Risky Business Podcast 🎙️Today, Sam sits down with Thaddius “Thad”—Louisville native who went commission-only in NYC, survived the 2020 shutdown, and built Bluegrass Lending + Lionheart to manage $25M+ in assets by 29. We talk TikTok lead gen for real estate, alternative vs. traditional funding, SOPs, focus vs. shiny objects, lessons from an Alex Hormozi workshop, and why your 20s/30s should be a machine for mistakes.🔔 If this episode pushed you to take a (calculated) risk, rate, follow, and share—it’s the #1 way to grow this show.👥 GuestBluegrass Lending / Lionheart (brokerage + private funding)— Alternative & SBA loans, credit repair/bookkeeping support, high client return rate— Offices: Louisville KY • Wall Street NYC • Tempe AZ💬 Topics• Winning listings with TikTok reach• Alternative financing vs. SBA/asset-backed loans• Building returning clients by educating, not hard-selling• Systems, lead gen, and scaling a sales org• Focus, attention, and the “Brick” phone blocker• How to take risk without being reckless
At 33, Brad DeVries had it all lined up - a pilot job at UPS and the kind of career most people dream about. But just days before starting, he realized something: he didn’t want to fly airplanes. He wanted to build people.In this episode of Risky Business, Brad shares how that one moment of honesty changed everything - leading to a 30+ year career leading 3 of the largest real estate brokerages, and later, taking a massive risk again in his 60s to start not one but two new businesses.From leaving comfort behind to listening for God’s direction, this is a masterclass on calling, courage, and purpose. Whether you’re 25 or 65, this story proves it’s never too late to take a risk that matters.
What does it take to turn an adoption journey into a movement that feeds families, creates jobs, and reshapes an entire community? Sam sits down with Scott Panella, Louisville real estate leader and founder of Give a Goat, to unpack how a mission trip and adoption experience in Uganda grew into a nonprofit that has provided thousands of goats, wells, and sustainable food sources for families in need.Scott shares the raw challenges of adopting internationally, balancing business while living abroad, and learning an entirely new world of goat farming and community development. They dive into fundraising highs and lows, building a 100% Ugandan-led team, and why small gifts can create generational impact.If you’ve ever wondered how to align faith, risk, and entrepreneurship to create lasting change, this episode is both inspiring and practical.
What does it take to walk away from a secure legal career, withstand media firestorms, and jump headfirst into one of the toughest Senate races in the country? Sam sits down with Daniel Cameron, former Kentucky Attorney General and U.S. Senate candidate, to unpack the calling, conviction, and courage that fuel his run for public office.Daniel shares how losing the governor’s race reshaped his faith, why his identity must rest in Christ rather than titles, and the lessons he’s learned balancing bold truth-telling with grace in the political arena. They discuss raising a young family in the chaos of campaigns, Kentucky’s critical role in America’s energy future, and how to re-open meaningful dialog in an age of polarization.If you care about leadership, calling, and what it means to take risks that matter, this conversation is both challenging and deeply encouraging.
What does it take to turn a summer vacation idea into a breakout beverage brand? Sam sits down with Bryce Morrison, co-founder of Mom Water and Dad Water, to unpack the scrappy beginnings, bold branding bets, and operational grit behind their fast-growing, better-for-you alcoholic beverages. Bryce shares the origin story, early scrapes with supply chains and distribution, how they built a community first brand without the usual clichés, and the lessons he’s learned about partnerships, pace, and making decisions under pressure. If your goal is to build anything this conversation is a masterclass in taking smart risks, staying relentlessly simple, and scaling without losing your brand.
Sam Stone sits down with Eric Wood — former Pro Bowl center for the Buffalo Bills, longtime NFL veteran, broadcaster, podcast host, and fierce competitor in everything he does.
Eric opens up about life in the trenches of the NFL, the mindset it takes to compete at the highest level, and how he transitioned from professional athlete to respected voice in broadcasting and podcasting. From leadership in the locker room to resilience off the field, Eric shares stories and lessons that go far beyond football.
