Inheriting The Future

David Wahl
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Society & Culture
  • Updated Weekly

What if we sat down with the people who’ve already traveled the road ahead of us? Inheriting the Future is a podcast about the lessons we learn from the people who came before us — their experiences, challenges, successes, failures, and the wisdom they’ve gained along the way. Hosted by David Wahl, each episode explores the stories and perspectives that can help us better understand where we’ve been, navigate what comes next, and shape the world we leave behind. Because the future doesn’t come with a map. But we don’t have to navigate it alone.

Episodes

  1. 1d ago

    Who Leads When AI Thinks? - Episode 11 with Dr. Adrian Wolfberg

    Decision-making is invisible until the moment it matters, and for young leaders stepping into an AI-driven world, that moment is arriving faster than ever. In this episode of Inheriting the Future, we sit down with Dr. Adrian Wolfberg, a former senior intelligence leader whose career has spanned military flight operations, the Defense Intelligence Agency, the White House, and now the frontier of AI and human judgment. Adrian has spent decades studying how people think under pressure, how organizations learn, and how leaders navigate complexity when information is abundant but true understanding is scarce. We talk with Adrian about the environments where uncertainty is the baseline — from carrier‑based intelligence missions to national‑security decision rooms — and how those experiences shaped his lifelong effort to understand human judgment. He shares his perspective on whether AI represents another industrial revolution or something fundamentally different, and why the speed of machine output can create an “illusion of clarity” for emerging leaders. We explore what it means to build contextual awareness in a world that rewards fast answers, how organizational boundaries shape what leaders notice and what they miss, and why the best teams he served with didn’t just collect information — they turned it into action when everything was unclear. Adrian also reflects on his own career pivots, the role of curiosity in navigating different sectors, and the advice he gives young professionals facing more uncertainty than any generation before them. About Adrian: Adrian Wolfberg is a former senior intelligence leader and researcher whose work focuses on decision‑making, reflective practice, and organizational learning. His career spans military intelligence missions, the DIA, the White House, and academic research at Case Western Reserve University. He is the author of Who Leads When AI Thinks?, exploring how leaders can cultivate real understanding in an automated world. Learn more about Adrian: http://www.oicllc.org/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/adrianwolfberg/ https://www.amazon.com/Who-Leads-When-Thinks-Decisions/dp/3032197163

    Who Leads When AI Thinks? - Episode 11 with Dr. Adrian Wolfberg

  2. Aug 27

    Powering the Places Most People Forget - Episode 10 with Shaun Lamp

    Electricity is invisible until the moment it disappears, and for more than 125,000 members across rural Michigan, Shaun Lamp is one of the people responsible for making sure that moment never comes. In Episode 10 of Inheriting the Future, we sit down with the President & CEO of Great Lakes Energy and Truestream, a leader who has spent his entire career inside one cooperative and guided it through some of the most defining events in the regions history, including the catastrophic 2025 Ice Storm. We talk with Shaun about the weight of reliability, the human stories behind every outage, and the responsibility of serving communities spread across ninety-five percent of Michigan's landmass. He shares how growing inside one organization shaped his leadership, how he and his board balance tradition with innovation, and what it takes to advocate for rural issues in rooms where rural voices are often missing. We dive into the behind-the-scenes reality of the 2025 Ice Storm - the coordination, the communication, the resilience - and the lessons emerging leaders should carry forward as extreme weather becomes more common. Shaun also reflects on Youth Tour, cooperative values, long-term strategy, and the advice he gives young professionals deciding whether to stay or move on. About Shaun Lamp: Shaun Lamp is the President and CEO of Great Lakes Energy and Truestream. Over his career, he has worked across the technical, operational, and executive sides of the cooperative, led statewide advocacy efforts, and guided GLE through major events including the 2025 Ice Storm. His leadership is rooted in service, responsibility, and a deep understanding of the communities GLE supports.

    Powering the Places Most People Forget - Episode 10 with Shaun Lamp

  3. Aug 10

    Running Towards Responsibility - Episode 9 with Tony Anderson

    In Episode 9 of Inheriting the Future, we sit down with the former President of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, Tony Anderson. He's a leader who's journey spans five co-ops, 50 marathons, and a charitable fund now supporting families across the country. We talk with Tony about his beginnings in Timber Lake, South Dakota, he cooperative values that shaped his leadership, and the marathon project hat became a defining chapter of his life - seventeen years, fifty races, and over one million dollars raised for kids who needed someone to run beside them. He shares what finishing that journey taught him about identity, purpose, and the moment every leader eventually faces: deciding what comes next. We dive into the creation of the Cooperative Family Fund, the question that sparked it, and the nationwide impact it now has on children of fallen co-op employees. Tony reflects on advocating for rural communities in Lansing and Washington, rebuilding co-ops facing leadership turmoil, and the mindset young professionals need to rise inside the cooperative world. About Tony Anderson: Tony Anderson is the former President of the NRECA and longtime General Manager of Cherryland Electric Cooperative. He founded the Cooperative Family Fund, completed marathons in all 50 states, and has spent his career championing rural communities, cooperative values, and the belief that leadership is ultimately an act of service.

    Running Towards Responsibility - Episode 9 with Tony Anderson

  4. Aug 3

    From Cherry Prince to CEO - Episode 8 with Trevor Tkach

    Some leaders shape a community by arriving with a plan. Others shape it by growing up inside it. In Episode 8 of Inheriting the Future, we sit down with Trevor Tkach - President & CEO of Traverse City Tourism - to talk about what it means to guide a place you've called home your entire life. We explore how growing up in Traverse City influences the decisions he makes today, from balancing visitor demand with local quality of life to protecting the character of a region facing rapid growth. Trevor shares what he learned from a decade behind the scenes at the National Cherry Festival, including five years as Executive Director, and how he navigated the tension between community frustrations and the festival's massive economic impact. We dive into the challenges Northern Michigan is facing that most residents don't see yet - sustainability pressures, workforce housing shortages, and the need to position Traverse City as a year-round destination. Trevor also reflects on the future of tourism marketing, the role of physical advertising in a digital world, and the regional impact of the $120M Gates to the Future expansion at Cherry Capital Airport (TVC). Through it all, Trevor offers a grounded, insider perspective on growth, preservation, and what it takes to keep Northern Michigan a place worth visiting, and worth living in. About Trevor Tkach: Trevor Tkach is the President & CEO of Traverse City Tourism and a lifelong resident of the Traverse City area. He previously served as Director of the National Cherry Festival, President of the Michigan Association of Convention and Visitors Bureaus (MACVB), and has been a statewide and national advocate for Michigan's travel industry. His work centers on sustainable tourism, community stewardship, and ensuring Traverse City remains a vibrant, year-round destination for generations to come.

    From Cherry Prince to CEO - Episode 8 with Trevor Tkach

  5. Jul 20

    The Accountant That Can't Do Math - Episode 7 with James Camiller

    Some people lead from a podium. Others lead from a spreadsheet, a board meeting, a late-night phone call, or a school pickup line. In Episode 7 of Inheriting the Future, we sit down with James Camiller - a CPA, community steward, and one of the quiet forces behind the financial stability and resilience of Otsego County. We talk with James about how a kid from the Detroit area found his way to Gaylord, built a local firm from the ground up, and became a trusted guide for families, nonprofits, and organizations navigating some of the most important financial decisions of their lives. We explore his years on the Otsego Community Foundation Board, where he grew assets from $4 million to over $14 million, and the role he played in helping the community weather a pandemic, a tornado, and an ice storm without losing its sense of mission. We also dive into his work on the Otsego County Road Commission Board, his long service with the Rotary, and the philosophy behind wearing so many hats in a place where every role matters. Through it all, James reflects on choosing a small town over a big city, the meaning behind receiving the Kevin Reynolds Achievement Award in a school pickup line, and what he hopes the next generation inherits from the systems he helped build. About James Camiller: James Camiller is a Certified Public Accountant and founder of James Camiller CPA LLC, with offices in Gaylord and Lewiston. Over more than two decades in Otsego County, he has served on the Otsego Community Foundation Board of Directors, the Otsego County Road Commission Board, the Rotary Club of Gaylord, and the St. Mary Cathedral and School finance council. His leadership helped grow the Otsego Community Foundation's assets from $4 million to over $14 million and guided the community through multiple crises. In 2023, he received the Kevin Reynolds Achievement Award for his quiet, consistent service to the region.

