Best Tony Stephan Podcasts (2025)

1
Julio Rivera – Internal Jiu Jitsu – Ep234 53:45

Play Pause

6h ago53:45

53:45

My guest today is Julio Rivera — an author, mental health advocate, and lifelong martial artist. With more than 25 years of training, Julio holds black belt rankings in three different martial arts styles. He once owned his own school and now shares his knowledge through private lessons and workshops. Beyond the dojo, Julio is a passionate voice fo…

1
Fundraising Reimagined: Mike Bahun’s Journey from the Dugout to the Boardroom 31:45

22h ago31:45

31:45

This week we welcome Mike Bahun, founder and CEO of Fundraising University. His journey into fundraising and franchising began as a high school coach, igniting his passion for enhancing resources for schools in need. Mike shares his vision to revolutionize fundraising through a service-based model that prioritizes the needs of students, teachers, a…

1
George Andersch – Fargo BJJ – Ep233 54:28

7d ago54:28

54:28

George Andersch is a lifelong martial artist and fitness enthusiast whose journey began as a teenager. Over the years, he has earned ranks in multiple disciplines, competing not only in traditional martial arts tournaments but also in kickboxing and western boxing matches. Like many, George was inspired by the very first UFC event in 1993, which le…

1
Outreach Genius Simplifies AI and Amplifies Growth for Home Svc. Franchises 33:04

8d ago33:04

33:04

“Welcome back to Franchise Today! I’m your host, Stan Friedman, and this week we’re exploring how AI is changing the game for franchising. My guest is David Owasi, co-founder of Outreach Genius, who has taken his experience as both a franchise owner and software engineer to tackle one of franchising’s biggest challenges: missed calls and lost oppor…

1
Onassis Parungao – UFC 7 – Ep232 1:01:05

14d ago1:01:05

1:01:05

Onassis Parungao, born in Rota, Spain, is of Spanish and Filipino heritage. His martial arts journey began at the age of eight, and since 1984 he has trained in Tung Kong Kalan, Judo, Wrestling, Yang Style Tai Chi, and Hung Gar. A seasoned competitor, Onassis has fought in three No Holds Barred matches, including UFC #7 and the Russian AFC. He’s al…

1
Bob Gappa: Four Decades of Shaping Franchise Success 34:31

16d ago34:31

34:31

In this episode of Franchise Today, host Stan Friedmanwelcomes Bob Gappa, founder of Management 2000 and one of franchising’s most respected voices. Bob’s journey began in the middle of a recession with an unconventional move — offering free consulting — which soon grew into adecades-long career guiding some of the world’s most successful franchise…

1
Reggie Darden – My Empty Hands – Ep231 1:04:00

21d ago1:04:00

1:04:00

Reggie Darden began his martial arts journey in the 1990s and has since explored a wide range of disciplines, including Chinese Kenpo, American Kenpo, Capoeira, Boxing, Hapkido, Tae Kwon Do, Muay Thai, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. A proud U.S. Army veteran, Reggie originally hails from San Diego but now calls the Dallas–Fort Worth area home. When he’s …

1
Stephane Breault: Guiding Franchisors From Crisis Mode to CEO Mastery 32:33

26d ago32:33

32:33

In this powerful episode of Franchise Today, host Stan Friedman welcomes Stéphane Breault, a very highly respected leadership coach and award-winning figure in Canada’s franchise community. What began as a spark during an MBA lecture in 1983 has since evolved into a decades-longmission: helping franchise leaders build better businesses by becoming …

1
Tony Blauer – KNOW FEAR – Ep230 1:26:35

30d ago1:26:35

1:26:35

This week’s guest is a true legend in the world of self-defense and fear management. Tony Blauer is a globally recognized self-defense expert and a pioneer in fear psychology. For over four decades, he has been a leading voice in martial arts, defensive tactics, combatives, and personal safety training. As the founder and CEO of Blauer Tactical Sys…

1
The Goldfish Effect: Turning Swim Lessons into a Franchise Legacy 33:34

1M ago33:34

33:34

This week, we hear from Chris and Andrew McCuiston, two of the dynamic leaders behind Goldfish Swim School, as they share their remarkable journey from a single swim school in Birmingham, Michigan, to a thriving franchise with nearly 200 locations across North America. What began as a spontaneous entrepreneurial leap, evolved into a national brand …

1
Live Courtroom Audio Stephan Sterns Pleads Guilty (No Contest) To Maddie Soto's Murder & Abuse-WEEK IN REVIEW 1:00:23

1M ago1:00:23

1:00:23

Welcome to the "Week in Review," where we delve into the true stories behind this week's headlines. Your host, Tony Brueski, joins hands with a rotating roster of guests, sharing their insights and analysis on a collection of intriguing, perplexing, and often chilling stories that made the news. This is not your average news recap. With the sharp i…

1
Forrest Morgan – Living the Martial Way – Ep229 57:40

1M ago57:40

57:40

Forrest Morgan is a senior lecturer at the Carnegie Mellon Institute for Strategy and Technology at Carnegie Mellon University. With a distinguished 27-year career in the U.S. Air Force, Forrest went on to spend 16 years at the RAND Corporation, where he conducted high-level research in strategy and doctrine for national defense clients. He is the …

1
Simple, Sweet, Scalable: Magnolia Bakery’s Franchise Recipe! 31:28

1M ago31:28

31:28

In this episode of Franchise Today, host Stan Friedmanwelcomes Bobby Lloyd, CEO of Magnolia Bakery, and Jason Mattes, VP of Domestic Franchise Development & Sales. Together, they unpack the remarkable transformation of a charming NYC bakery—immortalized by pop culture—into abeloved global franchise brand. Hear how Magnolia’s fame exploded from medi…

1
Live Courtroom Audio: Stephan Sterns Pleads Guilty (No Contest) To Maddie Soto's Murder & Abuse 1:00:18

1M ago1:00:18

1:00:18

Live Courtroom Audio: Stephan Sterns Pleads Guilty (No Contest) To Maddie Soto's Murder & Abuse Stephan Sterns is officially going to die in prison. He pleaded no contest to the murder of 13-year-old Maddie Soto and guilty to a devastating series of sex crimes—eight counts of capital sexual battery, multiple counts of sexual abuse, and lewd molesta…

1
Stephan Sterns Pleads Guilty! Is Jennifer Soto Next to Face Justice for Maddie Soto's Demise 27:41

1M ago27:41

27:41

In today’s episode, we take you inside the Osceola County courtroom where Stephan Sterns—the man who raped and murdered 13-year-old Maddie Soto—pleaded guilty to a laundry list of charges. Sterns accepted a life sentence without the possibility of parole in exchange for avoiding the death penalty. But while he faces justice behind bars, one hauntin…

1
Stephan Kesting – GrappleArts – Ep228 1:10:57

2M ago1:10:57

1:10:57

My guest today is a true martial arts veteran and a leading voice in the world of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu—Stephan Kesting. With a martial arts career spanning several decades, Stephan holds black belts in multiple disciplines and has devoted much of his life to the study, practice, and teaching of BJJ. His highly respected platform, Grapplearts.com, is…

1
Tony Zaccario: Stretching the Limits, on Scaling With Purpose! 28:44

2M ago28:44

28:44

In this insightful episode of Franchise Today, Tony Zaccario, President & CEO of Stretch Zone, shares his extraordinary rise from 22-year-old General Manager to the leader of a 400-location wellness brand. Tony opens up about his unplanned entrance into franchising, the early lessons from licensing missteps, and the critical pivot to training and s…

1
Mark Shuey – American Cane System – Ep227 56:30

2M ago56:30

56:30

Today’s guest has dedicated over five decades to the martial arts and has become a true pioneer in the world of self-defense. Mark Shuey began his martial arts journey in the Chuck Norris System over 50 years ago, earning his black belt in 1978. Just one year later, in 1979, he began teaching—and he hasn’t stopped since. Mark holds advanced black b…

1
Fixing More Than Cars: Barb Moran’s Leadership Makeover 28:46

2M ago28:46

28:46

Barb Moran planned to be an artist, but life had other ideas. She faced other challenges including being fired from her family’s business by her father and suffering a traumatic brain injury, but she turned these setbacks into stepping stones. Today, Barb is the CEO of the Moran Family of Brands, parent company to six automotive-related franchise b…

1
Michael Miller – Kenpo Perspectives – Ep226 1:21:12

2M ago1:21:12

1:21:12

My guest today is a true martial artist in every sense of the word. Michael Miller has been training in American Kenpo for over 35 years and currently holds the rank of 6th-degree black belt under Grandmaster Dave Hebler. His lineage and dedication are impressive, with extensive training under martial arts icons including Grandmaster Robert Pick, G…

1
Fast Casual, Faster Growth: How Pokeworks Rode a Viral Wave to Scale 27:34

2M ago27:34

27:34

What do you get when you mix structural engineering, with immigrant grit, a viral video, and a love for Hawaiian poke? What you get is the recipe for one of the most exciting fast-casual franchise stories of the past decade. This week on Franchise Today, Stan Friedman welcomes Peter Yang, co-founder and managing partner of Pokeworks—a premium poke …

1
#9: Karel “Silver Fox” Pravec – Fluid Jiu-Jitsu & the Art of Efficiency over Force 1:05:01

2M ago1:05:01

1:05:01

“Don’t take the fight where you’re best. Take it where the gap in skill is the greatest.” “There are laws of physics even BJJ cannot overcome.” “Fluid BJJ is a play on words. It’s about movement, adaptability, and training every day—especially in the water.” “Before you can be a good teacher or businessman, you must be a good student of martial art…

1
Zibin Guo – Adaptive Tai Chi – Ep225 1:01:20

2M ago1:01:20

1:01:20

In today’s episode, I’m honored to sit down with Dr. Zibin Guo — a unique and inspiring figure whose life’s work bridges martial arts, medical science, and cultural understanding. Dr. Guo is not only a seasoned martial artist and author but also a renowned professor of Medical Anthropology at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. His academic…

1
Justice For Maddie Soto: Big Breakdown Of Stephan Sterns Jail Calls Part 2 1:47:23

2M ago1:47:23

1:47:23

Justice For Maddie Soto: Big Breakdown Of Stephan Sterns Jail Calls Part 2 In this follow-up episode, we continue dissecting the disturbing phone conversations Stephan Sterns held with his parents over nearly three weeks after his arrest. Call 2 delves into his shifting explanations—he vacillates between describing the event as “an accident,” citin…

1
No Insurance? No Problem: The Rise of Any Lab Test Now 30:03

2M ago30:03

30:03

Clarissa Windham-Bradstock, CFE, CEO, CPO on transforming healthcare access and building a franchise model for the future With a unique background that spans healthcare, franchising, and public policy, Clarissa Windham-Bradstock brings a bold, mission-driven leadership style to the helm of one of the nation’s most innovative direct-to-consumer lab …

1
Justice For Maddie Soto: Big Breakdown Of Stephan Sterns Jail Calls Part 1 1:58:55

2M ago1:58:55

1:58:55

Justice For Maddie Soto: Big Breakdown Of Stephan Sterns Jail Calls Part 1 Description: This episode begins our in-depth examination of the jailhouse phone calls made by Stephan Sterns following his arrest in connection to the March 1, 2024, death of 13‑year‑old Madeline “Maddie” Soto in Osceola County, Florida. In Part 1, we focus on the first cli…

1
Angus Rogers – Heads Of The Valleys Tang Soo Do – Ep224 56:37

2M ago56:37

56:37

My guest today brings over three decades of martial arts experience to the conversation. Angus Rogers began his training journey in the early 1990s, officially diving in with commitment in 1995. By 1999, he had earned his black belt—a milestone that marked the beginning of a lifelong passion. After a brief hiatus following the retirement of his ins…

1
Adventure, Acquisition & Acceleration: Josh Wall’s Franchise Playbook 36:57

2M ago36:57

36:57

Josh Wall is an accomplished brand leader with a stellarrecord of driving shareholder value through strategic acquisitions, innovative market development strategies, and dynamic team growth. His passion is fostering high-performance cultures and delivering exceptional results. He is adept at steering organizations toward sustained success and marke…

1
Brian Doucette – Recording Artist – Ep223 58:31

3M ago58:31

58:31

Brian Doucette is an East Coast Canadian rocker with deep roots in Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia, and now calls Edmonton, Alberta home. A passionate and prolific musician, he has released five full-length studio albums, with a sixth currently in production. His latest release, Not Careful Enough, dropped in March and continues to showcase his sig…

1
Evonne & Don Varady: Living Their Dream and Helping Others Do the Same! 33:29

3M ago33:29

33:29

This week I am joined by Don and Evonne Varady, a dynamic husband and wife team who are the founders and franchisors of Clean Eatz, one of the fastest-growing healthy food franchises in the country. Evonne and Don share their incredible journey — from launching their first café to building a purpose-driven brand, that’s changing lives across the na…

1
Roger Agbulos – Lameco Astig – Ep222 1:00:35

3M ago1:00:35

1:00:35

In this episode of Everyday Martial Artist, we’re joined by a true innovator in the world of martial arts and combatives—Guru Roger Agbulos. With a martial journey that began in 1990, Roger has spent over three decades honing his craft and sharing it with others. Specializing in combatives and self-defense, he has earned international recognition f…

1
BNI Global CEO and IFA Chair, Mary Kennedy Thompson: Friendship, Franchising and the Power of Networks! 32:57

3M ago32:57

32:57

True story: Transitioning from military life to the world of franchising can be a pivotal moment in one's career. Back in 1994, Mary Kennedy Thompson, a former Marine, embarked on this journey seeking stability for her family. Inspired by a simple franchise brochure from Cookies by Design, she took a leap that led to multiple successful locations a…

1
Joseph Rae – Buchanan Onmitsukage Ninpo Dojo – Ep221 59:25

3M ago59:25

59:25

Joseph Rae’s martial arts journey began in 1993 at the Roanoke Bujinkan Dojo in Virginia. Just five years later, in 1998, he earned his Shodan—marking a major milestone in his commitment to the Bujinkan tradition. In 1999, Joseph enlisted in the U.S. Navy, where he went on to serve with distinction for 22 and a half years. During his military caree…

1
Curious Jane CEO, Lora Kellogg: A Masterclass in Entrepreneurial Courage! 30:57

3M ago30:57

30:57

True story: Navigating the challenges of a male-dominated industry can be daunting, but through perseverance and mentorship, it's possible to carve your own path. Lora Kellogg's inspiring journey from becoming the first female VP at Scotty's, a chain of home improvement stores, to the founder and CEO of Curious Jane, The Ad Agency for Franchise Bra…

1
James Turner – Kickboxing Champion – Ep220 1:22:18

3M ago1:22:18

1:22:18

James Turner – Kickboxing Champion, Actor, and Author Today’s guest is a true powerhouse in the world of martial arts—an accomplished athlete, actor, and author whose dedication and talent have earned him recognition across multiple disciplines. James Turner is a decorated kickboxer, currently holding the IKTA European, International, and Golden Wa…

1
Purpose, People, and Performance: John Teza on Shaping Brands and Leading Change 34:18

3M ago34:18

34:18

This week on Franchise Today, host Stan Friedmanwelcomes John Teza, a franchising veteran with more than 20 years of leadership experience across top-tier brands. John’s journey includes influential roles with Quiznos,Jersey Mike’s, and currently as CEO of Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa, one of the fastest-growing wellness franchises in North …

1
James Theros – Level 10 Kung Fu – Ep219 1:00:24

4M ago1:00:24

1:00:24

In this episode of Everyday Martial Artist, we’re joined by a true martial arts veteran and passionate teacher — Mr. James Theros. Mr. Theros began his martial arts journey back in 1976 and has dedicated nearly five decades to training, teaching, and preserving traditional Korean martial arts. Since 1995, he has owned and operated Level 10 Martial …

1
1 HUDDLE Creates a Paradigm Shift, with, "The Gamification of Franchise Training." 32:52

4M ago32:52

32:52

1Huddle is revolutionizing workforce training for franchises through its AI-powered, gamified platform, designed to engage franchisees, managers, employees and streamline onboarding processes. By transforming traditional training materials into interactive mobile games, 1Huddle enhances knowledge retention and accelerates employee readiness across …

1
#8: Scott Coker: The Spirit of the Fight: Martial Arts, Mastery, and Building Champions 1:48:33

4M ago1:48:33

1:48:33

“This journey didn’t begin with fight promotion—it began with the love of the arts, and it continues because of it.” “Mastery is when you’re unconsciously competent—your body knows before your mind can think.” “We didn’t just build champions—we built humans. And you can feel the difference when they walk into the room.” – Scott Coker Welcome to a v…

1
Sean Sherk – The Muscle Shark – Ep218 55:23

4M ago55:23

55:23

In this episode of Everyday Martial Artist, we’re joined by a true pioneer in the world of mixed martial arts — former UFC Lightweight Champion Sean Sherk. Sean began wrestling at just seven years old, racking up an incredible 400+ matches over the course of 11 years. His competitive spirit and discipline laid the perfect foundation for what would …

1
“Mentors, Moments & Momentum: Greg Muzzillo’s Amazing Franchise Journey” 33:00

4M ago33:00

33:00

In this compelling episode of Franchise Today, Stansits down with Greg Muzzillo, founder of Proforma, a $600 + million provider of printing and promotional products, serving businesses of all sizes around the world. Through its network of more than 600 franchisees, distributors and affiliates, Proforma is a market leader in this $300 billion market…

1
Daniel Pesina – Mortal Kombat – Ep217 58:06

4M ago58:06

58:06

Born and raised in Chicago, Daniel Pesina has been immersed in martial arts for over five decades. With a career that spans film, video games, and live instruction, he’s best known for his iconic roles as Johnny Cage, Scorpion, Sub-Zero, and Reptile in the original Mortal Kombat games. Beyond the gaming world, Daniel appeared as a hitman in the 199…

1
Could This Judge’s Decision Free Stephan Sterns Maddie Soto Case Takes Unexpected Turn 22:26

4M ago22:26

22:26

Could This Judge’s Decision Free Stephan Sterns Maddie Soto Case Takes Unexpected Turn In a stunning courtroom twist, accused murderer Stephan Sterns takes the stand himself during a high-stakes hearing, claiming investigators illegally searched his phone. At stake is crucial evidence prosecutors describe as chillingly graphic—a detailed digital re…

1
"From Rejection to Radiance: Scott Thompson’s Franchise Journey" 29:58

4M ago29:58

29:58

This week we hear from Scott Thompson, Chief DevelopmentOfficer at Radiance Holdings, the franchisors of Sola Salons and Woodhouse Spa. Listen in, as Scott reflects on his unexpected journey into franchising, which began after he faced rejection in his initial career, as a cardiac rehab specialist. Pivoting to his passion for fitness, Scott joined …

1
Mark Larson – MN Aiki Shuren Dojo – Ep216 1:27:02

4M ago1:27:02

1:27:02

Mark Larson’s martial arts journey is one of passion, perseverance, and global impact. From excelling in high-level athletics—playing ice hockey in both the USHL and NCAA—to immersing himself in the world of martial arts, Mark’s path has been anything but ordinary. He began with Wing Chun and Goju-ryu karate before finding his true calling in Aikid…

1
Avi Nardia – KAPAP/Krav Maga – Ep215 1:25:08

5M ago1:25:08

1:25:08

Today’s guest is a true icon in the world of martial arts and tactical training. Avi Nardia is a world-renowned martial artist with decades of experience teaching across Europe, the Americas, and Asia. He is the founder and head instructor of KAPAP (Krav Panim El Panim), a practical self-defense system rooted in real-world applications, blending tr…

1
From In-House to Franchise: Dawn Kane's Hot Dish Journey 36:35

5M ago36:35

36:35

Discover how a chance encounter with a mall retailer led Dawn Kane, co-founder and CEO of Hot Dish Advertising, to revolutionize franchise marketing. After managing an in-house agency for a mall developer, Dawn, along with two of her cohorts, ventured out to establish her own agency, bringing her fast-paced retail expertise to the franchising world…

1
Stephan Sterns Jail House Calls – Call 11: Final Reflections on Madeline Soto’s Death – A Family Broken 20:12

5M ago20:12

20:12

Stephan Sterns Jail House Calls – Call 11: Final Reflections on Madeline Soto’s Death – A Family Broken This final call is intimate, painful, and emotionally overwhelming. Stephan reflects on what he’s lost — including Madeline Soto — though even now, he stops short of accountability. His mother expresses her unwavering love. His father sounds exha…

1
Stephan Sterns Jail House Calls – Call 10: “When I Get Out…” – Fantasies After Madeline Soto’s Death 18:05

5M ago18:05

18:05

Stephan Sterns Jail House Calls – Call 10: “When I Get Out…” – Fantasies After Madeline Soto’s Death Stephan Sterns talks about what he’ll do when he’s released — start a trust fund, get a job, rebuild. But here’s the catch: he’s facing the death penalty in the murder of Madeline Soto. This call is surreal, heart-wrenching, and filled with impossib…

1
Dan Blizniak – Blizniak’s Bokken – Ep214 54:52

5M ago54:52

54:52

Dan Blizniak began his martial arts journey over two decades ago in Dayton, Ohio. Early in his training, he purchased a Brazilian Cherry bokken for class, but it wasn’t long before his roots in woodworking—passed down from his father, a skilled carpenter from Buffalo, New York—sparked a new path. Driven by curiosity and craftsmanship, Dan began exp…