Our Two Cents Podcast

On this episode of Our Two Cents, Kyle Jones is joined by Heidi Shubin of Dress for Success Bakersfield to discuss how this local nonprofit is empowering women through professional clothing, workforce readiness, and renewed confidence.

Heidi shares how Dress for Success provides free professional attire and essential resources to women preparing for job interviews, entering the workforce, attending court appearances, and taking the next steps toward a brighter future. They also explore the organization's workforce readiness workshops, the importance of making a strong first impression, and how community donations, volunteers, and local partnerships help keep its mission moving forward. Heidi opens up about her own journey through recovery and personal challenges, explaining how those experiences inspired her passion for giving back and helping other women realize that their past does not have to define their future.

Learn how you can support Dress for Success Bakersfield through clothing donations, volunteering, and community events, and discover how something as simple as the right outfit can open the door to life-changing opportunities.

Instagram: @dfsbak

LinkedIn: Dress_For_Success_Bakersfield

Cherry Acres has quickly become a Bakersfield favorite, but there is much more behind the farm than pumpkins and photo opportunities.

In this episode, we sit down with the team behind Cherry Acres to talk about how the farm got started, how it has grown since opening, and what it really takes to create one of Kern County's favorite seasonal destinations.

We talk about everything from pumpkin season and corn mazes to sunflower fields, farm animals, special events, Christmas on the Farm, and the creative ideas that continue to turn Cherry Acres into a true community experience.

We also get into the business side of running a seasonal attraction, including planning months in advance, managing growth, creating memorable experiences for families, supporting local vendors, and finding new ways to keep people coming back year after year.

In this episode, we discuss:

• How Cherry Acres got started
• The story behind the farm's growth
• Creating experiences beyond the traditional pumpkin patch
• Corn mazes, sunflowers, farm animals, and special events
• Goat yoga, line dancing, movie nights, and seasonal activities
• What goes into preparing for pumpkin season
• Expanding into Christmas and other seasonal events
• The business lessons learned while building Cherry Acres

Whether you've visited Cherry Acres every fall or have never been before, this episode gives you a behind-the-scenes look at the people, work, and vision behind the experience.

FOLLOW CHERRY ACRES:

website: https://www.cherry-acres.com/

facebook: cherry_acres

instagram: @cherry_acres

The workplace is changing fast — from artificial intelligence and evolving compliance requirements to employee retention, leadership development, workplace culture, and the changing expectations of today's workforce.

In this episode, we're joined by from Kern County SHRM to talk about the organization and preview one of Kern County's largest professional development events of the year: the 2026 Saddle Up for Success Conference, happening October 7th.

We talk about what employers and HR professionals are facing right now, how AI is beginning to change human resources, the importance of building strong workplace cultures, and what attendees can expect from this year's conference.

We also get a preview of keynote speaker Devin Henderson, the conference's new morning Fireside Chat, educational sessions, networking opportunities, exhibitors, professional development opportunities, and the annual KC SHRM mixer.

Whether you're an HR professional, business owner, executive, manager, supervisor, or emerging professional, this episode explains why understanding the people side of business has never been more important.

Learn more and register: https://kcshrm.org/

Conference: Saddle Up for Success Date: October 7, 2026 Presented by: Kern County SHRM

Join Kyle Jones as he sits with Jacob Hanneman and Ryan Wookey of Movement Studio to explore a different approach to health, fitness, and longevity. With more than a decade of experience each, certifications in strength training, corrective exercise, and nutrition, and experience working with everyone from seniors recovering from major surgeries to elite athletes and touring musicians, Jake and Ryan share why movement quality matters. They discuss strength training vs. HIIT, weight loss and nutrition, sleep and recovery, movement assessments, accountability, and how learning to move better can improve everyday life. Their goal? To bridge the gap between medicine and fitness. Learn More About Movement Studios: Instagram: @movement_studios @jakehannaman @ryanlwookey

