In this Halloween Special of The Business Development Podcast, Kelly Kennedy sits down with the legendary Jim Harold — the original paranormal podcaster and host of Jim Harold’s Campfire. With over 20 years in the business and millions of listeners worldwide, Jim shares how a lifelong fascination with the unexplained became one of the most successful independent podcasting careers in history. Together, they explore what it means to believe, the power of storytelling, and why people from every corner of the world are still drawn to share their mysterious, unexplainable experiences.

From ghosts and cryptids to UFOs and the mysteries of consciousness itself, this conversation goes far beyond the paranormal. Jim opens up about the lessons learned from two decades behind the mic, the evolving podcasting industry, and his belief that “the universe is not only stranger than we understand — it’s stranger than we can understand.” A powerful, reflective, and fittingly eerie episode that reminds us curiosity is what keeps the human spirit alive.

Key Takeaways:

1. Belief doesn’t require proof, and you can respect skepticism while still leaving room for mystery and wonder.

2. The power of storytelling connects us across generations, cultures, and beliefs more deeply than facts ever could.

3. Authenticity builds longevity; being real and consistent is what sustains a creative career.

4. Curiosity fuels creativity and keeps your content fresh and engaging.

5. Respect your guests’ truth; empathy creates more meaningful conversations than confrontation.

6. Persistence beats perfection, and consistency over time creates lasting success.

7. Follow your fascination because what genuinely interests you often becomes your greatest work.

8. Podcasting is about community, not celebrity; shared stories build loyalty and impact.

9. The unknown keeps us humble and open to growth by reminding us how little we truly know.

10. Legacy is built through consistency, showing up again and again until your work speaks for itself.

If you listen to The Business Development Podcast, you belong in The Catalyst Club.🔥

Join a private community of entrepreneurs, founders, and business development leaders committed to growth, accountability, and bold action.

👉 Step in at www.kellykennedyofficial.com/thecatalystclub

Additional Resources and Links:

If you loved this episode, explore more from the legendary Jim Harold, the original voice of paranormal podcasting. 👻

Check out his incredible shows:

🎙️ Jim Harold’s Campfire – Real stories from real people about the unexplainable: https://jimharold.com/campfire/

🛸 The Paranormal Podcast – Interviews with experts, authors, and experiencers from all corners of the unknown: https://jimharold.com/paranormalpodcast/

Dive deeper with Jim’s books — a collection of fascinating and eerie true tales that continue the storytelling legacy that made him a legend: https://jimharold.com/books/

Want even more? Join Jim Harold’s Plus Club for ad-free episodes, exclusive content, and access to a vast archive of paranormal stories: https://jimharold.com/plus/

And if you’re a podcaster looking to elevate your audio quality, try Auphonic, Jim’s recommended tool for...

In Episode 284 of The Business Development Podcast, Kelly Kennedy sits down with Adam Kimmel, an engineer with 12 global patents who made the leap from technical leadership to business development strategist. Together, they explore why so many technical professionals struggle to thrive in business development—and how to turn analytical precision into authentic human connection. Adam shares his journey from engineering to entrepreneurship, unpacking the mindset shifts that allow technical experts to succeed in client-facing roles while maintaining integrity, clarity, and depth in their communication.

The conversation dives into the intersection of engineering, marketing, and trust-building in an AI-saturated world. From using content and video as tools of authenticity to mastering the art of simplifying complex ideas, Adam reveals how to create real impact in a space often dominated by noise. This episode is a masterclass for engineers, consultants, and technical leaders who want to connect their expertise to opportunity and grow beyond the technical into true business development mastery.

Key Takeaways:

1. Technical expertise alone doesn’t translate to business success; connection and clarity are what bridge the gap.

2. Authentic communication builds trust faster than polished marketing ever can.

3. AI is a great thought partner but can’t replace human insight, depth, or emotional nuance.

4. Engineers and technical experts already have the analytical skills needed for BD; they just need to learn emotional context.

5. Storytelling is the most effective way to translate complex technical ideas into client understanding.

6. Video is the new frontier for authenticity; people want to see and hear the real person behind the expertise.

7. Repetition, feedback, and iteration are the keys to getting comfortable with video and public communication.

8. Content should start from one strong cornerstone piece like a white paper or interview and be repurposed into multiple formats.

