The Matt Balaker Podcast

Lori Oliver, a former Spanx professional and co-founder of the Sleep Performance brand, shares her journey from growing up in Athens, Georgia, to becoming an entrepreneur focused on sleep hygiene. Lori discusses her upbringing in a health-conscious family, her diverse athletic background, and her career trajectory that led her to work with Spanx and eventually start her own company.

In this episode of the Matt Balaker Podcast, Elijah Khasabo, founder of Vidovo, discusses his journey as a young entrepreneur in the creator economy. He touches on resilience, empathy, and faith, shares insights on relationship-driven sales, and explores the future of advertising and AI. Get his take on whether college is worth it for entrepreneurs.https://www.vidovo.com/

Dylan Snowden shares his journey from grocery bagger to financial coach. He discusses how improv and writing for Who Wants to Be a Millionaire shaped his approach to communication and accountability. Dylan also explores entrepreneurship, the importance of early financial literacy, and using data to make smarter money decisions, ending with an optimistic message about building confidence and control over one’s financial future.https://www.dylanteachesfinance.com/

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/