Wide Open

Our guest this evening is Stacey Gersten , a senior Vice President at Burns Entertainment . Stacey has crafted a stellar career in marketing partnerships . She has mastered working with celebrities , athletes and influencers in maximizing her client's projects. We will explore her career pathway from the University of Texas to her position at Burns Entertainment. A must listen !!

We are pleased to have Dr. Alan Tissenbaum on our Wide Open Podcast. His

exuberance about life and his success as a board certified Orthopedic surgeon, father ,

husband and world - class sprinter are evident in our discussions. Topics highlighted are athlete development, advances

in orthopedic techniques, parenting and graceful aging. An episode not to miss.

Wide Open welcomes Rebekah Hogan, an entrepreneur and life coach to the podcast. Rebekah is known for her company, MarkahVida, which is centered around guiding clients in defining success on their own terms, free from external expectations. In this episode, she shares her perspective on how social media can create emotional challenges and emphasizes the importance of self-love. Check out this episode to hear Rebekah offer profound wisdom while sharing her inspiring journey.

The podcast is back with an incredible guest, Christina Merrill. She is the founder and CEO of the Bone Marrow and Cancer Foundation. Together the panel talks about the world of medical philanthropy and what it takes to run an organization that so many people have come to rely on.

In this episode with General James McConville, former Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army, we reflect on the importance of effective leadership for today's challenges. From building cohesive teams to the importance of integrity and moral courage, General McConville discusses key principles that define effective leadership in any setting. Discover how caring for your team can foster loyalty and success, and gain valuable lessons applicable to both military and civilian leadership roles. Don’t miss this episode filled with wisdom and actionable advice from one of America’s top military leaders.

In this Episode Matt Futtermnan, a seasoned sports journalist at The Athletic and veteran sports journalist with The New York Times, explores the evolution of tennis from its golden era to the era of Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic dominance. Learn about his journey as a passionate journalist, from childhood memories to professional coverage of the sport. We also discuss important insights such as college tennis, NCAA regulations, and the profound impact of trailblazers like Billie Jean King for aspiring professional players. Don't miss out on this episode for a deeper understanding of tennis's past, present, and future.

In this episode, Ted Seides, founder of the Capital Allocators podcast, reflects on his transition from finance to podcasting. He shares lessons from interviews with Warren Buffett and Michael Milken, discusses handling political divides in investments, and emphasizes balancing family and career amidst personal challenges. Ted highlights the importance of resilience against social media pressures and finds motivation in gratitude for his opportunities, blending academia with real-world applications to create meaningful content for his audience.

In this episode, seasoned author and educator, Jim Cullen shares insights from his teaching experience, emphasizing the importance of resilience in facing challenges and fostering critical thinking skills in students. We delve into broader societal issues, examining the sustainability of the two-party political system in the United States through historical lenses, such as the perspectives of Alexander Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson.

The conversation also explores Jim's journey in writing “Bridges and Tunnel Boys”, discussing the musical influences of Billy Joel and Bruce Springsteen. From innovative teaching experiences to exploring the creative process, Jim's reflections offer insights into navigating education, history, and culture in today's world.

In this episode, we welcome Danny Meyer, founder of Shake Shack and renowned figure in the food and hospitality industry. We dive into Meyer's extensive career trajectory, from his early days founding Union Square Café to his current status as a hospitality icon, the conversation goes into motivations behind Meyer's entrepreneurial journey. Reflecting on his 27-year-old self when he opened his first restaurant, Meyer shares his experience with imposter syndrome and the drive to prove himself, citing a need to succeed that has been a driving force throughout his life.

Meyer expands on his formative years and the influence of his family, particularly his experience at Trinity College and the challenges he faced with academic pressure. Despite initial setbacks in his educational journey, Meyer's determination to prove himself led him to excel in various endeavors, eventually finding his passion in the restaurant industry. Emphasizing the importance of hospitality and the cultivation of a winning team, Meyer shares insights into his leadership philosophy, which prioritizes the well-being and development of his staff. He emphasizes emotional intelligence and hospitality as essential components of success, alongside technical proficiency. Meyer's candid reflections offer valuable lessons on resilience, leadership, and the transformative power of hospitality in both business and life.

In this episode, our hosts delve into the remarkable journey of Dr. Joanne Berger-Sweeney, the accomplished president of Trinity College. The conversation navigates through her very rich career path and expertise in science, education, and healthcare. Reflecting on her upbringing, Dr. Berger-Sweeney highlights the pivotal role her parents played in shaping her success, despite being faced with the sudden loss of her mother at the age of 17.

The conversation also extends to her early career research on the drug galantamine, which is the second-most used drug for treating Alzheimer's disease. Through the discussion of public health and education, Dr. Berger-Sweeney shares her vision for a more accessible future in education, advocating for a crucial societal shift toward government-funded education to alleviate financial burdens on individuals. This nuanced conversation provides listeners with insights into Dr. Berger-Sweeney’s influential contributions in science, education, and public health—a must-listen for those intrigued by the diversity of topics and the transformative journey of a successful leader.