True crime star and comedian Johnny Mitchell lived in Portland before hipsters overtook the city. He went from teen drug dealer to prisoner to YouTube success. Johnny still hates authority. Hear his story.

https://www.youtube.com/@mrjohnnymitchell

In this episode of the Matt Balaker Podcast, makeup artist and author Dawn Maloney shares her journey from young entrepreneur to beauty industry leader. She reflects on early lessons in sales and talk shows, the importance of education, and her distinctive approach to artistry. Dawn discusses the evolution of makeup in the high-definition era, offers insights on skincare and authenticity, and highlights her latest projects empowering others through beauty and confidence.https://www.makeupclasses.com/

Comedian and author Lou Perez joins the show to talk comedy, politics, and personal freedom. He shares stories from his tour with Scott Thompson, reactions to Charlie Kirk’s death. Plus offers his own insights on health and education. Lou reflects on navigating relationships in a polarized world and why taking ownership of your choices matters most.https://www.thelouperez.com/https://x.com/thelouperezlinks to source data for charts in show: https://grok.com/share/c2hhcmQtNA%3D%3D_414a7cc2-11b2-4532-bdc8-66d91780f8bc

Howzit Hostels Founder Michael Russell grew up in Carlsbad, California, and built a new life in Hawaii. He shares memories from his first job, lessons on education, and the challenges of living in Maui. Michael talks about the impact of tourism, surviving the devastating Maui fires, and how the experience shaped his outlook. He also details his leap into the hostel business.https://www.howzithostels.com/

Aidan Brannigan went from eating Spam with Joey Chestnut to founding No Boring Brands, a creative humor agency. He talks losing big in crypto, the role of humor in marketing, and why great ideas still outlast algorithms.

How much protein should you consume? How has the ag industry shifted? Bench press champ and businessman Cody Claflin shares his journey from growing up in a farming family in Missouri to becoming an entrepreneur in agriculture and beyond. He discusses the generational shifts in farming practices, the challenges and lessons learned from hemp farming, and his transition into affordable housing and smoke shops. Hear his takes on importance of work ethic, nutrition, and providing quality housing.

David Uribe grew up in Miami and built a career helping comedians stand out. As the founder of Uribe Creative, he blends marketing know-how with a deep love of comedy. Hear how he's shaping the future of comedy branding on the Matt Balaker Podcast.www.uribecreative.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/daviduribe/

Jim Carroll has lived in many places and done cool things. Jim reflects on his experiences at Harvard Business School, the challenges of starting in investment banking, and the lessons learned throughout his career. He emphasizes the importance of understanding volatility and resiliency.MORE ABOUT JIMJim Carroll is a Senior Wealth Advisor & Portfolio Manager at Ballast Rock Private Wealth, an SEC-registered investment advisor providing personalized private wealth management solutions, curated investment access, and unique expertise in alternative investments. Jim has specific experience in the development and implementation of systematic tactical ETF strategies across asset classes including volatility. Prior to joining Ballast Rock in 2023, Jim spent four years at Tidal Financial Group and founded wealth advisor LongRun Capital Management in 2003. His previous experience includes four years as Chief Financial Officer of a NASDAQ-listed company and sixteen years as an investment banker with Smith Barney, Kidder Peabody and Bear Stearns. He also served four years of active duty as an officer in the U.S. Army. Jim earned a BA in Psychology from Claremont McKenna College and an MBA from Harvard Business School.

Ryan Davis knows a good crab cake and the inner workings of the NY theater scene. Now he is the CEO of People First, the biggest influencer firm focused on social impact. He knows how to turn social media into a career path. Hear his story.Connect with him on X and Instagram at @RyanNewYorkwww.peoplefirst.cc

Toly Kvitnitsky emigrated from Ukraine as a child and landed in New Jersey. Since then he's worked as a caddy, tennis instructor, and now serves as the CEO and founder of AI or Not, an AI detection startup. It not easy, but he's having fun. Hear him discuss the importance of authenticity in a world increasingly influenced by AI.