Happy Hour Hustle: Recent Episodes
8THIRTYFOUR
You’re listening to 8THIRTYFOUR’s award-winning podcast, The Happy Hour Hustle. We offer listeners the chance to experience the musings (or ramblings depending on how many glasses of wine she’s had) of the one and only, Kimberly J. Bode as she interviews notable clients, upstanding community members, and random passersby. Publishing a new episode the first and third Tuesday of every month. nominations and awards pending
This week, Kim sits down with Meredith Klein, the woman behind the iconic hat and the Substack everyone in comms actually wants to read. Meredith is a communications executive with nearly two decades of experience at some of the biggest names in the game: Walmart, Pinterest, and Jet.com, to name a few. She's the author of Meredith & The Media, a wildly popular Substack on the latest news, moves, and trends in media, featuring exclusive interviews with leading journalists on what's driving their coverage. She's a PRWeek 40 Under 40 honoree and regular contributor to Inc. She's the person in the room who actually knows everyone and makes sure everyone else knows each other too. Basically, if comms had a connector-in-chief, it would be her.
Kim and Meredith talk about personal branding, networking without the ick, why "believe it until you achieve it" beats "fake it till you make it," and what it takes to really own your worth. Grab a martini (with extra olives) and get ready for some F-bomb filled wisdom.
Connect with Meredith:
Meredith & the Media Substack: https://meredithandthemedia.substack.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meredith-klein-4389666/
In this episode of Happy Hour Hustle, Maddie sits down with Brandon McCraney, Air Force veteran and founder and Master Blender behind Olde Raleigh Distillery in Zebulon, North Carolina. Brandon spent fifteen years just thinking about whiskey before he finally opened his doors, and even then it took four more years, a dozen rejections, construction delays, and a global pandemic to get there. Two years later, Olde Raleigh had already won Best Micro Distillery in the US. Brandon shares what it actually took to grow a business through COVID, the military discipline that kept him going when everything else said quit, and how working with people turned out to be the hardest part of the job.
Connect with Brandon:
Website: https://olderaleighdistillery.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandonmccraney/
Instagram: @brandonmccraney and @olderaleighdistillery
In this episode of Happy Hour Hustle, Kim sits down with Alyshia Hull, a New York-based freelance journalist who writes for Business Insider, Fast Company, USA Today, Inc., and Entrepreneur. They cover why workplace authenticity matters, how culture is set from the top down, and the personality types that can either help or hurt you at work. The conversation also touches on the real AI risk facing today's workforce and the double-edged sword of freelancing…plus dogs, guilty pleasures, and whether cursive is a lost art.
Read Alyshia's USA Today article here.
Connect with Alyshia:
- Website: alyshiahull.com
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alyshia-hull-a35b56a1/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alyshiahull/
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@alyshiaHull
We're back with another cohort spotlight from the Women's Entrepreneurial Fellowship. Maddie sat down with Rachael Kaminski, Owner/Director of Confidence Beyond Hair Studio in Grand Haven, where she's on a mission to provide wigs and hair toppers to individuals experiencing hair loss due to various reasons, including cancer treatments, autoimmune disorders, alopecia, trichotillomania, PCOS, and menopause. They covered the importance of offering a service that makes individuals feel confident as they navigate their health journey. Rachel also shares what drives her passion behind her business and upcoming milestones.
Connect with Rachael on LinkedIn.
Learn more about Confidence Beyond Hair Studio
We're back with another cohort spotlight from the Women's Entrepreneurial Fellowship. Maddie sat down with Lindsey Potter, Owner/Director of Bright Light Early Care & Education in Battle Creek, where she's on a mission to redesign child care as we know it.
They covered what it's really like to run a licensed child care center day-to-day, the lessons she's picked up across 20+ years in early childhood education, and how she's building something better for kids, families, and the future of the industry. Lindsey also shares what drives her passion for this work and why early care and education is long overdue for a reimagining.
Connect with Lindsey on LinkedIn.
Learn more about Bright Light Early Care & Education.
In this episode of Happy Hour Hustle, Maddie sits down with Grace Gavin, co-founder of Know Honesty, three-time founder, and co-author of the book Know Honesty: Eliminate the Divide, Become a Masterful Communicator, and Connect with Anyone. Through her book, workshops, and keynotes, Grace helps leaders and organizations have the real conversations that actually make a difference.
She and her business partner built Know Honesty around what they saw missing in workplaces everywhere: real communication. At the heart of their work are two simple but very different skills, being open and being honest, and Grace has spent years coaching leaders, managers, and entrepreneurs on how to practice both.
Grace and Maddie get into why so many workplace conversations go sideways even when everyone thinks they're being reasonable, what leaders are actually missing when they say they want honesty, and the conversations most teams are avoiding that they really can't afford to.
We're back with another cohort spotlight from the Women's Entrepreneurial Fellowship. Maddie sat down with Rebecca Dutcher, founder and CEO of RED66 Marketing, a Michigan-based marketing agency helping clients build strategies that connect with their audiences throughout the buyer's journey.
