Elite Spotlight

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Small Decisions, Big Shifts: How the Choices We Make Change Everything | Chip Scholz

What happens when life forces you to start over?

On this episode of Elite Spotlight, our guest is author, speaker, coach, and craftsman Chip Scholz. Enjoy our conversation about success, resilience, purpose, and the small decisions that can completely change the direction of our lives.

After decades of coaching successful business leaders and family-owned companies, Chip has learned that achievement alone doesn’t necessarily bring fulfillment. He shares why stories can often teach us more than advice, why happiness shouldn’t be treated as a destination, and how curiosity can keep us growing throughout every stage of life.

Chip also opens up about the stroke that changed his life. After experiencing aphasia and paralysis on his right side, he went through months of recovery, and discovered an unexpected passion for woodturning that became an important part of rebuilding his life.

From career changes and personal loss to second chances and finding purpose, this is a conversation about recognizing that the difficult chapters of our lives can become part of what shapes us.

Sometimes the biggest changes in life begin with the smallest decisions.

🔗 CONNECT WITH CHIP SCHOLZ Website https://www.scholzandassociates.com

Amazon Authors: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Chip-Scholz/author/

Social Links

https://www.instagram.com/chipscholz/

https://www.facebook.com/Chippturns

https://www.linkedin.com/in/chipscholz/

https://www.youtube.com/@chipscholz1691

https://www.threads.com/@chipscholz

Amazon Book Links:

Every Dog Has Its Day https://a.co/d/0huQdkPE

Small Decisions, Big Shifts https://a.co/d/06TwM9qt

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Firefighter, Author, Comedian | Mark Andrew

In this episode of Elite Spotlight, our guest is Mark Andrew, a retired firefighter, paramedic, author, and stand-up comedian whose career has been defined by leadership, service, and resilience.

After nearly three decades in the fire service, Mark shares what he learned about leading people under pressure, building trust, preparing teams for high-stakes situations, and why great leadership is about inspiring people rather than simply managing them. He also discusses the lessons behind his book, Leading Through the Heat, which draws on real-life experiences from the fire service to explore what effective leadership looks like when the stakes are high.

The conversation also takes a personal turn as Mark reflects on memorable rescues, the emotional side of emergency response, and why saving a family heirloom can sometimes matter almost as much as saving a structure.

Then the discussion shifts in a completely different direction as Mark talks about returning to stand-up comedy, the changing comedy scene, working clean, and the comedians who influenced him along the way.

It’s a conversation about leadership, courage, service, humor, and finding a new chapter after a lifetime in one demanding career.

Connect with Mark Andrew:

Instagram: @markdbnfire

LinkedIn:

Get Mark’s book, Leading Through the Heat

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What happens when a lifelong passion for music and storytelling becomes more than a creative outlet?

On this episode of Elite Spotlight, Michael Masci chats with musician and author Dean Russell for a conversation about creativity, music, writing, and the experiences that have shaped his life.

Dean has built a remarkably diverse career, serving in the U.S. Air Force, working as a business executive and leadership advisor, and pursuing his creative passions as both a musician and author. He is the author of the Bayou Savage series and continues to explore new ways of bringing stories to life through books, music, and other creative projects.

Dean shares where his love of music began, what inspires him to write, how the creative process differs between music and storytelling, and why making room for creativity can remain important throughout every stage of life.

It’s a thoughtful conversation about following your interests, embracing different chapters of life, and the stories behind the music.

The Stories Behind the Music: Creativity, Writing & Reinvention | Dean Russell

✳️ For more information about Dean Russell, his music, books, and other projects, and to find out where to purchase his books, visit:

www.drdeanrussell.com

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🚢 Ready to experience America from the water?

Discover unforgettable small-ship cruises, historic destinations and beautiful waterways with American Cruise Lines.

Visit AmericanCruiseLines.com to explore their cruises and start planning your next American adventure!

Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode!

We’re wrapping up our New England journey in beautiful Newport, Rhode Island—and this time, you’re coming along for a classic New England lobster bake!

Set against the spectacular backdrop of Newport, we’ll take you inside the experience as the lobster, clams and all the fixings are prepared in traditional fashion. Then comes the moment everyone is waiting for: the tarps come off and the feast is revealed!

From the harbor and historic Fort Adams to one of New England’s most memorable culinary traditions, sit back and enjoy a taste of Newport with us on this special edition of Elite Spotlight.

🦞 What’s under the tarps? Let’s find out!

