Claim OwnershipGood Listen with Joe Pardavila
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You know how everyone has a story to tell, but we don’t always get to hear them? Well, that’s what Good Listen is for. Joe Pardavila loves to chat with folks who have done some awesome stuff. These are the stories that will make you laugh, cry, and feel good. So, join the listening party and check out Good Listen.
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In the season finale of Good Listen, I sit down with Jim Murphy—former professional athlete, mental performance coach, and author of the transformative book Inner Excellence. Jim opens up to me about his tumultuous journey from a minor league baseball player grappling with career-threatening vision issues to a sought-after coach guiding elite athletes and executives worldwide. He shares the pivotal moment his life changed forever: a chance encounter with a homeless man named Zoe during a mental health crisis, which sparked a spiritual awakening and reshaped his understanding of purpose.Jim talks about how Inner Excellence unexpectedly skyrocketed to fame after NFL star AJ Brown was spotted reading it during a playoff game, catapulting the book into the spotlight. He dives into profound insights on overcoming self-centeredness, embracing humility, and pursuing a life of “fullness” over fleeting success. Through raw anecdotes—from his struggles in the minors to coaching Olympians and PGA Tour champions—Jim reveals how faith, self-awareness, and resilience can redefine greatness.This conversation is a raw, deeply human exploration of finding joy beyond accolades, the power of divine timing, and why true excellence begins within. Whether you’re an athlete, entrepreneur, or simply seeking meaning, Jim’s story will challenge you to rethink what it means to live your best possible life.“Inner Excellence: Train Your Mind for Extraordinary Performance and the Best Possible Life” is available now.
I sat down with my longtime friend and radio pro Anne Marie “Annie” Leamy for a chat that felt like catching up over coffee—if that coffee came with wild stories, raw honesty, and a few laughs. You might remember Annie from our days together at WPLJ or her recent gig at WCBS-FM, but trust me, her journey doesn’t stop there.We talked about what it’s like to rebuild after getting laid off (again), how she’s crushing it at the gym instead of drowning in pints of ice cream (cough PLJ days cough), and why social media isn’t just for memes—it’s her lifeline to listeners who’ve stuck with her for decades. Oh, and did I mention she’s raising three boys while plotting her next career move? Spoiler: This mom’s got hustle.We dove into the messy magic of balancing work and family, the actual reason she married her “big goofball” husband Sean (hint: teamwork makes the dream work), and why radio’s live, unfiltered chaos still has her hooked. If you’ve ever felt stuck between “What’s next?” and “How do I adult?,” this one’s for you.Catch Annie’s unstoppable energy on Instagram @annieonair—and don’t forget to smash that thumbs-up button or leave a review if this convo hit home. Want more? Swing by joepadavila.com for past episodes. Thanks for hanging with us! 🎧✨
In my latest Good Listen episode, I chat with Kevin Griffin, frontman of the iconic 90s band Better Than Ezra. Kevin takes me through his fascinating journey from starting as a college band at LSU to achieving lasting success in the ever-changing music industry. We discuss how the business has transformed dramatically from the CD-selling boom days to today's streaming economy. Kevin reveals how a pivotal meeting with legendary manager Alan Kovac pushed him to diversify beyond Better Than Ezra, leading to incredible opportunities writing for artists like Taylor Swift and Sugarland. We explore his expansion into music publishing, festival creation, and his recent business parable book about creativity. Kevin shares his practical methods for staying relevant, managing time effectively, and maintaining creative longevity in a cutthroat industry. Don't miss this insightful conversation about reinvention, adaptation, and finding continued success through collaboration and curiosity.
Estelle’s story is one of those that makes you stop and think, "Why not?" At 40, she decided to cross something off her bucket list that most people wouldn’t even consider—visiting a nude beach for the first time. What started as a personal challenge turned into a life-changing experience, and eventually, a viral moment thanks to the Daily Mail.We dove into what inspired her to take that leap, how it’s reshaped her outlook on life, and the lessons she’s learned along the way. But Estelle isn’t just about nudist beaches—she’s also a powerhouse when it comes to social media. Known as the "Insta Queen," she shared some incredible tips on how to navigate the ever-changing world of algorithms, build a personal brand, and even how to use AI as a tool without losing your authentic voice.So whether you’re curious about the nudist lifestyle, looking to up your social media game, or just need a reminder that it’s never too late to try something new, this episode is for you. And hey, if you enjoy the chat, don’t forget to hit that thumbs up button—it’s clothing optional!
