On this episode, Jeff sits down with Scott Frauenheim, CEO of LEAP Innovations and Distinctive Schools, to talk about how personalized learning, AI, and classroom design are reshaping education. Scott explains the difference between public, private, and charter schools, why so many teachers are burning out, and how LEAP partners with schools to make learning more engaging and relevant for today’s digital-native students. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or just curious about where school is headed, this conversation offers a clear look at the future of education.

When Pat Girondi’s son was diagnosed with thalassemia, a rare and often fatal blood disorder, his life changed overnight. A former commodities trader and South Side Chicago native, Pat left everything behind to search for a cure—eventually founding San Rocco Therapeutics, a company now leading the fight to make gene therapy more affordable. In this conversation, he shares how a father’s determination became a global mission, the obstacles of battling big pharma, and the hope that’s driving the next wave of medical breakthroughs.

In this candid and unfiltered sit-down, Marco Piemonte opens up about his real story—from a turbulent childhood, military school and lost identity as an athlete, to building a family, thriving in the car business and card-collecting world, and navigating the highs and lows of sports betting. Marco pulls back the curtain on the life events that shaped him, the hustle that drives him, and the lessons learned on fatherhood, business, and giving back.

To donate to Jeff's campaign visit: https://charity.pledgeit.org/CalsAngelsCUREage2025Ride/@JeffreyKohl

On the latest episode, Jeff sits down with Brad Beetham, board chairman of Cal’s Angels, to talk about the organization’s incredible mission to grant wishes, raise awareness, and fund groundbreaking pediatric cancer research. Brad shares the story of how Cal’s Angels began, his own family’s journey through childhood cancer, and the impact their CUREage Ride fundraiser has made over the years. From cross-country treks to this year’s 450-mile challenge, Brad explains how every mile is dedicated to the kids and families fighting the toughest battles of their lives.

#CalsAngels #PediatricCancerAwareness #CUREageRide

Former NFL tight end Clay Harbor sits down with Jeff Kohl and Pat Schiller for an unfiltered conversation on his incredible journey. From growing up in small-town Illinois and overcoming a turbulent childhood to carving out a nine-year NFL career, Clay opens up about perseverance, sacrifice, and the drive that pushed him forward. He shares inside stories from the league, what it was like competing for a spot on the roster, the tough reality of injuries, and how a stint on The Bachelorette unexpectedly shaped his post-football path. Plus, the guys swap memories from training at Extreme Speed, moving from trailers to the NFL, and what it means to keep grinding after setbacks.

#ClayHarbor #NFL #SportsPodcast #ChicagoSports #UnderdogStory #Resilience #TheBachelorette #BachelorNation #TightEnd #PhiladelphiaEagles #JacksonvilleJaguars #NewEnglandPatriots #DetroitLions #ChicagoBears #FromHumbleBeginnings #Grind #Discipline #Mindset #CHSN #TheCharter

Jeff sits down with Jake Richard, head coach of Marquette Lacrosse and former Team USA gold medalist, to unpack an incredible journey of leadership, resilience, and legacy. From his humble beginnings as a multi-sport athlete on the East Coast to becoming an All-American, pro lacrosse player, and now mentor to the next generation, Jake shares powerful lessons on family, discipline, and the pursuit of greatness. He opens up about his professional career, his time with Team USA, the evolution of pro lacrosse, and how building culture and serving others have shaped his life on and off the field.

Attorney and lifelong problem-solver Pat Walsh sits down with Jeff Kohl for a conversation about life in and out of the courtroom. From handling high-stakes cases and late night emergency calls to coaching youth baseball and dad jokes, Walsh explains why helping people is his true high. They break down why lawyers get a bad reputation, how relationships and trust are everything in business, and why consistent hard work is the secret to success.

Rainy Investments CEO Ken Buckman joins Jeff Kohl and Pat Schiller for a deep dive into what it really means to be an entrepreneur. From his early days selling bikes in Naperville to building a multimillion-dollar trade show business and real estate empire, Ken shares decades of hard-earned lessons, near-disasters, and wild wins. The guys talk mentorship, surviving financial crises, turning tax problems into profits, and the not-so-glamorous truth about entrepreneurship.

Welcome to Episode One of The Plug — where the audio’s rough, the plan’s half-baked, and we’re figuring it out as we go.

We kick things off with my first guest (and now co-host), Pat Schiller — a former NFL linebacker turned construction entrepreneur and my unexpected business partner. We dive into how The Plug came to be, Pat’s path from pro football to pouring concrete, and how our friendship evolved into a full-blown business venture—without much of a blueprint.

It’s raw, a little chaotic, and 100% us. Let’s build this thing together.

#plug #construction #nfl #networking #entrepreneurship #business #realestate #football #friends #podcastlaunch #wealthbuilding #tattoos #failures #johnDeere #humor #Jeff #Pat