🎙️ Interesting Humans Podcast (Jeff Hopeck)

Gary Young survived one of (if not the most) complicated surgery known to man.  Listen as he tells the horrific yet heroic story of having 8 organs removed and scrubbed with chemo. And it didn't end there. His body was filled up with chemo and he was shaken around for 2 hours. Help Gary raise awareness for this rare, often mis-diagnosed form of cancer, by tuning in and joining as he tells his epic story. 

*In the episode he credits Dr. Sardi to saving his life. Dr. Sardi is a world-leader in this difficult and extensive surgery.  Read his full bio HERE.

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Dr. Brett Silverman's story will inspire and encourage you to see that anything is possible. Obstacles are there to make you stronger, and Brett's life was chalk full of them! We especially love the opening story where he called the Dental School for an interview.... and their reply is EPIC! Brett is owner at Advanced Cosmetic & Family Dentistry of Georgia. 

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Derek Lyman. 25yr retired U.S. Secret Service Agent. (I worked with him during my 4yrs serving as a U.S. Secret Service Officer at the White House.) Derek was on one of the most invigorating top secret Presidential trips in history. Sneaking the president into Iraq to serve Thanksgiving Dinner to the troops. In this episode he discusses details of the trip along with other remarkable feats he's accomplished during his years of service. Thanks, Derek, for taking the time to join me on the show! 

1 year after this episode, Derek came on the podcast again with another 25yr retired U.S. Secret Service Agent Harry Fuller. The 3 of us talked about the state of the union after 2 attempted Presidential assassination attempts, what needs to happen to turn the agency around, some of our favorite details, the hardest days on the job and much much more... the interview was over 2hrs and you can watch it here on YouTube : https://youtu.be/B1YxgnpmCTU?si=HWCejAjdHXoQPsfO

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John Bardis. Friend, mentor, leader. John is one of my all-time favorite human beings. He is the Founder/CEO of MedAssets (he exited for 2.9 billion). He started Hire Heroes, and the story is fascinating how it came together. John coached Olympic wrestling teams, executive produced MULLY (the largest family in the world), and the list goes on. But 2 things stand out more than anything else, and they are the reason I wanted to have him on the podcast: 

1️⃣ John’s Authentic Servant-Style Leadership is unparalleled

 2️⃣ John did the Marine Corps Marathon (he is super-fit and capable) BUT he did it in a wheel chair to honor a fallen soldier. There is a great story behind it. John is remarkable to say the least. And humility is what makes him so special. Thanks, John, for spending time with me to share some of your incredible life story.

 #johnbardis #hireheroes #entrepreneurmindset #interestinghumans #interestinghumanspodcast @jeffhopeck

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Keith Wilmot is a dear friend of mine, a very unique human being, and Founder/CEO of Ignitor Group. In his previous career he was VP of Ideas for the Coca-Cola Company.

Keith once brought a 600lb White SiberianTiger to an innovation meeting. This is one of the "tamer" stories in Keith’s successful career! Listen as Keith tells epic stories of his days at Coca-Cola helping solve some of the biggest global marketing issues known to the business world. His story about the disastrous South-American launch that flopped (later solved when Keith was brought in) is one of my top 3 business stories of all time! 

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Erik Evans. The Evans's family are friends and neighbors and I have known Erik since he was 8 years old. I've identified Erik as an Interesting Human when I first started my podcast in 2023. He was in my original top 10 interesting people list because of how he lived his life. He was different than most 16 year olds. He was home schooling so he can compete in racing events and practice long hours on the track. It was so interesting to get updates on his life from his father.

Erik is an American racing driver and got is start in the Kart racing circuit. He says “I’m the first generation of racer from my family so we’ve come a long way! I started out at an indoor karting camp at home in Atlanta, Georgia, and by the end of the first week I was faster than the instructors."  

He currently competes in the British GT Championship with Academy Motorsports, having won the GT4 class title during his first full season in 2023. He was the first American and the youngest American to accomplish this feat. 

