Synopsis
In depth interviews with successful entrepreneurs and leaders that compare the winning traits of sports to business. A long time television sportscaster looks for similarities in teamwork, championship culture, diversity and relationships needed in between and outside the lines.
Episodes
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Ep. 1100 Staci Cross | Playing the Long Game in the Restaurant Business
06/01/2026 Duration: 43minToday’s guest doesn’t just dream big. She’s a purpose-driven entrepreneur who embodies what it means to live with intention. Staci Cross is the founder and CEO of Enjoy Pure Food + Drink. It’s the restaurant concept elevating wellness from within, using clean ingredients to nourish the mind, body and spirit…one meal at a time. With passion and positivity, she curated an oasis that lifts others higher. Delivering good food and even better vibes that people never want to leave.Check out the conversation on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Eez-fZme1ioWebsite: https://enjoypurefood.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/enjoypurefood/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/enjoypurefood
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Ep. 1051 Lindsay Howerton, Alan Landever, Brian Olson | AI Didn't Replace Us-It Changed Us
30/12/2025 Duration: 48minFor this end-of-year roundtable, Joel brings together three voices who sit right at the crossroads of creativity, strategy, and the future of technology.Alan Landever has a gift for spotting technology trends before the rest of us even know what we’re looking at.Lindsay Howerton brings a deep understanding of people, communication, and how ideas spread across organizations.Brian Olson of Waltz Tetrick blends creativity with strategic clarity, helping teams see AI not as a threat but as a tool that can elevate their work.Together, they explore how AI is reshaping communication, leadership, marketing, and the way we all show up in our work. It’s a fast-moving, insightful conversation to close out the year and look ahead to what’s coming next.Check out the conversation on YouTube: https://youtu.be/WRAnQiy-ct8
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Ep. 1050 Krizz Kaliko | From Pain to Purpose and a Voice to Match
23/12/2025 Duration: 39minToday on Rounding the Bases, Joel sits down with a ruler of the indie music game. He’s a KC-bred emcee who has become as ingrained in the global hip hop scene as the substance of his lyrics themselves. He’s a writer, producer and full-fledged singer who took an unconventional path from church choir to platinum record stardom. With a raw, poetic voice that leaves nothing off limits, he blends pop, rock, funk and R&B into lyrics that manifest pain into brilliance. This…is Krizz Kaliko.Website: https://krizzkaliko.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/KrizzKaliko/ Twitter: https://x.com/krizzkaliko Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/therealKrizzKalikoCheck out the conversation on YouTube: https://youtu.be/eWjF1H9DRbs
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Ep. 1049 Jessica Best | Why Email is Still the Most Powerful Marketing Channel
16/12/2025 Duration: 38minOn this episode, Joel is joined by an award-winning guest who has been igniting digital strategy conversations for 15 years and counting. Jessica Best is the self-proclaimed email marketing evangelist and Owner of BetterAve LLC. It’s the consultancy implementing the same practices she preaches from stages around the world. By turning data into insight and insight into action, she demonstrates the power of data-driven storytelling. Allowing business owners to optimize their results, so they can get back to doing more of what they already do so well.Website: https://better-ave.com/ | https://jessica.best/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bestofjesspics/?hl=en Twitter: https://x.com/bestofjess/with_repliesCheck out the conversation on YouTube: https://youtu.be/vT2-ylB5XpI
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Ep. 1048 Lindsey Rood-Clifford | The Theater that Raised Her and the CEO she Became
09/12/2025 Duration: 41minLindsey Rood-Clifford is the powerhouse President and CEO of Starlight Theater who is ushering in its boldest act yet. As the first woman to helm this iconic venue in its storied 75-year history, she’s reshaping a cultural institution with creativity, courage and an unmatched commitment to the community. The arts are more than entertainment, they’re essential to turning passion and purpose into a standing ovation, no matter what city you live.Website: https://www.kcstarlight.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Lindz626Check out the conversation on YouTube: https://youtu.be/UWkfiEpRiwI
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Ep. 1047 | Three Authors, One Mic: The Triple Play Edition
02/12/2025 Duration: 46minOn this special edition we introduce three amazing authors with recent book launches. Chelan David author of Stories From the Phog, a must-read for every KU basketball fan. Mr. Frank Clay Jr., a poet and bestselling author of his new book Yes You Can!-a guide for the young adult in your life. Mary Lou Kayser-author of It's Not You, It's the Algorithm, which is the rally cry you didn’t know you needed, showing readers how to reclaim their sense of self in the digital age, while still continuing to live.Three must-reads you don't want to miss! And on this episode Joel chats with the authors getting a behind the scenes look at their outstanding pieces. https://maryloukayser.com/https://frankclayjr.com/https://cdavidbooks.com/Check out the conversation on YouTube: https://youtu.be/PW2sfQ5qF9s
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Ep. 1046 Bob Burg | Give More. Earn More. Live More.
