Agents of Innovation

Francisco Gonzalez

The Agents of Innovation podcast features interviews with entrepreneurs, philanthropists, and artists.

  1. Episode 167 Judge Roy Altman, Author, Israel on Trial

    APR 28

    Episode 167 Judge Roy Altman, Author, Israel on Trial

    In Episode 167 of the Agents of Innovation podcast, host Francisco Gonzalez sits down with Roy Altman, a United States District Judge and author of Israel on Trial: Examining the History, the Evidence, and the Law. Judge Altman brings a unique perspective to one of the most complex and emotionally charged geopolitical issues of our time. Drawing from his experience in the courtroom, he explains how the same truth-seeking methodology used by juries—scrutinizing incentives, examining objective evidence, and weighing expert testimony—can help everyday people better evaluate claims about Israel and other global events. The conversation dives into how misinformation spreads in today’s fast-paced media environment, including a detailed case study of the widely reported Gaza hospital explosion. Judge Altman walks through how a legal framework can cut through confusion and uncover the truth—something he argues is more important than ever in the age of social media and AI. Beyond the legal lens, the episode explores Judge Altman’s travels across college campuses, his efforts to promote critical thinking, and his experiences leading bipartisan groups of federal judges to Israel. The discussion also touches on the distinction between legitimate criticism of government policy and broader ideological movements, as well as the cultural and historical connections between Israel and the United States. This episode is a powerful reminder that truth requires discipline, not just information—and that each of us has a role to play in seeking it. Watch it on YouTube: https://youtu.be/r0wo3jxj_CM Get the book here: https://amzn.to/4t7PeJu Follow the Agents of Innovation podcast on: Instagram: / / innovationradio X: / https://x.com/agentinnovation Facebook: / / agentsofinnovationpodcast You can support this podcast and our Fearless Journeys community on our Patreon account: www.patreon.com/fearlessjourneys You can also join our network -- and our group trips -- through the Fearless Journeys community at: https://www.fearlessjourneys.org and subscribe to our free newsletter at: https://fearlessjourneys.substack.com 00:00 – Introduction to the podcast and guest 00:52 – Why Roy Altman wrote Israel on Trial 02:24 – Applying courtroom methodology to public discourse 06:22 – How juries are trained to discern truth 08:18 – Case study: Gaza hospital explosion claim 14:07 – Understanding incentives and misinformation 15:53 – The role of objective evidence 17:28 – Expert analysis and third-party verification 21:26 – Challenges of truth in a fast-paced media world 22:40 – How citizens can apply critical thinking daily 24:13 – Influence of social media and global narratives 27:56 – Why pausing before reacting matters 29:06 – Judges’ trips to Israel and firsthand insights 31:09 – Historical and cultural ties between Israel and the U.S. 34:47 – Story: Druze community and Hezbollah attack 35:58 – Story: Ash Wednesday service in Israel 39:52 – Reflections on visiting Israel and religious history 42:21 – Addressing claims about religious discrimination 44:00 – Legal perspective on recent Holy Week controversy 46:28 – Criticism vs. anti-Zionism explained 52:08 – Rise of antisemitism and its modern context 53:03 – Online extremism and the spread of false narratives

    1h 4m
  2. Episode 166 Luke Mickelson, Founder, Sleep In Heavenly Peace

    APR 5

    Episode 166 Luke Mickelson, Founder, Sleep In Heavenly Peace

    In Episode 166 of the Agents of Innovation podcast, host Francisco Gonzalez sits down with Luke Mickelson, founder of Sleep in Heavenly Peace — a nonprofit dedicated to building and delivering beds to children in need. What started with one act of service in a small Idaho town has grown into a nationwide movement, with hundreds of chapters and hundreds of thousands of beds delivered to kids who would otherwise sleep on the floor. Luke shares the powerful story behind the organization, the lessons he’s learned about leadership and purpose, and how anyone — regardless of background — can make a meaningful difference. This conversation dives into: * The hidden reality of child bedlessness in America * How small actions can lead to massive impact * Building a volunteer-driven movement * The importance of purpose beyond financial success * Lessons for nonprofit founders and leaders 👉 Learn more or get involved: https://shpbeds.org Find Luke on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/lukemickelson/ You can also watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/9U6w3VOWnhQ Follow the Agents of Innovation podcast on: Instagram: / https://www.instagram.com/innovationradio X: / https://x.com/agentinnovation Facebook: / https://www.facebook.com/AgentsOfInnovationPodcast You can support this podcast and our Fearless Journeys community on our Patreon account: www.patreon.com/fearlessjourneys You can also join our network -- and our group trips -- through the Fearless Journeys community at: https://www.fearlessjourneys.org and subscribe to our free newsletter at: https://fearlessjourneys.substack.com 00:00 – Intro to the podcast 00:12 – Welcome & guest introduction (Luke Mickelson) 00:30 – What is Sleep in Heavenly Peace? 01:00 – The problem: kids without beds in America 02:06 – “Farm kid from Idaho” mindset 03:32 – Growing up in a small town & community values 05:36 – Early career & lessons in serving others 09:12 – Midlife reflection & search for purpose 12:48 – Discovering child bedlessness 14:08 – First bed-building idea with Boy Scouts 16:11 – Delivering the first bed 17:35 – The moment that sparked the mission 19:07 – Posting online & discovering widespread need 21:03 – Why building beds (not buying) matters 22:19 – The power of the volunteer experience 23:29 – The “Hank story” (volunteer lesson) 27:55 – Building community through service 30:07 – Reinvention, purpose & personal growth 31:40 – Being honest with yourself 33:08 – “Tiny moments” and taking action 34:19 – From 1 bed to 400,000+ beds 35:12 – Growth of Sleep in Heavenly Peace 36:36 – Scale: chapters, impact & statistics 37:49 – Why beds are often a “luxury” 38:28 – Story of Haley (first delivery impact) 39:05 – The physical & emotional toll of no bed 41:37 – How to get involved (website, volunteering, donating) 44:15 – Starting a local chapter

    1h 25m
  3. Episode 165 Ryan Doyle, Founder & CEO, Doyle Marine Management,

    12/30/2025

    Episode 165 Ryan Doyle, Founder & CEO, Doyle Marine Management,

    In this episode of the Agents of Innovation podcast, Francisco Gonzalez joins Ryan Doyle aboard Amigo, a 1937 classic wooden Wheeler and sister ship to Ernest Hemingway’s famed Pilar, at the Riviera Beach Marina near West Palm Beach. Ryan shares his journey from a horse farm in Connecticut to the U.S. Coast Guard, maritime academy, and eventually a career in yachting that led him to founding Doyle Marine Management, the Vintage Boat Club, and the new Admiralty Marine Center. He explains what makes classic wooden boats so special, why he sees himself as a steward of maritime history, and how yacht management quietly turns owners’ dreams into reality. Ryan also lays out his vision for a marine trade school to train the next generation of shipwrights and wooden boat carpenters, an in-demand trade that AI won’t replace anytime soon. Throughout the conversation, themes of integrity, persistence, and the American Dream run strong, as Ryan and Francisco talk about finding a niche where passion meets market need and encourage listeners to “keep moving forward” in their own journeys. Learn more about him at: https://www.doylemm.com Find him on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/doylemarinem/ You can also watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/B1mepirP0tE Follow the Agents of Innovation podcast on: Instagram: / https://www.instagram.com/innovationradio X: / https://x.com/agentinnovation Facebook: / https://www.facebook.com/AgentsOfInnovationPodcast You can support this podcast and our Fearless Journeys community on our Patreon account: www.patreon.com/fearlessjourneys You can also join our network -- and our group trips -- through the Fearless Journeys community at: https://www.fearlessjourneys.org and subscribe to our free newsletter at: https://fearlessjourneys.substack.com 00:00 – Intro and Riviera Beach marina setting 01:52 – Fearless Journeys community and DR cigar trip 02:55 – Don Doroteo connection and discovering Amigo 03:25 – Amigo as sister ship to Hemingway’s Pilar 04:29 – History of Amigo and Wheeler Shipyard 06:09 – Classic wooden boats vs modern “plastic” boats 08:23 – If Amigo could talk: an 88-year-old boat’s story 09:19 – Ryan’s upbringing, Coast Guard, and maritime academy 12:06 – Mystic wooden boat show and early inspirations 13:10 – Mentor’s lesson that “the dream is attainable” 15:07 – First classic yacht job in the Hamptons 16:31 – Why preserving maritime craftsmanship matters 17:31 – Finding Amigo in St. Thomas and earning owners’ trust 19:04 – Vintage Boat Club mission and experiences on the water 21:42 – Inside Doyle Marine Management and choosing the right clients 22:48 – What yacht management really involves behind the scenes 27:52 – Launching Admiralty Marine Center in Riviera Beach 29:21 – Lease-to-own vision and what the yard represents 31:29 – South Florida boating culture and business opportunities 32:38 – Labor shortage and dream of a marine trade school 37:02 – How a marine trade school could change young lives 38:02 – Juggling multiple marine businesses that complement each other 39:32 – Lessons for entrepreneurs: integrity and persistence 41:01 – Balancing obsession, family, and legacy 41:58 – Why “Admiralty Marine” and aiming for top-tier service 43:55 – Future of classic boating and a shrinking niche 47:47 – Boat boom in Florida and storage challenges 49:20 – Future plans for Vintage Boat Club and Doyle Marine 50:38 – What the American Dream means to Ryan 52:55 – Advice to young people: play to your strengths 54:47 – How to connect with Ryan on Instagram 55:31 – Final takeaway: keep moving forward 58:44 – Immigrant billionaire client and the percolator story 59:18 – Closing thanks and wrap-up

    1 hr
  4. Episode 164: Joe Gallagher, A Recipe for Redemption and Entrepreneurial Success, Charleston, SC

    11/22/2025

    Episode 164: Joe Gallagher, A Recipe for Redemption and Entrepreneurial Success, Charleston, SC

    In this powerful episode of the Agents of Innovation podcast, Joe Gallagher—founder and CEO of Apastioli and a former Grammy-nominated musician—shares his remarkable journey from rising rock artist to surviving a devastating car accident, spiraling into addiction, facing legal battles, and ultimately finding faith, sobriety, and a new entrepreneurial purpose. Joe recounts how a simple batch of his grandmother’s pasta sauce sparked the launch of Apastioli, a rapidly growing food and fragrance brand intertwined with his mission to help others in recovery. He also reveals his vision for a regenerative farm, upcoming film and TV projects based on his story, and why manifestation, service, and trusting God now guide his life and business. Watch this episode on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/BrUi_wDB3ug Learn more about him at: https://www.apastioli.com Find him on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/joegallagherjr/ Follow the Agents of Innovation podcast on: Instagram: / https://www.instagram.com/innovationradio X: / https://x.com/agentinnovation Facebook: / https://www.facebook.com/AgentsOfInnovationPodcast You can support this podcast and our Fearless Journeys community on our Patreon account: www.patreon.com/fearlessjourneys You can also join our network -- and our group trips -- through the Fearless Journeys community at: https://www.fearlessjourneys.org and subscribe to our free newsletter at: https://fearlessjourneys.substack.com 00:00 – Intro to Joe Gallagher and the Agents of Innovation podcast. 01:20 – Meeting Joe in Charleston 03:20 – The Fearless Journeys community & upcoming Chile–Argentina trip 04:24 – What is Apastioli? 04:59 – Grammy Nomination & The Car Accident 06:18 – Injuries, Recovery, and Identity Crisis 07:42 – Attempted Murder Charge 09:56 – DUI, Addiction, and Hitting Bottom; The downward spiral and legal consequences. 13:17 – Rock Bottom to Redemption. 14:30 – Pasta Sauce Sparks a Business; How feeding friends in recovery launched Apastioli. 21:41 – Packaging, FDA, and Scaling Challenges 23:10 – Vision for a Regenerative Farm 26:13 – Discovering the 1,700-acre Long Wing Plantation 27:38 – From Bars to Jars (the Book); Joe’s first book and the storytelling strategy behind it. 28:36 – Angel Studios Reaches Out 29:38 – Writing the Fictional Sequel; A future vision in book form 31:28 – The Power of Storytelling in Entrepreneurship; How Joe’s story builds brand connection. 32:14 – Angel Studios, The Chosen & Film Industry Insights 36:02 – The Apastioli Brand Expands to Fragrances; Moonshine lessons, oil extraction, and luxury fragrance development. 40:38 – Vision, Manifestation & Mapping the Future; Why Joe writes fiction to shape reality. 42:24 – The Letter to God That Came True; A year of manifestations unexpectedly becoming reality. 43:30 – How to Get Joe’s Book, "From Bars to Jars," and where to find it online. 44:21 – Apastioli: Products, Website & Trademark Story; Where to buy Apastioli sauces and fragrances. 45:44 – Joe’s Film/TV Development Team; Managers, agents, producers—full momentum ahead. 48:36 – The 1,700-Acre Farm Update: Why the owners are holding out for Joe’s project. 49:36 – Investment Opportunity; Joe is open to investors and shares potential ROI. 50:17 – Joe’s Message to Anyone Struggling: Why his phone number is public and how he wants to serve others. 51:30 – Closing Thoughts: Faith, manifestation, service, and Joe’s gratitude.

    52 min
  5. Episode 163: Mod Cardenas, The Art of Being an Entrepreneur, Guatemala City

    10/28/2025

    Episode 163: Mod Cardenas, The Art of Being an Entrepreneur, Guatemala City

    Mod Cárdenas (b. Guatemala 1982) is a contemporary visual artist and pioneer of Guatemalan street art. Alongside his art, Cardenas pursued a career in Clinical Psychology, that has informed his approach to art from a research and observational base. Cardenas has exhibited extensively around the world with 14 solo exhibitions and several group shows, in addition to his murals and public art installations locally and abroad. His work has received numerous honors including the Highly Commended Award from SAP in Australia, Honorific Mention by Fundación Rozas Botrán in Guatemala, and a finalist position at GAA in Dubai. He was also recognized by the Finance Minister of Guatemala for his contribution to Guatemalan culture and by the Congress of the Guatemalan Republic for his impactful contributions and elevation of the art and culture produced in their country. His work is included in collections such as the Guatemalan National Congress Collection, the Luciano Benetton Collection in Italy, and the Fundación Rozas-Botrán Museum in Guatemala. Watch this episode on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/6NqFcTrLYnM Learn more about him at: https://www.modcardenas.com Find him on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/mod77art/ Follow the Agents of Innovation podcast on: Instagram: / innovationradio Twitter: / agentinnovation Facebook: / agentsofinnovationpodcast You can support this podcast and our Fearless Journeys community on our Patreon account: www.patreon.com/fearlessjourneys Want us to host a Fearless Journey group trip to Memphis with Matt Stone? Email us at: fearlessjourneysLLC at gmail dot com You can also join our network -- and our group trips -- through the Fearless Journeys community at: https://www.fearlessjourneys.org and subscribe to our free newsletter at: https://fearlessjourneys.substack.com 00:00 Episode Introduction 00:50 How do we meet? 01:05 First time listening to an episode? // What is Fearless Journeys 3:08 Where did you get your name Mod? 04:39 At what time did you start doing graffiti? 07:04 Art is part of everybody’s life 09:14 10 Characteristics of a successful entrepreneur Curious & creative 10:58 How did you start? Why were you anonymous 13:30 Education and other jobs 16:54 Why Mod became a top 5 Tattoo Artist in Guatemala City 18:17 How do people find you before Social Media? 19:15 What kind of art are you particularly known for now? 21:37 Mod’s studio 24:00 Self education & Social media 27:44 How’s a Guatemalan artist recognized internally and externally 30:03 The importance of telling your story 35:44 The Power of connections 41:05 How can an artist get income? 42:00 How to manage your income being an solo entrepreneur 42:52 Finding a partner that understands you 51:45 How did you get your own Studio 52:15 Not everything is smooth Sailing as an artist - The power of MKTNG 55:14 How to contact Mod 57:35 Commission art and work 59:42 How do you help other artists 1:05:30 Difference between the artist mind and the entrepreneurial mind 1:12:15 You need to sell yourself 1:16:15 Traveling & awards 1:22:30 How many countries have you been to now? 1:25:00 Wrap

