Shows
Build From HereCGA Nashville Chapter Inaugural Meeting | Kevin Wright#72 What happens when the digital world of retriever training transforms into face-to-face connections? The answer lies in the groundbreaking Nashville Chapter event – the very first Cornerstone Gundog Academy chapter gathering that's changing how retriever owners train, learn, and build community.Kevin Wright returns to the podcast to share the remarkable success story of organizing and hosting this inaugural chapter event. As a passionate CGA member who took the initiative to bring fellow retriever enthusiasts together, Kevin offers valuable insights into how the Nashville Chapter came together, what made their first gathering so special, and why this model re...2025-07-0146 minBuild From Here"Give This Dog Some Wins" | Blair Badham#071 What happens when perfectionism meets a headstrong Labrador? Blair Badham shares his transformative journey from frustrated dog owner to confident trainer through perseverance, community support, and a crucial mindset shift.Blair's story begins with his childhood love of the outdoors, fishing with his father and eventually discovering hunting. Despite having no family background in dog training, Blair took on the challenge of training his British Black Lab, Gus, as both a family companion and hunting retriever. The early days were marked by frustration – Blair's perfectionist tendencies clashed with Gus's high-energy personality, creating a strained relationship rather than th...2025-06-171h 07Build From HereMississippi Roots, Kansas Wings | Wade Skeen#070 Wade Skeen's path from Air Force serviceman to Kansas waterfowl guide extraordinaire reveals how passion, community, and proper training methods can transform both careers and gundogs. As a longtime Cornerstone Gundog Academy member before becoming a professional outfitter, Wade brings a uniquely valuable perspective that bridges the worlds of retriever training and professional hunting.Growing up in Mississippi with a focus on whitetail and turkey hunting, Wade's move to Kansas in 2012 opened his eyes to an underappreciated waterfowl paradise. What began as occasional hunts with friends evolved into Skeen Outfitters, now one of the premier guided waterfowl...2025-06-101h 17Build From HereYour Dog Gets To, Not Has To | Chris RowlandBFH #069 When Chris Rowland's wife gifted him a Cornerstone Gundog Academy membership for his birthday, neither of them realized it would spark a transformative journey into the world of science-based retriever training. In this captivating conversation, Chris shares how his background in psychology helped him appreciate the profound difference between dogs that work because they "get to" versus those that work because they "have to."Chris takes us through his evolution from casual hunter to devoted retriever trainer, detailing how he's successfully trained bench-bred show Labradors to perform at impressive levels in the hunting field and formal...2025-05-281h 18Build From HereWhen God Says "Go Train Your Dog" | Seth VaughnBFH #068 What do retriever training and life's toughest challenges have in common? More than you might think. In this heartfelt conversation with CGA member Seth Vaughn, we explore how training a golden retriever named Rusty became not just about creating a hunting companion, but a journey of personal transformation and healing.Seth takes us from his Southern Illinois upbringing surrounded by outdoor pursuits to his pivotal moment witnessing a trained retriever at work in Arkansas. That experience changed everything, setting him on a path that would eventually lead to Cornerstone Gundog Academy. Through candid stories of both...2025-05-151h 03Build From HereHow Training a Boykin Spaniel Brought Us Closer | James RousseBFH #067: Ever wondered if you could train your own hunting retriever without professional help? James Rousse and his wife faced that question head-on when they brought home their Boykin Spaniel puppy, Benelli. What followed was a journey of patience, perseverance, and unexpected life lessons that transformed both dog and handlers.Growing up in the hunting culture of Louisiana, James always admired the incredible work of retrievers in the field. When the opportunity arose to get a dog of his own, he chose the compact yet energetic Boykin Spaniel breed and committed to training him personally using Cornerstone...2025-04-2953 minBuild From HereTime with Your Hunting Dog Can Change Your Life | Kevin WrightDive into a heartfelt conversation with Kevin on building a memorable bond with his hunting dog, Mabel. We explore Kevin's journey from a novice hunter to a dedicated retriever trainer, shedding light on the challenges and triumphs along the way. From learning how to handle Mabel’s exuberance to celebrating remarkable hunting successes, this episode captures the essence of what it means to train a dog and form a partnership in the field.Listeners will appreciate Kevin’s candid reflections on his training process, his initial struggles, and how Cornerstone Gundog Academy offered the guidance and support he n...2025-02-271h 01Build From HereBuilding a Community of Gundog Owners with Ken Witt | BFH #065In this episode of the Build From Here podcast, host Josh Parvin interviews Ken Witt, a Founder's Member of CGA and the creator of Gundog Nation. Ken shares his journey from a rural upbringing in Kentucky to becoming a lawyer, military veteran, and passionate dog trainer. He discusses the importance of mindset in training, the transition to retrievers, and the value of community in dog training. Ken emphasizes the need to preserve hunting heritage and encourage youth involvement in the sport. He also highlights the significance of consistency and patience in training dogs, as well as the therapeutic benefits...2024-10-1155 minBuild From HereAnyone Can Take The Next Step: First Time Retriever Trainers Jarod & Melody Free | BFH #064Training a retriever can be a rollercoaster of triumphs and challenges. Jarod and Melody Free have grown familiar with these ups and downs over the past 18 months. Join us as Jarod and Melody share how one expensive house repair lead to them taking on the challenge of training their dog, Punch, on their own with the help of our courses. From tackling the fetch hold release phase to navigating the nuances of retriever training drills, their story is a testament to the power of persistence, patience, and fun in retriever training.2024-10-0156 minBuild From HereA SOCOM Veteran's Take on Dog Training: From First Turkey Hunt to Epic Retrieves in Rugged AlaskaEvery hunter has their start. Whether it was a friend inviting them to try hunting or a beloved father. In CGA Member Wayne Triplett's case, his grandad was the first one to introduce him to the outdoors when he took him on his first turkey hunt.That defining moment in Wayne's life started a lifelong passion for the outdoors.Wayne's infectious enthusiasm for the sport and his dogs shines through as he recounts memorable hunting tales, including his pivot to archery and the exhilarating moment he first set sights on waterfowl hunting in Alaska. His...2024-06-251h 22Build From HereAn Unforgettable Opening Day | Todd SandersIt's amazing how one simple duck hunt can change everything. Some 17 years ago, one simple duck hunt transformed CGA Member Todd Sanders from a deer hunter into a duck hunter nearly instantaneously. From that day forward, Todd has been in a passionate pursuit of the sport of waterfowl hunting.All waterfowlers can agree a good dog can make or break a hunt. Todd decided to take his hunting a step further by finding a good dog.Todd's dog Tusk made an incredible debut on his first hunt that etched a joyful m...2024-06-0753 minBuild From Here"If We Can Do It, I Think Anybody Could Get it Done." - Scott MarquisEvery hunter deserves to have a hunting dog that they are proud to hunt with in the duck blind. So often, hunters end up settling for less because they just aren't sure how to train their dog or because they are overwhelmed by all of the misinformation out there. Scott started out on his journey unsure if he would be able to train his dog with limited time and the uncertainty of not doing it before. Once he got connected and started following 52 Plus, that's when everything changed.Scott went from...2024-04-301h 03Build From HereFirst Time Hunting Dog Trainers: Overcoming Challenges | Steve and Cherie StrongmanJoin us in today's episode as we talk with CGA Members Steve and Cherie Strongman. Steve and Cherie share the challenges they have faced as first-time retriever owners and how they have overcome those challenges and gained confidence on their retriever training journey.Want to learn more about how you can gain confidence on your retriever training journey? Visit: https://www.cornerstonegundogacademy.com to learn more.Want to inquire about a guided hunt with Steve? Visit his website here: https://www.thewaterfowldispatchers.com/2024-03-271h 24Build From HereBuilding Excellent Duck Hunting Retrievers | Marty HaynesMarty Haynes is an incredible man who exemplifies what it means to be a CGA Member. From walking the walk himself to helping other people on their journey of training a hunting retriever, Marty is always willing to learn and lend a hand. Join him as he shares his success tales from this past hunting season and recounts the triumphs and challenges of shaping Koda and Bear into the impressive duck-hunting retrievers they've become. From the gripping excitement of tower shoots to the significance of non-verbal commands, this episode paints a vivid picture of the bond between h...2024-02-2157 minBuild From HereBecoming Confident in DIY Retriever Training | Cody WeisWhen Cody Weis recounts his first experiences in the world of