Impel Forward Podcast

Think you know wine? Think again.
In this episode, we sit down with expert and business owner Brian Lane of Sticks & Vines to break down the biggest misconceptions about wine, how to choose the right bottle, and what actually separates cheap wine from expensive wine.
Whether you’re a beginner or someone who’s been drinking wine for years, this conversation will change how you look at wine forever. From understanding flavor profiles and pairings to learning how to confidently order wine at a restaurant, this episode is packed with game you can use immediately.
We also dive into wine culture, common mistakes people make, and insider tips you won’t hear anywhere else.
If you’ve ever felt confused, intimidated, or just curious about wine—this is the episode for you.

In this episode, we sit down with Mavis Peaks, owner of Skrimp Shack, to break down one of the most powerful business turnarounds you’ll hear.
When she took over, the location had a 2.9-star rating. Through leadership, strategy, and consistency, she transformed it into a 4.9-star business.
We dive into:    •    How she identified what was broken in the business    •    The exact changes she made to improve customer experience    •    The mindset required to turn around a struggling franchise    •    Lessons on leadership, branding, and operations    •    The real truth about owning and scaling a food franchise

How do you actually raise money for your business? What are investors REALLY looking for before they say yes?
In this episode of the Impel Forward Podcast, we sit down with marketing and growth expert Frank Pollock to break down the real strategies behind raising capital, securing investors, and funding your vision the right way.
If you’re an entrepreneur, startup founder, or someone trying to take your idea to the next level, this conversation will give you the blueprint you need to stop guessing and start getting funded.
We dive into:    •    How to raise money for your business    •    What investors look for before investing    •    Common mistakes that kill your chances of getting funded    •    How to position your brand to attract capital    •    The difference between a good idea and a fundable business    •    Real strategies used to raise money for startups and companies
This isn’t theory—this is real game from someone who’s helped businesses grow, scale, and secure funding.
🎯 If you’re serious about building, growing, and funding your vision… this episode is for you.

How do you grow faster in business—by competing or collaborating?
In this episode of the Impel Forward Podcast, we sit down with three successful business owners who have found a way to win together. Instead of competing for the same customers, they built a system of collaboration that helps each of their businesses grow stronger.
We break down how they support each other, share opportunities, and turn individual success into collective power. If you’re an entrepreneur, business owner, or creative looking to scale, this conversation will challenge the way you think about competition and show you a better path forward.
In this episode, you’ll learn:    •    How collaboration can grow your business faster than competition    •    The mindset shift every entrepreneur needs to succeed    •    How to build strategic partnerships that actually work    •    Ways to create win-win opportunities with other business owners    •    The real benefits of working together instead of alone
Instagrams:  @aglassabove @thewestroomraleigh @fullstreetwings

What does it really take to build a brand that lasts?
In this episode of the Impel Forward Podcast, we sit down with the visionary behind one of Durham’s most recognized restaurant brands to talk about what most people never see—the belief, the vision, and the mindset it takes to keep going when nothing is guaranteed.
This isn’t just a conversation about business. It’s about betting on yourself, trusting the process, and building something bigger than the moment in front of you.
If you’re an entrepreneur, creator, or someone chasing a vision, this episode will challenge how you think about success, consistency, and belief.
In this episode, we cover:    •    The mindset behind building a lasting brand    •    Turning vision into reality without shortcuts    •    What belief really looks like in business    •    Lessons from growing and evolving a brand    •    How to stay locked in when the results aren’t immediate
IG and FB - Dames Chicken and Waffles 
https://dameschickenwaffles.com/

Durham’s nightlife scene just got a new addition. In this episode of the Impel Forward Podcast, we sit down with the owners of Eve Lounge on Parrish Street in downtown Durham to talk about how they turned an idea into one of the city’s newest cocktail lounges.
They share the story behind building Eve Lounge, the challenges of opening a lounge in today’s economy, and what it takes to bring a new concept to life in a growing city like Durham, North Carolina.
We discuss entrepreneurship, risk, business partnerships, and the vision for creating a space that blends cocktails, culture, music, and community.
If you’re interested in entrepreneurship, hospitality, nightlife, or the Durham business scene, this episode gives an inside look at what it takes to open a lounge from the ground up.
Topics discussed: • Starting a lounge business • Entrepreneurship and risk • Durham nightlife and culture • Business partnerships • Building a brand and experience
Subscribe to the Impel Forward Podcast for more conversations with entrepreneurs, creators, and leaders who are building businesses and moving their communities forward.

In this powerful episode of the Impel Forward Podcast, we sit down with a courageous guest who shares her real-life journey through breast cancer. From the moment she heard the life-changing diagnosis to the emotional, physical, and spiritual battle that followed, this conversation dives deep into fear, faith, resilience, and the strength it takes to keep moving forward.
She opens up about what going through breast cancer really feels like, the lessons she learned during the fight, and how the experience changed her perspective on life, family, and purpose.
This episode is for anyone facing cancer, supporting someone with cancer, or looking for inspiration from someone who refused to give up.
Topics discussed include:• Breast cancer diagnosis• The emotional battle of cancer• Faith and mindset during illness• Support systems and family• Life lessons after surviving cancer
If this story inspires you, make sure to subscribe to the Impel Forward Podcast, where we share real stories that encourage people to take action, overcome adversity, and keep moving forward.
 

This episode features a powerful conversation with Thomas Caraway (Tommy Xavier) of Durham, discussing community-led reform, violence prevention, re-entry programs, and how so called credible messengers are “NOT”working to stop shootings and change lives from within the city.
 
Impel Forward Podcast Disclaimer
The views and opinions expressed on this podcast—including discussions around news, politics, and current events—are solely those of the hosts and guests. All statements reflect personal thoughts and opinions and should not be taken as factual unless independently verified.This podcast does not provide financial, legal, medical, political, or life advice. Any opinions shared are based on what we would personally do, not recommendations for others. Listeners are encouraged to do their own research and consult qualified professionals before making any decisions.

What does a chiropractor really do—and can spinal health improve your overall wellness? In this episode, we sit down with a North Carolina chiropractor to break down chiropractic care, common misconceptions, pain management, posture, injury prevention, and how spinal alignment affects the nervous system and long-term health. Whether you’re dealing with back pain, headaches, or just want to move and feel better, this conversation offers real insight into holistic health and preventative care.
https://impelforwardmerch.com/

In this episode of The Impel Forward Podcast, I sit down with Dasan Ahanu to talk poetry, hip-hop, freedom, and the responsibility of using your voice to shape culture. This conversation dives into art, identity, community, and what it truly means to move culture forward.
 
https://impelforwardmerch.com/