Podcast
🎙️ Interesting Humans Podcast
Hosted by Jeff Hopeck · EN
Real stories about fear, failure, and rebuild — because your story isn’t finished either.
🇺🇸 Host @jeffhopeck Fmr U.S. Secret Service Officer.
44episodes
Episodes
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Ep. 74: Life Inside a Nuclear Submarine | Casey Murphy
3d ago01:04:37Summary readyWhat does it actually feel like when the hatch seals shut… and a nuclear submarine disappears beneath the ocean?In this episode of Interesting Humans, Jeff sits down with former Navy submarine officer Casey Murphy to pull back the curtain on one of the most secretive and psychologically demanding environments on Earth: life aboard a nuclear submarine.Casey shares what it’s like living hundreds of feet underwater for months at a time, operating inside a machine where a single mistake can have catastrophic consequences. From terrifying fire drills and silent underwater navigation to hurricanes above the ocean and the stress of constant vigilance, this conversation reveals the reality behind America’s nuclear deterrence mission.The discussion also dives into leadership, faith, pressure, human behavior in confined environments, and the surprising ways the U.S. military uses trained dolphins and sea lions to help protect submarines and ports.This is a fascinating look into a world very few humans will ever experience.🔑 Key Takeaways What it feels like the first time a submarine dives underwater Why fire is one of the greatest fears aboard a submarine The psychological reality of living underwater for months How submarine crews handle extreme stress and sleep deprivation Why Casey says submariners are “the most professional men” he’s ever worked with The leadership lessons learned as a 25-year-old officer overseeing veteran sailors How nuclear submarines stay hidden beneath the ocean The shocking story of trained dolphins and sea lions protecting Navy assets Why “the competent shall be punished” became a Navy reality How faith and purpose shaped Casey’s military journey Support the show👉 Host: Jeff Hopeck. To learn more about my ventures and the conversations I care about, find me at www.JeffHopeckBrand.com
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Ep. 73: From Dorm Room Idea to $1.3 Billion Raised for Schools | Chris Carneal
1w ago00:19:50Summary readyChris Carneal is the founder and CEO of Booster, the nation’s largest elementary school fundraising company. What began as a college dorm room idea has grown into a movement that has helped raise more than $1.3 billion for schools and now serves thousands of schools across the country.In this bonus episode of Interesting Humans, originally recorded for 20-Minute MBA, Chris shares how a simple idea from his childhood turned into a national company, why listening closely to clients helped shape Booster’s growth, and how one piece of advice changed the direction of his life.He also opens up about one of his biggest leadership mistakes: avoiding hard conversations. For Chris, growth has required not just vision and optimism, but courage, self-awareness, and the willingness to run toward conflict instead of away from it.This conversation is also a powerful look at business as a calling. Chris explains why he believes companies can do more than make money — they can shape people, strengthen families, and promote human flourishing through timeless virtues.Key Takeaways How Chris turned a childhood fun run experience into Booster Why client feedback helped build and refine the company The advice that pushed him to follow business momentum Why avoiding conflict became one of his biggest leadership lessons How marriage and family became foundational to his success Why Chris believes virtues are more powerful than company values How business can be used as a force for human flourishingSupport the show👉 Host: Jeff Hopeck. To learn more about my ventures and the conversations I care about, find me at www.JeffHopeckBrand.com
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Ep. 72: How a 25-Year-Old Led the Army’s First Cyber Unit—and Never Looked Back | Chris Schueler
2w ago00:56:53Summary readyThis episode originally aired on 20-Minute MBA and is now part of Interesting Humans—because stories like this deserve a bigger stage.Chris Schueler’s journey isn’t just about becoming a CEO in cybersecurity—it’s about discipline, humility, faith, and the moments that redefine a life.From growing up in a small town outside Chicago to serving in the military, helping build the Army’s first cyber operations, and eventually leading at the highest levels of global cybersecurity—Chris’s path is anything but typical.But the real turning point?A moment of devastating loss that forced him to confront something he never had before: a lack of control.This conversation dives deep into:What builds true resilienceWhy discipline is the foundation of successHow humility keeps you grounded at the topAnd why the hardest moments in life often shape your greatest purposeIf you’re chasing growth—in business, leadership, or life—this one will stay with you. Key Takeaways1. Discipline is the Ultimate AdvantageChris wasn’t the smartest or most naturally gifted—but discipline became his edge. Small, consistent actions compound into elite performance.2. Humility is What Sustains SuccessTalent might get you noticed—but humility is what keeps people trusting you, following you, and investing in you.3. You Don’t Attract Luck—You Position Yourself for ItOpportunities don’t just happen.Chris built skills and showed up consistently—so when opportunity came, he was ready.4. There Are Levels to EverythingFrom military experiences to business leadership, one lesson stood out: There’s always another level—stay humble and keep learning.5. Your Lowest Moment Can Become Your Defining OneThe loss of his daughter changed Chris forever.It shifted his perspective from control → faith, and from achievement → purpose.6. Balance Drives PerformanceDiscipline without humility leads to ego.Humility without discipline leads to stagnation. The combination is where elite leaders live.7. Leadership is About Creating Thinkers, Not FollowersGreat leaders don’t just give answers—they build people who can solve problems on their own.Support the show👉 Host: Jeff Hopeck. To learn more about my ventures and the conversations I care about, find me at www.JeffHopeckBrand.com
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Ep. 71: Space Shuttle Challenger Disaster - My Dad Was the Pilot [Alison Balch]
3w ago01:32:38Summary readyOn January 28, 1986, the world watched in horror as the Space Shuttle Challenger exploded just 73 seconds after liftoff. But for Alison Balch, this wasn’t just a historic moment—it was the day she lost her father, astronaut Michael J. Smith. In this unforgettable episode of Interesting Humans, Alison shares what it was like standing near the launch pad as a 14-year-old girl watching her dad head into space… and then witnessing the unthinkable happen in real time. She opens up about grief, anger, forgiveness, faith, and the decades-long healing journey that followed one of the most public tragedies in American history.But this conversation goes far beyond the Challenger disaster. It’s about identity, suffering, resilience, family, purpose, and what happens when tragedy collides with hope. Alison’s story is heartbreaking, inspiring, and deeply human.Key Takeaways What it was like to watch the Challenger launch from just over a mile away The exact moment Alison realized something had gone terribly wrong The untold details about what happened inside the shuttle after the explosion How NASA engineers warned against launching Challenger The emotional weight of grieving in front of the entire world Why bitterness and anger nearly defined Alison’s life How faith transformed her understanding of suffering and forgiveness What President Ronald Reagan was like behind the scenes with the families The powerful story of reconnecting with a Challenger engineer decades later Why Alison now uses her story to help others navigate pain, grief, and healing This is one of the most emotional and impactful conversations ever featured on Interesting Humans.Support the show👉 Host: Jeff Hopeck. To learn more about my ventures and the conversations I care about, find me at www.JeffHopeckBrand.com
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Ep. 70: 30yrs Later He Discovered Child Abuse His Brain Buried | Lou Samara
Apr 3001:07:20Summary readyMost of us believe we know our own story.Where we’ve been. What shaped us. Why we are the way we are.But what if a part of your life was buried so deeply… you didn’t even know it existed?In this episode, I sit down with Lou Samara—a former police officer, high performer, and someone who, by all appearances, had it all together. But beneath the surface, something wasn’t right.A constant feeling. A lack of peace. A life that never quite felt aligned.What followed was a decades-long journey that uncovered a truth hidden since early childhood—one that reshaped everything he thought he knew about himself and ultimately led him toward healing, purpose, and freedom. This is a raw, honest conversation about identity, trauma, faith, and what it really takes to confront the parts of your story you don’t even remember.🔑 Key TakeawaysYour brain can hide trauma—but it never disappears. Even if you don’t remember it, unresolved experiences can quietly shape your behavior, relationships, and identity. Feeling “off” is often a signal, not a flaw. That constant searching, frustration, or lack of alignment may point to something deeper beneath the surface. Healing isn’t instant—it’s a process. Lou’s journey took years of intentional work, reflection, and courage to fully confront and release what was buried. Your past doesn’t define you—but it does need to be faced. Avoidance keeps you stuck. Awareness creates the opportunity for freedom. Emotional health and physical health are deeply connected. What you carry mentally and emotionally can show up in your body in powerful ways. There is another side: peace, clarity, and purpose. When you begin to understand your story, you gain control over your life in a way that most people never experience.Support the show👉 Host: Jeff Hopeck. To learn more about my ventures and the conversations I care about, find me at www.JeffHopeckBrand.com
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Ep. 69: He Was 39, Healthy… Then the Doctor Walked In. [Patrick Knelly's Story]
Apr 1400:59:39Summary readyEpisode DescriptionThere are moments in life that split everything into before and after. For Patrick Knelly, that moment came at just 39 years old—when a routine test turned into a life-altering diagnosis: esophageal cancer.In this raw and powerful conversation, Patrick takes us inside the journey most people never see—the fear that grips you when time suddenly feels limited, the mental battle of waiting while something inside you is trying to take your life, and the decision to fight when nothing is guaranteed.But this isn’t just a story about cancer.It’s a story about mindset. About choosing not today when everything in you wants to break. About resilience, family, and what truly matters when everything else falls away.From brutal chemotherapy and a massive, life-altering surgery to rebuilding his body, his identity, and his perspective—Patrick’s story is a masterclass in what it means to endure and come out the other side.If you’ve ever faced adversity—or will someday—this episode will stay with you. Key Takeaways1. The Most Dangerous Moment Isn’t the Diagnosis—it’s the WaitingThe darkest days weren’t treatment—they were the days in between, when fear had nothing to fight against.2. Mindset Isn’t Everything… But It Might Be ClosePatrick’s daily