Made of More

Mastering Negotiation & Defying Limits with Alicia Quaco Olsen

In this inspiring episode of the "Made of More" podcast, host Chris Erdman sits down with Alicia Quaco Olsen to explore her dynamic journey from a United States Air Force Academy graduate to a top healthcare executive and community leader. Alicia shares unique personal stories that highlight her immense drive, such as balancing her military duties negotiating aircraft contracts while simultaneously performing as a Seattle Seahawks cheerleader during their 2013 Super Bowl-winning season. Transitioning her formidable negotiation skills into the healthcare sector, she details her experience leading a hospital command center through grueling 20-hour days during the COVID-19 pandemic and her rapid ascent to becoming a company president by the age of 32. Through an entrepreneurial lens, Alicia imparts valuable lessons on the importance of building collaborative relationships in negotiations, expanding community networks through her leadership with the Kirkland Chamber of Commerce, and the absolute necessity of verbally advocating for your own career goals. About the show: Made of More is a radio show / podcast that shares the powerful, personal stories behind the entrepreneurs of the greater Seattle area and beyond, individuals who have built meaningful businesses and experiences not just to better their own lives, but to positively impact their communities, families, and the world around them. This show isn’t just about what they’ve built – it’s also about who they are as people. We explore their journeys of inspiration, adversity, risk, and resilience. We dig into the pivotal moments, the challenges that shaped them, and the drive that pushed them to step outside the box and do something different. These are people who are made of more. And so are our listeners. Each episode is an invitation to connect more deeply; not only with the story, but with the mission behind each business. Whether it inspires you to chase a dream, break your own mold, or simply experience and support these ventures in a way that speaks to you, Made of More reminds us that greatness often begins with a story worth telling. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy [https://art19.com/privacy] and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info [https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info].

From Chronic Illness to Nonprofit Founder: Alia Joy’s Mission to Heal

In this inspiring episode of Made of More, host Chris Erdmann sits down with Alia Joy to discuss her transformative journey from battling a debilitating autoimmune disease to becoming a passionate entrepreneur. Diagnosed at age 15 and bedridden for years due to intense physical pain, Alia found strength through her faith, the power of holistic medicine, and a supportive community. Now, she is channeling that adversity into purpose by launching "Organic Design," a newly founded nonprofit dedicated to helping individuals uncover the root causes of their illnesses while providing them with crucial financial and emotional support. Expanding her entrepreneurial vision even further, Alia is also in the process of producing a documentary about autoimmune diseases and starting an anti-inflammatory cooking show to make healing more accessible. Her journey is a powerful testament to refusing to let negative diagnoses define your reality, instead using personal hardship to build an organization that serves and uplifts others. About the show: Made of More is a radio show / podcast that shares the powerful, personal stories behind the entrepreneurs of the greater Seattle area and beyond, individuals who have built meaningful businesses and experiences not just to better their own lives, but to positively impact their communities, families, and the world around them. This show isn’t just about what they’ve built – it’s also about who they are as people. We explore their journeys of inspiration, adversity, risk, and resilience. We dig into the pivotal moments, the challenges that shaped them, and the drive that pushed them to step outside the box and do something different. These are people who are made of more. And so are our listeners. Each episode is an invitation to connect more deeply; not only with the story, but with the mission behind each business. Whether it inspires you to chase a dream, break your own mold, or simply experience and support these ventures in a way that speaks to you, Made of More reminds us that greatness often begins with a story worth telling. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy [https://art19.com/privacy] and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info [https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info].

Turning Pain into Purpose: How Dawni Rae Found Success in Wellness

In this powerful episode of the "Made of More" podcast, host Chris Erdmann sits down with Dawni Rae, founder of Dawni Rae Wellness, to explore her incredible journey from profound childhood trauma to successful entrepreneurship. Dawni opens up about her early struggles with abuse, sharing how she initially used extreme physical exercise and a decade-long battle with bulimia as mechanisms for escape. However, after hitting a pivotal breaking point in her early thirties, she committed to deep emotional healing, therapy, and self-compassion, ultimately choosing to turn her pain into her life's purpose. Today, she leads a thriving wellness business, guiding clients through transformative virtual fitness classes and immersive retreats that focus on healing the "inner child" alongside the physical body. Dawni's story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the beautiful impact of building a business rooted in authentic healing, vulnerability, and a mission to lift others up. About the show: Made of More is a radio show / podcast that shares the powerful, personal stories behind the entrepreneurs of the greater Seattle area and beyond, individuals who have built meaningful businesses and experiences not just to better their own lives, but to positively impact their communities, families, and the world around them. This show isn’t just about what they’ve built – it’s also about who they are as people. We explore their journeys of inspiration, adversity, risk, and resilience. We dig into the pivotal moments, the challenges that shaped them, and the drive that pushed them to step outside the box and do something different. These are people who are made of more. And so are our listeners. Each episode is an invitation to connect more deeply; not only with the story, but with the mission behind each business. Whether it inspires you to chase a dream, break your own mold, or simply experience and support these ventures in a way that speaks to you, Made of More reminds us that greatness often begins with a story worth telling. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy [https://art19.com/privacy] and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info [https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info].

Real World Selling, Resilience, & Relationships with James Hayden

In this episode of Made of More, host Chris Erdmann sits down with sales leader and author James Hayden, to explore the intersection of personal resilience and professional success. Hayden shares his unique backstory—from being adopted and raised in a remote Alaskan village to growing up around the space program—and reveals how early family challenges fueled his entrepreneurial fire. The conversation dives into practical business strategies, including the psychology of "push-pull" sales dynamics, the critical importance of pre-presentation agreements to protect intellectual property, and how to stay ahead of the curve by embracing AI. Throughout the discussion, Hayden emphasizes the philosophy of "Made of More"—optimizing one's life through ethical practices, deep relationships, and the willingness to learn from failure. About the show: Made of More is a radio show / podcast that shares the powerful, personal stories behind the entrepreneurs of the greater Seattle area and beyond, individuals who have built meaningful businesses and experiences not just to better their own lives, but to positively impact their communities, families, and the world around them. This show isn’t just about what they’ve built – it’s also about who they are as people. We explore their journeys of inspiration, adversity, risk, and resilience. We dig into the pivotal moments, the challenges that shaped them, and the drive that pushed them to step outside the box and do something different. These are people who are made of more. And so are our listeners. Each episode is an invitation to connect more deeply; not only with the story, but with the mission behind each business. Whether it inspires you to chase a dream, break your own mold, or simply experience and support these ventures in a way that speaks to you, Made of More reminds us that greatness often begins with a story worth telling. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy [https://art19.com/privacy] and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info [https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info].

Kent’ae Van London on Flowers, Family, and Living Fully

Join host Chris Erdmann on Made of More for an inspiring conversation with Kent’ae Van London, founder of the Van London Collection. In this episode, Kent shares his journey from affordable housing advocate to multifaceted entrepreneur, leading businesses in floral design, interior styling, and travel experiences. He opens up about the deep personal roots of his work, including the influence of his grandmother who taught him to "give people their flowers while they're still alive to enjoy them". From navigating the challenges of 2025 to creating moments of joy through his "Voluminous" floral line, Kent'ae discusses the vital difference between merely existing and truly living. Discover how his commitment to empathy, hospitality, and celebrating life's fleeting beauty drives his unique approach to business and community connection. About the show: Made of More is a radio show / podcast that shares the powerful, personal stories behind the entrepreneurs of the greater Seattle area and beyond, individuals who have built meaningful businesses and experiences not just to better their own lives, but to positively impact their communities, families, and the world around them. This show isn’t just about what they’ve built – it’s also about who they are as people. We explore their journeys of inspiration, adversity, risk, and resilience. We dig into the pivotal moments, the challenges that shaped them, and the drive that pushed them to step outside the box and do something different. These are people who are made of more. And so are our listeners. Each episode is an invitation to connect more deeply; not only with the story, but with the mission behind each business. Whether it inspires you to chase a dream, break your own mold, or simply experience and support these ventures in a way that speaks to you, Made of More reminds us that greatness often begins with a story worth telling. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy [https://art19.com/privacy] and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info [https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info].