🎙️ Under The Hood with Castor - Ep. 5
In this powerful episode, Castor sits down with Ty Valkanas, a veteran, entrepreneur, and father, for a raw conversation about transition, resilience, and rebuilding life with purpose. Together, they unpack the realities of leaving military service and stepping into the civilian world, where structure disappears and identity has to be rebuilt from the ground up.
They dive into:
Ty’s hard reset from military life to civilian life, and the mental, emotional, and practical challenges that come with redefining who you are outside the uniform
What it really takes to build businesses from scratch, discipline, failure, grit, and learning to lead without a rank on your chest
How military lessons translate (and sometimes don’t) in entrepreneurship, leadership, and everyday life
The profound impact of fatherhood, and why becoming a dad teaches lessons no battlefield or boardroom ever could
Balancing ambition, responsibility, and presence, and showing up fully for both your family and your work
Ty’s story is honest, unfiltered, and deeply human. It highlights the importance of adaptability, accountability, and doing the inner work required to lead at home, in business, and in life.
This is real talk. Real lessons. No fluff. Just lived experience, hard-earned wisdom, and a conversation that goes far beyond the surface, straight under the hood.
🎧 Tune in for a candid, grounded, and inspiring discussion on transition, purpose, leadership, and becoming the man your family and your future needs.

In this insightful episode, Castor sits down with Jerry Allen to explore the lessons, challenges, and experiences that have shaped his path as a business owner. Together, they dive into:

• His journey as a Dunkin’ Donuts owner and how it contrasts with running a Meineke in terms of operations, systems, and day-to-day demands
• His deep understanding of customer service and why consistency, connection, and care drive long-term success
• How happy employees create a strong business, and the culture-building practices that keep teams motivated and thriving

Jerry’s story highlights the importance of adaptability, leadership, and putting people first. His experiences invite listeners to reflect on what it takes to build a business rooted in service, respect, and an empowered team.

This candid and motivating conversation goes far beyond the surface — straight under the hood.

🎧 Tune in for a thoughtful, practical, and inspiring discussion on leadership and business done right.

In this dynamic episode, Castor sits down with Ric Savage to explore the highs, challenges, and transformations that have shaped his journey. Together, they dive into:

• His unforgettable days in the wrestling ring and what they taught him about grit and showmanship
• His exciting new venture bringing value to automotive shops and the lessons of building a business in a competitive space
• His love of traveling, meeting people, and discovering new perspectives along the way

Ric’s story is one of reinvention, resilience, and the drive to keep evolving no matter where life leads. His experiences invite listeners to reflect on their own passions, adaptability, and the courage to chase new chapters.

This candid and motivating conversation goes far beyond the surface — straight under the hood.

🎧 Tune in for a conversation full of energy, insight, and inspiration.

Under The Hood with Castor – Episode 2: Arkevious Armstrong

In this powerful episode, Castor sits down with Arkevious Armstrong to explore the deeply personal and transformative experiences that have shaped his journey. Together, they discuss the impact of losing father figures, the difficult but liberating act of forgiving family, and the importance of building a business rooted in healthy mindsets and resilience.

Arkevious shares how his story reflects the refusal to stop under any circumstance. A testament to perseverance, self-belief, and the power of healing. This episode invites listeners to reflect on their own relationships, inner strength, and the unshakable determination it takes to keep moving forward.

Tune in for a candid, heartfelt, and motivating conversation that goes far beyond the surface, straight under the hood.

EPISODE 1: Legacy, Loss & Building from the Ground Up
In this powerful first episode of Under The Hood with Castor, Castor sits down with his brother Matt Cooper to reflect on what it means to lead a family business after the sudden loss of their father, mother, and older brother.

They discuss the challenges of grief, the resilience it takes to run a car company, the impact of their family’s legacy in the community, and the mindset needed to keep growing through tough times.

If you’re building something meaningful, this episode is for you.

🔊 Listen now — and stay tuned for more real conversations from Castor Cooper.
#Legacy #PodcastLaunch #CastorCooper #Entrepreneurship #CommunityImpact