Welcome to Hometown Jax, where hosts Aaron Bacus and Jason Kindler dive into the real stories behind Jacksonville’s most driven professionals. From the business world to local media and everything in between, we explore how homegrown talent overcomes challenges, seizes opportunity, and impacts Northeast Florida in a meaningful way.

In this episode, Aaron sits down with Emily Turner, investigative anchor at Action News Jax, to unpack her career spanning coast to coast—from early days lugging her own gear as a one-woman crew to anchoring in major markets like San Francisco. Emily shares the behind-the-scenes grind of journalism, her time with CrossFit media, what it means to make real change through investigative reporting, and why she ultimately came back to Jacksonville to raise a family and make a difference. Packed with humor, insight, and some truly wild newsroom stories, this conversation is a must-watch for anyone curious about what it really takes to report the truth.

Welcome to Hometown Jax, the podcast where hosts Aaron Bacus and Jason Kindler sit down with the boldest minds in business, leadership, and community building across Jacksonville. Each episode captures personal stories, professional journeys, and the wins—and losses—that shape the Northeast Florida business landscape.

In this episode, Aaron sits down with Daniel Davis, President and CEO of the JAX Chamber, to unpack his remarkable journey from local politics to becoming one of Jacksonville’s most influential leaders. Daniel shares how his love for Jacksonville inspired a career rooted in service, economic development, and creating opportunity. From growing up on the city’s west side to championing international business relocation, launching a podcast of his own, and leading with a long-game mindset, Daniel’s story is a deep dive into what makes Jacksonville thrive—and where it’s going next.

Welcome to Hometown Jax, where hosts Aaron Bacus and Jason Kindler explore the inspiring stories of Jacksonville’s most interesting leaders, entrepreneurs, and personalities. Each episode dives into the personal journeys, challenges, and passions that drive the local legends shaping our community—whether they’re building businesses, leading movements, or redefining what it means to call Jacksonville home.

In this episode, Aaron sits down with Curtis Dvorak, a name that might not ring a bell until you realize he spent 19 years as Jaxson de Ville, the iconic mascot of the Jacksonville Jaguars. But that was just the beginning. Curtis shares how he went from college mascot to NFL performer, local TV host, entrepreneur, and now a passionate ambassador for the Jacksonville Zoo. Packed with hilarious behind-the-scenes stories, powerful career pivots, and a surprising connection to Michael Jackson’s elephant, this episode is equal parts entertaining and inspiring.

Welcome to Hometown Jax, where hosts Aaron Bacus and Jason Kindler sit down with Jacksonville’s entrepreneurs, innovators, and small business owners to hear the real stories behind their journeys. From humble beginnings to big breakthroughs, every conversation dives into the passion, challenges, and persistence that define our local community.

In this episode, Jason sits down with Suzanne Hasz, founder of Hudson Trailer Company, to hear how a late-night idea grew into a nationally recognized brand. Susanne shares how she turned vintage trailers into customizable mobile businesses, the lessons she learned as a serial entrepreneur, and why she chose Jacksonville as her company’s home base. From overcoming self-doubt to leading a creative team and inspiring other dreamers, Suzanne’s story is a masterclass in grit, innovation, and building something truly one-of-a-kind.

Welcome to Hometown Jax, where hosts Aaron Bacus and Jason Kindler sit down with Jacksonville’s local legends—entrepreneurs, creators, and business owners—to share the real stories behind their success. From humble beginnings to breakthrough moments, each episode explores the grit, heart, and hustle that power Jacksonville’s business community.

In this episode, Aaron sits down with Brady and Alyssa Hammond, the dynamic husband-and-wife duo behind one of Northeast Florida’s most unique local TV series. What started as a career pivot from education to real estate evolved into a full-blown production showcasing the neighborhoods and attractions that make the region so special. The Hammonds share their journey from teachers to realtors to local TV hosts, how their HGTV-style show came to life, and why storytelling and local pride have become their biggest tools for business growth. If you love real estate, creative entrepreneurship, or just want to hear how passion projects can unexpectedly turn into opportunities, this one’s for you.

