Rounding The Bases With Joel Goldberg

Dave Raymond pioneered the field of sports mascots as the first person to go out on the field as the world-renowned Phillie Phanatic. During his 16 years performing as the Phanatic, he sparked a revolution in the mascot industry. He took the lessons he learned and made a seamless transition as an entrepreneur into the world of character branding and mascot development starting Raymond Entertainment Group nearly 20 years ago.

Diana Kander is a New York Times Best-selling author, entrepreneur, innovation consultant, and keynote speaker on curiosity and innovation. She entered the United States as a refugee at the age of 8, she has launched and sold millions of dollars worth of products and services. Diana believes the practice is more important and more fun than the game, and she wants businesses to see that perspective as well. She is a powerful woman in business ready to take on any challenge.

After a successful college football career, running back Montee Ball was drafted by the Broncos in the 2nd round. He was on the fast track to success when his fight with alcoholism, anxiety, and depression ended his football dreams. But instead of losing all hope, Montee changed his path in life and found his purpose. His goal is to tear down the stigma that surrounds substance use disorder with a strong focus on peer support. He has an incredible story of hope with a plan to help others.

John Gronski may argue his entire life has been the "ride of his life", but the retired United States Army Major General is coasting in his post military duties. He is the author of two books, his latest, "“Iron-Sharpened Leadership, Transforming Hard Fought Lessons Into Action” is available for preorder. He is a renowned leader respected all over the world. Joel and John discuss John's leadership philosophy, which is built upon character, competence, and resilience.

Peter Moylan is a former Major League Baseball reliever from Australia who pitched for the Braves, Dodgers and Royals during a 12 year career. His resume away from the diamond includes numerous odd jobs in the world of entrepreneurship. Peter’s experience on and off the baseball field is one of resilience and grit. He’s now a television broadcaster and shared life lessons with Joel as well as thoughts on MLB’s controversial crackdown on pitchers using foreign substances to manipulate baseballs.

Musician and entrepreneur Kemet Coleman is making history in the state of Missouri. Along with his two business partners, Woodie Bonds, Jr. and Elliott Ivory, Kemet is opening the first black owned brewery in the state of Missouri paving the way for black owned businesses. Vine Street Brewing will be located in the historic Jazz District of Kansas City and will open in 2022. Kemet is an inspiring entrepreneur making his dreams happen against the odds.

Tamara Day is the host and designer of HGTV's Bargain Mansions, and the CEO/Founder of Growing Days Home and Growing Days Design (and the mom of 4 kids!) She is a seasoned entrepreneur, who learned early in her career the importance of scaling, outsourcing, and leaning on her own leadership skills to achieve success. Not only does she renovate beautiful homes, but also her thriving business!

When Eliot Marshall couldn't find his identity as a young boy, he turned to mixed martial arts as an outlet, not knowing then that the fight would change his life. He earned notable accolades during his years as a competitor eventually retiring and starting his own ventures. In 2015, Eliot suffered anxiety and depression stemming from his childhood days. Listen as he discusses how the fight changed his life and all he is doing to help others today.

Deb Zila and Mike Seitz spent nearly 75 years combined in the business world and serving on numerous boards in the school systems and beyond. For their "fourth chapter" as they state, the duo formed BOARDynamics, an organization focused on helping boards function more smoothly. Through a customized approach, BOARDynamics coaches boards to examine, understand and improve their functions, actions and outcomes. Listen as they discuss their new venture and the keys to finding purpose and sharing goals.

What started as a "catch-up" between Joel and a former catcher he once covered turned into a great in depth conversation covering everything from the art of catching to business ventures to mental health. John Buck spent 10 seasons in the MLB including 5 with the Kansas City Royals. Listen as John discusses great behind the scenes stories as well as his post baseball life endeavors, and so much in between!

Angela Pugh is a recovering alcoholic who found her life's purpose through her sobriety, and now she is helping others do the same. She is a master coach, podcast host, national speaker, and sober entrepreneur. Angela used the foundational tools she learned during her road to sobriety to start her company, Kansas City Recovery Services, which supports addictions, interventions, counseling, men’s sober living homes, and outpatient services. Her strength is insurmountable, her story truly inspiring.

A fascinating story you don't want to miss! Ebrima "Abraham" Sisay grew up in West Africa on a small island, Gambia, where he was an aspiring soccer player. At a young age, he witnessed horrific tragedy and faced personal trauma deflating his soccer dreams. His conversation with Joel reflects on his battle with mental illness, his escape to America, and his entrepreneurial journey. Today, he is a film producer-director and the founder of Alkamba Company.

Deanna Munoz is a true entrepreneurial story. The daughter of an undocumented immigrant pursuing the American Dream, Deanna learned early on in life the meaning of hard work. She has experienced intense heartache and loss. She has had to redefine herself and find her identity as an immigrant. All of these life challenges and lessons, as well as her strong culture, shaped Deanna into who she is today. She now gives the underserved and underrepresented a voice through the Latino Arts Foundation.

Episode 605 features a fantastic conversation with a strong leader who has over 35 years of experience in Fortune 500 corporations and start-up ventures. 13 years ago, Don Goldman shifted from corporate America to pursue a career in the nonprofit world as the Executive Director and CEO of the Jewish Family Services of Greater Kansas City. Don discusses his career change to nonprofits, pivoting and growing during the pandemic, and serving countless individuals through the mission of JFS.

Episode 604 features a familiar interview for host Joel Goldberg, who covered this Kansas City Royals legend his entire 13 year Major League Baseball career. Alex Gordon is a hero to the Kansas City community, he's a guy who always played the game the right way, respected by players and coaches alike, a fan favorite, a family-man, and an elite athlete. Joel catches up with his friend to discuss his recent retirement from baseball, his playing days, and what's next for the 8X Gold Glove left fielder.

An amazing story of a hardworking woman destined for one path determined to follow another. The daughter of Mexican immigrants, Amanda Villarreal is a Kansas City powerhouse, who at a young age knew she was going to prove herself in her career and help change lives. Today she is the Founder and CEO of PLEX Capital, a company dedicated to helping entrepreneurs have fast and easy access to capital. Her story is inspiring and motivating as she continues to achieve great success.

Host Joel Goldberg reunites with former Kansas City Royal and World Series Champion, Buddy Biancalana to discuss his post MLB success with his business, ZoneMotion. Buddy works with countless athletes in every sport helping athletes to quantify the zone experience, which is what happens to the brain when an athlete is playing his best. Buddy takes Joel through the process of helping athletes find the zone as well as reliving some of his greatest playing moments when he found his own zone.

Season 6 kicks off with a brand new partnership! Rounding the Bases has teamed up with highly respected Community America Credit Union. On this episode, host Joel Goldberg talks with Community America’s CEO, Lisa Ginter. The Kansas City powerhouse has led her team to incredible success, she has an amazing story, and we are so proud to have her as our partner. Listen as Joel and Lisa discuss Community America Credit Union's partnership with the Kansas City Chiefs, Royals, and what's ahead for Season 6!

Author and highly sought after speaker Simon Sinek was a guest at the Helzberg Entrepreneurial Mentoring Program’s virtual retreat in October 2020 and Joel served as the facilitator. Sinek spoke about his new book The Infinite Game and the tendency of businesses often making the mistake of playing the finite game of wins and losses. He explained why the pandemic does not be lead to uncertain times and discussed the need for empathy due to the trauma caused by Covid-19.

Ryan Kilgore has been playing the saxophone since age 10. After playing in the band for four years in high school, Ryan attended Clark Atlanta University and was the first freshman to become drum major. He made a cameo appearance in the movie Drumline. He has toured with Stevie Wonder for a decade and is the founder of the Kilgore Music Foundation, whose mission is to mentor students to be lifelong musicians and to learn about different paths in the music industry.