When your nickname is "The Pirate Hunter," you're sure to have a captivating story. Justin Myers does, and then some. In today's episode, we talk about the delicate balance of serving your country and preserving life with a man who has done both in spades.

The host of Evolving Waves, Alan Thompson, switches seats and takes center stage as a guest to walk us all through his hard-work-works story. Thompson explains what he's learned from past struggles and even failures, and how they've made him into the successful businessman that he is today.

Evolving Waves host Alan Thompson and producer Neil Shulman give a quick update on the show, and tease some of the fascinating stories to come.

Diandra McNaire's inspiring journey from automotive to self-employed boudoir photographer in Charleston showcases how passion and perseverance can lead to success. Overcoming industry challenges through a focus on unique style and branding, she pivoted during COVID to meet a surge in demand by transitioning her studio. Diandra's work not only empowers clients but also underscores the significance of consistency and financial planning for entrepreneurs, signaling her readiness to expand her business beyond Charleston.

Pixie Pala, a trailblazing leader in the spirits industry, shares her journey of revitalizing a struggling distillery in Charleston amidst gender challenges. She underscores the value of financial empowerment for women and sheds light on her charitable initiatives. Emphasizing the significance of women-owned businesses, Pixie discusses her path in the spirits industry, advocating for cause marketing, perseverance in raising capital, and investing in oneself. With a focus on purpose, time management, and upcoming ventures, she embodies a passion for positive impact and community inspiration.

Tune in to episode 3 to learn about the challenges and lessons learned by Frank Wells of Holy City Med from formulating an exit plan for HealthFirst. Frank has utilized his experience of working in Urgent & Family care at Health First to launch a non-insurance-focused Urgent & Family care chain of clinics in Charleston, SC. He discusses the importance of finding great people and utilizing tools and lessons to ensure business success. Holy City Med's goal is to disrupt the traditional healthcare industry and provide accessible and high-quality care to more people.

Donovan Rider shares his journey from growing up in a small town to becoming a Taekwondo athlete and pursuing his dream of becoming an Olympian. He talks about his experience in the World Class Athlete Program in the Army and the challenges he faced during the Olympic trials. Unfortunately, after a career-ending injury, he had to find a new path through life. Donovan reflects on his journey of transitioning from an athlete to an entrepreneur in the Taekwondo industry. He discusses scaling a business and ensuring what is necessary to grow a successful multi-location business.

Brought to you by Evolving Waves, a Stingray Branding podcast hosted by Alan Thompson.

Alan Thompson, founder of Stingray Branding, shares his journey of overcoming challenging relationships and finding true love. He reflects on his past marriages and the lessons he learned from them. Alan discusses the red flags he ignored and their impact on his relationships. He emphasizes knowing what you truly want in a partner and not settling for less. Alan's story serves as a reminder to prioritize self-awareness and compatibility in relationships. The person you choose to be with can significantly impact your ability to succeed in life and make good decisions. Happiness should come from within, but a partner can amplify or drain it.

In this conversation, Jaydee and Evolving Waves discuss the importance of knowing yourself and being happy with who you are before entering a relationship. They emphasize the need to test compatibility and ensure shared interests and values. They also discuss the challenges of being in a toxic relationship and provide advice for those struggling to leave.