This is Oklahoma

On this episode I chatted with Candace Williams owner of Sling Bungee fitness in Edmond. After pregnancy Candace struggled to get back to her old self. She was diagnosed with arthritis causing her severe pain. Growing up a gymnast and very active this was extremely depressing for her. So, after searching the internet she found Bungee fitness and discovered that there were only four location in the...

On this episode I chatted with Amber from Wooden Hearts Boutique.  How It Started: "I was at my Grandma and Papa's farm house in Henryetta, Oklahoma sitting at their old yellow kitchen table. It was a beautiful spring morning with birds chirping and the flowers blooming. No older than 6 or 7,  I was painting in one of those 'just add water' watercolor books. As I finished the last painting I was e...

On this episode I chatted Ban Nguyen. Ban is from Vietnam and came to the states after the Vietnam war as a refuge with his family. Ban and his family came to the states and were adopted by a gentleman in Tulsa. This Oklahoman owned a gas station, took Ban's family in gave them a job and a way to make a living. After much hard work Ban's father was able to save up and buy a house. Ban and his fami...

On this episode I chatted with author of Van Halen Rising Greg Renoff. Greg was born in the Bronx, New York, and grew up in New Jersey. Renoff earned his Ph. D. in American history from Brandeis University and is the author of Van Halen Rising: How a Southern California Backyard Party Band Saved Heavy Metal. His writing has appeared in medium.com/cuepoint, Guitar World, LA Weekly, and Vulture, and...

On this episode I chatted with Marissa Tucker from Tucker's Tulips in Ada Oklahoma. Marissa graduated from East Central University and after a brief career in teaching decided to move back to Ada with her husband to start a tulip field. Marissa wanted to create a space where people can enjoy the outdoors as much as she does. She's done exactly that! For more information on this years bloom season...

On this episode I chatted with commercial headshot portrait photographer Charlie Neuenschwander. Charlie is from Piedmont and grew up with of science. Not photography. Some years later his mum bought him a basic Canon Rebel and that was all he needed. Charlie started photographing his kids, family members, birthdays etc. He got the bug and his hobby became an obsession to improve. With his new fou...

On this episode I chatted with fellow LOYAL XVI class member Brittany Ward. Brittany has seen the world! Which a huge understatement, but for a 30 year old woman she has lived some! We talk about her experience in college playing basketball on a full ride. Moving to Australia right after graduation and her time there. How she grew, who she impacted and all the amazing stories from those years. Com...

On this episode I chatted with Colleen Jackson area merchandise manager for Dale Rogers training center. Dale Rogers Training Center, Inc. (DRTC) supports people with disabilities through paid vocational training, in-house programs and work opportunities as well as competitive community employment. for more information go to www.drtc.org  and on social media www.facebook.com/DaleRogersTrainingCent...

On this episode I chatted with fellow Brit Chris O'Hare. Chris is originally from Scotland. He grew up in a small town near Edinburgh and came to the states to run for and study at the University of Tulsa. While at Tulsa Chris won the Mile NCAA's title in 2012 with a time of 4:01. After graduating Chris signed with Adidas and with much success he was selected to compete in the 1500m at the 2016 Ri...

On this episode I chatted with twin brothers Jack & Jay Evans. This podcast is a story of encouragement for anyone who is building their business or thinking of starting a business. A story of hard work and determination.  From extremely humble beginnings growing up in Enid Oklahoma, to owning two of OKC Metros most successful home building businesses. Both Jack and Jay took different paths to rea...

On this episode I chatted with Jordan Evans. Jordan works at ACOG. (Association of Central Oklahoma Governments) focusing mainly on pedestrian safety and accessibility. So if you like to walk places, cycle more and generally be outside. Jordan is working for you. Helping cities develop their sidewalks, cycle paths, login speed limits in downtown areas and much more. Development is a huge issue in...

On this episode I chatted with Justin Lawrence, if you've ever driven down 10th street in OKC you most likely have seen his building. Theres a whopping great big mural on the front that says Oklahoma Shirt Company. Well, Justin is the man behind that and now a team of 55 employees too. But with all great businesses it didn't start like that. It started in his garage. Justin grew up new Eufaula Okl...

On this episode I chatted with Aaron Newton owner of Custom Wood Fibers. Custom Wood Fibers and Cedar Mulch LLC is the family-owned business of Aaron and Jennifer Newton. Aaron holds a B.S. in Forestry from Purdue University and Jennifer holds a B. S. in Biology from Indiana University. They have been in the cedar business since 1998 starting in Alabama where they built and operated a high product...

