Finding Fire

“I just keep thinking about how there were so many easy ways to opt out and to not keep going down the music path. I think there are a lot of times where it’s so easy to just turn around and go with a safer path.” – Justin Thunstrom

On today’s episode of the Finding Fire Podcast, we sit down with Justin Thunstrom, music producer and entrepreneur. We talk with Justin about his love for music and how he took the leap to follow his passion and never looked back. 

Fun fact, Justin created and produced the Finding Fire Podcast intro song. Thanks Justin!

On today’s episode of the Finding Fire Podcast we sit down with Sarah, Co-Owner of DLH Clothing. During this episode we talk about how to build a strong brand, having passion for the community you’re in, and the rewards and hardships of being an entrepreneur. Sit back and enjoy! 

With tax season upon us, the Finding Fire Podcast sat down with Tatiana Tsoir (@tatianatsoir.author), CPA, and author of "Dream Bold - Start Smart" (available March 16, 2021).  Tatiana not only highlights the key points of her inspirational and informative book, but  also talks about the tax and finance side of running a business and being an entrepreneur. We examine what tax themes business owners should be aware of, and why having a finance partner will help your business thrive. 

We learned a lot during this conversation with Tatiana, and know you will too. Enjoy!

“There’s a line drawn in the sand. What’s it going to take for you to cross that line to pursue your passion?”

On today’s episode of the Finding Fire Podcast, we sit down with Chris Swanson – Mayor of Two Harbors, MN, Co-Founder of Destination Duluth, CEO of Pure Driven (a digital marketing firm) and owner of Garage Starts (a business to strengthen, support, and empower entrepreneurs).  We chat with Chris about how he finds balance owning two businesses and running a town, while still spending quality time with his family. Chris also discusses the importance of letting go and delegating in order to focus on the areas that will help the businesses, town and employees grow. 

There is a lot of knowledge being shared in this episode about entrepreneurship and life. Sit back and enjoy!

"We are learning a lot of this on the fly, but the cool thing is that we get to step outside of this box that's been painted for us."
- Ryan Miller-Finding Fire 

We had a blast recording this Valentines Day episode with our wives, Lyss Miller and Amy LaFlamme! We definitely couldn't pursue Finding Fire and our dream without their support! We had some amusing and deep conversations during this episode that sheds light on both of our personal and professional lives. 

We can't wait for you to hear this one and we thank you for all of your support along the way. Enjoy!

"If I leave this job, I’ll never be able to get it again. I knew if I left, that was it. I had to be really ready to give it up. I had a hard time leaving, It wasn’t something I wanted to give up, but I knew I had to make a choice.”

On today’s episode of Finding Fire Podcast, we sit down with Missy Luukkhonen, owner of The Little Green Bean. The Little Green Bean specializes in handmade gnomes for all seasons, home decor, and DIY kits for many items.  We chat with Missy about her journey to being an entrepreneur, her decision of leaving her 9-5 she enjoyed, and how a hobby turned into so much more than a hobby. Enjoy this episode! 

"I came down the stairs, looked at the tree, and had a sinking feeling in my gut. I was struggling with my health and it was a crazy time for me. That sinking feeling was how am I going to explain to my son the next morning that Santa missed him?" - Don Liimatainen

Tune in and listen to Don's entrepreneurship journey and how he turned that sinking feeling into a fire and created the Best Christmas Ever!

“I felt like for years I was just settling for something good, until I walked out of that seminar and decided I was going to build a business where I’m hiring people and making adult woman income.”

During this podcast episode we sat down with Erin, Founder of Living In Yellow, who is a lifestyle and fashion blogger. Erin talks about the early years of her 9-5 at the credit union while blogging on the side pursuing her side-hustle. After six years of consistent blog posting and building momentum by slowly monetizing, Erin decided to take the leap and make Living In Yellow her full time gig. 

As Erin would say, “grab a glass of wine, sit back, relax and stay a while.” 
Enjoy the episode! 

"Start asking yourself what am I good at, what am I not good at, and what do I want to give my life to? If you spend time in that section, the work becomes invitational, exciting and fun!" -Justin Juntunen  

One of the things we wanted to focus on in 2021 was self care, so we went out and found Justin Juntunen of Cedar & Stone. Justin talks about pursuing his passion and goal to serve the flourishing of Duluth, MN through guided sauna experiences to help people learn the health benefits, the practice, and the history of sauna. Relax and Enjoy! 

When was the last time you disconnected from the hustle? When was last time you reconnected with yourself? When was the last time you took a real look at your own wellbeing? Katie Quade, owner and visionary of Balanced Roots Retreats, aims to offer you the opportunity to do just that. She combines a number of elements to offer a luxurious lifestyle retreat, geared to create connection with others, inspire change within yourself and transform thoughts into actions. Tune in and listen to how she dodged the average prescription of life.