The Pursuit Of...

Ryan Buck & Mark L. Wilson

"The Pursuit Of..." is a podcast about what matters. It is a purely guest-centric show focusing on people and organizations that advance positive change. Positivity can be anywhere; and in a time of vast discord, "The Pursuit Of…" is finding those who champion its causes loudest. Hosted by Ryan Buck, Artist Development, New Leonard Media and co-hosted by Mark L. Wilson, Owner, New Leonard Media, we look to give a profound voice to those who are in the pursuit of… making things better, any way possible. read less
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Episodes

The Pursuit Of... True North Legal Group
Jun 14 2024
The Pursuit Of... True North Legal Group
The Pursuit Of.... a podcast brought by New Leonard Media - Our guest today is Josh Traeger, founding attorney of True North Legal Group. Josh, also noted as a crisis strategist and resilience coach, shares insights about his practice and personal background. When asked about his new community-centered legal practice, Josh emphasizes his commitment to helping people in the community, describing himself as not just an attorney, but also a military veteran, father, husband, and outdoorsman.Ryan Buck delves into Josh's experience and the types of questions he receives at social gatherings, highlighting community curiosity about his legal practice and background. Josh explains that his firm focuses on providing immediate legal help for acute issues, such as criminal defense and veteran support, and addressing broader community needs through a holistic approach.Josh discusses the challenges and rewards of starting a new business in a new community, noting the stress of balancing family and professional responsibilities. He mentions his wife’s Michigan roots and how their move to Traverse City was influenced by family connections and a desire to create a supportive environment for their children.Josh reflects on his career, including his time as an Air Force officer and prosecutor, emphasizing the importance of autonomy and a commitment to duty and honor. He also acknowledges the demanding nature of criminal defense work, contrasting it with his passion for helping people overcome legal barriers to achieve their goals.The conversation touches on Josh’s educational background, including his BA in political science and Spanish from Wake Forest University and his law degree from Loyola University. Josh highlights his formative experiences in Loyola's trial advocacy program, which fueled his passion for trial law and advocacy.Overall, the interview showcases Josh Traeger's dedication to community-focused legal practice, his personal values, and the experiences that shaped his career.
The Pursuit Of Impact100 Global - Wendy H Steele
May 29 2024
The Pursuit Of Impact100 Global - Wendy H Steele
This interview with Wendy H. Steele delves into her journey as the founder of Impact100 Global, an organization designed to pool the resources of at least 100 women to fund high-impact grants for local nonprofits. Steele shares the inspiring story of how Impact100 began, starting with a successful initial launch that secured 123 members, exceeding their goal and enabling them to fund a significant grant for a medical and dental clinic. Her vision was to expand Impact100 to 500 members, allowing for more substantial funding across multiple focus areas. This collective approach to philanthropy quickly demonstrated its effectiveness, showcasing the power of women coming together to make a difference.Steele also discusses her motivation for writing a book about her experiences with Impact100. Encouraged by repeated requests and inspired by examples from other philanthropic endeavors, she set out to create a memoir and practical guide for starting Impact100 chapters. Her book details her personal story, the inception of Impact100, and success stories from various chapters worldwide. Throughout the interview, Steele emphasizes the importance of transparency, flexibility, and celebrating contributions in philanthropy. She reflects on her background in banking and the influence of her family in cultivating her passion for giving back, advocating for a focus on positive impacts and the fulfillment that comes from helping others.The Pursuit Of... is a podcast produced by New Leonard Media
The Pursuit Of The Little Fleet and Farm Club
Apr 22 2024
The Pursuit Of The Little Fleet and Farm Club
Gary Jonas, co-owner of The Little Fleet and Farm Club joins Ryan and Mark for this episode. Gary discusses being in the hospitality business. He describes the fun and rewarding aspects of hosting events and providing a space for people to gather.Gary talks about the stress of balancing work with family life, mentioning the importance of having a great staff to support him. He reflects on his unconventional path into the restaurant business, starting without much prior knowledge and the support of his wife and business partner, Allison.The conversation shifts to the origins of The Little Fleet and Farm Club, highlighting the community support they received in New York City and Traverse City. Gary shares the journey of sourcing locally and adopting a farm-to-table approach. He also discusses the uniqueness of Traverse City as a destination and the success of ventures if done well.Reflecting on his background in economics, Gary emphasizes the importance of following gut instincts in business decisions. He shares stories of opening restaurants and bars, including Sycamore, a whiskey bar, and the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship.The discussion concludes with insights into Traverse City's supportive community and its role as an incubator for new ventures. Gary expresses gratitude for living in such a beautiful place and reflects on the success of their ventures, attributing it to hard work and community curiosity.THE PURSUIT OF... is a podcast brought by NEWLEONARD.com
The Pursuit Of Disability Network Northern Michigan
Jun 11 2023
The Pursuit Of Disability Network Northern Michigan
Our guests today are Demarie Jones, an independent living specialist, and Alanna Lahey, the Associate Director of Disability Network Northern Michigan. We had a discussion about their titles to ensure accuracy. Demarie identifies herself as an advocate for people with disabilities when asked what she does. Alanna affirms this and adds that Demarie also holds the title of social worker, among others. They often receive questions about Disability Network, its purpose, and its role in the community. People sometimes mistakenly assume that they determine disability status and provide financial assistance. The organization focuses on generating awareness and addressing the unique challenges faced by individuals with disabilities. Both Demarie and Alanna have been with Disability Network Northern Michigan for several years and actively engage in advocacy efforts, including meetings with representatives and senators to bring attention to disability-related issues. They emphasize the importance of personal stories and experiences in making a meaningful impact during these discussions. They also highlight the successful three-year process of changing the accessible parking signage in Michigan to include an active person in a wheelchair, reflecting a more inclusive and accurate representation. Despite the time and effort required for such changes, they remain dedicated and optimistic about their work."The Pursuit Of..." is a podcast produced by New Leonard Media