Best Mike Sommer Podcasts (2025)

1
"Playing King and Pauper" - An Interview with Cellist Clive Greensmith, Colburn School Conservatory of Music Professor of Cello 34:11

6d ago34:11

34:11

The Cello Sherpa Podcast Host, Joel Dallow, interviews cellist Clive Greensmith. Clive has been Professor of Cello at the Colburn School Conservatory of Music since 2013. Clive shares about his incredible journey as cellist of the World renowned Tokyo String Quartet for their final 15 years, his position as Principal Cellist of the Royal Philharmon…

1
"Teaching Takes Dual Personalities" - An Interview with Cellist Emily Wright, Host of The Lonely Cello Podcast 36:09

21d ago36:09

36:09

The Cello Sherpa Podcast Host, Joel Dallow, interviews cellist Emily Wright. Emily is the host of The Lonely Cello Podcast. She shares about the many facets of her career, including working as a freelance cellist, an Associate Editor and contributing writer for Strings Magazine, working as a composer, and teaching students of all levels and ages, w…

1
Big Shep Speaks His Mind 1:17:16

22d ago1:17:16

1:17:16

Big Shep returns to speak his mind about the current state of the hobby. He spent the last few years working full time running a card shop and setting up at some of the biggest shows in the country. He has a lot to say about how things are working behind the scenes.

1
From Hype to Strategy: David Williamson on AI’s Real Role in the Enterprise 36:46

28d ago36:46

36:46

💡 Why do so many digital transformation efforts fall flat? According to David Williamson, a seasoned C-level tech exec in life sciences, it's not because of the technology—it’s because of the people. On the latest Heartbeat episode, David joins host Mike Sommer to unpack why transformation fails, how to do it right, and what CIOs must prioritize in…

1
"Practicing the Cello and Patience" - An Interview with Cellist Alisa Weilerstein, International Soloist and Chamber Musician 28:36

1M ago28:36

28:36

The Cello Sherpa Podcast Host, Joel Dallow, interviews cellist Alisa Weilerstein. Alisa is enjoying a career as an international soloist and chamber musician. In this interview, she shares what the experience of being recognized with a MacArthur “genius grant” Fellowship in 2011 was like, and how it impacted her career. She also talks about how she…

1
Accelerating Digital Transformation with Ian Gotts | Change Intelligence & Smarter Salesforce Management 50:58

1M ago50:58

50:58

How can CIOs turn their Salesforce orgs from chaotic to catalytic? In this episode of The Heartbeat Podcast, host Mike Sommer talks with Ian Gotts, founder of Elements.Cloud, to unpack what it means to implement “change intelligence” in Salesforce environments. Ian reveals the hidden drivers of Salesforce inefficiency—fragmented data, overbuilt sys…

1
"Conquering Imposter Syndrome" - An Interview with Emilio Colón, Professor of Cello at the Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University 32:06

2M ago32:06

32:06

The Cello Sherpa Podcast Host, Joel Dallow, interviews cellist Emilio Colón. Emilio is Professor of Cello at the Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University. After getting off to a rocky start with his teacher Janos Starker, Emilio talks about how he felt that he was dead last amongst his peers on the cello, which in turn motivated him to work as …

1
Garland Jeffreys Uncovered: Claire Jefferys on Capturing a Legend in her New Documentary 26:12

2M ago26:12

26:12

In this episode of Around Town with Mike Jeffers, he talks with Claire Jefferys, wife of acclaimed New York musician Garland Jeffreys, about her powerful new documentary, “Garland Jeffreys: The King of In Between.” Co-directed with filmmaker Evan M. Johnson, the documentary explores the extraordinary life of Garland Jeffreys—an artist who broke bou…

1
"Diversity Matters" - An Interview with Cellist Sterling Elliot, Winner of the 2019 National Sphinx Competition 37:06

2M ago37:06

37:06

The Cello Sherpa Podcast Host, Joel Dallow, interviews cellist Sterling Elliot. Sterling is the 2021 Avery Fisher Career Grant recipient and the winner of the Senior Division of the 2019 National Sphinx Competition. He shares about his journey growing up as the cellist in the family string quartet, starting at the age of 5, and he speaks about the …

1
Tight budgets. Big expectations. 90 days to deliver. 43:55

2M ago43:55

43:55

In this episode of Heartbeat, we sit down with John Georgatos (CIO @ Mike Morris Law Firm, Interim Global CIO @ VaynerMedia) to break down how he led a bold 90-day IT transformation—turning budget pressure into AI-powered results. 🔹 Legacy overhaul in record time 🔹 Aligning IT with CFO & COO priorities 🔹 Deploying Salesforce Einstein AI 🔹 The rise …

