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#56. Creating your own opportunities with David Gonzalez

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Content provided by Emily Marciniak Louis. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Emily Marciniak Louis or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://ppacc.player.fm/legal.

David Gonzalez from Arbol and Arbol Community Fund is on the podcast today! David and I have known each other for a long time, and I have absolutely loved watching his career unfold, transition, and grow... especially from our days serving at Carrabba's Italian Grille.
David co-founded Arbol, an online application that empowers college students to take action on their finances, providing an engaging experience that alleviates the anxiety of managing financial aid and personal finances. Ultimately it helps in reducing dropout rates. David has always had an entrepreneurial mindset, and has always prioritized his career. We talk about all the ups and downs, including the opportunities he created for himself. So many good nuggets in here for anyone looking to start a business or advance their career. Lots to learn from this startup pro! Enjoy!
Get tickets for the Arbol Community Event at Resurgence on June 20 here!

Subscribe to the YouTube Channel to watch the episodes! @mostlyallfiguredout
Follow us on Instagram: @mostlyallfiguredout
To connect with me about event and fundraising consulting for your nonprofit, shoot me a DM!
Subscribe to stay in the know every time an episode drops (Fridays!).

Video and Audio Edited by @4thStringAudio
Please rate and review the podcast! It really helps to get it in front of more people. And we love you for it.

  continue reading

72 episodes

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Manage episode 411192988 series 3392447
Content provided by Emily Marciniak Louis. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Emily Marciniak Louis or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://ppacc.player.fm/legal.

David Gonzalez from Arbol and Arbol Community Fund is on the podcast today! David and I have known each other for a long time, and I have absolutely loved watching his career unfold, transition, and grow... especially from our days serving at Carrabba's Italian Grille.
David co-founded Arbol, an online application that empowers college students to take action on their finances, providing an engaging experience that alleviates the anxiety of managing financial aid and personal finances. Ultimately it helps in reducing dropout rates. David has always had an entrepreneurial mindset, and has always prioritized his career. We talk about all the ups and downs, including the opportunities he created for himself. So many good nuggets in here for anyone looking to start a business or advance their career. Lots to learn from this startup pro! Enjoy!
Get tickets for the Arbol Community Event at Resurgence on June 20 here!

Subscribe to the YouTube Channel to watch the episodes! @mostlyallfiguredout
Follow us on Instagram: @mostlyallfiguredout
To connect with me about event and fundraising consulting for your nonprofit, shoot me a DM!
Subscribe to stay in the know every time an episode drops (Fridays!).

Video and Audio Edited by @4thStringAudio
Please rate and review the podcast! It really helps to get it in front of more people. And we love you for it.

  continue reading

72 episodes

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This week’s episode is such a fun one, and honestly, I wish we could've kept it going because I have SO many follow-up questions. I sat down with Lindsay Robson, who you might know from Nickel City Pretty , Copper & Steel , When’s Food? podcast, the Buffalo Blogger Network … and basically every cool creative corner of Buffalo. We talked about all of her amazing projects and how she’s managed to keep showing up creatively through all the highs and lows — including her divorce. Which brings us to the real juice of this episode: dating post-divorce. Lindsay has been on over 60 first dates in the last couple of years (yes, you read that right), and she came ready to share the wild, the weird, and the occasionally heartwarming tales from the dating trenches. We talked about the apps, the red flags, the lessons, and how she stays grounded through all of it. But the real takeaway? Be true to yourself. Go to that event. Start the thing you’ve been dreaming about. Wear the outfit. Go on the date. Whatever it is — do it for you . Also… men are something else right now. So, maybe just protect your peace at the moment if you are a single straight woman. So whether you’re dating, divorced, deep into your creative journey, or just trying to figure things out — this one’s for you. Thanks for listening, and as always — we’re all mostly all figured out, and that’s more than enough. 💛 Follow Lindsay on IG for links to allllll the things: @nicklecitypretty Subscribe to the YouTube Channel to watch the episodes! @mostlyallfiguredout Follow us on Instagram: @mostlyallfiguredout To connect with me about event and fundraising consulting for your nonprofit , shoot me a DM! Subscribe to stay in the know every time an episode drops (Fridays!). Video and Audio Edited by @4thStringAudio Please rate and review the podcast! It really helps to get it in front of more people. And we love you for it.…
 
Everyone’s in for a real treat with this one — meet my grandparents, Norbert and Rosemarie Marciniak! While visiting them in Las Vegas, I pulled out my mic (much to their surprise) and started asking all the questions: about their childhoods, how they met, what parenting was like in the ’60s and ’70s, and whether hindsight really is 20/20. We even tossed in some audience questions from Instagram! This episode is one my family and I will cherish forever. I hope you enjoy their stories, laughs, and time tested advice as much as I did. Give it a listen — and if you’re lucky enough to still have your grandparents around, go give them a big hug ❤️ Subscribe to the YouTube Channel to watch the episodes! @mostlyallfiguredout Follow us on Instagram: @mostlyallfiguredout To connect with me about event and fundraising consulting for your nonprofit , shoot me a DM! Subscribe to stay in the know every time an episode drops (Fridays!). Video and Audio Edited by @4thStringAudio Please rate and review the podcast! It really helps to get it in front of more people. And we love you for it.…
 
In this episode of the Mostly All Figured Out podcast, I sit down with Chad Williams, founder of the clothing brand dooProcess . Chad opens up about his journey from growing up in a large, close-knit family in Brooklyn to moving to Buffalo to attend Buffalo State University. Wrestling played a huge role in his life, and although an injury altered his athletic path, Chad's resilient mindset carried him forward. Chad shares the powerful and emotional story of being wrongfully arrested while trying to help a friend—an experience that deeply impacted his education and work life. This challenging time ignited his passion for justice reform and inspired him to create dooProcess , a street-wear clothing brand that donates 15% of sales to social justice organizations. Through our conversation, Chad talks about the importance of family, turning obstacles into opportunities, and how fashion has become his powerful medium for storytelling and advocacy. He also offers a glimpse into Buffalo's vibrant and growing fashion scene and the role community engagement plays in his mission. Chad's story is a testament to staying grounded, embracing life's challenges, and living life freely. Follow dooProcess: @dooprocess Follow Chad: @osotalented_ Get your dooProcess attire: dooprocess.org Subscribe to the YouTube Channel to watch the episodes! @mostlyallfiguredout Follow us on Instagram: @mostlyallfiguredout To connect with me about event and fundraising consulting for your nonprofit , shoot me a DM! Subscribe to stay in the know every time an episode drops (Fridays!). Video and Audio Edited by @4thStringAudio Please rate and review the podcast! It really helps to get it in front of more people. And we love you for it.…
 
In this episode, I'm sharing a simple practice that's already made a huge difference in keeping me on track with my goals — a monthly review. Taking about an hour at the end of each month to reflect has helped me stay accountable, identify where I fell short, and create a plan to overcome obstacles in the month ahead. For example, I wasn’t as consistent with podcasting this month as I’d hoped. To fix that, I’m putting some new systems in place — like working with a podcast editor (shoutout to Jake!), scheduling a batch of interviews in advance, and shifting most future interviews to virtual. These changes will streamline my process and save so much time! I love sharing what’s working for me, and I hope this episode inspires you to try something similar. Tune in and let me know what you think! Subscribe to the YouTube Channel to watch the episodes! @mostlyallfiguredout Follow us on Instagram: @mostlyallfiguredout To connect with me about event and fundraising consulting for your nonprofit , shoot me a DM! Subscribe to stay in the know every time an episode drops (Fridays!). Video and Audio Edited by @4thStringAudio Please rate and review the podcast! It really helps to get it in front of more people. And we love you for it.…
 
Y'all, today, I’m bringing you an episode that will resonate with anyone who's ever questioned their path, felt stuck in a role that didn’t quite fit, or wondered, What do I actually want my life to look like? I’m joined by the incredible Kate Welshofer —writer, speaker, content creator, and self-proclaimed mischief-maker. You may recognize her from her days as a TV news anchor, most recently as the host of Most Buffalo on WGRZ. Now, she's a content creator, the creative force behind The Secret Monster Project, and the Communications and Content Strategist for the National Comedy Center in Jamestown, NY. Kate is all about spreading joy, embracing change, and proving that it’s never too late to rewrite your story . In this episode, Kate opens up about: ✨ The winding road that took her from news anchor to content creator ✨ The power of just doing something you enjoy —without attaching pressure to the outcome ✨ How breaking away from societal expectations allowed her to truly find herself ✨ Why making a change doesn’t have to mean having it all figured out (#amiright!?) Where to find Kate + her cool stuff: Read her weekly columns on Substack Follow Kate on IG: @ katewelshofer Follow Kate on Facebook: Kate Welshofer Get the You Monster book from Eleven Covington in Perry, NY! Subscribe to the YouTube Channel to watch the episodes! @mostlyallfiguredout Follow us on Instagram: @mostlyallfiguredout To connect with me about event and fundraising consulting for your nonprofit , shoot me a DM! Subscribe to stay in the know every time an episode drops (Fridays!). Video and Audio Edited by @4thStringAudio Please rate and review the podcast! It really helps to get it in front of more people. And we love you for it.…
 
