FOMO Sapiens with Patrick J. McGinnis

What happens when a dedicated teacher decides to build a business on the side, one lunch break at a time? In this episode, Patrick talks with Anthony Passalacqua, founder of Shootin’ School, who transformed a passion for basketball into a thriving training company, multiple inclusive sports ventures, and a nonprofit serving kids with special needs. Anthony shares how the 10% Entrepreneur framework gave him the confidence to go full-time, the systems he built to scale while teaching, the risks he took during the pandemic, and the mindset that keeps him grounded as a father, business owner, and community leader.Guest bio:Anthony Passalacqua is the founder of Shootin' School, one of the fastest-growing basketball instruction programs in the region, known for its emphasis on skill development, coaching quality, and player mindset. A former teacher turned entrepreneur, Anthony built Shootin’ School using the 10% Entrepreneur approach: starting small, systemizing early, and scaling sustainably while still working full-time in education.After transitioning into entrepreneurship, Anthony expanded his impact by co-founding Because We Can Sports, an inclusive sports instruction program for kids of all abilities, including those with special needs. During the pandemic, he and his team took a bold step by building their own training facility, Jump Shots, allowing them to continue serving athletes at a time when most gyms were closed.Anthony is also the founder of the Integrated Athletic Initiative, a nonprofit dedicated to creating inclusive leagues and providing high-quality uniforms for children with special needs. His commitment to community development recently led to a donation of 2.5 acres of land for a future accessible sports complex.Known for his process-driven mindset, relentless work ethic, and customer-first philosophy, Anthony brings a unique blend of teaching, leadership, and entrepreneurial creativity to every venture he builds. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this inspiring conversation, Patrick sits down with Goldie Chan, the “Oprah of LinkedIn” and author of Personal Branding for Introverts, to unpack how introverts can thrive in the noisy world of online self-promotion. Goldie shares how she became one of LinkedIn’s first video creators—posting over 800 consecutive daily videos—and built a global reputation for her creative authenticity and consistency. She breaks down the difference between ego and confidence, the art of storytelling over bragging, and why a strong personal brand starts with understanding your audience. Whether you’re an introvert looking to grow your influence or simply want to build a brand that feels real, this episode is a masterclass in sustainable visibility and authentic connection. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if courage isn’t about being fearless, but about taking action despite fear? In this episode of FOMO Sapiens, Patrick McGinnis speaks with Ranjay Gulati, Harvard Business School professor and author of How to Be Bold. Ranjay shares why our cultural myth of the “fearless hero” is misleading and explains how courage is a learnable skill that anyone can practice, whether as an individual, a team, or an organization. He explores the dangers of analysis paralysis in business, why acting boldly is often safer than standing still, and how leaders can use sense-making and storytelling to reframe adversity into opportunity. Drawing on vivid examples, from nuclear plant managers to Antarctic explorers, Ranjay shows how courage is collective, not solo, and why a strong support system is essential to bold decision-making. Packed with practical insights and inspiring stories, this conversation serves as a playbook for anyone seeking to replace fear with bold, decisive action. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this conversation, Patrick talks with Mo Edjlali, founder and CEO of Mindful Leader and author of Open MBSR, about the future of mindfulness in an age defined by distraction, polarization, and artificial intelligence. Edjlali reflects on his journey from tech entrepreneur to mindfulness advocate after the 2008 financial crisis, and offers a powerful critique of how popular meditation apps have turned mindfulness into “comfortainment.” He argues for a new era of deep, secular, and community-based mindfulness, one that embraces discomfort, fosters genuine human connection, and helps us navigate the mental health challenges of the AI age. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in authentic practice, critical thinking, and emotional clarity in a world that’s changing faster than ever. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Byron Loflin, Global Head of Board Advisory at NASDAQ and co-author of CEO Ready, shares his insights on preparing future CEOs and enhancing board governance. He highlights the importance of humility and open questioning in leadership, drawing lessons from the 2008 financial crisis. Loflin discusses proactive succession planning and stresses the need for independent, expert board members. He also emphasizes understanding diverse stakeholder dynamics, using OpenAI as a cautionary tale, and advocates for a continuous improvement approach in leadership development.

In this episode of FOMO Sapiens, Patrick McGinnis sits down with Mark Barrocas, CEO of SharkNinja, to explore how the company transformed from a small appliance player into a global innovation powerhouse. Barrocas explains how SharkNinja’s consumer-obsessed culture drives every breakthrough—from identifying overlooked frustrations to designing products that cross the “threshold of viral.” He also shares how lessons from failure, like the Shark MultiVac, led to some of their biggest wins, and why adaptability is their competitive advantage. This conversation offers a rare look inside one of the world’s most agile and creative consumer brands, and the leadership mindset that keeps it growing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Caroline Hirsch, the legendary founder of Carolines on Broadway and the New York Comedy Festival, has spent four decades shaping the world of stand-up comedy. In this episode, she shares how she turned a small cabaret into the most influential comedy club in America, and how strategic instincts, resilience, and love for the art form built an empire. From discovering future stars to navigating Times Square’s rebirth, Hirsch reveals the business principles and bold decisions that made her one of entertainment’s great visionaries. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join bestselling author Morgan Housel as he delves into the psychology of money and the art of spending. He reveals that true happiness often comes from love and health, not wealth. Housel discusses the importance of differentiating between utility and status in spending and warns against 'expectations debt,' which can distort happiness. He also reflects on parenting's role in teaching financial values and challenges the reckless pursuit of status through FOMO. This insightful conversation will transform your views on what it means to live richly.

In this episode of FOMO Sapiens, Patrick McGinnis welcomes Gregg Renfrew, the visionary founder behind BeautyCounter and now Counter, for an honest and inspiring conversation about resilience, leadership, and reinvention. Gregg shares how a deep concern for health and the environment led her to pioneer the clean beauty movement, building one of the most trusted brands in the industry. But after selling BeautyCounter to The Carlyle Group at a $1 billion valuation, she faced a painful collapse that forced her to rebuild—personally and professionally. Now, with Counter, Gregg is redefining what “clean” means, focusing on performance, integrity, and community. She discusses how she learned to navigate failure, reframe success, and reclaim her company through grit and empathy. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in entrepreneurship, resilience, and the power of starting over. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if the biggest solution to climate change is the one we fear the most? In this episode of FOMO Sapiens, Patrick McGinnis speaks with Isabelle Boemeke—known online as Isodope—a climate influencer and creative technologist who has become one of the most visible advocates for nuclear energy. Isabelle shares her unconventional journey from fashion model to climate activist, why the public perception of nuclear energy is so misaligned with reality, and how her futuristic persona, Isodope, helps communicate complex data in a way that sparks curiosity. She reframes the history of nuclear incidents, breaks down the myths that fuel our fears, and paints a compelling vision of a future powered by safe, abundant, and clean energy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices