The Most Fascinating Podcast in the World

Billionaire investor and former Milwaukee Bucks co-owner Marc Lasry sits down with host Pat DiCerbo to talk grit, gratitude, and building things that last.Born in Marrakesh, Morocco, Marc immigrated to Hartford, CT at age 7, grew up in a tiny apartment, and earned academic scholarships to Clark University (where he met his wife and played basketball) and New York Law School. An internship with the chief bankruptcy judge led him into distressed investing - first at small firms, then at the Robert Bass Group, and ultimately as cofounder of Avenue Capital.They cover: - Early life: moving from Morocco, sharing a bedroom with two sisters, and focusing on education - Breaking into bankruptcy & special situations; buying claims, bonds, and bank debt, and turning debt into equity - Investing stories (Marvel, Kmart/Caldor/Hill’s, Storage Technology, Smith International) and what really creates edge - Owning the Milwaukee Bucks: buying the NBA’s worst team, recognizing Giannis Antetokounmpo’s rise, and winning the 2021 NBA Championship - Why he’ll never retire, how he defines purpose, and why he sees the glass half full - Advice for young people: take acting and public speaking, learn to write, and practice thinking clearly under pressure - Tennis tales: pros training on his US-Open-surface court and a humbling Roger Federer serve at a charity event - Books he’s reading (Walter Isaacson’s Elon Musk, Robert Caro’s LBJ series, The Power Broker)If you’re curious how optimism, discipline, and good judgment compound - from a modest start to the NBA summit - this one’s a masterclass.

Meet Andrea Robinson - Montreal-born adventurer, nurse, private pilot, and long-distance hiker chasing the Triple Crown (AT, PCT, CDT).Andrea grew up roaming the Adirondacks, joined the Air Cadets as a teen, and never lost the itch to fly. Decades later - while working extra nursing shifts during the pandemic - she used those earnings to finally learn: Private Pilot (2022), tailwheel endorsement, now working on her instrument rating.On the ground she’s just as fearless. After years of section hikes with her kids (including Wright Peak memories and Vermont’s Long Trail), Andrea thru-hiked the Continental Divide Trail in 2022 - 2,543 miles in 139 days - and is now piecing together the Pacific Crest Trail to complete the Triple Crown. She’s biked the Erie Canal with her family in support of people with disabilities, and she brings a joyful, practical take on adventure, motherhood, and making big goals happen mid-career.In this conversation with host Pat DiCerbo, Andrea talks:Growing up free-range in the ’70s, summers in the Adirondacks, and discovering long trailsNursing, grit, and how COVID overtime paid for flight schoolWhat a CDT thru-hike really takes (pace, resupply, mindset)Flying, fear, and why learning new skills at 50 is magicSection-hiking the PCT on the way to the Triple CrownIf you like stories about ordinary people doing extraordinary things—with boots on the trail and wheels off the runway—press play.

In this inspiring conversation, Dr. Nido Qubein shares his remarkable journey from humble beginnings in Jordan to leading one of the most distinctive universities in America. He reflects on losing his father at age six, learning English one word at a time on 3x5 cards, and starting his first business through sheer determination.You’ll hear how he built multiple successful companies, served on bank boards, and ultimately transformed High Point University into a model of values-driven higher education. Nido dives into his philosophy on sales, persuasion, leadership, risk management, and the power of distinction in business and life.Highlights include: - Lessons from a childhood of adversity - and why abundance often comes from struggle. - How he taught himself English, word by word, and later wrote 16 books and delivered 8,500 speeches worldwide. - Starting his first direct mail business with no experience and turning it into a global speaking career. - Insights on leadership, persuasion, and creating value that others can’t easily imitate. - His vision for High Point University as a place of values, life skills, and extraordinary outcomes. - Why focus matters more than intelligence, and how to manage risk like a true entrepreneur.

Join Pat DiCerbo for an inspiring conversation with Paul Glynn Sr., a senior executive at Stryker and former standout Iowa wrestler. Paul shares his journey from growing up in a huge Irish Catholic family in Iowa, to wrestling under legendary coach Dan Gable, and how the lessons from wrestling were foundational in forging a successful career in the medical device industry.Paul reveals how early lessons in discipline, resilience, and leadership shaped both his athletic and professional paths. Hear about the pivotal moments of his wrestling career, including his intense wrestle-off with Brad Penrith, and how the values of wrestling translate seamlessly into high-stakes sales and leadership.Highlights include:• Growing up in a family of 10 kids in Iowa• Discovering wrestling and falling in love with the sport• Training under Dan Gable at the University of Iowa• The legendary wrestle-off and lessons in sportsmanship• Building a career at Stryker in medical device sales• The parallels between wrestling and business success• Insights on leadership, personal brand, and always being earlyThis episode is packed with insights for athletes, business professionals, and anyone striving for excellence. Don’t miss Paul’s philosophy on hard work, preparation, and “making the good old days tomorrow.”

In this episode of The Most Fascinating Podcast in the World, Pat DiCerbo sits down with Rick Bennett — a hockey lifer who went from backyard rinks in Springfield, Massachusetts, to the NHL, and later built a coaching legacy that culminated in a historic national championship at Union College.Rick shares stories from his childhood, the decision that took him to prep school, and his unexpected leap to Providence College. He talks about the grind of professional hockey, becoming a player-assistant coach in Jacksonville, and the subtle shift that sparked his coaching career.From leading Union to the Frozen Four to the behind-the-scenes wisdom that built trust and championship chemistry, Rick’s story is about grit, honesty, and staying grounded — even at the top of your game.If you’ve ever wondered how a team with no scholarships can take down powerhouses — or how character and loyalty shape a career — this one’s for you.

In this episode of The Most Fascinating Podcast in the World, host Pat DiCerbo chats with Andy Barth—a man whose life spans from humble beginnings in Queens, NY, to wrestling at Columbia, to a remarkable 32-year career in finance with the Capital Group, and ultimately to deep involvement in philanthropy and the sport he loves: wrestling.Andy shares stories of: - Growing up in Queens and moving to Manhattan for his sister’s ballet career - Attending Stuyvesant High School and navigating rigorous academics - Walking on to the Columbia University wrestling team and becoming team captain - Wrestling’s lifelong influence on his mindset and approach to life - His pivot from law school ambitions to the world of finance - Joining the Capital Group and building a diverse career in investment management - Leadership lessons from decades in finance and managing brilliant but independent minds - Deep philanthropic commitments—from the American Ballet Theatre to Beat the Streets LA to leading the U.S. freestyle wrestling team into the next Olympic cycle - Reflections on legacy, humility, and giving back to the communities that shaped himIf you’re interested in wrestling, business, philanthropy, or how one person can weave all those worlds together, you’ll love Andy’s thoughtful and witty storytelling.

On this episode of The Most Fascinating Podcast in the World, host Pat DiCerbo sits down with entrepreneur, inventor, and investor Sean O’Sullivan.Sean shares his extraordinary journey from humble beginnings in Schoharie, NY, to co-founding MapInfo, the company that pioneered digital mapping long before Google Maps existed. He talks about his early love of technology, his time at RPI and IBM, and how his drive to create meaningful innovations shaped his path as a tech entrepreneur and venture capitalist.Sean discusses: - Growing up in a family of 10 on welfare in upstate New York - His journey through RPI and co-op jobs at IBM and beyond - Founding MapInfo and revolutionizing digital mapping - Competing with giants like Google in the mapping space - The challenges and realities of venture capital today - Inventing cloud computing concepts in the dot-com era - His philosophy on leadership, scaling businesses, and “nailing it before scaling it” - Building community, mentorship, and his “second mountain” purposeWhether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, a seasoned business leader, or just fascinated by how innovation changes the world, you’ll love Sean’s insights, humor, and honest reflections on what it takes to build great things...and help others do the same.

In this episode of The Most Fascinating Podcast in the World, host Pat DiCerbo sits down with John Stoffel—CPA, CPC, former college wrestler, world handball champion, and one of the nation's top experts in employee stock ownership plans (ESOPs).John shares an unforgettable journey filled with resilience, grit, and purpose: - Losing his father at six and how that shaped his independence - A near-fatal lawn mower accident at age four that left a lifelong impact - Quitting smoking after 5th grade and walking away from a tough crowd - Wrestling his way onto a Division II college team as a walk-on - Finding love through card games and hot tub parties - Coaching and winning world championships in handball - Mentoring student-athletes as they develop life skills through sport - Becoming a national leader in the ESOP space, helping business owners transition and employees become owners - His reflections on giving, contribution, and the long road to making life better for othersThis one’s a deep dive into perseverance, purpose, and how life’s toughest moments can shape our greatest strengths.

In this episode, Pat DiCerbo has an insightful conversation with Matt Futterman, an accomplished sports journalist and author, as they dive into his career journey and the evolving world of sports media. Matt shares his early experiences in journalism and discusses his transition to telling personal athlete stories that connect with audiences on a deeper level. They explore his work covering the Olympics and global sports events, the role of social media in today’s sports coverage, and how storytelling plays a crucial part in fan engagement.Matt offers a behind-the-scenes look at sports journalism, the power of empathy in reporting, and the changing landscape of the industry. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in sports media, the art of storytelling, and the personal side of sports reporting.

In this episode, Pat DiCerbo sits down with Amit Elor, one of the winningest wrestlers in American history. From her beginnings as a shy four-year-old stepping onto the mat to becoming a world champion and Olympic gold medalist, Amit shares her remarkable journey. They discuss her early years wrestling alongside boys, the evolution of women’s wrestling, her rigorous training regimen, her dream of competing in the 2028 LA Olympics, and the importance of enjoying the process. This conversation is not just about wrestling but about resilience, passion, and achieving greatness.