ritual—looking in the mirror and saying “Not today”—became his mental anchor through chaos.3. Information Can Hurt You If You Don’t Filter ItGoogle told him his odds were low. Reality told a different story. Not all data applies to you.4. You Don’t Need Certainty to Start FightingHe didn’t know the outcome—but he committed to the fight immediately. That decision changed everything.5. The Internet Overrepresents the Worst OutcomesThe loudest voices are often the negative ones. Survivors move on quietly.6. Resilience Is Built in Motion, Not in ThoughtOnce treatment began, fear gave way to action—and action gave him strength.7. Gratitude Hits Different After SurvivalEvery stressful day now comes with perspective: “It’s better than the alternative timeline.”Support the show👉 Host: Jeff Hopeck. To learn more about my ventures and the conversations I care about, find me at www.JeffHopeckBrand.com
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Ep. 68: No Experience. No Plan. Now He Has Georgia’s Best Burger [Billy Kramer - NFA Burger]
Apr 1001:02:41Summary readyBilly Kramer wasn’t supposed to succeed in the restaurant world.No culinary background. No formal training. Just a growing frustration with his career—and a decision to fix his life.What started as a personal obsession with burgers turned into something much bigger. Billy began traveling, tasting, analyzing… and then cooking. One tweak at a time. One lesson at a time. Until he created something people couldn’t ignore.From disastrous pop-ups to launching inside a gas station, Billy built NFA Burger into one of the most talked-about burger spots in the country.But this story isn’t just about food.It’s about obsession. Reinvention. And what happens when you refuse to settle.As Billy says:“Anyone can do something great once… try doing it 80 times a day.”And maybe the simplest truth behind it all:“We all give a sh*t.”🎯 KEY TAKEAWAYS How dissatisfaction can become fuel for reinvention Why obsession beats experience The power of iteration and small improvements What it really takes to scale quality Why caring deeply is still the ultimate competitive advantage Support the show👉 Host: Jeff Hopeck. To learn more about my ventures and the conversations I care about, find me at www.JeffHopeckBrand.com
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Ep. 67: Joel Neeb - What Fighter Pilots Know About Fear (That You Don’t)
Mar 2602:20:50Summary readyIn this episode, I sit down with former F-15 fighter pilot Joel Neeb, and his story is one I won’t forget. We go from elite military training and aerial combat to a life-altering moment—a stage-four cancer diagnosis at just 33 years old. Joel shares how those experiences reshaped his mindset and how he’s carried those lessons into his corporate career, where he now works at the forefront of artificial intelligence and high-level leadership. What struck me most was a single moment outside a hospital that completely changed how he views fear, suffering, and gratitude. This conversation challenged me—and I think it will challenge you—to rethink perspective, purpose, and what it really means to live fully. Support the show👉 Host: Jeff Hopeck. To learn more about my ventures and the conversations I care about, find me at www.JeffHopeckBrand.com
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Ep. 66: Beau Rials - Fishing Lures to Billion Dollar Brands — The $2 Billion Pitchman
Mar 1800:51:12Summary readyIn this episode of Interesting Humans Podcast, Jeff sits down with legendary pitchman Beau Rials, a veteran of nearly 250 infomercials who has helped generate billions in product sales. Beau pulls back the curtain on the infomercial industry—from spotting a winning idea to turning it into a retail success. He explains why the best products solve simple problems, how scripts and demos are engineered to persuade buyers, and why attention is the real currency in modern marketing. Along the way, Beau shares stories about iconic products, famous pitchmen, and what inventors must do to protect and launch their ideas in today’s Amazon and social-media-driven marketplaceSupport the show👉 Host: Jeff Hopeck. To learn more about my ventures and the conversations I care about, find me at www.JeffHopeckBrand.com
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Ep. 65: Tegan Broadwater - Living Undercover Inside a Dangerous Gang
Feb 2701:29:24Summary readyOn this gripping episode of Interesting Humans, former Fort Worth police officer Tegan Broadwater pulls listeners into the shadowy world of deep-cover law enforcement, where every conversation could be his last and every decision carried life-or-death consequences. Tasked with infiltrating a violent street gang during the FBI’s “Operation Fishbowl,” Broadwater assumed the identity of a high-level cocaine dealer and stepped into a reality where trust was currency—and suspicion was lethal. Moving through darkened neighborhoods guarded by lookouts, barred doors, and armed enforcers, he navigated tense drug deals, surprise confrontations, and moments where a single misstep could have exposed him. In one chilling encounter, a deal nearly spiraled into violence when a shotgun was leveled at him before he could prove he belonged. For nearly two years, Broadwater lived a double life, balancing family, fear, and the relentless pressure of maintaining his cover while methodically working his way up the gang’s hierarchy. His efforts ultimately led to 51 federal indictments, dismantling a network responsible for violence and instability in the community. Yet the mission left him with lasting moral weight—forcing him to confront not only crime, but the human cost on families and neighborhoods caught inside the “fishbowl.”Support the show👉 Host: Jeff Hopeck. To learn more about my ventures and the conversations I care about, find me at www.JeffHopeckBrand.com
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