Rounding The Bases With Joel Goldberg

Time for our "Best of Rounding the Bases" series! On this episode we recap the conversation with the co-founders of Operation BBQ Relief, Stan Hays and Will Cleaver. The two pitmasters have served 10 million meals to those in times of desperate relief who have suffered through natural disasters.Website: https://operationbbqrelief.org/

Burton Rocks is a sports agent and attorney best known for shattering sports contract precedent and has co-authored with greats from the sandlot to the silver screen, catapulting his moniker into the echelons of pop culture. He can even claim fame as the first lawyer featured on a Topps baseball card. His path wasn’t always easy. In fact, his is a story largely influenced by the challenges he faced as a child. It was when he committed to thrive despite adversity that quantifiable change began in his own life and for those around him. For Extra Innings with Burton Rocks visit: https://bit.ly/RTBRocks

Most of the time, Joel Goldberg spends his days in front of a television camera. On this episode of Rounding the Bases, Joel is joined by someone who spends his time behind one. His name is Howie Zales of HJZ Productions, the Emmy Award winning visual storyteller who has fine-tuned his craft for decades, making every seat the best one in the house for watching high-profile sports and entertainment. When in-person events came to a grinding halt, he made an unexpected pivot into media entrepreneurship. With great expertise and an even better attitude, he found a way to show up, delivering when the world needed it most. For extra innings with Howie Zales please visit: https://bit.ly/RTBHowieZalesHowie Zales Website: https://www.howiezales.com/

Marc-Antoine Bonin and Emeric Noel are the Montreal-based CEO and CPO behind Planned. It’s a first of its kind marketplace that’s streamlining corporate events like never before. Since 2017, it has simultaneously disrupted an industry and commanded the attention of the world’s most powerful corporations, transforming the planning process from stressFUL to stressFREE. With a bursting portfolio of carefully selected vendors and real-time user transparency, Planned takes the guesswork out of planning. All that’s left to do is show up and enjoy. For Extra Innings with Marc and Emeric please visit: https://bit.ly/RTBPPlannedPlanned website https://planned.com/

Challenges are inevitable. It’s how you respond to them that defines you. When today’s guest received a life-changing diagnosis, her future was anything but certain. But she knew without a doubt that she wanted to do more than just survive, she was going to thrive, which is exactly what Kim Becking did. She is the multi-hyphenate rockstar of resilience with a reputation for success. She’s an entrepreneur, celebrated philanthropist and best-selling author whose honesty and energy have captivated audiences for years. Educated by experience and gifted with time, Kim encourages her audience to see adversity as motivation, and empowers them to reclaim a life that’s better than ever before. For Extra Innings with Kim Becking please visit: https://bit.ly/RTBKimBeckingKim Becking Website: https://kimbecking.com/

Baseball tales are full of notable figures. But history would be incomplete without mentioning the most prolific - and arguably most forgotten - man in the sport. The Hustlin Ted P. Sullivan was the legendary founder and unrivaled huckster considered at one time to be the "grandaddy" of the game. His name was practically synonymous with it back when the west was wild and The Show was even wilder. So who was this Irish rogue who was regarded as the greatest baseball mind in America? Joining Joel are Tom Coffman and Pat O’Neill, hobby scribes and co-biographers of the book Ted Sullivan: Barnacle of Baseball. Together they’ll tell his tale, and even some facts, to lovers of good baseball and blarney alike. Ted Sullivan, Barnacle of Baseball: https://www.amazon.com/Ted-Sullivan-Barnacle-Baseball-Unrivaled/dp/1476684782For Extra Innings with Pat and Tom visit: https://bit.ly/RTBTedSullivan

