In this episode, Curtis interviews Joe Gallagher Jr., also known as Chef Giuseppe, a man whose story takes us from addiction, prison, and near-death… to building one of the fastest-growing specialty food companies in the Southern United States.

Joe is the founder of Apastioli Specialty Foods, a faith-driven entrepreneur, and the author of From Bars to Jars: A Saucy Redemption Story. Once a rock musician in Grammy contention, Joe’s life spiraled after a traumatic accident, leading to addiction, lost family relationships, attempted murder charges, and total collapse.

But Joe’s comeback is nothing short of extraordinary. Through sobriety, faith, and a simple act of service, sharing homemade sauce at a recovery meeting, he found his purpose. Today, his business is expanding across major grocery chains, and his message of redemption is impacting lives across the country.

This conversation is about more than food or business. It’s about rebuilding your life from the inside out, turning pain into purpose, and proving that even the most broken people can become powerful healers.

📘 Grab Joe’s book on Amazon:
From Bars to Jars: A Saucy Redemption Story

https://www.amazon.com.mx/Bars-Jars-Saucy-Redemption-Story/dp/B0F6MWDQV8

🌐 Follow JOE!!! & Apastioli Specialty Foods:

https://joegallagherjr.com/
https://www.apastioli.com/

https://www.facebook.com/joegallagherjr

🔥 Need to build communication confidence in English?
I'm currently accepting 5 professionals for my 1-to-1 coaching program.

🗣️ We specialize in helping global professionals:

• Speak clearly and confidently at work

• Deliver strong presentations & handle follow-ups

• Reduce your accent for better understanding

• Build workplace credibility

• Navigate tough conversations & patient communication

• Master job interviews and workplace communication

📅 Book a trial with Curtis now:
👉 https://realenglishconversations.com/memberships/member-plans/fluency-programs/trial-lesson/

In this episode, Curtis reconnects with his high school best friend, Matt Rauscher, for a conversation that’s packed with creativity, curiosity, and the power of lifelong learning.

Matt shares his journey from the school halls of Edmonton to living a hands-on, adventurous life filled with skills like welding, 3D printing, dual-sport motorcycling, meat curing, music production, and even keeping bees and raising livestock.

If you’ve ever felt stuck in your routine or wondered how to tap back into your creativity, this episode will spark new ideas about what’s possible when you keep learning, stay curious, and build something meaningful with your own two hands.

🔗 Want to improve your English for work and life?

Join Curtis at Real English Conversations and discover how he helps global professionals speak clearly and confidently in any situation.

🎧 Listen on your favorite platform:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/76ihNoEcjms6485Vt1ng5q
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id977345837
Website: 👉 https://realenglishconversations.com/memberships/member-plans/fluency-programs/trial-lesson/

🔥 Need to build communication confidence in English?

Teacher Curtis is currently accepting 5 professionals for his 1-to-1 coaching program.

🗣️ He specializes in helping global professionals to:

• Speak clearly and confidently at work

• Deliver strong presentations & handle follow-ups

• Reduce accents and improve pronunciation for better understanding

• Build workplace credibility

• Navigate tough conversations & patient communication

• Master job interviews and workplace communication

• Deliver Business presentation with NO FEAR!

📅 Book a trial session now:
👉 https://realenglishconversations.com/memberships/member-plans/fluency-programs/trial-lesson/

🎙️ In this episode of the Real English Conversations Podcast, Curtis reconnects with longtime friend, mentor, and leadership strategist Marcus Gurske to dive deep into what it means to lead with purpose and mentor with impact.

With over 20 years of experience in professional communication and leadership development, Marcus shares real-world insights into:

• The key difference between managing and mentoring

• How to support and coach people under pressure

• Strategies to develop leadership in introverts and remote professionals

Whether you’re leading a team, stepping into a leadership role for the first time, or looking to become a more influential mentor, this conversation is packed with practical tools and thoughtful perspectives for professionals at any level.

🧠 Perfect for professionals, team leads, mentors, and those learning English for real-world business success.

• 🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4wnAu4yxXb5msJzR6AcLbT?si=511fbff2e28c48a7

• 🎧 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/an-interview-with-marcus-gurske-communication/id977345837?i=1000649053908

• Website: marcusgurske.com

• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/marcusgurske

We're currently accepting 5 new professionals into our private coaching program with Teacher Curtis.

Book a trial lesson today and start building real-world confidence in English with personalized support designed for international professionals.

👉 BOOK A TRIAL ENGLISH LESSON Now

• Confidence Training to Communicate your ideas clearly and professionally

• Reduce your accent and speak with clarity

• Understand fast English in meetings and group calls

• Deliver presentations and answer follow-up questions with confidence

• Speak naturally in interviews and workplace conversations

• Navigate difficult or sensitive communication situations like a pro

🌍 Learn more at realenglishconversations.com