A Bright Idea

Hosted by Amber Key

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Aug 2026

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About the show

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.

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60 recent

August 19, 202653 min

A Bright Idea x It's Sommer Time: The Future of Media is Independent

In this special crossover episode of A Bright Idea and It’s Sommer Time, we sit down to talk about how she went from NPR producer to building her own media company—and the bigger transformation happening across the journalism industry. We’re talking about what first drew Sommer to the media, how she built her personal brand while working in traditional media, the moment she knew it was time to leave, and what it really takes to bet on yourself. But this conversation goes beyond one career pivot. As newsrooms shrink, the media business model continues to evolve, and journalists face increasing burnout and uncertainty, more media professionals are creating their own podcasts, newsletters, production companies, and independent brands. So why are journalists leaving traditional media? What are they searching for that the newsroom can’t provide? And is building your own media company the future of journalism—or simply another way to survive a rapidly changing industry? Join us for an honest conversation about journalism, entrepreneurship, creative freedom, and what happens when you decide to stop waiting for someone else to give you a seat at the table—and build your own. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and guest background 01:05 Starting the Summertime podcast 03:07 Summer Hill's origin story and education 06:20 Path from college to media industry 08:51 Experiences with workplace microaggressions 12:29 Joining NPR and career growth 14:27 The moment of realization and leaving NPR 17:13 Launching Summertime independently 19:04 Branding, audience engagement, and growth strategies 22:51 Balancing full-time work and entrepreneurship 26:31 Growth of Summertime Productions 33:04 Insights on traditional media limitations 36:26 The long journey of entrepreneurship 37:11 Support systems and community 38:21 Skills from journalism that aid entrepreneurship 39:08 Future plans and new projects 42:24 Next bright ideas and content plans 46:06 Self-accountability and motivation 47:01 Family perceptions and childhood #Thefutureofmedia #independentmedia #mediaentrepreneur #journalism #journalist #entrepreneurship #podcast #podcastinterview #womeninmedia #itssommertime #abrightidea

August 12, 20261 hr 8 min

Vegan Chef Shenarri Freeman: Why She Walked Away From "The Dream"

On this week’s episode, I sat down with Shenarri Freemen, also known as Chef Greens. As a 2x James Beard Award Nominee, Freeman graduated from New York City’s Institute of Culinary Education, specializing in their plant-based Health-Supportive Culinary Arts program. Hailing from Richmond, Virginia, Shenarri is committed to creating innovative plant based dishes that highlight local and seasonal ingredients while pushing culinary boundaries. She’s been named in many publications including Forbes 30 Under 30 recipient; and recognized by Esquire, The New York Times, Michelin, Vogue, amongst many more. Previously, Shenarri was the Executive Chef to the well known Cadence in New York City and Ubuntu in Los Angeles. During her tenure, Cadence became a New York City staple for vegans and non-vegans alike; her most notable dish being her Southern Fried Lasagna. Now she’s taking on her next venture as a private chef consultant, connecting and collaborating with hospitality entrepreneurs to help build their brands. In this episode, chef Shenarri Freeman shares her life as a vegan chef and entrepreneur. Discover how lifestyle changes, strategic networking, and a passion for food transformed her career and life. Takeaways Always follow your passion, even if it leads you away from your original plan Networking and relationships are crucial for success in the food industry Lifestyle changes can be powerful catalysts for personal and professional growth Building authentic relationships opens doors to opportunities Trust your instincts and take risks for growth and new experiences Storytelling enhances the impact of your culinary work Diversify your income streams to build financial stability Prioritize self-belief and resilience in entrepreneurship Reflect and reset to maintain mental health and clarity Silence the noise and focus on your own path Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Shennari Freeman and her accolades 02:04 Her background and journey from Richmond to Howard 04:41 Deciding to pursue culinary arts after initially studying physical therapy 08:29 The lifestyle shift and lifestyle changes that transformed her life 12:31 Working in DC's restaurant scene and her responsibilities 14:54 The impact of lifestyle changes and sobriety on her career 24:44 The leap into culinary school and her motivations 28:32 The experience of building Cadence and its rapid success 36:51 Behind the scenes of her restaurant's success and challenges 39:54 Realization of her success and her decision to leave the restaurant 43:44 Networking, relationships, and opportunities in the food industry 50:32 Her current business ventures and streams of income 56:51 Advice for those chasing success that no longer fits 58:44 Silencing the noise and staying true to oneself 01:00:24 Final thoughts and rapid fire questions Resources: @shenarrigreens shenarrigreens.com New York Times - https://www.nytimes.com/2021/08/03/dining/cadence-restaurant-vegan-soul-food.html Forbes 30 Under 30 - https://www.forbes.com/profile/shenarri-freeman/ Culinary Institute of Education - https://www.ice.edu/blog/chef-shenarri-greens-freeman-

