Behind the Review

Meet Audra, the fourth-generation owner of Great Bear Auto Shop in Queens, NYC. In an industry where only 2 percent of auto mechanics are women, Audra is changing expectations about who belongs in the garage and how a car repair shop serves its community. Growing up with the family business, Audra faced skepticism and pushback but turned every challenge into motivation. She learned on the job, went to trade school, and brought fresh skills and ideas back to Great Bear. Audra transformed the shop's culture, shifting from the stereotypes of the past to build an inclusive, comfortable space for everyone. Her belief in educating rather than intimidating customers is written on the walls and reflected in every service. Each repair is about helping people feel safe and empowered, not just fixing cars. One key moment came when Audra realized many customers felt overwhelmed by car care. She started hosting free monthly workshops for women – creating a welcoming environment where knowledge is shared and stereotypes are left at the door. Today, Great Bear is more than just a family-owned auto repair shop. It is a hub for community empowerment, championing women in auto repair and helping drivers across Queens and NYC feel confident on the road. If you are looking to support a women-owned small business and see what makes Great Bear Auto different, check out Audra’s shop on Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/great-bear-auto-and-auto-body-shop-flushing Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Media expert Lynn Smith shares how mastering communication unlocks business growth, team trust, and brand visibility. Lynn outlines strategies to overcome the “brain bully,” communicate with presence, handle feedback with confidence, and rebrand with impact. Learn practical tips for entrepreneurs; from magnetic messaging to pitching the media and building a trustworthy, memorable brand. https://www.lynnsmith.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

TV design expert and bestselling author Bobby Berk joins Emily to share how he grew from retail entrepreneur to celebrated TV personality, building an authentic brand at every step. Bobby reveals his approach to interior design, creating “Instagrammable” moments, fostering team loyalty, and handling customer reviews—all to make your business truly unforgettable. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jenn Saesue and Chat Suansilphong of 55 Hospitality share how they redefined Thai food in NYC with Fish Cheeks, launched Bangkok Supper Club, and are now opening Bub’s Bakery. Hear their insights on spotting market gaps, partnering with talented chefs, embracing customer feedback, and building trust within their team. Discover real-world lessons on growing restaurant brands and staying innovative while expanding. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Elisa Marshall, co-founder of Maman cafés, shares how she grew a bakery from 1 curated location, to over 40! Plus landing a dream collab with Martha Stewart. Hear her top tips on menu innovation, brand storytelling, customer advocacy, and scaling without losing authenticity. Packed with practical advice for hospitality pros and entrepreneurs in any industry. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Drew and Jonathan Scott—the Property Brothers—share how childhood side hustles fueled their rise to global brand leaders. Learn how innovation, authenticity, and listening to customers built their product empire and hit TV shows. Plus, insights from their new show, “Don’t Hate Your House” and tips for healthier homes, impactful marketing, and business growth. Property Brothers Don't Hate Your House (HGTV show) More about the episode⁠ Theme Music by ⁠Ali Schwartz⁠ and ⁠Meserole Sound Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The inspiring journey of Pana Food Truck. Founder Herman Sierra shares how he and his brother brought Venezuelan arepas to California, overcoming setbacks and building a community one customer at a time. Hear about navigating business challenges, keeping the menu authentic (and simple), mastering social media, and the leap from food truck to brick and mortar restaurant. Essential advice for any entrepreneur dreaming of turning culture and passion into success. Pana Food TruckMore about the episodeTheme Music by Ali Schwartz and Meserole Sound Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Go behind the scenes with Ted Xenohristos, founder and Chief Concept Officer of CAVA, as he shares how the Mediterranean-inspired brand grew from a single, family-run restaurant, to a national sensation. Discover the importance of culture, team empowerment, food quality, and innovation in scaling a restaurant business, plus candid lessons learned along the way. Don’t miss insights on hospitality, customer connection, and what makes CAVA truly unique. CAVAMore about the episodeTheme Music by Ali Schwartz and Meserole Sound Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Josh Campbell of Rescue Air & Plumbing joins Emily to reveal how he scaled a family-founded HVAC business into a multimillion-dollar home services powerhouse. Dive into practical lessons on acquiring and integrating new trades businesses, building a winning culture, setting clear goals, and turning tough customer moments into loyalty. Tune in for real-world advice and inspiration on growth, leadership, and the power of over-communication in the trades. Rescue Air & Plumbing More about the episodeTheme Music by Ali Schwartz and Meserole Sound Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Family-run businesses bring something special to their communities—and Pest Brothers is proof. Jose and Michael Rodriguez share how they’ve grown from summer door-knocking to one of Yelp’s Top 100 Local businesses. Discover their secrets to stand-out service, ultra-fast response times, and building a team centered on trust. Learn what it takes to thrive in home services—and how family values fuel their success. Pest Brothers More about the episode Theme Music by Ali Schwartz and Meserole Sound Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices