Growing up in a blue-collar home, Content Snare co-founder James Rose never considered entrepreneurship in his future but knew he loved building things. He loved building computers for friends and basic, HTML sites as early as 14.

When James laid out the things he was looking for in a career, his college counselors said there is a program that did basically everything he wanted. Just like that, he was set on the path of becoming a Control Systems Engineer, and eventually found good work in that field right out of college. That is until he realized that having a good job is less enjoyable when you're not thrilled about the people you're doing it for.

On today's episode, we talk Jame's story, the evolution of ranking and web tactics on the internet, and the experience of turning your need for a better process, into a tool for the world to use.

In May 2016, Mickenzie Haan was going about business as usual.  For the college junior, beloved by her peers for her kindness, optimism and creativity, another summer choir tour had just about ended. As they made their way to the airport to return home, those peers noticed the magnetic Mickenzie they knew and love, was acting anything but her usual self. 

A day later, Mickenzie would slip into a coma. She had contracted an extremely rare and severe brain infection. The diagnosis was grim: doctors advised her family not to expect the Mickenzie they knew to ever return, if she survived at all. That a pristine recovery was virtually impossible. 

4 weeks later, to a chorus of ecstatic doctors, nurses, strangers and family Mickenzie Haan woke up.

Today, Mickenzie shares her incredible story of recovery and growth. No matter where you are, or what you’re facing, Mickenzie’s story challenges us to face every leap, with unapologetic hope.

When disaster strikes your community, how do you respond? In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, many people tried to look at it as a fresh start. As a city with an abundance of creative energy, businesses were launched and communities of entrepreneurs formed like never before. But according to Ciera Holzenthal and Kristy Oustalet, the same thing didn’t happen for creative entrepreneurs. So they stepped in and made the space themselves.

Both of them had come back home to New Orleans with a desire to invest into the creative community. So they started hosting meet-ups and carved out a corner where creative entrepreneurs could connect with other solo business owners, and talk candidly about real issues. What started as happy hour meet ups is now the 4th Annual Venture Pop Conference, featuring some of the most inspiring creative entrepreneurs from around the country. 

On today’s episode, we talk their creative journeys, the evolution of New Orleans as a home for creative entrepreneurs, and what it takes to create meaningful community for those around you.