Is This About Business?

Mike and Frankie Leyva-Doherty

Welcome to - Is This About Business? Join Mike and Frankie Leyva-Doherty as they dive into the wild, unpredictable world of entrepreneurship—where business advice meets real talk, and nothing is off-limits. As the husband-and-husband duo behind Wholistic Agency and a growing portfolio of ventures, Mike and Frankie bring honest, unfiltered conversations about what it really takes to build multiple businesses while keeping your sanity intact. Each episode blends practical business insights with the chaos of real entrepreneurship—think strategy sessions interrupted by life, marketing tips mixed with personal stories, and the kind of transparency most business podcasts won't touch. Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur, a side-hustler, or just curious about what happens when ambition meets reality, this podcast is your front-row seat to the messy, beautiful journey of building something from scratch. Expect laughs, lessons, and the occasional "wait, is this actually about business?" moment. Because the best business conversations happen when you stop pretending everything's perfect. New episodes drop weekly. Let's talk business—or whatever this is.

  1. MAR 18

    Building an Ethical Digital Marketing Agency with Mike Leyva-Doherty

    Join us for an insightful episode as Mike Leyva-Doherty, owner of the Wholistic Agency, shares his journey of building an ethical digital marketing agency. Discover how Mike transitioned from advertising and software engineering to founding a business rooted in integrity and intentional growth. Learn why setting firm boundaries, creating scalable strategies, and cultivating genuine client relationships are key to transforming a startup from a chaotic hustle into a sustainable, fulfilling venture. In this episode, Mike reveals the real challenges of establishing an ethical business. He discusses how early experiences with unethical clients fueled his mission to prioritize honesty and good vibes, creating a brand that truly embodies a holistic approach to digital marketing. Explore how transparency, well-crafted agreements, and a clear sense of purpose attract the right clients—those who align with your principles—and how to weed out the ones who don’t. Get actionable insights on managing boundaries as a solo entrepreneur—like why everything should be in writing and how to say no without guilt. Mike also shares practical advice for startups: focusing on your true passions, building solid relationships within your local community, and starting small with flexible budgets. Plus, learn how a disciplined approach to strategic planning, timelines, and client retention can help you scale sustainably. This episode is perfect for founders feeling overwhelmed by the long hours, unsure how to stay true to their values, or seeking proven tactics to grow without sacrificing integrity. Whether you're in the early days of your business or looking to refine your approach, Mike’s story and tips will inspire you to build a venture that not only survives but thrives with purpose. Mike Leyva-Doherty is the founder of Wholistic Agency, a full-spectrum digital marketing firm known for its ethical stance and personalized service. His background in advertising, media, and software engineering gives him a unique perspective on creating a business that operates with honesty and care.Tune in for a dose of real-world wisdom—get practical tips on client relationships, strategy, and building a brand rooted in authenticity. If you're ready to align your business with your values and grow sustainably, this episode is your blueprint to doing just that. Visit www.wholisticagency.com to schedule your free consultation today.

    36 min
  2. MAR 4

    EV Market Innovation with Niccolo Ferrari

    Despite the challenges of selling used electric vehicles, Niccolo Ferrari reveals how his startup Voltest is transforming the industry. In just three years, they built a lightning-fast battery assessment device that helps dealers and repair shops avoid costly battery failures—and boosts their margins by over $1,000 per car. If you're in automotive sales, EV adoption, or tech innovation, this episode shows you why accurate battery testing isn’t just a luxury—it's a necessity for thriving in a changing industry. Discover how Voltest's quick 2-minute battery test outperforms traditional methods that take hours—saving time, reducing risks, and educating customers about the nuances of used EVs. We break down the real-world challenges dealerships face with EV uncertainties, from temperature impacts to battery degradation, and how Voltest's software and hardware solutions empower them to price smarter, sell faster, and serve more confidently. Niccolo shares his journey from Ferrari to Silicon Valley, navigating international markets, and building a globally scalable company as an immigrant founder with a passion for innovation. You'll learn about the shifting landscape of EV sales driven by government incentives, the explosion of used EVs hitting the market, and why understanding battery health is the future of automotive resale. Whether you're an industry insider or curious about the electric revolution, this episode offers actionable insights on leveraging technology and strategic positioning to stay ahead. Perfect for automotive entrepreneurs, sustainability advocates, tech enthusiasts, and anyone eager to understand the next wave of mobility. Get inspired by Niccolo's story of resilience, technical mastery, and global vision—and see why zero churn and customer obsession are the ultimate growth drivers. Hit play and be part of the EV revolution that’s just getting started. Visit voltest at www.getvoltest.com to learn more! This podcast is brought to you by Wholistic Agency, your full service digital marketing agency. Visit Wholistic Agency at www.wholisticagency.com to learn more.

    35 min
  3. FEB 25

    AI's Role in Transforming Business and Boosting Sales with Avi Zur

    Unlock the secret to transforming a family-run car dealership into a digital powerhouse. Avi Zur shares how Toronto Auto Brokers boosted their sales by harnessing social media, AI, and authentic customer relationships—all while navigating the challenges of space, regulation, and competition. Discover the innovative AI system that automates customer follow-ups and engagement, saving time and driving consistent growth in a crowded market. In this episode, you'll learn about the impact of social media campaigns on platforms like TikTok and YouTube, which grew their followers from 20k to over 75k, generating a stream of leads and sales. Avi discusses the role of AI chatbots in managing hundreds of car inquiries, booking appointments, and freeing up sales staff. He also shares practical strategies for family-operated businesses to maintain control while expanding intelligently, and explains why word-of-mouth remains a core driver, contributing 40% of sales without additional costs. Additionally, Avi addresses the key to navigating space constraints and evolving export regulations in a highly competitive environment. If you're a small business owner, dealer, or entrepreneur looking to leverage technology for exponential growth, this episode is your blueprint. Avi’s journey from a family business to a modern automotive empire proves that innovation, authenticity, and smart automation can turn obstacles into opportunities. Join us to learn how cutting-edge tech and genuine customer care can revolutionize your business—and why sticking to your core values is more important than ever in a digital age. Visit Toronto Auto Brokers at www.torontoautobrokers.com. This podcast is brought to you by Wholistic Agency, your full service digital marketing agency. Visit Wholistic Agency at www.wholisticagency.com to learn more.

    35 min
  4. FEB 11

    Why Failing Fast and Focusing Deep Can Lead to Success with Dion Siluch

    Most entrepreneurs have a hard time sticking to one idea — but what if the secret to true freedom is learning to focus? Dion Siluch transformed his life by mastering the art of following one course until success — and his journey from paramedic to thriving business owner will challenge everything you think you know about entrepreneurship. In this episode, Dion reveals how he turned a passion for breaking and bending the rules into a multi-six-figure rental empire, all while navigating the pitfalls of partnerships, legal battles, and stepping into the unknown. You’ll discover the critical importance of learning by doing, the power of building systems, and why focusing on one business at a time is the ultimate hack for long-term success. We break down his unconventional pivot from healthcare to rentals, his hard-earned lessons on drafting airtight contracts, and how he transformed failures into powerful growth tools. Dion shares practical tactics for mastering sales, protecting yourself legally, and developing the entrepreneurial resilience that keeps him going through the toughest storms. Why do so many entrepreneurs burn out or jump from idea to idea? The truth is, without deep focus and the discipline to follow one course until successful, your progress stalls — or worse, never starts at all. Dion’s story illuminates how clarity, consistency, and relentless execution can unlock a life of freedom, impact, and personal fulfillment. Perfect for aspiring founders, seasoned business owners, or anyone feeling scattered and overwhelmed, this episode offers a blueprint for building a business that works for you, not the other way around. Tune in, get inspired, and discover how to turn your entrepreneurial dreams into reality — one focused step at a time. Visit MTC Rentals at www.mtcrentals.ca. This podcast is powered by Wholistic Agency, your full service digital marketing agency. Visit Wholistic Agency at www.wholisticagency.com to learn more.

    53 min

About

Welcome to - Is This About Business? Join Mike and Frankie Leyva-Doherty as they dive into the wild, unpredictable world of entrepreneurship—where business advice meets real talk, and nothing is off-limits. As the husband-and-husband duo behind Wholistic Agency and a growing portfolio of ventures, Mike and Frankie bring honest, unfiltered conversations about what it really takes to build multiple businesses while keeping your sanity intact. Each episode blends practical business insights with the chaos of real entrepreneurship—think strategy sessions interrupted by life, marketing tips mixed with personal stories, and the kind of transparency most business podcasts won't touch. Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur, a side-hustler, or just curious about what happens when ambition meets reality, this podcast is your front-row seat to the messy, beautiful journey of building something from scratch. Expect laughs, lessons, and the occasional "wait, is this actually about business?" moment. Because the best business conversations happen when you stop pretending everything's perfect. New episodes drop weekly. Let's talk business—or whatever this is.