HawkeTalk

Did you know the Olympic trials can be more daunting than the Games themselves? In this episode, I am delighted to sit down with Jordyn Wieber—Olympic gold medalist, world champion, and now a game-changing gymnastics coach. Jordyn takes us through her incredible journey from a determined young gymnast in Michigan to standing atop the Olympic podium.

We explore her deep competitive spirit, the intense highs and lows of elite gymnastics, and the challenges that shaped her—including the injuries that nearly derailed her path. Jordyn shares what it was like to navigate the pressure of Olympic trials, the emotional rollercoaster of competing on the world’s biggest stage, and the moment she knew it was time to transition from athlete to coach.

Now, as the head coach at the University of Arkansas, Jordyn is shaping the next generation of gymnasts, emphasizing perseverance, goal-setting, and the power of a supportive environment. She opens up about the lessons she learned through sport; the mindset shifts that helped her grow, and why embracing setbacks can be just as valuable as chasing medals.

And, of course, she leaves us with some powerful advice for aspiring athletes—encouraging them to stay the course, trust the process, and find purpose beyond the podium.

If you love stories of grit, resilience, and transformation, this one’s for you. 

In this episode: 

(01:19) Family athleticism

(05:34) First competition experience

(10:43) Competing at a young age

(11:46) Injuries and setbacks

(13:15) Overcoming doubts

(14:20) Return to competition

(14:42) World championship success

(15:43) The journey to confidence

(17:06) Olympic dreams begin

(17:48) Nerves and excitement

(18:55) Making the team

(20:15) Age range in gymnastics

(21:11) Factors driving change in gymnastics

(22:36) Olympic experience overview

(24:45) Going for 2016

(25:48) Transition to coaching

(26:51) Current role at Arkansas

(28:10) Future aspirations

(29:22) Advice for dream pursuers

Hawke Media

• https://www.linkedin.com/company/hawkemedia/
• https://www.instagram.com/hawkemedia/?hl=en 
• https://hawkemedia.com/
• https://twitter.com/hawkemedia
• https://www.facebook.com/hawkemedia/

About Our Guest

Jordyn Wieber is an Olympic gold medalist, world champion gymnast, and current head coach of the Arkansas Razorbacks gymnastics team. A fierce competitor turned inspiring mentor, she now dedicates her career to coaching, speaking, and shaping the future of gymnastics.

Jordyn Wieber

• Jordyn Wieber-X
• Jordyn Wieber- Facebook
• Jordyn Wieber- Instagram

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

They say childhood experiences can shape our futures in unexpected ways. Have you ever considered how growing up in a vibrant food scene might spark a lifelong passion? Imagine taking that love for food and swapping a career in Hollywood for the exciting world of culinary innovation. It’s a big leap, right?

In this inspiring episode of "Hawke Talk," I sit down with Lawrence Longo, a dynamic entrepreneur whose journey is as flavorful as it is fascinating. From the glittering lights of Hollywood to the sizzling kitchens of the food industry, Lawrence's story is a masterclass in passion, adaptability, and the relentless pursuit of dreams.

Join us as Lawrence takes us from his roots in a food-loving Italian family in Toronto to the bustling streets of Hollywood and, finally, into the heart of the food business. With a background in the film industry, Lawrence shares how his love for food led him to create a groundbreaking app centered around secret menu items at top restaurants.

Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or a food enthusiast, this episode is packed with inspiration and practical advice to fuel your journey. Don’t miss this chance to learn from Lawrence Longo's experiences and discover how to navigate your path with confidence and creativity.

In this episode: 

(00:40)  Lawrence's food critique

(05:31)  First job in Hollywood

(10:02)  Hustling in Hollywood

(15:38)  App's success

(20:00)  Burger showdown event

(26:07)  Timeline of restaurant openings

(30:51)  Celebrating business success

(35:39)  The journey of grit

(37:07)  Perseverance in parenting

(37:24)  Quality and customer happiness

Hawke Media

• https://www.linkedin.com/company/hawkemedia/
• https://www.instagram.com/hawkemedia/?hl=en 
• https://hawkemedia.com/
• https://twitter.com/hawkemedia
• https://www.facebook.com/hawkemedia/

About Our Guest

Lawrence Longo, a Canadian-born entrepreneur with deep Italian roots, moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in entertainment. However, his true passion—nurtured by a family that cherished cooking and sharing meals—soon led him down a different path. An unforgettable dinner at Wolfgang Puck’s Spago, where he stumbled upon a hidden “off the menu” item, sparked an idea that would change his life.

