Shows
The Personal Side of Business PodcastFrom Trauma to Purpose: John A. King on Healing, Identity, and the Work Men AvoidIn this episode of The Personal Side of Business, Jet Bunditwong sits down with John A. King for a deeply honest conversation about trauma, masculinity, and rebuilding life after everything falls apart.
John shares his personal journey of surviving childhood abuse and trafficking, the moment his life imploded at the height of professional success, and how years of recovery reshaped his identity, purpose, and work with men today.
Together, they explore:
Why many men suffer in silence
How trauma shows up later in life—often in our 40s and 50s
...
2026-02-1235 minThe Personal Side of Business PodcastBuilding Teams the Right Way: HR Through a Human LensIn this episode of The Personal Side of Business, host Jet Bunditwong sits down with Sara Nicholson, Human Resource Advisor with the San Diego SBDC, for an in-depth conversation on what every entrepreneur needs to understand about HR—before hiring their first employee.
Sara shares her unconventional path from accounting and hospitality into human resources, and explains why HR is not the “evil department,” but rather the oil that keeps a business engine running smoothly. Together, they break down common HR myths, California compliance realities, and the foundational steps business owners must take to protect themselves and their...
2026-01-1943 minThe Personal Side of Business PodcastFamily, Freedom, and 47 Countries: The Journey of Attorney Matt ParéIn this episode of The Personal Side of Business, I sit down with San Diego injury attorney Matt Paré, whose story goes far beyond legal success. From growing up in small-town Maine to building his own thriving law practice, Matt shares how he’s crafted a career that allows him to travel the world with his family—visiting over 47 countries and skiing on three continents.
We dive deep into the entrepreneurial side of law, exploring how discipline, persistence, and strategic relationships helped him become a leading personal injury lawyer. Matt also reveals how AI technology is transforming legal...
2025-12-2944 minThe Personal Side of Business PodcastHow Paul Ramirez Found Purpose Through Hardship and FaithWhat does it take to go from being a teenage father with no roadmap to leading one of San Diego’s trusted plumbing companies?
In this episode, Jet Bunditwong talks with Paul Ramirez, owner of Speedi Rooter Plumbing & Drain, about his extraordinary journey of resilience, faith, and entrepreneurship.
Paul shares how he:
Overcame early hardships and built a strong work ethic
Learned the plumbing trade from mentors and turned it into a career
Navigated failure, financial struggles, and personal loss
Rebuilt his business and life with purpose an...
2025-12-0842 minThe Personal Side of Business PodcastBeyond Interest Rates: Cristen Carver on Humanity, Hard Lessons & Helping People Start OverIn this episode of The Personal Side of Business, Jet sits down with mortgage veteran Cristen Carver, a powerhouse with nearly four decades of experience in lending, real estate cycles, and consumer finance.
Cristen shares how the mortgage world has evolved—from the wild, unregulated days of the ’80s and ’90s to today’s highly structured, compliance-driven industry. She breaks down the truth behind interest rates, the real causes of foreclosures, what first-time buyers should realistically expect, and why Southern California’s housing market is unlike anywhere else.
You’ll hear:
How mortgage lending has...
2025-11-1737 minThe Personal Side of Business PodcastFrom Expat Dream to Global Business: How Brian Samson Built a Nearshore Empire in ArgentinaWhat happens when you leave a comfortable life in San Francisco to chase an international dream?
In this episode, host Jet Bunditwong talks with Brian Samson, an entrepreneur who turned an expat adventure in Argentina into a thriving nearshore tech company. Brian shares how he raised $2 million, built a software team from the ground up, and learned to navigate Argentina’s complex business environment — all while redefining what it means to be a global founder.
🎙️ You’ll learn:
How to build a company abroad (and survive the red tape)
The real difference...
2025-11-0347 minThe Personal Side of Business PodcastFrom Marine to Pilot: The Flight That Changed Everything with Tim Pierce of Hive AviationWhen a Groupon discovery flight turned into a life-changing moment, Tim Pierce knew he had found his calling. In this episode, host Jet Bunditwong talks with the founder of Hive Aviation, a Northern San Diego flight school offering affordable, personalized training for future pilots.
Tim opens up about his journey from serving in the Marine Corps to becoming a private flight instructor and entrepreneur. He shares the highs and lows of building his aviation business, how discipline from military life shaped his teaching style, and what it truly takes to earn your wings—both in the air an...
2025-10-0827 minThe Personal Side of Business PodcastFaith, Family, and Potato Chips: The Teton Valley Brands StoryWhat does it take to turn a $10,000 dream into a thriving snack brand?
