Best Gary L Wise Podcasts (2025)

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Bombs to Bees: The Unlikely Path of a Navy EOD Specialist 2:24:46

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10h ago2:24:46

2:24:46

Send us a text Leadership isn't a position—it's the ability to transform challenges into opportunities and inspire others through authentic action. Dan Martin embodies this truth, tracing his extraordinary evolution from a self-described teenage troublemaker to an accomplished EOD Master Chief whose leadership was tested in the most dangerous envir…

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Your career in the Navy is what you make of it, but leadership is forever. 2:14:13

5d ago2:14:13

2:14:13

Send us a text Leadership at sea demands resilience, adaptability, and a willingness to grow through adversity. Senior Chief Petty Officer PJ Ernst's 26-year Navy journey showcases this evolution perfectly, from his spontaneous enlistment in 1991 to his retirement as a respected leader in 2017. PJ takes us through the transformative experiences tha…

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Jesus' Leadership Parables: Ancient Wisdom for Modern Leaders 1:43:15

15d ago1:43:15

1:43:15

Send us a text What would happen if we stripped away the religious context from Jesus' parables and viewed them purely as leadership lessons? Gary and Chris take us on a fascinating journey through four powerful biblical stories that reveal timeless leadership principles still relevant in today's complex world. Starting with the Good Samaritan, the…

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Strength Through Struggle: From Coast Guard Rescue to Navy Deep Sea Diver 2:41:11

19d ago2:41:11

2:41:11

Send us a text What does it take to transform adversity into opportunity? Alex Wright's journey from Coast Guard rescue swimmer to Navy deep sea diver reveals the remarkable resilience needed to navigate life's unexpected turns. In this powerful conversation, Wright candidly shares his military odyssey – from his stubborn persistence to join the Co…

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The Courage to Continue: Leadership's Hardest Challenge 1:25:05

29d ago1:25:05

1:25:05

Send us a text What truly separates effective leaders from those who merely survive in today's chaotic environment? In this captivating discussion on perseverance and resilience, Gary Wise hosts leadership experts Chris Cahill and Jeremy Moore to unpack the crucial distinction between these complementary qualities. The conversation begins with a fa…

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From a Small Town in Puerto Rico to Navy Master Chief 2:09:49

1M ago2:09:49

2:09:49

Send us a text When a teenage clarinet player from Puerto Rico stepped forward to audition for the U.S. Navy Band in 1996, no one could have predicted the remarkable 29-year journey that would follow. Master Chief Luis LeBron's story is one of unexpected opportunities, overcoming language barriers, and finding leadership roles he never sought out. …

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Stop Managing, Start Empowering: The Ownership Mindset 1:35:04

1M ago1:35:04

1:35:04

Send us a text The difference between good organizations and exceptional ones often comes down to a single factor: people taking true ownership of their roles. In this thought-provoking episode, Gary Wise and Jeremy Moore unpack the crucial distinction between basic accountability and genuine ownership, revealing why this shift transforms both indi…

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Six Years to Chief: The Fast-Track Sailor Who Never Slowed Down 1:28:20

2M ago1:28:20

1:28:20

Send us a text What does it mean to navigate a military career when life throws unexpected challenges your way? Gary sits down with James Thompson, a retired Navy Lieutenant with an unconventional journey that spans from the hallowed halls of MIT to the engine rooms of Navy warships. Thompson's story begins with a strong naval heritage as a fourth-…

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From Jersey to Japan: One Sailor's Extraordinary Career 2:04:49

2M ago2:04:49

2:04:49

Send us a text What does three decades of Navy service really look like? Through typhoons, volcanic evacuations, nuclear disasters, and war deployments, Master Chief Mike Piazza lived a career most can only imagine. From his early days dreaming of Navy service as a 13-year-old in small-town New Jersey to becoming a respected senior enlisted leader …

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The Investigation That Almost Broke Me 1:19:59

2M ago1:19:59

1:19:59

Send us a text Leadership's darkest moments rarely make it into motivational speeches or training manuals. For this former Command Master Chief of Naval Base Guam, what began as a stellar career culminated in a 10-month nightmare that pushed him to the brink. After successfully navigating COVID-19 challenges as the only operating base in the Pacifi…

