No Wrong Choices

Hosted by Larry Samuels · Tushar Saxena · Larry Shea

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Episodes

112

Latest episode

Oct 2026

Language

EN-US

About the show

Behind every career is a series of choices. No Wrong Choices explores the stories behind accomplished careers—from the spark that started it all to the experiences, setbacks, and decisions that shaped the person behind the résumé. Hear honest conversations with leaders, creators, entrepreneurs, athletes, innovators, and changemakers who share not just what they did, but how they think, what they've learned, and what they'd tell someone hoping to follow a similar path. Discover new ideas, fresh perspectives, and insights you can use.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

October 12, 2026Episode 1111 hr 10 min

Craig Allen: A Life in the Eye of the Storm

For more than four decades, Emmy Award-winning meteorologist Craig Allen has been one of the most trusted voices in weather broadcasting. His remarkable career spans national broadcasts on CBS This Morning and CBS Morning News, more than 40 years on New York's WCBS Newsradio 880, and other prominent television roles. It all began with a childhood fear of thunderstorms that evolved into a lifelong fascination with weather. That passion eventually took Craig from tracking storms in his backyard to becoming one of broadcasting's most familiar meteorologists. Along the way came some remarkable experiences, including a nerve-racking introduction to national television, an unforgettable encounter with Al Roker, and an unexpected twist of fate that helped launch his career. The conversation also explores his firsthand experiences with Hurricane Sandy, his fascination with dangerous storms, the realities of climate change, and the dramatic evolution of broadcasting. And Craig readily admits that when it comes to chasing severe weather, he has the "crazy gene." Beyond the forecasts and entertaining behind-the-scenes stories, Craig shares valuable insights about perseverance, embracing opportunity, adapting to change, and earning the trust of an audience. It's a fascinating, funny, and revealing look at the man behind the forecasts and a career built on passion, personality, and credibility. To discover more episodes or connect with us: Website Instagram LinkedIn YouTube Facebook

October 5, 2026Episode 11040 min

Julian Schlossberg: What a Lifetime in Show Business Taught Me (Part 2)

What does Jack Nicholson worry about before starting a movie? Why did Willie Mays wear a cap that was two sizes too big? And what can a lifetime spent alongside some of the biggest names in entertainment teach us about building a remarkable career? In Part Two of our conversation with entertainment icon Julian Schlossberg, the stories — and the lessons — keep coming. Julian takes us back to his original Movie Talk radio show, where his preparation, curiosity and willingness to truly listen helped him earn unforgettable conversations with legends including Bob Hope, George Burns, Bette Davis, Jack Nicholson and Dustin Hoffman. He shares Nicholson’s surprising admission about the self-doubt he carried into every new film, Willie Mays’ hilarious explanation for his famous flying cap, and memories of working with Bruce Springsteen, Jackson Browne, Graham Nash, Carly Simon and James Taylor on the landmark concert film No Nukes. We also explore how show business has changed over the course of Julian’s extraordinary career, why independence has always mattered to him, and what he believes the industry has lost along the way. And when the conversation turns to the choices that shaped his own life, Julian shares lessons that reach far beyond entertainment: learn every aspect of your craft, listen, build genuine relationships, make your own opportunities, learn from your mistakes and hang on when things get difficult. It’s a funny, revealing and insightful conclusion to our two-part conversation with one of entertainment’s great storytellers. To discover more episodes or connect with us: Website Instagram LinkedIn YouTube Facebook

September 28, 2026Episode 10955 min

The Kid Who Had to Be in Show Business: Julian Schlossberg — Part 1

Julian Schlossberg has spent more than six decades in show business — producing films and Broadway shows, distributing movies, representing legendary talent, working as a television executive, author, broadcaster, and much more. But long before any of that, he was a kid from New York who simply knew he had to find a way into the entertainment business. In Part 1 of our conversation, Julian takes us back to the beginning — from growing up obsessed with radio, television, movies, and theater to driving a cab, working at ABC and Paramount Pictures, and ultimately betting on himself and building his own company. Along the way, he shares remarkable stories about the people who helped shape his journey, including Carol Burnett, Elia Kazan, Elaine May, Mike Nichols, Alan Arkin, Orson Welles, and others. He also explains why he walked away from the security of a major studio, how an unconventional approach helped him build one of the largest independent film libraries in America, and why decades of success taught him that nobody truly knows what will connect with an audience. Julian is a remarkable storyteller, and this is a funny, revealing and deeply personal conversation about ambition, relationships, risk, failure, resilience, and a lifelong love of show business. And this is only Part 1. In Part 2, Julian reflects on his legacy, shares advice for those coming up behind him, and reveals why, after more than six decades in show business, he still isn't slowing down. To discover more episodes or connect with us: Website Instagram LinkedIn YouTube Facebook

