Welcome to Hometown Jax, where hosts Aaron Bacus and Jason Kindler bring you into authentic conversations with the entrepreneurs, creators, and leaders shaping Jacksonville’s future. Each episode highlights the people behind the progress—the ones turning adversity into opportunity and building something meaningful right here on the First Coast.

In this heartfelt episode, Jason sits down with Chris Ulmer, founder of Special Books by Special Kids, to explore how one former special education teacher ended up sharing some of the world’s most powerful and overlooked human stories. Chris opens up about the early struggles of launching his platform, the deeply personal experiences that continue to shape his approach, and what it means to lead with curiosity, compassion, and love. From viral videos to global impact, this episode is a reminder that everyone—no matter their background or diagnosis—deserves to be heard and celebrated.

Welcome to Hometown Jax, the podcast where Aaron Bacus explores the real stories of Jacksonville’s most inspiring individuals—from entrepreneurs and athletes to community leaders—who share how they’ve overcome life’s challenges while staying grounded in purpose. Each episode digs deep into personal resilience, professional growth, and the kind of hard-earned wisdom that defines this city.

In this powerful episode, Aaron sits down with Patric Young, former Florida Gator basketball star, pro athlete, and ESPN analyst, whose life took a dramatic turn after a spinal cord injury in 2022. Patric opens up about his journey from dominating the court to facing life in a wheelchair—and how that experience reshaped his identity, faith, and mission. He speaks candidly about loss, perspective, and learning to serve others through pain. This conversation is raw, motivating, and deeply human—an absolute must-watch for anyone searching for strength in the face of unimaginable adversity.

Welcome to Hometown Jax! In this inspiring local podcast hosted by Aaron Bacus, we explore the heart and hustle of Jacksonville’s business community. Each episode features candid conversations with local entrepreneurs who share not only the successes but also the real-life challenges they face every day. With a focus on overcoming obstacles and building resilience, Hometown Jax is a go-to resource for anyone looking to be motivated by authentic stories from everyday heroes in our community.

In this episode, Aaron sits down with Matt Toblin to dive deep into his journey as a business owner in Jacksonville. Matt shares the pivotal moments that shaped his entrepreneurial path, the obstacles he encountered, and the innovative strategies he employed to overcome them. From unexpected setbacks to breakthrough successes, their conversation reveals actionable insights and personal wisdom that will leave you inspired to tackle your own challenges. Tune in to discover how Matt’s perseverance and ingenuity are making a real impact—proof that with the right mindset, local businesses can thrive even in tough times.