RoadrunnerZX

RoadrunnerZX

by Michael McFarland
EntrepreneurshipManagement
Season 2
Continuing the Conversation: Designing the Heart of Bloomington-Normal with Cheryl Magnuson (Part 2)
🎙️ Continuing the Conversation: Designing the Heart of Bloomington-Normal with Cheryl Magnuson (Part 2) 🎙️ In Part 1, we learned what drives Cheryl Magnuson, President and Owner of Majestic Interior Design, and how she built a thriving business right here in our community. But the story doesn't end there! In Part 2 of my sit-down with Cheryl on RoadrunnerZX, we dig even deeper. We explore the shifting trends in local design, how she navigates the unique challenges of the industry, and her exciting vision for the future of McLean County. Cheryl’s passion for making her clients' dreams a reality and her deep commitment to organizations like the CEO Council and Sunrise Rotary truly shine through in this second half. Whether you're a fellow entrepreneur or just love seeing local businesses thrive, you won't want to miss the conclusion of this great conversation! 📺 Catch Part 2 of the interview on our YouTube channel! https://youtu.be/DbNKpN56EyA 👍 Like and follow our page as we continue spotlighting the amazing small business owners of McLean County! Let’s keep growing McLean County, together! 🏢✨ If you let me know a few of the specific topics or fun moments you and Cheryl discussed in Part 2, I can easily refine those bullet points to perfectly tease the new episode!
S2 · E19
Jun 10, 2026
26:16
Are We Losing Our Small Town Feel? Mike O'Grady on the Future of B-N
We covered the Rivian boom in Part 1, but what does the future actually hold for McLean County? 🤔 In Part 2 of our conversation with Mike O'Grady, we pull back the curtain even further to capture the authentic backstories that have shaped our local economy. From his unexpected (and wild!) experiences as a deputy coroner to the intense, behind-the-scenes reality of navigating the Economic Development Council, Mike shares the unvarnished truth about community building. We dive into a critical conversation about the lost art of face-to-face relationships in modern business, his candid thoughts on the current state of local economic development, and why maintaining our community ties amidst massive population growth is our greatest challenge. It takes real heart and hustle to navigate these massive shifts, and Mike has been at the center of it all. If you care about the future of our local ecosystem, this is a conversation you need to hear. 🎧 Listen to the full Part 2 conversation on our podcast today! 📺 Subscribe to our YouTube page to catch the video interview: https://youtu.be/Y-yyDt7fiJU 👍 Like and follow our Facebook page so you never miss a spotlight on the people giving our local businesses personality! Let’s keep growing McLean County, together!
S2 · E18
May 27, 2026
37:24
The Secret Behind Bloomington-Normal's Economic Boom
From uncertainty to a booming local economy: How McLean County transformed. 🏢📈 For decades, McLean County has been a community of change. But when massive shifts happen—like the closing of a major manufacturer—it’s easy to feel uncertain about the future of our local businesses and the economy we all rely on. If you've ever wondered how Bloomington-Normal navigated the post-Mitsubishi era to become the thriving, diverse business ecosystem we see today (including landing Rivian!), you need to hear from the man who was in the room when those deals happened. Meet Mike O'Grady. From his 35-year tenure at ISU to his pivotal leadership at the Bloomington-Normal Economic Development Council, Mike has dedicated his career to ensuring our region doesn't just survive, but thrives. In the newest episode of RoadrunnerZX, Mike and I sit down to discuss the incredible evolution of McLean County over his lifetime. We dive into the behind-the-scenes stories of our local economic development, the importance of infrastructure, and why a big win for one local business creates a positive "ripple effect" that benefits us all. Whether you're a local entrepreneur or just love seeing Central Illinois grow, you don't want to miss this one! 🎧 Listen to the full conversation on our podcast today! 📺 Subscribe to our YouTube page to catch the video interview. 👍 Like and follow our Facebook page so you never miss a spotlight on the people building our community! Let’s keep growing McLean County, together! 🏃‍♂️💨
S2 · E17
May 20, 2026
34:31
How to Master the Long Jump & Triple Jump | Elite Coaching Tips
🚨 THE CONVERSATION CONTINUES! 🚨 Part 2 of our exclusive interview with Coach Karonji Carr and Coach Donald Mosely is now live on the RoadrunnerZX YouTube channel! 🎥🏃‍♂️🏃‍♀️ We’re picking right back up where we left off, diving even deeper into what makes their upcoming summer Horizontal Jumps Track & Field Camp a game-changer for Central Illinois athletes. If you want to refine your technique, maximize your potential in sprints, horizontal jumps, and hurdles, and get elite insights from two incredible coaches, this episode is for you! Just a reminder, here are the details for the camp to take your skills to the next level: 📋 Camp Info: https://drive.google.com/file/d/16TdduJ9rbm19uzlEnyQeGMXBzhYiitvU/view?usp=drive_link 📅 Dates: Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday, July 6 - July 30 ⏰ Time: 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM 📍 Where: Bloomington High School - 1202 E. Locust St. 💵 Fee: $80 Go check out Part 2 on YouTube now to hear the rest of the interview and see how these coaches are building up the next generation of track stars! 👉 [Insert Part 2 YouTube Link Here] #roadrunnerzx #TrackAndField #HorizontalJumps #BloomingtonIL #TrackCamp #TripleJump #LongJump #SprintTraining
S2 · E16
May 19, 2026
25:39
Unlock Your Jump Potential! Elite Track Camp with Coach Mosely & Coach Carr | RoadrunnerZX (Part 1)
🚨 NEW INTERVIEW ALERT! 🚨 Part 1 of our exclusive interview with Coach Karonji Carr and Coach Donald Mosely is now live on the RoadrunnerZX YouTube channel! 🎥🏃‍♂️🏃‍♀️ We sat down to talk all about their upcoming summer Horizontal Jumps Track & Field Camp right here in Central Illinois! If you're an athlete looking to take your skills to the next level, you do not want to miss this. They are bringing incredible expertise to enrich the potential of future track athletes in the sport. The camp will provide specific training for sprint, horizontal jumps and hurdle events. Here are the camp details we discuss in the interview: https://drive.google.com/file/d/16TdduJ9rbm19uzlEnyQeGMXBzhYiitvU/view?usp=drive_link Dates: Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday, July 6 - July 30 Time: 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM Where: Bloomington High School - 1202 E. Locust St. Fee: $80 Go check out Part 1 on YouTube now to hear directly from the coaches, and get ready to learn proper warmups as well as drills, weight training, and plyometrics! 👉 https://youtu.be/SbCeKgfNRyI #roadrunnerzx #TrackAndField #HorizontalJumps #BloomingtonIL #TrackCamp #TripleJump #LongJump #SprintTraining
S2 · E15
May 19, 2026
34:53
AI in the Therapy Room: Innovation or Intrusion? with CJ Hamilton
Is the future of connection digital, or is there something AI can never replicate? 🤖✨ In Part 2 of our deep dive with CJ Hamilton, we’re moving past the tech headlines to the heart of the matter: the counseling room and the modern workplace. We’ve seen what AI can build, but can it actually understand us? We explore whether algorithms are set to replace the human touch or if they are simply the newest tool in our emotional toolkit. If you’ve ever wondered how your professional role will shift as technology evolves, this is the conversation you can't afford to miss. The future isn't just about better code—it’s about deeper connection. 🎧 Catch the full story and see where our professions are actually heading: https://media.rss.com/roadrunnerzx/feed.xml Join the conversation and stay ahead of the curve: 👉 Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RoadRunnerzx-biz 👍 Follow us here for more insights into the stories shaping our local businesses and future. #RoadrunnerZX #FutureOfWork #AI #MentalHealthTech #HumanConnection #Podcast #CJHamilton #Innovation
S2 · E14
Apr 29, 2026
29:45
AI Friend or Foe: What Effects Will AI Have On Business
We’ve all heard the headlines about Artificial Intelligence rewriting the rules of technology. But what happens when algorithms intersect with human empathy? In our latest episode, we sit down with CJ Hamilton to explore the uncharted territory of AI in the counseling room and the future of the workplace. Will artificial intelligence replace the need for genuine human connection, or will it become the ultimate tool to help us understand each other better? The answer might just surprise you. 🎧 Listen to the full podcast episode now to hear the rest of the story on where our professions are actually heading. https://media.rss.com/roadrunnerzx/feed.xml If you enjoy diving deep into conversations like this, we'd love for you to join our growing community! 👉 Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@RoadRunnerzx-biz 👍 Like and Follow this Facebook page so you never miss an update or a new episode. #RoadrunnerZX #FutureOfWork #ArtificialIntelligence #Counseling #MentalHealthTech #TechTrends #PodcastEpisode #CJHamilton
S2 · E13
Apr 22, 2026
34:55
The Sneak Box Strategy: Entrepreneur Brian Plath Reveals All
👟 The conversation was too good to fit into just one episode! Welcome back to Part 2 of Michael McFarland’s sit-down with Brian Plath of Sneaker Box on a brand new episode of RoadrunnerZX! We’re picking up right where we left off, diving even deeper into the kicks, the culture, and what it takes to build a standout brand right here in Bloomington-Normal. If you loved hearing the real story behind this amazing local business in Part 1, you definitely don't want to miss the conclusion of this awesome chat! Catch the full Part 2 interview and help us keep shining a spotlight on the incredible entrepreneurs in our community by supporting the show: 👍 Like and Follow our Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/Roadrunnerzx/ 🎧 Listen along to our Podcast: https://media.rss.com/roadrunnerzx/feed.xml Drop a comment below and let us know your favorite takeaway from Part 2! 👇 #RoadrunnerZX #SneakerBox #BrianPlath #SmallBusiness #ShopLocal #Sneakerhead #CentralIllinois #BloomingtonNormal #EntrepreneurLife #Part2
S2 · E12
Apr 1, 2026
30:11
All In On The Shoe Business
👟 Kick off your week with a brand new episode of RoadrunnerZX! This time around, Michael McFarland is sitting down with Brian Plath to get the inside scoop on Sneaker Box. We’re diving into the passion, the kicks, and the unique personality behind the brand. If you love hearing the real stories behind our local small businesses, you do not want to miss this conversation! Catch the full interview and help us keep shining a spotlight on the amazing entrepreneurs in our community by supporting the show: 📺 Subscribe to our YouTube Page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYJ_IXumehBzeAz_OLwVL3w 👍 Like and Follow our Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/Roadrunnerzx/🎧 Drop a comment below and let us know your favorite part of the episode! 👇 #RoadrunnerZX #SneakerBox #BrianPlath #SmallBusiness #ShopLocal #Sneakerhead #CentralIllinois #BloomingtonNormal #EntrepreneurLife
S2 · E11
Mar 25, 2026
26:38
Flirting With Failure: The Mindset of a CEO
The wait is over! 🚀 Part 2 of our sit-down with the incredible Vivian Kong Doctora is live on RoadrunnerZX! Last week, we heard about Vivian's inspiring leap from a 21-year corporate career to launching Boa Destination and bringing her heritage to central Illinois. In this second half, we’re diving even deeper into the mindset of a true local entrepreneur. We discuss how she helps create unforgettable dining experiences at Kobe Revolving Sushi, what it really means to push past the fear of failure, and her ultimate goal of becoming an angel investor to help other aspiring business owners turn their dreams into reality right here in Bloomington-Normal. Whether you're already running a business or just waiting for the right moment to take the leap, you won't want to miss the conclusion of this conversation. Grab your coffee, hit play, and let's get back into it! 👇 #RoadrunnerZX #SmallBusiness #LocalBusiness #EntrepreneurLife #BoaDestination #KobeRevolvingSushi #BloomingtonNormal #BusinessMindset #AngelInvestor
S2 · E10
Mar 18, 2026
27:03
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