Episodes

In this deeply personal episode of Back2Basics, Bernard Borghei takes us far beyond the world of telecom. While he is a consummate and wildly successful wireless infrastructure executive, this conversation is about the human story beneath that success: leaving Iran as a child, rebuilding life in America, working his way through school, and carrying the lessons of survival, gratitude, and resilience into everything he does. Bernard’s journey reminds us that what we build professionally is often shaped by what we have endured personally, and that true legacy is not only about professional success, but about the lives, values, and dreams we keep carrying forward.

Scott Parker, creator of Baseball’s Unlikely, joins Back2Basics to share the inspiring story behind a nearly 40-year passion project built from baseball’s strangest, funniest, and most unforgettable moments. By day, Scott built a creative career as a Hollywood online editor and colorist, including work on Naked and Afraid; by passion, he spent decades collecting baseball clippings, ballpark memories, and “you can’t make this up” stories that eventually became a unique book series structured like an actual baseball game. From almost getting signed by Geffen Records to meeting Farrah Fawcett before the 1989 World Series earthquake, Scott’s journey is a reminder that passion does not expire, it simply waits for the right inning.

Howard Langer spent a lifetime mastering the art of argument, as a leading antitrust and consumer law attorney, professor, and advocate who helped recover more than $200 million for victims of fraud. But at age 70, he finally answered another lifelong calling: writing the novel he had carried inside him for decades. In this inspiring conversation, Howard shares the story behind The Last Dekrepitzer, winner of the 2024 National Jewish Book Award, and reflects on law, justice, faith, creativity, resilience, and why it is never too late to rediscover the writer , or the dream, within.

In this Back2Basics episode, Peter McLaughlin, certified hypnotherapist, Blue Sky Hypnosis founder, leukemia survivor, and former volunteer firefighter, shares how emotional triggers often point to hidden wounds waiting to be healed. Peter explores hypnotherapy, Havening, past life regression, faith, subconscious beliefs, and the powerful reminder that we are not broken, we are wounded. This conversation is an invitation to question the herd, reconnect with your inner guidance, and begin healing at the root.

What does it truly mean to thrive—beyond success, titles, and achievement? In this Back2Basics episode, Rand Selig, entrepreneur, investor, and author of Thriving, shares a practical and soulful framework for living with more purpose, fulfillment, and intention. Rand explores why the most important relationship is the one with yourself, how to shift from doing to being, and why his philosophy is simple: “Don’t retire—rewire.” A powerful conversation on self-awareness, intuition, spirituality, healing, and designing a life that truly works.

Child safety expert and attorney Debbie Ausburn shares essential insights for parents, coaches, churches, schools, and youth organizations on child protection policies, grooming prevention, online safety for kids, and abuse prevention. In this episode, she explains why a child protection policy is only effective if it is consistently followed, how predators exploit boundary violations, why online grooming is a growing threat, and how adults can better respond when children disclose abuse. Debbie also offers practical parenting advice on raising resilient kids by letting them fail safely and learn to solve problems on their own.

What if you could belong to your culture, even if you don’t speak the language? Rodney Eric López is an accomplished educator, artist, and non-profit leader. He is the CEO of Rodney Eric López Enterprises, featured in the hit documentary Mad Hot Ballroom, and author of the upcoming memoir I Don’t Speak Spanish, but I Understand Everything When I’m Dancing! His work centers on the intersection of arts, education, identity, and community leadership, using dance and creativity to bring people together.

Lori Kingsley’s knows about Bold Reinventions. After losing both her parents to COVID, she made a life-changing decision: stop waiting and start living her passion. From fashion and beauty executive to resin artist and founder of Sweet Life by Lori, her journey is a powerful lesson in courage, creativity, and starting small. If you’ve ever felt called to something more, this episode will push you to act, because the real risk isn’t failure, it’s regret.

In this episode of Back2Basics, serial entrepreneur Alison Maslan shares how to scale your business without burning out. After building 10 companies, she reveals why founders get stuck and how to shift from operator to visionary CEO. From a life-changing burnout wake-up call to mentoring 150,000+ entrepreneurs, Alison breaks down the real keys to growth: letting go, asking for help, and designing a business that supports your life—not the other way around. If you’re ready to grow faster, lead smarter, and stop doing it all yourself, this episode is for you.

