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Into the Unknown with Jeremy Swick What’s up everyone! Allow me to introduce myself! My name is Jeremy Swick, aka Sumo, aka @theaveargehistorian and welcome to the podcast! I’m so excited to share this!
Join me, Jeremy Swick, on "Into the Unknown," a podcast that delves into personal journeys, stories, and experiences of individuals across diverse life experiences. As a historian by trade, I firmly believe that our personal histories shape our present and offer valuable insights into our paths ahead. With that being said let's get into it!
Join me, Jeremy Swick, on "Into the Unknown," a podcast that delves into personal journeys, stories, and experiences of individuals across diverse life experiences. As a historian by trade, I firmly believe that our personal histories shape our present and offer valuable insights into our paths ahead. With that being said let's get into it!
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On this episode of "Into the Unknown" Claudette Rowley never thought she'd become an interior designer. She had a thriving consulting practice, a strong resume — and a quiet inner voice that kept whispering “what if?” In this soul-stirring conversation with host Jeremy Swick, Claudette shares how a two-day color workshop became the spark that reconnected her to something deeper: a lifelong love of beauty, design, and the unseen impact of our environments. What followed wasn’t just a career shift — it was a homecoming.Together, they explore the intersection of design, trauma recovery, and intuition — from biophilic design and neuroscience to flipping historic homes and creating healing spaces for women navigating divorce. This episode is for anyone standing at the edge of reinvention, wondering if it’s too late to start again. It’s not. Claudette’s story is proof that sometimes the smallest “yes” can lead to the most profound transformation.Follow Us:Instagram @Pod.IntotheUnknownFacebook - Into the UnknownFollow Claudette Rowley: Instagram: https://instagram.com/claudetterowley LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/claudette-rowley-1ba268/Website: https://www.claudetterowleydesign.com/Are you looking to start a podcast? Check out my free "Jump Start to Podcasting Guide" or reach out! Here!
On this episode of "Into the Unknown" When Valerie Bowden left her Midwest roots behind and bought a one-way ticket to Africa, she had no idea how profoundly it would reshape her life and career. What started as a solo backpacking trip across 13 countries eventually led to eight years living in Ethiopia, where Valerie discovered both the continent’s extraordinary talent and the structural barriers keeping millions of professionals from global opportunities.Valerie shares how those eye-opening experiences inspired her to launch Cradle, an outsourcing company that now employs 120 African professionals for U.S. clients. She opens up about the challenges of leaving behind stability, the misconceptions surrounding outsourcing, and the lessons she’s learned about resilience, opportunity, and building businesses that create real win-win impact across borders.Follow Us:Instagram @Pod.IntotheUnknownFacebook - Into the UnknownFollow Valerie Bowden: Instagram: https://instagram.com/crdleafrica LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valeriebowden/Are you looking to start a podcast? Check out my free "Jump Start to Podcasting Guide" or reach out! Here!
On this episode of "Into the Unknown" Launching a podcast can feel daunting—what if no one listens, the tech is confusing, or the first episode flops? In this candid conversation, Tamika Taylor, host of the globally ranked Say More Words, and Jeremy “Sumo” Swick, founder of SwickMedia, and host of this podcast, break down what it really takes to start and sustain a podcast. From battling early doubts to finding her unique voice, Tamika shares how podcasting opened doors to credibility, connections, and global recognition in a competitive self-help market.Together, Tamika and Jeremy reveal the behind-the-scenes structure that makes podcasting accessible to anyone—from gear and setup to branding and confidence-building. They also discuss the business value of podcasting, from lead generation to building authentic relationships, and why aligning your voice with your brand matters more than chasing sponsorships. Whether you’re dreaming about your first episode or looking to grow your show, this episode proves that your story deserves to be heard—and podcasting is one of the most powerful ways to share it.Follow Tamika Taylor: Website: https://evolutioncollective.co/aboutInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thetamikataylor/Facebook: https://www.instagram.com/thetamikataylor/Follow Say More Words:Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/say-more-words/id1698161537Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/3iWuT9l8mWtzJKobotHMMq?si=07c44b13cf4647f9&nd=1&dlsi=03a3f874aac04c01YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SayMoreWordsPodcast/videosFollow Us:Instagram @Pod.IntotheUnknownFacebook - Into the UnknownAre you looking to start a podcast? Check out my free "Jump Start to Podcasting Guide" or reach out! Here!
