Evolving Waves Podcast

In this episode of Evolving Waves, Frank Ancrum shares powerful insights on leadership, mentorship, and building generational wealth through community and opportunity. He dives into the importance of purpose-driven leadership and how investing in people creates long-term impact. From entrepreneurship to workforce development, Frank highlights how growth starts with mindset and action. This conversation is a motivating reminder that success is possible for anyone willing to step up and lead.

In this episode of Evolving Waves, Frank Ancrum returns to discuss the power and responsibility of mentoring the next generation. He shares why compassion, relatability, and lived experience are essential for guiding young leaders and helping them grow through failure and resilience. Frank also highlights the importance of bridging the gap between youth and elders, showing how both generations have valuable wisdom to exchange. This inspiring conversation explores legacy, leadership, and the impact of pouring into others

In Episode 25 of Evolving Waves, Frank Ancrum returns to share how he’s transforming City Hall into a true resource for entrepreneurs. As Head of the Office of Business Opportunities, he explains how his team helps small businesses become structured, fundable, and built to scale. Frank dives into the importance of mindset, confidence, and embracing the process—especially when obstacles feel like mountains. This episode is a powerful look at leadership, service, and what it really takes to help business owners win.

In Episode 24 of Evolving Waves, we sit down with Frank Ancrum to explore leadership, love, and resilience through the lens of lived experience. Frank shares how early exposure, discipline, and community shaped his ability to adapt, lead, and serve others across all walks of life. The conversation dives into accountability, humanity, and why real change starts with looking inward. This episode lays the foundation for Frank’s journey and his mission to help others rise above adversity and create meaningful impact.

In Part 3 of Jonathan Bonds’ powerful mini-series on Evolving Waves, we dive deep into the mindset, discipline, and decision-making behind long-term success. Jonathan Bonds shares real-world lessons on leadership, accountability, and building systems that actually scale. This episode focuses on the inner work required to sustain growth—both personally and professionally. If you’re serious about transformation, this conversation delivers clarity, strategy, and hard-earned wisdom.

On this episode of Evolving Waves, Jonathan Boncek returns for Part 3 of his four-part series, delivering a powerful breakdown of the Seven Pillars of Transformation—a framework designed to help people break free from addiction, destructive habits, and self-doubt. Jonathan explains why real change doesn’t come from adding more to your life, but from letting go of what no longer serves you. He explores how perspective shapes progress, why mindset determines outcomes, and how emotional release is often the missing piece in personal transformation. From self-love and inner dialogue to identifying harmful behavior patterns, each pillar builds on the next to create lasting, sustainable growth. This episode dives deep into the psychology of addiction and habit formation, revealing how behaviors often serve emotional purposes like protection, punishment, or the need for connection. Jonathan shares practical, real-world strategies for building discipline over time, emphasizing small, consistent actions that compound into meaningful change. Drawing from his personal journey and professional experience, Jonathan also discusses the importance of creating safe, judgment-free spaces for healing—both for clients and for ourselves. Whether you’re struggling with addiction, battling negative self-talk, or simply looking to become a better version of yourself, this conversation offers clarity, compassion, and actionable insight. This episode is a must-watch for anyone committed to growth—not in spite of adversity, but because of it.

On today's episode of Evolving Waves, Jonathan Boncek is back to discuss a number of life-changing techniques, including hypnosis. He elaborates on what it can and can't do, and separates the myths from the reality. Additionally, he discusses gaslighting, and how it's so poisonous to our society.

On this episode of Evolving Waves, Jonathan Boncek details a wild ride through his life that brought him to where he stands today. A business failure taught him how to love people for who they are. Thankfully, he survived that business failure. But even more importantly, Jonathan's childhood experiences of being bullied helped him to understand that "hurt people hurt people." He uses that lesson every day now, and we discuss that and much more on today's show!

