Friends with Lenz

Hosted by Joe Lenz

Business Entrepreneurship

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Latest episode

Apr 2026

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About the show

Welcome to the Friends With Lenz podcast! In this podcast, you will hear stories from some of my close friends that have pursued a career (or side hustle) in line with following their dreams. We will cover a variety of topics involving health and fitness, entertainment, food and beverage, and much more. My hope for those who listen is to inspire you to get off your couch, put your excuses aside, and pursue something you love. Because life is too short not to follow your dreams.

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11 recent

April 10, 20261 hr 43 min

Episode 11: Matt Nelson

Today I sat down with one of my best friends, Matt Nelson. We discussed fatherhood, figuring out what it means to be an artist, overcoming mental health struggles, but most importantly, how he quit his 9-5 job to become the owner of a successful stroop wafel business in Oregon. It was a pleasure to hear his story and I hope you all enjoy his journey as much as I did. Below are ways to find out more about Wafeltje. https://www.instagram.com/wafeltje.pdx/

April 11, 20251 hr 6 min

Episode 10: Danielle Fehmel

Today I sat down with Danielle Fehmel, a successful realtor in the Long Beach area and one of my dearest friend. In this episode, we discussed work ethic, goal setting and achieving, time management, and how to run a successful business all while navigating the life of a parent. I truly enjoyed our discussion, and if you would like to get in touch with Danielle about real estate, below is her contact info. https://www.instagram.com/danifehmel/

December 13, 20241 hr 5 min

Episode 9: Kara Flinstone

Today I sat down with Kara Flinstone, the owner of Dank Donuts in Bear Big, CA. In this episode, we talked about bringing a donut shop to this unique mountain town, the challenges she faced when opening a store front, and the power of belief and community which allowed her dreams to come true. I hope you enjoy this episode and if you would like to visit or support Dank Donuts, please see the info below. https://www.dankdonuts.com/ https://www.instagram.com/dankdonuts?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

September 25, 20241 hr 24 min

Episode 8: DJ Regul8

Today I sat down with the producer of the Booker and Stryker show on iHeart Radio, Edward Saldana aka DJ Regul8. Edward and I discuss his journey of being in the music industry from playing small gigs with his friends in his hometown, running a hip hop education radio show at Cal State Long Beach, DJ'ing in Vegas, and all the challenges and opportunities hard work has provided for him in his career. Below are the following ways you can support DJ Regul8 or find him on his afternoon show on iHeart Radio. https://www.instagram.com/djregul8?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== https://alt987fm.iheart.com/featured/booker-and-stryker/ Thank you

June 14, 20241 hr 36 min

Episode 7: Kim St. Clair

Today I sat down with the founder of Prepable Meals, Kim St. Clair. Prepable Meals is becoming one of the fastest growing meal prep companies based in Southern California and is known for their Whole 30 approach to keeping their clients' gut healthy. In this episode, we discuss all the success and challenges Kim has experienced throughout her journey of running this business. We chat about the motivation it takes when starting your own business, creating the menu, keeping up with the competition, and much more. (00:00:00) Intro/ How We Met (00:06:53) The Conception of Prepable (00:30:03) Creating the Menu (00:44:15) Operations (00:54:45) Dealing with Competition (01:14:15) Expanding outside of California (01:26:14) Final Questions and Closing Thoughts

May 17, 20241 hr 34 min

Episode 6: Dr. Lindsay Trottier

In this episode, I sit down with the owner and founder of Level Acupuncture, Dr. Lindsay Trottier. Dr. Trottier is a practitioner of acupuncture and Chinese medicine, and also happens to be one of my longest tenured friend. We discuss the positive results of using acupuncture for pain relief, the benefits of Chinese herbs for many different conditions and deficiencies, and ways that her practice goes beyond medical treatment to determine how to better one's life in the fullest way possible. Below are ways you can find out more about Dr. Trottier's services and support her practice. https://levelacupuncture.com/ https://www.instagram.com/aculindsay?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

April 4, 20241 hr 44 min

Episode 5: Justin Essman

Today I sat down with co owner of Vida Mexican & Tequila and Salt and Pearl in the Riviera Village of Redondo Beach, CA, my long time friend, Justin Essman. In this episode we discuss many topics including our time together working at a restaurant, Justin's nightlife promotions company, learning the ins and outs of managing a bar and restaurant in Hermosa Beach, and finally, opening two of his own restaurants in Redondo Beach. We chat also chat about work ethic and balancing dad life outside of work. (00:00:00) Intro/ How We Met (00:05:05) The Rise of LTW (00:16:47) OWL Festival (00:28:48) LTW to Sharkeez (00:37:27) Tower 12 (00:51:48) Meeting Mickey (01:03:47) Opening Vida (01:17:44) Salt and Pearl (01:27:19) Bella Vita (01:39:00) Final Advice and Closing Thoughts

March 14, 20241 hr 7 min

Episode 4: Josh Sedgwick

In this episode, I sit down with Josh Sedgwick, a long time friend who quit his manager role at a restaurant to pursue his passion and start his own personal training business. We discuss all things related to health including fitness, nutrition, and mental health as well as all the challenges Josh faced when starting a business in one of the most impacted career spaces. (00:00:00) Intro (00:03:02) Getting In To Fitness (00:07:34) Personal Training Background (00:10:00) Quitting Day Job (00:16:57) Starting JoshFit Training (00:24:12) Fitness (00:33:04) Nutrition (00:44:50) Mental Health (00:57:37) Work & Life Balance (01:02:35) Motivating and Closing Thoughts Below are ways to support Josh and get in touch with him if you or someone you know would like to start their fitness journey. JoshFit Training https://www.instagram.com/joshfit_training?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== Email Josh with training inquires below: joshfit.personaltraining@gmail.com

March 1, 202456 min

Episode 3: Alexis Prigo

In this episode, I chat with one of the bravest people I know and discuss her journey of making it in the stand up comedy world. We go over the creative process that goes into writing material for a set, the challenges of balancing personal life with the grind of being a successful stand up comic, and what it's like being a woman in the comedy world. Below are ways you can support and check out one of the upcoming shows where Alexis will be performing. https://www.alexisprigo.com/ https://www.instagram.com/alexisprigo

February 15, 202455 min

Episode 2: Luigi Roupoli

In this episode, I sit down with one of my best friends to talk about his journey in opening up four different businesses in Bali, Indonesia. We discuss the challenges of opening a restaurant in a foreign country, the joy of getting to create something from scratch, the obstacles in overcoming a pandemic, and much more. Please enjoy this episode with my good friend, Luigi. Below are ways you can check out everything Luigi is involved with; Rise and Shine Cafe https://www.instagram.com/riseandshine_bali/ Bocas Tacos & Tequila https://www.instagram.com/bocastacos/