The Curious Jones Podcast

In 1978, Steven Kubacki vanished while skiing across frozen Lake Michigan. His gear was found near the ice — but Steven was gone. For fifteen months, his family searched with no trace… until he suddenly reappeared over 700 miles away in Massachusetts, with no memory of what had happened. After 45 years of silence, Steven reached out to me to finally tell his story — publicly, and in his own words. This episode dives deep into one of the most haunting unsolved disappearances in modern history: the mystery of where Steven went, how he survived, and what he believes really happened. Don’t forget to subscribe, share, and leave a review — it helps more than you know. Curious Jones is back, and this is just the beginning of a new wave of extraordinary conversations as we move into 2026 and beyond.

In this episode of The Curious Jones Podcast, I sit down with Hunter Homistek, the General Manager of 247 Fighting Championship, Pittsburgh’s premier mixed martial arts promotion. Hunter shares his journey into the world of MMA, offering an inside look at the challenges of running a successful promotion. We dive into the logistics of organizing events, managing fighter relations, navigating state athletic commissions and local municipalities, and everything in between. Beyond MMA, Hunter opens up about his passion for music and guitars, reflecting on his time as a journalist at West Virginia University and how his love for storytelling has shaped his career. We also preview 247’s highly anticipated Brawl in the Burg 25 event, taking place on Saturday, December 21. Whether you’re an MMA fan or curious about what it takes to run a promotion, this episode has something for everyone. Don’t miss it! Tune in now and make sure you SUBSCRIBE & FOLLOW. Stay Curious! @realcuriousjones ****************************************** This episode is brought to you by the ICE POD! The IcePod provides a perfect solution for those looking to reap the benefits of ice baths, with accessories to accommodate both summer & winter plunging! Our mission is very simple, we want to create products that make health and wellness accessible to more people, which is achieved by affordable prices without any compromise on quality. We believe that everyone should have access to the tools they need to live a healthier life, health should not be a luxury. Their commitment to quality, innovation and customer-centric approach, has put them in the forefront of a market now full of knockoffs (flattering, right). They are proud to be the innovators of the original portable ice bath, and can't wait to show the world what they are working on behind the scenes. Let's just say they are leading the change of this industry for the better. Head over to www.podcompany.com/curiousjones and begin your cold exposure journey, once and for all! You won't be disappointed! This episode is also brought to you by Lit Distribution, a master distributor of custom and exclusive Zippo lighters and accessories, with a focus on alternative brands such as Cannabis, Music, Art and more.

For Episode 127 of the Curious Jones podcast, we sit down with Mark Austin, one of my closest friends and an executive in the performance nutrition and private equity world. While Mark’s expertise could lead us down countless interesting paths, this episode takes on a much more personal tone. Mark bravely shares the deeply emotional journey he and his wife have faced in trying to start a family, navigating the heartbreak of several miscarriages. He opens up about the silent battles men often fight—trying to remain strong and supportive while managing their own grief and stress. This raw and honest conversation sheds light on the complex emotional struggles many couples face in silence. Stay Curious! @realcuriousjones ****************************************** This episode is brought to you by the ICE POD! The IcePod provides a perfect solution for those looking to reap the benefits of ice baths, with accessories to accommodate both summer & winter plunging! Our mission is very simple, we want to create products that make health and wellness accessible to more people, which is achieved by affordable prices without any compromise on quality. We believe that everyone should have access to the tools they need to live a healthier life, health should not be a luxury. Their commitment to quality, innovation and customer-centric approach, has put them in the forefront of a market now full of knockoffs (flattering, right). They are proud to be the innovators of the original portable ice bath, and can't wait to show the world what they are working on behind the scenes. Let's just say they are leading the change of this industry for the better. Head over to www.podcompany.com/curiousjones and begin your cold exposure journey, once and for all! You won't be disappointed! This episode is also brought to you by Lit Distribution, a master distributor of custom and exclusive Zippo lighters and accessories, with a focus on alternative brands such as Cannabis, Music, Art and more. If you are looking for great gifts for fathers day, a new Zippo for yourself, or your brand would like to have their likeness on a Zippo, head over to www.litzipps.com and get started! Use code CURIOUS for a discount while you are there!

