What's the Startup?!

Sprocket
  • 5.0 (3)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Welcome to “What’s the Startup?!”, the podcast that opens the door to the dynamic and ever-evolving world of startups in Western Kentucky. Whether you’re an aspiring founder with a groundbreaking idea, a go-getter business owner looking to scale, or simply curious about the entrepreneurial landscape, this podcast is for you. Each episode, we sit down with seasoned entrepreneurs, successful founders, and gifted mentors who have navigated the highs and lows of the startup journey. They share their stories, insights, and hard-earned lessons, giving you a front-row seat to the strategies that drive success. But it’s not just about the stories—we’re here to provide you with actionable advice and practical tips that you can apply to your own venture. From overcoming challenges to seizing opportunities, “What’s the Startup?!” is your go-to resource for turning ideas into thriving businesses. Join us as we build a community of innovators, thinkers, and doers in Western Kentucky and beyond. Subscribe now, and get ready to unlock the secrets of startup success! 

  1. NOV 19

    Why a Video-First Marketing Strategy Wins Every Time with Kevin Klepeis of Kentucky Fried Creative

    In this episode of What’s the Startup?!, Kevin Klepeis shares how small businesses can use a video-first marketing strategy to make a big impact without big-agency budgets. After years in corporate marketing, Kevin founded Kentucky Fried Creative in Paducah, KY, to help local small and mid-sized businesses create smart, affordable marketing that works. He explains what a true video-first approach looks like, how to get the most out of one day of filming, and why listening to your customers should drive your creative decisions. You’ll learn: How to structure a video-first marketing strategy for long-term resultsSimple ways to repurpose video content across multiple platformsHow AI tools can help you brainstorm and plan video ideas fasterWhy local creative talent can rival big agencies—and deliver with more heartWhether you’re ready to shoot your first video or looking to refine your overall marketing strategy, this conversation offers practical, actionable advice to help you connect with your audience and grow your business. Connect with Kevin Klepeis: Website: kycreative.com Email: kevin@kycreative.com Listen to more episodes of What’s the Startup?!: https://sprocketwky.com/podcasts Thank you for tuning in to this episode of the Sprocket Podcast! If you’re ready to dive into the world of startups and innovation, visit us online at Sprocket WKY to learn more about our mission and how we support entrepreneurs like you. Ready to check out the space? Book a tour with Tiffany, our Community Coordinator! Got a business idea? Apply for a mentorship session with one of our experienced mentors! Stay connected and join our growing community on Instagram for the latest updates, inspiration, and behind-the-scenes looks at what’s happening at Sprocket. Let’s turn your ideas into reality—together! Sprocket is proud to be supported by Team Kentucky, the Commonwealth's Cabinet for Economic Development. Learn more about their initiatives and resources at ced.ky.gov.

    14 min

  2. NOV 5

    Should You Pursue Venture Capital? Startup Funding Advice from Diego Rubio of CORI

    In this episode, we’re sharing a powerful excerpt from one of our most popular mentor-led workshops—an intro to venture capital with Diego Rubio from the Center on Rural Innovation (CORI). Diego unpacks how venture capital really works, what VCs are looking for, and whether this funding path makes sense for your startup. You’ll learn: The structure behind VC funds and why they chase big winsHow equity dilution works across funding stagesWhat signals investors look for in early-stage startupsWhen founders should not pursue VC fundingWhat it takes to be “VC-ready”🎧 To access the full one-hour workshop (plus book a free call with Diego), create a free account at sprocketwky.com/join. This episode is sponsored by Kentucky Fried Creative—authentic marketing for the Common Wealth, from right here in the Commonwealth. Thank you for tuning in to this episode of the Sprocket Podcast! If you’re ready to dive into the world of startups and innovation, visit us online at Sprocket WKY to learn more about our mission and how we support entrepreneurs like you. Ready to check out the space? Book a tour with Tiffany, our Community Coordinator! Got a business idea? Apply for a mentorship session with one of our experienced mentors! Stay connected and join our growing community on Instagram for the latest updates, inspiration, and behind-the-scenes looks at what’s happening at Sprocket. Let’s turn your ideas into reality—together! Sprocket is proud to be supported by Team Kentucky, the Commonwealth's Cabinet for Economic Development. Learn more about their initiatives and resources at ced.ky.gov.

