Unassociated

unassociatedpodcast
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Management
  • Updated Monthly

A podcast for people who care about leadership, purpose, and the future of civic and nonprofit life. It’s about unexpected voices and uncommon wisdom conversations with leaders, builders, thinkers and doers who aren’t afraid to talk about failure, learning and what it takes to actually leave the world better than we found it.

Episodes

  1. Aug 13

    Behind the Mic: Broadcasting, Mentorship and the Journey to the Majors with Cory Provus

    In this episode of UnAssociated, host Avi Olitzky welcomes Cory Provus, the television voice of the Minnesota Twins, to share the journey that took him from a sports-obsessed childhood in Chicagoland to the broadcast booth. Provus reflects on the broadcasters and mentors who shaped his career, his early days at Virginia Tech, and the opportunities that eventually led him to the Cubs, Brewers, and Twins. He also discusses the preparation and responsibility that come with telling a team’s story through both memorable seasons and major transitions, including the Twins’ 2025 trade-deadline overhaul. Along the way, Provus shares lessons on mentorship, relationships, and staying grounded as a career evolves.   UnAssociated is produced by Association Briefings.

  2. Jul 7

    Vision, Resilience, and the Reinvention of Oklahoma City

    In this episode, former Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett reflects on his journey from sports broadcaster to public servant and the leadership experiences that helped shape one of America's most remarkable urban revitalization stories. He discusses the origins and lasting impact of the MAPS initiative, the city's transformation following the Oklahoma City bombing, and the role of long-term vision, civic engagement, and public-private collaboration in driving community success. Cornett also shares lessons from his time in office, his perspective on Oklahoma City's continued growth, and why investing in people and place remains essential to building thriving communities. UnAssociated is produced by Association Briefings.

  3. Jun 8

    The Recipe for Success: The Sweet Martha's Story

    In this episode of UnAssociated, host Avi Olitzky welcomes longtime friend and Minnesota icon Martha Rossini, founder of Sweet Martha’s Cookie Jar. Martha shares the remarkable story of how a simple frozen yogurt topping sparked one of the most beloved food traditions at the Minnesota State Fair. From her early days running a frozen yogurt shop in downtown Minneapolis to setting sales records with her very first cookie stand at the fair in 1979, Martha reflects on the decisions, risks, and happy accidents that shaped her business. She discusses the importance of serving cookies fresh from the oven, scaling operations from a small booth with three employees to a workforce of hundreds, and the leadership lessons she's learned along the way. Martha also opens up about early setbacks, the unique sense of community among State Fair vendors, and her commitment to giving back through charitable partnerships. The conversation explores how Sweet Martha’s has expanded beyond the fairgrounds through retail cookie dough products while staying true to the experience that made the brand famous. It's a candid and inspiring look at entrepreneurship, perseverance, and the power of creating something people love.   UnAssociated is produced by Association Briefings.

  4. Apr 21

    Showing Up Every Day: Humility, Consistency, and the Reality of Hospitality

    In this episode of UnAssociated, host Avi Olitzky sits down with Adam Ritter, chef and co-owner of Bûcheron in South Minneapolis, for a candid conversation about leadership, purpose, and the realities of the hospitality industry. Ritter reflects on his path into the kitchen and the lessons that shaped his approach to leadership—particularly the importance of humility, consistency, and learning from early missteps. He challenges the industry’s growing focus on hype and storytelling, emphasizing instead the value of showing up every day to deliver quality and care. The conversation also explores partnership, as Ritter shares how he and his wife divide responsibilities and support one another through the highs and lows of restaurant life. Beyond the kitchen, he speaks to the role of community, highlighting how local chefs came together in response to tragedy and why purpose-driven work can feel more meaningful than the daily grind. Throughout the episode, Ritter offers a grounded perspective on growth and resilience—encouraging others to trust their instincts, stay patient, and keep moving forward. UnAssociated is produced by Association Briefings.

  5. Mar 26

    Courage, Community, and Conviction in Times of Crisis

    In this episode of UnAssociated, host Avi Olitzky speaks with Medaera “Rondo” Arradondo, former Minneapolis Police Chief, about leadership in moments of crisis and the responsibility that comes with it. Drawing on more than three decades in law enforcement, Rondo reflects on guiding his community through the COVID-19 pandemic and the aftermath of George Floyd’s killing—two defining challenges that tested both leadership and personal conviction. At the center of the conversation is a clear theme: leadership requires presence, listening, and the courage to stand firm in your values. Rondo shares how he intentionally entered uncomfortable spaces, engaged with opposing perspectives, and chose dialogue over division, even in the most charged environments. He also highlights the resilience of community members and small business owners who came together to rebuild, underscoring the power of collective action. Beyond crisis leadership, Rondo reflects on service more broadly—comparing nonprofits to “MASH units on the front lines” and emphasizing the importance of volunteering as a force for good. He closes with a forward-looking perspective rooted in hope, reminding listeners that leadership is always on display—and the next generation is watching. UnAssociated is produced by Association Briefings.

  6. Feb 26

    Relationships, Resilience, and the Power of Showing Up

    In this episode of UnAssociated, host Avi Olitzky sits down with Lea Olsen, Minnesota Lynx TV analyst, entrepreneur, and executive speaker, for a powerful conversation about identity, resilience, and the role of relationships in building a meaningful career. Lea reflects on growing up in a racially blended family and discovering basketball later than most, playing just one year in high school before earning a spot at the University of Minnesota and finding her confidence on a Big Ten team. She traces her path into sports media through internships and front-office roles with the Minnesota Timberwolves before becoming a respected broadcaster for the Timberwolves and Lynx. The conversation explores access and relationship-building, imposter syndrome, mentorship, and the lessons sports teaches about failing forward. Lea also shares her experiences mentoring young professionals, witnessing community solidarity in Minnesota during times of crisis, and what she has learned about nonprofits and associations, including the importance of storytelling, fundraising, and consistent networking.   UnAssociated is produced by Association Briefings.

  7. Jan 22

    Managing Stardom: Leadership Lessons from the Global Music Industry

    In the inaugural episode of UnAssociated, host Avi Olitzky sits down with Allison Kaye, a leading music and entertainment executive whose career spans entertainment law, global music management, and leadership roles at SB Projects and HYBE America. Allison traces her path from law school to the forefront of the global music industry, where she has helped manage world-class artists including Justin Bieber, Ariana Grande, and BTS. The conversation explores the role of trust, community, and strategic leadership in high-stakes creative environments, as well as the personal and professional lessons Allison learned while navigating moments of profound crisis, including the aftermath of the Manchester terrorist attack. She also shares insights on bridging American and Korean music markets and reflects on the often-overlooked but essential role associations and nonprofits play in supporting artists, audiences, and the broader industry.   UnAssociated is produced by Association Briefings.

  8. Trailer

    Unassociated Trailer

    Unassociated is a new podcast about leadership, purpose, and the future of civic and nonprofit life. Host Avi Olitzky talks with unexpected voices from across industries—real conversations about failure, growth, and what it takes to lead with clarity and conviction. Because leadership isn’t just about what you're associated with—it’s about what you stand for. Check out the trailer for Season One of Unassociated.   Unassociated is produced by Association Briefings.

Trailer

About

A podcast for people who care about leadership, purpose, and the future of civic and nonprofit life. It’s about unexpected voices and uncommon wisdom conversations with leaders, builders, thinkers and doers who aren’t afraid to talk about failure, learning and what it takes to actually leave the world better than we found it.

Information

  • Creator
    unassociatedpodcast
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    8
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Unassociated