In this episode of The Personal Side of Business, Jet Bunditwong sits down with Kyle and Amy Nehring, founders of Teton Valley Brands Potato Chips in Boise, Idaho. From late-night packaging sessions in their basement to raising capital and building a full production facility, their journey is one of grit, sacrifice, and resilience.
You’ll hear:
How a college idea became Idaho’s signature chip brand 🥔
The risks they took—selling their home, living without pay, and nearly losing it...
2025-09-3040 minThe Personal Side of Business PodcastFrom Food Blogging to Wild Rise Pizza Co: Natalie Perry’s Entrepreneurial JourneyHow does a personal blog about family recipes evolve into a 17-year career as a food blogger, cookbook author, and now the founder of Wild Rise Pizza Co.? In this episode of The Personal Side of Business, Jet Bunditwong sits down with Natalie Perry in Boise, Idaho, to explore her inspiring path from casual food blogging to creating artisan sourdough pizza kits.
Natalie shares:
How food blogging “accidentally” became her career.
The lessons learned from photography, SEO, and cookbook publishing.
Why she launched Wild Rise Pizza Co. and how she’s growin...
2025-09-2226 minThe Personal Side of Business PodcastFrom Air Force to Entrepreneurship with Lindsay HingerIn this episode of The Personal Side of Business, host Jet Bunditwong talks with Lindsay Hinger, a U.S. Air Force veteran and business advisor with the Chapel Hill, SBTDC. Lindsay shares her path from figuring out logistics to launching two businesses, the unique challenges military spouses face, and the lessons she’s learned about resilience, mental health, and having an exit strategy. A must-listen for entrepreneurs navigating the highs and lows of business ownership, especially if you are a Veteran or military spouse.
👉 Connect with Lindsay on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindsay-hinger/
📧...
2025-09-1839 minThe Personal Side of Business PodcastDivorce Without Destruction: Finding Clarity, Compassion & CooperationDivorce doesn’t have to be a war.
In this episode of The Personal Side of Business, I sit down with Barney Connaughton — founder of A Healthy Divorce, experienced mediator, and author of Untangling Together: A Healthy Divorce Guide and Workbook. With more than 30 years in family law, Barney has helped countless couples turn one of life’s most difficult transitions into an opportunity for healing, cooperation, and hope.
We discuss:
How mediation saves time, money, and emotional energy compared to litigation
Ways to support children during divorce without putting them in the...
2025-08-2745 minThe Personal Side of Business PodcastOwning Your Voice: Pam Covarrubias on Liberation, Resilience & Main Character EnergyIn this powerful episode of The Personal Side of Business, host Jet Bunditwong sits down with Pam Covarrubias — coach, speaker, and host of the acclaimed podcast Café con Pam. Pam shares her journey from buying a retired rapper’s microphone to becoming a voice for first-generation women, dismantling the Calladita culture, and stepping fully into bold, unapologetic authenticity.
Through raw storytelling, she unpacks the “five wounds” that keep women silent, underpaid, and burned out — and how understanding them can spark healing, confidence, and collective empowerment. This conversation dives deep into resilience, cultural shifts, and why owning your main charac...
2025-08-141h 12The Personal Side of Business PodcastFrom Breakdown to Breakthrough: How Sarah Dolgen Heals Through FoodWhat if your lowest moment became the start of your life’s true calling? Meet Sarah Dolgen, a single mom who turned heartbreak, isolation, and uncertainty into Cooking with Love—a deeply personal chef service that brings comfort, healing, and connection to every plate.
In this intimate episode of The Personal Side of Business, Sarah shares how feeding friends during the pandemic grew into a purpose-driven business serving busy families, cancer patients, and anyone craving food that truly cares. With no recipes—just intuition, love, and global flavors—she’s built a brand on healing from the inside out...
2025-08-0446 minThe Personal Side of Business PodcastFrom Dirt to Development: Crystal Hilsley’s Agri-Impact MissionIn this powerful episode of The Personal Side of Business, Jet Bunditwong sits down with Crystal Hilsley—founder of CCNG Developments—to explore her inspiring journey from psychology student to global consultant and sustainable agriculture leader.
Crystal shares how her childhood in Paso Robles shaped her passion for clean eating and farming, why she walked away from corporate success, and how she's transforming communities with micro-farms and agrihoods. Learn how regenerative agriculture, food justice, and wellness intersect with real estate development, education, and entrepreneurship.
Whether you're a business owner, educator, or parent, this episode offers prac...
2025-07-2840 minThe Personal Side of Business PodcastBreaking Money Cycles: A First-Gen’s Guide to Healing Financial Trauma📝 Show Description:
Andrea Arroyo joins Jet Bunditwong to share her powerful journey from nonprofit work to financial coaching. As a first-generation wealth builder, Andrea unpacks the emotional, cultural, and psychological barriers many face with money—from living paycheck to paycheck to dealing with guilt, shame, and anxiety around spending. She shares real-life strategies to help listeners shift their mindset, break generational money patterns, and build financial security—no matter their income level. Whether you're in your 20s just starting out or navigating your 30s with a growing family, this episode is packed with relatable wisdom and practical advice to help...
2025-07-1852 minThe Personal Side of Business PodcastPurpose Over Profit: Diana Barbiani’s Entrepreneurial JourneyDiana Barbiani went from surviving the war in Croatia to becoming a successful business owner, wholesaler, and philanthropist in San Diego. In this powerful episode of The Personal Side of Business, Diana shares how she built her first kiosk business from the ground up without speaking English — and turned it into a two-decade journey of retail, wholesale, and purpose-driven leadership.
We dive into the personal and emotional challenges behind running a business, why personal development is essential for entrepreneurs, and how giving back can actually grow your brand. Diana also shares her passion for helping women and no...
2025-06-3054 minThe Personal Side of Business PodcastFrom Foreclosures to Fortune: Joe Mendoza’s Real Estate Comeback StoryIn this powerful episode of The Personal Side of Business, we sit down with Joe Mendoza—investor, commercial realtor, business coach, author, and speaker—for an unfiltered journey through the highs and humbling lows of real estate entrepreneurship. From watching his father hustle in the Navy to losing millions during the 2008 crash, Joe shares how he built back smarter, stronger, and with a mission bigger than wealth: impact.
We explore his rise from part-time bill collector to top 1% realtor, his path into syndications and commercial real estate, and the mindset shift that redefined his definition of success. Joe...
2025-06-2348 minThe Personal Side of Business PodcastBoardrooms & Breakthroughs: The Psychology Behind High-Performing LeadersWhat happens when a former IT executive trades boardrooms for therapy rooms? In this episode of The Personal Side of Business, we sit down with Dr. Deke Marcus, a licensed clinical psychologist who specializes in helping executives and entrepreneurs understand themselves—and their teams—on a deeper level.
Dr. Marcus shares how emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and leadership development are often rooted in unresolved childhood dynamics and how even the most successful professionals can struggle with imposter syndrome, isolation, and burnout. From real-life leadership pitfalls to transformative breakthroughs, this conversation offers powerful insights for anyone looking to lead with...
2025-06-0944 minThe Personal Side of Business PodcastFrom Football Dreams to Purpose-Driven Impact: Johnathan King’s Empower Pathways JourneyIn this powerful episode of The Personal Side of Business, we sit down with Johnathan King, co-founder of Empower Pathways—an adult day program in San Diego helping young adults with disabilities lead fuller lives. Once a football player dreaming of the NFL, Johnathan took a leap of faith from teaching into entrepreneurship to create a meaningful program inspired by his father’s passion for education.
He shares how he navigated red tape, the emotional highs of placing his first clients in jobs, and the overwhelming challenge of scaling with heart. From SeaWorld job offers to surprise Lamb...
2025-05-2724 minThe Personal Side of Business PodcastLaw, Legacy, and Liberty: Daniel Castaneda on Fighting for Immigrant RightsIn this episode of The Personal Side of Business, we sit down with Daniel Castaneda, a seasoned San Diego-based immigration and criminal defense attorney with over 15 years of experience. Born in Mexico City and shaped by a family legacy of lawyers, Daniel shares his personal journey—from studying psychology and international relations to finding his calling in the courtroom.
He opens up about the emotional complexities of representing detained immigrants, the shifting tides of U.S. immigration enforcement, and the real-life impact of deportation on families. Daniel also offers critical legal insights for undocumented individuals—clarifying their righ...
2025-05-1340 minThe Personal Side of Business PodcastChasing Stability, Creating Legacy: Peter Carlseen’s Real Estate Success StoryIn this episode, we sit down with Peter Carlseen — a San Diego-based realtor and property manager with over 20 years in the game. Following in his father’s footsteps, Peter began his real estate journey early and used his college business education to build a thriving property management company. Now managing over 250 properties, Peter shares the smart systems, strategic hires, and long-term mindset that helped him scale sustainably. If you're looking to grow a real estate business or understand what it takes to build legacy in the industry, this is one you won't want to miss.
