Podcasts about Starkey

A trip into Starkey's mailbag. Are the Penguins a true Stanley Cup contender? We think they could win one playoff series. Who will lead the Pirates in home runs, RBIs, and hits? Who are your favorite play-by-play voices of all time?

Hour 4 with Joe Starkey: Konnor Griffin is the story again hitting buildings in batting practice. Griffin has to earn his spot and leave no doubt to make the Opening Day roster. Don Kelly said it's too early to tell if the Pirates rotation will be five or six pitchers. A trip into Starkey's mailbag. Who will lead the Pirates in home runs, RBIs, and hits? Who are your favorite play-by-play voices of all time?

Send a textWhat if connecting to the right sound felt as simple as joining Wi‑Fi? We dive into Auracast and Google Fast Pair with Dr. Heike Heuermann, to show how broadcast audio, lower latency, and smarter pairing are about to make hearing aids—and earbuds—far more useful in the real world.We start with Heike's rare blend of physics and cognitive psychology, the lens that turns decibels into human experience. From that vantage point, Auracast (Bluetooth LE Audio) makes a decisive shift from one‑to‑one links to one‑to‑many streams: a single TV, airport gate, classroom, or worship service can reach countless listeners at once. The result is practical and inclusive. Travelers subscribe to only their gate's announcements. Partners follow the same show without extra boxes. Gym members pick the instructor over background noise. In places once dominated by telecoils, lightweight transmitters and an Auracast Assistant app replace complex loop installs, and because earbuds connect too, stigma drops while adoption climbs.Sound quality and endurance get a real upgrade. LE Audio's LC3 codec widens bandwidth, cuts latency to keep lips in sync, and reduces power draw so all‑day streaming is realistic. Multi‑stream support unlocks fresh experiences: choose a language in a cinema with a tap, or select exhibit audio in a museum without borrowing headsets that ignore your hearing profile. For work, seamless switching across phones, laptops, and tablets meets modern hybrid life, reducing the friction that once discouraged users from staying connected.We also unpack why partnerships matter. Starkey's collaboration with Google brings global ecosystem strength—Fast Pair discovery, Android reach—together with deep hearing science, DNN‑driven processing, and clinical insight. That combination accelerates a shift away from accessories like TV streamers as televisions adopt LE Audio broadcasting, simplifying homes while expanding access.If you care about hearing technology, accessibility, and the future of connected audio, this conversation offers clear use cases, fewer setup headaches, and a vision that treats connectivity as part of care. Subscribe, share with a colleague who needs the update, and leave a review to tell us where Auracast would help you most.Omega AI hearing aids don't just keep up. They redefine what it means to be modern and discreet yet durable and comfortable for all-day wear.They're waterproof, everyday-proof, and designed to go the distance of your day and then some. All while tailored to your unique hearing needs. Connect with the Hearing Matters Podcast TeamEmail: hearingmatterspodcast@gmail.com Instagram: @hearing_matters_podcast Facebook: Hearing Matters Podcast

There is legitimate hope for the Pirates this year. They might have a winning team and a solid lineup. Joe and Austin give our projected Pirates lineup with Konnor Griffin. Jeff Patton of Baseball Card Castle joined the show for Starkey's Card of the Week.

Zak Starkey joins Dystopia Tonight for a wide-ranging conversation about music, legacy, and life behind the drum kit. As one of the most respected drummers of his generation, Zak has carved out his own unmistakable voice while playing with bands like The Who and Oasis, building a career that honors rock history without being trapped by it. In this episode, Zak talks about growing up surrounded by music, finding his own rhythm in the shadow of a legendary name, and what still excites him about playing live today. We dig into touring, creativity, and the strange balance between tradition and rebellion that defines great rock 'n' roll. Zak will be performing live at the Gramercy Theatre in New York City on February 20, and this conversation is the perfect lead-in to seeing him in his natural habitat: onstage, loud, and unapologetically himself.

What does it feel like to carry the legacy of rock royalty while forging your own path in the music world? Join host Buzz Knight as he takes you on a captivating journey in this episode of Taking a Walk. Buzz sits down with Zak Starkey, the son of legendary drummer Ringo Starr, who has carved out his own identity as a remarkable musician in his own right. Zak shares his early fascination with music and drumming, inspired not only by his father but also by his godfather, the iconic Keith Moon of The Who. This episode dives deep into Zak's musical journey, revealing how he honed his craft and built a reputation as a talented drummer through relentless dedication and hard work. As Zak Starkey reflects on his experiences performing with monumental bands like Oasis and The Who, he emphasizes the essential role of sound and rhythm in creating unforgettable music. Listeners will be treated to engaging anecdotes about his family’s rich musical legacy, the ever-evolving music industry, and the excitement surrounding his upcoming performance at the Gramercy Theater in New York City. This conversation highlights the importance of community in music, showcasing how it can unite people during challenging times. Throughout this episode of Taking a Walk, Zak Starkey expresses his profound passion for music and the adrenaline of performing live, while also candidly discussing the changes in the music landscape over the years. From classic rock history to the emergence of indie music, this episode offers a unique perspective on the music journey of a drummer who is not just living in the shadows of his famous family but stepping into the spotlight with his own artistic vision. Get ready for an inspiring episode filled with music history insights, storytelling in music, and the emotional healing through music that resonates with audiences everywhere. Whether you’re a fan of rock music, a follower of legendary musicians, or someone curious about the cultural impact of music, this episode is a must-listen. Join us as we explore the creative journeys of artists like Zak Starkey and celebrate the timeless nature of music in all its forms. Tune in to Taking a Walk and discover how music can inspire, connect, and heal. Support the show: https://takinawalk.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Lions fan who DK Metcalf had an altercation with is suing for $100 million. Jeff Patton of Baseball Card Castle joined the show. The General has a Will Howard jersey card as Starkey's Card of the Week.

A Steelers-themed Super Bowl Quiz Show between Starkey and Donny Football led by Austin.

The Cleveland Browns are hiring former Ravens OC Todd Monken as their head coach. Jim Schwartz is still under contract as the Browns defensive coordinator and the Browns want him to stay. Steelers fans chime in on Mike McCarthy. Jeff Patton of Baseball Card Castle joined the show for Starkey's Card of the Week.

Hour 3 with Joe Starkey: Brian Batko wanted the Steelers to wait to talk to Chris Shula and Nate Scheelhaase. He thinks McCarthy will talk a lot about Pittsburgh and mention Will Howard and Mike Tomlin. Ranking who walked into the best situation between Chuck Noll, Bill Cowher, Mike Tomlin, and Mike McCarthy. We give it around a 40% chance Konnor Griffin is on the Opening Day roster.

Ranking who walked into the best situation between Chuck Noll, Bill Cowher, Mike Tomlin, and Mike McCarthy. We give it a 40% chance Konnor Griffin is on the Opening Day roster. We think it's better than 75% Evgeni Malkin is back next year.

Hour 4 with Bob Pompeani and Joe Starkey: No one thought the Seahawks and Patriots would be in the Super Bowl. The Super Bowl does have two defensive coaches, but two very good to great OCs. The press conference is going to be a lot about McCarthy being from Pittsburgh and the idea that Will Howard could be the guy. If McCarthy gives Howard a chance to be the starter, Starkey thinks he will win over Steelers fans.

The press conference is most likely going to be a lot about McCarthy being from Pittsburgh and the idea that Will Howard could be the guy. If McCarthy gives Howard a chance to be the starter, Starkey thinks he will win over Steelers fans. The Steelers even KNOW how much dislike and how much anger is around hiring Mike McCarthy.

Joe fires back at someone in the YouTube chat that thinks we've been talking about Tomlin "rage bait" and has transitioned to Art Rooney "rage bait." In reality, there are many examples why it was time to move on.

