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#0032 - Leroy Tucker

He’s been cutting hair since 1960, and Leroy Tucker can tell you exactly why some barber shops disappear while others become landmarks. We talk with Leroy about how a plan to become a veterinarian turned into a lifelong career in barbering, and what it really takes to stay in business for 60 plus years in Midwest City. We get specific about craft: how listening to a client changes everything, why time in the chair matters, and what separates a good barber from a great barber. Leroy shares memories from professional training and traveling symposiums, including straight razor technique and the enduring influence of the Roffler name. If you care about precision haircuts, clipper over comb, shear over comb, and the fundamentals behind a clean outline, you’ll hear how mastery is built one appointment at a time. We also dig into the industry side of the trade. Leroy explains his decades of service examining barbers for licensure, the role of national meetings in barber education, and why health and safety standards are part of protecting the profession. He walks us through the tough merger between barber and cosmetology boards, what it changed, and where he thinks trends are heading next, including whether the flat top ever fully returns. If you enjoyed this conversation, subscribe for more stories from people who’ve built real local businesses, share the episode with someone who loves a great haircut, and leave a review so more listeners can find us. What’s the best haircut you’ve ever had, and why?

#0031 - Dr. Hardeep Saluja

We sit down with Dr. Hardeep Saluja, pharmacist, educator, and Rotary leader, to unpack how data literacy and service above self are reshaping modern pharmacy education and community health. Hardeep brings us from his roots in New Delhi and early work in clinical trials to Boston for graduate school and on to Oklahoma, where he leads in the College of Pharmacy at Southwestern Oklahoma State University. He explains that the most valuable lesson from U.S. education was learning how to unlearn—challenging assumptions, thinking critically, and solving problems with an open mind. That mindset led him to design dual PharmD programs: one with an MBA for leadership and management, and another with a Master of Science in Health Information Management for data, informatics, and quality improvement. The result is a new kind of pharmacist who understands both patient care and the systems that power it. We dig into AI, automation, and the future of pharmacy: precision dosing, real-time biometrics from wearables, and faster diagnostics that make care more personal and effective. Hardeep argues that AI is the modern calculator, a tool that won’t replace pharmacists but will amplify those who know how to use it. He shares how he fosters a culture of openness, consensus, and student-centered growth, and why emotional intelligence and listening are as essential as clinical knowledge. Service ties it all together. Hardeep reflects on Rotary’s global impact, from polio eradication to local vaccination efforts, and how students learn by doing: diabetes education, rural outreach, and charitable clinics. He also shares why he founded the American Association of Indian Pharmacy Professors to mentor new faculty and build an inclusive, international network. If you’re a student, educator, or Rotarian, you’ll leave with practical advice—keep your mind open, observe carefully, ask for opportunities, and get involved. If this conversation sparked ideas, subscribe, share with a friend, and leave a review. Your feedback helps others find the show and join the work of building smarter care and stronger communities. Triger Media [https://www.trigermediaokc.com] Web Design, Social Media & Podcast Services. Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

#0030 - Orson Scott Card

Step into the mind of Orson Scott Card, the visionary behind Ender’s Game, as he shares the untold story of his journey from creek-exploring child to legendary author. Card reflects on his free-range 1950s California childhood, where hours spent biking highways and wandering dry creek beds nurtured the imagination that would shape his writing. With candid humor, he reveals how storytelling was simply expected in his family—and how that early ease with public speaking never translated to small talk. The conversation dives deep into the evolution of Ender’s Game—from award-winning short story to bestselling novel to a film that missed the mark. Card shares Hollywood insights, including how Harrison Ford quietly coached scenes as an uncredited co-director. Through examples like Lord of the Rings and Pride and Prejudice, Card explains why some adaptations succeed while others fail—and why a miniseries might be Ender’s best future. More than a masterclass in storytelling, Card offers sharp, hard-won wisdom: “You’re a human first, an artist second,” he says, rejecting formulas in favor of authenticity and excellence. Whether you're a fan, a creator, or simply curious about the creative process, this is a conversation worth hearing. "If you're not all special," Card asks, "why are you writing?" Let me know if you'd like a version for social media or a podcast intro. Triger Media [https://www.trigermediaokc.com] Web Design, Social Media & Podcast Services. Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

#0029 - Lori Ferrera

What happens when a healthcare worker trades restraints for paintbrushes? Lori Ferreira takes us through her remarkable journey from the intensity of bedside nursing to the creative world of TikTok influencing in this candid conversation about career evolution and finding joy. Lori doesn't hold back when describing the realities of nursing life - from the disturbing sight of patients in five-point restraints to treating wounds so severe you could see bone. These stark experiences, invisible to most of us but routine for healthcare workers, shaped her perspective on both gratitude and burnout. Her advice to new nurses cuts through typical career guidance: "Don't wait until you're completely burnt out, because then you're going to be bitter and not going to give the best care." This wisdom applies far beyond healthcare. The conversation shifts dramatically as Lori explains her pivot to TikTok influencing and live shopping. Her impulsive Black Friday purchase of a course on social commerce has blossomed into a creative second career that taps into her passion for painting and connecting with others. Lori's insights into this emerging marketplace reveal why it's becoming the next frontier for digital entrepreneurs. We wrap with a fascinating detour into the science of de-extinction and the recently created dire wolves, combining Lori's healthcare background with her curiosity about these technological breakthroughs. From hospital rooms to social media studios to prehistoric predators, this episode traverses unexpected territory while delivering practical wisdom about career transitions, creative renewal, and the courage to change direction when burnout threatens. Ready to explore your own creative pivots? Listen now and discover how one healthcare worker found her spark beyond the hospital walls. Triger Media [https://www.trigermediaokc.com] Web Design, Social Media & Podcast Services. Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

#0028 - Emmanuel Rivera

Emmanuel Rivera's path from troubled teen to youth mentor reveals the transformative power of martial arts and positive guidance. As Executive Director of the Come Up Foundation, Rivera now shapes the futures of over 200 children across Oklahoma City through free martial arts training that builds discipline, confidence, and leadership skills. Moving out at just 16 and lacking male role models, Rivera's early life was marked by poor decisions and legal troubles. After his house was raided, he knew change was essential. His journey took him through several cities, including a stint with a fraudulent magazine sales crew, before he found stability and eventually became a professional MMA fighter. When health issues abruptly ended his fighting career, Rivera channeled his passion into helping youth avoid the struggles he faced. The Come Up Foundation operates through an innovative outreach model, partnering with schools, churches, and other organizations rather than maintaining a central facility. This strategic approach eliminates transportation barriers and allows them to reach more children where they already gather. They currently offer over 20 free classes weekly, including PE classes and after-school programs, and have even been recognized by Oklahoma City Public Schools as an elective course option for credit. What begins as martial arts training quickly evolves into comprehensive character development. Rivera explains that while physical training attracts the kids, the program's true purpose is building future leaders who possess emotional intelligence and resilience. The foundation particularly focuses on providing positive male role models in communities where they're often absent. Rivera's vision extends beyond their current operations. He dreams of dedicated transportation bringing students to a central location after school, where they would receive meals, homework support, and martial arts training in a structured environment. This expanded vision would require growing their annual budget from $150,000 to approximately $500,000, allowing them to provide additional services like counseling and medical support. Want to support this transformative work? The Come Up Foundation's next fundraiser is April 21st. Follow their journey on Facebook (The Come Up Inc) or Instagram (the_comeup_foundation) to see firsthand how martial arts is building Oklahoma's next generation of leaders. Triger Media [https://www.trigermediaokc.com] Web Design, Social Media & Podcast Services. Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.