Featured Guest Series Episodes
Welcome to the Guest Series on The Bliss Business Podcast! In this series, we spotlight exceptional leaders of companies that embody the core values of Belonging, Love, Inspiration, Service, and Sustainability. These organizations set the standard for empathy and people-centric business practices, creating positive and inclusive work environments.
Join us as we explore the stories and strategies of these remarkable companies, and gain valuable insights on integrating BLISS principles into your own business practices. Subscribe and follow us to stay updated on the latest episodes and be inspired by leaders who are making a difference.
Join us as we explore the stories and strategies of these remarkable companies, and gain valuable insights on integrating BLISS principles into your own business practices. Subscribe and follow us to stay updated on the latest episodes and be inspired by leaders who are making a difference.
Feb. 5, 2026
Balancing Profit and Social Responsibility with Joe Dent
Customers are no longer impressed by profit alone. They want to see what brands stand for. Recent global research shows that more than three quarters of consumers say they are more likely to trust and stay loyal to brands that act in socially and environmentally responsible ways, even when times are tough.
In this episode of The Bliss Business Podcast, we sit down with Joe Dent, CEO of Everything Pets, a Division of Loyalty Brands, to explore how franchise leaders can grow profit while hon...
In this episode of The Bliss Business Podcast, we sit down with Joe Dent, CEO of Everything Pets, a Division of Loyalty Brands, to explore how franchise leaders can grow profit while hon...
Guest: Joe Dent
Feb. 3, 2026
The Role of Empathy in Leadership with Chris Steer
Empathy is no longer a “nice to have” in leadership. It is becoming a hard performance metric.
A recent study from Catalyst found that employees with highly empathetic senior leaders are 3 times more likely to report being innovative and 4 times more likely to be engaged at work.
In this episode of The Bliss Business Podcast, we sit down with Christopher M. Steer, Esq., Founder and CEO of Steer, LLC, to explore how empathy, humility, and a permanent beta mindset can unlock high perfo...
A recent study from Catalyst found that employees with highly empathetic senior leaders are 3 times more likely to report being innovative and 4 times more likely to be engaged at work.
In this episode of The Bliss Business Podcast, we sit down with Christopher M. Steer, Esq., Founder and CEO of Steer, LLC, to explore how empathy, humility, and a permanent beta mindset can unlock high perfo...
Guest: Christopher M. Steer, Esq.
Jan. 29, 2026
Building Trust with Responsible AI with Dominique Shelton Leipzig
A 2025 PwC study found that 78% of consumers will only engage with brands that use AI responsibly and transparently. That statistic is more than a warning. It’s a window into the future of business.
In this episode of The Bliss Business Podcast, we’re joined by Dominique Shelton Leipzig, Founder & CEO of Global Data Innovation. Together with hosts Stephen Sakach and Tullio Siragusa, we explore how trust becomes the foundation for innovation in the age of AI.
🎙️ Hosted by Stephen Saka...
In this episode of The Bliss Business Podcast, we’re joined by Dominique Shelton Leipzig, Founder & CEO of Global Data Innovation. Together with hosts Stephen Sakach and Tullio Siragusa, we explore how trust becomes the foundation for innovation in the age of AI.
🎙️ Hosted by Stephen Saka...
Guest: Dominique Shelton Leipzig
Jan. 27, 2026
Sustainable Business Practices and Ethics with Shelby Parsons
More customers are watching how companies behave, not just what they sell.A recent global study found that 64 percent of consumers rank sustainability as a top factor in their buying decisions, and a majority say they are more likely to stay loyal to brands that act responsibly toward people and the planet.
In this episode of The Bliss Business Podcast, we sit down with Shelby Parsons, COO of Premier Inspection Services, to explore what sustainable business practices and ethics look like i...
In this episode of The Bliss Business Podcast, we sit down with Shelby Parsons, COO of Premier Inspection Services, to explore what sustainable business practices and ethics look like i...