They covered what it's really like to run a growing marketing agency, the lessons she's picked up across more than 20 years in the industry, and how marketing can be used to solve real business challenges. Rebecca also shares what drives her as a self-proclaimed marketing nerd and yes, the RED in RED66 comes from her bold hair, and the 66? Her jersey number when she became the first girl to play football at age 8.
Connect with Rebecca on LinkedIn.
Learn more about RED66 Marketing.
In this episode of Happy Hour Hustle, Kim sits down with Monica Gauthier, who has spent the past 11 years co-owning Groovy Donuts, and is now finally catching up on sleep.
She started out studying fish disease and turned that into a successful career of early mornings at the donut shop and late-night baking. Over time, she built a team strong enough to keep the business running smoothly, even when she needed to step away to care for her dad in the hospital.
They get into the unglamorous side of small business ownership, the unseen labor and the pressure to keep growing when growing isn't always the answer. They also talk about what it takes to build something worth selling.
Monica sold her award-winning business to someone who had dreamed of owning it, and she did it on her terms.
Want to know what she's doing next? Well, it's none of your business.
We're back with another cohort spotlight from the Women's Entrepreneurial Fellowship. Maddie sat down with Jody Hayden, co-owner of Grocer's Daughter Chocolate, a Michigan-based chocolate company with roots in the specialty coffee and chocolate industries going back to 2001.
They covered what it's really like to be in the chocolate business, what she's most proud of, the lessons she's picked up along the way, and what's coming up for her and her team. Plus, if you haven't heard about the sugar bear, you'll need to watch this video now.
Connect with Jody on LinkedIn.
Learn more about Grocer's Daughter Chocolate.
We're back with another cohort spotlight from the Women's Entrepreneurial Fellowship. Maddie sat down with Caitlin McMahan, co-owner of Marcellus Metalcasters, a Michigan-based manufacturing company doing really impressive work.
They talked about what it's actually like to run a foundry, what she's most proud of, the biggest lessons she's learned as a business owner, and what's next for her and her team.
Connect with Caitlin on LinkedIn.
Learn more about Marcellus Metalcasters.
We're back with another Cohort Spotlight, shining a light on the incredible women who make up the 2025-26 cohort for the Women's Entrepreneurial Fellowship.
Jenny Lashuay is the founder of BattleGR and BGR Event Center. She saw a need for experience-based fun and filled it. What started as an idea has grown into an indoor venue, a mobile party crew, and a full-on event center.
Maddie talks to her about what inspired her to start her business, what's creating momentum for her right now, and what comes next.
Healthcare costs killing your small business budget? You're not alone, and there might finally be a solution.
In this episode, Kim talks with Nathan Baar, founder of HealthBar, licensed nurse, and entrepreneur who's reimagining how small businesses approach healthcare. Nate's built a model that can help reduce your healthcare costs while actually giving your employees the kind of care where they know their doctor's name. Remember when that was a thing?
We get into why our healthcare system is such a mess, how to navigate multi-state employees without losing your mind, and what it actually means to have concierge-level care that doesn't cost a fortune. This isn't insurance, it's something different, and if you're a small business owner struggling to compete for talent while keeping costs down, you need to hear this.
There is hope, there is work being done, and you have more options than you think.
Learn more at HealthBar's website or connect with Nate on LinkedIn. And check out 'Health'Care 2026, his conference coming to Grand Rapids this April for anyone trying to figure this stuff out.
We're back with another Cohort Spotlight, continuing our series with the incredible women who make up the 2025-26 cohort for the Women's Entrepreneurial Fellowship.
Mary Barton is the founder of Equitable Accounting Solutions, a Detroit-based firm dedicated to serving women- and minority-owned businesses. She's a Forbes Best-In-State CPA, an Enterprising Women Champion, and she sits on multiple boards creating pathways into accounting for underrepresented groups.
Maddie talks to her about building a business with equity at its core, what she's learned over 20 years in the industry, and how she's using her expertise to level the playing field for small business owners.
This is the first episode of our series of Cohort Spotlights, where we are talking to the incredible women who make up the 2025-26 cohort for the Women's Entrepreneurial Fellowship.
Kirbay Preuss is the 3rd-generation owner of Preuss Pets, one of the nation's largest full-line pet stores. She's a fierce advocate for animals, she's on the board for one of the most prestigious groups in her industry, and she's been featured by Stephen Colbert...twice.
Maddie talks to her about what it's like running a family business, what she's learned over the years, and what's coming next.
Fiona McPherson Grant spent more than 20 years building a career before deciding to go solo.
In this episode, Kim and Fiona talk about what those first few months of working for yourself actually look like and how she's learned to say no.
They dig into the moment she realized it was actually working, how LinkedIn became a key business tool, and what she'd tell someone thinking about going out on their own.
If you've ever wondered what it takes, this conversation is for you.
AI Mode is rewriting how people find information, and marketers and newsrooms are feeling it in real time.
