What happens when a nonprofit doesn’t just talk about affordable housing but actually builds homes while training the next generation of construction workers?
In this episode of Vibe Your Vibe, Kirk sits down with Steve Speer, a Construction Project Manager with East Missouri Action Agency.
We’re recording inside a home Steve is building mid-construction, which makes this conversation extra real: trades, timelines, funding, and what it takes to keep a program running in the real world.
Steve breaks down what East Missouri Action Agency does across eight counties in Southeast Missouri, including support programs like Section 8 housing assistance, Head Start, utility and energy assistance, weatherization, senior services, and more, plus how their workforce program, New Foundations, trains workers while building affordable homes.
We also get into the practical side of building: construction loans, interest rates, inspections, hiring skilled vs. unskilled labor, benefits in construction work, and why crawlspace vs. slab plumbing can change everything.
If you care about community building, workforce development, trades, or housing, this one is worth your time.
#AffordableHousing #WorkforceDevelopment #Construction #Trades #Missouri #CommunityDevelopment #Nonprofit #VibeYourVibe
In this episode of Vibe Your Vibe, Kirk Francis sits down with Konrad Majchrzak, a Polish-born cyclist, adventurer, and photographer who left his job, took his bike, and set out across Europe with almost no money—trusting only the process and the path ahead.
Konrad shares the real lessons from the Camino:
• why presence and perspective matter more than the destination• how setbacks like broken chains, empty wallets, and steep climbs shape your mindset• the tiny “miracles” that show up when you stay open• how changing your inner story changes your entire life• what long-distance travel reveals about who you really are
This is a raw and honest conversation about choosing growth over comfort, trusting the unknown, and becoming someone new through every challenge on the road.
Connect with Konrad:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adventureswithkonrad/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/adventureswithkonrad
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@adventures_with_konrad
What happens when a potato-chip empire, a forgotten K-Mart building, and a lifetime of rare car hunting collide? You get one of the most unbelievable automotive collections in America, tucked away in Fulton, Missouri.
In this episode, Tom Jones (the museum’s 20-year curator and art director) reveals the stories, the struggles, the near-disasters, and the passion that keep this historic collection alive. From Model T chaos to million-dollar restorations, the behind-the-scenes truth is even better than the display floor.
What’s the one vintage car you’d love to see preserved forever, and why?
Chuck McConnell’s story is almost unbelievable, from childhood trauma, abuse, overdose, and 43 years lost to addiction… to becoming a minister, musician, student, and advocate for recovery and redemption through faith, forgiveness, and personal accountability.
In this conversation, Chuck reveals:• the breaking point that led to transformation• the impact of early trauma and survival-programming• the role of faith in healing addiction• responsibility vs. victim mentality• forgiveness as a path to freedom• what truly breaks the cycle of self-destruction
This episode is raw, real, emotional, but ultimately full of hope. If you or someone you love has struggled with addiction, faith, trauma, or forgiveness… let this story speak to you.
Listen, reflect, share. Someone needs to hear this today.
#VibeYourVibe #FromAddictionToRedemption or #RecoveryStory
Most people think retirement means slowing down, but what if the key to longevity, purpose, and happiness is actually staying engaged, active, and connected?
In this Vibe Your Vibe conversation with Glenn Meeder, a 35-year Palm Beach County fiscal manager now 5 years into retirement, we unpack:
• How to mentally prepare for retirement• Why activity, community, and fitness matter more than ever• The difference between stopping work vs. losing purpose• Why many retirees decline quickly and how to avoid it• How hobbies, social circles, travel, and sports create longevity• The role of mindset in planning not just your finances but your identity after work
Glenn’s story isn’t about money, it’s about meaning.
He didn’t retire, he rewired.
Whether you’re 30, 50, or 65, this conversation will shift the way you think about your future.
Have you started planning the life you’ll live after work, not just the financial side of it?
#retirementmindset #activeaging #longevity #purpose #lifeafterwork #mindsetmatters #healthyaging #retirementplanning #stayactive #VibeYourVibe
What would your life feel like if you finally stopped minimizing your voice, your worth, and your truth?In this Vibe Your Vibe episode, Arran Rowley opens up about identity, resilience, and the inner shifts that happen when you stop performing for the world and start living as your real self.No scripts. No filters. No pretending.Just an honest conversation about:🟢 self-acceptance🟢 inner courage🟢emotional honesty🟢 living aligned🟢 building a life that FEELS trueIf you’ve ever felt like you were meant for more but held back by fear, conditioning, or expectations, this one will hit deep.Everybody has a story.Arran just stopped running from his.Turn it up. Vibe your vibe.#VibeYourVibe #ArranRowley #Authenticity #SelfGrowth #PersonalStory #Podcast
What if the burnout you’re feeling… isn’t the real problem?
In this Vibe Your Vibe conversation, Noy Shani breaks down the hidden patterns, unspoken self-talk, and mental loops that quietly sabotage high performers — long before burnout ever hits.
From the mind-body connection…
to limiting beliefs…
to why your environment shapes more than you realize…
This episode is practical and eye-opening.
If you’ve ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, or like you’re carrying more than people think — this one’s for you.
Connect with Noy + Join His Free Challenge:
👉 Message him “challenge” — https://bit.ly/MsgMeChallenge
👉 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/noy.shani.7/
👉 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/noyshani/
👉 Instagram: @noyshani
#BreakTheBurnoutCycle #VibeYourVibe
Henry Katinda’s journey started with a simple act: collecting clothes for children in his village.Today, he leads African Safaris and the Empathy High School Project, creating educational and economic opportunities for hundreds in Eastern Uganda.In this conversation, Henry and Kirk explore:🟢 The faith and persistence it takes to build something from nothing🟢 How connection and empathy can break cycles of poverty🟢 The real meaning of purpose-driven leadership🎯 Follow & Share: because every brick of belief builds a legacy.#VibeYourVibePodcast #KirkFrancis #HenryKatinda #EmpathyChildrenInitiative #AfricanSafaris #PurposeDrivenLife
What makes a story newsworthy in a world flooded with noise?
🎙️ In this powerful episode of Vibe Your Vibe, journalist and storyteller Nile Fortner shares how authentic curiosity and empathy can transform ordinary stories into extraordinary connections.
From his first school interviews to being published in the Sun-Sentinel, Nile reveals how he finds meaning in local voices, why “everything is newsworthy if told well,” and how storytelling can spark real change — even helping one entrepreneur land on Shark Tank.
💡 Highlights:00:00 – The eighth-grade moment that changed his life08:00 – How to make people open up in interviews17:30 – The “Wheaties box” rule of storytelling25:00 – The rise of Cinefellas and indie film interviews38:00 – Writing features that make people feel seen46:00 – How real journalism differs from AI writing
If you love stories about creativity, connection, and purpose — this episode will remind you why humans still matter most.
#VibeYourVibe #Storytelling #Podcast #Journalism #SouthFlorida #NileFortner #KirkFrancis #Authenticity
What if the real key to standing out in an AI-driven world isn’t working harder, but thinking differently?In this episode of Vibe Your Vibe, Kirk Francis sits down with Bob Sager — founder of Spear Point Solutions, author of 101 Freaking Brilliant Business Ideas and Discovering Your Greatness — to explore how creativity, emotional intelligence, and human connection can become your competitive edge when everyone else is relying on automation.💡 You’ll hear:- Why “different is better than better” when it comes to business growth- The surprising neuroscience behind creative thinking and how to train it- How to stop competing on price by connecting emotionally with customers- The #1 emotional need that drives people more than money or recognition- How AI may be changing our brains — and what to do to stay sharp, human, and originalBob also shares his “What’s the Big Idea” game, a powerful team exercise that helps companies unlock innovation, increase engagement, and retain top talent.Connect to Bob Sager here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobsager/🌐 Learn more: http://www.spearpointonline.com#VibeYourVibe #KirkFrancis #BobSager #creativethinking #leadership #personalgrowthdevelopment #businessstrategy #emotionalintelligence #aiandcreativity #podcast #SpearPointSolutions
In this episode of Vibe Your Vibe, Kirk sits down with the radiant and soulful Toni Bubb — a brand strategist, creative, and proudly known as “Professional Lover of Life.”
From working with health and wellness brands to producing heartfelt campaigns for land developers, Toni brings a unique blend of soul, strategy, and authenticity to everything she does. She opens up about navigating life’s detours, trusting intuition in business, and why joy and alignment are the real power moves.
