Episodes

As we close Season 1 of The Most Important Podcast Ever with BJD, I wanted to do something a little different.

This episode is simply a thank you.

Thank you to the guests who trusted me with their stories.
Thank you to the listeners who showed up week after week.
And a very special thank you to the crew—Thomas, Shawn, Mary, and Angelica—for lending their talents and giving so generously of their time. This show would not exist without you.

To close the season, I share a family tradition that ...

In Episode 3 of our four-part adaptation of Charles Dickens’ timeless classic A Christmas Carol, Scrooge is guided by the Ghost of Christmas Present—a Spirit who reveals the power of generosity, compassion, and human connection in the here and now.

Through moments of joy, hardship, laughter, and love, this episode invites us to look honestly at how we show up for others today. Dickens reminds us that Christmas is not found in perfection or abundance, but in empathy, shared humanity, and the sim...

Step into the timeless world of Charles Dickens as we bring you Episode 1 of our four-part dramatic telling of A Christmas Carol, performed at StreetSide Studio 7 inside Deja Bleu House of Coffee in Alexandria, Minnesota.In this opening chapter, Dickens sets the stage with one of literature’s most famous lines: “Marley was dead, to begin with.” We meet Ebenezer Scrooge—hard and solitary as an oyster—on a bitter Christmas Eve filled with missed chances at joy, kindness, and connection. As night f...

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 ...

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 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...

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...

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 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 ...

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...

Episode 7: Running Through It – Karen Hohertz-Jacobs on Strength, Survival, and Seven Continents
In this powerful episode, Karen Hohertz-Jacobs joins the podcast to share a story of love, purpose, and perseverance that spans the globe.

After her infant daughter Kate was diagnosed with neuroblastoma, a rare childhood cancer, Karen and her family began running—first to heal, then to give back. What started with a couch-to-5K became a mission of gratitude and awareness that led them to complete ma...

Episode 5: Getting Thru the Worst Possible Thing – with Jimmy Williams
What happens when your world shatters—and how do you begin to rebuild?

In this powerful episode, I sit down with Jimmy Williams, author of Getting Thru the Worst Possible Thing, who opens up about the heartbreaking loss of his son and the unthinkable grief that followed. With raw honesty and deep wisdom, Jimmy shares how he navigated his darkest moments and what he’s learned about resilience, faith, and the strength of the h...

🎙️ Episode 4 – Eric Harkins: Monday Mornings Shouldn't Suck
In this episode, two veteran retail leaders—Eric Harkins and Brian J. Dunn—sit down for a candid conversation about what makes workplaces thrive... or fall apart. With decades of leadership experience between them, they swap stories from the front lines of retail, talk about the leaders who shaped them, and dive into Eric’s no-nonsense approach to culture, hiring, and leadership.


Eric is the author of Great Leaders Make Sure Monday M...