Dan The Road Trip Guy

Get in Touch with Dan by Texting Now I invited Kansas City entrepreneur and author Justin Ricklefs to trace his road trip from his years behind the scenes with college football and The Kansas City Chiefs to building Guild Collective, a human-first branding agency that helps companies lead with Human Storytelling. We talk about the moments that shape a leader: the family-of-seven road trip to Florida that forged patience and humor, the long days in pro sports that reveal the hidden machinery behind game day, and the quiet courage it takes to leave a marquee job. Justin shares the core of his new book, Give a Damn: The Catalyst for Caring Companies, and walks us through the four C’s that turn care into a competitive advantage—curiosity, compassion, clarity, and consistency. This isn’t theory for theory’s sake; it’s the kind of practical leadership that aligns teams, earns trust, and makes brands memorable. We also break down why the best marketing feels like a story you want to finish. From tear-tinged Super Bowl ads to everyday posts, the work that lasts chooses meaning over noise and love over fear. That lens extends beyond the office. Justin explains how a silent retreat reframed his priorities—faith, wellness, marriage, family, work, friends—into a simple spine: an ordered life is a good life. The result is less frantic pushing and more steady receiving, including a vision for a family gathering place in the mountains or by the ocean. If you’re building a brand, leading a team, or just trying to live with more intention, this road trip offers a map. Press play, share it with a friend who could use a nudge toward clarity, and leave a quick review to tell us what part moved you most. You can find Justin's book "Give a Damn" at Give a Damn: The Catalyst for Caring Companies: Ricklefs, Justin: 9798245800219: Amazon.com: Books More information about Guild Collective at Guild Collective | Marketing Agency Kansas City

Get in Touch with Dan by Texting Now Ever wonder how a brand story becomes a life story? I sat with Dr. Roseann Hassey—P&G alum, Reebok leader in women’s fitness, and University of Cincinnati professor—to trace the thread that ties marketing, travel, and purpose together: people first, always. We begin with origins that aren’t tidy: a first car she never got to drive, a tight early job market, and the moment she chose brand management because it felt like leading the communities she already loved. That decision opened doors at P&G, where ownership and curiosity shaped her craft. Then came Reebok, where she helped steer a pivotal shift in women’s fitness—from “sweat to win” to feeling strong, connected, and mentally well. She unpacks how a women’s sneaker solved real pain, how apparel tech and style redefined the gym, and why Reebok briefly outpaced Nike by listening harder and building for real needs. The conversation then turns to AI and the modern marketing toolkit. Roseann is refreshingly candid: tasks compress, teams evolve, and the bar for thinking rises. Yet the fundamentals refuse to budge—define a human, learn their world, and earn trust with clear value. Tools can draft; only people can care. Her teaching lens reveals what today’s marketers must cultivate: curiosity, critical thinking, and a bias toward action that starts with interviews, journeys, and friction points that make life meaningful. Woven through are road miles and wonder. A mother–daughter drive to the Pacific makes the nation’s vastness visible and its politics legible. Dawn on the Serengeti reframes time. The Dolomites’ hut‑to‑hut trails and the pyramids on Cairo’s edge remind us that good strategy is humble before history and place. We wrap with a north star you can use today: it’s always about the people—students, teammates, customers, family—and the promises you keep with them. If this resonates, follow the show, share it with a friend who loves great brand stories, and leave a review to help others find us. Then tell us: what journey reshaped how you see the world? The World Food Program: https://wfpusa.org/ Keep Cincinnati Beautiful: https://www.keepcincinnatibeautiful.org/

