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M. Gessen returns to our show with a true-crime story that takes place entirely within their own family. This story comes to us from the producers at Serial Productions—who invented the true-crime podcast more than a decade ago—and from The New York Times.

Visit thisamericanlife.org/lifepartners to sign up for our premium subscription.

• Act One: M Gessen tells Ira Glass about the surprising events that prompted them to begin reporting on their own family for their new podcast, The Idiot. They play the first episode of the series. (14 minutes)
• Act Two: Ira Glass and M Gessen continue to talk through the story of M’s cousin, Allen Gessen. They play more clips from the podcast, and we finally hear about the big, shocking thing that snapped their family apart. (20 minutes)
• Act Three: M Gessen tells Ira Glass about Allen’s trial, and we hear a recording of his conversation with the undercover agent. (21 minutes)

Transcripts are available at thisamericanlife.org

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My wife and family are special, and I want the world to see how special they are.

Entrepreneur David Grutman, co-owner of Groot Hospitality, shares how to build a lasting legacy and why nurturing relationships is key to success. He explains why focusing on intellectual property and an exit strategy, even if you never plan to sell, are critical for any business leader.

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

- The critical importance of building an ecosystem around your business

- How David Grutman uses AI in his hospitality ventures

- Why your intellectual property and name are everything

- The one thing David is most proud of to date

- Why building an exit strategy for your business is crucial

QUOTES THAT HIT

"If I see a guest that I know that we take care of all the time doing their birthday party at another venue and not ours. I'm upset." - David Grutman

"Don't being a gatekeeper. I hate these gatekeeper people." - David Grutman

"You should always build a company that that's why IP is very important that you're not going to have a mess if you do exit trying to tie up all these people that are part of your IP." - David Grutman

CHAPTERS

00:00 Welcome David Grutman

01:32 David's Entrepreneurial Because and Next Steps

02:36 Groot Hospitality's Las Vegas Expansion

04:41 Taking Things Personally in Business

06:37 Building Your Business Ecosystem

09:53 David Grutman's Unique Value Proposition

15:47 The Importance of Being in the Right Rooms

19:53 Your Name and IP are Everything

22:22 The Exit Strategy Mindset

25:51 Mick's Rapid Fire Five with David

QUESTIONS THIS EPISODE ANSWERS

Q: What does David Grutman mean by "Take It Personal"?

A: David Grutman applies "Take It Personal" to his business, meaning he fully immerses himself in the customer experience, observing competitor venues, and ensuring his team provides the best service to keep guests loyal.

Q: How can entrepreneurs build a strong ecosystem around their business?

A: Entrepreneurs build a strong ecosystem by focusing on relationships and curating experiences, both within their own venues and by recommending other valuable experiences, adding value for their guests beyond their direct offerings.

Q: Why is having an exit strategy important, even if you don't plan to sell?

A: Having an exit strategy is important because it forces you to run your business like a public company, ensuring it is structured for sustainability, making it easier to pass on to the next generation or sell if the opportunity arises.

Connect & Discover David:

Instagram: @davidgrutman

Groot Hospitality: groothospitality.com

LinkedIn: David Grutman

TikTok: @davidgrutman

X: @DavidGrutman

Book: Take It Personal: How to Succeed by Building Relationships and Playing the Long Game

 🔥 Ready to Lead Different & Win Bigger? 🔥 

How to Be a Good Leader When You’ve Never Had One by Mick Hunt isn’t just a book - it’s your blueprint to set up, stand out, and lead with confidence (even if no one ever showed you how).

Straight talk. Real Strategy. No fluff. Just the tools you need to elevate your leadership and life.

👉 Get your copy now and start leading on your terms → Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books A Million

FOLLOW MICK ON:

Spotify: MickUnplugged

Instagram: @mickunplugged 

Facebook: @mickunplugged

YouTube:  @MickUnpluggedPodcast 

LinkedIn: @mickhunt 

Website:  MickHuntOfficial.com

Website: howtobeagoodleader.com

Website: Leadloudseries.com

Apple: MickUnplugged

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