I recently had the pleasure of chatting with Rev. Hunt Priest, an Episcopal priest who openly shares how psilocybin (magic mushrooms) transformed his faith and ministry. Hunt took part in a groundbreaking Johns Hopkins/NYU study where clergy explored psychedelics, and the experience reshaped and reinvigorated his spiritual life. In our conversation, Hunt shares how partaking in the study expanded his understanding of Christianity, deepened his relationship with God, and challenged him to rethink how the church approaches healing. For Hunt, psychedelics became not just an altered state of consciousness, but a doorway into mystical experience, emotional wholeness, and spiritual renewal. Out of that calling, he founded Ligare - a Christian Psychedelic Society. Through education, retreats, and spiritual direction, Hunt and his team are creating supportive communities for Christians to wrestle with big questions: How can psychedelics help us heal? What role do they play in faith today? And what does it mean for the church to reclaim its historic role in health and wholeness? I invite you to listen to this fascinating conversation, where we explore theological history, modern science, and the intersections of mental health, psychedelics and spirituality. And now I give you, Hunt Priest.
I recently had the pleasure of sitting down with Greg Vetter, a charismatic entrepreneur and storyteller best known for turning his mom's salad dressing into a $300 million brand - before losing it all. In this episode, we talk about what it really takes to build, and rebuild, a business from the ground up. Greg is a high-energy and insightful founder who co-created Tessemae's with his brothers, which became the leading organic salad dressing company in the U.S. through relentless hard work, in-store demos, and an authentic origin story that resonated with millions. Greg has gone on to found multiple ventures across food, beverage, and manufacturing, and now coaches CEOs and high-performers, helping them lean into their instincts and navigate the emotional rollercoaster of entrepreneurship. He's also the author of Undressed : The Unfiltered Story of My Failed American Dream and How It Led to Success. In our conversation, we examine the mindset it takes to succeed in business - touching on trusting your gut, storytelling, hard work, and what happens when things fall apart. Greg opens up about the painful unraveling of his company due to investor conflict, and the lessons that came from losing it all. We also talk about how sports prepared us for the pressures of public wins and losses, and how learning to let go of control can unlock surprising growth. I invite you to listen to the full conversation on building something meaningful, and surviving when it breaks. And now I give you, Greg Vetter. ย
I recently sat down with Pankaj Singh, a mindfulness and leadership expert. In this episode, we talk aboutย how mindfulness can make you not just a better leader, but a better person. It was a pleasure chatting to Pankaj, a multi-faceted and dynamic individual known for redefining leadership through mindfulness practices. He has extensive experience in business as an engineer and notably steered National Auto Care through a ransomware attack within 48 hours as their Chief Technology Officer.ย Pankaj has been a lifelong practitioner of mindfulness after studying with a lama at the age of 14, and has developed The Ascendancy Actionโข System and Mindful Leadership Mastery Compassโข to give leaders practical tools that help them become calmer, more confident, and more well-rounded.ย In our conversation, we dive deep into meditation and mindfulness, getting actionable advice on how to implement mindfulness in the boardroom, as well as everyday life. We also get into the more esoteric aspects of mindfulness, like becoming the observer, and learning to sit with the uncomfortable loudness of our thoughts.ย I invite you to listen to the full conversation on becoming a better leader through mindful practices. And now I give you, Pankaj Singh. ย
I recently had the pleasure of speaking with Rob Roy, a Navy veteran, former member of SEAL Team Six, and the founder and CEO of Trident Coaching and Consulting. Rob brings decades of experience in elite military operations and leadership development, and his personal journeyโfrom a difficult upbringing in Milwaukee to the pinnacle of America's special operations communityโis nothing short of extraordinary. In our conversation, Rob opens up about his time in the SEALs, the intense mental and physical challenges of BUD/S training, and what it was like to serve among the most elite warriors in the world. He shares hard-earned wisdom on resilience, leadership, and self-mastery, the transition from life inside SEAL Team Six to coaching high performers in the civilian world, and much more. I invite you to listen to the full conversation, where we explore grit, growth, and the mindset of excellence. And now I give you, Rob Roy.
In this episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Steve Cadigan, the HR leader who helped scale LinkedIn from 400 to 4,000 employees in just four years. Steve shares how his passion for team dynamics and workplace culture fueled this explosive growth and shaped LinkedIn's early success. We also discuss why prioritizing culture over salaries matters, the value of hiring for potential rather than experience, and how aligning employee goals with company impact creates a thriving workforce. I invite you to listen to the full conversation on building teams that drive innovation and success. And now I give you, Steve Cadigan.
I recently had the pleasure of speaking with Anders Indset, a Norwegian philosopher widely known as "The Business Philosopher." Recognized for his pioneering work at the intersection of philosophy, economics, and technology, Anders is also a renowned author whose books have appeared on international bestseller lists. His latest book, The Viking Code: The Art and Science of Norwegian Success, explores how Norway's values can create a culture of success for individuals and society.ย I invite you to listen to the full conversation, as we discuss topics like philosophy, quantum mechanics, technology, consciousness, and more. And now I give you, Anders Indset.
In this episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Bishoy Tadros. Born in Egypt, Bishoy's family moved to the United States when he was three years old after he received a cancer diagnosis. He underwent intermittent treatment for 10 years. On his 13th birthday, he had brain surgery for a blood clot and was later given a clear medical report. Despite his childhood battles with cancer, he was determined to reach his full potential as an adult. Bishoy is the author of Break Barriers: How Setbacks Can Dare You Rather Than Define You and Audacious: Uncaging Your Authentic Self. He also hosts the Mile 40 Podcast. In this show, we discuss overcoming obstacles, what it takes to mentally overcome that voice in your head that says you can't do the things you want to do, how to be an athlete later in life, and so much more. And now I give you, Bishoy Tadros.
In this episode, Brian speaks with Robert Ingalls. Mr. Ingalls is a former practicing lawyer, professional speaker, and the founder of LawPods, a company specifically designed to help busy professionals start their own podcasts. In the episode, Brian and Robert talk about how to start your own podcast, the "why" of your podcast, how to come up with a good name for your podcast, the type of equipment and software he recommends, how to market and spread your podcast, and more. If you've ever considered starting your own podcast but don't know where to begin, then this is the show for you. And now I give you, Robert Ingalls. ย
This podcast episode holds an even deeper significance in light of Jim Goldsmith's passing. His wisdom and passion for his faith, family, and friends remain timeless, serving as a reminder of his enduring legacy. As we revisit this conversation, we celebrate and honor his remarkable life, ensuring that his spirit lives on through the stories and lessons he shared with us. Jim fought a brave battle with cancer over the past 5 years.ย At the time of the podcast, Jim was given less than 6 months to live. These are the topics we discussed: The most meaningful experiences of Jim's life How the terminal diagnosis changed his perspective on what is important and what is not The biggest challenges Jim faced His advice for people facing a similar terminal diagnosis The advice Jim would give his younger self How Jim's faith equipped him to face the prospect of death What Jim hoped to accomplish in his remaining months How Jim wants to be remembered by his wife, kids, and friends And a lot more. Talking about death and dying is hard for most people. But listening to Jim Goldsmith tell his story will change your entire perspective on what it means to live a good life and to die a good death. And now, in honor of Jim Goldsmith, we reflect on his impact on all of us.
In my latest podcast episode, I speak with Bobby Harrington, a United States Marine and former oil and gas executive. Our conversation covers everything on leadership. We exclusively speak about the most important part of being a leader.ย Bobby Harrington also shares insights from his book, "Lead You," discussing how the leadership journey starts with yourself. We discuss how to develop confidence in your abilities, and I even share a personal story about a time that brought tears to my eyes. Other topics we discuss include:ย Unlocking a person's leadership potential How our values change through the years Transforming New Year resolutions into challenges How to ignite your passion for something Succeeding by mastering compartmentalization I invite you to listen to the full conversation, which will encourage you to self-reflect and challenge you to become a stronger leader. And now I give you Bobby Harrington.
I recently had the pleasure of speaking with the founders of The Convincing Company, Chip Massey and Adele Gambardella. Our conversation covered everything from persuasive tactics anyone can implement to Adele's and Chip's start in public relations and hostage negotiation. While persuasion is something we all encounter in our daily lives, Chip shared insights he learned as an FBI Special Agent investigating the 9/11 terrorist attacks. He revealed skills such as Forensic Listening, a method that involves observing a person's emotions, talking themes, body positions, and voice.ย Our conversation extended to topics like targeted validation and Adele's advice on navigating high-stress situations. She also teaches exactly where to start in a negotiation - this may reshape your approach. Other highlights of our discussion include:ย How to become an FBI Hostage Negotiator Best tactics to achieve results in various business situations Learn to read people's conversations How to make people want to more The dangers of being too certain I invite you to listen to the full conversation, where we dive deep into topics only discussed in their book, "Convince Me: High-Stakes Negotiation Tactics to Get Results In Any Business Situation." And now I give you Chip Massey and Adele Gambardella.
In this episode, Brian speaks with Jim Goldsmith. Jim has fought a brave battle with cancer over the past 5 years. Originally diagnosed with melanoma, Jim recently learned that the cancer has spread to his brain and spine. At the time of the podcast, Jim has been given less than 6 months to live. In the podcast, Brian and Jim discuss: The most meaningful experiences of Jim's life How the terminal diagnosis changed his perspective on what is important and what is not important The biggest challenges Jim has faced His advice for people facing a similar terminal diagnosis What advice Jim would give his younger self How Jim's faith has equipped him to face the prospect of his death What Jim still hopes to accomplish in his remaining months How Jim wants to be remembered by his wife, kids, and friends And a lot more. Talking about death and dying is hard for most people. But listening to Jim Goldsmith tell his story will change your entire perspective on what it means to live a good life and to die a good death. And now I give you, Jim Goldsmith.
Sophie Wade is an expert on the Future of Work. She holds degrees from Oxford and INSEAD, including an MBA, and is the author of "Empathy Works," a great book that discusses the importance of empathy in the workforce. In the podcast, Sophie and Brian talk about the future of work, how and why work has changed so dramatically, the most important skills for workplace leaders, why empathy in the workforce is so important, how to develop empathy, and a whole lot more. And now I give you, Sophie Wade.
Piracy, Kidnapping, & The Most Famous Case of the Past 20 Years: A Discussion of the Captain Phillips Case I was recently a guest on the "Great Trials" podcast. Great Trials is a wonderful podcast hosted by Steve Lowry and Yvonne Godfrey in which they discuss in details some of the most famous trials in the country. In this episode, we delve into the infamousย Captain Phillips case. When the U.S. merchant ship the Maersk Alabama was hijacked by armed Somali pirates, it made worldwide news. When American Navy Seals rescued the crew, that also made national news. And when Tom Hanks made a movie about Captain Richard Phillips, the Hollywood publicity machine ensured that the situation was broadcast all over the world for years. Brian Beckcom and his law firm, VB Attorneys, uncovered the real story of Captain Phillips, including reckless conduct, negligent orders, and disregarding the directives of the United States Government and other Western powers. This is the true story of Captain Phillips, told by Brian Beckcom, the lawyer who represented the crew against Captain Phillips and the negligent shipping company, the lawyer who ultimately forced the companies to settle with his clients after years of denying any responsibility.ย And now I give you, the true story of the Maersk Alabama, told by the lawyer who won the case.
