Kris Cody is the founder of Paka Apparel with a dream of changing the way people play outdoors and the clothing that makes it possible.  Kris launched Paka in 2017 and brought alpaca sweaters to the public through the brands’ first Kickstarter – Paka exceeded its goal of $20,000 in under 24 hours and raised more than $350,000 in 30 days. From that inception, Paka has now created a line of washable alpaca apparel and ethical performance outerwear, along with Paka's tried and true sweaters,...

What the behind the scenes stories from the best of NBC Burbank? What really went down between Johnny Carson and Joan Rivers? What was Andy Kaufman like when the 'cameras were off?' Shelley Herman cut her teeth in the world of entertainment during the crazy times of NBC in the 1970s. Tune in to hear all these stories and more. Author SHELLEY HERMAN is an Emmy-nominated show-biz veteran, a longtime host, writer, producer and personality with decades of success on both sides of the camera....

Have you ever felt like you were destined to fail? Or that things ‘almost’ happen for you in life but somehow things always fall short? In Erwin McManus’s new book “Mind Shift’ he explores what it takes to break the cycle and become the genius you were designed to be. In today’s conversation we sit down with Erwin and take a look at simple shifts you can make to find the change you desire and the ability to make your ideas into reality. About Erwin Raphael McManus Erwin Raphael McManus is...

How do we do a better exploring and creating ideas? One way is to look at the world through the lens of a childlike heart. Wonder and Curiosity become superpowers and daydreaming becomes the foundation for exploration. Scott Hershovitz recently released a book exploring philosophy through the stories of children. In today's conversation we explore the concepts he explores in his book 'Nasty, Brutish, and Short: Adventures in Philosophy with my Kids.' We cover a wide range of topics...

Mark Hentemann has worked as a writer on some of the biggest shows on TV including The Late Show with David Letterman, Family Guy, 3 South, Run of the House, and Bordertown. But things don't always go 'right' when you are working in show business. Mark shares his story of going from creating Greeting Cards to writing on The Last Show with David Letterman only to be laid off because of the 'Late Show Wars.' Not knowing what to do next, he took the leap to push into his dreams and move to LA....

Innovation doesn't always happen in the ways that you think. Sometimes it's about taking something people don't want or have a use for and creating something they do want. That's what Emily Darchuck did when she thought up the solution for whey waste birthing her company Wheyward Spirit. Wheyward Spirit is an award-winning liquor that is disrupting an entire industry. Her mission-driven product brings the natural food ethos into the spirit category where both consumers and local farmers...

Twila True is an entrepreneur, philanthropist, and mentor to young females entering the world of entrepreneurship and finance. Twila's roots are from the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota, one of the poorest communities in the U.S. She overcome a challenging family upbringing to become a business Megaforce owning, investing, and operating several multi-million-dollar companies in the entertainment, beauty, fashion, food, and real estate industries. She was named one of Entrepreneur...

Today's conversation is with Billionaire businessman David Rubenstein. David started his career as a lawyer before working at the White House under President Jimmy Carter. He now spends his time hosting two shows on Television, "The David Rubenstein Show: Peer to Peer Conversations" on Bloomberg TV and History with David Rubenstein on PBS. He is also focused on philanthropic endeavors with the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, the National Gallery of Art, the Council on Foreign...

The last few years have been rough for everyone, but it especially hit the world of Broadway hard. After touring the world with the hit musical 'Hamilton' today's guest Fergie Philippe was set to start staring on the On-Broadway production of the show. As he moved from the touring version of Hamilton and started to perform as Hercules Mulligan and James Madison on the Broadway production the pandemic hit and the show was shut down. But the shutdown didn't slow down Fergie. He got the...

Very few people reach the pinnacle of their dreams only to walk away from it. Tom Bancroft reached the top of the animation world by becoming one of the top animators and character designers. He worked on projects including Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, The Lion King, Pocahontas, Mulan, and Brother Bear. But he is best know for creating the character Mushu for Milan and for animating Young Simba for The Lion King. After thirteen years at Disney and working on approximately nine features,...

Ask any American about our health system and they will tell you the same thing. 'It's broken.' The system seems to be rigged against the consumer only to benefit the insurance companies and health care systems. Steve Neeleman has spent years working in this system as a doctor and seen how the system treats people. But his story is much more personal on how the health care system even failed him. In today's episode, Dr. Neeleman gives us a look into how his company 'Health Equity' is...

Routines may seem boring or outdated. In today's age we love spontaneity, going with the flow, and changing things up. But what if this kind of lifestyle is actually killing our productivity, shortening our lives, and steeling the possibility of success in both the work place and in life? After years of studying Routine, Dr. Angel Iscovich set out to learn how these healthy patterns of life can unlock the the potential in our lives and help us find the longevity, happiness, and make us...

