Featured Guest Series Episodes
Welcome to the Guest Series on The Bliss Business Podcast! In this series, we spotlight exceptional leaders of companies that embody the core values of Belonging, Love, Inspiration, Service, and Sustainability. These organizations set the standard for empathy and people-centric business practices, creating positive and inclusive work environments.
Join us as we explore the stories and strategies of these remarkable companies, and gain valuable insights on integrating BLISS principles into your own business practices. Subscribe and follow us to stay updated on the latest episodes and be inspired by leaders who are making a difference.
Join us as we explore the stories and strategies of these remarkable companies, and gain valuable insights on integrating BLISS principles into your own business practices. Subscribe and follow us to stay updated on the latest episodes and be inspired by leaders who are making a difference.
July 28, 2026
The Craft of Conscious Growth with Tim Elinski
In this episode of The Bliss Business Podcast, Tim Elinski, Founder of Pin Drop Travel Trailers, explains how sustainable business practices guide handcrafted, solar-powered trailer manufacturing in rural Arizona, proving that durable products, local jobs, and historic preservation can grow together.
Guest: Tim Elinski
July 23, 2026
Storytelling That Builds Connection with Ben Green
In this episode of The Bliss Business Podcast, Ben Green, Lead Consultant at The Storytellers (part of Accenture), shares how storytelling that builds connection helps leaders lead with empathy, activate strategy, and turn change into shared ownership.
Guest: Ben Green
July 21, 2026
The EQ Behind Clear Marketing with Josh Porter
In this episode of The Bliss Business Podcast, Josh Porter, Founder of Thunderwolf Consulting and former Google Cloud marketing leader, shares the emotional intelligence in marketing that turns complex, technical products into stories customers actually understand.
Guest: Josh Porter
July 16, 2026
Emotional Intelligence for Durable Growth with Brad Poulos
In this episode of The Bliss Business Podcast, Brad Poulos, small business professor and author of Most Problems Solve Themselves, unpacks emotional intelligence in business: how founders make hard calls with clarity, build durable systems, and grow companies that don't consume them.
Guest: Brad Poulos
July 14, 2026
Paws, Trust, and Franchise Growth with Nicole Peel
Pet sitting is not just a convenience. It is a relationship built on trust, consistency, and the peace of mind families feel when their pets are cared for like they are part of someone else’s family.
In this episode of The Bliss Business Podcast, we welcome Nicole Peel, Founder and CEO of Pawsitively Spoiled, a pet sitting franchise that began in Kokomo, Indiana in 1990 as a way for Nicole to make extra money while attending college. What started through word of mouth eventually became her...
In this episode of The Bliss Business Podcast, we welcome Nicole Peel, Founder and CEO of Pawsitively Spoiled, a pet sitting franchise that began in Kokomo, Indiana in 1990 as a way for Nicole to make extra money while attending college. What started through word of mouth eventually became her...
Guest: Nicole Peel
July 9, 2026
Greener Lawns, Stronger Businesses with Kelly Giard
Sustainability does not have to compete with profitability. When environmental responsibility is built into the business model, it can create differentiation, customer trust, and opportunities for meaningful growth.
In this episode of The Bliss Business Podcast, we welcome Kelly Giard, Founder and CEO of Clean Air Lawn Care, an eco-friendly lawn care franchise built around electric equipment, solar-powered operations, organic treatments, and services designed to be safer for families, pets...
In this episode of The Bliss Business Podcast, we welcome Kelly Giard, Founder and CEO of Clean Air Lawn Care, an eco-friendly lawn care franchise built around electric equipment, solar-powered operations, organic treatments, and services designed to be safer for families, pets...
Guest: Kelly Giard
July 7, 2026
Stewarding Homes, Trust, and Legacy in Hospitality with Tom Goodwin
Hospitality is not simply about managing reservations. It is about caring for homes, honoring trust, and creating experiences that bring families back year after year.
In this episode of The Bliss Business Podcast, we welcome Tom Goodwin, second-generation Steward and CEO of Mountain Laurel Chalets, a family-owned vacation rental company serving Gatlinburg since 1972.
Tom joins us to explore what it means to lead with stewardship in an industry increasingly shaped by consolidation, t...
In this episode of The Bliss Business Podcast, we welcome Tom Goodwin, second-generation Steward and CEO of Mountain Laurel Chalets, a family-owned vacation rental company serving Gatlinburg since 1972.
Tom joins us to explore what it means to lead with stewardship in an industry increasingly shaped by consolidation, t...
