Our Two Cents Podcast
Kyle Jones sits down with comedian and comedy club owner Dan Betts to talk business, risk, and live entertainment. Dan shares what it really took to relocate and reopen The Well Comedy Club in downtown Bakersfield, why comedy is booming in a short-attention-span world, and how live shows create an experience you can’t stream at home. The two also dive into the passion, mindset, and problem-solving required to build a business from the ground up. Daniel Betts is a man of many hats: husband, father, U.S. Navy veteran, geology major, former career in oil and gas, former Executive...
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In this episode, Amanda Jones breaks down the One Big Beautiful Bill and what it means for business owners, entrepreneurs, and individual taxpayers. With major tax changes on the horizon, it’s more important than ever to understand how these updates may impact your deductions, credits, planning strategies, and overall tax liability. We cut through the noise and explain what’s actually changing and how you can prepare — whether you’re a W-2 employee, self-employed, or running a growing business. ⏱️ What We Cover in This Episode Key changes affecting small businesses and...
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Join Kyle Jones as he sits down with Krista and Bryce Horton for an honest conversation about what it really takes to build and run a business. They go behind the scenes of how their businesses started and share the challenges people do not always see, including the risks of undercapitalizing and the reality of learning as you go. Kyle talks about his upcoming business venture, while the Hortons dive into the passion and vision behind the Horton Hotel. They also discuss the importance of support from the Bakersfield community, offer advice for young entrepreneurs, and open up about how running...
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Amanda Jones welcomes Dr. Justin Hiebert CEO of New Frontier Consulting. New Frontier Consulting, a dynamic agency dedicated to helping small business owners scale their businesses and achieve sustained growth. With a decade of leadership in executive coaching, HR consulting, Lean Six Sigma process improvement, and digital marketing strategy, Justin is passionate about empowering business owners to break through barriers and unlock their full potential. New Frontier Consulting operates on a proven '4M' framework—Mindset, Management, Marketing, and Money—helping clients shift from feeling...
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In this episode of Our Two Cents, host Kyle Jones sits down with returning guest Dr. Hugh Beatty, otherwise known as “The Wellness Doc,” to talk about his book The Five Pillars of Health and the evolution of his concierge medical practice. They explore the importance of hormone balance, gut health, nutrition, sleep, and resistance training, and why Dr. Beatty believes love is the “ceiling” that holds it all together. He also shares candid insights into the flaws of the insurance-driven healthcare system and offers practical advice listeners can use right now to take charge of their...
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Amanda Jones welcomes Lori Malkin and Joe Peters. Lori is the president of JJ’s Legacy a nonprofit here in Bakersfield CA that promotes organ donations. As a donor mother, I was truly inspired by the amazing legacy my son Jeffrey “JJ” Johns left after his passing. It became my passion to inspire and educate the community about the importance and need of organ, eye and tissue donation. I started JJ’s Legacy in 2010 to honor Jeffrey and other donor families in Kern County. This organization has grown to be so much more than I ever imagined! Today, JJ’s Legacy is educating and...
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Join Kyle Jones and Kat Clowes of March Consulting as they dive into the often overwhelming and misunderstood world of college admissions. In this candid conversation, Kat shares her personal story of graduating high school early, navigating college transfers, and realizing just how many students — even high-achieving ones — are unprepared for the reality of applying to competitive schools. They talk through the ideal timeline that every college-bound student should follow, including why it’s critical to start planning as early as 7th or 8th grade if top-tier...
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Amanda Jones welcomes Jackie Andrade and Elizabeth Maldonado, Vice Chairman and Chairman of KC SHRM’s 2024 Symposium. Jackie Andrade, is an experienced and motivated human resources practitioner with sixteen years’ experience. Jackie Introduces the non-organization: The Kern County Chapter Society for Human Resource Management otherwise known as KC SHRM as an organization of human resource professionals whose primary goal is to foster an educational environment that is facilitated by the exchange of information and ideas. The organization provides an extensive amount of resources and tools...
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Amanda DiGacomo welcomes Norma Dunn, Program Director of the Kern Women’s Business Center. Norma's passion for education and business, combined with her engaging personality, has earned her a reputation as a high-impact networker. She is a sought-after community leader as is accomplished at planning and executing strategies that are both effective and efficient. Norma Introduces what the Women’s Business center provides and its dedication to enhancing opportunities for potential entrepreneurs and small business owners to become self-sustaining, successful contributors to their communities,...
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Kyle Jones and Amanda DiGacomo welcome Jasmine Mazariegos, Senior Broker at Virtuity Financial Partners and the newest tenant in the Mill Rock Way office. Jasmine Introduces the company she works with, Virtuity Financial and discusses the aspects behind financial literacy. Jasmine tells us how she attended CSUB with a major in kinesiology but later realized through experience that a career working 9-5 for someone else wasn’t going to get her to her financial goals, she was mentored and trained in Financial literacy and now provides the same information if not more to her clients. She...
info_outlineDave Plivelich and Dustin Pitcher welcome Wendy Porter, the Executive Director and Founder of the Wounded Heroes Fund, as she explains how the Wounded Heroes Fund was born 13 years ago at her kitchen table. Wendy is the daughter of a Vietnam Veteran, and after seeing the way her father was treated upon his arrival home, she wanted to give back to the Veteran community. Now, Wendy runs the Wounded Heroes Fund, which helps veterans adjust to civilian life by providing a sense of home through their community center. They offer a kitchen, shower, washer/dryer, as well as a food pantry that feeds 400 to 500 people a month. Wendy’s goal is to provide a safe and welcoming environment for Veterans and ensure that all the money that is donated stays in Kern County. If you would like to learn more about how you can help the Wounded Heroes Fund, tune into this episode.
The Wounded Heroes Fund was started in 2008 by Wendy Porter. She is the granddaughter of two WWII Veterans and the daughter of a US Army Vietnam Veteran. She grew up experiencing the effect that war had on her father and the ungrateful homecoming he received. She wanted to make sure that this did not happen to the young men and women who are currently fighting for our country. Wendy has a Master’s Degree in education and was a teacher for 9 years in Delano, California. She decided to stay home when her daughter, Chloe (14), was born. Wendy wanted to do something to give back to wounded veterans and their families, and being at home allowed that dream to come to fruition. With the help of family and friends, WHF was started.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE WOUNDED HEROES FUND:
Website: https://thewoundedheroesfund.com/
Phone: 661-328-8600
Email: wendy@thewoundedheroesfund.org
Instagram: woundedheroesfund
Facebook: Wounded_Heroes_Foundation