What does it really take to build a successful gym when you're competing against some of the biggest fitness brands in the country?

On this episode of In the Studio with J Haleem, J sits down with Chris Yakymchuk, owner of Yaks Fitness, for a conversation about fitness, entrepreneurship, taking risks, knowing your customer, reinvesting in your business—and building something designed to last.

J first discovered Yaks Fitness as a customer. After touring the facility, experiencing its premium atmosphere and meeting Chris personally, he became a member.

But what really caught J's attention wasn't simply the gym.

It was the business behind it.

Chris has built Yaks Fitness around a different model: premium equipment, limited membership, clean facilities, a more private environment and a clear understanding of exactly who the business is designed to serve.

Henderson. Nevada is growing—and with that growth comes major decisions about jobs, business development, technology, infrastructure, recreation and quality of life.

On this episode of In the Studio with J Haleem, Henderson Mayor Michelle Romero returns to the studio for a conversation about the changes happening throughout the city, the challenges that come with growth, and the priorities she says are shaping Henderson's future.

Mayor Romero was one of the early guests to support In the Studio with J Haleem after the show arrived in Las Vegas, making this return appearance especially meaningful as the podcast celebrates its first year in the Valley.

This time, the conversation covers everything from advanced manufacturing and workforce development to artificial intelligence, data centers, regional cooperation, family, leadership—and Romero's campaign for another term as mayor.

Is Las Vegas slowing down—or are we watching the city position itself for its next major era?

On this episode of In the Studio with J Haleem, J sits down with Steve Hill, President and CEO of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA), for a wide-ranging conversation about the past, present, and future of Las Vegas.

But this isn't just a conversation about tourism.

J takes the conversation beyond Steve's title to introduce viewers to the businessman, entrepreneur, economic-development leader, husband, father, and longtime Las Vegan behind one of the city's most influential organizations.

Steve has spent approximately four decades watching Las Vegas transform.

He arrived in 1987 after leaving Dayton, Ohio, when a business mentor offered him an opportunity to move west and start a company in the ready-mix concrete industry.

What followed was a front-row seat to—and an active role in—one of the most significant periods of growth in Las Vegas history.

From working on the original Mirage project to building a successful company, leading economic development for the State of Nevada, helping bring major companies and projects to Nevada, and ultimately becoming President and CEO of the LVCVA, Steve's career has developed alongside the city itself.

What does it really take to build a career in the music industry—and stay relevant as the business continues to change?

On this episode of In the Studio with J Haleem, J sits down with entertainment and marketing executive Mike Baro for an inside conversation about the business behind the music.

Mike's career didn't begin with a corner office or executive title.

It started with curiosity, education, carrying crates for DJs, passing out flyers, filming emerging artists, building relationships, accepting internships, and putting himself in rooms where he could learn.

Those early experiences eventually helped take him from the streets of Pittsburgh and New York to a major-label career spanning Republic Records, Capitol Records, Warner Records, and Universal Music Group, where he worked in marketing with artists across hip-hop, R&B, pop, and other genres.

Throughout the conversation, Mike shares lessons from working with artists including Drake, Nicki Minaj, The Weeknd, Migos, Lil Yachty, Rich Homie Quan, Zaytoven, Amy Winehouse, Nick Jonas, the Jonas Brothers, and many others.

But this episode isn't about celebrity stories.

It's about the business behind the success.

What happens when hustle, relationships, entrepreneurship, and purpose come full circle?

On this episode of In the Studio with J Haleem, J sits down with Troy Roques, Executive Director of Vegas for Athletes, for a conversation about entrepreneurship, relationships, community impact, and protecting the next generation of athletes.

Troy’s journey proves that success rarely follows a straight line.

From the Marine Corps, to working a grocery-store job, to finding opportunities in Las Vegas hospitality and entertainment, Troy learned early how important it is to show up, build relationships, provide great service, and recognize opportunities other people overlook.

Those lessons eventually helped him build businesses, develop relationships throughout Las Vegas, work around professional athletes and influential people, and ultimately use his experience and network to serve his community.

Today, that purpose is reflected through Vegas for Athletes.

From Entrepreneurship to Impact

J Haleem and Troy talk candidly about what it takes to build something from the ground up.

Troy shares lessons from working around successful people, creating opportunities in the nightlife industry, and understanding that sometimes the biggest opportunities come from simply being dependable and solving a problem.

The conversation also explores an important reality of nonprofit leadership: having a mission doesn't eliminate the need for a sustainable business model.

For Troy, the skills and relationships developed throughout his entrepreneurial journey are now helping him build an organization designed to make an impact on young athletes and their families.

In This Episode

J Haleem and Troy discuss:

• Troy’s journey from the Marine Corps to entrepreneurship
• How ordinary jobs can create extraordinary opportunities
• Building relationships throughout Las Vegas
• Why relationships are one of the most valuable currencies in business
• Lessons learned from working around professional athletes and influential people
• Turning opportunities into businesses
• Customer service, dependability, and the importance of showing up
• Recognizing business opportunities other people overlook
• Why nonprofit organizations still need sustainable business models
• The creation and mission of Vegas for Athletes
• The Vegas for Athletes Summer Games
• The realities of youth sports and AAU culture
• The financial investment families make in athletic development
• Sudden cardiac arrest awareness among young athletes
• Free ECG heart screenings
• The role of parents, coaches, sports organizations, and businesses
• Using professional athletes and sports organizations to expand awareness
• Building meaningful community partnerships
• Sponsorship and corporate involvement
• Giving back after achieving business success

In this episode of In The Studio with J Haleem, J Haleem sits down with Shana Emily, co-founder of Thrifters Anonymous, for an honest and inspiring conversation about grief, friendship, personal style, entrepreneurship, and giving yourself permission to live fully.

Shana shares how the loss of her mother became the unexpected beginning of Thrifters Anonymous. After inheriting some of her mother’s clothing and jewelry, she began wearing the pieces, documenting her outfits, and using fashion as a way to remain connected to her mother while navigating grief. What began as a personal blog eventually grew into a community centered on confidence, individuality, secondhand fashion, and self-expression.

The conversation goes far beyond clothing. Shana opens up about her longtime friendship and creative partnership with Edwina Registre, her career in employee benefits, her experience appearing on Storage Wars, her work as an actress and stylist, and the next chapter she envisions for the Thrifters Anonymous brand.

At its heart, this episode is about freedom—the freedom to wear what you love, pursue more than one passion, honor where you came from, and create a life that feels authentic.

What happens when you combine military discipline, technology, entrepreneurship, investing, and a willingness to say YES to opportunity?

In this episode of In the Studio with J Haleem, J Haleem sits down with Dorian Cougias, a technology entrepreneur, cybersecurity and AI expert, inventor, investor, and military veteran whose career has placed him at the forefront of major shifts in technology.

Dorian shares how growing up in South Chicago and joining the Army changed the direction of his life. After scoring highly on the ASVAB, he entered military communications and eventually worked in advanced communications and intelligence environments as the world began transitioning from analog technology to digital communications.

That early exposure ultimately helped shape a career spanning cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, natural language processing, entrepreneurship, and technology innovation.

With 21 patents, Dorian has spent decades studying how technology changes—and why today's entrepreneurs must think differently about protecting their competitive advantage.

Success in the workplace isn't just about talent—it's about confidence, communication, and knowing your worth.

In this episode of In The Studio with J Haleem, J Haleem sits down with Jody Mack, former television news anchor, communications executive, EOS Worldwide Implementer, consultant, and author of Assured, for an insightful conversation about building confidence, navigating workplace challenges, and creating a career that aligns with your values.

Drawing from decades of experience in television news, entrepreneurship, executive leadership, and business consulting, Jody shares practical strategies for handling difficult workplace situations, overcoming self-doubt, and creating systems that help businesses—and people—perform at their best.

Whether you're an entrepreneur, executive, manager, or emerging leader, this episode is filled with actionable lessons that will help you lead with confidence and build a healthier professional life.

Some conversations don't just inform—they transform.

In this deeply moving episode of In The Studio with J Haleem, J Haleem welcomes Dr. Vanessa Dunn Guyton, Army veteran, international speaker, author, advocate, and founder of Hush No More, for one of the most powerful conversations ever shared on the show.

The episode opens with an emotional spoken-word performance that tells Dr. Guyton's personal story of surviving sexual assault and choosing healing over silence. From there, she courageously shares her journey—from growing up in the housing projects of Sanford, Florida, becoming a teenage mother, serving ten years in the U.S. Army, overcoming trauma, battling depression and alcoholism, and ultimately discovering her life's purpose through faith and advocacy.

Together, J Haleem and Dr. Guyton have an honest discussion about trauma, military life, victim advocacy, domestic violence, human trafficking, healing, forgiveness, family, and the power of telling your story.

This is more than an interview—it's a conversation that offers hope to survivors and challenges communities to become part of the solution.

Some conversations don't just inform—they transform.

In this deeply moving episode of In The Studio with J Haleem, J Haleem welcomes Dr. Vanessa Dunn Guyton, Army veteran, international speaker, author, advocate, and founder of Hush No More, for one of the most powerful conversations ever shared on the show.

The episode opens with an emotional spoken-word performance that tells Dr. Guyton's personal story of surviving sexual assault and choosing healing over silence. From there, she courageously shares her journey—from growing up in the housing projects of Sanford, Florida, becoming a teenage mother, serving ten years in the U.S. Army, overcoming trauma, battling depression and alcoholism, and ultimately discovering her life's purpose through faith and advocacy.

Together, J Haleem and Dr. Guyton have an honest discussion about trauma, military life, victim advocacy, domestic violence, human trafficking, healing, forgiveness, family, and the power of telling your story.

This is more than an interview—it's a conversation that offers hope to survivors and challenges communities to become part of the solution.

Success isn't just about building a business—it's about building a life worth living.

In this powerful conversation, J Haleem sits down with Dr. Trudy Reese, founder of Crown Dental, entrepreneur, mentor, nonprofit leader, and one of Southern Nevada's leading Black female dentists.

Born and raised in Las Vegas, Dr. Reese shares her remarkable journey from aspiring physician to successful dentist and business owner. Along the way, she opens up about entrepreneurship, marriage, leadership, mentorship, community service, and the importance of creating generational impact.

This episode goes far beyond dentistry. It's a conversation about faith, resilience, family, business, and what true success really looks like.

What does it take to rise from an entry-level position to leading one of Nevada's most impactful nonprofit organizations?

In this inspiring episode of In The Studio with J Haleem, J sits down with Lizzette Collins, Executive Director & CEO of Nevada Partners, for an authentic conversation about leadership, perseverance, workforce development, entrepreneurship, and creating opportunities that change lives.

Lizzette shares her incredible journey—from beginning her career as a receptionist at Nevada Partners to becoming the organization's CEO. Along the way, she discusses overcoming challenges, returning to school while advancing her career, leading with purpose, investing in people, and helping families build long-term economic success.

If you're an entrepreneur, nonprofit leader, executive, student, or someone striving to make a greater impact, this episode delivers practical leadership lessons and inspiration you can apply immediately.

What You'll Learn

• How Lizzette Collins advanced from receptionist to CEO
• The importance of servant leadership and investing in people
• Why workforce development is essential to economic growth
• How Nevada Partners is preparing the next generation through education and career training
• The value of financial literacy and homeownership
• Why entrepreneurs need strong community partnerships
• Leadership lessons from decades of nonprofit service
• How to build opportunities that create generational wealth
• The mindset required to grow both personally and professionally

Success isn't just about reaching the top—it's about having the courage to reinvent yourself, lead with purpose, and create opportunities for others.

In this inspiring episode of In The Studio with J Haleem, host J Haleem sits down with Yolanda Mationg for an authentic conversation about leadership, resilience, entrepreneurship, and building a lasting legacy. Yolanda shares her professional journey, the lessons she's learned navigating challenges, and why serving others has remained at the center of everything she does.

Whether you're an entrepreneur, executive, nonprofit leader, or someone striving for personal growth, this conversation is filled with practical wisdom and encouragement that you can apply immediately.

In This Episode You'll Learn:

• How Yolanda Mationg built her leadership journey
• The importance of resilience during difficult seasons
• Why relationships are one of your greatest business assets
• Keys to leading with integrity and purpose
• Lessons learned from entrepreneurship and executive leadership
• How to create opportunities while serving your community
• Advice for aspiring leaders and business owners
• Why authenticity is one of the greatest competitive advantages

Memorable Takeaways

• Success is built through consistency, not shortcuts.
• Leadership begins with service.
• Relationships open doors that talent alone cannot.
• Your challenges can become your greatest testimony.
• Never stop learning, growing, and investing in yourself.

About Yolanda Mationg

Yolanda Mationg is a respected leader whose career reflects excellence, resilience, and a passion for empowering others. Throughout her professional journey, she has remained committed to helping individuals and organizations grow through authentic leadership, strategic thinking, and meaningful community impact.

In this inspiring and entertaining episode of In The Studio with J Haleem, we welcome Edwina Registre, co-founder of Thrifters Anonymous, entrepreneur, military veteran, insurance professional, and passionate advocate for living boldly.

Edwina shares her remarkable journey from being raised by Haitian immigrant parents to serving as a combat medic in the U.S. Army, navigating corporate America, and building one of YouTube's longest-running thrifting communities.

More than a conversation about fashion, this episode explores confidence, friendship, resilience, financial freedom, creativity, and why personal style has nothing to do with the price tag.

Whether you're interested in entrepreneurship, military life, fashion, personal development, or simply living authentically, this conversation is packed with wisdom and practical inspiration. 

In this powerful and insightful episode of In The Studio with J Haleem, we sit down with Judge Kerri Maxey, Family Court Judge for Clark County, Nevada.

Judge Maxey shares her inspiring journey from a small-town upbringing in Utah to graduating from UNLV and the William S. Boyd School of Law, eventually dedicating her career to serving children and families through the legal system.