His future is bright and I wish him all the best! I hope you enjoy his interview and be sure to follow Erik Evans on Instagram.

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Prepare to be blown away! In this interview with JP Hesford we deep dive into his multi-faceted career and life as a retired Marine Corps Lieutenant Colonel, former F-18 pilot, and retired diplomat with the State Department.  

We discuss what life looks like during training, where and for how long training takes place, how many states and countries he's visited along with his favorite and least favorites, and what it's like the very first time taking off and landing on an aircraft carrier! And, much more ...

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                 Ty's first night was spent in an Electrolux Vacuum Box. 

His narrative begins with a touching tale of adoption, when a woman offered him to his mother just three days after his birth, a moment that resonates with biblical stories of destiny and community support. Ty's alcoholic father left the family early on, leaving him to be raised by his mother, with his grandfather and uncles stepping in as male role models.

Throughout the episode, Ty reflects on the importance of fatherhood, likening a father's love and guidance to the divine relationship with God the Father. He discusses his efforts to embody these qualities in his relationship with his seven children, emphasizing the need for patience and understanding, particularly when dealing with personal trauma and the challenges of parenting.

Ty's involvement in community service shines through as he talks about his role on the board of a local organization that supports adoptive families, illustrating his commitment to giving back to the community that helped raise him. He passionately discusses his current role as VP of Engagement, where he is actively involved in fundraising and supporting foster care initiatives, aiming to decrease the number of foster children in need and improve their lives through church-based community support.

The episode is a heartfelt exploration of Ty's life, highlighting his deep connections to family, community, and faith, which have guided him through various trials and led to a life dedicated to service and legacy. 

* To watch the full interview on YouTube, click here.

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When I started Interesting Humans Podcast in 2023, Randy Cross was one of my original wish list guests! We first met when I joined the club and we got paired together on the golf course. The relationship continued to grow from there as our wives walked our Siberian Huskies (The Cross's had 1 husky and we had 2 huskies at that time) together. I knew half of his life story, but when he came on the podcast I got the rest and it is SO AWESOME! 

Get ready to laugh when you hear his story about getting drafted to the San Francisco 49ers! We spent an hour talking about his life growing up, CBS broadcasting, and the days playing in the NFL. Randy is such a great guy, a real gentlemen and its such an honor to call him a friend and be able to interview him. 

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Meet Tony Villani, President & Founder of XPE Sports. Prepare to learn behind the scenes secrets of how his unique & specialized "speed training" has landed Tony 8 of the 12 fastest all-time 40yard dash times in history of the combine. 

In episode 7, Tony shares his journey from being a personal trainer to training elite NFL athletes. 

He talks about his persistence in breaking into the industry and how a pickup game against Dr. J changed everything. Tony also discusses his upbringing and his dad's influence on his life and career. 

Don't miss this fascinating conversation with the trainer who's clients hold 8 out of the 12 fastest times ever for the 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine.

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Nick Cellini used to sit at the dinner table with his dad and brothers and talk sports. All the time! Growing up he found a way to pursue his childhood passion by sitting around the table with a group of broadcasters and once again be able to talk sports! He's a famous sports broadcaster in Atlanta and his passion is contagious. A local boy from Cleveland OH made good. His story will inspire anyone at any stage of life to chase your dreams and do work you truly love. 

In this episode you will hear the rollercoaster ride through Nick’s illustrious career as he unveils the secrets behind his success, including the cherished memories of bonding over sports with his father, a passion that has fueled his journey for over three decades.

Tune in as Jeff and Nick uncover the thrilling narrative behind Nick’s extraordinary career and his unwavering devotion to the world of sports.

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Nic Mckinley is the real-life Jack Ryan. His life started off as an orphan. Prepare for an episode full of top secret (not classified) stories about missions all across the world with the I N C R E D I B L E moment he knew starting DeliverFund would be his life purpose.  DeliverFund is dedicated to stopping human trafficking using technology and many other CIA-like tactics. 

Imagine finding yourself at a checkpoint in a foreign land, surrounded by armed fighters with an anti-aircraft cannon pointed in your direction. This is the heart-pounding scenario we faced in a North African country, where a wrong turn led us into an unexpected standoff. Just when we thought our lack of language skills would seal our fate, a quirky, unassuming Egyptian man appeared like an unsung hero, offering his translation services at the most critical time. His intervention turned a potentially dangerous encounter into a moment of surprising connection and relief.

This episode captures the raw intensity of operating in conflict zones and the unexpected alliances that emerge in moments of crisis. We share how a simple act of translation became a lifeline, highlighting the vital role of cultural understanding and quick thinking in navigating life-threatening challenges. Tune in to experience the nerve-wracking uncertainty and the lessons of resilience and adaptability that come with the territory in such unpredictable environments. Our story is a testament to the power of human connection when least expected, revealing the profound impact of strangers who step up when it matters most.

Support DeliverFund today and help put an end to human trafficking. 

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James Boron, MD, a close friend of mine, joined me today to share incredible stories of life inside the busiest trauma centers in America. 25 beds, 1 surgeon and gun shot wounds along with non-stop life threatening emergencies all night long. 

These people are real heroes. They save lives all day and night long and often times go unrecognized. Today you get to embark on a very special journey hearing what it's really like "behind the curtain" of life or death tragedies that need instant triaging and every second counts. 

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Josh Nelson, nor anyone else in the world, had any idea what was about to happen. COVID struck the world and Josh's newly negotiated ZOOM contract included more stock than cash. The company wasn't doing so well PRE-COVID. They averaged 1 million daily active users. But then comes COVID, and the daily active users skyrockets to 100 million! So does Josh's stock portfolio. He woke up together he and his wife decided enough is enough. They cashed in, he fully retired, and they turn their focus on raising their child. You don't want to miss this episode as Josh highlights the many moves cross country and intra-state chasing tech jobs that never panned out. Then the big day came and the details are incredible! I'm sure you will love this story... please let me know in the comments. 

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Meet Joan and Mike Goodroe. Persistence despite flying in the face of what 8 medical doctors called "impossible". I  would call them superheroes. The effort these parents produced consistently for 20+ years is nothing short of remarkable. They followed their hearts and knew deep down they can get their son to comprehend and read. They even had 2 sets of books for their son in college and read every single word of every single book to him. Jokingly, the parents said they should both have degrees from their sons' school, too! Their story is a blessing to all and it's sure to nudge any parents out there who want the best for their children, but sometimes don't know what that could mean at times.

This episode features the parents Joan and Mike. Be sure to check out the son Michael on this episode:  

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Michael Goodroe (his parents were Episode 11) is such a unique human being. Given a horrific diagnosis at birth, he was poured into by his parents who never settled with medical advice they were given, and one day all the hard work and persistence paid off. This story is tremendous in every way and it cannot be told enough. Sometimes, even 8 medical professionals can be wrong. And this is a story of 2 parents following their guy to overcome what was deemed IMPOSSIBLE. This episode is the story thru the eyes of the son Michael.

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Meet Michael Young. He unpacks the entire process from trying out (over 100 tried out!) thru traveling rules, sideline rules and the entire lifestyle of being an SEC mascot. My mind was COMPLETELY BLOWN! I thought you just put on a suit and go... wow was I wrong! 2 mascots can't be in suit at the same time, even if it means one is in Europe and one is in Alabama and Michael explains why... and also tells a real-life story when that actually happened. Not only is the episode fun-filled and very interesting but Michael is a class act himself. A great guy, great role model and can be a tremendous mentor to anyone considering the mascot route. Enjoy!

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Jennifer Dickenson has outlived any measured survival rates for Glioblastoma. That in itself is REMARKABLE! Only .07% make it to 10 years with nearly 100% passing before 12 years. WOW. The question is, how did that happen? In her book, she talks about the journey and how she made a radical life change that she credits to keeping her in remission. This was one of my favorite interviews and I went completely "off script" when the mic started rolling. The first question I asked was planned for 1/2 thru the episode but that didn't happen! We got right into it. You won't want to miss this episode.

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Gay Hendricks doesn't need much of an introduction, so I will tell you how we met and why he was on my podcast. For at least 5 years I couldn't get over a particular hurdle I was having. Despite being successful in business, traveling the world, working at the White House (Formerly I was a U.S. Secret Service Officer) I could not put content online and look or hear myself without quickly taking it down! It was such a hurdle that I quietly squashed a dream of mine... a real passion.... and just kept living life. Then one night laying in bed I was searching for solutions to unlock a nagging & consistent struggle of hating to consume MY OWN content. I absolutely LOVE consuming others' content! A book popped up called The Big Leap (written by Gay Hendricks) and I read the first few pages and reviews about the book. The rest is history. That book, and that book alone, got my podcast to finally STICK. I can sort through the haters, the ones who have good or bad comments, and I can truly see it for what it is. It's my purpose + passion project. It's my way to help the world one person at a time. It's my way to leave legacy, so my kids can know me and who I associated with. My podcast is a place where my kids one day can see how I spent my time and who I spent it with. And finally, they can see that my mission in life is to transfer knowledge from one person to another. Simple yet profound. 

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Justin spoke at our kids' school one night. He provided practical solutions for challenging situations like bed time with 4 kids under 8 years old! I was impressed with his simplistic approach and his story is captivating. After the speech I approached him to come onto the podcast. Here's his more formal bio:

Justin Whitmel Earley is a lawyer, author and speaker from Richmond, VA.

He graduated from the University of Virginia with a degree in English Literature before spending four years in Shanghai, China, as a missionary. Justin got his law degree from the Georgetown University Law Center and he now runs his own business law practice in Richmond, Virginia at Earley Business Legal.

 His book, The Common Rule – Habits of Purpose for an Age of Distraction, was published with InterVarsity Press in 2019. He frequently speaks at businesses and legal events on habits, technology and mental health; and at churches and conferences on habits, spiritual formation and parenting. 

 His second book, Habits of the Household – Practicing the Story of God in Everyday Family Rhythms, released with Zondervan in 2021. His third book, on the spiritual discipline of friendship, is called Made for People and released in fall 2023.

​Justin also writes fiction and poetry, and is working on a children's book that will be released in Spring 2025. He is married to Lauren and has four sons – Whit, Asher, Coulter and Shep.

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Chad E. Foster has accomplished more than 99% of humans. And, he did it BLIND. His story will motivate you to turn any obstacle into an advantage.  His book Blind Ambition will have you laughing, crying and wanting to make massive changes in your life all at the same time. While reading his book, and then while interviewing him in person, I felt convicted of just how many times I used excuses in my life instead of showing courage and persistence. I am grateful to call Chad a friend and his book is one of just a dozen that made it to my "read each year" pile in my library. Thanks, Chad.

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On this episode, 19 year-old Austin Smith told his ultra-successful father that he won't be attending college after high school. His father supported the decision and said you will absolutely be doing THIS one thing while getting your business started. And it's profound and frankly missing in too many young adults today (and even adults). 

How I know the guest:  I met Austin one day in 2019 walking out of a client meeting. Austin walked up to me said "Sir, I would love the opportunity to detail your truck. I am a huge Raptor fan and your truck is gorgeous!" So I took him up on it and got to learn more of his story along the way. It was fascinating and he earned his seat for episode 19. I hope he inspires you nearly as much as he inspired me!

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What a great treat it was to interview Matt. He's a good friend of Chris Scully (COO of a company I started in 2007, Killer Shark Marketing). In this episode you will hear Matt discuss how Madrona was an "Early investor into Amazon and many other great companies we all know and love." A fun fact about this episode, Matt broke a rib the day before while skiing and didn't want to cancel the interview! So, you will be hearing Matt speak with a freshly broken rib which to me speaks wonders about how he operates personally and professionally. Thanks, Matt for taking the time to come on the Interesting Humans Podcast. You certainly deserve a seat on the show! Here's Matts formal bio:

Matt graduated from Dartmouth College and holds an MBA from Harvard Business School and a master’s in public policy from Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government. He has been on the Forbes Midas list and Top 100 Venture Capitalists by CB Insights and The New York Times several times. In 2024, Business Insider named him to The AI Power List, which features the most powerful people in artificial intelligence. In 2017, Matt was named Emerging Company Director of the Year by the Puget Sound Business Journal in partnership with the prestigious National Association of Corporate Directors Northwest Chapter. In 2011, he received the Washington Policy Center’s Champion of Freedom Award.

