The Open Booth Podcast

In this episode 11 of The Open Booth, Matthew Brown sits down with Paul Hearn, a professional dog trainer, to talk about life with dogs, life with people, and how the two are more connected than we think.Paul shares stories from his childhood, moving from place to place, and the first dogs that really shaped how he sees loyalty, attachment, and home. He talks about years working in the security industry and what finally pushed him to step into a second act built around dogs, families, and real connection.Along the way, Matthew and Paul dig into what it actually means to live with a dog: routines, boundaries, calm energy, and why our own emotions and habits often create the very behaviors we don’t like. They talk about kids, thunder, fear, the idea of a “pack,” and why treating a dog like a person can leave everyone confused and frustrated.If you’ve ever wondered why your dog pulls, barks, seems anxious, or just doesn’t feel in sync with your family, this conversation is for you. It’s honest, funny in places, and very real about how much work—and how much reward—comes with sharing life with a dog.As Matthew says near the end, don’t forget to like and share and all that subscribe stuff if this episode gave you something to think about.Chapters:0:00 – Welcome to The Open Booth & meeting Paul3:07 – Growing up near Roanoke and small-town roots11:10 – Fathers, mentors, and generational work ethic16:54 – Moving houses and what “home” really means21:34 – Yard work, long mower lines, and learning gratitude24:09 – Meeting his wife, early married life, and starting a family35:27 – A life with dogs, loss, and bringing a new dog home38:53 – A surprise brain diagnosis and brain surgery39:56 – COVID, travel burnout, and rethinking a 22-year career47:21 – Why this park matters for him and his dog training49:41 – Neighbor’s dog, reading dog behavior, and owner habits52:48 – Making your dog’s day, keeping it simple, and one big family#TheOpenBoothPodcast #TheOpenBooth #MansBest #DogTraining #DogTrainer #Dogs #DogBehavior #FamilyDog #RescueDog #ReactiveDog #CalmDog #Storytelling #Podcast

Hypnotist/comedian Colin Chapman never pictured this life—until a Richmond crash and the look on his wife’s and son’s faces in the hospital changed everything. From photo-studio kid to press secretary to comedy hypnotist, Colin shares how trauma, grit, and laughter rewired his path.📍 Cary & Meadow, Richmond — 37°32'53.3"N 77°27'58.9"WGuest: Colin ChapmanChapters00:00 Welcome + new location00:35 Who is Colin Chapman?01:52 “Comedy Hypnosis is Amazing”02:34 Networking as an introvert03:28 Boxer rescue dog—can dogs be hypnotized?04:04 Kansas roots & Wizard of Oz06:34 Family photo studio (film-era lessons)08:55 One shot vs 500 shots10:00 First job at Bobo’s (hustle)12:45 Politics & campaigns → Capitol Hill press secretary13:32 Bird swarm under the power lines16:05 DC years, met wife, got married → Richmond move17:08 Why Richmond beats DC (stress & pace)22:41 Marriage: don’t sweep issues under the rug24:14 Gratitude over entitlement25:11 Kids update: PhD track & 911 dispatcher29:34 Threat call before a show; detachment & objectivity31:53 Calm under pressure; who can do 911 work34:49 Personality vs choice; faith & fear38:16 Courage vs fear at this intersection39:01 Street setups; spirit-led episode48:29 The crash at Cary & Meadow; TBI & PTSD → recovery53:06 Telling his wife; launching a hypnosis practice59:47 Tailoring comedy; HR “Karens” & free speech01:01:58 Is hypnosis mind control? (short answer: no)01:02:57 How hypnosis works: calm, focus, rapid learning01:04:50 Clinical hypnosis too (in-person/Zoom/products)LinksYouTube show intro: https://youtu.be/g3d_2n2rhWYCreated Photography: https://www.CreatedPhotography.com

Lost Boy. Found Hope. (One of the "Lost Boys of Sudan")Carlos’s journey began in war-torn South Sudan, where villages were burned and families torn apart. He fled on foot, survived life as a refugee in Kenya, and was later resettled in the United States as one of the Lost Boys of Sudan.In this episode, Carlos opens up about:Escaping violence and surviving in a refugee campLife in foster care and the struggles of resettlement in AmericaWrestling with hopelessness and destructive choicesThe moment everything changed when he encountered the Word of GodFinding healing, forgiveness, and a new purposeThis is more than a refugee story—it’s a story of survival, redemption, and hope against all odds.✨ If you’ve ever felt lost, broken, or searching for meaning, Carlos’s story will inspire you.🎥 Watch The Open Booth on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@theopenbooth📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theopenboothpodcast📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/createdphotography🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-open-booth-podcast#TheOpenBooth #LostBoysOfSudan #RefugeeStories #FaithAndHope #RedemptionStory #CreatedForGood

What does it take to turn a historic family home into a thriving bed and breakfast — and keep it running for decades? In this episode of The Open Booth, Matthew R. O. Brown sits down with Janice Clifton, owner of the Virginia Cliffe Inn in Glen Allen, Virginia.From growing up in the house her father restored from the ground up, to helping her parents transform it into Henrico County’s only fully operating bed and breakfast, Janice shares a story woven with history, faith, and family. The conversation moves from small-town roots to navigating county regulations, balancing entrepreneurship with relationships, and finding joy in giving back through events that now welcome thousands of visitors each year.In this heartfelt conversation, we explore:What it means to live in the same house your entire life — and carry its legacy forwardHow a family trip to England inspired the creation of a bed and breakfast in VirginiaThe challenges of hospitality, and how “being a cheerful giver” shapes her approach to guestsThe Virginia Cliffe Inn’s role as more than lodging — a venue for weddings, celebrations of life, craft shows, and community supportThe personal sacrifices and joys of managing a family business while keeping faith and family at the center🎥 Watch the video version on YouTube: https://youtu.be/TWdEYLfmzpM🔔 Subscribe for more stories: https://www.youtube.com/@theopenbooth?sub_confirmation=1📸 Learn more about Created Photography: https://www.CreatedPhotography.comFilmed on-site at the Virginia Cliffe Inn, this conversation isn’t just about business — it’s about legacy, resilience, and the belief that true hospitality is a calling.—The Open Booth Podcast | Hosted by Matthew R. O. Brown#TheOpenBooth #CreatedPhotography #CreatedForGood

Episode 7 — From Crisis to AI Coach | One Man’s Journey Through Struggle, Family & ReinventionWhat happens when your world falls apart—job gone, debt mounting, and no clear way forward? In this raw and honest conversation, our guest opens up about hitting rock bottom and the long climb back. He shares what it felt like to be in crisis, the struggles of supporting his family, and the turning points that led him to reinvent himself as an AI coach.This is not a glossy success story—it’s a testimony of grit, faith, and choosing to adapt when life leaves you no other choice. Together, we unpack the reality of:Facing financial and emotional collapse while raising a familyThe moment of truth that forced him to change courseHow he discovered coaching and eventually found a path into the world of artificial intelligenceBalancing technology with humanity—why authenticity and faith still matter mostPractical lessons for anyone standing at a crossroads, wondering how to rebuild🎥 Watch the video version on YouTube: https://youtu.be/0B-QxiOFkjo🔔 Subscribe for more stories: https://www.youtube.com/@theopenbooth?sub_confirmation=1📸 Learn more about Created Photography: https://www.CreatedPhotography.comIf you’re in a season of uncertainty, this story will remind you: crisis doesn’t have to be the end. With faith, hard work, and a willingness to step into the unknown, you can turn breakdowns into breakthroughs.—The Open Booth Podcast | Hosted by Matthew R. O. Brown#TheOpenBooth #CreatedPhotography #CreatedForGood

Episode 6 – Like a River: A Journey Through Military Service, Creativity, and FatherhoodLife, like a river, twists and turns — sometimes calm, sometimes rushing, always moving forward.In this deeply personal episode of The Open Booth, host Matthew R. O. Brown sits down with a guest whose life flows through the defining chapters of military service, artistic creativity, and the joys and challenges of fatherhood. Recorded on location inside the booth, the conversation captures the ebb and flow of life’s transitions — the moments that carry us forward, the rapids we fight against, and the still waters where we find peace.Through candid reflection, the guest shares how the discipline of military life shaped his resilience, how creativity became a vital outlet for self-expression, and how fatherhood reshaped his priorities and purpose. It’s a conversation about identity, balance, and the courage to navigate change.🎙 In this episode, you’ll discover:How military service can shape outlook and adaptabilityThe role of creativity in personal growth and emotional healthLessons children teach us about love, patience, and perspectiveWhy embracing life’s seasons can bring peaceWith honesty and warmth, Like a River reminds us that life’s flow isn’t always predictable — but every turn can carry us closer to who we’re meant to be.Pull up a seat in The Open Booth and join a conversation that may inspire you to embrace your own journey, wherever the current takes you.🎥 Watch the full video episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheOpenBooth📘 Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theopenboothpodcast📸 Learn more about Created Photography: https://www.CreatedPhotography.com💬 Are you in Virginia with a powerful story to share? Schedule a time to talk: https://calendly.com/createdphotography/30-minute-introductory-call-or-zoom

Episode 5 – More Than a Coach: The Mentorship and Legacy of Robert N. Hoskins, Jr.Some mentors change lives for a season. Others shape them for a lifetime.In this inspiring episode of The Open Booth, host Matthew R. O. Brown sits down with Robert N. Hoskins, Jr., a man whose decades of dedication as both a teacher and coach have left an indelible mark on the lives of his students, athletes, and community.Recorded on location inside the booth, this conversation is more than a career retrospective — it’s a celebration of the values, challenges, and personal moments that define true leadership. Robert shares his philosophy on balancing discipline with compassion, the lessons he’s learned from his students, and the joy of watching others grow into their potential.This is a story about showing up, leading with integrity, and investing in people — not just for the wins and grades, but for the kind of character that lasts long after the final whistle or graduation ceremony.🎙 In this episode, you’ll discover:How great teachers and coaches leave lasting legaciesWhy mentorship is about more than skills — it’s about shaping characterThe impact of balancing firm expectations with empathyLessons students teach their mentors in returnHow one person’s commitment can ripple through an entire communityRobert’s journey reminds us that the most powerful influence we can have is in the lives we touch directly. Whether you’ve been shaped by a mentor or served as one yourself, this episode will leave you inspired to keep passing that torch.Pull up a seat in The Open Booth and join a conversation that celebrates the quiet, consistent heroes who shape the future one person at a time.🎥 Watch the full video episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheOpenBooth📘 Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theopenboothpodcast📸 Learn more about Created Photography: https://www.CreatedPhotography.com💬 Are you in Virginia with a powerful story to share? Schedule a time to talk: https://calendly.com/createdphotography/30-minute-introductory-call-or-zoom

Episode 4 – From the Ruins: Finding Strength in What RemainsWhat do we do when life as we know it crumbles?In From the Ruins, host Matthew R. O. Brown takes The Open Booth to a location marked by history, loss, and resilience. It’s more than a backdrop — it’s a mirror to the story you’re about to hear: one of picking up the pieces after devastation, and learning to build again with what’s left.The guest’s journey begins in the shadow of loss — a season when the familiar was stripped away and the path forward was unclear. Yet, in that space, unexpected lessons emerged: the value of community, the power of perspective, and the quiet but unshakable strength that can grow in the aftermath of hardship.This is not just about tragedy — it’s about transformation. About how the very places and moments that seem broken beyond repair can become the foundation for something new.🎙 In this episode, you’ll discover:How to find hope when everything feels lostThe first steps to rebuilding after a setbackWhy your perspective can determine your outcomeThe role of community in healing and restorationThrough open, unfiltered conversation, From the Ruins invites you to see that while life may never go back to the way it was, it can still move forward — and sometimes, the new chapter is even more beautiful than the one before.Pull up a seat in The Open Booth and join a conversation that might just change how you see your own challenges.🎥 Watch the full video episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheOpenBooth📘 Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theopenboothpodcast📸 Learn more about Created Photography: https://www.CreatedPhotography.com💬 Are you in Virginia with a powerful story to share? Schedule a time to talk: https://calendly.com/createdphotography/30-minute-introductory-call-or-zoom

Episode 3 – Hope for Homecoming: Youth, Education, and Faith in the Face of AdversityWhat does it take to rise above the circumstances you’re born into?In this heartfelt episode of The Open Booth, host Matthew R. O. Brown sets up outside Thomas Jefferson High School to capture a powerful story about overcoming challenges tied to youth, education, and faith. It’s a conversation about choices, resilience, and the mentors who can change the trajectory of a young person’s life.The guest shares candidly about navigating difficult environments, the turning points that shaped their path, and the hope that kept them moving forward. From early struggles to personal victories, this is a story about the power of belief — both in yourself and in something greater.Filmed on location in The Open Booth, the conversation unfolds in a space designed for honesty and connection, allowing real stories to be told without filters or scripts.Through personal reflection and shared experiences, you’ll hear:The unique pressures facing today’s youth and how they can be overcomeHow education — both inside and outside the classroom — shapes identityThe role of faith and values in navigating life’s hardest seasonsWhy community support can be the difference between giving up and pressing onThis isn’t just about one person’s journey. It’s about the universal need for hope, guidance, and the courage to envision a better future — no matter where you start.🎙 In this episode, you’ll discover:How positive role models can redirect a young person’s pathWhy faith can be a source of strength in difficult timesThe impact of education beyond grades and diplomasPractical ways to support youth in your communityPull up a seat in The Open Booth and join a conversation that’s both deeply personal and universally inspiring.🎥 Watch the full video episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheOpenBooth📘 Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theopenboothpodcast📸 Learn more about Created Photography: https://www.CreatedPhotography.com💬 Are you in Virginia with a powerful story to share? Schedule a time to talk: https://calendly.com/createdphotography/30-minute-introductory-call-or-zoom

Episode 2 – From the Grave: A Death Doula’s Guide to Living FullyWhat if facing death could teach you how to truly live?In this powerful episode of The Open Booth, host Matthew R. O. Brown sets up his mobile interview booth inside Richmond’s historic Hollywood Cemetery — a location as thought-provoking as the story you’re about to hear. Surrounded by the skyline and the silence of weathered gravestones, Matthew sits down with a Death Doula, a guide who supports individuals and families through the final chapter of life.This is not a morbid conversation. It’s raw, honest, and surprisingly uplifting. Through deeply personal stories, the Death Doula reveals:What her role looks like day-to-day and why it mattersThe common fears people have at the end of life — and how to ease themThe unexpected lessons that the dying often pass on to the livingHow facing mortality can strip away the unimportant and bring clarity to what really mattersThe conversation challenges us to stop avoiding the topic of death and instead embrace it as a way to live more intentionally. Whether you’ve experienced loss, work in caregiving, or are simply curious about what truly matters when time is short, this episode will stay with you long after it ends.🎙 In this episode, you’ll discover:How a Death Doula brings peace in life’s final daysThe most common regrets shared in the last momentsWhy talking about death can deepen relationshipsHow to start your own conversations about mortality without fearPull up a seat in The Open Booth and join a conversation that’s as real as it gets — one that may just change the way you see your own life.🎥 Watch the full video episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheOpenBooth📘 Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theopenboothpodcast📸 Learn more about Created Photography: https://www.CreatedPhotography.com💬 Are you in Virginia with a story to share? Schedule a time to talk: https://calendly.com/createdphotography/30-minute-introductory-call-or-zoom

Episode 1 – The Way Home: A Soldier’s Story of Survival and Coming Back to LifeOne moment, life was normal. The next, a suicide bomber changed everything.In this gripping debut of The Open Booth, host Matthew R. O. Brown sits down with a close friend whose deployment to Afghanistan took a harrowing turn when his army unit was attacked. The blast from a suicide bomber left scars that went far beyond the battlefield — and began a long, complicated journey back home, both physically and emotionally.Filmed inside The Open Booth — a traveling, on-location interview space designed for open and unfiltered conversation — this episode dives into what it truly means to serve, survive, and find your way back to yourself after war.Through vivid storytelling and raw honesty, you’ll hear:The split-second decisions that meant life or death in combatThe emotional weight of surviving when others didn’tThe unseen struggles of adjusting to civilian lifeHow faith, resilience, and purpose can guide recoveryThis isn’t just a story about war. It’s about finding hope after unimaginable loss, and about the people and moments that can light the way home when everything feels broken. Whether you have a personal connection to military service or you’ve never met someone in uniform, this conversation will change the way you think about sacrifice, resilience, and the human spirit.🎙 In this episode, you’ll discover:What it’s like to face the unimaginable in combatThe hardest challenges of coming home from warHow to support someone who has servedWhy hope is often the most powerful survival toolPull up a seat in The Open Booth and join a conversation that will stay with you long after the final words are spoken.🎥 Watch the full video episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheOpenBooth📘 Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theopenboothpodcast📸 Learn more about Created Photography: https://www.CreatedPhotography.com💬 Are you in Virginia with a powerful story to share? Schedule a time to talk: https://calendly.com/createdphotography/30-minute-introductory-call-or-zoom