Podcast appearances and mentions of Tom Izzo

Send us a textThis heartfelt and high-energy episode from Pax8 Beyond 2025, Joey Pinz speaks with Lorna Burman, a global MSP leader at YouSecure and proud horse owner of Malibu. From riding trails in the UK to leading compliance innovation across EMEA and APAC, Lorna blends courage, confidence, and care into everything she does.Lorna shares her journey of taking up horseback riding at age 42 — and how the adrenaline and peace of the trail helped fuel her leadership style. She opens up about managing remote teams, gathering real-time MSP feedback, and simplifying security and compliance through automation.This episode also explores the mental health benefits of being around animals, the importance of trust in business, and how her team's culture of honesty and rapid response has earned global respect. Whether it's avoiding complex pricing models or making clients feel heard, Lorna explains how empathy scales.If you care about people, process, and purpose — this conversation delivers both inspiration and actionable insight. 

Send us a textHow do you lead 950 engineers and still make time for mechanical watches, family, and learning? In this thoughtful and energizing episode from IT Nation Secure 2025, Joey Pinz interviews David Raissipour, Chief Technology & Product Officer at ConnectWise.

Send us a textFrom the IDF to international MSP defense, David Chernitzky lives cybersecurity like it's a martial art.

Send us a textAre you chasing every alert but missing the point? In this dynamic episode from IT Nation Secure 2025, Joey Pinz interviews Mark Balovnev, CEO of Serisma, to explore the evolving cybersecurity challenges facing MSPs—and how to approach them with focus and clarity.

Send us a textFrom typewriters to cyber defense, Mike Estep has seen it all.

Send us a textFrom pulling network cables to helping MSPs plan their exits—Rayanne Buchianico's journey is one of purpose, perseverance, and transformation. In this inspiring episode from IT Nation Secure 2025, Joey Pinz speaks with Rayanne and fellow trailblazer Rhea about their paths into the MSP world and how they're driving change through specialized services and support.

Send us a textSmall businesses are under cyber siege—yet few are fully protected. In this compelling conversation from IT Nation Secure 2025, Joey Pinz sits down with Sarvesh Rao, the founder of Marma Security, to explore a massive untapped opportunity for Managed Service Providers (MSPs).

Send us a textWhy fear compliance when it can fuel your growth? In this rich and revealing episode from IT Nation Secure 2025, Joey Pinz sits down with Ozzie Saeed, founder of IntelliGRC, to unpack why MSPs should stop dreading cybersecurity frameworks like CMMC—and start seeing them as strategic advantages.

Send us a textWhat do rock climbing and cybersecurity have in common? For Matthew Panizari, both demand strategy, grit, and constant reevaluation. In this powerful episode recorded at IT Nation Secure 2025, Joey Pinz explores Matthew's frontline experience in digital forensics and incident response.

Send us a textIs your cybersecurity vendor helping—or just selling? In this insightful conversation from IT Nation Secure 2025, Joey Pinz chats with Paul Lupo of Bitdefender about what it really takes to support Managed Service Providers (MSPs) in today's evolving threat landscape.

Send us a textCan cold plunges and clear values make you a better cybersecurity leader? In this introspective and energetic episode from IT Nation Secure 2025, Joey Pinz speaks with Joel Cahill—Wall Street veteran, father, and founder of Infima—to explore personal growth, MSP success, and how simplicity and service win in cybersecurity.

Send us a textWhat happens when you combine a cybersecurity expert with a volunteer fire chief? You get Tim Weber.

Send us a textRowing champion turned MSP payment expert? Meet Tanner Cookson.

Send us a textWhen a cybersecurity CEO says, “Get used to discomfort,” you listen. In this action-packed episode from IT Nation Secure 2025, Joey Pinz welcomes Matt Holland—founder and CEO of FieldEffect—to talk strategy, growth, fitness, and the future of MSP security partnerships.

Send us a textWould you board a flight if the pilot landed safely only 99.5% of the time? Ricardo Villadiego wouldn't—and he applies that same mindset to cybersecurity. In this high-impact episode from IT Nation Secure 2025, Joey Pinz talks with Ricardo, founder of Lumu, about precision, preparation, and protecting MSPs from EDR evasion and network breaches.✈️ Drawing parallels between aviation and cybersecurity, Ricardo shares how checklists, training, and feedback loops apply to both flying planes and defending networks. He recalls lessons from the Miracle on the Hudson and explains why being “left of boom” isn't optional—it's essential.

