Why do so many capable young men feel stuck—lacking discipline, direction, or purpose? What separates those who drift through life from those who lead with confidence and conviction?

In this episode, we sit down with Steve Montgomery, head of the American Top Team Striking Program, to unpack the hard-earned lessons behind real leadership, discipline, and personal growth.

Steve is a Bellator veteran, Ultimate Fighter 25 contestant, and two-time UFC veteran, with a perfect 6–0 amateur record and a 10–6 professional MMA career against world-class competition. With over 15 years of training and 11 years coaching at American Top Team Headquarters, Steve has evolved from elite fighter to elite mentor. He is also a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt under Bob DeLuca and has coached fighters across the UFC, Bellator, One FC, and beyond.

More than titles and wins, Steve brings a passion for building disciplined, high-character individuals. This conversation explores how adversity shapes leaders, why standards matter, and how mentorship can change the trajectory of a life.

If you’re looking for clarity, strength, and a blueprint for becoming a better man—this episode delivers.

Quotes:

1. "You become a product of your environment, but there comes a point where you start to flip the script and make your environment a product of you."
2. "Winning sucks the whole time—until your hand is raised. Everything wants to quit, but that’s what makes victory matter."
3. "You have to just do it. If you want to understand something, don’t just study it—go do it."

Actionable Takeaways:

• Audit your environment. Take 10 minutes to list the people, habits, and spaces you spend the most time in. Ask yourself: Is this environment shaping me into who I want to become—or holding me back? Make one intentional change this week.

• Set and enforce one non-negotiable standard. Choose a single daily discipline (training, reading, sleep, prayer, or skill practice) and commit to it for the next 30 days—no excuses, no renegotiation.

• Seek correction, not comfort. Identify one area where you’ve been avoiding feedback. Ask a coach, mentor, or trusted peer for honest input—and listen without defending yourself.

• Lead before you’re ready. Look for one opportunity this week to model leadership through action: show up early, help someone improve, or take responsibility without being asked.

• Redefine winning. Reflect on this question: Am I chasing applause, or am I building long-term character? Write down what “winning” should look like for your life five years from now—and what habits must change to get there.

Conclusion:

True leadership isn’t built in comfort—it’s forged through discipline, accountability, and the willingness to grow when no one is watching. Steve Montgomery’s journey reminds us that the same principles that create elite fighters also shape strong men: clear standards, the right environment, and mentors who care enough to correct.

Whether you’re a young man searching for direction or a leader investing in others, this episode challenges you to raise your standards, embrace hard work, and commit to becoming the kind of person others can trust and follow.

👉 Train with purpose. Learn from the best.
Visit https://www.avlmma.com/steve-montgomery to train with Steve Montgomery at American Top Team and start building real skill, discipline, and confidence today.

Why do smart, capable leaders still feel unheard? Why do ideas lose power the moment pressure rises?

In this episode, we explore the hidden communication gap that keeps leaders from inspiring action—no matter how experienced or knowledgeable they are. We dive into why presence, clarity, and strategic intent matter more than perfect words.

Our guest, Ash Seddeek, is a leadership and executive communication coach who helps leaders speak with confidence and impact. Born and raised in Alexandria, Egypt, Ash came to the U.S. as a Fulbright Scholar, studied linguistics, and built a corporate career at companies like Oracle and Cisco.

Today, Ash coaches executives, develops AI-powered communication tools, and helps leaders influence and connect authentically in high-stakes moments. This conversation will challenge how you think about leadership, confidence, and what it really takes to be heard.

Quotes:

• "Presence is about intentionally listening and giving your audience your full attention, so they feel heard, valued, and connected to your message."
• "The best ideas don’t happen when you’re grinding through the day; they emerge when you give yourself space to step back, reflect, and think deeply."
• "Stories are an amazing vehicle for pulling people in—when you share your challenges and triumphs, you give others permission to do the same."

Actionable Takeaways:

• Audit your presence, not just your words
  Before your next important conversation or meeting, focus on how you show up. Are you truly listening, or just waiting to speak? Practice paraphrasing what others say to confirm understanding and build trust.

• Clarify your strategic intent before you communicate
  Ask yourself: What do I want the listener to think, feel, or do after this conversation? Write this down before emails, presentations, or difficult discussions to ensure your message has purpose.

• Use story to earn attention, not demand it
  Replace data-first communication with a short personal story, metaphor, or real example. Stories reduce resistance and help people lean in—especially in high-stakes or emotionally charged moments.

Conclusion:

Great leadership isn’t about having the right title or saying the perfect words—it’s about showing up with presence, intention, and authenticity. This conversation with Ash Seddeek reminds us that communication is not a performance, but a service. When leaders learn to listen deeply, clarify their intent, and speak in ways that truly connect, influence follows naturally.

Whether you’re leading a team, a family, or your own personal growth, the challenge is the same: stop trying to impress and start trying to connect. When you do, your message doesn’t just get heard—it moves people to action.

What do you do when life hands you pain you never asked for—and refuses to take it back?

How do you lead, live, and love well when suffering becomes part of your story?

Many people spend their lives trying to avoid hardship, hide brokenness, or numb disappointment. Others quietly wrestle with deeper questions: Why did this happen to me? Can anything good come from this? And how do I move forward without losing hope?

In this powerful conversation, we explore what it looks like to face adversity with courage, faith, and responsibility. This episode challenges the belief that hardship disqualifies us from impact and instead reveals how suffering can become the foundation for purpose, gratitude, and meaningful leadership.

John O’Leary is a burn survivor turned bestselling author, global speaker, and host of the Live Inspired Podcast. After surviving burns on 100% of his body at just nine years old—with doctors giving him less than a 1% chance to live—John’s life became a testimony to resilience, faith, and intentional living. Today, he inspires millions around the world to live with purpose, gratitude, and courage. His story will soon be featured in the major motion picture Soul on Fire.

John speaks not from theory, but from lived experience. Through decades of physical recovery, emotional struggle, and personal growth, he has learned what it means to fight forward, embrace responsibility, and lead with humility. His journey uniquely equips him to help others reframe suffering and rediscover meaning in the midst of hardship.

This is not simply a story about survival.

It is a conversation about what you do next with your pain, your calling, and your life.

If you have ever felt broken, discouraged, or uncertain about how to move forward, this episode offers perspective, hope, and a reminder that your story is not over.

Quotes:

• “The more you get to know me, the less impressed you are by me. That’s the truth—but the story is not a testimony to how great I am, but to how great God is and how big grace is.”
• “Humility isn’t pretending we’re less than we are; it’s recognizing that every good thing comes from something greater than ourselves.”
• “As a leader, it’s easy to aim big; but in this season of my life, I keep asking, ‘How small can I make this? How can I love one person well?’ I’m after the one, not the millions.”

Actionable Takeaways:

• Identify your “fight forward” moment. Write down one hardship you’ve been avoiding or resenting. Ask yourself: What responsibility do I still have in this situation, regardless of what happened to me? Choose one small action you can take this week to move forward.

• Practice agency over victimhood. Notice where you’ve been waiting for circumstances, people, or emotions to change before taking action. Commit to one area of your life where you will stop waiting and start doing your part.
• Redefine what heroism looks like. Reflect on the ordinary people in your life who quietly show up with consistency, sacrifice, and grace. Reach out to one of them this week and acknowledge their impact.

Conclusion:

This conversation reminds us that suffering does not disqualify us from purpose—it can refine it. While we may not choose the challenges we face, we always have a choice in how we respond. Leadership, resilience, and meaningful impact are not built in comfort, but through courage, responsibility, and grace.

As you reflect on this episode, consider where you are being invited to fight forward rather than retreat, to take ownership rather than remain stuck, and to live with intention rather than fear. Your story is still unfolding, and what you do next matters.

This episode is an invitation to stop measuring life by what went wrong and start measuring it by who you are becoming.

Learn more about John O’Leary’s story and the mission behind his message at https://johnolearyinspires.com/johns-story/.

Have you ever felt like you’re doing meaningful work… yet something inside you knows you’re not fully aligned with what you’re truly meant to do? Do you sense you have a message, a lesson, or a lived experience that could help others—but you’re unsure how to shape it, communicate it, or even recognize its value?

What if the story you’re already living is the key to your next level of clarity, influence, and impact?

In this episode, we sit down with Bill Blankschaen, founder and Chief Story Architect of StoryBuilders—a company devoted to telling stories that make the world a better place by helping leaders turn their ideas into compelling books and learning experiences that multiply their impact, influence, and income.

Bill’s journey—from Christian school founder and pastor, to stepping into the unknown with six kids and no guaranteed income, to becoming a trusted guide for bestselling authors, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders—reveals the power of knowing your story and telling it well. Through candid reflections on calling, clarity, identity, faith, family leadership, and the “normalcy trap,” Bill shows why most people underestimate the value of their lived experiences—and how storytelling can unlock purpose at home, at work, and in your mission.

Whether you’re an entrepreneur, parent, mentor, or creator, this episode will help you think differently about who you are, what you’ve lived, and how your story can change others’ lives.

Quotes:

• “Clarity just eliminates friction and draws people to you that you want to be drawn to you. You have to have that clarity before you can expand that influence.”
• “Your story is about you, but your story isn’t for you. You are there to serve someone—your story is there to serve a purpose.”
• “The battle belongs to God, not to you. Sometimes you need to let go and let Him fight it.”

Actionable Takeaways

• Break the “normalcy trap” by naming the value in your own story.
  Write down three life experiences you’ve dismissed as “normal,” and ask: How could this help someone who’s 5–10 years behind me? This exercise reveals hidden insights you’ve been overlooking.

• Clarify your identity before your message.
  Using Bill’s principle that clarity precedes influence, take 10 minutes to answer: Who am I really called to be? Who is my story for—and who is it not for? Identity drives communication, leadership, and purpose.

• Define the story your family or team is living in right now.
  Ask yourself: What story am I unconsciously telling at home or at work? Is it an intentional narrative or an accidental one? Pick one tradition, phrase, or practice to reinforce the culture you want to build.

• Turn one life lesson into a teachable framework.
  Choose a challenge you’ve overcome, then outline the three steps someone else could follow. This becomes the foundation for a book chapter, workshop, keynote, or coaching process.

• Practice surrender by identifying what you’re gripping too tightly.
  Bill shared how breakthrough came when he released control and allowed God to lead. Reflect on one area—business, family, or personal identity—where you need to loosen your grip and allow clarity, peace, or guidance to emerge.

  
  

  
  

Conclusion

This conversation is a powerful reminder that your story is one of your greatest assets—personally, professionally, and spiritually. When you gain clarity about who you are and what your experiences mean, you unlock influence, purpose, and direction.

