Hometown Jax

First Coast Mortgage Funding
  • 5.0 (17)
  • Careers
  • Updated Biweekly

Hometown Jax is a podcast that shines a spotlight on the people who make Jacksonville run. From firefighters and nurses to bartenders, teachers, and more, we sit down with locals who have everyday jobs that often go unnoticed but are essential to our community. 

  1. 6d ago

    Dr. Jackson Taylor: The Physical Therapist Rebuilding Men's Health, One Habit at a Time

    Welcome back to Hometown Jax, the podcast where host Aaron Bacus sits down with the business owners and everyday professionals shaping Jacksonville's local community to hear their stories, their setbacks, and the lessons that got them where they are today. This episode brings in a rare guest for the show — a doctor — as Aaron welcomes Dr. Jackson Taylor, a Doctor of Physical Therapy who left the traditional clinic model behind to build a career centered on strength, longevity, and men's health. Dr. Taylor takes us from his roots in small-town Maine to grad school in Saint Augustine, and into the frustrations that pushed him out of the conventional PT clinic and into coaching men directly. The conversation covers the "yo-yo of death" he saw in traditional physical therapy, the real science behind falls, muscle loss, and aging, and a refreshingly honest take on GLP-1 medications, statins, and supplement culture. He also opens up about his 520-page book, The Heroic Man, built around three pillars — body, heart, and soul — and the foundation he directs that's tackling childhood obesity. Whether you're chasing a fitness goal, questioning the noise on social media, or just trying to figure out what "healthy" actually means at 35, 50, or 80, this episode is packed with perspective you don't want to miss. Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/drjacksontaylor/ Non-profit: https://generationstrong.org/

    Dr. Jackson Taylor: The Physical Therapist Rebuilding Men's Health, One Habit at a Time

  2. Sep 30

    From Military Service to Morning Radio: E.T. Thalerand's Jacksonville Journey

    Welcome to Hometown Jax, hosted by Aaron Bacus, where we sit down with Jacksonville's business owners, entrepreneurs, creators, and community leaders to hear the stories behind their success. Every episode explores the challenges, defining moments, and lessons that shaped their journey while highlighting the people making a lasting impact across Northeast Florida. In this episode, Aaron sits down with E.T. Thalerand, On-Air Producer at 1010XL, to discuss his incredible path from serving seven years in the U.S. Coast Guard to becoming one of the familiar voices behind Jacksonville's premier sports radio station. E.T. shares how rejection early in his broadcasting career fueled his determination, what really happens behind the scenes of a live sports radio show, and why relationship-building has opened doors throughout his career. The conversation also dives into Jacksonville sports culture, the Jaguars' impact on the city, coaching youth athletics, community leadership, and E.T.'s passion for creating opportunities through scholarships and local outreach. Whether you're interested in broadcasting, sports media, leadership, or building a meaningful career through perseverance and service, this episode is packed with insight and inspiration.

    From Military Service to Morning Radio: E.T. Thalerand's Jacksonville Journey

  3. Sep 9

    Trey Brunson on Faith, Film & the Rise of Church of Eleven22

    On this episode of Hometown Jax, host Aaron Bacus sits down with local leaders, entrepreneurs, and difference-makers from across Northeast Florida to uncover the stories behind their success, the obstacles they’ve faced, and the impact they’re making in the Jacksonville community. From business and leadership to faith and personal growth, Hometown Jaxshines a spotlight on the people shaping the culture and future of the First Coast. In this episode, Aaron sits down with Trey Brunson of Church of Eleven22 for a powerful conversation about faith, leadership, purpose, and the explosive growth of one of Jacksonville’s most influential churches. Trey shares his journey from growing up as a pastor’s kid to planting a church in Los Angeles, producing the faith-based film Run the Racealongside Tim Tebow, and helping lead the rapid expansion of Eleven22 across Northeast Florida. The conversation dives deep into modern culture, the resurgence of faith, truth in today’s world, discipleship, church planting, and why so many people are searching for meaning right now. This is an inspiring and thought-provoking episode you won’t want to miss.

    Trey Brunson on Faith, Film & the Rise of Church of Eleven22

  4. Aug 19

    Military Police, Mortgages & Firearms: The Many Careers of CJ Bobola

    On this episode of Hometown Jax, host Aaron Bacus sits down with local business owners, entrepreneurs, and community leaders to uncover the real stories behind their success. From overcoming obstacles to building businesses in Northeast Florida, Hometown Jax highlights the people who make the Jacksonville community thrive. Each episode dives into the lessons, struggles, and wins that shape the everyday workforce and business landscape of Jacksonville. This week, Aaron talks with CJ Bobola, veteran, former military police officer, mortgage professional, and owner of Anchored Armory. CJ shares his journey from growing up in a military family to serving overseas in Greece, Spain, and Africa, working anti-piracy missions, becoming a civilian police officer, and eventually transitioning into the mortgage industry and firearms business. The conversation dives deep into gun safety, concealed carry laws, military culture, entrepreneurship, networking, and how CJ built a concierge-style firearm business focused on education and trust. Whether you’re interested in entrepreneurship, military stories, firearms education, or building a business around your passions, this episode is packed with insight and unforgettable stories.

