Mike Soltys is the official historian and former Vice President of Communications at ESPN, the sports media giant that revolutionized 24-hour sports broadcasting. During his 43-year career, he led media relations and communications efforts as ESPN grew into a global sports powerhouse.

Garrett Z. Sutton is a corporate attorney, best-selling author, and Owner at Corporate Direct, where he helps entrepreneurs and investors structure and protect their businesses. He is the author of multiple books, including Start Your Own Corporation, Run Your Own Corporation, and several titles in Robert Kiyosaki's Rich Dad Advisors series.

Everyone knows ESPN as a global sports broadcasting powerhouse today, but few recall its unlikely beginnings. The idea of a 24-hour sports network once sounded unrealistic — even reckless — to industry insiders. What drove its founders to risk everything on a vision most people believed would fail?

Mike Soltys and Garrett Z. Sutton reveal the unlikely story behind the rise of ESPN and the mindset that helped turn a risky idea into a sports media empire. Garrett shares how optimism, strategic partnerships, and relentless belief helped secure early backing from brands like Budweiser and partners such as RCA when resources were scarce. Mike reflects on ESPN's early days at a muddy construction site in Bristol, Connecticut, where the now-iconic SportsCenter first came to life. Together, they highlight the risks ESPN's founders took with their finances, careers, and reputations to bring the network to life. Their stories illustrate how perseverance, creative problem-solving, and strong relationships helped transform a scrappy startup into a global sports broadcasting powerhouse.

In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz sits down with Mike Soltys and Garrett Z. Sutton to discuss the bold founding story behind ESPN. They explore the risks the founders took, the partnerships that helped secure early sponsors, and the satellite deal that propelled ESPN nationwide. Mike and Garrett also share lessons on resilience, teamwork, and staying optimistic through uncertainty.

Meghan Fialkoff is the Co-founder of The Modern Day Wife, a lifestyle brand renowned for producing luxury events that unite women, brands, and influencers across North America. Under her leadership, the brand has hosted over 50 events with audiences of up to 2,000 guests and has partnered with companies like Bloomingdale's and W Hotels.

Meghan has been recognized by LA Style Magazine and Modern Luxury, and was named a 40 Under 40 honoree by Beverly Hills Living Magazine. With a background in nonprofit leadership and philanthropy — including ringing the Nasdaq Opening Bell for her charitable work — Meghan is passionate about creating meaningful connections and empowering modern women through entrepreneurship and community.

What does it take to unite hundreds of ambitious women, brands, and creators and keep them coming back? Behind every standout event are bold choices, creative pivots, and a focus on meaningful connections. How do some entrepreneurs turn gatherings into thriving communities instead of one-off experiences?

According to Meghan Fialkoff, a visionary entrepreneur and community builder, thriving events grow from authentic relationships and creative partnerships rather than rigid business models. She explains how prioritizing genuine connections turned early digital gatherings into large-scale experiences with major brands, influencers, and loyal attendees. By experimenting with ideas such as themed sponsor activations and immersive fashion shows, she transformed basic vendor setups into memorable productions. Transparency and consistent value have helped her build a strong, expanding community across multiple cities.

In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz sits down with Meghan Fialkoff, Co-founder of The Modern Day Wife, to discuss building impactful event communities. They explore launching events during a pandemic, turning simple booths into immersive brand experiences, and building partnerships that drive packed events. Meghan also shares insights on creative sponsorship strategies and maintaining authenticity while scaling a growing brand.

Courtney Epps, EA, PhD, is the Founder of OTB Tax and a nationally recognized tax strategist, international speaker, and TEDx speaker. With nearly 20 years of experience, she helps entrepreneurs and businesses — from startups to $100 million companies — use strategic tax planning to legally reduce taxes and drive financial growth. She is also the Founder of Tax Rebels, an educational platform and community that teaches entrepreneurs how to use proactive tax strategies to keep more of what they earn. Courtney is the best-selling author of More Relaxing, Less Taxing and What's Your Plan B?.

Taxes are often treated as an unavoidable cost of doing business, something entrepreneurs simply accept each year. But what if many business owners are paying far more than they legally need to? The real question is: are you using the strategies that allow you to keep more of what you earn?

For Courtney Epps, a recognized tax strategist and financial educator, many entrepreneurs miss key opportunities to legally reduce their tax burden. She explains that common mistakes, such as improper business structure, incorrect salary payments, and overlooking eligible deductions, can cost business owners tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars each year. Courtney highlights strategies such as the Augusta Rule, which allows business owners to rent their homes to their companies tax-free, and hiring children in the business to shift income into lower tax brackets. When used correctly, these strategies help entrepreneurs keep more of their income and accelerate long-term wealth building while making tax planning a critical financial priority.

In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz sits down with Courtney Epps, Founder of OTB Tax, to discuss smart tax strategies every business owner should know. They explore common tax mistakes entrepreneurs make, how strategies like the Augusta Rule and hiring your kids can reduce taxes, and why tax planning should be a top financial priority. Courtney also shares real-world examples of saving clients millions through advanced charitable tax strategies.