Matt Hines welcomes Pete Srodoski to season three of Hines On Air to return to the show’s motivational roots for entrepreneurs and leaders. Srodoski, a former CEO/COO with 20 years of experience and author of Lead With Empathy, Build Kick Ass Teams, and The Small Business Playbook, explains the common pattern he sees among executives: despite outward confidence, many privately admit they don’t know what they’re doing and lack a playbook, making leadership lonely. He describes his Level Up Your Leadership training as a step-by-step framework focused on structure, vision, strategy, and accountable execution to stop “rudderless” decision-making that causes team whiplash, emphasizing that vision can be short-term (weekly or monthly) with KPIs and proactive incentives. They also discuss the role of coaching, luck versus preparation in business, Pete’s background across multiple industries, and self-publishing versus traditional publishing economics and distribution.

00:00 Season Three Welcome

00:21 Meet Pete Srodoski

01:50 No One Has a Playbook

03:45 CEO Ego and Loneliness

05:46 Why Startups Feel Hard

07:36 Luck and Preparedness

08:51 Structure Vision Strategy

13:40 Stress and Flying Blind

14:41 Short Term Vision Systems

16:23 Targets Incentives KPIs

17:16 Leading Metrics Mindset

18:55 Knowing What Good Looks Like

19:27 Why Coaches Matter

21:03 Ego Costs Real Money

21:47 Thinking Bigger Targets

22:47 Airplane View Strategy

24:22 Small Business Playbook

26:59 CEO COO Background

28:58 Failures And Scar Tissue

32:39 Coaching Model In Practice

34:52 Where To Find Pete

35:37 Self Publishing Economics

39:27 Final Wrap And Callouts

Sponsor by Hines Law https://hineslaw.org/

Sponsor by Bravos Leadership https://bravosleadership.com/#

In this Season 3 episode of Hines On Air, host Matt Hines interviews business consultant Micah Logan about why building and growing companies stays difficult even for experienced entrepreneurs and how adapting, including to AI, requires constant learning. Logan predicts AI will be a net positive overall, replacing some jobs but enhancing and creating others, while arguing many industries will still demand a human touch. He shares a turnaround story from a small insurance agency stuck at six figures due to lack of goals, scattered software, weak leadership, and the owner focusing on operator tasks instead of growth. Logan explains using simplified KPI tracking, reducing the tech stack, and a “zero-based thinking” rebuild of processes, emphasizing ruthless implementation within 24–48 hours; the turnaround took about eight months and reduced staff from five to three. He closes with core advice: do ordinary things consistently better than others, and prioritize speed and action over perfection.

00:00 Season Three Welcome

01:06 Why Business Stays Hard

02:14 AI and Staying Relevant

03:55 AI Jobs and Human Touch

07:45 Business Turnaround War Story

10:18 Leadership Apathy and Systems

13:50 Be Extraordinary at Basics

15:33 Simplify and Track Numbers

21:16 Zero Based Thinking Framework

24:40 Turnaround Timeline and Costs

26:59 Two Principles for Entrepreneurs

30:06 Closing Thoughts and Call to Action

Soponsor by Hines Law https://hineslaw.org/

Sponsor by Bravos Leadership https://bravosleadership.com/#

In this Season 3 episode of Hines On Air, host Matt Hines (Atlanta, GA) talks with Michael Ulin, co-founder and CEO of Tenki AI, about the rapid growth of AI startup companies and how AI is evolving from earlier “discriminative” models to today’s generative AI systems. Ulin shares his background on the founding team at Zesty AI, which builds climate risk models for property insurance, and explains why insurers are increasingly forced to model “secondary perils” like wildfire, hail, and wind risk as losses rise due to more severe events, building in riskier locations, and more expensive homes. He describes how Zesty’s AI wildfire underwriting models scored property-level risk using factors such as vegetation density, slope/elevation, and roof type, and notes Zesty raised over $78M and continues operating under other founders. Ulin explains Tenki AI (a Japanese term meaning “weather,” also “divine will” or “turning point”) and its focus on AI-driven probabilistic forecasting, starting with prediction markets and covering areas such as economics, politics, and sports, with weather as a future application. He discusses how forecasting has historically required specialized expertise, but can now be run quickly using AI and multi-agent research systems drawing from public internet data (with plans to incorporate private organizational data later).

He shares examples of forecasts, including a prediction about Maduro being gone by March 2026 that Tenki rated at 55% versus prediction markets at around 30%, and work on the likelihood of cannabis rescheduling, emphasizing regulatory timing and lobbying pressures. Ulin reports Tenki is three months old and currently achieving about 59% accuracy on higher-uncertainty questions compared to an expected 53% based on market pricing.

The episode closes with how to find Tenki at trytenki.ai and contact Ulin via X/Twitter or LinkedIn, plus a brief discussion of the emotional “rollercoaster” of startup building.

00:00 Welcome Back: Season 3 Kickoff + What to Expect

00:21 Meet Michael Ulin: AI Startup Builder & 10Key AI CEO

01:20 Climate Risk Reality Check: Insurance, Mortgages & Coastal Property

05:23 Inside Zesty AI: How Wildfire Risk Models Actually Work

06:58 Why ‘Secondary Perils’ Became a Big Deal for Insurers

08:07 What ‘Tenki’ Means + The Big Idea: AI-Powered Forecasting

11:43 Forecasting vs Stock-Picking: What AI Can (and Can’t) Predict

13:21 From Zesty to Paxton to Tenki: Building Companies in the AI Shifts

15:03 How Tenki Forecasts on Demand: Probabilities, Models, and Use Cases 17:56 Real Forecast Examples: Maduro, Elections, and Cannabis Rescheduling 24:45 Accuracy, Methodology, and the Data Pipeline (Public Now, Private Next) 29:09 Wrap-Up: How to Find Tenki + The Startup Rollercoaster

Sponsor By Hines Law https://hineslaw.org/

Sponsor By Bravos Leadership https://bravosleadership.com/#

In this episode, host Matt Hines sits down with Park Wilde, an expert in US food policy and nutrition. Wilde delves into important topics such as changes in federal nutrition assistance programs like SNAP and the new dietary guidelines for Americans. He provides insights into how these guidelines influence everything from military cafeteria standards to school meals, and discusses the nuances in recommendations on processed foods, red meat, and whole grains. Wilde also touches on food safety, farm subsidies, and the impact of tariffs on American farmers. Filled with rich information and thoughtful discussion, this episode is a must-watch for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of food policy and nutrition in the United States.

00:00 Introduction to Hines On Air Season Three

00:23 Meet Our Guest: Park Wilde, Food Policy Expert

01:17 Current Research and Dietary Guidelines

02:20 Changes in Dietary Recommendations

05:18 Debate on Processed Foods and Additives

19:22 Food Policy and Governmental Decisions

23:03 Farm Subsidies and Tariffs

35:45 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Sponsor by Hines Law https://hineslaw.org/

Sponsor by Bravos Leadership  https://bravosleadership.com/#

In this episode of Hines On Air, Matt Hines discusses the impacts of deportation and immigration policies in the U.S. Using a recent Minnesota incident as a case study, he examines the lack of due process for immigrants, both legal and illegal. Matt emphasizes the importance of constitutional rights and how their erosion affects everyone, not just immigrants. Tune in for an eye-opening conversation about immigration law, human rights, and the consequences of flawed legal system practices.

00:00 Introduction to Hines On Air Season Three

00:23 The Role of Our Law Firm

00:46 Case Analysis: Minnesota Incident

01:58 Issues with Deportation and Due Process

03:52 Constitutional Rights for All

05:42 The Impact of Misinterpretation

08:18 Final Thoughts and Call to Action

Sponsor by Hines Law https://hineslaw.org/

Sponsor by Bravos Leadership https://bravosleadership.com/#

In season three of Hines On Air, host Matt Hines discusses the recent U.S. invasion of Venezuela, led by Trump, focusing on the primary motive—oil. Hines critically examines the lack of evidence regarding claims of drug trafficking and compares this event with previous instances of U.S.-led regime changes, such as in Guatemala and Libya. Cautioning against the historical failures of such interventions, Hines hopes for a positive outcome for the Venezuelan people, while expressing skepticism about the Trump administration's approach. He encourages viewer interaction and feedback throughout.

00:00 Introduction to Hines On Air Season Three

00:19 The Venezuela Invasion: Trump's Motives

01:03 Questioning the Drug Narrative

02:19 Impact on Venezuelans and the Future

03:18 Historical Context of US Regime Changes

04:05 Case Study: Guatemala and United Fruit Company

06:00 Case Study: Libya and Mummar Kadafi

08:26 Reflections on Regime Change and Its Consequences

11:01 Conclusion and Viewer Interaction

Sponsor By Hines Law https://hineslaw.org/

Sponsor By Bravos Leadership  https://bravosleadership.com/#

In this special episode of Hines on Air, host Matt Hines invites Venezuelan expatriates Andreina Martinez and Ed Morales to discuss the recent political upheavals involving Donald Trump and Venezuela. They provide a deep dive into the historical and current political landscape of Venezuela, from the rise of Hugo Chavez to the present-day challenges under Maduro's regime. They share personal anecdotes about life under different governments, the impact of Chavez's policies, and their perspectives on the recent American intervention. The conversation addresses economic struggles, the mass exodus of professionals, and the current realities facing Venezuelan citizens. Tune in for an insightful dialogue that cuts through the media noise, delivering real experiences and opinions of Venezuelans directly affected by these changes.

