Wide Open

Our guest this episode is Roland Thornquist. A native of Stockholm, Sweden . Roland came to the United States in the late 90's to pursue education and collegiate tennis. His first stop was Elon University followed by UNC , Chapel Hill. Following college , he embarked on a short stint as a professional tennis player. The rest is history. He went on to become the head women's tennis coach at the University of Florida where he amassed four NCAA championships and was Coach of the Year in 2011. After leaving Gainesville and contemplating retirement , Roland realized he wasn't through with his lifelong passion. Roland is now the head men's tennis coach at Wesleyan Univ. His insights, candor , knowledge and infinite wisdom are astonishing . Enjoy this journey with us !

Our guest this episode is Alex Bean . Alex's pathway to launching his own streetwear company has not been an easy ride . Alex has had obstacles in his path that have required perseverance and the ability to stay focus driven . With dyslexia and other learning disadvantages he has shattered the ceiling and leaving these issues in the back seat to pursue his life long dream. A wonderful listen!

For our 20th episode of the Wide Open Podcast , we welcome Dr. Matthew Harmon. Matthew is an educator, sportcaster and life-long sports junkie. Matt has developed into a first-rate sportscaster with the Red Bulls through his diligent pursuit of his life-long dream. His life experiences have guided his career on this incredible trajectory. He's also a writer, teacher and incredible father . An episode not to miss!!

Max Bernheimer has been involved in the world of antiques and antiquities since his early teens. A graduate of Clark University in 1982 Max went on a unique pathway to establishing himself as a global leader in the world of antiquities . He launched the antiquities division at Christies and remained there for a good part of 30 years till his recent retirement . Aside from his profession , Max is entrenched in the music world and an avid tennis player. His journey and accomplishments are compelling . A must listen !

Our guest this episode is John Morano. John is a sensational author and distinguished professor at Monmouth University. He is also the founder and chair of the department of journalism. John has hit all the rungs as he established himself as a titan of journalism. He's been a professor at Monmouth for 38 Years and appears to have the same enthusiasm as when he graduated from Clark University in 1982. This is a special episode . Enjoy

Our guest this episode is Coulter Mackesy a native of Bronxville, NY. He grew up as a multisport athlete and then focused in high school on lacrosse and squash. Coulter then committed to lacrosse and matriculated to Princeton to have a stellar career putting the squash racquets to rest. Upon graduating with multiple all- american titles , he was the fourth overall pick in this past draft for the professional lacrosse league where he's now a star with the Boston Cannons . Coulters insights, demeanor and perspectives are so evident in our discussions about life in 2025. A great listen

Our guest this episode is Dr. Alfred Atanda , a board certified pediatric orthopedist. His family with 6 siblings arrived from Ghana years ago and with perseverance and hard work the world was his oyster. This episode will follow his path to becoming a successful pediatric orthopod but more importantly a person of great wisdom and character and his ability to carve out a life for him and his family in this new age of medicine. Dr. Atanda will provide our audience with pearls about raising young athletes and avoiding those repetitive and overuse injuries. He will also discuss the parents roll in rearing a competitve athlete. Buckle up it's a great episode..

Our guest this episode (S1E15) is Dr. David Morrison the current president of the American Association of Oral and. Maxillofacial Surgeons. From humble beginnings his pathway to the echelon of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery is truly remarkable. His compassion for his patients and his. dedication to his profession is second. to none. Dr. Morrison exemplifies the definition of success both inside and outside of. the office/hospital setting . Enjoy the episdode

Our guest this episode is Sam Paul the legendary UNC tennis. coach. Sam has garnered the most ACC titles in tennis and was just elected into the North Carolina tennis hall of fame. His pathway to the top is extraordinary. His grasp on the landscape of NCAA Div. 1 tennis is second to none. Enjoy this episode.

Our guest this evening is Stacey Gersten , a senior Vice President at Burns Entertainment . Stacey has crafted a stellar career in marketing partnerships . She has mastered working with celebrities , athletes and influencers in maximizing her client's projects. We will explore her career pathway from the University of Texas to her position at Burns Entertainment. A must listen !!

We are pleased to have Dr. Alan Tissenbaum on our Wide Open Podcast. His exuberance about life and his success as a board certified Orthopedic surgeon, father , husband and world - class sprinter are evident in our discussions. Topics highlighted are athlete development, advances in orthopedic techniques, parenting and graceful aging. An episode not to miss.

Wide Open welcomes Rebekah Hogan, an entrepreneur and life coach to the podcast. Rebekah is known for her company, MarkahVida, which is centered around guiding clients in defining success on their own terms, free from external expectations. In this episode, she shares her perspective on how social media can create emotional challenges and emphasizes the importance of self-love. Check out this episode to hear Rebekah offer profound wisdom while sharing her inspiring journey.

