Stories Worth Hearing

Billy McFarland is in the middle of a remarkable comeback—and he is building momentum with every new venture. Host John Quick sits down with Billy to discuss producing three international island events, rebuilding his reputation through action and transforming hard-earned lessons into an ambitious new chapter. Billy shares how he brought artists into Donald Trump’s 2024 campaign, why he plans to relaunch Magnises in New York City and what he hopes to create near the tenth anniversary of the original Fyre Festival. He also discusses his upcoming documentaries, the power of connecting people from completely different worlds and why the most successful individuals keep moving forward when quitting would be easier. The conversation also explores entrepreneurship, AI, generating business through social media and why taking action creates opportunities that planning alone never will. Subscribe to Stories Worth Hearing for more inspiring conversations with host John Quick.

What does it take to go from sleeping on the streets to building billion-dollar businesses and earning a knighthood for changing lives? On this episode of Stories Worth Hearing , host Jonathan Quick sits down with Sir Marco Robinson to explore one of the most extraordinary entrepreneurial journeys you'll ever hear. Growing up homeless, Marco refused to let his circumstances define his future. By his twenties, he had been recruited to lead a struggling public company, helping transform it into a $1 billion enterprise in just three years. From there, he built multiple multi-million-dollar companies, became an eight-time #1 bestselling author , created and starred in the hit Channel 4 television series Get a House for Free , invested in and helped produce the Netflix hit Legacy of Lies , and built a real estate portfolio of more than 100 investment properties . But Marco believes his greatest achievement isn't measured in dollars. His humanitarian work helping change the law in Malaysia so guide dogs could accompany blind citizens into public places earned him the honorary title of Dato' Seri , the equivalent of a knighthood, impacting more than 350,000 people. In this conversation, we discuss entrepreneurship, resilience, leadership, overcoming adversity, building companies, investing, television, philanthropy, and why your past never has to determine your future. If you're an entrepreneur, business owner, investor, or someone looking for inspiration to overcome life's biggest challenges, this is an episode you won't want to miss. Learn more about Sir Marco Robinson: https://marcorobinson.com Hosted by Jonathan Quick , Stories Worth Hearing shares powerful conversations with entrepreneurs, innovators, and remarkable people whose journeys prove that ordinary beginnings can lead to extraordinary lives.

What does it take to leave everything behind, start over in a new country, and build a nationally recognized brand? On this episode of Stories Worth Hearing , host Jonathan Quick sits down with Zuly Matallana , Founder and CEO of TIARA Bliss , to share the remarkable journey that began in Colombia, continued through Canada, and ultimately led to building a thriving business in the United States. Zuly opens up about the challenges of starting over, overcoming adversity, and why she refused to give up on her dream of creating products that help families make healthier choices. She shares how she invented and patented the TIARA Shower Cap before expanding into an award-winning natural deodorant brand focused on innovation, sustainability, and wellness. Along the way, TIARA has been featured on Good Morning America , The View , Dragon's Den Canada , and the hit Paramount+ series Landman , helping introduce millions of people to a company built on resilience, purpose, and perseverance. This is a conversation about entrepreneurship, starting over, overcoming obstacles, building a consumer products company, product innovation, natural deodorants, and the mindset required to turn life's biggest challenges into your greatest opportunities. Learn more about TIARA Bliss: https://shopmytiara.com Hosted by Jonathan Quick , Stories Worth Hearing features inspiring conversations with entrepreneurs, innovators, and remarkable people whose stories remind us that extraordinary lives are often built one courageous decision at a time.

What if generosity could become contagious? Millions of people have watched Bob Schober hand cash to complete strangers, pay rent for families facing eviction, surprise hardworking people with life-changing gifts, and inspire others to perform their own random acts of kindness. But behind every viral video is a man whose own life was transformed by redemption, faith, and second chances. In this inspiring conversation, Jonathan Quick sits down with Bob to explore the journey that took him from addiction, homelessness, and living out of a Volkswagen to building and selling a roofing company for more than $50 million. Instead of chasing more success, Bob discovered a greater purpose: using his resources to restore hope, encourage generosity, and prove that one act of kindness can change the course of someone's life. Together, they discuss the power of giving without expecting anything in return, why authentic kindness resonates with millions, how faith continues to guide Bob's mission, and why generosity has the power to create an unstoppable ripple effect that reaches far beyond the person receiving the gift. This episode is a reminder that changing the world doesn't always require grand gestures. Sometimes it simply starts with seeing another person, extending a helping hand, and choosing kindness when no one expects it. Check him out here: https://linktr.ee/9FigureRoofer

On this episode of Stories Worth Hearing, host John Quick sits down with Jayde Laws, founder of Mailzy, one of the fastest growing names in the email marketing world. Jayde has helped generate more than $500 million in revenue for brands and has worked with companies like Magic Mind, helping businesses scale through smarter email marketing, customer retention, and high converting campaigns. In this conversation, Jayde shares how she got started, the wins and failures that shaped her journey, why email marketing is still one of the most powerful tools in business today, and how artificial intelligence is changing the marketing landscape. She also gives practical tips and insights for entrepreneurs, business owners, creators, and marketers looking to grow their audience, increase sales, and build stronger customer relationships. If you are building a business online, this is an episode you do not want to miss. Check her out here: https://www.mailzy.com/

Welcome back to Stories Worth Hearing with host John Quick. In this episode, John sits down with Jonathan Roberts from the Elliott Group for a raw and honest conversation about life, business, faith, family, and what success really looks like behind the scenes. Jonathan shares his journey from struggling in school and serving nearly eight years in the Army, to chasing money through sales and eventually realizing that real fulfillment comes from purpose, discipline, relationships, and personal growth. He also gives listeners a rare look inside the culture surrounding Andy Elliott and the Elliott Group team. In This Conversation Jonathan and John discuss: • Why discipline matters more than motivation • The dangers of chasing money without purpose • Building stronger relationships with family and faith • The future of artificial intelligence in sales • Why human connection still matters in business • The mindset required to grow as an entrepreneur A Conversation About Legacy One of the most powerful moments in the episode comes when Jonathan talks about the legacy he hopes to leave behind for his daughters and the importance of becoming someone worth following, both in business and in life. If you are an entrepreneur, salesperson, business owner, or someone searching for more purpose and direction, this is a conversation worth hearing. Follow Jonathan Roberts Instagram: @elitejonathanroberts Learn More About The Elliott Group elliott247.com

On this episode of Stories Worth Hearing , host John Quick sits down with entrepreneur and investor Rob Fitzpatrick, joined by his son, for a conversation about how business begins, how brands are built, and why family remains at the center of everything they do. Rob shares how he first got started in business, the lessons he learned along the way, and what first drew him into building a tequila company in an increasingly competitive industry. He also explains how his television projects came together, what it is like having parts of his life and business on screen, and the advice he now gives to other entrepreneurs looking to build something meaningful. His son also joins the conversation and offers a personal perspective on why he believes his father has been successful, what he has learned by watching him lead, and why he wants to help carry the family business forward. This episode highlights entrepreneurship, legacy, and the kind of family values that continue to shape both business and life. How to Build a Billion Dollar Brand: The Naked Diablo Story https://fawesome.tv/movies/10704604/how-to-build-a-billion-dollar-brand-the-naked-diablo-story Tequila Empire https://tubitv.com/series/300018584/tequila-empire Naked Diablo Tequila https://nakeddiablo.com/ If you want, next I can also give you a stronger title with more click power for YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts 🚀

On this episode of Stories Worth Hearing, host John Quick sits down with Jason Cooper, whose powerful life story is now reaching audiences through the documentary Adversity: The Jason Cooper Story. After a devastating car accident left him paralyzed, Jason was told he might never walk again. What followed became a remarkable journey of faith, determination, discipline, and refusing to accept that his story was over. His recovery and mindset are now at the center of a documentary created to inspire others facing adversity of any kind. In this conversation, Jason shares what life looked like before the accident, the emotional reality of hearing doctors tell him he may never regain movement, and how he mentally fought through some of the hardest days of his life. He talks about the discipline required to keep pushing forward, the role faith played in his recovery, and why he refused to let limitation define his future. Today, Jason has turned that experience into purpose, becoming a fitness trainer, encouraging others, and using his story to remind people that setbacks do not have to be the end. He also shares why bringing Adversity to film matters so much to him, what he hopes audiences take away from it, and how his story continues to open doors to encourage people everywhere. Learn more about the documentary Adversity: The Jason Cooper Story: https://globalfilmzstudios.com/adversity-the-jason-cooper-story-documentary/ Stories Worth Hearing is hosted by John Quick and features powerful conversations with individuals whose life journeys offer insight, inspiration, and lessons worth hearing.