If you’re an athlete, entrepreneur, or anyone chasing a bigger life, this conversation is packed with wisdom on taking risks, finding purpose, and staying hungry no matter what comes next.
In this episode of the Risky Business Podcast, Sam sits down with Kendall Bailey, better known online as “Kendall in Kentucky.” With a social media following of nearing half a million people, Kendall has built a bold platform around being unapologetically pro-life, pro-family, and outspoken about her Christian faith.
We talk about what it means to take risks in the digital age, how she handles backlash, and why standing firm on your convictions might be the riskiest and most rewarding thing you can do.
https://www.instagram.com/kendall_in_kentucky?igsh=MTIxeHNiaTE1eXFz
On this episode of Risky Business, Sam Stone sit down with Clark Burckle: Clark is a former NCAA national champion and represented Team USA in the 2012 Summer Olympics. After competing at the highest level, he took his drive and discipline to Stanford, earning an MBA before returning home to Louisville to pursue entrepreneurship.Now, he's the owner of Different Strokes Golf Center,a cutting-edge golf facility that’s expanded to multiple locations. Clark’s story is a masterclass in reinvention, grit, and what happens when you take the leap from elite athlete to visionary business owner. This episode will challenge you to think bigger and take the risks you've been putting off.
Come behind the scenes of Crestwood Mercantile with co-founders Karen Delaney and Lindsay Stivers. After more than 15 years in their careers, they made the bold decision to walk away and chase a dream. What began as a side hustle has now grown into a 15,000 sq. ft. store packed with over 75 vendors, offering everything from thrifted gems to brand-new finds.
Their journey is a powerful reminder that big risks can lead to even bigger rewards. This episode is packed full of never before heard stories about the origin of Crestwood Mercantile and how Karen and Lindsay brought their vision to life. Thanks for listening and check them out on Instagram @CrestwoodMercantile
Host Sam Stone sits down with Ryan Cornell, Louisville native and founder of Handsome Fellows—widely recognized as the number one rated barbershop in the city, with multiple thriving locations.
Ryan and his barbers aren’t just cutting hair—they are redefining the experience. With a deep respect for both clients’ and barbers’ time, he’s built a culture of high-level service where a haircut becomes something you plan your day around. It’s not just grooming—it’s an experience.
Ryan shares how his journey—from a background in sales to building a standout brand—was shaped not just by ambition, but by hard-earned life lessons. He opens up about using personal setbacks as fuel, and how embracing your past can be the foundation for starting something meaningful.
This conversation dives into taking risks early, the power of supportive family and friends, and the importance of choosing the right people to surround yourself with in business. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur or simply navigating your own leap of faith, this episode is full of candid wisdom and real-world encouragement.
Listen, share, and tag someone who needs that extra push to take the risk.
On this episode of The Risky Business Podcast, Sam Stone interviews serial entrepreneur and investor Todd Earwood, a man who treats business like a sport—testing over 150 ideas, launching 18 companies, and selling three, including a major exit in 2023. From founding a web video company before YouTube to co-launching a VC fund with over 100 AI investments, Todd shares the bold bets, brutal lessons, and surprising wins from a life spent chasing innovation. He opens up about the time he nearly lost his house while self-funding a startup—only to secure millions in investment just 12 days after receiving a foreclosure letter. This episode is packed with real talk about risk, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of building something meaningful.
In this episode of The Risky Business Podcast, host Sam Stone sits down with his father, Dave Stone—former Senior Pastor of Southeast Christian Church, one of the largest churches in America. With over 30 years of ministry experience, Dave opens up about the risks and leadership challenges of guiding a massive organization through seasons of change. Together, Sam and Dave also explore what it means to live generously, even when it feels uncertain or costly.
This conversation is raw, inspiring, and deeply personal. You’ll leave encouraged, challenged, and maybe even a little emotional.
Going All In with Peyton Siva: From Player to Coach to Entrepreneur
In this episode of Risky Business, Sam Stone sits down with Louisville basketball legend Peyton Siva to talk about what it really means to go all in. From winning at the highest level as a player to taking the leap into coaching under Pat Kelsey at the University of Louisville, to launching his own basketball training facility — Shoot 360 — Peyton shares the mindset, struggles, and risks behind betting on yourself.
With 10 years of pro ball under his belt, including time in the NBA and overseas, Peyton brings a rare perspective on pushing through doubt, staying the course, and turning passion into purpose. Whether you're chasing a dream in sports, business, or life — this episode will challenge you to take the risk, go all in, and believe that you're worth the investment.
Brad Pierce is the Founder - Loudlux (2018-today) which is a well recognized film production company serving clients like Celsius, Michelob Ultra, Anheuser-Busch, Toyota, AirBnB.
He is also the Co founder - Human sync (2022-today) which focuses on longevity medicine. Building the first all in one preventive healthcare model.
Sam Stone and Brad Pierce spend this episode discussing how Brad has achieve so much at the age of 26 (Hint: he’s taken a few risks)
Roger Short sits down with Sam Stone to discuss the Risk of moving to America to start a phone book company. After building a successful brand and company he saw the change IPhones and Google were going to be to the Phone Book industry and took a risk again, jumping into Insurance sales. Roger has grown that to now having 2000+ agents at his company (Lasting Mark) and host a podcast for insurance agents with over 100K listeners a month. (Life Insurance Academy)
Roger’s story of Risk/Faith will encourage you, but his love for his family and clients will challenge you to be better in whatever field you’re in.
Lasting Mark
Life Insurance Academy
https://youtube.com/@lifeinsuranceacademy?si=gRxpBV7EEW4rwBIf
Follow Roger on Instagram
From a 9 year old knocking doors with his brother to cut lawns to a 7 figure business - 20 years of experience in lawn care - and now a successful podcast host, Scotty Scearce’s story is the perfect reminder that YOU ARE NEVER TOO YOUNG TO TAKE A RISK!
Scearce Lawncare
https://www.scearcelawncare.com/
The Life In Stride Podcast
https://open.spotify.com/show/3hAyALRNhRA7UfKPVpX2IU?si=iAmmSuZVT2KtpyxjBTj5Hw
From Federal Prison to Attorney/ Pilot/ Millionaire. Aaron Murphy sits down with Sam Stone on the Risky Business Podcast to share his story from getting caught making counterfeit $100 bills in college to going to law school, passing the bar, starting his own law practice and now investing in real estate, flying planes and living a true life on mission.
You won’t want to miss this one.
In this episode, Sam Stone sits down with the 62nd Governor of the Commonwealth of Kentucky MATT BEVIN.
You would think a conversation with the former Governor would lean towards political risks etc. but Gov. Bevin’s knowledge on all things Business/ Entrepreneurship/ and Risk made this a must listen for all entrepreneurs, political or not.
Thanks for listening. Please share with a friend!
Sitting down with Joey Wagner. Joey is the owner of the J Wagner Group, a Louisville-based agency specializing in Events, Experiential Marketing, Social Media, Public Relations and Graphic Design.
Joey speaks about the Risks he took in life that led him to becoming the leading name in his market.
He shares fun stories from his Kentucky Derby Events, life lessons and the two things he challenges himself with each day. You won’t want to miss this one.
Welcome to Risky Business, the podcast that’s all about stepping out of your comfort zone and embracing the power of taking risks! 🎙️ Hosted by Sam Stone, each episode dives into the stories of individuals who’ve taken bold steps, faced challenges head-on, and transformed their lives in extraordinary ways. From entrepreneurs and adventurers to creatives and everyday heroes, you’ll hear firsthand accounts of the risks they took, the lessons they learned, and how you can apply their wisdom to your own journey. 💡 Feeling stuck? Looking for inspiration? This is your push to take a leap of faith and start creating the life you’ve always dreamed of. 👉 Subscribe now and join us as we challenge ourselves, grow, and discover the rewards of taking risks. Don’t just dream—do!
Intro Music from Justin Stone - Song: Beast Mode