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Guild Stories

130 episodes - English - Latest episode: 6 months ago - ★★★★★ - 45 ratings

The stories of leaders, dreamers, & doers who are living life with meaning, purpose, & intention. Their stories connect us all.

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Episodes

Story 91: Resurrecting a Brand Built On Stories with Andy Rieger

October 12, 2023 19:15 - 1 hour - 90 MB

Andy Rieger, president of J. Rieger & Co., shares with us what it was like bringing a KC-based family business back to life even when he didn't want to.  Ninety-five years after it closed, J. Rieger & Co. is a globally distributed distillery rooted in legacy but built for what's to come. Tune in for what started as a trip into a restaurant to fulfill a promise Andy made to his dad and turned into the building of an empathetic, curious, and experience-driven brand.

Story 90: How Robots Heal with Cody Isabel

September 28, 2023 16:40 - 1 hour - 129 MB

Cody Isabel finds purpose in helping others find happiness and intention in their own lives.  He's the developer of My Companion, an AI Trauma app that teaches trauma survivors practical neuroscience and psychology tools to improve their mental health.  His love for the human body started in middle school and led him to study Cognitive Behavioral Neuroscience at Simpson College. Cody has always used his knowledge to help others understand highly complicated concepts, starting with teaching...

Story 89: Leadership that Wells Up with Scott Horstmann

September 19, 2023 16:40 - 1 hour - 136 MB

Scott Horstmann shares his journey on hiring for heart, accountability, and the type of leadership that wells up inside a person. Scott owns Christian Brothers Roofing and has broken his own business coaching rules when it comes to hiring family. His family-operated business offers its customers more than integrity but a level of service Scott and his team will never leave to chance.  You’ll love this authentic story of a shoe salesman who made his way to entrepreneurship. 

Story 88: The Healing Power of BBQ with Stan Hays

May 11, 2023 13:39 - 1 hour - 90.1 MB

Stan Hays loves barbecue, feeding people, helping in times of need. His organization, Operation BBQ Relief, has fed over 10 million meals to people in need in their nearly 12 years of existence.   When disaster strikes, they are quite often the first organization into town, bringing meals (incredible, comfort type meals) to people who need it most. Those who have been decimated and discouraged.   It's an incredibly brave organization that we loved learning about, and are so excited to see whe...

Story 87: Seeking Discomfort with Max Malldorf

April 21, 2023 14:56 - 1 hour - 96 MB

Max Malldorf is a German national who fell in love with America as a foreign exchange student. He's now a master brewer at POG brewery south of Kansas City. He is candid about how discomfort has been a vehicle for change in his life, and we were honored to hear his story.

Story 86: The Story Inward with Josh Cress

March 24, 2023 18:05 - 54 minutes - 74.8 MB

Josh Cress is a therapist and founder of Ampersand Counseling in Liberty, MO. Our conversation goes quickly into the vulnerable, discussing his journey "inward" toward self-awareness. It's a treacherous but rewarding road that many men and women have traveled (particularly since Covid disrupted life as we know it in March of 2020).   Josh is a brilliant, empathetic, and vulnerable man, and fellow Swiftie.   We hope you find the conversation helpful on your own journey.   His practice's websit...

Story 85: Nothing to Fear with Brent Beshore

March 16, 2023 13:57 - 1 hour - 102 MB

Author, leader, thinker, and man of deep care and humility - Brent Beshore shares his story with us this week, and we could not be more grateful to hear his heart.   Brent shares, among other things, what it's like to walk through pride and into humility, his opinions on "health bros" and their bad takes on ice baths, and many other lessons he's learned along the way.

Story 84: What Do I Actually Want?

March 09, 2023 16:17 - 58 minutes - 79.9 MB

Trent Raines is a partner at Collected Living, where he has taken his love of building and brought it into the workplace for this incredible design firm.   Throughout his career, Trent consciously has pursued work that makes him come alive. And like any empathetic leader, this road has been a journey of self-awareness and self-discovery.   And we are so honored to hear his story.

Story 83: Paint the Horizon with MJ Mitchell

March 02, 2023 17:21 - 1 hour - 95.7 MB

MJ Mitchell, CEO of Resto Athletic, has a riveting story: learning to lead a massive global organization at a young age, revolutionizing the custom performance apparel manufacturing industry, all while giving his team members the dignity of a living wage for their skilled labor.   Justin and MJ discuss leadership, redemptive entrepreneurship, how to become a horizon painter, and much more.   We are so excited to share this conversation with you.

Story 82: Health is Freedom with Chris Goode

February 23, 2023 20:50 - 1 hour - 87 MB

"Do you mind if I pray before our conversation," Chris asked before we hit record.   Chris started the conversation with intention, clarity, and surrender.   And what resulted was mind blowing.   We're humbled to share this dialogue, and the glimpse into the deep parts of Chris' story.   One of triumph, transformation, and truth.   His bravery, his resilience, and his purpose is on full display here.   And it's beautiful.   Hit play, and be inspired.

Story 81: Super Geek, Rebecca Kidwell Stretching for Good

February 16, 2023 19:50 - 1 hour - 82.5 MB

Rebecca Kidwell has a huge heart, an incredible academic pedigree, and deep humility. She has used her intellect as an engineer to start the LEARN Science and Math Club for students in the Kansas City area. That club has gone on to pioneer and develop mobile machines that help students with disabilities experience motion and play with their peers. Where they belong.   She is an incredible person that we are honored to know, and are so excited to share her story with you.

Story 80: Jeremy Parsons on Crummy Religion, Shame, and Joy.

February 09, 2023 16:31 - 1 hour - 116 MB

Jeremy Parsons is a lot of things: a father to three growing young men, a lover of the wild places in Western Colorado (where he grew up), films by Tarantino and Wes Anderson, the comedy of John Mulaney and Patton Oswalt, and ordering more of the adventurous selections on a restaurant’s menu.   He has traveled the world as a documentary photographer, falling in love with humanity along the way. In 2020, he joined the Guild team, recently assuming the role of Director of Story at Guild Collect...

Why Does Human-First Matter?

February 02, 2023 12:00 - 42 minutes - 58.5 MB

Who is Guild Collective? What does it mean to be "human first"? Why does Guild Collective exist? Why does story matter?   Racheal Burnett, COO at Guild Collective, and Jeremy Parsons, Director of Story at Guild Collective join Justin to have a transparent and enlivening conversation, getting to the heart behind what drives GC and how we got here.

Story 78: Kemet Coleman, the unofficial Creative Director of Kansas City, on art, beer, transit, and redefining the cultural identity of Kansas City

April 22, 2022 11:00 - 56 minutes - 77 MB

Kemet Coleman is an urbanist, artist, entrepreneur, and activist, to name a few.    Born and raised a KC native, Coleman grew up in a household motivated to seek justice for our city. After dabbling in music and theatre, he found his path through an urban studies class. This father of three thrives on helping KC see itself in a creative way and for who we really are.    "The cultural identity that is soaking into the soil of the city enhances the city's cultural identity."   Take a lis...

Story 77: Inside Guild Content on Cultivating A Culture That Tells The Truth In Life And Business

April 12, 2022 11:00 - 50 minutes - 69.9 MB

A discussion on swimming upstream to create work that matters with team members Devin Simmons, Director of Digital Marketing, Racheal Burnett, VP of Creative, and Colin Potter, VP of Business Operations. In the past 5 years, our team has grown from one guy with a laptop to 12 kind, brilliant people. It’s a plane being built in flight, and the biggest thing we’ve learned: work with good humans that want to do good work.  Listen in as we discuss: -Where story and strategy intersect  -The imp...

Story 76: The Orchard, Vol. 2

April 05, 2022 10:00 - 1 hour - 87.5 MB

Hear from Bronson, Cory, and Justin as they dive deep into mindset and what it takes to work through the fear that leads to scarcity thinking.

Story 75: Professor Dave Geenens on Infusing Faith in Enterprise to Create Business that Benefits Everybody

March 25, 2022 11:00 - 1 hour - 97.7 MB

Hear from Professor Dave Geenens, author and professor at Benedictine College, on his journey of building businesses on the pillars of virtue and challenging the status quo.    Geenes incorporates counter-cultural business practices to make money while making your business one that benefits everybody. In our discussion, he imparts his wisdom on: -Expanding your comfort zone to create opportunities -Re-defining leadership as “the art of maximizing cooperation”  -Challenging the old ideol...

