Happy Valley Hustle

Divine Lipscomb is a student, an entrepreneur and a former inmate. He's dedicated himself to reforming the correctional system and setting up returning citizens for success through Penn State's Restorative Justice Initiative, the Centre County Re-Entry Support Group and his own organization, Corrective Gentlemen. This episode was originally released in December 2018.

Chris Uhl and Melissa DiJulio have created a guide to help others resist the cultural narratives that can interfere with us finding meaning and happiness. Chris is a professor emeritus of biology and Melissa is a writer/teaching assistant, who have combined to write "Awaken 101: Discovering Meaning and Purpose in Uncertain Times." Hear them share key lessons from the book, their own stories of self-discovery and advice for finding contentment in trying times.To access further readings and activities from "Awaken 101."To purchase books: Awaken 101: Discovering Meaning and Purpose in Uncertain TimesTeaching as if Life Matters: The Promise of a New Education Culture

Host Bill Zimmerman breaks down “Killing the Business: From Backyards to the Big Leagues," a new memoir from wrestling brothers The Young Bucks. The story of Nick and Matt Jackson's tenacity offers up insights on disruption, fan engagement and branding that can help those hustling outside of the squared circle. ENTER to win a Swag Pack full of goodies from some of Happy Valley's coolest businesses.

What can you gain from taking the road less traveled? What if you're behind the wheel of a 27-foot hotdog? Ashley Ferrara -- or "All-America Ashley," her handle as a Hotdogger for Oscar Mayer -- chose an unconventional job out of college, one that has left her enlivened while many of her peers slogged through Zoom fatigue. Hear what it's like to drive The Weinermobile as well as Ashley's insights on media relations, social media and experiential marketing. 

Twenty years ago, Jeremy Frank went from PhD student to founder of KCF Technologies. KCF uses cutting-edge tech to make industrial processes run more smoothly and is projecting significant growth over the next few years. Hear Jeremy share insights on the entrepreneurial mindset, give tips to young problem solvers and discuss how his podcast, "Industrial Transformation," is illuminating listeners on manufacturing in America. 

Ellen Matis is returning to the podcast to give you her social media forecast for 2021. As owner of Hello Social, Ellen specializes in helping small businesses maximize the impact of social media and delivers an episode packed with insights. Additionally, Ellen discusses growing her business over the last few years and launching a new podcast “Focus on Local” podcast. 

Recorded last year, "Schlow Labs: Creating and Promoting Your First Podcast" brings together three State College podcasters -- including "Happy Valley Hustle" host Bill Zimmerman -- to guide you through that first podcast. Learn how to set realistic expectations, target the right listeners, promote your episodes and find supportive communities of podcasters. Hear Jenna Spinelle's "Democracy Works" podcast. Hear David Pencek's "Elephants Heard" podcast. Special thanks to Schlow Centre Region Library for hosting the event and authorizing the release of this episode.

Legs are warm and Austin Thomas' brand is on fire thanks to a collection of sherpa-lined jeans. A supply chain student at Penn State, Thomas launched Jerpa (the "J" in jeans + sherpa), and his entrepreneurial venture is generating cash and creating buzz. Hear Austin discuss how innovation, hard work and a team of ambassadors have built his business. 

Reflexion is a startup in the cutting-edge space of neuro-fitness, using technology to help athletes improve their reactions times and coaches to assess players' abilities. Matt Roda, co-founder and chief marketing officer, went from juggling classes with entrepreneurship to partnering with Major League Baseball. Hear Matt discuss making a pivot, telling compelling brand stories and finding confidence as a young entrepreneur. 

Host Bill Zimmerman reflects on an end-of-year failure: selling vintage ugly Christmas sweatshirts using Shopify through his side hustle, Cool School Vintage. In this solocast, he outlines what went wrong and what three pieces of information would have predicted that selling this particular item via Instagram through Shopify was a bad idea.

As a host of "Democracy Works," Jenna Spinelle is generating thoughtful analysis around critical issues and furthering the mission of The McCortney Institute for Democracy at Penn State. She also founded a podcasting network "united around the goal of helping listeners understand what’s broken in our democracy, and how people are working together to fix it." Additionally, Jenna is an educator, writer and presenter. She discusses how to cultivate your own brand in your day job as well as the opportunities and challenges presented by side hustles.

The world of tea is steeped in culture, natural ingredients and an appreciation for doing things a little more slowly, according to Joyce Yong of Spectral Tea. Joyce shares her story of developing Spectral with the full support of her employer, stirring up an appreciation for tea brewing and how what's in the cup is only half the story.

Marisa Vicere shares her story of building a nonprofit that's "Opening minds, saving lives" after a family tragedy moved her to action. With the Jana Marie Foundation, she's sparking conversations, building community support and taking the stigma away from mental health topics. Her how she built a nonprofit, generated public support and enabled vital conversations. This episode's "Hear My Hustle" is from Victor Ariyo of creative collaboration tool Wavlength. 

A quick solocast from Bill offering up 10 content ideas so your brand can generate attention and spark conversations during the holiday season. With shopping events like #CyberMonday, fun social media holidays and a season for reflection, opportunities are plentiful for sharing content that connects.  *This is an audio version of the monthly Help Your Hustle tips that appear on the "Happy Valley Hustle" email blast. Sign up to keep the tips coming at https://www.billzhustle.com/.

Nick Unis went from loving sneakers to crafting his own cutting-edge footwear with 3-D printing. Unis Brands' first model, Yin & Yang, is now generating buzz for its design and sustainable footprint, while Nick's story of tenacity and patience is attracting lots of interest.  Hear what it's like to 3-D print your dream into reality. This episode's "Hear My Hustle" is from Rob Dickson of the "Poseidon Performance" podcast. ▶️ MAKE your podcasting dreams happen with hosting from Buzzsprout.Make sure you always Hear The Hustle: Web: https://www.billzhustle.com/podcast/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HappyValleyHustle/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/billzhustle Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/billzhustle/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/billfzimmerman/ Tailgater Taters Blue & white potato chips that will be the hit of any tailgate, alumni gathering or wedding.

Rogue state slogan campaigns, politics-scented candles and T-shirts for our stressed-out times -- Kentucky for Kentucky is a weird and insanely creative brand that knows how to grab attention. Co-founder Whit Hiler tells you how to embrace an opportunity, think creatively and recover from missteps as you search for that next big idea. This episode's "Hear My Hustle" is from Rick Carabba of the "Two-Cent" email newsletter.▶️ MAKE your podcasting dreams happen with hosting from Buzzsprout.Make sure you always Hear The Hustle: Web: https://www.billzhustle.com/podcast/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HappyValleyHustle/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/billzhustle Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/billzhustle/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/billfzimmerman/ Tailgater Taters Blue & white potato chips that will be the hit of any tailgate, alumni gathering or wedding.

Greg Woodman's entrepreneurial spirit goes back to college when he recognized the depth of Penn State fandom and created products for those who bled blue & white. He'd go on to sell cardboard cut-outs of legendary coach Joe Paterno, start publications that endure to this day and head up marketing efforts for action sports brand Airwalk. He's currently the CEO of marketing firm Affinity Connection, and publishes the Happy Valley Industry email newsletter. Hear how you can generate ideas, learn from your customers and build excitement around a brand.This episode's "Hear My Hustle" is from Rachel Braun of the "Braun & Brains" podcast. ▶️ MAKE your podcasting dreams happen with hosting from Buzzsprout.Make sure you always Hear The Hustle: Web: https://www.billzhustle.com/podcast/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HappyValleyHustle/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/billzhustle Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/billzhustle/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/billf

This solocast delivers five steps toward better podcasting. After more than two and half years, Bill reflects on his "Happy Valley Hustle" experience, outlining steps that can help you launch a podcast or revitalize your show. This was recorded Oct. 12 during a talk with Katie O'Toole's podcasting class at Penn State University. Take a listen to Katie O'Toole -- Podcasting 101 & Shaping the Next Generation of Storytellers from November 2018. Hear Katie's podcast "Dead Centre" here. Make sure you always Hear The Hustle: Web: https://www.billzhustle.com/podcast/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HappyValleyHustle/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/billzhustle Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/billzhustle/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/billfzimmerman/ Buzzsprout - Let's get your podcast launched! Start for FREEDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

PJ Mullen had a big idea: Work for Penn State football coach James Franklin. As a popular radio personality with a knack for engaging fans and being a connector in the State College area, Mullen made bold moves toward landing his dream job. Now, he's a director of marketing in Penn State Athletics. Hear how he made his vision a reality, and what's it like to work for a collegiate sports powerhouse.This episodes "Hear My Hustle" is from Taylor Feinman of the Always Hungry Sometimes Healthy Instagram. ▶️ MAKE your podcasting dreams happen with hosting from Buzzsprout.Make sure you always Hear The Hustle: Web: https://www.billzhustle.com/podcast/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HappyValleyHustle/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/billzhustle Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/billzhustle/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/billfzimmerman/ Tailgater Taters Blue & white potato chips that will be the hit of any tailgate, alumni gathering or wedding.

A quick solocast from Bill on why emojis are good for business. Hear how these tiny images can improve the performance of social media posts, make business communications more personal and, even, generate publicity. This is an audio version of the monthly Help Your Hustle tips that appear on the "Happy Valley Hustle" email blast. Sign up to keep the tips coming at https://www.billzhustle.com/. ▶️ MAKE your podcasting dreams happen with hosting from Buzzsprout.Make sure you always Hear The Hustle: Web: https://www.billzhustle.com/podcast/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HappyValleyHustle/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/billzhustle Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/billzhustle/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/billfzimmerman/