HawkeTalk

In this episode of HawkeTalk, we dive deep with Dr. Jason Halbert, a former FBI profiler, military operative, and the former Chief People Officer at Snap Inc. Dr. Halbert shares his incredible journey from the front lines of death row to elite special operations in Afghanistan, and his pivotal role in shaping the culture and growth of one of the world's most innovative companies.

We discuss his upbringing in New Orleans and Alabama, the influence of his decorated father, and the drive that led him to a career in behavioral science, psychology, and leadership. Dr. Halbert also offers a candid look at his time working with serial killers, his experience in high-stakes military operations, and the vital lessons he learned about human behavior, leadership, and empathy.

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

In this episode of HawkeTalk, I sit down with Orlando Jones, actor, comedian, writer, and creative powerhouse, to explore the winding journey that took him from Mobile, Alabama to some of Hollywood’s biggest stages. Before he became a breakout star on Mad TV, Orlando launched a successful ad agency at 18, dropped out of college, and got his first TV writing gig on A Different World thanks to mentors who saw his potential and a willingness to listen more than speak.

Orlando opens up about learning the art of the writers’ room, co-creating the hit show Martin, and being mentored by legends like Gene Hackman and Lawrence Fishburne. We dive into his dramatic turn in films like Magnolia, his love of stage work, and his newest venture as CMO of Space Milk, a vegan performance nutrition brand. Through it all, Orlando shares why humility, curiosity, and connection, not clout, are what fuel lasting careers and meaningful storytelling.

In this episode: 

• (00:00) Introduction to Hawke Talk podcast
• (06:59) Starting a career in advertising
• (15:17) From writing to acting
• (25:24) Rise to fame with Mad TV
• (33:50) Transitioning to drama and high-profile projects
• (42:43) Mentorship and career evolution
• (46:16) Current ventures and future plans
• (51:07) Advice for aspiring professionals

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

Orlando Jones is an American actor, comedian, writer, and producer known for his dynamic presence on screen and behind the scenes. He launched his career as a teen entrepreneur, founding his own ad agency at 18 before breaking into television as a writer on A Different World and co-creator of Martin. Orlando became a household name as an original cast member on Mad TV, later starring in cult favorites like The Replacements, Double Take, and acclaimed series such as American Gods and Sleepy Hollow.

In addition to his work in comedy and drama, Orlando is now the Chief Marketing Officer of Space Milk, a vegan performance nutrition brand, and continues to blend storytelling with innovation. Whether writing, acting, or producing, Orlando brings a rare mix of humor, intellect, and hustle to everything he does.

Orlando Jones

• Orlando Jones Website
• Orlando Jones on Instagram
• Orlando Jones on X
• Orlando Jones IMDb
• Space Milk Website

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

In this episode of HawkeTalk, I sit down with Orlando Jones, actor, comedian, writer, and creative powerhouse, to explore the winding journey that took him from Mobile, Alabama to some of Hollywood’s biggest stages. Before he became a breakout star on Mad TV, Orlando launched a successful ad agency at 18, dropped out of college, and got his first TV writing gig on A Different World thanks to mentors who saw his potential and a willingness to listen more than speak.

Orlando opens up about learning the art of the writers’ room, co-creating the hit show Martin, and being mentored by legends like Gene Hackman and Lawrence Fishburne. We dive into his dramatic turn in films like Magnolia, his love of stage work, and his newest venture as CMO of Space Milk, a vegan performance nutrition brand. Through it all, Orlando shares why humility, curiosity, and connection, not clout, are what fuel lasting careers and meaningful storytelling.

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

In this episode of HawkeTalk, I sit down with Dean Karnazes—ultramarathoner, bestselling author, and a man who redefined what’s possible when you follow your passion. Before becoming a household name in endurance sports, Dean lived a typical corporate life, complete with a six-figure salary and a marketing job at GlaxoSmithKline. But on his 30th birthday, something shifted. After a night out, he impulsively ran 30 miles—despite not having run in 15 years. That unplanned run reignited his love for movement and sparked a journey that would take him to the world’s toughest races.

Dean shares how he balanced his corporate job with grueling training, often sneaking out on lunch breaks for runs and prepping for ultramarathons through sleep deprivation and sauna sessions. He walks us through running 100-mile races, surviving 129°F in Death Valley, and eventually running 50 marathons in 50 states in 50 days. His leap into full-time running came after the surprise success of his book Ultramarathon Man.

Like what you hear? Subscribe to HawkeTalk for more stories from risk-takers, builders, and boundary-pushers who refuse to settle for average.

In this episode: 

• (00:00) Childhood memories of nonstop motion
• (02:00) Hiking Mount Whitney at age 11
• (12:45) The brutal 50-mile race and qualifying by accident
• (14:45) Western States 100 and early race training
• (27:00) The North Face, 50 marathons in 50 states in 50 days
• (32:14) Dean’s advice: Stay curious

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

Dean Karnazes is a Greek-American ultramarathon runner, bestselling author, and endurance athlete known for pushing the boundaries of human potential. Once a marketing executive, Dean left the boardroom to become one of the world’s most recognized ultrarunners. He’s completed some of the most extreme races on Earth, including 135 miles through Death Valley and 50 marathons in 50 states in 50 days. Today, he speaks globally, writes, and advocates for staying curious and uncomfortable.

Dean Karnazes

• Dean Karnazes Website
• Dean Karnazes on Instagram
• Dean Karnazes on Facebook
• Dean Karnazes on X
• Book: Ultramarathon Man: Confessions of an All-Night Runner

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

In this episode of HawkeTalk, I sit down with Dean Karnazes—ultramarathoner, bestselling author, and a man who redefined what’s possible when you follow your passion. Before becoming a household name in endurance sports, Dean lived a typical corporate life, complete with a six-figure salary and a marketing job at GlaxoSmithKline. But on his 30th birthday, something shifted. After a night out, he impulsively ran 30 miles—despite not having run in 15 years. That unplanned run reignited his love for movement and sparked a journey that would take him to the world’s toughest races.

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

He fainted in a hospital hallway. Quit law school after just two weeks. Got robbed—twice—on his way to high school. And for a while, he sold jewelry just to pay rent. So how did that guy end up helping Apple launch the Macintosh, becoming one of the most influential voices in tech, and helping Canva grow into a global design powerhouse?

In this episode, I sit down with Guy Kawasaki, a man whose life defies the clean-cut success stories we often hear. Born and raised in Hawaii in a lower middle-class family, Guy’s journey took off not because of privilege—but because of grit, curiosity, and the occasional wild twist of fate.

We dig into the pivotal moments that changed everything: the joyride in a Porsche 911 that sparked his ambition, the winding road through college majors and a short-lived attempt at law school, and the serendipitous friendship that opened the doors to Apple—no résumé polish required.

We also talk about his career after Apple: from venture capital to writing bestselling books, and most recently, his work with Canva—a company that reignited his passion for democratizing access to powerful tools.

Whether you’re just starting out or feel like you’ve taken a detour, this conversation is a powerful reminder that success isn’t linear—and the messiness might just be the point.

In this episode: 

• (00:00) Growth mindset & grit
• (12:41) Dropping out & MBA journey
• (15:09) Sales experience & Cutco lessons
• (20:58) Networking, relationships & “nepotism”
• (25:04) Working at Apple & Steve Jobs
• (39:29) Signal platform & secure communication

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

Guy Kawasaki is a marketing executive, author, speaker, and entrepreneur best known as Apple’s original Macintosh evangelist and Chief Evangelist at Canva. A psychology major turned tech visionary, Guy helped define how products get adopted and movements are built. He’s written 17 books including The Art of the Start, Enchantment, and Think Remarkable. Today, he hosts the podcast Remarkable People and continues to inspire creatives, marketers, and entrepreneurs around the globe.

Guy Kawasaki

• Guy Kawasaki's Website
• Guy Kawasaki LinkedIn
• Guy Kawasaki YouTube
• Remarkable People Podcast

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

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

In this episode, I sit down with Kaisa Levine, founder of NoseFrida and the woman behind one of the most recognizable baby products on the market.

We talk about how she went from working on ambulances in New York City to launching a startup out of her garage, without any background in manufacturing, retail, or e-commerce. Kaisa opens up about how discovering NoseFrida on a trip home to Sweden sparked an idea that would lead to an international business, why she was so confident the “snot sucker” would work in the U.S., and how she scrapped her way into doctor’s offices, pharmacies, and eventually major retailers like Target, Amazon, and Whole Foods.

We also discuss the emotional decision to bring on a CEO, the challenges of letting go after scaling the business, and how she’s using her time and resources now to support causes close to her heart, like wildlife rescue, foster care, and music education.

If you’re building a brand from scratch, trying to solve a real problem, or wondering what it takes to go from idea to acquisition, this episode is packed with insight.

In this episode: 

• (00:00:00) Lessons from EMT work
• (00:05:13) Realizing new paths
• (00:10:02) Discovering NoseFrida in Sweden
• (00:16:07) Early sales and market reception
• (00:17:58) Breakthroughs and media attention
• (00:19:26) Scaling up and major retail partnerships
• (00:20:37) Inflection point and product expansion
• (00:21:19) Stepping back and selling the company
• (00:22:37) Overcoming business challenges
• (00:23:59) Current nonprofit and community work
• (00:27:34) Advice for aspiring entrepreneurs

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

Kaisa Levine is a Swedish-American entrepreneur, former EMT, and the original U.S. importer of the NoseFrida snot sucker—now a must-have baby registry staple. With no formal business training, she grew a scrappy side hustle into a household brand sold in Target, Amazon, Whole Foods, and more. After exiting the company, Kaisa redirected her energy to nonprofit work focused on animal rescue, foster care, and music education. She lives in Miami and continues to be a fierce advocate for causes that uplift families, children, and wildlife.

Kaisa Levine

• Frida Website (formerly NoseFrida)
• Frida Baby on Instagram
• Baby on YouTube
• Frida Baby on LinkedIn

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

In this episode, I sit down with Kaisa Levine, founder of NoseFrida and the woman behind one of the most recognizable baby products on the market.

We talk about how she went from working on ambulances in New York City to launching a startup out of her garage, without any background in manufacturing, retail, or e-commerce. Kaisa opens up about how discovering NoseFrida on a trip home to Sweden sparked an idea that would lead to an international business, why she was so confident the “snot sucker” would work in the U.S., and how she scrapped her way into doctor’s offices, pharmacies, and eventually major retailers like Target, Amazon, and Whole Foods.

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

Did you know the only veterinarian to ever win a Nobel Prize wasn’t exactly an animal lover? In this episode I sit down with Professor Peter Doherty—a Nobel Prize-winning immunologist and veterinarian.

We dive into Peter’s early career, where he aimed to improve animal health and food production—a goal many of us can relate to when thinking about making a real-world impact.

Peter then walks us through his groundbreaking discovery of how CD8 T cells identify and destroy virus-infected cells—research that transformed immunology and cancer science. We follow his journey across Australia and the U.S., leading up to his Nobel Prize, awarded over 20 years after his original findings.

With COVID-19 still on everyone’s minds, Peter discusses explaining vaccine development, long COVID, and the challenges of breaking down complex science for different audiences. He also shares his thoughts on public health funding and research support—issues that affect us all.

Finally, Peter talks about shifting from research to writing and public engagement, including a potential book on the pandemic’s long-term effects. If you’re interested in science or curious about finding your own path, this episode is packed with insight and inspiration. Let’s dive in!

In this episode: 

• (0:00) Introduction and early motivation
• (1:01) Childhood and family background
• (8:57) Major discovery in immunology
• (15:07) T cells and vaccine research
• (18:03) Winning the Nobel Prize
• (20:52) Aging, retirement, and science communication
• (28:07) COVID-19 science communication
• (31:22) Pandemics, blame, and public perception
• (32:32) COVID-19 policy and vaccine development
• (43:19) Advice for young people and social media experience

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

Professor Peter Doherty is a Nobel Prize–winning immunologist best known for co-discovering how killer T cells recognize virus-infected cells—a breakthrough that laid the foundation for modern immunotherapy. Originally trained as a veterinarian, Peter's career spanned continents, from animal pathology in Australia to influenza research in the U.S. He's authored multiple books, served as a public science communicator during COVID-19, and continues to write on science, climate change, and global health. Now 84, he remains as curious and candid as ever.

Professor Peter Doherty

• Nobel Prize Bio: nobelprize.org
• Book: The Beginner’s Guide to Winning the Nobel Prize, Pandemics: What Everyone Needs to Know, and more
• Science Communication Blog: Setting It Straight

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