In this thought provoking episode, we sit down with Rudyard Lynch, the mind behind the YouTube channel WhatIfAltHist, boasting over 700,000 subscribers. What started as a fascination with alternate history has grown into a powerful platform exploring the intersections of history, culture, human nature, and philosophy.

Rudyard shares the journey from launching his channel out of boredom to transforming it after a brutally honest comment. This was a turning point that catapulted his growth. We dive into everything from medieval worldviews and the scientific method’s roots in religion to the resurgence of faith in Gen Z and the hidden cultural effects of modern tech.

Whether you’re into history, culture, or just asking bigger questions about the world, this one’s a must-listen.

https://www.youtube.com/@WhatifAltHist

https://www.instagram.com/rudyardwlynch/

https://x.com/whatifalthist

https://www.tiktok.com/@whatifalthistory

In this episode of The Josh Lustig Podcast, bladesmith and Forged in Fire contestant Ryan Searls shares his story. As a 23-year-old artisan, Ryan has mastered the ancient art of blacksmithing and turned it into a meaningful business. From hammering hot steel in his suburban garage to building heirloom-quality chef knives and tools under his brand Soul of Creation, Ryan shares how working with your hands can ground your soul, build resilience, and reconnect you to what’s real in an increasingly digital world.

Whether you’re an entrepreneur, creator, or just looking for more meaning in your work — this episode will inspire you to make with your hands and lead with your heart. Subscribe now and drop a comment if this episode inspired you.

https://www.soulofcreation.com/

https://www.instagram.com/soc_forge/

https://www.facebook.com/ryan.searls.50

https://www.tiktok.com/@soulofcreation

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1nVxZ987QbYkdaFkoN3IMg

In this episode, we sit down in Austin, Texas with Michael Marra, CEO and founder of Entre, a fast-growing social networking app designed specifically for modern entrepreneurs.

Michael shares his unconventional journey from corporate engineering to launching a social app that has grown to 200,000 users without relying on traditional VC funding. We dive deep into the pitfalls of startup culture, the lessons learned, and why real-life connections are the next frontier for professional networking platforms

If you're an entrepreneur, creator, or just someone looking to build more meaningful professional connections, this episode is packed with takeaways. Tune in now!

https://joinentre.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelmarra1/

https://www.instagram.com/michaelwmarra/

https://x.com/michaelwmarra

https://www.tiktok.com/@michaelwmarra

What does it really take to launch a successful startup and secure venture capital in today's competitive landscape? In this episode of The Josh Lustig Podcast, Travis Hawkes—lifelong entrepreneur and co-founder of Idaho-based VC firm Capital Eleven—pulls back the curtain on the highs, lows, and gritty realities of building businesses from the ground up.With over 70 startup investments under his belt, Travis shares how he’s helping grow the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Boise and beyond, why grit matters more than a perfect pitch deck, and what most founders get wrong when raising money from investors.You’ll hear how early failures—including a spa franchise inside Walmart—helped shape his approach to leadership, company culture, and long-term growth. Plus, he breaks down what venture capitalists are really looking for in a startup: strong teams, coachability, and the ability to execute under pressure.Whether you’re a first-time founder, aspiring investor, or just trying to build a meaningful career in business—this episode delivers practical insights on startup funding, resilience, and what it means to be a modern entrepreneur.https://www.instagram.com/tbhawkes/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/travis-b-...

https://x.com/tbhawkes?lang=en

Matthew Byrd shares his journey from construction tech to media — and what he’s learned along the way about business, family, faith, and why balance is rarely what it seems. From launching new ventures and raising five kids along the way, Matthew gets real about startup life, communication in marriage, and building something that actually aligns with your values.

This episode covers the hard questions most people don’t ask — like what do you do when your identity gets stripped away? And how do you create a life that’s both meaningful and sustainable? Whether you're an entrepreneur or someone figuring it all out — there’s gold in this conversation.

Just days before graduation, Georgia Garnsey — president of the Advertising Club at Boise State University — shares what it’s really like to build a network, a career, and a community from the ground up. As a Gen Z student navigating college, COVID, and the rise of AI, she reflects on co-founding Boise State’s collegiate ad council, finding her voice in the industry, and why intentional connection and real-world experience matter more than ever.

What is it really like being in a fraternity today? In this episode, Cooper Arnold from Kappa Sigma at Boise State shares the unfiltered side of Greek life, why “helicopter parenting” is messing with an entire generation, and how Gen Z is navigating college, career pressure, and adulthood in real time.

Cooper shares how he’s using college as a launchpad—interning, networking, and soaking up everything he can during what he calls his “sponge phase.” This raw conversation dives deep into responsibility, growing up, real estate ambitions, and showing up to become a better man.

Whether you’re in college or just figuring out your path—this episode will challenge you to think differently about how you spend your early years.

In this episode, Nolan Riley, President of Kappa Sigma at Boise State University, shares his thoughts about leadership, ambition, and making the most of his college years. Nolan shares how he went from pledge to president, why he decided to step up when no one else would, and how he’s using networking and calculated risks to shape his future. From building community to balancing legacy and leadership, this conversation dives deep into what it really means to lead with purpose—and why being where you are right now might be the most powerful thing you can do.

Tune in, get inspired, and drop a comment on your biggest takeaway.