Episode 17 – Emily Peterson Boone: From Madonna Dreams to Stories That Matter

This week’s guest is Emily Peterson Boone—a filmmaker, creative leader, and president of Clever, a Minnesota-based content agency known for producing videos that connect with real people in real ways.

Emily’s love of video started early—back in high school, when she and her friend Becky made a Vogue-inspired submission for an MTV contest, hoping to win tickets to see Madonna. They didn’t win—but that project lit the fuse. She’s been telling stories through video ever since.

Today, she leads a team that helps brands bring their messages to life with clarity, humor, and humanity. In this conversation, we talk about Emily’s evolution from early content creator to executive, the making of her deeply personal HARD film series, and how video storytelling has changed inside corporate America.

And if there’s one thing she hopes you take away from this episode, it’s this:
“There’s a lot of work that goes into production and storytelling—surround yourself with good people, take the work seriously, but don’t take yourself too seriously. Enjoy the journey.”

🎥 Explore Emily’s work:

·       Clever Website

·       Clever Reel

·       HARD Series Trailer

·       HARD Episode – 1 of 5

·       Dalton’s Story

·       The Original Vogue Video – where it all began

Jeff Peterson is a true OG of retail—a leader whose fingerprints are all over the foundation of high-performing teams, operational excellence, and people-first leadership. In this conversation, Jeff and Brian look back on the wild, early days of Best Buy’s explosive growth, where Jeff played a key role not only in building teams but in bringing structure—developing one of the company’s first standard operating procedures during a time of organized chaos.

Jeff was instrumental in shaping Brian’s understanding of the retail P&L and the importance of aligning people and process with performance. Together, they reflect on what made those early teams so special: shared mission, mutual respect, and a relentless focus on doing the right thing for employees and customers alike.

Now retired from the grind but still sharp and passionate, Jeff offers thoughtful observations on today’s leadership landscape. He voices concern about the rise of performative leadership—not just in retail, but across the business world—and calls for a return to authenticity, consistency, and values-driven action.

He also reminds us that leadership doesn’t stop when the career chapter closes. Giving back, mentoring, and helping others rise remain part of the job.

Episode 15 – Jay Pivec: Coaching, Character, and the Book of Piv

This week’s guest is Coach Jay Pivec—a basketball coaching legend, mentor to many, and now, author of The Book of Piv: All Stories Are As True As They Need to Be.

Jay’s career spans decades on the court, but his true impact has always been off of it—shaping lives, building character, and telling stories that stick.

The Book of Piv is more than a memoir. It’s just as much a leadership manual as it is a collection of coaching tales. With thoughtful notes at the end of each chapter, it becomes an effective and actionable primer on how to lead—with purpose, humility, and a sharp sense of humor.

In this episode, we talk about the power of storytelling, the responsibility of leadership, and why the best coaches—and leaders—don’t just teach the game. They teach the person.

Episode 14 – Earl Allen: Running Toward Mental Health
Since October 1st, 2010, Earl Allen has laced up his shoes and hit the road—every single day. As of June 9th, 2025, he’s logged 50,574.13 miles, averaging 24 to 28 miles a day.

Rain or shine, snow or ice, ache or pain, Earl runs. But he’s not running away from anything—he’s running towardsomething: his mental health. One step, one stride, one mile at a time, Earl has found peace, clarity, and healing on the road.

In this episode, Earl shares the why behind his discipline, the mental battles he’s won, and what thousands of miles have taught him about resilience, identity, and the quiet strength it takes to just keep going.

This isn’t just a story about running. It’s a story about choosing to stay in the fight—with heart, grit, and shoes that never rest.

You are not alone.
If you or someone you love is struggling, here are some helpful resources:

• NAMI – National Alliance on Mental Illness: Support, education, and advocacy for individuals and families affected by mental illness.
• Mental Health Minnesota: Free mental health screenings, peer support, and connection to care.
• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 for 24/7, confidential crisis support.
• Face It Foundation: Support for men dealing with depression—offering groups, coaching, and community.
• Still I Run: A running community promoting mental health awareness and support through movement.
• Mile in My Shoes: Builds community and transformation through running with people experiencing homelessness or other barriers.
• Twin Cities In Motion: Hosts inclusive running events that promote mental and physical well-being.

Episode 13 – Tony Sagastume: Reinvention, Winning, and the Evolution of a Leader

Tony Sagastume’s retail journey began at the ground floor—literally. From driving forklifts at the original Price Club in 1983 to executive roles at Macy’s, Best Buy, and beyond, Tony has spent decades learning, leading, and most of all—teaching.

In this episode, Tony shares the full arc of his story: the lessons from warehouse floors, the pressure and politics of corporate life, the mentors who shaped him, and the evolution from boss to servant leader. He opens up about the painful moments that taught him the most, and the thrill of building high-performing, competitive teams that loved to win—and did.

You’ll hear how Tony went from retail rookie to media darling, how he led with humility and accountability, and how he’s now channeling a lifetime of wisdom into his own venture, Smart Fox, helping others grow through consulting and e-commerce.

