Brand is far more than a logo—it's the feeling people carry with them. In this episode of 2 CPAs & The Mic, Johnie Hampton joins our hosts and breaks down the difference between brand and marketing. He gives an inside look at his team's collaborative creative process and explains why a humble, people‑first culture consistently outperforms even the best strategies. We also dig into AI as a true copilot—great for research and possibilities but still needing human craft and judgment. Johnie shares his approach to stewarding talent, celebrating employees and their families, mentoring the next generation, and leading with purpose. No matter your role—firm leader, team manager, or "marketer on the side"—you'll walk away with practical insight on strengthening your brand, supporting your people, and communicating with authenticity.

We're back—and grateful. In the season 2 kickoff of 2 CPAs & The Mic, Jeff Frable, Sara Mays & Kristie Porter reflect on growth, vulnerability, and what it means to serve people well. You'll hear about the moments that stretched us in season 1 and the vision driving season 2: connection over complexity, conversation over jargon, and practical guidance you can use today. We preview topics like financial planning, M&A, SOC audits, marketing, and wellness—and wrap with a fun rapid‑fire round. Thanks for listening, sharing, and building this community with us.

Thirty episodes later, we're closing the books on Season 1! Join Jeff, Sara and Kristie as they celebrate the journey from "let's try this" to a full-blown podcast with loyal listeners. In this episode, we share behind-the-scenes stories, favorite moments, and a major life update that will make you smile. Plus, we reveal what's next for Season 2—fresh topics, exciting guests, and a new cadence to keep things timely. If you've ever wondered what makes CPAs human (and hilarious), this is the perfect episode to binge before January 15th when Season 2 drops!

In this episode of 2 CPAs and The Mic, hosts Jeff Frable and Sara Mays sit down with Dewan Chowdhury, Partner at CCK Strategies, for a deep dive into the world of estate planning. From defining what an estate truly is to navigating the complexities of wills, trusts, and tax strategies, Dewan breaks down the essentials with clarity and insight. Whether you're just starting your estate plan or revisiting it after years, this episode is your roadmap to doing it right.

In episode 28 of 2 CPAs & The Mic, hosts Jeff Frable and Sara Mays unpack the power of year-end tax planning. Learn how proactive strategy can eliminate costly surprises, improve cash flow, and turn tax season into a time for smart decision-making. From timing income and expenses to leveraging bonus depreciation and reviewing your business structure, this episode is packed with practical insights and real-world examples.

What happens when leadership steps away from the spotlight and focuses entirely on empowering the team behind the scenes?

In this episode of 2 CPAs & The Mic, Jeff and Sara sit down with Belinda Jordan, Tax Division Leader at CCK Strategies, to explore her unconventional, non-client-facing leadership role. From her Big Four beginnings to leading a 60+ person tax team across geographies, Belinda shares how she drives performance through proactive management, data-driven decision-making, and a culture of direct, kind feedback.

Whether you're a business owner, executive, or aspiring leader, this episode offers a masterclass in people-first leadership that scales.

In episode 26 of 2 CPAs & The Mic, Jeff and Sara chat with seasoned realtor, Caroline Gorinsky-Huesler, who shares her inspiring journey from Switzerland to relocation expert in Tulsa. Learn how international experience, cultural empathy, and strategic networking can turn real estate into a powerful business tool. Whether you're a business owner navigating employee moves, a professional exploring Tulsa's market trends, or simply someone who loves a great success story—this episode is for you!

When Hurricane Helene unleashed unprecedented flooding on Asheville, NC, the city faced total communication blackout and economic devastation. In this powerful episode, hosts Jeff Frable and Sara Mays sit down with Marcus Kirkman, Business Inclusion Manager and retired Navy veteran, to share how Asheville responded, recovered, and rebuilt.

Kirkman shares behind-the-scenes insights into the city's emergency planning, the limits of FEMA support, and the critical role of community and business neighbors as first responders. From contingency plans that couldn't predict Helene to the urgent need for economic diversification, this episode is a must-listen for business leaders, city planners, and anyone invested in resilience.

In episode 24 of 2 CPAs & The Mic, hosts Jeff Frable and Sara Mays sit down with Curtis Olson, CCK Strategies' resident cybersecurity expert, to unpack the real-world risks facing today's businesses. From phishing and ransomware to AI-driven scams, Curtis shares eye-opening stats and practical strategies to protect your company. Learn why cybersecurity starts with leadership, how to build a culture of awareness, and what steps you can take today to safeguard your operations, reputation, and bottom line.

In episode 23 of 2 CPAs & The Mic, hosts Jeff Frable and Sara Mays sit down with Ashley Plyushko, Executive Director of the Oklahoma Accountancy Board (OAB), and John Curzon, Vice Chair of the OAB and founding partner of CCK Strategies. Together, they unpack the mission and mechanics of the OAB, its national influence through NASBA, and the evolving challenges facing the accounting profession—from the CPA pipeline shortage to the rise of private equity ownership in firms. Ashley & John share insight into the board's enforcement process, the importance of ethical culture in firms, and how Oklahoma is leading the way in regulatory innovation. Whether you're a CPA, a student considering the profession, or just curious about how public trust is protected in financial services, this episode offers a candid and compelling look behind the scenes of one of the country's most proactive accountancy boards.