The Jason Cavness Experience

Healing, Education, and Action — Dr. Conrad Webster on Race, Mental Health, and Purpose

Dr. Conrad Webster, a CEO, mental health advocate, and Professor of Education at the University of Washington Tacoma, joins Jason Cavness for an in-depth conversation on healing, equity, and empowerment.

A critical race theorist and founder of Black Boy Heal, Dr. Webster brings both academic and lived experience to discussions about systemic barriers, mental health in Black communities, and how education can be a tool for restoration and liberation.

This episode blends insight, empathy, and practical wisdom — reminding listeners that real change begins when we align our purpose with action.

Episode Highlights

• Mental health and healing for Black men • Race equity, education, and representation in leadership • From community colleges to university classrooms • Building Black Boy Heal and advocating for access • The hidden costs of performative activism • Toxic masculinity and emotional growth • Systemic inequality and educational injustice • How to turn purpose into action

Guest Bio (Condensed)

Dr. Conrad Webster is a mental health advocate, writer, and Professor of Education at the University of Washington Tacoma. He also serves as Associate Director of TRIO at Seattle College and previously worked as a Racial Equity Advancement Advisor at Seattle Public Schools.

His research and community work focus on decolonizing education, dismantling systemic barriers, and fostering emotional healing within marginalized communities.

Dr. Webster is also the creator of Black Boy Heal, an organization and mobile app designed to address the mental health needs of African American boys and men. He is a recipient of the NAMI Washington Bebe Moore Campbell BIPOC Mental Health Award for distinguished contributions to mental health advocacy and racial equity.

Guest Links

LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/conrad-trayvon-webster-edd/ Black Boy Heal – https://theblackboyheal.com/ Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/_dr_webster/ Apple App – Black Boy Heal (App Store) Android App – Black Boy Heal (Google Play)

Guest Quote / Advice

"Think about your dream, the purpose behind it, and know that there's order in truly committing to it. Once you do, there will be noise — but treat it as surface level. Stay focused, aim high, and put action behind your vision."

Call to Action

🎧 Listen to full episodes: www.thejasoncavnessexperience.com 💡 Become an owner in CavnessHR: https://wefunder.com/cavnesshr 📘 Download 7 free startup ebooks: https://www.buildcavnesshr.com/ebooks

AI, Investing, and Consciousness — Ken Morimoto on Building, Funding, and the Future of Innovation

Ken Morimoto, a 5x startup operator, angel investor, and community builder, joins Jason Cavness to explore the intersection of artificial intelligence, startups, and the human experience.

As Managing Partner of Morimoto Venture Partners (MVP) and Director at Centific, Ken has supported over 250 early-stage startups that have collectively raised more than $1B. In this conversation, he breaks down what makes founders fundable, how AI is reshaping human work, and why curiosity and self-awareness matter more than ever in leadership and innovation.

Episode Highlights

• The mindset of a founder who attracts investment • Angel investing and the science of early-stage success • AI's true impact on creativity and collaboration • Quantum mechanics, consciousness, and free will • How energy limits could reshape Moore's Law • The Seattle tech ecosystem and AI Leaders & Builders community • Building high-performance startup teams • The balance between human intuition and machine intelligence

Guest Bio (Condensed)

Ken Morimoto is a 5x startup operator, active angel investor, and community builder. Currently a Director at Centific and Managing Partner at MVP (Morimoto Venture Partners), he has helped guide over 250 startups worldwide, collectively raising more than $1 billion in capital.

Ken's background spans leadership roles at Bigband, NewEdge, Telx, Scale, and Cobalt. His work centers around AI, data science, and startup ecosystems — with a deep passion for fostering innovation in Seattle and beyond. He also hosts AI Leaders & Builders, one of the region's most active tech communities.

Guest Links

LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/kenm/

Guest Quote / Advice

"Stay curious and humble. You can't predict how fast technology will move — but you can decide how deeply you'll learn from it."

Call to Action

🎧 Listen to full episodes: www.thejasoncavnessexperience.com 💡 Become an owner in CavnessHR: https://wefunder.com/cavnesshr 📘 Download 7 free startup ebooks: https://www.buildcavnesshr.com/ebooks

From Eritrea to Espresso — Efrem Fesaha on Culture, Coffee, and Community

Efrem Fesaha, Founder and CEO of Boon Boona Coffee, joins Jason Cavness to share his journey from corporate finance to building one of the Pacific Northwest's most celebrated coffee brands.

Inspired by the café culture of his family's native Eritrea, Efrem returned to Seattle determined to bring the richness of East African coffee traditions to a wider audience. Today, Boon Boona Coffee operates multiple locations, supplies major grocery chains, and serves as a cultural hub for community connection.

Efrem's story is one of persistence, cultural pride, and purpose — a reminder that business can be both profitable and deeply human.

Episode Highlights

• From corporate finance to coffee entrepreneurship • Bringing Eritrean and East African coffee culture to Seattle • Building Boon Boona Coffee during the pandemic • How community engagement drives business success • Coffee sourcing, roasting, and quality control • Navigating growth while staying authentic • Mental health, leadership, and self-care as a founder • Advice for aspiring entrepreneurs

Guest Bio (Condensed)

Efrem Fesaha is the Founder and CEO of Boon Boona Coffee, a fast-growing coffee company rooted in East African tradition and based in Seattle, Washington.

After 13 years in corporate finance at companies like Amazon and Nordstrom, Efrem traveled to Eritrea, where he fell in love with the café culture and community-centered spirit of coffee. That experience inspired him to create Boon Boona Coffee, which now includes multiple cafés, grocery distribution, and corporate partnerships — all focused on sourcing high-quality beans directly from African farmers.

Efrem is the recipient of numerous awards, including the 2022 SBA Washington Small Business Person of the Year, Pacific Northwest Small Business Person of the Year, and the 2023 Tabor 100 Community Service Crystal Eagle Award.

Guest Links

LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/efrem-fesaha-1082a65b/ Website – https://www.boonboonacoffee.com/ X – https://twitter.com/BoonBoonaCoffee Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/boonboonacoffee/ TikTok – https://www.tiktok.com/@boonboonacoffee

Guest Quote / Advice

"Do something good. Or do some good that benefits someone else. Just try doing something good in your community. It doesn't need to be anything elaborate — just start."

Call to Action

🎧 Listen to full episodes: www.thejasoncavnessexperience.com 💡 Become an owner in CavnessHR: https://wefunder.com/cavnesshr 📘 Download 7 free startup ebooks: https://www.buildcavnesshr.com/ebooks

Disrupt Everything with Innovation — Mark Monroe on Tech, Culture, and the Future of Investing

Mark Monroe, Managing Partner at From the Culture and Co-Creator of The Come Up Series, joins Jason Cavness to discuss innovation, diversity, and entrepreneurship in the modern startup ecosystem.

From his early days founding MyUnfold — a tech recruiting platform later acquired in 2016 — to shaping the future of venture capital and financial education, Mark has consistently challenged the status quo. In this conversation, he breaks down what it means to "Disrupt Everything with Innovation," sharing insights on startups, AI, diversity in tech, and the mindset needed to build lasting impact.

Episode Highlights

• From startup founder to venture capitalist and educator • Lessons from building and selling MyUnfold • Diversity, equity, and inclusion through innovation • Empowering retail investors through The Come Up Series • Short-term vs. long-term thinking in investing • AI, automation, and the next wave of job disruption • Startup funding in Seattle vs. Silicon Valley • Leadership, humility, and lifelong learning

Guest Bio (Condensed)

Mark Monroe is a Seattle-based entrepreneur, investor, and community builder. As Managing Partner at From the Culture and Co-Creator of The Come Up Series, he blends venture capital, education, and social impact to drive inclusive innovation.

Previously, Mark founded MyUnfold, a tech platform that redefined recruiting before being acquired in 2016. He later moved into investing, helping early-stage founders scale businesses that merge culture with technology. His career reflects a mission to empower underrepresented founders and make wealth-building knowledge accessible to all.

Guest Links

LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/iammarkmonroe/ From the Culture – https://www.fromtheculture.co/ The Come Up Series – https://www.youtube.com/TheComeUpSeries X – https://x.com/iammarkmonroe Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/iammarkmonroe/

Guest Quote / Advice

"Never let your cockiness supersede your talent."

Call to Action

🎧 Listen to full episodes: www.thejasoncavnessexperience.com 💡 Become an owner in CavnessHR: https://wefunder.com/cavnesshr 📘 Download 7 free startup ebooks: https://www.buildcavnesshr.com/ebooks

Teaching Kids About Money — Kelly Kirk on Creativity, Investing, and Walter the Vault

Kelly Kirk, Director of Content & Innovation at Walter the Vault, joins Jason Cavness to discuss how storytelling, humor, and creativity can make financial literacy engaging for kids and families.

