Our Guests

What allows some people to see opportunities where others see obstacles? For Alex Fredericks, the answer lies in the unique way he experiences the world. As a young student with dyslexia, he struggled to read, repeated third grade, and often felt like the traditional classroom wasn't built for him. But instead of letting those obstacles define him, he learned to embrace the way his mind recognized patterns, solved problems, and connected ideas. That shift became the foundation for an extraord...

As the World Cup captivates fans across North America, we're revisiting one of the most popular conversations in the history of No Wrong Choices. Dave Sarachan has spent more than four decades helping shape American soccer as a player, coach, mentor, and leader. His remarkable career includes playing professionally in the NASL, coaching at Cornell and the University of Virginia, leading the Chicago Fire, coaching stars such as David Beckham and Landon Donovan with the LA Galaxy, serving as i...

What if the career you spent years building was actually preparing you for a completely different calling? Father Dave Dwyer was directing live broadcasts at MTV and Comedy Central when he began to feel pulled toward something he'd never seriously considered: the priesthood. The turning point came in Denver in 1993, when hearing Pope John Paul II speak forced him to reconsider what fulfillment and purpose really meant. As Father Dave began exploring the priesthood, people introduced him to...

What does it take to thrive in a profession where every decision can change someone’s life? In this episode of No Wrong Choices, longtime public defender and trial attorney Joey Conza takes us inside the courtroom and behind the realities of criminal defense work in New York City. After representing more than 10,000 clients over the course of his career, Joey shares what it takes to survive—and succeed—in one of the most demanding professions imaginable. From high-pressure jury trials and c...

What does it take to build a career caring for animals ranging from household pets to dolphins in the open ocean? In this special replay episode of No Wrong Choices, we revisit our fascinating conversation with Dr. Amanda Pinder, whose career has taken her from growing up in the Bahamas surrounded by animals to caring for dolphins and sea lions at Atlantis Paradise Island, launching her own veterinary practice, and pursuing a new chapter in equine care. Amanda shares what it takes to break int...

Can Buddhist principles help you succeed in business? Nancy Spears says they can. In this episode of No Wrong Choices, we speak with entrepreneur, author, and genconnectU founder Nancy Spears, whose career journey spans building a marketing company from the ground up, working with global brands like Nike and Coca-Cola, selling her business to Interpublic Group, and launching a digital learning platform featuring expert-led courses from accomplished leaders, creators, and industry experts. B...

How does a simple idea become a successful company—and what happens after you “win”? In Part 2 of our conversation with Mark Rampolla, the founder of ZICO Coconut Water, we explore the full entrepreneurial journey—from launching a startup to scaling it, selling it to Coca-Cola, and ultimately rethinking what success really means. Mark shares how he moved from a corporate role at International Paper to taking the leap into entrepreneurship, building ZICO from the ground up—starting with early ...

What shapes the mindset of a successful entrepreneur? In this episode of No Wrong Choices, we explore the early career journey of Mark Rampolla, the entrepreneur behind ZICO Coconut Water, co-founder of Ground Force Capital, and author of An Entrepreneur's Guide to Freedom: 7 Steps to Living Beyond Limits. Long before building a global beverage brand, Mark’s path included a working-class childhood in Pittsburgh, an unexpected decision to join the Peace Corps, and the experience of navigating ...

Growth doesn’t wait for permission — and neither did Laura Hutfless. In this episode of No Wrong Choices, we explore how a childhood shaped by both military discipline and creative expression prepared Laura to build a career defined by initiative, resilience, purpose, and compassion — a path that ultimately led her to found FlyteVu, an entertainment marketing and creative agency. Laura rose quickly in the entertainment world by selling bold ideas, building powerful brand-talent partnerships...

What does it take to walk into a room where you know no one — and leave with relationships that can change lives? In this episode of No Wrong Choices, we explore the career journey of Wayne Kimmel — sports tech venture capitalist, entrepreneur, author, and founder of 76 Capital — whose work focuses on building relationships and helping entrepreneurs turn big ideas into real companies. Wayne shares how a chance encounter introduced him to venture capital, why relationships are the foundation of...

Jose Mangin didn’t choose a career. He built a life around what he loved. In this episode of No Wrong Choices, we explore the career journey of someone who doesn’t simply work in music, but has built a global community around it. Long before SiriusXM ever went on the air, Jose was already there — helping shape the first rock and metal channels, loading the earliest music into the system, and laying the groundwork for what would become a home base for metal fans. But the path that brought him ...

What does it take to grow up in South Central Los Angeles, avoid the pitfalls of gang life, and rise to a 12-year NFL career? In this best-of edition of No Wrong Choices, we revisit our conversation with Curtis Conway — former wide receiver for the Bears, Chargers, Jets, and 49ers, and later a broadcaster with the NFL and Pac-12 Networks. But this isn’t just a football story. In Part One, Curtis offers a deep and honest look at growing up in South Central at a time of intense violence and uncer...

