The Big W with Matt & Zack: Recent Episodes
Matt Naimoli and Zack Gould
Have you ever heard an individual's success story and thought, "that's great, but how did you get to that point?" These success stories have a beginning and an end, but often lack the most important part: the middle. The journey. The big moment that changed everything.
On this podcast, that moment is known as The Big W. "W" stands for the Big Who, What, Where, When, Why, or Win. Join Matt and Zack as they interview successful business leaders and influencers to discover their Big W moment. It could be a specific person, meeting, inspiration, pivotal moment, anything! Listen and get inspired to create a Big W in your life.
Building your brand and garnering attention is a challenge of its own. Add in the elements of digitization and ever-changing technology into the mix, and it leaves many of us wondering what to do next. Our next guest, Mitch Joel, is the go-to individual to address this challenge. He's an expert in consumer behavior, community, and technology. Today, he shares his perspective on creating content, connecting with an audience, and the future of digital currency.
Mitch's background includes growing a marketing agency, launching one of the world's first search engines, and advising companies in the AI and blockchain industries. He's an author, speaker, investor, and decoder of the future. Mitch Joel is someone you should know, and if you love music analogies, this episode is for you.
Learn more about Mitch Joel's work here: https://www.mitchjoel.com/
As a physical therapist and founder of Move Strong Physical Therapy, Andrew Millett helps people live their best lives by overcoming their pain. He shares how he keeps clients engaged, what he's learned about human behavior working as a physical therapist, and why it's so important to have an abundance mindset for your business. Beyond the world of physical therapy, Andrew is focusing on strengthening his company's culture and shares a clever tip on how to get your team to provide their honest feedback.
Follow Move Strong Physical Therapy on Instagram @movestrongphysicaltherapy
Check out their website here: https://movestrongphysicaltherapy.com/
Maneesh Sethi is on a mission to help people meet their goals in life, one zap at a time. He's the inventor of Pavlok, a behavior training device that helps you stick with good habits and discourage bad ones with an electric stimulus. You'll learn what inspired Pavlok, how he's improved the product over the years, and what he envisions for the company's future. Maneesh also discusses what he has learned working with Tim Ferris and pitching the product on Shark Tank.
Learn more about Pavlok here: https://pavlok.com/
Arjan Erkel’s story of finding inner freedom and taking ownership of his life manifests in a way that none of us could ever imagine for ourselves. In 2002, he was violently kidnapped by gun-toting rebels and held hostage for 607 days in Dagestan, Russia. Arjan shares his journey in great detail, from the moment he was kidnapped to what life after the 607 days looked like. He utilized the strongest force possible to get through and overcome this experience: his mind. Arjan is now a writer and motivational speaker inspiring others to find their own inner freedom. He’s the Co-Founder of Free a Girl, a foundation that frees young girls from sex trafficking. Though he was a victim of kidnapping, Arjan isn’t letting this incident define him. Listen and learn how the power of your mind will influence your future.
- Held Hostage by Arjan Erkel: https://www.amazon.com/Held-Hostage-Trials-Triumph-Dagestan-ebook/dp/B08PPW55WW
- Free a Girl Foundation: https://www.freeagirl.com/
- More about Arjan: https://arjanerkel.nl/
Imagine buying only one pair of shoes for your child until they turn 18.
Like shoes and clothes, children that are amputees grow out of their prostheses quickly. Too many families have trouble affording prostheses their children need to pursue their goals and dreams.
Having lost his legs in a boating accident at the age of 16, Jordan Thomas received support in all kinds of ways as he was recovering in the hospital. He recognized that not all kids receive the same kind of support, which inspired him to create the Jordan Thomas Foundation.
Now, Jordan and his foundation are on a mission to provide resources and a community for kids around the world in this situation. His story is incredible, and his passion for making a difference will inspire you.
Check out the Jordan Thomas Foundation here: https://jordanthomasfoundation.org/
Meet Scott Monty – our next guest on The Big W Podcast and the only classics major who’s been the global head of digital communication for a Fortune 10 brand. Scott advises corporate executives on modernizing their culture to meet the changing needs of customers, but does it with examples of history, literature, philosophy and poetry. During the podcast, Scott takes us through his time at Ford and shares why he decided to leave to start his own company. Listen to the end for Scott’s best advice on grabbing attention amidst all of the noise on social media and making a true impact as a brand.
Read more about Scott here: https://www.scottmonty.com/
Shaun Maslyk hosts a podcast called The Most Hated F-Word. And of course, that F-Word is… finances! Many of us have a love/hate relationship with money. Shaun joins us to discuss this paradox and share his expertise on financial wellness from a psychological perspective. He introduces the concept of your money script: Your hard-wired beliefs that influence how you think, feel, and act around money. You'll learn how to identify your money script so you can achieve financial independence and avoid placing too much self-worth towards money. Bonus topic: Shaun shares tips on how you can talk to your kids about money towards the end of the episode.
Check out some of the resources Shaun mentions in this episode:
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Caron Matthews sharing her money story and the song on The Most Hated F-Word: https://www.themosthatedfword.com/episode-36-financial-abundance/
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Shaun's podcast link: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-most-hated-f-word/id1507212940
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Dr. Brad Klontz's research on money scripts and his free money script assessment: https://www.yourmentalwealthadvisors.com/our-process/your-money-script/form
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A book that Shaun would recommend based on this conversation: Money Mammoth by Dr. Brad Klontz
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Shaun's website: https://www.themosthatedfword.com/
James "Mac" McPartland's passion for inspiring personal development and professional growth stems from his diverse life experiences. Mac was previously a CEO of a successful fitness equipment manufacturer and completed 9 Ironman events and 40 marathons, but the success was never enough. In 2004, he dedicated his life to authoring, speaking, and coaching individuals from all walks of life – everyone from athletes to executive teams at Bank of America, IBM, and Nespresso. Our talk with mac had several "aha" moments, including the story we tell ourselves, how we measure personal success, and the willingness to want. Listen and learn a new perspective to the question, "who am I?"
Check out jamesmcpartland.com for more information on Mac and his company.
Jon Feinman was making six figures as a personal trainer at the age of 23 but quickly reached growth ceilings in that role. An entrepreneur at heart, he took his love for weightlifting and passion for social justice to create InnerCity Weightlifting (ICW). ICW amplifies the voices of individuals that Jon was previously told to avoid – those in gangs, in and out of jail, and susceptible to violence. These individuals become personal trainers at ICW, bridging social capital and gaining economic mobility along the way. At first, Jon had no clue what he was doing, but simply listened and learned. In this interview, you’ll learn how he set out to influence change but ended up being changed himself.
Want to make an impact? Book a personal training session at https://www.innercityweightlifting.org/. Mention this podcast to receive a discount on your first two sessions.
One year and 26 episodes into this journey, we’re celebrating the anniversary of The Big W and all of our inspiring guests so far. Hear some of our favorite clips from the show featuring entrepreneurs, community leaders, athletes, thought leaders…you name it! We hope you learn as much as we have from this accomplished and diverse group of individuals.
To grow your business, you need the right people on the team. Your business needs a greater purpose beyond your product, and an experience that’s built based on client feedback. Emily Katz, Director of Studios for B/SPOKE Studios, focuses on those specific needs to grow her business. She shares the story of her boutique cycling studio, founded seven years ago in Boston. You’ll learn how core values can help you build a strong team and create a memorable experience for each client. Another bonus: you’ll walk away with several noteworthy quotes about growing your business.
For nine years, Eric Wood woke up with a purpose every day: to be the best center he could be for the Buffalo Bills. He had no idea all of this would change in an instant during a routine physical, which revealed he could no longer play in the NFL.
Eric’s purpose had to change, but his passion for serving others remained the same. Eric shares how he transitioned to that next chapter in life and how you can live up to your full potential, especially when the unexpected happens. You’ll learn about the parallels between business and sports, how to find your gifts, and how to get the most out of networking.
This week, take an inside look at the life of a 3x Superbowl Champion for the New England Patriots. Lonie Paxton walks us through his days as a long snapper for the Patriots to his post-NFL adventures. You’ll learn what it’s like working alongside Bill Belichick, transitioning to post-NFL life, and how to leverage relationships to advance your career. Listen and get inspired to pursue opportunities all around you.
This week, we're excited to introduce you to Mike Covino: Founder and CEO of Niche Hospitality. If you're local to Massachusetts, Niche Hospitality runs Bocado Tapas Wine Bar, The Fix Burger Bar, and Mezcal Tequila Cantina, all in central and western MA. Mike shares his keys to success and the challenges his business has faced that make Niche Hospitality what it is today. You'll learn how Mike and his team navigated COVID shutdowns, why it's important to be the #1 business of choice for your customers, and how to embrace the growth mindset. No matter what you do for work, we're all in business to make people happy. Hear how it's done from the hospitality expert himself.
As the CEO and Founder of Golden Group Roofing and Treasurer of the New England Roofing Contractor Association, Greta Bajrami is on a mission to transform the construction industry. For Greta, it's more than just setting people up with a reliable roof – it's about changing the mindset of roofers and consumers. Creating a different kind of consumer experience. Setting pathways for the industry to recruit talent. Listen and learn from Greta's take on entrepreneurship, product positioning, sales, and so much more!
"Sports is the draw, but let's tap into the mind, body, and soul."
Investing in our youth means investing in our future, and our next guest, Jamaal Wornum, made it his life's mission to accomplish just that.
Knowing that violence in the community affects youth development, Jamaal felt compelled to do something about it. He created OneLove Sports Academy to help the at-risk inner-city youth reach their full potential through sports, educational programs, and more.
Jamaal's grit and passion for creating change in the Boston community will inspire you. Listen and learn how trust, strong relationships, and community can take you to the next level in your business, and in life.
Donate to the OneLove Sports GoFundMe here: gf.me/u/zi8sr2
This week, Nick Hardwick joins us on The Big W to share his journey from the NFL to entrepreneurship. As a former Center for the San Diego Chargers, Nick was paid to keep his weight at 300 pounds for over a decade. Upon retirement, he took control of his health, lost 100 pounds in five months, and focused on his why. This led Nick to create a health and wellness community, and his fitness program Lose Like a Lineman. We were inspired by the way Nick prioritizes community, and just so happens to be a pro-bowler. Listen and learn a simple, yet powerful way to approach your goals.
Follow Nick on Instagram @nickhardwick
Visit his website at https://hardwick.life/
Use the code HardwickFF25 to receive a discount on the Lose Like a Lineman program.
Meet Sidney Baptista, Founder of the Boston-based PIONEERS Run Crew and newly launched clothing line, PYNRS.
If you want to go for a run, you ought to be able to put on your running shoes and go outside. Sid and some of his friends did not feel welcomed to run in Boston and they wanted to solve the problem for any person of color that experienced the same pain.
After building a community based on inclusivity, Sid decided to solve another problem for his friends: clothing that fit their body types and lifestyle.
We are excited to share a story of community and culture. We believe Sid has an important message for all our listeners to hear.
Check out Sid’s new Performance Streetwear line, PYNRS, here: https://pynrs.com/
Mike Savage, a serial entrepreneur, business coach, and keynote speaker, joins us on The Big W podcast this week. He began his career working as a mechanical engineer, started some companies in the health and fitness industry, and now coaches entrepreneurs. His philosophies on entrepreneurship will have you leaning forward as he shares his story. Listen now and learn about the stages of growing a business, the entrepreneurial trilogy, and more.
Check out Mike's coaching business, Savage Secrets, here: https://thesavagesecrets.com/
To receive Mike’s new eBook, “DREAM BIG and CRUSH YOUR GOALS,” simply send an email to info@thesavagesecrets.com and request a copy.
Tom Livne shares a story a determination, resilience, and true entrepreneurial spirit on today’s episode of The Big W. Back when Tom was a lawyer, he noticed how difficult it was to get anything transcribed. He founded Verbit to make the process of obtaining transcriptions frictionless. You’ll learn about Tom’s fascinating background, and how he built the team and company that changed an industry.
