Flex Forward

Flex Forward

FLEX Forward is a powerful podcast showcasing stories of resilience, reinvention, and rise. Hosted by Nic Espanet, each episode delves into the inspiring journeys of professionals who have overcome obstacles, made bold career pivots, and discovered new paths to personal and financial growth. With a theme of Growth. Grit. Gains., FLEX Forward highlights the determination and adaptability that drive success. Whether it’s bouncing back from setbacks, reinventing one’s path, or climbing to new heights, these conversations prove that every story of struggle and triumph has the power to motivate others. Tune in for real, raw, and relatable stories that will push you to flex forward in your own life.

Episodes

February 18, 2026 18 mins

Join us on this inspiring episode as we talk with Jorge Cardenas, the forward-thinking CIO of the City of Brownsville, Texas. With a background in the Marine Corps, Department of Defense, and private sector, Jorge brings a unique and powerful perspective to public sector technology leadership.

Key Takeaways:

  • Jorge’s journey from the military to CIO and smart city strategist

  • The role of technology in modernizing city service...

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In this episode of The Flex Forward Podcast, Nic Espanet sits down with Kimberly Denney, Senior VP and GM of MediMaps, to talk about the revolutionary advances in osteoporosis detection and bone health. Kimberly reveals how MediMaps' AI-driven technology helps assess bone quality—not just density—providing critical insight into fracture risk that traditional DEXA scans miss.

The conversation explores:

  • Why osteoporosis is a si...

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February 16, 2026 19 mins

In this inspiring episode, Nic Espanet sits down with Danny Bush, founder and CEO of Fun on the Run Plus One, a mobile app revolutionizing how people connect in real life. Danny shares how his platform uses predictive AI to assess mental health and combat loneliness by instantly linking users over shared interests. From anime to networking, Fun on the Run Plus One helps people find community and joy outside their screens.

Danny div...

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In this episode of The Flex Forward Podcast, Nic Espanet sits down with Dr. Earl Kilbride, a seasoned orthopedic surgeon and partner at the Austin Orthopedic Institute. Earl shares his journey from New Orleans to Austin, including his time as a collegiate baseball player, his medical training across Dallas and Los Angeles, and his unique path into orthopedic medicine.

Earl reflects on the changes in medicine over his 23+ years in p...

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February 4, 2026 25 mins

In this episode of The Flex Forward Podcast, Nic Espanet sits down with Dr. John Burns, a board-certified plastic surgeon based in Dallas. John shares his journey from medical school to building his own thriving cosmetic surgery practice. He opens up about the personal and professional challenges he’s faced, including self-doubt, the grind of entrepreneurship, and stepping into the world of marketing and branding as a physician.

Li...

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In this insightful episode of the Flex Forward Podcast, Nic Espanet sits down with Vince Porter, the founder of Porter & Company CPAs. Vince shares how his firm uniquely serves real estate syndicators by delivering high-level tax compliance and advisory services. But Vince isn't your average CPA—he's also an investor himself, giving him a dual perspective that many in the industry find invaluable.

Vince and Nic dive into the im...

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In this episode of The Flex Forward Podcast, host Nic Espanet sits down with Karl Waggoner, Director of Supply Chain and Logistics at Mammoth Freighters. Karl shares the unique work being done at Mammoth—converting retired Boeing 777 passenger planes into high-performing freighters—and what sets their team and technology apart in the aerospace industry.

Karl opens up about his career journey, which began in the Air Force and eventu...

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In this episode of The Flex Forward Podcast, host Nic Espanet talks with Stephen Eisele, CEO of Lone Star Data Holdings and a longtime leader in the aerospace and space innovation sectors. Stephen shares how his career in space technology launched—literally—from working on missile defense projects to being involved with NASA, Virgin Orbit, and more.

Stephen unpacks the explosive growth of private space ventures and explains how ent...

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In this inspiring episode of The Flex Forward Podcast, Nic Espanet sits down with Candice Branch, the passionate founder of Excel Employment Services, LLC. Candice shares her powerful journey from special education teacher to entrepreneur, where she now leads efforts to place individuals—especially those with disabilities and visual impairments—into meaningful employment.