00:00 Introduction to Hines On Air Season Three

00:23 Special Episode: Trump's Actions in Venezuela

01:22 Introducing the Guests: Venezuelan Perspectives

01:59 Life in Venezuela: Historical Context

05:12 Chavez's Rise to Power

16:38 Impact of Chavez's Policies

21:08 Cuba's Influence and Oil Trade

23:00 Economic Collapse and Black Market

24:30 Chavez's Policies and Their Impact

26:48 Education and Knowledge Control

28:10 Mass Migration and Desperation

32:00 Corruption and Insecurity

39:09 Hope for Change in Venezuela

45:10 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Sponsor by Hines Law https://hineslaw.org/

Sponsor by Bravos Leadership https://bravosleadership.com/#

In this exciting episode of Hines On Air, host Matt Hines welcomes Marissa Simoni, a candidate running for the US Senate from Minnesota. Together, they dive deep into the complexities of the political landscape, discussing the transformative effects of entering politics, the influence of financial incentives, and systemic challenges. Marissa shares her motivations, experiences, and her vision for a fairer political system that aligns with the people's interests. Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation about politics, integrity, and making a positive change.

00:00 Introduction to Hines On Air Season Three

00:18 Special Guest: Marissa Simoni

00:49 The Fascination with Politics

01:53 Challenges in Politics

06:04 Game Theory and Political Incentives

09:23 Media and Political Conflict

12:41 Elon Musk and Political Influence

18:34 Corruption and Whistleblowers

20:59 Navigating a Lose-Lose Situation

21:22 Realigning Incentives for a Win-Win

22:18 Political Tug-of-War

24:36 The Epstein Scandal and Its Implications

25:45 Protecting Families Amidst Corruption

28:54 Challenges in Political Campaigns

34:09 Affordable Housing Crisis

37:05 Balancing Interests: Individuals vs. Investors

40:21 Final Thoughts and Farewell

Sponsor by Bravos Leadership

In this exciting episode of Hines On Air, host Matt Hines welcomes international reggaeton sensation Guaynaa to the show. Broadcasting from Atlanta, Georgia, they talk about Guaynaa's journey from studying chemical engineering in Puerto Rico to becoming a global music star. Guaynaa shares anecdotes about his upbringing, the influence of Puerto Rican music culture, and his breakout hit 'Rebota.' He also discusses his transition from an academic path to music, his family dynamics, and his relationship with his now-wife, Lele Pons. Tune in for an inspiring and engaging conversation about the music industry, personal growth, and the power of following one's dreams.

00:00 Welcome to Hines On Air Season Three

01:21 Guana's Puerto Rican Roots

02:07 From Chemical Engineering to Music Stardom

04:55 The Breakthrough Hit: 'Reta'

11:48 The Evolution of Reggaeton

14:15 A Musical Partnership and Love Story

18:59 Balancing Fame and Family

20:03 Closing Remarks and Farewell

Sponsor hines law

Sponsor bravos leadership

Impact, Entrepreneurship, and Faith with Bishop Kevin Foreman | Hines On Air In this exciting episode of Hines On Air, host Matt Hines welcomes the inspiring Bishop Kevin Foreman. They discuss Bishop Foreman's impressive achievements as the head of Harvest Church, his philanthropic efforts, and his journey as an entrepreneur. Bishop Foreman shares his insights on the intersection of faith and business, the importance of impact, and the move from Denver to Atlanta to expand his ministry. He also delves into starting and growing multiple businesses, his perspective on capitalism, and his personal journey of weight loss and commitment to health. This episode is packed with valuable lessons and eye-opening discussions!

00:00 Introduction to Hines On Air Season Three

00:23 Introducing Bishop Kevin Foreman

00:52 Bishop Foreman's Philanthropic Efforts

01:55 Harvest Church's Journey and Impact

04:10 Bishop Foreman's Entrepreneurial Journey

06:05 Balancing Business and Philanthropy

07:20 Government's Role in Social Welfare

13:36 Bishop Foreman's Business Strategies

16:44 Understanding Business and Leadership

17:29 The Importance of Patience

20:09 Starting a Church from Scratch

21:24 Navigating Life's Challenges

22:15 Belief and Positivity

24:51 Inclusivity at Harvest Church

25:18 Bishop Foreman's Journey and Advice

28:29 Conclusion and Contact Information

Sponsor by Hines Law https://hineslaw.org/

Sponsor by Bravos Leadership https://bravosleadership.com/