Episodes
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Crypto Talk with Andrew Scott Easton
Andrew Scott Easton could have worked in Hollywood. Instead, he ditched the film biz for the blockchain. He discusses his path into the industry and the rapidly evolving role of digital assets in the global economy.
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News Disruptor Kira Shishkin
Tired of corporate news that only reinforces bias? Kira Shihskin did something about it. This entrepreneurial immigrant is changing the way we consume news and giving people more time back.
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Ariel Imas on Investing Banking and the Financial Future
Ariel Imas shares his story from Brooklyn to Wall Street, the lessons he learned in investment banking, and the vision behind Diesis Holdings. He also offers practical insights on reading financial statements, valuing companies, and how artificial intelligence is reshaping the future of investing...
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Greg Giraldo Jr. on NYC, Comedy, and Roast Etiquette
Greg Giraldo, Jr. grew up with comedy. His parents met at a comedy club. His dad was one of the most beloved comedians of his era. Now he's creating his own name in the business. Check out this episode conducted by one of the authors of Greg Giraldo: A Comedian's Story. / greggiraldojr...
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Jan Dalton - Mompreneur
Gratitude helped this mom create a successful business. Jan Dalton was a busy working mom and now she's busier as the co-founder of eBars. Get her insights on the importance of perseverance, faith, and resilience. https://www.ebars.com/
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Justin Harrison on You, Only Virtual
Justin Harrison discusses You, Only Virtual, a platform that creates virtual versions of loved ones who have passed away. He explains how the technology helps people process grief, maintain connections, and cope with loss in new ways.https://www.myyov.com/
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Brian Samson on Startups, Foster Care, and Global Businesses
Brian Samson leveraged his role at Fuddruckers to join tech bros in the Bay Area. That wasn't his scene, so he moved to the islands, started a family, and a business, Plugg Technologies, and learned some wisdom along the way. Tune in to get his insights at no charge to you.
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TV Writer Jim Hope on Comedy, Kindness, and Humanity
Jim Hope shares his story from a challenging childhood to a successful career in comedy, television writing, and academia. Discover his insights on overcoming adversity, the importance of kindness, and his optimistic outlook on the future of humanity amidst technological advances.
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Landman Matt Washington
Matt Washington talks about growing up in Washington and building a life in Laguna Beach. He reflects on early jobs, the impact of having family members with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, and how martial arts—especially Jiu Jitsu —shaped his discipline and mindset. Matt also breaks down his work…
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Lori Oliver on Spanx, Sleep, and Risk
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...
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Elijah Khasabo on the Creator Economy
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...
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Who Wants to Be a Millionaire Writer - Dylan Snowden
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…
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Johnny Mitchell on Prison, Comedy, & Authority
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
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Makeup Artistry with Dawn Maloney
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...
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Lou Perez talks Charlie Kirk, Scott Thompson, and Macros.
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...
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Maui Hospitality with Mike Russell
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...
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Turning LOL into ROI with Aidan Brannigan
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.
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Farm Strength with Cody Claflin
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,...
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Marketing for Comedians with David Uribe
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...
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Jim Carroll on Volatility and Resiliency in Business
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…
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Monetizing Social Media with Ryan Davis
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...
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Navigating the AI Landscape with Toly Kvitnitsky
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…
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Standup, Japan, and Montana with Patrick Keane
Patrick Keane has traveled the world for the past 24 years performing stand-up comedy and has appeared on the Late Late Show, Live At Gotham, Comics Unleashed and Jimmy Kimmel Live. He has a comedy special on the Dry Bar comedy network and his work can be seen in his book The Patrick Keane...
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AI, Programming, and Podcasting with Michelle Harper (audio only)
Michelle Harper grew up in Kansas, where she developed a love for basketball and math. Now she lives in Laguna Beach but never lost her heartland roots. Computer programming launched her career. Now she has a unique take on the future of the programming industry and how we can parent in the world...
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AI, Programming, and Podcasting with Michelle Harper
Michelle Harper grew up in Kansas, where she developed a love for basketball and math. Now she lives in Laguna Beach but never lost her heartland roots. Computer programming launched her career. Now she has a unique take on the future of the programming industry and how we can parent in the world...
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Starting an E Comm Business with Neil Twa
Neil Twa is the CEO of Voltage Digital. Neil has been building online businesses since 2007 after leaving his corporate career with IBM.
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Jo Ann Skousen: Teaching in prisons and universities
Jo Ann Skousen is the founding director of the Anthem Libertarian Film Festival, the world’s only film festival dedicated to supporting filmmakers who create short and full length documentaries and narrative films with libertarian themes. Jo Ann completed her graduate degree in English Literature...
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Pablo Serrato on Ross Ulbricht and Liberty
Pablo Serrato leads data intelligence and AI strategy for Iron Light, specializing in sentiment modeling, audience segmentation, and AWS infrastructure. His work spans cybersecurity, product management, and user experience design at the intersection of technology and analytics.
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Newth Morris on Laguna Beach School Board Drama
A note from the guest, "“It is not 100% clear that there is a brown act violation and I retract that statement. And it's alleged that Tim Leary's son never stole records. He just gave them away." Newth Morris is a Managing Director at Ankona Capital in Laguna Beach, California. Newth was a...
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Going Nuclear with Kevin Hickerson
Dr. Kevin Peter Hickerson is a California Institute of Technology-trained nuclear physicist. He holds a dozen patents in 3D printing, robotics, tablet computing, machine learning, optics, and solar energy. He is also the host of the science and comedy podcast Surely You're Joking....
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Real Estate, Election, and News with Jon Tomashefsky
Jon Tomashefsky (AKA Jon Shefsky) is a comedian turned realtor in Southern California. He hosts the podcast “FANTASY HOUSE with Jon Shefsky.” Listen to his discussion on how elections impact real estate and why do people watch the news.
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Zander Abrams on Minnesota Timberwolves Trade
Zander Abrams is the Founder of the Cannabis Policy Forum where he analyzes cannabis politics, policy and regulation. None of that matters in this episode. Zander is a wealth of Minnesota Timberwolves knowledge. Listen to his dissect the recent Wolves Knicks trade. Trade details: Knicks receive:...
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Adam Wasserman on Starting Comedy Clubs
Adam Wasserman is a standup comedian and owner of the Grand Comedy Club in Escondido, CA. Get more details on the club by clicking the link below: https://www.grandcomedyclub.com/
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Zach Weissmueller on Libertarianism & Journalism
Zach Weissmueller is a senior producer at Reason. He has produced documentary shorts, video interviews, and feature articles for the platform since 2010 covering permissionless technology, free speech, mental health and homelessness, experimental governance, COVID-19 policy, criminal justice...
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Dave Siegel on Writing Comedy and News
Dave Siegel started as doorman at the DC Improv, while a college student in Washington, DC. His first show as a performer came at an open mic at 'The Comic Strip' in New York City. Since that time, he has headlined premier comedy clubs across the country from 'Carolines on Broadway' to 'The…
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Beau McFarland on the Greg Giraldo Movie, School Board
Beau McFarland is a stand-up comic, writer, and actor from Southern California. Beau has performed in clubs, theaters and, venues all over the United States, Canada, the U.K., China, and Thailand. He has also performed for the troops in Seoul, South Korea, as well as on season 1 of Fox Network's...
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Isaac Israel on Launching Comedy Clubs
Isaac Israel is a nationally touring comedian and owner of Tickle Me Comedy Club in Las Vegas. Tickle Me Comedy: https://www.ticklemecomedy.com/
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Brian Scolaro on Acting and Standup
Brian Scolaro is most known for his appearances on “CONAN”, his half hour Comedy Central special “COMEDY CENTRAL PRESENTS: BRIAN SCOLARO”, as Brian on ABC’s “A MILLION LITTLE THINGS”, as Doug on TBS’s “SULLIVAN AND SON”, Uncle Bill on “TEN YEAR OLD TOM”, his “DRY BAR SPECIAL: TROUBLE”, his Amazon...
