Kanawha Valley Hustlers

Hosted by Joe Justice

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Episodes

345

Latest episode

Oct 2026

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About the show

Exploring the Stories and Strategies of Creatives and Hustlers in the Kanawha Valley

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60 recent

October 22, 2026Episode 348

Beyond the Trees: What Landscape Architects Really Do with Gracetyn Carper

In this episode of the Kanawha Valley Hustlers podcast, I talk with Gracetyn Carper to explore the world of landscape architecture and how it shapes communities across West Virginia. We discuss the role landscape architects play in designing parks, trails, sidewalks, and public spaces while working alongside engineers, geologists, and other professionals. Gracetyn explains how the profession goes beyond design to include project management, budgets, environmental challenges, and community needs. We also explore lessons from her career, including the importance of planning, learning from mistakes, and understanding that the first design is rarely the final solution. She shares how technology, including the Apple Pencil, helps bridge the gap between hand drafting and digital design. We touch on the value of mentorship, developing public speaking skills, and staying open to learning. Throughout our conversation, we uncover how landscape architecture improves quality of life and why preparation, collaboration, and adaptability matter in any profession.

October 20, 2026Episode 347

Beyond Marketing: 3 Ways to Use Video in Your Business

In this episode of the Kanawha Valley Hustlers podcast, I explore how businesses can use video for more than just marketing. With over 25 years of experience in video production, I break down three areas where video can make an impact: marketing, sales, and fulfillment. I explain how short-form videos attract attention, while long-form content helps build trust and nurture potential customers. I also introduce video sales letters, which use proof, promise, and plan to educate prospects, address objections, and support the sales process. Beyond sales, I discuss how businesses can use educational videos to prepare customers for appointments, explain procedures, and answer common questions. I also cover employee training and safety videos, which can save time, document procedures, and support workplace compliance. My goal is to help business owners recognize opportunities to use video throughout their operations, improve communication, and get more value from their video content.

October 15, 2026Episode 3465 min

The Hustle Behind Every Home Sale with Meghan Callaghan

In this episode of the Kanawha Valley Hustlers podcast, I chat with Meghan Callaghan, broker of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Professional Realty, to talk about the challenges of real estate, building relationships, and running a business. With 14 years of experience, Meghan oversees approximately 65 agents across Charleston, Teays Valley, and Parkersburg, handling residential and commercial properties. We discuss how her expectations of real estate change once she enters the industry, the importance of treating yourself as a business, and why agents do far more than show houses. Meghan shares how interest rates and housing inventory affect the market, why investing in client relationships produces returns, and how qualifying buyers helps avoid wasting time. We also explore why lead generation is a skill every entrepreneur needs, regardless of industry, and the challenge of keeping up with technology and social media. Throughout our conversation, Meghan emphasizes the importance of honesty, fairness, and treating people well. Her experience offers lessons for anyone working to build a business, manage clients, and develop relationships that support growth.

October 13, 2026Episode 345

AI, Manufacturing, and the Future of Business with Madhur Bedre

In this episode of the Kanawha Valley Hustlers podcast, I talk with Madhur Bedre to discuss his journey as an entrepreneur and how his company helps manufacturers improve production through process control and artificial intelligence. Madhur shares how his background in engineering led him to start his business seven years ago and how AI is helping manufacturers make better decisions and improve operations. We talk about the challenges of building a business, from hiring mistakes and customer relationships to navigating economic pressures and retaining employees in an industry where AI is creating new opportunities. Madhur also shares how his company developed and launched Atlas Advisor on a limited budget and why learning when to walk away from the wrong customers is an important lesson. We explore the value of networking with other business owners, adapting to change, and developing skills outside your area of expertise, including sales and marketing. Throughout our conversation, Madhur reminds us that success is never guaranteed, but surrounding yourself with the right people, learning from mistakes, and staying committed to your goals can make all the difference.

October 8, 2026Episode 3448 min

Networking, Accountability and Better Sales with Haley Merritt

In this episode of the Kanawha Valley Hustlers podcast, I chat with Haley Merritt, an account manager at ProSource, to talk about what she has learned from working in sales. We discuss how she moved away from relying on rehearsed pitches and started focusing more on relationships, networking, and listening to what businesses need. Haley explains how B2B sales differs from retail and why trust often has to come before the sale. We also talk about changes in the printing and office technology industry, including document automation, hidden printing costs, and ways businesses can improve their workflows. Haley shares why BNI has been a valuable investment, how mistakes can lead to growth, and why accountability matters in sales. We wrap up by discussing one of the most important skills she is working on now: learning when to stop talking and listen. Her approach is simple. Practice may not make perfect, but it does make you better.

