Lester Young, founder of Path to Redemption and a man transformed after a 1990's murder conviction, returns to the show for a powerful second conversation. We dive into his work with at-risk youth inside juvenile detention centers and schools, his faith in God discovered during incarceration, and what real solutions look like for fatherless homes and communities searching for purpose.

For Lester’s full backstory, listen to my previous episode with him (Episode 73) where we dove deep into the story of his incarceration, and subsequent release.

If this conversation moves you, share it, subscribe, and watch the full video on YouTube:

 https://youtube.com/@curiousjonespodcast3370?si=il16gl7q91MNljhP

In 1978, Steven Kubacki vanished while skiing across frozen Lake Michigan. His gear was found near the ice — but Steven was gone. For fifteen months, his family searched with no trace… until he suddenly reappeared over 700 miles away in Massachusetts, with no memory of what had happened.

After 45 years of silence, Steven reached out to me to finally tell his story — publicly, and in his own words.

This episode dives deep into one of the most haunting unsolved disappearances in modern history: the mystery of where Steven went, how he survived, and what he believes really happened.

Don’t forget to subscribe, share, and leave a review — it helps more than you know.

Curious Jones is back, and this is just the beginning of a new wave of extraordinary conversations as we move into 2026 and beyond.

In this special solo episode of The Curious Jones Podcast, I take a reflective look back at 2024—celebrating the victories, unpacking the defeats, and highlighting the moments that shaped my year. From personal growth to professional breakthroughs, I share my biggest takeaways and the lessons I’m carrying forward into 2025.

I talk about what drives me, the business venture I’ve been building alongside my brother, and how training in jiu-jitsu has been the cornerstone of many of the positive changes I’ve experienced. I also explore the power of accountability—how it’s influenced my success and can inspire yours too.

This is a raw, unfiltered conversation about life, growth, and staying motivated as we all strive to reach our full potential.

If you enjoy the episode, make sure to hit that subscribe button wherever you’re listening, and if you’re watching on YouTube, head to The Curious Jones Podcast channel, subscribe, and leave a comment to let me know your favorite takeaway. Let’s keep the conversation going!

Stay Curious, @realcuriousjones

In this episode of The Curious Jones Podcast, I sit down with Hunter Homistek, the General Manager of 247 Fighting Championship, Pittsburgh’s premier mixed martial arts promotion. Hunter shares his journey into the world of MMA, offering an inside look at the challenges of running a successful promotion.

We dive into the logistics of organizing events, managing fighter relations, navigating state athletic commissions and local municipalities, and everything in between. Beyond MMA, Hunter opens up about his passion for music and guitars, reflecting on his time as a journalist at West Virginia University and how his love for storytelling has shaped his career.

We also preview 247’s highly anticipated Brawl in the Burg 25 event, taking place on Saturday, December 21. Whether you’re an MMA fan or curious about what it takes to run a promotion, this episode has something for everyone.

Don’t miss it! Tune in now and make sure you SUBSCRIBE & FOLLOW.

Stay Curious! @realcuriousjones

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This episode is brought to you by the ICE POD! The IcePod provides a perfect solution for those looking to reap the benefits of ice baths, with accessories to accommodate both summer & winter plunging!

Our mission is very simple, we want to create products that make health and wellness accessible to more people, which is achieved by affordable prices without any compromise on quality. We believe that everyone should have access to the tools they need to live a healthier life, health should not be a luxury.

Their commitment to quality, innovation and customer-centric approach, has put them in the forefront of a market now full of knockoffs (flattering, right). They are proud to be the innovators of the original portable ice bath, and can't wait to show the world what they are working on behind the scenes. Let's just say they are leading the change of this industry for the better.

Head over to www.podcompany.com/curiousjones and begin your cold exposure journey, once and for all! You won't be disappointed!

This episode is also brought to you by Lit Distribution, a master distributor of custom and exclusive Zippo lighters and accessories, with a focus on alternative brands such as Cannabis, Music, Art and more. 

In this episode of The Curious Jones Podcast, I sit down with Ish Lopez, host of The Relentless Project Podcast. Ish brings a unique perspective to the conversation as a law enforcement officer, firearms instructor, and combatives instructor. We dive deep into the realities of modern policing, exploring the challenges he faces on the job and the impact it has on his personal life.

Ish also shares his candid thoughts on the recent election and offers insights on how political rhetoric surrounding Puerto Ricans affected him as a Puerto Rican man. Finally, we discuss his journey into podcasting, the motivation behind The Relentless Project, and what he hopes to achieve with his platform. This episode is filled with honest, unfiltered discussions and a glimpse into the world through the eyes of someone on the front lines.

Stay Curious! @realcuriousjones

******************************************

This episode is brought to you by the ICE POD! The IcePod provides a perfect solution for those looking to reap the benefits of ice baths, with accessories to accommodate both summer & winter plunging!

Our mission is very simple, we want to create products that make health and wellness accessible to more people, which is achieved by affordable prices without any compromise on quality. We believe that everyone should have access to the tools they need to live a healthier life, health should not be a luxury.

Their commitment to quality, innovation and customer-centric approach, has put them in the forefront of a market now full of knockoffs (flattering, right). They are proud to be the innovators of the original portable ice bath, and can't wait to show the world what they are working on behind the scenes. Let's just say they are leading the change of this industry for the better.

Head over to www.podcompany.com/curiousjones and begin your cold exposure journey, once and for all! You won't be disappointed!

For Episode 127 of the Curious Jones podcast, we sit down with Mark Austin, one of my closest friends and an executive in the performance nutrition and private equity world. While Mark’s expertise could lead us down countless interesting paths, this episode takes on a much more personal tone. Mark bravely shares the deeply emotional journey he and his wife have faced in trying to start a family, navigating the heartbreak of several miscarriages. He opens up about the silent battles men often fight—trying to remain strong and supportive while managing their own grief and stress. This raw and honest conversation sheds light on the complex emotional struggles many couples face in silence.

Stay Curious! @realcuriousjones

******************************************

This episode is brought to you by the ICE POD! The IcePod provides a perfect solution for those looking to reap the benefits of ice baths, with accessories to accommodate both summer & winter plunging!

Our mission is very simple, we want to create products that make health and wellness accessible to more people, which is achieved by affordable prices without any compromise on quality. We believe that everyone should have access to the tools they need to live a healthier life, health should not be a luxury.

Their commitment to quality, innovation and customer-centric approach, has put them in the forefront of a market now full of knockoffs (flattering, right). They are proud to be the innovators of the original portable ice bath, and can't wait to show the world what they are working on behind the scenes. Let's just say they are leading the change of this industry for the better.

Head over to www.podcompany.com/curiousjones and begin your cold exposure journey, once and for all! You won't be disappointed!

This episode is also brought to you by Lit Distribution, a master distributor of custom and exclusive Zippo lighters and accessories, with a focus on alternative brands such as Cannabis, Music, Art and more. If you are looking for great gifts for fathers day, a new Zippo for yourself, or your brand would like to have their likeness on a Zippo, head over to www.litzipps.com and get started! Use code CURIOUS for a discount while you are there!

In this gripping episode of the Curious Jones Podcast, I sit down with Shane Burke, a combat veteran of the Iraq war and budding wildlife photographer, who shares his incredible story of survival after a grizzly bear attack in the Grand Teton Mountains during his honeymoon this past May. Shane takes us through the harrowing details of the encounter, his fight for life in the wilderness, and the physical and emotional recovery that followed. 

Stay Curious! @realcuriousjones

******************************************

This episode is brought to you by the ICE POD! The IcePod provides a perfect solution for those looking to reap the benefits of ice baths, with accessories to accommodate both summer & winter plunging!

Our mission is very simple, we want to create products that make health and wellness accessible to more people, which is achieved by affordable prices without any compromise on quality. We believe that everyone should have access to the tools they need to live a healthier life, health should not be a luxury.

Their commitment to quality, innovation and customer-centric approach, has put them in the forefront of a market now full of knockoffs (flattering, right). They are proud to be the innovators of the original portable ice bath, and can't wait to show the world what they are working on behind the scenes. Let's just say they are leading the change of this industry for the better.

Head over to www.podcompany.com/curiousjones and begin your cold exposure journey, once and for all! You won't be disappointed!

This episode is also brought to you by Lit Distribution, a master distributor of custom and exclusive Zippo lighters and accessories, with a focus on alternative brands such as Cannabis, Music, Art and more. If you are looking for great gifts for fathers day, a new Zippo for yourself, or your brand would like to have their likeness on a Zippo, head over to www.litzipps.com and get started! Use code CURIOUS for a discount while you are there!

Daniel Carcillo is a Canadian former professional hockey player of the NHL. He was a 2x Stanley Cup champion with the Chicago Blackhawks and was most notably know as an "enforcer" nicknamed "Car Bomb" who in 2008, led the NHL with 324 penalty minutes, largely mainly due to fighting. 

After retirement in 20215, Daniel embarked on a quest to treat the symptoms he was experiencing that were attributed to traumatic brain injury's sustained from his career in the NHL. After 4 years of traditional medications and therapy's, he dramatically changed his prognosis through the use of psilocybin, the active compound found in "magic mushrooms". 

He has since become both an advocate and entrepreneur with a quest to bring the relief he has achieved to others suffering with a variety of neurodegenerative conditions. 

You can follow him on social media @danielcarcillo13 for more information on what he is up to. 

Stay Curious! @realcuriousjones

******************************************

This episode is brought to you by the ICE POD! The IcePod provides a perfect solution for those looking to reap the benefits of ice baths, with accessories to accommodate both summer & winter plunging!

Our mission is very simple, we want to create products that make health and wellness accessible to more people, which is achieved by affordable prices without any compromise on quality. We believe that everyone should have access to the tools they need to live a healthier life, health should not be a luxury.

Their commitment to quality, innovation and customer-centric approach, has put them in the forefront of a market now full of knockoffs (flattering, right). They are proud to be the innovators of the original portable ice bath, and can't wait to show the world what they are working on behind the scenes. Let's just say they are leading the change of this industry for the better.

Head over to www.podcompany.com/curiousjones and begin your cold exposure journey, once and for all! You won't be disappointed!

This episode is also brought to you by Lit Distribution, a master distributor of custom and exclusive Zippo lighters and accessories, with a focus on alternative brands such as Cannabis, Music, Art and more. If you are looking for great gifts for fathers day, a new Zippo for yourself, or your brand would like to have their likeness on a Zippo, head over to www.litzipps.com and get started! Use code CURIOUS for a discount while you are there!

Lucas Seibert is a professional mixed martial arts fighter, fighting out of Stout Academy in Pittsburgh, PA. In addition to calling Stout PGH home for his training, he has also embraced giving back to the same community and team he is a part of in the role of coaching youth classes there as well. An alumni of the WVU wrestling program, he currently holds a 2-0 professional record, after an undefeated 5-0 amateur career.

He is currently preparing to take his 7-fight win streak into an upcoming bout this October with 247 Fighting Championships, where he is known for bringing excitement to the cage each and every time he enters it. A really great conversation with a dynamic competitor and person, I hope you enjoy it! 

Stay Curious! @realcuriousjones

******************************************

This episode is brought to you by the ICE POD! The IcePod provides a perfect solution for those looking to reap the benefits of ice baths, with accessories to accommodate both summer & winter plunging!

Our mission is very simple, we want to create products that make health and wellness accessible to more people, which is achieved by affordable prices without any compromise on quality. We believe that everyone should have access to the tools they need to live a healthier life, health should not be a luxury.

Their commitment to quality, innovation and customer-centric approach, has put them in the forefront of a market now full of knockoffs (flattering, right). They are proud to be the innovators of the original portable ice bath, and can't wait to show the world what they are working on behind the scenes. Let's just say they are leading the change of this industry for the better.

Head over to www.podcompany.com/curiousjones and begin your cold exposure journey, once and for all! You won't be disappointed!

This episode is also brought to you by Lit Distribution, a master distributor of custom and exclusive Zippo lighters and accessories, with a focus on alternative brands such as Cannabis, Music, Art and more. If you are looking for great gifts for fathers day, a new Zippo for yourself, or your brand would like to have their likeness on a Zippo, head over to www.litzipps.com and get started! Use code CURIOUS for a discount while you are there!

Mark Metry is a Forbes featured Keynote Speaker, and former Host of the Global Top 100 podcast, Humans 2.0 featuring the greatest leaders of our time, including Billionaires, Neuroscientists, Professional Athletes, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalists, and New York Times Bestselling authors where he would explore today's dynamic of the human experience and mental health. 

He authored the best selling book, "Screw Being Shy: Learn How to Manage Social Anxiety and Be Yourself in Front of Anyone" which was released in 2020 and who since taking a step back from the public eye and from the podcast microphone, has been on a new journey of purpose where he has been exploring his new found belief in Christ after several powerful experiences that changed his life. 

Follow him on social media @markmetry and enjoy this episode!

Stay Curious! @realcuriousjones

******************************************

This episode is brought to you by the ICE POD! The IcePod provides a perfect solution for those looking to reap the benefits of ice baths, with accessories to accommodate both summer & winter plunging!

Our mission is very simple, we want to create products that make health and wellness accessible to more people, which is achieved by affordable prices without any compromise on quality. We believe that everyone should have access to the tools they need to live a healthier life, health should not be a luxury.

Their commitment to quality, innovation and customer-centric approach, has put them in the forefront of a market now full of knockoffs (flattering, right). They are proud to be the innovators of the original portable ice bath, and can't wait to show the world what they are working on behind the scenes. Let's just say they are leading the change of this industry for the better.

Head over to www.podcompany.com/curiousjones and begin your cold exposure journey, once and for all! You won't be disappointed!

This episode is also brought to you by Lit Distribution, a master distributor of custom and exclusive Zippo lighters and accessories, with a focus on alternative brands such as Cannabis, Music, Art and more. If you are looking for great gifts for fathers day, a new Zippo for yourself, or your brand would like to have their likeness on a Zippo, head over to www.litzipps.com and get started! Use code CURIOUS for a discount while you are there!