The Most Important Podcast Ever with BJD

Episode 50 is a milestone — and Robby Incmikoski returns for a conversation about something listeners rarely get to hear discussed honestly: the business of being a broadcaster.Behind every voice you hear on game day is preparation, pressure, timing, and a deep commitment to storytelling. Robby pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to build a career behind the microphone — from the craft of live broadcasting to the changing world of sports media.We talk about baseball, broadcasting, and the lessons that carry beyond the stadium — into leadership, life, and purpose. At its core, this episode is about the human stories that connect us, whether you’re behind a mic, in the stands, or simply listening along.If you love baseball, great storytelling, or conversations about mastering a craft, this one’s for you.Welcome to Episode 50 of The Most Important Podcast Ever with BJD — where ordinary people share extraordinary journeys.So settle in — this one feels like sitting in the booth with two friends talking about the craft, the game, and the stories that stay with us long after the final inning.

Almost everybody has a memory of a baseball game—walking into a stadium and feeling a rush of memories come flooding back.In this episode of The Most Important Podcast Ever with BJD, Brian sits down with Robby Incmikoski for a conversation that uses baseball as the backdrop—but life as the main story.Robby shares what it was like growing up in South Philly, where sports weren’t just something you watched—they were part of who you were. Together, they explore why every stadium is different, how ballparks reflect the cities they belong to, and why every ballpark has its story.The conversation turns personal as Brian reflects on his grandfather, who passed away in 1967, and how this discussion brought those memories back—highlighting how the game connects people and generations.This is a conversation about baseball, life, and what it takes—to keep showing up, navigate tough moments, and honor the stories that shape us.If you’re a baseball fan, you’ll love this one. And if you’ve ever been to a baseball game, it will conjure up precious memories.🎧 Come for the story. Stay to exercise your grateful heart.#gratefulheart

Ten years ago, I lost my wife Susie.In Episode 48 of The Most Important Podcast Ever, I reflect on a decade of life after loss through a Top Ten list shaped by grief, love, faith, leadership, and gratitude.This is not a story about cancer.It’s a story about living after loss — and what it means to lead a family through the aftermath of grief, one day at a time.I share lessons from caregiving, from the quiet weight of responsibility, and from the unexpected ways love continues to show up long after goodbye.Some moments are tender.Some are honest.Some may surprise you.And it ends with a simple truth:She’s still there.If you’ve lost a spouse…if you’re navigating grief…or if you’re walking alongside someone who is — this episode is for you.

Dana Peterson is a true entrepreneur and TikTok Shop creator, balancing stay-at-home mom life while building a business rooted in trust.In Episode 46 of The Most Important Podcast Ever, Dana shares her origin story—starting her TikTok Shop journey in June 2024—and breaks down the art and science behind creator-led commerce.We talk about:• How to start a TikTok Shop• What “going viral” really means (100,000+ views)• Why you have to have a good hook• Her go-to Look for Less category• How she evaluates products — price, quality, and free shipping• Why she only recommends products she genuinely likesPractical. Honest. Real-world creator insight.🎧 Watch here on YouTube or listen wherever you get your podcasts.#TikTokShop #CreatorEconomy #GratefulHeart 

Work is changing—but dignity, purpose, and people still matter.In this episode of The Most Important Podcast Ever with Brian J. Dunn, Brian sits down with Joe Kalkman, a seasoned HR professional, to explore how work has evolved across generations—and what leaders must understand to navigate the future of work with humanity and trust.This conversation dives into:Generational shifts in how people view work, purpose, and loyaltyWhy there is still dignity in work—and why people’s work mattersHow COVID permanently changed the workplaceThe rise of remote and hybrid workWhy hybrid work is no longer a perk, but an expectation of the emerging workforceHow HR and leaders can design work that respects both performance and peopleJoe brings thoughtful, real-world insight into how leaders can build cultures rooted in trust, flexibility, and accountability—without losing the human connection that makes work meaningful.If you’re a leader, HR professional, or anyone thinking deeply about the future of work, this episode offers clarity, perspective, and reassurance that getting the people part right still matters most.👇 Watch here on YouTube🎧 Or listen wherever you get your podcasts☕ Special thanks to StreetSide Studio 7 and Deja Bleu House of Coffee for supporting these conversations.

