Episodes

  • Episode 140: Winging Their Way to Restaurant Success!
    Oct 28 2024

    You could say Bryan Lewis and his partner, Morgan Kulessa, launched their “WingBar” on a wing and a prayer—and, thankfully, with incredible chicken recipes! In the unforgiving restaurant industry, where dishes are scrutinized daily and success stories are rare, Bryan and Morgan’s tale of building an award-winning restaurant in just one year is as remarkable as their flavors. Timing—and taste—are everything, but so is teamwork, and these two partners have it down to an art.

    In this episode of Biz-Souls, hosts Rona Lewis and Jeffrey Hansler dig into Bryan and Morgan’s journey, with insights from Morgan on the digital marketing strategy that’s helped WingBar carve out its spot in McGinley Square. Morgan’s background in hospitality and sales has allowed her to amplify WingBar’s appeal and engage a loyal local crowd and wing-lovers statewide.

    Whether it’s crafting unforgettable food or unforgettable connections, Morgan and Bryan prove that with the right partnership, you can achieve anything. Oh, and did we mention Bryan’s Rona’s nephew? Talk about family ties—and award-winning wings!

    Join Bryan and Morgan journey in building a business one day at a time by keeping an eye on the food, front end, and backside of the business in a partnership certain to result in continued success as they continue to take WingBar from a concept to a staple in the Jersey food scene.


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    38 mins
  • Episode 139: Play for Better Living! Why Play Makes Every Life Better.
    Oct 21 2024

    In the 139th episode of Biz-Souls, hosts Rona Lewis and Jeffrey Hansler sit down with Laura Haver—author, speaker, life coach, and all-around play advocate! Laura has transformed thousands of lives by helping people rediscover the joy, creativity, and fulfillment that play brings. Her new book, PLAY TOGETHER: Games and Activities for the Whole Family to Boost Creativity, Connectedness, and Mindfulness, is already making waves, published by Penguin Random House and featured on major networks like Today Show, Fox, and CBS!

    During the pandemic, Laura discovered a powerful truth: adults often create barriers to fully embracing play. Inspired by Stuart Brown’s playful principles and her journey from athlete to children’s coach, she’s now on a mission to free adults for immersion in fun again! What better way to spark creativity and strengthen connections than through play?

    Ready to let loose and learn how play can transform your life? Tune in, subscribe, and leave a review while you play—and maybe Laura is doing exactly that with her family right now in sunny San Diego!

    Listen now to this inspiring episode of Biz-Souls and join Laura Haver on your journey from athlete to play advocate.


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    32 mins
  • Episode 138: Freeways, Barns, and Boardrooms - A Fun Look at Sharing Information
    Oct 14 2024

    New in town? Need directions? If you're in Los Angeles, you’ll hear, “Take the 405 to the 101, then hop on the 10…” Sound familiar? Now, in Ronan, Montana, it’s more like, “Turn left at the third fence post after the big red barn.” The contrast is striking, and that's where the fun or the frustration begins!

    And it’s not just about directions, it’s all forms of information exchange. Whether it's shooting out a shopping list as someone heads out the door, explaining how to log into a new system at work, or remembering navigation instructions as you weave your way through a sprawling Hampton’s mansion to find the bathroom, we all communicate differently.

    In this fractured fairy tale of an episode of Biz-Souls, our hosts, Rona Lewis and Jeffrey Hansler, explore how people give and receive information based on their habits, from the hustle of city life to the quiet of rural settings. Join us for a lighthearted and tongue-in-cheek yet insightful look at this everyday activity that touches us all.

    Can you relate? Whether you're a freeway navigator, a fence post counter, or a new employee ambassador, this episode has something for you. Share your favorite information-giving or receiving moments with us and enjoy this playful discussion! Now where is that bathroom?

    Listen now and laugh along!

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    18 mins
  • Episode 137: Play Games for Better Business! How BarometerXP is Changing the Landscape of Work
    Oct 7 2024

    Ready to turn business challenges into playful opportunities? Join hosts Rona Lewis and Jeffrey Hansler as they explore how intentional play is transforming business strategies as they sit down with Alex Suchman from BarometerXP, the company transforming work with the power of play! Discover how BarometerXP’s games, like their insightful Pressure Gauge, are revealing hidden business problems and creating lasting solutions that are as fun as they are effective.

    Curious about how play could smooth out political gridlock? We’ll even explore how playful collaboration might help the RNC and DNC work better together (imagine that!). From boosting leadership skills to fostering a culture of innovation, learn why games aren’t just for kids—they’re the secret weapon for smart businesses and even smarter politics. Enjoy this lively conversation full of laughs, learning, and actionable insights!

    If you’re intrigued by how play can improve serious business, check out other Biz-Souls episodes, like "Episode 123: The Power of Humor in Learning and Development," where Jeffrey and Rona discuss the benefits of humor in fostering creativity and leadership. Both episodes align with the central theme of using unconventional methods to boost team dynamics and business performance.

    Your hosts, Jeffrey Hansler, and Rona Lewis, bring a wealth of knowledge and a unique blend of humor and insight to every discussion. Jeffrey’s expertise in business development and leadership is complemented by Rona’s focus on using humor and play to tackle business issues. Together, they deliver entertaining, thought-provoking episodes that get to the heart, soul, and humor of business.

    Tune in and find out how to make work fun again while driving better results! And for long lasting fun, subscribe to Biz-Souls and share with your friends and frenemies.


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    41 mins
  • Episode 136: Mindful Matching: Aligning Client and Personal Values
    Sep 30 2024

    Are there layers to client knowledge? How well do you really know yourself? And how do we tie these two crucial aspects together? Join Rona Lewis and Jeffrey Hansler, your favorite Biz-Souls hosts, as they dive into the nuanced world of understanding clients and knowing yourself.

    (And yes, you’re not imagining it—Jeffrey’s “meat hook puppet” of an arm keeps popping into Rona’s camera space. Our tight studio quarters mean our hosts are always testing out new setups, making for hilarious and unplanned moments! Maybe next time he’ll draw a puppet face on it.)

    Whether you are gearing up for a job interview, pitching to a new client, or navigating an ongoing partnership, understanding the inner workings of your client’s business, culture, and values can be a game-changer. But here’s the twist—it’s just as critical to understand yourself. How can you effectively connect if you’re not in tune with your own values and skills?

    Episode Connections:

    • Remember that time Jeffrey and Rona explored the art of authentic communication in “Just Say No! Maybe,” where they tackled the challenges of staying true to your own voice at work? Or the episode “Imagination and Its Importance to Business,” where they stressed the value of creativity in understanding others?

    • The duo often brings a playful yet insightful approach to these discussions, drawing from their extensive backgrounds—Jeffrey, an expert in leadership and communication, and Rona, the “Play Instigator” who champions creativity and innovation in business.

    Tune in as they explore the power of ‘knowing your client’ and share stories, tips, and strategies that will have you rethinking how you approach business relationships. With their trademark humor and candid insights, this episode is sure to leave you informed, inspired, and ready to connect on a deeper level.

    Enjoy this episode of Biz-Souls! If you love what you hear, don’t forget to subscribe, share, and leave a review. Your support fuels our mission and keeps the puppet going!


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    24 mins
  • Episode 135: Just Say No! Maybe… Or Not? Navigating the Art of Saying No at Work
    Sep 23 2024

    In this episode of the Biz-Souls Podcast, Rona Lewis boldly kicks things off with a statement that hits close to home: “Women have a tough time saying ‘NO’ at work.” This sparks a lively discussion between our dynamic duo, diving deep into why this simple two-letter word can be so tough to utter in professional settings.

    Rona, a staunch advocate for achieving life balance, shares insights on how saying ‘no’ can be a form of self-care and empowerment. Meanwhile, Jeffrey Hansler, ever the challenger, dishes out real-world scenarios like a chef loading up a buffet—he serves up countless thought-provoking takes on navigating tricky workplace dynamics. Together, they unravel how saying ‘no’ isn’t just about setting boundaries; it’s about carving out a space for authenticity and growth in the workplace.

    This session, like all their sessions, is filled with strategies and tips to communicate confidently and effectively, and real-life stories with actionable advice for transforming your workday.

    Enjoy this episode of Biz-Souls, and if you love what you hear, don't forget to subscribe, share, and leave a review. Your support fuels our mission!



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    29 mins
  • Episode 134: What’s Better than Talking to the Animals? Taking care of them!
    Sep 16 2024

    Get ready to unleash some laughs and learn the tricks of the trade when it comes to caring for our furry, scaly, and feathered friends! This week, hosts Jeffrey Hansler and Rona Lewis are joined by Dr. Dan Shapiro, a man who is practically a dog whisperer, cat wrangler, and bunny bodyguard all rolled into one. From diagnosing the mysterious meows to decoding the puzzled puppy stares, Dr. Dan has seen it all—minus the talking animals. (Sorry, no Dr. Dolittle cameos here!)

    Tune in as we explore the wild world of veterinary medicine where the patients don’t speak, but they sure know how to bark, hiss, or occasionally give you the stink-eye. And it’s not just the pets keeping things interesting—their owners come with a few surprises of their own!

    So, whether you are a seasoned pet parent or love a good tail-wagging story, this episode is purr-fectly designed for you!

    We hope you enjoy the Biz-Souls Podcast, and if you do, subscribe, share, and leave a review. We value your support! Thank you.

    Note: The camera we had focused on Dan during the podcast malfunctioned and did not record which is why we only have a side shot of him. (BTW Anyone else think he looks like Steve Reeves?)


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    35 mins
  • Episode 133: What Does It Take To Be A Dragon Queen?
    Sep 9 2024

    Women now make up 51% of the workforce, yet many still grapple with feelings of self-doubt and the pressure to be everything at once. From juggling careers to managing life’s curveballs, it's easy to feel "not enough." Whether you're just starting your journey or are a seasoned pro, Christine Downs’ latest book, Dragon Queen: A Guide, offers a roadmap to reclaiming your power and embracing the strength that women inherently possess.

    In this episode of Biz-Souls, Rona Lewis and Jeffrey Hansler fly with Christine Downs, a multi-faceted author, lawyer, award winning screenwriter, and self-proclaimed dragon fan. Christine's witty wisdom and practical tips in Dragon Queen help women navigate the challenges of life with confidence, reminding them that they are capable of soaring through even the cloudiest skies. Sorry guys, this one’s for the queens!

    Whether she's sipping wine, sculpting, or channeling her love for sci-fi and dragons, Christine brings a unique perspective to empowering women. Tune into this episode of Biz-Souls as Christine shares her personal journey of self-discovery, her passion for history and fantasy, and what it truly takes to embrace your inner dragon queen.


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    35 mins