CASE STUDIES

Hosted by Casey Baugh

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Episodes

204

Latest episode

Jun 2026

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About the show

Welcome to Case Studies with Casey Baugh. Join me as we explore the lives of inspirational individuals, and uncover the secrets to their success. For two decades, I've been on a mission to find the clues that lead to success in both business and life. In this podcast, we'll delve into the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual dimensions of success. Through in-depth conversations and personal stories, we aim to dig up the valuable clues that success has left behind, providing you with the insights and wisdom you need to thrive in every aspect of your life. Our goal is not just to celebrate success but to dissect it, to understand the principles and practices that have led to exceptional achievements. By listening to the stories of those who've paved the way, you'll gain practical knowledge that you can apply to your own journey. Join me on this exciting journey of discovery and personal growth as we decode the mysteries of success together. Thanks for being part of it! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

June 17, 20261 hr 27 min

Heather & Don Van Boerum: How Losing Everything Taught Us What We Had

In this episode of Case Studies, Casey sits down with Heather and Don Van Boerum — a Utah couple whose ordinary trip to Costco became a moment that divided their lives into before and after — for an honest conversation about trauma, faith, marriage, and what it means to find joy on the other side of the unthinkable.Heather opens up about losing both legs below the knee in a parking lot accident just days before Christmas, navigating 14-plus hours of surgery, and the quiet spiritual premonition she'd had only a week before it happened. Don, a trauma surgeon who has spent his career walking into the worst moments of strangers' lives, reflects on what it was like to jump into the back of an ambulance and realize it was his wife — and the dark night he spent wandering back to the Costco parking lot wondering if they'd made the wrong call.The conversation explores the thin line between survival and loss, the choice to compete instead of collapse, the son who wrote a forgiveness card to the driver before his mom had even thought to be angry, and the kind of joy that can only be found on the other side of deep suffering. Heather and Don talk about what presence actually means, how tragedy clarified their marriage, and why four and a half years later, neither of them would trade what this experience has given them.This episode is a powerful listen for anyone navigating hardship, anyone who's ever questioned whether faith holds up under real pressure, and anyone who needs a reminder that the richest lives are rarely the ones that went according to plan.00:00 — Introduction & How They Met11:00 — Life Before the Accident11:54 — Just a Normal Day16:18 — The Moment of Impact22:32 — Don Hears It Happen25:06 — "We Have Her Limbs"33:30 — The Surgery That Lasted Until Christmas Eve36:22 — "This Is My Wife, Let's Get Going"47:42 — Choosing to Win49:44 — The Christmas Eve Surgery57:54 — "Will You Make Up My Difference?"01:03:10 — The Card01:13:00 — Beauty From Ashes01:18:23 — What We Know Now01:26:38 — Happy vs. Joy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

June 14, 20261 hr 45 min

Dan Snow: Highlight Episode

In this episode of Case Studies, Casey sits down with Dan Snow, Berkeley PhD and Harvard Business School professor turned BYU educator; for a thoughtful conversation on identity, reinvention, and choosing a life of deep purpose over conventional success.Dan shares his journey from the factory floors of Ford to the lecture halls of Harvard, and why he ultimately walked away from the elite academic path to teach and mentor at BYU. With rare humility and clarity, he unpacks the quiet courage it takes to start over, the challenges of being “the outsider,” and what it means to build a life that actually aligns with your values.They explore leadership, legacy, and how the most meaningful growth often comes from embracing discomfort. Whether it’s navigating faith in unfamiliar environments or making high stakes career pivots, Dan’s story is a powerful reminder that status isn’t the goal, impact is. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

June 10, 202615 min

Casey Baugh: The Million-Dollar Investment Most People Ignore”

In this solo episode of Case Studies, Casey explores one of the most influential principles of his life: keeping learning ahead of earning. Drawing from more than two decades of intentional self-education and over a million dollars invested in personal development, he shares why the greatest asset anyone can build is their own ability to create value.  Casey reflects on the mentors, books, seminars, and experiences that shaped his career, from early lessons in sales and leadership to executive education at Harvard Business School and transformational experiences with Tony Robbins. Along the way, he unpacks the concept of human life value, the power of Kaizen and continuous improvement, and why the habit of learning matters far more than any individual investment.Casey challenges listeners to think differently about personal growth and success. He makes the case that the highest-return investment is rarely a stock, a business, or a market opportunity; it’s the commitment to continuously develop new skills, expand knowledge, and increase your ability to create value. For entrepreneurs, leaders, and high performers, this episode offers a practical framework for building a life of momentum, opportunity, and long-term fulfillment through intentional learning.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

June 7, 20261 hr 20 min

Chris Crittenden: Highlight Episode

In this episode, Casey sits down with Chris Crittenden, entrepreneur, educator, and co-founder of Sandbox, for a conversation on courage, innovation, and rethinking what education should be. From selling a startup to Walmart to leading at BYU and now building Sandbox into a movement across multiple universities, Chris shares why closing doors and going deep often leads to the greatest returns.He and Casey explore the flaws of traditional higher education, the trap of chasing prestige, and the power of learning by doing. Chris outlines how Sandbox is equipping students to launch real companies while reshaping themselves in the process. Their discussion dives into resilience, resourcefulness, and why the greatest opportunities often lie off the beaten path.This episode is both a critique of the old system and a vision for a new one, where students learn through building, failure is embraced as part of the process, and desire becomes the ultimate differentiator. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

June 3, 20261 hr 0 min

Mel Torrie: The 25-Year Overnight Success Behind Autonomous Robotics

In this episode of Case Studies, Casey sits down with Mel Torrie, founder and CEO of Autonomous Solutions, for a remarkable conversation on entrepreneurship, faith, resilience, and building one of the world’s leading autonomous robotics companies from the ground up.Raised on a farm in Canada as the oldest of nine children, Mel shares how long days driving tractors inspired a vision that would eventually lead him to pioneer autonomous technology across agriculture, mining, construction, and logistics. What began as a university research project at Utah State evolved into a 25 year journey filled with setbacks, near-bankruptcies, massive technological breakthroughs, and partnerships with companies like John Deere and SoftBank.Mel opens up about the painful lessons that shaped his leadership style, why he rejected fear based leadership culture, and how humility became the foundation of his company’s success. He also shares the deeply personal story of losing his son during one of the darkest seasons of his business career, and how faith carried him through unimaginable adversity.This episode is a powerful masterclass on endurance, optimism, leadership, and believing in a future no one else can yet see. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 31, 20261 hr 7 min

Matt Mathison: Highlight Episode

In this episode, Casey sits down with entrepreneur and investor Matt Mathison to explore how truth, resilience, and purpose define what it really means to thrive. From Wall Street highs to a public collapse, Matt shares how radical transparency, discipline, and faith shaped his comeback and his creation of Allevio, a healthcare platform designed to “empower healing anywhere.”He unpacks the Thrive Playbook — a practical framework of market tailwinds, operational systems, and maniacal cashflow discipline — showing how great leaders and businesses thrive by aligning people, purpose, and profit. Matt’s story reveals that thriving isn’t about avoiding pain, but transforming it into clarity and action.For entrepreneurs and high performers, this episode delivers raw lessons on leadership, marriage, and mindset — from rebuilding after loss to creating daily rhythms that keep priorities straight. Through it all, Matt models how truth and love, in business and life, create the foundation for lasting success. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 27, 20261 hr 31 min

Jimmy Rex: The Hidden Formula Behind Networking, Wealth, and Fulfillment

In this episode of Case Studies, Casey sits down with entrepreneur, investor, podcast host, and We Are The They founder Jimmy Rex for a candid conversation about reinvention, resilience, and the power of meaningful community. Jimmy reflects on the highs and lows that shaped his journey, from losing money in failed ventures during his early twenties to becoming one of Utah’s top real estate agents and selling around 3,000 homes. He shares the mindset shifts that helped him survive the 2008 housing crash, why taking action matters more than avoiding failure, and how relentless self-investment transformed every area of his life.Casey and Jimmy also dive into the loneliness many men quietly experience, the importance of vulnerability, and how We Are The They became a powerful brotherhood designed to help men build deeper friendships, stronger self-awareness, and more purposeful lives.Throughout the conversation, Jimmy opens up about wealth, networking, mentorship, and why the greatest investment anyone can make is becoming the asset themselves. This episode is packed with hard-earned lessons for entrepreneurs, leaders, and anyone searching for more connection, clarity, and fulfillment. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 24, 20261 hr 42 min

David Butler: Highlight Episode

In this episode of Case Studies, Casey sits down with David Butler, teacher, author, and tour leader, for a thoughtful conversation on faith, imagination, and what it means to believe in a God bigger than we often dare to picture.David shares his story of growing up in Texas, teaching seminary and institute, and navigating a faith journey shaped by encounters with world religions, moments of doubt, and unexpected experiences in places like China and Rome that reshaped his view of God’s reach. He reflects on why the opposite of faith is not doubt but false certainty, and how embracing questions can actually deepen trust.Together, they explore themes of sin and repentance through fresh lenses, the importance of language in shaping our spiritual lives, and why patience, curiosity, and humility matter in both leadership and discipleship. David also opens up about leading “holy envy” tours, posting weekly reflections that serve as “church” for many, and walking through personal loss while holding onto hope.This conversation is an invitation to entrepreneurs, leaders, and seekers alike to expand their perspective, embrace the tension of growth, and live with more wonder, courage, and compassion. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 20, 202650 min

Mark Durham: Revitalizing Cities, Building Businesses, and a Life of Quiet Persistence

In this episode of Case Studies, Casey sits down with entrepreneur, philanthropist, and community builder Mark Durham for a powerful conversation on persistence, faith, leadership, and creating meaningful impact over a lifetime. Mark shares the journey from winning state debate championships and pursuing art on a scholarship at the University of Utah, to building and selling successful businesses, leading a mission in Tokyo, and eventually launching initiatives that are transforming cities across Utah. Through stories of entrepreneurship, painful setbacks, grit-filled seasons of debt, and moments of spiritual clarity, Mark reveals how faith quietly shaped every major decision in his life. Casey and Mark explore what it means to build businesses with strong culture, why persistence matters more than talent, and how true leadership comes from empowering great people. They also dive into the vision behind My Hometown and City Strong Foundation, organizations focused on revitalizing communities through education, service, housing, and neighborhood transformation. This episode is a masterclass on long-term thinking, stewardship, and the compounding power of consistent service over time. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 17, 20261 hr 42 min

Jeff Mendez: Highlight Episode

In this episode of Case Studies, Casey sits down with Jeff Mendez, a builder, leader, and operator who led a 5,000-person sales force and helped generate over $2 Billion in commissions. His track record has made him one of the most respected operators in the door-to-door industry.Jeff reflects on his early life in Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic, sharing how his father’s bold conversion story and a childhood shaped by grit and cultural pride gave him a lasting sense of identity. He walks through his corporate start at Walmart, the discovery that entrepreneurship was his true path, and the moment he chose conviction over comfort. That choice launched an 18-year run at the center of Vivint’s rise.With sharp insight and zero pretense, Jeff breaks down the principles behind his success: operational excellence, relentless value creation, and why energy, not capital, is the true currency of entrepreneurship. This is a conversation for builders, leaders, and anyone ready to stop playing small and start building something real. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.