🚢 Ready to experience America on a luxurious river boat?

Discover unforgettable small-ship cruises, historic destinations, and beautiful waterways with American Cruise Lines.

👉 Visit AmericanCruiseLines.com to explore their cruises and start planning your next American adventure!

Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode!

From Skeptic to Stage: How an NCAA D1 Coach Became a Motivational Hypnotist | Tim Miller

What happens when a lifelong skeptic discovers that the very thing he dismissed might actually change lives?

In this episode of Elite Spotlight, Michael Masci talks with Tim Miller, a former NCAA Division I head football coach who took an extraordinary turn from the football field, to becoming an international motivational hypnotist.

Tim shares how a skeptic became a believer, what hypnosis really is (and isn’t), what happens in the mind during hypnosis, and how he uses humor, motivation, and audience participation to create unforgettable experiences. We also get into the fascinating journey behind his career, and what it’s like sharing the stage and the business with his wife.

It’s a conversation about reinvention, the power of the mind, and being willing to challenge what you think you know.

✳️ Learn more about Tim Miller, his live shows, speaking, and Hypnotizing America at:

HypnotizingAmerica.com

Elite Spotlight — fascinating people, unexpected stories, and conversations worth hearing.

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Food Network Star, Author, Tv Host | Melissa d’Arabian

In this special Elite Spotlight Archive Edition, Michael and Blanca Masci revisit a heartfelt conversation with celebrity chef, television personality, author, and Food Network Star winner Melissa d’Arabian.

Long before television success, Melissa experienced firsthand what it meant to grow up without much money, and sometimes without enough food. She shares the touching story of a school employee who recognized what was happening and responded not with judgment, but with compassion, helping Melissa receive the school lunches she needed. It was a simple act of kindness that left a lasting impression and helped shape the way Melissa would eventually think about food, nourishment, and caring for others.

Melissa also takes us behind the scenes of her remarkable journey from winning Food Network Star to hosting Ten Dollar Dinners. She opens up about adjusting to life as a working mother of four, learning the realities of television, handling criticism, and why she never wanted celebrity to define who she was.

The conversation goes even deeper as Melissa discusses family, faith, her studies through Princeton Theological Seminary, and her belief that food is about far more than what appears on the plate. It can bring people together, nourish both body and spirit, and become an expression of love and connection.

It’s a warm, candid conversation with a woman whose story proves that sometimes the experiences that challenge us early in life can help shape the purpose we discover later.

From the Elite Spotlight archives, this is Melissa d’Arabian—beyond the Food Network.

Visit Melissa's Website:

https://melissadarabian.net/

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It Was The 4th of July… or Was It? | Roger Smith

Join us aboard the American Pioneer for a special presentation with guest enrichment speaker Roger, recorded during a 15-day voyage with American Cruise Lines.

Throughout the cruise, Roger brought American history to life through a fascinating series of enrichment presentations. In this culminating program, he brings together many of the stories, personalities, and events explored along the journey, leading into an engaging look at the Declaration of Independence and the remarkable circumstances surrounding its signing.

Informative, entertaining, and filled with historical perspective, Roger reminds us that the story of America is about much more than dates and documents—it’s about the real people, difficult decisions, and defining moments that shaped a nation.

Recorded live aboard the American Pioneer.

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Originally recorded in May of 2016 and digitally remastered for today's listeners, this special episode is part of the Elite Spotlight Archives, featuring memorable conversations from our original On The Air Live broadcasts.

In this entertaining conversation, hosts Michael & Blanca Masci welcome renowned impressionist, singer, and comedian Tom Stevens. With a career built on unforgettable celebrity impressions, musical performances, and quick-witted comedy, Tom shares stories from the stage, the inspiration behind his characters, and the dedication it takes to entertain audiences around the world.

From the art of creating spot-on impressions to the experiences that have shaped his remarkable career, this episode offers a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at one of entertainment's most versatile performers.

Whether you're discovering Tom Stevens for the first time or revisiting this classic interview, this restored archive captures a timeless conversation filled with laughter, music, and unforgettable stories.

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About Elite Spotlight

Elite Spotlight is hosted by husband-and-wife team Michael and Blanca Masci, who believe that every remarkable person has a story worth sharing. Each episode features engaging conversations with entrepreneurs, authors, entertainers, business leaders, healthcare professionals, educators, and other inspiring individuals whose experiences inform, entertain, and encourage.

