What's the Startup?!
Welcome to “What’s the Startup?!”, the podcast that opens the door to the dynamic and ever-evolving world of startups in Western Kentucky. Whether you’re an aspiring founder with a groundbreaking idea, a go-getter business owner looking to scale, or simply curious about the entrepreneurial landscape, this podcast is for you.
Each episode, we sit down with seasoned entrepreneurs, successful founders, and gifted mentors who have navigated the highs and lows of the startup journey. They share their stories, insights, and hard-earned lessons, giving you a front-row seat to the strategies that drive success.
But it’s not just about the stories—we’re here to provide you with actionable advice and practical tips that you can apply to your own venture. From overcoming challenges to seizing opportunities, “What’s the Startup?!” is your go-to resource for turning ideas into thriving businesses.
Join us as we build a community of innovators, thinkers, and doers in Western Kentucky and beyond. Subscribe now, and get ready to unlock the secrets of startup success!
Episodes
27 episodes
Startups, Stats & Big Wins: A Look Back at 2024
What does real startup momentum look like?Since 2021, Sprocket has helped launch 55 startups, supported the creation of 89 new jobs, recruited 12 companies to Western Kentucky, and hosted 759 founder meetings. Together, our startups have...
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8:53
Thinking About Starting a Business? Here’s What You Need to Know with Aaron Harned of the SBDC
Thinking about starting a business—but not sure where to begin?In this episode, we sit down with Aaron Harned, Center Director of the Paducah Small Business Development Center (SBDC), to unpack what really goes int...
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28:32
Entrepreneurial Lessons from Sprocket’s Board Chair Ines Rivas-Hutchins
Ines Rivas-Hutchins has worn many hats at Sprocket—board member, treasurer, secretary, and now board chair. In this episode, she shares her journey from architecture and construction to leading a startup hub, the lessons she’s learned along the...
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31:23
Executive Presence for Founders: How to Show Up, Influence, and Succeed with Terri Lundberg
How you show up as a founder can make or break your success—whether you’re pitching investors, building a team, or selling your vision. In this episode, we sit down with Terri Lundberg, executive coach, attorney, and Sprocket bo...
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33:41
Want to Build a Better Product? Get Closer to Your Customers: Insights from Smart MS3’s Akashdeep Randhawa
In this episode, we sit down with Akashdeep Randhawa, the visionary CEO and co-founder of Smart MS3, to uncover how his startup is revolutionizing physical therapy. Akash shares the personal inspiration behind his journey, the challenges of bui...
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Season 2
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Episode 9
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23:57
Build Your Startup Smarter + Inside Market Fit Lab with John Truitt
Want to build your startup without wasting time and money? In this episode, we sit down with John Truitt, Entrepreneur-in-Residence at Sprocket, to talk about what makes or breaks a startup—and how to get it right from the start.J...
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54:01
Ewagers Founder Noah Fulk on How to Pivot, Adapt, and Build a Scalable Startup
What does it take to pivot your way to success? In this episode, we sit down with Noah, founder of Ewagers, to hear how he turned his passion for gaming into a groundbreaking esports platform. From overcoming the challenges of a failing B2C mod...
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Season 2
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Episode 7
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21:00
The Power of Showing Up: Maurice on Resilience, Support, and Starting Up
In this episode of What’s the Startup, we sit down with Maurice, founder of Doggy Eats, to hear the inspiring story of how a love for his dog and a problem-solving mindset turned into a growing business. Maurice shares how he we...
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Season 2
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Episode 6
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30:01
Don’t Click the Link: Cybersecurity for Startups with Dr. Michael Ramage
In this episode of What’s the Startup, we sit down with Michael Ramage, Director of Cyber Education and Research at Murray State University, to tackle one of the most overlooked yet critical topics for startups: cybersecurity. Michael ...
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Season 2
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Episode 5
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36:23
AI in Marketing: Driving Leads, Sales, and Customer Happiness with Aaron Goodman of Omada Marketing
What if you could create a customer journey so seamless, it feels like magic? In this episode, we sit down with Aaron Goodman, founder of Omada Marketing, to uncover how AI is reshaping marketing, lead generation, and sales. Aaron shares practi...
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Season 2
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Episode 4
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33:59
Beyond the Survey: How to Truly Understand Your Customers with Monica Bilak
In this episode of “What’s the Startup?!”, we dive deep into the world of customer discovery—a critical process that can make or break your startup. Join us as we explore what it truly means to understand your customers’ needs, motivations, and...
