Dallas, Texas: What’s Good? Lessons from your Local Entrepreneurs and Small Business Owners

In this episode, we sit down with Darlisa Diltz, a business strategist and advocate for entrepreneurial growth, to break down what it truly takes to build a sustainable and scalable business. Darlisa shares her journey from feeling overwhelmed to confidently embracing entrepreneurship, while highlighting the importance of strong foundations, audience clarity, and strategic decision-making. This conversation dives into the realities of funding, the difference between being an entrepreneur versus a business owner, and how to navigate both the highs and the pivots along the journey.

Episode Timestamps

[00:00:00] - Introduction to Season 10

[00:01:27] - Is Entrepreneurship Too Risky?

[00:04:15] - From "Busyness" to Business

[00:09:16] - Entrepreneurship vs. Business Ownership

[00:10:37] - Creating Your Business GPS

[00:15:16] - 3 Critical Questions Every Founder Must Ask

[00:18:06] - Funding Readiness & The Truth About Grants

[00:19:53] - Navigating Business Loans & Lenders

[00:26:51] - CDFIs vs. Traditional Banks

[00:30:11] - The Facade of Keeping Up with the Joneses

[00:31:45] - Entrepreneurial Highs & Lows

[00:37:35] - Free Actionable Advice

[00:41:22] - Motivational Moment & The Power of Discipline

Darlisa Diltz is a business strategist dedicated to helping entrepreneurs build strong, sustainable foundations for long-term success. Through her work, she supports business owners in gaining clarity, accessing the right resources, and making informed decisions that align with their growth goals.

Connect with Darlisa Diltz:

• Flexspace: flexspace.sdfpinnovationcenter.com
• Website: www.foundationsedc.com
• LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/darlisadiltz

Ready to strengthen your business foundation and take the next step in your entrepreneurial journey? Explore resources and support through Darlisa’s platforms and start building with intention today.

If you found this episode valuable, don’t forget to subscribe, share it with fellow entrepreneurs, and leave a review. Your support helps us continue delivering insights that empower business owners to grow and thrive.

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In this episode, we sit down with Tracy Ballard-Arline, a financial advisor and wealth-building expert, to explore the steps to achieve true financial security. Tracy shares her personal financial journey, the importance of self-education, and actionable strategies for building financial benefits beyond a traditional job. Listeners will gain insight into common financial disconnects, her specialty areas, and her four-pillar framework designed to guide individuals toward long-term stability and growth.

Episode Timestamps;

00:00 From Struggle to Strategy: Tracy’s Financial Journey

00:30 Welcome to Season 10: Wealth Building Conversations

01:05 What Does Financial Security Really Mean?

02:05 Meet Tracy: From Single Mom to Financial Educator

04:10 The Truth About Pensions & 401(k) Limitations

05:58 Why Job Benefits Aren’t Enough Anymore

08:36 Financial Planning Strategy & Risk Awareness

10:36 Biggest Money Mistakes & Financial Disconnects

16:31 Index Strategies & Annuities Explained

21:10 The 4 Pillars of Financial Security

26:21 From Struggle to Strength: A Metamorphosis Story

32:35 One Powerful Financial Tip You Can Start Today

33:35 How to Connect with Tracy Ballard-Arline

34:38 Motivational Moment: Clarity Creates Confidence

Tracy Ballard-Arline is a financial advisor and expert in wealth-building and financial education. Through her guidance, she helps individuals and families develop the mindset, strategies, and products needed to achieve long-term financial security and stability.

Contact: [email protected]

Phone: (409) 454-2310

Ready to take control of your financial future? Connect with Tracy Ballard-Arline to start building clarity, mindset, and strategies for long-term security.

If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe, share it with friends or colleagues, and leave a review — your support helps us continue bringing empowering financial insights to the community.

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In this Wild Card Wednesday bonus episode of Dallas, Texas: What’s Good Podcast, we sit down with William Houston (Campus Director, North Texas Job Corps Center) and Nikki Carter (Work-Based Learning Specialist & Business Liaison) to break down one of the nation’s most powerful—yet underutilized—career pathways: Job Corps.

Created in 1965 under President Lyndon B. Johnson’s War on Poverty, Job Corps is a free U.S. Department of Labor program designed to help young adults ages 16–24 gain the skills, certifications, and support needed to enter the workforce and build sustainable careers.

This episode goes beyond the basics—highlighting how Job Corps provides hands-on trade training, housing, meals, stipends, and holistic development, all at no cost to students.

