In this episode of the Logan Fields Podcast, Logan Fields, founder of The App Guys and longtime tech entrepreneur, sits down with Craig Mayes, founder of Solstice for Change, to explore what it really takes to create meaningful impact in the world. From building orphanages and schools in India to tackling homelessness in New York City, Craig shares the experiences that reshaped his worldview and led him to dedicate his life to helping marginalized communities.

The conversation begins with Craig’s first life-altering trip to India nearly two decades ago. What started as a short visit quickly became a turning point that forced him to confront the realities of global poverty. Seeing the conditions firsthand, especially through the eyes of his young daughter, sparked a deep conviction that he could not simply return to normal life without doing something meaningful. That decision led to decades of nonprofit work that has helped establish schools, hospitals, and humanitarian initiatives serving vulnerable populations.

As the discussion unfolds, Logan and Craig dive deeper into the complexities of the nonprofit world. They unpack the fundamental difference between fundraising and value creation, discussing why nonprofit leaders must build trust, tell powerful stories, and create authentic relationships with donors. Craig explains that effective philanthropy is not simply about asking for money; it is about connecting people who want to make a difference with organizations that are capable of delivering measurable results.

A major focus of the episode is Craig’s newest venture, Solstice for Change, an organization designed to connect generous donors with high-impact nonprofits around the world. Drawing from his experience as a nonprofit CEO, Craig shares how Solstice vets leaders, evaluates programs, and ensures that donor funds are used responsibly. His goal is ambitious: help direct over $100 million toward transformative social initiatives in the next decade.

The conversation also tackles one of the most challenging social issues in America today: homelessness. Craig offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at the systems attempting to address homelessness in New York City, including the massive budgets, complex policies, and structural barriers involved. Rather than offering simplistic solutions, he explains why homelessness often stems from multiple overlapping issues such as mental illness, addiction, and economic hardship.

Along the way, Logan and Craig explore the human side of social impact work. They discuss leadership, purpose, and the psychological factors that drive long-term change. Craig argues that many of the most effective programs focus not just on financial support, but on restoring hope, dignity, and personal agency for people who have lost everything.

Some of the key ideas explored in this episode include:

• How Craig Mayes’ journey to India reshaped his life and led to decades of humanitarian work

• The mission and model behind Solstice for Change and how it connects donors with high-impact organizations

• Why storytelling and human connection matter more than statistics in nonprofit fundraising

• The real causes of homelessness and why solving it requires different strategies for different people

• How innovative programs, mentorship, and leadership development can multiply social impact

Listeners will also hear fascinating stories from Craig’s travels across India and Nepal, including his firsthand experience observing organizations that rescue victims of human trafficking.

To learn more about Craig Mayes and his work, visit SolsticeForChange.org. If you enjoyed this episode of the Logan Fields Podcast, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who cares about innovation and impact. You can also connect with Logan Fields at LoganFields.com or TheAppGuys.com for more conversations on technology, leadership, and building ideas that shape the future.

In this episode of the Logan Fields Podcast, Logan Fields, entrepreneur, startup advisor, and founder of The App Guys, sits down with Chris Bolger, a performance coach, author, and former world-record holder in pull-ups. What begins as a conversation about mindset and success quickly unfolds into a deeper exploration of hypnosis, human behavior, performance psychology, and relationships under pressure.

Chris shares the remarkable story of how he went from two years of homelessness and severe anxiety to building a career helping high performers rewire their thinking. While many people view hypnosis as stage entertainment or a parlor trick, Chris explains that modern hypnosis is a powerful psychological tool for changing the emotional meaning attached to experiences, memories, and beliefs. According to Chris, the patterns that control our lives often originate from what he calls imprinting—moments in childhood or early life where the brain assigns meaning to an event and stores it deep in the unconscious mind.

Throughout the conversation, Logan pushes for clarity and real-world application, breaking down complex ideas so listeners can understand how mental models, perception, and subconscious patterns influence success, relationships, and decision-making. Chris explains how these unconscious processes affect everything from confidence and anxiety to how entrepreneurs approach risk and leadership.