August 5, 20261 hr 19 min

LVC Partners: Why Healthcare Feels Broken (And The Entrepreneurs Helping to Fix It)

On this week’s episode, I'm joined by Isabella Brooks, the co-founder and managing partner of LVC Partners, a healthcare consulting firm dedicated to helping medical practices streamline operations, reduce administrative burdens, and create sustainable growth so physicians can focus on what matters most: caring for their patients. Drawing on more than 30 years of combined healthcare experience, Isabella and her co-founder, Shani Reifschlager, partner with practices across the country to solve operational challenges with practical, customized solutions. In this episode, we talk about why so many physicians feel overwhelmed by the business side of medicine, what most patients don't realize happens behind the scenes of a doctor's office, and how entrepreneurship led Isabella and Shani to build a company that's helping healthcare practices—and ultimately patient care—run more effectively. Resources: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lvcpartners/ Website: https://lvconsults.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lvcpartners/

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. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Jen Austin and Ripley 08:51 Growing Up in a News Desert 20:45 The AHA Moment Behind Ripley 28:38 Developing the Ripley Platform 39:04 Conclusion and Future of Journalism Resources https://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, DC Nate’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 reaction Reply More to me Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Parkour and Its Revival in DC 07:06 The Philosophy and History of Parkour 13:46 Personal Journey and Early Influences in Parkour 19:50 Mental Fortitude and Life Lessons from Parkour 21:41 Choosing Parkour Over Traditional Career Paths 22:29 The Shift from Physical Therapy to Parkour Coaching 24:06 Taking the Leap: Quitting the Day Job 28:23 Revitalizing Parkour Culture in DC 31:03 Overcoming Financial Hurdles to Open a Gym 33:50 The Emotional Journey of Opening the Gym 36:50 Teaching Techniques and Building Confidence in Students 40:49 The Life Lessons Parkour Teaches Children 43:16 Final Thoughts and Community Support Resources Modus Crucis Parkour - https://www.moduscrucis.com Parkour DC on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/parkourdc NYPK (New York Parkour) - https://nypk.com Georges Herbert (Founder of parkour philosophy) - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Georges_Herbert Guest Links Instagram - 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. Chapters 00:00 - Introduction and Jordan’s Journey 02:00 - Inspiration Behind MIA 05:00 - Customer Feedback in Product Development 08:30 - Leveraging Private Equity Skills 12:00 - Focusing on One Product 15:00 - Funding Strategies 20:00 - Strategic Business Growth 24:00 - Navigating Funding Challenges 28:00 - Building an Inclusive Brand 32:00 - Digital Marketing Strategies 36:00 - Networking for Investment 40:00 - Overcoming Product Challenges 44:00 - Establishing Credibility 48:00 - Personalizing Branding 52:00 - Strategic Investor Engagement 56:00 - Leveraging Partnerships 60:00 - Mindset Shifts for Success 64:00 - Building a Scalable Business 68:00 - Social Media Impact 72:00 - Focused Marketing Approach 76:00 - Lessons for New Entrepreneurs 80:00 - Supporting Jordan and MIA resources Jordan'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. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Episode 02:52 Personal Experience with Layoffs 06:13 The Importance of Backup Plans 08:48 Reframing the Narrative of Entrepreneurship 11:58 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.