Timestamps;

00:00 What Is Job Corps? Holistic Workforce Development Explained

00:30 Wild Card Wednesday Bonus Episode Introduction

01:18 Meet William Houston, Campus Director (North Texas Job Corps)

02:34 Meet Nikki Carter, Work-Based Learning Specialist

03:59 Why Job Corps Was Created (War on Poverty Origins)

05:15 Skilled Trades vs College Degrees: Rethinking Career Paths

08:13 Recession-Proof Careers: Why Trades Are in Demand

10:52 How to Apply to Job Corps (Enrollment Process Explained)

11:58 Free Housing, Meals & Stipends for Students

12:22 How Job Corps Recruits and Reaches Opportunity Youth

14:18 The Future of Job Corps: Growth and Modernization

15:49 AI, Technology & New Workforce Skills

16:24 How to Schedule a Tour + Contact Information

17:48 Employer Partnerships & Work-Based Learning Opportunities

19:45 Career Transition Support After Graduation (Up to 1 Year)

20:59 Final Thoughts + Episode Wrap-Up

Whether you're a student, parent, educator, or employer, this conversation highlights a powerful alternative to traditional college pathways—without the burden of student debt.

🔗 Learn more or apply: enroll.jobcorps.gov

📍 Local tours available at the North Texas Job Corps Center

If this episode inspired you, don’t forget to subscribe, share it with someone, and leave a review — your support helps us continue bringing powerful conversations to the community.

Connect with the guests;

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/doljobcorps

Website: https://www.jobcorps.gov/

Email: [email protected]

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In this episode of Dallas, Texas: What's Good?, we sit down with Linda Fisk, a global leadership expert and founder of LeadHership Global, to explore what it truly means to lead with clarity and confidence. Linda shares how she supports women in reaching their goals through intentional conversations, strategic thinking, and actionable steps. From overcoming imposter syndrome to shifting from planning to execution, this episode is packed with insights for leaders ready to step fully into their vision and take aligned action.

Episode Timestamps;

00:00 Women in Venture Capital Reality Check

00:33 Podcast Welcome + Guest Introduction (Linda Fisk)

01:14 Grounding Habit for Success (Icebreaker)

02:29 Who Is Linda Fisk? Leadership Background & Mission

04:21 Inside LeadHERship Global: Empowering Women Leaders

07:22 What Is an Abundance Mindset?

10:11 Scarcity vs Abundance Mindset Explained

13:58 Turning Mindset Into Action for Growth

17:49 Success Story: Women Winning in Leadership

21:51 Barriers Women Face in Business & VC

26:30 One Actionable Tip to Shift Your Mindset Today

27:59 How to Connect with Linda Fisk

28:57 Motivational Quotes on Wealth & Mindset

30:58 Final Thoughts + Episode Wrap-Up

Key Takeaways

• Daily habits that create grounding, focus, and consistency in leadership.
• Linda Fisk’s journey and impact as a global leadership expert.
• The structure of meaningful conversations that support women in achieving their goals.
• Powerful self-reflection practices that help leaders build clarity, vision, and growth.
• Navigating fear, pivots, and imposter syndrome while staying confident in your path.
• The shift from learning and planning into decisive, aligned action.
• Real-life success stories that demonstrate the impact of intentional leadership guidance.
• Lessons from challenging moments that required rethinking and moving forward with purpose.
• One actionable piece of free advice to support your leadership journey.

Linda Fisk is an internationally recognized leadership expert, speaker, and founder of LeadHership Global, dedicated to empowering women leaders around the world. Through her work, she helps individuals and organisations build clarity, confidence, and strategic direction to achieve meaningful success.

Connect with Linda Fisk:

• Website: www.leadhershipglobal.com
• LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/lindafisk

Ready to step into your next level of leadership? Learn more about LeadHership Global and connect with Linda Fisk to start building clarity and confidence in your journey.

If this episode inspired you, don’t forget to subscribe, share it with someone stepping into leadership, and leave a review — your support helps us continue bringing powerful conversations to the community.

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In this episode, we sit down with Tommie Coleman, a dedicated insurance and retirement planning specialist, to explore how thoughtful financial planning can protect families and build long-term security. Tommy shares his journey into the insurance industry, why he chose to focus on retirement planning, life insurance, and annuities, and the insights he’s gained helping clients navigate options they didn’t even know existed. Listeners will gain clarity on life insurance, dividends, and how a well-structured financial plan can create peace of mind for today and tomorrow.

