Transistor (https://transistor.fm) https://feeds.transistor.fm/we-spoke We Spoke’s goal is to take you inside the heart of Auburn's business scene. Every episode, we sit down with creative and determined entrepreneurs who are shaping our community, one idea at a time. Hear from businesses such as WildFlower Bakery, Fungi Farms, and new startup BandIt Duck Calls. We Spoke is a podcast from the Harbert College of Business. © 2026 Stacy Elwell-Chalmers 64589f8d-41f5-506c-9931-7d99a1190116 no en Tue, 19 May 2026 10:49:58 -0500 Tue, 19 May 2026 10:51:11 -0500 https://img.transistorcdn.com/QKnmG9vDaCYaoz7MOcjLMcWXtdDWQ1def0riv4J555M/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:1400/h:1400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS83YTA2/YzJjM2NhOWVkNzI5/YmE4YTM5MDQxZmIw/YzEzMC5wbmc.jpg episodic Stacy Elwell-Chalmers We Spoke’s goal is to take you inside the heart of Auburn's business scene. Every episode, we sit down with creative and determined entrepreneurs who are shaping our community, one idea at a time. Hear from businesses such as WildFlower Bakery, Fungi Farms, and new startup BandIt Duck Calls. We Spoke is a podcast from the Harbert College of Business. We Spoke’s goal is to take you inside the heart of Auburn's business scene. Business, Entrepreneurship, Interviews, Auburn, Local Stacy Elwell-Chalmers No No 17 17 Ep. 17 – Driving the Future: The Story Behind Glory EV full ed38db83-e72e-4eb7-ad40-250986c0fd18 https://share.transistor.fm/s/bcbe43b8 Olkaris Marandu is the founder of Glory EV, an electric vehicle company focused on redefining low-speed transportation through sustainable, stylish, and practical electric vehicles. Under Olkaris’ leadership, the company has built a reputation for innovation, customization, and customer-focused design, providing EV solutions for neighborhoods, campuses, resorts, and community travel. With a vision centered on accessibility and the future of mobility, Glory EV continues to expand its impact in the growing electric vehicle industry. Tune in to We Spoke to hear Olkaris’ entrepreneurial journey, the story behind Glory EV, and his perspective on the future of transportation.

]]> Olkaris Marandu is the founder of Glory EV, an electric vehicle company focused on redefining low-speed transportation through sustainable, stylish, and practical electric vehicles. Under Olkaris’ leadership, the company has built a reputation for innovation, customization, and customer-focused design, providing EV solutions for neighborhoods, campuses, resorts, and community travel. With a vision centered on accessibility and the future of mobility, Glory EV continues to expand its impact in the growing electric vehicle industry. Tune in to We Spoke to hear Olkaris’ entrepreneurial journey, the story behind Glory EV, and his perspective on the future of transportation.

]]> Tue, 19 May 2026 10:49:58 -0500 Stacy Elwell-Chalmers Stacy Elwell-Chalmers 961 Olkaris Marandu is the founder of Glory EV, an electric vehicle company focused on redefining low-speed transportation through sustainable, stylish, and practical electric vehicles. Under Olkaris’ leadership, the company has built a reputation for innovation, customization, and customer-focused design, providing EV solutions for neighborhoods, campuses, resorts, and community travel. With a vision centered on accessibility and the future of mobility, Glory EV continues to expand its impact in the growing electric vehicle industry. Tune in to We Spoke to hear Olkaris’ entrepreneurial journey, the story behind Glory EV, and his perspective on the future of transportation.

]]> Business, Entrepreneurship, Interviews, Auburn, Local No 16 16 Ep. 16 - Innovation Starts Here: Joshua Sahib and Auburn’s Startup Ecosystem full 555dc27f-6e7d-4d4d-98ff-f1ad49e1c239 https://share.transistor.fm/s/35aab1bb Joshua Sahib is an entrepreneur, educator, and startup advocate dedicated to helping entrepreneurs turn ideas into sustainable businesses. As Managing Director of the Lowder Center for Family Business and Entrepreneurship at Auburn University Harbert College of Business, Joshua leads programs that support students, founders, and small business owners across Alabama through mentorship, startup resources, pitch competitions, and entrepreneurial education. A founder himself, Joshua has launched multiple businesses spanning technology, software, and creative industries, bringing real-world entrepreneurial experience into every conversation. Tune in to We Spoke to hear Joshua’s perspective on innovation, entrepreneurship, and how Auburn’s growing startup ecosystem is helping shape the next generation of business leaders.

]]> Joshua Sahib is an entrepreneur, educator, and startup advocate dedicated to helping entrepreneurs turn ideas into sustainable businesses. As Managing Director of the Lowder Center for Family Business and Entrepreneurship at Auburn University Harbert College of Business, Joshua leads programs that support students, founders, and small business owners across Alabama through mentorship, startup resources, pitch competitions, and entrepreneurial education. A founder himself, Joshua has launched multiple businesses spanning technology, software, and creative industries, bringing real-world entrepreneurial experience into every conversation. Tune in to We Spoke to hear Joshua’s perspective on innovation, entrepreneurship, and how Auburn’s growing startup ecosystem is helping shape the next generation of business leaders.

]]> Tue, 19 May 2026 10:48:31 -0500 Stacy Elwell-Chalmers Stacy Elwell-Chalmers 2707 Joshua Sahib is an entrepreneur, educator, and startup advocate dedicated to helping entrepreneurs turn ideas into sustainable businesses. As Managing Director of the Lowder Center for Family Business and Entrepreneurship at Auburn University Harbert College of Business, Joshua leads programs that support students, founders, and small business owners across Alabama through mentorship, startup resources, pitch competitions, and entrepreneurial education. A founder himself, Joshua has launched multiple businesses spanning technology, software, and creative industries, bringing real-world entrepreneurial experience into every conversation. Tune in to We Spoke to hear Joshua’s perspective on innovation, entrepreneurship, and how Auburn’s growing startup ecosystem is helping shape the next generation of business leaders.

]]> Business, Entrepreneurship, Interviews, Auburn, Local No 15 15 Ep. 15 – A Lifetime of Leadership: Lessons from Ralph Olson full 935d1309-df4d-4093-a471-84cd41b064f9 https://share.transistor.fm/s/903d5f79 Ralph Olson is a longtime business leader, strategist, and mentor whose career has spanned some of the country’s most recognizable companies and industries. From helping develop the 2-liter plastic bottle at Pepsi to leading major organizations including E-Z-GO Golf Cars, Sherwin-Williams, Gibson Greetings, and R.A. Jones, Ralph has spent decades building businesses, leading turnarounds, and mentoring future leaders. Today, he continues to advise organizations and entrepreneurs through strategic consulting and leadership development. Tune in to We Spoke to hear Ralph’s incredible journey through American business leadership, innovation, and the lessons he’s learned from a lifetime of leading people and companies.

]]> Ralph Olson is a longtime business leader, strategist, and mentor whose career has spanned some of the country’s most recognizable companies and industries. From helping develop the 2-liter plastic bottle at Pepsi to leading major organizations including E-Z-GO Golf Cars, Sherwin-Williams, Gibson Greetings, and R.A. Jones, Ralph has spent decades building businesses, leading turnarounds, and mentoring future leaders. Today, he continues to advise organizations and entrepreneurs through strategic consulting and leadership development. Tune in to We Spoke to hear Ralph’s incredible journey through American business leadership, innovation, and the lessons he’s learned from a lifetime of leading people and companies.

]]> Tue, 19 May 2026 10:48:06 -0500 Stacy Elwell-Chalmers Stacy Elwell-Chalmers 2523 Ralph Olson is a longtime business leader, strategist, and mentor whose career has spanned some of the country’s most recognizable companies and industries. From helping develop the 2-liter plastic bottle at Pepsi to leading major organizations including E-Z-GO Golf Cars, Sherwin-Williams, Gibson Greetings, and R.A. Jones, Ralph has spent decades building businesses, leading turnarounds, and mentoring future leaders. Today, he continues to advise organizations and entrepreneurs through strategic consulting and leadership development. Tune in to We Spoke to hear Ralph’s incredible journey through American business leadership, innovation, and the lessons he’s learned from a lifetime of leading people and companies.

