The Jason Cavness Experience

Jason Cavness

The Jason Cavness Experience is where I talk to entrepreneurs and other interesting people.

  1. 3D AGO

    Why Small Businesses Struggle — Hugo Nicolas

    Most small businesses don't fail because of bad ideas. They fail because they don't understand the system. In this episode of The Jason Cavness Experience, I sit down with Hugo Nicolas from Washington State's Office for Regulatory Innovation and Assistance (ORIA) to break down what actually stops businesses from growing. Hugo went from a small village in Mexico to helping thousands of business owners navigate permits, licenses, and government processes. He's seen firsthand where people get stuck and it's not where most think.  We get into the real problems: confusing regulations, lack of awareness, and why too many founders ignore the "unsexy" parts of business until it's too late. If you're building a business or thinking about itT his episode will save you time, money, and frustration. This is a video podcast available on YouTube and podcast platforms.  What We Talked About • Why most small businesses fail (and it's not the idea) • The hidden cost of ignoring permits and regulations • Hugo's journey from undocumented immigrant to state leader • The biggest mistakes new business owners make • Why business structure matters more than you think • How to navigate government without wasting time • Free resources most entrepreneurs never use • The power of resilience and adapting fast Connect with Hugo Nicolas LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hugo-nicolas-17357052/  Website: https://www.oria.wa.gov/site/alias__oria/368/Home.aspx Connect with Jason Cavness  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasoncavness  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejasoncavnessexperience/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jasoncavness Podcast: https://www.thejasoncavnessexperience.com Military Creator Con I'll be speaking at Military Creator Con on how to leverage content to create opportunities. Sign up: https://bit.ly/speaker_jason_cavness_social Power Note The difference between struggling and scaling is not effort. it's knowing how to navigate the system.

    1h 30m

  2. APR 28

    Tattoo Culture, Craft, and Business with Tim McCarthy

    In this episode of The Jason Cavness Experience, I sit down with Tim McCarthy, owner of Tsunami Tattoo in Tacoma and a veteran tattoo artist with more than three decades of experience in the industry. Tim shares his journey from starting tattooing in 1989 to apprenticing in Denver, working in San Jose and Albuquerque, and eventually building Tsunami Tattoo into one of Tacoma's most respected tattoo shops. We talk about how tattoo culture has evolved over the years, the discipline required to become a great tattoo artist, and what it takes to run a successful tattoo business. We also discuss the importance of apprenticeship, how artists develop their style, and why trust between artist and client is critical when creating permanent artwork. Tim explains how the industry has changed with social media and how shops like Tsunami Tattoo continue to build strong reputations through craftsmanship and consistency.  This episode is a video podcast available on YouTube and podcast platforms. What We Talked About • Tim McCarthy's start in tattooing in 1989 • Apprenticing in Denver and early tattoo career • Working in San Jose and Albuquerque tattoo shops  • Opening and growing Tsunami Tattoo in Tacoma • How tattoo culture has evolved over the decades • The apprenticeship path for tattoo artists • Building trust between artist and client • The impact of social media on tattoo artists and shops • Running a long-term creative business Connect with Tsunami Tattoo Website: https://www.tsutattoo.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tsunami_tattoo_tacoma/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tsunami_tattoo_tacoma Connect with Tim McCarthy Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/timmccarthytattooing/ Connect with Jason Cavness LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasoncavness Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejasoncavnessexperience/  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jasoncavness Podcast: https://www.thejasoncavnessexperience.com  Power Note Great tattoo artists combine creativity, discipline, and trust. Tim McCarthy's decades of work show how craftsmanship and reputation build lasting businesses in creative industries.

    2h 2m

  3. APR 21

    Local Politics, Schools, and Public Safety — Ryan Logan

    In this episode of The Jason Cavness Experience, I talk with Ryan Logan, a teacher and political candidate running for Washington State House. Ryan shares his perspective on education, community safety, and the policy challenges facing South King County. Ryan discusses what motivated him to step into politics, how his work in the Auburn School District shaped his views, and why he believes more community members should participate in civic leadership. We also explore the realities teachers face in classrooms today, the intersection of public policy and education, and the broader issues affecting communities across Washington State. This conversation covers local governance, political accountability, and what it takes to step forward as a candidate when you believe your community needs change.  This episode is a video podcast available on YouTube and podcast platforms. Topics Discussed • Ryan Logan's background growing up in Renton and Kent • His work in the Auburn School District  • Why he decided to run for Washington State House • Challenges facing public education today • The impact of drug addiction and public safety issues in local communities • Civic engagement and community involvement • Policy priorities for South King County • What voters should understand about local government Connect with Ryan Logan Website: https://loganforhouse.com/ Email: evans.logan@gmail.com  Phone: (253) 249-6408 Connect with Jason Cavness LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasoncavness Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejasoncavnessexperience/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jasoncavness Podcast: https://www.thejasoncavnessexperience.com Power Note Change in communities often begins with individuals who decide to step forward. Conversations like this highlight how civic engagement, leadership, and local action shape the future of neighborhoods and cities.

    3h 47m

  4. APR 14

    Josh Kotoff on YouTube Strategy, Creator Optimization, and Building a High-Performance Content Engine

    In this episode of The Jason Cavness Experience, I sit down with Josh Kotoff to break down YouTube strategy, creator growth, and what most founders get wrong about content optimization. Josh conducted a deep dive into my YouTube channel and turned that audit into a tactical discussion on positioning, thumbnails, titles, structure, and audience clarity. This conversation is a masterclass on treating content like a long-term leverage asset instead of a vanity metric. If you're serious about building a content engine that compounds, this episode delivers practical insight.  What We Cover • Conducting a YouTube channel audit • Why most YouTube channels stall • Title and thumbnail strategy for higher click-through rates • Viewer psychology and retention strategy • Audience clarity and channel positioning • Structuring long-form content for performance • Turning podcasts into strategic assets • Data vs instinct in creator growth • Building consistency without burnout • Treating content like a business system Josh focuses on the fundamentals packaging, positioning, and performance metrics that compound over time rather than chasing trends.  Military Creator Con  I'm a featured speaker at Military Creator Con. A conference for veterans, creators, and entrepreneurs building brands and businesses intentionally. If you're monetizing attention or building a content brand, this is the room to be in. Sign up here: https://bit.ly/speaker_jason_cavness_social  Connect with Josh Josh's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josh-kotoff-0a452736/ Josh's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrscifiguy/  Company Website: https://www.bluestreamyoutubeagency.com/ Connect with Jason Cavness  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasoncavness  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejasoncavnessexperience/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jasoncavness Podcast: https://www.thejasoncavnessexperience.com

    2h 42m

  5. APR 7

    Military Creator Con Speaker: Most Veterans Are Doing It Wrong

    Military Creator Con is where Veteran builders, creators, and operators level up and this conversation shows why that matters.  Travis Partington breaks down the uncomfortable truth: most veterans stay stuck because they never adapt after service. From rebuilding after a career-ending injury to building Oscar Mike Radio into a mission-driven platform, this is about ownership, discipline, and doing the work long after the uniform comes off.  We also discuss:  • Why most veterans struggle after leaving the military • The entitlement vs responsibility mindset gap • Why most podcasts fail before episode 10 • How Travis built Oscar Mike Radio over 9+ years • Community access TV as an underrated growth channel • The power of consistency over talent Military Creator Con https://www.militarycreatorcon.com/ Jason Cavness speaking April 17 at 2PM Arlington Hilton  https://bit.ly/speaker_jason_cavness_social Discount codes: JasonC10 JasonC50  Travis' links LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/travis-partington-7977845/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/travis.partington  Website: www.oscarmikeradio.com  Email: Travis@oscarmikeradio.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@oscarmikeradioonmission-al6081 Connect with Jason Cavness LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasoncavness Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejasoncavnessexperience/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jasoncavness Podcast: https://www.thejasoncavnessexperience.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGsw6kzZE40sSUZgoStVaJw?sub_confirmation=1 Website: https://www.cavness.io

    2h 44m

  6. MAR 31

    Dr. Badri Narayanan Gopalakrishnan on Global Economic Strategy, Trade Policy, and Vision India@2047

