Summit Chasers Podcast

Most small business owners are being sold podcasting like it’s a magic button: start a show, go viral, build authority, make money. 

Reality check: 
It’s not that simple! Anyone telling you otherwise is selling a fantasy.

In this first episode of SCN Live, Zach sits down with Trevon Angulo, founder of The Video Podcast Studio, to cut through the hype and get brutally honest about what actually works. They show why most podcasts fizzle, what makes the ones that succeed truly effective, and how smart operators can turn podcasting into real leverage without obsessing over a massive audience, chasing vanity metrics, or falling for every “growth hack” out there.

In this episode, we cover:
- When podcasting actually drives results and when it’s a complete time-sink
- Why B2B businesses win big while e‑commerce often stalls
- How to generate revenue before your audience even hits triple digits
- Building trust in a low-trust economy where attention is scarce
- Why showing up consistently beats obsessing over views every time
- The real ROI when podcasting is done right

This isn’t about going viral. It’s about strategy, leverage, and playing the long game. If you’re thinking about starting a podcast for your business, watch this first! It could save you months of wasted effort, false starts, and the kind of frustration most founders don’t talk about.

About Trevon Angulo
Trevon is a video production veteran with over two decades of experience helping businesses tell stories that actually move the needle. As the founder of The Video Podcast Studio, he works closely with entrepreneurs and service-based businesses to use podcasting as a trust-building, relationship-driven growth strategy. He believes podcasting isn’t about going viral, it’s about creating leverage.

About Summit Chasers Podcast
Summit Chasers is where serious operators come to think sharper and scale smarter. Hosted by Zach Carlin, the show explores the realities of building and leading a growing business through direct conversations on strategy, execution, leadership, and leverage — without the fluff.

🎙️ Follow for more down-to-business conversations with founders, operators, and builders who are actually doing the work. And as always — keep chasing your next summit.

Summit Chasers Resources:
Website: 
https://summitchasersnetwork.com/ 

Email: 
[email protected] 

LinkedIn: 
https://www.linkedin.com/company/summit-chasers-network/ 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/zach-carlin-799955228/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/audrinablackburn/

Instagram: 
https://www.instagram.com/summitchasers_network/

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/summitchasersnetwork/

Trevon Angulo Resources:

Website: 
https://www.thevideopodcaststudio.com/ 

LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/trevon-angulo/ 

Instagram: 
https://www.instagram.com/thevideopodcaststudio 

YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@TheVideoPodcastStudio 

If AI were actually replacing teams overnight, small businesses would already be dominating.

They’re not!

In this episode of the Summit Chasers Podcast, Zach sits down with Paco Farías to cut through the noise around AI, automation, and the rush with “agentifying” everything. Yes, there’s leverage here. Real leverage. But there’s also a lot of hype!

Together, they unpack where AI genuinely gives small businesses an edge, and where founders start mistaking shortcuts for strategy. Because while automation can increase speed and efficiency, it can’t replace judgment, discernment, or leadership.

This conversation isn’t anti-AI. It’s anti-delusion.

If you’re building something real and sustainable, you can’t afford to confuse tools with thinking — or automation with actual strategy.

In this episode, we cover:
- Why AI is powerful. But nowhere near AGI
- The shortcut trap (vibe coding, auto‑agents, over‑automation)
- Security vulnerabilities most founders are ignoring
- AI hallucinations and false authority
- Echo chambers, algorithm bias, and decision‑making risk
- The difference between leverage and laziness
- A simple risk vs reward lens for adopting new tech

AI can amplify a strong operator — and it can just as easily accelerate bad thinking. The difference isn’t the tool; it’s the discipline behind it.

For founders, consultants, and operators trying to integrate AI without quietly sabotaging their strategy, this conversation will challenge your assumptions and sharpen your perspective.

About Paco Farías
Francisco “Paco” Farías is a technology strategist and systems thinker focused on the intersection of AI, operational leverage, and human decision‑making. He works with leaders and organizations navigating complex technological shifts, helping them adopt innovation responsibly without losing strategic clarity.

About Summit Chasers Podcast
Summit Chasers is where serious operators come to think sharper and scale smarter. Hosted by Zach Carlin, the show explores the realities of building and leading a growing business through direct conversations on strategy, execution, leadership, and leverage — without the fluff.

🎙️ Follow for more down-to-business conversations with founders, operators, and builders who are actually doing the work. And as always — keep chasing your next summit.

Summit Chasers Resources:
Website: 
https://summitchasersnetwork.com/ 

Email: 
[email protected] 

LinkedIn: 
https://www.linkedin.com/company/summit-chasers-network/ 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/zach-carlin-799955228/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/audrinablackburn/

Instagram: 
https://www.instagram.com/summitchasers_network/

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/summitchasersnetwork/

Paco Farías Resources:
Email: 
[email protected]

LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/paco-farias/

On this episode of the Summit Chasers Podcast, we sit down with Kristen Corral, TEDx speaker, serial entrepreneur, and co-founder of Tacotarian (the plant-based taco brand that went from one location to six… and is now stepping into franchising).

Kristen’s story is a wild (and wildly relatable) path from professional performer/dancer to building and selling a pet-care company, to scaling a restaurant brand with community roots and real operational discipline. We get into what actually separates owners who grow from owners who stay stuck: getting out of the day-to-day, building the right team, creating feedback loops with customers, and learning how to market without lighting money on fire.

We also talk grassroots marketing, local PR, and why small businesses can beat big brands by doing one thing most won’t: acting like humans. Plus… Kristen shares the infamous “Watergate” story (yes, it involves lemon-infused water and near-cancellation), and we end the episode with a blind taco taste test to prove she really is the queen of vegan tacos.

If you’re a business owner trying to scale, sharpen your messaging, and build a brand people actually ride for — this one’s for you.

In this episode, we cover:

From performer to entrepreneur: how discipline + competitiveness translate to business

The real reason most business owners don’t grow: stuck in the business, not on it

Hiring before you “feel ready” (and why it often doubles growth)

Customer feedback that actually drives revenue

Local news + PR angles that get you coverage for free

Franchising: brand standards, systems, and vetting the right operators

“Watergate” + other unhinged marketing moves that somehow… worked

Guest: Kristen Corral

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristen-corral/

Instagram: @thekristencorral

Tacotarian: @eattacotarian

Subscribe for more down-to-business conversations with founders, operators, and builders who are actually doing the work. And as always — keep chasing your next summit.

In this episode, I sit down with my friend Francisco “Paco” Farías — operator, strategist, and full-blown AI rabbit-hole resident — to talk about what’s actually happening at the intersection of AI, work, and ego.

We get into how his team used AI to become 50–70% more efficient inside a real estate development startup, why your ego is probably your biggest barrier to using these tools, and why “AI taking your job” is usually just code for “I don’t want to change how I work.”

We talk LLMs (Grok, ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude), hallucinations, news bias, AI ethics, fake avatars, healthcare disruption, and why the winning move is minimum viable AI — starting with one tiny workflow instead of trying to automate your whole life in a weekend.

If you’re a high-performing adult who’s curious about AI but also low-key terrified of becoming obsolete… this one will calm you down, call you out, and give you a simple way to actually get started.

Welcome back to the Summit Chasers Podcast! First off if you want some hard-hitting, business growth FACTS, FRAMEWORKS, REVENUE GENERATING workflowsto test out and to stay up to date with the latest episodes of The Summit Chasers Podcast and Swearing By It Podcast sign up for our weekly EDGE Newsletter here: https://link.summitchasersnetwork.com/widget/form/VUoTQkb4pcNGb1fWxGqa

Brandon Mills is a Nevada native, U.S. Army veteran, and globe-trotting entrepreneur who’s built businesses on two continents and turned challenges into opportunities at every step. He’s the CEO of Total Promotion Company, one of Las Vegas’ go-to brands for decorated apparel, merchandise, and promotional products, known for using the latest print technology to deliver unmatched quality and speed.