Send us a textDo MSPs hire salespeople too early? Jamie Williams thinks so—and in this engaging and energizing episode from IT Nation Secure 2025, Joey Pinz and Jamie break down the true difference between sales and marketing, the evolving MSP landscape, and the power of routine in life and business.

Send us a textIn this deeply moving episode, Joey Pinz sits down with Ray Bezarez, a Navy veteran, former associate pastor, and passionate people-helper, to explore a life marked by faith, hardship, healing, and hope. From scrubbing urinals in the Navy to building churches and comforting widows, Ray's journey is a masterclass in humility and leadership.Ray shares the impact of grief after losing his wife—the love of his life—and how years of pain eventually gave way to healing through scripture and service. His reflections on pastoral leadership are powerful, revealing what true spiritual guidance looks like. He also opens up about his own struggles with weight and smoking, and how he's working toward renewed health and purpose.But this episode isn't all serious. Ray—aka "Old Wolf"—also shares how playing Call of Duty connects him to younger generations and keeps his reflexes sharp. It's an honest, inspiring, and often humorous look at what it means to keep growing, no matter your age or past. ✅ Top 3 Highlights:

Send us a textIn this impactful conversation recorded live at the Winthrop Market, Joey Pinz interviews Charles Jacobs—a 70-year-old veteran, mentor, and creator of a system he calls the “Line of Transition.” Developed during his military years and refined through mentorship with local youth, this framework helps guide people through key life stages—from finishing high school to choosing college, Job Corps, military service, or independence.Charles shares how this life-mapping strategy has helped countless teens and young adults navigate complex decisions, especially those without mentorship at home. He recounts how he distributed hand-drawn GPA and goal charts to groups of kids in Brandon and how decades later, some still knock on his door asking for them.With sharp insights on responsibility, social structure, and staying active in aging, Charles speaks to the power of purpose. His personal battles—including surviving cancer—add emotional weight to his belief that independence, positivity, and self-discipline are key ingredients for long-term success. ✅ Top 3 Highlights:

Send us a textIn this enriching episode, Joey Pinz meets Russell Graham, a 76-year-old fragrance entrepreneur and teacher of self-discipline. Their conversation, held at the Winthrop Market, dives into more than just scent—it explores the power of mindset, personal growth, and community upliftment.Russell traces his aromatic journey back to the incense-rich days of the 1960s, sharing how smell became both his business and his method for connecting with people. He believes the right fragrance can change how others see you—and more importantly, how you see yourself.But there's more to Russell's story. He's also an educator who teaches classes on self-discipline and anger management, especially for those within the prison industrial complex. With a master's degree earned at age 60 (summa cum laude), Russell proves that personal reinvention has no age limit. His motivation? Life—and his 19 grandchildren.Whether it's how to choose the right scent or how to stay out of trouble, Russell brings wisdom, humility, and focus to every topic. ✅ Top 3 Highlights:

Send us a textIn this lively and eye-opening episode, Joey Pinz sits down with Jordan Trowbridge—an avid reptile rescuer and passionate wildlife advocate—to explore the urgent environmental challenges facing Florida. From invasive Burmese pythons in the Everglades to the unintended damage caused by domestic cats and manicured lawns, Jordan dives deep into what's hurting Florida's biodiversity—and how everyday people can help.The conversation spans topics like responsible pet ownership, the power of native plants, and why zoos still matter for global conservation awareness. Jordan shares personal stories of rescuing snakes, keeping exotic lizards, and growing up catching frogs and turtles in Florida creeks.He also offers practical advice on vetting reptile care, coexisting safely with alligators, and reducing the impact of chemicals on pollinators. With humor, knowledge, and a clear love for the natural world, Jordan makes a compelling case that the path to a better planet starts with individual action. ✅ Top 3 Highlights:

Send us a textStruggling to sell while managing tech? You're not alone. In this episode of Joey Pinz Conversations, we talk with startup founder and product visionary Jean Templin live from ConnectWise IT Nation Secure 2025. Jean dives into the very real sales challenges faced by MSPs and how AI-driven real-time coaching is transforming the conversation—literally.