Get in Touch with Dan by Texting Now Some stories are built on long highways and short, unforgettable moments. Today we meet Nashville songwriter and performer Christen Ball, whose creative life was shaped by a light blue Buick Park Avenue, a single mom who let her be the DJ, and a grandfather who handed down two extraordinary guitars. From open mics and awkward first gigs to arena dates on the Luke Bryan tour, Christen maps the real work of turning passion into a profession without losing the heart of why music matters. We dig into the family roots that formed her sound: a mother serving as church organist and pianist, a grandfather whose bluegrass leads pulled her rhythm playing into focus, and the rare Gibson ’47 SJ and Martin ’69 D‑28 that still carry his touch. Christen opens up about the practical pivots that moved her from a mismatched admin role to a seven‑year stretch in a church music department, and eventually to full‑time artistry. Expect honest talk about how to align your day job with your dream, why alternative rock is her North Star, and what it takes to be the reliable bandmate who sings harmonies, plays guitar, and keeps the show moving. There’s romance and real life here too. Christen and her husband Michael, a drummer found each other at a party, fell in love, then built a marriage that makes room for faith, honesty, and creative risk. She shares the thrill of opening for The Babys, the chaos of driving a station wagon through Times Square, and the steady joy of making music with friends—her version of a bucket list that actually sustains a career. The most powerful turn arrives with forgiveness. After 27 years without her father, Christen chose to reconnect near the end of his life, a decision that brought grief, peace, and lasting freedom. It’s a reminder that letting go doesn’t erase the past, but it does clear space for leading a better life. Press play to hear a grounded, hopeful roadmap for artists and listeners alike. If this story moved you, subscribe, share it with a friend, and leave a review to help more people find the show. You can find Christen at https://www.christenballmusic.com

Get in Touch with Dan by Texting Now If the holidays feel loud and your attention feels thin, this one’s for you. Dan takes a quiet solo drive through a timeless theme—be present—reviving a note he wrote in 2012 and testing it against today’s hyperconnected world. From crowded malls to glowing screens at dinner, we look at how small habits and constant notifications dilute the simple joys we actually want to protect: conversation, eye contact, unhurried laughter, and the comfort of just being together. We unpack three sticky truths from a leadership conference Dan attended with his daughter. First, rushing through any season blinds us to the blessings baked into ordinary moments. Second, you can show up physically but still be miles away mentally. Third, maybe purpose is less about adding more and more about choosing the right square to stand on. Those ideas frame a candid confession from a technologist who loves gadgets, yet sees how quickly convenience morphs into compulsion. Phones become reflexes. Feeds masquerade as connection while siphoning attention from the person across the table. Practical shifts make the theme usable. We talk about moving your phone out of reach during meals and meetings, setting clear check-in windows, and treating vacations like presence training with one daily phone check. Build small rituals that resist the scroll: device-free dinners, five-minute evening check-ins, slow walks, or reading together. And then a bolder step—try a weekly gadget-free day to reset your nervous system and rediscover focus. The promise isn’t perfection; it’s progress. Make 2026 the year of presence: generous attention for family, friends, coworkers, and your community. The emails and alerts will wait. The moments you rescue won’t need replay; they’ll already be lived. If this resonates, share the episode with someone who needs a gentle nudge, subscribe for more road-tested reflections, and leave a review to tell us where you’re choosing to be fully here.

Get in Touch with Dan by Texting Now A grocery headline about AI pilots and fulfillment shifts sparked a very different memory: a gravel parking lot in Pine Knot, Kentucky, and a family store that delivered more than food. We trace a line from free deliveries and house accounts to algorithmic substitutions and online baskets, and we ask a simple question with a complicated answer: what happens to community when convenience wins? I share how Anderson’s Grocery ran on trust you could feel—orders taken by phone, notes on a pegboard, the exact brand a customer loved, and a ride home when it mattered. There was no delivery fee and no “efficiency play,” just a belief that service includes conversation, eye contact, and the kind of accuracy that says, I remember you. Those small rituals built loyalty deeper than any coupon, and they turned transactions into relationships. Meanwhile, big-box retail faces a profit puzzle as online volume grows faster than margins, pushing experimentation with in-store picking, Instacart, and AI agents. Rather than reject technology, we map out a better path: use AI to remember preferences as well as my mother did, design pickup moments that include a real hello, and measure success not only in speed but in connection. We look at where human touch is irreplaceable—substitutions, care for seniors, local familiarity—and where automation truly shines. The goal isn’t nostalgia; it’s wisdom. Keep the convenience. Restore the presence. Build systems that scale empathy alongside efficiency. If this resonates, follow the show, share it with someone who loves a good road story, and leave a review with one human moment you never want tech to replace. Your notes shape where we go next.

