Living the Dream with Curveball

Hosted by curveball

Business Entrepreneurship Society Culture Personal JournalsInterviews guestsExplicit

Website RSS feed

Episodes

1033

Latest episode

Nov 2026

Language

About the show

On the living the dream with curveball podcast I interview guests that teach, motivate, and inspire others. On every episode I interview ordinary people telling extordinary stories about how they contribute to the world to try and make life better for others. I interview a wide range of indivisuals such as authors, singers, actors, athletes, coaches, Etc. When you listen to living the dream with curveball prepare to be motivated and inspired to stop at nothing to achieve your dreams. If you would like to be a guest click here https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1628631536976x919760049303001600

Listen to episodes

60 recent

November 11, 2026Episode 919 min

The Art of Gender Neutrality: Niki J. Borger's Journey Through Life and Death

Send us Fan Mail Send us Fan Mail In this captivating episode of Living the Dream with Curveball, we are joined by the multi-talented Niki J. Borger, an international writer, actor, and producer renowned for her original plays and award-winning short films. Niki takes us on her journey from Europe to Los Angeles, where she has made a significant impact in the theater and film industry with her thought-provoking works, including her latest project, *In Between*, a collection of one-act plays exploring the delicate balance between life and death. Niki shares her deeply personal experiences that inspired her storytelling, revealing how her encounters with loss and grief have shaped her understanding of existence and the human experience. She discusses the importance of gender-neutral characters in her plays, aiming to create inclusive narratives that resonate universally, regardless of gender identity. Throughout the conversation, Niki delves into her creative process, emphasizing the value of collaboration among writers, actors, and directors. She reflects on her award-winning short films, *Because I Could* and *A Portrayal of a Subtle Suicide*, and the lessons learned from her rapid production of 40 short films in just eight months. Listeners will also get an exclusive look at her upcoming sitcom series, *NFTs*, which promises to blend humor with the complexities of modern entrepreneurship and social dynamics. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: - The inspiration behind Niki's play *In Between* and its exploration of life and death - The significance of gender-neutral characters in storytelling - Insights into the creative collaboration process in theater and film - Niki's experiences with her award-winning short films and the festival circuit - A sneak peek into her upcoming sitcom series, *NFTs* For more information on Niki J. Borger and to keep up with her latest projects, visit nikijborger.com and follow her on social media platforms. Support the show

November 10, 202641 min

Thinking Clearly Under Pressure: Adrian Wolfberg on Decision-Making, Leadership, and AI

Send us Fan Mail Send us Fan Mail In this thought-provoking episode of Living the Dream with Curveball, we welcome Adrian Wolfberg, a former naval flight officer, national security practitioner, researcher, and author. Drawing on four decades of experience and research across national security, sports, health care, law enforcement, and business, Adrian explores how people make decisions under pressure—and why more information doesn’t always lead to better action. Listeners will gain insights into: - What leading a seven-person crew on aircraft carrier missions taught Adrian about teamwork, trust, and understanding people’s capabilities - How a clear, concise explanation helped alert senior military leaders to a potential risk during an overseas operation - Why experienced people can struggle when new realities challenge the assumptions behind their success - How organizational culture, psychological safety, and uncertainty can keep people from taking action - Practical ways to question old assumptions, recognize change, and take small steps toward meaningful goals Adrian also discusses his book *Who Leads When AI Thinks?*, which examines the human qualities leaders must bring to decisions involving AI, including critical thinking, empathy, and accountability. He shares details about his forthcoming book *Drift*, focused on how our understanding of reality can fall out of step with changing circumstances. For more information, visit www.oic.org, connect with Adrian on LinkedIn, or search for his books on Amazon. Support the show

November 9, 2026Episode 839 min

Elevating Excellence: Jim Alenby on Unlocking High Performance in Business and Sport

Send us Fan Mail Send us Fan Mail In this dynamic episode of Living the Dream with Curveball, we welcome Jim Alenby, a high-performance coach who draws from his extensive experience in elite cricket to empower senior executives and business leaders. Jim shares his unique insights on the importance of refining already successful individuals, highlighting the gap in coaching that focuses on enhancing performance rather than just fixing weaknesses. With a rich background as a professional cricketer, Jim recounts his journey from the cricket field to the coaching realm, emphasizing the mental and emotional aspects of high performance. He discusses how elite athletes prepare for competition and what business leaders can learn from their approaches to maintain ambition and motivation over time. Throughout the episode, Jim explores the significance of self-awareness, effective performance reviews, and the necessity of resetting goals for those who feel they’ve plateaued in their careers. His practical advice encourages listeners to develop internal systems for self-assessment and to embrace the process of continuous improvement. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: - The difference between being busy and performing at a high level - How elite athletes prepare for high-stakes decisions - The importance of self-awareness in achieving peak performance - Strategies for effective executive performance reviews - Insights on resetting goals for sustained success For more information on Jim Alenby and to follow his work, visit www.playerschoice.com.au and connect with him on LinkedIn for valuable insights into high performance coaching. Support the show

November 8, 202647 min

Cybersecurity with Craig Taylor: Building Safer Habits Through Positive Reinforcement

Send us Fan Mail Send us Fan Mail In this informative episode of Living the Dream with Curveball, we welcome Craig Taylor, cybersecurity professional and co-founder of Cyberhoot. With a background in psychology and decades of experience as a virtual CISO, Craig explains how positive reinforcement can help people build safer online habits—and why cybersecurity education should empower rather than shame. Listeners will learn about: - Three practical steps for improving personal cybersecurity: using multi-factor authentication or passkeys, adopting a password manager, and getting regular training - How a phishing attack at a CPA firm was contained quickly because employees felt safe reporting their mistake - Deepfakes, the growing “ClickFix” scam, and ways to verify suspicious requests before taking action - How ransomware has evolved, from encrypting files to stealing data and threatening organizations with multiple forms of extortion - Craig’s advice for starting a cybersecurity career and the value of meeting people where they are Craig also shares his community work as a Rotarian and his 12 years riding the Pan-Mass Challenge with his son to raise money for cancer research. He discusses Cyberhoot’s upcoming adaptive security training and invites individuals to try its free cybersecurity education at www.cyberhoot.com/individuals. For more information about the company, its training, or its newsletter, visit www.cyberhoot.com Support the show

November 7, 202625 min

Turning Affirmations into Anthems: Andrew Thoe on Music, Mindset, and AI

Send us Fan Mail Send us Fan Mail In this uplifting episode of Living the Dream with Curveball, we welcome Andrew Thoe, creator of the Norvik Sessions, a musical project focused on emotional well-being, resilience, and personal growth. A sign technician who spends long hours driving across Central Texas, Andrew noticed how the songs and media he consumed could shape his mood and fuel overthinking. That realization inspired him to create music with messages of hope, gratitude, and encouragement. Andrew shares how he writes the lyrics and uses AI as a production tool, guiding the technology through multiple revisions to bring each song to life. With music spanning genres from blues and gospel to country and indie rock, the Norvik Sessions aims to offer listeners positive messages they can return to whenever they need a lift. Listeners will hear about: - How music and media can influence our thoughts, emotions, and outlook - Andrew's experience with anxiety, overthinking, and finding more constructive ways to support his mindset - The inspiration behind the Norvik Sessions and its modern empowerment music - Why Andrew sees AI as a creative tool, while keeping the songwriting and direction in his own hands - His upcoming Mindset Minute content, podcast, and plans for personalized anthems Andrew's story is a reminder that creativity can grow from everyday challenges—and that the messages we repeat can help shape how we feel and move forward. Search for Norvik Sessions on your favorite music streaming platform, and follow along as Andrew develops new music and projects. Support the show

November 6, 2026Episode 746 min

Unleashing Creativity: Mark Steiner's Journey from Adoption to Entrepreneurial Success

Send us Fan Mail Send us Fan Mail In this inspiring episode of Living the Dream with Curveball, we welcome Mark Steiner, the co-founder and CEO of Gig Salad, a groundbreaking platform that connects over 4 million event planners with entertainers and service providers. Mark shares his remarkable journey from his early days in acting and talent representation to building a thriving online marketplace that has transformed the event industry. Mark opens up about his unique background, including being adopted at birth and later diagnosed with ADHD, and how these experiences shaped his approach to leadership and creativity. He emphasizes the importance of vulnerability and creating a workplace where individuals can thrive, sharing insights on how these principles have contributed to Gig Salad's success. Throughout the episode, listeners will hear about: - The evolution of Gig Salad and its impact on the event planning landscape - Mark's personal journey in the arts and how it led him to entrepreneurship - The significance of empathy and connection in building relationships and teams - How being an entrepreneur can be a powerful form of creative expression - Encouragement for those looking to discover their unique "gig" and pursue their passions Mark's story is a testament to the power of resilience and creativity, inspiring listeners to embrace their own journeys and find fulfillment in their pursuits. Don't miss this enlightening conversation filled with valuable insights and motivation for anyone looking to live their dreams. For more information on Mark Steiner and Gig Salad, visit www.gigsalad.com and thinkupon.com. Support the show

November 5, 202617 min

Illuminating the Shadows: Cindy Benezra on Healing, Storytelling, and Empowerment

Send us Fan Mail Send us Fan Mail In this enlightening episode of Living the Dream with Curveball, we welcome author and speaker Cindy Benezra, the founder of Cindy Talks, a platform dedicated to empowering individuals through storytelling. Cindy shares her deeply personal journey, chronicled in her memoir, *Under the Orange Blossoms*, which explores her experiences of trauma, healing, and empowerment. Listeners will discover: - The transformative power of storytelling in overcoming adversity - Insights into Cindy's traumatic past and her path from silence to self-expression - Practical tips for reclaiming personal narratives and finding one’s voice - The importance of community and support in the healing process - How to identify "freckles of light" in moments of darkness Cindy's candid reflections on her journey highlight the strength found in vulnerability and the significance of sharing one’s story. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to find hope and connection in their own struggles. For more information on Cindy and her work, visit www.cindytalks.com and explore her resources to inspire your own healing journey. Support the show

November 4, 2026Episode 633 min

From Laughter to Legends: Richard Sparks' Journey from Comedy to Epic Fantasy

Send us Fan Mail Send us Fan Mail In this captivating episode of Living the Dream with Curveball, we welcome Richard Sparks, an English-born writer now residing in Los Angeles. Richard takes us on a journey through his diverse career, from his early days as a comedy writer for iconic British television shows to his latest venture into the realm of rock fantasy literature with his new series, *New Rock, New Rules*. Richard shares his unique perspective on discovering gaming culture later in life, revealing how it inspired his writing and shaped his storytelling. He discusses the creative process behind his series, which blends elements of gaming with epic adventures, and how his background in comedy informs his approach to narrative structure and character development. Listeners will learn about: - The transition from comedy writing to fantasy storytelling and the similarities between the two - Insights into the gaming world and its influence on modern literature - The importance of story structure and the art of editing - Richard's personal experiences and anecdotes from his career, including his work with comedy legends - Advice for aspiring writers looking to reinvent themselves and pursue their passions Join us for an engaging conversation that not only highlights Richard's remarkable journey but also inspires listeners to embrace their creativity and follow their dreams, no matter how unconventional they may seem. For more information on Richard Sparks and his work, visit www.richardsparks.com where you can find free chapters of his books and stay updated on his latest projects. Support the show

November 3, 202639 min

America’s Grandpa: Neil Taft on Healing Family Divisions and Connecting with Grandkids

Send us Fan Mail Send us Fan Mail In this heartwarming episode of Living the Dream with Curveball, we welcome Neil Taft, an 82-year-old author, great-great-grandfather, and “America’s Grandpa.” The author of five books, including The Bridge to Our Grandkids, Neil shares how his passion for grandparenting led him to write about building stronger family connections—and how a TikTok video sharing his advice reached more than 2 million people. Listeners will hear about: - Why caring for the mother of your grandchildren is key to building a lasting family bond - How grandparents can respect parents’ boundaries and rebuild trust when relationships feel strained - The importance of meeting grandchildren where they are and taking an interest in what they love - Simple ways to help grandchildren feel safe, accepted, and special - Neil’s practical idea for strengthening a connection today: sending each grandchild an encouraging text Neil also shares stories from his own family, lessons learned through decades of grandparenting, and resources available through his website, CaringGrandparents.com. Join us for a thoughtful conversation about family, empathy, and the meaningful connections that can span generations. For more information about Neil, his books, and grandparenting resources, visit www.caringgrandparents.com Support the show

November 2, 2026Episode 518 min

The Courage to Thrive: Stephanie Ramirez's Guide to Living Authentically

Send us Fan Mail Send us Fan Mail In this transformative episode of Living the Dream with Curveball, we welcome Stephanie Ramirez, a first-generation Latino entrepreneur, certified coach, and former corporate leader. Stephanie shares her inspiring journey of redefining success and fulfillment beyond traditional achievements. After realizing that external validation was not enough, she took a bold leap into entrepreneurship, embracing her passions for dancing, voiceover work, and public speaking. Listeners will discover: - The difference between societal definitions of success and personal fulfillment - How to overcome limiting beliefs and embrace your authentic self - The importance of pursuing passions outside of work for a balanced life - Strategies to navigate the fears of leaving a stable career for entrepreneurship - Insights on how to support others in their journey of self-discovery Stephanie also discusses her upcoming group program, Goldstone Mentorship, focused on identity, reinvention, and transformation. This episode is a must-listen for anyone feeling stuck or unfulfilled, offering valuable tools to help you take the first step toward living the life you've always wanted. For more information on Stephanie Ramirez and her services, visit www.stephramirez.com and follow her on social media @stephanieramirez. Support the show