In today's episode, Dr. Jay McCracken, a neurosurgeon, discusses his career and insights into the challenging yet rewarding field of neurosurgery. He explains his initial interest in medicine, spurred by an influential orthopedic surgeon during his high school years, and his eventual shift from orthopedics to neurosurgery during medical school, attracted by the brain's complexity and the dynamic nature of the cases. Dr. McCracken outlines his educational path, including significant life events that shaped his decisions, like his mother's illness. He describes the progression of surgical training, from observing to performing intricate surgeries independently, emphasizing the importance of industry collaboration in advancing medical technologies. Additionally, Dr. McCracken shares his daily workflow involving multiple surgeries and the balance he maintains between his intense professional life and personal interests, like golf and family activities.

👉 Host: Jeff Hopeck. To learn more about my work and the conversations I care about, find me at  @HeyDadCanWe

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To learn more about my work and the conversations I care about, find me at @hey_dad_can_we

James Alford reflects on a long, “wonderful” life that began in poverty and heavy responsibility as the eldest child on a Mississippi farm. He joined the Army at 17½, serving in the post-WWII occupation and later Korea, traveling across the Far East and briefly working around General MacArthur. A devout Christian and staunch patriot, he believes America was founded as a Christian nation and centers his “five loves” on God, family, nation, anthem, and flag. After the military he built a career in commercial art and advertising, starting at Coca-Cola and eventually running a successful agency with major accounts. Golf and business connections brought friendships with generals, executives, golf legends, and entertainers. He also cherishes his Civil War–era family history, which he recorded in a book. Now widowed and aging, he remains grateful, despite the nation’s troubles today, confident he’ll be reunited with his wife and loved ones in heaven. 

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In this episode, Dr. Geoffrey Smith, the Chief Medical Examiner for the state of Georgia, shares insights into the world of forensic pathology. He discusses the differences between medical examiners and coroners, the challenges faced in the field, and the emotional toll of dealing with death on a daily basis. Dr. Smith recounts personal anecdotes from his career, including experiences with murder trials and the impact of the fentanyl epidemic. He explains the process of death investigation, the importance of determining cause and manner of death, and the complexities involved in death certificates.

Takeaways

* Forensic pathology is a specialized field that requires extensive training.
* Medical examiners are often confused with coroners, but they have different qualifications.
* The emotional toll of working in forensic pathology is significant and requires coping mechanisms.
* Fentanyl has become a leading cause of drug-related deaths in recent years.
* The manner of death can be classified as natural, accident, suicide, homicide, or undetermined.
* Investigating sudden and unexpected deaths often involves complex medical and legal considerations.
* The process of death investigation includes collaboration with law enforcement and other agencies.
* Death certificates are important legal documents that require careful consideration of cause and manner of death.
* The recruitment and retention of qualified forensic pathologists is a growing concern in the U.S.
* Personal anecdotes from the field highlight the unpredictable nature of forensic pathology. 

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In this conversation, Neil Davenport shares his journey in the film industry, detailing his early experiences with scams and the lessons learned from them. He discusses the current state of the film industry, particularly the differences between Georgia and LA, and the economic factors influencing filmmaking today. Neil also explores the role of AI in the industry and the rise of vertical content, providing valuable advice for aspiring filmmakers.

Takeaways

• Get an entertainment attorney to protect yourself.
• Recognizing red flags is crucial in the industry.
• Scams can happen to anyone, even the inexperienced.
• Learning from failures can fuel future success.
• The film industry is currently facing economic challenges.
• Georgia is becoming a significant player in filmmaking.
• AI is changing the landscape of content creation.
• Vertical content is a new trend in the industry.
• Support systems are vital for aspiring artists.
• Owning up to mistakes is essential for growth.

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In this episode, the conversation delves into the complexities of trauma surgery, particularly focusing on gunshot wounds and the challenges faced by trauma surgeons. The guest, Dr. Boron, shares insights from his experiences, discussing the differences between various types of injuries, the critical importance of timely medical intervention, and the miraculous recoveries that can occur in the trauma unit. The discussion also covers the technical aspects of trauma care, including the management of blood loss, the importance of airway and breathing, and the intricate process of identifying and treating injuries. Through case studies and personal anecdotes, the episode highlights the high stakes and emotional weight of trauma surgery. This conversation delves into the complexities of trauma care, focusing on pain management, the implications of helmet laws for motorcycle accidents, insights from a medical examiner's perspective, and a remarkable case involving a gunshot wound to the heart. The discussion highlights the challenges faced by trauma surgeons and the importance of experience in making critical decisions during surgery. In this episode, James shares his experiences as a trauma surgeon, discussing the critical role of O-negative blood in emergencies, the management of trauma cases, and the emotional impact of dealing with life-and-death situations. He emphasizes the importance of mentorship in surgical training and recounts some of the most gruesome injuries he has encountered, highlighting the complexities of trauma care and the race against time in surgery.

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In this episode, Keith Mask shares his harrowing experience of being shot in the throat at the age of 18 during a hunting trip. He recounts the events leading up to the incident, the immediate aftermath, and the emergency response that followed. Keith describes the pain and fear he felt, the miraculous survival against the odds, and the long road to recovery. He reflects on the lessons learned from this traumatic experience and how it shaped his life moving forward.

Takeaways

• Keith was shot in the throat at 18 years old.
• The incident occurred during a hunting trip with his stepdad.
• He experienced no pain medication for almost three hours after being shot.
• Keith's stepdad, a Vietnam vet, recognized the severity of the injury immediately.
• He felt a sense of impending doom, believing he was going to die.
• The emergency response was critical in saving his life.
• A trauma surgeon happened to be at the hospital when he arrived.
• Keith's recovery involved multiple surgeries, including a tracheotomy.
• He experienced PTSD after the incident, affecting his relationship with hunting.
• Keith reflects on the spiritual significance of his survival and the lessons learned.

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Most pilots retire having never experienced 1 of these near-death experiences. Not Kelly Fox. As a 747 Pilot, he experienced all 3 ... in one ONE trip! That's correct. In just 72 hours, this pilot stared death in the face and each time his training fought back and wrestled the demon of death to the ground; each time emerging victorious and ready for the next battle. 

In this episode, we discuss the different paths one can take in becoming a pilot. Had you asked me before this episode I would have said you needed to learn flying in the military and only retired military become pilots. WoW! Was I way off! Kelly tells great stories about close calls, when planes are "covered" versus when they fall out of air traffic control, he shares his opinion on how the famous MH370 Malaysian flight can possibly disappear, and so much more. 

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In this engaging conversation, Nic McKinley shares his unique experiences as a CIA operative, highlighting the humorous and unexpected moments that occur in high-stakes intelligence operations. He discusses the advantages of using Riverside for podcasting, recounts funny stories from combat, and reflects on the challenges faced during covert operations. The conversation emphasizes the importance of adaptability and humor in the field, providing listeners with a fascinating glimpse into the world of national security. In this conversation, Nic McKinley shares gripping stories from his experiences in high-stress situations, including a tense confrontation with armed individuals and the unexpected assistance he received from a translator. He discusses the physiological responses to danger, the thrill of adrenaline, and the ongoing fight against human trafficking, reflecting on a decade of work in this critical area.

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What happens when a Secret Service agent stares death in the face—over and over again?

Meet Scott Bryson, a man whose career in the Secret Service reads like a Hollywood thriller. From high-stakes missions overseas to life-or-death moments on U.S. soil, Scott’s stories aren’t just intense—they’re jaw-dropping.

In this episode, he takes us inside some of the most heart-pounding moments of his career, including a dramatic hospital dash while leading the protection detail for Lara Trump—just as she was about to give birth.

Scott’s charisma, courage, and storytelling will hook you instantly. He’s built a massive following on Instagram and YouTube, and his podcast Beyond the Service is a must-listen for anyone who loves real stories of courage, chaos, and character.

If you like stories that make your palms sweat and your heart race, you’re in the right place.

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Summary

In this episode, Tony Ernst from Four Ocean shares his journey from waste management to leading ocean cleanup efforts. He emphasizes the importance of transparency in their operations, detailing the extensive documentation required for every cleanup. Tony discusses the equipment and partnerships that enable their work, the daily operations in South Florida, and the human element involved in their cleanup efforts. He also shares insights into the types of trash collected, the sorting and recycling process, and the challenges faced in waste management. Finally, Tony recounts personal close calls in diving, highlighting the importance of safety and respect for the ocean. In this engaging conversation, Tony Ernst shares his experiences with sharks, emphasizing their majestic nature and the importance of understanding them. He discusses the mission of Four Oceans, a nonprofit organization dedicated to ocean cleanup and fighting plastic pollution. The conversation delves into the challenges of ocean conservation, the role of consumer behavior in sustainability, and the need for transparency in nonprofit operations. Ernst highlights the importance of community engagement and the innovative ways they are addressing the plastic crisis, including creating products from ocean debris. In this conversation, Tony Ernst discusses the critical role of personal responsibility in waste management, the innovative technologies being utilized for ocean cleanup, and the impact of river pollution on marine environments. He emphasizes the importance of community involvement and the role of nonprofits in addressing these issues. The discussion also touches on the intersection of politics and environmental efforts, the challenges of scaling cleanup operations, and the emotional toll of working in this field. Ultimately, the conversation highlights the passion and dedication of those involved in the cleanup movement and the need for continued awareness and action.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Four Ocean and Tony Ernst
02:50 Tony's Journey to Four Ocean
06:28 The Importance of Transparency in Cleanup Efforts
10:05 The Equipment and Partnerships Behind Four Ocean
12:56 Daily Operations and Community Engagement
14:42 The Human Element in Ocean Cleanup
15:58 The Volume and Types of Trash Collected
17:21 Sorting and Recycling Process
19:34 Challenges in Recycling and Waste Management
20:52 Close Calls and Lessons Learned in Diving
31:03 Shark Encounters: Understanding the Majestic Creatures
35:10 The Role of Four Oceans: Business and Nonprofit Dynamics
39:13 Navigating Ocean Cleanup: Strategies and Challenges
43:41 The Plastic Crisis: Addressing Production and Recycling Issues
48:01 Convenience vs. Sustainability: Changing Consumer Behavior
51:03 Facing Criticism: Transparency and Community Engagement
56:48 The Importance of Personal Responsibility in Waste Management
01:00:42 Innovative Technologies for Ocean Cleanup
01:01:59 Addressing River Pollution and Its Impact on Oceans
01:05:20 The Role of Community and Nonprofits in Cleanup Efforts
01:07:30 The Intersection of Politics and Environmental Issues
01:09:35 Scaling Cleanup Operations: A Vision for the Future
01:11:41 Identifying Hotspots for Cleanup Efforts
01:13:33 The Emotional Toll of Environmental Work
01:20:04 The Passion Behind the Cleanup Movement

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From Airborne to Unshakable Trust

John Nelson’s life reads like a movie script—82nd Airborne veteran, government work across continents, and now the founder of a student tour company built entirely on safety, trust, and integrity. In this episode, John shares wild jump stories, Cold War memories, surviving chaos during the Boston Marathon bombing, and why his military background shapes every tour he leads today.

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👀 437lbs down to 205lbs. Listen to Keith Brock's inspirational story that began with a couch 🛋️ in Miami, FL and a gut-wrenching event that sparked lasting change in his life. One moment he was living the life of a 437 pound frustrated and miserable human being. The next moment he turned his life over and walked out of his old body. Some incredible highlights of this episode with Keith include:

1) he dropped 2 1/2 shoe sizes, but this is just one of the many fascinating bodily changes that took place in his life

2) the weight loss was the easy part, it was something else that was much more difficult to overcome 

3) the psychological requirements prior to his life-saving surgery

4) the difference between cash pay and insurance pricing 😱 for his procedure

5) eating tips for busy people and those who eat out regularly

6) a phenomenal tip to continue eating dessert despite needing to weigh-in weekly

Regardless of your struggle in life, this episode delivers great encouragement, motivation, and real-life tips that will spark change in even the most hopeless situations. Enjoy the episode!

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🎙️Host: https://www.instagram.com/hey_dad_can_we/

In this Interesting Humans episode, guitarist Paul Harrigill shares his inspiring journey from humble Louisiana roots to touring the world with Josh Turner. Raised in a pastor’s family steeped in gospel and bluegrass, Paul began performing at age five and formed The Harrigill Family Band by age ten. After dropping out of high school to pursue music full-time, he joined the acclaimed bluegrass group Flat Lonesome, where he met his wife, Kelsey. Together, they earned record deals, major awards, and national recognition before stepping away from touring life to focus on family. Paul reflects on struggles with self-doubt, faith, and financial hardship before receiving a life-changing call in 2020 to join Josh Turner’s band — just before the pandemic hit. His story is a testament to perseverance, humility, and unwavering belief in the power of music and family.

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Ray Schenk : The ultimate story of a Top Gun pilot turned high school teacher, whose classes all have waiting lists to get into.  Ray’s approach to modern day education, finding and developing leaders for the next generation and his keen sense of using AI & Robotics in the classroom have all landed him on Episode 52 of The 🎙️ Interesting Humans Podcast. He has a proven approach to consistently raising the bar for students so they can tap into their fullest learning potentials.  He is unique and very interesting. Here are some of the discussion points you will learn about in this episode: 

🖥️ Girl coders - What’s causing the spike, why girls are so effective at coding  

0️⃣ Zero Trust approach to cybersecurity

✈️ E2C Hawkeye Pilot

🚀 Top Gun & Top Dome school 

⚔️ Advanced warfare school 

🚨Enhanced interrogation techniques (His experience and training with different methods)

⚙️Quantum Resistance Model (cryptographic algorithms that can withstand attacks from quantum computers)

Microsoft featured his school as one of the top schools in America using AI and large learning models in his classrooms. 

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♣️ ♦️ ♥️ Jeff Tomlinson, 2015 World Series poker champion talks poker tells, card counting, rules, and stories ranging from dumbest thing seen at a poker table to the final hand before winning his gold bracelet! Even if you’re like me and do not play poker, you’re in for a real treat on this episode. Plus, jeff is such an awesome person and you’re gonna simply love the life lessons you will learn in this episode from the game of poker.♣️ ♦️ ♥️ 

On another note, I am so grateful for the introduction to Jeff from my good friend and former colleague Harry Fuller. He is one of the Secret Service agents that appeared back in episode 30.

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“This is one of the sickest and most gruesome displays of human depravity ever seen at the FBI” — Retired Special Agent John Macveigh.

I met John through Retired U.S. Secret Service Special Agent Harry Fuller. Harry is a close friend of mine (and we worked together 2003-2006) who appeared in Episode 30  together with Retired U.S. Secret Service Agent Derek Lyman (who also appeared in Episode 1 back when it was audio-only).

* Watch the full episode on YouTube here. 

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To learn more about my work and the conversations I care about, find me at @hey_dad_can_we

[Folks, there was no way I could produce this episode in my studio! It had to be done on the deck of Captain Allen’s boat, so we hit the road and spent a sunny afternoon on his boat!]

Captain Allen Mills — He’s a good friend, a client, and 45+ year charter fishing captain. He is owner of ACCharters in Amelia Island, Florida. I fished will Allen 50+ times and we became good friends and spent many hours catching sharks 🦈 , reds, and had so many other great times on the water together. My oldest son caught his very 1st fish ever with Captain Allen in the back waters of Amelia Island  what a day and what a memory! 

Captain Allen got his start in the shrimping industry in the Fernandina/ Amelia Island area. In this episode he talks about the 3 times [EVER] he had to deploy his life jacket. The stories will have you on the edge of your seat! He even talks about 2 different boat fires he escaped along with plenty of great insights into the business of fishing. 🎣  So kick back, make sure you have a coozie and stay dry! 

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“God honors treating people well.” — Susana Eshleman, CEO Children International

I was introduced to Susana by a mutual friend and former Chairman of the CI board of directors. She has such an inspiring story beginning with how she had to hide books under her bed as a child then how and why she got into college then accepted into Harvard. Full of twists and turns, pivotal people and books, this story is one that can bring inspiration to all. And it was all made possible because of 1 pivotal point where someone saw in her something she could not see. 

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My good friend Jack was at an event watching John Suttles share his story. Jack called me right after the event and said “Jeff you HAVE to get this guy on your podcast. His story was so amazing I walked up to him afterwards and got his number for you.”  Wow, Jack was right! And then some. Mr John Suttles shares his story of surviving Bloody Sunday, being a protege for MLK and whats most interesting and encouraging is the way he approaches life without the hate he deserves to carry, but refuses to. He learned how to read the hate from a very specific process taught to him by Martin Luther King. It completely blew me away and it’s gonna do the same for you.

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Shaun & Julie Francis have endured what hopefully no other human being has to endure. 17 brain surgeries, 13 months in ICU, multiple comas, seizures and more. When 7 surgeons told Julie her husband's only option is to enter hospice, she said "figure out a way" and they did. Without her advocacy on his behalf while in a coma, Shaun would be dead long ago. Julie's stern approach gave her husband over 1 decade of family time, travel and more. And, Shaun is now alive and well!

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Dave Cormack. I’m so thankful a mutual friend connected us. Our first pre-interview was at Starbucks and lasted 3 hours and 50 minutes! Dave is such an incredible human. Of course he’s successful with a business exit of $800 million. But there is so much more to this man. In this episode you’re going to hear Dave’s entire life story from growing up in poverty to selling a company and then buying the Aberdeen football club in Scotland! Loyalty, integrity and clearly defined business ethics are what drives 🙏Dave. He’s about much more than making money, you won’t want miss this episode! 

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I’m so glad a mutual friend introduced us. Mike Barnhill has such an exciting story from couch jumping and homeless to becoming #1 badge/lanyard supplier in the world. But how and why is this even possible? The answer is what makes this episode so extraordinary! It was ONE sentence in ONE book that changed everything for Mike. Prepare yourself for this fascinating journey of hope, redemption, clarity and healing. Thanks for coming on the podcast Mike!  

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Andy Cook is an amazing individual! 10 kids and CEO of a successful non-profit aimed at helping orphaned kids find homes. Andy talks about his days as Dean of Admission at Wesleyan School in Norcross, GA along with the pivotal times in life that shaped him into the person he is today. 

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In this episode of Interesting Humans, “Bonneau Ansley: My Comeback Story [Dyslexia to $440 Million],” real estate mogul Bonneau Ansley recounts his journey from struggling with dyslexia to building a $440 million business empire. He begins by describing the challenges he faced in school: being labeled “stupid,” failing classes, and internalizing negative expectations. Rather than letting that define him, Ansley used that adversity as motivation.

He emphasizes the importance of persistence and resilience. Rather than giving into defeat or pity, he chose to outwork others—putting in long hours, sacrificing comfort, and embracing the grind. He also credits mentors and role models who believed in him when nobody else did, giving him both encouragement and practical guidance.

Another key theme is self-belief. Ansley argues that success starts with a mindset—if you don’t believe in yourself, no one else will. He insists that “vision” and “belief” must precede results, and that failures are simply data points to learn from. He urges viewers to redefine failure, treating it as feedback, not an endpoint.

Finally, he underlines the value of giving back: as his wealth grew, so did his commitment to supporting others—particularly those with learning differences or disadvantaged backgrounds. His story is framed as a “comeback,” not just personally, but in showing how limitations can be transformed into fuel for breakthrough success.

🎙️Host : @jeffhopeck

🚀Guest : @bonneau_ansley

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Meghan McCarthy turned a disadvantage into a significant ADvantage! As you will hear, her voice is truly unique and millions agree. They love her funny and engaging videos on TikTok, Youtube and Instagram where she has 8+ million followers.  Her family business (Mccarthy Taxi and Flowers) was in 3 episodes of The Office! 

Enjoy the episode! Her entire life journey is so fascinating! 

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I'm a father of 4. This episode blew my mind. Listen as Hannah explains the Big 6, the COVID developmental effects on kids, her lemonade stand story, parenting tips & hacks, and much more. If you're a parent or know parents, don't miss this one. It's critical and I assure you'll glean several important nuggets.  

Thanks for listening to Interesting Humans Podcast.

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Lehman Brothers to Training Seeing Eye Dogs! Jim flew in from New Jersey, headquarters of Seeing Eye Training Institute. We go behind the senses starting day 1 arrival when blind students arrive. Jim explains what it takes to train these incredible dogs, how the students get chosen and matched to their dog, and so much more. He even gives the day-to-day dog owner some really interesting and practical tips to help FIDO become a better listener. Jim's career path change is a true testament to leaving a financially successful career path to pursue a bigger calling. Thanks, Jim. You have such an awesome story and I loved our time together. 

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Gary Young survived one of (if not the most) complicated surgery known to man.  Listen as he tells the horrific yet heroic story of having 8 organs removed and scrubbed with chemo. And it didn't end there. His body was filled up with chemo and he was shaken around for 2 hours. Help Gary raise awareness for this rare, often mis-diagnosed form of cancer, by tuning in and joining as he tells his epic story. 

*In the episode he credits Dr. Sardi to saving his life. Dr. Sardi is a world-leader in this difficult and extensive surgery.  Read his full bio HERE.

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                 Ty's first night was spent in an Electrolux Vacuum Box. 

His narrative begins with a touching tale of adoption, when a woman offered him to his mother just three days after his birth, a moment that resonates with biblical stories of destiny and community support. Ty's alcoholic father left the family early on, leaving him to be raised by his mother, with his grandfather and uncles stepping in as male role models.

Throughout the episode, Ty reflects on the importance of fatherhood, likening a father's love and guidance to the divine relationship with God the Father. He discusses his efforts to embody these qualities in his relationship with his seven children, emphasizing the need for patience and understanding, particularly when dealing with personal trauma and the challenges of parenting.

Ty's involvement in community service shines through as he talks about his role on the board of a local organization that supports adoptive families, illustrating his commitment to giving back to the community that helped raise him. He passionately discusses his current role as VP of Engagement, where he is actively involved in fundraising and supporting foster care initiatives, aiming to decrease the number of foster children in need and improve their lives through church-based community support.

The episode is a heartfelt exploration of Ty's life, highlighting his deep connections to family, community, and faith, which have guided him through various trials and led to a life dedicated to service and legacy. 

* To watch the full interview on YouTube, click here.

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Buyer beware of CRYPTIC-ness:  Home and Auto Insurance SCAMS! And great practical tips to help keep you safe from the continued lies and empty promises of such a snake-filled industry.

Today, we're diving deep into the world of home & auto insurance with none other than Brandon Smith, a seasoned expert in the field and Super Lawyer. If you've ever wondered how to navigate the often confusing terrain of insurance policies and claims, you're in for a treat. Brandon shares invaluable insights, real-life stories, and practical advice that can help you make the best decisions for your personal insurance needs. 

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Federico Castelluci was introduced to me by Randy Cross' son (episode 6), Brendon. "Hey Jeff, you should talk to my friend Federico. He's young and turned around SUGO, built Cooks & Soldier and Iberian Pig then the most incredible restaurant called MUJO. The whole place sells out on the 1st of every month. You won't believe his story!" Brendon certainly nailed it. This interview chronicles the full story of Federico's humble beginnings (ups and downs, failure after failure, and the break he needed to launch his career) to running Michelin-starred restaurant Mujo.

Some highlights of the episode:
✔️ His early years in the restaurant industry
✔️ Growing Castellucci Hospitality Group into a multi-unit, multi-state powerhouse
✔️ What it takes to earn a Michelin Star
✔️ Lessons learned from failure and perseverance

Federico’s story is a masterclass in hard work, creativity, and resilience. He serves as a mentor, advisor, and investor in hospitality tech companies and is a recipient of several prestigious awards, including the GRACE Awards and Atlanta Business Chronicle's “40 Under 40.”

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Louis Gump was introduced to me by a mutual friend. "This guy wrote a book and is doing really unique stuff with the biggest organizations in the world" is how it was teed up. And wow, it's THAT plus much more! 

Louis Gump, author, tells his fascinating story of taking massive organizations into the digital era using his framework of INTRApreneurship. He explains the fundamental differences between entrepreneurs and intrapreneurs. Before this episode I had no idea such word even existed! 

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David Perno had no idea what was coming when he accepted the head coach job at UGA. 2 A-level recruits paralyzed in the same year was just the beginning. This episode takes many twists and turns and also highlights his 5 SEC titles and College Baseball Championships. He's a great storyteller and has been through so much in his career! While nobody knows the real story why he was released after consecutive winning seasons, David shares from his perspective what could be the real reason. 

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We laugh... a Secret Service Officer and 2 Secret Service Agents walk into a room. No joke! We actually did, and the interview was fascinating. 

I interviewed 2 close friends I worked with in the U.S. Secret Service, back in "the days". We told stories, gave account for the 2 assassination attempts, talked about training inefficiencies and much much more. 

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In today’s episode, Host Jeff Hopeck (Former U.S. Secret Service Officer) gives a detailed account of May 11, 2005 (he was standing post on the North grounds of the White House). It was the day an airplane disaster caused a panicked, chaos-filled White House evacuation. Being only a few short years after 9/11, it was a charged atmosphere. 

“All the training in the world can’t properly prepare you for the radio transmission that turned a blue-sky, cloudless day, into what felt like the last couple minutes on earth.” — Jeff Hopeck

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Meet Will. Normal in every way. Except he fell into the trap shown in Painkiller Documentary. It goes like this: Experimenting with M30's and when they get too expensive the dealer suggests heroin. And it's that simple, and most times it's THAT DEADLY. Will got out alive and his story is just tremendous. It brings hope and inspiration to all who suffer and who may know someone suffering. 

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Chad E. Foster has accomplished more than 99% of humans. And, he did it BLIND. His story will motivate you to turn any obstacle into an advantage.  His book Blind Ambition will have you laughing, crying and wanting to make massive changes in your life all at the same time. While reading his book, and then while interviewing him in person, I felt convicted of just how many times I used excuses in my life instead of showing courage and persistence. I am grateful to call Chad a friend and his book is one of just a dozen that made it to my "read each year" pile in my library. Thanks, Chad.

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When I first toured Peachtree Farm, it was for a completely different reason than having them on my podcast. 15 minutes into the tour, things changed! This farm is about so much more than sustainable farming! They only hire disabled teens and young adults and watching them worked made it clear why this farm needs to be an episode on Interesting Humans Podcast. Joe and his father are unique individuals and have blessed so many families over the years by employing their disabled children. Otherwise, 80% of all disabled people in America are unemployed and struggle getting hired. And that is what Joe and his father have solved. They even do tomato tailgate sales once every quarter at the farm! If you're ever in the area (Norcross, GA) do yourself the favor of stopping by for a tour. You will be so glad you did!

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To learn more about my work and the conversations I care about, find me at @hey_dad_can_we

What if balancing a thriving entrepreneurial career and a fulfilling family life isn't just a dream, but an achievable reality? Join us as Chris Carneal, founder and CEO of Booster, shares his inspiring journey of raising over $700 million for schools while staying deeply involved with his family, including coaching more than 30 of his kids' sports teams. In this captivating conversation, Chris opens up about the profound impact of his upbringing, his passion for education, and the powerful lessons learned from his parents' relationship, all of which have shaped his values and approach to business and life.

Chris takes us on a nostalgic journey through his early years in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, sharing personal stories that reveal his love for baseball, his adventures in Egypt and Russia, and the influential role his parents played in fostering his respect for continuous learning and entrepreneurship. With a keen emphasis on mentorship, Chris introduces the concept of a personal advisory board, offering a fresh perspective on gathering guidance from a diverse network of mentors. We uncover how these relationships have illuminated his path, providing invaluable insights along the way.

As we explore the challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, Chris demonstrates how faith and resilience can lead to renewed momentum and success. His vision for Virtue Village, a collaborative workspace, highlights his dedication to fostering community and growth among like-minded businesses. Finally, Chris articulates his aspirations for Booster as a model of a redemptive business, emphasizing the importance of family legacy and the evolving landscape of entrepreneurship. Discover how Chris encourages seizing opportunities within existing businesses and the unique ways school principals can build a positive culture.

#Entrepreneurship
#RaisingKids
#LeadershipJourney
#FamilyFirst
#SchoolFundraising
#StartupStories
#WorkLifeBalance
#BusinessAndFamily
#PersonalGrowth
#Boosterthon

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To learn more about my work and the conversations I care about, find me at @hey_dad_can_we

What a great blessing to be introduced to Fred Van Laningham. We took the show on the road to interview him at his assisted living facility. Caution, he is a little hard to follow and understand at times and we did our ABSOLUTE BEST to edit the sound and quality. My goal in bringing him on is to shine a light on such an interesting time in our nation's history: World War II. Fred does such a terrific job sharing stories of his life and what it was like in those days. Thanks, Fred. (Fred passed away just weeks after this episode was produced, our hearts are saddened and we are tremendously grateful for this opportunity to share his story and ensure his legacy lives on forever.)

Fred VanLaningham, a 99-year-old World War II veteran, opens up about his extraordinary life, sharing not only the harrowing tales of wartime but also heartwarming stories of love and resilience. From the chilling moment he lost his hearing on a B-17 bomber to his six-decade-long quest for justice, Fred's journey is a testament to the sacrifices made by veterans. With a sharp memory and a gentle spirit, Fred recounts the legacy of military service woven through his family and how it shaped his own path. His narrative doesn't just dwell on the past but offers profound reflections on the freedoms secured by his generation.

The episode takes you on an emotional rollercoaster, exploring the youthful excitement of enlisting, the camaraderie of military life, and touching homecomings. You'll hear about the thrill of flying fighter planes and torpedo bombers off jeep carriers, and the poignant moment Fred proposed to his wife by mail during the war. We celebrate the adventurous spirit and unwavering duty that defined a generation, inviting listeners to appreciate the emotional depth and personal connections within these historical experiences. This is more than a recounting of events; it's a heartfelt tribute to the courage and endurance of veterans like Fred, whose stories continue to inspire.

#WWIIVeteran
#AmericanHero
#VeteransStories
#HonoringHeroes
#MilitaryHistory
#PersistenceAndCourage
#WarStories
#LifeLessons
#HistoryInFocus

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To learn more about my work and the conversations I care about, find me at @hey_dad_can_we

In this episode Chris talks about his time as an Army Ranger, his experience getting his black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, his significant pivotal point that forever changed him, and his incredible story of being first to create a cybersecurity blueprint at the Pentagon before the word "cybersecurity" even existed! It becomes simple to see why Robert Herjavec (one of the sharks on Shark Tank, hit TV show for entrepreneurs) chose Chris to be his successor as CEO of Cyderes.

2 of my favorite stories he tells:

1) Chris traveled to Brazil to fight 15 black belts non-stop for 3 hours. The story is funny and painful!

2) The 5am knock on his door from a couple Navy Seals shortly after getting home from a night of partying! The story is hysterical and you won't believe how it ended up!

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To learn more about my work and the conversations I care about, find me at @hey_dad_can_we

Stacy Miller was a fascinating interview for so many reasons. First, he's on a Netflix Documentary, Fyre Festival.  Second, he calls his Dyslexia his superpower! That had me blown away, and when he unpacks the story my mind became completely blown. And 3rd he prosecuted several high profile cases but none hit home like the Weston Androw elevator case. Excuse me being graphic for a moment, but I had to hold back throwing up when he told the story. Please.... if you or anyone you know has an elevator or plans on staying at a beach house/VRBO/rental with an elevator please please share this story with them. Unless it has the attachment Stacy mentions, turn it off. And 99% simply don't have it because it's not CODE and most builders don't even know about it. Stacy Miller, thanks for sharing your life story and being vulnerable. You certainly inspired me and your story will undoubtedly help many for years to come.

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To learn more about my work and the conversations I care about, find me at @hey_dad_can_we

I wanted to interview Jeff because of his reputation as a family man and role model in the community. I reached out to one of my close friends who hunts and golfs with Jeff and things fell into place from there. As you will hear (and see if you watch on Youtube), Jeff is a dynamic and passionate human being. His stories, especially the one about the ice bath and how they knew it was time to get out, are captivating and hysterical. My favorite stat is that he had 168 at bats until he walked. In the episode he explained why and how that happened! Thanks, Jeff, for a great episode and taking the time to share your life story.

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To learn more about my work and the conversations I care about, find me at @hey_dad_can_we

What a great treat it was to interview Matt. He's a good friend of Chris Scully (COO of a company I started in 2007, Killer Shark Marketing). In this episode you will hear Matt discuss how Madrona was an "Early investor into Amazon and many other great companies we all know and love." A fun fact about this episode, Matt broke a rib the day before while skiing and didn't want to cancel the interview! So, you will be hearing Matt speak with a freshly broken rib which to me speaks wonders about how he operates personally and professionally. Thanks, Matt for taking the time to come on the Interesting Humans Podcast. You certainly deserve a seat on the show! Here's Matts formal bio:

Matt graduated from Dartmouth College and holds an MBA from Harvard Business School and a master’s in public policy from Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government. He has been on the Forbes Midas list and Top 100 Venture Capitalists by CB Insights and The New York Times several times. In 2024, Business Insider named him to The AI Power List, which features the most powerful people in artificial intelligence. In 2017, Matt was named Emerging Company Director of the Year by the Puget Sound Business Journal in partnership with the prestigious National Association of Corporate Directors Northwest Chapter. In 2011, he received the Washington Policy Center’s Champion of Freedom Award.

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To learn more about my work and the conversations I care about, find me at @hey_dad_can_we

On this episode, 19 year-old Austin Smith told his ultra-successful father that he won't be attending college after high school. His father supported the decision and said you will absolutely be doing THIS one thing while getting your business started. And it's profound and frankly missing in too many young adults today (and even adults). 

How I know the guest:  I met Austin one day in 2019 walking out of a client meeting. Austin walked up to me said "Sir, I would love the opportunity to detail your truck. I am a huge Raptor fan and your truck is gorgeous!" So I took him up on it and got to learn more of his story along the way. It was fascinating and he earned his seat for episode 19. I hope he inspires you nearly as much as he inspired me!

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To learn more about my work and the conversations I care about, find me at @hey_dad_can_we

🎙️Host : @jeffhopeck
🚀Guest :  https://www.instagram.com/willjonesofficial/

In this heartfelt episode of Interesting Humans, host Jeff Hopeck sits down with rising country music artist Will Jones for a conversation that’s anything but ordinary. Known for his authenticity, storytelling, and deep Appalachian roots, Will opens up about the winding road that led him from playing bluegrass as a kid in Virginia to sharing stages with Josh Turner.

Will talks candidly about the pressure to fit in, turning down early publishing deals that didn’t feel right, and the moment he embraced being unapologetically himself. He reflects on the foundational influence of his father and grandfather, the values they passed down, and how those lessons still guide his decisions on and off stage.

You’ll hear stories of sleeping in trucks during tours, playing honky-tonk bars for little pay, and what it really takes to stay grounded in an industry that often rewards image over integrity. Will also shares insights into his creative process, the spiritual depth behind his songwriting, and the peace that comes from writing music with real emotional weight.

Whether you’re a fan of country music, someone chasing a dream, or just love hearing real talk from real people—this conversation delivers. Jeff and Will cover everything from fatherhood and faith to songwriting inspiration, road life, and finding joy in the grind.

This isn’t just another music interview. It’s a masterclass in perseverance, self-awareness, and building a life with purpose.

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To learn more about my work and the conversations I care about, find me at @hey_dad_can_we

Justin spoke at our kids' school one night. He provided practical solutions for challenging situations like bed time with 4 kids under 8 years old! I was impressed with his simplistic approach and his story is captivating. After the speech I approached him to come onto the podcast. Here's his more formal bio:

Justin Whitmel Earley is a lawyer, author and speaker from Richmond, VA.

He graduated from the University of Virginia with a degree in English Literature before spending four years in Shanghai, China, as a missionary. Justin got his law degree from the Georgetown University Law Center and he now runs his own business law practice in Richmond, Virginia at Earley Business Legal.

 His book, The Common Rule – Habits of Purpose for an Age of Distraction, was published with InterVarsity Press in 2019. He frequently speaks at businesses and legal events on habits, technology and mental health; and at churches and conferences on habits, spiritual formation and parenting. 

 His second book, Habits of the Household – Practicing the Story of God in Everyday Family Rhythms, released with Zondervan in 2021. His third book, on the spiritual discipline of friendship, is called Made for People and released in fall 2023.

​Justin also writes fiction and poetry, and is working on a children's book that will be released in Spring 2025. He is married to Lauren and has four sons – Whit, Asher, Coulter and Shep.

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To learn more about my work and the conversations I care about, find me at @hey_dad_can_we

Gay Hendricks doesn't need much of an introduction, so I will tell you how we met and why he was on my podcast. For at least 5 years I couldn't get over a particular hurdle I was having. Despite being successful in business, traveling the world, working at the White House (Formerly I was a U.S. Secret Service Officer) I could not put content online and look or hear myself without quickly taking it down! It was such a hurdle that I quietly squashed a dream of mine... a real passion.... and just kept living life. Then one night laying in bed I was searching for solutions to unlock a nagging & consistent struggle of hating to consume MY OWN content. I absolutely LOVE consuming others' content! A book popped up called The Big Leap (written by Gay Hendricks) and I read the first few pages and reviews about the book. The rest is history. That book, and that book alone, got my podcast to finally STICK. I can sort through the haters, the ones who have good or bad comments, and I can truly see it for what it is. It's my purpose + passion project. It's my way to help the world one person at a time. It's my way to leave legacy, so my kids can know me and who I associated with. My podcast is a place where my kids one day can see how I spent my time and who I spent it with. And finally, they can see that my mission in life is to transfer knowledge from one person to another. Simple yet profound. 

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To learn more about my work and the conversations I care about, find me at @hey_dad_can_we

Jennifer Dickenson has outlived any measured survival rates for Glioblastoma. That in itself is REMARKABLE! Only .07% make it to 10 years with nearly 100% passing before 12 years. WOW. The question is, how did that happen? In her book, she talks about the journey and how she made a radical life change that she credits to keeping her in remission. This was one of my favorite interviews and I went completely "off script" when the mic started rolling. The first question I asked was planned for 1/2 thru the episode but that didn't happen! We got right into it. You won't want to miss this episode.

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To learn more about my work and the conversations I care about, find me at @hey_dad_can_we

Meet Michael Young. He unpacks the entire process from trying out (over 100 tried out!) thru traveling rules, sideline rules and the entire lifestyle of being an SEC mascot. My mind was COMPLETELY BLOWN! I thought you just put on a suit and go... wow was I wrong! 2 mascots can't be in suit at the same time, even if it means one is in Europe and one is in Alabama and Michael explains why... and also tells a real-life story when that actually happened. Not only is the episode fun-filled and very interesting but Michael is a class act himself. A great guy, great role model and can be a tremendous mentor to anyone considering the mascot route. Enjoy!

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To learn more about my work and the conversations I care about, find me at @hey_dad_can_we