Welcome to Hometown Jax, the podcast where host Aaron Bacus sits down with the movers, shakers, and everyday legends of Jacksonville's business and cultural landscape. Each episode dives into the personal journeys of local leaders, shedding light on the challenges they’ve faced and the passion that fuels their work. From humble beginnings to transformative moments, Hometown Jax celebrates the grit, heart, and hustle that define our community.

In this episode, Aaron welcomes Jacksonville’s trusted weatherman, Mike Buresh, for a riveting conversation about life behind the radar. Mike opens up about the most terrifying weather events he’s ever covered, what truly drives hurricanes, and why humility is essential in meteorology. From storm chasing in the Midwest to anchoring hurricane coverage in Northeast Florida, Mike shares powerful insights on responsibility, science, and serving the public with integrity. Whether you're fascinated by extreme weather or simply curious about the man who helps keep Jacksonville safe, this episode delivers a forecast full of wisdom, experience, and inspiration.

Welcome to Hometown Jax, the podcast that dives into the stories of Jacksonville’s business owners, entrepreneurs, and community leaders. Hosted by Aaron Bacus, each episode uncovers the unique journeys, challenges, and victories of local professionals who shape the city’s economy and culture. Whether you’re a business owner, an aspiring entrepreneur, or someone who loves hearing inspiring success stories, this podcast is for you.

In this episode, we sit down with Stefanie Robinson, a powerhouse in Jacksonville’s business networking scene. As a Managing Director of BNI (Business Network International) and the founder of Flashes of Brilliance, Stefanie shares her incredible journey from corporate life to entrepreneurship. She reveals how she built a thriving network of professionals, the importance of structured networking, and how referrals can be the key to business growth. If you're looking for valuable insights on making connections that count, this is an episode you won’t want to miss!

In this episode of Hometown Jax, host Jason Kindler sits down with Nicole Kalil and Karen Roy, the inspiring leaders behind Fostering Hope, a local organization transforming how Jacksonville supports foster and adoptive families. Hometown Jax spotlights the everyday heroes making a difference in our community, sharing their journeys, challenges, and impact through meaningful conversations that inspire action.

Nicole and Karen reveal how Fostering Hope grew from informal meetings at Panera to a comprehensive support system serving hundreds of families. They discuss the critical need for community involvement in foster care, explain how one in every two foster families drops out within a year without proper support, and share powerful stories of transformation. The conversation highlights their freezer meal ministry, resource center, respite care program, and upcoming Replanted conference, while emphasizing their core message: "Everyone can do something" to help vulnerable children, whether or not you're called to foster or adopt.

In this episode of Hometown Jax, we sit down with Emilee Burchette, a dedicated healthcare leader who has spent her career running nursing homes and rehabilitation centers with a heart for compassionate care. Emilee shares her journey into the healthcare industry, from unexpectedly stepping into the field to becoming an experienced administrator overseeing the well-being of countless residents. She dives into the challenges of managing a facility, navigating strict regulations, and ensuring that every patient receives the highest quality of care while balancing the needs of families and staff.

Whether you’re interested in healthcare leadership, elder care, or simply want to hear an inspiring story of dedication and resilience, this episode has something for you. Emilee opens up about the emotional realities of working in a nursing home, the lessons she’s learned from her residents, and how she’s making a difference in the Jacksonville community. Tune in to gain valuable insights into the world of senior care, leadership, and the power of compassion in healthcare!

Hometown Jax is all about spotlighting Jacksonville’s incredible business owners, innovators, and leaders who are making a difference in the community. Hosted by Aaron Bacus and Jason Kindler, this podcast dives into the stories of resilience, entrepreneurship, and impact that define the local business scene. Whether you're looking for inspiration, business insights, or a deeper connection to the Jacksonville area, Hometown Jax brings you the conversations that matter.

In this episode, Aaron sits down with Daniel Bean, CEO of K9s for Warriors, an organization dedicated to rescuing dogs and pairing them with veterans suffering from PTSD. Daniel shares the inspiring journey of how K9s for Warriors started, the life-changing impact of service dogs on veterans, and the organization's efforts to expand its reach nationwide. From heartwarming success stories to the science behind why service dogs are so effective, this episode sheds light on a mission that is saving lives—both human and canine. Don’t miss this powerful conversation!