Tag: Politics

Are We Already in World War III? Insights with Geopolitical Professional Semaj McDowell (Ep. 96)

Are We Already in World War III? Insights with Geopolitical Professional Semaj McDowell (Ep. 96)

Are we on the brink of World War III, or are we already in it? 

Many believe that a modern world conflict would heavily mimic those of the past, yet today’s global dynamics suggest a much more intricate design. Brent Mekosh and Semaj McDowell are here to clarify why the landscape is dramatically different this time around.

With a focus on the volatile situations in regions like the Middle East, Asia, and Eastern Europe, this conversation highlights how various alliances and strategic movements could shape the future, providing listeners with a clearer understanding of current geopolitical dynamics and potential outcomes. 

Key discussions include: 

  • Understanding the dynamics of global alliances and tensions amid escalating conflicts
  • The complex relationship and strategic positioning of major world powers like Russia, China, and NATO
  • Insights on the broader implications of international decisions and their potential impacts on global stability
  • The role of geopolitical strategies in shaping future peace or conflict scenarios on the global stage
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect With Semaj McDowell:

Connect with Brent Mekosh:

About Our Guest:

Geopolitical Enthusiast – National Security, Defense, Foreign Policy, and International Politics. 

Born and raised in Philadelphia, Semaj McDowell has been interested in politics since a young age. While growing up, he witnessed events both in his community and around the world that informed his views on equity and justice.

Semaj firmly believes leadership is crafted through service and empowering others to succeed.

From Seminary to Success: David Yep on Faith, Freedom, and Leading with Purpose (Ep. 86)

From Seminary to Success: David Yep on Faith, Freedom, and Leading with Purpose (Ep. 86)

Are you part of the 70% of business owners who struggle with ensuring the long-term growth and sustainability of their company?

This week, Brent Mekosh and David Yap explore David’s transformative journey from almost becoming a Catholic priest to leading as the Vice President and Chief Revenue Officer at TRIUNE Health Group.  

Tune in as David shares his 13-year stint in the seminary, his thoughts on true freedom and spirituality, and how these experiences shape his approach to business and life.

Talking points include: 

  • The challenges and revelations of embracing celibacy and spirituality
  • The transition from religious life to thriving in the business world
  • Insights into fostering a strong company culture and effective leadership
  • The role of authentic living in achieving success and fulfillment
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with David Yep:

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About Our Guest:

David Yep earned an associate’s degree in classical humanities in Salamanca, Spain, completing his bachelor’s degree in philosophy and liberal arts from Regina Apostolorum in Rome, Italy. Living in Europe for 10 years, he became fluent in Spanish, Italian, and German. He completed his education with a Master’s in Business Administration from the Acton School of Business in Austin, Texas. 

His determination to gain outside perspective from the family business and healthcare brought him to leadership roles in both the non-profit and manufacturing sectors, always tasked with and successfully executing company growth strategies. David rejoined TRIUNE with the task of continuing and accelerating their growth trajectory, assuming responsibility for all business development initiatives and the company’s financial success. In 2019, with his parents’ blessing, David led TRIUNE as Vice-President and Chief Revenue Officer.

The Power of Stories in Shaping Economics and Society with Bill Tucker (Ep. 85)

The Power of Stories in Shaping Economics and Society with Bill Tucker (Ep. 85)

Contrary to popular belief, the media isn’t just about news — it’s about shaping our entire worldview. 

Are you ready to uncover the evolving landscape of journalism in these tumultuous times?

Brent Mekosh sits down with award-winning journalist Bill Tucker to delve into the intricacies of contemporary media, its accountability, and the profound impact of economic stories on our lives. Bill shares his views on the media’s role in holding power to account and the stark interactions between economic policy and societal well-being.

Bill discusses:

  • The influence of media biases and the role of citizen journalism
  • The dynamic shifts in political landscapes with new presidential candidates
  • The shift from traditional media to digital platforms and its effect on news consumption
  • The role of journalism in maintaining democratic values during contentious political times
  • And more!

Connect with Bill Tucker:

Connect with Brent Mekosh:

About Our Guest:

Bill’s media journey began in a small FM Radio station in Texas and is now a podcast producer at ProudMouth.

His experience is vast in the world of media including, a television news producer, (George Foster Peabody winner),  a television news reporter (Emmy award winner and three-time nominee)

As a news executive, he co-led the team that built and launched television’s first digital network, CNNfn, blogged on energy for forbes.com, interviewed CEOs for the NASDAQ CEO Signature Series, and hosted radio shows on religion, faith, and business.

His experience does not end there. He has written for print media, served as executive producer and host for network shows, and created stories for social media posts that have garnered hundreds of thousands of views.

The Road to Rebuilding Institutional Trust: Lessons from the Frontline with Geoff Hudson-Searle, Douglas Lines, and Karen Jones (Ep. 54)

The Road to Rebuilding Institutional Trust: Lessons from the Frontline with Geoff Hudson-Searle, Douglas Lines, and Karen Jones (Ep. 54)

With trust declining in existing institutions, what can corporations do better? 

At the end of the day, it’s all about slowing down to speed up.

Would you agree?