In first episode of 2026, Karen is back after completing her marathon in Australia—an achievement that completed all of the world’s major marathons. Fewer than 50 women in the United States have ever reached that milestone. Butthis conversation goes beyond medals and finish lines. Karentalks about the unique community that forms around regular marathoners—thefriendships built in early mornings, the quiet encouragement shared on longruns, and the bonds created by showing up again and again. It’s a reminder thatwhile running may look like a solo pursuit, none of us do it alone. Andshe’s not slowing down. This year, Karen plans to run 30 marathons, drivennot by accolades, but by purpose, connection, and the simple belief thatmovement can bring people together. This is a story about endurance, community, andthe deeper why that keeps us moving forward—one mile at a time

As we close Season 1 of The Most Important Podcast Ever with BJD, I wanted to do something a little different.This episode is simply a thank you.Thank you to the guests who trusted me with their stories.Thank you to the listeners who showed up week after week.And a very special thank you to the crew—Thomas, Shawn, Mary, and Angelica—for lending their talents and giving so generously of their time. This show would not exist without you.To close the season, I share a family tradition that has been part of my life for decades: reading ’Twas the Night Before Christmas on Christmas Eve. It’s a moment that grounds me every year—a pause filled with memory, laughter, and the kind of gratitude that only comes from time, love, and shared experience.This finale isn’t about lessons or leadership frameworks. It’s about presence. About holding close the people and traditions that steady us. About honoring the year that was—and the stories that carried us through it.From my family to yours, thank you for being part of this journey.See you in January with Season 2.Exercise your grateful heart. ❤️🎄#TheMostImportantPodcastEver #SeasonFinale #GratefulHeart #FamilyTraditions #StoriesThatMatter #ThankYou #ChristmasEve #TwasTheNightBeforeChristmas

In Episode 3 of our four-part adaptation of Charles Dickens’ timeless classic A Christmas Carol, Scrooge is guided by the Ghost of Christmas Present—a Spirit who reveals the power of generosity, compassion, and human connection in the here and now.Through moments of joy, hardship, laughter, and love, this episode invites us to look honestly at how we show up for others today. Dickens reminds us that Christmas is not found in perfection or abundance, but in empathy, shared humanity, and the simple act of caring.This year’s telling is presented as an acted table read, featuring friends from StreetSide Studio 7 and Deja Bleu House of Coffee, blending narration, performance, and reflection to bring Dickens’ words to life in a fresh and meaningful way.Whether you’re revisiting this story or experiencing it for the first time, Episode 3 asks a simple but powerful question:Who needs us to be present—right now?Thank you for being part of this annual journey through Dickens’ masterpiece.Episode 4 coming next Tuesday 12/23/25.

Step into the timeless world of Charles Dickens as we bring you Episode 1 of our four-part dramatic telling of A Christmas Carol, performed at StreetSide Studio 7 inside Deja Bleu House of Coffee in Alexandria, Minnesota.In this opening chapter, Dickens sets the stage with one of literature’s most famous lines: “Marley was dead, to begin with.” We meet Ebenezer Scrooge—hard and solitary as an oyster—on a bitter Christmas Eve filled with missed chances at joy, kindness, and connection. As night falls, Scrooge is visited by the ghost of his long-dead partner, Jacob Marley, whose rattling chains deliver a chilling warning…and set in motion the journey that will change everything.This series is our heartfelt tribute to Dickens’ classic and a celebration of storytelling, community, and the spirit of Christmas.Performed at:🎬 StreetSide Studio 7 — Deja Bleu House of Coffee📍 Alexandria, MNAdapted by:Brian J. Dunn (The Most Important Podcast Ever with BJD)StreetSide Studio 7 Production TeamDeja Bleu House of CoffeeAbout This Series:This is Episode 1 of a 4-episode Christmas production, leading to the powerful final message of Dickens:“I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year.”Hashtags#AChristmasCarol #CharlesDickens #ChristmasStory #Dickens #HolidayClassic #AudioDrama #Storytelling #Christmas2025 #StreetSideStudio7 #DejaBleuHouseOfCoffee #MostImportantPodcastEver #BrianJDunn #GratefulHeart

Welcome to Episode 37 of The Most Important Podcast Ever with BJD.Today… we’re doing something a little different.Usually, I’m the one asking the questions—listening for the inflection points, drawing out the stories, and trying to understand what life has taught the people sitting across from me. But for this episode, we decided to turn the tables. And I couldn’t imagine anyone better to take the interviewer’s chair than my friend— and one of the best communicators I’ve ever known—Michael Voss.If you listened to Episode 18, you already know Michael brings a sharp mind, a quick wit, and a storyteller’s soul. He’s the guy who hosted my global town halls back in the Best Buy days, helped shape the way we communicated to thousands of employees, and—more importantly—he’s someone I have trusted with my story for years.So today, it’s my turn in the hot seat.Michael asks about the early chapters of my life, the winding journey through retail, the heartbreak and the healing that shaped me, and the lessons I’m still learning as a father, a leader, and a guy trying to move through the world with a grateful heart. We talk about why this podcast exists, what I hope it becomes, and what I’ve learned from the extraordinary people who’ve already shared their stories with us.It’s vulnerable. It’s candid. And like every good conversation with Michael, it’s also a lot of fun.So… let’s turn the tables.Here is Episode 37—my conversation with Michael Voss.

In this episode, Coach John Tauer shares his perspective on what it means to lead with purpose — on the court, in the classroom, and at home. A teacher, mentor, and family man, Coach Tauer reflects on how he builds teams grounded in trust, character, and connection. He discusses the importance of relationships that last a lifetime and the parallels between coaching a team and raising a family. His insights offer a masterclass in purposeful leadership — one defined not by wins and losses, but by impact, integrity, and love for the people you serve.

In this powerful episode, I sit down with Angie Bruhn, a leader whose principles have been tested by life’s toughest challenges. Angie shares her journey of leading with conviction, building strong teams, and continuing to “answer the bell” even as she faces her battle with cancer.Her story is one of courage, resilience, and grace—and a reminder that no matter our roles or titles, we are all human. Along the way, Angie wisely quotes her big rock lessons:“There’s no award for being the busiest or grinding the hardest.”“In the end, it comes down to how you treat people.”“In the absence of communication, there is hallucination.”“There is always something to learn.”“Time is the real currency.”“There are moments of extraordinary in every day.”This conversation honors Angie’s strength, wisdom, and unwavering spirit—an inspiring example of living with dignity and heart, and of finding extraordinary meaning in the ordinary.

In this episode, I sit down with Dave Bonura, whose nearly 40 years in retail leadership span some of the most recognizable names in the industry—Home Depot, Best Buy, Floor & Décor, and more. What started as an accidental entry into retail turned into a career that took him through sales, HR, and senior leadership roles, shaping teams and cultures across multiple companies.Dave shares what it was like to live and work for decades in Southern California, build a parallel small business from scratch, and balance his devotion to fitness with the demands of corporate life. His journey is a study in resilience and reinvention—navigating industry changes, personal turning points, and finding ways to thrive at work and at home.This is more than a career story. It’s a reflection on choices, grit, and the lessons learned from a lifetime of leading and living fully.

At just 19 years old, Myles Frueh has already built an impressive resume—host of The Unspecified Show, President of the ATCC DECA Chapter, and now the mind (and muscle) behind a coast-to-coast journey with a mission.Inspired by a YouTuber and determined to celebrate his mom’s 10th year cancer-free, Myles launched “Dash for Cash.” He set out across America with a single rule: he couldn’t leave a town until he had door dashed enough to pay for every single expense—lodging, food, gas, and the unexpected curveballs of life on the road. All the while, he was raising money for cancer awareness and honoring his mom’s milestone in a way only he could.I was blown away by his drive and maturity at just 18. His story is a reminder that age is no barrier when purpose leads the way. Remember this young man’s name—he is going places.Watch the Unspecified Show here: https://youtu.be/aL3T4BLrpPQ?si=GVgFbIbZo99OVOEfDeca Info: https://www.deca.org

Kevin Treanor’s professional life grew beyond anything he ever imagined. From turning wrenches to running some of the toughest stores in retail, he rose to become a multi-unit manager—all within two miles of where he grew up. Along the way, he and his brother Joe worked side by side for more than 30 years, building careers and memories together.Kevin’s story includes moments of challenge and resilience: being there for first responders on 9/11 with the gear and batteries they needed, facing the devastating loss of his brother to cancer, and living through the unimaginable tragedy of his daughter Harley’s drowning. But it’s also a story of how he found the road back, lifted by the people who showed up for him, and how those experiences shaped him into a beacon of empathy and strength for others.In this conversation, Kevin reflects on the lessons of retail, the people who mattered most, and how tragedy transformed him into someone who not only survived but continues to give back.

