Michael Yim is a mechanical engineer by practice and an entrepreneur. Mike and his partner, Jon, founded Aggregate Watches and Hatch Duo, a product design consultancy where they help startups bring their product ideas to market. In this episode, Mike talks about how he got into engineering, the development of Aggregrate’s concrete watch, and rediscovering himself as more than an engineer, but as an entrepreneur.

Follow Mike and his work at HatchDuo.com (@hatch.duo) and AggregateWatches.com (@aggregate_watches).

FIRM Podcast Ep. 5 - "Rediscovery" (Michael Yim)

Be’Anka and Jeronica are sisters and the founders of Nirvana Soul, the newest and hottest coffee shop in Downtown San Jose. In this episode of the FIRM Podcast, they talk about where their passion for coffee stems from, opening Nirvana Soul in the midst of a global pandemic, and what their vision is for the future. So without further ado, this is episode 6 with Be’Anka and Jeronica AKA #Jeranka of Nirvana Soul.

You can follow Nirvana Soul on their website NirvanaSoulCoffee.com

Instagram and Facebook @nirvanasoulcoffee

Twitter @NirvanaSoulSJ

FIRM Podcast Ep. 6 - "Do It Scared" (Nirvana Soul)

Ratha Nou is a multi-disciplined, multifaceted creative entrepreneur. In this episode of The FIRM Podcast, Ra talks about how his passion for hip hop and dance carried over throughout his life, positioning himself to learn, and building Stablished Projects, his motion design, animation, and overall creative studio. 

You can follow Ra and his work at stablabs.com, on Instagram @ra_stablished and @stablishedprojects, and his YouTube channel Stablished Projects.

FIRM Podcast Ep. 7 - "Show Up Every Day" (Ratha Nou)

Jordan, JR, and Don are barbers, educators, and creative entrepreneurs. In this episode, we talk about their journey of opening two Paradox Barbershops, the value of building a solid team, and educating the next generation of barbers. 

You can follow the fellas on Instagram @jr.paradox, @jordanparadox, @don.paradox, @paradoxbarbers, and @paradoxeducation. Book an appointment at prdx.us.

FIRM Podcast Ep. 8 - "The Return of Saturn" (Paradox)

Local Color is a woman-powered 501 (C)(3) Non-profit building multifaceted opportunities that keeps creatives engaged, employed and active in the community. In this episode of the FIRM Podcast, we talk about their journeys leading to Local Color, their work, and the recently launched Local Commons program. 

From the Digital Underground, this is episode 9 with Erin, Carman and Haley from Local Color.

FIRM Podcast Ep. 9 - "Yasss! Life! The sads are good, too" (Local Color)

Jason, Ave, and Brian are brothers, graphic designers and the owners of Jubo Clothing. In this episode of the FIRM Podcast, they talk about how their mom introduced them to entrepreneurship, creating their own path with Jubo, and opening their new storefront, Coldwater in Japantown San Jose, CA.

FIRM Podcast Ep. 10 - "Coldwater" (Jubo Clothing)

Gabby Horlick is the drummer and band leader for the 7th Street Big Band. In this episode of the FIRM Podcast, we talk about her musical journey, building the 22 piece 7th Street Big Band, and what’s next to come from the group. So without further ado, here's episode 11 with Gabby Horlick.

The FIRM Podcast

FIRM Podcast Ep. 11 - "Post Hang" (Gabby Horlick)

The Youth Liberation Movement aka YLM is a group of young leaders who aim to improve San Jose’s approach to housing, education, mental health and criminal justice by partnering with local institutions. 

Full disclosure, this episode is a two-part conversation with some of the young leaders. In this first part, I speak with Angelina, Meyia, and Angel about growing up in San Jose and some of their lived experiences that led them to the work they do now with the Youth Liberation Movement.

To close out this first season of the FIRM Podcast, this is part one of our finale with Angie, Meyia and Angel from the Youth Liberation Movement.

FIRM Podcast Ep. 12 - "Stay Consistent" Part 1 (Youth Liberation Movement)

The Youth Liberation Movement's mission is to liberate young people from the cycle of generational trauma and oppression by translating their lived experiences into actionable solutions.

In this second conversation with YLM, Angie, Meyia and Angel talk about building a youth-led grassroots organization from the ground up, projects that the organization have been working on, and their hopes for YLM's future and the future of our community.

If you haven'y listened to the first part of this conversation, please go back to last week's episode for more context.

To close out this first season of the FIRM Podcast, this is part two of our finale with Angie, Meyia and Angel from the Youth Liberation Movement.

FIRM Podcast Ep. 12 - "Stay Consistent" Part 2 (Youth Liberation Movement)

Haley Cardamon is the Executive Director and Founder of San Jose Day, an annual festival that celebrates the arts and culture of San Jose every April. In this episode, Haley shares her journey in building the festival, its growth over the years, and what’s in store for this year's 7th annual event. Plus, a special guest makes an appearance — Barry, our roommate’s cat, drops by towards the end.

FIRM Podcast Ep. 13 “San José Day" (Haley Cardamon)

From Forever In The Right Mind, we introduce The FIRM Podcast hosted by Michael Cabana. In this first season, he sits with San Jose entrepreneurs and creatives to talk about life, their inspirations, and come-up stories.