Ribbon Cuttings & Bedtime Stories – S5EP8

In Season 5 Episode 7 of the Idea Vault Podcast, were interviewing a familiar face here at the IDEA Bank. Some people wear many hats, but for Bethany Grimes, they all have one thing in common: serving others. As President of the Pike County Chamber of Commerce, she’s the face of the Chamber, championing local businesses through ribbon cuttings, Lunch & Learns, networking events, and innovative programs that strengthen the community. But when the workday ends, another full-time job begins as a mom of five. In this episode, Bethany shares what it’s really like balancing two 24/7 callings while leading with purpose everywhere she goes.

We also dive into the personal journey that brought her here, from finding love after the loss of her husband, to moving back home, trusting God’s plan, and discovering how the puzzle pieces of a small town often fit together in unexpected ways. Bethany shares how she knows everyone you meet is carrying something you can’t see and how showing up with a smile and leading with kindness can change someone’s day. Her story is a reminder that purpose isn’t just found in the big moments, it’s found in the way you serve others, every single day.

 

Connect with the Pike County Chamber of Commerce: 

https://pikecoc.com/

https://www.instagram.com/pikecountycoc/?hl=en

 

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www.troy.edu/ideabank

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JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure vs. Coworker

Host Reana Wallace and Troy Public Radio contributors discuss the cultural impact, striking art, memorable music, and generational rivalry at the heart of JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure as Young Cutter tries to convince skeptic Asia Smith to give the series a chance… for the memes.

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K-Pop Demon Hunters vs. Dad

Reana Wallace explores everything K-Pop Demon Hunters, from viral songs and TikTok challenges to student reactions at Troy University.

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Talking About Loss – The Rounds – June 2026

In this episode of The Rounds, we’re talking to Kinsey Entrekin, founder of SNAIL (Student Nursing Aid in Infant Loss), about bereavement care for families who lose an infant. We discuss why student involvement matters, how to approach conversations sensitively, and practical supports like keepsake packages and follow-up outreach.

 

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From Nine to Nineteen: Family Celebrations + Mexican Culture Defines ArisDesigns – S5EP7

In Season 5 Episode 7 of the Idea Vault Podcast, we’re doing something a little different. This special episode features an installment of the Student-Made Store’s podcast, Making It Creative, where Student-Made Store co-founder Ryan McElhinney sits down with student entrepreneur Arianna Guzman, founder of ArisDesigns, to discuss her journey as both a business owner and student leader.

From organizing products, managing inventory, and creating welcoming displays as Student-Made Troy’s Retail Store Manager to building a growing event decorating business inspired by her family’s Mexican heritage, Arianna shares how creativity, culture, and entrepreneurship have shaped her path. The conversation explores balancing college and business ownership, building a brand rooted in meaningful experiences, and learning the skills necessary to grow a venture while pursuing a degree.

The episode also highlights Arianna’s experience supporting fellow student entrepreneurs through Student-Made Troy and how that role helped prepare her for the next chapter of her entrepreneurial journey. Looking ahead, she shares her ambitions for expanding ArisDesigns, sourcing products on a larger scale, entering new markets, and ultimately owning her own event venue. This episode offers an inspiring look at leadership, perseverance, and the power of turning passion into opportunity while showcasing the entrepreneurial talent being developed through the Student-Made community.

Interested in gaining hands-on retail, merchandising, and entrepreneurship experience? Applications for Student-Made Troy’s next Retail Store Manager are now open. Shop Ari’s Designs and follow Arianna’s journey as she steps into her new role as Student-Made Troy’s Events & Partnerships Manager.

Apply to Student-Made Troy:

Student-Made Troy Manager Applications

Student-Made Troy Creator Positions 

 

Connect with Student-Made Store:

Making It Creative Podcast

Read About ArisDesigns-Creator Story

 

Connect with the Idea Vault Podcast & IDEA Bank:

https://ideabank.podbean.com/ 

www.troy.edu/ideabank

Subscribe to our Newsletter

 

Follow us:

Idea Vault Podcast on Instagram

IDEA Bank on Facebook

IDEA Bank on Instagram

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From Nine to Nineteen: Family Celebrations + Mexican Culture Defines ArisDesigns – S5EP7

In Season 5 Episode 7 of the Idea Vault Podcast, we’re doing something a little different. This special episode features an installment of the Student-Made Store’s podcast, Making It Creative, where Student-Made Store co-founder Ryan McElhinney sits down with student entrepreneur Arianna Guzman, founder of ArisDesigns, to discuss her journey as both a business owner and student leader.

From organizing products, managing inventory, and creating welcoming displays as Student-Made Troy’s Retail Store Manager to building a growing event decorating business inspired by her family’s Mexican heritage, Arianna shares how creativity, culture, and entrepreneurship have shaped her path. The conversation explores balancing college and business ownership, building a brand rooted in meaningful experiences, and learning the skills necessary to grow a venture while pursuing a degree.

The episode also highlights Arianna’s experience supporting fellow student entrepreneurs through Student-Made Troy and how that role helped prepare her for the next chapter of her entrepreneurial journey. Looking ahead, she shares her ambitions for expanding ArisDesigns, sourcing products on a larger scale, entering new markets, and ultimately owning her own event venue. This episode offers an inspiring look at leadership, perseverance, and the power of turning passion into opportunity while showcasing the entrepreneurial talent being developed through the Student-Made community.

Interested in gaining hands-on retail, merchandising, and entrepreneurship experience? Applications for Student-Made Troy’s next Retail Store Manager are now open. Shop Ari’s Designs and follow Arianna’s journey as she steps into her new role as Student-Made Troy’s Events & Partnerships Manager.

Apply to Student-Made Troy:

Student-Made Troy Manager Applications

Student-Made Troy Creator Positions 

 

Connect with Student-Made Store:

Making It Creative Podcast

Read About ArisDesigns-Creator Story

 

Connect with the Idea Vault Podcast & IDEA Bank:

https://ideabank.podbean.com/ 

www.troy.edu/ideabank

Subscribe to our Newsletter

 

Follow us:

Idea Vault Podcast on Instagram

IDEA Bank on Facebook

IDEA Bank on Instagram

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“Where SHORT Loves to Read” by Monica Anderson Young and Dr. Dee Dupree Bennett

In this episode: “Where SHORT Loves to Read” by Monica Anderson Young and Dr. Dee Dupree Bennett, read by Caleb Quick

Storytime with SHORT the Squirrel is produced in the studios of Troy Public Radio by Austin Toy.

Special thanks to Dr. Dee Dupree Bennett, Monica Anderson Young, Reana Wallace, Tori Lee Averett, and the Pied Pipers from the Department of Theatre and Dance at Troy University. 

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Thinking as if There is No Box

Schools in Jefferson County are doing things differently. And it all starts with school superintendent Dr. Walter Gonsoulin.

He was named National School Superintendent of the Year in 2025.

Under his leadership, Jefferson County Schools has seen a 357% increase in the number of students that earned industry credentials, indicating that those students possess the qualifications for entry-level employment. 

So how did he do it? We’ll find out today on Growing the Forest and the Trees.

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“Sydney and the Masquerade” by Kay Whaley

In this episode, we read “Sydney and the Masquerade” by Kay Whaley. 

Storytime with SHORT the Squirrel is produced in the studios of Troy Public Radio by Austin Toy.

Today’s story is read by Caleb Quick

Special thanks to Dr. Dee Dupree Bennett, Monica Anderson Young, Reana Wallace, Tori Lee Averett, and the Pied Pipers.

 

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