Learn more about Verbit at their website: https://verbit.ai/
Like Verbit on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/verbit.inc
We guarantee you've never heard a story quite like Dr. Robbie Golstein's before this interview. He's an infectious disease doctor at Mass General Hospital and saw a significant problem working in the field: many patients struggle to get the care they need. Determined to help patients overcome these barriers, Robbie ran for congress in Massachusetts' 8th district last year without any connections to the political world. He shares his life-changing experience on the latest episode of The Big W.
AJ Wnukowski is the Co-Founder of Lumberlend and mastermind behind the baseball bat mug – which is exactly how it sounds. A baseball bat barrel cut in half, hollowed out, and turned into a personalized mug with a name or favorite picture engraved. The idea sprouted from a dinnertime conversation, and through several prototypes and strategic partnerships, it became a massive hit for Father’s Day and groomsmen gifts. AJ tells the ultimate story of grit, passion, and turning big ideas into reality.
Check out Lumberlend here: https://www.lumberlend.com/ and follow them on Instagram @lumberlend_co
Rick Scherer – a friend, leader in his industry, and the Co-Founder of OnTo Mortgage, joins Matt and Zack on The Big W podcast this week. Rick began his career as a loan officer working for various companies, gaining several different perspectives on their processes. He saw a problem in the industry, took what he learned, and created OnTo Mortgage with his Co-Founder, Rich Clayton.
Check out OnTo Mortage here: https://ontomortgage.com/
Follow Rick on Instagram @rickscherermtg
For our first G&N client spotlight on The Big W, we’re excited to introduce Jamas LaFreniere. Jamas and his wife Margot discovered that their daughter, Sophie, was diagnosed with an extremely rare metabolic disease: Glycogen Storage Disease Type 1b (GSD 1b). Since there is currently no cure for GSD, Jamas and Margot created Sophie’s Hope Foundation – raising money to fund the world’s top GSD 1b researchers’ quest to find a cure. Their story is a fascinating one. And what’s most impressive – the positivity they keep during tough times.
Learn more about Sophie’s Hope Foundation and GSD Type 1b at their website: https://sophieshopefoundation.org/
Donate here: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=J2MH3APX5F7J6&source=url
We’re excited to introduce real estate mogul and coach Ricky Carruth. He has over 500,000 followers across his social media channels for a reason. His story of being completely broke, sitting on an oil rig, wondering what to do with his life, only years ago, is a story to admire. Listen now and learn just how far strong relationships can take you in your career.
Manny Lubin saw a gap in the marketplace. An opportunity to create a beverage that balances nostalgia and functionality – and founded Slate Milk. It’s a lactose-free, high protein, low sugar, and healthier version of your favorite drink as a kid—chocolate milk. Manny discusses how Slate grew through Kickstarter and shares his experience as a guest on Shark Tank alongside his Co-Founder, Josh. His story shows the trials and tribulations of starting a new company, and you won’t want to miss it!
Learn more here: https://slatemilk.com/
Follow Slate Milk on Instagram: @slatemilk
This week, we chat with Mike Tassone, the Co-Founder of OwnUp. 3 out of 4 of us do not shop for a mortgage, and OwnUp solves that problem by helping homebuyers find the best possible mortgage for their needs. Learn how Mike and his business partners Patrick and Brent took a cumbersome, confusing process and built a company that removes inefficiencies and creates transparency for homebuyers.
Learn more: https://www.ownup.com/
Seth Rosen is the Co-Founder of CustomMade, the world's largest online custom jeweler. It's a simple business strategy to make people happy, with a complex process behind the scenes. Seth shares his journey of buying the CustomMade.com website, selling it, and repurchasing it with a different idea in mind. His story will get you hooked, and his lessons learned make this episode a must-listen for any business leader.
CustomMade's website: http://custommade.com/
Follow CustomMade on Instagram: @custommadejewelry
Like CustomMade on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/custommade/
We asked Pete Dupuis, Co-Founder of Cressey Sports Performance, to share some fun facts about himself. Here’s what he said: (1) “I started my business 14 years ago primarily to avoid finding work in ‘the real world,’” and (2) “I earn my living catering to world-class baseball players despite the fact that neither my business partner nor I played the sport beyond little league.”
This week, Pete shares some of the pivotal moments that changed everything for him. You’ll hear about the moment he decided to join business partner Eric Cressey in opening a gym, how they became “the baseball gym,” and more.
Follow Pete on Instagram and Twitter @Pete_Dupuis
Website: www.PeteDupuis.com
Podcast -- Niched: Available on Apple Podcasts
Meet Enrico Palmerino, the Founder and CEO of Botkeeper. With the combination of accountants, machine learning and AI, Botkeeper’s platform revolutionizes the way bookkeeping gets done in the 21st century. Enrico shares his inspiration for creating Botkeeper and how he turns ideas into reality. He gets real about the struggles of entrepreneurship. Despite his massive success, his humility and vulnerability make him super relatable. Whether you’re a leader or entrepreneur, Enrico’s story will inspire you to create impact for generations to come.
Learn more about Botkeeper here:
https://www.botkeeper.com/blog/botkeeper-is-named-850-on-inc.5000
https://www.botkeeper.com/testimonials
https://www.botkeeper.com/botkeeper-case-studies
Larry Rideout is the Chairman and Co-Founder of Gibson Sotheby's International Realty, a top Boston-based real estate brokerage firm that uses its core values as a guiding light. He joins us on The Big W to share his story – from working as a truck driver to his first job in real estate. We learn about the successes and pitfalls in his career, and the importance of strong company culture as a catalyst to growth. Listen as Larry shares what he's learned about leadership on this week's episode of The Big W.
How do you go from selling security software to co-founding a top taproom-brewery in New England? This is Keith “Sully” Sullivan’s story, and he’s here to share what it takes to turn your side business into your full-time career. Learn how Sully and business partner Keith Antul combined their creative minds, business skills, and brewing expertise to make Medusa Brewing what it is today.
Check out Medusa Brewing here: https://www.medusabrewing.com/
Follow them on Instagram @medusabrewing
Meet Jordan Syatt, a strength and fitness coach with a creative, comedic, and educational approach to helping others achieve their fitness goals. Jordan spent three years coaching Gary Vee, holds several powerlifting world records, and consistently puts out content to educate his hundreds of thousands of followers on Instagram and YouTube. Listen and learn what kickstarted his career, how he became Gary Vee’s coach, and the mindset he adopted to make the most out of challenging times.
Follow Jordan on Instagram @syattfitness
Watch Jordan on YouTube here
Changing how people see the world or getting people to take action starts with a compelling idea communicated in the right way. The challenge: people aren’t designed to change, and change doesn’t happen quickly. So how can you tell your story in a way that creates change?
Tamsen Webster is an idea strategist and messaging guru with a framework that helps individuals and organizations communicate their big ideas. She developed the “Red Thread” framework as a Weight Watchers Leader. She applied it as an Executive Producer for TedX, and a consultant to enterprises like Verizon, Johnson & Johnson, and State Street Bank. Listen now for a different, unique perspective on marketing, branding, and communication strategy.
Subscribe to Tamsen’s newsletter here: https://tamsenwebster.com/
Meet Vanessa Joy – She’s a wedding photographer, she loves to teach people how to use a camera, and she’s captured a ton of Big W moments in her life. You’ll hear about the key relationships that changed everything for Vanessa. The moment she decided she wanted to teach. And how she continues to find passion in her career. Grab your pen and notepad, because no matter what industry you work in, there are a ton of takeaways from Vanessa’s story that you won’t want to miss.
Follow Vanessa on Instagram @vanessajoy
Check out her YouTube channel: http://ow.ly/ao1650A81jz
We're excited to introduce our first guest of The Big W: Anthony Lamacchia. He's the owner of the Lamacchia Companies, including Lamacchia Realty, and creator of the Crush It In Real Estate training courses. Anthony shares the moments, conversations, and values that led to where he is today. Listen and get inspired by Anthony's many "Big W" moments, including a who, what, and when.
Follow Anthony and Lamacchia Realty on Instagram: @ajlamacchia and @lamacchiarealty
Check out Crush It In Real Estate: https://crushitinre.com/