Flex Forward

In this episode of The Flex Forward Podcast, host Nic Espanet sits down with petroleum and reservoir engineer turned angel investor, Sam Betts, to discuss his incredible journey from offshore oil rigs to startup investing. Sam shares insights on the technical world of drilling and production, the drive behind his work ethic, and the life-altering health challenges that led him to pivot into entrepreneurship.
Sam talks about how working 80-hour weeks early in his career helped accelerate his growth, and how clear goal setting—like writing down 100 dreams—helped him stay focused. He opens up about how his health setbacks forced him to rethink his path, eventually leading him to support startups as an angel investor. The conversation also dives into how he evaluates startup opportunities and what he’s learned from mentoring, engineering, and building a global career.
Whether you're an aspiring engineer, a startup enthusiast, or someone navigating big life changes, Sam’s story is full of powerful takeaways.
 
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Dr. David Johnston, a seasoned radiologist at Solis Mammography, joins Nic Espanet to share the winding road that led him to specialize in breast imaging. From almost dropping out of med school to having a lightbulb moment mid-board exam, Dr. Johnston opens up about the personal and professional turning points that shaped his career.
He discusses:
How discovering the role of a radiologist changed everything
The unique demands and rewards of breast imaging
Why specialization truly matters for mammogram quality
The emotional weight of helping patients through frightening diagnoses
His thoughts on passive income, frugality, and upcoming imaging tech
Dr. Johnston also introduces new advancements like contrast-enhanced mammography and shares what’s next in this ever-evolving field. If you’re curious about the human side of radiology and how to thrive by aligning with your purpose, this one’s for you.
 
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In this insightful episode, Nic Espanet talks with Nimi Natan, founder and president of Gulf Coast Small Business Lending—a subsidiary of Gulf Coast Bank & Trust. Nimi breaks down how his company provides SBA, USDA, and franchise finance solutions with a focus on owner-operators and real-world repayment strategies.
They discuss how Nimi grew his company from the ground up, how their acquisition by a bank preserved their mission, and why understanding borrowers' business goals matters more than flashy financial structures. Nimi also shares thoughts on economic cycles, macroeconomic trends, and why Main Street—not Wall Street—drives their lending approach.
Whether you're a small business owner, lender, or just someone curious about the real-world impact of SBA lending, this conversation is full of practical wisdom and candid stories.
 
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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 services
Why automation, fiber optics, and AI are reshaping local government
How networking and continuous learning fuel Jorge’s leadership
His thoughts on investing in yourself and creating multiple revenue streams
Insightful lessons from Jim Rohn and building a resilient mindset
Jorge also shares exciting upcoming initiatives—including international speaking engagements—and tips for anyone looking to level up in their business or career.
 
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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 silent epidemic affecting nearly half of all women
The science behind trabecular bone scoring and how MediMaps' software works
Why so many patients at risk never get screened
Kimberly’s personal motivation and professional journey in medtech
Exercise snacks, Dr. Peter Attia, and building your muscle bank before it's too late
Kimberly also opens up about personal experiences with aging parents, and how bone fractures often trigger a sharp decline in quality of life. She highlights the urgent need for earlier, more proactive screening and how their newest FDA-cleared AI product aims to fill that gap.
 
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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 dives into how his app uses patented push alert tech to create instant, interest-based meetups, and how it stands apart from social and dating apps. He also opens up about the challenges of fundraising, building with integrity, and what it takes to be a persistent founder in the tech world.
You’ll also hear about exciting upcoming partnerships with the Dallas Mavericks, TCU, Amazon, and a South by Southwest appearance that has us all watching his journey
 
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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 practice, how his athletic background helps him understand injuries better, and how he's embraced technology like AI and robotics in both patient care and surgical settings. He also opens up about personal experiences, such as teaching procedures globally and creating additional streams of income beyond the operating room.
Listeners will appreciate Earl’s insights into finding mentors, adapting to medical industry changes, and the entrepreneurial side of healthcare. Whether you’re in medicine, business, or just love a good origin story, this episode offers valuable takeaways.
 
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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.
Listeners will learn how John transitioned from a large medical group to launching a state-of-the-art facility, why persistence and showing up daily matter, and the wisdom he's picked up from mentors, books, and life experience. John also shares powerful habits, like his daily “3 things” method for consistent progress, and encourages others to embrace the journey, not just the destination.
This is a must-listen for anyone navigating their own path in healthcare, entrepreneurship, or personal growth.
 
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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 importance of proactive communication in business, the value of understanding both sides of the investment equation, and how Vince's adoption of the EOS model transformed his business and leadership style. From managing thousands of K1s to launching the PNC Advisory Collective, Vince discusses what it takes to build trust, lead a team, and scale a service-driven firm.
If you're a real estate operator or investor looking to understand the value of having a CPA who gets your world, this episode is packed with helpful advice and candid insights.
 
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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 eventually led him through roles in maintenance, design, engineering, and supply chain leadership at Boeing. He details the pivotal decision to leave Boeing and move to Germany during COVID—a choice that came with personal and professional challenges, but ultimately led him to where he is today.
He also offers thoughtful advice on building a “skill stack,” embracing failure as a growth tool, and pursuing work that makes you more of who you want to be.
 
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