Best Mike Sommer Podcasts (2025)

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Big Shep Speaks His Mind 1:17:16

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2M ago1:17:16

1:17:16

Big Shep returns to speak his mind about the current state of the hobby. He spent the last few years working full time running a card shop and setting up at some of the biggest shows in the country. He has a lot to say about how things are working behind the scenes.

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From Hype to Strategy: David Williamson on AI’s Real Role in the Enterprise 36:46

2M ago36:46

36:46

💡 Why do so many digital transformation efforts fall flat? According to David Williamson, a seasoned C-level tech exec in life sciences, it's not because of the technology—it’s because of the people. On the latest Heartbeat episode, David joins host Mike Sommer to unpack why transformation fails, how to do it right, and what CIOs must prioritize in…

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Accelerating Digital Transformation with Ian Gotts | Change Intelligence & Smarter Salesforce Management 50:58

2M ago50:58

50:58

How can CIOs turn their Salesforce orgs from chaotic to catalytic? In this episode of The Heartbeat Podcast, host Mike Sommer talks with Ian Gotts, founder of Elements.Cloud, to unpack what it means to implement “change intelligence” in Salesforce environments. Ian reveals the hidden drivers of Salesforce inefficiency—fragmented data, overbuilt sys…

1
Garland Jeffreys Uncovered: Claire Jefferys on Capturing a Legend in her New Documentary 26:12

2M ago26:12

26:12

In this episode of Around Town with Mike Jeffers, he talks with Claire Jefferys, wife of acclaimed New York musician Garland Jeffreys, about her powerful new documentary, “Garland Jeffreys: The King of In Between.” Co-directed with filmmaker Evan M. Johnson, the documentary explores the extraordinary life of Garland Jeffreys—an artist who broke bou…

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Tight budgets. Big expectations. 90 days to deliver. 43:55

3M ago43:55

43:55

In this episode of Heartbeat, we sit down with John Georgatos (CIO @ Mike Morris Law Firm, Interim Global CIO @ VaynerMedia) to break down how he led a bold 90-day IT transformation—turning budget pressure into AI-powered results. 🔹 Legacy overhaul in record time 🔹 Aligning IT with CFO & COO priorities 🔹 Deploying Salesforce Einstein AI 🔹 The rise …

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Kurt Elling celebrates Weather Report, Legacy - Live at Ravinia 16:13

3M ago16:13

16:13

In this Chicago Jazz Magazine interview, Mike Jeffers talks with two-time Grammy Award-winning jazz vocalist Kurt Elling about his upcoming performance at Ravinia on Father’s Day, June 15th, inside the intimate Martin Theatre. Kurt shares insights into his new project celebrating Weather Report, featuring original member and legendary drummer Peter…

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CIO Mastermind: Building a Vendor-Free Tech Community 19:38

3M ago19:38

19:38

What if CIOs had a place to grow—without vendors, pitches, or fluff? In this episode of The Heartbeat Podcast, host Mike Sommer sits down with Scott Smeester, founder of CIO Mastermind, a private, vendor-free community built to empower IT leaders with strategic clarity, peer support, and real-world leadership development. Scott unpacks the four big…

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From CIO to Strategic Advisor: Lessons on Scaling, Governance & Innovation | Karl Mosgofian Interview 38:30

4M ago38:30

38:30

What does it take to go from CIO to trusted business advisor? In this episode of The Heartbeat Podcast, host Mike Sommer welcomes Karl Mosgofian—seasoned tech executive and former CIO of Gainsight—to unpack what it really means to lead IT in today’s dynamic enterprise environment. With over three decades of experience, Karl shares hard-earned insig…

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Modernizing Salesforce with AI: Strategic Lessons from Velu Palani’s Enterprise Playbook 23:49

4M ago23:49

23:49

How McKesson’s Velu Palani Leads Saleforce Transformation with AI, Frameworks & Strategic Vision In this episode of The Heartbeat Podcast, host Mike Sommer sits down with Velu Palani, Vice President and Salesforce IT Service Leader at McKesson, one of the largest healthcare companies in the world. Velu shares hard-won insights from leading enterpri…