]]> Business, Entrepreneurship, Interviews, Auburn, Local No 14 14 Ep. 14 – Creating Places People Return To: Matt Poirier’s Auburn Story full be490b1d-27c8-420d-a923-2c024fec46c7 https://share.transistor.fm/s/8191e9b5 Matt Poirier is the owner of The Hound, a Southern-inspired restaurant known for its hospitality, storytelling, and deep connection to Auburn culture. Beyond The Hound, Matt has helped shape Auburn’s food and gathering scene through businesses including The Depot and Sneak & Dawdle. His approach blends community, creativity, and a passion for bringing people together through meaningful experiences. Tune in to We Spoke to hear how Matt built multiple businesses centered on culture, connection, and creating places people truly want to return to.

]]> Matt Poirier is the owner of The Hound, a Southern-inspired restaurant known for its hospitality, storytelling, and deep connection to Auburn culture. Beyond The Hound, Matt has helped shape Auburn’s food and gathering scene through businesses including The Depot and Sneak & Dawdle. His approach blends community, creativity, and a passion for bringing people together through meaningful experiences. Tune in to We Spoke to hear how Matt built multiple businesses centered on culture, connection, and creating places people truly want to return to.

]]> Tue, 19 May 2026 10:47:37 -0500 Stacy Elwell-Chalmers Stacy Elwell-Chalmers 3150 Matt Poirier is the owner of The Hound, a Southern-inspired restaurant known for its hospitality, storytelling, and deep connection to Auburn culture. Beyond The Hound, Matt has helped shape Auburn’s food and gathering scene through businesses including The Depot and Sneak & Dawdle. His approach blends community, creativity, and a passion for bringing people together through meaningful experiences. Tune in to We Spoke to hear how Matt built multiple businesses centered on culture, connection, and creating places people truly want to return to.

]]> Business, Entrepreneurship, Interviews, Auburn, Local No 13 13 Ep. 13 – From Auburn to the Fairway: The Moon Golf Journey full 18bfff62-2fb6-4ed7-8c3a-20324c880265 https://share.transistor.fm/s/2347d696 Auburn graduates and lifelong golf enthusiasts who turned their shared passion for the game into one of the Southeast’s premier golf retail experiences. Together, they built Moon Golf around expert knowledge, genuine hospitality, and a deep connection to the Auburn community. Their mission is to create a welcoming environment where golfers of every skill level can find the right equipment, improve their game, and feel part of the golf community. Tune in to We Spoke to hear how Anne and Dan combined entrepreneurship, family, and a love for golf to build a business that continues to grow across the Southeast. Auburn graduates and lifelong golf enthusiasts who turned their shared passion for the game into one of the Southeast’s premier golf retail experiences. Together, they built Moon Golf around expert knowledge, genuine hospitality, and a deep connection to the Auburn community. Their mission is to create a welcoming environment where golfers of every skill level can find the right equipment, improve their game, and feel part of the golf community. Tune in to We Spoke to hear how Anne and Dan combined entrepreneurship, family, and a love for golf to build a business that continues to grow across the Southeast.

]]> Auburn graduates and lifelong golf enthusiasts who turned their shared passion for the game into one of the Southeast’s premier golf retail experiences. Together, they built Moon Golf around expert knowledge, genuine hospitality, and a deep connection to the Auburn community. Their mission is to create a welcoming environment where golfers of every skill level can find the right equipment, improve their game, and feel part of the golf community. Tune in to We Spoke to hear how Anne and Dan combined entrepreneurship, family, and a love for golf to build a business that continues to grow across the Southeast. Auburn graduates and lifelong golf enthusiasts who turned their shared passion for the game into one of the Southeast’s premier golf retail experiences. Together, they built Moon Golf around expert knowledge, genuine hospitality, and a deep connection to the Auburn community. Their mission is to create a welcoming environment where golfers of every skill level can find the right equipment, improve their game, and feel part of the golf community. Tune in to We Spoke to hear how Anne and Dan combined entrepreneurship, family, and a love for golf to build a business that continues to grow across the Southeast.

