🎙️ Interesting Humans Podcast

David Perno had no idea what was coming when he accepted the head coach job at UGA. 2 A-level recruits paralyzed in the same year was just the beginning. This episode takes many twists and turns and also highlights his 5 SEC titles and College Baseball Championships. He's a great storyteller and has been through so much in his career! While nobody knows the real story why he was released after consecutive winning seasons, David shares from his perspective what could be the real reason. 

👉 Host: Jeff Hopeck. To learn more about my ventures and the conversations I care about, find me at www.JeffHopeckBrand.com

We laugh... a Secret Service Officer and 2 Secret Service Agents walk into a room. No joke! We actually did, and the interview was fascinating. 

I interviewed 2 close friends I worked with in the U.S. Secret Service, back in "the days". We told stories, gave account for the 2 assassination attempts, talked about training inefficiencies and much much more. 

👉 Host: Jeff Hopeck. To learn more about my ventures and the conversations I care about, find me at www.JeffHopeckBrand.com

Meet Will. Normal in every way. Except he fell into the trap shown in Painkiller Documentary. It goes like this: Experimenting with M30's and when they get too expensive the dealer suggests heroin. And it's that simple, and most times it's THAT DEADLY. Will got out alive and his story is just tremendous. It brings hope and inspiration to all who suffer and who may know someone suffering. 

👉 Host: Jeff Hopeck. To learn more about my ventures and the conversations I care about, find me at www.JeffHopeckBrand.com

Chad E. Foster has accomplished more than 99% of humans. And, he did it BLIND. His story will motivate you to turn any obstacle into an advantage.  His book Blind Ambition will have you laughing, crying and wanting to make massive changes in your life all at the same time. While reading his book, and then while interviewing him in person, I felt convicted of just how many times I used excuses in my life instead of showing courage and persistence. I am grateful to call Chad a friend and his book is one of just a dozen that made it to my "read each year" pile in my library. Thanks, Chad.

👉 Host: Jeff Hopeck. To learn more about my ventures and the conversations I care about, find me at www.JeffHopeckBrand.com

When I first toured Peachtree Farm, it was for a completely different reason than having them on my podcast. 15 minutes into the tour, things changed! This farm is about so much more than sustainable farming! They only hire disabled teens and young adults and watching them worked made it clear why this farm needs to be an episode on Interesting Humans Podcast. Joe and his father are unique individuals and have blessed so many families over the years by employing their disabled children. Otherwise, 80% of all disabled people in America are unemployed and struggle getting hired. And that is what Joe and his father have solved. They even do tomato tailgate sales once every quarter at the farm! If you're ever in the area (Norcross, GA) do yourself the favor of stopping by for a tour. You will be so glad you did!

👉 Host: Jeff Hopeck. To learn more about my ventures and the conversations I care about, find me at www.JeffHopeckBrand.com

What if balancing a thriving entrepreneurial career and a fulfilling family life isn't just a dream, but an achievable reality? Join us as Chris Carneal, founder and CEO of Booster, shares his inspiring journey of raising over $700 million for schools while staying deeply involved with his family, including coaching more than 30 of his kids' sports teams. In this captivating conversation, Chris opens up about the profound impact of his upbringing, his passion for education, and the powerful lessons learned from his parents' relationship, all of which have shaped his values and approach to business and life.

Chris takes us on a nostalgic journey through his early years in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, sharing personal stories that reveal his love for baseball, his adventures in Egypt and Russia, and the influential role his parents played in fostering his respect for continuous learning and entrepreneurship. With a keen emphasis on mentorship, Chris introduces the concept of a personal advisory board, offering a fresh perspective on gathering guidance from a diverse network of mentors. We uncover how these relationships have illuminated his path, providing invaluable insights along the way.

As we explore the challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, Chris demonstrates how faith and resilience can lead to renewed momentum and success. His vision for Virtue Village, a collaborative workspace, highlights his dedication to fostering community and growth among like-minded businesses. Finally, Chris articulates his aspirations for Booster as a model of a redemptive business, emphasizing the importance of family legacy and the evolving landscape of entrepreneurship. Discover how Chris encourages seizing opportunities within existing businesses and the unique ways school principals can build a positive culture.

👉 Host: Jeff Hopeck. To learn more about my ventures and the conversations I care about, find me at www.JeffHopeckBrand.com

What a great blessing to be introduced to Fred Van Laningham. We took the show on the road to interview him at his assisted living facility. Caution, he is a little hard to follow and understand at times and we did our ABSOLUTE BEST to edit the sound and quality. My goal in bringing him on is to shine a light on such an interesting time in our nation's history: World War II. Fred does such a terrific job sharing stories of his life and what it was like in those days. Thanks, Fred. (Fred passed away just weeks after this episode was produced, our hearts are saddened and we are tremendously grateful for this opportunity to share his story and ensure his legacy lives on forever.)

Fred VanLaningham, a 99-year-old World War II veteran, opens up about his extraordinary life, sharing not only the harrowing tales of wartime but also heartwarming stories of love and resilience. From the chilling moment he lost his hearing on a B-17 bomber to his six-decade-long quest for justice, Fred's journey is a testament to the sacrifices made by veterans. With a sharp memory and a gentle spirit, Fred recounts the legacy of military service woven through his family and how it shaped his own path. His narrative doesn't just dwell on the past but offers profound reflections on the freedoms secured by his generation.

The episode takes you on an emotional rollercoaster, exploring the youthful excitement of enlisting, the camaraderie of military life, and touching homecomings. You'll hear about the thrill of flying fighter planes and torpedo bombers off jeep carriers, and the poignant moment Fred proposed to his wife by mail during the war. We celebrate the adventurous spirit and unwavering duty that defined a generation, inviting listeners to appreciate the emotional depth and personal connections within these historical experiences. This is more than a recounting of events; it's a heartfelt tribute to the courage and endurance of veterans like Fred, whose stories continue to inspire.

👉 Host: Jeff Hopeck. To learn more about my ventures and the conversations I care about, find me at www.JeffHopeckBrand.com

In this episode Chris talks about his time as an Army Ranger, his experience getting his black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, his significant pivotal point that forever changed him, and his incredible story of being first to create a cybersecurity blueprint at the Pentagon before the word "cybersecurity" even existed! It becomes simple to see why Robert Herjavec (one of the sharks on Shark Tank, hit TV show for entrepreneurs) chose Chris to be his successor as CEO of Cyderes.

2 of my favorite stories he tells:

1) Chris traveled to Brazil to fight 15 black belts non-stop for 3 hours. The story is funny and painful!

2) The 5am knock on his door from a couple Navy Seals shortly after getting home from a night of partying! The story is hysterical and you won't believe how it ended up!

👉 Host: Jeff Hopeck. To learn more about my ventures and the conversations I care about, find me at www.JeffHopeckBrand.com

Stacy Miller was a fascinating interview for so many reasons. First, he's on a Netflix Documentary, Fyre Festival.  Second, he calls his Dyslexia his superpower! That had me blown away, and when he unpacks the story my mind became completely blown. And 3rd he prosecuted several high profile cases but none hit home like the Weston Androw elevator case. Excuse me being graphic for a moment, but I had to hold back throwing up when he told the story. Please.... if you or anyone you know has an elevator or plans on staying at a beach house/VRBO/rental with an elevator please please share this story with them. Unless it has the attachment Stacy mentions, turn it off. And 99% simply don't have it because it's not CODE and most builders don't even know about it. Stacy Miller, thanks for sharing your life story and being vulnerable. You certainly inspired me and your story will undoubtedly help many for years to come.

👉 Host: Jeff Hopeck. To learn more about my ventures and the conversations I care about, find me at www.JeffHopeckBrand.com

I wanted to interview Jeff because of his reputation as a family man and role model in the community. I reached out to one of my close friends who hunts and golfs with Jeff and things fell into place from there. As you will hear (and see if you watch on Youtube), Jeff is a dynamic and passionate human being. His stories, especially the one about the ice bath and how they knew it was time to get out, are captivating and hysterical. My favorite stat is that he had 168 at bats until he walked. In the episode he explained why and how that happened! Thanks, Jeff, for a great episode and taking the time to share your life story.

👉 Host: Jeff Hopeck. To learn more about my ventures and the conversations I care about, find me at www.JeffHopeckBrand.com