Daniel Carcillo is a Canadian former professional hockey player of the NHL. He was a 2x Stanley Cup champion with the Chicago Blackhawks and was most notably know as an "enforcer" nicknamed "Car Bomb" who in 2008, led the NHL with 324 penalty minutes, largely mainly due to fighting. After retirement in 20215, Daniel embarked on a quest to treat the symptoms he was experiencing that were attributed to traumatic brain injury's sustained from his career in the NHL. After 4 years of traditional medications and therapy's, he dramatically changed his prognosis through the use of psilocybin, the active compound found in "magic mushrooms". He has since become both an advocate and entrepreneur with a quest to bring the relief he has achieved to others suffering with a variety of neurodegenerative conditions. You can follow him on social media @danielcarcillo13 for more information on what he is up to. Stay Curious! @realcuriousjones ****************************************** This episode is brought to you by the ICE POD! The IcePod provides a perfect solution for those looking to reap the benefits of ice baths, with accessories to accommodate both summer & winter plunging! Our mission is very simple, we want to create products that make health and wellness accessible to more people, which is achieved by affordable prices without any compromise on quality. We believe that everyone should have access to the tools they need to live a healthier life, health should not be a luxury. Their commitment to quality, innovation and customer-centric approach, has put them in the forefront of a market now full of knockoffs (flattering, right). They are proud to be the innovators of the original portable ice bath, and can't wait to show the world what they are working on behind the scenes. Let's just say they are leading the change of this industry for the better. Head over to www.podcompany.com/curiousjones and begin your cold exposure journey, once and for all! You won't be disappointed! This episode is also brought to you by Lit Distribution, a master distributor of custom and exclusive Zippo lighters and accessories, with a focus on alternative brands such as Cannabis, Music, Art and more. If you are looking for great gifts for fathers day, a new Zippo for yourself, or your brand would like to have their likeness on a Zippo, head over to www.litzipps.com and get started! Use code CURIOUS for a discount while you are there!

Mark Metry is a Forbes featured Keynote Speaker, and former Host of the Global Top 100 podcast, Humans 2.0 featuring the greatest leaders of our time, including Billionaires, Neuroscientists, Professional Athletes, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalists, and New York Times Bestselling authors where he would explore today's dynamic of the human experience and mental health. He authored the best selling book, "Screw Being Shy: Learn How to Manage Social Anxiety and Be Yourself in Front of Anyone" which was released in 2020 and who since taking a step back from the public eye and from the podcast microphone, has been on a new journey of purpose where he has been exploring his new found belief in Christ after several powerful experiences that changed his life. Follow him on social media @markmetry and enjoy this episode! Stay Curious! @realcuriousjones ****************************************** This episode is brought to you by the ICE POD! The IcePod provides a perfect solution for those looking to reap the benefits of ice baths, with accessories to accommodate both summer & winter plunging! Our mission is very simple, we want to create products that make health and wellness accessible to more people, which is achieved by affordable prices without any compromise on quality. We believe that everyone should have access to the tools they need to live a healthier life, health should not be a luxury. Their commitment to quality, innovation and customer-centric approach, has put them in the forefront of a market now full of knockoffs (flattering, right). They are proud to be the innovators of the original portable ice bath, and can't wait to show the world what they are working on behind the scenes. Let's just say they are leading the change of this industry for the better. Head over to www.podcompany.com/curiousjones and begin your cold exposure journey, once and for all! You won't be disappointed! This episode is also brought to you by Lit Distribution, a master distributor of custom and exclusive Zippo lighters and accessories, with a focus on alternative brands such as Cannabis, Music, Art and more. If you are looking for great gifts for fathers day, a new Zippo for yourself, or your brand would like to have their likeness on a Zippo, head over to www.litzipps.com and get started! Use code CURIOUS for a discount while you are there!

Leading longevity authority, Troy Casey, The Certified Health Nut, has successfully restored physical, mental and emotional balance to people who have failed with all other systems. His unique holistic approach uses nature based biohacking even a child can follow. A former Versace model in Milan, Troy studied nutrition, herbs and detoxification as a way of looking and feeling great in front of the camera. He has scoured the Earth for the most powerful health and healing methods, as a medicine hunter, working with indigenous tribes in the Amazon, studying the ancient Vipassana Meditation technique, Ashtanga Yoga and more recently at the world famous CHEK Institute, working closely with Paul Chek. His book #RippedAt50, A Journey To Self Love, is in the works. Today he speaks to audiences all over the world and continues to create videos that have helped millions of people live with more vitality. Troy was hired off his youtube channel to work on Discovery’s Network and continues to work in the media to this day. His Vision for clean, air, water, soil and equitable systems for all mankind in his lifetime drives his passionate work for personal and planetary wellness. Stay Curious! @realcuriousjones ****************************************** This episode is brought to you by the ICE POD! The IcePod provides a perfect solution for those looking to reap the benefits of ice baths, with accessories to accommodate both summer & winter plunging! Our mission is very simple, we want to create products that make health and wellness accessible to more people, which is achieved by affordable prices without any compromise on quality. We believe that everyone should have access to the tools they need to live a healthier life, health should not be a luxury. Their commitment to quality, innovation and customer-centric approach, has put them in the forefront of a market now full of knockoffs (flattering, right). They are proud to be the innovators of the original portable ice bath, and can't wait to show the world what they are working on behind the scenes. Let's just say they are leading the change of this industry for the better. Head over to www.podcompany.com/curiousjones and begin your cold exposure journey, once and for all! You won't be disappointed! This episode is also brought to you by Lit Distribution, a master distributor of custom and exclusive Zippo lighters and accessories, with a focus on alternative brands such as Cannabis, Music, Art and more. If you are looking for great gifts for fathers day, a new Zippo for yourself, or your brand would like to have their likeness on a Zippo, head over to www.litzipps.com and get started! Use code CURIOUS for a discount while you are there!

Benjamin Sutfin is an accomplished entrepreneur, woodworker / craftsman and author of a novel series called "The Chronicles of Eoorthe". He is the owner and operator of Longing Woodworks and has a background in philosophy and theology which he focused on in college. He is most proud of his role a father and husband, and someone I now call a friend. We have had many short discussions while training Jiu Jitsu together that I wish could all be recorded, but our first official episode comes at a perfect time with Father's Day fast approaching. We had deep discussions around religion, leadership, what it means to be a father and as so much more. Happy Father's Day to all the men who fill that role. Thanks for listening & Stay Curious. @realcuriousjones ************************************** This episode is brought to you by the ICE POD! The IcePod provides a perfect solution for those looking to reap the benefits of ice baths, with accessories to accommodate both summer & winter plunging! Our mission is very simple, we want to create products that make health and wellness accessible to more people, which is achieved by affordable prices without any compromise on quality. We believe that everyone should have access to the tools they need to live a healthier life, health should not be a luxury. Their commitment to quality, innovation and customer-centric approach, has put them in the forefront of a market now full of knockoffs (flattering, right). They are proud to be the innovators of the original portable ice bath, and can't wait to show the world what they are working on behind the scenes. Let's just say they are leading the change of this industry for the better. Head over to www.podcompany.com/curiousjones and begin your cold exposure journey, once and for all! You won't be disappointed! This episode is also brought to you by Lit Distribution, a master distributor of custom and exclusive Zippo lighters and accessories, with a focus on alternative brands such as Cannabis, Music, Art and more. If you are looking for great gifts for fathers day, a new Zippo for yourself, or your brand would like to have their likeness on a Zippo, head over to www.litzipps.com and get started! Use code CURIOUS for a discount while you are there!

Jason Stauffer is an entrepreneur and co-founder of the Morozko Forge ice tub, the first commercially available tub for cold water immersion. A combat veteran, who set out to help create a solution for other veterans, Jason has since left Morozko and embarked on a new journey, which also included stepping away from alcohol in January of 2023. We talked about this transition in life and how it has taken form over the last 486 days, where he is headed and why. Make sure you follow Jason on social media @jasonmorozko for all his updates and links to what he is up to. Stay Curious! @realcuriousjones *************************************** This episode is brought to you by the ICE POD! Head to www.podcompany.com/curiousjones for a $10 OFF discount on your next purchase! You don't want to miss out on their new ICE POD 2.0, along with the PRO CHILLER which will keep your water a chill 37* while circulating and filtering it to keep it clean. This episode is also brought to you by Lit Distribution! Head to www.litzipps.com and check out all assortment of custom, exclusive collaboration Zippo Lighters. You can also find all the new Zippo refillable butane inserts, including torches that are perfect for lighting those cigars on the golf course! Use code CURIOUS for 10% OFF your orders!

Alex Strenger is a podcast host, culture jammer, and political satirist who lives in Austin, TX. He has driven pedicabs for over a decade and regularly attends city council meetings where he has shown just how far the lines have become blurred in society through a masterclass of satire. You can follow Alex on his social media profiles IG: @showtimealexstrenger X: TheAlexStrenger and check out his podcast on Spotify and YouTube. Stay Curious!

Ryan Michler is the host of the Order of Man podcast and founder of Order of Man, a brotherhood of like-minded men all working to become more effective fathers, husbands, business owners, and community leaders – men. In addition to his podcast, Ryan has authored 2 books, The Masculinity Manifesto and Sovereignty: The Battle for the Hearts and Minds of Men and he is working towards establishing the largest annual mens conference in the word. A previous guest (Ep. 49), it was great to reconnect with Ryan and chat about his own journey from finance podcaster to an emerging leader in helping men find their purpose and live in a way that can maximize it for all. ********************************* This episode is brought to you by Lit Distribution, Zippo's go-to distributor connecting alternative brands with Zippo's American made products. Whether you are looking for exclusive zippo collections, or you are looking for how you can get your brand represented on a custom Zippo lighter, Lit Distribution can help. Head over to www.litdistro.co and use code CURIOUS for 15% OFF your order and to learn how you can partner with Zippo too!

Josh Duntz is a Navy Special Operations veteran who was a member of the Navy's elite EOD unit which specialize in performing missions neutralizing explosive weapons in almost every environment while ensuring safe passage of troops in combat zones. Josh has transitioned into some serious ultra marathon running and endurance training, and he puts a huge focus on his recovery regimen and protocol. We had discussed on a previous podcast the benefits of cold exposure, especially ice baths as he had co-founded a company called Stasis which provided consumers with high quality cold tubs at affordable prices, as well as various breathing exercises that coincided. We talked about all of this and more this time around and even touch on some crazy conspiracy theories floating around about aliens in south Florida. Thank you for listening and for SUBSCRIBING to the podcast! Please SHARE it with your friends and follow on social media @realcuriousjones Stay Curious!

Zach Emigh is the cofounder and head Bench Jeweler at his family's jewelry store, Emigh Jewelry Company. He specializes in custom jewelry and has found popularity making content that showcases the interesting pieces he create and repairs for his customer. This episode is brought to you by Lit Distribution, the number one spot for custom Zippo lighters and accessories. If you are a brand that wants to put your logo and likeness on a classic piece of Americana, or you are someone who wants an exclusive Zippo lighter, Lit Distribution is the best place you can shop to get it. Head to www.litdistro.co to shop the exclusive assortment today! Make sure you subscribe to this podcast, follow on social media @realcuriousjones and catch the short clips and other content on the Curious Jones Podcast YouTube channel. Happy Thanksgiving & Stay Curious!