Alright, let’s be real—vision boards can feel a little cringe . Cutting out magazine quotes like “Be Brave” and slapping them on a poster doesn’t magically make you brave (trust me, I’ve tried). But here’s the thing: vision boards can actually work—if you do them right. In this episode, I’m breaking down: ✨ Why your past vision boards might’ve been a total flop ✨ The one small tweak that made mine actually work ✨ How I used a vision board to manifest my dream home (spoiler: it wasn’t magic, but it was kinda wild) ✨ The key to picking images that actually get you results ✨ Why you should focus on one goal at a time (I know it's hard but trust me on this) I promise—this isn’t just another fluffy “believe and receive” talk. We’re getting practical about how to use vision boards in a way that feels good and gets results. Subscribe to the YouTube Channel to watch the episodes! @mostlyallfiguredout Follow us on Instagram: @mostlyallfiguredout To connect with me about event and fundraising consulting for your nonprofit , shoot me a DM! Subscribe to stay in the know every time an episode drops (Fridays!). Video and Audio Edited by @4thStringAudio Please rate and review the podcast! It really helps to get it in front of more people. And we love you for it.…
 
🎙️ Mostly All Figured Out Podcast: Valentine’s Day Special! Brought in the big guns to help you celebrate this completely commercial holiday today. That's right, Elizabeth Grace Marciniak, my sister, is back on the podcast for another slightly tipsy episode of oversharing. Whether you're single, partnered, or somewhere in between, this episode is your ultimate Valentine’s Day guide—filled with laughter, relatable moments, and maybe a little too much Shakira and Cher impersonations. 🔥 What’s Inside? Very impressive karaoke 🎤 Zumba, gin martinis, and some cocktail clinking ASMR Our suggestions for how you should celebrate the holiday The best (and worst) ways to celebrate love—whether it’s with a partner or a well-earned solo night in 🛁 My Animal Crossing obsession and the different forms self care takes for all of us The cringiest date and breakup stories that will make you feel so much better about your own dating life 😂 ✨ Key Takeaways: Love yourself, love your people, and don’t let commercial holidays tell you how to do it. And drink more gin with your sister. 📺 Watch on YouTube for the full experience! 🎧 Available now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you listen! Subscribe to the YouTube Channel to watch the episodes! @mostlyallfiguredout Follow us on Instagram: @mostlyallfiguredout To connect with me about event and fundraising consulting for your nonprofit , shoot me a DM! Subscribe to stay in the know every time an episode drops (Fridays!). Video and Audio Edited by @4thStringAudio Please rate and review the podcast! It really helps to get it in front of more people. And we love you for it.…
 
We've all heard it a million times— "Gratitude is life-changing!" "You need a gratitude practice!" "It’ll shift your mindset, attract abundance, and transform your life!" But… does it really work? For me, the answer has been a resounding yes . What started as a 28-day gratitude journey at the beginning of the year has turned into something I never want to stop. Along the way, I’ve experienced incredible shifts—some small, some truly life-changing. In this episode, I’m sharing some of the wins I’ve seen firsthand, plus the simple yet powerful tools I’ll be carrying with me long after the "challenge" is over. Gratitude isn’t about ignoring the hard stuff—it’s about finding the good even when things feel uncertain. It’s a way to break free from negativity, to see the beauty and possibility that already surround us. I truly believe that recognizing and appreciating what’s working in our lives can create even more good. I hope this episode gives you ideas on how to weave gratitude into your own life in a way that feels effortless and real. If it resonates with you, let me know—I’d love to hear from you! 💛 Subscribe to the YouTube Channel to watch the episodes! @mostlyallfiguredout Follow us on Instagram: @mostlyallfiguredout To connect with me about event and fundraising consulting for your nonprofit , shoot me a DM! Subscribe to stay in the know every time an episode drops (Fridays!). Video and Audio Edited by @4thStringAudio Please rate and review the podcast! It really helps to get it in front of more people. And we love you for it.…
 
