This is Oklahoma

This is Okie Dough - Dhea Hudson

I had the opportunity this week to chat with Dhea Hudson owner of Okie Dough. Dhea has a great story. A lifetime educator and wife to a high school football coach. Dhea has spent her life around kids, as a teacher and now school councilor in Owasso Oklahoma. Dhea and her family would cook for the football players and   of course would bake cookies. Well you know how impatient hungry boys can be. They started digging into the cookie dough and BOOM. The idea struct Dhea, why can't I make cookie dough without eggs? After some trial and error the first recipe was complete. Chocolate Chip. 8 months later Okie Dough was in the Chesapeake Arena candy stands and quickly becoming one of the most popular items. 

This started a rapid journey of entrepreneurship for Dhea, her husband and their brother and sister in law as new business partners. Dhea and her husband still teach in Owasso and pour their hearts into the kids but Okie Dough is taking off on a path of its own and they are here for it. 

"We make an edible cookie dough (no eggs). We are in the Chesapeake at all events, Cox Center and on Campus at OU and OSU….. Plus a few stores in the Tulsa area. I am an educator turned dough maker!"

Go follow them on social media www.instagram.com/okie_dough 
online here www.okiedoughlicious.com

This podcast is made possible by the Made in Oklahoma Program. Created for Oklahoma’s entrepreneurs, their free-to-join program focuses on economic growth and development for small businesses who grow, process or manufacture a good within Oklahoma. Retail stores who sell Made in Oklahoma products can also benefit from being in their program. Above all, they encourage you to support and shop local whenever possible. Find them on Facebook or visit their website at www.madeinoklahoma.net to learn more. 

This is Elise Wade - Riding Bullet at Oklahoma State ( Part 1 )

On this episode I chatted with former Oklahoma State Spirit Rider Elise Wade. Elise has such a great Oklahoma story. Growing up in Enid Oklahoma, put on the back of a horse before she could walk. She tells us how growing up riding horses, jumping horse and competing in Rodeo Queen competitions prepared her for life. The cowboy way of life. So as you can imagine, riding Bullet on the field at Boone Pickens Stadium was a dream come true. We dive in to how Elise started riding horses, how she grew to love and dream about OSU. How riding Bullet on to the field for the first time felt and more. 

This episode was so good we had to split it in two so stay tuned for part 2 in next weeks Oklahoma Hall of Fame episode. 

Follow Elise here www.instagram.com/theelisewade 

This episode is presented by the Oklahoma Hall of Fame. Telling Oklahoma's Story Through Its People Since 1927. For more information go to www.oklahomahof.com and on Instagram www.instagram.com/oklahomahof  

#thisisoklahoma

This is Michael Kraft - Jimmy B's Culinary + Krafted

On this episode I chatted with Michael Kraft Creator and Operating Partner at Neighborhood Jam. We talked about his history with food, his Dad's legacy and experience and then their new concept coming to OKC in November Jimmy B's. 

"Kraft dreamed up the idea of Neighborhood JA.M. while studying Hospitality Management at the University of Mississippi. Kraft gathered inspiration from some of his favorite local restaurants while a student. The son of Hank Kraft III, COO of Hal Smith Restaurants, Michael Kraft has certainly begun to fulfill a family legacy of excellent food, creative ideas, and impressive leadership. Although the environment at JA.M. is fast-paced, the concept developed with meticulous planning over the course of four years. Kraft’s last name says it all; he pursues each goal like a beloved craft, much in the same way as his father. “It is all just very exciting. Having the opportunity to bring a goal or dream to fruition is great but being able to do it twice, is an extremely humbling experience. We are grateful to share our experience with such a tight-knit, friendly community.”  - Kristin Holder

"Jimmy B’s is a new concept from Hal Smith Restaurants, which operates OKC hotspots Mahogany Prime Steakhouse, Charleston’s and Redrock Canyon Grill.  Located in the former Mercedes showroom on Broadway in downtown Oklahoma City, Jimmy B’s is small in size but big in spirit!

The sleek and casual atmosphere will boast of low-slung exposed wood beams, comfortable deep leather banquettes and retro brick walls.  Jimmy B’s has an inviting living room look, tasteful art, flattering lighting, and a relaxed vibe where lunch and dinner conversations swirl. The large open-air patio features an outdoor fireplace surrounded by Adirondack chairs to provide a relaxing space to enjoy first-rate cocktails.

The eclectic menu offering includes a selection of hand-rolled sushi, hearty salads, and classic American fare. Tempt your appetite with the Yellowtail Sashimi Kale Salad or the soon to be famous Crispy Chicken Sandwich, made with hand-breaded spicy fried chicken, Swiss cheese, and creamy coleslaw served on a fresh-baked toasted sesame roll. Jimmy B's gracious staff will help you choose the perfect drink from an extensive collection of wines by the glass or selection of crafted cocktails.

Jimmy B's is scheduled to open Nov. 16 - OKC Retail"

www.jimmybsculinarykrafted.com 

#thisisoklahoma

This is Adams Kirby Homes - Amber & Michelle

On this episode I chatted with Amber and Michelle from Adams Kirby Homes. Three generations of luxury home builders in the Edmond and surround areas. The Adams Kirby Homes family values integrity and meticulous attention to detail. From custom built spec homes to ground up custom dream homes, they offer you the best and highest caliber craftsmen with the highest quality construction available. For more information go to www.adamskirbyhomes.com and on Instagram www.instagram.com/adamskirbyhomes

 

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This is Hat Top Ranch with Zac Pogue

On this episode I chatted with Zac Pogue about Hat Top Ranch. Zac is a fifth generation rancher. He tell us the story behind the Ranch and about his family history. Hat Top Ranch is a rustic retreat located in Velma, Okla. Our lodge is a charming venue for a wedding, getaway, or family reunion. It accommodates up to 14 guests with four separate bedrooms, four bathrooms, and a kitchen. Guests looking for outdoor leisure can enjoy a variety of recreational activities from viewing exotic deer to relaxing on the porch while watching the beautiful sunset. We also offer a variety of options for hunting and fishing, including whitetail, sika, and fallow deer, and oryx. 

