Mind Yo' Business's Podcast

In the November episode of Mind Yo' Business, recorded in the Ruoff Mortgage Podcast Studio in partnership with Karan Rastall (NMLS#763395), Andrew sits down with Diana Thomas, the Sales Director of the brand-new POSH Boutique Hotel on Kirkwood Avenue. What unfolds is not just a story about hospitality and career success—but one of grit, growth, and grace under pressure. Diana opens up about growing up as an only child in a single-parent household, navigating the responsibilities of adulthood far earlier than most. She shares how those early experiences shaped her work ethic, her empathy, and her ability to connect with others. From getting married young, going through a divorce, to raising three daughters, Diana talks candidly about the challenges of balancing single motherhood, pursuing education, and building a career while being the role model her daughters needed. Now leading sales efforts at one of Bloomington's most stylish and talked-about new hotels, Diana reflects on what it took to get here, the moments that nearly broke her, and the ones that reminded her of her strength. Her story is raw, relatable, and deeply inspiring—perfect for anyone who's ever wondered how to juggle it all and still reach for something more. Whether you're in business, hospitality, or simply love hearing about real people making real moves, this episode reminds us that success often starts with survival—and gets sweeter from there. POSH HOTEL DIANA THOMAS Podcast Studio Sponsor Podcast Sponsor Podcast Sponsor Podcast Sponsor Episode 7-12 Sponsor Episode 7-12 Sponsor

In this crossover edition of Mind Yo' Life, recorded live inside Morgenstern's Bookstore Podcast Studio, Andrew hosts a special author talk with B.C. James to promote his latest novel Mjolnir—a mythologically charged reimagining of the legendary hammer that dives deeper than anything the Marvel universe has portrayed. B.C. James shares the incredible journey that led him here: from working with the Detroit mafia in his early years, to turning his life around through a passion for computers. He now works as a successful software engineer, helping develop the touchscreen systems found in modern-day vehicles. But beyond code and tech, writing remains his true creative outlet. In this interview, B.C. talks about his success with earlier novels, including how he managed to get Lzzy Hale, lead singer of Halestorm, to appear as a character in one of his books. He also offers his take on the pop culture misconceptions around Norse mythology—especially the hammer Mjolnir itself—and why telling a more grounded, authentic story matters to him as both an author and a fan of mythic narratives. His books, including Mjolnir, are available now on Amazon. Whether you're interested in transformation, storytelling, or the power of second chances, this conversation offers a behind-the-scenes look at an author who's lived a life as epic as the stories he tells. B.C. JAMES BOOKS Podcast Studio Sponsor Podcast Sponsor Podcast Sponsor JF WALKER INVESTMENTS 812-327-0889

In this high-energy crossover episode of Mind Yo' Business, recorded in the Ruoff Mortgage Podcast Studio in partnership with Karan Rastall (NMLS#763395), Andrew welcomes the dynamic duo behind the popular music podcast Into the Run Out—John Nelson and Anthony Nasella—for a mic-sharing session that blends business, broadcasting, and rock and roll. John and Anthony discuss how Into the Run Out began as a passion project rooted in their lifelong love of music and their curiosity about how albums shape identity and influence culture. Rather than interviewing artists or covering concerts, the show focuses on deep dives into classic and modern rock albums—breaking down the music, lyrics, and production, while reflecting on how those songs impacted their own lives and might shape the work of future artists. Together, the trio explores the crossover between creativity and entrepreneurship, why consistency matters in content creation, and how storytelling (whether through music or media) can amplify both culture and commerce. Of course, there's also plenty of talk about Bloomington, memorable gigs, podcast misfires, and the beauty of pushing "record" even when you don't know where the conversation is headed. Whether you're into the business of branding, band promotion, or just love a good collaboration, this episode hits all the right notes. https://www.youtube.com/@IntotheRunout Podcast Studio Sponsor Podcast Sponsor Podcast Sponsor Podcast Sponsor Episode 7-12 Sponsor Episode 7-12 Sponsor

In this episode of Mind Yo' Life, recorded inside Morgenstern's Bookstore Podcast Studio in Bloomington, Andrew sits down with Malcolm Abrams (founder, editor and publisher) and Cassaundra Huskey (executive publisher) of Bloom Magazine—two leaders guiding a local publication that's entered its 20th year of serving the Bloomington community. Malcolm shares how his career in New York publishing and his discovery of Bloomington in 2005 laid the foundation for creating Bloom Magazine, which began in August 2006 and is now celebrating two decades of storytelling. Cassaundra explains how she joined the magazine in 2018 as associate publisher and rose to executive publisher, bringing her background in sales, real estate valuation, and community engagement to the mission of the magazine. Together, they discuss how the publishing industry has changed—print vs digital, audience expectations, advertising models—and how Bloom Magazine has adapted while staying true to its roots: local culture, arts, food, community, and storytelling. They dig into how visuals and narrative work hand-in-hand—why compelling imagery matters just as much as thoughtful writing in making a publication that stands out. Whether you're curious about how an independent magazine survives and thrives in the digital age, or interested in how image and story drive engagement in any media business, this episode delivers. If you believe in the power of telling real stories, building community through content, and making print still matter in a digital world—this conversation is for you. https://www.magbloom.com/ Podcast Studio Sponsor Podcast Sponsor Podcast Sponsor JF WALKER INVESTMENTS 812-327-0889

In this rich and winding episode of Mind Yo' Life, recorded at Morgenstern's Bookstore Podcast Studio in Bloomington, Andrew sits down with the unforgettable Spyridon "Strats" Stratigos—a man whose life reads like a multi-act play with just the right mix of drama, comedy, philosophy, and breakfast food. Strats is a film actor (Rudy, Hoosiers), stage performer, restaurateur, community advocate, and self-proclaimed "occasional mystic." He's been a referee on screen, a board member at Bloomingfoods, and a breakfast innovator behind some of Bloomington's most beloved dishes. He's also got deep roots in Indiana's spiritual and arts scenes—dabbling in Sufi dance, ashram life, and yogic traditions during his time at IU. Throughout the episode, Strats shares stories from movie sets, fraternity life, kitchen chaos, spiritual journeys, and the beautiful contradictions of life in Solsberry, Indiana. He and Andrew explore what it means to live many lives at once—and how art, food, faith, and storytelling can keep a community connected. And just when the philosophy gets a little too deep, Strats takes on a hilarious custom quiz crafted just for him, featuring questions about Rudy, restaurant memories, and how he might answer if ever mistaken for a mystical breakfast item. Podcast Studio Sponsor Podcast Sponsor Podcast Sponsor JF WALKER INVESTMENTS 812-327-0889