The Dealer Playbook is the top-rated podcast for automotive professionals who want to dominate the retail industry. Hosted by Michael Cirillo, this show delivers expert interviews, proven strategies, and actionable insights to help you sell more cars, lead stronger teams, and grow thriving dealerships. Whether you work in sales, service, F&I, marketing, or management, you’ll gain the tools and confidence to excel in a rapidly evolving market. Join thousands of listeners every week who trust ...
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Michael Cirillo Podcasts
The best operators, amazing stories from inside and outside of auto, and new perspectives. Join hosts Kyle Mountsier, Michael Cirillo, Paul J. Daly plus special guests as we just hit the record button for some quick and very candid conversations with some of the most amazing guests at ASOTU CON. All of it is live. All of it is unfiltered, and all of it is for you. These are the ASOTU CON Sessions by SpaceAuto // ASOTU CON Sessions is produced by Automotive State of the Union (ASOTU). Learn m ...
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Just two guys from Montreal talking to interesting people with stories depicting their path to success. These stories, with individuals from different walks of life, are meant to show how lessons learned can be applied to anyone with high hopes and the will to work. Hosted by Frankie Cirillo and Michael Gagliano.
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The Calling All Brides podcast is designed for brides desiring real answers to their wedding planning questions. Hosts Joe Cirillo and Michael Joye have a combined 50 years of experience in the wedding industry. Joe has owned a wedding rental business, owns a wedding DJ & videography company and produces the largest bridal show in his home market of Columbia, SC. While Michael has entertained crowds as a DJ at over 2,000+ weddings in the Southeast. In this podcast, Joe and Michael provide re ...
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CWTR is a weekly, hour long, intenet-based talk radio show hosted by Gerry Prokopowicz of East Carolina University. Each week, Gerry interviews leading historians, authors, enthusiasts, etc. on all things Civil War related.
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Shiny Object Syndrome Leads To Failure To Launch with Daniel Govaer
14:11
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14:11In this thought-provoking ASOTU CON 2025 session, David Spisak of Disruptive Growth Solutions sits down with Daniel Govaer to tackle one of the most pervasive operational issues in automotive retail: shiny object syndrome. With over two decades of experience in retail automotive, Daniel breaks down how impulsively chasing new tech leads to stalled …
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What My Kids Taught Me About Car Shopping UX with Art Bratton
10:57
10:57
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10:57In this playful yet insightful session from ASOTU CON 2025, Arthur Bratton of Holiday Automotive joins Brad Gelber to explore what his young children unknowingly taught him about website user experience (UX) in automotive retail. Drawing inspiration from how his three, five, and seven-year-olds interact with technology, Arthur emphasizes that intui…
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Ep. 665 - Why Fixed Ops Isn’t Back-End—It’s the Backbone, with Nicole Dolphin
21:57
21:57
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21:57In this episode, my guest is Nicole Dolphin, Retail Development Manager at Groupe Touchette, and we’re digging into the part of the dealership that doesn’t always get its fair share of attention—Fixed Ops. Nicole shares how the service department isn’t just about oil changes and tires. It’s a relationship hub. It’s where trust is built (or lost). I…
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Why One-Size-Fits-All OEM Strategies Are Failing Dealers with Elizabeth Shults
10:24
10:24
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10:24In this ASOTU CON 2025 session, Elizabeth Shults of RML Automotive joins Brad Gelber on the podcast stage to unpack one of the most contentious issues facing dealership marketers today: one-size-fits-all mandates from OEMs. Elizabeth shares firsthand how top-down directives—like Stellantis’ recent GMB access requirements—create operational chaos at…
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Investing in the Future of Auto Retail with Steve Greenfield, Bill Cariss, Chase Fraser and Brian Donnelly
33:16
33:16
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33:16In this high-powered ASOTU CON 2025 session, Steve Greenfield moderates a conversation with three top-tier venture capital voices shaping the future of automotive retail: Bill Cariss of Holman Growth Ventures, Chase Fraser of FM Capital, and Brian Donnelly of Autotech Ventures. With decades of operational, investment, and mobility experience betwee…
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What Dealers Can Learn from Direct-To-Consumer EV Brands with Michael Wood
10:26
