Josh Lustig Podcast

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 comm...

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 ...

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...

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 hel...

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 wh...

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 m...

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...

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 i...

At 26, Robert Hood is leading a 7-figure insurance operation and making six figures himself—but just a few years ago, he was on probation with two DUIs and no driver’s license. In this honest and powerful conversation, Robert opens up about hitting rock bottom, finding direction, and completely turning his life around.

Robert shares what happens when you lose your sense of purpose, how to rebuild your environment, and why accountabi...

What were you doing at 21? Derek Adams is about to graduate college, runs a growing event business, and got married at 18. In this episode, Josh sits down with the young entrepreneur to talk about building a business from scratch in a tiny Idaho town, scaling it across state lines, and navigating life, marriage, and entrepreneurship all at once.

Derek shares why most people overthink starting a business, how he accidentally created ...

What can Gen Z learn from Gen X about resilience, work ethic, and building a meaningful life? In this episode of The Josh Lustig Podcast, we sit down with Sean Kling—history buff, world traveler, author of Outwork Them All: A Gen X Guide to Business and Leadership Success, and creator of The Kling Connection on YouTube.

Sean shares the hard-hitting truths about delayed gratification, patriotism, and rediscovering real communication ...

What happens when your dream crumbles, your relationship falls apart, and you're left questioning everything? For The Passionate Few host Omar Elattar, rock bottom became the foundation for something greater.

In this episode, Omar shares how he turned heartbreak into purpose, walked away from a steady career at Tesla, and built one of the most respected interview platforms in the country. From interviewing billionaires and cultural ...

What does it really take to go from posting videos for fun to building a massive audience and becoming a full-time content creator? In this episode, Titus Ellis Smith—who’s amassed millions of followers across social media—breaks down his unexpected journey from working a door-to-door job to going viral and turning content creation into a career.

We get into everything—how one video completely changed his trajectory, what it’s reall...

In this episode of The Josh Lustig Podcast, we’re joined by an incredible guest—Matt Todd. Matt is a speaker and host of The Ranch Podcast, a rapidly growing show here in Idaho. But more than that, he’s someone who truly gets it—the power of taking action, building real relationships, and living a life of purpose and impact.

Matt opens up about his journey of moving to Idaho, starting from nothing, and building something meaningful....

In this episode of The Josh Lustig Podcast, we’re diving into a conversation that goes beyond business and leadership—it’s about the real challenges that shape our communities.

Chief Tracy, head of the Meridian Police Department, joins us to share his journey from a rookie officer to leading one of the largest police forces. We break down what it really takes to lead under pressure, the power of mentorship, and how culture can make ...

After a wildly successful year, I had to stop and ask—what’s next? What actually matters in business, relationships, parenting, and life? To get answers, I’m traveling the country, sitting down with top entrepreneurs, relationship experts, and high achievers who’ve cracked the code to success.

In Episode 1, I’m joined by Dan Tocchini for a deep conversation on personal growth, handling criticism, and the mindset shifts that change e...