JumbleThink

Latest Episodes:

Inside EAW's Brand Revival Journey with TJ Smith Jul 14, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of jumbleThink, host Michael Woodward sits down with TJ Smith, President of @EAWVideo (Eastern Acoustic Works), for a behind-the-scenes look at the rebirth of one of the most iconic names in pro audio. From their pioneering days to the challenges of a venture capital buyout, EAW’s journey has been anything but ordinary. TJ shares how the company navigated its toughest seasons and what it took to rebuild a legacy brand in a rapidly evolving industry.
We dive deep into the cutting-edge innovations now redefining EAW’s product line—including their revolutionary Adaptive Systems like the Anna, Otto, and AC6 series, as well as the sleek and powerful NT206L. These aren’t just incremental upgrades; they’re part of a broader strategy to put EAW back at the forefront of audio excellence for touring, installed sound, and worship venues. TJ offers insight into how the team balances heritage with bold forward-thinking to deliver next-gen audio solutions.
TJ also opens up about his own journey into the audio world and what drew him to this work. His passion for the craft, combined with a strategic vision for the future, offers a compelling look at what it means to lead a company through reinvention. Whether you're an audio professional, entrepreneur, or creative visionary, this conversation is packed with lessons on innovation, leadership, and the power of staying true to your roots while building toward what's next.
Learn more about EAW at https://eaw.com/

Reinventing Journalism with Richie McGinniss Mar 29, 2025

Show notes

Journalism today is rapidly changing. The days of traditional media with emotional manipulation are coming to an end. Leading the way is Richie McGinniss as he and his Pigeon Press team blazes the road forward with in the moment, boots on the ground, transparent news reporting. He is a fearless new breed of journalist. Plunging into both the Black Lives Matter and MAGA demonstrations, Richie not only reveals the unvarnished truth of events that impacting the world but also giving you raw perspective missing in mainstream news reports.
Now, McGinniss is stepping back from the mayhem and sharing his experiences in his new book due out in November, RIOT DIET, that brings readers knee-deep into the chaos he covered first-hand and provides deep insights into how the media and politicians distort the demonstrations for their own ends.
In today's interview Richie retells the stories and first hand account of the protest in Kenosha, Wisconsin, where he narrowly avoided a bullet fired by Kyle Rittenhouse, then desperately tried to save the life of one of Rittenhouse’s shooting victims. He recounts what he saw during the January 6th protests and the fallout afterwards and his time covering the clash between guards and Proud Boys in Seattle’s Capitol Hill Autonomous Zone (CHAZ) during the Black Lives Matter movement.
Armed with only cellphones, McGinniss and his squad use the power of internet video to place viewers directly among the demonstrators and police. The videos were posted to Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram, which provided Richie with a firsthand understanding of how their algorithms work.
His recordings received tens of millions of views after Kenosha when he interviewed Kyle Rittenhouse 13 min before the shooting and on January 6, when he spoke with a man smoking a doobie under the Capitol Rotunda. These reports were aggregated by nearly every major national and international news outlet.
In his new book RIOT DIET, Richie hopscotches from the Memorial Day riots in front of the White House after the death of George Floyd, to the clash of guards and Proud Boys in Seattle’s Capitol Hill Autonomous Zone (CHAZ), to a face-off between the umbrella gang and the NYPD in New York City’s protest in front of City Hall, to Portland’s teargas-soaked tangles between federal officers and demonstrators, and finally to the smoldering commercial districts and the deadly shootings in Kenosha.
More than just a thrilling tale of tear gas, fire, and destruction, join us in today's conversation to hear about how these news stories not only impact our lives, but also how we as 'consumers' of the news can find new and fresh ways to get more accurate and relevant news right from the scene of these world changing events.
Links
Pigeon Press: https://pigeonpress.com
Book: Riot Diet - https://a.co/d/2ITFxeZ

Sustainable Clothing with Kris Cody Mar 14, 2024

Show notes

Kris Cody is the founder of Paka Apparel with a dream of changing the way people play outdoors and the clothing that makes it possible.
Kris launched Paka in 2017 and brought alpaca sweaters to the public through the brands’ first Kickstarter – Paka exceeded its goal of $20,000 in under 24 hours and raised more than $350,000 in 30 days. From that inception, Paka has now created a line of washable alpaca apparel and ethical performance outerwear, along with Paka's tried and true sweaters, hoodies and socks.
What makes his approach to business stand out is his effort to localize Paka’s supply chain: all of Paka’s alpaca fiber is sourced from free-roaming herds in Peru, 90% of products are manufactured in the country, and over 100 Quechua women weavers are employed (at 4x the living wage in Peru) to craft hand-woven Inca ID’s that appear on all Paka apparel. Paka donates 1% of revenue to Peruvian Hearts, an NGO encouraging the education and empowerment of young women in Peru, to support their PakaScholars program.
Last year, Paka launched Traceable Alpaca, which allows customers to see the coordinates in Peru where the fiber of their Paka sweater was sourced. All hand-woven sweaters are signed by their creator – an effort to connect the craftswomen and consumer. Paka has balanced maintaining a community-driven attitude while developing industry-changing innovation in natural fiber.
In today's conversation we dive deep into the Paka Story, Kris's unique entrepreneural journey, the power of sustainable clothing, how to have a successful Kickstarter Campaign, and how clothing can help live a outdoor lifestyle.
Learn more about Paka at https://www.pakaapparel.com

Secrets of a NBC Page with Shelley Herman Oct 11, 2023

Show notes

What the behind the scenes stories from the best of NBC Burbank? What really went down between Johnny Carson and Joan Rivers? What was Andy Kaufman like when the 'cameras were off?' Shelley Herman cut her teeth in the world of entertainment during the crazy times of NBC in the 1970s. Tune in to hear all these stories and more.
Author SHELLEY HERMAN is an Emmy-nominated show-biz veteran, a longtime host, writer, producer and personality with decades of success on both sides of the camera. Now, she’s taking us back to the beginning of her career – when she joined the famous NBC Studio Page program. My Peacock Tale: Secrets Of An NBC Page is the story of Herman, her fellow pages who became lifelong friends, and the dizzying array of celebrities, hangers-on, has-beens, and legends that found their way through the halls of NBC Burbank in the mid-late 1970s.
In what Kirkus Reviews calls “a revealing and often delightful insider’s look at the heyday of network television,” Shelley Herman recalls the almost impossible-to-imagine situations behind the scenes amidst a who’s-who of 1970s entertainment culture. From a trip to see Elvis in Vegas that lead to Shelley getting into the Page program; to literally “breaking a leg” in an encounter that brought her an indelible moment with a musical hero; to being privy to the secrets of Joan Rivers’ feud with Johnny Carson; to all of the interpersonal, professional, and emotional connections forged by Shelley and her friends that would define this as the time of their lives.
That’s not counting stories about Andy Kaufman, Richard Pryor, Freddie Prinze, Gilda Radner, Robin Williams, Betty White, ex-Beatles Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr, Redd Foxx, Frank Sinatra, John Travolta, and other still famous (and some forgotten) giants of film, television, and music. With direct honesty, this celebratory reminiscence offers a unique glimpse into the beginning of a young woman’s career amidst perhaps one of the most dynamic, colorful, and influential moments in recent cultural history.
A longtime writer and TV game show production veteran ("Supermarket Sweep"), Shelley Herman is a southern California native who has made a life in show business as a creator and performer, starting as a contestant on "The Dating Game" and eventually writing more than 1000 hours of game shows. Married to actor Randall Carver, the LA resident has been witness to fascinating chapters of TV industry history, and knows that the tales told in My Peacock Tale are just the beginning.
Links
Website: https://mypeacocktale.com
Book on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3PPjOVK

Mind Shift: The Art of Change with Erwin McManus Oct 03, 2023

Show notes

Have you ever felt like you were destined to fail? Or that things ‘almost’ happen for you in life but somehow things always fall short?
In Erwin McManus’s new book “Mind Shift’ he explores what it takes to break the cycle and become the genius you were designed to be.
In today’s conversation we sit down with Erwin and take a look at simple shifts you can make to find the change you desire and the ability to make your ideas into reality.
About Erwin Raphael McManus
Erwin Raphael McManus is an iconoclast, artist, and cultural thought leader known for his integration of creativity and spirituality. He is the founder of MOSAIC, a church movement started in the heart of Hollywood with campuses across Los Angeles, Orange County, Mexico City and Seattle, and a global community that spans the across the world. Erwin is the acclaimed author of “The Last Arrow,” “The Artisan Soul,” “Soul Cravings,” and “The Barbarian Way.” His books have sold more than a million copies worldwide. He lives in Los Angeles, California, with his wife, Kim McManus.
Links
Website
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram

The Philosophy of Kids and Ideas with Scott Hershovitz Dec 09, 2022

Show notes

How do we do a better exploring and creating ideas? One way is to look at the world through the lens of a childlike heart. Wonder and Curiosity become superpowers and daydreaming becomes the foundation for exploration.
Scott Hershovitz recently released a book exploring philosophy through the stories of children. In today's conversation we explore the concepts he explores in his book 'Nasty, Brutish, and Short: Adventures in Philosophy with my Kids.'
We cover a wide range of topics including ethics, law, working with Ruth Bader Ginsburg, fostering interest and curiosity in kids, relativism, the search for absolute truth, how to have a healthy debate, communicating your beliefs, and how everyone is an every day philosopher.
Scott Hershovitz is the Thomas G. and Mabel Long Professor of Law and Professor of Philosophy at the University of Michigan. He directs the University’s Law and Ethics Program. And he co-edits Legal Theory.
Hershovitz served as a law clerk to Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg of the United States Supreme Court and an attorney-advisor on the appellate staff of the Civil Division of the United States Department of Justice.
Links
Website: https://www.scotthershovitz.com
Book: https://www.scotthershovitz.com/book

From Letterman to Family Guy with Mark Hentemann Dec 02, 2022

Show notes

Mark Hentemann has worked as a writer on some of the biggest shows on TV including The Late Show with David Letterman, Family Guy, 3 South, Run of the House, and Bordertown. But things don't always go 'right' when you are working in show business.
Mark shares his story of going from creating Greeting Cards to writing on The Last Show with David Letterman only to be laid off because of the 'Late Show Wars.' Not knowing what to do next, he took the leap to push into his dreams and move to LA. After meeting Seth MacFarlane, Mark ended up becoming a writer on Family Guy. It would seem like smooth sailing was on the horizon...but things didn't always go to plan. That's when Mark found the investing bug and launched Quantum Capital all while being the Show Runner for Family Guy!
In today's episode we dive deep into the world of creativity, writing, creating culture, and investing.
3:40 From Greeting Cards to The Late Show with David Letterman
13:15 Using adversity to becoming the best
16:16 Helping to launch Family Guy
19:19 Facing fear and investing in Real Estate
29:10 Why different voice creates a better show
33:00 When creating a show, how do you know where the line of appropriate is?
41:30 How to create a 'creative culture'
46:50 Why Mark loves Real Estate and how he can help you
Mark's Links
Website: https://quantumcapitalinc.com

From Farm to Flask with Emily Darchuk Nov 21, 2022

Show notes

Innovation doesn't always happen in the ways that you think. Sometimes it's about taking something people don't want or have a use for and creating something they do want. That's what Emily Darchuck did when she thought up the solution for whey waste birthing her company Wheyward Spirit.
Wheyward Spirit is an award-winning liquor that is disrupting an entire industry. Her mission-driven product brings the natural food ethos into the spirit category where both consumers and local farmers need it most.
Wheyward Spirit is now partnering with Ben & Jerry's to help them bring back the popular 'Dublin Mudslide' back from the ice cream flavor graveyard.
In today's episode, we chat about product development and innovation, rethinking waste products, the power of farm-to-flask, innovation and creating your own space, and why female-owned businesses are so important.
Links
Website: https://www.wheywardspirit.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Thewheywardspirit/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/WheywardSpirit
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wheywardspirit/

Finding Your Drive & Motivation with Twila True Nov 09, 2022

Show notes

Twila True is an entrepreneur, philanthropist, and mentor to young females entering the world of entrepreneurship and finance. Twila's roots are from the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota, one of the poorest communities in the U.S. She overcome a challenging family upbringing to become a business Megaforce owning, investing, and operating several multi-million-dollar companies in the entertainment, beauty, fashion, food, and real estate industries. She was named one of Entrepreneur Magazine's "100 Women of Impact" and one of SUCCESS Magazine's "WOMEN OF INFLUENCE" both in 2022.
Her businesses include Volume Ventures and 1500 Sound Academy which has worked with world-renowned artists like Kendrick Lamar, Bruno Mars, Sean "Diddy" Combs, Master P, Snoop Dog, and multiple others. She currently serves as CEO of True Family Enterprises, TrueLane Homes, Twila True Fine Jewelry, and Twila True Collaborations. Beyond the world of business, Twila is active in charitable ventures including an orphanage assistance foundation in China and a Native American personal development foundation in the U.S.
In today's episode, we chat about managing multiple companies, the power of business and entrepreneurship, building success from nothing, creating new mindsets, opportunity over passion, the line between confidence and being a jerk, dealing with people who oppose you, and much more.
Links
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/twilatrue/
Twila True Enterprises: https://www.truefamilyenterprises.com
Volume Ventures: https://volumeventuresllc.com
1500 Sound Academy: https://www.1500soundacademy.com

The American Experiment with David Rubenstein Feb 11, 2022

Show notes

Today's conversation is with Billionaire businessman David Rubenstein. David started his career as a lawyer before working at the White House under President Jimmy Carter. He now spends his time hosting two shows on Television, "The David Rubenstein Show: Peer to Peer Conversations" on Bloomberg TV and History with David Rubenstein on PBS. He is also focused on philanthropic endeavors with the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, the National Gallery of Art, the Council on Foreign Relations, and The Economic Club of Washington, D.C.
In his recently released book 'The American Experiment: Dialogues On A Dream,' David Rubenstein explores the American Experiment into democracy, culture, innovation, and ideas through conversations with those impacting our country in various ways. As I sat down with David, we discussed various topics from this book and his life. Ultimately this leads to one question, 'Is the American Experiment and Dream dead?'
Early in our conversation David recalls telling Jeff Bezos that Amazon wasn't going anywhere and didn't have a big future. As we continue the discussion we chat about the January 6th insurrection, Diversity, the medium and craft of interviews/conversations, Ken Burns and his insights into history, what it takes to have longevity in what you do, Wynton Marsalis and his views on Jazz and the American Story, Faith in America, and much more.
Later in the interview, we look at David's success in the world of business. He gives us a look into what it took to build the Carlyle Group, what the life of a billionaire is actually like, and why philanthropy is so important to him.
Join us as we explore the importance of The American Experiment and it's future.
Links
Website: https://www.davidrubenstein.com
The American Experiment Book: https://amzn.to/3JlwezT

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