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10:26In this ASOTU CON 2025 conversation, Michael Wood of Checkered Flag joins Elena Ciccotelli to explore the current state and future of Jaguar, the complexities of EV retail, and the importance of improving the customer experience in the dealership model. Michael passionately defends Jaguar's return to its roots, pushing boundaries in design and tech…
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How To Price Used EVs in a Fluctuating Market with Alex Lawrence
11:54
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11:54In this lively ASOTU CON 2025 session, Alex Lawrence of EV Auto returns to the podcast stage with host Elena Ciccotelli to discuss the evolution of his brand, the EV landscape, and how content creation, customer trust, and service infrastructure all play critical roles in EV adoption. Known for his engaging documentary-style social media presence, …
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How to Never Have A Technician or Service Advisor Shortage with Richard Lupo
11:00
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11:00In this inspiring ASOTU CON 2025 session, Austin Conroy sits down with Richard Lupo of Apple Tree Honda to discuss a revolutionary approach to solving one of the industry's biggest challenges: technician and service advisor shortages. Richard shares how his dealership has implemented a forward-thinking talent development program, transforming their…
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Right Size Your Shop To Stay Ahead of Tariffs with Joe Castelino
10:31
10:31
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10:31In this dynamic ASOTU CON 2025 session, Austin Conroy sits down with Joe Castelino of American Motors Group to unpack a bold and strategic approach to rethinking service operations in response to changing market forces—including tariffs, EV adoption, and used car surges. Joe outlines how his team is right-sizing their fixed ops strategy by looking …
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Rethinking Customer Convenience In The Ownership Journey with Ed Roberts
12:17
12:17
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12:17In this ASOTU CON 2025 session, Ed Roberts of Bozard Ford Lincoln joins host Austin Conroy on stage to discuss one of the most overlooked aspects of automotive retail: customer convenience during the ownership journey. Ed challenges the industry’s traditional approach to fixed ops, pointing out the stark contrast between the high-touch sales proces…
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Ep. 664 - How to Create a High-Performance Dealership Culture, with Jill Schulman
34:51
34:51
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34:51In this episode, my guest is Jill Schulman, USMC veteran, leadership coach, and author of The Bravery Effect. We dig into the surprising role that bravery plays in building high-performing cultures—not just in the military, but in dealerships, teams, and even our personal lives. Jill shares the science behind why playing it safe actually leads to b…
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2132-Michael Hardy-Feeding Lees Army of Northern Virginia
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1:00:00Michael Hardy, author of "Feeding Lees Army of Northern Virginia"By Impediments of War
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In this Session, Kyle Mountsier sits down with automotive industry icon David Kain to unpack his evolving role at NCM Associates and the powerful impact of Vendor 20 Groups. With decades of experience advocating for dealer success, David shares why it's more important than ever to foster genuine partnerships between vendors and dealerships. His ins…
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The View From Spain with Michael Lucki of Riverhead Mazda and Pedro Sala and Ricardo Conesa of Top Auto Group
8:21
8:21
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8:21In this engaging ASOTU CON 2025 session, hosts Kyle Mountsier and Paul J Daly sit down with Michael Lucki of Riverhead Mazda and two distinguished international guests: Ricardo Conesa and Pedro Sala from Spain’s Top Auto Group. They dive into the current state of the Spanish auto market, spotlighting the rise of Chinese automakers, rapid tech adopt…
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The View From The Next Generation with Arianne Walker of Amazon Autos and Chase Southwick and Hanna Wood of Northwood University
10:52
10:52
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10:52In this forward-looking ASOTU CON 2025 session, Kyle Mountsier sits down with Arianne Walker from Amazon Autos and two standout students from Northwood University, Chase Southwick and Hanna Wood, to explore the evolving automotive landscape through the lens of the next generation. From fresh insights into customer experience to the rising role of d…
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Solving the Inventory Puzzle with Tech and Data with Derek Hansen and Patrick Janes of vAuto
9:28
9:28
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9:28In this ASOTU CON 2025 session, Nick Askew dives into the intricate world of inventory optimization with Derek Hansen and Patrick Janes of Cox Automotive. As industry veterans and leaders at one of automotive's most data-rich organizations, they explore how AI-powered insights and digital tools are helping dealer groups solve one of their most pers…
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Leveraging AI to Increase Sales Conversions with Danielle Mills Walden of Upstart and Evan Driscoll of Audi Jacksonville
12:06
12:06
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12:06In this ASOTU CON 2025 episode, Nick Askew sits down with Danielle Mills Walden from Upstart and Evan Driscoll of Audi Jacksonville to explore how AI-powered financing is transforming dealership operations and expanding customer access. With real-world insights from both the provider and the practitioner, the conversation covers everything from ins…
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How AI Overviews Are Changing The Customer Journey with Chad Graves
10:36
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10:36In this ASOTU CON session, Chad Graves of Reunion Marketing joins Nick Askew to explore how AI-generated overviews—like those featured prominently in Google and other search platforms—are fundamentally transforming the customer journey in automotive retail. With search behavior changing rapidly due to the rise of tools like ChatGPT and Google’s Gem…
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Ep. 663 - The Laws That Top Performers in Retail Auto Obey, with Alan Dickie
23:36
23:36
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23:36In this episode, my guest is Alan Dickie, President - www.AlanDickie.com and a returning DPB alum. Alan’s one of those guys who doesn’t just talk about success—he breaks it down to the bone. In this conversation, we explore what he calls the “laws” that make success predictable in life and business. We talk about why most salespeople stay stuck sel…
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2131-Kathryn J. Shively and Peter C. Luebke-The Second Manassas Campaign
1:00:00
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1:00:00Editor Kathryn J. Shively and essay contributor Peter C. Luebke discuss "The Second Manassas Campaign," edited by Kathryn J. Shively and Caroline E. Janney.By Impediments of War
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Turning Health Costs Into Culture Wins with Keith Lemer
9:54
9:54
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9:54In this Session from ASOTU CON 2025, Zac Kinch sits down with Keith Lemer, CEO of WellNet, to explore how reframing healthcare costs can directly enhance company culture. Keith shares real-world examples of transforming healthcare from a dreaded budget line item into a powerful recruitment and retention tool—turning dollars into deeper employee eng…
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The Impact of Goal Setting with Greg Uland
10:43
10:43
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10:43In this ASOTU CON Session recorded live at ASOTU CON 2025, Zac Kinch sits down with Greg Uland, VP of Marketing at Reynolds and Reynolds, to unpack the real-world impact of goal setting inside dealership operations and corporate teams. Greg brings clarity to how effective goal setting aligns every team member—from senior leadership to frontline sta…
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Ep. 662 - AI, Accountability, and the $30 Leak in Your Marketing, with Matt VanDyke
23:35
23:35
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23:35In this episode of The Dealer Playbook, I sit down with Matt VanDyke, President of Shift Digital, to unpack some of the most pressing—and overlooked—topics in automotive marketing right now. From mobile-first lead strategies to AI-powered insights, Matt brings a rare, high-altitude perspective that cuts through the fluff and actually makes sense of…
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2130-Matthew Locke-Holding Charleston by the Bridle: Castle Pinckney and the Civil War
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1:00:00Matthew Locke (co-author with Cliff Roberts), of "Holding Charleston by the Bridle: Castle Pinckney and the Civil War"By Impediments of War
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Ep. 661 - What Agentic AI Means for the Future of Automotive Retail, with Barry Hillier
31:21
31:21
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31:21In this episode, my guest is Barry Hillier, co-founder of Auto Agentic A.I. and someone I’ve known and respected for years. Barry’s got a deep background in SaaS and marketing, and he’s one of those rare people who can make complex tech make sense—and more importantly, make it useful. We talk about what AI actually means for dealerships, business o…
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2129-James Robbins Jewell and Eugene S. Van Sickle-Waging War for Freedom with the 54th Massachusetts: The Civil War Memoir of John W. M. Appleton
1:00:00
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1:00:00James Robbins Jewell and Eugene S. Van Sickle, editors of "Waging War for Freedom with the 54th Massachusetts: The Civil War Memoir of John W. M. Appleton"By Impediments of War
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Ep. 660 - How To Turn Friction Points Into Profit Centers, with Jacqui Barker
24:47
24:47
