Spotlight

William McLeod

Welcome to 'Spotlight,' the podcast that shines a light on the incredible local businesses of the Twin Cities! In each bite-sized 15-minute episode, we dive deep into the authentic stories of the entrepreneurs, innovators, and dreamers who make our community thrive. From the bustling streets of Minneapolis to the vibrant neighborhoods of St. Paul, we bring you the unfiltered journeys, challenges, and triumphs of the people behind the businesses you love. Get ready to be inspired, entertained, and discover the true heart of the Twin Cities, one local business at a time. Tune in to 'Spotlight' and hear their stories!"

  1. NOV 30

    Be Inspired, Live Happy, Pass It On | Cindy Daniels’ Story of The Inspire Company

    What if the one thing you didn’t ask for turned out to be your life’s greatest calling? For Cindy Daniels, founder of The Inspire Company, inspiration wasn’t just a nice idea — it was a word that kept showing up everywhere she turned. From billboards to visions to conversations with friends, “Inspire” refused to leave her alone. What began as a reluctant whisper has grown into a movement that helps people be inspired, live happy, and pass it on. In this Spotlight Session with PodcastCrew, Cindy shares how her winding journey — from farm life in Wisconsin to decades in corporate America to executive coaching and leadership training — ultimately led her to embrace the mission she resisted for so long: creating a global ripple effect of inspiration. 💡 In this episode, you’ll discover: The surprising story of how The Inspire Company was born from visions and synchronicities Why inspiration is more than a “nice-to-have” — it’s a force that shapes purpose and legacy The power of “first candles” — people who stand strong and light the way for others Why defining your “why” is harder (and more necessary) than motivational slogans suggest How Cindy is turning decades of wisdom into tools, courses, and her upcoming Wise Guide Books If you’ve ever felt called to something bigger — even if you resisted it — Cindy’s story will remind you that the things that won’t leave you alone often point to your true purpose. 🎥 Filmed at PodcastCrew Studios in Robbinsdale, MN 📍 Want to be seen, heard, and remembered for what you really bring to the table? Our Spotlight Sessions are more than free visibility — they’re your on-ramp to becoming the trusted voice in your space. 🎤 Step up and own the mic (instead of waiting to be invited) Book your free Spotlight session now → https://podcastcrew.online/booking/ 🎙️ Ready to sound like a pro — without the stress? Launch or level up your podcast with PodcastCrew: podcastcrew.com We handle the production. You stay in your zone of genius.

    13 min
  2. Balancing Babies and Business – Lanette Hines on Growing a Cleaning Company with Heart

    OCT 31

    Balancing Babies and Business – Lanette Hines on Growing a Cleaning Company with Heart

    Lanette Hines, founder of Hines Services, LLC, turned one cleaning job into a thriving residential and commercial business serving over 100 homes a month. In this heart-filled episode, she opens up about her entrepreneurial journey, navigating motherhood, managing a team, and growing a company grounded in community care. This is a must-listen for anyone juggling family and business, and dreaming of sustainable, soul-aligned growth. In this episode, you'll learn: How Lanette grew her cleaning business from one client to over 100 homes monthlyWhat it takes to transition from “in the business” to working on the businessThe mindset shift that helped her navigate growth and setbacksHow she balances entrepreneurship with raising four kidsHer approach to hiring and building a reliable, caring teamThe difference between residential and commercial cleaning — and how she mastered both📍 Recorded at PodcastCrew Studio, Robbinsdale, MN About the Guest Lanette Hines is the owner of Hines Services, LLC, based in Eden Prairie, MN. Her company specializes in detailed residential and commercial cleaning. Known for her personal touch and community focus, Lanette is passionate about giving families their time back. 📧 Hinescleaning@yahoo.com 🌐 hinescleaning.com 📸 Instagram #entrepreneurship #womeninbusiness #cleaningbusiness #mompreneur #businessgrowth #residentialcleaning #commercialcleaning #worklifebalance #leadership #mindsetshift 🎙️ Ready to sound like a pro — without the stress? Launch or level up your podcast with PodcastCrew: podcastcrew.com We handle the production. You stay in your zone of genius.

    16 min
  3. From Teen Father to Community Visionary – Charles Lindsey on Youth Empowerment & Social Impact

    OCT 31

    From Teen Father to Community Visionary – Charles Lindsey on Youth Empowerment & Social Impact

    Charles Lindsey’s journey is one of resilience, growth, and purpose. Becoming a father at just 20 years old shaped his path in profound ways. Now a father of four and a passionate advocate for youth and community development, Charles shares a deeply personal and inspiring story that shows how early responsibility, hardship, and a drive to uplift others can shape a powerful mission for change. In a world fractured by division and negativity, his message of unity, positivity, and human connection is more vital than ever. 🔑 In this episode, you'll learn: How early fatherhood shaped Charles’ values and leadership styleThe inspiration behind his drive to serve and uplift youthThe challenges today’s kids face in a post-pandemic, tech-driven worldWhy social connection and face-to-face communication matter more than everThe role of parents in bridging generational gaps in communicationCharles’ vision for a movement centered on education, outreach, and positivity📍 Recorded at PodcastCrew Studio, Robbinsdale, MN 👤 Guest Bio: Charles Lindsey is a Minneapolis-based father, speaker, and emerging social entrepreneur with a heart for mentoring youth and creating platforms for positive influence. He's on a mission to reconnect communities through empathy, dialogue, and hope. 🔗 Connect: charleslindsey89@gmail.com  | (952) 992-9640 📣 #fatherhood #youthempowerment #socialimpact #communityleadership #positivity #mindsetmatters #mentorshipmatters #changemaker #entrepreneurship #connectionoverdivision 🎙️ Ready to sound like a pro — without the stress? Launch or level up your podcast with PodcastCrew: podcastcrew.com We handle the production. You stay in your zone of genius.

    17 min
  4. Healing from Within – Kelsey Beaumaster on Functional Wellness, Hormone Balance & Health Advocacy

    OCT 31

    Healing from Within – Kelsey Beaumaster on Functional Wellness, Hormone Balance & Health Advocacy

    When conventional medicine failed her, Kelsey Beaumaster became her own health advocate — uncovering mold illness, hormone imbalances, and nutrient deficiencies that left her body depleted. Her personal healing journey inspired her to help others reclaim their health, especially women facing similar battles. In this episode, Kelsey reveals how she empowers clients with education, functional lab testing, and holistic tools to restore vitality, balance hormones, and even reverse infertility diagnoses. This episode is a must-listen for anyone who feels dismissed by the system and is ready to take their health into their own hands. What You’ll Learn: How Kelsey reversed her own health challenges with functional lab testingWhy hormonal health begins with liver and gut supportThe truth about “lifelong diagnoses” and what you can actually healHow to advocate for your health even when doctors say “you’re fine”Real success stories of clients reversing PCOS and regaining fertilityThe one health myth Kelsey wants to bust for good📍 Recorded at PodcastCrew Studio, Robbinsdale, MN Guest Bio: Kelsey Beaumaster is an Integrative Health Practitioner, certified personal trainer, yoga teacher, and nutrition coach based in Albertville, MN. She serves clients at Tree of Life and the Marcel Community Center.  Contact: kelseytreeoflife@gmail.com  | (763) 843-3571 #functionalmedicine #hormonebalance #womenshealth #healingjourney #pcosreversal #integrativehealth #guthealth #weightlossjourney #mindsetshift #womeninbusiness 🎙️ Ready to sound like a pro — without the stress? Launch or level up your podcast with PodcastCrew: podcastcrew.com We handle the production. You stay in your zone of genius.

    17 min
  5. Solving Family Mysteries – Jessica Schneider on Forensic Genealogy

    OCT 31

    Solving Family Mysteries – Jessica Schneider on Forensic Genealogy

    What if your family tree held secrets that could change lives—or settle million-dollar estates? In this episode, forensic genealogist Jessica Schneider opens up about her unique role in uncovering missing heirs, connecting lineage for legal cases, and navigating deeply personal family histories. If you've ever been curious about how real-life genealogy compares to what you see on crime shows, this story will pull you in. 📚 In this episode, you’ll learn: The difference between traditional and forensic genealogyHow DNA, databases, and detective work combine in legal casesReal-world stories of finding heirs and solving identity mysteriesTools and techniques used to trace family lineageThe emotional and legal impact of connecting people with their ancestryWhy curiosity and compassion are essential in this line of work📍 Location: Recorded at PodcastCrew Studio, Robbinsdale, MN 👤 Guest Bio: Jessica Schneider is the founder of Schneider Genealogy, a forensic genealogy firm specializing in legal cases involving missing or unknown heirs. She partners with attorneys, courts, and families nationwide. 🌐 schneidergenealogy.com 📧 jessica@schneidergenealogy.com 📞 970.749.6629 🔖 #genealogy #forensicgenealogy #ancestry #familyhistory #womeninbusiness #legalresearch #curiositydriven #mindset #entrepreneurship #storiesmatter 🎙️ Ready to sound like a pro — without the stress? Launch or level up your podcast with PodcastCrew: podcastcrew.com We handle the production. You stay in your zone of genius.

