Episodes
-
In this episode of The Happy Accidents Podcast, I sit down with Craig Fernandes, the brilliant founder of SecureMyScholarship and Lock&Stock, to discuss how serendipity and one simple idea led to a $6 million-dollar scholarship startup.
Craig shares his inspiring journey, starting with the development of Lock&Stock, a mobile app that incentivized students to stay off their phones during class.
Little did he know, this app would pave the way for SecureMyScholarship, a platform that's changing lives by connecting students with scholarship opportunities around the world.
We dive deep into the power of serendipity in entrepreneurship, how Craig spotted opportunities where others didn’t, and the lessons he learned from building two innovative businesses. If you're interested in startups, scholarships, or how chance plays a role in successful business ventures, this is a must-watch!
Key Topics Covered:
How the Lock&Stock app incentivized students to stay off their phones The accidental launch of SecureMyScholarship Growing a business from a simple idea to a $6 million-dollar success The role of serendipity in entrepreneurship How Craig built a platform helping students find scholarship opportunitiesWhether you're an entrepreneur, student, or just looking for motivation, Craig's story is packed with valuable insights and happy accidents that led to massive success.
Connect with Craig or SecureMyScholarship here:
Craig linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/craig-fernandes-securemyscholarship/
SMS instagram - https://www.instagram.com/securemyscholarship/
SMS linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/company/securemyscholarship/?viewAsMember=true
SMS website - https://www.securemyscholarship.com/
-
Ever wonder how Hollywood superstars like Charlize Theron and Vin Diesel got their big break?
It wasn’t just talent—it was pure serendipity!
In this episode of the Happy Accidents podcast, I dive into the incredible stories of how Charlize Theron’s acting career took off after a chance encounter at a bank and how Vin Diesel’s indie short film Multi-Facial caught the eye of Steven Spielberg, leading to his role in Saving Private Ryan.
These celebrity success stories show how luck and being in the right place at the right time can change everything.
Discover the unexpected paths that led these actors to Hollywood fame!
-
Missing episodes?
-
In 1985, Coca-Cola made one of the boldest moves in marketing history by introducing New Coke – a sweeter version of the iconic drink that no one asked for.
What was meant to challenge Pepsi turned into a massive backlash that shocked the company and sparked nationwide protests.
But just 79 days later, Coca-Cola made a comeback that would forever strengthen customer loyalty.
In this podcast episode, I break down the story of how Coca-Cola's biggest marketing blunder turned into an unexpected success.
Learn how this failure became a masterclass in brand loyalty and consumer engagement!
Timestamps:
0:00 Introduction
3:02 The Rise of Pepsi and Coke's Bold Move
4:12 The Backlash Begins
5:25 The Return of Coca-Cola Classic
6:23 How the Mistake Became a Win
Want to see what else I'm up to?
Come see at https://www.dennisgeelen.me/
Or come join us in The Solopreneur Sandbox where a group of supportive entrepreneurs are all learning and growing together!
https://thesolopreneursandbox.com/
-
Sometimes it feels almost impossible.
Like all the stars are aligning perfectly in order for two people to meet and fall in love.
That's exactly what happened for Dennis Leyton and his eventual wife, Inna.
Listen as Dennis tells the incredible story of how fate brought them (and kept them) together.
Connect with Dennis here on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dennisleyton/
👉 Don’t forget to subscribe for more incredible Happy Accident stories of all shapes and sizes!
Want to see what else I'm up to?
Go here: https://www.dennisgeelen.me
You can also grab a copy of my latest book here: https://www.theaccidentalsolopreneur.com/
Or come join us in The Solopreneur Sandbox where a group of supportive entrepreneurs are all learning and growing together! https://thesolopreneursandbox.com/
-
You won't believe how they got caught!
Sometimes, it’s not the detective work, the high-tech forensics, or the years of investigation that catch the criminal.
Sometimes, it’s just plain luck.
In this episode of the Happy Accidents podcast, I’m dive into four true crime stories where a simple twist of fate led to the downfall of some of the most notorious criminals in history. You have to love some true crime happy accident stories!
