The Ker·fuf·fle Podcast

Sean Kling
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The Kerfuffle Podcast: Real People. Real Legacy. Real Talk. From entrepreneurs and executives to creators, ghost hunters, and even conspiracy theorists—the Kerfuffle Podcast is where fascinating people share the stories behind their journey. Each episode explores entrepreneurship, leadership, self-improvement, and legacy, while also diving into the unexpected—paranormal encounters, hidden histories, and unconventional wisdom from people who see the world differently. Whether you want to learn how leaders build success, how dreamers overcome setbacks, or how truth-seekers explore the unknown, you’ll find authentic conversations here. 👉 If you’re tired of cookie-cutter inspiration and want real stories, surprising perspectives, and conversations that leave you thinking long after the episode ends, this podcast is for you. Subscribe now and join the kerfuffle.

  1. 12/17/2025

    From the Northernmost Human Settlement to Tiger's Nest Monastery

    Meet Loren Pearlman – the Coast Guard veteran turned public insurance adjuster who went from inner city Chicago to 11 years of military service to becoming one of California's most trusted consumer advocates, helping homeowners recover 500-600% more on their insurance claims while fighting back against industry bullies. In this week's episode of The Kerfuffle Podcast, Loren reveals:  11 years in the Coast Guard before transitioning to civilian life and earning a psychology degree from San Diego State Founding Lion Public Adjusting after his own water damage claim opened his eyes to the industry Averaging 500-600% more on claims for clients compared to initial insurance settlements Over 350 clients served in 5 years with less than 5% going to litigation The truth about California's insurance crisis, Fair Plan nightmares, and the Palisades/Altadena fire aftermath Why public adjusters are the ONLY entity incentivized to directly benefit the homeowner Turning a $24K settlement into $800K+ on a single claim (and still fighting for more) Using his psychology degree as a "claims therapist" to guide homeowners through the process Balancing it all while coaching 4 baseball teams for his two sons From growing up on the rough streets of Chicago to becoming a decorated veteran to fighting insurance giants for California homeowners – Lauren's journey proves that ethics, integrity, and relentless advocacy can level the playing field against billion-dollar companies. New episode drops Wednesday! Subscribe to our newsletter: podcast.seankling.com/thekerfufflepodcast Connect with Loren: lionpa.com linkedin.com/in/lorenpearlman Follow us: @thekerfufflepodcast

    1h 4m

  2. 12/10/2025

    He's Been To 120 Countries (And He's Not Done Yet)