Brandon’s journey has taken him from the deserts of Nevada to the beaches of Thailand, where he founded a speedboat charter company, and then into the disciplined life of military service in South Korea and Texas. After leaving the Army, he brought that same grit and leadership into the business world — growing companies, mentoring entrepreneurs, and giving back to the veteran community.

He’s been recognized as Business of the Year by the Southern Nevada Veterans Chamber of Commerce and is passionate about innovation, adventure, and making a positive impact in every endeavor. When he’s not leading his team, Brandon can be found traveling, spending time with his family, and supporting causes that strengthen his community.

#Veteran #veteranowned #SummitChaserspodcast #Summitchasers #Founder #Businessowner #Business #BusinessStrategy #businessdiagnostic

Welcome to the second episode back for the popular flagship podcast! With over 30,000 downloads, we are happy to be back bigger and better than ever. Our first guest outside of the Summit Chasers Team, Michael DeLucca. 

An ecosystem builder, investor, experience creator, and now tech founder, we dive into Leadership, innovation, and the difference between a good idea.... and a BILLION dollar idea.

Learn more about Michael and his story here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaeldelucca/
Previous Podcasts: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kBFtVUx4s0s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QlWoa1E9PPw

Welcome back to the Summit Chasers Podcast where we help you simplify success and turn your business and life into something extraordinary. In this episode, our host [Your Name] is joined by the inspiring Karin Stephan—a serial entrepreneur and visionary leader with over three decades of experience. Karin shares a surprising personal habit: she loves to sleep outside, even in extreme weather conditions! But why would someone voluntarily choose discomfort?

This episode is more than just a story about resilience—it’s a masterclass on how intentional discomfort can unlock creativity, build mental strength, and help you manage the daily pressures of being an entrepreneur. Karin explains the concept of “deliberate discomfort” and how leaning into the uncomfortable, whether through running, cold showers, or tough conversations, rewires your mindset for growth.

Key Takeaways:
Intentional Discomfort is Power: When you choose your discomfort, you gain control over your mindset and reactions to stress, rather than letting stress choose you.
Grounding Yourself in Nature: Learn why spending time outside (even sleeping under the stars) not only lowers stress but boosts your ability to handle business challenges.
Resilience Isn’t About Knuckling Through: Real resilience is about knowing when to push forward and when to pivot, understanding your limits, and learning how to recharge.
Whether you’re a small business owner, a leader, or someone curious about the intersection of mental health and entrepreneurship, this episode will help you rethink the role of discomfort in your life. Tune in to gain actionable insights and strategies that will have you embracing challenges instead of avoiding them!

Welcome back, Summit Chasers! In this episode, we dive deep into the world of business valuation with none other than Edgar Baum, CEO of Avasta and a renowned expert in the field. If you've ever wondered what your business is truly worth or how to prepare it for a successful sale, this episode is a must-listen. Edgar and I explore the nitty-gritty of legacy valuation methods, the importance of clean data, and the delicate balance between growth, profitability, and cash flow.

Whether you're thinking about selling your business, looking to boost its value, or just curious about what makes a company tick, Edgar’s insights are invaluable. And of course, we keep things fun and engaging, because who says business talk can't be a blast?

Tune in for actionable tips, a few laughs, and the insider knowledge every entrepreneur needs. Let’s make your business success simple so you can live extraordinary!

Learn more about Edgar:
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/edgarbaum/
Avasta: http://www.avasta.co

We are very excited to welcome Bestselling Author or the One-Page Marketing Plan and Lean Marketing, Allan Dib! 

His outlook on how to not just make your marketing more effective, but how to make it simpler, and more embedded in the entirety of your business. 

With a bold, and authentic writing style, he is able to communicate to many small and medium-sized business owners in a way that makes their marketing much more sustainable and actionable.

Learn more about Allan and his services here: https://leanmarketing.com/