Neysa Page-Lieberman is curating a new school of thought in the house of feminist practices. She’s a champion for equality who demands a voice for the invisible laborers of contemporary art. By rejecting tradition in favor of the radical, she’s reimagining its very definition, and recreating one where the role of women is cast in high relief. Neysa Page-Lieberman is the sparkling, ambitious Co-Founder and Co-Creator of Monuments to Movements. With obsessive curiosity, she’s honoring the communal accomplishments so central to our shared identity, and forcing an evolution that is full of endless possibilities. For Extra Innings with Neysa please visit: https://bit.ly/RTBNeysaMonuments to Movements Website: https://www.monumentstomovements.org/

As we head into Labor Day weekend, Joel is joined by two pitmasters who answered an unexpected call to serve in the aftermath of catastrophe. In May 2011, an F5 tornado wrecked havoc on Joplin, Missouri. As news outlets across the country broadcasted footage of the devastation, they knew they couldn’t just sit idly by. So they mobilized a caravan of meat smokers and set out to deliver the healing power of bbq. For those who have nothing, a hot meal is everything. And since then, Stan Hays and Will Cleaaver have served nearly 10 million of them. Stan and Will are the co-founders of Operation BBQ Relief, which they’ve grown from a grassroots effort into a national network for disaster relief. For more information, visit: https://operationbbqrelief.org/

We're rounding out another great month of Rounding the Bases! This is a different episode, but a fantastic one as Joel Goldberg takes his audience behind the scenes on the streets of Cooperstown. Covering the Major League Baseball Hall of Fame Induction has always been a dream for Joel, one that became a reality when the late, great, legendary Buck O'Neil was inducted in July 2022. In this episode, we hear the sounds from Cooperstown as Joel interviews Hall of Famers, fans, and friends capturing the spirit of Buck O'Neil.

Mike Foster is the founder and innovator of Lazser Down. The veteran coach needed a couple of seconds and a small screen debut to realize traditional sideline technology was lacking. But it took years of trial, error and fine tuning to finally get it right. Now that prototype has become a product, and it’s giving teams an undeniable advantage measured in yard, foot or inch. The future of football has arrived, and it’s ready for kickoff. For Extra Innings with Mike Foster, visit: https://bit.ly/RTBMikeFosterwww.lazserdown.com

Andrew Forman, is the Founder and CEO of Givz, the marketing platform that’s driving an important shift in retail behavior. From his groundbreaking idea came a better way to conduct business that’s as simple as a discount but as impactful as a donation. His proven model has become imperative to the identity of the most socially conscious brands. And it’s not just profitable, it’s philanthropic, and actually changing the world. Givz Website: https://www.givz.com/For Extra Innings with Andrew Foreman, visit: https://bit.ly/RTBAndrewForman

Suzyn Waldman is an icon of the airwaves. She’s the trailblazing pioneer with a Boston accent who built a home - and a legacy - in the Bronx. She walked away from the bright lights of Broadway to make a different kind of mark for herself in the male-dominated world of sports. Now nearly four decades later and against most odds, she’s changed baseball’s broadcast game for women and men everywhere. The National Radio Hall of Fame Inductee and legendary Yankee’s color commentator overcame sexism, discrimination and critique sometimes with grace, but always with grit. In doing so, she succeeded when many thought she wouldn’t, and became a stalwart of the game as deeply woven into pinstripe lore as the hard hitting legends who came before her.

Today’s guest is a tenacious entrepreneur whose story is as American as apple pie. Her name is Karen Boyd and she’s the owner and managing director of Patrice’s Culinary Collective. The recipe for her success requires one part inspired southern tradition mixed with two parts discerning quality. Sprinkle in four generations of home-taught skill...the result is an urban epicurean experience unlike any other, and it’s finally ready to be shared. Her repertoire includes soulful food and state of the art instruction, offering a feast for the senses, no matter your craving or culinary persuasion. For Extra Innings with Karen please visit: https://bit.ly/RTBKarenBoydWebsite: https://www.patricesculinarycollective.com/

