Houston Made

In this episode Rusty talks with Devin Strahan, the founder and creator of Devin's Spiked Rootbeer. Devin shares his captivating journey from operating a 20-ton crane to launching his own craft beverage brand. Listen as we explore Devin's diverse ventures, including personal training and private chef work, and his early lessons learned from Devin's Tasty Muffins. Discover how Devin's passion for root beer and the burgeoning craft beverage market inspired him to develop a unique alcoholic root beer, a creation born from both curiosity and creative experimentation.

Be sure to follow @houstonmadepodcast on Instagram!

EPISODE CREDITS
Produced, and Hosted by Rusty Gates
Scheduled, Coordinated, & Edited in part by Kali Potter
Special Thanks to Luke Brawner
Music by Old Friends, New Friends
Artwork in collaboration w/ Mac Ryan Creative

© 2025 Rusty Gates Media and Milieu Media Group, LLC

In this episode Rusty talks with Rhiannon Cueto, who is a hair styling and makeup artist extraordinaire! She styles women for weddings, photoshoots, brand campaigns and more. She is passionate about what she does, has a focus on natural glam, highlighting the natural beauty of each of her clients. ANND she regularly educates women through classes on how to achieve great looks with minimal work using primarily the products they already have. In this episode, Rusty and Rhiannon chat about her journey into the business AND the lessons she's learned along the way!

Be sure to follow @houstonmadepodcast on Instagram!

EPISODE CREDITS
Produced, and Hosted by Rusty Gates
Scheduled, Coordinated, & Edited in part by Kali Potter
Special Thanks to Luke Brawner
Music by Old Friends, New Friends
Artwork in collaboration w/ Mac Ryan Creative

© 2025 Rusty Gates Media and Milieu Media Group, LLC

In this episode Rusty talks with Shawn Outlaw, one of the owners and heart behind Drop Shots HTX - a fantastic indoor pickleball spot in the heart of Houston. Listen in as Rusty and Shawn discuss the journey across multiple industries that led to this venture AND the lessons learned along the way. They discuss everything from the value of having a dream you believe in to the supportive community of entrepreneurs all around Houston!

Be sure to follow @houstonmadepodcast on Instagram!

EPISODE CREDITS
Produced, and Hosted by Rusty Gates
Scheduled, Coordinated, & Edited in part by Kali Potter
Special Thanks to Luke Brawner
Music by Old Friends, New Friends
Artwork in collaboration w/ Mac Ryan Creative

© 2025 Rusty Gates Media and Milieu Media Group, LLC

In this episode Rusty talks with Shannon Bolinger, the owner and lead PA-C of Solace Med Spa. Through Solace Med Spa, Shannon and her team have created a space that focuses not only on looks, but rather long term wellness. We discuss the path that led her to establish the spa, why she values internal health as a key means enhancing external beauty, and the lessons she's learned about business on top of medicine. Listen in as Rusty and Shannon talk about all of this and more in this week's episode of Houston Made Podcast.

Be sure to follow @houstonmadepodcast on Instagram!

EPISODE CREDITS
Produced, and Hosted by Rusty Gates
Scheduled, Coordinated, & Edited in part by Kali Potter
Special Thanks to Luke Brawner
Music by Old Friends, New Friends
Artwork in collaboration w/ Mac Ryan Creative

© 2025 Rusty Gates Media and Milieu Media Group, LLC

In this episode Rusty talks with long time friend and mortgage lender Paige Bowman. Through The Mortgage Collective, Paige has built a business that has helped countless individuals and families purchase real estate across the country. On top of being excellent at loans, she is a branding wizard finding unique and creative ways to stand out in a market that isn't typically known for being cool. Listen in as Rusty and Paige discuss the journey of their friendship, the unexpected path that led to mortgages, and the lessons learned growing up with single moms.

Be sure to follow @houstonmadepodcast on Instagram!

EPISODE CREDITS
Produced, and Hosted by Rusty Gates
Scheduled, Coordinated, & Edited in part by Kali Potter
Special Thanks to Luke Brawner
Music by Old Friends, New Friends
Artwork in collaboration w/ Mac Ryan Creative

© 2025 Rusty Gates Media and Milieu Media Group, LLC

In this episode Rusty talks with Thomas & Elizabeth Bille of Belly of the Beast, one of the best restaurants in Spring, TX. Listen in as they discuss the journey they've gone on to create this amazing space , the value of staying true to who you are and allowing success to come to you, as well as why they choose to sacrifice profits to protect their family time!

