Good Listen with Joe Pardavila

From Minor Leagues to Major Meaning: Jim Murphy’s Guide to the Best Possible Life

In the season finale of Good Listen, I sit down with Jim Murphy—former professional athlete, mental performance coach, and author of the transformative book Inner Excellence. Jim opens up to me about his tumultuous journey from a minor league baseball player grappling with career-threatening vision issues to a sought-after coach guiding elite athletes and executives worldwide. He shares the pivotal moment his life changed forever: a chance encounter with a homeless man named Zoe during a mental health crisis, which sparked a spiritual awakening and reshaped his understanding of purpose.Jim talks about how Inner Excellence unexpectedly skyrocketed to fame after NFL star AJ Brown was spotted reading it during a playoff game, catapulting the book into the spotlight. He dives into profound insights on overcoming self-centeredness, embracing humility, and pursuing a life of “fullness” over fleeting success. Through raw anecdotes—from his struggles in the minors to coaching Olympians and PGA Tour champions—Jim reveals how faith, self-awareness, and resilience can redefine greatness.This conversation is a raw, deeply human exploration of finding joy beyond accolades, the power of divine timing, and why true excellence begins within. Whether you’re an athlete, entrepreneur, or simply seeking meaning, Jim’s story will challenge you to rethink what it means to live your best possible life.“Inner Excellence: Train Your Mind for Extraordinary Performance and the Best Possible Life” is available now.

Mic Drop & Mom Life: Anne Marie Leamy’s Radio Comeback, Chaos, and Keeping It Real

I sat down with my longtime friend and radio pro Anne Marie “Annie” Leamy for a chat that felt like catching up over coffee—if that coffee came with wild stories, raw honesty, and a few laughs. You might remember Annie from our days together at WPLJ or her recent gig at WCBS-FM, but trust me, her journey doesn’t stop there.We talked about what it’s like to rebuild after getting laid off (again), how she’s crushing it at the gym instead of drowning in pints of ice cream (cough PLJ days cough), and why social media isn’t just for memes—it’s her lifeline to listeners who’ve stuck with her for decades. Oh, and did I mention she’s raising three boys while plotting her next career move? Spoiler: This mom’s got hustle.We dove into the messy magic of balancing work and family, the actual reason she married her “big goofball” husband Sean (hint: teamwork makes the dream work), and why radio’s live, unfiltered chaos still has her hooked. If you’ve ever felt stuck between “What’s next?” and “How do I adult?,” this one’s for you.Catch Annie’s unstoppable energy on Instagram @annieonair—and don’t forget to smash that thumbs-up button or leave a review if this convo hit home. Want more? Swing by joepadavila.com for past episodes. Thanks for hanging with us! 🎧✨

Kevin Griffin of Better Than Ezra: Navigating Music Industry Evolution, Creative Reinvention & Business Success

In my latest Good Listen episode, I chat with Kevin Griffin, frontman of the iconic 90s band Better Than Ezra. Kevin takes me through his fascinating journey from starting as a college band at LSU to achieving lasting success in the ever-changing music industry. We discuss how the business has transformed dramatically from the CD-selling boom days to today's streaming economy. Kevin reveals how a pivotal meeting with legendary manager Alan Kovac pushed him to diversify beyond Better Than Ezra, leading to incredible opportunities writing for artists like Taylor Swift and Sugarland. We explore his expansion into music publishing, festival creation, and his recent business parable book about creativity. Kevin shares his practical methods for staying relevant, managing time effectively, and maintaining creative longevity in a cutthroat industry. Don't miss this insightful conversation about reinvention, adaptation, and finding continued success through collaboration and curiosity.

Naked Truths: Estelle Keeber on Embracing Life, Social Media, and the Nudist Lifestyle

Estelle’s story is one of those that makes you stop and think, "Why not?" At 40, she decided to cross something off her bucket list that most people wouldn’t even consider—visiting a nude beach for the first time. What started as a personal challenge turned into a life-changing experience, and eventually, a viral moment thanks to the Daily Mail.We dove into what inspired her to take that leap, how it’s reshaped her outlook on life, and the lessons she’s learned along the way. But Estelle isn’t just about nudist beaches—she’s also a powerhouse when it comes to social media. Known as the "Insta Queen," she shared some incredible tips on how to navigate the ever-changing world of algorithms, build a personal brand, and even how to use AI as a tool without losing your authentic voice.So whether you’re curious about the nudist lifestyle, looking to up your social media game, or just need a reminder that it’s never too late to try something new, this episode is for you. And hey, if you enjoy the chat, don’t forget to hit that thumbs up button—it’s clothing optional!

The Actor’s Hustle: Sarah Pribis on Grinding, Growing, and Finding Joy in the Gig Economy

I’ve got Sarah Pribis on the show this week. Sarah has been a working actor for years, navigating the ups and downs of the gig economy that comes with the entertainment industry. From her early days bartending to landing roles on Broadway, TV, and even hosting the popular game show app HQ, Sarah has seen it all. We dive into the realities of being a working actor—how she balances creative fulfillment with the need to pay the bills, the challenges of taking on less glamorous jobs like audiobook narration and corporate training videos, and the lessons she’s learned along the way. Sarah opens up about her experience with HQ, the pressures of being in the spotlight, and how she’s learned to embrace the journey rather than fixate on the destination. We also talk about the joy she finds in her work, the camaraderie of being on set, and how she’s using her platform to inspire others, whether it’s through her transparency about the acting grind or her discussions on sobriety and mental health. Our talk is a candid look at what it means to pursue a career in acting, the resilience it takes to keep going, and the importance of finding purpose in both the big and small moments. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s really like to be a working actor in today’s world, this episode is for you. Tune in and join us for an inspiring and heartfelt chat with Sarah Pribis.