Episodes

Oct. 10, 2023

Finding Your Voice

We started our podcast intensive training at The Cardinal Shehan with some brilliant boys in Bridgeport. During this session, we had an introduction to the history of podcasting and the boys had an opportunity to record themselves. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/derek-oxley/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/derek-oxley/support
March 30, 2023

Alex Torres Park City Studios Founder Humans of Harborview Creative Director

Alex is the founder of Park City Studios and creative director for the Hunmans of Harborview. Alex served as an educator within the Bridgeport Public Schools for 7yrs as a Biology teacher and realized he wasn't cut out for the classroom. We've all encountered a bitter burnt-out educator who seems to hate their job but the stay. Alex didn't want to take the quit but stay option, so he ventured off into the world of entrepreneurship. The Humans of Harborview started an idea to help launch his pho...
March 21, 2023

Young's Popcorn

The Young's retired and then decided to venture into entrepreneurship, it's been over 7yrs since they launched the brand-proving it's never to late to launch your brand. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/derek-oxley/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/derek-oxley/support
March 21, 2023

Embracing ChatGPT

The Scholars at the Cardinal Shehan in Bridgeport used ChatGPT to craft a story about a boy named Pablo from Bridgeport. Utilizing the gear provided by MOVO Photo the boys recorded this audio. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/derek-oxley/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/derek-oxley/support
March 9, 2023

Kim Bianca Williams

Kim founded Urban Synergy in Action in Bridgeport, just one of the many hats she wears as an entrepreneur. Kim is a speaker, educator, and social capital promoter. Kim and I met downtown Bridgeport at the Food Truck Park at Post Office Square. This was such an unexpected treat, it was a warm story with a sweet ending. The interview occurred inside Kim's Popcorn Bar, where she carries Youngs Popcorn Heaven Brand Popcorn. Stay tuned for episode next. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor....
Feb. 23, 2023

Chef Sils Vegan Sushi

Chef Sil is the founder of Sils Vegan Kitchen during the pandemic she was inspired by her son to create Vegan Sushi. We had the pleasure of meeting at KNOWN co-working in New Haven CT., the sushi was amazing. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/derek-oxley/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/derek-oxley/support
Feb. 23, 2023

Ms Outlaw

Christine aka Ms Outlaw is a mobile shooter whose life was changed when she was introduced to a camera. Christine is on the team that produces the widely successful show Bars on I95 --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/derek-oxley/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/derek-oxley/support
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May 11, 2022

She Buildz Things

Angelina is the founder of She Buildz Things, LLC in Connecticut. She Buildz Things is a female-owned and operated business. Angelina was fascinated with construction at an early age, she convinced her landlord to let her renovate their apartment while she was in High School. While at The Home Depot Angelina developed relationships with contractors and soon realized she could venture out on her own and She Buildz Things was born. We have three sponsors of today's episode Ron Thurston, Lenses On...
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April 14, 2022

From Tragedy to Triumph with Turn N Headz Founder CJ

A little over a year ago during the middle of the day Turn-N-Headz Barbershop had a two-alarm fire, displacing two families. CJ was faced with challenges that tested his character. During this episode, we talked about leading under pressure, rallying a team, and casting a vision for his new shop. We have three sponsors of today's episode Ron Thurston, Lenses Only and the Kreative Print Shop Ron is a seasoned retail executive who started his career on the frontlines, he's the author of Retail Pr...
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April 9, 2022

The SYMI Academy Project

Over the past few weeks we've been training a group of scholars at the SYMI Academy in Bridgeport CT. This is our first recording that we published. We have three stories that the scholars will produce. Be on the lookout for them. Today's episode is sponsored by Ron Thurston Ron is a seasoned retail executive who started his career on the frontlines, he's the author of Retail Pride and the founder of Take Pride Today, and a former guest on the podcast. If you're tired of a station that doesn't...
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March 28, 2022

Donna Hylton SteamTrain President/CEO

We had the pleasure of talking with Donna Hylton, Hylton is a technology professional and community leader with over 30 years of experience. Donna began her technology career in college while working as a Data Center Coordinator in New York City. She has worked as an end-user database specialist, programmer, systems team leader, and information systems manager before making the transition to academia. We have three sponsors of today's episode Ron Thurston, Lenses Only and the Kreative Print Sho...
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March 21, 2022

Ramon Peralta

Ramon is the founder and Cheif Brand Officer at Peralta Design a company he founded in 2008 after getting laid off. Since then, he’s helped many startup companies with creative branding and web development services including MySneakerCloset.com, TruOptik, R4 Technologies, Facial Flex, and AcedMyInterview.com to name a few. Ever heard of Priceline.com? Most of the world has, thanks to those funny William Shatner commercials. Ramon served as Senior Art Director on the team that launched it back i...
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March 16, 2022

Pandemic Pivot w/Truely Greek

John and George Pertesis were part of a franchise that went under after the pandemic. I noticed a change in the decor but there was no indication of a brewing problem. After speaking with George’s pops he told me the story and I invited him to be on the show to share with our audience. Everything is Figureoutable is not just not the name of a book by Marie Forleo it’s a mindset. The Pertesis family figured out how to make it work. We have three sponsors of today's episode Ron Thurston, Lenses ...
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March 9, 2022

Kellz Is Booked Up

Kelly is a book influencer and an avid reader, I'd say she has a mild addiction to books I suppose there could be the worst addictions besides books. Kelly is building a community around her passion. During this episode, we talk about her origin story, sponsorships, podcasting and monetizing her passion. We have three sponsors of today's episode Ron Thurston, Lenses Only and the Kreative Print Shop Ron is a seasoned retail executive who started his career on the frontlines, he's the author of R...
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Nov. 30, 2021

Bridgid Turner Director of Run Crew The Movie

We have two sponsors of today's episode Ron Thurston and Lenses Only Ron is a seasoned retail executive who started his career on the frontlines, he's the author of Retail Pride and the founder of Take Pride Today and a former guest on the podcast. Brigid Brigid Turner is a marathoner, an actress and director, known for Deka-Log: A Finding Me story (2017), For a Dark Skin Girl (2015) and All for Jessica (2013). During the pandemic, Bridgid wrote a feature film Run Crew which is now in post-prod...
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Oct. 26, 2021

Secrets to Success: Find a Niche And Serve Steven Abbate Founder of Lenses Only

Steven Abbate established Lenses Only in 2015 as a Connecticut eyewear retailer based on the following three key principles: Consumers who like their existing frames should be able to get high quality replacement lenses, regardless of the style or manufacturer of their frame High quality lenses and frames can be available to consumers for less cost than available at other retailers Consumers want excellent service, a wide selection of top designer frames and choice in how they buy – in person...
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Oct. 25, 2021

Pivot Into Your Passion w/Phriday Patterson

When Phriday retired from the military and considered her next move she decided to do what came naturally networking. Phriday's superpower is connecting people and helping to turn their dreams into realities through Clientpro. By examining what-if phrases she created the pillars for Clientpro. Create, Build, and Enhance. Communicating ideas to her is all about two letters that together can stand on its own but can create interest and demand, build credibility and reputation, enhance understandin...
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Oct. 25, 2021

How to Merge Your Passion With Your Expertise & Launch a Business Jeff Henderson

Jeff Henderson, is a well known race director and founder of the Musselman Triathlon and co-director of the Seneca7, he provided technical & logistics support for “Paulie’s Push,” a 20th anniversary tribute to the flight crews killed that day. We had a the opportunity to see the device that Jeff created to track Paulie as he set out to push a beverage cart from Boston to ground zero. Today's episode is sponsored by Ron Thurston, Ron is an Amazon best-selling author of Retail Pride and the found...
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Oct. 16, 2021

How to Thrive in Business 20yrs w/Stephen Kempson

Expert bespoke clothier Stephen Kempson has outfitted leaders in business, entertainment, and media and continues to draw a diverse clientele due to his ability to keenly understand the individual tastes and needs of his clients while simplifying the bespoke process. Stephen is recognized among the country’s finest personal tailors. He has been featured in The Financial Times, The Robb Report, Departures magazine, and other leading publications. Things haven't always been easy, when Kempson ste...
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Oct. 8, 2021

On Air Mic Flags Interview

On Air Mic Flags is a division of Quality Name Plate, one of the leading companies in manufacturing and print identification in the United States. With customers as diverse as General Electric, ESPN, Rubbermaid, and Disney, you most likely have 5 of our products somewhere in your home or have seen them on TV. Our facilities and expertise are second to none in our industry and we strive to use our experience to ensure quality in every job we produce. Founded in 1949, we’ve had our fair share of ...
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Oct. 7, 2021

Dj Five Venoms

Five Venoms is not your average DJ he was born and raised in NJ then moved to Philly and eventually landed in Orlando Florida Mastering his craft to the fullest extent, Venoms relocated to Orlando, FL and graduated from Full Sail double majoring in Recording Arts and Music Business. “I never stop learning,” said Venoms. “With the tech and music marriage, I knew it was great to be prepared. Education opens the powerful doors of networking and opportunity.” After meeting DJ Q45 in an Orlando night...
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Oct. 6, 2021

Ron Thurston Author of Retail Pride & founder of Take Pride Today

Ron Thurston is the author of Retail Pride & founder of Take Pride Today, he's a season retail professional who started his career as frontline associate and served his way to the top of the worlds most notable brands, Apple, Tory Burch, Saint Laurent, Bonobos and he sits on the board of several organizations. Beyond all of Ron's accomplishments what he takes the most pride in is being in service to others. If you're tired of a station that doesn't speak to your needs and you're interested in l...
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Sept. 30, 2021

Tim Sway Makes Worthless Things Priceless

Tim Sway is an incredible human being whose career started as a musician, Tim then transitioned into making furniture now he makes amazing guitars from reclaimed material. If you're tired of a station that doesn't speak to your needs and you're interested in learning more about the BTW Podcast visit RUNUTAINMENT. BTW Podcast is listener-supported, I started a Ko-fi page to allow small businesses and entrepreneurs to sponsor an episode. BTW Podcast now has a Patreon page. BTW Podcast is listener...
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Sept. 21, 2021

Chloe Lynn Founder of Lenox Ave

Lenox Avenue is a bold brand, focused on providing vibrant, quality, and clean products for you & the pet you love. Our goal is to create stylish accessories for both you and your furry friend. Lenox Ave is Black-owned business in Washington, DC. All of their products are handcrafted for us, by us. The patterns range from a variety of backgrounds and united by the same passion for creativity and aesthetics- we are all artisans in our own way. The trio jokingly came up with the idea to launch a b...