On this episode I chatted OKC native Chris Cox. Chris has a marketing agency called The House OKC. Targeting the restaurant industry in Oklahoma City. Chris tell us his great story about how the House started. How during the pandemic he founded The House Helps, a non profit aimed at helping the bars and restaurants stay afloat during the lockdown. As we all know businesses have been hit hard and s...

On this episode I chatted with good friend Nick Brown. Nick is Deer Creek born and raised. Studied at UCO and from a young age has always had his ear to the ground on what's next in tech. Nick worked at Apple for 5 years and then started Dronebois with a few friends before diving into web domains, instagram names and general internet real estate. Recently Nick and previous podcast guest Hunter Owe...

On this episode I chatted with Burl about his business. The Flying W Guest Ranch between Sayre and Elk City in western Oklahoma. With 1,200 acres, the Flying W offers horseback trail rides (bring your own or saddle up one of theirs), wagon rides, beautiful scenery & abundant wildlife on a working cattle ranch. Visit the homestead dugout & view or participate in special excavations on the ranch at...

On this episode I chatted with Michael & Pam about their family business right here in Norman Oklahoma. Ben Jack Larado’s Gourmet Foods features our legendary Bloody Mary Mix, a perfectly balanced mixer that creates a zesty brunch cocktail. We are proud to ship our Ben Jack Larado’s Bloody Mary Mix across the United States. Each bottle is hand packed with a pickled asparagus spear (our swizzle sti...

On this episode I chatted with Principal Dancer of the OKC Ballet, Jonathan Batista. Jonathan started his training at a social project in the City of God Slums. His talent was then spotted by his teacher which took him to a pre-professional dance division at Alice Arja Ballet School where he started his journey in Classical Ballet.  Batista was first seen by Edward Villella (Former Founder & Artis...

On this episode I chatted with Michael and Amy from Roark Acres. Roark Acres is a family owned honey farm located in and around Tulsa Oklahoma. They produce Oklahoma honey annually and in the future hope to provide single source honeys from around the world. They're often asked, "So, how did you get into the honey business?" The short answer to that question is itself a question. "Where's the bees...

On this episode I chatted with Shannon Rich founder of LeadHERBoard. Shannon has spent her career leading organizations through transformational projects by challenging traditional methods. As president and CEO of the Oklahoma Hall of Fame, she directed the single largest endeavor in the organization’s 90-year history-the opening of the Gaylord–Pickens Museum, unveiling a complete renovation of on...

On this episode I chatted with Vernon Deas founder of GRPFLY. Vernon has been there, done that and literally bought and sold the t-shirt. Sorry I couldn't help myself.  About: The dream that started in a small bedroom in 2008 has evolved into a global brand that LEADS, INSPIRES and brings HOPE to people across the world. GRP FLY was birthed from a vision to transform youth culture and pioneer prog...

On this episode I chatted with Paul Geisinger of Flying G Jerky. Paul grew up in NW Oklahoma on a ranch, his love for cooking starter there with him mom. Paul joined the National Guard to put himself through university at Northwestern Oklahoma State. A year later the Twin Towers were struck and Paul's duty in the Guard took a turn. He was sent on a combat tour to the Middle East. Returning Paul wo...

On this episode I chatted with Luther & Vicki Harbert of Cedar and Stone bed and breakfast. Cedar & Stone Bed and Breakfast is located near Blue River Public Fishing & Hunting Area in Tishomingo, OK. It is a rustic-chic cabin nestled among blackjack oaks & granite outcroppings by the rock pond in a corner of Harbert Ranch. The cabin is an intimate place for couples only to rest, relax and rejuvena...

On this episode I chatted with Bailey Wilson founder of Bondi Bowls. Bailey grew up in Arcadia, moved to California for college and then while at college took a semester abroad to Australia. Falling in love with this amazing country she returned to school to finish up her degree. At that time she decided to pursue a carrier in LA, applied for many jobs but none were successful. So she returned to...

On this episode I chatted with hosts of OKC's latests podcast. Emmi Kobs & Katherine Buxton have launched the Action City Podcast. A look through the lens of loving local and seeing global, searching for stories in OKC that need to be told. New episodes every Thursday on Apple Podcasts, Google Play and Spotify Podcast.   Both OKC natives, Emmi purchased the Scout Guide franchise for OKC and for ye...