Each episode feat...
2025-05-0548 minThe Personal Side of Business PodcastRoots & Real Estate: Shylia Hernandez’s Journey from Psychology Dreams to Property SuccessShylia Hernandez didn’t just grow into real estate—she was born into it. With nearly two decades of experience and deep family roots in the industry, Shylia carved out her own path in the competitive San Diego market. Once aspiring to be a child psychologist, life’s twists led her to real estate, where she found the flexibility to raise her daughter and build a thriving business. In this episode, she opens up about motherhood, her passion for long-term client relationships, and how she blends heart and hustle in every deal.
Each episode features heartfelt stories from b...
2025-04-2140 minThe Personal Side of Business PodcastTooth Fairy to Foodie Fame: The Marvelous Muncher's Wild Ride into MarketingWho ditches dental school to help tacos go viral? Vince did—and he’s not looking back. In this fun and flavorful episode, we unpack how Vince swapped scrubs for strategy and built a buzzworthy marketing biz helping San Diego restaurants (and even dental offices!) grow their revenue and their fan base. From Instagram-worthy food shots to brand makeovers that bite, Vince shares the creative moves behind his success—and how you can apply them to your business, too. Spoiler: it’s not just about pretty pictures.
Each episode features heartfelt stories from business owners, industry experts, and peop...
2025-04-0740 minThe Personal Side of Business PodcastRooted in Love: Noe Avila’s Mission to Heal Marginalized CommunitiesNoe Avila knows what it’s like to grow up in an immigrant family — the pressure, the expectations, the unspoken emotions. That’s why he’s made it his life’s mission to help families just like his learn to open up, connect, and support each other through life’s ups and downs. As a family and marriage therapist, Noe brings heart, understanding, and real-life experience to every session. He’s not just here to listen — he’s here to help families grow stronger together, one honest conversation at a time.
Each episode features heartfelt stories from business owners, i...
2025-03-311h 11The Personal Side of Business PodcastFrom Pain to Purpose: How Jenna Ryan Turned UTI Struggles Into a Thriving Wellness BrandIn this episode, we sit down with Jenna Ryan, the inspiring Co-founder of Uqora—a company born from a deeply personal journey. After battling 8 painful UTIs in one year, Jenna and her husband, Spencer, decided to take matters into their own hands. Combining Spencer's science background with Jenna's expertise in e-commerce, they launched Uqora, a brand that has grown into a trusted resource for UTI prevention and education. Jenna shares how they built not just a product line, but a powerful community where people can share stories, find support, and reclaim their health. Tune in to hear how a pe...
2025-03-2446 minThe Personal Side of Business PodcastSavor & Serve: The Akitso Story, A Nonprofit Saving RestaurantsJoin us on this episode of The Personal Side of Business, Savor & Serve: The Akitso Story, where we dive into the inspiring journey of Anna Sotto, a California native born to Thai immigrant restaurateurs. Growing up in the hustle of her family’s restaurant, Anna witnessed firsthand the struggles of small, independent eateries. Now, she’s on a mission to give back. Through her nonprofit, Akitso, she helps underserved restaurants thrive by providing essential support in marketing, financial literacy, operational efficiency, branding, menu revamps, and restaurant redesigns.
Each episode features heartfelt stories from business owners, industry experts, and c...
2025-03-1752 minThe Personal Side of Business PodcastFortitude, Family & Football : How an unexpected life event inspired a change for a business owner.What happens when life keeps pulling you in different directions—literally? After moving nearly 30 times with her family, facing a life-threatening health scare, and completely reinventing her career, Tiffany Deal Hecklinski Ph.D., knows what it means to adapt, overcome, and thrive.
Now a Ph.D. clinical researcher, she shares her deeply personal journey of resilience, self-discovery, and transformation. From uprooting her life again and again to fighting for her health and finding a purpose bigger than she ever imagined, this podcast is for anyone who’s had to start over, pivot, or push through the impossible.
2025-03-0738 minThe Personal Side of Business PodcastLove & Business: Running a Restaurant as a Couple (Kalei's Kitchenette)A deep discussion with Chef Andy & Khara Mangiduyos, hospitality employees who turned into restauranteurs and share how business plans, hard work and date nights are the foundations of a happy marriage and business partnership. Kalei's Kitchenette serves some of the best Hawaiian cuisine in San Diego with an Aloha vibe unlike any other. We will explore their journey from working in the hospitality industry to catering to being a donation center for the Maui fires while running their new restaurant.
https://www.kaleiskitchenette.com/
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