The Keri Croft Show

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Starting a business? Community is everything! And know one knows that better than Lauren Betterton, the brains behind Bumble’s Backyard in Columbus, Ohio. This absolute ray of sunshine joins the pod to talk about building a dog park that’s really about bringing people together. We get into the highs and lows of launching something from scratch, working with a partner and learning to ask for help. Whether you’re a dog lover, an entrepreneur, or just craving connection, tune in!

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Lindsay Remley is in the building! The powerhouse CEO of Edgework Creative (and fellow Jim Tressel superfan) gets real about entrepreneurship, parenting and work-life balance. We dive into overcoming anxiety, setting boundaries and raising strong daughters with “boy” names. Plus, Lindsay shares her journey from corporate life to craftsmanship—she even built my dining table!

And because Lindsay is the absolute best, she comes bearing gifts!!! Of course, BIG things are in the works for her biz (including a Guinness World Record project!) and that comes as no surprise—Lindsay and her team are absolutely brilliant at what they do. Whether you're an entrepreneur, a parent, or just here for the vibes—this episode's packed with wisdom, laughs and maybe even a little football nostalgia.

🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe for more deep dives with incredible guests! And be sure to check out Edgework Creative at edgeworkcreative.co or follow them on social @edgeworkcreative.

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In this conversation with J Rawls, we talk about how hip hop found its way into the hallowed halls of academia. He opened up about his journey from college student to music producer, ultimately becoming a key figure in establishing a hip hop studies minor at Ohio State University. Discover how he balanced his passion for music with academic pursuits, connecting with legendary artists like High Tech, Talib Kweli, and many others along the way. 

J reminisces about his musical roots, from childhood beatboxing to remixing tracks for the iconic Beastie Boys. Learn about his creative collaborations and the joy he finds in teaching hip hop at OSU. Together, we explore the profound cultural impact of the genre, drawing on early influences like EPMD and Kool & the Gang.

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It's a three-peat for my girl, Lisa Suarez! With her recent divorce behind her,  Lisa opens up about how she got through the breakup by focusing inward and leaning on her incredible team to keep her bustling salon, Lacquer, thriving amidst the turmoil. Lisa's experience is a powerful testament to adaptability and strength in the face of life's unexpected turns.

We also dish about the salon industry, and we go in on the pivotal role of mentorship and hands-on experience in a salon setting for newcomers. Lisa and I explore the shifting trends post-COVID, as many professionals return to salon communities for the camaraderie and support they offer. If you're a budding entrepreneur or simply curious about the salon world, this conversation is packed with insights.

And a chat with Lisa wouldn't be complete without some reality TV scoop, and Lisa shares some of her wild adventures in the dating scene post-divorce, navigating the world of apps and new connections with humor and grace, per usual. 

Thanks for stopping by again, Lisa!

xoxo-

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Be still my beating heart, it's Nina F*cking West, BABY!

(Seriously, please inch me!)

Nina West, the extraordinary drag performer and activist, joined me to share her deeply personal journey through the tumultuous landscape of identity and activism. Growing up in a conservative environment, Nina bravely recounts the struggle of masking her true self and the transformative power of theater and supportive allies. Her story is one of resilience, where personal hardships are met with an unwavering commitment to advocating for change and inclusion within the LGBTQIA+ community.

Navigating the polarizing shifts in society since 2015, Nina reflects on the normalization of divisive behaviors and the challenge of staying positive amidst a changing political landscape. With warmth, she shares her journey of self-discovery and acceptance, influenced by mentors like her choir director, Kathy Ringley, and the vibrant community at the Players Guild of Canton. These relationships played a crucial role in nurturing her true identity, offering vital support during pivotal moments of her life, ultimately shaping the remarkable persona of Nina West.

From college experiences to the creative joys of preparing for a drag performance, Nina highlights the power of resilience and the artistic process. We explore the impact of musical theater icons like Bette Midler and how they inspire confidence and authenticity. Embracing positivity and gratitude, Nina encourages listeners to stay engaged and hopeful, teasing the exciting opportunities on the horizon. Join us for this heartfelt and inspiring episode, as Nina West illuminates the strength found in embracing one's true self amidst life's challenges.

P.S. Buy your tickets to see Nina performing in "Into the Woods" to support the Butterfly Guild here:

https://my.cbusarts.com/overview/8134?queueittoken=e_cbusarts~q_410763f2-2de5-40b7-85bf-e1a56565ae8e~ts_1738423335~ce_true~rt_safetynet~h_0a769d312d9ad7fb78c5bfebed00a6821409bedeb386c89e7887df124a611478

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The minute I talked to Mekka Don on FaceTime I KNEW this guy was somethin' special.

In this episode we talk about how Mekka boldly stepped away from family expectations to carve out his own path in the music industry, challenging conventional norms and embracing his true passions along the way. His story is a testament to courage, authenticity, and the pursuit of one's dreams amid societal pressures. Bias disruptor all the way, baby!

Mekka Don sheds light on the skepticism he faced stepping into rap, a field deeply rooted in street culture, without the traditional backing many expect. From proving his legitimacy to confronting stereotypes, he discusses the importance of perseverance and staying true to his narrative. Drawing parallels with artists like Drake, Mekka underscores the need for authenticity in earning the emotional investment of fans, illustrating how mental agility and resilience are key in navigating such a transformative journey.

With a nod to his upcoming projects, including an anthem and other projects for the Ohio State Buckeyes, Mekka's journey inspires us to recognize our potential and fearlessly pursue our passions. 

There's so much goodness and energy packed into this hour and I can't wait to share it with you!

Thanks Mekka Don, you're a total BADASS in my book!

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Get ready for this inspo packed conversation with Amy Nelson! She's a powerhouse of resilience, courage, and entrepreneurial spirit, IMO. Amy briefly recounts her family's harrowing experience with Amazon & the DOJ, but we spent more of our time talking about Amy as a person, and less time on Amazon. We figured they've already gotten too much air time and there's SO much more to Amy's story. (If you're curious about the selacious details of the case you're welcome to hit the Google machine though.)

Amy also shares her transition from attorney to entrepreneur, and the passion and vision behind creating The Riveter, a co-working space designed to empower women. Her dedication to fostering genuine connections and supporting women in business shines brightly, so it's no wonder she has such a strong network of supporters behind her. Join us for a remarkable episode filled with courage, transformation, and the unyielding belief in the power of perseverance.

Thank you, Amy! You're amazing.

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My homegirl T Lee is back in the '25 and better than ever! We start with a shot of Fireball (obvi) and then we're off to the races with topics ranging from her discipline, to kid life, to my BFF Mark, to her booming business, Lighthouse Co. The energy here is just undeniable and I hope you get as much out of it as I did.

P.S. Someone please tell Jason Ross to call me.

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Ever wonder how to tackle the day-to-day chaos of life while juggling career growth and family dynamics? Join me as I welcome back the vibrant duo, Kimmy and Sami, who bring their unique blend of corporate success and entrepreneurial spirit to the table for a juicy chat on how to navigate life, their way.

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Jacy Sheldon doesn’t just shoot her shot—she changes the game. The former OSU basketball phenom and 5th overall WNBA pick for the Dallas Wings talks about NIL deals, life as a pro athlete, and what she looks for in a mate (spoiler: it’s not on the apps). With her sister Emmy—her greatest inspiration—and two coach parents shaping her moves, Jacy opens up about the wins, losses, and love that keep her grounded. Tune in for a candid, funny, and badass conversation with a rising star who’s scoring big on and off the court.