Send us a textWhat if the future of storytelling wasn't passive—but fully immersive, interactive, and built by communities? In this mind-expanding episode, Joey Pinz dives deep into the metaverse with Athena Demos—co-founder and CEO of Big Rock Creative (BRC), the award-winning XR company behind BRCvr, Breonna's Garden, and the groundbreaking new BurnerSphere platform.Athena shares how immersive XR is reshaping art, activism, therapy, and human connection—from military haptics and PTSD healing to 360º Burning Man experiences that blend digital with dust.

Send us a textIn this enlightening and heartfelt episode, Joey Pinz sits down with Dr. Kristen Williamson—founder of EmpowerMind Solutions and a passionate advocate for neurodivergent adults. Diagnosed with ADHD at 37 and autism at 39, Dr. Kristen calls her brain “neuro-spicy”—a term that perfectly captures her vibrant mix of insight, humor, and self-awareness.Together, they explore the complexities of being late-diagnosed, how masking and scripting impact daily life, and why traditional “one-size-fits-all” approaches often fail neurodivergent individuals. She offers real-life strategies to manage time, sensory overload, and emotional energy using tools like spoon theory, supportive routines, and self-compassion.From her love of cats (they understand consent best!) to her fascination with brains and puzzles, Dr. Kristen brings relatable wisdom that challenges stigmas and redefines what thriving can look like.✨ Top 3 Episode Highlights:1.

​⁠ talks with the all-time winningest coach in Kent State's history, Rob Senderoff. Outside of taking a two year hiatus where he took his career to Indiana University to coach under Kelvin Sampson, Senderoff has spent the majority of his coaching career at Kent State. In 2011, Senderoff took over as the head coach and has never had a losing season since then. He joins Mark Few and Tom Izzo as the only coaches to never have a losing season (minimum 10 seasons coached). His 288 wins rank 7th all-time in MAC history. Some of his coaching highlights include being awarded the 2022 MAC Coach of the Year, leading Kent State to their first MAC tournament title since 2008, and leading Kent State to nine 20+ win seasons. This past season the Golden Flyers finished the year 24-12 and upset St. Bonaventure and Stanford in the NIT tournament. Hear about Coach Senderoff's philosophies on both ends of the ball, his favorite MAC matchups, and what is left to accomplish for his career and the Kent State program. This episode is available wherever you listen to podcasts. Make sure to subscribe to the podcasts YouTube channel ​⁠ for more sports content. Enjoy the episode!Sneak Peak- 00:00-00:30NBA Finals Discussion / Intro- 00:30-08:48Hobbies Outside of Basketball, Following the NBA & Learning from the NBA- 08:48-14:48Signing Contract Extension, Rumors about Taking Another Job, Kent St Transfer Portal Culture- 14:48-28:51Family Atmosphere throughout Program, Coaching Tree, Connections through Kent St- 28:51-32:32Challenges in Sustaining Success, Valuing the Guard Position, Allowing Players to Play Freely- 32:32-41:12Developing/Evolving Defensive Philosophies, Late Game Execution Strategies- 41:12-55:15Break- 55:15-55:23Relationship with Brian Windhorst (New GM?), Future Goals for Kent St Program, Rivalry with Akron- 55:23-01:02:45UMass Entering the MAC, Being Involved with Social Initiative Movements- 01:02:45-01:09:20Rapid Fire (Favorite Non Basketball Sport, Underrated MAC Arena, Favorite MAC Road Trip)- 01:09:20-01:11:46Starting 5: Best Defenders Coached- 01:11:46-01:14:15Outro- 01:14:15-01:14:50

Send us a textn this deeply moving episode, Joey Pinz sits down with a remarkable guest at the Winthrop Market who turned his lowest moment into the start of a powerful transformation. Bobby Perdomo shares his raw, real journey from over 20 years of addiction to 18 months of sobriety—fueled by faith, community, and a pivotal moment in a church parking lot.Now a leader at Lighthouse Gospel Mission, Bobby helps others who walk the same path he once did. He discusses the structure that helped him heal, the spiritual awakening that drives him daily, and how reconnecting with his daughters and purpose brought him back to life.Whether you're facing personal struggles or supporting someone who is, this episode will open your heart to the possibility of change. It's a story of second chances, real redemption, and how one man now lives to lift others up. ✅ Top 3 Highlights:

Send us a textIn this heartfelt episode recorded live at the Winthrop Market, Joey Pinz has a powerful conversation with Michael Johnson—one filled with wisdom, culture, and legacy. Michael dives into the Gullah language, recently recognized as a distinct linguistic heritage spoken by over 250,000 people in South Carolina's Lowcountry. Rooted in African and Caribbean traditions, Gullah isn't just a dialect—it's a cultural treasure that's slowly fading without active preservation.Michael shares why Gullah has often been misunderstood or dismissed, and how institutions like the Smithsonian and Harvard are working to document and study it. He also reflects on today's generational divides and expresses deep concern for the future of young African-American males.The episode concludes with personal stories of family, legacy, and love. Michael speaks candidly about what motivates him: his grandchildren and the desire to leave behind more than wealth—something deeply human and irreplaceable.This is more than an interview—it's a tribute to heritage, love, and purpose. ✅ Top 3 Highlights:

Send us a textIn this powerful episode recorded live at the Winthrop Market, Joey Pinz welcomes Joel Chudnow, a 78-year-old natural hygiene educator with 36 years of experience and a story that's as inspiring as it is practical. Joel opens up about his battle with psoriatic arthritis, the dismissive treatment he received from the traditional medical system, and how that moment became the turning point in his life.Rather than settle for pharmaceuticals, Joel chose the path of education and empowerment. He's since taught at Hillsborough Community College and hosted 923 radio shows featuring holistic health experts from the Tampa Bay area. Joel shares his wellness pillars—meditation, movement, hydration, and gratitude—and how he uses them to maintain health and help others do the same.The episode also touches on trauma recovery, mental wellness, and how acupuncture has supported his healing after Hurricane Milton left him displaced. Joel's motto is clear: focus on gaining health, not losing weight. If you want a dose of hard-earned wisdom, this is your episode. ✅ Top 3 Highlights:

Send us a textIn this enlightening episode, Joey Pinz sits down at Winthrop Market with Jack Catanzarite, a spine surgery specialist and passionate health advocate, to bust myths and shed light on what really causes back pain—and how to manage it.Jack explains why surgery is often not the first answer, highlighting the importance of physical therapy, exercise, and posture before going under the knife. He also unpacks the misunderstood relationship between obesity, spine health, and surgical outcomes, stressing the impact of lifestyle choices on long-term mobility.But this conversation goes deeper. Jack opens up about the personal loss of his cousin and how that tragedy inspired the creation of the Michael Trella Foundation—supporting families who've lost a child. He shares how grief, community, and personal accountability fuel his motivation and discipline today.Whether you sit at a desk all day or just want to better understand your body, Jack's advice is packed with practical wisdom and heartfelt insight. ✅ Top 3 Highlights:

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Send us a textWhat does it really take to write and sell a book?

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Send us a textJoin us for enlightening discussions that spark growth and exploration. Hosted by Joey Pinz, this Discipline Conversations Podcast offers insights and inspiration.

New Michigan State University Vice President and Director of Intercollegiate Athletics J Batt was introduced to Spartan Nation at an introductory press conference on June 4 in the Greg and Dawn Williams Lobby of the Tom Izzo Football Building on the MSU campus.Conversation Highlights:(0:00) – Opening remarks from President Guskiewicz(3:11) – President Guskiewicz introduces Tom Izzo.(8:22) – President Guskiewicz continues his remarks.(12:45) – President Guskiewicz introduces J Batt.Related Content: Meet new MSU Spartans Athletic Director J BattQuestions from the media for Kevin and J(20:16) – “Challenges are not a responsibility. They're a privilege.”(21:05) – How do you enhance MSU's role within the Big Ten?(21:50) – How important is it to you to learn MSU's history?(22:52) – What's the role for non-revenue sports in today's landscape?(23:31) – Did you talk to Nick Saban about MSU?(24:13) – How much can you change quickly, and how much needs to change? And what about NIL?(25:45) – What traits of J's stood out to you? (27:32) – What is J's rocket fuel?(28:49) – Did J do something that convinced you to hire him?(30:28) – How can you best help football?(31:18) - What do you look for in the people you hire?(32:05) – How important was it for you to hire someone with sitting athletic director experience?(33:40) – Talk about the importance of alignment in an athletic department.Listen to “MSU Today with Russ White” on the radio and through Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get your shows.

