Episodes

  • Tariffs, Trade, and Leadership: Canada's Economic Crossroads

    Tariffs, Trade, and Leadership: Canada's Economic Crossroads
    May 9 2025
    John Knopick kicks off the episode introducing the topics, focusing on Canada's new prime minister and the global economic landscape. He provides an overview of Mark Carney's political and economic influence, discussing tariffs and trade relations with the United States. Public opinion on Canada's economic policies is examined, followed by an analysis of the US-China tariff war and its global ramifications. John explores hypothetical global business scenarios and the real-world impacts of tariffs on individuals, discussing support for affected workers and communities. The episode concludes with a future economic outlook, potential solutions, listener comments, and a preview of upcoming episodes before signing off.
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    1 hr and 6 mins
  • Canadians, Tariffs, and Chaos, OH MY! : Canada’s New PM, the US/China Tariff Throwdown, and a Smorgasbord of Global Chaos

    Canadians, Tariffs, and Chaos, OH MY! : Canada’s New PM, the US/China Tariff Throwdown, and a Smorgasbord of Global Chaos
    May 9 2025
    John Knopick kicks off this episode with an announcement about a format change before delving into the intricacies of Canadian and global economic news. He discusses Mark Carney's position on US relations, alongside Canada's new prime minister navigating economic turmoil. The conversation highlights Carney's economic strategies, the Team Canada approach, and trust in Canadian politics. John examines the impact of US and Chinese tariffs on Canadian exports, touching on rising food prices and the housing market. Listener opinions on trade and economic policies are featured, expanding to the US-China trade war and its global ramifications. The episode concludes with global shifts, listener questions, feedback, and shout-outs.
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    1 hr and 6 mins
  • Bouncing Back: Humor, Resilience, and Overcoming Life's Challenges

    Bouncing Back: Humor, Resilience, and Overcoming Life's Challenges
    May 2 2025
    John Knopick introduces the episode with an exploration of trauma, sharing personal experiences and addressing common misconceptions. He recounts anecdotes of workplace humiliation and resilience, discussing trauma triggers, coping mechanisms, and the role of humor in overcoming challenges. The conversation delves into resilience, post-traumatic growth, and stories of career resilience. John examines breaking cycles in relationships and personal development, highlighting the use of humor in coping with grief and stress. Practical tools for building resilience, mindfulness, and self-compassion are discussed, along with listener stories on overcoming trauma. The episode concludes with final thoughts and a teaser for next week's discussion.
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    1 hr and 22 mins
  • U-Haul Drama and Backwards Shirts: When Life Goes Off-Script

    U-Haul Drama and Backwards Shirts: When Life Goes Off-Script
    Apr 25 2025
    John Knopick welcomes listeners to another episode of The Smorgasbord, exploring life's unexpected moments and inviting listener stories. He shares his "survival guide" for cross-country moves, recounting personal adventures from moving with newborns to starting anew in different states. John offers practical advice on handling career curveballs and changes, reflecting on pandemic work-from-home experiences. Family dynamics and personal history are explored as he discusses building traditions and finding support in new places. The episode features listener stories, questions, and concludes with a preview of what’s to come next week.
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    1 hr and 2 mins
  • From Iowa Roots to Tennessee Dreams: My Life Journey and WrestleMania Recap

    From Iowa Roots to Tennessee Dreams: My Life Journey and WrestleMania Recap
    Apr 18 2025
    John Knopick starts the episode with a recap of WrestleMania, then dives into his upbringing and childhood memories, sharing insights on family dynamics and personal loss during his school years. He recounts earning his GED, his impactful military service, and meeting his life partner. The narrative continues with stories of marriage, family developments, and a career trajectory that took him from the Game Show Network to Universal Music Group. John reflects on family life and relocations, finally settling in Columbia, Tennessee, and discusses future plans. The episode concludes with reflections on the podcast, social media engagement, and a preview of an upcoming episode on trauma, wrapping up with closing remarks and a sign-off.
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    1 hr and 1 min
  • Origins, Ops & Outta Nowhere: My Story + WrestleMania 41 Predictions

    Origins, Ops & Outta Nowhere: My Story + WrestleMania 41 Predictions
    Apr 11 2025
    John Knopick kicks off the first episode with listener feedback, philosophical musings, and personal anecdotes. He delves into acting, tech, and social media, then transitions to WrestleMania 41 predictions and match discussions, wrapping up with listener engagement and closing remarks.
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    1 hr and 17 mins