With a background in international education and acting, Kelly blends teaching, entertainment, and entrepreneurship to bring financial lessons to life. From her years in Shanghai running a private acting school to building Walter the Vault into a global financial literacy brand, Kelly shares her insights on education, investing, and the challenges of balancing creativity with business strategy.

Episode Highlights

• From teaching in China to building a financial literacy brand in the U.S. • How Walter the Vault helps families talk about money • Investing lessons learned from Netflix, Dogecoin, and GameStop • Entrepreneurship, content creation, and financial education for kids • Education, parenting, and the power of immersive learning • Navigating misinformation and financial conspiracies online • Financial literacy, AI, and the future of education

Guest Bio (Condensed)

Kelly Kirk is a financial literacy enthusiast, educator, and entrepreneur, currently serving as Director of Content & Innovation at Walter the Vault. With over a decade of experience in international education, she's developed immersive, creative approaches to teaching — from running a private acting school in Shanghai to building financial education programs that inspire curiosity in children and families.

Her mission is simple: make financial learning engaging, relatable, and fun — and help people of all ages become more confident with money.

Guest Links

LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/kkwtv/ Website – https://walterthevault.com/ X – https://twitter.com/walterthevault Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/walterthevault/ TikTok – https://www.tiktok.com/@walterthevault

Guest Quote / Advice

"I always say, if you're gonna be late, be great. So if you're ever running late to anything — embrace it, and when you get there, be awesome."

Call to Action

🎧 Listen to full episodes: www.thejasoncavnessexperience.com 💡 Become an owner in CavnessHR: https://wefunder.com/cavnesshr 📘 Download 7 free startup ebooks: https://www.buildcavnesshr.com/ebooks

Innovating How We Learn — Dr. Linda Berberich on AI, Curiosity, and the Future of Education

Dr. Linda Berberich, Founder and Chief Learning Architect at Linda B. Learning, joins Jason Cavness to explore how AI, extended reality, and data-driven design are transforming how humans learn. With over 30 years of experience designing cutting-edge learning systems for companies like Microsoft, Expedia, and Oracle, Dr. Berberich combines creativity, psychology, and technology to craft personalized learning experiences that ignite curiosity.

This episode dives into the future of education — from AI-powered dream analysis to lifelong learning and innovation in tech.

Episode Highlights

• From ice skating and theater to learning technology innovation • How AI, VR, and data reshape the way we learn • Rekindling curiosity in adults and rethinking traditional education • How fear of technology can become an opportunity for inquiry • The balance between creativity, analytics, and human connection • Using AI tools to personalize education and training • Challenges and opportunities in building learning tech startups • Funding, diversity, and innovation in the Seattle tech ecosystem

Guest Bio (Condensed)

Dr. Linda Berberich is the Founder and Chief Learning Architect of Linda B. Learning, a consulting firm focused on reimagining education and training through innovation, data, and technology. Over her 30-year career, she's led learning design for companies including Microsoft, Oracle, Expedia, and Atlassian — creating human-centered solutions that merge AI, VR, and data analytics to accelerate skill development.

Dr. Berberich is known for bringing imagination to technology — designing learning experiences that challenge how we think, grow, and connect.

Guest Links

LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/linda-berberich-phd-3745004/ Website – https://www.lindablearning.com/ Company LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/linda-b-learning/

Guest Quote / Advice

"Don't be scared of technology. Fear is just your emotions telling you to pay attention — it's an invitation to learn."

Call to Action

🎧 Listen to full episodes: www.thejasoncavnessexperience.com 💡 Become an owner in CavnessHR: https://wefunder.com/cavnesshr 📘 Download 7 free startup ebooks: https://www.buildcavnesshr.com/ebooks

From Marine to Mayor: Joshua Penner on Leadership, AI, and Public Service

Joshua Penner, Mayor of Orting, WA and Co-Founder of Inquisio, joins Jason Cavness to discuss leadership, innovation, and the future of AI in government. A U.S. Marine Corps Veteran and Harvard-educated strategist, Joshua has applied both battlefield discipline and startup agility to rethinking public service.

This conversation explores the intersection of technology, local government, and community building — from emergency preparedness and family life to the challenges of bringing AI into municipal operations.

