Podcasts about Starkey

Brandon Sawalich is the President and CEO of Starkey, leading 6,000 employees across 29 countries in the hearing healthcare industry. In this episode, Brandon addresses how healthcare leaders balance innovation with human connection. He explains that hearing health requires both cutting-edge AI technology and personalized care from healthcare professionals. He shares leadership lessons from guiding Starkey's transformation into a global brand while preserving its family culture. Brandon discusses how to maintain core values while under pressure to prioritize patient outcomes over stock market demands. Listen to this episode to discover how Brandon leads with purpose in an industry that transforms lives, balances innovation with human connection, and maintains company culture during global growth. You can find episode 484 on YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts! Watch this Episode on YouTube | Brandon Sawalich on Balancing Innovation with Human Connection https://bit.ly/TLP-484 Key Takeaways [05:01] When asked about balancing innovation with human elements in healthcare, Brandon explains hearing technology has evolved from analog whistling devices to AI-powered solutions, noting "We were the first to pioneer using AI back in 2000, starting in 2017 and we're in our eighth generation now." [07:01] Brandon outlines leadership challenges in managing multiple stakeholders, emphasizing "What's best for the patient is best for our customer is best for Starkey." [08:26] When asked about protecting culture while growing globally, Brandon explains his approach: "We hire for attitude and develop the talent because that attitude has to fit within the Starkey culture." [10:04] Brandon describes their training philosophy as "the Starkey way," emphasizing mentoring over traditional training programs and stating "I want one way" rather than multiple programs. [12:14] When asked about balancing kindness with results, Brandon explains his leadership approach: "I work for you. We all have to hold each other accountable." [14:21] Brandon defines being "the best" in their industry by focusing on sound quality and ease of use, explaining "to be the best is yes, you have to run an efficient company" and have "the best sounding sound quality hearing aid in the world." [15:41] Brandon reveals the hearing aid industry structure: "The hearing aid industry is made up of five companies in the world. Starkey is the only US owned and operated." [16:56] When asked what makes him the best leader, Brandon emphasizes accessibility and continuous learning, stating "I'm always available to the team if they need it" and "I'm always curious." [19:58] When asked about being overwhelmed, Brandon explains he's not overwhelmed because "I love this company. I've been here 31 years and I'm honored to have the job." [24:06] Brandon shares pivotal experiences that shaped his leadership, including leading industry advocacy in Washington D.C. from 2017 and navigating COVID-19 challenges. [30:53] When asked about daily improvement, Brandon identifies time management as key: "my time management and am I spending, you know, the time on, you know, 20% of the things that are going to make an 80% impact for the company." [33:05] Brandon concludes with parting counsel for leaders: "Don't be a blockbuster. Push yourself. You know, innovate or die" and emphasizes "complacency kills." [34:19] And remember…"I have learned silence from the talkative, toleration from the intolerant, and kindness from the unkind, yet strange, I am ungrateful to those teachers" - Khalil Gibran. Quotable Quotes "It's not just about sound and amplifying sound. You have to personalize and customize something in a very personal business because you have to care and hearing healthcare professionals have to care about the patient in front of them and it's better hearing with a human touch." "You have to make your mistakes. You have to fail in order to improve yourself and move forward. You know, if you're going to fail fast." "If you got somebody that's not the right fit, you know, you have to be able to have the courage to hit that head on and make change." "It's not about coming up and say, well, you didn't produce this much. We need to sit down and talk. It's kind of sitting down and a little bit of a human approach. Common sense is, hey, tell me what's going on." "I'm not going to ask anybody to do anything that I wouldn't do myself. And I'll get a cup of coffee, I'll pick somebody up at the airport, whatever it takes. Because again, that's the team approach and very much lead from the front." "You got to be comfortable being uncomfortable." "Don't lose sleep over the competition, lose sleep over are we making progress or not? Are we getting better? Because complacency kills." "Don't be blockbuster. Push yourself. You know, innovate or die. And you've got to have the courage to change because change management. People's afraid of change." Resources Mentioned The Leadership Podcast | theleadershippodcast.com Sponsored by | www.darley.com Rafti Advisors. LLC | www.raftiadvisors.com Self-Reliant Leadership. LLC | selfreliantleadership.com Brandon Sawalich Website | www.starkey.com Brandon Sawalich X | @starkeyhearing Brandon Sawalich LinkedIn | www.linkedin.com/in/brandonsawalich Brandon Sawalich Instagram | @brandonsawalich

The Penguins have placed Tristan Jarry on injured reserve and called up Sergei Murashov. This will be our first chance to see Murashov, the Penguins top goalie prospect. The Pirates placed Ji Hwan Bae and Liover Peguero on waivers. Big Ben thinks the Steelers need to throw the ball to DK Metcalf more. Jeff Patton of Baseball Card Castle joined the show for Starkey's Card of the Week.

Les Starkey Bodhran Maker

Earlier this month, Starkey released its Omega AI hearing aid platform, and at EUHA 2025, Chief Technology Officer Achin Bhowmik discussed how the company's latest generation builds on prior AI-driven models with new neural-network architecture designed to improve both hearing performance and health monitoring.Omega AI introduces what Starkey describes as the industry's first use of three deep neural networks running in parallel. Each network performs a distinct function: one enhances speech understanding in noise, another predicts and proactively adjusts directionality, and a third monitors the acoustic environment to improve spatial awareness. According to Bhowmik, this approach—modeled on how multiple regions of the auditory cortex process sound—has resulted in measurable gains, including a reported 28 percent improvement in speech recognition accuracy and 8 decibel greater audibility for off-axis sounds compared with the previous Edge AI platform.Beyond hearing performance, Omega AI expands Starkey's health-and-wellness capabilities. The devices now guide users through AI-based balance exercises, leveraging built-in motion sensors that assess gait and stability using protocols developed with academic partners. The system can also track physiological data such as respiration rate, providing users and clinicians with additional health insights that can support fall prevention and overall well-being.Bhowmik also outlined new generative-AI tools integrated across Starkey's ecosystem. The TeleHear AI feature enables wearers to describe listening difficulties in natural language, prompting the device to suggest and apply fitting adjustments that can later be reviewed by the professional. Be sure to subscribe to our channel for the latest episodes each week and follow This Week in Hearing on LinkedIn, Instagram and X.- https://x.com/WeekinHearing- https://www.instagram.com/thisweekinhearing/- https://www.linkedin.com/company/this-week-in-hearingVisit us at: https://hearinghealthmatters.org/thisweek/

Sidney Crosby and Trevor Zegras weren't allowed to take part in the shootout after Sid came off the bench at the end of overtime and earned a misconduct. Joe wanted the NHL to allow Crosby to participate because it was "Frozen Frenzy" night. Tyler Kennedy understood the move with the rules and was unfortunately the proper decision.

Hour 1 with Bob Pompeani and Joe Starkey: Tyler Kennedy doesn't even think there should be a discussion with Ben Kindel and he definitely should stay on the team. Trevor Zegras has brought fire back to the Flyers-Penguins rivalry. TK still doesn't fully believe in the goaltending. Sidney Crosby and Trevor Zegras weren't allowed to take part in the shootout after Sid came off the bench at the end of overtime and earned a misconduct.

Would an 18-game season be too much football? Bob thinks it's fine the way it is. Jeremy Fowler thinks the Steelers are going to trade for Jakobi Meyers. Jeff Patton of Baseball Card Castle joined the show. A Shohei Ohtani batting card is Starkey's Card of the Week!

Hour 1 with Bob Pompeani and Joe Starkey: The Fan has won the 2025 Marconi Award for Large Market Station of the Year! The Penguins won again and Kris Letang recorded his 600th assist. Sidney Crosby is now the all-time leader in points for the Pens spanning the regular season and postseason. Can the Penguins make the playoffs? There are only days remaining to determine if Ben Kindel and Harrison Brunicke should be here and not be sent back to juniors.

The Fan has won the 2025 Marconi Award for Large Market Station of the Year! Mullsy the Snowman pushed us over the top. The Penguins won again and Kris Letang recorded his 600th assist. Sidney Crosby is now the all-time leader in points for the Pens spanning the regular season and postseason. Can the Penguins make the playoffs? Should the Steelers trade for Waddle in Miami?

Earwax affects over 35 million Americans and is the leading cause of conductive hearing loss- yet the procedure to remove it hasn't changed in 200 years. Our next guest, Sahil Diwan, is revolutionizing ear care as CEO of SafKan Health and creator of OtoSet®- the world's first FDA-cleared automated ear cleaning device. What began as a college dorm room experiment to solve his brother's chronic earwax problem has evolved into a viral phenomenon with over 250 million social media views and a network of clinics nationwide. Driven by a vision to become the "front door to ear and hearing care," Sahil shares how SafKan is using consumer-style virality to drive clinical adoption and create unprecedented access to care. Join us to discover how this first-generation immigrant is bridging medtech innovation with patient demand. Let's go!Episode Highlights:From Dorm Room to FDA Clearance: Started with 3D-printed prototypes in a college dorm to solve his brother's chronic earwax problem.Viral Social Media Strategy: Generated over 1 billion views in 18 months, using consumer virality to drive patient demand for a medical device.Rapid Clinic Expansion: Opening a new location every 2-3 weeks, aiming for 50 clinics by end of next year.Front Door to Ear Care: Creating accessible ear cleaning plus hearing screenings to identify hearing loss years earlier than traditional methods.Power of Mentorship: Finding experienced mentors, especially for FDA processes, saved significant time, stress, and money.About our Guest: Sahil Diwan is the Co-Founder and CEO of SafKan Health, the company behind OtoSet® — the world's first automated ear-cleaning headphones that can clean earwax buildup in 30 seconds. FDA-cleared and used in clinics nationwide, OtoSet is transforming how earwax impaction — which affects 35M+ Americans and is a major cause of conductive hearing loss — is treated.A first-generation immigrant from India, Sahil's journey began with a deeply personal problem — his brother Aadil's lifelong struggle with earwax buildup. What started as a college dorm experiment with 3D-printed prototypes is making ear care more accessible today — an example of how automating a common procedure can make patient care more efficient. Today, SafKan is taking on two of the biggest challenges in medtech commercialization — ensuring that clinic adoption leads to consistent product use, and fundraising for novel medical devices. SafKan is driving adoption by building awareness and patient demand through social media, with videos of OtoSet racking up 250M+ views, further increasing clinic utilization and patient outcomes. With $13M in venture funding, partnerships with leaders like GN ReSound, Sonova, and Starkey, and OtoSet being named among the Best Health Designs of 2023 by Fast Company — Sahil is writing the future of ear care by bridging the gap between medtech and patient access. Links Supporting This Episode: Safkan Health Website: CLICK HERESahil Diwan LinkedIn page: CLICK HERESafkan Health LinkedIn: CLICK HEREMike Biselli LinkedIn page: CLICK HEREMike Biselli Twitter page: CLICK HEREVisit our website: CLICK...

Send us a textStart with a person, not a feature list. That's the thread that runs through our conversation with Brandon Sawalich and Dr. Dave Fabry about how hearing technology actually improves lives: by putting the patient first, then letting smart tools do the heavy lifting in the background. We dig into how AI moved from a buzzword to a real advantage in tough listening environments, why sound quality remains the non-negotiable foundation, and how “the ear is the new wrist” reframes what a hearing aid can be.We share the inside story of building Starkey's Omega AI and the eighth generation of sound processing, including DNN 360 and a neuroprocessor designed to make great hearing the default. Think of it as an easy button for clinicians: set a strong baseline fast, then spend time on what only humans can do—listening, coaching, and fitting for comfort. The Da Vinci surgical system offers a useful metaphor: technology doesn't replace expertise; it amplifies it. That's how we see the partnership between AI and hearing care professionals, and why robots won't be fitting ears anytime soon.Beyond better hearing in noise, Brandon and Dave talk about the bigger health picture. Untreated hearing loss intersects with cardiovascular health, cognition, and social engagement. So Starkey built tools that track activity, encourage connection, and enable voice control without adding another gadget to your routine. They're honest about the pushback that comes with change, the “Swiss Army knife” moment, and what they learned about leading with clarity: it's a hearing aid first, with multipurpose superpowers second.If this resonates, follow the show, share it with a friend who's curious about hearing tech, and leave a review so more people can find conversations like this. Your feedback shapes what we build next.Connect with the Hearing Matters Podcast TeamEmail: hearingmatterspodcast@gmail.com Instagram: @hearing_matters_podcast Facebook: Hearing Matters Podcast

Bruce Feldman of The Athletic believes that Matt Rhule and Curt Cignetti are the top two candidates for the Penn State head coach job. James Franklin can't beat great teams but Matt Rhule is the same. Rhule is 0-11 against Top 10 teams and 2-23 against Top 25 teams. Jeff Patton joins for Starkey's Card of the Week.

Starkey's mailbag: We give Pitt a 10% chance to make the ACC Championship. Pitt basketball landed its best recruit of the Jeff Capel era. What situation would you rather be in? The Steelers, Colts, or Patriots? This is the best Steelers team in a number of years.

Send us a textWant to know what “better hearing in noise” actually sounds like when AI, sensors, and human care work in sync? We bring together Starkey's president and CEO, Brandon Sawalich, and Chief Hearing Health Officer, Dr. Dave Fabry, for a candid look at Starkey Omega AI—why it exists, what changed from Edge AI, and how it turns hearing aids into confident, 360-degree listening tools without sidelining professionals.We dig into DNN 360 and how deep neural networks now blend noise management with directionality and low-latency binaural processing to deliver measurable gains in speech understanding. Dave explains the role of IMU sensors in tracking movement and intent—think following a walking companion at your side—while Brandon shares how being privately held enables a patient-first pace of innovation. TeleHear AI adds timely support: when a clinic visit isn't possible, users can describe the problem, get smart on-device adjustments, compare results, and keep what works, with changes reported back to their clinician. It's an example of “friendly AI” that saves time, lifts outcomes, and preserves the provider-patient bond.We also talk access and ethics. From fall detection offered across tiers to StarkeyCares and Hear Now, the team argues that safety and dignity shouldn't be premium features. Data logging grows from hours-worn into environment-aware insights that inform personalization, reduce returns, and drive satisfaction. And for clinicians worried about being replaced, the takeaway is clear: the irreplaceable value is knowing the person behind the audiogram, translating powerful tech into the two or three features that matter most to that life.If you care about hearing technology, clinical excellence, health equity, and where AI is truly useful, this conversation maps the road ahead—fast, human, and focused on outcomes. Subscribe, share with a colleague who still thinks “adaptive directionality” is enough, and leave a quick review telling us which Omega AI feature you want to try first. Connect with the Hearing Matters Podcast TeamEmail: hearingmatterspodcast@gmail.com Instagram: @hearing_matters_podcast Twitter: @hearing_mattasFacebook: Hearing Matters Podcast

Today's show features: Tony Starkey, Customer Experience Manager at Bob Poynter Family of Dealerships Alexi Venneri, CEO of DAS Technology Chris Ruder, General Manager at Northcutt Chevrolet This episode is brought to you by: Repair360 – If you're in the used car business, you know wasted time is wasted money. Check out Repair360—the first and only reconditioning software that connects every function in the dealership to tighten recon and help you sell more cars — No more hounding vendors. Goodbye endless texts and hallway chases. Repair 360 connects all the dots. See where every car is and what its recon is costing minute-to-minute in real time. Visit repair360.com DAS Technology – Digital Air Strike helps dealerships attract, convert, and retain more customers with a single-platform approach that powers your inventory merchandising, customer data experience, social media, reputation management, and more. We bring innovation to your dealership with cutting-edge technology like AI-powered videos for recall and declined service follow-up. Now, we're taking you behind the scenes with a 10-Part Dealer-to-Dealer Masterclass from our Ultimate 20 Summit in Naviva, Mexico. Real strategies shared by top dealership leaders, recorded just for you. Insights you can't Google or ask ChatGPT — available free for a limited time at Ultimate20Group.com. Car Dealership Guy is back with our second annual NADA Party—happening in Las Vegas on Thursday, February 5th. It's the hottest ticket at NADA 2026. Spots are limited and unfortunately we can't invite everyone —so RSVP today at ⁠⁠https://carguymedia.com/cdglive⁠⁠ and we hope to see you in Vegas! — Check out Car Dealership Guy's stuff: CDG News ➤ h⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ttps://news.dealershipguy.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ CDG Jobs ➤ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://jobs.dealershipguy.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ CDG Recruiting ➤ h⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ttps://www.cdgrecruiting.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ My Socials: X ➤ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.twitter.com/GuyDealership⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram ➤ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/cardealershipguy/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ TikTok ➤ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@guydealership⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn ➤ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/cardealershipguy/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Threads ➤ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.threads.net/@cardealershipguy⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook ➤ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077402857683⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Everything else ➤ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠dealershipguy.com

Brandon Sawalich is the President and CEO of Starkey, the world's leading manufacturer of wearable hearing technology. Starting his career as an intern in 1994, Brandon rose through the ranks of Starkey, acquiring deep hands-on experience across every department. Under his leadership, the company has revolutionized the perception of hearing aids, transforming them into cutting-edge, AI-enhanced health tech devices. Known for his relentless drive to challenge the status quo and an unwavering commitment to caring leadership, Brandon has overseen Starkey's innovation in sound quality, health and wellness features, and seamless tech integration, all while nurturing a culture of empathy and personal connection. Takeaways: Challenging Stigma and Embracing Technology: Brandon Sawalich and Starkey are redefining hearing aids as advanced, wearable tech rather than outdated medical devices, incorporating features such as AI, language translation, and health monitoring to help people reconnect with life and stay healthy. Leadership Rooted in Caring: Brandon believes that true business success is rooted in genuine care for people—a philosophy cultivated from his early days at Starkey and reflected in the company's culture, where empathy and helping others are valued as highly as innovation. Hearing Health Is Brain Health: The importance of early hearing evaluation is underscored by Brandon, who explains that untreated hearing loss can lead to isolation, cognitive decline, and even early onset of conditions like dementia. Modern hearing technology does more than amplify sound—it helps keep the brain active, engaged, and healthy. Sound Bytes: “Today's hearing aids are mini-computers—powered by AI, tracking health metrics, even translating languages—not the bulky devices of the past.” “You can't always develop a caring attitude, but you can hire for it. Our culture starts with people who truly care.” “The ear is the new wrist—our devices do more than help you hear, they connect you, keep you safe, and give you a superhuman boost.” Connect & Discover Brandon: Website: https://brandonsawalich.com/ Website: https://www.starkey.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandonsawalich/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brandonsawalichstarkey/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brandonsawalich/ X: https://x.com/BrandonSawalich

Let’s delve into the life and times of the British Monarch that gave his name to the Jacobean Era (1603-25), King James I. This pivotal epoch helped shape the exploration and colonization of the North American Continent. E165. Check out the YouTube version of this episode at https://youtu.be/coL9Ys12nak which has accompanying visuals including maps, charts, timelines, photos, illustrations, and diagrams. Monarchy From the Middle Ages to Modernity by David Starkey (AudioBook) available at https://amzn.to/3HpwAYn ENJOY Ad-Free content, Bonus episodes, and Extra materials when joining our growing community on https://patreon.com/markvinet SUPPORT this channel by purchasing any product on Amazon using this FREE entry LINK https://amzn.to/3POlrUD (Amazon gives us credit at NO extra charge to you). Mark Vinet's HISTORICAL JESUS podcast at https://parthenonpodcast.com/historical-jesus Mark's TIMELINE video channel: https://youtube.com/c/TIMELINE_MarkVinet Website: https://markvinet.com/podcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mark.vinet.9 X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/MarkVinet_HNA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/denarynovels Mark's books: https://amzn.to/3k8qrGM Audio credit: Monarchy From the Middle Ages to Modernity by D. Starkey. Audio excerpts reproduced under the Fair Use (Fair Dealings) Legal Doctrine for purposes such as criticism, comment, teaching, education, scholarship, research and news reporting.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jameson Taillon is pitching against...Quinn Priester in the Cubs-Brewers game. Travis Williams said the Pirates have the best young pitching staffs in baseball. Should Andrew McCutchen be back as the Pirates DH? Joe and Bob both think the Pirates need to upgrade. Joe wants the Pirates to add key bats regardless of position. Jeff Patton of Baseball Card Castle, Starkey's Card of the Week.

In this week's episode Coach Brendan Suhr is joined by Bob Starkey, associate head coach of the LSU women's basketball team. Drawing from his 42 years on the bench coaching in men's and women's college basketball, 6 Final Fours and a National Championship - Starkey shares the “controllables” that make great assistants—and great teams.He outlines the core toolkit for today's assistants: elite communication, the ability to teach, leadership by example, recruiting for fit, and the initiative to solve problems before they reach the head coach. This conversation with Starkey offers practical ways to grow in the role and doubles as Coaching 101 for assistant coaches!All that and more on episode 309 of the Coaching U Podcast presented by Noah Basketball.Noah Basketball is trusted by 28 NBA teams, over 200 NCAA programs, and over 1,000 high school programs to capture and analyze key shooting metrics to help your players perfect their shot and reach their max potential.Learn more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠noahbasketball.com⁠⁠⁠⁠Special Offers!

