Most founders obsess over their product. The real skill is knowing which problem to fall in love with instead.In this entrepreneur interview, Nyamitse-Calvin Mihanda — founder of Vital Audio and a Techstars and Fuel Accelerator alum — shares how his company extracts heart rate, respiratory rate, and blood pressure from ordinary conversation, why he walked away from a "perfect" product mindset, and how his path from hospital billing collector to healthcare founder shaped the way he builds teams today.Whether you're building your first startup or trying to close the access-to-care gap in your own community, this conversation will change how you think about resilience, timing, and what it actually takes to launch.What you'll learn:How signal processing and machine learning pull vital signs straight from a voice recordingWhy clinical partnerships with NYU Langone and Mayo Clinic came before scale, not afterThe "fall in love with the problem, not the product" principle that keeps founders from chasing dead endsWhy soft skills — not technical skills — are the hardest thing to teach a teamHow rural and underserved communities stand to benefit most from voice-based vital tracking⏱️ Chapters:0:53 Welcome to the Startup Junkies Podcast1:16 How Vital Audio Reads Vitals From Your Voice2:21 The Science Behind Extracting Vitals From Speech3:09 Landing Clinical Partners: NYU Langone, Mayo Clinic & More4:16 From Hospital Billing to Healthcare Entrepreneur6:13 Techstars vs. The Fuel Accelerator: What's Different8:55 An Immigrant's Resilience: Lessons From Tanzania to NYC11:03 Why Soft Skills Matter More Than Technical Skills12:25 The Best Advice: Fall In Love With The Problem14:18 Overcoming Fear When You Start a Company14:47 What Nyamitse-Calvin Mihanda Loves About the Arkansas Ecosystem17:06 Closing the Rural Healthcare Access Gap19:47 Where to Find Nyamitse-Calvin & Vital Audio🎙️ New founder stories every week — subscribe so you don't miss one.🔗 https://startupjunkie.org/

What happens when a mentor gets more out of an accelerator than the founders do?Zak Morris joined the Fuel accelerator as a subject matter expert in AI — but quickly realized he was learning just as much as the companies he was advising. In this episode, Zak breaks down how working with startups across cybersecurity, AML, and healthcare sharpened his own thinking, why Bentonville's density of world-class talent is an underrated advantage, and how one early conversation with a founder led to a permanent board seat.Whether you're a founder, a seasoned professional sitting on the sidelines, or someone who's never thought of themselves as a mentor — this one's for you.🎙️ Startup Junkies is a podcast celebrating the entrepreneurial ecosystem of Northwest Arkansas and beyond. Subscribe for more! ---🔗 Connect with Zak Morris:https://www.linkedin.com/in/zakmorris/🔗 Connect with Startup Junkiehttps://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-koonce-3a446a21b/https://www.linkedin.com/in/caleb-talley-25189211b/https://startupjunkie.org/---⏱️ Chapters00:00 Introduction – AI in Healthcare Documentation00:18 What Brought Zak to the Fuel Accelerator01:10 Learning the Language of Startups01:55 The Two-Way Value of Mentorship02:33 Standout Moment: The Cybersecurity Cohort03:18 From Mentor to Board Member04:28 Why Bentonville Is a Rare Ecosystem05:20 Connecting Talent, Interns & Local Networks06:31 The Flywheel Effect: Keeping Talent in Arkansas07:40 A Call to Action for Potential Mentors08:45 What Mentors Get Out of It09:10 How to Get Involved with Fuel

