Code of the Craftsmen

Many young adults feel overwhelmed by financial pressure. In this episode, we cover practical strategies for building financial security in your 20s, with insights from Kyle Sharp - a top producing fourth-year financial advisor at Northwestern Mutual. We also unpack how he built credibility, relationships, and trust at a young age in an industry where most top advisors have decades of experience w...

Jay and Ben sit down with Joe Hayek, President & CEO of multi billion dollar Worthington Industries. They discuss what it truly takes to advance your career, and how to lead in a way that makes a meaningful impact on people along the way. They ask the kinds of questions many young professionals think about but rarely get to ask leaders of this caliber.  -What CEOs truly look for in young profe...

Jay and Ben sit down with an upcoming master’s graduate (Jude Prophete of American University) to unpack the pressure of leaving school and choosing a path. Jude’s upcoming transition brings them back to their own graduation- an uncertain season that ultimately led them to start this podcast. Topics covered: -The pressure to achieve success instantly, and how to resist it -Chasing impact over acco...

Jay Briggs and Ben Cowan sit down with Valandria Smith Lash - 24-year old CEO and Founder of Course Culture - an organic body cream business that she launched as a college student with the help of a large investment from her University president. Valandria has been recognized as a Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree (Class of 2023) and named Young Woman Entrepreneur of the Year by Aviatra Accelerators (202...

Aldo Cicchini, international concert violinist and social media phenom, discusses how a lifetime dedicated to his craft, bold risk taking - from crossing continents alone as an 18-year-old, and a relentless focus on the journey over the destination shaped the music millions now hear. In this episode, you will also learn about: Aldo’s creative process behind viral videos seen by millions Why your u...

Ben Cowan & Jay Briggs Jr. interview Dr. Laura Schlesinger of SiriusXM about her journey to becoming one of radio’s most influential voices. She dives into what it really takes to grow, make better choices, stay focused, and create a life of purpose. Whether you’re feeling lost, ambitious, or just figuring it all out, this episode is packed with honest advice and clarity for the road ahead. Fo...

What are the secrets of longevity, purpose, and fulfillment? What would be most important to you at age 102? Drawing from over a century of wisdom, Dr. Howard Tucker, the world’s oldest practicing doctor at 102, shares rare insights shaped by a lifetime of experiences in medicine and by living a full, rich life. Discover how his ongoing pursuit of mastering his craft has kept him “not only alive,...

Dr. Jeremy Hunter is a viral TED Talk speaker and expert on the “inner development of leaders.” He has spent his career coaching some of the most prominent business leaders globally. He’s also a Professor of Practice at the Peter F. Drucker School of Management at Claremont Graduate University. The conversation took on even deeper meaning shortly after we recorded, when Dr. Hunter and his family l...

What does it mean to be a craftsman or craftswoman? This special highlight reel packs a year’s worth of wisdom, inspiration, and actionable advice into one powerful episode. Tune in and take your craft to the next level! Guests fetured in this episode: Nathan Zegura – Cleveland Browns announcer & radio host Brittany Bosner – Music Booking Producer for TODAY on NBC News Kevin Bolden Jr. – Mento...

Brittany Bosner is the music booking producer for The Today Show on NBC. She is recognized as one of Billboard’s Top 50 Most Influential Women in Music and a recipient of the Country Music Association’s (CMA) Media Achievement Award. In this episode, the following topics are discussed: ​Valuable advice for those pursuing their dreams and for those starting their careers, hopeful for a big break ​B...

Terry White is a former Ohio State Buckeyes football great defender. Once a projected top 5 NFL draft pick, Terry’s journey took a dramatic turn through prison and recovery from addiction. Now a mentor to many, Terry’s resilience offers powerful lessons on overcoming past mistakes and living with intention. An incredible story on how to go from trial to triumph. In this episode, you will hear abou...

Nathan Zegura, NFL announcer for the Cleveland Browns and host of Cleveland Browns Daily on ESPN 850 Cleveland, shares his unique journey to the NFL broadcasting booth. Nate opens up on how he became the only NFL announcer from a fantasy football background and the sole announcer who did not play professionally or work in an NFL front office. He also reflects on his bold decision to leave his busi...

“My 20-year-old self wouldn't want the life I have now.” Explore how to navigate your 20s with confidence and clarity. Join Jay Briggs Jr., Ben Cowan, and Kevin Bolden Jr. (age 31) who all underwent significant transformations throughout their 20s. This podcast offers game changing insights, stories, and advice to help you carve your unique path during this pivotal decade. Tune in for an impactful...

Rita Soronen is the President & CEO of the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption. The mission of the Foundation is to dramatically increase the number of adoptions from North America’s foster care systems. The Foundation is celebrating more than 14,000 permanent families for children who were lingering in foster care. In this episode, you will learn about: - The story of Rita taking over the fou...

Join us as 11x PGA Tour Winner Dave Stockton shares his incredible journey, including winning the 1970 and 1976 PGA Championships, coaching golf legends like Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy, and serving as Ryder Cup player and captain for Team USA. Get ready for valuable insights on achieving competitive excellence from the best in the world. Episodes You Might Also Enjoy: #4. NFL/Michigan St. QB Con...

“It’s your choice. You have to make the decision to break the cycles of the past.” Join Jay Briggs and college senior André Peeples in reflecting on obstacles often encountered by young adults. In this episode, they engage in a candid conversation about navigating the complexities of mental well-being, breaking free from generational trauma, and embarking on the profound journey of self-discovery....

Join Jay and Ben as they chat with The WingMan of Redlands, the visionary behind one of Southern California's top wing restaurants. In this exclusive interview, The WingMan unveils the key ingredients to his entrepreneurial success, defying the odds of not completing high school and lacking the means for a college education. Discover the secret "sauce" that fueled his remarkable journey to buildin...

Gain intimate insights into the start of Code of the Craftsmen through the eyes of its creators, Jay Briggs Jr. & Ben Cowan. Join us in reflecting on the insights we've gained from starting our podcast, graduating college, and stepping into the workforce. Be sure to follow us on all social media platforms! https://linktr.ee/codeofthecraftsmen

Connor Cook is Michigan State’s winningest QB in school history: 35-4 record, winner of Rose Bowl (’14), Big-10 Championship (’13, ’15), Oakland Raiders draft pick, and 2016 NFL playoff starter. Connor has now successfully navigated his transition out of pro football and into the world of business. In this episode, you will learn about Connor Cook’s: - Journey from redshirt freshman to becoming th...

"You have to become a champion before you're labeled one." Explore the unlikely one-year turnaround of the University of Redlands’ Men’s Basketball Program. From on-court success to a revamped culture and leadership, hear from Coach Eric Bridgeland and Captain Khyree Armstead discuss the journey that turned individual talent into a selfless team prepared to contend for a National Cha...

Dr. Fred Rabinowitz: a 40-year tenured psychotherapist, psychology professor, department chair, advisor, and mentor, offers profound insights into the pressing concerns of college students, young professionals, and any individual on a quest for purpose. @codeofthecraftsmen In this episode, you will learn about: Relieving anxiety about the future Finding meaning in any career path The 4 “existentia...

Scott Simon is the author of “Scare Your Soul” and creator of Scare Your Soul Global Courage Movement. In this interview, Scott opens up about his transformation from being afraid of his own shadow as a child, as a result of bullying in school, into a now fearless, influential leader. Scott has since been asked to be a guest motivational speaker at the United Nations (UN). What will you gain from...

What to expect on Code of the Craftsmen - with creators Jay Briggs and Ben Cowan.