Maddie is joined by Charlsie Dewey, Digital Director at WOOD TV8, to break down what AI summaries mean for visibility, clicks, and keeping local journalism accurate in an AI-first world.
They also get into how WOOD TV8 is using AI behind the scenes and what the shift to streaming tells us about where local news is headed.
You may have seen the New York Times asking whether women "ruined" the workplace. We're not treating that like a real question, because it isn't one.
The workplace wasn't ruined by women; it was built with competition, ego, and protection of the incompetent, and it's finally collapsing under its own weight.
In our latest episode, Kim talks about the systems that were designed to keep women out, the men who broke them, and the ones who stay quiet because comfort matters more than courage.
Fisher House is one of the best-kept secrets in the Veteran space.
They are comfort homes where military and Veterans' families can stay at no cost while a loved one is receiving treatment - saving them thousands of dollars and allowing them to be close.
Maddie visited Kate Melcher, Executive Director of Fisher House Michigan, and a veteran herself, to talk about the importance and impact of these homes, which have saved military and veterans' families an estimated $650 million in out-of-pocket costs for lodging and transportation.
For Christy Howden, building a business and building a community go hand-in-hand.
She co-founded Wolverine Pickleball when the sport was just starting to be on the rise, and through grit, persistence, and a lot of hustle, she's built it into a world-class facility and a true place people want to be.
In this episode, Maddie and Christy talk about what it took to get here, the roadblocks along the way, and why community has always been at the heart of what she's building.
You have to fight to protect your business. That includes planning for the worst-case scenario.
Kim Bode's been prepping for almost 20 years, and her track record speaks for itself. She's outlasted chaos, recessions, algorithm changes, toxic clients, and whatever else got thrown at her.
How? By staying authentic. Listen to hear exactly how she navigated this mess—and how you can stay ahead when things go south.
Not every viral trend is good for your brand.
Maddie sits down with Josh Mosey from Kent District Library to talk about his approach to having fun with social media, when NOT to post, and books... because we love books.
Find out why (and what) we're drinking on this episode as we delve into gender bias, the challenges facing second-stage women-owned small businesses, and why the Small Business Association of Michigan is expanding the Women's Entrepreneurial Fellowship.
Taking care of your pets can sometimes be a full-time job, and if they need vet care, it could wipe out your entire paycheck. In this episode, Rachel Berkal, cofounder of Vetr Health, joins Maddie to talk about how her and her team are transforming the pet healthcare industry, providing at-home care, and keeping it affordable.
Some ballot measures never make it to Election Day - and that's exactly the point. Many of the most consequential political battles happen before you ever enter a voting booth.
In this episode, Kelli Saunders from the Small Business Association of Michigan joins Maddie to talk about two proposals they are fighting to keep off the ballot and why small business owners should be engaged now.
To AI or not to AI. Are we using it, just to say we're using it? Is it actually helping or hurting? We tackle these hard hitting questions and dig into why Kim threatened ChatGPT with bodily harm.
We get asked this question a lot: What does it take to land the internship? We know it's competitive and overwhelming. But if you're willing to put the work in, businesses will reward you for that. And your dream job probably already told you what they're looking for. In this episode, Maddie talks with former 8THIRTYFOUR Associate (because interns deserve a real title) Emily Feikema about what goes into preparing for interviews, and everything else that makes you stand out.
When lawmakers become disconnected from real community needs, it often falls to visionary business leaders to create practical solutions.
That's exactly what Mark Peters, CEO of Butterball Farms, did when he established The SOURCE 20 years ago in Grand Rapids. Kim got the chance to sit down with Mark to talk about the nonprofit, which began as a manufacturer's solution to childcare challenges affecting workplace productivity. It has since evolved into a comprehensive support system connecting community organizations, government resources, and private businesses.
You can read more about the creation of the nonprofit in Mark's book The SOURCE.
You can also check out The Retention Trap, which challenges leaders of small and mid-sized businesses to break free from a cycle that prioritizes costly wages and benefits without addressing the deeper issues that lead to employee turnover.
The Earned Sick Time Act (ESTA) has been a huge focus (and problem) for Michigan business owners as they work to ensure they are compliant with the new law by February 21. But with uncertainty and changes still happening with ESTA by the minute, a lot of business owners have more questions than answers.
To help, we brought in an expert.
Lisa Cooper of Cooper People Group joined Kim and Maddie to discuss ESTA and what small business owners need to do NOW to comply. Lisa also provides some incredible resources for those who need help getting compliant before the deadline.
How is it already mid-way through January?!
Maddie and Ashley sit down to talk about planning for 2025 (hopefully you already got started). They discuss the dos and don'ts of keeping everyone on track and why project management systems can be key to success.
From Gen X to Gen Z, there has been a lot of conversation in recent years about how to best manage multigenerational workplaces.
We brought in Jennifer Maxson, of Jennifer Maxson & Associates, to talk about strategies to approach different generations, the differences she's seen in her training, and what we all have in common.
Rosalynn Carter famously said: “There are only four kinds of people in the world: those who have been caregivers, those who are currently caregivers, those who will be caregivers, and those who will need caregivers."
That's what this episode is all about.
We are currently facing a growing caregiver crisis - with more and more families filling this crucial role amid a shortage of people to do that work.
Sarah Milanowski, with LifeCircles PACE, joins Maddie to talk about what they are seeing on the front lines, why it's happening and what we can all do about it.
We are excited to introduce you to our incredible graphic designer Hannah Cline - who makes all of our shit look good.
Hannah and Maddie talk about agency life, how she comes up with designs, and the next big thing in the industry.
We are back this week with part two of our conversation with Jen VanSkiver of Special Olympics Michigan - this time, making the economic case for inclusion in the workforce and beyond.
Jen, Kim and Maddie talk about some of the startling statistics behind the issue, how people with disabilities are currently treated as they look to enter the work force, and how Special Olympics Michigan is hoping to change things with its new Unified Sports & Inclusion Center.
When it comes to inclusivity, it's so important we do more than just talking. That's why Kim and Maddie sat down with Jen VanSkiver of Special Olympics Michigan. The nonprofit is changing the game in inclusivity and empowering athletes far beyond sports.
In part one of their conversation, Jen dives into her journey as a parent of a child with a cognitive disability, and how the systems built to accommodate those with intellectual disabilities need to do a hell of a lot better.
We are deep in the heart of event season right now, which is both a fun and crazy time for 8THIRTYFOUR. As we head out on yet another flight, Kim and Maddie sit down to talk about the importance of showing up - and why it's one of the most important things you can do for yourself and your business.
At 8THIRTYFOUR, we are lucky to have an incredible network of freelancers and contractors we work with to get the job done. But how do you best work with someone who isn't on your staff full-time?
Maddie sat down with Jenna Brooks, a freelancer and Graphic Design BA from Calvin University, to talk about how she manages those relationships, her client's expectations and what advice she has for anybody who wants to work with a freelancer in the future.
As a woman-owned business, we put a lot of stake in supporting other women as they work to grow their careers. This week on Happy Hour Hustle, we sit down with Shannon Burkel and Kaitlyn Olson of Axios HR to talk about women in leadership, the importance of mentorship, and so so much more.
Small businesses already deal with enough, and now this. The Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) forces small businesses to provide their personal information to the federal government or face fines and even imprisonment if they don't.
We've written about it before, but there is still a lot at stake.
That's why Kim brought in Kelli Saunders, Vice President of Policy and Engagement for the Small Business Association of Michigan (SBAM). They are one of several groups across the country fighting to put an end to the CTA. Kim and Kelli touch on what the law means for small businesses, why it's so detrimental and what we all can do to help.
It's no secret that the local news world has been changing, from how journalists connect with the community to how they combat misinformation online (which is no easy task).
Maddie and Alayna are once again joined by Lauren Kummer, a reporter and anchor at FOX 17, to talk about how her station and other local reporters are working through the changing social media landscape, building relationships with viewers, and much more.
Happy Olympics, Hustlers! This week we got the chance to talk to real-life Olympian, Ben Jefferies, and his coach, Scott Barnes. We asked them about what it takes to get to that level, what they are looking forward to the most, and advice for anybody else who wants to compete on the world's largest stage.
Maddie and Alayna sit down with Lauren Kummer, a reporter and anchor at FOX 17 in West Michigan, to talk about all the do's, don'ts and the definitely don'ts of pitching.
Lauren gives advice to PR pros on how they can best grab the attention of a TV journalist. They also discuss the importance of relationships when dealing with reporters.
Kim and Maddie sit down with Renee Bauer, author of She Who Wins and owner of Happy Even After Family Law. They talk about leadership, strength and what it takes to ditch your inner 'good girl.'
Are you up to date with Google's latest rollout? How is your business using AI? Did you hear what LinkedIn is doing now?
The digital team at 8THIRTYFOUR walks through the latest in the Digital Marketing space.
Big or small, every company faces a crisis at some point. How you handle it could mean the difference between irreparable reputation damage and moving forward.
Kim and Maddie talk about what it takes to manage a crisis, who's done it well and the importance of making a plan.
We just could not get enough of our conversation Aly Zuiderveen and Chelsea Sinke, known by their usernames @helloalymay and @mygrandrapidslife.
Hear what these Grand Rapids influencers had to say about their red and green flags, and where they think the influencer marketing industry is headed.
Is anything moving faster than the influencer world? Probably not.
We sat down with Aly Zuiderveen and Chelsea Sinke, known by their usernames @helloalymay and @mygrandrapidslife, for a look behind the curtains.
Hear what they had to say about what marketers are doing right, what they're doing wrong, and much more in Part 1 of our deep dive into Influencer Marketing.
Here at 8THIRTYFOUR, we are all about supporting other small businesses. Because let's face it, we're badass.
Ahead of Small Business Saturday, we talked to two small business owners here in Michigan (who happen to also be our incredible clients).
Amy Sparks, president of Goldie, and Kelly Stroburg, publisher of nearlywed, share their stories of how they got started, and what it's like to be a small business owner.
