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Happy Valley Hustle

120 episodes - English - Latest episode: over 2 years ago - ★★★★★ - 22 ratings

The Happy Valley Hustle podcast tells the stories of those who run their own businesses, launch side-hustles and make the digital age work for them. It’s a celebration of challenging the old ways of doing things and sharing insights gained from success and failure. It's available the first and third Wednesday of each month on iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher and Spotify.

Entrepreneurship Business Technology penn state state college pennsylvania happy valley central pa central pennsylvania keystone state personal growth startup entrepreneurship
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Episodes

Katie DeFiore -- Catching the Podcasting Bug

September 05, 2018 04:00 - 41 minutes - 28.2 MB

Penn State student Katie DeFiore has lept into the world of podcasting, tackling multiple projects in a short amount of time. A podcasting course awakened an interest that has led to series such as "An Entrepreneurial State of Mind" (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/entrepreneurial-state-mind/id1176627399?mt=2) and "Voices of Penn State" for The Daily Collegian (https://www.collegian.psu.edu/multimedia/podcasts/). Plus she's a resident of the co.space, an innovative housing arrangement fo...

Diamond Dallas Page -- Building A Brand On Tenacity & Authenticity

August 15, 2018 04:00 - 52 minutes - 36.2 MB

From the wrestling ring to the entrepreneurial ring, Diamond Dallas Page brings intensity to his hustles. The creator of the DDP Yoga fitness plan (https://ddpyoga.com), Page discusses the importance of persistence, authenticity and self-belief. He also explains how social media has been a game-changer in promoting his brand. Give yourself a Self High Five and get motivated by DDP! Make sure you always Hear The Hustle: Web: http://bit.ly/HVHustle Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HappyValle...

Ken Pasch -- Soaring as a Leader and Creating a Workplace Where Everybody Wins

August 01, 2018 04:00 - 59 minutes - 41.2 MB

Ken Pasch shapes leaders -- as a faculty member in Penn State's Executive Programs and as president/CEO of KiVisions Inc. (https://www.kivisions.com/). Drawing from his time in the Air Force, his experience as a manager and the principles of his latest book, Ken shares advice for growing as a leader and energizing your people. Ken's book "On Course: Become a Great Leader & Soar!" is available at https://www.amazon.com/dp/1683505131/?ref=exp_loc_pl_happyvalleyhustle Books by past "Hustle" gue...

Mega Ran -- Leveling Up Through Creativity & Fan Engagement

July 19, 2018 04:00 - 1 hour - 42 MB

From Penn State to the classrooms of Philly and Phoenix to rapping around the globe, Raheem Jarbo has leveled up through his creativity and commitment. As Mega Ran, he has built a passionate following by embracing a love of gaming in his lyrics as well as engaging with his fans across multiple platforms. He even owns a Guinness record, immortalizing his unconventional approach to rhyming. The Digital Age is working for him! Featured in this episode are two songs from Mega Ran: "If I Could" a...

Solocast: What We're Teaching Inmates About Entrepreneurship AND What You Can Learn From It

July 13, 2018 04:00 - 24 minutes - 16.9 MB

Host Bill Zimmerman reflects on teaching the "Change: Where Do I Go From Here" course in Centre County Correctional Facility through Centre Peace (http://www.centrepeace.org/) and Penn State's Restorative Justice Initiative (http://rockethics.psu.edu/people/efrain-marimon). Hear what inmates are being taught about personal branding, interviewing and pitching, PLUS how these lessons could help you. Make sure you always Hear The Hustle: Web: http://bit.ly/HVHustle Facebook: https://www.faceboo...

Chris Uhl -- We're More Than Brains on a Stick: A Deeper Vision for Education

July 04, 2018 04:00 - 1 hour - 47.7 MB

Professor of biology Dr. Chris Uhl (http://bio.psu.edu/directory/cfu1) is a highly influential educator who has gained fame at Penn State for his BiSci 3: Environmental Science course, "an invitation to actively engage with SCIENCE and with YOUR LIFE!" His thoughtful teaching philosophy is explained in his book "Teaching as if Life Matters" (https://jhupbooks.press.jhu.edu/content/teaching-if-life-matters) as he advocates for a holistic approach to education focused on compassion and awakeni...