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24:47In this episode, my guest is Jacqui Barker, Global OEM Strategy Director at Keyloop, joining me from the floor of the Toronto International Auto Show. We get into the real stuff—the behind-the-scenes friction points in today’s car buying journey and what needs to change now if dealerships want to stay relevant in a world of evolving tech and rising…
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Ep. 659 - Expanding Your Dealership’s Revenue Stream, with Shahin Alizadeh
30:07
30:07
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30:07In this episode, my guest is Shahin Alizadeh, President and CEO of Downtown Auto Group – a powerhouse in the automotive and real estate industries. Shahin has redefined what a dealership can be, transforming a small, struggling lot to then developing a leading edge Auto Complex But this isn’t just another dealership success story. Shahin dives deep…
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Ep. 658 - Lessons in Influence from One of Canada's Most Respected Leaders, with Agnes Di Leonardi
22:21
22:21
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22:21My guest in this episode is Agnes Di Leonardi — an automotive executive, a lawyer, and one of the few recipients of the prestigious Order of Canada for her contributions to the industry. With over 30 years of experience across companies like Ford, Mazda, and Sym Tech Dealer Services, Agnes brings a wealth of knowledge about leadership, inclusion, a…
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2128-Michael deGruccio-The Strange and Tragic Wounds of George Coles America
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1:00:00Michael deGruccio, author of "The Strange and Tragic Wounds of George Coles America"By Impediments of War
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Ep. 657 - Human First, AI Fast: The New Sales Formula, with Kyle Mountsier
21:23
21:23
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21:23In this episode I’m hanging out in person with my good friend Kyle Mountsier—COO at ASOTU (Automotive State of the Union), we talk about everything from AI implementation in dealerships to the real reason human connection is the most valuable currency in retail auto. We’re recording this one in person from New York City, floor-sitting style (yep, y…
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2127-Carol E. Harrison and Thomas J. Brown-Zouave Theaters: Transnational Military Fashion and Performance
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1:00:00Carol E. Harrison and Thomas J. Brown, authors of "Zouave Theaters: Transnational Military Fashion and Performance"By Impediments of War
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Ep. 656 - Avoid This Mistake, Unlock Customer Loyalty, with Christine Mitchell
22:00
22:00
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22:00In this episode, my guest is Christine Mitchell—aka The Car Lady— founder of The Car Lady Canada, and we talk about what it really takes to build dealership loyalty, elevate women in automotive, and create a culture that actually sticks. Christine’s been in the car business since she was 16—and what started as a gig in the lube lane turned into a n…
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2126-Lesley Gordon-Dread Danger: Cowardice and Combat in the American Civil War
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1:00:00Lesley Gordon, author of "Dread Danger: Cowardice and Combat in the American Civil War"By Impediments of War
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Ep. 655 - How to create a Culture that delivers the Brand Promise, with Edwin Frizzell
20:06
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20:06In this episode, my guest is Edwin Frizzell, Regional Vice President and General Manager at the legendary Fairmont Royal York, and we’re talking about what it really takes to create unforgettable guest experiences, build strong internal culture, and lead with purpose in fast-paced, high-expectation environments. Edwin shared a real-world example of…
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2125-Stuart W. Sanders-Anatomy of a Duel: Secession, Civil War, and the Evolution of Kentucky Violence
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1:00:00Stuart W. Sanders, author of "Anatomy of a Duel: Secession, Civil War, and the Evolution of Kentucky Violence"By Impediments of War
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Ep. 654 - What the Top 1% of Dealers Are Doing Differently on Social Media, With Miranda Pyette
27:50
27:50
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27:50In this episode, my guest is Miranda Pyette, founder of Purpose Automotive and one of the sharpest minds in the game when it comes to dealership social strategy. She’s been in the trenches. From hustling newspaper ads to helping dealers make the massive leap from print to digital. Now, she’s leading a powerhouse team of women helping dealerships ac…
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2124-Michael Vorenberg-Lincolns Peace: The Struggle to End the American Civil War
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1:00:00Michael Vorenberg, author of "Lincolns Peace: The Struggle to End the American Civil War"By Impediments of War
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Ep. 653 - The Hidden Influence of Retail Spaces on Customer Behavior, with Omar Gandhi
20:09
20:09
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20:09In this episode, my guest is Omar Gandhi, founder of Omar Gandhi Architects (OG) and the architectural genius behind Audi Haus. Omar’s firm, Omar Gandhi Architects, has built a reputation for creating spaces that do more than just exist—they make people feel something. And as it turns out, when people feel something, they’re more likely to engage, …
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2123-Frank J. Cirillo-The Abolitionist Civil War: Immediatists and the Struggle to Transform the Union
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1:00:00Frank J. Cirillo, author of "The Abolitionist Civil War: Immediatists and the Struggle to Transform the Union"By Impediments of War
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Ep. 652 - The #1 Mindset Shift That Will Transform Your Dealership’s Success, with Nick Askew
29:33
29:33
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29:33In this episode, my guest is Nick Askew, CEO of Space Auto— a guy who went from composing music to selling cars to building game-changing tech for dealerships. Yeah, you read that right. His journey proves that creativity, sales, and innovation are more connected than we think—and that fresh thinking might be exactly what the auto biz needs right n…
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2122-Yael Sternhell-War on Record: The Archive and the Afterlife of the Civil War
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1:00:00Yael Sternhell, author of "War on Record: The Archive and the Afterlife of the Civil War"By Impediments of War
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Ep. 651 - From Bank Robber to Car Sales Master, with Luke Lunkenheimer
33:35
33:35
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33:35In this episode, my guest is Luke Lunkenheimer, the President of Paid to Persuade, and let’s just say… his road to success wasn’t exactly a straight line. Before becoming a persuasion expert and sitting at the table with guys like Tai Lopez and Brad Lea, Luke took a few, uh… detours but we’ll get to that. But here’s the crazy part—his past is exact…
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Ep. 650 - Remembering Jim “Alpha Dawg” Ziegler
39:34
39:34
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39:34In this special episode, I pay tribute to my friend and industry icon, Jim "The Alpha Dawg" Ziegler. If you’ve been in the car business for more than five minutes, you probably know his name—or at the very least, you’ve heard his unmistakable voice calling it like it is. Jim was one of a kind, and his impact on the industry, and on me personally, i…
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2121-Derrick S. Brown-Bentonville Battlefield State Historic Site
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1:00:00Derrick S. Brown, operations manager at Bentonville Battlefield State Historic SiteBy Impediments of War
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Top 10 Wedding Questions Brides Are Asking in 2025
18:23
18:23
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18:23Send us a text Planning a wedding in 2025? You're not alone! In this episode of the Calling All Brides Podcast, host and wedding expert Joe Cirillo, breaks down the top 10 wedding questions brides are asking this year. From budget-friendly tips to the latest dress trends, destination wedding insights, and modern wedding etiquette, we're covering ev…
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Ep. 649 - The Ultimate Customer Magnet for Dealerships, with John Dwyer
24:58
24:58
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24:58In this episode, my guest is John Dwyer—a marketing enigma known for crafting “way-outside-the-box” customer attraction strategies. John is the brains behind campaigns that have turned entire industries on their heads. He’s the guy who got Jerry Seinfeld out of retirement for an ad campaign (seriously, who does that?!), and he’s been helping busine…
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2120-Patrick Lewis-Playing at War: Identity and Memory in Civil War Video Games
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1:00:00Patrick Lewis, co-editor of "Playing at War: Identity and Memory in Civil War Video Games"By Impediments of War
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Ep. 648 - How New York’s Largest Auto Group Dominates Social Media, with Brad Gelber
27:24
27:24
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27:24In this episode, my guest is Bradley Gelber—the digital media and content marketing mastermind at West Herr Auto Group, the largest privately-owned dealer group in New York. Now, let me ask you something… Does your dealership’s online presence actually stand out? Or are you just another brand blending into the endless scroll of sameness? Here’s the…
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2119-David Welker-African American Intelligence Contributions during the American Civil War
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1:00:00David Welker, author of "African American Intelligence Contributions during the American Civil War." An article appearing in the International Journal of Intelligence and CounterIntelligence.By Impediments of War
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