What happens when a small-town kid from rural Georgia leaves the farm, serves over 20 years in the United States Air Force… and accidentally discovers his calling in an empty NCO club?

In this episode of Question & Response, Ryan and Quincy sit down with Mike Hays — better known as DJ Magic — to unpack a journey that proves purpose doesn’t always arrive with a perfect plan.

Mike’s DJ career didn’t start with a business strategy or a dream board. It started when his mentor asked him to “cover the booth for a few minutes”… and didn’t come back for an hour and a half.

Alone. No roadmap. No backup. Just pressure.

What could have been a disaster became a spark.

From that moment, Mike fell in love with the craft — reading crowds, controlling energy, creating experiences. But passion is one thing. Building a business is another. And like many veterans transitioning from service, he had to learn the hard way that talent doesn’t automatically equal entrepreneurship.

In this episode, we talk about:

• Growing up on a farm and how it shaped his work ethic
• Serving 20+ years in the Air Force while discovering a creative outlet
• The uncomfortable transition from hobbyist to business owner
• Lessons learned about pricing, branding, and building a reputation
• What veterans often miss about the business side of entrepreneurship
• Reinventing identity beyond rank and title

This conversation isn’t just about music. It’s about resilience, reinvention, and betting on yourself when you’re thrown into the deep end.

If you’re a veteran navigating transition, an aspiring entrepreneur learning as you go, or someone who discovered your passion by accident — this episode is for you.

Because sometimes your next chapter doesn’t start with a plan.

It starts with being left alone in the booth.

🎙️ Listen now and discover how DJ Magic turned pressure into purpose.

email: theqandrpodcast@gmail.com

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Ryan J. Nichols: https://www.facebook.com/ryan.j.nichols.3/

Quincy Harper: https://www.facebook.com/quincydharpersr