Don't Quote Me

Vance & Company

Don’t Quote Me is a documentary-style talk show about creativity, connection, and the courage it takes to keep showing up. Hosted by Caton Vance and produced by Vance & Company, each episode features honest conversations with artists, entrepreneurs, and change-makers navigating their craft, their city, and the world. We cover everything from building community through art, to resisting burnout, to the hustle of making something meaningful, all without losing your sense of self along the way. Expect laughs, unexpected wisdom, and the kind of dialogue that lingers long after the episode ends

  1. Jun 12

    Don't Quote Me S3 E3 || Foodie Fest

    In this episode of Don’t Quote Me, we sit down with Amanda Hadd and Taia Sky, founders of Grand Rapids Foodie Fest, to talk about building one of the city’s biggest celebrations of food, culture, and community. What started as an idea inspired by food experiences around the country became a movement centered around bringing people together in Grand Rapids. Amanda and Taia share the story behind launching Foodie Fest, building a community-driven event, and creating a space where local restaurants, vendors, artists, and attendees can connect. In this conversation, we explore: Why food has the power to connect people across cultures and backgrounds The importance of collaboration when building a community event The challenges behind scaling a large festival What it takes to partner with vendors, sponsors, volunteers, and the city Building a business partnership rooted in trust and communication The future vision for Grand Rapids Foodie Fest and its impact on the city Grand Rapids Foodie Fest is an opportunity to experience the people, businesses, and stories that make the city what it is.

    30 min

  2. Jun 3

    Don't Quote Me S3 E2 || Eric Freeman

    Eric Freeman sits down for a raw, honest conversation about purpose, perseverance, and the realities of building a food business from the ground up. From being incarcerated at 19 to becoming a community activist, father, and founder of Mindset Meals, Eric shares how nourishment—physical, mental, and spiritual—became the foundation of his life’s mission. In this episode, we explore: Eric’s journey from prison to entrepreneurship The origins of Mindset Meals and its mission to nourish communities The brutal realities of running a food business Protecting your energy and choosing the right people Fatherhood, health, and redefining success Why he refuses to have a Plan B This is one of the most candid and inspiring conversations we’ve had on Don’t Quote Me. If you’re an entrepreneur, creative, or anyone navigating a tough season, this one will hit you.

    37 min

  3. May 12

    Don’t Quote Me S3 E1: Frankie Williams

    Season 3 of Don’t Quote Me begins with tattoo artist Frankie Williams, whose approach to tattooing goes far beyond ink on skin. In this episode, Frankie opens up about the responsibility that comes with permanent art, the importance of creating safe and intentional environments for clients, and how tattooing can become a form of emotional release and self-expression. The conversation explores mentorship, leadership in creative spaces, wellness within physically demanding careers, and the evolving culture of tattooing, especially for women in the industry. We also dive into: Why artistry matters in tattooing The relationship between vulnerability and trust Tattoo etiquette and client expectations Burnout, rest, and sustainable creativity How Grand Rapids’ tattoo community stands apart What still needs to change in tattoo culture today This episode is a thoughtful look at the human side of tattooing as care, collaboration, and connection.

    24 min

  4. Mar 20

    Don't Quote Me S2 E12 || Omar Arredondo

    Season 2 of Don’t Quote Me concludes with a powerful conversation featuring Omar Arredondo, whose journey reflects what it means to lead with intention, resilience, and community at the center. In this finale episode, Omar shares the experiences that shaped his path, the lessons learned through adversity and growth, and his perspective on building something that outlives any single moment. The discussion explores leadership, responsibility, personal evolution, and the drive to create meaningful change, not just success. Throughout the season, Don’t Quote Me has highlighted voices shaping culture, business, art, and community. This final conversation brings those themes together in a deeply thoughtful and forward-looking way.

