🎙️ Interesting Humans Podcast

Most pilots retire having never experienced 1 of these near-death experiences. Not Kelly Fox. As a 747 Pilot, he experienced all 3 ... in one ONE trip! That's correct. In just 72 hours, this pilot stared death in the face and each time his training fought back and wrestled the demon of death to the ground; each time emerging victorious and ready for the next battle.  In this episode, we discu...

In this engaging conversation, Nic McKinley shares his unique experiences as a CIA operative, highlighting the humorous and unexpected moments that occur in high-stakes intelligence operations. He discusses the advantages of using Riverside for podcasting, recounts funny stories from combat, and reflects on the challenges faced during covert operations. The conversation emphasizes the importance o...

What happens when a Secret Service agent stares death in the face—over and over again? Meet Scott Bryson , a man whose career in the Secret Service reads like a Hollywood thriller. From high-stakes missions overseas to life-or-death moments on U.S. soil, Scott’s stories aren’t just intense—they’re jaw-dropping. In this episode, he takes us inside some of the most heart-pounding moments of his care...

In this episode, Tony Ernst from Four Ocean shares his journey from waste management to leading ocean cleanup efforts. He emphasizes the importance of transparency in their operations, detailing the extensive documentation required for every cleanup. Tony discusses the equipment and partnerships that enable their work, the daily operations in South Florida, and the human element involved in their...

“This is one of the sickest and most gruesome displays of human depravity ever seen at the FBI” — Retired Special Agent John MacVeigh. I met John through Retired U.S. Secret Service Special Agent Harry Fuller. Harry is a close friend of mine (and we worked together 2003-2006) who appeared in Episode 29   together with Retired U.S. Secret Service Agent Derek Lyman (who also appeared in Episode 1 ....

My good friend Jack was at an event watching John Suttles share his story. Jack called me right after the event and said “Jeff you HAVE to get this guy on your podcast. His story was so amazing I walked up to him afterwards and got his number for you.”  Wow, Jack was right! And then some. Mr John Suttles shares his story of surviving Bloody Sunday, being a protege for MLK and whats most interestin...

“God honors treating people well.” — Susana Eshleman, CEO Children International I was introduced to Susana by a mutual friend and former Chairman of the CI board of directors. She has such an inspiring story beginning with how she had to hide books under her bed as a child then how and why she got into college then accepted into Harvard. Full of twists and turns, pivotal people and books, this st...

[Folks, there was no way I could produce this episode in my studio! It had to be done on the deck of Captain Allen’s boat, so we hit the road and spent a sunny afternoon on his boat!] Captain Allen Mills — He’s a good friend, a client, and 45+ year charter fishing captain. He is owner of ACCharters in Amelia Island, Florida. I fished will Allen 50+ times and we became good friends and spent many h...

♣️ ♦️ ♥️ Jeff Tomlinson, 2015 World Series poker champion talks poker tells, card counting, rules, and stories ranging from dumbest thing seen at a poker table to the final hand before winning his gold bracelet! Even if you’re like me and do not play poker, you’re in for a real treat on this episode. Plus, jeff is such an awesome person and you’re gonna simply love the life lessons you will learn...

Ray Schenk : The ultimate story of a Top Gun pilot turned high school teacher, whose classes all have waiting lists to get into.  Ray’s approach to modern day education, finding and developing leaders for the next generation and his keen sense of using AI & Robotics in the classroom have all landed him on Episode 52 of The 🎙️ Interesting Humans Podcast. He has a proven approach to consistently...

Dave Cormack. I’m so thankful a mutual friend connected us. Our first pre-interview was at Starbucks and lasted 3 hours and 50 minutes! Dave is such an incredible human. Of course he’s successful with a business exit of $800 million. But there is so much more to this man. In this episode you’re going to hear Dave’s entire life story from growing up in poverty to selling a company and then buying t...

👀 437lbs down to 205lbs. Listen to Keith Brock's inspirational story that began with a couch 🛋️ in Miami, FL and a gut-wrenching event that sparked lasting change in his life. One moment he was living the life of a 437 pound frustrated and miserable human being. The next moment he turned his life over and walked out of his old body. Some incredible highlights of this episode with Keith inclu...