I still can't believe this interview actually happened. I fell in love with Ellie's voice before I had the chance to meet her and fall in love with her as a human. In this episode, she shares what it was like being a kid in high school who knew with explicit certainty what she wanted to be when she grew up. She talks about the importance of setting and enforcing boundaries, sticking up for yourself, and the transformative power of taking time off the grid to connect with yourself. I didn’t know it at the time, but so much of our conversation ties into her latest single, Woman , released in October. If you haven’t already, search for "Ellie Banke" wherever you listen to music and give it a spin—it’s the perfect prequel to this episode. Ellie also opens up about redefining femininity and womanhood on her own terms, breaking free from societal norms, and embracing the freedom that comes with it. This is a conversation you don’t want to miss. If you love it as much as I do, please share, follow, and stream Ellie’s music—she deserves all the love and listens! She is Ellie Banke on all the things - Spotify, Apple Music, Instagram, TikTok, Youtube! Subscribe to the YouTube Channel to watch the episodes! @mostlyallfiguredout Follow us on Instagram: @mostlyallfiguredout To connect with me about event and fundraising consulting for your nonprofit , shoot me a DM! Subscribe to stay in the know every time an episode drops (Fridays!). Video and Audio Edited by @4thStringAudio Please rate and review the podcast! It really helps to get it in front of more people. And we love you for it.…
 
Hello, hello! This episode was originally recorded in April 2024. And what a year 2024 was! Sadly, not a year with this podcast interview in it. But here it is now! The guest is Sarah Baird, Executive Director or Let There Be Light International , an organization that along with local NGO partners helps people in off-grid Africa to gain access to solar energy in their homes and frontline health clinics. In this episode we talk about the many fascinating twists and turns her life has taken over the years - from making a blood pact to become a comedian with her sister, to getting a masters in Russian studies, to stay-at-home moming, to creating an organization impacting millions of people through the power of solar light. This is a great conversation and will definitely inspire you to ride the wave of life and be open but also intentional about whatever direction it takes you in. Enjoy! Follow Let There be Light International on IG: @shineonltbli Subscribe to the YouTube Channel to watch the episodes! @mostlyallfiguredout Follow us on Instagram: @mostlyallfiguredout To connect with me about event and fundraising consulting for your nonprofit , shoot me a DM! Subscribe to stay in the know every time an episode drops (Fridays!). Video and Audio Edited by @4thStringAudio Please rate and review the podcast! It really helps to get it in front of more people. And we love you for it.…
 
Happy New Year! I'm sure I say this every year but I cannot believe it's 2025. Like... what??? We are five years from 2030 I cannot get over this. Anyway 😅 this episode is a solo update on where I'm at and what the podcast is going to look like this year. I also talk about my favorite New Year's ritual - picking a theme word for the year. I highly recommend this as a way to keep yourself grounded in the energy you want to live in this year. It's a significantly more realistic way to set an intention for your year versus the old New Year's resolutions. Leave those behind and find your word! Thanks for listening 🥰 Subscribe to the YouTube Channel to watch the episodes! @mostlyallfiguredout Follow us on Instagram: @mostlyallfiguredout To connect with me about event and fundraising consulting for your nonprofit , shoot me a DM! Subscribe to stay in the know every time an episode drops (Fridays!). Video and Audio Edited by @4thStringAudio Please rate and review the podcast! It really helps to get it in front of more people. And we love you for it.…
 
In this episode, I sat down with Executive Chef Malik Von Saint of Harvest Restaurant at Bent's Opera House in Medina. Chef talked about his journey growing up in the industry, and the people and places that had an impact on him. As the leader in his fine dining kitchen now, he uses all the things he's learned along the way to usher the next generation of culinary creators. He shared how difficult it is to live the lifestyle of a chef, especially with maintaining an intimate relationship. We also talked about how making small changes in his routines and starting therapy really made a big difference for him. In the episode, Chef references "A Cook's Tour" an event the benefits an organization called Family Meal , a nonprofit that emerged from a desire to support struggling hospitality industry workers. Be sure to check them out to support or look for support if you need it. Thanks for listening, please share it with your friends! Follow Chef Malik on IG: @malikvonsaint And get yourself to Harvest for a meal you will love, and a stay at Bent's Opera House ! I got to stay there with my sister and it was so lovely. The rooms are all different and unique, and the little town has all sorts of fun shops and bars to slip in and out of. Less than an hour away! Subscribe to the YouTube Channel to watch the episodes! @mostlyallfiguredout Follow us on Instagram: @mostlyallfiguredout To connect with me about event and fundraising consulting for your nonprofit , shoot me a DM! Subscribe to stay in the know every time an episode drops (Fridays!). Video and Audio Edited by @4thStringAudio Please rate and review the podcast! It really helps to get it in front of more people. And we love you for it.…
 
Aaaaaaaaand we're back. I won't bore y'all with what life has been like the last couple of months that led to another podcast hiatus. Well, actually I will, but I'll save it for a solo episode. More importantly, I'm THRILLED to share my conversation with Justin Hofschneider of Wine on Hertel (WOH)! Justin and I met ages ago when he first soft opened WOH and I was "writing articles" for Step Out Buffalo. Sadly, the article I was supposed to write for his business was never written (sounds believable doesn't it?), but years later, he ended up dating my sister! And now he's the awesome Step Daddy J to my three nieces and my nephew. In our episode, we talked about his side of the story of their relationship (My sister Liz gave her side in the controversial episode #47) and how he transitioned from single business owner bachelor to doing school pick-ups and making dinners for 6. We also talk about how Wine on Hertel began and the slow process it was to making it what it is today - coming up on year 10! We talked a lot about perspectives and the importance of taking nothing for granted. There are lessons around every corner if you are open to learning them. Hope you enjoy this episode, and if you do, please share! Follow Wine on Hertel on IG: @wineonhertel And be sure to stop by for a glass of wine and some delicious tapas! Subscribe to the YouTube Channel to watch the episodes! @mostlyallfiguredout Follow us on Instagram: @mostlyallfiguredout To connect with me about event and fundraising consulting for your nonprofit , shoot me a DM! Subscribe to stay in the know every time an episode drops (Fridays!). Video and Audio Edited by @4thStringAudio Please rate and review the podcast! It really helps to get it in front of more people. And we love you for it.…
 
Finally , I give you, the long-anticipated, fascinating conversation with the one and only, Sean Wrafter. Sean and I recorded this back in April of this year which honestly feels like another lifetime to me. Sean is the co-owner of Acme Cabinet Company . Before that, he designed and built furniture and commercial fixtures at his furniture store called Wrafterbuilt. He's worked in construction, inside and outside sales and marketing, and many other things in-between. We talked about his career trajectory but also got into the difficulty of finding a good therapist, changing the narrative in your friends' group to help you stick to your health and self-care goals, the importance of being present, and so much more. Subscribe to the YouTube Channel to watch the episodes! @mostlyallfiguredout Follow us on Instagram: @mostlyallfiguredout To connect with me about event and fundraising consulting for your nonprofit , shoot me a DM! Subscribe to stay in the know every time an episode drops (Fridays!). Video and Audio Edited by @4thStringAudio Please rate and review the podcast! It really helps to get it in front of more people. And we love you for it.…
 
OMGGGGG I am so happy to be back 😭 Wow I missed this podcast, I missed talking into the mic alone, I missed sharing great conversations with amazing people, wow wow wow. I can't let 4 months go by like that again. But, tbh, I had to. I share more in the episode, but it's been a wild 4 months of pushing to the finish line of this chapter of my life. It's been frustrating, sad, exciting, and scary all at once. We're still in it, but it's getting close. Also in this episode, I share exactly how I manifested my dream apartment. This was such a massive thing for me. I desperately wanted to find a place that felt like a real home for my boys. This has been a tough year for them, too. But also, leaving the house my ex and I bought together, the place where both my boys grew up, it's really the final nail in the coffin of this chapter, so I wanted to start over somewhere that made me feel joy, hope, and comfort. When I tell you this place is literally exactly what I wanted... I can't believe it, but also, I a little bit can. Have a listen, tell your friends the best podcast around is back on, and give yourself a hug cause you're doing a great fucking job. Subscribe to the YouTube Channel to watch the episodes! @mostlyallfiguredout Follow us on Instagram: @mostlyallfiguredout To connect with me about event and fundraising consulting for your nonprofit , shoot me a DM! Subscribe to stay in the know every time an episode drops (Fridays!). Video and Audio Edited by @4thStringAudio Please rate and review the podcast! It really helps to get it in front of more people. And we love you for it.…
 
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