Interesting Humans with Jeff Hopeck

As the managing partner at Madrona Ventures and a Forbes Midas List member, Matt McIlwain knows a thing or two about spotting entrepreneurial gold. Sit down with us as Matt unravels the threads of passion, timing, and visionary thinking that mark the trailblazers leading tomorrow's industries. His journey reveals how the art of early-stage investing isn't just about funding—it's about forging relationships with found...

Meet Austin Smith, the 19-year-old trailblazer who hung up his baseball mitt to polish his entrepreneurship skills in the auto-detailing business, Southern Detailing. Our dialogue with Austin takes you through the crucial moments that propelled him from the sports field into the driver's seat of his own venture, examining the profound influence of his entrepreneurial father and the heart-led decision to pivot from academia to ...

Have you ever considered that your most mundane daily habits might be shaping your life's direction more profoundly than your most passionate beliefs? This week's conversation with Justin Whitmel Earley, author of "Habits of the Household," unpacks this intriguing possibility. Justin's journey from a shoeless punk rocker to a corporate lawyer and parent, alongside his missionary work and eye-opening experie...

Join Jeff Hopeck as he talks with psychotherapist and author, Gay Hendricks.  This episode takes us on an enlightening journey, diving into personal stories of overcoming adversity, breaking free from the shackles of self-sabotage, and the profound moments that illuminate our true path and purpose. Gay's candor about his transformative experiences is not just inspiring—it's a roadmap for all who seek to unlock their full ...

Join Jeff Hopeck as he talks with Jennifer Dickenson, a 12 year survivor of glioblastoma brain cancer.  When you hear Jennifer's voice, you can't help but feel the weight of her cancer and healing journey, that she's emerged from with a vigor for life that's utterly contagious.

This episode is a tapestry of resilience and rebirth, woven by Jennifer's own hands, as she unveils the raw moments of he...

Step into the oversized shoes of a former SEC school mascot with Michael Young as he recounts a world where fierce loyalties and hilarious standoffs were the norm. As Michael peels back the mascot mask, he presents us with a playful yet disciplined side of college sports, one that demands creativity, commitment, and the agility to handle the heat of both the suit and the spotlight.

Have you ever wondered what goes into th...

Prepare to be moved by the extraordinary life of Michael Goodroe, a man who has shattered the barriers of  autism to emerge as a published author and third-degree black belt. From being told he would never speak, to becoming a voice of inspiration for many, Michael's determination and the support of his family have led him to an incredible life story.

In our latest episode, Michael opens up about his early years of c...

Embark on a remarkable journey with our guest, James Boron, a trauma and burn surgeon whose life story is as compelling as the cases he's encountered in the ER. James opens up about the emotional and physical challenges that have defined his path from a military family upbringing to the high-stakes world of trauma surgery. 

We hear the raw and often unspoken truths about treating gunshot wounds, the complex process of...

At just 38, Josh Nelson hung up his work boots for good, but the road to early retirement was anything but conventional. From living almost broke in Hawaii to becoming a pivotal player in Zoom's explosive IPO, Josh's story is a masterclass in resilience.

Strap in, as we bring you a conversation that's as enlightening as it is extraordinary, revealing how a man's tenacity and adaptability turned life&ap...

In this episode of Interesting Humans, we meet Joane and Michael Goodrow, and hear of their remarkable journey with their son, Michael. At 4 years old, Michael was diagnosed with an Autism, which would severely impact his ability to communicate and attend school. Despite multiple doctors giving bleak predictions for their son's future, the Goodrows persevered and discovered a different path. 

Today, their son, Michael...

In this episode of Interesting Humans, host interviews Nick McKinley, a former CIA operator turned founder and CEO of Deliver Fund, a leading organization in counter human trafficking. Nick shares his personal and professional journey, from being an orphan to serving in the U.S. Air Force and CIA, to finally finding his purpose in fighting human trafficking. 

He discusses the intersection of his personal and professional p...

In this episode of Interesting Humans, Jeff Hopeck interviews Dr. Brett Silverman, an accomplished dentist in Alpharetta, Georgia. Despite a challenging upbringing, Dr. Silverman overcame adversity and now owns a successful dental practice. He shares his inspiring story of going from living in his car as a teenager, challenging family circumstances, and fighting hard for his education.
 
Listeners will find motivation and i...

Step into the riveting world of sports broadcasting with podcast host Jeff Hopeck as he sits down with the legendary Nick Cellini, the dynamic voice behind the mic at 680 The Fan in Atlanta.

Get ready for a rollercoaster ride through Nick’s illustrious career as he unveils the secrets behind his success, including the cherished memories of bonding over sports with his father, a passion that has fueled his journey for over three deca...

In this episode of Interesting Humans, Jeff Hopeck interviews Tony Villani, the president and founder of XPE Sports. Tony shares his journey from being a personal trainer to training elite NFL athletes. 

He talks about his persistence in breaking into the industry and how a pickup game against Dr. J changed everything. Tony also discusses his upbringing and his dad's influence on his life and career. 

Don&apo...

In this episode of the Interesting Humans podcast, host Jeff Hopeck sits down with Randy Cross, a former NFL player and CBS Sports broadcaster. 

Randy shares his journey from being drafted in the second round to winning three Super Bowl rings with Joe Montana. They also discuss Randy's passion for family and where he is at now in life. 

Tune in to hear more about Randy's fascinating life and career.
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In this episode of Interesting Humans, Jeff Hopeck interviews JP Hesford, a retired Marine Corps Lieutenant Colonel, former F-18 pilot, and retired diplomat with the State Department. 

JP shares stories from his career, including a thrilling moment when he narrowly avoided a collision with an F-16 while in mid-air combat. 

Tune in to hear about JP's journey to becoming a pilot and his experiences in the milit...

In this episode of Interesting Humans, Jeff Hopeck interviews Erik Evans, a 20 year old race car driver who has been chasing his passion for speed since the age of 15. 

Erik shares his thrilling journey, from his first karting race where he set a track record, to winning local championships and then becoming the 2023 British GT4 Champion. 

Despite facing challenges, Erik's determination, natural ability, and ...

In this episode of Interesting Humans, host Jeff Hopeck is joined by special guest John Bardis. Jeff introduces John as a role model, advisor, friend, and mentor, and expresses his excitement for this special episode.

They discuss John's achievements, such as his passion and philanthropic efforts to help US veterans, working with the US olympic wrestling team, executive producing the documentary movie Mully, and his ...

In this week’s episode, join Jeff Hopeck as he talks to Keith Wilmot, founder of Ignitor Group.  Keith discusses his career experiences with Ocean Spray, Brock’s Candies, Pfizer, and Coca-Cola.  

He gets into some incredible stories of inspiring and motivating companies to innovate, including an encounter with a 600 lbs Siberian tiger! Keith also highlights the significance of company culture and how it can be a determinin...