Recorded live in Boston, Bart sits down with Milt Herbert, Executive Director of the Boston Convention & Marketing Center, for a masterclass in leadership, discipline, and humanity. Milt shares his unconventional journey — from flunking out of college, to serving in combat, to becoming a professor, technologist, entrepreneur, and ultimately a long-tenured executive leader. With humility and clarity, Milt explains how military discipline reshaped his life, why treating people like people is the foundation of leadership, and how focusing on customers as humans — not transactions — creates lasting success. This conversation is packed with wisdom on work ethic, family, learning, customer experience, and what most leaders still get wrong.Major Takeaways / Learnings
Discipline can change everything. Milt credits military service with reshaping his mindset, work ethic, and focus.
Early failure doesn’t define your ceiling. Flunking out of college didn’t stop him from earning an MBA, teaching, and entering a PhD program.
Leadership is about people, not roles. Employees have full lives outside work — great leaders respect and support that reality.
Integration beats balance. Milt prioritized family, coaching his kids’ teams and staying present while building a demanding career.
Be a lifelong learner. From coding to tennis to leadership, curiosity and self‑teaching fueled every chapter of his life.
Customers are humans first. The best way to serve customers is to understand their goals, pressures, and definitions of success.
Listening is a leadership superpower. Ask questions, stay quiet, and truly hear people — that’s how trust is built.
Strong teams feel like family. When people feel cared for, respected, and seen, they stay — and they perform.
Memorable Quotes
“People don’t show up for work — work isn’t their whole life.”
“You keep your mouth shut, you listen, and you ask questions.”
“Customers have jobs to do — our job is to help them succeed.”
“It’s always about the people. It’s never just about the business.”
“I’m only one person — it’s the team that makes everything happen.”
“Family first isn’t a slogan. It’s a responsibility.”
Why It Matters / How to Use It
This episode is a blueprint for leaders who want to build trust, loyalty, and performance without sacrificing humanity. Milt Herbert’s story proves that discipline, empathy, and curiosity can coexist — and that the strongest organizations are built by leaders who listen, care, and understand people beyond their titles. Whether you lead a team, serve customers, raise a family, or are still finding your path, this conversation offers timeless lessons on how to show up, how to lead, and why people first is not optional — it’s essential.
In this powerful and refreshingly honest conversation, Bart sits down with Brittany Shoul, SVP of Revenue Strategy & Ops at MCI USA. Brittany shares her journey from being the first in her family to attend college, to discovering her leadership voice, to becoming a respected leader who champions authenticity, empathy, and integration over “balance.” She reveals how her upbringing, her grandmother’s influence, her early leadership experiences, and her work in sales shaped the leader she is today. Brittany opens up about drive, fulfillment, emotional intelligence, and why showing up like you belong—exactly as you are—is one of the most underrated skills in life and business.
💡 Major Takeaways / Learnings
Authenticity isn’t a buzzword — it’s a strategy. Brittany insists that showing up as your true self is not only allowed, but powerful.
“You can do anything, but you can’t do everything.” A core message she teaches her daughters, colleagues, and herself.
Balance is a myth; integration is real. Your life will never be perfectly even — but you can blend what matters in healthier ways.
Fulfillment fuels drive. Brittany isn’t trying to “prove” anything; she’s driven by the impact she can make on her team, her family, and her industry.
Leadership means giving people permission. Sometimes people just need to hear “It’s okay” — to leave early, to rest, to take space.
Show up like you belong. Even if you’re young, new, nervous, or different — the room is for you, too.
Find mentors everywhere. If your company doesn’t offer strong leadership, seek it through networking, LinkedIn, peers, or past relationships.
Kindness and connection matter. Whether talking to a housekeeper or meeting someone at an event, presence and authenticity build trust.
💬 Memorable Quotes
“You can do anything — you just can’t do everything.”
“Show up like you belong.”
“Fulfillment comes from the impact you make — at home, and at work.”
“Balance implies everything is equal. That’s not real. Integration is.”
“Be yourself. No one needs a business-professional robot.”
“It’s okay to be excited. It’s okay to be nervous. Just show up.”
✨ Why It Matters / How to Use It
This episode is a guide for anyone trying to grow in their career while staying true to themselves. Brittany’s journey shows listeners that success doesn’t come from perfection — it comes from authenticity, connection, and courage. Her practical insights help young professionals, leaders, and parents understand how to integrate ambition with life, how to care for themselves and their teams, and how to build confidence even when the room feels intimidating. Anyone struggling with imposter syndrome, burnout, or self-doubt will find grounding, encouragement, and permission to be human — while still striving for more.
In this heartfelt and candid episode, Bart sits down with Zane Kerby, President & CEO of ASTA (American Society of Travel Advisors). They explore the soul of travel, the evolution from “travel agents” to “travel advisors,” the emotional impact of seeing the world, and how empathy, kindness, slowing down, and meaningful connection shape a life well lived. Zane shares stories from his 30-year anniversary trip to Colombia, childhood influences, leadership philosophies, and why travel advisors are more vital now than ever. This conversation is human, emotional, and a reminder that travel doesn’t just show us the world—it shows us ourselves.
Major Takeaways / Learnings
Memorable Quotes
Why It Matters / How to Use It
For Travel Advisors
Your work matters more than ever. You’re not booking trips—you’re shaping how people see the world and each other. You help create life-changing experiences.
For Leaders
Slow down. Listen deeply. Treat people well. Presence is powerful. Hire smart, kind people and give credit freely.
For Everyone
Travel as much as you can. Say yes more often. Go and see the world—it expands your understanding, deepens your empathy, and enriches your life. And when you’re not traveling, practice the same principles: pause, notice, listen, help.
Travel is an empathy engine. It makes us better humans. And as Zane reminds us, the world becomes a better place when we choose to go, see, and connect.
More about Zane Kerby here: Zane Kerby | LinkedIn
More about ASTA here: Home
In this episode, Bart sits down with Sara Murray, founder & CEO of Murmaid International, sales trainer, keynote speaker, and host of Prospecting on Purpose. This conversation explores Sara’s journey from corporate to entrepreneur, her “ABAV” philosophy (Always Be Adding Value), the mindset behind confidence, abundance, and authentic connection, and the simple human behaviors that create massive business impact.
Sara shares candid stories about positivity, self-belief, gratitude, and what happens when you consistently show up as someone who notices, connects, and overdelivers.
Major Takeaways / Learnings
Sara’s foundational philosophy: every interaction is a chance to make an emotional deposit. Add value before you ask. Add value even when you don’t need anything. Add value when it costs nothing. This is what builds reputation, trust, and opportunity.
Sara teaches how to “jump up on the pedestal” instead of shrinking in front of high-value clients. Confidence is built by collecting experiences, learning from people, and trusting your strengths.
Even in competitive industries, there’s more than enough success to go around. Sara and Bart connect over the idea that generosity creates momentum. When you give without expectations, the world opens up.
If your product or service genuinely improves someone’s business or life, then outreach isn’t “bothering” people. It’s informing them of value they deserve to know about.
People miss opportunities because they’re too busy “performing.” Listening deeply to needs, hints, frustrations, vacations, or tiny details, creates connection. It’s rare. And therefore powerful.
Automation is fine. Humanity wins. A review. A thoughtful suggestion. A follow-up based on something they said. Most people don’t do these small acts, which is why they stand out.
Sara emphasizes that the first few years are harder, longer, and more demanding than expected. But with patience, belief, and staying aligned with your “why,” the payoff is life-changing.
Sara’s ability to talk to anyone came from sitting next to strangers on flights as a Delta employee’s kid. Every interaction became a data point that built confidence, empathy, and curiosity.
One of Sara’s favorite examples: she once recommended two novels to someone going on vacation. It got her booked a full year earlier than expected.
Helping people first is the business model
When you focus on helping, not hustling, you attract the right clients, create impact, and build a career you’re proud of.
Memorable Quotes
Why It Matters / How to Use It
Resources:
LinkedIn: Sara Murray | LinkedInWebsite: Sara Murray
In this powerful and deeply human episode of For All the Marbles, Bart sits down with bestselling author and mental health advocate Dana Johnston. Dana opens up about her journey with bipolar disorder from the terrifying onset of insomnia and fear, to rebuilding her life, career, marriage, and sense of purpose. Her book, Shine Bright: Seeking Daylight in the Darkness, has touched thousands, offering hope, practical tools, and a way forward for anyone facing adversity.
