Air and Opportunity

About Air and Opportunity

Welcome to Air & Opportunity. We believe lasting growth begins with a strong foundation, roots built through mentorship, self-development, and community. In every episode, we have conversations with leaders, mentors, and role models who share their stories of resilience, guidance, and what it takes to elevate while relying on one another. Our mission is to empower the youth, especially those without strong male guidance to reclaim timeless values like chivalry, respect, and real confidence.

Publisher

Air and Opportunity

Category

health & fitness

Language

en

Explicit

Yes

First episode

21 Sept 2025

Latest episode

8 Jul 2026

Latest episodes

15 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   8 Jul 2026

   Matt Shew - Living in the Gift of the Present

   Our guest today brings energy, humor, honesty, and heart to everything he does. He is the founder and owner of Shew-sical Entertainment Services, a DJ of 27 years, and someone who has built a life around music, connection, and creating joy for others. He is also a father of four, a fan of funny t-shirts, food, dad jokes, and spreading cheer. But his story goes deeper than the music. In our conversation, we explore fitness, addiction, recovery, fatherhood, starting over, and the daily practice of being present. His journey is a reminder that life is not about being perfect. It is about showing up, doing the work, finding strength in the hard chapters, and choosing to live each day as fully as possible in the gift of the present.

2. 

   17 Jun 2026

   Gary Baker - Leadership Rooted in Faith, Integrity, and Service

   Today, we have the privilege of welcoming someone who is not only very near and dear to me, but someone I deeply respect as a leader, mentor, and man of principle. From a young age, he has embodied the kind of work ethic, integrity, and discipline that people do not simply talk about — they live out every day. His career has been built around service, responsibility, and the commitment to helping others operate with clarity, accountability, and purpose. He currently leads a statewide training program focused on safety, standards, and professional excellence, working closely with government partners and industry leaders to help ensure that people, systems, and communities are protected and well served. Beyond his professional accomplishments, what stands out most is who he is as a person. He is a teacher, a coach, a mentor, a man of strong faith, and someone who continues to pour into the next generation through youth leadership, ministry, and service. He represents the kind of leadership that is grounded in humility, strengthened by conviction, and proven through consistent action. I am honored to have him with us today and excited for the wisdom, perspective, and heart he brings to this conversation.

3. 

   21 May 2026

   Brandon Chapman - What I’d Tell My Younger Self: Manhood, Mental Health, Faith, and Becoming More

   In this powerful episode, multi-Emmy Award-winning filmmaker, husband, father of four, and founder of 88 Visuals and More Than, Brandon Chapman reflects on the lessons he would share with his younger self. At 41, Brandon opens up about mental health, pride, faith, fatherhood, and the evolving meaning of manhood. He shares how believing in your potential, letting others into your journey, and staying connected to God can shape the kind of man you become. This conversation is honest, reflective, and deeply relevant for young men, fathers, leaders, and anyone committed to growing with purpose.

4. 

   10 May 2026

   Cynthia McKenna & Mary Ann Wood - Mother's Day Special

   In this special Mother’s Day episode of Air & Opportunity, Chris and Dario sit down with three incredible women: Cynthia McKenna, Mary Ann Wood, and Alethea Kimmel. What started as a simple conversation quickly became a heartfelt trip down memory lane, filled with laughter, love, and unforgettable stories. It is never easy to fit a lifetime of memories into one hour, but this episode gave us the chance to reflect on the women who helped shape us, support us, guide us, and love us unconditionally. To Cynthia, Mary Ann, and Alethea — thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Your love, strength, wisdom, and support have meant more than words can ever fully express. This episode is for you, with endless love and appreciation.

5. 

   21 Apr 2026

   Rhett Thompson- Young, Driven, and Just Getting Started

   Born in Honolulu, Hawai’i, and having lived in Hawai’i, Oregon, and Japan before moving to Maryland, he is now a 5th grader at Blue Heron Elementary where math is his favorite subject and he enjoys playing Roblox. He comes from an athletic family—his mom, Jill, an elementary art teacher, is an ultramarathoner and All-American runner from Georgetown University, his dad, Sean, is a Captain in the U.S. Navy JAG Corps and ultramarathoner, his older 3 siblings are all 3-sport athletes at Oakdale High School—and he shares that competitive drive across multiple sports. He runs track for the Frederick Blaze (800m and 1500m), plays football for the LOUYAA Oakdale Bears (MVFL Super Bowl champions the past two years), wrestles with the Predators Wrestling Club (4th at states last year and 2nd at Eastern Regionals this year), and plays lacrosse as a faceoff specialist for Team Maryland with an 86% win rate over the past year.