One of the most fascinating parts of the episode is Chris’s discussion of replacing subconscious patterns instead of simply reframing them. He explains how the brain stores experiences with emotional “values” attached to them, and how tools like hypnosis can help people update those values so their reactions change automatically.

The episode also includes a short guided exercise designed to help listeners experience a shift in perspective in real time. By stepping outside of their own point of view and observing themselves from different mental “distances,” listeners can learn how to create emotional separation from stress and gain clearer insight into their own thinking.

Beyond mindset work, Chris dives into the area he focuses on most today: helping high-performing entrepreneurs protect and rebuild their marriages. According to Chris, the very traits that help founders succeed in business can often sabotage their relationships if they aren’t managed correctly.

Key topics explored in this episode include:

• Chris Bolger’s journey from homelessness to becoming a performance coach and author

• The science and misconceptions behind hypnosis and subconscious programming

• How imprinting shapes beliefs, fears, and behaviors throughout life

• Why entrepreneurs often struggle in relationships despite success in business

• The psychological tools Chris uses with high performers, executives, and leaders

• A short mental exercise designed to help listeners shift their state of mind

Logan also digs into Chris’s experience breaking two Guinness World Records for pull-ups, the mindset required to achieve extreme goals, and the psychology behind peak performance. The conversation highlights how small shifts in perception can dramatically change how people approach challenges, leadership, and relationships.

If you enjoyed this conversation, make sure to subscribe to the Logan Fields Podcast so you never miss an episode featuring entrepreneurs, innovators, and high performers who are shaping the future of technology and business. You can also connect with Logan Fields and learn more about his work at The App Guys by visiting loganfields.com or theappguys.com. Follow Logan on LinkedIn and other social platforms for updates on new episodes, insights on startups and technology, and behind-the-scenes conversations with leaders across the tech and entrepreneurial ecosystem.

In this powerful episode of the Logan Fields Podcast, Logan Fields sits down with Jondhi Harrell, founder of The Center for Returning Citizens in Philadelphia, for a conversation that is raw, honest, and deeply instructive. This is not just a story about prison. It’s a story about identity, leadership, responsibility, and what real redemption looks like when it’s lived out in public.

Jondhi spent 25 years in federal prison for bank robbery and weapons charges. At one point, he was an active bank robber building a business on stolen money. Today, he leads a nonprofit effort that feeds more than 70,000 people a year across Philadelphia. The contrast is staggering — but the transformation is even more compelling.

Logan doesn’t avoid the hard questions. They talk about incarceration, fatherhood, self-respect, gang structures inside federal prison, and what it actually takes to survive — and thrive — during nearly two decades behind bars. Jondhi shares how mentorship under Dr. Mutulu Shakur helped him build discipline, structure, and a philosophy rooted in service. Instead of wasting time, he committed to education, leadership, and community building even while incarcerated.

But this episode is not just about the past. It’s about what happens after prison.

Through The Center for Returning Citizens, Jondhi now focuses on:

• Food distribution and food rescue across Philadelphia

• Reentry programs built on accountability and relationship repair

• Conflict resolution programs inside local schools

• Youth engagement through service and community leadership

You’ll hear how his organization operates differently than traditional food banks. Instead of handing out bags, they create what feels like an outdoor market — allowing people to choose their food with dignity. Instead of charity, the emphasis is on community. Instead of labels like “ex-con,” they use the term returning citizens.

One of the most compelling parts of the conversation centers on mindset. Jondhi explains that reentry is not just about getting a job or housing. It’s about rebuilding identity. It’s about forgiving yourself before expecting forgiveness from others. It’s about confronting reality instead of romanticizing the past. As he puts it, you must “put in work” every single day.

Logan brings his signature curiosity and grounded perspective, challenging assumptions around race, leadership, and responsibility while creating space for nuance. Together, they explore themes like:

• The psychology of long-term incarceration

• Restoring self-respect after public failure

• The economics of food insecurity

• Black leadership in community resource distribution

• The tension between punishment and redemption

The conversation also addresses a practical challenge: after feeding tens of thousands of people annually, Jondhi’s organization is now raising $300,000 to $400,000 to secure warehouse space, expand distribution capacity, and scale partnerships with farms and manufacturers. Growth requires infrastructure — and infrastructure requires capital.

This episode is a masterclass in personal accountability, systems thinking, and grassroots leadership. It challenges simplistic narratives about crime and punishment while highlighting the power of disciplined transformation. Whether you care about criminal justice reform, nonprofit leadership, community building, or personal development, this conversation delivers substance.

If this episode resonates with you, make sure to subscribe to the Logan Fields Podcast on your preferred platform. Share it with someone who needs to hear a real story about change. You can learn more about Logan Fields, his work in technology and innovation, and past episodes at LoganFields.com. To support or learn more about The Center for Returning Citizens, search their organization online and explore ways to get involved.

Leadership isn’t theory. It’s lived. And this episode proves it.

In this episode of the Logan Fields Podcast, Logan Fields, Founder and CEO of The App Guys, sits down with producer and entrepreneur Megan Mayes for a candid, behind-the-scenes conversation about the real business of filmmaking. From indie passion projects to $500,000 commercial shoots, this episode explores what it actually takes to build a production company, manage creative talent, and survive in a high-risk, high-stakes industry.

Megan shares her unconventional path into film, starting with childhood movie projects alongside her brother, later attending NYU, and eventually taking the leap to produce her own independent film. What began as artistic curiosity evolved into a disciplined pursuit of mastery. She breaks down how she moved from bartending in New York to producing narrative films and eventually carving out a profitable niche in commercial production.

Logan, coming from the world of startups and software, pushes into the business mechanics behind the glamour. The result is a fascinating contrast between creative instinct and data-driven strategy. Together, they unpack how indie filmmakers approach risk differently than studios, why most big-budget films rely on a volume strategy, and how independent projects demand deeper intentionality and care.

You’ll hear an unfiltered discussion about:

• The difference between indie films and studio productions

• How commercial production budgets actually work

• Managing cash flow, deposits, and net-90 payment terms

• Dealing with high-profile talent and unpredictable personalities

• Why many films never get released

• The realities of set life, long shoot days, and leadership under pressure

One of the most compelling threads in the conversation is the tension between art and economics. Megan explains why she resists writing stories purely for budget constraints, while Logan challenges the industry’s traditional cash flow structure. The conversation moves fluidly between philosophy and practicality, revealing what it really means to operate as both an artist and a CEO.

They also dive into leadership. What happens when a primary actor threatens to walk off set? How do you protect crew morale when tensions rise? Megan shares a powerful story about navigating conflict with empathy while maintaining authority. It’s a masterclass in composure and persuasion.

Beyond film sets and financial models, the episode explores personal growth. Megan discusses coaching, mastery, and why she believes understanding every department on set makes her a stronger producer. Logan draws parallels to building elite teams inside a tech company, emphasizing that whether you’re shipping software or shooting a feature film, culture and clarity win.

You’ll also hear lighter moments, including rapid-fire questions, stories of broken noses, favorite films like The Father, and reflections on storytelling as a tool for empathy. At its core, this episode is about building something meaningful in an industry that doesn’t guarantee outcomes.

If you’re an entrepreneur, creative professional, filmmaker, or startup founder, this conversation offers rare insight into:

• Scaling a service-based business

• Balancing creative vision with profitability

• Structuring production companies for long-term growth

• Surviving volatility in media and entertainment

• Turning passion projects into sustainable careers

This is more than a film discussion. It’s a deep dive into risk tolerance, strategic thinking, and the courage required to create at a high level.

To stay connected with Logan Fields, visit LoganFields.com and TheAppGuys.com. Follow Logan on LinkedIn for insights on technology, entrepreneurship, and leadership. If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to the Logan Fields Podcast, leave a review, and share it with someone building in the creative or startup world. Your support helps amplify conversations with founders, innovators, and creators shaping the future.

In this episode of the Logan Fields Podcast, Logan Fields sits down with Clifton Prescod, a world-renowned celebrity and entertainment campaign photographer whose work has shaped global film, television, and streaming launches. From Emmy-winning projects to photographing the most recognizable faces in culture, Clifton’s career is a masterclass in patience, positioning, and long-term creative leverage.

Clifton opens up about his unconventional path, starting with years of unpaid work, deep apprenticeship, and relentless skill-building before ever earning his first dollar. Rather than chasing shortcuts, he focused on mastering craft, building trust, and understanding how creative excellence intersects with business strategy. That long-game mindset ultimately led him to work on major campaigns for networks like Netflix, NBC, and Peacock, and to earn multiple Emmys as part of elite production teams.

The conversation goes beyond photography. Logan and Clifton explore what it really takes to operate at the highest levels of entertainment without losing your identity. They unpack how Clifton differentiates himself in a crowded industry, why he rejects the title of “celebrity photographer,” and how creating a consistent on-set experience has become one of his greatest competitive advantages. This episode is as much about human psychology and relationship management as it is about cameras and lighting.

Clifton also shares the story behind his next chapter: the launch of a luxury eyewear brand designed with the same intentionality he brings to his photography. Drawing from his background in industrial design, global manufacturing partnerships in Japan, and a sharp understanding of status branding, he explains why pricing high, embracing scarcity, and obsessing over detail are non-negotiable. This isn’t merch. It’s a collectible, heirloom product built for cultural placement and long-term brand equity.

Throughout the episode, Logan Fields challenges Clifton on pricing power, investor dynamics, and how founders should think about signaling value in premium markets. The two dive into lessons from luxury brands, the dangers of over-accessibility, and why not every customer is meant to be yours. The discussion also touches on faith, pressure, ego management, and how to stay grounded while working with high-profile talent.

Key topics explored include:

• Building a creative career through apprenticeship, patience, and repetition

• How to earn trust with celebrities and executives under extreme time pressure

• Turning artistic skill into business leverage and pricing power

• Designing and launching a luxury product with cultural relevance

• Managing high-profile relationships with discretion and confidence

• The mindset shift from artist to founder without losing creative integrity

This episode is especially relevant for founders, creatives, designers, and operators who want to build something meaningful without chasing trends or validation. Clifton’s story reinforces that real momentum is built quietly, over time, through disciplined execution and thoughtful positioning.

If you enjoyed this conversation, make sure to subscribe to the Logan Fields Podcast on your preferred platform so you never miss an episode. Share this episode with a friend who’s building in the creative or startup world, and leave a review to help the show reach more listeners. You can follow Logan Fields across social platforms for updates, behind-the-scenes insights, and upcoming guests, and stay connected as the podcast continues to explore the intersection of technology, creativity, and modern entrepreneurship.

In this episode of the Logan Fields Podcast, Josh Halpern, CEO of Big Chicken and Chief Business and Brand Officer at Craveworthy Brands, joins Logan Fields for a wide-ranging conversation on what it actually takes to scale restaurants, protect legacy, and build brands that last. From partnering with Shaquille O’Neal to growing a portfolio that now exceeds $400M in system-wide revenue without venture capital, Josh breaks down the operator mindset behind sustainable growth.

The discussion starts with the origin of Big Chicken, a brand rooted in Shaq’s family history and built as a legacy play rather than a celebrity endorsement. Josh explains why star power might drive first-time traffic, but only disciplined operations, food quality, and guest experience keep people coming back. The stakes are higher when a brand is tied directly to a person’s reputation, and Josh shares what it means to protect that at scale.

Logan and Josh dig deep into why Craveworthy Brands doesn’t operate like traditional private equity, even though it acquires and scales multiple restaurant concepts. Instead of financial engineering, the focus is on hands-on operations, supply chain mastery, and empowering founders who want to grow without losing what made their brands special in the first place. This operator-led approach shows up everywhere, from menu design to labor strategy to how franchises are supported day to day.

A major theme of the episode is the difference between entrepreneurs and franchise operators, and why franchising isn’t for everyone. Josh is candid about why many independent restaurants fail, what founders underestimate about unit economics, and how small decisions, like napkins, sauces, or training systems, can make or break margins at scale. The conversation also explores how technology, data, and AI-driven training are reshaping hospitality without losing the human element that makes great restaurants work.

Throughout the episode, Josh shares stories from his time working with Anheuser-Busch, insights from Bar Rescuealongside John Taffer, and lessons learned from managing complex supply chains where one weak link can collapse an entire operation. The result is a grounded, behind-the-scenes look at the restaurant industry that goes far beyond the food.

Key topics covered in this episode include:

• Building Big Chicken with Shaq as a legacy brand, not a celebrity gimmick

• Scaling to hundreds of millions in revenue without VC or private equity backing

• Why operations, supply chain, and training matter more than hype

• The real economics of franchising and when it does or doesn’t make sense

• How guest experience, data, and AI-driven training intersect in modern hospitality

• Lessons from Bar Rescue, brand turnarounds, and multi-concept growth

This conversation is essential listening for founders, operators, investors, and anyone curious about how brands scale in the real world, where execution beats theory and presence beats spreadsheets alone. Josh’s perspective blends heart, discipline, and clarity, offering insights that apply far beyond restaurants.

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe to the Logan Fields Podcast for more conversations with builders, operators, and leaders shaping the future of business. You can follow Logan Fields on LinkedIn and visit TheAppGuys.com or LoganFields.com for more content. Share this episode with someone building a brand, leave a review on your favorite podcast platform, and let us know who you want to hear on the show next.

In this episode of The Logan Fields Podcast, we sit down with Jamie Tompkins—an Emmy award-winning journalist, former Seattle news anchor, chief of staff for one of the country’s most high-profile police departments, and now the host of the Respectfu11y podcast. With over 20 years in broadcast journalism and a career that spans coast to coast, Jamie brings a wealth of insight on storytelling, leadership, and navigating major career transitions with purpose.

From covering national tragedies to crafting deeply human narratives that shape public policy, Jamie has built a career on amplifying the voices of others. But as you’ll hear, she’s not just a storyteller—she’s a strategist with a deep understanding of how emotion, timing, and structure can move audiences and create lasting impact.

We dive into the true cost and power of storytelling in journalism—what it takes to report on trauma without losing yourself, how to develop stories that resonate without sensationalizing, and the ways Jamie’s work has helped shape legislation like the Death with Dignity Act in Washington. She shares the behind-the-scenes process of covering heartbreaking stories, including one that earned her an Emmy and national attention.

Key topics explored in this episode include:

• What separates great storytellers from average reporters

• How Jamie crafted award-winning narratives rooted in compassion and clarity

• Why storytelling is essential in business, leadership, and crisis communication

• The transition from broadcast journalism to serving as Chief of Staff at the Seattle Police Department

• Rebuilding public trust and reshaping the brand narrative of law enforcement post-2020

• Jamie’s mindset when making high-stakes career pivots and choosing purpose over prestige

We also talk about the power of emotional intelligence, the importance of being selective about who you work with, and the mental health challenges faced by journalists and first responders alike. Jamie pulls back the curtain on newsroom culture, explaining how anchors balance on-air pressure, viewer expectations, and the pursuit of excellence—all while navigating tight deadlines and live technical failures.

This conversation is a masterclass in intentional storytelling, resilience, and what it means to lead with both strategy and soul. Whether you're a startup founder, content creator, executive, or creative professional, Jamie’s perspective on how to shape stories that drive action is invaluable.