How concerned are you that the Penguins are going to miss the playoffs and miss out on a high draft pick? Joe wants people to enjoy the Penguins' success. This Pens team has guts. Has Josh Allen become this generation's John Elway? Will the Pirates make another move for a bat? They need a third baseman. Is Indiana the greatest team of all time?

Hour 3 with Joe Starkey: How concerned are you that the Penguins are going to miss the playoffs and miss out on a high draft pick? Joe wants people to enjoy the Penguins' success. Has Josh Allen become this generation's John Elway? Will the Pirates make another move for a bat? They need a third baseman. Is Indiana the greatest team of all time?

Hour 1 with Joe Starkey: Tom Pelissero said that McCarthy is a "strong candidate" for the Steelers job. Omar Khan and Mike McCarthy worked together with the Saints. The Steelers haven't been in legit contention for nearly a decade. Joe fires back at someone in the YouTube chat that thinks we've been talking about Tomlin "rage bait" and has transitioned to Art Rooney "rage bait."

Sean McDermott is out in Buffalo. Bob is frustrated by discrepancies in pass interference and a catch. Starkey calls in and is distraught about the Bills loss and the confusing calls. Joe doesn't think McDermott should have been fired. Would Tomlin go to Buffalo? Will McDermott become highly sought after now? 16 of the last 25 Super Bowls have been won by "retread" coaches. Why didn't the Steelers interview Kevin Stefanski? Were the Steelers "in contention" this season? Joe says no. Sinking to the bottom paid off for the Pats and Bears. Jim tells a story about being fired.

Sean McDermott is out in Buffalo. Bob is frustrated by discrepancies in pass interference and a catch. Starkey calls in and is distraught about the Bills loss and the confusing calls. Joe doesn't think McDermott should have been fired. Would Tomlin go to Buffalo? Will McDermott become highly sought after now? 16 of the last 25 Super Bowls have been won by "retread" coaches. Why didn't the Steelers interview Kevin Stefanski? Were the Steelers "in contention" this season? Joe says no. Sinking to the bottom paid off for the Pats and Bears. Jim tells a story about being fired. A caller brings up Will Howard, wondering if he can be a fit for the next regime. CJ Stroud was bad yesterday and probably should've been replaced. Is Howard that much different than Mendoza? The catch rule has been confusing for a long time now. A caller wants Shula, Sheelhaase, and Raheem Morris all together on the Steelers staff. How important is getting an offensive-minded coach? Are QBs coming out of college more NFL ready now? Do the Steelers need to beef up the DL before anything else? Indiana is a big favorite tonight. The pressure is on to finish the job. Mendoza has delivered time and time again. Kyle Tucker to the Dodgers is ridiculous but expected. Suarez is still a guy the Pirates should sign. A caller wants Shula as the leading candidate. The NFL playoff games were great this weekend. Multiple callers want Will Howard as the next starting QB. Could Sean McVay retire if the Rams win the SB? Pens talk - they are so bad in the shootout but way ahead of the expectations still. A call about Indiana/Miami. Some names for potential Steelers OC. Bob is still trying to figure out what a catch is. Would John Harbaugh and Kevin Stefanski have wanted to be the Bills coach if they hadn't already committed? There's so much inconsistency in NFL officiating? Revisiting the Pens woes in OT and the shootout? Should the Steelers pick up the 5th year option on Broderick Jones. Is gambling creating doubt about the NFL legitimacy? Our picks for the CFB Championship.

Sean McDermott is out in Buffalo. Bob is frustrated by discrepancies in pass interference and a catch. Starkey calls in and is distraught about the Bills loss and the confusing calls. Joe doesn't think McDermott should have been fired. Would Tomlin go to Buffalo? Will McDermott become highly sought after now? 16 of the last 25 Super Bowls have been won by "retread" coaches. Why didn't the Steelers interview Kevin Stefanski? Were the Steelers "in contention" this season? Joe says no. Sinking to the bottom paid off for the Pats and Bears. Jim tells a story about being fired. A caller brings up Will Howard, wondering if he can be a fit for the next regime. CJ Stroud was bad yesterday and probably should've been replaced. Is Howard that much different than Mendoza? The catch rule has been confusing for a long time now.

Tyler Kennedy shares his favorite Penguins-Flyers memories. Bob is intrigued by goalie fights. TK thought when Max Talbot went to Philadelphia that he was for sure going to fight him. TK remembers all the signs that Flyers fans made to taunt Sidney Crosby. Joe Starkey arrives after going to get a drug test, but never got his drug test.

Hour 1 with Bob Pompeani, Joe Starkey, and Tyler Kennedy: The Penguins need young players to step up and be the difference in one-goal games. Rick Tocchet comes back to Pittsburgh as the Flyers head coach. Tyler Kennedy shares his favorite Penguins-Flyers memories. Joe had to get a drug test before he could start his new job at the Trib. Joe never even got the test!

The Steelers need to dictate the pace. Would you receive or defer the football if you win the coin toss? Starkey would be surprised if this is not a close competitive game in the 4th quarter. DeMeco Ryans said it's time for the Texans to prove people wrong and win in a playoff cold weather road game this week.

Hour 2 with Bob Pompeani and Joe Starkey: Paul in Washington thinks we are taking the Texans lightly. Derrick Stingley Jr. is an elite corner and will likely be matched up against DK Metcalf. The Steelers need to dictate the pace. DeMeco Ryans said it's time for the Texans to prove people wrong and win in a playoff cold weather road game this week.

The biggest thing that happened in Pittsburgh sports in the year 2025 according to Mr. Starkey, was the loss to the Baltimore Ravens in the 2025 playoffs. He called it the low point of the Tomlin era until the game against the Browns this past Sunday. The Penguins needed a change and Mike Sullivan was fired. The Pirates moved on from Derek Shelton and brought in Don Kelly. Where has the change been for the Steelers as they have been at the head of average for over a decade?

Hour 1: Joe Starkey returns to afternoons to fill in for the guys today! Joe reacts to the Lions fan's press conference today addressing the DK Metcalf situation. Dom thinks that Joe has become a fraud. And can you drive golf carts on the road?

The Boom Room 591 Broadcast date December 20th, 2025 For more TBR visit www.instagram.com/theboomroomofficial NEW : The Boom Room NON-STOP. No talking, just music! www.theboomroom.nl

Sarah and Kelli interview with Shawn Ireland - a Columbus radio icon! Topics include: her radio days, Good Day Columbus, what she's up to now, Kelli working as the producer on Shawn and Starkey in the Morning, staying the night in the haunted Buxton Inn, Housewives, Below Deck Med, what Malia is up to now, smoking on Below Deck, Shawn's pitch for geriatric yacht crew, the future of the franchise, a body in a cooler in Alum Creek, what's wrong with Tamra, Vicki coming back, Andy Cohen's empire, the prospect of interviewing Max, older folks with no filter and The Traitors. You're listening to Shawn Ireland on Above Deck! Follow us on Instagram: @abovedeckpod   Get in touch: abovedeckpod@gmail.com  Get ya some Above Deck merch: https://shop.hurrdatmedia.com/collections/above-deck  Please subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts, and tell a friend! Resources: www.instagram.com/shawnireland/ https://theshawnirelandagency.com/ This is another Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Media is a podcast network and digital media production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat Media Network by going to HurrdatMedia.com or the Hurrdat Media YouTube channel! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mario Lemieux was in the building as the Penguins played the Edmonton Oilers on Tuesday. Will Mario be a part of the next ownership group? Starkey's Mailbag. Who would be your Steelers defensive MVP? Do you trust that Joey Porter Jr. will continue to get better?

