The Culture Matters Podcast

What if everything in your business comes down to one thing: incentives?In this episode of the Culture Matters Podcast, Jay Doran sits down with Nick Brignola, Chief Financial Officer of Informative, for a powerful conversation on leadership, culture, compliance, and the hidden forces that drive behavior inside organizations.Starting with a quote from Charlie Munger—“Show me the incentive and I will show you the outcome”—Nick breaks down how incentives shape decision-making at every level of business. From sales teams to executive leadership, what you reward ultimately defines what you get.Nick shares insights from a decades-long career across logistics, finance, healthcare, and financial technology, including lessons learned inside large pharmaceutical organizations, private equity-backed companies, and high-growth environments. He dives into real-world examples of how culture can either accelerate success or lead to costly breakdowns.This episode also explores the evolving automotive and fintech landscape, data security, compliance risk, and why leadership must balance structure with entrepreneurial thinking to build sustainable organizations.In this episode, you'll hear about:Why incentives determine outcomes in business and leadershipThe difference between entrepreneurial and structured culturesLessons from pharmaceutical compliance failures and leadership shiftsHow to balance speed, growth, and guardrails in an organizationWhy private equity thinking differs from public company pressureThe real risks around data, compliance, and customer informationWhat great culture actually looks like inside high-performing teamsWhy the best organizations align behavior, values, and executionMinute Markers:00:00 Intro and Charlie Munger quote02:15 Why incentives drive behavior and results07:10 Early career and discovering business logistics13:40 From logistics to finance and internal audit20:10 What audit really means and why it matters27:30 Learning culture inside pharmaceutical organizations35:40 When culture breaks: compliance failures and consequences44:20 Entrepreneurial vs. structured corporate cultures52:10 Private equity vs. public company mindset1:00:15 Automotive industry insights and compliance risks1:08:40 Data security, fraud, and customer trust1:16:20 Core values vs. “words on a wall”1:24:00 Final thoughts on leadership, culture, and incentivesIf this episode made you think differently about leadership, share it with someone building a business or leading a team.Subscribe for more conversations on culture, leadership, business, and life.

What does it actually take to build something meaningful—and is it worth it?In this episode of the Culture Matters Podcast, Jay Doran sits down with returning guest Mark Perkins, founder of Pivot Realty and creator of the Are You Worth It? Conference, for a powerful and honest conversation on entrepreneurship, execution, and what separates those who grow from those who stay stuck.Mark shares lessons from nearly two decades of building, scaling, and navigating the realities of business—what he got wrong, what he's learned, and why success is far more difficult than most people are willing to admit. From surrounding yourself with the right people to getting in the right rooms, this episode is a deep dive into what it really means to go all in.This conversation also explores the future of business through the lens of artificial intelligence, the growing gap between elite performers and the rest of the workforce, and why access to the right people and environments can completely change your trajectory.At the center of it all is one question:Are you worth it?In this episode, you'll hear about:Why entrepreneurship is harder than you think—and why that mattersThe power of proximity and getting in the right roomsHow Mark built Pivot Realty from the ground upThe vision behind the Are You Worth It? ConferenceWhat separates top performers from the middle 60%Why most people never reach their full potentialHow AI will reshape business, talent, and opportunityWhat it really means to “go” all in on your life and businessMinute Markers:00:00 Intro and Jim Rohn quote on proximity02:10 Mark Perkins returns to the podcast05:30 Starting Pivot Realty and early lessons10:45 Why entrepreneurship is harder than expected18:20 Getting in rooms with high-level operators25:10 The vision behind “Are You Worth It?”34:00 How to show up and win in the right rooms42:15 Learning from people who have actually done it50:30 Building relationships that create opportunity58:40 The future of AI and the workforce1:08:20 Top performers vs. the middle 60%1:18:00 What “go” means for 20261:25:00 Final thoughts: Is it worth it?If this episode challenged you, share it with someone you want in the room with you.Subscribe for more conversations on culture, leadership, business, and life.

In this episode of the Culture Matters Podcast, Jay Doran sits down with Doug Bertram, founder and CEO of Structural Elements, for a deeply thoughtful conversation on the body, stress, healing, performance, and what it really means to create health before crisis ever arrives.Doug shares his unique journey from psychology and manual therapy into traditional Chinese medicine, systems thinking, and the creation of Structural Elements — a methodology and growing company built around helping people increase their capacity to handle the demands of life. Rather than simply treating pain or symptoms, Doug explains how the body functions as an integrated system, how communication breakdowns happen physically and neurologically, and why true healing involves far more than addressing one isolated issue.This episode explores the connection between the body, mind, trauma, stress response, posture, belief systems, and performance. Doug breaks down complex ideas in a way that is both practical and powerful, helping listeners understand how overload accumulates, how dysregulation shows up in daily life, and how awareness and self-regulation can transform the way we move, heal, and live.This conversation is not just about pain relief. It is about human performance refined.00:00 Intro and quote: treating disease before it arises02:15 Meeting Doug Bertram and the heart behind Structural Elements05:00 From psychology and bodywork to traditional Chinese medicine09:10 Systems thinking vs. treating the body in separate parts14:20 Communication in the body: rethinking chi and energy flow20:05 Stress, safety, and the autonomic nervous system26:40 How trauma, belief systems, and the body stay connected33:10 Posture, injury, and what the body is really communicating39:20 Avoidance vs. resilience and increasing capacity to handle load46:00 Doug's personal shift: rewriting the story of stress53:30 Signs your system is overloaded and how to self-regulate59:40 The Structural Elements methodology and franchise model1:07:10 Helping providers escape burnout and deliver better care1:13:20 The future of orthopedic wellness and preventive care1:19:00 Final takeaway: integration, regulation, and living with greater capacityThis episode covers:Why the body should be understood as an integrated systemThe difference between symptom treatment and root-cause careHow stress, trauma, and belief systems shape the bodyWhy posture tells a story about strategy and survivalHow to recognize when your system is overloadedThe connection between regulation, resilience, and performanceDoug's vision for the future of orthopedic wellness and provider careIf you are interested in health, performance, healing, resilience, mindset, or the deeper relationship between body and mind, this is an episode you will not want to miss.

In this episode of the Culture Matters Podcast, Jay Doran sits down with Jay Stoll, founder of All Things Retirement Group, for a powerful conversation about reinvention, discipline, service, and purpose.All Things Retirement Group operates within the ecosystem of All Things Insurance Group, founded by longtime friend of the Culture Matters Podcast and frequent guest, Pete Fournier.Jay Stoll shares his incredible journey from serving in law enforcement to working in physical therapy and eventually building a thriving business in the insurance and retirement planning space. Along the way, he opens up about the defining moments that shaped him, including the emotional decision to leave law enforcement after missing one of the most important moments in his son's life.This conversation goes far beyond insurance. It is about what it means to lead with humility, check your ego, stay coachable, and build a life centered around faith, family, and long-term impact. Jay also breaks down the deeper purpose behind retirement planning, mortgage protection, long-term care, and helping families prepare for the moments they hope never come.If you have ever wrestled with changing careers, chasing purpose, providing for your family, or building something meaningful from the ground up, this episode will speak to you.00:00 Intro and Jay Stoll's story of reinvention03:10 From law enforcement to life-changing perspective07:15 Missing his son's first steps and making the pivot11:20 Entering the insurance world and finding purpose16:05 What retirement planning really means21:10 Mortgage protection and planning for the unexpected27:00 Long-term care, family burden, and hard conversations34:25 Education over confusion in financial planning39:10 Mentorship, humility, and learning from proven people45:20 Building All Things Retirement Group50:15 Persistence, faith, and what it takes to keep going55:00 Final thoughts on legacy, leadership, and serving familiesThis episode covers:Reinventing your life when your priorities changeHow law enforcement shaped Jay's discipline and decision-makingThe moment he knew he had to choose family firstWhy mentorship and humility matter in businessHow to think about retirement, protection, and legacyThe power of persistence when building something new

