Built on Smoke & Grit - Featuring Owner of Honeyfire BBQ Ben Claymaker

Built on Smoke & Grit - Featuring Owner of Honeyfire BBQ Ben Claymaker

What does it take to turn a backyard smoker into one of Nashville’s most recognized barbecue brands? In this episode of Next Rung Radio, Ron Creech sits down with entrepreneur and HoneyFire BBQ founder Ben Claybakerto discuss the real story behind building a thriving restaurant business from the ground up. From working at a small-town barbecue restaurant in Arkansas to opening multiple locations across Nashville, Ben shares the lessons, failures, risks, and victories that shaped his entrepreneurial journey. He opens up about surviving COVID, building company culture, leading teams, knowing your numbers, and why hospitality is still the foundation of everything he does. Whether you're a business owner, aspiring entrepreneur, or someone chasing a dream, this conversation is packed with practical wisdom and hard-earned lessons that can help you climb your next rung. Key Takeaways • Hospitality is about serving people, not just selling products • Great culture must be built intentionally and protected daily • Entrepreneurs must know their numbers inside and out • Success comes from calculated risks, not reckless ones • The right team can transform a business Episode Highlights • Ben's first job at a barbecue restaurant in Arkansas • Turning a passion for hospitality into a thriving brand • How HoneyFire survived and adapted during COVID • The biggest mistakes entrepreneurs make • Building a winning company culture • Why hiring and firing both matter • Opening HoneyFire's newest Brentwood location • Lessons learned from multiple business ventures • The importance of knowing your financial numbers • How family recipes became part of the HoneyFire story To learn more about Ben Claybaker Pleas Visit https://honeyfire.com/ [https://honeyfire.com] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2489408/support]

Marriage On The Road Aint Easy - Featuring October Rose

In this heartfelt episode of Next Rung Radio Podcast, Ron Creech sits down with husband-and-wife country duo Leanne Wise and Derek Allen of October Rose to talk about building a life, family, and music career together through faith, grit, and unwavering commitment. From meeting at a small New Jersey gig to touring across the country with their daughter, the duo opens up about navigating rejection, chasing dreams, balancing marriage with business, and learning how to define success beyond fame and money. Their story is one of resilience, trust, sacrifice, and staying committed to both the music and each other. The conversation also dives into songwriting, raising a child on the road, viral music moments, and how their hit song “Heart Can’t Lie” unexpectedly became an anthem for couples around the world. Honest, inspiring, and deeply relatable, this episode is a powerful reminder that the journey matters just as much as the destination.  Key Takeaways • Why communication and trust are everything in relationships • How resilience matters more than overnight success • The importance of defining success on your own terms Episode Highlights • The story of how October Rose first met • Raising a daughter while touring the country • Viral moments and emotional fan stories • The truth about surviving the music industry as a couple • Behind-the-scenes insight into songwriting and touring life To learn more about October Rose Visit https://www.octoberrosemusic.com [https://www.octoberrosemusic.com] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2489408/support]

Nashville Wasn't Always Like This - Featuring David Spicher and Wendy Newcomer

In this heartfelt and entertaining episode of Next Rung Radio Podcast, Ron Creech sits down with powerhouse musical duo Wendy Newcomer and David Spiker to talk about music, marriage, tradition, and the magic of Nashville’s legendary honky-tonk scene. From performing at the iconic Robert's Western World to building a life together through music, Wendy and David share incredible stories about balancing creativity, family, touring, songwriting, and life on Broadway in Music City. The conversation dives deep into the evolution of Nashville, preserving traditional country music, working together as a married couple, and why authentic music still has the power to move people emotionally. With touching stories, hilarious moments, and behind-the-scenes insight into Nashville’s music culture, this episode feels like sitting backstage with lifelong friends who truly love what they do.  Key Takeaways • Why traditional country music still deeply connects generations • How to successfully balance marriage and creative partnership • The importance of authenticity, consistency, and honoring your craft Episode Highlights • Behind-the-scenes stories from Robert’s Western World • Growing up surrounded by Nashville music legends • Life as a married musical duo • Emotional audience moments that left entire rooms in tears • Why preserving classic country music matters To Learn More About David & Wendy Visit https://www.50shadesofhayband.com [https://www.50shadesofhayband.com] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2489408/support]

Why Most Artists Never Make It - Featuring Music Networking Specialist Steve Goldringer

In this deeply inspiring and wisdom-filled episode of Next Rung Radio Podcast, Ron Creech sits down with music industry veteran, mentor, entrepreneur, and legacy-builder Steve Goldinger for an unforgettable conversation about life, purpose, resilience, and the power of relationships. From working alongside legendary artists and helping launch careers in the music industry to preserving the teachings and legacy of iconic vocal coach Renee Grant Williams, Steve shares decades of hard-earned wisdom about success, communication, creativity, and staying true to your calling. This episode dives deep into personal growth, learning from adversity, the realities of the music business, building authentic relationships, and why most people fail not because of lack of talent—but lack of action. Packed with powerful one-liners, emotional stories, and timeless life lessons, this conversation is a masterclass in persistence, passion, and purpose.  Key Takeaways • Why “live and learn” is the foundation of growth • The hidden truth about success in the music industry • How relationships and consistency create lasting opportunities Episode Highlights • Steve’s journey from New York to Nashville • Behind-the-scenes stories from the music business • The legacy and teachings of Renee Grant Williams • Powerful advice for singers, artists, and entrepreneurs • Why talent alone is never enough to succeed Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2489408/support]

Retire While You Work - Featuring Finance Phenom David Adams

What if success wasn’t about waiting until 65 to finally enjoy your life? In this powerful episode of Next Rung Radio Podcast, Ron Creech sits down with financial expert, best-selling author, and founder of Adams Wealth Partners, David Adams, for a deeply inspiring conversation about money, purpose, legacy, and freedom. From helping overwhelmed creatives and entrepreneurs build wealth with intention to teaching families how to create meaningful memories instead of simply chasing bigger bank accounts, David shares a refreshing philosophy that challenges the traditional idea of retirement. Together, Ron and David unpack the emotional side of money, generational mindsets, financial anxiety, purpose-driven living, and why the true currency in life is time. This episode is filled with wisdom, heart, and practical advice that could completely change the way you view success and your future.  Key Takeaways • Why “retire while you work” is a mindset, not an age • The emotional psychology behind money and financial fear • How meaningful experiences create greater wealth than possessions Episode Highlights • David’s emotional story about helping his father retire • The “memory dividends” philosophy that changes lives • Real financial advice for creatives, entrepreneurs, and families • Why time is more valuable than money • Powerful lessons on legacy, generosity, and purpose To learn More about Dave Adams Visit https://adamswealthpartners.com/ [https://adamswealthpartners.com/] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2489408/support]