The Hidden Hustle

Download our free BioCode DNA Sample Report to see how genetic insights guide personalized training, nutrition, and recovery: https://biocodemethod.com/free-biocodedna-sample-report In this episode of The Hidden Hustle , Joe Laxton and Megan Corson break down why so many people struggle to get lasting results in health and fitness, even when they’re doing “everything right.” Drawing from decades o...

2025 Recap: Time to get brutally honest about the wins, the mistakes, and the moment I realized The Hidden Hustle had to evolve. After a year of interviews, networking, and building my agency, I finally confront why the podcast slowed down and what needed to change. I break down the real reasons I’m shifting away from general business stories and narrowing my focus into the fitness and coaching sp...

38 year personal trainer Joe Tewell and 15+ year gym owner Joe Laxton reveal the hidden hustle of building fitness businesses and the struggles most trainers never talk about.  Together, they share how X Factor Labs and the BioCode Program are using DNA and cellular nutrition testing to remove the guesswork and transform client results. To learn more about X Factor Ops and the BioCode Program visi...

From Doctorate to Deployment.  In this episode of The Hidden Hustle , we sit down with Tate Christensen, a story that defies the typical career path. Tate got his doctorate in chiropractic care, but instead of joining the family clinic, he followed a different calling... enlisting in the U.S. Army and earning a spot in the elite 75th Ranger Regiment. From building makeshift chiropractic tables ove...

In this episode of The Hidden Hustle , we sit down with Brian Buresh — founder of Buresh Home Solutions and The Modern Contractor. Brian shares how he spent 15 years letting his business run his life before finally transforming everything.  Through cold plunges, mindset shifts, and strategic delegation, he doubled his revenue, built a thriving team, and reclaimed his time. We talk about what it re...

In this episode of The Hidden Hustle , Peter shares the raw, behind-the-scenes journey of launching Limitless Garage , a concierge automotive startup in Des Moines. From fixing engines as a kid on his family’s hobby farm… to getting shut down by zoning laws… to building a luxury auto shop experience from scratch—this is the story of what it really takes to bet on yourself. Peter breaks down: How h...

What’s it really like running a franchise? In this episode of The Hidden Hustle, Angela shares her journey from corporate marketing at Jordan Creek and Glen Oaks to launching the Sylvan Learning Center in Altoona after her daughter’s education struggles sparked a bigger mission. She opens up about the reality of franchising, the emotional risk of starting something new, and the mindset shift that...

She almost gave it all up… and then went on to close 233 homes in just one year. In this episode of The Hidden Hustle , we sit down with Pennie Carroll , a Des Moines real estate icon who built her business from a folding table in a basement — with no office, no degree, and no excuses. What started as a side hustle after cleaning houses and raising kids turned into a 15-agent real estate team and...

From door-to-door hustle to being fully booked 3 weeks out — Cade Burke shares how TD Power Clean went from struggling to find customers to closing $8K in jobs on just $850 in ad spend. In this inspiring episode of The Hidden Hustle, Cade walks us through his journey from pushing carts and knocking doors to co-owning a scaling window cleaning and power washing business with his future brother-in-l...

From Nurse to Holistic Health Entrepreneur: Nikki Barkhaus’ Journey to Functional Wellness 🌱 In this episode of The Hidden Hustle, Nikki Barkhaus shares her powerful story of leaving a 20-year nursing career to start the Wholistic Health Center in Altoona, Iowa. We dive into the emotional turning point that led her to functional medicine, and the mission that drives her to help others heal at the...

In this episode of The Hidden Hustle, we sit down with Jeremiah Evans, founder of Iowa All Pro Heating & Cooling, to dive into his journey from the Navy to becoming a successful business owner in the trades. Jeremiah shares how his upbringing on Des Moines’ south side and military service shaped his work ethic and leadership. We explore his path through the HVAC industry—from apprentice to jou...

In this powerhouse episode, The Hidden Hustle interviews Austin Maginnis, co-founder of TEAM Builders, a high-performance construction company with locations in Iowa and Florida. What started in basements and coffee shops is now a multi-state, multi-million dollar operation pushing toward a 2030 vision of vertical integration, neighborhood development, and industry-wide impact. Austin shares his u...

In this episode, real estate agent Jordan Graves shares how he went from college baseball to closing deals in the fast-paced housing market. He dives into his social media marketing strategies, explaining how Instagram helped him attract clients and build trust. Jordan also talks about working with first-time homebuyers, the importance of relationship-building, and how he stays ahead in a competit...

The Hidden Hustle: #007 - Real Estate, Risk, and Social Strategy - Darson Grantham In this podcast episode, Darson Grantham discusses his journey and current endeavors in the real estate business. Beginning with his early experiences of getting fired and starting small businesses, Darson shares how he transitioned into real estate and the challenges he faced. He explains his approach to hiring and...

The Hidden Hustle: #006 - Mind Over Market | Flipping Fearlessly - Ethan Montang In this insightful discussion, Ethan Montang Real Estate investor dives into his entrepreneurial journey and social media influence. Ethan shares his latest venture of managing a bar, highlighting his reliance on a strong team for success. He shares his background, moving from Iowa when he was five, to Germany through...

The Hidden Hustle: #005 - Home Renovation, the AIM Way - Ryan Pudenz In this episode of The Hidden Hustle, we feature Ryan Pudenz, the owner of AIM Kitchen & Bath Remodeling. Ryan introduces himself and his company, discussing how AIM has been a staple in Beaverdale, offering full-service kitchen and bathroom remodels without the use of subcontractors. The company also controls its quality by...

The Hidden Hustle: #004 - Building a Family Legacy - Jo Nauman In this episode of The Hidden Hustle, Jo Nauman from Xtreme Roofing and Siding shares the story behind the family-owned business in Urbandale, Iowa. Jo discusses the business's origins, challenges, and successes since its founding in 1998. She highlights the significance of quality and customer satisfaction, the role of their uniq...

The Hidden Hustle: Custom Automotive Solutions In this episode of The Hidden Hustle, Jeff Meiners from Total Truck talks about the diverse range of services his company provides, including tires, wheels, lift kits, and commercial van outfitting. He shares insights into upfitting, challenges of starting the business, and the journey from a humble beginning to nearly 30 years of success. Jeff discus...

The Hidden Hustle: From Top Chef to Remodel Expert In this episode, The Hidden Hustle welcomes Jimmy Bach, founder of Kitchen Refresh by KnoPros, to share his unique journey from culinary arts to the world of remodeling. Jimmy reflects on his early days running Bach Catering, where he honed his skills in business management and customer service but eventually sought a new path due to the demanding...

The Hidden Hustle: From Immigrant To Successful Business Owner - AJ Dedic's Journey In this episode of The Hidden Hustle, we explore the remarkable story of AJ Dedic, the founder of AJ's Cleaning and Restoration. AJ's journey from Bosnia to becoming a successful business owner in the U.S is a testament to overcoming language barriers and financial hurdles. Through his experiences, A...