    What do you do after selling your tech company and retiring early? If you're Malcolm Teasdale, you get "bored stupid" at home then decide to visit every country on the planet. Malcolm has been to 120 countries (100+ with overnight stays), every continent except Antarctica, and he's not slowing down. Born and raised in Coventry, England, he built a technology startup, expanded it across North America and Asia (living in Singapore for two years), then sold the company in 2013. After retirement, he traded business travel for adventure travel and became a self-proclaimed "travel addict." Now Malcolm speaks on 7-8 different cruise lines, has written seven travel books, and hosts "The Travel Addict" and "Two Brits in America" podcasts. His adventures? Trekking the Himalayas, camping in the Mongolian wilderness with nomadic families, diving in the most biodiverse marine parks on Earth, climbing 10,500 feet to Tiger's Nest Monastery in Bhutan, and visiting the northernmost human settlement in the world Svalbard, where 2,000 people live alongside 3,500 polar bears. Host Sean Kling digs into Malcolm's incredible journey from WWII veteran parents in bomb-ravaged Coventry to world traveler, cruise ship speaker, and published author. They explore his favorite countries, craziest cruise stories, scuba diving at 130 feet in shark habitat, swimming with whale sharks, and his philosophy on living without regrets. Key Topics Explored: Visiting 120 countries across every continent (except Antarctica), selling a tech startup and retiring early in 2013, living in Singapore for two years to expand business in Asia, speaking on 7-8 different cruise lines about destinations and foreign cultures, writing seven travel books about adventures and bucket list experiences, trekking the Himalayas and camping in the Mongolian wilderness, climbing Tiger's Nest Monastery in Bhutan at 10,500 feet, visiting Svalbard—the northernmost human settlement with 2,000 people and 3,500 polar bears, scuba diving at 130 feet in the Philippines and swimming with whale sharks, staying on a cruise ship for over a month (transatlantic + trans Mediterranean), getting PADI certified and diving in Raja Ampat (most biodiverse marine park on Earth), favorite countries including Thailand, Namibia, Slovenia, and Scandinavia, and living life without regrets "do it before it's too late." About Malcolm Teasdale: Born and raised in Coventry, England, Malcolm is a British-American entrepreneur, author, speaker, and world traveler. His parents were WWII veterans and survivors of the Coventry Blitz. After building and selling a technology startup, Malcolm retired early in 2013 and turned his passion for travel into a second career. He's visited 120 countries, lived in England, Wales, Canada, Singapore, and the USA, and now speaks on cruise ships worldwide about destinations, adventure travel, and foreign cultures. He hosts "The Travel Addict" and "Two Brits in America" podcasts and has written seven travel books. A certified PADI diver, Malcolm has explored the world's most biodiverse marine parks and continues adding to his bucket list—with Antarctica and Iwo Jima still on the horizon. Whether you're dreaming of adventure travel, considering early retirement, curious about cruise ship speaking, passionate about scuba diving, or simply inspired by someone who refuses to have regrets—this episode delivers. Special shoutout to our Kerfuffle fans in New Zealand! We ranked #22 in podcasts there last month. Thank you, Kiwis! Join our community: Subscribe to our free newsletter: https://podcast.seankling.com/thekerfufflepodcast Connect with Malcolm Teasdale: Website: malcolmteasdale.com Books: authormalcolmteasdale.com Travel Blog: travelingenglishman.com Instagram: @englshgy LinkedIn: Malcolm Teasdale Podcasts: The Travel Addict & Two Brits in America Follow @thekerfuffle

    48 min

  3. 12/03/2025

    Building a 300+ Client Agency (From Scratch)

    How do you train 400+ sales professionals to generate $112 million in revenue, build a global marketing agency serving 300+ clients across multiple continents, AND produce a Hip Hop festival featuring Janelle Monáe, Common, and Ludacris? Arias WebsterBerry figured it out—and he's breaking it all down. Arias is the founder and CEO of WebsterBerry Marketing, a global agency with 27+ employees serving over 300 clients worldwide. He's also launched Ignite Funnels and Launch Ignition AI—platforms helping entrepreneurs automate and scale. And in a move nobody saw coming, he served as Executive Producer of Hip Hop 101 Music and Art Festival, earning a commendation from the Los Angeles City Council. Sean Kling explores Arias' journey from Master Sales Coach to agency CEO to cultural producer—the sales frameworks behind $112M+, how to scale internationally, and why creativity and strategy are essential partners in building success. Key Topics Explored: Building a global agency with 27+ employees across multiple continents serving 300+ clients, training 400+ sales professionals and generating $112 million+ in revenue, sales frameworks that consistently produce elite performance, launching Ignite Funnels and Launch Ignition AI to accelerate business growth, Executive Producing Hip Hop 101 featuring Janelle Monáe, Common, Ludacris, and Mix Master Mike, earning a commendation from the LA City Council, and combining creativity with business strategy. About Arias WebsterBerry: Arias is a seasoned entrepreneur, digital marketing expert, and Master Sales Coach with over a decade of experience. He founded WebsterBerry Marketing, a global agency with 27+ employees serving 300+ clients worldwide. He launched Ignite Funnels and Launch Ignition AI, and has trained over 400 sales professionals generating $112 million+ in revenue. He also served as Executive Producer of Hip Hop 101 Music and Art Festival featuring Grammy winners—earning him a commendation from the LA City Council. Whether you're building an agency, leveling up sales skills, exploring AI automation, or inspired by leaders who combine business with cultural impact—this episode delivers. Join our community: Subscribe to our free newsletter: https://podcast.seankling.com/thekerfufflepodcast Connect with Arias WebsterBerry: Website: ariaswebsterberry.com Company: WebsterBerry Marketing LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ariasweb Instagram: @ariasweb Follow @thekerfufflepodcast across all platforms