What does it take to rise through the ranks of one of the world’s most prestigious auction houses? In this episode of No Wrong Choices, we explore the fascinating career journey of Vanessa Fusco, International Director and Head of Impressionist & Modern Art at Christie's. From her early days visiting NYC museums to helping families navigate high-stakes art sales, Vanessa offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at a world filled with masterpieces, intense competition, and big decisions. Vanes...

Street smarts, courage, and commitment define the journey of foreign news correspondent Jessica Golloher—a reporter who’s built a career on the front lines of some of the world’s most dangerous conflict zones. From Ukraine to Moscow, Jessica’s work has been featured by major outlets including NPR, Fox, and the BBC. In this episode, she shares unforgettable stories: escaping from “little green men” in Crimea, navigating life as an American reporter under constant surveillance in Moscow, and embr...

In this heartfelt episode of No Wrong Choices , we sit down with Rick and Jane Howe to explore their journey after the devastating loss of their infant son, Stevie, to sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). They share how, in the face of unimaginable tragedy, they turned their grief into action — creating national awareness campaigns, pioneering educational efforts, and driving change that cut SIDS deaths in half. Through humor, candor, and raw honesty, Rick and Jane reveal how they found stren...

What happens when passion meets persistence—and a little bit of luck? In this episode of No Wrong Choices , we explore the career journey of longtime broadcaster Rich Davis, co-host of Covino & Rich on Fox Sports Radio, Have Kids They Said (a hit parenting podcast), and host of SiriusXM’s Pop2K and The Pulse music channels. From a Syracuse dorm room heartbreak to a bold internship pitch that landed him under the wing of legendary DJ Scott Shannon, Rich shares how ambition, adaptability, ...

What kind of person chooses to be set on fire, buried alive, and launched through windows—all in a day’s work? In this action-packed and deeply personal episode of No Wrong Choices, we meet Heidi Germaine Schnappauf: a fearless stuntwoman, actor, writer, and director whose credits include Blindspot, Birdman, Loki, Hocus Pocus 2, and Jessica Jones. Before entering the world of stunts, Heidi trained as an actor at NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts and the Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute—deve...

What does it take to succeed behind the scenes in the entertainment business? In this special replay, veteran talent agent Jeff Lesh shares his career journey — from NBC’s iconic Page Program to representing top comedians and navigating the realities of the industry. Jeff’s story is packed with lessons on resilience, relationship-building, and managing creative talent — insights that apply far beyond entertainment. Whether you’re pursuing a career in media or simply love behind-the-scenes stor...

What really happens beyond the cockpit door? In this captivating second part of our conversation with Captain Ken Petschauer, we reveal the realities of life in the pilot’s seat—from the intense preparation required to fly safely, to the leadership, split-second decision-making, and resilience needed to handle high-stress situations. Captain Petschauer shares hard-earned insights from his 30+ year career as a pilot, including how aviators manage emergencies, stay medically certified, navigate c...

What does it take to turn a childhood dream of flying into a 30-year aviation career? In this first part of our two-part conversation, we explore the incredible journey of Captain Ken Petschauer, a veteran JetBlue pilot with over 16,000 flight hours. From soloing a plane at age 17 before he could legally drive, to navigating the cockpit of some of the most iconic commercial aircraft, Ken’s story is one of passion, perseverance, and precision. Raised in New York City with a deep love for aviati...

What does it take to turn a dorm room studio into a New York City institution? In this episode of No Wrong Choices, we explore the remarkable career journey of Dave Crafa, the founder of Cutting Room Studios—one of NYC’s most respected recording spaces. Dave shares how his love of music and science led him to Berklee, NYU, and eventually the creation of a studio that has recorded the likes of Shakira, Cardi B, David Byrne, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and John Legend. But this episode isn’t just abo...

What does it take to thrive behind the mic—and still be present for your family at home? In this Best Of replay episode, we continue our conversation with acclaimed sportscaster Ian Eagle, the voice of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament, the NFL on CBS, and the NBA on TNT and YES Network. While Part 1 explored Ian’s early career and creative roots, Part 2 takes us behind the mic and into the relationships, lessons, and values that shaped his rise to the top of the sports broadcasting world. I...

What does it take to become one of the top doctors in your field—while quietly navigating a personal battle of your own? In this inspiring episode of No Wrong Choices, we explore the remarkable career journey of Dr. Beth Rackow, a nationally recognized physician, surgeon, and associate professor at Columbia University Medical Center. From competitive sports and community service to the grueling realities of medical school, Dr. Rackow shares the lessons, setbacks, and motivations that shaped her ...

How do life’s biggest challenges shape the work we do? For Andrew Chiodo, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Therapist, the path to helping others started with understanding himself. Growing up gay in a traditional Brooklyn neighborhood, he had to navigate a world that didn’t always accept him. Then, as the AIDS crisis devastated his community, he found himself on the frontlines—advocating, fighting, and supporting friends through unthinkable loss. But through it all, Andrew discovered some...