Host City Hustle

In this episode of The Host City Hustle Podcast, DaniMarie sits down with LinkedIn and AI expert Al Kushner to break down how small businesses can use LinkedIn as a powerful search engine to attract partners, sponsors, and opportunities ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. From profile optimization to AI-driven content and outreach, this conversation delivers practical strategies business owners can apply right now.

Guest info:

Al.’s Profile

linkedin.com/in/al-kushner

calendly.com/alkushner/speaker-interest (Other)

AlKushnerSpeaks.com (Company)

Host...

Duration: 00:11:46

In this impromptu solo episode, DaniMarie pivots from a postponed webinar to thank the global Host City Hustle audience and break down how small business owners can position themselves for the FIFA World Cup across the U.S., Mexico, and Canada. She also unpacks the controversy around FIFA awarding Donald Trump the first-ever FIFA Peace Prize, framing it as a strategic move tied to global travel, operations, and economic impact.

Host City Hustle: https://hostcityhustle.com

IG: @hostcityhustle https://www.instagram.com/hostcityhustle/

Business Planner: https://hostcityhustle.com/ai-planner

Who referred you...

Duration: 00:08:01

SEO expert Peter Kalanda breaks down how small businesses can capture World Cup 2026 traffic before global fans land in U.S. cities. He shares tactical SEO moves, Google optimization strategies, and AI insights that local brands can implement immediately. This episode matters because early adopters in host cities like Los Angeles will earn massive visibility and revenue as billions tune in and millions travel for FIFA 2026.

Guest Site: https://siteauditnow.com

Host City Hustle: https://hostcityhustle.com

IG: @hostcityhustle https://www.instagram.com/hostcityhustle/

Business Planner: https://hostcityhustle.com/ai-planner

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Duration: 00:41:33

If you’re coming to Seattle for the World Cup, Off The Rez belongs at the top of your food list. This iconic Native-owned food truck and café has been serving handmade frybread and Blackfeet-inspired dishes since 2011. Today, we’re sharing the story behind the brand and why this cultural gem is a can’t-miss stop during your Seattle trip.

https://featurefriday.com

Web: https://www.offthereztruck.com

Facebook:   / offtherez  

Twitter: @OffTheRezTruck

Instagram: @OffTheRez

Please, like, comment, subscribe

Visit us at https://featureup.co...

Duration: 00:03:12

This Throwback Thursday episode blends key insights from Paul Long, Cedric Austin, and Linus of Bravo Zulu Security on what it truly takes to prepare for FIFA 2026. From early planning and contracting opportunities to fan-zone operations and safety, this short episode delivers the essentials every business should know before the crowds arrive. Consider this your early warning — and your advantage.

Visit the website :https://hostcityhustle.com/ai-planner

Subscribe to the newsletter: Host City Hustle | Substack

If you love the insights in this mashup, make su...

Duration: 00:06:37

Seattle SBA expert Paul Long breaks down how small businesses can prepare now for the economic wave arriving with FIFA 2026. He shares insights on funding, personal branding, and strategic planning that local entrepreneurs need to stay competitive. This episode matters because businesses that prepare early stand to capture massive foot traffic, tourism dollars, and long-term growth opportunities during the World Cup.

00:00 — Welcome to Host City Hustle + Seattle World Cup framing

02:00 — Paul Long’s background in SBA lending and personal branding

04:45 — How questions become content: building an impactful digital presence

07:10...

Duration: 00:35:41

In Episode 9, Aaron sits down with Kerry Williams, founder of U Family, to talk about how nonprofits and youth leadership programs can gear up for the massive opportunities coming with World Cup 2026. Kerry shares how his Tacoma-based organization uses college tours, financial literacy, after-school programs, and stadium fundraising at Lumen Field & T-Mobile Park to prepare young people for real-world careers — and how nonprofits can leverage the same systems to secure contracts and build revenue during the World Cup surge.

Connect w/ Kerry : (3) Facebook

Visit the website :https://hostcityhustle.com/ai-planner

Subscribe to the ne...

Duration: 00:19:59

In this mashup episode, Deanna, Kia, and Daniel break down the real game-changer for World Cup 2026: people, partnerships, and preparation. From building the right team, to cross-pollinating with nearby businesses, to forming strategic partnerships that boost revenue long after the World Cup, this episode gives small businesses the blueprint for scaling through collaboration. Perfect for entrepreneurs, local operators, and anyone preparing for FIFA 2026.

