I was recently honored to be interviewed by Scott and Kelly Grates on their Love Living Local Podcast which highlights, movers and shakers in the upstate New York region. It was my first time on the other side of the microphone is the guest rather than the host and it will give you a sense of some of my background story as well how I tend to work with entrepreneurs, and maybe even some career hacks you can use whether you’re starting a business or looking to make that next move in your professional life.
From the official description:
In this episode of Love Living Local 315, we sit down with Ryan Miller—director of MVCC’s Thincubator, founder of Rust Belt Startup, podcaster, connector, and one of the quiet forces behind entrepreneurship and creative momentum in the Mohawk Valley. Ryan walks us through his unconventional path, from growing up in New York Mills and backpacking through Europe to music, startups, and eventually becoming someone who helps other people figure out what’s next—often before they even realize they need help. We talk candidly about what entrepreneurship really looks like, why asking “is this a good idea?” is the wrong question, and how testing, relationships, and problem-solving matter far more than perfect plans. Ryan shares how Thincubator actually works, who it’s for, and why he believes small, culturally significant businesses—not unicorn tech startups—may be the key to long-term growth in the Mohawk Valley. This conversation is equal parts practical and philosophical, touching on community, personal branding, proximity, creativity, and why you don’t need to leave Utica to build something meaningful. If you’ve ever felt stuck, unsure, or like you’re sitting on an idea you don’t know how to start, this episode will hit home. In this episode, we talk about: • What the Thincubator actually does — and who should be using it • Why relationships matter more than résumés in business and life • How Ryan uses podcasting to build meaningful connections • Why solving real problems beats chasing “easy” business ideas • How the Mohawk Valley can become one of the best places in the country to start a small business Thoughtful, honest, and full of perspective—this one is a must-listen for creatives, founders, and anyone trying to build a better future right where they are.
