On The Cusp

In this episode of On The Cusp, hosts Matt and Dave sit down with Jake Dement, founder of Dement Brothers Boxing Club in Bossier City. Jake shares how his nonprofit gym is keeping the boxing tradition alive in the Shreveport–Bossier area while giving local youth a positive and disciplined outlet. He talks about his passion for the sport, the club’s members and active competitors, and how boxing builds confidence, structure, and self-esteem. Jake also explains the challenges of running a nonprofit and convincing parents that boxing’s rewards far outweigh the risks. From jump rope drills to hosting live events, Jake’s mission is simple — to keep North Louisiana’s fighting spirit alive for generations to come. Tune in now!

In this episode of On The Cusp, hosts Matt and Dave sit down with Odai Alkhatib, owner of Crazy Hot Deals in Shreveport, LA. Odai shares how his business turns mystery pallets from major retailers into profitable deals for local shoppers. He explains how he purchases truckloads of returned or overstocked items from large wholesalers, then sells them in-store using a dynamic pricing model where prices drop each day until the items sell. The conversation dives into how Odai refined this model to balance fast turnover with profitability, plus what really happens to products that big-name companies choose to liquidate instead of reselling. Tune in for an inside look into the fast-growing pallet flipping and liquidation industry that’s changing the retail game—and how innovation and strategy turn risk into reward.

Join hosts Matt and Dave on On The Cusp as they sit down with Dr. Mike McDaniel, LSUS Assistant Professor in Management and Entrepreneurship. Dr. McDaniel shares his journey to Shreveport and his passion for supporting business owners and future entrepreneurs. In this episode, he speaks about how entrepreneurs thrive on risk, the reach LSUS’ MBA program has world-wide, and the impact of student pitch competitions in preparing the next generation of business leaders. Dr. McDaniel also dives into his research showing how entrepreneurship drives positive change within communities. Tune in now to explore the role of entrepreneurship and the difference it can make.

Discover Dr. McDaniel’s work in the Journal of Business Venturing Insights(JBVI)- available also on Google Scholar by searching his name.

On The Cusp is back with Season 12! In this episode, hosts Matt and Dave sit down with DJ Thomas, President of Red Wolf Media and host of Frequency Interrupted. DJ shares his journey as a business owner in the East Bank District of Bossier City, reflecting on the incredible growth the area has seen since 2019. Together, they dive into the culture that’s been built in this thriving community, the positive momentum shaping the district, and DJ’s mission to spread that energy even further. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about business, community, and the power of culture in shaping the future of Bossier City.

Season 11 wraps up with attorney Malcolm Murchison, co-founder of Bradley Murchison. He joins your On The Cusp hosts, Matt and Dave, to reflect on the growth and transformation he’s witnessed in North Louisiana over the years. From job creation in the Shreveport-Bossier community to the collaborative efforts driving progress, Malcolm highlights what it takes to keep momentum building. The conversation also explores Shreveport’s role as the hub of the Ark-La-Tex, serving neighbors in East Texas and South Arkansas. Tune in now for insights, vision, and a fresh beat on the future of our region!

Drayden Dunn of Envision Media and Marketing joins your On The Cusp hosts, Matt and Dave, for a conversation filled with Shreveport pride. Drayden reflects on the importance of showcasing and strengthening local culture through experiences like the Art’ish Festival. The guys discuss how to keep the next generation in Shreveport and what it will take to build a thriving future here. The discussion dives into the future of downtown Shreveport, what it takes to build community, and the exciting changes already underway. Tune in for a real, down-to-earth conversation about community, creativity, and a love for Shreveport.

Dr. Stephen Lokitz, Executive Director of the Center for Molecular Imaging and Therapy (CMIT), joins On The Cusp hosts Matt and Dave to talk about the innovative work taking place in Shreveport, Louisiana. He explains how CMIT, a division of the Biomedical Research Foundation (BRF), supports research and collaboration around radiopharmaceuticals and advanced imaging, and how this work connects to patient care. The conversation highlights the role CMIT plays in bringing new healthcare opportunities to North Louisiana. A change in the way we treat cancer is coming, and CMIT in Shreveport—and other centers like it—will be part of this shift. Tune in now to discover how the future of medical imaging is being shaped right here in Shreveport.

This week’s On The Cusp guest is Audrey Robinson, founder of Idea Path, a full-service marketing company. Audrey shares with hosts Matt and Dave how Idea Path was created to help local businesses bring their ideas to life. She talks about her experiences doing business in Shreveport, LA, the community groups that bring people together, and the enjoyment of connecting with a variety of voices. Audrey emphasizes that it takes a community to make Shreveport better. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about working together to keep amping up the energy in Shreveport!

Caleb and Michelle King join your On The Cusp hosts, Matt and Dave, to share the story behind their growing ventures—Dripp Donuts & Chicken and Sprout Play Café. From post-COVID momentum to launching a creative play space for young children, the Kings talk entrepreneurship, community, and why they’ve made Shreveport home. Their passion for quality, creativity, and local impact shines through every detail of their businesses. Sprout Play Café, which officially opened at the beginning of July, offers a membership-based space designed to spark imagination and independence in kids aged 0–6. Whether you're a parent, foodie, or aspiring entrepreneur, this conversation is packed with insight and inspiration. Grab a Dripp donut and dive into this inspiring episode!

Dereck Yagle, founder of Flugers, stopped by to chat with your On The Cusp hosts, Matt and Dave. Originally from Longview, Texas, Dereck recently opened his second location in Bossier City, Louisiana. An outdoor enthusiast, Dereck shares what inspired him to launch his high-quality bicycle, accessories, and repair shop—and how his passion has fueled community-building events in Longview. He discusses his vision for growing that same sense of connection in the Shreveport-Bossier area. Dereck offers insight into the differences between running a business in Louisiana versus Texas. Tune in to hear the story of this adventure-loving entrepreneur journey.