This episode gets a little… Stranger than usual. We’re joined by Phoenix for one of the most unhinged and hilarious conversations we’ve had yet. We dressed up as Steve, Dustin, and Will from Stranger Things and basically let Phoenix run the show. We somehow end up breaking down what 6–7 actually is, what adults really do all day, and Phoenix gives us his brutally honest take on taxes, mortgages, and why all of it is trash. We also talk Stranger Things, Santa Claus, growing up, and the kind of logic only an 8-year-old can confidently stand on. Pure chaos, accidental wisdom, and a solid reminder to not take life too seriously.

This week it’s just me, catching y’all up on what life has been like lately and a recap of this year. I talk about opening the studio, feeling more down than usual this year, and just moving slower overall. I even talk about how I became a retired teachers.. lol andwanted to find financial security for my family. I discussed sticking with my dreams, not giving up, and double downing on everything. I also touched on the new baby Ozzy coming this December, my retainer clients, and what it’s been like running the studio when things get tough. There’s a little Merced Mall update and shout out, some AI talk, and where my head’s at going into 2026 with personal goals and the new idea I have for the podcast. Plus a big THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO HAS EVER SUPPORTED ME. I truly appreciate everyone still rocking with me through all of it.

The Dopest Sponsors: M-Mig Construction(209) 724-9488 ⁠⁠mmigconstruction.com⁠⁠Dapper Man (209) 285-2424https://dapper-man.com/@dapperman_centralvalleyBe Junk Free Merced (Junk Removal Service)(209)-233-1519Scott LivesayValley Performance Physical Therapy (209) 626-5350https://www.valleyperformancept.com/Trans County Title https://www.transcountytitle.com/Vanessa's Ice Cream Shop710 Carol Ave, Merced & 7010 Walnut Ave Winton @vanessasicecreamshopCal Central ATMcacentral23@gmail.com

In this episode, I’m joined by Hushee, the founder of Joy Tea Bar, a mobile pop-up tea stand that’s been serving up handcrafted matcha, chai, and fruit teas all around the Merced area. In just their first year, they’ve built a solid following and a real sense of community. We talk about how Joy Tea Bar got started, what it’s been like diving into entrepreneurship, and what the whole journey means to her. It’s a great convo about chasing your passion and the power of building something that brings people together.

The Dopest Sponsors: M-Mig Construction(209) 724-9488 ⁠⁠mmigconstruction.com⁠⁠

Dapper Man (209) 285-2424⁠https://dapper-man.com/⁠@dapperman_centralvalley

Be Junk Free Merced (Junk Removal Service)(209)-233-1519Scott Livesay

Valley Performance Physical Therapy (209) 626-5350⁠https://www.valleyperformancept.com/⁠

Trans County Title ⁠https://www.transcountytitle.com/⁠

Vanessa's Ice Cream Shop710 Carol Ave, Merced & 7010 Walnut Ave Winton @vanessasicecreamshop

Cal Central ATMcacentral23@gmail.com