The Most Important Podcast Ever with BJD

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...

Episode 20: Brad Weinreich – Fighting for Life, Fueled by Family, Faith, and the Incredible Power of a Grateful Heart Brad Weinreich is living with stage 4 kidney failure. But this isn’t just a story about waiting for a transplant—it’s about accepting a brutal diagnosis, grieving what’s been lost, and choosing to fight anyway. Brad opens up about the physical toll—battles with sepsis, exhaustion,...

“Changes in latitudes, changes in attitudes.”  – Jimmy Buffett From store remodels and tight deadlines to turquoise waters and open skies, Steve Dobovsky made a leap most only dream of. He sold everything, started from the hull up, became a dive master, and ultimately earned the title of captain in the Caribbean. Along the way, he met Audrey Sykes—an accomplished Dive Instructor, creative force, a...

Episode 18 – Michael Voss: Communicating with Clarity, Wit, and Heart Michael Voss knows how to find the right words—whether it’s leading global communications, co-authoring two sharp and satirical novels ( BS Incorporated  and  Operation Clusterpuck ), or hosting a town hall in front of thousands. For years, Michael stood beside me during major moments—helping shape the message and bring calm, hu...

Episode 17 – Emily Peterson Boone: From Madonna Dreams to Stories That Matter This week’s guest is  Emily Peterson Boone —a filmmaker, creative leader, and president of  Clever , a Minnesota-based content agency known for producing videos that connect with real people in real ways. Emily’s love of video started early—back in high school, when she and her friend Becky made a  Vogue -inspired submis...

Jeff Peterson is a true OG of retail—a leader whose fingerprints are all over the foundation of high-performing teams, operational excellence, and people-first leadership. In this conversation, Jeff and Brian look back on the wild, early days of Best Buy’s explosive growth, where Jeff played a key role not only in building teams but in bringing structure—developing one of the company’s first stand...

Episode 15 – Jay Pivec: Coaching, Character, and the Book of Piv This week’s guest is Coach Jay Pivec—a basketball coaching legend, mentor to many, and now, author of  The Book of Piv: All Stories Are As True As They Need to Be. Jay’s career spans decades on the court, but his true impact has always been off of it—shaping lives, building character, and telling stories that stick. The Book of Piv  ...

Episode 14 – Earl Allen: Running Toward Mental Health Since October 1st, 2010, Earl Allen has laced up his shoes and hit the road—every single day. As of June 9th, 2025, he’s logged  50,574.13 miles , averaging  24 to 28 miles a day . Rain or shine, snow or ice, ache or pain , Earl runs. But he’s not running away from anything—he’s running  toward something: his mental health. One step, one stride...

Episode 13 – Tony Sagastume: Reinvention, Winning, and the Evolution of a Leader Tony Sagastume’s retail journey began at the ground floor—literally. From driving forklifts at the original Price Club in 1983 to executive roles at Macy’s, Best Buy, and beyond, Tony has spent decades learning, leading, and most of all—teaching. In this episode, Tony shares the full arc of his story: the lessons from...

Episode 12 – Heidi Pearce: The Words That Matter MostHeidi Pearce is more than a gifted communicator—she’s a truth-teller with heart. In this episode, we revisit the journey of someone I was lucky enough to work closely with during some of the most critical years of my career. From her early days in sports media at the University of Wisconsin to being a key player on the communications team at Bes...

Bonus Episode – Rev. J. Dan Renfro: Grace in Action After the raw and powerful conversation in Episode 11, we knew there was more to say. In this bonus episode, Rev. J. Dan Renfro shares the work he’s doing now—on the streets, in the margins, wherever people are hurting and hungry. This is the grace that came out of the ashes. This is purpose forged in pain. Dan’s not building a ministry from a pu...

Episode 11 – Rev. J. Dan Renfro: From Rock Bottom to RedemptionWelcome to Episode 11 of The Most Important Podcast Ever with BJD. This one is raw. J. Dan Renfro and I go way back—we worked together during my time in Ohio, but lost touch over the years. Then, two years after my wife passed away, I was in a season of sleepless nights. One early morning, around 4 a.m., I found myself scrolling throug...

Episode 10 – Michael Trenony: From Invisble Wound to Hope-Dealer What happens when a moment of trauma makes you believe you’re no longer worthy of love—or even of being seen? In this powerful episode, Michael Traboni shares his remarkable journey from a childhood trauma he kept hidden for decades to a life of purpose, healing, and service. Michael and Brian first crossed paths in a Best Buy store...

Episode 9: Leadership is an Inside Job – with Dr. Guy Beaudin In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Guy Beaudin, a senior partner at RHR International and a globally respected industrial psychologist who has spent decades advising C-suite leaders across industries. I first met Guy nearly 30 years ago when he was brought in to work with my team—and more pointedly, with me. What began as an uneasy pa...