The Grit to Growth Podcast

What if the success you're chasing isn’t the success you actually need?

In this episode, Levi Te Slaa sits down with Alan Lazaros, the founder of Next Level University, for a deep, unfiltered conversation about what it really means to live a fulfilled life. From losing his father at an early age, rising through adversity, hitting career highs—and then crashing head-on into a life-altering wake-up call—Alan shares how he went from c...

What happens when life takes an unexpected turn—and the pressure is at its peak? In this episode, Levi Te Slaa sits down with Brett Waltner, a seasoned attorney and partner at Myers Billion, to talk about high-stakes decision-making and emotional resilience in legal crises. Brett shares insights from his early career as a prosecutor to his current role helping clients navigate everything from criminal defense to custody battles.

Li...

In this heartfelt and practical episode, Levi sits down with Robert and Kay Lee Fukui, co-founders of i61 and creators of the “Thriving in Tandem” framework. Drawing on personal stories and years of professional experience, the Fukuis share why business success shouldn't come at the cost of your most important relationships.

From managing cattle ranches and church congregations to corporate marketing and small business consulting, ...

In this inspiring episode, host Levi Te Slaa sits down with Sanaa Abourezk, owner of a beloved Mediterranean restaurant in Sioux Falls. From her roots in Damascus to launching a business in South Dakota, Sanaa shares how food became her bridge to culture, community, and change. They discuss her path from agricultural engineering to launching a restaurant against the odds, her philosophy on eating intentionally, and why her vegan bu...

In this enlightening episode of The Grit to Growth Podcast, host Levi Te Slaa sits down with Dr. Jennifer Schriever to explore what sustainable weight care really looks like. With over two decades in family medicine and a board certification in obesity medicine, Dr. Schriever brings a unique and compassionate approach to a deeply misunderstood topic.

She shares her journey into obesity medicine, the science behind weight as a chron...

What does it really take to build a sustainable workforce for the future? In this episode, Levi Te Slaa welcomes Denise Guzzetta, Vice President of Talent and Workforce at the Sioux Falls Development Foundation, for a compelling look into the programs, strategies, and partnerships driving long-term workforce success in South Dakota.

Denise shares her journey from finance and corporate leadership to regional workforce development, a...

In this episode of The Grit to Growth Podcast, host Levi Te Slaa talks with Jon Sanders—a pastor, coach, firefighter, and serial entrepreneur—about what it means to serve people through business while staying true to your calling.

Jon shares his powerful journey from a full-time firefighter to a multi-business owner, including the founding of Entree Pastors, an initiative that helps pastors build financial freedom by becoming entre...

When Jennifer Johnson’s health forced her to rethink food, she didn’t just adapt — she transformed her entire lifestyle and eventually built a thriving business from it. In this episode, Levi Te Slaa chats with Jennifer about how a personal dietary shift turned into Gluten Free Please, a beloved gluten-free baking mix company that’s making waves in kitchens everywhere.

Jennifer shares her journey from 25 years in banking to becomin...

In this inspiring conversation, Jill Janecke shares how her roots on a Minnesota hog farm laid the foundation for a lifelong mission to serve rural communities through mental health care. Jill opens up about the grit it took to launch Rising Hope Counseling in Pierre, South Dakota, with just one client—and how it’s now grown to 30 locations across four states.

We dive deep into how understanding the brain and building awareness can...

What does it take to lead a medical team through a child’s emergency and be a calm, confident presence for families during their worst moments?

In this episode of The Grit to Growth Podcast, host Levi Te Slaa sits down with Dr. Donald “Don” Ellis, a pediatric emergency medicine physician now based in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Don shares his journey from Delaware to building a pediatric emergency program in the Dakotas—something he...

What do NFL players, firefighters, and everyday adults all have in common? They want to move better, feel better, and live pain-free. In this episode, Levi Te Slaa sits down with Mark “Coach Rozy” Roozen, a veteran strength and conditioning coach with a remarkable journey spanning NFL sidelines, hospital wellness centers, and high school gyms.

Coach Rozy shares how his upbringing in small-town South Dakota shaped his passion for mo...

In this heartfelt episode, Levi sits down with Abby Lawrence, founder of Two Pines Therapy and Connection Center, to explore what it really means to heal, connect, and show up for others—and ourselves—when life gets hard.

Abby opens up about her deeply personal journey from corporate America to starting a private practice after the sudden loss of her father. She shares how personal pain shaped her mission and how connection—not jus...

In this episode of The Grit to Growth Podcast, Levi welcomes two powerhouse women in the field of functional medicine: Dr. Cheryl Bones and Dr. Jessica Pearson, co-founders of Prairie Roots Health. From their unexpected connection in South Dakota to launching a thriving clinic together, their journey is anything but ordinary.

Dr. Pearson shares her shift from a high-intensity military career as an OBGYN to embracing holistic health...

In this heartfelt and insightful episode, Levi Te Slaa sits down with Hope Norland, Operating Director at Cornerstone Caregiving, to talk about the power of support, dignity, and proactive care in the lives of seniors and their families.

Hope shares her personal journey—from being an English major to becoming a leader in home-based senior care. She opens up about her experience in hospice care, the emotional rewards of helping fami...

From a garage sale Stephen King novel to publishing alongside Stephen King himself, Doug Murano’s creative journey is a masterclass in perseverance, passion, and pivoting when life deals you a “bad hand.”

Doug opens up about his South Dakota roots, how a pandemic-era closet became his first home office, and the early sparks that led him to editing, writing, and eventually founding Bad Hand Books. He shares what it’s really like beh...

Levi Te Slaa sits down with Dr. Abigail Polzin—ER doc, former AirMed Medical Director, and current program director for the newly launched emergency medicine residency at USD Sanford. They talk about her journey from Utah to Wisconsin to South Dakota, her time in the air as a flight medicine leader, and what it takes to build an innovative training program in a part of the country that has long needed it.

You'll hear about:

• W...

What happens when a renowned atmospheric scientist turns his attention to cattle ranching? In this episode, Dr. Patrick Zimmerman—founder and CEO of C-Lock Inc.—shares how his journey from environmental research to agricultural innovation is helping reshape animal agriculture around the globe. From pioneering emissions monitoring systems to revolutionizing how ranchers measure efficiency, Dr. Zimmerman opens up about the power of d...

In this episode, host Levi Te Slaa welcomes Carrie Gerlach, founder and owner of Black Hills Adventure Tours. Carrie shares her inspiring story of starting the business with a modest loan, a few kayaks, and a big dream. Now celebrating 20 successful seasons, she’s grown the company into a thriving adventure and tourism service offering customized experiences across the Black Hills and beyond.

Carrie opens up about her early years, ...

From dreaming of designing Corvettes to leading a cutting-edge 3D printing company, Shon Anderson’s path is anything but traditional. In this episode, Shon unpacks his journey from small-town South Dakota to CEO of B9Creations and shares what really makes technology stick in today’s business world.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why understanding your gifts might take a great boss—not just time

• How technical skills and ...