Wholesome Degenerate

Ep. 5: Build It Like a Business, Burn It Like a Bonfire ft. Jack Matthews

Hunter McVey Season 1 Episode 5

In this episode, Hunter sits down with longtime friend and business partner Jack Matthews—founder of Kirkwood Media—to talk about what it really takes to build something that matters. 

Jack isn’t just a creative director or an executive producer—he’s someone actively trying to reshape what it means to work, to lead, to create, and to stay human in the process. They talk about the pressure to scale, the addiction to doing, and what happens when you start building a machine that forgets you’re the one operating it. 

This isn’t just about media or content—it’s about identity, discipline, and the uncomfortable process of trying to grow without losing yourself. Jack shares why he started Kirkwood, how he’s learning to lead without micromanaging, and how he wants to build a business that actually reflects the life he’s trying to live. 

There’s laughter, some hard honesty, and a lot of reflection on what it means to be ambitious without becoming a shell of yourself in the process

If you’re someone trying to create with purpose, lead without ego, and build something bigger than your own name—this one’s for you.