The Culture Matters Podcast

Episode 6 of the New Year's Eve Lollapalooza is a collision of high standards and real humanity—where big goals meet even bigger intention.Jay Doran and co-host Mike “Mike Drop” Calhoun welcome a powerhouse lineup: Chris Vester, Maria Quattrone, Alan Whitman, Mike Modica, Matt McHale, with Jim Sabellico jumping in briefly to give flowers where they're due.This episode moves fast—but it lands deep.You'll hear Maria Quattrone share her 2026 word—Fearless—and the launch of her coaching and course work, including the Listing Boss 90-Day Listing Accelerator. She reflects on how consistency and community carried leaders through the unexpected, and later drops a rapid-fire “top lessons of 2025” that hits like a leadership manifesto: clarity, boundaries, momentum on boring days, and why rest is a strategy—not a reward.Chris Vester brings his signature grounding presence: 2025 was Pruning—not loss, but intentional elimination for growth. 2026 becomes Alignment, tied directly to his mission and advisory work, Align Your Nine. He reminds the room that “no is a complete sentence,” and that fewer, better things often unlock the next chapter.Then Alan Whitman, author of Break the Mold, unpacks the journey of transforming and scaling a traditional CPA firm—and why his 2026 must be Intentional, as he prepares to step into a new CEO role for a private equity-backed platform built to manage, protect, and grow prosperity for SMBs. He shares a practical speaking lesson that sticks: if you're trying to stop saying “um,” don't replace it with more words—replace it with a pause.Mike Modica adds the operator's perspective: Discipline and becoming Replaceable—not to disappear, but to scale through systems, trust, and leadership development in a high-stakes world where mistakes cost real money.And Matt McHale stitches it together—stewardship, leverage, and discipline—showing how relationships, consistent learning, and leadership development create compounding returns.If you're stepping into 2026 with a word, a vision, or a calling—this episode will sharpen it.

Episode 5 of the New Year's Eve Lollapalooza is a masterclass in what happens when high-performing people slow down long enough to tell the truth.Jay Doran and co-host Mike “Mike Drop” Calhoun bring together a loaded room: Matt McHale, Chase Gallagher, Rob Wishnick, Bill Reiman, Bill Mervin, Jim Sabellico, and Stephen Ronald—a group with real history, real scars, and real momentum heading into 2026.The conversation starts the way the best ones do: quick intros, long relationships, and a reminder that nobody's here by accident. Then it turns into something deeper—words for the year, what those words cost, and what they unlock.You'll hear:Jim Sabellico break down the shift from Bold (2025) to Alignment (2026), and why owning your story is the fastest path to freedomRob Wishnick on evolving in a changing mortgage market—and returning to obsession as a competitive edgeBill Reiman on the tension between vitality and faith, and the line that lands: “Without faith, fear decides. With faith, purpose leads.”Stephen Ronald on moving from Relentless to Unbound—and why the way you get to 90 isn't how you get to 150Bill Mervin on consolidation, guardrails, and building the next chapter without burning the house downChase Gallagher on simplify to scale, and why removing complexity can actually enhance performanceMatt McHale on stewardship and leverage, and how the real advantage is learning faster by borrowing wisdom from people who've already lived itThen Jay shifts the whole room with a question:What's the biggest lesson you learned in 2025—one sentence only?What follows is a rapid-fire set of truths about discipline, presence, leadership, and letting the past stop weighing you down. The episode closes with a call to connection—because proximity, tribe, and authenticity aren't just “nice ideas”… they're the framework.If you're walking into 2026 trying to become more aligned, more grounded, and more intentional—this one will hit.

Episode 4 of the NYE Lollapalooza is what happens when the conversation stops being theoretical—and turns into action in real time.Jay Doran and co-host Mike “Mike Drop” Calhoun are joined by a stacked room: Robert Frehafer, Bill Mervin, Brian McNally, Chase Gallagher, and Matt McHale—a group built on years of trust, shared history, and a common obsession with growth, leadership, and doing life with intention.The episode opens with introductions that feel more like tributes: stories of discipline, vision, resilience, and friendship. From mortgage leadership and development (Bill), to high-performance home services and coaching (Chase), to entrepreneurship, community building, and brand growth (Brian), to deep relationship-first leadership and long-term thinking (Matt and Robert), the room quickly locks into the theme that defines the entire Lollapalooza series: proximity changes people—if you show up ready.You'll hear:Why simplifying systems is the fastest path to sustainable scaleHow leaders evolve from “doing everything” to building processes that lastBrian McNally's 2026 word (Alignment) and the philosophy behind F** Average*Matt's emphasis on service and mission, and Robert's commitment to faith, family, and impactA powerful pivot from reflection to execution: the “Referral Party.”In the final stretch, Mike introduces the Board of Advisors-style “referral party,” where each guest calls out what they need next—connections, partnerships, speaking opportunities, brand support—and the room immediately starts building bridges. From getting Brian a Dana White foreword, to creating referral pipelines between landscaping, roofing, and pavement, to linking business growth with mission-driven service, this episode becomes a live demonstration of what real networks actually do.If you've ever wondered what it looks like when relationships stop being small talk and start becoming strategy—this is it.If you're listening, share this with someone building in 2026—and leave a review so this community keeps finding the people it's meant to find.

Episode 3 brings the NYE Lollapalooza deeper into the world of real assets, real operators, and real responsibility. Jay Doran is joined again by co-host Mike “Mike Drop” Calhoun, alongside Judd Burdon, Gray Wilson (Revolution Capital Group), and Robert Frehafer (Guardian Roofing) for a conversation that moves fast—but lands heavy.Gray shares how Revolution Capital thinks differently about real estate: long-duration holding, durability, and intentional value investing in core Philadelphia—avoiding the short-term flips that look smart until the market turns.Robert offers a powerful perspective from the trades—roofing and siding as both opportunity and responsibility—along with a personal story of faith, family, and transformation. The group zooms out to talk about how leaders in service industries can change lives when they stop treating workers like “labor” and start building people through culture, development, and long-term vision.Then the conversation turns sharply into the future: AI in the trades, asset assessments at scale, and the idea of building a “performance partner” network—not just subcontractors, but teams trained, supported, scored, and elevated through systems, standards, and shared outcomes. Judd lays out pieces of a broader ecosystem: tech platforms, equipment, training, dealer networks, and integration across pavement and roofing through property data and AI-driven assessments.A key moment: when asked to pick one word under pressure, Robert lands on it—Innovate. And that becomes the north star of the episode: innovation not as buzzword, but as stewardship—creating better outcomes for customers, better opportunities for workers, and better businesses built to last.This is Episode 3 for the builder, the operator, the investor, and the leader who believes the trades can be more than a job. They can be a movement.If you're listening, share this episode and leave a review—because this series is built on one simple idea: the right people in proximity can change everything.

In Episode 2 of the NYE Lollapalooza, Jay Doran is joined again by co-host Mike “Mike Drop” Calhoun, with guests Judd Burdon (Asphalt Kingdom), Reagan Weiss, and Andrew Berman each bringing real-time reflections on growth, relationships, leadership, and the words that will define their next year.The conversation opens with a guiding quote: “Life is not a problem to be solved, but a reality to be experienced.”From there, the group digs into the “word” tradition—what last year required, what this year demands, and how transformation actually happens when the calendar turns.Judd shares a year marked by Change—a move across countries, leadership shifts, and a powerful “day with Jay” that reframed what's possible. His word for 2026 becomes Integration, as he maps a bigger ecosystem across e-commerce, manufacturing, brick-and-mortar expansion, and technology.Reagan reflects on a year of Relationships—and why his 2026 word is Obedience: obedience to God, family, and the relationships he's been given stewardship over. Andrew Berman joins the conversation to unpack his word, Accountability, and the structure required to actually live it—especially as a leader scaling a team and organization.Along the way, they debate founder vs CEO mindsets, discuss what makes real advisors different from coaches and consultants, and return to the core theme of the day: proximity can spark transformation—but only if your mindset is ready to receive it.If you're entering a new year looking for clarity, better questions, and a deeper standard—this episode is your reset.If you want, I can also do a shorter description (60–90 words) for Apple/Spotify and a YouTube description with timestamps.

The NYE Lollapalooza is not about predictions or resolutions. It's about reflection, responsibility, and deciding—consciously—who you are becoming as the calendar turns.In Episode 1, Jay Doran opens the day alongside longtime collaborator and co-host Mike Calhoun for a wide-ranging, deeply philosophical conversation on growth, transformation, and personal ownership.They explore the idea that life can only be understood backward, but must be lived forward—and why a new year isn't a clean slate, but another shot to do it better. Through metaphors of fire, light, proximity, and chemical reactions, Jay and Mike unpack why some people ignite when placed in the right environments, while others remain “duds,” even when all the ingredients for growth are present.This episode dives into:Why real growth requires intensity, friction, and self-confrontationHow proximity to the right people creates transformation—if your mindset allows itThe danger of carrying old habits into a new year unchangedWhy repetition, practice, and responsibility are required to “grow your knife”The difference between collecting wisdom and actually activating itJay reflects on his word for the year shifting from Intensity to Love, framing love as “intensity externalized”—the act of caring deeply about the existence of another. Mike shares his own evolution from Recalibration to a defining word for the coming year: Different, underscoring the truth that better outcomes require different actions—and the strength to break old patterns.This episode sets the tone for the entire NYE Lollapalooza series:Think clearly. Take ownership. Be strong. Be different.And don't just sit in the room—leave it changed.

Technology doesn't fail, systems do.In this episode, Jay sits down with David Levine to explore the core of systems through the lens of technology and how the tools we build, adopt, and rely on quietly shape behavior, culture, and outcomes inside organizations. This is not a conversation about software features or trends—it's about how technological systems influence the way people think, communicate, and make decisions.David breaks down why most tech frustrations aren't caused by bad tools, but by poorly designed systems around them: fragmented workflows, unclear ownership, misaligned incentives, and a lack of intentional architecture. Together, they discuss how technology should support human behavior, not complicate it and why leaders must take responsibility for the systems they allow to exist.The conversation challenges the assumption that more technology equals better results. Instead, it reframes progress as clarity, integration, and purpose. When systems are intentional, technology becomes an amplifier of culture. When they're not, it becomes noise.This episode is for leaders, operators, and builders who want technology to create leverage not friction and who understand that culture, efficiency, and execution all live downstream from the systems we design.A practical, thoughtful discussion on building technological systems that actually work for people—not against them.

Danijel Velicki is a Croatian-born entrepreneur and financial educator known as the Founder and CEO of Sqwire, an online financial wellness and literacy platform.Mark Richards is the founder and a principal consultant at Cool Hollow, a business consulting and financial services firm based in Pennsylvania.Mark and Danijel have been friends for 10+ years and have been working together and best friends ever since. When Jay attended Mark's company's event a few months ago Jay met Danijel and all three of them have formed a great and magical combination of minds. Today they spend the next hour with you discussing what it means to really show up for yourself, your people, and what you believe in. This conversation is just a small piece of how powerful these three can be together. Listen to the whole thing and learn from some of the best in business. 

In this episode, Jay and Jenna sit down for an honest conversation about what culture really is — and why it matters more than ever.They unpack the heart of Culture Matters: not as a buzzword or a corporate initiative, but as the way people think, communicate, and show up in their work, relationships, and leadership. Culture isn't something you hang on a wall, it's something you live every day, whether you're intentional about it or not.Jenna, Jay Doran's wife joins the show and together, they talk about who they are as a team, why alignment matters, and how shared values create clarity in environments that often feel noisy and disconnected. They also discuss why culture must be built from the inside out, how values guide decisions when things get hard, and why leadership begins with self-awareness.This conversation also explores the power of thinking before reacting, creating space for honest dialogue, and building environments where people feel seen, challenged, and supported. At its core, Culture Matters exists to help people think clearly because when people think clearly, they change.If you're a leader, entrepreneur, or someone who cares deeply about building something meaningful in business or in life this episode will challenge you to rethink how culture shows up in everything you do

It has been a couple of months, but we are finally back with Thirty Days of Thought featuring our very own Jay Doran as he discusses excerpts from his book, Thirty Days of Thought.  On today's episode, Jay is focusing on the chapter entitled "Happy Birthday".  We are kicking off the episode (recorded on November 16, 2025) with a very big happy birthday shout out to our friend, returning guest, and "Tales of Giving" series collaborator, Mr. Demetri Stakias!  From there, Jay goes on to discuss the blessing of having people around that don't give you a choice on whether or not you are celebrating your birthday, using the birthday as a caveat for action and for growth, and not using age as a measuring stick for your success or for where you think you ought to be in life if you aren't where you think you should be.  To anyone who listens to this on their actual birthday, we wish you the happiest of happy birthdays and we hope that you enjoy this episode of The Culture Matters Podcast.

"Every act of creation is first of all an act of destruction." - Pablo PicassoHost of "The Relief Podcast", author of How to Get Your Life Back, and founder of Real Estate Relief Demetri Stakias is here once again and this time it is at the start of a brand new series.  The "Tales of Giving" is going to be an uplifting journey we take with Demetri as we explore positivity and believing in yourself and not being afraid to be yourself.  In today's discussion, which just so happened to be recorded on the day separating Gary Vee's birthday and Demetri's birthday, we're starting off with Demetri telling a great story about dressing up like an elf to deliver Gary a birthday gift.  Whether or not the gift arrived will become clear once you dive into the episode, but the main point of the story is to find fun and whimsy and happiness in your day-to-day life and stop equating your happiness to your success.  The discussion also covers problem-solving starting up with the Gordian knot, being kind while also doing a bit of self-promotion, and having the courage to get up, leave, and do your own thing even on day 1 of an event.  We hope you are as excited for this series as we are to bring it to you on The Culture Matters Podcast.

"Lollapalooza effects can make you rich or they can kill you." - Charles T. MungerReal estate professional, businessman, co-owner of R.K. Reiman, and host of "The Real Build" podcast Bill Reiman is joining us on the show once again and we've got a good one in store for you today because we are jamming to some lollapalooza.  No, we don't mean the Chicago-based music festival.  We're talking about the Charlie Munger coined term "lollapalooza effect" which means a situation where multiple psychological biases, tendencies, or forces act together in the same direction, creating an extreme, amplified outcome that is far greater than the sum of its parts.  Bill and Jay are talking about the ability to make good connections between, how equally important it is to know when not to connect certain people, the benefits of a group of like-minded individuals coming together for the common good, and what it is that makes Naples, Florida such a wonderful, unique, and opportunity-filled place.  This episode is dedicated to bringing people together and we hope you're inspired to participate and appreciate those who are together with you after this episode of The Culture Matters Podcast.

"The big money is not in the buying or selling, but in the waiting." - Charles T. MungerOne episode simply wasn't enough to go over everything we wanted to when it comes discussing market updates, so we had no choice but to make it a two-parter.  We are happy to welcome back our co-host for the Investor Series and the founder of Arena Securities, Aleck Arena, to put a bow on our last episode.  In today's discussion, Aleck and Jay are taking a look at why Aleck prefers quarterly updates over monthly updates, where technology is heading and how it is affecting some investment strategies, the media force that is YouTube, the fact that there this an entire ecology surrounding a founder and how it is used to shape the company as a whole, and how to manage regret when it comes to not investing in something that maybe you should have that has taken off.  Aleck has a great mind for investing and we are always grateful to have him on The Culture Matters Podcast.Disclaimer: The information contained in this episode is not personal financial product advice and has been prepared without taking into account the objectives, financial situation, or needs of any particular person. Culture Matters does not hold an Australian Financial Services License and is not authorised to provide general or personal financial product advice. Before making any investment decision, you should consult a licensed financial adviser. Past performance is not indicative of future performance.

"Soros has taught me that when you have tremendous conviction on a trade, you have to go for the jugular. It takes courage to be a pig. It takes courage to ride a profit with huge leverage." - Stanley DruckenmillerIn store on today's episode of The Culture Matters Podcast, we are returning to one of our favorite areas of discussion: investing!  And we couldn't think of anyone  better to broach the subject with than our co-host of the Investor Series and the founder of Arena Securities, Aleck Arena.  During this discussion, Aleck and Jay are diving a little deeper into some specific companies and uncovering what the past few months have looked like from an investor standpoint.  We're also getting into not every investment is going to be a winner, the growth of potential return that comes with the success of a company, and how training leads to people looking for more lucrative opportunities.  We hope you enjoy this episode of The Culture Matters Podcast.Disclaimer: The information contained in this episode is not personal financial product advice and has been prepared without taking into account the objectives, financial situation, or needs of any particular person. Culture Matters does not hold an Australian Financial Services License and is not authorised to provide general or personal financial product advice. Before making any investment decision, you should consult a licensed financial adviser. Past performance is not indicative of future performance.

"Give me a lever long enough and a fulcrum on which to place it and I will move the world." - ArchimedesAfter a brief hiatus, The Culture Matters Podcast is back with a vengeance and we are starting this thing off right with a wonderful guest making his first appearance on the show.  A long-time leader in the business training space having worked with such companies as General Electric, and the founder of PCK Partners, Hector Sanchez, is joining us on the program today and we are extremely excited to be speaking with someone with Hector's pedigree and experience.  Hector and Jay are digging into what it means to be a servant leader and what makes this an important concept in the field of leadership, why it is up to the leader to understand and elevate the performance of those that are working underneath them, and why having a broader understanding of the business at large will help the leaders of organizations more successful in their endeavors to inspire and motivate.  If there was ever a master class in being a leader and what leadership actually is and boils down to, this is it.  Hector has a great way of describing his techniques and views on leading that make it plausible and easy to follow and we hope you get as much as you possibly can out of this episode of The Culture Matters Podcast.

On a very special episode of The Culture Matters Podcast, we are bringing back The Investor Series with the founder of Arena Securities and co-host of the series, Aleck Arena, flying solo.  Aleck's guest today is a man whose family has over 125 years of experience in the Australian financial market and who has been the chairman of that company, Soul Patts, for the past quarter of a century, Rob Milner.  Aleck and Rob are discussing Rob's family's history and how his great grandfather began this successful organization, some of the current trends in the Australian financial market, how that translates to the American listener, and some of the strategies Rob has employed to take his company into the 21st century and beyond.  It was a real treat to have Rob on the show and we hope you enjoy this episode of The Culture Matters Podcast.Disclaimer: The information contained in this episode is not personal financial product advice and has been prepared without taking into account the objectives, financial situation, or needs of any particular person. Culture Matters does not hold an Australian Financial Services License and is not authorised to provide general or personal financial product advice. Before making any investment decision, you should consult a licensed financial adviser. Past performance is not indicative of future performance.

"Its more important to win than be right."On today's episode of The Culture Matters Podcast, we are welcoming a new guest to the program and we couldn't be more excited to have him!  Senior Portfolio Manager with Pine Valley Investments, multi-asset trading aficionado, and investing expert Mark Magarian is debuting on the show and is following in a long tradition of excellent guests from Pine Valley Investments.  During their conversation, Mark and Jay dig into Mark's journey through the world of high finance, the understanding that if you want something bad enough you have to be willing to take risks and sometimes prove that you're the person who deserves it, taking the time to find your opportunities and understanding that confidence and sometimes fear can lead to making them fruitful, and how strategies for investing can differ in aggressiveness when it's your money versus someone else's.  We hope you enjoy this episode of The Culture Matters Podcast.Disclaimer: The information contained in this episode is not personal financial product advice and has been prepared without taking into account the objectives, financial situation, or needs of any particular person. Culture Matters is not authorized to provide general or personal financial product advice. Before making any investment decision, you should consult a licensed financial adviser. Past performance is not indicative of future performance.

"Tough times don't last, tough teams do." - Robert SchullerOn today's latest installment of The Culture Matters Podcast, our very own Jay Doran is sitting down with the show's producer, Kyle DiRaddo, to continue their discussion on the in's and out's of what drives Culture Matters.  During their discussion, Jay and Kyle and chatting about what a shift in company culture means and looks like from the ground up.  Company culture is an organic thing.  It is going to exist from the most of conception for a company and it is going to grow and change with the company.  It won't happen all at once, but instead take time to become the next iteration of itself.  What that next manifestation looks like affects everyone in the organization and it takes everyone buying in to make sure it becomes what it should.  We're covering all of that and more on today's episode of The Culture Matters Podcast.

On this edition of The Culture Matters Podcast, our very own Jay Doran is having another discussion with the show's producer, Kyle DiRaddo, and discussing some of the thoughts, feelings, and motivations behind Culture Matters as an organization.  In today's discussion, Jay and Kyle are focusing on the work that goes into a culture shift in a company and where that work actually begins.  What specifically should a coach or advisor be looking for when evaluating a company's culture?  Are there universal signs that something is amiss or does it vary from company to company?  When the shift does happen, is it something that is felt all at once by everyone in the company or is it more of a gradual shift that just happens?  We're diving into all of that and more on this episode of The Culture Matters Podcast.

"Resistance is futile." - The Borg Collective, Star TrekOn today's edition of The Culture Matters Podcast, our very own Jay Doran is sitting down with the show's producer, Kyle DiRaddo, for a conversation about what makes Culture Matters go.  For this discussion, Jay and Kyle are digging into some of the reasons that people may be hesitant to hire a coach or an advisor, what may trigger some resistance to having a third party come in to evaluate their company's culture, why some pushback actually might be a good thing when it comes to culture evaluation, and whether or not the advisor/advisee relationship has a tangible stopping point.  We hope you enjoy this conversation on this episode of The Culture Matters Podcast.

On this episode of The Culture Matters Podcast, our very own Jay Doran is stepping up to the mic for a quick discussion on what it means to be the second generation of a business.  Using the story of Alexander the Great and his ascension to ruling the Macedonian empire after the murder of his father, King Philip II, as a jumping off point, Jay is digging in to what it means to continue a legacy and forge your own path in that pursuit.  There is a certain amount of pressure that comes with being put into a position where you are responsible for furthering something that you didn't create in the first place.  How will you respond to that pressure?  Will you rise to the occasion and continue to build and push for more or will you simply try to maintain the status quo and coast?  We're getting right into it on this episode of The Culture Matters Podcast.

On today's episode of The Culture Matters Podcast, our very own Jay Doran is back behind the mic for another discussion on our favorite subject...culture.  The topic for this episode is limiting beliefs.  Limiting beliefs can be seen as a barrier toward reaching your true potential or preventing you from taking a leap when an opportunity presents itself.  Limiting beliefs can also be seen as a protective shield to prevent you from getting hurt or disappointed or growing beyond your means.  From the standpoint of corporate culture, are limiting beliefs a positive or a negative?  Can they even be categorized as such?  As we progress in our entrepreneurial journey, do limiting our beliefs help us or hinder us?  We're covering all of that and more on this episode of The Culture Matters Podcast.

"The crucial differences which distinguish human societies and human beings are not biological, they are cultural." - Ruth BenedictOn today's episode of The Culture Matters Podcast, our very own Jay Doran is sitting down once again with the show's producer, Kyle DiRaddo, to discuss some of the in's and out's of what makes Culture Matters tick.  In the first episode of this series, Jay and Kyle discussed some base-level topics regarding what advising corporate culture looks like.  For this discussion, we are drilling down further and getting down to the nitty gritty of Culture Matters.  Jay and Kyle are digging into some of the early and long-term benefits of hiring an advisor or coach, being willing to put as much as you can into that relationship to ensure getting the utmost out of it, and beginning to scratch the surface of some of the pushback someone might give when approaching the subject of hiring an advisor.  We hope you enjoy this episode of The Culture Matters Podcast.

"A fire broke out backstage in a theatre. The clown came out to warn the public; they thought it was a joke and applauded. He repeated it; the acclaim was even greater. I think that's just how the world will come to an end: to general applause from wits who believe it's a joke." - Søren KierkegaardReal estate professional, businessman, co-owner of R.K. Reiman, and host of "The Real Build" podcast Bill Reiman is back on the show today for a conversation about the contributions and legacy of conservative activist and co-founder of Turning Point USA Charlie Kirk, who lost his life at a speaking engagement in Utah on September 10, 2025.  Bill and Jay are unpacking how this unfortunate event elicited very different responses from those who followed Charlie Kirk's message and those who didn't, the undeniable fact that people with opposing view points are refusing to speak to one another anymore with any kind of rational or respectful interactions, the missed opportunity for a call for unity in place of further divisive rhetoric, and why it is more important now than ever for people to sit down and listen to one another.  Bill provides a unique perspective on these tragic events and we're grateful he chose to discuss them on this episode of The Culture Matters Podcast.

"Every great institution is the length and shadow of a single man. His character determines the character of his organization." - Ralph Waldo EmersonAdvisor, mentor, host of the "Openly Outspoken" podcast, and founder of Unicorn Investments and Unicorn Traffic Jeremy Adams is back on the show to pay tribute to conservative activist and co-founder of Turning Point USA, Charlie Kirk, who lost his life at a speaking engagement in Utah on September 10, 2025.  Over the course of these tribute episodes, we have had a myriad of different perspectives and outlooks on Charlie Kirk's influence and legacy, but Jeremy may have the most unique as Jeremy actually met and interacted with the man himself.  Jeremy and Jay are discussing Jeremy's personal interaction with Charlie Kirk, Charlie's demeanor during debates and discussions compared to his portrayal in the media, understanding that Charlie wasn't a perfect person but was making every attempt to discuss his points with people who opposed his way of thinking, and what makes the sadness and anger on both sides of the fence so intense.  We hope you enjoy this conversation about and tribute to Charlie Kirk with Jeremy Adams.

"Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment and cast lots." - Luke 23:34On this episode of The Culture Matters Podcast, we have the founder and owner of Guardian Roofing and Siding and one of our favorite returning guests, Robert Frehafer, back on the show discussing the life and impact of conservative activist and co-founder of Turning Point USA Charlie Kirk after he was killed at a speaking engagement in Utah on September 10, 2025.  A man of deep Christian faith and conviction, Robert is looking at the impact of Charlie Kirk through a faith-based lens and how Charlie's message was shaped and affected by his own faith.  Charlie and Jay are digging into the impact Charlie Kirk had on a young generation of Christians, how his message went from one of strictly political leanings to one that emphasized his faith, and how, throughout the course of history, there have always been messengers who swam against the current and how Charlie Kirk fits into that company.  We always enjoy having Robert on the show and today was no different, even if under unfortunate circumstances.  We hope you enjoy this episode of The Culture Matters Podcast.

"If you believe in something, you need to have the courage to fight for those ideas, not run away from them or try to silence them." - Charlie KirkOn today's episode of The Culture Matters Podcast, we are returning to our series of episodes giving people the opportunity to pay tribute to conservative activist and co-founder of Turning Point USA Charlie Kirk.  On this edition of the program, we have the founder of 20/20 Vision for Success and author of Finding Honor: The Journey to Truth and High - Selling is a Drug, Christine Beckwith, here to share her thoughts, feelings, and insights on this senseless event.  Christine and Jay are unpacking Christine's first-hand experience with Charlie Kirk's appeal to a younger generation, his ability to be fearless and stick to his principles even in the face of adversity, and how unfortunate it is that the impact someone has on the world at large is usually unrealized until they're gone.  We hope you enjoy this tribute to Charlie Kirk with our friend, Christine Beckwith.

"Small wheel turn by the fire and rod, big wheel turn by the grace of God, every time that wheel turn 'round, bound to cover just a little more ground" - The Grateful DeadWe are beginning a new series on today's episode of The Culture Matters Podcast with our very own Jay Doran sitting down with the show's producer, Kyle DiRaddo, for a look inside at Culture Matters and what makes it tick.  In the first conversation of several to follow, Jay and Kyle are taking the first steps in shedding light on the values and goals of Culture Matters and drilling down on some of the important questions related to the work the company does.  During this discussion, Jay and Kyle are touching upon if a company can function successfully even if the culture in said company is less than ideal, how different companies gauge success from either a monetary or quality of life standpoint, how trust can be created as a third party entering an advisory role in a company, and some things founders or CEOs should look for in an advisor from a compatibility standpoint.  We hope you enjoy this look inside Culture Matters and look forward to bringing our listeners more conversations like this in the future.

"A king isn't born, Alexander, he is made by steel and by suffering. A king must know how to hurt those he loves." - King Philip II of Macedon Our guest today is financial advisor and the Mid-Atlantic Regional Director of Client Engagement at Hill, Barth, & King LLC. Joseph Silva Jr. is back to make his third appearance on our show today and we are thrilled to share his expertise with our listeners once again.  During today's conversation, Joe and Jay are digging into  the issues with bigger companies being rolled up into private equity while leaving the smaller businesses to fend for themselves, the ever-present need for people even with the advancements in technology and AI in particular, knowing that a business is only going to reach a certain size unless it is given room to grow, and what it actually means to serve.  We always enjoy having Joe on the program and we hope that you enjoy this conversation on The Culture Matters Podcast.

"If you believe in something, you need to have the courage to fight for those ideas, not run away from them or try to silence them." - Charlie KirkHost of "The Necessary Entrepreneur" podcast and founder of PIVOT Realty Mark Perkins is back on the program today for another go-around on The Culture Matters Podcast and we are leveling up our game for this one.  Mark and Jay are digging into the necessity of focusing on the task at hand instead of worrying about any that might arise in the future, the benefits of the entrepreneurial journey as opposed to climbing the traditional ladder of promotion in other career paths, what it might look like to one day be content with your occupational journey, and why it shouldn't matter where good values come from as long as they are true and right.  It is always a treat to have Mark on the show and today is no exception.  We hope you enjoy this episode of The Culture Matters Podcast.

"I've always been a teacher at heart."Co-founder, co-owner, and Chief Scientific Officer of both Ferm Solutions and Wilderness Trail and an adjunct professor at James B. Beam Institute in the College of Agriculture at the University of Kentucky Dr. Pat Heist is our guest on the show today and we are digging down on distilling, leadership, and a whole lot more.  Dr. Hesit and Jay are discussing the journey that Dr. Heist engaged in that led to his study of plant pathology and a doctorate from the University of Kentucky, teaching medical microbiology, to eventually starting a distillery consultation company and a distillery of his own.  As if that wasn't enough for this episode, these two gentleman are also getting into the importance of being genuine particularly in a sales or entrepreneurial endeavor, being able to recognize opportunity and having the fortitude to seize on it when it is presented, and why it is never a bad idea to stop and think things through before making big decisions.  This is a truly wonderful conversation and Dr. Heist's incredible journey makes for one hell of an interesting story.  We hope you enjoy this episode of The Culture Matters Podcast.

"It becomes more doable if you accept the path."Founder of Duffin Media and Duffin Coaching, host of the "Your Message Received" podcast, and one of our favorite frequent guests on the show John Duffin is back for another lively discussion on The Culture Matters Podcast.  Today's conversation is all about collaboration and the different forms and shapes and sizes that it can come in.  John and Jay are drilling down on what it takes to avoid the temptation to just talk to people you already know at collaboration events and actually go and meet new people, the benefits of hyper-authenticity and being the catalyst for those valuable interactions with others, and the checklist you should run down after attending networking events i.e. who you met, what relationships you garnered, and the value you not only received, but also gave to others.  It's always a pleasure to have John on the show and today is no exception on this episode of The Culture Matters Podcast.

"The tree that would grow to heaven must first send its roots down to hell." - Friedrich NietzscheExecutive performance coach as well as a fitness and nutrition expert, Fraser Bayley, is making his inaugural appearance on our show and we couldn't be happier to have him here to share his thoughts, experience, and expertise with our listeners.  Fraser and Jay are digging into the influx of men in 2025 who are looking to improve their health and wellness beyond simply getting washboard abs, Fraser's personal journey and the circumstances that made him take risks and make the changes he needed to to become the man he is today, what it takes to go from making day-to-day decisions and simply existing to looking at the big picture, and having the obligation to help those you can with the knowledge and experience you have.  We hope you enjoy this episode of The Culture Matters Podcast.https://bayleybuilt.mykajabi.com/labs

"The individual has always had to struggle from being overwhelmed by the crowd. If you try it, you will be lonely often and sometimes frightened. But no price is too high to pay for the privilege of owning yourself." - Friedrich NietzscheManaging partner of Lion Oakes Healthcare Consulting Dr. David Yerkes is back on the show to continue this series of discussions revolving around the life and contributions of Charlie Kirk, conservative activist and co-founder of Turning Point USA, after his life was cut short at a speaking engagement in Utah on September 10, 2025.  As we continue to gather more and more unique perspectives and insights on this terrible event, Dr. Yerkes is able to provide some information on the medical side of things that leads to a better understanding of what actually occurred and why the injury was so devastating.  Dr. Yerkes and Jay are also discussing some of the reasons why Charlie Kirk's passing has affected people so deeply, understanding that no one would come out looking flawless if every moment and debate was recorded and chopped up into convenient sound bites, and a call to continue to argue and debate our different points and perspectives with one another, but to stop fighting.  We should listen to one another, we should debate our perspectives with respect for the people we are debating, but we should stop fighting and reverting to our baser instincts.  Dr. Yerkes has a distinctive outlook on what took place and we're grateful he chose to share it on this episode of The Culture Matters Podcast.

"One word of truth shall outweigh the whole world. Violence can only be concealed by a lie and a lie can only be maintained by violence. Any man who has once proclaimed violence as his method is inevitably forced to take the lie as his principle. At its birth, violence acts openly; even proudly, but no sooner does it become strong firmly established, then it senses the rare faction of the air around it and it cannot continue to rule without descending into a fog of lies, clothing them in sweet words. Violence does not live alone and is not capable of living alone. It is necessarily interwoven with falsehood and the lie can only persist by covering up violence. Any man who has once acclaimed violence as his method must inexorably choose falsehood as his principle. The simple step of a courageous individual is not to take part in the lie, not to support deceit. Let the lie come in to the world, let it even triumph, but not through me." - Aleksandr SolzhenitsynOn today's episode of The Culture Matters Podcast, we are continuing with our series of guests who are paying their respects to conservative activist and co-founder of Turing Point USA, Charlie Kirk, who lost his life at a speaking engagement in Utah on September 10, 2025.  To continue these discussions on the life an contributions of Charlie Kirk, we have a regular back on the show in the form of Brian Hess, founder of The Pavement Group and Top Contractor School and the host of "The Brian Hess Show".  As we've stated before, the murder of Charlie Kirk was met with a myriad of different emotions and responses and this conversation brings in to focus just how sad an event this was.  Brian and Jay discuss the tragedy of Charlie's kids growing up without him, how not getting the full scope of someone's words is both dangerous and irresponsible, the inspiration Charlie provided for the next generation, and how, eventually, there will be someone who is going to pick up the mantle and continue on.  We hope you enjoy this episode of The Culture Matters Podcast.

"When you have something to say, silence is a lie." - Dr. Jordan B. PetersonHost of "The Relief Podcast", author of How to Get Your Life Back, and founder of Real Estate Relief Demetri Stakias has made his way back to The Culture Matters Podcast under unfortunate circumstances for this conversation.  We are continuing our discussions on the life and contributions made by Charlie Kirk, who was shot down at a speaking engagement on a university campus in Utah on September 10, 2025.  As the events of that day still stand fresh in our minds, Demetri and Jay are discussing the impact this event has had and will continue to have in the coming weeks, months, and even years.  Demetri and Jay are touching on Charlie's ability to mobilize like-minded people and encourage them to speak up, the fact that programming people to think a certain way or believe a certain thing has become a part of life, and how grieving explicitly manifests itself in one way while grieving implicitly manifests itself in a completely different form.  These continued conversations are bringing new thoughts and ways of looking at the events of the past weeks in different lights and we are grateful to have Demetri Stakias share his views on this episode of The Culture Matters Podcast.

