Shows
Hometown JaxThe Business of Beauty: Stefani Grant’s StoryHometown Jax is a podcast dedicated to spotlighting the local entrepreneurs, creatives, and business owners who make Jacksonville thrive. Hosted by Aaron Bacus, each episode dives into the real stories behind the brands—highlighting the challenges, risks, and personal growth that come with building a business from the ground up in our community.In this episode, Aaron sits down with Stefani Grant, a professional hairstylist and entrepreneur, to talk about her journey in the beauty industry. Stefani shares what it was like getting started behind the chair, the pressure and excitement of her first hair sh...
2026-01-2145 min
Hometown JaxChris Ulmer on Building Special Books by Special Kids and Embracing Every StoryWelcome to Hometown Jax, where hosts Aaron Bacus and Jason Kindler bring you into authentic conversations with the entrepreneurs, creators, and leaders shaping Jacksonville’s future. Each episode highlights the people behind the progress—the ones turning adversity into opportunity and building something meaningful right here on the First Coast.In this heartfelt episode, Jason sits down with Chris Ulmer, founder of Special Books by Special Kids, to explore how one former special education teacher ended up sharing some of the world’s most powerful and overlooked human stories. Chris opens up about the ea...
2026-01-0736 min
Hometown JaxPatric Young on Adversity, Faith, and Finding Purpose After the FallWelcome to Hometown Jax, the podcast where Aaron Bacus explores the real stories of Jacksonville’s most inspiring individuals—from entrepreneurs and athletes to community leaders—who share how they’ve overcome life’s challenges while staying grounded in purpose. Each episode digs deep into personal resilience, professional growth, and the kind of hard-earned wisdom that defines this city.In this powerful episode, Aaron sits down with Patric Young, former Florida Gator basketball star, pro athlete, and ESPN analyst, whose life took a dramatic turn after a spinal cord injury in 2022. Patric opens up about his journey from domin...
2025-12-241h 04
Hometown JaxNavigating Success in Jacksonville: A Conversation with Matt ToblinWelcome to Hometown Jax! In this inspiring local podcast hosted by Aaron Bacus, we explore the heart and hustle of Jacksonville’s business community. Each episode features candid conversations with local entrepreneurs who share not only the successes but also the real-life challenges they face every day. With a focus on overcoming obstacles and building resilience, Hometown Jax is a go-to resource for anyone looking to be motivated by authentic stories from everyday heroes in our community.In this episode, Aaron sits down with Matt Toblin to dive deep into his journey as a business owner in Ja...
2025-12-1051 min
Hometown JaxRobin Pfalzgraf on Making Housing Work in JacksonvilleHometown Jax brings you honest, inspiring conversations with local leaders, entrepreneurs, and visionaries who are shaping the future of Jacksonville. Hosts Aaron Bacus and Jason Kindler highlight the personal journeys and powerful missions behind the businesses and organizations that are transforming our communities from the inside out.In this episode, Jason sits down with Robin Pfalzgraf, Executive Director of the Jacksonville Community Land Trust. Robin shares her deeply personal journey from foster care advocacy and nonprofit leadership in the Midwest to leading the charge for attainable housing in Jacksonville. Her passion for dignified, community-based solutions...
2025-11-2649 min
Hometown JaxBroadcasting Jacksonville: Sam Kouvaris on Journalism and 40 Years in the SpotlightOn Hometown Jax, hosts Aaron Bacus and Jason Kindler sit down with Jacksonville’s entrepreneurs, storytellers, and public figures to explore the paths they’ve taken and the impact they’ve made in the First Coast community. It’s a celebration of grit, growth, and the people who keep our city moving forward.In this episode, Aaron chats with Sam Kouvaris, an Emmy Award-winning journalist, longtime Channel 4 sportscaster, and Hall of Fame media figure who helped shape Jacksonville’s sports and news culture over four decades. Sam shares stories from the golden age of local news—covering the Gators’...
2025-11-121h 17
Hometown JaxFrom Tile Work to City Hall: Gregory Grant’s Mission to Empower Jacksonville EntrepreneursWelcome to Hometown Jax, the show where hosts Aaron Bacus and Jason Kindler sit down with the business leaders, educators, and difference-makers shaping Jacksonville’s future. Every episode dives into the real stories of local entrepreneurs—what drives them, what they’ve learned, and how they’re helping our community grow stronger, smarter, and more connected.In this episode, Jason sits down with Gregory Grant, a Jacksonville native, Army veteran, serial entrepreneur, and the appointed leader of the City of Jacksonville’s Equal Business Opportunity Division. Gregory shares his powerful story—from learning tile work as a teenage...
2025-11-0555 min
Hometown JaxFrom Norwood to the NFL: Marc Edwards on Football, Fatherhood, and Life After the GameWelcome to Hometown Jax, where hosts Aaron Bacus and Jason Kindler sit down with local leaders, entrepreneurs, and legends to explore their journeys, challenges, and the impact they make in Northeast Florida. Whether it’s sports, business, or personal transformation, this podcast highlights the stories that shape the people who shape Jacksonville.In this episode, Aaron interviews Marc Edwards, a former Notre Dame standout and NFL fullback who now calls Jacksonville home. Marc shares his remarkable rise from small-town Ohio to college football stardom and a nine-year NFL career, including a Super Bowl win with th...
2025-10-221h 23
Hometown JaxFrom West Point to Wellness: Nick Padlo’s Mission to Redefine RecoveryWelcome to Hometown Jax, where hosts Aaron Bacus and Jason Kindler sit down with Jacksonville’s leaders, creators, and change-makers to explore the journeys that define our city. From entrepreneurship to personal transformation, each episode digs deep into the stories of those making a difference across Northeast Florida.In this episode, Jason sits down with Nick Padlo, a Jacksonville native, West Point graduate, U.S. Army veteran, Stanford MBA, TEDx speaker, and founder of Sofros Recovery. Nick opens up about his deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan, the identity crisis many veterans face after se...
2025-10-1531 min
Hometown JaxReal Estate at 18, Nonprofits at 30: The Entrepreneurial Evolution of Clayton KingWelcome to Hometown Jax, where hosts Aaron Bacus and Jason Kindler sit down with Jacksonville’s most compelling voices in business, leadership, and community impact. From first-time entrepreneurs to seasoned executives, this podcast uncovers the stories of grit, growth, and giving back that define the spirit of Northeast Florida.In this episode, Jason interviews Clayton King, a Jacksonville-based financial advisor, real estate investor, and nonprofit board member whose journey started with buying his first home at just 18 years old. Clayton shares how growing up in a financially literate household shaped his mindset, the lessons he le...
2025-10-0832 min
Hometown JaxFrom Local News to National Markets and Back: Emily Turner’s Journalism JourneyWelcome to Hometown Jax, where hosts Aaron Bacus and Jason Kindler dive into the real stories behind Jacksonville’s most driven professionals. From the business world to local media and everything in between, we explore how homegrown talent overcomes challenges, seizes opportunity, and impacts Northeast Florida in a meaningful way.In this episode, Aaron sits down with Emily Turner, investigative anchor at Action News Jax, to unpack her career spanning coast to coast—from early days lugging her own gear as a one-woman crew to anchoring in major markets like San Francisco. Emily shares the behi...
2025-10-0153 min
Hometown JaxFrom City Council to Chamber CEO: Daniel Davis on Building Jacksonville’s FutureWelcome to Hometown Jax, the podcast where hosts Aaron Bacus and Jason Kindler sit down with the boldest minds in business, leadership, and community building across Jacksonville. Each episode captures personal stories, professional journeys, and the wins—and losses—that shape the Northeast Florida business landscape.In this episode, Aaron sits down with Daniel Davis, President and CEO of the JAX Chamber, to unpack his remarkable journey from local politics to becoming one of Jacksonville’s most influential leaders. Daniel shares how his love for Jacksonville inspired a career rooted in service, economic development, and creati...
