Episode 45: "Surviving, Scaling, and Saving: Real Talk with the Crazy People Crew!"

Welcome to another unforgettable episode of Crazy People Podcast, where hosts Russ Broomell and Maurice Hofmann bring you all the insider advice you didn’t know you needed—straight from their crew show! In every fifth episode, the guys strip back the layers, discussing real, in-the-trenches strategies with their team for managing and growing a business. This time, they tackle the ultimate balancing act: cutting costs smartly, scaling intentionally, and surviving the lean times.

Listen in as they share the often-overlooked secrets of thriving without a million-dollar budget. They break down everything from office space hacks (who needs that giant office, anyway?) to cleverly outsourced solutions and tips on handling growth pressures while building a strong, cohesive team. You’ll also hear about those tricky “growth pains” when businesses scale too quickly and how to avoid the pitfalls of “too much, too fast.” This episode isn’t just for business owners; it’s for anyone looking to work smarter, not harder, and take away real-world tactics to tackle challenging times.

Get ready for laughs, honest advice, and stories only Russ and Maurice can tell. Episode 45 is one for the books—don't miss it!

#CrazyPeoplePodcast #ScalingSmart #BusinessTips #StartupLife #GrowthHacks #LeanAndMean #SmallBusinessSecrets #SurviveAndThrive #TeamBuilding #CostCutting

Ready for a whirlwind of humor, wisdom, and jaw-dropping stories? In episode 44 of the ‘Crazy People Podcast’, Russ Broomell and Maurice Hofmann sit down with the dynamic Ella Parlor—best-selling author of ‘High Tolerance’, podcast host of ‘Eavesdrop with Ella’, and founder of EP Consulting.

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Watch the full episode here: https://youtu.be/HCVx8TBjM-k

Listen to the Crazy People Podcast wherever you get your podcasts from!

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Ella brings her A-game, diving into her wild ride from managing over 300 beverage brands (and surviving the bourbon industry), to moving to Texas *just* to find a husband, to winning a stand-up comedy competition and balancing it all with an unbreakable spirit.

The conversation gets real as Ella unpacks the ins and outs of marketing mega-success stories, shares the unexpected moment she met her fiancé (a story involving a Casamigos and a Jack & Coke!), and why stand-up comedy is a must for any business leader. She even reveals how her darkest moments, including multiple surgeries and health scares, have shaped her unstoppable approach to life, leadership, and laughter.

You’ll laugh, learn, and love every moment of this spirited conversation. Whether you're here for the bourbon talk or the belly laughs, this episode is packed with insights and humor that will have you hooked from start to finish.

#PodcastLife #CrazyPeoplePodcast #EllaParlor #BourbonTalk #HighTolerance #WomenInBusiness #ComedyAndLife #LeadershipJourney #MarketingSuccess #PodcastEpisode

Welcome back to *Crazy People Podcast* for episode 43! This week, Russ Broomell and Maurice Hofmann are joined by John Garret, founder of John Garret LLC and a true People-Centric Leadership Expert. But hold on, it's not your typical leadership chat! In this episode, John takes us through his wild journey from accountant to stand-up comedian, mixing corporate life with comedy.

Watch the full episode here: https://youtu.be/oR9oVkTzCrY

His unique take on leadership is refreshingly human, showing that it’s not just about business—it’s about the people and their “and’s.” Whether he’s reminiscing about writing Emmy-nominated shows, cracking jokes at corporate events, or explaining why ice cream is his life’s passion, John keeps the laughs rolling while dropping profound wisdom on why leaders need to focus on the whole person, not just their job title.

With hilarious anecdotes (who knew you needed a gelato to get to the gelato shop?) and deep insights into how comedy sharpens his ability to see things others miss, John’s message is clear: people are more significant than their job titles. This episode will leave you inspired to embrace your own "and," laugh a little more, and lead with authenticity. Get ready for an engaging conversation packed with humor, heart, and a little bit of crazy!

#CrazyPeoplePodcast #Leadership #PeopleCentric #ComedyMeetsBusiness #UnlockYourAnd #StandupLeadership #WorkAndLife #JohnGarret #PodcastLife #EntrepreneurLife

Welcome back to the Crazy People Podcast, where the unconventional meets the inspiring! In Episode 42, Russ Broomell and Maurice Hofmann sit down with Vince Cain, the mastermind behind Right Mind Growth Consulting, for a conversation that's equal parts hilarious and thought-provoking.

Watch the episode here on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Clr0qAVdS0E

Vince takes us on a rollercoaster through his eclectic journey from microbrewery owner to nonprofit champion, revealing how he uses his structured, left-brained approach to empower visionary, right-brained dreamers.

Vince dives deep into his passion for community building, sharing anecdotes highlighting his belief in the power of "third spaces"—those magical places that aren’t home or work but feel like both. From project management insights to his bold ideas on reshaping the nonprofit sector, Vince challenges us all to rethink how we measure success and impact. His call to embrace failure, maximize our potential, and maintain a growth mindset will leave you buzzing with motivation.

Whether he's talking about his stints in software development, his revolutionary take on consultancy, or his vision for uniting nonprofits under one collaborative roof, Vince's story is a testament to the power of embracing the crazy in all of us.

And, of course, the episode wouldn’t be complete without Russ and Maurice’s signature banter, keeping things light and lively while delving into weighty topics.

So grab your headphones and settle in for an episode that’s sure to stir your soul and spark your own journey toward right-minded growth.

#CrazyPeoplePodcast #RightMindGrowth #NonprofitRevolution #GrowthMindset #EmbraceTheCrazy #CommunityBuilding #PodcastLife #MindOverMatter #InspireChange #LeadershipUnlocked

The Ethical Tightrope: Walking the Line Between Innovation and Integrity with Laura Miller – EP #041 of the Crazy People Podcast

Welcome back to the Crazy People Podcast, where things are about to get *seriously* ethical—but not without the wild twists and turns you’ve come to love from the hosts Russ Broomell and Maurice Hofmann! If you thought Episode 41 was a deep dive into the ethics of AI, buckle up because we’re taking you on a rollercoaster ride through the labyrinth of moral dilemmas, cutting-edge technology, and the quirks of human nature that make it all so darn complicated.

Watch it on YouTube: https://youtu.be/wX_tRTWBEFM

Or listen to it on your preferred podcast channel!

Russ and Maurice welcome the brilliant and boundary-pushing Laura Miller, founder of NextGen Ethics, University teacher, author, speaker and so much more. Laura’s on her way to tell the tale of how ethical principles can—and should—shape the future of business and technology. With her unique blend of academic rigor, real-world experience, and a dash of humor, Laura guides our hosts through the intricate dance of maintaining human decency in a world driven by AI and tech innovation.

Expect the unexpected as the conversation zigzags from the heavy implications of AI bias to the lighter moments that only Russ and Maurice can bring to such serious topics. You'll hear about Laura’s journey—from philosophizing about walls in college to breaking down walls in the tech industry. And don’t miss her insights into why ethical considerations aren’t just optional—they’re essential for the future of our digital world.

Whether you’re a tech enthusiast, a business leader, or someone just trying to make sense of this crazy world, this episode will leave you thinking, laughing, and maybe even re-evaluating how you see the gadgets and algorithms that shape your lives.

So, hit play, join the conversation, and get ready for an episode that’s as enlightening as it is entertaining. After all, in the world of AI and ethics, sometimes the craziest ideas are the ones that make the most sense.

#EthicalAI #TechForGood #CrazyPeoplePodcast #AIRevolution #EthicsInTech #NextGenEthics #FutureOfTech #AILeadership #DigitalEthics #InnovateWithIntegrity

Welcome back to the *Crazy People Podcast*, where we celebrate the audacity of ambition and the thrill of reinvention! Episode 40 is not just another milestone—it's the return of the much-anticipated *Crew Show*, where hosts Russ Broomell and Maurice Hofmann peel back the curtain and let you in on their journeys' exciting twists and turns.

In this episode, Russ and Maurice dive deep into their latest ventures, both on and off the mic. Russ is not just the voice behind your favorite podcast anymore; he's now a scholar in the making, pursuing a(nother) Master’s Degree while launching his own solo podcast, *15-Minute Mentorship*. If you’ve ever wanted to tap into Russ’s wealth of knowledge, this new show is your golden ticket—short, sharp, and filled with wisdom that can change your perspective in just 15 minutes. Follow him on LinkedIn, so you’re not missing any episodes: https://www.linkedin.com/in/russbroomell/

Meanwhile, Maurice is coding his way into a new career, leaving behind the world of sales and marketing to embrace the cutting-edge fields of Python programming and cybersecurity. It's a brave new world for him, but knowing Maurice, he'll be breaking down firewalls and solving the unsolvable in no time. And for those still hungry for sales insights, don’t worry—Maurice is cooking up his third book, this time zeroing in on the art of sales and lead generation.

But the real magic of this episode lies in the stories the duo shares from past interviews. Imagine the grit and resilience of individuals who, despite facing seemingly insurmountable challenges, chose to take the hard road—and emerged stronger, wiser, and more successful. From career 180s to surviving on the edge, these tales testify that success isn’t just about the destination—it’s about the wild, crazy journey that gets you there.

So, whether you’re here for the life lessons, the laughs, or to feel a little more connected to your own crazy path, episode 40 will surely leave you inspired. Remember, as Monty Williams says, "Success awaits you on the other end of hard work."

Tune in, turn up the volume, and let the Crazy People Podcast remind you that the best stories are still being written.

#PodcastLife #NewBeginnings #CareerChange #SuccessJourney #HardWorkPaysOff #CrazyPeoplePodcast #15MinuteMentorship #CyberSecurity #SalesGenius #MotivationMonday #python #preply

The Future is Now: Dr. Christopher Rice on Strategic Foresight and Innovation - Crazy People Podcast #039!

Get ready for an exhilarating ride into the future with Episode 39 of the 'Crazy People Podcast'! In this episode, your charismatic hosts, Russ Broomell and Maurice Hofmann, are joined by the brilliant Dr. Christopher Rice, a consulting futurist and TEDx speaker from Refuturing. Known for his deep insights into the future of education, technology, and governance, Christopher Rice is here to challenge the way we think about the future and innovation.

Watch the episode here: https://youtu.be/z3t2S2Pld_U

Find it wherever you get your podcasts from!

Christopher Rice is a master of strategic foresight, helping clients in the Higher Education, EdTech, Government, and Nonprofit sectors better understand their audiences and develop cutting-edge strategies using Experience Analysis & Design (EAD) methodologies. Christopher doesn't believe in making predictions despite his reputation as a futurist. So, what does a futurist do if not predict the future? Russ and Maurice dive into this intriguing question, exploring how Christopher helps organizations navigate the ever-evolving landscape of customer and constituent needs.

In an unexpected twist, AI productivity barely makes a cameo in this conversation despite Christopher’s prominent views on the subject. Instead, the discussion veers into fascinating territories, including the joys of experiential design, the importance of understanding human behavior, and even a surprising connection to Maurice’s vacation in Italy! The conversation is as lively as it is enlightening, with plenty of laughs and insightful moments that make this episode an instant classic.

Christopher's expertise shines as he breaks down complex concepts into engaging stories, demonstrating how a futurist’s work is more about understanding trends and human experiences than predicting specific outcomes. His unique perspective offers a fresh take on the future, making this episode a must-listen for anyone curious about what's on the horizon.

Join Russ, Maurice, and Christopher for a thought-provoking and entertaining episode that will leave you rethinking your approach to innovation and the future.

Tune in and discover why this episode is already being hailed as a landmark moment in podcasting!

#CrazyPeoplePodcast #ChristopherRice #Futurism #InnovationStrategies #RussAndMaurice #PodcastLife #ExperienceDesign #HigherEducation #EdTech #GovernmentInnovation #FutureThinking.

Welcome back to another electrifying episode of the 'Crazy People Podcast'! In Episode 38, your favorite hosts, Russ Broomell and Maurice Hofmann, sit down with the incredible J.K. McKnight, a true visionary and multi-talented entrepreneur whose heart beats for music and community.

J.K. McKnight is not your average entrepreneur. At the tender age of 21, he founded the Forecastle Festival, transforming it from a local dream into a cultural phenomenon that draws 75,000 fans from every corner of the globe. But J.K.'s ambition didn't stop at music; he seamlessly blended art and activism to create a festival that not only entertains but also inspires and drives positive change.

Forecastle Festival is a testament to J.K.'s vision, with its mix of music, art, and environmental activism making waves for over two decades. The festival has had a staggering economic impact of over $300 million on the city of Louisville, KY. Beyond the beats and rhythms, the Forecastle Foundation has made significant strides in environmental protection, preserving over 50,000 acres of land and 300 miles of waterways across three continents.

But J.K.'s innovation doesn't end there. His latest venture, Art of Impact, is revolutionizing the festival industry. This experiential agency specializes in festival consulting and experiential marketing, helping brands connect with elusive demographics like Gen Z and Millennials through unforgettable experiences.

In this episode, J.K. shares his journey from a young visionary to a global influencer. He delves into the intricacies of building a mission-driven festival, the importance of community and environmental stewardship, and the art of creating impactful experiences. Russ and Maurice guide the conversation with their signature blend of humor and insight, making this a must-listen for anyone interested in music, entrepreneurship, or making a difference in the world.

Prepare for an inspiring conversation that covers the power of music, the importance of community building, and the art of turning passion into global impact. J.K.'s accolades speak for themselves—named "Southern of the Year" by Southern Living, "Global Visionary" by the World Affairs Council, and "New Face of Philanthropy" by Louisville Magazine, among others.

Join us for an episode that promises to entertain, educate, and inspire. Don’t forget to share your thoughts and keep the conversation going with these hashtags:

#CrazyPeoplePodcast #JKMcKnight #ForecastleFestival #MusicAndActivism #RussAndMaurice #PodcastLife #FestivalConsulting #Inspiration #CommunityBuilding #EnvironmentalStewardship.