The Decision Hour

Hosted by The Decision Hour

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Episodes

377

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Jul 2026

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About the show

Welcome to The Decision Hour, the podcast where we explore the tough decisions that people from all walks of life have made and the impact those choices had on their lives. Each episode, we sit down with a different guest who shares their personal story of a time when they found themselves at a crossroads, with their feet on the line, and they had to make THAT decision. Our guests come from all different backgrounds, from business leaders and entrepreneurs to athletes, artists, and everyday heroes. Through these candid conversations, we delve into the thought process and emotions behind each decision, exploring the challenges and obstacles that our guests faced, as well as the lessons they learned along the way. Whether you’re facing a tough decision in your own life or just looking for inspiration and motivation, The Decision Hour is the podcast for you. So join us each week as we explore the tough choices that shape our lives and help us become the best versions of ourselves.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

July 16, 2026Episode 31741 min

Ep: 376 - The Starfish Chronicles: Waving the White Flag and Finding Power on the Water

Sue Kerver served in the Peace Corps in Ethiopia, then joined the Coast Guard. She knows what it is like to take off the uniform and feel completely alone. For a long time, she tried to do it all herself. Then she hit a wall. She had to choose between staying on a path that was not going anywhere good, or waving the white flag and asking for help. She chose the latter. She told me it was the biggest decision she ever made, and following through on it was not easy. She rebuilt trust starting with a friendship built on walking dogs. She diversified her communities instead of staying in one box, and said her life got richer because of it. We talked about fly fishing, why getting women veterans out on the water matters, and her book The Starfish Chronicles, where she put it all down on paper. If you feel alone right now, or you are terrified to ask for help, start here. Take a listen Connect with Sue at: https://www.suekerver.com Instagram: @sue_kerver_author

July 2, 2026Episode 31642 min

Ep: 375 - Why Your Podcast Is Stuck: Real Growth, AI, and What to Fix First

On this episode of The Decision Hour, I sat down with Joe Rubin, CMO and co-founder of Mowpod, to talk about what it actually takes to grow a podcast audience today. Joe shares his journey from venture capital to building Mowpod, a marketing agency that charges on performance and turns down clients who are not ready to advertise. We break down why organic podcast growth is so tough, how AI is changing podcast marketing, and the pitfalls podcasters often face, from podfade to common tech mistakes. Joe gives real advice on when to invest in advertising, optimizing SEO, and using tools like ⁠charts.mowpod.com⁠. Plus, he reveals his must-have AI tools and encourages creators to embrace new technology, no matter their experience level. If you are tired of posting into the void and hoping something sticks, Joe gives you the real playbook for what actually works. This is the conversation you need to hear. Checkout: https://mowpod.com Follow on Instagram: @itsmowpod

June 25, 2026Episode 31532 min

Ep: 374 - Found on the Water: A Father-Son Row to End Veteran Suicide

Sean Dillard is an Army veteran and founder of the Southern Illinois Veteran Foundation. He knows what it feels like to come home and lose your sense of purpose. He also knows what it took to find it again. We talked about his mental health struggles after the military, how community pulled him back, and why he and his son Aiden are rowing 6,000 miles through America's waterways to raise awareness for veteran suicide. The Great Loop isn't a stunt. It's a mission. Learn more and get involved at ⁠https://OrsomeOdyssey.org.⁠

June 18, 2026Episode 31432 min

Ep: 373 - The Revenue Runway: AI, Marketing, and Building a Business as a Veteran and Single Mother

Kalen Cotto is an Army Veteran, a Mother, and the founder of KMC Digital. She just wrote a book called The Revenue Runway and she did not wait until she had it all figured out. She wrote it while she was still building her client base, still raising her kid, and still figuring out digital marketing in real time. We got into three things that matter if you are trying to start something without a pile of money: how she tests ideas on a budget, what AI is actually doing to marketing for small businesses right now, and why she thinks most entrepreneurs quit on themselves before the market ever gets a vote. Kalen talks like someone who is in the fight, not someone who already won it. Get ready to take notes! Follow her: ⁠https://therevenuerunway.com⁠ Instagram: @KMCDigitalBrands

June 11, 2026Episode 31333 min

Ep: 372 - FiGHTING FOR THE FORGOTTEN: The Mission to Recognize Veteran Suicide Families

In one of the most important conversations The Decision Hour has had, host Mr. Adam Bird sits down with Matt Cahill, Army veteran, combat medic, and founder of Green Star Families of America — to confront an issue that doesn't get nearly enough attention: the families left behind after a veteran dies by suicide. Matt's path wasn't easy. After serving as a combat medic and facing his own mental health battles, he channeled his pain into purpose — launching a movement to honor and recognize the families who have lost loved ones to veteran suicide through the Green Star service banner. In this episode, Matt and Mr. Adam Bird dig into the story behind the Green Star initiative, the push for national legislative recognition through HR6022, and the recent wins being achieved at the state level. They break down what advocacy really looks like on the ground, why reducing stigma is still the most critical battle, and how everyday people can take action to support veterans and their families. This isn't just a conversation about loss. It's about legacy, resilience, and a movement built to make sure no grieving family feels invisible. Don't miss this inspiring story of courage, compassion, and the fight to bring a long-overdue recognition to families bearing the silent weight of veteran suicide. 🔗 Website: greenstarfamilies.org

June 4, 2026Episode 31247 min

Ep: 371 - From Gold to Code: Bitcoin, Human Nature & the Future of Money

What does Bitcoin have to do with human relationships? More than you'd think — and Hannah Praley is here to prove it. In this episode of The Decision Hour, host Mr. Adam Bird sits down with longtime friend Hannah Praley — songwriter turned author — to explore her new book, Rigs Are from Mars, Nodes Are from Venus. What starts as a conversation about Bitcoin quickly becomes something much bigger: a deep dive into human behavior, incentive structures, and the forces that have quietly shaped civilization for centuries. Hannah breaks down how our monetary systems have been distorted over time and why that matters to everyday people, not just economists. She and Mr. Bird unpack what Bitcoin's design reveals about ancient patterns of human interaction, how mining and nodes mirror the dynamic between men and women, and why the analog and digital worlds aren't opposites, they need each other. With humor, candor, and genuine insight, Hannah brings a perspective that's equal parts intellectual and accessible. Whether you're deep in the Bitcoin rabbit hole or you've never bought a satoshi, this episode will make you think differently about money, relationships, and what it means to build something that lasts. Don't miss this inspiring story of a creative mind finding truth at the intersection of finance, human nature, and connection. 🔗 Website: ⁠Amazon⁠ 📸 Instagram: ⁠IG

May 21, 2026Episode 31135 min

Ep: 370 - No Followers? No Problem: Winning with User Generated Content

What does a Navy CH-46 helicopter mechanic, a mortgage underwriter, and a successful UGC content creator have in common? In this case, it's all the same person. In this episode of The Decision Hour, host Mr. Adam Bird sits down with Trish Leto, a Navy veteran turned digital entrepreneur who has built a thriving career in user-generated content creation and brand consulting. Trish breaks down exactly what UGC is, why brands are paying everyday people (not influencers) to create authentic content, and how you can get started using nothing more than products you already own. Trish and Mr. Adam Bird dig into the discipline she carried from military service into entrepreneurship, the reality of pivoting careers more than once, and the practical steps new creators can take to land their first paid brand collaboration. This isn't theory, it's a roadmap from someone who's actually done it. But this episode goes deeper than marketing strategy. Trish opens up about her sobriety journey and how a series of decisive personal choices completely redirected the trajectory of her life. It's a candid, empowering conversation about what it really takes to reinvent yourself and why authenticity isn't just a content strategy, it's a way of living. Don't miss this inspiring story of reinvention, resilience, and the power of showing up as exactly who you are. 👉 Check out deployugc.com 👉 Email: trishletospeaks@gmail.com

April 16, 2026Episode 31036 min

Ep: 369 - Restoring Independence: The Future of Mobility with the Zeen

In this episode of The Decision Hour, host Adam Bird sits down with Rick Sherak, Air Force veteran and CEO of Exokinetics, to discuss the game changing mobility device, the Zeen. With over 30 years in the medical diagnostics industry, Rick shares his unique journey from military service to leading a company at the forefront of mobility innovation. Listeners get an inside look at the Zeen’s development, its impact on users’ independence, and how it bridges the gap between wheelchairs and walkers, all without motors or batteries. Rick dives into the device’s safety features, its tailored approach for individuals, and the importance of regaining mobility for veterans and others facing physical challenges. The conversation also explores the emotional impact of renewed mobility, advances in VA access to assistive technology, and the power of determination in overcoming obstacles. Don’t miss this inspiring story of innovation, perseverance, and life-changing possibilities. ⁠https://gozeen.com/

April 9, 2026Episode 30938 min

Ep: 368 - Scaling Without Chaos: Systems, Relationships, and Smarter Growth

In this episode of The Decision Hour, host Mr. Adam Bird dives into the entrepreneurial journey and business wisdom of Barry Bradham, a business systems architect and founder of DigiLink. Barry shares his story of growing up between Washington and Alaska, transitioning from rodeo and agriculture to business, and discovering his passion for automation and CRM systems. Together, they discuss the critical role of CRM platforms for startups, the importance of finding the right community for business growth, and how automation and AI can streamline operations. Barry offers practical advice on building efficient business systems, nurturing relationships, and balancing technology with essential human connection. Listeners gain insight into the power of mastermind-level networking, strategies for scaling without chaos, and the value of having a trusted advisory soundboard when tough decisions arise. Don’t miss actionable tips to take your business, and your relationships, to the next level. Visit: comewinwithme.com

April 2, 2026Episode 30838 min

Ep: 367 - Preserving Stories: The Power of Digital Challenge Coins

On this episode of The Decision Hour, host Mr. Adam Bird sits down with Anna Redmond for an inspiring conversation that goes from entrepreneurship to the evolving world of challenge coins. A Harvard alum and founder of BRAAV, Anna shares her journey from venture capital and thought leadership into transforming the physical security industry with a mission centered on helping people feel safe. The conversation also dives into how Anna’s connection with the veteran community inspired her to reimagine the tradition of challenge coins by creating a digital twin system that preserves each coin’s story, strengthens connection, and builds a lasting legacy through blockchain technology. Filled with meaningful stories, practical insight, and a deep respect for service members and first responders, this episode highlights how honoring everyday heroism can bring people together and change the way we remember, connect, and carry forward powerful stories. Get on their waiting list today! https://allcoin.braav.co