Episodes

Brian sits down with executive producer Kassie to look back on Joe and Abby’s wedding weekend — the joy, the faith, the family, the laughter, and the moments when Susie felt especially close.

He reflects on watching his youngest son become a husband, welcoming Abby as a daughter, seeing her wear a necklace that once belonged to Susie, celebrating a wedding Mass in a church deeply woven into the Dunn family’s history, and what it felt like to simply stop and be present for all of it.

There are ...

I’ve had Golden Retrievers my entire adult life, and I still absolutely adore the breed. We’ve always been a Golden family.

Then I met a Newfie.

In Episode 77, I sit down with Lisa and Kerry Sersha, the heart and soul behind Black Wolf Kennels—and the people who brought my Newfoundland, Dickens, into my life.

We talk about Lisa’s 30-year journey with Newfoundlands, what makes these gentle giants so unique, raising and training them, and the extraordinary bond that develops between dogs and th...

A few days before my son Joe marries Abby, I wanted to capture a moment in their lives that will never come again.

Not the wedding planning. Not the flowers, seating charts or schedules.

Just the two of them — on the edge of becoming husband and wife.

In this very special episode of The Most Important Podcast Ever, I sit down with Joe and Abby to talk about their nearly 10-year journey together: how they met, what they’ve learned about each other, what they admire most in one another, and the...

Two sons. Two weddings. Three weeks apart. And one dad learning that his job is mostly to smile, show up, write a check here and there—and stay out of the way.

For Episode 75, Kassandra Cisneros turns the tables on Brian for a funny and heartfelt conversation about weddings in 2026, the changing role of a father, memories of Sue, watching his sons become men and friends, and a summer filled with family, golf, basketball and gratitude.

Because life moves quickly—and sometimes the most important...

Episode 74 | Steve Jensen | Great Leaders Build Great People
What makes someone a leader people genuinely want to follow?

In Episode 74 of The Most Important Podcast Ever, Brian Dunn sits down with longtime colleague and accomplished executive Steve Jensen for a conversation filled with practical leadership wisdom earned over a lifetime of building teams, developing people, and leading organizations through growth and change.

From growing up on an Iowa hog farm and serving in the military to l...

How do you choose life again after losing the person you love?

In this deeply moving episode of The Most Important Podcast Ever, Brian Dunn sits down with author Rachel Kerr-Schneider to explore one of life's most difficult journeys—finding hope after profound loss.

Rachel shares the remarkable story behind her memoir, The Widow Chose Red, reflecting on her husband John's courageous battle with ALS, the challenges of caregiving, and the long, often unpredictable path through grief.

Having bot...

In Episode 72 of The Most Important Podcast Ever, Brian sits down with professional football player Luke Glenna, who is currently playing for the Nordic Storm in Copenhagen.

Brian has known Luke since his grade-school and AAU basketball days with Brian’s son Joe. Even then, Luke stood out for his toughness, intelligence, intensity, and relentless work ethic.

Luke shares how he went from seventh on the depth chart at the University of St. Thomas to becoming an All-American and building a profes...

What if good manners aren't about knowing which fork to use—but about making others feel welcome, respected, and valued?

In Episode 71 of The Most Important Podcast Ever, Brian Dunn welcomes former colleague Diane Field, better known as "Lady Di," for a conversation that goes far beyond etiquette.

A respected etiquette expert, former advice columnist, and media professional, Diane shares how a lifelong fascination with communication and social grace has evolved into a mission to help children ...

After 69 episodes spent listening to remarkable people from every walk of life, Brian answers the question listeners have been asking: "What have you learned?"
In this deeply personal conversation with producer Shawn Dusing, Brian reflects on 66 years of life, visiting all 50 states, leading a Fortune 50 company, experiencing profound love and heartbreaking loss, and having thousands of conversations that ultimately inspired his upcoming manuscript, The Most Important Things.

He shares the ten ...

What makes a great leader?

This week on The Most Important Podcast Ever, I'm joined by leadership advisor, executive coach, retail veteran, and musician Alan Meyer for a wide-ranging conversation about leadership, change, and the lessons that shape us over a lifetime.

Alan shares his journey from recording engineer to a 26-year career in retail leadership, where he discovered that the best leaders are forged on the front lines—meeting people where they are, embracing change, and helping others...

In Part 2 of Brian Dunn's conversation with author, attorney, and business strategist David Grau Sr., the discussion turns to one of the most important questions every business owner must eventually answer:

How does your story end?
David explains why most entrepreneurs wait too long to think about succession planning, how founders become trapped on "The Founder's Treadmill," and what it takes to build a business that can thrive without its creator.

Along the way, David shares lessons on stewar...

What happens when the founder becomes the business?

In Episode 67 of The Most Important Podcast Ever, Brian Dunn welcomes author and business advisor David Grau Sr. to discuss why so many entrepreneurs unknowingly build companies that can't survive without them.

David explains the concept behind The Founder's Treadmill and shares practical strategies for moving from being the hub of every decision to building a business that can truly operate independently.

In this episode:

• The difference ...

