Épisodes

  • Design Your Business to Serve Your Life: Solopreneur Wisdom with Joe Rando
    Oct 24 2025


    What if your business was built
    around your life—not the other way around?

    In this episode of Adventurous Entrepreneurs, TJ sits down with Joe Rando—serial entrepreneur, software innovator, and champion of solopreneurs—to unpack what it really takes to build a business that supports the lifestyle you want. From early real estate ventures and the dot-com crash to founding multiple tech startups and now launching LifeStarr, Joe shares hard-earned lessons from 30+ years in business.

    You’ll learn:


    • The costly mistake of building a business you don’t want to run (and how to avoid it)


    • Step zero in the solopreneur journey—and why most people skip it


    • Tactical advice on niching down, building community, and defining success before chasing growth


    • Why “if you’re not growing, you’re dying” is misleading—and what to prioritize instead

    Please enjoy this wide-ranging conversation with Joe Rando.

    Follow and Connect With Joe Rando:

    Website: https://www.lifestarr.com/

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifestarrsolopreneurs/

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lifestarr

    Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@theaspiringsolopreneur

    Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lifestarr/

    Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joerando/


    Connect With TJ!

    Link Tree: https://tjmurphy.me/

    Level Up Your Digital Marketing And Unlock More Freedom In Your Business: https://www.hitedigital.com/bend/

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iamtjmurphy

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamtjmurphy/

    Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tj-murphy/

    Interested In Joining TJ On The Show?

    Apply Here: https://adventurousentrepreneurspodcast.com/


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    43 min
  • Resilience, Redefined: Turning Plot Twists Into Purpose with Nina Sossamon-Pogue
    Sep 26 2025


    In this powerful episode of Adventurous Entrepreneurs, TJ sits down with Nina Sossamon-Pogue—an elite gymnast turned Emmy-winning journalist, tech executive, bestselling author, and resilience speaker—for a raw and inspiring conversation about navigating life’s biggest plot twists.

    From falling short of the Olympics to blowing out her knee in college, losing her anchor job, and rising again through each chapter, Nina shares how every “failure” became a springboard to something greater. Together, TJ and Nina dive into the real meaning of resilience (and how it differs from persistence), why your “reverse resume” may be your greatest strength, and how high achievers can avoid getting trapped in the never-ending success cycle.

    You’ll learn:


    • How to embrace failure and move forward with intention


    • A simple yet powerful framework for building resilience in life and business


    • Why asking for help isn’t weakness—it’s strategy


    • The myth of work-life balance and what it really means to live well on your own terms

    Please enjoy this wide-ranging conversation with Nina Sossamon-Pogue.

    Follow and Connect With Nina Sossamon-Pogue:

    Website: https://www.ninasossamonpogue.com/

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nina_sp.eaks/

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NinaTheAuthor

    Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ninasossp

    Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ninasossamonpogue/


    Connect With TJ!

    Link Tree: https://tjmurphy.me/

    Level Up Your Digital Marketing And Unlock More Freedom In Your Business: https://www.hitedigital.com/bend/

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iamtjmurphy

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamtjmurphy/

    Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tj-murphy/

    Interested In Joining TJ On The Show?

    Apply Here: https://adventurousentrepreneurspodcast.com/


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    40 min
  • The Power of Press: How Small Businesses Can Leverage Media Like the Giants – with Mickie Kennedy of eReleases
    Sep 12 2025


    In this episode of Adventurous Entrepreneurs, I sit down with Mickie Kennedy, founder of eReleases, to talk about how small businesses, startups, and even solo entrepreneurs can tap into the power of press releases to build credibility, visibility, and momentum—without breaking the bank.

    Mickie shares the story behind founding eReleases over 26 years ago, after realizing most small businesses were priced out of traditional PR. From humble beginnings to now partnering with PR Newswire, his company remains laser-focused on helping underdog brands get the attention they deserve.

    We dig into:


    • Why most press releases don’t work—and how to write ones that do


    • How storytelling, strong quotes, and strategic data can make your release irresistible to journalists


    • Simple ways to get local media coverage without spending a dime


    • A wild case study that helped a small carpet company close 17% more sales


    • Why credibility through earned media can often outperform paid ads


    • How to pitch local papers, land monthly columns, and become a "media darling" in your community

    Please enjoy this wide-ranging conversation with Mickie Kennedy.

    Follow and Connect With Mickie Kennedy:

    Website: http://www.ereleases.com

    Twitter: https://x.com/ereleases

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ereleasespr

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ereleases.press.release.distribution

    Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ereleases

    Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/ereleases

    Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/publicity/

    Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/ereleases/

    Connect With TJ!

    Link Tree: https://tjmurphy.me/

    Level Up Your Digital Marketing And Unlock More Freedom In Your Business: https://www.hitedigital.com/bend/

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iamtjmurphy

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamtjmurphy/

    Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tj-murphy/

    Interested In Joining TJ On The Show?

    Apply Here: https://adventurousentrepreneurspodcast.com/


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    46 min
  • The Power of Press: How Small Businesses Can Leverage Media Like the Giants – with Mickie Kennedy of eReleases
    Aug 29 2025


    In this episode of Adventurous Entrepreneurs, I sit down with Mickie Kennedy, founder of eReleases, to talk about how small businesses, startups, and even solo entrepreneurs can tap into the power of press releases to build credibility, visibility, and momentum—without breaking the bank.

    Mickie shares the story behind founding eReleases over 26 years ago, after realizing most small businesses were priced out of traditional PR. From humble beginnings to now partnering with PR Newswire, his company remains laser-focused on helping underdog brands get the attention they deserve.

    We dig into:


    • Why most press releases don’t work—and how to write ones that do


    • How storytelling, strong quotes, and strategic data can make your release irresistible to journalists


    • Simple ways to get local media coverage without spending a dime


    • A wild case study that helped a small carpet company close 17% more sales


    • Why credibility through earned media can often outperform paid ads


    • How to pitch local papers, land monthly columns, and become a "media darling" in your community

    Please enjoy this wide-ranging conversation with Mickie Kennedy.

    Follow and Connect With Mickie Kennedy:

    Website: http://www.ereleases.com

    Twitter: https://x.com/ereleases

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ereleasespr

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ereleases.press.release.distribution

    Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ereleases

    Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/ereleases

    Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/publicity/

    Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/ereleases/

    Connect With TJ!

    Link Tree: https://tjmurphy.me/

    Level Up Your Digital Marketing And Unlock More Freedom In Your Business: https://www.hitedigital.com/bend/

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iamtjmurphy

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamtjmurphy/

    Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tj-murphy/

    Interested In Joining TJ On The Show?

    Apply Here: https://adventurousentrepreneurspodcast.com/


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    42 min
  • From Hustle to Freedom: How Adam Chronister Built a Business Around Life on His Terms
    Aug 1 2025

    In this episode of Adventurous Entrepreneurs, TJ sits down with Adam Chronister—digital marketing strategist, AI innovator, real estate investor, and founder of Enleaf. Adam shares how a soul-crushing job lit the fire that led him to build a thriving agency, embrace AI before it was mainstream, and design a lifestyle centered around freedom, travel, and family.

    You’ll hear the raw story behind his leap from employee to entrepreneur, the mindset shift that helped him overcome fear, and the tactical strategies he’s using to scale his business with AI and automation—without losing the human touch. Adam also dives into SEO tips for small business owners, the power of Google Business Profiles, and how to turn vacation rentals into profitable investments.

    Whether you’re navigating a big career decision or want practical insights on building a freedom-based business, this episode delivers.

    What we cover:


    • Why betting on yourself is never the wrong move


    • How AI tools like ChatGPT can save you hundreds of hours


    • Local SEO strategies that actually move the needle


    • Tips for building and marketing vacation rentals


    • Real talk on balancing business success with lifestyle freedom

    Please enjoy this wide-ranging conversation with Adam Chronister.

    Follow and Connect With Adam Chronister:

    Website: https://enleaf.com/

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/adamchronisterdotcom/

    Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamchronister

    Connect With TJ!

    Link Tree: https://tjmurphy.me/

    Level Up Your Digital Marketing And Unlock More Freedom In Your Business: https://www.hitedigital.com/bend/

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iamtjmurphy

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamtjmurphy/

    Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tj-murphy/

    Interested In Joining TJ On The Show?

    Apply Here: https://adventurousentrepreneurspodcast.com/


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    41 min
  • From "Muffler Mama" to Uncopyable Sales Success: Lessons on Curiosity and Branding
    Mar 7 2025
    Joining TJ on the Adventurous Entrepreneurs Podcast today is Kay Miller, bestselling author, sales expert, and creator of the "Uncopyable" framework. Known for her remarkable journey from being one of the first women in the automotive exhaust industry (earning her the unforgettable nickname "Muffler Mama") to becoming the top national salesperson, Kay shares invaluable insights into building a personal brand that stands out and drives success.We dive into the principles behind her book, Uncopyable Sales Secrets, and how curiosity, authenticity, and intentionality play critical roles in creating a memorable and profitable personal brand. Kay explains the concept of “stealing genius,” why focusing on your “moose” (ideal customer) is key, and how being bold enough to learn from other industries can spark innovation.Along the way, Kay shares personal stories from her career, discusses the values that guide her life, and reveals how intentional branding has allowed her to balance work, adventure, and family. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a creative, or anyone looking to make an unforgettable impact, this episode is packed with actionable advice and inspiration.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:Kay’s journey to becoming a top salesperson and the story behind “Muffler Mama.”Why curiosity and customer empathy are game-changers in sales and branding.The importance of intentionality in designing your personal and business brand.How to ethically “steal genius” from other industries to innovate.The role of authenticity, values, and being memorable in creating an uncopyable brand.Practical steps to start building your personal brand today.Curiosity is a key differentiator in sales success.Personal branding is essential in a competitive market.Being genuine and authentic builds trust with customers.Your personal brand can evolve over time.Intentionality is crucial in shaping your brand identity.Memorable branding involves unique symbols and values.Walking away from a bad sale demonstrates integrity.Building relationships is fundamental to sales success.Your brand should reflect your core values and mission.Designing your business around your lifestyle is vital for fulfillment. Family values are essential in balancing work and life.'Stealing genius' involves ethically borrowing ideas from outside your industry.Experiential learning can lead to innovative business practices.AI can significantly enhance brand development and perception.Exploring local adventures can reveal hidden gems in your own community.Defining your personal brand requires intentional reflection and feedback.Asking others about your brand can provide valuable insights.Continuous improvement is key in personal branding.Utilizing AI tools can streamline business processes and creativity.Engaging with your local environment can inspire new ideas.Links and Resources:Kay’s Website: https://beuncopyable.comGet Kay’s Free Guide: 5 Steps to Build a Profitable Brand: https://www.beuncopyable.com/5-emailsDon’t miss this fun and insightful conversation about standing out in business and life!Please enjoy this wide-ranging conversation with Kay Miller.Follow and Connect With Kay Miller:Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/millerkay/Connect With TJ!Link Tree: https://tjmurphy.me/Level Up Your Digital Marketing And Unlock More Freedom In Your Business: https://www.hitedigital.com/bend/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iamtjmurphyInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamtjmurphy/Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tj-murphy/Interested In Joining TJ On The Show? Apply Here: https://adventurousentrepreneurspodcast.com/Keywords:personal branding, sales success, curiosity, uncopyable brand, Muffler Mama, adventure, intentionality, customer relationships, sales strategies, life design, family values, stealing genius, innovation, experiential learning, AI in branding, local adventures, personal branding, business ethics, entrepreneurship, brand development
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    48 min
  • Robert & Kay Lee Fukui – Designing Your Dream Life Together: Tools for Married Entrepreneurs
    Feb 21 2025

    Joining TJ on the Adventurous Entrepreneurs Podcast today is Robert Fukui & Kay Lee Fukui.

    In this insightful episode of Adventurous Entrepreneurs, we sit down with Robert and Kay Lee Fukui, founders of Power Couples by Design and co-authors of the book Tandem. Together, they share their journey from corporate careers to working as a married couple in business, offering valuable insights on balancing marriage, entrepreneurship, and personal growth.

    Robert and Kay Lee dive into the challenges and rewards of blending professional and personal lives, revealing their strategies for fostering work-life harmony, resolving conflicts, and building thriving relationships. They discuss the importance of defining success beyond financial metrics, creating intentional time for connection, and leveraging each other's strengths to work as an effective team in both life and business.

    Tune in to learn how this dynamic duo helps other married entrepreneurs overcome common struggles, design their lives intentionally, and achieve success both at home and in their businesses. Whether you're running a family business, navigating partnership dynamics, or simply seeking tips to strengthen your relationship, this episode is packed with actionable advice and inspiring stories.

    What You'll Learn in This Episode:


    • How Robert and Kay Lee transitioned from corporate life to entrepreneurship.
    • The most common challenges married entrepreneurs face and how to overcome them.
    • Practical strategies for achieving work-life harmony and building a thriving marriage.
    • The importance of identifying and playing to each other's strengths in business and life.
    • How to navigate conflict and maintain connection, even during busy seasons.


    Links and Resources:


    • Free Work-Life Balance Guide
      : marriedentrepreneur.co/adventurous
    • Learn more about their book Tandem: https://www.thetandembook.com/


    Get ready to discover how to win in marriage and business by designing a life you truly love—together.


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    47 min
  • T.J. Van Gerven – Mastering Financial Independence, Investing for Millennials, and Living Intentionally
    Feb 7 2025

    Joining TJ on the Adventurous Entrepreneurs Podcast today is Theodore (TJ) Van Gerven.

    In this episode of Adventurous Entrepreneurs, host TJ Murphy chats with a fellow T.J., Theodore (TJ) Van Gerven, founder of Memento Financial Planning, to explore the keys to building financial independence, managing wealth as a millennial, and creating a life of intentional freedom. T.J. shares his personal journey, growing up with contrasting financial mindsets in his family, and how it shaped his passion for helping others navigate their own financial paths.

    You’ll learn practical strategies for mastering cash flow, understanding equity compensation, and leveraging tools like solo 401(k)s and Roth IRAs. T.J. also dives into the parallels between martial arts and money management, the importance of humility in investing, and how to align your financial goals with your values.

    Whether you're a solopreneur, married couple, or just looking to achieve financial independence while enjoying the present, this episode is packed with actionable insights, tools, and relatable stories to help you make smarter financial decisions and live life on your own terms.

    What You’ll Learn in This Episode:


    • How to define financial independence and build toward it
    • Smart strategies for managing equity compensation and stock options
    • The psychology of money: humility, discipline, and long-term thinking
    • Tips for blending work, life, and financial goals
    • Why financial literacy is crucial and how to build your financial toolbox


    Links & Resources Mentioned:


    • T.J. Van Gerven’s Website: Memento Financial Planning: https://mementofinancialplanning.com/
    • Recommended Tool: Monarch Money for budgeting and cash flow management: https://www.monarchmoney.com/


    Join us for an enlightening conversation filled with clarity, practical advice, and a refreshing take on personal finance and entrepreneurship!

    Please enjoy this wide-ranging conversation with Theodore (TJ) Van Gerven.

    Follow and Connect With Theodore Van Gerven:

    Twitter: https://twitter.com/TJvanGerven

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mementofinancialplanning/?hl=en

    Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@tjvangerven

    Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tjvangerven/

    Connect With TJ!

    Link Tree: https://tjmurphy.me/

    Level Up Your Digital Marketing And Unlock More Freedom In Your Business: https://www.hitedigital.com/bend/

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iamtjmurphy

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamtjmurphy/

    Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tj-murphy/

    Interested In Joining TJ On The Show?

    Apply Here: https://adventurousentrepreneurspodcast.com/


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    43 min