In this August episode of Mind Yo’ Business, recorded inside the Ruoff Mortgage Podcast Studio in partnership with Karan Rastall (NMLS#763395), Andrew sits down with entrepreneur and travel industry disruptor Justin Tait, the founder of CruiseAlly. Born and raised between Arkansas and Indiana, Justin reflects on how his Midwestern upbringing shaped his work ethic and curiosity. From his early academic start at Ivy Tech Community College to his time at Indiana University, he shares how education helped him find his voice, sharpen his skills, and eventually build a brand that’s redefining how people book travel. Justin’s academic path included studying at the School of Public and Environmental Affairs (SPEA) at IU, where he explored not only how government and policy are created, but why they exist in the first place. During the episode, he and Andrew veer off into a spirited sidebar about America’s seemingly eternal road construction zones—highlighting the complexity of funding, planning, and execution across federal and local levels. He also opens up about the highs and lows of entrepreneurship, what it takes to launch a niche business in a competitive space, and why empathy, clarity, and customer trust are core to the CruiseAlly mission. Whether you’re a small business owner, a side-hustler, or someone just dreaming of smoother sailing, this episode offers a candid look at building a business that blends tech, travel, and tenacity.     Cruise Ally  

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In this delightfully unpredictable episode of Mind Yo’ Life, recorded inside Morgenstern’s Bookstore Podcast Studio in Bloomington, Andrew sits down with theatre innovator, serial entrepreneur, and full-time idea machine Chad Rabinovitz.   Chad is the Artistic Director of Constellation Stage & Screen, a one-of-a-kind arts organization blending professional theatre with independent film.   He’s also the founder of The Candy Space—a space-themed candy shop that launched in New York and quickly expanded into a national freeze-dried candy brand known as Space Candy.   But Chad’s story is more than stagecraft and sugar. A triplet, Chad and his siblings all graduated high school as valedictorians, which somehow makes perfect sense after hearing how he balances multiple businesses, dozens of productions, and a creative brain that never hits pause.   In this episode, Andrew and Chad talk about building arts institutions from the ground up, creating magic both literally and metaphorically, and why failure is sometimes the best set piece in the show.   They also get into Chad’s love of risk-taking, the psychology of audience engagement, and what it means to bring both structure and surprise to every room you enter—whether it’s a black box theater or a candy aisle.   And just when things get too serious, Chad takes on a custom quiz designed just for him—full of theater twists, sugary curveballs, and triplet trivia.     Constellation Stage and Screen The Candy Space Space Candy Freeze Dried Candy Orders  

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In this episode of Mind Yo’ Life, recorded inside Morgenstern’s Bookstore Podcast Studio in Bloomington, Andrew sits down with Micah Heath—a man whose path from educator to real estate professional is anything but ordinary. Micah shares his journey from working in K–12 classrooms (including with special needs students) to stepping into school leadership as a principal and then transitioning into a second career helping people navigate home buying, selling, and investing. But this isn’t just about career pivots—it’s about the common thread that ties it all together: human connection. Together, Micah and Andrew dive into how the consumer experience—whether that of a curious fifth grader or a nervous first-time homebuyer—shapes the way we teach, sell, and build trust. They also explore the growing tension between online engagement and real-world interaction, and why slowing down and listening may be the best “sales strategy” of all. And just when things start to sound too serious, Micah takes on a surprise quiz crafted just for him—featuring questionable real estate scenarios, education flashbacks, and a few mildly inappropriate laughs. This is an episode for anyone who’s ever switched gears, juggled purpose with profit, or wondered if our tech-heavy lives are making us more connected—or more isolated.       Micah Heath  

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In this episode of Mind Yo’ Business, recorded inside the Ruoff Mortgage Podcast Studio in partnership with Karan Rastall (NMLS#763395), Andrew sits down with longtime Bloomington business professional Jim Inman, Jr. for a wide-ranging conversation about career transitions, community connections, and the evolving relationship between marketing and sales. Jim shares insights from his career spanning decades of work in sales and marketing, including time at Williams Jewelry, the Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce, in banking, and now in personal finance and retirement planning. His experience gives him a front-row view of how the business landscape has changed—particularly how marketing can both drive engagement and unintentionally divide people. With his signature warmth and sharp perspective, Jim reflects on what it means to build relationships in a digital-first world, why in-person interaction still matters, and how professionals can adapt without losing their sense of connection. It’s a thoughtful conversation with someone who’s seen nearly every side of the business world—and still believes in the power of a good handshake.     Jim Inman - LinkedIn  

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In this flavorful episode of Mind Yo’ Life, Andrew uncorks a lively conversation with the ever-charming Tralinda Nelson, Executive Wine Consultant for PRP Wine International and lifelong connoisseur of connection. Recorded in front of a live audience at Morgenstern’s Bookstore in Bloomington, this special episode features something extra delicious—a live wine tasting led by Tralinda herself. From bold reds to crisp whites, she guides the crowd (and Andrew) through the stories behind each bottle with warmth, humor, and expertise. Before becoming a wine whisperer, Tralinda spent over 25 years as an optician, helping people see clearly. Now she helps them sip confidently. She shares her journey growing up as an Army brat in Hawaii and Germany, being the youngest of three siblings, and her pride in being married for 26 years with two adult children.   Whether you’re a wine rookie or a seasoned sipper, you’ll love this energetic, educational, and entertaining episode filled with flavor, heart, and a little sparkle (in both the wine and the guest). So pour a glass, press play, and get ready to Mind Yo’ Life with Tralinda Nelson.     Tralinda Nelson - PRP Wine Consultant  

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In this episode of Mind Yo’ Business, recorded inside the Ruoff Mortgage Podcast Studio in partnership with Karan Rastall (NMLS#763395), Andrew sits down with Robert Mack, a State Prosecutor whose journey to the courtroom started in an unexpected place: the stage. Robert shares how his early love of theater and a difficult academic detour—including failing out of Indiana University—led to a major turning point in his life. Determined to rewrite his story, he went on to complete his undergraduate degree, successfully passed the law school admission requirements, and was accepted into DePaul University College of Law, where he earned his JD. Since graduating, Robert has worked across family law and criminal law, handling everything from DUIs to murder trials. He talks candidly about his passion for trial work, his belief in the justice system, and the real-world pressures and political interference that make the job more complicated than most people realize. And in one of the episode’s most surprising moments, Robert drops an unexpected comparison to Daniel Lambert, the famously large Englishman, using it as a thoughtful metaphor about how people can carry visible weight and invisible burdens—but still stand tall and command a room. If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to rise from personal failure to professional impact—or what it’s really like behind the scenes of the legal system—this episode is for you.    

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This episode of Mind Yo' Business, we shine a spotlight on Brittney Fender—mom of four, local business leader, side-hustle queen, and the force behind Roto-Rooter in Bloomington, Indiana. Brittney’s journey didn’t follow the traditional college-to-career script. Instead, she built her resume the hands-on way—starting in the workforce straight out of high school, including time spent managing a bank vault before eventually stepping into the world of plumbing and water damage response. Today, she leads with a grounded, no-BS work ethic, honed through years of real-world experience and a passion for problem-solving. In this episode, Brittney shares what it’s like to run a franchise, juggle motherhood, and build a family business—literally, as she ended up marrying one of the Roto-Rooter crew! We also dig into her creative outlet: AuntBCo., her growing sticker company and entrepreneurial side hustle that brings her artistic side to life. Recorded inside the Ruoff Mortgage Podcast Studio, this conversation is honest, empowering, and full of practical insights for anyone who’s ever hustled, pivoted, or built their path from the ground up.     ROTO-ROOTER BLOOMINGTON   AUNTB CO.  

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In this episode of Mind Yo' Life, we welcome Steve Versaw—musician, songwriter, venue manager, and the current Executive Director of Bloomington’s iconic Buskirk-Chumley Theater. Before taking the reins at BCT, Steve was keeping time and writing tunes with the beloved indie-rock band The M’s. Known for their warm, gritty sound and infectious energy, The M’s became a staple of the Chicago music scene in the early 2000s. Steve co-wrote and performed on fan favorites like “Plan of the Man” and “Shawnee Dupree,” tracks that still hold up as alt-rock gems. Raised in Kalamazoo, Michigan, and a proud Western Michigan University alum, Steve’s journey has taken him through the creative pockets of Portland, the hustle of Chicago, and now to the cultural heartbeat of Bloomington. Along the way, he’s built a life steeped in rhythm, collaboration, and community impact. In this episode, we talk about music, management, and Midwest roots. Steve reflects on his touring days, his shift into arts leadership, and how he’s helping shape the next chapter for one of Indiana’s most historic theaters. And just to keep him honest—we put him through the Steve Versaw Quiz to find out if he really knows the man behind the mic. Spoiler alert: it gets fun. Grab your coffee and join us for a relaxed, insightful conversation that spans stages, cities, and songs—all with that signature Mind Yo' Life vibe.   https://buskirkchumley.org/  

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Mind Yo' Life is back with another vibrant episode recorded inside the cozy, book-filled charm of Morgenstern's Bookstore in Bloomington, Indiana. This time, Andrew sits down with the beloved local culinary legend Chef Daniel Orr, owner of FARMbloomington, for a delicious deep dive into his life in food. From growing up in Indiana to sharpening his knives in European kitchens, Chef Orr shares the inspirations, travels, and techniques that have shaped his farm-to-table philosophy. You'll hear stories of international adventures, kitchen lessons that can’t be taught in a classroom, and the creative process behind one of Bloomington’s most iconic restaurants. Plus, we put the chef to the test with a surprise food pop quiz—will he know his spices from his sauces? Grab a snack and settle in—this is a flavorful conversation you don’t want to miss.   FARMBloomington  

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Recorded in the Ruoff Mortgage Podcast Studio with Karan Rastall (NMLS#763395), this episode of Mind Yo’ Business welcomes the multifaceted Liz Paveza—a local artist, photographer, and model whose work and story are as bold as they are inspiring. Host Andrew Lambert talks with Liz about growing up in and around Chicago, how that gritty, artistic environment shaped her worldview, and what ultimately drew her to pursue a full-time career in the creative arts. From behind the camera to in front of it, Liz shares what it means to embrace vulnerability, build confidence, and use her work—especially boudoir photography—as a tool to help women feel empowered and celebrated in their own skin. The conversation also explores how art in all its forms is facing increasing pressure in today’s political and cultural climate, and why preserving creative expression is essential for both individual growth and community connection. This episode is a must-listen for creatives, entrepreneurs, and anyone passionate about turning authenticity into art—and standing up for its value in our lives.     THISMISFITLIZ  

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