In this episode of THE MENTORS RADIO, Host Dan Hesse talks withAndy Beckstoffer, named “the most powerful grapegrower by Wall Street Journal and the Wine Spectator. Few people have played a more pivotal, pioneering role in Napa Valley’s evolution into a world class wine region than Andy Beckstoffer, who owns Beckstoffer Vineyards. Beckstoffer Vineyards includes six Napa “Heritage sites” which consistently produce some of the best wines in the world, being awarded 100 point scores year after year. Perhaps most notably, Andy introduced an innovative and radical new grape pricing structure in 1976, which created a major and lasting shift in how the California wine industry views the importance of wine growers and grape quality. The Wall Street Journal and the Wine Spectator have both named Andy Beckstoffer the “Most Powerful Grapegrower.”  In 1975, at age 35, Andy was a founding Director and the second President of the Napa Valley Grapegrowers Association. He and his wife of 60 years, Betty Beckstoffer, were honored as St. Helena’s “Citizens of the Year” and Andy has been named Grower of the Year three times, by three different organizations. He was also named Agriculturalist of the Year twice. In 2007, Andy received the Wine Industry Leadership Award, the first ever United States Congressional Wine Caucus Commendation, and in 2010, he was inducted into the Vintners Hall of Fame.   LISTEN TO the radio broadcast live on iHeart Radio, or to “THE MENTORS RADIO” podcast any time, anywhere, on any podcast platform – subscribe here and don’t miss an episode!

SHOW NOTES:

ANDY BECKSTOFFER:

In this episode of The Mentors Radio, Host Tom Loarie talks with Michael Collopy, one of the preeminent portrait photographers of our time — a man whose camera has revealed the inner soul of saints, world leaders, Nobel Peace laureates, and some of the most recognizable entertainers on the planet. Over 45 years, he has photographed six U.S. presidents, 37 Nobel Peace Prize laureates, and hundreds of global icons — and in the process, he has observed patterns of character, humility, ego, joy, and loneliness that very few people ever get to see up close. Michael Collopy is self-taught, yet mentored by giants like Ansel Adams and Richard Avedon. His life’s work has taken him from Mother Teresa’s streets of Calcutta, to Pope John Paul II in Mexico City, to Nelson Mandela, to the Rolling Stones in Paris, and everywhere in between. In this episode, you’ll discover what Michael has learned about people — about what truly distinguishes the great from the merely famous, the fulfilled from the restless, and the peacemakers from the performers.  LISTEN TO the radio broadcast live on iHeart Radio, or to “THE MENTORS RADIO” podcast any time, anywhere, on any podcast platform – subscribe here and don’t miss an episode!

MICHAEL COLLOPY:

“Michael has consistently shown sensitivity in his work, and it appears that the Muse rests lightly on his shoulder for his work captures the essence of his subjects.”    – DR. MAYA ANGELOU

In this episode of The Mentors Radio, Host Dan Hesse talks with Robert L. Dilenschneider, who has been called “the Dean of American Public Relations Executives,” to discuss his just-released book, his nineteenth, Respect: How to Change the World One Interaction at a Time.   In 1991, Bob formed The Dilenschneider Group, providing strategic advice and counsel to Fortune 500 companies, leading families, and individuals around the world. He is well-known for his experience in fields ranging from mergers and acquisitions, crisis communications and marketing, to government affairs and international media. Prior to forming his own firm, Bob served as the President and CEO of Hill and Knowlton for 15 years. In 2012, he established the Civility in America Lecture Series, featuring many of the nation’s leading thinkers, which provides a perspective on what can be done to restore civility in our Country.  Bob discusses why respecting others and their points of view is so important as well as lessons he learned from his decades leading public relations firms.  LISTEN TO the radio broadcast live on iHeart Radio, or to “THE MENTORS RADIO” podcast any time, anywhere, on any podcast platform – subscribe here and don’t miss an episode!

ROBERT L. DILENSCHNEIDER:

In this episode of THE MENTORS RADIO, Host Dan Hesse talks with Patrick McGee, author of the best-selling book Apple in China, who tells a riveting story about how Apple almost single-handedly built the advanced electronics industry in China only to find itself trapped in a relationship with an authoritarian state making ever-increasing demands, and giving Beijing power that could be weaponized. Even though China’s immense domestic market is hard to resist, this is a cautionary tale for listeners thinking about doing business in China and helps explain how China made progress competing against American tech companies so quickly.   Patrick was the Financial Times’ principal Apple reporter from 2019 to 2023, where he won a San Francisco Press Club Award for his coverage. He joined the newspaper in 2013, in Hong Kong, before reporting from Germany and California. Previously, he was a bond reporter at The Wall Street Journal. He has a master’s degree in global diplomacy from SOAS at the University of London, and a degree in religious studies from the University of Toronto.  Listen to THE MENTORS RADIO podcast anywhere, any time, on any platform, including Spotify and Apple, just click here!

PATRICK McGEE:

In this episode of The Mentors Radio, host Dan Hesse talks with General Stanley McChrystal, U.S. Army General (Ret.), Commander of U.S. and International Forces in Afghanistan, Leader of the Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC), co-founder and CEO of McChrystal Group, and noted, best-selling author of several books. A one-of-a-kind leader with a new perspective on collaboration and teamwork, General Stan McChrystal is known for helping organizations tap into the potential of their people to better compete in a complex and interconnected world. Following thirty-four years of service in the U.S. Army—including as commander of U.S. and International Security Assistance Forces (ISAF) Afghanistan and commander of the nation’s premier counter-terrorism force— General McChrystal delivers his unique blend of on-the- ground experience with decades of leadership to provide practical insight and wisdom to help organizations transform and succeed in challenging, dynamic environments. General McChrystal now leads the McChrystal Group as its founder and CEO, which helps organizations of all types transform how their people, processes, and technology work together to unlock greater speed and adaptability. As the author of several best-selling books, General McChrystal latest examines the character of leaders and what makes someone who they are and, importantly, how they will be remembered. Listen to THE MENTORS RADIO broadcast on Salem Radio in San Francisco, via live-streaming on iHeart Radio worldwide or anytime, on ANY podcast platform, including Apple Podcast, Spotify, iTunes, TuneIN, Stitcher, Google Play and all the others. Sign up for the podcast here.

GENERAL STANLEY “STAN” McCHRYSTAL, General Ret., U.S. Army:

In this compelling episode of The Mentors Radio, Host Tom Loarie talks with global strategist Ram Charan who returns with a powerful message for leaders at every level. From AI integration to talent shortages, from critical thinking to cash flow, Ram offers sharp, actionable insights. Ram explains why capital flows matter more than headlines, how humility fuels leadership growth, and why war rooms and curated newsletters are replacing traditional news sources. Most urgently, he reveals China’s economic strategy to undermine democracies—including the U.S.—and why we must understand it now. If you want to lead, adapt, and stay ahead, this conversation is your roadmap. Listen to THE MENTORS RADIO broadcast on Salem Radio in San Francisco, via live-streaming on iHeart Radio worldwide or anytime, on ANY podcast platform, including Apple Podcast, Spotify, iTunes, TuneIN, Stitcher, Google Play and all the others. Sign up for the podcast here.

RAM CHARAN:

In this episode of THE MENTORS RADIO, Host Dan Hesse talks with Robert Parker, a man widely considered the most powerful critic of any genre in history, about changing careers to pursue a passion. Pulitzer-prize winning media critic David Shaw, in his two-part Front Page profile for the Los Angeles Times, called wine critic Robert Parker “the most powerful critic of any kind, anywhere.” Parker’s impact on the wine world has been unrivaled, and many others agree that no critic of any genre, be it theatre, movies, music, art or fashion, has been as influential in their industry as Robert Parker has been in wine. Internationally acclaimed and recognized, Parker is the only wine critic ever awarded France’s highest Presidential honor, which he received twice, from France’s Presidents Chirac and Mitterrand. Robert was the first critic given Italy’s top honor by Italy’s President Berlusconi. He was also the first critic given Spain’s highest civilian honor by King Juan Carlos. Even though his influence is global, being hounded by paparazzi when he’d visit places like Japan, Robert Parker is an American writer who has had an enormous impact on America’s interest in and fascination with wine, and many say he’s been a major influence on how wine tastes and is made today. Listen to the show broadcast on Salem Radio in San Francisco, via live-streaming on iHeart Radio worldwide or anytime, on ANY podcast platform, including Apple Podcast, Spotify, iTunes, TuneIN, Stitcher, Google Play and all the others. Sign up for the podcast here.

