Welcome to Adeptus On-Air, the show where we pull back the curtain on the strategies industry leaders leverage for their business and personal success. Each week, we do a top-down analysis of industries Adeptus has been on the cutting edge of for the last 30 years, including sports, business, and entertainment. Join us for real conversations with industry executives, entertainers, athletes, celebrity brands, and community stakeholders. We will be navigating the challenges facing various types of businesses and how our solutions-based collaborative problem-solving approach helps individuals and businesses alike solve their most pressing issues. If you have any questions related to this podcast or have a request for what you would like to hear next, please email us at marketing@adeptuscpas.com. You can find us at adeptuscpas.com or follow us at @adeptuscpartnersllc.Disclaimer: The views and opinions of podcast hosts and guests are solely their own and do not reflect the opinions of Adeptus. This podcast provides general information only and is not intended to constitute legal, tax, business, professional or personal advice.
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Building Community Through Music and Hospitality with Tim McLoone | A Life of Service and Song (00:39:10)
Today on Adeptus On-Air, host Mike Hoffman chats with Tim McLoone, a New Jersey Hall of Fame inductee, musician, restaurateur, and founder of the nonprofit Holiday Express. Tim shares how music has always been the throughline of his life, from early piano bar gigs and years on stage with legendary artists to the moments during the pandemic when playing became a form of personal survival. He reflects on the unlikely path that led him into hospitality, including a New Year’s Eve leap of faith that turned an abandoned waterfront property into the first chapter of McLoone’s Restaurants. He describes how Holiday Express grew from a single Christmas Eve visit into a massive volunteer-driven effort that now reaches tens of thousands of people each year who are often invisible to society. He speaks candidly about failure, risk, and the responsibility that comes with success, and how giving back became a way not just to help others, but to heal himself along the way. Tune in to hear more about the origins of Holiday Express, the lessons Tim learned from building restaurants and bands at the same time, and why he believes he was born to do this work.
Building Authentic Comedy with Simmy Kustanowitz | From Live TV to Lasting Impact (00:42:12)
Today on Adeptus On-Air, host Mike Hoffman chats with Simmy Kustanowitz, an Emmy-nominated executive producer whose career spans hit shows from Total Request Live to Impractical Jokers. Simmy describes how live television shaped the way he thinks under pressure and how that mindset carried into years of creating unscripted moments built on authentic reactions. He reflects on the cross-generational appeal of Impractical Jokers and the way simple ideas become unforgettable when the Jokers’ real fears, loyalties, and instincts take over. Utilizing his experience in the entertainment industry, Simmy talks about founding Clocktower Innovation to help businesses rethink how they use time, structure, and creativity to solve problems. Tune in to hear more about the evolution of the Jokers’ punishments, the unexpected moments that shaped his career, and the ideas he brings into the corporate world today.
Behind the Magic of Wicked with Teri Pruitt | Life Backstage on Broadway (00:38:03)
Today on Adeptus On-Air, host James Walker chats with Teri Pruitt, a Broadway wardrobe professional who has spent over 25 years bringing some of theater’s most iconic productions to life, including 18 years with Wicked. Teri shares how an unexpected audition in junior high sparked a love for theater that carried her from Kansas to some of the country’s most respected regional stages. Teri reflects on the unique energy of working in the epicenter of American theater, from celebrity encounters to unforgettable moments during presidential visits. She describes the realities of live performance, the quick problem-solving required backstage, and the moments when improvisation becomes its own form of artistry. Teri also talks about the calm that settles in before a show, the rush of a great audience, and the nightly routines that keep long-running productions seamless for the people watching. Tune in to hear more about the backstage issues she solves mid-show, the performances that have moved her as an audience member, and the future she envisions for artists transitioning into new careers.
Airing It Out with Courtney Stanfield | Building Safe Spaces for Real Emotion (00:43:46)
Today on Adeptus On-Air, host Mike Hoffman chats with Courtney Stanfield, a Canadian TV broadcaster, mom of three, and creator of the anonymous emotional wellness app Air Out. Courtney describes how a dream set her on the path to develop an app for those who need to vent. She talks about the intention behind Air Out and the relief people find when they can share honest thoughts without attaching their names to them. Courtney reflects on the reactions she has seen from users who come to the platform looking for a moment to breathe. She also shares how some posts reveal humor, others reveal exhaustion, and many reveal the kind of emotional clutter people usually keep to themselves. Tune in to hear more about the unexpected ways people interact with anonymous spaces, the emotional patterns Courtney has noticed across users, and the growing community that is forming around the idea of honest release.