    50 min

  4. 11/26/2025

    From Emmy-Winning Producer to Breaking Barriers in NFL Sports Journalism

    How does a 12-year-old girl from Philadelphia go from performing on-camera to producing Emmy-winning content for networks like ABC, CBS, and FOX, then pivot to become the creator of the ONLY female-led NFL variety podcast covering all 32 teams? Deb Whitcas' answer: create opportunities that don't exist, prove women belong in sports journalism, and never stop pushing boundaries. Deb Whitcas is a two-time Emmy Award-winning TV producer, sports journalist, content creator, and media coach with over 20 years of experience in unscripted programming. Starting her entertainment career on-camera at age twelve in her hometown of Philadelphia, Deb has produced highly rated national and international primetime and daytime shows for ABC, CBS, CNBC, FOX, Amazon MGM, CW, Universal/NBC, HGTV, WE, Style/E! Entertainment, and MTV Networks. But her greatest achievement may be creating The Blonde Blitz—the only female-led NFL variety-style podcast covering every single team in the league and establishing herself as a credentialed sports journalist covering five Super Bowls, NFL Combines, Drafts, and Training Camps. Host Sean Kling explores what inspired Deb to transition from behind-the-camera Emmy-winning production to on-camera sports journalism, how she broke into the male-dominated world of NFL coverage, and why she created The Blonde Blitz when no other female-led show was covering all 32 teams. Deb shares her journey from childhood performer to producing unscripted content for major networks, the challenges of being a woman in sports media, and how her production expertise gives her an edge as an on-camera reporter. Key Topics Explored: Starting on-camera at age 12 in Philadelphia and building a foundation in entertainment, winning two Emmy Awards producing unscripted content for major networks including ABC, CBS, FOX, Amazon MGM and MTV Networks, the transition from behind-the-camera producer to on-camera sports journalist and content creator, creating The Blonde Blitz as the only female-led NFL variety podcast covering all 32 teams in the league, breaking into male-dominated sports journalism and earning credentials for five Super Bowls (LIX, LVIII, LVII, LVI, LV), covering NFL Combines, Drafts, Training Camps, and running Media Row booth at Super Bowl LIX, joining Sports Illustrated as reporter for "High School on SI" spotlighting top athletes internationally, reporting for Los Angeles Football Network on the Chargers and Rams, working alongside NFL analysts and sports media personalities, and using production expertise to build a personal sports media brand. About Deb Whitcas: Deb is a two-time Emmy Award-winning TV producer with over 20 years of experience in unscripted programming for ABC, CBS, CNBC, FOX, Amazon MGM, CW, Universal/NBC, HGTV, WE, Style/E! Entertainment, and  MTV Networks. She started her entertainment career on-camera at age 12 in Philadelphia and has since become a sports journalist, content creator, and media coach. She created and hosts The Blonde Blitz, the only  female-led NFL variety-style podcast covering all 32 teams. Deb is a reporter for Sports Illustrated's "High School on SI," the Los Angeles Football Network (Chargers and Rams), and has held media credentials for five  Super Bowls, multiple NFL Combines, Drafts, and Training Camps. She also works as a media coach helping others break into the industry. Join our community: Subscribe to our free newsletter for weekly Kerfuffle updates: https://podcast.seankling.com/thekerfufflepodcast Connect with Deb Whitcas: Website: debwhitcas.com Podcast: The Blonde Blitz - theblondeblitz.com Instagram: @sportreportdeb Follow @thekerfufflepodcast across all platforms

    36 min

  5. 11/19/2025

    19 Years Backstage at Wicked: What It Takes When the Show Must Go On

    19 Years Backstage at Wicked: What It Takes When the Show Must Go On How does someone spend nearly two decades ensuring perfection on one of Broadway's longest-running shows? Teri Pruitt's answer: precision, adaptability, and understanding that backstage excellence makes front-stage magic possible. Teri Pruitt is a theatrical professional with over 30 years of experience working on stages across the country since 1992, including an extraordinary 19+ year tenure as Wardrobe Professional for Wicked on Broadway. While the new Wicked movie captivates audiences worldwide, Teri has lived the real Broadway production—facilitating lightning-fast costume changes, maintaining elaborate costumes and iconic green makeup, and supporting actors through eight shows a week for nearly two decades. Her career has been built on stability, adaptability, and unwavering professionalism. Host Sean Kling explores what it really takes to work on a production as massive as Wicked, how Teri managed costume crises that audiences never see, and why her backstage skills now help businesses build high-performing teams. Teri shares the intense choreography of quick changes, what it means to serve as confidante and crisis manager to performers, and how "reading the room" backstage translates to leadership in any field. From costume repairs and shoe cobbling to being a sounding board for actors, her role was about helping performers shine while maintaining perfection behind the scenes. Key Topics Explored: 19+ years as Wardrobe Professional for Wicked on Broadway, facilitating quick changes and managing elaborate costumes for Elphaba, Glinda, and the entire cast, maintaining iconic makeup and wardrobe through eight shows per week, backstage crisis management when things go wrong during live performance, serving as confidante and problem-solver to actors in one of Broadway's most demanding shows, working as a seamless team where stepping in during emergencies is essential, transitioning from theatrical wardrobe to content creator, copywriter, and corporate speaker, and applying Broadway's "show must go on" principles to building agile business teams. This conversation explores how theatrical production principles—precision timing, teamwork, crisis management, and supporting others to shine—apply to business, leadership, and professional excellence. Teri's insights are valuable for Wicked fans curious about the real Broadway production, business leaders building teams, and anyone who understands that supporting others to succeed is its own form of mastery. About Teri Pruitt: Teri is a theatrical professional with 30+ years of experience since 1992, including 19+ years as Wardrobe Professional for Wicked on Broadway. She specialized in quick changes, costume maintenance, and supporting actors as confidante, problem-solver, and team member. She now applies her Broadway experience to content creation, copywriting, and corporate speaking—teaching businesses how to build teams that perform under pressure using backstage Broadway techniques. Her mission is to help people get their voice into the world, just as she helped actors shine in the spotlight for nearly two decades. Whether you're fascinated by Broadway, a Wicked fan curious about the show behind the movie, a business leader seeking team-building strategies, or someone transitioning unique experience into new opportunities, this episode delivers insights from someone who spent nearly two decades ensuring perfection on one of theater's most iconic stages. Join our community: Subscribe to our free newsletter for weekly Kerfuffle updates: https://podcast.seankling.com/thekerfufflepodcast Connect with Teri Pruitt: https://www.linkedin.com/in/teri-pruitt-a2b341101/ https://www.teripruitt.world/ Follow @thekerfufflepodcas

    59 min

  6. 11/12/2025

    From Army Finance Sergeant to Creating the First African American-Owned AI-Backed ETF

    How does a U.S. Army veteran go from managing soldiers' pay during Operation Enduring Freedom to co-creating cutting-edge financial tools that democratize wealth-building? Mario Payne's answer: combine military discipline, financial expertise, and the unwavering belief that financial independence is a right, not a privilege. Mario Payne is a Certified Financial Planner, founder of TOAMS Financial (an SEC-registered advisory firm), and a pioneer in fintech innovation based in Jacksonville, Florida. His journey from Cincinnati to becoming one of the rare African American advisors holding the prestigious CFP® credential (less than 2% nationwide) is a masterclass in service, innovation, and breaking barriers. After serving as a Financial Sergeant in the U.S. Army during Operation Enduring Freedom, Mario began his career at American Income Life and Edward Jones before launching TOAMS Financial in 2013 a firm built on the principle that clarity and strategy should be accessible to everyone, not just the wealthy elite. Host Sean Kling speaks with Mario about his journey from traditional finance to launching an independent RIA, shaped by his military experience. Mario shares how he overcomes industry barriers as a rare African American firm owner, focusing on closing the wealth gap through education and innovation. He discusses his game-changing initiatives, including LETB (the first African American-owned, AI-backed ETF), the Relax Estate AI platform, the Payneful Profits YouTube channel, and the House Wars real estate revitalization project. Learn why Mario refuses to gatekeep financial information and how AI is leveling the playing field for all investors. Key Topics Explored: From Financial Sergeant in Operation Enduring Freedom to launching an independent, SEC-registered RIA in 2013, learn about the journey. Discover the faith foundation (TOAMS), the significance of being one of the few African American CFP® professionals, and the creation of LETB (the first African American-owned, AI-backed ETF). Also featured: the Relax Estate AI estate planning platform, the Payneful Profits YouTube channel, appearances in Forbes/Cheddar News, the House Wars real estate initiative, and the mission to make financial independence a right for everyone. This conversation goes beyond typical financial advice to explore the intersection of military service, entrepreneurial vision, technological innovation, and social impact. Mario's insights apply to anyone looking to build generational wealth, understand how AI is changing investing, break into financial services, or learn why diversity in financial planning matters for closing the wealth gap. About Mario Payne: Mario is a U.S. Army veteran, Certified Financial Planner (CFP®), and founder of TOAMS Financial, an independent SEC-registered firm. With over 15 years of experience, he is a fintech innovator, having co-created LETB (the first African American-owned AI-backed ETF) and founded the Relax Estate platform. Mario is dedicated to expanding access to wealth-building tools for underserved communities. Join our community: Subscribe to our free newsletter for weekly Kerfuffle updates: https://podcast.seankling.com/thekerfufflepodcast Connect with Mario Payne: Website: mariopayne.com Company: TOAMS Financial YouTube: Payneful Profits LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/toamsfinancial Location: Jacksonville, Florida Follow @thekerfufflepodcast across all platforms