This conversation blends vulnerability, wisdom, humor, and heart, making it one of the most inspirational stories shared on the show.
Major Takeaways / Learnings
Dana emphasizes that wellness is the foundation of everything: happiness, stability, career, and relationships.
For her, self-care includes:
“You can’t be happy if you don’t feel well.”
Dana reframes anxiety and depression as universal emotional states, not signs of failure.
She uses a powerful metaphor:
“The blue sky is always there, even when the clouds temporarily cover it.”
Dana openly shares that even with great habits, she still veers off course sometimes, and that’s okay.
“What matters is that you know what helps you feel your best, and you do more of that.”
Many people don’t adopt healthier habits because they haven’t experienced the consequences or the benefits yet. Dana notes that both hardship and role models shape whether people take action.
Dana is a leading advocate of the four-day workweek, not for convenience but for survival in today’s professional climate.
She argues that productivity, happiness, and health all increase when people are rested.
Dana didn’t write her book to heal herself; she wrote it for the young woman who feels terrified and lost after a bipolar diagnosis.
Her lived experience helps others feel seen, understood, and hopeful.
Dana reminds us:
“You inch along. You get a little better every year. Don’t expect an overnight transformation. Be kind to yourself.”
Memorable Quotes
Why It Matters / How to Use It
This episode is a reminder that:
For listeners facing anxiety, burnout, depression, fear, or any life disruption, Dana’s story shines a light forward:
You can rebuild. You can improve. You can shine bright again.
Resources:
LinkedIn: Dana Johnston, MS, CMP | LinkedIn
Book: daylightanddarkness.com
In this energizing and deeply human conversation, Bart sits down with Carrie Campbell, a longtime Boston Red Sox executive, keynote speaker, culture strategist, and former hotelier. Together they unpack what genuine service looks like, how strong cultures are built, and why creating exceptional experiences isn’t complicated—it’s intentional.
Carrie shares her journey from Fairmont Hotels to Fenway Park, how a culture of care shaped her leadership, and why the Red Sox operate with one of the most empowering philosophies in sports and hospitality: “We are in the YES business.” This episode blends personal storytelling, leadership insight, and practical wisdom for anyone seeking to build healthier workplaces or make courageous career moves.
Major Takeaways and Learnings
Culture Begins With People, Not Processes
Great organizations give employees the tools, training, and clarity to deliver great service. Culture thrives when people feel valued—never when the only priority is profit or reporting.
Carrie emphasizes that recognition must be intentional. It means understanding how each person prefers to be acknowledged, connecting praise to impact, addressing missteps with clarity, and creating a consistent rhythm of appreciation.
When someone feels stuck, unseen, or depleted, Bart and Carrie both reinforce a message many need to hear:
If you can’t change the culture and leadership isn’t listening, you don’t have to stay.
As Bart shares, you can do anything for a year to get back on your feet and rebuild.
Leadership isn’t defined by title. It’s defined by behavior. Anyone can model kindness, contribute to culture, mentor a teammate, or take ownership of their environment.
Carrie offers an inside look at one of the Red Sox’s most defining cultural principles:
“We are in the YES business.”
Employees are empowered with resources like discretionary ticket allotments to proactively solve problems and create memorable moments. It is a simple but powerful philosophy that reduces friction, builds trust, and elevates fan experience.
Fear is primal, but it becomes harmful when it keeps us small. Awareness is the first step to choosing courage and forward movement—whether that means learning new skills, addressing workplace issues, or making a major career change.
A strong culture is synonymous with psychological safety. It fosters clarity, consistency, trust, and retention. People stay not because of perks, but because the environment feels supportive and human.
Memorable Quotes
Why It Matters / How to Apply It
Model the culture you expect. Teach. Recognize. Support. Set clear expectations. Equip your people. Create consistency.
You shape culture too. Speak up. Contribute. Support colleagues. Practice kindness. And if the environment harms your wellbeing, give yourself permission to leave.
You are not redundant. You are remarkable.
And you truly can do anything for a year to regain momentum, stability, and hope.
When Andrea Driessen and Bart sat next to each other at IMEX, the conversation didn’t begin with sales, logistics, or “What do you need?” Instead, Andrea asked something rare: “Tell me more about you.”
