Socks & Soul

John Bryant grew up in a very small town and is the product of very modest & very hard working parents and grandparents.  His family history is an incredibly important part of his identity and the identity of his well-known brewery, No-Li in Spokane, Washington.

When John tells his story it is not about the money or growth- he does not seem to measure success by his profit and loss statement- he is soundly focused on making Spokane the epicenter for craft beer.  He talks about culture and people and winning customers by bringing the experience to them.

He is obsessed with the mastery of beer and delights in the challenge.  As a result, No-Li Brewhouse has won multiple international competitions and continues to see great success.

No-Li Brewhouse
1003 E Trent Ave #170
Spokane, WA 99202
(509) 242-2739
Nolibrewhouse.com

Socks & Soul Contact Information
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Michael Brown grew up in a very busy house as one of 15 kids. His dad wasn't around and his older brothers were in an out of prison. His mother worked hard to take care of her kids- Michael remembers staying up late with her on many occasions to clean the house- no small task with their very busy house.

Despite his very poor upbringing & tough neighborhood he remembers feeling God in his life from a young age. On Sundays his mother would arrange to have the local pastor come by and pick him up for Church and Sunday School.

Michael founded his non-profit, Spokane Eastside Reunion Association (SERA) as a way to connect people in his community. It started as a facebook group to let people know they were having a neighborhood reunion. They were going to meet at a local park, play basketball and have a BBQ. To Michael's astonishment 3,500 people showed up and totally overwhelmed the event.

He started to realize the power of his community and the importance of unity. One of his first events after forming the non-profit was starting a basketball camp. His first camp had 10 kids and was done at a local community center. He wanted to be able to offer the camp to kids who couldn't afford to come so he started a scholarship program accepting local donations.

He later decided to put his years in the restaurant industry to work and open a comfort food restaurant where he would teach local youth life and work skills. He especially saw God's hand as he worked to turn the building into a restaurant.

The restaurant follows a 16 week program to teach kids about finances, entrepreneurship, time management, work skills and most importantly about their relationship with God. With a certificate from SERA in hand, they graduate from the program with work experience and life training.

He has blessed the lives of so many youth and continues to pour his whole soul into his program.

Connect with Michael on Facebook
@SpokaneeastsidereunionASSOC

Socks & Soul Contact Information
Facebook- @socksandsoulpodcast
Online- socksandsoul.com
Email- [email protected]

I met Mark a few years ago while filming my friends Ragnar Relay team (These are relay races done over a 24 hour period usually covering over 200 miles).  He was the senior member of the 6-man ultra team (most teams have 12 members).

One of Mark's experiences is particularly interesting to me.  When his kids were younger, he and his wife took them sailing for 17 months straight.  Before their voyage began He did not know how to sail, he didn't own a sailboat & no, he was not (is not) independently wealthy.

His motto is "Live fearlessly into the dreams uniquely written upon your heart”.  Years prior (before he had any kids) he make a 'bucket list' of things he wanted to do in life.  On this list was to sail with his family for a year.  Despite some major hurdles, they found a way to make it happen.

Blog about Mark & Sue's Sailing adventure
4wheelersailing.blogspot.com

Book
'Born to Run' by Christopher Mcdougall

Socks & Soul Contact Information
Facebook- @socksandsoulpodcast
Online- socksandsoul.com
Email- [email protected]

2nd Chance Ranch & Rescue is a non-profit Joy has been running for over 30 years.  She juggles hundreds of animals & dozens of volunteers.  She has great respect for the healing power of animals which helped her survive an abusive marriage.  In this emotional interview Joy shares her journey and goodness.

Connect with Joy & 2nd Chance Ranch and Petting Zoo
[email protected]
Facebook- 2nd Chance Ranch Spokane Wa Mobile Petting Zoo. Rescue & Education

Socks & Soul Contact Information
Facebook- @socksandsoulpodcast
Online- socksandsoul.com
Email- [email protected]

She escaped death in her mid 20s, but her life was never the same after that.  She was told by doctors she would never run again.  Not only did she run again, but she ran in the Boston Marathon and the Ironman.  She thrives on authenticity and believes in the power to choose your story.

Socks & Soul Contact Information
Facebook- @socksandsoulpodcast
Online- socksandsoul.com
Email- [email protected]

She competed in her first lumbersport event after only being on the team for a few weeks- since then she's never looked back.  Today she is a world champion and owns a small business.  She chooses to do things she enjoys and talks about finding that In her life.

Socks & Soul Contact Information
Facebook- @socksandsoulpodcast
Online- socksandsoul.com
Email- [email protected]

Juggling the everyday is tricky- Work, family, kids & stress.  The Roloffs had to fight for their business and make some serious compromises along the way.  As a couple they own a fast growing business in the technology sector all while raising their four adorable kids.  

https://oloffdf.com/

Socks & Soul Contact Information
Facebook- @socksandsoulpodcast
Online- socksandsoul.com
Email- [email protected]

She finished her bachelor's degree and after 5 years of work decided to go back to school to be a nurse.  She took a massive pay cut but knew it was right.  Mary describes what it was like to go through the decision making process of leaving her career to start school again.

Socks & Soul Contact Information
Facebook- @socksandsoulpodcast
Online- socksandsoul.com
Email- [email protected]

The Last time he ran away as a teenager he ended up over 1,000 miles from home.  He has spent his life learning to deal with the loss, frustration and anger he absorbed growing up.  Carlos has a tragic past, but instead of letting it consume and ruin him, he used it to hone in on what he really wanted out of life.  Today he has a highly successful Leadership Coaching business he loves and continues to learn and grow everyday.

Connect with Carlos-
[email protected]

Socks & Soul Contact Information
Facebook- @socksandsoulpodcast
Online- socksandsoul.com
Email- [email protected]

I have had quite a few guests on the show who are natural born entrepreneurs.  You know the guy who built an empire selling candy on the playground or grew up being taught by parents who were successful business owners.  For the first half of his career Andy Niska went a pretty traditional route- he graduated from college and worked in his industry and was very good at it.  In his 40s he decided to change gears, so he started his business.  I think there are a lot of people out there in this situation- maybe you have been working the same job or in the same industry for 10 or 20 years and the thought of doing that same thing for another 20 years makes your heard spin but at the same time you feel a little trapped because you are good at it or you make good money doing it, whatever the case you feel secure and safe and comfortable.  Maybe it is time to consider your alternatives-  Wherever you may be, this is a great story and there is so much to learn from it.

Love In Home Senior Care
https://www.loveinhomeseniorcare.com/

 Socks & Soul Contact Information
Facebook- @socksandsoulpodcast
Online- socksandsoul.com
Email- [email protected]