For this end-of-year roundtable, Joel brings together three voices who sit right at the crossroads of creativity, strategy, and the future of technology.

Alan Landever has a gift for spotting technology trends before the rest of us even know what we’re looking at.

Lindsay Howerton brings a deep understanding of people, communication, and how ideas spread across organizations.

Brian Olson of Waltz Tetrick blends creativity with strategic clarity, helping teams see AI not as a threat but as a tool that can elevate their work.

Together, they explore how AI is reshaping communication, leadership, marketing, and the way we all show up in our work. It’s a fast-moving, insightful conversation to close out the year and look ahead to what’s coming next.

Check out the conversation on YouTube: https://youtu.be/WRAnQiy-ct8

Today on Rounding the Bases, Joel sits down with a ruler of the indie music game. He’s a KC-bred emcee who has become as ingrained in the global hip hop scene as the substance of his lyrics themselves. He’s a writer, producer and full-fledged singer who took an unconventional path from church choir to platinum record stardom. With a raw, poetic voice that leaves nothing off limits, he blends pop, rock, funk and R&B into lyrics that manifest pain into brilliance. This…is Krizz Kaliko.

Website: https://krizzkaliko.com/ 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/KrizzKaliko/ 
Twitter: https://x.com/krizzkaliko 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/therealKrizzKaliko

Check out the conversation on YouTube: https://youtu.be/eWjF1H9DRbs

On this episode, Joel is joined by an award-winning guest who has been igniting digital strategy conversations for 15 years and counting. Jessica Best is the self-proclaimed email marketing evangelist and Owner of BetterAve LLC. It’s the consultancy implementing the same practices she preaches from stages around the world. By turning data into insight and insight into action, she demonstrates the power of data-driven storytelling. Allowing business owners to optimize their results, so they can get back to doing more of what they already do so well.

Website: https://better-ave.com/ | https://jessica.best/ 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bestofjesspics/?hl=en 
Twitter: https://x.com/bestofjess/with_replies

Check out the conversation on YouTube: https://youtu.be/vT2-ylB5XpI

Lindsey Rood-Clifford is the powerhouse President and CEO of Starlight Theater who is ushering in its boldest act yet. As the first woman to helm this iconic venue in its storied 75-year history, she’s reshaping a cultural institution with creativity, courage and an unmatched commitment to the community. The arts are more than entertainment, they’re essential to turning passion and purpose into a standing ovation, no matter what city you live.

Website: https://www.kcstarlight.com/ 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Lindz626

Check out the conversation on YouTube: https://youtu.be/UWkfiEpRiwI

On this special edition we introduce three amazing authors with recent book launches. Chelan David author of Stories From the Phog, a must-read for every KU basketball fan. Mr. Frank Clay Jr., a poet and bestselling author of his new book Yes You Can!-a guide for the young adult in your life. Mary Lou Kayser-author of It's Not You, It's the Algorithm, which is the rally cry you didn’t know you needed, showing readers how to reclaim their sense of self in the digital age, while still continuing to live.

Three must-reads you don't want to miss! And on this episode Joel chats with the authors getting a behind the scenes look at their outstanding pieces. 

https://maryloukayser.com/
https://frankclayjr.com/
https://cdavidbooks.com/


Check out the conversation on YouTube: https://youtu.be/PW2sfQ5qF9s

Every now and then, a simple idea reshapes success. On this episode, Joel chats with a man who did just that…and in the process, pioneered an international movement. His name is Bob Burg, a Hall of Fame Keynote Speaker and acclaimed sales genius. But he’s best known as the co-author behind “The Go-Giver”, a little story about a powerful business idea that sparked a global phenomenon. Its message? When you give exceptional value, you enjoy extraordinary results. It’s a subtle shift that changes everything, putting fulfillment within reach for all who lead and live. 

Website: https://burg.com/ 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realbobburg/ 
Twitter: https://x.com/bobburg 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/burgbob

Check out the converssation on YouTube: https://youtu.be/erygvKguHrc

On this episode, Joel is joined by a renowned development strategist who built a career proving one powerful truth: that relationship building is business building. His name is Mo Bunnell, author of Give to Grow, the game-changing international bestseller about accelerating growth through generosity. He’s also the Founder/CEO of BIG - the Bunnell Idea Group - who has taught more than 50,000 high-end professionals how to master the art and science of business development. His dynamic approach is transforming the way things get done. Because no matter the complexity of the business, when you give to grow…everybody wins.