Dr. Dean Gray is the Vice President of Defense and Health at MRIGlobal, a renowned Midwest research institute based in Kansas City, MO. Dr. Gray is responsible for the company's business operations across national security and defense and global health profit and loss units. With empathy and intention, he diligently monitors the international bio-landscape, leveraging science and tech to solve some of humanity’s most complex problems. For extra innings with Dr. Dean Gray please visit: https://bit.ly/RTBDeanGrayMRIGlobal Website: https://www.mriglobal.org/

Father Thomas Curran, S.J., is the newest past president of Rockhurst University who broke the mold of Jesuit tradition on his mission for scholarly excellence. With a literal handful of degrees and penchant for transformative leadership, he reinvigorated a community’s dedication to social justice. And from “the least” came the house that wisdom built, along with a city he’s leaving better than it was before.

Before you can sell your brand to the world, you have to know what attracts the world to your brand. So how do you do it? By tapping into the power of emotive marketing, not to sell, but to attract. Brian Gregory, the CEO of Admanity, a marketing consultant firm, joins Joel Goldberg to discuss the next generation in marketing, which is to tap into the emotional side of your advertising to draw in your audience. A fascinating concept that just might be what your business is missing. For extra innings with Brian please visit: https://youtu.be/cBA8DbbeSbYFor your free offer with Admanity email: [email protected] and mention this podcastAdmanity Website: https://admanity.com/For Extra Innings with Brian, please visit: https://youtu.be/cBA8DbbeSbY

A different episode for Rounding the Bases, but a fantastic one as Joel Goldberg takes his audience behind the scenes on the streets of Cooperstown. Covering the Major League Baseball Hall of Fame Induction has always been a dream for Joel, one that became a reality when the late, great, legendary Buck O'Neil was inducted in July 2022. In this episode, we hear the sounds from Cooperstown as Joel interviews Hall of Famers, fans, and friends capturing the spirit of Buck O'Neil.

We are rounding out another month, which means we are airing our "Best of July" episode on Rounding The Bases. This episode features Bonnie Hagemann of EDA Inc, the world class firm at the forefront of workplace equality. She may be the Chief Executive, but don’t call her the boss. She’s a leader whose deep expertise is changing the way the world does business from the top down. By amplifying the strengths they didn’t know they had, she’s setting blue chip culture ablaze, and laying the groundwork for the workplace of tomorrow.For extra innings with Bonnie please visit: https://bit.ly/RTBBonnieHagemann

There’s a saying that people don’t leave companies, they leave bosses. As workers continue to demand better, Joel's guest would argue that what many are calling the "great resignation" is actually a “treat me like a human” revolution. She’s a celebrated academic from New Orleans weighing in on the new school of leadership for our post-pandemic world. Her name is Dr. Michelle Johnston, the best-selling author, award-winning executive coach and Gaston Chair of Business at Loyola University of New Orleans. With compelling research, she’s facilitating seismic mindshifts, and positioning leaders to retain their talent. We may be working in a digital world, but authentic human connection can still reign supreme. For extra innings with Dr. Michelle Johnston, visit: https://bit.ly/RTBMichelleJohnstonDr. Michelle Johnston Website: https://michellekjohnston.com/

As Major League Baseball heads into one of the greatest weekends of the year, the Hall of Fame Induction, Joel sits down with Kiona Sinks who is prepping for what will be one of the most significant weekends of her career. Kiona is the Community Engagement and Digital Strategy Manager for the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum. And this weekend, Kiona will witness the legendary Buck O'Neil being inducted into the Hall of Fame. Buck O'Neil played a major role establishing the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, where Kiona now proudly carries on his legacy. With the same legendary spirit as the late, great Buck O’Neil, Kiona also highlights black achievement in America’s pastime and advancing a community where all walks and colors can equally share in its joy. For more conversation on this young emerging leader visit: https://bit.ly/3yGhhF1Negro Leagues Baseball Museum Website: https://www.nlbm.com/