What if your voice could reveal what your body, and your life, are trying to tell you? In this episode, Growth Engineer Alex Fredericks shares how dyslexia became his superpower, why opportunity only knocks once, and how a 30-second voice note can unlock real-time insight into your wellbeing.

What happens to your wealth, decisions, and legacy if you don’t have children? In this episode of Back2Basics, Leticia Latino speaks with Maddy Roche, entrepreneur and co-founder of Child Free Trust, the first U.S. company providing fiduciary services specifically for child-free individuals. With 25% of Americans choosing not to have children, Maddy explains why traditional financial and estate planning systems often fail them. They discuss the myths around being child-free, the surprising financial reality of having too much money at the end of life, and why entrepreneurs should focus on sustainability over endless growth. A powerful conversation about redefining family, building a life on your own terms, and using money as a tool for freedom.

Mark Mezadourian, is an intuitive guide and spiritual teacher helping people reclaim their inner authority and discern true guidance from ego-driven fear. In this engaging conversation, Mark shares how his Armenian heritage, a spiritually gifted grandmother, and a dramatic early-life encounter with negative energy shaped his awakening to the power of intention and free will. We explore why intuition is hardwired in everyone, how to distinguish ego (“should,” “have to,” “need to”) from expansive inner guidance, and why modern habits—like sleeping next to your phone—may be disrupting your nervous system and fueling anxiety and insomnia. From spirituality beyond religion to practical tools for discernment, community, and digital boundaries, this conversation offers grounded, actionable insight for anyone seeking clarity, inner peace, and a deeper connection to their own wisdom.

Dr. Melissa Robinson-Weinmiller is an empathy expert, TEDx speaker, and founder on a mission to make empathy actionable—and profitable. In this episode of Back2Basics, she shares how growing up as a military child shaped her ability to read people and how a traumatic experience in academia led her to redefine empathy as a strategic leadership skill. We explore the hard data behind empathy in business—including research linking it to major gains in productivity, innovation, and profit—along with a simple 20-minute daily leadership practice that transformed a department in just 90 days. From self-empathy and emotional intelligence to company culture, communication, and the future of leadership in the age of AI, this episode makes one thing clear: empathy isn’t fluff—it’s performance.

Raz Patel is an advocate, speaker, and founder committed to advancing self-worth and emotional freedom through authentic leadership and intentional living. In this powerful episode, she shares her journey from first-generation immigrant roots to finding her voice after a paralyzing accident, a health scare, and the devastating loss of her family home in a flood. This conversation explores resilience, personal growth, immigrant mindset, overcoming trauma, and choosing substance over superficial success. If you’re seeking clarity, strength, and a return to your core values, this episode will resonate deeply.

In this episode of Back2Basics, Mich Carpenter shares her journey from trauma and illness to spiritual awakening, and the life-changing shift from victimhood to self-compassion. We explore how the body holds unprocessed emotion, the moment she discovered her mediumship, and why true healing begins with just five minutes of breath and awareness. A raw, grounding conversation about reclaiming your power—starting with compassion for yourself.

In this episode of Back2Basics, host Leticia Latino sits down with Tina Rattigan, founder of Propel Models, for an honest conversation about safety, values, and what it really takes to succeed in the modeling industry. Sparked by a deeply personal experience involving her daughter overseas, Tina built Propel Models with a mission rooted in protection, mentorship, and long-term development—not shortcuts to fame. She demystifies the realities of high fashion versus commercial modeling, challenges the myth of overnight success, and explains why modeling is a skill that must be learned, practiced, and respected. Drawing from her upbringing as a light-skinned Jamaican and her faith-centered approach to leadership, Tina shares practical guidance for aspiring talent, parents, and anyone navigating people-driven industries—reminding us, above all, to never forget who you are.

