Extraordinary Us

Merry Christmas and happy holidays! We end 2021 of the Extraordinary Us podcast recapping some of the highlights from amazing guests this year. Jeff also teases what the future holds in 2022 for the podcast, and reminds us all not to look back in fear but to take steps forward in faith, molding the future to be the best it possibly can be for all of us. 🙌🏻

It was my pleasure to sit down with my tennis partner Jeff Flake, the former Senator from Arizona and newly confirmed Ambassador of Turkey, and his lovely wife Cheryl to learn about living in the public eye and representing the United States throughout the world. In this singular episode, Jeff and Cheryl share personal stories of strength and triumph while living through the storms of life. Including the harrowing first-hand story of surviving a shooter at a  congressional baseball practice.

It was fun to sit down, catch up and have a compelling conversation with my former competitor and current Governor of Utah, Spencer J. Cox. In this eye-opening episode, Governor Cox shares personal struggles that he has experienced in life and opens up about how they have informed his leadership style. We discuss everything from growing up in Fairview, Utah to now leading one of the fastest-growing states in the country. If you are curious about who Spencer really is this episode is for you!

Today I got to sit down and have a fun and interesting conversation with Jess Toolson. She is the founder of Mixhers and they are everywhere! After living internationally with her young family for 12 years, Jess followed her dreams of creating a brand to help women feel more healthy and like themselves. She shares insights about being proactive, her passion for connection and community, and growing a company in the health space for women.

It was a joy for me to sit down today with my friend Tom Holmoe, director of BYU athletics and 4x super bowl champion. Tom shared the inside story on BYU getting into The Big 12, how he led through COVID, and insights on winning and losing. Tom is a master at learning and growing and a great example of getting out of your comfort zone to get and be better.

Natalie Gochnour is everywhere and that’s almost always a good thing! She serves as an associate dean and director of the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute at the University of Utah. In this engaging episode, Natalie shares why she seeks simplicity in life and the importance of cutting through clutter and chaos in our modern world to get to the heart of important community issues.

Today I got to sit down with a fellow venture capitalist Blake Modersitzki. Blake came from a small-town farm in Idaho and is now one of the big names in investing in Silicon Slopes and beyond. In this insightful episode he shares lessons he's learned throughout the years and the future he sees for entrepreneurs. We discuss everything from cryptocurrency to life on the farm. This is a fun episode you don't want to miss.

Today I got to sit down and have an intimate conversation with my favorite person. My wife, Sally Burningham. Sally grew up knowing that there were two passions she had in life. Being a mother, and being a teacher. She has been able to live both of those passions and approaches each new opportunity with boundless positivity and simplicity. She’s always teaching me something new and I learn from her every day. I hope you enjoy getting to know her a little bit more and will mourn with us at the recent passing of Sal’s dad.

Today I had the good fortune of sitting down with a wonderful person and friend battling a terminal illness, ALS. Warren grew up on a farm in Perry Utah and has now become a prolific entrepreneur and investor. Over 3 years ago he and his family learned that he had ALS. Today he shares lessons learned in life, love and entrepreneurship. He is battling a terminal illness with tenacity, a sense of humor and a smile on his face. There is a lot for all of us to learn here.

Today I give you an inside glimpse into one of America’s most well known families; the Huntsman’s. Here are a couple of questions I ask Jon and Mary Kaye: 1. What’s it really like to be a Huntsman? 2. The role that faith has played in their lives? 3. How they decided not to run a write in campaign for Utah Governor 2020? Hope you enjoy this inside look!