Episodes

3 days ago
3 days ago
What does it really take to manage brilliant, creative people as technology changes faster than anyone can keep up? In this episode, we sit down with Scott Ross, visual effects pioneer and author of Upstart: The Digital Film Revolution, Managing the Unmanageable. Scott has worked on 100-plus major films and helped lead the industry through the shift from analog effects models, miniatures, matte paintings on glass, into the digital era, and now into the next revolution, AI Scott breaks down what managing the unmanageable looks like in real-life high-pressure teams, demanding directors, impossible timelines, and constant innovation. He shares lessons on leadership, how to empower people smarter than you, and why great managers don’t control creativity, they create the conditions for it Then Scott takes us back to a true unforgettable moment from his youth, an unexpected day at NYC’s Record Plant that led to a once-in-a-lifetime encounter with Jimi Hendrix, including a story you have to hear to believe If you lead teams, work in creative industries, or just love behind-the-scenes stories from the worlds of film, music, and innovation, this one’s a must
📘 Grab Upstart here: https://www.amazon.com/UPSTART-DIGITAL-REVOLUTION-MANAGING-UNMANAGEABLE/dp/1836636911
🎙️ Hosted by Peter Friedman and Kyra Bernor
Enjoy bold conversations and real stories?
Check out Peter Friedman’s book, I’ll Get The Tip — the inspiration behind this podcast: 👉 https://a.co/d/ec969cc

6 days ago
6 days ago
This powerful episode shares a real adoption story of love, courage, and connection told by two women whose lives became forever intertwined through the adoption journey.Camille Celucci had always dreamed of becoming a mother. As a single mom pursuing adoption, she stepped into a challenging and emotional process that ultimately led her to Haley Coxe. Haley became pregnant while still in high school and, with the loving support of her parents, made the brave decision to place her baby for adoption.What followed was a deeply moving journey of trust, selflessness, and compassion — a story that shows how adoption doesn’t just create families, it connects hearts in ways no one expects.This is the story of where adoption begins and how family follows.🎙️ Hosted by Peter Friedman and Kyra BernorEnjoy bold conversations and real stories?Check out Peter Friedman’s book, I’ll Get The Tip — the inspiration behind this podcast:👉 https://a.co/d/ec969cc👍 Like this video,🔔 Subscribe to I’ll Get The Tip,📩 and turn on notifications so you never miss an episode.

Tuesday Feb 17, 2026
Tuesday Feb 17, 2026
Cigars, bourbon, and live jazz — it’s a perfect harmony.In this episode, we travel to The Commissioner Cigar Lounge in Waterbury, Connecticut, to sit down with proprietor Felix Manuel Rodriguez — the heart and soul behind one of CT’s most welcoming cigar communities.Felix shares how he turned a lifelong love of cigars and people into a destination lounge, why the cigar world feels like “the brothers (and sisters) of the leaf,” and how the lounge became a place where community comes first — no matter your background. We talk rare smokes (including Cohiba Spectres), the game-changing impact of their liquor permit, and the unique events that keep the lounge buzzing — from comedy nights to cultural guest appearances and fundraising for local causes.Felix also opens up about the personal journey that shaped his purpose: his connection to Muhammad Ali, a once-in-a-lifetime story involving his son, and why he believes relationships are the best investment you can make.📍 The Commissioner Cigar Lounge350 Fairfield Avenue, Waterbury, CT🕛 Open 7 days a week (opens at noon)If you’ve ever wondered what makes a cigar lounge feel like home — this one’s for you.Enjoy bold conversations and real stories?Check out Peter Friedman’s book, I’ll Get The Tip — the inspiration behind this podcast:👉 https://a.co/d/ec969cc👍 Like this video,🔔 Subscribe to I’ll Get The Tip,📩 and turn on notifications so you never miss an episode.