That moment became the spark for this deeply meaningful episode. Andrea is the Founder of Gracenotes, an author, TED/TEDx speaker, longtime entrepreneur, and former ownerof a speakers bureau. Today, she’s leading a global movement to help people experience something precious while they’re still here: a living eulogy.
In this powerful conversation, Andrea shares:
You’ll hear emotional stories, practical tools, and reminders that we simply can’t afford to postpone what matters most.
This episode is a masterclass in noticing, appreciating, and expressing the good in others before it’s too late.
Major Takeaways / Learnings
1. We must not wait.
Life changes without warning. A grace note written today can become someone’s anchor tomorrow. Bart shares his “blue screen of death” metaphor and his own heart-attack anniversary to reinforce the message: Don’t wait.
2. People feel unseen, more than we realize.
A third of employees feel invisible at work. Half feel undervalued. Women especially feel unseen. Grace Notes offer a simple, profound antidote.
3. A “living eulogy” shifts how people view their impact.
Most people don’t know the good they bring to others until they're gone. Grace Notes allow us to tell them now when they can internalize it, live into it, and be changed by it.
4. Four roadblocks stop people from expressing appreciation.
Andrea identifies the big four:
5. Handwritten matters.
A physical note becomes a keepsake, a reminder, a reassurance. People keep them on walls, drawers, binders—sometimes for decades.
6. Brave moves build brave lives.
Andrea shares the 11-word note from her father:
“I’m in awe of my kid doing such a brave thing.”
She still has it on her wall—even now.
7. Attention is one of the purest forms of love.
When we fully “erase ourselves” and focus on others, we give the rarest human gift: presence without agenda.
8. Meaning > Matter.
People don’t need more things. They need more meaning. Messages of mattering help create it.
Memorable Quotes
From Andrea:
From Bart:
Why It Matters
1. Start your own Grace Note practice today.
Pick one person. Write 3–4 sentences. Send it. Don’t overthink.
2. Create a “Kudos File” or “Brag Box.”
Keep the notes others send you. Pull them out on the tough days.
3. Use the “habit swap” method.
Swap one episode of Netflix, one social scroll, one distraction—for a Grace Note.
4. Schedule a monthly “Grace Note Meeting” with yourself.
A simple recurring calendar block. 10–20 minutes. It changes relationships.
5. Lead with meaning.
In leadership, sales, family, and friendships:
People remember how you made them feel seen.
6. Practice presence.
Erase yourself, focus solely on the human in front of you.
Resources;
Connect to:
Website: Keynote Speaker | Gracenotes
In this unscripted, deeply human episode recorded during a car ride in Cancun, Bart sits down with two extraordinary voices — William Arruda, founder of Reach Personal Branding and global pioneer in the personal branding movement, and Stuart Fedderson, charisma and human-connection expert known for teaching how to have confident, credible, meaningful conversations.
What begins as a discussion about Bart’s Trigger–Glimmer–Awe model quickly unfolds into an energetic exchange about identity, connection, confidence, conversation skills, introversion, authenticity, and doing what most people don’t do.
Bart shares his three C’s for movingfrom Trigger to Glimmer: Clear your mind. Connect with others. Create a better meaning.
Stuart reveals his own three C’s for charisma and personal presence and talks vulnerably about growing up with a stutter, battling social anxiety, and why introverts can become powerful communicators with the right rituals.
William adds his three C’s of personal branding clarity, consistency, and constancy and explains why “fine” isthe most dangerous word in a career. If something is only fine, it’s forgettable.
The three also explore:
And in true Most People Don’t fashion, Bart shares a powerful story from a grocery store a moment when someone judged him, admitted it aloud, and left reminded of what it feels like to be truly seen.
This is a warm, funny, vulnerable, deeply humanepisode filled with insights you can use at work, on stage, and in the everyday conversations that shape your life.
MAJOR TAKEAWAYS / LEARNINGS
MEMORABLE QUOTES
Resources;
Connect to:
William Arruda LinkedIn: William Arruda | LinkedIn
Website: William Arruda – What makes you unique makes you successful.
