castillo, Owner of Tucson Headshot, Tucson's #1 branding & headshot photography studio. We talk about how Rachel got started, some of the ups and downs of entrepreneurship, and how Rachel helps draw her clients out of their shell to produce stunning, professional, and creative branded headshots. T...

Howdy Folks, we have another great episode for y’all today! This week we talk to the CEO of the Tucson Botanical Gardens - Michelle Conklin. We talk all about what makes this Botanical Garden so special, from its rich history rooted in community support, to its contemporary achievements - like earning USA Today’s #4 Botanical Gardens in the United States. Hear about the struggles, achievements, an...

Howdy Folks, we have a great episode for you today! I get the pleasure of sitting down with Christin Marvin from Solutions by Christin, a distinguished hospitality leadership coach, who has recently published her first book, The Hospitality Leader’s Roadmap: Go from Ordinary to Extraordinary. We talk about Christin’s lifelong experience in the hospitality industry, her approach to coaching, what m...

Howdy Folks! We have a delicious episode for you today. We talk with Beth the Baker, owner and founder of Shut My Mouth Bakery, a Gourmet Keto Bakery dedicated to showing you gluten free and keto treats really can be delicious! We talk about the touching story that started Beth baking her Keto and Sugar-free confections, inspirations around developing new and exciting flavors, and the process of d...

Howdy folks and welcome to T-lokes, in celebration of starting a new segment on my other podcast - Connor Reads Books, we are doing a crossover episode!!Today we talk with Jack Larson, author of Patnude: a Storied Life, and The Facilitator. We talk about his writing process, how he got into writing, and some insights he would share with new authors. Please sit back and enjoy the episode! Jack Lars...

Howdy Folks! I’m back from a brief, but exciting, hiatus - and we’ve got an awesome episode for you! Today we talk with Nick Spinelli, the Tucson Business Engagement Manager for Local First Arizona - a nonprofit organization committed to community and economic development throughout Arizona. We talk all about Local First’s mission, impact on the local economy and community, and the resources offer...

Howdy Folks, today we talk to Kyle Armbruster the Coowner and Cofounder of Monsoon Heating and Cooling, a commercial and residential HVAC Services. In this episode we talk about how Kyle got into the HVAC industry, some technology changes in the industry, and how he helps Tucsonians beat the heat! Come take a listen and hear why Monsoon Heating and Cooling’s customers are the chillest in the south...