The Back 9

On this episode of the Back 9, we're joined by the remarkable Brad Carpenter, Founder of Bushwood Spirits and the gloriously named Back 9 Bourbon, who shares his incredible journey from a near-fatal accident to crafting a brand that's all about resilience and storytelling. You'll be captivated by the story of how his severe injury -- and a deep connection to a classic film -- led to a screenplay, a bourbon, and a brand new lifestyle. And this episode is about way more than the bourbon; it's about the man behind the bottle. Brad’s journey is a masterclass in Back 9 transformation and triumph. We'll take you through the meteoric rise of Bushwood, and a story that is a testament to the power of how a moment of personal reckoning can lead to entrepreneurial success. It’s a narrative that emphasizes the importance of connection and relationships in the darkest of times—a message that stands at the very core of why we podcast. So get ready for an episode that promises humor, inspiration, and a candid look at embracing life's unexpected turns…on this episode of the Back 9. Contact Dennis & Josh: Instagram: @Back9_Podcast

Join us on this episode of the Back 9 as we shatter your image of what a rock star is and how a rock star behaves. Matt Heafy is the lead singer of the world-renowned metal band, Trivium, but he is so much more: He is a fantastically successful scorer of films and games, a cook, a restauranteur, a husband, a father, and a dedicated student of the worlds he inhabits. But he arrives at these destinations having grown up as an outsider, and in this episode Matt details several experiences and influences that taught him how to turn his adversities into possibilities, and that have made him the success that he his today many times over. As Matt enters his Back 9, he provides incredible strategies, compelling stories and sound wisdom for all of us who are longing to take the next step in pursuing our passions. This episode is a scream, so join us on The Back 9. Contact Dennis & Josh: Instagram: @Back9_Podcast

Here on the Back 9, so many of us are looking to make life deeper, easier, less stressful. So welcome into a profound conversation with Tracy McDonough, the wizard, healer and Reiki practitioner behind Healing Moments. Tracy shares her blended brew of physical, emotional, and spiritual wellness. Her insights on the impact of energy and vibrational frequency on our relationships and how to get started on a journey of personal growth and true transformation are nothing short of enlightening. In this episode, we start with theory and understanding, then provide real pathways to creating real-world wellness strategies. So if you’ve ever been curious as to how energy work can help you to mend your heart, heal your body, or lower the volume on your inner monologue, you’ll want to tune in to this conversation. It’s the first step towards a more connected, healthier, and happier you, on this episode of the Back 9. Contact Dennis & Josh: Instagram: @Back9_Podcast

As we launch into Season 3, we bring in our first ACTUAL golfer on the Back 9. We get into the swing former PGA Tour star Brad Faxon, as he joins us on the green to share the life lessons he’s learned in a long and prolific career. We touch on the technical, but really get into the relatable and personal as Brad invites us into his world off the course. He shares his experiences as a 4x Girl Dad, from the cautious first drive home from the hospital to the jittery anticipation of wedding dances. And he talks about how, like many of us on the Back 9, he now inhabits a role as a mentor, recalling the influences of the mentors who shaped him as a younger athlete and man. Bring your A-Game, as we tee off with a doozy of an opener, on this episode of The Back 9. Contact Dennis & Josh: Instagram: @Back9_Podcast

Friends, we warm up for our season 3 focus of exploring how men define masculinity today. We unravel the threads of modern manhood from the perspective of middle age and in an era which challenges previous norms. On this episode, we preview our understanding of strength and courage, how to avoid toxic bravado, and how to navigate the minefield of setting personal boundaries. We present our season lineup of guests and reveal how they’ll provide resources and solutions for dealing with difficult personalities and situations, as they guide us towards becoming more authentic, grounded men, at a time when the world needs the energy of grounded, secure men. So lend us your ears, as we set you up for a season of transformational stories and actionable wisdom, as we tee off on Round 3 of The Back 9. Contact Dennis & Josh: Instagram: @Back9_Podcast

In our season two finale, we're clinking our glasses filled with a TB9-themed Bourbon, as we revisit the highlights of a stellar sophomore season, in which we peppered the conversation with the sharp observations and seasoned humor of some guests who are funny as they are insightful. We return to the conversations in which our friends provided masterclasses in personal growth, with their tales of the kind resiliency, audacity and epiphany that provide victories on the back nine. And we offer our main takeaways from the season as a whole, which hopefully inspires you to visit and revisit all the individual conversations. So belly up to the bar, and join us as we toast to the transitions that shape us, the second chances we seize, and the enduring power of great company, on this episode of The Back 9. Contact Dennis & Josh: Instagram: @Back9_Podcast

