Brews & Business

Bold Moves & Big Missions with Dana Harris

In this episode, we sit down with Dana Harris to discuss her multifaceted career journey—from interning with the New York Mets and producing sports in Tulsa to a two-decade career in banking. Now with the American Cancer Society, Dana is spearheading the 20th anniversary of the Tulsa Cattle Barons Ball, the largest ACS fundraiser in Oklahoma. She shares her "workhorse" mentality, her philosophy on living boldly, and how her commitment to her family during the pandemic led her to a meaningful new chapter in the nonprofit sector.  Background & Career Journey * Early Roots: Originally from Tulsa and a resident of Sapulpa, Dana attended Oklahoma State University. * Sports Broadcasting: She gained early experience interning for the OSU sports office and the New York Mets in Queens. * Media Production: After returning to Tulsa, she worked at a local TV station producing sports coverage for the Tulsa Talons and the Drillers. * Banking Career: Dana spent approximately 21 years in the banking industry, including 17.5 years at Western Sun Credit Union starting in 2002, followed by four years at Yorktown Bank. * Career Pivot: During the COVID-19 pandemic, she left banking to prioritize being present for her children’s learning and needs.  The American Cancer Society & Tulsa Cattle Barons Ball * The Mission: Dana has been with the ACS for nearly five years, motivated in part by her family's personal experiences with cancer. * Event Growth: As the planner for the Tulsa Cattle Barons Ball, she successfully moved the event to 181 Ranch in Bixby, where it sold 500 tickets. * A Historic Venue: To accommodate growth, the event moved to the Ranger Arena at Expo Square; Dana was the first person to host an event at this venue. * 20th Anniversary Milestone: This year’s event celebrates two decades and aims to host 700 attendees with a fundraising goal of $650,000. * Efficiency & Impact: The ACS maintains a low overhead (12% to 15%) so that 80% or more of funds go directly to the cause. * Local Support: While funds support national research, a specific "paddle raise" keeps money in Oklahoma to provide patients with gas cards, Uber rides, and lodging for treatments. * Opportunity: Dana is currently seeking a title sponsor for this year’s milestone event.  Marketing & Life Philosophy * Marketing Strategy: Dana advocates for "outside the box" thinking and believes marketing is about identifying a need and creating a solution. * The "Workhorse" Brand: She describes her personal brand as a "workhorse," a tireless work ethic she learned from her father. * Living Boldly: Dana defines "living boldly" as pushing yourself to be your best and serving as a living example of your values. * Family Influence: Her children have helped her become more empathetic and collaborative; she strives to be present for all their school and sporting events. * Advice for Newcomers: For those new to Tulsa, Dana recommends getting involved with a local nonprofit or school to build community connections.   Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/brews-business--5630487/support [https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/brews-business--5630487/support?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rss].

Behind the Demand Confronting Child Trafficking with Jamie Miller

We are just two episodes away from the big 100! Before we get to the celebration, we take a deep dive into two very different types of numbers in this gripping and eye-opening episode. First, the host kicks things off with his precise, "numbers-driven" method for brewing the perfect espresso to create a perfect cortado. Our guest, Jamie Miller, also shares her unique relationship with numbers—hating math, but loving measurement—tracing how this appreciation evolved through cosmetology school and into her current professional life. Then, the tone shifts as Jamie Miller, of The Demand Project, shares her incredible personal journey and her mission to fight child trafficking. Jamie reveals her background, the chilling moment she first discovered child trafficking, how she overcame a spiritual encounter that tried to stop her exploration, and how a remarkably successful fundraiser in July 2020 led her to The Demand Project just weeks before they opened the nation’s largest safe house for child trafficking survivors. We discuss the pillars of The Demand Project—Prevention, Education, and Restoration—and the staggering financial reality of caring for these survivors. Finally, this episode confront shocking statistics surrounding trafficking, the age of pornography exposure, the alarming intersection between traffickers and the DHS foster care system, and the devastating lack of resources for survivors nationwide. This is a must-listen episode about business mindset, the power of grassroots funding, and the urgent reality of child trafficking in America. KEY TAKEAWAYS  * Knowing measurements provides satisfaction and a way to make adjustments. * The Demand Project safe house is the largest in the nation with 25 beds. Most only have eight * There are only 661 beds total in the entire country for child trafficking survivors. 26 states have zero beds. * 70% of trafficked children are in the DHS foster care system. * The annual cost to care for one child at the safe house is $75,000. * One child can generate $375,000 per year for a trafficker. * The average age for a female trafficking victim is 12 years old. * The average age of pornography exposure has dropped two years in the last five years, sitting at seven years old in 2025. * 76% of professing Christian men view pornography at least once a week. Some resources you might get interested: 1. The Demand Project: https://thedemandproject.org/ 2. ThE Bark Phone for Kids: https://www.bark.us/learn/the-bark-phone-for-kids-ps/?utm_source=aw&utm_medium=paid-search&utm_campaign=kids-phone-branded-google&utm_content=147666934708&utm_term=kwd-918710695802&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=17664435801&gclid=Cj0KCQiAy6vMBhDCARIsAK8rOgnsy8ptNIheyjEIm5iR5SVa4Y4UA6Gte_OOn5AVi4w1RIJqxESOjCEaAoUeEALw_wcB Enjoyed this episode? Leave us a rating and review! Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/brews-business--5630487/support [https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/brews-business--5630487/support?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rss].

2026, Lessons You Only Learn by Doing with Abel Rodriguez

In this episode of Brews and Business, the hosts reflect on what the podcast has meant to them—both personally and professionally and dive into the real, unfiltered realities of business ownership.  They talk about missing the rhythm of consistent conversations with like-minded entrepreneurs, how podcasting sharpened their communication and interviewing skills, and why being on camera helped them gain confidence when connecting with high-level professionals. The conversation also explores the mindset shift that comes with business ownership, setting boundaries with clients, and why many entrepreneurs feel “officially unemployable.”  The episode wraps with an honest discussion about economic uncertainty, industry stagnation, and how rapid change especially after the COVID has impacted service-based businesses. From four-day work weeks to weathering slowdowns, this episode is about finding rhythm, protecting mental health, and staying grounded when the business world feels unpredictable.   Key Notes / Takeaways * Podcasting created consistency, rhythm, and meaningful conversations outside the daily grind * Hosting a podcast improves communication, curiosity, interviewing, and sales skills * Being on camera builds confidence and reduces intimidation when networking * High-level professionals are “just people too,” making connection easier * Business ownership creates a fundamentally different mindset than employment * Many owners feel tempted to clock in, clock out, and let problems be “not my problem” * Financial freedom allows flexibility and future career shifts * Setting boundaries is essential—even if it costs clients * A four-day work week (or closed Fridays) significantly improves mental health * Digital businesses often face unrealistic 24/7 client expectations * Not every fire needs to be put out immediately—some resolve themselves * Economic stagnation is harder than clear downturns because it stalls decision-making * Marketing and landscaping are often cut first during tight economic times * COVID created a temporary boom in home-based industries, followed by a correction * Too much change too fast prevents businesses from finding a new rhythm Episode Chapters00:00 – Introduction & Reflecting on the Podcast Why the rhythm of consistent conversations was missed 04:30 – What Podcasting Teaches You Communication, curiosity, interviewing, and confidence growth 10:15 – Networking Without Intimidation Realizing industry leaders are just people 15:40 – “Officially Unemployable” Mindset Why business owners think differently than employees 21:10 – The Allure of Clocking In and Out Why owners sometimes want fewer responsibilities 26:30 – Financial Freedom & Career Flexibility Rethinking lifelong careers and future business ideas 33:45 – Setting Boundaries with Clients Why saying no matters more than saying yes 39:20 – The Four-Day Work Week Experiment Mental health, team morale, and closing on Fridays 46:10 – Losing Clients by Creating Boundaries Why it’s sometimes necessary—and worth it 52:30 – Fires That Can Wait Letting problems resolve themselves 57:40 – Business Stagnation & Economic Uncertainty Why not knowing is worse than knowing things are bad 1:04:15 – Industries Hit First in Tough Times Marketing, landscaping, and service-based businesses 1:10:00 – Post-COVID Business Reality From boom to crunch and finding a new normal 1:15:30 – Too Much Change, Too Fast Why businesses need time to reset and find rhythm Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/brews-business--5630487/support [https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/brews-business--5630487/support?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rss].

Building Broken Arrow’s Future: The April 2026 GO Bond Explained

What does it take to keep Broken Arrow one of the safest and most vibrant cities in Oklahoma? In this episode, we sit down with City Manager Michael Spurgeon and Mayor Wimpey to pull back the curtain on the upcoming April 2026 General Obligation (GO) Bond.  We dive deep into the eight critical propositions on the April 7th ballot—ranging from essential infrastructure like roads and storm water management to exciting quality-of-life upgrades like a new Senior Center and indoor pickleball courts. You’ll also learn about the unique "Proposition 8," a temporary sales tax designed to turn Broken Arrow into a premier sports tournament destination, ensuring that visitors help foot the bill for our local field upgrades.  If you care about how your city grows, how your tax dollars are spent, and what the future of public safety looks like in your neighborhood, this is a must-watch conversation. Show Notes * [00:00] City Government 101: Understanding the City Manager vs. Strong-Mayor structure. * [03:45] The April 2026 GO Bond: Why April 7th is a critical date for BA residents. * [07:20] Strengthening Public Safety: Plans for two new fire stations and enhanced early warning sirens. * [12:15] Quality of Life & Parks: Moving the Senior Center and the expansion of the Rose District Plaza. * [18:30] Proposition 8 Deep Dive: The temporary 5-year sales tax for sports facilities. * Why turfing our fields is an economic game-changer. * How 40-45% of the funding will come from visitors, not just residents. * [25:10] The Two-Year Planning Process: How citizen surveys and town halls shaped these propositions. * [29:45] How to Get Involved: Details on the four public forums coming in March. * [32:00] Closing Thoughts: Where to find the full package at BrokenArrowOK.gov [http://BrokenArrowOK.gov] Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/brews-business--5630487/support [https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/brews-business--5630487/support?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rss].

Diamonds Uncut: The Truth Behind Value, Resale & the Industry with Adel Nasreddine

In this episode, Braedon Kruse sits down with Adel Nasreddine, founder and owner of Israel Diamond Supply, one of the most respected engagement ring and diamond jewelry companies in the Midwest. Known for his transparency, industry expertise, and dedication to educating buyers, Adel pulls back the curtain on one of the world’s most misunderstood industries: the diamond and fine jewelry market. Adel shares his journey from the early beginnings of Israel Diamond Supply to building a brand rooted in trust, craftsmanship, and customer empowerment. Together, Braedon and Adel dispel common myths, expose industry secrets, and answer the questions consumers wish they could ask a jeweler but rarely do. This episode uncovers everything from how diamond pricing actually works, to the truth about resale value, to quality differences, lab-grown vs. natural, and how to avoid being overcharged plus, a deeper discussion around the emotional and cultural significance behind engagement rings. Whether you're shopping for a ring, curious how the industry really works, or just love a great entrepreneurial story, this episode brings unheard insights, real answers, and transparency you won’t find anywhere else. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/brews-business--5630487/support [https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/brews-business--5630487/support?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rss].