Graybeard Radio

In this Graybeard Radio episode, host Matt Hempel sits down with conservative broadcaster, entrepreneur, and now congressional candidate Mark Kaye for a conversation that’s equal parts origin story, masterclass in podcasting, and political why-now. Mark recounts his unusual path—born in Canada, moving to the U.S. at eight, and becoming a passionate naturalized citizen. Early inspiration came from...

In this episode of Graybeard Radio, host Matt Hempel welcomes back longtime Navy friend Ron Higgs for a conversation that spans decades, oceans, and careers. They open with raw, affectionate memories of life aboard USS America in the early ’90s: sleeping too hot or too cold depending on the sea, water that tasted faintly of jet fuel, and scalding showers that left one crewman with burns.  Against...

Host Matt Hempel welcomes Erik Newby, Director of Global Software Engineering at Red Hat, for a candid, forward-looking conversation about AI’s agentic turn and what it means for careers, companies, and culture. Eric’s path—rooted in art and design before growing into global engineering leadership—prepped him to navigate this moment. He describes a recent inflection point as frontier models and ne...

Matt Hempel opens Graybeard Radio by naming its audience and aim: men 50+ who care about health, relevance, and connection—and who want to use technology without losing their humanity. He welcomes guest Luke Thomas, lead pastor of Legacy Church in Knoxville and a veteran of 20+ years planting churches and campus ministries across Texas, Florida, and Tennessee. Luke’s formal training spans biology,...

Host Matt Hempel calls on men in their 50s–70s to “step into the breach” for a generation of young men feeling demoralized by mixed cultural messages about masculinity and real economic pressures—AI-driven job shifts, housing affordability, and a fraught dating landscape. Matt argues that older men share responsibility for staying quiet as the conversation drifted from correcting toxic behavior to...

The Humanity AI Can't Touch—And Why the World Needs It Now If AI can do everything—write code, diagnose diseases, manage portfolios, even create art—what's left for us? And more importantly, what's left for the next generation? In Episode 4 of Graybeard Radio , host Matt Hempel tackles one of the most pressing questions of our time: what happens when technology can do almost everything we used to...

In this deeply personal episode, host Matt Hempel walks through his seemingly chaotic career path spanning four decades—and reveals why your "weird resume" is actually your greatest asset. What You'll Learn: How childhood adaptations (moving from Cape Cod to a North Dakota Indian reservation to a Christian commune) built foundational reinvention skillsWhy the "dead-end" assignments often become yo...

Episode 2: The Three Things That Actually Matter Now What are you actually building toward? Not maintaining. Not protecting. Building. In this episode of Graybeard Radio, host Matt Hempel tackles the question that many men in their 50s struggle to answer clearly. Drawing on decades of research and his own personal journey, Matt explores the three interconnected pillars that define a meaningful sec...

In this kickoff episode of Graybeard Radio, host Matt Hempel lays down a countercultural truth for men 50 and up: you’re not past your prime—you’re at it. He reframes late career as a convergence of demographics, technology, and crystallized intelligence—the judgment and pattern recognition earned through decades of real work. Matt gets candid about being fired from his own company, encountering p...

Welcome to Graybeard Radio, where wisdom meets impact and income. We'll be taking a deep dive into what really makes us tick in late career or early retirement, and how to make the coming decade the best yet. We'll cover health and longevity, purpose and meaningful contribution, and connection to those around us. Those decades of wisdom and experience you've built? There are others starving for th...

Through this enlightening series, we traverse continents and explore podcasts that embrace cultural diversity, bridging gaps, and fostering cross-cultural understanding. Listen to fascinating tales that reflect the beauty and complexity of our world, uniting listeners from every corner of the globe. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Sed eu nunc vel nunc venenatis congue non...

Dive into the realm of educational podcasts, where experts share their wisdom, students engage with immersive content, and learning transcends the boundaries of traditional classrooms. Discover the impact of podcasting on education and how it empowers individuals to broaden their horizons and embrace continuous growth. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Nulla et metus tristiq...

Experience the resurgence of audio narratives, where podcasters breathe new life into the art of storytelling. Immerse yourself in a rich tapestry of genres, from true crime to fiction, and explore the diverse voices that have transformed podcasting into a captivating form of modern-day storytelling. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Integer ullamcorper mi in risus tristique...

From advanced recording equipment to AI-driven analytics, this podcast series brings you the latest innovations shaping the future of podcasting. Tune in to stay updated on the technological advancements that enhance audio quality, accessibility, and the overall podcasting experience. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Duis vestibulum lacinia elit, non eleifend justo congue n...

Discover the storytelling techniques, powerful narratives, and emotional connections that make podcasts an immersive and unforgettable experience. Listen to interviews with expert storytellers as they share their creative processes and the transformative impact of storytelling in the realm of podcasting. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Sed hendrerit nulla ac velit hendreri...