Advertise on podcast: Love in the Land with Austin Love

40 years in the business. Nearly 2,400 properties sold. Over $24 billion in transactions. Bob Knakal is a legend in commercial real estate. But at 63 years old—when most are slowing down—Bob is operating with more energy and drive than ever. In just the past three years, he’s written multiple books, built a massive presence as a social media business influencer, launched a podcast, started his own brokerage, and even appeared on the Netflix series Owning Manhattan. So where does that drive come from? According to Bob—it’s simple: he loves the work. From his early days as a small-town kid shoveling sidewalks to buy baseball cards (more interested in the stats on the back than the picture on the front), to becoming one of the most data-driven minds in the industry, Bob has always believed that commercial real estate is a business of information. That mindset helped build his iconic “Knakal Map Room”—a true Mecca of market data that has fueled decades of success. On this episode of Love in the Land, Austin sits down with Bob to break down the mindset, habits, and philosophy behind a career that continues to evolve. They dive into: Why putting clients first is still the ultimate competitive advantageHow social media has transformed Bob’s business (and how you can use it too)Lessons learned from getting fired—and starting overWhat continues to motivate him after $24B in dealsYou can follow Bob on LinkedIn, Instagram, and X, and learn more about his work at BobKnakal.com. If you enjoyed the episode, be sure to like, subscribe, and follow Love in the Land with Austin Love for more conversations with top performers, creators, and business leaders.

Episode #41 – Matt Buder Shapiro How many “no’s” does it take before you finally hear yes? For Matt Buder Shapiro, the answer was hundreds. Matt is the founder of MedPilot, a healthcare technology startup that was eventually acquired by Vytalize Health. Today he serves as Senior Advisor of Marketing & Policy at Vytalize, a company that supports more than 3,000 primary care providers and manages over $3 billion in medical spending. In addition to his work in healthcare, Matt is an active startup investor, backing companies such as Headway, Goodles, and Olipop, along with dozens of other emerging businesses. But before the growth, the acquisition, and the success… there were constant rejections from investors. In this episode of Love in the Land, Matt sits down with Austin Love to talk about what it really takes to build a company from scratch, the brutal reality of raising startup capital, and why rejection might be one of the most valuable tools an entrepreneur can have. Matt also reflects on growing up in Cleveland and his years in Shaker Heights and shares what Machine Gun Kelly was really like in high school. Topics we explore in this episode include: • The reality of raising venture capital • Why most founders hear “no” hundreds of times before a “yes” • How rejection can become fuel for entrepreneurs • Lessons from scaling one of the fastest-growing healthcare companies in America • What Matt looks for when investing in startups • The future of startups and innovation in Cleveland Follow Matt on Instagram: @mbudershapiro If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to like, share, and follow the Love in the Land podcast for more conversations with entrepreneurs, creators, and leaders shaping Cleveland and beyond. Follow Austin on Instagram: @austinlovetv.

“Cleveland is a world-class city without world-class egos.” That idea sits at the core of how the Cleveland Cavaliers and Rock Entertainment Group are reshaping Downtown Cleveland with intention, urgency, and alignment. On this episode of Love in the Land, host Austin Love sits down with Nic Barlage, CEO of the Cleveland Cavaliers and Rock Entertainment Group, and one of the most influential leaders shaping the future of sports, entertainment, and downtown Cleveland. Nic shares what it means to lead at scale when decisions ripple across an entire city, and why the Cavaliers and Rock Entertainment have made a long-term commitment to investing downtown. From sports and entertainment to real estate and immersive experiences, Nic explains how these platforms are being used not just to host events, but to create daily energy, economic momentum, and lasting impact. Nic’s path to leadership was anything but linear. He entered college on a pre-med track, struggled academically, and at one point carried a 1.7 GPA. That moment forced a reset. He took an honest look at what he wanted and realized he could turn his passion for sports into a career. What followed was rejection. After applying to more than 170 jobs in sports, Nic finally received his first yes with the Alexandria Beetles of the Northwoods League. The work was unglamorous and behind the scenes, but it shaped the work ethic, humility, and resilience that define his leadership today. That same mindset carried into pivotal moments alongside Dan Gilbert and the Cavaliers, including stepping into difficult roles others avoided, and now guides how Rock Entertainment executes at scale. In this episode, we explore: Rock Entertainment Group and Bedrock’s strategy for accelerating Downtown Cleveland’s evolution The Cavaliers’ long-term role as a sports and entertainment anchor downtown The competitive, multi-year process behind bringing a WNBA franchise to Cleveland How hearing no hundreds of times shaped Nic’s leadership mindset Why landing COSM downtown reflects a broader push toward immersive, experience-driven destinations What leadership looks like when urgency, alignment, and accountability matter more than ego This conversation is about more than sports. It is about responsibility, long-term thinking, and what it actually takes to help build a city the right way. If you enjoyed the episode, be sure to like, follow, and subscribe to Love in the Land on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

Episode #39 — Bernie Garrah: How to Win With Your Money in 2026 In this episode of Love in the Land, Austin Love sits down with Bernie Garrah, Principal and Wealth Advisor at Tempo Wealth, for a grounded, real-world conversation about money, freedom, and how to think differently about your finances in 2026. With nearly 30 years in financial planning and wealth management, Bernie shares what he’s learned building a career and a life, around fully integrated financial planning with a family-office mindset. From making just $8,000 a year early on to betting on himself with an “eat what you kill” mentality, Bernie breaks down the realities of entrepreneurship, delayed gratification, and why financial independence often comes at a cost before it becomes a benefit. This episode explores: Why money is one of the most important tools in our lives — yet rarely taught properly How to rethink your relationship with money, not just your investments Key financial trends and mindset shifts to pay attention to in 2026 The freedom (and pressure) that comes with being your own boss Long-term thinking vs. short-term wins when building real wealth Whether you’re an entrepreneur, high-earner, or someone who feels successful on paper but uncertain financially, this conversation will help you zoom out, gain perspective, and start positioning your money with more intention. You can find more information on Bernie and Tempo here: Tempo Wealth - Wealth Management for Modern Professionals This episode is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as personalized investment advice.

Love in the Land — Adam Graves (Nestlé, DiGiorno, Hot Pockets, CPK, Tombstone) From marketing intern to President of a $2B food empire. On this episode of the Love in the Land Podcast, Austin Love sits down with Adam Graves, President of Pizza & Snacking at Nestlé USA, the division behind some of the biggest food brands in the world — DiGiorno, California Pizza Kitchen, Tombstone, Jack’s, Hot Pockets, and Stouffer’s Bites. Adam has spent nearly two decades inside Nestlé, rising from an intern to leading one of the company’s most iconic and innovative portfolios. In this conversation, he takes us inside the machine of global food brands — how new products like DiGiorno’s wood-fired pizza are conceived, engineered, tested, marketed, and scaled across millions of households. We also go deeper into: What it takes to lead inside a Fortune 500 company How Nestlé builds and protects billion-dollar brands Developing a growth mindset inside a massive organization Encouraging entrepreneurship inside corporate America And what Adam has learned from international leadership roles around the world This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in food, branding, consumer products, leadership, or building a career inside a global company. Follow Adam Graves on LinkedIn for more insights into leadership and brand building.And don’t forget to follow and rate Love in the Land for more conversations with the people shaping business, culture, and the future. 🎧 Hosted by Austin Love — @AustinLoveTV

Today on the podcast, Charles Oakley joins the show. A Cleveland native and former NBA All-Star, Oakley reflects on growing up in Cleveland, his unlikely path to the NBA, his legendary friendship with Michael Jordan, and his complex relationship with the New York Knicks. We also talk about life beyond basketball, including his work as a philanthropist, chef, author, and his new sports prediction app, Predict5. Follow Charles on social media @therealoak34

Love in the Land Podcast | Episode #36: Matt Kaulig — Betting Big, Building Bigger On this episode of Love in the Land, we welcome our first BILLIONAIRE guest, Matt Kaulig — an entrepreneur, philanthropist, former college athlete, founder of LeafFilter, minority owner of the Cleveland Guardians, NASCAR team owner, and one of Northeast Ohio’s most dynamic business leaders. With ownership in more than 70 companies, Matt Kaulig’s story is one of relentless drive, bold decisions, and unwavering self-belief. In this conversation, Matt opens up about: How he broke into the “old boys club” of car racing from sponsor to NASCAR team owner The leap of faith that led him to quit his job and launch LeafFilter from his basement Why betting on yourself, even during the 2008 financial crisis, can be the key to explosive growth Matt’s journey is a masterclass in vision, risk, and resilience — a reminder that success favors those who go all in. Follow Matt Kaulig and Kaulig Companies on social media to keep up with their growing impact.And if you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe to Love in the Land for more stories celebrating bold moves and big hearts right here in Cleveland.

Love in the Land with Austin Love – Featuring Bridget Linton On this episode of Love in the Land, Austin Love welcomes Bridget Linton, a familiar face and voice to Cleveland sports fans. Bridget is best known as the in-game host for the Cleveland Browns, but her story goes far beyond the sidelines. She’s a seasoned media personality, accomplished Irish dancer, former Miss Ohio Teen USA, spokesperson, influencer, and all-around champion of all things Cleveland. Bridget sits down with Austin to share her journey through the media world, from TV to radio and ultimately to becoming the high-energy presence inside Huntington Bank Stadium on game day. She pulls back the curtain on what it takes to deliver a world-class fan experience on Sundays, why she’s proud to call Cleveland home, and even bonds with Austin over their shared love of local dive bars. It’s a fun, insightful conversation you won’t want to miss. Follow Bridget online at @bridget_linton8, and don’t forget to like, follow, and subscribe for more Love in the Land!

On this episode of the Love in the Land Podcast with Austin Love we’re thrilled to welcome TV executive Adam Miller.  Adam is currently the Vice President of On‑Air Talent Strategy at TEGNA and a former Senior Producer for TODAY. A seasoned veteran of the news industry, Adam’s career began right here in Northeast Ohio, where he knew from an early age that television news production was his calling. Adam is a proud alumnus of the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University . After sharpening his skills in journalism, he started at TODAY at the ground level and rose through the ranks to become a senior producer. From there, he took on leadership as News Director at WKYC in Cleveland and then advanced to his current role overseeing on‑air talent strategy across TEGNA’s nationwide stations. In this episode, Austin sits down with Adam to explore his journey, his vision for the future of television journalism, and how he now shapes the industry by recruiting the next generation of on-air talent. Adam shares what he looks for in journalists—and reveals what he believes gives a personality that elusive “it” factor. He also recounts his entertaining and unforgettable 2016 World Series adventure with the legendary Al Roker. And as a fun bonus, the two team up to build their very own “Mount Rushmore” of favorite TV journalists. Enjoy this fun and insightful conversation on Love in the Land. Don’t forget to connect with Adam on LinkedIn or follow him on Instagram at @AmintheAm—and be sure to like, subscribe, and share for more!

On this week’s episode of Love in the Land with Austin Love — Michael Allio! You may know Michael as “Michael A.” from The Bachelorette Season 17 and Bachelor in Paradise Season 8. But beyond reality TV, Michael is a devoted father, entrepreneur, philanthropist, influencer, and proud Akron native. In this episode, Michael sits down with Austin to open up about life, new love, his growing medical venture, Saint James Therapeutics, and what it’s like living the dad life in Akron. He also shares how he found himself on national TV searching for love — and how he’s now working to reclaim his last name! Plus, you’ll hear how Austin and Michael bonded over The Notorious B.I.G. and the B-52s at a wedding — and so much more. We hope you enjoy this candid, hour-long conversation with Michael Allio. To keep up with Michael, follow him on Instagram at @michael_alliol4. And as always, don’t forget to like, follow, and share The Love in the Land Podcast. You can follow Austin at @austinlovetv. Cheers!

Today on The Love in the Land Podcast with Austin Love: singer, songwriter, and smooth crooner Hayden Grove! Fresh off his appearance on NBC’s The Voice as a member of Team Adam, Hayden is no stranger to the spotlight. Before hitting the national stage, he was a familiar face in Cleveland—both as a sports reporter for Cleveland.com and as a regular on the local music scene. In this episode, Austin sits down with Hayden to talk about his bold leap from a steady job in media to fully pursuing his passion for music. Hayden opens up about his experience on The Voice, shares behind-the-scenes moments from the show, and reflects on a time he walked away from singing altogether—only to rediscover his love for it. Huge thanks to Hayden for joining the show. Stay connected with everything he’s doing (or even book him for your next event!) at haydenfrankgrove.com. Enjoy the episode!

On this episode of the Love in the Land podcast, we’re joined by serial entrepreneur and cultural architect, Kumar Arora. Kumar has made a lasting impact on Cleveland through a wide range of ventures spanning fashion, food, tech, and the creative economy. His resume includes Ilthy, a fashion-forward streetwear brand that blends art and activism; Sora, a stunning modern sushi restaurant in the heart of the Flats; and FutureLand, a groundbreaking conference that celebrates innovation, entrepreneurship, and diversity—designed to empower the next generation of creators, technologists, and business leaders right here in Cleveland. Needless to say, Kumar hasn’t just influenced the city—he’s helped shape its cultural identity. In this episode, Kumar sits down with Austin to share his journey growing up in Cleveland as the son of a scientist and an artist. He discusses how that unique mix of logic and creativity formed the foundation of his entrepreneurial mindset. From his early pivot away from pre-med (to the surprise of his parents) to building brands that define Cleveland’s creative spirit, Kumar opens up about the highs and lows of entrepreneurship, the value of meaningful partnerships, and what’s next for Ilthy. To keep up with all things Kumar, visit Kumar-Arora.com. Enjoy the episode!

Today on the podcast: Michelin-starred chef Dante Boccuzzi! A true pioneer of Cleveland’s culinary scene, Dante has been shaping the city’s food culture since opening his flagship restaurant in Tremont back in 2008. But his journey began long before that — at just 14 years old, he took his first job as a dishwasher at a local restaurant in Parma. From those humble beginnings, Dante’s passion for food and hospitality took him across the globe, cooking in world-class kitchens in New York, San Francisco, and Italy, to name a few. His career highlights are as impressive as they come: a two-time James Beard “Rising Star” nominee and a Michelin star earned as Executive Chef at Aureole in New York City. On this episode of Love in the Land, Dante joins Austin to talk about his roots, his global culinary adventures, and what ultimately inspired him to bring it all back to Cleveland. They dive into the influences behind his cooking style, what it’s like to cook for celebrities like Robert De Niro, and the story behind his new cookbook. Please enjoy this conversation with Chef Dante Boccuzzi. For more on Dante, including details on his restaurants and his new cookbook Cooking in Harmony, visit DanteBoccuzzi.com. Enjoy the episode!

Today on Love in the Land, we’re joined by the incredibly talented Jon Lampley! Jon is an accomplished musician, trumpet player, singer, and sousaphone player whose journey started in Akron, Ohio. A proud “kid from Akron,” Jon has gone from marching in local bands to performing on some of the biggest stages and arenas in the world. In college, he lived out a lifelong dream by joining The Ohio State University Marching Band, where he had the rare honor of "dotting the i" multiple times. From there, his career took off—he became a core member of the renowned jam band O.A.R., playing trumpet and singing for the group for over 15 years. He’s also a founding member of Huntertones, a high-energy instrumental band known for its unique sound and electric live performances. And if that’s not enough, you can catch Jon playing nightly as part of The Late Show Band on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. In this episode, Jon sits down with Austin to talk about his Akron roots, his passion for music, and the defining moments that shaped his career. He shares his bold decision to forgo a traditional 9-to-5 job and instead chase his dream, putting faith and passion at the center of his journey. His story is one of perseverance, energy, and an unwavering belief in seizing opportunities. Jon has also launched a solo career, recently releasing his album Night Service. To stay up to date with Jon and catch him live, visit jonlampley.com and follow him on social media @jonlampleymusic. Enjoy the show!

Today on Love in the Land, Stephanie Haney joins the show! In the world of media, Stephanie has done it all. Currently, she’s the Digital Anchor and Legal Analyst for WKYC-TV, but her journey has taken her through major media hubs like Los Angeles and New York. She’s worked on shows and networks including Undercover Boss, E!, Spike, the History Channel, Daily Mail, and even made a quick cameo on Vanderpump Rules. In this episode, Stephanie sits down with Austin to share her story, from her early days growing up in Canton, OH—where she hosted mock trials with friends—to becoming an attorney and now delivering in-depth legal analysis on WKYC. Beyond media and law, she opens up about her Cleveland Magazine feature, her upcoming wedding to comedian Mike Polk, and offers valuable advice for young women pursuing their dreams. Follow Stephanie on social media and catch her daily on WKYC and WKYC.com. Enjoy the episode!