Building influence today isn’t just about reach — it’s about alignment. In this episode, R. Kenner French joins Elaine Mingus to unpack a strategic podcast alliance between What's Kenner French Thinking! and the Bainbridge Island Standard Podcast, revealing how local media, artificial intelligence, and community-driven conversations can create real value.

Rather than chasing growth for growth’s sake, this discussion centers on why authentic partnerships matter — especially when they connect national expertise with a deeply engaged local audience. From AI education for business owners and retirees to civic conversations shaping Bainbridge Island, this episode explores how podcasting can be used as a modern tool for legacy, education, and service.

Kenner shares his background as an author, entrepreneur, and Bainbridge Island resident, explaining why returning focus to community impact feels more important than ever. With the BI Standard Podcast reaching over 30,000 monthly downloads in a town of roughly 25,000 people, this alliance represents a powerful example of how hyper-local media can punch far above its weight.

The conversation also dives into how artificial intelligence can reduce fear, increase efficiency, and support both business owners and older professionals who may feel overwhelmed by technology. Instead of hype, the focus is practical — from beginner-level AI tools to real-world use cases that improve operations, finances, and sustainability.

Along the way, listeners also get a personal look at life on Bainbridge Island — from ferry politics and local governance to favorite restaurants, coffee shops, youth sports, and even DJ gigs. It’s a reminder that meaningful business conversations don’t happen in isolation — they happen within communities.

What You’ll Learn

• Why strategic podcast alliances work better than transactional partnerships

• How local podcasts can outperform expectations with engaged audiences

• Practical ways AI can support business owners and retirees

• Why AI doesn’t have to be intimidating to create real value

• How community-focused media strengthens trust and education

• What makes Bainbridge Island a unique place to live and do business

Who This Episode Is For

• Business owners curious about AI but unsure where to start

• Podcasters exploring collaboration and audience alignment

• Community leaders and local media creators

• Professionals approaching retirement who want smarter tools

• Anyone interested in Bainbridge Island’s culture and civic life

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If you’ve ever wanted to invest in real estate but don’t have the time (or patience) to find deals, manage renovations, screen tenants, and handle late-night maintenance calls—this episode breaks down a simpler path. 🏠⏳
R. Kenner French sits down with Lindsay Davis, CEO of Spartan Invest and Atlas Rental Property, to explain how turnkey rental investing works and what “mailbox money” really looks like when the systems are done for you. 🎧📬

Many investors live in high-priced markets—like California, New York, or Hawaii—where buying a rental that cash flows can feel impossible. 💸
Lindsay explains why her team focuses on Southeast markets like Alabama, Georgia, and Tennessee, where rental numbers can still make sense, especially compared to expensive coastal areas. 📍

At Spartan Invest, the model is designed to be a “one-stop shop.” 🛠️
They buy properties, complete full-scale renovations, place tenants, sell the finished rental to an investor, and then continue managing the property afterward. The goal is straightforward: help investors create steady cash flow and long-term wealth growth—without having to personally “see the sausage being made.” 📈

The episode also gets practical about returns. Lindsay shares the kinds of illustrative return ranges they track (and why tracking matters), how financing vs cash purchases can change outcomes, and what investors can expect in terms of monthly cash flow after typical down payment structures. 📊💰

But the conversation doesn’t pretend real estate is perfect. Kenner presses on the downside of turnkey investing, and Lindsay answers candidly: if you do everything yourself, there can be “more meat on the bone.” Turnkey is essentially paying for time, execution, and risk management—and it may not produce the absolute maximum return compared to DIY investing. ⚖️

One of the most valuable moments comes near the end: Lindsay shares a property management tip that can save investors from major legal trouble—understanding Fair Housing rules and documenting everything. She explains how violations can lead to serious fines and why clear processes protect landlords and investors. ⚠️📑

🔍 What You’ll Learn
• What “mailbox money” means in real estate investing 📬
• How turnkey rentals work: purchase → renovate → tenant → manage 🏠
• Why Southeast markets can still support cash-flowing rentals 📍
• The difference in outcomes between cash vs financing 💵
• The biggest downside of turnkey investing (and why it exists) ⚖️
• A crucial property management warning about Fair Housing compliance ⚠️

👥 Who This Episode Is For
• W-2 professionals who want rentals but don’t have time to manage them 👔
• Investors in expensive cities seeking cash-flow markets elsewhere 🌆➡️🏘️
• Beginners looking for a guided path into rental real estate 🌱
• Anyone comparing turnkey vs DIY real estate investing 🔄

🎙️ Follow the podcast for future episodes.