Hour 2 with Bob Pompeani and Joe Starkey: Mario Lemieux was in the building as the Penguins played the Edmonton Oilers on Tuesday. Will Mario be a part of the next ownership group? Starkey's Mailbag. Who would be your Steelers defensive MVP? The Limitless Express. Philip Rivers is second in Comeback Player of the Year odds.

Nick Kostos jumps on to talk about Steelers/Dolphins, the curious Bills/Pats line, Nick makes a bet backing Green Bay, Joe takes Denver. and some memorabilia is at stake.

Nick Kostos jumps on to talk about Steelers/Dolphins, the curious Bills/Pats line, Nick makes a bet backing Green Bay, Joe takes Denver. and some memorabilia is at stake. The General jumps on. The Quiz Show comes down to the wire.

What is a catch? How long does a player need to control the football? Jeff Patton of Baseball Card Castle joined the show. A rare DK Metcalf card is Starkey's Card of the Week!

Hour 1 with Bob Pompeani and Joe Starkey: Big Ben is calling for the Steelers to move on from Mike Tomlin. Ben Roethlisberger said Tomlin should be the coach at Penn State! Bruce Ariens thinks Pittsburgh needs a major change, and changing coordinators will do nothing. The Steelers cut Darius Slay and added wide receiver Adam Thielen off of waivers. The General has a Paul Skenes Card as Starkey's Card of the Week.

Brian thinks we got humble and down to earth Mike Tomlin at the presser. Joe thinks he was giving boring answers. Tomlin tried to create parallels to the reporters and their jobs. Brian thinks it was trying to relate and connect. Joe is mesmerized by AI and doesn't understand what it is.

Hour 3 with Joe Starkey: Mike Tomlin's press conference before the 6-6 Steelers play at Ravens. Brian thinks we got humble and down to earth Mike Tomlin at the presser. Joe thinks he was giving boring answers. Tomlin tried to create parallels to the reporters and their jobs.

Hour 4: How can the Steelers beat the Bills on Sunday? Jeff Hathhorn joins to provide an update on Aaron Rodgers and Steelers injuries. And the guys give their Thanksgiving and college football predictions, but an angry Joe Starkey interrupts.

Nick Kostas joins to discuss his bets with Starkey, previewing the Thanksgiving games. Joe isn't believing in the Bears. Joe and Nick disagree about Steelers/Bills, the Steelers outlook to win the division. an NBA question! 

Nick Kostas joins to discuss his bets with Starkey, previewing the Thanksgiving games. Joe isn't believing in the Bears. Joe and Nick disagree about Steelers/Bills, the Steelers outlook to win the division. an NBA question! Mark Kaboly is in the house, and Joe recounts his favorite Steelers/Bills matchups, including when Stevie Johnson blamed God. Rapid fire with Kaboly. 

Bob surprisingly arrives right at the start of the show. How do the Steelers keep getting torched defensively? It's starting to sound like there's issues inside the house. Reacting to comments by current and former Steelers, as well as the national media, all of which are concerning to hear. What is the team's identity? They want to be a bully but have failed to do so. Why is Tomlin still in charge of the defense? Colin Cowherd put the non-losing streak in perspective. Is Art Rooney ok with this annually? Nick Wright thinks trading Tomlin should be on the table. Tomlin can still salvage things by winning in the playoffs this year. Callers chime in and aren't happy. The Steelers side with the coach over the GM. The General is giving away a Hines Ward jersey card. Will Ward get in the HOF? Will Aaron Rodgers reveal if he was medically cleared? We take more calls on Tomlin. Joe would not want to be a pilot. We're all afraid of heights. Bob was stuck in an elevator with his whole family. Sifting through Travis Williams' comments about the Pirates spending this offseason. There could be ulterior motives for their spending. Could a salary floor drive Nutting out of ownership? Nick Kostas joins to discuss his bets with Starkey, previewing the Thanksgiving games. Joe isn't believing in the Bears. Joe and Nick disagree about Steelers/Bills, the Steelers outlook to win the division. an NBA question! Mark Kaboly is in the house, and Joe recounts his favorite Steelers/Bills matchups, including when Stevie Johnson blamed God. Rapid fire with Kaboly. Sean Gentille joins to create a foursome. The guys give their Steelers Bills predictions, if Tomlin will be back, if Rodgers will play this week, It shifts into a darkness retreat and throwing axes. Which AFC team should we trust the most? How about the NFC? The segment goes off the rails. Bob hates pumpkin pie. Tristan Jarry gets the start tonight. They make their predictions for Pens and Steelers.

