Torch Talk

Lindsey Chupp
  • 5.0 (1)
  • BUSINESS

Torch Talk is the podcast for bold local leaders. Each week, we sit down with entrepreneurs, experts, and change makers to talk strategy, leadership, marketing, and what it really takes to grow a business today. Honest insights. No fluff. Real stories.

  1. 5D AGO

    Authentic Purpose

    In this episode of Torch Talk, Lindsey Chupp sits down with Dan Owolabi, leadership expert, author of Authentic Leadership, and keynote speaker for the blaze Business Expo, for a deep conversation about authentic purpose, clarity, and building organizations that last. Dan shares how Authentic Leadership grew from a timely book release into a globally recognized message read by executives, world leaders, and MBA programs. From there, the conversation shifts into the core idea behind his Expo keynote: authentic purpose. Dan explains the difference between authentic purpose and artificial purpose, why many businesses stumble into success without a strategy, and how clarity allows leaders to engineer impact instead of chasing trends. The discussion walks through practical elements leaders can assess inside their organizations, including purpose, pace, employees, customers, and execution. Dan unpacks how founder temperament shapes company culture, why alignment matters, and how understanding your ideal customer creates sustainable growth. He closes with a powerful analogy about running a business as “beef” or “baby,” challenging leaders to decide whether they’re extracting value or investing for long-term impact. In this episode, you’ll hear about: The difference between authentic purpose and artificial purposeHow clarity eliminates unnecessary decisionsWhy founder temperament affects company pace and cultureMeasuring purpose through employee engagement and customer alignmentThe “beef or baby” analogy and what it reveals about your businessThis episode offers a thoughtful and practical look at leadership rooted in clarity, conviction, and long-term thinking. This is for leaders who want their business to outlast them.

    26 min

  2. MAR 10

    Right Person, Right Job

    In this episode of Torch Talk, Lindsey Chupp sits down with Cortney Christian, Client Relationship Support at Fierce Creative Solutions, for an honest conversation about growth, feedback, and finding the right seat on a team. Cortney shares her journey into Fierce, starting in a social media coordinator role without deep experience and learning quickly through hands-on creation, feedback, and daily iteration. She opens up about the challenge of balancing creative direction, client expectations, and internal standards, and what it was like to receive and process hard feedback in a fast-moving environment. The conversation then shifts to a pivotal leadership moment: evaluating strengths, weaknesses, and making a role change. Lindsey and Cortney walk through what it looks like when leadership identifies a better fit for someone inside the organization and approaches that conversation with clarity and respect. They discuss the importance of intentions, cultural fit, and how “right person, right seat” isn’t just a slogan but a process that requires honesty and trust. In this episode, you’ll hear about: Navigating feedback in creative rolesBalancing client expectations with internal standardsThe emotional side of role transitionsWhat “right person, right seat” looks like in practiceHow strengths can be uncovered through honest leadership conversationsThis episode offers a candid look at internal team development, especially for leaders trying to retain strong people while helping them move into roles where they can truly thrive.

    12 min

  3. MAR 3

    Stories of Community

    In this episode of Torch Talk, Lindsey Chupp sits down with Katie Koglman and Megan Wilson from United Way of Wayne and Holmes Counties for an in-depth conversation about community impact, nonprofit leadership, and what it really looks like to support people behind the scenes. Katie, the CEO, and Megan, the Marketing and Development Coordinator, walk through how United Way operates locally, why every community’s needs are different, and how their small team works across Wayne and Holmes counties to connect people with real resources. They share candid insight into leading a nonprofit, fundraising challenges, misconceptions about where donations go, and the responsibility that comes with being a community connector. The conversation brings United Way’s work to life through real examples, from emergency housing support and lead remediation to the 2-1-1 helpline and Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. Katie and Megan also talk about prevention-focused solutions, collaboration with other organizations, and why flexibility matters when serving families in crisis. In this episode, you’ll hear about: How United Way supports education, housing, health, and basic needs locallyWhat nonprofit leadership looks like behind the scenesThe realities of fundraising and community misconceptionsWhy prevention is a smarter long-term investmentHow collaboration drives meaningful local impactThis episode offers a grounded look at community leadership and the everyday work that helps families, businesses, and neighborhoods move forward together.

    36 min

  4. FEB 24

    When Business is a Mission

    In this episode of Torch Talk, Lindsey Chupp sits down with Ty Meyer, founder of Promotion Therapy, for an honest conversation about servant leadership, family-first values, and what it really takes to build a healthcare business that puts people before profit. Ty shares his journey into physical therapy, shaped by early injuries, a love for science, and lessons learned growing up in a family-run Dairy Queen business. He walks through his career path, from hospital leadership to launching Promotion Therapy during a busy season of family life, choosing steady, values-driven growth over rapid expansion and heavy debt. The conversation dives deep into the realities of healthcare, including navigating insurance limitations, serving patients who need more care than coverage allows, and why Ty often chooses to help people even when it doesn’t make financial sense. He also opens up about leadership challenges, including conflict, staffing, flexibility, and carrying the weight of payroll during uncertain times like COVID. Throughout the episode, Ty emphasizes faith, humility, and service as the foundation of his leadership, along with the importance of flexibility for employees and building a culture where people feel supported both at work and at home. In this episode, you’ll hear about: Why Ty chose physical therapy and a service-based careerLessons learned from family business and early leadership experiencesBuilding Promotion Therapy with slow, intentional growthBalancing faith, family, and business decisionsNavigating healthcare challenges while doing what’s right for patientsLeading with flexibility, humility, and long-term perspectiveThis episode offers a thoughtful, grounded look at leadership that prioritizes people, purpose, and integrity, both inside and outside the clinic.

    44 min

  5. FEB 17

    Catalyst for Change

    In this episode of Torch Talk, Lindsey Chupp sits down with Samira, President of the Wooster Area Chamber of Commerce, for an in-depth conversation about leadership, community, and what it looks like to serve local businesses through seasons of growth and crisis. Samira shares her career journey, from leaving a full-time marketing role to take a part-time position at the Chamber, working multiple jobs to make it work, and eventually stepping into the president role during the height of the pandemic. She reflects on the uncertainty of that season, the responsibility she felt toward local businesses, and the moments that solidified her commitment to the Chamber’s mission. The conversation highlights how the Chamber pivoted during COVID to support businesses, from grants and webinars to creative initiatives that kept doors open. Samira also walks through the programs the Chamber offers today, including Loyal to Local, Leadership Wooster, Manufacturing Day, Lemonade Day, workforce support, and community events that connect residents, businesses, and future leaders. Throughout the episode, Samira emphasizes collaboration, adaptability, and the power of showing up for your community, even when the path forward isn’t clear. In this episode, you’ll hear about: Samira’s nontraditional path into Chamber leadershipTaking on the president's role during the pandemicHow the Chamber supported businesses through the crisisPrograms that encourage local spending, workforce development, and youth entrepreneurshipWhy connection and community matter for long-term growthThis episode offers a thoughtful look at leadership rooted in service, and the quiet, consistent work that helps communities thrive.

    27 min

  6. FEB 10

    Discipline Over Motivation

    In this episode of Torch Talk, Lindsey Chupp sits down with Craig Nolletti, owner of The Warehouse Gyms, for a wide-ranging conversation about entrepreneurship, discipline, and building a business rooted in consistency and long-term thinking. Craig shares how his journey started in fitness at a young age, eventually leading him to open multiple gyms across Ohio. He walks through the evolution of his business, from running CrossFit gyms alongside a full-time job to transitioning fully into a 24/7 gym model designed around accessibility, quality equipment, and member experience. Throughout the conversation, Craig explains how every decision he makes is guided by a simple question: what would he want as a customer? The discussion also dives into leadership and business realities, including hiring carefully, charging what your business is worth, acting on gut instinct, and building something that can function without the owner being present every day. Craig offers candid advice for business owners who feel stretched thin, especially when it comes to health, discipline, and taking care of their bodies with the same seriousness they give to their work. In this episode, you’ll hear about: How Craig built and scaled The Warehouse Gyms across multiple locationsWhy the 24/7 gym model works for both members and ownersThe importance of acting on instinct and learning through mistakesWhy business owners must treat their health as non-negotiableBuilding a business that can grow beyond the founderThis episode offers a practical, no-nonsense look at business ownership, personal discipline, and creating something that lasts, both inside and beyond the gym.

    40 min

  7. FEB 3

    Walking with Families After Adoption

    In this episode of Torch Talk, Lindsey Chupp sits down with Larry Yoder, co-executive director of Pure Gift of God, to talk about adoption, foster care, and the long-term support families need beyond the moment a child comes home. Larry shares both his personal connection to adoption and the story behind Pure Gift of God, an organization created to remove financial barriers and provide ongoing resources for adoptive and foster families. The conversation explores the realities many families face after adoption, including trauma, behavioral challenges, and the need for community and education. Larry explains how Pure Gift of God has expanded its mission over the years, from adoption grants to support groups, parent training, therapy services, and the Halo intensive program that equips both parents and children with tools to heal and grow together. Larry also walks through the different adoption paths, including domestic infant adoption, foster-to-adopt, and international adoption, offering practical insight into costs, timelines, and common misconceptions. Throughout the episode, he emphasizes that adoption is not a one-time event, but a lifelong journey that requires support, patience, and a willingness to learn. In this episode, you’ll hear about: The mission and evolution of Pure Gift of GodWhy adoption support is just as crucial after placementTrauma-informed parenting and the Halo programThe realities of foster care and adoption in OhioHow families can find help, community, and resourcesWays individuals and businesses can support adoptive and foster familiesThis episode offers an honest, compassionate look at adoption and foster care and a reminder that no family should have to walk that journey alone.

    42 min

  8. JAN 27

    Stone & Strategy

    In this episode of Torch Talk, Lindsey Chupp sits down with Rick Mast, founder of Casa di Sassi, to talk about what it really looks like to build a manufacturing business rooted in craftsmanship, relationships, and long-term thinking. Rick shares the full story behind Casa di Sassi, from his early days in the stone veneer industry to launching his own company, acquiring Casa di Sassi, and eventually building a state-of-the-art production facility in Apple Creek. Rick explains how Casa di Sassi blends natural stone artistry with precision manufacturing, including how profiles are developed, why real stone is still central to the process, and what goes into sourcing materials through hands-on “rock hunts.” He also walks through how the company balances timeless design with subtle shifts in trends, while staying focused on quality over quick wins. The conversation dives into leadership and scale, including how Rick has intentionally built a team that doesn’t rely on him day to day, the role of automation in growing without constantly adding staff, and why morale, trust, and strong customer relationships matter more than titles or control. Rick also shares his perspective on integrity, handling mistakes, and building partnerships that last beyond transactions. In this episode, you’ll hear about: How Casa di Sassi grew from a small venture into a national stone veneer manufacturerWhy real stone, craftsmanship, and design discipline still matterThe role of automation and efficiency in sustainable manufacturing growthBuilding a leadership team that makes the business resilientWhy long-term relationships define success more than short-term gainsThis episode offers an honest look at manufacturing, leadership, and what it takes to build a business designed to last.

    33 min
See All (37)

Trailer

About

Torch Talk is the podcast for bold local leaders. Each week, we sit down with entrepreneurs, experts, and change makers to talk strategy, leadership, marketing, and what it really takes to grow a business today. Honest insights. No fluff. Real stories.

Information

  • Creator
    Lindsey Chupp
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    37
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Torch Talk
  • Show Website
    Torch Talk