The Culture Matters Podcast

"The crucial differences which distinguish human societies and human beings are not biological, they are cultural." - Ruth BenedictOn today's episode of The Culture Matters Podcast, our very own Jay Doran is sitting down once again with the show's producer, Kyle DiRaddo, to discuss some of the in's and out's of what makes Culture Matters tick.  In the first episode of this series, Jay and Kyle discussed some base-level topics regarding what advising corporate culture looks like.  For this discussion, we are drilling down further and getting down to the nitty gritty of Culture Matters.  Jay and Kyle are digging into some of the early and long-term benefits of hiring an advisor or coach, being willing to put as much as you can into that relationship to ensure getting the utmost out of it, and beginning to scratch the surface of some of the pushback someone might give when approaching the subject of hiring an advisor.  We hope you enjoy this episode of The Culture Matters Podcast.

"A fire broke out backstage in a theatre. The clown came out to warn the public; they thought it was a joke and applauded. He repeated it; the acclaim was even greater. I think that's just how the world will come to an end: to general applause from wits who believe it's a joke." - Søren KierkegaardReal estate professional, businessman, co-owner of R.K. Reiman, and host of "The Real Build" podcast Bill Reiman is back on the show today for a conversation about the contributions and legacy of conservative activist and co-founder of Turning Point USA Charlie Kirk, who lost his life at a speaking engagement in Utah on September 10, 2025.  Bill and Jay are unpacking how this unfortunate event elicited very different responses from those who followed Charlie Kirk's message and those who didn't, the undeniable fact that people with opposing view points are refusing to speak to one another anymore with any kind of rational or respectful interactions, the missed opportunity for a call for unity in place of further divisive rhetoric, and why it is more important now than ever for people to sit down and listen to one another.  Bill provides a unique perspective on these tragic events and we're grateful he chose to discuss them on this episode of The Culture Matters Podcast.

"Every great institution is the length and shadow of a single man. His character determines the character of his organization." - Ralph Waldo EmersonAdvisor, mentor, host of the "Openly Outspoken" podcast, and founder of Unicorn Investments and Unicorn Traffic Jeremy Adams is back on the show to pay tribute to conservative activist and co-founder of Turning Point USA, Charlie Kirk, who lost his life at a speaking engagement in Utah on September 10, 2025.  Over the course of these tribute episodes, we have had a myriad of different perspectives and outlooks on Charlie Kirk's influence and legacy, but Jeremy may have the most unique as Jeremy actually met and interacted with the man himself.  Jeremy and Jay are discussing Jeremy's personal interaction with Charlie Kirk, Charlie's demeanor during debates and discussions compared to his portrayal in the media, understanding that Charlie wasn't a perfect person but was making every attempt to discuss his points with people who opposed his way of thinking, and what makes the sadness and anger on both sides of the fence so intense.  We hope you enjoy this conversation about and tribute to Charlie Kirk with Jeremy Adams.

"Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment and cast lots." - Luke 23:34On this episode of The Culture Matters Podcast, we have the founder and owner of Guardian Roofing and Siding and one of our favorite returning guests, Robert Frehafer, back on the show discussing the life and impact of conservative activist and co-founder of Turning Point USA Charlie Kirk after he was killed at a speaking engagement in Utah on September 10, 2025.  A man of deep Christian faith and conviction, Robert is looking at the impact of Charlie Kirk through a faith-based lens and how Charlie's message was shaped and affected by his own faith.  Charlie and Jay are digging into the impact Charlie Kirk had on a young generation of Christians, how his message went from one of strictly political leanings to one that emphasized his faith, and how, throughout the course of history, there have always been messengers who swam against the current and how Charlie Kirk fits into that company.  We always enjoy having Robert on the show and today was no different, even if under unfortunate circumstances.  We hope you enjoy this episode of The Culture Matters Podcast.

"If you believe in something, you need to have the courage to fight for those ideas, not run away from them or try to silence them." - Charlie KirkOn today's episode of The Culture Matters Podcast, we are returning to our series of episodes giving people the opportunity to pay tribute to conservative activist and co-founder of Turning Point USA Charlie Kirk.  On this edition of the program, we have the founder of 20/20 Vision for Success and author of Finding Honor: The Journey to Truth and High - Selling is a Drug, Christine Beckwith, here to share her thoughts, feelings, and insights on this senseless event.  Christine and Jay are unpacking Christine's first-hand experience with Charlie Kirk's appeal to a younger generation, his ability to be fearless and stick to his principles even in the face of adversity, and how unfortunate it is that the impact someone has on the world at large is usually unrealized until they're gone.  We hope you enjoy this tribute to Charlie Kirk with our friend, Christine Beckwith.

"Small wheel turn by the fire and rod, big wheel turn by the grace of God, every time that wheel turn 'round, bound to cover just a little more ground" - The Grateful DeadWe are beginning a new series on today's episode of The Culture Matters Podcast with our very own Jay Doran sitting down with the show's producer, Kyle DiRaddo, for a look inside at Culture Matters and what makes it tick.  In the first conversation of several to follow, Jay and Kyle are taking the first steps in shedding light on the values and goals of Culture Matters and drilling down on some of the important questions related to the work the company does.  During this discussion, Jay and Kyle are touching upon if a company can function successfully even if the culture in said company is less than ideal, how different companies gauge success from either a monetary or quality of life standpoint, how trust can be created as a third party entering an advisory role in a company, and some things founders or CEOs should look for in an advisor from a compatibility standpoint.  We hope you enjoy this look inside Culture Matters and look forward to bringing our listeners more conversations like this in the future.

"A king isn't born, Alexander, he is made by steel and by suffering. A king must know how to hurt those he loves." - King Philip II of Macedon Our guest today is financial advisor and the Mid-Atlantic Regional Director of Client Engagement at Hill, Barth, & King LLC. Joseph Silva Jr. is back to make his third appearance on our show today and we are thrilled to share his expertise with our listeners once again.  During today's conversation, Joe and Jay are digging into  the issues with bigger companies being rolled up into private equity while leaving the smaller businesses to fend for themselves, the ever-present need for people even with the advancements in technology and AI in particular, knowing that a business is only going to reach a certain size unless it is given room to grow, and what it actually means to serve.  We always enjoy having Joe on the program and we hope that you enjoy this conversation on The Culture Matters Podcast.

"If you believe in something, you need to have the courage to fight for those ideas, not run away from them or try to silence them." - Charlie KirkHost of "The Necessary Entrepreneur" podcast and founder of PIVOT Realty Mark Perkins is back on the program today for another go-around on The Culture Matters Podcast and we are leveling up our game for this one.  Mark and Jay are digging into the necessity of focusing on the task at hand instead of worrying about any that might arise in the future, the benefits of the entrepreneurial journey as opposed to climbing the traditional ladder of promotion in other career paths, what it might look like to one day be content with your occupational journey, and why it shouldn't matter where good values come from as long as they are true and right.  It is always a treat to have Mark on the show and today is no exception.  We hope you enjoy this episode of The Culture Matters Podcast.

"I've always been a teacher at heart."Co-founder, co-owner, and Chief Scientific Officer of both Ferm Solutions and Wilderness Trail and an adjunct professor at James B. Beam Institute in the College of Agriculture at the University of Kentucky Dr. Pat Heist is our guest on the show today and we are digging down on distilling, leadership, and a whole lot more.  Dr. Hesit and Jay are discussing the journey that Dr. Heist engaged in that led to his study of plant pathology and a doctorate from the University of Kentucky, teaching medical microbiology, to eventually starting a distillery consultation company and a distillery of his own.  As if that wasn't enough for this episode, these two gentleman are also getting into the importance of being genuine particularly in a sales or entrepreneurial endeavor, being able to recognize opportunity and having the fortitude to seize on it when it is presented, and why it is never a bad idea to stop and think things through before making big decisions.  This is a truly wonderful conversation and Dr. Heist's incredible journey makes for one hell of an interesting story.  We hope you enjoy this episode of The Culture Matters Podcast.

"It becomes more doable if you accept the path."Founder of Duffin Media and Duffin Coaching, host of the "Your Message Received" podcast, and one of our favorite frequent guests on the show John Duffin is back for another lively discussion on The Culture Matters Podcast.  Today's conversation is all about collaboration and the different forms and shapes and sizes that it can come in.  John and Jay are drilling down on what it takes to avoid the temptation to just talk to people you already know at collaboration events and actually go and meet new people, the benefits of hyper-authenticity and being the catalyst for those valuable interactions with others, and the checklist you should run down after attending networking events i.e. who you met, what relationships you garnered, and the value you not only received, but also gave to others.  It's always a pleasure to have John on the show and today is no exception on this episode of The Culture Matters Podcast.