On this episode of Stories Worth Hearing , host John Quick sits down with Billy McFarland , the entrepreneur widely known for the story behind the Fyre Festival , for an open conversation about ambition, accountability, and redemption. Billy shares how his entrepreneurial journey began long before the headlines. As a middle school student, he bought a server and started a small website domain hosting company, discovering early on that he loved building things, solving problems, and creating opportunities online. That early curiosity for technology and business set the foundation for a life driven by entrepreneurship. In this conversation, Billy also reflects on the most difficult chapter of his life, serving time in prison. He shares what that experience taught him about humility, responsibility, and the importance of learning from mistakes. Rather than allowing that moment to define his future, Billy talks about the idea of redemption and the determination to rebuild both personally and professionally. Billy also offers advice for entrepreneurs who are just starting out, sharing lessons about taking risks, staying resilient when things go wrong, and maintaining the drive to keep building. He discusses what motivates him today, what keeps him pushing forward, and how his perspective on success and leadership has changed. Today, Billy is focused on building new ventures and working toward the next chapter of his entrepreneurial journey. Learn more about Billy’s current ventures: https://1wyre.com/ https://bzmholdings.com/ Stories Worth Hearing is hosted by John Quick and features powerful conversations with individuals whose life journeys offer insight, inspiration, and lessons worth hearing.

In this episode of Stories Worth Hearing , host John Quick sits down with Derek Webb , one of the most influential figures in modern Christian music and a founding member of Caedmon’s Call . Webb helped define an era of Christian music, with career sales approaching one million records , ten GMA Dove Award nominations , three Dove Award wins , and six number one Christian radio hits . His impact on the genre is undeniable and lasting. Check out his music here: https://www.derekwebb.com/ Yet today, Derek Webb is not chasing fame, radio charts, or sold out venues. In this conversation, he reflects on his early rise, the pressures that come with commercial success, and the deliberate decision to step away from the spotlight in order to pursue a more honest and independent creative life. Webb shares why being authentic and true to himself matters more now than recognition or numbers, while also expressing deep gratitude for the success and opportunities that shaped his career. The episode explores how Derek has learned to hold both truths at once, honoring what came before while refusing to be defined by it. He talks candidly about freedom, integrity, faith, and what it means to keep creating when the goal is no longer applause but alignment. This is a thoughtful, grounded conversation with an artist who has already “made it” and chose something deeper instead. Subscribe to Stories Worth Hearing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pandora, YouTube, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Brian Recker shares his personal journey of faith, theology, and transformation. Raised as a pastor’s kid, Brian grew up immersed in evangelical Christianity, attended Bob Jones University, and later became an evangelical pastor himself. In this conversation with host John Quick, Brian reflects on the theological questions that began to trouble him over time and ultimately led him to step away from institutional church life. He talks about what it was like to wrestle publicly with long held beliefs, the pressure of certainty in faith communities, and how his understanding of God and Jesus has evolved through that process. The discussion centers on Brian’s book Hell Bent: How the Fear of Hell Holds Christians Back from a Spirituality of Love . Brian explains why he now believes fear of hell has distorted Christianity’s message and why he sees Jesus as pointing people toward love, compassion, and human flourishing rather than fear and punishment. Brian shares how these convictions shape the way he approaches faith, spirituality, and life today. This episode offers insight into Brian’s evolving theology and will resonate with anyone curious about faith, deconstruction, or a more love centered understanding of Jesus. Brian Recker’s book https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/771172/hell-bent-by-brian-recker/ Brian Recker’s website https://www.brianrecker.com/ Brian Recker on social media Substack: https://brianrecker.substack.com

In this episode of Stories Worth Hearing , host John Quick welcomes Surangel Whipps Jr., President of the Republic of Palau , for a wide ranging conversation about leadership, innovation, and national identity. President Whipps reflects on what makes Palau a truly unique country, from its deep cultural roots and natural beauty to its close knit communities and global outlook. The conversation explores how President Whipps’ background in business has shaped his approach to governing, with a focus on creating opportunity, strengthening the economy, and thinking creatively about Palau’s future. He shares the vision behind Palau’s Digital Residency Program and how digital innovation can connect the country to entrepreneurs and ideas around the world, while still honoring Palau’s values of trust, responsibility, and stewardship. They also discuss Palau’s recent economic momentum, the importance of sustainable growth, and the responsibility that comes with protecting one of the world’s most remarkable marine environments. President Whipps speaks about Palau’s role on the global stage, including why it is important for small island nations to have a strong voice in international conversations, especially around climate and long-term resilience. This is a hopeful, thoughtful episode about leadership with purpose and how a small nation can lead by example in a rapidly changing world. Learn more about Palau and explore the country discussed in this episode: • Official Government of Palau https://www.palaugov.pw/ • Tourism in Palau https://pristineparadisepalau.com/

In this episode of Stories Worth Hearing , host John Quick sits down with Danny Murphy, a journalist, host, and pop culture commentator who has built a career by mixing humor, honesty, and hard work. Danny shares how he got started in media, the risks he took along the way, and what he learned from navigating the fast paced world of entertainment and pop culture journalism. The conversation dives into Danny’s work with Page Six , including his shows on SiriusXM’s Page Six Radio and Virtual Reali Tea , where he brings personality and perspective to celebrity and reality television coverage. Danny also talks about launching the Reality Television Awards this year, why he felt it was important to celebrate the people behind reality TV, and what it takes to turn an idea into something real. This episode is both entertaining and motivating, offering insight into creativity, confidence, and building a career by leaning into who you are. Check out his shoes here: https://pagesix.com/author/danny-murphy/

In this episode of Stories Worth Hearing , host John Quick sits down with Dr. Morgan for an honest conversation about relationships, self awareness, and why so many people find themselves stuck in the same emotional patterns. Dr. Morgan shares what led her into coaching and relationship work, and how her own experiences shaped the way she helps others today. The conversation explores why chemistry is often mistaken for compatibility, how unhealthy relationship cycles form, and what it really takes to break free from the emotional rollercoaster many people experience in love. Dr. Morgan also talks about the core ideas behind her book, Love Magnet , and why attracting the right relationship starts with understanding yourself first. This episode is a thoughtful and practical discussion for anyone who feels discouraged, stuck, or simply wants healthier and more fulfilling relationships moving forward. Check out her book here: https://amzn.to/44ZyNos Check out her website here: https://drmorgancoaching.com/

In this episode of Stories Worth Hearing , host John Quick sits down with Dr. Mary Talley Bowden for an open and personal conversation about her journey into medicine and the experiences that shaped her views as a physician. Dr. Bowden reflects on when she first decided to pursue a medical career and how years of working directly with patients influenced her approach to care. The conversation explores what she witnessed during the COVID years that raised serious concerns for her as a doctor, and how those experiences led her to speak more openly about patient choice, informed consent, and trust in the healthcare system. Dr. Bowden also discusses why she founded Americans for Health Freedom, what the organization stands for, and why empowering patients to ask questions and take an active role in their health matters now more than ever. She also shares why she decided to write her book, Dangerous Misinformation: The Virus, the Treatments, and the Lies , and what she hopes readers take away from it. The episode includes reflections on her recent appearance on The Joe Rogan Experience and what it was like stepping onto one of the largest media platforms in the world. This is a thoughtful, human focused conversation about medicine, responsibility, and the real stories behind the headlines. Learn more and explore Dr. Bowden’s work: Americans for Health Freedom : https://www.americansforhealthfreedom.org/ BreatheMD : https://breathemd.org/ Dangerous Misinformation: The Virus, the Treatments, and the Lies : https://amzn.to/48GbiTQ

In this episode of Stories Worth Hearing , host John Quick sits down with singer songwriter Lexie for an engaging conversation about music, creativity, and storytelling. Lexie shares how she first got into music and the moment it became something she wanted to pursue seriously. She talks about the artists who have influenced her sound and how those influences shape the way she approaches songwriting. Lexie also discusses her creative process and how she pulls from real life experiences, relationships, and emotions to write songs that feel honest and relatable. She reflects on the role vulnerability plays in her music and why staying connected to personal stories matters in her work. The episode also highlights Lexie’s new Christmas album, Merry Lexmas , and what inspired her to create a holiday project alongside her original music. Listeners can check out, buy, or download the album here: https://lnk.to/MerryLexmas

Host John Quick sits down with Governor Mike Dunleavy for a powerful and wide-ranging conversation on Stories Worth Hearing . In this episode, Governor Dunleavy opens up about his genuine friendship with President Donald Trump, why Trump has such a deep love for Alaska, and how their relationship continues to deliver meaningful benefits for Alaskans. John and the Governor also dig into the legacy of Charlie Kirk, the impact he has had on young people across the country, and why Governor Dunleavy issued an official proclamation declaring Charlie Kirk Day in Alaska. The conversation goes even deeper as they discuss what keeps the Governor grounded, a question he says no one has ever asked him before. His answer reveals a humble and thoughtful side of his leadership. They also cover the future of the Alaska LNG project , including how Governor Dunleavy’s private-sector-driven approach differs from previous administrations that pushed for a state-led model. The Governor explains why he believes private leadership gives Alaska the best chance to finally bring this massive project to life. Governor Dunleavy is a humble and kind leader, and this episode highlights exactly why so many Alaskans respect him. You won’t want to miss it.

Welcome to "Stories Worth Hearing," where your host, John Quick, explores the intersection of technology and social impact. In this episode, we take a deep dive into the world of artificial intelligence with Laura McGorman from Meta. Laura, who leads the AI for Good team, introduces us to Meta's innovative AI tools, Llama and Segment Anything. These tools are revolutionizing disaster preparedness by automating emergency response processes and enhancing the accuracy of flood predictions. Through engaging discussions, Laura explains how these technologies are being deployed globally, in partnership with research institutions and local governments, to build more resilient communities and save lives. Join us as we unravel the complexities of AI in disaster management, making this technical subject accessible to all listeners. Laura shares real-world examples of how AI is transforming emergency response efforts, from providing timely alerts to improving communication during crises. Whether you're a tech enthusiast or new to the field, this episode offers valuable insights into the future of disaster management and the pivotal role of AI in creating safer, more prepared communities. Tune in to discover how Meta's AI innovations are making a tangible difference in the world. Check them out here: https://www.llama.com/ and here: https://ai.meta.com/sam3/

In this powerful episode of Stories Worth Hearing, host John Quick sits down with Governor Eric Greitens for one of his most candid and compelling conversations yet. Governor Greitens discusses the current state of the country, the direction of President Trump’s second term, and the real changes happening across America. He breaks down what strong leadership looks like, how morale shifts inside the military, and why foreign policy and veteran services are seeing major improvements. Governor Greitens also reflects on the proudest moments from his time as governor and what true public service demands from all of us. The conversation becomes deeply personal as Governor Greitens recounts his battle through a politically motivated takedown that would have crushed most people. He shares how faith, fatherhood, and perspective helped him stay grounded through years of attacks and false accusations and how he transformed pain into purpose. He also gives a preview of his upcoming book, the Ultimate Rebellion Handbook, and explains why reclaiming personal strength matters more than ever. Listeners can learn more at his official site and explore his books on Amazon. Website: https://ericgreitens.com Books: https://amzn.to/43B0kMi Check out the website: https://www.newsmax.com/johnquick/eric-greitens-resilient-leader-missouri/2024/01/24/id/1150829/

In this special episode of Stories Worth Hearing , host John Quick —who also writes his own national column for Newsmax —sits down with Christopher Ruddy , the founder and CEO behind one of America’s most impactful media success stories. Founded in 1998, Newsmax began as a small digital publication with a bold mission: to bring trustworthy, engaging journalism to the American people. Today, it has grown into a mainstream media powerhouse , reaching over 60 million homes across the United States and broadcasting in more than 100 countries worldwide . Under Christopher Ruddy’s visionary leadership, Newsmax has become one of the nation’s top networks, known for its dynamic programming, fair reporting, and deep connection with everyday Americans. As both a proud Newsmax contributor and a longtime media professional, John Quick dives deep into what makes this organization great — its relentless commitment to truth, innovation, and service to its audience. Together, John and Christopher explore the story behind Newsmax’s rise, the principles that have guided its success, and the future of journalism in a rapidly changing world. From humble beginnings to a global platform, Christopher shares lessons on leadership, perseverance, and staying grounded in purpose. This conversation is a behind-the-scenes look at how Newsmax became a trusted voice for millions and continues to shape the national conversation every day. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a leader, or simply someone who believes in vision-driven work, this is more than an interview — it’s a story worth hearing. Check Newsmax out here: https://www.newsmax.com/