The Personal Side of Business Podcast

From Foreclosures to Fortune: Joe Mendoza’s Real Estate Comeback Story

In this powerful episode of The Personal Side of Business, we sit down with Joe Mendoza—investor, commercial realtor, business coach, author, and speaker—for an unfiltered journey through the highs and humbling lows of real estate entrepreneurship. From watching his father hustle in the Navy to losing millions during the 2008 crash, Joe shares how he built back smarter, stronger, and with a mission bigger than wealth: impact.
We explore his rise from part-time bill collector to top 1% realtor, his path into syndications and commercial real estate, and the mindset shift that redefined his definition of success. Joe unpacks his business philosophies, what he looks for in coaching clients, and how scaling with the right people and systems changed everything.
Whether you're just starting out, pivoting after a setback, or aiming to scale big—this episode is your roadmap.
Each episode features heartfelt stories from business owners, industry experts, and people pursuing their passion while shedding light on the challenges and triumphs of their journey. If you love perseverance, entrepreneurship, and community impact, this is the podcast for you!

Boardrooms & Breakthroughs: The Psychology Behind High-Performing Leaders

What happens when a former IT executive trades boardrooms for therapy rooms? In this episode of The Personal Side of Business, we sit down with Dr. Deke Marcus, a licensed clinical psychologist who specializes in helping executives and entrepreneurs understand themselves—and their teams—on a deeper level.
Dr. Marcus shares how emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and leadership development are often rooted in unresolved childhood dynamics and how even the most successful professionals can struggle with imposter syndrome, isolation, and burnout. From real-life leadership pitfalls to transformative breakthroughs, this conversation offers powerful insights for anyone looking to lead with purpose, balance, and empathy. Whether you're scaling a startup or managing a team of 500, this episode will change the way you think about executive success.
Each episode features heartfelt stories from business owners, industry experts, and people pursuing their passion while shedding light on the challenges and triumphs of their journey. If you love perseverance, entrepreneurship, and community impact, this is the podcast for you!

From Football Dreams to Purpose-Driven Impact: Johnathan King’s Empower Pathways Journey

In this powerful episode of The Personal Side of Business, we sit down with Johnathan King, co-founder of Empower Pathways—an adult day program in San Diego helping young adults with disabilities lead fuller lives. Once a football player dreaming of the NFL, Johnathan took a leap of faith from teaching into entrepreneurship to create a meaningful program inspired by his father’s passion for education.
He shares how he navigated red tape, the emotional highs of placing his first clients in jobs, and the overwhelming challenge of scaling with heart. From SeaWorld job offers to surprise Lamborghini rides, Johnathan’s mission is as moving as it is impactful. Whether you're an entrepreneur or someone looking to make a difference, this story will remind you that purpose often lies where passion meets courage.
Each episode features heartfelt stories from business owners, industry experts, and people pursuing their passion while shedding light on the challenges and triumphs of their journey. If you love perseverance, entrepreneurship, and community impact, this is the podcast for you!

Law, Legacy, and Liberty: Daniel Castaneda on Fighting for Immigrant Rights

In this episode of The Personal Side of Business, we sit down with Daniel Castaneda, a seasoned San Diego-based immigration and criminal defense attorney with over 15 years of experience. Born in Mexico City and shaped by a family legacy of lawyers, Daniel shares his personal journey—from studying psychology and international relations to finding his calling in the courtroom.
He opens up about the emotional complexities of representing detained immigrants, the shifting tides of U.S. immigration enforcement, and the real-life impact of deportation on families. Daniel also offers critical legal insights for undocumented individuals—clarifying their rights, sharing advice on staying prepared, and reflecting on what he would change in the current immigration system.
Whether you're navigating immigration law or simply seeking to understand it better, this episode delivers powerful stories and actionable knowledge from the front lines of justice.
Each episode features heartfelt stories from business owners, industry experts, and people pursuing their passion while shedding light on the challenges and triumphs of their journey. If you love perseverance, entrepreneurship, and community impact, this is the podcast for you!

