I Took a Hike

Imagine facing the vicious cycle of addiction, where every day is a fight for survival, overshadowed by the looming threat of relapse or worse. Daniel Regan's gripping narrative details a plunge into the underworld of drugs, from his early days of experimentation to the misery of rock bottom. Our season finale walks you through Daniel's ascent from these depths, guided by the unwavering...

How often do you pause to ponder the meaning woven into the 'dash between the dates' on a tombstone? Join us and our esteemed guest, Scott MacGregor, as we traverse the profound landscapes of entrepreneurship, personal growth, and the pursuit of a life rich with purpose. Scott, a CEO and author with a penchant for defying the status quo, reveals his philosophy on life's fleeting nat...

Ready to take an invigorating hike during the freeze of a winter in Central Park - Alongside the last CEO of Blockbuster Jim Keyes? Our topics include: The Freedom of Education  The Climb from Impoverished Beginnings Leading Mega Brand 7-Eleven to Gas Station Sushi? The REAL Story Behind Blockbuster In this episode, host Darren Mass joined by Jim Keyes, they reflect on humble beginnings to leading...

When history major turned business titan Rob Basso wrapped his resume in a sandwich to score job interviews, little did he know it was just the appetizer for an extraordinary entrepreneurial feast. Journey with us as Rob recounts his flavorful tales of launching ventures, the emotional weight of selling them, and the fulfilling yet challenging dance of work-life balance. His candid anecdotes serve...

Scaling the rugged terrain of Breakneck Ridge, I found myself in the inspiring company of Ben Thompson, CEO of Treble Health and viral YouTube personality. Our ascent into both the physical and metaphorical high points of life's journey revealed Ben's transformation from audiology doctor to a trailblazing figure in the telehealth landscape. Amidst our climb, Ben shared tales of his famil...

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,...

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 firs...

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 she...

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 th...

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 mi...

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...

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 tra...

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...

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...

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 mis...

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...

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. Lif...

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 astound...

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, an...

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....

Get ready for an exhilarating journey with former CEO Kenny Heitner and yours truly, as we scale the metaphorical heights of managing a multi-partner business and bravely spelunk into the depths of networking and corporate culture. Drawn from Kenny's vast personal experience, we embark on a challenging path paved with long-term partnerships, the art of selling a company, and the life-altering...

On a bright sunny afternoon, I found myself on a hike with the creative genius, Jason Ellinger, co-founder of Beard & Bowler Productions. We journeyed both physically and metaphorically, delving into Jason's inspiring journey in the world of video production. He warmly enlightened us with stories from his high school days, filming basketball games, to his college days dabbling in the medi...

Hold on to your hiking boots as we take an exhilarating trek with Mitchell Slater, a trailblazing podcaster, captivating storyteller, and an accidental financial mentor. Mitch's profound love for acting, music, and his nostalgic tales from the '60s and '70s provide a delightful backdrop to his fascinating journey. From an actor with a flair for the dramatic to a respected financial...

Listen in as we hike alongside the entrepreneurial trailblazer, Bob Wisse, the founding member of Priceline, on a journey through his remarkable life and career. This conversation takes us through Bob's mother's harrowing tale of survival during WWII, her inspiring journey to America, and the work ethic she instilled in him from a young age. As we explore Bob's early ventures, from...

Ready to step into the shoes of a business titan? Join us as we navigate the inspiring journey of Michael Malgiere, a towering figure in the flooring industry. From opening a restaurant at 19 to weathering the storm of 9/11, we, your hosts, guide you through Michael's strategic pivot to starting a flooring business, and his unique ability to communicate in multiple languages—a key differentia...