Tom Phillips -- The Voice of WWE's "SmackDown Live" Talks the Power of Hustle

June 20, 2018 04:00 - 56 minutes - 38.7 MB

Tom Phillips (https://www.wwe.com/superstars/tom-phillips) is the voice of WWE "SmackDown Live" AND a proud Penn Stater. He talks about the smart moves he made in Happy Valley and the extensive work he puts into preparing for broadcasts and critiquing his performances. Make sure you always Hear The Hustle: Web: http://bit.ly/HVHustle Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HappyValleyHustle/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/billzhustle Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/billzhustle/ LinkedIn: https...

Hunter Swisher -- Making Entrepreneurial Ideas a Reality

June 06, 2018 04:00 - 44 minutes - 30.7 MB

Hunter Swisher is the founder of Phospholutions (https://www.phospholutions.com/), a State College-based company designed to reduce the environmental impact of fertilizers. Only 23, Hunter talks about developing his company as a Penn State student, his team's recent winning of $75,000 as the top team in the university's Tech Tournament and taking advantage of local resources like Happy Valley LaunchBox (http://launchbox.psu.edu/). Make sure you always Hear The Hustle: Web: http://bit.ly/HVHu...

Charlie Brenneman -- Fighter, Educator, Speaker & World's Toughest Lifelong Learner

May 16, 2018 04:00 - 50 minutes - 34.7 MB

A Spanish teacher turned UFC fighter who is now a speaker, Charlie Brenneman (https://charliespaniard.com/) calls himself "The World's Toughest Lifelong Learner." Who's going to argue with him? He's a prolific podcaster who is embracing the idea of the entrepreneur as a media company. Learning from failure, overcoming fear, connecting with your audience -- Charlie offers a fistful of insights. You can hear his podcast, "Spaniard 101: Learn to Be Bold," here: https://charliespaniard.com/podca...

Molly Kunkel -- Why Storytelling is Centre Gives' Fuel For Fundraising

May 02, 2018 04:00 - 44 minutes - 30.6 MB

Centre Gives (https://centregives.org/) is right around the corner, and nonprofits are gearing up for the 36-hour fundraising event. Last year, donors gave $1.2 million, and all indicators are pointing to a bigger total for 2018. In this episode, Molly Kunkel, executive director of the Centre Foundation (https://www.centre-foundation.org/) discusses how the annual campaign creates healthy competition and innovative approaches to fundraising. She also delves into the art of asking for money a...

Rob (Rob Z) Wentz -- Building Brand and Community Through Podcasting

April 18, 2018 04:00 - 54 minutes - 37.4 MB

A longtime DJ who launched his own social media marketing company, Rob Wentz (http://www.robzradio.com/) is also the man behind "Rob Z Radio," a burst of positivity where he offers advice, entertainment and a civic boost to his hometown of Altoona. His "brain in audio form," the podcast has amassed 340+ episodes with topics that span from cryptocurrency to yoga to professional wrestling. He's truly making the Digital Age work for him. While you're at it, give Rob Z's interview with host Bill...

Solocast: WrestleMania Reflections + How You Can Engage Customers WWE Style

April 05, 2018 04:00 - 32 minutes - 22.7 MB

Host Bill Zimmerman carries the weight on this bonus episode, reflecting on WrestleMania 33, "The Showcase of the Immortals" and the wrestling fan pilgrimage he made in 2017. A multi-day celebration of wrestling that seemingly makes misfit wrestling fans the majority in whatever city that hosts the event, WrestleMania is a feast for the senses, and Bill has your overview. Plus, you'll learn insights on WWE's massive, multi-pronged approach to fan engagement and maybe get some ideas for bette...

Brad Groznik -- Building Something Big With Pop Up Ave

April 04, 2018 04:00 - 56 minutes - 39 MB

Brad Groznik, along with his wife, Andrea, are the architects behind Pop Up Ave (https://www.popupave.com/), State College's answer to the urban flea markets they once frequented in New York City. The event will once again bring food, beer, entertainment and an array of vintage and artisanal goods to downtown State College from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. April 28. Brad also runs his own PR firm (http://groznikpr.com/about-the-grozniks/) and teaches as an adjunct at Penn State, so he pretty much perso...