    18 min

  3. OCT 22

    How to Grow a GOOD Network, Not Just a Large One

    A strong network doesn’t have to be a big one—it just has to be built right. In this episode, Josiah Wright of Optrivo breaks down what actually works when it comes to networking as a founder. Spoiler: it’s not about cold DMs or handing out business cards to strangers. Josiah shares how building real relationships, doing consistently great work, and showing up as a trusted expert can open the door to massive opportunities—without all the gimmicks. From turning a $50 blog gig into a thriving copywriting career to landing high-paying clients through reputation alone, this conversation is packed with real talk and actionable takeaways for anyone trying to grow their business the smart way. You can learn from Josiah and book a free mentorship call with him inside SprocketWKY—just join at sprocketwky.com/join. 🎙️ This episode is brought to you by Kentucky Fried Creative—authentic marketing for the Common Wealth, from right here in the Commonwealth. Thank you for tuning in to this episode of the Sprocket Podcast! If you’re ready to dive into the world of startups and innovation, visit us online at Sprocket WKY to learn more about our mission and how we support entrepreneurs like you. Ready to check out the space? Book a tour with Tiffany, our Community Coordinator! Got a business idea? Apply for a mentorship session with one of our experienced mentors! Stay connected and join our growing community on Instagram for the latest updates, inspiration, and behind-the-scenes looks at what’s happening at Sprocket. Let’s turn your ideas into reality—together! Sprocket is proud to be supported by Team Kentucky, the Commonwealth's Cabinet for Economic Development. Learn more about their initiatives and resources at ced.ky.gov.

    11 min

  4. OCT 8

    Thinking About Starting a Business? Here’s What You Need to Know with Aaron Harned of the SBDC

    Thinking about starting a business—but not sure where to begin? In this episode, we sit down with Aaron Harned, Center Director of the Paducah Small Business Development Center (SBDC), to unpack what really goes into launching and growing a business. From funding myths and feasibility checks to business plans and buying an existing business, Aaron shares real-world insight from working with hundreds of entrepreneurs across Western Kentucky. If you’ve ever wondered what the SBDC does, when to reach out, or what might stop your idea before it starts—this conversation is packed with value. What you’ll learn: What the SBDC is and how it supports business owners at no costCommon funding misconceptions (like the “free grant” myth)What makes a business idea truly feasibleThe #1 reason small businesses fail—and how to avoid itHow to prepare for your first meeting with the SBDCWhether you’re dreaming, building, or scaling—this episode will help you take smarter steps toward success. 👉 Learn more or book a meeting with your local SBDC at: https://kentuckysbdc.com 🎙️ This episode is sponsored by Kentucky Fried Creative—authentic marketing for the Common Wealth, from the Commonwealth. From strategy to video to web, they help small businesses grow with clarity and confidence. Whether you’re starting your first business or looking to grow something that already exists, Sprocketwky.com connects you with what—and who—you need. Thank you for tuning in to this episode of the Sprocket Podcast! If you’re ready to dive into the world of startups and innovation, visit us online at Sprocket WKY to learn more about our mission and how we support entrepreneurs like you. Ready to check out the space? Book a tour with Tiffany, our Community Coordinator! Got a business idea? Apply for a mentorship session with one of our experienced mentors! Stay connected and join our growing community on Instagram for the latest updates, inspiration, and behind-the-scenes looks at what’s happening at Sprocket. Let’s turn your ideas into reality—together! Sprocket is proud to be supported by Team Kentucky, the Commonwealth's Cabinet for Economic Development. Learn more about their initiatives and resources at ced.ky.gov.

    28 min

  5. SEP 24

    Want to Start a Coffee Hour in Your Community? Here’s How.

    What if one weekly gathering could change the game for your startup community? In this episode, mentor Terri Lundberg sits down with Amie Tooley to talk about how to create and sustain a thriving community Coffee Hour—no matter where you live. Together, they unpack what makes these gatherings work, how to grow from a few people to a full room, and why ownership, engagement, and mentorship matter more than perfect planning. If you’re looking to start something meaningful in your region—or need a reminder of your own value as a founder—this one’s for you. Join our coffee hour community at sprocketpaducah.com/coffeehour 🎙️ This episode is sponsored by Kentucky Fried Creative—authentic marketing for the Common Wealth, from the Commonwealth. From strategy to video to web, they help small businesses grow with clarity and confidence. Learn more at kyfriedcreative.com. Thank you for tuning in to this episode of the Sprocket Podcast! If you’re ready to dive into the world of startups and innovation, visit us online at Sprocket WKY to learn more about our mission and how we support entrepreneurs like you. Ready to check out the space? Book a tour with Tiffany, our Community Coordinator! Got a business idea? Apply for a mentorship session with one of our experienced mentors! Stay connected and join our growing community on Instagram for the latest updates, inspiration, and behind-the-scenes looks at what’s happening at Sprocket. Let’s turn your ideas into reality—together! Sprocket is proud to be supported by Team Kentucky, the Commonwealth's Cabinet for Economic Development. Learn more about their initiatives and resources at ced.ky.gov.

