Libsyn Directory

655: Elsa Hirl is a Financial Assistant & Certified Home Baker [podcast]

Release Date: 01/15/2025

705: Steve Ferguson is an Insurance Geek & Thrill Seeker [podcast]

What's Your "And"?

Steve Ferguson shares how his passion for cars started in childhood, fueled by a neighbor who gave him car magazines from around the world. Steve recalls how his love for automotive performance led him to owning a 1993 Dodge Viper, founding the Viper Club of America, and instructing others in high-performance driving across legendary racetracks in the U.S. He describes memorable experiences, like clocking 186 mph in a Viper and teaching the drummer of Smashing Pumpkins, Jimmy Chamberlin, to drive his Ferrari. Steve also talks about his enthusiasm for scuba diving, his loyalty to the Dallas...

703: Michael Horwitz is an Executive Director & Tennis Player [podcast]

What's Your "And"?

Michael Horwitz shares his passion for tennis, especially playing on grass courts at the historic Longwood Cricket Club in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts. He talks about how tennis has become a big part of his family's life, with everyone—from his wife and children to in-laws—getting involved in the sport. Michael describes the unique feel and challenges of playing on grass compared to hard or clay courts, and reveals how he hopes to one day participate in Longwood's prestigious 90-and-over tournament. He recounts memorable moments, including playing in a national father-daughter tournament...

701: Tim Allen is a Chief Growth Officer & Freelance Writer [podcast]

What's Your "And"?

Tim Allen, Chief Growth Officer at MBE CPAs, shares how his lifelong passion for writing and motorsports has enriched both his personal and professional life. He reminisces about his early days getting in trouble for producing a black market student newspaper and how those writing skills, encouraged by his English teacher mom, have led to freelance opportunities with industry publications. Tim discusses his favorite experiences interviewing fascinating people in the automotive world, including celebrities like Keanu Reeves and Aaron Shelby. He believes his pursuits outside of work make him a...

699: Marit Burmood is a CPA & Skateboarder [podcast]

What's Your "And"?

Marit Burmood shares her journey from learning to skateboard as a teenager to rediscovering her love for skating as an adult and mom. She talks about the determination, grit, and mental toughness developed through extreme sports and how these qualities translate into her professional life. Marit discusses finding balance between motherhood and personal passions, emphasizing the importance of nurturing one's own interests to stay fulfilled. She reflects on how sharing her true self helped her build more authentic relationships with clients and colleagues. Marit encourages listeners to embrace...

697: Erika Flowers is a Chief Client Officer & Cross-Country Skier & Trail Runner [podcast]

What's Your "And"?

Erika Flowers, the Chief Client Officer at Profitable Ideas Exchange (PIE), shares her journey from growing up in Montana and falling in love with cross-country skiing to racing professionally both in the U.S. and internationally. She reflects on how her passion for skiing helped her build strong friendships, instilled resilience, and taught her goal-setting, all skills she later found invaluable in her corporate career. Erika discusses the understated power of bringing your outside interests, or "Ands," into the workplace, believing these passions make people more human and effective in...

695: Calvin Harris Jr is a CPA & Runner [podcast]

What's Your "And"?

Calvin Harris Jr., CEO of the New York State Society of CPAs, shares how running became an essential part of his life after moving to New York. He explains how the running community helped him connect with others and inspired him to challenge himself from 5Ks to completing multiple marathons. Calvin discusses the ways that running has made him a better leader, teaching him resilience and the importance of enduring through difficult times. He reflects on the significance of being authentic at work and encourages professionals to bring their best selves to their careers, including sharing...

693: Bridget Kaigler is a CPA & Gardener [podcast]

What's Your "And"?

Bridget Kaigler, CEO and founder of Bringing Leadership Back, joins the show to share how she discovered her passion for gardening and transforming outdoor spaces during the pandemic. She describes creating her backyard retreat as her own form of therapy, turning a previously untouched space into something “magazine ready.” Bridget opens up about how her gardening journey led her to help friends design their own outdoor sanctuaries and how the process became a source of creativity and balance in her life. She reflects on bringing her authentic, extroverted self to the accounting...

691: Roman Kepczyk is a CPA & Triathlete [podcast]

What's Your "And"?

Roman Kepczyk shares his enthusiasm for triathlons, adventure travel, and building sandcastles as his passions outside of work. He describes how his background in running led to a lifelong love of endurance events and how friendships grew from training and competing in triathlons together. Roman details the organization, discipline, and teamwork required for triathlons and how these skills translate directly into his work improving business processes for CPA firms. He touches on the importance of travel and shared experiences with his wife, highlighting how they plan adventures years ahead and...

689: Nicole DeRosa is a CPA & Zumba Fitness Instructor [podcast]

What's Your "And"?

Nicole DeRosa, Director of Tax at SKC & Co. and a brand ambassador with UWorld Accounting, joins the show to share how her lifelong love for dance led her to become a licensed Zumba fitness instructor. Nicole reflects on her journey from childhood dancing and cheerleading, to discovering Zumba at her gym and eventually integrating her passion into both her professional and personal life. She describes the joy of teaching Zumba, highlights memorable experiences like large-scale fundraisers, and explains the importance of bringing your whole self, including your hobbies and passions, into...

687: Robert Eyler is an Expert at Nothing [podcast]

What's Your "And"?

Robert Eyler shares his journey from college football to becoming a CPA, certified mindfulness meditation teacher and yoga instructor. He discusses how yoga helped him heal both physically and mentally after leaving sports, and how mindfulness practices supported his recovery from an Adderall addiction. Robert opens up about the ongoing stigma surrounding bringing personal passions into the workplace, yet emphasizes the importance of showing up as your whole self for stronger team connections and improved well-being. He recounts transformative experiences, like a 10-day silent meditation...

More Episodes

This week's guest is Elsa Hirl, a financial assistant at Maquoketa State Bank in Iowa and the vibrant personality behind Momma Hirl's Baking. Elsa shares her passion for baking, which she attributes to her grandmothers and her early experiences making cinnamon rolls in junior high. She talks about how her baking journey and then sharing her "And" with others has bolstered her confidence and helped her break out of her comfort zone. Elsa also touches upon the joys of holiday traditions and the importance of balancing work with personal passions. Listeners will enjoy her humorous anecdotes and the heartwarming story of how her family came to appreciate her Christmas cinnamon rolls.

Episode Highlights

· Baking is deeply ingrained in Elsa's family history, with her starting to sell baked goods in junior high.
· Works as a financial assistant while also managing her baking business, emphasizing the importance of pursuing passions alongside a career.
· Pursuing and sharing her passion for baking has helped Elsa build personal confidence and step out of her comfort zone.
· Sharing personal passions (like baking) at work helps in creating more meaningful human connections and improving workplace culture.

TOPICS