In this episode, I sit down with my son, Will Dunn, whose love for the game began on traveling basketball teams in Minnesota and has carried him all the way to the NBA as an Assistant Coach with the Houston Rockets.We talk about the grind of youth basketball, the path through college and early coaching stops, and the relentless work it takes to earn a place on an NBA bench. Will shares the lessons he’s learned from mentors, the realities of life inside the Rockets organization, and the deeper values that keep him grounded in a high-stakes environment.This is more than just a story about basketball—it’s about resilience, growth, and pursuing a dream until it becomes reality.

In this episode, I sit down with LaKesha Ransom, whose path has taken her from the Midwest to Bangkok, Thailand. Recruited by a multinational, LaKesha shares what it’s really like to build a life abroad—with passion, humor, and an eye for the unexpected.We talk about navigating expat life, living through COVID in Thailand, and even her take on White Lotus (she insists Season 3 hit the nail on the head). I could have talked with her for hours and hope to have her back.I think you’ll enjoy this conversation every bit as much as I did.

In this episode of The Most Important Podcast Ever, I welcome back Dr. Guy Beaudin—trusted advisor, psychologist, and one of the wisest voices I know on the subject of leadership. Our focus? The paradoxes that quietly shape every leader’s journey.These aren’t lessons you’ll find in a training manual—but they might be the most important ones you’ll ever learn. Together, we unpack three tensions that show up early and often in leadership:1.  Results matter—but behavior can derail you.Strong performance might get you promoted, but your behavior determines whether others want to follow you. We explore the blind spots and habits that can quietly limit your growth—and how self-awareness changes the game.2.  To stand out, shine the light on others.Real leaders elevate the people around them. Guy and I reflect on how humility, generosity, and “dual promotion” can actually strengthen your impact—without chasing the spotlight.3.  Let go of being right to move forward.Sometimes leadership means surrendering your need to win the argument so the team can win together. We talk about how to recognize defensiveness, shift from ego to purpose, and lead with emotional maturity.What emerges is a deeper truth: great leadership isn’t either/or—it’s both/and. Confidence and humility. Action and reflection. Visibility and service. The ability to hold these tensions is what separates good managers from great leaders.This episode is grounded, personal, and full of real-world insight. Guy draws on his deep experience coaching leaders across industries, and I share some stories of my own—both wins and stumbles.If you’re navigating the messy middle of leadership, this one’s for you.🎧 Listen now and share what resonated with you. I’d love to hear your thoughts.#TheMostImportantPodcastEver #LeadershipParadox #GratefulHeart #HeadHeartHands

Episode 20: Brad Weinreich – Fighting for Life, Fueled by Family, Faith, and the Incredible Power of a Grateful HeartBrad Weinreich is living with stage 4 kidney failure. But this isn’t just a story about waiting for a transplant—it’s about accepting a brutal diagnosis, grieving what’s been lost, and choosing to fight anyway.Brad opens up about the physical toll—battles with sepsis, exhaustion, and uncertainty—but also about the emotional and spiritual transformation this journey has demanded. He shares how his faith has deepened through suffering, and how clarity often comes in life’s most fragile moments.He’s not alone. His wife Mindy—whom he rightfully calls heroic—his kids, friends, and even the family dog are all part of Team Brad. And in a remarkable act of generosity, a former colleague—Steve, featured in Episode 19—has stepped forward to donate a kidney and save his life.This conversation is about resilience, family, faith—and the incredible power of a grateful heart.

Episode 17 – Emily Peterson Boone: From Madonna Dreams to Stories That MatterThis week’s guest is Emily Peterson Boone—a filmmaker, creative leader, and president of Clever, a Minnesota-based content agency known for producing videos that connect with real people in real ways.Emily’s love of video started early—back in high school, when she and her friend Becky made a Vogue-inspired submission for an MTV contest, hoping to win tickets to see Madonna. They didn’t win—but that project lit the fuse. She’s been telling stories through video ever since.Today, she leads a team that helps brands bring their messages to life with clarity, humor, and humanity. In this conversation, we talk about Emily’s evolution from early content creator to executive, the making of her deeply personal HARD film series, and how video storytelling has changed inside corporate America.And if there’s one thing she hopes you take away from this episode, it’s this:“There’s a lot of work that goes into production and storytelling—surround yourself with good people, take the work seriously, but don’t take yourself too seriously. Enjoy the journey.” 🎥 Explore Emily’s work:·       Clever Website·       Clever Reel·       HARD Series Trailer·       HARD Episode – 1 of 5·       Dalton’s Story·       The Original Vogue Video – where it all began