2025-09-1740 min
Hometown JaxFrom NFL Mascot to Zoo Advocate: The Wild Journey of Curtis DvorakWelcome to Hometown Jax, where hosts Aaron Bacus and Jason Kindler explore the inspiring stories of Jacksonville’s most interesting leaders, entrepreneurs, and personalities. Each episode dives into the personal journeys, challenges, and passions that drive the local legends shaping our community—whether they’re building businesses, leading movements, or redefining what it means to call Jacksonville home.In this episode, Aaron sits down with Curtis Dvorak, a name that might not ring a bell until you realize he spent 19 years as Jaxson de Ville, the iconic mascot of the Jacksonville Jaguars. But that w...
2025-09-101h 05
Hometown JaxTurning Dreams Into Mobile Businesses: The Story of Hudson Trailer CompanyWelcome to Hometown Jax, where hosts Aaron Bacus and Jason Kindler sit down with Jacksonville’s entrepreneurs, innovators, and small business owners to hear the real stories behind their journeys. From humble beginnings to big breakthroughs, every conversation dives into the passion, challenges, and persistence that define our local community.In this episode, Jason sits down with Suzanne Hasz, founder of Hudson Trailer Company, to hear how a late-night idea grew into a nationally recognized brand. Susanne shares how she turned vintage trailers into customizable mobile businesses, the lessons she learned as a se...
2025-09-0330 min
Hometown JaxFrom Classrooms to Camera: How the Hammonds Turned Real Estate Into a TV HitWelcome to Hometown Jax, where hosts Aaron Bacus and Jason Kindler sit down with Jacksonville’s local legends—entrepreneurs, creators, and business owners—to share the real stories behind their success. From humble beginnings to breakthrough moments, each episode explores the grit, heart, and hustle that power Jacksonville’s business community.In this episode, Aaron sits down with Brady and Alyssa Hammond, the dynamic husband-and-wife duo behind one of Northeast Florida’s most unique local TV series. What started as a career pivot from education to real estate evolved into a full-blown production showcasing the neighborho...
2025-08-2057 min
Hometown JaxThe Man Behind the Forecast: Mike Buresh on Hurricanes, Headlines & HumilityWelcome to Hometown Jax, the podcast where host Aaron Bacus sits down with the movers, shakers, and everyday legends of Jacksonville's business and cultural landscape. Each episode dives into the personal journeys of local leaders, shedding light on the challenges they’ve faced and the passion that fuels their work. From humble beginnings to transformative moments, Hometown Jax celebrates the grit, heart, and hustle that define our community.In this episode, Aaron welcomes Jacksonville’s trusted weatherman, Mike Buresh, for a riveting conversation about life behind the radar. Mike opens up about the most terrifying weather events he’s...
2025-08-1359 min
Hometown JaxThe Power of Referrals: Stefanie Robinson's Journey with BNIWelcome to Hometown Jax, the podcast that dives into the stories of Jacksonville’s business owners, entrepreneurs, and community leaders. Hosted by Aaron Bacus, each episode uncovers the unique journeys, challenges, and victories of local professionals who shape the city’s economy and culture. Whether you’re a business owner, an aspiring entrepreneur, or someone who loves hearing inspiring success stories, this podcast is for you.In this episode, we sit down with Stefanie Robinson, a powerhouse in Jacksonville’s business networking scene. As a Managing Director of BNI (Business Network International) and the founder of Flashes of Brill...
2025-08-0646 min
Hometown JaxRescue Dogs, Rescuing Heroes: Inside K9s for WarriorsHometown Jax is all about spotlighting Jacksonville’s incredible business owners, innovators, and leaders who are making a difference in the community. Hosted by Aaron Bacus and Jason Kindler, this podcast dives into the stories of resilience, entrepreneurship, and impact that define the local business scene. Whether you're looking for inspiration, business insights, or a deeper connection to the Jacksonville area, Hometown Jax brings you the conversations that matter.In this episode, Aaron sits down with Daniel Bean, CEO of K9s for Warriors, an organization dedicated to rescuing dogs and pairing them with veterans suffering from PT...
2025-07-0951 min
Hometown JaxRevitalizing a Town & Running Multiple Businesses - Jena Dennis' StoryHometown Jax brings you the inspiring stories of Jacksonville’s entrepreneurs, innovators, and community leaders. Hosted by Jason Kindler and Aaron Bacus, this podcast dives deep into the challenges and triumphs of local business owners who are shaping the city's future. Whether you’re a business enthusiast, a Jacksonville native, or just looking for motivation, Hometown Jax is your go-to source for real stories of perseverance and success.In this episode, Jason sits down with Jena Dennis, a sixth-generation Jacksonville native and the powerhouse behind multiple thriving businesses. From running a real estate brokerage to managing estate sale...
2025-07-0224 min
Hometown JaxServing the Nation: Tony Capozzi's Journey Through The MilitaryIn this episode of Hometown Jax, host Aaron Bacus sits down with Tony Capozzi, a West Point graduate, veteran, and reservist with an incredible journey through military service. Tony shares his story, from growing up around baseball to becoming a leader in the U.S. Army, serving in combat zones, and even parachuting into Normandy for a historical reenactment. He breaks down what it takes to lead troops, the difference between officers and enlisted soldiers, and what life is really like in a forward operating base.Tony also dives into his deployment experiences, the critical role of...
2025-06-1855 min
Hometown JaxCatching More Than Fish: Captain Leon Dana on Building MemoriesJoin host Aaron Bacus as he sits down with Captain Leon Dana, one of Jacksonville's most experienced fishing guides and owner of Palm Valley Charters. From his early days fishing retention ponds at age six to his transition from running a successful family limousine business to becoming a full-time fishing guide, Captain Dana shares how he developed his extraordinary understanding of Palm Valley's waterways. He reveals his unique approach to finding hidden fishing spots using Google Earth, explains how fish behave like social groups of different ages, and discusses how creating lasting memories for his clients is just as...
2025-06-111h 02
Hometown JaxMore Than A Barbershop: How Chris Frison Built A CommunityJoin host Aaron Bacus as he sits down with Chris Frison, owner of All Star Barbershop in Jacksonville, Florida. In this engaging conversation, Chris shares his journey from aspiring commercial artist to successful barber and business owner, spanning over two decades of service to the Jacksonville community. From his first haircut at age 12 to managing a thriving barbershop with his brother, Chris reveals how he's built lasting relationships with clients who have become like family. He discusses everything from the challenges of starting his own business to the evolving trends in men's grooming, while sharing heartwarming stories about serving...
2025-06-0440 min
Hometown JaxBuilding Jacksonville's Ultimate Family Fun Center: Laura Zorn's StoryIn this episode of Hometown Jax, we sit down with Laura Zorn, the visionary entrepreneur behind Bravoz Entertainment Center, Jacksonville’s ultimate family fun destination. Laura shares her journey from the corporate world to building a 40,000-square-foot entertainment hub featuring trampoline arenas, laser tag, bowling, and more. She opens up about the challenges of running a large-scale business, the importance of creating unforgettable experiences for families, and how Bravoz continues to grow and innovate in a competitive industry.Hometown Jax is all about celebrating the entrepreneurs, business owners, and community leaders who make Ja...
2025-05-2149 min
Hometown JaxLife After Football: Josh Evans on Business, Fitness & Real EstateIn this episode of Hometown Jax, we sit down with Josh Evans, former NFL safety for the Jacksonville Jaguars, to talk about life after football and his journey into business, fitness, and real estate. Josh opens up about the transition from professional sports to entrepreneurship, the challenges he faced in finding his next passion, and how he’s using the lessons from the NFL to build a successful career off the field. From maintaining discipline and mental toughness to giving back to the Jacksonville community, Josh’s story is one of resilience, reinvention, and leadership.Hometown Jax is a...
2025-05-0736 min
Hometown JaxFrom The Streets To The Octagon: Ramon Taveras' UFC JourneyWelcome to Hometown Jax, the podcast that dives deep into the lives of Jacksonville’s most inspiring business owners, athletes, and entrepreneurs. Hosted by Aaron Bacus and Jason Kindler, we uncover the journeys, challenges, and triumphs that shape our city’s local legends. From overcoming adversity to building a legacy, our guests share raw, unfiltered insights that motivate and inspire.In this episode, Jason sits down with Jacksonville’s own UFC fighter, Ramon Taveras, to discuss his rise in the world of mixed martial arts. Ramon shares his journey from boxing to MMA, the grueling traini...
2025-03-2648 min
Hometown JaxThe Power of Process: How Billy Wagner Mastered Business GrowthIn this episode of Hometown Jax, hosts Aaron Bacus and Jason Kindler dive into the incredible story of Billy Wagner, one of Jacksonville’s most successful entrepreneurs and a master of process-driven growth. Billy shares how he transitioned from the restaurant industry to founding a thriving insurance business, all while juggling challenges, learning from mistakes, and building a culture of excellence. From his early days of working for free to his innovative 21-step hiring process, Billy reveals the secrets that have propelled his business and life to new heights.Beyond his business achievements, Billy discusses his commitment to...
2025-02-2655 min
Hometown JaxPlaying from the Heart: Robby Schenck’s Musical JourneyIn this episode of Hometown Jax, host Aaron Bacus welcomes Jacksonville's beloved musician Robby Schenck for an inspiring conversation about his journey in music and his deep roots in the local community. From his humble beginnings learning guitar from his dad to becoming a full-time performer, Robby shares how he turned his passion into a thriving career. Hear stories about his time playing at iconic local spots like Palm Valley Outdoors and Harps, the supportive community that shaped him, and the unique moments that make his performances unforgettable.Whether you’re a fan of live music, a Ja...
2025-01-2956 min
Hometown JaxCoaching Kids & Building Community: Phill Tensley's Journey with the YMCAIn this heartfelt episode of "Hometown Jax," host Aaron Bacus sits down with Phill Tensley, a longtime community leader and regional sports director with the YMCA in St. Johns County. Phill shares stories of his journey, from his early days of coaching to his role in shaping young athletes' lives. Together, Aaron and Phill delve into the importance of youth sports and the incredible impact that mentorship and guidance can have on kids growing up in Jacksonville. With over two decades of experience, Phill offers a unique perspective on building character, resilience, and teamwork in young athletes....
2025-01-1538 min
Hometown JaxSecrets of the Sky: Eric Carson's Pilot TalesIn this inaugural episode of "Hometown Jax," host Aaron Bacus sits down with Eric Carson, a seasoned pilot with a treasure trove of flying experiences and stories. From hair-raising mechanical malfunctions at 43,000 feet to behind-the-scenes encounters with celebrities like Paul McCartney, Britney Spears, and Robert De Niro, Eric shares candidly about the realities and thrills of life in the sky. With his insider knowledge, Eric also answers some of our biggest questions about turbulence, the safety of flying, and even the mystery of the Mile High Club.As a Jacksonville native, Eric’s story isn't just about fl...
2025-01-0147 min
AIME Podcast NetworkEpisode 162: Wholesale Choice and Control: How Mortgage Brokers’ Freedom Creates Innovation w/ Jason Kindler & Aaron Bacus, Broker Owners of First Coast Mortgage Funding
This episode is sponsored by Windsor Mortgage
On this episode of Broker to Broker, host JP Hussey gets a peek at the bright future of the wholesale channel, as he’s joined by Jason Kindler & Aaron Bacus, Broker Owners of First Coast Mortgage Funding.
As Broker Owners of First Coast Mortgage Funding, Jason and Aaron bring two different approaches, skill sets, and backgrounds to their brokerage that creates a sum of strengths greater than the sum of their parts; Jason has strengths in processes and working with builders, and Aaron with relationship building to creating ne...
2023-05-1650 min
Broker-to-BrokerEpisode 162: Wholesale Choice and Control: How Mortgage Brokers’ Freedom Creates Innovation w/ Jason Kindler & Aaron Bacus, Broker Owners of First Coast Mortgage Funding
This episode is sponsored by Windsor Mortgage
On this episode of Broker to Broker, host JP Hussey gets a peek at the bright future of the wholesale channel, as he’s joined by Jason Kindler & Aaron Bacus, Broker Owners of First Coast Mortgage Funding.
As Broker Owners of First Coast Mortgage Funding, Jason and Aaron bring two different approaches, skill sets, and backgrounds to their brokerage that creates a sum of strengths greater than the sum of their parts; Jason has strengths in processes and working with builders, and Aaron with relationship building to creating ne...
2023-05-1650 minBroker to Broker Archives - AIME GroupEpisode 162: Wholesale Choice and Control: How Mortgage Brokers’ Freedom Creates Innovation w/ Jason Kindler & Aaron Bacus, Broker Owners of First Coast Mortgage Funding
This episode is sponsored by Windsor Mortgage
On this episode of Broker to Broker, host JP Hussey gets a peek at the bright future of the wholesale channel, as he’s joined by Jason Kindler & Aaron Bacus, Broker Owners of First Coast Mortgage Funding.
As Broker Owners of First Coast Mortgage Funding, Jason and Aaron bring two different approaches, skill sets, and backgrounds to their brokerage that creates a sum of strengths greater than the sum of their parts; Jason has strengths in processes and working with builders, and Aaron with relationship building to creating ne...
2023-05-1650 min
The Hyperion HubEpisode 128: 2022 Year In ReviewIt's our year in review episode! Let's look back at a fantastic 2022 at The Hyperion Hub by hearing clips from all of our guests listed below. We met a large number of wonderful Disney fans, authors, artists and contributors and learned so much from them all this year. We're happy you've joined us! We'll also share some laughs with our annual blooper reel. We'd like to say a special thank you to our wonderful audience. We'll return in 2023 and hope to meet back up with you at The Hyperion Hub!
Our Guests in Order of Appearance: Bill Cotter, Tao Nguyen...
2022-12-142h 05
The Great Song PodcastOpening Day Double Header (feat. Aaron Chewning and Matthew Kaminski) - Episode 909YES, it's baseball season once again, and we're celebrating in style with not one, but TWO of our favorite baseball-related creators, social media legend Aaron Chewning and Atlanta Braves organist Matthew Kaminski! We're fully covering two songs, both connected to baseball and specifically the Braves, and believe us when we tell you--you have no IDEA the impact of "Take Me Out to the Ballgame." Plus:
“P.O.D. Butt Rock”
-The Towering Song Award and Songs of the Century
- The origin(s) of the 7th-inning stretch, peanuts and baseball, and the “Tin Pan Al...
2022-03-301h 54
Embrace The VoidEV - 113 Expressivist Kantianism with Florence BacusMy guest this week is Florence Bacus (@morallawwithin), a grad student in the Tufts terminal masters program and an impressive consumer of great philosophical works. We discuss some of her recent work on epistemology as well as a deep dive into Kantian ethics and expressivist metaethics, with the tantalizing idea that maybe they're compatible in some way.Florence's Curious Cat page: https://curiouscat.me/morallawwithinInvocation: Avatar, the Last AirbenderEditing by Brian Ziegenhagen, check out his pod: http://youarehere.libsyn.com/s02e02-rex-manning-day?fbclid=IwAR2L2_YIJvQpcw0nx6nTSfz0GmyJ1DtWsF--vvdI9...
2019-10-2459 min
Embrace The VoidEV - 112 Leftist Martial Arts with Sam YangMy guest this week is Sam Yang (@StuffFromSam), cohost of the Southpaw podcast and a strong advocate for more leftist philosophy in the world of marital arts. We grapple with the challenges in that Joe Rogan dominated community. Sam does a great job pinning down some tricky points.Southpaw Podcast: https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/must-triumph/southpaw-2Invocation: Jean-Luc Godard (suggested by the great Michael Morenko)Editing by Brian Ziegenhagen, check out his pod: http://youarehere.libsyn.com/s02e02-rex-manning-day?fbclid=IwAR2L2_YIJvQpcw0nx6nTSfz0GmyJ1DtWsF--vvdI9W1ug3XW7IAtU6...
2019-10-171h 00
Donuts, Design, & DebateA History of SketchUp with John BacusIn this inaugural episode of SketchUp Talk, hosts Caroline & Aaron welcome long-time SketchUp team member John Bacus. John has worn many hats on the SketchUp team over the last 15+ years, and enlightens listeners about the history of SketchUp, the move from Google to Trimble, and what's next in the world of 3D modeling.
2018-05-0721 min