If you’ve ever wondered how to translate the art of storytelling into your brand, leadership style, or mission-driven work, this episode is a must-listen.

Takeaways you won’t want to miss:

• The importance of choosing theme and structure in high-impact stories

• How to “land the plane” and create content that leaves a lasting emotional imprint

• Practical parallels between news reporting and business messaging

• Why Jamie believes communication is the most underutilized asset in leadership

To hear more from Jamie, check out her show Respectfu11y on YouTube and follow her on Instagram @jamietompkinsnews.

To stay connected with The Logan Fields Podcast, visit loganfields.com or follow Logan on Instagram and LinkedIn. If this episode resonated with you, share it with someone who needs to hear it—and don’t forget to leave a review. Your feedback helps us keep bringing powerful conversations to the surface.

Want to dive deeper into the world of tech, entrepreneurship, and creative strategy? Visit theappguys.com to learn more about Logan’s work and the vision behind this show.

What happens when a self-described artist, not a salesman builds a podcast that reaches over 60,000 subscribers—without chasing trends, shortcuts, or viral gimmicks? In this episode of The Logan Fields Podcast, we sit down with Luis Guzman, host of I'm Not a Salesman and sales director of a high-performing fencing company, to talk about what it really takes to grow something meaningful in today’s attention economy.

Luis brings a unique blend of raw hustle, deep empathy, and real-life entrepreneurial grit to the table. From selling football jerseys out of his car at 15 to helping scale a family-owned fencing company into a regional powerhouse, Luis has always been driven by value—not vanity. He opens up about the origin of his podcast, what drives his content strategy, and how he's helping listeners across the country shift from surviving to thriving.

We get into the heart of what separates meaningful content from noise: real stories, real impact, and real connections. Luis shares some of the incredible stories from his podcast—including guests who went from homelessness to business ownership—and reflects on the responsibility that comes with an expanding platform.

In this conversation, we dive into:

• The inspiration behind I'm Not a Salesman and how a casual phone call sparked the entire idea

• Why Luis believes the most powerful stories come from people who started at “negative”

• What it's like balancing sales leadership in a growing business while building a media brand

• How storytelling and sincerity have been his most powerful marketing tools

• The difference between people who start with opportunity vs. those who fight for every inch

• Why integrity and trust remain Luis’s highest values—in sales, content, and personal life

We also talk watches, steaks, bourbon, and cigars—but not just for fun. These moments of lifestyle reflect a larger theme throughout the episode: how intentional living and quiet confidence show up in the lives of people who are truly doing the work.

Whether you’re a new podcaster trying to find your voice, a business leader growing your team, or someone stuck between creative ambition and practical responsibilities, this episode is a reminder that growth doesn’t always look flashy—and it shouldn’t.

You’ll also hear Luis break down:

• The importance of showing up, even when the audience is small

• How to build trust with guests, clients, and listeners alike

• His approach to mentorship, leadership, and building a values-first brand

• Why being “just a good person” is underrated in both life and business

Throughout the episode, there’s a sense of gratitude, clarity, and grounded ambition that sets Luis apart from the average entrepreneur story. He’s not chasing a trend—he’s building a movement.

“When you have a moment to sit, sit.” That quote—shared toward the end of the episode—captures Luis’s entire ethos. This conversation is not about hacks or hustle culture. It’s about building something that lasts, staying close to your purpose, and remembering the “why” even as the numbers climb.

Connect with Luis Guzman
You can follow Luis on Instagram and TikTok under @ImNotASalesman. New episodes of I'm Not a Salesman drop every two weeks on YouTube and major audio platforms. Search artistnotasalesman to find his show and subscribe.

Enjoyed this episode?
We’d love to hear your thoughts. Subscribe to The Logan Fields Podcast on your favorite platform, leave a review, or share this episode with someone who needs a boost of clarity and motivation.

You can also connect with Logan directly through the studio’s Instagram or inquire about booking an episode at Flexwork Studios.

Let’s keep the conversation going.