From FinTech to AI How Entrepreneurs Can Lower Taxes Smarter 🎧📈

Most entrepreneurs know they’re paying taxes but far fewer know whether they’re paying too much 😬 Fear of the IRS confusion around compliance and rapidly changing technology often keep business owners stuck relying on outdated systems and human-heavy processes. In this episode Elaine Mingus sits down with R Kenner French  to unpack how artificial intelligence is transforming tax strategy finance and decision-making for entrepreneurs without crossing legal lines ⚠️.

Kenner shares how his early adoption of AI in finance dates back to 2010 long before AI became mainstream. While many professionals dismissed the idea he saw a clear opportunity technology could reduce human error increase efficiency and help business owners keep more of what they earn 💡. Today that vision has evolved into proprietary AI models media education and tools designed to support entrepreneurs at every stage

This conversation goes beyond buzzwords. It explores how AI actually works why humans make more financial mistakes than machines and how business owners can use technology responsibly without taking unnecessary risks. The episode also humanizes the topic touching on Kenner’s journey as a founder author DJ-for-charity and father preparing his son for an AI-driven future 🌱🎧.

What You’ll Learn
•  How AI reduces tax errors compared to traditional human-only processes 🤖
• Why most entrepreneurs overpay taxes without realizing it 💸
• The real audit risk for S-corporations and why fear is often exaggerated ⚠️
•  How proprietary AI models differ from general tools like ChatGPT
•  Why AI is becoming essential for future-proofing careers and businesses 🚀
•  How free tools and media education can help entrepreneurs who can’t afford high-end advisory services

Who This Episode Is For
•  Entrepreneurs and small business owners 📊
•  Founders curious about AI in finance and tax strategy
• Professionals worried about IRS audits or compliance mistakes
• Parents thinking about how to prepare their kids for an AI-driven world 👨‍👩‍👦
• Anyone who wants to understand AI without technical overwhelm

Follow the podcast for future episodes 🎙️

If you’ve ever posted on Instagram for a week, saw little to no traction, and thought, “Maybe this just isn’t for me,” this episode is your reset. Many creators and business owners quit too early—not because they lack talent, but because they expect a guaranteed timeline. In this conversation, Garner Hall an 18-year-old creator behind a massive following breaks down what actually drives growth: consistent output, share-worthy content, and the “crossroads” where luck finally meets repetition.

The discussion starts with how content can evolve beyond just an Instagram page. The creator shares the next phase of “Brain Nourishment,” including an app concept that offers daily activity quests—simple alternatives to being stuck on your phone. He’s honest about what’s not working yet: some quests are too hard, lists need improvement, and the app needs refinement. The key takeaway? Building is iterative. Progress comes from improving one piece at a time, not waiting for perfect execution.

Then the episode turns to the real engine of growth: consistency and engagement. He explains that “luck” isn’t random magic—you increase your chances of breakthrough by showing up every day. There’s no deadline for when an algorithm will reward you, so the only controllable variable is output.

From a practical Instagram standpoint, he emphasizes one major metric: shares. He notes that shares are strongly tied to relatability—nostalgia, emotional reaction, and content people want to send to someone else. This is why direct ads are harder to spread. The more your content makes someone feel something, the more likely they are to share it, and that’s how traction begins—especially in the hard early stage of 0 to 1,000 followers.

Finally, there’s a powerful creative reminder: perfection is often the enemy. The creator explains that many people don’t post because content isn’t “perfect,” but posting something you believe in consistently is better than waiting. In fact, sometimes the posts with the least expectations perform the best—because people respond more to the core idea and emotion than tiny details.

What You’ll Learn 📈
• Why the “crossroads between consistency and luck” is where growth happens • • • How to think about Instagram growth when there’s no guaranteed timeline
• Why shares can be a key driver of reach and discovery
• How relatability (nostalgia + emotion) boosts shareability
• Why “imperfect but posted” beats “perfect but never published”
• How building an app/product still requires iteration and improvement over time

Who This Episode Is For 🌱
• Business owners trying to grow on Instagram without burning out
• Creators stuck at low views who need a clearer strategy
• Anyone overwhelmed by perfectionism and inconsistent posting
• Marketers focused on engagement, shares, and relatable content

This is Episode Part 2 featuring Garner Hall.

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Can AI Help Run a City? Bainbridge Island’s Bold Experiment With AI Governance

City governments everywhere are facing the same growing problem: more demands, tighter budgets, slower processes, and rising expectations from citizens who want faster answers and better communication. At the same time, artificial intelligence is rapidly advancing—but most local governments are unsure how, when, or even if they should use it. The fear of security risks, job displacement, and “unknown consequences” often stops progress before it starts ⚠️.

In this episode of What’s Kenner French Thinking,R. Kenner French and host Elaine Mingus explore a timely and provocative idea: introducing artificial intelligence into city government on Bainbridge Island. With the recent retirement of the city manager, Kenner proposes starting with an AI-enabled city manager model—not replacing humans, but enhancing efficiency, communication, and decision-making using ethical and secure AI tools.

The conversation is grounded in real-world use cases, not science fiction. From AI-powered chatbots answering resident questions, to organizing city meeting notes, managing public information, and improving communication through city websites and social media, this episode focuses on practical, incremental adoption. Kenner emphasizes starting small—testing AI on administrative and communication tasks—before expanding into more advanced applications.

They also discuss how other cities are already using AI successfully. Pittsburgh has improved traffic flow using AI-driven systems, while San Francisco is experimenting with AI to identify and repair potholes more efficiently 📈. These examples show that AI isn’t just for tech hubs—it can also benefit smaller communities like Bainbridge Island.

Security and skepticism are addressed head-on. Kenner and Elaine acknowledge concerns, particularly among older populations, but argue that adopting AI responsibly now is safer than waiting a decade and playing catch-up. By building security, ethics, and transparency into AI systems from the beginning, cities can reduce risk while unlocking long-term benefits 🌱.

The episode closes with an invitation to community dialogue, including an upcoming Bainbridge Island meeting to gather public input. Rather than forcing technology on residents, the goal is open conversation, education, and collaboration.

What You’ll Learn
• How AI could support (not replace) city management roles
• Practical AI use cases for local government operations
• Why 2026 is the right time for cities to explore AI adoption
• Real examples of AI use in Pittsburgh and San Francisco
• How AI can improve communication, efficiency, and cost control
• Addressing security, ethics, and public skepticism around AI

Who This Episode Is For
• Bainbridge Island residents and community leaders
• City managers, council members, and public servants
• Anyone curious about AI in government and civic life
• Citizens concerned about efficiency, transparency, and costs

Follow the podcast for future episodes.

Are You Running a Business… or Just Owning a High-Paying Job?

Most entrepreneurs believe revenue equals success—but without systems profitability and clear financial visibility even a high-revenue business can quietly destroy long-term wealth

In this episode R. Kenner French sits down with Natalia Zacharin founder of Zacharin Consulting to unpack what actually increases a business owner’s net worth—and why most owners are unknowingly blocking their own exit

Natalia brings the perspective of a seasoned fractional CFO who has helped startups scale past seven figures guided businesses through acquisitions and transformed chaotic operations into profitable sellable companies The conversation cuts through noise and focuses on what buyers investors and future-you truly care about 📈

What You’ll Learn

• Why you should run your business as if you’re going to sell it—even if you never plan to
• The real difference between revenue and true profitability
• How systems processes and people directly increase business valuation
• Why most owners misread their numbers—and how to fix it
• The power of recurring and subscription revenue models
• How AI can replace low-value work and unlock massive efficiency
• The overlooked risk of buying businesses culture transfer ⚠️
• Why net worth tracking beats budgeting every time

Who This Episode Is For

• Entrepreneurs earning 1M plus who feel stuck or overwhelmed
• Business owners thinking about exits acquisitions or retirement
• Founders who want clarity without emotional decision-making
• Solopreneurs ready to stop being the bottleneck
• Leaders who want their business to work without them

Natalia explains that a business dependent on its owner isn’t really a business—it’s just a job Buyers look for companies that run without the founder generate consistent profit and show steady momentum year over year

She also shares why numbers are a storytelling tool not just accounting data and how they expose inefficiencies long before problems explode

This episode is a masterclass in thinking like an owner operator and future seller—all at once 🌱

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From Zero to AI Clarity: How Beginners Can Use AI to Make Smarter Financial Decisions

🎧 Many people want to improve their finances but feel stuck at the starting line. Investing sounds intimidating. Portfolios feel complicated. And artificial intelligence? For most beginners, it feels like something only experts understand. This episode breaks that barrier by meeting listeners exactly where they are—at ground zero.

In this conversation, Elaine Mingus sits down with R. Kenner French to demystify how AI can be used as a practical, judgment-free tool for making better financial decisions. Instead of hype or technical jargon, the discussion focuses on mindset, systems, and simple first steps anyone can take. Whether you are just graduating, living at home, or realizing you want a different financial future, this episode shows how AI can help you think clearer and move forward with confidence 🌱

Kenner explains that artificial intelligence is not about shortcuts or gambling on the next big thing. It is about leverage—using modern tools to understand your situation, ask better questions, and build a solid financial foundation. From experimenting with free AI models to understanding when and why paid versions matter, the episode offers a realistic roadmap for beginners and experienced investors alike 📈

What You’ll Learn

• Why starting at “ground zero” can actually be an advantage
• How AI can support better financial and investment decisions
• A simple way to test and compare popular AI tools
• Why “garbage in, garbage out” matters when using AI
• How AI removes judgment and emotional pressure from money decisions
• The importance of building a strong financial foundation first
• Why systems and ongoing reviews matter more than quick wins
• Beginners who feel overwhelmed by investing or finance
• Anyone curious about using AI without technical knowledge
• Entrepreneurs and professionals who want clearer financial systems
• People who want to make smarter decisions without fear or shame

⚠️ This episode also addresses common concerns around safety and privacy, emphasizing responsible use and awareness while still encouraging listeners not to fall behind as AI becomes more mainstream

The key takeaway is simple: AI is not something to fear. When used thoughtfully, it becomes an advocate—helping you save money, protect money, and grow money while staying human in the process

Follow the podcast for future episodes

How an 18-Year-Old Built 4.7M Instagram Followers with Simple Content 🤯

How do you grow on Instagram without ads, without a team, and without complicated editing? In this episode, we sit down with Garner Hall, an 18-year-old creator and founder of Brain.Nourishmentt, an Instagram page that quickly grew to 4.7 million followers—surpassing major influencers, professional athletes, and even the Seattle Seahawks 🏈.

Garner explains how one of his first Instagram post reached over 2 million views, and why simplicity, consistency, and relatability matter more than trends, algorithms, or high-end production. This conversation breaks down what actually drives virality—and why most creators and business owners overcomplicate social media growth.

🎯 What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• How to grow Instagram organically without paid ads 📈

• Why Instagram rewards simple, relatable content over complex editing

• The difference between getting views vs converting attention into real results

• How consistency creates momentum in social media growth 🔁

• Why authenticity fuels engagement in the creator economy

• The risk of building everything on one platform—and how to think about diversification ⚠️

• How digital wellness and positivity can still thrive on social media 🌱

👥 Who This Episode Is For

This episode is ideal for:

• Content creators trying to grow on Instagram

• Entrepreneurs struggling to get consistent views

• Business owners looking to turn attention into sales

• Anyone interested in viral content, creator strategy, and digital wellness

Garner also explains how Brain Nourishment evolved—from interrupting “brain-rot” content to promoting healthier social media habits—while still maintaining massive engagement. His approach proves that you don’t need fancy edits or a marketing team to go viral—just a message people relate to.

🎧 Listen to Part 1 now

🔔 Follow the podcast for future episodes on content strategy, entrepreneurship, and digital growth

This episode was so packed with good stuff, we decided to break it into three parts.  Join us for episode #2 on Monday, January 19th, and episode #3 on Monday, January 26th.

In this episode, R. Kenner French breaks down one of the most misunderstood—but powerful—financial tools available to entrepreneurs: qualified plans. He opens by addressing the big questions business owners are asking right now: What is a qualified plan? Can it really save me money? And can a solo entrepreneur use one without employees? The short answer: yes—and the benefits can be massive when structured correctly.

Kenner explains that qualified plans include familiar options like 401(k)s, IRAs, profit-sharing plans, and defined benefit or cash balance plans. While many entrepreneurs assume these tools are only for large companies with employees, Kenner shows how solo business owners can legally use them to defer—and in some cases eliminate—large amounts of taxes. In fact, certain defined benefit plans allow high-earning entrepreneurs to contribute $200,000 to $300,000 per year, creating a powerful catch-up strategy for those starting retirement planning later in life.

A key takeaway from the discussion is the dramatic difference between qualified and non-qualified investing. Using a simple example, Kenner demonstrates how tax deferral alone can lead to 25% more wealth over time, even with conservative investment returns. By keeping assets inside a qualified plan, entrepreneurs avoid annual tax drag, allowing compounding to work faster and more efficiently—especially over long time horizons.

Another eye-opening insight is the flexibility of investments inside qualified plans. Contrary to popular belief, these plans are not limited to stocks and bonds. Kenner explains that real estate, tax liens, insurance strategies, and even crypto can be held inside properly structured qualified plans. For entrepreneurs who want control, trustee-directed plans allow business owners to choose and manage their own investments, while still enjoying tax protection and compliance.

Beyond tax savings and growth, Kenner highlights additional benefits like asset protection, convenience, and estate planning advantages. Qualified plans are often difficult to access in lawsuits, require minimal reporting while assets remain inside the plan, and can simplify complex financial lives into a single, tax-advantaged “umbrella.” His message is clear: in an uncertain economic environment, qualified plans are not just retirement tools—they are strategic weapons for entrepreneurs who want to protect wealth, lower taxes, and maintain their standard of living long-term.

Takeaways

• Qualified plans can significantly enhance retirement savings.
• Entrepreneurs can benefit from various types of qualified plans.
• Investment options in qualified plans include real estate and alternative assets.
• Tax advantages of qualified plans can lead to substantial savings.
• Control over qualified plan assets allows for personalized investment strategies.
• Loans can be taken from qualified plans, providing liquidity.
• Qualified plans can include insurance and cryptocurrency investments.
• Understanding the structure of qualified plans is crucial for maximizing benefits.
• Consulting with a financial advisor is essential for effective planning.
• Resources like the Entrepreneurs Manifesto can provide valuable insights.

Sound Bites

• What is a qualified plan?
• Qualified plans lower your taxes.
• You can invest as you see fit.

Listen & Subscribe for More:

🎧 The Vast Voice Podcast → Available on Spotify & Apple Podcasts

▶️ Subscribe on YouTube (@VastSolutionsGroup.com) for expert insights 🚀

📚 Don’t miss Modern Millions by R. Kenner French – the #1 BEST SELLING Amazon book (Entrepreneurship category) 👉 ModernMillions.ai

📚 Amazon Top Selling Author→ https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FHBS32LG

Got Questions? Reach Us Anytime:

🌐 VastSolutionsGroup.com

In this episode, Amazon growth expert Carolyn Lowe, founder of ROI Swift, breaks down how serious brands scale profitably on Amazon—from six figures to nine-figure exits. With over 25 years in e-commerce, including leadership roles at Dell, Carolyn shares real-world strategies that separate brands that merely sell on Amazon from brands that dominate it. Her mission? Help 500 brands grow profitably, not just grow fast.

Carolyn highlights one standout success story: a father-and-sons brand that grew from six figures to seven figures per month on Amazon and eventually exited at nine figures with just four employees. The secret wasn’t luck—it was deep data analysis, strategic decision-making, and relentless focus on profitability. As she puts it, “If you can’t measure it, you can’t manage it.”

A major takeaway is her simplified Amazon framework: traffic and conversion. Brands either need more eyeballs on their product pages or better conversion once shoppers arrive. ROI Swift attacks both, using experienced specialists—not junior hires—to manage ads, listings, design, copy, and organic growth. They even optimize packaging and fulfillment strategies, sometimes saving brands 25% or more in Amazon fees overnight.

One of the most powerful insights discussed is product cloning—using AI to analyze customer reviews and uncover hidden use cases. In one example, a grip tape product doubled revenue simply by repositioning it for kitchen use with new branding and imagery. Low effort, high impact. This approach has helped brands unlock entirely new markets without inventing new products.

Finally, Carolyn shares hard-earned entrepreneurial wisdom: think bigger, start earlier, and know your numbers. She emphasizes profitable growth over vanity metrics and explains why ROI Swift charges a retainer plus revenue growth model, not a percentage of ad spend—aligning incentives with client success. For Amazon sellers ready to scale smart, this conversation delivers actionable strategies that can change the trajectory of a business.

Takeaways
• Carolyn aims to help 500 brands grow profitably.
• Data is crucial for understanding market potential.
• Traffic and conversion are key to Amazon success.
• ROI Swift provides a holistic approach to brand growth.
• Innovative product strategies can significantly increase revenue.
• Engagement with clients includes a dedicated team of experts.
• Understanding market size is essential for growth.
• Entrepreneurs should start their businesses early.
• Books can serve as a powerful marketing tool.
• The right decisions can prevent businesses from failing.

Sound Bites
• Help you grow your brand.
• Data wins arguments.
• We do an assessment.

Listen & Subscribe for More:
🎧 The Vast Voice Podcast → Available on Spotify & Apple Podcasts
▶️ Subscribe on YouTube (@VastSolutionsGroup.com) for expert insights 🚀

📚 Don’t miss Modern Millions by R. Kenner French – the #1 BEST SELLING Amazon book (Entrepreneurship category) 👉 ModernMillions.ai

📚 Amazon Top Selling Author→ https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FHBS32LG

Got Questions? Reach Us Anytime:
🌐 VastSolutionsGroup.com
📞 415-212-8189
📧 [email protected]

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