On this episode of "Into the Unknown" What does it take to leave a decades-long corporate career and dive into the unknown? In this episode, franchise consultant and entrepreneur Rick Morgin opens up about the moment he walked away from a stable career in the beverage industry—and the spark that led him to franchise consulting. From unexpected networking encounters to gut-level decisions, Rick shares how trusting himself (and ignoring the fear of a 100% commission life) reshaped his entire path. His journey is equal parts strategy and serendipity—and proof that reinvention is always possible.We also explore the evolution of his work, from helping others find franchise fits to mentoring his son in a bespoke clothing franchise—and launching a revolutionary new waste management model poised to disrupt the U.S. market. Rick’s honesty about the hard moments, fleeting doubts, and what keeps him moving forward is a masterclass in resilience. Inside, you’ll gain insight into the real myths of franchising, how emotional buy-in impacts business decisions, and why betting on yourself might be your smartest investment yet.Follow Us:Instagram @Pod.IntotheUnknownFacebook - Into the UnknownFollow Rick Morgin: Instagram: Https://instagram.com/rickmorginTiktok: @rickd212Facebook: https://facebook.com/richard.morgin LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/richardmorginx: @RMorginYouTube: YouTube.com/@richardmorgin.officialAre you looking to start a podcast? Check out my free "Jump Start to Podcasting Guide" or reach out! Here!
On this episode of "Into the Unknown" Most people play it safe. Aaron Smalls didn’t. In this episode, you'll hear how one unexpected audition at Nickelodeon flipped Aaron's path from engineering student to sought-after entertainer, keynote speaker, and warm-up host of The Kelly Clarkson Show's live audience at 30 Rock. But this isn’t just a success story—it’s a roadmap for anyone standing at a crossroad, unsure whether to take the leap. From childhood in the Virgin Islands to commanding stages and DJ booths, Aaron opens up about fear, pivoting, and the power of choosing momentum over perfection.What unfolds is a deeply human conversation about trusting your instincts, navigating career reinvention, and building a life around your energy—not your resume. If you’ve ever felt stuck, scattered, or secretly unfulfilled, this episode will shift something in you. It’s not about having the plan—it’s about having the guts to move. This is one of those episodes that could change how you see your next step.Follow Us:Instagram @Pod.IntotheUnknownFacebook - Into the UnknownFollow Aaron Smalls: Instagram: https://instagram.com/theaaronsmalls Instagram: https://instagram.com/curiouslytalentedLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/theaaronsmalls/Website: https://aaronsmalls.com/Are you looking to start a podcast? Check out my free "Jump Start to Podcasting Guide" or reach out! Here!
On this episode of "Into the Unknown" What drives someone in their mid-50s to leave everything behind—friends, family, and familiarity—for a fresh start across the globe? Meet Sid Banerjee, who did exactly that when he uprooted his life in India to take on a CEO role in New York. In this deeply human episode, Sid opens up to host Jeremy Swick about navigating culture shock, building a business from scratch, and surviving the emotional toll of isolation while leading through industry disruption. His secret weapon? Emotional grit—and a long-awaited family reunion that changed everything.You’ll discover the surprising link between cricket and boardroom leadership, the hard truth about what AI can’t fix, and why every major leap requires a hidden anchor. If you're standing at a crossroads—or just feeling the weight of going it alone—Sid’s story will challenge you to rethink what's possible, and why timing might just be your greatest asset. This isn’t just a conversation about business—it’s a roadmap to personal reinvention.Follow Us:Instagram @Pod.IntotheUnknownFacebook - Into the UnknownFollow Sid Banerjee: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sid-banerjee-3b29276/Are you looking to start a podcast? Check out my free "Jump Start to Podcasting Guide" or reach out! Here!
On this episode of "Into the Unknown" What does it take to walk away from Wall Street and redefine success on your own terms? In this heartfelt conversation, Matt Blair shares how the quiet dissatisfaction of corporate life collided with a deeper calling to serve — and how one pivotal moment, encouraged by his wife and driven by fatherhood, changed everything. He opens up about building a commercial real estate fund with his father, why he believes small balance investors deserve access to generational wealth opportunities, and how embracing uncertainty became the most freeing decision of his life.This episode isn’t just about entrepreneurship — it’s about listening to the internal whisper that says you were made for more. Matt’s journey from cubicle burnout to mission-driven founder is packed with insights for anyone standing at their own fork in the road. Whether you're craving purpose, considering a bold leap, or simply looking for inspiration to push forward, this episode offers an honest, grounded look at what it means to risk stability for something that actually matters.Follow Matt and REI Capital Management:https://www.instagram.com/reicapitalmgt/ https://www.facebook.com/reicapitalmanagement https://www.linkedin.com/company/rei-capital-management/https://x.com/ReiGrowth https://www.youtube.com/@reicapitalgrowthFollow Us:Instagram @Pod.IntotheUnknownFacebook - Into the UnknownAre you looking to start a podcast? Check out my free "Jump Start to Podcasting Guide" or reach out! Here!
On this episode of "Into the Unknown" What if a century-old photograph could rewrite your family history? In this deeply personal episode, host Jeremy Swick speaks with South African actor Lungi Pinda about an extraordinary digital discovery: a picture of Lungi’s great-grandfather, Livingstone Mzimba, an African theology student and American football player at Lincoln University in the early 1900s. Their transcontinental connection began with a LinkedIn post and unfolded into a journey of reconnection, ancestry, and untold legacy.From suppressed stories under apartheid to generational shifts in purpose—from medicine to the arts—Lungi’s reflections reveal the soul-deep importance of knowing where we come from. You’ll walk away seeing heritage, history, and identity in a completely new light.Follow Us:Instagram @Pod.IntotheUnknownFacebook - Into the UnknownFollow Lungi Pinda: Instagram: https://instagram.com/@lungi_pindahttps://www.linkedin.com/in/lungi-pinda-01341aa8/Are you looking to start a podcast? Check out my free "Jump Start to Podcasting Guide" or reach out! Here!
On this episode of "Into the Unknown" When the military chapter ends, what comes next? In this raw and powerful conversation, host Jeremy Swick sits down with U.S. Army veteran, author, and medical healer Mindy Dougherty to explore her extraordinary journey through war, survival, systemic failure, and radical reinvention. From the battlefield to being bedbound, Mindy opens up about medical trauma, her fight to reclaim mobility, and the deeply personal reasons behind her autobiographical and children’s books.This episode dives into complex truths—mental health after military service, alternative healing therapies, and why storytelling can be a lifeline for trauma survivors. Mindy doesn’t just share what she’s overcome—she reveals how she helps others find their voice, including children learning to trust their instincts. Whether you’re a veteran, a creator, or simply seeking human resilience in its purest form, this is a conversation that will shift how you see healing, purpose, and personal growth.Follow Us:Instagram @Pod.IntotheUnknownFacebook - Into the UnknownFollow Mindy Dougherty: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mindy.dougherty.9Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wtrgpsy/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mindyd/Are you looking to start a podcast? Check out my free "Jump Start to Podcasting Guide" or reach out! Here!
On this episode of "Into the Unknown" What do ancient empires, golf scorecards, and corporate archives have in common? For Conor Lehr, they’re chapters in a story he never expected to write. After losing his mother and discovering golf as a form of therapy, Conor's journey took him from Chick-fil-A’s archives to military enlistment—and a life-altering illness that changed it all.Host Jeremy Swick uncovers how Conor’s love for history, sports, and storytelling carried him through grief, professional setbacks, and a brutal medical scare. This isn’t just a career journey—it’s a testament to perseverance, reinvention, and how even the most unexpected detours can lead to purpose.Follow Us:Instagram @Pod.IntotheUnknownFacebook - Into the UnknownFollow Conor Lehr: LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/conor-lehr-mas-a9734350Are you looking to start a podcast? Check out my free "Jump Start to Podcasting Guide" or reach out! Here!
On this episode of "Into the Unknown" What if your donation didn’t just disappear into the void—but actually told a story? In this moving episode of Into the Unknown, Preethi shares how an unexpected emotional connection with a bull during a personal low point reshaped her entire life. As a tech researcher turned nonprofit founder, she’s building a more transparent world for donors, families, and sanctuaries—starting with a single act of compassion.You’ll explore the emotional and ethical complexities of animal welfare, how culture and consumerism shape empathy, and why awakening love—especially in children—is the foundation for a more conscious planet. This conversation is both deeply personal and universally urgent. If you've ever questioned whether small actions can ripple into real change, this episode will leave you rethinking what it means to give, to feel, and to lead.Follow Us:Instagram @Pod.IntotheUnknownFacebook - Into the UnknownFollow Dr. Preethi Srinivas: Instagram: https://instagram.com/befriendcows Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089778273594LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/srinivaspreethi/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@befriendcowsAre you looking to start a podcast? Check out my free "Jump Start to Podcasting Guide" or reach out! Here!