Episode Highlights

• From Marine Corps service to leading as Mayor of Orting, WA • Using AI to improve transparency and efficiency in government • Building Inquisio to help small cities modernize with technology • Veteran leadership, discipline, and civic innovation • Parenting, travel, and raising children with disabilities • Police training, local governance, and the defunding debate • Startup fundraising, equity, and de-risking early ventures • Mental health, productivity, and balance in leadership

Guest Bio (Condensed)

Joshua Penner is the Mayor of Orting, Washington; a board member at the Association of Washington Cities; and a Trustee for the AWC Employee Benefits Trust. He's also the Co-Founder of Inquisio, a company developing AI-powered tools to make local government more transparent and accessible.

A U.S. Marine Corps Veteran who served in Operation Iraqi Freedom, Joshua blends his experience in public administration, technology, and leadership to create practical innovation at the city level. His focus: helping smaller governments embrace AI to streamline workflows and better serve their citizens.

Guest Links

LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuapenner/ Inquisio Website – https://inquisio.ai/

Guest Quote / Advice

"If anyone's watching this to this point, I'd say — if you have an idea, run with it."

Call to Action

🎧 Listen to full episodes: www.thejasoncavnessexperience.com 💡 Become an owner in CavnessHR: https://wefunder.com/cavnesshr 📘 Download 7 free startup ebooks: https://www.buildcavnesshr.com/ebooks

Jeffrey Lee Cheatham II is an author, actor, and the Founder of the Seattle Urban Book Expo — a platform dedicated to promoting Black and Brown voices in literature. Through his children's books and community events, Jeffrey is on a mission to expand representation and empower the next generation of storytellers.

In this conversation, he and Jason Cavness dive deep into storytelling, community building, entrepreneurship, and creativity. Jeffrey shares lessons from self-publishing, acting, and event organizing — and how he's making life happen on his own terms.

Episode Highlights

• Building the Seattle Urban Book Expo and supporting local authors • Writing and self-publishing children's books with purpose and representation • Mentorship, ghostwriting, and helping others publish • The importance of emotional intelligence and family in storytelling • Acting, performance, and creative expression • Seattle's arts scene, gentrification, and community events • Entrepreneurship, leadership, and self-belief • Making life happen — not waiting for it to happen to you

Guest Bio (Condensed)

Jeffrey Lee Cheatham II is a multi-hyphenate creative — author, actor, marketer, and community organizer — best known as the Founder of the Seattle Urban Book Expo. His work focuses on elevating Black and Brown literature while teaching self-publishing and storytelling to new authors.

Through his children's books for grades K–3, Jeffrey explores emotional understanding, social awareness, and family dynamics. He's also a mentor and consultant for aspiring writers, helping them navigate the journey to self-publishing.

Guest Links

LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffrey-lee-cheatham-ii-3421561a3/ Website – https://jeffcheatham2.com/ Seattle Urban Book Expo – https://subeseattle.com/ Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/jay_the_author/ Instagram (Channel) – https://www.instagram.com/channelcheatham/ X (Twitter) – https://twitter.com/AuthorJLC2 TikTok – https://www.tiktok.com/@channelcheatham

Guest Quote / Advice

"We have one life to live. If you keep waiting for life to happen, it's not gonna happen. You've got to make life happen. Whatever your dream is — just go for it."

Call to Action

🎧 Full episodes: www.thejasoncavnessexperience.com 💡 Become an owner in CavnessHR: https://wefunder.com/cavnesshr 📘 Download 7 free startup ebooks: https://www.buildcavnesshr.com/ebooks

Don Rivers - Democratic Candidate for Washington State Governor

Go to www.thejasoncavnessexperience.com for the full episode and other episodes of The Jason Cavness Experience on your favorite platforms.

Sponsor

CavnessHR delivers HR companies with 49 or fewer people with our HR platform and by providing you access to your own HRBP. www.CavnessHR.com

Partners

Message your customers - https://www.tawk.to/?pid=byo1znq

Payroll - https://offers.everee.com/cavness-hr

Sales CRM for small business - https://refer.close.com/100cqlbfcgg5

Health Insurance and Benefits - https://www.peoplekeep.com/refer

Don's Bio

Don L. Rivers is an organizer not a fraternizer. In his many years of running for public office, he has not taken money from lobbyists, or any special interest groups. He considers himself to be a representative of the people, not a politician. He not only stands for the people but with the people.