In this episode, Brent Mekosh is joined by Geoff Hudson-Searle, Douglas Lines, and Karen Jones to talk about the lack of trust in institutions. Join in as they cover the role of politics and the media and ways we can work together as a society to rebuild trust within corporations. 

Brent, Geoff, Douglas, and Karen discuss:

  • Reasons trust has declined in larger institutions
  • Toxic leadership and how it impacts different organizations 
  • The value of embracing long-term strategies, feedback, and new perspectives as a team leader
  • How to incorporate self-awareness, empowerment, and purpose to achieve company success
  • And more! 

Connect with Geoff Hudson-Searle:

Connect with Karen Jones:

Connect with Douglas Lines:

Connect with Brent Mekosh:

About Geoff Hudson-Searle:

Geoff Hudson-Searle is an independent non-executive director across regulation, technology, and internet security, a C-Suite executive on private and listed companies, and a serial business advisor for growth-phase tech companies.

With more than 30 years of experience in international business and management, he is the author of five books and lectures at business forums, conferences, and universities. He has been the focus of TEDx and RT Europe’s business documentaries across various thought leadership topics and his authorisms.

About Karen Jones:

Using data that indicates where to focus attention, Karen Jones specializes in high-impact development programs for teams and one-to-one coaching that operate at the deep level of attitudes and habits. This work leads to effective management and leadership styles that drive compassionate accountability and progress.

About Douglas Lines:

Douglas Lines is a digital-first leader with a successful track record of growing and transforming businesses as well as innovating and commercializing new digital business models, including successfully launching a global EdTech start-up, amongst others. Douglas has been enabled by building a design thinking school in collaboration with Duke and Stanford Universities, appreciating the application of new technologies and having mastered business model innovation and cultural transformation practices.

Inside Arizona’s Property Market: A Conversation with Andrew Beardsley (Ep. 44)

Inside Arizona’s Property Market: A Conversation with Andrew Beardsley (Ep. 44)

Everyone has similar questions when it comes to the real estate market:

“Should I buy?” 

“Should I sell?” 

In this episode, Brent Mekosh is joined by Andrew Beardsley from Silverleaf Realty. Andrew reveals how the real estate market has shifted over the past five years due to a change in homeowner needs.

Andrew discusses:

  • How environmental and political factors impact homeowner needs when looking at the housing market
  • How retirement planning influences long-term real estate purchases
  • Why business planning matters as much as personal lifestyle when looking into real estate options
  • The future of housing and real estate
  • And more!

Connect with Andrew Beardsley:

Connect with Brent Mekosh:

About Our Guest:

Andrew Beardsley has been involved in real estate in Arizona for nearly two decades. Prior to joining Silverleaf Realty in 2010, he worked as a senior financial analyst for the Phoenix office of Johnson Capital, a commercial mortgage brokerage that specialized in retail, office, industrial, and multifamily financing. 

Having worked directly on over $500,000,000 in debt placement, Andrew brings with him extensive knowledge and understanding of both the financial and real estate aspects of every transaction, ensuring his client’s personal and financial needs are taken care of.

Environmental Politics in Oil and Gas with David Blackmon (Ep.22)

Environmental Politics in Oil and Gas with David Blackmon (Ep.22)

The environment has become the latest trend in society over the past few decades, resulting in a shift away from crude oil and gas development.

In this episode, Brent Mekosh is joined by David Blackmon, Principal of DBEnergy Advisors to cover all things energy development and consumption from oil and gas. David dives into the economic impact of environmentally focused developments and the science behind the struggle to reduce carbon emissions.

David discusses:

  • Why oil and gas companies need to do a better job at showing the positive impact they have on the country
  • How climate change politics impact oil and gas investments
  • Why current environmental changes to oil and gas production aren’t as impactful as you may think
  • What you should know about ESG investments 
  • And more!

Connect with David Blackmon:

Connect with Brent Mekosh:

About Our Guest:

David Blackmon is an energy-related public policy analyst/consultant based in Mansfield, TX. David enjoyed a 40-year career in the oil and gas industry, the last 23 years of which were spent in the public policy arena, managing regulatory and legislative issues for various companies. During this time, David led numerous industry-wide efforts to address a variety of issues at the local, state, and federal levels, and from April 2010 through June 2012, he served as the Texas State Lead for America’s Natural Gas Alliance. David also maintains a growing media communications practice and is a frequent guest on television, radio, and podcasts.

A Conversation On Global Decision-Making with Sami Chowdhury (Ep.14)

A Conversation On Global Decision-Making with Sami Chowdhury (Ep.14)

From pandemic-related videos going viral in China to many outraged at NATO’s refusal to include Ukraine and the shook of countries still doing business with Russia.

What are these decisions about? Why are these being made? 

In this episode, Brent Mekosh is joined by the director of Royal Capital in Bangladesh, Sami Chowdhury. Together, they explain how these conflicts reveal the truth of those in power, diving into the lack of food in China and the economic and political impact of global decisions made in response to the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

Sami discusses:

  • How the current Chinese government differs from past  governments
  • Reasons India continues trading with Russia
  • The impact of removing Russia from the global financial system
  • Why does Russia refuse to let Ukraine join NATO
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Sami Chowdhury:

Connect with Brent Mekosh: