In the November episode of Mind Yo' Business, recorded in the Ruoff Mortgage Podcast Studio in partnership with Karan Rastall (NMLS#763395), Andrew sits down with Diana Thomas, the Sales Director of the brand-new POSH Boutique Hotel on Kirkwood Avenue. What unfolds is not just a story about hospitality and career success—but one of grit, growth, and grace under pressure. Diana opens up about growing up as an only child in a single-parent household, navigating the responsibilities of adulthood far earlier than most. She shares how those early experiences shaped her work ethic, her empathy, and her ability to connect with others. From getting married young, going through a divorce, to raising three daughters, Diana talks candidly about the challenges of balancing single motherhood, pursuing education, and building a career while being the role model her daughters needed. Now leading sales efforts at one of Bloomington's most stylish and talked-about new hotels, Diana reflects on what it took to get here, the moments that nearly broke her, and the ones that reminded her of her strength. Her story is raw, relatable, and deeply inspiring—perfect for anyone who's ever wondered how to juggle it all and still reach for something more. Whether you're in business, hospitality, or simply love hearing about real people making real moves, this episode reminds us that success often starts with survival—and gets sweeter from there. POSH HOTEL DIANA THOMAS

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In this crossover edition of Mind Yo' Life, recorded live inside Morgenstern's Bookstore Podcast Studio, Andrew hosts a special author talk with B.C. James to promote his latest novel Mjolnir—a mythologically charged reimagining of the legendary hammer that dives deeper than anything the Marvel universe has portrayed. B.C. James shares the incredible journey that led him here: from working with the Detroit mafia in his early years, to turning his life around through a passion for computers. He now works as a successful software engineer, helping develop the touchscreen systems found in modern-day vehicles. But beyond code and tech, writing remains his true creative outlet. In this interview, B.C. talks about his success with earlier novels, including how he managed to get Lzzy Hale, lead singer of Halestorm, to appear as a character in one of his books. He also offers his take on the pop culture misconceptions around Norse mythology—especially the hammer Mjolnir itself—and why telling a more grounded, authentic story matters to him as both an author and a fan of mythic narratives. His books, including Mjolnir, are available now on Amazon. Whether you're interested in transformation, storytelling, or the power of second chances, this conversation offers a behind-the-scenes look at an author who's lived a life as epic as the stories he tells.

B.C. JAMES BOOKS

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In this high-energy crossover episode of Mind Yo' Business, recorded in the Ruoff Mortgage Podcast Studio in partnership with Karan Rastall (NMLS#763395), Andrew welcomes the dynamic duo behind the popular music podcast Into the Run Out—John Nelson and Anthony Nasella—for a mic-sharing session that blends business, broadcasting, and rock and roll. John and Anthony discuss how Into the Run Out began as a passion project rooted in their lifelong love of music and their curiosity about how albums shape identity and influence culture. Rather than interviewing artists or covering concerts, the show focuses on deep dives into classic and modern rock albums—breaking down the music, lyrics, and production, while reflecting on how those songs impacted their own lives and might shape the work of future artists. Together, the trio explores the crossover between creativity and entrepreneurship, why consistency matters in content creation, and how storytelling (whether through music or media) can amplify both culture and commerce. Of course, there's also plenty of talk about Bloomington, memorable gigs, podcast misfires, and the beauty of pushing "record" even when you don't know where the conversation is headed. Whether you're into the business of branding, band promotion, or just love a good collaboration, this episode hits all the right notes. https://www.youtube.com/@IntotheRunout

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In this episode of Mind Yo' Life, recorded inside Morgenstern's Bookstore Podcast Studio in Bloomington, Andrew sits down with Malcolm Abrams (founder, editor and publisher) and Cassaundra Huskey (executive publisher) of Bloom Magazine—two leaders guiding a local publication that's entered its 20th year of serving the Bloomington community. Malcolm shares how his career in New York publishing and his discovery of Bloomington in 2005 laid the foundation for creating Bloom Magazine, which began in August 2006 and is now celebrating two decades of storytelling. Cassaundra explains how she joined the magazine in 2018 as associate publisher and rose to executive publisher, bringing her background in sales, real estate valuation, and community engagement to the mission of the magazine. Together, they discuss how the publishing industry has changed—print vs digital, audience expectations, advertising models—and how Bloom Magazine has adapted while staying true to its roots: local culture, arts, food, community, and storytelling. They dig into how visuals and narrative work hand-in-hand—why compelling imagery matters just as much as thoughtful writing in making a publication that stands out. Whether you're curious about how an independent magazine survives and thrives in the digital age, or interested in how image and story drive engagement in any media business, this episode delivers. If you believe in the power of telling real stories, building community through content, and making print still matter in a digital world—this conversation is for you. https://www.magbloom.com/