Mental health is a conversation Joel has had many times on Rounding the Bases because of its importance. A startling one in five people will struggle with mental health during their lifetime. That’s twenty percent of the population. Yet still, a stigma remains and resources are lacking compared to traditional healthcare. Kelly Specht has made it her life’s work to raise mental health awareness. On June 23, 2017, Kelly's oldest son Carl took his own life. He was an All-American kind of guy with brains, brawn and enviable career success, but this illness doesn’t discriminate. Carl’s Cause was born, and his parents Kelly and Bob set out to raise awareness about mental health. Four years later, they’ve raised more than $350,000 and saved countless lives by reminding us that it’s okay not to be okay, and help is just a phone call away. For more on Carl's Cause visit: https://carlscause.org

Our guest is serious about making business relationships fun. He’s a big picture thinker whose business ownership success strategies aren’t just proven, they’re supercharging the entrepreneurial community. Paul Kirch is a podcast host turned founder of the exclusive think tank that’s like rocket fuel for your business. He calls it BOSS Academy, but most just call it awesome. What began as a simple ambition to bring like-minded professionals together has evolved into a growth acceleration platform that packs a major punch. With a master mind set on collaboration and his own set of rules, he’s facilitating successes one breakthrough at a time.For extra innings with Paul Kirch visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EkN3GInQ2nMPaul Kirch Website: https://www.paulkirch.com/BOSS Academy: https://www.bossacademy.com/

Fear can be a powerful motivator. If given the opportunity, fear can create dysfunction through ultra-competition and chaos. But for those savvy enough to frame it appropriately, fear also has the potential to become our greatest teacher. Gaurav Bhatnagar and Mark Minukas are the founders of Co-Creation and authors of the bestselling book "UnFear". They are masters of organizational transformation and have unlocked the secret to not just harnessing fear, but channeling it to achieve breakthrough performance. With their proprietary four-part framework and human-centric approach, they’re reshaping the mindset behind traditional workplace models. And in doing so, creating cultures of learning and engagement, where fear-based behaviors are a thing of the past. Co-Creation Website: https://cocreationpartners.com/Unfear: https://unfearbook.com/

In every thriving business, the product may be its heart but the company’s culture is its soul. Culture can light the fire that sets mediocre companies apart from the stuff of legends. Bonnie Hagemann doesn’t just know culture, she lives and breathes it…into her company and those of her clients. She is the CEO of EDA Inc, the world class firm at the forefront of workplace equality. She’s a leader whose deep expertise is changing the way the world does business from the top down. By amplifying the strengths companies didn’t know they had, Bonnie is setting blue chip culture ablaze, and laying the groundwork for the workplace of tomorrow. Connect with Bonnie Hagemann https://www.linkedin.com/in/bhagemann/For more conversation with Bonnie visit: https://bit.ly/RTBBonnieHagemann

Happy 4th of July! For this holiday episode, we are sharing one of our favorites from the year that celebrates our military and our country. Kelli Campbell-Goodnow and Colleen Katzenberger are members of a distinguished class of military spouses known as Gold Star Wives. The Gold Star Wives are survivors of those who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect our freedom. Kelli and Colleen are two of countless spouses who were given the insurmountable task of keeping their soldiers’ story alive while also rewriting their own. Folds of Honor, an incredible organization that provides support and scholarships to spouses and children of America's fallen helped the women to chart new paths forward for themselves and their families. Now, through their work with Folds of Honor, Kelli and Colleen are paying it forward, and helping other military families who are forced to deal with the unimaginable.

It's the end of the month, which means we're airing our "best of" episode! This month, we are featuring Jason Benetti. Jason's story is one of inspiration and grit. He pursued a dream and made it his reality. He is one of a kind and a man to be admired. Listen to his amazing story as he became the voice of the Chicago White Sox...and a star in more ways than one. For more conversation with Jason visit our YouTube channel: https://bit.ly/RTBJasonBenetti

Today on Rounding the Bases, we’re pulling back the mask of workplace culture and getting real. Here to help us do it is the pro of power dynamics whose expertise is as innovative as it is disruptive. Meet Dr. Kevin Sansberry, the behavioral scientist, author and founder of KEVRA: The Culture Company that is leading the movement against toxic workplaces. With an aptitude for authenticity and research-informed solutions, he’s at the forefront of a cultural revolution. By detoxing organizations and shifting mindsets, he’s improving the practices that help high performance teams cultivate genuine change…no pretense required. For more conversation with Dr. Kevin Sansberry head to https://bit.ly/RTBKevinSansberryhttps://www.kevraconsulting.com/

Today’s guest is nothing short of a dynamo. He’s equal parts DEI authority and entrepreneurial wonderkid whose purpose-driven thinking has earned him international renown. Arthur Woods, global best selling author, subject matter expert and perpetual champion for workplace diversity is the man of the hour. His tech prowess is unmatched by most, with countless more who stand to benefit from his hiring inclusivity index, his proprietary, first of its kind tool. His inspired TEDx talks grant you permission to lean into your inner hero, and his e-platform Mathison promotes equality in the workplace on an unprecedented scale. With unstoppable New York energy and a splash of Miami flair, he’s blazing a trail for underrepresented job seekers around the world, and won’t quit until each of them has found their perfect match. For more about Arthur Woods check his websites:www.arthurwoods.com and https://www.mathison.io/

Today’s guest on Rounding the Bases has a passion for introducing good people…to each other, to modern approaches and to perfect-fit workplaces As so many people in the workforce reconsider their professional future, how do they navigate change and find the ideal culture that will enable them to succeed? One person knows best, Casey Wright. Casey is the President and Owner of Chief of Staff, the Kansas City recruitment firm building the workforce of tomorrow, from entry level to executive. Meeting the challenges of the future means building a business unlike any other. So with proprietary techniques and a team of the best, he’s bringing his industry into the now, building connections that matter for job seekers and creators alike. Chief of Staff Kansas City Website: https://www.chiefofstaffkc.com

Retired MLB pitcher Kevin Moran and NHL center Matt Lombardi consider themselves opposites. But after each sustained his own career ending injury, the former classmates found commonality in the thrill of elite competition. A lifetime of pushing their bodies to the brink had them in need of a safe, effective remedy to their aches and pains. And so Beam was born. The all-natural, pharmaceutical grade and 100% THC-free CBD lifestyle products were the answer they had been searching for. Beam changed their lives, and now the co-founders are on a mission to empower people to live happier, healthier lives as well. For more conversation with Matt and Kevin visit our YouTube Channel: https://bit.ly/RTBMattandKevinBeam Website: https://shopbeam.com/

There’s bravery, and then there’s my guest today, who is downright fearless. Throughout her career, she’s been esteemed as the secret weapon to high-stakes contract negotiations with some of the world's largest financial institutions. Her name is Mary Redmond, the always passionate and sometimes shocking body language boss more commonly known as the Fearless Negotiator. She’s a businesswoman who means business, and manages to do it all by wearing many hats, literally and figuratively. As an experienced coach, speaker and trainer, Mary helps her clients turn the no’s into yeses and challenges into opportunities. After all, everything is negotiable, if only you are fearless enough to ask.For more conversation with Mary visit our YouTube page: https://bit.ly/RTBMaryRedmond

He may not consider himself to be an inspirational person, but Jason Benetti is one of the most profound, humble (and inspirational) men in baseball. He aspired to become a sports broadcaster and was lucky enough to make that dream his reality. He has claims to fame on both ESPN and NBC, though is best known as the voice of the Chicago White Sox. He has followed in legendary footsteps creating his own unique and different path. For more with Jason Benetti visit our YouTube Channel: https://bit.ly/RTBJasonBenetti

On this episode, Joel talks with a serial entrepreneur and political prodigy behind the best kept secret in real estate. His first foray into politics was at the age of 22, with a grassroots campaign aimed at returning his hometown to glory. He finished in a close second, but the campaign opened his eyes to the influence that property ownership has on shaping local communities. Five years later, he’s the quiet riot who’s shaking up an entire industry. His name is Luke Babich, CEO and Co-Founder of Clever Real Estate, the revolutionary approach to buying and selling. By creating a more affordable process, his startup from St. Louis is opening more doors to home ownership than ever before, bridging divides from coast to coast.For more conversation with Luke Babich visit: https://bit.ly/RTBLukeBabichWebsite: https://listwithclever.com

Leadership is a journey, not a destination. In this episode, Joel sits down with the brains and unrelenting passion behind a truly remarkable achievement nearly two decades in the making. Joining him is Dr. Roy Jensen, a brilliant pathologist, widely published scientific authority and the Director of the University of Kansas Cancer Center. His vision put Kansas City on the map, medically speaking, and was a process he will admit was no walk in the park. With persistence, he led the effort in earning our region its first ever NCI designation, a major success in itself. But there was still room to become even better. Under Dr. Jensen’s tireless guidance, the University is now well on its way to becoming a comprehensive cancer center, a rare appointment reserved for the most elite. He’s on the cusp of the ultimate achievement, and only time will tell what he accomplishes next.

Time for our "Best of the Month" episode! Danny Beckley took over as executive director of the Kansas City Symphony in 2019 and found himself navigating the pandemic months later. The entertainment industry took a massive hit during Covid, yet the Kansas City Symphony figured out how to stay sharp and in rhythm by continuing to play in a unique way.

As we approach Memorial Day, this episode provides a truly vulnerable and courageous discussion with two remarkable women, Kelli Campbell and Colleen Katzenberger. Kelli and Colleen are members of a distinguished class of military spouses known as Gold Star Wives. They are survivors of those who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect our freedom. Kelli and Colleen were given the insurmountable task of keeping their soldiers' stories alive while finding a way to rewrite their own often times finding a loss of words. Folds of Honor helped the women create a legacy for themselves and their children. By offering support and scholarships, Fold of Honor helped these women chart new paths forward. Now, through their work with Folds of Honor, Kelli and Colleen are paying it forward, and helping other military families who are forced to deal with the unimaginable. As we honor our fallen brothers and sisters this Memorial Day, let us also remember the ones they left behind. The heroes preserving the memory of their service forever.To hear more of the conversation with Kelli and Colleen, please visit: https://bit.ly/RTBKelliandColleenFolds of Honor Website: https://foldsofhonor.org/ Folds of Honor Annual Gala: https://www.fohevents.org/denimanddiamondskc/?controller=home

For 20 years, John Mikos provided people with creative thinking tools giving them the chance of equal opportunity to reach their full potential. And in doing so, he’s made a mark on preserving a societal legacy. He is the President and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Kansas City. While the goal of the YMCA is to strengthen a community, the pandemic brought paralyzing ambiguity, which gave John the opportunity to take innovative measures keeping the YMCA's mission alive. He mobilized essential services, offering a critical lifeline to a vulnerable urban core, and brought the culture of excellence he so aptly fosters to the forefront. With leadership that’s as reliable as the YMCA itself, John has made certain that as long as there is a need for exploration and growth, the YMCA will be there to help make it happen.