The podcast is back with an incredible guest, Christina Merrill. She is the founder and CEO of the Bone Marrow and Cancer Foundation. Together the panel talks about the world of medical philanthropy and what it takes to run an organization that so many people have come to rely on.

In this episode with General James McConville, former Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army, we reflect on the importance of effective leadership for today's challenges. From building cohesive teams to the importance of integrity and moral courage, General McConville discusses key principles that define effective leadership in any setting. Discover how caring for your team can foster loyalty and success, and gain valuable lessons applicable to both military and civilian leadership roles. Don’t miss this episode filled with wisdom and actionable advice from one of America’s top military leaders.

In this Episode Matt Futtermnan, a seasoned sports journalist at The Athletic and veteran sports journalist with The New York Times, explores the evolution of tennis from its golden era to the era of Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic dominance. Learn about his journey as a passionate journalist, from childhood memories to professional coverage of the sport. We also discuss important insights such as college tennis, NCAA regulations, and the profound impact of trailblazers like Billie Jean King for aspiring professional players. Don't miss out on this episode for a deeper understanding of tennis's past, present, and future.

In this episode, Ted Seides, founder of the Capital Allocators podcast, reflects on his transition from finance to podcasting. He shares lessons from interviews with Warren Buffett and Michael Milken, discusses handling political divides in investments, and emphasizes balancing family and career amidst personal challenges. Ted highlights the importance of resilience against social media pressures and finds motivation in gratitude for his opportunities, blending academia with real-world applications to create meaningful content for his audience.

In this episode, seasoned author and educator, Jim Cullen shares insights from his teaching experience, emphasizing the importance of resilience in facing challenges and fostering critical thinking skills in students. We delve into broader societal issues, examining the sustainability of the two-party political system in the United States through historical lenses, such as the perspectives of Alexander Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson. The conversation also explores Jim's journey in writing “Bridges and Tunnel Boys”, discussing the musical influences of Billy Joel and Bruce Springsteen. From innovative teaching experiences to exploring the creative process, Jim's reflections offer insights into navigating education, history, and culture in today's world.

In this episode, we welcome Danny Meyer, founder of Shake Shack and renowned figure in the food and hospitality industry. We dive into Meyer's extensive career trajectory, from his early days founding Union Square Café to his current status as a hospitality icon, the conversation goes into motivations behind Meyer's entrepreneurial journey. Reflecting on his 27-year-old self when he opened his first restaurant, Meyer shares his experience with imposter syndrome and the drive to prove himself, citing a need to succeed that has been a driving force throughout his life. Meyer expands on his formative years and the influence of his family, particularly his experience at Trinity College and the challenges he faced with academic pressure. Despite initial setbacks in his educational journey, Meyer's determination to prove himself led him to excel in various endeavors, eventually finding his passion in the restaurant industry. Emphasizing the importance of hospitality and the cultivation of a winning team, Meyer shares insights into his leadership philosophy, which prioritizes the well-being and development of his staff. He emphasizes emotional intelligence and hospitality as essential components of success, alongside technical proficiency. Meyer's candid reflections offer valuable lessons on resilience, leadership, and the transformative power of hospitality in both business and life.

In this episode, our hosts delve into the remarkable journey of Dr. Joanne Berger-Sweeney, the accomplished president of Trinity College. The conversation navigates through her very rich career path and expertise in science, education, and healthcare. Reflecting on her upbringing, Dr. Berger-Sweeney highlights the pivotal role her parents played in shaping her success, despite being faced with the sudden loss of her mother at the age of 17. The conversation also extends to her early career research on the drug galantamine, which is the second-most used drug for treating Alzheimer's disease. Through the discussion of public health and education, Dr. Berger-Sweeney shares her vision for a more accessible future in education, advocating for a crucial societal shift toward government-funded education to alleviate financial burdens on individuals. This nuanced conversation provides listeners with insights into Dr. Berger-Sweeney’s influential contributions in science, education, and public health—a must-listen for those intrigued by the diversity of topics and the transformative journey of a successful leader.

In this episode of Wide Open, our guest Whitney Tilson shares insights into his career in finance, commitment to philanthropy, and his love for travel! He speaks on the influence of his upbringing, on mentors in the finance field, like Warren Buffett, and the importance of achieving a work-life balance, especially in a high paced and stressful career. Tilson delves into his experiences in the hedge fund industry, the pressure of managing other people's money, and the creation of his successful investment newsletter. He shares his process on creating and self-publishing his book "The Art of Playing Defense," which explores how to create resilience and avoid life calamities. Both hosts reflect on the challenges of parenting in a digital age and the impact of social media on the younger generation. Tilson's perspective from his wide range of experiences gives some valuable nuggets of wisdom for those seeking to not only understand the world of finance and investment a bit better, but also on how to approach some of life's bigger questions.