The Culture Matters Podcast

“Life can only be understood backwards but must be lived forwards.” - Søren KierkegaardOn a very special episode of The Culture Matters Podcast, Jay sits down for a chat with his mother, Barbara Luongo.  To know where we're going, we need to know where we've been and Jay and Barbara get real about Jay's turn from a sweet little boy to a pain-in-the-butt teen and into the man he is today.  Barbara opens up about her journey through life and about some of the darker chapters in Jay's development in our most personal episode to date! 00:00 Intro20:20 Cedar Grove.30:15 The Dark Phase.

“No problem can be solved from the same level of consciousness that created it.” - Albert EinsteinOn today's episode of The Culture Matters Podcast, Jay sits down with his good friend Raphael Mavi, the president and founder of Unplugged Influence, Inc.  Jay and Raphael chat about Raphael's emigration to the United States from Russia in the early 90's as well as the importance of transparency in culture, tolerance, growth, and opportunity.  If you want to know what a reverse snowman is, stick around and enjoy this conversation with Raphael Mavi.

“Investing is more art than science and that means it can get a little messy.” - Howard S. MarksRick Dorn is the founder of Dorn Real Estate Development and with over four decades in the business, very few people know it better than he does.  Rick and Jay discuss the art of real estate and how it truly can be a creative business when an willing buyer and a willing seller can come together.  The theme of today's episode is if you're going to get into real estate, immerse yourself in it, begin by learning from others, and start to recognize value where it lives.  Rick Dorn is a virtual encyclopedia of knowledge and he shares the tip of the iceberg on The Culture Matters Podcast.00:00 Intro10:10 Commission based.20:15 Masterminds.30:50 Velocity.40:24 Buy VS Sell.

“Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow. The important thing is not to stop questioning.” - Albert EinsteinBest-selling author, influencer, and nutritionist Ben Azadi makes his second appearance on The Culture Matters Podcast to rap about all things Keto and beyond.  If you've ever wanted to know what ketosis and ketones are, why intermittent fasting is all the rage, and how to fix your gut then this is the episode for you.  Ben's goal is to help as many people as possible start leading a healthier lifestyle and he joins Jay today on CMP to continue that journey.

"When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves." - Viktor FranklLong-time friend and previous guest of the show and New Jersey real estate staple John Swartz makes his return to the podcast on today's episode.  John gives some insight on how the changing economic climate and the pandemic has affected families and creating memories at the Jersey shore, the different ways new generations look at shore homes, and the importance of not biting off more than you can chew.  John Swartz is a real one and tells it like it is, so get ready for a great conversation with a true expert in the game.

“Everything can be taken from a man but one thing, the last of the human freedoms. To choose ones attitude in any given set of circumstances. To choose one’s own way.” Marvin Joles is owner of Wis-Coat Asphalt Maintenance and the creator of the "Blacktop Banter" podcast.  Marvin opens up about his early life and how his experiences brought him to be a major figure in the construction and asphalt space.  Today's episode is all about personal accountability, being responsible for your atmosphere, and having the guts to change your circumstances.  Jay and Marvin keep things positive and inspiring on today's episode The Culture Matters Podcast.

"Life is never made unbearable by circumstances, but only by lack of meaning and purpose." - Viktor FranklFounder and CEO of EPM Mortgages and long-time friend of the show Eddy Perez stops by today to discuss Viktor Frankl's Man's Search for Meaning in which the author chronicles his experiences in Nazi concentration camps and how he applied those experiences to his work in psychotherapy.  Themes of struggle, love, transformation, and perseverance permeate throughout this episode and the discussion shows how Frankl's work can be applied to today's modern challenges.

"Let the future tell the truth. And evaluate each one according to his work and accomplishments. The present is theirs, the future, for which I have really worked, is mine." - Nikola TeslaPresident and CEO of The Pavement Group, host of The Brian Hess Show and Jay's good friend Brian Hess is today's guest and today's episode is all about leadership.  Brian talks about the importance of putting down the screens and getting to know people in real life.  The value of human connection and being present cannot be overstated and is a cornerstone of Brian's philosophy in business and in life.  Brian also touches on how battling a case of laryngitis as the lead in Oklahoma! has when he was in high school has helped him deal with adversity in his professional life.  Want to know how?  Have a listen!

“Every choice has a consequence. We choose things everyday and how those play out? We have a say in what happens there.” - Brian CoveyBrian Covey is an entrepreneur, the host of the "Finding Your Competitive Edge" podcast, and the author of Conversations with Covey.  On his second appearance on the show, Brian and Jay talk about the power of social media, the larger purpose of helping people, and winning the day.  The conversation also includes discussion on why everyone should have a coach and throwing out the phrase "I don't have enough time".  Enjoy this chat with Brian Covey!

“We finance everything. We buy by printing interest or giving up the interest we could have earned.” - R. Nelson NashToday, Jay sits down with his good friend Chad Hewitt, the president, CEO, and co-owner of Magnum Construction Services.  We're going deep on finances, insurance, and making sure you're taking advantage of all of the benefits you can.  Chad is dropping knowledge and tips for investing and how to make your money work for you.  Prepare to have your financial mind expanded with Chad Hewitt!