The FocalFlip Podcast
by Michael Kannady
Welcome to a space dedicated to the power of human spirit, the resilience within, and the extraordinary stories that emerge from the most ordinary moments. The FocalFlip Podcast brings together a diverse group of guests, each contributing to a richer, deeper understanding of what it means to overcome, to adapt, and to thrive. From the streets to the sanctuaries, classrooms to boardrooms, we explore the journeys of those who have faced adversity and emerged with stories of strength, hope, and transformation. Prepare to Laugh. Prepare to Cry. Prepare to Be Inspired. Prepare to Change.
Episodes
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Episode 93 - Kyle Tackett - BBN Unfiltered
Kyle Tackett: Kentucky Basketball, Coaching Legends & The Unfiltered Truth | The FocalFlip Podcast 🏀 Season 3 of The FocalFlip Podcast is here! What happens when a lifelong love of basketball, decades of coaching experience, and a no-holds-barred personality collide? You get Kyle Tackett…
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Episode 92 - Erika Smith - The Impact of Healthy Habits
On this episode of The FocalFlip Podcast, Mike sits down with longtime friend Erika Smith, a fitness and nutrition coach, to discuss her journey through grief, mental health challenges, career changes, and discovering her purpose in helping others. Erika opens up about losing her twin brother...
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Episode 91 - From WCW & TNA to Sobriety: The Real Chris Harris
What happens when the dream you've chased your entire life finally becomes reality — and then everything changes? On the first episode of Season 3 of The FocalFlip Podcast, Mike sits down with Northern Kentucky wrestling legend Wildcat Chris Harris for one of the most personal conversations yet....
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Episode 90 - Ken Chevalier - More than a Mentor
Some people enter your life for a season. Others show up at exactly the moment you need them most—and their impact lasts a lifetime. In Episode 90 of The FocalFlip Podcast, we sit down with Ken Chevalier for a conversation about purpose, perseverance, mentorship, grief, community, and what it…
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Episode 89 - Jerry & Tracey Yaegel - Faith, Recovery, & Life after Stroke
This episode hits close to home. In 2016, I lost my father after a seven-year battle following a massive stroke — the same type of stroke Tracey Yaegel suffered five years ago. In Episode 89 of The FocalFlip Podcast, I sit down with Jerry and Tracey to talk about the fight that followed......
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Episode 88 - Emily Kasselmann - Kasselmann Family McDonald's
What does it take to leave a successful corporate career, navigate unimaginable loss, lead multiple businesses, and still put people first? In this episode of the FocalFlip Podcast, I sit down with Emily Kasselmann, owner/operator of eight Kasselmann Family McDonald's restaurants, to discuss...
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Michael Daniels - 2nd Chances with Round 2 Vision
Second Chances, Faith, Fitness, & Mindset Can someone truly change? In this episode of The FocalFlip Podcast, Michael Kannady sits down with Michael Daniels, founder of Round 2 Vision, for a powerful conversation about redemption, identity, and the perspective shifts that can completely change a...
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Episode 86 - Rob Jent - Pain turned Pro
In Episode 86 of The FocalFlip Podcast, I sit down with my friend, mentor, and community leader Rob Jent for a powerful conversation about transformation, discipline, and purpose. Rob is the President of the Independence Business Association, owner of Anytime Fitness in Independence, Kentucky and...
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Episode 85 - What is Reality? - John McNeely & Mike Kannady
Episode 85 - John McNeely & Mike Kannady - What is Reality & Perception? Our brains are encased in complete darkness, yet we experience a world of vivid color and profound meaning. Everything we can conceive, perceive, imagine or believe regarding everything we experience as real, is within a…
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Episode 84 - Cy Egger - What's Beyond a Hateful Reputation?
Episode 84 of FocalFlip features Cy Egger. For years, Cy carried a reputation that many in Northern Kentucky knew well. Some called him the funniest guy in the room. Others knew him as the guy who could light it up from three-point range. And many knew him as the man who wasn't afraid to tell...
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Courage, A Coma, & A Comeback - Tyianna Trice & Whitney Dixon
In Episode 83 of The FocalFlip Podcast, Mike Kannady sits down with lifelong friends Tyianna Trice and Whitney Dixon for a powerful conversation about resilience, faith, friendship, and perspective. Friends since their days as student-athletes at Ryle High School in 2008, their bond was tested…
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Episode 82 - Nate Niemi - 30+ Years of Mental Health in Public Education
Episode #82 – Flipping Perspectives on Mental Health in Youth Education, Leadership, and Coaching with Nate Niemi In Episode #82 of The FocalFlip Podcast, Mike Kannady sits down with longtime educator, coach, and St. Henry Assistant Principal Nate Niemi to discuss mental health through the lenses...