Professor Dave Geenens on Infusing Faith in Enterprise to Create Business that Benefits Everybody

March 25, 2022 11:00 - 1 hour - 97.7 MB

Hear from Professor Dave Geenens, author and professor at Benedictine College, on his journey of building businesses on the pillars of virtue and challenging the status quo.    Geenes incorporates counter-cultural business practices to make money while making your business one that benefits everybody. In our discussion, he imparts his wisdom on: -Expanding your comfort zone to create opportunities -Re-defining leadership as “the art of maximizing cooperation”  -Challenging the old ideol...

Story 74: The Orchard, Vol. 1 On Leadership Frameworks, Extending Mercy, and Maximizing Team Performance

March 02, 2022 10:16 - 1 hour - 90.6 MB

Hear from Bronson Ko and Cory Scheer, past guests of the Guild Stories podcast, in a new monthly format called The Orchard. This will be an evolving dialogue where Bronson, Cory, and Justin meander through a variety of topics including leadership, wellness, community, entrepreneurship, mindset, emotional health, marketing, technology, creativity, and whatever else may emerge. This month’s conversation dives into: Disappointing others at a rate they can handle Competing frameworks within o...

Story 73: Eric Bartlett, Partner at Northland Injury Law, On A Doozy of a Storied Career

February 23, 2022 10:11 - 1 hour - 104 MB

Hear from Eric Bartlett, co-founder and partner at Northland Injury Law, as he shares lessons in building an intentional brand, including:  Standing out in a cluttered industry segment  The importance of disarming and comforting clients through clear communication and education  Using external feedback as a mirror for your business How COVID revealed an opportunity to shift and expand his firm’s marketing efforts, even as it took a toll on his personal health Building systems and proces...

Story 72: Beth Anne + Russ Branden on Building a Business and a Life as Partners

February 16, 2022 10:31 - 52 minutes - 72.6 MB

Hear from Beth Anne + Russ Branden, partners in life and part of the partnership group at Built Interior Construction.  They share their philosophy on: Client service Team development and empowerment Disrupting an entire industry Building a business and life with purpose The changing face of business environments How life and business partnerships thrive And much more.       

Story 71: Bronson Ko on Precision, Mindset, and Failure Being a Gift 🎙🥋

January 12, 2022 17:22 - 59 minutes - 81.6 MB

Hear from Bronson Ko, Founder of KOMA. This conversation is rich in practical and philosophical wisdom. Among other topics, Bronson shares about: Failure being a generous gift The two sided coin of precision How processes free your people to be fuller versions of themselves How emotional resilience is built How character is forged in the fire  What it takes to build something beautiful  Why core values are core to your success as an organization  Pop in your AirPods and hit play.   

Story 70: George Weyrauch, The Relationship Evangelist 🎙🙌

January 06, 2022 11:35 - 50 minutes - 69.3 MB

Hear from George Weyrauch, Founder of Rock Creative Network on his role as Chief Relationship Evangelist in the KC creative community.  You'll soak up great wisdom and encouragement from one of the most generous connectors in the often competitive agency space.  PS - George knew Seth Godin before Seth Godin was, well...Seth Godin.  You can follow George on LInkedIn here. 

Story 69: Tod Puetz, Founder of Insane Impact on All Gas, No Brake 🎙📺

December 16, 2021 11:14 - 1 hour - 88.4 MB

Hear from Tod Puetz, Founder and CEO of Insane Impact, as he shares his six-year entrepreneur and starter story and drops some gold as it relates to: Why you should hire your friends What it's really like to start something meaningful  How his motto of Blood, Sweat, Tears, and Beers has carried many tough days Why he cares deeply about relentless innovation How he's shifted from start-up mode to "all gas, no brake" mode The self-discovery that emerges in adversity  And much more  

Story 68: Shannon and Dustin Lundberg on Building a Business & Community 🎙🔥 🧊

December 08, 2021 10:30 - 48 minutes - 66.5 MB

Hear from Shannon and Dustin Lundberg, Owners of Blue Heating and Cooling, on their journey as entrepreneurs, owners, and community builders.  You'll appreciate their honesty, vulnerability, and humor as they share their story of building one of Kansas City's best home service businesses.   

Story 67: Marilyn Chappell on Ending Generational Poverty Through Financial Literacy 🎙💵

December 01, 2021 10:05 - 57 minutes - 78.4 MB

Hear from Marilyn Chappell, Founder and Executive Director, of Exceeds Expectations as she shares real, powerful stories of: Her gambling addiction and how she accepted her reality How she and her husband had the courage to dream, then the guts to do something about them How she's helping end generational poverty through financial literacy  How her faith helps her see opportunities and achieve the impossible  How she's helping people see the stories that have held them back And many mo...

Story 66: Mike Sgro on Unlocking the Power in People 🎙🗝

November 17, 2021 18:53 - 1 hour - 98 MB

Hear from Mike Sgro, Leadership Coach, on how he helps people how to people.  Among many other nuggets of wisdom, Mike shares: How to unlock the power within each of us How transformation is the journey His Degree of Oprah That feelings are not facts How to wake up to yourself Healthy habits that can transform your life The difference between productivity vs. morale How to slow down to see clearly Check out Mike's work and practice here.   

Story 65: Danny Beckley on Radical Expansion, Blazing a Trail, and Orchestra for All 🎙🎻

November 10, 2021 10:37 - 1 hour - 86 MB

Hear from Kansas City Symphony's Executive Director, Danny Beckley, as he shares stories and lessons on: Blazing trails Radical expansion Historic renovations of a community showpiece Orchestra for all How the pandemic created invitations  And much more You'll be inspired by his thoughtfulness, wisdom, insight, and trails blazed. 

Story 64: Dr. Christine Nedeau on Health, Sleep, and How to Bloom 🎙🌸

November 03, 2021 14:54 - 57 minutes - 79.2 MB

Hear from Dr. Christine Nedeau, Founder & CEO, Family Medicine, Functional & Integrative Medicine at Bloom La Vie Health - Where Good Health Grows. Among many other things, Dr. Nedeau discusses: The deep need for great sleep (and why most don't get it) How most doctors aren't able to focus on and care for the root causes of health because they're incentivized to treat illness The introduction of a new model of health and wellness Practical, healthy habits to grow good health The journe...

Story 63: Stephanie Crockett, President of Mower, on Making Magic in Marketing

October 06, 2021 11:40 - 56 minutes - 77.8 MB

Hear from Stephanie Crockett, President and COO of Mower, one of the leading communications marketing agencies in the country.  Among many other things, Stephanie discusses: The power (and need) of empathy in marketing How leadership isn't a position or job title How brands are navigating the need for both story and data Building a culture of fierce friends Navigating the pitfalls and possible burnout that's typical in many agencies You can follow Mower here and Stephanie on LinkedIn ...

Story 62: Mike Kenny, Executive Director of Warriors‘ Ascent on Being a Paragon of Grit 🎙🇺🇸

September 22, 2021 11:21 - 1 hour - 103 MB

Hear from Mike Kenny, Executive Director of Warriors' Ascent, as he shares his own story of stepping forward into growth and how his mission is to empower warriors to take ownership of their lives. You can hear more about the incredible work of Warriors' Ascent here.  And you can follow Mike on LinkedIn here.

Story 61: Amy Myers, CMO at NFM, on Data, Concierge Service, and Storytelling 🎙 🛒

July 21, 2021 11:00 - 48 minutes - 66.1 MB

Hear from Amy Myers, CMO at NFM, as she walks us through her story and unpacks tons of wisdom, including: - The power of data in marketing, but only when held with humanity - The importance of strong relationships in a career arc - How creating content through the lens of the end-user is difficult, but critical - Pivoting a massive business in a pandemic - How they're making a big store, small through high-touch, concierge service You can buy loads of amazing stuff at NFM. And you can ...

Story 60: Greg Graves on Creating Amazing 🎙😁

June 30, 2021 11:00 - 51 minutes - 71.2 MB

Hear from Greg Graves, Author of Create Amazing + Retired CEO of Burns and McDonnell, on the health of the American economy, the way to create something amazing, and how to make a massive impact. You'll leave this conversation inspired. Buy Greg's book here:  Follow Greg on LinkedIn here: 

Story 59: Rex Hudler, Mitch Wheeler, and Justin Hoover on Mashing Plastic to Benefit The Battle Within 🎙🥎

June 23, 2021 10:45 - 1 hour - 96.4 MB

Hear from Kansas City Royals Color Commentator, Rex Hudler and The Battle Within's Executive Director, Justin Hoover and Director of Development, Mitch Wheeler, as they go deep and share vulnerably about the healing work this program has on the lives of our nation's veterans and first responders. And, as a way to raise awareness for the program, they throw the most whimsical fundraiser in the history of fundraisers. Wiffle at the Hollow, complete with a manicured field of dreams by the one ...

Story 58: Travis Odom on Changing the World, One Burrito at a Time 🎙 🌯

June 16, 2021 11:00 - 57 minutes - 78.8 MB

Listen to Travis Odom, Franchise Owner at Moe's Southwest Grill, on picking yourself up off the curb, having fun in your career, and changing the world one burrito at a time. Connect with Travis on LinkedIn.

Story 57: Brett Hersma on Relationships Being Everything 🎙 🤝

May 26, 2021 11:00 - 1 hour - 89.3 MB

Hear from Brett Hersma, Senior Vice President of Young Life, on how relationships are the glue that hold us all together. Give Brett a follow on LinkedIn here! guildcontent.com/bretthersma

Story 56: Bob Kendrick + Kiona Sinks on Stewarding One of America's Finest Stories 🎙 ⚾️

April 22, 2021 17:27 - 1 hour - 98.5 MB

The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum is far bigger than baseball. This sacred place that started on a hope and a prayer has now become a catalyst for conversations around inclusion and diversity for not only individuals, but corporations, and an entire country, as well. Listen in and be inspired by this conversation with Negro Leagues Baseball Museum President, Bob Kendrick, and Community Engagement Manager, Kiona Sinks. Check out the museum here:  Follow Bob on Twitter here:  Follow Kiona...

Story 55: Darren Prenger on Listening Your Way to Success 🎙 ↗️

April 14, 2021 11:00 - 1 hour - 84.8 MB

Hear from Darren Prenger, COO at ECCO Select on humility, ambition, and listening your way to success. Give Darren a follow on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darren-prenger-5a24b91

Story 54: Mike Farag on Creating Fervor 🎙 🔥

March 31, 2021 11:07 - 46 minutes - 64.5 MB

Hear from Mike Farag, CEO + Chief Brand Strategist at Fervor. A marketing + consulting agency in Kansas City, who is making worldwide impact. Mike is deep, genuine, raw, wicked smart, and shares stories of transforming mistakes, finding harmony, and creating fervor.  Check out his company here. Give him a follow on LinkedIn here.   

Story 53: Josh Brewster on Transforming Obstacles into Opportunities 🎙 💯

March 24, 2021 11:00 - 59 minutes - 81.8 MB

Hear from Josh Brewster from Trozzolo Communications as he shares his journey of transforming obstacles into opportunities. Follow Josh on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/huntbrewster

Story 52: Sike Style on Creating Memories through Art and Transforming Public Spaces 🎙🎨

January 20, 2021 11:00 - 1 hour - 95.4 MB

Hear from Sike Style as he tells his story of creating memories through art and transforming public spaces. Check out Sike's work at https://sikestyle.myportfolio.com/exteriormurals

Story 51: Jon Schram, Founder and CEO of The Purple Guys, on the Business of Business 🎙 💜

December 16, 2020 11:00 - 49 minutes - 67.7 MB

Hear from Jon Schram, Founder and CEO of The Purple Guys, on small business being the engine that drives our country, the entrepreneurial spirits, and the fascination he has with the business of business. Check out The Purple Guys here. And connect with Jon on LinkedIn. 

