Intentional Wisdom

Jon Muedder is the Founder, President and Executive Producer of Caravan, a creative production studio based in the Southeast U.S. In this conversation, Greg & Jon discuss:- Jon’s experience building a business “starting from the closet”- How the EOS system helped Jon organize his business for sustainable growth- How obsession and craft separate A players from B players- Books that have influenced Jon as a leader- The impact on Jon and his family from navigating his son Finn’s diagnosis with a terminal genetic disease called Hunter Syndrome- Health & wellness practices that help Jon maintain balanceFull timestamps here:01:17 – Building a high-end content studio05:47 – When outward success didn’t equal happiness06:55 – Finding and implementing EOS10:34 – Corporate values that actually matter 15:00 – Craft, obsession and differentiating A and B players22:07 – Resources and practices that have made Jon a better leader29:50 – The fallacy of work/life balance33:13 – Finn’s story 47:25 – Health & wellness practices Jon follows to find balance53:51 – One thing Jon has figured out in life Links / resources mentioned in the conversation:Organizations:Caravanhttps://www.wearecaravan.tv/https://www.instagram.com/madebycaravanhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/madebycaravan/Project Alivehttps://projectalive.org/‘Finn': Our Storyhttps://projectalive.org/stories/finnBooks:Traction by Gino WickmanEOS Life by Gino WickmanStrength to Strength by Arthur BrooksWorking Genius Assessment by the Table Group5 Types of Wealth (Not Mentioned but Jon loves this book) by Sahil BloomMake sure to subscribe to Greg's weekly Intentional Wisdom newsletter at gregcampion.substack.com

In this episode, I sit down with Andy Rafal, CEO of OLI—a 50+ year-old chemical engineering software company operating at the intersection of AI and the physical world.

Andy and I have known each other for over 20 years, going back to our early days in New York City. This conversation covers his journey from hedge fund investing at Tiger to becoming an operator and CEO—and the lessons learned along the way.

We talk about career transitions, decision-making under uncertainty, and what it really means to build something over the long term.

We also dig into how AI is reshaping industries—especially those rooted in the physical world—and why the biggest opportunities may lie in bridging the gap between software and real-world systems.

Episode Timestamps

00:00 - Intro + what we cover

02:20 - Andy’s early career path: Cornell, law school, and following curiosity

07:15 - Why he turned down law for Tiger

22:43 - Lessons from Tiger: wins, losses, and what actually matters

28:06 - Why curiosity and lifelong learning are career superpowers

30:22 - The transition from investor → operator — and the difference between analyzing a business vs. building one

37:58 - How COVID reshaped leadership, culture, and strategy

38:26 - Building teams, culture, and long-term thinking

41:01 - Taking over a 50+ year-old company founded by his father

41:31 - The challenge of modernizing a legacy business

44:23 - How AI is impacting engineering, chemistry, and real-world systems

48:29 - The risk of AI “getting things wrong with confidence”

49:46 - Writing publicly, learning in public, and finding a voice as a CEO

Key Takeaways

• Career paths are rarely linear—following curiosity often leads to better outcomes than rigid planning
• Investing teaches you how businesses work—but operating teaches you how hard it is to build oneNot every decision needs to be perfect—but you need to update your thinking as new information comes in
• The biggest opportunities often sit at the intersection of old systems + new technology
• AI will transform industries—but human judgment and real-world context still matter deeply
• Taking time to think (and not rushing into the next thing) can be one of the most valuable decisions you make

Connect with Andy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andy-rafal/

Follow Andy on Substack: https://arafal.substack.com/

If you enjoy conversations like this, I write a weekly newsletter called Intentional Wisdom where I share:

• Notes on health, performance, and longevity
• Career insights and lessons from conversations like this
• Tools and ideas I’m experimenting with

You can subscribe here: https://gregcampion.substack.com/

Author Jon Finkel returns to Intentional Wisdom to talk all things middle age—health, family, career, and why doing hard things still matters. Jon shares how he's stayed strong (literally) through his 40s by building non-negotiable habits around fitness, taking up competitive swimming, and doing the work that lights him up. We also talk about the importance of being present as a dad, planning epic vacations, and why training for something—anything—is the ultimate midlife unlock.