Aaron Silverman was thrilled to welcome his son, Ari, to the world. But he never got that chance, as Ari was a stillborn. On top of the grief, Aaron didn't know what to do next. Years later, Aaron has taken that pain and turned it into the Ari Foss Foundation, which provides grieving parents a path to moving forward should they ever deal with that terrible situation. Today on Evolving Waves, Aaron talks about how the Ari Foss Foundation helps provide funerals or cremations for those with stillborn children.

Joe Gallagher's life had so many chances to come off the rails. But it never did. After his escape from a thug's basement in the Bahamas, a childhood molestation, and subsequent escape from an attempted murder charge, Joe decided to do something positive with his life. And he did-- by taking his grandmother's legacy within his family and ensuring it would live on forever.

Joe Gallagher is a man who overcame everything you can think of to become a successful businessman. But while no two success stories are alike, it's the exact arena in which Joe found his success that makes him stand out. Tune into today's episode of Evolving Waves and watch as Joe takes us through his journey through the world of marinara sauce creation !

A man who nearly won a Grammy for his musical talents was simply trying to enjoy a cruise to the Bahamas when, out of nowhere, he was kidnapped in a daze and bused to the middle of nowhere and told to empty his bank account for a group of criminals. And now he's living a happy life, selling his famous pizza/pasta sauce. How did that happen? Today on Evolving Waves, we'll discuss it all with Joe Gallagher, aka Chef Giuseppe.

On Part III of our discussion with intrepreneur Megan Brown, we learn more about how she's able to overcome all the obstacles life has thrown at her to become a difference maker in society. As she explains herself, she shouldn't be here right now. But she is... and our planet is better off because of that.

After a wildly irresponsible childhood filled with drugs and partying, Megan Brown decided to have her tubes tied... and found herself pregnant anyway. So she realized it was time to straighten up and be a responsible parent, helping guide her son on the path of being a productive and ethical member of the next generation. We dive into all that and more on today's episode of Evolving Waves.

Megan Brown probably isn't supposed to be here today. With a divorced set of parents, a stepfather who encouraged pre-teens to drink, and a childhood filled with drugs and alcohol, she suffered setback after setback, and as she put it- "I lived like Lindsay Lohan". But she had an epiphany and now lives a fulfilling, successful life. How did she do it? On today's episode of Evolving Waves, we explore Megan's early life, how she survived those obstacles, and went on to become a functioning adult.

On today's episode of Evolving Waves, we're thrilled to talk with Katie Blomquist of Going Places. Once an elementary school teacher of underprivileged students, Katie magnanimously gave one of her students a bike as a gift... and then realized there were many more underprivileged students out there who could benefit from her generosity. So she turned her gift for one student into a thriving non-profit organization that ensures bikes for every child who wants one-- regardless of that child's family's financial situation.

There are lots of stereotypes out there about every demographic, some true, and some not. We decided to ask two of our employees about some of the stereotypes surrounding their generation as part of a deeper conversation about how they got to where they are today. Meet Tahkya, our SEO and PPC Specialist, and Sicilia, our Marketing Manager, and join us for an insightful discussion today on Evolving Waves!

Steve Nettles, the founder of Tax Pros Plus and the co-founder of the North Charleston Chamber Of Commerce, sits down and discusses why it was so crucial for his business to pay his employees more than himself. In his discussion, Steve’s passion for empowering others and his belief in the power of equitable compensation shines through. He is a firm advocate for creating a business model that values its workforce, and his insights serve as a compelling reminder of the impact that thoughtful leadership can have on both individuals and the community at large. Through these efforts, Steve Nettles is not only shaping a successful business but is also inspiring a movement toward a more compassionate and sustainable approach to business ownership.

Today on Evolving Waves, we sit down with Frank AuCoin, who has one of the most fascinating stories we've ever heard. After dropping out of sixth grade and being illiterate until his 30's, Frank was determined to make the most out of the rest of his life. Fast forward to today, and Frank is now a best-selling author. But what about all that work he had to put in in between? And how, exactly, did he do it? We answer those questions and a whole lot more on today's episode.

Neil Shulman, the creator and founder of the Florida Gators multimedia entity In All Kinds of Weather, stops by to give his insights on what it takes to build an enormous following across several online platforms.

When your nickname is "The Pirate Hunter," you're sure to have a captivating story. Justin Myers does, and then some.  In today's episode, we talk about the delicate balance of serving your country and preserving life with a man who has done both in spades. Justin has a tremendous career as a Gunner in the US Navy, running businesses, and leading teams. You won't want to miss this incredible story of one of the few people to see combat in the US Navy in the last two decades.

The host of Evolving Waves, Alan Thompson, switches seats and takes center stage as a guest to walk us all through his story of becoming a self-made business success. The path to successful entrepreneurism is an up-and-down roller coaster. Alan launched multiple businesses over the last 2 decades and learned numerous lessons along the way that he shares with our listeners in this exciting podcast that is sure to reduce your shortfalls in business!

Evolving Waves host Alan Thompson and producer Neil Shulman give a quick update on the show, and tease some of the fascinating stories to come.

Diandra McNaire's inspiring journey from automotive to self-employed boudoir photographer in Charleston showcases how passion and perseverance can lead to success. Overcoming industry challenges through a focus on unique style and branding, she pivoted during COVID to meet a surge in demand by transitioning her studio. Diandra's work not only empowers clients but also underscores the significance of consistency and financial planning for entrepreneurs, signaling her readiness to expand her business beyond Charleston.

Pixie Pala, a trailblazing leader in the spirits industry, shares her journey of revitalizing a struggling distillery in Charleston amidst gender challenges. She underscores the value of financial empowerment for women and sheds light on her charitable initiatives. Emphasizing the significance of women-owned businesses, Pixie discusses her path in the spirits industry, advocating for cause marketing, perseverance in raising capital, and investing in oneself. With a focus on purpose, time management, and upcoming ventures, she embodies a passion for positive impact and community inspiration.

Tune in to episode 3 to learn about the challenges and lessons learned by Frank Wells of Holy City Med from formulating an exit plan for HealthFirst. Frank has utilized his experience of working in Urgent & Family care at Health First to launch a non-insurance-focused Urgent & Family care chain of clinics in Charleston, SC. He discusses the importance of finding great people and utilizing tools and lessons to ensure business success. Holy City Med's goal is to disrupt the traditional healthcare industry and provide accessible and high-quality care to more people.

Donovan Rider shares his journey from growing up in a small town to becoming a Taekwondo athlete and pursuing his dream of becoming an Olympian. He talks about his experience in the World Class Athlete Program in the Army and the challenges he faced during the Olympic trials. Unfortunately, after a career-ending injury, he had to find a new path through life. Donovan reflects on his journey of transitioning from an athlete to an entrepreneur in the Taekwondo industry. He discusses scaling a business and ensuring what is necessary to grow a successful multi-location business.  Brought to you by Evolving Waves, a Stingray Branding podcast hosted by Alan Thompson.

Alan Thompson, founder of Stingray Branding, shares his journey of overcoming challenging relationships and finding true love. He reflects on his past marriages and the lessons he learned from them. Alan discusses the red flags he ignored and their impact on his relationships. He emphasizes knowing what you truly want in a partner and not settling for less. Alan's story serves as a reminder to prioritize self-awareness and compatibility in relationships.  The person you choose to be with can significantly impact your ability to succeed in life and make good decisions. Happiness should come from within, but a partner can amplify or drain it.  In this conversation, Jaydee and Evolving Waves discuss the importance of knowing yourself and being happy with who you are before entering a relationship. They emphasize the need to test compatibility and ensure shared interests and values. They also discuss the challenges of being in a toxic relationship and provide advice for those struggling to leave.   

Evolving Waves is a new podcast that aims to share inspiring stories of everyday people who have overcome adversity to achieve success. The podcast will cover a range of topics including business, relationships, and personal development. The goal is to create a safe and supportive space for guests to share their stories and inspire and motivate listeners facing similar challenges. The long-term goal of the podcast is to make a meaningful impact on the lives of its listeners and potentially create opportunities for collaboration and connection. Hosted by Alan Thompson of Stingray Branding.