King James I (1566-1625) the son of Mary Stuart, Queen of Scots—with his daring explorers, adventurers and colonizers laid the foundation for future British settlement and the eventual formation of both Canada and the United States of America. E164. Check out the YouTube version of this episode at https://youtu.be/ZmyTGwiMbEU which has accompanying visuals including maps, charts, timelines, photos, illustrations, and diagrams. Monarchy From the Middle Ages to Modernity by David Starkey (AudioBook) available at https://amzn.to/3HpwAYn ENJOY Ad-Free content, Bonus episodes, and Extra materials when joining our growing community on https://patreon.com/markvinet SUPPORT this channel by purchasing any product on Amazon using this FREE entry LINK https://amzn.to/3POlrUD (Amazon gives us credit at NO extra charge to you). Mark Vinet's HISTORICAL JESUS podcast at https://parthenonpodcast.com/historical-jesus Mark's TIMELINE video channel: https://youtube.com/c/TIMELINE_MarkVinet Website: https://markvinet.com/podcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mark.vinet.9 X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/MarkVinet_HNA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/denarynovels Mark's books: https://amzn.to/3k8qrGM Audio credit: Monarchy From the Middle Ages to Modernity by D. Starkey. Audio excerpts reproduced under the Fair Use (Fair Dealings) Legal Doctrine for purposes such as criticism, comment, teaching, education, scholarship, research and news reporting.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The offensive line is gelling a little bit better. The Steelers are second in forced turnovers. The offense has been outgained in three of the last four games. Austin's confidence has waivered with Drew Allar. Jeff Patton of Baseball Card Castle joined the show for Starkey's Card of the Week.

Hour 1 with Bob Pompeani and Joe Starkey: Marc-Andre Fleury is coming back and will play for the Penguins Saturday against Columbus. Paul Skenes pitches vs. Hunter Greene tonight. Mullsy won a big golf tournament!! Mike Tomlin spoke on how important the Ireland trip is to the Rooney family and honoring Ambassador Dan Rooney. Bob and Starkey share stories of Dan.

Marc-Andre Fleury is coming back and will play for the Penguins Saturday against Columbus. Joe and Bob think the Penguins should retire Fleury's No. 29. Paul Skenes pitches vs. Hunter Greene tonight. Mullsy won a big golf tournament!!

The Ireland trip is so important to the Rooney family and honoring Ambassador Dan Rooney. Bob and Starkey share stories of Dan. Mike Tomlin doesn't think it's a negative Carson Wentz is starting and threw some shade on Indy's Anthony Richardson. Jeff Patton of Baseball Card Castle joins us for Starkey's Card of the Week!

Hour 2 with Bob Pompeani and Joe Starkey: This game somewhat felt like a loss. Aaron Rodgers wasn't sacked, but was constantly under pressure. Joe thinks Aaron Rodgers has been what he expected. Rodgers is still an elite passer of the ball, when he has time to throw. Derrick Harmon made his Steelers debut and played very well. The Steelers still need to find a franchise QB, like New England's.

This game somewhat felt like a loss. Aaron Rodgers wasn't sacked, but was constantly under pressure. Arthur Smith had some well designed plays on the pitch to Gainwell and the deep throw over the middle to Jonnu Smith. Joe thinks Aaron Rodgers has been what he expected. Aaron Rodgers is still an elite passer of the ball, when he has time to throw.

Paul Starkey Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Sacramento Diocesan Council

Send us a textRay Woodworth, a 25-year veteran in hearing healthcare, brings his passion for perfection in ear impressions to this compelling conversation about the art and science of customization. Having been mentored directly by Starkey founder Bill Austin since 2002, Ray shares profound insights that challenge conventional thinking about hearing technology fittings."The ear is the boss," Ray explains, revealing how this seemingly simple concept transformed his approach to patient care. He takes us behind the scenes of the hearing aid manufacturing process, offering rare perspective on why custom solutions often outperform standard dome fittings – particularly for moderate to severe hearing losses. Through vivid examples and personal experiences, Ray demonstrates how custom ear molds can dramatically improve sound quality, streaming clarity, and overall patient satisfaction.The discussion delves into the delicate balance between objective measurements and subjective patient experiences. While Real Ear verification serves as an excellent starting point, Ray emphasizes that the patient's perception must ultimately guide the fitting process. "People don't care how much you know until you show how much you care," he shares, highlighting why relationship-building trumps technical expertise when creating loyal, satisfied patients.Ray also addresses the evolution of impression-taking technology, comparing traditional silicone methods with newer scanning systems. Rather than simply advocating for one approach, he stresses that mastery comes through practice and understanding the unique characteristics of each patient's ear anatomy. His passion for craftsmanship shines through as he describes working with challenging cases and finding solutions for even the most difficult ear canals.What's your approach to customization in hearing healthcare? Are you taking the time to truly understand your patients' unique needs? This episode will inspire you to reconsider how personalization and human connection can elevate patient outcomes in an increasingly technological world. Connect with the Hearing Matters Podcast TeamEmail: hearingmatterspodcast@gmail.com Instagram: @hearing_matters_podcast Twitter: @hearing_mattasFacebook: Hearing Matters Podcast

Mike Tomlin said Broderick Jones played "significantly better" against the Seahawks. Jones didn't play much better. He has allowed four sacks this season. Cal Raleigh hit his 55th and 56th home runs on Tuesday. Should Cal Raleigh win the MVP over Aaron Judge? Jeff Patton shares Starkey's Card of the Week.

Hour 1 with Bob Pompeani and Joe Starkey: A former Steeler texted Joe that Jack Sawyer should start, Nick Herbig rotate in, and Cole Holcomb play instead of Payton Wilson. This former Steeler also thinks Yahya Black should start over Keeanu Benton. Paul Skenes lost his 10th game and is 10-10 after struggling last night against the Chicago Cubs. Mike Tomlin said Broderick Jones played "significantly better" against the Seahawks. Jeff Patton joins for this week's Starkey's Card of the Week!

Starkey's mailbag. Who will have a bigger impact this season, Roman Wilson or Kaleb Johnson? Starkey thinks it's Wilson, but doesn't say it with confidence. Who should be under more pressure: Mike Tomlin or John Harbaugh? Questions about the Pirates owner's commitment.

Hour 2 with Joe Starkey: The Steelers played Cover 1 and Cover 3 70% of the time so far this year and Nick said they're not hiding anything. T.J. Watt has gone his last six games without a sack. Jack Sawyer and Nick Herbig are going to have to fill in for Alex Highsmith. Starkey's mailbag. Who will have a bigger impact this season, Roman Wilson or Kaleb Johnson? Pirates questions as well.

Poni claims Austin texted him that Starkey picked the Steelers to go 6-0. That did not happen! Pitt struggled against West Virginia and blew a 10 point lead. The Steelers and Pitt have combined to lose 13 of their last 16 games.

Hour 3 with Bob Pompeani and Joe Starkey: Our report card for the Steelers. Kaleb Johnson admitted he messed up and has a chip on his shoulder. Johnson hasn't been able to provide any production to the running back room during the first two games. Poni claims Austin texted him that Starkey picked the Steelers to go 6-0. The Steelers and Pitt have combined to lose 13 of their last 16 games.

Joe continues to trim weight and he's close to his goal. Bob commends him. We open a 6 pack - Heyward's status for Sunday, we examine it from the perspectives of Cam, the Steelers, and fans, are pass rushers becoming overvalued, would Cam get booed, the Jets are down a key player, Konnor Griffin had an injury scare but seems to be alright. Aaron Glenn has been asked frequently about Aaron Rodgers, Don Kelly is basically .500 as the manager and perhaps has done enough to keep his job, Tommy Pham is growing on Joe, why can't instant replay determine clear missed calls in baseball still, Jaylen Warren's extension, the General offers up an Ohtani card. Both Pomp and Joe have bold takes for NFL MVPs - Baker Mayfield and Bo Nix. Defensive coaches ranked the offensive coaches anonymously. Kyle Shanahan is #1. Is Arthur Smith in the same realm as the best guys? He was listed as an honorable mention. Pomp says most of his callers on the Nightly Sports Call have been critical of Cam. Would Cam want to see the Steelers get shredded if he sits out against the Jets? What happens if they win? Joe says there's a lot of cheaters in golf. Dan Zangrilli stops in to discuss Ohtani's place in history, Chandler and Yorke, Triolo, if Tommy Pham should be back, the Framber Valdez and Devers incidents, the excitement about the Pirates in 2026. We review the potential starting players for the Bucs next year. An annoyed Mark Kaboly joins to provide his thoughts on the Heyward situation and how it will end, his Steelers and NFL season predictions (he was rattled by Starkey's inquisitions). Reviewing the early returns for the top college QB prospects. Pomp likes Nussmeier. We all need to see more from Allar, but he looked good vs Nevada. Belichick's debut was a disaster, can Pitt surpass expectations? Joe is working on his greatest Pittsburgh bloopers of the century.

Joe says there's a lot of cheaters in golf. Dan Zangrilli stops in to discuss Ohtani's place in history, Chandler and Yorke, Triolo, if Tommy Pham should be back, the Framber Valdez and Devers incidents, the excitement about the Pirates in 2026. We review the potential starting players for the Bucs next year. An annoyed Mark Kaboly joins to provide his thoughts on the Heyward situation and how it will end, his Steelers and NFL season predictions (he was rattled by Starkey's inquisitions).

An annoyed Mark Kaboly joins to provide his thoughts on the Heyward situation and how it will end, his Steelers and NFL season predictions (he was rattled by Starkey's inquisitions).

Starkey's mailbag. Could Kenny Pickett ever come back? Who will finish 1-2-3 in the AFC North? Noah Hiles was asked if Konnor Griffin could make the team out of spring training next year. Dan Zangrilli thinks so. The PM guys made a joke about Joe's 60th birthday and him also thinking the Pirates are close, but Greg didn't acknowledge it!

Hour 4 with Joe Starkey: Starkey's mailbag. Could Kenny Pickett ever come back? Who will finish 1-2-3 in the AFC North? The PM guys made a joke about Joe's 60th birthday and him also thinking the Pirates are close, but Greg didn't acknowledge it! Jeff helps us preview the Pitt season. Head coach Pat Narduzzi wants someone to bring him ribs after the Duquesne game. Penn State still has an Ohio State problem and James Franklin is 1-10 against Ohio State.

Joe Starkey doesn't think Andrew McCutchen is part of the solution moving forward. He wouldn't bring McCutchen back next year and wants the Pirates to improve offensively there. McCutchen said he can still play the outfield, but Starkey doesn't.

Hour 1 with Bob Pompeani and Joe Starkey: Happy birthday Joe! Starkey turns 60 today. Documentarian of Clemente, David Altrogge, joined the show. Roberto Clemente Jr. also joined us to remember his father's legacy and how the doc tells the story of his father. It's taken six years to put the documentary together. Kenny Pickett has been traded from Cleveland to the Raiders for a day three pick.