6. 

   7 Apr 2026

   Reuben Kline - More Than Miles: Mental Toughness, Purpose, and Life on the Bike

   Today’s guest is Reuben Kline—cyclist, entrepreneur, and founder of Bici Fitness and the Gran Fondo National Series. From mechanic to professional racer, his journey is built on mental toughness, resilience, relationships, and community—exploring the world one ride at a time. He’s also featured in the award-winning documentary Ride the Divide. Reuben believes in healthy outlets, staying aligned with your passion and purpose, and sharing life with others—measuring a rich life by experience and connection, not status. His philosophy is simple: put the phone away, get outside, explore, and see the world differently. Because for him, cycling isn’t just a sport—it’s a vehicle for growth, identity, and mindset. As he puts it: “Simply put, I believe in the bike.”

7. 

   12 Mar 2026

   Connor Bell - From Cleats & Jerseys to Building the Maryland Terrapin Brand

   Connor Bell is a DMV native who grew up in Germantown, Maryland. After attending Gonzaga College High School in Washington, D.C., he went on to the University of Maryland in College Park and later earned his graduate degree from the University of Florida. Connor spent six years working in college athletics as an NCAA football equipment manager, gaining a unique behind-the-scenes perspective on the daily operations of major football programs. After his time on the equipment side, he transitioned into fundraising at his alma mater, where he now serves as Assistant Director of Development for the University of Maryland, focusing on strengthening relationships and helping build the Maryland brand throughout the DMV region.

8. 

   24 Feb 2026

   Kevin Lollar - Meditation, Law, and Leadership

   Kevin Lollar is the Executive Director of the Housing Authority of the City of Frederick — and a living example that unconventional paths can still lead to meaningful leadership. A father of three sons and a lifelong meditator, Kevin shares how a high school dropout became a philosophy graduate of Hood College, earned his law degree from George Washington University, and built a career centered on service, stability, and community impact. In this episode, we talk mindset, resilience, and the inner work behind public-facing leadership—plus insights from his newest book, From Here To Here. Check his new book out! - https://www.fromheretohere.com

9. 

   6 Feb 2026

   Super Bowl LX Special - Duane Clemons is a former NFL defensive end known for relentless pressure and consistent production.

   A standout at the University of California, he was selected in the first round of the 1996 NFL Draft by the Minnesota Vikings and went on to play nearly a decade in the league with the Vikings, Kansas City Chiefs, and Cincinnati Bengals. Beyond the stats, Clemons’ story is one of resilience—staying focused and disciplined while navigating challenging environments and competing paths early in life. That mindset carried him through a nine-year NFL career, finishing with 49.5 sacks, and cemented his reputation as someone who earned success through perseverance, self-belief, and relentless pursuit of his goals.

10. 

    3 Feb 2026

    Timika Thrasher - Leadership at the Local Level: Creating Opportunity and Stability.

    Timika Thrasher serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the Boys & Girls Club of Frederick County, where she is deeply committed to empowering youth and strengthening local communities. A local business owner as well, she brings a practical, community-rooted perspective to leadership, focusing on safe, inclusive spaces that support youth development, and long-term success through mentorship, access, and stability.

11. 

    19 Jan 2026

    Chase Desjardins - Humble Swagger: Quiet Confidence in a Room Full of Noise

    The Student Athlete Playbook: How to Master Mental Toughness and Balance School & Sports. He fell in 60% of his races. Now he’s a Captain. Here’s how. Freshman year, Chase Dejardin wiped out in 60% of his competitive ski races as a freshman. Most people would have quit after the third fall. Chase didn't. Now, he’s a Junior at Gonzaga College High School, XC Captain, National Honor Society member, and a leader in his community. On this episode of Air & Opportunity, Dario and Chris sit down with Chase to find out exactly how you turn a "failing season" into a foundation for leadership. We discuss The mental shift required to get back up (literally). How to balance grades, sports, and a social life without burning out. Why real leadership isn't about being the loudest person in the room. If you’re a student stressing about your future, or just trying to survive the week—this is the blueprint you need.

12. 

    27 Oct 2025

    Episode #1 - Air & Opportunity

    In every episode, we have conversations with leaders, mentors, and role models who share their stories of resilience, guidance, and what it takes to elevate while relying on one another. Our mission is to empower the youth, especially those without strong male guidance to reclaim timeless values like chivalry, respect, and real confidence. Created by Dario and Chris, our mission is simple: help people rise from strong roots into elevated growth and endless possibilities.  This is a space for fresh tools, real conversations, and genuine growth, helping young men rise into capable, confident leaders beyond screens and surface impressions.

13. 

    18 Oct 2025

    Episode 4: Building a Championship Culture with Coach Kurt Stein

    In this episode, we sit down with Coach Kurt Stein, Head Football Coach at Oakdale High School in Maryland — a leader known for building one of the state’s most respected high school football programs through perseverance, discipline, and vision. Coach Stein began his coaching career at Catoctin High School (2004–2009), where he served as Quarterbacks Coach and Head JV Coach. In 2009, his contributions helped Catoctin capture the Maryland 1A State Championship. When Oakdale High School opened its doors in 2010, Coach Stein took on the challenge of building a football program from the ground up — starting with only freshmen and sophomores. After an inaugural JV season in 2010, Oakdale played its first varsity season in 2011, finishing 0–10. From those humble beginnings, Coach Stein has transformed the program into a powerhouse. Over 14 varsity seasons, Oakdale has compiled a record of 102–51, including a 15–8 playoff record and Regional Championships in 2018, 2022, and 2023. The team has reached the State Championship Game three times and claimed two Maryland State Titles — the 2A Championship in 2018 (13–0) and the 3A Championship in 2023 (14–0). Coach Stein’s leadership and dedication have not gone unnoticed. He’s been named Baltimore Touchdown Club Coach of the Year three times (2018, 2022, 2023) and was honored as the Baltimore Ravens Maryland High School Coach of the Year in 2023. Through it all, Coach Stein has remained focused on what matters most — developing young men of character, resilience, and teamwork both on and off the field.

14. 

    28 Sept 2025

    Episode #3 Beau Traber - overcoming hardships, setting and achieving meaningful goals, and fostering stronger relationships

    Beau Traber Brings Leadership, Resilience, and Perspective to Air & Opportunity Podcast Frederick, MD — Beau Traber, a former Bucknell University football standout and community coach, joins Air & Opportunity Podcast to share his story of perseverance, leadership, and the power of relationships. Originally from Rochester, NY, Beau moved to Norman, Oklahoma for high school before earning a football scholarship to Bucknell University. There, he excelled as a linebacker, serving as a senior captain and earning All-Conference honors twice. Following graduation, he and his wife lived in Texas, New Jersey, and Virginia before settling in Frederick, Maryland in 2021. The couple married just ahead of the 2024 season. Beyond his professional career, Beau dedicated his time to shaping young athletes as a volunteer coach (Defensive Coordinator) with GTJHS Football, leading the program as head coach for two seasons before stepping down to focus on his career. During this episode, he will discuss topics close to his heart: overcoming hardships, setting and achieving meaningful goals, and fostering stronger relationships through empathy, perspective, and communication.

15. 

    21 Sept 2025

    Episode #2 Todd Ermi

    In this powerful conversation, we sit down with Todd Ermi, who shares the story of a life-altering medical experience that completely reshaped his outlook on life. What once defined success for him has taken on new meaning, centered less on achievement and more on purpose, gratitude, and impact. Through his journey, Todd opens up about the resilience it took to face uncertainty, the clarity he gained about what truly matters, and the legacy he now feels called to leave behind. This episode is a candid reflection on redefining success, cultivating strength in adversity, and living with intention. Whether you’re navigating your own challenges or seeking perspective on what it means to live a fulfilled life, this conversation will leave you inspired to reflect on your own path and the mark you want to make.

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