Thought Forge Network

In this episode Joe and Manny discuss the current crisis of leadership in society. From parody videos to cold plunges, from battlefield stories to boardroom meetings, the guys tackle key issues in current leadership models and provide essential tools for making the mindset shift required to find TRUE success in leadership.

Chill out and hear the married couple talk about starting homesteading skills, relocating from various geographical settings, being new home owners, reflecting on past goals, comparing new self to past self, letting go of careers for better options, and reflecting on previous jobs.

We really went for it this time around! Fun conversations, high tensions, and buddies going after each other's throats! If we can't have these types of conversations OFF THE CLOCK then when can we!?!?!

Hero Shooters and Gaming Media: Manny and I explore the differences between various popular games and reminisce older video games while discussing their impact on today's gaming environment. We also talk through the new gaming developments in television that have recently begun to gain popularity, such as Arcane, Fallout, and Warhammer

Check out this conversation on tactical leadership, culture development, and training advice from a retired Force Reconnaissance Marine, SWAT Team Leader, Executive Consultant, and Entrepreneur! Listen to him discuss what it takes to lead a team and reach success!

In this episode of Everything HR’s Culinary Conversations, we sit down with Steven Pursley, Chef and Owner of Menya Rui, one of St. Louis’ most celebrated ramen shops. Steven shares his journey from studying authentic ramen in Japan to testing recipes with friends and family and eventually hosting pop-ups to perfect his dishes. After years of honing his craft, he opened Menya Rui’s brick-and-morta...

In this episode of Culinary Conversations, we chat with Kate and Bob Carpenter, the creative minds behind Sunny Side Kitchen in Escondido, CA. After being laid off, Kate seized the chance to turn her love for baking into a business, starting with baked goods and sandwiches at local markets and bars. With Bob’s encouragement, they opened a brick-and-mortar location, transforming breakfast and lunch...

In this episode of Becca's Breakdown on the Everything HR Podcast, we dive into the complexities of today’s job market from both sides of the hiring process. We discuss the challenges candidates face, including the time commitment, the role of education and experience, and the intense competition that comes with our increasingly connected world. We also explore generational differences in workplac...

In this episode of Culinary Conversations, we sit down with Drew McLeod, owner of Savour, one of Yelp’s Top 100 Restaurants. Drew shares his journey as a serial entrepreneur, including how his first restaurant failed after just 7 months, his experience owning both independent restaurants and franchises, and his unique management style. We also explore Savour’s distinctive schedule—only open 22 hou...

Welcome back to Becca’s Breakdown, where we dive into key lessons from our Culinary Conversations! In this episode, we explore insights from Jason Kennedy, Head Chef of Infinite Wonder Productions and Jasna Ostojich, founder of Podular. We discuss Jason's unique pop-up restaurant model, his approach to team buy-in, and balancing passion with part-time work. Jasna shares her perspectives on managin...

In this episode of Culinary Conversations, we sit down with Marvin Kinney, Owner and Operator of R Town Pizza in Reno, Nevada. Marvin shares his journey of building his Detroit-style pizzeria from the ground up, including the year-and-a-half-long construction process and the unexpectedly challenging “soft open” that led him to shut down the restaurant the very next day to address critical issues i...

Becca's Breakdown is where we highlight key insights from our Culinary Conversations diving deeper into the lessons we couldn't cram in a 1 hour show. In this episode, we discuss top lessons from Craig Dunaway, COO of Penn Station East Coast Subs, and Chris Nevins, Assistant Restaurant Leader at Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers. Topics include quality control, SOP development, training for mastery,...

Josh Baek the founder and owner of Boomchia Superfoods who earned a spot in Yelp’s Top 100 Restaurants discusses how he made quality his sole focus. Learn about Boomchia's 3 year journey and next steps!

Join us in our Yelp's Top 100 Restaurants of 2023 Campaign! In this episode, we’re excited to welcome Armen Saqe, Owner and Head Chef of Jessica’s Restaurant, which has earned a coveted spot in Yelp’s Top 100 Restaurants for two consecutive years. We dive into the challenges and successes Armen has faced in growing his renowned farm-to-table Italian and French fusion restaurant, located in Fanwood...

In this episode we sit down with Jorge Hernandez, a seasoned operations leader with a career spanning iconic brands like McDonald's, Burger King, and New England Foods. Jorge has held high-profile roles, from Director of Operations at FF&G to Vice President of Operations at New England Foods, and he brings a wealth of knowledge on team leadership, performance improvement, and employee mora...

In this episode, we sit down with Lydia Gwin, the creative force behind Gwin's Tiny Kitchen, a unique culinary venture that’s all about bringing people together through food. From cooking classes to custom-made spice rubs and granola, Lydia has created a vibrant space where families and food enthusiasts can discover the joys of cooking. We’ll explore how Gwin's Tiny Kitchen offers engaging...

Jasna Ostojich is the visionary Founder of Podular Inc., an innovative start-up revolutionizing the food and beverage stand industry through cutting-edge technology and stunning design. With Podular's patented IoT-integrated stands and proprietary software solutions, Jasna has empowered businesses to streamline their operations, enhance customer engagement, reduce third-party order and deliver...

In this episode, we sit down with Paul Nelson, the Food & Beverage Director at DoubleTree by Hilton, a globally recognized brand known for its signature warm hospitality and top-tier dining experiences. With over 600 locations across nearly 50 countries, DoubleTree continues to set the standard in hospitality. Paul will share how DoubleTree maintains consistency in its food and beverage operat...

Sit down with Jason Kennedy, the dynamic Executive Director and Head Chef of Infinite Wonder Productions, who also happens to be a 7th-grade science teacher! We dive into Jason's hands-on experience with Denny's, where he was tasked with transforming underperforming locations, rallying his team, and putting in countless hours to turn these restaurants around. We also explore his time with...

In this episode, we’re excited to welcome Chris Nevins, an Assistant Restaurant Leader for Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers. Raising Cane’s was founded by Todd Graves in 1996 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and has since expanded to over 700 locations across 37 states and internationally in Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. With a workforce of 50,000 employees, Raising Cane’s a...

I had the honor to speak with Adam Peters on his podcast. The Strategic Veteran Podcast is the go-to resource for veterans transitioning to civilian life. They feature in-depth interviews with successful veterans, expert advice on career and personal development, and guidance on entrepreneurship. Their mission is to empower veterans with the tools and knowledge needed for a successful civilian lif...

We welcomed Craig Dunaway, COO of Penn Station, East Coast Subs today! Penn Station opened its first store back in 1985 and grew to 320 locations in 14 states. They have around 5,000 employees and a revenue of 415 million. Learn about this massive franchise and tactical tools to improve your own restaurant!

Welcome back to the Everything HR Podcast! In this episode, we dive into the critical role that compensation and benefits play in scaling your business. Learn practical tips and insights on how to leverage these key HR functions to drive growth, enhance employee satisfaction, and ensure your business scales successfully. Don't miss this deep dive into the world of compensation and benefits, and di...

Welcome back to the Everything HR Podcast! I'm your host, Manuel Martinez, Founder and CEO of OmniHR. In this episode, Rebecca and I dive into the important and often sensitive topic of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in the workplace. We explore the significance of the 50/50 gender ratio rule, the benefits of blind recruiting, and much more. Join us as we discuss strategies to create a mor...

Join hosts Rebecca and Manuel Martinez on this episode of Everything HR as they delve into the essential steps for advancing your career. Discover the power of having the right mindset and gain a tactical layout on how to improve your situation. Whether you're looking to climb the corporate ladder or make a significant career shift, this episode is packed with actionable insights and strategies to...