What if the kid who once got bullied—and then became the bully—grew up to break the cycle for everyone else? Tommy Williams grew up on the south side of Chicago, surrounded by gangs, violence, and instability. After years of navigating survival mode, he found refuge—and purpose on the football field. Sports taught him discipline. Community […]
Stop Feeding the Fool. Lead Like a King with Tommy WIlliams Read More »
What does it look like to lead with heart, bounce back from failure, and stay grounded through it all? Today, I sit down with Manny Hochheimer—banker, father, and leader—whose journey from Germany to Spokane, Washington, is anything but ordinary. As Assistant Vice President of Washington State branches at Idaho Central Credit Union, Manny brings more
You Don’t Need Easy, You Need a Reason with Manny Hochheimer Read More »
This episode is a little different. Instead of hosting, I sat down with my good friends Brennon Poynor and Josh Hissong for their podcast If Not Now, When?—and what came out of that conversation surprised even me. We talk about growing up in Spokane, what martial arts taught me about failure, and how rejection shaped
If Not Now, When? with Blue Stiley Read More »
On this episode, I sit down with Sybil Macdonald, a media coach, public speaking expert, and the founder of Elevate, a company dedicated to helping people own their voice and show up with confidence. We talk about how speaking authentically can completely transform your career. Sybil shares why embracing your individuality is the ultimate power
Be You, Not Them with Sybil Macdonald Read More »
Have you ever pitched an idea, vision, or business plan you believed in, only to be told it would never work? Our next guest, Chris Bovey, experienced exactly that. Instead of backing down, he used the rejection as fuel, refining his concept and adjusting his path to not only succeed, but to spark a city-wide
Fear and Money Are Excuses Not To Start with Chris Bovey Read More »
Perfect timing isn’t just for standup comedians—it’s also for building community. And someone got the last laugh to prove it. On this episode, Blue Stiley sits down with my friend Angela Dennison, the powerhouse behind making Laughs Comedy Club the best in Seattle. She didn’t plan to run a comedy venue, but when life presented
Two Game-Changing Secrets for Entrepreneurs with Angela Dennison Read More »
What happens when the world tells you you’re not going to make it—before you’ve even had a chance to try?On this episode, I sit down with Paul Brown, a Seattle-based attorney and mentor who grew up with profound hearing loss and spent his life proving people wrong—not with pity or perfection, but with grit, self-awareness,
When Life Deals You Less, Play Bigger with Paul Brown Read More »
What does it really take to turn passion into purpose, and then turning that purpose into lasting impact? Today, I sit down with T.S The Solution: hip-hop artist, community leader, and creative force shaping Spokane’s cultural & artistic landscape. From navigating job loss – and fatherhood to launching a recording studio and mentoring the next
How to Fail Forward: The Blueprint to Succeed with T.S The Solution Read More »
What happens when the search for approval from others no longer defines you—and you finally let go?On this episode, I sit down with Bill Kalivas, a Spokane-based leader, mentor, and connector who’s built a career—and a life—on showing up for others.From a turbulent childhood marked by instability and rejection to finding strength through sports, mentorship,
Why Approval & Validation Are Moving Targets with Bill Kalivas Read More »
What would you create if you stopped waiting for permission and just built the thing you wished existed? Today, I’m sitting down with Nathan O’Brien, founder of Lilac City Comic Con, a pop culture event that started from a simple idea: Why doesn’t Spokane have its own Comic Con? From humble beginnings with just 18
How to Turn a Dream Into Success with Nathan O’Brien Read More »
