Simply Business Podcast

by John K Jennings

Season 1

Chris Morandi - Mental Fitness: Why Wellness Starts Before Crisis

What if therapy wasn’t about fixing people—but helping them become mentally stronger? In this episode of Simply Business, John Jennings sits down with Chris Morandi, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Mainspring Wellness, to explore the intersection of entrepreneurship, mental health, and community impact. Chris shares how Mainspring evolved from an early side project into a growing wellness-focused practice serving Northern Kentucky communities. Along the way, they discuss: ✔ The difference between mental illness and mental wellness ✔ Why everyone can benefit from therapy and “mental fitness” ✔ The realities of building a business inside healthcare ✔ Insurance, Medicaid, and accessibility challenges ✔ Loneliness, social connection, and the importance of “third places” ✔ Why the future of mental health may depend on rebuilding human connection Chris also shares his philosophy for entrepreneurs and therapists alike: stay in the game, love the process, and play the long game. If you’re a business owner, leader, parent, therapist, or someone thinking deeply about wellness and community, this conversation offers both practical insight and inspiration. Subscribe, share, and join us for more conversations that simplify business—and life.

S1 · E107

May 26, 2026

29:22

E106 - How Lauren Brown Built a Business by Adapting, Reinventing, and Refusing to Quit

In this episode of Simply Business, we sit down with Lauren Brown, co-owner of Mishalis Events, to talk about what it really looks like to build and sustain a business over time. What started as a retail food and wine store evolved — through necessity, market shifts, and major disruptions like 9/11 and COVID — into one of Kentucky’s only full-service event production companies. Lauren shares how her family adapted at every stage, why reinvention has been critical to survival, and how they used one of the toughest periods in their industry to launch an entirely new business line. This is a conversation about resilience, creativity, and the reality that most successful businesses don’t follow the plan — they evolve into it. 👉 If you’re navigating change or uncertainty in your business, this episode will challenge how you think about growth and adaptation.

S1 · E106

May 4, 2026

29:46

e105 - How Vas Abramov Builds Businesses by Eliminating Complexity, Not Adding to It

In this episode of Simply Business, we sit down with Vas Abramov, President of Occam Design, to talk about a principle that’s often overlooked in business — simplicity. Vas shares how his approach to business and design is rooted in cutting through complexity and focusing on what actually works. Rather than overbuilding or overthinking, he emphasizes learning through experience and refining systems in real time. We explore why so many businesses struggle by making things more complicated than they need to be, and how a simpler, more focused approach can lead to better outcomes. This conversation is a practical look at how clarity is built — not in theory, but through doing the work and continuously improving it. 👉 If you find yourself overcomplicating your business, this episode will challenge you to simplify.

E105

Apr 21, 2026

24:46

E104 - From a Credit Card to Global Impact: Building a Business That Closes the Digital Divide

What does it look like to build a business that creates both profit and purpose? In this episode of Simply Business, John Jennings sits down with Kurt Reynolds, Owner and President of ReGadget, to explore how a $7,000 bet on a personal credit card turned into a fast-growing company making a real difference. ReGadget is on a mission to keep technology out of landfills and into the hands of people who need it most—bridging the digital divide for students, veterans, and underserved communities. Kurt shares how his team refurbishes and redistributes electronics while navigating major industry challenges, from operating system shifts to rising component costs driven by AI demand. But this conversation goes beyond business strategy. It’s about resilience, culture, and leadership. Kurt opens up about building a team that believes in the mission, hiring for work ethic over experience, and staying grounded through the inevitable ups and downs of entrepreneurship. If you’re an entrepreneur—or thinking about becoming one—this episode is a powerful reminder that success doesn’t require perfection. It requires belief, effort, and the courage to start. 👉 Listen now and discover how simple ideas, executed well, can create extraordinary impact!

E104

Apr 14, 2026

29:56

Ep103-How Paul Miller turned circus life, creativity, and curiosity into multiple unconventional businesses.

In the 103rd episode of Simply Business, John Jennings sits down with Paul Howland Miller, the self-described Chief Goof Officer behind Circus Sweets and Bircus Brewing Company. Paul has spent his career living inside the world of the circus performing, creating, and building businesses around one simple idea: doing what others think is impossible. From balloon animals and global circus tours to launching unique entertainment-driven businesses, Paul shares how creativity, curiosity, and persistence can turn an unconventional passion into a thriving enterprise. Along the way, Paul explains why the circus mindset is surprisingly relevant for entrepreneurs today. The willingness to try something bold, build relationships, and lean into what makes you different can open doors you never expected. This conversation is a reminder that business doesn’t always have to follow a traditional path. Sometimes the most powerful strategy is simply having the courage to step into the ring. Listen in to discover: How Paul built businesses from a career in circus entertainment Why the circus mindset is a powerful entrepreneurial model The importance of partnerships and unexpected opportunities Simple advice for anyone trying to turn passion into a business If you’ve ever wondered whether your unconventional idea could actually work, this episode might just convince you to give it a shot.

E103

Mar 31, 2026

42:36

Ep102-Ownership, integrity, and 30 years of steady growth with Mike Mason, President of Lawn Pro

In the 102nd episode of Simply Business, John Jennings sits down with Mike Mason, President of Lawn Pro in Louisville, Kentucky, to unpack what 30 years in business has taught him about leadership, growth, and integrity. Mike shares the story of joining the family business in the mid-90s, taking over operations, and ultimately purchasing the company in March 2020 right as the world shut down. What could have been a disaster turned into a defining growth season, as the company adapted, strengthened its systems, and capitalized on new demand. But this conversation isn’t about landscaping. It’s about leadership. Mike breaks down his simple but powerful philosophy: Do what you say you’re going to do. Own your mistakes. Fix the problem. No blame. No excuses. Just responsibility. If you’re a business owner, leader, or entrepreneur who wants practical wisdom without complexity, this episode delivers grounded insight you can apply immediately. Listen in, reflect, and simplify the way you lead.

E102

Mar 24, 2026

37:55

Ep101-How Steve Hall Is Developing Young Leaders Through Faith, Transparency, and Real Ownership

What does it look like to intentionally build young leaders inside your company? In this episode of Simply Business, John Jennings sits down with Steve Hall, President of M&P Logistics, to explore how faith, mentorship, and transparency shape a thriving culture. After decades in transportation including starting, scaling, and selling a trucking company Steve returned to business with a deeper purpose: to integrate faith with leadership and intentionally develop the next generation of business leaders. Today, many of his senior leaders are in their 20s. How? By teaching them how the business truly works from P&Ls and budgeting to strategic growth and empowering them to “build a business inside the business.” Steve shares: How transparency builds trust and ownership Why mentoring young leaders requires patience and intentionality The challenges of leading across generational gaps How purpose beyond profit strengthens culture If you’re a business owner struggling to attract or retain young talent or wondering how to build a values-driven organization this episode offers practical, real-world insight. Listen now and discover how developing people may be the greatest growth strategy of all.

E101

Mar 17, 2026

25:10

Episode 100: Stop, Start, Continue A Simple Tool for Business Growth

Episode 100 of the Simply Business podcast marks a major milestone and a moment to pause, reflect, and simplify. In this solo episode, host and business coach John Jennings looks back on the journey of recording nearly 100 conversations with business owners. Along the way, he’s collected countless lessons about leadership, resilience, and what it really takes to build a business. To celebrate the milestone, John shares one of his favorite coaching tools: Stop, Start, Continue, a simple framework he uses with clients to evaluate progress and identify what needs to change moving forward. In this episode, John applies the framework to the podcast itself and invites listeners to use it in their own businesses. The result is a powerful reminder that business success doesn’t come from perfection it comes from clarity, consistency, and learning from experience. If you’re a business owner, leader, or entrepreneur looking for a simple way to reflect, refocus, and grow, this episode will give you a practical tool you can use immediately. Listen in and consider: What should you stop, start, and continue in your business?

E100

Mar 10, 2026

15:53

Ep99-How Derek Shelton Built a Health and Wellness Center by Finally Taking the First Step

What happens when you finally act on the idea you’ve carried for years? In the 99th episode of Simply Business, John Jennings sits down with Derek Shelton, Owner and Provider at Optimize You in Evansville (now Newburgh), Indiana. With over 20 years of experience as a nurse practitioner and leadership experience as a Chief Operating Officer in orthopedics, Derek shares how COVID accelerated innovation — and pushed him to pursue his long-standing vision of opening a health and wellness center serving both men and women. They discuss: Why men’s health is often overlooked in traditional medicine The realities of launching in healthcare from pharmacy contracts to compliance The difference between building from scratch vs. leveraging a franchise model Why belief in your product is non-negotiable The power of finally acting on the idea you’ve carried for years Derek’s message is simple: Don’t hesitate. If you’ve been sitting on an idea, this conversation may be the push you need. Subscribe, share, and join us for more real conversations about business, leadership, and making meaningful impact.

E99

Mar 3, 2026

31:57

Ep98-Scott Noonan -Own Your Story. Lead with Power.

In the 98th episode of Simply Business, we sit down with Scott Noonan , President at Spear AI Analytics, for a powerful conversation about ownership, resilience, and the leadership advantage hidden inside your personal story. Too often, leaders carry silent narratives past setbacks, failures, missed opportunities that quietly shape their decisions. But what if those same experiences are the foundation of your authority? In this episode, we explore: Why owning your story changes how you lead How adversity can become your competitive advantage The discipline of self-awareness in business Moving from blame to responsibility Leading authentically in uncertain times This conversation is raw, practical, and deeply relevant for anyone building a business or leading a team. If you’re ready to stop being shaped by your past and start using it as fuel this episode is for you. 🎧 Listen now, subscribe, and share with a leader who needs to hear this.

E98

Feb 24, 2026

39:40

2 of 12