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Row Baby Row: Military Veterans Tackle Today's Workplace Culture 1:23:34

2M ago1:23:34

1:23:34

Send us a text What happens when three military veterans with over 75 years of combined experience tackle one of today's most polarizing topics? In this explosive conversation, Gary Wise, Chris Cahill, and Enrique flip the script on DEI, reframing it as an IED—Inclusion, Equity, Diversity—examining how these concepts can become landmines when misha…

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Fighting From Where You Stand 1:52:58

2M ago1:52:58

1:52:58

Send us a text From the hills of Kentucky to the depths of nuclear submarines to commanding Naval Base Guam during an unprecedented global crisis, Captain Jeffrey Grimes' journey through naval leadership offers profound wisdom for anyone navigating challenging environments. The conversation opens with Grimes' unlikely path to military service, wher…

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Earning Trust Through Ownership 1:06:31

2M ago1:06:31

1:06:31

Send us a text Accountability forms the bedrock of effective leadership, yet many struggle to embrace it fully. In this thought-provoking conversation, Gary and Jeremy explore the complex dynamics of taking ownership in professional environments. Drawing from their extensive military backgrounds, they dissect why certain individuals resist accounta…

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What Are You Telling Yourself When No One's Listening? 50:32

2M ago50:32

50:32

Send us a text Unlocking the secret language of true leadership begins with mastering the conversation you have with yourself. Gary Wise pulls back the curtain on his journey from high school dropout to Command Master Chief in the Navy to reveal how authentic communication transformed his leadership impact. This episode explores the critical differ…

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The Anchor Holds: Faith, Family and Finding Your Way Home 1:44:57

3M ago1:44:57

1:44:57

Send us a text From the dusty baseball diamonds of Dublin, Georgia to the deck of a Navy warship in Japan, Chief Tavares Clover's journey exemplifies resilience, adaptability, and the power of staying true to your roots. In this heartfelt conversation with host Gary Wise, a fellow Navy veteran, Chief Clover reveals how his upbringing in a small Sou…

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The Man From Chicago: A Master Chief's Story 1:56:35

3M ago1:56:35

1:56:35

Send us a text From the streets of Chicago to the highest enlisted ranks of the U.S. Navy, Command Master Chief Dennis Polli's journey is a masterclass in authentic leadership. In this captivating conversation, we explore how a 26-year-old construction worker transformed into one of the Navy's most respected leaders through an unconventional career…

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Sailors, Mission, Patriotism: A Master Chief's Leadership Journey 1:07:10

3M ago1:07:10

1:07:10

Send us a text Every leader faces moments that define their legacy. For retired US Navy Command Master Chief Gary Wise, that moment came when sailors' personal belongings—including passports, wallets, and phones—were thrown into dumpsters during a critical day of inspections aboard the USS Ashland (LSD-48) in Sasebo, Japan back in 2017. The day had…

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From DC2 to Navy Chief: My Journey Up the Ranks 1:08:57

3M ago1:08:57

1:08:57

Send us a text In this captivating episode, I take you through one of the most transformative periods of my naval career—the journey from being a newly-minted DC2 (Damage Controlman Second Class) to earning my Chief's anchors against seemingly impossible odds. When I reported to the USS Ogden in 2003, I walked into chaos. The damage control shop wa…

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Visualizing Success: My Journey from DC2 to Chief Petty Officer 1:08:26

3M ago1:08:26

1:08:26

Send us a text How do you turn an unwanted assignment into your biggest career breakthrough? When I stepped aboard USS Ogden in the Persian Gulf at 2AM and heard "you are so effed" echo down the passageway, I had no idea this moment would fundamentally alter my Navy journey. The DCPO shop I inherited was a disaster - unbearably hot, papers everywhe…

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Chiefs Don't Sugarcoat—That Gives You Diabetes 1:53:07

