Leadership

May 27

Joseph Bronson

By Chrissy Bernal Author, Personal Growth, Podcast, Sports No Comments

Some people play golf for fun. Joseph Bronson turned it into something deeper.

This week on Here’s What We Know, I sit down with the award-winning author, longtime business executive, world traveler, and passionate golfer for a conversation that starts with golf… but doesn’t stay there for long.

Joseph has played 93 of the world’s most iconic golf courses, teed it up with legends like Arnold Palmer, and spent decades chasing mastery in a game that never fully lets you catch it.

And maybe that’s the point.

We talk about competition, discipline, aging, perspective, and why the mental side of golf has so much to teach us about life itself.

There’s a moment in this conversation where we land on something that felt bigger than golf:

Most people aren’t thinking about your mistakes nearly as much as you think they are.

Honestly, that might be one of the healthiest things any of us could remember.

This episode is sponsored by:

(Be sure to tell them Gary sent you!)

In this episode:

What it’s like playing Augusta, Pebble Beach, and St. Andrews
Why golf is almost entirely a mental game
The difference between elite athletes and everyone else
What Arnold Palmer was really like off the course
Why Joseph walked away from golf for a season
How First Tee of Silicon Valley helps shape young people through golf
The surprising connection between golf and personal growth

Quotations:

“It’s all mental; you just have to concentrate.” – Joseph Bronson

“Because golf is so much more than just hitting balls and things of that sort.” – Joseph Bronson

“The comfort zone is where all the faults are.” – Joseph Bronson

Bio:

Joseph “Joe” Bronson is a longtime business executive, world traveler, and passionate golfer whose career has taken him across the globe and onto some of the most prestigious golf courses in the world. A member of renowned clubs including Monterey Peninsula Country Club, CordeValle, and Boulder Ridge Golf Club, Joe has played 93 of America’s Top 100 golf courses, along with legendary courses throughout Europe, Asia, Australia, and the Middle East.

Joe is also the award-winning author of Pardon Me, Golf Chronicles, and Through the Green, three books inspired by the stories, traditions, humor, and human moments that make golf more than just a game. His writing blends personal experience, thoughtful observation, and a deep appreciation for the culture and character of golf.

Guest Contact Info:

Website: https://www.josephbronson.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joseph-bronson/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorjosephbronson/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebronsongroup/

Oct 08

Love18

Dr. Dan Docherty

By Chrissy Bernal Podcast, Science No Comments

This week on Here’s What We Know, we welcome Dr. Dan Docherty, Chief Coaching Officer of Braintrust and a leadership development expert, for an inspiring conversation about the heart of human connection. We’ll explore how communication, neuroscience, and mentorship shape who we become as leaders, parents, and friends.

From the story of a music teacher who changed Dan’s life to the Six P’s framework that can transform any relationship, this episode is packed with insights on purpose, empathy, and growth. It’s a conversation that reminds us all to reach out, say thank you, and keep learning from the people who believed in us first.

This episode is sponsored by:

In This Episode:

Why great communication is the greatest gift we can give
Discover how personal setbacks can become powerful springboards for growth
How applied neuroscience helps us connect more deeply
Learn practical frameworks (like the Six P’s) that transform everyday interactions into moments of real impact
The difference between wisdom and knowledge
Simple steps to discover your personal “why”
A touching reunion story decades in the making

Quotations:

“We’re so wired for self-preservation. How cool is it when we can continue to open up each other’s eyes to the fact that, man, who are those people that impacted your journey? And then you think about them, you write about them. And then if you’re bold enough, you reach out to them and say, I just want you to know that of all the people in the world, you made my list.” ~ Dr. Dan Docherty

“I hope that people know that when we stay on these cycles where we don’t build strong relationships in Western culture, it is killing us. And I’ll show you, can tell you the science behind that, but the reality is it is killing us. We’re not as innovative. We’re not as creative. We’re not as, we’re not as strong at building relationships. We’re not as flexible. We’re not as adaptable, all those things. And we gotta know that that stuff really matters, and so part of our mission is letting people know that that matters. That meant you can’t stay on the treadmill or the hamster wheel forever. You iust can’t do it, man It catches you and it catches.” ~ Dr. Dan Docherty

“I really believe that dreams are the new vulnerability.” ~ Dr. Dan Docherty

“When you understand the intrinsic motivators that make me uniquely who l am or uniquely who you are. Magic starts to happen. Because what happens is you trigger the right network of the brain. People are more open to new ideas.” ~ Dr. Dan Docherty

“If you don’t have a plan, how in the world do you know you’re on or off the path?” ~ Dr. Dan Docherty

Bio:

Dan Docherty, PhD, Chief Coaching Officer of Braintrust, has found a true passion for creating world-class communicators that make a positive difference. His 25 years of experience in leading various sales, marketing, MSL, and operational pharmaceutical teams, led him to a PhD degree in Management at Case Western Reserve University where his research was focused on the neuroscience of coaching, engagement, and performance in the leader-team member relationship. All of this led to a commitment to the science behind brilliant and effective leadership, and ultimately, the co-creation of NeuroCoaching®.

Dr. Dan has coached thousands of leaders in management positions around the world, all while continuing to pour into the lives and futures of students in his own backyard at Miami University in Oxford, OH. Dan teaches courses in management, leadership coaching, and entrepreneurship within undergraduate, MBA, and executive education at the Farmer School of Business. From the world-renowned mentors of his doctorate program to the wisdom shared by his small-town high school music teacher, Dan knows firsthand just how formative good leadership can be to the individual, thus leading to stronger organizations, communities, and families.

Guest Contact Info:

Website: https://dandocherty.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-docherty/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drdandocherty/

Apr 23

Love34

Stanley M. Brand

By Chrissy Bernal Leadership, Podcast, Politics, Sports No Comments

This week on Here’s What We Know, we’re sitting down with one of the most respected legal minds in the country—Stanley M. Brand. Stan is the former General Counsel to Speaker Tip O’Neill and has tackled some of the highest-profile political and public corruption cases, representing figures like George Stephanopoulos, Tony Coelho, and Dan Rostenkowski. Beyond the courtroom, he spent over 30 years as Vice President of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues, shaping the future of America’s favorite pastime. Now, as a Distinguished Fellow at Penn State Dickinson Law, he’s sharing all his knowledge with the next generation of lawyers. Tune in now for a conversation full of stories, wisdom, and a few surprises along the way!

This episode is sponsored by:

(Use code “Gary” to get $89 off any Mike Counsil Plumbing and Rooter service!)

License #: 679261

In this episode:

Defending the Powerful: Go behind the scenes of high-profile political trials and hear how Stan kept his cool under the weight of media scrutiny.
From the Courtroom to the Classroom: Why did one of Washington’s sharpest legal minds trade trials for teaching? Stan shares how he’s shaping the next generation of lawyers with hands-on, experience-driven learning.
FBI, DOJ & The Trust Gap: Stan offers bold insights on government overreach and why many Americans are skeptical of federal investigations today. Think you know how the system works? Think again.
Baseball Meets the Law: 30+ years as VP of Minor League Baseball means Stan has stories—from antitrust showdowns to how economic shifts are reshaping the game.
Old-School Wisdom Meets Today’s Chaos: What Tip O’Neill taught him about bipartisan leadership—and why that kind of political wisdom is sorely missing in today’s climate.
A Real-Life Perry Mason Moment: You’ll love the jaw-dropping story where Stan turns a trial on its head—live in court—with a single question.

Quotations:

“Law school for me was kind of a grind. I wasn’t particularly turned on by law school. I found it was too abstract and theoretical. But when I got into the real world and I had actual clients and issues to research and litigate over, I was turned on. And that’s where I really, that’s really where I really was able to launch myself into the legal profession.” ~ Stanley M. Brand

“The only thing I knew about a lawyer was watching Perry Mason. And that didn’t really appeal to me. It wasn’t until I began to work in Washington as a young legislative aide to Tip O’Neill that I realized that the law degree was an avenue to a broader array of opportunities.” ~ Stanley M. Brand

“Don’t go to law school just because you have nothing else to do. Go to law school because you want to broaden your horizons. You have a passion for the law or you see it as some way that it will enhance what you’re interested in doing in life.” ~ Stanley M. Brand

“It’s harder to represent high-profile public people because they’re surrounded with posse’s, political consultants, media experts, and sometimes the legal advice is completely contrary to the political advice. And so there have been times where I’ve said to clients, look, you need to make a choice.” ~ Stanley M. Brand

“People think that the Constitution was, you know, like the Ten Commandments, divinely created and unanimously approved by the Constitutional Convention. If you read the ratification debates or if you read Hamilton, these people were at each other’s throats. They each believed their theory of government should prevail and that the other person’s theory was anathema.” ~ Stanley M. Brand

Bio:

Stanley M. Brand graduated from Franklin & Marshall College in 1970 and earned his J.D. from Georgetown University Law School in 1974. From 1976 to 1983, Stan served as general counsel to the US House of Representatives under Speaker Thomas P. “ Tip’ O’Neill, Jr., and was the House’s chief legal officer responsible for representing the House, its members, officers, and employees in connection with legal procedures and litigation arising from the conduct of their official activities. Since leaving the House of Representatives and founding a Washington, D.C.-based law firm in 1983, Stan has had a succession of high-profile political and public corruption cases and clients, including former White House aide George Stephanopoulos in the Whitewater investigation, former Congressman and Gore 2000 campaign manager Tony Coelho, former House Majority Whip Bill Gray, and Congressmen Dan Rostenkowski and Joe McDade. Since 1992, Stan also has served as vice president of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues, the governing body of minor league baseball. In that capacity, he was responsible for representing minor league baseball during congressional consideration of baseball’s antitrust exemption and is responsible for minor league baseball’s government relations at the state and local level. He has testified, written, and lectured extensively on antitrust, labor, and contract law issues affecting baseball. In 2005, Stan represented Major League Baseball in connection with the congressional investigation into MLB’s steroid policies. Stan was featured in Washingtonian magazine’s 2002 survey of the 75 best lawyers in Washington and has appeared widely on network, public, and cable television, including ABC News, ABC’s Nightline, NBC News, CBS News, Fox News, NPR’s All Things Considered, CNN’s Lou Dobbs Tonight, MSNBC’s Hardball, John McLaughlin’s One on One, and ESPN’s Sports Center.

Guest Contact Info:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stan-brand-3293501/

Oct 04

Love10

Sam Liccardo

By Chrissy Bernal Mental Health, Personal Growth, Politics No Comments

This week on the Here’s What We Know Podcast, host Gary Scott Thomas welcomes Sam Liccardo, the 64th mayor of San Jose, for an insightful discussion on technology’s impact on legacy and memory. Join us on a fascinating journey as we explore his lineage and the intriguing blend of Sicilian, Irish, and Mexican roots that converge in his family tree. During this engaging episode, Sam Liccardo delves into the unique leadership challenges he encountered, particularly those faced by mayors of big cities. A role often regarded as one of the most demanding. Yet amidst these difficulties lie opportunities for growth and resilience.

Tune in to this conversation filled with captivating stories about our past while providing thought-provoking insights about our present and future!

This episode is sponsored by:

In This Episode:

Unity and Division: A Historical Perspective
Technology’s Role in Remembering Personalities
Candid Conversations with Leaders
Ancestry Documentation and its Significance
Debunking ‘The Good Old Days’ Concept
Future Technology and Social Implications
The Power of Mementos
Transition from Physical Spaces to Virtual Studios
Story Topping: A Conversation Killer
Politics, Human Interaction, and Quick Connections
Door-to-Door Politics: A Deep Insight into Community Concerns
The Rise of AI and Trust Issues
Resilience: A Recurring Theme
Ego and Hubris: Obstacles to Scientific Discourse
Housing Crisis: Need for Innovation
Balancing Ideological Differences: Finding Middle Ground
Pandemic Response: Challenges and Triumphs
High Construction Cost: Need for Innovative Models
Digital Divide: Bridging the Gap
Leadership Effectiveness in High-Pressure Situations
Name-dropping and Celebrity Encounters
Future Political Aspirations: A Return to Public Service
Free Speech and Diverse Viewpoints

Quotations:

“The reality is, you know, we’ve survived to this country because somehow or another, one generation or another found a way to be resilient and said resilience, and we gotta find again.” ~ Sam Liccardo

“I certainly hope that real human communication comes back into vogue because the trend lines are going exactly opposite direction.” ~ Sam Liccardo

“You know, there are no easy solutions to a lot of these complex urban challenges.”

~ Sam Liccardo

“You know, really, the best approach of all was just asking questions.” ~ Sam Liccardo

“It’s a terrifying prospect that we just can’t all agree on just a few basic truths so that we can begin to disagree about something more interesting, rather than the fact that we have to question whether or not, you know, whatever anybody said was deep, fake, or real.” ~ Sam Liccardo

Guest’s Bio:

Sam Liccardo became the 64th mayor and one of the youngest individuals to serve in San José, California’s highest elected office. A member of the Democratic Party, Sam was elected mayor in November 2014. He was re-elected in 2018 with 75.8% of the vote. After graduating from Bellarmine College Preparatory in San José, Sam attended Georgetown University, where he rowed crew as captain of the heavyweight squad. He graduated magna cum laude in 1991 and enrolled at Harvard Law School and Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government. After graduating with honors with a law degree and a master’s degree in public policy, Sam returned to the Bay Area in 1996. Sam’s writing has appeared in the New York Times, Los Angeles Times, Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, and other publications.

Prior to his election to public office, Sam spent a number of years in public service, serving as a federal and local criminal prosecutor on a range of felony cases, from sexual assault and child exploitation to international narcotrafficking. Sam’s extensive work in the community also included teaching political science at San José State University, co-founding an innovative program to mentor children, serving on the boards of several affordable housing organizations, and advocating for several successful countywide ballot measures that are bringing BART to San José.

Under his leadership, San Jose thrived with his efforts by growing the economy equitably, supporting struggling neighbors and broadening inclusion, investing in youth, beautifying San Jose and advancing smart environmental policies, improving public safety, building a 21st-century transportation network, and embracing innovation in the government. Sam and his wife, Jessica Garcia-Kohl, live near downtown San Jose.