On this episode of "Into the Unknown" What happens when you trust your gut and take a leap into the unknown? In Part 2 of his conversation with host Jeremy Swick, fintech leader and youth coach Brad Stillman dives into the power of personal risk — from moving states sight unseen to launching creative ventures and preserving generational memories through photography. This episode is a masterclass in leading with curiosity, leaning into discomfort, and surrounding yourself with people who elevate your vision.Brad opens up about building a photography studio, writing leadership books, and what 143 internal documents taught him about storytelling and impact. Whether you're chasing your next big idea or just learning to trust your voice, this episode reminds you that growth begins at the edge of comfort — and community is built one authentic step at a time.Follow Us:Instagram @Pod.IntotheUnknownFacebook - Into the UnknownFollow Brad Stillman: Instagram: https://instagram.com/brad.stillmanTikTok: https://tiktok.com/@bradstillman1Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brad.stillman LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradstillman/YouTube: https://youtube.com/@bradstillman1Are you looking to start a podcast? Check out my free "Jump Start to Podcasting Guide" or reach out! Here!
On this episode of "Into the Unknown" What if the worst leaders you've worked with taught you the most? In Part 1 of this deeply personal and insightful conversation, host Jeremy Swick sits down with fintech executive and youth coach Brad Stillman to unpack the surprising intersections of leadership, card collecting, and community building. From running tech teams at MasterCard to accidentally becoming a little league coach, Brad shares how meeting people where they are — whether in business or on the baseball field — is the key to sustainable success.You’ll hear stories of early leadership moments, how a childhood passion for sports cards turned into life lessons, and why authentic mentorship still matters in today’s fast-paced, title-chasing world. Brad’s take on the difference between leading and managing will have you rethinking how influence is built — and why emotional intelligence trumps ego every time. Part 2 picks up next week with even deeper lessons on growth, humility, and transformation.Follow Us:Instagram @Pod.IntotheUnknownFacebook - Into the UnknownFollow Brad Stillman: Instagram: https://instagram.com/brad.stillmanTikTok: https://tiktok.com/@bradstillman1Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brad.stillmanLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradstillman/YouTube: https://youtube.com/@bradstillman1Are you looking to start a podcast? Check out my free "Jump Start to Podcasting Guide" or reach out! Here!
In this episode of Into the Unknown, host Jeremy Swick sit down with rising rugby star Aly Cunningham to talk about her wild and winding path through the sport—from chasing her friends in her dad's tag league as a kid in Milwaukee to suiting up for the USA Falcons and heading off to Brazil.We unpack how the rugby world is both massive and tight-knit, the moment she chose rugby over competitive ski racing, and what it felt like stepping into a senior-side international jersey. Aly’s story is one of trust, persistence, and not being afraid to go all-in on what sets your soul on fire. Plus, we shout out the Milwaukee Barbarians, Atlanta Old White, and the lowkey magic of rugby that build lifelong friendships.Whether you’re a rugby lifer or just chasing what’s next in your own life, Aly’s journey will hit home.Follow Us:Instagram @Pod.IntotheUnknownFacebook - Into the UnknownFollow Aly's Rugby Journey!Instagram: https://instagram.com/acunninghamrugbyAre you looking to start a podcast? Check out my free "Jump Start to Podcasting Guide" or reach out! Here!
On this episode of "Into the Unknown" What happens when your entire world shatters — and you're left to rebuild it from the ground up? In this moving and deeply insightful conversation, Amy Pechacek opens up about her journey from classroom teacher to corporate trainer, speaker, and founder of Alpstra. She shares how an unimaginable personal tragedy became the catalyst for a career rooted in intention, resilience, and helping others lead with purpose. From her early days teaching stuffed animals in her childhood bedroom to commanding stages and guiding executives, Amy’s story is a testament to what’s possible when curiosity meets courage.Host Jeremy Swick invites Amy into a vulnerable, real-time reflection on the lessons that shaped her — from navigating grief to building a business that champions authentic leadership and emotional intelligence. Whether you're pivoting professionally, starting a podcast, or simply wondering if you're on the right path, this episode offers a grounded, hope-filled look at what it means to shift, grow, and lead in uncertain times. You’ll leave seeing leadership — and your own journey — in a whole new light.Follow Us:Instagram @Pod.IntotheUnknownFacebook - Into the UnknownFollow Amy Pechacek: TikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@amy.pechacekFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/amyrainwaterpechacek LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amypechacek/ X: https://x.com/pechacek_amy YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AmyPechacekSpeakerAre you looking to start a podcast? Check out my free "Jump Start to Podcasting Guide" or reach out! Here!
On this episode of "Into the Unknown" Grace Redman joins host Jeremy Swick for a powerful, soul-baring conversation about resilience, reinvention, and rising beyond the labels others put on us. At just 19, Grace quietly walked into therapy, unsure if she’d ever make it out of the mental fog she was in. Decades later, the same therapist would confess she never thought Grace would survive — let alone thrive. But thrive she did. Grace went on to build one of the top women-owned businesses in her city, launch a transformative coaching practice, and become a voice of empowerment for anyone navigating adversity.Through storytelling rich in humility and conviction, Grace shares how she stopped letting fear — or others’ opinions — dictate her path. From healing trauma to redefining success on her own terms, this episode explores how self-awareness, spiritual connection, and bold vision can move us through even the darkest seasons. Whether you're in the middle of your own transformation or seeking clarity on what comes next, Grace’s journey will leave you feeling grounded, inspired, and ready to take the next step — even if you don’t yet know where it leads.Follow Us:Instagram @Pod.IntotheUnknownFacebook - Into the UnknownFollow Grace Redman: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gracesredman/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/grace.s.redman Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/grace-redman-701a30/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@gracredman3/videosAre you looking to start a podcast? Check out my free "Jump Start to Podcasting Guide" or reach out! Here!
On this episode of "Into the Unknown" What do you do when life breaks your plan—and your spirit? For Peter Kofitsas, the answer was to rebuild from the ground up. Peter shares how he went from a lost college athlete battling depression to a nationally respected voice in leadership and wellness.Rooted in the sacrifices of his Greek immigrant mother and driven by a desire to rewrite his story, Peter reveals the emotional turning points, unexpected mentors, and bold choices that helped him turn adversity into impact. This isn’t just a comeback story—it’s a call to action for anyone standing at a crossroads, wondering if they have what it takes to begin again.Follow Us:Instagram @Pod.IntotheUnknownFacebook - Into the UnknownFollow Peter Kofitsas: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/peterkofitsas/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/peterkofitsas2/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterkofitsas/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@peterkofitsasAre you looking to start a podcast? Check out my free "Jump Start to Podcasting Guide" or reach out! Here!
On this episode of Into the Unknown, host Jeremy 'Sumo' Swick talks with rugby standout Emerson Allen about her journey from discovering the sport at Eckerd College to earning her first cap with the USA Eagles. Emerson shares her path through elite rugby, including playing at Life University and in Ireland, and her difficult decision to leave physical therapy school to chase her dream. Their conversation highlights the power of community, taking risks, and betting on yourself. We are truly so proud of Em and can't wait to see her journey continue to unfold!Follow Us:Instagram @Pod.IntotheUnknownFacebook - Into the UnknownFollow Emerson: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emmy0599/Are you looking to start a podcast? Check out my free "Jump Start to Podcasting Guide" or reach out! Here!
On this episode of "Into the Unknown" What do addiction recovery, entrepreneurship, and Florida law have in common? For attorney Mark Astor, everything. Mark shares how he went from rock bottom—no money, no office, no clients—to founding a mission-driven law firm that saves families from the brink of crisis.Fueled by personal loss, raw determination, and a deep-rooted calling, Mark opens up about the hustle behind building a business that mirrors the very recovery journeys he fights for in court. From daily battles in the legal system to using social media as a lifeline for families in need, this conversation is a masterclass in resilience, grit, and purpose. Whether you're a business owner, a parent, or someone seeking redemption, this is the story that reminds you: rock bottom isn’t the end—it’s the foundation.Follow Us:Instagram @Pod.IntotheUnknownFacebook - Into the UnknownFollow Mark Astor: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markastor/Website: https://mentalhealthaddictionlawfirm.com/Are you looking to start a podcast? Check out my free "Jump Start to Podcasting Guide" or reach out! Here!
On this episode of "Into the Unknown" What happens when football dreams and real-life responsibilities collide? Former NFL tight end Shawn “Tha Postman” Nelson shares the highs and heartbreaks of his journey from Southern Miss to Monday Night Football—and why he ultimately chose family over fame. You’ll hear firsthand how character outlasts talent, why financial literacy matters more than your draft number, and how he’s now building a legacy far beyond the field.From mental health in underserved communities to launching his Postman Academy for youth empowerment, Shawn opens up about everything: retirement, healing, giving back, and the life-changing value of real support systems. Get ready to rethink what it means to truly “make it.”You’ll walk away seeing mentorship, money, and mental health in a completely new light.Follow Us:Instagram @Pod.IntotheUnknownFacebook - Into the UnknownFollow Shawn Nelson: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shawnnelsonfoundationInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/Jamie_st.patrick_Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shawnmnelson83TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@Jamiestpatrick_Thapostman83Are you looking to start a podcast? Check out my free "Jump Start to Podcasting Guide" or reach out! Here!
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