This is a conversation for anyone who wants to keep showing up with intention as the years stack up.

Episode Segments[00:00:00] Intro to Intentional Wisdom & Jon Finkel.

[00:00:49] Jon Finkel: "World's Most Sophisticated Meathead."

[00:01:09] Tackling middle age: health, fitness, relationships, career.

[00:06:00] Friends' fitness/career struggles.

[00:07:29] Jon's secret: consistency.

[00:08:10] Health as life's foundation.

[00:11:29] "Bench o'clock Monday" at "Flex Factory."

[00:11:55] Train for specific goals.

[00:12:28] Jon back to competitive swimming.

[00:16:23] Mobility wake-up call

[00:17:49] "Knees Over Toes" program.

[00:20:06] From stiff to dunking again.

[00:39:50] Tailoring parenting to each child.

[00:59:45] "Midlife Male"

[01:01:00] Jon's newsletter strategy.

[01:13:00] Check out Jon's "Books and Biceps."

You can learn more about Jon's work by visiting jonfinkel.com or by following him on Twitter @Jon_Finkel or Instagram @Jon_Finkel.

Don't forget to follow Greg on Twitter @gregorycampion and subscribe to his bi-weekly newsletter: https://gregcampion.substack.com/

If you enjoyed this episode, please consider rating and reviewing Intentional Wisdom wherever you get your podcasts.

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In this episode of the Intentional Wisdom Podcast, Greg shares a recording from the Ovadia Heart Health Livestream, featuring an engaging discussion with Chris Cornell.

In a turning of the tables, Chris interviews Greg on all things Intentional Wisom, including what Greg is learning from the high-performers he interviews, why he’s evolved his goal setting process, and even how we should be thinking about integrating AI into our lives.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:13 Guest Appearance on Ovadia Heart Health Livestream

01:47 Chris Cornell's Introduction

03:56 Greg Campion's Background

06:31 Insights from Intentional Wisdom

10:23 High Performers and Energy Management

23:25 Goal Setting and Planning

31:04 Reflecting on Personal Rules

32:30 Fitness and Nutrition Rules

33:22 The Importance of Structure

35:25 Marathon Training Journey

37:08 Evaluating and Adjusting Rules

38:08 Simplifying the Process

41:37 Balancing Rest and Activity

42:54 Exploring AI and Its Impact

43:47 Practical Uses of AI

50:00 Future Implications of AI

53:34 Closing Thoughts and Resources

Subscribe to the Intentional Wisdom newsletter: https://gregcampion.substack.com/

Learn more about Ovadia Hearth Health at http://OvadiaHeartHealth.com

In this episode of Intentional Wisdom, Greg speaks with Kevin Smith, CEO and co-founder of Snipd. They discuss Snipd’s journey, integrating AI to enhance the podcast listening experience, managing the emotional roller

Episode segments:

(01:27) - Meet Kevin Smith: CEO of Snipd

(04:08) - The Journey of Building Snipd

(06:37) - Dealing with the Emotional Roller Coaster of Startups

(09:05) - Daily Routines and Wellness Tips

(11:16) - How Snipd Enhances Podcast Listening

(12:59) - Using Snipd with Readwise and Evernote

(15:31) - AI-Powered Podcast Features

(27:25) - Future of Podcast Discovery and Learning

(37:05) - Innovative Ways to Review Information

(37:46) - Creating Custom Podcasts with AI

(38:03) - Using AI for Summarizing Content

(39:50) - Voice Interaction with AI Models

(42:55) - AI in Education and Personalized Learning

(45:01) - Future of Audiobooks and Snipd

(50:00) - Challenges and Innovations in Podcast Apps

(56:00) - Potential Acquisitions and Licensing

(58:30) - Final Thoughts and Recommendations

Offer Link to get 1 month for free of Snipd Premium: 

https://link.snipd.com/Cx7S/intentionalwisdom

Company selling audiobooks with DRM: 

https://libro.fm/

Open-source software to get your Audible audiobooks out of the closed Audible system for personal use: 

https://getlibation.com/

Travel tips for exploring Zurich & Switzerland (from a Zurich lens): 

Follow Kevin on Twitter/X: https://x.com/KevinBenSmith

Follow Greg: https://x.com/gregorycampion

Intentional Wisdom newsletter: https://gregcampion.substack.com

Jonathan Goodman is a successful entrepreneur, author, and

Jon’s been featured in a number of business and fitness

The basis for Jon and Greg’s conversation is Jon’s new

Jon and Greg took a unique approach to this conversation

Episode timestamps:

(04:14) – Doing interesting sh$t in real life
(07:50) – Why Jonathan wrote The Obvious Choice
(11:46) – Don’t prioritize likes and follows over real customers
(14:08) – Analyzing Greg’s business through Jonathan’s frameworks
(25:33) – Why coaching may be the business model of the future
(40:21) – How trust transcends expertise

Follow Jonathan Goodman:

Follow Greg:

Twitter/X @gregorycampion

Intentional Wisdom newsletter: gregcampion.substack.com

In this episode of Intentional Wisdom, the tables are turned and Greg’s friend, Rich Howe, interviews him on the topic of How to Launch a Podcast.

This episode should be helpful for anyone considering creating their own podcast. It covers a ton of ground including:

(03:01) – Rich’s newsletter business and why he’s launching a podcast
(07:08) – Why podcasts aren’t necessarily a “top of funnel” tactic
(09:31) – Why the riches are in the niches
(12:30) – The most rewarding parts of starting a podcast
(18:27) – Deciding on a microphone, webcam and lighting
(26:46) – The best recording software
(29:31) – The best editing software
(32:46) – How to distribute your podcast
(34:55) – Creating thumbnails for YouTube
(38:21) – Episode cadence and how to source guests
(46:48) – How to create social media clips & where to post them
(51:51) – Is Zoom an option for recording?
(55:25) – The magical power of Descript’s Studio Sound function

Be sure to subscribe to Greg’s newsletter, Intentional

In this episode of the Intentional Wisdom Podcast, Greg Campion engages in a deep conversation with Oliver Burkeman, acclaimed author and journalist known for his books '4,000 Weeks' and 'Meditations for Mortals.'

They discuss critical life philosophies including the concept of living intentionally, scruffy hospitality, and handling the modern world's overwhelming flow of information. This episode delves into the significance of balancing productivity with enjoyment, the pitfalls of perfectionism, and the importance of accepting life's inherent uncertainties.

Episode segments:

(02:46) - Why Oliver wrote his new book, Meditations for Mortals

(04:36) - The Concept of Imperfectionism

(06:56) - Greg’s experience as a “guinea pig” for the new book

(18:31) - Why life is more like a Kayak than a Super Yacht

(24:38) - Perfectionist Fantasy and Daily Life

(34:10) - The Case for 'Daily-ish'

(37:31) - Balancing Health and Enjoyment

(39:01) - The Problem with Perfectionism

(44:31) - People Pleasing and Authenticity

(51:35) - Scruffy Hospitality

(55:16) - Navigating the Attention Economy

(01:03:21) - Applying Insights to Life

(01:08:37) - Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Related links:

- Meditations for Mortals by Oliver Burkeman: https://www.amazon.com/Meditations-Mortals-Embrace-Limitations-Counts/dp/0374611998

- Oliver’s Twitter/X account: https://x.com/oliverburkeman

- Greg’s newsletter: https://gregcampion.substack.com/

Michael Karnjanaprakorn is a super impressive guy – mostly known as the founder of high-growth start-ups like Skillshare and Otis. But he’s also an incredibly thoughtful person when it comes to all things health and wellness.

Michael is currently taking a two-year sabbatical on which he’s been diving deep into all the metrics to optimize for in puruit of health & longevity.

In this conversation, Greg and Michael nerd out on all of the metrics they are tracking from heart health to nutrition, and discuss what’s working (and what isn’t).

Sit back, relax and be a fly on the wall as Greg and Michael go deep on topics like Zone 2 training, tracking calories, cholesterol levels and a ton more.

Episode segments:

(04:34) – Michael’s background as a founder, his sabbatical, and view that life is broader than work

(12:27) – Setting a “decade goal” of being 10 years younger biologically and 10 years older mentally (aka wiser)

(14:53) – All things heart health & cholesterol – Finding out he had very high cholesterol and high risk for heart disease and the metrics Michael and Greg are tracking/aiming to improve

(33:35) – Nutrition – Protein levels, processed foods, & plants

(39:47) – Getting kids to eat healthy, aka the impossible challenge

(43:20) – Tracking calories & macros

(46:53) – Lifting, running & getting fit (without getting injured)

(52:15) – VO2 max, Zone 2, running form & recovery

(01:01:00) – Strength training, mobility, & adopting the athlete identity

(01:03:09) – 5K’s, 10K’s & manageable goals

(01:08:50) – Quitting drinking, embracing a multi-faceted identity & finding balance

Links:

Michael’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@mikekarnj

Michael’s article on LP(a): https://mikekarnj.com/posts/tackling-high-lipoproteina-my-heart-health-journey

Michael’s Twitter: https://x.com/mikekarnj

Greg’s simple health metrics spreadsheet: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1of0OGAg93nYTYeSABYHYG_l0CkF7S1PoTyqArsYZ_Po/edit?gid=0#gid=0

Intentional Wisdom articles:

How to Avoid a Heart Attack: https://gregcampion.substack.com/p/how-to-avoid-a-heart-attack

Body Fat % & VO2 Max - Half-year Update: https://gregcampion.substack.com/p/body-fat-and-vo2-max-half-year-update

Zone 2 Training: The Basics: https://gregcampion.substack.com/p/zone-2-training-the-basics

Note: The “8 Metrics” title is admittedly a little click-baity to be honest, but here are the ones I was thinking about. - Greg

- LP(a) – liprotein a

- Apob

- LDL-c

- V02 max

- Body Fat %

- 10k time

- Protein consumed

- Calories consumed

Andy Speer is a well-known Peloton strength and running

Full timestamps:

(06:36) – Andy’s motivation for sharing more of his personal story

(11:52) – Early days and the role of gymnastics in shaping Andy’s body & identity

(17:23) – Grappling with a lack of self-confidence and maturing mentally

(40:37) – How Andy found his way to Peloton (with some help from Rebecca Kennedy)

(47:38) – Andy’s most memorable moments from the last six years at Peloton

(52:55) – The importance of strength training (especially after 40)

(59:35) – How to be smart about building strength while staying injury-free

(01:08:58) – Andy weighs in on Greg’s weekly fitness routine

(01:17:31) – The new Peloton Strength+ app (launching in beta)

(01:20:17) – Should women worry about getting “too big” from lifting?

(01:27:52) – The power of 10 minutes of stretching and mobility

(01:31:57) – One thing Andy has figured out in life

Be sure to follow Andy on Instagram to read all about

The weekly workout Greg mentioned in the episode (along with the plan he’s followed this year to improve body composition) can be found here: https://gregcampion.substack.com/p/body-fat-and-vo2-max-half-year-update

Make sure to follow Greg on:

Twitter/X - ⁠@gregorycampion ⁠

Subscribe to his newsletter: ⁠https://gregcampion.substack.com/