Chasing Stability, Creating Legacy: Peter Carlseen’s Real Estate Success Story

In this episode, we sit down with Peter Carlseen — a San Diego-based realtor and property manager with over 20 years in the game. Following in his father’s footsteps, Peter began his real estate journey early and used his college business education to build a thriving property management company. Now managing over 250 properties, Peter shares the smart systems, strategic hires, and long-term mindset that helped him scale sustainably. If you're looking to grow a real estate business or understand what it takes to build legacy in the industry, this is one you won't want to miss.
Each episode features heartfelt stories from business owners, industry experts, and people pursuing their passion while shedding light on the challenges and triumphs of their journey. If you love perseverance, entrepreneurship, and community impact, this is the podcast for you!

Roots & Real Estate: Shylia Hernandez’s Journey from Psychology Dreams to Property Success

Shylia Hernandez didn’t just grow into real estate—she was born into it. With nearly two decades of experience and deep family roots in the industry, Shylia carved out her own path in the competitive San Diego market. Once aspiring to be a child psychologist, life’s twists led her to real estate, where she found the flexibility to raise her daughter and build a thriving business. In this episode, she opens up about motherhood, her passion for long-term client relationships, and how she blends heart and hustle in every deal.
Each episode features heartfelt stories from business owners, industry experts, and people pursuing their passion while shedding light on the challenges and triumphs of their journey. If you love perseverance, entrepreneurship, and community impact, this is the podcast for you!

Tooth Fairy to Foodie Fame: The Marvelous Muncher's Wild Ride into Marketing

Who ditches dental school to help tacos go viral? Vince did—and he’s not looking back. In this fun and flavorful episode, we unpack how Vince swapped scrubs for strategy and built a buzzworthy marketing biz helping San Diego restaurants (and even dental offices!) grow their revenue and their fan base. From Instagram-worthy food shots to brand makeovers that bite, Vince shares the creative moves behind his success—and how you can apply them to your business, too. Spoiler: it’s not just about pretty pictures.
Each episode features heartfelt stories from business owners, industry experts, and people pursuing their passion while shedding light on the challenges and triumphs of their journey. If you love perseverance, entrepreneurship, and community impact, this is the podcast for you!

Rooted in Love: Noe Avila’s Mission to Heal Marginalized Communities

Noe Avila knows what it’s like to grow up in an immigrant family — the pressure, the expectations, the unspoken emotions. That’s why he’s made it his life’s mission to help families just like his learn to open up, connect, and support each other through life’s ups and downs. As a family and marriage therapist, Noe brings heart, understanding, and real-life experience to every session. He’s not just here to listen — he’s here to help families grow stronger together, one honest conversation at a time.
Each episode features heartfelt stories from business owners, industry experts, and people pursuing their passion while shedding light on the challenges and triumphs of their journey. If you love perseverance, entrepreneurship, and community impact, this is the podcast for you!

From Pain to Purpose: How Jenna Ryan Turned UTI Struggles Into a Thriving Wellness Brand

In this episode, we sit down with Jenna Ryan, the inspiring Co-founder of Uqora—a company born from a deeply personal journey. After battling 8 painful UTIs in one year, Jenna and her husband, Spencer, decided to take matters into their own hands. Combining Spencer's science background with Jenna's expertise in e-commerce, they launched Uqora, a brand that has grown into a trusted resource for UTI prevention and education. Jenna shares how they built not just a product line, but a powerful community where people can share stories, find support, and reclaim their health. Tune in to hear how a personal health challenge sparked a mission-driven business that’s changing lives.
Each episode features heartfelt stories from business owners, industry experts, and community leaders, shedding light on the challenges and triumphs of keeping small businesses alive. If you love perseverance, entrepreneurship, and community impact, this is the podcast for you!
Uqora.com

Savor & Serve: The Akitso Story, A Nonprofit Saving Restaurants

Join us on this episode of The Personal Side of Business,  Savor & Serve: The Akitso Story, where we dive into the inspiring journey of Anna Sotto, a California native born to Thai immigrant restaurateurs. Growing up in the hustle of her family’s restaurant, Anna witnessed firsthand the struggles of small, independent eateries. Now, she’s on a mission to give back. Through her nonprofit, Akitso, she helps underserved restaurants thrive by providing essential support in marketing, financial literacy, operational efficiency, branding, menu revamps, and restaurant redesigns.
Each episode features heartfelt stories from business owners, industry experts, and community leaders, shedding light on the challenges and triumphs of keeping small businesses alive. If you love food, entrepreneurship, and community impact, this is the podcast for you!
Follow now and discover how Anna and Akitso are reshaping San Diego’s food scene, one restaurant at a time. 🍽✨