If you’re from Buffalo, you already know - we don’t justshow up together. And if you’re not from here, you’re about to see exactly what makes this community so special. That spirit is exactly what this episode with Buddy in da Basement (a/k/a Chris Panepinto) is all about.

In this high-energy, fun, and genuinely insightful conversation, I sit down with one of Buffalo’s favorite content creators totalk about what it really takes to turn creativity, consistency, and a whole lot of Bills Mafia energy into a thriving community.

In just two years and nearly 700 pieces of content,Buddy in da Basement has built something special — not just a following, but a place where food, tailgates, crazy cocktails, costumes, and pure Buffalo energy collide in the best possible way.

We talk about:

• How Buddy became a character and why Buffalo embraces creativity
• The real work behind showing up consistently
• Finding your niche without losing your personality
• Why community will always beat algorithms
• The creator grind behind the scenes
• And of course… tailgates, traditions, and unapologetic Buffalo Bills love

This episode is a reminder that Buffalo doesn’t just createfans — we create families. And the best content doesn’t come from chasing trends… it comes from showing up as yourself and inviting people along for the ride.

And yes — we confirm:

• It is Buffalo Bills weather
• The Bills are winning the Super Bowl
• And you absolutely should be following Buddy in da Basement.

If you love Buffalo, love creators who keep it real, or justwant a genuinely fun listen — this one’s for you!

Thank you, Buddy in da Basement, for such an engaging, fun episode.

And a shout out to our location sponsor, Labatt Brew House for hosting our episode!! Delicious beer and great conversation …what an amazing night!! Go Bills!

Links to Buddy:

Buddy in da Basement

Facebook - Buddyin da Basement

About Buddy:

Buddy in da Basement started just about two years ago as asimple idea — bring joy, laughter, and Buffalo Bills hype to the internet. Buddy celebrates three things: Eat. Drink. Be a Bills Fan! Self-proclaimed unofficial bar master of Buffalo - mixes up a different chaotic cocktail every week; talks proud about Buffalo food spot - mostly pizza but has dabbled into other foods. Finally, Buddy tries to create some ridiculous antic that is relatable to Bills fans bringing our community together.

Buddy is a character I created — upbeat, passionate,ridiculous in all the right ways and always aiming to spread positivity. He’s never trying to offend, argue, or be controversial. The goal is simple: give people a smile and an escape from the heaviness of everyday life.

“I show my scars so that others know they can heal.”

In this episode I am joined by Erin Bailey-Boyes. Erin is afitness and mindset coach from Muskoka, Ontario, but her story is about so much more than training plans or physical transformation. In this deeply honest and courageous episode, Erin opens up about her journey through grief, anxiety, addiction, and recovery — and what it really looks like to choose yourself, even when it feels impossibly hard.

We talk about her early life, how she found her way into fitness and coaching, and the pressure so many of us feel to appear “strong” and “put together” while quietly struggling behind the scenes. Erin shares her battle with alcoholism, the devastating loss of her partner in the line of duty, andthe long, brave road toward learning healthier ways to cope with pain, stress, and fear.

What makes this conversation so powerful is Erin’s willingness to be fully seen. She doesn’t share from a place of perfection — she shares from a place of truth. From the moments she used alcohol to numb the pain, to the moment she realized she deserved more from her life, Erin’s story is a reminderthat healing is not linear, but it is always possible.

This episode is about: : Choosing authenticity over appearances : Learning to sit with your pain instead ofrunning from it : Redefining strength, resilience, andself-compassion

: Understanding that asking for help is notweakness — it’s courage

: And remembering that no matter how dark thingsfeel, your story is not over

If you or someone you love is struggling, I hope this conversation reminds you that you are not alone — and that there is real hope on the other side of the hardest seasons.

Erin, thank you for your bravery, honesty, and your heart. Yourwillingness to share your story will help more people than you may ever realize.

About Erin:

Erin Bailey is a mom, fitness & nutrition coach, studio owner,and mindset mentor who will celebrate 12 years of sobriety this January. Erin’s journey has taught her that true transformation begins when you embrace yourstruggles, learn true self love and stop hiding from your own potential. With 27 years of coaching experience and multiple awards — including Most Influential Business Person of 2023 — Erin’s passion is to inspire others to live their best lives through strength, confidence, discovering their spiritand finding joy in both healing and health. She brings a grounded, real-life perspective to recovery, resilience, and personal transformation.

Links to Erin:

Erin Bailey

Body by Design -Fitness, Personal Trainer, Gym

There are episodes that feel meaningful… and then there areepisodes that feel truly inspiring. My time with Dr. Don Bardenwas one of those. Don brings warmth, humility, joy, and profound wisdom into every conversation. Together, we talked about gratitude over fear, presence over pressure, and what it truly means to lead with heart in both life andbusiness.

We explored his work through The Perfect Plan and spenttime with his newest book, Here Come the Girls — a powerful,research-backed, deeply honoring celebration of women in leadership. In this groundbreaking work, Don reveals a transformative vision for the future: a world where women step fully into global leadership, reshaping economies,organizations, and cultures for the better. Drawing from years of doctoral research and real-world experience, Don shows how women naturally create more engaged, compassionate, and high-performing environments through empathy, humanconnection, and empowerment.

But this book isn’t just a tribute — it’s a call to action. Donchallenges outdated leadership models and reminds businesses that the future belongs to organizations rooted in relevance, relationships, empathy, and humanity. His belief in the brilliance and rising strength of women is deeplypassionate, incredibly hopeful, and grounded in data-driven truth.

And because Don leads with generosity and heart, he is offering free digital copies of his books — including Here Come the Girls — to listeners who reach out and share that they heard about him on Powered by Authenticity. That kindness alone speaks volumes about who he is.

This episode is full of heart. Full of belief in people. Full ofhope for the future. If you need encouragement, inspiration, and something beautiful for your spirit — this conversation will meet you there. 💛

Thank you so much Don for an inspiring and empowering episode of the show!

Links to Don:

Don Barden, Ph.D. | LinkedIn

Don Barden |Here Come the Girls: A Celebration of Why Women Will Take Over Global Leadership In 2028: Barden Ph.D., Donald W.: 9798306908007: Amazon.com: BooksAmazon.com: The Perfect Plan: A Study that Reveals the Secret Behind the World's Elite Leaders, Sales and Marketing Professionals: 0000692657797: Barden, Don: BooksAbout Dr. Don Barden:
Dr. Don Barden is a globally recognized expert in leadership and decision-making, with over 30 years of transformative leadership in the financial industry. Named one of North America’s Top 30 Most Transformational Leaders by John Maxwell and 2018 Entrepreneur of the Year by the AtlantaBusiness Chronicle, Don’s innovative approaches have reshaped organizations across the U.S. and internationally.

He holds a Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership and BehavioralEconomics, an MBA in Global Technology Management and International Business, and a BBA in Economics and Finance, with additional cybersecurity certification from Harvard. His “unfair advantage” leadership research debunks outdatedleadership myths and helps organizations unlock creative potential, transform culture, and achieve record-setting performance — all delivered with humor, humanity, and intellectual rigor.

Dr. Barden also serves through significant philanthropic work,supporting mental health, youth leadership, inclusion initiatives, and providing scholarships and care access for those in need. His groundbreaking research, including Here Come the Girls and the Shift Happens series, highlights the extraordinary impact of women in leadership and thefuture of human-centered organizations.