The Instant Journeyman's Podcast

WE ARE BACK! After a nice summer off, I am back to bring you the best of the best.  Today I have a conversation with return guest Jim Matheis, Falcon and new comer Dennis about this years Sober October Challenge. Then we talk about covid and much more!  Next week we have Brie! #soberoctober #Instantjourneyman #3rdannual

Today's guest is Megan Guinnup.  Megan is a Travel Agent that squashes the myth that you will pay extra if you use a Travel Agent,  what the benefits of booking through a Travel Agent are and shares her top 3 travel tips. We had a great conversation and learned about some COVID-19 requirements. Do yourself a favor if you are traveling soon, tune in and book your next trip with Megan or a travel agent that can take care of you so you can focus on the fun part of traveling. 

Today's guest is back by popular demand!  She is the Instant Journeyman 2020 most downloaded guest, Cassidy Nicholas.   Cassidy popped in to talk about everything postpartum (and really the trick to pre, during and post pregnancy).  What it's like to be back in the competitive racing scene, Breast Feeding as an athlete and that awful 4 letter word that everyone hates.... DIET!  We talk about all this and much much more, so tune in an enjoy!

Today's guest is Kevin Jajkowski, Kevin has been a Fire Fighter for almost 33 years.  He has been a LT, a Captain, Chief and now Commissioner. We talk about how he got in to firefighting, what it was like to be in well over 35 fires in his career and much much more.   

Today's guest is Ella Kociuba!  Ella and I met back when we were running obstacle races heavily.  Ella is one bad a*s chick, she has accomplished a lot in her life and she is not even 30 yet!  Ella started her interest in sports by Endurance Riding where she would compete in riding horses 25 - 50 miles! She ended up breaking her back (now has a metal rod holding things together) after a horse bucked her off.  After recovering, she got in to OCR and became one of the youngest females to win races and get on the Spartan Pro Team. She has completed the Death Race 5 times! Is a massage therapist, a tattoo artist and overall awesome person!  Tune in and enjoy the conversation I had with her and find out what cool things she has planned for June and her near future!

Today's guest is our good friend Falcon!  Falcon and I discuss a ton of hot topics such as School Reopening's, Mask wearing (or lack of mask wearing in his case), Masculinity, Equality vs Equity and how I fell for a cartoon that showed the both of them, etc. We even answered a question that a live listener asked and I was impressed with Falcon's answer and mine. Today's episode is a long one but good if you like the hot topics. 

Today's guest it Alicia Kwiatkowski!  Alicia is the Assistant Director of Front Office - Guest Recognition at Faena Hotel in Miami Beach.  Alicia has been in the hotel industry through some pretty crazy times.  She has been through 2008 mortgage crisis and the 2020 COVID-19 Pandemic.  Both had effected the travel industry in a major way.  We talk about how she ended up in Miami, where she thinks the industry is headed and how it has been during the pandemic.  If you are a travel nerd like me, this is a great podcast to learn about hotels and hear about one of my favorite luxury hotels out there.

Lynne Ruda is a lifelong Lancaster, NY resident and is proud to be running for Mayor of the Village if Lancaster!  She currently serves her community as a Village of Lancaster Trustee.  Lynne shows her love of her community and her willingness to protect it as a Volunteer Firefighter for the Village of Lancaster. She is proud to be the first female driver and interior firefighter in the Eagle Hose Company.  She serves as the Department Secretary and is regularly a top responder.  Lynne received the 2016 Chief's Award and the 2015 Administrative Member of the Year Award from the Lancaster Fire Department. Lynne is a music teacher at Lancaster High School. She has served as the Director of Orchestras at Lancaster High School since 2008. Additionally, Mrs. Ruda is the conductor of the Greater Buffalo Youth String Orchestra. At Lancaster High School, Lynne serves as the advisor of the First Responders Club, which is devoted to bringing First Responder experiences to high school students. As an active cellist in the area and a member of the Buffalo Musicians Association – Local 92, Mrs. Ruda has performed throughout Western New York, including with the Western New York Chamber Orchestra and the Clarence Summer Orchestra.  She has also performed with The Who and Weird Al Yankovic in concert. Lynne is currently a finalist for the GRAMMY Music Educator of the Year 2021 and was a finalist for the GRAMMY Music Educator of the Year 2020.  Mrs. Ruda was named a 2020 NYS Woman of Distinction and received the 2020 Agent of Change Award from the Lancaster Area Chamber of Commerce.  She was the 2019 recipient of the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra/Erie County Music Educators Association Award for Excellence in Music Education.  In 2018, she was named Citizen of the Year by the Lancaster Area Chamber of Commerce.