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In this rich and winding episode of Mind Yo' Life, recorded at Morgenstern's Bookstore Podcast Studio in Bloomington, Andrew sits down with the unforgettable Spyridon "Strats" Stratigos—a man whose life reads like a multi-act play with just the right mix of drama, comedy, philosophy, and breakfast food. Strats is a film actor (Rudy, Hoosiers), stage performer, restaurateur, community advocate, and self-proclaimed "occasional mystic." He's been a referee on screen, a board member at Bloomingfoods, and a breakfast innovator behind some of Bloomington's most beloved dishes. He's also got deep roots in Indiana's spiritual and arts scenes—dabbling in Sufi dance, ashram life, and yogic traditions during his time at IU. Throughout the episode, Strats shares stories from movie sets, fraternity life, kitchen chaos, spiritual journeys, and the beautiful contradictions of life in Solsberry, Indiana. He and Andrew explore what it means to live many lives at once—and how art, food, faith, and storytelling can keep a community connected. And just when the philosophy gets a little too deep, Strats takes on a hilarious custom quiz crafted just for him, featuring questions about Rudy, restaurant memories, and how he might answer if ever mistaken for a mystical breakfast item.

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In this September episode of Mind Yo' Business, recorded in partnership with Karan Rastall (NMLS#763395) at the Ruoff Mortgage Podcast Studio, Andrew sits down with Dave Campaigne, a man whose professional life has spanned fast food advertising, higher education, and meaningful innovation. Dave opens up about climbing the marketing ladder—working his way up through McDonald's and even crossing paths with fast-food legend Ray Kroc. But that chapter was just the beginning. He later refocused his energy on academia, earning multiple degrees and ultimately becoming a pioneer in First Year Experience programs—structured efforts to help new college students adjust, succeed, and feel supported. Over the course of the interview, Dave and Andrew explore how marketing and sales principles informed his approach to educational programs, what lessons he learned from both corporate and academic worlds, and why sometimes the most impactful work happens at the intersection of systems and people. Dave also reflects on his time in Bloomington, his decision to retire, and how he views legacy now that he's stepped back from full-time roles. This is a conversation for those who believe in business with purpose, education with empathy, and careers that evolve over time.

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In this August episode of Mind Yo' Business, recorded inside the Ruoff Mortgage Podcast Studio in partnership with Karan Rastall (NMLS#763395), Andrew sits down with entrepreneur and travel industry disruptor Justin Tait, the founder of CruiseAlly. Born and raised between Arkansas and Indiana, Justin reflects on how his Midwestern upbringing shaped his work ethic and curiosity. From his early academic start at Ivy Tech Community College to his time at Indiana University, he shares how education helped him find his voice, sharpen his skills, and eventually build a brand that's redefining how people book travel. Justin's academic path included studying at the School of Public and Environmental Affairs (SPEA) at IU, where he explored not only how government and policy are created, but why they exist in the first place. During the episode, he and Andrew veer off into a spirited sidebar about America's seemingly eternal road construction zones—highlighting the complexity of funding, planning, and execution across federal and local levels. He also opens up about the highs and lows of entrepreneurship, what it takes to launch a niche business in a competitive space, and why empathy, clarity, and customer trust are core to the CruiseAlly mission. Whether you're a small business owner, a side-hustler, or someone just dreaming of smoother sailing, this episode offers a candid look at building a business that blends tech, travel, and tenacity. Cruise Ally

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In this delightfully unpredictable episode of Mind Yo' Life, recorded inside Morgenstern's Bookstore Podcast Studio in Bloomington, Andrew sits down with theatre innovator, serial entrepreneur, and full-time idea machine Chad Rabinovitz. Chad is the Artistic Director of Constellation Stage & Screen, a one-of-a-kind arts organization blending professional theatre with independent film. He's also the founder of The Candy Space—a space-themed candy shop that launched in New York and quickly expanded into a national freeze-dried candy brand known as Space Candy. But Chad's story is more than stagecraft and sugar. A triplet, Chad and his siblings all graduated high school as valedictorians, which somehow makes perfect sense after hearing how he balances multiple businesses, dozens of productions, and a creative brain that never hits pause. In this episode, Andrew and Chad talk about building arts institutions from the ground up, creating magic both literally and metaphorically, and why failure is sometimes the best set piece in the show. They also get into Chad's love of risk-taking, the psychology of audience engagement, and what it means to bring both structure and surprise to every room you enter—whether it's a black box theater or a candy aisle. And just when things get too serious, Chad takes on a custom quiz designed just for him—full of theater twists, sugary curveballs, and triplet trivia. Constellation Stage and Screen The Candy Space Space Candy Freeze Dried Candy Orders

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In this episode of Mind Yo' Life, recorded inside Morgenstern's Bookstore Podcast Studio in Bloomington, Andrew sits down with Micah Heath—a man whose path from educator to real estate professional is anything but ordinary. Micah shares his journey from working in K–12 classrooms (including with special needs students) to stepping into school leadership as a principal and then transitioning into a second career helping people navigate home buying, selling, and investing. But this isn't just about career pivots—it's about the common thread that ties it all together: human connection. Together, Micah and Andrew dive into how the consumer experience—whether that of a curious fifth grader or a nervous first-time homebuyer—shapes the way we teach, sell, and build trust. They also explore the growing tension between online engagement and real-world interaction, and why slowing down and listening may be the best "sales strategy" of all. And just when things start to sound too serious, Micah takes on a surprise quiz crafted just for him—featuring questionable real estate scenarios, education flashbacks, and a few mildly inappropriate laughs. This is an episode for anyone who's ever switched gears, juggled purpose with profit, or wondered if our tech-heavy lives are making us more connected—or more isolated. Micah Heath

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In this episode of Mind Yo' Business, recorded inside the Ruoff Mortgage Podcast Studio in partnership with Karan Rastall (NMLS#763395), Andrew sits down with longtime Bloomington business professional Jim Inman, Jr. for a wide-ranging conversation about career transitions, community connections, and the evolving relationship between marketing and sales. Jim shares insights from his career spanning decades of work in sales and marketing, including time at Williams Jewelry, the Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce, in banking, and now in personal finance and retirement planning. His experience gives him a front-row view of how the business landscape has changed—particularly how marketing can both drive engagement and unintentionally divide people. With his signature warmth and sharp perspective, Jim reflects on what it means to build relationships in a digital-first world, why in-person interaction still matters, and how professionals can adapt without losing their sense of connection. It's a thoughtful conversation with someone who's seen nearly every side of the business world—and still believes in the power of a good handshake. Jim Inman - LinkedIn

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In this flavorful episode of Mind Yo' Life, Andrew uncorks a lively conversation with the ever-charming Tralinda Nelson, Executive Wine Consultant for PRP Wine International and lifelong connoisseur of connection. Recorded in front of a live audience at Morgenstern's Bookstore in Bloomington, this special episode features something extra delicious—a live wine tasting led by Tralinda herself. From bold reds to crisp whites, she guides the crowd (and Andrew) through the stories behind each bottle with warmth, humor, and expertise. Before becoming a wine whisperer, Tralinda spent over 25 years as an optician, helping people see clearly. Now she helps them sip confidently. She shares her journey growing up as an Army brat in Hawaii and Germany, being the youngest of three siblings, and her pride in being married for 26 years with two adult children. Whether you're a wine rookie or a seasoned sipper, you'll love this energetic, educational, and entertaining episode filled with flavor, heart, and a little sparkle (in both the wine and the guest). So pour a glass, press play, and get ready to Mind Yo' Life with Tralinda Nelson. Tralinda Nelson - PRP Wine Consultant

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