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Episode 80 - Mike Walker - Coaching, Criticisms, & Clarity
Coach Mike Walker returns to The FocalFlip Podcast! Mike gives an update on the past year at Lloyd and reflects on the current state of youth sports, parenting, high school transfers, recruiting, and the rapidly changing world of college NIL. We discuss the pressure athletes and coaches face…
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Episode 79 - Ancient Wisdoms, Modern Awakenings - Mike & John
In this episode of The FocalFlip Podcast, John McNeely and Mike Kannady dive deep into the timeless truths that have echoed through centuries of spiritual teachings, philosophies, and religions. From the ancient call to “know thyself” to the powerful realization that “the kingdom is within you,”...
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Episode 78 - Shadow Work - John McNeely & Michael Kannady
What if the parts of you that you hide… are the exact parts holding your power? In this episode of the FocalFlip Podcast, we sit down with John McNeely to dive deep into the concept of shadow work—the uncomfortable, often avoided process of confronting the parts of ourselves we suppress, deny, or...
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Episode 77 - What Parkinson's Can't Take - Dave Shields & Anthony Barker
What happens when your body starts to betray you… but your purpose refuses to? In this episode of the FocalFlip Podcast, we sit down with Dave Shields and Anthony Wayne Barker—two friends connected by purpose. Both fraternity brothers from Eastern Kentucky University, Tony felt called to step in...
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Episode 76 - Addicted. Abducted. Atoned. - Jason's Story
At 54 years old, after a lifetime lost to addiction, chaos, and survival, this is the longest he’s ever been sober—one full year. His story isn’t polished—but it’s real. From years of drug addiction to serving nearly a decade in prison, to being abducted and beaten while living in the madness…...
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Episode 75 - Andrew Curtis - Building Greenie's Mobile Golf & Living with Purpose
What happens when you stop playing it safe… and start betting on yourself? In this episode of the FocalFlip Podcast, I sit down with Andrew Curtis—founder of Greenies Mobile Golf—who walked away from a corporate path to build something of his own. We go deeper than business in this one. Andrew...
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Episode 74 - Brent Sowder - History, Hoops, and Hard Truths
On his third appearance on the FocalFlip Podcast, Campbell County Boys Basketball Head Coach Brent Sowder returns for one of his most layered and thought-provoking conversations yet. We kick things off with the now-infamous refrigerator update before diving into Sowder’s recent trips through some...
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Episode 73 - Todd Humphrey - Beyond the Box Score
Episode 73 of the FocalFlip Podcast features Todd Humphrey, Head Coach of the Boone County High School boys basketball program and Youth Services Coordinator — a leader who is impacting students both on the court and in the classroom. 🏀 Todd’s story starts in Northern Kentucky where he grew up...
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Episode 72 - Kevin Listerman - Boiling Points & Basketball
In this episode of the FocalFlip Podcast, we sit down with Highlands High School Head Basketball Coach Kevin Listerman to talk about leadership, mental toughness, and the journey that shaped one of Kentucky’s premier basketball programs. Kevin shares what it was like growing up as the son of...
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Episode 71 - Dan, Ryan, & Jarrett Curtis - 3 Generations
In Episode 71 of the FocalFlip Podcast, Mike sits down with Ryan Curtis, Dan Curtis, and (in a surprise moment) Jarrett Curtis for an episode full of basketball, legacy, laughter, and perspective. The conversation spans generations and shows how sports can shape identity, relationships, and...
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Episode 70 - Michael Kannady - Past, Present, & Future (Hosted By Tim Hanner)
Episode 70 – Michael Kannady: Past, Present, and Future (Hosted by Tim Hanner) We've got a deep one in this episode of The FocalFlip Podcast, where Tim Hanner sits down with Mike for the most vulnerable conversation to date, tracing the full arc of his life: the past that shaped him, the present...
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Episode 69 - Comedian Sal Calanni - Mental Spillness
If you're ready for real-talk that's expressed with emotion and humor, this is your episode. Meet my friend Sal Calanni and dive deep with us as we learn his life story and promote his brand new comedy special that airs right here on YouTube on January 29th! Sal is a lactose intolerant Italian...
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Episode 68 - Arron Cope - The City of Independence, KY
In this episode of The FocalFlip Podcast, I sit down with Arron Cope, the Parks and Recreation Director for the City of Independence, Kentucky, to talk about leadership, community, self-care, and what it truly means to live life with intention. The first 25 minutes of the conversation dive into...