Burnout has become a bit of a buzzword since the pandemic, but what is it really? Why do more women experience it? What can we do to overcome it?
Dr. Dominique Pritchett, a nationally recognized mental wellness strategist and keynote speaker at this year's Inforum Capstone Dinner, joined us to talk about how to break the cycle.
Federal employees are not the only ones hurt by a government shutdown. Small businesses and government contractors are also forced to reevaluate when our lawmakers can't agree on a budget.
Kim talks with Sue Tellier, the CEO of JetCo Federal, about how the looming shutdown is already impacting small businesses and what we can do about it.
It's a core belief here at 8THIRTYFOUR... the future is female. And women are definitely having a moment.
From our changing representation in the media to female stars taking over the world (looking at you Taylor), we're talking about the power of women and the power of female rage.
If you want to read more, make sure to check out our blog.
If you didn't already know, the 8THIRTYFOUR team loves a good drink... and patio... and rooftop... aaand the list goes on. In this episode, Derek, Emma, and Savannah sit down to chat about their favorite places to crack open a cold one and enjoy all the summer vibes. So, what do you say? Grab a drink and join us!
If you want more recommendations, check out our blog on the Best Grand Rapids Dive Bars.
When people mention SEO do you find your brain empty? We can help with that.
Emma sits down with Rowan, one of 8THIRTYFOUR's Account Managers and Knower of All Things, to discuss the basics of SEO... and a little bit more. From site ranking to keywords, we're covering all the bases.
If you're still looking for more SEO knowledge after this episode, check out some of our blogs & recommended resources:
- SEO Doesn't Happen Overnight
- SEO for Dummies
- Beginner’s Guide to SEO
- Moz SEO Guides
- Moz Whiteboard Friday
Remember when we had to remind people not to eat Tide Pods? What about Chris Pine's iconic stare during the Don't Worry Darling press tour?
Well, lucky for you, the 8THIRTYFOUR team sat down to chat about all things social media trends, our favorites, plus some random tangents along the way. If you're looking for more social media insights & tips, check out these blogs:
- 2023 Social Media Trends
- Social Media Design Trends
- Creating a Social Style Guide
- 2023 Social Media Image Sizes
- 7 Tips for Setting Up a Social Media Campaign
- How to Conduct a Social Media Audit
You shouldn't wait for a crisis to happen before you have a crisis communications plan. That's why we're here to chat through every step. Simplified, it's all about OAF. Own it, apologize, fix it. Obviously, there are other details, but we'll let you listen in for the extra advice.
Need some reading material on the subject? We've got that covered too:
- The Evolution of Crisis Communications
- Presidential PR Blunders
- Brands Behaving Badly
- Earning Trust Back After Your Brand F*cks Up
We're talking about one of our favorite things — PR. The relationship between a journalist and a PR pro is an important one, so the team is breaking down what it means to be authentic, why pitching is hard work, and some of our favorite journalist stories. So, want to make the media love you? Get listening.
And, as we promised, you can find some PR blogs below:
- Back to Basics: Authenticity in Pitching
- Our PR Lifelines (Must-Haves)
- PR Professionals Need to Demand More
- The Rise of Affiliate Marketing
Kim sits down with Emma and Amberly to talk all about anti-resolutions for 2023. Plus, there's some margarita and chicken sandwich talk too — We love to keep you guessing.
If you love this episode and want more of our insights on why resolutions aren't the move, check out our blog.
We have a lot to say... especially about women-owned businesses. Kim chats with Jeffrey, 8THIRTYFOUR's Lead Graphic Designer, about what working for a women-owned business really looks like. So, grab a drink and get listening.
Move over, Happy Hour Hustle listeners. Our Gen Z team members are front and center in this episode. Kim chats with Emma and Amberly about internship takeaways, the "real world", and Gen Z lingo. We're pretty sure you'll vibe with this one.
Want more 8THIRTYFOUR? Check out our blogs. You know you want to.
Get the balloons and birthday cake ready... We're celebrating! 8THIRTYFOUR has been around for sixteen years, so we're sitting down with Kim to talk about the adventure it's been to get here today.
You know what to do. Grab some iced red wine and get ready to listen to some pretty badass advice.
Looking for tips on account management AND beer recommendations? You're in luck. Kim sat down with Derek, 8THIRTYFOUR's Marketing Specialist. From project management tools, to the best fall beers, and a little childhood story thrown in the mix, we promise you'll be entertained.
Looking for tips on account management AND beer recommendations? You're in luck. Kim sat down with Derek, 8THIRTYFOUR's Marketing Specialist. From project management tools, to the best fall beers, and a little childhood story thrown in the mix, we promise you'll be entertained.
Emma and Lauren sit down to chat all about the lovely neighborhood that is Creston. Since the 8THIRTYFOUR crew joined the community last year, we've had plenty of time to check out all of the best features: food, art, coffee, and more.
Give it a listen and tell us your personal Creston highlights. And of course, check out our blog.