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Season 2
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Episode 3
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17:19
Fuel Your Startup Income Accelerator with Jill Morenz: Introducing the Program Every New Entrepreneur Needs
In this episode, we’re joined by Jill Morenz, CEO of Aviatra Accelerators, to dive into their game-changing program, the Fuel Your Startup Income Accelerator
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Season 2
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Episode 2
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27:26
How Personality Shapes Teamwork & Communication: Tools for Growth with Amy Tooley
In this episode of What’s the Startup?!, we sit down with Amy Tooley, a leadership consultant and mentor at Sprocket, to explore how understanding personality and leadership styles can transform teamwork, communication, and personal gr...
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Season 2
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Episode 1
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27:22
Season 1 Wrap-Up: New Stories, Tools, and Inspiration for 2025
🎉 Season 1 Wrap-Up: New Stories, Tools, and Inspiration for 2025 🎉As we close out our first season of the Sprocket Podcast, we’re reflecting on the incredible stories, insights, and tools we’ve shared—and gearing up for an even mo...
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Season 1
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4:33
Building Connections, Solving Problems: Julie Tennyson Reflects on Six Years at Sprocket
In this episode, we sit down with Julie Tennyson, an attorney and outgoing Sprocket board member, to reflect on her impactful six-year tenure. Julie shares stories from Sprocket’s early days in a boiler room, the evolution into a thriving innov...
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17:08
Navigating the Grant Maze for Small Businesses with Grant Writer Joel Dulin
Ready to fuel your next big idea? In this episode, we’re sitting down with Joel Dulin, founder of Jozana Grant Services, to break down how you can tap into grant funding to supercharge your business. Joel’s been where you are — juggling everyth...
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Season 1
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Episode 13
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18:46
Crafting the Perfect Pitch with PreventScripts Founder Brandi Harless
In this episode of “What’s the Startup?!”, we sit down with Brandi, co-founder of PreventScripts, to uncover the decade-long journey behind building a game-changing health tech company. Brandi shares the raw realities of startup life—how iterat...
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Season 1
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Episode 12
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27:13
Venture Capital 101: An Interview with Keyhorse Capital's Zeeshan Bhatti
In this episode, we sit down with Zeeshan Bhatti from Keyhorse Capital to demystify the world of venture capital. Whether you’re considering venture capital for the first time or just curious about the process, Zeeshan shares invaluable insight...
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Season 1
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Episode 10
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30:47
Grit, Growth, and Customer Insights: Kory Payne of Ujoin on Startup Success
In this episode of “What’s the Startup?,” we sit down with Kory Payne, founder of Ujoin, to dive into the gritty realities of building a B2B SaaS company from the ground up. Kory shares his journey from humble be...
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23:27
5 Hard Truths Every Entrepreneur Should Face to Prep for Success
Building a startup sounds glamorous—late nights filled with creativity, exciting launches, and the rush of chasing a dream. But the reality? It’s far more raw than that. At Sprocket, we’re not here to sugarcoat the entrepreneurial journey. We’r...
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9:13
Mastering Social Media: Leveraging User-Generated Content, Social Listening, and Short Form Video with Brenon Conn
In this episode of What’s the Startup?!, we sit down with social media expert Brenon Conn of Sprocket Logic to explore how small business owners and entrepreneurs can master social ...
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23:52
Connecting People & Ideas with Sprocket's Community Coordinator Tiffany Boynton
In this episode, we sit down with Tiffany, Sprocket’s new Community Coordinator, to explore her journey from the fast-paced hustle of New York to the collaborative, innovation-driven community at Sprocket. Tiffany shares how finding Sprocket tr...
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19:07
The Power of Quiet Time and Goal Setting with Sprocket Member Amy Wright
In this episode of What’s the Startup?, we sit down with Amy Wright, founder of Wright Photography Video, to dive into her journey from side hustle to a thriving full-time business. Amy shares her story of leaving the security of a 9-t...
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24:30
Remote Work, Tech Careers, and AI Insights with Derek Yang
In this episode of What’s the Startup?!, we sit down with Derek Yang, a Senior Backend Engineer who’s navigated the twists and turns of remote work, career pivots, and the evolving world of tech. From making the leap into coding throug...
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Season 1
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Episode 4
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35:27
Turning Everyday Problems Into Stand-Out Startups with Entrepreneur Growth Coach & Startup Founder Patrick Ranval
In this episode, we dive into the heart of entrepreneurship, exploring the journey from initial ideas to successful startups. We discuss the importance of innovation, iteration, and understanding your customers’ needs. You’ll learn how to navig...
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40:43