Podcast
Everybody Needs a Nudge
Hosted by Crowd Lending, Inc. · EN
Hosted by Crowd Lending Co-Founder and CEO Dan Najarian, Everybody Needs a Nudge explores the seemingly insignificant nudges that guide us through life. From chance encounters to unexpected opportunities, guests share the stories behind the decisions that led them to where they are today. Join us in contemplating the interconnected web of experiences, reflecting on the beauty of life's unpredictable moments. Through insightful interviews, we invite listeners to appreciate the intricate dance between choice and circumstance, sparking contemplation about the nudges in their own lives.
10episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Steve "Sleepy" Brandt
Sep 1901:08:40Tap to summarizeThis week, on Everybody Needs a Nudge, Dan & Keith sit down with Steve “Sleepy” Brandt: Dan’s cousin, lifelong athlete, and now an entrepreneur on a mission to make communities more insurable.Steve opens up about his journey from a hockey-loving kid in Hanover to failing out of college, then returning to UMass Boston and graduating decades later, eventually going from dropout to keynote speaker. Along the way, he built a career in corporate sales, met his wife Natalie, raised two sons, and most recently pivoted to a career as Chief Development Officer and Founding Board Member of InnSure.We also dive into:The wild sayings kids use today (ever heard “6, 7”?)Lessons from survival mode & entrepreneurshipWhy it’s important to strive for the standard regardless of the situation…plus some classic dad jokes 😂Tune in now and get nudged!
Transcribe →Kirk Douglas
Jun 601:11:54Tap to summarizeIn this nostalgic and laughter-filled episode, Dan and Keith sit down with Kirk Douglas—no, not the actor, but a local legend with a life story as dynamic as his name. Raised in Abington, Kirk shares his journey from playing every sport imaginable to becoming a standout lacrosse player. From getting banned from soccer for life to being transformed by Coach McCabe at Bridgton Academy, Kirk’s path is full of surprising turns, lasting friendships, and lessons learned.Kirk reflects on the importance of community, the value of following your gut, and how he met his wife Judy in true rom-com fashion—on the train. Now living in Marshfield and vacationing in Vermont with their two kids, Kirk is a tattooed outdoorsman who spends his time hiking, biking, and playing men’s league hockey. The guys also dive into dad jokes, the Hoover Dam, and Dan’s sentimental goodbye to his Jeep. It’s an episode packed with heart, humor, and a few nudges in the right direction.
Transcribe →Crowd Lending Catch Up
May 2401:27:00Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Everybody Needs a Nudge, hosts Dan and Keith catch up with the Crowd Lending crew and drop some exciting news — the podcast has officially gone international! From DJ Nudgey Nudge spinning tracks to gym comebacks and everyday pet peeves, the boys cover it all. They dive into the spectacle of an NBA game, reflect on this day in history, and keep the laughs coming with their signature dad jokes. Tune in for laughs, insight, and a little bit of everything in between!Donate to Madison's Marathon run here! --> https://donate.heroesendurance.org/donations/new?fundraiser=9cbeb851819aefa294d1
Transcribe →Michael Burns
Apr 25, 202501:06:49Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Dan and Keith sit down with Michael Burns, a lifelong athlete and Belmont native with a passion for sports and coaching. Michael shares his journey from backyard whiffle ball to Belmont Hill, then on to Trinity College—his dream school—and eventually into a career in sports marketing.After realizing finance wasn’t for him, Michael pivoted back to his passion, earning a degree in sports management from UMass and landing roles with NESN and the Bruins. For the last 18 years, he’s thrived in the industry at Hill Holliday. Now a husband, father of three daughters, and a dedicated coach, Michael reflects on how his upbringing, community, and competitive mindset shaped his life.The guys also chat about country club scuffles, marathon bandits, and mindset versus talent, with a special shout-out to Keith’s episode-winning dad jokes.Tune in now!
Transcribe →Anh Kieu
Apr 11, 202500:58:40Tap to summarizeThis week, Dan & Keith sit down with Anh Kieu; Loan Processor, cat mom, and all-around powerhouse. Anh shares her incredible journey from Vietnam to Quincy, MA—learning English on the fly, navigating a new culture, and building a career in finance. We cover everything from mortgage tips to cat backpacks, plus:✔️ How many exclamation points are too many?!✔️ Hard money vs. conventional loans✔️ Perseverance, teamwork, and knowing your role✔️ Dad jokes, duh.Tune in for laughs, inspiration, and a reminder that sometimes, we all need a little nudge.
Transcribe →Adi Guzelian
Mar 29, 202501:07:37Tap to summarizeOn this episode of Everybody Needs a Nudge (nationwide), hosts Dan and Keith welcome Adi Guzelian—a proud Armenian Needham native with a story full of heritage and hustle. From Armenian day school to Suffolk University and a marketing MBA from Bentley, Adi shares how family and culture have shaped her journey. Tune in as the crew dives into their feelings on group chats, accountability, and, as always, a few dad jokes. Plus, mark your calendars for the 4th Annual Empty Can Striper Open fishing tournament on Saturday, June 28th, supporting the Laney Ladd Foundation and Cancer Can’t. Learn more and donate here --> https://givebutter.com/2025JAHEmptyCanStriperOpenFinal takeaway? Trust the process—because you never know where one nudge might lead.
Transcribe →Spending your time vs investing your time
Mar 14, 202500:43:05Tap to summarizeGuess who’s back!In this episode, Dan and Keith dive into the chaos of busy lives, cracking dad jokes while tackling deeper conversations about leadership. Dan shares a powerful story of words that may have changed Mia Hamm’s trajectory and explores pushing through discomfort to grow—just like eagles reinventing themselves to survive.Tune in for insights, laughs, and a nudge in the right direction!
Transcribe →Manning Morris
Jun 14, 202400:59:31Tap to summarizeIn this episode of "Everybody Needs a Nudge," hosts Dan and Keith sit down with Manning Morris, Crowd Lending's newest intern, to explore his laid-back daily routine, background, and future aspirations. Manning shares stories of growing up in Hanover with his mom (Hi Daryce!), dad, and two brothers, highlighting their deep family bond with a shared tattoo. Now a Senior studying finance at UNH, Manning reminisces about his hockey days at Hanover High and how playing during the COVID era helped shape his future path. He also provides insights into his internship at Crowd Lending, where he's learning the business from the ground up. The conversation takes intriguing turns as we dive into the Malocchio (Italian evil eye) and the Karen Read trial and, of course, sprinkle in some classic dad jokes. Tune in for an engaging mix of personal anecdotes, humor, and insightful discussions. Check it out!
Transcribe →George Berg
Apr 26, 202401:03:49Tap to summarizeIn this episode of "Everybody Needs a Nudge," hosts Dan and Keith delve into the remarkable life story of George Berg, a seasoned architect whose path from a small-town upbringing to designing health centers is nothing short of inspiring. Born and raised with his roots firmly planted in Weymouth, George's journey began with humble beginnings. Despite not being drawn to youth sports, he found his rhythm working for a precast concrete company after school. However, his true passion lay elsewhere – in the world of architecture. From a young age, George knew he wanted to be an architect, captivated by the profession's ability to shape tangible outcomes. His knack for sketching and envisioning designs led him to pursue an associate's degree in architecture and engineering from Wentworth. Juggling a full-time job as a co-op student, George's dedication to his craft was unwavering. He eventually transitioned to the Boston Architectural College (BAC), navigating work demands during the day and school at night. Amidst this whirlwind, he found love, marrying in 1993, and later expanding his family to include three children. George's journey took an unexpected turn when he became a partner in the company he worked for, putting his education on hold to steer the business through challenging times. However, his perseverance paid off, culminating in his graduation from BAC in 2000. His career trajectory soared when he was tapped by a larger company to spearhead their architectural division, specializing in designing cancer centers. George dedicated himself to this noble cause for over five years, but the onset of Covid prompted a reevaluation of priorities. Seeking a change aligned with his values, George transitioned to Raymond Design Associates, where he's been for nearly four years. His commitment to his craft remains unwavering, even amidst personal health challenges such as undergoing triple bypass surgery. Through George's story, we glean insights into the importance of resilience, dedication, and a strong work ethic. As he continues to shape spaces and communities, his journey is a testament to the transformative power of following one's passion, even in the face of adversity.
Transcribe →The Dynasty!
Mar 29, 202400:42:40Tap to summarizeWe’re BACK with the back-to-back champions! Long story short, tune into our latest episode of Everybody Needs a Nudge as we catch up with the Crowd Lending team.
Transcribe →