Best Chopped Academy Podcasts (2026)

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What 2025 Taught Us About Leadership (And Why 2026 Is About Action) 24:22

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7d ago24:22

24:22

In this special year-end solo episode of The Intentional Leader Podcast, host Sean Olson reflects on 2025 and casts vision for 2026. With no guest this time, Sean recaps key leadership trends from the past year, reflects on global challenges, and shares lessons learned from standout episodes with leaders across sectors and countries. You'll hear ex…

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Mental Health in Healthcare: The Dr. Lorna Breen Story with Corey Feist 46:27

23d ago46:27

46:27

In this powerful episode of The Intentional Leader Podcast, Sean Olson sits down with Corey Feist, co-founder and CEO of the Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes’ Foundation. Corey shares the tragic and heroic story of his sister-in-law, Dr. Lorna Breen, a respected emergency physician whose suicide at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic became a national wake-up…

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From Chopped Champion to Chai: Chef Reuben Dhanawade’s Delicious Journey 40:13

1M ago40:13

40:13

In this flavorful and heartfelt episode of The Intentional Leader Podcast, Sean and Jen Olson sit down with chef, culinary competitor, and chai entrepreneur Reuben Dhanawade. Reuben shares his leadership journey from learning to cook with his mom after immigrating to the U.S., to competing on Food Network’s Chopped and Supermarket Stakeout. He open…

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From DJ Booth to CEO: Bill Montgomery on Leading Through Change and Growth 40:24

2M ago40:24

40:24

In this episode of The Intentional Leader Podcast, Sean Olson interviews Bill Montgomery, President & CEO of River Radio. Bill shares his journey from college radio to leading a growing, multi-market media organization with purpose and integrity. Learn how he navigated difficult leadership seasons, expanded a nonprofit radio network through mergers…

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Leading with Respect, Strategy, and Grit: Boston’s Pizza VP Nimesh Patel 39:08

2M ago39:08

39:08

In this episode of The Intentional Leader Podcast, Sean Olson interviews Nimesh Patel, Vice President of Operations & Culinary at Boston’s Pizza Restaurant & Sports Bar. From cleaning motel rooms as a kid to building a thriving franchise and earning an MBA, Nimesh shares an inspiring journey of hard work, humility, and lifelong learning. Discover h…

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Practicing Creativity with Dr. Nicki Roman! 56:35

3M ago56:35

56:35

Dr. Wally and Dr. Sue chat with Dr. Nicki about the art of creativity, improvisation, burnout, practice planning and MUCH more!By Wally Wallace

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Reclaiming Home, Health, and Happiness: A Conversation with Mitchell Osmond 37:44

3M ago37:44

37:44

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One Giant Saxophonic Leap!! 44:07

3M ago44:07

44:07

Dr. Wally and Dr. Sue review the New CD from the Moanin' Frogs: One Giant Leap! Go buy a copy and support these amazing saxophone ambassadors: https://www.bigroundrecords.com/catalog/br8996/#track-listingBy Wally Wallace

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The Future of AI Search: Inside Llmtel with Dave Burnett 42:23

3M ago42:23

42:23

In this episode of The Intentional Leader Podcast, Sean Olson sits down with Dave Burnett, CEO of AOK Marketing and PromotionalProducts.com. Dave shares his entrepreneurial journey—from running a liquor sampling business in college with 50 employees, to navigating the Great Recession, to building a digital marketing agency that now pioneers SEO for…

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The World's Largest Saxophone School, with Nigel McGill! 57:31

3M ago57:31

57:31

Dr. Wally and Dr. Sue chat with a man who has helped more adults learn the saxophone than, perhaps, anyone on earth?! Explore the strategies of teaching adult learners with the legend, Nigel McGill!By Wally Wallace

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Franchising and Focus: The Journey of BNI’s Global CEO 45:14

