Category: Interviews

And we’re back from our break with a great interview!

In today’s episode, we are talking to Jaee Blue, CEO and Founder of VBA!

About Jaee: Jaee is the Founder and CEO of Venture Beyond Aspirations (VBA), a company dedicated to helping entrepreneurs turn ideas into structured, scalable businesses. Through VBA’s platform, Jaee has built an ecosystem that bridges the gap between education and execution, guiding founders through clear stages of growth from clarity to expansion. With a background in technology and business operations, Jaee specializes in aligning the right systems, tools, and strategy to help early-stage and growing entrepreneurs avoid common pitfalls and build with intention. Under her leadership, VBA has expanded into multiple offerings, including its Core membership platform, creative services, and school-based solutions through Core Scholar. Jaee is passionate about empowering founders to take ownership of their time, ideas, and future. Her work focuses on creating practical, results-driven solutions that simplify the entrepreneurial journey and drive long-term success.

Jaee’s plugs: https://www.vbaspire.com/

Contact Jaee: https://www.instagram.com/iamjaeeblue/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaeeblue/

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And we’re back with Adam!

And here we go with part 2 of our interview with Adam!

About Adam:

Adam Collins earned his MBA from the University of Missouri–St. Louis (UMSL) in December 2019 and continues to fuel his passion for lifelong learning. He recently began a Graduate Certificate program in Social Media and Digital Marketing at UMSL, further expanding his expertise. Professionally, Adam serves as a Project Manager in UMSL’s Planning, Design, & Construction division, a role that perfectly aligns with his 20+ years of experience in the construction industry. He takes pride in contributing to his alma mater, overseeing campus improvements ranging from renovations to equipment upgrades. His work connects him with a diverse range of colleagues, enhancing the university’s infrastructure in meaningful ways. Beyond his job, he remains actively involved in the UMSL Alumni Association and the student-led Board Game Club. Adam is also an entrepreneur and board game enthusiast. He has launched a podcast, a YouTube channel, and an independent publishing company—all centered around board gaming. Passionate about bringing people into the hobby, he collaborates with local libraries and community colleges to introduce modern board games to new audiences. He has even helped organize game days for children at the library. His podcast, Eat Lunch & Board Game, explores games that fit into a typical lunch break, whether 30 or 60 minutes. Inspired by his own experiences starting a lunchtime gaming group at work, Adam has interviewed a wide range of guests from the board game industry, gathering their insights and recommendations. His son occasionally joins in for special review episodes, and together, they’ve also launched a YouTube channel, Reviews from the Attic, where they share their thoughts on board games. When he’s not gaming or working, Adam enjoys reading (often about board gaming), biking with his kids, “running” with his son, and hiking with his family

Adam’s plugs: https://beardedboardgames.com/

(A list of STL farmers markets: https://www.stlmag.com/dining/st-louis-farmers-markets-guide/)

Contact Adam: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-f-collins/ https://www.youtube.com/@eatlunchboardgamepodcast146

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Cards game, now board games!

Have you ever thought about getting a board game from a farmer’s market? Well now you have! Today we are posting part 1 of our interview with Adam Collins where we talk about that, and so much more!

About Adam:

Adam Collins earned his MBA from the University of Missouri–St. Louis (UMSL) in December 2019 and continues to fuel his passion for lifelong learning. He recently began a Graduate Certificate program in Social Media and Digital Marketing at UMSL, further expanding his expertise. Professionally, Adam serves as a Project Manager in UMSL’s Planning, Design, & Construction division, a role that perfectly aligns with his 20+ years of experience in the construction industry. He takes pride in contributing to his alma mater, overseeing campus improvements ranging from renovations to equipment upgrades. His work connects him with a diverse range of colleagues, enhancing the university’s infrastructure in meaningful ways. Beyond his job, he remains actively involved in the UMSL Alumni Association and the student-led Board Game Club. Adam is also an entrepreneur and board game enthusiast. He has launched a podcast, a YouTube channel, and an independent publishing company—all centered around board gaming. Passionate about bringing people into the hobby, he collaborates with local libraries and community colleges to introduce modern board games to new audiences. He has even helped organize game days for children at the library. His podcast, Eat Lunch & Board Game, explores games that fit into a typical lunch break, whether 30 or 60 minutes. Inspired by his own experiences starting a lunchtime gaming group at work, Adam has interviewed a wide range of guests from the board game industry, gathering their insights and recommendations. His son occasionally joins in for special review episodes, and together, they’ve also launched a YouTube channel, Reviews from the Attic, where they share their thoughts on board games. When he’s not gaming or working, Adam enjoys reading (often about board gaming), biking with his kids, “running” with his son, and hiking with his family

Contact Adam: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-f-collins/ https://www.youtube.com/@eatlunchboardgamepodcast146

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I’m so glad we got to meet Alicia at the AMA event in early April!

Today, we are talking to Alicia Underwood from TwentyThree LLC and The Social Box LLC! We were lucky enough to meet in person at the AMA event and MDMC!

Alicia’s Plugs:

https://www.thesocialbox.co/

https://www.heytwentythree.com/

About Alicia: Alicia Underwood is the founder of TwentyThree, LLC, a digital communications and influencer marketing agency based in St. Louis. With 15 years of experience in social media strategy and brand storytelling, she partners with enthusiastic, values-driven brands to help them stand out in a crowded digital landscape. Through TwentyThree, Alicia leads strategy, creative, and execution across social media, paid media, and influencer marketing. She works with clients across healthcare, hospitality, and luxury, and is known for blending data, creativity, and culture into campaigns that move people and deliver results. Alongside her client work, Alicia is building The Social Box, a software platform designed to simplify influencer marketing workflows. She also teaches and speaks on the business of social media and influencer marketing, including at MDMC, one of the Midwest’s largest digital conferences. Additionally, she serves on the board of Social Media Club St. Louis and the Advisory Council for Asian American Dream in New York, and previously served as President of the Lafayette Square Business Association. Alicia is passionate about storytelling, community building, and helping brands grow with clarity and confidence. She lives in Webster Groves with her husband, two boys, and two cats. She also enjoys Pilates, reading, and cooking in her free time.

Contact Alicia:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/aliciaunderwood/ https://www.instagram.com/twentythree.digital/

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I’m Holly, and this is my confessional.

Today, we are listening to some marketing confessionals from the Midwest Digital Marketing Conference!

Interested in going next year? Visit their website for updates about 2027 dates and location! https://bestmarketingconference.com/

The people featured in this video:

Andy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andyhudsonstl/

Wes: https://www.linkedin.com/in/morganwes/

Charles: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charleslpurnell/

Ryan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryangreen83/

Sean: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seanjjordan/

Holly: https://www.linkedin.com/in/holly-wooten-b29829186/

Ben: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benkniffen/

Mindy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mindychoo/

Daniel: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-collart/

Tessa: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tessagc/

Schalene: https://www.linkedin.com/in/schalenehouston/

Kelly: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellywiethuchter/

Matt: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coble/

Vernon: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vernonross/

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And here is part 2!

Today we continue talking to the incredible Dr. Perry Drake!

In Part 2 we talk much more about the Midwest Digital Marketing Conference, which is happening April 29 and 30 here in St. Louis! You can learn more at https://bestmarketingconference.com/

Dr. Drake is the Department Chair and Full Teaching Professor at the University of Missouri–St. Louis and Founder of the Midwest Digital Marketing Conference

Contact Dr. Perry Drake: https://www.linkedin.com/in/perrydrake/

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Part 1 of 2 talking with Dr. Perry!

Today we are talking to the incredible Dr. Perry Drake!

He has some very insightful things to say, and if you would like to hear more from him, you can attend the Midwest Digital Marketing Conference!

You can learn more at https://bestmarketingconference.com/

Dr. Drake is the Department Chair and Full Teaching Professor at the University of Missouri–St. Louis and Founder of the Midwest Digital Marketing Conference

Contact Dr. Perry Drake: https://www.linkedin.com/in/perrydrake/

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Did you hear Sean gas me up at the end? B-)

April 9th was the annual AMA STL conferance, and it was a great time! Today we are listening to some marketing confessionals from some of the amazing guests!

All the guests that shared their amazing advice:

Sean: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seanjjordan/

Amanda: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandachamov/

Stephanie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephaniezettl/

Keisha: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keishamabry/

Marisa: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marisalather/

Brandon: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandontowl/

Kyle: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kyle-coble-b4258b3/

Olivia: https://www.linkedin.com/in/olivia-roberts-stl/

Katie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiemartell/

Nick: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-niehaus/

Ryan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryangreen83/

If you would like to be a part of the St. Louis chapter of the AMA and come to future events, please visit the AMA website: https://amasaintlouis.org/

This month is donate life month. If you are interesting in becoming an organ donor, or you would just like to know more, please visit https://donatelife.net/.

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Sean truly is a great guy, and I am so glad I am able to share that with you! – Holly

And here is part 2! We hope you enjoyed getting to know more about Sean and what we do outside of the podcast!

Contact Sean: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seanjjordan/

This month is donate life month. If you are interesting in becoming an organ donor, or you would just like to know more, please visit https://donatelife.net/.

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How does the shoe feel on the other foot, Sean?

We have a very special interview today! Our lovely host Sean has decided to be in the hot seat himself!

About Sean: Watch the video and find out!

Contact Sean: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seanjjordan/

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