Born or Made

Born or Made

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Born or Made episodes

  • Ep. 51 - Breaking Robot Mode — Rob Tracz on High Performance Without Burnout

    In this energizing episode of Born or Made, Larry sits down with Rob Tracz, high-performance coach, entrepreneur, and founder of TAPS Coaching, to explore how high achievers can stop running on autopilot and start living—and leading—with purpose.


    Rob’s mission is clear: help professionals escape “Robot-Mode,” that burned-out, go-through-the-motions grind that kills joy and drains success. Through his work in energy management, resilience training, and social influence strategies, Rob coaches leaders and entrepreneurs to scale their businesses without sacrificing their well-being.


    Episode Highlights:


    What “Robot-Mode” really is—and how to know if you’re stuck in it


    The habits and mindset shifts that fuel sustainable success


    Rob’s personal journey from burnout to balance


    Why energy management is more valuable than time management


    How to grow your impact without losing your health or happiness


    Rob Tracz has helped leaders around the world rethink how they work, lead, and live. So—is the mindset for high performance something you're born with, or can it be built? Larry digs into that question and more in this powerful episode.

    48 min
  • Ep. 50 - Heart, Hustle & Honest Chips — Megan Reamer’s Mission-Driven Journey

    In this deeply inspiring episode of Born or Made, Larry sits down with Megan Reamer, co-founder and former CEO of Jackson’s Chips—a family-built brand that went from a home kitchen in Colorado to a national sensation after landing a $1.25 million deal on Shark Tank. But this isn’t just a story about chips—it’s a story about love, loss, purpose, and grit.


    What started as a mission to help her son Jackson manage a rare autoimmune disorder turned into a multi-million dollar snack food company rooted in clean ingredients, coconut oil cooking, and heartfelt values. Alongside her husband, Megan took a deeply personal challenge and transformed it into a brand that’s now found on shelves across the country.


    Episode Highlights:


    How Jackson’s rare illness sparked a new way of thinking about food and health


    The early days of cooking chips on the stovetop and testing them at farmers’ markets


    Behind the scenes of Shark Tank—the pitch, the deal, and what happened next


    Growing a CPG company from a kitchen startup to a $10M+ national brand


    Balancing motherhood, grief, entrepreneurship, and mission-driven leadership


    Megan’s story is proof that big change can start in your own kitchen. Her ability to turn pain into purpose—and build a thriving business from it—raises the question at the heart of every episode: Was she born to do this, or made through the journey? Tune in to find out.

    1 hr 7 min
  • Ep. 49 - Legacy, Leadership & Lumber — BJ Louws on Building Smarter

    In this episode of Born or Made, we turn our focus to the world of construction, innovation, and multigenerational leadership with BJ Louws, third-generation President of Louws Truss Inc.


    BJ’s journey blends deep-rooted family legacy with forward-thinking leadership. After earning degrees in Economics and Business Administration from Seattle Pacific University and gaining experience in finance and the lumber industry, BJ returned to lead his family’s business—bringing a modern edge to traditional manufacturing. Under his leadership, Louws Truss has embraced robotics, lean manufacturing, and industry-wide collaboration to transform how structural building components are produced.


    Episode Highlights:


    What it means to lead a third-generation business in a modern economy


    How robotics and lean systems are reshaping the construction world


    The role of legacy vs. innovation in building a sustainable business


    BJ’s leadership on regional and national building boards


    Finding balance between business, family, and the great outdoors


    From the shop floor to the ski slopes, BJ Louws brings both grit and vision to everything he builds. But is his leadership instinct something that runs in the blood—or forged through experience? Tune in to find out.

    57 min
  • Ep. 48 - From Combat to Clarity — Daniel Sears on Brainpower and Breakthroughs

    In this mind-expanding episode of Born or Made, Larry sits down with Daniel Sears, a 17-year Air Force veteran turned brain optimization coach, energy healer, and co-founder of NeuroGenesis. Daniel’s story is a unique blend of military discipline, cutting-edge neuroscience, and ancient healing traditions—all aimed at helping people lead with clarity and resilience.

    With a background in Industrial-Organizational Psychology and certifications in Executive and Organizational Development Coaching, Daniel helps high-performing leaders unlock new levels of purpose, focus, and energy. As a Reiki Master and longevity tech advocate, he bridges modern science with spiritual practices to create powerful, lasting transformation in both life and business.

    Episode Highlights:

    How 17 years in the Air Force shaped Daniel’s leadership style and emotional intelligence

    The turning point that led him to combine neuroscience with energy healing

    Why high performers burn out—and what to do instead

    How NeuroGenesis helps leaders rewire their brains and restore vitality

    Whether the ability to lead and transform is born—or made

    Daniel Sears’ story is about finding calm in chaos, strength in stillness, and the tools to thrive in high-stress environments. Tune in as Larry unpacks how Daniel built a bridge between the military, the mind, and the metaphysical—and what we can all learn from it.

    1 hr 1 min
  • Ep. 47 - Crafting Experiences with Purpose: Adam Vohra on Being a Luxury Event Producer & Finding Your Why

    Larry sits down with Adam Vohra, Experiential Event Producer & Brand Storyteller, to explore the intersection of luxury, intention, and reinvention. From curating high-end experiences for brands like Lamborghini to producing heartfelt events for nonprofit foundations, Adam shares how storytelling is the soul of every successful activation.

    Adam’s journey spans high-end hospitality, media, entrepreneurship, and personal transformation. As the founder of ARV Enterprises and Sales Director for Greenwich Lifestyle and other elite publications, Adam has built a career connecting people, purpose, and brands through elevated experiences and strategic storytelling.

    In this episode, Adam opens up about:
    ✨ Launching a luxury event firm built on authenticity and heart
    ✨ His role in bridging community, media, and brand partnerships
    ✨ The power of storytelling in experiential marketing
    ✨ Creating The Finding Purpose Podcast—and how personal adversity became a mission
    ✨ Why connection is the currency of modern business

    Whether you’re an entrepreneur, creative, or brand leader looking to build deeper connections through experience and story, this episode is your masterclass in turning intention into impact.

    🎧 Tune in to hear how Adam Vohra is redefining success—one purposeful event at a time.

    58 min
  • Ep. 46 - Comfort with a Mission — Dan Baird’s Organic Disruption

    Larry sits down with Dan Baird, co-founder and CEO of NADS Organic Underwear, to talk about how a passion for wellness, clean living, and entrepreneurship sparked a bold mission to change the men's underwear game.

    Originally from Wilton, Connecticut, Dan has always been drawn to health and fitness. With a background in sports, a degree from UConn, and hands-on experience in digital design and direct-response marketing at Purple Frog Graphics, Dan merged his skills and lifestyle values to create a product that’s both functional and good for your body.

    Episode Highlights:

    The Wellness Angle: Why Dan believes men’s underwear should be part of the health conversation.

    From Branding to Boxers: How marketing and design experience helped him build a wellness-focused brand from the ground up.

    What’s In Your Underwear?: A real talk about toxins, comfort, and why organic matters—especially down there.

    Balancing Hustle and Health: Dan’s personal approach to living well while building a purpose-driven brand.

    Big Vision, Simple Product: How NADS is making a small but powerful impact on men’s health and sustainability.

    Is the drive to innovate and promote wellness something Dan was born with—or did life and experience shape this path? Tune in as Larry uncovers the story behind the man who’s making underwear a healthier conversation.

    1 hr 5 min
  • Ep. 45 - Fearless Frames — Virginia “Gina” Powers Hendry on Rewriting the Rules

    Larry sits down with award-winning filmmaker Virginia “Gina” Powers Hendry, a powerhouse behind some of today’s most compelling, female-driven genre films. From growing up in a creative Southern household to making waves in Hollywood with her thought-provoking horror films, Gina’s journey is all about pushing boundaries and telling stories that leave a mark.

    Raised in Florida and shaped by the storytelling roots of her cinephile stepfather, Gina pursued film at the University of Central Florida and headed straight to Los Angeles to bring her bold vision to life. Her acclaimed shorts, DeadHead and Gaslighter, aren’t just visually striking—they spark conversation on gender, power, and identity.

    Episode Highlights:

    Storytelling Roots: How a minister stepfather with a love for movies helped shape Gina’s voice as a filmmaker.

    Genre with a Purpose: Why Gina uses horror as a lens to tackle real-world issues—and why it works.

    From Florida to Film Festivals: The behind-the-scenes hustle that brought DeadHead and Gaslighter to critical acclaim.

    Motherhood & Final Girls: How raising two daughters inspires Gina’s fearless approach to storytelling.

    Next Up—Marked by the Ouija: A sneak peek into her upcoming film and how it reflects her signature blend of horror and heart.

    Is Gina’s boundary-breaking approach to filmmaking something she was born with—or did life, motherhood, and resilience shape the path? Tune in as Larry explores the creative mind behind stories that dare to say what others won’t.

    1 hr 2 min
  • Ep. 44 - Wild Passions—From Naples to the Gobi

    In this episode of "Born or Made," we're diving into the life of a conservationist whose passion for wildlife has taken him from Naples, Florida, to the challenging terrains of the Gobi Desert. Join us as we explore the journey of Donovan Smith, who has spent his life working with some of the world's most dangerous animals and creating NGALA Wildlife Preserve.

    Episode Highlights:

    Naples Beginnings: Find out how a childhood love for animals led Donovan to a career in wildlife conservation.

    Life at NGALA: Learn about NGALA Wildlife Preserve, where conservation meets hands-on educational experiences.

    Rescue and Recovery: Hear about Donovan's brave rescue of Walter, the preserve's White Rhinoceros during a wildfire, and his own recovery from severe burns.

    Commitment to Care: Discover how personal challenges inspired Donovan to help others, leading to his work with injured children and the start of a nonprofit for wildlife care.

    A Historic Expedition: Get details on Donovan’s upcoming participation in a major expedition that retraces a famous 1925 journey across the Gobi Desert.

    Join host Larry as he explores whether Donovan's deep commitment to conservation is something he was born with or developed through his experiences. "Born or Made: Wild Passions—From Naples to the Gobi" is a close look at one man's dedication to protecting wildlife and educating others.

    53 min
  • Ep. 43 - Racing Heart—Andy Lee's Journey to the Podium

    This episode of "Born or Made" zooms into the high-speed world of professional racing with Andy Lee, a racer whose talent and passion have kept him at the forefront of the racing scene for over 15 years. Hailing from Colorado Springs, Andy’s journey from a top instructor at Bondurant to achieving multiple wins and podiums showcases what it takes to succeed in the demanding world of racing.

    Episode Highlights:

    Starting Line in Colorado Springs: Discover how Andy's racing journey began and what drove him to pursue professional racing.

    Bondurant Days: Learn about Andy’s time as an instructor, where he not only honed his skills but also inspired others with his dedication and heart for racing.

    Track Triumphs: Explore Andy’s significant racing milestones, including his 10 professional wins, 36 podium finishes, and 12 pole positions.

    A Champion’s Heart: Hear insights on what makes a racer truly great, as shared by his mentor Bob Bondurant, who believes Andy’s passion is what sets him apart.

    Join host Larry as he delves into whether Andy’s remarkable drive and success in racing were something he was born with or if they were forged through years of dedication and challenge. "Born or Made: Racing Heart—Andy Lee's Journey to the Podium" offers a thrilling look at the making of a racing champion.

    53 min
  • Ep. 42 - From Olympian to Organic: Kris Buchanan’s Mission for Healthy Food

    In this episode of Born or Made, we sit down with Kris Buchanan, former Olympic athlete turned entrepreneur, whose journey from elite sports to the organic food industry is nothing short of inspiring. After competing as a world-class athlete, Kris discovered the crucial connection between nutrition, performance, and overall well-being—leading her to build an organic food empire.

    We dive into her transition from the competitive world of sports to launching and scaling her brand in the health and wellness space. Kris shares how discipline, resilience, and an unrelenting passion for clean nutrition fueled her journey, proving that success—whether in sports or business—is a combination of both natural talent and the lessons learned along the way.

    Tune in to hear how Kris turned her knowledge into a thriving business, how she overcame challenges in the organic industry, and why she believes true success starts with what you put in your body. Whether you’re an athlete, entrepreneur, or wellness enthusiast, this episode will leave you motivated to take your health and business to the next level!

    1 hr 8 min

About Born or Made

From the publisher's feed

The "Born or Made" podcast aims to interview top entrepreneurs to uncover the secrets behind their success and inspire listeners to reach their fullest potential. By delving into the stories of accomplished entrepreneurs, the podcast seeks to provide valuable insights, strategies, and lessons that listeners can apply to their own journeys.