Acting is an art that is learned through experience and good teachers. The art of acting is a representation of humanity. Often those outside 'Hollywood' and the stage overlook the complexity of what makes a great actor. That's where Michelle Danner comes in. She is one of the leading acting coaches helping the 'A-list' of actors from the stage to the TV Shows and Movies we watch. As a teacher, she co-founded the Los Angeles Acting Conservatory and the Edgar Center for the Arts. Her...

Poetry seems to be a lost art. For many it's a side passion, hobby, or something they simply like to read in their spare time. The age of Walt Whitman, John Keats, Robert Frost, William Blake, Langston Hughes, E.E. Cummings have all come to their end. Even the great Maya Angelou has passed away leaving us wonder if the life of a professional poet is possible in our current age. How would one even be able to build a career as a poet today? Fortunately a new generation of poets are rising up...

Innovative tech often defined by either the hardware or the software. In the last few years it seems like the big names in tech are being driven by the software they develop often looking like SaaS. While software and apps can be trendy its typically the changes in hardware partnered with software that brings systemic changes in our lives. Now a lot of that tech is experienced in our daily lives without truly knowing how it works or all the pieces that bring it together. Today's guest...

'Innovation Happens at the Edges.' This is a quote that I often reference from today's guest, Jeff DeGraff. Jeff has spent his life exploring, teaching, and sparking creativity and innovation in the lives of those around him. As a teacher at Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan he has helped students understand the practical tools to that unlock that innovation and creativity in their careers. As the co-founder of Innovatriums he helps startups and leading global...

There are many things that young kids dream of growing up to be. One of the dreams of countless kids is to grow up and be a professional basketball player. I know for me, there were few things I liked to do more than shoot hoops in the basketball court behind our house. For many kids born in the 70s and 80s they spent their time watching their favorite teams and players compete in aggressive games. Maybe it was Magic Johnson and the L.A. Lakers. It could have been Larry Bird and the...

Over the last few years the reputation of Journalists and Media Outlets has taken a real hit. The question of agenda, integrity, and honesty has come to the forefront as the daily news is covered. So what does it take to be a rock solid journalist in a modern on demand world? Host Michael Woodward sat down with 'To Catch A Predator' creator and host Chris Hansen to hear his story into journalism and why he continues to be passionate about telling the true story in a compelling way. While...

Everyone has an opinion on why Trump won the election. It had to be race or sexism. It had to be about electing an outsider. I had to do with not wanting a woman president. Racist, Sexist, Misogyny, Bigotry, Bully, Liar are all words that have been used to define Trump and his followers. But emotions and assumptions are not the way you find truth. You much use research, data, interviews, true journalism, and an honest look at not only Tump but also our culture. Cliff Oxford started to...

We all have the 'dream' career. The one that seems just a little too impossible to become reality. But what if your ideas could be the foundation for the dream job? What if you could make a living off your ideas? Jeffrey Madoff believes it is possible to turn make a living off your ideas. He recently released a new book 'Creative Careers: Making a Living with Your Ideas' to explore that idea. By weaving the stories of successful creatives and lessons in his own life, he helps to teach...

Have you ever seen posts about the 'Jet-Setting Lifestyle' and thought to yourself, that looks amazing but I could never do that? Traveling around the world in private jets, staying in the best hotels, freedom at your fingertips. It sounds like luxury and lifestyle only found in your dreams. But more and more business owners, top executives, and families are seeing as more that a luxury, it's about safety. How we travel, where we travel, and how to make that business and vacation travel safe...

We all go through seasons where we question what we believe. Many things can trigger these questions of faith and convictions. Some completely loose their belief structures. Others make a rediscovery into a deeper faith. All who go through this journey struggle with the pain, doubt, depression, and loss that is felt through the process. But what happens when your faith is public and part of your career? What happens when it's a pillar of your message? We sat down with Grammy Award...

Small businesses across the country are struggling through the pandemic. New York City may have been hit harder than any other city in the United States. While certain industries have survived this season of shut downs, the world of entertainment has been especially hit hard. Dani Zoldan is the co-owner of Stand Up NY, a comedy club in Manhattan. But they aren't sitting by just hoping that one day someone will rescue them. Instead the team at Stand Up NY has been creating unique...

Recently I started to reassess what I believe. What I believe in business and my personal life. One revelation was that I believe in People over Projects. As a dreamer and idea maker it's easy to lose my way and forget why I chase those ideas and dreams. In business it's easy to get hyper focused on a client project and website I'm building and loose sight of who I'm building it for so that I can get the project wrapped and get paid. In today's episode I explore what it means to be...