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The Diamond King 28:39

5M ago28:39

28:39

After two years of work, The Diamond King releases to the public on April 25, 2025. The documentary tells the story of Dick Perez, the artist behind the Donruss Diamond Kings, Hall of Fame Heroes, and the classic Hall of Fame postcards. In this episode I interview Marq Evans, the film maker behind the movie and Dick Perez himself. Check out TheDiam…

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AI-Powered CIO: Secrets to Winning the Data War with John Ayers 41:12

5M ago41:12

41:12

In this episode of the Heartbeat Podcast, host Mike Sommer sits down with John Ayers, a seasoned expert in customer experience, AI-driven personalization, and digital business transformation. John takes us through his fascinating career—from the rise of desktop publishing and MP3s to mobile responsiveness and the AI boom—sharing hard-earned lessons…

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I Tried Live Selling? 13:59

5M ago13:59

13:59

I did it, I tried live selling on DibDitCards.com. Ivan Lovgren @watchthebreaks and Cary from American Arbitrage finally convinced me to give live selling a try. In this episode I discuss how my first few shows went! I also discuss my process of doing some “spring cleaning” in my eBay store. If you want to check out DibDit cards on the District mar…

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The Human Side of Tech: Unpacking AI-Driven Transformation and Cultural Alignment with Glen Stoffel 33:16

5M ago33:16

33:16

In this episode of the Heartbeat podcast, hosted by Mike Sommer, Glen Stoffel, Chief Strategy Officer at Moon Nox and co-founder of Camp4, delves into AI-driven transformation and the irreplaceable human elements in tech leadership. The discussion centers on professional services in tech, generative AI's role in boosting productivity, and the neces…

1
Failing Forward & Building Resilient IT Teams with Tim Winders 38:55

6M ago38:55

38:55

🎧 In this episode of The Heartbeat Podcast, host Mike Sommer sits down with Tim Winders, Associate VP of IT and Deputy CIO at Purdue University. With over 30 years in higher ed IT, Tim shares lessons from leading major initiatives—like the IT centralization across Purdue campuses and unifying Purdue Northwest. He dives into how tech can truly trans…

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The CIO Playbook: Brian Glass on Failing Forward & Building Resilient IT Teams 46:12

6M ago46:12

46:12

Heartbeat host Mike Sommer, sits down with Brian Glass, CIO at Transcend Company, to talk about what it really means to lead IT at scale—especially in high-stakes industries like healthcare. Brian’s journey from early tech curiosity to leadership roles at GM, Volkswagen of America, and Ally Financial is packed with lessons for any CIO navigating di…

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CIO Strategy 2025: Innovation, AI at Scale & Future-Ready IT 26:14

6M ago26:14

26:14

As CIOs navigate 2025, the pressure to drive innovation, scale AI initiatives, and optimize IT strategy has never been greater. In this episode, we break down Gartner’s latest CIO report, exploring how to build a data-driven foundation, manage cybersecurity risks, control tech costs, and secure top talent for emerging technologies. With expert insi…

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Barry Sanders: Then and Now 16:01

6M ago16:01

16:01

In this episode I cover two topics. 1) I recently bought two collections on two consecutive days. I discuss what they contained. 2) I wrote about Beckett's list of the top 20 Barry Sanders cards in 1998 and how those cards rank today. I wrote about this topic on SI.com and at WaxPackHero.com. Sponsor of this Episode: COMC.com You can also support t…

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From Corporate to Startup: Executing Innovation with Renee Gregor 44:28

6M ago44:28

44:28

Welcome to Heartbeat: Tactical Insights for CIOs. In this episode, we sit down with Renee Gregor, COO of Park Pro, to explore what it really takes to drive innovation beyond just technology—and why execution matters more than buzzwords. With 15+ years of experience in client strategy, working with brands like Macy’s, BMW, Ralph Lauren, and Coca-Col…

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Market Insight: AI-Powered Strategy: How Artificial Intelligence is Reshaping Business Decision-Making 16:44

7M ago16:44

16:44

Discover how AI is revolutionizing strategy development by enhancing analysis, uncovering insights faster, and mitigating biases. Learn how businesses can leverage AI as a researcher, thought partner, and simulator to drive smarter decision-making.By Mike Sommer

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Market Insight - Future Frontiers: The Next Arenas of Competition 35:56

7M ago35:56

35:56

In this episode, we discuss Future Frontiers: The Next Arenas of Competition; we dive into McKinsey’s groundbreaking analysis of 18 emerging industries set to reshape the global economy, with a potential $48 trillion impact by 2040. CIOs will gain key insights into how arenas—defined by high growth and dynamism—offer unparalleled opportunities for …

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Redefining Digital Transformation: The CIO’s Role in the Intelligence Age 19:11

7M ago19:11

19:11

This podcast features Daniel Keith and Mike Sommer discussing digital transformation and the evolving role of the CIO. Keith shares a pivotal career moment that shifted his focus to Salesforce and advocates for "digital evolution" over traditional transformation projects. The discussion explores the Intelligence Age and the importance of augmenting…

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The Human Side of Tech: Leadership and Innovation with Sam Kann 27:56

7M ago27:56

27:56

In this episode of Heartbeat Tactical Insights for CIOs, host Mike Sommer sits down with Sam Kann—a seasoned CIO, entrepreneur, and innovator with over 20 years of IT leadership experience. Sam shares his human-centered approach to technology, emphasizing the power of empathy, stakeholder alignment, and relationship-building in driving successful d…

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Empathy in Leadership: Lessons from Robert Field, CIO at Ozmosys 22:54

7M ago22:54

22:54

Welcome to today’s episode of Heartbeat: Tactical Insights for CIOs, where we explore the cutting edge of generative AI in the legal industry with a leader who’s not just witnessing change but driving it. Our guest is Robert Field, who is at the forefront of innovation at Ozmosys, where he’s transforming how legal professionals interact with data—t…

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Driving Digital Transformation and Customer Value with Greg Killstrom 18:32

7M ago18:32

18:32

In this episode of 'Heartbeat Tactical Insights for CIOs,' host Michael Sommer speaks with Greg Killstrom, a marketing thought leader, consultant, and author of over 20 books. Greg, who has guided Fortune 1000 brands such as Adidas, FedEx, HP, and Coca-Cola, discusses his journey from product designer to marketing technology expert. He emphasizes t…

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Transforming IT Leadership: An Interview with Deepak Sachdeva 27:29

7M ago27:29

27:29

In this episode of Heartbeat: Tactical Insights for CIOs, host Michael Sommer speaks with Deepak Sachdeva, a veteran CIO/CTO with 20+ years of experience. Deepak shares insights on aligning technology with business needs, data governance, and digital transformation. He offers actionable strategies for reducing technical debt, fostering collaboratio…

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College Cards, HOF Autos, and Value Boxes, Oh My! 18:56

7M ago18:56

18:56

I discuss some recent cards I purchased of players in their college uniforms. I also rediscovered some on card HOF autos in my collection and I also shared about some of the recent value box finds I had at a local LCS. Sponsor of this Episode COMC.com You can also support the show by using the following affiliate links if you are in the market for …

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This Chapter is Over 5:29

8M ago5:29

5:29

In this episode I discuss some changes to the podcast. This will be the last “weekly” release of the podcast. In the future I’ll be releasing them closer to a monthly schedule or when I find a topic or interview guest I’m passionate about. Sponsor of this Episode COMC.com You can also support the show by using the following affiliate links if you a…

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Random Hobby Thoughts in December 15:12

9M ago15:12

15:12

Today I share some of the hobby thoughts on my mind. I discuss a recent collection I purchased, the eBay 2024 Collectibles report, and what this last year has been like after shutting down the physical shop at the end of 2023. Sponsor of this Episode: COMC.com You can also support the show by using the following affiliate links if you are in the ma…

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Collectibles on SI.com with Danny Black 23:31

9M ago23:31

23:31

Today, Danny Black comes back onto the show to discuss his role with SI.com/collectibles. We talk about what kind of content readers are consuming, where the traffic comes from, and what is next for the future of hobby content on SI.com. Sponsor of this Episode COMC.com You can also support the show by using the following affiliate links if you are…

