This is Capitalism: Inspired, Explained, In Focus

Dean Brent Williams of the Walton College of Business shares how the school emphasizes industry connections, experiential learning, and growing graduate programs. He highlights student interest in fields like supply chain, finance, and marketing. The college promotes a deeper understanding of capitalism through programs like CAPITAF and a new collegiate summit. 

Mauren Kennedy shares the story behind Cat Lady Tails , a content brand that blossomed from her love of photography and unexpected journey into cat ownership. She discusses how her authentic, relatable approach to sharing cat content led to rapid social media growth—especially on TikTok—and how she's turned her passion into a business while staying true to her values. Mauren emphasizes the importa...

Dan Menelly, CEO of The DoSeum in San Antonio, speaks about the museum's innovative approach to hands-on, inclusive learning for children. Menelly discusses how the DoSeum fosters creativity, neurodiverse engagement, and access through initiatives like dynamic pricing and outreach programs. He also highlights how the museum serves as both a cultural anchor and an economic engine, combining mission...

Ross DeVol, CEO of Heartland Forward, discusses the organization's mission to boost economic growth in America's heartland through applied research, entrepreneurship programs, and policy initiatives. He highlights key focus areas including talent development, regional competitiveness, and health outcomes, while emphasizing their "think and do tank" model that translates research into action.

In this episode of This Is Capitalism , co-host and author Grace L. Williams discusses her book Give Her Credit , which explores the history and impact of the Women's Bank of Denver—a pioneering, women-led financial institution formed in the 1970s to serve underbanked communities, especially women. Williams shares how the project originated, her connection to its themes through her own financial e...

Kathryn Leary shares her inspiring journey of blending spirituality, fitness, and business, rooted in a deep commitment to health and well-being. One Firelight is a platform that merges holistic wellness with the empowering message of Bob Marley's music. Kathryn discusses insights into entrepreneurial resilience, growth, and conscious capitalism. 

Author Hunter Hastings explores capitalism's evolution, highlighting current challenges like bureaucracy and financialization. He shares his optimistic vision of a more decentralized, customer-driven future, fueled by digital innovation. 

Trey Thaxton, founder of GoldMill, discusses his creative agency's focus on meaningful design and Greenwood Avenue's celebration of Black entrepreneurship. He emphasizes Greenwood's lasting legacy beyond the Tulsa Massacre, the importance of access to capital for Black businesses, and a collective mindset for progress.

Mandy Richardson, publisher of Little Rock Soirée and founder of the Women's Leadership Symposium & Summits, discusses how the Little Rock Soirée evolved from a monthly magazine into a platform for women's leadership, professional development, and fostering community connections. 

Darren Magarro founded his marketing agency after opting to realign his priorities. Over 17 years, he built a culture centered on work-life balance, strong relationships, and community involvement. 

Roger Steele, a golf enthusiast turned entrepreneur, shares his journey from reluctant golfer to passionate advocate. He discusses golf's positive impact during the pandemic, the challenges of inclusivity, and his transition from engineering to storytelling. His story emphasizes community, resilience, and the importance of collaborative partnerships in business.

We sat down with Ryan McSpadden, Intersport Chief Revenue Officer, to discuss pickleball's surge in popularity, its unique appeal, and its potential for growth. Ryan highlights factors like community, accessibility, and multi-generational appeal driving its success.

Dr. Victoria Ramirez discusses the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts' history, community engagement, and future initiatives. We touch on the role of women in shaping the museum, its outreach efforts, successful fundraising, and programs tailored for younger generations. Ramirez emphasizes honoring the museum's legacy while adapting to modern needs and preferences.

Sarah Hurst, owner of Bella's Kitchen and Wellness, started with a focus on healthier eating for kids, evolving into family meals and wellness classes. We discuss challenges, expansion plans, and advice for entrepreneurs. 

Lily Cochrane is the former executive director for the Wake Forest Center for Private Business. The Center assists privately owned businesses in North Carolina, providing resources for various industries and ownership structures. Cochrane discusses the Center's evolution, business challenges, especially family-owned businesses, and the importance of networking and mentorship.

Welcome to This Is Capitalism: Inspired, Explained, In Focus the podcast that brings capitalism to life through stories of innovators, entrepreneurs, philanthropists and academics. Here we explore the power of capitalism in driving economic growth and creating opportunities.

I'm Patricia O'Connell for This is Capitalism. Today I'm talking with Brian Lipton, who is the Chief Theater Critic for Cititour.com and the former editor-in-chief and currently a contributing editor to TheaterMania.com. He is going to take us behind the scenes at Broadway and give us a little bit of a look at what's going on with Broadway, the return to Broadway for both actors and theatergoers....

The art market is big, unpredictable, and endlessly fascinating, not just to potential buyers and sellers but to art lovers the world over. The art market is also big business. One estimate put the sales number for 2021, the third-best year for sales on record, at $65.1 billion. Here to paint us a picture of the intersection between art and commerce is Kathryn Tully, who's been covering the art ma...

 Like a lot of aspiring actors, Gabrielle Kurlander came to New York City at 18 with stars in her eyes and a dream of making it big. It turns out, there were stars in her future and she did make it big, though her dream got a rewrite along the way. She's still active in theater but the best part she's ever played is as President and CEO of The All Stars Project. The non-profit teaches young people...

Kait Hill faced a tough decision in 2021 — finish college or start her own business after two years of doing corporate sales. She chose to start her own business, and thus was born Rock City Digital. The digital marketing agency leverages its young staff's familiarity with new ways of creating and consuming content to help companies and individuals build brands and create identities that resonate...

A couple walks into a real estate office in Napa Valley, looking to buy a second home. If you guessed the next sentence would be, "And instead, they bought a winery!" you'd have the story of Laura Swanton, owner of Laura Michael Wines. Laura, a former high-tech exec, knew nothing about producing wines back in 1999 but she did know what it took to make and sell a product. And that's what she's been...

Patricia O'Connell interviews Mac Gardner, CFP ® , Founder and Chief Education Officer at FinLit Tech about teaching children financial literacy to help eliminate the wealth gap. Mac shares his vision of financial literacy for elementary school students, and how parents can teach it in the home. He describes new technology parents can use with their children. Mac shares what he learned growing up...

 Patricia O'Connell interviews Tom Stewart, Chief Knowledge Officer at AchieveNEXT ® about the 2022 CFO-CHRO Sentiment Study. They discuss the top concerns of middle-market companies.   Listen in to learn more about middle-market company plans for 2022. Key Takeaways: [:36] AchieveNEXT ® specializes in helping businesses grow by sharpening their focus on human capital. [:58] Patricia O'Connell int...