    On this episode of The Jason Cavness Experience, I sit down with Dr. Badri Narayanan Gopalakrishnan. Economist, global strategy leader, policy advisor, and academic with nearly 25 years of international experience. Dr. Badri has served as Joint Secretary at NITI Aayog (Government of India), where he led Trade and Commerce, Strategic Economic Dialogue, International Cooperation, and Vision India@2047. He currently serves as an Honorary Non-Resident Fellow at NITI Aayog and holds multiple global academic and policy appointments.  With 15 published books, over 250 research papers, and thousands of academic citations  including work published in Nature. Dr. Badri brings deep perspective on global trade, economic diplomacy, sustainability, and long-term development strategy.  We discuss: • The future of global trade and economic realignment • India's Vision 2047 and long-term strategic planning • U.S.–India economic relations • International cooperation in a multipolar world • Economic modeling and policy impact • Sustainability and climate strategy • Bridging academia, government, and industry • Advising the World Bank, IMF, Google, Amazon, USDA, McKinsey, and more • Long-term economic strategy vs short-term cycles Dr. Badri also shares insights from founding Infinite Sum Modelling LLC, a global advisory firm with offices across North America, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia  advising over 100 organizations worldwide.  This episode is especially valuable for founders, policymakers, investors, and leaders thinking beyond quarterly cycles and toward generational strategy. Military Creator Con I'm a featured speaker at Military Creator Con, a conference bringing together veterans, creators, and entrepreneurs focused on building brands, businesses, and long-term leverage. If you're serious about turning experience into opportunity, this is the room to be in.  Sign up here: https://bit.ly/speaker_jason_cavness_social What We Talked About • Leading trade and economic strategy at NITI Aayog • Vision India@2047 • Economic diplomacy and global cooperation  • Sustainability and environmental strategy • Academic research influencing policy  • Founding Infinite Sum Modelling • Advising governments and global corporations • Long-term economic planning Connect with Dr. Badri Narayanan Gopalakrishnan  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/badrinarayanang/ Company Website: http://www.infisum.com/  Personal Academic Site: https://sites.google.com/site/badrinarayanang/ X (Twitter): @badrinarayanang  Connect with Jason Cavness LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasoncavness Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejasoncavnessexperience/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jasoncavness Podcast: https://www.thejasoncavnessexperience.com

    3h 4m

  7. MAR 24

    Christopher Seminatore on Geofencing, Precision Marketing, and Building a 7-Figure Veteran-Owned Agency

    In this episode of The Jason Cavness Experience, I sit down with Christopher Seminatore. U.S. Navy Veteran and founder of GetGeofencing.com to break down precision marketing, location-based advertising, and how he bootstrapped a 7-figure agency without outside funding. Christopher shares how his military experience shaped his approach to entrepreneurship, risk, and execution. We unpack what geofencing actually is, how it works, and why location-based targeting is becoming one of the most effective forms of digital advertising.  Instead of broad, spray-and-pray marketing, Christopher focuses on precision drawing digital boundaries around physical locations and delivering ads directly to devices within those zones.  We also discuss: • Transitioning from military service to entrepreneurship • Bootstrapping without investors • How geofencing marketing works in simple terms • Precision targeting vs traditional digital ads • Building recurring revenue • Competitor targeting strategies • Remote-first business systems • Discipline and long-term execution Christopher proves you don't need venture capital to scale. You need clarity, systems, and consistent follow-through. If you're a founder, marketer, or v Veteran entrepreneur serious about monetizing attention with precision, this episode delivers practical insight.  Military Creator Con I'm a featured speaker at Military Creator Con, where veterans, creators, and entrepreneurs come together to turn content and audience into opportunity. If you're building a brand or monetizing content, this is the room to be in. Sign up to attend here: https://bit.ly/speaker_jason_cavness_social Connect with Christopher Seminatore LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisseminatore/ Website: https://www.getgeofencing.com/ Instagram: @chrisseminatore  Connect with Jason Cavness LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasoncavness Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejasoncavnessexperience/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jasoncavness Podcast: https://www.thejasoncavnessexperience.com

    4h 50m

  8. MAR 17

    Vaishnavi Balakrishnan on Building SWANN, Youth Leadership, and Advancing Girls' Health & Education

    in this episode of The Jason Cavness Experience, I sit down with Vaishnavi Balakrishnan, student entrepreneur and founder of SWANN (Student-Led Women's Adolescent Needs Navigation Conference). Vaishnavi shares how she built a youth-led initiative focused on young girls' health, development, and how those issues directly impact education outcomes. We discuss the origin of SWANN, the gaps she saw in awareness and support systems, and how she mobilized professionals, educators, and community leaders around the issue.  We also explore: • Starting a mission-driven organization as a student • Leadership lessons from building SWANN • The intersection of health and education for young women • Organizing conferences and mobilizing community stakeholders • Balancing academics, athletics, and entrepreneurship • Long-term goals in finance, investment banking, and C-suite leadership Vaishnavi represents a new generation of leaders who are not waiting for permission to build impact. This episode is especially relevant for young founders, student leaders, and anyone interested in education reform, women's health, and youth entrepreneurship.  What We Talked About • The founding of SWANN • Why adolescent health impacts education outcomes  • Community engagement and conference organization • Leadership development at a young age • Balancing school, athletics, and entrepreneurship • Long-term career vision in finance and leadership Connect with Vaishnavi Balakrishnan LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vaishnavi-balakrishnan-5828aa340/ SWANN Website: https://swann-navigate-forward.lovable.app/ Connect with Jason Cavness  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasoncavness  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejasoncavnessexperience/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jasoncavness Podcast:  https://www.thejasoncavnessexperience.com

    1h 6m
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5
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100 Ratings

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The Jason Cavness Experience is where I talk to entrepreneurs and other interesting people.

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