Ten Thousand Miles

How do legends like Jeff Beck shape your sound? Andy Timmons breaks down the reality of finding perfect guitar tone. Getting the right sound is not just about pedals or amps. Andy Timmons shares how his time touring with Olivia Newton-John and studying the playing style of Jeff Beck fundamentally changed his approach to the instrument. This conversation is a masterclass in musical expression. Whether you are a beginner or a pro, you will learn how to stop chasing gear and start focusing on the emotional weight behind your notes to achieve a truly perfect guitar tone. Chapters: 00:00 Intro Highlights 00:50...

Can neuroperformance technology reach peak human performance? We look at the data behind shifting your brain states. Dr. David Bach discusses how specific neuroperformance technology can shift your brain states to optimize output. This conversation breaks down the experiment that started it all and how these methods apply to your daily routine. If you are looking for new productivity tools to refine your decision-making, this session provides a clear roadmap. We examine proven results suggesting you can achieve sharper focus and faster mental clarity through these protocols. Chapters: 00:00 – Intro: Highlights 01:51 – From Harvard Doctor to Neurotech Founder 06:44 – Can We Measure the Zone? ...

Learn to master your emotions to change the trajectory of your life. The subconscious mind drives 95% of your daily actions. Most people operate on autopilot, unaware that their internal programming dictates their external results. In this conversation, we break down why your subconscious mind is the actual engine behind your habits and how you can begin to audit that programming to shape your reality more intentionally. Understanding these mechanisms is the first step toward true personal growth. When you stop reacting to the world and start managing the beliefs that drive your behavior, you regain control over your outcomes. We...

You might be on the one-yard line and not even know it. Why quit now when you are closer than you think? We often measure our progress by external milestones, but real growth is usually invisible until it hits the tipping point. If you feel like your effort isn't paying off, you might just be dealing with the gap between action and results. This is where most people abandon their goals, failing to see that their persistence is actually compounding beneath the surface. Only 32% of our community is currently subscribed, which means many of you are missing the specific tools...

Luck, success, leadership, career growth, resilience, relationships, preparation, and opportunity. Vic Pepe explains why “lucky” people may not actually have more luck. They build a bigger landing pad for it. In this episode, I pull a lesson from my first book, The Lucky 13: The Definitive Set of Core Competencies for Great Leadership, and dig into something I've thought about for most of my career: What if you could actually increase your chances of getting lucky? I used to call myself “the luckiest guy in technology.” And I've absolutely had breaks I couldn't manufacture. I met the right people. Opportunities appeared at exact...

Vic and JD share personal stories from their own careers, including moments when success suddenly turned into uncertainty. They explore why we attach so much of our identity to our jobs, why losing a role can feel like losing our value, and how to separate a temporary setback from the bigger story of who we are. They also dig into the realities of today’s job market, from AI-driven resume screening and recruiter ghosting to the power of relationships, referrals, and having people willing to make a phone call on your behalf. Most importantly, this is a conversation about confidence. Ho...

Everyone faces embarrassing moments when starting out, but these experiences often shape our future trajectory. This discussion focuses on reframing failure and finding the value in those awkward early career lessons. If you feel stuck comparing your beginning to someone else's middle, this perspective on professional growth will help you reset your expectations. We explore why adopting a progress over perfection attitude is essential for long-term success. By looking at how minor setbacks serve as building blocks, you can approach your daily work with more confidence. Whether you are navigating your first job or pivoting to a new industry, embracing...

Technology leadership requires more than just code. Learn how to balance serious decision-making with genuine joy. Sit down with Jason Tanaka, a fellow technologist and leader, as we break down the realities of managing technical teams. This conversation moves beyond standard management theory to focus on the human side of engineering management, exploring how we maintain authenticity while navigating high-stakes projects. We discuss the specific challenges of career growth in the current landscape. By examining our own experiences—from serious strategy sessions to lighter, joyful exchanges—we highlight how technical mentorship and building strong workplace dynamics can define your trajectory. You...

David Karandish, founder and CEO of Capacity, returns to Ten Thousand Miles to unpack how his company rocketed from $5M to over $100M in annual recurring revenue in just three and a half years. David breaks down the three (soon to be four) big bets that built Capacity: automating customer support with AI, raising capital outside the traditional VC path, and running a "compound startup" playbook — a strategy borrowed from Rippling's Parker Conrad — to build, partner, and acquire (19 acquisitions in 39 months) their way into an all-in-one customer experience platform. Vic and David dig into how founder-to-founder relationships and a reputation for...

CEO Interview - What does it really take to grow a company from $6 million to more than $100 million in revenue? Leadership... In this episode of Ten Thousand Miles, Vic Pepe sits down with Josh Gould - CEO of The Big Word, investor, and entrepreneur who has spent decades building and scaling businesses through recessions, wars, AI disruption, and private equity ownership. Josh shares the unfiltered realities of entrepreneurship: why failure is the norm, how resilience beats brilliance, and why the companies that survive aren't always the prettiest—they're the ones built like cockroaches. The conversation dives into scaling, private equity, AI...

See how a former Gladiators star handles public criticism. Learn how she pivots from being mocked to turning that attention into profit.In this candid Gladiators interview, we sit down to discuss the reality of life after the show. Many public figures face ridicule online, but this conversation explores a different approach: embracing the attention rather than fighting it. If you have ever wondered how to shift your mindset when people are laughing at you, this discussion offers a practical perspective on taking control of your own narrative.We cover the challenges of public perception and the specific moment of...

Josh Holyfield discusses the realities of building a legacy and the discipline required to sustain it. Get a raw look at his personal story and the specific mindset shifts needed for long-term growth. This session explores the journey behind the Josh Holyfield brand, moving past standard interview surface-level questions. We examine the foundational experiences that prepared him for his current trajectory and analyze the practical steps he takes to maintain daily consistency. This is for listeners who want to understand the rigorous work ethic that drives high-level performance. By examining his personal philosophy, you will gain a clearer picture of...

This episode features a candid conversation between the host and Alexa Palermo. If you are a fan of the show or interested in the journey behind this specific podcast, this episode provides direct insight into the themes being explored. Throughout the interview, Alexa Palermo shares her experiences while the host guides the dialogue to ensure a comprehensive overview. Whether you are catching up on previous episodes or just finding the 10000 Miles podcast for the first time, this session highlights key moments that define the current season. This is a must-watch for those who appreciate a focused podcast interview that gets...

Learn entrepreneur mentorship strategies from Dave Gutman. Discover practical business advice and founder lessons for your next venture. This episode sits down with Dave Gutman, a seasoned founder, speaker, and startup investor. We discuss his approach to building businesses and the core principles that guide his professional journey. Whether you are scaling a company or just starting out, his insights on entrepreneurship tips provide a clear roadmap for navigating common industry challenges. Throughout our conversation, Dave breaks down the realities of being a founder in today's market. He shares honest perspectives on mentorship and investment that helped shape his career...

What does it take to close a $2.9 million loan with a doctor you've never met — in a state you're not even licensed in yet — all because of a letterboard and a LinkedIn post? Denise Panza has done it. Repeatedly. Denise is a 30-year mortgage veteran, licensed in 20 states, and one of the most authentic personal brand builders in the financial services industry. In this return appearance on Ten Thousand Miles, Denise and host Vic Pepe pull back the curtain on how she went from Facebook mom to LinkedIn powerhouse — and how her social media presence has fundamentally transformed her loan produc...

We're back with another episode of Ten Thousand Miles, and today I'm incredibly lucky to sit down with Anna Stallmann, founder of Ascent Strategic Communications. Whether you're a CEO trying to build influence, a founder considering a rebrand, or a professional wondering if you should start a podcast — this episode is for you. CHAPTERS 00:00 Welcome and Introduction to Anna Stallmann 05:00 From the U.S. Senate to the Department of Defense 16:00 Launching Ascent Strategic Communications 19:00 The First 90 Days of Entrepreneurship 26:00 Strategy Over Noise 33:00 Should You Start a Podcast? 40:00 The Rebrand 44:00 People First Leadership 51:00 Personal Brand vs. Company Brand 58:00 Rapid Fire KEY TA...

What does it actually look like when a CIO walks into a 20-year-old technology organization and turns it AI-first in under 12 months — without shutting anything down? In Part 3 of the Sage Tech series on Ten Thousand Miles, Vic Pepe sits down with Corey Kirspel, a transformational CIO in the healthcare technology space. This is not theory. This is a boots-on-the-ground account of one of the most compelling enterprise modernization stories in the AI era. Corey walked into a private equity portfolio company three years into a five-year hold — facing a 12-million-line legacy code base, a $2M cost reduction mandate, tribal know...

Join us as we sit down with Bruce Henderson, CTO of Sage-Tech.ai, to get an in-depth look at their platform and the #technology driving it. This conversation provides valuable insights into the technical operations and #leadership involved in their enterprise #aistrategy. Stay updated with the latest AI news and gain a deeper understanding of how AI is explained in practical applications. Bruce built his career maintaining, upgrading, and retiring the massive legacy systems that sit at the heart of the global economy. In this conversation, he pulls back the curtain on how Sage Tech actually works — from the queryable co...

In this insightful podcast discussion, we dive deep into artificial intelligence technologies, exploring how ai works and its significant impact. Vic and Depak offer a comprehensive AI explanation for beginners, highlighting the future of AI. This episode provides valuable perspectives on the evolving landscape of technology. What happens when enterprises try to modernize decades of legacy code — and fail? In Part 1 of this conversation, Vic Pepe sits down with Deepak Sharma, a veteran transformation advisor who has guided some of the world's largest financial institutions and insurance organizations through their most complex technology challenges. Together they explore why legacy modernization al...

In this insightful clip, the speaker discusses his book "The RFP is Dead" and explains what truly led to the demise of the traditional request for proposal process. He sheds light on the new landscape of business proposal and procurement, emphasizing what has replaced the old methods. This discussion offers a valuable perspective for anyone interested in business education and the evolution of contract management. Procurement is broken. The Request for Proposal — a process that dates back to the 1800s — is costing buyers and sellers millions of dollars in wasted time, bloated documents, and theater. In this episode, Vic Pepe brea...

Ever felt that rush? I remember that first time, the pure dopamine hit of climbing, a powerful form of motivation that felt like a true addiction. This experience wasn't about drugs, but about the sheer happiness found in pushing limits. It's a great life lesson in self improvement. Everyone wants to climb the ladder. But do you know why you're climbing and what it's going to cost you? In this raw, honest solo episode, Vic breaks down one of the most important questions in leadership, business, and life: What is the ladder of success, and is it worth the climb...

Join us as we dive into the creative process of a musician who believes every performance is unique. He shares his approach to live music, emphasizing following intuition rather than a rigid song list. Discover how this artist crafts his music live, making each night a fresh experience. Guitar legend  ⁨@EricGalesBand⁩  - Gales joins Vic on Ten Thousand Miles for a conversation 35+ years in the making. From picking up his first #guitar at four in a music-filled #memphis household, to signing his first record deal at 16, to his recent Oscars performance and induction into the Blues Hall of Fame — Eric shares t...

In this insightful podcast, we explore the cutting-edge world of artificial intelligence with an expert in symbolic reasoning. Learn about the future of AI as we discuss various aspects of machine learning, neural networks, and the logic behind advanced systems. This conversation touches on innovation in AI, offering a glimpse into how these technologies are shaping our world. Vic Pepe sits down with #entrepreneur and innovator Dain Ehring for a powerful conversation about the future of #artificialintelligence financial services, compliance, risk, and the massive shift from the Information Age to the Intelligence Age. Dain shares his work with QGI, Quantum...

Please Comment, Like, Share, and Subscribe! From Bootstrapped to Brand: How Andrew Redvanly Built a Luxury Athletic Wear Empire from Scratch | Ten Thousand Miles Podcast What does it take to build a premium athletic apparel brand with zero fashion industry experience, no investors, and a launch line that only came in white because you ran out of fabric budget? Everything. Andrew Redvanly, founder of Redvanly, sits down with Vic Pepe on the Ten Thousand Miles Podcast to share the unfiltered story of how he turned a passion for sports and an obsession with quality into one of the most talked-about...

