As we close out 2025, it is a pleasure to welcome April Monet to The Pod of DC. April is the founder of 48x and the 48 and Forward Foundation, focused on empowering individuals to create pathways for personal growth and impact.

On this episode, April shares her unique journey coming of age as a competitive athlete in the heartland of America and the challenges she faced along the way. After injuries sidelined a once-promising collegiate basketball career, April overcame depression and found new paths in healthcare, journalism, and eventually public relations. April shares the impact of her work with professional athletes, the importance of philanthropy in her business model, the evolution of PR, and her dedication to fostering financial literacy and personal growth among her clients.

To learn more about April's inspiring story of resilience, adaptability, and commitment to success with intention, visit the48x.com.

First jobs, first homes, weddings, and watching our kids grow from birthday candles to graduation caps—our lives are shaped by the moments that stitch our stories together. And for us bicentennial Gen X’ers, the next thread in the tapestry is the big 5-0h.

On this episode of the pod, Rick reconnects with friend and former college professor Michael Mafodda — a creative thought leader and storyteller — for a conversation about his weekly Substack newsletter, A Pirate Looks at Fifty. The title nods to Jimmy Buffett’s 1998 memoir of the same name, fittingly released the same year Michael and Rick graduated from JMU.

Michael's Music Monday posts blend nostalgia with wisdom—reflections from a man who’s spent half a century growing as a husband, father, professional, and man of faith. Exploring his playlist feels like taking a heartfelt journey through time, rich with lessons and a deep sense of gratitude.

Subscribe to Michael's weekly newsletter on Substack at https://apiratelooksat50.substack.com

"The President's Own" United States Marine Band isthe oldest professional musical organization in the United States, performing at the pleasure of the President since 1801. Performing at over 500 events annually, the Marine Bandbrings its renowned musical excellence to presidential inaugurations, state funerals, state arrival ceremonies, Friday Evening Parades, and throughout communities across the country during its Fall concert tour each October.