Rhymes with Odd

In this episode of the Rhymes With Odd Podcast, host Ryan Snaadt sits down with Whitney Warne — photographer, entrepreneur, and founder of Ivory House Photography and Evoke EQ — to unpack her incredible business journey from shooting headshots in her mom’s living room to leading emotional intelligence trainings for Fortune 100 companies.

Whitney shares how she built a sustainable creative business, navigated financial setbacks, and designed a life rooted in contentment, not chaos.

From building trust with clients to mastering emotional intelligence, this episode is packed with lessons for any creative or entrepreneur striving to grow with purpose.💬

Topics Covered:

Building a brand rooted in people and purpose

How to handle losing clients and rebuilding

The evolution from creative hustle to conscious leadership

Why soft skills and emotional intelligence matter in business

Designing a business that supports your life — not the other way around

📍 Connect with Whitney:👉 Ivory House Photography: https://www.ivoryhousephotography.com/

👉 Evoke EQ - https://www.evokeeq.com/

📸 Follow Whitney on Instagram: @whitneywarne

🎧 Subscribe for more interviews with business leaders, creators, and entrepreneurs who are building something meaningful.

#Podcast #Entrepreneurship #Photography #EmotionalIntelligence #BusinessGrowth #RyanSnaadt-----------

Is your AI content actually hurting your brand? In this episode, AI expert and YouTuber Ryan Doser returns to the Rhymes with Odd Podcast to expose why low-effort “AI slop” is destroying trust online — and how business owners can use artificial intelligence the right way to grow their brand.

We dive into:

• How AI-generated content impacts consumer trust

• The rise of AI agents vs automations

• Tools like GPT-5, Sora 2, and Claude for real business use

• Why authenticity and long-form content still win

• How Ryan built a 25K+ YouTube following with SEO and consistency

• The dark side of AI hype, rage-bait creators, and fake influencers

If you’re a business owner, creator, or marketer trying to stay ahead in the AI age — this one’s for you.

📺 Watch the full episode and subscribe for more interviews with entrepreneurs and creators pushing Iowa forward.

⏱️ Timestamps

00:00 – Intro: Is it real or AI?
02:25 – The biggest leaps in AI tech (Sora 2, GPT-5, Claude)
04:23 – AI agents vs automations explained
07:45 – Where AI data really comes from
09:00 – The “AI Slop” problem and loss of trust online
11:35 – Growing 25K subscribers on YouTube using SEO
14:20 – Turning YouTube traffic into a real business
17:13 – Inside Ryan’s “AI Authority Accelerator”
20:00 – Automating your business without losing authenticity
25:40 – Favorite AI tools and platforms
28:00 – Behind the scenes at NADN’s Agentic Arena event
31:00 – Fake experts and the danger of AI rage bait
34:30 – Industries that should avoid full AI automation
38:00 – Why “published” is better than perfect for creators
40:50 – Long-term reputation vs short-term sponsorship money
42:45 – Building a business and brand with AI
47:13 – Entertainer vs educator: finding your content niche
49:45 – Authenticity as your competitive advantage
52:30 – The dangers of deepfakes and viral AI videos
54:30 – Final thoughts: trust, truth, and the future of AI

In this episode, Ryan sits down with newly elected Mayor of Ankeny, Bobbi Bentz to discuss her community leadership and helping Ankeny become one of the fastest growing cities in the midwest. Bobbi has a PhD, works a day job for a pharma company in addition to being the Mayor.

Hear how she balances it all, champions Ankeny's message, and how civic engagement could help your career and fill your bucket in your own commuinty.

In this episode of Rhymes with Odd, Ryan sits down with Gabriel Moore. Gabe is a business consultant with a crazy life story of overcoming adversity. From breaking his back and becoming addicted to pain medication to losing his teenage son in a fatal car accident - hear how Gabriel has leaned into a mindset of gratitude to become the best version of himself. This episode will leave you feeling inspired to crush your day - let's get it!Thanks for tuning in for this episode of the Rhymes with Odd podcast. Make sure to subscribe to catch future interviews. Follow on TikTok: @rhymeswithoddFollow on Instagram: @rhymeswithodd#RhymeswithOdd #BusinessPodcast

What if you could pay off your mortgage in just a few years instead of decades? 💸 In this episode of the Rhymes with Odd podcast, Ryan sits down with money expert, speaker, and fintech entrepreneur Adam Carroll to break down the Shred Method—a proven strategy that uses lines of credit to supercharge your cash flow and wipe out debt faster than you ever thought possible.From personal finance lessons to building a SaaS fintech company, Adam shares real-life case studies of families who became debt-free, accelerated wealth building, and even retired 15–20 years early.