Friday Feb 13, 2026
Friday Feb 13, 2026
Fresh off being laid off from the Washington Post during Jeff Bezos–era cuts, Pulitzer Prize–winning journalist Mark Johnson joins us for an honest conversation about the future of journalism, science storytelling, and resilience.Mark shares his journey from covering small-town corruption at the Providence Journal Bulletin to spending more than two decades at the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, and ultimately becoming a National Science Reporter at the Washington Post. Along the way, he won the 2011 Pulitzer Prize for Explanatory Writing and helped shape how the public understands breakthroughs in genomic medicine.In this episode, we explore:🎙️ The emotional reality behind newsroom layoffs and the changing landscape of journalism🧬 How Mark became a bridge between cutting-edge medical research and the general public📚 The incredible true story behind “One in a Billion: The Story of Nic Volker and the Dawn of Genomic Medicine”🧠 The science of near-death experiences — and the debate among neuroscientists✍️ Why empathy and storytelling still matter more than ever in mediaFrom Pulitzer-winning investigations to translating dense scientific research into human stories, Mark gives us a rare behind-the-scenes look at modern journalism — and what comes next.Enjoy bold conversations and real stories?Check out Peter Friedman’s book, I’ll Get The Tip — the inspiration behind this podcast:👉 https://a.co/d/ec969cc👍 Like this video,🔔 Subscribe to I’ll Get The Tip,📩 and turn on notifications so you never miss an episode.#Journalism #ScienceCommunication #PulitzerPrize #GenomicMedicine #IllGetTheTipPodcast

Wednesday Feb 11, 2026
Wednesday Feb 11, 2026
In this unforgettable conversation, Nigel shares never-before-told stories from working alongside Michael Jordan on some of the most iconic Nike commercials ever created.From filming the legendary “1,000-foot rim” dunk to standing in for Jordan during high-risk stunts, Nigel gives an insider look at how these groundbreaking ads came to life — including the precision, pressure, and perfection that defined Michael Jordan on set.🏀 What you’ll hear in this episode:How Nike commercials were filmed with absolute efficiencyWhy Michael Jordan rarely needed more than one takeThe real story behind risky stunt work and body doublesInside access to filming in Chicago and exclusive production locationsCard-game stories, competitive moments, and off-camera Jordan anecdotesThe role relationships played in shaping iconic campaignsHow commercials helped spark the legacy that led to Space JamThis episode is a rare behind-the-curtain look at sports marketing, elite production, and the human stories behind global advertising moments that shaped pop culture.Enjoy bold conversations and real stories?Check out Peter Friedman’s book, I’ll Get The Tip — the inspiration behind this podcast:👉 https://a.co/d/ec969cc👍 Like this video,🔔 Subscribe to I’ll Get The Tip,📩 and turn on notifications so you never miss an episode.

Tuesday Feb 03, 2026
Tuesday Feb 03, 2026
As Chief Commercial Officer for the PGA of America, Jeff oversees everything from the Ryder Cup to partnerships with the world’s biggest brands. In this exclusive conversation, he shares insider stories from behind the scenes of golf’s most iconic events, the explosive growth of the women’s game, and how AI is changing the sport forever.🏌️♂️ In This Episode:• How the PGA of America differs from the PGA Tour — and why it matters• The strategy to showcase women’s golf on the global stage• AI’s role in coaching, course management, and the player experience• The electric atmosphere of the Ryder Cup — and what to expect at Bethpage• Jeff’s most emotional moments in golf• Hilarious and humbling stories from iconic courses🎯 Whether you’re a lifelong golfer or just love sports stories, this is a rare peek into the business and passion driving the game forward.🎙️ Hosted by Peter Friedman and Frank MonteiroEnjoy bold conversations and real stories?Check out Peter Friedman’s book, I’ll Get The Tip — the inspiration behind this podcast:👉 https://a.co/d/ec969cc👍 Like this video,🔔 Subscribe to I’ll Get The Tip,📩 and turn on notifications so you never miss an episode.

Friday Jan 30, 2026
Friday Jan 30, 2026
Jake Adelstein was the first American journalist to work undercover as a police reporter for a major Japanese newspaper — a role that placed him deep inside Japan’s criminal underworld.His firsthand reporting on organized crime became the foundation for his bestselling memoir, Tokyo Vice, later adapted into the hit HBO series. But Jake’s story goes far beyond television.In this episode, we dive into his real-life experiences reporting on the Yakuza, the risks of investigative journalism, and how uncovering the truth can come at a personal cost. Jake has written multiple books on Japanese organized crime and continues to work as an active journalist, author, and international speaker.This is a rare look at what it truly means to live the story — not just report it.👉 Get Tokyo Vice on Amazon: https://a.co/d/gjHHMIi🎙️ Hosted by Peter Friedman & Author Michelle YoungEnjoy bold conversations and real stories?Check out Peter Friedman’s book, I’ll Get The Tip — the inspiration behind this podcast:👉 https://a.co/d/ec969cc👍 Like this video,🔔 Subscribe to I’ll Get The Tip,📩 and turn on notifications so you never miss an episode.

Tuesday Jan 27, 2026
Tuesday Jan 27, 2026
Fi Black: Sustainable Fashion Designer & Founder of DykeMintFi Black, Maximus Fashion Designer and founder of DykeMint, shares how they turned thrifted clothing into one-of-a-kind designs showcased at New York Fashion Week.A visionary fashion designer and the creative force behind DykeMint, a sustainable clothing brand that transforms thrifted pieces into original, one-of-a-kind fashion. Fi and their wife curate and redesign cast-off clothing to create bold, eco-friendly designs with purpose and meaning.Fi opens up about:• Building a fashion brand rooted in sustainability• Designing truly one-of-a-kind clothing• Breaking into the fashion world on her own terms• What it took to showcase DykeMint at New York Fashion Week• Turning creativity, identity, and purpose into a thriving brandThis episode is a must-watch for creatives, designers, entrepreneurs, and anyone passionate about sustainable fashion and authentic storytelling.Explore DykeMint: https://dykemint.com🎙️ Hosted by Peter FriedmanEnjoy bold conversations and real stories?Check out Peter Friedman’s book, I’ll Get The Tip — the inspiration behind this podcast:👉 https://a.co/d/ec969cc👍 Like this video,🔔 Subscribe to I’ll Get The Tip,📩 and turn on notifications so you never miss an episode.

Friday Jan 23, 2026
Friday Jan 23, 2026
This powerful episode pulls back the curtain on Hollywood decision-making through the eyes of Kevin Goetz, the founder of Screen Engine/ASI and one of the most influential figures in audience research for film and television.Kevin has built his career around understanding what audiences truly respond to—and how that insight can shape box office success. Through innovative audience testing and engagement methods that he helped create, Kevin has played a key role in the marketing and performance of countless movies and television projects, often long before they reach the public.In this conversation, Kevin shares how audience research influences creative decisions, why data and instinct must work together, and what really happens behind the scenes when studios test, refine, and position stories for success. It’s an inside look at how films are shaped by audience insight without losing their creative soul.This is the story of how listening to audiences can change outcomes—and how understanding people is at the heart of every great story.🎙️ Hosted by Peter Friedman and Frank MonteiroEnjoy bold conversations and real stories?Check out Peter Friedman’s book, I’ll Get The Tip — the inspiration behind this podcast:👉 https://a.co/d/ec969cc👍 Like this video,🔔 Subscribe to I’ll Get The Tip,📩 and turn on notifications so you never miss an episode.

Friday Jan 16, 2026
Friday Jan 16, 2026
The Feast of the Seven Fishes is a sacred and time-honored tradition celebrated by Italian Catholic families around the world. Held on Christmas Eve, this special meal is about far more than food — it’s about faith, family, heritage, and coming together around the table to honor generations past while creating memories for generations to come.In this episode, we dive into the meaning, stories, and passion behind this beloved tradition — why it matters, how it’s celebrated, and why it continues to hold such a powerful place in Italian culture. From the symbolism of each dish to the deep sense of togetherness it creates, the Feast of the Seven Fishes is a reminder that some traditions are meant to be shared, not rushed.We filmed this episode at D'Amelio's Italian Eatery, the perfect setting to bring this tradition to life — surrounded by incredible food, rich history, and authentic Italian hospitality in the heart of Waterbury, Connecticut.Pull up a chair, pour a glass of wine, and join us as we celebrate one of the most meaningful meals of the holiday season📘 Check Out D’Amelios;https://damelios.com/🎙️ Hosted by Frank MonteiroEnjoy bold conversations and real stories?Check out Peter Friedman’s book, I’ll Get The Tip — the inspiration behind this podcast:👉 https://a.co/d/ec969cc👍 Like this video,🔔 Subscribe to I’ll Get The Tip,📩 and turn on notifications so you never miss an episode.








