In this episode of Torch Talk, Lindsey sits down with Julia Kooser, Director of Client Success, to unpack what the Blaze Network is and why it matters heading into 2026. Blaze isn’t another marketing trend or side project. It’s the educational and connection-driven hub behind Fierce, built to support business owners and leaders beyond execution alone.

The conversation walks through how Blaze brings education, community, and practical tools together in one place. Julia breaks down each part of the network, how they connect, and what business owners can expect in the year ahead as Blaze continues to grow.

This episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at how Blaze is designed to support growth, learning, and leadership for businesses at every stage.

In this special “Fierce Wrapped” episode of Torch Talk, Lindsey Chupp sits down with Julia Kooser, Director of Client Success, to unpack what really changed in marketing this year. They talk honestly about the shifts business owners are feeling, especially as platforms evolve faster and traditional tactics don’t always perform the way they used to.

The conversation covers how Fierce has adapted its strategy in real time, what’s working across client accounts, and what leaders should be paying attention to as they plan for 2026. From advertising and SEO to social and email, this episode focuses on clarity, consistency, and staying grounded in the middle of constant change.

In this special Christmas edition of Torch Talk, Lindsey gathers members of the Fierce Creative Solutions team, Ash, Taylor, and Ashley, for a hilarious, cozy, and surprising conversation about all things Christmas. This episode involves decorating timelines to favorite movies, childhood nostalgia, chaotic work parties, and one teammate who isn’t fully sold on Christmas.

Listen as they dive into their holiday traditions, including November-1st decorating, Christmas Eve rituals, red-and-green snack nights, and the universal struggle of managing December’s overloaded calendar. Lindsey shares how Christmas changed for her once she became a parent, while Taylor and Ash defend their Christmas-crazy tendencies. Meanwhile, Ashley explains her very specific rules for when Christmas music is allowed and why she refuses to join the early-decorating movement.

The team also swaps stories about past work Christmas parties, gift-giving hits and misses, and what employees actually appreciate most from employers during the holidays.

Equal parts heartwarming and hilarious, this episode captures the joy, chaos, and connection that make the holidays meaningful, at work and at home.

In this episode of Torch Talk, Lindsey sits down with Ben Nichols, a 22-year-old photographer whose career has already stretched from Ohio high school gyms to NCAA arenas, NFL sidelines, and even a future climb up Mount Everest. Ben shares the wild, unexpected, and deeply driven journey behind Wayne County Sports, his rapidly growing media brand that reaches millions each year.

Ben opens up about launching his first sports page in high school, getting his start shooting games during Army basic training, and the break that changed everything: an invitation to photograph at Murray State University. Since then, his work has taken him across the country and connected him with top athletes, including Travis Hunter, whose engagement photos catapulted Ben onto a national stage.

Through humor, honesty, and relentless hustle, Ben shares how grit, gratitude, and faith shaped every step of his story.

In this powerful episode of Torch Talk, Lindsey sits down with Caleb Carpenter, Worship Pastor at Mennonite Christian Assembly, to talk about the long, winding, deeply personal road that led him into ministry. Caleb opens up about his years working at a local dairy plant, the struggles in his marriage, and the moment that brought him to rock bottom and straight into a life-changing encounter with Christ.

Caleb shares how the Holy Spirit transformed his life, his marriage, and his purpose, shifting him from a 12-year career in the dairy industry to full-time ministry. He talks candidly about sin, repentance, healing, Scripture, and the unmistakable peace that marked his turning point. From learning guitar on the fly to stepping into leadership roles he never expected, Caleb’s story is a raw and honest look at God’s power to rebuild what feels broken.

This episode is a testimony to redemption, calling, and the everyday courage it takes to follow where God leads.

In this special takeover episode of Torch Talk, Julia Kooser, Fierce's Director of Client Success, steps in for Lindsey and takes listeners inside the departments that power Fierce Creative Solutions. This episode reveals the real conversations, collaboration, and problem-solving that happen behind the scenes every day, from digital strategy and SEO to copywriting, creative production, project management, and operations.

Julia sits down with team members across Fierce, Ash, Ashley, Vinny, Garrett, Laney, and Rachel, to talk about what client success really looks like. They discuss adapting campaigns based on CRM feedback, creating authentic content, navigating on-site client training, setting expectations, managing deadlines, and how each department works together to support the client experience from start to finish.

This candid, team-driven episode showcases the heartbeat of Fierce: clear communication, shared purpose, and a unified commitment to client success.

In this episode of Torch Talk, Lindsey sits down with Kevin West, executive coach, founder of Invisible Insights, and member of the Forbes Coaches Council. They discuss the deeper, often unseen work that drives leadership, growth, and transformation.

Kevin breaks down the ideas behind his coaching philosophy, including why every epiphany requires a strategy, how leaders can manage attention instead of time, and why clarity unlocks the energy and courage needed for change. He also shares real examples from coaching CEOs and business owners across the country, showing what it takes to scale a company without losing control or losing yourself in the process.

Packed with clarity, candor, and practical frameworks, this conversation offers a roadmap for leaders who want to step into their next level without burning out or dragging the wagon alone.

In this Torch Talk episode, Lindsey sits down with Leah Keim, who shares what it’s like to grow and evolve inside a family business, Country Roofing and Exteriors, alongside her brothers, Aaron and Ruben. Leah opens up about her journey from corporate marketing into a smaller, fast-paced environment where every team member wears many hats and impact is immediate.

She reflects on how the company has grown from a small roofing crew into a full-service exterior business, and how her marketing background helped shape its identity. Leah also talks candidly about the balance between work and motherhood, the flexibility that comes with a family-run business, and the lessons learned from watching her brothers build something lasting from the ground up.

As Leah puts it, “You put some of your own heart into it… seeing the fruits of that is really special.”‍
It’s a grounded, honest conversation about growth, grace, and finding purpose in both work and family.

In this episode of Torch Talk, Lindsey sits down with Sandi Stoltzfus, owner and venue coordinator of Winesburg Farm, one of Ohio’s most picturesque wedding destinations nestled in the heart of Amish Country. What began as a family project has grown into a breathtaking venue known for its beauty, warmth, and personal touch.

Sandi shares the story behind restoring the 200-year-old farmhouse and 180-year-old barn, turning them into a space where couples can relax, celebrate, and feel completely at home. With her simple but powerful approach of listening deeply, caring personally, and executing with excellence, Sandi and her family have created more than just a venue. They’ve built a place that celebrates love, legacy, and connection.

It’s a heartfelt look at what happens when passion meets purpose and how one family turned a historic farm into a place where people feel seen, celebrated, and loved.

In this episode of Torch Talk, Lindsey sits down with Drew Gooding, financial advisor and certified financial planner with Edward Jones, to talk about how real success in business is built on relationships, not transactions. Drew shares the lessons, mentors, and moments that shaped his relationship-first approach to business and life, from shadowing mentors as a college student to leading his own financial practice in Millersburg.

He opens up about starting his career during the pandemic, learning to build trust virtually, and why empathy and curiosity matter more than ever in a field built on money and emotion. Drew also offers honest advice for young professionals finding their path, the power of mentorship, and what it means to serve people before selling to them.

This conversation is a reminder that the best businesses and the best leaders start with relationships.

In this episode of Torch Talk, Lindsey sits down with two members of the Fierce Creative Solutions team, videographer and photographer Garrett, and SEO specialist Vinny, for a candid, behind-the-scenes conversation about work, growth, and figuring things out in your 20s.

Garrett and Vinny share what they’ve learned in their first years at Fierce and how work, life, and learning look a little different for their generation. The conversation dives into what it’s like to work in a fast-paced agency, how to balance high standards with personal growth, and why failure isn’t the opposite of success. It’s part of it.

It’s a real, funny, and insightful look inside agency life from two voices learning what it means to build careers with curiosity, courage, and humility.

In this episode of Torch Talk, Lindsey sits down with Rick Geiser, a teacher, co-athletic director, and head girls’ basketball coach at Waynedale High School, to talk about leadership that lasts far beyond the court. With more than 30 years of experience in teaching and coaching, Rick has built a culture grounded in consistency, accountability, and care.

From implementing “RFD” (Run From Drama) as a team core value to helping players see their worth beyond wins and losses, Rick shares how relationships form the foundation of every successful classroom, team, and community. He also discusses the power of feedback, celebrating growth, and creating a space where both coaches and students can learn through failure.

It’s a conversation full of heart, humor, and hard-won wisdom from a leader who’s shaped generations of students and athletes through purpose, patience, and positivity.

In this episode of Torch Talk, Lindsey sits down with Wes Keim, owner and CEO of Grand View Exteriors, to talk about the highs, lows, and lessons of building a business from scratch. Wes shares how trial, error, and resilience shaped his path as an entrepreneur, from staining gazebos at 19 to leading a growing exterior systems company today.

Wes opens up about early mistakes that taught him lasting lessons, the leap from roofing coatings to full exterior systems, and why setting values early on makes all the difference in business growth. He also dives into personal development, the importance of thinking time, and how leaders can avoid letting money or busyness become their guide.

It’s an honest, practical, and inspiring conversation for leaders who want to grow businesses with purpose and bring their best to the table every day.

In this episode of Torch Talk, Lindsey sits down with real estate professional Joe Chupp to talk about what it really takes to succeed in a tough, fast-changing market. With a background in construction, development, and investment, Joe brings more than 25 years of hands-on experience to the table, and he’s not afraid to roll up his sleeves for his clients.

Joe shares how grit, connections, and a willingness to “knock on doors” have shaped his approach to real estate. He also offers candid advice for business owners considering investing in property, and for young buyers trying to break into today’s market.

It’s a conversation packed with practical advice, honest stories, and a look at the persistence it takes to thrive in real estate and business today.

In this episode of Torch Talk, Lindsey sits down with Aubrey and Chloe. They are both former Fierce Creative Solutions interns who’ve grown into part-time roles on the team. In this episode, they discuss learning the ropes of social media and photography to navigating feedback, generational differences, and future career plans. They share what it’s really like to step into the world of marketing as Gen Z professionals.

This candid conversation covers everything from the surprises of agency life to the importance of internships that actually teach you something. You’ll also hear their advice for high school and college students considering a career in marketing and their take on how younger employees want to be led, supported, and challenged.

It’s an honest, funny, and insightful look at the next generation of marketers and the leaders they’re becoming.

In this episode of Torch Talk, Lindsey sits down with Sarah Mast, marketing director, strategist, and storyteller, whose career path has spanned customer service counters, retail floors, product development teams, and digital strategy boards. From her early days in dental offices and banking to leading marketing at QSI, Sarah’s journey shows how every role can shape a bigger picture.

Sarah shares how going back to school in her mid-twenties reshaped her career, what she’s learned about balancing education with motherhood, and why marketing is about more than tactics. It’s about connecting with people. The conversation also dives into the rapid changes in digital marketing, the role of AI, and what younger professionals should know before jumping into the field.

This is a candid, insightful conversation about resilience, creativity, and the career paths that don’t always look straight, but lead exactly where you’re meant to go.

In this episode of Torch Talk, Lindsey sits down with Bob Bennett, founder of Farsight Management and a nationally respected expert in indoor air quality. With more than 30 years of experience and over 6,000 inspections under his belt, Bob shares the story of how he launched his company at age 45, built it on education and integrity, and has kept it thriving for 25 years.

From mold and lead paint to asbestos and volatile organic compounds, Bob explains the science of healthy buildings and why reputation, training, and relentless learning matter as much as technical skill. He also opens up about the challenges of entrepreneurship, the lessons that come with longevity, and the unusual “bat guano” case he’ll never forget.

It’s a conversation packed with wisdom, science, and practical lessons for leaders who want to build businesses that last.

In this special episode of Torch Talk, Lindsey hands the mic to her four daughters, Payton, Caity, Eden, and Kensie, for a candid, funny, and surprisingly honest conversation about life with a mom who runs a growing marketing agency.

From coffee habits and shared calendars to mission trips, middle school fears, and pretending to work at the Fierce Creative Solutions office, the Chupp kids share their unique perspective on what it’s like behind the scenes of business ownership. And Lindsey? She’s not afraid to answer a few tough (and slightly uncomfortable) questions of her own.

It’s a mix of heartfelt moments, lighthearted banter, and plenty of laughter - proof that business and family might be messy, but they can be a whole lot of fun, too.

In this episode of Torch Talk, Lindsey sits down with the Fierce Creative Solutions digital team: Vinny (SEO), Ashton (PPC), and Ashley (copywriting & email marketing). Together, they pull back the curtain on what it’s really like to manage digital marketing in a world where platforms, algorithms, and AI are changing by the week.

From debating Google’s Gemini search to sharing their love–hate relationship with AI tools, the team gets candid about the challenges and wins of helping clients stay visible online. They also share the behind-the-scenes collaboration that keeps SEO, paid ads, and copy aligned, and why real-life consumer behavior is the ultimate test for every strategy.

It’s honest, unfiltered, and a little nerdy - proof that digital marketing takes more than strategy. It takes grit, flexibility, and a willingness to keep learning.