Sania Khan, una estrella de TikTok, se hizo viral haciendo campaña por la independencia de las mujeres sin saber que se arriesgaba a ser víctima de una venganza mortal. Alexis Sharkey, una celebridad de TikTok, parecía tener una vida perfecta, pero en realidad corría un peligro mortal.

T.J. Watt told the media during practice the Steelers should pay the man and sign Cam Heyward. Jalen Ramsey and Darius Slay went to bat for Cam, but rubbed people the wrong way because they're the new guys and haven't been here for the struggles. Jeff Patton of Baseball Card Castle joined the show for Starkey's Card of the Week!

The five greatest individual performances in PGH sports history since 2000. No. 1 is Ben Roethlisberger vs. the Colts with six touchdowns and 500 yards. Joe doesn't think the Chiefs will go to the AFC Championship Game and will go 10-7. Bob thinks they're going to be a Wild Card team. 

Hour 2 with Bob Pompeani and Joe Starkey: The five greatest individual performances in PGH sports history since 2000. Joe doesn't think the Chiefs will go to the AFC Championship Game and will go 10-7. Bob thinks they're going to be a Wild Card team. Donny Football calls in from the Pittsburgh for PPS backpack drive.

AI hearing technology is redefining what it means to stay connected, healthy, and high-performing in today's fast-moving world. Leading that transformation is Brandon Sawalich, President & CEO of Starkey—the only American-owned major hearing aid manufacturer and a global pioneer in intelligent hearing solutions. With over 30 years at Starkey, Sawalich has led the company from legacy roots to a billion-dollar enterprise operating in over 100 markets. His focus? Making hearing health a frontline conversation in wearable tech and wellness. “We wanted to go from incremental improvements to the moonshot,” Sawalich said. “How do we make hearing aids cool? How do we make them do more? That's where AI came in.” Under his leadership, Starkey became the first to integrate AI hearing technology and embedded sensors into hearing aids. These aren't traditional devices—they're multifunctional health tools that can track steps, detect falls, translate languages, and provide real-time environmental adjustments. The AI is always on, continuously learning and optimizing based on surroundings. “It's your personal assistant, it's Jarvis in your ear,” Sawalich added, referencing Iron Man's intuitive AI companion. He's also changing the cultural narrative around hearing loss. “You think of a hearing aid and you think you're old. That's not how I think. Hearing is your superpower.” Sawalich's approach to innovation isn't just about technology—it's grounded in people-first leadership. His belief in servant leadership shapes the culture at Starkey, a company with more than 5,000 employees worldwide. “I don't see myself at the top of the pyramid. I work for the people of Starkey,” he said. “It's my job to give them the resources and clear vision to be the best.” What sets Starkey apart in the crowded health tech space is its blend of purpose and agility. As a privately held company, Starkey doesn't answer to shareholders—it answers to patients and providers. That freedom has allowed the company to move quickly, take calculated risks, and focus on long-term impact over short-term gains. AI hearing technology is often overlooked compared to wearables like smartwatches or rings, but the ear is emerging as one of the most powerful access points for real-time health data. “The ear is the pathway to the brain,” Sawalich noted. “It's where meaningful insights can happen—if you know how to listen.” From shaping policy to expanding into new distribution channels, Starkey continues to lead with vision. But at its core, the mission remains deeply human: to connect people through better hearing and help them live fuller, healthier lives. As Sawalich puts it, “Whatever you do, be passionate about it—and help others succeed along the way.” Watch the full episode on YouTube. Don't miss future conversations that help you drive results, expand your influence, and sharpen your business edge. Join Fordify LIVE! every Wednesday at 11 a.m. Central on your favorite social platforms, and catch The Business Growth Show Podcast every Thursday for a weekly dose of business growth wisdom. About Brandon Sawalich Brandon Sawalich is the President and CEO of Starkey, the largest American-owned hearing aid manufacturer and a global leader in AI hearing technology. With more than three decades at the company, Brandon has helped drive Starkey's transformation into a billion-dollar innovator in health-focused wearables. His leadership blends cutting-edge vision with purpose-driven culture, positioning the ear as the next frontier in connected health. Committed to both innovation and impact, Brandon continues to lead with a focus on excellence, agility, and service. To learn more about Starkey's breakthrough technology and mission to improve hearing health worldwide, visit Starkey.com. About Ford Saeks Ford Saeks is a Business Growth Accelerator with over 20 years of experience helping organizations ignite innovation, attract loyal customers, and drive sustained success. As President and CEO of Prime Concepts Group, Inc., Ford has generated over a billion dollars in sales for companies ranging from start-ups to Fortune 500s. An award-winning entrepreneur and thought leader, Ford has founded more than ten companies, authored five books, earned three U.S. patents, and received numerous industry accolades. His expertise also extends into the field of AI prompt engineering, where he is recognized for training AI to deliver compelling, results-driven content. Most recently, he was featured at the “Unleash AI for Business Summit,” sharing insights on how ChatGPT is transforming marketing, sales, and customer experience. To learn more about Ford, visit ProfitRichResults.com, and catch his business TV show at Fordify.tv.

The Steelers backup QBs looked good on Saturday. Will Mason Rudolph become the fan's choice once again? Can Skylar Thompson make the team? Joe references Brady's first year in Tampa has a guideline for Rodgers this year. Is Mason Rudolph the best backup in the NFL? We run down some of the other backup QBs. Are people getting ahead of themselves with Joey Porter Jr? We know what Rudolph is at this point. Bob likes what he saw from Arthur Smith. A caller suggests trading Mason to give Howard valuable reps. Tomlin indicated maybe no Rodgers this preseason. Justin Fields looked good in his preseason game. A caller thinks the Steelers are a legit contender and thinks it's up to Rodgers on if he plays in the preseason. Another caller is optimistic about the corners helping the entire defense. Kaleb Johnson wasn't very impressive. Joe gives his take on Cam Heyward holding in and provides examples of the Steelers treating him well over the years. Fans seem to be against him. The lack of postseason success makes it harder to justify big contracts for Heyward and Watt. Cam could've put this out on his podcast but didn't. This news snuck up on everyone. The Steelers have become pushovers. They didn't acquiesce to Bell less than a decade ago. We still don't know what exactly Cam is asking for. Cam's reputation is taking a hit right now, fairly or unfairly. Would fans be happy if he was traded today? Starkey gets excited about a golf course recommendation. Tomlin didn't get any questions because nobody was there seemingly. A caller says Cam should've signed a 1-year deal only. More callers chime in on Cam, with one saying he deserves to seek what he's worth. Bob seems less bothered by Cam than Joe and most fans. Joe heard from Ron yesterday. Pomp did a call in honor of Donny Football. Donny was very excited. Steelers tidbits: why can't you dunk on the goalposts, Broderick Jones looked good, the hawk eye measurement has arrived. Who were some great singers and actors? Ben Cherington had another baffling quote, this time about Bubba Chandler. Could the Pirates bring back Tommy Pham? Why are we still talking about Triolo and Suwinski? Mullys drops in with a special gift to Joe from Oakmont. Joe runs down the performance of several QBs who the Steelers could've taken - Milton, Dart, Sanders, Milroe, Fields, Joe had a crazy sneeze.

Cam's reputation is taking a hit right now, fairly or unfairly. Would fans be happy if he was traded today? Starkey gets excited about a golf course recommendation. Tomlin didn't get any questions because nobody was there seemingly. A caller says Cam should've signed a 1-year deal only.

Joe gives his take on Cam Heyward holding in and provides examples of the Steelers treating him well over the years. Fans seem to be against him. The lack of postseason success makes it harder to justify big contracts for Heyward and Watt. Cam could've put this out on his podcast but didn't. This news snuck up on everyone. The Steelers have become pushovers. They didn't acquiesce to Bell less than a decade ago. We still don't know what exactly Cam is asking for. Cam's reputation is taking a hit right now, fairly or unfairly. Would fans be happy if he was traded today? Starkey gets excited about a golf course recommendation. Tomlin didn't get any questions because nobody was there seemingly. A caller says Cam should've signed a 1-year deal only

IN THIS EPISODE...Brandon Sawalich, President and CEO of Starkey, discusses his 31-year journey at the company. He shares insights into his personal and professional journey, describing how he began as an intern and went on to lead the only American-owned hearing technology manufacturer. Brandon explores his leadership philosophy of servant leadership, building a strong, trust-based culture, and learning from both successes and failures.Starkey is a leading American-owned hearing technology manufacturer, employing over 5,000 people in 29 countries. Starkey's products focus on making hearing aids more discreet and multi-purpose, addressing noise-induced hearing loss, and integrating AI for better sound processing. The company collaborates with tech giants like Apple and Samsung.------------Full show notes, guest bio, links to resources mentioned, and other compelling episodes can be found at http://LeadYourGamePodcast.com. (Click the magnifying icon at the top right and type “Brandon”)Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! Learn more about us! https://shockinglydifferent.com/-------------WHAT TO LISTEN FOR:1. Brandon Sawalich's journey from intern to President and CEO of Starkey.2. The evolution of Starkey and its mission to create advanced, multipurpose hearing aids that enhance health and wellness.3. How Starkey is leveraging AI and technology to drive innovation in hearing protection and enhancement.4. Efforts to reduce the stigma around hearing aids through design and education.5. Starkey's partnerships with major tech companies and their approach to serving clients.6. Brandon's leadership philosophy, including servant leadership and building a strong, trust-based company culture.7. Advice for finding personal purpose, embracing change, and taking initiative in one's career.8. Brandon's reflections on company pride, employee culture, and the impact of their work.------------FEATURED TIMESTAMPS:[01:50] Brandon introduces himself, shares about his recent marriage, family, and personal life.[03:46] Brandon describes his career journey at Starkey, starting as an intern and rising to CEO.[04:51] Discussion of Starkey's growth in employee numbers and company resilience.[06:29] Overview of Starkey's mission, evolution, and focus on innovative hearing technology.[07:59] Explanation of Starkey's target audiences and how their products reach consumers.[10:41] Brandon discusses technological innovation, including AI, hearing protection, and health features.[14:29] Partnerships with major tech companies and Starkey's role in custom ear molds for various industries.[16:33] Brandon's leadership philosophy: leading from the front, servant leadership, and company culture.[18:20] Signature Segment: Brandon's entry into the LATTOYG Playbook: The importance of building an executive team, setting a clear vision, and developing a strong “feeder system” for leadership.[19:36] Learning from mistakes, encouraging risk-taking, and fostering direct communication.[23:01] Advice for listeners on finding purpose, being patient, and taking initiative.[26:13] Signature Segment: Brandon's LATTOYG Tactic of Choice: Leading with Courageous Agility[28:15] Brandon's proudest leadership win: seeing employee pride and company culture thrive.------------ADDITIONAL RESOURCES FOR YOU:Overview: Our Signature Leadership...