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What Sold on eBay: December Edition 25:23

9M ago25:23

25:23

I share what sold in my eBay store over the last week. From junk wax era to vintage, basketball to racing, cards to toys, there is a lot of everything going out of the store! Sponsor of this Episode: COMC.com You can also support the show by using the following affiliate links if you are in the market for some cards or supplies! Topps.com Sportlots…

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My Thoughts on Grading - WaxPackHero Greatest Hits 21:06

9M ago21:06

21:06

The grading episode is the most downloaded episode in the podcast’s five year history. At the end of the episode, I share how my thoughts have changed over the last four years. Sponsor of this Episode COMC.com You can also support the show by using the following affiliate links if you are in the market for some cards or supplies! Topps.com Sportlot…

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Adam Gellman Returns to Discuss the End of Panini WWE 32:55

10M ago32:55

32:55

The Panini Era of WWE wrestling cards is coming to a close and Adam Gellman returns to the show to discuss. Sponsor of this Episode COMC.com You can also support the show by using the following affiliate links if you are in the market for some cards or supplies! Topps.com Sportlots.com eBay.com Amazon.com Fanatics.com…

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Cards Prices are Falling, Burnout, and Norman Smiley 17:12

10M ago17:12

17:12

I’ve had some random hobby thoughts on my mind so I thought I’d hit on several topics this week. I discuss a bit about some burnout I’m feeling after working through a large collection over the last 6 months. I also talk about a recent article I wrote for SI.com where I discuss what falling card prices might mean for the overall health of the hobby…

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More Upper Deck Product Reviews 14:02

10M ago14:02

14:02

I had a chance to open some Upper Deck Allure and O-Pee-Chee Platinum. I thought I’d talk a little bit about what I found in the boxes and my thoughts on the two products. You can see images of the Allure cards here and the O-Pee-Chee Platinum cards here. Sponsor of this Episode COMC.com You can also support the show by using the following affiliat…

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Terry Smith and Fleer Pro Visions: WaxPackHero Greatest Hits 23:25

10M ago23:25

23:25

Today, we go back and look at the conversation I had with Terry Smith. He was the artist behind the Fleer Pro-Vision insert cards in the 90s! Sponsor of Today’s Episode: COMC.com You can also support the show by using the following affiliate links if you are in the market for some cards or supplies! Topps.com Sportlots.com eBay.com Amazon.com Fanat…

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How I Use Sportlots 22:27

10M ago22:27

22:27

I continue to get questions about how to buy and sell on Sportlots. In this episode I take some time to discuss how I use the site. Hopefully you can get some value hearing how I buy and sell there! Sponsor of this Episode: COMC.com You can also support the show by using the following affiliate links if you are in the market for some cards or suppl…

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WNBA Legend Candace Parker Talks Basketball Cards 11:51

11M ago11:51

11:51

I had the opportunity to sit down with WNBA legend Candace Parker to talk basketball cards! She is teaming up with eBay for an upcoming basketball card auction event call “GameTime Gets” which kicked off October 22nd. Sponsor of this Episode: COMC.com You can also support the show by using the following affiliate links if you are in the market for …

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Random Hobby Thoughts 15:05

11M ago15:05

15:05

This week I left Garage Band open on my Mac and hit record throughout the week as I had random thoughts about the hobby. I cover a variety of different topics that were on my mind! Sponsor of this Episode COMC.com You can also support the show by using the following affiliate links if you are in the market for some cards or supplies! Topps.com Spor…

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Clicking the Unsubscribe Button 8:28

11M ago8:28

8:28

Sometimes hobby content can be too much. I found that after I started clicking the unsubscribe button, I started to feel better about the hobby… Sponsor of this Episode COMC.com You can also support the show by using the following affiliate links if you are in the market for some cards or supplies! Topps.com Sportlots.com eBay.com Amazon.com Fanati…

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Refs in the Back: WaxPackHero Sports Card Minute Greatest Hits 31:39

