Joe Tulipana isn’t just serving up BBQ, he’s raising stakes, braising shanks and modernizing a KC classic. He’s the owner and founder of Blind Box BBQ, where he’s been serving old-school que with new school flavor that packs a punch for 10 years and counting. He isn’t changing the game, just refining it. One burnt end - and relationship - at a time. And now, it’s time to dig into the story of a young restaurateur who reverse-engineered his way from engineering to entrepreneurship…and built something truly special right here in Kansas City.

Website: https://www.blindboxbbq.com/ 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blindboxbbq/ 
Twitter: https://x.com/blindboxbbq 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blindboxbbq

Check out the conversation on YouTube: https://youtu.be/vcmBjcNa_JM

Today’s guest knows a thing or two about what it takes to win, because he’s been keeping score his entire career. Shawn Burcham is Founder and CEO of PFSbrands, the powerhouse behind brands like Champs Chicken, BlueTaco and Hangar 45 Pizza. When he’s not empowering his employees, the bestselling author coaches companies around the world how to accept risk and learn from failure, using the same philosophy that turned his own company into a 100% employee-owned success story. It’s a story of leadership, grit and determination that redefines what it looks like to win, in business and in life.

Website: https://pfsbrands.com/ | https://shawnburcham.com/ 
Twitter: https://x.com/ShawnBurcham1 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ShawnBurchamPFS/

Check out the conversation on YouTube: https://youtu.be/TJx4O8-xoBw

Every journey has a turning point. For some, it comes from a moment of triumph. For others, it’s born out of hardship. Today Joel is joined by Rob and Anissa Elsey, a couple who walked through both before discovering their life-changing calling. After a personal confrontation with the realities of addiction, they founded In the Name of GRACE, a non-profit dedicated to providing safe, sober housing for those on the path to recovery. But theirs is a mission bigger than giving shelter. It’s about hope, dignity and a chance to start again for those who need it the most.

Website: www.inthenameofgrace.org 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/InTheNameOfGraceOrg/ 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IntheNameofGrace/

Check out the conversation on YouTube: https://youtu.be/xdOJKJSn52U

John O'Leary joins Joel on this episode with a story of survival. At just nine years old, John defied overwhelming odds after suffering burns on 100% of his body. What could have been the end of his story became the beginning of an extraordinary journey. Today, John is a beloved keynote speaker, bestselling author, and the inspiration behind the upcoming motion picture Soul on Fire. Through his message, he reminds audiences that every day is a gift, and that each of us has the power to succeed, one action at a time.

Website: https://johnolearyinspires.com/ | https://soulonfiremovie.com/ 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnoleary.inspires/ 
Twitter: https://x.com/jolearyinspires 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JohnOLearyRisingAbove

Check out the conversation on YouTube: https://youtu.be/qmkXOKCsHiI

Today on Rounding the Bases, a construction industry executive whose love of building projects can only be topped by her passion for building relationships joins Joel Goldberg. Her name is Courtney Kounkel, the founder and owner of Monarch Build. Using a solid foundation of teamwork and trust, her company has reshaped the way people think about General Contractors. Delivering more than an aspirational measure of excellence, but a commitment to partnership that endures, even after the job is complete.

Website: https://monarch.build/ 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/monarch.build 
Twitter: https://x.com/ckounkel | https://x.com/monarchbuild 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/courtney.kounkel | https://www.facebook.com/monarchbuildkc/

Check out the conversation on YouTube: https://youtu.be/E3MZbqIRo0k

Today’s guest built a career on the belief that every one of us can master the art of sales, whether we carry a quota or not. Say hello to Dr. Cindy McGovern, a two-time bestselling author,  founder of Orange Leaf Consulting and international authority known around the world as the First Lady of Sales. Her mission is as simple as it is singular: to show her clients how to create opportunities, using skills they didn’t know they had. With a dynamic energy and practical approach, Dr. Cindy has inspired thousands to see sales not as a transaction, but as an opportunity to win at work and in life, no matter the situation.

