WhatKeepsYouAwake.tv

Building Businesses That Win: Steve Feld on Exit Strategy, AI Tools & Smart Scaling

In this episode of WhatKeepsYouAwake.TV, host David Hooser sits down with Steve Feld—MBA, business marketing architect, TEDx presenter, serial entrepreneur, and business coach. Having owned, operated, bought, and sold seven companies, Steve shares what truly keeps him awake at night: helping small business owners beat the odds, build real businesses (not just income streams), and create sustainable paths to growth and exit.
From early failures and hard-earned lessons to leveraging AI, automation, and disciplined planning, Steve breaks down what owner-operators must do differently to survive—and thrive.
🎯 Inside This Episode:• From idea to exit: why most businesses fail—and how planning backward changes everything• Learning from failure: turning setbacks into strategy, systems, and stronger foundations• AI & automation: using tools as leverage—not replacements—for smarter decision-making• Marketing clarity: defining your target market, brand voice, and message that actually converts• Owner mindset: why sales, systems, and coaching matter more than websites and business cards
📌 Work With / Connect:• Business coaching for small & medium-sized owner-operators (1–50 employees)• Programs for startups, growth-stage companies, and mastermind groups• Website: BizCoachSteve.com
🔔 Subscribe to WhatKeepsYouAwake.TV for real conversations with entrepreneurs, leaders, and builders creating businesses that last.
📣 Drop a comment: What’s the biggest challenge keeping you awake right now—sales, systems, or strategy?
🔑 Hashtags:#SteveFeld #BusinessCoaching #EntrepreneurLife #ExitStrategy #SmallBusinessGrowth #AIForBusiness #Automation #MarketingStrategy #Leadership #WhatKeepsYouAwakeTV

Stopping the Struggle: René Johnson on Profitable Leadership & Power Zone Growth

In this episode of WhatKeepsYouAwake.TV, host David Hooser sits down with René Johnson, CEO and founder of Power Zone Coaching. A published author, international speaker, and trusted leadership advisor, René shares what truly keeps her awake at night: helping entrepreneurs stop choosing struggle and start leading from their “power zone.” With over two decades of experience, she breaks down how leadership—not hustle—is the greatest profit center in any business.
🎯 Inside This Episode:• Choosing struggle vs. choosing growth: why many entrepreneurs underfund, overwork, and under-delegate• Power Zone leadership: turning leadership into your most valuable profit center• The three “power leaks”: time, money/resources, and people alignment—and how to plug them• Systems before scale: building repeatable processes that drive profitability and freedom• Life-first business design: using your company as a vehicle to live your best life, not burn out
📌 Work With / Connect:• Power Zone Coaching — leadership development, business growth strategy, and executive coaching• Website: powerzonecoach.com• Programs include leadership training, hiring systems, business scaling, and Power Zone Mastery
🔔 Subscribe to WhatKeepsYouAwake.TV for real conversations with leaders and entrepreneurs building profitable, purpose-driven businesses.
📣 Drop a comment: Where do you see the biggest “power leak” in your business right now—time, money, or people?
🔑 Hashtags:#ReneeJohnson #PowerZoneCoaching #LeadershipDevelopment #EntrepreneurMindset #BusinessGrowth #StopTheStruggle #ExecutiveCoaching #Profitability #WhatKeepsYouAwakeTV

Escaping Entrepreneurial Poverty: Nicole Zeno on Growth, Alignment & Smarter Marketing

In this episode of WhatKeepsYouAwake.TV, host David Hooser sits down with Nicole Zeno, founder of CleverCow Media and co-host of What the Frack?. A three-time exited founder and fractional CMO, Nicole breaks down what really keeps business owners awake: misalignment between life and business, broken growth strategies, and the trap of entrepreneurial poverty. This is a practical, mindset-shifting conversation for founders who want freedom—not just revenue.
🎯 Inside This Episode:• Entrepreneurial poverty: why many founders trade a 40-hour job for a 160-hour grind—and how to escape it• Life-first strategy: architecting your business around the life you actually want• Fractional leadership: how part-time C-suite thinking unlocks scalable growth for small teams• Marketing myths: why execution alone fails without strategy, systems, and clear KPIs• AI + humanity: where automation helps—and why storytelling and emotional connection still win
📌 Work With / Connect:• CleverCow Media — fractional CMO services, growth strategy & marketing systems• What the Frack? — Nicole’s YouTube podcast teaching founders how to think strategically• Connect with Nicole on LinkedIn for insights on growth, leadership, and modern marketing
🔔 Subscribe to WhatKeepsYouAwake.TV for real conversations with entrepreneurs, operators, and leaders building businesses that support real lives.
📣 Drop a comment: Are you building a business around your life—or sacrificing your life for your business?
🔑 Hashtags:#NicoleZeno #CleverCowMedia #Entrepreneurship #FractionalCMO #SmallBusinessGrowth #MarketingStrategy #AIinBusiness #FounderLife #WhatKeepsYouAwakeTV

From Dot-Com to Design Mentor: Jennifer Whittingham on UX, Purpose & What’s Next

In this episode of WhatKeepsYouAwake.TV, host David Hooser sits down with Jennifer Whittingham, founder of Whittingham Creations, a UX and digital strategy firm born nearly 20 years ago out of motherhood, necessity, and the early dot-com era. From Silicon Valley startups to building a home-based business, stepping into corporate leadership, and now redefining her next chapter, Jennifer shares what keeps her awake today: purpose, growth, and helping others succeed.
🎯 Inside This Episode:• From dot-com boom to mom-preneur: how Jennifer launched Whittingham Creations to balance career and family• To scale or stay small?: the real trade-offs between creativity, growth, contractors, and employees• UX beyond screens: designing end-to-end experiences that actually serve users and businesses• AI in design today: where AI speeds up research, prototyping, and systems—and where human judgment still matters• The next chapter: shifting from “doing the work” to mentoring, consulting, and helping entrepreneurs and career switchers win early
📌 Work With / Connect:• Whittingham Creations — UX strategy, digital experience design & consulting• Email: jen@whittinghamcreations.com• New client availability beginning in 2026
🔔 Subscribe to WhatKeepsYouAwake.TV for real conversations with founders, creatives, and leaders navigating growth, change, and purpose.
📣 Drop a comment: Are you at a crossroads—scale up, pivot, or refine what you already have?
🔑 Hashtags:#JenniferWhittingham #WhittinghamCreations #UXDesign #EntrepreneurJourney #WomenInBusiness #DigitalStrategy #AIandDesign #Mentorship #WhatKeepsYouAwakeTV

Shattering the Stigma: Francine Sumner on Youth Mental Health & Saving Lives

In this episode of WhatKeepsYouAwake.TV, host David Hooser sits down with Francine Sumner, founder and CEO of Kid in the Corner, a youth mental health awareness and suicide prevention nonprofit. After the devastating loss of her youngest son, Francine transformed grief into action—building a program that meets kids where they are, breaks down stigma, and equips students with life-saving tools to support themselves and one another.
From schools that resist mental health conversations to the power of peer-to-peer support, Francine shares what truly keeps her awake at night—and why normalizing mental health care as early as elementary school can change lives.
🎯 Inside This Episode:• Why stigma—not funding—is the biggest barrier to youth mental health support• The Penny Pledge program: teaching kids to care for themselves and each other• Reaching students as young as 4th grade with age-appropriate mental health tools• Turning personal tragedy into a statewide mission serving 5,000+ students yearly• Leadership lessons for mission-driven entrepreneurs: focus, team-building, and staying mission-tight
📌 Work With / Connect:• Kid in the Corner — youth mental health awareness & suicide prevention programs• Free in-school programming for elementary through high school students• Website: kidinthecorner.org• Social: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn• Email: info@kidinthecorner.org• Annual fundraiser: Shatter the Stigma Gala — March 21 at the Legacy Ballroom (Phoenix)
🔔 Subscribe to WhatKeepsYouAwake.TV for more conversations with leaders turning purpose into impact.
📣 Drop a comment: How do you think we can better support youth mental health in schools and communities?
🔑 Hashtags:#FrancineSumner #KidInTheCorner #YouthMentalHealth #SuicidePrevention #ShatterTheStigma #NonprofitLeadership #MentalHealthAwareness #WhatKeepsYouAwakeTV