Bill challenges us to stop overlooking the value in our own lives and start telling our stories with intention. Your experiences aren’t accidental—they’re assignments. And when you share them with clarity and courage, you create impact far beyond yourself.

Breakthrough begins when you decide to own your story.

Why do so many young creators feel stuck—limited by resources, confidence, or lack of opportunities—while a select few find ways to break through? In today’s episode, we explore the real challenges facing the next generation of filmmakers: imposter syndrome, industry shifts, creative pressure, and the struggle to build momentum without traditional pathways or support networks.

Our guest, Jake Ross Bell, is living proof that you don’t need film school or Hollywood connections to create meaningful work. At just 21, Jake is an indie filmmaker, writer-director, and creator of the IndieFilm Insider podcast. Known for his dark, character-driven storytelling and gritty DIY approach, he’s built a thriving creative community through his company, OrangeJuice Media, producing impactful films on small budgets while pushing artistic boundaries with vision and discipline.

In this conversation, Jake shares:

• How the filmmaking landscape is shifting away from traditional gatekeepers
• Why young creatives struggle with confidence—and how to lead even when you feel unqualified
• The value of learning by doing versus waiting for permission
• How to build community, collaborate effectively, and stay resilient
• The mindset needed to pursue big, ambitious projects at a young age

Whether you're a filmmaker, a young creative, or someone searching for direction in a noisy world, this episode offers clarity, inspiration, and a roadmap for turning passion into practice.

Quotes:

• "If you see something that you don't like, do something about it. Don't actually just, you know, wait for it to change itself, because it's most likely not going to." 
• "Art is just people trying to learn stuff about themselves, about the world, about others. That's kind of the vessel I chose—exploring darker dramas to understand the human experience."

• "A lot of what I would say are my skills come from actually just learning—making mistakes, trying things, and figuring out what works by doing." 

Actionable Takeaways

• Challenge your creative excuses: Identify one project you’ve delayed because of fear, lack of resources, or perfectionism—and commit to starting it this week using whatever tools you already have.

• Lead before you feel ready: Practice giving clear direction in one area of your life (school, work, or creative projects). Leadership grows through repetition, not confidence.

• Study human behavior intentionally: Jake’s stories come from observing real people. Spend 10–15 minutes a day watching interactions, emotions, and environments—then journal what you notice.

• Build your creative community: Reach out to one person who shares your artistic interests and propose a small collaboration. Don’t wait for your “team”—start forming it.

• Redefine your filmmaking (or creative) education: Ask yourself, “What can I learn by doing instead of waiting to be taught?” Then take one concrete step—write a scene, film a rough shot, or create a simple 60-second story.

Conclusion

This episode reminds us that creative growth doesn’t come from waiting for permission, perfect conditions, or the “right time.” It comes from taking bold steps with what you have, where you are. Through Jake Ross Bell’s journey—learning by doing, leading before feeling ready, and pursuing stories with conviction—we see what’s possible when passion meets persistence. Whether you’re a filmmaker, creator, or someone navigating your own path, the challenge is the same: start now, stay curious, and keep building. Your work only improves when you’re brave enough to make it.

If you enjoyed this conversation, share it with someone who needs the push to begin their own creative journey.

Are you waking up drained, unfocused, and frustrated—yet every test says you're “fine”?

Why does your energy keep dipping no matter how clean you eat or how often you hit the gym?

What if the problem isn’t your discipline… but that you’ve been looking for answers in the wrong place?

In this episode, we dive into the real reasons why so many men and women feel exhausted, foggy, and stuck—even when they’re “doing everything right.” We explore the emotional and physical frustrations that come from being dismissed by conventional healthcare, and the deeper questions many are asking: What’s really going on inside my body? Why don’t I feel like myself anymore? And is there finally a path forward that actually works?

Our guest Adam Woolard knows this journey firsthand. Adam is the Vice President of Business Development and a Health Coach at Joi + Blokes. In his early 30s, he began experiencing unexplained changes in his health—low energy, brain fog, declining motivation—and conventional medicine offered no real solutions. A comprehensive blood work review through Joi + Blokes changed everything. It transformed his health, his clarity, and his life. Today, Adam is on a mission to guide people who feel disillusioned, dismissed, or overlooked by traditional healthcare and are ready to finally get real answers.

Inside this conversation, we unpack:

– Why so many adults are walking around with undiagnosed deficiencies

– What conventional medicine often misses

– The key biomarkers everyone should know

– How Adam rebuilt his health from the inside out

– The path to becoming the strongest, clearest, most energized version of yourself

This is a powerful, eye-opening episode for anyone ready to reclaim their health, advocate for their body, and step into a life that finally feels good again.

Quotes:

• “I start with, I'm a believer, so I gave my life to Christ about two years ago. I was baptized about a year and a half ago. So that's how I initially describe myself, because all the gifts, all the amazing things that I have in my life, they wouldn't be a thing without Jesus.”
• “You can't really focus on pleasing everybody, because you're never going to please everybody. Even if you are the most morally upstanding person ever, there’s going to be someone who’s going to disagree with you, and those voices are way louder than the voices that agree with you.”
• “I’m on this journey of just self-discovery, but also just being the best man that I possibly can so that I can show up in the way that everyone who is in my life needs me to.”