Episode Timestamps;

00:00 Life Insurance Leverage

00:30 Podcast Intro and Icebreaker

02:08 Tommie Coleman Background

04:31 Why Insurance and Wealth Focus

08:39 Life Insurance Types Explained

11:07 Dividends and Policy Returns

11:45 Needs Analysis and Right Coverage

13:41 Insuring Kids and Parents Early

16:23 Retirement Gap and Annuities

19:51 Generational Wealth and Family Bank

23:51 Money In Wrong Places

25:22 Consumer Mindset Shift

26:09 Rockefellers Vs Vanderbilts

27:33 Trust Fund Insurance Loop

28:41 Why It Was Hidden

29:02 Industrial Policies Explained

31:12 Free Advice Pay Yourself

33:22 Teach Kids Asset Ownership

36:21 Books And Finding Experts

38:58 Wealth Must Be Protected

40:58 Final Words And Wrap Up

Key Takeaways

• Early money lessons that shape long-term financial decisions.
• Tommy Coleman’s journey and commitment to the insurance industry.
• The reasoning behind specializing in retirement planning, life insurance, and annuities.
• Understanding different types of life insurance and the considerations before choosing one.
• How dividends in life insurance differ from dividends in stocks or bonds.
• What to expect during a life insurance consultation for those unfamiliar with their options.
• Key considerations for families when obtaining life insurance for parents or children.
• Balancing the role of financial planner versus insurance specialist in guiding clients.
• Celebrating high points that illustrate the real impact of his work.
• One actionable piece of free advice for listeners to implement today.

Guest Details

Tommie Coleman is an insurance and retirement planning specialist focused on helping individuals and families protect their financial future. With expertise in life insurance, annuities, and retirement strategies, Tommy empowers clients to make informed decisions and build security for themselves and their loved ones.

Website: www.colemaninsgrp.com

Gain clarity on your financial future by exploring Tommie Coleman’s insurance and retirement solutions at colemaninsgrp.com.

If you found this episode helpful, subscribe to the podcast, share it with friends or family who could benefit, and leave a review — your support helps us continue sharing expert insights that protect and empower families.

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How do I build generational wealth and improve my financial habits, starting from where I am?

In this episode of Dallas, Texas: What's Good?, we sit down with Frances Smith-Dean to explore how early money experiences shape our financial habits and how intentional planning can shift generational outcomes. Frances shares how her upbringing influenced her mindset around money, the pivotal moment she trusted herself enough to turn her experience into a business, and what it truly means to “follow the instructions” when building wealth. From foundational financial steps to personal highs and lows along her journey, this conversation offers both practical strategy and powerful perspective for anyone ready to level up financially.

Episode Timestamps;

00:00 10K Goal Breakthrough

00:34 Podcast Intro Wealth Season

01:06 Icebreaker Money As Security

01:17 Family Strategy During Inflation

02:45 Parents Roots And Resourcefulness

04:14 Lessons From Farming And Fishing

05:11 Katrina Survival And Sharing

06:26 Who Is Ms. Francis

07:14 Community Tribe And Giving

08:21 Investment Club And Being The Fixer

11:13 Trusting Yourself To Teach Finance

13:48 Follow Directions And Count Costs

17:28 Bitcoin Mining Warning Legal Recourse

19:29 Crypto Due Diligence Not MLM

24:22 Wealth Steps Mindset Habits Discipline

26:46 Silver And Gold Patience Lesson

29:47 Behavior Tells The Truth

31:09 Mindset Before Money

32:06 Business Seasons And Costs

37:11 Leverage And Hedging Basics

38:40 Goldbacks And Inflation Hedge

42:20 Highs And Lows In Leadership

49:49 One Free Money Move

53:58 Motivational Moment And Wrap

Frances Smith-Dean is a financial expert dedicated to helping individuals and families build strong financial foundations through planning, discipline, and informed decision-making. With a passion for education and generational wealth building, she empowers others to take control of their financial future with clarity and confidence.

Zan Wesley Holmes Jr. Community Outreach Center

(214) 324-4443

www.zwhjcoc.org

If this episode encouraged you to rethink your financial foundation, take the next step toward clarity and strategy today.

Be sure to subscribe to the podcast so you never miss an empowering conversation, share this episode with someone who’s ready to grow financially, and leave a review to help us continue bringing impactful stories and expert insights to the community.

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In this episode of Dallas, Texas: What's Good Podcast, we sit down with ShaRhonda Hill, Assistant Vice President - Market Ops- TX & LA at TruFund Financial Services, to explore innovative ways entrepreneurs can fund their businesses, build wealth, and create sustainable real estate portfolios.

ShaRhonda shares how TruFund bridges the gap for small businesses, the advisory services she provides to support both funding and mindset, and practical strategies for stepping into real estate beyond traditional methods. Listeners will gain insights into funding, entrepreneurship, and long-term wealth creation from someone transforming communities through financial empowerment.

Episode Timestamps;

00:00 Why Small Business Owners Should Consider Commercial Real Estate

00:32 Podcast Intro + Season 10 Kickoff + Guest Introduction

00:51 Icebreaker: Researcher vs. Investor Mindset

01:35 Family Decision: Buying a Second Car

03:14 Transition to Guest Background

03:31 Who Is ShaRhonda Hill? (Service + Community Impact)

05:33 What Is TruFund + Understanding CDFIs

07:41 Funding Process: How to Get Started + Finding the Right Fit

10:19 Common Funding Mistakes Small Business Owners Make

13:29 Business Advisory vs. Generic Coaching (Real Support That Fits)

16:51 Real Estate Wealth Building Strategies Explained

17:37 Commercial Real Estate for Business Owners

18:48 Leasing Strategy + Creating Income Streams

20:17 Mixed-Use Properties + Creative Wealth Building

21:37 Getting Started with Real Estate + Advisory Approach

23:46 High Moment: New Role + Vision for 2026

25:31 Low Moment: Mental Health + Personal Pivot

28:52 One Free Advice: Brain Dump + Free Business Resources

31:16 Motivational Moment + Episode Wrap

Guest Details

ShaRhonda Hill is the Assistant Vice President - Market Ops- TX & LA of TruFund Financial Services, a community-driven funding platform designed to help entrepreneurs access capital, advisory support, and wealth-building strategies. With a focus on mindset, financial empowerment, and real estate investment, ShaRhonda helps small business owners and community members create sustainable success and long-term impact.

Discover how ShaRhonda Hill and TruFund can help you fund your business, build wealth, and explore real estate opportunities.

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, share it with fellow entrepreneurs, and leave a review — your support helps us continue sharing insights that empower business owners and communities alike.

Let's Connect!

Follow our Guest, ShaRhonda Hill :

• Website: snhill.com
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/snhill/

Additional Resources;

• https://www.apexaccelerators.us/#/
• https://www.score.org/
• https://www.trufund.org/

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We’re back for Season 10! Can you believe it? Since 2019, Dallas: Texas: What’s Good Podcast has been bringing the heat, and we’re celebrating this milestone with a theme chosen by you: Wealth Management.

This season is personal. With my mom retiring, I’m asking the same questions you are. We’re sitting down with experts in insurance, stocks, bonds, real estate, and more to help you build your own ecosystem of wealth.

What to Expect this Season:

1. Dallas Focus: We’re rooting ourselves in Dallas, highlighting local experts you can actually meet and connect with.
2. The Schedule: Catch new episodes every Monday, with bonus episodes dropping on Wednesdays.
3. Global Love: A huge thank you to our supporters worldwide—we see you and appreciate you!

Join the Ecosystem:

1. Subscribe to our Newsletter: Get resources, blogs, and updates delivered straight to you: [https://whatsgood-productions.com/] (located at the bottom of the site)
2. Podcast Coaching & Production: Ready to start or scale your own show? As a producer and coach, I’m here to help. Book a call with me: [https://whatsgood-productions.com/inquire]
3. Monthly Seminars: Tap into our monthly sessions to level up your podcast journey.
4. Dallas Businesses: Don’t fit the wealth theme? We still want to support you. Reach out for a potential bonus episode spotlight!

Subscribe, tell a friend, and let’s get into Season 10. Deuces! ✌🏾

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In this bonus episode of the Dallas, Texas: What’s Good Podcast, Brianna Jovahn sits down with emerging fashion designer Angel Barajas to explore how passion, creativity, and self-expression can evolve into a powerful brand.

Angel shares how his love for art began at a young age and eventually led him to pursue fashion design as his true calling. From early sketches in school to earning recognition for costume creation, his journey highlights the importance of staying committed to what you love — even when others don’t fully understand the vision.

With a design philosophy centered around blending personality with elegance, Angel is building a brand that focuses on creating custom pieces that reflect individuality. He walks us through his creative process, from overthinking and inspiration to bringing ideas to life through sewing and design.

