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.

Inspired by the 40th anniversary of We Are The World—America’s greatest musical one-night stand—The Pod of DC hit the road in March this year for a live show packed with games, prizes, and live podcast conversations. One featured raffle prize was a behind-the-scenes tour of The Pod of DC studio with a featured conversation on the pod. The lucky winners that night were Larry and Jennifer Taxon.

Adrian Conforti is a songwriter and former touring musician who founded the band Soulys in the early 2000s.

Rick recaps what's been happening this Summer with a quick nostalgic look back at middle school and details on a side quest to Jim Thorpe, PA.

As conversations around AI continue to shape our present and future, I sat down with Aaron Berkey—co-founder and managing partner of Okeanos, a venture capital firm with a community-first approach to investing, to explore the intersection of family, business, and purpose in a rapidly evolving world.

On this episode of the pod, Aaron shares the power of positive reinforcement in parenting, the need to support female-founded businesses, and how AI and automation are reshaping healthcare and the labor market. We dive into how consistent discipline and strong community ties play a critical role in building a meaningful life and career. We reflect on the rising value of authentic human connection and creativity in an increasingly tech-driven age—and why staying grounded in relationships may be our most valuable asset.

Aaron is also the co-host of The Entrepreneur's Dream: The Pursuit of Happiness, a new podcast exploring the emotional and professional journeys of entrepreneurs at every stage of business.

Learn more about Aaron at okeanos.vc and check out The Entrepreneur's Dream: The Pursuit of Happiness on Spotify.

Kev Legend is a dynamic entrepreneur and global growth coach. With expertise in corporate leadership, financial planning, and world travel, Kev empowers others to unlock their potential and embrace a life without limits.

On this episode of the pod, Kev drops the studio to share his journey from the Naval Academy through to the transformative experiences that led him to live and coach abroad from Bali to Thailand. Kev shares his struggle with emotional expression, particularly during his time in the military under the 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' policy, and further challenging events that led him to embrace his feelings and authenticity. Kev speaks about his global travels and the creation of his 'Expat Launchpad,' a comprehensive program designed to help individuals transition to living abroad.

Exploring themes of personal growth, resilience, and the power of self-truth, our conversation leads to a compelling question: is there any relationship more important than the one you have with yourself?

Follow Kev and explore his journey and coaching programs at kevlegend.com