Guest: Tom Goodwin
July 2, 2026
Market Engineering: Building Markets That Win with Bruce Cleveland
Bruce Cleveland is returning to The Bliss Business Podcast.
When Bruce first joined us in May 2025, we explored how companies move from promising ideas to repeatable, scalable growth. This time, he returns to discuss his new book, Market Engineering: Because Markets Don’t Build Themselves, and why building a strong product is no longer enough to create lasting market leadership.
Drawing on decades of experience at Oracle, Apple, Siebel Systems, and C3.ai—as well as investments in com...
When Bruce first joined us in May 2025, we explored how companies move from promising ideas to repeatable, scalable growth. This time, he returns to discuss his new book, Market Engineering: Because Markets Don’t Build Themselves, and why building a strong product is no longer enough to create lasting market leadership.
Drawing on decades of experience at Oracle, Apple, Siebel Systems, and C3.ai—as well as investments in com...
Guest: Bruce Cleveland
June 30, 2026
Building Community, Trust, and Impact Through Conscious Leadership with Kim Bode
Business can be profitable, outspoken, community-centered, and deeply human at the same time.
In this episode of The Bliss Business Podcast, we welcome Kim Bode, CEO and Founder of 8THIRTYFOUR, a communications and learning company built through more than 20 years of entrepreneurship, advocacy, resilience, and unapologetic leadership.
Kim joins us to explore how conscious capitalism can shape the way companies communicate, build trust, support communities, and create meaningful impac...
In this episode of The Bliss Business Podcast, we welcome Kim Bode, CEO and Founder of 8THIRTYFOUR, a communications and learning company built through more than 20 years of entrepreneurship, advocacy, resilience, and unapologetic leadership.
Kim joins us to explore how conscious capitalism can shape the way companies communicate, build trust, support communities, and create meaningful impac...
Guest: Kim Bode
June 25, 2026
Beauty in Scale: Empowering Franchise Leaders with Meg Roberts
Scaling a franchise brand takes more than systems and capital. It requires strong leadership, trusted mentors, and a culture that helps owners and teams grow together.
In this episode of The Bliss Business Podcast, we welcome Meg Roberts, CEO of Head to Toe Brands, a beauty and wellness franchise platform that includes The Lash Lounge, Frenchies Modern Nail Care, Bishops Cut & Color, and Delta Crown Extensions.
Meg has spent nearly two decades in franchising. She grew The Lash Lounge...
In this episode of The Bliss Business Podcast, we welcome Meg Roberts, CEO of Head to Toe Brands, a beauty and wellness franchise platform that includes The Lash Lounge, Frenchies Modern Nail Care, Bishops Cut & Color, and Delta Crown Extensions.
Meg has spent nearly two decades in franchising. She grew The Lash Lounge...
Guest: Meg Roberts
June 23, 2026
Scaling Wellness Through Purpose and Community with Jolita Brilliant
A wellness business can begin with one practitioner, one room, and one deeply personal commitment to helping others. Scaling that care requires more than ambition—it requires resilient leadership, repeatable systems, and a community-centered purpose.
In this episode of The Bliss Business Podcast, we welcome Jolita Brilliant Sakmanaite, Founder of Brilliant Massage & Skin and author of From Solo Therapist to Spa Empire. Since opening her independent massage practice in Burlington in 2017, J...
In this episode of The Bliss Business Podcast, we welcome Jolita Brilliant Sakmanaite, Founder of Brilliant Massage & Skin and author of From Solo Therapist to Spa Empire. Since opening her independent massage practice in Burlington in 2017, J...
Guest: Jolita Brilliant
June 18, 2026
Paws & Purpose: Building Community in Pet Franchising with Michelle Sandonato
Pet care is personal. When people trust a brand with their dog’s grooming, wellness, and comfort, they are trusting that business with a beloved member of the family.
In this episode of The Bliss Business Podcast, we welcome Michelle Sandonato, Co-Founder and President of Bowie Barker Bath + Groomerie, a modern dog grooming brand offering full-service grooming, self-serve wash stations, wellness checks, membership-based care, and a convenient booking experience. Bowie Barker was founded in...
In this episode of The Bliss Business Podcast, we welcome Michelle Sandonato, Co-Founder and President of Bowie Barker Bath + Groomerie, a modern dog grooming brand offering full-service grooming, self-serve wash stations, wellness checks, membership-based care, and a convenient booking experience. Bowie Barker was founded in...
Guest: Michelle Sandonato
June 16, 2026
Inside Move America Initiative: Culture in Action with Alicia Hart and Jeanine Charlton
After our conversation with Merchants Fleet CEO Matt Dyer, we wanted to go deeper into the company’s Move America initiative — a multi-year vision grounded not only in business strategy, but also in the culture, values, and leadership behaviors required to bring that strategy to life.
In this episode of The Bliss Business Podcast, we welcome two of the initiative’s internal sponsors: Alicia Hart, Chief People Officer, and Jeanine Charlton, Chief Technology Officer. Together, they explore w...
In this episode of The Bliss Business Podcast, we welcome two of the initiative’s internal sponsors: Alicia Hart, Chief People Officer, and Jeanine Charlton, Chief Technology Officer. Together, they explore w...
Guests: Alicia Hart , Jeanine Charlton
June 11, 2026
Profit and Social Responsibility in Mission-Driven Startups with Mike Ma
In this episode of The Bliss Business Podcast, Mike Ma, Managing Partner and Head Coach at Sidecut Ventures, explores profit and social responsibility in mission-driven startups: why coachable founders, not fast capital, build companies that scale responsibly and create lasting impact.
June 9, 2026
Empathy, Community, and Connection in Franchise Leadership with Larisa Walega
Great franchise growth is not only about expansion. It is about creating trust, connection, and a seamless experience for customers, franchise owners, and teams.
In this episode of The Bliss Business Podcast, we welcome Larisa Walega, Chief Growth Officer of Ziebart International Corporation, one of the world’s largest automotive appearance and protection brands. Larisa helps drive growth while creating a more connected customer experience across every touchpoint, and she is passiona...
In this episode of The Bliss Business Podcast, we welcome Larisa Walega, Chief Growth Officer of Ziebart International Corporation, one of the world’s largest automotive appearance and protection brands. Larisa helps drive growth while creating a more connected customer experience across every touchpoint, and she is passiona...
Guest: Larisa Walega
June 4, 2026
Civilization Advances When Compassion Becomes Infrastructure
Civilization does not advance only through technology. It advances when compassion becomes infrastructure.
In this episode of The Bliss Business Podcast, we unpack a hard truth about AI adoption: AI will not fix your culture. It will amplify whatever is already there.
In this conversation, we cover:
• Why AI adoption should start with a culture audit, not a tool rollout
• How trust, clarity, and agency determine whether AI becomes an accelerator or a disruptor
• The difference betwee...
In this episode of The Bliss Business Podcast, we unpack a hard truth about AI adoption: AI will not fix your culture. It will amplify whatever is already there.
In this conversation, we cover:
• Why AI adoption should start with a culture audit, not a tool rollout
• How trust, clarity, and agency determine whether AI becomes an accelerator or a disruptor
• The difference betwee...
Guests: Stephen Sakach , Tullio Siragusa
June 2, 2026
Building Community Through Empathy in Pet Care Franchising with Shaina Denny
Pet care is not just about convenience. It is about trust, community, and creating spaces where dogs, pet parents, and local business owners all feel supported.
In this episode of The Bliss Business Podcast, we welcome Shaina Denny, Founder and CEO of Dogdrop, a modern dog daycare brand built around flexible care, technology, and franchising. Shaina started Dogdrop after her miniature dachshund, Poppy, was a “dog daycare fail,” and she saw an opportunity to reimagine dog care for modern pe...
In this episode of The Bliss Business Podcast, we welcome Shaina Denny, Founder and CEO of Dogdrop, a modern dog daycare brand built around flexible care, technology, and franchising. Shaina started Dogdrop after her miniature dachshund, Poppy, was a “dog daycare fail,” and she saw an opportunity to reimagine dog care for modern pe...
Guest: Shaina Denny
May 28, 2026
Value DRiVEN: Scaling Brands Through Connection with Adam Sutton
In this episode of The Bliss Business Podcast, Adam Sutton, CEO of DX3 Brands and RNR Tire Express, shares how scaling brands through connection turns transactional service into real relationships, and why culture, customers, and community are the three C's driving sustainable franchise growth.
Guest: Adam Sutton
May 26, 2026
EQ and Empathy: The New Standard for Franchise Success with Roxanne Conrad
Success in business is no longer measured by growth alone. Today’s strongest leaders are being called to lead with emotional intelligence, empathy, consistency, and care.
In this episode of The Bliss Business Podcast, we welcome Roxanne Conrad, Chief Operating Officer of Premium Service Brands, a home services franchisor with nine brands across categories including painting, garage doors, cleaning, remodeling, junk removal, grout restoration, handyman services, and plumbing.
As COO, ...
In this episode of The Bliss Business Podcast, we welcome Roxanne Conrad, Chief Operating Officer of Premium Service Brands, a home services franchisor with nine brands across categories including painting, garage doors, cleaning, remodeling, junk removal, grout restoration, handyman services, and plumbing.
As COO, ...
Guest: Roxanne Conrad
May 21, 2026
Ethical Community Growth: The Future of Innovative Franchise Models with Nick Ridgway
Franchising is evolving. Today’s strongest models are not only built around scale, systems, and market expansion — they are also built around ethics, community trust, and local impact.
In this episode of The Bliss Business Podcast, we welcome Nick Ridgway, Vice President of Franchise Development for Service Experts, to explore Ethical Community Growth: The Future of Innovative Franchise Models.
Nick brings more than 10 years of franchising experience and has helped more than 400 entr...
In this episode of The Bliss Business Podcast, we welcome Nick Ridgway, Vice President of Franchise Development for Service Experts, to explore Ethical Community Growth: The Future of Innovative Franchise Models.
Nick brings more than 10 years of franchising experience and has helped more than 400 entr...
Guest: Nick Ridgway
May 19, 2026
Building Purpose-Led Marketing Systems with Gareth Bain
Marketing is no longer just about clicks, leads, campaigns, or clever tactics.
For founder-led companies, sustainable growth requires clarity, rhythm, systems, and a deeper sense of purpose behind the work.
In this episode of The Bliss Business Podcast, we welcome Gareth Bain, award-winning Fractional Chief Marketing Officer, Growth Strategist, and founder of Got Legs Digital.Gareth brings more than 17 years of experience helping SaaS, FinTech, PropTech, and technology-driven compani...
For founder-led companies, sustainable growth requires clarity, rhythm, systems, and a deeper sense of purpose behind the work.
In this episode of The Bliss Business Podcast, we welcome Gareth Bain, award-winning Fractional Chief Marketing Officer, Growth Strategist, and founder of Got Legs Digital.Gareth brings more than 17 years of experience helping SaaS, FinTech, PropTech, and technology-driven compani...
Guest: Gareth Bain
May 14, 2026
Sustainable Business Practices and Ethics with Sam Berman
Sustainability and ethics are no longer separate conversations in business.
Today’s leaders are increasingly being challenged to build organizations that create innovation, operational impact, and meaningful responsibility toward people and the world around them.
In this episode of The Bliss Business Podcast, we will welcome Sam Berman, Founder and CEO of LARC (Logistics Advanced Research Center).
Sam Berman is an entrepreneur, engineer, and logistics innovator focused on trans...
Today’s leaders are increasingly being challenged to build organizations that create innovation, operational impact, and meaningful responsibility toward people and the world around them.
In this episode of The Bliss Business Podcast, we will welcome Sam Berman, Founder and CEO of LARC (Logistics Advanced Research Center).
Sam Berman is an entrepreneur, engineer, and logistics innovator focused on trans...
Guest: Sam Berman
May 12, 2026
Why Franchising Breaks Founders and How to Fix It with John Francis
Reaching 200 episodes is more than a milestone.It is a reminder of the incredible conversations, leaders, founders, and changemakers who have helped shape The Bliss Business Podcast into a platform centered on purpose, leadership, systems, empathy, and human connection.
For our 200th episode, we are honored to welcome John Francis, franchise expert, leadership advisor, and Founding Father of Fathers Eve.
Known to many as “Johnny Franchise,” John Francis has spent more than 30 years w...
For our 200th episode, we are honored to welcome John Francis, franchise expert, leadership advisor, and Founding Father of Fathers Eve.
Known to many as “Johnny Franchise,” John Francis has spent more than 30 years w...
Guest: John Francis
May 7, 2026
The Role of Empathy in Leadership with Sarah Feely
Empathy is often described as a personal leadership quality.But in today’s workplace, it is increasingly becoming a critical driver of culture, trust, engagement, and organizational performance.
In this episode of The Bliss Business Podcast, we will welcome Sarah Feely, Chief Learning Officer of Compassionate Leaders Circle.
Sarah Feely is passionate about helping individuals discover their authentic selves and find meaning at work. As Chief Learning Officer at Compassionate Leaders ...
In this episode of The Bliss Business Podcast, we will welcome Sarah Feely, Chief Learning Officer of Compassionate Leaders Circle.
Sarah Feely is passionate about helping individuals discover their authentic selves and find meaning at work. As Chief Learning Officer at Compassionate Leaders ...
Guest: Sarah Feely