September 20, 2026Episode 10857 min

The Spelling Bee Whisperer: Meet Scott Remer

Even spelling bee champions need a coach. Scott Remer has coached five Scripps National Spelling Bee champions—and turned a childhood love of words into an unexpected career. On No Wrong Choices, Scott takes us inside the surprisingly competitive world of spelling bees, where contestants decode unfamiliar words under bright lights, parents have their own rivalries, and a single letter can change everything. With humor and a teacher’s perspective, he explains how young spellers prepare, why winning takes much more than memorization, and how he helps students handle the pressure while keeping their love of language alive. Scott also traces his path from national finalist and teenage author to full-time coach, including the pandemic-era decision to make his growing tutoring business his main career—even after the national bee had been canceled. Along the way, he shares lessons about recognizing the value of an unusual skill, helping others grow, and staying open to unexpected opportunities. His own twist? The championship he didn’t win may have given him the best reason to stay in the game. To discover more episodes or connect with us: Website Instagram LinkedIn YouTube Facebook

August 10, 2026Episode 10753 min

Dave LaGreca: Building a Brand That Went Over the Top (Replay)

Dave LaGreca helped turn an idea into a media franchise. Long before Busted Open became SiriusXM's flagship wrestling show and the centerpiece of WWE Radio, it was simply an idea that many people didn't believe would work. In this special encore presentation of No Wrong Choices , SiriusXM's Dave LaGreca shares how he and his team pitched a weekly wrestling show, launched it as a one-hour passion project, and steadily built it into one of the most recognizable brands in sports entertainment. Along the way, Dave reflects on the value of persistence, taking calculated risks, knowing your worth, building meaningful relationships, and recognizing when it's time to go all in on an opportunity. Whether you're building a business, growing a personal brand, or pursuing a career that others don't yet understand, Dave's journey offers lessons that extend far beyond the world of professional wrestling. In this episode, you'll hear: Why Dave believed a wrestling show belonged on SiriusXM when others didn't. How Busted Open grew from one unpaid hour a week into a nationally recognized brand. The importance of reputation, relationships, and finding people who believe in your vision. When Dave realized it was time to bet on himself—and why knowing your worth matters. The mindset that helped transform a passion project into a career. To discover more episodes or connect with us: Website Instagram LinkedIn YouTube Facebook

June 30, 2026Episode 1061 hr 12 min

Alex Fredericks: Seeing What Others Miss

What allows some people to see opportunities where others see obstacles? For Alex Fredericks, the answer lies in the unique way he experiences the world. As a young student with dyslexia, he struggled to read, repeated third grade, and often felt like the traditional classroom wasn't built for him. But instead of letting those obstacles define him, he learned to embrace the way his mind recognized patterns, solved problems, and connected ideas. That shift became the foundation for an extraordinary career. In this episode of No Wrong Choices , Alex shares how that perspective led him from the music industry to celebrity branding, consumer products, wellness technology, and ultimately to becoming CEO of ToneWell, a company using voice analysis to help people better understand their well-being. Along the way, Alex reflects on discovering bands before they became famous, navigating career pivots without fear, learning from painful setbacks, and why he believes success comes from leaning into your strengths rather than trying to fit someone else's definition of success. Whether you're navigating a career transition, raising a child who learns differently, building a business, or simply wondering how your own experiences have shaped the way you think, Alex's story is a powerful reminder that success often comes from seeing the world differently—and having the courage to build your life around that perspective. To discover more episodes or connect with us: Website Instagram LinkedIn YouTube Facebook

June 23, 2026Episode 1051 hr 7 min

World Cup Replay: Dave Sarachan on Coaching, Leadership, and Team Building

As the World Cup captivates fans across North America, we're revisiting one of the most popular conversations in the history of No Wrong Choices. Dave Sarachan has spent more than four decades helping shape American soccer as a player, coach, mentor, and leader. His remarkable career includes playing professionally in the NASL, coaching at Cornell and the University of Virginia, leading the Chicago Fire, coaching stars such as David Beckham and Landon Donovan with the LA Galaxy, serving as interim head coach of the U.S. Men's National Team, and helping guide the U.S. squad during its memorable run to the quarterfinals of the 2002 World Cup. In this conversation, Dave reflects on his unlikely path from a young athlete in Rochester, New York, to the highest levels of the sport. Along the way, he shares lessons about leadership, mentorship, communication, building high-performing teams, managing world-class talent, and taking calculated risks when opportunity presents itself. Whether you're a soccer fan, a leader, a coach, or simply someone navigating your own career journey, Dave's insights offer a fascinating look at what it takes to succeed at the highest levels while staying grounded and true to yourself. We hope you enjoy this special No Wrong Choices Best Of edition featuring Dave Sarachan. To discover more episodes or connect with us: Website Instagram LinkedIn YouTube Facebook

June 9, 2026Episode 1041 hr 9 min

From MTV to the Priesthood: Father Dave Dwyer’s Unexpected Calling

What if the career you spent years building was actually preparing you for a completely different calling? Father Dave Dwyer was directing live broadcasts at MTV and Comedy Central when he began to feel pulled toward something he'd never seriously considered: the priesthood. The turning point came in Denver in 1993, when hearing Pope John Paul II speak forced him to reconsider what fulfillment and purpose really meant. As Father Dave began exploring the priesthood, people introduced him to the Paulist Fathers — a Catholic order known for its focus on media and communication. But what ultimately drew him in wasn't television or radio. It was the feeling that he had found a community, mission, and way of life that truly fit who he was becoming. And yet, the experiences he thought he might be leaving behind eventually came full circle. The storytelling instincts, broadcasting experience, and communication skills he developed throughout his media career became central to his work as a priest, helping him build Busted Halo into one of the country’s most recognizable faith-based media platforms and become a daily voice on SiriusXM’s Catholic Channel. Father Dave also offers a fascinating and deeply human look inside the process of becoming a priest — including years of discernment, philosophy and theology training, mentorship, hospital rotations, and the emotional challenge of knowing whether a calling is truly right for you. It's a conversation about purpose, identity, faith, reinvention, and the unexpected ways our experiences shape the paths we ultimately choose. To discover more episodes or connect with us: Website Instagram LinkedIn YouTube Facebook

May 29, 2026Episode 1031 hr 20 min

Joey Conza: What It Takes to Thrive Inside the Courtroom

What does it take to thrive in a profession where every decision can change someone’s life? In this episode of No Wrong Choices, longtime public defender and trial attorney Joey Conza takes us inside the courtroom and behind the realities of criminal defense work in New York City. After representing more than 10,000 clients over the course of his career, Joey shares what it takes to survive—and succeed—in one of the most demanding professions imaginable. From high-pressure jury trials and cross-examinations to mentoring younger attorneys and transitioning into legal consulting, Joey offers a revealing look at the human side of the justice system and the mindset required to thrive inside it. Along the way, we discuss: What young lawyers misunderstand about trial work Why communication and storytelling often matter more than legal jargon The emotional pressure behind defending high-stakes cases How experience, repetition, and “getting reps” shape great trial attorneys The realities of working with judges, prosecutors, and juries Why mentorship became one of the most meaningful parts of Joey’s career The difference between helping individuals and performative activism Joey also shares unforgettable courtroom stories, lessons from difficult cases, and surprising insights into the criminal justice system that most people never get to hear firsthand. Whether you’re interested in law, leadership, communication, or careers built under pressure, this episode offers a fascinating look inside a world most people only see on television. To discover more episodes or connect with us: Website Instagram LinkedIn YouTube Facebook

May 13, 2026Episode 1021 hr 3 min

From House Calls to Dolphins: Dr. Amanda Pinder’s Veterinary Journey (Replay)

What does it take to build a career caring for animals ranging from household pets to dolphins in the open ocean? In this special replay episode of No Wrong Choices , we revisit our fascinating conversation with Dr. Amanda Pinder, whose career has taken her from growing up in the Bahamas surrounded by animals to caring for dolphins and sea lions at Atlantis Paradise Island, launching her own veterinary practice, and pursuing a new chapter in equine care. Amanda shares what it takes to break into one of the world’s most competitive professions, the challenges of building a veterinary practice, and the realities of caring for animals that can’t tell you what’s wrong. She also recounts one of the most unforgettable stories we’ve ever featured on the show: rescuing and rehabilitating a stranded dolphin, only to unexpectedly encounter the same animal years later in the wild. Episode Highlights: Amanda’s path from animal-loving kid in the Bahamas to veterinarian The demanding road to veterinary school Her transition from house calls to marine mammal medicine at Atlantis Behind-the-scenes insights into caring for dolphins and other marine animals The importance of mentorship, resilience, and adaptability Amanda’s mission to help build the first equine hospital in the Bahamas Whether you love animals, are curious about marine life, or enjoy hearing how people turn passion into purpose, this replay is filled with memorable stories and remarkable moments. To discover more episodes or connect with us: Website Instagram LinkedIn YouTube Facebook