Locally Sourced Joey

Personal finance is a finicky subject for a lot of people – especially for personal trainers. They’re just kind of thrown into the mix without any kind of real preparation. In this episode, Nelson Toriano joins us to chat about his new book, For the Fit but Poor Personal Trainer: A Guide on How to Train Money - Not Muscle - To Grow. Nelson shares how he came up with this personal finance idea (wine was involved, as is the case with many great ideas). And he also dishes out lots of easily digestible advice for managing your finances, from product lifecycles to doing your taxes. Even if you’re not a personal trainer, there are plenty of helpful business tips and resources in here, so take copious notes, y’all. He walks us through the process of writing a book, and we give heaps of praise to the voice actors that make things like audiobooks possible. Nelson E Toriano is a distinguished fitness and business educator. He received his MBA from California State University, East Bay, and the Entrepreneurship and In

It’s a spirited Chicago episode, y’all! I’m joined by Austin blogger Jin Laqui, who, like me, grew up in the Windy City. And we’re watching the Thursday Night Football game between beloved Chicago Bears and the visiting Dallas Cowboys. Watch this fun Bryzzo Souvenir Co. commercial and get misty-eyed as Jin talks about weeping when the Chicago Cubs won their first World Series in 108 years. What a time to be alive! Luckily, you don’t have to be from Chicago to enjoy this podcast. Joey shares a story about a Boston Red Sox fan embracing the hatred of the New York Yankees crowd when he visited the Bronx earlier this year – who among us hasn’t wanted to silence the haters? Jin also does a REALLY weird ASMR with a bottle of tequila. And since there’s live TV on we’ll give commentary on random commercials and goings-on throughout the episode. Additionally, Jin shares how she got into writing and food photography, including a fun award she won in college. And since we’re both fans of puns, it seems like a great ti

Hope you've got your bags packed and are ready to roll! I'm joined by Adrienne Ritter, who quit her job and traveled throughout the United States and 14 different countries in four months during what she's calling her “life sabbatical.” Adrienne shares how traveling has given her a better sense of balance in life and what it’s like being an American abroad. Foreigners have a very specific sense of what America is, and the U.S. still has a spotlight on it, despite every country having their own things going on. Adrienne also talks through the glorification of travel. For example, the Louvre’s main attraction isn’t the Mona Lisa – it’s the spectacle of people lining up to take a photo with the Mona Lisa. Travel isn’t always about the Instagram, y’all. Stop and take a moment to look around. Things like the grocery stores, public transportation, and simply the nuances of daily life can be much more enlightening. For folks who aren’t as experienced traveling abroad, Adrienne shares her top travel tips, includin

Dave MacDonald from Crafted1K joins the podcast to talk all things cartooning. Dave talks about how he developed a love of comics and doodling at a young age (shout out to Calvin and Hobbes and Garfield) and how accidentally stumbling into a sales career led to his current business. Crafted 1K helps businesses share their message via engaging cartoons. Dave chats about how brands should know what their goals and messages are, and how cartoons and comics can lead to happy customers. Dave discusses the three benefits using cartoons: people better remember them thanks to the “humor effect,” they’re fun to share, and they’re more effective than a standard text. If you read information paired with an image, you retain info 65 percent better than if you just read the text alone. Additionally, we talk about how different and impactful a message can be if your audience consumes it over multiple days instead of all at once (a la the Netflix binge effect). Dave and I are also both HUGE fans of Calvin and Hobbes, so

Robert Kerbeck is the founder of the Malibu Writers Circle and a three-time Pushcart Prize nominee. Kerbeck’s work earned him a mentorship by the managing editor of the highly-esteemed Tin House. Kerbeck’s first-person account of the Woolsey Fire was read by over a million people as an op-ed for the Los Angeles Times. His essays and short stories have been featured in the Atticus Review, Narratively, Cimarron Review, and The Normal School. His short story, Reconnected, was adapted into a film and appeared at film festivals worldwide. He is a lifetime member of The Actors Studio and an award-winning actor.   Robert is also the author of the new book Malibu Burning. His book offers the unique experience of telling the story of the incredibly destructive Woolsey Fire through the eyes of several people who lived it – including Robert himself. Robert talks about his encounter with the blaze, how he went from not even considering a book to actually making one happen, and what’s being done to try and prevent these d

This episode features Mark Struczewski, a.k.a. Mister Productivity. We chat about how Mark went from losing his job to becoming an entrepreneur and helping people be productive in a distracted world. Mark dives into a few of the challenges and opportunities of the entrepreneurial world, but we both know why you’re here: to learn how to be more productive. “Complexity is the gateway to procrastination” – these are SIMPLE tips that anyone can follow. None of these Buzzfeed-esque “47 Ways You Can Fix Your Wandering Mind.” We’re keepin’ it simple so you can keep it productive. Mark also shares the top five distractions we need to be aware of, and how to tame each one: social media, email, people, entertainment, and you and your mindset. Again, these are super easy things that anyone can do. And it’ll lead to you boosting your efficiency and being more productive. By the end of this episode, you’ll be ready to take on the world – without getting distracted. There’s only one question left. Now that you’re more p

This is the most eggciting episode yet! I’m chatting with Bonnie Tyler, founder of the Negg hardboiled eggs peeler, which takes the excruciating part of hardboiled eggs (the peeling) and turns it into an absolute joy. Bonnie and I talk about the idea behind the business, plus the challenges and opportunities she’s seen along the way. Bonnie has also been pleasantly surprised by the kindness of the inventor community and how cool 3D printers are (she’s not wrong on that front). She discusses the importance of having an American-made, women-run company and how it’s led to Negg’s success. Plus, Bonnie reminisces on some of the best reactions she’s heard from people that have seen the Negg in action, like a cute 10-year-old girl that gave more than a few “wows!” The Negg is really a cool little kitchen tool, so be sure to pick up yours if you've ever felt the pains of hardboiled eggshells getting caught in your fingernails. I know I sure have.

I’m joined by Kristen and Winston Millican, who run the Millican Pecan orchard in San Saba, Texas. Millican Pecan has been around since 1888, so clearly they’re doing something right. We chat about the history of the Millicans, including their first taste of pecans, what all goes into harvesting them and the tools and techniques to maximize the efforts of their pecan business. Additionally, we talk marketing tactics, the sleek look of the Millican Pecan website, and some of the challenges of starting a business. We’re also diving into our favorite varieties of pecans (chatting about pecan harvesting makes me realize there’s a lot more than I ever knew!) and the Millicans share some delightful pecan recipes. Kristen and I also relive some horrible experiences with gummy bears. You won’t want to miss ‘em! Want to score some tasty pecans of your own but don’t want to get into pecan farming? I’ve got you covered. Find a grower near you to buy Texas pecans on the Texas Pecan Growers Association website.

Craig Leener returns to the podcast to chat about his newest novel, All Roads Lead to Lawrence. It’s the sequel to his debut book, This Was Never About Basketball, and let me tell you, it’s just as entertaining. But since writing a novel is only half the battle, I wanted to make sure we talked about book marketing, as well. So what can you expect from this episode? We talk about Craig’s newest book, All Roads Lead to Lawrence, starting with an inspiring story that helped him write the ending to his first book and set the groundwork for this sequel. Craig also shares his writing process and why he believes having short chapters is important for keeping a reader engaged. And because writing a book is only half the battle, we chat about book marketing and how he shares his work with the world, as well. Craig offers what’s worked and what hasn’t as he spreads the word of All Roads Lead to Lawrence. Craig also offers three tips for anyone that wants to write a book. If you’ve got an idea you’re playing around wi

This episode features Joleen Jernigan, creator of Eat Like Blogger Drink Like Poet, writes for the Austinot, does travel writing, and basically ALL THE GOOD STUFF. Joleen talks about she got started in travel writing after finding her voice by taking the crappy things that happened to her and made it funny to share with her friends – much like we used to send these old-fashioned things called “postcards” whilst traveling. We also discuss favorite words, great places to check out in Austin, Halloween costumes (Joleen is going as a mermaid, Joey is still OUT OF IDEAS), giving public speaking discourses during college classes, and what makes for a killer live music show. That reminds me, I’m in a band – check out Burning Years any place you listen to music, like, oh…Spotify or Amazon Music or iTunes. Finally, we chat about Barstool Poetry, which is a terrific invention of friend of the podcast Bob Makela. If you ain’t ever heard of Barstool Poetry, I highly recommend you check this creative social writing eve

Today I’m chatting with Dre Paskert of the fantastic Time of Dre – we’re sippin’ wine and feelin’ fine! Dre talks about her background, including moving from Montana to Texas to open up a bakery, scoring a business internship and grabbing a full-time job all within the span of two weeks. She also takes us into her mind from quitting that job to work full time on her own business. Dre shares her tips on upping your social and personal branding games, public speaking and how to convey a powerful message, as well as the proper way to give a handshake. We’re also talking favorite Katy Perry songs because sometimes you just need to get your pop jams on, you know? Finally, Dre’s got actionable advice for us! She offers three things you can do on your social accounts to take your game to the next level. Spoiler alert: they’re not at all hard to do. Remember to write for the whale! Want to learn how to elevate your personal brand even more? Check out Dre’s two courses: Impact to Income about monetizing your messag

This upcoming weekend marks the 15th installment of the STAPLE! Independent Media Expo. And what better way to celebrate than with not one, not two, but THREE awesome guests? We've got founder Chris "Uncle Staple" Nicholas, writer and illustrator Monica Gallagher, and writer, editor, and supermodel Paul Benjamin. Chris, Paul, and Monica chat about how STAPLE! has changed over the past 15 years – though the spirit of the convention has remained the same since being founded in 2005 – and what they like about the event, including a special guest that’s coming to this year’s event (fans of The Adventure Zone should GET EXCITED). It also sounds like the physical STAPLE! program is perhaps the coolest program in the existence of programs. Additionally, the trio chats about the importance of networking at events and tips for breaking into the comics industry, whether you’re more interested in art, writing, or a combination of the two. And Chris and Paul share their favorite playlists both for driving and working.

