The Pie Guy Podcast

Episode #14 - Harry O'Reilly (Actor, Writer, Producer)

In this heartfelt episode of The Pie Guy Podcast, host Matt Walker catches up with his cousin's cousin, Brooklyn native Harry O'Reilly—a veteran actor, director, and writer with over 30 years in Hollywood. From his breakout as Pvt. Michael Duffy in the gritty Vietnam War drama Hamburger Hill (1987) to dishing witty banter as Wes McGregor in the Gen-X rom-com Reality Bites (1994), Harry's career highlights include channeling deadpan frustration as Steven's boss opposite Jim Carrey in The Cable Guy (1996) and suiting up as Special Agent Dansk in the ensemble heist flick Tower Heist (2011). The two dive into Harry's athletic roots—playing football for the Brooklyn Mariners, boxing, and hooping alongside future NBA legend Chris Mullin—before unpacking his bold pivot from college football scholarship to drama department, studying under legends like Geraldine Page, and landing early gigs without an agent. Expect raw stories of near-misses (like turning down Friends and a callback with Robert Redford for A River Runs Through It), the grind of auditions versus live theater, and hard-won lessons on connecting emotionally to roles over rote memorization. As a devoted dad of three who's stepped back to support his kids (including a budding filmmaker son), Harry reflects on powering down the "hamster wheel" of acting, New York vs. LA vibes, and why residuals from '90s TV beats Broadway pay. Nostalgic, scrappy, and packed with Gen-X grit, this family-fueled chat—touching on everything from The Godfather to Succession—is a reminder that the best stories come from lived truth. Tune in for laughs, wisdom, and that unmistakable Brooklyn heart.

Episode #12 - Carl Smith (Community Builder and Philosophical Futurist)

Join host Matt Walker on The Pie Guy Podcast for a nostalgic and freewheeling conversation with his longtime friend Carl Smith, founder of The Bureau of Digital in Jacksonville, FL. What begins as a plan to talk football takes a delightful detour into the world of music, creativity, and community. Carl, a passionate community builder and philosophical futurist, shares stories from his musical past—from his first Black Sabbath concert at age 12 to his deep love for Prince, the Eagles, Van Halen, and more. Matt and Carl dive into the raw energy of 80s rock, the genius of unfiltered artists like Eddie Van Halen and Dave Grohl, and the collaborative spirit of bands like the Traveling Wilburys. They lament the loss of authentic connection in modern music and celebrate the joy of creating without constraints, drawing parallels to Carl’s work with The Bureau—a vibrant 1,400-member collective where digital agency leaders share ideas, solve problems, and grow together. From tales of Prince’s boundary-pushing artistry to the communal power of a hackathon, this episode is a heartfelt ode to creativity and connection. Tune in for a fun, music-filled chat that captures the eclectic spirit of The Pie Guy Podcast!

Episode #11 - Michelle Francoeur (Personal Trainer & Nutrition Specialist)

Join host Matt Walker on Episode #11 of The Pie Guy Podcast as he dives into the world of nutrition and fitness with certified personal trainer and nutrition specialist Michelle Francoeur. From debunking food myths to sharing practical tips for healthy eating, Michelle discusses the importance of cooking at home, avoiding processed foods, and choosing fresh, organic ingredients. She also opens up about her journey from plant-based to flexitarian eating, the impact of modern food systems, and her new focus on menopause education. Whether you're navigating family meals or curious about weight loss drugs like Ozempic, this episode offers relatable insights for everyday health. Tune in for a candid conversation packed with actionable advice! Follow Michelle on Instagram @MichelleFrankerFitness for more tips.

Episode #10 - Brendon Huttmann (Longtime MLB Strength & Conditioning Expert)

Join host Matt Walker on the Pie Guy Podcast as he sits down with Brendon Huttmann, a strength and conditioning expert with an incredible journey from Major League Baseball to leading a human performance team for the U.S. Army. With over 20 years in MLB, Brendon worked with the Pittsburgh Pirates, Los Angeles Dodgers, and Cleveland Indians, rising to Director of Performance Science and serving as President of the Professional Baseball Strength and Conditioning Coaches Society. Now, as a Department of the Army civilian, he leads a team of 25 professionals to optimize the readiness of 3,000 soldiers through holistic health and fitness. In this engaging episode, Brendon shares insights on wearable tech, the importance of sleep, coaching youth baseball, and the stark contrasts between MLB’s fast-paced world and the Army’s mission-driven culture. Tune in for a deep dive into performance, leadership, and life lessons from the field to the front lines. Listen now for an inspiring conversation packed with stories, expertise, and heart!

Episode #9 - Todd Radom (Legendary Sports Designer)

Join host Matt Walker for an exciting conversation with legendary sports designer Todd Radom, diving into the vibrant world of sports design, branding, and fandom. In this episode, they explore Todd’s iconic work creating logos for professional sports teams, the passionate sports culture of Philadelphia, and the evolving stadium experience that captivates fans. From the unique romanticism of baseball to the community pride fueling sports fandom, they discuss how design shapes team identity and the growing influence of AI on the creative process. Todd also shares insights into his current projects, including his work with Ice Cube’s Big3 basketball league, and ponders the future of professional sports in smaller markets. Whether you’re a sports enthusiast or a design aficionado, this episode offers a fascinating look at the intersection of art, culture, and athletics.