Light Bulb Moments: It's All About The Energy

Phil discusses his experiences in New York City, including his energy burst, reading books, and spending time with his wife. He shares a story about his cousin, Maggie, who recalled a story he had shared on his podcast. Phil also talks about reconnecting with Alefiyah Lindo, who introduced him to the book "The Big Leap" by Gay Hendricks. The book helped him understand the concept of the "zone of g...

Steve Fretzin is a business development coach dedicated to helping lawyers grow their practices without the discomfort of traditional sales tactics. Through his coaching, books, and in the BE THAT LAWYER podcast, Steve focuses on empowering attorneys to develop sustainable client acquisition strategies and improve time management while maintaining strong client relationships. With over two decades...

Phil Fornaro discusses the concept of a "Light Bulb Moment" and its impact on personal and professional growth. He emphasizes the circular relationship between Light Bulb Moments and energy, suggesting that insights lead to energy, which in turn fosters more insights. Phil advises listeners to engage with books, podcasts, and conversations related to their Light Bulb Moments to deepen their unders...

Shelly Lustrup has been with NAMI Metro Suburban for 9 years, during which she assisted in the launch of the first NAMI Living Room in west Cook County. Promoted to Associate Director, Shelly oversaw the expansion of NAMI’s Employment Program, CRSS Internship Hub, and Drop-in Center. In 2024, as Chief Operating Officer, Shelly was instrumental in successfully launching two 24/7 Crisis Living Rooms...

Russell Steinberg is the Founder & CEO of FARMZER0, where he leads the company’s mission to transform food systems through innovation and sustainability. Before FARMZER0, he founded StarFort Financial in 2012, a Chicago-based strategic life insurance advisory firm helping business owners and high-net-worth individuals with advanced life insurance planning. Russ combines his entrepreneurial vis...

Phil Fornaro discusses the success of the LBM podcast, noting a record 5,200 downloads from August 25 to 28 and positive reviews on Apple and Spotify. Phil emphasizes the importance of traditions, sharing personal anecdotes about family and cultural traditions. He plans to incorporate problem-solving discussions in future episodes.  Connect with Philip:  Website: https://www.fornarolaw.c...

Shawn Nelson is the author of Let Me Save You 25 Years: Mistakes, Miracles, and Lessons from the Lovesac Story. He is the founder and CEO of the Lovesac Company, which designs, manufactures, and sells furniture such as modular couches and bean bag chairs. Nelson holds a BA in Mandarin Chinese from the University of Utah and a Master’s degree in Strategic Design and Management from Parsons, The New...

Phil Fornaro announced the "Wise Guy Round Table" live event on August 27, 2025, at the DuWire Studio in LaGrange with a live stream starting at 7 PM. He emphasized the importance of reviews and engagement on the LBM podcast's Facebook Group, YouTube Channel, and the Light Bulb Moments Website. Phil shared insights from Brian Rosen's advice on leveraging vacations for networking, recounting his ex...

 Steve Kashul is a 35-plus-year veteran of on-air professional television and radio. He served 24 seasons as the Pre-Game, Halftime, and Post-Game TV and Radio Host of the Chicago Bulls. Kashul is also co-owner of Channel Fore, Inc., which produces “The Golf Scene” TV Show on Chicago Sports Network, of which he serves as the principal host. He was also the host of “Sports Medicine Weekly”, a...

Phil discusses his recent experiences, including a Waymo ride in San Francisco and a trip with Doug Sandler. He reflects on retirement planning, emphasizing the importance of financial and mental preparation. Phil mentions his involvement with new startups like Farm Zero and Pear Chef. He highlights the need for younger generations to plan for their future and the significance of setting goals. Ph...

Jim Ferguson is entering his 33rd year in the financial business.  Jim started in the industry in 1993 as a Broker’s Clerk on the Chicago Board of Trade Grain Floor.  It was there where he first became exposed to the world of Managed Futures and Hedge Funds, working before and after market hours for a Commodity Trading Advisor, checking statements and client equity runs.  His career...

Phil discusses the importance of making businesses recession-proof and AI-proof in the face of rapid technological advancements. He emphasizes the need for employers to adapt and employees to develop AI skills, such as prompt engineering, to stay relevant. He shares personal experiences with AI tools like ChatGPT, highlighting both their potential and limitations. He identifies industries most aff...

Nick Dubak : Partner & Officer in charge of project development and administration for the Dubak Electrical Group, including Construction, Maintenance, & Design for the Firm. With many years of project diversity in the industrial electrical sector, innovative project delivery techniques, as well as experience in fast-track project delivery, assure seamless completion of client projects. Sp...

Phil emphasizes the importance of access and networking, citing examples like Russ Steinberg's hydroponic farming startup and his own experiences with high net worth individuals and lobbyists. He advises aiming high, always networking, and never being afraid to ask for access. Connect with Philip: Website: https://www.fornarolaw.com/   Podcast Website: https://lbmpodcast.com/   "X": http...

Mike is the founder of O’Meara Capital and CFit Holding Corporation and currently serves on the board of Auctus Capital, Quantum Corridor, Silver Spoons, and Scout. He has over 30 years of experience in trading, investing, and strategic advisory. He began his career at Goldman Sachs and spent over a decade trading on the Chicago Board of Trade and the Chicago Mercantile Exchange. Since 2005, he ha...

Phil celebrates reaching 100 episodes of his podcast, reflecting on its growth and impact. He discusses the importance of making businesses recession-proof, emphasizing the need to adapt to economic uncertainties, such as inflation, tariffs, and wars. Phil shares his firm's experience during the 2008 financial crisis, where they shifted from residential deals to debtor attorney services. He advise...

Danielle Drabkin is Founder & CEO of Chicago-based startup, Pear Chef, disrupting the way Food & Beverage is brought on-site to urban, luxury buildings. Pear Chef brings this exciting culinary amenity to multi-family and office buildings through the use of RFID technology and smart fridges.  Prior to founding Pear Chef, Danielle Drabkin was Chief Sales Officer at Pretty Quick, a SaaS...

Michael Schodrof brings over 25 years of experience in financial services, beginning with a successful career in institutional equity sales where he advised money managers, insurance firms, and hedge funds on capital formation and investment strategy. Today, he serves as Vice President of Investments at Schodrof Capital, part of Alex. Brown – Raymond James, where he provides tailored wealth strate...

Phil shared a story about using ChatGPT to find a restaurant, highlighting the value of presentations for businesses. He discussed a recent presentation on trucking and transportation, which led to new client connections and networking opportunities. Phil emphasized the benefits of presentations, including gaining strategic partners, creating content, and improving public speaking skills.  Co...

Henry Kaskov has spent his entire career in business valuation and financial consulting. His journey began as a consultant in the disputes and investigations division of a large consulting firm, where he traveled internationally to assist multinational corporations and financial institutions with complex financial and regulatory matters. His path next led him to a boutique business valuation firm,...

Phil discusses the distinction between happiness and joy, emphasizing that true joy comes from deep, meaningful experiences. He reflects on his own journey of finding joy through his podcast and shares insights on managing emotions, particularly his own lack of emotional expression. Phil highlights the importance of understanding and controlling emotions to improve interactions and avoid overpower...

A Caribbean Festival to Find a Cure for Cancer, check the event out NOW by clicking on this link: https://www.hfoundation.org/goombay-bash   When: July 26, 2025 Where: Aon Grand Ballroom at Navy Pier, Chicago Event Features: Celebrity Guests Live Auction with One-of-a-Kind Packages Silent Auctions with 300+ Packages Live Drawing of $10,000 Raffle Prize Instant Win Raffles and a Chance to Win...

Attorney. Entrepreneur. Philanthropist. Rob Levine wears many hats, but his passion for standing up for those in need runs through everything he does. Over more than 25 years of legal experience, Rob earned the nickname “THE HEAVY HITTER®” by fiercely advocating for those with injuries and disabilities.  Since founding Rob Levine Law, Rob has helped more than 50,000 people recover more than $...

Phil discusses the importance of simplifying complex problems into basic math problems to avoid confusion and overcomplication. He emphasizes starting with basic metrics like profit margins and expenditures to understand the big picture before delving into detailed analysis. Phil criticizes the political complications in addressing the U.S.'s growing debt, highlighting the need for balanced budget...

Michael Zaura serves as Senior Strategic Energy Advisor at Nania Energy Advisors, a respected energy services firm founded in 1999. Based in the greater Chicago area, he helps organizations reduce energy costs, navigate complex procurement decisions, and achieve meaningful sustainability goals. A Certified Energy Manager (CEM) and Certified Renewable Energy Professional (REP), Michael brings techn...