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.

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 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 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 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.