    34 min
  5. Don't Quote Me S2 E11 | Alex "Big Al" Moran

    Mar 9

    Don't Quote Me S2 E11 | Alex "Big Al" Moran

    What does it really take to pursue creativity full-time? In this episode of Don’t Quote Me, we sit down with Grand Rapids artist and entrepreneur Alex “Big Al” Moran. Known for his murals across Michigan, Alex shares the unconventional journey that led him to leave corporate America and pursue art as a full-time career. Alex talks about the mental battle behind creativity, why great ideas often come from sitting through discomfort, and what it actually looks like to build a life around passion instead of stability. From tagging murals as “Big Al” to navigating the realities of scaling an art career, this conversation dives into the mindset, risks, and purpose behind creative work. We also explore the transition from structured corporate environments to the unpredictable world of entrepreneurship, the role routine plays in creativity, and how artists can think about impact beyond just the next project.

    38 min
  6. Don't Quote Me S2 E10 || Jonathan Jelks

    Feb 24

    Don't Quote Me S2 E10 || Jonathan Jelks

    In Episode 10 of Don’t Quote Me, we sit down with Grand Rapids serial entrepreneur Jonathan Jelks to unpack what it really takes to build in today’s economy. From Sip Coffee & Cocktails to Motu Viget, cannabis ventures, hospitality spaces, and the Midwest Tech Project, Jonathan shares how he navigates risk, partnerships, failure, and long-term vision while staying rooted in community. In this conversation, we explore: Why diversification matters in modern entrepreneurship Lessons learned from ventures that didn’t work Building talent pipelines and investing in the next generation The balance (or illusion of balance) between work and life AI, automation, and the future of human-centered spaces Why resilience and toughness still matter Jonathan reflects on growing up in Southeast Grand Rapids, creating opportunities for others, and the responsibility that comes with success. This episode is about legacy, systems thinking, and building something that outlives you.

    34 min

  7. Feb 9

    Don't Quote Me S2 E9 || Ximon Kittok

    In this episode of Don’t Quote Me, we sit down with Ximon Kittok (they/them), co-founder and Executive Director of the Grand Rapids Trans Foundation, for an honest and deeply human conversation about trans identity, community care, and liberation. Ximon shares why transness isn’t monolithic, how joy and euphoria can be acts of resistance, and what it means to build systems of support for trans and non-binary people in West Michigan. We talk about the Foundation’s hands-on programs, and why community spaces rooted in dignity and compassion matter more than ever. This conversation also explores: Why trans euphoria deserves more attention than trans tragedy The importance of bodily autonomy and self-expression How small, local organizations make a massive impact What allies can actually do to support trans communities right now

    35 min

  8. Jan 15

    Don't Quote Me S2 E8 || Nickolas Avink

    In this episode of Don’t Quote Me, Nick Avink—founder of Grand Rapids Trampoline Academy—shares his journey from competitive trampoline athlete to nonprofit leader working to expand access to movement-based programming for young people. The conversation explores: Why Grand Rapids Trampoline Academy transitioned to a nonprofit model How trampoline and tumbling function as both athletic discipline and art form The role movement plays in confidence, creativity, and mental resilience Reducing financial and geographic barriers in youth athletics Building community-centered programs during and after COVID A long-term vision inspired by the YMCA model for nationwide accessibility Nick also discusses the realities of competitive athletics, coaching across age groups, and why recreational organizations are essential to healthy, connected communities. Don’t Quote Me is a longform interview series highlighting the people shaping culture, creativity, and community.

    28 min
See All (27)

About

Don’t Quote Me is a documentary-style talk show about creativity, connection, and the courage it takes to keep showing up. Hosted by Caton Vance and produced by Vance & Company, each episode features honest conversations with artists, entrepreneurs, and change-makers navigating their craft, their city, and the world. We cover everything from building community through art, to resisting burnout, to the hustle of making something meaningful, all without losing your sense of self along the way. Expect laughs, unexpected wisdom, and the kind of dialogue that lingers long after the episode ends

Information

  • Creator
    Vance & Company
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    27
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Vance & Company
  • Show Website
    Don't Quote Me