Hometown Jax

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Latest Episodes:

From Military Service to Morning Radio: E.T. Thalerand's Jacksonville Journey Sep 30, 2026

Show notes

Welcome to Hometown Jax, hosted by Aaron Bacus, where we sit down with Jacksonville's business owners, entrepreneurs, creators, and community leaders to hear the stories behind their success. Every episode explores the challenges, defining moments, and lessons that shaped their journey while highlighting the people making a lasting impact across Northeast Florida.

In this episode, Aaron sits down with E.T. Thalerand, On-Air Producer at 1010XL, to discuss his incredible path from serving seven years in the U.S. Coast Guard to becoming one of the familiar voices behind Jacksonville's premier sports radio station. E.T. shares how rejection early in his broadcasting career fueled his determination, what really happens behind the scenes of a live sports radio show, and why relationship-building has opened doors throughout his career. The conversation also dives into Jacksonville sports culture, the Jaguars' impact on the city, coaching youth athletics, community leadership, and E.T.'s passion for creating opportunities through scholarships and local outreach. Whether you're interested in broadcasting, sports media, leadership, or building a meaningful career through perseverance and service, this episode is packed with insight and inspiration.

Trey Brunson on Faith, Film & the Rise of Church of Eleven22 Sep 09, 2026

Show notes

On this episode of Hometown Jax, host Aaron Bacus sits down with local leaders, entrepreneurs, and difference-makers from across Northeast Florida to uncover the stories behind their success, the obstacles they’ve faced, and the impact they’re making in the Jacksonville community. From business and leadership to faith and personal growth, Hometown Jaxshines a spotlight on the people shaping the culture and future of the First Coast.

In this episode, Aaron sits down with Trey Brunson of Church of Eleven22 for a powerful conversation about faith, leadership, purpose, and the explosive growth of one of Jacksonville’s most influential churches. Trey shares his journey from growing up as a pastor’s kid to planting a church in Los Angeles, producing the faith-based film Run the Racealongside Tim Tebow, and helping lead the rapid expansion of Eleven22 across Northeast Florida. The conversation dives deep into modern culture, the resurgence of faith, truth in today’s world, discipleship, church planting, and why so many people are searching for meaning right now. This is an inspiring and thought-provoking episode you won’t want to miss.

Military Police, Mortgages & Firearms: The Many Careers of CJ Bobola Aug 19, 2026

Show notes

On this episode of Hometown Jax, host Aaron Bacus sits down with local business owners, entrepreneurs, and community leaders to uncover the real stories behind their success. From overcoming obstacles to building businesses in Northeast Florida, Hometown Jax highlights the people who make the Jacksonville community thrive. Each episode dives into the lessons, struggles, and wins that shape the everyday workforce and business landscape of Jacksonville.

This week, Aaron talks with CJ Bobola, veteran, former military police officer, mortgage professional, and owner of Anchored Armory. CJ shares his journey from growing up in a military family to serving overseas in Greece, Spain, and Africa, working anti-piracy missions, becoming a civilian police officer, and eventually transitioning into the mortgage industry and firearms business. The conversation dives deep into gun safety, concealed carry laws, military culture, entrepreneurship, networking, and how CJ built a concierge-style firearm business focused on education and trust. Whether you’re interested in entrepreneurship, military stories, firearms education, or building a business around your passions, this episode is packed with insight and unforgettable stories.

How Jim Martin Built a Championship Legacy in Jacksonville Basketball Aug 05, 2026

Show notes

On this episode of Hometown Jax, host Aaron Bacus sits down with the people who help shape Jacksonville through leadership, perseverance, and service to the community. Each conversation uncovers the real story behind local success — the setbacks, sacrifices, and defining moments that most people never see. This show is about the individuals who make Northeast Florida stronger every single day.
In this episode, Aaron talks with legendary Providence School basketball coach Jim Martin, fresh off his fourth state championship. Jim shares his journey from college player to coach, the moment he walked away from a stable career to follow his calling, and how he built one of Jacksonville’s most respected basketball programs. They dive into leadership, coaching philosophy, parenting in youth sports, player development, and what it truly means to create a winning culture that lasts far beyond the scoreboard.

Inside Local News: Tiffany Salameh on Journalism, AI & Trust in Media Jul 22, 2026

Show notes

Hometown Jax is all about the people who keep Jacksonville moving—business owners, professionals, and community leaders who show up every day to make a difference. Hosted by Jason Kindler, each episode dives into the real stories behind the work—uncovering the challenges, pivots, and passion that fuel success in Northeast Florida. Whether you're an entrepreneur, a creative, or just someone who loves hearing how others overcome obstacles, this podcast is your front-row seat to the heartbeat of Jacksonville.

In this episode, Jason sits down with News4JAX reporter Tiffany Salameh to explore her journey from a Jacksonville native to a trusted voice in local news. Tiffany shares how an unexpected start in high school journalism shaped her career, what it really takes to work in a fast-paced newsroom, and how the media landscape has evolved in the age of social media and AI. From uncovering scams and helping real people get justice to breaking down misconceptions about the news industry, this conversation pulls back the curtain on what it means to report the truth—and why local journalism matters now more than ever.

From Beaver County to the Super Bowl: Jerald Ingram’s Championship Journey Jul 08, 2026

Show notes

Hometown Jax is where Jacksonville’s leaders, builders, and difference-makers share the real stories behind their success. Hosted by Aaron Bacus, the show dives into the journeys, setbacks, sacrifices, and defining moments that shape the people impacting our city every day. From entrepreneurs to former NFL coaches, each episode reveals what it truly takes to win — in business, in life, and in the community.
In this powerful episode, Aaron sits down with former NFL running backs coach Jerald Ingram to unpack a journey that spans from growing up in Beaver, Pennsylvania to coaching under legendary leaders at Michigan, building the Jacksonville Jaguars from day one, and winning two Super Bowls with the New York Giants. Jerald shares lessons on discipline from his military father, the intensity of playing under Bo Schembechler, what it takes to build a championship culture from scratch, and the emotional reality of hoisting the Lombardi Trophy. From expansion draft strategy to playoff battles in 27-below Green Bay, this conversation is packed with wisdom on leadership, sacrifice, and what separates good teams from great ones. If you want a behind-the-scenes look at what it truly takes to win at the highest level — this episode is a must-watch.

The Jingle Queen of Jacksonville: Deborah McDuffie’s Legendary Music Career Jun 24, 2026

Show notes

Hometown Jax is where host Aaron Bacus sits down with Jacksonville’s most impactful entrepreneurs, creatives, and business leaders to uncover the real stories behind their success. Each episode dives into the challenges, setbacks, and defining moments that shaped their journeys—highlighting the resilience and grit that fuel our local community.

In this episode, Aaron welcomes Deborah McDuffie—known in the industry as “The Jingle Queen.” From growing up in Queens, New York, to becoming one of the first Black female music producers in advertising, Deborah shares how a college assignment launched her into a historic career at McCann Erickson, where she helped shape iconic campaigns like Coca-Cola’s “Buy the World a Coke.” She opens up about producing legends such as Luther Vandross, Gladys Knight, Al Green, Patti LaBelle, Janet Jackson, B.B. King, and even performing on Saturday Night Live during its original cast era. Deborah reveals what it really takes to spot talent, stand firm in your creative vision, and succeed as a trailblazer in a male-dominated industry. This is more than a music story—it’s a masterclass in courage, conviction, and creativity.

The Art of Reinvention: Dance, Business, and Survival in Jacksonville Jun 10, 2026

Show notes

Hometown Jax, hosted by Aaron Bacus, is all about spotlighting the bold, resilient entrepreneurs who make Jacksonville thrive. Each episode dives into the real stories behind local business owners—the risks they’ve taken, the setbacks they’ve faced, and the mindset that keeps them moving forward. From humble beginnings to hard-earned success, Hometown Jax gives you an inside look at the people shaping our city’s culture and economy.

In this episode, Aaron sits down with Chris Thomas of The Chris Thomas Project to unpack a journey that spans competitive ballroom dance, multi-studio ownership, economic collapse, personal loss, and an unexpected rise into the music world—including performing internationally in London. Chris opens up about losing college basketball opportunities in a single moment, building four dance studios from the ground up, surviving the 2007 crash, navigating devastating loss within his entrepreneurial circle, and reinventing himself through music. From Arthur Murray to world championships, from near financial ruin to leading a big band, this conversation is about resilience, reinvention, and the power of staying “green” and always working on the next project. If you’re an entrepreneur, creative, or anyone facing a pivot in life, this episode will hit home.

Robert Brown of WJXT on Journalism and Telling Stories That Matter May 20, 2026

Show notes

Hometown Jax is a podcast that highlights the people who help shape Jacksonville through business, media, and community leadership. Hosted by Aaron Bacus, each episode features honest conversations with local professionals about their careers, challenges, and the lessons they’ve learned along the way—both personally and professionally.

In this episode, Aaron sits down with Robert Brown, News Director at WJXT, to discuss his career in local news and the responsibility that comes with telling a city’s stories. Robert reflects on how journalism has evolved, what it means to build trust with an audience, and the role local news plays in keeping communities informed. From covering major moments in Jacksonville to navigating the pressures of modern media, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at life in broadcast journalism and why local reporting still matters.

From West Point to Wealth Management: Keola Elobt’s Journey of Discipline Apr 29, 2026

Show notes

Welcome back to Hometown Jax, the podcast where hosts Aaron Bacus and Jason Kindler dive into the stories, challenges, and breakthroughs of Jacksonville’s business owners and community leaders. Each episode uncovers the real paths behind local success — the resilience, the pivots, and the lessons that shape Northeast Florida’s most driven entrepreneurs.

In this episode, Aaron sits down with Keola Elobt of MAI Capital Management for a conversation that blends military mindset with financial strategy. Keola opens up about his time at West Point, sharing how the academy’s intense discipline, leadership training, and values shaped the way he now guides clients through wealth building and long-term planning. He discusses the pressure of performing under high stakes, what West Point taught him about managing stress and complexity, and how those same principles apply directly to investing. From navigating emotional financial decisions to helping families build security with confidence, Keola offers a grounded, deeply human perspective on money. This episode is perfect for anyone who wants to understand the connection between mindset, discipline, and financial success.

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