On this fascinating episode of On The Fly!, host Joan Kaup sits down with global entrepreneur Andrew Bliss, founder and CEO of EcoShell, a company transforming agricultural waste into sustainable materials used in plastics. 

Andrew’s journey is anything but ordinary, from teaching abroad in Asia, to launching multiple companies in Taiwan, to discovering an innovative eggshell-based technology that brought him back home to Cincinnati. With humor, humility, and candor, he shares how cultural immersion, language learning, and early failures sharpened his entrepreneurial instincts.

EcoShell’s patented technology is already making waves around the world, replacing a significant portion of traditional plastics with repurposed eggshells—reducing environmental impact without compromising performance.

Andrew talks about what it takes to build trust overseas, why he returned to Cincinnati to launch EcoShell, and how accelerators like Flywheel helped him translate a breakthrough material into a viable business.

💡 Listen to hear more about:

• How a “life reset” launched Andrew into global entrepreneurship and shaped the creation of EcoShell
• Why eggshells are a powerful agricultural waste with massive sustainability potential
• What makes EcoShell’s patented material different from typical fillers
• How major brands are exploring EcoShell’s eggshell-based innovation
• How Flywheel’s Sustainability Accelerator helped refine Andrew’s pitch, financial story, and U.S. market strategy
• Why Andrew believes connections—not ideas—are the most powerful fuel for entrepreneurs

🗓️Since the Podcast EcoShell has skyrocketed forward. Andrew and his team have:

• Joined the competitive MassChallenge accelerator in Switzerland, building global partnerships and expanding EcoShell’s international reach
• Launched a collaboration with a leading plastics manufacturer to create sustainable films and trays designed to extend product shelf life
• Entered large-scale trials with a major global footwear brand using EcoShell’s material innovations
• Spoken on a Startup Cincy Week panel about the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the new entrepreneurial landscape

EcoShell is quickly becoming an international force in sustainable material innovation, and Flywheel is proudly part of its origin story. You can learn more and connect with EcoShell at EcoShell.eco or on their LinkedIn. 

📣 Call to Action:
 At Flywheel Social Enterprise Hub, we believe in entrepreneurs building for both profit and purpose. Explore how we support founders, invest in big ideas, and strengthen Cincinnati’s innovation ecosystem: flywheelcincinnati.org

On The Fly! is sponsored by First Financial Bank
Learn More at bankatfirst.com

In this special bonus episode of On The Fly!, host Joan Kaup flips the script and sits down with Joey Scarillo—the producer of the show and a Flywheel coach—to pull back the curtain on what it really takes to make a podcast.

From his early days stage managing theater productions and curating road-trip podcasts, to launching award-winning branded podcasts in New York, Joey shares the journey that led him to Cincinnati and to producing On The Fly! for Flywheel Social Enterprise Hub. Along the way, he offers practical advice for founders considering podcasting as part of their storytelling toolkit.

✨ Listen to hear more about:

• Joey’s path from theater to advertising to podcasting.
• Lessons from producing Grey’s Matter and #5Things podcasts—both recognized with Webby and Adweek Awards.
• Why Flywheel needed a podcast and how On The Fly! was born.
• Practical tips for entrepreneurs: when to start a podcast, when to hold off, and why guesting on shows can be just as powerful.
• The importance of clarity, consistency, and avoiding “podfade.”

📌 Learn more about Joey’s work at joeyscarillo.com. Check out other podcasts: Grey Matter, #5Things, and the 4-part fiction podcast: The Box. 

At Flywheel Social Enterprise Hub, we believe in the power of storytelling to amplify social entrepreneurs, coaches, and investors driving change in Cincinnati. Explore how we support founders and fuel impact: flywheelcincinnati.org.

On The Fly! is sponsored by First Financial Bank
Learn More at bankatfirst.com

Recorded LIVE at StartUpCincy Week 2025, this episode of On The Fly! brings together leaders from city government, business, and the social impact ecosystem to explore how collaboration powers innovation in Cincinnati.

Host Joan Kaup moderates a lively conversation with Cincinnati Council Member, Evan Nolan, First Financial Bank’s CMO, Jenny Powell, and Flywheel’s Program Director, Samuel Baker about how social entrepreneurship, civic partnerships, and creative problem-solving are transforming the region—from filling potholes to fueling startups.

💡 Listen to hear more about:

• How the Pave the Way Innovation Lab helped Cincinnati rethink infrastructure using entrepreneurial talent.
• The role of collaboration between the city, local businesses, and Flywheel in tackling community challenges.
• Examples of startups creating tangible social and economic impact from affordable housing to renewable energy.
• Why coaching and mentorship are vital to building a thriving innovation ecosystem.
• How social enterprises strengthen local economies, create jobs, and inspire the next generation of changemakers.

📣 Reach out: 

At Flywheel Social Enterprise Hub, we connect social entrepreneurs, coaches, and community partners to drive double-bottom-line impact across Cincinnati. Learn more about how we support founders and fuel innovation for good at flywheelcincinnati.org

📢 Shout out: 

The producers of On The Fly! would like to thank Evan Garcia, and the team at StartUp Cincy Week for their support and contributions to making this episode possible! 

On The Fly! is sponsored by First Financial Bank
Learn More at bankatfirst.com

In this energetic episode of On The Fly! host Joan Kaup sits down with Shailah Maynard, co-founder and CEO of Sew Valley, alongside Madeleine “Maddie” Tepe Misleh and Aubrey Krekeler, co-directors of operations. Together, these three women are reshaping what apparel manufacturing can look like, based in Cincinnati.

From providing living-wage jobs in a historically exploitative industry to innovating zero-waste solutions and creating custom stage jackets for the Cincinnati Pops, Sew Valley proves that clothing can be designed, produced, and celebrated in ways that honor both people and planet.

Listen to hear more about:

• Why Sew Valley launched as a nonprofit and how it sustains its mission in a tough industry.
• The power of collaboration and co-leadership in running a small but mighty team.
• Tackling sustainability challenges with creative solutions, from fabric scrap recycling to thoughtful design practices.
• How Sew Valley supports students, entrepreneurs, and brands through education, incubation, and cut-and-sew services.
• What it takes to rebuild an industry that barely exists in the U.S.—and why they’re ringing a thrift-store bell to celebrate wins along the way.

Explore Sew Valley’s workshops, services, and mission at sewvalley.org or follow along on Instagram and Facebook at @sewvalley.

Since the podcast: Sew Valley’s craftsmanship reached an international stage at New York Fashion Week in September. Partnering with designer Gabe Gordon and his team, Sew Valley transformed recycled gray T-shirts into a striking dress that appeared in Gordon’s Autoerotic collection, garnering praise from Vogue and spotlighting Cincinnati’s role in pushing sustainable fashion forward.

At Flywheel Social Enterprise Hub, we believe in the power of social entrepreneurs like Sew Valley to drive equity and impact in our neighborhoods. Learn how Flywheel supports founders, invests in big ideas, and helps social enterprises thrive: flywheelcincinnati.org

On The Fly! is sponsored by First Financial Bank
Learn More at bankatfirst.com

On this episode of On The Fly!, Flywheel board member and Inclusion Building Solutions founder Byron Stallworth steps in as guest host for a conversation with Brooke Foley, CEO of Jayne Agency and Donna Zaring, Executive Director of Flywheel Social Enterprise Hub. Together, they explore the art and science of brand clarity—and why mastering your pitch matters more than perfecting your slides.

From her early career in Chicago’s high-powered ad world to building a methodology that brings clarity to Fortune 500s and startups alike, Brooke shares her insights into how entrepreneurs can refine their message, practice with intention, and deliver a pitch that resonates—whether it’s to investors, customers, or neighbors at the zoning board.

Listen to hear more about:

• Why your brand’s position and promise form the foundation of every pitch.
• How practice (yes, in front of the bathroom mirror!) transforms nerves into confidence.
• What investors are really listening for when you pitch—and how they assess risk.
• The role of mentorship, coachability, and feedback in winning investment.
• How staying true to your brand strategy protects against scope creep and burnout.

Learn more about Brooke’s work at Jayne Agency and explore her Clarity University offerings at jayneagency.com You can also connect with her on LinkedIn. 

Information about Jonathan Preedom can be found at  www.jonathanpreedom.com.

At Flywheel Social Enterprise Hub, we know that brand clarity and storytelling are powerful tools for founders balancing profit and purpose. Explore how Flywheel supports social entrepreneurs through coaching, mentorship, and accelerator programs: flywheelcincinnati.org

On The Fly! is sponsored by First Financial Bank
Learn More at bankatfirst.com

What exactly is a Philanthropreneur—and why are they so important to Cincinnati’s startup ecosystem? In this inspiring episode of On The Fly!, host Joan Kaup sits down with Flywheel Executive Director Donna Zaring along with seasoned philanthropreneurs Melisse May, Sandy Hughes and Bob Ziek to explore how combining the mindset of an entrepreneur with the generosity of a philanthropist is transforming our community.

From milestone-based funding for social impact startups to deep mentoring relationships and hands-on board involvement, this is impact investing with heart. You’ll hear how Philanthropreneurs help early-stage founders scale their ideas into sustainable enterprises—and why you don’t need to be a millionaire to make a difference.

 Listen to hear more about:

• The origins of Flywheel’s trademarked Philanthropreneur® program
• How $500 “Changemaker” opportunities open the door to impact investing
• Why milestone stipends are game-changers for early-stage founders
• Success stories like Last Mile Food Rescue and Cincinnati Recycling & ReUse Hub
• The personal rewards of seeing your investment multiply through community impact

Call to Action:
At Flywheel Social Enterprise Hub, we connect social entrepreneurs with the coaches, investors, and resources they need to thrive. Whether you want to be a $500 ChangeMaker or a $5,000 Philanthropreneur, there’s a seat at the table for you. Learn more at flywheelcincinnati.org.

On The Fly! is sponsored by First Financial Bank
Learn More at bankatfirst.com

In this forward-looking episode of On The Fly!, Flywheel’s Program Director Samuel Baker sits down with Cincinnati City Council Member Meeka Owens. Elected in 2021, Meeka is helping lead one of the first local government climate committees in the nation to prioritize sustainability, racial equity, and measurable results.

From updating the Green Cincinnati Plan to centering equity in climate action and launching the city’s first Housing Stabilization Hackathon, Meeka shares how innovation and government can—and must—work together to address housing, climate change, and community resilience.

Listen to hear more about:

• How climate policy intersects with housing, transportation, and quality of life
• The 3 S’s of affordable housing: stabilization, subsidy, and stock
• How Cincinnati used its first-ever Impact Award to address eviction prevention
• The role of hackathons in creating tech-enabled housing solutions
• Why government, entrepreneurs, and social services must collaborate to solve systemic issues

Call to Action:
 At Flywheel Social Enterprise Hub, we believe in bringing together innovators, policymakers, and community leaders to solve our city’s toughest challenges. Learn how we’re helping founders build sustainable, equitable solutions at flywheelcincinnati.org.

On The Fly! is sponsored by First Financial Bank
Learn More at bankatfirst.com

What does it look like when a company brews more than beer, it brews lasting impact? In this energizing episode of On The Fly! host Joan Kaup welcomes Rhiannon Hoeweler, VP of Experience & Impact at MadTree Brewing, a Cincinnati-based company redefining what a brewery can be. From composting and green energy to urban tree planting and employee-led volunteering, MadTree is leading by example as Ohio’s first and only Certified B Corporation brewery.

Rhiannon shares how MadTree went from a garage startup to a three-location force for sustainability and equity. With a bold goal of delivering $5 million in community impact by 2030, this isn’t just a craft beer brand — it’s a full-fledged social enterprise.

