Made of More

KKNW | Hubbard Radio

Made of More is a radio show / podcast that shares the powerful, personal stories behind the entrepreneurs of the greater Seattle area and beyond, individuals who have built meaningful businesses and experiences not just to better their own lives, but to positively impact their communities, families, and the world around them. This show isn’t just about what they've built - it’s also about who they are as people. We explore their journeys of inspiration, adversity, risk, and resilience. We dig into the pivotal moments, the challenges that shaped them, and the drive that pushed them to step outside the box and do something different. These are people who are made of more.  And so are our listeners. Each episode is an invitation to connect more deeply; not only with the story, but with the mission behind each business. Whether it inspires you to chase a dream, break your own mold, or simply experience and support these ventures in a way that speaks to you, Made of More reminds us that greatness often begins with a story worth telling.

  1. Mar 25

    Mastering Negotiation & Defying Limits with Alicia Quaco Olsen

    In this inspiring episode of the "Made of More" podcast, host Chris Erdman sits down with Alicia Quaco Olsen to explore her dynamic journey from a United States Air Force Academy graduate to a top healthcare executive and community leader. Alicia shares unique personal stories that highlight her immense drive, such as balancing her military duties negotiating aircraft contracts while simultaneously performing as a Seattle Seahawks cheerleader during their 2013 Super Bowl-winning season. Transitioning her formidable negotiation skills into the healthcare sector, she details her experience leading a hospital command center through grueling 20-hour days during the COVID-19 pandemic and her rapid ascent to becoming a company president by the age of 32. Through an entrepreneurial lens, Alicia imparts valuable lessons on the importance of building collaborative relationships in negotiations, expanding community networks through her leadership with the Kirkland Chamber of Commerce, and the absolute necessity of verbally advocating for your own career goals. About the show: Made of More is a radio show / podcast that shares the powerful, personal stories behind the entrepreneurs of the greater Seattle area and beyond, individuals who have built meaningful businesses and experiences not just to better their own lives, but to positively impact their communities, families, and the world around them. This show isn’t just about what they’ve built – it’s also about who they are as people. We explore their journeys of inspiration, adversity, risk, and resilience. We dig into the pivotal moments, the challenges that shaped them, and the drive that pushed them to step outside the box and do something different. These are people who are made of more. And so are our listeners. Each episode is an invitation to connect more deeply; not only with the story, but with the mission behind each business. Whether it inspires you to chase a dream, break your own mold, or simply experience and support these ventures in a way that speaks to you, Made of More reminds us that greatness often begins with a story worth telling. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    54 min
  2. Mar 18

    From Chronic Illness to Nonprofit Founder: Alia Joy’s Mission to Heal

    In this inspiring episode of Made of More, host Chris Erdmann sits down with Alia Joy to discuss her transformative journey from battling a debilitating autoimmune disease to becoming a passionate entrepreneur. Diagnosed at age 15 and bedridden for years due to intense physical pain, Alia found strength through her faith, the power of holistic medicine, and a supportive community. Now, she is channeling that adversity into purpose by launching "Organic Design," a newly founded nonprofit dedicated to helping individuals uncover the root causes of their illnesses while providing them with crucial financial and emotional support. Expanding her entrepreneurial vision even further, Alia is also in the process of producing a documentary about autoimmune diseases and starting an anti-inflammatory cooking show to make healing more accessible. Her journey is a powerful testament to refusing to let negative diagnoses define your reality, instead using personal hardship to build an organization that serves and uplifts others. About the show: Made of More is a radio show / podcast that shares the powerful, personal stories behind the entrepreneurs of the greater Seattle area and beyond, individuals who have built meaningful businesses and experiences not just to better their own lives, but to positively impact their communities, families, and the world around them. This show isn’t just about what they’ve built – it’s also about who they are as people. We explore their journeys of inspiration, adversity, risk, and resilience. We dig into the pivotal moments, the challenges that shaped them, and the drive that pushed them to step outside the box and do something different. These are people who are made of more. And so are our listeners. Each episode is an invitation to connect more deeply; not only with the story, but with the mission behind each business. Whether it inspires you to chase a dream, break your own mold, or simply experience and support these ventures in a way that speaks to you, Made of More reminds us that greatness often begins with a story worth telling. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    54 min
  3. Feb 25