October 6, 2026Episode 3437 min

The Three-Step Process for Building a Stronger Team

In this episode of the Kanawha Valley Hustlers podcast, I talk about what it takes to lead a team and why leadership is a skill that can be developed. I explain the difference between compliance and cooperation, and why getting people to understand the mission is more effective than relying on threats or consequences. I also discuss why leaders have to practice what they expect from others because employees pay attention to actions as much as instructions. I look at the difference between inspiring people and intimidating them, especially when business owners expect employees to match years of experience or long work hours. From there, I share a three-step process for training employees: show them how to do the task, watch them perform it while correcting gaps, and have them teach someone else. The goal is to build people who can take ownership, train others, and allow the business owner to step back from doing everything personally.

October 1, 2026Episode 34210 min

10 Years of Fear with Lee Jordan

In this episode of the Kanawha Valley Hustlers podcast, I sit down with Lee Jordan of Fear on the Farm as the attraction celebrates its 10th anniversary. We talk about how his love of Halloween grew into a business with ten attractions, how the team keeps the experience fresh each year, and why so much of the revenue goes back into sets, animatronics, and improvements. Lee explains how Fear on the Farm recruits and trains its actors through monthly “Monster School” sessions and why building a strong team culture matters as much as creating scares. We also discuss one of the biggest challenges facing the business today: staffing. Lee shares lessons from ideas that worked, ideas that had to change, and why entrepreneurs need to keep marketing across social media, radio, print, events, and community outreach. At its core, his story is about reinvestment, teamwork, persistence, and creating an experience people remember long after they leave.

September 29, 2026Episode 3407 min

What Custom Woodworking Teaches About Business with Austin Taylor

In this episode of the Kanawha Valley Hustlers podcast, I sit down with Austin Taylor, owner of AT Woodwork in Charleston’s Elk City district. Austin shares how his interest in woodworking began in high school shop class and grew into a business focused on custom furniture and woodworking. We talk about the difference between mass-produced furniture and pieces built with cabinet-grade plywood and solid hardwood, as well as why quality work can cost more up front but last for decades. Austin also opens up about the realities of entrepreneurship, including long hours, uneven income, failed marketing efforts, and lessons learned from buying cheap tools. He explains why communication, networking, and professionalism are as important as technical skill when building a business. Austin is still early in his career, but his approach is clear: keep learning, build systems, provide lasting value, and keep moving forward even when business gets hard.

September 24, 2026Episode 339

The Story of Never Deer with James Stanton

In this episode of the Kanawha Valley Hustlers podcast, I talk with James Stanton, founder of Never Deer, a West Virginia company that makes professional deer repellent for homeowners, landscapers, and other customers. James explains how the business started when he tried to stop deer from eating his wife’s plants and how that solution grew into a product he now manufactures in Big Chimney. We talk about his background in wildlife and fisheries management, the move into manufacturing and sales, and the amount of time it takes to build relationships and get a product in front of customers. James also shares what he has learned about asking for help, using local business resources, deciding when to hire, and preparing for growth. We discuss the challenge of wearing multiple hats as a new business owner and why trust matters when dealing with customers. His experience shows that building a business takes more than creating a product. It also requires sales, relationships, planning, and knowing when to bring other people into the process.

September 22, 2026Episode 33812 min

The Difference Between AI and Human Intelligence

In this episode of the Kanawha Valley Hustlers podcast, I break down the difference between how traditional computers, artificial intelligence, and human beings solve problems. I explain deductive, inductive, and abductive reasoning and why those differences matter when we use AI to help make decisions. Traditional computers follow fixed algorithms, while AI relies on patterns in training data to produce probable answers. Human beings operate differently because we can apply knowledge and experience across new situations. I use examples like solving mazes, learning to type, and recognizing how a left-handed person should look to show where AI can struggle to generalize. My main point is that AI can be a powerful tool without actually thinking, understanding, or experiencing the world the way we do. The better we understand those limits, the better we can use AI without turning our own thinking over to it. I encourage people to keep learning, experimenting, and building their own knowledge while using AI as a tool rather than a replacement for human thought.