Claim OwnershipThe Business RoundUp with Melissa Bill
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The Business RoundUP (formerly Texas RoundUp)
Hosted by seasoned journalist Melissa Bill, The Business RoundUp explores the pivotal topics shaping local and the broader business landscape today. From groundbreaking innovations to leadership insights and finance trends, this podcast delivers in-depth coverage and engaging interviews with influential figures and newsmakers from across the United States.
✨ Meet the Host:
Melissa Bill
With 16+ years of journalism experience, Melissa Bill has been a trusted voice for major outlets like The Miami Herald and WIOD News Radio. While reporting for The Texas Insider, she focused on business, technology, space, and finance—issues vital to Texans, from the proposed Texas-based stock exchange to the state’s expanding energy industry. A proud graduate of Florida International University, Melissa brings sharp insights and a passion for storytelling to every episode.
📅 Tune in Weekly for fresh perspectives, lively discussions, and a deep dive into the stories that matter most locally, regionally and beyond.
Hosted by seasoned journalist Melissa Bill, The Business RoundUp explores the pivotal topics shaping local and the broader business landscape today. From groundbreaking innovations to leadership insights and finance trends, this podcast delivers in-depth coverage and engaging interviews with influential figures and newsmakers from across the United States.
✨ Meet the Host:
Melissa Bill
With 16+ years of journalism experience, Melissa Bill has been a trusted voice for major outlets like The Miami Herald and WIOD News Radio. While reporting for The Texas Insider, she focused on business, technology, space, and finance—issues vital to Texans, from the proposed Texas-based stock exchange to the state’s expanding energy industry. A proud graduate of Florida International University, Melissa brings sharp insights and a passion for storytelling to every episode.
📅 Tune in Weekly for fresh perspectives, lively discussions, and a deep dive into the stories that matter most locally, regionally and beyond.
117 Episodes
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How is technology reshaping the modeling industry, and what happens when AI enters the creative economy?
In this episode, Melissa Bill speaks with Benjamin Hori and Hannah Choi, founders of Spotlite, a pioneering booking platform designed to simplify how brands book models and creative talent.
The conversation explores how their platform is modernizing the traditional modeling industry while addressing new challenges around digital identity, ownership of human likeness, and the growing influence of artificial intelligence in creative work.
Ben and Hannah share the story behind launching Spotlight, their vision for creating a more transparent and accessible marketplace for talent, and the ethical questions that arise as AI-generated models and digital replicas become more common.
In this episode, we discuss:
The founders’ backgrounds and the creation of Spotlight
How online marketplaces are transforming model and creative talent booking
How user feedback drove the shift towards human IP infrastructure.
The rise of AI and digital identity in the modeling industry
Protecting human likeness and intellectual property in the age of AI
Spotlight’s vision for expanding into the U.S. market
If you're interested in the creator economy, fashion and modeling, AI ethics, or the future of digital marketplaces, this conversation offers a fascinating look at how technology is reshaping creative industries.
How are technology, shifting consumer habits, and new regulations reshaping the future of digital gaming?
In this episode, Melissa Bill sits down with Seth Young, CEO of High Roller Technologies, to explore the rapidly evolving world of online gaming, prediction markets, and the role of innovation in shaping the industry.
With more than two decades of experience in the gaming sector, Seth shares insights into how consumer behavior is shifting toward digital platforms and how technologies like artificial intelligence and advanced data analytics are enhancing player experiences.
The conversation also dives into emerging opportunities in regulated online gambling markets across the United States, Canada, and Latin America, as well as the growing convergence between prediction markets, stock trading, and traditional gaming.
In this episode, we discuss:
Seth Young’s 20+ year journey in the global gaming industry
How consumer behavior is shifting toward digital gaming platforms
The impact of AI and data analytics on player engagement
Opportunities in regulated online gambling markets across North America and Latin America
The rise of prediction markets and their connection to finance and gaming
Differences between traditional casinos and online gaming accessibility
Strategic growth and expansion plans for High Roller Technologies
The evolving regulatory landscape for online gambling in the United States
How being a publicly traded company influences strategy and innovation
If you're interested in the future of online gaming, Fintech, sports betting, and digital entertainment, this episode provides a fascinating look at where the industry is headed.
What does it truly take to become an effective leader in today’s complex workplace?
In this episode, Melissa Bill sits down with Dr. Seger Morris, coach, consultant and author of Let Me Lead, to explore leadership, mentorship, and the power of aligning personal and professional purpose.
Dr. Morris shares his unconventional journey into medicine and how those experiences shaped his perspective on leadership and organizational culture. Drawing from years of professional insight, he introduces the Synergy Blueprint, a leadership framework designed to help individuals and teams align their goals, improve communication, and create meaningful progress.
The conversation also dives into the role of mentorship, recognizing bias within organizations, and why success requires balance between personal growth and professional achievement.
In this episode, we discuss:
Dr. Morris’ non-traditional path to becoming a physician
Why mentorship is critical for leadership development
Understanding and addressing bias within organizations
The Synergy Blueprint for aligning personal and professional goals
The POSH framework for positioning individuals and teams for success
The ROAR framework for measuring outcomes and driving accountability
Whether you're a leader, entrepreneur, or professional seeking growth, this conversation offers practical insights into building stronger teams, communicating effectively, and leading with clarity and purpose.
In this episode, Melissa Bill sits down with Arvind Parthasarathi, CEO of CYGNVS, to discuss why cyber resilience and crisis preparedness are critical for modern organizations.
Arvind explains how CYGNVS helps companies prepare for potential cyber incidents through structured playbooks, tabletop exercises, and an out-of-band communication platform designed to keep leadership teams connected during a cyber crisis when traditional systems may be compromised.
The conversation also explores the growing role of artificial intelligence in cybersecurity, the increasing responsibility of corporate boards in overseeing cyber risk, and why collaboration across industries is essential to strengthen overall resilience.
In this episode, we discuss:
What cyber resilience means in today’s threat landscape
How organizations can prepare for cyber incidents before they happen
The importance of tabletop exercises and incident playbooks
Why out-of-band communication systems are critical during cyber crises
The evolving role of AI in cybersecurity
Why boards and executives must prioritize cyber preparedness
Whether you’re a business leader, IT professional, or simply interested in how organizations defend against cyber threats, this episode provides valuable insight into building resilience in an increasingly digital world.
What if healthier skin starts with your microbiome?
In this episode, Melissa Bill interviews Dr. Mireille Vega, a PhD biochemist, skincare innovator and founder of Vgam Biome, about the science behind the skin microbiome and how hormonal shifts impact skin health at every stage of life.
Dr. Vega explains why many traditional skincare routines may disrupt the skin’s natural microbiota and how simplifying your regimen can actually improve long-term results. Drawing from her background in biochemistry, she shares a science-backed approach to balancing the skin barrier, supporting microbiome health, and addressing hormonal skin changes naturally.
In this conversation, we explore:
What the skin microbiome is and why it matters
How hormones affect skin health and aging
Why overcomplicated skincare routines can backfire
The science behind microbiome-supporting products
Practical ways to simplify your skincare for better results
If you're interested in the latest breakthroughs in skin care, hormone-related skin changes, or microbiome-focused science, this episode delivers both education and actionable insight.
Burnout in healthcare isn’t just about long hours, it’s about emotional exhaustion, systemic pressure, and a lack of sustainable support.
In this episode, Melissa Bill sits down with Dr. Mickey Lebowitz, certified endocrinologist, emotional intelligence specialist and author of The EQ Prescription, to unpack the growing burnout crisis affecting physicians, nurses, and healthcare leaders.
Drawing from personal experience and professional insight, Mickey explains why emotional intelligence (EQ) is critical in managing stress, dissatisfaction, and workplace overwhelm in the medical field.
In this conversation, we explore:
The root causes of physician and healthcare burnout
Warning signs of emotional exhaustion
Systemic challenges within healthcare organizations
How emotional intelligence improves resilience
Practical self-management strategies for high-pressure careers
Whether you're a healthcare professional, hospital administrator, or leader navigating workplace stress, this episode provides practical insight into building resilience and protecting your emotional wellbeing.
Is clutter quietly adding stress to your life?
In this episode, Melissa Bill sits down with Meggie Magione, the author of Give Clutter the Middle Finger: A Chingona’s Guide to Taking Control of Your Stuff and Your Life.
Meggie explains why clutter isn’t just “stuff”, it’s visual noise that impacts focus, energy, and mental clarity. She shares her journey into becoming a professional organizer, the philosophy behind her bold book title, and practical, realistic steps anyone can take to create sustainable organizational systems.