As a current fashion student, Angel also opens up about balancing school with building his brand, stepping into his first fashion show, and navigating the nerves that come with putting your work in front of an audience for the first time.

This conversation is a powerful reminder that growth happens in real time — and sometimes the biggest opportunities come from simply speaking up, sharing your work, and allowing others to support your journey.

1. Your passion can evolve into your purpose if you stay committed
2. Creativity doesn’t have to be perfect — it just has to be expressed
3. Speaking up and sharing your work can unlock new opportunities
4. Growth comes from stepping outside of your comfort zone
5. You can build your brand while still learning and developing your craft

1. Discovering a passion for fashion through art
2. Turning creativity into a business
3. Designing custom pieces with personality and elegance
4. Balancing school and entrepreneurship
5. The importance of family support and collaboration
6. Preparing for a fashion show as a new designer
7. Overcoming fear and embracing new opportunities

Angel Barajas is an emerging fashion designer and current fashion student with a deep passion for artistic expression. As the founder of Barajas Fashion Elegance, he focuses on creating custom, elegant designs that reflect individuality and personality. His work blends creativity with intention, aiming to make fashion both expressive and accessible for everyone.

Instagram (Business): https://www.instagram.com/barajas_fe

Instagram (Personal): https://www.instagram.com/psychotic.spade/

You don’t have to wait until you feel “ready” to share your work — sometimes the biggest growth comes from showing up, being seen, and learning along the way.

Purchase the SPRING INTO FASHION RUNWAY SHOW before tickets sell out!

Join us for a dynamic showcase featuring:

✨ Local Designers

✨ A light Brunch

✨ Mimosas

✨ Networking Opportunities

Can't wait to see you there!

📅 March 21st

⏰ 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

📍3225 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd. Dallas, TX, 75210 South Dallas Fair Park Innovation Center (SDFP)

🎫 Secure your tickets here:

https://lnkd.in/gb7wU8jZ

Don't forget to Follow, Share, Rate, and Review!

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In this Wild Card Wednesday episode of the Dallas, Texas: What’s Good Podcast, Brianna Jovahn sits down with entrepreneur and fashion innovator Adrian Mills to discuss how a simple travel frustration turned into a growing luxury brand.

Adrian shares his journey from being a self-proclaimed “shoe head” to creating a high-end travel shoe bag designed to protect footwear while on the go. What started as an idea in an airport evolved into a fully developed product after years of research, seven prototypes, and a commitment to getting the design just right.

This conversation goes beyond fashion — diving into the realities of entrepreneurship, the importance of asking for help, and what it truly takes to build a business from the ground up. Adrian opens up about navigating the legal side of business, finding the right mentorship, and why building relationships can open doors when you least expect it.

As he prepares for an upcoming fashion show, Adrian also shares insights into brand visibility, networking, and expanding his product line within the travel and lifestyle space.

Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, creative, or someone sitting on a business idea, this episode is a reminder that you don’t need everything figured out to start — you just need to take the first step.

1. A simple problem can turn into a powerful business idea
2. Prototyping and patience are key to building a quality product
3. Mentorship can save time, money, and costly mistakes
4. Building relationships can create unexpected opportunities
5. You don’t need a perfect plan — you just need to start

1. Turning an idea into a physical product
2. The process of prototyping and product development
3. Business structure, trademarks, and legal foundations
4. The importance of mentorship and asking for help
5. Networking and relationship building in business
6. Preparing for fashion shows and brand exposure
7. Starting a business without having everything figured out

Adrian Mills is an entrepreneur and fashion brand owner focused on creating luxury travel accessories. Inspired by his own travel experiences, he developed a high-quality shoe bag designed to protect footwear while maintaining a sleek, stylish look. As the founder of ASPS Luxury, Adrian is building a brand rooted in functionality, design, and elevated travel essentials.

Purchase the SPRING INTO FASHION RUNWAY SHOW before tickets sell out!

Join us for a dynamic showcase featuring:

✨ Local Designers

✨ A light Brunch

✨ Mimosas

✨ Networking Opportunities

Can't wait to see you there!

📅 March 21st

⏰ 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

📍3225 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd. Dallas, TX, 75210 South Dallas Fair Park Innovation Center (SDFP)

🎫 Secure your tickets here:

https://lnkd.in/gb7wU8jZ

Don't forget to Follow, Share, Rate, and Review!

Let's Connect!

Follow our Guest, Adrian Mills :

1. Website: https://aspsluxury.com/
2. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/asps_luxury/

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