3M ago45:14

45:14

In this episode of The Intentional Leader Podcast, Sean Olson interviews Mary Kennedy Thompson, CEO of BNI (Business Network International), former U.S. Marine, and a global franchise powerhouse. Mary shares her inspiring leadership journey—from military service to scaling billion-dollar brands—and reveals the core values that have shaped her succe…

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Join the Movement: Inside the Intentional Leader Network (Exclusive Launch Episode) 20:21

4M ago20:21

20:21

In this special solo episode of The Intentional Leader Podcast, host Sean Olson unveils the long-awaited launch of the Intentional Leader Network (ILN)—a game-changing subscription-based leadership development platform. Learn how ILN can transform your leadership journey with on-demand access to the Intentional Leader Blueprint course, bi-weekly li…

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Unlocking Human Potential: Elite Mindset Strategies for Leaders with Gary Chupik 43:07

5M ago43:07

43:07

What happens when a former pastor becomes a top-tier mental performance coach for elite athletes and global business leaders? In this powerful episode of The Intentional Leader Podcast, Sean Olson sits down with Gary Chupik to explore his unique journey from ministry to mindset mastery. Gary shares how unlocking human potential starts with reframin…

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How to Launch, Scale, and Exit a 7-Figure Amazon Brand 39:00

6M ago39:00

39:00

In this episode of The Intentional Leader Podcast, Sean Olson sits down with Neil Twa—e-commerce expert, business strategist, and founder of Voltage Digital Marketing. Neil shares the journey from corporate tech roles at IBM and Sprint PCS to becoming a multi-brand e-commerce entrepreneur. He reveals the hard-earned lessons behind affiliate marketi…

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Helping Men Heal: Leadership lessons from Dr. Bernadette Atanga 39:58

6M ago39:58

39:58

In this episode of The Intentional Leader Podcast, Sean Olson interviews Dr. Bernadette Atanga—physician, international speaker, and author of Beneath the Armor: Eight Practical Strategies for Men to Embrace Vulnerability and Lead with Authentic Strength. Born in Cameroon and trained in Italy, Dr. Bernadette shares how her global medical journey sh…

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Global Growth, Local Roots: The Entrepreneur Who Changed Mozambique’s Food Industry 33:06

6M ago33:06

33:06

In this episode of The Intentional Leader Podcast, host Sean Olson speaks with African entrepreneur and business visionary Mhmoud Charania, who built one of Mozambique’s largest food manufacturing companies and chairs the board of Crown Paints, East Africa’s top paint producer. From launching a maize mill post–civil war to employing over 2,200 peop…

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Disrupt or Be Disrupted: How to Future-Proof Your Leadership with Ted Santos 40:58

7M ago40:58

40:58

In this episode of the Intentional Leader Podcast, Sean Olson sits down with Ted Santos—entrepreneur, author, and trusted advisor to CEOs—for a deep dive into disruptive leadership, building breakthrough strategies, and leading with accountability. Ted shares compelling stories of transforming operations through intentional questions, empowering te…

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From Microsoft to Intuit: Leadership Lessons from Tech Executive Eric Charran 43:17

7M ago43:17

43:17

In this episode of The Intentional Leader Podcast, Sean Olson talks with Eric Charran—technology executive, author, and leadership thinker—about his journey from coding at Microsoft to leading high-performing teams at Intuit. Eric shares lessons learned the hard way, including why being a great individual contributor doesn't always make you ready t…

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Turning Setbacks Into Startups: The Birth of Two Businesses After Disability with Maria Chapman 39:06

8M ago39:06

39:06

Description: In this episode of The Intentional Leader Podcast, Sean Olson welcomes Maria Chapman—former educator turned ghostwriter and nonprofit founder. After two rare neuromuscular conditions left her temporarily paralyzed, Maria faced a total life pivot. With grit, creativity, and purpose, she built Connected Ghostwriting, helping leaders tell…

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How Understanding Human Motives Can Transform Your Leadership with Kelly Mackin 33:52

8M ago33:52

33:52

In this powerful episode of The Intentional Leader Podcast, host Sean Olson welcomes Kelly Mackin—researcher, best-selling author, and CEO of Motives Met. Together, they explore the groundbreaking Motives Met assessment and how understanding your unique work-related motives can transform your leadership, team dynamics, and workplace well-being. Kel…

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How Martial Arts Teaches the Best Leadership Lessons with Jim Bouchard 36:53

9M ago36:53

36:53

Join Sean Olson on The Intentional Leader Podcast as he welcomes Jim Bouchard, founder of the Keep It Human Network, speaker, and author, for a powerful conversation on leadership, transformation, and empowerment. Jim shares his inspiring journey from addiction to leadership, how martial arts shaped his philosophy, and why the best leaders embrace …

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AI, Public Service & The Future of Leadership: Insights from Keith Scott 30:08

9M ago30:08

30:08

Join Sean Olson on The Intentional Leader Podcast as he welcomes Keith Scott, CEO of KL Scott & Associates, for an insightful conversation on leadership, government innovation, and community impact. With over 30 years in technology and management consulting—including time at Deloitte and Gartner—Keith shares key leadership lessons, the importance o…

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Unleashing the Power of Your Voice: Insights with Leslie Gordon 33:14

10M ago33:14

33:14

Join Sean Olson on The Intentional Leader Podcast as he chats with linguist, speaker coach, and National Speakers Association leader Leslie Gordon. Dive deep into the art of communication, the power of accents as a reflection of personal stories, and the keys to becoming a confident, authentic speaker. Leslie shares actionable insights for entrepre…

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Electric Sax Pants 45:03

10M ago45:03

45:03

Dr. Sue and Dr. Wally chat about music for electronics, new gear, and old friends.By Wally Wallace

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Andre Williams: From NFL Star to Entrepreneurial Leader 33:10

10M ago33:10

33:10

Join Sean Olson on The Intentional Leader Podcast as he sits down with NFL veteran, entrepreneur, and author Andre Williams. From his journey as a Heisman finalist to transitioning out of the NFL, Andre shares invaluable leadership lessons on resilience, staying true to your identity, and building success after sports. Learn how creativity, mentors…

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The Neuroscience of Leadership: How to Inspire and Empower Your Team with Vince Warnock 40:33

11M ago40:33

40:33

Discover the transformative power of intentional leadership with Sean Olson and guest Vince Warnock. In this episode of The Intentional Leader Podcast, Vince shares his journey from overcoming adversity to becoming a bestselling author, serial entrepreneur, and thought leader. Learn how neuroscience, leadership, and authenticity can create high-per…

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Courage, Credibility and the New Rules of Influence with Lida Citroen 35:58

11M ago35:58

35:58

In this episode of The Intentional Leader Podcast, host Sean Olson welcomes personal branding expert and global speaker Lida Citroën. Lida shares her journey from a corporate marketing career to becoming an internationally recognized author and influence coach. They discuss key insights from her latest book, The New Rules of Influence, including bu…

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Storytelling, EQ and Life Balance for Leaders with Rhonda Parker Taylor 39:25

11M ago39:25

39:25

In this episode of The Intentional Leader Podcast, host Sean Olson interviews author, entrepreneur, and leadership consultant Rhonda Parker Taylor. Rhonda shares her journey from a blue-collar upbringing to earning a PhD in leadership and discusses key leadership principles, including emotional intelligence (EQ), storytelling, and life balance. The…

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Developing Artistry with Dr. Heidi Radtke! 52:38

11M ago52:38

52:38

Dr. Wally and Dr. Sue chat with Dr. Heidi about developing your sound, refining artistry, and pursuing a career in music.By Wally Wallace

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From NFL to Winning Leader with Shawn Harper 33:05

12M ago33:05

33:05

In this episode of The Intentional Leader Podcast, host Sean Olson interviews former NFL player, leadership coach, author, and motivational speaker Shawn Harper. Shawn shares his journey from professional football to business success, offering actionable leadership tips that empower listeners to achieve personal and professional growth. He highligh…