In this conversation, you’ll learn:
Why clutter affects stress, productivity, and mental health
How to shift from aesthetic organizing to feeling-based organizing
The biggest mistakes people make when decluttering
Simple systems that actually work long term
How to stop feeling overwhelmed by your space
This episode is for you whether you're interested in minimalism, home organization, personal growth, or creating a calmer environment. Get practical strategies and mindset shifts that make decluttering sustainable not just temporary.
In this deep-dive conversation, Melissa Bill interviews Matthew Mark McWhorter, author of Canon Crossfire, about the historical and theological complexities behind scripture.
After a personal health crisis led him to re-examine his beliefs, Matthew left his career in the legal field to embark on a rigorous investigation into the origins of Christianity, the development of the biblical canon, and the discrepancies across texts.
The interview delves into:
How the Bible was compiled and canonized
Key differences among denominational scriptures
The role politics has played and continues to pay in religion
Persecution and conviction in early Christianity
Faith, doubt, and intellectual honesty
This episode is perfect for anyone interested in Christian apologetics, church history, biblical scholarship, or faith exploration.
What does it take to build a purpose-driven jewelry brand that truly resonates with women, especially women over 40?
In this episode, Melissa Bill sits down with Katia Rudnick, CEO and founder of Katia Designs, to discuss how she built a jewelry brand that strives to empower women through delivering positive messaging about their self-worth.
Katia shares how jewelry can become more than an accessory. It can serve as a daily reminder of confidence, strength, and positive self-talk. The conversation explores the emotional psychology behind wearable affirmations, the power of mindset for female entrepreneurs, and why women in midlife are redefining style, identity, and success.
You’ll also hear:
How Katia built a mission-driven jewelry company from scratch
Why women over 40 are an overlooked but powerful consumer audience
The connection between self-talk, confidence, and personal style
Lessons in female entrepreneurship and brand storytelling
What it takes to expand from direct-to-consumer into retail
If you’re a woman entrepreneur, founder, or anyone interested in empowerment brands, personal growth, or building a meaningful business — this episode delivers both inspiration and practical insight.
What is private credit and why is it rapidly reshaping the financial landscape?
In this episode, Melissa Bill interviews Cole Snell, Founder and CEO of Real Private Credit, to unpack the rise of private lending, the growing threat of fraud, and the technology transforming how capital moves in today’s economy.
Cole explains how increased transparency, smarter infrastructure, and evolving regulations are helping democratize finance, opening new opportunities for small businesses while protecting investors. He also breaks down the real-world implications of UCC Articles 9 and 12, and why securing digital assets is becoming essential in modern lending.
Whether you’re an investor, entrepreneur, finance professional, or simply curious about where money is moving next, this episode delivers practical insight into one of the fastest-growing sectors in finance.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
✔ Why private credit is booming
✔ How lenders are combating fraud risk
✔ The role of technology in transparent lending
✔ What digital asset security means for the future of finance
✔ How expanded access to capital can fuel business growth
Don't miss this episode as we take a deeper look into where the private credit industry is headed into 2026 and beyond.
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Are cooperatives the future of a more resilient and community-focused economy?
In this episode, Doug O’Brien, President and CEO of the National Cooperative Business Association, breaks down the growing influence of cooperatives across industries and explains why this time-tested business model is gaining renewed attention in today’s unpredictable economic climate.
Doug shares how cooperatives empower communities, create long-term stability, and offer an alternative path to traditional profit-driven structures. He also explores the challenges these organizations face, the importance of advocacy and awareness, and the massive, untapped potential for cooperative growth in the years ahead.
Whether you're an entrepreneur, business leader, policymaker, or simply curious about innovative economic models, this conversation reveals why cooperatives could play a critical role in shaping the future of business.
👉 In this episode, you’ll learn:
What makes the cooperative model uniquely resilient
How cooperatives strengthen local economies
Why awareness is key to their expansion
The biggest misconceptions about cooperative businesses
What the future holds for this rapidly growing movement
If you're looking for fresh ideas about sustainable growth, economic stability, and people-first leadership, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.
What does the future of higher education look like in the age of artificial intelligence?
In this episode, Claremont McKenna College president Hiram Chodosh explores how AI is transforming the learning experience and why integrated, interdisciplinary education is becoming essential for student success. He shares his personal journey into academic leadership and explains how strong mentorship, high expectations, and institutional support can unlock student potential.
Chodosh also breaks down what today’s students need to thrive in an unpredictable job market, from real-world problem-solving skills to adaptive leadership abilities. As industries evolve and career paths become less linear, colleges must rethink how they prepare the next generation.
