On this week’s episode presented by Busey Bank, I’m joined by Rachel Burns, founder of Bold Spoon Creamery, a St. Louis-based company known for its experimental, adult-focused ice cream flavors like Goat Cheese with Fig Jam and Vanilla Crème Brûlée. Burns, who has an MBA with an emphasis in finance, brings 20-plus years of institutional investment experience, client management and a lifelong love of ice cream to running Bold Spoon. In this conversation, we’ll explore how Rachel leveraged $150,000 in grants to double Bold Spoon’s production capabilities and her strategic decisions for growth while staying true to the company’s commitment to sustainability and local sourcing. Whether you’re an entrepreneur looking for insights on scaling sustainably, a leader curious about building mission-driven culture, or simply a fan of great ice cream with an inspiring story behind it, this episode is packed with lessons you won’t want to miss. Let’s roll…

Photo: Feast Magazine

On this week’s episode presented by Busey Bank, we’re celebrating episode number 75. Two years of talking to some amazing folks about growth and leadership and failure and values. We’re taking a look back at some of my favorite moments. I’ll be sharing highlights from conversations that resonated with me—moments that made me think, laugh, or see things in a new light. It’s a chance to reflect on the journey so far and revisit the wisdom of our incredible guests. Additionally, let me take a moment to thank you, our listeners, for being part of this journey. Your support, encouragement, and shared enthusiasm for these conversations have been instrumental in getting us this far. Whether you’ve been with us since day one or are just discovering the show, I’m so grateful to have you here. Let’s roll…

On this week’s episode presented by Busey Bank, I’m joined by my wonderful wife and best friend, Melissa Allen. Over the course of a 30+ year career, she has worn many hats—literally and figuratively. She’s been a Ringling Bros. circus performer, a touring Broadway chorus girl, a Las Vegas showgirl, a Sacramento Kings NBA cheerleader, a burlesque dancer, an aerial artist, a Pilates instructor, a dance teacher, and, perhaps her most demanding role, a baker’s wife and a mother of five.

While her career may seem like a dazzling whirlwind of sequins and spotlights, beneath it lies a masterclass in resilience, adaptability, and entrepreneurial spirit. As the seller, producer, and product all rolled into one, she has navigated the complexities of constantly marketing herself, balancing opportunity with opportunity cost, and building a fulfilling career while managing limited resources.

In many ways, she embodies the ultimate entrepreneur—creative, resourceful, and always thinking about the next move. In this conversation, we’ll dive deep into her fascinating journey, the lessons she’s learned about personal branding, the business side of performing arts, and what her story can teach all of us about managing risk, seizing opportunity, and thriving in unpredictable environments.

So, whether you’re leading a company, growing a side hustle, or just looking for inspiration, this episode has something for you. Let’s roll…

#wife #vegas #showgirl #dancer #mom #friend #circus #badass