🎧 You’ll hear:
How to grow a business without losing your soul
The art of building a brand that feels right
Why your intuition belongs in the boardroom
What it means to bring God and purpose into your work
Toni’s behind-the-scenes journey from commercials to healing experiences and retreats
If you're a creator, founder, or leader searching for alignment over hustle — this one’s for you.
👇 Let us know in the comments:
What’s one part of your work or life you're ready to realign with joy?
#VibeYourVibe #AuthenticBranding #SoulfulEntrepreneurship #ToniBubb #AuthorityUnion #BrandWithHeart
Ever wondered why every version of you that you’ve ever seen is wrong? 🤯
In this powerful second part of our convo, John dives into the psychology of self-image, how portraits help us truly “see” ourselves, and why most people don’t recognize their own essence.
We talk about photography, identity, personal brand, and the real magic that happens when people drop the masks. This one gets personal, surprising, and deeply human.
👉 Tune in if you want to understand:
✅ Why your mirror is lying to you
✅ How to capture the “real you” on camera
✅ The power of being authentically seen
✅ Why AI will never replace genuine human connection🎧
Whether you're a creator, leader, or just someone on a journey of self-discovery, this episode is for you.
Follow John Murray:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnmurrayheadshots/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnmurrayheadshots/
👇 Got a favorite moment or insight? Let us know in the comments, we read every one.
#vibeyourvibe #JohnMurrayHeadshots #authenticself #personalbrand #podcast
Award-winning photographer John Murray joins Vibe Your Vibe to explore how a simple photograph can reveal more than just an image — it can uncover who you really are.
From helping entrepreneurs and cancer survivors reconnect with their authentic selves to teaching the psychology behind self-image and confidence, John’s mission goes far beyond headshots.
In this conversation, we dive into:
✨ The link between photography and self-acceptance
🧠 The neuroscience of how we see ourselves
📸 Why confidence shows up before the camera does
🌊 How John’s love for the sea and storytelling shapes his art.
If you’ve ever looked at your own photo and felt uncomfortable, this one will change how you see yourself.🎬
This is Part 1 — Part 2 of the conversation is coming soon!
#VibeYourVibe #JohnMurrayHeadshots #SelfDiscovery #Photography #Confidence #Authenticity #Mindset #Podcast
AI is no longer just a buzzword; it’s transforming industries, automating repetitive tasks, and reshaping careers.In this episode of Vibe Your Vibe, Kirk sits down with Alex Schmidt to unpack:🔐 How to integrate AI securely without exposing sensitive data📉 Why repetitive roles are at the highest risk of automation💡 How professionals can pivot and build careers that last in the AI era🚀 Why Elon Musk calls AI a trillion-dollar industry and what that means for the futureFrom building one of the most secure AI platforms in the U.S. to helping businesses safeguard their data, Alex shares what leaders and professionals must do now to thrive in the middle of this AI revolution.👉 Follow for more conversations on authenticity, growth, and navigating change.👉 Drop a comment: What’s one skill you think AI can’t replace?
What happens when fly fishing, creativity, and community collide?In this second conversation with Matt Canter, guide, fly shop owner, and community builder, we go beyond the water:⚫ Fly tying in action: Kirk and Matt sit down with beers and bobbins, walking through the process of creating a custom fly (with dragon tails and bucktail) while sharing laughs and fishing wisdom.⚫ Stories from the river: From peacock bass in Brazil to carp crushing cicadas, Matt explains why the right fly can turn a day on the water into an unforgettable memory.⚫ Community impact: Hear how a backyard idea turned into a charity concert that raised $200,000 for Habitat for Humanity, proving fishing isn’t the only way Matt hooks significant results.⚫ Life lessons from guiding: Why even the best anglers hire guides, how to handle days when the fish don’t bite, and the deeper meaning of making memories outdoors.This episode blends fishing, storytelling, and authenticity—the perfect reminder that it’s not just about the catch, it’s about the connection.👉 If you’ve ever wondered what fly fishing teaches about patience, creativity, and community, this one’s for you.
What happens when a storyteller, marketer, and professor sit down to talk about the future of storytelling in the age of AI?In this episode of Vibe Your Vibe, Kirk Francis and Shlomi Ron dive deep into:🎥 Shlomi’s journey from IBM and Amex to founding the Visual Storytelling Institute📚 Teaching brand storytelling at the University of Miami Business School🤖 How AI is reshaping startups, design, and the role of creativity📈 Why consistency and authenticity matter more than ever in a noisy digital world📰 Building an audience through newsletters, podcasts, and authentic contentThis is a conversation about stories, technology, and the human touch that keeps it all real.👉 Subscribe for more conversations with founders, creators, and leaders breaking through obscurity.#podcast #virtualstorytelling #kirkfrancis #vibeyourvibe
What happens when your craft doesn’t fit neatly into a marketing category?In this episode of Vibe Your Vibe, Brett Rippetoe shares his 30+ year journey running Superior Cedar & Deck Restoration. From Yellow Pages to Yelp, word-of-mouth referrals to DIY website rebuilds, Brett opens up about the frustrations, lessons, and grit it takes to thrive in a niche business most advertisers don’t even recognize.We dive into:- Why most ads list him under the wrong category (and how he deals with it)- The right vs. wrong way to wash and seal a deck- Stories of customers, repeat business, and trust built over decades- What traditional marketing still works in 2025- How Brett is using tech to modernize without losing his old-school edgeIf you care about craftsmanship, longevity, and building a reputation the right way, you’ll love this conversation.#VibeYourVibePodcast #BrettRippetoe #SmallBusinessStories#EntrepreneurLife #BusinessGrowth #CraftsmanshipMatters#WordOfMouthMarketing #DeckRestoration
What happens when you stop trading your time for a paycheck and start pursuing what you love? 🌱In this conversation, Natasha Bahrami, known as The Gin Girl, shares her incredible journey from working in foreign policy in Washington, D.C., to becoming one of the leading voices in the gin world.At 22, she didn’t realize she was falling in love with gin. But by 2011, Natasha was among a handful of people in the U.S. with deep expertise in the category. That passion led her to open The Gin Room, a space that helped ignite a passion for gin culture beyond the big cities.In this episode, Natasha opens up about:⚫ Why are more people leaving stability for passion after Covid⚫ How unconscious interests can turn into lifelong expertise⚫ The early challenges of convincing people to drink gin⚫ Why helping others start their own gin bars brings her the greatest joyIf you’ve ever thought about leaving “safe” stability behind to pursue something you love, this story will inspire you.✨ Subscribe for more conversations that help you vibe your vibe and live with intention.
In this episode of Vibe Your Vibe, Kirk sits down with Geraldine Belluche to share the inspiring story behind a life-changing mission in Uganda.After a dream and a powerful journey, Geraldine connected with Henry, founder of Henjo Safaris and a passionate advocate for children’s education in Uganda. Together, they are helping bring Empathy High School to life — a safe and empowering place where kids can learn, grow, and break the cycle of poverty.This conversation dives into:✨ Geraldine’s story and why she chose to help✨ Henry’s vision for building a high school in Uganda✨ The power of small contributions — even $30 provides a mattress for a child✨ The upcoming fundraiser and how you can get involved🌍 Learn more & support the mission:👉 Empathy Children Initiative: https://empathychildren.org/👉 Henjo Safaris (Henry’s tour company): https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083135236902&utm_
Every contribution matters. Whether it’s $5, $30, or more, your generosity helps provide education, resources, and hope for children who need it most.💡 Education changes lives. Join us in building a brighter future for the next generation.
What does it really take to walk away from the safety of a paycheck and pursue the unknown?In this episode of Vibe Your Vibe, Kirk Francis sits down with Chuck Sanderson— musician, teacher, and creative to unpack the messy, honest journey of leaving comfort behind to chase meaning.We talk about:👉 Why fear is often a sign you’re on the right path👉 How creativity requires risk (and rejection)👉 The trap of “responsibility” that keeps people stuck👉 What it looks like to live life without a scriptThis isn’t about reckless leaps. It’s about finding the courage to create a life you actually believe in.👉 If you’ve ever felt like you’re on autopilot, this conversation is your wake-up call.Hit play. Get inspired. And let us know in the comments: What leap have you been putting off?#vibeyourvibe #kirkfrancis #WaltcoToolsInc #creativity #courage #authenticity #podcast #FearToFreedom #ArtAndLife #PersonalGrowth #selfdiscoverytribe