Episodes

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....

Episode 14 – Earl Allen: Running Toward Mental Health
Since October 1st, 2010, Earl Allen has laced up his shoes and hit the road—every single day. As of June 9th, 2025, he’s logged 50,574.13 miles, averaging 24 to 28 miles a day.

Rain or shine, snow or ice, ache or pain, Earl runs. But he’s not running away from anything—he’s running towardsomething: his mental health. One step, one stride, one mile at a time, Earl has found peace, clarity, and healing on the road.

In this episode, Earl share...

Episode 13 – Tony Sagastume: Reinvention, Mentors, and Building a Career That Lasts

From the early days of Price Club to the polished floors of luxury retail—and eventually to leadership roles at Macy’s and Best Buy—Tony Sagastume has seen retail from every angle.

In this episode, Tony reflects on the mentors who shaped him, the importance of staying adaptable, and the evolution of his leadership style. He speaks candidly about the drive to win—and why instilling that competitive spirit in tea...

Episode 12 – Heidi Pearce: The Words That Matter MostHeidi Pearce is more than a gifted communicator—she’s a truth-teller with heart. In this episode, we revisit the journey of someone I was lucky enough to work closely with during some of the most critical years of my career. From her early days in sports media at the University of Wisconsin to being a key player on the communications team at Best Buy and now Cracker Barrel, Heidi’s path is shaped by empathy, authenticity, and a willingness to ...

Bonus Episode – Rev. J. Dan Renfro: Grace in Action

After the raw and powerful conversation in Episode 11, we knew there was more to say.

In this bonus episode, Rev. J. Dan Renfro shares the work he’s doing now—on the streets, in the margins, wherever people are hurting and hungry. This is the grace that came out of the ashes. This is purpose forged in pain.

Dan’s not building a ministry from a pulpit—he’s building it from lived experience. And the way he shows up for people? It’s nothing sho...

From a tough childhood- to the streets of Dayton-to US Army-to fighting the demon of addiction-to business-to helping those who need it most. The Rev's story will inspire you.

Michael Trebony joins Brian and discusses the journey of his life. How he overcame trauma inflicted in his youth, shares a fateful sermon that has supercharged his drive to be a beacon of hope.

Episode 9: Leadership is an Inside Job – with Dr. Guy Beaudin

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Guy Beaudin, a senior partner at RHR International and a globally respected industrial psychologist who has spent decades advising C-suite leaders across industries. I first met Guy nearly 30 years ago when he was brought in to work with my team—and more pointedly, with me. What began as an uneasy partnership quickly grew into one of the most impactful relationships of my professional life. Guy be...

Episode 8: Running the Long Race Together – Fatherhood and Family Through Adversity
In this companion episode to Karen Hohertz-Jacobs’ powerful story, her husband Matt Jacobs offers a father’s perspective on walking beside a family through life’s hardest chapters. From their daughter Kate’s early cancer diagnosis to the quiet strength it takes to raise a child with both love and limits, Matt reflects on what it means to lead from behind, to carry worry privately, and to keep showing up—mile afte...