Actionable Takeaways:

• Reflect on your core values and identity: Ask yourself, “Who am I beyond my job titles and roles?” and consider how your actions align with your beliefs and long-term purpose.
• Prioritize health by understanding your body: Schedule comprehensive blood work to uncover your underlying biomarkers, then use that information to make targeted improvements in diet, exercise, sleep, and overall wellness.
• Initiate regular relationship check-ins: Set aside intentional time with your partner each day or week to discuss highs, lows, and appreciations—strengthening your connection and communication.

Conclusion:

Adam’s story is a powerful reminder that you don’t have to accept “fine” as your future. When your body is signaling that something is off—fatigue, low motivation, brain fog, hormonal shifts—you deserve more than generic answers or quick dismissals. Real transformation happens when you dig deeper, ask better questions, and partner with people who actually care about getting to the root cause.

If you’re tired of feeling unheard, overlooked, or stuck in the dark about your health, this episode is your invitation to take the first step toward clarity. With the right testing, the right guidance, and the right support, you can reclaim your energy, your confidence, and your life.

Your health is too important to leave to guesswork. Start the journey toward real answers today.

Why does it feel like screens are stealing our kids’ imagination, our attention spans, and even our peace at home? Why are so many families exhausted, disconnected, and overwhelmed by technology—even though we know it’s supposed to make life easier? If you’ve ever wondered how to break the cycle of device dependence without guilt, shame, or overwhelm, this episode is for you.

Today’s guest, S. S. Coulter—or Shannon—is leading a screen-lite movement that’s changing how families reconnect with real life. Through Planet Fassa, she empowers kids to rediscover creativity, curiosity, and childhood joy through books, fun activities, and simple daily habits. She also equips adults to Break the Chain of tech overload, helping them model the confidence, presence, and creativity we want the next generation to inherit. Her work comes to life in this conversation, where she shares practical solutions, real-world stories, and the neuroscience behind why screens are so addictive—as heard throughout the episode

Get ready for an honest, hopeful, and deeply important conversation about reclaiming connection, rebuilding imagination, and taking back our families from the constant pull of screens.

Quotes:

• "I’m trying to get people to make their phones their servants versus their masters."
• "Our best memories are when we’re with people—you don’t make your favorite memories staring at a screen."
• "It’s not our fault that we’re addicted to screens—they’re made to addict us."

Actionable Takeaways:

• Set daily screen-free times for both parents and children; be intentional in modeling the behavior you want to see in your family.
• Swap some habitual screen time with offline activities—choose simple, low-material tasks to spark imagination and creativity.
• Reconfigure your device settings (use black-and-white or red-light filters, enable "bedtime mode," or create physical distance from devices) to make phone usage less addictive.
• Reflect and discuss as a family: “What are our favorite memories, and how many of those happened on a screen?”
• Connect with your community or peer group to share successful screen-free activity ideas and support each other in building new habits.

Conclusion:

S. S. Coulter reminds us that reclaiming our families from screen overload isn’t about perfection—it’s about intention. When we understand why technology hooks us and how it shapes our kids’ developing brains, we can finally take back control with confidence, compassion, and simple daily choices. Shannon’s mission proves that imagination can be rebuilt, connection can be restored, and joy can return to our homes one small habit at a time. Her message is a powerful call to lead by example, create healthier rhythms, and give our children the childhood—and future—they truly deserve.

Why do so many people feel like they have to shrink at work? Why do smart, capable leaders still battle self-doubt, burnout, and the pressure to hide who they really are? And what would happen if you finally showed up as your full self—without fear, without armor, and without apology?

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Claude Silver, the world’s first Chief Heart Officer at VaynerX and a global voice for heart-centered leadership. Claude is on a mission to transform workplace culture and redefine what true leadership looks like. She partners with Gary Vaynerchuk to drive Vayner’s people-first success, has earned Campaign US’s Female Frontier Award and AdWeek’s Changing the Game Award, and speaks to teams at Meta, Google, U.S. Government agencies, the Armed Forces, and audiences worldwide. Featured in The New York Times, Fast Company, Forbes, and The Wall Street Journal, she is also the author of Be Yourself at Work, a guide to replacing fear and conformity with authenticity and emotional courage.

Through her lived wisdom and candid storytelling, Claude shows how embracing your humanity is not a liability—it’s a leadership advantage. Get ready to rethink how you work, lead, connect, and show up every day.

Quotes:

• "You are the CEO of your life. You are not here to live someone else’s life or fit a mold—they don’t want you to."
• "Empathy isn’t me putting myself in your shoes; it’s riding shotgun with you and asking, 'How can I support you?'"
• "Consistency is the key. Showing up the same way, pretty much every day, is my greatest strength."

Actionable Takeaways:

• Reflect on your authenticity: Ask yourself, “What is it costing me to not show up as my full self at work?” Identify one way you can bring more of your true self into your professional life this week.
• Practice intentional empathy: Reach out to a colleague or loved one, and instead of trying to solve their issue, simply ask, “How can I support you?” Focus on listening and understanding their unique experience.
• Set and communicate healthy boundaries: Define your start and end times for work, and communicate them clearly to empower yourself and model boundaries for others.
• Commit to self-awareness: Regularly journal or check in with yourself to recognize personal triggers and areas for growth. Consider identifying one habit or reaction you want to work on.

