Authentic Conversations: Real Stories. Hidden Truths.

Deanna Brown
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  • Entrepreneurship

Authentic Conversations: Real Stories. Hidden Truths. is where personal stories meet the realities that rarely make it into public conversation. Hosted by Deanna Brown and Jeffery Davis, each episode goes beyond the highlight reel to explore the experiences, turning points, and lessons that shape leaders, innovators, entrepreneurs, and changemakers. Together, they uncover not only the human journey, but also the untold truths within industries like technology, healthcare, science, sports, and business. Through thoughtful conversations and genuine curiosity, they challenge assumptions, spark new perspectives, and reveal the insights that often stay behind closed doors. If you're curious about what drives meaningful work, resilient people, and lasting impact, you're in the right place.

  1. 2 days ago

    The Courage to Choose Less with Laura Richer

    What happens when the business you've worked so hard to build becomes something you no longer want to run? For therapist and entrepreneur Laura Richer, rapid growth brought unexpected challenges. After expanding her Seattle-based therapy practice to approximately 30 employees, she realized that bigger wasn't necessarily better. What followed was a deliberate decision to scale back, refocus, and redefine what success looked like. In this episode of Authentic Conversations, Deanna Brown and Jeffery Davis sit down with Laura to explore the realities of entrepreneurship, the pressures of rapid growth, and the importance of building a business that aligns with your values and the life you want to live. The conversation also explores how the very qualities that make entrepreneurs successful, such as ambition, determination, and a drive to lead, can create challenges in personal relationships. Laura shares her perspective on the role of AI in mental health care, the impact of technology on human connection, and why learning to stay present in difficult moments is essential to building stronger relationships. It's a conversation about adaptability, redefining success, and recognizing that sometimes the most meaningful growth comes from knowing what to let go of. Connect with Laura RicherLinkedInAnchor Light Therapy CollectiveHolding Ground Podcast 🎧 Thank you for joining us for this episode of Authentic Conversations: Real Stories. Hidden Truths. Hosted by Deanna Brown and Jeffery Davis, this podcast explores the stories behind success - the pivots, setbacks, reinventions, leadership lessons, and defining moments that rarely make the highlight reel. 🔔 Subscribe to the podcast so you never miss an episode. 💬 Enjoyed the conversation? Leave a rating or review and share the episode with someone who would appreciate it. Your support helps more listeners discover these stories. Connect with DeannaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/deannabrowntodayLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deannachristinebrown/Connect with JefferyInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/jefferyddavis/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffery-continuumpro/CreditsHosts: Deanna Brown and Jeffery Davis Editor: Krissi Burdette Music licensed through Soundstripe. Code: HX6VNQSXORCG6HO9 DisclaimerThe views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host or production team. This podcast is intended for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered legal, financial, medical, psychological, or other professional advice.