Today's guest is Dustin Swaciak. Dustin is a chef that has worked in many fine dining establishments in Buffalo, FL & Houston.  He shares his struggle with opioid addiction and losing it all, but is now 6 years sober.  Just 1 year ago, he started a knife business at the beginning of the COVID pandemic which worked out well since he was laid off from his chef job. These knives are right from Japan, most with custom made handles that he creates himself and are the highest of quality. Listen in to learn about how these knives are made, how to sharpen a knife, what the difference is between your knives at home and these knives.  I learned a lot and look forward to trying a knife or two myself when I cook. Oh and be on the look out because he will have a storefront in the next three months as well. Check out his website www.realsharpknife.com or search him on social media. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RealSharpKnife  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realsharpknife/?hl=en  Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrZTaQCv2m3WFNEfiAPfuDg 

Todays guest is Don Zappia. Don is living proof that it doesn't matter how many times you get knocked down, you just have to keep getting up.  Don is the father of two past guests (Chad & Shea Zappia).  He left a six figure salary to try other things and ended up owning a small village pub that him and his family turned in to a great Martini Bar that was ahead of its time.  After losing it all and walking away from the restaurant “with $50” he ventured off to Vegas and recalibrated, only to return back home for a great opportunity that fell short again. Now Donnie is crushing it in the real estate game and is climbing back to the top,  so I wanted to have him on since there is no better motivator than a comeback story and he shares it all.     Check out Don Zappia exp Realty at www.donzappia.com or you can find him on Facebook by searching Don Zappia (public person) or Instagram by searching Don Zappia or using his insta handle @zappiadon 

Today's guest is 11 year old Gavin Matheis. Now before you dismiss this episode because you think you can't learn anything from a 11 year old... Let me share some things with you. Gavin, or as I call him, G, currently lives in the FL Keys with his mom and dad, catches big time fish and sharks in the ocean and the gulf, plays high level competitive soccer and despite starting to wrestle just 3 years ago, he is currently ranked top 10 in the state of FL and top 100 in the Nation in youth wrestling for his weight class. He shares how he keeps motivated after having success right away and how he handles defeat. I think everyone could pick up a few things from G so take a listen, if you have kids, have them listen as well.    

Today's guest is Dr. Mark Jajkowski, MD, FACS.  Dr. Jajkowski is the Director of Thoracic Surgery at Catholic Health.  Dr. Jajkowski's practice is focused on lung cancer diagnosis and treatment utilizing minimally invasive thoracic surgery, including advanced thoracoscopy and robotic surgery. He also actively promotes lung cancer screening throughout the community as a way to catch the disease at early stages and improve outcomes.

Today's guest is the host of the new podcast The Becka Hays Show!  Becka recently has started her own media company with the first step of launching her own podcast after being let go from her morning radio show on iheart radio. She shares a lot of details about what she has planned and how she is phasing out her Only Fans page and announces an exclusive with her plans for a Becka Hays Club (name pending, lol) where you get much more and it allows her to give more back to her fans with dinners, giveaways and much more! Becka also talks about her growing popularity in the Conservative party after having a terrible experience at her son's youth basketball game due to Covid restrictions. All that and much more!  Tune in and enjoy!

Today's guest is Joshua Peugh! Joshua is the Founder and Artistic Director of Dark Circles Dance Company and Co-founder of Fair Assembly.  A graduate of Southern Methodist University, he has created work for festivals in Asia, Europe, and North America, winning awards for his choreography in South Korea, Japan, Canada, and the USA. He was the recipient of the Grand Prize at the McCallum Theatre's 18th Annual Choreography Festival and was chosen as one of @dancemagazine “25 to Watch." Joshua served as choreographer for legendary soprano Kathleen Battle's concert Underground Railroad - A Spiritual Journey and was the 2018 recipient of the Natalie Skelton Award for Artistic Excellence. He has created over 40 new works for BalletX, Ballet Memphis, The Big Muddy Dance Company, BODYTRAFFIC, Bruce Wood Dance Project, Company E, Dallas Black Dance Theatre, Dallas Theater Center, Dance Lab NY, DanceWorks Chicago, Eisenhower Dance, Korea National Contemporary Dance Company, MADCO, METdance, Tulsa Ballet, WaterTower Theatre, and Whim W'Him, among others.  Check out his website: https://www.darkcirclescontemporarydance.com/  

Now that Nathan has retired from professional hockey, what will life look like for him? How did Blue Toad Cider “The Wiggle” came about? Being starstruck when meeting certain people, etc. Overall it was a great conversation with a lot of laughs.   Check out Blue Toad hard cider company: https://www.bluetoadhardcider.com   Also mentioned in the interview is BioSteel, I am hooked on the Blue Raspberry Hydration Mix! https://biosteel.com

Today's guest is the one and only Nathan Paetsch!  Nathan just announced his retirement after 17 professional hockey seasons and 2 Calder Cup Championships. Nathan Played in he NHL for the Buffalo Sabres & Columbus Blue Jackets and in the AHL for the Grand Rapids Griffins & the Rochester Americans.  He might have hung up his skates playing, but he still is on the ice coaching his son.  We had a great time recording the interview and hope you enjoy!

Today's guest is Noura Salman, this is Noura Knows Best week!  I had such a good time talking with her on Monday I invited her back for the Whatever Wednesday to learn more about her Survivor Island of the Idols experience.  We go more in depth on how she finished in the Top 3, what she ate, how she stayed fresh and even what her Million dollar lesson was.  Tune in and enjoy!

Today's guest is Noura Salman, Noura is most known for her recent appearance on Survivor (Season 39, Island of the Idols) where she finished in the top 3 (and was the last remaining female).  Noura is also a entrepreneur, she had a thriving CPA consulting business, multiple investment properties and then gave it all up to chase her dream of creating her own health/nutrition bar company called SuperFreshies.  Tune in to hear all about it.

Today's episode is a Question & Answer episode!  I have seen some of my favorite podcasts answer questions they get sent in from listeners and thought it would be a great time to answer a bunch of the questions that I keep getting.  Hopefully you enjoy this and we get more questions in for another Q & A in a couple months. Don't worry, next week we will be back to our normal Whatever Wednesday Episodes!

Today's guest is Bob Zotara.  Bob is the CEO of the PMA Group which is a marketing/consulting company that he started back in 1986.  Clients reach out to Bob not only because of his multiple National Award Winning Ad Campaigns, but because he is responsible for client branding, positioning, creative, imaging, growth and project management.  On a personal level he is one of the most positive people I know, and he shares how he stays so positive and does not let stress get to him.   

This new series called Friday Funnies is a quick 10 - 15 minute rapid Q&A using the Barstool Answer the Internet deck of cards I purchased.  It has philosophical questions, Funny questions, Relationship questions and so much more.  If you are looking for a quick break to get a few laughs in, make sure to tune in to these every Friday. Our first guest is Joey Manzanales!  He has some fun answers to some outrageous questions.   Make sure to listen to the Sponsors that our pal Lou went out and got for this series!

After a much needed break to relax and learn about how to create & post video podcasts on YouTube, we are back!!! Check is out on Apple Podcast, Amazon Podcast, Spotify Podcast PodBean and now YouTube!  Just search Instant Journeyman. Today's guest is with the one and only Joey Manzanales!  Joey is a great friend of mine that lives in Houston, TX with his husband and two dogs. He is the life of the party as long as I'm not at that party. We have a conversation about the infamous bachelor party, his side of the story when we were at the gentleman's club and much more.

Today's guest is Melissa Matheis!  Melissa was a Reality Star before it was even a thing! Melissa and her husband Jim (past guest) were on Fear Factor Couples Edition, then the Fear Factor Reunion, got married and shared on on TV's show A Wedding Story and then Melissa cleaned house on Wheel of Fortune!  We relive some of those moments, talk about her family moving to the FL Keys, how covid is effecting her fitness business, the kids activities and what they are doing about it.  She even shares how she has stayed married during the age of social media!

Today's guest is the Ferrari Jim Matheis.  Jim owns a successful concrete restoration company in south Florida with his business partner Scot. Jim is one of the hardest workers you will meet and yet makes time for working out, his kid's sports and his wife. His success started off with a few showings on Fear Factor and his wife winning Wheel of Fortune!  

Today's guest is a fan favorite, Chef Shea Zappia drops in the virtual studio to talk to us about some fun topics like the Buffalo Bills kicking a$$ & his passionate love for QB Josh Allen. We also discuss how covid has effected the service industry, what some of his favorite things to cook during the holidays are and how to properly cook a steak indoors during the winter months and some fun facts about steaks.  We then test out The Instant Journeyman's new series that we will be kicking off in 2021 which is a 5 - 10 minute Q&A using the "Answer The Internet" cards I bought, so make sure you listen to the end and hear some of Shea's great answers! Get ready to laugh!

Today's guest is Krystal Centinello, Krystal has her degree in psychology and has been teaching elementary education for the past 15 years.  After ending her emotionally abusive marriage she began writing poetry again which she hasn't done since high school.  She started sharing her poetry and realized people were relating to it so that is when she decided to publish her poetry in a book called Diadem (now available on Amazon).  She also recently recieved her life coaching certification and plans to write a few more books to help people overcome similar sitauations she has.

Today is a first for our Whatever Wednesday series, we have 2 guests on!  Today's guests are Tyler & Garrett Meegan.  I've known Tyler & Garrett since they were toddlers, Garrett was even in diapers when I started babysitting them. I wanted to have them on because now that they have grown in to fine young men, Tyler is now the operations manager at Carneros resort and spa which is a Forbes 4 star resort and Garrett is a Intern at Disney (cut short due to Covid).   It was fun to see what they thought of my babysitting skills, where they are now and what they are looking to do in the future.  We even talk about buffalo sports a little.  

Today's guest is our good friend Lou, Lou is a Senior Vice President at a large private equity investment firm. I've known Lou since 2005 when we worked together at a large financial company.  He is always the hardest worker in the room and is a blast to be around.  

Today's guest is Cassidy Nicholas!  Cassidy is a Step Mother, New Mom, Athlete, Business Owner and overall Bad Ass!  You might have seen her on TV shows like Spartan Team Race or Steve Austin's Broken Skull Ranch, possibly ran in to her at a number of Tough Mudder, Spartan Race or any OCR events across the country.  But in todays episode we talk about being a step parent and how that is different from being a new mom.  We discuss pregnancy from working out during it, to her home birth and how she decided to do that.  Then we get in to what everyone wants to know, wether you are a man or a woman, you want to know how do you get those abs popping like she does! and how did she accomplish that just 6 months after giving birth?  So tune in, learn, be entertained and enjoy!

Today's guest is someone i've known since grade school, he is a fun guy to have a beer with or have deep thought provoking conversations with.  Phil Monin is a mathematician and financial economist at the Federal Reserve Board in Washington, DC, where he conducts research on financial intermediaries such as broker-dealers and hedge funds. Previously he was an economist at the Office of Financial Research studying financial stability issues. He has been published in various mathematics and finance journals and his research has earned several awards. He holds a PhD in mathematics from the University of Texas at Austin, is a CFA charterholder, and is a certified FRM. As if that all is not enough, he also teaches part time in the graduate program in mathematics and statistics at Georgetown University. He lives in northern Virginia with his wife and two children.  

Today's guest is Award Winning Pastry Chef Craig Harzewski! Craig and I normally spend multiple hours at our favorite cider bar in Chicago 3 - 4 times a year, but with not traveling this year, I had to get a conversation in via the podcast. In this episode we discuss what his favorite Christmas cookies & holiday pastries are to make during the holiday season.  We talk about what they are doing to drive more business during the covid capacity restrictions and how he dealt with battling covid a little over a month ago. Oh and if you're interested in learning on how to make hard cider at home, this is a podcast for you. That and much much more.

Today's guest is one of the originals from my home town, Chad Zappia!  Chad is the Director of Food & Beverage at Big Ditch Brewing Company.  He has been in the restaurant/hospitality business all of his adult life and shares what motivates him and how he is always trying to be innovative in the industry.  

Today's guest is Chris Walczak.  Chris is a return guest since we had such a good time recording the monday motivation series.  Chris and I discuss travel, traveling during covid, hot peppers, Friends in different stages of life, Politics, family, etc. (disclaimer: we recorded this at the end of October)

Today's guest is Cassidy Nicholas, Cassidy is a wife, step mom and new mom. But you might recognize her from her Elite Obstacle Course Racing days, or from Steve Austin's Broken Skull Ranch where she was the Champion for many many weeks, or maybe you know her from Epic Interval Training where she is the Program Director.  Regardless, she shares how she has and is reaching success in OCR, Motherhood and runninng a business. 

Need a break from the election?  Today's guest Ian Walsh and I recorded this two weeks ago and talk about our Sober October challenge, what crazy adventures we want to tackle next, we discuss our golfing addiction, his hunting and more.  

CNN, CNBC, Fox News... Who needs them when you have the Instant Journeyman Podcast and his political analysts!?  Jeremy has Falcon, Jim Matheis, Chris Walczak, Ian Walsh and even President Trump calls in from his busy schedule for a LIVE look at whats happening.  We talk a lot about what is going on during election night and other hot topics in the political arena. Hope you enjoy!

CNN, CNBC, Fox News... Who needs them when you have the Instant Journeyman Podcast and his political analysts!?  Jeremy has Falcon, Jim Matheis, Chris Walczak, Ian Walsh and even President Trump calls in from his busy schedule.  We talk a lot about what is going on during election night and other hot topics in the political arena. Hope you enjoy!

Today's guest is Paul Weiss DDS. Dr. Weiss and I met in the early 90's when he was promoting Dental Health Month at a local mall.  Thats where I got my big break and my mascot career began!  But enough about me, Dr. Weiss had his own successful practice for over 31 years and was also the clinical assistant instructor at UB Dental school. Dr. Weiss talks about how he was able to differentiate himself from other dentists in the area and what is important when in business. 

Today's guest is the HYROX World Record Holder, a 6x OCR World Champion, a 4x OCR National Champion, Undefeated Broken Skull Ranch Champion (3 years running) and the Tough Mudder X Undefeated Champion 2017-2018. He was named one of the top 50 fittest athletes by Sports Illustrated and has been featured on multiple magazine covers. Ladies and Gentlemen, the one and only Sheriff himself.... Hunter McIntyre! 

Today's guest is Lt. Colonel Mark Burley! Mark and I met at a national leadership conference when we were in high school.  After high school Mark went on to graduate from the Air Force Academy and became a B52 Pilot.  He has literally flown across the globe, with his longest sortie was 24 hours non stop. In 2015 Mark graduated from the USAF Weapons school and in 2016 he married his wife  Amber. The past two years he worked at the Pentagon for the Headquarters Air Force Director of Operations and is currently working as a 2d Bomb Wing Inspector General at Barksdale Air Force Base.   Mark has a great view on things, he talks about everything being a little bit of Luck, Timing and Hard Work, and he has a 2, 10, 5, 7 Rule that I think everyone should adopt. 

Today's guest is Jim Matheis, I've known Jim for about 8 years and he is one of my best friends (I know I have a lot). Jim is a true family man, great friend, one of my biggest supporters and The Instant Journeyman's main sponsor. We talk about Sober/ish October, politics, his move from Miami to the FL Keys, business during Covid, his first hand experience beating Covid and much more. Jim has been on Fear Factor, A Wedding Story & American Ninja Warrior, so tune in for a great conversation.

Today's guest is Chris Walczak. Chris is a Regional Sales Manager covering 32 territories in the New England area for Zynex Medical, a medical device manufacturer.  With 15 years of experience in the healthcare industry and 11 highly awarded years in sales he has dedicated his life to working to improve the lives of others through his daily work.  Proving that it is never impossible to improve yourself, in addition to managing a successful career and having a growing family, Chris went to college late in life starting in 2013 at the age of 28 and has since earned an AS in Business Administration, a dual BS in Management and Marketing, and is currently working on his MBA in Management with an additional concentration in Finance.  Chris currently lives in a suburb outside of Buffalo with his wife and three children.  Make sure to catch his 4 Pillars which can help anyone who needs motivation!

Alex Nicholas is a serial entrepreneur. He has a Bar Restaurant in NYC, Fitness Studios across the US and is a new Real Estate Agent in South FL.  Alex and I have been friends for 18 years, we share some of the fun times we have had, as well as some wild and crazy times. Tune in and enjoy!  

Today's guest is Jen Esquer, PT, DPT, is an internationally-renown physical therapist who specializes in helping people overcome chronic pain and maximize physical performance. As the founder of two transformative programs, “The Mobility Method” and “The Optimal Body,” she brings a unique, whole body approach to strength, mobility and pain-free living. In 2019, Jen was named one of the top 50 most influential healthcare professionals. Jen's easily accessible approach has garnered her more than half a million followers on social media and more than more than 5+ million views of her health and fitness videos. Jen has been featured in Shape Magazine, Self Magazine, Men's Fitness and Muscle and Fitness and recently graced the cover of Oxygen Magazine. She was recently featured on Good Morning America, and has made other appearances on CBS, the RISE podcast with Rachel Hollis and much more. She is co-host of one of the Top New Shows in Health called “The Optimal Body Podcast” with her fiancé who is also a doctor of physical therapy. When they're not busy, they're doing breath work and AcroYoga together in sunny Los Angeles, California.

Today's guest is back by popular demand, Rachel Mariotti had the highest downloaded episode so far and I figured people would like to hear more from her.  We sat down and had a great conversation about moving to NYC at a young age, living with roommates, dating, and then had her answer some fun questions.  Take a listen and enjoy!

Today's guest is Mike Del Zoppo!  Mike and I met while on a flight from FL to Buffalo and had a great conversation, little did I know that 5 years later he would have built the top meal prep business in the Western NY area and one of the best in the country.  Mike is a personal trainer, a competitor in powerlifting, bodybuilding and physique and found a need in the industry.  So with that need him and his business partner decided to solve the problem by creating Eat Rite Foods. Check out EatRiteFoods.com for some great meals. 

Lou and I have known eachother since 2005 when we worked together in corporate America. Lou is a great friend, funny as hell and can make a mean lasagna! We talk about politics, answer the questions that have been weighing heavy on my mind and then Lou shares a story from our Vegas Bachelor Party trip. 

Today's guest is Samantha , i've known Sam since 2013 and she is one of the most energetic and motivated people out there.   Sam has her CSCS, SFGII, MS, PA-C. Samantha is a trainer by day and Physician Assistant by night. Sam lives a duo-career, treating patients in the ER while living out her passion as a Strength Coach in NYC. She's helped a range of clients from getting out of pain to conquering feats of strength! Kettlebells are her specialty focusing on the biomechanics of movement patterns and how they are applied to Kettlebell training. She encourages everyone to live up to their full potential in her sessions and overall in life! 

Todays guest is The Good Gurl herself Becka Hays! Becka is a morning radio host on the show Hooker DB & Becka that broadcasts in Salt Lake City, Memphis, Oklahoma City and on iHeart Radio. She also has her own podcast called the Good Gurl.  She is a very funny person and open about everything. So tune in for a great conversation.

My Guest today is Melissa Duren Conner.  Melissa is a publicist and strategic thinker with over 12 years of industry experience. In July 2014, Melissa joined Jennifer Bett Meyer at Jennifer Bett Communications as the agency's Partner and Managing Director, and growing the company into the leading agency for fast-growing consumer brands that are redefining the modern marketplace. In 2017, Melissa was honored by the Public Relations Society of America as a member of its inaugural 15 Under 35 Awards, and holds a regular speaking presence across conferences, panels and podcasts.

Today's Whatever Wednesday guest is a 5 foot 1 ball of fire!  Miranda Orwig in her words is "just a lil ol housewife trying to get Jacked Up!" And that alone should be why you listen to this episode. What a great conversation, a little shorter than usual, but she will be back again in the next month or so.