Get in Touch with Dan by Texting Now What if the moment you feared most became the doorway to a life you actually want? John Stewart Hill takes us from a performance-driven faith and a string of personal losses to a 2 a.m. heart attack that forced a choice: go or stay. He chose to stay—and built a movement that protects homeowners and elevates honest tradespeople through The Good Contractors List, where every job is backed by a $25,000 guarantee. We dig into the origin story that started with a yellow legal pad and zero safety net, and the counterintuitive bet that standing between homeowners and contractors could reduce fear, prevent disputes, and restore trust. John explains how rigorous vetting, FBI-grade verification tools, and proactive follow-up transformed a risky idea into a reliable, scalable system that has backed billions in work. He also shares what most people miss about contractor horror stories, why third-party mediation changes outcomes, and how integrity over optics wins in the long run. The conversation goes deeper than business. John talks about grace over performance, the voice that told him purpose was waiting if he stayed, and the 2022 heart transplant that connected him to a donor family he now honors with every day he’s given. We unpack how faith guides his decisions, why he still refuses to leave God out of the story, and the surprising way he’s helping people find local house churches through a free online directory. Along the way, you’ll hear a turbo-boost first car tale, a tense border detainment on the way to Niagara Falls, and the simple life advice he uses to stay grounded: live in the present, trust deeply, and serve others. If you want a practical blueprint for building trust, leading with purpose, and making hard promises you’re proud to keep, this ride is for you. You can find The Good Contractors List at https://www.thegoodcontractorslist.com

Get in Touch with Dan by Texting Now What if a car isn’t just a car, but a turning point? I sat down with Changing Gears founders and leaders Joel Bokelman and Amanda Sinclair to unpack how a “Habitat for Cars” model turns reliable transportation into access to jobs, better pay, safer schedules, and the freedom to plan a future. It’s a practical, human approach to poverty that blends restored donated vehicles, half-price repairs, and a four-week technician training program into lasting mobility. Joel shares the spark: a love of cars, a heart for empowering help, and the moment a volunteer gig grew into a mission. We break down the three core programs—vehicle purchase with zero-interest loans, repair and maintenance at half cost, and a hands-on tech training pathway that launches lube and tire tech careers. With partners like CityLink Center and Smart Money providing wraparound support, the model delivers real results: 353 cars sold with a 95% loan completion rate, 63 training graduates with 53 job placements, and a 68% one-year retention rate in the field. The stories bring it home. Lakweila overcame a stolen car mid-training, bought an affordable vehicle, graduated, landed a dealership role, and paid off her car early—then celebrated with a joy drive to Hocking Hills. Carrie’s “Little Betty Blue” helped her step into a better job and a new home; years later she bought a new car and passed the Honda to her daughter. We connect these moments to the bigger picture: in Greater Cincinnati, only five percent of jobs are reachable by bus within an hour, but with a car it’s 99 percent. Those extra hours each day can mean rest, homework, a second shift, or simply peace. We also look ahead. Changing Gears is looking to expand through new partner organizations across the city and building an affiliate playbook so communities elsewhere can launch their own transportation solutions. Along the way, Amanda’s reminder to celebrate the small wins and Joel’s belief that “God doesn’t call the equipped; he equips the called” anchor the work in courage and gratitude. Want in? Donate a vehicle, support the mission, or join the pedal-powered fun at the Changing Gears Grand Prix. If this story moved you, subscribe, share it with a friend, and leave a review to help more people find it. Your voice helps fuel the next mile. You can find Changing Gears at https://www.changing-gears.org. If you are in the Cincinnati area, come out to Changing Gears on Thursday October 30th at 4:30 to celebrate their new graduates.

