The Startup Junkies Podcast

Startup Junkie
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The Startup Junkies podcast is hosted by Jeff Amerine and his team at Startup Junkie Consulting. We’ll cover topics ranging from getting started, planning, growing your business, proving your concept, leadership, marketing, exit strategies and so much more. We’ll interview business owners, entrepreneurs, experts and people we think will bring value to our audience. Subscribe and together we will move your business to the next level.

  1. 2D AGO

    441: Connecting Korean Ventures to US Markets with Louis Diesel

    Summary On this episode of Startup Junkies, hosts Caleb Talley and Daniel Konnce sit down with Louis Diesel, director of Startup Junkie Asia. Based in Seoul, South Korea, Louis shares the journey of connecting Korean startups to the US market, emphasizing Korea’s powerhouse status in public and private investment for entrepreneurial growth. What began in 2019 as an idea to build on the Fuel Accelerator’s success resulted in a dedicated program helping Korean tech companies find a foothold in America. Over time, the initiative expanded to include consumer brands and media ventures, reflecting the evolving interests of the US market. The episode recounts Startup Junkie’s partnerships with organizations like the Korea International Trade Association and the Korea Venture Business Association, and details the structure of their cross-border accelerators. Notably, Louis highlights the significance of Northwest Arkansas as a launchpad, thanks to its concentration of enterprise giants like Walmart, Tyson, and J.B. Hunt.  Listeners also hear about the program’s presence at CES 2024, where Korean startups dominated the international floor. With continued momentum and expansion beyond Korea, the team is uniquely positioned to foster groundbreaking collaborations between Asia and America. Listen today! Show Notes (00:00) Introduction (06:26) Korean Tech and Consumer Brands (13:20) Establishing a Korean Presence at Global Events (15:12) Startup Junkies Support Position (20:32) Northwest Arkansas’s Unique Opportunities (26:37) Cross-Border Success Stories (31:18) Closing Thoughts Links Caleb Talley Daniel Koonce Startup Junkie Startup Junkie YouTube Louis Diesel

    33 min

  2. 6D AGO

    440: Unlocking Arkansas’s Outdoor Economy with Katherine Andrews & Yoon Kim

    Summary On this episode of Startup Junkies, hosts Caleb Talley and Jeff Amerine sit down with Katherine Andrews, director of the Arkansas Office of Outdoor Recreation, to explore the dynamic growth of outdoor recreation in Arkansas. Established in 2021, the Office of Outdoor Recreation was created to amplify the state's natural assets while fostering entrepreneurial opportunities and economic development. Katherine explains the office’s mission to leverage state resources for both industry and communities, collaborating with entrepreneurs and agencies to position Arkansas as an outdoor haven. The conversation delves into Arkansas’s seven billion dollar outdoor recreation economy, which has become a bigger generator than farming activities, encompassing everything from manufacturing products to services like guiding and hospitality. Katherine illustrates how the state is not only a destination for hunting and fishing but also a hotspot for activities like mountain biking, gravel cycling, climbing, and kayaking. A highlight of the episode is the discussion about the Governor’s Conference on Tourism and Outdoor Economy Summit, a collaborative event bringing together industry stakeholders, entrepreneurs, and public agencies. This year features the inaugural Arkansas Outdoor Pitch Night, where startups and innovators will have the chance to showcase their ideas in areas such as hospitality, recreation tech, and product development. For those interested in Arkansas’s rapidly evolving outdoor sector, this episode provides a wealth of insight and inspiration! Show Notes (00:00) Introduction (06:39) Outdoor Recreation Expansion Opportunities (08:22) How Outdoor Rec Boosts Local Economies (15:50) Arkansas’s Inaugural Outdoor Pitch Night (18:40) The Governor’s Conference on Tourism and Outdoor Recreation (19:26) Closing Thoughts Links Caleb Talley Jeff Amerine Startup Junkie Startup Junkie YouTube Katherine Andrews Office of Outdoor Recreation 52nd Annual Arkansas Governor’s Conference on Tourism