25/11/2025 Duration: 31minEvery now and then, a simple idea reshapes success. On this episode, Joel chats with a man who did just that…and in the process, pioneered an international movement. His name is Bob Burg, a Hall of Fame Keynote Speaker and acclaimed sales genius. But he’s best known as the co-author behind “The Go-Giver”, a little story about a powerful business idea that sparked a global phenomenon. Its message? When you give exceptional value, you enjoy extraordinary results. It’s a subtle shift that changes everything, putting fulfillment within reach for all who lead and live. Website: https://burg.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realbobburg/ Twitter: https://x.com/bobburg Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/burgbobCheck out the converssation on YouTube: https://youtu.be/erygvKguHrc
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Ep. 1045 Mo Bunnell | Why Relationships Win Every Time
18/11/2025 Duration: 44minOn this episode, Joel is joined by a renowned development strategist who built a career proving one powerful truth: that relationship building is business building. His name is Mo Bunnell, author of Give to Grow, the game-changing international bestseller about accelerating growth through generosity. He’s also the Founder/CEO of BIG - the Bunnell Idea Group - who has taught more than 50,000 high-end professionals how to master the art and science of business development. His dynamic approach is transforming the way things get done. Because no matter the complexity of the business, when you give to grow…everybody wins.Website: https://bunnellideagroup.com/ Twitter: https://x.com/MoBunnell Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bunnellideagroupCheck out the conversation on YouTube: https://youtu.be/yRlFoZwDZhA
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Ep. 1044 Tucker Graves | Building Bite-Sized Learning into a Big Business
11/11/2025 Duration: 39minToday’s guest is a serial entrepreneur whose innovative microtech platform brings the frontline to the forefront. His name is Tucker Graves, the CEO and co-founder of Pineapple Academy. Since 2018 he has supported deskless teams to get job ready…faster. Using short, role-specific videos precision tailored to a range of industries, he’s doing more than training. He’s leading a movement that redefines how organizations build culture and support their teams, one employee at a time.Website: https://pineappleacademy.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pineappleacademyinc/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tucker.graves.3/Check out the conversation on YouTube: https://youtu.be/9uAk-oh8V24
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Ep. 1043 Kim Kramer | Standing Out On Purpose
04/11/2025 Duration: 49minJoel is joined by a creative boss who is different on purpose…and proud of it. Kim Kramer is the fearless leader and marketing queen behind the award-winning Square Peg Marketing, where she and her team are a powerhouse of talent. For more than 15 years, she has blended cutting-edge creativity with data-driven insights to help bold brands move the needle. Nothing basic. Just bold, splashy solutions for businesses that are ready to level up.Website: https://www.neverfitin.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kimakramer/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kimkingkramer/Check out the conversation on YouTube: https://youtu.be/yjO8uG1BNfM
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Ep. 1042 Joe Tulipana | Engineering Barbecue That Brings People Together
28/10/2025 Duration: 43minJoe Tulipana isn’t just serving up BBQ, he’s raising stakes, braising shanks and modernizing a KC classic. He’s the owner and founder of Blind Box BBQ, where he’s been serving old-school que with new school flavor that packs a punch for 10 years and counting. He isn’t changing the game, just refining it. One burnt end - and relationship - at a time. And now, it’s time to dig into the story of a young restaurateur who reverse-engineered his way from engineering to entrepreneurship…and built something truly special right here in Kansas City.Website: https://www.blindboxbbq.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blindboxbbq/ Twitter: https://x.com/blindboxbbq Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blindboxbbqCheck out the conversation on YouTube: https://youtu.be/vcmBjcNa_JM
