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Welcome to Adeptus On-Air, the show where we pull back the curtain on the strategies industry leaders leverage for their business and personal success. Each week, we do a top-down analysis of industries Adeptus has been on the cutting edge of for the last 30 years, including sports, business, and entertainment. Join us for real conversations with industry executives, entertainers, athletes, celebrity brands, and community stakeholders. We will be navigating the challenges facing various types of businesses and how our solutions-based collaborative problem-solving approach helps individuals and businesses alike solve their most pressing issues.
If you have any questions related to this podcast or have a request for what you would like to hear next, please email us at marketing@adeptuscpas.com. You can find us at adeptuscpas.com or follow us at @adeptuscpartnersllc.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions of podcast hosts and guests are solely their own and do not reflect the opinions of Adeptus. This podcast provides general information only and is not intended to constitute legal, tax, business, professional or personal advice.
If you have any questions related to this podcast or have a request for what you would like to hear next, please email us at marketing@adeptuscpas.com. You can find us at adeptuscpas.com or follow us at @adeptuscpartnersllc.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions of podcast hosts and guests are solely their own and do not reflect the opinions of Adeptus. This podcast provides general information only and is not intended to constitute legal, tax, business, professional or personal advice.
152 Episodes
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Today on Adeptus On-Air, host Mike Hoffman chats with Sandra Cavanaugh, a coach, teacher, and author who has spent decades helping people recognize and trust their creative intelligence. Sandra shares how her work with actors, business leaders, educators, and individuals with special needs shaped her belief that creativity is not a talent reserved for a few, but a core part of being human. She explains how improv principles like offering, accepting, and not blocking apply far beyond the stage and into everyday decision making, communication, and leadership. She reflects on how fear shapes behavior, how self-protection limits expression, and why noticing spontaneous ideas is often the first step toward change. She discusses her book Spontaneous Brilliance and how treating life as a continuous improvisation can help people move toward purpose without waiting for permission or certainty. Tune in to hear more about using improv as a framework for life, navigating fear and self-doubt, and making choices that align with creative potential.
Today on Adeptus On-Air, host Mike Hoffman chats with Julie Piekarski, an actress best known for her role as Sue Ann Weaver on The Facts of Life and her early years as a Mouseketeer. Julie reflects on growing up in front of the camera and how her family’s steady foundation helped her navigate fame at a young age without losing her sense of self. She shares what it was like working alongside legends like Charlotte Rae, John Ritter, and Don Knotts, and how those experiences shaped her understanding of comedy, professionalism, and collaboration. She talks about balancing school with a demanding television schedule, stepping away from Hollywood to focus on family, and later returning to acting on her own terms. She offers her perspective on rejection, reinvention, and why longevity in entertainment depends more on character than career momentum. Tune in to hear more about Julie’s memories from The Facts of Life, her recent work including Emily in Paris, and her dream of one day competing on Dancing With the Stars.
Today on Adeptus On-Air, host Mike Hoffman chats with Jayson Johnson, an award-winning writer, director, and producer whose work spans short films, feature development, and collaborations across major networks and independent platforms. Jayson shares how early experiences watching television with his family sparked a curiosity about the people behind the screen and eventually led him into radio, TV, and film studies. He reflects on the winding path that brought him to California, including an unexpected job at Francis Ford Coppola Winery that shaped his approach to craft, quality, and passion for storytelling. He talks about building his career through short films, learning every role behind the camera, and founding Strike Five Films as a philosophy of persistence rather than perfection. He shares his perspective on the realities of film financing, the risks of streaming distribution, and why strong characters and honest stories matter more than spectacle. Tune in to hear more about Jayson’s upcoming feature film Roger and Me, his views on streaming versus theatrical releases, and how collaboration with actors shapes the final story audiences see.
Today on Adeptus On-Air, host James Walker chats with Ivy Dieujuste, a Temple University senior majoring in accounting and finance and the latest recipient of the James E. Walker Scholarship. Ivy shares what it feels like to navigate college as a first-generation student while balancing a demanding academic workload, work responsibilities, and the pressure to plan for life after graduation. She reflects on how her family’s sacrifices shaped her motivation and how finding the right support systems helped her push through moments of doubt. She talks about choosing Temple University, discovering her path into accounting and finance, and committing to a rigorous major even when others around her changed direction. She offers a candid perspective on what it is like to be a college student today, including the role of technology, the challenges of time management, and the value of mentorship and real-world experience. Tune in to hear more about Ivy’s experience as a Temple student, her thoughts on artificial intelligence in education, and her goals as she prepares to begin her career in the accounting profession.
Today on Adeptus On-Air, host Mike Hoffman chats with Shannon Malone-DeBenedictis, a two-time Emmy Award winning documentary filmmaker whose work spans Disney Plus, Netflix, National Geographic, and Warner Bros. Discovery. Shannon shares how her path into nature filmmaking was unexpected, beginning as a self-described city mouse before being pulled into the world of wildlife storytelling through her early work on Planet Earth. She explains how her role has always centered on story first, focusing on emotion, structure, and the human connection that helps audiences care about animals, ecosystems, and the people protecting them. She reflects on projects like Secrets of the Whales and Saving Yellowstone, describing how concepts like culture, stewardship, and survival shape the narratives she builds. She also speaks candidly about leadership, mentoring creatives, managing egos, and learning when to support someone else’s vision rather than impose her own. Tune in to hear more about how Shannon finds the story inside nature, why she believes documentaries should feel like an experience rather than a lecture, and how she continues to evolve her career through teaching, consulting, and independent filmmaking.
Today on Adeptus On-Air, host Mike Hoffman chats with Tim McLoone, a New Jersey Hall of Fame inductee, musician, restaurateur, and founder of the nonprofit Holiday Express. Tim shares how music has always been the throughline of his life, from early piano bar gigs and years on stage with legendary artists to the moments during the pandemic when playing became a form of personal survival. He reflects on the unlikely path that led him into hospitality, including a New Year’s Eve leap of faith that turned an abandoned waterfront property into the first chapter of McLoone’s Restaurants. He describes how Holiday Express grew from a single Christmas Eve visit into a massive volunteer-driven effort that now reaches tens of thousands of people each year who are often invisible to society. He speaks candidly about failure, risk, and the responsibility that comes with success, and how giving back became a way not just to help others, but to heal himself along the way. Tune in to hear more about the origins of Holiday Express, the lessons Tim learned from building restaurants and bands at the same time, and why he believes he was born to do this work.
Today on Adeptus On-Air, host Mike Hoffman chats with Simmy Kustanowitz, an Emmy-nominated executive producer whose career spans hit shows from Total Request Live to Impractical Jokers. Simmy describes how live television shaped the way he thinks under pressure and how that mindset carried into years of creating unscripted moments built on authentic reactions. He reflects on the cross-generational appeal of Impractical Jokers and the way simple ideas become unforgettable when the Jokers’ real fears, loyalties, and instincts take over. Utilizing his experience in the entertainment industry, Simmy talks about founding Clocktower Innovation to help businesses rethink how they use time, structure, and creativity to solve problems. Tune in to hear more about the evolution of the Jokers’ punishments, the unexpected moments that shaped his career, and the ideas he brings into the corporate world today.
Today on Adeptus On-Air, host James Walker chats with Teri Pruitt, a Broadway wardrobe professional who has spent over 25 years bringing some of theater’s most iconic productions to life, including 18 years with Wicked. Teri shares how an unexpected audition in junior high sparked a love for theater that carried her from Kansas to some of the country’s most respected regional stages. Teri reflects on the unique energy of working in the epicenter of American theater, from celebrity encounters to unforgettable moments during presidential visits. She describes the realities of live performance, the quick problem-solving required backstage, and the moments when improvisation becomes its own form of artistry. Teri also talks about the calm that settles in before a show, the rush of a great audience, and the nightly routines that keep long-running productions seamless for the people watching. Tune in to hear more about the backstage issues she solves mid-show, the performances that have moved her as an audience member, and the future she envisions for artists transitioning into new careers.