With nearly 17 years as a juvenile public defender before taking the bench, Judge Maxey provides a rare behind-the-scenes look at Family Court, discussing custody disputes, child support, adoptions, protective orders, and the emotional weight judges carry when making decisions that impact people's lives.

She also opens up about perseverance, overcoming setbacks, public service, mental health, and the importance of leading with compassion and empathy.

This conversation offers valuable insight for parents, professionals, community leaders, and anyone interested in understanding the human side of the justice system.

What's the real secret to building generational wealth?

It isn't flashy cars.

It isn't social media followers.

And it definitely isn't chasing every new trend.

This week on In The Studio with J Haleem, we sit down with Tyler Peterson, the face behind Cane Juice Bar & Cafe, one of Las Vegas' most unique and refreshing businesses.

In this powerful conversation, Tyler shares how his family's entrepreneurial journey led them to acquire and grow Cane Juice Bar, creating a thriving business built on customer service, community, and old-school business principles.

If you've ever thought about owning a business, buying an existing company, creating family wealth, or simply building something that lasts, this episode is packed with wisdom.

In this inspiring episode of In The Studio with J Haleem, J sits down with Chef B. Laurayne, executive chef, entrepreneur, and founder of Pretty Soul Kitchen and the Dine with Chef B. Laurayne Tasting Social Club, for a raw conversation about resilience, business ownership, and trusting the journey.

Chef B. Laurayne shares her journey from Richmond, Virginia, to the West Coast, discussing how a major life transition, including divorce and relocation, became the catalyst for pursuing her culinary dreams full-time. What began as meal prep, catering, and personal chef services eventually evolved into restaurant ownership and a growing culinary brand.

Throughout the conversation, she opens up about the realities of entrepreneurship—the sacrifices, financial struggles, setbacks, break-ins, and emotional challenges that often go unseen behind social media success stories. She explains how faith, persistence, and an unwavering belief in her vision helped her continue moving forward, even during her toughest moments.

The episode also explores the importance of mastering your craft, staying true to your purpose, supporting local businesses, and understanding that success isn't always about reaching the destination—it's about becoming the person capable of achieving the vision. 

In this powerful episode of In The Studio with J Haleem, J sits down with Allycia Murphy, prosecutor, community leader, and candidate for Las Vegas Municipal Court Judge, for a candid conversation about perseverance, purpose, and public service.

From her upbringing in North Carolina to building a successful legal career in Nevada, Allycia shares the lessons that shaped her journey. She opens up about overcoming setbacks, navigating law school, passing the bar exam after multiple attempts, and the importance of refusing to let failure define your future.

The discussion dives into the realities of the criminal justice system, the emotional challenges faced by legal professionals, and the importance of balancing accountability with compassion. Allycia also shares her vision for serving the Las Vegas community and why she believes integrity, fairness, and consistency are essential qualities for those entrusted with administering justice.

More than a conversation about law, this episode is about resilience, leadership, family, and finding purpose through service.

In this powerful episode, J Haleem sits down with rising artist Official Dynasty—a story that goes far beyond music.

From early grind days in South Carolina to building momentum in Atlanta, Dynasty shares how his journey was interrupted by a life-threatening health diagnosis… and how he fought his way back—not just as an artist, but as a business-minded brand.

This is a conversation about resilience, ownership, and doing business the right way in an industry full of shortcuts.

In This Episode

• Dynasty’s early music journey (high school → college → military)
• The reality of being told he had 3 days to live
• Losing momentum at his peak—and starting over from zero
• The mindset required to rebuild after a life reset
• Why talent alone isn’t enough in today’s music industry
• Transitioning from artist → entrepreneur
• Understanding publishing, royalties, splits, and ownership
• Building a catalog strategically (not chasing viral moments)
• Why doing good business builds long-term relationships
• The importance of brand, story, and authenticity 

In this episode of In The Studio with J Haleem, we sit down with Bojo, known as the Voice of Vegas, for a high-energy conversation on entertainment, consistency, and building a brand in one of the most competitive cities in the country.

From humble beginnings on the street team to becoming a radio personality, arena host, and city-wide voice, Bojo breaks down what it really takes to win in entertainment—and why most people underestimate the grind.

In This Episode

J Haleem and Bojo discuss:

• Bojo’s journey from Toronto → California → Las Vegas
• How a soccer scholarship to UNLV changed his life
• Starting from the street team and working overnight radio shifts
• The reality of the entertainment grind (2AM shifts, multiple jobs)
• Why consistency is the real key to opportunity
• Transitioning from passion to business (knowing your value)
• Building a reputation and staying respected in a major city
• The evolution of Las Vegas as a sports and entertainment capital
• Balancing fatherhood, family, and a demanding career
• Why relationships and character matter more than talent