🚀If you’re tired of living paycheck to paycheck or wondering how to finally break free from debt, this episode is packed with insights you can start applying today.⏱️

Timestamps00:00 – The danger of wanting everything too soon01:36 – What is the Shred Method?02:48 – From speaker to fintech entrepreneur06:47 – Adam’s personal money mistakes & lessons11:31 – Mindset: turning nervousness into excitement20:10 – Studying comedians & improving public speaking26:54 – How the Shred Method works in simple terms33:56 – Adam’s personal story using the Shred Method41:02 – Financial freedom & cash flow efficiency50:08 – Advice for young investors & house hacking54:37 – Real-life case studies of overspending & fixes58:57 – Money scripts & mindset shifts1:10:41 – Shutting old versions of yourself1:13:06 – Turning 50 & reflecting on the journey

🔗 Connect with Adam Carroll

🌐 Learn more about the Shred Method: https://www.theshredmethod.com

📺 YouTube: Search The Shred Method (not six-pack abs 😉)👉 If you found value in this conversation, hit Subscribe, leave a comment, and share with a friend who needs financial freedom today.

#ShredMethod #PersonalFinance #DebtFreeJourney #RhymesWithOddPodcastResources & LinksLearn more about the Shred Method → https://www.theshredmethod.comFollow Adam on YouTube → Search The Shred MethodBook mentioned: Profit First by Mike MichalowiczThanks for tuning in for this episode of the Rhymes with Odd podcast. Make sure to subscribe to catch future interviews. Follow on TikTok: @rhymeswithoddFollow on Instagram: @rhymeswithodd#RhymeswithOdd #BusinessPodcast

In this episode of the Rhymes with Odd Podcast, host Ryan Snaadt sits down with Dr. Matthew Mitchell, CEO of Bâton Global and professor at Drake University, to explore the power of a global perspective in business, leadership, and life. From working on the world’s first smartphone to advising companies in over 100 countries, Matthew shares lessons on strategy, resilience, and living with curiosity.Whether you’re an entrepreneur, student, or business leader, you’ll learn how to adapt in a changing world, why relationships and trust drive global business, and how to align your career with values that truly matter.📘 Matthew’s Book: Am I Doing This Right? – Designed for young leaders navigating careers and purpose. https://amzn.to/4ny8NaO🌍 Learn more about Bâton Global: https://www.batonglobal.com⏱ Timestamps & Topics Covered00:00 – Why Matthew sold everything and bought a one-way ticket abroad02:12 – “Who are you and what do you do?” – Matthew’s Uber test intro03:22 – Early career in physics, math, and global tech with Symbian04:27 – Lessons from losing market dominance to Apple & Google06:02 – From physicist to CEO: embracing diverse career paths10:15 – Strategy lessons: why ancient wisdom still applies today11:51 – Doing business in the Middle East & North Africa (MENA)14:14 – The Baton Global story & building trust across cultures18:22 – Life lessons from a pilgrimage: slowing down to reflect20:43 – The “Pause Principles” for values-driven leadership26:14 – Balancing family, community, and professional purpose30:57 – Why travel expands your perspective & fuels innovation33:17 – Community impact & building strategy for cities like Des Moines35:40 – The myth of separating strategy design and execution41:36 – “To whom much is given, much is expected” – Matthew’s mantra44:15 – Helping companies & communities with strategic planning47:55 – Expanding globally: Malaysia, pandemic shifts, and opportunities49:56 – Writing Am I Doing This Right? for 18–35 year old leaders54:02 – “Prophets vs. Profits” – reflections on passion projects56:05 – Life as a roller coaster: setbacks, resilience, and growth1:00:55 – Asking better questions, teaching, and lifelong curiosity1:02:52 – Where to connect with Matthew & Bâton Global✨ If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations with global leaders, entrepreneurs, and change-makers.Thanks for tuning in for this episode of the Rhymes with Odd podcast. Make sure to subscribe to catch future interviews. Follow on TikTok: @rhymeswithoddFollow on Instagram: @rhymeswithodd#RhymeswithOdd #BusinessPodcast

What does it take to climb the corporate ladder while staying true to yourself—and your community?

In this episode of the Rhymes of Odd Podcast, host Ryan Snaadt sits down with Emily Abbas, Chief Consumer Banking & Chief of Staff at Bankers Trust, to talk about leadership, civic engagement, career growth, and the power of saying “yes” to opportunities.

Emily shares her journey from being a Des Moines advocate, attending Drake University, to leading teams through major transitions—including taking on leadership of all consumer divisions just two weeks into the pandemic. She also reveals how volunteering, theater, and community boards shaped her leadership philosophy.

👉 Whether you’re an entrepreneur, young professional, or aspiring leader, this episode is packed with wisdom on networking, work-life balance, and leading with purpose.

🔑 Topics & Timestamps00:00 – Leadership mindset: strengthening the swimmer vs. calming the water01:46 – Growing up in Des Moines & Drake University pride03:26 – Early career moves & PR/marketing leadership05:12 – Leading consumer banking during the pandemic10:08 – Traits for career agility & climbing the corporate ladder21:02 – Civic engagement, board service & narrowing focus24:25 – Family balance and lessons from theater37:27 – Building a network and authentic leadership style54:06 – Giving grace under pressure: “PR, not the ER”58:56 – Community, legacy, and leaving things better than you found them

In this episode, hear from Tod Puetz, owner of Insane Impact, an LED trailer company that has taken the industry by storm. In just 9 years, Tod and his team have build the worlds largest company serving this niche. Working with clients including Nike, the NFL, TaylorMade Golf, Kansas City Chiefs, and more.

They recently opened their new World HQ building in Des Moines Iowa to prepare for future growth.

Hear how Tod's midwest outlook, grit, and can-do attitude has gotten him where he is.

Check out their business at InsaneImpact.com

#rhymeswithodd #podcast

What’s it like to manage 135,000 acres of farmland in Ukraine… for foreign investors… during a time of economic uncertainty and political chaos?In this wild and eye-opening episode, we sit down with Justin Bruch, a fifth-generation Iowa farm kid turned international ag operator with an MBA and endless life stories from his travels abroad. Justin shares his journey from farming in Iowa to managing mega-scale farms across Brazil, Ukraine, and Russia — including for a Russian oligarch-backed fund. From blacked-out Mercedes full of chain-wearing enforcers to navigating post-Soviet land ownership and corruption, this episode is filled with lessons in global ag business, leadership, grit, and entrepreneurship.Justin is currently the CEO of Maya America, a U.S.-based ag equipment importer revolutionizing corn harvesting technology — but his story is anything but ordinary.👉 If you’re into farming, entrepreneurship, international business, or just love a wild business story — don’t miss this one.🔔 Subscribe for weekly episodes featuring trailblazers in business, agriculture, and beyond.⏱️ TIMESTAMPS – Podcast Show Notes:00:00 – Justin’s wild intro: A Ukrainian farm, three blacked-out Mercedes, and sketchy enforcers01:29 – Intro to Justin Bruch & his company Maya America02:11 – Farming roots: 5th-generation Iowa farm kid03:00 – Managing farmland, running two businesses, and farming 750 acres organically05:39 – Growing up on the farm: bean walking, detasseling, and hard work11:20 – Life lesson: Honesty, effort, and transparency will take you far13:00 – Early career: Sales in California, Arizona, Utah14:12 – Family investment in Brazil and transitioning into Ukrainian ag17:03 – Building a farm team in Ukraine with multi-lingual local hires20:00 – Taking on 20,000 acres for foreign investors — and discovering corruption23:15 – Post-Soviet land ownership: fragmented, restricted, and impossible to finance26:04 – Ukraine’s collective farm history and the challenges of restructuring ag systems29:12 – Performance-based pay system for workers — an initial struggle that worked32:03 – Farming in dry Southern Ukraine and shifting to no-till34:44 – Comparing Lviv to Wisconsin: rich soil, plenty of rain, and expansion37:47 – MBA vs. Ukrainian ag: “I learned more in 6 months in Ukraine than in 2 years of business school”40:31 – Managing theft and dishonesty — unique challenges in post-Soviet ag43:18 – Harvest frustrations: Crops sold out from under him46:12 – Life as a foreign expat farmer in Ukraine48:53 – Learning Ukrainian and Russian, working with international investors51:41 – The early 2010s: travel guides, payphones, and sketchy calls to Spain54:13 – Transitioning from rebuilding old corn heads to importing from Italy57:11 – Founding Maya America: flying to Spain, building the brand from scratch1:00:31 – Entering Nebraska market with durable corn heads1:02:54 – Word-of-mouth growth, farmer testimonials, and the power of product performance1:05:50 – Partnering with Farm4Profit podcast and expanding dealership network1:08:38 – Working with AGCO-aligned and New Holland dealers1:11:16 – Farmers’ biggest concern: downtime and harvest efficiency1:14:09 – Competing with OEMs: Standing out with price, durability, and dealer margin1:16:30 – ⚡ Lightning Round: Manure, soil health, cover crops, and ag trivia1:22:11 – The million-dollar answer: ag quiz and cranberries1:25:20 – Delegation, leadership, and accountability on the farm1:28:02 – The farmer’s big investment: why corn heads matter1:30:37 – Advice to aspiring entrepreneurs in ag: don’t get lost in the “how”1:33:23 – Where there's a will, there's a way: mindset for starting something from scratch1:35:48 – Outro: Leave a review, subscribe, and check out Snod Media GroupThanks for tuning in for this episode of the Rhymes with Odd podcast. Make sure to subscribe to catch future interviews. Follow on TikTok: @rhymeswithoddFollow on Instagram: @rhymeswithodd#RhymeswithOdd #BusinessPodcast