Today on Adeptus On-Air, host Mike Hoffman chats with Courtney Stanfield, a Canadian TV broadcaster, mom of three, and creator of the anonymous emotional wellness app Air Out. Courtney describes how a dream set her on the path to develop an app for those who need to vent. She talks about the intention behind Air Out and the relief people find when they can share honest thoughts without attaching their names to them. Courtney reflects on the reactions she has seen from users who come to the platform looking for a moment to breathe. She also shares how some posts reveal humor, others reveal exhaustion, and many reveal the kind of emotional clutter people usually keep to themselves. Tune in to hear more about the unexpected ways people interact with anonymous spaces, the emotional patterns Courtney has noticed across users, and the growing community that is forming around the idea of honest release.
Today on Adeptus On-Air, host Mike Hoffman chats with Toni Will, a general manager, speaker, and advocate for women in sports. Toni reflects on her unconventional path to becoming the first female general manager in ECHL history, leading the Kalamazoo Wings to record-breaking attendance and multiple league honors. She discusses the challenges she’s faced as a woman in a male-dominated sport and how she uses her leadership platform to empower other women across the industry. Toni highlights her passion for mentorship, storytelling, and helping others unlock their potential through her Women In podcast, coaching work, and upcoming book. Tune in to hear more about Toni’s leadership pillars, the evolution of her 5-to-9 passion projects, and her mission to create space for women to rise.
Today on Adeptus On-Air, host James Walker chats with Julian Hampton, an award-winning author, screenwriter, and director known for his captivating storytelling and thoughtful approach to filmmaking. Julian explains how his creative ideas often begin with a simple “what if” moment that evolves into full-length scripts, and he shares his deep passion for exploring emotion and human experience through film. He discusses his early inspirations, his process for writing comedy and thrillers, and the meticulous craft of translating vision into production. Discussing his acclaimed film Finding Olympus, Julian offers insights into creating the project, recognition on the festival circuit, and the inspiration behind its story. Tune in to hear more about how Julian captures ideas in the moment, his perspective on casting and collaboration, and the exciting projects he’s bringing to life in the coming years.
Today on Adeptus On-Air, host Mike Hoffman chats with Nan Avant, an award-winning composer and pianist whose work bridges classical tradition with modern expression. Nan shares how her early piano lessons led to a lifelong passion for composing orchestral works, often inspired by her surroundings and emotional experiences. From her years of studying at the California Institute of the Arts to her fascination with orchestration, Nan reflects on the process of transforming inspiration into sound. She describes the creation of her moving piece Nani Lahaina Rhapsody for Violin and Orchestra, a tribute to Maui’s spirit after the devastating 2023 fires, and how she captured the voice of the wind through innovative instrumentation. Nan also discusses the evolution of her composition tools, the challenges of translating emotion into melody, and the role of authenticity in her creative process. Tune in to hear about Nan’s approach to composing orchestral works, her latest single, and how she continues to honor culture, emotion, and place through music.
Today on Adeptus On-Air, host Mike Hoffman chats with DC Glenn, half of the legendary hip-hop duo Tag Team and the voice behind the iconic anthem “Whoomp! There It Is!” DC shares his remarkable journey from DJing in Atlanta’s Magic City to achieving platinum success and navigating the realities of the music business. He discusses the lessons learned through legal battles, his evolution into acting and voiceover work, and his relentless drive to educate himself in marketing, finance, and emerging technologies like AI and crypto. DC’s story is one of resilience, curiosity, and constant reinvention. Tune in to hear more about his philosophy on lifelong learning, how he turned a one-hit wonder into a lasting brand, and his passion for helping others adapt and thrive in a changing world.
Today on Adeptus On-Air, host James Walker chats with Mayim Vega, a former NASA computer scientist turned holistic healing educator. Mayim shares how her early passion for STEM led to a career at NASA, where curiosity and research fueled her growth. She reflects on her shift into holistic health, inspired by childhood lessons and a deep belief in the body’s natural ability to heal itself. Mayim explains the five levels of the soul in Jewish tradition, the science behind sleep’s restorative power, and why healing begins with the basics of nature. Tune in to hear about her insights on the profit motives behind modern medicine, her approach to balancing life as a mother of seven and entrepreneur, and her mission to make holistic wellness more accessible to all.
Today on Adeptus On-Air, host Mike Hoffman chats with Patrick Marini, a British expat and entrepreneur who is both the Director of Marketing at Holland Ridge Farms and the founder of Camp Goldie. Patrick shares how a trip with his wife to meet golden retrievers sparked the idea for Camp Goldie, where visitors can cuddle, play fetch, and even swim alongside a pack of goldens. He recalls the chaos of the first event, when muddy dogs burst out of the bushes, and how those unplanned moments turned into some of the best guest memories. Patrick also dives into his work at Holland Ridge Farms, where he helped grow small flower festivals into nationally recognized attractions drawing hundreds of thousands each year. Tune in to hear about Patrick’s vision for franchising Camp Goldie, his plans to turn a Dutch windmill into a wedding venue, and how he and his wife have built both their businesses and life together.
Today on Adeptus On-Air, host James Walker chats with Brenda Do, a children’s author and a seasoned copywriter. Brenda shares how a simple moment with her young nephew spilling leftovers and immediately calling himself “stupid” sparked the idea for her debut picture book, “It's Okay Not to Know.” Drawing on her background in direct response copywriting, she explains how observing human behavior and studying growth mindset research led her to create a rhyming, inclusive story that encourages self-compassion and curiosity. She reflects on her choice to feature genderless, monster-like characters so every child can see themselves in the pages, and why adults reading along may need the message just as much as kids. Tune in to hear Brenda’s thoughts on social-emotional learning in schools, why effort should be celebrated as much as achievement, and how her book can serve as a tool for both families and companies alike.
Today on Adeptus On-Air, host Mike Hoffman chats with Steve Stagner, CEO of Crete Professionals Alliance. Steve explains how the firm partners with accounting and professional services firms across the country using a model he calls “partner equity” rather than private equity. He discusses why preserving local culture and ownership is central to their approach, and how access to talent, technology, and capital helps firms prepare for succession and growth. Steve shares his perspective on change management, why he views AI as an enabler rather than a replacement, and how firms can shift from compliance-focused work to providing deeper advisory services. Tune in to hear lessons Steve has learned from scaling Mattress Firm to a multibillion-dollar company, the importance of investing in people, and what the next decade could look like for Create Professionals Alliance as it expands its footprint and builds shared learning across partner firms.
Today on Adeptus On-Air, host Mike Hoffman chats with Arias WebsterBerry, founder and CEO of WebsterBerry Marketing, Ignite Funnels, and Launch Ignition AI. Arias shares how his early experiences of loss and instability shaped his resilience and fueled his drive to build businesses that help others grow. He explains how a career that began in promotions and concerts evolved into running a full-service digital marketing agency, and why adding AI-driven systems has become central to scaling client success. Arias discusses his take on the future of work as AI reshapes industries, his mission to help entrepreneurs generate $1 billion in impact by 2026, and the role of brand authority in staying competitive. Tune in to hear Arias’s thoughts on navigating risk, building systems before scaling, and why pushing to the edge is essential for growth.
Today on Adeptus On-Air, host Mike Hoffman chats with Casey Flay, a competitive wingsuit pilot representing Team GB. Casey shares how he went from his first skydive just a few years ago to competing on the world stage, and why the sport quickly became an obsession. He explains what it takes to train at a high level, from early morning conditioning and gym work to studying flight data and waiting out unpredictable weather. Casey reflects on recovering from a serious base-jumping accident, how it reshaped his approach to risk, and why he now views competition as the center of his future in the sport. Tune in to hear Casey’s perspective on setting a national record, the financial and mental challenges of wingsuit flying, and the dream jumps he still plans to chase.
Today on Adeptus On-Air, host James Walker chats with Chris Bjork, professor of education at Vassar College and coauthor of More Than Just a Game: How the Youth Sports Industry is Changing the Way We Parent and What We Can Do About It. Drawing on years of research that included shadowing travel teams, speaking with parents and coaches nationwide, and interviewing college recruiters, Chris explains how the youth sports system has transformed childhood and parenting. He talks about the rising pressure for kids to specialize in a single sport, the toll that overtraining takes on young bodies, and the emotional strain parents feel to keep up with costly club programs. The conversation also explores why only a small percentage of athletes receive college scholarships, how the booming industry has widened inequalities, and what families can do to keep sports fun while protecting their children’s long-term well-being.Tune in for Chris’s perspective on restoring balance in youth sports and why letting kids enjoy a range of activities can be healthier than chasing the next big league.
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