1
Kurt Elling celebrates Weather Report, Legacy - Live at Ravinia 16:13

2M ago16:13

16:13

In this Chicago Jazz Magazine interview, Mike Jeffers talks with two-time Grammy Award-winning jazz vocalist Kurt Elling about his upcoming performance at Ravinia on Father’s Day, June 15th, inside the intimate Martin Theatre. Kurt shares insights into his new project celebrating Weather Report, featuring original member and legendary drummer Peter…

1
CIO Mastermind: Building a Vendor-Free Tech Community 19:38

2M ago19:38

19:38

What if CIOs had a place to grow—without vendors, pitches, or fluff? In this episode of The Heartbeat Podcast, host Mike Sommer sits down with Scott Smeester, founder of CIO Mastermind, a private, vendor-free community built to empower IT leaders with strategic clarity, peer support, and real-world leadership development. Scott unpacks the four big…

1
"The Accidental Violist" - An Interview with Christian Colberg, Principal Violist of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra 38:49

3M ago38:49

38:49

The Cello Sherpa Podcast Host, Joel Dallow, interviews violist, violinist, and composer, Christian Colberg. Christian is currently the Principal Violist of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra. He shares his amazing story about winning a job in the Baltimore Symphony after only playing the viola for 3 weeks, his journey from there to Cincinnati 17 yea…

1
From CIO to Strategic Advisor: Lessons on Scaling, Governance & Innovation | Karl Mosgofian Interview 38:30

3M ago38:30

38:30

What does it take to go from CIO to trusted business advisor? In this episode of The Heartbeat Podcast, host Mike Sommer welcomes Karl Mosgofian—seasoned tech executive and former CIO of Gainsight—to unpack what it really means to lead IT in today’s dynamic enterprise environment. With over three decades of experience, Karl shares hard-earned insig…

1
"The Contemporary Cellist" - An Interview with Norman Fischer, Professor of Cello at the Shepherd School of Music at Rice 32:01

3M ago32:01

32:01

The Cello Sherpa Podcast Host, Joel Dallow, interviews cellist Norman Fischer. Norman is Professor of Cello, and Chair of Chamber Music at the Shepherd School of Music at Rice University. Norman shares his story of how he first developed his insatiable love of contemporary music. He also talks about his journey forming the Naumburg winning Concord …

1
Modernizing Salesforce with AI: Strategic Lessons from Velu Palani’s Enterprise Playbook 23:49

3M ago23:49

23:49

How McKesson’s Velu Palani Leads Saleforce Transformation with AI, Frameworks & Strategic Vision In this episode of The Heartbeat Podcast, host Mike Sommer sits down with Velu Palani, Vice President and Salesforce IT Service Leader at McKesson, one of the largest healthcare companies in the world. Velu shares hard-won insights from leading enterpri…

1
"The Enduring Legacy of Suzuki" - An Interview with Alex Croxton, Head of Cello at the School for Strings 32:16

3M ago32:16

32:16

The Cello Sherpa Podcast Host, Joel Dallow, interviews cellist Alex Croxton, Alex is currently a faculty member at Mannes Prep, the Special Music School at the Kaufman Center, the Head of Cello at the School for Strings, and he has a full private studio in NYC. Alex shares about the impact the Suzuki method has had on his ability to work successful…

1
The Diamond King 28:39

4M ago28:39

28:39

After two years of work, The Diamond King releases to the public on April 25, 2025. The documentary tells the story of Dick Perez, the artist behind the Donruss Diamond Kings, Hall of Fame Heroes, and the classic Hall of Fame postcards. In this episode I interview Marq Evans, the film maker behind the movie and Dick Perez himself. Check out TheDiam…

1
"Trust the Plan" - An Interview with Andrew Sommer, Chicago Symphony Orchestra Bassist 33:15

4M ago33:15

33:15

The Cello Sherpa Podcast Host, Joel Dallow, interviews Bassist Andrew Sommer. Andrew is in his second season as a bassist in the Chicago Symphony, after spending 4 years as Principal of the Richmond Symphony. He shares his story about growing up among musician parents, with his mom as his earliest music teacher, his dad paving the way as a bassist …

1
AI-Powered CIO: Secrets to Winning the Data War with John Ayers 41:12

4M ago41:12

41:12

In this episode of the Heartbeat Podcast, host Mike Sommer sits down with John Ayers, a seasoned expert in customer experience, AI-driven personalization, and digital business transformation. John takes us through his fascinating career—from the rise of desktop publishing and MP3s to mobile responsiveness and the AI boom—sharing hard-earned lessons…

1
I Tried Live Selling? 13:59

4M ago13:59

13:59

I did it, I tried live selling on DibDitCards.com. Ivan Lovgren @watchthebreaks and Cary from American Arbitrage finally convinced me to give live selling a try. In this episode I discuss how my first few shows went! I also discuss my process of doing some “spring cleaning” in my eBay store. If you want to check out DibDit cards on the District mar…

1
"The 21st Century Cellist" - An Interview with Cellist Mike Block, New England Conservatory Cello Faculty 38:10

4M ago38:10

38:10

The Cello Sherpa Podcast Host, Joel Dallow, interviews Cellist Mike Block. Mike shares about his incredible multi faceted life working not just as a cellist who walks around on stage while playing, but also as a singer, composer, and educator. He also shares how he found success on such a non traditional classical music path, why he was motivated t…

1
The Human Side of Tech: Unpacking AI-Driven Transformation and Cultural Alignment with Glen Stoffel 33:16

4M ago33:16

33:16

In this episode of the Heartbeat podcast, hosted by Mike Sommer, Glen Stoffel, Chief Strategy Officer at Moon Nox and co-founder of Camp4, delves into AI-driven transformation and the irreplaceable human elements in tech leadership. The discussion centers on professional services in tech, generative AI's role in boosting productivity, and the neces…

1
Failing Forward & Building Resilient IT Teams with Tim Winders 38:55

5M ago38:55

38:55

🎧 In this episode of The Heartbeat Podcast, host Mike Sommer sits down with Tim Winders, Associate VP of IT and Deputy CIO at Purdue University. With over 30 years in higher ed IT, Tim shares lessons from leading major initiatives—like the IT centralization across Purdue campuses and unifying Purdue Northwest. He dives into how tech can truly trans…

1
"Trio Con Brio" - An Interview with Julie Albers, Principal Cellist of The St. Paul Chamber Orchestra 31:45

5M ago31:45

31:45

The Cello Sherpa Podcast Host, Joel Dallow, interviews Cellist Julie Albers. She has been the principal cellist of The St. Paul Chamber Orchestra since 2014. They talk about her experience growing up in a family where all of her siblings played instruments, how she ended up in an orchestra, forming the Albers Trio with her sisters, her teaching phi…

1
The CIO Playbook: Brian Glass on Failing Forward & Building Resilient IT Teams 46:12

5M ago46:12

46:12

Heartbeat host Mike Sommer, sits down with Brian Glass, CIO at Transcend Company, to talk about what it really means to lead IT at scale—especially in high-stakes industries like healthcare. Brian’s journey from early tech curiosity to leadership roles at GM, Volkswagen of America, and Ally Financial is packed with lessons for any CIO navigating di…

1
"How Do We Win?" - An Interview with Cellist and Conductor, Eric Jacobsen, Music Director of the Virginia Symphony 38:33

5M ago38:33

38:33

The Cello Sherpa Podcast Host, Joel Dallow, interviews Cellist and Conductor Eric Jacobsen. Eric is a cellist in Yo-Yo Ma’s SilkRoad Ensemble, the Artistic Director and Co-founder of the Knights Chamber Orchestra and also the Music Director of the Virginia Symphony and the Orlando Philharmonic. They talk about his incredible career on the cello and…

1
CIO Strategy 2025: Innovation, AI at Scale & Future-Ready IT 26:14

5M ago26:14

26:14

As CIOs navigate 2025, the pressure to drive innovation, scale AI initiatives, and optimize IT strategy has never been greater. In this episode, we break down Gartner’s latest CIO report, exploring how to build a data-driven foundation, manage cybersecurity risks, control tech costs, and secure top talent for emerging technologies. With expert insi…

1
Barry Sanders: Then and Now 16:01

6M ago16:01

16:01

In this episode I cover two topics. 1) I recently bought two collections on two consecutive days. I discuss what they contained. 2) I wrote about Beckett's list of the top 20 Barry Sanders cards in 1998 and how those cards rank today. I wrote about this topic on SI.com and at WaxPackHero.com. Sponsor of this Episode: COMC.com You can also support t…

1
From Corporate to Startup: Executing Innovation with Renee Gregor 44:28

6M ago44:28

44:28

Welcome to Heartbeat: Tactical Insights for CIOs. In this episode, we sit down with Renee Gregor, COO of Park Pro, to explore what it really takes to drive innovation beyond just technology—and why execution matters more than buzzwords. With 15+ years of experience in client strategy, working with brands like Macy’s, BMW, Ralph Lauren, and Coca-Col…

1
Market Insight: AI-Powered Strategy: How Artificial Intelligence is Reshaping Business Decision-Making 16:44

6M ago16:44

16:44

Discover how AI is revolutionizing strategy development by enhancing analysis, uncovering insights faster, and mitigating biases. Learn how businesses can leverage AI as a researcher, thought partner, and simulator to drive smarter decision-making.By Mike Sommer

1
"Cello on the Fringes" - An Interview with Nathan Chan, Asst. Principal Cello of the Seattle Symphony 34:11

6M ago34:11

34:11

The Cello Sherpa Podcast Host, Joel Dallow, interviews Nathan Chan, Assistant Principal Cello of the Seattle Symphony. They talk about the incredible social media following he has built over the years by creating insightful, interesting and amusing videos around the cello. Nathan also shares his experience working towards the goal of winning a posi…

1
Market Insight - Future Frontiers: The Next Arenas of Competition 35:56

6M ago35:56

35:56

In this episode, we discuss Future Frontiers: The Next Arenas of Competition; we dive into McKinsey’s groundbreaking analysis of 18 emerging industries set to reshape the global economy, with a potential $48 trillion impact by 2040. CIOs will gain key insights into how arenas—defined by high growth and dynamism—offer unparalleled opportunities for …

1
Redefining Digital Transformation: The CIO’s Role in the Intelligence Age 19:11

6M ago19:11

19:11

This podcast features Daniel Keith and Mike Sommer discussing digital transformation and the evolving role of the CIO. Keith shares a pivotal career moment that shifted his focus to Salesforce and advocates for "digital evolution" over traditional transformation projects. The discussion explores the Intelligence Age and the importance of augmenting…

1
The Human Side of Tech: Leadership and Innovation with Sam Kann 27:56

6M ago27:56

27:56

In this episode of Heartbeat Tactical Insights for CIOs, host Mike Sommer sits down with Sam Kann—a seasoned CIO, entrepreneur, and innovator with over 20 years of IT leadership experience. Sam shares his human-centered approach to technology, emphasizing the power of empathy, stakeholder alignment, and relationship-building in driving successful d…

1
"The Ultimate Cello Swap" - An Interview with Blaise Dejardin, Principal Cellist of the Boston Symphony Orchestra 33:46

6M ago33:46

33:46

The Cello Sherpa Podcast Host, Joel Dallow, interviews Blaise Dejardin, principal cellist of the Boston Symphony Orchestra. They talk about what he has been up to over the past 3 years, joining the faculty of his alma mater, the New England Conservatory, his teaching philosophy, filling three openings in the cello section, and much more. For more i…

1
Empathy in Leadership: Lessons from Robert Field, CIO at Ozmosys 22:54

6M ago22:54

22:54

Welcome to today’s episode of Heartbeat: Tactical Insights for CIOs, where we explore the cutting edge of generative AI in the legal industry with a leader who’s not just witnessing change but driving it. Our guest is Robert Field, who is at the forefront of innovation at Ozmosys, where he’s transforming how legal professionals interact with data—t…

1
Driving Digital Transformation and Customer Value with Greg Killstrom 18:32

6M ago18:32

18:32

In this episode of 'Heartbeat Tactical Insights for CIOs,' host Michael Sommer speaks with Greg Killstrom, a marketing thought leader, consultant, and author of over 20 books. Greg, who has guided Fortune 1000 brands such as Adidas, FedEx, HP, and Coca-Cola, discusses his journey from product designer to marketing technology expert. He emphasizes t…

1
Transforming IT Leadership: An Interview with Deepak Sachdeva 27:29

6M ago27:29

27:29

In this episode of Heartbeat: Tactical Insights for CIOs, host Michael Sommer speaks with Deepak Sachdeva, a veteran CIO/CTO with 20+ years of experience. Deepak shares insights on aligning technology with business needs, data governance, and digital transformation. He offers actionable strategies for reducing technical debt, fostering collaboratio…

