Mayor Mattie Parker joins the show to talk about Fort Worth as one of the fastest-growing cities in the country—and how she’s leading it with both strategy and soul. From working behind the scenes in Texas politics to becoming one of the youngest mayors of a top-10 U.S. city, Mattie shares her journey, the challenges of balancing motherhood with leadership, and what it really takes to keep a city running well. She dives deep into public safety, infrastructure, economic development, and why keeping politics local (and not ideological) is crucial for progress.
In This Episode
[00:00] Intro: Who is Mattie Parker?
[01:17] Balancing motherhood and mayorship
[02:45] Her path from small-town Texas to the state capitol
[06:30] Working through law school and launching a career in politics
[09:34] What motivated her to run for mayor—and why it surprised her
[13:50] Nonpartisan governance in a polarized time
[16:00] Dealing with threats, outrage culture, and public pressure
[17:15] Fort Worth’s growth and how it’s stayed true to itself
[21:20] The benefits of a council-manager government model
[23:30] Fort Worth vs. Dallas—more collaboration than competition
[26:10] Why education is at the heart of Fort Worth’s future
[30:21] What’s working in economic development (and why)
[33:00] Retaining the “small-town feel” in a booming city
[35:00] Regional leadership and balancing city vs. metro priorities
[38:15] Public safety, police accountability, and staffing up
[42:50] Infrastructure priorities and transit innovation
[46:30] Navigating state vs. city governance battles
Guest Resources
Check out Go Time with Mayor Mattie Parker
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Bob Doll, longtime investment manager and current CEO/CIO at Crossmark Global Investments, joins the show for a deep dive into markets, faith, and leadership. With a career spanning Merrill Lynch, BlackRock, Nuveen, and now a faith-based investing firm, Bob shares how he integrates values into portfolio management. He unpacks his quantitative approach to stock picking, reflects on getting “canceled” at BlackRock for his faith, and offers practical wisdom for young professionals looking to align purpose with profession. It’s equal parts investment strategy and professional guidance.
In this Episode
[01:02] From Math Major to Money Manager: How Bob Doll discovered investing as a calling
[05:27] Inside the Mind of a Portfolio Manager: Daily habits, models, and discipline
[16:15] Faith Meets Finance: Bob’s BlackRock exit and journey to Crossmark
[25:00] Aligning Investments with Values: What faith-based investing really means
[32:15] Market Outlook: Bullish with caution — inflation, valuations, and AI’s impact
[44:10] Housing, Debt & Demographics: Long-term challenges facing the U.S. economy
[54:30] Is It Worth It? Bob reflects on career, calling, and legacy
Guest Resources
https://www.crossmarkglobal.com/
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Kansas City Chiefs owner Clark Hunt sits down with Tom and Kyle for a wide-ranging conversation about family legacy, sports business strategy, and leadership driven by faith. From his grandfather H.L. Hunt’s oil empire to his father Lamar Hunt’s formation of the AFC and eventually the Super Bowl , Clark shares how visionary thinking runs in the family. He dives deep into building the Chiefs’ modern dynasty—highlighting pivotal moments like hiring Andy Reid, drafting Patrick Mahomes, and navigating the global expansion of the NFL. Plus, personal reflections on parenting, faith, and carrying on the Hunt legacy in Kansas City and beyond.
In This Episode
[00:01:26] Growing Up Hunt: Sports-filled weekends, role models, and legacy
[00:05:00] Family & Faith: Raising sports-loving kids with purpose
[00:06:17] Lessons from Lamar: Servant leadership and fan-first thinking
[00:08:37] Visionary Moves: How a hotel TV game sparked the AFL
[00:13:00] Creating the Super Bowl
[00:17:35] Moving to KC: Why the Texans became the Chiefs
[00:19:14] Birth of the “Kingdom”: Fans and global reach
[00:20:01] Chiefs Dynasty: Hiring Andy Reid and trusting Brett Veach
[00:28:00] Drafting Mahomes: Strategy, risk, and a smoke screen
[00:40:47] Global NFL: Germany, Brazil, and expanding the fanbase
[00:46:00] Monetizing Abroad: Brand growth over ticket sales
[00:47:33] Small Market Advantage: TV money, parity, and a Hunt principle
[00:49:26] Arrowhead’s Future: Renovation vs. replacement
[00:53:00] World Cup 2026: Hosting games and honoring Lamar’s vision
[00:56:00] MLS Growth: Competing with Europe and Messi’s impact
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Tom and Kyle sit down with dynamic couple Nirav and Megha Tolia to dive into what it's like to partner in life and leadership. Nirav, serial entrepreneur and CEO of Nextdoor, and Megha, former President and COO of Shondaland, share their personal and professional journeys—from small-town Texas and LA roots to global business impact. The two talk about family values, cultural identity, raising kids, building businesses, and why they’ve planted roots in Dallas. It's a masterclass in navigating ambition, marriage, and meaningful impact. And stick around to hear their passion for equipping the next generation of entrepreneurs.
In This Episode
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In this episode, Kyle and Tom dive deep into the generational divide over capitalism, the changing nature of work, and what younger Americans misunderstand about economic systems. From rising distrust in corporate America to the evolution of the creator economy, they unpack how shifts in education, wages, and political narratives are shaping economic opinions today. They also discuss the rise of socialism in political platforms—especially in New York—and how it may impact the future of leadership and innovation in America.
In This Episode
[00:00] Generational Views on Capitalism
[02:45] What Happened to Middle-Class Growth?
[05:50] The Rise of the Creator Economy
[07:40] Loyalty, Jobs & the New Workforce
[09:50] NYC’s Socialist Shift
[12:00] Defining Reality vs. Wishing It
[14:00] Capitalism, Risk & Innovation
[17:45] Freedom vs. Government Control
[19:40] Coast vs. Heartland Politics
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Kyle and Tom sit down for a one-on-one to unpack the generational shifts in how we view education, engage in public discourse, and access information. From their first concerts (The Beatles vs. late 90s pop) to debates about cancel culture and campus free speech, they explore how younger generations are being shaped by digital consumption, ideological echo chambers, and a declining interest in history. They also get personal about their own information habits, higher ed's ideological leanings, and what we lose when we stop listening to the other side.
In This Episode
[00:00] Generational Differences in Music & Culture
[03:45] Higher Ed: From Learning to Ideology?
[11:30] Cancel Culture & the Corporate Spillover
[17:15] What Happened to History?
[24:00] Media, Memes, and Misinformation[
30:15] Hot Takes vs. Deep Thinking
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Jody Thornton, Executive Chairman of Capital Markets, Americas at JLL, joins the show to unpack his decades-long journey in commercial real estate—from starting out as an accountant to helping lead the growth and IPO of HFF, and its eventual merger with JLL. Jody shares invaluable lessons on work ethic, client-first culture, mentorship, the evolution of capital markets, and why faith and relationships remain at the core of his leadership.
This episode is packed with insights for anyone looking to understand how real estate has shifted over the years and what it takes to build a career that lasts.
In This Episode
[01:52] From Accounting to Real EstateHow a background in finance and a push from his dad got Jody started—and why he left accounting to “do the deals.”
[05:37] Entering Real Estate at the Worst Possible TimeJody’s transition from Pete Marwick to HFF, the evolution of capital markets, and how representing the client—not the lender—was a radical idea back then.
[10:12] Why Institutional Capital Changed the GameA look at how the rise of pensions and family offices has permanently reshaped real estate.
[12:03] Culture Over TechnicalsWhat Jody looks for in hires, why HFF emphasized culture and ethics, and why “blue collar mindset” still matters in white collar roles.
[15:56] The Rise of Industrial Real EstateHow Jody helped build out JLL’s industrial platform and why manufacturing is coming back strong.
[18:54] Learning from the '80s and 2008The dangers of overleverage, personal recourse, and how institutional equity brought shock absorbers to the industry.
[24:25] What’s Next for Office?Office is slowly rebounding—but not without challenges. Jody shares thoughts on re-pricing, conversions, and generational preferences.
[27:27] Markets to WatchWhy San Francisco, Chicago, and the Carolinas are catching tailwinds again.
[28:55] Why HFF Merged with JLLThe culture fit, client expectations, and how full-service platforms win complex deals.