Candice opens up about how her experience in education shape...

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In this episode, Nic Espanet sits down with Kuang Han Ke, chairman of Gran Systems, to explore how small satellites are shaping the future of space missions. Kuang shares the remarkable journey of Gran Systems—from its origins in Taiwan to establishing a U.S. headquarters in Houston, Texas, near the Houston Spaceport. He dives into the company’s innovations, including producing palm-sized satellites, supporting lunar missions, and ...

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In this episode, Nic Espanet sits down with Hilary Soderborg, owner of The Healthy Glow in Corpus Christi, Texas. A registered nurse turned entrepreneur, Hilary shares her journey from ICU nurse to launching a successful spray tanning and teeth whitening business. Her passion for sunless tanning was born from personal experience, including a skin cancer scare, and a drive to help others stay safe while feeling confident in their sk...

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In this episode, Nic Espanet sits down with Karen E. Todd, a registered dietitian and marketing expert in the dietary supplement space. Karen shares her unique blend of science and marketing experience working with Kiwahako, a global raw ingredient supplier. From the clinical research behind ingredients to helping consumers navigate the crowded world of supplements, Karen offers a clear look at how transparency and education build ...

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January 20, 2026 19 mins

In this episode of The Flex Forward Podcast, Nic Espanet sits down with David Ewers, Senior Director of Information Technology at Heart to Heart Hospice. With over 30 years in the tech space, including a decade in post-sales and a strong background in cybersecurity, David shares how he's navigating the evolving healthcare IT landscape.

You’ll hear how David balances security with operational efficiency, how he uses ISO 27001 framew...

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In this inspiring episode of The Flex Forward Podcast with Nic Espanet, we meet Nichole Daher, founder and CEO of Success on the Spectrum. What began as a personal journey to find care for her autistic stepdaughter turned into a national movement to provide long-term ABA therapy to children and teens often left behind by the system.

Nichole shares how her frustration with limited care options led her to start her own ABA therapy cl...

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In this episode, Nic Espanet sits down with Marc Iacobucci, Head of Corporate Development at Nanology and a pharmacist by training, to explore how his company is advancing cancer treatment. From his early beginnings as a Chick Evans Scholar to his leadership role in pioneering intratumoral drug delivery, Marc shares the remarkable journey that led to Nanology’s development of LSAM technology—large surface area microparticles design...

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Rose Murillo brings over two decades of hands-on HR experience—from temp to CHRO—to the conversation with Nic. She shares how listening, emotional intelligence, and a passion for people have shaped her career in employee relations and organizational consulting.

Listeners will hear Rose discuss:

  • Her journey through various industries including manufacturing, retail, and higher ed

  • What sets her apart in the competitive HR fie...

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In this episode of The Flex Forward Podcast, Nic Espanet sits down with Keo Velasquez, Corporate Director of Operations at Forefront Living. Keo shares his remarkable career journey from professional chef to senior living executive, diving into how his experience in hospitality shaped his leadership style and ability to connect with people—especially seniors and their families.

The conversation explores how senior living has evolve...

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In this episode of The Flex Forward Podcast, Nic Espanet sits down with Brady Stevenson, Head of Talent Acquisition at Virta Health. Brady shares his inspiring journey from joining Virta as one of its early team members to helping grow the company from 50 to over 1,000 employees. With a mission to reverse type 2 diabetes and obesity through nutrition, Virta Health is changing the way we approach chronic illness—and Brady gives us a...

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Nic Espanet sits down with Chandler Hunt, owner of Sentinel Canine and Delta Autos, to unpack what it takes to launch and grow successful businesses in two very different industries. Chandler talks about the lessons he’s learned from the military that help him run high-efficiency operations. He shares practical advice on customer service, managing logistics, building passive income, and overcoming the kind of hurdles that can sink ...

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In this episode, host Nic Espanet sits down with Stephen Curry, founder of Endurance Advisory Partners and a seasoned banking executive. With a career spanning mergers, acquisitions, digital banking, and executive leadership at institutions like Bank of America, Gateway, and Beal Bank, Stephen shares how embracing personal risk and change opened doors to new opportunities.

Listeners will hear Stephen’s take on:

  • What set him a...

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