  2. 22 Oct

    Why Your Resume Isn't Enough with Brian Stewart

    You've polished your resume, applied to dozens of jobs, and clicked "Easy Apply" more times than you can count. So why aren't you getting interviews? According to Brian Stewart, the problem may not be your qualifications. It may be how you're approaching the job search. In this episode of Authentic Conversations, hosts Deanna Brown and Jeffery Davis sit down with Brian Stewart, CEO of The Stewart Group, a recruiting firm specializing in rare disease and specialty pharmaceuticals. With more than 25 years in recruiting, Brian has witnessed the transformation of hiring from paper resumes and filing cabinets to applicant tracking systems, LinkedIn, and artificial intelligence. But through all that change, one thing remains constant: relationships matter. Brian shares why online applications often lead nowhere, how an internal advocate can change your chances of getting hired, and why authenticity, compatibility, and cultural fit are more important than ever. He also reflects on taking over his father's business, navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship, and the personal rewards of helping people rebuild their careers, including a 62-year-old professional who feared his best opportunities were behind him. Whether you're actively looking for a job, considering a career change, or responsible for hiring, this conversation offers a different perspective on what it really takes to connect the right people with the right opportunities. In this episode: Why submitting more applications isn't necessarily the answerHow personal connections can help you get noticed by hiring managersThe limitations of AI and applicant tracking systemsWhy authenticity and cultural fit still matterBuilding a business on integrity, transparency, and trustFinding purpose in helping others succeedConnect with Brian Stewart LinkedIn: Brian Stewart Website: The Stewart Group Thank you for joining us for this episode of Authentic Conversations: Real Stories. Hidden Truths. Hosted by Deanna Brown and Jeffery Davis, this podcast explores the stories behind success - the pivots, setbacks, reinventions, leadership lessons, and defining moments that rarely make the highlight reel. Subscribe to the podcast so you never miss an episode. Enjoyed the conversation? Leave a rating or review and share the episode with someone who would appreciate it. Your support helps more listeners discover these stories. Connect with Deanna Instagram: Deanna Brown LinkedIn: Deanna Brown Connect with Jeffery Instagram: Jeffery Davis LinkedIn: Jeffery Davis Credits Hosts: Deanna Brown and Jeffery Davis Editor: Krissi Burdette Music licensed through Soundstripe. Code: LFBAUJC2KL03IOII Disclaimer The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host or production team. This podcast is intended for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered legal, financial, medical, psychological, or other professional advice.

  3. 13 Oct

    The Hidden Cost of Holding It All Together with Dr. Caroline Adelman

    What happens when the person who knows how to manage stress becomes overwhelmed by it? Dr. Caroline Adelman is a psychologist, entrepreneur, and founder of Chicago Psychotherapy. She spent years helping others navigate anxiety, stress, and life's challenges. But when the pandemic forced her practice to grow rapidly while she balanced the demands of work and family, she found herself facing the very challenges she helped her clients manage. At one point, her resting heart rate reached 110 beats per minute. In this episode of Authentic Conversations, Deanna Brown and Jeffery Davis explore Caroline's journey from Northwestern University to building her own practice, the unexpected pressures of rapid growth, and the personal toll of always being the person who can handle it all. Caroline shares how she learned to recognize the warning signs of chronic stress, rethink her relationship with responsibility, and build a more sustainable approach to leadership. In this conversation, we explore: The "yes problem" and why being capable doesn't mean you have to do everythingAllostatic load and the physical and mental consequences of chronic stressHow rapid business growth challenged Caroline's personal and professional boundariesWhy slowing down is a requirement, not a rewardBuilding a workplace culture centered on psychological safety and employee well-beingThe importance of separating personal identity from professional successCaroline's story is a reminder that knowing better doesn't always mean doing better, and that sometimes the most important leadership decision is recognizing when something needs to change. Thank you for joining us for this episode of Authentic Conversations: Real Stories. Hidden Truths. Hosted by Deanna Brown and Jeffery Davis, this podcast explores the stories behind success - the pivots, setbacks, reinventions, leadership lessons, and defining moments that rarely make the highlight reel. Subscribe to the podcast so you never miss an episode. Enjoyed the conversation? Leave a rating or review and share the episode with someone who would appreciate it. Your support helps more listeners discover these stories. Connect with Dr. Caroline AdelmanLinkedIn Chicago Psychotherapy Connect with DeannaInstagram LinkedIn Connect with JefferyInstagram LinkedIn CreditsHosts: Deanna Brown and Jeffery Davis Editor: Krissi Burdette "Halo Balance" Music licensed through Soundstripe. Code: 9ICUPBXEIKKXIAJD DisclaimerThe views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host or production team. This podcast is intended for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered legal, financial, medical, psychological, or other professional advice.

  4. 6 Oct

    Too Young to Trust? with Clint Kraft and Clint Kraft Sr.

    In this episode of Authentic Conversations: Real Stories. Hidden Truths., Deanna Brown and Jeffery Davis sit down with Clint Kraft, founder of Kraft Capital, along with his father, Clint Kraft Sr., to talk about entrepreneurship, trust, family, and building a business at an unusually young age. Clint launched his wealth management firm at just 22 years old. He knew the work, understood the numbers, and had a clear vision for the kind of firm he wanted to build. But he quickly discovered that expertise was not always enough. For older clients preparing for retirement, his age often became the elephant in the room. That changed when his father joined the business. Together, Clint and Clint Sr. share how their father-son partnership helped overcome that early trust barrier, why they chose a more personal approach to financial planning, and how one pivotal decision to stop accepting only a small portion of a client's assets changed the direction of the firm. They also talk about Clint turning down a lucrative opportunity to return to a large financial firm, the challenges of scaling without losing the personal connection that made the business successful, and why balance continues to shape both their financial philosophy and their relationship. It is a conversation about betting on yourself, earning trust, building something with family, and choosing the long game over the easy opportunity. 💼 Connect with Clint Kraft Clint Kraft 🌐 Learn more about Kraft Capital Kraft Capital 🎧 Thank you for joining us for this episode of Authentic Conversations: Real Stories. Hidden Truths. Hosted by Deanna Brown and Jeffery Davis, this podcast explores the stories behind success - the pivots, setbacks, reinventions, leadership lessons, and defining moments that rarely make the highlight reel. 🔔 Subscribe to the podcast so you never miss an episode. 💬 Enjoyed the conversation? Leave a rating or review and share the episode with someone who would appreciate it. Your support helps more listeners discover these stories. 💌 Connect with Deanna Instagram LinkedIn 💌 Connect with Jeffery Instagram LinkedIn 🎙️ Credits Hosts: Deanna Brown and Jeffery Davis Editor: Krissi Burdette "Halo Balance" Music licensed through Soundstripe. Code: ZW0LHCHJCI65DTGW ⚖️ Disclaimer The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host or production team. This podcast is intended for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered legal, financial, medical, psychological, or other professional advice.

  5. 29 Sept

    What if Every Disease Could Be Treatable? with Dr. Harsha Rajasimha

    More than 11,500 rare diseases have been identified, affecting an estimated 30 million Americans and hundreds of millions of people worldwide. Yet roughly 95% still have no approved treatment. For Dr. Harsha Rajasimha, those numbers are deeply personal. While wrapping up a consulting role with the FDA, Harsha and his wife had a daughter who was born with a rare genetic disease. That experience changed the direction of his life and ultimately led him to focus his work on improving the path from diagnosis to treatment for families affected by rare diseases. In this episode of Authentic Conversations, Deanna Brown and Jeffery Davis sit down with Harsha, founder and CEO of Jeeva Clinical Trials, to explore the personal journey behind his work and the systemic challenges slowing clinical research and drug development. Harsha explains why the challenge isn't simply whether the science exists, but whether treatments can be developed efficiently and affordably enough to reach patients. The conversation explores the complexity behind clinical trials, how the pandemic accelerated change in the industry, and how AI is beginning to reshape trial design and execution. Harsha also shares his ambitious vision: that every human disease could be treatable by 2050. In this episode: Why "rare disease" can be a misleading termWhy roughly 95% of rare diseases still lack approved treatmentsThe personal experience that shaped Harsha's purposeThe hidden complexity and friction behind clinical trialsHow COVID-19 changed the industry's approach to technologyWhere AI could reduce friction in drug developmentWhy Harsha believes every disease could eventually be treatableHow our skills, experiences, and challenges can help reveal purposeAbout Dr. Harsha Rajasimha Dr. Harsha Rajasimha is the founder and CEO of Jeeva Clinical Trials. His background spans genomics, data science, rare disease advocacy, and clinical research, with a focus on reducing the friction, fragmentation, cost, and time involved in bringing treatments to patients. Connect with Harsha: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/harsharajasimha/ Jeeva Clinical Trials: https://jeevatrials.com/ Thank you for joining us for this episode of Authentic Conversations: Real Stories. Hidden Truths. Hosted by Deanna Brown and Jeffery Davis, this podcast explores the stories behind success - the pivots, setbacks, reinventions, leadership lessons, and defining moments that rarely make the highlight reel. Subscribe to the podcast so you never miss an episode. Enjoyed the conversation? Leave a rating or review and share the episode with someone who would appreciate it. Your support helps more listeners discover these stories. Connect with Deanna Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deannabrowntoday LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deannachristinebrown/ Connect with Jeffery Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jefferyddavis/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffery-continuumpro/ Credits Hosts: Deanna Brown and Jeffery Davis Editor: Krissi Burdette Music licensed through Soundstripe. Code: SNS95LA7PW5B9RBI Disclaimer The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host or production team. This podcast is intended for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered legal, financial, medical, psychological, or other professional advice.

