Fowler & Friends is a podcast rooted in Ohio and dedicated to the pursuit of truth. Hosted by Jake Fowler, the show features entrepreneurs, innovators, and disciplined leaders who are building strong families, strong communities, and lasting institutions. These conversations center on intellectual honesty, civic responsibility, and the work required to shape a thriving future — starting in Ohio, with principles that reach far beyond it.
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June 7, 2026Episode 612 hr 0 min
Episode 61: Dale Crowley
Jake sits down with Dale Crowley for a conversation about language, horror, and history. Dale brings deep knowledge and real passion as he gets into the roots of language, the influence of ancient cultures on modern English, connections to linguistics, and the way stories carry meaning across time.They talk about H.P. Lovecraft, weird fiction, cosmic horror, and why humans are so drawn to stories about fear, mystery, madness, and the unknown. This episode is about the strange and powerful role stories play in making us human.
May 24, 2026Episode 601 hr 49 min
Episode 60: Ballz Deep Pod Volume 3
In Episode 60, Hop, Mitch, and Jake split the conversation between two things that sound different on the surface but actually connect pretty deeply: using AI as a personal coaching tool, and building stronger relationships through honest communication. In the first half, we break down Hop’s GPT Coaching Guide and what it looks like to build an AI coach that actually knows your life, goals, struggles, patterns, values, and blind spots. The goal is not to have AI replace your thinking, but to create a tool that helps you execute, make better decisions, get emotionally clear, and stay accountable without letting yourself hide behind vague excuses. The guide is built around a copy-paste coach prompt with sections for role, boundaries, tone, principles, response structure, accountability, personal context, and weekly startup questions. In the second half, we shift into marriage and relationship advice. We talk about the conversations couples need to have early and often—kids, values, finances, work-life balance, shared purpose, and what you are actually building together. From there, we get into commitment, radical ownership, conflict, respect, shared vision, and the question that probably matters most: what do you actually practice when things get hard? At its core, this episode is about honest systems for growth. Whether you are building a GPT coach or trying to build a better marriage, the principle is similar: tell the truth, define the standard, communicate clearly, and keep practicing when it gets uncomfortable.
May 12, 2026Episode 5951 min
Episode 59: Oscar Ortiz
Oscar Ortiz is the father of Sebastian Ortiz, and this conversation centers on how Sebastian Strong is turning unimaginable loss into real help for families facing childhood cancer. We get into the organization’s Navigator Program and why it matters so much—because families are often left trying to navigate diagnosis, treatment, insurance battles, financial strain, end-of-life decisions, funeral arrangements, and life after loss in a system that is already overwhelmed. Oscar shares how what started with heartbreak and a kayak fundraiser grew into a movement that now raises over a million dollars a year, funds research, supports families in tangible ways, and brings together donors, partners, and families who refuse to look away. We also talk about the push for better science, better systems, and how tools like AI could help speed up research and improve outcomes. More than anything, this episode is a reminder that support has to become action. If this conversation moves you, learn about Sebastian Strong, share the mission, and give if you can. Once you understand what these families are carrying, it becomes a lot harder to stand on the sidelines.DONATE HERE: https://secure.qgiv.com/event/kayakingthekeysforhope2026/account/2347415
April 27, 2026Episode 5851 min
Episode 58: Sam Hamlin
Sam Hamlin is only 11 years old, but the level of dedication he brings to running is real. From his first cross country race in second grade to breaking school records now, this conversation is less about times and more about how he approaches the work. We get into how he handles fatigue, how he thinks during races, and the standards he holds himself to every day.More than anything, this episode is about what it looks like to invest in the builders of tomorrow. Sam is already showing the habits, discipline, and mindset that carry forward—and it’s a reminder that these things don’t just appear later in life. They’re built early. We speak about standards, development, and of course... running!
April 13, 2026Episode 573 hr 18 min
Episode 57: Erich Schick
Erich Schick’s story is wild—in the best way. From a troubled start and a near-fatal motorcycle crash in Nepal, to building a real estate and hospitality operation across multiple countries, this is a conversation about what it actually takes to turn chaos into something structured and sustainable. We get into how he built Air Butler, scaled to dozens of properties, and created systems that don’t just work—but outperform.More than anything, this episode is about ownership—of your environment, your standards, and the way you show up. Erich shares what he’s learned about resilience, service, and building something that lasts, whether that’s through business, relationships, or the environments you create. There’s a lot here for anyone trying to rebuild, level up, or think bigger about what’s possible.www.airbutler.cohttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cvlPZzM2Ccs
March 30, 2026Episode 561 hr 27 min
Episode 56: Mikayla Erskine
Most people think love is something that happens to them.This conversation with Mikayla challenged that in a big way. We talk about what it looks like to take ownership of how you love—romantically, in friendships, and even in how you treat yourself. Not as a feeling you wait for, but as something you actively practice and build over time.We also get into her journey with poetry and how writing helped her process relationships, heal, and better understand herself. This one goes deeper than just relationships—it’s about awareness, responsibility, and how you choose to show up for the people in your life.
March 17, 2026Episode 551 hr 8 min
Episode 55: Taylor Fowler
This one’s a special episode for me—getting to sit down with my wife Tay and talk about something that’s become a huge part of how we live: simple, intentional movement. We get into how yoga, strength work, and just moving your body daily can completely shift your mindset, your energy, and how you show up in your life. Nothing complicated, nothing perfect—just learning to listen to your body and build something that actually lasts.We also talk through what makes this stuff feel approachable (especially if you’re starting from zero), how to stay consistent without overthinking it, and why blending different styles of movement can keep you feeling strong, balanced, and injury-free. At the end of the day, it’s really about creating a foundation you can rely on—physically and mentally—and building a life that feels good to live.
March 4, 2026Episode 5435 min
Episode 54: The Jake Fowler Show
After two years of podcasting and personal growth, Jake is clarifying the mission. Fowler & Friends is becoming more focused and intentional: pursuing truth, elevating disciplined builders across Ohio, and documenting the innovators shaping the state’s future. In this episode, Jake shares the books, conversations, and hard lessons that pushed him to shed self-doubt, raise his standards, and align his work with a higher purpose.Inspired by leaders like Teddy Roosevelt and the civic virtues that built this country, this conversation challenges you to stop playing small. If you care about intellectual honesty, family leadership, physical discipline, and contributing meaningfully to your community, this episode will resonate. The standard is rising — in Ohio and in your own life.
February 16, 2026Episode 531 hr 56 min
Episode 53: Hank Hehman
Episode 53 features Host Jake Fowler's cousin Hank Hehman. Hank, like the best of stories, spreads cheer and joy everywhere he goes. In this episode we talk about how the stories we grow up on shape our values, identity, and leadership.We talk Disney’s Renaissance era, superheroes as Americas mythology , childhood lessons like The Boy Who Cried Wolf, and why modern cartoons feel different today.From history to comics to becoming an Eagle Scout, this conversation connects storytelling to culture, character, and community.If you’ve ever wondered why certain movies, heroes, or childhood lessons stuck with you — this one will hit.
February 2, 2026Episode 521 hr 2 min
Episode 52: Andrew Hartje
Unlock the secrets to transforming injury, performance, and personal growth through the mindset and strategies Andrew Hartje of Hart and Hustle. If you're tired of feeling stuck—whether battling pain, pushing limits in athletics, or juggling a busy life—this episode reveals how leadership, discipline, and purpose can elevate every aspect of your health and success. Jake dives deep with Dr. Andrew, who shares his unexpected journey into physical therapy fueled by personal ambition and a desire to help others take control of their health. Discover how Andrew's unconventional path, from high school aspirations to leading a booming practice, underpins his unique approach to client care—focused on autonomy, resilience, and measurable progress.You'll uncover actionable insights on building capacity and strength during injury recovery and creating systems that keep your business and life in balance. Andrew breaks down the mental toughness needed to push through setbacks, the importance of reading your own data, and how the lessons from his recent marathon shape his relentless grind. This episode is perfect for athletes, entrepreneurs, busy professionals, and anyone serious about mastering their health and life. Get inspired to lead your own transformation—because your best years could be ahead.
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