Rivers wants to increase the state budget by 12.5% over the next three years. This will be accomplished through increasing more import and export commerce thus creating more jobs. Rivers plans to improve Washington State's desperate need for a better mental health system. The state and the health system need to work together to structure a mental health system that deals with preventive treatment as well as diagnostic and continuous treatment. It should be structured for everyone, not just those who are chronically mentally ill.

Rivers wholeheartedly support a woman's right to freedom of choice. No person, politician or government has the right to make that choice for a woman about what she can and cannot do with her body. Men have the freedom of choice and so should women.

Rivers knows that homelessness is one of the biggest crisis facing our state and nation. He wants to develop programs that will not only help to reduce the problem but treat the underlying causes such as runaways stemming from child trafficking and abuse, inflated mortgage rates, and unemployment as well as mental illness.

Don L. Rivers plans to go across the state to all 39 counties to speak with the communities. This is to explore avenues and options which can uplift each county. Also to get a better understanding of the needs for investment opportunities in areas of real estate, manufacturing, education, etc.

We talked about the following and other items

Homelessness, lack of solutions, and personal experiences.

Crime, homelessness, and youth development in Washington state.

Racism and crime in the US, particularly in Detroit and Seattle.

Marketing strategies for small businesses during COVID-19.

Supporting small businesses and creating economic opportunities.

Property taxes, inequality, and political representation.

Industry growth, job creation, and inspection processes in Washington state.

Leadership, COVID response, and vetting political candidates.

Infrastructure, ferry system, and job training in Washington state.

AI impact, government action, and currency diversification.

Politics, term limits, and mentorship.

Addressing social issues in Washington state, including racial disparities in the criminal justice system and providing opportunities for young people.

Listening, learning, and leading in Washington state.

Police reform and accountability.

Police reform and community involvement in Seattle.

Police training, mental health, and arts funding.

Mental health and senior care in Washington state.

Government's role in addressing crises and providing support.

Leadership, governance, and community involvement in Washington State.

Don's Social Media

Campaign Website: https://www.votedonlrivers.com/

Campaign FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558617580465&mibextid=ZbWKwL

Vlad Mkrtumyan, Co-Founder of Logic Inbound, is a serial entrepreneur, search marketing strategist, and community builder. From launching startups to managing Seattle's largest marketing meetup, Vlad has built a career around connecting people and growing companies with purpose.

In this episode, he and Jason Cavness explore entrepreneurship, digital marketing, networking strategies, and the lessons behind scaling a seven-figure agency — plus how the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program shaped his leadership philosophy.

Episode Highlights

• Entrepreneurship, leadership, and work ethic in fast-growing businesses • How to build a mastermind group and leverage networking • Pricing, client selection, and scaling a digital marketing agency • Lessons from the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program • AI's impact on marketing and skill development • Balancing parenting, growth, and self-care • Why kindness and follow-through win in business and life

Guest Bio (Condensed)

Vlad Mkrtumyan is the Co-Founder of Logic Inbound, a Seattle-based SEO and web-development agency that reached seven figures under his leadership. A passionate connector, he runs multiple meetups including the Seattle Marketing and Demand Leaders Meetup, the largest marketing community in the city.

He has been featured in TechCrunch, GeekWire, Shopify, and 425 Magazine's 30 Under 30. A graduate of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program, Vlad continues to mentor entrepreneurs while helping businesses master growth, brand, and strategy.

Guest Links

LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/vladimir-mkrtumyan/ X (Twitter) – https://twitter.com/vladgives Email – [email protected] (mention you heard him on The Jason Cavness Experience) Company Website – https://www.logicinbound.com/

Partner Links

Message your customers – https://www.tawk.to/?pid=byo1znq Payroll – https://offers.everee.com/cavness-hr Sales CRM for small business – https://refer.close.com/100cqlbfcgg5 Health Insurance & Benefits – https://www.peoplekeep.com/refer

Guest Quote / Advice

"Whatever you want to do, create a mastermind around it. Read, learn, and get your peers involved — their feedback becomes your leverage. That's how you make things happen in life and business."

Call to Action

🎧 Full episodes: www.thejasoncavnessexperience.com 💡 Become an owner in CavnessHR: https://wefunder.com/cavnesshr 📘 Download 7 free startup ebooks: https://www.buildcavnesshr.com/ebooks