3M ago1:53:07

1:53:07

Send us a text From a small town in Mississippi to the pinnacle of Navy leadership, Master Chief Lisa Tisdale's remarkable 30-year journey embodies the true spirit of naval service. In this captivating conversation with Gary Wise, Lisa pulls back the curtain on her evolution from Ship's Serviceman to Command Master Chief. Lisa's story begins with j…

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Positive Intelligence: The Mental Fitness Framework for Leaders 30:58

3M ago30:58

30:58

Send us a text What if your mind could work for you rather than against you? Dr. Leigh Byers introduces us to the revolutionary concept of Positive Intelligence—a mental fitness framework that trains leaders to quiet their inner saboteurs and lead from a place of wisdom, creativity, and empathy. Drawing from her extensive background as a Seventh Le…

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The High Road: Navigating Leadership in a Divided World 47:00

3M ago47:00

47:00

Send us a text What does it truly mean to "take the high road" in today's fractured world? For Pastor Mark D Cummins, it's not a cliché but a revolutionary approach to leadership that transforms both leaders and followers. In this compelling conversation, Mark shares his journey from angry teenager to Marine to pastor, revealing how each stage shap…

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Is "Burnout" Just a Trendy Excuse or a Real Crisis? 56:59

3M ago56:59

56:59

Send us a text The moment I thought I was having a heart attack in the ER, everything changed. That's when I realized my "burnout" was actually something much deeper. In this raw and unfiltered conversation, host Gary Wise and guest Chris Cahill tackle burnout head-on, asking the uncomfortable question: is it really just a trendy excuse or a legiti…

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The Power of Collecting and Using Data in Business and Life 50:14

3M ago50:14

50:14

Send us a text Ready to transform your leadership approach with data-driven strategies? Gary Wise sits down with Mr. Elgin Carelock, a multifaceted entrepreneur and business strategist, to explore how collecting and applying the right information can revolutionize your decision-making process. Mr. Carelock reveals a fascinating paradox: while we na…

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Why I Stayed: How the Military Transformed My Life When I Wasn't Looking 50:29

4M ago50:29

50:29

Send us a text What happens when your reasons for joining the military have nothing to do with patriotism or service? In this deeply personal account, retired Navy Command Master Chief Gary Wise takes us through his remarkable transformation from troubled youth to dedicated leader. Gary's journey begins with brutal honesty – he joined the Navy to e…

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From Detroit to Leadership: A Navy Master Chief's Journey 1:12:18

4M ago1:12:18

1:12:18

Send us a text Leadership isn't just a skill—it's a lifelong journey that transforms who you are and how you impact others. In this powerful conversation, Gary welcomes retired Master Chief Petty Officer Rory Bacon who shares his remarkable path from Detroit's inner city through 26 years of distinguished Naval service and beyond. Bacon reveals how …

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Relentless Tenacity: Finding Your Purpose After Memorial Day 21:28

4M ago21:28

21:28

Send us a text Freedom isn't free. Standing among fellow Americans at our local Veterans Park on Memorial Day, I was struck by the weight of sacrifice that spans our nation's relatively brief history. From those early patriots who built a new country to the World War II generation like my grandfather who faced global tyranny without modern technolo…

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The Mentor's Journey: Finding Your Guide 1:15:33

4M ago1:15:33

1:15:33

Send us a text The search for guidance in our personal and professional lives often leads us to mentorship – that powerful, transformative relationship that can unlock our potential and illuminate our path forward. In this deeply personal conversation, retired Navy Chief Petty Officers Gary Wise and Jeremy Moore unpack the profound impact mentors h…

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Why Technology Is Both The Divide And The Bridge Between Generations 37:31

4M ago37:31

37:31

Send us a text Generational diversity might be the most overlooked challenge in today's workplace. Drawing from my experience leading teams where 18-year-olds worked alongside 45-year-olds, I explore how different age groups bring unique strengths and challenges to any organization. Technology stands as both the greatest divide and the most powerfu…

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The Authentic Leader's Journey: Navigating Fear and Finding Purpose 1:03:01