Marques Ogden is a warrior. Not just because he played one of the most punishing positions in sports, and not just because he played it at an extremely high level. Marques Ogden is a warrior because of the strength he showed after his NFL playing days were over. A veteran of six NFL seasons, Marques nonetheless found himself post-playing career in a menial job, and after one especially humiliating experience he broke down -- wounded, exhausted, but not beaten. On this final full episode of TB9 Season 2, Marques shares that humiliating story and, more importantly, the epiphany he had in the subsequent moments – how he owned the experience, became open with himself about who he was, and turned his pain into his power. Marques has since established the Get Authentic podcast and brand, and has become a much sought after motivational speaker and influencer, serving up a blend of solid personal and professional strategy and advice to help clients develop the mindset of a victor, rather than a victim. He shares that wisdom a fabulous finishing hole worthy of closing season two, here on the Back 9. Contact Dennis & Josh: Instagram: @Back9_Podcast

Scott Kelsey builds communities. Some of his communities are more traditional and informal, like those rooted in fellowship, which is where we start our meaningful conversation. But there’s a big twist in this episode that provides the hook, when Scott shares his traumatic personal story that led him to become a professional community builder. On the other side of his injury and suffering, he created Shareapy, and is now inviting people to this exciting and necessary community. If that sounds heavy, just know that it’s worth it, and that for laughs we also talk about the community of missing socks. So lace up your skates and get ready to take a shift on this edition of The Back 9. Contact Dennis & Josh: Instagram: @Back9_Podcast

In this episode of TB9, we dive into magic, both in real life and on the silver screen. First, our guest, the incredibly accomplished Gary Goldstein, takes us behind the scenes of one of his most iconic films, “Pretty Woman” and shares details about Julia Roberts’ breakout performance and how the movie almost didn’t get made. It’s a fantastic story sure to resonate with every Gen-Xer who is a fan of that film. Gary then takes us into some deeper introspection regarding how he lost interest in movie making, and how that led him to finding reward and resonance in living intentionally. Gary provides profound thoughts that reflect on legacy and lasting impact, the strength that is achievable through vulnerability, and the difference between having a purpose and creating a legacy. It’s a journey through a host of insights that reverberate far beyond the entertainment industry and highlight a life lived to its fullest. So places everyone! We’re ready to roll tape on a really fun episode of The Back 9. Contact Dennis & Josh: Instagram: @Back9_Podcast

As we move through the back nine of life, we will increasingly encounter people in our friendship circles or as dating partners who have lost their previous partners. On this episode of the Back 9. we take a deep dive into this topic with the wonderful Carolyn Moor, founder of the Modern Widows Club. Carolyn shares her profound insights on losing her husband at a very young age, on how we can support those who have lost a spouse, and on navigating widowhood – or widower hood -- with grace, poise and resilience. Through her own journey of transformation, Carolyn shines a light on the challenges and triumphs of life as a widow, including rediscovering love and connection, and on how to move on from significant loss to lean into the joy of living. Carolyn will stick with you for all the right reasons, on this episode of The Back 9. Contact Dennis & Josh: Instagram: @Back9_Podcast

On this episode of the Back 9, we introduce you to the exceedingly wise Dan Moriarty, a guy who has explored diverse pathways professionally as an actor, as a producer and as a Communication Coach. Dan shares experiences from this compelling career and how he has discovered unknown skillsets to continually evolve in his work, including his current work with the 1980 Miracle on Ice Gold-Medal winning U.S. Olympic Hockey team. But perhaps of even more resonance are Dan’s insights on his personal journey, including the art of relationships with women who have children, and the complexities and joys of blended family life and fatherhood. Get ready for an episode that’s like a really good par 5, as we cover a lot of significant ground on the Back 9. Contact Dennis & Josh: Instagram: @Back9_Podcast

Within this must-listen episode lies a story of astonishing resilience and strength. It’s the story of Amanda Carroll, the founder of the Brave Single Moms podcast and brand. On the surface, it’s a story about a woman finding herself as a suddenly single parent, faced with the challenge of rebuilding a life for her and three children all under the age of 4. At the core of her story though, is her glorious lesson about how even in the most dire circumstances, we can still commit to lives in which we thrive, rather than merely survive. Amanda shares her specific strategies for how each of us can find the courage to press forward from any difficult time. She also talks about the ways men can help single moms thrive and how she has been inspired by important men in her life to follow her dream career of helping other single moms change their path. Amanda's story reminds us of the hidden strengths within us all that enable us to pull back the curtains from our darkest days, and take in the sunshine to declare “its happy outside”. It’s an episode which offers infinite wisdom, and which celebrates the extraordinary power of embracing our fullest potential on this can’t miss edition of The Back 9. Contact Dennis & Josh: Instagram: @Back9_Podcast

On this episode we get REAL. Come meet Mark S. Allen, one of the most positive people you’ll ever hope to hear from, as he details his battle with – and redemption from – substance abuse. With joy and light in his heart, Mark discusses the defining moment of his problems, the steps he took to stare that moment in the face, and the choices he subsequently made to fundamentally change his life. Mark is now a successful major movie producer – including a 2023 Best in Category Award from the Cannes Film Festival – and, more importantly, a major positive influence and champion for good in his community. His stories are insightful, impactful, and often uproariously – yet appropriately -- funny. So places everyone, because we’re ready to roll on this episode of the Back 9. Contact Dennis & Josh: Instagram: @Back9_Podcast

This episode of the Back 9 is all about leaning in, and we do so with a guest who has found the key to the transformative journey. Julie Shroyer has started the Fab Over 50 brand, which is geared towards leading Gen Xers to discovering and rediscovering their passions, and towards inspiring them to live an engaged and dynamic life. Julie reveals the keys of how she communicates this counsel to her audience, including tips on physical and mental wellness, personal growth and how those things lead to healthier relationships. Julie offers the personal secrets of her transition from dynamic fast-paced career woman to finding balance between work life and home life with her second husband on the back 9. The success of Julie’s brand, including her viral success on TikTok, illustrates how unexpected paths reveal themselves when we are open to change. So join us as we share how to embrace opportunities for growth and joy, and a fabulous conversation with a rising influencer, on this week’s episode of the Back 9. Contact Dennis & Josh: Instagram: @Back9_Podcast

Have we ever been waiting for this! The Season 2 guest list kicks off at the intersection of Hollywood and Brine, as we welcome a salt-of-the-earth guy who’s made it big. He’s Nick Bakay, the charismatic and down-to-earth co-creator of “Mom”, “Young Sheldon” and, most recently, Max’s acclaimed “Bookie”. Yes, Nick gives us a glimpse of how he’s crafted a long career in Hollywood, including his latest smash hit, but the longer look is about how his small-town upbringing and long-term values have given him grounding, and allowed him to be a very real person, with very real relationships, amidst the surreal landscape of L.A. So join us for a guy who knows how to work a joke…as we start Season 2…of the Back 9. Contact Dennis & Josh: Instagram: @Back9_Podcast

As we tee off on our second season, we embrace the sheer joy of anticipation. Our opening round delivered wonderful guests that resonated with each of you, and now we're ready to push our game just a little further. We've listened to your feedback. We’ve made some minor alterations. So we are eager to provide introspective, often hilarious guests, and to dissect life’s complexities in a way that resonates with the soul of our audience. It's a heartfelt invitation to be part of our rapidly expanding family and to share in the conversations that reassure us we're not alone in navigating the twists and turns of our life narratives. Your engagement is our standing ovation—so continue to download, listen, share, follow, and review as we keep the dialogue thriving in Round 2, of the Back 9. Contact Dennis & Josh: Instagram: @Back9_Podcast

For the final strokes of an unforgettable opening round, we invite you to join the celebration of the spiritual triumphs and soulful wisdom that have helped both our guests – and us -- through life's rough patches. Our season finale is a clubhouse gathering of stories, laughter, and takeaways that have made this season so uplifting, including the significance of the time spent with friends who have held for us during times of personal change. As one example, you won’t want to miss our debate about the songs that have buoyed us at various times in our lives. This is way more than just a recap; it’s a heartfelt thank-you to the amazing individuals who've shaped our conversations, and the wise observations they’ve dropped along the way. So as we tap in on season one, we look ahead with eager anticipation to the next round, with more guests sharing powerful stories and insights that resonate with life’s back nine. Contact Dennis & Josh: Instagram: @Back9_Podcast

On this finishing hole of our opening round, we reach out to one of our mentors, the fabulous Carol Nigrelli, who passes on to us yet another wonderful lesson of the life well lived. Carol reminds us that the melody of life has its crescendos and decrescendos and that there is a sweet symphony that emanates from our resilience. For Carol, that’s not just a metaphor, because she found solace in a return to something she had long left in the past -- her childhood joy of playing the cello. By playing the mournful and resonant strings of that instrument, she found the emotional outlet that provided much-needed courage to guide her out of a long battle with depression, and into a beautiful ballad of love. Carol’s voice is a resounding chorus to those of us looking for inspiration to pass through the storms of life. The opening round closer will leave you wanting to play another loop, so join us as we finish up strong on round 1, episode 18, of the Back 9. Contact Dennis & Josh: Instagram: @Back9_Podcast

Contact Dennis & Josh: Instagram: @Back9_Podcast

We are headed west to visit with a voice that takes us back to days of yore. It’s our good friend, the Arizona sports maven, Jody Jackson. When she joined us as a colleague in Buffalo early in her career, Jody’s presence marked a seismic shift. She was at the forefront of women entering sports television. Her rise took her from up-and-coming ingenue to a beloved and highly respected local star to becoming a literal professor of sportscasting. Without a doubt, Jody has blazed a trail for women in her industry. During our visit, Jody takes us on that path and unfolds the reality of her career. She details how she dealt with and found solutions to impostor syndrome early in her career, and how she has managed the subtle art of work-life balance amidst funky hours while raising kids. Jody also details the two traits that she feels she has always possessed, and which are now serving her better than ever as she continues her career path forward in the industry. So join us for some great stories, interesting insights, and a whole lot of laughs with the phenomenal, erudite, and convivial Jody Jackson (that’s an in-episode joke), on Episode 16 of the Back 9. Contact Dennis & Josh: Instagram: @Back9_Podcast