"Economics must not be relegated to classrooms and statistical offices and must not be left to esoteric circles. It is the philosophy of human life and action and concerns everybody and everything. It is the pith of civilization and a man's human existence." - Ludwig von MisesSales expert, speaker, and founder of Sales Connection Kayvon Kay is re-joining the program today as we continue our discussions on the life and contributions of conservative activist and co-founder of Turning Point USA Charlie Kirk who whose life was taken on September 10, 2025.  Many emotions have been on display since the event took place and have manifested themselves in many ways.  During this conversation, Kayvon gives voice to his frustration and the state of affairs in the world that led to a man's life being taken for exercising his right to free speech.  Kayvon and Jay dig into the senselessness of violence when people disagree with one another's positions on certain topics, whether or not society is too far gone to be able to rectify these violent and unnecessary actions, the hand both sides of the aisle play in disavowing any responsibility for the removal of free speech, and how a lack of respect has helped forge this unfortunate path.  We appreciate this impassioned call for a return to respect and decency from the one and only Kayvon Kay.

"When the tyrant dies, his rule ends. When the martyr dies, his reign begins."COO of the Hubert Vester Auto Group, creator of the "Faith. Family. Fulfillment." podcast, and the author of the book Answers From the Stairs Chris Vester has returned to The Culture Matters Podcast to continue our discussions on the life and contributions of the late Charlie Kirk.  An ardent follower of the Christian faith, Chris is approaching the subject from a faith-based perspective and focusing on the ways that Charlie Kirk used his own belief as a platform from which he spoke his truth and spread the message of his faith.  Chris and Jay are also looking at how Charlie Kirk was able to give give voice to a younger generation brought up with traditional values, how that same generation was given someone to look up to, the culture battle in our society between having faith and not, and asking the question of who will take up the mantle.  The loss of Charlie Kirk was felt by a multitude of communities and perhaps none as deeply as that of the Christian faith.  An inside perspective on how the loss was truly felt in that community awaits during this episode of The Culture Matters Podcast.

"Prove me wrong." - Charlie KirkMarvin Joles is the owner of Wis-Coat Asphalt Maintenance and the creator of the "Blacktop Banter" podcast and he has made his return to the show as we continue to discuss the life and contributions made by conservative activist and co-founder of Turning Point USA, Charlie Kirk, after he was murdered at a speaking engagement in Utah on September 10, 2025.  As we have been examining the fallout of this event over the last couple of days, there has been a theme of courage and standing up for what you believe in.  Those themes are carried over into today's conversation as Marvin and Jay are discussing whether it is a lack of culture that has led to this chaos we are experiencing today or if our culture as a society as merely shifted in that direction, the never-ending quest for knowledge and self-improvement, how a breakdown of mutual respect has enflamed people on both sides of the aisle, and a desire for a more peaceful and fruitful future in the wake of tragedy.  As we continue to navigate these waters, we continue to hope for a better tomorrow where a person is free to say what is on their mind free of fear and with the hope of open ears to receive those words.  

"We must teach goodness to our infants." - Charlie KirkAdvisor, consultant, and business and financial guru Matt McHale is joining us on the program once again, though for a different reason than usual.  Today, we are taking the time to discuss the life and influence of conservative activist and co-founder of Turning Point USA, Charlie Kirk, who lost his life at a speaking engagement in Utah on September 10, 2025.  During his time in the public eye, Charlie Kirk acted as a vessel for free speech and for open discussion amongst people who disagreed with one another, and the right for everyone to have a voice.  His loss was felt very deeply by many and today's discussion touches on that loss and the impact it is having on those that followed Charlie Kirk.  Matt and Jay are discussing many aspects of Charlie's message based in his incredibly strong belief in Christianity, the legacy that Charlie left behind and the hope to see his work continued, and why it is important for those who feel compelled to speak up and speak out in their truths to start where they are and make impacts locally.  We hope you enjoy this discussion on the work of the late Charlie Kirk.

"If you believe in something you need to have the courage to fight for those ideas not run away from them or try to silence them." - Charlie KirkOn today's episode of The Culture Matters Podcast, the founder of BBD Solutions, Tom Bove, is joining the show for a discussion and a look back at the life and influence of conservative activist and co-founder of Turing Point USA, Charlie Kirk, who was killed at a speaking engagement in Utah on September 10, 2025.  As an outspoken advocate for free speech and open dialogue among opponents, Charlie Kirk was someone who many looked up to as voice for change and traditional values and his loss was felt very deeply by many people.  In today's discussion, Tom and Jay are digging into the influence that Charlie's words and actions had on both of their lives personally, the need for people in the media to understand the weight of their words, the courage it takes to stand by your convictions even in the face of overwhelming scrutiny, and how this loss should encourage others to live in their truth.  Charlie Kirk meant a lot to a lot of people and, in his honor, we are glad we are able to discuss his life and legacy on The Culture Matters Podcast.

On today's episode of The Culture Matters Podcast, our very own Jay Doran is taking some time to talk sales and storytelling.  One thing that all great salespeople have in common is their ability to tell a story.  That doesn't mean to spin a yarn or say what you have to to make the sale.  Instead, great salespeople are able to put themselves in the shoes of their potential customers armed with all of the information that they can to speak to that customer on their terms and in their language to make sure both sides of benefiting.  The story doesn't have to be a long, drawn-out epic with subplots and twists.  All it needs to be is straight-forward, compelling, honest, and true to make it great.  We're digging into the art of storytelling on this episode of The Culture Matters Podcast.

"Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe." - Abraham LincolnAdvisor, consultant, and business and financial guru Matt McHale is back again to finish up a conversation we started yesterday about being a Chief Revenue Officer and digging down a little deeper to explore what this role means for a company.  For today's conversation, Matt and Jay are digging into the importance of having people back in the workplace in a post-pandemic world, the reality of living in a time where we've never been more connected as a society via our technology and yet still so isolated, and how the ever-advancing tidal wave of technology will never be able to fully replace the work of a human person, specifically when it comes to the role of CRO.  If you liked yesterday's episode and learning about Chief Revenue Officers, then you are going to love today's conversation with the one and only Matt McHale.

"A great CRO builds a system where revenue is not the outcome of heroics, but the result of a repeatable process." - Ben HorowitzAdvisor, consultant, and business and financial guru Matt McHale is making his triumphant return to the show after far too long of an absence and we intend to make good on the time that we have.  During today's discussion, Matt and Jay are taking a look at what a Chief Revenue Officer is, what that position does, and what it means for their company.  Through the lens of that topic, the discussion also moves into how a CRO can benefit the sales staff so that they have as much time as possible to be out making sales, understanding the dynamics of relationships and being able to look back and see that relationship dynamic with clarity, and the future of business technology with a particular emphasis on AI.  We're going around and around with Matt McHale today and we hope you'll be excited for Part 2 after listening to this episode of The Culture Matters Podcast.

"I like to say experience is what you get when you didn't get what you wanted." - Howard S. MarksBack again like we never left, we have the founder of Arena Securities and co-host of our ongoing Value Investor Series, Aleck Arena, here today to talk a little shop like only he can.  With the current state of the financial world seemingly changing at a faster pace than ever before, what better time than now to drill down on some of Aleck's thoughts on stocks, the market, and investing.  Jay and Aleck are discussing some specific moves that Aleck has made recently and why he made some of those moves, why it is so important in this world to know when to cut bait and look for better opportunities, and the benefits of patience and and paying attention to put yourself in the best position possible.  If you're looking for a deep dive into investing and finance, then you have come to the right place.  We hope you enjoy this conversation with Aleck Arena.Disclaimer: The information contained in this episode is not personal financial product advice and has been prepared without taking into account the objectives, financial situation, or needs of any particular person. Culture Matters does not hold an Australian Financial Services License and is not authorised to provide general or personal financial product advice. Before making any investment decision, you should consult a licensed financial adviser. Past performance is not indicative of future performance.

On today's episode of The Culture Matters Podcast, our very own Jay Doran, a voracious reader in his own right, is taking a minute to talk about just that - reading.  There is power in the written word.  There is knowledge to be gained, new ways of thinking to be uncovered, and a virtually endless library of stories, tales, and windows into other times that only books can provide.  Jay is discussing his personal tie to reading and what makes it such a passion for him, the overwhelming advantages there are to reading as much as you can, and what you can learn about not only whatever subject you want, but perhaps more importantly, yourself in the process of reading.  After you've listened to this episode, take some time, find a book, and get reading.

"Every person takes the limits of their own field of vision for the limits of the world." - Arthur SchopenhauerHost of "The Relief Podcast", author of How to Get Your Life Back, and founder of Real Estate Relief Demetri Stakias is back on the program for the first time in far too long and we are going to be taking full advantage of his presence.  After figuring out that Jay now holds the record for the longest episode ever recorded of Demetri's podcast, we get down to the nitty gritty.  Demetri and Jay are discussing the differences between de-escalating conflict and winning an argument and aiming for resolution over victory, the freedom that comes with taking some time away from social media, and while it may not always be easy, if you stay kind, patient, and diligent, you'll always be able to find your way to work.  We've got a lot to unpack on this episode, so listen closely and enjoy!

"My super power is that I love people more than I care about looking stupid."Advisor, executive coach, former pastor, and author of a series of books under the Rethink Everything title Kyle Draper is our guest on the show today and we are making the most of this one.  During today's discussion, Kyle and Jay are getting into Kyle's experiences with leaders both good and bad inside and outside of the church world, why it is a mistake to think that good leadership is building a team of people to work FOR you instead of WITH you, the importance of face time with the people working under you as a leader, and some of their thoughts on content creation and the reach that it has.  We've got the energy up from the jump today, so please enjoy this episode of The Culture Matters Podcast.

"The best way to get started is to quit and begin doing." - Walt DisneyIt has been a little while, but we are back with another Thirty Days of Thought with friends and what better friends could we ask to do this with than the two we have assembled for today?  Our guests today need no introduction but we're going to give them one anyway...the Head of Engagement and Outreach at American Business Media, Andrew Berman, and the Chief Marketing Officer of Paramount Residential Mortgage Group, Paul Lucido, are here to discuss the idea of quitting every day that you are an entrepreneur.  It is hard to dispute that going into business for yourself is one of the most difficult and stressful things one can do, but that just means the ones that succeed are the ones who really wanted it.  Quitting doesn't have to mean you're taking your ball and going home.  In today's episode, Andrew, Paul, and Jay are taking a crack at unpacking all there is to unpack those statements and we hope you enjoy this discussion on The Culture Matters Podcast.

"It's not supposed to be easy. Anyone who finds it easy is stupid." - Charlie MungerIf you've been following along with this show for any length of time, then you are very familiar with today's guest.  He is the founder and owner and Arena Securities and the co-host of The Investor Series right here on The Culture Matters Podcast and his name is Aleck Arena.  Aleck is pulling double-duty here over the last couple of days by co-hosting yesterday and appearing as a guest today as we're taking a deeper look into what we can expect from The Investor Series in the future.  More than that, Aleck and Jay are taking a deep dive into value investing and giving our listeners more of an inside track on why this series is being done and what value there is to be gained from it.  This conversation runs the gamut from what national debt looks like to The Wolf of Wall Street to the ins and outs of value creation within investing.  It's a long and winding road today and that road is filled with insider information that you're only going to get from the one and only Aleck Arena.Disclaimer: The information contained in this episode is not personal financial product advice and has been prepared without taking into account the objectives, financial situation, or needs of any particular person. Culture Matters does not hold an Australian Financial Services License and is not authorised to provide general or personal financial product advice. Before making any investment decision, you should consult a licensed financial adviser. Past performance is not indicative of future performance.

"We lean heavily on common sense on how we approach things."It has been a little while but on today's episode of The Culture Matters Podcast, we are bringing back The Investor Series and we are welcoming back the founder of Arena Securities, Aleck Arena, to co-host the show with our very own Jay Doran and they are sitting down with Jordan Cvetanovski who is the Chairman, CIO, and Portfolio Manager with Pella Funds Management.  Back in April, we had Jordan on the show and barely began scratching the surface of his investment knowledge and today we are taking a deeper dive.  From current market trends and the reasons behind them to the cyclical nature of the banking industry and some very high-minded material in between, this is one of the deepest dives we have ever taken in this series.  There is a lot to absorb during this conversation and we couldn't be happier to be getting this information from the one and only Jordan Cventanovski.Disclaimer: The information contained in this episode is not personal financial product advice and has been prepared without taking into account the objectives, financial situation, or needs of any particular person. Culture Matters does not hold an Australian Financial Services License and is not authorised to provide general or personal financial product advice. Before making any investment decision, you should consult a licensed financial adviser. Past performance is not indicative of future performance.