Like a Bigfoot sighting, this is an extremely rare, well-timed episode. We break down a teenage boy choosing our school PLUS hiring a new AD who appears to be the cover model for "SEC Frat Alumni Apparel Monthly."It's such a packed show, we forget until the end to mention a massive portal addition for Tom Izzo, but we still get to your Social Media Qestions.Join us next week ​⁠ on Twitter and IG @spartan_pod and @spartanpod on Bluesky.And watch again on YouTube at https://youtube.com/@spartan_pod

Send us a textModern motherhood meets food truth. In this powerful episode, Joey Pinz sits down with Real Food Advocate Nikki Cheak to reveal how today's food industry preys on busy, well-meaning mothers—and what they can do about it.Nikki shares her journey of transforming her family's nutrition by decoding deceptive labels, ditching processed foods, and empowering her kids to make healthy choices. She understands the chaos of motherhood—school drop-offs, sports schedules, picky eaters—and offers real solutions that fit real lives.This is more than a talk about food. It's about helping mothers break free from confusion, guilt, and exhaustion. It's about understanding that being healthy isn't about being perfect—it's about being consistent. And that starts with small, smart swaps.✨ Top 3 Highlights: 1. How mothers can read labels like pros

Send us a textIn this soul-stirring and joy-filled episode, Joey Pinz welcomes Rabbi Alon Ferency, a spiritual guide and creativity coach whose life story is as rich and unexpected as a Dungeons & Dragons quest. From Peace Corps service in Cameroon to LA's music scene, and finally to the pulpit, Alon's journey has been guided by deep curiosity, playfulness, and a powerful inner calling.Together, Joey and Alon explore the sacred role of creativity, the importance of letting go, and the powerful link between spirituality and artistic expression. How can a Dungeon Master teach us about the divine? What does it mean when a song, once written, no longer belongs to its creator? And how does one find peace through play?With laughter, honesty, and insight, Alon opens up about leaving the rabbinate, the complexities of modern spirituality, and the surprising wisdom of fantasy games. Whether you're an artist, seeker, or simply curious about living more authentically, this episode will inspire you to lean into wonder.

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Send us a textWhat do sprint triathlons, marketing strategies, and business growth have in common? According to marketing powerhouse and endurance athlete Laura Patterson — everything.

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Send us a textWhat if the path to fulfillment isn't found in wealth—but in impact?In this deeply personal and eye-opening episode, Joey Pinz speaks with Arunjay Katakam—author, thinker, and self-proclaimed "recovering wealth-chaser." Arunjay recounts his journey from investment banking to becoming a global advocate for Inclusive Economics, revealing how a mindset shift—sparked by a shocking metaphor involving his grandmother's gold teeth—set him on a new course.He shares how the dream of being a millionaire was slowly replaced by a mission to help the world's most vulnerable, and how financial inclusion alone is not enough—we need economic inclusion. From founding Inclusive Action Lab to advocating zero-fee digital payments, Arunjay is pushing for a system that works for everyone.✨ Top 3 Highlights: 1.

We dug into our hot takes and yours – on Michigan State basketball, the Spartans' new point guard, next year's roster and Tom Izzo's approach to the transfer portal, on MSU football and donor support for Jonathan Smith, on what the Tigers still need, the Lions schedule, bad golf bets, life's predicaments and more.

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Send us a textCan storytelling save us?Hollywood veteran turned podcaster Alan Katz opens up about his rollercoaster ride — from the heights of Tales from the Crypt to a 20-year creative drought, to rediscovering purpose through podcasting. In this raw, unfiltered convo, Alan explores the seduction and betrayal of the entertainment industry, the personal trauma that silenced his voice, and how vulnerability and honesty became his superpowers.

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Send us a textWhat does it really take to live the life of an actor—body, mind, and spirit? In this intimate and electrifying conversation, Joey Pinz sits down with film actor and creative soul Matt Drago to explore the depths of the acting craft, the sacred bond between actor and director, and the transformative power of storytelling.

Send us a textWhat really makes someone a mentor?