Ep. 4 - Breaking the Stigma: THC and Health Benefits: Ashley Lambson Founder of The Happy Can

Ep. 5 - Back in Session: Reimagining Education Bond Vote: Ross Peterson lifelong Des Moines Resident and Community Advocate

Summary: In this episode of Loading Life, host discusses the Reimagining Education Bond with Ross Peterson, a community voice and critic of the bond. They explore the implications of the bond on Des Moines Public Schools, the reasons behind Peterson's opposition, and the broader context of education funding and management. The conversation emphasizes the importance of accountability, community engagement, and understanding the root causes of issues within the school district.

Ep. 4 - Breaking the Stigma: THC and Health Benefits: Ashley Lambson Founder of The Happy Can

Summary: In this episode, Ashley Lambson, the founder of The Happy Can, shares her journey from the e-cigarette industry to creating a cannabis beverage brand. She discusses the health benefits of THC, the misconceptions surrounding cannabis, and the importance of education in breaking the stigma. The conversation also delves into the regulatory landscape, the challenges of navigating laws, and the significance of community engagement in building a brand. Ashley emphasizes the need for consumer education and offers advice for those new to THC, advocating for a thoughtful approach to consumption. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Ashley Lambson and Happy Can 01:40 Journey from E-Cigarettes to Cannabis Beverages 04:10 Health Benefits and Consumer Education 10:02 Stigma and Perception of Cannabis vs. Alcohol 12:30 Regulatory Landscape and Industry Changes 16:11 Demographics and Market Trends 21:05 Changing Minds and Legislative Advocacy 25:44 Navigating Regulatory Changes in the Beverage Industry 27:23 Celebrity Collaborations and Flavor Innovations 30:06 Building Partnerships with Retailers 32:42 Expanding Distribution and Market Presence 35:12 Creating a Purpose-Driven Brand 36:44 Educating Consumers on THC Products 38:50 The Politics of Legalization and Industry Growth

Ep. 3 - From Workout to Ownership: Nicole Carpenter’s Journey into being a small business owner.

In this episode, Nicole Carpenter shares her journey from being a fitness enthusiast to owning Farrell's Extreme Body Shaping in Grimes. She discusses the importance of community in fitness, the challenges faced during the pandemic, and the personal growth she has experienced as a gym owner. Nicole emphasizes the significance of mental health, nutrition, and lifestyle choices in achieving fitness goals. She also shares success stories of members who have transformed their lives through the program and offers advice for new members. The conversation highlights the unique experiences at Farrell's and the supportive environment that fosters personal and community growth.

Ep. 2 - The Glitch is the Growth - When Life Doesn't Go as Planned

In this episode of Loading... Life, hosts Duane and Tim explore the unexpected challenges and growth opportunities that life presents. They discuss personal experiences with parenting, coaching, and navigating life changes, emphasizing the importance of time, reflection, and mindset. The conversation also touches on listener feedback, highlighting relatable life glitches and the significance of setting intentions.

Ep. 1 - Unpacking the Download - Who We Are & Why We're Doing This

In this debut episode of Loading…Life, Duane Matthess and Tim Lovell hit record and let it roll. No scripts. No experts. Just two longtime friends unpacking how this podcast came to be — and why life feels like it’s always buffering. They dive into the shift from their former show (LLPG) to something more raw, more real, and way less filtered. From parenting and grief to fitness, failure, and friendships that go the distance, this episode sets the tone for what’s ahead. You’ll get their backstories, a few laughs, a little chaos, and a preview of the topics they’ll tackle moving forward — all with honesty, humility, and just enough sarcasm to keep it interesting. Because growth is a never-ending download.