You are in for a treat with this episode. Adam Rocke joins the podcast to chat writing and Hollywood and to remind us just how ridiculous life can be. Hear about his many fascinating moments, from Quentin Tarantino insulting him, to Steven Seagal insulting him, to him insulting Tobey Maguire...hmm, sensing a theme here. In any case, I asked Adam if he wanted to pen his own bio for this episode, and he tackled it with style and aplomb. You'll learn that's the status quo after listening. Inspired by Hunter S. Thompson's "gonzo journalism," Adam Rocke's unusual skill set (firearms/weaponry expert, martial arts/tactical/CQB training, international auto racing license) combined with hardcore adrenaline junkie tendencies resulted in countless high octane articles for hip men’s lifestyle publications (Maxim/Stuff Razor/Robb Report/etc.). When editors had a wild story idea that could get a journalist maimed or killed, Adam was the go-to scribe. Somehow he always came back alive and intact—with the story! These par

Nitya Jain, the Taste Officer and Storyteller at Beyond Curry, joins the podcast to chat all things food – AND she made me tasty chai while we do it. We talk about starting a blog, the joys and challenges that go along with it, the first food we ever documented, and how recipes can evoke powerful storytelling and memories. Nitya also shares her top tips for food photography and dispels a myth about a popular Starbucks drink. Check out Nitya’s blog for all the goodies (and a killer chai recipe) and give her a follow on Instagram. Want to keep up with all the Locally Sourced Joey episodes? Follow me on Twitter or check out my website, Phat Phoodies.

I’m joined by Sarah Noffke, author of Everyone in L.A. is an REDACTED (under the pen name Sarah Miller), and she’s doing her best to offend every single person in the world by the end of this episode. What an admirable goal. In this episode, we chat about growing up in small-town Texas, why bad dates make for the best stories, dog booties, and Sarah shares her top dating advice. Hint: Don’t say your favorite author is Hemingway. Sarah has written more than 40 novels on YA and NA sci-fi fantasy and is the author of the Lucidites, Reverians, Ren and Vagabond Circus Series. If you need a break from the chick lit of Everyone in L.A. is an REDACTED, you can dabble with a little (or quite a bit of) science fiction. She also has a Masters of Management degree and teaches college business and writing courses. Because free time is wildly overrated. She's also got a cool podcast called L.A. Chicks, so when you're done listening to this episode (and subscribing to Locally Sourced Joey, naturally), you can head on ove

Have you ever wanted to see the world but thought it was just a wild pipe dream? Kind of like when Mario goes into a pipe that a carnivorous flower had previously been inhabiting, then he emerges in an entirely different area. It's cool, but it JUST WON'T HAPPEN. Well then, let me introduce you to Tayler Gill, who decided one day she'd like to experience what this world has to offer. So she up and moved to New Zealand and now can sling slang with the best of 'em. And guess what – taking the leap, while certainly present with challenges, was well worth it. Tayler and I chat about starting a business and the myriad tasks that virtual business assistants do, the power of building your personal network, top travel tips whether you’re brand new to traveling or a seasoned expert, and some of the top sights to see in the world. Be a pal and listen along!

With the heart of a jackal and the brains of a lion, Michael C Bland spills all: the details on his debut science fiction novel, his pitch to a major movie studio, and more! Hear how Michael went from a nobody to a soon-to-be-somebody, with his novel coming out next year and a superhero-mocking manuscript currently in consideration at Columbia Pictures. You’ll laugh. You’ll groan (but not in that good way). You’ll wonder whether podcasts should be federally regulated. Click that play button now to listen. You know you want to.

Time for cookies! In this episode, I’m joined by Deana Karim, founder of Good Dee’s, a line of gourmet, low-carb, sugar-free, and dairy-free baking mixes. Perfect for anyone on the keto diet, or those who just love tasty treats. We’re chatting the inspiration behind Good Dee’s, business challenges she’s overcome along the way, her favorite compliments, and what she’s working on next. Deana is also doing this call while sneaking away from a baseball game, so you could say this episode is quite a hit! 

Holy smokes, Locally Soured Joey is back! And I’m diving in with a vengeance, or at least some good drinks. I’m joined by Christian Helms and Sean O’Connor, co-founders of Big Swig sparkling water. These ain’t your grandma’s (or your older sister’s) sparkling waters, either. With flavors like Party Pickle, Watermelon Mint, and Jalapeño Pineapple, there’s plenty to get your taste buds dancing. We chat the perfect food to pair with sparkling water, the brand’s business strategy, and we practice a little ASMR work during the episode. Want to keep up with all the Locally Sourced Joey episodes? Follow me on Twitter or check out my website, Phat Phoodies.