Jack Matson -- Innovate Or Die

March 21, 2018 04:00 - 59 minutes - 40.6 MB

Dr. Jack V. Matson is retired, but he hasn't stopped innovating as an educator and entrepreneur. Professor emeritus in the Penn State College of Engineering, Jack helped develop a massive open online course that reached more than 200,000 people and is the author of "Innovate or Die: A Personal Perspective on the Art of Innovation." In this episode, he talks at-length about unlocking creativity, turning failure into success and how a lightning strike transformed his way approach to thinking. ...

DJ Alex Nepa -- Why Humanity Is Crucial To Your Branding Mix

March 07, 2018 05:00 - 43 minutes - 30 MB

Alex Nepa is the owner of Mint DJ Events (http://www.mintdjevents.com/), offering a "boutique approach to event design, lighting and modern DJ talent, without the cheese." As a DJ, he's cultivated a strong personal brand that shows his talent along with the human side of the DJ/entrepreneur lifestyle. He also excels at generating social media content with a heavy dose of humanity as well as presenting and organizing professional development for DJs. LEARN MORE: Books by past "Hustle" guests ...

Ellen Matis -- Elevating Small Businesses With Social Media

February 21, 2018 05:00 - 30 minutes - 20.8 MB

Not too long ago, Ellen Matis made the entrepreneurial leap with Hello Social LLC (http://hellosocialco.com/). Now she's the inaugural tenant at SpringBoard Business Incubator (https://spring-board.squarespace.com/) in Bellefonte and is using her social media savvy to help local businesses harness the power of social media. Hello Social is currently managing 60+ social media accounts in addition to offering strategies for growth to businesses and individuals. LEARN MORE: Books by past "Hustl...

Lee Erickson -- Demystifying Entrepreneurship at Happy Valley LaunchBox

February 07, 2018 05:00 - 49 minutes - 34.1 MB

At Happy Valley LaunchBox, Lee Erickson is demystifying entrepreneurship and helping propel innovative ideas into the stratosphere. in this episode, Lee tells you how LaunchBox can elevate your ideas, how to develop an entrepreneurial mindset and how Penn State is driving economic development with innovation across the state. For more info: http://launchbox.psu.edu/ LEARN MORE: Books by past "Hustle" guests are available at https://www.amazon.com/shop/happyvalleyhustle Make sure you always h...

Colt Cabana -- Slamming Through Adversity

January 24, 2018 05:00 - 28 minutes - 19.6 MB

He's a wrestler, a podcaster, a documentarian, a stand-up comedian AND he was nice enough to share his story of DIY attitude and reinvention. After being cast off by WWE, Colt Cabana (http://coltcabana.com/) created his own platform, "The Art of Wrestling" podcast, opening up multiple pathways for expression as well as income. The interview was original conducted by host Bill Zimmerman for an article titled "How social media helped fuel indie wrestling’s resurgence," available at https://the...

Matt Swayne -- Find Your Passion, Write A Book About It

January 10, 2018 05:00 - 51 minutes - 35.6 MB

The Happy Valley Hustle podcast kicks off with author Matt Swayne (www.mattswayne.com). Born on Halloween, Matt is drawn to the spooky. A research writer by trade, he's turned his passion for compiling ghost stories into book sales, speaking appearances and guest spots on some of the most notable paranormal podcasts. LEARN MORE: Books by past "Hustle" guests are available at https://www.amazon.com/shop/happyvalleyhustle Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HappyValleyHustle/ Twitter: https://t...

Welcome to Happy Valley Hustle

January 01, 2018 05:00 - 3 minutes - 2.18 MB

Happy Valley Hustle is a celebration of can-do attitude. Starting Jan. 10, the spotlight will turn on those in Central Pennsylvania who run their own businesses, launch side-hustles and make the digital age work for them. LEARN MORE: Books by past "Hustle" guests are available at https://www.amazon.com/shop/happyvalleyhustle HEAR THE HUSTLE: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HappyValleyHustle/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/ThisIs_BillZ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/billzhustle/ Linked...

Twitter Mentions

@billzhustle 114 Episodes
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