On this week’s episode, I sat down with Jen Austin, a three-decade radio veteran who's been heard on over 100 stations across the U.S., reaching over 10 million listeners, and has held virtually every role in the business, from music director to producer, and executive. After 30 years of watching the same story unfold everywhere she went, reduced staffs, shrinking budgets, and communities going without reliable local news coverage, she decided to make a change. So she founded Riply, an AI-assisted intelligence platform that helps local radio stations produce reliable, locally-focused news more quickly and affordably, without needing a full newsroom to do it.

In this episode - Jen Austin shares her 30-year journey in media, the evolution of journalism, and the innovative AI platform Ripley designed to support local newsrooms. Discover how technology and human storytelling are shaping the future of journalism, especially in news deserts.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Jen Austin and Ripley

08:51 Growing Up in a News Desert

20:45 The AHA Moment Behind Ripley

28:38 Developing the Ripley Platform

39:04 Conclusion and Future of Journalism

Resources

https://riplymedia.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/austinjen/

https://www.instagram.com/riplymedia

Yes, you read that correctly. 43 Interviews later, I am back employed!! In this episode of A Bright Idea Podcast I’m giving you all my tips and tricks to make your job search a little easier!

In This week’s episode I chat with Nate Revolus - of Motus Crucis the one and only Parkour academy in Washington, DC

Nate’s training program and gym is dedicated to teaching movement, discipline, and community through parkour. His journey began as a teenager after discovering parkour online and quickly becoming obsessed with mastering the craft. What started as hours of daily training evolved into a deep passion not just for the sport itself, but for teaching others how to move with confidence and control.

Many may not know this, but Long before Parkour gained mainstream attention in the U.S., D.C. was quietly becoming a central hub for the movement, thanks in large part to organizations like American Parkour, founded by Mark Toorock. The city attracted top athletes from across the country, hosted national and international training events, and offered the perfect urban landscape for the sport to thrive. But when that early infrastructure faded, it left behind a passionate community with nowhere to go—creating a gap that Nate saw not as an ending, but as an opportunity to rebuild something even stronger.

In 2025, with the support of his family, Nate opened his own gym, building it in just a few weeks and creating a permanent home for parkour in the city. Today, Motus Cricus Parkour is more than a training facility—it’s a community hub where students of all levels develop physical skill, mental resilience, and a sense of belonging.

This week’s episode is a really special one for me—because it’s not just a conversation, it’s a full-circle moment.

Before A Bright Idea was what it is today… before the studio setup, before the growth… I was just a college student with a mic and a curiosity about people building something of their own. And one of the very first people I ever interviewed was today’s guest.

Fia Thomas is the owner of Fia’s Fabulous Finds, a consignment boutique in the Petworth neighborhood of Washington, D.C. that has been serving the community for over 13 years. But this isn’t just a store—it’s a space rooted in sustainability, inclusivity, resilience, and community.
In this episode, we talk about how Fia turned her love of thrifting into a thriving business, how she survived the pandemic by reinventing her entire model through Facebook Live, and what it really takes to keep your doors open when everything feels uncertain.

On this week’s episode, I sat down with Jordan Polk, founder and CEO of M.I.A. also known as missing in action - a Detroit-based hair and scalp care brand on a mission to make the outdoors more accessible. A former investment banker and software private equity investor , Jordan left Wall Street to build the category she couldn't find — protection-first haircare for textured hair experiencing damage and dryness while living actively outdoors.

Missing in Action’s hero product, HairBlockTM, is a clean, science-forward daily barrier serum that supports against UV, chlorine, salt water, and cold weather.

Jordan placed 2nd at Beauty Tank LA in 2026 and is backed by 20+ years of haircare industry expertise through her advisor network.

In this episode, Jordan and I chat about her experience going from private equity to founding Missing in Action. And through her experience in high-finance, she shares her strategies for fundraising, building a credible brand, and navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship.

Chapters

00:00 - Introduction and Jordan’s Journey

02:00 - Inspiration Behind MIA

05:00 - Customer Feedback in Product Development

08:30 - Leveraging Private Equity Skills

12:00 - Focusing on One Product

15:00 - Funding Strategies

20:00 - Strategic Business Growth

24:00 - Navigating Funding Challenges

28:00 - Building an Inclusive Brand

32:00 - Digital Marketing Strategies

36:00 - Networking for Investment

40:00 - Overcoming Product Challenges

44:00 - Establishing Credibility

48:00 - Personalizing Branding

52:00 - Strategic Investor Engagement

56:00 - Leveraging Partnerships

60:00 - Mindset Shifts for Success

64:00 - Building a Scalable Business

68:00 - Social Media Impact

72:00 - Focused Marketing Approach

76:00 - Lessons for New Entrepreneurs

80:00 - Supporting Jordan and MIA

resources

Jordan's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jordanismia/

Missing in Action (MIA) - https://www.missinginaction.com/

First Look Ventures - https://firstlookventures.com/

LinkedIn Profile of Jordan -

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordanapolk/

Missing in Action's Instagram -

https://www.instagram.com/thebrandismia/

In this episode of A Bright Idea Podcast, I share my personal experience with being laid off and emphasize the importance of having a backup plan. I discuss mindset shifts, the value of side hustles, and practical tips for financial resilience during career transitions.


Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the Episode
02:52 Personal Experience with Layoffs
06:13 The Importance of Backup Plans
08:48 Reframing the Narrative of Entrepreneurship
11:58 Protecting Your Peace with Multiple Income Streams

On this week’s episode, I sat down with Justin Shiels, a creative futurist, author, and founder of SoCurious. He creates joy-centered art, analog experiences, and creative practices rooted in self-love and nervous-system care. His work helps people slow down, feel safe, and reconnect with what it means to be human in a digital world.

In this episode - Justin shares how he went from being a creative director - a profession he decided on when he was just 8 years old to founder of So Curious where he emphasizes authenticity, community building, and the power of joy in business. We discuss practical strategies for launching a creative business, the importance of iteration, and how to stay true to your purpose amidst challenges.

Flynanced is back for a part 2 episode! In this episode, Cinneah El-Amin takes questions from 9-5 hotties looking to make their next career move.