Stuart Fedderson LinkedIn: Stuart Fedderson | LinkedInWebsite: Master your people skills, increase your success
In this inspiring episode of For All the Marbles, Bart interviews Alex Sechopoulos, the 26-year-old Head of Sales and Operations for Mixly USA, a groundbreaking company that bridges music, mixology, and technology. From humble beginnings at a Canadian winery to helping pioneer an innovation that lets you literally taste your favorite song, Alex shares how mentorship, family influence, and sheer driveshaped his entrepreneurial journey. Together, Bart and Alex explore the creative spark behind Mixly’s “Taste the Music” activation, the emotional intelligence behind great sales, and the deeper meaning of balancing ambition with well-being.
Major Takeaways / Learnings:
Memorable Quotes:
✨ Why It Matters / How to Use It:
This episode reminds entrepreneurs, creatives, and leaders that innovation often lives at the intersection of emotion, science, and service. Whether you’re building a company or leading a team, success comes from curiosity, connection, and consistency and remembering that fun is a strategy, nota distraction. Alex’s story proves that passion with purpose and a willingness to keep learning can turn even the wildest ideas into global movements.
Resources:
Bart Berkey | LinkedIn
Website: Mixly USA
LinkedIn: Alex Sechopoulos
In this episode of For All the Marbles, Bart sits down with Jeremy Kwaterski, often called the Godfather of Cell Phone Repair, a serial entrepreneur who built CPR Cell Phone Repair into a 700-unit franchise before selling it and later founding Repairs First Association, Gadget Repair Expo, The Biz Expo, Accelerate Franchise, and several other ventures.
Jeremy’s story is a masterclass in betting on yourself, embracing the road less travelled, and turning setbacks into the spark for future success. He shares how early experiences of being undervalued pushed him to create his own path, how he built and scaled massive enterprises, and why freedom, not money, has been his primary motivator.
The conversation dives deep into resilience, creativity, franchising, learning from everyone (even a 15-year-old entrepreneur), and the shared responsibility of giving others a playbook for success.
Major Takeaways / Learnings
Jeremy realized early that traditional employment didn’t reward his effort or talent. Instead of accepting that, he “gambled on himself” the only outcome he could control.
Being overlooked, underpaid, or dismissed can spark the determination to build something better.
Jeremy’s early employers' failure to value him pushed him to create companies where people matter.
He still learns from every employee, every franchisee, every entrepreneur… even teenagers.
Entrepreneurs who stay curious stay successful.
Jeremy’s franchise success came from codifying what works:
operations, margins, customer experience, consistency.
Any business can be franchised if it has a replicable playbook.
CPR grew rapidly because Jeremy tapped into the brains and creativity of his franchisees. His association model is built on the same principle: independent shops supporting each other.
Jeremy reframes every failure as a place to regroup, fix, and move forward. This mindset is why he’s still building new ventures decades later.
The greatest reward of entrepreneurship for Jeremy isn’t wealth, it’s the freedom to:
• work anywhere
• build what excites him
• set his own hours
• create opportunities for others
Too many leaders overlook the talent supporting them. Jeremy is intentional about staying accessible, humble, and grateful.
Memorable Quotes
Why It Matters / How to Use It
For aspiring or current entrepreneurs, Jeremy’s story is a blueprint:
His journey reinforces your MPD philosophy perfectly:
Most people don’t… trust themselves, learn from everyone, or build playbooks for others.
But YOU do.
In this powerful and humbling episode, Bart connects across continents with Mumbere Dieme, a 27-year-old leader from the mountains of Western Uganda whose story redefines what it means to rise, serve, and give.
Mumbere grew up in a poor, war-torn region where sleeping on the ground and walking barefoot to school were not uncommon. His father—a struggling but steadfast pastor—taught him faith, kindness, and the importance of serving others, even when you have little. Through Compassion International, Mumbere was sponsored as a child, receiving not only education and medical care but also the belief that he could be more than his circumstances.
That gift of opportunity became his life’s mission. After earning his nursing degree, Mumbere chose not to pursue a hospital career. Instead, he returned home to rebuild a school that had once been destroyed by storms—reviving it under the shade of a single tree and growing it into the Kyarumba Joint Christian Orphanage, Nursery, and Primary School, now serving more than 100 children. Some students walk miles each day to attend. Some cannot afford shoes. But all are learning, laughing, and discovering hope because one man decided to lead with compassion instead of comfort.
What makes this story extraordinary is not only the miles that separate Bart’s suburban Virginia world from Mumbere’s mountainous village, but how kindness—and a shared belief in possibility—bridges the distance. This is not a story of charity. It’s a story of character, connection, and calling.
Major Takeaways
Memorable Quotes
“I used to sleep on the ground. Now I help children find a place to dream.”
“Those who have little can still give much. Sometimes hope is the only thing we own.”
“Most people don’t believe kindness can change a country—but it changed mine.”
“My father taught me to serve others, not to be served. That is where love begins.”
Why It Matters / How to Use It
This episode is a reminder that impact doesn’t require wealth—it requires will. Every act of kindness ripples outward, touching lives you may never meet. Mumbere’s story challenges us to re-examine comfort, gratitude, and purpose.
Wherever you live—whether it’s the suburbs of Northern Virginia or the mountains of Western Uganda—you have the power to create hope. Sometimes that begins with a single connection, a single conversation, or a single decision to do what Most People Don’t… but YOU Do.
In this heartwarming and insightful episode of For All the Marblisms, Bart welcomes Chicago-based photographer and creative professional Will Byington. Together, they explore the intersection of creativity, resilience, entrepreneurship, and authenticity, highlighting the struggles and successes that shape a meaningful career.
Will’s story is not just about capturing photos—it’s about capturing life, emotion, and connection while navigating the evolving demands of being a creative entrepreneur in a digital age.
Will’s Journey: From Film Cameras to Rock Cruises
Entrepreneurial Lessons & Insights
“You’re not an entrepreneur if you don’t fail. You have to throw things atthe wall and learn.”
Will credits his success to being part of the experience, not just documenting it. His empathy, professionalism, and genuine care make him unforgettable.
“I’m not there to be paparazzi. I’m there to capture the experience without blocking someone else’s joy.”
Whether introducing himself to fans before a cruise or helping someone improve their phone photos, Will emphasizes presence, humility, and joy.
“Life is 80% showing up. And when you do, bring energy and curiosity.”
Will admits that self-doubt once kept him from teaching photography, fearinghe’d train away his own clients. He now sees teaching as empowering:
“Rising tides lift all boats. Helping others doesn’t take from you—it expands you.”
Will shares that being a freelancer means juggling roles—creative, legal, financial, HR, and marketing—all at once.
“Being a photographer is 90% business, 10% creativity. AI tools like Marblism help us flip that balance.”
AI, Efficiency & Creativity
Bart introduces Marblism, an AI-powered productivity assistant for entrepreneurs. Will reacts with curiosity and cautious optimism, seeing potential to regain time for creativity.
“If human interaction doesn’t make it better, let AI do it.” — Bart
“I’m on the AI train… maybe still in the caboose—but learning.” — Will
Key Themes & Takeaways
Closing Reflections
Will and Bart reflect on how creativity and kindness intersect:
“It’s not about the coffee—it’s about the people.”
“It’s not about the photos—it’s about the focus.”
Will reminds listeners to capture and print their memories, because physical photos hold emotional power.
“Print your pictures. Hold them. Share them. You never know how much they’ll mean someday.”
Connect with Will
Website: willbyington.com
Instagram: @willbyington
LinkedIn: Will Byington
Classes: shotclubphotoclass.com
Final Quote
“We’re never finished. We’re evolving, learning, and sharing.
We are living our dream while chasing our dream.” — Will Byington
Live from IMEX America in Las Vegas, Bart sits down with Kevin Brown — Senior Manager of Go-to-Market and Editorial Strategies at Alliants. From an unexpected encounter with a hotel CEO to building a career on creativity, Kevin shares how gut checks, human connection, and breaking norms have shaped his professional journey and his philosophy on hospitality.
Major Takeaways /Learnings
Memorable Quotes
Why It Matters / How to Use It
Resources and Links:
Bart Berkey: MostPeopleDont.com | LinkedIn
This inspiring conversation with Denise dives into her extraordinary 40+ year career in the travel industry, her rebirth into health and wellness, and her daily commitment to walking 10 miles—over 1,172 consecutive days. From surviving trauma to creating three thriving businesses, Denise shares her journey of resilience, self-belief, and intentional living. Her story beautifully weaves together entrepreneurship, personal health, and a mindset of awe.
