Shows
Hard Knock University PodcastReacting to Our Cringey First Podcast: What We Learned the Hard WayWelcome to this bonus episode of the Hard Knock University Podcast — somewhere between Season 2 and Season 3. In this behind-the-scenes sit-down, Mark and Seth Caples grab some cigars, crack open Lone Stars, and react to Episode 1 of the podcast... and tear it apart with brutal honesty, humor, and a whole lot of hard-earned wisdom.
🎙 What started with a grainy webcam and a dream is now a full-blown couch studio setup and a thriving community of resilient leaders. We talk cringe, growth, gear upgrades, and the real lessons behind launching a podcast, writing a book, and navigating the YouTube algor...
2025-09-2944 minHard Knock University PodcastElvis, the Colonel, and the Cost of Poor Management Decisions🚨 Season 2 | Episode 24 of the Hard Knock University Podcast
🎧 Hosted by Mark Caples & Seth Caples
🎓 Sponsored by SMG Academy
What do Elvis Presley, Colonel Tom Parker, and a suspiciously long contract have to do with your busted project timeline?
In this episode, we sit down with Mark Sebby, founder of SMG Academy (our Season 2 sponsor!), to talk about the leadership fails and lessons in Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis biopic. From manipulation masked as mentorship to why poor leadership decisions cost more than just money—this episode is packed with grit, laughter, and some seriously uncomfortable...
2025-09-072h 02Hard Knock University PodcastToxic Bosses, Scope Creep & Burnout: Prada as a Project Management Case StudyIn this hilarious and brutally honest episode of the Hard Knock University Podcast, host Mark Caples breaks down The Devil Wears Prada — not as a fashion drama, but as a masterclass in toxic leadership, stakeholder management, and surviving executive egos.
👠 What can Miranda Priestly teach us about authority, decision fatigue, and burnout?
📋 How does Andy Sachs mirror the journey of every entry-level project manager trying to survive corporate chaos?
💼 And what’s the cost of delivering excellence in a dysfunctional system?
Mark dishes out #HardKnockLessons from this iconic film with grit, humor, and real-world ta...
2025-08-312h 45Hard Knock University PodcastThe Devil's Advocate (1997): Leadership Lessons from Satan's Master PlanJoin Mark Caples, Seth Caples, and Chris Day as they break down the 1997 thriller "The Devil's Advocate" through the lens of leadership and project management. Discover how Al Pacino's Satan character demonstrates both brilliant strategic planning and catastrophic leadership failures.
In this episode, we explore:
Kevin Lomax's moral descent and ethical compromises
John Milton's manipulative leadership tactics
Free will vs. determinism in decision-making
Project management lessons from the devil himself
Biblical and theological discussions on good vs. evil
Behind-the-scenes facts about the film
We rate Satan's performance as both a project manager (4.5/5) and leader (2.5/5), analyzing...
2025-07-272h 08Hard Knock University PodcastVoldemort Inc. | A Case Study in Ruthless Leadership Gone WrongWelcome to Season 2 of the Hard Knock University Podcast, where we dive into the magical world of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone! Join hosts Mark Caples, Seth Caples, and special guest John Buonadonna as they break down the 2001 blockbuster that launched one of the most iconic film franchises ever. From the Hogwarts Great Hall to the thrilling Quidditch matches, we explore the wizarding world’s charm, discuss the movie’s impact, and compare it to the Lord of the Rings craze of the time. In this episode, we analyze Harry Potter’s leadership style and project management skills...
2025-07-141h 20Hard Knock University PodcastIndependence Day Movie Deep Dive | Hard Knock University Podcast 4th of July Day Special90s Fun Facts, Behind-the-Scenes & Leadership Lessons!
Join Mark, Seth, Todd Roth & Tom DeVeronica as they unmask the magic of Independence Day (1996)! Dive into wild trivia — from Will Smith almost being replaced by Tom Cruise, to real practical effects blowing up models, James Brown’s hidden cameo, and the groundbreaking movie website. They break down the story, military tactics, leadership through crises, and what makes the film a 90s classic.
🎧 Featuring:
Behind-the-scenes secrets & director insights 🎥
Analysis of President Whitmore’s leadership and decision-making
Alien warfare strategy ✅ vs. human adaptability
Hilario...
2025-06-292h 07Hard Knock University PodcastFatherhood, Leadership & Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 | Hard Knock University Podcast Father's Day SpecialWelcome to a special Father's Day edition of the Hard Knock University Podcast! In this heartfelt episode, Mark Caples teams up with Jayvon Burke, host of the Fatherhood Exclusive Podcast, for a deep dive into fatherhood, mentorship, and powerful life lessons from the Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2.
From exploring the flawed fatherhood of Ego and the tough-love mentorship of Yondu, to Jayvon’s transformative new book "Lead the Way," this episode covers the complexities and triumphs of fatherhood leadership. Mark opens up about his personal journey with challenging father figures and shares profound insights on breaking ge...
2025-06-151h 55Hard Knock University PodcastPerfectly Balanced Projects (As All Things Should Be) | Breaking Down Thanos' Leadership StyleIn this episode of the Hard Knock University Podcast, Mark Caples is joined by Chris Day and Seth Caples to break down the leadership lessons hidden inside Avengers: Infinity War. What can project managers and leaders learn from the Mad Titan himself, Thanos? Surprisingly—a lot.
✅ Ruthless decision making
✅ Visionary leadership vs. autocratic control
✅ Delegation, resource management, and sacrifice
✅ The costs of executing big visions without feedback
✅ Comparing Thanos' leadership with Tony Stark, Captain America & Thor
✅ What Infinity War teaches us about team cohesion and crisis management
As always, we mix leadership...
2025-06-022h 33Hard Knock University PodcastChaos as a Business Model: Decoding The Joker’s Plan in The Dark KnightWas the Joker a criminal mastermind… or just a chaotic project manager with killer stakeholder control?
In Season 2, Episode 3 of the Hard Knock University Podcast, Mark Caples and guests dive deep into the organized chaos of Gotham and unpack real-world #HardKnockLessons from one of pop culture's most iconic villains. We analyze Joker’s game theory tactics, Batman’s reactive leadership, and Harvey Dent’s bureaucratic burnout — all through the lens of real project management and leadership struggles.
🎯 Learn how to lead (or survive) when everything goes off the rails.
🛠️ Discuss Sun Tzu's Art of War and what it te...
2025-05-182h 22Hard Knock University PodcastMaleficent: The Misunderstood Project Manager | Hard Knock University Podcast (Mother’s Day Special)👑 Was Maleficent really the villain… or just a boundary-setting project lead with a broken heart and a green flame budget?
This week on the Hard Knock University Podcast, we rewrite the fairy tale and put Disney’s Maleficent under the leadership lens — just in time for Mother’s Day.
Host Mark Caples is joined by Caroline Moncion Trinidad and Seth Caples as they unpack:
Maleficent’s misunderstood leadership style
King Stefan’s toxic ambition and failure to manage stakeholders
Project management lessons from betrayal, burnout, and boundaries
Tiffany Dufu’s...
2025-05-111h 14
The Monday M.A.S.S. with Chris Coté and Todd RichardsThe Monday M.A.S.S. With Chris Coté and Todd Richards, May 5, 2025 On this episode of the World's Greatest Action Sports Podcast, Chris and Todd talk about the huge news that dropped about the 2026 WSL Championship Tour reboot/return to form, tariffs in the surf skate and snow world, STAB High voting, Zeke and friends score in Indo then fight bros on the boardwalk, Gabriel Medina gets saved from a terrorist attack, THPS Fest is almost here, Laird Vs The World, Tony Hawk and Matthew McConaughey buy beachfront property in the wave rich region of Austin, Texas, surf beefs, skate shoe talk, Curren Caples is badass, Mark "Fos" Foster doc on PL...
2025-05-051h 02Hard Knock University PodcastHard Knock University S2E1: Leadership Lessons from Dr. Evil (Austin Powers Breakdown)Welcome back, Hard Knockers!
Season 2 of Hard Knock University kicks off with chaos, comedy, and real-world leadership lessons. 🎙️
In this episode, Mark Caples and Seth Caples dive deep into the wild world of Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery — breaking down project management fails, leadership disasters, and hard knock lessons from the one and only Dr. Evil.
👉 What can villains teach us about real leadership?
👉 Why Dr. Evil’s “grand master plans” keep falling apart?
👉 How emotional intelligence (or lack thereof) can make or break your team?
We also tackle the Book of the Week...
2025-05-041h 41Hard Knock University PodcastThe Myth of Omniscience (Remix): Why PMs Don’t Need All the Answers | Hard Knock University Ep. 4Ever feel like you’re expected to be Google with a hard hat? 😅 In this remixed episode of the Hard Knock University Podcast, we smash the myth that project managers must know EVERYTHING. Newsflash: They don’t. And trying to? That’ll get you smoked.
Join host Mark Caples as he remixes Episode 4 with new chaos, more humor, and the spicy truth about leading when you don’t have all the answers. We break down Chapter 3 of The Hard Knock School of Project Management and explore real-world leadership lessons from Bruce Graham, a no-BS business coach turned contractor...
2025-04-271h 29Hard Knock University Podcast🎸 Embrace the Suck: Project Management Lessons from a Bluesman | Remix Episode 3 | Hard Knock URemix Alert! 🔥
This ain’t your typical project management podcast — we’re throwing down hard truths, blues riffs, and uncomfortable truths with a heavy dose of grit and humor.
In this remixed edition of Episode 3: Embracing Discomfort, host Mark Caples and guest Todd Roth (blues musician, luthier, and certified vibe curator) dive into why growth lives in the discomfort zone — in projects, in music, in life.
This upgraded version fuses the original content with that signature HKU seasoning: fresh edits, sharper laughs, and an exclusive live music performance from Todd Roth to close it out 🎶🔥
2025-04-201h 47Hard Knock University PodcastRemix: 7 Brutal Project Management Lessons + Construction Career Pivot | Hard Knock University Ep. 2In this REMIXED episode of Hard Knock University, Mark Caples takes you through Chapter 1 of The Hard Knock School of Project Management with real-world lessons from a disastrous home renovation project. Discover 7 project management truths every PM, contractor, or team leader needs to hear. From scope creep and stakeholder chaos to language barriers and permit nightmares—this one’s a crash course in navigating the storm.
🎤 Then, Mark interviews Johnny Buonadonna, a former police officer who traded his badge for blueprints. Johnny shares how he broke into the construction game, what he learned the hard way, and why int...
2025-04-1347 minHard Knock University PodcastFatherhood, Failure & Finding My Way | Bonus Episode from Hard Knock University 🎙️🎙️ Bonus Episode – Hard Knock University Podcast
While prepping for my guest appearance on the Fatherhood Exclusive Podcast with Jay Burke, I hit record. I didn’t mean to go deep—but I did. I talk about my past, the pain I rarely share, what it means to be a father, and why I chose the path I’m on today.
This one’s personal. Real talk. No script. Just me, signing books and opening up about the lessons life beat into me.
🧠 If you’ve ever felt like your past disqualified you from doing something grea...
2025-04-1210 minHard Knock University PodcastREMIXED: Project Management 101 Gets a Hilarious Chaos Upgrade!🚨 BONUS EPISODE ALERT!
We’re throwing out the rulebook in this remixed, unfiltered, and hilarious version of Hard Knock University Season 1, Episode 1: "Project Management 101."
👷♂️ It’s still about stakeholders, scope, and the triple constraint, but this time it’s got cutaway comedy, stock market crashes, pirate captains, and real-life chaos—because that’s how we actually learn project management. 🎯 What’s inside this remix:
💥 Family Guy-style cutaways = comedy meets chaos
📉 Dow Jones tanks 2200 pts (and so did my patience)
🛥️ Florida fishing captain goes full pirate mode (Brock Horner, you wild!)
📘 First look at the Hard...
2025-04-0634 minHard Knock University PodcastProject Management Crash Course: Surviving Chaos w/ Seth CaplesHard Knock University Podcast S1 Ep10 | "Project Management Crash Course: Surviving Chaos w/ Seth Caples"
🚀 The Explosive Season 1 Finale is Here! 🚀
Buckle up, Hard Knockers! Episode 10 is a no-holds-barred crash course in project management, chaos control, and leadership survival. Host Mark Caples teams up with his brother Seth Caples for a wild ride through the toughest lessons in leadership and life—served with humor, hard truths, and a dash of sibling rivalry.
🔥 What’s Inside This Episode? 🎙 MrBeast-Style Epilogue – Speechify takes on the voice of YouTube royalty to recap our biggest wins & hardest lessons from the H...
2025-03-301h 14Hard Knock University PodcastThe Art of Adaptation | Chris Day | Hard Knock University Podcast S1 Ep9In this episode of Hard Knock University, host Mark Caples sits down with Chris Day to dive deep into The Art of Adaptation—a must-have skill in project management, entrepreneurship, and personal growth. Plans fall apart. Markets shift. Unexpected obstacles arise. The key to success? Resilience, flexibility, and the ability to pivot when things don’t go as planned.
Chris shares hard-earned insights on navigating chaos, overcoming resistance to change, and why diversification is essential for long-term success. Whether you're managing projects, running a business, or simply trying to level up in life, this conversation will challenge you...
2025-03-231h 06Hard Knock University PodcastThe Universal Translator | Caroline Monicion | Hard Knock University Podcast S1 Ep8🚀 The Secret Weapon of Project Management: Communication 🚀
In this episode of the Hard Knock University Podcast, Mark Caples breaks down one of the most underrated skills in project management—being a translator. From navigating client expectations to ensuring teams execute the vision, communication is everything.
🔥 Key Topics Covered:
✅ Why project managers are the ultimate translators
✅ Lessons from Exactly What to Say by Phil M. Jones 📖
✅ How the right words can shift conversations and close deals
✅ The Snoop Dogg effect in communication 🎤
✅ Real-life stories of communication failures and wins
💡...
2025-03-161h 13Hard Knock University PodcastBehind The Canvas - Gary Sweeney - Hard Knock University Podcast S1 Ep7🎙️ Behind The Canvas | Gary Sweeney | Hard Knock University Podcast (S1, Ep7)
What do public art and project management have in common? More than you think! In this episode, Mark Caples sits down with legendary public artist Gary Sweeney to explore the unsung heroes behind every great project and the art of success.
🔥 Inside This Episode:
✅ The creative process vs. the final product
✅ Lessons from Gary’s witty billboard art
✅ Why project management is the backbone of every masterpiece
✅ Mark’s take on The Subtle Art of Not Giving a Fck* by Mark Manson
✅ Sn...
2025-03-091h 55Hard Knock University PodcastPeople Over Process - Jacob Ransom - Hard Knock University Podcast S1 Ep6🎙️ People Over Process: The Heart of Project Management | Hard Knock University Podcast (S1, Ep6)
Welcome back to the Hard Knock University Podcast! In this episode, Mark Caples sits down with Jacob Ransom to break down a fundamental truth in project management—success isn’t just about processes; it’s about people.
🚀 Inside This Episode:
✅ Leadership Dynamics – Managing team dynamics for better outcomes.
✅ Empathy in Leadership – Delivering tough news with emotional intelligence.
✅ Communication is Key – How clarity and kindness drive high-performing teams.
✅ Adapting to Change – Knowing when to pivot for business success.
2025-03-021h 39Hard Knock University PodcastBeing The Bad Guy - Mark Sebby - Hard Knock University Podcast S1 Ep5🎙️ Hard Knock University Podcast - "Being The Bad Guy" (S1, Ep5)
🚀 In this episode, we dive into Chapter 4 of The Hard Knock School of Project Management—"Sometimes You're the Bad Guy." Tough decisions are part of leadership, but being the "bad guy" isn't about power—it's about responsibility, integrity, and making the right call for the greater good.
🔥 Inside This Episode:
✅ Unpopular Decisions – Why leadership sometimes means making the tough calls.
✅ Negotiation Tactics from Chris Voss – Never Split the Difference strategies for managing conflict with empathy.
✅ Lessons from the Music Industry – Special guest Mark Sebby shares how he navigat...
2025-02-231h 25Hard Knock University PodcastThe Myth of Omniscience - Bruce Graham - Hard Knock University Podcast S1 Ep4Welcome back to the Hard Knock University Podcast! In Episode 4, titled "The Myth of Omniscience," we dive deep into Chapter 3 of Mark Caples' book, "The Hard Knock School of Project Management," where we challenge the notion that project managers need to know everything. In this episode: Debunking the Myth: We discuss why believing you must know it all can sabotage your projects, leading to burnout and poor decisions. Humility Over Hubris: Real-life examples where humility has trumped overconfidence, showing that admitting you don't know everything can lead to better project outcomes. Book of the Week - Verbal Judo: We...
2025-02-161h 28Hard Knock University PodcastEmbracing Discomfort - Todd Roth - Hard Knock University Podcast S1 Ep3Welcome back to the Hard Knock University Podcast! In this episode titled "Embracing Discomfort," we explore how stepping out of your comfort zone can lead to profound growth in both project management and everyday life. Episode Highlights: Deep Dive into Discomfort: We start by revisiting Chapter Two from "The Hard Knock School of Project Management," titled "You're Always Uncomfortable." Discover how constant discomfort fosters personal and professional growth. Book of the Week: We discuss Ben Horowitz's "What You Do Is Who You Are," focusing on how cultural leadership thrives during challenging times. Special Guest: Todd Roth, a blues musician...
2025-02-091h 38Hard Knock University PodcastNavigating the Uncharted - John Buonadonna - Hard Knock University Podcast S1 Ep2Step into the raw world of project management with Episode 2 of "The Hard Knock University Podcast" titled "Navigating the Uncharted: Lessons from the Trenches." In this episode, host Mark Caples takes you on a journey through one of his most challenging projects, providing seven invaluable lessons for project managers and enthusiasts alike. Episode Highlights: Story Time: Dive into a real-life tale from "The Hard Knock School Of Project Management" where Mark recounts a daunting Texas renovation project. From language barriers to managing diverse stakeholders, learn how he navigated this project from a $162K budget to an unexpected $217K and...
2025-02-0258 minHard Knock University PodcastProject Management 101 - Mark Caples - Hard Knock University Podcast S1 Ep1Dive into the inaugural episode of "The Hard Knock University Podcast," where host Mark Caples introduces listeners to a unique blend of project management wisdom from his book, "The Hard Knock School Of Project Management." This episode sets the stage for what's to come, offering an overview of the podcast's structure, what listeners can expect, and a deep dive into the essentials of project management. Learn about the Triple Constraint, stakeholder management, and how to embrace failure as a stepping stone to success. Mark also introduces the "Book of the Week," "Becoming Bulletproof" by Evy Poumpouras, and teases upcoming...
2025-01-2528 min
你會不會跳起來轉一圈#13 BATB 13 Round 1 預測1:58 Chris Cole Vs. Mark Suciu
3:14 Gustavo Ribeiro Vs. Nick Holt
3:50 Eric Koston Vs. Carlos Ribeiro
5:00 Filipe Mota Vs.Levi Löffelberger
6:00 Tyler Peterson Vs. Patrick Praman
7:20 Ryan Decenzo Vs. Cody Cepeda
9:20 Louie Lopez Vs.Curren Caples
11:15 Andy Anderson Vs. Torey Pudwill
12:36 TJ Rogers Vs. John Chy
14: 40 Luan Oliveira Vs. Lucas Rabelo
16:20 Leo Romero Vs. Braden Hoban
18:02 Zach Doelling Vs. Jonny Giger
19:35 Jamie Griffin Vs. Sewa Kroetkov
21:47 Mason Silva Vs. Sean Malto
22:25 Chris Joslin Vs. David Reyes
23:40 Sunny Suljic Vs. Matt Berger
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2023-08-0127 min
The Space Show2023.02.08 | European Space Agency highlights for 2023On The Space Show for Wednesday, 8 February 2023:
Preview of European Space Agency space activities for 2023
2023 is going to be a very exciting year for the European Space Agency (ESA) including:
* The Juice mission, also known as JUpiter ICy moons Explorer, will be an ambitious mission to explore the Jovian system, with a focus on the icy moons Europa, Ganymede, and Callisto.
* Euclid, is a space observatory designed to map the distribution of dark matter and dark energy in the universe.
* Sentinel-1C, as part of the European Commission's Copernicus pro...
2023-02-0948 min
LIVE! From City LightsCelebrating Ted Berrigan: Launch Party for “Get The Money!”City Lights celebrates the publication of "Get the Money!: Collected Prose (1961-1983)" by Ted Berrigan, published by City Lights Books. With Edmund Berrigan, Anselm Berrigan, Erica Kaufman, Hoa Nguyen, and Nick Sturm. This event was originally broadcast via Zoom and hosted by Peter Maravelis and moderated by Garrett Caples.
You can purchase copies of "Get the Money!: Collected Prose (1961-1983)" directly from City Lights at a 30% discount here: https://citylights.com/get-the-money/
“Get the Money!” was Ted Berrigan’s mantra for the paid writing gigs he took on in support of his career as a poet. This long-awaited collection of his es...
2022-10-281h 19
Copywriters PodcastKen McCarthy - Godfather of Digital Marketing Pt. 2Our guest today, Ken McCarthy, has been at the forefront of Internet marketing and copywriting from the start. To give you just one in example, way back in 1994, he sponsored a conference about making the Internet a place where you could do business. Before then, it was a business-free zone. His featured speaker was a pioneer of the time, Mark Andreessen, who went on to co-found one of Silicon Valley’s most important Venture Capital firms.
OK. Let’s fast-forward 20 years to 2014. Five years ago. Tony Haile, CEO of Chartbeat, one of the world’s top data analytics firms...
2019-06-1700 minCopywriters PodcastKen McCarthy - Godfather of Digital Marketing Pt. 1Our guest today, Ken McCarthy, has been at the forefront of Internet marketing and copywriting from the start. To give you just one in example, way back in 1994, he sponsored a conference about making the Internet a place where you could do business. Before then, it was a business-free zone. His featured speaker was a pioneer of the time, Mark Andreessen, who went on to co-found one of Silicon Valley’s most important Venture Capital firms.
OK. Let’s fast-forward 20 years to 2014. Five years ago. Tony Haile, CEO of Chartbeat, one of the world’s top data analytics firms...
2019-06-1000 min
The Cigar Box Guitar Builder PodcastEpisode 28 My Interview with Mark CaplesMark contacted me this week to let me know that we now have two podcasts that are about cigar box guitars!! What wonderful news for all of us, as now I get to listen to someone else talking about these amazing instruments. Marks show is called, COME AND MAKE IT DIGITAL RODEO and he has about 11 episodes at this point. It's really easy to find on iTunes. Mark wanted to interview me for his show which blew me away. I'm very humbled. What a great guy! We decided to put it up as a joint podcast, so here it is...
2017-08-0658 min
Baby Boomers Talk RadioButch Patrick played EDDIE MUNSTERButch Patrick (born Patrick Alan Caples;[1] August 2, 1953)[2] is an American child actor. Beginning his professional acting career at the age of seven, Patrick is perhaps best known for his role as child werewolf Eddie Munster on the CBS comedy television series The Munsters from 1964 to 1966 and in the 1966 feature film Munster, Go Home, and as Mark on the ABC Saturday morning series, Lidsville from 1971 to 1973.Patrick was born in Geneseo, Illinois.[3]Patrick began his acting career in 1961, making his feature film debut in the 20th Century Fox comedy-fantasy Meat and Potatoes.[4][5] Over the next two years, Patrick went...
2017-02-2833 min