Lawrence Longo

• Lawrence Longo- LinkedIn
• Off the Menu - Instagram  
• Irv's Burgers- Instagram 
• Prince St. Pizza- Instagram  
• Off the Menu-Website 
• Lawrence Longo - Instagram

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Water is essential to life, and each day, the world consumes millions of gallons… from plastic bottles. Whether we want to accept it or not, plastic bottles are damaging our world immensely. We’re at a tipping point, and someone must make a stand if we’re ever going to get moving in the right direction.

Our guest today is indeed making a stand and building a global brand. He’s Shadi Bakour, CEO and Co-Founder of PATHWAY, a company focused on breaking our addiction to bottled water while creating out-of-the-box paths to sustainability. Today, he’ll share his successful journey, why the struggle has been the greatest reward, and how he went from dreaming about Wall Street to a world free from bottled water.

In This Episode

• (2:20) – Shadi finds his passion for the environment and the harmful impact of plastic.
• (3:30) – Discusses the emphasis his parents placed on education.
• (5:12) – Received martial arts training at the Shaolin Martial Arts Temple.
• (5:20) – Military school helps Shadi awaken the entrepreneur inside. 
• (8:20) – Wall Street dreams never come to fruition.
• (11:30) – He learns that the key to success is knowing how to manage.
• (16:44) – PATHWATER is born.
• (18:40) – Shadi dives into his team's sacrifices to grow the business.
• (22:42) – The lessons learned during the struggle.
• (24:04) Shadi embraces the concept that " the road to riches is a marathon, not a sprint.”
• (25:20) – The turning point for PATHWATER.
• (26:27) – The investor party allows PATHWATER to reach the next level.
• (27:39) – The inflection point: Series A.
• (29:12) – Shadi and the team decide to go big or go home.
• (30:15) – The business has a near-death experience.
• (33:40) – Human resources are the most valuable resource.

Our Guest

Shadi Bakour is a visionary entrepreneur and water sustainability advocate. At just 31 years old, he has significantly contributed to reimagining the water business. Shadi has pioneered sustainable solutions through his innovative approaches, transforming the industry. His passion for addressing global water challenges is evident in his work, inspiring positive change worldwide.

Resources and Links

Hawke Media

• https://www.linkedin.com/company/hawkemedia/
• https://www.instagram.com/hawkemedia/?hl=en 
• https://hawkemedia.com/
• https://twitter.com/hawkemedia
• https://www.facebook.com/hawkemedia/

Shadi Bakour

• https://drinkpathwater.com/
• https://www.instagram.com/shadibakour/?hl=en
• https://m.facebook.com/people/Shadi-Bakour/100069384513609/
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/shadibakour 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Hawke Talk, I sit down with legendary waterman Laird Hamilton to dive into his extraordinary life story from being pushed into waves at age two in Hawaii to pioneering the biggest breakthroughs in surfing history.

Laird opens up about growing up on some of the most dangerous beaches in the world, the influence of his single mother and stepfather, and the relentless drive that kept him chasing the ocean day after day. He shares the behind-the-scenes of breaking barriers in big-wave surfing from inventing tow-in surfing to riding Tahiti’s “Millennium Wave” that redefined what was possible.

We explore the evolution of his career beyond traditional surfing: windsurfing, hydrofoiling, modeling, and entrepreneurship, all while holding true to his philosophy that persistence, curiosity, and loving what you do are the keys to a life well-lived.

Through near-death wipeouts, industry skepticism, and reinventing equipment to keep up with nature’s power, Laird’s story is a testament to relentless pursuit, faith in the unknown, and never letting your memories outgrow your dreams.

In this episode: 

• (00:00) The best advice: be relentless and love the pursuit
• (04:30) Riding waves by age two and shaping his first custom board at six
• (10:05) Obsession with the ocean and ditching school to surf
• (21:45) Breaking barriers with tow-in surfing and the Millennium Wave in Tahiti
• (28:17) Facing near-death wipeouts and rescues at sea
• (31:40) Transitioning into hydrofoiling and riding a 10-minute wave on his 60th birthday
• (36:25) Why curiosity and openness fuel the next frontier of ocean exploration
• (40:15) Laird’s advice: be relentless and love the work

Hawke Media

• https://www.linkedin.com/company/hawkemedia/
• https://www.instagram.com/hawkemedia/?hl=en 
• https://hawkemedia.com/
• https://twitter.com/hawkemedia
• https://www.facebook.com/hawkemedia/

About Our Guest

Laird Hamilton is a world-renowned big-wave surfer, innovator, and pioneer of modern-day surfing. Born in San Francisco and raised on Hawaii’s North Shore, he grew up on the world’s heaviest waves and went on to redefine the boundaries of ocean sports.