    The Accountant That Can't Do Math - Episode 7 with James Camiller

  6. Jul 6

    Mr. Travel Michigan - Episode 6 with Dave Lorenz

    Back when he was a college student working multiple part-time jobs and still discovering his love for broadcasting, few would've guessed that Dave Lorenz would become the face of Michigan tourism and the architect behind one of the most iconic state tourism campaigns in American history. In Episode 6 of Inheriting the Future, we sit down with the man who spent more than four decades making sure the world knew exactly how special Michigan is, and helping Michiganders believe it too. We talk with Dave about his early years in radio, the leap he took before finishing his degree, and the path that eventually led him to Travel Michigan. We explore the moment the state let go of "Great Lakes, Great Times" and embraced what became Pure Michigan - a brand that didn't just change tourism, but reshaped the way people saw their home. We dive into the decision to bring Tim Allen on as the voice of the campaign, the evolution of tourism messaging from radio spots to influencer-driven storytelling, and the delicate balance between showcasing Michigan's beauty and protecting the character of the communities that make it special. And we reflect on the numbers behind the impact - millions of trips, billions in economic activity - and the one factor Dave believes made Pure Michigan possible in the first place. About Dave Lorenz: Dave Lorenz is the co-creator of the Pure Michigan tourism campaign and spent more than two decades at Travel Michigan, ultimately serving as Vice President before retiring in 2023. In August of 2023, he was named the national State Tourism Director of the Year by the U.S. Travel Association. He currently hosts The Michigan Travel Show on 760 WJR Detroit and serves as Executive Director of the West Michigan Tourist Association. Over his career, Dave has helped transform how the country sees Michigan - and how Michigan sees itself.

    Mr. Travel Michigan - Episode 6 with Dave Lorenz

  7. Jun 29

    Go MAD (Go Make A Difference) - Episode 5 with Rich Moffit

    Long before he became a Dean of Students, a varsity basketball coach, and one of the most respected educators in northern Michigan, Rich Moffit was a kid growing up in Corunna — the son of a legendary football coach, surrounded by the rhythms of locker rooms, classrooms, and communities shaped by sports. In Episode 5 of Inheriting the Future, we sit down with the man who took that upbringing and turned it into nearly four decades of teaching, coaching, and building young people from the inside out. We talk with Rich about the years he spent across Michigan’s educational landscape — from Grayling to Northwood to Gaylord — and what it actually takes to build something lasting inside a school. We explore the culture he’s created at St. Mary’s, where accountability, hard work, and character aren’t slogans but daily expectations, and where nearly every team he coached earned Academic All‑State honors. We also dive into his work at the state level, including directing the BCAM‑MHSAA Reaching Higher Showcase, one of the largest athletic development events in the country. Through those experiences, Rich has shaped athletes, mentored students, guided families, and helped young people understand their potential long before they see it themselves. About Rich Moffit: Rich Moffit is the Dean of Students, social studies teacher, and varsity men’s basketball coach at St. Mary Cathedral School in Gaylord, Michigan. With close to 40 years of teaching and coaching, he has impacted thousands of students across the state. His career includes more than twenty‑three years at Crawford Ausable Schools and Northwood University, multiple Coach of the Year honors, and decades of involvement with the Basketball Coaches Association of Michigan (BCAM). In 2014, he received the BCAM Distinguished Service Award. A lifelong learner and relationship‑driven leader, Rich’s work centers on building character, strengthening communities, and helping young people rise to meet the best version of themselves.

    Go MAD (Go Make A Difference) - Episode 5 with Rich Moffit

  8. Jun 22

    Face Change Like A Champion - Episode 4 with Kurt A. David

    Long before he became an Emmy Award‑winning television host, producer, bestselling author, and international keynote speaker, Kurt A. David was a kid from Gaylord with a dream big enough to carry him far beyond northern Michigan. In Episode 4 of Inheriting the Future, we sit down with the man who chased that dream all the way to professional basketball — and then had it all taken away in a single, devastating moment. We talk with Kurt about the injury that ended his career, the identity crisis that followed, and the long, difficult process of rebuilding a life rooted in purpose rather than performance. We explore how those experiences led him to create From Glory Days, a television series centered on one of the most overlooked chapters in sports: what happens to elite athletes when the lights go out and the cheering stops. We also dive into the framework he developed from those stories — The 5 R.U.L.E.S. — and how he now uses it to help organizations, leaders, and everyday people navigate sudden change with clarity, resilience, and intention. About Kurt A. David:Kurt A. David is an Emmy Award‑winning television producer, author, certified counselor, and international keynote speaker. He is the creator and host of From Glory Days, a series featuring former professional athletes as they navigate life after sports. He is also the co‑founder of PurposePoint, a leadership development organization, and the architect of The 5 R.U.L.E.S., a framework he has delivered to major corporations, teams, and associations across the country. A proud graduate of Gaylord St. Mary Cathedral School, Kurt’s work centers on helping people face unexpected change and “change like a champion.” Learn more about Kurt at: kurtdavid.com.

    Face Change Like A Champion - Episode 4 with Kurt A. David

  9. Jun 15

    #PackMentality - Episode 3 with Andrew Dibble

    A few years ago, Northern Michigan hockey was a patchwork of small franchises, big dreams, and a community that cared deeply about the sport’s future. In Episode 3 of Inheriting the Future, we sit down with the man who stepped into that landscape and decided to build something stronger — team by team, partnership by partnership, and relationship by relationship. We talk with Andrew Dibble about what it takes to run independent hockey organizations in small towns, why he believes local athletes deserve real pathways to the next level, and how a professional affiliate partnership in Gaylord became one of the most meaningful developments in the region’s hockey scene.We also dive into his work off the ice — from veteran outreach to youth camps to league‑wide community engagement — and explore what it means to use sports as a vehicle for belonging, pride, and legacy. About Andrew Dibble: Andrew Dibble is the co‑founder of the Northern Michigan Warhounds and a multi‑team owner in the Michigan Independence Hockey League and American Premier Hockey League. He is credited with guiding franchises through major transitions, establishing a pro‑level affiliate partnership with the Indiana Sentinels (FPHL), and strengthening the role of hockey in Northern Michigan communities. As the APHL’s Director of Marketing & Community Engagement, he has championed initiatives that honor veterans, support youth development, and embed teams more deeply into the towns they represent. His work continues to shape the future of small‑town hockey across the region. Learn more about the Northern Michigan Warhounds at: nomiwarhounds.com

  10. Trailer

    Inheriting the Future Trailer

    Two kids from a small town in Northern Michigan. One staying close to home. One heading to Notre Dame. both convinced that the greatest thing one generation can give the next isn't money or property - it's wisdom. Inheriting the Future is a podcast dedicated to bridging the gap between generations. Follow along as hosts David Wahl and Nate Kirk sit down with the leaders, builders, and mentors who shaped our communities and ask them everything the next generation needs to hear. Because the wisdom of the people who built these places deserves to be passed on, not lost. New episodes starting June 1st. Follow so you don't miss it.

  11. Jun 8

    Empowering Youth Through Supervised Freedom - Episode 2 with Katie Deller

    Two years ago, David Wahl was a quiet kid from Gaylord who almost didn't apply for a trip to Washington D.C. He did. And it changed everything. In Episode 2 of Inheriting the Future, we sit down with the woman behind that experience — Michigan Youth Tour Director Katie Deller — and ask her about the cooperative principles that power rural Michigan, the history of a movement that refused to leave small towns behind, and what it means to invest in young people who don't yet know what they're capable of. About Katie Deller: Katie Deller is the Member Engagement Director at the Michigan Electric Cooperative Association (MECA) where she serves as the Director of the Michigan contingent of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) Washington DC Youth Tour. Each year she selects, prepares, and mentors a cohort of high school students from rural Michigan communities for a transformative week in the nation's capital — connecting them to their government, their history, and their potential. She is credited with revitalizing the Youth Tour in Michigan following the pandemic and has spent her career championing the cooperative principles of Education & Training and Concern for Community. Her work has quietly shaped the lives of dozens of young people across rural Michigan every single year. Learn more about Katie and the NRECA's Youth Tour at: https://www.electric.coop/our-organization/youth-programs/about-the-youth-tour.

  12. Jun 1

    Home Was Always the Answer - Episode 1 with Paul Beachnau

    For over 40 years, Paul Beachnau has been the driving force behind Gaylord's identity as a world class destination. But before any of that — he left. In Episode 1 of Inheriting the Future, we sit down with one of Northern Michigan's most impactful community builders and ask him the questions that matter most. What does it take to build something worth inheriting? And when it came to choosing between home and everything else, how did he know home was always the answer? About Paul Beachnau Paul Beachnau is the Executive Director of the Gaylord Area Convention and Tourism Bureau — a position he has held for over 40 years. A lifelong Northern Michigan resident, Paul was one of the youngest chamber directors in Michigan history and went on to co-found the Gaylord Golf Mecca, helping establish Gaylord as one of the premier golf destinations in the country. He has served as an Otsego County Commissioner, currently chairs the Northwest Regional Airport Authoity overseeing the Gates to the Future terminal expansion at Cherry Capital Airport, and serves as President-Elect of the Rotary Club of Gaylord. In 2024, he was named Der Bergermeister (Honorary Mayor) for Gaylord's Alpenfest and received the Trailblazer Award in 2022 for his lifetime commitment to Northern Michigan tourism. Learn more about Paul and the Gaylord Area Convention and Tourism Bureau at gaylordmichigan.net.

  • 1 Trailer
    11 Episodes

Trailer

About

What if we sat down with the people who’ve already traveled the road ahead of us? Inheriting the Future is a podcast about the lessons we learn from the people who came before us — their experiences, challenges, successes, failures, and the wisdom they’ve gained along the way. Hosted by David Wahl, each episode explores the stories and perspectives that can help us better understand where we’ve been, navigate what comes next, and shape the world we leave behind. Because the future doesn’t come with a map. But we don’t have to navigate it alone.

Information

  • Creator
    David Wahl
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    12
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © David Wahl
  • Show Website
    Inheriting The Future