Lisa Song Sutton is a serial entrepreneur proving that real success isn’t just about building wealth—it’s about creating impact that lasts.

In this episode of Pursue Vegas, we sit down with the former attorney (and Miss Nevada) who left a six-figure career to bootstrap Sin City Cupcakes, bringing boozy desserts to Las Vegas with the belief that business should be fun and profitable. She then scaled into real estate and shipping retail (yup, she’s the "mailbox lady"), turning multiple ventures from $0 to millions by mastering one key principle: "Focus on essential, stable business models as a growth strategy."

Lisa is a General Partner at The Veteran Fund, a $20M VC fund investing in veteran-led startups in dual-use tech. As the daughter of a Vietnam War veteran and wife of an F-22 fighter pilot, she’s committed to creating opportunities for those who served.

"Not every company has to raise money. It’s a lot on the founder, it’s a lot on your cap table," Lisa explains, challenging the glorification of venture capital.

Beyond business, Lisa is committed to community impact—whether mentoring the next generation or bringing her therapy dog, Cupcake, to local hospitals. For her, success isn’t just about revenue, but the ripple effect of giving back. "If you’re lucky enough to be a successful entrepreneur, you must pay it forward."

If you're an entrepreneur struggling with shiny object syndrome, Lisa shares a powerful exercise to help you say yes to the right things and no to distractions—so you can finally focus on building a business that lasts.

And when the road gets tough? Lisa reminds us:
"When you get tired, learn to rest, not to quit."

Key Takeaways:

• From Law to Entrepreneurship – Lisa shares how leaving corporate law unlocked freedom, opportunity, and true business potential.
• Community-Driven Success – Why giving back, mentorship, and philanthropy are key to long-term impact.
• Scaling the Right Way – Her formula for building stable, scalable businesses without chasing unnecessary funding.
• Intentionality in Business – How to filter opportunities and make decisions that align with purpose and long-term success.
• Breaking Barriers – As a pioneering Asian-American entrepreneur, Lisa challenges stereotypes and paves the way for more diverse leadership.

Resources:

• Lisa Song Sutton → @lisasongsutton
• The Veteran Fund

Thanks for tuning in to The Pursue Vegas Podcast!

Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform!

📍 Website: www.pursue.vegas

📱 Follow Us:

• Instagram: @pursuevegas
• YouTube: Pursue Vegas Podcast
• Or slide into our DM's: @daveburlin | @tawnisaurus

Ready to connect, collaborate, or share your story? We’d love to hear from you!

Josh Halu is the Founder and CEO of Sacred Soldier, an organization on a mission to revolutionize veteran mental health through holistic healing practices.

A decorated U.S. Army aviation officer and former Black Hawk helicopter pilot, Josh served in Afghanistan before embarking on his own battle with PTSD. His journey of resilience and discovery led him to psychedelics—not as a quick fix, but as a doorway to deeper healing. Through Sacred Soldier, he’s creating transformative spaces where veterans confront their trauma, reclaim their stories, and rebuild with purpose.

In this raw and inspiring episode of Pursue Vegas, Josh takes us behind the scenes of his evolution—from navigating the physical and emotional battlefield to leading veterans through powerful ayahuasca retreats. “Psychedelics aren’t the answer—they’re the door that opens your path to healing and truth,” Josh says.

But this conversation isn’t just about psychedelics. It’s about the courage to rewrite your narrative and lead others to do the same. “True transformation doesn’t happen overnight; it’s a process of taking action and showing up for yourself and your community,” adds Dave.

Surprisingly, Las Vegas plays a unique role in this story. Known for its bright lights and indulgence, the city is evolving into a hub for spiritual connection and holistic growth. “The desert teaches abundance and opportunity—Las Vegas is the perfect place to grow spiritually and emotionally,” Josh explains.

Through heartfelt stories and candid insights, this episode is a testament to the ripple effect of healing—how addressing personal trauma doesn’t just change one life but inspires a wave of transformation in others. Whether you’re a veteran, an entrepreneur, or someone ready to take the first step toward healing, Josh’s story will leave you motivated to bet big on yourself.

Key Takeaways:

• Healing as Leadership: Josh’s story demonstrates how personal transformation can inspire purpose-driven leadership in others.
• Psychedelics in Mental Health: Sacred Soldier uses ayahuasca and other integrative modalities to help veterans heal and achieve breakthroughs in mental health.
• Las Vegas as a Healing Hub: Las Vegas is evolving into a destination for holistic wellness and personal growth, redefining its cultural narrative.
• The Ripple Effect of Healing: Personal healing paves the way for creating meaningful connections and building a stronger, more compassionate community.

Resources:

• Sacred Soldier Website
• Instagram: @sacredsoldierretreats
• Book: No More Mr. Nice Guy - Robert A Glover
• Community Groups: Radiance Events, Wolf PAC, Revive Community, 963

Thanks for tuning in to The Pursue Vegas Podcast!

Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform!

📍 Website: www.pursue.vegas

📱 Follow Us:

• Instagram: @pursuevegas
• YouTube: Pursue Vegas Podcast
• Or slide into our DM's: @daveburlin | @tawnisaurus

Ready to connect, collaborate, or share your story? We’d love to hear from you!

Jon Orlando, the creative force behind the Action Junkeez Podcast, is a pioneer in podcasting, storytelling, and entrepreneurial innovation in Las Vegas. A seasoned podcaster with collaborations including industry leaders like David Meltzer, Jon has built a platform that celebrates authenticity and connection in a city known for its glitz and glamour.

In this episode of Pursue Vegas, Jon shares his journey from navigating the vibrant streets of Vegas to becoming a respected voice in podcasting. He opens up about his early days, the challenges of building a brand, and why he believes podcasting is the future of business storytelling.

“Vegas isn’t just the Strip—it’s a hub of creativity and opportunity waiting to be tapped,” Jon says, highlighting the city’s growing role as a playground for entrepreneurs and creatives.

Through humor and heartfelt anecdotes, Jon explores the evolution of Las Vegas, emphasizing its transformation into a thriving hub for sports, entertainment, and innovation. “Vegas has so much money from casinos and big marketing budgets; it’s a playground for creatives and entrepreneurs,” he adds.

Jon’s insights go beyond podcasting, offering listeners a masterclass in resilience, adaptation, and authenticity. “The ability to adapt is what separates the good from the great,” he reflects, reminding us all of the power of staying true to our vision while navigating life’s inevitable pivots.

Key Takeaways:

• Podcasting as the Future: Jon explains why podcasting is a game-changer for businesses, likening its rise to the boom of mobile apps a decade ago.
• Vegas as a Creative Hub: Discover how Las Vegas is evolving beyond its reputation, becoming a center for entrepreneurship and creative innovation.
• Authenticity Wins: Jon emphasizes the importance of raw, unscripted conversations in building genuine connections.
• Adapting to Change: His journey highlights the power of resilience and staying relevant in a fast-changing industry.

Resources:

• Follow Jon Orlando: Instagram
• Check out Action Junkeez Podcast: Listen Here

If you’re ready for stories that combine grit, humor, and the unmistakable spirit of Las Vegas, this is the episode for you. And yes—sorry, Mike Kim, we ran out of time!

Share it with a friend, a creator, or that one person who’s “thinking about starting a podcast.” You know the one.

Thanks for tuning in to The Pursue Vegas Podcast!

Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform!

📍 Website: www.pursue.vegas

📱 Follow Us:

• Instagram: @pursuevegas
• YouTube: Pursue Vegas Podcast
• Or slide into our DM's: @daveburlin | @tawnisaurus

Ready to connect, collaborate, or share your story? We’d love to hear from you!