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Episode 67 - Will Clarke - Beyond the Helmet (An NFL Story)
In this episode, I sit down with William Clarke — former NFL defensive end and current UFL player — to unpack the journey behind the helmet. Will grew up in Pittsburgh, PA, sharpening his game playing street football with smaller, faster friends who forced him to adapt, compete, and develop an…
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Episode 66 - Stephen Owens - Better Blend
In this episode of the FocalFlip Podcast, we sit down with Stephen Owens, General Manager of Better Blend in Independence, Kentucky — and we’re excited to announce that Better Blend is the official sponsor of FocalFlip for the entire month of December. I first met Stephen in a pretty…
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Episode 65 - Justin Holthaus - Cooper Boys Basketball HC
In this episode, I sit down with a longtime friend from our NKU days, Justin Holthaus, the Head Boys Basketball Coach at Cooper High School. Justin is a husband to Ashley and a proud father of five boys — a full team at home and on the court! With 16 years under legendary Cooper coach Tim…
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Episode 64 - Aaron Stamm - HC Bishop Brossart Lady Mustangs
In this deep & heartfelt episode, Mike sits down with Aaron Stamm, a longtime Northern Kentucky coach whose journey through life, sports, health, and self-discovery offers lessons for athletes and non-athletes alike. We open by taking it way back to the early 2000s, when Aaron was coaching at…
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Episode 63 - Understanding A Woman's Perspective - Mike Kannady, Danielle Harris & Mercedes Clarke
In this episode, Michael Kannady runs it back with Danielle Harris and Mercedes Clarke for a deep, honest, and transformative conversation about faith, relationships, womanhood, and what real connection looks like in today’s world. We open with church vs. religion vs. spirituality—how they…
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Episode 62 - Warrior Women - Pat Morgan, Danielle Harris & Mercedes Clarke
In Episode 62 of the FocalFlip Podcast, Pat Morgan sits down with two extraordinary women—Danielle Harris and Mercedes Clarke—to open Warrior Women Season. Together, they unpack what it truly means to be a woman of strength, intention, and unwavering purpose. Danielle, owner of a remodeling…
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Episode 60 - Andrea & Tim Sullivan - Love, Leadership, & Legacy
Balancing Love, Leadership & Legacy — Andrea & Tim Sullivan on The FocalFlip Podcast 🎧 Episode Description: In this episode of The FocalFlip Podcast, Mike sits down with husband-and-wife coaching duo Andrea and Tim Sullivan — two of Northern Kentucky’s most respected educators and leaders in…
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Episode 61 - Nate Nunemaker (Farmer Nate's Sauce) - The Story behind The Story
In this episode, we dive deep into the story of Farmer Nate’s Sauce, a small-batch hot sauce brand born from one man’s pandemic hobby and now recognized on the national stage. Founder Nate Nunemaker — better known as Farmer Nate — started out as a city guy in Covington, Kentucky, who just wanted…
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Episode 59 - Ross Hart - Legacy, Leadership, & Lessons Learned
In this episode of The FocalFlip Podcast, we sit down with Coach Ross Hart, head coach of Beechwood Boys Basketball, to talk about his journey from a Beechwood grad with a dream to the man leading the same program to new heights. We unpack his journey from a player at Wilmington College to...
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Episode 58 - Brenden Stowers - NKU Women's Hoops
🎙️ The FocalFlip Podcast | Episode 58 “Built Different — The Mamba Mentality of Brenden Stowers” In Episode 58 of The FocalFlip Podcast, I sit down with Brenden Stowers, Assistant Women’s Basketball Coach at Northern Kentucky University, to unpack a story of drive, discipline, and heart that...
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Episode 57 - Tony Hill feat Lucas & Xavier - Even Balanced Leadership & Love
In this episode of the FocalFlip Podcast, Mike sits down with his longtime friend Tony Hill to dive deep into the heart of life, family, and leadership. Tony shares his journey of struggle, growth and service, from starting as a tech to becoming a respected leader in the Nursing Profession at St....
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Episode 56 - Jeff Stowers - Legacy, Grit, & Heart
In Episode 56 of the FocalFlip Podcast, we sit down with Coach Jeff Stowers, the head coach of the 8th Region Champs, Simon Kenton Girls Basketball Program, whose story embodies resilience, family, and faith in the power of sports. Jeff opens up about growing up in the projects of Covington,...
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Episode 55 - Jeff Hatter - Clean Energy & Focus - North Star Yerba Mate
In this episode, I sit down with my longtime friend and college roommate from Northern Kentucky University, Jeff Hatter, the Founder of North Star Yerba Mate and @yerbatravels ! Jeff’s story is unique—after graduating, he moved to South Korea where he spent 15 years teaching before moving back…
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Episode 54 - Tim Hanner - A Comeback Beyond the Classroom
In this episode, we explore the extraordinary journey of Tim Hanner, former Superintendent of Kenton County Schools and celebrated consultant. Recognized as Kentucky Superintendent of the Year in 2010, Tim led with vision and innovation—launching programs like STEM campuses, Born Learning…
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Episode 52 - John McNeely - Man's Ancient Relationship with God
In our final episode of season one, Michael Kannady and John McNeely explore man’s ancient relationship with God and how he has expressed that relationship through mythology across all places and times. Man’s relationship with God is as old as man himself and it all starts with the deeply rooted...
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Episode 53 - Will Adams - A Voice through A Village
Texas Will, Sir William & Tha Village Podcast: A Father’s Mission for Autism Awareness I first met Will Adams—better known in our college days as Texas Will—at Northern Kentucky University’s campus recreation center. Our friendship began on the infamous “center court,” the most competitive and...
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Episode 51 - Danny Rasp - The Biggest Heart in Business Banking
In this episode, we sit down with Danny Rasp — one of the Top Business Bankers at US Bank — whose journey to the top is filled with grit, growth, and a few great laughs along the way. Before he was dominating the banking world, Danny spent several years in speech therapy as a kid, even having to...
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Episode 50 - Mark Wehry - A Vocal Victory (859 Sports Radio)
🎙️ "The Voice of the 859: A Conversation with Mark Wehry" Episode 50 of The FocalFlip Podcast has ARRIVED! Today, I sit down with Mark Wehry, the passionate founder and play-by-play voice behind (859) Sports Radio, a grassroots internet sports webcast dedicated to celebrating Northern Kentucky...
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Episode 49 - The Mental Game: A Conversation with Brandon Saho
Today, at FocalFlip, we’re joined by Brandon Saho — a former sports reporter from Cincinnati who walked away from his dream job to take on something even bigger: opening up real conversations about mental health. Brandon shares his life story of battling depression, suicidal thoughts, and...
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Episode 48 - Jake Thelen - A Colonel's Commitment (HC CovCath Hoops)
In Episode 48 of The FocalFlip Podcast, I'm sittin’ down with Jake Thelen, the new head basketball coach at Covington Catholic High School — and let me tell you, this one’s cool. Jake’s story is what hard work, faith, and a love for the game is all about. Jake had a basketball in his hands…
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Episode 47 - Brantley - It's Simple, Just Be Kind
Episode 47 brings us Brantley. I met Brantley two years ago when I met his mother, Samantha. Samantha and I started dating two years ago and we didn't introduce each other to our children for a few months into us dating. Well, when I met her son Brantley, I was blown away. I thought, "there's no...
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Episode 46 - Quinton Day - Rook Digital Marketing
Episode 46 of The FocalFlip Podcast is a banger! Why? Because I sit down with Quinton Day — Founder of Rook Digital Marketing Agency and a true example of resilience and leadership. Quinton launched ROOK in 2016 with a mission to deliver custom digital marketing solutions that help businesses,...
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Episode 45 - Angel & Yamil Rondon - A Puerto Rican Perspective
Episode 45 is HERE! This one features Angel Rondon and his son, Yamil. Yamil, a Senior basketball standout at Newport High School is a well-known young man in the Northern Kentucky area and his pops, one of the coldest photographers around. Throughout this episode we talk about both of their love...
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Episode 40 - Nathan Griffith - A Young Real Estate & Investing Prodigy with A Story
At just 20 years old, Nathan Griffith is making moves in real estate, investing, and business development, helping others navigate homeownership and financial growth. In Episode 40, we meet Nathan, the Social Media Strategist – a guy with a sharp eye for marketing, Nathan creates engaging, funny,...
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Episode 41 - Trent Steiner - A True Pioneer
Episode 41 features Simon Kenton Boys Basketball Coach Trent Steiner. This coach, educator & administrator in Independence, KY was also one of my high school coaches from back in 2003, when basketball was A LOT different. A tough-nosed coach with a huge heart, Trent and I navigate through the...
About this show
Welcome to a space dedicated to the power of human spirit, the resilience within, and the extraordinary stories that emerge from the most ordinary moments. The FocalFlip Podcast brings together a diverse group of guests, each contributing to a richer, deeper understanding of what it means to overcome, to adapt, and to thrive. From the streets to the sanctuaries, classrooms to boardrooms, we explore the journeys of those who have faced adversity and emerged with stories of strength, hope, and transformation.
Prepare to Laugh. Prepare to Cry. Prepare to Be Inspired. Prepare to Change.
Hosted by
Michael Kannady