What does affirmative consent law reform, university sex education, and AI-powered law enforcement tools have in common? They're all part of Stefanie Hammett's ambitious startup, HMS.HMS (Have More Safety · Have More Sex · Have More Space) is a consent education company with a bold 2036 goal: insert affirmative consent into all 50 state criminal codes. But getting there means building a real business — with a direct-to-consumer product line, a university B2B pilot program, and a law enforcement tech partnership with Clipper AI.Stefanie breaks down:The "drip effect" strategy for getting consent education into university campusesWhy selling to law enforcement requires showing up 17 times before they trust youHow she balances a world-changing mission with the mechanics of actually building a startupHer advice to founders: presence, biohacking, and trusting your own clarityAnd more!🎙️ Startup Junkies is a podcast celebrating the entrepreneurial ecosystem of Northwest Arkansas and beyond. Subscribe for more! 🔗 CONNECT WITH STEFANIE HAMMETT & HMS:Website: https://www.havemore.space/Book (Consent Codes): Available on Amazonhttps://www.instagram.com/havemore.sex/https://www.linkedin.com/in/stefaniehammett/🔗 CONNECT WITH Startup Junkiehttps://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-koonce-3a446a21b/https://www.linkedin.com/in/caleb-talley-25189211b/https://startupjunkie.org/⏱️Chapters00:00 — Intro: Selling to Law Enforcement Is a Relationship Game 00:21 — Welcome & Introducing Stefanie Hammett of HMS 01:06 — Steph's Origin Story02:45 — A Decade in Fortune 500: Kellogg's & Smithfield Foods 04:30 — Moving to Bentonville & the Amazon Startup World 05:10 — Exiting Charge Card to Carbon Six06:08 — What Is HMS?07:11 — The Mission: Affirmative Consent in All 50 State Criminal Codes by 2036 07:47 — Why NJ & Colorado's Consent Laws Actually Worked 10:33 — Go-To-Market Strategy: DTC, Universities & Law Enforcement 14:21 — Prevention Over Reaction17:25 — Lessons from Corporate to Startup19:32 — Selling to Universities: Long Cycles, Warm Intros & Meeting Users Where They Are 26:33 — The Law Enforcement Arm: Partnering with Clipper AI 33:29 — "Asking Is Hot": What People Misunderstand About HMS 35:32 — Presence, Biohacking & Trusting Your Clarity

SummaryInnovation isn’t a lightning bolt, it's a process. That’s the message threaded throughout the latest episode of the Startup Junkies podcast, where Eva Fast, director of the University of Arkansas MSPI program, joined hosts Daniel Koonce and Caleb Talley for a deep dive into product innovation, entrepreneurial mindsets, and the realities behind those famed “aha” moments.Drawing from her upbringing in Kenya and extensive academic career, Eva breaks the myth that innovation is a singular, sudden event. Instead, she describes it as a gradual journey shaped by diverse perspectives and continuous exposure to new ideas. Her research, inspired by Steven Johnson’s "Where Good Ideas Come From," reveals that creativity blossoms over time and thrives within vibrant networks.Listeners will hear how the MSPI program acts as a bridge, connecting technical, business, and human elements to equip students for both startup ventures and corporate innovation roles. Whether you’re a hands-on entrepreneur or an aspiring intrapreneur, the program's structure, mentorship, and hands-on challenges offer room for all innovation styles.Eva also spotlights the rising influence of AI, sharing how tools are accelerating everything from MVP launches to capstone projects. The conversation closes with practical advice: be curious, take action, and never underestimate the value of diverse experiences. For those craving real perspectives on what it takes to move from idea to impact, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in today!Show Notes(00:00) Eva’s Childhood in Kenya(05:12) Building Student Confidence and Skills(08:16) Misconceptions About Innovation Process(13:05) Discussing MVP Deployment Strategies(15:37) Mentorship and Networking Benefits(19:30) Innovative Teaching Methods(25:36) Taking Action Through EntrepreneurshipLinksDaniel KoonceCaleb TalleyStartup JunkieStartup Junkie YouTubeEva FastMaster of Science in Product Innovation (MSPI) at University of Arkansas

SummaryWhat happens when passion for storytelling meets the entrepreneurial spirit? In this episode of the Startup Junkies podcast, Danielle Keller, media entrepreneur, award-winning podcaster, and editor-in-chief of Northwest Arkansas’s beloved Peekaboo magazine, joins Daniel Koonce, Caleb Talley, and Ty Steele for a conversation packed with inspiration, nostalgia, and the realities of building community through storytelling.Danielle shares her fascinating career journey, from her beginnings in California writing for school papers, through a detour in higher education, to diving fearlessly into documentary film, video production, and ultimately acquiring and revitalizing Peekaboo magazine. She details how Peekaboo, once a crucial parental resource before the rise of social media, became a passion project resurrected through grit, research, and community demand. The print magazine’s unique sensory experience illustrates the hunger for tangible connections in a digital age.Listeners will delight in anecdotes about local mascot Ozzy the Ozark Fox, created by Danielle's daughter, and how family, authenticity, and real community voices shape every issue. The episode highlights the importance of collaboration, adaptability, and embracing both print and digital platforms as Peekaboo grows and evolves.With future visions of podcasts, dynamic web offerings, and newsletters, Danielle reminds us that it’s never too late to pursue fresh dreams, amplify others’ voices, and savor the present. This episode is a must-listen for entrepreneurs, storytellers, and anyone who believes in the lasting power of local stories!Show Notes(00:00) Danielle’s Career Path in Media(04:06) Starting Peekaboo for Parents(09:48) Evaluating Print Magazine Revival(18:10) Creating a Themed Editorial Calendar(20:37) Seasonal Advertising Opportunities(23:07) Expanding Digital Content(33:21) Closing ThoughtsLinksDaniel KoonceCaleb TalleyTy SteeleStartup JunkieStartup Junkie YouTubeDanielle KellerPeekaboo Magazine

SummaryWhat does it take to build a thriving running community from scratch—and keep it going year after year? In this episode of the Startup Junkies podcast, Daniel Koonce, Ty Steele, and their guests dig into the passion, patience, and persistence behind the Arkansas Track Club’s rise and evolution.Founder, Shawn Wierick, never imagined trading in med school dreams for youth coaching and ultra-marathons, but since 2012, he’s built a track club with roots deep in Arkansas’s running culture. Driven by the belief that culture trumps all, Shawn shares insights on inclusive leadership, welcoming everyone from six-year-old racers to elite adult athletes. For him, success isn’t just about race results, but about fostering an atmosphere where they embrace everybody where they are, and if they want the best for others, they’re usually a good fitNow, the baton has passed to Erin Warren, physical therapist, elite runner, and Arkansas Track Club’s new owner. Erin brings not just elite credentials but also lessons from personal burnout, renewal, and a burning desire to pour into the next generation of runners. Her advice to new runners is refreshingly real: take it slow, find shoes that fit, and remember that fun and patience go the distance.Whether you’re lacing up for your first mile or building a grassroots sports business, this episode is full of practical wisdom and real talk—reminding us all that, at the end of the day, it’s not that serious. Have fun, build community, and enjoy the run!Show Notes(00:00) Moving to Arkansas and Finding a Coach(04:24) Starting a Post-Collegiate Track Team(09:01) Keeping Practices Fun and Engaging(15:30) Turning a Running Passion Into a Career(19:29) Breaking Down Running Expenses(23:01) Learning to Enjoy the Journey(24:24) Closing ThoughtsLinksDaniel KoonceTy SteeleStartup JunkieStartup Junkie YouTubeErin WarrenShawn WierickArkansas Track Club

SummaryEver thought about what’s missing from your community—and what could happen if you decided to fill that gap yourself? That question is at the heart of Ozark Float Park, the innovative family-friendly business featured in the latest episode of the Startup Junkies podcast. In a region known for its outdoor spirit, Michael Barron saw an opportunity: despite Northwest Arkansas’s wealth of natural settings and active families, the area was missing a float or aqua park—a modular, inflatable obstacle course on a lake designed for all ages.Michael shares his story with hosts Caleb Talley and Ty Steele, describing the moment inspiration struck during a California heatwave and how moving to Arkansas crystallized his idea. The conversation, filled with practical advice and honest reflections, dives deep into the early days of building a business on the side while managing a full-time career. Michael talks through the process of turning a dream into reality: researching local resources, finding support in Arkansas’s startup ecosystem, and navigating everything from risk-aversion to operational logistics.What sets this episode apart is the genuine sense of possibility threaded throughout, especially for anyone wondering if their side-hustle could become something bigger. Michael discusses not just the vision for Ozark Float Park, but the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship, offering encouragement for would-be founders to take that first, sometimes scary, step. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, an aspiring entrepreneur, or a fan of creative problem solving, this episode is a celebration of community, innovation, and family fun!Show Notes(00:00) Realizing a Market Opportunity(03:45) Designing Eco-Friendly Outdoor Adventures(08:03) Discovering Support in Startup Ecosystems(11:39) Creating Fun Experiences for Families(16:10) Hiring Strategies for Summer Operations(22:33) Planning a Float Park Expansion(24:40) Overcoming Fear of New Ideas(27:13) Closing ThoughtsLinksCaleb TalleyTy SteeleStartup JunkieStartup Junkie YouTubeMichael BarronOzark Float ParkSponsored by Bank of America