Conclusion:Claude’s message is a powerful reminder that the most impactful leaders aren’t the ones who hide behind titles or toughness—they’re the ones who lead with honesty, empathy, and heart. When you stop shrinking and start showing up as your true self, you create space for others to do the same. This episode challenges you to rethink how you lead, how you work, and who you’re becoming. Your voice, your story, and your humanity are your greatest strengths—so bring them forward boldly.

What happens when the life you built suddenly falls apart? What do you do when your identity, success, and sense of purpose are shaken to the core? Too many leaders push through pressure, burnout, and quiet frustration—never stopping to ask the deeper questions: Who am I becoming? What truly matters? And how do I rebuild when everything feels uncertain?

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Josh Kosnick, a true Bridge Builder—a leader forged through fire and guided by faith. As the founder of Kairos Coaching and an EOS Implementer, Josh has a rare gift: helping individuals and organizations align their vision with execution while turning adversity into a launching pad for deeper purpose. Having built and exited three successful businesses, Josh brings firsthand wisdom on resilience, identity, and transformation. Through his masterminds, retreats, and mentorship, he inspires others to embrace their calling, overcome setbacks, and build legacies rooted in authenticity, strength, and generosity of spirit.

If you’re navigating pressure, leadership challenges, personal transition, or the tug-of-war between ambition and purpose, Josh’s story and insights will challenge you, steady you, and equip you for the next chapter.

Quotes:

• "My hope is to catch people before they have a fall, to realign some priorities, and get right with God, their most key relationships, and their health."
• "The more I mature, the less I feel I actually know."
• "Jesus was never in a hurry. He was always purposeful. How much hurry do we have in our lives, and how much are we missing by not being present and intentional?"

Actionable Takeaways:

• Schedule a "clarity break" each week—a dedicated, distraction-free hour away from your office and home to reflect on your priorities, challenges, and vision for growth.
• Evaluate your identity beyond your job title: Ask yourself, "Who am I beyond what I do? What relationships and values truly define me?"
• Prioritize and protect key relationships by intentionally blocking time on your calendar for family, faith, wellbeing, and important milestones—don’t let busyness replace what matters most.
• Seek diverse perspectives and build a support network—including coaches, mentors, or team members who challenge and complement your strengths—instead of trying to achieve everything alone.

Conclusion

Josh’s story reminds us that real leadership is forged in the moments we don’t choose—the losses, the transitions, the unexpected breaks that force us to confront who we truly are. His journey is a powerful blueprint for anyone striving to lead with conviction, rebuild with clarity, and live with purpose. Whether you’re a business owner, a parent, or a leader in the making, Josh challenges us to slow down, realign our priorities, and walk boldly toward the life God is calling us to build. This episode is an invitation to step into your own defining moment—your kairos moment—and become the kind of leader whose impact lasts long after the work is done.

Have we forgotten how to be neighbors?
In a world where garage doors close faster than conversations begin, loneliness has quietly become one of the biggest epidemics of our time. We scroll endlessly but rarely connect deeply. We crave belonging but hide behind walls—both physical and emotional. What if the answer to our disconnection wasn’t digital… but deeply personal?

In this episode, Ty Dannenbring and Jeff Dillon, co-authors of Party in the Front—a powerful reminder that community starts right outside your front door.

Ty and Jeff aren’t just talking about connection; they live it. As longtime friends with backgrounds in ministry, coaching, and creative leadership, they bring a refreshing blend of warmth, humor, and biblical depth to the conversation. Together, they’ve turned their own neighborhoods into living examples of what it means to love God, love your neighbor, and bring life back to your street.

Through honest stories and real-world examples, Ty and Jeff share how small acts of visibility and vulnerability—hosting a BBQ, talking to a neighbor, being present—can transform isolation into belonging. They remind us that authentic relationships require courage, and that true community begins when we choose to show up.

Whether you’re a young man seeking brotherhood, a parent craving connection, or a leader looking to build stronger relationships, this episode will challenge you to step forward in faith and rediscover the power of presence.

Because community isn’t found—it’s built. And it starts with you.

Quotes:

• "Community is possible and community is powerful."
• "There are a lot of barriers to community and relationship in our world today—some are outside of us, some are inside of us—but when we’re willing to face those barriers, that’s where we see community start to happen."
• "We were created to know other people and to be known… that’s something in us, something we believe God placed in us."

Actionable Takeaways:

• Shift from isolation to connection: Intentionally spend time in communal spaces—like your front yard—to meet and engage with neighbors or others nearby.
• Practice vulnerability: Share honestly about your challenges and ask for help when needed to build deeper, authentic relationships.
• Identify and confront barriers: Reflect on both physical and emotional barriers (e.g., fences, fear, social discomfort) that prevent connecting with others, and take one step to overcome them.
• Find and nurture your community: Seek out groups or individuals who share your interests and invite them to join you in activities or discussions, even if it means reaching out beyond your comfort zone.
• Serve with your strengths: Use your unique skills or passions to contribute to your community—whether that's organizing an activity, offering help, or starting a new group.

Conclusion:

In a culture obsessed with independence, Party in the Front calls us back to interdependence—the kind of connection we were created for. Ty and Jeff remind us that every meaningful friendship, every strong family, and every thriving community begins with one brave decision: to move from hiding to hospitality.

So open the door. Step outside. Be the neighbor who starts the conversation.
Because the life you’ve been longing for might be waiting… right in front of you.

What if everything you’ve been told about entrepreneurship—creativity, risk, and passion—is wrong?

After being escorted out of Coca-Cola at 24, Jim Beach rebuilt his life and launched a multimillion-dollar education company—all without investors, hype, or luck. In this inspiring episode, he reveals how to design success with intention, not inspiration.

Jim is an award-winning entrepreneur, McGraw-Hill author, and host of School for Startups Radio, featured on CNN, NPR, and The New York Times. He shares how to:

• Build a profitable business for under $5,000

• Replace fear with intentional skill-building

• Turn rejection into reinvention

• Cultivate “personality by decision” to become who you’re meant to be

• See how entrepreneurs—not activists—are solving the planet’s biggest problems

Jim’s latest book, The Real Environmentalists, showcases innovators tackling climate challenges through capitalism and creativity.

🎧 Tune in to discover how to turn setbacks into systems—and why true entrepreneurship starts with designing the life you want.

Quotes:

• "Every single thing about being an extrovert is something you can design and choose and work on."
• "Passion grows after you’ve done it a while, but I’ve also run businesses that I could care less about... but I like the money that comes from it, and the opportunity to go do the stuff that I do love."

• "Happiness ends up being a byproduct of all those things that you are doing."
  

Actionable Takeaways:

• Redefine Entrepreneurship:
  Challenge the myth that success requires massive risk or original ideas. Start small—test an existing concept locally or in a niche market and improve it.

• Design Your Personality:
  List 3 traits you want to develop (e.g., confidence, patience, presence). Identify one practical action for each that you’ll practice daily for the next 30 days.

• Build Before You Believe:
  Stop waiting for passion or perfect timing. Take one idea and act on it within a week—momentum often creates motivation.

• Audit Your Risk:
  Write down your biggest fears about starting or scaling your business. Then, assign a dollar amount or time cost to each—most risks are smaller than you think.

• Turn Rejection into Redirection:
  Reflect on a recent setback and ask: What skill, relationship, or opportunity could this failure be pushing me toward? Document one concrete next step you can take today.

Conclusion:

Jim Beach’s story is proof that entrepreneurship isn’t reserved for the fearless or the wildly creative—it’s for anyone willing to learn, adapt, and build intentionally. Success doesn’t come from luck or lightning-bolt ideas—it comes from discipline, design, and the courage to start small and stay consistent.

If you’re ready to rethink how you approach business and personal growth, start today. Identify one skill you’ve been avoiding and commit to improving it this week.

What if climbing the corporate ladder only leads you further from who you really are? After nearly 30 years leading massive teams and chasing success, Kyle McDowell realized he had built a culture he no longer believed in — and that revelation would change everything.

A former Fortune 10 executive turned inspirational speaker, bestselling author, and leadership coach, Kyle is on a mission to create cultures of excellence by reigniting leaders’ passion and purpose. With The 10 “We” Principles — his trademarked framework born from his own awakening — he helps organizations replace apathy with authenticity and transform toxic workplaces into thriving communities of impact.

In this episode, Kyle shares powerful insights from his Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestseller, Begin With We, offering a simple but radical truth: leadership isn’t about authority — it’s about impact.

Listen now to learn how great leaders build trust, inspire change, and lead without the ego.

Quotes:

• "If we want to build a culture of trust, we have to be the same person inside and outside of work."

• "We measure ourselves by outcomes, not activity. Being busy isn’t the same as adding value."
• "It's not about being right; it's about doing right. Check the ego, require vulnerability, and move forward as a team."

Actionable Takeaways:

• Redefine Success: Reflect on how you currently measure success — is it by titles and compensation, or by the impact you create on others? Write down three ways you can lead with purpose instead of prestige.

• Lead by Example: Identify one area where your actions don’t align with your words. Commit to modeling the behavior you expect from others, even in the smallest tasks.

• Invite Healthy Challenge: Create a space where your team (or family) feels safe to question your decisions — as long as it’s rooted in data or experience. What would happen if everyone had a voice?

• Shift from Busyness to Outcomes: Review your weekly calendar and ask, “Which of these meetings or activities directly drive results?” Eliminate one that doesn’t move the needle.

• Integrate Work and Life Values: Consider how your leadership principles show up outside of work. Are you consistent in both spaces, or are you leading two different lives?

Conclusion:

Kyle McDowell’s story is a reminder that leadership isn’t about authority, titles, or how fast you climb — it’s about the impact you leave on others. True excellence begins when leaders replace ego with empathy and busyness with purpose. By living the principles of “We,” we not only transform our workplaces but also our homes, relationships, and daily choices.

The call is simple yet profound: lead with integrity, act with authenticity, and choose to make every interaction count. Because the legacy of a great leader isn’t measured by what they built — it’s measured by the lives they’ve changed.

Call to Action:

Ready to lead with purpose and build a culture that thrives on integrity, impact, and collaboration?

📘 Grab your copy of Kyle McDowell’s bestselling book Begin With WE: 10 Principles for Building and Sustaining a Culture of Excellence — available now on Amazon.

🌐 Connect with Kyle McDowell

Website: kylemcdowellinc.com

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kylemcdowellinc

➡️ Visit kylemcdowellinc.com to explore leadership resources, keynotes, and tools that help you and your team Begin With WE.

What happens when your past keeps rewriting your future?

We all carry stories — ones we didn’t choose, ones that shaped our reactions, confidence, and leadership. But what if those stories aren’t true anymore? What if the version of you that learned to survive isn’t the same one called to lead?

In this transformative episode, Jason VanRuler, MA, CSAT — a nationally recognized therapist, speaker, and author specializing in relationships, attachment, and dating — joins the conversation to share how facing your broken places can lead to true connection and personal freedom. Jason’s journey from a chaotic, trauma-filled childhood to becoming one of the most respected voices in emotional health and leadership offers a roadmap for anyone ready to take ownership of their story.

Featured in major national news outlets, known for his strong social media presence, and having spoken on stages to thousands, Jason brings both professional insight and raw honesty to every conversation. He’s the author of Get Past Your Past (Zondervan, 2023) and the upcoming Discovering Your Communication Type, set to be released in April — a groundbreaking look at how our attachment styles shape the way we speak, lead, and love.

He reveals why truth is the ultimate kindness, how confidence is something we earn through small, consistent action, and why uncovering your origin story is the foundation of authentic leadership. Whether you’re leading a team, a family, or yourself, this episode will challenge how you view growth, success, and self-awareness.

Quotes:

• “The best kind of confidence is the kind you earned. You can only earn it if you know where you’re starting.”
• “If we don’t really understand why that’s the goal, we’ll never get there. What fuels us fools us into thinking, ‘When I get X, I will feel Y,’ but fulfillment comes from knowing our true origin story.”
• “You don’t have to do the big thing every day, but you’ve got to do a thing every day that helps you be better—and do it consistently.”

Actionable Takeaways:

• Identify your “scale moment.”
  Write down one area of your life where you’ve been avoiding the truth — your finances, health, or relationships. What would it look like to face it honestly this week?

• Audit your personal story.
  Reflect on a belief you’ve carried since childhood (“I’m not good enough,” “I always mess up,” etc.). Ask yourself: Is this still true today — or just an old story I’ve never rewritten?

• Earn your confidence through small wins.
  Choose one habit or routine you can do daily — no matter how small — that reinforces trust in yourself. Consistency, not perfection, builds authentic confidence.

• Define your communication type.
  Are you a Peacemaker, Advocate, Thinker, Harbor, or Spark? Notice how you naturally communicate under stress, and identify one way to better connect with someone who communicates differently.

• Celebrate progress, not just results.
  At the end of each week, list one thing you accomplished or handled better than before. Pause to acknowledge growth before moving on to the next challenge.

  
  

  
  

  
  

Conclusion:

Jason VanRuler reminds us that growth doesn’t begin with perfection — it begins with honesty. When we stop hiding behind stories that no longer serve us and start owning where we really are, we gain the power to change everything. Confidence isn’t something we’re given; it’s something we earn through daily discipline, reflection, and courage.

Whether you’re a leader, parent, or student of life, the path forward starts with one question:

What story about yourself needs to change — and what truth are you finally ready to face?

Call-to-action:

If this episode inspired you, take the next step: dive deeper into Jason’s work through his books Get Past Your Past and Discovering Your Communication Type, and begin building a more intentional, truthful, and connected version of yourself.

📘 Order Jason’s book:
➡️ Get Past Your Past
🌐 Visit www.jasonvr.com for more resources.

Are you living by your own design—or following invisible programs that keep you small? In this episode, we sit down with Tom Barnett, a teacher of natural law and former holistic health practitioner whose work challenges the illusions that keep people trapped in fear and limitation.

Tom first gained attention in 2020 for his viral video “Can You Catch a Virus?” and has since dedicated his life to helping others break free from conditioned beliefs and reclaim their sovereignty of mind and body. He teaches that life operates by simple, universal principles of cause and effect—and that mastering what we consume, think, and believe transforms how we live.

In this conversation, you’ll discover:

• How to recognize and rewrite the “programs” running your life.

• The mindset shift from have to → choose to.

• What true authenticity looks like—and why humility is its key.

• How self-mastery connects to healing, purpose, and legacy.

  
  

If you’re ready to challenge the illusions of safety and step into your own creative power, this episode will open your eyes to what freedom truly means.

Quotes:

• "We are not victims; that’s one of the primary fundamentals of natural law of cause and effect, that we are causing the effect. So if that's the case, then we just need to go, Okay, well, if I'm creating that, then I can create it differently, because I'm a Prime Creator."
• "I consider myself a perpetual student, because one of the things that I do—I've always loved to do, and I think why I was good at academics—is I do love to learn."
• "Life doesn’t give you something that you’re not ready for, or you don’t have the ability or capacity to have or hold or handle in this life."

Actionable Takeaways:

• Audit your inputs.
  Examine what you consume—food, media, conversations, and environments. Ask yourself: Is this elevating my energy or draining it? Make one conscious change this week to replace “junk input” with something that nourishes you.

• Rewrite your internal story.
  Identify one recurring belief that keeps you stuck (e.g., “I have to do this” or “I can’t change”). Journal the opposite truth and read it daily for seven days to begin reprogramming your mindset.

• Shift from “have to” → “choose to.”
  Replace every “I have to” statement with “I choose to” or “I get to.” This simple linguistic shift transforms obligation into empowerment and reframes your relationship with daily responsibilities.

• Identify your inherited programs.
  Reflect on which habits, fears, or values you’ve absorbed from family, school, or society that don’t truly belong to you. Which of these will you release to become who you really are?

• Practice stillness and observation.
  Set aside 10 minutes each day to quiet your mind and listen without reacting. Ask: What part of me is responding—my true self or my programming? Use that awareness to act with intention instead of impulse.

  
  

  
  

Conclusion:

Tom Barnett reminds us that freedom begins within. True self-mastery isn’t about rejecting the world—it’s about understanding the natural laws that govern it and consciously choosing how we engage with them. By questioning the systems that shape our thinking, rewriting our inner stories, and aligning our actions with truth rather than fear, we reclaim authorship over our lives.

As Tom emphasizes, every choice is an offer, not an obligation. When we move from reaction to creation, we stop living as victims of circumstance and start living as intentional creators of our reality. The invitation is simple yet profound: step out of the illusion, listen to your inner authority, and live by design—not default.

Call to Action

Want to dive deeper into Tom Barnett’s work?

👉 Connect with Tom:

• 🌐 Website: thehumblekingdom.com

• 📺 YouTube: The Humble Kingdom

• 📷 Instagram: @tombarnett.tv

Follow him online to explore more of his teachings on natural law, sovereignty, and holistic living.

What do you do when life blindsides you—literally?

When everything you’ve built is taken away in an instant, do you let it break you… or rebuild stronger than before?

In this inspiring episode, Aaron Hale shares his incredible journey from tragedy to triumph. A U.S. Army EOD veteran, real estate investor, entrepreneur, podcaster, and ultra-endurance athlete, Aaron lost both his eyesight and hearing after a devastating explosion overseas.

But instead of giving up, he rebuilt his life with purpose. Today, he’s a husband, father, and the first blind and deaf person to complete the Badwater 135, the world’s toughest foot race. He’s also the host of the Point of Impact Podcast, where he motivates others to push past limits and create change.

Aaron’s story will challenge you to ask:

• What excuses are holding you back?
• What would your life look like if you stopped waiting to be “ready” and just started?

This conversation is proof that while we can’t always choose what happens to us, we can choose what happens next.

Quotes:

• “Maturity is looking forward and it's accepting responsibility. I fought responsibility for so long, and I sought out enjoyment rather than responsibility. What I needed was the long view of my life, and it takes time. That's why it's called maturity, because it's a transition.”

Are your relationships built on conscious connection—or silent assumptions?

Most couples, parents, and even leaders don’t realize they’re operating on unspoken rules and old programming that quietly sabotage communication, intimacy, and trust.

So how do we break free from those reactive patterns and build relationships that actually grow with us?

In this episode, host Matt Beaudreau sits down with Michael Ostrolenk, a Master Coach in Resilience, Leadership, and Elite Performance with over three decades of experience guiding high-achieving individuals, couples, and teams. A former Director of Human Resilience at Apeiron Zoh and co-creator of SEALFIT’s Unbeatable Mind Academy, Michael integrates psychology, physiology, and spiritual development to create holistic transformation. Through his groundbreaking Relationship Dojo framework, he helps couples cultivate conscious communication, emotional safety, and co-evolution in love and partnership.

Whether you’re a spouse, a parent, or a leader, this conversation will challenge you to slow down, tune in, and start creating relationships with awareness instead of habit.

Listen now and learn how to move from “me vs. you” to “we’re in this together.”

Quotes:

Start small. Have one intentional conversation, take one deep breath before you respond, and watch how even the smallest shifts can transform your relationship—and yourself.

Are you running out of energy before you run out of ideas?
You’ve got the vision, the drive, and maybe even the team — but somehow, your business still feels stuck in neutral. What if the problem isn’t your strategy… but your momentum?

In this episode, we dive deep into the science — and the soul — of small business growth. Our guest, Chip Higgins, knows exactly what it feels like to hit that wall. After decades in executive leadership and banking, Chip saw a critical gap: small business owners weren’t getting access to the same strategic insight and momentum-building tools that corporations rely on.

So he built a solution.

As the Founder of Bizzics and author of The Bizzics Way: Powering Your Small Business to Maximum Momentum, Chip has turned the timeless laws of physics into a powerful framework for entrepreneurs — showing how mass, velocity, and energy apply to leadership, team building, and purpose-driven growth.

Chip’s passion is contagious. He believes small businesses don’t need to be big to be massive — they just need the right momentum. In this inspiring conversation, he reveals how to create lasting energy in your business, overcome burnout, and build something that truly lasts.

If you’ve ever wondered how to turn your passion into purposeful movement — this episode is your roadmap.

Quotes:

• "Passion moves you off center, from kind of a potential energy standpoint, into kinetic, like you're willing to do something about it. But, you know, it's really the purpose of it that keeps you going through all of it."
• "Until you're really risking and willing to fail, you'll always be minimized in the impact that you're having.""I think that level of transparency and humility, of being open, you're constantly amazed at what will come to you if you're open hearted with people about what you're doing."

Actionable Takeaways:

• Audit your business momentum. Ask yourself: Where is my energy going—and is it creating forward motion or just friction? Identify one area where effort isn’t translating to progress and refocus it.

• Shift from passion to purpose. Passion gets you started, but purpose keeps you moving. Define why your business exists beyond profit—and make sure every decision aligns with that mission.

• Build “mass” before “velocity.” Strengthen your team, culture, and systems first. Sustainable growth comes from density—creating a business that can handle acceleration without falling apart.

• Monitor your energy management, not just time. