In this episode of XYZ Philosophies from the Better Questions podcast, Kevin Hohe is joined by JR Amato for a rich, raw, and wide-ranging conversation about faith, mental health, relationships, and the parts of society that aren’t working as they should.

Together, they explore what it means to hit rock bottom—and how moments of personal crisis can also spark self-discovery, spiritual awakening, and ultimately, redemption. JR shares candid reflections on growing up in the foster system, navigating frustration with organized religion, and finding common ground across spiritual traditions.

From the challenges of entrepreneurship to the wealth gap, from adoption to faith and works—this episode is a powerful reminder that growth is nonlinear, and asking better questions is the path forward.

In this episode, we explore:

• Why vulnerability is key to healing and connection
• The complexities of mental health and the courage it takes to talk about it
• Adoption, fostering, and the systems that fail too many children
• How compatibility in relationships can matter more than love
• What it really takes to recover after hitting rock bottom
• The coexistence of faith and effort—surrender and responsibility
• Why spiritual curiosity opens more doors than rigid belief
• The common threads between Christianity, Buddhism, and other traditions
• Corruption in religious systems—and the need for inclusivity
• How entrepreneurship mirrors the journey of faith: always growing, always learning

Stay connected:

• Kevin Hohe | LinkedIn

Produced by Pineapple Audio Production.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of XYZ Philosophies from the Better Questions podcast, we sit down with Zach Knoll — a paintless dent repair specialist turned real estate investor — to explore how he transformed a career setback into a million-dollar year. Zach shares the ups and downs of transitioning from auto body work to entrepreneurship, and how he’s now building long-term wealth through real estate.

Zach speaks candidly about failure, faith, and the power of setting big goals. From losing his job during COVID to closing a 23-unit apartment and campground deal, this conversation is a deep dive into mindset, motivation, and what success really looks like when you’re building it from the ground up.

In this episode, we cover:

• How Zach transitioned from auto body repair to business ownership during COVID
• His first year in paintless dent repair — and how it exceeded all income goals
• The leap into real estate investing and his first major acquisition
• Why networking and continuous learning were critical to his success
• The financial goals driving his work — including $200K in passive income
• Balancing business with family life and staying grounded through growth
• The importance of teamwork, culture, and values in business
• Navigating debt wisely and setting clear financial plans
• Why failure is essential, and celebrating wins (big or small) matters
• The wealth gap, access to education, and helping others build financial freedom
• Let me know if you'd like LinkedIn links or social handles added to the guest section!

Stay connected:

• Kevin Hohe | LinkedIn

Produced by Pineapple Audio Production.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the XYZ Philosophies from the Better Questions podcast, Kevin Hohe sits down with Daniel Gaynor to unpack his journey from a traditional Christian upbringing to a more nuanced, progressive understanding of faith, politics, and personal values.

Together, they explore deep themes such as the meaning of heaven and hell, the evolving nature of belief, and how Jesus’ teachings can be interpreted as both religious and philosophical truths. The conversation takes a wider lens into political identity, the role of tribalism, and how curiosity and open dialogue can help bridge divides in both spiritual and political discourse.

This is a conversation about staying curious, asking better questions, and being open to growth — even when it’s uncomfortable.

Insights & Reflections

• Daniel's background includes military service and legal education.
• Becoming a father shaped his evolving views on faith and responsibility.
• Heaven is explored through both traditional and progressive Christian lenses.
• Many ideas about heaven stem more from doctrine than scripture.
• Jesus’ teachings offer philosophical insight beyond religion.
• Love, kindness, and grace are pathways to spiritual fulfillment.
• The concept of hell is reframed as disconnection from God.
• Repentance involves a reorientation of perspective, not just guilt.
• Community and brotherhood are vital for spiritual growth.
• Faith can provide peace and joy, even without supernatural belief.
• Political leanings are often shaped by individual psychology.
• Fiscal conservatism includes concern over national deficits.
• Political loyalty has shifted, and tribalism complicates discourse.
• Understanding border policy and evolving party platforms is essential.
• Rigid thinking inhibits healthy conversation and mutual respect.
• Acknowledging bias is the first step toward meaningful dialogue.
• Finding common ground starts with curiosity and listening.
• Asking better questions leads to better political and spiritual insight.
• Hope and skepticism can co-exist in both faith and leadership.
• Critical thinking is essential in the age of mass information.

Stay connected:

• Kevin Hohe | LinkedIn

Produced by Pineapple Audio Production.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of XYZ Philosophies from the Better Questions podcast, Kevin Hohe is joined by Alan Jordan, a former attorney turned mediator, who shares his journey of leaving traditional law to pursue a more meaningful and values-driven career in conflict resolution.

Alan opens up about the limitations of the billable-hour model, the flaws he sees in the modern legal system, and why he believes asking good questions matters more than having easy answers—both in law and in life. The conversation moves beyond the courtroom into deeper discussions on faith, doubt, vocation, and the role of community in spiritual growth.

Rooted in both personal experience and professional insight, this is a wide-ranging, thoughtful episode about choosing purpose over prestige, and curiosity over certainty.

In this episode, we explore:

• Why Alan left a traditional law career in search of something more fulfilling
• How mediation offers a more human-centered approach to conflict resolution
• The case against hourly billing—and why outcomes matter more than time
• The tension between institutional religion and lived experience
• How Alan’s faith continues to evolve through doubt and exploration
• Why curiosity is more spiritually valuable than rigid belief
• What it means to pursue vocation that aligns with meaning and service
• How heaven, peace, and contentment can be found in the present moment
• The challenge and power of having honest conversations across differences
• Why community, presence, and questioning are essential to spiritual growth

Stay connected:

• Kevin Hohe | LinkedIn

Produced by Pineapple Audio Production.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the XYZ Philosophies from the Better Questions podcast, we explore the complex and deeply personal topic of heaven — what it is, how it’s interpreted, and why it matters. Our guests Doug Overstreet and Eric Smith dive into the tensions between traditional and progressive Christian beliefs, unpacking biblical foundations, the role of Jesus in salvation, and what it truly means to experience heaven both now and in the life to come.

From the inerrancy of scripture to interfaith perspectives, this is a rich and open-hearted dialogue on faith, truth, and the spiritual journey.

Takeaways

• Heaven is viewed as a place of connection with God.
• The belief in heaven is crucial for the validity of Christianity.
• Glimpses of heaven can be experienced on earth.
• The Bible is considered by many as the inerrant word of God.
• Jesus’s promise of paradise is a key reference in Scripture.
• Accepting Jesus holds deep significance for believers.
• Christians are called to embody Jesus’s presence on earth.
• Eternal life is central to Christian belief.
• Faith and works both play a role in the concept of salvation.
• Heaven can be understood as both a state of being and a destination.
• Different religions offer diverse interpretations of heaven and the afterlife.
• Judgment, love, and acceptance are intertwined in faith journeys.
• The Bible is a living document that invites ongoing exploration.
• The Trinity is foundational, yet often misunderstood.
• Spiritual fulfillment is a shared aim across religious traditions.
• Interfaith dialogue fosters greater understanding and shared truths.
• Personal faith journeys can look very different — and that’s okay.

Stay connected:

• Kevin Hohe | LinkedIn

Produced by Pineapple Audio Production.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to the Better Questions Podcast; the show where we dare to go deeper.

Every week, we pick a topic and sit down with thinkers, doers and challengers, to hear not only what they already know, but to explore what they’re still learning.

I’m Kevin Hohe…construction leader, lifelong learner, and your host.

We’re opening space for more honest conversations, for slow, meaningful insights in a fast-moving world.

Because maybe…the right question at the right time…can change everything.

Hit follow, and join us every week on the Better Questions Podcast, produced by Pineapple Audio Production.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.