You’ll learn:
How AI is reshaping higher education
Why interdisciplinary learning is the future
The leadership skills students must develop now
How colleges can prepare graduates for career uncertainty
What the next decade of education may look like
Whether you’re an educator, parent, student, or leader, this conversation offers valuable insight into the rapidly changing world of learning, and how institutions can stay ahead.
In this inspiring episode, Melissa Bill sits down with Julia Brodska, founder of Best Lifing Retreats, bestselling author, and wellness expert, to explore what it truly means to live a healthy, vibrant life in today’s high-stress world.
Julia shares her powerful journey from a difficult childhood to building a global wellness brand dedicated to helping others transform their lives from the inside out. Together, they unpack the science behind stress, aging, and resilience, revealing how intentional lifestyle changes can dramatically impact both personal and professional success.
The conversation dives into the immersive experiences offered through Best Lifing Retreats, where participants often see measurable results — including significant reductions in biological age. Julia explains why health is the foundation for everything we want to achieve and offers practical insights for anyone ready to prioritize longevity, energy, and overall well-being.
Whether you're feeling burned out, striving for peak performance, or simply looking to become your best self, this episode delivers the motivation and knowledge to help you take the next step.
Tune in to learn:
How stress accelerates aging — and what you can do about it
The connection between wellness and professional success
What biological age really means
How transformative retreats can reset your health
Why it’s never too late to redesign your life
Listen and follow for more tips for turning back the hands of time!
In this episode, we sit down with Brooke Lively, Founder of Cathcap Scaling Law, business growth whisperer, author, and trusted advisor, to unpack the financial and operational strategies that help law firms scale with confidence.
Brooke shares her unconventional path into the legal industry and explains why financial clarity is often the missing link between stagnation and sustainable growth. Together, they explore how identifying “friction points” inside a business can unlock efficiency, improve profitability, and strengthen leadership.
The conversation also dives into the rapidly evolving role of artificial intelligence in service-based industries and what firm leaders must understand now to remain competitive.
Brooke breaks down how the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) can transform law firms by aligning teams around a clear vision, attracting the right talent, and fostering a healthy workplace culture that supports long-term success.
Whether you're a law firm partner, entrepreneur, or business leader looking to scale smarter, this episode delivers practical insights you can put into action immediately.
Tune in to learn:
Why financial management is the foundation of growth
How to identify and eliminate operational friction
What AI means for the future of professional services
The core principles of EOS — and why they work
How culture and vision drive high-performing teams
In this episode of Business Roundup, host Melissa Bill sits down with award-winning business success coach and author Erica Carrico to explore her inspiring journey from corporate recruitment to building a multimillion-dollar coaching business rooted in purpose.
Erica opens up about experiencing burnout, navigating serious health challenges, and making the courageous decision to pivot her career toward meaningful, purpose-driven work. She shares how those defining moments led her to help entrepreneurs gain clarity, align their businesses with their values, and create lasting success.
Listeners will also get an inside look at Erica’s book, Awake Your Purpose, which outlines a powerful 28-day framework designed to guide individuals through self-discovery and into aligned entrepreneurship.
If you’re questioning your career path, craving more fulfillment, or ready to step into work that truly matters, this conversation offers both practical insight and powerful inspiration.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
How to recognize when burnout is signaling the need for change
Why purpose is the foundation of sustainable success
What it takes to pivot careers with confidence
The key steps to building an aligned, profitable business
How Erica’s 28-day process can help you uncover your true calling
Learn more about her new Mess To Millions podcast
Follow us and subscribe for additional tips or to suggest future guests or topics!
In this episode of Business Roundup, host Melissa Bill sits down with David King, a coach, speaker, author, and the founder of Freedom Mapping, to explore how entrepreneurs can move from frustration to clarity, purpose, and lasting fulfillment.
Drawing from his transition out of management consulting, David shares why many high-performing professionals struggle with leadership, communication, and emotional awareness despite their technical expertise. He introduces his Freedom Mapping process, a powerful framework designed to help individuals confront their current realities, align with their personal truths, and create a compelling vision for the future.
Melissa and David discuss the importance of mental clarity, emotional well-being, and intentional goal setting across every life domain — including health, mindset, family, and business. David also outlines practical strategies for building supportive environments and taking actionable steps toward meaningful growth.