This episode is presented by Oklahoma Agritourism. Hundreds of farms and ranches across the state invite you to explore and experience the intersection of agriculture and tourism — Oklahoma’s Growing Adventure. Pet a pig, help with harvest, lie around at the lodge, wind down with wine and more! However you want to experience agriculture, let Oklahoma Agritourism be your guide. Start your adventure at OklahomaAgritourism.com.

This is Dillon Cooper - The Mindset Academy

On this episode I had the opportunity to chat with retired Army Vet Dillon Cooper. Dillon is from Wewoka Oklahoma, grew up in a doublewide trailer in the middle of nowhere as he says. But from nowhere he making a huge impact on his community. Especially the younger kids he teaches. Dillon has just opened up his Mindset Academy in the heart of Wewoka. He wrote a book documenting his transition and journey to build this academy. The book is called Organized Chaos link here.

https://www.amazon.com/Organized-Chaos-Dillon-Cooper/dp/0578633426

"Organized Chaos is a powerful story detailing a veteran's journey into teaching and working with at-risk youth. After his first year of teaching, he realized the lack of resources for kids outside of school. This led him to create his own outreach center using nothing more than a group of his students and sheer determination. This true story is sure to empower, motivate, and inspire anyone who reads it."

This podcast is the present day story and future plans of what Dillon has manifested and built since coming home to Wewoka after the military. It was an honor to sit with him to share his story and be present for the grand opening of the Mindset Academy. 

Follow Dillon on Instagram www.instagram.com/thetattooed_teacher87

www.themindsetacademy.org

This podcast is presented by the Oklahoma Hall of Fame. Telling Oklahoma's Story Through Its People Since 1927. For more information go to www.oklahomahof.com or on Instagram www.instagram.com/oklahomahof

#thisisoklahoma

This is Sophia Janz

On this episode I chatted with Fringe co-founder Sophia Janz. At 16 Sophia decided to leave school, complete high school online and work at a modeling agency in OKC. Learning everything from the ground up Sophia loved every second of it. At 18 she visited NYC with her Mum and boss to meet with modeling agencies, with the hope that she would get selected. This starts a wild ride for Sophia and the story is incredibly heartbreaking. ( You'll have to listen ) After returning to OKC and taking some time off Sophia starts her career in real estate. First working 10 hours a week helping out. Then diving all in becoming a huge part of the brand building team for Engle & Völkers OKC. This is where Sophia gets the bug for marketing and brand building. After going as far as she could to launch a real estate brand, Sophia had reached a crossroads. Become a realtor with EV or leave and start something of her own. At that time she meets Jackson Fall ( previous podcast guest episode #218 ) They open up their new marketing agency called Fringe and that is where we are today after 1 year of marketing and brand building for clients in OKC and other states. 

Follow Sophia on Instagram @sophia.janz and check out her new business here ww.fringe.is 

#thisisoklahoma 

This is The Mid South - Bobby Wintle & Sally Turner

On this episode I chatted with Bobby and Sally from The Mid South Gravel race. A 100 mile gravel cycle race and 50k ultra marathon held in Stillwater Oklahoma in March. I ran the 50k this year and I can tell you it was one of the best things I have ever done. Pushing yourself brings the biggest highs and I am extremely excited to be in the 100 mile cycle race for 2021. 

We dive into the history of The Mid South, where the idea came from, how Bobby and Sally came together, how the cycle scene in Stillwater especially for gravel racing is just insane!!! 

This race started with a few friends and recently hosted thousands of endurance athletes from all over the world. Including professional cyclists, riders for Team USA, Redbull sponsored athletes. ITS A BIG DEAL! All coming to Stillwater Oklahoma for some of the worlds best red dirt gravel roads in the country. 

Follow on social media @midsouthgravel

Bobby - @unlearnpavement

Sally - @stillwater_cycles

District Bicycles - @districtbicycles

This episode is presented by the Oklahoma Hall of Fame. Telling Oklahoma's story through its people since 1927. Follow them on social media @oklahomahof and online at www.oklahomahof.com 

This is Kennel & Crate - Terri Kinnick Arnold

On this episode I chatted with Kennel and Crate owner Terri Kinnick Arnold about the beautiful handmade, custom crates and Kennels they make for animal owners around the country. Made right here in Stillwater Oklahoma. The shop is on her grandfathers land in Stillwater and right off Kinnick Rd. Her family name. Great story about how Terri came to the business and now runs the business shipping furniture all over the United States. 

To see their awesome craftsmanship go to https://kennelandcrate.com

Follow them on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok all at Kennel & Crate. 

 

This is Matt Hangen - 300lbs to Endurance Athlete

On this episode I sat with previous podcast guest Matt Hangen to discus his incredible fitness transformation. Matt is the CEO of Water4 and on a previous podcast talked about his incredible journey to becoming CEO of Water4. A charity that builds wells and provides clean water to those in need in Africa. 

Matt was sent back to the states after contracting so many diseases from the very water he was trying to protect people from. Which set his body on a severe path of destruction. Matt went from being unable to walk to competing in a number of endurance races. Running, biking and swimming his body and mind back to health.

Matt is currently training for his next big run. The 80mile double loop of Mount Hood. This Saturday! Head to www.water4.org to donate!

Follow Matts journey on Instagram @water4 and @matt.hangen