I’ve got Sarah Pribis on the show this week. Sarah has been a working actor for years, navigating the ups and downs of the gig economy that comes with the entertainment industry. From her early days bartending to landing roles on Broadway, TV, and even hosting the popular game show app HQ, Sarah has seen it all. We dive into the realities of being a working actor—how she balances creative fulfillment with the need to pay the bills, the challenges of taking on less glamorous jobs like audiobook narration and corporate training videos, and the lessons she’s learned along the way. Sarah opens up about her experience with HQ, the pressures of being in the spotlight, and how she’s learned to embrace the journey rather than fixate on the destination. We also talk about the joy she finds in her work, the camaraderie of being on set, and how she’s using her platform to inspire others, whether it’s through her transparency about the acting grind or her discussions on sobriety and mental health. Our talk is a candid look at what it means to pursue a career in acting, the resilience it takes to keep going, and the importance of finding purpose in both the big and small moments. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s really like to be a working actor in today’s world, this episode is for you. Tune in and join us for an inspiring and heartfelt chat with Sarah Pribis.
I have the absolute pleasure of sitting down with the incredibly talented K.L. Walther, the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of The Summer of Broken Rules and her latest release, While We’re Young.We dive into so many fun topics, from her journey as an author (and how she went from writing her first manuscript in college to becoming a BookTok sensation) to her love for pop culture and how it influences her writing. We even geek out over one of our favorite movies, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, and how it inspired her latest book.KL also opens up about the challenges of writing, dealing with rejection, and how she stitches together her characters from real-life threads (without causing any family drama, thankfully!). Plus, we talk about the magic of BookTok, how it’s changed the game for authors, and what it’s like to have your book go viral.If you’re a fan of young adult romance, pop culture, or just love hearing about the behind-the-scenes of an author’s life, this episode is for you.
On this episode, I’m sitting down with Jonna Naegele. Jonna is an actress, acting coach, certified brain health professional, and an intimacy coordinator. We talked about what it’s like to be an actor in today’s world, the importance of diversifying your skills, and how to navigate the ups and downs of the industry. Jonna shared her journey from acting to coaching and how she’s helping the next generation of actors not just survive but thrive. We also dove into her role as an intimacy coordinator, a position that’s become more prominent in recent years. She gave me a behind-the-scenes look at how she ensures intimate scenes on set are handled with care, consent, and professionalism. From choreographing steamy moments to managing emotional dynamics between actors, Jonna’s work is fascinating and so important. We also talked about the challenges actors face in their personal lives, especially when it comes to balancing on-set intimacy with real-life relationships. Jonna offered some great advice on how to maintain trust and communication with partners while pursuing a demanding career in acting. Whether you’re an aspiring actor, a seasoned pro, or just curious about how Hollywood works, this episode is packed with insights and practical tips. Jonna’s stories and advice are inspiring, and I walked away from this conversation with a whole new appreciation for the art of acting and the people who make it happen.
In this episode of Good Listen, I sit down with the unstoppable Keith L. Brown—also known as Mr. I’m Possible. From being labeled "special ed" as a child to becoming an internationally acclaimed speaker, Keith’s story is one of resilience, purpose, and pure energy. We talk about his journey from a talkative, high-energy kid to a speaker who commands stages around the world, inspiring thousands. Keith shares the pivotal moments that shaped him, from the teachers who believed in him to the sacrifices he made to build his speaking career—yes, those early gigs were mostly free. He also drops invaluable wisdom for aspiring speakers, parents, and anyone looking to turn obstacles into opportunities. Get ready for a conversation filled with motivation, insight, and a whole lot of "we gon’ make it anyway" energy. Tune in and let’s get inspired!
In this episode, I sit down with Lisann Valentin, a fascinating human who has walked an unconventional path from lawyer to actress to shaman. She shares how she helps guide high-profile leaders to connect with their "Akashic intelligence," drawing from ancient spiritual wisdom that spans multiple cultures and religions. We explore her remarkable journey, including how her grandfather secretly practiced as a curandero (healer) in Puerto Rico while maintaining a public Catholic identity, and how she initially resisted her own spiritual gifts before embracing them fully during a pivotal moment on the social media platform, Clubhouse in 2020. Lisann offers a fresh perspective on spirituality, describing it not as rigid doctrine but as a connection to "the highest forms of unconditional love," while sharing practical wisdom about breaking free from life's routines, learning to love ourselves, and finding purpose beyond external validation. This conversation challenged my own preconceptions about spirituality and offered a compelling look at how ancient wisdom might help us navigate modern challenges.
