The Plug Podcast by Jeff Kohl & Pat Schiller

Episode 009: The Future of Learning with LEAP Innovations’ Scott Frauenheim

On this episode, Jeff sits down with Scott Frauenheim, CEO of LEAP Innovations and Distinctive Schools, to talk about how personalized learning, AI, and classroom design are reshaping education. Scott explains the difference between public, private, and charter schools, why so many teachers are burning out, and how LEAP partners with schools to make learning more engaging and relevant for today’s digital-native students. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or just curious about where school is headed, this conversation offers a clear look at the future of education.

Episode 008: Gene Therapy, Rare Disease & the Future of Medicine with Pat Girondi

When Pat Girondi’s son was diagnosed with thalassemia, a rare and often fatal blood disorder, his life changed overnight. A former commodities trader and South Side Chicago native, Pat left everything behind to search for a cure—eventually founding San Rocco Therapeutics, a company now leading the fight to make gene therapy more affordable. In this conversation, he shares how a father’s determination became a global mission, the obstacles of battling big pharma, and the hope that’s driving the next wave of medical breakthroughs.

Episode 007: Beyond “Million Dollar Marco”: Betting, Business & Life Lessons

In this candid and unfiltered sit-down, Marco Piemonte opens up about his real story—from a turbulent childhood, military school and lost identity as an athlete, to building a family, thriving in the car business and card-collecting world, and navigating the highs and lows of sports betting. Marco pulls back the curtain on the life events that shaped him, the hustle that drives him, and the lessons learned on fatherhood, business, and giving back.

Episode 006: Riding for CUREage: Brad Beetham on Cal’s Angels and the Fight Against Pediatric Cancer

To donate to Jeff's campaign visit: https://charity.pledgeit.org/CalsAngelsCUREage2025Ride/@JeffreyKohl [https://charity.pledgeit.org/CalsAngelsCUREage2025Ride/@JeffreyKohl] On the latest episode, Jeff sits down with Brad Beetham, board chairman of Cal’s Angels, to talk about the organization’s incredible mission to grant wishes, raise awareness, and fund groundbreaking pediatric cancer research. Brad shares the story of how Cal’s Angels began, his own family’s journey through childhood cancer, and the impact their CUREage Ride fundraiser has made over the years. From cross-country treks to this year’s 450-mile challenge, Brad explains how every mile is dedicated to the kids and families fighting the toughest battles of their lives.   #CalsAngels #PediatricCancerAwareness #CUREageRide #ChildhoodCancer #GoGold #CancerResearch #GiveBack #DoGood #CharityRide #CyclingForACause #MilesForSmiles #Chicago #LurieChildrens #Midwest #Fundraiser #Community #Hope #BradBeetham

Episode 005: Clay Harbor on His NFL Career, Overcoming Adversity, Finding Purpose Beyond the Game

Former NFL tight end Clay Harbor sits down with Jeff Kohl and Pat Schiller for an unfiltered conversation on his incredible journey. From growing up in small-town Illinois and overcoming a turbulent childhood to carving out a nine-year NFL career, Clay opens up about perseverance, sacrifice, and the drive that pushed him forward. He shares inside stories from the league, what it was like competing for a spot on the roster, the tough reality of injuries, and how a stint on The Bachelorette unexpectedly shaped his post-football path. Plus, the guys swap memories from training at Extreme Speed, moving from trailers to the NFL, and what it means to keep grinding after setbacks.     #ClayHarbor #NFL #SportsPodcast #ChicagoSports #UnderdogStory #Resilience #TheBachelorette #BachelorNation #TightEnd #PhiladelphiaEagles #JacksonvilleJaguars #NewEnglandPatriots #DetroitLions #ChicagoBears #FromHumbleBeginnings #Grind #Discipline #Mindset #CHSN #TheCharter