Ryan Thompson on Whiskey, Community, and Honoring the 10th Mountain Division

Richard Melbourne on Music, AI, and the Future of Independent Artists

Bubba Startz chats with Richard Melbourne about his musical journey, the formation of No Avey, and his shift from music to digital design. They explore the evolution of the music industry, AI's role in music production, and social media's influence. The discussion covers the future of organic music and indie artists amidst AI advancements. They also highlight community-building with The Scene Projects and Phoenix Rise, and the collaboration with AJ Waller, focusing on songwriting and music video production. The episode touches on the impact on Fathers for Justice and Richard's upcoming projects, inviting listeners to join The Scene Projects academy. (0:18) Welcome, introductions, and Richard Melbourne's early musical journey (2:30) Formation of No Avey on the TV and the Sheffield scene (3:32) Transition from music to digital design and back (4:05) Changes in the music industry: the good and the bad (7:10) AI's impact on music creation and production (8:36) Social media, followers, and the evolving music industry (10:35) The future for organic music and independent artists (12:14) AI in demo creation and its implications (18:09) Building community with the Scene Projects and Phoenix Rise (22:09) Human touch vs. AI in songwriting (24:00) Richard Melbourne and AJ Waller's collaboration (27:33) Producing meaningful songs: challenges and process (28:44) Creating a music video concept quickly (31:08) Song's impact on Fathers for Justice (32:35) Richard Melbourne's upcoming projects (33:16) Invitation to join The Scene Projects academy

Topaz Zafrir on Women’s Leadership, Confidence, and Empowering Entrepreneurs

Bubba Startz welcomes Topaz Zafrir to discuss her journey and the challenges women face in business due to societal expectations. They highlight the importance of role models like Oprah and Taylor Swift and delve into the inner critic that affects women's confidence. Strategies for overcoming self-doubt and building confidence are shared, alongside the unique aspects of women's leadership. Personal stories illustrate how small steps can build confidence. Bubba reflects on his podcasting journey, emphasizing consistency and overcoming the fear of starting. The episode celebrates progress, self-compassion, and learning from mistakes while supporting and empowering women entrepreneurs. Topaz shares her platforms, closing with gratitude. (0:23) Introduction and Topaz Zafrir’s journey (2:00) Challenges and societal expectations for women in business (5:20) Importance of role models like Oprah and Taylor Swift (7:07) The inner critic and confidence in women entrepreneurs (11:09) Strategies for overcoming self-doubt and building confidence (13:07) Unique aspects of women’s leadership (16:00) Personal stories and building confidence through small steps (19:10) Bubba Startz’s podcasting journey and business lessons (21:27) Consistency, enthusiasm, and overcoming the fear of starting (27:28) Celebrating progress, self-compassion, and embracing mistakes (30:49) Supporting and empowering women entrepreneurs (31:12) Topaz Zafrir’s platforms, closing remarks, and gratitude

John Webber on Music Beginnings, Nashville Influence, and Supporting Fellow Artists

Bubba Startz welcomes guest John Webber, diving into his backstory and transition into the music world. The conversation explores John's initial steps in music, highlighting the emotional connections and financial challenges faced. The discussion shifts to setting up a home studio and the influence of Nashville on his sound. John shares insights into his DJ career, overcoming stage fright, and live performance experiences, while Bubba reflects on his own early performances and songwriting. They discuss the role of mentorship in music and strategies for managing costs. The episode wraps up with a focus on supporting fellow artists and where listeners can find John's music. (0:00) Introduction to guest John Weber (1:04) John's backstory and transition to music (3:52) Starting out in music: Emotional connection & financial challenges (7:01) Home studio setup & influence of Nashville (8:49) DJ career, overcoming stage fright, and live performance insights (12:05) Bubba's early performance experiences and crafting songs (17:35) Mentorship in music and managing costs (19:00) Supporting other artists and where to find John's music

Ryan Thompson on Whiskey, Community, and Honoring the 10th Mountain Division

Bubba Startz welcomes Ryan Thompson, who shares his journey into the world of distilling and whiskey making. Ryan discusses his early career and the challenges he faced in the whiskey business, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and community both in podcasting and business. The conversation is peppered with Ryan's favorite podcast moments and whiskey anecdotes. They delve into the tribute 10th Mountain Whiskey pays to military heritage and the ski industry's debt to the 10th Mountain Division. Ryan highlights current operations of the modern division and teases upcoming community events. The episode wraps up with contact details, a Memorial Day event promotion, and plans for a Vail Village visit. (0:12) Welcome and Ryan Thompson's distillery journey (1:23) Ryan's early career and move into whiskey making (4:35) Overcoming challenges in the whiskey business (6:14) Perseverance and community in podcasting and business (10:10) Favorite podcast moments and whiskey anecdotes (11:08) 10th Mountain Whiskey's tribute to military heritage (15:58) Ski industry's debt to the 10th Mountain Division (18:24) Current operations of the modern 10th Mountain Division (19:29) 10th Mountain Whiskey's upcoming community events (24:54) Contact details and Memorial Day event promotion (25:41) Closing thanks and plans for a Vail Village visit (25:55) Sponsor: Pure and Easy Tea

MAKO Girls on Inspiration, Collaboration, and Shaping Their Narrative

Bubba Startz introduces the Mako Girls, diving into their group backstory and the inspiration behind their early days. They discuss overcoming challenges, the significance of acknowledgment, and setting up a home studio. The conversation explores collaborations, balancing work and family life, and handling conflict while sharing singing duties. The Mako Girls emphasize empowering the next generation and organizing events, along with insights into their solo projects and upcoming music. They share future plans, including a docuseries, and discuss documenting tours and controlling their narrative. The episode concludes with lessons learned, industry realities, and the influence of family and entrepreneurship, highlighting their social media presence. (0:17) Introduction and group backstory (1:02) Inspiration, early days, and overcoming challenges (3:04) Importance of acknowledgment and home studio setup (4:31) Collaborations and balancing work/family life (8:47) Handling conflict and sharing singing duties (13:19) Empowering the next generation and organizing events (17:20) Solo projects and upcoming music (20:24) Future plans and docuseries insights (22:32) Documenting tours and controlling your narrative (24:37) Lessons learned and industry realities (26:03) Work ethic, rehearsals, and family influence (28:34) Inspiration from parents and entrepreneurship (29:16) Mako Girls social media and plugs