  6. 22 Sept

    What if There is No Plan B with Malique Micenheimer

    What happens when the identity you've built your life around suddenly disappears? For Malique Micenheimer, football was the plan from the time he was seven. When the game ended, he had to figure out who he was without it - and what came next. That journey led him to wealth management and another defining decision: walking away from a successful career to start his own firm. There was no book of business waiting for him. No clients ready to follow. As Malique puts it, there was "100 percent no plan B." In this episode, Malique joins Deanna and Jeffery to talk about identity, faith, entrepreneurship, and building something from zero. He shares the pressure of those first months and how his years as an athlete taught him to reset, show up, and keep doing the work. The conversation also explores his work with athletes and entertainers and the realities facing a new generation earning money through NIL deals and sponsorships. His message to young athletes is simple: you are a business. Your agent, advisor, and accountant work for you - and you are ultimately the CEO. Malique also shares what to look for in a financial advisor and how family communication can help wealth last beyond one generation. In this episode: Losing an identity when the game endsStarting a firm with zero clientsTaking the leap with no Plan BHow athletics builds resilienceWhat athletes need to know about NILBuilding trust with a financial advisorFamily, faith, wealth, and legacyConnect with Malique Win Private Wealth: winprivatewealth.com ↗ LinkedIn: Malique Micenheimer ↗ 🎧 Thank you for joining us for this episode of Authentic Conversations: Real Stories. Hidden Truths. Hosted by Deanna Brown and Jeffery Davis, this podcast explores the stories behind success - the pivots, setbacks, reinventions, leadership lessons, and defining moments that rarely make the highlight reel. 🔔 Subscribe to the podcast so you never miss an episode. 💬 Enjoyed the conversation? Leave a rating or review and share the episode with someone who would appreciate it. Your support helps more listeners discover these stories. Connect with Deanna Instagram: Deanna Brown ↗ LinkedIn: Deanna Brown ↗ Connect with Jeffery Instagram: Jeffery Davis ↗ LinkedIn: Jeffery Davis ↗ 🎙️ Credits Hosts: Deanna Brown and Jeffery Davis Editor: Krissi Burdette "Halo Balance" Music licensed through Soundstripe. Code: Z8T86FDLMUKGKBNT ⚖️ Disclaimer The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host or production team. This podcast is intended for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered legal, financial, medical, psychological, or other professional advice.

  7. 15 Sept

    The Hidden Cost of Pushing Through with Kelly Roman

    What if being high-performing does not mean you are performing at your best? In this episode of Authentic Conversations: Real Stories. Hidden Truths., Deanna Brown and Jeffery Davis sit down with Kelly Roman, co-founder and CEO of Fisher Wallace Labs, to explore the intersection of mental health, human performance, and brain stimulation technology. Kelly shares his unconventional path from studying English literature at Harvard to leading a medical device company focused on depression, anxiety, and insomnia. He talks about his own experience with depression, the hidden impact mood and sleep issues can have on even highly productive people, and why someone can appear to be functioning well while still carrying a significant burden. The conversation also explores the stigma surrounding mental health treatment, particularly among generations and professions where asking for help can be viewed as weakness. Kelly discusses how his father's experience influenced his perspective and why accessible, non-drug approaches may help some people overcome barriers to seeking care. Kelly also takes Deanna and Jeffery inside the unusual journey of building Fisher Wallace Labs, from navigating changing FDA regulations and funding research through early product sales to the company's broader vision for mental health treatment, prevention, and human performance. Connect with Kelly Roman Fisher Wallace Labs: fisherwallace.com LinkedIn: Kelly Roman 🎧 Thank you for joining us for this episode of Authentic Conversations: Real Stories. Hidden Truths. Hosted by Deanna Brown and Jeffery Davis, this podcast explores the stories behind success - the pivots, setbacks, reinventions, leadership lessons, and defining moments that rarely make the highlight reel. 🔔 Subscribe to the podcast so you never miss an episode. 💬 Enjoyed the conversation? Leave a rating or review and share the episode with someone who would appreciate it. Your support helps more listeners discover these stories. 💌 Connect with Deanna Instagram: @deannabrowntoday LinkedIn: Deanna Brown 💌 Connect with Jeffery Instagram: @jefferyddavis LinkedIn: Jeffery Davis 🎙️ Credits Hosts: Deanna Brown and Jeffery Davis Editor: Krissi Burdette "Halo Balance" Music licensed through Soundstripe. Code: FDMKMRW0NYPIF1A9 ⚖️ Disclaimer The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host or production team. This podcast is intended for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered legal, financial, medical, psychological, or other professional advice.

  8. 8 Sept

    The Human Side of Financial Advice with Brian Vendig

    What happens when financial advice becomes more about gathering assets than understanding the person behind them? Brian Vendig, President and Chief Investment Officer of MJP Wealth Advisors, joins Deanna Brown and Jeffery Davis for a conversation about entrepreneurship, independence, trust, and the changing financial advisory industry. Brian's path into wealth management was anything but direct. After working in public accounting, venture capital, and corporate finance at Xerox, he made the leap into the independent advisory firm founded by his father-in-law. Eventually, Brian and his wife became business partners and purchased the firm, navigating the complexities of family, succession, and ownership along the way. Today, MJP Wealth Advisors manages nearly $2 billion in assets while remaining independently owned. Brian shares why he believes growth is necessary to remain competitive, but also why scale should not come at the expense of relationships. He discusses the consolidation happening across wealth management, the potential conflicts created by corporate ownership, and why clients should understand who their advisor ultimately answers to. The conversation also explores AI and technology. Brian sees technology as an important tool for improving productivity, research, and service, but believes advisors cannot hide behind screens. Trust still requires communication, collaboration, and a real understanding of the person sitting on the other side of the table. At the center of Brian's approach is a simple goal: help people make better choices. Connect with Brian Vendig LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianvendig/ MJP Wealth Advisors: https://www.mjpwealthadvisors.com/ Thank you for joining us for this episode of Authentic Conversations: Real Stories. Hidden Truths. Hosted by Deanna Brown and Jeffery Davis, this podcast explores the stories behind success - the pivots, setbacks, reinventions, leadership lessons, and defining moments that rarely make the highlight reel. Subscribe to the podcast so you never miss an episode. Enjoyed the conversation? Leave a rating or review and share the episode with someone who would appreciate it. Your support helps more listeners discover these stories. Connect with Deanna Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deannabrowntoday LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deannachristinebrown/ Connect with Jeffery Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jefferyddavis/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffery-continuumpro/ Credits Hosts: Deanna Brown and Jeffery Davis Editor: Krissi Burdette "Halo Balance" Music licensed through Soundstripe. Code: FDMKMRW0NYPIF1A9 Disclaimer The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host or production team. This podcast is intended for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered legal, financial, medical, psychological, or other professional advice.

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Authentic Conversations: Real Stories. Hidden Truths. is where personal stories meet the realities that rarely make it into public conversation. Hosted by Deanna Brown and Jeffery Davis, each episode goes beyond the highlight reel to explore the experiences, turning points, and lessons that shape leaders, innovators, entrepreneurs, and changemakers. Together, they uncover not only the human journey, but also the untold truths within industries like technology, healthcare, science, sports, and business. Through thoughtful conversations and genuine curiosity, they challenge assumptions, spark new perspectives, and reveal the insights that often stay behind closed doors. If you're curious about what drives meaningful work, resilient people, and lasting impact, you're in the right place.

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