While on an assignment in London, Heath Wessling learned about the concept of wellness and discovered a strong passion for finding a healthy way in all aspects of life. After investing nearly two decades building a career in health tech, he left corporate life to pursue his passion. Now he’s the Owner and Founder of the award-winning Kansas City Wellness Club, an all-encompassing respite in the historic heart of downtown. He invites us to press pause on the modern stressors of our ever-connected world, and cultivate mindfulness of our best selves, kindly leaving hustle at the door, if only for a while. For more conversation about wellness with Heath Wessling, check out https://bit.ly/RTBHeathWesslingKansas City Wellness Club Website: https://www.kcwellnessclub.com/

Maki Moussavi is the fiercest of the anti-hustle variety, and she would like to welcome you to your discomfort zone. It’s the place conventional career advice tells you to avoid, and also where she found her authentic self. In a previous version of her life, this relentless high achiever reached heights on the corporate ladder, but that was before she started living on her own terms. Today, Maki is an author and coach who empowers you to do the same. By granting permission to reject tradition or even bend the rules, she helps uncover your own truth and pursue your most fulfilling, successful life, whatever that may be. For more with Maki Moussavi check out our YoutTube Channel: https://bit.ly/RTBMakiMoussaviMaki Moussavi Website: https://www.makimoussavi.com/

Joel's guest on this episode has an affinity for bringing the right people and organizations together. Membership is his passion, so it's fitting that his firm is dedicated to making the connections that allow them to thrive. Joining Joel on Rounding the Bases is Lucas McCann, the President and CEO of Core Affinity, whose calm is legendary and professionalism exceptional. His leadership has paved the way for growth and transformative change that are rooted partnerships. And as the undisputed expert at aligning vision with solutions, he skillfully enhances the value prop for clients and employees in equal measure.For more conversation with Lucas please visit our YouTube Channel: https://bit.ly/RTBLucasMcCannCore Affinity Website: https://coreaffinity.com/

On this special Mother's Day edition, Joel Goldberg welcomes his mom Nancy Goldberg to the podcast as well as his brother Marc Goldberg. Marc and Joel's full conversation is a past episode, but we repurpose the brotherly chat as they talk about their childhood and the love and respect they have their mother. Nancy has a fantastic story, one that the boys greatly respect and admire. They tribute much of their successes to both parents, but Nancy's story is unique and incredibly inspiring. Happy Mother's Day!

Brandon Calloway is one entrepreneur with two businesses, and each is an opportunity for him to design a better kind of world. As a graphic novel artist, he founded Dark Moon Comics where his characters normalize black heroes in their crime-fighting worlds. Perhaps more notably, Brandon is also the CEO and Founder of Kansas City G.I.F.T, where he works vigorously to close the wealth gap in Kansas City and forge a path to more equitable prosperity. To date, G.I.F.T has granted more than $500,000 in assistance to local, Black-owned small businesses. By making early startup capital and technical expertise available for traditionally underserved communities, he’s playing a leading role in the fight against systemic racism. To hear more from Brandon Calloway and his mission please visit our YouTube Channel: https://bit.ly/RTBBrandonCallowayKansas City G.I.F.T website: https://www.kansascitygift.org/Dark Moon Comics website: https://www.darkmooncomics.com/

On this episode of Rounding the Bases, the spirit of innovation and the tradition of music unite in perfect harmony. Innovation and music may not be the most obvious pairing, but for Danny Beckley, the two have always been inextricably linked. Danny Beckley is a peerless trombonist, distinguished leader, and most notably the Executive Director of the Kansas City Symphony. His foundation may be classical, but his approach to business is anything but. Danny’s repertoire is heavy on entrepreneurship, as evidenced by Kansas City’s evolution into an artistic stalwart on the music scene. And under his continued orchestration, it’ll continue its crescendo to the ranks of world-renowned Symphony with a sound that’s as richly unique as its distinctive style. For more conversation with Danny please visit the YouTube link: https://bit.ly/RTBDannyBeckleyThe Kansas City Symphony Website: https://www.kcsymphony.org/

As we wrap up another great month on Rounding The Bases, we celebrate Sam Mellinger as he transitioned into his new role as the Kansas City Royals Vice President of Communications. After spending 21 years as a writer for the Kansas City Star, Sam made a massive pivot last winter, as he moved into his new role working for the team he covered for decades. It's a success story of changing career paths, switching industries, and continuing to pursue one's passions. Joel talked to Sam about the differences in building trust and relationships in his old role versus his new one, plus leadership, culture and some baseball.For bonus coverage with Joel and Sam please check the YouTube link: https://bit.ly/RTBSamMellinger