In this episode of Torch Talk, Lindsey sits down with Joe Warkall, an entrepreneur, sales leader, and founder of R3 Restoration, to talk about building something from the ground up, even when you’re scared.

From walking away from law school to chasing storms across the country, Joe’s journey is anything but linear. He opens up about starting a business without all the answers, wearing every hat in the early days, and choosing impact over ease. The conversation goes beyond entrepreneurship. It’s about mindset, resilience, and leading with purpose even when the path feels uncertain.

This is an honest, energizing conversation for anyone building something new, leading through change, or wondering if it’s time to make the leap.

In this episode of Torch Talk, Lindsey sits down with Linda Allison, founder of Allison Management Solutions, to talk about what it really takes to lead well. With decades of experience, from shop floors to boardrooms, Linda brings a blend of no-nonsense wisdom and heartfelt encouragement to leaders navigating growth, conflict, and change.

From her early days in manufacturing to her current role as a leadership coach and strategist, Linda shares why knowing what to do isn’t enough and how great leaders follow through.

This episode is packed with real talk for leaders who are done winging it and ready to build structure, trust, and sustainable growth into their business.

In this episode of Torch Talk, Lindsey sits down with Jordan Mullet. He is a sales strategist, team builder, and coach to business leaders and sales professionals across the region. Jordan shares his honest journey from door-to-door failure to respected sales trainer, and why sales success is more about mindset, behavior, and self-awareness than flashy tactics.

Drawing from over a decade of experience with Sandler and a lifetime inside a family business, Jordan talks candidly about what it takes to grow as a salesperson, why autonomy is harder than it looks, and how to push yourself without burning out.

This is a conversation packed with clarity, candor, and real-world insight for anyone who leads, sells, or wants to grow without coasting.

In this special roundtable episode of Torch Talk, Lindsey sits down with the Fierce Creative Solutions social media team for a candid behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to build a brand online in 2025. From TikTok algorithms and platform myths to content that flops and strategies that scale, this is the honest, unfiltered social media conversation most agencies won’t have in public.

Get ready to hear directly from the team creating daily content for local and regional businesses, and what they really wish clients understood about growth, engagement, and staying relevant.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by social trends, algorithm changes, or the pressure to post, know it’s not just you. This episode breaks it all down with humor, honesty, and a few hot takes.

In this episode of Torch Talk, Lindsey sits down with Nick Pickrel, founder of Kingsway Services, to talk about what it means to build a business where faith, grit, and leadership intersect.

From mowing lawns at age 11 to launching a values-driven asphalt company in the middle of a pandemic, Nick shares a candid look at the realities of entrepreneurship, like what he’s learned, what he’s let go of, and how he’s built a culture that refuses to compromise on integrity.

This episode is packed with honesty, humility, and practical lessons for anyone building something with a bigger purpose in mind.

In this episode of Torch Talk, Lindsey sits down with Chris and Deanna from Branches Consulting Co. They are two seasoned leaders who are helping businesses grow with clarity, culture, and conviction.

Chris and Deanna offer a fresh perspective on what it means to lead with purpose, from decades of experience in healthcare and nonprofit leadership to their current work equipping businesses through Branches Consulting and Branches Worldwide. They talk candidly about creating intentional culture, applying faith in the workplace, and how to pursue both professional excellence and personal fulfillment.

This episode will equip you to lead with purpose, whether you’re building a business, shaping culture, or balancing leadership with life at home.

In this episode of Torch Talk, Lindsey from Fierce Creative Solutions sits down with Matt Shanlian, local business leader, legacy builder, and proud face of a thriving family-run mortgage company. From his first job wrangling go-karts to leading CCM through industry shifts and personal growth, Matt shares what it really takes to grow a business built on trust, relationships, and resilience.

Expect real talk on family dynamics at work, the challenge of holding people accountable when you care deeply, and what it means to lead with both heart and strategy. Matt also highlights two local nonprofits that are making a meaningful difference in the community: Ohuddle and Forget Me Not Baskets.

If you're leading a team, running a business, or building something with people you love, this episode offers a relatable, insightful look behind the scenes.

In this very first episode of Torch Talk, host Lindsey from Fierce Creative Solutions introduces the podcast and what it’s all about. Torch Talk is your new go-to source for honest conversations with local business leaders who are growing with grit, purpose, and bold ideas.

Whether you're a small business owner, entrepreneur, or leader looking for connection and practical tools, this podcast is for you. Tune in to learn what to expect from future episodes, when new episodes drop, and how to follow along.

New episodes every Tuesday. You won’t want to miss this.