AI is no longer just a buzzword; it’s transforming industries, automating repetitive tasks, and reshaping careers.In this episode of Vibe Your Vibe, Kirk sits down with Alex Schmidt to unpack:🔐 How to integrate AI securely without exposing sensitive data📉 Why repetitive roles are at the highest risk of automation💡 How professionals can pivot and build careers that last in the AI era🚀 Why Elon Musk calls AI a trillion-dollar industry and what that means for the futureFrom building one of the most secure AI platforms in the U.S. to helping businesses safeguard their data, Alex shares what leaders and professionals must do now to thrive in the middle of this AI revolution.👉 Follow for more conversations on authenticity, growth, and navigating change.👉 Drop a comment: What’s one skill you think AI can’t replace?

What happens when fly fishing, creativity, and community collide?In this second conversation with Matt Canter, guide, fly shop owner, and community builder, we go beyond the water:⚫ Fly tying in action: Kirk and Matt sit down with beers and bobbins, walking through the process of creating a custom fly (with dragon tails and bucktail) while sharing laughs and fishing wisdom.⚫ Stories from the river: From peacock bass in Brazil to carp crushing cicadas, Matt explains why the right fly can turn a day on the water into an unforgettable memory.⚫ Community impact: Hear how a backyard idea turned into a charity concert that raised $200,000 for Habitat for Humanity, proving fishing isn’t the only way Matt hooks significant results.⚫ Life lessons from guiding: Why even the best anglers hire guides, how to handle days when the fish don’t bite, and the deeper meaning of making memories outdoors.This episode blends fishing, storytelling, and authenticity—the perfect reminder that it’s not just about the catch, it’s about the connection.👉 If you’ve ever wondered what fly fishing teaches about patience, creativity, and community, this one’s for you.

What happens when a storyteller, marketer, and professor sit down to talk about the future of storytelling in the age of AI?In this episode of Vibe Your Vibe, Kirk Francis and Shlomi Ron dive deep into:🎥 Shlomi’s journey from IBM and Amex to founding the Visual Storytelling Institute📚 Teaching brand storytelling at the University of Miami Business School🤖 How AI is reshaping startups, design, and the role of creativity📈 Why consistency and authenticity matter more than ever in a noisy digital world📰 Building an audience through newsletters, podcasts, and authentic contentThis is a conversation about stories, technology, and the human touch that keeps it all real.👉 Subscribe for more conversations with founders, creators, and leaders breaking through obscurity.#podcast #virtualstorytelling #kirkfrancis #vibeyourvibe

What happens when your craft doesn’t fit neatly into a marketing category?In this episode of Vibe Your Vibe, Brett Rippetoe shares his 30+ year journey running Superior Cedar & Deck Restoration. From Yellow Pages to Yelp, word-of-mouth referrals to DIY website rebuilds, Brett opens up about the frustrations, lessons, and grit it takes to thrive in a niche business most advertisers don’t even recognize.We dive into:- Why most ads list him under the wrong category (and how he deals with it)- The right vs. wrong way to wash and seal a deck- Stories of customers, repeat business, and trust built over decades- What traditional marketing still works in 2025- How Brett is using tech to modernize without losing his old-school edgeIf you care about craftsmanship, longevity, and building a reputation the right way, you’ll love this conversation.#VibeYourVibePodcast #BrettRippetoe #SmallBusinessStories#EntrepreneurLife #BusinessGrowth #CraftsmanshipMatters#WordOfMouthMarketing #DeckRestoration

What happens when you stop trading your time for a paycheck and start pursuing what you love? 🌱In this conversation, Natasha Bahrami, known as The Gin Girl, shares her incredible journey from working in foreign policy in Washington, D.C., to becoming one of the leading voices in the gin world.At 22, she didn’t realize she was falling in love with gin. But by 2011, Natasha was among a handful of people in the U.S. with deep expertise in the category. That passion led her to open The Gin Room, a space that helped ignite a passion for gin culture beyond the big cities.In this episode, Natasha opens up about:⚫ Why are more people leaving stability for passion after Covid⚫ How unconscious interests can turn into lifelong expertise⚫ The early challenges of convincing people to drink gin⚫ Why helping others start their own gin bars brings her the greatest joyIf you’ve ever thought about leaving “safe” stability behind to pursue something you love, this story will inspire you.✨ Subscribe for more conversations that help you vibe your vibe and live with intention.

In this episode of Vibe Your Vibe, Kirk sits down with Geraldine Belluche to share the inspiring story behind a life-changing mission in Uganda.After a dream and a powerful journey, Geraldine connected with Henry, founder of Henjo Safaris and a passionate advocate for children’s education in Uganda. Together, they are helping bring Empathy High School to life — a safe and empowering place where kids can learn, grow, and break the cycle of poverty.This conversation dives into:✨ Geraldine’s story and why she chose to help✨ Henry’s vision for building a high school in Uganda✨ The power of small contributions — even $30 provides a mattress for a child✨ The upcoming fundraiser and how you can get involved🌍 Learn more & support the mission:👉 Empathy Children Initiative: https://empathychildren.org/👉 Henjo Safaris (Henry’s tour company): https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083135236902&utm_
Every contribution matters. Whether it’s $5, $30, or more, your generosity helps provide education, resources, and hope for children who need it most.💡 Education changes lives. Join us in building a brighter future for the next generation.

What does it really take to walk away from the safety of a paycheck and pursue the unknown?In this episode of Vibe Your Vibe, Kirk Francis sits down with Chuck Sanderson— musician, teacher, and creative to unpack the messy, honest journey of leaving comfort behind to chase meaning.We talk about:👉 Why fear is often a sign you’re on the right path👉 How creativity requires risk (and rejection)👉 The trap of “responsibility” that keeps people stuck👉 What it looks like to live life without a scriptThis isn’t about reckless leaps. It’s about finding the courage to create a life you actually believe in.👉 If you’ve ever felt like you’re on autopilot, this conversation is your wake-up call.Hit play. Get inspired. And let us know in the comments: What leap have you been putting off?#vibeyourvibe #kirkfrancis #WaltcoToolsInc #creativity #courage #authenticity #podcast #FearToFreedom #ArtAndLife #PersonalGrowth #selfdiscoverytribe

What does it take to chase a dream with no roadmap—and keep going for more than a decade? In this episode of Vibe Your Vibe, I sit down with David Weglarz, founder of Still 630 Distillery in St. Louis, who went from whitewater rafting guide to award-winning distiller.David shares how discipline, gratitude, and authenticity fuel his journey, and why he believes passion is contagious. We talk about:⚫ Building spirits worthy of life’s best moments⚫ Fighting resistance with routine and refusing to quit⚫ The philosophy of gratitude and abundance in business and family⚫ Crafting original gins, ryes, and rums through experimentation and relentless workWhether you’re into whiskey, gin, or simply the spirit of perseverance, this conversation will inspire you to live more fully in the now and pursue what truly matters.👉 Visit www.still630.com to learn more about David’s distillery. #vibeyourvibe #podcast #thoughtleadership #gratitude #authenticity #discipline #entrepreneurship #craftspirits #whiskeylovers #ginlovers #RumLovers #indomitablespirit #Still630 #authoritybuilding #personalgrowthdevelopment