In this episode of Knowledgecast, Jack welcomes Mike Bassett, a seasoned civil litigation attorney and founder of The Bassett Firm. Mike shares his deeply personal story, as told in his book The Man in the Ditch: A Redemption Story. The conversation explores Mike's experience of getting involved in an illegal financial scheme, how it led to an FBI investigation, and the eventual consequences he faced—including time spent in a federal halfway house.

Mike candidly discusses the pressure, manipulation, and poor decisions that put him in such a difficult position, but more importantly, how he rebuilt his life and career from the ground up. Now the founder of a successful law firm, Mike talks about the importance of survival in the early days and how he eventually developed a unique mission for his firm, focused on empathy, professionalism, and grace.

Throughout the conversation, Mike shares his key learnings from the experience, including the importance of gratitude, grace, humility, and community. He also reflects on his practice of annual silent retreats, a personal ritual that helps him clear his mind, reflect, and return to life refreshed and with new perspectives.

Learn more at www.jackwwilliams.com/podcast

In this episode of Knowledgecast, Jack welcomes Rick Jackson, founder, chairman, and CEO of Jackson Health Care. Rick shares his incredible journey, rising from a challenging childhood in the foster care system to becoming a highly successful entrepreneur and philanthropist. Growing up in the slums of Atlanta with an unstable home life, Rick took control of his destiny early on, entering the foster care system at age 13. He recounts his early jobs and the lessons he learned from his tough upbringing, which shaped his independence and work ethic.

Rick's career in healthcare began with a series of entrepreneurial ventures, and his company, Jackson Health Care, has grown into a powerhouse with 19 integrated healthcare businesses. Rick explains how he built the company on the principles of long-term ownership and self-financed growth, without outside investors. He also reflects on his darkest period, taking a company through Chapter 11 bankruptcy, and how that experience led to critical decisions that ultimately fueled his success.

Beyond business, Rick is passionate about giving back. He talks about his nonprofit initiatives, including Go Beyond Profit, which encourages businesses to invest their time, talent, and resources into their communities. He also discusses his commitment to helping foster youth through the Fostering Success program, which supports children aging out of foster care with resources and education opportunities.

Rick’s story is a powerful testament to resilience, self-reliance, and using success to uplift others. This episode offers valuable lessons for anyone facing challenges in their personal or professional lives, and inspiration for those looking to make a positive impact.

Learn more at www.jackwwilliams.com/podcast

In this episode of Knowledgecast, Jack welcomes Dan Oblinger, a highly versatile professional with an extraordinary background as a hostage negotiator, undercover human trafficking investigator, chicken rancher, and much more. Currently, Dan is a corporate trainer and keynote speaker specializing in listening skills and leadership development. His unique experiences form the foundation of his book Life or Death Listening, which provides critical lessons in effective communication.

Dan emphasizes the importance of listening as a leadership skill and shares how it transforms relationships, negotiations, and everyday interactions. He explains the fundamental principle behind listening: “It’s not about you.” This mindset, according to Dan, is essential for crisis negotiation, leadership, marriage, and parenting. He also describes the rigorous training provided by the FBI for crisis negotiators, highlighting key takeaways from his time at Quantico.

Throughout the episode, Dan offers listeners practical tips for becoming better listeners and underscores the difference between hearing and active listening. He explores the concept of rapport, sharing vivid metaphors like icebergs, minefields, and two-faced individuals to explain the complexities of human communication.

Learn more about Dan and his book at www.jackwilliams.com/podcast

In this episode of Knowledgecast, Jack has a conversation with Greg McGarity, a legendary figure in college athletics. A University of Georgia graduate and former letterman in tennis, McGarity has had a remarkable career as the athletic director of both the University of Georgia and the University of Florida. Now serving as the President and CEO of the Gator Bowl, Greg reflects on his career, the evolving landscape of college sports, and the challenges of leading athletic departments.

McGarity shares stories from his time at Florida, where he worked closely with iconic coaches like Steve Spurrier and Urban Meyer, overseeing multiple national championships in football and basketball. He also recounts the difficult decision to part ways with Georgia's beloved football coach Mark Richt, a move that eventually led to Kirby Smart's leadership and two national championships for the Bulldogs.

Greg provides insights into the evolving role of athletic directors, the financial and managerial complexities of running large athletic programs, and the growing importance of media rights in college sports. He also discusses the Gator Bowl, his post-retirement role, and the impact that bowl games have on communities and athletes alike.

This episode offers a deep dive into the world of college athletics, leadership, and Greg's vision for the future of bowl games amidst the rapidly changing college football landscape.

Learn more at www.jackwwilliams.com/podcast

In this episode of Knowledgecast, Jack interviews Dr. Paul White, a renowned psychologist, speaker, author, and leadership trainer. Dr. White is best known for his co-authored book The 5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace, written with Dr. Gary Chapman. This book has been translated into 17 languages and used in over 60 countries, helping organizations worldwide build healthier workplace cultures through effective appreciation practices.

Dr. White shares how appreciation plays a critical role in employee satisfaction, explaining that it often matters more than money in determining job fulfillment. He emphasizes the difference between recognition and appreciation, noting that while recognition is performance-based, appreciation acknowledges employees for their character and contributions beyond their work output. Dr. White also discusses how the five languages of appreciation—words of affirmation, quality time, acts of service, tangible gifts, and appropriate physical touch—apply in workplace settings and why it's important to understand each employee’s preferred language.

The conversation touches on the importance of personalizing appreciation and how generational differences can affect how appreciation is received. Dr. White highlights the power of peer appreciation and the significance of showing authentic, personalized gratitude, whether from colleagues or supervisors. He also provides insights into how remote and hybrid work environments have impacted the practice of appreciation, with practical tips for engaging remote employees.

This episode offers valuable takeaways for leaders and team members seeking to improve workplace culture, boost employee engagement, and foster deeper connections within their organizations.

Learn more at www.appreciationatwork.com and www.jackwwilliams.com/podcast

In this episode of Knowledgecast, Jack welcomes Ansley Dalbo, CEO and co-founder of Diabetes - What to Know and My Weight - What to Know. These online platforms provide educational resources for people living with type 2 diabetes and obesity. Ansley shares her passion for using social media and digital tools to help individuals better understand their conditions and improve their quality of life. With over 20 years of experience in healthcare, including 12 years managing Walmart’s private-label diabetes brand, Ansley has seen firsthand the importance of education in managing chronic health conditions.

Ansley describes her journey from consulting and working with Walmart to launching her own company, driven by the desire to provide accessible, engaging content that empowers people to manage diabetes. She explains how data-driven insights guide their continuous improvement process for video and digital content, ensuring it remains useful and engaging for audiences.

She also highlights the innovative partnerships with pharmaceutical companies to provide unbranded educational content, focusing solely on helping patients without promoting specific products. Ansley discusses the growing trends in diabetes treatment, such as GLP-1 medications and continuous glucose monitoring, and shares her excitement about her future projects, including a heart health initiative and new employer collaborations.

Ansley’s message to listeners is clear: managing chronic conditions like diabetes and obesity doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Small steps, continuous education, and regular check-ins with healthcare providers are key to living a healthy life.

This episode is an inspiring deep dive into healthcare, patient education, and the powerful role digital resources can play in improving lives.

Learn more about Ansley and her companies at www.jackwwilliams.com/podcastepisode/ansley-dalbo

In this episode of Knowledgecast, Jack welcomes a unique guest—Cap Treeger, the pen name of an author who remains anonymous. Cap, an entrepreneur and investor with a diverse background in banking, technology, engineering, and telecommunications, discusses his bestselling book, Finding the Way. The book outlines the critical lessons he's learned from his experiences in mentoring, angel investments, and leading businesses across various industries.

Cap shares his motivations behind writing the book, particularly how it addresses business challenges that other books haven’t covered, such as understanding customer needs, pricing strategies, and business models. He describes the power of mentorship, recalling how his own mentors shaped his journey and helped him succeed, despite initial doubts and tough advice. The episode also delves into Cap’s writing process, how he completed 80% of the book in just two weeks, and why he chose to present it as a fictional story to engage readers more effectively.

Gain valuable insights into the stages of building a business, from foundational principles of understanding oneself to recognizing the real needs of customers. Cap emphasizes the importance of mentors, being intentional about one’s goals, and understanding the "villain"—the challenges and obstacles that entrepreneurs inevitably face. This episode is a deep dive into the mindset, strategies, and experiences that guide successful entrepreneurship.

Learn more about Finding the Way: www.findingtheway.com

Learn more about Season 7 guests and episodes at www.jackwwilliams.com/podcast

In this episode, the hosts welcome Buck Belue, a Georgia sports legend and longtime sports talk radio host. Best known for quarterbacking the University of Georgia's 1980 national championship football team, Buck also excelled as a dual-sport athlete, having played professional baseball for the Montreal Expos. Buck shares stories from his athletic career, including his time in the minor leagues and the legendary 1980 season with the Bulldogs.

Listeners are treated to behind-the-scenes anecdotes about Georgia football, Buck's recruitment of Herschel Walker, and his transition to professional sports and radio. He also discusses the evolution of sports talk radio over the past two decades and offers insights on today's hot topics, including NIL and the changing landscape of college sports. Buck reflects on his book Inside the Hedges, his experience writing it, and the legacy of Georgia football. This episode is a must-listen for sports enthusiasts and Georgia fans alike.

Learn more and find the link purchase Buck's book at www.jackwwilliams.com/podcast

In this episode, Jack welcomes back Rick Hill, an actor, director, and author, to delve into the life and legacy of baseball legend Pete Rose, who recently passed away. Rick, who authored the bestselling book My Prison Without Bars, shares his unique insights and personal anecdotes from his friendship with Rose, a figure known for his remarkable achievements on the field and his controversial ban from baseball due to gambling.

The conversation covers key moments from Pete's illustrious 23-year MLB career, including his nickname "Charlie Hustle," his record-setting performance, and the circumstances that led to his lifetime ban. Rick reflects on how he met Pete through charity softball games and their subsequent friendship that blossomed in California after Rose's retirement.

Throughout the episode, Rick discusses the complexities of Pete's character, his obsessive drive to win, and the factors that contributed to his gambling issues. The discussion also touches on the perceptions of Rose by his teammates and offers a candid look at his regrets and aspirations, including the ongoing debate about his eligibility for the Hall of Fame.

Gain a deeper understanding of both the man behind the legend and the broader implications of Rose's life in sports, wrapped in an engaging dialogue that balances admiration with critical reflection.

Learn more at www.jackwwilliams.com/podcast

In this episode, Jack has a conversation with Mike Macdonald, newly appointed head coach of the Seattle Seahawks. Macdonald, a returning guest, shares insights from his career, which spans from his tenure as the defensive coordinator for the University of Michigan to his success in leading top NFL defenses with the Baltimore Ravens. He takes us behind the scenes of his rapid rise in the coaching world, discussing the intense and fast-paced interview process for NFL head coaching positions. Macdonald also delves into the challenges of assembling a coaching staff, managing organizational culture, and his vision for leading the Seahawks.

Listeners will get a glimpse into Macdonald’s leadership philosophy, his approach to building a successful team, and his journey from being an aspiring coach in high school to reaching one of the most coveted positions in professional football.

This episode offers a rare inside look at the NFL coaching world and what it takes to be a young head coach in the league.

Learn more at www.jackwwilliams.com/podcast