Listen to hear more about:

• What it takes to become a Certified B Corp and why it matters
• How MadTree integrates environmental and social impact into every aspect of its operations
• How MadTree’s internal culture of volunteering and green values attracts talent
• Lessons for emerging entrepreneurs on patience, progress, and building a vision over time

Learn more:

• MadTree and their taproom locations, events, and impact stories:
• MadTree Brewing, Instagram, and LinkedIn 
• Mad Tree’s annual tree-planting events: Let’s Grow Local 
• Nonprofit partners: Strategies to End Homelessness 

At Flywheel Social Enterprise Hub, we love partnering with companies like MadTree that blend vision with accountability, community with commerce. Whether you’re a founder, investor, or just someone who loves seeing good business done well, learn how Flywheel supports social innovation at flywheelcincinnati.org.

On The Fly! is sponsored by First Financial Bank
Learn More at bankatfirst.com

In this dynamic episode of On The Fly!, Flywheel Executive Director Donna Zaring sits down with Liz Keating, former Cincinnati City Council member and current VP of Government Affairs at the Cincinnati Regional Chamber, to explore how civic innovation can thrive when entrepreneurs and policymakers join forces.

From tackling litter and recycling to addressing eviction and housing instability, Liz shares how hackathons—intensive, solution-driven events—are changing the way governments approach problem-solving. With Flywheel as a key partner, these collaborations have not only led to community-wide improvements but have sparked new startups, fostered empathy, and reimagined how public funding can drive long-term, people-first impact.

Listen to hear more about:

• How a groups co-created winning solutions to Cincinnati’s litter problem
• The birth of the Cleanup Cart from Product Refinery, a startup launched through a Flywheel hackathon
• Why housing stabilization is an economic, human, and entrepreneurial issue, and how Cincinnati piloted an innovative grant to prevent eviction
• The ripple effect of bringing together government, community, and entrepreneurs to solve shared challenges
• How policies around childcare, housing, and transit connect directly to workforce growth and business success

Mentioned in this episode:

• Product Refinery – Startup that developed the Cleanup Cart
• Strategies to End Homelessness – Partner in the housing stabilization hackathon
• Main Street Ventures – Funders supporting startups born from civic innovation

At Flywheel Social Enterprise Hub, we believe entrepreneurs are some of our greatest problem solvers. From the litter on our streets to the housing crisis in our neighborhoods, Flywheel brings together innovation, empathy, and real-world application to drive double-bottom-line solutions. Learn how to get involved or support our mission at flywheelcincinnati.org.

On The Fly! is sponsored by First Financial Bank
Learn More at bankatfirst.com

What do native pollinators, backyard blooms, and AI-powered problem solving have in common? In this buzzing episode of On The Fly!, Paul Szydlowski dives deep with Flywheel alumni Brandon Reynolds and Johnny Avant—two founders turning passion for nature and human behavior into powerful, purpose-driven ventures.

From B The Keeper, a Cincinnati-based ecological landscaping business, to Sprout, a growing tech company making knowledge more accessible for everyday problem-solvers, these entrepreneurs are rethinking how we build sustainable systems—from the soil up.

Listen to hear more about:

• How B The Keeper evolved from backyard beehives to city-wide pollinator habitats
• The birth of Sprout—a tool that connects lived experience with automation to solve everyday problems
• Why coaching is the “secret sauce” of Flywheel’s accelerator model
• How real-world tension and pivoting can clarify a founder’s vision
• The intersection of AI, cognitive science, and conservation—and what it means for the future of local ecosystems

 Check them out online:

🐝 B The Keeper: bthekeeper.co | Instagram: @b_thekeeper

🌱 Sprout: gosprout.us

At Flywheel Social Enterprise Hub, we don’t just talk innovation, we cultivate it. From backyard gardens to bold tech ventures, we support founders with the coaching, structure, and community they need to create lasting impact. Learn how to get involved, join a cohort, or support our mission at flywheelcincinnati.org

On The Fly! is sponsored by First Financial Bank
Learn More at bankatfirst.com