"Nothing captures human interest more than human tragedy." - Dan BrownHost of "The Relief Podcast", author of How to Get Your Life Back, and founder of Real Estate Relief Demetri Stakias is joining us once again for a second round of "Tales of Giving".  The conversation got started before anyone hit record, but as all of our loyal listeners know, we're always interested in the space between the notes.  After hitting record, Demetri and Jay are getting into the ever-so-light-hearted topic of the redemption of demon influenced individuals and how no one is ever beyond redemption, the challenges being faced in uncertain times, how loss is a source of pain but can also be a source of opportunity, and the desire to improve engagement and taking things to the next level.  This conversation doesn't end where it begins, so we hope you're ready to take the journey with us on this episode of The Culture Matters Podcast.

"There are, first of all, two kinds of authors: those who write for the subject's sake and those who write for writing's sake. The truth is, that when an author begins to write for the sake of covering paper, he is cheating the reader because he writes under the pretext that he has something to say." - Arthur SchopenhauerToday, on The Culture Matters Podcast, we are back with Thirty Days of Thought featuring our very own Jay Doran as he discusses excerpts from his book, Thirty Days of Thought.  However, for today's episode, Jay did not come alone.  A couple of weeks ago, we took a look at the chapter from the book entitled "Writer's Block" with our dead friend, Mr. Paul Lucido.  We enjoyed that conversation so much that we decided to take another swing at "Writer's Block"; this time with another dear friend who is the host of "The Relief Podcast", author of How to Get Your Life Back, and founder of Real Estate Relief, Demetri Stakias.  If you listened to the episode with Paul, then you are in for a completely different take on the subject with Demetri.  These two culture colossuses are getting into getting back on track if you were to lose sense of your mission, why people (and Philadelphians) love the flawed hero, and why it is almost an obligation for people who create content to share their journey.  We hope you enjoy this episode of The Culture Matters Podcast.

"It's hard, it's hard to be consistent in anything and that's why so few people can do it successfully. But when you do, when you are consistent in whatever goal you're trying to get to, typically you get the results you want."Scotsman Guide Top 500 in the Country Loan Officer, Mortgage Executive Magazine Top One Percent Mortgage Originator, Philadelphia Magazine Five Star Mortgage Professional Award recipient, and Senior Vice President of Mortgage Lending at Guaranteed Rate Rob Wishnick has finally made his way back to the show and we are not wasting a minute.  Rob and Jay are jumping right in with the importance of consistency and how it can lead to both professional and personal improvement, how something as simple as showing up and doing the basics the right way everyday can lead to better and more consistent habits, what the mortgage business looks like today and why a broker can be one of your best friends during the home buying process, and what the three columns are that will help you maximize your efficiency.  This was a wonderful and informative discussion and we hope you enjoy this conversation with Mr. Rob Wishnick.

Episode 21 marks Part 1 of a reflection on the impact of the 2025 NYE Lollapalooza series.In this episode, Jay begins revisiting select words of the year shared by guests throughout the Lollapalooza, unpacking what those words represent and why they mattered — not only to the individuals who shared them, but to the broader Culture Matters community.Rather than recapping conversations, this episode focuses on patterns: the themes that kept surfacing, the shared language across very different leaders, and what those signals say about where people are headed next.This is the first in a multi-part breakdown, with more reflections, insights, and connections to come as the series continues.

2025 NYE Lollapalooza Episode 20: The Impact This Series Has MadeEpisode 20 serves as the reflection point of the 2025 NYE Lollapalooza, a moment to pause, look back, and name the impact this series has already had.In this episode, Jay Doran discusses why the Lollapalooza exists in the first place, how it has evolved year over year, and what happens when long-form, values-driven conversations are given space to breathe. Rather than recapping individual episodes, Jay focuses on the resonance; the emails, messages, and conversations sparked by the series.A significant part of that reflection includes the influence and example set by Patrick Bet-David, whose approach to dialogue, conviction, and unapologetic truth-telling is referenced throughout the episode. Jay shares how that standard saying the thing that needs to be said, even when it's uncomfortable has shaped the tone, courage, and clarity of the Lollapalooza conversations.This episode explores:Why people are craving depth over soundbitesHow honest conversation creates ripple effects beyond downloadsThe responsibility that comes with having a platformAnd why impact is measured not in virality, but in alignment, action, and changeEpisode 20 isn't a victory lap it's a reckoning. A reminder that when conversations are rooted in purpose, faith, discipline, and truth, they don't just fill time they move people.This episode closes the loop on the 2025 NYE Lollapalooza and sets the standard for what comes next.If this series challenged you, encouraged you, or helped you think differently — this episode explains why.Share it with someone who values substance over noise, and leave a review to help keep these conversations alive.

