Episodes

In this special Thanksgiving episode, Brian takes listeners from his very first Black Friday as a young salesman — working the floor, shaking off nerves, and discovering the magic of retail — to the years when he was appearing on national television doing live hits about the biggest shopping day of the year. He shares the behind-the-scenes moments, the unexpected humanity in the chaos, and the lessons he carried forward from those early mornings and long lines.

From there, Brian reflects on Sea...

Welcome to Episode 37 of The Most Important Podcast Ever with BJD.
Today… we’re doing something a little different.

Usually, I’m the one asking the questions—listening for the inflection points, drawing out the stories, and trying to understand what life has taught the people sitting across from me. But for this episode, we decided to turn the tables. And I couldn’t imagine anyone better to take the interviewer’s chair than my friend— and one of the best communicators I’ve ever known—Michael Vo...

Debbie Estes is humble, smart, and driven — the kind of leader who makes things happen. From the White House to major retailers like Dayton’s, Target, and Best Buy, she’s helped shape some of the most memorable brand experiences in America. In this conversation, Debbie reflects on her early inspirations, the lessons learned from doing what others said couldn’t be done, and how to create experiences people feel, not just events they attend. Her career has touched everything from Target House at S...

In the third installment of our leadership series with Dr. Guy Beaudin, we explore The Inner Game of Leadership — where energy, recovery, and resiliency determine whether leaders can sustain the weight they carry.

This isn’t about strategy or organizational charts. This is about what happens inside the leader — in the quiet moments when pressure builds, energy fades, or life hits harder than expected. Dr. Beaudin draws on decades of coaching senior executives around the world to explain why lea...

In this episode, Brian sits down with Dawn Bryant, a respected communications professional and leader whose life is a testament to resilience, intention, and the pursuit of peace. Dawn shares how a traumatic experience from long agoreshaped her priorities — inspiring her to live with greater empathy, gratitude, and freedom.

Today, Dawn and her husband work remotely while traveling the country in their RV, living life on their own terms. She talks about the logistics of life on the road — from f...

In Episode 33, We sit down with lifelong best friends Tammy Nipper and Tara Larson—a dynamic duo whose bond has stood the test of time. They share the story of their 50-year friendship, filled with laughter, love, and lessons on how to make connections last through every season of life. From growing up side by side to watching their own daughters become best friends, Tammy and Tara prove that true friendship isn’t just about shared memories—it’s about showing up, again and again, no matter what.

In this episode, Coach John Tauer shares his perspective on what it means to lead with purpose — on the court, in the classroom, and at home. A teacher, mentor, and family man, Coach Tauer reflects on how he builds teams grounded in trust, character, and connection. He discusses the importance of relationships that last a lifetime and the parallels between coaching a team and raising a family. His insights offer a masterclass in purposeful leadership — one defined not by wins and losses, but by ...

Episode 31 – Eric Curry: The Call That Matters Most
Dad. Executive. NCAA Men’s Basketball Official. Friend.
In this episode of The Most Important Podcast Ever with BJD, Brian sits down with his friend Eric Curry — a devoted father, accomplished business executive, and respected NCAA Men’s Basketball official.

Eric has made thousands of calls on the court and countless decisions in the boardroom, but he’s quick to remind us that the most important role he’s ever had is being a dad. Through stori...

In this powerful episode, I sit down with Angie Bruhn, a leader whose principles have been tested by life’s toughest challenges. Angie shares her journey of leading with conviction, building strong teams, and continuing to “answer the bell” even as she faces her battle with cancer.

Her story is one of courage, resilience, and grace—and a reminder that no matter our roles or titles, we are all human. Along the way, Angie wisely quotes her big rock lessons:

“There’s no award for being the busies...

In this episode, I sit down with Dave Bonura, whose nearly 40 years in retail leadership span some of the most recognizable names in the industry—Home Depot, Best Buy, Floor & Décor, and more. What started as an accidental entry into retail turned into a career that took him through sales, HR, and senior leadership roles, shaping teams and cultures across multiple companies.

Dave shares what it was like to live and work for decades in Southern California, build a parallel small business from sc...

At just 19 years old, Myles Frueh has already built an impressive resume—host of The Unspecified Show, President of the ATCC DECA Chapter, and now the mind (and muscle) behind a coast-to-coast journey with a mission.

Inspired by a YouTuber and determined to celebrate his mom’s 10th year cancer-free, Myles launched “Dash for Cash.” He set out across America with a single rule: he couldn’t leave a town until he had door dashed enough to pay for every single expense—lodging, food, gas, and the une...

Kevin Treanor’s professional life grew beyond anything he ever imagined. From turning wrenches to running some of the toughest stores in retail, he rose to become a multi-unit manager—all within two miles of where he grew up. Along the way, he and his brother Joe worked side by side for more than 30 years, building careers and memories together.

Kevin’s story includes moments of challenge and resilience: being there for first responders on 9/11 with the gear and batteries they needed, facing th...

In this episode, I sit down with my son, Will Dunn, whose love for the game began on traveling basketball teams in Minnesota and has carried him all the way to the NBA as an Assistant Coach with the Houston Rockets.

We talk about the grind of youth basketball, the path through college and early coaching stops, and the relentless work it takes to earn a place on an NBA bench. Will shares the lessons he’s learned from mentors, the realities of life inside the Rockets organization, and the deeper ...

In this episode, I sit down with Kenny Miller, whose story is as much about grit as it is about grace. At just 22 years old, what began as a stubborn cold spiraled into something unthinkable—within three weeks, Kenny was diagnosed with a cancerous tumor in his chest. The fight that followed tested his resilience and permanently reshaped his priorities.

From his early days in retail at Best Buy to building a thriving landscaping business from scratch, Kenny’s path has been defined by bold choice...

In this episode, I sit down with LaKesha Ransom, whose path has taken her from the Midwest to Bangkok, Thailand. Recruited by a multinational, LaKesha shares what it’s really like to build a life abroad—with passion, humor, and an eye for the unexpected.

We talk about navigating expat life, living through COVID in Thailand, and even her take on White Lotus (she insists Season 3 hit the nail on the head). I could have talked with her for hours and hope to have her back.

I think you’ll enjoy thi...

You remember that first school assignment in September—“Write about what you did on your summer vacation”? Well, this is my grown-up version. No loose-leaf paper, no red pen in the margins—just me sharing the stories, surprises, and lessons from an unforgettable stretch of summer.This year, my “vacation” wasn’t just about rest—it was about connection, adventure, and a few moments that I know I’ll carry with me for a lifetime. From teeing off on legendary golf courses with my sons in Ireland and ...

Episode 22 – Bob Salvino: From Columbus to the Coral Coast: Leadership, Kangaroos, and Universal Truths.

In this episode of The Most Important Podcast Ever, I welcome back Dr. Guy Beaudin—trusted advisor, psychologist, and one of the wisest voices I know on the subject of leadership. Our focus? The paradoxes that quietly shape every leader’s journey.

These aren’t lessons you’ll find in a training manual—but they might be the most important ones you’ll ever learn. Together, we unpack three tensions that show up early and often in leadership:

1. Results matter—but behavior can derail you.
Strong pe...

Episode 20: Brad Weinreich – Fighting for Life, Fueled by Family, Faith, and the Incredible Power of a Grateful Heart
Brad Weinreich is living with stage 4 kidney failure. But this isn’t just a story about waiting for a transplant—it’s about accepting a brutal diagnosis, grieving what’s been lost, and choosing to fight anyway.

Brad opens up about the physical toll—battles with sepsis, exhaustion, and uncertainty—but also about the emotional and spiritual transformation this journey has demanded...

“Changes in latitudes, changes in attitudes.” – Jimmy Buffett

From store remodels and tight deadlines to turquoise waters and open skies, Steve Dobovsky made a leap most only dream of. He sold everything, started from the hull up, became a dive master, and ultimately earned the title of captain in the Caribbean.

Along the way, he met Audrey Sykes—an accomplished Dive Instructor, creative force, and curator of stunning underwater photography. (You can catch glimpses of their life and adventures...

Episode 18 – Michael Voss: Communicating with Clarity, Wit, and Heart
Michael Voss knows how to find the right words—whether it’s leading global communications, co-authoring two sharp and satirical novels (BS Incorporated and Operation Clusterpuck), or hosting a town hall in front of thousands. For years, Michael stood beside me during major moments—helping shape the message and bring calm, humor, and purpose to the room.

In this episode, we flip the script. Michael joins me not just as a commu...

Episode 17 – Emily Peterson Boone: From Madonna Dreams to Stories That Matter
This week’s guest is Emily Peterson Boone—a filmmaker, creative leader, and president of Clever, a Minnesota-based content agency known for producing videos that connect with real people in real ways.

Emily’s love of video started early—back in high school, when she and her friend Becky made a Vogue-inspired submission for an MTV contest, hoping to win tickets to see Madonna. They didn’t win—but that project lit the f...

Jeff Peterson is a true OG of retail—a leader whose fingerprints are all over the foundation of high-performing teams, operational excellence, and people-first leadership. In this conversation, Jeff and Brian look back on the wild, early days of Best Buy’s explosive growth, where Jeff played a key role not only in building teams but in bringing structure—developing one of the company’s first standard operating procedures during a time of organized chaos.

Jeff was instrumental in shaping Brian’s...

Episode 15 – Jay Pivec: Coaching, Character, and the Book of Piv
This week’s guest is Coach Jay Pivec—a basketball coaching legend, mentor to many, and now, author of The Book of Piv: All Stories Are As True As They Need to Be.
Jay’s career spans decades on the court, but his true impact has always been off of it—shaping lives, building character, and telling stories that stick.

The Book of Piv is more than a memoir. It’s just as much a leadership manual as it is a collection of coaching tales....