Visit the website :https://hostcityhustle.com/ai-planner

Subscribe to the newsletter: Host City Hustle | Substack

If you love the insights in this mashup, make sure you go back and hear...

Duration: 00:05:26

Washington’s Cedric Austin breaks down how small businesses can tap into once-in-a-lifetime opportunities created by FIFA 2026. He explains how government contracting, fan zones, surplus auctions, and state resources can position entrepreneurs for major wins. Listeners will learn why preparation now—not next year—is the key to thriving during North America’s biggest sports event ever.

00:00 — Introducing Cedric Austin & Washington’s World Cup angle

02:15 — Why FIFA 2026 means massive business opportunity for WA

04:40 — Juneteenth match in Seattle and how businesses can pivot

06:20 — Grants vs loans: what small businesses should prioritize<...

Duration: 00:37:06

Kia Davis breaks down how small businesses can prepare, pivot, and position themselves for massive opportunity during FIFA 2026. She shares global insights from Dubai, London, and beyond—plus actionable steps for Seattle founders to build partnerships, plan ahead, and scale intelligently. This episode shows why preparation now can unlock revenue, visibility, and long-term ecosystem growth as the World Cup approaches.

*Connect with Kia at https://flashpoint100.com

🕒 TIMESTAMPS

00:00 — Welcome + Introducing Kia Davis

02:30 — Kia’s global background across 10+ countries

04:50 — The origin of Flashpoint 100

08:20 — How s...

Duration: 00:46:53

In this episode, Aharon Goins sits down with Daniel Abrego, Community Development Officer at WaFd Bank, to discuss how financial institutions and local chambers are preparing Washington’s small businesses for the economic wave that will accompany the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Daniel shares insights on generational wealth, collaboration over competition, and why being proactive—not reactive—is key to building stronger, more resilient communities.

Contact Daniel, Community Development Officer : Daniel.Abrego@wafd.com 

More information on Substack (newsletter)

0:00–1:00 — Aharon introduces Daniel and kicks off t...

Duration: 00:30:13

In this episode of Host City Hustle, Aaron Goins and Dani Marie spotlight Bravo Zulu Security, a veteran-owned small business based in Tacoma, Washington. Founder Linus shares his inspiring journey from military service to entrepreneurship, building a company rooted in protection, purpose, and community impact.

As the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches, Bravo Zulu is preparing to play a vital role in keeping fans, venues, and local businesses safe. The hosts dive into:

⚽ The reality of event security for World Cup host cities

🛡️ How small busines...

Duration: 00:26:32

In this episode of Host City Hustle, Aharon Goins and DaniMarie sit down with creative powerhouse Deanna to unpack how small businesses can prepare for the global spotlight of FIFA 2026. She breaks down her Three D’s Method — Develop, Design, Define — and introduces the game-changing concept of pre-marketing. This conversation is all about collaboration, positioning, and executing with excellence before the world arrives.

#HostCityHustle #FIFA2026Prep #BuildLegacy

🎧 Read the full article on Substack: hostcityhustle.substack.com

🌐 Connect with our guest @Evoke for workshops and creative collaborations.

⏱️ Timesta...

Duration: 00:29:24

Welcome to the Host City Hustle Podcast (The Play)!

This is the official launch episode where hosts Aharon Goins and Danielle Perkins introduce themselves and issue the definitive warning: Seattle's $929 Million economic opportunity for the 2026 FIFA World Cup is coming fast, and the time to prepare is NOW.

Meet the Hustle: Hear the origin story behind the Host City Hustle Initiative and why this is a massive, once-in-a-lifetime event for every local entrepreneur.The Mission: Learn why HCH is focused on solving major economic challenges, including transportation, licensing, and access to the 750,000 visitors. We detail our...

Duration: 00:09:05

The World Cup is Coming! Aaron and Danny Marie shift their focus to the world's biggest sporting event: the 2026 FIFA World Cup across the US, Canada, and Mexico. They cover the confirmed 16 host cities and the timeline for when businesses will know which teams are playing where (the important date is December 5th!). The core discussion centers on the expected economic impact and how local small businesses can strategically pivot to serve the massive influx of international fans. Plus, the hosts share a surprising FIFA Fact of the Day about the USA's best-ever World Cup finish.

Duration: 00:25:32