4M ago1:03:01

1:03:01

Send us a text What makes a leader truly effective? Is it unwavering confidence, technical expertise, or something deeper? This thought-provoking episode strips away leadership myths to reveal what actually matters when guiding others through challenges. Through personal reflection and powerful storytelling, we explore two contrasting yet complemen…

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When Everything Falls Apart: How Great Leaders Rise 37:11

4M ago37:11

37:11

Send us a text When chaos strikes, true leadership is revealed. Drawing from decades of military experience as a Command Master Chief and damage control specialist, Gary Wise unpacks seven battle-tested strategies that help leaders not just survive but thrive during challenging situations. The journey begins with a fundamental mindset shift: seeing…

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When Everyone Wants Off Your Team, You're Doing It Wrong 1:28:01

4M ago1:28:01

1:28:01

Send us a text Ever wonder why some teams excel while others flounder? This episode dives deep into what separates high-functioning collaborative environments from toxic workplaces through the lens of veteran leaders with decades of military and civilian experience. Our panel of leadership experts breaks down the essential components of building te…

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The path from undesignated seaman to successful entrepreneur wasn't always smooth sailing 1:22:43

5M ago1:22:43

1:22:43

Send us a text Ever wonder what happens when military discipline meets civilian work culture? Jon Floyd's remarkable journey from undesignated fireman to business owner provides fascinating insights into leadership across vastly different worlds. When Jon first approached a Navy recruiter after being rejected by the Marines, he had no idea his care…

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The Anatomy of Change: Leading Teams Through Transition 1:28:10

5M ago1:28:10

1:28:10

Send us a text "Trust is the currency of leadership." This powerful statement forms the backbone of our fascinating discussion on navigating organizational and personal change. When facing transitions, what separates successful leaders from those who struggle isn't necessarily their strategy—it's how much trust they've banked with their teams. Thro…

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Lesley Prasad's extraordinary path takes him from Guyana's rainforest to the United States Navy. 1:32:40

5M ago1:32:40

1:32:40

Send us a text What happens when a boy from the Amazon jungle finds himself thrust into the concrete jungle of New York City, and later becomes a commissioned officer in the United States Navy? Lesley Prasad's life story reads like an epic journey of resilience, faith, and transformation. Growing up along the Demerara River in Guyana, Lesley spent …

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Tell Me a Tale, Change My Life 1:20:59

5M ago1:20:59

1:20:59

Send us a text Leadership experts Gary Wise and Chris highlight storytelling as a foundational skill for effective communication, inspiration, and meaningful connections with others. They explore how stories create lasting impact where facts alone cannot, drawing from their extensive experience in military leadership, business, education, and faith…

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From Undesignated Seaman to IDC Master Chief 2:03:48

6M ago2:03:48

2:03:48

Send us a text What happens when life's unexpected turns become your greatest opportunities? In this deeply personal conversation, Master Chief Jose Alonso reveals his extraordinary journey from Uruguayan immigrant to elite Navy medical provider, demonstrating how adaptability and resilience can transform apparent setbacks into stepping stones for …

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Breaking Free: Authentic Leadership in a World of Masks 1:42:13

6M ago1:42:13

1:42:13

Send us a text "The world's a stage, and I can be anybody I want to be." In this thought-provoking conversation, Navy veteran Gary Wise welcomes Marine Corps veteran Chris Cahill to discuss how feedback shapes our personal and professional growth across generations. Drawing from their combined decades of military service and leadership experience, …

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Leaders don't avoid conflict, they transform it into opportunity. 1:32:00

6M ago1:32:00

1:32:00

Send us a text What if the conflicts you dread most could become your greatest opportunities for team growth? In this candid conversation between two seasoned leaders with military backgrounds, we explore the counterintuitive truth that healthy conflict—when handled properly—builds stronger teams than artificial harmony ever could. Drawing from dec…

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You Can't Lead If You Do Everything Yourself 1:00:02

6M ago1:00:02

1:00:02

Send us a text The difference between leadership and management often comes down to one critical skill: delegation. In this powerful episode, leadership mentor and retired Navy Command Master Chief Gary Wise reveals why so many aspiring leaders fall short by failing to distribute responsibility effectively. Drawing from nearly three decades of mili…