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I wanted to interview Jeff because of his reputation as a family man and role model in the community. I reached out to one of my close friends who hunts and golfs with Jeff and things fell into place from there. As you will hear (and see if you watch on Youtube), Jeff is a dynamic and passionate human being. His stories, especially the one about the ice bath and how they knew it was time to get out, are captivating and hysterical. My favorite stat is that he had 168 at bats until he walked. In the episode he explained why and how that happened! Thanks, Jeff, for a great episode and taking the time to share your life story.

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Stacy Miller was a fascinating interview for so many reasons. First, he's on a Netflix Documentary, Fyre Festival.  Second, he calls his Dyslexia his superpower! That had me blown away, and when he unpacks the story my mind became completely blown. And 3rd he prosecuted several high profile cases but none hit home like the Weston Androw elevator case. Excuse me being graphic for a moment, but I had to hold back throwing up when he told the story. Please.... if you or anyone you know has an elevator or plans on staying at a beach house/VRBO/rental with an elevator please please share this story with them. Unless it has the attachment Stacy mentions, turn it off. And 99% simply don't have it because it's not CODE and most builders don't even know about it. Stacy Miller, thanks for sharing your life story and being vulnerable. You certainly inspired me and your story will undoubtedly help many for years to come.

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In this episode Chris talks about his time as an Army Ranger, his experience getting his black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, his significant pivotal point that forever changed him, and his incredible story of being first to create a cybersecurity blueprint at the Pentagon before the word "cybersecurity" even existed! It becomes simple to see why Robert Herjavec (one of the sharks on Shark Tank, hit TV show for entrepreneurs) chose Chris to be his successor as CEO of Cyderes.

2 of my favorite stories he tells:

1) Chris traveled to Brazil to fight 15 black belts non-stop for 3 hours. The story is funny and painful!

2) The 5am knock on his door from a couple Navy Seals shortly after getting home from a night of partying! The story is hysterical and you won't believe how it ended up!

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Lehman Brothers to Training Seeing Eye Dogs! Jim flew in from New Jersey, headquarters of Seeing Eye Training Institute. We go behind the senses starting day 1 arrival when blind students arrive. Jim explains what it takes to train these incredible dogs, how the students get chosen and matched to their dog, and so much more. He even gives the day-to-day dog owner some really interesting and practical tips to help FIDO become a better listener. Jim's career path change is a true testament to leaving a financially successful career path to pursue a bigger calling. Thanks, Jim. You have such an awesome story and I loved our time together. 

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What a great blessing to be introduced to Fred Van Laningham. We took the show on the road to interview him at his assisted living facility. Caution, he is a little hard to follow and understand at times and we did our ABSOLUTE BEST to edit the sound and quality. My goal in bringing him on is to shine a light on such an interesting time in our nation's history: World War II. Fred does such a terrific job sharing stories of his life and what it was like in those days. Thanks, Fred. (Fred passed away just weeks after this episode was produced, our hearts are saddened and we are tremendously grateful for this opportunity to share his story and ensure his legacy lives on forever.)

Fred VanLaningham, a 99-year-old World War II veteran, opens up about his extraordinary life, sharing not only the harrowing tales of wartime but also heartwarming stories of love and resilience. From the chilling moment he lost his hearing on a B-17 bomber to his six-decade-long quest for justice, Fred's journey is a testament to the sacrifices made by veterans. With a sharp memory and a gentle spirit, Fred recounts the legacy of military service woven through his family and how it shaped his own path. His narrative doesn't just dwell on the past but offers profound reflections on the freedoms secured by his generation.

The episode takes you on an emotional rollercoaster, exploring the youthful excitement of enlisting, the camaraderie of military life, and touching homecomings. You'll hear about the thrill of flying fighter planes and torpedo bombers off jeep carriers, and the poignant moment Fred proposed to his wife by mail during the war. We celebrate the adventurous spirit and unwavering duty that defined a generation, inviting listeners to appreciate the emotional depth and personal connections within these historical experiences. This is more than a recounting of events; it's a heartfelt tribute to the courage and endurance of veterans like Fred, whose stories continue to inspire.

#WWIIVeteran
#AmericanHero
#VeteransStories
#HonoringHeroes
#MilitaryHistory
#PersistenceAndCourage
#WarStories
#LifeLessons
#HistoryInFocus

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What if balancing a thriving entrepreneurial career and a fulfilling family life isn't just a dream, but an achievable reality? Join us as Chris Carneal, founder and CEO of Booster, shares his inspiring journey of raising over $700 million for schools while staying deeply involved with his family, including coaching more than 30 of his kids' sports teams. In this captivating conversation, Chris opens up about the profound impact of his upbringing, his passion for education, and the powerful lessons learned from his parents' relationship, all of which have shaped his values and approach to business and life.

Chris takes us on a nostalgic journey through his early years in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, sharing personal stories that reveal his love for baseball, his adventures in Egypt and Russia, and the influential role his parents played in fostering his respect for continuous learning and entrepreneurship. With a keen emphasis on mentorship, Chris introduces the concept of a personal advisory board, offering a fresh perspective on gathering guidance from a diverse network of mentors. We uncover how these relationships have illuminated his path, providing invaluable insights along the way.

As we explore the challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, Chris demonstrates how faith and resilience can lead to renewed momentum and success. His vision for Virtue Village, a collaborative workspace, highlights his dedication to fostering community and growth among like-minded businesses. Finally, Chris articulates his aspirations for Booster as a model of a redemptive business, emphasizing the importance of family legacy and the evolving landscape of entrepreneurship. Discover how Chris encourages seizing opportunities within existing businesses and the unique ways school principals can build a positive culture.

#Entrepreneurship
#RaisingKids
#LeadershipJourney
#FamilyFirst
#SchoolFundraising
#StartupStories
#WorkLifeBalance
#BusinessAndFamily
#PersonalGrowth
#Boosterthon

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We laugh... a Secret Service Officer and 2 Secret Service Agents walk into a room. No joke! We actually did, and the interview was fascinating. 

I interviewed 2 close friends I worked with in the U.S. Secret Service, back in "the days". We told stories, gave account for the 2 assassination attempts, talked about training inefficiencies and much much more. 

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I'm a father of 4. This episode blew my mind. Listen as Hannah explains the Big 6, the COVID developmental effects on kids, her lemonade stand story, parenting tips & hacks, and much more. If you're a parent or know parents, don't miss this one. It's critical and I assure you'll glean several important nuggets.  

Thanks for listening to Interesting Humans Podcast.

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When I first toured Peachtree Farm, it was for a completely different reason than having them on my podcast. 15 minutes into the tour, things changed! This farm is about so much more than sustainable farming! They only hire disabled teens and young adults and watching them worked made it clear why this farm needs to be an episode on Interesting Humans Podcast. Joe and his father are unique individuals and have blessed so many families over the years by employing their disabled children. Otherwise, 80% of all disabled people in America are unemployed and struggle getting hired. And that is what Joe and his father have solved. They even do tomato tailgate sales once every quarter at the farm! If you're ever in the area (Norcross, GA) do yourself the favor of stopping by for a tour. You will be so glad you did!

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David Perno had no idea what was coming when he accepted the head coach job at UGA. 2 A-level recruits paralyzed in the same year was just the beginning. This episode takes many twists and turns and also highlights his 5 SEC titles and College Baseball Championships. He's a great storyteller and has been through so much in his career! While nobody knows the real story why he was released after consecutive winning seasons, David shares from his perspective what could be the real reason. 

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Meet Will. Normal in every way. Except he fell into the trap shown in Painkiller Documentary. It goes like this: Experimenting with M30's and when they get too expensive the dealer suggests heroin. And it's that simple, and most times it's THAT DEADLY. Will got out alive and his story is just tremendous. It brings hope and inspiration to all who suffer and who may know someone suffering. 

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Louis Gump was introduced to me by a mutual friend. "This guy wrote a book and is doing really unique stuff with the biggest organizations in the world" is how it was teed up. And wow, it's THAT plus much more! 

Louis Gump, author, tells his fascinating story of taking massive organizations into the digital era using his framework of INTRApreneurship. He explains the fundamental differences between entrepreneurs and intrapreneurs. Before this episode I had no idea such word even existed! 

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Federico Castelluci was introduced to me by Randy Cross' son (episode 6), Brendon. "Hey Jeff, you should talk to my friend Federico. He's young and turned around SUGO, built Cooks & Soldier and Iberian Pig then the most incredible restaurant called MUJO. The whole place sells out on the 1st of every month. You won't believe his story!" Brendon certainly nailed it. This interview chronicles the full story of Federico's humble beginnings (ups and downs, failure after failure, and the break he needed to launch his career) to running Michelin-starred restaurant Mujo.

Some highlights of the episode:
✔️ His early years in the restaurant industry
✔️ Growing Castellucci Hospitality Group into a multi-unit, multi-state powerhouse
✔️ What it takes to earn a Michelin Star
✔️ Lessons learned from failure and perseverance

Federico’s story is a masterclass in hard work, creativity, and resilience. He serves as a mentor, advisor, and investor in hospitality tech companies and is a recipient of several prestigious awards, including the GRACE Awards and Atlanta Business Chronicle's “40 Under 40.”

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Buyer beware of CRYPTIC-ness:  Home and Auto Insurance SCAMS! And great practical tips to help keep you safe from the continued lies and empty promises of such a snake-filled industry.

Today, we're diving deep into the world of home & auto insurance with none other than Brandon Smith, a seasoned expert in the field and Super Lawyer. If you've ever wondered how to navigate the often confusing terrain of insurance policies and claims, you're in for a treat. Brandon shares invaluable insights, real-life stories, and practical advice that can help you make the best decisions for your personal insurance needs. 

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Meghan McCarthy turned a disadvantage into a significant ADvantage! As you will hear, her voice is truly unique and millions agree. They love her funny and engaging videos on TikTok, Youtube and Instagram where she has 8+ million followers.  Her family business (Mccarthy Taxi and Flowers) was in 3 episodes of The Office! 

Enjoy the episode! Her entire life journey is so fascinating! 

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I’m so glad a mutual friend introduced us. Mike Barnhill has such an exciting story from couch jumping and homeless to becoming #1 badge/lanyard supplier in the world. But how and why is this even possible? The answer is what makes this episode so extraordinary! It was ONE sentence in ONE book that changed everything for Mike. Prepare yourself for this fascinating journey of hope, redemption, clarity and healing. Thanks for coming on the podcast Mike!  

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Dave Cormack. I’m so thankful a mutual friend connected us. Our first pre-interview was at Starbucks and lasted 3 hours and 50 minutes! Dave is such an incredible human. Of course he’s successful with a business exit of $800 million. But there is so much more to this man. In this episode you’re going to hear Dave’s entire life story from growing up in poverty to selling a company and then buying the Aberdeen football club in Scotland! Loyalty, integrity and clearly defined business ethics are what drives 🙏Dave. He’s about much more than making money, you won’t want miss this episode! 

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Shaun & Julie Francis have endured what hopefully no other human being has to endure. 17 brain surgeries, 13 months in ICU, multiple comas, seizures and more. When 7 surgeons told Julie her husband's only option is to enter hospice, she said "figure out a way" and they did. Without her advocacy on his behalf while in a coma, Shaun would be dead long ago. Julie's stern approach gave her husband over 1 decade of family time, travel and more. And, Shaun is now alive and well!

