In this episode, Amanda Jones sits down with Zane from The Soda Crackers, a Bakersfield-based band reviving the classic Bakersfield Sound and Western swing. From their humble beginnings as LA jam sessions to becoming a six-piece band rooted in vintage country tradition, Zane shares the story behind their name, sound, and journey. They dive into their musical influences, the importance of keeping old-school country alive, and what fans can expect at their high-energy, dance-filled shows. Plus, hear behind-the-scenes stories from life on the road and what it takes to build a band from the ground up. If you love classic country vibes and live music culture, this episode is for you. Don't miss their upcoming show on Sunday, April 12 at the Fairfax Grange Dance Hall, where they'll be opening for Dale Watson! The Soda Crackers Facebook Instagram YouTube

In this episode, Kyle Jones is joined by Stephen Hale of Karpe Real Estate Center, a Bakersfield company approaching 100 years in real estate and lending.

They break down hard money lending and explain how it works and who it's for. Stephen shares why many borrowers choose it for speed and flexibility instead of traditional financing.

They also cover the investor side, including typical returns, fractional trust deed investing, and risks like foreclosure. The conversation touches on bridge loans, estate planning, and how Karpe supports clients from start to finish.

Whether you're a borrower, an investor, or just curious about alternative lending, this episode offers a clear and practical overview!

Stephen Hale is a principal at Karpe Real Estate Center and has been with the company since 2019. He has completed over 210 deals totaling approximately $110 million in loan volume, with a focus on commercial and construction lending. Prior to Karpe, he worked as a commercial broker at Colliers Tingey in Bakersfield, specializing in retail. He graduated from UC Berkeley and previously competed as a professional golfer on PGA Tour Latin America and PGA Tour Canada.

Check out Karpe Real Estate Center:

website

facebook

instagram

LinkedIn

In this episode, Amanda DiGiacomo Jones sits down with Bakersfield content creator and entrepreneur Myah Salinas, known for highlighting local coffee shops, restaurants, spas, and hidden gems around the city. Myah shares how she transitioned from working in marketing and social media to quitting her 9–5 to pursue content creation full time. What started as a simple coffee shop video quickly turned into a growing platform dedicated to supporting local businesses and helping people discover new experiences in Bakersfield. They also discuss the realities of social media influencing, dealing with online criticism, and the lessons learned while building a personal brand. Myah also talks about her newest ventures: her podcast Bizzy Girl Era and her upcoming beverage brand Bizzy Bean Coffee, a better-for-you canned latte she hopes to launch locally soon! Whether you're an entrepreneur, content creator, or someone who loves discovering local spots, this episode offers insight into building a brand, taking risks, and supporting your community. Follow Maya: Instagram YouTube LinkedIn Bizzy Girl Era Podcast Bizzy Bean Coffee

Kyle Jones is joined by Dr. Sabine Hazan and Dr. Hugh Beatty to explore the powerful connection between gut health and overall immunity. Dr. Hazan shares her journey from traditional GI practice and pharmaceutical clinical trials to becoming a leading voice in microbiome research during the COVID-19 pandemic. They discuss the critical role of bifidobacteria — the beneficial gut bacteria she believes are central to immune resilience — and her "Save the Bif" movement to raise awareness about their dramatic decline in modern populations. The conversation covers microbiome diversity, immune response, severe COVID, autism, autoimmune disease, and long COVID, as well as the overuse of antibiotics, probiotics, and gut "cleanses." This episode challenges conventional thinking and highlights the future of personalized, microbiome-centered medicine, and why protecting your gut, and "saving the bif," may be key to protecting your health.

In this episode, Amanda DiGiacomo Jones sits down with Just Cinnamon; one of the fastest-growing local food businesses making serious waves in the community. Known for their unforgettable cinnamon rolls and weekly sell-outs, this business has built a loyal following that lines up well before the doors even open. We talk through how it all began, the journey to becoming a local favorite, the challenges behind rapid growth, and the exciting next chapter as they prepare to expand even further.

How to find them:

Weekly they sell out 4 Sully Locations:

Buena Vista and Ming

Olive and Calloway

Stockdale and Coffee

Buena Vista and Bolthouse

They are also at the Haggin Oaks Farmers Market and the Southwest Market weekly

Key Takeaways:

• A strong product and community support can drive rapid growth.
• Consistency and great customer service builds loyalty.
• Scaling a small business comes with both opportunity and pressure.
• Big dreams often start with small beginnings.

Why You Should Listen: Whether you're a food lover, a local business supporter, or an entrepreneur looking for inspiration, this episode offers an honest look at what it takes to build something people truly line up for — and what it means to take the next big step.