ROBERT PARKER:

In this episode of THE MENTORS RADIO, Host Tom Loarie talks with Terry Hanck, a multi-award-winning blues and soul saxophonist, singer and songwriter whose journey is as raw and real as the music he plays. Terry didn’t follow a straight line to success. He started as a surfer and diver, found his voice through a saxophone at age 21, toured the world with Elvin Bishop, and went on to lead his own band for more than three decades. Along the way, he’s won multiple BMA Awards, that is Blues Music Awards (BMA) and played with legends of the genre. But this is more than a story about music—it’s about finding your passion, staying one step ahead of a “real job,” and living life on your terms. You won’t want to miss this conversation. LISTEN TO the radio broadcast live on iHeart Radio, or to “THE MENTORS RADIO” podcast any time, anywhere, on any podcast platform – subscribe here and don’t miss an episode!

“His fiery reed work, beautiful tone and effortless, inventive melodies make for a thoroughly enjoyable listening… his voice is a marvel. He can make it growl, ache, croon, moan and tease, and then some. It is a superb instrument in its instrument in its own right.” – Joseph Jordan, Golden Gate Blues News (SF)

In this episode of THE MENTORS RADIO, Host Tom Loarie talks with David P. Wallace, sales expert and author, to uncover what the best sales professionals know—and how you can apply those same principles to your own life, no matter what your profession, background, circumstances. David has spent his career leading high-performing sales teams, advising companies on building world-class sales organizations, and helping professionals master the art of persuasion. He shares a wealth of insights as he breaks down the core principles of effective selling. Together, we’ll explore the different styles of selling, the common mistakes people make when trying to influence others, and the sales skills that anyone—regardless of their profession—can use to be more effective. How you use these skills can help you if you are in transition and need to sell yourself in today’s challenging job market, or if you are an entrepreneur and need to persuade investors, or if you want to improve internal communication and collaboration within your organization. David P. Wallace is also the author of The Sales Executive Handbook, a guide to creating and sustaining a winning sales force. Ultimately, whether we know it or not—we’re ALL in sales. From job seekers, to entrepreneurs, to professionals navigating internal office politics, to every day life and family…we spend our days persuading, influencing, and negotiating. Every day, we persuade, influence and communicate ideas—whether it’s selling a product, pitching an idea, securing funding for a new venture, or even convincing a hiring manager that we’re the right person for the job. Selling isn’t just for sales professionals—it’s a fundamental skill that drives success in business and in life! If you’ve ever wondered how to sharpen your ability to influence others, communicate more effectively, or close more deals—whether in business, your career, or everyday life—this conversation is for you. LISTEN TO the radio broadcast live on iHeart Radio, or to “THE MENTORS RADIO” podcast any time, anywhere, on any podcast platform – subscribe here and don’t miss an episode!

DAVID P. WALLACE:

In this episode of THE MENTORS RADIO, Host Dan Hesse talks with Jerome Bettis (also known as “The Bus”), who is a Hall of Fame running back and Walter Peyton NFL Man of the Year. Jerome describes how he “broke the cycle” of shunning rookies in the locker room and instead focused on encouraging and mentoring them. He also talks about how the generosity of one pro football player he met as a kid drove him to develop the habit of giving a “hand up” to those in need; a habit that he knows he will continue for the rest of his life. “The Bus” is also the title of Jerome’s bestselling autobiography, which tells the story of Bettis’ rise from a Detroit ghetto to an illustrious collegiate and professional football career. A six-time Pro Bowl selection and one of the league’s all-time leading rushers, Jerome retired in 2006 after helping the Steelers win the Super Bowl, and in 2022, at age 50, Bettis received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Notre Dame, fulfilling a promise he made to his mother when he left college for the NFL draft a year before graduation! LISTEN TO the radio broadcast live on iHeart Radio, or to “THE MENTORS RADIO” podcast any time, anywhere, on any podcast platform – subscribe here and don’t miss an episode!

JEROME BETTIS: