The Jason Cavness Experience

Eleanor Knight: From Kayaking the World's Toughest Rivers to UW Law at 19

In this episode, Jason Cavness talks with Eleanor Knight, a world-class whitewater kayaker, entrepreneur, and soon-to-be law student at the University of Washington. From running her first summer camp at 11, to building a swim school at 15, to earning a bronze medal on the world stage Eleanor's story is one of grit, curiosity, and relentless focus.

She shares what extreme kayaking taught her about fear, leadership, and discipline and how those same lessons drive her toward a future in business and law. About the Guest Eleanor Knight is a professional kayaker, entrepreneur, and University of Washington student heading to law school. She has represented the U.S. at the World Championships in freestyle kayaking, finishing 3rd globally.

A lifelong athlete and founder of Droplet Swim School, Eleanor has balanced sports, academics, and entrepreneurship with an uncommon clarity of purpose. She's also a writer for The Daily UW and part of Young Tech, a Seattle-based founder network connecting early-stage entrepreneurs.

We Talk About

• Getting accepted into law school at the University of Washington

• Starting Droplet Swim School at 15 and building early business instincts

• Lessons learned from competing at the Kayak World Championships

• How to balance risk, performance, and passion

• The beauty and danger of kayaking the world's most intense rivers

• What entrepreneurship and extreme sports have in common

• Mental toughness and staying calm under pressure

• The rescue story that changed how she approaches life and leadership

• Young Tech and community-building in Seattle's startup scene

• Networking advice for introverts who want real connections •

The discipline behind elite athletic performance •

Building confidence as a young woman in high-pressure environments

• Her transition from athlete to future attorney

• Why leadership is about precision, not control

• Preparing mentally for law school and future challenges

Guest Advice "Being calm under pressure is something kayaking taught me. If you can stay focused when the river turns against you you can handle anything in life.

Connect with Eleanor Knight

• Instagram → @eleanorrknight

• LinkedIn → Eleanor Knight

Free Resources & Ways to Support CavnessHR

• Invest in CavnessHR on Wefunder: https://wefunder.com/cavnesshr

• Download 7 Free eBooks: https://www.buildcavnesshr.com/ebooks

• Join the Builders Club: https://www.buildcavnesshr.com

In this episode of The Jason Cavness Experience, host Jason Cavness sits down with Daniel Blue a comedian, community leader, and banker whose humor and heart have made an impact well beyond the stage.

Blue shares his journey from comedy clubs to community boards, reflecting on how laughter, mentorship, and service have shaped his purpose. Listeners will walk away inspired to lead with authenticity, give back with intention, and never lose their sense of humor along the way.

About the Guest: Daniel Blue is a Seattle-based comedian and community advocate whose work bridges entertainment, finance, and service. Beyond the stage, he serves on multiple nonprofit boards including Teen Feed and the YMCA Social Impact Committee, and is active in the Sunrise University Rotary Club. By day, he helps families and small businesses achieve financial stability through his career in banking; by night, he uses comedy to bring people together through storytelling, empathy, and laughter.

We Talk About: • How comedy became a tool for connection and healing • Blue's journey from finance to the stage • The role of community service in shaping his life philosophy • Lessons learned from Teen Feed and Rotary Club leadership • Navigating work-life balance and parenting in a busy world • Finding authenticity and choosing the right people to surround yourself with • How laughter breaks down walls in leadership and mentorship • Stories from the banking world and lessons in financial literacy • The intersection of comedy, sales, and customer service • Mentorship and the value of giving back to your community • The evolving world of comedy and social media influence • What great comedians teach us about resilience and timing • The parallels between stand-up, leadership, and entrepreneurship • Navigating generational wisdom and raising the next generation • The mindset behind consistent personal and professional growth

Guest Advice: "Be yourself — because that's the only way you'll ever connect with people who truly see you. The minute you fake it, you lose the magic."

Connect with Daniel Blue: • Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/BIGBLUESUIT • Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/thesuit45/ • LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-a-blue-sr-77a11734/ • Teen Feed → https://teenfeed.org/

Free Resources & Ways to Support CavnessHR:

• Builders Club → https://www.buildcavnesshr.com • Wefunder → https://wefunder.com/cavnesshr • eBooks → https://www.buildcavnesshr.com/ebooks

The Path Forward: Transforming Lives and Communities with Andrea Suarez of We Heart Seattle

Episode Summary: In this episode of The Jason Cavness Experience, host Jason Cavness talks with Andrea Suarez, founder of We Heart Seattle, a volunteer-powered organization leading a grassroots effort to address homelessness through community engagement, cleanup operations, and direct outreach. Andrea shares her journey from a successful corporate career to founding a movement that mobilizes thousands of volunteers, fosters human connection, and takes action where bureaucracy often stalls.

She opens up about her firsthand experiences on the streets of Seattle, her perspective on addiction and treatment-first models, and the need for practical, human-centered solutions to homelessness. The conversation also covers Andrea's political aspirations, her experiences running for office, and her candid take on what she calls the "homeless industrial complex." Her stories of personal redemption and community transformation highlight the power of individual effort in creating collective change.

Topics Discussed:

• How Andrea founded We Heart Seattle and what inspired her shift from corporate work to activism •

The realities of homelessness, fentanyl addiction, and public safety in Seattle •

Why Andrea believes in a "treatment before housing" model •

The role of civic engagement and volunteerism in solving systemic problems •

How social media and community organizing fuel local change •

The challenges of running a nonprofit in a complex public policy environment •

Andrea's experiences in local politics and the lessons learned from campaigning •

Success stories of individuals and communities transformed through We Heart Seattle •

Why small, consistent acts of kindness can create massive impact

Support CavnessHR and Join the Movement:

CavnessHR is building an AI-native HR system for small businesses with 49 or fewer employees —automating HR tasks while providing access to a dedicated HR Business Partner.

• 💸 Invest on Wefunder: https://wefunder.com/cavnesshr

• 📚 Download 7 Free eBooks from The Jason Cavness Experience: https://www.buildcavnesshr.com/ebooks

• 🤝 Join the CavnessHR Builders Club: Be part of shaping the future of small business HR. https://www.buildcavnesshr.com/

Andrea's Links: 🌐 Website: https://weheartseattle.org/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrea-suarez-a3368ab/

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

X (Twitter): https://x.com/weheartseattle X

(Founder's Account): https://x.com/weheartfounder

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/weheartseattle

Connect with Jason Cavness:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasoncavness/

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

Podcast Website: https://www.thejasoncavnessexperience.com

CavnessHR: https://www.cavnesshr.com

Innovative Entrepreneurship and AI Trends: Insights with Taylor Rae

In this episode of The Jason Cavness Experience, host Jason Cavness sits down with Taylor Rae. A dynamic entrepreneur, marketer, and founder of multiple ventures including Rae Enterprise and The Success Club App. Taylor shares her journey from college student to business leader, diving deep into geofencing, programmatic display advertising, and building an app that connects and empowers entrepreneurs.

Jason and Taylor explore the intersection of AI, marketing, and entrepreneurship, discussing how data and creativity shape modern business strategy.

They dive into the lessons learned from poker and how its mindset applies to business, Taylor's perspective on education versus real-world experience, and the future of HR automation powered by AI.

The conversation also covers challenges and opportunities in the startup ecosystem, including working with developers in Vietnam, integrating AI into HR systems, and creating smarter, leaner marketing campaigns. If you're passionate about entrepreneurship, AI innovation, or marketing strategy, this episode delivers insight, practicality, and inspiration.

Watch to learn:

• How Taylor Rae built two successful businesses while still in college

• The impact of AI on marketing and HR industries

• Why poker strategies apply to entrepreneurship

• How to create effective geofencing and display ad campaigns

• The debate between formal education and real-world business experience

• How CavnessHR is building AI-native HR tools for small businesses

💸 Invest on Wefunder: https://wefunder.com/cavnesshr

📚 Download 7 free eBooks: https://www.buildcavnesshr.com/ebooks

🎙 Listen to all episodes: www.thejasoncavnessexperience.com

Connect with Taylor Rae:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rae-enterprise-llc/

Instagram (Marketing): https://www.instagram.com/rae.enterprise.llc/

Instagram (Success Club App): https://www.instagram.com/our.success.club/

In this special solo episode, Jason Cavness shares the full story behind his journey — from dropping out of high school to serving 25 years in the U.S. Army, and ultimately becoming a founder building an AI-powered HR platform for small businesses.

Jason walks through the lessons that shaped him as a leader, the transition from military life to entrepreneurship, and the creation of CavnessHR — a company built to save time and money for businesses with 49 or fewer employees through automation and a dedicated HR Business Partner.

He also explores how his partnerships with TechBank and Earth VC in Vietnam are expanding the company's impact internationally, and how initiatives like the Builders Club, Wefunder campaign, and The Jason Cavness Experience podcast all work together to amplify the CavnessHR mission.

This episode is both a reflection on leadership and a roadmap for founders navigating uncertainty, growth, and purpose.

Key Topics Covered • Jason's journey from high school dropout to Army officer • Leadership lessons from 25 years in the U.S. Army • Transitioning from military service to tech entrepreneurship • The vision behind CavnessHR and empowering small business owners • Strategic partnerships with TechBank and Earth VC in Vietnam • Building community through the CavnessHR Builders Club • Fundraising insights from the ongoing Wefunder campaign • How the podcast became a storytelling engine for CavnessHR • The future of HR automation and AI for SMBs

Links & Resources 🚀 Wefunder Campaign → https://wefunder.com/cavnesshr 🎧 The Jason Cavness Experience → https://www.thejasoncavnessexperience.com 📚 Free eBooks → https://www.buildcavnesshr.com/ebooks 👥 Join the Builders Club → https://www.buildcavnesshr.com

About the Host Jason Cavness is a tattooed INFJ, Retired U.S. Army Officer, and founder of CavnessHR, an AI-native HR platform built for small businesses with 49 or fewer employees.

Through The Jason Cavness Experience, he spotlights founders, investors, and innovators shaping the future of work and technology — all while building a global bridge between the U.S. and Vietnam startup ecosystems.

His motto: Be Great Every Day.

About Lee Kindell Lee Kindell, founder of MOTO Pizza, has redefined what it means to build a restaurant brand with heart and innovation.

What began as a small post-retirement passion project turned into one of Seattle's most talked-about food success stories. Known for its Detroit-style pizzas, Filipino-inspired toppings, and a 120-year-old sourdough starter named Betty, MOTO Pizza blends craft, culture, and community in every slice.

When the pandemic hit, Lee pivoted fast—scaling MOTO from a neighborhood idea into a growing chain with locations in Belltown, Edmonds, and even T-Mobile Park. But the story doesn't stop there: Lee is using robotics and AI automation to streamline pizza production while keeping its handmade soul intact.

In 2026, he plans to launch pizza drone delivery, pushing the boundaries of what food tech can be—all while keeping kindness and community at the center.

What We Talk About • Lee's journey from hostel owner to pizza visionary • How the pandemic accelerated MOTO Pizza's rise • Balancing craftsmanship and technology in the food industry • Why kindness and community come before profit • Robotics, automation, and the next frontier in restaurant tech • Sourcing ingredients sustainably & the slow food movement • The realities of scaling without losing your identity • The plan for pizza-by-drone delivery in 2026 • Creativity, culture, and leadership lessons for founders • And yes… pizza in space. 🍕🚀

Connect with Lee Kindell 🌐 Website – https://www.motopizza.com 🔗 LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/leekindell 📸 Instagram – @motopizzashop 🎵 TikTok – @motopizza

Episode Sponsor — Sentry Computing Keeping your business tech secure and performing at its best can be challenging. With Sentry Computing, the IT partner of choice for businesses of all sizes, you get thoughtful human interaction and innovative professional IT services. • Managed IT • Cybersecurity • AI Consulting • Cloud Consulting • Business Automation 🔗 Learn more → https://sentrycomputing.com

Free Resources & Ways to Support CavnessHR 📚 Get 7 free eBooks with insights from The Jason Cavness Experience → https://www.buildcavnesshr.com/ebooks 👥 Join the Builders Club → https://www.buildcavnesshr.com 💸 Support CavnessHR on Wefunder → https://wefunder.com/cavnesshr

About Scott Alldridge Scott Alldridge is the CEO of IP Services and a Certified Chief Information Security Officer (CCISO) with over 30 years of global experience in IT management and cybersecurity. Starting his tech career at just 19, Scott has built a reputation as a leader who bridges technology, business, and human behavior to create resilient organizations.

He is also the President of the IT Process Institute (ITPI) and co-author of the bestselling VisibleOps book series, which has sold more than 400,000 copies worldwide. As the creator of the TotalControl™ framework, Scott has helped enterprises align IT operations with business outcomes — driving measurable security and performance improvements across industries.

Harvard-certified in Technology and Privacy, Scott is also recognized as a CISSP, AI MS Certified, ITIL Expert, and international keynote speaker shaping the next generation of cybersecurity practices.

What We Talk About • The evolution of IT and cybersecurity over 30 years • How leadership drives modern security strategy • The intersection of AI, quantum computing, and emerging cyber threats • Zero Trust, microsegmentation, and immutable backups • The global impact of the VisibleOps methodology • Common myths about cloud security and cyber insurance • How to evaluate and select the right IT service providers • The FBI's involvement in modern cybercrime cases • Understanding the Dunning-Kruger effect in cybersecurity • Building a culture of integrity, process, and resilience • The future of security — from people to process to technology

Scott's Offers 🎁 Free Executive Companion Book (normally $17.95) → Text SECURE25 to 541-359-1269

🔐 Complimentary Penetration Test (valued $3K–$7K) → Text SECURE25 to 541-359-1269 (qualification required)

Connect with Scott Alldridge 🌐 LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottalldridge 🏢 Company – https://www.ipservices.com 📘 Author Website – https://www.visibleops.com 📷 Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/scottalldridge 📱 Text: 541-359-1269

Episode Sponsor — Sentry Computing Keeping the technology essential to your business safe and performing optimally can be challenging. With Sentry Computing, the IT partner of choice for businesses of all sizes, you get thoughtful human interaction and innovative professional IT services. Boost productivity and eliminate risk with: • Managed IT • Cybersecurity • AI Consulting • Cloud Consulting • Business Automation 🔗 Learn more → https://sentrycomputing.com

Free Resources & Ways to Support CavnessHR 📚 Get 7 Free eBooks from The Jason Cavness Experience → https://www.buildcavnesshr.com/ebooks 👥 Join the Builders Club — help shape the future of small business HR → https://www.buildcavnesshr.com 💸 Support CavnessHR on Wefunder — invest in our AI-powered HR platform → https://wefunder.com/cavnesshr 🎧 Listen on all platforms → https://www.thejasoncavnessexperience.com

Episode Sponsor — Sentry Computing Keeping the technology essential to your business safe and performing optimally can be challenging. With Sentry Computing, the IT partner of choice for businesses of all sizes, you get thoughtful human interaction and innovative professional IT services. Boost productivity and eliminate risk with: • Managed IT • Cybersecurity • AI Consulting • Cloud Consulting • Business Automation 🔗 Learn more → https://sentrycomputing.com

About Daniella Mestyanek Young Daniella Mestyanek Young is a cult survivor, U.S. Army veteran, organizational psychologist, and the author of Uncultured — a critically acclaimed memoir — and The Culting of America (coming January 20, 2026). 📖 Pre-order here → https://knittingcultlady.com/products/the-culting-of-america

Born into the infamous Children of God cult — a group notorious for weaponizing religion, isolation, and sexuality — Daniella escaped at 15, only to join another high-control institution: the U.S. Army. There, she became one of the first women on an integrated ground combat team and later served as an intelligence officer studying terrorist organizations.

Today, Daniella connects the dots between cults, terrorist groups, the military, and corporate culture — revealing the uncomfortable ways these institutions use control, conformity, and charisma to shape behavior. Whether speaking on stage or knitting on TikTok while explaining coercive dynamics, she's on a mission to help people spot control early, reclaim autonomy, and lead with awareness.

🔗 Website – https://knittingcultlady.com 💼 LinkedIn – https://linkedin.com/in/daniella-young 📷 Instagram – @daniellamyoung_ 🎥 TikTok – @knitting.cult.lady 📘 Facebook – Daniella Claire 🎭 Patreon – Group Behavior Gal

Episode Summary From escaping a cult to breaking barriers in the U.S. Army, Daniella's story is one of resilience, courage, and reclaiming power. This episode explores how coercive systems take root — and how individuals can unlearn control, rebuild trust, and define success on their own terms.

We talk about: • Her path from isolation to belonging • Lessons from Army leadership and combat • How cult psychology shows up in politics and workplaces • Why belonging can become coercion • Knitting as mindfulness and creative advocacy • Navigating public criticism and vulnerability • Building authentic online communities • Valuing time, labor, and personal boundaries

Key Topics We Cover • Culture shock and finding belonging • Leadership and storytelling as recovery tools • Social media and TikTok growth • Military reflections and parallel structures • Parenting and identity after trauma • Writing, publishing, and public storytelling • Creative outlets: knitting and introspection • Challenges for underrepresented voices • Handling criticism with empathy and clarity • Defining success outside traditional systems

Daniella's Advice • Spot coercion early: "If a group is shiny, bouncy, and perfect — that's control, not community." • Be cautious with compliments: "When they call you 'mature,' it's often targeting, not praise." • Value your time and labor: "Never give all of yourself to any person, place, or idea."

📖 Listen to "Uncultured" on Spotify Pre-order The Culting of America → https://knittingcultlady.com/products/the-culting-of-america

Free Resources & Ways to Support CavnessHR 📚 Get 7 Free eBooks from The Jason Cavness Experience → https://www.buildcavnesshr.com/ebooks 👥 Join the Builders Club → https://www.buildcavnesshr.com 💸 Support CavnessHR on Wefunder → https://wefunder.com/cavnesshr 🎧 Listen to all episodes → https://www.thejasoncavnessexperience.com

Episode Sponsor — Sentry Computing Keeping the technology essential to your business safe and performing optimally can be challenging. With Sentry Computing — the IT partner of choice for businesses of all sizes — you get thoughtful human interaction and innovative professional IT services. Boost productivity and eliminate risk with: • Managed IT • Cybersecurity • AI Consulting • Cloud Consulting • Business Automation 🔗 Learn more → https://sentrycomputing.com

About Sierra Clouse Sierra Clouse is the Founder of Barclo Ventures, a future-tech venture studio based in the Pacific Northwest. She operates at the intersection of quantum computing, AI, and systems innovation — backing founders who are building the infrastructure and intelligence of tomorrow.

Her career path is anything but traditional — spanning anti-trafficking advocacy, TEDx production, and now venture capital and ecosystem building. Known for her strategic mind and creative drive, Sierra represents the next generation of venture leaders who blend empathy, curiosity, and systems thinking to tackle humanity's biggest challenges.

🔗 LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/sierra-clouse 🔗 Website – https://barclo.ventures

Topics We Cover in This Episode • Sierra's passion for cooking, reading, and creative outlets • Lessons from producing and speaking at TEDx Belltown Women • Her journey into blockchain, AI, and quantum computing • How she approaches grants and deep-tech fundraising • Balancing significance and humility in leadership • The future of AI, ethics, and responsible innovation • Building a venture studio and supporting deep-tech founders • Comparing VC culture between Seattle and the Bay Area • Big Tech's impact on innovation and startup succession • Parenting while leading in the venture ecosystem • The "Dead Internet Theory" and multiverse thinking • Procurement, cybersecurity, and complexity in innovation • Energy demands of AI and how quantum could change that • Challenges facing female founders in global innovation • Personal productivity, boundary-setting, and emotional resilience

Sierra's Advice "Fear is always an option, but it is never the answer. Uncertainty is scary… but don't spiral. Get back into curiosity, wonder, and research. Find your people, take local action, and create your own bright spots — no matter how big the challenges seem."

Free Resources & Ways to Support CavnessHR 📚 Get 7 Free eBooks from The Jason Cavness Experience → https://www.buildcavnesshr.com/ebooks 👥 Join the Builders Club — shape the future of small business HR → https://www.buildcavnesshr.com 💸 Support CavnessHR on Wefunder — help us raise $50K–$500K for our AI-powered HR platform → https://wefunder.com/cavnesshr 🎧 Listen to all episodes → https://www.thejasoncavnessexperience.com

About Jason Cavness Jason Cavness is a tattooed INFJ, retired U.S. Army officer (25 years of service), and relentless builder of businesses and communities. He's the CEO and Founder of CavnessHR, where he helps U.S. small businesses (49 or fewer employees) save time and money by automating HR through a tech platform backed by a dedicated HR Business Partner.

Jason also hosts The Jason Cavness Experience, a top 2.5% global podcast and top 100 tech show, where he dives deep with entrepreneurs and innovators shaping the future. His motto: "Be Great Every Day."

Whether leading soldiers, advising founders, or scaling HR tech, Jason's focus is simple — add value and help people solve real-world problems.

He holds a Master's in Human Relations from the University of Oklahoma.

About This Episode This special Wefunder livestream edition of The Jason Cavness Experience was hosted by Sierra Clouse of Barlco Ventures and created to introduce the community to the CavnessHR crowdfunding campaign on Wefunder.

In this conversation, Sierra flips the script and interviews Jason about his personal and professional journey — from college leadership and Army officer training to leading high-performing military units and transitioning into entrepreneurship.

They also explore: • Why HR remains one of the hardest problems for small businesses • How CavnessHR balances AI automation with the human touch • Client success stories (including "Anna," a founder saved from HR chaos) • Building for scalability and long-term community impact • The U.S.–Vietnam startup bridge and global growth strategy • The challenges and mindset behind startup fundraising • Lessons from CavnessHR's Ho Chi Minh City launch event • What's next for CavnessHR and the Builders Club movement

Connect with Jason Cavness 🔗 LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasoncavness ▶️ YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@JasonCavnessExperience 🎵 TikTok – https://www.tiktok.com/@jasoncavness 🐦 X (Twitter) – https://twitter.com/jasoncavness 📸 Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/jasoncavness

Free Resources & Ways to Support CavnessHR 📚 Get 7 Free eBooks from The Jason Cavness Experience → https://www.buildcavnesshr.com/ebooks 👥 Join the Builders Club and shape the future of small business HR → https://www.buildcavnesshr.com 💸 Support CavnessHR on Wefunder — help us raise $50K–$500K for our AI-powered HR system → https://wefunder.com/cavnesshr