]]> Tue, 19 May 2026 10:46:32 -0500 Stacy Elwell-Chalmers Stacy Elwell-Chalmers 1912 Auburn graduates and lifelong golf enthusiasts who turned their shared passion for the game into one of the Southeast’s premier golf retail experiences. Together, they built Moon Golf around expert knowledge, genuine hospitality, and a deep connection to the Auburn community. Their mission is to create a welcoming environment where golfers of every skill level can find the right equipment, improve their game, and feel part of the golf community. Tune in to We Spoke to hear how Anne and Dan combined entrepreneurship, family, and a love for golf to build a business that continues to grow across the Southeast. Auburn graduates and lifelong golf enthusiasts who turned their shared passion for the game into one of the Southeast’s premier golf retail experiences. Together, they built Moon Golf around expert knowledge, genuine hospitality, and a deep connection to the Auburn community. Their mission is to create a welcoming environment where golfers of every skill level can find the right equipment, improve their game, and feel part of the golf community. Tune in to We Spoke to hear how Anne and Dan combined entrepreneurship, family, and a love for golf to build a business that continues to grow across the Southeast.

]]> Business, Entrepreneurship, Interviews, Auburn, Local No 12 12 Ep. 12 - Growing More Than Flowers: The Story of Nourish Blooms full aa594939-b241-41b4-a5f8-1c927420616c https://share.transistor.fm/s/0e13239f Tune in to We Spoke as we sit down with Nourish Blooms, a unique flower farm and community-focused initiative serving the Auburn-Opelika area. Founded by pediatrician Dr. Katie Wolter, Nourish Blooms combines sustainably grown flowers with a larger mission of supporting food-insecure families and wellness programs through the Nourish Foundation. In this episode, we explore how flowers, wellness, and community impact come together to create something truly meaningful in Opelika.

]]> Tune in to We Spoke as we sit down with Nourish Blooms, a unique flower farm and community-focused initiative serving the Auburn-Opelika area. Founded by pediatrician Dr. Katie Wolter, Nourish Blooms combines sustainably grown flowers with a larger mission of supporting food-insecure families and wellness programs through the Nourish Foundation. In this episode, we explore how flowers, wellness, and community impact come together to create something truly meaningful in Opelika.

]]> Wed, 13 May 2026 10:59:18 -0500 Stacy Elwell-Chalmers Stacy Elwell-Chalmers 1759 Tune in to We Spoke as we sit down with Nourish Blooms, a unique flower farm and community-focused initiative serving the Auburn-Opelika area. Founded by pediatrician Dr. Katie Wolter, Nourish Blooms combines sustainably grown flowers with a larger mission of supporting food-insecure families and wellness programs through the Nourish Foundation. In this episode, we explore how flowers, wellness, and community impact come together to create something truly meaningful in Opelika.

]]> Business, Entrepreneurship, Interviews, Auburn, Local No 11 11 Ep. 11 - Thankfully Coffee: We Roast it; You Sit Back and Enjoy full ff9a7538-d9b9-4f23-ab5b-44d729c0b63c https://share.transistor.fm/s/6cc29485 Shotts recounts his unique upbringing and how his desire to honor coffee farmers through his roasting and packaging drives his business.

]]> Shotts recounts his unique upbringing and how his desire to honor coffee farmers through his roasting and packaging drives his business.

]]> Fri, 28 Nov 2025 08:42:00 -0600 Stacy Elwell-Chalmers Stacy Elwell-Chalmers 3033 Shotts recounts his unique upbringing and how his desire to honor coffee farmers through his roasting and packaging drives his business.