Be sure to follow @houstonmadepodcast on Instagram!

EPISODE CREDITS
Produced, and Hosted by Rusty Gates
Scheduled, Coordinated, & Edited in part by Kali Potter
Special Thanks to Luke Brawner
Music by Old Friends, New Friends
Artwork in collaboration w/ Mac Ryan Creative

© 2025 Rusty Gates Media and Milieu Media Group, LLC

In this episode Rusty talks with Novi Leon of 201 Lofthaus - a full home studio perfect for photographers, videographers, business owners, influencers, and brands to create the content they need to advertise their businesses. Listen in as they discuss the work that goes into creating studios like theirs, as well as the importance of personal service AND how vital it is to build an audience BEFORE you launch the thing!

Be sure to follow @houstonmadepodcast on Instagram!

EPISODE CREDITS
Produced, and Hosted by Rusty Gates
Scheduled, Coordinated, & Edited in part by Kali Potter
Special Thanks to Luke Brawner
Music by Old Friends, New Friends
Artwork in collaboration w/ Mac Ryan Creative

© 2025 Rusty Gates Media and Milieu Media Group, LLC

In this episode Rusty talks with Hector Garcia - owner and founder of OSO Coffee - a shop that is more than just a stop for great drinks, but has become a community hub where folks gather from all kinds of backgrounds. Listen in as they discuss Hector's entrepreneurial roots, the importance of genuine customer service, and how everything from BMX races to dog rescues influenced what he's built!

Be sure to follow @houstonmadepodcast on Instagram!

EPISODE CREDITS
Produced, and Hosted by Rusty Gates
Scheduled, Coordinated, & Edited in part by Kali Potter
Special Thanks to Luke Brawner
Music by Old Friends, New Friends
Artwork in collaboration w/ Mac Ryan Creative

© 2025 Rusty Gates Media and Milieu Media Group, LLC

Get ready to immerse yourself into the riveting world of art and tattooing with our guest, Mike Ashworth, co-owner of the Advent Tattoo Studio and Art Gallery. Mike's journey from the oil industry to the tattoo world isn't your typical story, and it’s filled with hard work, perseverance, and a solid business mindset that will inspire you. Discover how Mike and his business partner Mike Woods revolutionized the tattoo shop stereotype into a unique atmosphere that combines the art of tattooing and the elegance of an art gallery.

As the episode unfolds, we delve into how technology and popular culture, with shows like Ink Master, have changed the dynamics of the tattoo industry, contributing to its social acceptance and efficiency. Mike brings light to the challenges that come with it - from licensing to determining the service charges. Alongside this, we discuss the importance of passion for art, the hunger for continuous learning, and networking's vital role. Gain insight into his experiences at conventions, the benefits of artist support, and how these platforms serve as a springboard for networking and recruiting new artists.

Be sure to follow @houstonmadepodcast on Instagram!

EPISODE CREDITS

Guest - Mike Ashworth // Advent Tattoo
Produced, and Hosted by Rusty Gates
Special Thanks to Luke Brawner
Music by Old Friends, New Friends
Artwork in collaboration w/ Mac Ryan Creative

© 2023 Rusty Gates Media and Milieu Media Group, LLC

If you've ever been curious about the authentic, behind-the-scenes journey of entrepreneurship, you're in for a treat. Our guest, Ashley Bird Williams of the League and Hey Bird Williams Consulting, graciously unpacks her vibrant entrepreneurial life and spills the secrets of launching a successful business. Together with her husband, they ventured into the world of entrepreneurship, leaving an investment banking job behind blazing a trail that is both inspiring and enlightening.

Ashley’s unique entrepreneurial perspective is indeed a goldmine of insights. Her discussions on accountability, seeking support, staying true to oneself, and the importance of relationships can help anyone interested in the business world gain invaluable knowledge. From her move to New York to her time on Wall Street, to reconnecting with an old friend after 20 years, Ashley's story is a testament to the power of resilience, trust, and maintaining connections in the entrepreneurial world. So why wait? Tune in for an enlightening experience with Ashley Bird Williams.

Be sure to follow @houstonmadepodcast on Instagram!

EPISODE CREDITS

Guest - Ashley Williams // The League
Produced, and Hosted by Rusty Gates
Special Thanks to Luke Brawner
Music by Old Friends, New Friends
Artwork in collaboration w/ Mac Ryan Creative

© 2023 Rusty Gates Media and Milieu Media Group, LLC