Joining Joel Goldberg is Chef Ashley Bare, a culinary hustler and local Kansas City food legend. Ashley is a gastro-genius whose signature flavor is defined as east meets midwestern cooking. She finds inspiration wherever she goes, and her latest creation sets her apart in the kitchen. Drawing influence from the Swedish word meaning ‘at home’, she founded Hemma Hemma KC, the premier meal delivery service that’s changing the rules of the game. With it, she’s building community around the table, one thoughtfully prepared meal at a time. To hear more from Ashley Bare, please visit our YouTube Channel: https://bit.ly/RTBAshleyBareAshley's website can be found at: https://www.ashleybare.com/Hemma Hemma Website: https://hemmahemma.com/

On this episode, our audience will hear the incredible story of a former athlete who learned to fail forward. His football career was a charmed one. In college, he was a two-time all conference offensive lineman and also the MVP of his senior year. In 2003 his dreams of playing in the NFL became reality when he was drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars, and his athletic success helped pave the way for a lucrative commercial construction endeavor. But within a decade, a business deal gone awry left him without a home or a car, just a choice. It was then that Marques Ogden traded eight figures in revenue for $8.25 an hour to moonlight as a janitor. Even though the work was humble, it was his first step forward on the path to rebuilding the life he envisioned for himself. Now Marques is a speaker, best selling author, executive coach who has taken that failure - and its hard won lessons - to help others succeed. For more about Marques Ogden please visit https://marquesogden.com/

Joining Joel Goldberg is a special personal guest, Marc LeBlanc, the corporate dropout turned legendary speaker, four-time author and masterful business coach. As a rookie he was accused of not having what it took to make it on his own. Determined to prove the naysayers wrong, he went into business for himself at the ripe, young age of 21 and has never looked back. After years of trial, error and choosing action over perfection, he’s become known as the grow your business guy. With unique perspectives and an approach to business that breaks the mold, it’s no wonder he’s garnered a reputation for success that reverberates around the globe.

Barry Litwin is the commercial strength CEO and ace of initiatives for worldwide supply distributor Global Industrial, a $1.1 billion distribution leader of industrial and MRO products. Barry is a veteran e commerce executive with an extensive knowledge of optimizing experiences for his consumers and his associates. With his focus kept firmly on best-in-class execution, Barry’s award-winning leadership has enabled the company to not just survive, but actually thrive, in recent years. It’s a success few can attest to and proof that no matter what, he’s got this.

Dr. Kurt Graham, the Director of the Truman Library and Museum hails from academia and has led an esteemed career that includes doctorate studies at Brown University and instructing at Cal State San Bernardino. After his transcontinental pursuits, it’s only appropriate that he would ultimately land in the Midwest, at the helm of America’s original democratic classroom. Under his direction, the Library has ushered in a new era of transformation, becoming a compelling, modern vehicle for stories that are rooted in our presidential past. With skillful leadership he’s brought change for the better, teaching the lessons that are worth learning and protecting the legacy established by Give ‘Em Hell Harry himself. To hear more from Dr. Kurt Graham please visit https://bit.ly/RTBKurtGrahamYou can find the Truman Library and Museum's website at https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/

Sam Mellinger’s career as a journalist has ranged from high school sports to Final Fours. From Super Bowls to World Series. He’s seen it all as a newspaper reporter and columnist. Sam made a massive pivot last winter, trading in his notebook for a job in media relations as a vice president for the team he used to cover, the Kansas City Royals. Joel talked to Sam about the differences in building trust and relationships in his old role versus his new one, plus leadership, culture and some baseball.For bonus coverage with Joel and Sam please check the YouTube link: https://bit.ly/RTBSamMellinger