About Topsl Farm 83-acre woodland farm and retreat in Waldoboro, Maine Originally established in 1936 as a working farm and family sanctuary Now hosts retreats, weddings, culinary experiences, and glamping stays Built around intentional experiences, nature, and connection Sarah’s Journey Grew up on a farm in rural Maine, initially resisted that lifestyle Built a career in marketing and…
Episode Overview In this episode, Kristan sits down with Patrick Stone, lead singer of Hairball, to talk about the craft behind performance — not just music, but transformation, confidence, and connection. What starts as a conversation about 80s hair-band culture quickly becomes a deeper discussion about purpose, creativity, and what it means to make people feel something through live music. What…
Episode Highlights: * Why so many successful entrepreneurs still feel stuck or unfulfilled * The danger of hiding behind titles, success, or “having it all together” * How fear shows up differently for leaders and founders * Why storytelling doesn’t have to be dramatic to be powerful * The six-question framework Josh uses to uncover authentic personal brands * How podcasts and media appearances…
Guest: 🧍♂️ Steven White — Co-Founder & Creative Director, [Different Regard](https://differentregard.com) 📍 Location: Howard Street, Baltimore, Maryland Highlights: * Steven’s journey from finance to fashion — and how narcolepsy changed his path * Founding story of Different Regard (2010–2011) and building an in-house factory by 2013 * Transition from T-shirts to fully tailored suits and…
Episode Notes: Makers of the USA with Elise Marie Designs In this episode of Makers of the USA , host Kristan Vermeulen welcomes Elise Marie Designs , a Maine-based jewelry artist whose work blends sustainability, elegance, and storytelling. Elise opens up about her journey as a designer, how nature and the Maine coastline inspire her collections, and what it takes to build a thriving creative…
Key Topics Covered: The Spark Behind Origin USA Pete talks about how he saw an opportunity—and responsibility—to bring manufacturing back to America, starting with jiu-jitsu gis. Manufacturing in Maine The commitment to American supply chains and reviving long-lost skills in the state of Maine. Resilience & Risk Why Pete bet everything he had—literally—to get his business off the ground and why he…
Hats, Hustle, and Heritage: How John Brubaker Wears Every Role with Purpose In a world where reinvention is often just a buzzword, John Brubaker is living proof that you can evolve without losing the core of who you are. Known to many as Coach Bru, a celebrated author, speaker, and performance coach, Brubaker has turned his passion for leadership into bestselling books and transformative programs.…
Meet Jen Dean: Photographer, dark alchemist, and guide for personal transformation The healing power of boudoir photography What is “dark alchemy”? Jen explains the process of facing shadow to reveal the light Reclaiming identity through vulnerability and embodiment Jen’s personal journey: how she came to this work and why it matters The importance of self-love in a culture that profits from…
Episode Title: Building Strength, Inside and Out: The Journey of Evan Amell and EA Fitness Guest: Evan Amell, Owner of EA Fitness & Performance Podcast: Makers of the USA Episode Summary: In this inspiring episode of Makers of the USA , host Evan Amell, the young entrepreneur behind EA Fitness & Performance, shares his remarkable journey from athlete to fitness coach and business owner. From…
Podcast Notes: Olagunju Busola Dorcas – Fashion, Storytelling, and Community Impact** Episode Overview: In this episode, we speak with Olagunju Busola Dorcas, a Maine-based fashion designer originally from Nigeria. Olagunju shares her inspiring journey from studying project management in Maine to following her true passion for fashion. Alongside her design work, she supports refugees as they…