Story 50: NY Times Best-Selling Author Trevor Blake on the Three Simple Steps to Success 🎙🤯

December 09, 2020 16:18 - 57 minutes - 78.8 MB

Hear from Trevor Blake, a perpetual student of life. Author of NY Times Bestseller, Three Simple Steps, and his newest book, Secrets to a Successful Startup: A Recession-Proof Guide to Starting, Surviving & Thriving in Your Own Venture.   Trevor was the founder and CEO of QOL Medical LLC, which he started with just a few hundred dollars, and sold in 2010 for more than $100 million. He has since sold two more companies (over $300 million) and is currently at work on his 4th, 5th, and 6th. ...

Story 49: Andrew Vleisides, Region Owner of Ram Jack, on Causing Disruption to Create Positive Change 🎙 👷‍♂️

December 02, 2020 11:00 - 1 hour - 91.4 MB

Hear from Andrew Vleisides, Region Owner of Ram Jack, on causing disruption, constantly tinkering, and creating positive change. Check out Ram Jack here. And follow Andrew on LinkedIn here.

Story 48: Warren Wang, CEO of Visdom Technologies on Being Transformed by Business 🎙 💻

November 25, 2020 11:00 - 56 minutes - 77 MB

Hear from Warren Wang, Co-Founder and CEO of Visdom Technologies (tag) on leaving the top of the corporate ladder at Google to be transformed through the power of a Silicon Valley Startup. Check out Warren's company here and follow Warren on LinkedIn here.

Story 47: Phil Singleton on Becoming an 800-Pound Gorilla 🎙 🦍

November 18, 2020 11:00 - 1 hour - 82.6 MB

Hear from Phil Singleton, Best-Selling Author and Owner of KC Web Design & SEO, on what it takes to become an 800-pound gorilla by building authority, creating compelling content, and becoming an expert. Phil's web design site: http://kcwebdesigner.com/ Phil's SEO services site: http://kcseopro.com/ Phil's book site: https://seoforgrowth.com/ Phil's podcast guesting agency: https://podcastbookers.com/ Recent award link: https://kansascity.bloggerlocal.com/reviews/experts-seo-kansas-...

Story 46: Mike Hyer, Owner of Rocktops KC, on Putting Everything You Own Into It

November 11, 2020 10:49 - 1 hour - 92.6 MB

Hear from Mike Hyer, Owner of Rocktops KC tell his story from startup to 80+ employees by building a beautiful brand that can be trusted, and by putting his a** on the line.  Follow along on the Rocktops KC journey in the following places:  Website Instagram Facebook Pinterest YouTube

Story 45: Jonathan Epstein on Hustle, Service, and Building a Business That Lasts 🎙📺

October 28, 2020 10:12 - 53 minutes - 73.3 MB

Hear from Jonathan Epstein, Principal and Co-Founder of Running Pony Productions, on how his side hustle turned into one of the nation's premier video production companies, and how his focus now is on building a business that will outlast him.  Check out their award-winning work here. And give Jonathan a follow on LinkedIn here.   

Story 44: Eng Taing on Unlocking Your Potential and Finding Freedom 🎙🗝

October 21, 2020 11:35 - 1 hour - 102 MB

Hear Eng Taing's powerful story. From his birth in a Thailand refugee camp, to a childhood of hustle in Los Angeles, to the Wharton School of Business, to prestigious career stops at AT&T, Capital One, and Apple, Taing is now helping people unlock their potential and find financial freedom as the Founder & CEO of Touzi Capital.  Give Eng a follow on LinkedIn.       

Story 43: Tony Hofmann on Embracing Grit, 100 Mile Ultras, and Being the Tip of the Spear 🎙🏃‍♂️

October 14, 2020 11:02 - 1 hour - 109 MB

Hear from Retired Army Colonel, Author, and Team Leadville Leader Tony Hofmann on being the 'Tip of the Spear' in Kuwait, Leading Ultra Teams, and Embracing Grit in his new season of life.  Grab Tony's book here, and follow him on LinkedIn here. 

Twitter Mentions

@coachmccabe 2 Episodes
@kathynelson_kc 2 Episodes
@timcowden 2 Episodes
@kionasinks 1 Episode
@nlbmprez 1 Episode