The Most Fascinating Podcast in the World

Pat DiCerbo sits down with Frank Ryan, Co-CEO and Co-Chair of DLA Piper, one of the largest law firms in the world. Frank shares his journey from a restless kid in Phoenix to a standout wrestler at Syracuse and ultimately a leader in the legal profession. They discuss lessons from wrestling, leadership, resilience, and the importance of surrounding yourself with great people. Frank also shares insights on navigating the complexities of law, the global business landscape, and what it takes to lead a $4 billion organization. A fascinating conversation on toughness, growth, and the mindset of success.

Dan Gable, legendary wrestler, coach, and motivator, joins Pat DeCerbo for an in-depth conversation on his journey from childhood in Iowa to becoming one of the most influential figures in wrestling history. Gable shares powerful stories about resilience, family, and leadership, including lessons from his early years, his historic career at Iowa State, and the heartbreak that shaped his drive. He also discusses the mindset behind winning, dealing with loss, coaching philosophies, and the lasting impact of wrestling. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation with an American icon.

In this episode, Pat DiCerbo sits down with Tim Gerend, the President, CEO, and Chairman of the Board of Northwestern Mutual, for an in-depth conversation about leadership, personal development, and the values that have shaped his career.Tim shares his earliest memories, growing up in a small town, watching his father transition from the military to corporate America and eventually into entrepreneurship. He discusses how his father’s optimism, work ethic, and ability to navigate transitions influenced his own approach to leadership.Tim’s educational journey took him from Butler University, where he earned a full academic scholarship and played on the golf team, to Notre Dame Law School, where he developed critical thinking, persuasive communication, and a passion for leadership. He recounts his early days as a commercial litigator in Chicago, working intense hours at a top law firm, before transitioning to Northwestern Mutual.As CEO, Tim reflects on the company’s unmatched financial strength, its mutuality-driven business model, and the importance of trust, relationships, and leadership in a fast-changing world. He emphasizes lifelong learning, decision-making in high-stakes environments, and the role of collaboration in sustaining Northwestern Mutual’s success.The conversation closes with reflections on legacy, the importance of resilience over raw talent, and the leadership lessons that have defined Tim’s career. Pat and Tim discuss the power of cooperation, adaptability, and building a meaningful career that aligns with one’s values.

In this episode, Pat DiCerbo interviews Bryan Van Kley, owner of WIN Magazine—a leading publication in the world of wrestling. Bryan shares his journey from a small town in Iowa, where he grew up immersed in the agricultural business, to becoming a college athlete and ultimately finding his passion in sports journalism. He reflects on the formative influence of his family, his faith, and his small-town upbringing, which emphasized community, hard work, and treating others with respect.Bryan recounts playing four sports in his freshman year of college and how those experiences taught him time management and resilience. He discusses how his passion for wrestling grew after attending his first NCAA Wrestling Championship, which later led him to work with Mike Chapman on WIN Magazine and the National Wrestling Hall of Fame. At the young age of 22, Bryan took a leap of faith, buying the Magazine and dedicating himself to its growth over the past 26 years.He also touches on his involvement in Ag-Grow Plus Lawn Care, a nod to his agricultural roots, and the lessons he learned from his family’s business. The episode concludes with a reflective discussion on the values of hard work, passion, and the importance of mentoring others.

In this engaging episode of The Most Fascinating Podcast in the World, host Pat DiCerbo interviews Brett Bissell, an accomplished executive with a truly international career and life story. Brett shares his journey from being born in the U.S. and moving to Africa with his missionary parents, to attending Union College, and later earning two advanced degrees from MIT. His career spans continents, with roles in Japan, Brazil, and beyond, where he tackled challenges, learned multiple languages, and helped improve operations at companies like Toshiba, Qualcomm, and CEVA Logistics.

Brett discusses the importance of saying yes to challenges, adapting to new environments, and mentoring others. He shares reflections on building strong relationships, appreciating opportunities, and creating a mindset of growth and improvement. The episode is a mix of inspiring life lessons, humorous anecdotes (like being married five times to the same woman), and insights into the world of global business operations. Brett emphasizes the value of leaving things better than he found them and maintaining an optimistic outlook in both life and work.

In this heartfelt episode of The Most Fascinating Podcast in the World, host Pat DeCerbo sits down with Ohio State University wrestling coach Tom Ryan.

They dive into Tom's storied journey from high school wrestling phenom to renowned college coach, touching on pivotal memories, the power of resilience, and the life-changing impact of mentorship. Tom shares touching family stories, including the profound impact of his late son, Teague, on his life and faith.

The conversation highlights Tom’s mental and physical battles, including a recent car accident and the strength he's found through his faith, family, and the sport he loves. This episode provides a rare glimpse into Tom’s unwavering dedication, grit, and the values that define his life's "hyphen"—the legacy he hopes to leave behind.

In this episode, Pat chats with Kamilah Williams-Kemp, a 25-year veteran at Northwestern Mutual, to discuss her unique journey from growing up in Milwaukee to becoming one of the company’s senior leaders. Kamilah shares her early love for dance, lessons learned from her family, and how her personal experiences shaped her professional career. She reflects on navigating corporate life as a Black woman, the challenges of leadership, and how her desire to help others secure financial futures is rooted in her family’s history. Kamilah opens up about balancing work and motherhood, the importance of focusing on inputs rather than outcomes, and the power of human-centered leadership. This thoughtful conversation touches on resilience, race, leadership, and the importance of staying focused on what you can control.

In this episode of The Most Fascinating Podcast in the World, Pat DiCerbo speaks with David Hilton Jr., a retired Northwestern Mutual agent ranked as the seventh most productive in the company’s history. David reflects on his career, from early struggles with rejection in the insurance business to becoming a top producer and now a coach for life insurance agents and business owners.David shares how growing up in a competitive environment and learning resilience through running helped shape his career. Despite initial setbacks in the job market, he embraced the insurance industry, guided by his father’s influence and the one-card system developed by Al Granum. By his third year at Northwestern, David led the nation among his peers, demonstrating the power of focus, discipline, and systems.Now retired, David focuses on coaching younger professionals aiming for excellence and older individuals navigating retirement. He emphasizes holistic success, balancing career achievements with health, relationships, and personal growth. An accomplished duathlete, David integrates his passion for fitness into his life philosophy, illustrating how discipline in one area can benefit others.Pat and David delve into topics like aging gracefully, redefining goals, and the importance of finding purpose in later life stages. David also discusses the transition from product-focused conversations to coaching that fosters accountability and personal transformation. Throughout, David’s story exemplifies resilience, adaptability, and a lifelong commitment to self-improvement and helping others.

In this episode of The Most Fascinating Podcast in the World, Pat DiCerbo connects with John Haller, a lifelong friend and global leader at Convatec. From their shared roots in Galway, New York, to John’s journey to becoming a transformative leader, the conversation explores resilience, leadership, and purpose.John reflects on moving from Manhattan to Galway, his formative years in sports, and the humility he gained through wrestling. These lessons shaped his decision to attend West Point, where he developed a never-quit mindset and authentic leadership style through rigorous training and challenging experiences like jungle and Northern Warfare Schools.After serving in the Army, including a deployment during the Noriega crisis, John transitioned to a corporate career, eventually overseeing global operations at Stryker. He shares how fostering collaboration and respecting cultural differences enabled him to build high-performing teams. A pivotal decision not to pursue a higher role led him to explore new paths, culminating in his current position at Convatec.The episode highlights John’s dedication to relationships, personal growth, and leaving a legacy. He discusses meeting his wife, Claudia, raising their three children, and his reflections on living a life that inspires others. Pat and John emphasize the importance of service, resilience, and meaningful connections, offering timeless insights into leadership and purpose.

In this episode of "The Most Fascinating Podcast in the World," host Pat DiCerbo sits down with Wilford Clyde, Chairman of Clyde Companies. Wilford shares his journey of growing up around the family business, his decision to pursue accounting before a heartfelt conversation with his father led him back to the construction industry. He reflects on taking over the business at 30 and leading it through massive growth, from $250 million to over $2 billion. They discuss the challenges and rewards of leading a multi-generational family business, the future of construction, and the importance of strong values and relationships. Wilford also talks about his love for family, his passion for community service, and his thoughts on the future of America's infrastructure.