Between Us with John Roa

Jordan Harbinger runs one of the most successful podcasts in the world, "The Jordan Harbinger Show." The journey that took him there isn't so simple and these days Jordan cringes at the online "experts" that advertise sure-fire ways to rise to the top. On today's show, John and Jordan discuss the similarities of their stories, the potential toxicity of influencers' advice, Jordan's early Wall Street career, his TWO kidnapping stories, and how he turned a small-time pick-up-artistry show into the podcasting icon his show is today. Follow John on social media!@JohnRoa@BetweenUs_PodA Jam Street Media Production

In this continuation of John's conversation with Dr. Michael Freeman, the topic moves from the general dangers of entrepreneurship to some of the specific situations detailed in John's memoir "How to Get Rich and Die Trying." They also talk about the similarities between modern silicon valley and the gold rush of 1849, the five genetically-passed traits associated with entrepreneurship, and Dr. Freeman's brush with the world of Steve Jobs.Follow John on social media!@JohnRoa@BetweenUs_PodA Jam Street Media Production

Dr. Michael Freeman is the world's leading expert on how entrepreneurship affects mental health. For the past 20 years, he's been studying the effects of this career path on peoples' well-being. On today's show, John and Dr. Freeman talk about how his research aligns with the purpose of John's book as well as the identifying factors that can contribute to the pitfalls of entrepreneurship. They also talk about the modern phenomenon of entrepreneurs becoming celebrities, mental illness and suicide, as well as Dr. Freeman's company ECONA that is helping to destigmatize these discussions in the field of entrepreneurship.Follow John on social media!@JohnRoa@BetweenUs_PodA Jam Street Media Production

Mario Lopez has become a household name both because of and in spite of his success as a childhood actor; a career path that tends to have massive pitfalls. In today's conversation, Mario tells John his tips and tricks for achieving and maintaining success. This also includes his "Five F's" which Mario sees as his secret weapon.Follow John on social media!@JohnRoa@BetweenUs_PodA Jam Street Media Production

Over the last 40 years, Andy Bernstein has become one of the most iconic photographers in sports history. Even if you don't watch basketball, you're likely familiar with his work shooting historic figures like Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan, and the late Kobe Bryant. On today's show, John and Andy discuss how he got into sports photography, the battles regarding self-worth along the way, and the pitfalls that success can bring. They also talk about Andy's relationship with Kobe, how photography has evolved over the years, and Andy's affinity for the movie The Blob.Follow John on social media!@JohnRoa@BetweenUs_PodA Jam Street Media Production

Is it our nature or our nurturing that ultimately creates geniuses? Our guest today, Laura M. Wilde, is a Sports Mental Coach and Mind-Body Consultant for the NBA and believes unlocking "genius" requires a mix of both. John and Laura get into her past and what caused her to seek out a better way to help people discover their true potential. They have a good-mannered debate on the limits of the power of positive thinking. They also discuss how the identification and treatment of certain epigenetic markers in an individual can help them tap into their true potential.Follow John on social media!@JohnRoa@BetweenUs_PodA Jam Street Media Production

After turning her passion for baking into a nation-wide business success story, Melissa Ben-Ishay's journey would already be inspirational. What makes her story so extraordinary is who she built her empire alongside. Melissa runs "Baked by Melissa" with her husband and brother. Despite her proactive approach to running her company, she still finds time to raise her two daughters. In today's episode, John and Melissa get into the struggles and joys of running a business intertwined so closely with one's family and suggestions Melissa has for anyone attempting to do the same.Follow John on social media!@JohnRoa@BetweenUs_PodA Jam Street Media Production

Scott Budnick was on-track to be one of the most successful producers in Hollywood. Having worked with Todd Philips on films like Road Trip, Old School, and The Hangover, something happened to Scott that completely changed his perspective on what it means to be "successful" in life. Nowadays, Scott runs a non-profit called the Anti-Recidivism Coalition (ARC) that supports formerly incarcerated people in getting back on their feet and advocates for criminal justice reform. On today's show, Scott and John talk about what experiences led him to leave his old life and start down this new path. They also talk about how and why he's now approaching a return to filmmaking. Plus, his experiences working with actors like Will Farrell, Robert Downey Junior, Zach Galifianakis, and Scott's new film "Just Mercy."Follow John on social media!@JohnRoa@BetweenUs_PodA Jam Street Media Production

Back in June, in the wake of the Black Lives Matter protests that erupted across the country, John and Keyon walked through SoHo, New York. Along the way, Keyon was recognized by a couple people passing by, John talked about the artwork created on the plywood installed by the local businesses, and Keyon brought his trumpet. Keyon played a couple songs that literally stopped traffic and about a hundred other people walking along. Here's a special bonus recording of John and Keyon's walk around SoHo back in June. Follow John on social media!@JohnRoa@BetweenUs_PodA Jam Street Media Production