    1 hr

  7. 11/05/2025

    From Marine Corps to Corporate Tech to 600+ Doors: Building Wealth Through Commercial Real Estate

    How does a Marine Corps veteran and corporate tech professional transition into managing over 600 apartment units and $103 million in real estate assets? Rob Nickester's answer: leverage your skills, build the right partnerships, and democratize access to institutional-grade real estate deals. Rob Nickester is the co-founding partner of Sentinel Equity Group, LLC, a full-time real estate investor, high-performance coach, and published author based in Frisco, Texas. But his path to managing a multimillion-dollar real estate portfolio is a masterclass in strategic career pivoting and building passive income streams. After serving in the Marine Corps and spending 25+ years in corporate technology as an Infrastructure Architect, Rob began investing in residential real estate in 2001. By 2019, he had scaled into commercial real estate across multiple states, ultimately co-founding Sentinel Equity Group to help everyday investors access the same institutional-grade deals typically reserved for the ultra-wealthy. Host Sean Kling explores what inspired Rob to leave a successful 25-year corporate career for full-time real estate investing, how his military discipline and tech background shaped his investment strategy, and why he's passionate about teaching others to build financial independence through multifamily commercial real estate. In 2022 alone, Sentinel Equity Group acquired $65 million in commercial real estate while selling another $55 million from their portfolio, delivering an average annual return of 32% to their investors. Rob shares the critical mindset shift from residential to commercial real estate investing, the power of syndication in making large-scale deals accessible to individual investors, and the systems he's built to manage 600+ doors across multiple markets. He reveals what separates successful real estate investors from those who struggle, the due diligence process behind underwriting multifamily deals, and why value-add opportunities remain one of the most reliable wealth-building strategies in any market. Key Topics Explored: The transition from 25-year corporate career to full-time real estate investor, how military service instills the discipline required for successful investing, residential vs. commercial real estate: making the leap in 2019, building Sentinel Equity Group and democratizing access to institutional deals, the fundamentals of multifamily syndication and passive income creation, managing 600+ doors and $103M in assets under management, acquiring $65M and selling $55M in a single year (2022), delivering 32% average annual returns to investors, project management, strategic planning, and value-add deal structures, and empowering everyday people to achieve financial independence through real estate. This conversation goes beyond typical real estate advice to explore the intersection of military discipline, corporate expertise, and entrepreneurial vision. Rob's insights apply to anyone looking to build passive income, transition from W-2 employment to investment income, or understand how to access commercial real estate opportunities previously reserved for institutional investors. About Rob Nickester: Rob is the co-founding partner of Sentinel Equity Group, LLC, a Marine Corps veteran, and a former corporate Infrastructure Architect with 25+ years of technology experience. He has been investing in residential real estate since 2001 and commercial real estate since 2019. Rob and his partners own and manage over 600 doors across multiple states with $103 million in assets under management. He is also a high-performance coach, developer, business consultant, speaker, and published author. His mission is to empower people to build passive income and achieve financial independence through strategic real estate investing. Whether you're a corporate professional looking for an exit strategy, a military veteran transitioning to ci

    57 min

  8. 10/29/2025

    From Selling Fertilizer in Rural India to Leading a Multi-Million Dollar IT Firm in America

    How does a teenager selling fertilizer in a small Indian village become the CEO of a thriving IT company in the United States? Sree Kaluva's answer: combine relentless work ethic, unwavering integrity, and a vision to solve real business problems through technology. Sree Kaluva is the President and CEO of Unique Solutions of Advanced Technologies Inc (USAT), a leading IT managed services provider based in Michigan. But his journey to the top is one of the most inspiring immigrant success stories in the tech industry. From humble beginnings in rural India to building a company that serves hundreds of businesses across America, Sree has proven that the American dream is still alive for those willing to work for it. Host Sean Kling explores what drove Sree to leave everything behind and pursue entrepreneurship in a foreign country, how he built USAT from the ground up in 2006, and why his commitment to transparency and client empowerment has become the foundation of his company's success. Sree's journey wasn't just about technical expertise—it was about understanding that businesses don't need more technology; they need the right technology implemented the right way. In 2016, Sree received the Corp! Magazine prestigious Most Valuable Professionals Award, recognizing his contribution to Michigan's economic development and his leadership in growing a successful business. Under his guidance, USAT has become known for liberating clients from ineffective technology solutions, developing innovative strategies that empower data-driven decisions, and building long-term partnerships based on trust and results. Sree shares the cultural transitions he navigated moving from India to America, the entrepreneurial mindset that helped him identify gaps in the IT services market, and the business philosophy that prioritizes quality and client satisfaction over quick profits. He reveals what it takes to compete against larger IT firms, how he built a reputation for reliability in a competitive market, and why personal service and customized solutions have become USAT's competitive advantage. Key Topics Explored: The journey from rural India to American entrepreneurship, overcoming cultural and business barriers in a new country, founding and scaling an IT managed services company from scratch, building a business on transparency and integrity, competing against larger firms with personalized service, the 2016 Most Valuable Professionals Award and community impact, developing custom software solutions that solve real business problems, Agile project management and IT strategy in a rapidly evolving landscape, creating long-term client relationships and partnerships, and lessons in resilience, adaptation, and the immigrant entrepreneur experience. This conversation goes beyond typical business advice to explore the intersection of cultural adaptation, entrepreneurial vision, and technical excellence. Sree's insights apply to anyone looking to start a business in a competitive market, navigate major life transitions while building a company, or understand what it takes to succeed as an immigrant entrepreneur in America. About Sree Kaluva: Sree is the President and CEO of Unique Solutions of Advanced Technologies Inc (USAT), which he founded in 2006. A 2016 recipient of the Corp! Magazine Most Valuable Professionals Award, he has built a reputation for delivering innovative IT solutions, custom software development, and managed services that empower businesses to thrive. His journey from rural India to leading a successful Michigan-based technology company exemplifies determination, strategic thinking, and unwavering commitment to client success. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, an immigrant pursuing the American dream, a business owner seeking IT solutions, or someone inspired by stories of resilience and transformation, this episode d

    52 min
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The Kerfuffle Podcast: Real People. Real Legacy. Real Talk. From entrepreneurs and executives to creators, ghost hunters, and even conspiracy theorists—the Kerfuffle Podcast is where fascinating people share the stories behind their journey. Each episode explores entrepreneurship, leadership, self-improvement, and legacy, while also diving into the unexpected—paranormal encounters, hidden histories, and unconventional wisdom from people who see the world differently. Whether you want to learn how leaders build success, how dreamers overcome setbacks, or how truth-seekers explore the unknown, you’ll find authentic conversations here. 👉 If you’re tired of cookie-cutter inspiration and want real stories, surprising perspectives, and conversations that leave you thinking long after the episode ends, this podcast is for you. Subscribe now and join the kerfuffle.

Information

  • Creator
    Sean Kling
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    15
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2025 The Ker·fuf·fle Podcast
  • Show Website
    The Ker·fuf·fle Podcast