Website: https://bunnellideagroup.com/ 
Twitter: https://x.com/MoBunnell 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bunnellideagroup

Check out the conversation on YouTube: https://youtu.be/yRlFoZwDZhA

Today’s guest is a serial entrepreneur whose innovative microtech platform brings the frontline to the forefront. His name is Tucker Graves, the CEO and co-founder of Pineapple Academy. Since 2018 he has supported deskless teams to get job ready…faster. Using short, role-specific videos precision tailored to a range of industries, he’s doing more than training. He’s leading a movement that redefines how organizations build culture and support their teams, one employee at a time.

Website: https://pineappleacademy.com/ 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pineappleacademyinc/ 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tucker.graves.3/

Check out the conversation on YouTube: https://youtu.be/9uAk-oh8V24

Joel is joined by a creative boss who is different on purpose…and proud of it. Kim Kramer is the fearless leader and marketing queen behind the award-winning Square Peg Marketing, where she and her team are a powerhouse of talent. For more than 15 years, she has blended cutting-edge creativity with data-driven insights to help bold brands move the needle. Nothing basic. Just bold, splashy solutions for businesses that are ready to level up.

Website: https://www.neverfitin.com/ 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kimakramer/?hl=en 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kimkingkramer/

Check out the conversation on YouTube: https://youtu.be/yjO8uG1BNfM

Joe Tulipana isn’t just serving up BBQ, he’s raising stakes, braising shanks and modernizing a KC classic. He’s the owner and founder of Blind Box BBQ, where he’s been serving old-school que with new school flavor that packs a punch for 10 years and counting. He isn’t changing the game, just refining it. One burnt end - and relationship - at a time. And now, it’s time to dig into the story of a young restaurateur who reverse-engineered his way from engineering to entrepreneurship…and built something truly special right here in Kansas City.

Website: https://www.blindboxbbq.com/ 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blindboxbbq/ 
Twitter: https://x.com/blindboxbbq 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blindboxbbq

Check out the conversation on YouTube: https://youtu.be/vcmBjcNa_JM

Today’s guest knows a thing or two about what it takes to win, because he’s been keeping score his entire career. Shawn Burcham is Founder and CEO of PFSbrands, the powerhouse behind brands like Champs Chicken, BluTaco and Hangar54 Pizza. When he’s not empowering his employees, the bestselling author coaches companies around the world how to accept risk and learn from failure, using the same philosophy that turned his own company into a 100% employee-owned success story. It’s a story of leadership, grit and determination that redefines what it looks like to win, in business and in life.

Website: https://pfsbrands.com/ | https://shawnburcham.com/ 
Twitter: https://x.com/ShawnBurcham1 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ShawnBurchamPFS/

Check out the conversation on YouTube: https://youtu.be/TJx4O8-xoBw

Every journey has a turning point. For some, it comes from a moment of triumph. For others, it’s born out of hardship. Today Joel is joined by Rob and Anissa Elsey, a couple who walked through both before discovering their life-changing calling. After a personal confrontation with the realities of addiction, they founded In the Name of GRACE, a non-profit dedicated to providing safe, sober housing for those on the path to recovery. But theirs is a mission bigger than giving shelter. It’s about hope, dignity and a chance to start again for those who need it the most.

Website: www.inthenameofgrace.org 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/InTheNameOfGraceOrg/ 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IntheNameofGrace/

Check out the conversation on YouTube: https://youtu.be/xdOJKJSn52U

John O'Leary joins Joel on this episode with a story of survival. At just nine years old, John defied overwhelming odds after suffering burns on 100% of his body. What could have been the end of his story became the beginning of an extraordinary journey. Today, John is a beloved keynote speaker, bestselling author, and the inspiration behind the upcoming motion picture Soul on Fire. Through his message, he reminds audiences that every day is a gift, and that each of us has the power to succeed, one action at a time.

Website: https://johnolearyinspires.com/ | https://soulonfiremovie.com/ 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnoleary.inspires/ 
Twitter: https://x.com/jolearyinspires 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JohnOLearyRisingAbove

Check out the conversation on YouTube: https://youtu.be/qmkXOKCsHiI

Today on Rounding the Bases, a construction industry executive whose love of building projects can only be topped by her passion for building relationships joins Joel Goldberg. Her name is Courtney Kounkel, the founder and owner of Monarch Build. Using a solid foundation of teamwork and trust, her company has reshaped the way people think about General Contractors. Delivering more than an aspirational measure of excellence, but a commitment to partnership that endures, even after the job is complete.

Website: https://monarch.build/ 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/monarch.build 
Twitter: https://x.com/ckounkel | https://x.com/monarchbuild 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/courtney.kounkel | https://www.facebook.com/monarchbuildkc/

Check out the conversation on YouTube: https://youtu.be/E3MZbqIRo0k

Today’s guest built a career on the belief that every one of us can master the art of sales, whether we carry a quota or not. Say hello to Dr. Cindy McGovern, a two-time bestselling author,  founder of Orange Leaf Consulting and international authority known around the world as the First Lady of Sales. Her mission is as simple as it is singular: to show her clients how to create opportunities, using skills they didn’t know they had. With a dynamic energy and practical approach, Dr. Cindy has inspired thousands to see sales not as a transaction, but as an opportunity to win at work and in life, no matter the situation.

Website: https://drcindy.com/ 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/1stladyofsales/ 
Twitter: https://x.com/1stladyofsales 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/1stLadyofSales

Check out the conversation on YouTube: https://youtu.be/CZQ9RV3MLxA

Today’s guest is a true leader in the digital marketing space who has spent decades crafting award-winning success plans. Meet Corey Morris, the President and CEO behind Voltage, a premiere digital agency built for brands that refuse to settle. He doesn’t try to be everything to everyone. Instead, he remains focused delivering only the things he does best. This against-the-grain mindset that has been the key to driving success - and ROI - for clients across the nation.

Website: https://coreymorris.com/ | https://voltage.digital/ 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/voltagekc/ 
Twitter: https://x.com/coreydmorris 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/digital.coreymorris

Check out the conversation on YouTube: https://youtu.be/daKiAgjjJ-A

Today’s guest has optimized body-brain systems to drive key business outcomes. The result? A masterclass in leadership that has shifted the paradigm on resilience. His name is Dr. Etienne van der Walt, a neurologist, international thought leader and the CEO of Neurozone. He’s also creator of the High Performance Code. It’s his pioneering brain model that bridges cutting-edge science with business, seamlessly positioning leaders and organizations to thrive in the volatility of today, while making burnout a thing of the past.

Website: https://www.neurozone.com/thought-leadership 
Twitter: https://x.com/etvanderwalt 

Check out the conversation on YouTube: https://youtu.be/UNKWvlilv-Q

Today’s guest is a remarkable leader who is impacting the lives of others, far and wide. Her name is Liz Rowe, Executive Director of the Alzheimer’s Association - Heart of America Chapter, the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support and research. It’s a position the former attorney and legal strategist formally assumed in 2024, but she’s been a passionate supporter in the fight to end the disease for decades. That’s because she knows firsthand the devastation Alzheimer’s causes not just for those living with it, but for those who love them. And through tireless efforts, she has turned her own pain into purpose, ensuring that one day, it’s a diagnosis that no longer exists.

Website: https://www.alz.org/kansascity 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alzassociation/ 
Twitter: https://x.com/alzassociation 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alzkansascity

Check out the conversation on YouTube: https://youtu.be/NMDiLF2z_UA

Today’s guest is a media guru who may not be famous, but deserves to be by proxy. Just pick a celebrity and chances are he’s interviewed them… twice, earning him a notoriety that can only be matched by his razor-sharp wit. Say hello to the inimitable Michael Mackie, a multi-talented TV personality, radio host and newly-minted author with a penchant for turning every project into something extraordinary. For years, he has lit up the airwaves with a signature style cuts through the noise in a way only he can. And now, its time to settle in for a conversation that promises to be as clever, candid and charismatic as the man - and legend - himself.

Website: https://www.michaelmackie.com/about 
Twitter: https://x.com/M2Esq 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/M2Esq

Check out the conversation on YouTube: https://youtu.be/uX4CcS-Ayic

Jarrod McCarroll is the CEO of Weber Inc., the global leader in high-tech slicing innovation that revolutionized in-store sandwich construction. Since taking the reins in 2014, he has remained committed to delivering perfect portions of strategic vision and hands-on leadership. Raising the bar on a new tradition of excellence that optimizes the way modern food is prepared, while honoring the quality that built the business. 

Check out the conversation on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Sbb9R9BdqKY

Website: https://us.weberweb.com/ 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jarrod.mccarroll/