    17 min
  6. Mastering Customer Loyalty Through Behavioral Data – Annika Everson on Marketing Psychology

    OCT 31

    Mastering Customer Loyalty Through Behavioral Data – Annika Everson on Marketing Psychology

    What if understanding your customer’s behavior could unlock deeper loyalty and drive smarter marketing? In this Spotlight episode, Annika Everson, founder of The Loopology, shares her powerful journey from corporate life to launching a business that helps companies decode customer behavior through data, psychology, and connection. If you’re an entrepreneur, marketer, or just curious about what really drives customer decisions, this conversation offers a fresh, actionable perspective that can shift how you see your audience. 🔍 What you'll learn: How behavioral science informs better marketingThe role of identity and community in customer retentionWhy collecting the right data matters more than collecting all dataHow small businesses can use psychology to compete with big brandsAnnika’s personal leap from stability to innovationPractical tips for aligning marketing with human behavior📍 Recorded at PodcastCrew Studio, Robbinsdale, MN 👤 Guest Bio: Annika Everson is the founder of The Loopology , a brand loyalty and data strategy company that helps businesses build strong emotional connections with their customers. Connect with her: LinkedIn Facebook Email: annika@theloopology.com 📈 #customerloyalty #marketingpsychology #behavioralscience #entrepreneurship #smallbusinessmarketing #brandingstrategy #dataanalytics #womeninbusiness #mindsetmatters #theloopology 🎙️ Ready to sound like a pro — without the stress? Launch or level up your podcast with PodcastCrew: podcastcrew.com We handle the production. You stay in your zone of genius.

    16 min
  7. Navigating Insurance Claims After Disaster – Ross Sanders on Fire & Water Restoration

    OCT 31

    Navigating Insurance Claims After Disaster – Ross Sanders on Fire & Water Restoration

    When disaster strikes, most homeowners are left in shock — uncertain, overwhelmed, and unsure of what to do next. That’s where Ross Sanders and the Lindstrom Restoration team step in. In this heartfelt and eye-opening episode, Ross shares what it really takes to restore not just a home, but peace of mind after catastrophic fire or water damage. Whether you're a homeowner, contractor, or community ally, this conversation reveals the hidden truths of the restoration industry. Listeners will learn: How Lindstrom Restoration helps families recover after fire, flood, or mold damageWhat makes insurance claims so complex — and how to navigate them effectivelyThe biggest misconceptions about contractors and “storm chasers”Why local matters: the power of showing up for your communityHow to ensure you're not underinsured before disaster strikesTips on maintaining your home to prevent future claims📍 Recorded at PodcastCrew Studio, Robbinsdale, MN 👤 Guest Bio: Ross Sanders is a representative for Lindstrom Restoration, a third-generation, family-owned company specializing in fire, water, and mold restoration in the Twin Cities. With a deep commitment to community and decades of expertise, Lindstrom serves a 35-mile radius from Plymouth, MN, restoring homes and hope after disaster. 📧 rsanders@firerepair.com 🌐 firerepair.com #restorationservices #insuranceclaims #homeownersupport #waterdamage #fireprevention #disasterrecovery #contractorlife #communitysupport #mindsetshift 🎙️ Ready to sound like a pro — without the stress? Launch or level up your podcast with PodcastCrew: podcastcrew.com We handle the production. You stay in your zone of genius.

    16 min
  8. Building Authentic Brands Through Story – Kamden Nute on Personal Branding & LinkedIn Strategy

    OCT 31

    Building Authentic Brands Through Story – Kamden Nute on Personal Branding & LinkedIn Strategy

    In a digital world saturated with noise, Kamden Nute dares to do things differently. In this Spotlight Session, the founder of BLK Sheep shares how authenticity and storytelling can cut through the clutter and drive real connection — and real business — on LinkedIn. If you’ve ever struggled to show up as your real self online or wondered how to turn your story into your superpower, this episode is for you. 🔑 What you’ll learn: Why storytelling is the secret weapon of successful personal brandsHow Kamden helps entrepreneurs attract warm leads on LinkedInThe “Seven Levels of Why” method to uncover your brand’s deeper purposeWhy showing up imperfectly and consistently matters more than everHow to build trust and connection through authentic contentKamden’s vision for BLK Sheep and content-led client transformation📍 Recorded at PodcastCrew Studio, Robbinsdale, MN 👤 Guest Bio: Kamden Nute is the founder of BLK Sheep, a personal branding company helping entrepreneurs stand out on LinkedIn through bold photography, strategic content, and human-first storytelling. 📧 kam@blksheepco.com | 📞 (952) 237-4424 🌐 blksheepco.com 📲 Follow BLK Sheep on social:  Instagram: @andrew.macht Facebook: @theamproduction 🔖 #PersonalBranding #LinkedInStrategy #StorytellingMarketing #AuthenticBranding #Entrepreneurship #Creativity #MarketingTips #BLKSheep #ContentStrategy #BrandGrowth 🎙️ Ready to sound like a pro — without the stress? Launch or level up your podcast with PodcastCrew: podcastcrew.com We handle the production. You stay in your zone of genius.

    14 min

About

Welcome to 'Spotlight,' the podcast that shines a light on the incredible local businesses of the Twin Cities! In each bite-sized 15-minute episode, we dive deep into the authentic stories of the entrepreneurs, innovators, and dreamers who make our community thrive. From the bustling streets of Minneapolis to the vibrant neighborhoods of St. Paul, we bring you the unfiltered journeys, challenges, and triumphs of the people behind the businesses you love. Get ready to be inspired, entertained, and discover the true heart of the Twin Cities, one local business at a time. Tune in to 'Spotlight' and hear their stories!"