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How to Sell with Sagar Patel
Sagar Patel is a revenue and growth executive with 15+ years in sales and management in the healthcare and technology industries. He has held leadership roles with global companies such as IBM, Boston Scientific, and Karl Storz Endoscopy. Sagar has led revenue teams for three venture-backed...
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Dave Hoeffel - Selling Your Business
Dave Hoeffel is an entrepreneur from Minnesota. Dave graduated from the University of Wisconsin in 1992 with a degree in Chemistry. He is the former owner of Endurance Technologies, which owned several brand names including Custom Polymer Design, MAS Epoxies and Bristol Finish. Endurance...
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Sugey Piedra on Tax Planning and Passive Income
For more than 20 years, Sugey Piedra has been working in the tax preparation and wealth management industry. She and her two sisters co-founded Prominence Business & Wealth Management, and together they have helped hundreds of high-earning service-based business owners to grow and scale their...
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Zander Abrams on Cannabis Rescheduling
Hear policy expert Zander Abram's take on cannabis rescheduling and Minnesota sports. Zander Abrams is the Founder of the Cannabis Policy Forum where he analyzes cannabis politics, policy and regulation. Zander is focused on macro trends affecting the cannabis industry and draws on his experience...
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Jon Tomashefsky on So Cal Real Estate and Comedy
Jon Tomashefsky (AKA Jon Shefsky) is a comedian turned realtor in Southern California. Hear his take on tattoos, comedy, real estate, and the apocalypse. Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/gods-of-real-estate-fancy-boy-edition/id1452740499...
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LA to Georgia with Ro DelleGrazie
Ro DelleGrazie has been a stand-up comedian for >20 years. Originally from New York, at the start of her stand up career she was coached by Lisa Lampanelli. Ro moved to L.A. in 2004 and started studying at the I.O West where she graduated and was part of an improv group called Tentatively Marty.…
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Ryan Austin - Military School and Family Offices
In this episode, we dive into the journey of Ryan Austin, Founder and CEO of Arondight Advisors, who shares not only his professional triumphs but also the personal milestones that have shaped his path. Raised on Long Island, NY, Ryan faced challenges early on that led him to the disciplined…
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Lea Marlene on Acting, Cancer, and Purpose
Lea Marlene is the founder of the Lea Marlene Actors Studio and the Namastage Theatre. After a battle with melanoma cancer, she pivoted from being a professional stand-up comedian and actress to business owner. Hear her story about leaving LA to find her calling. In her own healing journey she…
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Dennis O’Malley on Career Building
Dennis O’Malley is CEO & President of Caliva, the largest vertically integrated cannabis company in California. Dennis has over a 20 year track record of leadership roles in fast growing companies in emerging markets as well as successfully raising capital from institutional investors and in...
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Business Resiliency with Hermin Thind
Hermin Thind moved from India to the Pacific Northwest as a child. He endured countless business setbacks and challenges. His entrepreneurial battle scars helped make him a successful business leader. Hear his story. MORE ABOUT HERMIN THIND In 2013, amidst the challenges, Hermin, alongside his...
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Nate Wasson on Business Transitions
Nate Watson, of Ailia Family Office Club and Halbar Partners, shares his perspective on purpose-driven entrepreneurship, the "silver tsunami," and prioritizing stakeholder value over profit. MORE ABOUT NATE WASSON Nate Wasson is the co-founder of HalBar Partners and a principal member of…
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PK on Comedy, Family, and the White House
PK is a regular at World Famous Laugh Factory, Improv, Comedy Store, Pasadena Ichouse, Haha Comedy Club, The Hollywood and Pasadena Comedy! He has brought over 10,000 people to the clubs, many of them seeing stand up comedy live for the first time. He’s performed at over 100 universities across…
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About this show
We interview experts in business, comedy, and literature in hopes of free riding off their knowledge.
Hosted by
The Matt Balaker Podcast
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