

Headsmack: Conversations with Misfits
Paul Povolni
The Headsmack Podcast with host Paul Povolni invites you to listen in on conversations with misfits, mavericks and trailblazers. Join us as we explore the life of difference-makers and those who have stumbled, fumbled and then soared. Be inspired as they candidly share their journeys and the aha moments that changed everything.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jun 23, 2025 • 57min
Henry Kaminski Jr / Restaurant and Hospitality Marketing and Branding Expert
Henry Kaminski Jr. is a force in hospitality branding, with 16+ years in the creative industry and a story that reads like a movie script. After losing $300K overnight when Hurricane Sandy wiped out his top clients, Henry reinvented himself—landing Russell Brunson as a branding client, helping launch ClickFunnels, and becoming a thought leader in personal branding. As former CMO for celebrity chef Fabio Viviani’s hospitality group, he doubled locations nationwide and implemented cutting-edge marketing tools in a traditionally outdated industry.Now with his new venture, Brand to Table, Henry is fusing digital innovation with high-touch hospitality. In this episode, he shares the real stories behind the rise, the falls, and the reinventions. From SMS marketing that drove $1.3M in restaurant revenue to GPT-powered menu generators and brand strategy breakthroughs—this is a masterclass in modern branding.Guest Bio: Henry Kaminski Jr. is a branding expert with over 16 years in the creative industry, specializing in restaurant and hospitality marketing. Known for launching the Brand Doctor and helping personal brands thrive, Henry has worked with major names like Russell Brunson and served as Chief Marketing Officer for a national hospitality group, doubling their locations in under three years. Today, he runs Brand to Table, a firm blending deep hospitality insight with cutting-edge tech like AI, SMS, and GPT-powered marketing to transform how restaurants scale and connect with customers.Link: https://www.brandtotable.comSend us a textPaul Povolni, the founder of Voppa Creative, has been a creative leader for over 30 years, with clients around the world. He’s led teams in creating award-winning branding and design as well as equipping his clients to lead with Clarity, Creativity and Culture.Headsmack Website

Jun 15, 2025 • 42min
Jamie Rowe / Lead Singer Kalamity Kills & Guardian
Jamie Rowe, lead vocalist of Nashville-based hard rock band Kalamity Kills, joins Paul to talk about breaking molds, surviving dark nights, and launching one of the most important rock songs of the year—“Starry Skies (988).” A former frontman of Guardian, Rowe shares his powerful journey from Christian rock stardom to forming a band that blends modern energy with authentic heart. This episode dives into the struggles behind the scenes, the raw moments of suicidal ideation that inspired their Billboard Top 40 hit, and how music can save more than just a soul—it can save a life.---Guest Bio: Jamie Rowe is a veteran rock vocalist with a global legacy and a freshly ignited mission. Best known as the former frontman of Christian hard rock band Guardian—with 13 #1 radio hits and performances in over 35 countries—Rowe now leads Kalamity Kills, a modern hard rock band redefining impact and authenticity. Co-founded with producer/guitarist Jamey Perrenot (Taylor Swift, LeAnn Rimes), the band has charted with emotionally charged singles like “The Chemistry of Meant to Be” and the suicide prevention anthem “Starry Skies (988),” featuring Aaron Gillespie of Underøath. Rowe’s voice, both musically and personally, continues to be one of raw power, gritty hope, and deep purpose.LINK: https://www.kalamitykills.com/Send us a textPaul Povolni, the founder of Voppa Creative, has been a creative leader for over 30 years, with clients around the world. He’s led teams in creating award-winning branding and design as well as equipping his clients to lead with Clarity, Creativity and Culture.Headsmack Website

Jun 8, 2025 • 59min
James Barnard / Logo & Visual Identity Designer / Speaker / Teacher
James Barnard knows logos—and how to turn design into a powerful business.As an award-winning logo and visual identity designer, James went from burnout to booked out by mastering not just the craft, but the business of design. With over a million followers and a global client base, James is one of the most trusted voices in branding today. In this episode, we dive into the biggest mistake that nearly ended his business, the viral video that changed his life, and how he uses smart strategy (like the “brand noun” process) to create logos that actually work. Whether you’re a designer or a business owner, this one’s packed with insights you can use immediately.Guest Bio:James Barnard is an award-winning logo and visual identity designer, educator, and international speaker. Originally from the UK and now based in Australia, James is the founder of Barnard Co., a design studio focused exclusively on brand identity. With over 1 million social media followers, James is a leading voice in the design community, known for his teaching style, practical insights, and humorous yet insightful content that resonates with both designers and business owners. His work has been published in LogoLounge and featured in Adobe’s global programming. He also offers courses in Illustrator, Photoshop, and brand development, helping the next generation of designers level up their skills and businesses.Link: https://barnard.co/Send us a textPaul Povolni, the founder of Voppa Creative, has been a creative leader for over 30 years, with clients around the world. He’s led teams in creating award-winning branding and design as well as equipping his clients to lead with Clarity, Creativity and Culture.Headsmack Website

May 31, 2025 • 57min
Brian Dixon / CEO, Hope Books & Co-Founder, Hopewriters
Brian Dixon is a bestselling author, publisher, and online business strategist helping everyday messengers write their book and grow their business.In this episode of the Head Smack Podcast, Brian shares his unexpected path from aspiring rockstar to middle school teacher, to charter school founder, and ultimately to co-founder of Hope Writers. He walks us through the 5 essential steps to building—not just writing—a transformational book, revealing how your hardest moments can become your most powerful message. Learn how to avoid the biggest mistakes first-time authors make, what publishers won’t do for you, and why skill stacking could be the missing link in your business success story.Link: HopewritersGuest Bio:Brian Dixon is a bestselling author, publisher, and online business strategist passionate about helping aspiring writers turn their experiences into impactful books. A former charter school founder and teacher, Brian co-founded Hope Writers—a thriving community of over 1,900 members—and has worked with well-known figures like Michael Hyatt and top mom bloggers to launch life-changing books. He combines a heart for teaching with tactical strategy to empower everyday messengers to write, publish, and promote with purpose.Send us a textPaul Povolni, the founder of Voppa Creative, has been a creative leader for over 30 years, with clients around the world. He’s led teams in creating award-winning branding and design as well as equipping his clients to lead with Clarity, Creativity and Culture.Headsmack Website

May 25, 2025 • 1h 30min
Holly Homer / CEO. Blogger. Software Developer
From Pajama Jeans to Pagewheel: What Holly Homer Can Teach Us About DIY EntrepreneurshipHolly Homer didn’t plan to start a business—she just needed an outlet from the chaos of motherhood. Her journey from sending long Saturday morning emails to a friend to building KidsActivities.com and Pagewheel is proof that success starts with showing up.She used her life as content, leaned into her mess, and built one of the most beloved parenting brands online. When tech became her bottleneck, she didn’t outsource—she co-invented a platform to make funnels easy. Holly’s story is a masterclass in turning real-life chaos into creative currency—and building the tools to do it again and again.--------------Holly Homer is a pioneering content creator who stumbled into entrepreneurship over two decades ago when she launched one of the earliest mom blogs, June Cleaver Nirvana. Today, she’s the founder of the wildly popular KidsActivities.com and co-creator of Pagewheel, a no-tech funnel-building platform designed for creators who’d rather focus on content than code. Based in Dallas, Holly’s journey from overwhelmed mom to digital powerhouse is marked by scrappy innovation, heartfelt storytelling, and a passion for making online business more accessible.Pagewheel.com For those with kids: KidsActivities.comSend us a textPaul Povolni, the founder of Voppa Creative, has been a creative leader for over 30 years, with clients around the world. He’s led teams in creating award-winning branding and design as well as equipping his clients to lead with Clarity, Creativity and Culture.Headsmack Website

May 20, 2025 • 48min
Nikhil Sai / CEO & Founder at Funneling Media
Nikhil Sai went from broke dropout to marketing phenom, generating over $500 million in client results and interviewing more than 100 millionaires on The Nikhil Sai Show. In this electrifying episode of The Headsmack Podcast, Nikhil shares how he built a global business from scratch, why pricing is everything, and the “inversion funnel” strategy that turns cold leads into five-figure clients. If you’re an entrepreneur, coach, or agency owner tired of being overlooked, this is your wake-up call. Learn how to work less, earn more, and only serve clients who value what you do.Link: https://funnelingmedia.com/Send us a textPaul Povolni, the founder of Voppa Creative, has been a creative leader for over 30 years, with clients around the world. He’s led teams in creating award-winning branding and design as well as equipping his clients to lead with Clarity, Creativity and Culture.Headsmack Website

May 11, 2025 • 1h 18min
Ivy Malik / The Creative's Business Coach
Stop Overthinking, Start Earning: Ivy Malik’s Creative Business Wake-Up CallIn this powerful Headsmack episode, Ivy Malik breaks down the emotional and strategic roadblocks that hold creative entrepreneurs back. Drawing on her experience as a restaurateur and coach, she shares how to turn undervaluation into empowerment. You’ll learn why positioning matters, how to shift from referrals to marketing, and how to confidently present your prices. Ivy also dives into the energetic side of entrepreneurship—reminding us that strategy without alignment won’t take us far. If you’re tired of waiting to be discovered, this conversation is your sign to take charge.Send us a textPaul Povolni, the founder of Voppa Creative, has been a creative leader for over 30 years, with clients around the world. He’s led teams in creating award-winning branding and design as well as equipping his clients to lead with Clarity, Creativity and Culture.Headsmack Website

May 5, 2025 • 1h 11min
Steve Woodruff / The Clarity King. Author. Speaker. Coach
Stop wasting words and start making impact.Meet Steve Woodruff, the “King of Clarity”, who’s spent 40+ years turning noise into memorable, referable communication.In this episode, he reveals how clarity fuels success, why vague messaging kills referrals, and how YOU can create “memory darts” that stick in people’s heads and drive business forward.If you want to be unforgettable — you need clarity. This conversation will show you how.---Guest BioSteve Woodruff, widely regarded as “The King of Clarity,” brings over 40 years of experience in business, training, and communication. After early career detours in astronomy, psychology, and medical sales, Steve found his true calling: helping people and companies express their value clearly and memorably. Through his books Clarity Wins and The Point, workshops, and consulting, Steve equips individuals and organizations with tools to become referable, aligned, and impactful communicators. His signature concept, “Memory Darts,” has revolutionized how professionals craft compelling introductions and messages that stick.Link: https://www.stevewoodruff.comSend us a textPaul Povolni, the founder of Voppa Creative, has been a creative leader for over 30 years, with clients around the world. He’s led teams in creating award-winning branding and design as well as equipping his clients to lead with Clarity, Creativity and Culture.Headsmack Website

Apr 27, 2025 • 47min
Thomas Willis / Leadership. Culture Building. Author - The Great Engagement
Culture eats everything! In this episode, Tom Willis reveals why most organizations struggle not because of strategy, but because of culture. Dive deep into the invisible forces that shape success or failure — and discover how radical acceptance, servant leadership, and a clear mission can transform any team.5 Key Takeaways:Why culture is the hidden driver of every result you getHow fear and love shape every organizationThe right way to fix "communication" problemsLeadership vs. Management vs. Coaching — and when to use eachHow radical acceptance powers true transformation-----Guest Bio:Thomas Willis is a culture transformation expert and author of "The Great Engagement: How CEOs Create Exceptional Cultures." With an impressive career spanning education, engineering, and executive leadership, Tom has served as CEO of Cornerstone, consulted with PricewaterhouseCoopers, and worked as an engineer at Intel Corporation. Holding degrees from the University of Michigan and an MBA from Notre Dame, Tom now leads Phoenix Performance Partners, where he helps organizations breakthrough performance plateaus by creating exceptional cultures focused on relationships rather than mere compliance. His approach has been endorsed by leadership guru Ken Blanchard and has helped countless organizations achieve sustainable transformation..Send us a textPaul Povolni, the founder of Voppa Creative, has been a creative leader for over 30 years, with clients around the world. He’s led teams in creating award-winning branding and design as well as equipping his clients to lead with Clarity, Creativity and Culture.Headsmack Website

Apr 21, 2025 • 46min
Paul Getter / Internet Marketing Nerd. Author. Speaker
As the founder of Speakpreneur and one of the top digital marketers in the world, Paul has helped build the online brands of A-list celebrities, Fortune 500 companies, and high-impact entrepreneurs. In this candid conversation, Paul shares his journey from nerdy beginnings to working with names like Kevin Hart and Tai Lopez. He breaks down why personal branding is the future, how in-person events outperform webinars, and reveals his ICE formula for turning followers into loyal fans. If you want to amplify your message and build a brand that lasts, this is your blueprint.5 Key Takeaways:Why storytelling outperforms traditional marketingThe ICE formula for growing your personal brandSecrets to Facebook ads that still work todayWhy disruptive authenticity is your competitive edgeHow to turn in-person events into brand-building machines---Guest Bio:Paul Getter is a world-renowned digital marketer and founder of Speakpreneur, an organization helping entrepreneurs turn their message into massive income by mastering personal branding and speaking. Known as “The Internet Marketing Nerd,” Paul built his agency from scratch and has worked with A-list celebrities like Kevin Hart, Tai Lopez, and Grant Cardone, scaling brands into multi-million dollar successes. A true misfit-turned-maverick, Paul specializes in helping individuals transform their story into their greatest marketing weapon.Send us a textPaul Povolni, the founder of Voppa Creative, has been a creative leader for over 30 years, with clients around the world. He’s led teams in creating award-winning branding and design as well as equipping his clients to lead with Clarity, Creativity and Culture.Headsmack Website