Tony’s story is a masterclass in reinvention, resilience, and the human side of leadership. Whether you’re managing a team or starting from scratch, this one is for anyone who believes in the power of people—and the joy of winning together.

#gratefulheart #leadershipjourney #retailstories #reinvention #servantleadership #winningmatters

Episode 12 – Heidi Pearce: The Words That Matter MostHeidi Pearce is more than a gifted communicator—she’s a truth-teller with heart. In this episode, we revisit the journey of someone I was lucky enough to work closely with during some of the most critical years of my career. From her early days in sports media at the University of Wisconsin to being a key player on the communications team at Best Buy and now Cracker Barrel, Heidi’s path is shaped by empathy, authenticity, and a willingness to care deeply.We talk about what it means to carry forward lessons from one chapter to the next, the irreplaceable bond between mother and daughter, and the serendipitous love story that started with a last-minute flight to Florida—and ended with a life forever changed.This one is personal. It’s about career, connection, and those quiet moments when you realize you’re exactly where you’re meant to be.🎧 Listen in to hear:What she learned traveling the country for 100+ town hallsHow empathy became her superpowerA remarkable story of rescue, love, and unexpected beginningsThe truth about writing—and the self-doubt that comes with itIf you've ever wondered whether words can change a life, this conversation is for you.

Bonus Episode – Rev. J. Dan Renfro: Grace in Action

After the raw and powerful conversation in Episode 11, we knew there was more to say.

In this bonus episode, Rev. J. Dan Renfro shares the work he’s doing now—on the streets, in the margins, wherever people are hurting and hungry. This is the grace that came out of the ashes. This is purpose forged in pain.

Dan’s not building a ministry from a pulpit—he’s building it from lived experience. And the way he shows up for people? It’s nothing short of remarkable.

This is what grace in action looks like.

Episode 11 – Rev. J. Dan Renfro: From Rock Bottom to RedemptionWelcome to Episode 11 of The Most Important Podcast Ever with BJD. This one is raw.J. Dan Renfro and I go way back—we worked together during my time in Ohio, but lost touch over the years. Then, two years after my wife passed away, I was in a season of sleepless nights. One early morning, around 4 a.m., I found myself scrolling through my feed, and there he was—Rev. J. Dan Renfro—preaching a sunrise sermon live.I dropped a comment. He saw it. And in real time, he called me out by name and welcomed me into his virtual congregation. That moment sparked a reconnection—and led to this conversation.What unfolded is a gripping, unfiltered look at Dan’s life: a story shaped by deep struggle, addiction, loss, and hard choices—but also by grit, grace, and radical transformation. This isn’t a polished tale. It’s not easy listening. It’s real.Dan doesn’t preach from a distance—he walks alongside the broken because he’s been there. He speaks with the kind of honesty that only comes from surviving what could have ended him.We talked for 48 minutes before pressing pause—and we weren’t done.Bonus episode coming shortly.

Episode 10 – Michael Trenony: From Invisble Wound to Hope-Dealer
What happens when a moment of trauma makes you believe you’re no longer worthy of love—or even of being seen? In this powerful episode, Michael Traboni shares his remarkable journey from a childhood trauma he kept hidden for decades to a life of purpose, healing, and service.

Michael and Brian first crossed paths in a Best Buy store in the late '90s, sparking a decades-long connection built on honesty and heart. But behind Michael’s sharp insights and humor was a deep, unresolved pain—one that nearly destroyed him from the inside out. It wasn’t until he was caring for his dying father that something cracked open. In the quiet hours of the night, a final sermon changed everything.

Michael talks candidly about becoming an “actor” in his own life, battling intrusive thoughts, and finally surrendering to a calling greater than himself. Now armed with a degree in clinical mental health and a heart on fire, he’s building Capture the Sparks, a ranch for people battling trauma, addiction, and shame—a place to break chains and ignite healing.

This conversation is a testament to the human spirit, the power of being seen, and the profound transformation that happens when we stop hiding and start serving. Michael reminds us all: you are not ordinary—you are a masterpiece.

Episode 9: Leadership is an Inside Job – with Dr. Guy Beaudin

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Guy Beaudin, a senior partner at RHR International and a globally respected industrial psychologist who has spent decades advising C-suite leaders across industries. I first met Guy nearly 30 years ago when he was brought in to work with my team—and more pointedly, with me. What began as an uneasy partnership quickly grew into one of the most impactful relationships of my professional life. Guy became not just a trusted advisor but a dear friend.

We talk about what it really takes to lead in today’s complex, uncertain world—and why true leadership often begins with an intense journey inward. Guy shares powerful insights from his work with top executives navigating turning points, and offers guidance for any leader willing to confront their blind spots and lead with clarity and courage.

This conversation is personal, practical, and packed with wisdom. From the boardroom to the heart, this one goes deep.

🎧 Streaming now wherever you get your podcasts and on YouTube.

#Leadership #TheMostImportantPodcastEverWithBJD #GratefulHeart