Jay Doran's Word for 2026: LOVEIn Episode 19, Jay Doran closes the NYE Lollapalooza series by sharing his personal word for 2026: LOVE — and redefining it far beyond how the word is commonly used.This episode is not about romance alone, and it's not about sentiment. It's about love as a discipline, a standard, and a responsibility.Jay breaks down what love actually looks like when it's lived out:In partnership In leadership and workIn friendship, boundaries, and commitmentIn the way we choose to show up for people — even when it's uncomfortableHe challenges the idea that love is passive or conditional, and instead frames it as something that requires intention, courage, presence, and consistency. Love, as Jay describes it, is not weakness — it is alignment. It is choosing truth over ego, service over control, and depth over convenience.This episode serves as a personal declaration and a compass for the year ahead — not just for Jay, but for anyone listening who wants to live with greater clarity, integrity, and connection in 2026.If you've ever felt that the word love has been diluted or misunderstood, this conversation restores its weight — and its meaning.This is the final chapter of the NYE Lollapalooza.And it's an invitation to live the year ahead differently.Share this episode with someone who's ready to lead — and love — at a higher standard.

In Episode 18, Jay Doran and Jenna Silverman step back and reflect on the full scope of the NYE Lollapalooza — a day-long series of conversations designed to help people close one year with intention and step into the next with clarity.Jenna, who joined as co-host for the final stretch of the day, brings a fresh lens to the recap as they unpack the patterns, themes, and through-lines that emerged across the episodes. Together, they discuss the recurring words, shared struggles, and common realizations voiced by leaders from different industries — and what those overlaps say about where people actually are heading into 2026.This episode isn't about revisiting every conversation — it's about zooming out. Jay and Jenna talk about:The dominant ideas that kept resurfacing across guestsWhy certain words and themes appeared again and againWhat surprised them most after hearing so many perspectives back-to-backAnd how the collective tone of the day reflects a deeper shift in leadership, faith, identity, and responsibilityEpisode 18 serves as the bookend to the Lollapalooza — a grounded, thoughtful recap meant to help listeners make sense of what they heard and decide what they want to carry forward into the new year.If you listened to even one episode from the day, this conversation helps connect the dots. And if you listened to many, it brings the meaning into focus.As always, share this episode with someone who needs perspective heading into the year ahead — and leave a review to help us continue building conversations that matter.

Episode 17 closes out the NYE Lollapalooza with a conversation that feels like a final reset before the calendar turns — not just on goals, but on identity, leadership, and what actually drives people to change.Jay Doran is joined by Jenna Silverman, Bill Reiman, Glenn Llopis, and Mark Perkins for a New Year's Eve roundtable on the words that shaped 2025 and the words they're carrying into 2026.Jay shares his evolution from last year's theme — “life can only be understood backwards, but must be lived forwards”— into a deeper truth: life isn't a problem to solve, it's a reality to experience. His word shifts from intensity to love, setting the tone for a conversation that's both grounded and honest.From there, the room opens up:Jenna reflects on her shift from faith into surrender — and why surrender isn't weakness, it's alignment.Bill shares that his word for 2026 is faith, and talks through what it looks like to shut out noise, stop letting fear lead, and build life and business from a deeper foundation.Glenn brings the edge with a powerful framework: reinvention (2025) → conviction (2026). He challenges the idea that success is the same as health, and unpacks why so many leaders are exhausted — not from hard work, but from performing instead of truly executing as themselves.Mark anchors the conversation with a simple but relentless word: go — the compounding power of doing business the right way for years, staying decisive without perfect certainty, and continuing to move even when plans break.The group digs into the tension leaders feel every day: how to see potential clearly, how to lead people without carrying them, and how to commit to growth without sacrificing the things that actually matter.This one is a strong finish to the Lollapalooza: deep, real, and full of practical truth you can carry into 2026.If this episode hit home, share it with someone who needs it — and leave a review so we can keep reinvesting back into you.