In this deeply personal episode, we sit down with Amelia Molloy's Angels to talk about infertility, pregnancy loss, hope, and the mission behind an organization helping families continue their journey toward parenthood. Amelia Molloy's Angels was created in memory of Amelia Molloy after her family experienced infertility and the heartbreaking loss of their daughter. From that grief came a mission to support other families facing infertility and remind them that they do not have to walk through it alone. This conversation is especially personal for me. My husband and I have experienced our own fertility journey, and because of my Stage 4 endometriosis, our path to having a baby will involve surrogacy. That experience has given me an entirely different understanding of how emotional, overwhelming, and financially difficult infertility can be. In this episode, we talk openly about the parts of infertility that people do not always see — the appointments, treatments, grief, financial pressure, strain on relationships, and the feeling that your path to becoming a parent suddenly looks completely different than you imagined. We also discuss the incredible work Amelia Molloy's Angels is doing to bring hope back into that journey. A Message for Anyone Struggling With Infertility If you are currently going through infertility, pregnancy loss, IVF, preparing for surrogacy, considering adoption, or simply trying to understand what your next step will be, this episode is for you. Your journey may look different than you once imagined. It may take longer. It may involve treatments or decisions you never expected to make. But you are not alone. There are people who understand, organizations willing to help, and a community that wants to walk alongside you. Learn More About Amelia Molloy's Angels Website: ameliamolloysangels.com Instagram: @ameliamolloysangels Visit their website or follow them on Instagram to learn more about family grants, infertility support, Comfort Kits, upcoming events, volunteer opportunities, sponsorships, and ways to donate.

In this episode, Kyle Jones sits down with cardiologist Dr. Rasham Sandhu, host of Next Phase Human, for a conversation about taking a more informed and proactive approach to health. They explore the importance of the patient-physician partnership, why context matters when evaluating cholesterol and cardiovascular risk, and how better information can lead to better health decisions. Dr. Sandhu also shares his perspective on whole foods, processed foods, fasting, sleep, exercise, electrolytes, metabolic health, and the foundational habits that can have the greatest impact on long-term wellness. Most importantly, they discuss why health isn't simply about treating disease; it's about building the knowledge and habits that help you stay healthy in the first place. For educational purposes only and not a substitute for individualized medical advice. Website: https://cacvinst.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cacvinst Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cacvinst/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CaliforniaCardiovascularInst LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rasham-sandhu-md-facc-907a9717/

Join us as we sit down with the owners of Golden Spoon Bakersfield ahead of their highly anticipated grand opening! We talk about the journey of bringing a new business to our community, the excitement and challenges of opening day, what makes Golden Spoon unique, and, of course, all things frozen yogurt. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a fellow small business owner, or simply looking for your next sweet treat, this episode gives you a behind-the-scenes look at the passion and hard work that goes into launching a local business. Be sure to tune in and stop by to support Golden Spoon during their grand opening! IG @GoldenspoonBakersfield

In this episode, we sit down with Alex Valencia owner of Music Bingo Night, a local event experience bringing music, games, prizes, food, drinks, and community together in a fun and interactive way. Instead of calling numbers, Music Bingo uses songs on bingo cards, so guests listen, guess, mark their cards, and compete for prizes. From 90's, Country, and R&B nights to throwback themes and local brewery and Winery events, Music Bingo Night is creating a new way for Kern County to go out, laugh, sing along, and connect.

For more info on Music-Bingo Night:

Instagram: @musicbingonight

@djphatalex

TickPick

Join Kyle Jones as he sits down with entrepreneur Kadar Waller, CEO and co-owner of Bentley Bowl, to discuss building one of Bakersfield's fastest-growing food brands at just 25 years old. A former collegiate basketball player, MBA graduate, and lifelong entrepreneur, Kadar shares how his experience as a student-athlete helped shape his leadership style, the importance of surrounding yourself with the right team, and the challenges of growing a business in California. The conversation explores Bentley Bowl's unique approach to serving soul food with a California twist, the growth of the food truck and catering industry, and the vision Kadar and his brother Bentley have for building a nationally recognized brand. Kadar also discusses serving more than 30,000 bowls in the company's first year, partnering with major organizations for large-scale catering events, hiring student-athletes, giving back to the community, and the lessons he's learned on his entrepreneurial journey. Check out Bentley Bowl: Website: bentleybowl.com Phone: (661)703-8778 Facebook: www.facebook.com/BentleyBowl/ Instagram: www.instagram.com/bentleybowl/

In this episode, Amanda Jones sits down with Liz and Josh Powell, founders of Taste of the Screen, the immersive dining experience turning movie nights into unforgettable events. They share how a passion for film inspired them to create interactive dinners where guests enjoy the exact food and drinks featured on screen, all while watching the movie unfold. From hosting friends at home to selling out monthly events at the Padre Hotel, hear the story behind this unique Bakersfield experience, the creativity that goes into every menu, and what's next for Taste of the Screen.

Check out Taste of the Screen:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tasteofthescreen/?hl=en TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@taste.of.the.scre Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/121116882706