Small Business Success Talk

In this episode of Small Business Success Talk, host Christy Smallwood sits down with Chris Bonbright, founder of Curiosity Consulting, to unpack why curiosity—not assumptions—is the most underrated business advantage today.

Chris shares hard-earned insights from decades in market research, explaining why most businesses confuse symptoms with real problems, how to tell the difference between KPIs and true insight, and why “pressing the easy button” (including over-reliance on AI) can actually stall growth.

You’ll learn:

Why better information leads to better decisions—and better results

The difference between reacting to data vs. understanding it

Why demographics are losing power and values, attitudes, and beliefs matter more

What the emerging “anti-algorithm” trend means for marketing and customer relationships (including insights from Mintel)

How small, consistent research beats panic-driven decisions every time

Why research should guide action—not replace leadership

If your business feels reactive, unclear, or stuck chasing metrics without real traction, this conversation will reset how you think about data, strategy, and decision-making.

🎧 Listen now and rediscover the power of asking why.

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Isolation is sneaky. Entrepreneurs often call it “focus time” or “cocooning,” but it can quietly turn into loneliness, stagnation, and burnout.

In this Christy’s Corner episode of Small Business Success Talk, Christy Smallwood breaks down the science, the soul, and the strategy behind solitude—why you need it sometimes, and when it starts working against you.

👉 Key insight: “Isolation becomes incubation when it’s chosen for restoration—but infection when it’s triggered by shame or pride.”

🎧 Listen now to learn how to re-enter your community stronger, clearer, and more whole.

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This week on Christy’s Corner, I unpack how one frustrated woman accidentally sparked a viral movement — and how small business owners can do the same.

If you’ve ever felt overworked, underpaid, or simply over it, this one’s for you.

💡 Topics:

How movements really start

The “MVP” mindset: show up, even when it’s messy

Why emotion and authenticity beat algorithms every time

The Being Super Method (and how to activate your inner hero)

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Technology doesn’t have to be overwhelming. In this episode of Small Business Success Talk, host Christy Smallwood sits down with repeat guest Jeff Chandler, owner of ZJAK Technologies, to unpack the world of AI, cybersecurity, and small business tech solutions.

Jeff shares insights on protecting your business from cybercriminals, avoiding shiny-object syndrome with new tools, and keeping technology practical and effective for everyday operations. From AI-powered platforms to the basics of staying safe online, this conversation is packed with real-world tips for entrepreneurs and small business owners who want to scale with confidence.

If you’ve ever wondered how to choose the right tools, when to outsource, and how to keep things simple in a noisy tech world—this episode is for you!

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Dee Dee Taylor, owner of 502 Hemp and President of the Kentucky Hemp Association, returns to Small Business Success Talk for an update on the challenges and victories in the hemp industry. From Kentucky legislation to federal battles, Dee Dee shares the inside story of lobbying, integrity in business, and why hemp products matter for both customers and communities. This candid conversation dives into entrepreneurship, politics, and perseverance in a shifting industry.

If you’ve ever wondered how small business owners fight back against powerful lobbyists—or how passion and integrity keep a business moving forward—this is the episode you need to hear.

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSOR

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In this special “Christy’s Corner” episode of Small Business Success Talk, host Christy Smallwood opens up about navigating one of the most chaotic seasons of her business and personal life. From unexpected financial hits and rebranding on the fly, to rebuilding from scratch and letting go of her team, Christy shares real, unfiltered insights on finding calm, making bold decisions, and leading with clarity through change.

Packed with practical tools—like her simple yet powerful “Centering Protocol”—and seasoned with hard-earned wisdom, this episode is a must-listen for entrepreneurs, leaders, and anyone facing uncertainty. Learn how to reset, refocus, and take the next best step… even when the world feels upside down.

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This week on Small Business Success Talk, I sat down with Kent and Wes Harris of TelScreen—a Louisville-based company helping eye doctors communicate more effectively with their patients.

Why today’s eye doctors need better communication tools

How TelScreen’s tech fits with the practice, not just in it

Their hilarious “tick in the eye” story (yes, really)

And how their systems support evidence-based care—without hype.

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What happens when two powerhouse women—one a former Nestlé executive and certified leadership coach, the other a yoga instructor and education leader—meet in Louisville, KY and both get knocked flat by allergy season?

They build a wellness center unlike anything else in the region.

In this episode of Small Business Success Talk, host Christy Smallwood sits down with Anna Shulgina and Dasha Grankina, co-founders of Bodhi Salt, a luxurious-yet-approachable 2,400 sq.ft. wellness center designed to help families heal naturally through salt therapy, cedar steam barrels, red light therapy, kids programming, and more.

🌍 Learn how their global experiences, scientific approaches, and holistic traditions came together to create a business that’s thriving—with purpose.

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In this inspiring episode of Small Business Success Talk, Kim shares her journey from being a single mom crying in her car to launching a thriving dance studio, building a successful casting business, and founding SHŪNŪ, an eco-conscious dog product company that gives back to veterans. From church basements and Emmy-winning commercials to a life-changing win on The Price is Right, Kim’s story is a testament to faith, hustle, and trusting the roadmap of possibility.

Tune in to hear how Kim turned passion into purpose—and get ready to rethink what’s possible for your own entrepreneurial path.

www.castingbykim.com

SPONSOR: https://502hemp.com/ and https://812hemp.com/

https://smallbusinesssuccesstalk.biz/

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What happens when a Deadhead entrepreneur becomes one of Louisville’s top attorneys and co-founds a powerhouse law firm in just one weekend?

Meet Libby Gray, co-founder and managing partner at Gray Ice Higdon. In this episode, host Christy Smallwood digs into Libby's unconventional path from friendship bracelet slinger to federal court litigator, and how her firm is redefining law firm culture through inclusivity, intentional leadership, and business-savvy legal expertise.

Whether you're navigating non-competes, scaling your business, or just trying to avoid costly legal pitfalls, Libby's insights are pure gold. Discover how commercial law, intellectual property, and strategic contracts can make—or break—your business.

🎧 Learn how to protect your business, lead with integrity, and build something meaningful with your name on it.

🔎 Topics covered:

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