Episode 16 of the NYE Lollapalooza is one of the most grounded, emotional, and necessary conversations of the entire day.Jay Doran is joined by Jenna Silverman, Bill Reiman, Jonathon Haddad, and Joe Silva for a raw discussion on the words that shaped 2025—and the ones guiding 2026.What begins as a simple reflection on annual themes quickly evolves into something deeper: fatherhood, responsibility, faith, emotional regulation, and perspective. The group wrestles with what it truly means to lead—not just businesses, but families, communities, and themselves.You'll hear:Why consistency without faith lacks purposeHow strength becomes a blessing when responsibility is embracedWhy balance is not 50/50—but situational awarenessHow perspective is forged through sacrifice, time, and choiceWhat it means to raise children in a world that often avoids discipline, honor, and accountabilityThe conversation moves through personal stories of parenting, marriage, mental health, addiction, recovery, leadership pressure, and cultural erosion—without posturing or performance. It's honest. It's emotional. And at times, it's heavy in the best way.A standout moment includes a reading of Rudyard Kipling's If, used as a lens to discuss masculinity, discipline, and the responsibility to protect—not dominate—the village.This episode isn't about resolutions.It's about choices.It's about keeping the main thing the main thing.And it's about understanding that life doesn't give perspective gently—it teaches it through experience.If you're stepping into 2026 as a leader, a parent, or someone trying to become steadier in a chaotic world—this conversation will stay with you.

Episode 15 is a different kind of New Year's Eve conversation—less “resolution energy,” more real life, real leadership, real presence.Jay Doran and Jenna Silverman sit down with Michael Allosso and Joseph Iredell during the 2025 Lollapalooza to unpack the theme:“Life is not a problem to be solved, but a reality to be experienced.”From the jump, it's personal—Mike Calhoun has officially tapped out after an all-day hosting marathon, and Jenna steps in to co-lead the room. What follows is a layered discussion about the words that shaped 2025 and the words driving 2026:Michael Allosso (2025): Seen & Heard — the ache of invisibility, and the power of making people feel visible.Michael (2026): Intensity — no more passive interactions; every moment becomes an event, with real stakes.Joseph Iredell: moves from Understanding into Dominance for 2026—less introspection, more execution, and refusing to “play defense” after momentum is built.Jenna: reflects on Faith in 2025 and anchors 2026 in Surrender—letting go of forced outcomes while staying disciplined about clarity, communication, and aligned action.The episode also hits a few Culture Matters gold veins: casting vs. hiring, why leaders misplace people into roles that drain them, and why “stakes” change everything—your tone, your preparation, your presence, and the way people remember you.They close by wrestling with a big question: How do you teach values in a way that's engaging—lived, not lectured?The answer keeps circling back to the same truth: values become real when they show up inside conversations, decisions, and the way we treat people when no one's watching.If you're heading into 2026 craving more presence, more purpose, and fewer forced outcomes—this one will land.

Episode 14 of the New Year's Eve Lollapalooza gets loud—in the best way.Jay Doran and co-host Mike Calhoun are joined by Brad Lea, Jenna Silverman, Anthony Mirarchi, Benny Fisher, and Fobby Naghmi for a rapid-fire, high-trust conversation about the words that will define 2026—and the decisions that will shape everything that follows.The theme that keeps surfacing: you don't change your life by wanting it… you change your life by choosing it.Here's what each guest is carrying into 2026:Jay: Love (after Intensity) — bringing people together, leading with courage, and reclaiming parts of himself he shelved along the way.Jenna: Surrender (after Faith) — releasing forced outcomes, tightening clarity and communication, and building Culture Matters with alignment and trust.Benny: Stewardship — honoring what he's already been entrusted with, shifting from builder to caretaker, and going deeper with fewer relationships.Fobby: Certainty — and the story behind it: how one question from Brad unlocked a decade of weight and redirected his trajectory.Anthony: Enriched / Enriching — getting uncomfortable again, creating new products in commercial insurance, and thinking roll-ups, M&A, and bigger plays.Brad: starts with Unrecognizable… then evolves it into Choice — because free will is the overlooked superpower and better decisions compound into better lives.There are also practical gems throughout: create and publish daily, don't “make the content content,” stop negotiating with fear, and build real momentum through consistent revenue-generating action.If you're stepping into 2026 hungry for a reset—this episode is a jolt of clarity. Share it with someone who needs to hear it, and leave a review for The Culture Matters Podcast so we can keep building this the easy way.

Episode 13 of the New Year's Eve Lollapalooza is one of the most personal—and most powerful—conversations of the day.Jay Doran and co-host Mike Calhoun are joined by Jenna Silverman, Tom Bove, Hector Sanchez, Glenn Campbell, and David Yerkes for a roundtable on the words shaping their year, the lessons they're carrying forward, and what it really looks like to grow without gripping life so tightly.The words set the tone immediately:Jenna: Surrender (after last year's Faith) — letting go of forced outcomes and building Culture Matters with trust, clarity, and alignment.David Yerkes: Breakthrough (after Perseverance) — after a remarkable final quarter of 2025, stepping into a new season with momentum already in motion.Hector: Momentum (after Foundation) — building something real and now pressing forward through leadership and operational consulting.Tom: Investing — investing in himself, his relationships, and presence after a year that tested him deeply.Glenn: Listening — learning to listen to understand, not to fix; becoming the kind of man people feel safe with.From there, Jay shares the heart behind why believes “love” requires risk—bringing the right people together, even when the instinct is to protect by keeping distance. Mike closes with his word, Different, and challenges everyone heading into 2026 to stop repeating what worked before and start evolving on purpose.You'll also hear quick snapshots of what each guest is building—leadership consulting, a growing e-commerce headwear company, technology consulting, and longevity/performance medicine—and how faith, discipline, and daily action are the throughline.If you're stepping into 2026 needing a reset in mindset, relationships, or leadership—this episode is for you. Share it with someone you care about, and leave a review on The Culture Matters Podcast to help us keep growing these conversations.

Episode 12 of the New Year's Eve Lollapalooza is a masterclass in what actually scales: preparation, consistency, and focus — with zero fluff.Jay Doran and co-host Mike Calhoun are joined by Armand Pinoci, Aaron Scott Young, Michele Schina, Nick Lampone, Yuri Mitchell, and Nathan Knottingham for a fast-moving roundtable on their words for 2026, the lessons they're taking from 2025, and the real priorities that will shape the year ahead.The words set the tone:Nathan: Preparedness (after last year's Flexibility) — staying ready for the known and unknown without losing peace.Nick: Reputation — because “it's not what people shout, it's what they whisper,” and in finance, trust is everything.Michele: Mastery — sharpening the fundamentals, becoming a better leader, coach, and teacher through the numbers.Aaron: Momentum — shedding the distractions, doubling down on what's boring, profitable, and scalable.Yuri: Consistency — building structure at home and at work, especially with a new baby and new responsibilities.Armand: Stability — year seven in business, a new house, and the commitment to keep the foundation strong.Mike: Different — because growth requires a new approach, not just more effort.From there, the conversation turns into pure value: how to scale by staying in your lane, why “rejection is protection,” what consistency looks like over six years of showing up, and why patience is often the hidden ingredient behind real stability.If you're heading into 2026 wanting a clearer focus and a stronger foundation — this is your episode. Share it with someone building something real, and leave a review on The Culture Matters Podcast to help us keep elevating these conversations.

Episode 11 of the New Year's Eve Lollapalooza is a brotherhood conversation — the kind that doesn't posture, doesn't perform, and doesn't pretend.Jay Doran and co-host Mike Calhoun are joined by Eddy Perez Jr., Brett Grossman, John New, and Darwin Roman to talk words for 2026, the cost of leadership, and what it really looks like to keep showing up when life gets heavy.The words on the table set the tone fast:Darwin: Value — not just what you bring to others, but what you require for yourself (boundaries included).Eddy: Atonement — owning the moments you knew better and didn't listen to yourself.Brett: Self-Actualization — becoming the man you're capable of being, day by day.Mike: Different (and last year: Jubilee) — reset, rethink, and stop doing what no longer serves the mission.Jay: last year Intensity, this year Love — life isn't a problem to solve, it's a reality to experience.From there, the conversation turns real: building your “team” in relationships (assets vs. liabilities), why men often don't make the call when they're struggling, the pressure of being the one who always “handles it,” and the second-half adjustments that actually win championships — in business, fatherhood, and life.John New shares a powerful win: getting through years of divorce dynamics and choosing to “win with love” for his kids. Eddy opens up about identity, leadership, and why atonement starts with accountability. Brett talks honestly about weathering a financial storm and the quiet danger of carrying everything alone. Darwin brings it home with the hard lesson: if you don't respect your own value, you'll pay for it.If you're a man carrying pressure in silence — or you love someone who is — share this episode with a brother.

Episode 10 of the New Year's Eve Lollapalooza feels like a collective “second wind” — the kind you get when a conversation becomes less about performance and more about presence.Jay Doran and co-host Mike Calhoun are joined by Morgan DeNicola, Ruth Lee, David Levine, and John Duffin for a deeply human dialogue centered on the words each person is carrying into 2026:Morgan: LeadershipRuth: Amity (agreement without avoidance — the ability to stay clear without becoming hard)David: Coherent (alignment, resonance, and living in a way that matches what you say you value)John: Expeditious (speed + urgency — refusing to squander the moment)John opens with urgency and intentional thinking — including the decision to step away from social media when it's engineered for outrage instead of clarity. Ruth expands the room with Amity, reframing “agreement” as a skill: holding strong views without needing to fight, and moving from reaction to choice in high-stakes environments.Morgan shares how a year of pivoting turned into a clearer call to step fully into leadership — not from ego, but from responsibility. And David brings the future into the present: after decades as a technology entrepreneur, he's preparing to launch an AI-driven platform designed to make wisdom more accessible — capturing the “blueprints” of mentors, coaches, and leaders so more people can benefit between live sessions and high-ticket containers. (Launch shared in the conversation: February 20, at Conscious Life Expo in LA.)This episode is a reminder that the next year doesn't need a thousand goals. Sometimes it needs one word that tells the truth.If someone in your life feels scattered, reactive, or stuck — share this episode. And if this conversation sparked something in you, leave a review so it reaches the people who need it most.

Episode 9 of the New Year's Eve Lollapalooza is one of those conversations that doesn't stay in “business talk.” It goes straight into what leadership actually costs—and what it gives back—when you're building companies while trying to build a life you're proud of.Jay Doran and co-host Mike Calhoun are joined by Steve Wilmer, Carl Eppolito, Pete Fournier, and Chris Tighe for a roundtable that blends family, faith, discipline, and execution—without the highlight reel.Carl Eppolito opens with a story that hits hard: the moment you realize you've already spent two-thirds of your lifetime time with your child before they even turn 13. As a single dad, he shares why stepping away from a high-travel corporate path wasn't a sacrifice—it was a decision to stop missing his life. His word for 2026: Accountability, and it's as much about health and habits as it is about being present for his daughters.Pete Fournier, founder of All Things Insurance Group, brings the operator perspective: growth is great, but growth without systems creates a business that owns you. Coming off a year of expansion and trimming dead weight, his focus is simple: Efficiency—stop stepping over dollars to pick up dimes, and start building leverage like a real CEO.Steve Wilmer delivers a lesson most founders learn the hard way: putting your head down and “accelerating” doesn't matter if you're not paying attention to where you're actually going. After a year that looked busy but paid less, his word for 2026 is Focus—moving from the red ocean to the blue ocean with higher-value accountability and fewer, better clients.And Chris Tighe ties it all together with a builder's mindset—military background, hard-earned business growth, and the humility to admit the real battlefield is internal. After a year of persistence through adversity, his word for 2026 is Growth—in fatherhood, relationships, leadership, generosity, and the systems that will carry his company forward.This episode is a reminder: your next level isn't only about revenue. It's about the standards you keep, the people you choose, and the discipline to build what matters—on purpose.Share this episode with someone who's trying to grow without burning out—and leave a review so these conversations reach more leaders who need them.

Episode 8 of the New Year's Eve Lollapalooza is a fast-moving mix of real talk, hard lessons, and the kind of “in-the-trenches” clarity you only get when builders stop pretending everything is polished.Jay Doran and co-host Mike Calhoun are joined by Vinnie Candelore Jr., Jeff Winnick, Jake Penny, Kayvon Kay, and returning guest Demetri Stakias for a conversation centered on two themes: what 2025 demanded from you, and what 2026 is requiring of you.Here's what makes this episode hit:Jake Penny breaks down a mission-driven approach to “Main Street investing” through Wealth Without Wall Street—teaching people how to move retirement dollars into cash-flowing real estate with real social impact. He shares the reality of scaling a portfolio (134 properties in four years), the pressure of a changing capital market, and the word that carried him: Persevere.Vinnie Candelore Jr. speaks like someone who finally woke up to what entrepreneurship actually is. Art may get you in the room—but relationships, systems, and execution keep you there. His word for the year: Awake. And his story is a live look at what it means to build something for your family while still learning the game in real time.Kayvon Kay brings the edge and the honesty. He talks about the founder being the bottleneck, the necessity of surrender for real growth, and what it looks like to come out of a year where the goal was simply to exist—and still end up with massive momentum. His takeaway lands hard: you don't get growth without surrender.Jeff Winnick shares “mortgage miracles” from a small team producing big results—and then gets pushed (in the best way) to define what “better” really means in 2026. The answer becomes clear: more leverage, stronger delegation, and improving as a human first.And through it all, Jay and Mike keep coming back to the point of the Lollapalooza itself: connection. The people in your world matter. The way you show up matters. And leadership isn't just output—it's care.If you're building through a pivot, a reset, or a reinvention… this episode will feel like a mirror and a push.Share this episode with someone who needs a wake-up call—and leave a review so we can keep bringing conversations like this to more people.

Episode 7 of the New Year's Eve Lollapalooza is part coaching session, part brotherhood, and part wake-up call—because this crew doesn't just talk about growth… they talk about the cost of growth.Jay Doran and co-host Mike “Mike Drop” Calhoun are joined by Alex Rawdin, Jeff Silva, Ken Jordan, and Demetri Stakias for a fast-moving roundtable that turns into something deeper: identity, resilience, and what it takes to rebuild when the punches don't stop.You'll hear each guest anchor 2026 with a single word:Jeff Silva lands on Consistency—rebuilding in a new market, owning the fall-apart seasons, and remembering that you don't “find” momentum… you earn it.Alex Rawdin sharpens his initial instinct of “action” into what really matters: Execution—being effective, not just busy, while raising three young kids and helping lead a multi-decade family advisory firm.Demetri Stakias brings the most vulnerable turn: moving from last year's word Unstoppable to this year's word Love—after being forged by adversity that most people only hear about in headlines.Ken Jordan declares Transformation, and then opens up about the hardest part of leadership: rebuilding confidence after the difficult decisions of 2022–2023, learning the difference between empathy and compassion, and getting ready to recruit and lead again without fear writing the script.Then the episode pivots—hard—into one of the most practical moments of the entire Lollapalooza: go live.Mike lays out a conviction that feels like a challenge: if you do nothing different in 2026 except schedule consistent live conversations (YouTube, LinkedIn, anywhere), you'll spend the year building trust, proximity, and pipeline—for free. Not performative. Not perfect. Just real, consistent, and present.This episode is for the leader who's been carrying it alone… and is ready to get back into rooms that make them better.If you're stepping into 2026 with a word, a mission, or a rebuild—this one will hit.

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.