The Most Important Podcast Ever with BJD

Work is changing—but dignity, purpose, and people still matter. In this episode of  The Most Important Podcast Ever with Brian J. Dunn , Brian sits down with  Joe Kalkman , a seasoned HR professional, to explore how work has evolved across generations—and what leaders must understand to navigate the future of work with humanity and trust. This conversation dives into: Generational shifts in how pe...

In first episode of 2026, Karen is back after completing her marathon in Australia—an achievement that completed all of the world’s major marathons. Fewer than 50 women in the United States have ever reached that milestone. Butthis conversation goes beyond medals and finish lines. Karentalks about the unique community that forms around regular marathoners—thefriendships built in early mornings, th...

As we close Season 1 of  The Most Important Podcast Ever with BJD , I wanted to do something a little different. This episode is simply a thank you. Thank you to the guests who trusted me with their stories. Thank you to the listeners who showed up week after week. And a very special thank you to the crew— Thomas, Shawn, Mary, and Angelica —for lending their talents and giving so generously of the...

A Christmas Carol — Episode 4 | The Finale: Redemption, Renewal & the Power of Change In the powerful finale of  A Christmas Carol , Ebenezer Scrooge comes face to face with the ultimate question:  Is it too late to change? Guided by the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come, Scrooge confronts the consequences of a life lived without compassion—and discovers that redemption is still within reach. Thi...

In Episode 3 of our four-part adaptation of Charles Dickens’ timeless classic  A Christmas Carol , Scrooge is guided by the Ghost of Christmas Present—a Spirit who reveals the power of generosity, compassion, and human connection in the here and now. Through moments of joy, hardship, laughter, and love, this episode invites us to look honestly at how we show up for others today. Dickens reminds us...

In Episode 2 of our four-part Christmas table-read experience, the timeless magic of Charles Dickens deepens as Ebenezer Scrooge meets the Ghost of Christmas Past. Guided through memories long buried, Scrooge is confronted with the joys, heartbreaks, and choices that shaped the man he has become. This cinematic audio performance—recorded inside StreetSide Studio 7 at Deja Bleu House of Coffee—comb...

Step into the timeless world of Charles Dickens as we bring you Episode 1 of our four-part dramatic telling of A Christmas Carol, performed at StreetSide Studio 7 inside Deja Bleu House of Coffee in Alexandria, Minnesota. In this opening chapter, Dickens sets the stage with one of literature’s most famous lines: “Marley was dead, to begin with.” We meet Ebenezer Scrooge—hard and solitary as an oys...

In this special Thanksgiving episode, Brian takes listeners from his very first Black Friday as a young salesman — working the floor, shaking off nerves, and discovering the magic of retail — to the years when he was appearing on national television doing live hits about the biggest shopping day of the year. He shares the behind-the-scenes moments, the unexpected humanity in the chaos, and the les...

Welcome to Episode 37 of  The Most Important Podcast Ever with BJD . Today… we’re doing something a little different. Usually, I’m the one asking the questions—listening for the inflection points, drawing out the stories, and trying to understand what life has taught the people sitting across from me. But for this episode, we decided to turn the tables. And I couldn’t imagine anyone better to take...

Debbie Estes  is humble, smart, and driven — the kind of leader who makes things happen. From the  White House to major retailers  like Dayton’s, Target, and Best Buy, she’s helped shape some of the most memorable brand experiences in America. In this conversation, Debbie reflects on her early inspirations, the lessons learned from doing what others said couldn’t be done, and how to create experie...

In the third installment of our leadership series with Dr. Guy Beaudin, we explore  The Inner Game of Leadership  — where energy, recovery, and resiliency determine whether leaders can sustain the weight they carry. This isn’t about strategy or organizational charts. This is about what happens  inside  the leader — in the quiet moments when pressure builds, energy fades, or life hits harder than e...

In this episode, Brian sits down with  Dawn Bryant , a respected  communications professional and leader  whose life is a testament to resilience, intention, and the pursuit of peace. Dawn shares how a  traumatic experience from long ago reshaped her priorities — inspiring her to live with greater empathy, gratitude, and freedom. Today, Dawn and her husband work remotely while traveling the countr...