Send us a textWhat if your hearing tech could tell who you want to hear—even while you're walking—and lift their voice above the crowd? We dive into Starkey Omega AI's DNN 360, a new approach that blends deep neural network noise management, intelligent directionality, and spatial awareness to make conversations stand out without turning the world into a dull hush. It's built for real life, not lab silence, and it targets the moments that frustrate most: busy cafés, echoey lobbies, and outdoor chatter where voices blur together.We break down how the system personalizes noise reduction using a model trained on speech, environmental sounds, and complex scenes, then pairs it with directionality that aims at the talker without collapsing the space around you. That balance yields measurable results—up to a 13 dB improvement in signal-to-noise ratio in diffuse noise and a reported 28% boost in speech understanding—while keeping listening natural and comfortable. The twist is motion: by integrating inertial measurement units, the device recognizes when your conversational partner is off to the side and adjusts focus as you move, solving the everyday mismatch between where you look and who you're hearing.We also explore spatial fidelity—minimizing interaural phase delays so your brain gets a stable, believable soundstage—because clarity isn't just about suppression, it's about preserving cues that help you separate sources. Together, these elements create a more effortless listening experience that adapts to your preferences instead of forcing you to adapt to it. If you care about hearing better in noise, you'll come away with a clear picture of how AI, directionality, and motion sensing can work in concert to reduce effort and raise understanding.Enjoyed the conversation? Follow the show, share this episode with someone who battles noisy rooms, and leave a quick review to tell us where hearing tech should go next.Connect with the Hearing Matters Podcast TeamEmail: hearingmatterspodcast@gmail.com Instagram: @hearing_matters_podcast Facebook: Hearing Matters Podcast

Jeff Patton of Baseball Card Castle joined the show. The General has a Paul Skenes card as Starkey's Card of the Week for winning the Cy Young. Should the Steelers have kept George Pickens? Bob continues to say yes but Mark said it would have been bad with Pickens here.

Hour 2 with Bob Pompeani and Joe Starkey: The General has a Paul Skenes card as Starkey's Card of the Week for winning the Cy Young. Mark thinks Pat Freiermuth is better than Jonnu Smith. Should the Steelers have kept George Pickens? Bob continues to say yes but Mark said it would have been bad with Pickens here. If Aaron Rodgers is able to go, he's going to go

Hour 1 with Bob Pompeani and Joe Starkey: The Steelers beat the Bengals 34-12 on the back of two defensive touchdowns. Aaron Rodgers has a small fracture in his left wrist. Rodgers has told people close to him that he doesn't want to miss a game and is pushing to come back. Bob's twitter poll asked, if healthy, should Aaron Rodgers start over Mason Rudolph on Sunday in Chicago??

Bob's twitter poll asked, if healthy, should Aaron Rodgers start over Mason Rudolph on Sunday is Chicago? Over 70% of votes are for Rodgers.

Joe watched a Penguins classic game when Bob Prince was the rinkside reporter. Mario Lemieux has undoubtedly done more for the Pens than anyone in sports history. It's incredible what the Penguins have built from where they were before Mario came here. Jeff Patton of Baseball Card Castle joined the show for Starkey's Card of the Week!

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

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

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