    1h 27m
  6. Episode 162: An Update from Matt Stone, Elvis Presley Tribute Artist

    08/31/2025

    Episode 162: An Update from Matt Stone, Elvis Presley Tribute Artist

    Matt Stone was a previous guest on Episode 117 of the Agents of Innovation (October 2022). You can revisit that episode for Matt's story before 2022 here: https://youtu.be/eF_lJ03STrc?si=L4Ry0Yl9CHF0RPbP In this episode, we catch up with him since so much has happened in his life and career. A husband and now father of a 2-year old, Matt has taken his Elvis tribute show all over the United States and even internationally. He has met Priscilla Presley and even played Elvis' piano in RCA Studio B. This episode will teach you how one young man is charting his own course and how you can learn and apply lessons from his own story. Learn more about Matt Stone at: https://www.mattstoneaselvis.com Find him on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/realmattstone You can also watch this episode on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/vEmfhO54l24 Follow the Agents of Innovation podcast on: Instagram: / innovationradio Twitter: / agentinnovation Facebook: / agentsofinnovationpodcast You can support this podcast and our Fearless Journeys community on our Patreon account: www.patreon.com/fearlessjourneys Want us to host a Fearless Journey group trip to Memphis with Matt Stone? Email us at: fearlessjourneysLLC at gmail dot com You can also join our network -- and our group trips -- through the Fearless Journeys community at: https://www.fearlessjourneys.org and subscribe to our free newsletter at: https://fearlessjourneys.substack.com 0:00 Episode Introduction 3:02 Expanding the Elvis Tribute Artist tour 6:14 Renting Venues, Taking Risk and Ownership 7:34 Why Being a Student of Marketing and Advertising Helps 10:25 How to Pitch Talent Buyers to Take On Risk of Show Expenses 11:14 Creating Your Own Opportunity with Four Wall Touring 13:28 Why Entertainers Should Build Business Skills 18:53 National Touring with a Full Band 25:32 Playing Elvis' Piano in RCA Studio B in Nashville 30:57 The Importance of Consistency in Business Marketing 37:25 Learning Through Free Resources 38:45 Training AI as Your Assistant 40:48 Balancing a Separate Full Time Job and Being an Elvis Tribute Artist 44:37 Meeting Priscilla Presley 51:31 What's Next For Matt Stone? 53:40 Learning by Doing 54:30 Detail-oriented in Recreating Authentic Elvis Shows 1:01:50 Recapping Lessons We Can Learn from Matt Stone 1:04:08 Next Step: Scaling Up 1:05:56 A Trip to Memphis with Matt Stone?

    1h 7m
  7. Episode 161: Francois de Neuville, Founder, Man Uncharted; Author, The Illusion of Time

    08/17/2025

    Episode 161: Francois de Neuville, Founder, Man Uncharted; Author, The Illusion of Time

    Francois de Neuville is the founder of Man Uncharted and author of "The Illusion of Time: 11 Lessons How Not to Suck at Life." Francois is a survivor of the 2018 tsunami and 7.5 earthquake in Indonesia. He was an officer and platoon leader in the Belgian military and trained as a commando-paratrooper. Through his adventures around the world, François brings a unique perspective and depth of knowledge to his work as a high-performance coach, speaker, and author. François is dedicated to sharing his insights with others and empowering people to show up in a way they’ve never done before to achieve greatness. With his guidance and support, you too can learn to master yourself, master your time, and create an epic life that is truly fulfilling. Learn more about Francois at: https://www.francoisdeneuville.com You can also watch this episode on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/UjHrx9Z9QqU Follow the Agents of Innovation podcast on: Instagram: / innovationradio Twitter: / agentinnovation Facebook: / agentsofinnovationpodcast You can support this podcast and our Fearless Journeys community on our Patreon account: www.patreon.com/fearlessjourneys You can also join our network -- and our group trips -- through the Fearless Journeys community at: https://www.fearlessjourneys.org 0:00 Introduction to episode 3:24 Surviving the Tsunami: A Life-Changing Experience 10:08 The Universal Truths of Time 11:10 Confronting Mortality: Lessons from Bhutan 15:26 The Perception of Time: Speeding Up or Slowing Down? 19:14 The Nomadic Lifestyle: Embracing Freedom and Minimalism 26:22 Choosing Your Problems: Empowerment Through Travel 30:48 Suffering is a Choice: Perspective on Pain 34:56 Pain vs Suffering: Understanding the Difference 36:19 The Grieving Process: Navigating Loss and Healing 39:46 Embracing Discomfort: The Path to Growth 43:19 Challenging Comfort Zones: Adventures and Risks 48:44 Living Boldly: The Importance of Taking Risks 55:41 Man Uncharted: Building Brotherhood and Resilience

    1h 1m
  8. Episode 160: Douglas Pestana, LegalMente AI

    08/03/2025

    Episode 160: Douglas Pestana, LegalMente AI

    Douglas Pestana has over 13 years of experience in data science, machine learning, natural language processing, and AI. Throughout his career, Douglas has managed data science and analytics in healthcare, startups, and Fortune 500 companies. He has built and deployed various AI models, making him the perfect fit to lead the development of our innovative contract review software. He’s also the founder of Remix Institute, a startup that trains members for careers in AI. You can learn more about Douglas Pestana and his team at LegalMente AI here: https://legalmente.ai/team/ You can also watch this episode on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/J9UdhqRpM_E Follow the Agents of Innovation podcast on: Instagram: / innovationradio Twitter: / agentinnovation Facebook: / agentsofinnovationpodcast You can support this podcast and our Fearless Journeys community on our Patreon account: www.patreon.com/fearlessjourneys You can also join our network -- and our group trips -- through the Fearless Journeys community at: https://www.fearlessjourneys.org 0:00 Episode Intro 2:24 Introduction of Douglas Pestana 4:20 Early life and education in Tampa, Florida 5:25 Excelling in Mathematics and Cultivating Strengths 11:00 First Post-College Job as a Data Analyst in Las Vegas 14:44 Putting the Odds in Your Favor 16:51 Where Innovation Flourishes Most 18:54 Using AI to Be a Problem Solver 20:12 Real Value of Machine Learning: Predicting the Future 22:30 How AI can help entrepreneurs 23:50 AI Machines: Automating Known Factors to Predicting the Unknown 30:55 How to Integrate AI into our daily habits 38:08 What is LegalMente and why was it founded? 42:14 How the average person & lawyers can benefit from LegalMente AI 44:40 Will AI eliminate jobs for lawyers? 51:10 How solo practitioners and small legal firms can use LegalMente AI 53:23 How LegalMente uses technology and the law in its product 53:50 How and why everyone should begin utilizing AI tools in their daily use 55:13 How Fearless Journeys helps entrepreneurs connect and solve problems 55:48 Entrepreneurs are Problem Solvers 58:28 How Alexander McCobin and Ron Paul brought Francisco and Doug together

    1h 23m
See All (167)

4.9
out of 5
41 Ratings

About

The Agents of Innovation podcast features interviews with entrepreneurs, philanthropists, and artists.

Information

  • Creator
    Francisco Gonzalez
  • Years Active
    2015 - 2026
  • Episodes
    167
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved
  • Show Website
    Agents of Innovation

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