    13 min

  6. SEP 10

    Crafting the Perfect Pitch with PreventScripts Founder Brandi Harless

    🎙️ This episode is sponsored by Kentucky Fried Creative—authentic marketing for the Common Wealth, from the Commonwealth. From strategy to video to web, they help small businesses grow with clarity and confidence. Learn more at kyfriedcreative.com. In this episode of “What’s the Startup?!”, we sit down with Brandi, co-founder of PreventScripts, to uncover the decade-long journey behind building a game-changing health tech company. Brandi shares the raw realities of startup life—how iterating on a product and refining your pitch isn’t just a one-time event but an ongoing process that can make or break your business. We dive deep into the importance of staying grounded, setting realistic goals, and the lessons learned from five years of rigorous R&D. If you’ve ever wondered how to craft a compelling brand story that resonates with both investors and customers, this episode is a masterclass in persistence, adaptability, and the art of the pivot. Tune in for actionable insights and inspiration from someone who’s been in the trenches and come out the other side. Whether you’re starting your first business or looking to grow something that already exists, Sprocketwky.com connects you with what—and who—you need. Thank you for tuning in to this episode of the Sprocket Podcast! If you’re ready to dive into the world of startups and innovation, visit us online at Sprocket WKY to learn more about our mission and how we support entrepreneurs like you. Ready to check out the space? Book a tour with Tiffany, our Community Coordinator! Got a business idea? Apply for a mentorship session with one of our experienced mentors! Stay connected and join our growing community on Instagram for the latest updates, inspiration, and behind-the-scenes looks at what’s happening at Sprocket. Let’s turn your ideas into reality—together! Sprocket is proud to be supported by Team Kentucky, the Commonwealth's Cabinet for Economic Development. Learn more about their initiatives and resources at ced.ky.gov.

    27 min

  7. AUG 27

    A No-Cringe Approach to Cold Outreach with Josiah Wright of Optrivo

    Think cold outreach has to be awkward or spammy? It doesn’t. In this video, Josiah Wright of Optrivo—startup founder, sales pro, and SprocketWKY mentor—breaks down how to approach outreach with confidence, clarity, and zero cringe. Want more? Josiah has a few free workshops in the SprocketWKY platform, and you can even book a mentor call with him. Just head to sprocketwky.com and make a free account to get started. 🎙️ This episode is brought to you by Kentucky Fried Creative—authentic marketing for the Common Wealth, from right here in the Commonwealth. Based in Paducah, they specialize in helping small businesses grow with smart strategy, standout content, and results-driven digital marketing. Whether you need a full campaign, a fresh website, or just someone to help you figure out what to do next, Kentucky Fried Creative fills the gap between “I don’t know where to start” and real business growth. Learn more at kyfriedcreative.com . Thank you for tuning in to this episode of the Sprocket Podcast! If you’re ready to dive into the world of startups and innovation, visit us online at Sprocket WKY to learn more about our mission and how we support entrepreneurs like you. Ready to check out the space? Book a tour with Tiffany, our Community Coordinator! Got a business idea? Apply for a mentorship session with one of our experienced mentors! Stay connected and join our growing community on Instagram for the latest updates, inspiration, and behind-the-scenes looks at what’s happening at Sprocket. Let’s turn your ideas into reality—together! Sprocket is proud to be supported by Team Kentucky, the Commonwealth's Cabinet for Economic Development. Learn more about their initiatives and resources at ced.ky.gov.

    23 min

  8. AUG 13

    How SprocketWKY Is Changing the Game for Regional Entrepreneurs

    🎙️ This episode is sponsored by Kentucky Fried Creative—authentic marketing for the Common Wealth, from the Commonwealth. From strategy to video to web, they help small businesses grow with clarity and confidence. Learn more at kyfriedcreative.com. What does it take to build a startup in a region where the nearest investor, accelerator, or founder meetup might be hours away? In this episode, Sprocket Executive Director Monica Bilak shares how SprocketWKY is flipping the script for rural entrepreneurs—connecting people faster, providing practical tools like the Market Fit Lab, and building a regional culture where founders can thrive. If you’ve ever felt like your big idea didn’t have a home in your small town, this conversation is for you. Thank you for tuning in to this episode of the Sprocket Podcast! If you’re ready to dive into the world of startups and innovation, visit us online at Sprocket WKY to learn more about our mission and how we support entrepreneurs like you. Ready to check out the space? Book a tour with Tiffany, our Community Coordinator! Got a business idea? Apply for a mentorship session with one of our experienced mentors! Stay connected and join our growing community on Instagram for the latest updates, inspiration, and behind-the-scenes looks at what’s happening at Sprocket. Let’s turn your ideas into reality—together! Sprocket is proud to be supported by Team Kentucky, the Commonwealth's Cabinet for Economic Development. Learn more about their initiatives and resources at ced.ky.gov.

    10 min
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5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Welcome to “What’s the Startup?!”, the podcast that opens the door to the dynamic and ever-evolving world of startups in Western Kentucky. Whether you’re an aspiring founder with a groundbreaking idea, a go-getter business owner looking to scale, or simply curious about the entrepreneurial landscape, this podcast is for you. Each episode, we sit down with seasoned entrepreneurs, successful founders, and gifted mentors who have navigated the highs and lows of the startup journey. They share their stories, insights, and hard-earned lessons, giving you a front-row seat to the strategies that drive success. But it’s not just about the stories—we’re here to provide you with actionable advice and practical tips that you can apply to your own venture. From overcoming challenges to seizing opportunities, “What’s the Startup?!” is your go-to resource for turning ideas into thriving businesses. Join us as we build a community of innovators, thinkers, and doers in Western Kentucky and beyond. Subscribe now, and get ready to unlock the secrets of startup success! 

Information

  • Creator
    Sprocket
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    43
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 What's the Startup?!
  • Show Website
    What's the Startup?!