    20 min

  3. FEB 16

    439: Demystifying Startup Law and Compliance with Phil Pesek

    Summary On this episode of Startup Junkies, hosts Daniel Koonce and Caleb Talley sit down with Phil Pesek, founder of the Law Office of Philip A. Pesek, to unravel the mysteries of business law and compliance for entrepreneurs and startups. With over thirty years of legal experience spanning big-name companies like Dillard’s, Walmart, and Home Depot, Phil’s journey is packed with stories, insight, and a passion for making the law accessible. After retiring just before the pandemic, Phil discovered his true calling in education—teaching contract law at the University of Arkansas and advising startup founders as a fractional general counsel. Throughout the episode, Phil stresses the importance of compliance, structure, and knowing the “why” behind decisions like forming an LLC or electing S corporation status. He offers a unique, relationship-driven approach by providing a flat fee that includes a fully prepared compliance binder and unlimited access for questions. For new founders, he warns of the traps of DIY legal work from the internet and offers a free initial consultation to make the first steps less daunting. Listeners will find both practical advice and inspiration in Phil’s stories—from sobering lessons about the stakes of compliance to encouraging tales of effective contract negotiation. Ultimately, this episode champions seeking out trustworthy legal guidance early and building relationships that will serve your business well as it grows. Tune in today! Show Notes (00:00) Introduction (05:22) S Corps vs LLCs Explained (08:14) Passion for Small Business Ownership (13:02) Demystifying Business Structure Choices (17:22) Separating Personal and Business Assets (22:35) Negotiation Tips for People Pleasers (26:20) Pitfalls of Cutting Legal Corners (31:55) Legal Costs and Quality Concerns (36:54) Closing Thoughts  Links Daniel Koonce Caleb Talley Startup Junkie Startup Junkie YouTube Phil Pesek Law Office of Phillip A. Pesek

    38 min

  4. JAN 12

    438: Why Repair Is Easier Than Manufacturing: Inside Upkept’s Disruptive Vision

    Summary On this episode of Startup Junkies, Robin Atkinson, founder and CEO of Upkept Inc., shares her fascinating entrepreneurial journey, which began in the nonprofit arts sector before evolving into building a tech-driven apparel repair company. Hosted by Daniel Koonce and Caleb Talley, this lively conversation dives into Robin’s unique approach to solving consumer challenges in the world of clothing repairs. Robin reflects on her early start in nonprofits, launching an arts collective at seventeen, and the creative problem-solving skills she brought to every role since. Her latest venture, Upkept, aims to make apparel repair accessible and straightforward, transforming an industry where price transparency and convenience have been lacking. She candidly discusses the tough early days of a startup, referencing the “trough of despair” every founder knows well, and highlights how humor, self-awareness, and a bit of delusional optimism keep her moving forward. Listeners get a behind-the-scenes look at Upkept’s operations, how their Repair Wizard simplifies the process for customers, and why keeping clothes longer is vital for both your wallet and the planet. Robin also offers advice to fellow entrepreneurs, emphasizing that grit, adaptability, and community support are key ingredients for success. For anyone contemplating the realities of building something new, Robin delivers honest insights, actionable advice, and a refreshing reminder: if you create a genuinely useful service, people will find you. Tune in today! Show Notes (00:00) Introduction (03:37) The Journey of Starting a Nonprofit (05:58) Tackling Startup Challenges and Slow Progress (12:18) Optimizing Simplicity and Transparency (15:30) Building a Niche Industry (17:44) Overcoming Workforce Barriers (20:53) Defining Minimum Value Product Before Branding (29:32) Direct-to-Consumer Growth Potential (34:09) Closing Thoughts Links Daniel Koonce Caleb Talley Startup Junkie Startup Junkie YouTube Robin Atkinson Upkept Inc.

