Best Podcave VIP Podcasts (2025)

1
Homey Helium 29:05

Play Pause

1M ago29:05

29:05

Some people make a living building things. Others make a living making those things look good. There’s more to decoration than meets the eye. Space has a tremendous impact on how we think and feel. Sometimes it really is all about appearances, and that’s true whether you’re picking out curtains for your living room or designing an arch of balloons …

1
Down On The Farm 30:30

1M ago30:30

30:30

Farming isn’t what it used to be. Louisiana has lost thousands of small farms over the last few decades. The average farmer is over 58. Land prices keep going up, commodity prices keep wobbling, and modern farming techniques are about scale, not stewardship of the land. The small independent farmer — the icon of the American landscape — is by and l…

1
It's Magic 29:20

2M ago29:20

29:20

We often think of “doing good” as the business of nonprofits. You start a foundation, apply for grants, hold gumbo cook-offs, and hope the IRS sees things your way. But what if you didn’t need tax-exempt status to make the world better? What if turning a profit and doing good weren’t opposites — but the same business plan? Turns out, a lot of small…

1
Geaux Grow 29:20

2M ago29:20

29:20

There's a temptation in business to want everything fast. Fast growth, fast profits, fast success. But the most durable things—the things that actually last—are often built slowly and with intention. My guests on this edition of Out to Lunch understand that patience is a strategy. Both came to their current work almost by accident. And both are cho…

1
The Acadiana Health Path Less Traveled 31:30

3M ago31:30

31:30

Some people discover their calling by accident. Literally. An injury or an illness or divine providence can lead to a vocation. You might call each of my guests today healers. But neither started out with the idea of becoming one. They were patients first — searching for relief when the medical system didn’t always have the answers. That journey le…

1
Cajun Salvage Broadband 30:30

3M ago30:30

30:30

Sometimes the best businesses don’t start with a big plan. They start with nothing: no money, no equipment, no idea what you’re doing. Just a problem to solve, a skill in your back pocket, and the determination to figure it out. That’s how Christiaan's two guests on this edition of Out to Lunch ended up where they are. One is making home furnishing…

1
You Can Do It 30:20

3M ago30:20

30:20

If you’re going to run a good business, you’ll need to know the tools of your trade, literally and figuratively. Sometimes it’s knowing how to find talent. Other times it’s owning the crane nobody wants to buy. Because here’s the thing: every project needs both muscle and machines. And neither comes cheap these days, especially in the world of cons…

1
Cheating Death 30:50

3M ago30:50

30:50

Wellness isn’t just kale smoothies and yoga classes anymore. It’s mushrooms as brain boosters, IV drips for recovery, tinctures, biohacking, and more. These trends aren’t fringe, they’re big business, generating $1.8 trillion in U.S. sales alone in 2024. And they’re on the move in Acadiana too. Christiaan's guests on this edition of Out to Lunch ar…

1
Personal Finance Personal Injury 31:45

4M ago31:45

31:45

There’s a reason you don’t hear people bragging about shopping for a new bank. Most of us choose one when we’re young and stick with it—even if we’re frustrated, even if it means worse service or fewer benefits. We treat it like a utility, not a relationship. That’s good news if you’re running a big bank. Not so good if you’re trying to build a ban…

1
Stop Me If You've Heard This One 32:55

5M ago32:55

32:55

Here in Lafayette, comedy is growing up. The scene is expanding, more shows are popping up. It’s become a draw for national touring acts. And comics are choosing to stay—or come back—because there’s actually something to build here. That’s pretty remarkable. Lafayette wasn’t really on the map as a comedy town until the last decade or so. But comedy…

1
ABC - Acadiana Bread & Curry 32:45

5M ago32:45

32:45

Some things are so familiar we stop thinking about them. Bread, for example. Or curry. They show up in so many meals they’re practically background noise. Staples. Comforts. Universals. So what happens when someone decides that’s not good enough? On this edition of Out to Lunch we’re talking about reimagining the familiar — turning the everyday int…

1
Renaissance Bridesmaids 28:40

6M ago28:40

28:40

For every entrepreneur, the fantasy of your own business is about being in control of your destiny. For a lucky few, that pays off with the job — and lifestyle — of your dreams. One way to get there is to help other folks fulfill their own fantasies. Or maybe even one — at least temporarily. That fantasy might be waltzing through an evening of eleg…

1
Fix It Or Junk It 31:40

6M ago31:40

31:40

Ideas always sound good in theory. Especially business ideas. That’s the deception of entrepreneurship. Even the simple stuff gets complicated. Take my guests today. One started a business hauling junk. The other lends tools out for free. Simple, right? But as they’ll tell you, there’s a lot more to it once you pop the hood. Anna Kojevnikov is co-f…

1
Foodies Eat Cheesecake Too 29:05

6M ago29:05

29:05

These days, Facebook might be the last place you’d go for a taste of the sweet life. Social media is more likely to spike your blood pressure than your blood sugar. But it’s a pretty potent platform for launching a business or building a community. Foodies Jason Stoner is one of the mods at Foodies of Lafayette, a massive online community with more…

1
Doggy Disasters 29:00

7M ago29:00

29:00

If you think you know dirty jobs, you probably picture Mike Rowe knee-deep in some sewer or wrestling livestock. But let’s be real: there’s nothing heroic about coming in after the cameras are gone to mop up someone else’s mess—that’s the real work, and it can be a solid business proposition. That’s especially true in Louisiana, where the air is we…

1
Fear No Fast Fashion 28:30

7M ago28:30

28:30

Fashion is a $400 billion industry in the U.S. It includes household names with global reach and big-box scale. But in this massive market, there's room for the neighborhood shop — if you find the right niche. That’s right. If you want to get into the clothing industry, you don’t have to be afraid of fast fashion. Plenty of consumers are still out …

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Make Money While You Sleep 28:45

7M ago28:45

28:45

“If you don't find a way to make money while you sleep, you'll work until you die.” That’s a bit of advice from Warren Buffet, "The Oracle of Omaha" and perhaps the world’s most successful investor. For most, it’s a dream. But for Drake Bajat it’s a personal philosophy and throughline in his serial entrepreneurship. Today, Drake owns Restoration On…

1
Whiskey Gumbo 30:25

8M ago30:25

30:25

Great products start with an idea, and a lot of tinkering. Edison and his lightbulb. Jobs and Wozniak in their garage. The image is familiar—a lone inventor, obsessing over details, experimenting, failing, learning, and eventually discovering something great. South Louisiana has a pretty rich tradition of entrepreneurship and invention. Consider th…

1
Beer Wine and Pizza 29:30

8M ago29:30

29:30

Americans love their pizza. We eat around 3 billion pizzas a year—that’s about 350 slices per second. And we wash down a good portion of it with wine: the U.S. is the world’s largest wine-consuming country, drinking nearly 1 billion gallons annually. Put that all together and you’ve got a complete meal. Pizza, of course, is ubiquitous in Lafayette.…

1
Kids Today 29:00

9M ago29:00

29:00

Running a nonprofit might sound like a mission of the heart. But it’s also very much a business. These organizations have to pay staff, keep the lights on, and provide services. Yes, they rely on philanthropy. But they also need to generate revenue, build partnerships, and constantly make the case for their value—not just to donors, but to the comm…

1
There's A Better Way 31:50

9M ago31:50

31:50

Email has been around since the 1970s. It’s quick, it’s convenient — and it consumes your life. If you’ve got an office job, chances are you spend most of your working life in an inbox. Email may be the engine of modern commerce, but it might also be the slowest way to get things done—especially in industries where precision and timing are everythi…

1
Bigger Isn't Always Better 32:40

9M ago32:40

32:40

It was once conventional wisdom in business that bigger was better. Economies of scale weren’t just preferable, they were inevitable, like a law of nature. But, while big-box stores and corporate franchises do have advantages in cost and efficiency, small businesses are proving they can thrive by leaning into their niches. Take Le-Grenadier, a cock…

1
Frontierland 29:40

10M ago29:40

29:40

Frontiers aren’t just about the Wild West or outer space. They’re about discovery—whether it’s navigating a bayou or reshaping industry. Some frontiers lead us into nature, others to the grocery store aisle. For Janeene DeClouet, she seeks out frontiers for peace. She is the owner of Duc in Altum Kayaking, a kayaking adventure business with a spiri…

1
Lena et Lucia 30:30

10M ago30:30

30:30

In Acadiana, food has a way of carrying history with it—whether it’s a family recipe passed down for generations or a classic technique reinvented for today’s tastes. For Ryan Jannise, keeping a family tradition alive meant growing and scaling it. Ryan owns Lena’s Cajun Seafood Dishes, a company built on his grandmother’s beloved recipes. His grand…

1
The Built & Unbuilt Environment 34:30

10M ago34:30

34:30

Architecture is more than just buildings—it’s about creating spaces that inspire, connect, and serve communities. That’s something Wes Thiele understands well. Originally from Atlanta, Wes moved to Lafayette in 2009, drawn by the steady opportunities in construction. Career prospects took Wes to Dallas, but Lafayette left an impression on him. When…

1
The Care Economy Stupid 31:30

10M ago31:30

31:30

In 1992 during Bill Clinton's presidential campaign, LSU grad and Clinton Chief Strategist James Carville came up with two slogans for Clinton to focus on: "The economy, stupid" and "Don't forget about healthcare." Today, politicians and citizens alike are very aware of both of these issues, which are more or less now combined in what is called The…

1
Helping Hand 28:20

11M ago28:20

28:20

Some people build businesses on big ideas—others on big hearts. Sometimes, the best business plan is just knowing how to help people. Music might not be the first thing you think of when it comes to helping people, but for Vanessa Lomas, it’s her love language…or maybe help language. Vanessa is the owner of TheraCare Music Therapy. Ninety percent o…

1
Chocolate Chip Happiness On A Stick 30:50

11M ago30:50

30:50

When you hear the word "franchise" you probably think golden arches or a pepperoni pizza. But franchises can be as creative and personal as any small business. Today we’re diving into two different ways of running a business. On one side, you’ve got a franchisee — a business owner who taps into an established brand and system. On the other, a self-…

1
Gen Z Biz 30:30

12M ago30:30

30:30

When you hear the words "Gen Z," what word comes to mind? If you’re over 40, the answer is more than likely dismissive. When you look at the data, though, there’s one word that should come to mind: entrepreneurial. In 2023, a record 5 million new businesses were started in the United States. A massive portion of them were started by Gen Z entrepren…

1
Swingin' 31:40

12M ago31:40

31:40

There’s always something to do in Acadiana. That’s great if you’re a consumer. Options for lifestyle and entertainment are a big part of your quality of life. But if you’re on the business side of the equation, an endless supply of activities makes for a crowded and competitive market. Throw in Lafayette’s notorious seasonality, and running an ente…

1
It's The Law 32:15

1y ago32:15

32:15

There’s a saying in show business: Every musician wants to be an actor. And every actor wants to be a musician. For a lot of people, either option would be a dream job. Especially if they grow up to be doctors or lawyers instead. But do lawyers want to be doctors? Do doctors want to be lawyers? Maybe. Maybe not. Even if you join the bar. You can st…

1
Artrepreneur Unstuck 32:40

1y ago32:40

32:40

One way or the other, if you’re in business in the 21st century, you’re selling yourself. That’s true whether you’re selling crafts or services. Social platforms like TikTok, Instagram or YouTube are basically all marketplaces of personality. You still need a product that people want, but that’s not really enough. You need to connect with people if…

1
Feel Good, Eat Ice Cream 30:23

1y ago30:23

30:23

If you're looking for an optimum time to do something difficult, it's easy to find excuses to procrastinate. When you're a habitual smoker is there ever "a good time" to quit smoking? When you prefer sloth, is there ever "a good time" to start working out? The answer is, of course, it's always a good time, and it's never a good time. It's the same …

1
Don't Worry, Tea Happy 32:00

1y ago32:00

32:00

Sometimes in business you just need to go in a different direction. Maybe you’re a victim of your own success. Maybe your work-life balance is out of whack. Maybe you’re bored or maybe you just need a little extra cash on the side. Recognizing the change is probably the easy part. Changing is the hard part — especially if you like what you do. Rach…

1
Vegan Cakes, Crack Wings 29:40

1y ago29:40

29:40

At this point, alternative foods aren’t really alternative anymore. It’s like music in the 1990s. What was sort of underground has really become mainstream as more and more people have changed their diets to be healthier or to eat more ethically. Gluten free or vegan foods aren’t just for speciality aisles anymore. They’re marketed aggressively for…

1
See You At The Wedding 28:00

1y ago28:00

28:00

Running a business is usually an exercise in multitasking. Whatever your one real gift is — that thing that got you into business in the first place — there’s a pretty good chance you won’t be doing it anymore once you’ve become successful enough. That can be bittersweet. But it’s the way of the world. So it would make sense that what often separat…

1
Calcasieu Beer & Colombian Coffee 28:20

1+ y ago28:20

28:20

Hank Williams’ 1952 song, Jambalaya On The Bayou, was the first time much of the world heard anything about us. What at first-listen to most people sounded like a bunch of nonsense syllables like Lewis Carroll’s Jabberwocky, turned out to be a menu of Cajun dishes – Jambalaya, crawfish pie, file gumbo. Today, if you’re from Acadiana and you travel …

1
Stand Out From The Crowd 28:50

1+ y ago28:50

28:50

It’s getting easier by the day for your average person to become a graphic designer. Fire up a Canva account, and you can have a logo in minutes. And Lord knows AI is only making that easier, and more surreal. But, as things get easier for the masses, it puts a premium on stuff made by hand. Time was that it took blood and sweat to make the world b…

1
The Myth of the Starving Artist 29:35

1+ y ago29:35

29:35

Do you think maybe it's time we dispense with the myth of the starving artist? There are more than enough ways to make money in creative industries these days. And not just in applied arts like graphic design or architecture. "Marketability" can be a dirty word for some artists, but for others it’s a goal that isn’t at odds with expression. Even ab…

1
Borderless Teche 28:35

1+ y ago28:35

28:35

Summer is a tough time to be a parent. School is out. The sun is scorching. You need a break for your kids. Maybe they need a break from you. That’s why they created summer camp, a Godsend for working parents if there ever was one. Kids get a lot out of camp: time to play and be curious, maybe a chance to learn new skills and meet some new friends.…

1
Your Debut Novel 29:55

1+ y ago29:55

29:55

There’s a saying in the music industry: You have your whole life to make your first record. But one shot at making your second. Novelist Jennifer Moorhead, wrote three books before publishing her debut, Broken Bayou in 2024. It’s a thriller inspired by a real murder mystery, tapping into the nation’s ongoing obsession with true crime. Jennifer has …

1
Water Wings 28:45

1+ y ago28:45

28:45

Why sell a product when you can sell an adventure? Experiences are a hot commodity in today’s marketplace. They make memories. The kids love them. And they come in packages that don’t need a warehouse. And when you sell an experience, you’re usually selling expertise. Let’s say you want to go scuba diving. It’s not as simple as throwing on an oxyge…

1
Colorwheel of Fortune 29:00

1+ y ago29:00

29:00

We tend to think of entrepreneurs as people with an obsessive vision. They have an idea that will change the world or at least make them lots of money. They take it to the workshop and hack away for days, hours, years until they bring their genius to market and find success. Sometimes, a business idea just sort of happens. Maybe it’s a stroke of lu…

1
Whole Grain Bistro 30:45

1+ y ago30:45

30:45

Lafayette’s restaurant scene is famously difficult. There are more restaurants per person in the Hub City than there are in New Orleans, Austin and even New York City. Plus, you’re not just competing with the restaurant down the block. This is a place where everyone cooks. People set the standard in their own kitchens. So what do you do if you move…

1
Cake & Candy 29:45

1+ y ago29:45

29:45

Quality isn’t enough to sell a product. Consumers need to connect with what you’re selling. And the first way they do that, usually, is by connecting with your brand. What is a brand? Well, for one thing, it starts with a name. But any marketing agency will tell you it’s more than that. It’s your company’s values. It’s what makes your product stand…

1
Your Parcel In Space 28:00

1+ y ago28:00

28:00

Most of us think about business in terms of the point of sale. I’ve got a product. You’ve got money. You give me money for the product and boom: we have an economy. But Adam Smith’s invisible hand didn’t put that product on my shelf. It likely came on a truck. And that truck was built with parts sourced from places near and far. Which in turn were …

1
Pole Dance Protection 29:20

1+ y ago29:20

29:20

Some things are better left to the professionals. If you’re a VIP with a target on your back, security is one of those things. Protection Personal security is a highly specialized business. It takes discipline, preparation and the willingness to put your life on the line for your client. Risking life and limb isn’t for everyone. And that’s why few …

1
Business For Sale 30:00

1+ y ago30:00

30:00

At some point, you’re going to hand the keys to your business to someone else. That’s true whether you’re hiring employees or contractors or planning for succession. Life happens. And it’s just not in the cards for you to be able to run your business, by yourself, forever. For many entrepreneurs, selling big is the dream. In the startup space, they…

1
Santa & The Hungry Kids 29:20

1+ y ago29:20

29:20

Marketing your new business idea can take a few different shapes. You might take a deep dive with market research and try to define the demographic slice of consumer you’re looking for. Before you even bring your product to the shelves, you’ll try to understand the potential for growth: How many customers are out there who would want what you’re se…

1
Meat Movement 30:45

1+ y ago30:45

30:45

If you’re gonna be first, you’re gonna take a risk. All the more so if you’re going to market with a foreign concept. People are creatures of habit. We look to the world we know to understand new concepts. And if something we’re trying is unlike anything we’ve tried before…that can be a recipe for failure. Think of it this way: People who are remem…