The podcast is proudly sponsored by Elite Artists Network, the entertainment company founded and owned by Michael and Blanca. Beyond the podcast, they also serve clients as REALTORS® with The Masci Team at Signature One Luxury Estates, helping individuals and families navigate one of life's most important decisions with professionalism, integrity, and personalized service.

Thank you for listening! If you enjoy the show, please subscribe, leave a review, and share the podcast with someone who appreciates meaningful conversations and inspiring stories.

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If you enjoyed this conversation, please consider subscribing, leaving a review, and sharing this episode with someone who would enjoy it.

Discover extraordinary people. Hear remarkable stories. Be inspired.

Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode!

📺 Watch the full video version on YouTube

What happens when an equine veterinarian is also a stand-up comedian? In this episode of Elite Spotlight, we sit down with Dr. Matt Evans to discuss his remarkable journey from knowing almost nothing about horses to becoming a successful horse veterinarian, author, and comedian.

Inspired by the writings of James Herriot, Matt shares the stories behind his memoir, Chomping at the Bit, along with hilarious experiences from veterinary practice, the challenges of overcoming imposter syndrome, and how humor has shaped both his career and his life.

Whether you're an animal lover, aspiring veterinarian, or simply enjoy great stories, you'll find plenty of laughs and inspiration in this conversation.

Website: 🌐 https://MattEvansComic.com

Purchase Matt's Book Chomping At The Bit https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Chomping-at-the-Bit/Matt-Evans/9798895655955

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📘 Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/share/1BkTuyPggv/?mibextid=wwXIfr

▶️ YouTube

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🎵 TikTok

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About Elite Spotlight

Elite Spotlight is hosted by husband-and-wife team Michael and Blanca Masci, who believe that every remarkable person has a story worth sharing. Each episode features engaging conversations with entrepreneurs, authors, entertainers, business leaders, healthcare professionals, educators, and other inspiring individuals whose experiences inform, entertain, and encourage.

The podcast is proudly sponsored by Elite Artists Network, the entertainment company founded and owned by Michael and Blanca.

Thank you for listening! If you enjoy the show, please subscribe, leave a review, and share the podcast with someone who appreciates meaningful conversations and inspiring stories.

LISTEN & SUBSCRIBE

Follow Elite Spotlight on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, Amazon Music, or wherever you enjoy podcasts.

If you enjoyed this conversation, please consider subscribing, leaving a review, and sharing this episode with someone who would enjoy it.

Discover extraordinary people. Hear remarkable stories. Be inspired.

Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode!

Step into the remarkable career of Anita Gillette in this special archive episode of Elite Spotlight. Originally recorded in 2016 in Anguilla, Michael Masci sits down with the legendary actress and singer to discuss her extraordinary journey through Broadway, television, film, and music. From Match Game and The $10,000 Pyramid to Modern Family and countless stage performances, Anita shares stories, lessons, and unforgettable moments from a lifetime in entertainment.

CONNECT WITH ELITE SPOTLIGHT

🎙️ Podcast Home

https://rss.com/podcasts/elite-spotlight

🎹 Elite Artists Network

https://www.eliteartistsnetwork.com/home

🔗 Linktree

https://linktr.ee/eliteartistsnetwork

📘 Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/share/1BkTuyPggv/?mibextid=wwXIfr

▶️ YouTube

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDGSqKC0tpxg&si=Gd7bAMP6xe9o7R7u

🎵 TikTok

https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTSCbcNQT/

About Elite Spotlight

Elite Spotlight is hosted by husband-and-wife team Michael and Blanca Masci, who believe that every remarkable person has a story worth sharing. Each episode features engaging conversations with entrepreneurs, authors, entertainers, business leaders, healthcare professionals, educators, and other inspiring individuals whose experiences inform, entertain, and encourage.

The podcast is proudly sponsored by Elite Artists Network, the entertainment company founded and owned by Michael and Blanca. Beyond the podcast, they also serve clients as REALTORS® with The Masci Team at Signature One Luxury Estates, helping individuals and families navigate one of life's most important decisions with professionalism, integrity, and personalized service.

Thank you for listening! If you enjoy the show, please subscribe, leave a review, and share the podcast with someone who appreciates meaningful conversations and inspiring stories.

LISTEN & SUBSCRIBE

Follow Elite Spotlight on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, Amazon Music, or wherever you enjoy podcasts.

If you enjoyed this conversation, please consider subscribing, leaving a review, and sharing this episode with someone who would enjoy it.

Discover extraordinary people. Hear remarkable stories. Be inspired.