Air and Opportunity

Our guest today brings energy, humor, honesty, and heart to everything he does. He is the founder and owner of Shew-sical Entertainment Services, a DJ of 27 years, and someone who has built a life around music, connection, and creating joy for others. He is also a father of four, a fan of funny t-shirts, food, dad jokes, and spreading cheer. But his story goes deeper than the music. In our convers...

Today, we have the privilege of welcoming someone who is not only very near and dear to me, but someone I deeply respect as a leader, mentor, and man of principle. From a young age, he has embodied the kind of work ethic, integrity, and discipline that people do not simply talk about — they live out every day. His career has been built around service, responsibility, and the commitment to helping...

In this powerful episode, multi-Emmy Award-winning filmmaker, husband, father of four, and founder of  88 Visuals  and  More Than ,  Brandon Chapman  reflects on the lessons he would share with his younger self. At 41, Brandon opens up about mental health, pride, faith, fatherhood, and the evolving meaning of manhood. He shares how believing in your potential, letting others into your journey, and...

In this special Mother’s Day episode of  Air & Opportunity , Chris and Dario sit down with three incredible women: Cynthia McKenna, Mary Ann Wood, and Alethea Kimmel. What started as a simple conversation quickly became a heartfelt trip down memory lane, filled with laughter, love, and unforgettable stories. It is never easy to fit a lifetime of memories into one hour, but this episode gave us...

Born in Honolulu, Hawai’i, and having lived in Hawai’i, Oregon, and Japan before moving to Maryland, he is now a 5th grader at Blue Heron Elementary where math is his favorite subject and he enjoys playing Roblox. He comes from an athletic family—his mom, Jill, an elementary art teacher, is an ultramarathoner and All-American runner from Georgetown University, his dad, Sean, is a Captain in the U....

Today’s guest is Reuben Kline—cyclist, entrepreneur, and founder of Bici Fitness and the Gran Fondo National Series. From mechanic to professional racer, his journey is built on mental toughness, resilience, relationships, and community—exploring the world one ride at a time. He’s also featured in the award-winning documentary  Ride the Divide . Reuben believes in healthy outlets, staying aligned...

Connor Bell is a DMV native who grew up in Germantown, Maryland. After attending Gonzaga College High School in Washington, D.C., he went on to the University of Maryland in College Park and later earned his graduate degree from the University of Florida. Connor spent six years working in college athletics as an NCAA football equipment manager, gaining a unique behind-the-scenes perspective on the...

Kevin Lollar is the Executive Director of the Housing Authority of the City of Frederick — and a living example that unconventional paths can still lead to meaningful leadership. A father of three sons and a lifelong meditator, Kevin shares how a high school dropout became a philosophy graduate of Hood College, earned his law degree from George Washington University, and built a career centered on...

A standout at the University of California, he was selected in the first round of the 1996 NFL Draft by the Minnesota Vikings and went on to play nearly a decade in the league with the Vikings, Kansas City Chiefs, and Cincinnati Bengals. Beyond the stats, Clemons’ story is one of resilience—staying focused and disciplined while navigating challenging environments and competing paths early in life....

Timika Thrasher serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the Boys & Girls Club of Frederick County, where she is deeply committed to empowering youth and strengthening local communities. A local business owner as well, she brings a practical, community-rooted perspective to leadership, focusing on safe, inclusive spaces that support youth development, and long-term success through mentorship,...

The Student Athlete Playbook: How to Master Mental Toughness and Balance School & Sports. He fell in 60% of his races. Now he’s a Captain. Here’s how. Freshman year, Chase Dejardin wiped out in 60% of his competitive ski races as a freshman. Most people would have quit after the third fall. Chase didn't. Now, he’s a Junior at Gonzaga College High School, XC Captain, National Honor Society memb...

In every episode, we have conversations with leaders, mentors, and role models who share their stories of resilience, guidance, and what it takes to elevate while relying on one another. Our mission is to empower the youth, especially those without strong male guidance to reclaim timeless values like chivalry, respect, and real confidence. Created by Dario and Chris, our mission is simple: help pe...

In this episode, we sit down with Coach Kurt Stein, Head Football Coach at Oakdale High School in Maryland — a leader known for building one of the state’s most respected high school football programs through perseverance, discipline, and vision. Coach Stein began his coaching career at Catoctin High School (2004–2009), where he served as Quarterbacks Coach and Head JV Coach. In 2009, his contribu...

Beau Traber Brings Leadership, Resilience, and Perspective to Air & Opportunity Podcast Frederick, MD — Beau Traber, a former Bucknell University football standout and community coach, joins Air & Opportunity Podcast to share his story of perseverance, leadership, and the power of relationships. Originally from Rochester, NY, Beau moved to Norman, Oklahoma for high school before earning a...

In this powerful conversation, we sit down with Todd Ermi, who shares the story of a life-altering medical experience that completely reshaped his outlook on life. What once defined success for him has taken on new meaning, centered less on achievement and more on purpose, gratitude, and impact. Through his journey, Todd opens up about the resilience it took to face uncertainty, the clarity he gai...