The Most Important Podcast Ever with BJD

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  • 5.0 (9)
  • Personal Journals
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Welcome to The Most Important Podcast Ever, where we uncover the extraordinary stories of everyday people. I’m Brian J. Dunn, former Best Buy CEO and Founder of The Dunn Group. Each episode dives into the journeys of those who’ve faced challenges, embraced change, and emerged with lessons worth sharing. We’ll hear from retail veterans, community leaders, and unexpected heroes. Whether it’s resilience, comebacks, or defining moments, these stories remind us what truly matters. And, of course, we’ll have some fun along the way. Join me—this is The Most Important Podcast Ever.

  1. 1d ago

    Episode 76 | Joe & Abby | Before We Say “I Do”

    A few days before my son Joe marries Abby, I wanted to capture a moment in their lives that will never come again. Not the wedding planning. Not the flowers, seating charts or schedules. Just the two of them — on the edge of becoming husband and wife. In this very special episode of The Most Important Podcast Ever, I sit down with Joe and Abby to talk about their nearly 10-year journey together: how they met, what they’ve learned about each other, what they admire most in one another, and the marriage and life they hope to build. We talk about communication, family, making each other a priority, their love of travel and adventure, and what they hope they’ll remember about one another when life gets difficult. And, as you might expect, Dad gets a little emotional. Joe and Abby will say “I do” on August 22, 2026. Years from now, I hope they can listen back to this conversation and remember exactly who they were, what they believed, and what they dreamed about in the days before they became husband and wife. This one is personal. This one is about family. And this one is about love. The Most Important Podcast Ever with BJDOrdinary people doing extraordinary things.

  2. Aug 11

    Episode 75 | Two Weddings, One Dad & A Whole Lot of Opinions (Most of Them Mine).

    Two sons. Two weddings. Three weeks apart. And one dad learning that his job is mostly to smile, show up, write a check here and there—and stay out of the way. For Episode 75, Kassandra Cisneros turns the tables on Brian for a funny and heartfelt conversation about weddings in 2026, the changing role of a father, memories of Sue, watching his sons become men and friends, and a summer filled with family, golf, basketball and gratitude. Because life moves quickly—and sometimes the most important thing is recognizing how lucky you are to be standing in the moment.

  3. Aug 4

    Episode 74 | Steve Jensen | Great Leaders Build Great People

    Episode 74 | Steve Jensen | Great Leaders Build Great People What makes someone a leader people genuinely want to follow? In Episode 74 of The Most Important Podcast Ever, Brian Dunn sits down with longtime colleague and accomplished executive Steve Jensen for a conversation filled with practical leadership wisdom earned over a lifetime of building teams, developing people, and leading organizations through growth and change. From growing up on an Iowa hog farm and serving in the military to leading businesses across retail, manufacturing, customer experience, supply chain, and international operations, Steve shares the lessons that shaped his leadership philosophy. Together, Brian and Steve discuss: The difference between managing work and leading people.Why great culture and great results belong together.Leadership lessons learned through failure and second chances.The importance of listening, decisive action, and accountability.How mentors shaped their careers.Why the best leaders never stop learning.Whether you're leading a team, building a business, or simply looking to grow as a leader, this episode offers practical insights that can be applied in every industry. Because leadership isn't about titles—it's about helping people become better than they thought they could be. I actually think "Great Leaders Build Great People" is one of the strongest episode titles you've used. It aligns perfectly with your podcast's mission of highlighting ordinary people doing extraordinary things while giving listeners a clear reason to click.

  4. Jul 28

    Episode 73 | Rachel Kerr-Schneider | The Widow Chose Red: Grief Isn't the End of the Story

    How do you choose life again after losing the person you love? In this deeply moving episode of The Most Important Podcast Ever, Brian Dunn sits down with author Rachel Kerr-Schneider to explore one of life's most difficult journeys—finding hope after profound loss. Rachel shares the remarkable story behind her memoir, The Widow Chose Red, reflecting on her husband John's courageous battle with ALS, the challenges of caregiving, and the long, often unpredictable path through grief. Having both lost a spouse, Brian and Rachel connect through shared experience as they discuss love, faith, resilience, raising children after loss, and why healing is never a straight line. Together, they explore what it means to move forward—not by leaving someone behind, but by carrying their love into the next chapter of life. In this conversation, you'll discover: The realities of living with ALS and caregiving.How grief evolves over time.The balance between hope and acceptance.Finding purpose, joy, and even love again.Why resilience is a strength we can all develop.Whether you're navigating loss, supporting someone who is grieving, or simply seeking a conversation about what matters most, Rachel's story is a powerful reminder that while grief changes us, it doesn't have to define us. Because ordinary people often teach us life's most extraordinary lessons.

  5. Jul 21

    Episode 72 Luke Glenna

    In Episode 72 of The Most Important Podcast Ever, Brian sits down with professional football player Luke Glenna, who is currently playing for the Nordic Storm in Copenhagen. Brian has known Luke since his grade-school and AAU basketball days with Brian’s son Joe. Even then, Luke stood out for his toughness, intelligence, intensity, and relentless work ethic. Luke shares how he went from seventh on the depth chart at the University of St. Thomas to becoming an All-American and building a professional football career in Europe. They discuss adapting to life thousands of miles from home, playing and learning in different languages, embracing unfamiliar cultures, overcoming homesickness, finding your role on a team, and the difference between talent and character. Luke also reflects on what Europe has taught him about work-life balance, leadership, adversity, and what it truly means to pursue a dream. His advice is simple and powerful: work for it, research it, and then go for it. This is a conversation about football, but even more, it is about courage, character, curiosity, and becoming the kind of person who brings others together. The Most Important Podcast Ever is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, and YouTube. Special thanks to the team at Street Side Studio 7 and our hosts at Deja Bleu House of Coffee.

  6. Jul 14

    Episode 71: Diane Field ("Lady Di") | The Lost Art of Manners, Confidence & Social Grace

    What if good manners aren't about knowing which fork to use—but about making others feel welcome, respected, and valued? In Episode 71 of The Most Important Podcast Ever, Brian Dunn welcomes former colleague Diane Field, better known as "Lady Di," for a conversation that goes far beyond etiquette. A respected etiquette expert, former advice columnist, and media professional, Diane shares how a lifelong fascination with communication and social grace has evolved into a mission to help children and adults build confidence through kindness, respect, and genuine human connection.  Together, Brian and Diane explore why manners still matter in today's world, how simple acts of courtesy shape relationships, and why listening may be one of the most powerful life skills we can teach the next generation. In this episode, you'll hear about: Why etiquette is really about respect—not perfectionBuilding confidence through communication and presenceThe importance of introductions, eye contact, and listeningDiane's popular etiquette classes for childrenDining etiquette and modern social expectationsGratitude, thank-you notes, and meaningful hospitalityPractical lessons that benefit children, parents, professionals, and leaders alike  Whether you're raising children, leading a team, or simply trying to become a more thoughtful person, this episode offers timeless wisdom that can improve every relationship in your life. Thank you for listening to The Most Important Podcast Ever with Brian Dunn, where we celebrate ordinary people doing extraordinary things. If you enjoyed this episode, please follow the show, leave a rating and review, and share it with someone who would appreciate the conversation. Special thanks to the outstanding crew at Street Side Studio 7 and our hosts at Deja Bleu House of Coffee for making these conversations possible.

  7. Jul 7

    Episode 70 What 66 Years, 50 States Have Taught Me | Brian Dunn

    After 69 episodes spent listening to remarkable people from every walk of life, Brian answers the question listeners have been asking: "What have you learned?" In this deeply personal conversation with producer Shawn Dusing, Brian reflects on 66 years of life, visiting all 50 states, leading a Fortune 50 company, experiencing profound love and heartbreaking loss, and having thousands of conversations that ultimately inspired his upcoming manuscript, The Most Important Things. He shares the ten life lessons he believes matter most—including curiosity, gratitude, mentors, character, resilience, faith, family, and why every day is the most important day. If you've ever wondered what truly matters in a life well lived, this episode is for you.

  8. Jun 30

    Episode 69: Alan Meyer – Leadership, Change, and Never Stop Learning

    What makes a great leader? This week on The Most Important Podcast Ever, I'm joined by leadership advisor, executive coach, retail veteran, and musician Alan Meyer for a wide-ranging conversation about leadership, change, and the lessons that shape us over a lifetime.  Alan shares his journey from recording engineer to a 26-year career in retail leadership, where he discovered that the best leaders are forged on the front lines—meeting people where they are, embracing change, and helping others grow. In this episode, we discuss: Why retail is one of the greatest leadership training grounds in the worldLeading people through organizational changeHow leaders should think about AI—and why they shouldn't fear itThe enduring importance of cultureThe lessons Alan learned from mentors who shaped his careerHow music, family, and personal loss influenced his leadership philosophyWhy lifelong learning is the key to staying relevant in a changing worldWhether you're leading a business, a team, or simply leading yourself, this conversation is packed with practical insights and timeless leadership wisdom. If you enjoy the show, please follow The Most Important Podcast Ever on Spotify and share this episode with someone who will find it meaningful. I also have one suggestion after seeing all 69 episodes. Consider ending every Spotify description with a consistent signature: The Most Important Podcast Ever is about ordinary people doing extraordinary things. Every story reminds us that the greatest lessons in life often come from people whose names you'll never see in a history book—but whose impact will never be forgotten.

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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
9 Ratings

About

Welcome to The Most Important Podcast Ever, where we uncover the extraordinary stories of everyday people. I’m Brian J. Dunn, former Best Buy CEO and Founder of The Dunn Group. Each episode dives into the journeys of those who’ve faced challenges, embraced change, and emerged with lessons worth sharing. We’ll hear from retail veterans, community leaders, and unexpected heroes. Whether it’s resilience, comebacks, or defining moments, these stories remind us what truly matters. And, of course, we’ll have some fun along the way. Join me—this is The Most Important Podcast Ever.

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