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My good friend Jack was at an event watching John Suttles share his story. Jack called me right after the event and said “Jeff you HAVE to get this guy on your podcast. His story was so amazing I walked up to him afterwards and got his number for you.”  Wow, Jack was right! And then some. Mr John Suttles shares his story of surviving Bloody Sunday, being a protege for MLK and whats most interesting and encouraging is the way he approaches life without the hate he deserves to carry, but refuses to. He learned how to read the hate from a very specific process taught to him by Martin Luther King. It completely blew me away and it’s gonna do the same for you.

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“God honors treating people well.” — Susana Eshleman, CEO Children International

I was introduced to Susana by a mutual friend and former Chairman of the CI board of directors. She has such an inspiring story beginning with how she had to hide books under her bed as a child then how and why she got into college then accepted into Harvard. Full of twists and turns, pivotal people and books, this story is one that can bring inspiration to all. And it was all made possible because of 1 pivotal point where someone saw in her something she could not see. 

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[Folks, there was no way I could produce this episode in my studio! It had to be done on the deck of Captain Allen’s boat, so we hit the road and spent a sunny afternoon on his boat!]

Captain Allen Mills — He’s a good friend, a client, and 45+ year charter fishing captain. He is owner of ACCharters in Amelia Island, Florida. I fished will Allen 50+ times and we became good friends and spent many hours catching sharks 🦈 , reds, and had so many other great times on the water together. My oldest son caught his very 1st fish ever with Captain Allen in the back waters of Amelia Island  what a day and what a memory! 

Captain Allen got his start in the shrimping industry in the Fernandina/ Amelia Island area. In this episode he talks about the 3 times [EVER] he had to deploy his life jacket. The stories will have you on the edge of your seat! He even talks about 2 different boat fires he escaped along with plenty of great insights into the business of fishing. 🎣  So kick back, make sure you have a coozie and stay dry! 

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“This is one of the sickest and most gruesome displays of human depravity ever seen at the FBI” — Retired Special Agent John Macveigh.

I met John through Retired U.S. Secret Service Special Agent Harry Fuller. Harry is a close friend of mine (and we worked together 2003-2006) who appeared in Episode 30  together with Retired U.S. Secret Service Agent Derek Lyman (who also appeared in Episode 1 back when it was audio-only).

* Watch the full episode on YouTube here. 

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♣️ ♦️ ♥️ Jeff Tomlinson, 2015 World Series poker champion talks poker tells, card counting, rules, and stories ranging from dumbest thing seen at a poker table to the final hand before winning his gold bracelet! Even if you’re like me and do not play poker, you’re in for a real treat on this episode. Plus, jeff is such an awesome person and you’re gonna simply love the life lessons you will learn in this episode from the game of poker.♣️ ♦️ ♥️ 

On another note, I am so grateful for the introduction to Jeff from my good friend and former colleague Harry Fuller. He is one of the Secret Service agents that appeared back in episode 30.

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Ray Schenk : The ultimate story of a Top Gun pilot turned high school teacher, whose classes all have waiting lists to get into.  Ray’s approach to modern day education, finding and developing leaders for the next generation and his keen sense of using AI & Robotics in the classroom have all landed him on Episode 52 of The 🎙️ Interesting Humans Podcast. He has a proven approach to consistently raising the bar for students so they can tap into their fullest learning potentials.  He is unique and very interesting. Here are some of the discussion points you will learn about in this episode: 

🖥️ Girl coders - What’s causing the spike, why girls are so effective at coding  

0️⃣ Zero Trust approach to cybersecurity

✈️ E2C Hawkeye Pilot

🚀 Top Gun & Top Dome school 

⚔️ Advanced warfare school 

🚨Enhanced interrogation techniques (His experience and training with different methods)

⚙️Quantum Resistance Model (cryptographic algorithms that can withstand attacks from quantum computers)

Microsoft featured his school as one of the top schools in America using AI and large learning models in his classrooms. 

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