This week, I have an odd and wonderful chat with Nathan Lents, a college professor and author of The Sexual Evolution. We dive into the fascinating world of animal sexuality and how it mirrors—or diverges from—human behavior. From the surprising prevalence of homosexuality in nature to the social dynamics of monogamy and polygamy in the animal kingdom, Nathan shares some truly eye-opening insights. We even touch on how animals "flirt" and why some species, like bonobos, prefer making love over war. Whether it’s birds, wolves, or monkeys, Nathan’s expertise made for a conversation that was equal parts educational and entertaining. If you’ve ever wondered how close humans really are to the rest of the animal kingdom when it comes to sex and relationships, this episode is for you. Tune in for a wild ride through the sexual evolution of life on Earth!
I’ve got Lauren Farina-Prieto, a psychotherapist and performance coach, on the show this week. Lauren specializes in working with high performers—those folks who seem to have it all but often struggle behind the scenes with perfectionism, self-doubt, and burnout.We explore the high performer paradox, the childhood roots of their relentless drive, and how values alignment is critical for maintaining mental and physical well-being. We also delve into why high performers can be their own harshest critics, how tobalance ambition with humanity, and the nuances of navigating relationships with these larger-than-life personalities. Whether you’re someone who considers themselves a high performer or you live or work with one, this episode shedslight on the tools and mindset shifts needed to thrive without sacrificing your health or relationships. Join me for this insightful, candid, and motivating conversation that might just change the way you think about success.
In this episode of Good Listen, I sit down with Don Saladino—celebrity trainer, fitness visionary, and the mastermind behind transforming some of Hollywood’s biggest stars. From his early days as a college athlete to opening his first NYC gym, Don’s journey is a testament to relentless evolution. After 15 years in brick-and-mortar gyms, he pivoted to building a global online fitness empire, proving that wellness is more than just reps—it’s about strategy, community, and understanding each person’s unique puzzle. We dive into his philosophy on why strength training is non-negotiable as we age, how he tailors workouts for A-listers like Ryan Reynolds, Hugh Jackman, and Sebastian Stan (yes, my wife’s imaginary backup husband), and the pitfalls of confusing influencers with seasoned coaches. Don opens up about jaw-dropping client transformations, including battling congestive heart failure and helping a 900-pound woman reclaim her life. Plus, he shares details about his Don Saladino App—a hub for dumbbell and gym programs, live Q&As, and the viral “Deck of Pain” challenge. Listeners can snag a free month of his March Challenge - https://donsaladino.com/challenge - using code GOODLISTEN (first 100 only!).Whether you’re a fitness newbie or a seasoned lifter, Don’s blend of passion, science, and dad-joke charm will leave you inspired to rethink your approach to health.
I dive deep into the world of dog psychology with Billie Groom, a renowned canine psychotherapist, sharing insights from her unique cognitive behavioral therapy approach to dog training. In this episode, I explore her unconventional journey into understanding dog behavior, discussing how her method differs from traditional conditioning techniques by focusing on helping dogs process emotions and make decisions. Through personal stories about my own dachshund Nathan, we unpack the complexities of dog behavior, challenging breed stereotypes and offering listeners a fresh perspective on understanding our four-legged companions.
What happens when a rock star trades the stage for a startup? In this episode I catch up with Ryan Star, who went from topping the charts with hits like "Breathe" to founding a game-changing tech platform for musicians and fans. We reminisce about the chaos of life on tour—like that time we nearly got chased down by wild dogs during a run in the Bahamas—and dive into the ups and downs of Ryan’s career. From his early days in a high school band to his rise as a solo artist, Ryan shares the moments that shaped him, including his perspective on fame, creativity, and the grind of making music. Now the CEO of Stationhead, Ryan talks about his mission to help artists and their fans connect in a more meaningful way in the digital age. Whether you're a music lover or just curious about what it takes to pivot from rock star to entrepreneur, this is one conversation you won’t want to miss.
In this powerful episode of Good Listen, I sit down with Rebecca Wild, a multi-talented coach, author, and trauma survivor who has transformed her painful past into a mission of helping others. We explore how Rebecca broke free from traditional career paths to embrace multiple roles including yoga teacher, meditation instructor, and suicide hotline volunteer. She candidly shares her journey of escaping an abusive relationship and finding true safety and stability.
Rebecca opens up about the difference between living in constant fear versus finding peace in predictability, and how meditation became key to her healing process. Through her book, The Will to Live Project, and various coaching endeavors, she demonstrates how lived experience can become a powerful tool for helping others navigate their own challenges. Our conversation delves into leaving abusive relationships, finding authentic love, and the importance of self-care. Rebecca's story shows how surviving trauma can become a catalyst for positive change in others' lives.
What’s it really like to be a meteorologist—especially when your name is Amy Freeze? On this episode of Good Listen, I catch up with Amy, a long-time friend and one of the most talented weather pros out there. We talk about her journey to becoming a weather powerhouse in cities like New York and Philadelphia. Spoiler: she didn’t make up her name, and yes, she’s heard all the weather jokes! Amy shares how she broke into the male-dominated world of weather broadcasting, earned her AMS certification (it’s way harder than it sounds), and juggled life as a mom of four kids—three of whom are adopted. Oh, and did I mention she’s also a marathon runner? We also get into what it’s like being a Mormon in a party-filled industry, the secret to thriving in local news, and her exciting plans for the future. It’s a fun, inspiring chat that’ll make you appreciate the weather forecast in a whole new way.
I got to chat with the legendary Peter Hurley—a guy who went from being a model and actor in New York to one of the most famous headshot photographers out there. Peter’s got an incredible story about how he picked up a camera at 30 and turned it into a career that’s taken him all over the world. We dive into everything: his modeling days (and why he had to stop), the hilarious moment that made him quit acting for good, and how he created viral hits like "squinching" and his catchphrase "shebang." He also shares what it’s like to photograph big names like Ariana Grande and Alex Rodriguez, why he believes every headshot is about personality, and his super simple style that’s changed the game.
Peter’s energy is contagious, his stories are unforgettable, and his passion for making people feel great in front of the camera is inspiring. Don’t miss this one—it’s a good listen (pun intended).
I’m kicking off a brand-new season of Good Listen with someone who truly knows what it’s like to live a life most of us only see in the movies — Renee Graziano. If you love mob movies like Goodfellas or The Godfather, you won’t want to miss this one. Renee, best known for VH1's Mob Wives, grew up as the daughter of a high-ranking official in the Bonanno crime family. In our conversation, she opens up about what it was really like to be part of an organized crime family, the betrayal of being married to an informant, and how she faced her own battles with addiction and loss. But through it all, Renee shows incredible resilience and humor, sharing how she’s now focusing on healing, family, and finding joy in life. This episode is full of laughs, raw honesty, and powerful stories about family, loyalty, and redemption. It was a conversation I won’t soon forget, and I think you’ll feel the same.
In the season finale of Good Listen, I sit down with Beth Sparksfire, the cofounder of the Hacienda, a sex-positive community in Bushwick, Brooklyn, that has been redefining connection and pleasure for over a decade. Beth takes me through her incredible journey—from moving to New York, meeting her polyamorous partner at a life-changing barbecue, and building a thriving community known for its unforgettable parties and workshops.
For the first time, Beth addresses the New York Times article from earlier this year that scrutinized the Hacienda. She speaks openly about the challenges it brought, the misconceptions it spread, and how she is using the experience to strengthen the community and its commitment to safety and inclusivity.
We explore the evolution of sex-positive culture, the delicate balance of running a community rooted in openness, and how Beth manages to juggle it all—cofounding a nightclub, hosting events, and raising two young kids in New York City.
This conversation is raw, thought-provoking, and eye-opening. Whether you’re curious about sex positivity or just love a great story, you won’t want to miss it! #SexPositivity
Taylor Miller joins me on the show this week. Taylor is a young TV reporter in Charleston, South Carolina, and I was curious about what drives Gen Z into traditional media.
Taylor's ambition impressed me; in her early 20s, she's already co-executive producer of her show and runs a side business in social media management. We discussed the challenges of being a young woman in media and how she uses skepticism as motivation to prove herself. Her passion for storytelling and gratitude for her role in the community were genuinely touching.
Our conversation left me optimistic about the future of journalism, seeing how dedicated young professionals like Taylor are to connecting with their audience and sharing important stories.
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