Credited with inventing tow-in surfing, advancing hydrofoiling, and tackling some of the largest waves ever ridden, Laird has built a career on pushing limits and embracing fear as fuel. Beyond the ocean, he has modeled, acted, and co-founded companies like Laird Superfood, bringing his passion for health and performance to a global audience.

For Laird, surfing is more than a sport; it’s a lifelong pursuit of flow, innovation, and respect for the ocean.

Laird Hamilton

• Laird Hamilton Website
• Laird Hamilton on Instagram
• Laird Hamilton on LinkedIn

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What happens when a theater-loving kid from suburban Chicago finds his true calling not on stage, but on a treadmill? 

In this episode, I sat down with Joey Gonzalez, Global CEO of Barry’s and one of the boldest voices in boutique fitness. His journey is wild—in the best way possible. From being the least athletic kid in a super-fit immigrant family to leading a global fitness empire, Joey’s story is all about identity, resilience, and betting on yourself.

Growing up in the suburbs of Chicago, Joey was surrounded by sports-obsessed siblings and marathon-running parents. From secretly dreaming of the stage while eating pizza and watching TV to landing a lead role in a Chicago musical at 13, which led to a decade in film and TV. However, burnout prompted him to try Barry's workout on a whim, resulting in a significant transformation. He evolved from a client to a trainer, then General Manager, and eventually, the owner. Despite having no prior experience in operations or fitness leadership, Joey taught himself everything and worked his way into ownership.

We talk about everything: stepping into your power, learning to scale a brand from two studios to 90 worldwide, what makes a great leader (hint: it’s not a title), and why he believes the most successful people don’t let fear sit in the driver’s seat. If you’re navigating a pivot, chasing purpose, or just trying to figure out your next big move… this episode is 100% for you.

In this episode: 

• (0:00) Replacing fear with focus
• (1:00) Growing up Latino and artistic in suburban Chicago
• (3:26) The audition that changed everything
• (10:30) Burnout, USC, and searching for what’s next
• (12:37) His first Barry’s class—and how it hooked him
• (14:01) Becoming a trainer and finding purpose
• (15:06) The early vision to transform lives
• (16:19) Climbing from GM to business leader
• (24:32) Building the Barry’s blueprint in NYC
• (31:53) Scaling to 90+ locations and counting
• (34:47) The mindset shift that changed everything

Hawke Media

• https://www.linkedin.com/company/hawkemedia/
• https://www.instagram.com/hawkemedia/?hl=en 
• https://hawkemedia.com/
• https://twitter.com/hawkemedia
• https://www.facebook.com/hawkemedia/

About Our Guest

Joey Gonzalez is the Global CEO of Barry’s, the original high-intensity interval training workout that’s built a worldwide cult following. From sweeping floors to building out franchises and raising private equity, Joey has lived every chapter of Barry's story. A former actor and USC theater grad, he’s blended performance, passion, and persistence to scale one of the most recognized fitness brands in the world. He now lives in New York and leads Barry’s into its next era of growth.

Joey Gonzalez

• Barry's-Website
• Joey Gonzalez-Instagram
• Joey Gonzalez-LinkedIn

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of HawkeTalk, I sit down with Avery Akkineni, Chief Marketing Officer at VaynerMedia, to uncover her journey from growing up in Nashville with a love for books and business dreams to leading global expansion for one of the most disruptive agencies in the world.

Avery shares how her early internships at Live Nation and Morgan Stanley shaped her view of business, why taking risks opened unexpected doors, and how she went from Target’s corporate world to a seven-year career at Google. She reveals the pivotal moment she said “yes” to Gary Vaynerchuk and took the leap to launch Vayner’s Asia-Pacific office from scratch scaling it to 170 people and winning major clients across Singapore, Australia, and beyond.

We dive into the challenges of building teams during COVID, the launch of Vayner3 during the Web3 wave, and why her latest role as CMO is her most fulfilling yet. Through it all, Avery’s story is about persistence, bold choices, and embracing opportunities before they’re obvious.

Her advice? Don’t fear failure—take the leap, because if you don’t ask, you don’t get.

In this episode: 

• (00:00) Overcoming fear of failure and taking risks
• (07:36) Learning what you don’t want
• (10:57) First job at Target and early lessons in retail and supply chain
• (17:45) Moving from Google to VaynerMedia
• (22:06) Launching Vayner’s Asia-Pacific office in Singapore
• (23:39) Scaling through crisis during COVID and international growth
• (26:30) Transition into Web3 with Vayner3 and bold brand partnerships
• (27:44) Becoming CMO of VaynerMedia and building the agency brand
• (30:04) Avery’s biggest advice: people have short memories just go for it

Hawke Media

• https://www.linkedin.com/company/hawkemedia/
• https://www.instagram.com/hawkemedia/?hl=en 
• https://hawkemedia.com/
• https://twitter.com/hawkemedia
• https://www.facebook.com/hawkemedia/

About Our Guest

Avery Akkineni is the Chief Marketing Officer at VaynerMedia, where she leads global brand strategy and innovation. Before joining Vayner, she spent over seven years at Google, helping shape its ad and media platforms. In 2019, she spearheaded Vayner’s expansion into Asia-Pacific, growing the Singapore office from zero to 170 employees and winning major clients like Disney+, P&G, and Subway.

A pioneer in emerging tech, Avery went on to launch Vayner3, guiding Fortune 500 companies into Web3, and now drives VaynerMedia’s own brand growth as CMO. Known for her risk-taking spirit, global perspective, and passion for storytelling, Avery is redefining what it means to be a modern marketing leader.

Avery Akkineni 

• Avery Akkineni Website
• Avery Akkineni on Instagram
• Avery Akkineni on LinkedIn
• Vaynear Media Website

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ask any successful person, and they’ll more than likely tell you it didn’t just happen; it was a journey. It took time, sacrifice, compromise, and hours upon hours of honing their gifts. From writers to actors, public speakers, and pioneers in medicine, people at the top of those fields sacrificed their proverbial blood, sweat, and tears to get to the top. The same can be said of athletes who, while they make it look so easy, rest assured it’s those countless hours behind the scenes that make it look so effortless. 

Our guest today knows a lot about putting in work, compromising, rising to the top, and the sacrifice it takes to get there. At an early age, Michael Andrew was recognized as a swimming prodigy with a gift for the sport that made him a legend on the competitive circuit. He eventually parlayed that success into Olympic dreams, and he’s here today to share his journey and the obstacles he overcame on his way to becoming a World Champion. If you’re ready to begin pushing through and focusing intensely on achieving your dreams, this is an episode you’ll definitely want to hear.

In this episode:

• (1:00) – Michael delves deep into his origin.
• (4:48) – The journey as a swimmer begins at the age of 8.
• (7:14) – Michael’s father begins developing his own training methodologies. 
• (13:00) – Excellence is a hallmark of his family brand. 
• (18:17) – Olympic trials at the age of 16.
• (21:05) – Michael becomes the youngest gold medalist in US history at the World Championships.
• (28:56) – In his mind, preparation and confidence are freedom.
• (36:00) – The little things make all the difference for Michael.
• (36:54) – Intentionality and focus are the most essential parts of success.

Our Guest

Michael Andrew grew up in a family that didn’t believe in doing things the traditional way. His environment was one where excellence was pursued with joy and excitement. As a young swimmer, Michael rewrote the record books, smashing over 100 National Records, more than any male or female swimmer in the history of the sport. This was done through hard work and intentional learning, something that was impressed upon him at an early age by working closely with his father. In fact, his father discovered a method of training that would ultimately revolutionize the sport and help Michael achieve his championship and Olympic dreams. His goal is to use his successful journey to help others find theirs and become the best versions of themselves. 

Resources and Links

Hawke Media

• https://www.linkedin.com/company/hawkemedia/
• https://www.instagram.com/hawkemedia/?hl=en 
• https://hawkemedia.com/
• https://twitter.com/hawkemedia
• https://www.facebook.com/hawkemedia/

Michael Andrew

• https://maswimacademy.app/
• https://www.instagram.com/swimmermichael/
• https://swimmermichael.com/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does it take to survive in Hollywood for 30 years without giving up? And how can a single viral video change everything?

In this episode of Hawke Talk, I sit down with actor and digital creator, the one and only Adam Rose to trace his incredible three-decade-long journey in the entertainment industry. He shares stories from his start as a nine-year-old in a Woody Allen film to the years of grinding as a working actor on shows like Veronica Mars. Adam gets real about the constant hustle and the moments of doubt, revealing how a pivot to creating content during the pandemic led to a life-changing viral TikTok dance that was eventually licensed by Fortnite.

We dive into how he cracked the code on social media algorithms and used that success to finally revitalize his acting career. The core of our conversation centers on his powerful, simple advice for anyone chasing a dream: never, ever quit. Adam believes in applying constant pressure, because if you stop, nothing will ever break. His story is a raw and inspiring testament to the power of relentless perseverance and adapting to the opportunities right in front of you.

In this episode: 

• (00:00) Adam on persistence and pressure
• (06:45) Disney’s PB&J Otter and Robin Williams in Deconstructing Harry
• (10:12) Off-Broadway beginnings and Jesse Eisenberg connection
• (18:15) Veronica Mars and steady acting roles
• (20:47) Writing, short films, and hustling between gigs
• (36:00) Social media meets acting, new opportunities arise
• (40:45) Advice for dream-chasers: never quit

Hawke Media

• https://www.linkedin.com/company/hawkemedia/
• https://www.instagram.com/hawkemedia/?hl=en 
• https://hawkemedia.com/
• https://twitter.com/hawkemedia
• https://www.facebook.com/hawkemedia/

About Our Guest

Adam Rose is an actor, filmmaker, and viral content creator. Starting his career at age nine alongside Robin Williams, Adam has appeared in Veronica Mars, Suits, Supernatural, Malcolm in the Middle, Weeds, and more. He voiced Peanut in Disney’s PB&J Otter and has performed Off-Broadway. During the pandemic, Adam’s TikTok presence skyrocketed, with viral dances, comedic skits, and reaction videos reaching audiences worldwide. His social presence led to collaborations with brands, a Fortnite emote, and new opportunities in film and TV, including the upcoming My Weird School for Nickelodeon and Paramount. Adam also co-hosts the podcast Small Stupid Stuff.

Adam Rose

Adam Rose on TikTok

Adam Rose on Instagram

Adam Rose on YouTube

Adam Rose on Twitter/X

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does it take to survive in Hollywood for 30 years without giving up? And how can a single viral video change everything?

In this episode of Hawke Talk, I sit down with actor and digital creator, the one and only Adam Rose to trace his incredible three-decade-long journey in the entertainment industry. He shares stories from his start as a nine-year-old in a Woody Allen film to the years of grinding as a working actor on shows like Veronica Mars. Adam gets real about the constant hustle and the moments of doubt, revealing how a pivot to creating content during the pandemic led to a life-changing viral TikTok dance that was eventually licensed by Fortnite.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What do you get when you combine an engineering career, a passion for adventure, and a lifelong dream of exploring the world? You get Harry Anderson, an entrepreneur who achieved feats few could even imagine. From flying solo around the world to becoming the first person to sail to all seven continents, Harry’s journey is a story of resilience, determination, and the endless pursuit of challenge.

In this episode, I sit down with Harry Anderson to dive into his fascinating journey. From his childhood in the Midwest, where resilience was forged delivering newspapers in the cold Wyoming winters, to his leap from a conventional engineering career into entrepreneurial ventures, Harry shares the pivotal moments that shaped his life.

Harry opens up about his adventurous spirit and how it led him to take a year off from his career to travel the world, where he hiked Mount Kilimanjaro, toured Africa, and lived in the south of France.

His journey doesn’t stop there. Harry reveals the challenges and rewards of running a successful tech business, his transition into flying internationally, and the goal that drove him to sail solo to every continent, a feat no one else had accomplished.

In this episode:

(00:00) Introduction to Harry Anderson

(05:10) A year of travel that changed everything

(15:20) The thrill of flying and the challenges of long-distance flights

(18:50) Making the leap from aviation to solo ocean sailing

(22:10) The challenges of sailing to Antarctica and beyond

(26:15) A world record: Flying solo to all seven continents

(30:05) Flying over the North Pole and the uniqueness of solo aviation

(34:00) Reflections on what it takes to achieve extraordinary goals

(38:20) What's next for Harry: The Northwest Passage

(41:00) Closing thoughts on pursuing passions and breaking boundaries

About Our Guest

Harry R. Anderson is a Ph.D. engineer/entrepreneur who has created businesses that develop software tools for designing and optimizing wireless networks.  With his flight to Antarctica in 2014, he became only the fifth person to fly solo to all seven continents. With the completion of his solo voyage to seven continents in January 2025, he became the first person in history to both fly and sail solo to all the continents.  Over five decades he has traveled to more than 100 countries, hitchhiked across Africa, worked on four continents, and lived in England and France.  Dr. Anderson is the author of Fixed Broadband Wireless System Design (John Wiley & Sons, 2003), Flying 7 Continents Solo (Phywave, 2015), and his upcoming book Sailing 7 Continents Solo (Phywave, 2025). He lives on Bainbridge Island in the Pacific Northwest

Harry Anderson's Social Media:

• Flying 7 Continents Solo - Book
• Harry Anderson - Website

Hawke Media

• Hawke Media LinkedIn
• Hawke Media Instagram
• Hawke Media Website
• Hawke Media Twitter
• Hawke Media Facebook

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.