Guest: Shelby Parsons
Jan. 22, 2026
The Role of Empathy in Business with Karen Price Owen
Empathy is not a soft extra in business anymore. A recent EY study found that 90 percent of workers believe empathetic leadership leads to higher job satisfaction, and nearly 80 percent say it reduces turnover.
In this episode of The Bliss Business Podcast, we sit down with Karen Price Owen, Executive And Life Coach, to explore how empathy becomes a practical, measurable advantage in both leadership and life.
Karen shares powerful insights on:
• What real empathy in business looks...
In this episode of The Bliss Business Podcast, we sit down with Karen Price Owen, Executive And Life Coach, to explore how empathy becomes a practical, measurable advantage in both leadership and life.
Karen shares powerful insights on:
• What real empathy in business looks...
Guest: Karen Price Owen
Jan. 20, 2026
Building Community and Connection in Business with Michael Browning
Kids today are surrounded by digital noise, but what they crave most is a place to belong.
A longitudinal study found that when young people move from no extracurriculars into regular activities, their mental health improves largely because their sense of peer belonging increases.
In this episode of The Bliss Business Podcast, we sit down with Michael Browning Jr., CEO and Founder of Unleashed Brands, to explore how to build real community and connection across youth enrichment franc...
A longitudinal study found that when young people move from no extracurriculars into regular activities, their mental health improves largely because their sense of peer belonging increases.
In this episode of The Bliss Business Podcast, we sit down with Michael Browning Jr., CEO and Founder of Unleashed Brands, to explore how to build real community and connection across youth enrichment franc...
Guest: Michael Browning Jr.
Jan. 15, 2026
The Power of Emotional Intelligence in Business with Kelly Roddy
Emotional intelligence is not a “nice to have” for leaders anymore.
A study of more than 300 organizations found that leaders with higher emotional intelligence were associated with significantly higher employee engagement, productivity, and profitability, making EQ one of the strongest predictors of leadership effectiveness.
In this episode of The Bliss Business Podcast, we sit down with Kelly Roddy, CEO of WOWorks, to explore how emotional intelligence becomes a real business advan...
A study of more than 300 organizations found that leaders with higher emotional intelligence were associated with significantly higher employee engagement, productivity, and profitability, making EQ one of the strongest predictors of leadership effectiveness.
In this episode of The Bliss Business Podcast, we sit down with Kelly Roddy, CEO of WOWorks, to explore how emotional intelligence becomes a real business advan...
Guest: Kelly Roddy
Jan. 13, 2026
Building Community and Connection in Business with Craig Moody
Youth sports are not just about skills and scores. They are one of the most powerful engines of belonging.
A 2020 meta-analysis of 50 studies found that youth sport participation is consistently linked to a stronger sense of belonging and more prosocial behavior, especially when environments are inclusive and supportive.
In this episode of The Bliss Business Podcast, we sit down with Craig Moody, Founder and President of Shoot 360, to explore how to build real community and connectio...
A 2020 meta-analysis of 50 studies found that youth sport participation is consistently linked to a stronger sense of belonging and more prosocial behavior, especially when environments are inclusive and supportive.
In this episode of The Bliss Business Podcast, we sit down with Craig Moody, Founder and President of Shoot 360, to explore how to build real community and connectio...
Guests: Craig Moody , craig
Jan. 8, 2026
Building Community and Connection in Business with Carl Comeaux
Community is often talked about as a brand value, but for many businesses it becomes an afterthought once growth accelerates.At the same time, customers, employees, and franchise partners are craving real connection more than ever, places where they feel seen, welcomed, and part of something bigger than a transaction.
In this episode of The Bliss Business Podcast, we sit down with Carl Comeaux, CEO of Crust Pizza Co., to explore how building community and connection can become a powerful b...
In this episode of The Bliss Business Podcast, we sit down with Carl Comeaux, CEO of Crust Pizza Co., to explore how building community and connection can become a powerful b...
Guest: Carl Comeaux
Dec. 16, 2025
The Power of Emotional Intelligence in Business with Jania Bailey
Emotional intelligence is often called a “soft skill,” yet research shows it can account for more than half of job performance in many roles and is one of the strongest predictors of effective leadership.
At the same time, many employees still experience leaders who are distant, reactive, or purely numbers driven. The gap between what people need and how leaders show up has never been more visible.
In this episode of The Bliss Business Podcast, we sit down with franchise leader Jania...
At the same time, many employees still experience leaders who are distant, reactive, or purely numbers driven. The gap between what people need and how leaders show up has never been more visible.
In this episode of The Bliss Business Podcast, we sit down with franchise leader Jania...
Guest: Jania Bailey
Dec. 11, 2025
Building Community and Connection in Business with Paul Flick
Only 19% of executives believe they have the right culture in place, even though 94% agree it’s critical to business success (Deloitte, 2024).
Culture isn’t built through policy. It’s built through people, through shared purpose, trust, and community.
In this episode of The Bliss Business Podcast, we sit down with Paul Flick, Founder and CEO of Premium Service Brands, to explore what it really takes to build connection and belonging across a growing franchise network.
🎙️ Hosted...
Culture isn’t built through policy. It’s built through people, through shared purpose, trust, and community.
In this episode of The Bliss Business Podcast, we sit down with Paul Flick, Founder and CEO of Premium Service Brands, to explore what it really takes to build connection and belonging across a growing franchise network.
🎙️ Hosted...
Guest: Paul Flick
Dec. 9, 2025
The Role of Empathy in Leadership with Teresa Johnson
Empathy gets talked about a lot in leadership, but too often it stays at the level of slogans.
Many employees still experience leaders who are distant, reactive, or purely numbers driven, even as research shows that empathetic leadership drives higher engagement, innovation, and loyalty.
In this episode of The Bliss Business Podcast, we sit down with Teresa Johnson, CEO of Color Me Mine, to explore what empathy in leadership looks like in the real world of franchise studios, frontlin...
Many employees still experience leaders who are distant, reactive, or purely numbers driven, even as research shows that empathetic leadership drives higher engagement, innovation, and loyalty.
In this episode of The Bliss Business Podcast, we sit down with Teresa Johnson, CEO of Color Me Mine, to explore what empathy in leadership looks like in the real world of franchise studios, frontlin...
Guest: Teresa Johnson
Dec. 4, 2025
Building Community and Connection in Business with Heather Neary
We have access to fast transactions and endless options, but people are craving something deeper from the brands they choose.
Recent workplace surveys show that most employees and customers want to feel part of a real community, not just another number in a system.
In this episode of The Bliss Business Podcast, we sit down with Heather Neary, President and CEO of Taco John’s, to explore what it really means to build community and connection in business.
Heather shares powerful ...
Recent workplace surveys show that most employees and customers want to feel part of a real community, not just another number in a system.
In this episode of The Bliss Business Podcast, we sit down with Heather Neary, President and CEO of Taco John’s, to explore what it really means to build community and connection in business.
Heather shares powerful ...
Guest: Heather Neary
Dec. 2, 2025
Innovative Work Models for the Future with Alex Filipuk
Today the “future of work” often sounds like a buzzword, because most people are still living with outdated models.
Recent research from McKinsey shows that a little over half of workers prefer remote or flexible arrangements, and flexible work models are now one of the top reasons people change jobs.
In this episode of The Bliss Business Podcast, we sit down with Alex Filipuk, CEO and Founder of Ideal Siding, to explore what truly innovative work models look like in a hands-on, fran...
Recent research from McKinsey shows that a little over half of workers prefer remote or flexible arrangements, and flexible work models are now one of the top reasons people change jobs.
In this episode of The Bliss Business Podcast, we sit down with Alex Filipuk, CEO and Founder of Ideal Siding, to explore what truly innovative work models look like in a hands-on, fran...
Guest: Alex Filipuk
Nov. 25, 2025
Conscious Capitalism: Business Beyond Profit with Shane Jackson
In a business world obsessed with quarterly results, too many leaders still treat purpose as optional instead of essential. Gallup’s State of the Global Workplace report shows that only about one in four employees strongly agree their organization cares about their wellbeing.
At the same time, long term studies on purpose driven and stakeholder oriented companies, such as Firms of Endearment, show that businesses that put people and purpose at the center can dramatically outperform the mar...
At the same time, long term studies on purpose driven and stakeholder oriented companies, such as Firms of Endearment, show that businesses that put people and purpose at the center can dramatically outperform the mar...
Guest: Shane Jackson
Nov. 20, 2025
The Power of Emotional Intelligence in Business with Jennifer Lemcke
Ninety percent of top performers share one thing in common: emotional intelligence. Yet many organizations still focus on technical skills over the human skills that drive trust, retention, and growth.
In this episode of The Bliss Business Podcast, we sit down with Jennifer Lemcke, CEO of Weed Man, to explore how emotional intelligence transforms leadership, culture, and the bottom line.
Jennifer shares her insights on:
• The link between empathy and franchise success
• How emo...
In this episode of The Bliss Business Podcast, we sit down with Jennifer Lemcke, CEO of Weed Man, to explore how emotional intelligence transforms leadership, culture, and the bottom line.
Jennifer shares her insights on:
• The link between empathy and franchise success
• How emo...
Guest: Jennifer Lemcke
Nov. 18, 2025
Innovative Work Models for the Future with Patrick Cowden
In a world obsessed with productivity, many leaders overlook the one factor that drives it all: connection.
A recent Deloitte study found that 74% of employees want more flexibility and meaning in how they work. Yet too many companies still design systems for control instead of trust.
In this episode of The Bliss Business Podcast, we sit down with Patrick Cowden, CRO and Architect of Warmspace, to explore what it takes to build human-centered work models for the future.
Patrick...
A recent Deloitte study found that 74% of employees want more flexibility and meaning in how they work. Yet too many companies still design systems for control instead of trust.
In this episode of The Bliss Business Podcast, we sit down with Patrick Cowden, CRO and Architect of Warmspace, to explore what it takes to build human-centered work models for the future.
Patrick...
Guest: Patrick Cowden
Nov. 13, 2025
Conscious Capitalism: Business Beyond Profit with Neal Courtney
According to Harvard Business Review, purpose-driven companies outperform competitors by 42 percent in profitability and retention.
Yet too often, leaders treat profit as the goal instead of the result of meaningful, people-centered business.
In this episode of The Bliss Business Podcast, we explore what Conscious Capitalism looks like in practice, where purpose and profit grow together.
Our guest, Neal Courtney, CEO of Cookie Cutters, joins us to share how leading with heart, ...
Yet too often, leaders treat profit as the goal instead of the result of meaningful, people-centered business.
In this episode of The Bliss Business Podcast, we explore what Conscious Capitalism looks like in practice, where purpose and profit grow together.
Our guest, Neal Courtney, CEO of Cookie Cutters, joins us to share how leading with heart, ...
Guest: Neal Courtney
Nov. 11, 2025
Building Community and Connections in Business with Mark Van Wye
Only 33 percent of employees strongly agree they feel connected to their company’s mission (Gallup, 2024).
That lack of connection impacts everything from engagement to innovation.
In this episode of The Bliss Business Podcast, we explore how community and connection can transform not only workplace culture but also business performance.
Our guest, Mark Van Wye, CEO of Zoom Room, joins us to discuss how purpose, empathy, and relationships can become a company’s greatest growth ...
That lack of connection impacts everything from engagement to innovation.
In this episode of The Bliss Business Podcast, we explore how community and connection can transform not only workplace culture but also business performance.
Our guest, Mark Van Wye, CEO of Zoom Room, joins us to discuss how purpose, empathy, and relationships can become a company’s greatest growth ...
Guest: Mark Van Wye
Nov. 6, 2025
Building Community and Connection in Business with Brian Kellerman
Only 31 percent of employees strongly agree that their company cares about their well-being (Gallup, 2024). That’s not just a people problem, it’s a business problem.
In this episode of The Bliss Business Podcast, we sit down with Brian Kellerman, CEO at GoGather, to explore how intentional connection transforms company culture, leadership, and performance.
🎙️ Hosted by Stephen Sakach and Mike Liwski
🎧 Produced by Tullio Siragusa
🧭 In this episode, we explore:
• How conne...
In this episode of The Bliss Business Podcast, we sit down with Brian Kellerman, CEO at GoGather, to explore how intentional connection transforms company culture, leadership, and performance.
🎙️ Hosted by Stephen Sakach and Mike Liwski
🎧 Produced by Tullio Siragusa
🧭 In this episode, we explore:
• How conne...
Guest: Brian Kellerman
Nov. 4, 2025
Conscious Capitalism: Business Beyond Profit with Rachel Fine Wilson
Only 32% of employees believe their company truly lives its stated values (Deloitte, 2024). That gap between words and actions is where trust is lost — and where conscious capitalism steps in.
In this episode of The Bliss Business Podcast, we sit down with Rachel Fine Wilson, Founder and CEO of Gigglewaters, to explore how values-driven leadership and authentic connection can transform a business from profitable to purposeful.
🎙️ Hosted by Stephen Sakach and Mike Liwski
🎧 Produced by...
In this episode of The Bliss Business Podcast, we sit down with Rachel Fine Wilson, Founder and CEO of Gigglewaters, to explore how values-driven leadership and authentic connection can transform a business from profitable to purposeful.
🎙️ Hosted by Stephen Sakach and Mike Liwski
🎧 Produced by...
Guest: Rachel Fine Wilson
Oct. 28, 2025
The Power of Emotional Intelligence in Business with Kim Daly
Research from Harvard Business Review shows that 90% of top performers possess high emotional intelligence. Yet many organizations still prioritize technical skills over emotional skills when developing leaders.
In this episode of The Bliss Business Podcast, we’re joined by Kim Daly, Founder and CEO of The Zee Suite. Kim is a nationally recognized franchise consultant, business coach, and one of the top-producing advisors with FranChoice.
With over two decades of experience and nearl...
In this episode of The Bliss Business Podcast, we’re joined by Kim Daly, Founder and CEO of The Zee Suite. Kim is a nationally recognized franchise consultant, business coach, and one of the top-producing advisors with FranChoice.
With over two decades of experience and nearl...
Guest: Kim Daly
Oct. 21, 2025
Conscious Capitalism: Business Beyond Profit with Raj Sisodia
Seventy-three percent of employees say they want to work for companies that balance profit with purpose, yet fewer than one in four believe their employer truly does (Deloitte Human Values Index, 2025).
The truth is, business has the power to heal or to harm, and that power depends on how consciously it is led.
In this episode of The Bliss Business Podcast, we’re joined by Raj Sisodia, Co-Founder of Conscious Capitalism and Author of Firms of Endearment, to explore how love, purpose,...
The truth is, business has the power to heal or to harm, and that power depends on how consciously it is led.
In this episode of The Bliss Business Podcast, we’re joined by Raj Sisodia, Co-Founder of Conscious Capitalism and Author of Firms of Endearment, to explore how love, purpose,...
Guest: Raj Sisodia
Oct. 16, 2025
Building Community and Connection in Business with Jonathan Weathington
79% of consumers say they want brands to create real connections, not just transactions (Edelman Trust Barometer, 2024).
Community isn’t just a buzzword. It’s a growth strategy.
In this episode of The Bliss Business Podcast, we’re joined by Jonathan Weathington, CEO of Shuckin Shack Oyster Bar. Since 2014, Jonathan has led the company from a single coastal location to a nationally recognized brand featured in The Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, and Good Morning America.
K...
Community isn’t just a buzzword. It’s a growth strategy.
In this episode of The Bliss Business Podcast, we’re joined by Jonathan Weathington, CEO of Shuckin Shack Oyster Bar. Since 2014, Jonathan has led the company from a single coastal location to a nationally recognized brand featured in The Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, and Good Morning America.
K...
Guest: Jonathan Weathington