duck hunting and dog training, it's more than just a story—it's a testament to the transformative power of perseverance and the deep bonds we share with our hunting retrievers. From Wisconsin to Texas, join us as Cody and I explore the emotional rollercoaster that is dog training—from those first nervous attempts to the remarkable moments when everything clicks into place. This episode isn't just about the technicalities of training retrievers but also the profound impact a positive mindset can have on both the trainer and t...2024-02-061h 07Build From HereSteve Ivaska - Love for the Outdoors, Hunting, and Retriever TrainingWhat if the love you harbor for the outdoors could be as profound as the bond you share with your dog? On our latest episode, we sit down with CGA member Steve, a seasoned outdoorsman with a wealth of wisdom to share on retriever training. Brought up in the embrace of nature, Steve’s journey with retriever training is a tale worth your time. Be it the tales of his childhood or the significant role his father played in nurturing his passion for hunting, Steve lays it all out for listeners, opening new perspectives on the complexities and joys of...2023-11-2158 minBuild From HereLouie Pappas & His Dog Red: First Time Training ChroniclesJoin us on a captivating journey as fourth-generation Floridian, Louie Pappas opens up about his experiences training his retriever, Red. With the support of the Cornerstone Gun Dog Academy (CGA), Louie chronicles the lessons learned from generations of hunting in his family, the cherished artifacts passed down, and the intoxicating allure of waterfowl hunting. Listen as he reveals his joyous and challenging moments - from the day he picked up Red to their current training sessions.Louie shares the highs and lows of dog training, reflecting on his evolving goals and the importance of taking each day...2023-11-141h 06Build From HereJake Birrenkott - My Goal is To Help My Dogs Reach Their PotentialCGA Member Jake Birrenkott. This podcast is full of valuable insights and inspiration that can help you on your training journey. From BBQ analogies to discussing the American style of training vs. the British style of training, this is one hunting dog podcast you do not want to miss.Learn more at https://www.cornerstonegundogacademy.com/podcastListen to this episode to hear CGA Member Jake Birrenkott.2023-10-201h 01Build From HereVickie Raburn - From Pet Obedience to Becoming Passionate About Hunt Retriever Training & TestingEpisode #55 Welcome to the BuildFromHere Podcast. A podcast for the hunter and sporting dog enthusiast alike. Join your host, Joshua Parvin, as he interviews retriever owners and discusses the trials and triumphs that lead to a great gundog. BuildFromHere is presented by Cornerstone Gundog Academy- Online resources to help you train your retriever.Learn more at https://www.cornerstonegundogacademy.com/podcastListen to this episode to hear CGA Member Vickie Raburn's story.2023-10-1745 min
CoffeeUS2 E20: Mobile MaintenanceIn this episode, Nathan, Brad and Joshua interview Jacob Phillips about all things mobile. They cover how they source their mobile units electricity, how they stay prepared for each event and how they manage up-keep on their mobile coffee vehicles.
Nathan is the president and co-founder of Baba Java Coffee. He founded Baba Java Coffee alongside his son, Joshua Parvin in 2018. Nathan serves as the big-picture visionary that pioneers strategic growth in all internal and external Baba Java endevours.
Brad is the Vice President of Operations and long-time close friend to Nathan. Brad inspired the...2023-07-0522 minBuild From HereHunting Retriever Training: Patience and ConfidenceBFH Ep. 053 Meet our guest, Nick Hibbs, a proud Labrador Retriever owner, and a passionate hunter. In a captivating recount, he takes us on a thrilling journey of his 10-hour drive with the lively Winston, his bond with his father's Fox Red Lab Maverick, and how an unforgettable incident with Maverick retrieving a goose sparked his love affair with dog training. Hear about Nick's transformative journey with his retriever Winston, as he navigates the challenging terrains of dog training, discovering the uniqueness in every dog along the way.Let's embark on a captivating journey exploring the progress...2023-07-0357 minCoffeeUS2 E19: Finding a Place to Station Mobile with Lee WidemanIn this episode, Nathan, Brad, and Joshua Interview Lee Wideman about the best places to station a mobile coffee vehicle. They discuss some strategies to finding the best location and booking the most beneficial events by prioritizing two aspects.
Nathan is the president and co-founder of Baba Java Coffee. He founded Baba Java Coffee alongside his son, Joshua Parvin in 2018. Nathan serves as the big-picture visionary that pioneers strategic growth in all internal and external Baba Java endeavors.
Brad is the Vice President of Operations and long-time close friend to Nathan. Brad inspired the business...2023-06-2820 minBuild From HereThe Art of Retriever Training: Matt Papke's Journey with LunaEP: #052 Ever wondered how dedication and passion contribute to the world of retriever training? Join me as I chat with Matt Papke, a CGA member who has transformed the life of his canine companion Luna through perseverance and commitment. We trace Matt's journey into hunting and the experiences that led him to become a duck hunter, including his first deer hunting experience with his friend Grant.In this episode, Matt shares the heartwarming story of picking up puppy Luna during the pandemic and the training process that followed. Get ready to be inspired by Matt's hunt-testing journey...2023-06-2652 minCoffeeUS2 E18: Mobile: Finding a Commissary and Knowing Your RulesIn this episode, Nathan, Brad, Joshua and Wendi dive deep into starting a mobile business. They discuss the benefits to having a mobile component to a cafe as well as what rules and formalities you need to think through before beginning this endeavor.
Nathan is the president and co-founder of Baba Java Coffee. He founded Baba Java Coffee alongside his son, Joshua Parvin in 2018. Nathan serves as the big-picture visionary that pioneers strategic growth in all internal and external Baba Java endeavors.
Brad is the Vice President of Operations and long-time close friend to Nathan...2023-06-2115 minBuild From HereTraining Beau: A Hunter and Father's Journey with His Labrador RetrieverEpisode #051 From his first duck hunt in South Central Louisiana to training his very own hunting dog, Cullam Pope has been a passionate outdoorsman since childhood. On this special episode of Build From Here, we welcome CGA member Cullam as he shares his journey and the challenges he's faced while training his Labrador Retriever, Beau. Join us as we listen to the inspiring story of dedication, resourcefulness, and the unbreakable bond between a hunter and his dog.As a father, Cullam has been passing down his love for hunting to his sons, emphasizing the importance of conservation...2023-06-1955 minCoffeeUS2 E17: Training Employees and Order Fulfillment for RoastingIn this episode, Nathan, Brad, Joshua and Reuben explain some of the processes necessary for training roasting employees. They also discuss the evolving needs for technology and training on how to process orders.
Nathan is the president and co-founder of Baba Java Coffee. He founded Baba Java Coffee alongside his son, Joshua Parvin in 2017. Nathan serves as the big-picture visionary that pioneers strategic growth in all internal and external Baba Java endevours.
Brad is the Vice President of Operations and long-time close friend to Nathan. Brad inspired the business concept at the very heart of...2023-06-1522 minBuild From HereHow Hunting Dog Training Transformed My Life and PatienceEpisode #050 When my impatience led me to embark on a 52-week dog training program, little did I know how much my life would change. Join us for an engaging discussion with fellow CGA member Luke Wolfert as we share our journey into hunting, dog training, and the unexpected rewards that come along the way.Luke's passion for hunting began at the age of 20. Starting with bow hunting, progressing to turkey hunting, and eventually diving into the world of retriever training, Luke's dedication to his dog Boone has paid off in incredible ways. We also explore how the...2023-06-0952 minCoffeeUS2 E15: Finding Location and Knowing the Rules for Roasting Build OutIn this episode, Nathan, Brad, and Joshua discuss what it takes to find the location for a roasting facility. They also discuss the different rules to consider when looking for the right warehouse or shop to host your roasting equipment and materials.
Nathan is the president and co-founder of Baba Java Coffee. He founded Baba Java Coffee alongside his son, Joshua Parvin in 2018. Nathan serves as the big-picture visionary that pioneers strategic growth in all internal and external Baba Java endeavors.
Brad is the Vice President of Operations and long-time close friend to Nathan. Brad...2023-05-3121 minCoffeeUS2 E14: Alternative Types of Build OutsIn this episode, Nathan, Brad and Joshua discuss all of the possible build outs when opening a cafe. From acquiring something preexisting to building something new, they discuss some of the challenges and positives of each kind of layout and their experience with them.
Nathan is the president and co-founder of Baba Java Coffee. He founded Baba Java Coffee alongside his son, Joshua Parvin in 2018. Nathan serves as the big-picture visionary that pioneers strategic growth in all internal and external Baba Java endeavors.
