Guests

Headshot
Guest

John Ratchford

John is a seasoned sales professional and true believer in leading sales teams to greatness. He’s also highly involved in his local church and the transformational power of faith.


In addition, he can also throw a fabulous party. In fact, he is often joined by his wife and six kids to celebrate every occasion they can think of.


https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-ratchford-lsg/
Headshot
Guest

Lynn Anderson

Lynn Anderson is a longtime childcare provider with more than 30 years of experience running an in-home daycare. Known for her steady approach, clear boundaries, and commitment to the families she serves, Lynn has built lasting relationships rooted in trust and consistency. In addition to her work in childcare, she has recently launched a party balloon business and remains active in her local community. Lynn brings a practical, experience-based perspective to topics like leadership, communication, and maintaining strong, respectful relationships.

https://www.facebook.com/lynn.anderson.750
Headshot
Guest

Megan Malick

Megan Malick is a licensed marriage and family therapist, ordained minister, author, and grief counselor who helps individuals and families navigate life’s most difficult transitions.  She shares reflections on healing, resilience, and personal growth through her writing and online communities, and she is the author of a practical workbook designed to support people navigating grief.


You can learn more about Megan and her work here:

🌐 Website: https://a-new-path.com/
💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/revmeganmalick/
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meganmmalick/
📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/revmeganmalick
📚 Her book on grief: https://a.co/d/fsN9b6J

https://meganmalick.substack.com/
Headshot
Guest

Melissa Oldfield

Melissa Oldfield is a technology executive and people-centered leader who brings clarity, discipline, and self-awareness to both work and life. As a guest on Unexpected Advice, Melissa shared how her commitment to fitness over 40 became a catalyst for better leadership—helping her show up with more focus, steadiness, and intention for her team. Her perspective connects personal discipline, physical well-being, and professional performance, reminding leaders that taking care of themselves isn’t indulgent—it’s foundational.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissaoldfield/
Headshot
Guest

Michael Bendure

Michael Bendure ("Michael B"), is a longtime funk fan who retired from a professional communications career in 2021 to concentrate on his music and artistic outlets. Michael also produces and hosts 40 Minutes of Funk, an interview podcast focusing on funk practitioners, their philosophies, and their music.


Michael is also an avid abstract painter who displays and sells his colorful artwork around the metro Oklahoma City area. His love of funk music has spread into his paintings, some of which are part of an expanding body of works called Funk Art that are inspired by the feelings and lyrics of funk music (Prince and Parliament Funkadelic, for example). He is an award-winning writer, photographer, and singer/songwriter who performs regularly throughout the Norman area in local bands Eventides, The Whiskey Gingers, Heartbreak Rodeo, The HoHoHos, and others. 

https://www.artbymichaelb.com/
Headshot
Guest

Michelle Scobie

Michelle Scobie is a marketer and relationship-builder who brings a deeply human lens to growth, connection, and confidence at work. As a guest on Unexpected Advice, she shared practical insight on why meaningful connection doesn’t come from waiting to feel ready—but from taking action before confidence shows up. Her perspective blends marketing expertise with an honest, people-first approach to building trust, momentum, and real relationships.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mscobie/
Headshot
Guest

Nicholas Thurman

Nicholas "Nick" Thurman is an attorney and legal professional known for his thoughtful perspectives on the intersection of law, technology, and human judgment. He has served as a prosecutor in Oklahoma, including work as an Assistant District Attorney with the Pontotoc County District Attorney’s Office after earning his law degree from Oklahoma City University School of Law. 


Nick  appeared as a guest on the Unexpected Advice podcast from Insightfully Curious, where he shared grounded insights on how AI is transforming legal practice—emphasizing where technology can add value and where traditional legal skills and human experience remain essential. 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholas-thurman-5087948a/
Headshot
Guest

Todd Thurman

Todd Thurman is the Director of Athletics at Metropolitan State University of Denver, where he leads the university’s NCAA Division II athletics program.


A former national championship basketball player at SNU, Todd earned NAIA All-American honors and went on to play professionally overseas before transitioning into coaching. Over the course of his career, he has served as both a collegiate head coach and athletic director, building successful programs and leading teams to compete at a high level.


Todd is known for his leadership philosophy centered on developing people, building strong teams, and playing to individual strengths. His approach emphasizes mentorship, accountability, and helping others reach their full potential—both on and off the field.


With decades of experience in athletics and leadership, Todd brings a unique perspective on finding your passion, overcoming failure, and leading without fear.

https://roadrunnersathletics.com/staff-directory/todd-thurman/217
Headshot
Guest

Tom Dardick

Tom Dardick is a business leader and operator who brings a practical, clear-eyed perspective to growth, decision-making, and leadership. As a guest on Unexpected Advice, Tom shared thoughtful insight on navigating uncertainty, making deliberate choices, and resisting the urge to chase momentum without direction. His approach emphasizes clarity over noise, steady progress over flash, and building systems that actually support the people doing the work.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomdardick/