Kevin Treanor’s professional life grew beyond anything he ever imagined. From turning wrenches to running some of the toughest stores in retail, he rose to become a multi-unit manager—all within two miles of where he grew up. Along the way, he and his brother Joe worked side by side for more than 30 years, building careers and memories together.

Kevin’s story includes moments of challenge and resilience: being there for first responders on 9/11 with the gear and batteries they needed, facing the devastating loss of his brother to cancer, and living through the unimaginable tragedy of his daughter Harley’s drowning. But it’s also a story of how he found the road back, lifted by the people who showed up for him, and how those experiences shaped him into a beacon of empathy and strength for others.

In this conversation, Kevin reflects on the lessons of retail, the people who mattered most, and how tragedy transformed him into someone who not only survived but continues to give back.

In this episode, I sit down with my son, Will Dunn, whose love for the game began on traveling basketball teams in Minnesota and has carried him all the way to the NBA as an Assistant Coach with the Houston Rockets.

We talk about the grind of youth basketball, the path through college and early coaching stops, and the relentless work it takes to earn a place on an NBA bench. Will shares the lessons he’s learned from mentors, the realities of life inside the Rockets organization, and the deeper values that keep him grounded in a high-stakes environment.

This is more than just a story about basketball—it’s about resilience, growth, and pursuing a dream until it becomes reality.

In this episode, I sit down with Kenny Miller, whose story is as much about grit as it is about grace. At just 22 years old, what began as a stubborn cold spiraled into something unthinkable—within three weeks, Kenny was diagnosed with a cancerous tumor in his chest. The fight that followed tested his resilience and permanently reshaped his priorities.

From his early days in retail at Best Buy to building a thriving landscaping business from scratch, Kenny’s path has been defined by bold choices. When he was laid off in 2016, with a mortgage and little margin for error, he decided to gamble on himself—buying equipment on credit and turning a side hustle into a multi-million-dollar operation with a growing team. Along the way, he found love, welcomed a daughter after a difficult fertility journey, and came to see each day as a blessing.

This is a conversation about the moments when it’s easier to play it safe but more rewarding to bet on yourself. Kenny reminds us that the greatest measure of success isn’t just what you build—it’s how you live, love, and appreciate the second chances life gives you.

In this episode, I sit down with LaKesha Ransom, whose path has taken her from the Midwest to Bangkok, Thailand. Recruited by a multinational, LaKesha shares what it’s really like to build a life abroad—with passion, humor, and an eye for the unexpected.

We talk about navigating expat life, living through COVID in Thailand, and even her take on White Lotus (she insists Season 3 hit the nail on the head). I could have talked with her for hours and hope to have her back.

I think you’ll enjoy this conversation every bit as much as I did.

You remember that first school assignment in September—“Write about what you did on your summer vacation”? Well, this is my grown-up version. No loose-leaf paper, no red pen in the margins—just me sharing the stories, surprises, and lessons from an unforgettable stretch of summer.This year, my “vacation” wasn’t just about rest—it was about connection, adventure, and a few moments that I know I’ll carry with me for a lifetime. From teeing off on legendary golf courses with my sons in Ireland and Scotland, to unexpected encounters that reminded me how small and wonderful the world can be, this summer left me both grateful and changed.So in this episode, I’ll take you along for the ride—not just to tell you where I went, but why it mattered.

Episode 22 – Bob Salvino: From Columbus to the Coral Coast: Leadership, Kangaroos, and Universal Truths.

In this episode of The Most Important Podcast Ever, I welcome back Dr. Guy Beaudin—trusted advisor, psychologist, and one of the wisest voices I know on the subject of leadership. Our focus? The paradoxes that quietly shape every leader’s journey.

These aren’t lessons you’ll find in a training manual—but they might be the most important ones you’ll ever learn. Together, we unpack three tensions that show up early and often in leadership:

1.  Results matter—but behavior can derail you.
Strong performance might get you promoted, but your behavior determines whether others want to follow you. We explore the blind spots and habits that can quietly limit your growth—and how self-awareness changes the game.

2.  To stand out, shine the light on others.
Real leaders elevate the people around them. Guy and I reflect on how humility, generosity, and “dual promotion” can actually strengthen your impact—without chasing the spotlight.

3.  Let go of being right to move forward.
Sometimes leadership means surrendering your need to win the argument so the team can win together. We talk about how to recognize defensiveness, shift from ego to purpose, and lead with emotional maturity.

What emerges is a deeper truth: great leadership isn’t either/or—it’s both/and. Confidence and humility. Action and reflection. Visibility and service. The ability to hold these tensions is what separates good managers from great leaders.

This episode is grounded, personal, and full of real-world insight. Guy draws on his deep experience coaching leaders across industries, and I share some stories of my own—both wins and stumbles.

If you’re navigating the messy middle of leadership, this one’s for you.

🎧 Listen now and share what resonated with you. I’d love to hear your thoughts.

#TheMostImportantPodcastEver #LeadershipParadox #GratefulHeart #HeadHeartHands

Episode 20: Brad Weinreich – Fighting for Life, Fueled by Family, Faith, and the Incredible Power of a Grateful Heart

Brad Weinreich is living with stage 4 kidney failure. But this isn’t just a story about waiting for a transplant—it’s about accepting a brutal diagnosis, grieving what’s been lost, and choosing to fight anyway.

Brad opens up about the physical toll—battles with sepsis, exhaustion, and uncertainty—but also about the emotional and spiritual transformation this journey has demanded. He shares how his faith has deepened through suffering, and how clarity often comes in life’s most fragile moments.

He’s not alone. His wife Mindy—whom he rightfully calls heroic—his kids, friends, and even the family dog are all part of Team Brad. And in a remarkable act of generosity, a former colleague—Steve, featured in Episode 19—has stepped forward to donate a kidney and save his life.

This conversation is about resilience, family, faith—and the incredible power of a grateful heart.

“Changes in latitudes, changes in attitudes.” – Jimmy Buffett

From store remodels and tight deadlines to turquoise waters and open skies, Steve Dobovsky made a leap most only dream of. He sold everything, started from the hull up, became a dive master, and ultimately earned the title of captain in the Caribbean.

Along the way, he met Audrey Sykes—an accomplished Dive Instructor, creative force, and curator of stunning underwater photography. (You can catch glimpses of their life and adventures on Audrey’s beautifully curated Instagram feed.) Audrey also manages renowned artist Max Zorn, blending art and ocean into an unforgettable island life.

And now, Steve is doing something even more extraordinary: donating a kidney to save the life of a former colleague.

This is a story of bold choices, second chances, and the kind of character that reminds us what’s possible when we trust the horizon.

Episode 18 – Michael Voss: Communicating with Clarity, Wit, and Heart
Michael Voss knows how to find the right words—whether it’s leading global communications, co-authoring two sharp and satirical novels (BS Incorporated and Operation Clusterpuck), or hosting a town hall in front of thousands. For years, Michael stood beside me during major moments—helping shape the message and bring calm, humor, and purpose to the room.

In this episode, we flip the script. Michael joins me not just as a communications pro, but as a storyteller, satirist, and deeply thoughtful observer of workplace culture. We talk about the power of language to unite or divide, how to lead with authenticity, and why sometimes the funniest stories carry the deepest truths.

He also shares what inspired the novels, what he’s learned raising a family while managing a high-stakes career, and what leaders often miss when they try too hard to get it right.

🎧 Tune in for a conversation full of insight, candor, and a healthy dose of humor—about leadership, communication, and what really matters at work and in life.