]]> Business, Entrepreneurship, Interviews, Auburn, Local No 10 10 Ep. 10 - Fungi Farm: The New Mushroom Revolution full c793921e-45b9-4b0f-95db-bd426877635e https://share.transistor.fm/s/4bf7e303 Griffith and Carroll talk all about fungi in this episode about the science behind mushroom varieties and why so many people are flocking to buying and growing clean mushrooms for consumption.

]]> Griffith and Carroll talk all about fungi in this episode about the science behind mushroom varieties and why so many people are flocking to buying and growing clean mushrooms for consumption.

]]> Sun, 02 Nov 2025 21:10:31 -0600 Stacy Elwell-Chalmers Stacy Elwell-Chalmers 3610 Griffith and Carroll talk all about fungi in this episode about the science behind mushroom varieties and why so many people are flocking to buying and growing clean mushrooms for consumption.

]]> Business, Entrepreneurship, Interviews, Auburn, Local No 9 9 Ep. 9 - Volcanica Coffee: From the Source Does Matter full c482d9f9-4bc9-4239-8d12-b5279d1bacb3 https://share.transistor.fm/s/c7aa4dcf Contreras discusses the business drive he has to provide sustainable, expertly produced coffee products while maintating farmer relations and running a forward-thinking business model.

]]> Contreras discusses the business drive he has to provide sustainable, expertly produced coffee products while maintating farmer relations and running a forward-thinking business model.

]]> Fri, 17 Oct 2025 12:28:00 -0500 Stacy Elwell-Chalmers Stacy Elwell-Chalmers 4004 Contreras discusses the business drive he has to provide sustainable, expertly produced coffee products while maintating farmer relations and running a forward-thinking business model.

]]> Business, Entrepreneurship, Interviews, Auburn, Local No 8 8 Ep. 8 - Wild Flour Bakery and Espresso: Good Food and a Passion for Service full 68b8a6db-d5c8-47ba-97f2-2465f3d06a57 https://share.transistor.fm/s/dee4f211 The Jones's reveal their drive for homemade baked items that keep bringing back customers while fulfilling a life-dream for this couple to own and work hard for a business.

]]> The Jones's reveal their drive for homemade baked items that keep bringing back customers while fulfilling a life-dream for this couple to own and work hard for a business.

]]> Fri, 03 Oct 2025 09:24:00 -0500 Stacy Elwell-Chalmers Stacy Elwell-Chalmers 2887 The Jones's reveal their drive for homemade baked items that keep bringing back customers while fulfilling a life-dream for this couple to own and work hard for a business.

]]> Business, Entrepreneurship, Interviews, Auburn, Local No 7 7 Ep. 7 - Early Bird Company: New Product for the Up-and-Early Crowd full fa8d8a17-e0aa-415e-8a71-9f36708eda64 https://share.transistor.fm/s/73e7ff12 Lester reveals the impetus for designing and selling a single-use self-heating canistor for coffee drinkers on the go.

]]> Lester reveals the impetus for designing and selling a single-use self-heating canistor for coffee drinkers on the go.

]]> Fri, 19 Sep 2025 09:23:00 -0500 Stacy Elwell-Chalmers Stacy Elwell-Chalmers 2212 Lester reveals the impetus for designing and selling a single-use self-heating canistor for coffee drinkers on the go.

]]> Business, Entrepreneurship, Interviews, Auburn, Local No 6 6 Ep. 6 - New Venture Accelerator: Got a Business Idea; Start Here full 4bb954b7-7a14-454a-9306-7b453c7a714b https://share.transistor.fm/s/0ecab726 Leonardi recounts his vast experience with company startups and the excitement that working with the NVA affords for building up new entrepreneurs.

]]> Leonardi recounts his vast experience with company startups and the excitement that working with the NVA affords for building up new entrepreneurs.

]]> Fri, 05 Sep 2025 09:23:00 -0500 Stacy Elwell-Chalmers Stacy Elwell-Chalmers 3530 Leonardi recounts his vast experience with company startups and the excitement that working with the NVA affords for building up new entrepreneurs.

]]> Business, Entrepreneurship, Interviews, Auburn, Local No 5 5 Ep. 5 - BandIt Duck Calls: Making a Sustainable Duck Call full 99cdf298-2b8d-42d6-a01d-292535dc328c https://share.transistor.fm/s/f6620b1e Worley recalls the path that led him to create a new kind of Duck Call for enthusiasts interested in bird health and long-lasting products.

]]> Worley recalls the path that led him to create a new kind of Duck Call for enthusiasts interested in bird health and long-lasting products.

]]> Fri, 15 Aug 2025 09:23:00 -0500 Stacy Elwell-Chalmers Stacy Elwell-Chalmers 2893 Worley recalls the path that led him to create a new kind of Duck Call for enthusiasts interested in bird health and long-lasting products.

]]> Business, Entrepreneurship, Interviews, Auburn, Local No 4 4 Ep. 4 - Thrive Here: Turning Baristas into Credentialed Coffee Experts full 67c8a283-4828-4f9c-9647-9ee48ba675e5 https://share.transistor.fm/s/b6bbb148 Brown discusses his passion for coffee and how he's helping create a space for students to find a career in the science of coffee production.

]]> Brown discusses his passion for coffee and how he's helping create a space for students to find a career in the science of coffee production.

]]> Fri, 01 Aug 2025 09:23:00 -0500 Stacy Elwell-Chalmers Stacy Elwell-Chalmers 3093 Brown discusses his passion for coffee and how he's helping create a space for students to find a career in the science of coffee production.

]]> Business, Entrepreneurship, Interviews, Auburn, Local No 3 3 Ep. 3 - J&M Bookstore: A Legacy in Transition full 38cb170a-e194-4423-986e-9c00abb697c9 https://share.transistor.fm/s/00efe91b Johnston relives some of his favorite memories as owner of one of Auburn's iconic bookstores and the changes the company must now make to stay competitive.

]]> Johnston relives some of his favorite memories as owner of one of Auburn's iconic bookstores and the changes the company must now make to stay competitive.

]]> Fri, 18 Jul 2025 09:22:00 -0500 Stacy Elwell-Chalmers Stacy Elwell-Chalmers 2117 Johnston relives some of his favorite memories as owner of one of Auburn's iconic bookstores and the changes the company must now make to stay competitive.

]]> Business, Entrepreneurship, Interviews, Auburn, Local No 2 2 Ep. 2 - Room to Room: How a Student's Need Became a Business full ac2a2c04-dd8e-4e07-90d6-21d8e70fcdf5 https://share.transistor.fm/s/61a0ae58 Weston and Morgan discuss their business plan as young start-ups with an idea; growing an entrepreneurial venture one valuable employee at a time.

]]> Weston and Morgan discuss their business plan as young start-ups with an idea; growing an entrepreneurial venture one valuable employee at a time.

]]> Fri, 04 Jul 2025 09:22:00 -0500 Stacy Elwell-Chalmers Stacy Elwell-Chalmers 2839 Weston and Morgan discuss their business plan as young start-ups with an idea; growing an entrepreneurial venture one valuable employee at a time.

]]> Business, Entrepreneurship, Interviews, Auburn, Local No 1 1 Ep. 1 - Well Red: Make a Connection; Gain a Loyal Customer full 95eb2eb5-fba1-4e3b-a1d1-4b688c7147da https://share.transistor.fm/s/2fe93ab2 Tomasello talks through opening multiple coffee shop/bookstore locations in Auburn and Opelika with a focus on employee satisfaction and retaining loyal customers by making strong connections.

]]> Tomasello talks through opening multiple coffee shop/bookstore locations in Auburn and Opelika with a focus on employee satisfaction and retaining loyal customers by making strong connections.

]]> Fri, 13 Jun 2025 09:22:00 -0500 Stacy Elwell-Chalmers Stacy Elwell-Chalmers 2687 Tomasello talks through opening multiple coffee shop/bookstore locations in Auburn and Opelika with a focus on employee satisfaction and retaining loyal customers by making strong connections.

]]> Business, Entrepreneurship, Interviews, Auburn, Local No