Leading with Faith & Purpose: Len Munsil on Education, Growth & Arizona Christian University

In this episode of WhatKeepsYouAwake.TV, host David Hooser sits down with Len Munsil — president of Arizona Christian University since 2010, attorney, educator, and leader behind one of the most dramatic Christian university transformations in the Southwest. From tripling enrollment to navigating cultural headwinds, Len shares the mission, miracles, and mindset behind ACU’s growth.
🎯 Inside This Episode:• The real pressures that keep a university president awake — leadership, culture, and constant change• How ACU tripled enrollment and transitioned to the historic Thunderbird campus• Why mission matters: equipping Christians to lead, influence, and build flourishing communities• Expanding academics & athletics — from pre-law and pre-med to top-tier NAIA programs• The challenge and calling of being “Courageously Christian” in today’s cultural climate
📌 Learn More / Connect with ACU:• Arizona Christian University — degrees, athletics, campus life & mission• ACU Graduate Programs — education, leadership & marriage/family studies• Support ACU — scholarships, campus growth & mission-driven initiatives
🔔 Subscribe to WhatKeepsYouAwake.TV for more conversations with leaders shaping business, education, and culture.📣 Drop a comment: What role do you think mission-driven leadership should play in higher education?
🔑 Hashtags:#LenMunsil #ArizonaChristianUniversity #HigherEducation #ChristianLeadership #UniversityPresident #NAIA #FaithAndEducation #CollegeGrowth #WhatKeepsYouAwakeTV
 
 
 

From Emmy-Nominations to Giving Back: Irin Daniels on Film, Family & Glowframe Vision

In this episode of WhatKeepsYouAwake.TV, host David Hooser sits down with Irin Daniels — former ASU professor, two-time Emmy nominee, TV/film producer, and founder of the nonprofit Glowframe Initiative. From Hollywood sets to heartfelt caregiving and community uplift, Irin shares what really keeps him awake: balancing creativity, responsibility, and purpose. 🎯 Inside This Episode: • Juggling roles: producer, creative educator, family caretaker — and the sleepless nights that come with it • From Hollywood to hometown: why Irin moved back to Arizona — and how his mom’s care inspired a mission of giving back • Building the arts community: how Glowframe Initiative provides a “YMCA for creatives” — training, access, and real-world opportunities in film, AV, and production • Career journey: directing commercials and TV, earning Emmy nominations — and launching Phoenix-based productions and training programs • Future vision: growing Glowframe, launching new series, and building a local film ecosystem by combining passion, mentorship and hands-on training 📌 Work with Irin / Glowframe: • Glowframe Initiative — classes, creative workforce development & community film projects • IronaFilms (production company) — commercials, TV series, corporate and creative video work 🔔 Subscribe to WhatKeepsYouAwake.TV for more real stories from entrepreneurs, creatives and change-makers. 📣 Drop a comment: What passion project do you wish had a “Glowframe” — and what’s the first step toward building it? 🔑 Hashtags: #IrinDaniels #GlowframeInitiative #FilmProduction #CreativeCommunity #Entrepreneurship #PhoenixFilm #Nonprofit #WhatKeepsYouAwakeTV #Storytelling #MediaIndustry

From Psychology to Marketing: Dr. Sonja Elcic on Human Behavior & Business Growth

In this episode of What Keeps You Awake.TV, host David Hooser sits down with Dr. Sonja Elcic, psychologist, professor, and marketing strategist. Blending behavioral science with real-world business experience, Sonja helps entrepreneurs understand what truly drives decision-making—online and offline—and why mastering human behavior leads to smarter, more sustainable growth.
🎯 Inside This Episode:• From academia to entrepreneurship: Sonja’s journey from clinical psychology to brand strategy• Human behavior 101: why people buy, what motivates action, and how emotions shape every decision• Marketing that works: shifting from trends and tactics to psychology-driven strategy• The overwhelm epidemic: time, pressure, and why small business owners feel stretched thin• Content creation clarity: how to communicate authentically without chasing every platform• AI + marketing: how founders can use tools wisely without losing the human connection• Building confidence: why understanding yourself is the key to understanding your customers• What’s next: expanding her consulting work, educating more founders, and bridging the gap between psychology and modern marketing
📌 Learn more: [Dr. Sonja Elcic]🔔 Subscribe to What Keeps You Awake.TV for more conversations with leaders who turn challenges into purpose-driven work.📣 Drop a comment: What’s one mindset shift that helped you grow personally or professionally?
🔑 Hashtags:#SonjaElcic #PsychologyInBusiness #MarketingStrategy #HumanBehavior #SmallBusinessGrowth #EntrepreneurMindset #BrandStrategy #AIandMarketing #WhatKeepsYouAwakeTV

Building Champions & Community: Kelley Hutta on 50 Years of Martial Arts Leadership

In this episode of What Keeps You Awake.TV, host David Hooser sits down with Kelley Hutta, owner and chief instructor of Chandler Martial Arts Center. After decades of training and teaching, Kelley continues the 50-year legacy of her dojo—creating a space where discipline, confidence, and community thrive for students ages 4 to 80.
🎯 Inside This Episode:• Legacy leadership: how Kelley stepped into a 50-year-old martial arts tradition and made it her own• From student to sensei: building confidence, character, and resilience through lifelong training• Running a community dojo: cultivating a safe, structured, and family-centered environment• Teaching philosophy: balancing discipline, encouragement, and individualized instruction• Business behind the belt: what it takes to run a multi-generational martial arts center• Community impact: empowering youth, supporting parents, and offering a positive alternative to screens• Growth mindset: why martial arts remains a lifelong practice—and how Kelley keeps her students progressing
📌 Learn more: [Chandler Martial Arts Center]🔔 Subscribe to What Keeps You Awake.TV for more real stories from entrepreneurs, leaders, and community builders.📣 Drop a comment: What life lesson has martial arts—or another discipline—taught you that stuck?
🔑 Hashtags:#KelleyHutta #ChandlerMartialArts #MartialArtsTraining #DojoLife #Leadership #CommunityBuilding #Karate #Taekwondo #Entrepreneurship #WhatKeepsYouAwakeTV

From Hospitals to Heartfelt Healing: Diane Palacios on Purpose, Family & Private Practice

In this episode of What Keeps You Awake.TV, host David Hooser sits down with Diane Palacios, founder of Palacios Crew Counseling. After navigating personal and family challenges, Diane redefined success—building a perinatal mental health practice focused on supporting expecting and new moms while balancing family and business.
🎯 Inside This Episode:• From stress to strategy: how Diane turned personal challenges into a thriving counseling practice• Building Palacios Crew Counseling: blending professional expertise with empathy and client-first care• Entrepreneurship in mental health: leading a private practice while mentoring and supporting other clinicians• The “why” behind private practice: creating a space that meets the needs of moms, families, and their support networks• Parenting parallels: lessons from her own journey with three kids and client care• Sustaining balance: managing family, business, and personal well-being while growing a meaningful enterprise• Palacios Pathways: bridging gaps in perinatal mental health with online resources and education
📌 Learn more: [Palacios Crew Counseling] | [Palacios Pathways]🔔 Subscribe to What Keeps You Awake.TV for more real stories of entrepreneurs balancing life, purpose, and business.📣 Drop a comment: What’s one passion project you’ve turned (or want to turn) into a business—and what’s your next step?
🔑 Hashtags:#DianePalacios #PalaciosCrewCounseling #PerinatalMentalHealth #WomenEntrepreneurs #WorkLifeBalance #ParentingJourney #MentalHealthSupport #WhatKeepsYouAwakeTV