What's the Startup?!

Sprocket
  • 5.0 (3)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP
  • UPDATED WEEKLY
What's the Startup?!

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! 

Episodes

  1. 5 DAYS AGO

    Navigating the Grant Maze for Small Businesses with Grant Writer Joel Dulin

    Ready to fuel your next big idea? In this episode, we’re sitting down with Joel Dulin, founder of Jozana Grant Services, to break down how you can tap into grant funding to supercharge your business. Joel’s been where you are — juggling everything from marketing to operations — and he knows firsthand what it takes to turn ambition into action.We’ll dig into the grant process, giving you clear, actionable steps on how to find the right opportunities, prepare a strong application, and build rel...

    19 min

  2. OCT 28

    Crafting the Perfect Pitch with PreventScripts Founder Brandi Harless

    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 r...

    27 min

  3. OCT 21

    Venture Capital 101: An Interview with Keyhorse Capital's Zeeshan Bhatti

    In this episode, we sit down with Zeeshan Bhatti from Keyhorse Capital to demystify the world of venture capital. Whether you’re considering venture capital for the first time or just curious about the process, Zeeshan shares invaluable insights on when and how to engage this funding mechanism, the importance of validating your idea, and what VCs are really looking for in early-stage startups.Tune in to learn from Zeeshan’s experience and gain practical advice that could be the game-changer i...

    31 min

  4. OCT 15

    Grit, Growth, and Customer Insights: Kory Payne of Ujoin on Startup Success

    In this episode of “What’s the Startup?,” we sit down with Kory Payne, founder of Ujoin, to dive into the gritty realities of building a B2B SaaS company from the ground up. Kory shares his journey from humble beginnings to hitting major sales milestones and achieving product-market fit.Throughout the conversation, Kory opens up about the challenges and sacrifices of startup life, the importance of listening to customers, and how customer feedback has been key to Ujoin's growth and innovation...

    23 min

  5. OCT 7

    5 Hard Truths Every Entrepreneur Should Face to Prep for Success

    Building a startup sounds glamorous—late nights filled with creativity, exciting launches, and the rush of chasing a dream. But the reality? It’s far more raw than that. At Sprocket, we’re not here to sugarcoat the entrepreneurial journey. We’re here to tell you what you need to hear, not just what you want to hear. Because if you’re serious about being an entrepreneur, you need to face the tough stuff head-on.So, here are five hard truths every entrepreneur needs to face. They might sting a ...

    9 min

  6. SEP 30

    Mastering Social Media: Leveraging User-Generated Content, Social Listening, and Short Form Video with Brenon Conn

    In this episode of What’s the Startup?!, we sit down with social media expert Brenon Conn of Sprocket Logic to explore how small business owners and entrepreneurs can master social media, even on a tight budget. Brenon shares powerful strategies for leveraging user-generated content, social listening, and short form video to boost engagement, grow your audience, and strengthen your brand. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to up your social media game, this episode is packed with ...

    24 min

  7. SEP 23

    Connecting People & Ideas with Sprocket's Community Coordinator Tiffany Boynton

    In this episode, we sit down with Tiffany, Sprocket’s new Community Coordinator, to explore her journey from the fast-paced hustle of New York to the collaborative, innovation-driven community at Sprocket. Tiffany shares how finding Sprocket transformed her view of Paducah and gave her the community she’d been searching for, and now, she’s all about creating that same welcoming, supportive space for others.We’ll dive into what it’s like to be at the heart of Sprocket’s community, how Tiffany ...

    19 min

  8. SEP 19

    The Power of Quiet Time and Goal Setting with Sprocket Member Amy Wright

    In this episode of What’s the Startup?, we sit down with Amy Wright, founder of Wright Photography Video, to dive into her journey from side hustle to a thriving full-time business. Amy shares her story of leaving the security of a 9-to-5 to pursue her passion and how quiet time and goal setting have become her secret weapons for success.We talk about finding balance as an entrepreneur, setting boundaries between work and family, and the power of intention when it comes to achieving your goal...

    25 min

  9. SEP 9

    Remote Work, Tech Careers, and AI Insights with Derek Yang

    In this episode of What’s the Startup?!, we sit down with Derek Yang, a Senior Backend Engineer who’s navigated the twists and turns of remote work, career pivots, and the evolving world of tech. From making the leap into coding through a bootcamp to finding his way into the Sprocket community, Derek’s story is all about embracing change, learning on the fly, and staying ahead of the curve in a fast-moving industry.We dive into what it really takes to transition into tech, how to leverage cow...

    35 min

  10. SEP 3

    Turning Everyday Problems Into Stand-Out Startups with Entrepreneur Growth Coach & Startup Founder Patrick Ranval

    In this episode, we dive into the heart of entrepreneurship, exploring the journey from initial ideas to successful startups. We discuss the importance of innovation, iteration, and understanding your customers’ needs. You’ll learn how to navigate the startup world, create a unique value proposition, and develop a product that truly resonates with your audience. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your business model, this conversation offers actionable insights and practica...

    41 min

  11. AUG 29

    Innovate and Iterate in the West Kentucky Innovation Challenge with Hannah Ranval

    In this episode we sit down with Hannah, the Program Manager at Sprocket, to explore the journey of taking an idea from concept to reality. Hannah shares her personal entrepreneurial story, how she became involved with Sprocket, and the exciting opportunities available through the West Kentucky Innovation Challenge (WKIC). We dive into the importance of customer discovery, the process of iterating on ideas, and how the WKIC program equips entrepreneurs with the tools and confidence to innovat...

    32 min

  12. AUG 21

    Building a Startup Ecosystem: The Sprocket Journey with Monica Bilak

    Welcome to the inaugural episode of the Sprocket Podcast, “What’s the Startup?!” Join us as we sit down with Monica Bilak, the visionary behind Sprocket, to uncover the story of how this entrepreneurial hub came to life. From transforming a historic space into a vibrant center for innovation to fostering a thriving ecosystem that supports startups across Western Kentucky, Monica shares the journey, challenges, and successes that have shaped Sprocket into what it is today. Whether you’re an as...

    29 min
  • 12 Episodes

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
    2K
  • Episodes
    12
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2024 What's the Startup?!
  • Show Website
    What's the Startup?!

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