🎙️ Interesting Humans Podcast

Nic Mckinley is the real-life Jack Ryan. His life started off as an orphan. Prepare for an episode full of top secret (not classified) stories about missions all across the world with the I N C R E D I B L E moment he knew starting DeliverFund would be his life purpose.  DeliverFund is dedicated to stopping human trafficking using technology and many other CIA-like tactics. 

Imagine finding yourself at a checkpoint in a foreign land, surrounded by armed fighters with an anti-aircraft cannon pointed in your direction. This is the heart-pounding scenario we faced in a North African country, where a wrong turn led us into an unexpected standoff. Just when we thought our lack of language skills would seal our fate, a quirky, unassuming Egyptian man appeared like an unsung hero, offering his translation services at the most critical time. His intervention turned a potentially dangerous encounter into a moment of surprising connection and relief.

This episode captures the raw intensity of operating in conflict zones and the unexpected alliances that emerge in moments of crisis. We share how a simple act of translation became a lifeline, highlighting the vital role of cultural understanding and quick thinking in navigating life-threatening challenges. Tune in to experience the nerve-wracking uncertainty and the lessons of resilience and adaptability that come with the territory in such unpredictable environments. Our story is a testament to the power of human connection when least expected, revealing the profound impact of strangers who step up when it matters most.

Support DeliverFund today and help put an end to human trafficking. 

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

Dr. Brett Silverman's story will inspire and encourage you to see that anything is possible. Obstacles are there to make you stronger, and Brett's life was chalk full of them! We especially love the opening story where he called the Dental School for an interview.... and their reply is EPIC! Brett is owner at Advanced Cosmetic & Family Dentistry of Georgia. 

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

Nick Cellini used to sit at the dinner table with his dad and brothers and talk sports. All the time! Growing up he found a way to pursue his childhood passion by sitting around the table with a group of broadcasters and once again be able to talk sports! He's a famous sports broadcaster in Atlanta and his passion is contagious. A local boy from Cleveland OH made good. His story will inspire anyone at any stage of life to chase your dreams and do work you truly love. 

In this episode you will hear the rollercoaster ride through Nick’s illustrious career as he unveils the secrets behind his success, including the cherished memories of bonding over sports with his father, a passion that has fueled his journey for over three decades.

Tune in as Jeff and Nick uncover the thrilling narrative behind Nick’s extraordinary career and his unwavering devotion to the world of sports.

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

Meet Tony Villani, President & Founder of XPE Sports. Prepare to learn behind the scenes secrets of how his unique & specialized "speed training" has landed Tony 8 of the 12 fastest all-time 40yard dash times in history of the combine. 

In episode 7, Tony shares his journey from being a personal trainer to training elite NFL athletes. 

He talks about his persistence in breaking into the industry and how a pickup game against Dr. J changed everything. Tony also discusses his upbringing and his dad's influence on his life and career. 

Don't miss this fascinating conversation with the trainer who's clients hold 8 out of the 12 fastest times ever for the 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine.

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

When I started Interesting Humans Podcast in 2023, Randy Cross was one of my original wish list guests! We first met when I joined the club and we got paired together on the golf course. The relationship continued to grow from there as our wives walked our Siberian Huskies (The Cross's had 1 husky and we had 2 huskies at that time) together. I knew half of his life story, but when he came on the podcast I got the rest and it is SO AWESOME! 

Get ready to laugh when you hear his story about getting drafted to the San Francisco 49ers! We spent an hour talking about his life growing up, CBS broadcasting, and the days playing in the NFL. Randy is such a great guy, a real gentlemen and its such an honor to call him a friend and be able to interview him. 

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

Prepare to be blown away! In this interview with JP Hesford we deep dive into his multi-faceted career and life as a retired Marine Corps Lieutenant Colonel, former F-18 pilot, and retired diplomat with the State Department.  

We discuss what life looks like during training, where and for how long training takes place, how many states and countries he's visited along with his favorite and least favorites, and what it's like the very first time taking off and landing on an aircraft carrier! And, much more ...

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

Erik Evans. The Evans's family are friends and neighbors and I have known Erik since he was 8 years old. I've identified Erik as an Interesting Human when I first started my podcast in 2023. He was in my original top 10 interesting people list because of how he lived his life. He was different than most 16 year olds. He was home schooling so he can compete in racing events and practice long hours on the track. It was so interesting to get updates on his life from his father.

Erik is an American racing driver and got is start in the Kart racing circuit. He says “I’m the first generation of racer from my family so we’ve come a long way! I started out at an indoor karting camp at home in Atlanta, Georgia, and by the end of the first week I was faster than the instructors."  

He currently competes in the British GT Championship with Academy Motorsports, having won the GT4 class title during his first full season in 2023. He was the first American and the youngest American to accomplish this feat.  He is both a Monster Energy Drink Junior Driver and Ford Performance Junior Driver.

His future is bright and I wish him all the best! I hope you enjoy his interview and be sure to follow Erik Evans on Instagram.

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

John Bardis isn’t just accomplished—he’s uncommon.

Founder of MedAssets (built and exited for $2.9B). Creator of Hire Heroes. Olympic wrestling coach. Executive producer of MULLY. A life stacked with impact.

But none of that is why this conversation matters most.

Two things define John:

1️⃣ His servant leadership isn’t something he talks about—it’s how he lives, every single day.

2️⃣ He ran the Marine Corps Marathon… in a wheelchair… to honor a fallen soldier. Not for attention—for meaning.

That’s John. Strength with humility. Success with purpose.

Grateful for the time, the wisdom, and the example.

#johnbardis #hireheroes #leadership #servantleadership #interestinghumans #interestinghumanspodcast @jeffhopeck

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

Keith Wilmot is a dear friend of mine, a very unique human being, and Founder/CEO of Ignitor Group. In his previous career he was VP of Ideas for the Coca-Cola Company.

Keith once brought a 600lb White SiberianTiger to an innovation meeting. This is one of the "tamer" stories in Keith’s successful career! Listen as Keith tells epic stories of his days at Coca-Cola helping solve some of the biggest global marketing issues known to the business world. His story about the disastrous South-American launch that flopped (later solved when Keith was brought in) is one of my top 3 business stories of all time! 

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

Derek Lyman. 25yr retired U.S. Secret Service Agent. (I worked with him during my 4yrs serving as a U.S. Secret Service Officer at the White House.) Derek was on one of the most invigorating top secret Presidential trips in history. Sneaking the president into Iraq to serve Thanksgiving Dinner to the troops. In this episode he discusses details of the trip along with other remarkable feats he's accomplished during his years of service. Thanks, Derek, for taking the time to join me on the show! 

1 year after this episode, Derek came on the podcast again with another 25yr retired U.S. Secret Service Agent Harry Fuller. The 3 of us talked about the state of the agency after 2 attempted Presidential assassination attempts, what needs to happen to turn the agency around, some of our favorite details, the hardest days on the job and much much more... the interview was over 2hrs. Episode 29. 

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