In this episode of In The Den, we sit down with Amber Jasmin, CPA and CFO of Jasmin Group — a powerhouse business and accounting consultancy in Spokane helping small businesses, nonprofits, and startups thrive.

Amber walks us through the Jasmin Group story, from its Boston roots to its Spokane relaunch. We talk about their commitment to financial transparency, community impact, and how they’ve built a team focused on real solutions — especially for childcare providers, diverse nonprofits, and early-stage entrepreneurs.

We’re also joined by Rosie Tientong, a rising accountant with a heart for community and a passion for learning. Together, they give us a look at what it means to build a business around trust, education, and collective growth.

🎧 Tune in to hear how Jasmin Group is reshaping Spokane’s business landscape through strategy, mentorship, and purpose-driven work.

🔗 Learn more at jasmingroupllc.com

🔗 Become a SIMBA member at spokaneindependent.org

In this episode of In The Den, we sit down with the team at Vexing Media — a full-service creative studio based in the heart of Spokane. Known for their work on projects like TEDxSpokane, NASA livestreams, and public health campaigns, Vexing is a powerhouse of video, web, and design, with deep roots in community-centered storytelling.

We talk about how they’ve grown from a small web shop to a go-to creative partner for nonprofits, small businesses, and local government. The crew shares their entrepreneurial journey, how they tackle “vexing” client challenges, and why working with SIMBA helped deepen their connection to Spokane’s business community.

🎧 Tune in to hear how Vexing Media is shaping Spokane’s creative economy — and how they’re using media to make a real impact.

🔗 Learn more at vexingmedia.com

🔗 Become a SIMBA member at spokaneindependent.org

In this episode of In The Den, we sit down with Carey Donaldson, the founder of New Beginning Spokane — the only student loan advocacy company in the nation. Carey shares how her path from aspiring educator to entrepreneur led her to create a business that helps people take control of their money and rewrite their financial futures.

We talk about how New Beginning Spokane simplifies student loans, builds personalized repayment strategies, advocates for Public Service Loan Forgiveness, and pushes for stronger financial education in schools. Carey also shares her entrepreneurial story, how SIMBA supported her journey, and the importance of staying rooted in your mission.

🎧 Tune in to hear how Carey is helping others find clarity and confidence when it comes to their finances — and why Spokane is the perfect place to spark a new beginning.

🔗 Learn more at nmbspo.com

🔗 Become a SIMBA member at spokaneindependent.org

In this episode of In the Den — the collaboration podcast between SIMBA and Spokast — hosts Robin Haynes & Brennon Poynor sits down with Josh Thomas, founder and creative director of Lejit Creative, a full-service branding agency based in Spokane.

What started as a middle school moniker has grown into a studio that helps businesses across tech, entertainment, and sports build brands that resonate. With a background in design, illustration, and storytelling, Josh brings a thoughtful and purpose-driven approach to every project he takes on.

He shares his journey from designing for fun to leading creative campaigns, what makes a brand identity truly “Lejit,” and how being part of the SIMBA community has helped him grow both professionally and personally.

If you care about creativity, clarity, and building something with meaning — this one’s for you.

🔗 Learn more at: https://www.lejitcreative.com/

In this episode of In the Den — the collaboration podcast between SIMBA and Spokast — host Brennon & Alexis sit down with David and Helmer, the duo behind Mountain Top Mentality.

What began as a travel-focused Instagram account during a cross-country adventure has since grown into a mission-driven lifestyle brand rooted in storytelling, community, and impact. From custom apparel to national park–themed candles, David and Helmer have built a business that reflects their values and gives back to the places that inspire them.

They share how their journey led them from Rhode Island to Spokane, what it means to run a small business with purpose, and how the support of the SIMBA community helped shape their path forward. 

Check out Mountain Top Mentality: https://www.mountaintopmentality.com/

Become a SIMBA Member: https://www.spokaneindependent.org/membership

In this very first episode of In the Den — a podcast collaboration between SIMBA and Spokast! — host Brennon sits down with Robin and Alexis of SIMBA to talk about the heart behind the show.

They dive into what SIMBA stands for (literally and in spirit), how it supports small businesses and entrepreneurs across Spokane and Eastern Washington, and why launching this podcast was the next natural step in lifting up the voices that make our local economy thrive.

If you’ve ever wondered what SIMBA is all about — or what it means to be part of a growing business community — this is where the journey begins.

Learn more about SIMBA:

🌐 Website: spokaneindependent.org

📸 Instagram: www.instagram.com/spokaneindependent

📘 Facebook: www.facebook.com/spokaneindependent

📧 Join SIMBA: www.spokaneindependent.org/membership

Learn more about Spokast:

🌐 Website: spokast.com

📸 Instagram: www.instagram.com/spokast.podcasts

Find Logan Daniels MacDonald at logandanielmcdonald.com

Episode Chapters

00:00 Intro to The Den Podcast

01:37 Meet the Hosts: Brennan, Robin, and Alexis

02:39 Robin's Role and Expertise at SIMBA

04:30 Alexis' Role and Expertise at SIMBA

06:03 Empowering Small Businesses: Success Stories

09:19 The Origin and Mission of SIMA

12:34 Supporting Local Economies and Advocacy

24:00 Unique Challenges and Support for Immigrant-Owned Businesses

30:16 Creating a Judgment-Free Safe Space

31:02 Additional Services Offered by SIMBA

33:24 SIMBA’s Outreach and Educational Programs

36:02 Live Local: Supporting Local Businesses

41:16 Launching the SIMA Podcast

50:52 Membership Tiers and Benefits

54:04 Where to find SIMBA

Learn more about SIMBA:

🌐 Website: spokaneindependent.org

📸 Instagram: www.instagram.com/spokaneindependent

📘 Facebook: www.facebook.com/spokaneindependent

📧 Join SIMBA: www.spokaneindependent.org/membership

Learn more about Spokast:

🌐 Website: spokast.com

📸 Instagram: www.instagram.com/spokast.podcasts