Because This Matters

Because This Matters set out to explore how values take shape—and become action—through the experiences that define our lives. Nine conversations later, recurring themes began to emerge. Across conversations with musicians, educators, military operators, nonprofit founders, advocates, and business leaders, three values surfaced again and again: compassion, humility, and relationships. In this firs...

A professional musician, educator, mentor, and co-founder of Guitars Over Guns, Chad has dedicated his career to helping young people discover possibilities beyond the circumstances they were born into. What began as a conversation between musicians and youth in a juvenile detention center grew into a nationally recognized organization serving thousands of students through music, mentorship, and c...

Dr. Heather Baker knows how quickly life can change. After surviving sudden cardiac arrest, Heather found herself asking questions far deeper than emergency preparedness or public policy. What do we owe one another? How do we lead when we know life is fragile? And what matters enough to dedicate our lives to protecting? Today, Heather is an elementary school principal, researcher, educator, and na...

Alison Krebs has lived many lives within one lifetime. She began her career in the high-pressure world of corporate leadership, helping build a Fortune 500 company. After entering recovery in 1999, her path took unexpected turns—through monastic formation, years running a dog grooming business, and eventually to the stage as the lead vocalist of Rok Ali and the Addiction, an internationally tourin...

Melissa is a school psychologist, mother, and one of the most thoughtful people Mark knows. In this conversation, they explore the values that shape how we relate to others—and ourselves. Drawing from both her personal life and nearly two decades working with children and families, Melissa reflects on kindness, compassion, emotional intelligence, and the importance of community. She shares the ear...

What does it mean to live beyond the roles and titles we use to define ourselves? In this conversation, Mark sits down with one of his mentors, Steve Rucker—musician, educator, and longtime director of contemporary drum set studies at the University of Miami—to explore a life shaped not by rigid identity, but by openness, curiosity, and continual evolution. Steve reflects on the moments and influe...

What does it mean to stay open in a world that often pulls us toward judgment, reaction, and division? In this conversation, Mark sits down with Nancy Hajek, hypnotherapist and founder of Dream Lodge Hypnotherapy, to explore a way of moving through life rooted in presence, curiosity, and a deeper sense of connection with others. Nancy shares how her life’s work has been shaped by a search to under...

What does it mean to show up fully, day after day, with energy, consistency, and purpose? In this conversation, Mark sits down with Rich Redmond, drummer for Jason Aldean, speaker, author and actor, to explore the mindset and values behind a sustained, high-level career. Rich shares how enthusiasm has become a daily practice, not just a personality trait, and how showing up consistently while stay...

In this episode of Because This Matters , Mark Poiesz sits down with Joe Arias , a senior non-commissioned officer in the U.S. Army Special Forces, as he reflects on military service, major life transition, and the values shaping the next chapter of his life. Together, they explore Joe’s shift from achievement and identity-driven ambition toward a deeper focus on family, sustainability, and compas...

In this episode of Because This Matters , Mark Poiesz sits down with Nasim Lari, PhD. , a Senior Health Analytics Manager working at the intersection of healthcare, advanced analytics, and AI. Together, they explore the values that shape how Nasim moves through both work and life—especially compassion, humility, and integrity. Nasim reflects on how family influences, personal growth, and professio...

Welcome to the trailer for Because This Matters , a podcast about leading from the inside out. In each conversation, Mark Poiesz explores how values take shape and become action—revealing the ground people stand on as they navigate work, leadership, family, and life. Listen to the trailer and subscribe!