    35 min

  5. JAN 5

    437: How Startups Are Bringing Transparency and AI Innovation to Land Acquisition with Acres

    Summary In this week’s episode of Startup Junkies, Maddison Tailor and Audrey Hickox join hosts Caleb Talley and Daniel Koonce to share the genesis and growth of Acres.com, a platform revolutionizing land acquisition and management. Acres began as an internal solution to disjointed and complicated land deal processes. Recognizing shared pain points with clients, the team built a comprehensive platform making land data transparent and accessible—no GIS expertise required. Now, Acres empowers everyone from home builders and brokers to agricultural managers and recreational land users with real-time data on elevation, zoning, utilities, and more. A key differentiator is Acres’ people-centric approach. The team partners deeply with clients, bringing their feedback directly to product development. Their dedication ensures that users not only get robust datasets, including the largest sold land database in the U.S., but also hands-on guidance through every interaction. The episode also highlights recent innovations like recreation layers and AI integration, which enhance decision-making with seamless data delivery. Whether you’re a developer, investor, or curious entrepreneur, Acres’ story exemplifies how listening to customers and continual iteration can turn internal pain points into industry-wide solutions! Show Notes (00:00) Introduction (05:48) How a People-First Approach Drives Impact (07:16) A Comprehensive Land Data Solution (10:11) Acres: The Largest Sold Land Database (14:42) Streamlining Land Data with AI (17:13) Targeted Messaging for Specific Personas (22:09) Future Growth and Innovation (26:00) Closing Thoughts Links Daniel Koonce Caleb Talley Startup Junkie Startup Junkie YouTube Audrey Hickox Maddison Tailor Acres

    27 min

  6. 12/29/2025

    436: Solving Agriculture’s Biggest Challenges Using Biotechnology Innovation with Joseph Batta-Mpouma

    Summary In this week’s episode of Startup Junkies, hosts Daniel Koonce and Caleb Talley sat down with Joseph Batta-Mpouma, founder and CEO of CelluDot, to discuss his entrepreneurial journey and how CelluDot is tackling critical issues in agriculture through innovation. Joseph, whose background is in material science and engineering, shared how his academic path shifted when exposed to entrepreneurship during graduate school. Inspired to make a real-world impact, he founded CelluDot to deliver concrete solutions for encapsulating bio and chemo compounds, a breakthrough especially vital for crop protection. One of the main challenges CelluDot addresses is herbicide drift, a persistent issue costing farmers billions. Joseph emphasized the importance of understanding farmers’ real pain points, illustrating how genuine customer discovery must inform applied scientific solutions. By starting field trials in eastern Arkansas and engaging directly with farmers, the team was able to customize its technology to truly meet users’ needs.  Additionally, Joseph explains how CelluDot’s roadmap is built around a versatile core technology, with plans to expand into fertilizers, feed supplements, and nutraceuticals. In five years, CelluDot aims to be a U.S. leader in encapsulation solutions, empowering partners in agriculture and beyond. Reflecting on his journey, Joseph encouraged aspiring entrepreneurs to “just start,” stressing the value of seizing opportunities and learning quickly from failures. Listeners can learn more about CelluDot at their website and are encouraged to reach out to support farmers and sustainable agriculture. Tune in today! Show Notes (00:00) Introduction (06:10) Collecting Data for Custom Solutions (08:23) Bridging Academia and Industry Gaps (11:19) Preparing for Future Goals (16:17) Core Values and Team Accountability (19:47) Arise: Expert Free Advisory Platform (22:19) Startup Progress and Timeline (25:38) Fail Faster, Succeed Sooner (27:22) Closing Thoughts Links Daniel Koonce Caleb Talley Startup Junkie Startup Junkie YouTube Joseph Batta-Mpouma CelluDot, LLC

    28 min
  7. 4: How Believ.ai Powers Seamless Onboarding for Supply Chain Platforms with Sanjay Ahuja

    12/22/2025

    4: How Believ.ai Powers Seamless Onboarding for Supply Chain Platforms with Sanjay Ahuja

    Summary In this episode of the Fuel Podcast, host Caleb Talley sits down with Sanjay Ahuja, founder of Believ.ai, to discuss his inspiring entrepreneurial journey. Sanjay shares how, after twenty-seven years of thriving in global corporate roles across India, Dubai, and the U.S., he embraced his entrepreneurial spirit to address a crucial gap in AI: clean data. Believ.ai emerged from Sanjay’s firsthand experience with the complexities of onboarding merchants efficiently and securely. The platform's focus is on streamlining onboarding for marketplaces, payments, and logistics companies, tackling the dual challenge of speed and fraud prevention. Additionally, Sanjay explains his experience with Fuel Accelerator, describing Bentonville’s unique, supportive environment for tech founders, and praising the city’s vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem. For those looking to launch their own ventures, Sanjay offers sage advice: “Be an entrepreneur at an early stage of life. You’ll fail, and that’s fine—you’ll learn and move on to build something bigger and better.” This episode is a must-listen for founders seeking inspiration, practical insights, and a sense of belonging in the startup community! Show Notes (00:00) Introduction (04:22) Believ: An AI-Powered Onboarding Platform (07:07) Sanjay’s Fuel and Bentonville Experience (12:20) Insights into the Fuel Accelerator (16:09) Adopting an Entrepreneurial Mindset (17:34) Closing Thoughts Links Caleb Talley Fuel Accelerator Fuel Accelerator YouTube Sanjay Ahuja Believ.ai

    19 min

  8. 12/15/2025

    435: From Idea to Impact: Inside the Pivot X Approach with Heather Applegate

    Summary In this week’s episode of Startup Junkies, host Caleb Talley sits down with Heather Applegate, founder of Pivot X Coaching, for a conversation packed with wisdom on entrepreneurship, coaching, and personal growth. Heather shares her unique journey from studying psychology to launching Pivot X, an executive coaching and strategic advisory firm. Her passion for human behavior and propelling teams forward shines as she explains how she helps founders and executives transition from product-focused mindsets to leading effective teams, and eventually, through ownership transitions.  A major theme throughout the discussion is the importance of realignment over stigmatizing the “pivot. Her approach encourages leaders to embrace change as an opportunity, rather than a setback. Heather also offers insights into the emotional challenges entrepreneurs face, especially as companies grow and founders struggle with shifting identities and relinquishing control.  Additionally, networking and community are central topics; Heather recounts the fears she overcame to put herself out there, ultimately reaping rich relationships and opportunities within Northwest Arkansas’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Her reflections on balancing ambition with personal life offer a refreshing take on what true success means. For anyone in the midst of a pivot, or simply seeking clarity on their entrepreneurial path, this episode is a must-listen! Show Notes (00:00) Introduction (06:10) Understanding Fear in Relationships (07:55) Founder Identity Challenges During Growth (12:37) Building Community Through Events (13:41) Overcoming Fear to Connect (18:29) Expressing Purpose with Words (22:41) Life and Goal Reflection Strategy (24:00) Closing Thoughts Links Caleb Talley Startup Junkie Startup Junkie YouTube Heather Applegate Pivot X Coaching

    24 min
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About

The Startup Junkies podcast is hosted by Jeff Amerine and his team at Startup Junkie Consulting. We’ll cover topics ranging from getting started, planning, growing your business, proving your concept, leadership, marketing, exit strategies and so much more. We’ll interview business owners, entrepreneurs, experts and people we think will bring value to our audience. Subscribe and together we will move your business to the next level.

Information

  • Creator
    Startup Junkie
  • Years Active
    2015 - 2026
  • Episodes
    483
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright Startup Junkie
  • Show Website
    The Startup Junkies Podcast