Whether you're an entrepreneur, business leader, or professional seeking greater direction, this conversation offers actionable insights to help you lead with confidence and design a life aligned with your purpose.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
What Freedom Mapping is and how it transforms goal setting
Why confronting your current reality is essential for growth
How emotional clarity impacts leadership and success
Strategies for creating actionable, purpose-driven goals
The key to balancing professional ambition with personal fulfillment
👉 Perfect for entrepreneurs, leaders, and anyone ready to gain clarity and take intentional steps toward a more meaningful future.
In this deeply moving episode, host Melissa Bill sits down with William Newton-Wordsworth, a former lawyer who walked away from a high-pressure legal career to pursue a life rooted in faith, sustainability, and purpose. Warnings From The Living God.
William shares the pivotal moment that changed everything—when declining health and a deep sense of unfulfillment forced him to confront a life that looked successful on paper but felt empty in his soul. That turning point sparked years of global exploration, immersing himself in different cultures and spiritual practices, ultimately leading to profound encounters with God that reshaped his beliefs and direction. It also led to him authoring the new book,
Now a sustainable farmer and owner of William River Produce, William explains how those experiences guided him to establish a biodynamic farm in Western Australia, where prayer, spiritual stewardship, and respect for the land are central to daily life. He speaks candidly about the challenges of organic farming, the spiritual battles many people face today, and why purpose—not prestige—is the foundation of a meaningful life.
This conversation is especially powerful for young people feeling lost in their careers, anyone questioning conventional success, or those seeking a deeper connection to faith, nature, and their true calling.
✨ An episode about listening to the call, honoring the land, and choosing purpose over pressure.
In this episode of Business Roundup, host Melissa Bill sits down with Emmy-winning producer Sherry Gunther Shugerman (The Simpsons, Family Guy) and Andrew Pelekis, co-CEO of HEEBOO, a new entertainment venture reimagining how content is built, funded, and sustained.
Sherry reflects on her decades in traditional Hollywood, behind some of television’s most influential animated series of the past three decades, including The Simpsons, Family Guy, Rugrats, Dexter’s Laboratory, and The Powerpuff Girls. Andrew shares his vision for HEEBOO and his transition from finance to entertainment—and why the old model of producing content before building an audience is no longer enough.
Together, they explain HEEBOO's fan-first approach, where creators build engaged communities before production begins, empowering fans to collaborate, invest, and share in a project’s success through tokenized ownership.
The conversation explores:
Why fan engagement matters more than ever in today’s noisy digital landscape
How creators can build authentic, direct relationships with audiences
The role of platforms like TikTok and YouTube in modern franchise building
How tokenization is changing ownership, investment, and creative control
Why HEEBOO aims to become a destination for creators seeking authenticity and sustainability
This episode offers a forward-looking look at the future of entertainment, where community, transparency, and creator empowerment are at the center of franchise building.
In this insightful conversation, executive coach and keynote speaker Steve Baue explores the real challenges leaders face in today’s rapidly changing business landscape. From navigating AI-driven disruption to managing cultural shifts within organizations, Baue emphasizes why authenticity, trust, and clear communication are more critical than ever.
Drawing from his own leadership journey, Baue discusses the gaps in traditional leadership training and why greater self-awareness is essential for modern executives. He breaks down the key qualities of effective leaders, shares practical advice for building trust in times of uncertainty, and highlights the often-overlooked role of self-care in sustaining long-term leadership effectiveness.
This episode is a must-listen for leaders, managers, and entrepreneurs looking to lead with clarity, confidence, and purpose in an era of constant change.
In this episode, Phil Friedman, Founder and CEO of Computer Generated Solutions, one of the fastest growing privately held technology companies in the U.S, joins the show to explore how rapid technological change, especially artificial intelligence, is transforming industries, leadership, and the global workforce.
Phil shares his perspective on the urgent need for reskilling and upskilling as AI reshapes roles across sectors, and how innovative training solutions using AI and immersive technologies are helping organizations future-proof their teams. He also discusses the evolving role of leadership in an AI-driven world, emphasizing adaptability, continuous learning, and human-centered innovation.
The conversation highlights:
How AI is accelerating change across industries
Why reskilling the workforce is critical in the age of automation
The role of AI and immersive technology in modern training programs
How leadership must evolve alongside emerging technologies
Balancing innovation with human impact in AI-driven organizations
Phil Friedman’s vision for CGS and global expansion
Join us as we drive into what the future of work looks like in an AI-powered world!
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