1
College Cards, HOF Autos, and Value Boxes, Oh My! 18:56

7M ago18:56

18:56

I discuss some recent cards I purchased of players in their college uniforms. I also rediscovered some on card HOF autos in my collection and I also shared about some of the recent value box finds I had at a local LCS. Sponsor of this Episode COMC.com You can also support the show by using the following affiliate links if you are in the market for …

1
"Being Patient" - An Interview with Cellist Paul Watkins, Yale School of Music, Professor of Cello 33:59

7M ago33:59

33:59

The Cello Sherpa Podcast Host, Joel Dallow, interviews cellist Paul Watkins. Paul is currently the Professor of Cello at the Yale School of Music. He shares his journey going back to landing Principal Cellist of the BBC Symphony Orchestra at the age of 20, his work as a member of the Nash Ensemble, joining the legendary Emerson String quartet, and …

1
"Do You Even Play the Bass?" - An Interview with Cellist Richard Aaron, San Francisco Conservatory of Music, Professor of Cello 41:13

7M ago41:13

41:13

The Cello Sherpa Podcast Host, Joel Dallow, interviews cellist Richard Aaron. Richard joined the faculty of the San Francisco Conservatory in the fall of 2024. He shares his incredible journey from landing an orchestra position at the age of 18, to becoming one of the most sought after teachers of our generation! Having been on faculty at the Unive…

1
This Chapter is Over 5:29

8M ago5:29

5:29

In this episode I discuss some changes to the podcast. This will be the last “weekly” release of the podcast. In the future I’ll be releasing them closer to a monthly schedule or when I find a topic or interview guest I’m passionate about. Sponsor of this Episode COMC.com You can also support the show by using the following affiliate links if you a…

1
Random Hobby Thoughts in December 15:12

8M ago15:12

15:12

Today I share some of the hobby thoughts on my mind. I discuss a recent collection I purchased, the eBay 2024 Collectibles report, and what this last year has been like after shutting down the physical shop at the end of 2023. Sponsor of this Episode: COMC.com You can also support the show by using the following affiliate links if you are in the ma…

1
"Preparing For a Summer Music Program" - An Interview with Cellist Julia Lichten, Faculty at the Manhattan School of Music 32:42

8M ago32:42

32:42

The Cello Sherpa Podcast Host, Joel Dallow, interviews cellist Julia Lichten. She has been on the faculty of the Manhattan School of Music since 1989. Julia shares how she first fell in love with the cello, her teaching philosophy and offers sage advice on how to put your best foot forward when applying to summer music programs. For more informatio…

1
Collectibles on SI.com with Danny Black 23:31

8M ago23:31

23:31

Today, Danny Black comes back onto the show to discuss his role with SI.com/collectibles. We talk about what kind of content readers are consuming, where the traffic comes from, and what is next for the future of hobby content on SI.com. Sponsor of this Episode COMC.com You can also support the show by using the following affiliate links if you are…

1
What Sold on eBay: December Edition 25:23

8M ago25:23

25:23

I share what sold in my eBay store over the last week. From junk wax era to vintage, basketball to racing, cards to toys, there is a lot of everything going out of the store! Sponsor of this Episode: COMC.com You can also support the show by using the following affiliate links if you are in the market for some cards or supplies! Topps.com Sportlots…

1
"Dreams Really Do Come True" - An Interview with Chris Fischer, Keyboardist for Spyro Gyra 39:15

8M ago39:15

39:15

The Cello Sherpa Podcast Host, Joel Dallow, interviews Keyboardist Chris Fischer, who recently joined the famed jazz fusion group Spyro Gyra. They talk about the moment he discovered this band and how his life was never the same. He shares his amazing journey, modeling his career after this style of music, to living out a dream he never fully allow…

1
My Thoughts on Grading - WaxPackHero Greatest Hits 21:06

8M ago21:06

21:06

The grading episode is the most downloaded episode in the podcast’s five year history. At the end of the episode, I share how my thoughts have changed over the last four years. Sponsor of this Episode COMC.com You can also support the show by using the following affiliate links if you are in the market for some cards or supplies! Topps.com Sportlot…

1
Adam Gellman Returns to Discuss the End of Panini WWE 32:55

9M ago32:55

32:55

The Panini Era of WWE wrestling cards is coming to a close and Adam Gellman returns to the show to discuss. Sponsor of this Episode COMC.com You can also support the show by using the following affiliate links if you are in the market for some cards or supplies! Topps.com Sportlots.com eBay.com Amazon.com Fanatics.com…

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Mike Sommer Podcasts

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