Rounding The Bases With Joel Goldberg

A former NBA player turned writer, entrepreneur, and speaker, Paul Shirley humanizes professional athletes by showing a side of sport that many do not see. As a "12th man", Paul's playing career may not have been glorified, he may not have been a superstar, but he found a true love of writing during his playing days. Writing became his passion. Paul is now the author of three books and the founder of numerous ventures including The Process and Writers Blok.

He was named "The Go-To Business Coach" by International Business Times, he started his first business at the age of 4, created his first multi-million dollar business at 24, and has helped others generate millions with his strategies. His name is Charles Gaudet and he attributes his personal success to his passion for his craft. Passion is what sets him apart and it's what separates his clients from being good to being the best. His words are inspiring, the conversation a must-listen.

A fantastic conversation about women in sports, gender inequalities, successes and failures, and how each of these topics fit into the workplace. Ann Gaffigan was a standout high school and college athlete competing in the 3,000 meter steeplechase. Had the steeplechase been a female Olympic event, Ann would be an Olympian. Ann is currently the Director of Technology Operations at Dimensional Innovations.

Superhuman might be the word to describe world champion boxer, Christy Martin. She was relentless inside the ring recording victory after victory paving the way for women in boxing. But it was outside the ring where Christy fought her greatest battle. After suffering domestic violence and a murder attempt by her former husband, Christy has made it her life’s mission to support family abuse victims and survivors in their own fight for life. She is a hero and a beacon of hope for women and men.

Youth sports has drastically changed over the years, but KC Athletic Training instills the heart of sport while also changing with the times. They have a culture that strengthens young athletes into becoming successful men and women. Jim Tuso is the Facility Director at KC Athlete Training, which has been in Kansas City for 21 years. Jim's own sports background helps him shape young athlete's lives. Joel and Jim have a great conversation about youth sports as well as staying on top of the business game.

Max Kaniger is the founder of Kanbe's Markets, a nonprofit organization providing access to fresh, affordable and healthy foods to people experiencing food insecurity.Kanbe’s Markets first program, the Healthy Corner Store, aims to solve food insecurity in Kansas City through small-scale, sustainable, and affordable produce stands set up in corner stores across the city. Max largely funded the project himself, but early success led Kanbe’s to expand to twenty-five full-time staff, and over 40 location

Sam Rapoport is the Sr. Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion with the NFL. She has dedicated her career to creating innovative business models aimed at enfranchising marginalized populations in sport. She has worked to shift and progress diversity hiring in football, and catalyzed a movement for women in sports by creating a new diversity platform for the NFL. Rapoport was recently named one of SI's most Powerful, Most Influential and Most Outstanding Women in Sports.

After spending 12 seasons in the MLB, Mark Teahen considered a baseball career in Italy when his next career was born. Maybe it was the Italian wine talking, but it was in Italy that he and his wife Lauren acted on their dreams of owning their own business and mapped out the blueprints for Sorso Wine Room. In 2015, Sorso opened in Scottsdale, AZ and the Teahens were restaurant owners. Joel catches up with his old friend as they discuss career transitions, pivoting in the pandemic, and wine and baseball.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Brandon Laughridge is the owner of North Terrace Property Management, a property management firm focused on management of small multifamily properties in the Kansas City metro area. His wife, Katie, is the owner of a successful home interior store in Kansas City. They are entrepreneurs at heart navigating the business world together.

A common trend in business is fear of change, the fear of transitioning from a safe corporate position to becoming your own boss. This episode is the story of taking that leap. Pat Phelan is an entrepreneur, visionary and strategic thinker in the world of hospitality. He has raised more than $100M in private equity for various hospitality projects, supplied and manufactured more than $50M in hospitality furniture and recruited hundreds of talented people for some of the top food and beverage brands.

She survived a rebel raid in Africa, and fled to safety in 2005. All she ever wanted was a better life for her family. Lilian Lemani is a heroic woman who made her way to America, started a business, and has made a name for herself. She is the owner of African Designs by Liliane and Amisi. She now employs other refugee women selling custom-made clothing to fit the customer's unique body shape. Liliane is a mother, a fighter, a surviver, and now a successful entrepreneur.

Jacob Schick is a third-generation combat Marine, motivational speaker and actor who epitomizes service and sacrifice. Jake is currently the CEO of One Tribe Foundation (22KILL). This is Part 2 of his story...a story of surviving a War and helping to truly make the world a better place.

Jacob Schick is a third-generation combat Marine, motivational speaker and actor who epitomizes service and sacrifice. Jake helps individuals and teams maximize their potential by using his experience and the effects of being severely wounded in Iraq. His story is one of recovery & resilience and motivates individuals to live well & is a staunch advocate of mental and emotional wellness of the human tribe as a whole. Jake is currently the CEO of One Tribe Foundation (22KILL).

From growing up in a poor community in India to working with some of America's top country artists, Marcus Rixon's story is a true example of what hard work and dedication can achieve. He moved to Nashville after college starting at the bottom of the music industry and worked his way to the top. He is now the founder and President of Rixon Entertainment Group, a frontrunner in today's world of entertainment. He has had incredible opportunities in his career, ones he paved for himself.

A former professional golfer, Brad Smith, took his experience on the golf course and created a sleeve that trains golfers on the proper mechanics of straight arm pitching/chipping. Over 50 PGA Tour players and instructors wear the sleeve in order to refine their game. Brad was born and raised in Australia and left his native country to pursue his American Dream as an entrepreneur.

Isaac's intriguing upbringing shaped him into the entrepreneur he is today. He believes we all have a dream and a purpose, and he uses his gifts by helping people live more passionate and meaningful lives. Isaac owns multiple Yogurtini shops in Kansas City. He is also a coach, teacher, and speaker. He's owned seven for-profit businesses and one nonprofit organization. His story is unique and courageous showing how we all are in charge of our own destiny.

Debbie Lee is the president and founder of America’s Mighty Warriors, an organization that supports our troops and the families of the fallen through education, advocacy, random acts of kindness, a Helping Heroes Heal Program and more. In part two of the interview, Debbie shares about the life and inspiration of her son Marc, who was the first Navy Seal killed in Iraq in 2006. His legacy is powerful and can be seen daily through America’s Mighty Warriors.

On Aug 2, 2006, Debbie Lee received a knock on the door that would forever change her life. She was notified that her son Marc Alan Lee had been killed in action becoming the first Navy SEAL killed in Iraq. Since that day Debbie has dedicated her life to honoring our troops and the families of the fallen, defending our defenders and fighting to keep the freedoms that our troops have fought for. She is the president and founder of America's Mighty Warriors. This is part one of her story.

In 2019, sisters La'Nae and La'Nesha Robinson followed their dream and founded Bliss Books & Wine to provide an environment and community to indulge in great wine while getting lost in a book. 2020 forced the sisters to pivot and become a solely virtual operation, but their dream was not lost in fact it grew and formed a nationwide community. Bliss Books & WIne is a great story of not allowing anything to come between you and your dreams.

SJ Barakony is an edupreneur, an educator and entrepreneur. He is the founder of SBSL, a business that designs and implements customized educational solutions. SJ is an active mentor, he is a creative thinker, a profound connector, the list goes on and on. Listen in as he discusses his unique career path and his aspiring future plans on this episode of Rounding The Bases.

Kiona Sinks is a social, civic innovator setting the standard for young leaders. Kiona focuses on bridging the generational gap as well as taking action in community engagement. She is a young activist shaping minds as it comes to social justice, inclusion, and diversity. With 10 years of consistent volunteerism, Kiona takes pride in giving back to the community. She is mission-driven connector, and a name you will remember.

A premier name in basketball, Danny Manning is an accomplished public figure, family man, coach, and 15-year NBA veteran. Manning is known for his passion, honesty, character, positivity and work ethic in helping young people succeed in basketball and off the court in the game of life. Manning's generosity and passion for helping people be successful are apparent every day as he continues to touch countless lives.

With 25 years as a marketing professional, Bob Martin has navigated a career from start-up firms to established companies. During his career as a corporate executive, he worked for Gartlan USA, The Thomas Kinkade company, and the Walt Disney Company. He’s a co-Founder of several businesses, including iWerx, designWerx, The Mercantile, EnCorps45, Digital Legacy, and Martin Marketing Inc. He’s also an adviser to various companies.

Josh Ross is the co-founder and CEO of Kerauno, a leading provider of global cloud communications solutions for business around the world. Josh has played a visionary role in the company’s mission to advance human interaction through communication technologies. Under his guidance, the organization has experienced triple digit growth, built national teams for scale, and raised the largest series A funding round in Indiana history - ranked in the top 7% globally.

After nine years of being an engineer, Mitch dropped the conservative mindset and established his own definition of success and happiness. In the middle of a pandemic, Mitch decided to go all-in on building different businesses while giving himself the protected time to be more present with two young boys and a loving wife. Even through the fear, the anxiety, and the sleepless nights, he’s never been more happy, more clear, and more excited about the future and the work he gets to do!

Michelle Wimes is an impressive Thought Leader, Inclusion Specialist, Global Citizen, Social Justice Advocate, Speaker and Author Chief Equity and Inclusion officer at Children's Mercy Kansas City. The former attorney is a nationally renowned presenter on professional development, diversity and inclusion issues in the workplace. Michelle is highly respected among colleagues and in the community as she continues to make significant changes in the work environment.

Gary Wilbers is a successful lifetime entrepreneur. Known as the Positive Culture Mentor, he shares his experienced knowledge by helping individuals & organizations cultivate a positive culture. Gary has authored many books. His passion is working with Special Olympics Missouri. One of his greatest joys is playing unified golf with Keith Lueckenhoff, a Special Olympic athlete.

Chris Cheatham is the Vice President, Product, Insurance Intelligence for Bold Penguin. He moved into that role in October 2020 after Risk Genius, the company he served as CEO was acquired. Chris is fascinated by the application of technology to the insurance industry. He works with an amazing team to apply machine learning to insurance policies with software that is changing the way policies are reviewed.

Giving up has never been an option. She has overcome an array of circumstances and events. Angie used each negative circumstance to fuel her drive to be more than what the low success rates for foster children would allow. After being abused and abandoned, she couldn’t have anticipated just how successful she would become. She shares in her book, A Recipe For Bad Lemons, a few of the sweet ingredients that resulted in co-owning a multi-million dollar company and being the mom of four.

Jeff Eckert is a sports referee, author and CFO of Catholic Charities of Kansas City-St. Joe. He is the proverbial "jack of all trades" in his life. Exploring new horizons and challenges seems to drive him onward. This includes rising up through the ranks in Fortune 500 and nonprofit environments. This unique experience allows him to see how the parts fit together and be a globally effective decision maker. More importantly, Jeff is a mentor at heart with a desire to be a positive influence.