Brad is the Vice President of Operations and long-time close friend to...2023-05-1921 minBuild From HereStay Calm, They're Gonna Mess UpEpisode #049 Welcome to the BuildFromHere Podcast. A podcast for the hunter and sporting dog enthusiast alike. Join your host, Joshua Parvin, as he interviews retriever owners and discusses the trials and triumphs that lead to a great gundog. BuildFromHere is presented by Cornerstone Gundog Academy- Online resources to help you train your retriever.Learn more at https://www.cornerstonegundogacademy.com/podcastListen to this episode to hear CGA Member Kade Haas's Story.2023-04-1859 minBuild From HereSpring Member Weekend 2023 RecapEpisode #048 Welcome to the BuildFromHere Podcast. A podcast for the hunter and sporting dog enthusiast alike. Join your host, Joshua Parvin, as he interviews retriever owners and discusses the trials and triumphs that lead to a great gundog. BuildFromHere is presented by Cornerstone Gundog Academy- Online resources to help you train your retriever.Learn more at https://www.cornerstonegundogacademy.com/podcastListen to this episode to hear Barton and Josh discuss the Spring CGA Member Weekend!2023-04-1350 min
TC SpotlightJoshua Parvin, Co-Owner of Koi Pond BrewingThis week, TC Spotlight sat down with the co-owner of Koi Pond Brewing Company, Joshua Parvin. Josh is a a Rocky Mount native, and has been in the food and beverage business locally for over 15 years. He attended the grand opening of Koi Pond, and told the owner he'd love to be part of the team... shortly after, he started as the tap room manager and worked his way into an ownership role over time. Enjoy this episode as we dive into the story behind Koi Pond!2023-03-3022 minCoffeeUS2 E8: Hiring EmployeesIn this episode, Nathan, Brad, and Joshua interview Wendi Parvin on how to hire employees. They go into detail about how to hire the right employees even at seemingly the wrong time, how to attract employees and how to begin the onboarding process.
Nathan is the president and co-founder of Baba Java Coffee. He founded Baba Java Coffee alongside his son, Joshua Parvin in 2018. Nathan serves as the big-picture visionary that pioneers strategic growth in all internal and external Baba Java endeavors.
Brad is the Vice President of Operations and long-time close friend to Nathan...2023-03-2923 minCoffeeUS2 E7: Level Five Leaders & Hedgehog ConceptIn this episode, Nathan, Brad, and Joshua dive into the concepts discussed in Jim Collins book Good to Great. They specifically hone in on the details of Level 5 leaders and the hedgehog model.
Check out Jim Collins site and purchase Good to Great here
Nathan is the president and co-founder of Baba Java Coffee. He founded Baba Java Coffee alongside his son, Joshua Parvin in 2018. Nathan serves as the big-picture visionary that pioneers strategic growth in all internal and external Baba Java endeavors.
Brad is the Vice President of Operations and long-time...2023-03-2225 minCoffeeUS2 E6: Build OutIn this episode, Nathan, Brad, and Joshua discuss how to go about building out a café. They talk about who to partner with, potential complications and ultimately why the build out is an important piece to spend time, energy and effort on.
Nathan is the president and co-founder of Baba Java Coffee. He founded Baba Java Coffee alongside his son, Joshua Parvin in 2018. Nathan serves as the big-picture visionary that pioneers strategic growth in all internal and external Baba Java endeavors.
Brad is the Vice President of Operations and long-time close friend to Nathan. Brad i...2023-03-1521 minCoffeeUS2 E5: Launch and Soft OpeningIn this episode, Nathan, Brad, and Joshua talk about how to approach launching a business and the purpose behind a soft opening.
Nathan is the president and co-founder of Baba Java Coffee. He founded Baba Java Coffee alongside his son, Joshua Parvin in 2018. Nathan serves as the big-picture visionary that pioneers strategic growth in all internal and external Baba Java endeavors.
Brad is the Vice President of Operations and long-time close friend to Nathan. Brad inspired the business concept at the very heart of Baba Java and continues to instill their values in day-to-day operations...2023-03-0819 minCoffeeUS2 E4: Organizing and HiringIn this episode, Nathan, Brad, Joshua and Wendi discuss how to apply your business as the entity you desire and how to hire employees. They discuss some of the ease of hiring for a coffee shop in particular as well as a strategy to get the best employees and reserve them for the right time.
Nathan is the president and co-founder of Baba Java Coffee. He founded Baba Java Coffee alongside his son, Joshua Parvin in 2018. Nathan serves as the big-picture visionary that pioneers strategic growth in all internal and external Baba Java endeavors.
Brad...2023-03-0123 min