Episodes

  • 46 | Eric LeGrand – Can Your Worst Setback Become Your Greatest Business Edge?

    46 | Eric LeGrand – Can Your Worst Setback Become Your Greatest Business Edge?
    Jun 9 2026
    What if your greatest setback became your launchpad for impact and growth? In this episode, J. Michael Fischer Jr. sits down with Eric LeGrand, entrepreneur, motivational speaker, and founder of LeGrand Coffee House and Eric LeGrand Bourbon. They dive deep into the raw realities of starting over after unimaginable adversity, challenging common myths about resilience, business, and success.Through candid stories and actionable lessons, Eric unpacks what it truly means to hustle, lead, and build wealth without shortcuts or gloss. This is not a highlight reel, but a playbook for those who refuse to quit. If you miss this episode, you miss the real stories and strategies that separate passionate survivors from passive dreamers. Listen now to claim practical insight you will not find anywhere else.Timestamped Highlights00:05 – The brutal truth behind business “overnight” success05:29 – Eric reveals the daily grind (and the real face of the hustle)11:58 – The single hospital moment that shifted Eric’s entire mindset13:55 – How elite athlete discipline became his recovery superpower16:05 – Resilience decoded: instincts, training, and relentless belief18:23 – What a “bad day” really looks like after starting over24:00 – The wild leap from motivational speaking to coffee entrepreneur28:51 – Why most business owners misunderstand profit (and what it actually takes)32:04 – The expensive, high-stakes world of launching a spirits brandMentioned ResourcesLeGrand Coffee HouseEric LeGrand WhiskeyChristopher & Dana Reeve FoundationBrian Axelrod (business partner)Rutgers UniversityCoach Greg SchianoGreen River spiritsMiletto Business AdvisorsACG Corporate Growth AwardsShopRiteNicholas CreameryRosie’s PizzaBroadway ChickenWalk to BelieveKessler InstituteAbout the GuestEric LeGrand is the founder of LeGrand Coffee House and co-founder of Eric LeGrand Bourbon. A nationally recognized motivational speaker and philanthropist, Eric is known for transforming life-changing adversity into a platform for business and community impact. He has been honored with ACG New Jersey’s Lifetime Achievement Award for his leadership and resilience.🔗 LinkedIn | WebsiteImportant LinksFeel Fully Alive: The 5 Dimensions of Vitality gives you the framework to thrive. Get your copy here.Stay Ahead in Business: Michael shares strategies to boost your financial decisions. Read his latest blog.Grow Your Wealth: Book a call with DBD Investment BankGoing Beyond the Deal is an original podcast brought to you by J. Michael Fischer Jr. Production and editing by Podcast Your Brand.
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    43 mins
  • 45 | How to Break the Cycle of Forced Succession

    45 | How to Break the Cycle of Forced Succession
    Jun 2 2026

    What if your family business legacy is actually a hidden burden?

    J. Michael Fischer Jr. dives deep into the emotional and strategic fault lines of succession where legacy, guilt, and honest conversations collide. This episode is for founders, operators, and advisors who care about more than just the numbers.

    If you've ever wondered what really happens when your children don’t want the business, or how to know if your succession plan is built on obligation or true desire, this conversation offers surprising clarity. Get ready to challenge what you think you know about legacy and continuity.

    Miss this episode, and you risk repeating the quiet mistakes that break families and companies alike. Listen now for honest, actionable strategies and discover why going beyond the deal is the only way to future-proof your legacy.

    Timestamped Highlights
    • 00:26 – The silent burden founders feel about legacy and identity
    • 01:35 – The brutal reality when the next generation rejects the business
    • 02:55 – Why irrelevance—not failure—is the real fear in succession
    • 04:22 – What children see versus what founders believe about the family business
    • 05:16 – How guilt and secrecy create fragile succession plans
    • 06:10 – Why legacy and obligation are dangerously different
    • 09:35 – The hidden signs your successor wants approval, not ownership
    • 11:31 – The pivotal moment: When honesty finally breaks the cycle

    Important Links
    • Feel Fully Alive: The 5 Dimensions of Vitality gives you the framework to thrive. Get your copy here.
    • Stay Ahead in Business: Michael shares strategies to boost your financial decisions. Read his latest blog.
    • Grow Your Wealth: Book a call with DBD Investment Bank

    Going Beyond the Deal is an original podcast brought to you by J. Michael Fischer Jr. Production and editing by Podcast Your Brand.
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    13 mins
  • 44 | Dr. Maria Kunstadter – How Teledentistry Is Breaking Barriers to Better Health

    44 | Dr. Maria Kunstadter – How Teledentistry Is Breaking Barriers to Better Health
    May 26 2026
    Do you really understand the hidden link between your mouth and your overall health?In this high-impact episode, J. Michael Fischer Jr. sits down with Dr. Maria Kunstadter, CEO and co-founder of The Teledentist, to reveal why virtual dental care is so much more than a convenience. It’s a lifeline for millions missing out on essential oral health. They unpack the surprising ways virtual consults are crushing access barriers, breaking down old-school resistance, and quietly transforming how trust and results are built in healthcare.If you think a toothache is “just dental,” you’re missing the bigger, costlier risk to your health and wallet. Listen now to discover bold, exclusive strategies and untold stories from inside the revolution before your competitors or colleagues catch on. Your future advantage is waiting. Don’t let old thinking hold you back.Timestamped Highlights00:32 – The shocking cost of emergency dental visits no one talks about04:42 – The moment teledentistry exploded overnight (and why)07:26 – The three pillars that turn virtual consults into real results08:44 – What a 95 net promoter score really says about patient trust10:44 – How The Teledentist gets desperate patients fast access12:07 – Competition enters the scene and shifts the entire landscape13:45 – The crucial pilot that could save hospitals millions this year17:42 – Rural health secrets that cut 180-mile drives to one simple call19:24 – The invisible link between oral disease and your most costly health problemsMentioned ResourcesCignaAnthemAmerican Dental AssociationHenry Ford MuseumWebMDWorld Health OrganizationUniversity of Missouri Kansas City Dental SchoolBecker’s ConferenceVSee (telehealth platform host)About the GuestDr. Maria Kunstadter is CEO and co-founder of The Teledentist, a pioneer in 24/7 nationwide virtual dental care. With a rich background in clinical dentistry and healthcare leadership, she has driven innovation for patient access, championed medical-dental integration, and led key initiatives to serve vulnerable populations.🔗 LinkedIn | WebsiteImportant LinksFeel Fully Alive: The 5 Dimensions of Vitality gives you the framework to thrive. Get your copy here.Stay Ahead in Business: Michael shares strategies to boost your financial decisions. Read his latest blog.Grow Your Wealth: Book a call with DBD Investment BankGoing Beyond the Deal is an original podcast brought to you by J. Michael Fischer Jr. Production and editing by Podcast Your Brand.
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    35 mins
  • 43 | Amy Hedrick – Why Ignoring Device Hygiene Could Cost You Big

    43 | Amy Hedrick – Why Ignoring Device Hygiene Could Cost You Big
    May 19 2026

    What if the unseen threat in your daily tech use is more dangerous and more addressable than you think?

    In this episode, Amy Hedrick, CEO and founder of Cleanbox Technology, shares how a single unnoticed risk ignited a revolution in technology hygiene. Joined by your host, they dive deep into the urgent and overlooked dangers of shared devices, unpacking the surprising business opportunity lurking in plain sight. You'll hear untold stories of pivoting through pandemics, navigating brutal manufacturing realities, and the ruthless gap between brilliant ideas and execution.

    If you miss this conversation, you’ll risk being blindsided by threats to your business and personal safety that most still ignore. Listen now for real-world lessons in spotting hidden opportunities and building the solutions the world quietly needs. This episode reveals what others won’t before your competitors catch on.

    Timestamped Highlights

    00:24 – The overlooked threat hiding in your daily tech routine

    02:53 – The breakthrough realization that transformed an industry

    04:12 – Why solving the invisible risk is bigger than the tech itself

    06:20 – The simple science powering Cleanbox’s device safety

    09:05 – One minute to surprising results: Game-changing disinfection

    12:05 – Becoming the pick and shovel in a suddenly crowded industry

    16:19 – The brutal gap between innovation and execution

    18:50 – Pandemic chaos: What it really took to deliver under pressure

    25:15 – The industry secrets Amy used to stay far ahead

    Mentioned Resources
    • Smithsonian Institute
    • Mobile World Congress
    • IUVA (International UV Association)
    • UV Safe
    • ASTM

    About the Guest

    Amy Hedrick is the CEO and founder of Cleanbox Technology, a pioneer in UVC LED device hygiene solutions. With over a decade innovating in technology and manufacturing, she has led Cleanbox to market leadership across healthcare, education, and enterprise sectors. Amy Hedrick is recognized for her industry advocacy and commitment to next-generation tech safety.

    🔗 LinkedIn | Website

    Important Links
    • Feel Fully Alive: The 5 Dimensions of Vitality gives you the framework to thrive. Get your copy here.
    • Stay Ahead in Business: Michael shares strategies to boost your financial decisions. Read his latest blog.
    • Grow Your Wealth: Book a call with DBD Investment Bank

    Going Beyond the Deal is an original podcast brought to you by J. Michael Fischer Jr. Production and editing by Podcast Your Brand.
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    32 mins
  • 42 | Brad Younggren – The Powerful Longevity Therapies Nobody Talks About

    42 | Brad Younggren – The Powerful Longevity Therapies Nobody Talks About
    May 12 2026
    What if the real breakthroughs in longevity are happening behind the scenes, hidden from mainstream health trends?This episode features Brad Younggren, CEO of Circulate Health, who’s quietly transforming how advanced therapies reach people determined to live longer, healthier lives. Together, he and Michael dig deep into the urgent gap between hyped-up longevity ideas and what’s really working, unveiling the proven therapies, innovation battles, and business models driving this high-stakes revolution.Tune in if you want more than surface-level biohacking or wellness trends. Miss this episode, and you risk being left out of the coming shift in healthcare and health investment. Listen now for an inside look you won’t find anywhere else.Timestamped Highlights00:58 – The battlefield lesson that forever changed his approach to healthcare02:18 – The first smartphone medical device and why it shook up the system05:07 – The real reason patients of all ages engage with health tech06:33 – The counterintuitive truth about what “longevity” really means08:12 – The unexpected trial that’s redefining plasma therapy’s possibilities11:19 – Microplastics, toxins, and the radical science of removing them from your body13:17 – Why high-powered longevity clinics are exploding and what that means for business18:14 – The bold affiliate model changing how data drives healthcare breakthroughs21:56 – What it costs to hack your health span (and why that might soon change)23:47 – The explosive business opportunities few investors see coming in healthspanMentioned ResourcesCirculate Trial (Aging Cell journal, also featured in The New York Times)Cue Health (COVID at-home testing)98.6 TechnologiesAMBAR Trial (Alzheimer’s and plasma exchange)Function HealthPrenuvo and Ezra (full body MRI brands)GLP1 peptidesUS HHS/ARPA STOMP grant for microplastics researchAbout the GuestBrad Younggren is the CEO of Circulate Health, leading advances in therapeutic plasma exchange and data-driven longevity. A physician by background and health tech pioneer, he’s known for bridging frontline patient care with scalable medical innovation. His expertise includes clinical trials, digital health, and launching game-changing healthcare platforms.🔗 LinkedIn | WebsiteImportant LinksFeel Fully Alive: The 5 Dimensions of Vitality gives you the framework to thrive. Get your copy here.Stay Ahead in Business: Michael shares strategies to boost your financial decisions. Read his latest blog.Grow Your Wealth: Book a call with DBD Investment BankGoing Beyond the Deal is an original podcast brought to you by J. Michael Fischer Jr. Production and editing by Podcast Your Brand.
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    29 mins
  • 41 | Bill Butrymowicz – How to Win Big in the Beverage Industry

    41 | Bill Butrymowicz – How to Win Big in the Beverage Industry
    May 5 2026
    Is your approach to launching or investing in beverage brands holding you back without you knowing it?In this high-impact conversation, J. Michael Fisher Jr. sits down with Bill Petromovich, a proven beverage industry operator and investor, to expose what really drives brand success, what keeps founders from ever breaking through, and why old-school juice could be the next billion-dollar disruption. With decades of distribution experience, from Snapple to the latest wellness startups, Bill Petromovich reveals the brutal pitfalls and smart strategies behind today's biggest wins and flameouts, including the unseen dangers of scaling too soon or chasing hype.If you've ever wondered how to spot the next breakout brand, avoid losing your shirt as an investor, or build a business worth real money, this episode gives you the inside edge almost nobody shares. Listen now before your competition does or risk missing the shifts that decide who actually wins in this crowded market.Timestamped Highlights00:55 – The unexpected story behind Snapple's rise and family business grit05:07 – Why most founders choose the wrong brands to back and how to fix it10:30 – The "dead" juice category with a shocking $26B white space14:27 – From zero to Best New Brand: inside Loom’s wild first 90 days17:18 – Brutal mistakes founders make when scaling too fast19:15 – The hidden power of authenticity over mainstream appeal22:05 – The undervalued secret behind massive beverage exits30:54 – When holding on too long destroys the biggest brandsMentioned ResourcesSnappleLiquid DeathVita CocoLemon PerfectPoppiOlipopBody ArmorCelsiusKDP (Keurig Dr Pepper)New EraAEGBowery PresentsThe NIDA GroupShopRiteUnifiCahiPhish (the band)TurnstileJustice HaynesNyck HarborForbesRolling StoneAbout the GuestBill Butrymowicz is the CEO and Founder of Loom Brands, and a leader in beverage distribution and investment. With a legacy built on distributing brands like Snapple, Fiji, and Liquid Death, he is recognized for his industry analysis in Forbes and Rolling Stone, and for scaling fresh, culturally relevant products across the U.S.🔗 LinkedIn | WebsiteImportant LinksFeel Fully Alive: The 5 Dimensions of Vitality gives you the framework to thrive. Get your copy here.Stay Ahead in Business: Michael shares strategies to boost your financial decisions. Read his latest blog.Grow Your Wealth: Book a call with DBD Investment BankGoing Beyond the Deal is an original podcast brought to you by J. Michael Fischer Jr. Production and editing by Podcast Your Brand.
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    36 mins
  • 40 | Keith Zubchevich – How to Win Big in the Shocking AI Economy Shift

    40 | Keith Zubchevich – How to Win Big in the Shocking AI Economy Shift
    Apr 28 2026
    Ever wonder what will separate tomorrow’s winners from the lost in an economy shaken by AI?In this urgent, eye-opening episode, J. Michael Fisher Jr. sits down with Keith Zubchevich, CEO of Conviva, to reveal how AI is fundamentally rewriting the rules for business owners, advisors, and operators. If you think AI is just another technology wave, get ready to have your assumptions shattered. From the threat of white-collar job extinction to the goldmine of personalized customer experiences, they dig into how to outmaneuver disruption and build real trust (and revenue) in the agentic age.The decisions you make in the next six months will determine if you win or become irrelevant. Listen now to avoid the pain of falling behind and get breakthrough strategies you won’t hear anywhere else.Timestamped Highlights[00:00] – The wild truth about who’s really at risk from AI (hint: it’s not who you think)[02:32] – The bold origin story: Measuring experience before “streaming” was even a word[07:18] – The two breeds of AI agents and why the difference could make or break your business[09:25] – Coming shift: Why tomorrow’s buyers will laugh at today’s e-commerce[14:04] – AI outpaces human potential. So where does that leave YOUR edge?[17:42] – The mindset pivot: The make-or-break move for business leaders (it’s not just tech)[19:18] – How slashing headcount and exploding productivity is already possible with agentic systems[21:36] – Miss this and lose your customer: The secret playbook for owning behavior data in the agentic eraMentioned ResourcesChatGPTClaudeMicrosoft CopilotNetflixDisney+ESPNNikeAbout the GuestKeith Zubchevich is the CEO of Conviva, a pioneering leader in AI-powered experience measurement, serving global brands in digital video and beyond. With 30+ years in technology and a reputation for spotting industry shifts before they hit mainstream, he’s redefining how businesses use data, agents, and automation to drive next-level growth, personalization, and efficiency.🔗 LinkedIn | WebsiteImportant LinksFeel Fully Alive: The 5 Dimensions of Vitality gives you the framework to thrive. Get your copy here.Stay Ahead in Business: Michael shares strategies to boost your financial decisions. Read his latest blog.Grow Your Wealth: Book a call with DBD Investment BankGoing Beyond the Deal is an original podcast brought to you by J. Michael Fischer Jr. Production and editing by Podcast Your Brand.
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    39 mins
  • 39 | What Really Happens When You Sell Alone

    39 | What Really Happens When You Sell Alone
    Apr 21 2026

    What if the biggest financial decision of your life is the one you’re least prepared for?

    In this solo episode, J. Michael Fisher Jr., Managing Director at DBD Investment Bank, breaks down the reality most founders never see when selling their business. This is not just a transaction, it is a high-stakes negotiation against professionals who do deals every day. And if you are unprepared, the cost is permanent.

    Michael exposes the hidden risks, from undervalued offers and deal fatigue to broken cultures and lost wealth during diligence. He also reveals why the right advisor is not just a banker, but a process architect who creates leverage, competition, and clarity.

    Listen now to avoid costly, irreversible mistakes, gain insider-level deal awareness, and access the exact perspective most founders never get until it’s too late.

    Timestamped Highlights

    [00:00] – The uncomfortable truth, you are not just selling a business, you are negotiating your life’s work

    [01:15] – Why success on paper hides a dangerous reality about your wealth

    [02:25] – The silent trap of accepting the “market value” without real competition

    [03:32] – Deal fatigue, how exhaustion quietly forces founders into bad terms

    [04:30] – The real role of an advisor, process architect, quarterback, and emotional buffer

    [05:35] – How elite advisors compress years of mistakes into months of leverage

    [07:13] – Why diligence destroys deals, and how value slowly disappears

    [10:05] – The biggest myth about fees, and the real risk founders ignore

    Important Links
    • Feel Fully Alive: The 5 Dimensions of Vitality gives you the framework to thrive. Get your copy here.
    • Stay Ahead in Business: Michael shares strategies to boost your financial decisions. Read his latest blog.
    • Grow Your Wealth: Book a call with DBD Investment Bank

    Going Beyond the Deal is an original podcast brought to you by J. Michael Fischer Jr. Production and editing by Podcast Your Brand.
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    10 mins