I recently had the pleasure of speaking with Tobias Jensen, an expert in blockchain, AI, and other emerging technologies, for an episode of my podcast, Lessons From Leaders. Our wide-ranging conversation explored the potential impacts, both positive and negative, of technologies like large language models and chatGPT.While AI promises to augment human capabilities and transform entire industries, we also discussed crucial concerns around the concentration of power in big tech companies and the need for thoughtful regulation. Tobias drew insightful historical parallels to phenomena like the Microsoft monopoly and the Dutch tulip bubble.Some highlights of our discussion: The capabilities of AI versus uniquely human skills like fuzzy logic. While AI has speed advantages, human intelligence still excels at certain tasks. The rise of deep fakes and how blockchain could help verify authenticity by tying videos to a person's unique identifier. The intersection of tech and philosophy. Understanding the incentives and values encoded in algorithms is crucial. I invite you to listen to the full conversation, where we dive deeper into these important topics. As AI and other technologies continue advancing rapidly, podcast episodes like this one help us appreciate nuances, ask tough questions, and thoughtfully shape the future. ย And now I give you, Tobias Jensen.
In this episode, I join Travis Motl on his show, the Elbows Tight Podcast. This is a podcast that is dedicated to all things Jiu-Jitsu, with hopes of informing existing practitioners and inspiring new ones.ย In this episode titled "From The Courtroom To The Jiu-Jitsu Mats", Travis and I discuss various topics that relate to jiu-jitsu including my preference for gi over no gi, the importance of insurance in the jiu-jitsu community, the significance of wearing matching jiu-jitsu uniforms, and how the practice of jiu-jitsu has impacted our personal and professional lives. Additionally, I provide insight into the legalities surrounding self-defense techniques and the risks involved in practicing jiu-jitsu. I share stories of those I have helped through my law firm's legal services and how I have convinced others to take up the sport.
Silence is one of the most powerful forces in the world. And yet, in a world that is constantly filled with noise and distractions, it's easy to overlook the importance of silence. My next guests are Justin Zorn and Leigh Marz, the co-authors of a fantastic book called "Golden: The Power of Silence in a World of Noise." In this episode, Justin, Leigh and I explore the many ways in which silence can be a valuable tool for personal growth and development, why silence is so important, and how sitting and just daydreaming is a super power. So sit back, relax, and let's dive into the power of silence.
Caren Kenney is the CEO and Founder of Evolve Leadership. Caren coaches and consults with C-suite executives, high level athletes, military officers, and other leaders. Before Evolve, Caren was part of the leadership team at Johnson & Johnson Human Performance Institute, where she built and launched several health and wellness initiatives.ย Caren focuses on holistic leadership, meaning she focuses on the whole person, not just numbers or the "bottom line."ย In the show, Caren and I talk about the importance of being a complete leader, how meditation, mindfulness, and other mental training can help executives and athletes succeed as leaders, why focusing on numbers only is a recipe for failure, and a whole lot more. And now I give you, Caren Kenney.
Next to my father and my high school basketball coach, Ben Glass has had as much influence as a mentor as any person in my life.ย When I had just started my law firm, I found Ben. Ben had run a successful law firm for many years and was starting a coaching and mentoring business to teach other lawyers how to run a successful business. Ben also gave me "permission" to live life on my own terms, as I see fit, which includes spending the summers with my kids in Colorado, the Christmas holidays on a beach in Maui, and my evenings doing whatever I want, while also running a business that has been profitable for 16 straight years. Two Renegade Lawyers, having a discussion about business, marketing, fitness and health, mediation, money, and life. I hope you enjoy.
Gerald has been a professional musician for almost 50 years. Gerald's musical talents have focused on jazz music in particular. Gerald is also the CEO of Principles of Execution, a Certified Minority Business Enterprise, and author of Workplace Jazz: How to Improvise.ย In the podcast, Gerald and I talk about how to manage chaos, how his jazz experience informs his advice to entrepreneurs and business owners, the power of listening, how artistic people can thrive in. corporate environments, why to treat your employees like artists, and a whole lot more. And now I give you, Gerald Leonard.