Get in Touch with Dan by Texting Now The plan was simple: Tampa to Cincinnati with a quick hop through Charlotte. Then came the cascade—late pushback, mysterious reroutes, a gate occupied, and a connection that closed two minutes early. What followed wasn’t just a scramble for rebooking; it was a reminder that travel is made of people as much as planes. I walk you through the airport chain reaction every traveler knows: the long customer service line, the gamble between an all night drive and a dawn departure, and the consolation prize of a hotel voucher and a sleepless room beside roadwork. And then the tone shifts. A brief, tense exchange at the front desk leads to an unexpected moment of grace: meeting Jean, an older passenger with a bad knee, a big heart, and a flight to Akron. We team up to secure a wheelchair, navigate the terminal, and trade stories over a cinnamon roll at Dunkin’. She shares a grandson’s wedding and a life in education; I share family memories and the habit of helping. It turns a wasted morning into a good one. Importantly, we explore how small kindness travels farther than any itinerary. The story ends with a surprise thank you—a box of Akron chocolates and a handwritten note—that seals the lesson: when plans fall apart, connection can still come together. If you’ve ever watched a plan unravel, this one’s for you. Press play, share it with a traveler who could use a smile, and leave a quick review to tell us about the best stranger you’ve met on the road.

Get in Touch with Dan by Texting Now The conversation starts with trucks and detours into a story about a lost lottery ticket, but the road quickly opens into something bigger: how a musician-turned-writer used story, humor, and a cross-country drive to make sense of loss and build a life that fits. Sean Dietrich—author, columnist, storyteller, and host of Sean of the South—joins us to talk about growing up near the Alabama line, singing hymns before he could drive, and the porch routine that keeps his words honest at sunrise. He shares the pivotal return to Pike’s Peak where his father’s ashes rest, the unexpected validation that met him in far-off towns, and the rejection that redirected him from classrooms to pages. We dig into why fiction can feel truer than nonfiction, how characters borrow our hidden parts, and why humor isn’t garnish—it’s the vehicle that gets truth through the door. Sean breaks down his daily process: just enough news not to sink the mood, then a search for one thread of grace that most of us would miss. We swap memories of Sunday drives and snap a mental photo in front of an old Buick, then ask when we got too busy to enjoy the ride. Along the way, an elder’s simple creed—life is about F-U-N—reframes joy as an act of love, not a distraction. It’s a reminder to notice, to laugh, and to record the stories before they disappear. You’ll hear about Over Yonder, the twists that surprised even its author, and the timeless pull of storytellers like Mark Twain who still make modern readers smile. If you care about craft, nostalgia, healing, or the spark that turns daily life into something worth keeping, this one’s for you. You can find Sean online by searching for Sean Dietrich or Sean of the South. You can find his Sean of the South podcast on your favorite platform. You can find his website at seandietrich.com and there find his writings, books and other interesting stories. If you are in the Cincinnati area, be sure to get out to Sean's show on November 2. You can find tickets at this link: Sean of the South Tickets, Sun, Nov 2, 2025 at 5:00 PM | Eventbrite

Get in Touch with Dan by Texting Now Have you ever had a childhood dream dramatically change when confronted with reality? That moment when what seemed glamorous from afar revealed its true complexity up close? Today, I'm sharing a deeply personal story about my lifelong fascination with truck driving. Growing up as the son of a long-haul trucker, I idolized my father's profession. The massive Kenworth cab-over, the open road, the independence – it all seemed like the perfect life. My childhood was punctuated by small thrills like moving Dad's truck around parking lots and learning to back it into tight spaces. The turning point came during college when my father invited me on a short haul to Tennessee. Just miles from home on our return trip, he pulled over and spoke four words that would change everything: "All right, you drive." Suddenly facing two transmission shifters and the reality of operating an 18-wheeler, my confidence crumbled with each grinding gear. When we finally arrived home, Dad asked a simple question: "So, do you still want to be a truck driver?" My answer surprised even myself. This experience taught me something profound about dreams versus reality, and the wisdom of my father who, despite not finishing high school, knew exactly how to guide me toward self-discovery. Though my career path changed that day, my love for the road never diminished. I still jump at any chance for a journey, which is why I'm extending an open invitation – if you need a driving companion for any trip, reach out! I believe everyone has a story worth sharing, and some of the best conversations happen on the road. What childhood dream did you leave behind, and what did it teach you?

Get in Touch with Dan by Texting Now What happens when your job becomes your identity? JT Harp's story of transformation from corporate executive to entrepreneurial business broker reveals powerful insights about purpose, meaning, and reinvention. After 30 years climbing the corporate ladder at Kroger, JT reached a turning point when he realized his title had become his identity. "I was silently suffering inside," he reveals, describing the paradox of being excellent at work he no longer loved. This awakening led him to Transworld Business Advisors, where he now helps small business owners confidentially sell their businesses and transition to new life chapters. The conversation takes fascinating turns as JT shares the emotional aspects of business sales, comparing it to his own experience selling small businesses during the pandemic. "We are fulfilling dreams," he explains, describing the profound satisfaction of helping both sellers move on and buyers step into new opportunities. Beyond career advice, JT offers thought-provoking perspectives on our relationship with technology. "Between you and your phone, which one is the slave and which one is the master?" he challenges listeners. His observations about constant stimulation and screen addiction cut to the heart of modern discontent, suggesting we're missing the valuable insight that comes from occasional boredom. Perhaps most compelling is JT's discovery of physical activity as a sanctuary for mental wellbeing. "I go to the gym now not just for physical health but, honestly, more for my mental health," he shares, describing how movement became essential to processing thoughts and healing from life's burdens. Whether you're contemplating a career change, struggling with work-life boundaries, or simply seeking greater fulfillment, JT's journey offers valuable wisdom about finding purpose beyond professional titles. Ready to explore selling your business or just curious about reinvention? Connect with JT at jharp@tworld.com or 513-725-7283.

Get in Touch with Dan by Texting Now What's the secret to 43 years of marriage? It's a question I found myself reflecting on this week as Linda and I celebrated another year together. Time seems to accelerate with each passing anniversary, prompting me to revisit a story I wrote for my StoryWorth collection about relationship advice. The foundation of our enduring marriage isn't just mutual attraction – though I'm still drawn to Linda's beauty just as I was at 17. What's sustained us through four decades is our commitment to shared experiences. From teaching Sunday school together in our early years to leading marriage events and eventually finding common purpose through our work in Haiti, these joint ventures have strengthened our bond in profound ways. We've mastered the art of supporting each other's passions – I embrace her love of dancing, she accompanies me to auto races. We've learned to gauge the importance of requests with a simple 1-10 scale, ensuring we prioritize what truly matters to each other. Beyond marriage, I've discovered the value of carefully selecting who enters your core circle. The most enriching relationships come from people who make deposits into your life account – individuals who share common interests, hold you accountable, speak truth, respond in times of need, and listen without judgment. They encourage your dreams and make you better just by being present. As you consider your own relationships, seek those who fill your life bucket rather than depleting it, recognizing that some connections are seasonal while others last a lifetime. Connect with me at dantheroadtripguy.com to share your own relationship insights or adventures – I'd love to hear how you're building meaningful connections in your life journey.

Get in Touch with Dan by Texting Now What happens when life's detours become your destination? Stephen Dawson's journey from the corporate world to purpose-driven entrepreneur reveals how unexpected challenges can shape our greatest callings. Stephen's path took its first major turn during the 2008 recession when, just eight months into his first job after college, he found himself unemployed, and questioning his purpose. This crisis moment sparked a passion for personal finance that would simmer quietly during his subsequent fourteen-year corporate career at Macy's and Amazon. Though professionally successful, Stephen gradually recognized the growing disconnect between his daily work and deeper calling. The transformation came unexpectedly during a quiet moment in church when Stephen received what he describes as a divine message to use his financial knowledge to serve others. This clarity gave him the courage to leave corporate America behind and establish himself as a financial coach for people seeking both financial freedom. Throughout our conversation, Stephen shares remarkable stories of serendipity and connection—from the college night he discovered his passenger once owned the very car he was driving, to a Pacific Coast Highway adventure featuring natural wonders and disasters that profoundly shifted his perspective on life's fragility and beauty. For anyone contemplating major life changes, Stephen offers this powerful decision-making framework: "Imagine yourself at 90, looking back. Will you regret doing this, or will you regret not doing it?" This perspective has guided him through career changes, relocations, and challenging goals that fear might otherwise have prevented. Whether you're questioning your current career path, seeking financial guidance with spiritual alignment, or simply enjoy stories of how life's unexpected turns can lead to our true calling, this episode offers both practical wisdom and inspirational insights about finding purpose beyond the paycheck. You can reach Stephen at stephen.m.dawson@gmail.com

Get in Touch with Dan by Texting Now A chance discovery in an old box of cassette tapes leads Dan down memory lane to 1978. This special episode transports listeners to a packed gymnasium where rival schools McCreary County and Pine Knot faced off in what would be their last matchup before consolidating into a single school. The recording captures more than just a basketball game; it preserves the atmosphere of small-town Kentucky life where high school sports served as the heartbeat of the community. Through crackling play-by-play commentary and crowd reactions, listeners experience the intensity of a rivalry where players from both teams knew they were making history, whether they realized it or not. Dan shares personal reflections on growing up in a tight-knit community "where people look out for each other" alongside the complications of everyone knowing your business. As he notes with a laugh, if he rode his motorcycle too fast, someone would quickly tell his mother at the grocery store. The game itself unfolds with all the drama you'd expect from a district tournament opener—lead changes, momentum shifts, and clutch performances from teenage athletes playing under the pressure of their entire community watching. Pine Knot ultimately prevails 54-43, but the score feels secondary to what this recording represents: a preserved moment from a community's shared history that might otherwise have been lost to time. Whether you grew up in small-town America, love basketball, or simply appreciate authentic glimpses into the past, this episode offers a unique listening experience that reminds us how sports can unite communities and create memories that last for generations. For Dan and the people of McCreary County, this isn't just a basketball game—it's the soundtrack to the end of an era.

Get in Touch with Dan by Texting Now Ever wonder what makes someone dedicate their entire life to teaching kids in a small Kentucky town? In this heartwarming continuation of my conversation with Mr. Howard Jones, we dive deeper into the life and wisdom of a man who shaped generations through four decades of teaching. Coach Jones shares powerful stories that reveal his character-building approach to coaching basketball. When a player lost his uniform, Coach made him earn the money for a replacement by picking up trash around town. When his star player attempted to quit by tossing his uniform on the desk, Coach calmly explained: "When you quit, you're through." The player was back on the court before practice started. These weren't just sports lessons—they were life lessons that prepared young people for the challenges ahead. The conversation takes us through Coach's resourceful approach to running school sports with zero budget, organizing games with neighboring towns, and finding creative ways to provide opportunities for his students. We learn about his personal passions too—from his meticulously maintained John Deere tractor to his lifelong love of gardening, which continues today with a carefully curated selection of vegetables he particularly enjoys. Perhaps most striking is Coach Jones' extraordinary dedication. When asked if he ever took vacations, he simply replies: "Never took a vacation. I just always felt that when I came back I'd be so far behind I could never catch up." His self-reliance extended to learning how to fix almost anything by watching others do it once—a fading ethic in our modern world of specialists and service calls. His closing advice captures the essence of a well-lived life: get as much education as possible, take care of your body, and be someone your children can be proud of. Join us for this moving conversation that celebrates not just a beloved coach, but the values that built small-town America.

Get in Touch with Dan by Texting Now Have you ever wondered how an ordinary rock in a cardboard box could make someone a millionaire? In this nostalgic trip back to 1975, we explore the bizarre phenomenon of the Pet Rock, perhaps the strangest fad that swept America during the mid-seventies. As a 14-year-old when this craze hit, I share what I remember and what my Google search returned. What began as a bar conversation about the hassles of pet ownership evolved into a cultural touchstone that perfectly captured America's sense of humor and consumer habits. These weren't just rocks—they came in custom cardboard boxes with ventilation holes and straw bedding, complete with a training manual. At just under $4 each, with a 95-cent profit margin, Dahl transformed ordinary Mexican stones into must-have companions and himself into a millionaire within six months. The Pet Rock offers us a fascinating case study in marketing brilliance. Despite lasting only half a year as a mainstream phenomenon, its cultural impact endured, even earning a reference in the cult classic film "Office Space." More surprisingly, the Pet Rock has found new life in recent years—purchased by toy company Super Impulse in 2022 and gaining popularity in South Korea as a meditation tool. Today, you can still buy one on Amazon for $29.99, seven times its original price. As we concluded during lunch with friends, "You're only one good idea away from being a millionaire." Maybe this quirky slice of American pop culture history will inspire your own million-dollar concept! Share your memories of the Pet Rock with me or let me know what other nostalgic fads you'd like to hear about in future episodes. Visit dantheroadtripguy.com to connect or leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.

Get in Touch with Dan by Texting Now Some holidays mark the calendar, but others define our fondest memories. In this heartwarming episode, I take you on a nostalgic journey through my favorite holiday, Independence Day. July 4th has held a special place in my heart since childhood, when the carnival would bring magic and excitement to our little Kentucky town for one amazing week. I vividly recall the thrill of carnival rides like the ferris wheel and tilt-a-whirl, the frustration of trying to knock over those suspiciously heavy milk bottles, and the excitement when my Tennessee cousin would arrive with fireworks that weren't available in Kentucky. These celebrations held special significance – occurring during summer vacation with no school obligations, bringing distant friends back home, and uniting the entire community in celebration. The tradition continues today, though in evolving ways. From creating new memories at Mid-Ohio IndyCar races to reunions with friends unseen for decades, July 4th remains my favorite time for connection and celebration. This year's highlights included reconnecting with friends after thirty years and celebrating my aunt and uncle's 50th wedding anniversary – proof that the holiday's spirit of togetherness endures. Beyond festivities, Independence Day serves as an important midpoint for reflection. Have you accomplished the goals you set in January? What's standing in your way? Use this milestone to reassess, recalibrate, and recommit to your aspirations. I'd love to hear about your favorite holiday traditions and the special memories they've created for you. Share your stories with me at dannyneal.com, and until next time, keep exploring, connecting, and discovering the joy in life's journeys.

Get in Touch with Dan by Texting Now From a road trip sleeping in the trunk of a car during a Florida road trip to the helm of a 20-year cornhole business, Frank Geers shares the remarkable journey that transformed a simple backyard game into an international competitive sport. As founder of the American Cornhole Organization (ACO), Frank's entrepreneurial spirit and creative vision have literally changed how millions play and experience cornhole. Frank's story begins with a marketing insight while working at his company Harris Hawk—seeing cornhole boards as potential billboards for brand promotion. What started as a business concept evolved into a passionate mission to legitimize and standardize the game. With refreshing candor, he recounts the early days when he had to explain what cornhole even was, and how his wife cried when he announced his plans to build a business around it. The conversation reveals fascinating innovations that revolutionized the sport, including Frank's creation of the now-standard two-sided bag with "stick" and "slide" surfaces, adding strategic complexity to gameplay. We journey through ACO's growth from local competitions to major tournaments annually spanning from California to Florida and even expanding internationally. Most compelling is Frank's insight into the dedicated cornhole community. His "Road Dog" award—honoring players who attend 13+ tournaments yearly—has grown from 9 recipients to 69 in just four years, with enthusiasts traveling thousands of miles and rearranging their lives around competition schedules. Frank estimates he's personally driven over a million miles promoting the sport he loves. Whether you're curious about entrepreneurship, sports development, or simply want to understand how a backyard pastime landed on ESPN, this conversation offers a unique window into what happens when you follow an unlikely dream with unwavering persistence. Ready to learn more about competitive cornhole? Visit AmericanCornhole.com or contact Frank directly for tournament information. You can find ACO at https://americancornhole.com

Get in Touch with Dan by Texting Now My guest today is Howard Jones—though to me, and many others, he’s best known as Mr. Jones or Coach Jones. He played a significant role in my childhood while I was growing up in the small Kentucky town of Pine Knot. As an educator, Coach impacted countless lives throughout the county. He also served our country with time in the Army and cultivated a thriving garden over the years. And, as you'll hear at the end of this episode, he shares some truly meaningful life advice. Coach Howard Jones's remarkable journey unfolds in this heartfelt conversation about resilience, mentorship, and the power of community influence. Born in a small Kentucky home where his family saved pennies for soda bottle deposits, Coach Jones transformed his humble beginnings into a lifetime of impact as an educator and coach. The story follows Coach Jones from his childhood friendship with my Uncle Robert Bartley through his college years at Cumberland and Eastern Kentucky, revealing how determination overcame financial obstacles at every turn. When he arrived at Pine Knot High School in 1955, he inherited a basketball program that had fallen on hard times—a perfect canvas for his philosophy that "we may not have the talent, but we're going to outwork Coach Jones served his country in the Army, spending time stationed in Germany, where he also coached the base basketball team. Upon returning to Pine Knot, he put the leadership skills he had honed abroad to work, turning a struggling basketball program into a powerhouse—leading the team to an impressive 27-win season and a berth in the regional tournament. Beyond the wins and losses, Coach Jones's greatest legacy may be his elementary school basketball program, where he focused on fundamentals without cutting players. His teaching methods—like placing tape on the floor to help young players understand positioning—showcase the creative problem-solving that defined his coaching style. Throughout the conversation, Coach Jones's humility shines through as he shares wisdom gained over decades: get as much education as possible, take care of your body, and live in a way that makes your children proud. His story reminds us that sometimes the greatest victories happen long after the final buzzer, measured in the lives touched and values instilled rather than points on a scoreboard. Subscribe, share, and join us next time as we continue exploring the extraordinary stories of ordinary people who've made all the difference in their communities and beyond.

Get in Touch with Dan by Texting Now Every father leaves an imprint on their child's life, but some teach us lessons we carry for decades without even realizing it. This Father's Day, I'm sharing a deeply personal story from my StoryWorth collection about the man who shaped not only my love for the open road but my approach to life itself. My dad wasn't just any trucker—he was a mechanical wizard who could fix anything with his hands and preferred the quiet charm of America's back roads to the efficient monotony of interstates. Though his big rig kept him away for days at a time, the moments we shared became the foundation of who I am today. From teaching me to ride my first Rupp minibike in our backyard to meticulously building a regulation basketball hoop on our roof, he showed me that love often looks like time and attention rather than words. The summer of 1970 stands frozen in my memory—riding alongside him in a 1967 Kenworth, delivering produce across the Eastern United States. Those highways and byways became classrooms where I learned about this country's breathtaking landscapes and the value of seeing what others miss when they rush from point A to point B. Now, whenever I descend into Cincinnati or drive the Florida Turnpike at dawn, I'm transported back to those precious months when my father's world became mine. His preference for American-made vehicles, his quiet dignity, and his problem-solving mindset continue to influence my choices even now. If your father is still with you, I encourage you to reach out today. Record his stories, ask the questions you've been meaning to ask, and treasure the time you have. Because someday, like me, you'll find yourself trying to piece together the full picture of the man who helped make you who you are. Join me for this special episode that reminds us all that sometimes the most meaningful journeys aren't about destinations at all.