9. Brand trust comes before conversion; no one buys until they believe you understand their problem.

10. The best business development professionals don’t sell; they educate, simplify, and connect.

If you listen to The Business Development Podcast, you belong in The Catalyst Club.🔥

Join a private community of entrepreneurs, founders, and business development leaders committed to growth, accountability, and bold action.

👉 Step in at www.kellykennedyofficial.com/thecatalystclub

In Episode 283 of The Business Development Podcast, Kelly Kennedy breaks down one of the toughest truths in business: why free almost always fails. Drawing on lessons from early mentor Kevin Pydde and his own entrepreneurial journey, Kelly explores how undercharging and giving too much away can quietly destroy your business. He shares the mindset and pricing framework that helped him build Capital Business Development and The Business Development Podcast from the ground up, teaching that consistent, predictable revenue, not commissions or goodwill, sustains long-term success.

Kelly also exposes the hidden cost of free, showing why clients who don’t pay rarely commit or transform. From coaching to community building, he reveals that every time you remove the price tag, you remove the value. This episode is a wake-up call for entrepreneurs and creators alike: if you want your work to matter, you have to charge for it. Because in the end, free isn’t generosity, it’s a loss for everyone.

Key Takeaways:

1. You have to look after your family first, your business second, and yourself third because everything is interconnected.

2. Consistent, predictable revenue keeps a business alive while commissions are just pennies from heaven.

3. Know your real costs because your time is only a fraction of what it truly takes to run your business.

4. Price for value, not hours, since clients pay for results and outcomes, not time spent.

5. Confidence in your pricing is essential because the first sale you make is always to yourself.

6. Free almost always fails because when people do not pay, they do not show up or commit.

7. A token price beats no price since even a small investment creates ownership and engagement.

8. Free is not generosity because it devalues your work and trains others to undervalue it too.

9. Discount strategically, not emotionally, by rewarding loyalty or early adoption, never desperation.

10. Charging fairly is not selfish because it builds the foundation that allows you to create real impact.

Building a business can be lonely, especially when it feels like no one around you truly understands the pressure, the grind, or the dreams that drive you. That’s why I created The Catalyst Club — a private community where entrepreneurs, leaders, and professionals connect with peers who actually get it.

Inside The Catalyst Club, you’ll find genuine support from people walking the same path. We share wins, tackle challenges, and grow together through weekly live events like Coffee with Rockstars, Catalyst Sessions, and Workshops. It’s real conversation, accountability, and encouragement from people who know what it takes to build something meaningful.

If you’re ready to stop doing it alone and start growing alongside others who understand the journey, join us today at KellyKennedyOfficial.com/thecatalystclub. Because success feels lighter when you’re surrounded by people who carry the same fire.

Episode 282 of The Business Development Podcast, “What AI Can’t Replace in Marketing with Jamie Moffat,” dives deep into the evolution of marketing from its radio roots to today’s AI-driven landscape. Jamie Moffat, a 30-year advertising veteran and digital marketing consultant with LocalIQ, shares his journey from selling vacuum cleaners and radio ads in the 90s to leading data-informed, AI-powered campaigns. He and Kelly unpack how modern technology has transformed how we reach customers—yet reveal that the fundamentals of trust, listening, and human connection remain unchanged.

Together, they explore what truly drives marketing success in 2025: speed of response, meaningful follow-up, and genuine relationships. From understanding the customer journey to using AI tools for smarter lead generation, Jamie shows how technology can amplify—not replace—the human touch. This episode is a reminder that while automation and analytics continue to evolve, it’s still people, not programs, who close deals and build lasting brands.

Key Takeaways:

1. AI can optimize your marketing, but it can’t replace the trust built through human connection.

2. Listening is still the most powerful skill in sales—it never goes out of style.

3. Speed matters. The faster you follow up, the higher your close rate.

4. Marketing is only as strong as the message. Content is still king.

5. Technology evolves, but relationships remain the foundation of every great business.

6. The customer journey starts with a trigger event—know it, and meet them there.

7. Missed calls mean missed opportunities. Always answer or call back fast.

8. Data helps guide your strategy, but emotion drives the decision to buy.

9. Authentic, human communication outperforms AI-generated content every time.

10. The future of marketing isn’t replacing people—it’s empowering them to connect better.

If you listen to The Business Development Podcast, you belong in The Catalyst Club.🔥

Join a private community of entrepreneurs, founders, and business development leaders committed to growth, accountability, and bold action.

👉 Step in at www.kellykennedyofficial.com/thecatalystclub

In Episode 281, Kelly Kennedy delivers a powerful reminder that in a world moving faster than ever, adaptability isn’t optional—it’s the skill that defines whether we thrive or fade. He shares how resisting change once held him back, from pushing against early CRM systems to realizing that fear of new ideas only slows progress for everyone involved. Using Apple as a case study in self-disruption, Kelly shows how the most successful leaders and companies evolve intentionally—choosing to innovate before they’re forced to.

Kelly challenges listeners to stop fearing change and start seeking it, revealing how the information age has given way to the intelligence age powered by AI. He outlines clear, practical steps to embrace adaptability, face fear, and lead with purpose in times of rapid transformation. The message is clear: adaptability isn’t about reacting to change—it’s about causing it, while it’s still your choice to do so.

Key Takeaways:

1. Adaptability isn’t reacting to change, it’s causing it before you’re forced to.

2. The information age is over — those who cling to old rules will get left behind.

3. Fear of change is natural, but it’s usually just the fear of what we can’t yet see.

4. The other side of change is always better, even if it’s invisible from where you stand.

5. Resisting progress doesn’t protect us — it holds everyone back.

6. Apple’s success came from self-disruption; they chose to evolve while it was still their choice.

7. In the AI era, adaptability isn’t optional — it’s the new literacy.

8. Systems and processes still matter, but only if they evolve with you.

9. Growth begins when you stop defending comfort and start seeking change.

10. The people who win the future will be the ones who adapt faster than fear can stop them.

If you listen to The Business Development Podcast, you belong in The Catalyst Club.🔥

Join a private community of entrepreneurs, founders, and business development leaders committed to growth, accountability, and bold action.

👉 Step in at www.kellykennedyofficial.com/thecatalystclub

In Episode 280 of The Business Development Podcast, Kelly Kennedy sits down with Jason Michaud, founder and CEO of Stardust Technologies, to explore the coming Space Boom of 2036—a defining moment that could reshape global economies, industries, and human potential. Jason shares his mission to make space accessible for everyone while warning that Canada and much of the world are not prepared for what’s coming. From helping pioneer the world’s first Indigenous space agency to collaborating on THEIA, a lunar analog habitat designed to simulate life beyond Earth, Jason and his team at Stardust are leading a bold vision for humanity’s next frontier.

Together, Kelly and Jason unpack why the world isn’t ready—from outdated education systems and short-sighted policy to the urgent need for infrastructure and leadership in the new space economy. This conversation is a wake-up call for innovators and entrepreneurs everywhere: the next great race has already begun, and the decisions we make in the next decade will determine who thrives in the new age of space.

Key Takeaways:

1. The next great economic shift is already on the horizon — the Space Boom of 2036 will redefine how nations and industries operate.

2. Most of the world, including Canada, is not prepared for the coming wave of innovation, infrastructure, and opportunity that space will demand.

3. Space exploration is no longer limited to governments; it’s becoming a commercial and entrepreneurial frontier that rewards vision and action.

4. Education systems need to evolve now to prepare the next generation for space-focused science, engineering, and business leadership.

5. Canada has the talent and potential to be a leader in space, but only if it invests early and builds the ecosystem to support it.

6. Collaboration between Indigenous communities, governments, and private companies can create a more inclusive and ethical space future.

7. The development of analog habitats like THEIA is critical for preparing humans to live and thrive beyond Earth.

8. The companies and countries that move first in the next decade will define the standards, technology, and culture of the new space economy.

9. Making space accessible for everyone isn’t just a dream — it’s an urgent necessity for long-term human progress and survival.

10. The countdown has already begun; those who wait for the future to arrive will be left behind when the new space race takes off.

If you’re ready to grow alongside other driven entrepreneurs and business leaders, join The Catalyst Club—a private community built on support, growth, and connection for people serious about building something that lasts.

If you’ve been looking for a place to connect with like-minded entrepreneurs who truly get it, I think you’ll love it.

👉 www.kellykennedyofficial.com/thecatalystclub

Episode 279 of The Business Development Podcast, The 10 Unspoken Laws of Trust, dives deep into the unseen foundation behind every successful relationship, deal, and opportunity: trust. Kelly explores how trust shapes human behavior, why it’s not automatic despite being essential to society, and the ten unspoken laws that quietly govern how we build and maintain it. From honesty and reciprocity to fairness, accountability, and transparency, this episode uncovers the hidden social and biological frameworks that make trust the cornerstone of business and life.

In the second half, Kelly breaks down how to intentionally build trust in business development using five powerful steps rooted in human psychology. He explains how safety, consistency, competence, empathy, and follow-through work together to calm the brain’s natural defense system and open the door to real connection. The result is a masterclass on transforming reliability into loyalty — and why, in a world full of noise, predictability and authenticity are the ultimate business advantage.

Key Takeaways:

1. Trust is the silent force that drives every deal, relationship, and opportunity in business development—it’s the real currency behind every transaction.

2. Society relies on trust to function, but it’s not automatic because our biology evolved to protect us before it connects us.

3. Words and promises form the foundation of trust; when they’re broken, the entire system of communication and reliability collapses.

4. Fairness, accountability, and reciprocity are natural laws of trust that make cooperation possible and keep relationships stable.

5. Predictability is the cornerstone of trust—when people know what to expect, their fear response quiets and loyalty forms.

6. Transparency builds safety; secrecy breeds suspicion. Sharing your process and progress openly earns long-term confidence.

7. Reputation is trust’s shortcut—each fulfilled promise becomes proof of credibility and a signal to others that you’re dependable.

8. Trust isn’t built on perfection, but on consistency; reliability over time is what transforms confidence into loyalty.

9. To earn trust faster, focus on emotional safety, consistency, competence, empathy, and follow-through in every interaction.

10. The goal of business development isn’t to persuade—it’s to help the human nervous system decide, “I’m safe with you,” because that’s when opportunity.

We’re proud to be finalists in the 2025 Signal Awards — the only Canadian 🍁 and independent show in the Business category!

If The Business Development Podcast has ever inspired or helped you, please take a moment to vote for us in the People’s Choice Awards. Every vote shows that passion and authenticity still win.

👉 Vote here

Episode 278 of The Business Development Podcast dives into the explosive rise of Startup TNT with co-founder Tim Lynn, a financial strategist and serial entrepreneur who has helped reshape Western Canada’s startup ecosystem. Tim shares his journey from investment banking to building a community-driven angel investing platform that has mobilized millions in capital, empowered new investors, and opened doors for founders across the Prairies. With a unique blend of expertise as a CPA, CFA, and CBV, Tim explains how Startup TNT is lowering barriers to entry for angel investing and creating real momentum for entrepreneurs.

In this conversation, Tim breaks down the realities of angel investing — why most startups fail, how to build a diversified portfolio, and why collaboration beats going it alone. He shares powerful lessons from his own entrepreneurial journey, the challenges of growing companies in Alberta, and the opportunities that make Western Canada a force on the global stage. Packed with insights, practical wisdom, and explosive energy, this episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about startups, investing, and the future of entrepreneurship in Canada.

Key Takeaways:

1. Most startups fail — 80–90% don’t make it, which is why diversification is critical in angel investing.

2. A winning portfolio isn’t about one bet, it’s about 20–40 “shots on goal” to increase the odds of success.

3. Angel investing doesn’t have to mean $100K+ cheques — pooling $5–10K investments makes it accessible to more people.

4. Collaboration beats isolation: Startup TNT thrives by bringing investors, founders, and communities together.

5. Investors shouldn’t impose their own vision — success comes from backing founders who see the future clearly.

6. The role of investors is to champion companies — providing introductions, advice, and resources when asked, not dictating.

7. Great companies are built on strong teams — weak team dynamics can derail even the best products.

8. Distribution and sales often matter more than the product itself; the best idea isn’t enough without reach.

9. Alberta and Western Canada have world-class talent and innovation, but need more business and sales expertise to scale.

10. Early mistakes and failures are part of the process — both founders and investors grow by “bumping into walls” and learning.

🚨 We’re also proud to be nominated for the 2025 Signal Awards in the Business Category — and we need your help! We’re the only Canadian independent show in the category, and every vote counts. Cast your vote here:

👉 https://vote.signalaward.com/PublicVoting#/2025/shows/genre/business