In this episode of Back2Basics, Leticia Latino sits down with serial entrepreneur and branding expert Karen Post to explore what it really means to reinvent yourself. From launching a successful PR firm at 22 without following a traditional path, to losing everything in a failed startup and finding the courage to begin again, Karen shares candid lessons on resilience, failure, and trusting your instincts. The conversation dives into the power of pivoting into your true sweet spot, investing unapologetically in yourself, and redefining what a brand really is—not a logo, but what people think, feel, and expect when you show up. Karen also shares the story behind her latest venture, the American Prosperity Pillow, blending entrepreneurship, patriotism, and purpose. This episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating change and building a life and career with intention.

Living in Your Wheelhouse explores what happens when you realize you’ve spent years on the right bus but sitting in the wrong seat. In this episode, Kim Costa shares her powerful journey from a 27-year misaligned career as an accountant to building a life rooted in authenticity, alignment, and intentional design. Kim began reshaping not just her career, but her philosophy on how our homes, and lives, should support who we truly are. We discuss fear as a silent saboteur, why so many people regret major home and life decisions, her 4M Foundation (Myself, Mastery, Mission, Mates), and her Wheelhouse Process for bringing clarity to emotional choices before making big moves!

David Jones Jr., joins Back2Basics to explore the deeply human story behind Humana, the healthcare empire his father, David A. Jones co-founded. A journey he is now committed to share with the world by promoting his father’s memoir, Always Moving Forward. From sharing how Humana began with a $2,000 investment and a mission born of empathy, to why the U.S. healthcare system delivers both miracles and madness, and how AI’s most powerful role may be cutting paperwork—not replacing doctors, this episode has a bit of everything! We also dive into lessons on focus, failure, resilience, the hidden burden of family caregivers, and a growing loneliness crisis among men. This is a powerful conversation about leadership, legacy, and staying human while building something that lasts.

In this inspiring episode, Dr. Gina Williams shares how purpose, movement, and self-awareness shape everything from her concierge physical therapy practice to her journey as a mom, entrepreneur, and solo traveler. Learn why she believes movement is medicine, why true healing starts with connection, and how embracing imperfection helps you thrive in health, work, and relationships.

From surviving addiction, trauma, and the depths of despair, to becoming a certified personal trainer and holistic coach guiding women through mind, body, and soul breakthroughs, Tiffany Owen embodies strength, faith, and fierce authenticity. She’s on a mission to help others break free from survival mode, rewrite their stories, and live the lives they were created for and she lays a path for doing just that in her latest book from Wounded to Warrior. Tune in for a special gift from Tiffany to all Back2Basics Listeners!

What if your greatest challenges were invitations to awaken your brightest self? In this powerful conversation, Stephanie James, transformation coach, psychotherapist, filmmaker, and author of Your Big Fat Juicy Life — shares how to turn pain into purpose and fear into fuel for authentic living. Blending decades of clinical wisdom with deep spiritual insight, Stephanie reveals how to heal, reconnect, and reignite your spark for life. Get ready to rediscover your joy, your resilience, and the beauty of being fully alive.

After decades of success in real estate, Diane Heiler faced a new challenge — rebuilding her life after loss. In this powerful episode of Back2Basics, she reflects on leadership, integrity, and the courage to start over. From mentoring in a male-dominated industry to transforming grief into creativity through her book A Widow’s Fire, Diane’s story is one of authenticity, perseverance, and renewal. Whether you’re navigating career transitions or personal change, Diane’s insights will inspire you to live — and lead — with heart.

What does freedom really mean for an entrepreneur? In this episode of Back to Basics, Mark Rampolla—founder of ZICO Coconut Water and Co-Managing Partner at GroundForce Capital—shares hard-earned insights from building mission-driven companies and investing in brands like Beyond Meat, Liquid Death, and Thrive Market. We dive into his journey from corporate life to entrepreneurship, the mindset behind meaningful success, and how loss reshaped his priorities. Mark also opens up about his newest book, An Entrepreneur’s Guide to Freedom, a bold invitation to redefine success on your own terms—mentally, emotionally, financially, and spiritually. This is a raw, inspiring conversation about alignment, impact, and the pursuit of real freedom.