In this powerful episode of the Rhymes With Odd Podcast, host Ryan Snaadt sits down with Alex Severn, a former federal budget analyst, political insider, and Simpson College alum. Alex opens up about his unique career path—from dressing up at college homecoming skits to managing $100 million+ in federal budgets, working with the Department of Transportation, and even interviewing Donald Trump in front of a live audience.

If you're curious about public service, federal government operations, data-driven decision-making, and how political grit is formed, this interview is full of value, real-world insight, and a touch of humor.

⏱️ Timestamps & Key Topics
(Use these to navigate the episode quickly!)

00:00 – From Iowa to D.C.: Moving with just 2 boxes
01:14 – College stories & how Ryan and Alex met
02:47 – Who is Alex Severn? Becoming a "wastage warrior"
05:20 – Why data tracking is the next big frontier
07:52 – The power of metrics in sales & business
10:22 – Cold calling, quotas, and sales KPIs
12:54 – Entrepreneurship is not a get-rich scheme
15:55 – Why marketing feels like a black box
18:10 – Interest rates, financial discipline & lessons from parents
21:15 – Parents’ midlife career shifts and what it taught Alex
24:23 – Business mistakes, stress, and painful growth
27:14 – Football, cold weather, and developing mental toughness
32:39 – Friends dropping out vs. sticking with it
35:41 – Sitting in on college board meetings as a student
38:34 – Waking up on Capitol Hill – and how the Senate feels
41:15 – Live on stage with Donald Trump: “You’re Fired!” moment
43:48 – Why Alex moved to D.C. & life in Crystal City
49:36 – City chaos & learning to navigate Washington
55:35 – Working on DOT audits: Waste, fraud, and... pacemakers?!
58:22 – Lithium batteries causing plane explosions 🤯
1:01:32 – The unintended consequences of regulation
1:04:08 – Office culture, politics, and marriage stats
1:10:22 – State lottery budget optimization & ethics
1:13:18 – Conservative values vs. government spending habits
1:16:19 – How the federal government really operates
1:19:34 – Lightning round trivia: Iowa counties challenge
1:28:51 – Understanding Lifetime Value & CAC
1:31:32 – Decision-making from messy data
1:34:24 – The future of originality in an AI-driven world
1:37:27 – Grit vs. comfort: Why adversity is essential
1:42:56 – Final thoughts on grit, growth & real-life lessons

Link to Alex' bonus material mentioned: https://capitoldataanalytics.com/rhymes-with-bonus/