Learn more about Just Cinnamon with the links below:

IG: @just.cinnnamon

Kyle Jones sits down with comedian and comedy club owner Dan Betts to talk business, risk, and live entertainment. Dan shares what it really took to relocate and reopen The Well Comedy Club in downtown Bakersfield, why comedy is booming in a short-attention-span world, and how live shows create an experience you can't stream at home. The two also dive into the passion, mindset, and problem-solving required to build a business from the ground up. Daniel Betts is a man of many hats: husband, father, U.S. Navy veteran, geology major, former career in oil and gas, former Executive Director of The Portrait of a Warrior Gallery, business owner, and touring comedian. He's the owner of The Well Comedy Club in downtown Bakersfield, where he continues to build a home for live comedy and community. CHECK OUT THE WELL COMEDY CLUB: website: www.thewellcomedyclub.com/ 1517 18th St, Bakersfield, CA 93301

In this episode, Amanda Jones breaks down the One Big Beautiful Bill and what it means for business owners, entrepreneurs, and individual taxpayers. With major tax changes on the horizon, it's more important than ever to understand how these updates may impact your deductions, credits, planning strategies, and overall tax liability.

We cut through the noise and explain what's actually changing and how you can prepare — whether you're a W-2 employee, self-employed, or running a growing business.

⏱️ What We Cover in This Episode

• Key changes affecting small businesses and self-employed taxpayers
• Impacts on individual tax returns and families
• Salt Tax, Bonus Depreciation, 529 plans
• No Tax on overtime and tips
• Updates to deductions, credits, and tax benefits
• Common misconceptions and what people are getting wrong
• Actionable steps you can take now to stay ahead

Tax law changes can feel overwhelming, but knowledge is power. This episode is designed to help you understand the real-world impact of the One Big Beautiful Bill and how to position yourself — and your business — for success moving forward.

Learn more about Atlas Financial Solutions with the links below:

website: https://atlasfinancialsolutions.net/

instagram: atlasfinancialsolutionsca

Join Kyle Jones as he sits down with Krista and Bryce Horton for an honest conversation about what it really takes to build and run a business. They go behind the scenes of how their businesses started and share the challenges people do not always see, including the risks of undercapitalizing and the reality of learning as you go. Kyle talks about his upcoming business venture, while the Hortons dive into the passion and vision behind the Horton Hotel. They also discuss the importance of support from the Bakersfield community, offer advice for young entrepreneurs, and open up about how running a business demands time and focus while balancing family life and raising kids.

Check out the Hortons:

Instagram: @shopstaykation @hortonhotels @krista.horton @bryce_horton @drinkhorton

Websites:

https://shopstaykation.com/

https://drinkhorton.com/

Amanda Jones welcomes Dr. Justin Hiebert CEO of New Frontier Consulting. New Frontier Consulting, a dynamic agency dedicated to helping small business owners scale their businesses and achieve sustained growth. With a decade of leadership in executive coaching, HR consulting, Lean Six Sigma process improvement, and digital marketing strategy, Justin is passionate about empowering business owners to break through barriers and unlock their full potential. New Frontier Consulting operates on a proven '4M' framework—Mindset, Management, Marketing, and Money—helping clients shift from feeling "stuck" to experiencing measurable success. A relentless advocate for small business success, Justin brings a strategic approach to leadership development, team growth, and operational efficiency. Justin's core philosophy is simple: the best days for your business are ahead.

In today's episode we also discussed the 4 M's framework, working S.M.A.R.T.E.R, and New Frontier Consulting K.I.S.S Review. Dr. Hiebert gives some awesome end of year sprint goals as well as 2026 goals. Our Host Amanda discusses her end of year checklist that she gives out to clients so that the audience can close out 2025 strong!

Learn more about New Frontier Consulting with the links below:

Website

Instagram

In this episode of Our Two Cents, host Kyle Jones sits down with returning guest Dr. Hugh Beatty, otherwise known as "The Wellness Doc," to talk about his book The Five Pillars of Health and the evolution of his concierge medical practice. They explore the importance of hormone balance, gut health, nutrition, sleep, and resistance training, and why Dr. Beatty believes love is the "ceiling" that holds it all together. He also shares candid insights into the flaws of the insurance-driven healthcare system and offers practical advice listeners can use right now to take charge of their health and well-being. Don't miss out on Dr. Beatty's book The Five Pillars of Health, now available as an audiobook — a must-listen for anyone looking to build a stronger foundation for lasting wellness. Dr. Beatty has been practicing medicine in Bakersfield since 1998. He earned his B.A. in Chemistry from Occidental College in 1981 and his M.D. from the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine in 1985. He completed his internship at Howard University from 1985–1986 and his anesthesiology residency at Harbor–UCLA Medical Center from 1986–1989. Dr. Beatty is board certified by the American Board of Anesthesiology and a diplomate of the American Academy of Pain Management. He is a national speaker on pharmacogenetic testing and a member of the American Academy of Anti-Aging (A4M), Business Network International (2011–2024), and the Executive Association of Kern County (EAKC). Learn more about Dr. Beatty: website: https://www.hughbeatty.com/ youtube: Limitless Longevity instagram: @docnbak facebook: Dr. Hugh Beatty