Timestamps
00:00 - Intro
02:00 - The Arrest of Ted Bundy
06:26 - The Capture of Al Capone
10:17 - The Watergate Scandal
14:55 - The Green River Killer
Four criminals, four incredible stories, and all brought down by a twist of fate.
These cases remind us that no matter how clever or careful someone is, luck—or the lack of it—can change everything.
So, what do you think? Are these just happy accidents, or is there something more at play?
Don’t forget to subscribe for more incredible stories like these
Want to see what else I'm up to?
Come see at https://www.dennisgeelen.me/
Or come join us in The Solopreneur Sandbox where a group of supportive entrepreneurs are all learning and growing together!
https://thesolopreneursandbox.com/
-
Imagine being woken up in the middle of the night by your spouse, only to hear the words, 'I'm gay, and I want a divorce.'
In this emotional and raw interview, Megan Broker shares her incredible journey of discovering her husband's truth and the life-altering moment that changed everything.
She opens up about the shock, the heartbreak, and how she found the strength to move forward.
But the most incredible part of her story? How she handled it.
The mindset she adapted and the approach she has taken is awe inspiring.
Megan has gone on to publish the book 'The Pause Effect' and now works as an Executive Coach teaching leaders how to enhance their self-awareness and drive positive change.
Her debut book equips us to learn in real-time by sharing her leadership journey through the lens of one of life's most charged and complicated mergers: blending families.
Grab a copy of 'The Pause Effect' here: https://www.amazon.com/Pause-Effect-Now-Lead-Belong/dp/B0D4MRLGJ4/ref=sr_1_1?
This is a story of resilience, self-discovery, and finding hope after a life-shattering revelation. Join me as Megan bravely tells her story, offering insights into navigating unexpected challenges and the power of embracing your truth, no matter how painful it might be.
In her case, this story has a happy ending and is worthy of being called a Happy Accident.
Whether you've faced a similar experience or are simply looking for inspiration in the face of adversity, this interview is one you won't want to miss.
👉 Don’t forget to subscribe for more incredible Happy Accident stories of all shapes and sizes!
-
In this special podcast episode, I sit down with Mohammad Khan, a mechanical engineer who has a surprising passion: writing and storytelling.
Balancing the worlds of technical precision and creative expression, my guest shares his three favorite 'Happy Accident' stories from the history of science—unexpected discoveries that have shaped our understanding of the world.
From serendipitous lab results to unplanned breakthroughs, these stories highlight the fascinating intersection of curiosity, experimentation, and a little bit of luck.
Be sure to connect with Mohammad and check out his writing here:
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mohammadkhan1859/
• Writing Newsletter: https://mohammad-khan.beehiiv.com/subscribe
Tune in to hear how this young engineer brings these tales to life with a storyteller’s flair and an engineer’s insight.
Don’t miss this unique episode that bridges the gap between science and storytelling!
Subscribe to stay updated on all the latest episodes.
-
Imagine being a US Secret Service Agent who is assigned to protect the President.
You train diligently in order to perform your duties in the event that there’s an attempt on the President's life.
But how often does that actually happen?
Only 4 American Presidents have ever been assassinated. 3 have been shot, but survived. 3 have been unharmed, but others were killed or injured in the attempt (much like former President Donald Trump in July of 2024) And there have been 4 attempts where nobody was harmed (other than the culprit)So, how do you react when you are suddenly in that situation?
On this episode of the Happy Accidents podcast, listen as former Secret Service Agent Kenneth Valentine retells the story of the time he found himself in this scenario.
How did he feel?
What was going through his mind?
What did it mean for him to "Cheat Death"?
Be sure to grab a copy of Ken's book 'Cheating Death: Three-Time Presidential Secret Service Agent Lives to Tell You How' https://www.amazon.com/Cheating-Death-Three-Time-Presidential-Service/dp/B0D28JSBRB/ref=monarch_sidesheet_title
-
You're overplanning is driving your business into the ground!
Too many business leaders believe they need the perfect strategy, the most detailed plans, and endless data in order for their business to succeed.
In reality, the key to entrepreneurial success lies in embracing and mastering the uncertainty that comes with the journey.
True success isn't about having all the answers.
It's about:
- being adaptable
- staying resilient
- and making sure you're ready to pivot when needed
In today's episode of the Happy Accidents podcast I chat with Matt Watkinson, co-author of 'Mastering Uncertainty'.
We dive into several serendipitous moments that have littered Matt's journey and how this forced him to rethink how he approaches business.Connect with Matt here: matt-watkinson.com
Or with me here: https://www.dennisgeelen.me
Until next time, stay lucky my friends
-
Imagine being forced into the military at a young age and spending years going down a certain path only to find out.....you hate it!
But then
Years later you stumble across something that you think you might actually be good at....and love!
In this episode of the Happy Accidents podcast you get to meet Yuval Ackerman, the ethical email strategist, and her amazing Happy Accident story.
Whether you're an entrepreneur, a creative mind, or simply someone who enjoys a good narrative, this podcast is your go-to source for inspiring stories and valuable insights.
Get ready for a rollercoaster of surprises, a dash of luck, and a sprinkle of wisdom.
This is the Happy Accidents Podcast – where success meets serendipity.
Enjoy today's adventure!
Make sure you connect with Yuval here:
Newsletter - www.ackermancopywriting.com/subscribe
LinkedIn - http://linkedin.com/in/yuvalackerman/
Threads - http://threads.net/@ethicalemails
And come check out what I'm up to over at https://www.dennisgeelen.me
Until next time, stay lucky my friends!
-
Meet the man who describes himself as part Harry Potter and part Bear Grylls.
Paul Watkins is both a self processed nerd as well as an extreme adventurer.
His journey is riddled with random moments, chance, and serendipity.
And you get to tune in and see what advice he has for you (you're going to love it!).
Dive into this episode and explore the pivotal moments that have shaped his life, from the lows to the highs, and everything in between.
Connect with Paul through the links below:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-watkins-92125499/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.rogue.scholar/?hl=en
Substack: https://www.paulwatkins.substack.com
You can also enjoy The Happy Accidents Podcast on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/@TheAccidentalSolopreneur?sub_confirmation=1
And if you want to see what else I'm up to, come visit me here: https://www.dennisgeelen.me
Until next time, stay lucky my friends
-
Welcome to another captivating episode of The Happy Accidents podcast.
In this edition, I take you on a journey into the hidden gems and untold stories behind five of the most iconic moments in film history.
Come with me as we explore the fascinating world of improvised and unplanned scenes that left an indelible mark on cinema.
Unplanned moments in films can sometimes create the most memorable and impactful scenes.
Whether it's an actor's spur-of-the-moment decision, a prop that wasn't supposed to be there, or a line delivered in the heat of the moment, these unscripted elements can add depth, authenticity, and magic to a film.
TIMESTAMPS
00:00 - Intro
01:52 - The Stray Animal
04:00 - The Unexpected Duel
05:00 - The Mirror Monologue
06:03 - The Famous Reply
07:06 - The Unplanned Entrance
08:06 - The Lessons
Join me as we celebrate the magic of spontaneity in filmmaking.
Through these stories, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for the art of improvisation and the serendipitous moments that can elevate a film from great to legendary.
Whether you're a film buff or simply love a good behind-the-scenes story, this episode promises to be an enlightening and entertaining exploration of cinematic history.
Tune in to discover how unplanned moments can make for some of the most iconic scenes in film.
You can also enjoy The Happy Accidents Podcast on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/@TheAccidentalSolopreneur?sub_confirmation=1
If you want to see what else I'm up to, come visit me here: https://www.dennisgeelen.me
Until next time, stay lucky my friends
-
Most people spend their lives working 1 or 2 careers.
Michael Pedersen has reinvented himself several times over, and continues to do so.
His journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, grit.....and serendipity.