What happens when an entrepreneur decides that growth isn't the ultimate goal?

In Episode 66, Brian Dunn sits down with Kate Asaraf, founder and CEO of DIP Hair Care, to discuss entrepreneurship, sustainability, motherhood, business failure, and the pursuit of a meaningful life.

After nearly two decades in the beauty industry, Kate launched DIP with a simple mission: create a plastic-free product people genuinely love to use. What followed was a journey shaped by hard lessons, relentless produ...

From selling Christmas trees in Wisconsin to leading teams across North America and traveling throughout Asia, Shaun Schuetz has built a career defined by curiosity, relationships, and a genuine passion for people.

In this episode of The Most Important Podcast Ever, Brian and Shaun explore the lessons learned along the way—from retail floors and international business meetings to family life and leadership in a rapidly changing world.

Shaun shares stories from his years at Best Buy, his experi...

In Part 2 of my conversation with Angie Bruhn, we move beyond career disruption and into the deeper realities of change, identity, grief, healing, and personal transformation.

Angie shares lessons from years of coaching people through layoffs, divorce, loss, health crises, and major life transitions.

Together, we talk about why some relationships fall away during difficult seasons, how suffering often creates deeper human connection, and why growth frequently begins in moments that feel like w...

Episode 63 of The Most Important Podcast Ever with BJD features the return of leadership coach and former Best Buy, Under Armour, and Tesla executive Angie Bruhn.

What begins as a conversation about layoffs, AI, and disruption quickly becomes something deeper: a discussion about identity, grief, reinvention, and learning who we are when life changes underneath us.

Brian and Angie reflect on:

navigating uncertainty

the emotional impact of job loss

why “who you are” is different from “what yo...

In Episode 62 of The Most Important Podcast Ever with BJD, Brian sits down with and — two young women whose friendship began before they can even remember and has grown stronger through every season of life.

This episode is a follow-up to Episode 33 featuring their mothers, Tammy Nipper and Tara Larson, lifelong best friends whose bond became the foundation for the next generation. Lindsay and Hanna reflect on what it was like growing up side by side, sharing milestones, family memories, laught...

What happens when we take our best performers… and turn them into leaders with little to no training?

In this powerful and thought-provoking episode of The Most Important Podcast Ever, Brian sits down with leadership coach and performance expert Ian Watts to explore a reality most organizations don’t talk about enough:

Two-thirds of new leaders receive no formal training.
And the cost?
It’s not just performance.
It’s culture.
It’s engagement.
It’s people.

Ian brings a global perspective and a...

Military Intelligence.
Executive leadership.
MBA. Law degree.

And then… a return home to become a tulip farmer.

In this episode of The Most Important Podcast Ever with BJD, I sit down with Andrew Miller to explore a journey that challenges the very definition of success.

On paper, Andrew’s path followed a traditional trajectory—military service, corporate leadership, advanced degrees. But what makes his story powerful isn’t where he started… it’s what he chose to leave behind—and why.

We tal...

In this special episode of The Most Important Podcast Ever with BJD, Brian answers questions submitted by listeners—drawn from DMs, texts, and emails.

The conversation spans leadership, life decisions, personal growth, and reflections from the journey so far. From lessons learned through past guests to navigating uncertainty and staying grounded, this episode is unscripted, honest, and driven by the audience.

You’ll hear thoughts on leadership and humility, moving forward through life’s challe...

What happens when someone finally says what everyone else is thinking?

In this episode of The Most Important Podcast Ever, Brian sits down with Seamus Harvey—a rising voice known for his viral takes on workplace culture, “corporate bullsh*t bingo,” and the disconnect between leadership language and real employee experience.

Seamus doesn’t just poke fun at the jargon—we’ve all heard it: “circle back,” “low-hanging fruit,” “let’s take this offline”—he challenges the systems behind it. The result...

Episode 57: Michael Much (Part 2) — A Life Fully Lived
In Part 2 of this powerful conversation, Michael Much continues to share the story of a life shaped by curiosity, courage, and deep love for family.

From his experiences in Vietnam to a lifetime of entrepreneurship, Michael reflects on the moments that defined him—not just professionally, but personally. This episode goes deeper into the heart behind the journey: the lessons learned, the passions pursued, and the people who matter most.

We...

A soldier in the Vietnam War… an entrepreneur… a photographer…
But at his core, this is a story about family, love, and the life that shaped him.

Michael Much has lived a life shaped by movement, service, and reinvention.

From a childhood spent in different places… to serving as a soldier during the Vietnam War… to returning home changed and searching for direction—his journey is one of resilience, curiosity, and quiet strength.

Over time, Mike became a lifelong entrepreneur, building busines...

What does it mean to step up for someone—and how can one decision change two lives forever?

In this episode, I reconnect with Steve (Episode 19) and Brad (Episode 20) to reflect on a journey that is nothing short of extraordinary.

Their story didn’t begin with a lifelong friendship. They were former colleagues—connected, but not deeply involved in each other’s daily lives.

And then everything changed.

When Brad found himself in urgent need of a kidney, Steve made a decision that would alter ...