Website: https://drcindy.com/ 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/1stladyofsales/ 
Twitter: https://x.com/1stladyofsales 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/1stLadyofSales

Check out the conversation on YouTube: https://youtu.be/CZQ9RV3MLxA

Today’s guest is a true leader in the digital marketing space who has spent decades crafting award-winning success plans. Meet Corey Morris, the President and CEO behind Voltage, a premiere digital agency built for brands that refuse to settle. He doesn’t try to be everything to everyone. Instead, he remains focused delivering only the things he does best. This against-the-grain mindset that has been the key to driving success - and ROI - for clients across the nation.

Website: https://coreymorris.com/ | https://voltage.digital/ 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/voltagekc/ 
Twitter: https://x.com/coreydmorris 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/digital.coreymorris

Check out the conversation on YouTube: https://youtu.be/daKiAgjjJ-A

Today’s guest has optimized body-brain systems to drive key business outcomes. The result? A masterclass in leadership that has shifted the paradigm on resilience. His name is Dr. Etienne van der Walt, a neurologist, international thought leader and the CEO of Neurozone. He’s also creator of the High Performance Code. It’s his pioneering brain model that bridges cutting-edge science with business, seamlessly positioning leaders and organizations to thrive in the volatility of today, while making burnout a thing of the past.

Website: https://www.neurozone.com/thought-leadership 
Twitter: https://x.com/etvanderwalt 

Check out the conversation on YouTube: https://youtu.be/UNKWvlilv-Q

Today’s guest is a remarkable leader who is impacting the lives of others, far and wide. Her name is Liz Rowe, Executive Director of the Alzheimer’s Association - Heart of America Chapter, the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support and research. It’s a position the former attorney and legal strategist formally assumed in 2024, but she’s been a passionate supporter in the fight to end the disease for decades. That’s because she knows firsthand the devastation Alzheimer’s causes not just for those living with it, but for those who love them. And through tireless efforts, she has turned her own pain into purpose, ensuring that one day, it’s a diagnosis that no longer exists.

Website: https://www.alz.org/kansascity 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alzassociation/ 
Twitter: https://x.com/alzassociation 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alzkansascity

Check out the conversation on YouTube: https://youtu.be/NMDiLF2z_UA

Today’s guest is a media guru who may not be famous, but deserves to be by proxy. Just pick a celebrity and chances are he’s interviewed them… twice, earning him a notoriety that can only be matched by his razor-sharp wit. Say hello to the inimitable Michael Mackie, a multi-talented TV personality, radio host and newly-minted author with a penchant for turning every project into something extraordinary. For years, he has lit up the airwaves with a signature style cuts through the noise in a way only he can. And now, its time to settle in for a conversation that promises to be as clever, candid and charismatic as the man - and legend - himself.

Website: https://www.michaelmackie.com/about 
Twitter: https://x.com/M2Esq 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/M2Esq

Check out the conversation on YouTube: https://youtu.be/uX4CcS-Ayic

Jarrod McCarroll is the CEO of Weber Inc., the global leader in high-tech slicing innovation that revolutionized in-store sandwich construction. Since taking the reins in 2014, he has remained committed to delivering perfect portions of strategic vision and hands-on leadership. Raising the bar on a new tradition of excellence that optimizes the way modern food is prepared, while honoring the quality that built the business. 

Check out the conversation on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Sbb9R9BdqKY

Website: https://us.weberweb.com/ 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jarrod.mccarroll/

What does it really take to rebuild after losing it all? Today we find out as Joel is joined by Chuck Cuda, a man who’s done just that and more. As the CEO of Elevate Cannabis, co-owner of the Oak Ridge Family Social Club and founder of the award-winning OPES Commercial Real Estate firm, Chuck’s exceptionally successful portfolio is as diverse as his story is inspiring. The serial entrepreneur recently added the title author to his list of achievements with the release of his literary debut, Ego Strength. It’s more than a memoir…it’s a master class in betting on yourself, and transforming pain into purpose for a legacy that lasts. 

Website: https://www.chuckcuda.com/ | https://opescre.com/chuck-cuda/ | https://oakridgekc.com/about-us

Check out Chuck on YouTube: https://youtu.be/5H5tuRIcAEk

Lindsay Howerton is a fractional COO and leadership consultant who empowers companies to scale with clarity and intention. From manufacturing floors to strategy-focused boardrooms, she brings a rare blend of operational rigor and people-first leadership that optimizes potential into performance. But what truly sets her apart is her uncanny ability to bring out the best in others, unifying purpose-driven organizations in growth and profitability that is built to last. 