From Undrafted to the NFL: Evan Brown's Road to the Houston Texans | Ten Thousand Miles Podcast What does it really take to make it to the NFL when everyone tells you you're too small? Houston Texans offensive lineman Evan Brown sits down with Vic Pepe to tell the unfiltered story of his journey — from go-kart racing as a kid to winning a state championship at Southlake Carroll, playing college football at SMU, going undrafted, and clawing his way through six NFL franchises to earn a starting role. In this episode: * Growing up in Southlake, TX and playing alongside future NFL pl...

Is Everything You Know About Food WRONG? | Dr. Ken Berry on Carnivore, Proper Human Diet & Metabolic Health** What if your doctor has been giving you the wrong nutrition advice your entire life? In this eye-opening episode of *10,000 Miles*, host Vic Pepe sits down with Dr. Ken Berry — board-certified family physician, bestselling author of *Lies My Doctor Told Me*, and one of YouTube's most trusted voices in metabolic health — to break down why the foods we've been told are healthy may be slowly destroying us. Dr. Berry shares his personal journey from weighing nearly 300 lbs and being pre-diabetic in his mid-30s, t...

Eric Gales, Eric Gales interview, Vic Pepe, Ten Thousand Miles Podcast, guitar virtuoso, blues rock guitar, guitar legend, guitar prodigy, best guitar players in the world Eric Here: www.ericgales.com In this powerful in-person interview, Vic Pepe sits down with #legendary guitar virtuoso @EricGalesBand one of the world's greatest blues-rock #guitarists, for a raw and unforgettable conversation about music resilience, adversity, and success. Often compared to Jimi #Hendrix at a young age, @EricGalesBand Gales shares the truth behind the hype, the pressure, and the journey of becoming his own artist. From being a child prodigy to navigating personal struggles...

In this solo episode of Ten Thousand Miles, Vic Pepe takes on one of the most critical and often overlooked forces inside any organization: leadership. Not the polished version you read about in books, but the real impact leadership has when it goes wrong. Vic breaks down how bad leadership quietly erodes companies from the inside out. From lack of clarity and indecision to poor #communication and tolerating mediocrity, he explains why companies rarely fail because of competition and almost always fail because of internal factors. Drawing from decades of experience leading large teams and organizations, Vic shares real stories...

https://h-c.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/derrick-chevalier-6323272/ In this episode of Ten Thousand Miles, Vic Pepe sits down with Derek Chevalier, founder of Harrison Chevalier and creator of the CNSUF negotiation framework, for a fascinating conversation about one of the most important and underrated leadership skills in business and life: negotiation. This is not just a conversation about closing deals. It is about human behavior, psychology, leverage, communication, and the hidden dynamics that shape every interaction. Derek shares how he got started in the world of negotiation, his years working inside the Chester Karrass system, and why he...

In this episode of 10,000 Miles, host Vic Pepe sits down with Ike Belk and David Koerner, the co-chairs of the 2027 Military World Games Local Organizing Committee, for a behind-the-scenes look at one of the biggest global sporting events most Americans have never heard of. Born of the post–World War II idea that nations can compete in sport rather than conflict, the Military World Games are powered by CISM (International Military Sports Council) and its mission of friendship through sport. Now, for the first time in history, the United States will host the Military World Games in 2027, with Charlotte, North Ca...

Ever wonder how your body signals inflammation? This video explains the role of a specific "protein complex" called the inflammasome, which initiates the "inflammatory response" leading to issues like "joint pain". Understanding these "inflammation triggers" is key to managing conditions such as "rheumatoid arthritis" and maintaining a healthy "immune system". We discuss how the body's protein complex, the inflammasome, can act as an inflammatory trigger, leading to various issues. This process is key in understanding conditions like joint pain. Learn more about the body's immune system and its inflammatory response. https://www.linkedin.com/in/annelise-e-barron-a152547/ Please Comment, Like, Share...

Vic Pepe sits down with Coach Riley Dodge to talk about the leadership lessons that football teaches long after the final whistle. Riley shares what it was like growing up in a Texas football family, handling pressure as the coach’s kid and starting quarterback at Southlake Carroll, and learning mental toughness through adversity, injuries, and identity shifts. The conversation expands into leadership styles, self-regulation under pressure, building culture for every player on the roster, and why the “arena” of competition is one of the best training grounds for life. Riley closes by discussing his move to SMU and what he is...

https://www.linkedin.com/in/smithmattd/ For this special episode, Vic Pepe sits down with Major General (Two-Star) (Ret.) Matt Smith whose journey spans more than three decades of military service and a remarkable transition into higher education and veteran advocacy. Matt shares his story from a Long Island upbringing rooted in community service to leading soldiers in complex global environments. He opens up about pivotal life decisions, the impact of 9/11, returning to active duty, and ultimately finding his next mission helping veterans succeed in business and beyond. Today, Matt serves as Executive Director of Veteran Initiatives at Emory University’s...

https://www.linkedin.com/in/briahnforster/ In this episode, I sit down with Bri Forster, Channel Director at Avant Communications, and one of those rare professionals who immediately stand out through execution, urgency, and care for the people she works with. Bri shares her journey from earning a psychology degree at Rider University and originally planning a career in healthcare, to pivoting into medical sales, then technology through SHI, and ultimately finding her home at Avant, starting in March of 2020, right as the world shut down. We unpack: • Where Bri’s strong sense of urgency comes from and how competitive chee...

https://www.instagram.com/joelhoekstra13 https://www.youtube.com/@joelhoekstra13 http://www.joelhoekstra.com/ In this episode, Vic Pepe interviews renowned guitarist Joel Hoekstra to explore his journey from classical music to rock stardom. Joel shares his early influences, the pivotal moments that shaped his career, and the challenges he faced along the way. He discusses his experiences in various bands, his time at GIT, and the transition to Broadway, highlighting the importance of preparation and musicianship in achieving success in the music industry. In this engaging conversation, Joel Hoekstra shares his remarkable journey through the music industry, detailing his...

https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcjorgensen/ In this episode, Vic Pepe and Marc Jorgensen delve into the journey of self-learning and personal growth, reflecting on their 24-year professional relationship. They discuss how their early experiences in technology shaped their careers, emphasizing the importance of adaptability and the willingness to embrace new challenges. Marc shares his mantra, 'How hard can it be?', inspired by a British TV personality, which encapsulates his approach to tackling unfamiliar tasks. The conversation highlights the significance of metacognition—understanding one's own learning processes—and how it can lead to greater independence and confidence in problem-solving. They...

https://a.co/d/hkAKbck https://a.co/d/e3E9Gir In this episode, Vic Pepe shares his personal journey of navigating change and how it has shaped his life and career. He reflects on his early aspirations of becoming a musician, the challenges he faced in college, and his eventual transition into the music industry. Through storytelling, he illustrates how he embraced change, learned from experience, and leveraged his passion for music to build a successful career in technology. Vic emphasizes the importance of adaptability and the mindset required to thrive in a rapidly changing world, especially amid...

In this solo episode, Vic changes up the format and answers a question he gets all the time: why did you start a podcast? Recording from Aruba, Vic pulls back the curtain on the real story behind launching the show. He shares how a conversation with Adam Curry, known as the Podfather and one of the original pioneers of podcasting, planted the seed. From there, Vic walks through how the podcast came to life, the early gear choices, the learning curve, and why consistency and what he calls stickability matter more than perfection. Vic dives into the realities of podcasting...

https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthony-palmucci-b0a8a3103/ https://twrmindset.com/ Do you pass the Sunday Test? In Part Two of this conversation, Vic Pepe sits down with Coach T to explore one of the most overlooked, but most revealing indicators of career alignment and personal wellbeing. Inspired by a scene from A Bronx Tale and the famous “door test,” Vic introduces a powerful modern version for professionals. The Sunday Test. It is simple, but brutal: How do you feel on Sunday morning? Do you wake up calm and ready for the week? Or do you wake up with anxiety, drea...

https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthony-palmucci-b0a8a3103/ https://twrmindset.com/ In this conversation, Vic Pepe and Coach T. delve into the concept of executive presence, exploring its definition, importance, and the various components that contribute to it. They discuss the significance of communication, self-regulation, and storytelling in enhancing one's executive presence. The dialogue also touches on the debate surrounding the validity of executive presence and the role of emotional intelligence in leadership. Practical tips for improvement and the impact of personal stories on gravitas are highlighted, culminating in a reflection on the journey of self-awareness and growth in professional...