Major Takeaways / Learnings:
Memorable Quotes:
Why It Matters / How to Use It:
Denise’s story is a masterclass in intentional living: starting small, anchoring in personal rituals, and committing to yourself daily. Entrepreneurs, leaders, and anyone feeling stuck can use her example to reset their habits—focusing on health, gratitude, and purpose. It’s a reminder that awe isn’t found on a screen; it’s found in how you live each day.
Connect with Denise:
Instagram: thehealthy_traveler
Email: TripPro@verizon.net
Special note: Denise embodies the spirit of “Most People Don’t… But YOU Do.” She doesn’t just talk about mindset and movement—she lives it.
In this debut episode of the new For All the Marbles series, sponsored by Marblism, Bart sits down with Doug Baarman—Senior Vice President of ConferenceDirect and founder of Team Baarman. Doug shares his journey from corporate leadership at Marriott International to becoming an entrepreneur. This conversation dives into the why behind his leap, the playbook he’s built to help others succeed, and the mindset required to build a fulfilling business—and life.
Major Takeaways / Learnings
1. Do It for the Right Reasons
2. Entrepreneurship Is About Structure, Not Just Passion
3. Mindset Over Perks
4. Surround Yourself with Support
5. Learn Relentlessly
6. Activity Drives Outcomes
7. Ego Down, Curiosity Up
Memorable Quotes
Why It Matters / How to Use It
For everyone: Share what you do with the world—confidence, not arrogance, builds opportunities.
In this episode, Bart sits down with Alex Koster live from IMEX America to explore his personal journey from driving tractors at 14 to becoming a global leader in competitive socialization experiences. Alex shares the “no compromise” philosophy behind F1 Arcade, how fun can be both inclusive and transformative, and why play might just be the next big thing in workplace learning and connection.
Major Takeaways / Learnings
Memorable Quotes
Why It Matters / How to Use It
Resources and Links:
Bart Berkey: MostPeopleDont.com | LinkedIn
This podcast episode is brought to you by Wishes.Inc
Wishes, Inc. is a transparent giving platform that lets donors see exactly where their money goes.
It rewards users with cashback and perks through virtual payment tools.
Fast, traceable, and efficient—Wishes makes doing good feel even better.
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In this deeply emotional and inspiring episode, Bart Berkey sits down with Mike Cooper, founder and CEO of Cooper Disposal in Cleveland, Ohio — a blue-collar entrepreneur who rose from an unstable childhood to build a thriving, values-driven waste-management business.
Their conversation—born from a spontaneous meeting in a Naples hotel lobby—unfolds into a raw and redemptive life story about grit, grace, and growth.
Key Themes & Takeaways
1. From Survival to Success
Mike grew up in Canton, Ohio, surrounded by hardship:
He earned a college scholarship, but at age 18 was shot four times during a fight outside a bar—an event that nearly ended his life and football dreams. Still, he says, “I didn’t know I was struggling until I saw the other side of the world.”
2. Breaking the Chain
Mike married his high-school sweetheart Sheila, who “saved his life.”
Her family showed him unconditional love and gave him a model of stability he had never known. Realizing he had to escape the violence of his hometown, he moved to Cleveland and began again—working three jobs and learning the waste business from the ground up.
“It took a village to raise me. Now I’m building a new one.”
3. Building Cooper Disposal
After years of sales success at BFI Waste, Mike cashed out his 401(k) and bought his own garbage truck. Broke but determined, he founded Cooper Disposal in his driveway.
He vowed that his company would stand on truth, service, and follow-through — promising customers, “If I say I’ll deliver, I will.”
He personally drove trucks, took service calls under fake aliases (“I’ll call the owner,” when he was the owner), and built the business through authenticity, reputation, and relentless work ethic.
“Most people talk about what they’re going to do. I just do it.”
4. Giving Back & Paying Forward
Mike brought his beloved Canton football traditions—team dinners, community pride, mentoring youth—to Avon, where he now lives.
He sponsors local programs, mentors young athletes, and regularly visits his old neighborhood to remind kids that “You can break the chain too.”
His success mantra blends humility and humor: “Talking trash all day—but always delivering.”