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Who's steering your ship: your emotions or your intelligence? 59:48

6M ago59:48

59:48

Send us a text The line between effective leadership and emotional reaction is thinner than most realize. For 25 years as a Navy leader and now as a JROTC instructor, I've seen how emotions can either fuel or sabotage leadership effectiveness. Being "intelligently emotional" means using your mind to guide your emotions rather than letting emotions …

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Unlocking your leadership potential in 2025 57:52

6M ago57:52

57:52

Send us a text In this session, we'll delve into: Cultivating a growth mindset Creating a learning environment for yourself Building a supportive network Setting and achieving meaningful goals Whether you're looking to advance your career, enhance your skills, or simply unlock your full potential, this event will provide you with valuable insights …

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Words from the Wise & Kut Different: Community Impact 1:04:33

6M ago1:04:33

1:04:33

Send us a text Join Gary Wise on this inspiring episode of Words from the Wise as he sits down with Myles Mcconico from Kut Different Non Profit to discuss their recent collaboration on a community fun day in Ocala. In this episode, you'll hear about: The importance of community engagement and leadership How Kut Different is making a positive impac…

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AI & Enhancing Workplace Productivity with Emily Harburg 27:59

1+ y ago27:59

27:59

In this episode, we sit down with Emily Harburg, CEO and co-founder of PairUp. We talk about her journey as an entrepreneur, the transition of PairUp from being a mentorship-based startup to an AI-powered workplace knowledge-sharing tool, and her goals for the future. We also explore the challenges of adapting to changing market needs, the importan…

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Leading with Faith and Integrity with Eric Bosshard 27:29

1+ y ago27:29

27:29

In this week's episode of Integrate: Faith & Innovate, we catch up with Wheaton alumnus Eric Bosshard, who is the CEO of Cleveland Research Company. He shares with us fond memories of his time at college, including the friends he made and the soccer team he played for. After graduating as a business economics major, Bosshard started working in the …

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App Development, Entrepreneurship, and Innovation with Gary and Brayden Gogis 35:40

1+ y ago35:40

35:40

Join us on a journey as we explore the captivating narratives of Gary and Brayden Gogis, a father-son duo, as they navigate the realms of app design, from crafting SpongeBob games to birthing a unique social media platform named Joybox. Tune in now to be encouraged and challenged! For more information on their work, please check out the links below…

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Spiritual Transformation in Business with Barry Rowan 37:00

1+ y ago37:00

37:00

In this episode of Integrate: Faith & Innovate, our guest host, Bob Doll, talks with Barry Rowan, author of "The Spiritual Art of Business.” They discuss Barry's journey of surrendering his life to Christ, which led to profound spiritual growth and insights into the intersection of faith and work. Through experiences of crisis, surrender, and compa…

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Embracing the Journey with Ethan Park 30:45

1+ y ago30:45

30:45

In this week’s episode of Integrate: Faith & Innovate, we talk with Ethan Park, Partner, COO/CFO of Extract Capital. Ethan shares his journey from being born in South Korea, moving to Indiana, transitioning to Toronto, and embracing new challenges with faith and determination. Ethan's career trajectory took unexpected turns, from pursuing a degree …

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A Journey of Resilience, Entrepreneurship, and Faith with Lu Dong 52:37

1+ y ago52:37

52:37

In this episode of CFI: Faith & Integrate, we talk with Lu Dong, an entrepreneur based in Tokyo. We talk about his life journey and entrepreneurial experiences, life in Tokyo, his startup app, TakeMe, that connects tourists with the best restaurants in Japan, the challenges he faced during his entrepreneurial journey, and his deep reflection on fai…

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Exploring Career Journeys, Faith, and Stewardship with Mark Berg 31:37

1+ y ago31:37

31:37

This week on Integrate: Faith & Innovate, we talk with Mark Berg, Lead Adviser and Founder of Timothy Financial Counsel, Inc., who shares his journey from studying psychology to finding his passion in financial planning. Mark discusses the importance of following one's passion, making career pivots, and the role of faith in his life and business. #…