Shaun & Julie Francis have endured what hopefully no other human being has to endure. 17 brain surgeries, 13 months in ICU, multiple comas, seizures and more. When 7 surgeons told Julie her husband's only option is to enter hospice, she said "figure out a way" and they did. Without her advocacy on his behalf while in a coma, Shaun would be dead long ago. Julie's stern appro...

From Airborne to Unshakable Trust John Nelson’s life reads like a movie script—82nd Airborne veteran, government work across continents, and now the founder of a student tour company built entirely on safety, trust, and integrity. In this episode, John shares wild jump stories, Cold War memories, surviving chaos during the Boston Marathon bombing, and why his military background shapes every tour...

I’m so glad a mutual friend introduced us. Mike Barnhill has such an exciting story from couch jumping and homeless to becoming #1 badge/lanyard supplier in the world. But how and why is this even possible? The answer is what makes this episode so extraordinary! It was ONE sentence in ONE book that changed everything for Mike. Prepare yourself for this fascinating journey of hope, redemption, clar...

Meghan McCarthy turned what most people would see as a disadvantage… into her greatest advantage. Her voice is unmistakable—and millions are drawn to it. With over 10 million followers across TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram, she’s built a platform rooted in humor, authenticity, and being unapologetically herself. But that’s just the surface. From a family business featured on The Office to building...

I'm a father of 4. This episode blew my mind. Listen as Hannah explains the Big 6, the COVID developmental effects on kids, her lemonade stand story, parenting tips & hacks, and much more. If you're a parent or know parents, don't miss this one. It's critical and I assure you'll glean several important nuggets.   Support the show 👉 Host: Jeff Hopeck. To learn more abo...

Lehman Brothers to Training Seeing Eye Dogs! Jim flew in from New Jersey, headquarters of Seeing Eye Training Institute. We go behind the senses starting day 1 arrival when blind students arrive. Jim explains what it takes to train these incredible dogs, how the students get chosen and matched to their dog, and so much more. He even gives the day-to-day dog owner some really interesting and practi...

Gary Young survived one of (if not the most) complicated surgery known to man.  Listen as he tells the horrific yet heroic story of having 8 organs removed and scrubbed with chemo. And it didn't end there. His body was filled up with chemo and he was shaken around for 2 hours. Help Gary raise awareness for this rare, often mis-diagnosed form of cancer, by tuning in and joining as he tells his...

                  Ty's first night was spent in an Electrolux Vacuum Box.  His narrative begins with a touching tale of adoption, when a woman offered him to his mother just three days after his birth, a moment that resonates with biblical stories of destiny and community support. Ty's alcoholic father left the family early on, leaving him to be raised by his mother, with his grandfather...

Andy Cook is an amazing individual! 10 kids and CEO of a successful non-profit aimed at helping orphaned kids find homes. Andy talks about his days as Dean of Admission at Wesleyan School in Norcross, GA along with the pivotal times in life that shaped him into the person he is today.  Support the show 👉 Host: Jeff Hopeck. To learn more about my ventures and the conversations I care about, find m...

In today's episode, Dr. Jay McCracken, a neurosurgeon, discusses his career and insights into the challenging yet rewarding field of neurosurgery. He explains his initial interest in medicine, spurred by an influential orthopedic surgeon during his high school years, and his eventual shift from orthopedics to neurosurgery during medical school, attracted by the brain's complexity and the...

Buyer beware of CRYPTIC-ness:  Home and Auto Insurance SCAMS! And great practical tips to help keep you safe from the continued lies and empty promises of such a snake-filled industry. Today, we're diving deep into the world of home & auto insurance with none other than Brandon Smith, a seasoned expert in the field and Super Lawyer. If you've ever wondered how to navigate the often c...

Federico Castelluci was introduced to me by Randy Cross' son (episode 6), Brendon. " Hey Jeff, you should talk to my friend Federico. He's young and turned around SUGO, built Cooks & Soldier and Iberian Pig then the most incredible restaurant called MUJO. The whole place sells out on the 1st of every month. You won't believe his story !" Brendon certainly nailed it. Th...

Louis Gump was introduced to me by a mutual friend. "This guy wrote a book and is doing really unique stuff with the biggest organizations in the world" is how it was teed up. And wow, it's THAT plus much more!  Louis Gump , author, tells his fascinating story of taking massive organizations into the digital era using his framework of INTRApreneurship . He explains the fundamental d...