Keyon Harrold is a world-renowned jazz musician and producer. Recently he also provided the music for “Miles Ahead,” the Miles Davis biopic. In today’s episode, John and Keyon discuss the pandemics of 2020. Namely the COVID crisis and the racial injustice protests. Keyon talks about his life growing up as a black man in Ferguson and how he now talks to his son about racism. They talk about growing up with 15 siblings and how he got his passion for music. A passion that has led him to play music around the world, including at the Black Lives Matter protests.Follow John @JohnRoaFollow Between Us @BetweenUs_PodA Jam Street Media Production

Billionaire David Rubenstein wants you to fail and spend time with your family. Most of us will spend our entire lives chasing money, attempting to be perfect, but David thinks we should have a different kind of investment. John and David explore the financial juggernaut’s beginnings and what he now sees as the most important keys, not only to personal success in life but the future in general. As a member of The Carlyle Group, The Smithsonian, The Council of Foreign Affairs, and The Kennedy Center he’s clearly invested in giving back. He’s signed with “The Giving Pledge,” an organization founded by billionaires like Warren Buffet and Bill Gates which pledges to “encourage extremely wealthy people to contribute a majority of their wealth to philanthropic causes.” David talks about the 2020 election, the impacts of the coronavirus, and how despite his immense wealth, he’s still a human seeking happiness. For more advice, check out David’s books “How to Lead,” and “The American Story.”Follow John on social media @JohnRoa and follow the show @BetweenUs_PodA Jam Street Media Production

In today’s episode, the harrowing story of how Amanda Knox was wrongfully convicted of murder by an Italian court and spent 4 years in prison — only to be exonerated and acquitted of the crime in 2011, and again exonerated in 2015. Amanda shares her thoughts on the mental health impact of COVID, and some of the misinformation that has surrounded masks and distancing during the pandemic. Then John and Amanda get into the details of Amanda’s memoir and recounting of her arrest, imprisonment, and release back into a hostile world. They talk about how she was inspired to pursue and examine criminal justice reform through her conviction and acquittal. Amanda also talks about the incentives in the media and in criminal justice that can often lead to someone being “convicted” before they’ve had their day in court. We can’t often choose the struggles that life throws us, but we can choose how we deal with them and Amanda Knox took her own pain and suffering and is using it to improve the lives of others going through similar hardships.Follow John on social media!TwitterInstagramA Jam Street Media Production 

The John Roa Show is now Between Us with John Roa and our first guest is Dr. Drew! You know his successful career treating addicts and giving relationship advice on shows like Celebrity Rehab and Loveline but now hear his untold story. Hear about the childhood that formed his personality. Listen to how he dealt with the fact that he had immense amounts of medical knowledge, but was convinced he wasn’t the one to share that knowledge with the world. Plus, how he took his unique perspective and created a media empire in the “wild west” of the 90’s dot-com boom.Follow John on social media!TwitterInstagramA Jam Street Media Production

The goal here at the show is to bring you the most interesting conversations with the world's most successful people. Like any good entrepreneur, I am always looking for ways to do that better, and I believe we've come across some of those, so it's time to pivot! We are going to take a very brief hiatus as we re-program a bit of this show. Stay tuned for this feed, and at @johnroa, for all of the updates! Thank you so much for your support, reviews and listenership. -John Roa Learn more about your ad-choices at https://news.iheart.com/podcast-advertisers

It’s been seven weeks since the coronavirus pandemic began. In that time, John has talked to 19 different leaders. From a mega real estate broker, to the owner of a hair salon in Chicago, to an NFL coach, and the drummer of The Smashing Pumpkins. This final episode of Leading from Home highlights some of these incredibly inspiring conversations and gives some insight into the ways in which people are leading with empathy, exploring the messiness of life, and offering some ways to navigate through this crazy, unprecedented time. It’s a bittersweet wind down. But, we will get through this. This summer, we will be launching The John Roa Show, with iHeartMedia. The show will feature long-form conversations with incredibly insightful, influential and successful people, about our real lives.

John speaks with performance coach Courtney Seard on the importance of managing expectations and some ways to navigate life and business, through the coronavirus pandemic. 

John and his close friend, drummer Jimmy Chamberlin -- one of the founding members of The Smashing Pumpkins -- discuss how the coronavirus has affected the music industry, how it compares to other shakeups over the decades, and what may happen next.

Louis Black, co-founder of SXSW, joins John on today’s episode from an Airbnb in the small town of Lockhart, Texas, to talk about the festival’s cancellation, retirement, as well as, the profound and often unpredictable ways he’s helped transform Austin. 

Keyon Harrold, one of the foremost trumpeters of his generation, joins John on today’s episode to talk about canceling his spring tour dates, writing songs with a conscience, and using jazz as a force for good. He even recorded a special track just for us, called "Peaceful Ghostown". This isn't one to miss.

The coronavirus is changing the entertainment industry worldwide. From theatrical releases to film festivals, the outbreak has effectively cancelled Hollywood. And there’s no end in sight. So, what will a post-pandemic Hollywood look like? John speaks with Academy Award-nominated film and TV producer Laura Bickford, who shares her feelings, predictions, and thoughts on returning to work. 

John’s joined by Kirsten Jordan, a real estate adviser with the mega-brokerage firm Compass, to discuss some of the ways the pandemic has changed the Manhattan luxury market, how she’s managing active listings remotely, and her real estate predictions.

John catches up with his shrink, Dr. Vince Passarelli, a New York City-based clinical psychologist, to discuss the mental health consequences of the pandemic, therapy options while quarantined, and the ways people can stay sane during this time.

John speaks with Wendy Cambor, managing director of Accenture, about the ways she’s connecting with her co-workers and meeting the COVID-19 challenges with creativity and kindness.

John speaks with Jenna Weiss-Berman, co-founder of Pineapple Street Studios, about the pros and cons of podcast consolidation, and how she’s leading her team and producing new content during the pandemic.

Devon Levesque, a former athlete-turned-trainer and now entrepreneur talks with John and answers questions from fans on Instagram Live. He turned his passion into a business and is now an owner of the “most exclusive gym in NYC,” according to Forbes, and multiple other fitness-related ventures. You’ll hear his take on tips for staying healthy while staying at home and how he’s adapting his businesses to the quarantine.

Dave Morrow, CEO of Michigan-based Lume Cannabis, has had to change the way Lume does business because of the coronavirus. The global pandemic struck just as Michigan’s fledgling cannabis industry was expanding. Lume opened in December, just as recreational sales in the state became legal. A few months later, Michigan issued a stay home order, preventing customers from buying cannabis in stores. Dave talks with John about the ways the global pandemic has affected his company and the cannabis industry as a whole and gives his predictions for a post-coronavirus world.

Rich Antoniello is the CEO and Founder of Complex Networks, which runs video-first brands that cater to young Millennials and the Gen-Z market. He talks with John about the challenges and opportunities the coronavirus poses for businesses and gives some surprising predictions of what’s to come next. 

Rob LoCascio, the founder and CEO of LivePerson, is no stranger to leading during a disaster. LivePerson went public right before the dot com bubble popped. A few years later, he watched the Twin Towers fall from his office windows. But this global pandemic is challenging him in ways he never thought possible. Rob talks about navigating the workplace in the time of the coronavirus, the ways his company is helping their employees work remotely, and most importantly, how to lead with empathy. He also gives an opinion on what may change forever after the coronavirus.

Alix Peabody, the founder and CEO of Bev – a beverage company in Los Angeles that makes canned wine – has had an incredible first year in the market. Alix had to overcome personal adversity to start the business, everything from a rare and serious medical condition, to overcoming imposter syndrome. Then, right as she was finally gaining traction in one of the most competitive industries in the world, a global pandemic hit. Now, Alix, a first-time founder, is having to rethink her business strategy and learn ways to lead through uncertainty. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://news.iheart.com/podcast-advertisers

Kevin Conroy Smith is one of a kind. He first built a network of tens of thousands of powerful people and started to host once-in-a-lifetime events—for free—for people inside that network that gained global notoriety. He organically spun that momentum into an experiential event agency that was throwing off millions of dollars in profit.Then a global pandemic hit, that made doing business illegal for Kevin, as groups were no longer allowed to congregate. If watching his business dissolve overnight wasn’t bad enough, his physical and mental health would then take a hit that has already changed the course of his life and mindset.This is a harrowing and important episode about entrepreneurship, risk, mental health and perseverance. 

Alison Victoria is an entrepreneur, interior designer, the host of HGTV’s ‘Windy City Rehab’, one of the network’s best shows in its inaugural season. Just as she was wrapping up production for Season 2, a global pandemic hit, turning her world upside down. She joins John on the podcast today to talk about how she is managing through it, the effects on her show (and her livelihood), as well as some fun tips for home renovations, and what may be coming in the residential retail market.

Since opening three years ago, Diana Monteleone’s salon in Chicago was every young entrepreneur’s dream—loved by customers, profitable and rapidly expanding. Then, the pandemic hit, and like millions of other small businesses, Diana was forced into a deeply challenging situation, having to abruptly make weighty decisions that will have long-term impacts for her and her employees, and put everything she had been working on at risk. The episode today features a conversation with Diana from early March, when the pandemic was just beginning, and the effects were first being felt. You’ll then hear an update from her from just a couple days ago, on what has transpired since.

Sean McVay took the NFL by storm as the youngest head coach in history, taking over the LA Rams in 2017, and then went on to compete in the Super Bowl in just his second year on the job. He is the epitome of a leader, which he is now having to do from his home in Los Angeles, as he prepares for the NFL Draft, a new stadium opening, and managing both young and veteran players. John talks with Sean about how he is handling the crisis, how it’s impacting his ability to coach, his engagement, and how he feels about Game of Thrones, having just started Season 2. Don’t miss this engaging, heartfelt and funny interview with a true leader and gentleman.

Steven Galanis, the CEO of red hot tech startup Cameo, joins host John Roa to talk about how he’s leading his global team through the pandemic, what long-term impacts this may have on his company, and what Cameo is doing to help those in need. Also, John gives some perspective on the parts of the historic $2 trillion stimulus package that will have the biggest impact on entrepreneurs. For more information, please visit roa.com/podcast