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The Future Of Leadership: Leading With Resilience In 2025 21:48

1y ago21:48

21:48

In this year-end episode of the Intentional Leader Podcast, Sean Olson shares insights on leadership and offers tips to help you thrive in 2025. He delves into key trends you must know about, including the rise of AI and automation. Sean emphasizes the enduring importance of human connection and intentional leadership in navigating the future of wo…

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Reborn Resilient: A Journey Of Overcoming Adversity And Thriving With Tiran Jackson 43:23

1y ago43:23

43:23

True leadership is often shaped by resilience, and no one embodies this more than Tiran Jackson. In this episode, host Sean Olson welcomes Tiran, a life coach, author, and business owner, to discuss his incredible journey of trauma recovery and transformation. From surviving a devastating accident to rebuilding his life and purpose, Tiran shares va…

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Speaking With Impact: The Art Of Leading From The Stage With Stevie Johns 37:00

1y ago37:00

37:00

The stage is where impact is made, and Stevie Johns, the visionary founder of Inkwell MGMT and a key player at Cicospace, knows how to own it. Get ready for a dose of inspiration! Stevie shares her hard-earned wisdom on authenticity, building a strong brand, setting expectations, and owning the stage. From her humble beginnings as a psychology majo…

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Learning Jazz 51:27

1y ago51:27

51:27

Dr. Wally and Dr. Sue share 3 pillars to transition from a classical to jazz player. Check out the livestream of Sue's latest concert: https://www.youtube.com/live/leCoRDrn75U?feature=sharedBy Wally Wallace

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Dismantling Global Poverty Systems With Gretchen Villegas 37:42

1y ago37:42

37:42

In this episode of the Intentional Leader podcast, we embark on a captivating exploration of Gretchen Villegas's extraordinary mission to dismantle global poverty systems. As a dedicated global development executive, Gretchen collaborates with vulnerable communities worldwide, aiming to dismantle the ingrained structures that perpetuate poverty and…

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Transformative Partnerships: Keys To Thriving In Business With Kim Walsh Phillips And Justin Guarini 40:58

1y ago40:58

40:58

Business partnerships are like a chorus; harmonized voices create a powerful sound that resonates widely. Sean Olson welcomes Kim Walsh Phillips and Justin Guarini of the Elite Speakers Network as they discuss the power of business partnerships and overcoming challenges. Kim reflects on her career journey, overcoming her fear of disappointing her p…

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Fast Etudes and Faster Fingers 38:49

1y ago38:49

38:49

Dr. Wally and Dr. Sue break down learning the blistering new etudes from Jenni Watson - download for free here: https://www.thesaxophoneacademy.com/WatsonBy Wally Wallace

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Gettin' Chops Back and Mailbag questions! 46:26

1y ago46:26

46:26

Dr. Wally and Dr. Sue answer your questions about getting back into shape, soprano fingerings, C-melody saxophones and other nonsense.By Wally Wallace

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Susan Britton On Building A Coaching Culture With Neuroscience-Informed Strategies 39:57

1+ y ago39:57

39:57

In today’s episode, we dive deep into coaching culture with Susan Britton, founder and CEO of the Academies of Coaching. With a neuroscience-informed approach, Susan has trained thousands of coaches worldwide. We’ll explore her fascinating journey from a small-town farm girl to a global leader in coaching. Plus, you'll hear practical insights on le…

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New Etudes and More (free .pdf download) 34:38

1+ y ago34:38

34:38

https://www.thesaxophoneacademy.com/WatsonBy Wally Wallace

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Behind The Slice: The Donatos Story Of Leadership And Love With Jane Grote Abell 43:36

1+ y ago43:36

43:36

Leading with pizza is a slice of success, proving that a focus on quality, community, and compassion can lead to a thriving business and a fulfilling life. Sean Olson sits down with Jane Grote Abell, who shares how her dedication to family values and innovative leadership transformed Donatos Pizza into a cherished brand. Jane delves into the origin…

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Leading With Love: A Parent's Guide To Pre-Teens With Marcus Higgs 36:19

1+ y ago36:19

36:19

Preteens are a whirlwind of emotions and rapid change; leading them requires a steady hand, a compassionate heart, and a strategic mind. In this episode, Sean Olson is joined by communication coach Marcus Higgs, who offers insightful guidance on parenting pre-teens. With a deep understanding of child development and communication, he empowers paren…

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Awaken Your True Self And Produce On Purpose With Randy Adkins 43:27

1+ y ago43:27

43:27

Feeling lost and unfulfilled? In this episode, Randy Adkins joins Sean Olson to explore the transformative power of purpose-driven leadership and personal growth. Randy, the author of Produce on Purpose, shares insights from his diverse roles as a teacher, speaker, preacher, and transformative leader. From aligning with our core values to building …

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Getting Rid Of The Bullies With Renee Thompson 38:54

1+ y ago38:54

38:54

Various reports claim that bullying is rampant within the healthcare industry, especially among nurses, and this leads to instability and incivility. Renee Thompson has experienced this problem herself, and now she is taking a stand to get rid of the bullies once and for all. Joining Sean Olson, the author and owner of Healthy Workforce Institute d…

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Getting Back Up After A Bad Day With Phebe Trotman 33:17

1+ y ago33:17

33:17

Whenever we experience failure, it is pretty easy to stay down and give up. However, Phebe Trotman begs to disagree: when having a bad day, the only solution is to get back up and continue moving forward. Joining Sean Olson, she shares valuable leadership lessons from her soccer career and explains how she applies them today in the entrepreneurship…

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Leading With Agility: How Can Agility Can Make A Difference With Kieron James 34:46

1+ y ago34:46

34:46

Today's conversation explores the journey of a leader who thrives on embracing the unexpected. Kieron James, CEO and Co-Founder of Wonderful, shares how his career path zig-zagged across industries, from teaching economics to web design and even domain name registration. Through it all, Kieron honed his skills in selling digital services and cultiv…

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Fearless Minds, Fearless Leadership: Overcoming Limiting Beliefs With Colin Kingsmill 36:13

1+ y ago36:13

36:13

Think limiting beliefs are blocking your road to success? Buckle up, because this episode is all about shattering those barriers and overcoming limiting beliefs. Join Sean Olson as he chats with Colin Kingsmill, the cofounder of Whole Human Coaching, who helps leaders achieve fearlessness. From his early days in Swiss banking to navigating the comp…

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Understanding Intentional IMPACT With Patrick Donadio 34:21

1+ y ago34:21

34:21

To be an effective leader who inspires instead of creating conflicts, one must know how to communicate the right way. Here is Patrick Donadio, communication strategist, author, and coach, who presents his six-step process for communicating with intentional IMPACT. Together with Sean Olson, he breaks down his recommended approach to leadership commu…

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From Layoff To Laughter: Improvising Your Way To CEO With Leanne Linsky 39:46

1+ y ago39:46

39:46

Ever dream of chucking your corporate job and chasing your comedy dreams? Leanne Linsky, founder of the innovative comedy platform Plauzzable, did just that – and she's here to share her hilarious and inspiring journey. From rising through the ranks at a Fortune 500 company to facing a life-changing layoff, Leanne found the courage to pursue her pa…

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The Modalities Of Thinking For Next Level Leadership With Alan Lazaros 46:11

1+ y ago46:11

46:11

Ever wonder why some leaders just seem to get it? This episode dives deep with Alan Lazaros, CEO of Next Level University. Alan shares his powerful story of overcoming a near-death experience and the shift it sparked towards personal growth. He unveils the four modalities of thinking (numbers, words, pictures, and energy) and how understanding thes…