On this week's episode of The Professional Noticer, Andy hosts Randy Phillips—founding member of the Dove Award–winning trio Phillips, Craig & Dean, and author of "Guppy and the Silvery Hook," his new children's book.

Tune in to hear how a simple bedtime story Randy created for his daughters grew into a meaningful tool for helping children navigate peer pressure, bullying, and wise decision-making. Through the story of a curious little fish and a tempting "silvery hook," Randy and Andy talk about why rules aren't meant to keep kids from having fun—but to keep them safe. They also discuss the growing number of voices competing for children's attention today, the role parents and grandparents play in reinforcing truth, and why reading with kids remains one of the most powerful ways to shape hearts, build connection, and keep the right voices close.

Purchase "Guppy and the Silvery Hook" by Randy Phillips: https://amzn.to/4qmgVfj

Connect with Randy Online:

• Book Website: https://guppyandthesilveryhook.com/
• Church Website: https://life.family/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/randy.phillips.39142
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/randypcd/

On this week's episode of The Professional Noticer, Andy Andrews sits down with historian, author, and filmmaker Joseph Loconte, author of The War for Middle Earth, to explore the enduring influence of J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis during one of history's darkest chapters.

Tune in to hear how Tolkien and Lewis, both shaped by World War I and writing through World War II, used story, faith, and friendship to push back against cultural despair and moral confusion. Together, Andy and Joseph discuss the role of imagination in confronting evil, the importance of history for gaining perspective, and why great stories still matter in times of uncertainty. This conversation is a powerful reminder that courage, gratitude, and moral clarity can be cultivated—even in the middle of the storm.

Connect Online with Joseph:

• Website: https://www.josephloconte.com/
• The Rivendell Center: https://rivendellcenternyc.org/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100012261759127
• Twitter (X): https://x.com/JosephLoconte
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JoeLoconte

Tomorrow marks the 81st anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz – a day to remember, to honor, and to never forget.

In observance of this sacred anniversary, we're bringing back one of our most profound conversations: Andy's interview with Rose Schindler, a Holocaust survivor whose testimony carries the weight of history and the power of the human spirit. The timing is especially meaningful as today, January 26, has now been declared Rose Schindler Day in San Diego County.

At 92 years old when this episode was recorded, Rose shares her harrowing firsthand account of life inside Auschwitz and Birkenau. She speaks of a family of eleven torn apart by hatred and genocide, and of three sisters who found the strength to survive the unthinkable. You'll also hear the beautiful story of how Rose met her husband Max – another survivor – and how two people who endured humanity's darkest chapter built a life together.

In Loving Memory

Rose Schindler passed away on February 17, 2022, just one month after this episode originally aired. For the last 50 years of her life, she honored her father's final words to her at Auschwitz – "stay alive so you can tell the world what they're doing to us" – by sharing her story with an estimated 200,000 to 300,000 students across three generations. Her legacy of love, resilience, and remembrance lives on through her four children, two great-grandchildren, and the countless lives she touched with her testimony.

This is a story that must be heard. This is a testimony that must be preserved. This is why we remember.

Learn more about Rose and Max's journey:
Order their book at TwoWhoSurvived.com

On this week's episode of The Professional Noticer, Andy welcomes back Jonathan Brush— President and CEO of Unbound.

Tune in to hear Jonathan explain how Unbound trains young adults to thrive by building meaningful lives rooted in responsibility, relationships, everyday excellence, and resilience. Listen as Andy shares his personal endorsement and together they explore what sets Unbound apart from traditional education. The conversation highlights the power of expectations, the importance of creating value (not just making money), and a hopeful, faith-centered approach to preparing young adults for life, work, and purpose.

Connect with Jonathan Online:

• DontWasteThisYear.com
• Website: https://beunbound.us/
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/be.unbound/
• YouTube: www.youtube.com/@BeUnbound
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/getunbound

Some lessons stick with you long after you first hear them—and this conversation is full of them.

This week, we're revisiting Andy's sit-down with Steve "Jake" Jacobson, Founder and CEO of Fairway Home Mortgage, a company that closed more than $65 billion in 2020.

Listen as Jake opens up about "the precious present"—a mindset his college basketball coach Bo Ryan taught him at Wisconsin that still shapes how he leads today. You'll hear how his commitment to serving others was forged through sports, team camaraderie, and a relationship with his dad he calls "unconditional."

Andy and Jake dig into Fairway's Ten Core Values and the real ways they've impacted the company's team members. And as a hilarious bonus, Andy grills his friend about the several hundred nicknames Jake has coined around the office—and what that reveals about connection, culture, and leadership.

Whether you missed this one or it's been a while, this is a conversation about building something that matters.

Find more about Fairway at their website, and connect with them on Facebook.

Website: https://www.fairway.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FairwayMortgage

As a new year begins and people everywhere are thinking about what they want to build next, we're bringing back one of the most practical and timely conversations from The Professional Noticer vault.

In this encore episode, Andy Andrews sits down with bestselling author, financial expert, and nationally syndicated radio host Dave Ramsey to talk about his book, Build a Business You Love—and the principles that matter most when you're starting fresh or recalibrating your direction.

Listen as Dave shares timeless wisdom and real-world strategies for launching, growing, or reshaping a business with clarity, service, and integrity at the center. In a fun, down-to-earth conversation, Andy and Dave explore leadership, hiring the right people, building healthy culture, and finding balance without losing sight of your values.

If the new year has you thinking differently about your work, your goals, or the legacy you're creating, this conversation offers practical perspective and encouragement to help you build something you can truly love.

Grab your copy of Build a Business You Love: https://ter.li/n62212

Connect with Dave on Social Media:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/daveramsey
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ramsey-dave/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/daveramsey/
• Twitter (X): https://twitter.com/daveramsey
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TheRamseyShow

RamseySolutions.com

On this week's episode of The Professional Noticer, Andy Andrews sits down with Joe Hamilton, CEO of Vortex Optics, for a powerful conversation about leadership, culture, and what it truly means to build a business around people—not just products.

Tune in to hear how the unlikely origin story of a small bird-feeding store in Wisconsin becomes a masterclass in principle-driven leadership. Listen as Joe shares how his parents' retail shop grew into the number one sport-optics brand in the world, not by chasing trends, but by committing to service, integrity, and genuine human connection. You'll also hear the heart behind Vortex's legendary VIP Warranty, why service is a true superpower, and how putting people first—customers and employees alike—has shaped a company that's built to last.

If today's conversation resonated, this is where you can find more of the principles, stories, and lessons behind the CARE Movement.

• CARE Movement: www.vortexcare.com
• YouTube & Instagram: @joehamiltonlive
• LinkedIn: Joe Hamilton
• Find more at VortexOptics.com

This week on The Professional Noticer, Andy Andrews unwraps a Christmas favorite with an encore reading of Socks for Christmas—proof that the best surprises don't always come in shiny boxes.

Told through the eyes of a young boy on Christmas Eve, this story captures the wonder, anticipation, and quiet lessons that only childhood—and Christmas—can teach. With humor, warmth, and Andy's unmistakable storytelling style, Socks for Christmas reminds us that the moments we remember most aren't always the ones we expected… and that perspective often comes wrapped in the simplest packages.

Whether this is your first time hearing it or a tradition you return to each year, this episode is a perfect pause in the middle of a busy season—a chance to smile, reflect, and remember what really matters. Settle in, listen closely, and enjoy this special Christmas episode of The Professional Noticer. 🎄