[34:00] Deals, Mentors & RelationshipsFrom Southlake Town Square to The Village in Dallas, Jody reflects on deals and peers who shaped his career.
[38:06] Walking the Talk on FaithHow his faith informs leadership, ethics, and culture at JLL.
[40:39] Work-Life Balance & FamilyBoundaries, coaching kids’ sports, and how he made time for both career and home.
[42:05] Real Estate & Tech – Frenemies or Friends?Why information flow and data matter more than ever—and how JLL's tech gives them an edge.
[47:17] Motivation, People, and the Long ViewWhat keeps him going (people), what keeps him up (people), and what he’d tell his younger self: work ethic is everything.
Guest Resources
JLL – https://www.us.jll.com
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Pete McCanna, CEO of Baylor Scott & White Health, joins Tom and Kyle for a wide-ranging, deeply personal conversation about transforming healthcare. From starting out in finance to leading one of the nation’s largest health systems, Pete walks us through his career, the system’s biggest flaws, and how Baylor is flipping the script—focusing on customer-centric care, embracing AI, and challenging the status quo. With stories from his own family’s healthcare experiences, Pete explains why the future of healthcare hinges on better access, smarter tech, and rethinking what care really means.
In This Episode
[00:00] Introduction & Why Healthcare Is “a Mess”
Pete McCanna shares his personal and professional reasons for transforming healthcare.
[03:30] A Personal Journey to Purpose-Driven Leadership
How family health struggles shaped Pete's mission and how his career evolved from finance to operations.
[11:30] Rethinking Healthcare: From Assets to Access
A shift in mindset: moving from hospital-focused strategy to customer-focused care, inspired by personal experience and systemic inefficiencies.
[19:00] Tech, AI & the Modern Healthcare Experience
Exploring how Baylor is using technology, apps, and AI to make healthcare frictionless and more personalized.
[24:00] Challenges of Reform: Payment Models & Policy Friction
The disconnect between prevention and payment, the burden of outdated systems, and how Baylor is pushing forward despite systemic headwinds.
[34:00] Empowering Physicians & Employees to Transform Care
How Baylor is restoring meaning in medicine, energizing staff, and innovating with new delivery models and partnerships.
[43:00] National & Global Context: What Needs to Change
A comparison to international systems, the impact of lack of access, and ideas for smarter U.S. healthcare reform.
[51:00] Baylor’s Vision for the Future
Pete outlines Baylor’s next chapter: deeper integration of digital care, smarter navigation, and building a true health partner for life.
GUEST RESOURCES
https://www.bswhealth.com/
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Rob Walters is a lawyer’s lawyer—an antitrust expert, constitutional scholar, and courtroom veteran with a long record of public and private sector impact. In this episode, Rob shares insights from landmark cases (like AT&T-Time Warner and LIV Golf), breaks down today’s antitrust landscape, and explains the legal tension between the executive and judicial branches. With experience ranging from federal litigation to Dallas civic leadership, Rob offers a unique perspective on the shifting balance of power in American government and why legal norms matter more than we might think.
In This Episode:
[00:02:05] Why Law? Rob reflects on his journey into law—how growing up abroad and witnessing global politics shaped his passion for justice and intellectual rigor.
[00:08:34] Antitrust 101 & the Chicago School Legacy A breakdown of how antitrust evolved, where it’s headed, and why current approaches may be dangerously muddled.
[00:11:53] Big Tech & the Power Question Do Meta and Google have too much influence? Rob offers a nuanced view of dominance, innovation, and where antitrust fits in.
[00:19:00] AT&T vs. DOJ: Behind the Scenes The high-stakes courtroom drama of the AT&T-Time Warner merger and how the team—including CEOs Randall Stephenson and John Stankey—went toe-to-toe with the DOJ.
[00:25:00] LIV Golf & Saudi Investment How Rob approaches controversial clients like LIV Golf, the impact on global sport, and the importance of legal representation—even when geopolitics get messy.
[00:30:23] Chevron Doctrine & Supreme Court Shifts Why the Chevron case matters, how the Court is reshaping agency power, and the return of judicial interpretation over executive deference.
[00:36:00] Is the Judiciary Still Independent? A look at how the courts act as a check on power, the politicization of judges, and the enduring role of judicial neutrality.
[00:42:00] Executive Orders and Separation of Powers Rob weighs in on Presidential use of E.O.s and the critical balance between the branches of government.
[00:55:00] Government Overreach? From universities to private enterprise and law firms—where does legal oversight end and overreach begin?
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In this episode, we sit down with Clay Cooley—a Dallas-born entrepreneur and automotive powerhouse who went from sacking groceries to owning 22 car dealerships and employing thousands. Known for his “Shop Me First, Shop Me Last, Either Way Come See Clay” slogan, Clay unpacks his journey of hustle, hard knocks, reinvention, and relentless growth. We talk entrepreneurship, failure, family business, the effects of COVID on the used car marker, the impact of EVs, and how the car business has evolved (and stayed the same). If you’ve ever seen a Clay Cooley ad, this episode will give you insight into the brain—and heart—behind the brand.
In This Episode:
[01:05] The Clay Cooley Tagline – The origin of the iconic “Come See Clay” slogan
[02:00] From Groceries to GMC – How Clay got his start in the car business
[04:50] Lubbock Lessons – Growing up, working young, and the value of early hardship
[07:07] Starting His First Lot – The leap into entrepreneurship, repos, and maxed-out credit cards
[13:00] Scaling Up – Moving from hustling solo to acquiring multiple franchises
[17:00] Learning From Failure – Why missteps are key to long-term success[19:00] Leadership & Culture – Dress codes, internal training, and hiring from within
[23:00] The Family Guarantee – Clay’s return-any-car policy and its impact on business
[27:00] Why Texas Wins – Why dealerships thrive more in the Sunbelt vs. other states
[28:00] Revenue Breakdown – Where the real money is in a dealership
[31:00] New vs. Used – Why COVID upended the used car market and what comes next
[36:00] Ad Strategy – From newspaper liners to family-made TV commercials
[39:40] Passing the Torch – How his kids are modernizing operations and leading with tech
[40:00] AI in Auto Sales – Where automation is improving the dealership experience
[44:00] Planning for Perpetuity – Slimming corporate, scaling smart, and future-proofing
[46:00] Private Equity & Price Inflation – Why rollups are changing dealership dynamics
[48:00] The Local Advantage – Why being community-rooted still matters
[50:00] Will Dealerships Die? – Clay’s take on EVs, Tesla, and the franchise future
GUEST RESOURCES
https://www.claycooley.com/
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Cynt Marshall, the first Black Female CEO in the NBA and former AT&T executive, shares her incredible journey from growing up in public housing to leading major organizations with a philosophy grounded in joy, integrity, and people-first leadership. She opens up about her early lessons, personal losses, and how she transformed a workplace in crisis into a national model of inclusion and culture. We also discuss Mark Cuban, the Mavs' new ownership, the Luka trade, and the future of the Mavericks. Cynt’s take on leadership, her perspective on the Mavs, and her unwavering optimism make this one of our most interesting conversations yet.
In This Episode
[01:38] The Origins of “Cynt the Sprint”
[02:50] The Three L's of Leadership: Listen, Learn, Love
[04:30] Killing the Light and Changing the Culture
[07:30] Joy vs. Happiness: A Philosophy of Resilience
[09:54] Breaking Barriers at UC Berkeley
[13:30] Grace at Delta Gamma: A Lesson in Belonging
[15:30] Corporate Growth at AT&T & Navigating Bias
[20:00] The Call from Mark Cuban
[34:00] The Mavericks Culture Crisis
[38:00] Introducing CRAFTS: A New Leadership Framework
[42:00] Fan-Centric Thinking & Building Mavs TV
[48:30] From Customer Service to Coaching Staff
[52:00] The Role of Faith in Corporate Culture
[55:20] Mentoring the Next Generation of Leaders
[59:10] Why Diversity Isn’t Enough—Inclusion Matters
[01:03:00] What Legacy Really Means
[01:07:00] Getting Real About Work-Life Balance
[01:12:00] “You’ve Been Chosen”: The Message Behind the Memoir
Resources Mentioned
You've Been Chosen by Cynthia Marshall
The Power of Nice by Linda Kaplan Thaler & Robin Koval
Tom Leppert's Article on the Luka Trade
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Fred Perpall is not just the CEO of The Beck Group and the President of the USGA—he’s a powerhouse of purpose, grit, and vision. From humble beginnings in The Bahamas to becoming a national leader in architecture and golf, Fred shares the pivotal moments that shaped his career, his leadership philosophy, and why golf is more than just a game. This episode explores how he built a meaningful life by refusing to compartmentalize work, play, and purpose.
In This Episode
[00:00] Meet Fred Perpall: Bahamian roots, basketball dreams, and a journey to leadership
[04:00] Golf’s Unexpected Gift: How a private club and a generous offer changed everything
[08:00] Seeing Opportunity, Not Division: Learning from success instead of resenting it
[12:30] Sports, Self-Esteem, and Showing Up: From athlete to top of his class to CEO
[17:00] On Work Ethic and Confidence: Outworking everyone and staying grounded
[21:30] From Architect to CEO: Curiosity, mentorship, and leading with vision
[26:00] Managing Across Generations: What’s changed and why it’s a good thing
[30:00] Architecture + Construction: Making two worlds work under one roof
[34:00] Tech, AI & Innovation in Construction: How Beck is preparing for the future
[38:00] Golf as a Mirror of Life: Integrity, community, and learning from the game
[42:00] Adaptive Open & Inclusion: Making golf accessible for everyone
[45:00] Golf’s Growth & Equity: Expanding the game without losing its soul
[48:00] Topgolf & New Entrants: Embracing change while keeping the core
[51:00] Golf Ball Rollback: Why USGA is speaking for the future of the game
[53:00] Golf Ball Rollback Debate: Why performance limits matter and protecting tradition
[56:00] Access & Equity in Golf: Fred’s vision for a more inclusive, community-based sport
[58:30] Golf as Cultural Connector: From the barbershop to the country club
[1:01:00] Global Perspective: What the U.S. can learn from how other countries embrace golf
[1:04:30] Leadership and Legacy: Mentorship, servant leadership, and building up others
[1:08:00] USGA’s Long Game: Investing in the future of the game—especially junior and adaptive players
[1:11:30] Final Word: Faith, family, and making your whole life count—not just your title
Resources Mentioned
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Ken Hersh, energy entrepreneur and current CEO of the George W. Bush Presidential Center, shares his unconventional journey from liberal arts major to pioneering a whole new industry in energy private equity. From early business failures and bold pivots to investing with Richard Rainwater and creating Natural Gas Partners, Ken breaks down the highs, lows, and lessons learned. He also dives into public policy, the evolution of America’s energy landscape, and the fine line between good ideas and good investments.
In This Episode
[00:00] Intro: Who is Ken Hersh?
[01:07] Early Days and Business Plan Origins
[02:00] Founding NG Partners in a Pre-Private Equity World
[05:00] Resilience, Background, and the Fastest Tortoise
[07:30] Education, Princeton, and Finding His Own Path
[10:00] Morgan Stanley, Energy Markets, and Breaking In
[13:00] The Fortuitous Call from Richard Rainwater
[16:00] Bold Moves and Moonlighting with McKinsey
[20:00] Birth of Natural Gas Partners and First Investments
[24:00] Pivoting Strategy When the Market Shifted
[28:00] Betting on People vs. Assets
[30:00] What Makes a Good Founder?
[34:00] Investing Philosophy and Risk Alignment
[36:00] The Energy Transfer Home Run
[41:00] Mentorship from Richard Rainwater
[45:00] Reflections on Energy Policy and Public Perception
[50:00] U.S. Energy Independence and Shale Revolution
[55:00] The Realities of Energy Transition and Clean Tech
Resources Mentioned
The Fastest Tortoise by Ken Hersh
Natural Gas Partners (NGP Energy Capital)
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In this conversation, we take a deep dive into R. Gerald Turner’s remarkable 30-year run as president of Southern Methodist University. We cover everything from faith and small-town values to high-stakes athletics and billion-dollar fundraising campaigns. Turner reflects on leadership decisions, including firing a popular football coach at Ole Miss, building SMU’s academic and athletic infrastructure, securing the George W. Bush Presidential Library, and navigating the politics of higher education. It’s a masterclass in values-based leadership, institutional transformation, and the delicate balance between tradition and innovation.
In This Episode
[02:00] Leadership and LongevityWhy being on the same page with trustees was the cornerstone of Turner’s legacy.
[03:30] From New Boston to AcademiaHow a small Texas town, sports, and family shaped his early years.
[06:00] Faith and LeadershipTurner’s lifelong spiritual foundation and its impact on academic life.
[09:00] Decision Making Under PressureFrom Ole Miss controversies to student development during COVID.
[13:30] The Death Penalty & Rebuilding SMU FootballThe long road back and why facilities, traditions like the Boulevard, and student experience matter.
[20:00] Athletic and Academic RebuildHow sports success translates into applications and why facilities are investments.
[25:00] The ACC LeapBehind the scenes of SMU’s jump to the ACC and alumni stepping up with $100M.
[32:00] Winning the Bush LibraryPolitics, land deals, and strategic influence that brought a presidential library to campus.
[38:00] The Value of Higher Ed TodayWhy college still matters and the myths about billionaire dropouts.
[41:00] Free Speech & Campus PoliticsThe influence of critical theory, Trump-era backlash, and balancing academic perspectives.
[47:00] SMU’s Future & Next Leadership What’s next under President Hartzel and the importance of continuity with vision.
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Commissioner John Wiley Price, often dubbed “Our Man Downtown,” sits down with Tom and Kyle for a wide-ranging conversation on his four decades of service in Dallas County. As the longest-serving commissioner in Texas—and possibly the nation—Price offers a unique, unfiltered perspective on the intersection of policy, race, faith, and leadership.The episode digs deep into the structural issues that continue to shape life in Dallas: inequities in infrastructure, disparities in healthcare access, the troubling state of public education, and the persistent challenges of criminal justice.
He doesn't shy away from controversy, either. From views on the intentional underfunding of public schools to breaking down how book bans and voucher programs threaten generational progress, Price challenges listeners to confront their held beliefs. Whether you agree with him or not, this episode is a masterclass in leadership, legacy, and not backing down from the fight.
In This Episode
[01:10] A Legendary Run: 41 years as commissioner and why he's just getting started
[04:00] The Origin of “Our Man Downtown”
[06:00] Infrastructure & Equity: Roads, Water, and the Politics of Development
[08:15] Minority Contracting and Measured Progress
[12:00] Education as Civil Rights: From Rosenwald Schools to Modern-Day Bans
[18:00] Why Third Grade Reading Scores Predict Prison Populations
[20:00] Charter Schools, Vouchers, and the Erosion of Public Education
[29:00] Parkland Hospital, UT Southwestern, and Healthcare Deserts
[38:00] Fair Park, FQHCs, and the Role of Churches in Community Health
[44:00] National Healthcare Needs and Dying of Whiteness
[52:00] Inside the Jail System: Management, Mental Health & Gender Dynamics
[58:00] Criminal Justice Creativity: Burglar Court and Behavioral Pods
[01:04:00] Homeward Bound: Local Models That Work
[01:08:00] Leadership by Presence: Why JWP Shows Up Every Day
Resources Mentioned
Dying of Whiteness by Jonathan M. Metzl
A Better Life for Our Children by Julius Rosenwald
Black Labor, White Wealth by Dr. Claud Anderson
Homeward Bound Inc. - Behavioral Health Agency
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Rob Kaplan, former President of the Dallas Federal Reserve, takes us through his remarkable journey across three major arenas: finance, academia, and public service. From his days on the Goldman Sachs management committee to shaping U.S. monetary policy, Kaplan shares powerful lessons on leadership, economic foresight, mentoring future leaders, and the strategic risks facing the U.S. economy today. He unpacks everything from Fed decision-making and global competitiveness to AI, tariffs, and why listening might be the most underrated skill in business.
In This Episode
[00:45] From Markets to Mission: Kaplan’s early fascination with finance and his journey through Goldman Sachs
[06:50] Learning to Lead: The importance of mentoring, listening, and building strong teams
[15:30] Harvard Years & Learning to Teach: Why academia changed how he managed economists at the Fed
[20:00] Inside the Fed: What really happens in those high-stakes policy meetings
[26:10] Structural vs. Cyclical Thinking: Why this distinction matters in economic forecasting
[32:00] Tariffs, Tax Bills & Tension: Breaking down current U.S. fiscal and trade policy moves
[38:20] Global Economic Risk & Reserve Currency Reality
[43:00] Productivity, AI, and the Long Game for Growth
[48:00] Education, Skills Training & What Keeps Rob Up at Night
[53:40] Trust, Institutions, and America's Competitive Advantage
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Kyle and Tom take a step back to tell the story of their friendship and what sparked the Intersections podcast. What began as bi-weekly breakfasts evolved into a deep friendship spanning generations, perspectives, and life experiences. From entrepreneurship to public service, from personal struggles to professional milestones, they share the story behind the mic—and why this podcast aims to humanize leadership, elevate diverse voices, and explore the issues that shape lives and culture.
In This Episode
[01:20] Pancakes, Bacon, and the Start of a Mentorship
[04:05] Generational Differences & Family Foundations
[06:45] Entrepreneurship, Real Estate, and Resilience in Your 20s
[09:50] Learning from Failure and the Importance of People
[13:20] The Influence of a Single Mom
[15:55] Perseverance, Faith, and the Power of Encouragement
[18:40] A Chance Encounter that Changed Everything
[22:00] Unexpected Doors: From Junior College to the White House
[26:30] Experience as a Gateway to Empathy
[29:00] The Podcast Idea: A Wild-Haired Moment[
31:25] What Makes Intersections Unique
[33:40] The Power of Stories, Not Outlines
[36:00] Our Guests: From Beat Cops to Fed Chairs
[41:15] Leadership, Education, and Servant Influence[45:00] Looking Ahead: More Voices, More Stories
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Admiral Pat Walsh, the only person to serve as both a Blue Angel and a four-star admiral, joins the show to share wisdom forged in the skies, at sea, and through global crises. From commanding the Pacific Fleet during the 2011 Japan earthquake and Fukushima disaster to leading major educational reform today, Pat’s story is one of humility, service, and mission-driven leadership. Whether flying fighter jets or reshaping underserved communities, his approach blends servant leadership with deep cultural insight and a relentless pursuit of growth.
In This Episode
[00:00] Intro to Admiral Walsh & his Navy legacy
[01:30] Most satisfying assignment: Commanding an F-18 squadron
[05:00] The power of the all-volunteer force & White House Fellowship
[07:00] Aviation, Top Gun, and the Blue Angels
[12:00] Life in Bahrain & insights on majority/minority dynamics
[16:00] Lessons in leadership from the Blue Angels: Critique & team trust
[20:00] Midway & the importance of honest reflection in national defense
[24:00] Operation Tomodachi: Responding to Japan’s 3/11 disaster
[31:00] Real-time crisis communication and social media’s unexpected role
[34:00] Impact of the mission on U.S.-Japan relations
[36:00] The rules-based world order & its modern challenges
[39:00] Strategic threats: Strait of Hormuz, South China Sea, and Taiwan
[45:00] Cyber warfare and U.S. vulnerability
[52:00] Christo Rey: Building generational change through education
[59:00] From Pleasant Grove to College Degrees: Changing a community
[1:03:00] The Guantanamo report: Moral courage in service
[1:10:00] Final thoughts on service, sacrifice, and transformational leadership
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Chris Young, President of Baseball Operations for the Texas Rangers, shares a wide-ranging and heartfelt conversation about leadership, resilience, and the state of the game. A Dallas native who went from Highland Park to Princeton, from player to exec, Chris opens up about navigating setbacks, building a winning culture, and the 2023 World Series run. He also reflects on his faith, family, and what truly matters beyond the scoreboard.Whether you're a diehard baseball fan or just someone interested in integrity-driven leadership, this episode offers insight, encouragement, and wisdom from one of MLB’s most respected voices.
In This Episode
[01:10] Baseball's Rollercoaster: Chris talks about the ups and downs of a long season, tight margins in baseball, and the mental grind of leadership.
[04:00] The Levers of Leadership: Internal discussions, accountability, and managing a team of high-earning pros—what changes can you actually make?
[07:30] Building Culture Over Talent: Why character comes first and how Chris’s leadership philosophy is shaped by team-first mentality.
[09:40] World Series Flashback: From Game 5 heartbreak to ALCS victory—Chris shares the behind-the-scenes message that helped rally the Rangers.
[14:20] Comeback Player of the Year: Chris details his injury battles, emotional lows, and the surgery that reignited his career—and the lesson he wanted to teach his kids.
[20:00] Princeton, Perspective & North Texas Roots: On his college decision, raising his family in Dallas, and why Ranger pride needed a reboot.
[24:10] NIL & Baseball's New Era: The college sports shake-up, shifting developmental paths, and its impact on the draft and minor leagues.
[29:40] Baseball vs. Basketball: Why Chris picked the diamond over the court despite an offer from the Sacramento Kings—and what legendary coach Pete Carril told him.
[34:30] Faith, Family & What Grounds You: Chris on humility, identity, and staying centered through the chaos of pro sports.
[38:00] Competing with the Giants: Why market size doesn’t guarantee success—and how Dallas can become a true baseball town.
[41:30] The Future of the Game: From pitch clocks to expanding globally, Chris gives an insider's view on what MLB needs to thrive.
[47:30] Social Media & Player Pressure: Today’s athletes live in a different world—Chris reflects on mental health, identity, and what he tells minor leaguers.
[51:00] Youth Sports & The Right Lessons: A candid take on participation trophies, failure, and what makes a great youth coach.
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Chief Brown is the former Police Chief of Dallas and the former Police Superintendent of Chicago. His career spans 30+ years with a commitment to viewing his work through the lens of truth and grace. Chief Brown grew up in Dallas and was the first police chief to utilize an explosive armed robot to eliminate a suspect during the deadly July 7th, 2016 attack that killed 5 DPD officers. Chief Brown is credited with strengthening DPD’s ties to the community, lowering violent crime, and making Dallas a safer city.
In This Episode
[02:45] Losing a Partner and Finding Purpose: The traumatic loss of his partner and how it shaped his path to leadership.
[05:00] July 7, 2016 – A Chief’s Toughest Day: An in-depth account of the Dallas protest shooting, decision-making in crisis, and use of a robot bomb—unprecedented in U.S. policing.
[13:50] Growing Up in South Oak Cliff: The role of family, the crack epidemic, and why he chose a career in law enforcement despite personal and family resistance.
[17:40] Discretion, Compassion, and Policing with Heart: A powerful story of showing grace to a young man that changed how he approached community policing.
[20:55] Policing Philosophy & Challenges with Police Culture: Pushing back on union dynamics, promoting community accountability, and the evolution from arrest-focused to community-focused.
[24:10] George Floyd & Police Reform: Insights into systemic issues, internal discipline, and the delicate balance leaders must strike.
[26:20] The Future of Policing: Challenges recruiting young people, political influence, and his hope for moderation in policing narratives.
[30:00] Leading in Dallas vs. Chicago: Cultural, political, and structural differences between the two cities—and his mission to develop local leadership in Chicago.
[37:10] Strategic Police Growth in Dallas: How increased staffing under Mayor Rawlings led to crime reduction and better response times.
[39:50] Community Restoration & Economic Framing: Why framing police investment as economic development helped foster support in historically underserved areas.
[41:00] Faith, Service, and the Role of the Church: Chief Brown shares the spiritual foundation behind his resilience and why personal relationships matter more than policy.
[43:40] “Defund the Police” & Prosecutorial Agendas: His critique of the defunding movement, policy failures, and the downstream effects on neighborhoods that need protection the most.
[48:45] Investing in Young People & Leadership Diversity: A call to raise up new leaders—especially women—and why he believes servant leadership is still the path forward.
[50:45] Legacy, Estate Planning, and Family Impact: Chief Brown reflects on giving back intentionally.
Resources Mentioned
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Editing and Support by The Good Podcast Co.