    Military Police, Mortgages & Firearms: The Many Careers of CJ Bobola

  5. Aug 5

    How Jim Martin Built a Championship Legacy in Jacksonville Basketball

    On this episode of Hometown Jax, host Aaron Bacus sits down with the people who help shape Jacksonville through leadership, perseverance, and service to the community. Each conversation uncovers the real story behind local success — the setbacks, sacrifices, and defining moments that most people never see. This show is about the individuals who make Northeast Florida stronger every single day. In this episode, Aaron talks with legendary Providence School basketball coach Jim Martin, fresh off his fourth state championship. Jim shares his journey from college player to coach, the moment he walked away from a stable career to follow his calling, and how he built one of Jacksonville’s most respected basketball programs. They dive into leadership, coaching philosophy, parenting in youth sports, player development, and what it truly means to create a winning culture that lasts far beyond the scoreboard.

    How Jim Martin Built a Championship Legacy in Jacksonville Basketball

  6. Jul 22

    Inside Local News: Tiffany Salameh on Journalism, AI & Trust in Media

    Hometown Jax is all about the people who keep Jacksonville moving—business owners, professionals, and community leaders who show up every day to make a difference. Hosted by Jason Kindler, each episode dives into the real stories behind the work—uncovering the challenges, pivots, and passion that fuel success in Northeast Florida. Whether you're an entrepreneur, a creative, or just someone who loves hearing how others overcome obstacles, this podcast is your front-row seat to the heartbeat of Jacksonville. In this episode, Jason sits down with News4JAX reporter Tiffany Salameh to explore her journey from a Jacksonville native to a trusted voice in local news. Tiffany shares how an unexpected start in high school journalism shaped her career, what it really takes to work in a fast-paced newsroom, and how the media landscape has evolved in the age of social media and AI. From uncovering scams and helping real people get justice to breaking down misconceptions about the news industry, this conversation pulls back the curtain on what it means to report the truth—and why local journalism matters now more than ever.

    Inside Local News: Tiffany Salameh on Journalism, AI & Trust in Media

  7. Jul 8

    From Beaver County to the Super Bowl: Jerald Ingram’s Championship Journey

    Hometown Jax is where Jacksonville’s leaders, builders, and difference-makers share the real stories behind their success. Hosted by Aaron Bacus, the show dives into the journeys, setbacks, sacrifices, and defining moments that shape the people impacting our city every day. From entrepreneurs to former NFL coaches, each episode reveals what it truly takes to win — in business, in life, and in the community. In this powerful episode, Aaron sits down with former NFL running backs coach Jerald Ingram to unpack a journey that spans from growing up in Beaver, Pennsylvania to coaching under legendary leaders at Michigan, building the Jacksonville Jaguars from day one, and winning two Super Bowls with the New York Giants. Jerald shares lessons on discipline from his military father, the intensity of playing under Bo Schembechler, what it takes to build a championship culture from scratch, and the emotional reality of hoisting the Lombardi Trophy. From expansion draft strategy to playoff battles in 27-below Green Bay, this conversation is packed with wisdom on leadership, sacrifice, and what separates good teams from great ones. If you want a behind-the-scenes look at what it truly takes to win at the highest level — this episode is a must-watch.

    From Beaver County to the Super Bowl: Jerald Ingram’s Championship Journey

  8. Jun 24

    The Jingle Queen of Jacksonville: Deborah McDuffie’s Legendary Music Career

    Hometown Jax is where host Aaron Bacus sits down with Jacksonville’s most impactful entrepreneurs, creatives, and business leaders to uncover the real stories behind their success. Each episode dives into the challenges, setbacks, and defining moments that shaped their journeys—highlighting the resilience and grit that fuel our local community. In this episode, Aaron welcomes Deborah McDuffie—known in the industry as “The Jingle Queen.” From growing up in Queens, New York, to becoming one of the first Black female music producers in advertising, Deborah shares how a college assignment launched her into a historic career at McCann Erickson, where she helped shape iconic campaigns like Coca-Cola’s “Buy the World a Coke.” She opens up about producing legends such as Luther Vandross, Gladys Knight, Al Green, Patti LaBelle, Janet Jackson, B.B. King, and even performing on Saturday Night Live during its original cast era. Deborah reveals what it really takes to spot talent, stand firm in your creative vision, and succeed as a trailblazer in a male-dominated industry. This is more than a music story—it’s a masterclass in courage, conviction, and creativity.

    The Jingle Queen of Jacksonville: Deborah McDuffie’s Legendary Music Career
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5
out of 5
17 Ratings

About

Hometown Jax is a podcast that shines a spotlight on the people who make Jacksonville run. From firefighters and nurses to bartenders, teachers, and more, we sit down with locals who have everyday jobs that often go unnoticed but are essential to our community. 

Information

  • Creator
    First Coast Mortgage Funding
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    50
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Hometown Jax
  • Show Website
    Hometown Jax