In Episode 33, We sit down with lifelong best friends Tammy Nipper and Tara Larson—a dynamic duo whose bond has stood the test of time. They share the story of their 50-year friendship, filled with laughter, love, and lessons on how to make connections last through every season of life. From growing up side by side to watching their own daughters become best friends, Tammy and Tara prove that true...

In this episode, Coach John Tauer shares his perspective on what it means to lead with purpose — on the court, in the classroom, and at home. A teacher, mentor, and family man, Coach Tauer reflects on how he builds teams grounded in trust, character, and connection. He discusses the importance of relationships that last a lifetime and the parallels between coaching a team and raising a family. His...

Episode 31 – Eric Curry: The Call That Matters Most Dad. Executive. NCAA Men’s Basketball Official. Friend. In this episode of  The Most Important Podcast Ever with BJD , Brian sits down with his friend  Eric Curry  — a devoted father, accomplished business executive, and respected NCAA Men’s Basketball official. Eric has made thousands of calls on the court and countless decisions in the boardroo...

In this powerful episode, I sit down with Angie Bruhn, a leader whose principles have been tested by life’s toughest challenges. Angie shares her journey of leading with conviction, building strong teams, and continuing to “answer the bell” even as she faces her battle with cancer. Her story is one of courage, resilience, and grace—and a reminder that no matter our roles or titles,  we are all hum...

In this episode, I sit down with Dave Bonura, whose nearly 40 years in retail leadership span some of the most recognizable names in the industry—Home Depot, Best Buy, Floor & Décor, and more. What started as an accidental entry into retail turned into a career that took him through sales, HR, and senior leadership roles, shaping teams and cultures across multiple companies. Dave shares what i...

At just 19 years old, Myles Frueh has already built an impressive resume—host of  The Unspecified Show , President of the ATCC DECA Chapter, and now the mind (and muscle) behind a coast-to-coast journey with a mission. Inspired by a YouTuber and determined to celebrate his mom’s 10th year cancer-free, Myles launched “Dash for Cash.” He set out across America with a single rule: he couldn’t leave a...

Kevin Treanor’s professional life grew beyond anything he ever imagined. From turning wrenches to running some of the toughest stores in retail, he rose to become a multi-unit manager—all within two miles of where he grew up. Along the way, he and his brother Joe worked side by side for more than 30 years, building careers and memories together. Kevin’s story includes moments of challenge and resi...

In this episode, I sit down with my son, Will Dunn, whose love for the game began on traveling basketball teams in Minnesota and has carried him all the way to the NBA as an Assistant Coach with the Houston Rockets. We talk about the grind of youth basketball, the path through college and early coaching stops, and the relentless work it takes to earn a place on an NBA bench. Will shares the lesson...

In this episode, I sit down with Kenny Miller, whose story is as much about grit as it is about grace. At just 22 years old, what began as a stubborn cold spiraled into something unthinkable—within three weeks, Kenny was diagnosed with a cancerous tumor in his chest. The fight that followed tested his resilience and permanently reshaped his priorities. From his early days in retail at Best Buy to...

In this episode, I sit down with LaKesha Ransom, whose path has taken her from the Midwest to Bangkok, Thailand. Recruited by a multinational, LaKesha shares what it’s really like to build a life abroad—with passion, humor, and an eye for the unexpected. We talk about navigating expat life, living through COVID in Thailand, and even her take on  White Lotus  (she insists Season 3 hit the nail on t...

You remember that first school assignment in September—“Write about what you did on your summer vacation”? Well, this is my grown-up version. No loose-leaf paper, no red pen in the margins—just me sharing the stories, surprises, and lessons from an unforgettable stretch of summer. This year, my “vacation” wasn’t just about rest—it was about connection, adventure, and a few moments that I know I’ll...

Episode 22 – Bob Salvino: From Columbus to the Coral Coast: Leadership, Kangaroos, and Universal Truths.

In this episode of  The Most Important Podcast Ever , I welcome back Dr. Guy Beaudin—trusted advisor, psychologist, and one of the wisest voices I know on the subject of leadership. Our focus? The paradoxes that quietly shape every leader’s journey. These aren’t lessons you’ll find in a training manual—but they might be the most important ones you’ll ever learn. Together, we unpack three tensions...