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Ep. 1041 Shawn Burcham | Leadership Without a Safety Net
23/10/2025 Duration: 43minToday’s guest knows a thing or two about what it takes to win, because he’s been keeping score his entire career. Shawn Burcham is Founder and CEO of PFSbrands, the powerhouse behind brands like Champs Chicken, BluTaco and Hangar54 Pizza. When he’s not empowering his employees, the bestselling author coaches companies around the world how to accept risk and learn from failure, using the same philosophy that turned his own company into a 100% employee-owned success story. It’s a story of leadership, grit and determination that redefines what it looks like to win, in business and in life.Website: https://pfsbrands.com/ | https://shawnburcham.com/ Twitter: https://x.com/ShawnBurcham1 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ShawnBurchamPFS/Check out the conversation on YouTube: https://youtu.be/TJx4O8-xoBw
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Ep. 1040 | In the Name of Grace
14/10/2025 Duration: 36minEvery journey has a turning point. For some, it comes from a moment of triumph. For others, it’s born out of hardship. Today Joel is joined by Rob and Anissa Elsey, a couple who walked through both before discovering their life-changing calling. After a personal confrontation with the realities of addiction, they founded In the Name of GRACE, a non-profit dedicated to providing safe, sober housing for those on the path to recovery. But theirs is a mission bigger than giving shelter. It’s about hope, dignity and a chance to start again for those who need it the most.Website: www.inthenameofgrace.org Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/InTheNameOfGraceOrg/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IntheNameofGrace/Check out the conversation on YouTube: https://youtu.be/xdOJKJSn52U
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Ep. 1039 John O'Leary | Victim or Victor-You Decide
07/10/2025 Duration: 52minJohn O'Leary joins Joel on this episode with a story of survival. At just nine years old, John defied overwhelming odds after suffering burns on 100% of his body. What could have been the end of his story became the beginning of an extraordinary journey. Today, John is a beloved keynote speaker, bestselling author, and the inspiration behind the upcoming motion picture Soul on Fire. Through his message, he reminds audiences that every day is a gift, and that each of us has the power to succeed, one action at a time.Website: https://johnolearyinspires.com/ | https://soulonfiremovie.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnoleary.inspires/ Twitter: https://x.com/jolearyinspires Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JohnOLearyRisingAboveCheck out the conversation on YouTube: https://youtu.be/qmkXOKCsHiI
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Ep. 1038 Courtney Kounkel | The Foundation of Business Success
30/09/2025 Duration: 38minToday on Rounding the Bases, a construction industry executive whose love of building projects can only be topped by her passion for building relationships joins Joel Goldberg. Her name is Courtney Kounkel, the founder and owner of Monarch Build. Using a solid foundation of teamwork and trust, her company has reshaped the way people think about General Contractors. Delivering more than an aspirational measure of excellence, but a commitment to partnership that endures, even after the job is complete.Website: https://monarch.build/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/monarch.build Twitter: https://x.com/ckounkel | https://x.com/monarchbuild Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/courtney.kounkel | https://www.facebook.com/monarchbuildkc/Check out the conversation on YouTube: https://youtu.be/E3MZbqIRo0k
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EP. 1037 Dr. Cindy McGovern | "De-Icking" Sales as a Profession