SummaryHave you ever wondered how a simple idea born from a desire to spread joy can transform into a thriving business that redefines representation during the holidays? The latest episode of the Startup Junkies podcast offers a powerful glimpse into the origin and phenomenal growth of Black Paper Party, the vibrant Black-owned brand shaking up the seasonal décor industry.Hosts Daniel Koonce and Ty Steele sit down with the dynamic founders of Black Paper Party—Jasmine Hudson, Madia Willis, and J’Aaron Merchant—to uncover the inspirations, challenges, and triumphs behind their journey. As Jasmine recounts, the beginnings were humble: an aspiration to create joy and belonging amid the uncertainty of the pandemic, combining creativity and community at its core. Their first designs, launched through print-on-demand, quickly gained traction, paving the way for exponential growth and millions of products sold in stores like Walmart, Target, and more.The episode takes listeners through the unique strengths each founder contributes—Madia’s design and sourcing expertise, J’Aaron’s illustration talent rooted in children’s media, and Jasmine’s mastery of merchandising and operations. The team shares the reality of bootstrapping, scaling rapidly, and holding true to their mission of authentic representation and joy, even as their products land on shelves nationwide.For anyone curious about what it really takes to break into major retail with a purpose-driven brand, or how collaboration and authenticity can power success, this episode is an inspiring look behind the wrapping paper. Tune in today!Show Notes(00:00) Starting a Project During Quarantine(05:59) Professional Background and Diversity Work(08:46) Career Journey from College to Walmart(11:26) Securing and Managing Licensing Deals(14:55) Focusing on Customer Feedback and Values(16:39) Startup Challenges and Supply Issues(22:17) Expanding Brand and Holiday Strategy(26:58) Embracing Curiosity and Asking Questions(28:56) Closing ThoughtsLinksDaniel KoonceTy SteeleStartup JunkieStartup Junkie YouTubeJasmine HudsonMadia WillisJ’Aaron MerchantBlack Paper PartySponsored by Bank of America

SummaryIn this episode of the Startup Junkies podcast sponsored by Bank of America, CeCe Marie, dancer, choreographer, and founder of The Vibe, joins Daniel Koonce and Ty Steele to share her inspiring journey of resilience, culture, and community through dance. Raised in a culturally diverse family, CeCe was immersed in Afro-Caribbean dance from a young age, fueling her love for culture and movement. Life’s challenges, including her father’s incarceration and solo parenthood, only deepened her connection to the black and brown communities and hip hop, which CeCe describes as lifesaving. Her experiences ultimately led her to launch The Vibe: a space for adults to rediscover joy and unity through dance, regardless of experience.Listeners are treated to honest reflections on the intimidating leap adults face in returning to dance, with CeCe emphasizing the importance of creating safe, hype-filled environments where “you feel seen, welcomed, and refreshed.” She also highlights The Vibe’s upcoming Block Party, a dazzling celebration of hip hop’s five elements—dance, DJing, emceeing, graffiti, and fashion.Whether you’re a longtime dancer or curious first-timer, this episode reminds us all that artistry, joy, and unity are always within reach!Show Notes(00:00) Introduction(05:30) Starting The Vibe Dance Classes(06:46) Finding Inspiration Through Faith(11:30) Overcoming the Fear of Being a Beginner(13:41) Celebrating Hip Hop Culture(19:25) The Challenges of Limited Teacher Training(25:40) Closing ThoughtsLinksDaniel KoonceTy SteeleStartup JunkieStartup Junkie YouTubeCeCe MarieThe VibeSponsored by Bank of America

SummaryIn this special episode of the Startup Junkies podcast sponsored by Bank of America, hosts Daniel Koonce and Caleb Talley are joined by James Norman, Relationship Manager at Bank of America, to explore the evolving needs and challenges of today’s entrepreneurs.The conversation opens with James sharing his personal journey—moving from a small community bank to a pivotal role at Bank of America, where he leverages the bank’s robust resources and global reach to empower local business owners. Emphasizing the importance of strong banker-client relationships, James describes how Bank of America supports businesses from startup through fifty million dollars in annual revenue, offering a holistic suite of services covering capital access, risk management, and digital tools.A key highlight was Bank of America’s focus on helping founders navigate current economic pressures like inflation and supply chain issues. James stressed the necessity of proactive communication with bankers and utilizing tools like the Cash Pro and BA360 platforms for real-time financial visibility. The episode also touches on the adoption of digital solutions and AI by businesses seeking efficiency, and the critical role of community engagement in expanding customer bases and brand visibility.The discussion closes with insights on succession planning, a step often overlooked by entrepreneurs. James advises starting these conversations years before an exit to maximize business value and ensure continuity. Listen to the full episode for actionable advice at every stage of your entrepreneurial journey!Show Notes(00:00) Introduction(05:46) How Bank of America Supports Business Clients(09:30) Supporting Startups Through Challenges(11:00) Navigating Supply Chain Issues(15:26) Adopting Digital Tools in Business(19:17) Bank of America’s Small Business Support(23:47) The Importance of Succession Planning(28:34) Closing ThoughtsLinksDaniel KoonceCaleb TalleyStartup JunkieStartup Junkie YouTubeJames NormanBank of America