Discover the Difference

In this episode of Discover the Difference, hosts Jamie and Ben sit down with Preston Caffrey. This episode dives into Preston’s unlikely journey from aspiring elementary school teacher and mortgage broker to co-founding Bobamos, a premium tequila brand rooted in family partnerships in Mexico. He shares how his wife’s champagne club inspired the business model, why honoring agave farmers’ stories is central to the brand, and how Bobamos blends authentic culture with a nostalgic Southern California vibe.

In this episode of Discover the Difference, hosts Jamie, Gabe, and Ryder sit down with Max Irving. A three-time National Champion, Olympic bronze medalist, and all-around water polo powerhouse, Max shares his journey from childhood dreams to competing on the world stage.The conversation dives deep into his early influences, the mindset of a champion, and the lessons he's learned along the way, both in and out of the pool. Whether you’re passionate about sports or just enjoy a powerful story of resilience and drive, this episode offers the perfect blend of insight, humor, and inspiration.

In this episode, the team sits down with San Diego icon Sam the Cooking Guy for a candid conversation about his unconventional path from the pharmaceutical and advertising worlds to YouTube stardom. Hosts Jaime, Gabe, and Mark (Sam’s nephew) explore the twists and turns of Sam’s career, his leap into entrepreneurship, and what it really takes to reinvent yourself later in life.

In this episode of Discover the Difference, Jamie and Gabe talk with Matt Stevens, Navy SEAL veteran and CEO of The Honor Foundation. Matt shares his journey from the Naval Academy to the SEALs, then into tech, and now leading a mission-driven organization helping Special Operations Forces transition to civilian life. Hear how his commitment to excellence has shaped every phase of his career and how The Honor Foundation is expanding its impact through the new Vector Accelerator program.

In this episode of Discover the Difference, Jamie and Gabe talk with Dave Albin, former Firewalk Captain for Tony Robbins. Dave shares how facing his fear of fire at a Tony Robbins event transformed his life—from struggling with addiction to leading thousands through firewalks. Now, through his nonprofit Operation Do No Harm, he helps veterans and first responders heal from trauma and build better lives. A powerful story of fear, transformation, and purpose.

In this episode of Discover the Difference, Jamie and Gabe sit down with longtime friend Joe Lara, an elite Marine from MARSOC and a transformational coach for high-performing leaders. Joe shares powerful life lessons from his time embedded with Navy SEALs, Green Berets, and Army Rangers, and how those experiences shaped his approach to leadership, transition, and business coaching.Now part of The Honor Foundation, Joe helps active military members transition into civilian life with purpose and impact. Whether you're leading a company or navigating your next chapter, Joe’s insights will remind you what really matters.

In this inspiring episode of Discover the Difference, hosts Jamie and Gabe sit down with the legendary Robert Owens. More than just an esteemed author, Robert is a true force of nature. He has completed seven marathons on seven continents at the age of 66, becoming the first person in the world to do so.He is also a trainer of Navy SEALs and professional athletes. Robert lives by one principle: challenge yourself beyond the limits. He shares hard-earned wisdom from decades of physical, mental, and spiritual endurance, and even manages to make us laugh along the way.

On this episode of Discover the Difference, Jamie, Gabe, and Blake sit down with two highly decorated CIA veterans, Ralph Goff and Mark Davidson.Ralph, a 25-year CIA veteran and six-time Chief of Station, shares insights from his extensive experience across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, including high-stakes operations in war zones. Mark, a 21-year CIA veteran and former senior operations officer, discusses his transition to the private sector, where he now leads growth and strategy at Concentric, a firm dedicated to global security solutions.Don’t miss this fascinating deep dive tune in and discover the difference with Ralph and Mark!

Hosts Jamie Reid and Gabe Erle take a look back at the Season 4 highlights of Discover the Difference with special guest Wayne Partello from CUENTO.Get ready for our first guest of Season 5 on April 4!

In our special season finale of Discover the Difference, SDSU Director of Intercollegiate Athletics, John David Wicker, sits down with hosts Jamie, Gabe, and Matt to explore key topics shaping the future of SDSU athletics. They discuss the transformative impact of NIL (Name, Image, Likeness), SDSU's historic move to the Pac-12 and the monumental achievement of building Snapdragon Stadium. JD Wicker shares his vision of fostering a culture of community engagement and collaboration among faculty, coaches, and student-athletes, creating a successful environment at SDSU. Don’t miss our conversation with one of San Diego’s most influential leaders.

In our 9th episode of this season's Discover the Difference, Chris Mefford shares his journey from teaching to discovering his passion for marketing. He dives into leadership, emphasizing the power of recognition, empathy, and empowering teams. From insights on workplace psychology to lessons from Navy SEALs, Chris sheds light on creating a culture of excellence without micromanaging. Don’t miss out on his wisdom and stories, including how he co-authored his book "Anti-Leadership" and navigates calm and chaos in leadership. Check out our latest episode with hosts Jamie and Gabe.

Hosts Jamie Reid and Gabe Erle, along with guest host Lindsay Bonfiglio, C3’s EVP of Human Resources & Operations, are excited to welcome Heather Whelpley to Discover the Difference. Heather is a coach, speaker and award-winning author specializing in imposter syndrome and silencing the inner critic. After hearing her powerful talk at the Assurex Global Conference, we knew we had to share her journey and insights with you. Don’t miss episode 8—tune in now!

On Discover the Difference, hosts Jamie Reid and Gabe Earl are joined by guest host Matt Clark and Cape Capener, who built the brand Above the Rim amongst other successful apparel and lifestyle brands and most recently developed a brand new shoe category to help people actively recover from exercise. Dive into this week’s episode with San Diego native, Cape Capener. 

This week on Discover the Difference, hosts Jamie Reid and Gabe Erle sit down with retired Navy SEAL Diego Ugalde. Diego, who calls himself a "psychedelic pathfinder," shares his journey of treating PTSD through psychedelics. Curious about what that means? So were we! Tune in to hear Diego's heroic story and learn how he now helps other veterans treat trauma using psychedelics.

On this week’s episode of Discover the Difference, hosts Jamie and Gabe, along with guest host Matt Clark, sit down with soccer legend Landon Donovan. Dive deep into Landon’s life as he reflects on his illustrious career, the true meaning of success and his journey overcoming mental health challenges. Hear his insightful thoughts on the profound influence of sports on children and the lessons he's learned along the way. Don't miss this inspiring conversation that goes beyond the soccer field. 

In this week’s episode, we catch up with Dr. Cindy McGovern, famously known as “The First Lady of Sales.” She is celebrated for transforming the popular sales acronym ABC (Always Be Closing) to Always Be Curious, emphasizing the role of curiosity in achieving success. This philosophy strongly resonates with us at C3, as we apply it both in our professional and personal lives, continuously learning and drawing inspiration from the ideas of those around us. This is a can’t-miss episode of Discover the Difference. 

Tune in to this week’s episode of Discover the Difference with Rob Sweetman. Rob's journey is one of remarkable resilience, overcoming personal setbacks and the heart-wrenching loss of loved ones. He shares his story of becoming a commercial insurance broker before embarking on his path as a Navy SEAL at the cutoff age of 28. Today, Rob channels his passion for service through 62 Romeo, an organization he founded to support veterans and first responders.In addition to his community efforts, Rob is a sleep consultant with Sleep Genius, leveraging his expertise to improve the lives of those he serves. Tune in and discover the difference with Rob!Work item comment field

Get ready for an energizing episode of Discover the Difference with our dynamic guest, Elizabeth Cardiello. Known for her boundless curiosity and infectious energy, Elizabeth is not just a TedX speaker but also the visionary founder of Caffè Unimatic, a unique coffee company that gained fame in a Netflix docuseries.In this episode, we delve into Elizabeth's journey from brewing exceptional coffee to brewing a revolutionary approach to culture and relationships through her framework, Brave. Elizabeth shares her insights on how Brave can transform organizational culture and enrich personal relationships, making this a must-listen for anyone looking to infuse their life with purpose and connection.Join us for a jolt of inspiration as Elizabeth takes us on a journey through her innovative business endeavors and the impactful lessons she's learned along the way. Tune in and discover the difference with Elizabeth!

Hosts Jamie Reid and Gabe Erle take a look back at the Season 3 highlights of Discover the Difference with special guest Wayne Partello from CUENTO.Get ready for our first guest of Season 4 on May 23!

For this exciting bonus episode of Discover The Difference, Jamie and Gabe sit down with the most interesting man you will ever meet, Dave Sanderson.Dave is an inspirational survivor, author, and nationally sought-after leadership speaker. Learn more about his incredible career and how he continues to help people make a difference in how they do business and live their lives in this special bonus episode.

We have a treat for the final episode of Season 3. C3's Lindsay Bonfiglio joins Gabe as they chat with Christian Espinoza - a former Air Force veteran, author of the book "The Smartest Person in The Room," and a cybersecurity expert. On the surface his accomplishments of completing two of the seven highest summits in the world and competing in 24 Ironman Triathlons are sure to impress. However, it's his perseverance and personal growth that make him the best selling author, high-performance coach and cybersecurity entrepreneur who will expand your outlook and challenge your mind.

On Discover the Difference, we hear a lot of amazing stories, but this week we meet Tez Steinberg who holds the distinction of being the first person to row from California to Hawaii. The journey took 71 days and 2,700 miles of sleep deprivation, strenuous exercise, wildlife encounters and sheer perseverance.Sparked by a bout of depression and compounded by his father’s death, Tez set out to conquer the unattained and turn it into a passion for rowing across the ocean to raise money for great causes. When he’s not at sea, Tez is a public speaker motivating others to find their inner athlete. Enjoy our journey into the deep with Tez.

For episode 8, we chat with Dr Kristen Willeumier who is a neuroscientist best known for her book, Biohack Your Brain.She explores the most impactful changes for enhanced brain health to keep it in optimal condition throughout every phase of life. A topic past guests, Joe Laude and Nick Hardwick, also appreciate. Throughout her career, Kristen studied athletes, specifically NFL players, and shares in her book how to nurse your brain back to health even after traumatic head injuries. Check out the full episode with Dr Kristen Willeumier.

Joe Laude exemplifies what it means to live a life of service, resilience, and purpose. In episode 7 of Discover the Difference, Joe takes us through his remarkable journey – from his childhood calling to the military, to the heart-wrenching Afghanistan evacuation. As the founder of Operations Allies Refuge (OAR), Joe focuses on supporting veterans battling moral injury, a concept distinct from PTSD.

During episode 6, Jamie and Gabe chat with New York Times best-selling author Scott Mann. He's a 3X TedX speaker and now a playwright focused on storytelling through the lens of our heroic warfighters in America. Scott takes us through the journey of his life where he experienced the lowest of lows and the highest of highs.You're going to learn so much from someone who's been through it all in this inspiring and energetic interview.

For episode 5, Jamie and Gabe chat with legendary UFC fighter Frank Shamrock. You may know Frank as a UFC Champion or a Strikeforce founder of MMA, but you may not know the backstory of how he overcome adversity, childhood setbacks and 23 felonies before he was able to achieve his success.Frank's story is unique, inspiring, and one you won't want to miss. Tune in to learn more about the way Frank empowers those around him through his encouragement and symbolism behind what he calls the Warrior’s Code.Don’t miss Frank’s valuable advice and wisdom he has gained along his journey.

For episode 4, Jamie and Gabe sit down with Natalie Johnson. Natalie started her career with Google where she played a key role in the development of its DE&I program. While C3 is already proudly diverse, Jamie and Gabe enjoyed discussing how there is so much more to being a DE&I-thought-focused organization. It is not just about having a diverse group of employees but getting intentional about seeking out people from diverse backgrounds that round out your organization and bring their unique skills to the table. Natalie's path to where she is today is an incredible, must-hear story.

For episode 3, hosts Jamie and Gabe sit down with Dr. Alan Beyer, the medical director and founder of the Hoag Institute.The entrepreneurial mindset is alive and well in the medical field. Dr. Beyer is proving that daily with his work at the Hoag Institute through his care for individuals ranging from elite athletes to everyday pickleball players and everyone in between. Learn how Dr. Beyer grew the Hoag Institute and his continued work in medicine today.

For our first guest of Season 3, you will have the chance to meet Jen Schroeder. You may recognize her from images all over Dick’s Sporting Goods. She is a former UCLA softball player, ESPN Analyst and entrepreneur. Her training facilities, The Packaged Deal, in Orange County are shaping the next generation of softball players both at the youth and collegiate levels. Her charisma is so infectious, she turned the tables and podcasted our hosts Jamie and Gabe. You won’t want to miss our conversation with Jen.

Discover the Difference hosts Jamie Reid and Gabe Erle from C3 are joined by Wayne Partello from CUENTO as they take a look back and reminisce on the podcast's second season. From a 5X Olympian to a 16-year-old prodigy turned beauty empire to U.S. military officers and community leaders making a difference, we'll share our favorite moments and some of the best Q&A with our guests. You'll also get a preview of what you can expect from Season 3, dropping on May 18.

The final episode this season of Discover the Difference is with Manna Kadar. A prodigy who acquired her business at 16, leveled it up multiple times and built it into a beauty empire.Her spunk, energy and professionalism along with her incredible story will leave you inspired.

This week we sit down with William Branum, a former Navy SEAL turned successful business owner and leadership coach. He takes us through the challenges of becoming a Navy SEAL, transitioning out and finding himself without purpose or passion before discovering the CBD industry. Branum now owns a CBD company that manufactures the cleanest most elite product on the market. Learn how to overcome adversity and find success in life using his 5 Secrets of a Navy SEAL and other helpful tips.

We are full speed ahead this week with Denise Mueller. She holds the land speed record of 183MPH on a bike and is a multi-time national champion world record holder. She tells us what it takes to get to that speed and then abruptly come down from it and compares it to the ups and downs of business and life. We go deep on the value of mentorship and what it takes to run a successful security company and be a busy mom of three. Denise is full of energy and shows vulnerability exploring the challenges she’s overcome in her life as she’s found success along the way.

On Episode 7, we chat with Knight Campbell, a naval academy grad and Naval officer who focused his passion for the great outdoors into leadership development. As the founder of Cairn Leadership, Knight takes leadership teams into the wilderness to experience adventure and unparalleled teamwork. He has an innate curiosity and a unique ability to build strong leadership teams. Listen along as we talk leadership and adventure with Knight. 

Episode 6 lands us with Justin Gray, a serial entrepreneur who has taken multiple companies from cradle to grave and successfully sold. He has a keen marketing eye for building organizations to be great for the benefit of selling or nurturing for a long time. Justin shares the lessons he’s learned along the way and factors to his success that you can apply in your professional life.

This week’s episode of Discover the Difference is full of inspiration. We talk to Dave Sanderson about his heroism the day the plane he was on crashed into the Hudson River and he was the last passenger off after helping others first in the freezing water - known as ‘The Miracle on the Hudson’.Professionally, Dave worked his way up as head of security for Tony Robbins until the day Tony told him it was time to move on and pursue his own dreams and passions. Taking Tony's advice, he founded a leadership and consulting company and speaks to groups all over the world about leadership. Prepare to be inspired.

In Episode 4 of Discover The Difference, we have the pleasure of speaking with Nancy Gale. The founder of JAMAH, an American luxury handbag company, and Ambition, a non-profit serving disadvantaged youth, shares her story of perseverance over hardship and how her success in both endeavors is intertwined. She is a self-described visionary who believes it takes the long haul to get good at something you believe in. Listen to her inspiring story about going forward despite setbacks and owning your life.

On Episode 3 of Discover the Difference, we chat with self-described social entrepreneur and CEO of Alder, Michael Davidson. Get ready to learn and grow your outlook on how you can positively impact society as Michael shares his perspectives on societal issues, world events and what it means to be a generational leader. He shares the journey of taking a risk to create something of value that is focused on the advancement and betterment of people. You won't want to miss our conversation with Michael and check back bi-weekly for new episodes.

On S2E2 of Discover the Difference, we have the pleasure of speaking with the inspiring Jesse Smith. The 5X Olympian and former team captain of the US Waterpolo Team proves that he’s not just an Olympian, but a force of energy, enthusiasm and insight. Jesse gives great advice about associating with people who are willing to help others up in business and in life. Hear more about Jesse’s post-waterpolo career and transitioning into the professional world on Discover the Difference.HighlightsJesse shares how he became involved with water polo (1:20)Jesse dives into the longevity of his career (7:54)Jesse tells the guys about his family, 5 kids & his motivation for working hard (10:25)Jesse shares what it has been like going into the business world (11:53)Jesse dives into where his energy comes from (16:29)Jesse speaks about his work ethic (18:24)Jesse explains what it means to be at the top of the mountain and mentions how Bill Walton mentored him (20:50)Jesse shares his passion about what he is doing at the Coronado Aquatics Club (22:22)Jesse, Jamie & Gabe talk about how they create culture (26:35)Jesse learns about learning leadership through LinkedIn Learning opportunity & OODA (Observe, Orientate, Decide, Act) (29:47)Wayne & the guys share about entertainment strategies (33:10)Jesse shares his journey through the business world (35:02)Jesse asks Jamie & Gabe, how do you keep people at C3 and motivated to work? As well as, how do you empower your employees (43:59)Jesse discusses how to ask for help (47:42)Jesse talks about being on the Olympic team and having the mantra of “Help the Team Instead of Make the Team” (48:36)Jamie & Gabe take Jesse through Rapid Fire questions (51:07)

Let's take a trip down memory lane. Discover the Difference hosts Jamie Reid and Gabe Erle from C3 are joined by Wayne Partello from CUENTO to talk about the highlights from the first season of the podcast. From a former NFL star to motivational speakers to entrepreneurs and community leaders making a difference, we'll share our favorite moments and some of the best Q&A with our guests. You'll also get a preview of what you can expect from Season 2, dropping on September 22.

Scott Mason joins Discover the Difference to share his triumphant story and mission to help people discover their purpose. His story starts with alienation as a biracial child growing up in the Midwest and the inability to find anyone like him. Determined to overcome adversity, Scott found unexpected professional success and the courage to come out as LGBTQ+. Listen to how he uses connectivity to help people discover their purpose in life - both professionally and personally. A CUENTO Production

This week we take you on an adventure to the great Alaskan outdoors on Discover the Difference. We chat with the ultra-dynamic owner of Chelatna Lake Lodge, Matt Bertke, about our five-day experience in Alaska. Matt guided us through fly fishing and helicopter rides to untouched lakes, taught us a new drinking game - hockey - and we got ‘iced'…several times. By the end of the podcast, you’ll be planning your next trip to Alaska to visit the very special Chelatna Lake Lodge.A CUENTO Production

On our Discover the Difference podcast, Phil Dana from Dendreon shares his vision for how HR organizations will run in the future. He has worked with companies like Amazon and Intuit to understand organizational needs and aspirations and then reverse engineers what the talent pool needs to be through a combination of recruiting and professional development. Enjoy listening to our 7th episode.A CUENTO Production

On episode six, Hannah Allen from Project Concern International joins the Discover the Difference podcast to spotlight the important work her company does to bring awareness to sex trafficking.Learn more about the topic and how the business community can take an active role in preventing sex trafficking. A CUENTO Production

On the fifth episode of Discover the Difference, co-hosts Jamie Reid and Gabe Erle talk to best-selling author and retired Marine, Scott Huesing. Scott’s book, Echo in Ramadi, details his combat experience from 2006-2007 as the Echo Company Commander in Ramadi - the deadliest city in Iraq. He’s charismatic and answers every question with brutal honesty. Can you guess which of Gabe's questions he’s never been asked in all his time as a guest on 100s of podcasts, motivational speakerships and interviews?A CUENTO Production

On the fourth episode of Discover the Difference, hosts Jamie Reid and Gabe Erle sit down with Van Lai-Dumone from worksmART Advantage. Get inspired by Van’s background as a TEDx presenter and Vietnamese refugee whose family helped transform the nail salon industry. Hear how Van helps organizations like Google and Amazon infuse creativity into leadership development and innovation.A CUENTO Production

For our third episode of Discover the Difference, we talk with Eric Sauer who is the SVP of Government Affairs for the California Trucking Association. We dive into his love of cars, sports, his disobedient horse and the ever-important advocacy that the CTA brings to the industry. Over 90% of goods we buy every day move on trucks in the U.S. Advocacy for these companies on Capital Hill is of utmost importance and he gives us a behind-the-scenes view of that work.A CUENTO Production

For our second episode of Discover the Difference, we chat with Jonny Gallagher and Craig Coleman from Coastal Payroll. Starting a company during an economic crisis once is a lesson in perseverance, but they did it twice with the acquisition of a new company right before the pandemic. Their secret to success: culture. Listen along as they talk about culture being a living pulse of the company.A CUENTO Production

In this inaugural episode of Discover the Difference, hosts Jamie Reid and Gabe Erle talk with Nick Hardwick, former team captain and center for the San Diego Chargers, about his unconventional start to playing football. Plus he gets real about the traumatic transition from professional athlete to post-football life and then finding his true purpose. And find out who is a better athlete in the Hardwick household - Nick or his wife Jayme.A CUENTO Production