23/09/2025 Duration: 46minToday’s guest built a career on the belief that every one of us can master the art of sales, whether we carry a quota or not. Say hello to Dr. Cindy McGovern, a two-time bestselling author, founder of Orange Leaf Consulting and international authority known around the world as the First Lady of Sales. Her mission is as simple as it is singular: to show her clients how to create opportunities, using skills they didn’t know they had. With a dynamic energy and practical approach, Dr. Cindy has inspired thousands to see sales not as a transaction, but as an opportunity to win at work and in life, no matter the situation.Website: https://drcindy.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/1stladyofsales/ Twitter: https://x.com/1stladyofsales Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/1stLadyofSalesCheck out the conversation on YouTube: https://youtu.be/CZQ9RV3MLxA
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Ep. 1036 Corey Morris | Breaking Down Digital Growth
16/09/2025 Duration: 51minToday’s guest is a true leader in the digital marketing space who has spent decades crafting award-winning success plans. Meet Corey Morris, the President and CEO behind Voltage, a premiere digital agency built for brands that refuse to settle. He doesn’t try to be everything to everyone. Instead, he remains focused delivering only the things he does best. This against-the-grain mindset that has been the key to driving success - and ROI - for clients across the nation.Website: https://coreymorris.com/ | https://voltage.digital/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/voltagekc/ Twitter: https://x.com/coreydmorris Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/digital.coreymorris Check out the conversation on YouTube: https://youtu.be/daKiAgjjJ-A
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Ep. 1035 Etienne van der Walt | The Brain Science Behind Thriving Leaders
09/09/2025 Duration: 47minToday’s guest has optimized body-brain systems to drive key business outcomes. The result? A masterclass in leadership that has shifted the paradigm on resilience. His name is Dr. Etienne van der Walt, a neurologist, international thought leader and the CEO of Neurozone. He’s also creator of the High Performance Code. It’s his pioneering brain model that bridges cutting-edge science with business, seamlessly positioning leaders and organizations to thrive in the volatility of today, while making burnout a thing of the past.Website: https://www.neurozone.com/thought-leadership Twitter: https://x.com/etvanderwalt Check out the conversation on YouTube: https://youtu.be/UNKWvlilv-Q
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Ep. 1034 Liz Rowe | Changing the Game on Alzheimer's
02/09/2025 Duration: 40minToday’s guest is a remarkable leader who is impacting the lives of others, far and wide. Her name is Liz Rowe, Executive Director of the Alzheimer’s Association - Heart of America Chapter, the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support and research. It’s a position the former attorney and legal strategist formally assumed in 2024, but she’s been a passionate supporter in the fight to end the disease for decades. That’s because she knows firsthand the devastation Alzheimer’s causes not just for those living with it, but for those who love them. And through tireless efforts, she has turned her own pain into purpose, ensuring that one day, it’s a diagnosis that no longer exists.Website: https://www.alz.org/kansascity Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alzassociation/ Twitter: https://x.com/alzassociation Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alzkansascityCheck out the conversation on YouTube: https://youtu.be/NMDiLF2z_UA
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Ep. 1033 Michael Mackie | The Interviewer You Can't Ignore
26/08/2025 Duration: 58minToday’s guest is a media guru who may not be famous, but deserves to be by proxy. Just pick a celebrity and chances are he’s interviewed them… twice, earning him a notoriety that can only be matched by his razor-sharp wit. Say hello to the inimitable Michael Mackie, a multi-talented TV personality, radio host and newly-minted author with a penchant for turning every project into something extraordinary. For years, he has lit up the airwaves with a signature style cuts through the noise in a way only he can. And now, its time to settle in for a conversation that promises to be as clever, candid and charismatic as the man - and legend - himself.Website: https://www.michaelmackie.com/about Twitter: https://x.com/M2Esq Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/M2EsqCheck out the conversation on YouTube: https://youtu.be/uX4CcS-Ayic