In this episode of The Mentors Radio, Host Tom Loarie talks with Craig Bergman, a legendary Hall of Fame coach and athletic director who spent more than 30 years mentoring thousands of young men and women at Monte Vista High School in Northern California.  Craig had a front-row seat to the cultural shift that reshaped an entire generation. In this candid, unvarnished conversation, they look directly at what is happening to our kids, our parenting culture, and our future workforce:  

Whether you are leading an organization, managing a team, or raising the next generation, this episode is an urgent wake-up call on stewardship, authentic authority, and the lost value of constructive struggle.   Listen to episode below, or on ANY PODCAST PLATFORM here. BE SURE TO LEAVE US A GREAT REVIEW on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and share with friends and colleagues!

CRAIG BERGMAN:

In this episode of THE MENTORS RADIO, Host Dan Hesse talks with Colonel Justin “Astro” Elliott, the Commander of the 96th Operations Group at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. Colonel Elliot is the only person in history to complete all three of the Air Force’s elite flying programs: Fighter Weapons School, Test Pilot School, and the Thunderbirds. He is a Yale University ROTC graduate with three engineering degrees. His combat time in the F-15E during OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM is featured in the book Red Platoon. As a test pilot, he flew more than 3,000 hours across 33 aircraft, with operational experience in the F-15, F-16, and F-35. Colonel Astro Elliot’s command as “Thunderbird 1” is featured in the Emmy- nominated Netflix documentary Air Force Elite: Thunderbirds, showcasing the team’s commitment to values, culture and a shared purpose of being a beacon of excellence demonstrating the uniting force of human achievement in the name of selfless service. Listen to episode below, or on ANY PODCAST PLATFORM here. BE SURE TO LEAVE US A GREAT REVIEW on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and share with friends and colleagues!

COLONEL JUSTIN “ASTRO” ELLIOTT:

In this episode of The Mentors Radio Show, Host Tom Loarie talks with distinguished psychoanalyst Dr. James Hollis to discuss why a person might achieve what he or she wants in this life and still feel miserable? Hollis is the author of 19 books including Living Between Worlds, What Matters Most, and his top-selling Finding Meaning in the Second Half of Life. He is well known for translating the profound teachings of Carl Jung into practical wisdom for our everyday lives. He has a gift for challenging us each to think more deeply and purposefully about our own lives, our own purpose and how we fit into this journey of life. He really understands people at a profound level, how we can become unconsciously “stuck” in ways we feel but don’t know what to do about it. You don’t want to miss this invaluable learning and mentoring opportunity…it literally can be a catalyst to change you and your life for the good, in ways you didn’t recognize on the surface. It can literally change your life, your trajectory, your happiness!

Listen to episode below, or on ANY PODCAST PLATFORM here. BE SURE TO LEAVE US A GREAT REVIEW on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and share with friends and colleagues!

The Personal Myth in Turbulent Times – James Hollis, PhD. EXCELLENT! The longer you listen, the more absolutely excellent it is. Very enlightening. – The Mentors Radio

In this episode of THE MENTORS RADIO, Host Dan Hesse talks with Bengt Holmström, the Emeritus Paul A. Samuelson Professor of Economics at MIT, to celebrate the 10-year anniversary of receiving the 2016 Nobel Prize in Economics for his contributions to contract theory. His research has advanced the understanding of incentives, organizations, corporate governance, and financial liquidity. Bengt is a member of the U.S. National Academy of Sciences, a Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and the Econometric Society, and a foreign member of the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences and the Finnish Academy of Science and Letters. He received his Ph.D. from Stanford and before MIT, he held faculty appointments at Yale and Northwestern. Dr. Holmstrom explains why factors that are hard to measure usually drive better behavior in incentive plans than those that are easy to measure.  He mentors his students that asking the right questions is far more important than answering questions. A self-described “AI optimist,” he considers the AI companion he has created, Charlie, clever and life-enriching.  LISTEN TO this radio broadcast live on iHeart Radio, or go to “THE MENTORS RADIO” podcast any time, anywhere, on any podcast platform – subscribe here and don’t miss an episode!

BENGT HOLMSTRÖM:

In this episode of THE MENTORS RADIO, Host Tom Loarie talks with veteran sportscaster Matt Morrison, author of “Touched: The Marin Morrison Story,” about the difficult, unvarnished truths so many families face in silence. When Matt’s 14-year-old daughter, Marin—a record-breaking competitive swimmer—was diagnosed with a rare, aggressive brain tumor, their family’s world changed forever. Through multiple brain surgeries, a stroke, and partial paralysis, Marin’s unyielding spirit and faith propelled her all the way to competing for Team USA at the 2008 Beijing Paralympics. They discuss the Crucible of Crisis (how extreme medical trauma placed immense strain on his 23-year marriage), Reinventing Identity (losing his broadcasting career at the height of the crisis and swallowing his pride to wash windows just to keep his family afloat), “Mystic Fortitude” (what Marin’s unshakeable grit, humor and connection with God can teach all of us about facing life’s impossible hurdles), and The Shared Death Experience (the spiritually profound moment at his daughter’s passing that gave Matt permanent peace and an unwavering perspective on life and loss). If you are currently navigating a career transition, dealing with family hardship or seeking a deeper sense of perspective and hope, this episode is a must-listen! LISTEN TO this radio broadcast live on iHeart Radio, or go to “THE MENTORS RADIO” podcast any time, anywhere, on any podcast platform – subscribe here and don’t miss an episode!

MATT MORRISON:

In this episode of THE MENTORS RADIO, Host Dan Hesse talks with Ed Hawkins, former All-American soccer player and Founder and CEO of SixBeacons Partners. As we watch the World Cup, it’s fitting that Ed Hawkins, a former All-American soccer player and the first US born African-American to wear the USA jersey, joins Dan Hesse on The Mentors Radio to describe the business lessons that the game of soccer can teach us. Ed explores how leadership, culture and human development intersect in organizational life. He’s the CEO of SixBeacon Partners where his work focuses on helping organizations design environments that allow people and systems to grow with purpose in the age of artificial intelligence. They discuss Ed’s fourth book, Beacon of Hope—Cultivating Excellence Across Generations, which also serves as a tribute to a special mentor.  LISTEN TO this radio broadcast live on iHeart Radio, or go to “THE MENTORS RADIO” podcast any time, anywhere, on any podcast platform – subscribe here and don’t miss an episode!

In this episode of The Mentors Radio, Host Tom Loarie talks with Raj Sisodia, PhD, co-founder of the global Conscious Capitalism movement, respected global business scholar, and author of 11 influential books. Today’s broadcast was originally intended to be a conversation with visionary business leader Bob Chapman, the founder of Barry-Wehmiller. Tragically, Bob recently passed away after a courageous battle with cancer. So we decided to anchor this show as a tribute to Bob Chapman’s remarkable life and monumental legacy by talking with his close friend and co-author, Raj Sisodia, and the results far exceeded all expectations! Earning his PhD from Columbia University, Dr. Sisodia’s distinguished 42-year academic career includes teaching at institutions such as Boston University, George Mason, and serving as the FW Olin Distinguished Professor of Global Business and Scholar at Babson College. Over the past five years, he has served as a distinguished professor at Tecnológico de Monterrey—the MIT of Mexico—where he helped establish a Conscious Enterprise Center that has scaled these leadership principles to hundreds of professors and thousands of students across Latin America. Driven by a profound life purpose to open hearts and elevate human consciousness, he partnered with Bob to write the groundbreaking, national bestseller Everybody Matters: The Extraordinary Power of Caring for Your People Like Family. LISTEN TO the radio broadcast live on iHeart Radio, or to “THE MENTORS RADIO” podcast any time, anywhere, on any podcast platform – subscribe here and don’t miss an episode!

In thios episode of THE MENTORS RADIO, Host Dan Hesse talks with Greg LeMond, widely considered the King of American Cycling, to share his story of coming back to win the world’s greatest and most demanding race, the Tour de France, after he barely survived a horrific and life-altering accident. You’ll learn how hard work changed LeMond’s psyche from one of despair to pure joy. In yet another battle, this three-time Tour de France champion describes his decade-long fight against the cycling industry’s powers as he fought to clean up his beloved sport from scandal by those who engaged in doping. Reading LeMond’s bio, linked below, reads like a can’t-put-it-down novel showcasing principled leadership, deep-rooted ethical principles, fierce yet respectful competition, willing self-discipline and self-leadership… In this episode, you’ll find an abundance of inspiring take-away learnings. LISTEN TO the radio broadcast live on iHeart Radio, or to “THE MENTORS RADIO” podcast any time, anywhere, on any podcast platform – subscribe here and don’t miss an episode!

Greg LeMond:

In this episode of THE MENTORS RADIO, Host Tom Loarie talks with Major General David Smith, USAF, deputy to the Chief of Air Force Reserve at the Pentagon. You’ll learn about a realm most people never get to see: the intersection of high-stakes national defense, cutting-edge technology and extreme physical endurance. General Smith is a combat-proven command pilot with over 4,000 flying hours—including 700 in combat across operations like Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. On his last appearance, as an F-16 Squadron Commander, he discussed what it takes to get your goals and dreams airborne. Since then, his leadership journey has scaled significantly. In this episode, we aren’t just talking about flying fighter jets. We are tracking a lifetime journey of constant re-invention—from the cockpit of an F-16, to operationalizing the advanced F-35 platform, to studying Artificial Intelligence at MIT and Harvard. We also dive deep into General Smith’s core thesis: why physical fitness is a non-negotiable leadership responsibility, and how that legacy of grit is carrying forward to the next generation of American leaders. General David Smith has flown in combat and conquered the Ironman World Championship, and shares insights about why physical grit, constant re-invention and data-driven innovation are the ultimate keys to sustaining your life’s goals. You will not only learn about leadership, but also about teamwork, humility, trust, and translating cockpit “wingman” reliance into selflessness and service in corporate culture. General Smith’s own 30+ year career spans commanding fighter squadrons, operationalizing the cutting-edge F-35, and studying Artificial Intelligence at MIT, Harvard and John Hopkins. He knows exactly what skills the next generation will need to navigate a rapidly evolving future. You’ll learn about the Ironman Mindset, breaking down the mental “wall” of an endurance race to conquer massive organizational barriers. And you’ll learn about the Future of Talent; Why tomorrow’s leaders must anchor themselves in STEM and AI while maintaining core human values. General Smith also talks about family legacy, and he and his wife Stacy raised two incredible, service-driven daughters: Sidney (Virgnia Military Institute graduate) and Ella (a standout collegiate athlete at the U.S. Naval Academy). Whether you are an aspiring young professional or a C-suite executive, this discussion is packed with actionable wisdom. LISTEN TO the radio broadcast live on iHeart Radio, or to “THE MENTORS RADIO” podcast any time, anywhere, on any podcast platform – subscribe here and don’t miss an episode!

MAJOR GENERAL DAVID SMITH, USAF:

In this episode of THE MENTORS RADIO, Host Dan Hesse talks with Ambassador Randy Tobias, former Vice Chair of AT&T, and Chair and CEO of AT&T’s primary operating unit, AT&T Communications. Randy left AT&T in 1993 to become Chair, President and CEO of Eli Lilly and Company. In 2003 President George W. Bush nominated him to be the founding United States Global AIDS Coordinator with the rank of Ambassador and with the charge to develop, launch and lead what became PEPFAR, a multibillion-dollar U.S. government initiative to blunt the global HIV/AIDS epidemic, first in sub-Saharan Africa and then globally. Now in its twenty-second year, PEPFAR is credited with having saved more than 26 million lives. Subsequently President Bush named Randy Administrator of USAID and concurrently the first Director of all United States Foreign Assistance with the rank of Deputy Secretary of State. Ambassador Tobias has been recognized with a long and diverse list of honors including five honorary degrees. He has served on a number of corporate and non-profit boards, and in leadership roles with numerous organizations including as chair of the boards of trustees of both Duke University and Indiana University. He is the author of two books, Put The Moose On The Table: Lessons In Leadership From A CEO’s Journey Through Business And Life, and Never Daunted: A Life and Legacy of Embracing Change, a memoir published in 2025. LISTEN TO the radio broadcast live on iHeart Radio, or to “THE MENTORS RADIO” podcast any time, anywhere, on any podcast platform – subscribe here and don’t miss an episode!

AMBASSADOR RANDY TOBIAS: