WhatKeepsYouAwake.tv
This is the podcast that dives deep into the minds of small business owners and operators—the dreamers, doers, and risk-takers shaping our communities. Each week, we sit down with the incredible people behind local businesses to explore two powerful questions: 1) What keeps you awake at night? 2) Why sign up for these “sleepless nights?”
Episodes
Tuesday Jul 01, 2025
Tuesday Jul 01, 2025
Ray Hughes has spent 40+ years mastering martial arts—and just as long fighting through the highs and lows of entrepreneurship. In this episode of What Keeps You Awake, he shares the hard lessons learned from failed businesses, the mindset that saved him, and why being a Sensei goes way beyond the dojo. From scaling too fast to sleeping in his car just to fund his dream, Ray holds nothing back. If you’re a small business owner, startup founder, or just someone figuring out how to bounce back after a hit—this is the conversation you need to hear. 👉 Don’t forget to subscribe for more inspiring founder stories: WhatKeepsYouAwake.tv #RayHughes #MartialArtsBusiness #EntrepreneurMindset #WhatKeepsYouAwakePodcast

Tuesday Jul 01, 2025
Tuesday Jul 01, 2025
The biotech revolution is happening — and Arizona is leading the charge. In this game-changing episode of What Keeps You Awake.TV, host David Hooser sits down (again) with Joan Koerber-Walker, CEO of the Arizona Bioindustry Association, to explore the bold vision shaping the future of healthcare, entrepreneurship, and economic development. Joan unpacks: The $45B impact Arizona’s bioscience sector is already making Real companies solving cancer prevention, hydrocephalus, and AI-assisted diagnostics Why she doesn’t believe in “artificial intelligence” — and what she calls it instead How the Health Innovation Trust Fund is unlocking funding for early-stage founders Why passion is important — but profit and support networks matter more Whether you’re an investor, a biotech founder, or someone with a big idea — this is the episode that connects the dots. 🧬 Learn more at: https://www.azbio.org/join 📅 Explore October's Arizona Bioscience Week events: https://azbio.org 💡 Early-stage? Apply for free ABio membership (first 2 years) 📢 **Subscribe to WhatKeeps

Tuesday Jul 01, 2025
Tuesday Jul 01, 2025
She’s helped launch thousands of startups — and still refuses to retire. In this exclusive episode of What Keeps You Awake.TV, host David Hooser sits down with Joan Koerber-Walker, the powerhouse behind Arizona’s life sciences momentum. As the CEO of the Arizona Bioindustry Association (AZBio), Joan has impacted over 365,000 entrepreneurs, helped drive billions in economic growth, and continues to shape the future of health innovation in the state. We dive into: The surprising truth behind clinical trials and FDA hurdles How Arizona turned a stadium loss into a biotech win Joan’s hard-earned advice for entrepreneurs (and why passion alone isn’t enough) What it really takes to build an industry — and why collaboration is non-negotiable 👉 Learn more or get involved: azbio.org 📅 Check out Arizona Bioscience Week this October under the Events tab! 🎧 Like what you heard? Subscribe and share What Keeps You Awake.TV with fellow founders and future leaders. 💬 Drop a comment: What biotech or startup idea are you working on right now?
Tuesday Jul 01, 2025
From Camo to CEO: How Mary Hagen Turned a Hobby Into a Business Empire Part 2
Tuesday Jul 01, 2025
Tuesday Jul 01, 2025
From bowhunting to business-building — Mary Hagen shares her surprising startup story. In this insight-packed episode of What Keeps You Awake.TV, Mary returns to reveal how she launched her first company — Hagen Hunting — at just 19 years old. What started as a personal frustration in the hunting gear space turned into a brand with a custom camo line, trade show presence, and eventually, an acquisition. You’ll hear: How she spotted a gap in the outdoor industry The power of starting small (while working a full-time job) Why not every exit needs to be big to be meaningful The lessons she now brings to leading 100+ employees at Colossal This is for aspiring founders, side hustlers, and anyone wondering if they’re “ready” to start a business. 👉 Visit maryhagen.com to learn more 🎯 Like this episode? Subscribe to the channel & share with an entrepreneur who needs to hear it 💬 Drop a comment: What’s your big idea you’ve been sitting on?
Tuesday Jul 01, 2025
She Built a Business That Gives Back: Mary Hagen’s $200M Fundraising Machine
Tuesday Jul 01, 2025
Tuesday Jul 01, 2025
💡 What if a *for-profit business* could raise **$200 million for charity**—while still scaling like a startup? Meet **Mary Hagen**, the visionary behind **Colossal.org**, a professional fundraising company that runs viral online competitions benefiting nonprofits nationwide. In this episode of *What Keeps You Awake.TV*, Mary shares: • How Colossal’s model turns *votes into donations* • Why she pivoted from entrepreneur to full-time philanthropist • The secret to raising millions *without galas or 5Ks* • What keeps her up at night as she leads a 100-person mission-driven team • The one customer email that changed her business forever Mary’s model is shaking up the nonprofit world — and inspiring entrepreneurs everywhere to *do well while doing good*. 🧠 Whether you're building a business, a nonprofit, or both — this is your blueprint for impact at scale. 📌 Learn more: → [https://www.colossal.org](https://www.colossal.org) → [https://www.maryhagan.com](https://www.maryhagen.com) 📣 Like, comment, and **subscribe** to keep up with the founders who are making business *personal*. #MaryHagen #Colossal #SocialImpactBusiness #Philanthropreneur #WhatKeepsYouAwakeTV

Tuesday Jul 01, 2025
Tuesday Jul 01, 2025
💸 How do you scale a homemade cocktail startup into a **multi-brand beverage empire**? With grit, creativity — and $5 million. In this investor-focused episode of *What Keeps You Awake.TV*, host David Hooser welcomes back **Chuck Moore**, founder of Choco Flaco, Elvado, and Elero. Chuck shares: • Why raising capital never stops (and how it's changed) • How he went from $200K family rounds to a $5M national raise • Why crowdfunding is now a key part of his equity strategy • The Gen Z drinking shift — and how Elvado’s THC cocktails fit the future • How global awards and major distribution deals are fueling credibility 🚀 Now entering **12,000+ new stores**, Chuck’s brands are in Total Wine, Bevmo, and Walmart.com — with new innovations coming Fall 2024. 🎯 For investors, founders, and beverage enthusiasts — this is the *real talk* behind launching, losing, pivoting, and scaling in CPG. 🔗 Explore the products: • [ChocoFlaco.com](https://chocoflaco.com) – low-calorie cocktails • [ElvadoDrinks.com](https://elvadodrinks.com) – hemp-infused beverages • [EleroMocktails.com](https://eleromocktails.com) – non-alcoholic sips 📣 Like, subscribe & share to support entrepreneur storytelling with real lessons. 📝 Drop a comment: Would *you* invest in the future of drinks? #Entrepreneurship #StartupFunding #RaisingCapital #BusinessGrowth #ChocoFlaco #BeverageIndustry #CannabisDrinks #PrivateEquity #Crowdfunding #SmallBusinessJourney

Tuesday Jul 01, 2025
Tuesday Jul 01, 2025
From milk jugs to Walmart shelves — this is **Chuck Moore’s story**. Founder of **Choco Flaco**, Chuck started crafting low-calorie cocktails in his kitchen using a NutriBullet and a dream. Today, his beverage brands (Choco Flaco, Elvado, and Elero) are sold in **16 states**, available on **Walmart.com**, and have won over **50 global awards**. 🎯 In this episode of *What Keeps You Awake.TV*, host David Hooser dives deep into: • Chuck’s kitchen-to-commerce story • How he turned a $500K product failure into a 3-brand empire • The behind-the-scenes of scaling a beverage startup • Lessons in grit, capital raising, and building the *right team* • What makes Elvado legal — and why mocktails are booming 📌 Whether you're an aspiring founder, a beverage industry insider, or just love a damn good startup story — this one’s for you. 🔗 Try the award-winning lineup: - **ChocoFlaco.com** (alcoholic) - **ElvadoDrinks.com** (THC-infused) - **EleroMocktails.com** (non-alcoholic) 👍 Like, comment, and **subscribe** for more behind-the-brand founder journeys. 📝 Tell us in the comments: Which flavor are YOU trying first? #ChocoFlaco #Entrepreneurship #BeverageIndustry #Startups #ConsumerBrands #SmallBusiness #RaisingCapital #Resilience #WhatKeepsYouAwakeTV #DavidHooser #ChuckMoore #Mocktails #THCDrinks #CocktailCulture #HealthyLiving
Monday Jun 30, 2025
Monday Jun 30, 2025
In this fast-paced episode of What Keeps You Awake.TV, host David Hooser sits down with Kenyon Curtis—farm-raised entrepreneur, former business coach, and now AI systems sales leader—to unpack practical ways founders can turn conversations into revenue without bloating headcount or ad spend.
🎯 Inside This Episode
The mindset shift: most “cost problems” are actually revenue capture problems
How to use conversational AI (voice + chat) to answer 100% of calls & after-hours leads
DBR (Database Reactivation): waking up past customers for fast, low-cost wins
Smart follow-up cadences that persist without pestering (and back off when signals say so)
Turning your website into a 24/7 sales desk (booking, FAQs, qualifying)
Real sectors seeing lift: off-road retail, law firms, real estate
Plug & play: integrating AI with your CRM + calendar (yes, even via Zapier)
Kenyon’s take is refreshingly simple: capture what you’re already paying for—missed calls, ignored forms, stale leads—before you buy more traffic.
📌 If you’re a founder or operator who wants more pipeline, higher conversion, and saner margins, this one’s your playbook.
🔔 Like, comment, and subscribe for more straight-shooting conversations on growth, systems, and staying sharp under pressure.
📣 Drop a comment: Which part of your funnel leaks the most—inbound calls, forms, or follow-up?
#AIForBusiness #SalesAutomation #ConversationalAI #VoiceAI #Chatbots #LeadGen #RevenueGrowth #CRM #FollowUp #MarketingAutomation #SmallBusiness #StartupOperators #OffRoadIndustry #LegalMarketing #RealEstateMarketing #WhatKeepsYouAwakeTV #DavidHooser #KenyonCurtis

Monday Jun 30, 2025
Monday Jun 30, 2025
What does it really take to build a stage-ready body while running a business? In this powerful episode of What Keeps You Awake.TV, host David Hooser sits down again with Dr. Paul Budnick (Dr. B) — ER physician, anti-aging specialist, and the man who helped him transform into competition shape at nearly 50 years old. 🎯 Inside This Episode: • The reality of cutting to 5% body fat as a busy entrepreneur • Why alcohol, fasting, and meal prep make or break your results • The smart way to use supplements, testosterone, and peptides (without wasting money) • The importance of bloodwork, omega-3s, and vascular health • How movement, memory, and mindset fuel longevity for founders Dr. B doesn’t push fads — he shares decades of experience treating 500+ patients and practicing what he preaches at 66 years old. 📌 If you’re a business owner, leader, or high performer, this conversation will reset how you think about health, energy, and resilience. 🔔 Like, follow, and subscribe for more no-nonsense health strategies for entrepreneurs. 📣 Drop a comment: What’s the one health habit you refuse to compromise on? #EntrepreneurHealth #AntiAging #FitnessOver50 #SmallBusinessLife #Testosterone #Peptides #Supplements #Longevity #EntrepreneurLifestyle #HealthForFounders

Monday Jun 30, 2025
Baby Aspirin, Anti-Aging & Entrepreneur Health | Dr. Paul Budnick
Monday Jun 30, 2025
Monday Jun 30, 2025
In this episode of What Keeps You Awake.tv, host David Hooser sits down with Dr. Paul Budnick — known as Dr. B — an ER physician with 30+ years of experience and a fellowship in anti-aging medicine. Dr. B shares powerful insights into everyday health choices that can save lives, including the truth about baby aspirin, hydration, nutrition, and simple daily exercise. He breaks down myths, studies, and real-world stories while offering practical advice for entrepreneurs and small business owners who juggle stress, long hours, and limited time for wellness. Key takeaways: Why low-dose aspirin may protect your heart How to fuel your body with smart snacks on the go Quick workouts you can do anywhere to stay energized The importance of hydration over caffeine Daily habits that improve focus, reduce stress, and extend longevity If you’re building a business, your health is your greatest asset. Learn how to protect it with Dr. B’s straightforward, actionable advice. 👉 Don’t forget to like, follow, and subscribe to WhatKeepsYouAwake.tv for more conversations with experts who help you live better, think clearer, and perform at your best. #EntrepreneurHealth #DrPaulBudnick #AntiAging #SmallBusinessWellness #BabyAspirin #HeartHealth #EntrepreneurLife #Longevity #StartupWellness #WhatKeepsYouAwake

About Our Host: David Hooser
- Creator, WhatKeepsYouAwake.tv Podcast
- Founder & CEO, New Shoes Enterprises (Dba AssetBull.com)
- Founder, CEO/President, Franklin Virtual Schools & Franklin Learning Centers
- Chairman/Founder, Educational Assistance Resources Network (EARN)
David Hooser began his career in Silicon Valley, working as an executive at AMD and Motorola before co-founding ILS, Inc., a web services provider acquired in 2000. He then shifted to digital education, founding Franklin Virtual Schools in 2009, which expanded globally before its acquisition in 2019.
In 2012, he founded EARN, Inc., a nonprofit helping underserved students access education. A dedicated entrepreneur and father, David successfully balanced building his businesses while raising two children. Now remarried, he continues developing new ventures alongside his wife, Trang Hooser.