11M ago31:39

31:39

For this month’s greatest hits episode we are going back to January of 2022 and the first super collector conversation we had on the show. @refsintheback joins me to discuss his collection full of basketball cards with referees in the background! It is the most listened to super collector conversation. Sponsor of this Episode: COMC.com You can also…

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What Sold Last Week on eBay - September Edition 17:41

12M ago17:41

17:41

I had about 30 eBay sales last week and I discuss every one. A mix of toys, cards, clothes and other items went out the door and a pile of cash went in the bank account! Sponsor of this Episode COMC.com You can also support the show by using the following affiliate links if you are in the market for some cards or supplies! Topps.com Sportlots.com e…

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Building a Community of Collectors with Ivan Lovegren 43:14

12M ago43:14

43:14

Ivan, aka @watchthebreaks shares how the District platform is unique by helping marketplace owners build a community of collectors. I’ve enjoyed being a part of the Dibdit marketplace which focuses on cards and other pop culture items. I am testing out selling on there! Sponsor of Today’s Episode COMC.com You can also support the show by using the …

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Ivan Lovegren Returns! 25:12

12M ago25:12

25:12

Ivan Lovegren aka @watchthebreaks returns to the show to discuss what he’s been up to over the last couple years. He also shares his perspective on the Fanaticsfest event in New York after getting a chance to attend in person. Sponsor of this Episode: COMC.com You can also support the show by using the following affiliate links if you are in the ma…

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WaxPackHero Greatest Hits: What I Learned Running a Card Shop 14:23

1y ago14:23

14:23

In September of 2020 I opened my physical card shop. A year later, I shared some lessons I learned during my first year. For today’s greatest hits episode, I look back at the lessons I learned! Sponsor of Today’s Episode COMC.com You can also support the show by using the following affiliate links if you are in the market for some cards or supplies…

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A COMC Mailday 13:09

1y ago13:09

13:09

A COMC shipment arrived at my house a few weeks ago and I share some of my favorite additions to the PC! Sponsor of this Episode: COMC.com You can also support the show by using the following affiliate links if you are in the market for some cards or supplies! Topps.com Sportlots.com eBay.com Amazon.com Fanatics.com…

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Overspending as Gesture of Goodwill? 10:03

1y ago10:03

10:03

In this episode I share a few recent mail day items that have arrived. A 1959 Mantle and Gibson were the highlights! I also discussed the idea of overpaying for a collection to help build a relationship so that it might help me land even better collections in the future. Sponsor of this episode: COMC.com You can also support the show by using the f…

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2023-24 Upper Deck Hockey Product Reviews 18:34

1y ago18:34

18:34

I recently opened up boxes of three different 2023-24 Upper Deck Hockey products and in this episode I share some thoughts on what I found. I opened a 2023-24 Star Rookies box set, a 2023-24 AHL hobby box, and a 2023-24 Upper Deck Allure hobby box. Thanks to Upper Deck for providing the boxes for me to review! Sponsor of this Episode: COMC.com You …

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WaxPackHero Greatest Hits - One Millions Cubs Beau Is Going Full Time In Cards 39:09

1y ago39:09

39:09

Today we look back at my 2022 interview with Beau Thompson about his move from selling cards as a side hustle to selling full time. Sponsor of this Episode COMC.com You can also support the show by using the following affiliate links if you are in the market for some cards or supplies! Topps.com Sportlots.com eBay.com Amazon.com Fanatics.com…

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Garage Sale Gold! 17:45

1y ago17:45

17:45

Last weekend, I went digging at a bunch of garage sales. You always hear about some great card finds that turn up at yard sales from time to time, but for me they were elusive. Well, on Saturday I finally struck cardboard gold! Here’s the story of how I picked up a great collection of vintage Mantle, Nolan Ryan, Clemente, Aaron, and more! Sponsor o…

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Stranger Things Cards Conversation with The Sports Card Dad 25:38

1y ago25:38

25:38

Dustin from the Sports Card Dad YouTube channel joins me to discuss Stranger Things cards! We both have cards from the hit Netflix series in our collection and we provide an overview of the types of cards fans of the show can collect. Watch his show at the link above, find him on Twitter/X and Instagram. Sponsor of this Episode: COMC.com You can al…