As many of us do, Burns McKinney had a high school teacher who made things come alive, even in the dismal science of economics. With that fire, Burns knew what he wanted to study in college and sought out professors who had that same desire to go beyond theory to application and real-world significance. Starting in the investment banking world in New York City, this Texan learned the fundamentals and how to work hard, but found he would take a role and keep an eye out for what the other guys were doing. Not necessarily feeling their grass was greener, he was just open to the next thing that might be a better fit. When he found the fit in buy-side investment management and refined skills and connections in business school, he also wanted to grow a family. But he knew he wanted to do that closer to his roots.

In this episode, find out from Burns how sometimes looking over the fence makes you realize the grass can be pretty green at home.

About This Episode's Guest

Burns McKinney is currently Senior Portfolio Manager at NFJ Investment Group, a global value equity manager in Dallas, where he's been for the last two decades. His two children are nearly grown, so you will probably find him in Dallas or traveling with his wife Barb to see live music or sporting events.

Find more episodes at https://roadstakenshow.com

Executive Producer/Host: Leslie Jennings Rowley

Music: Brian Burrows

Email the show at RoadsTakenShow@gmail.com

With romantic visions of the life of an academic historian, Ryan Carey embarked on the journey he thought would lead him there. But reality was harder to replicate than the models in his mind's eye. After landing an initial position in a claustrophobic environment and putting more energy into his classroom teaching than publishing, his bid for tenure was unsuccessful and he moved away from the academy. He found a public history position in the museum world but found himself missing teaching. When a friend suggested he try teaching at a private high school, he resisted, blind to all the ways it was a perfect match.

In this episode, find out from Ryan how sometimes taking a leap and going beyond the expected can bring you back to where you belong.

About This Episode’s Guest

Ryan Carey currently serves as Director of Experiential Education and Extension Programs at St. Margaret's Episcopal School in San Juan Capistrano, California. He holds a Ph.D. in History from the University of Texas at Austin, where he specialized in environmental history and the history of the American West, and is happy to be living, surfing, and soaking up the vistas back on that coast.

Find more episodes at https://roadstakenshow.com

Executive Producer/Host: Leslie Jennings Rowley

Music: Brian Burrows

Email the show at RoadsTakenShow@gmail.com

After two decades in the ER, Thomas Fisher encountered a true emergency that seemed all-encompassing but was just the tip of the iceberg. Reflecting on his experiences on the front lines of one of America's busiest urban hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic, he realized that his community's literal and metaphorical ills--and those of much of America--are unlikely to heal themselves.

In this episode, find out from Thomas getting to exhaustion and witnessing everyone else's can sometimes provide the energy necessary to take on new challenges.

About This Episode’s Guest

Thomas Fisher is an emergency medicine physician from the south Side of Chicago whose first book The Emergency: A Year of Healing and Heartbreak in a Chicago ER was named one of Time Magazine's "100 Must-Read Books" of the year. He is currently running for election to serve the people of Illinois' 7th Congressional District. You can find more about his campaign at thomasfisherforcongress.com.

Find more episodes at https://roadstakenshow.com

Executive Producer/Host: Leslie Jennings Rowley

Music: Brian Burrows

Email the show at RoadsTakenShow@gmail.com