Claim OwnershipThe Personal Side of Business Podcast
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Description
I connect with business owners, entrepreneurs and people living their dreams to tell their journeys and stories. My goal, is that if you are fulfilling your dream, you don’t feel like you’re alone and you can connect with these stories in some way. This podcast will interview people from all types of different business categories to show what their world is like.
22 Episodes
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When 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 and in business.
✈️ Highlights:
How one flight changed Tim’s life forever
The real cost and commitment behind becoming a pilot
Turning aviation passion into a sustainable business
Lessons from military service that apply to entrepreneurship
Overcoming fear, failure, and turbulence along the way
🎙️ Tune in to discover the personal side of flying, entrepreneurship, and chasing your dreams above the clouds.
You can contact Tim @ https://www.fly-hive.com/
#Aviation #Entrepreneurship #VeteranBusiness #FlightTraining #PilotLife #SmallBusiness #PersonalSideOfBusiness #ThePersonalSideofBusiness #SanDiego
What 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 all 💸
Why faith and family were their foundation through the hardest years 🙏
Lessons in scaling, funding, and building strong partnerships 🚀
This is more than a snack story—it’s a blueprint for perseverance, entrepreneurship, and turning vision into reality.
Follow The Personal Side of Business for more inspiring founder stories that reveal the people and passions behind today’s businesses.
https://www.tetonvalleybrands.com/
How 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 growing it locally.
The balance between passion, family, and building a sustainable business.
If you’re curious about turning creativity into a livelihood—or you just love the idea of fresh sourdough pizza—this episode delivers both inspiration and practical takeaways.
https://www.perrysplate.com/
https://www.hotplate.com/wildrisepizzaco
In 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/
📧 Email: lhinger@sbtcdc.org
Divorce 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 middle
Common communication breakdowns and how to repair them
Why taking a holistic approach — blending education, emotional awareness, and financial planning — leads to healthier outcomes
Real-life stories where mediation changed everything — and even saved marriages
Whether you're navigating a divorce, supporting someone who is, or simply curious about healthier ways to handle life’s hardest transitions, this episode will leave you informed, inspired, and empowered.
https://ahealthydivorce.com/
🎧 Listen now and subscribe to hear more powerful conversations on The Personal Side of Business. Please check out our YouTube channel as well.
#DivorceMediation #HealthyDivorce #PersonalSideOfBusiness #CoParenting #FamilyLaw
In 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 character energy might just be the key to rewriting your story.
If you’re ready for inspiration, laughter, and a new perspective on liberation in life and business, this episode is for you.
CafeconPam.com
What 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.
If you’ve ever believed that food is more than fuel, or wondered how to turn pain into purpose, this episode will stay with you long after the last bite.
https://www.cooknwithluv.com/
In 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 practical wisdom and soul-driven strategy to grow something meaningful—right from the ground up.
https://ccng.dev/
📝 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 you take control of your financial future.
To reach Andrea Arroyo, IG @riquezaconandrea
Diana 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 nonprofits amplify their voices through smart partnerships and personal branding.
Whether you’re just starting out, running a CPG brand, or trying to merge purpose with profit, this episode is packed with lessons, laughs, and actionable advice.
Each episode features heartfelt stories from business owners, industry experts, and people pursuing their passion while shedding light on the challenges and triumphs of their journey. If you love perseverance, entrepreneurship, and community impact, this is the podcast for you!
In 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 unpacks his business philosophies, what he looks for in coaching clients, and how scaling with the right people and systems changed everything.
Whether you're just starting out, pivoting after a setback, or aiming to scale big—this episode is your roadmap.
Each episode features heartfelt stories from business owners, industry experts, and people pursuing their passion while shedding light on the challenges and triumphs of their journey. If you love perseverance, entrepreneurship, and community impact, this is the podcast for you!
What 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 purpose, balance, and empathy. Whether you're scaling a startup or managing a team of 500, this episode will change the way you think about executive success.
Each episode features heartfelt stories from business owners, industry experts, and people pursuing their passion while shedding light on the challenges and triumphs of their journey. If you love perseverance, entrepreneurship, and community impact, this is the podcast for you!
In 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 Lamborghini rides, Johnathan’s mission is as moving as it is impactful. Whether you're an entrepreneur or someone looking to make a difference, this story will remind you that purpose often lies where passion meets courage.
Each episode features heartfelt stories from business owners, industry experts, and people pursuing their passion while shedding light on the challenges and triumphs of their journey. If you love perseverance, entrepreneurship, and community impact, this is the podcast for you!
In 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 rights, sharing advice on staying prepared, and reflecting on what he would change in the current immigration system.
Whether you're navigating immigration law or simply seeking to understand it better, this episode delivers powerful stories and actionable knowledge from the front lines of justice.
Each episode features heartfelt stories from business owners, industry experts, and people pursuing their passion while shedding light on the challenges and triumphs of their journey. If you love perseverance, entrepreneurship, and community impact, this is the podcast for you!
In 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 features heartfelt stories from business owners, industry experts, and people pursuing their passion while shedding light on the challenges and triumphs of their journey. If you love perseverance, entrepreneurship, and community impact, this is the podcast for you!
Shylia 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 business owners, industry experts, and people pursuing their passion while shedding light on the challenges and triumphs of their journey. If you love perseverance, entrepreneurship, and community impact, this is the podcast for you!
Who 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 people pursuing their passion while shedding light on the challenges and triumphs of their journey. If you love perseverance, entrepreneurship, and community impact, this is the podcast for you!
Noe 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, industry experts, and people pursuing their passion while shedding light on the challenges and triumphs of their journey. If you love perseverance, entrepreneurship, and community impact, this is the podcast for you!
In 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 personal health challenge sparked a mission-driven business that’s changing lives.
Each episode features heartfelt stories from business owners, industry experts, and community leaders, shedding light on the challenges and triumphs of keeping small businesses alive. If you love perseverance, entrepreneurship, and community impact, this is the podcast for you!
Uqora.com
Join 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 community leaders, shedding light on the challenges and triumphs of keeping small businesses alive. If you love food, entrepreneurship, and community impact, this is the podcast for you!
Follow now and discover how Anna and Akitso are reshaping San Diego’s food scene, one restaurant at a time. 🍽✨
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