    Turning Pain into Purpose: How Dawni Rae Found Success in Wellness

    In this powerful episode of the "Made of More" podcast, host Chris Erdmann sits down with Dawni Rae, founder of Dawni Rae Wellness, to explore her incredible journey from profound childhood trauma to successful entrepreneurship. Dawni opens up about her early struggles with abuse, sharing how she initially used extreme physical exercise and a decade-long battle with bulimia as mechanisms for escape. However, after hitting a pivotal breaking point in her early thirties, she committed to deep emotional healing, therapy, and self-compassion, ultimately choosing to turn her pain into her life's purpose. Today, she leads a thriving wellness business, guiding clients through transformative virtual fitness classes and immersive retreats that focus on healing the "inner child" alongside the physical body. Dawni's story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the beautiful impact of building a business rooted in authentic healing, vulnerability, and a mission to lift others up. About the show: Made of More is a radio show / podcast that shares the powerful, personal stories behind the entrepreneurs of the greater Seattle area and beyond, individuals who have built meaningful businesses and experiences not just to better their own lives, but to positively impact their communities, families, and the world around them. This show isn’t just about what they’ve built – it’s also about who they are as people. We explore their journeys of inspiration, adversity, risk, and resilience. We dig into the pivotal moments, the challenges that shaped them, and the drive that pushed them to step outside the box and do something different. These are people who are made of more. And so are our listeners. Each episode is an invitation to connect more deeply; not only with the story, but with the mission behind each business. Whether it inspires you to chase a dream, break your own mold, or simply experience and support these ventures in a way that speaks to you, Made of More reminds us that greatness often begins with a story worth telling. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    54 min
  4. Feb 18

    Real World Selling, Resilience, & Relationships with James Hayden

    In this episode of Made of More, host Chris Erdmann sits down with sales leader and author James Hayden, to explore the intersection of personal resilience and professional success. Hayden shares his unique backstory—from being adopted and raised in a remote Alaskan village to growing up around the space program—and reveals how early family challenges fueled his entrepreneurial fire. The conversation dives into practical business strategies, including the psychology of "push-pull" sales dynamics, the critical importance of pre-presentation agreements to protect intellectual property, and how to stay ahead of the curve by embracing AI. Throughout the discussion, Hayden emphasizes the philosophy of "Made of More"—optimizing one's life through ethical practices, deep relationships, and the willingness to learn from failure. About the show: Made of More is a radio show / podcast that shares the powerful, personal stories behind the entrepreneurs of the greater Seattle area and beyond, individuals who have built meaningful businesses and experiences not just to better their own lives, but to positively impact their communities, families, and the world around them. This show isn’t just about what they’ve built – it’s also about who they are as people. We explore their journeys of inspiration, adversity, risk, and resilience. We dig into the pivotal moments, the challenges that shaped them, and the drive that pushed them to step outside the box and do something different. These are people who are made of more. And so are our listeners. Each episode is an invitation to connect more deeply; not only with the story, but with the mission behind each business. Whether it inspires you to chase a dream, break your own mold, or simply experience and support these ventures in a way that speaks to you, Made of More reminds us that greatness often begins with a story worth telling. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    54 min
  5. Jan 28

    Kent’ae Van London on Flowers, Family, and Living Fully

    Join host Chris Erdmann on Made of More for an inspiring conversation with Kent’ae Van London, founder of the Van London Collection. In this episode, Kent shares his journey from affordable housing advocate to multifaceted entrepreneur, leading businesses in floral design, interior styling, and travel experiences. He opens up about the deep personal roots of his work, including the influence of his grandmother who taught him to "give people their flowers while they're still alive to enjoy them". From navigating the challenges of 2025 to creating moments of joy through his "Voluminous" floral line, Kent'ae discusses the vital difference between merely existing and truly living. Discover how his commitment to empathy, hospitality, and celebrating life's fleeting beauty drives his unique approach to business and community connection. About the show: Made of More is a radio show / podcast that shares the powerful, personal stories behind the entrepreneurs of the greater Seattle area and beyond, individuals who have built meaningful businesses and experiences not just to better their own lives, but to positively impact their communities, families, and the world around them. This show isn’t just about what they’ve built – it’s also about who they are as people. We explore their journeys of inspiration, adversity, risk, and resilience. We dig into the pivotal moments, the challenges that shaped them, and the drive that pushed them to step outside the box and do something different. These are people who are made of more. And so are our listeners. Each episode is an invitation to connect more deeply; not only with the story, but with the mission behind each business. Whether it inspires you to chase a dream, break your own mold, or simply experience and support these ventures in a way that speaks to you, Made of More reminds us that greatness often begins with a story worth telling. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    55 min
  6. Jan 21

    From Trauma to Brotherhood: Jeff Fisher on Radical Forgiveness

    In this episode of Made of More, host Chris Erdmann sits down with Jeff Fisher—a former professional athlete and entrepreneur—to discuss his journey from a traumatic childhood marked by severe abuse to a life of purpose and radical forgiveness. Fisher opens up about the shocking family revelation regarding his stepfather that allowed him to let go of lifelong anger, and how that path led him to found Battle Forged Fellowship, a new ministry designed to combat the epidemic of male loneliness and suicide through deep discipleship and community. The conversation explores Fisher's "Four C's" framework for categorizing friendships (Constituent, Comrade, Community Member, and Confidant), the vital importance of vulnerability, and his upcoming projects, including the book "Felonies to Fruitfulness" and the documentary "Lion Among Smalls". About the show: Made of More is a radio show / podcast that shares the powerful, personal stories behind the entrepreneurs of the greater Seattle area and beyond, individuals who have built meaningful businesses and experiences not just to better their own lives, but to positively impact their communities, families, and the world around them. This show isn’t just about what they’ve built – it’s also about who they are as people. We explore their journeys of inspiration, adversity, risk, and resilience. We dig into the pivotal moments, the challenges that shaped them, and the drive that pushed them to step outside the box and do something different. These are people who are made of more. And so are our listeners. Each episode is an invitation to connect more deeply; not only with the story, but with the mission behind each business. Whether it inspires you to chase a dream, break your own mold, or simply experience and support these ventures in a way that speaks to you, Made of More reminds us that greatness often begins with a story worth telling. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    54 min
  7. Jan 14

    Constructing a Dream: Christopher Villa on the DADU Housing Solution

    In this episode of Made of More, host Chris Erdmann sits down with Christopher "Toph" Villa to explore his diverse entrepreneurial journey—from the corporate floors of Nordstrom to a multimillion-dollar loss in the shoe industry, and eventually to a successful exit in sports franchising. Now leading his new venture, Dream DADU, Villa shares how he is tackling the housing affordability crisis in the Pacific Northwest by designing high-quality Detached Accessory Dwelling Units (DADUs) that help families age in place and build generational wealth. The conversation delves into the personal lessons Villa learned along the way, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing passion over money, the value of vulnerability in leadership, and the power of embracing one's authentic self in both business and life. About the show: Made of More is a radio show / podcast that shares the powerful, personal stories behind the entrepreneurs of the greater Seattle area and beyond, individuals who have built meaningful businesses and experiences not just to better their own lives, but to positively impact their communities, families, and the world around them. This show isn’t just about what they’ve built – it’s also about who they are as people. We explore their journeys of inspiration, adversity, risk, and resilience. We dig into the pivotal moments, the challenges that shaped them, and the drive that pushed them to step outside the box and do something different. These are people who are made of more. And so are our listeners. Each episode is an invitation to connect more deeply; not only with the story, but with the mission behind each business. Whether it inspires you to chase a dream, break your own mold, or simply experience and support these ventures in a way that speaks to you, Made of More reminds us that greatness often begins with a story worth telling. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    55 min
  8. Humanizing Business & Finding Your Conversion Audience with 1117 Studios

    Jan 7

    Humanizing Business & Finding Your Conversion Audience with 1117 Studios

    In this episode of Made of More, host Chris Erdmann sits down with Jackson Rezab, founder of 1117 Studios, to explore how video storytelling can move beyond transactional advertising to truly humanize a business and build trust. Transitioning from a background in competitive athletics and car sales, Jackson shares his unique "plan and execute" philosophy and explains why entrepreneurs should ignore vanity metrics like "internet trends" to focus on the "conversion audience" that actually drives revenue. The conversation also dives into the deep personal motivation behind 1117 Studios, revealing how tragic family losses inspired Jackson’s mission to ensure that the world's greatest stories regarding legacy and purpose never go untold. About the show: Made of More is a radio show / podcast that shares the powerful, personal stories behind the entrepreneurs of the greater Seattle area and beyond, individuals who have built meaningful businesses and experiences not just to better their own lives, but to positively impact their communities, families, and the world around them. This show isn’t just about what they’ve built – it’s also about who they are as people. We explore their journeys of inspiration, adversity, risk, and resilience. We dig into the pivotal moments, the challenges that shaped them, and the drive that pushed them to step outside the box and do something different. These are people who are made of more. And so are our listeners. Each episode is an invitation to connect more deeply; not only with the story, but with the mission behind each business. Whether it inspires you to chase a dream, break your own mold, or simply experience and support these ventures in a way that speaks to you, Made of More reminds us that greatness often begins with a story worth telling. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    53 min

About

Made of More is a radio show / podcast that shares the powerful, personal stories behind the entrepreneurs of the greater Seattle area and beyond, individuals who have built meaningful businesses and experiences not just to better their own lives, but to positively impact their communities, families, and the world around them. This show isn’t just about what they've built - it’s also about who they are as people. We explore their journeys of inspiration, adversity, risk, and resilience. We dig into the pivotal moments, the challenges that shaped them, and the drive that pushed them to step outside the box and do something different. These are people who are made of more.  And so are our listeners. Each episode is an invitation to connect more deeply; not only with the story, but with the mission behind each business. Whether it inspires you to chase a dream, break your own mold, or simply experience and support these ventures in a way that speaks to you, Made of More reminds us that greatness often begins with a story worth telling.