Redefining What’s Possible with Toni Will | A Vision for Progress (00:39:02)
Today on Adeptus On-Air, host Mike Hoffman chats with Toni Will, a general manager, speaker, and advocate for women in sports. Toni reflects on her unconventional path to becoming the first female general manager in ECHL history, leading the Kalamazoo Wings to record-breaking attendance and multiple league honors. She discusses the challenges she’s faced as a woman in a male-dominated sport and how she uses her leadership platform to empower other women across the industry. Toni highlights her passion for mentorship, storytelling, and helping others unlock their potential through her Women In podcast, coaching work, and upcoming book. Tune in to hear more about Toni’s leadership pillars, the evolution of her 5-to-9 passion projects, and her mission to create space for women to rise.
Creating Stories that Resonate with Julian Hampton | Turning Inspiration into Film (00:32:23)
Today on Adeptus On-Air, host James Walker chats with Julian Hampton, an award-winning author, screenwriter, and director known for his captivating storytelling and thoughtful approach to filmmaking. Julian explains how his creative ideas often begin with a simple “what if” moment that evolves into full-length scripts, and he shares his deep passion for exploring emotion and human experience through film. He discusses his early inspirations, his process for writing comedy and thrillers, and the meticulous craft of translating vision into production. Discussing his acclaimed film Finding Olympus, Julian offers insights into creating the project, recognition on the festival circuit, and the inspiration behind its story. Tune in to hear more about how Julian captures ideas in the moment, his perspective on casting and collaboration, and the exciting projects he’s bringing to life in the coming years.
Composing Emotion Through Sound with Nan Avant | The Art of Storytelling in Music (00:39:03)
Today on Adeptus On-Air, host Mike Hoffman chats with Nan Avant, an award-winning composer and pianist whose work bridges classical tradition with modern expression. Nan shares how her early piano lessons led to a lifelong passion for composing orchestral works, often inspired by her surroundings and emotional experiences. From her years of studying at the California Institute of the Arts to her fascination with orchestration, Nan reflects on the process of transforming inspiration into sound. She describes the creation of her moving piece Nani Lahaina Rhapsody for Violin and Orchestra, a tribute to Maui’s spirit after the devastating 2023 fires, and how she captured the voice of the wind through innovative instrumentation. Nan also discusses the evolution of her composition tools, the challenges of translating emotion into melody, and the role of authenticity in her creative process. Tune in to hear about Nan’s approach to composing orchestral works, her latest single, and how she continues to honor culture, emotion, and place through music.
The Business of “Whoomp! There It Is!” with DC Glenn | Building Legacy Through Learning (00:48:21)
Today on Adeptus On-Air, host Mike Hoffman chats with DC Glenn, half of the legendary hip-hop duo Tag Team and the voice behind the iconic anthem “Whoomp! There It Is!” DC shares his remarkable journey from DJing in Atlanta’s Magic City to achieving platinum success and navigating the realities of the music business. He discusses the lessons learned through legal battles, his evolution into acting and voiceover work, and his relentless drive to educate himself in marketing, finance, and emerging technologies like AI and crypto. DC’s story is one of resilience, curiosity, and constant reinvention. Tune in to hear more about his philosophy on lifelong learning, how he turned a one-hit wonder into a lasting brand, and his passion for helping others adapt and thrive in a changing world.
Healing the Whole Self with Mayim Vega | Bridging Science and Spirituality (00:38:42)
Today on Adeptus On-Air, host James Walker chats with Mayim Vega, a former NASA computer scientist turned holistic healing educator. Mayim shares how her early passion for STEM led to a career at NASA, where curiosity and research fueled her growth. She reflects on her shift into holistic health, inspired by childhood lessons and a deep belief in the body’s natural ability to heal itself. Mayim explains the five levels of the soul in Jewish tradition, the science behind sleep’s restorative power, and why healing begins with the basics of nature. Tune in to hear about her insights on the profit motives behind modern medicine, her approach to balancing life as a mother of seven and entrepreneur, and her mission to make holistic wellness more accessible to all.
Creating Camp Goldie with Patrick Marini | From Golden Retrievers to Tulip Festivals (00:33:40)
Today on Adeptus On-Air, host Mike Hoffman chats with Patrick Marini, a British expat and entrepreneur who is both the Director of Marketing at Holland Ridge Farms and the founder of Camp Goldie. Patrick shares how a trip with his wife to meet golden retrievers sparked the idea for Camp Goldie, where visitors can cuddle, play fetch, and even swim alongside a pack of goldens. He recalls the chaos of the first event, when muddy dogs burst out of the bushes, and how those unplanned moments turned into some of the best guest memories. Patrick also dives into his work at Holland Ridge Farms, where he helped grow small flower festivals into nationally recognized attractions drawing hundreds of thousands each year. Tune in to hear about Patrick’s vision for franchising Camp Goldie, his plans to turn a Dutch windmill into a wedding venue, and how he and his wife have built both their businesses and life together.
Fostering Growth Mindsets with Brenda Do | From Copywriting to Children’s Literature (00:22:20)
Today on Adeptus On-Air, host James Walker chats with Brenda Do, a children’s author and a seasoned copywriter. Brenda shares how a simple moment with her young nephew spilling leftovers and immediately calling himself “stupid” sparked the idea for her debut picture book, “It's Okay Not to Know.” Drawing on her background in direct response copywriting, she explains how observing human behavior and studying growth mindset research led her to create a rhyming, inclusive story that encourages self-compassion and curiosity. She reflects on her choice to feature genderless, monster-like characters so every child can see themselves in the pages, and why adults reading along may need the message just as much as kids. Tune in to hear Brenda’s thoughts on social-emotional learning in schools, why effort should be celebrated as much as achievement, and how her book can serve as a tool for both families and companies alike.
Joining Crete Professionals Alliance with Steve Stagner | Culture, Change, and Growth (00:51:59)
Today on Adeptus On-Air, host Mike Hoffman chats with Steve Stagner, CEO of Crete Professionals Alliance. Steve explains how the firm partners with accounting and professional services firms across the country using a model he calls “partner equity” rather than private equity. He discusses why preserving local culture and ownership is central to their approach, and how access to talent, technology, and capital helps firms prepare for succession and growth. Steve shares his perspective on change management, why he views AI as an enabler rather than a replacement, and how firms can shift from compliance-focused work to providing deeper advisory services. Tune in to hear lessons Steve has learned from scaling Mattress Firm to a multibillion-dollar company, the importance of investing in people, and what the next decade could look like for Create Professionals Alliance as it expands its footprint and builds shared learning across partner firms.
Entrepreneurship at Scale with Arias WebsterBerry | Strategies for Growth (00:36:00)
Today on Adeptus On-Air, host Mike Hoffman chats with Arias WebsterBerry, founder and CEO of WebsterBerry Marketing, Ignite Funnels, and Launch Ignition AI. Arias shares how his early experiences of loss and instability shaped his resilience and fueled his drive to build businesses that help others grow. He explains how a career that began in promotions and concerts evolved into running a full-service digital marketing agency, and why adding AI-driven systems has become central to scaling client success. Arias discusses his take on the future of work as AI reshapes industries, his mission to help entrepreneurs generate $1 billion in impact by 2026, and the role of brand authority in staying competitive. Tune in to hear Arias’s thoughts on navigating risk, building systems before scaling, and why pushing to the edge is essential for growth.
Wingsuit Journeys with Casey Flay | Training, Risk, and Records (00:26:28)
Today on Adeptus On-Air, host Mike Hoffman chats with Casey Flay, a competitive wingsuit pilot representing Team GB. Casey shares how he went from his first skydive just a few years ago to competing on the world stage, and why the sport quickly became an obsession. He explains what it takes to train at a high level, from early morning conditioning and gym work to studying flight data and waiting out unpredictable weather. Casey reflects on recovering from a serious base-jumping accident, how it reshaped his approach to risk, and why he now views competition as the center of his future in the sport. Tune in to hear Casey’s perspective on setting a national record, the financial and mental challenges of wingsuit flying, and the dream jumps he still plans to chase.
Youth Sports and Parenting with Chris Bjork | Rethinking Competition and Balance (00:22:24)
Today on Adeptus On-Air, host James Walker chats with Chris Bjork, professor of education at Vassar College and coauthor of More Than Just a Game: How the Youth Sports Industry is Changing the Way We Parent and What We Can Do About It. Drawing on years of research that included shadowing travel teams, speaking with parents and coaches nationwide, and interviewing college recruiters, Chris explains how the youth sports system has transformed childhood and parenting. He talks about the rising pressure for kids to specialize in a single sport, the toll that overtraining takes on young bodies, and the emotional strain parents feel to keep up with costly club programs. The conversation also explores why only a small percentage of athletes receive college scholarships, how the booming industry has widened inequalities, and what families can do to keep sports fun while protecting their children’s long-term well-being.Tune in for Chris’s perspective on restoring balance in youth sports and why letting kids enjoy a range of activities can be healthier than chasing the next big league.
Protecting Creators with Jessica Pascale | Legal Essentials for the Digital Age (00:39:09)
Today on Adeptus On-Air, host Mike Hoffman chats with Jessica Pascale, an entertainment attorney who works with actors, production crew to online content creators. Jessica shares her perspective on the legal pitfalls many new creators face, from handshake deals and vague agreements to unclear ownership of rights. She explains when to involve an attorney, how to navigate exclusivity clauses, and why setting up a business entity is critical for separating personal and professional interests. Tune in to hear more about how to protect yourself in brand deals, the key contract clauses creators often overlook, and why defining your brand early can save you from problems later.
Running Refined Media Group with Rachel Matos | Matching Creators with Brands (00:32:36)
Today on Adeptus On-Air, host Mike Hoffman chats with Rachel Matos, founder and CEO of Refined Media Group. Rachel shares how she went from working on early influencer campaigns in 2011 to building an agency that connects brands with creators and manages end-to-end digital marketing strategies. She explains how brands vet creators, the challenges of working with tight budgets in multicultural campaigns, and why authenticity often outperforms polish. Rachel breaks down how the TikTok algorithm rewards consistency, how creator funds and sponsorships work, and why legal disclosures matter in brand partnerships. Tune in to hear Rachel’s take on talent management, spotting up-and-coming creators, and how to build a long-term business as a content creator.
Turning Experience into Sound with Dylan Garcia | Personal Growth Through Music (00:31:33)
Today on Adeptus On-Air, host Mike Hoffman chats with Dylan Garcia, an independent musician and songwriter. Dylan shares how his genre-blending music draws inspiration from soul, reggae, funk, and R&B, and walks through how his writing process has evolved to become more intuitive and improvisational over time. He discusses how music became both an outlet and a form of therapy during his nine-year struggle with mental health challenges, including a pivotal hospitalization and misdiagnosis. Dylan explains how navigating the mental health system, becoming a father, and recommitting to his craft helped shape both his music and perspective.Tune in to hear Dylan's reflections on sobriety, creative discipline, the international response to his music, and how staying open to new influences has led him to remix past work and explore future releases.
Building Smarter Workflows with Marnie Wills | The Power of Practical AI (00:32:13)
Today on Adeptus On-Air, host James Walker chats with Marnie Wills, an AI Strategist and entrepreneur. Marnie shares her journey from teaching PE and launching fitness businesses to becoming a leading voice in the AI space. She explains how early tools like Jasper sparked her curiosity, and how using ChatGPT and other LLMs are now her go-to's. From founding a franchised early education brand to helping businesses build their own AI models, Marnie discusses how AI is reshaping the future of work, creativity, and connection. Tune in to hear why she believes we’re on the verge of a two-day workweek, how AI agents could soon be our virtual co-pilots, and why making AI “fun and practical” is one of her biggest goals.
Building a Creative Life with Dan DeFilippo | On Story, Strategy, and Staying Close to the Ocean (00:43:07)
Today on Adeptus On-Air, host Mike Hoffman chats with Dan DeFilippo, an author, Emmy-winning producer, and multi-hyphenate creative. Dan shares the story of how his long-lost novel Montauk Dayz resurfaced after two decades, and how growth, time, and reflection helped him rewrite it 20 years later. He discusses his exciting career path, from early days in journalism to becoming a production assistant in Hollywood, and eventually founding his full-service production company, Pipeline Entertainment. With a lifelong love for both creativity and business, Dan describes how an entrepreneurial mindset shaped his approach from the very beginning. Tune in for behind-the-scenes stories about working with notable names like Nicolas Cage and Francis Ford Coppola, what it really feels like to be a three-time Emmy winner, and where to find his new book, Montauk Dayz.
The Journey of Reinvention with Adam LaSalle | Challenging the “Real Job” Narrative (00:39:27)
Today on Adeptus On-Air, host Mike Hoffman chats with Adam LaSalle, an actor, musician, and reinvention coach. Adam discusses how he fell in love with theater and the arts, but felt like he needed to have a real job. After becoming a teacher, he explains how he still had the performance itch but struggled to reconcile it with everything he had learned over the years. While pursuing his master's degree, he began researching the concept of teaching passion, a process that ultimately helped him reflect on his own creative path. Through a stroke of luck and timing, he shares how he got his big break as a professional actor and musician, simply by asking questions and meeting the right people. Tune in to hear how Adam uses his journey to help others explore reinvention, challenge the belief that art isn’t a “real job,” and find their place in the creative world on stage, on screen, or wherever it leads.
Redefining Luxury with Elizabeth Solaru | Understanding Personal Value (00:34:16)
Today on Adeptus On-Air, host Mike Hoffman chats with Elizabeth Solaru, a luxury business consultant and author of The Luxpreneur. Elizabeth shares how social, cultural, and emotional factors shape our perceptions of luxury and how brands can authentically connect with luxury clients. She dives into her journey from award-winning cake artist to international luxury strategist, offers insights from her book The Luxpreneur, and explains why mindset is the most critical starting point for building a successful luxury brand. Tune in to hear Elizabeth’s take on the evolving role of social media, the rise and fall of luxury trends, and the importance of understanding your customers' psychology, not just their spending power.
Teaching Indoor Cycling with Melissa Power | The Cadence Way of Riding (00:33:51)
Today on Adeptus On-Air, host James Walker speaks with Melissa Power, a leading indoor cycling instructor and trainer of trainers who is reshaping how spin is taught. After a serious traffic accident, Melissa discovered indoor cycling during her recovery and left a career in television to pursue fitness full time. Her journey turned into a mission to raise the standard of spin instruction through inclusive, safe, and science-backed coaching. Tune in to hear how her studio Cadence was built to welcome all levels of riders, why empathy is key in every class, and how she plans to expand her method through new studios and an upcoming YouTube channel.
Creative Reinvention with Peter Moore | From Men’s Health to Columntoonist (00:32:15)
Today on Adeptus On-Air, host Mike Hoffman chats with Peter Moore, a former magazine editor, illustrator, ghostwriter, and cartoon columnist. Peter shares how the pandemic pushed him to finally start his memoir and during the process, decided to blend the writing with humorous sketches. He discusses his creative transformation into what he calls a “Columntoonist,” the surreal experience of interviewing both Barack and Michelle Obama, and how Substack helped him build a new audience. Tune in to hear Peter’s reflections on ghostwriting bestsellers, the joy of cartooning about Coloradans and what it means to reinvent your creative identity later in life on your own terms and with a good sense of humor.
Leading Through Change with Dr. Tenia Davis | Play to the Strength of Your Team (00:33:58)
Today on Adeptus On-Air, host Mike Hoffman chats with Dr. Tenia Davis, an experienced HR leader, author, and advocate for servant leadership. Dr. Davis reflects on how a temporary assignment in tech unexpectedly led her to a career in human resources and shares how the pandemic reshaped her approach to work, parenting, and leadership. She discusses how generational differences and remote work are redefining company culture, why feedback is so often avoided, and what it means to truly inspire a team. Tune in to hear Dr. Davis’s perspective on building trust in a changing workforce and how intentional leadership can shape stronger organizations.