Check out Lindsay on YouTube: https://youtu.be/i3sxFI7GPLc

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lhowkc/

Former Royals first baseman Eric Hosmer returns to Rounding the Bases for a thoughtful conversation about evolving with the game in life. From learning the new language of analytics to mentoring the next generation, Hoz opens up about what it really takes to lead, adapt, and stay grounded through the highs and lows. He reflects on clubhouse culture, handling failure, transitioning to media, and why the game still pulls him in. 

Check out the conversation on YouTube: https://youtu.be/idM9869bfIk

Today’s guest is no stranger to the C-Suite. In fact, she’s the kind of leader who doesn’t just climb the ladder, she builds a new one, and then shows you a smarter way up. Her name is Ashley McClellan, a trailblazing healthcare executive who stepped away from the comforts of corporate life to launch a bold, new initiative. Today, she is Founder and CEO of MedCurate, the digital marketplace putting curated careers at frontline workers’ fingertips. By matching nurses with healthcare shifts, she’s doing her part to cure the healthcare staffing crisis…with less red tape, more transparency and far fewer headaches.

Check out the conversation on YouTube: https://youtu.be/8VkB2eDgQfQ

Website: https://medcurate.com/ 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/medcurate/ 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/medcurate/

Larry Levine is a two-time bestselling author, award-winning podcast host, and co-founder of Selling From the Heart. It’s the company teams across the globe turn to when they want to win with authenticity and trust. Because while sales may be good, relationships are better. And in a digitally-driven world, letting your human side show is the best way to earn them. 

Check out Larry on YouTube: https://youtu.be/NgzgrXjL8-M

Website: https://sellingfromtheheart.net/larry-levine 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/larry1levine/?hl=en 
Twitter: https://x.com/sellfromheart 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/larry.levine.1992/

Michelle Villabolos is a trailblazing expert in the art and science of transformational communities. She’s Founder of the Superstar Activator an international authority bringing mission-driven strategies to everyone from the big stage to the board room. By empowering high-vibe professionals to level-up purpose with profits, she leads the way to monetizing your magic, adding a new kind of purpose to your work and your world.

Website: https://superstaractivator.com/ 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/superstaractivator/ 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesuperstaractivator/

Check out Joel's conversation with Michelle on YouTube: https://youtu.be/6aufkZy45Wo

Golf and hip hop intersect on today’s installment of Rounding the Bases, thanks to a bold lifestyle brand that hits differently. Joining Joel to tell the story is Jon Mason, the Founder and creative genius behind SwingJuice. It began as an energy drink, but between tee times and t-shirt drops evolved into a rebellious line of apparel for life on and off the links. By pushing the bounds of traditional course culture, he’s hit an ace for those who bring their entire personality to the game, whether serious players, weekend warriors or those who are just here for the vibes. 

Check Out More with Jon Mason on YouTube: https://youtu.be/q5DLwvrWKKc

Website: https://swingjuice.com/ 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theswingjuiceguy/ 
Twitter: https://x.com/swingjuiceguy?lang=ar-x-fm

Leadership, storytelling and digital transformation collide in today’s installment of Rounding the Bases by a guest who doesn't just challenge the status quo…she’s at the forefront of disruption. Her name is Mary Lou Kayser, the Founder of Kingfisher Media Publishing, a best-selling author and AI expert who helps professionals future-proof their work using creativity as the edge. With an attitude of possibility, she champions the notion of harnessing tech to reprogram your own path to success…before the algorithm does it for you.

Website: https://maryloukayser.com/ 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maryloukayser/ 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ForwardMotion/

Check out Mary Lou on YouTube: https://youtu.be/ZdXuhVE5P2A

Today’s guest is going back to the basics in his mission to show young sluggers the way to success. His name is Chris Allen, the founder and head coach of Wheelhouse Baseball Clinic, a place where the next gen of baseball talent is empowered to thrive on and off the field. As a passionate advocate for youth development, he has rewritten the player development playbook. And through his commitment to develop athletic skills in equal measure with values, has impacted an entire community in ways that extend well beyond the ballpark.

Website: https://wheelhousebaseballclinic.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094668160109

Check out Chris Allen on YouTube: https://youtu.be/k3--Dz8LE3Y