THE BOLT Podcast

Networking isn’t about business cards or small talk; it’s about human connection. In this episode, Frank Agin, founder of AmSpirit Business Connections and host of the NetworkingRx podcast, shares why he left a successful law career to help others build trust-based relationships that fuel success. Drawing on powerful stories, including one from anthropologist Margaret Mead, Frank explains why supp...

Ben Hatta, former wrestler and Emmy-nominated producer, explores the intense rivalry between St. Edward and Walsh Jesuit in his documentary Clash of Dynasties. Growing up in a wrestling family, Ben's journey shaped his storytelling, revealing lessons about leadership and mentorship. A pivotal moment in the rivalry, when St. Edward's coach handed his playbook to rival coach Bill Barger, exemplifies...

Greta Johnson’s journey through public service is a powerful testament to trusting your gut and embracing life’s unexpected turns. Rooted in blue-collar values and shaped by her parents’ resilience, Greta has followed a “five-minute plan” mindset, focusing on excellence in the moment rather than rigid long-term goals. From prosecuting cases to becoming a state representative while raising twins, a...

In this powerful episode, Denise Logan opens up about the emotional complexities of business exits, drawing from her own experience of struggling to leave a thriving practice. A former mental health professional and law firm founder, Denise reveals the raw, unsanitized truth of her journey, including a moment when she contemplated crashing her car to create a crisis that would justify her departur...

In this insightful conversation, Peter Rea, founder of Better Humans, Better Performance, explains how virtue-based leadership drives measurable results. Drawing from his experience at Parker Hannifin, he shares research showing that 75% of performance variance comes from character, not cognitive ability. Peter explores the seven classical virtues and their application in leadership, highlighting...

John Bernanovich, entrepreneur, keynote speaker, author, and HR expert, challenges us to reframe how we talk about our full schedules during this deeply authentic conversation about purposeful living and transformational leadership. Drawing from his 25 years of entrepreneurial experience and his best-selling book "HR Like a Boss," John shares the pivotal mindset shifts that changed his approach to...

Kat Polsinelli’s journey from darkness to light exemplifies the remarkable human ability to not only survive but thrive after trauma. From childhood performances that built her confidence to surviving a decade-long abusive relationship, single motherhood at 16, and PTSD, Kat’s path is one of resilience and transformation. The conversation explores her pivotal moment of awakening when she saw her s...

Scott Hubble is an entrepreneurial leader who has transformed niche RV companies into industry powerhouses through market insight, people-focused leadership, and resilience. With a background in accounting, law, and business, Scott revolutionized the teardrop trailer market by blending European design with Amish craftsmanship, turning a stagnant product into a thriving business at nuCamp . His lea...

Dan Flanagan’s journey from addiction, family mental health struggles, and professional setbacks to one of purpose, service, and joy offers a powerful roadmap for transformation. Starting as a sales rep at Group Management Services, Dan faced personal challenges that eventually led him to re-evaluate his life. It wasn’t until May 2019 that he reached a breaking point with alcoholism. Committing to...

John Geraghty’s inspiring journey from struggling with alcoholism to becoming an acclaimed optimal performance coach showcases the power of personal transformation. After battling alcohol from a young age, John made a life-changing decision at 29 to rebuild his life through personal development, including reading a book a week for 30 years. His transformative approach is centered around his Prism...

In this inspiring episode of the BOLT Podcast, host Todd Bertsch interviews Lei Wang, a leadership developer, executive advisor, and the first Asian woman to complete the Explorer’s Grand Slam—climbing the highest peak on every continent and skiing to both the North and South Poles. Lei shares her incredible journey from a corporate career in finance and technology to extreme adventure, highlighti...

In this episode of the BOLT podcast, Todd Bertsch sits down with Josh Phelan, a top personal trainer and founder of Chasing Optimal, to explore his inspiring journey of transformation and the powerful lessons he’s learned along the way. Josh shares his story of overcoming personal struggles, including battling unhealthy habits and the challenges of COVID, to lose 32 pounds in two months and regain...

In this enlightening episode of the BOLT Podcast, Todd Bertsch engages in a thought-provoking conversation with leadership expert Amy Wong. Amy shares her journey from overcoming academic challenges to becoming a leader in communication and leadership, combining mathematics and transpersonal psychology to inform her unique approach. The episode explores how embracing both the light and dark aspect...

In this episode, we explore transformational leadership with Dan Flowers, President & CEO of the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank. With nearly three decades of experience, Dan shares his leadership philosophies centered on humility, emotional intelligence, and relationship-building. He discusses how small, intentional changes foster growth and highlights the importance of collaboration and accountab...

Michael Levitt shares his deeply personal journey from surviving burnout to leading a life of purpose, emphasizing the importance of recognizing signs of burnout and cultivating self-care practices. The conversation touches on effective strategies for aspiring leaders to avoid burnout and enhance their lives through curiosity and proactive management of their time. In this episode you'll learn: Mi...

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Janice Porter, a maestro in relationship marketing and networking, whose journey from school teacher to telecom trainer to a thriving self-employed career is nothing short of remarkable. Discover how Janice's passion for teaching and her distaste for bureaucratic hurdles led her to embrace the nuances of relationship marketing, with LinkedIn emerging as h...

In this episode we focus on the power of manifestation, exploring how our thoughts, intentions, and actions can shape our reality. By understanding the neuroscience behind thought patterns and integrating practical steps, listeners are encouraged to embrace a growth mindset, visualize their goals, and take inspired actions toward achieving their dreams. What you'll learn in this episode: Introduct...

What if the smallest changes in your life could lead to the most significant transformations? Our special guest, Lori Saitz, shares her inspiring journey from being a shy child to becoming a pioneering leader in internal corporate podcasts. Uncover the power of small steps and the courage to break free from perfectionism as Lori recounts her pivotal college experience that set her on a path of sel...

In this episode, Dr. Nate Salah—an inspiring entrepreneur and educator—explores how overcoming adversity shapes effective leadership. Drawing on the grit and perseverance instilled by his mother in a financially challenged immigrant family, Dr. Salah reveals how facing challenges head-on fuels personal growth. He cites icons like Herb Kelleher and principles from Stephen Covey’s The Seven Habits o...

In this episode of the BOLT podcast Coach Jojo Smith shares his inspiring transition from professional basketball to education and advocacy, focusing on empowering young women through his non-profit, Ladies First Akron. The discussion highlights personal resilience, the importance of mentorship, and innovative educational approaches, encouraging listeners to embrace the journey of growth and trans...

Unlock the potential of emotional intelligence with the esteemed Dr. Laura Aldape, celebrated for her expertise in behavioral economics and emotional intelligence coaching. Discover how self-awareness serves as the backbone of navigating life's ever-evolving challenges with purpose. Dr. Aldape offers insights and practical tools, revealing how emotional intelligence parallels physical fitness, req...

What if the key to a fulfilling life isn't about balancing work and life but rather integrating them seamlessly? We'll challenge the myth of a perfect 50-50 split and embark on a journey to understand how true equilibrium is about dynamic adjustment to life's ever-changing demands. In this episode, we'll uncover signs of an unhealthy balance and gain practical strategies to reclaim control. From p...

Struggling to make decisions and feeling exhausted by endless choices each day? I share my personal journey of navigating decision fatigue, diving into the overwhelming pressures of modern life that leave us mentally and physically drained. From the seemingly simple task of choosing an outfit to the daunting challenge of purchasing a portable sauna, my experiences reflect how perfectionism and ove...

What happens when personal tragedy becomes a beacon of hope and change? Travis Bornstein's journey from heartbreak to advocacy offers a compelling narrative of transformation and resilience. As president of Teamsters Local 24 and the founder of Hope United, Travis channels his profound loss into a powerful crusade against the opioid epidemic, challenging pharmaceutical giants and inspiring communi...

Join us as we welcome Tracy Jepson, a remarkable small business consultant, to share her compelling personal and professional transformation journey. What began as a side venture to tackle debt has blossomed into her role as CEO of Kantex Financial, where she empowers entrepreneurs to build sustainable, profit-driven companies. Tracy's story is about business acumen and personal resilience, as she...