8THIRTYFOUR's Social Media Specialist, Kelsey, joins for an episode of Happy Hour Hustle to go all in on social media campaigns. We're talking about target audiences, building strategy, and misconceptions about social media management.
Kelsey lays it out for you, but if you're looking for more details you should check out our blog "7 Tips for Setting Up a Social Media Campaign." Seriously. Go read it.
When Kim discovered EOS, she knew she had found what worked for running her company. And when she met Amy Courter, EOS implementor and wise leader, there wasn't a doubt she had made the right decision.
Listen in as Kim and Amy discuss what makes EOS different and why they recommend it (plus, tips from 8THIRTYFOUR's own journey using EOS).
At 8THIRTYFOUR, we take culture pretty seriously. We don't just mean having potlucks and bringing our dogs to work with us (which is also crucial to our workplace success, let's be honest). When we talk about culture, we mean accountabilty, honesty, and everyone doing their part.
Listen in as Kim gives her take on what culture means to a small business and how to do it right. For more of our stellar opinions, check out our blogs.
On this episode of Happy Hour Hustle, our PR Manager Jules breaks down how we hit the ground running this past holiday season with our lovely client, Stormy Kromer. We're talking public relations, influencer campaigns, and social media ads. You heard it right. We went all out. If you want more Stormy Kromer or case studies, check out our blog.
The past couple weeks in media have been a doozy. Jules and Emma sit down and break down our blog, This Week in Media, while giving their own takes on all the Spotify drama, Leslie Jones and her Olympics updates, and the Tampon Tax.
And for those who have listened and are interested, mountain dews baby! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0-1D_MJzsNU
To read our blog, visit https://8thirtyfour.com/2022/02/11/this-week-in-media-2-22/
Our next guest is a Real Influencer who has been a trailblazer for gender equality. Kate Germano, veteran (Marine Corps Lieutenant Colonel) and author of Fight Like a Girl: The Truth Behind How Female Marines Are Trained,knows what it's like to fight hard for truth and equality. Listen in on as she discusses her journey to making change and wisdom gained along the way.
For more information and contact info, visit https://www.kategermano.com/
Here at 8THIRTYFOUR, we like to talk about what matters and how we feel about it. From gendered marketing to The Great Resignation, this episode features Kim giving our top 5 opinions from this past year. We know how to make our opinions known, so enjoy this episode full of them.
Interested in reading the blogs behind the opinions? Check them out here.
The Real Influencer series is about shedding light onto people who make lasting impact on their community. Salvador Lopez of KConnect is constantly striving to better the lives of others. Listen in while he chats with Kim about his background, what KConnect does on the daily, and exciting upcoming projects.
For more information, visit https://k-connect.org/.
8THIRTYFOUR's PR Interns, Emma and Lauren, sit down to talk all about their internship experience. From what college hasn't taught them, coworker advice, and best working from home tips, these two cover it all. According to them, learning from the best of the best can never be too much fun.
What wisdom do you wish you would've known years ago? Our Marketing Specialist, Meg Chittenden, joins us to share her advice. From preserving energy to using the Peloton for self care, Meg walks through what she would've told her younger self.
Have you heard about The Great Resignation and have no clue what it is? Let us help you. Kim goes into the history, why people are leaving their jobs, and how simple it is to retain employees. Just listen and show them you care. Seriously.
8THIRTYFOUR is now residing in the heart of the Creston neighborhood of Grand Rapids. Owner Kim Bode has quite a history with Creston, so listen up as she shares her take on one of the best little corners GR has to offer.
Are you retiring work from home and heading back to the office? This episode is for you. Listen in as Kim discusses her thoughts about the high expectations that come with going back to in-person work.
This week Kim discusses the many benefits of working with a small agency, like us. The bottom line? You're kind of a big deal.
Vittorio Florio, Trade-outs Producer at the Drew Barrymore Show, chats about the ins and outs of "TV Magic" and gives some advice on how PR professionals can create lasting relationships.
Nathi Gcabashe, a Grammy-Nominated Orlando musician joins us on Happy Hour Hustle to talk about his story, new music as well as his passion for unity and equality.
In this week's Week in Media blog, we tackle the royals, burgers and crayons. It’s about to get interesting.
As a PR professional, your days are filled with research, media lists, interview coordination, segment rundowns, media kits, pitches, press releases, follow-up, emails, client calls and more. What we often put last is ongoing education and learning. It needs to be a top priority, and these kickass PR newsletters are a great place to start.
Listen up. Cold emailing, LinkedIn connecting or calling is NEVER going to work in your favor, and it is time you learned a few things about building a network.
Right as the chaos in Washinton D.C. was unfolding, Kim sat down with Robert Johnson, Senior Consultant at RIESTER Public Affairs and host of the PR Nation podcast in Washington D.C. Listen in as they discuss brands taking a political stance and working in the industry during a pandemic.
In this episode, Kim sat down with a very special guest all the way from New York, Anthony Yepez. The Social Media Director shared the nitty-gritty of working in the world of social.
In this special episode, we sat down with Kim and her husband, Josh Byler, to discuss what it's like to be married to the industry and to a small business owner. Ever wondered how the two met? Looking for relationship advice? This episode's for you!
Join Kim and Communications Associate, Delaney MacKenzie, as they talk about influencers. The two break down everything from what influencers are to how to have a successful influencer marketing campaign.
Join Erin Sachau, from MediSurge, and Kim Bode, owner of 8THIRTYFOUR as they discuss keeping employee morale high during the confusing times the COVID-19 pandemic has brought.
EOS, the Entrepreneurial Operating System, is pretty much the backbone of 8THIRTYFOUR. Join Kim and Jen as they discuss the nitty gritty of it, and how it helped the company become as successful as it is today.
For the 50th episode of Happy Hour Hustle we decided to switch things up. A couple weeks ago, we put out a call for any and all questions to ask Kim. Nothing was off limits. Now, Rowan Leo, Account Manager, interviews Kim and asks all of your burning questions.
Join Kim, along with Rowan, Account Manager, and Brianna, Public Relations Specialist, as the three discuss how digital and public relations rely on each other for maximum success.
Join Kim and Adam Zuwerink, from West Michigan Law (https://westmichiganlaw.com/) as they discuss the confusion and legalities of going back to work post-coronavirus.
Episode Notes: https://www.fastsigns.com/
Join Kim and her two youngest team members, Brianna Zimmer (Public Relations Specialist) and Erica Statly (Digital Lead). The two discuss their status as Grand Rapids "transplants" and how they've navigated not only adjusting to their new city but also expanding their network on both a professional and personal level.
Kim is joined today by her PR Specialist, Brianna Zimmer, as they discuss the ins and outs of thriving as a PR professional. The two talk about some of their favorite projects, what it takes to succeed and how to make a good story out of anything.
Join Kim and her digital team, Rowan Leo, Content Lead, and Erica Statly, Digital Lead. They talk about how COVID-19 is changing the way people look at technology, and how brands have had to adapt their ways to embrace digital.
In this episode of Happy Hour Hustle, Kim is joined by 8THIRTYFOUR's Creative Lead, Chelsea Miller. The 8THIRTYFOUR team regards Chelsea as a self care professional. Kim and Chelsea discuss how to take care of yourself while navigating the mental and physical obstacles in quarantine.
Join Kim and her digital team, Rowan (Content Lead) and Erica (Digital Associate) as they discuss the impact digital can have for brands in today's world. The trio emphasize the importance of not being silent during this time, and provide their best tips for navigating the digital landscape during a pandemic.
Join Kim and Drew Veach, Vice President of Corporate Color, as they discuss visual marketing. The two discuss the importance of brand presentation and making a lasting impression.
Join Kim Bode and Mary DeYoung, owner of Gray Space Collaborative, as they talk about how to be a badass women in marketing. They discuss challenges they've encountered and overcome, and provide you with the knowledge to overcome them yourself.
Join Kim and Brianna Zimmer, PR Specialist and the event planner behind the Second Annual Nothing Party. Get the scoop on the party: what to wear, what to bring, what to expect, and where you can rsvp. Visit www.834design.com/nothing to RSVP!
Join Kim and Delaney Mackenzie, the newest member of 8THIRTYFOUR and the Communications Associate. Today, Kim and Delaney discuss the importance of an internship, top tips for internship success, and how to hustle as a young professional.
Join Rowan, the 8THIRTYFOUR Content Lead, while they stand in for Kim, and Jen, Director of Client Success. The duo discusses integrated communications, the backbone of 8THIRTYFOUR. What is it? Why is it important? How can you implement it?
Join Kim and the whole team at the first State of the Company for 2020. Get the inside scoop on what the team is looking forward to this year and their favorite part of working at 8THIRTYFOUR.
Join Chris Singel, standing in for Kim, and Jen Van Ee, Director of Client Success. In this episode, the team kicks off 2020 by discussing how to set realistic and attainable goals for your business to crush this year.
Join Rowan, standing in for Kim, Chris Singel, Digital Director, and Erica Statly, Digital Associate. This is 8THIRTYFOUR's Digital Team and today they're unpackaging the confusing world of digital marketing and answering some commonly asked questions.
Join Kim, Mia Jankowiak Director of Marketing & Events at the Grand Rapids Chamber, and Laura Traxler, Director of Membership. The trio discuss common misconceptions about sales and marketing and how the two use each other to fully function.
Join Kim and Keri Kujala, owner of Special Occasions Event Rentals & Design, as they reflect on their journeys as small business owners and dish out tips, tricks and secrets for anyone beginning the journey themselves.
Join Ro, content lead at 8THIRTYFOUR, and Chris, Digital Marketing Director at 8THIRTYFOUR. During this episode, they discuss the in's and out's of content marketing and how to align your strategy so it can cut through the noise.
Join Kim and Chris Andrus, owner of Mitten Brewing in Grand Rapids, MI as they discuss the SmallBiz4Equality coalition and the different ways their businesses stand up for and support causes within the community.
Join Kim and Rowan Leo, Content Lead, and Erica Statly, Digital Associate, at 8THIRTYFOUR, as they give you the tips to you crush your next interview and secure your dream job.
Join Kim and Jen Van Ee, Director of Client Success at 8THIRTYFOUR, as they talk about the culture of 8THIRTYFOUR and how culture can make or break you.
Join Kim and Dr. Adrienne Wallace, GVSU Professor (among many other things), as they dish out honest tips on how to overcome the fear of putting yourself out there and networking as a young professional.
Join Rowan, who steps in as host for Kim this week and our new Digital Director, Chris as they break down marketing automation: what it is and how it can make your life easier.
Join Kim, our Creative Lead, Chelsea, and Communications Associate, Morgan as they discuss all things basic and give the run down on our Basic Party happening later this month.
Kim sits down with Grand Rapid's Women Resource Center, Sandra Gaddy, to talk about how you can get involved on boards in your city. Join them for this discussion on how you can become more active in your community.
Kim sits down with 8THIRTYFOUR's Senior Account Executive, Emily Potts, to talk all things related to influencer marketing. Join them for this discussion on what it takes to create a killer influencer marketing strategy.
Kim sits down with 8THIRTYFOUR's Communications Associate, Morgan Shaffer, to talk about how students can get ahead during their college years. Join them for this special episode that features advice from a recent grad.
Kim sits down with Shannon Cohen, renowned speaker and author of Tough Skin, Soft Heart, to talk about leading a business. Join them for a heartfelt talk about how leaders can take care of themselves while still slaying.
Kim talks with 8THIRTYFOUR's Rowan Leo about the newest trend in social media, which is apparently not using it at all. Join them as they discuss why brands need social media to function.
When you're done listening, check out our blog for more information.
Kim sits down with Jennifer Rock and Michael Voss to discuss their book, Operation Clusterpuck: A B.s., Incorporated Novel. Listen in as they talk about what inspired the novel, share some stories, and commiserate about corporate life.
Kim sits down with Megan Ellinger, Events Coordinator at Humane Society of West Michigan, to talk about two of our favorite topics: dogs and booze. Join us as we discuss how you can help animals in West Michigan and what you can look forward to at this year's Paws, Claws and Corks event!
Kim talks with Chelsea Miller, 8THIRTYFOUR's Creative Lead, about the thought and planning that goes into great designs. Join them for a behind-the-scenes look at what creates a great and memorable logo.
In a special edition of Happy Hour Hustle, we cover what you need to know about WordPress 5.0 and why you shouldn't update right away. Join 8THIRTYFOUR's Digital Team members, Kayden and Megan, for a discussion of the pros and cons of this new system.
Kim talks with Michael Hyacinthe about Habitat for Humanity and how the organization is so much more than just building houses. Join us for a discussion of everything Veterans Build does and how you can give back to the veterans in your community.
We continue our series small businesses with Mike Hanrahan of Chase Bylenga Hulst. Listen in as he chats about legal issues facing business owners and how your lawyer can become your best friend in times of need.
In celebration of Small Business Saturday, Kim chats with Gina Van Timmeren, owner of Gina's Boutique, on the importance of shopping small and supporting local. Join us for this two-part series and share with your favorite local business.
Kim talks to 8THIRTYFOUR's digital director, Kayden Grinwis, on the importance of the digital space for nonprofits, as well as some of the tools available to NPO's.
For our second Small Business Week podcast, Kim talks to Sean Agerson. Sean owns SJA solutions and he discusses his experience as a small business owner.
For a special Small Business Week podcast, Kim interviews the founders of RecycleBoxBin about how they started their successful small business.
Nicole Rodammer from Ele's Place discusses the nature of nonprofits with Kim in this edition of Happy Hour Hustle
Is PR dying? Or is it just evolving into something more efficient. Kim sits down with 8THIRTYFOUR's crack PR team to discuss why all companies need to manage their reputation.
Today, a Happy Hour Hustle special report. Our crack team is reporting and commentating on breaking news from last week, the Cambridge Analytica Scandal. What happened? Who's to blame? Join Kim, Alex, and Kayden to find out! News Theme 1 by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) Artist: http://audionautix.com/
Kim and Megan Sall from the City of Wyoming discuss the importance of woman representation in government.
Kim and Danielle discuss the importance of thank you notes and gratitude in this edition of Happy Hour Hustle.
Join Kim as she interviews Jen Jurgens about her life as a leader in the technology industry and about her interesting adventures.
Kim talks reporting with Val Lego from a PR perspective and a reporter's perspective, and yes we do know that "Usies" is a real word.
Kim sits down with Ron Knipping from Rehmann Group to discuss one one of her favorite topics, Trump and his new tax plan!
In this episode, Kim talks Grand Rapids growth and women owned businesses with CJ DeVries from GRNow.
In this episode, Kim interviews 8THIRTYFOUR's own Web Director on the best practices of email marketing.