Tune in to this episode and explore the pivotal moments that have shaped his, from high performance athlete, the multiple time entrepreneur, and all the happy accidents in between.
Connect with Michael through the links below:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikepedersen
https://www.twitter.com/mikepedersen
https://www.instagram.com/michaeltpedersen
https://www.mikepedersen.com
If you want to see what else I'm up to, come visit me here: https://www.dennisgeelen.me
You can also enjoy The Happy Accidents Podcast in video format here: https://www.youtube.com/@TheAccidentalSolopreneur?sub_confirmation=1
Until next time, stay lucky my friends
-
In this episode of The Happy Accidents Podcast, I sit down with Nick Kyriazopoulos.
Nick's story is one you won't want to miss.
From his early years in Greece, to his troublesome youth in New York, to now finding his stride at 29, and all the Happy Accidents along the way.
Nick has taken his experiences and now helps young adults with ADHD to harness their hidden powers and turn them into top performers.
Tune in for an inspiring conversation that showcases the role of serendipity in our lives.
Connect with Nick through the links below:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adhdcoachnick/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@UCCzJ-4IY3p6Dly6AUPCU-kg
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adhd-coach-nick/
You can also enjoy The Happy Accidents Podcast in video format on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheAccidentalSolopreneur?sub_confirmation=1
P.S. If you'd like to sign up for the Happy Accidents newsletter or see what other fun stuff I have going on, head to https://www.dennisgeelen.me
Until next time, stay lucky my friends
-
They say timing is everything.
In this episode of the Happy Accidents Podcast, I explore the incredible power of timing through two true stories that highlight how serendipity can shape our lives in unexpected ways.
The first story is about a life saving gift - Discover how a seemingly ordinary gift given at the perfect moment ends up saving a life.
This heartwarming tale shows the profound impact that thoughtful timing can have on the course of events.
Story #2 is about a remarkable misprint - Hear about how an accidental misprint in an advertisement leads to an extraordinary act of kindness.
This story reminds us that even the smallest errors can sometimes result in the most beautiful outcomes when they occur at the right time.
Tune in to hear the inspiring stories that under score the saying 'Timing is Everything'.
You can also enjoy The Happy Accidents Podcast in video format on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheAccidentalSolopreneur?sub_confirmation=1
P.S. If you'd like to sign up for the Happy Accidents newsletter or see what other fun stuff I have going on, head to https://www.dennisgeelen.me
Until next time, stay lucky my friends
-
In this episode of The Happy Accidents Podcast, I sit down with Kayla McGuire, the founder of Kayla McGuire Consulting and a leading voice for freelance project managers.
Kayla's journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, grit.....and serendipity.
As a successful freelance PM Kayla has had to redefine herself and her path many times over the pas several years.
Join us as we explore the pivotal moments that have shaped her career, from her early days in the finance industry, to her initial entrepreneurial adventure (that led to burn out) to here accidental discovery of project management, and so much more!
Also, don't miss Kayla showing off her signing voice near the end of the episode!
Tune in for an inspiring conversation that highlights the unpredictable yet rewarding nature of freelancing and solopreneurship.
Connect with Kayla through the links below:
Website: https://www.kaylamcguire.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMZH40SAqYLhpQlHpBi9UiA
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaylamcguire/
You can also enjoy The Happy Accidents Podcast in video format on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheAccidentalSolopreneur?sub_confirmation=1
P.S. If you'd like to sign up for the Happy Accidents newsletter or see what other fun stuff I have going on, head to https://www.dennisgeelen.me
Until next time, stay lucky my friends
-
In this episode of The Happy Accidents Podcast, I'm thrilled to welcome Lucas Bean, the visionary CEO of Social Proof.
Lucas leads an AI-powered creator marketing technology company that seamlessly connects brands with creators and influencers, crafting compelling stories, marketing campaigns, and content that deliver real results.
With a wealth of entrepreneurial experience, Lucas is a seasoned tech executive who ranks among the top three globally in user acquisition and retention.
Join me as we dive into the Happy Accidents that have shaped Lucas's remarkable journey.
From his serendipitous entry into the digital marketing world during the early days of MySpace and Facebook, to chance encounters with influential figures who have significantly impacted his career, Lucas's story is a testament to the power of fortuitous timing and unexpected opportunities.
We’ll also explore how an accidental venture led him to build a thriving events business!
Tune in for an inspiring conversation filled with insights and anecdotes that highlight the unpredictable and rewarding nature of the entrepreneurial path.
Connect with Lucas:
Website: https://lucasbean.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucasbean/
X: https://x.com/Luke360
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luke360/
You can also enjoy The Happy Accidents Podcast in video format on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheAccidentalSolopreneur?sub_confirmation=1
P.S. If you'd like to sign up for the Happy Accidents newsletter or see what other fun stuff I have going on, head to https://www.dennisgeelen.me
Until next time, stay lucky my friends.
-
In this episode of The Happy Accidents Podcast I take a deep dive into the 4 types of luck as outlined in Dr. James Austin's book 'Chase, Chance, and Creativity: The Lucky Art of Novelty'.
Dr. James Austin is a distinguished neurologist and professor known for his insightful work on the intersection of neuroscience and creativity.
In his 1978 book, he outlines 4 types of luck.
Type 1 - Blind Luck
Type 2 - Skilled Luck
Type 3 - Systemic Luck
Type 4 - Psychic Luck
In this episode I examine each of the 4 types of luck, examples of each, and the lessons we can learn and apply to our own lives.
You can also enjoy The Happy Accidents Podcast on YouTube at the link below:
https://www.youtube.com/@TheAccidentalSolopreneur?sub_confirmation=1
Or see what else I'm up to at:
www.dennisgeelen.me
Until next time, stay lucky my friends.
-
Does it ever seem like some people are just luckier than others?
If you were to be on the outside looking in on the life of John Knotts, that's exactly what you might think.
How did he get so lucky all the time?
But was it really random?
Was it dumb luck?
Or has he found a recipe for manufacturing great opportunities?
In this episode, I chat with John about his view on luck and how you can design your own good luck to create more opportunities for yourself.
John shares some personal stories from his journey and what he has discovered with it comes to manufacturing luck.
Here's the link to the LinkedIn post we discuss in this episode: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/successincubator_business-success-incubator-activity-7188145315164631040-qOuI
Connect with John directly here:
Website - https://www.crossctr.com
LinkedIn - http://www.linkedin.com/in/successincubator/
Twitter - http://www.twitter.com/johnrknotts
You can also enjoy The Happy Accidents Podcast YouTube here:
https://www.youtube.com/@TheAccidentalSolopreneur?sub_confirmation=1
Until next time, stay lucky my friends
-
In this episode of The Happy Accidents Podcast, we sit down with Jay Clouse, the founder of Creator Science and a leading voice in the creator economy.
Jay's journey is a testament to the power of serendipity and the impact of seemingly random events on achieving success.
As a successful content creator with a thriving newsletter, podcast, YouTube channel, and membership community, Jay teaches others how to navigate and excel in the world of content creation.
Join us as we explore the pivotal moments that have shaped Jay's career, from his early days leading the Community Experience team for Pat Flynn and Smart Passive Income, where he designed innovative paid membership and course programs, to his current role at Creator Science.
Jay shares the fortuitous encounters and unexpected opportunities that have guided his path, offering valuable insights into how happy accidents can lead to incredible outcomes.
Tune in for an inspiring conversation that highlights the unpredictable yet rewarding nature of the creator journey.
See everything that Jay is up to including his Creator Science newsletter, podcast, and membership community here: https://creatorscience.com/
You can also enjoy The Happy Accidents Podcast in video format on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheAccidentalSolopreneur?sub_confirmation=1
P.S. If you'd like to sign up for the Happy Accidents newsletter or see what other fun stuff I have going on, head to https://www.dennisgeelen.me
Until next time, stay lucky my friends.
- Show more
