I Took a Hike

Ever wondered how the wilderness of business and the intricacies of life weave together to form a tapestry of experience worth sharing? Join me, Darren Mass, as I walk the path less traveled with Michael Crotty, the former COO and CFO of Paramount Global Premium Group, and unravel the stories that shaped his illustrious career in the media industry. Our conversation is a treasure map of insights, leading through his involvement wit...

Have you ever wondered what it takes to turn scraps into a successful empire while navigating personal and industry challenges? Join me, Darren Mass, as I embark on a revealing hike through Wachung Reservation with Jeremy Royzen, a mastermind in precious metals recycling. This episode peels back the curtain on the raw, sometimes treacherous journey of entrepreneurship, inviting you to witness firsthand how discipline, diversificati...

Embark on a journey through the professional networking wilderness with your trail guide Darren Mass and the LinkedIn sage Joe Apfelbaum, as we traverse the pivotal landscape of digital influence. We unfurl the map to achieving a standout presence on LinkedIn, revealing the artistry behind setting SMART goals, generating captivating content, and fostering robust connections. Joe's mastery sheds light on the nuances of navigati...

When the colors of a painter's palette blend with the hues of life's rich tapestry, remarkable stories emerge. Join us as we step into the studio of Ricardo Royg, a maestro of the art world known for his hand-cut paper stencil screen-printing prowess. In a candid heart-to-heart, Ricardo unveils the emotional landscape that accompanies the creation and parting of his artwork, revealing the pieces that he holds too dear to ...

As the leaves in Central Park whispered their secrets, I found myself walking beside the remarkable Nadia Carta, a beacon of hope and transformation whose life's tapestry is woven with threads of liberation, ambition, and the sheer power of technology. Nadia, with her roots in Sardinia and branches reaching high in the New York skyline through her roles at Google and as the entrepreneurial mind behind Sparkier Zeal and 99 Huma...

When was the last time you hit a trail, both metaphorically and literally, to discover the heart of entrepreneurship and the spirit of persistence? This episode, we trek alongside Nat Berman, CEO of Uncoached Corp, whose journey from a disenchanted recruiter to a dedicated entrepreneur is a testament to the grit required to forge a path of your own. Climb with us through his early days of blogging, where platforms like Blogspot wer...

Embark on a captivating journey with me, Darren Mass, accompanied by the brilliant Adam Posner, founder of NHP Talent Group and podcasting maven. Together, we unravel the complex tapestry of entrepreneurship and the podcast universe, providing an intimate look into the resilience born from career setbacks. Adam's candid retellings from his exit from VaynerMedia fuels our discussion on the transformative nature of adversity, re...

Ever wonder what it's like to stroll through the palisades while chatting with a university president? Well, prepare to experience just that as we journey with Dr. David Munson, the president of Rochester Institute of Technology. Our engaging conversation meanders through the twists and turns of his remarkable career, from his time at the University of Illinois and the University of Michigan to his current role at RIT, reflect...

Ever hiked with a world-class violinist? Picture yourself climbing the challenging Reeves Brook Trail, accompanied by none other than the vibrant Daisy Jopling, a classical and rock violinist and a human symphony of inspiration. As we ascend, Daisy’s stories of her artistic lineage, her passionate journey into the world of music, and her admirable ventures in mentorship resonate with the beauty of the environment around us. She bri...

Ever wondered what it's like to transition from a high-flying corporate career to a fulfilling role in public service? Well, you're about to find out. Join us as we sit down with Shelly Brindle, the mayor of Westfield, New Jersey, and former executive at HBO. Our conversation is an illuminating look at her journey from a single-parent home to the C-suite at HBO, and eventually to her mission of making a difference in her ...

You might know Garrett Vogel as the on-air producer for the Elvis Durant Show, but there's more to his story than meets the ear. Tune in as we embark on a metaphorical, and quite literal, hike with him. We'll uncover the tales behind his red-carpet encounters, the backstory to his Staten Island roots, and the way he navigates his everyday life with Type 1 Diabetes. Expect laughs, candid insights, and a fair share of bugs ...

Ever wondered about the resilience it takes to succeed as a young entrepreneur? Diving headfirst into the world of business can be a wild ride, fraught with both success and failure. Join us as we converse with Pete Dario, an inspiring Filipino-American entrepreneur who successfully navigated a unique journey from a youthful spirit flipping candy bars, to the proud owner of Terrace Plant Shop.

Life threw a curveball at Pet...

Are you ready to embark on an introspective journey with us? Strap in for an intense conversation with successful business advisor and CEO coach, John Furth. We traverse a multitude of issues, from the imposter syndrome and self-reflection to overcoming anxiety during the pandemic. In this unique session of hiking and coaching, John even reveals a deeply personal secret that will leave you astounded.

As we dig deeper into ...

Listen in as we venture on an enlightening journey with Andrew Ruditser, the trailblazing co-founder of MaxBurst. He opens up about his unique experience growing up as a first-gen American from Russia, his early passion for computers, and his journey to entrepreneurship. He shares insightful lessons on the importance of valuing one's own time, the value of having a firm business agreement, and how he navigated his path from co...

Who knew a career pivot could lead to mastering the dynamic world of marketing? It worked for Brooklyn-born Mark Friedman. Step into our journey as we explore Mark’s thrilling transition from the gritty world of accounting to becoming a marketing maven after being asked to invest $3 million in a budding catalog company during the late 80s boom. An era where there was no room for the faint-hearted. Join us as he recounts his growth,...