Hey Everybody, this is Amber Key and you’re listening to ‘ A Bright Idea’ podcast, a show that sits down with entrepreneurs to hear about the ‘Aha' moment that launched their businesses. In each episode, founders share their story from idea to execution, insights on their industry, and key takeaways for anyone looking to pave their own path. Hear episodes on Wednesdays. You can listen to 'A Bright Idea' anywhere you listen to podcasts. If you are a founder or know someone who has launched a cool business and would like to be featured, email us at jacksonstreetmediaco@gmail.com.
Listen to episodes
60 recent
June 10, 202640 min
Riply Media: The AI Tool Built By Journalists For Journalists
On this week’s episode, I sat down with Jen Austin, a three-decade radio veteran who's been heard on over 100 stations across the U.S., reaching over 10 million listeners, and has held virtually every role in the business, from music director to producer, and executive. After 30 years of watching the same story unfold everywhere she went, reduced staffs, shrinking budgets, and communities going without reliable local news coverage, she decided to make a change. So she founded Riply, an AI-assisted intelligence platform that helps local radio stations produce reliable, locally-focused news more quickly and affordably, without needing a full newsroom to do it.In this episode - Jen Austin shares her 30-year journey in media, the evolution of journalism, and the innovative AI platform Ripley designed to support local newsrooms. Discover how technology and human storytelling are shaping the future of journalism, especially in news deserts.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Jen Austin and Ripley08:51 Growing Up in a News Desert20:45 The AHA Moment Behind Ripley28:38 Developing the Ripley Platform39:04 Conclusion and Future of JournalismResourceshttps://riplymedia.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/austinjen/https://www.instagram.com/riplymedia
May 13, 202633 min
43 Interviews Later: What Finally Got Me Hired
Yes, you read that correctly. 43 Interviews later, I am back employed!! In this episode of A Bright Idea Podcast I’m giving you all my tips and tricks to make your job search a little easier!
May 6, 202647 min
Motus Crucis: Bringing Parkour Back to D.C.
In This week’s episode I chat with Nate Revolus - of Motus Crucis the one and only Parkour academy in Washington, DCNate’s training program and gym is dedicated to teaching movement, discipline, and community through parkour. His journey began as a teenager after discovering parkour online and quickly becoming obsessed with mastering the craft. What started as hours of daily training evolved into a deep passion not just for the sport itself, but for teaching others how to move with confidence and control.Many may not know this, but Long before Parkour gained mainstream attention in the U.S., D.C. was quietly becoming a central hub for the movement, thanks in large part to organizations like American Parkour, founded by Mark Toorock. The city attracted top athletes from across the country, hosted national and international training events, and offered the perfect urban landscape for the sport to thrive. But when that early infrastructure faded, it left behind a passionate community with nowhere to go—creating a gap that Nate saw not as an ending, but as an opportunity to rebuild something even stronger.In 2025, with the support of his family, Nate opened his own gym, building it in just a few weeks and creating a permanent home for parkour in the city. Today, Motus Cricus Parkour is more than a training facility—it’s a community hub where students of all levels develop physical skill, mental resilience, and a sense of belonging.A Bright Idea Podcast <jacksonstreetmediaco@gmail.com>6:54 AM (0 minutes ago)Add reactionReplyMoreto meChapters00:00 Introduction to Parkour and Its Revival in DC07:06 The Philosophy and History of Parkour13:46 Personal Journey and Early Influences in Parkour19:50 Mental Fortitude and Life Lessons from Parkour21:41 Choosing Parkour Over Traditional Career Paths22:29 The Shift from Physical Therapy to Parkour Coaching24:06 Taking the Leap: Quitting the Day Job28:23 Revitalizing Parkour Culture in DC31:03 Overcoming Financial Hurdles to Open a Gym33:50 The Emotional Journey of Opening the Gym36:50 Teaching Techniques and Building Confidence in Students40:49 The Life Lessons Parkour Teaches Children43:16 Final Thoughts and Community Support ResourcesModus Crucis Parkour - https://www.moduscrucis.comParkour DC on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/parkourdcNYPK (New York Parkour) - https://nypk.comGeorges Herbert (Founder of parkour philosophy) - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Georges_HerbertGuest LinksInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/motus_crucispk/Website - https://www.instagram.com/motus_crucispk/
April 22, 202652 min
Fia's Fabulous Finds: How Community Saves Small Businesses
This week’s episode is a really special one for me—because it’s not just a conversation, it’s a full-circle moment.Before A Bright Idea was what it is today… before the studio setup, before the growth… I was just a college student with a mic and a curiosity about people building something of their own. And one of the very first people I ever interviewed was today’s guest.Fia Thomas is the owner of Fia’s Fabulous Finds, a consignment boutique in the Petworth neighborhood of Washington, D.C. that has been serving the community for over 13 years. But this isn’t just a store—it’s a space rooted in sustainability, inclusivity, resilience, and community.In this episode, we talk about how Fia turned her love of thrifting into a thriving business, how she survived the pandemic by reinventing her entire model through Facebook Live, and what it really takes to keep your doors open when everything feels uncertain.
April 8, 20261 hr 16 min
Missing in Action: She Left a $350K Job to Build Something She Could Not Find
On this week’s episode, I sat down with Jordan Polk, founder and CEO of M.I.A. also known as missing in action - a Detroit-based hair and scalp care brand on a mission to make the outdoors more accessible. A former investment banker and software private equity investor , Jordan left Wall Street to build the category she couldn't find — protection-first haircare for textured hair experiencing damage and dryness while living actively outdoors.Missing in Action’s hero product, HairBlockTM, is a clean, science-forward daily barrier serum that supports against UV, chlorine, salt water, and cold weather. Jordan placed 2nd at Beauty Tank LA in 2026 and is backed by 20+ years of haircare industry expertise through her advisor network.In this episode, Jordan and I chat about her experience going from private equity to founding Missing in Action. And through her experience in high-finance, she shares her strategies for fundraising, building a credible brand, and navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship.Chapters00:00 - Introduction and Jordan’s Journey02:00 - Inspiration Behind MIA05:00 - Customer Feedback in Product Development08:30 - Leveraging Private Equity Skills12:00 - Focusing on One Product15:00 - Funding Strategies20:00 - Strategic Business Growth24:00 - Navigating Funding Challenges28:00 - Building an Inclusive Brand32:00 - Digital Marketing Strategies36:00 - Networking for Investment40:00 - Overcoming Product Challenges44:00 - Establishing Credibility48:00 - Personalizing Branding52:00 - Strategic Investor Engagement56:00 - Leveraging Partnerships60:00 - Mindset Shifts for Success64:00 - Building a Scalable Business68:00 - Social Media Impact72:00 - Focused Marketing Approach76:00 - Lessons for New Entrepreneurs80:00 - Supporting Jordan and MIAresourcesJordan's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jordanismia/Missing in Action (MIA) - https://www.missinginaction.com/First Look Ventures - https://firstlookventures.com/LinkedIn Profile of Jordan -https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordanapolk/Missing in Action's Instagram -https://www.instagram.com/thebrandismia/
April 4, 202630 min
Laid Off, Not Left Behind
In this episode of A Bright Idea Podcast, I share my personal experience with being laid off and emphasize the importance of having a backup plan. I discuss mindset shifts, the value of side hustles, and practical tips for financial resilience during career transitions.Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Episode02:52 Personal Experience with Layoffs06:13 The Importance of Backup Plans08:48 Reframing the Narrative of Entrepreneurship11:58 Protecting Your Peace with Multiple Income Streams
April 4, 20261 hr 10 min
So Curious: Building a Greeting Cards Company Bigger Than Hallmark
On this week’s episode, I sat down with Justin Shiels, a creative futurist, author, and founder of SoCurious. He creates joy-centered art, analog experiences, and creative practices rooted in self-love and nervous-system care. His work helps people slow down, feel safe, and reconnect with what it means to be human in a digital world. In this episode - Justin shares how he went from being a creative director - a profession he decided on when he was just 8 years old to founder of So Curious where he emphasizes authenticity, community building, and the power of joy in business. We discuss practical strategies for launching a creative business, the importance of iteration, and how to stay true to your purpose amidst challenges.
August 9, 2023Episode 441 min
A Bright Idea: Flynanced pt. 2
Flynanced is back for a part 2 episode! In this episode, Cinneah El-Amin takes questions from 9-5 hotties looking to make their next career move.
November 13, 2024Episode 11 hr 9 min
My 'aha' Moment
Welcome back for season 3 of A Bright Idea Podcast! In this episode of A Bright Idea, I reflect on my journey as an entrepreneur and podcaster. There was no other person who could help me tell this story but my sister, Kayla. Join us to discuss our childhood in Pittsburgh, the entrepreneurial spirit instilled in us, and my transition from media sales to launching her podcast. Our conversation highlights the importance of storytelling, the challenges faced in the media industry, and the motivation behind creating a platform for black and brown businesses. Don't miss my insights on personal growth, the significance of supporting each other, and the diverse guests expected in the new season. Enjoy!
This week's sponsor:
Chosen Advisory Group: https://www.northwesternmutual.com/financial/advisor/bilal-afolabi/
Takeaways
-Amber took a break between seasons to recharge and gather feedback.
-Childhood experiences in Pittsburgh shaped their work ethic and entrepreneurial spirit.
-Amber's first business was a greeting card company called Birdhouse Greeting Cards.
-The importance of storytelling in both journalism and entrepreneurship.
-Amber transitioned to media sales to understand the business side of the industry.
-Challenges in media sales included competition from social media advertising.
-Amber pursued a master's in journalism and digital storytelling during the pandemic.
-The podcast aims to close the knowledge gap for black and brown businesses.
-Amber emphasizes the importance of supporting local businesses.
The podcast features diverse guests to inspire and educate listeners.
Chapters
00:00 Welcome to Season Three
02:39 Childhood and Upbringing
07:59 The Spark of Entrepreneurship
14:10 Education and Storytelling
27:24 Media Sales Journey
34:40 Innovative Marketing Strategies
37:11 Transitioning in Media Sales
40:11 Navigating Life During a Pandemic
44:13 The Impact of 2020 on Journalism
48:57 Launching A Bright Idea Podcast
53:57 Lessons Learned and Future Aspirations
May 8, 2024Episode 101 hr 27 min
Tye Barrett | Building a Luxury Brand with a Message of Self-Expression and Individuality
On this week's episode, we dive into the inspiring journey of Tye Barrett, the owner of Amami, an Italian leather handbag brand based in Los Angeles. Tye’s mission to celebrate individuality and self-love shines through her brand’s collection ‘Me’. From climbing the corporate ladder at Disney and Warner Brothers to embracing her unique path as a single parent, Tye’s story is one of resilience, self-acceptance, and empowerment.
00:00 - Intro
01:40 - Background
08:15 - Pursuing storytelling as a career
11:35 - Transitioning to the business side and climbing the corporate ladder
16:20 - Tye's career goals
20:30 - Raising a daughter as a single mother
26:00 - AMAMI
30:50 - Creating a luxury brand
37:30 - What influenced Tye to create a product based on self love?
42:40 - Finding the right factor for AMAMI
46:40 - The design concept of the bag
49:45 - Conveying your message in your product
50:40 - 35th St. Builders sponsorship
51:20 - Chose Advisory Group sponsorship
52:00 - From product to market
57:15 - Tips for people who aspire to create hand bags
1:01:55 - Bootstrapping
1:05:15 - Challenges and discouragement
1:08:20 - Funding opportunities outside of bootstrapping
1:10:00 - Plans for expanding the reach of AMAMI
1:13:35 - Rapid fire questions
1:24:50 - Contact information
Website: https://www.amamiluxury.com/
Today's Sponsors:
Ready to build your next app? 35th Street Builders can help you do that. Click here to schedule a free consultation - https://www.3sb.io/
Take control of your financial freedom: Schedule your complimentary consultation at www.chosenadvisorygroup.com today.
Is this your show?
Claim this listing to keep it up to date, reach guests who want to pitch you, and manage bookings with Guestify.