5. Mental Health, Vulnerability & Healing
For the first time publicly, Mike opens up about childhood abuse, lifelong anxiety, and recent therapy.
He describes his commitment to self-care and his decision to sponsor local mental-health initiatives in Avon:
“I’ve been running hard my whole life. It’s time to breathe and enjoy life.”
Bart connects with Mike on shared struggles panic attacks, performance pressure, and self-expectations and together they model masculine vulnerability and emotional honesty.
6. Faith, Family & Fulfillment
Mike’s story centers on faith, family, and gratitude:
Lessons for Listeners
🔗 Connect & Support
“You call, we haul.”
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Bart Berkey: MostPeopleDont.com | LinkedIn
In this episode of Most People Don’t… But YOU Do!, Bart sits down with Dr. Fares Khalid Alaboud, Regional Director of Al Fares International Travel & Tourism. With a PhD in Artificial Intelligence and 15 years of experience in innovation and product leadership, Dr. Fares bridges travel, technology, and business strategy. From gratitude stones to groundbreaking AI applications in hospitality, this conversation blends personal storytelling with future-facing lessons on service, risk-taking, and curiosity.
💡 Major Takeaways / Learnings
💬 Memorable Quotes
✨ Why It Matters / How to Use It
This episode reveals the intersection of technology and humanity: how AI can enhance, but never replace, gratitude, care, and human connection. Leaders and professionals can take away practical lessons on digital transformation, innovation, and customer service—while also being reminded to keep kindness, curiosity, and personal impact at the heart of their work.
Resources and Links:
Bart Berkey: MostPeopleDont.com | LinkedIn
This podcast episode is brought to you by Wishes.Inc
Wishes, Inc. is a transparent giving platform that lets donors see exactly where their money goes.
It rewards users with cashback and perks through virtual payment tools.
Fast, traceable, and efficient—Wishes makes doing good feel even better.
https://www.bartaberkey.com/wishes-inc-landing-page
In this episode of Most People Don’t…But YOU Do!, Bart Berkey sits down with Horst Schulze, co-founder of The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, founder of Capella Hotel Group, and author of Excellence Wins. Widely recognized as one of the most influential leaders in modern hospitality, Schulze shares stories from his 65-year career, beginning as a teenage server’s assistant in Germany to reshaping the global standard of service. He offers profound lessons on leadership, technology, customer experience, marriage, vision, and living with high intent.
Major Takeaways / Learnings
Memorable Quotes
Why It Matters / How to Use It
Schulze’s wisdom extends far beyond hospitality. Leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals in any field can apply his principles: set a vision, act with excellence, honor human dignity, and align decisions with the good of all stakeholders. His approach to work, family, and purpose reminds us that success is not about shortcuts—it’s about relentless intent, self-management, and service.
Resources and Links:
Bart Berkey: MostPeopleDont.com | LinkedIn
This podcast episode is brought to you by Wishes.Inc
Wishes, Inc. is a transparent giving platform that lets donors see exactly where their money goes.
It rewards users with cashback and perks through virtual payment tools.
Fast, traceable, and efficient—Wishes makes doing good feel even better.
https://www.bartaberkey.com/wishes-inc-landing-page
In this special solo episode, Bart shares personal stories and lessons from his trip to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where he was invited to speak at the KBLT Congress on travel and hospitality. From Lufthansa flight attendants anticipating a young family’s needs, to warm welcomes at immigration, to Ritz-Carlton staff redefining overdelivery, Bart explores what it means to personalize, customize, and truly notice people—whether clients, guests, or teammates.
Major Takeaways / Learnings
Memorable Quotes
Why It Matters / How to Use It
This episode is a reminder that in a world where everyone is busy, the true differentiator is focus and intentionality. Whether in sales, service, or leadership, slow down long enough to notice, anticipate, and act. Build the systems and habits that allow you to go from simply delivering to truly overdelivering.
Resources and Links:
Bart Berkey: MostPeopleDont.com | LinkedIn
This podcast episode is brought to you by Wishes.Inc
Wishes, Inc. is a transparent giving platform that lets donors see exactly where their money goes.
It rewards users with cashback and perks through virtual payment tools.
Fast, traceable, and efficient—Wishes makes doing good feel even better.
https://www.bartaberkey.com/wishes-inc-landing-page