Our Two Cents Podcast

Amanda Jones sits down with Vivian Cao, founder and president of the Kern Asian Chamber, for a conversation about culture, community, entrepreneurship, and the growing presence of Asian-owned businesses in Kern County. Vivian shares the inspiration behind creating the chamber, the importance of representation, and how social media, food, and community events are helping connect people across cultures.

The two also discuss Lunar New Year traditions, the Year of the Fire Horse, local restaurants, the rise of Korean BBQ and Asian cuisine in Bakersfield, and how small businesses are shaping the future of the community. From advocacy and networking to food festivals and cultural celebrations, this episode highlights the passion behind building spaces where everyone feels welcome.

Check Out The Kern Asian Chamber:

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Kyle Jones is joined by Dr. Anna Marie Frank to explore the life transitions many aren't prepared for, from raising kids to redefining purpose. They discuss mindset, burnout, and how thoughts impact the body, along with practical ways to move from stress into alignment.

Dr. Anna Marie, The Mindset Doctor™, helps high performers break free from burnout and misalignment so they can lead and live with clarity and purpose. With over 20 years of experience, she is a Doctor of Traditional Naturopathy, founder of Happy Whole You™, podcast host, and author.

Check Out Dr. Anna Marie Frank:

Instagram: @happywholeyou @dr.anna.marie

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Join Kyle Jones as he sits down with author and speaker Cortney McDermott to explore identity, intuition, and what it really means to live a fulfilling life. From corporate success to personal reinvention, Cortney shares her journey of shifting from performance-driven achievement to a deeper sense of trust and purpose. They dive into imposter syndrome, the pressure to "have it all figured out," and why chasing external goals can sometimes leave us feeling empty. The conversation also touches on social media, distraction, and how to reconnect with your inner voice in a noisy world.

Cortney McDermott is an award-winning author, speaker, and coach featured in major outlets and on global stages like TEDx and Oxford Saïd. With a background spanning executive leadership and entrepreneurship, she helps individuals and organizations unlock their full potential.

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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:

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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