What's the Startup?!

What if you could create a customer journey so seamless, it feels like magic? In this episode, we sit down with Aaron Goodman, founder of Omada Marketing, to uncover how AI is reshaping marketing, lead generation, and sales. Aaron shares practical strategies for crafting intentional touchpoints, building authentic relationships, and using tools like ChatGPT to make your business feel bigger and mo...

In this episode of “What’s the Startup?!”, we dive deep into the world of customer discovery—a critical process that can make or break your startup. Join us as we explore what it truly means to understand your customers’ needs, motivations, and behaviors. We’ll share practical examples, like the fascinating story of milkshake marketing, and how Sprocket’s own youth programs benefited from rigorous...

In this episode of What’s the Startup?! , we sit down with Josiah, a seasoned marketer and strategist, to explore his five levels of marketing and how businesses can climb the ladder to success. Josiah shares his journey from crafting cold email campaigns to becoming a trusted marketing consultant, breaking down what works (and what doesn’t) at each stage of business growth. You’ll learn: ✅ How t...

In this episode, we’re joined by Jill Morenz, CEO of Aviatra Accelerators, to dive into their game-changing program, the Fuel Your Startup Income Accelerator . Designed specifically for early-stage entrepreneurs, this eight-week program provides the tools, strategies, and expert guidance needed to overcome some of the biggest challenges new business owners face—like managing time, generating reven...

In this episode of What’s the Startup?! , we sit down with Amy Tooley, a leadership consultant and mentor at Sprocket, to explore how understanding personality and leadership styles can transform teamwork, communication, and personal growth. Amy dives into tools like the DISC assessment, strategies for identifying blind spots, and actionable steps to build a stronger leadership toolbox. We also di...

🎉 Season 1 Wrap-Up: New Stories, Tools, and Inspiration for 2025 🎉 As we close out our first season of the Sprocket Podcast, we’re reflecting on the incredible stories, insights, and tools we’ve shared—and gearing up for an even more inspiring Season 2. Join us as we celebrate the resilience of founders, the wisdom of mentors, and the power of community that have defined this season. Plus, get a...

In this episode, we sit down with Julie Tennyson, an attorney and outgoing Sprocket board member, to reflect on her impactful six-year tenure. Julie shares stories from Sprocket’s early days in a boiler room, the evolution into a thriving innovation hub, and the values that drive the community. From fostering optimism to solving problems and connecting entrepreneurs with resources, Julie dives int...

Ready to fuel your next big idea? In this episode, we’re sitting down with Joel Dulin, founder of Jozana Grant Services, to break down how you can tap into grant funding to supercharge your business. Joel’s been where you are — juggling everything from marketing to operations — and he knows firsthand what it takes to turn ambition into action. We’ll dig into the grant process, giving you clear, ac...

In this episode, we sit down with Zeeshan Bhatti from Keyhorse Capital to demystify the world of venture capital. Whether you’re considering venture capital for the first time or just curious about the process, Zeeshan shares invaluable insights on when and how to engage this funding mechanism, the importance of validating your idea, and what VCs are really looking for in early-stage startups. Tun...

In this episode of “What’s the Startup?,” we sit down with Kory Payne, founder of Ujoin , to dive into the gritty realities of building a B2B SaaS company from the ground up. Kory shares his journey from humble beginnings to hitting major sales milestones and achieving product-market fit. Throughout the conversation, Kory opens up about the challenges and sacrifices of startup life, the importance...

Building a startup sounds glamorous—late nights filled with creativity, exciting launches, and the rush of chasing a dream. But the reality? It’s far more raw than that. At Sprocket, we’re not here to sugarcoat the entrepreneurial journey. We’re here to tell you what you need to hear, not just what you want to hear. Because if you’re serious about being an entrepreneur, you need to face the tough...

In this episode of What’s the Startup?! , we sit down with social media expert Brenon Conn of Sprocket Logic to explore how small business owners and entrepreneurs can master social media, even on a tight budget. Brenon shares powerful strategies for leveraging user-generated content , social listening , and short form video to boost engagement, grow your audience, and strengthen your brand. Wheth...

In this episode, we sit down with Tiffany, Sprocket’s new Community Coordinator, to explore her journey from the fast-paced hustle of New York to the collaborative, innovation-driven community at Sprocket. Tiffany shares how finding Sprocket transformed her view of Paducah and gave her the community she’d been searching for, and now, she’s all about creating that same welcoming, supportive space f...

In this episode of What’s the Startup? , we sit down with Amy Wright, founder of Wright Photography Video, to dive into her journey from side hustle to a thriving full-time business. Amy shares her story of leaving the security of a 9-to-5 to pursue her passion and how quiet time and goal setting have become her secret weapons for success. We talk about finding balance as an entrepreneur, setting...

In this episode of What’s the Startup?! , we sit down with Derek Yang, a Senior Backend Engineer who’s navigated the twists and turns of remote work, career pivots, and the evolving world of tech. From making the leap into coding through a bootcamp to finding his way into the Sprocket community, Derek’s story is all about embracing change, learning on the fly, and staying ahead of the curve in a f...

In this episode, we dive into the heart of entrepreneurship, exploring the journey from initial ideas to successful startups. We discuss the importance of innovation, iteration, and understanding your customers’ needs. You’ll learn how to navigate the startup world, create a unique value proposition, and develop a product that truly resonates with your audience. Whether you’re just starting out or...

In this episode we sit down with Hannah, the Program Manager at Sprocket, to explore the journey of taking an idea from concept to reality. Hannah shares her personal entrepreneurial story, how she became involved with Sprocket, and the exciting opportunities available through the West Kentucky Innovation Challenge (WKIC). We dive into the importance of customer discovery, the process of iterating...

Welcome to the inaugural episode of the Sprocket Podcast, “What’s the Startup?!” Join us as we sit down with Monica Bilak, the visionary behind Sprocket, to uncover the story of how this entrepreneurial hub came to life. From transforming a historic space into a vibrant center for innovation to fostering a thriving ecosystem that supports startups across Western Kentucky, Monica shares the journey...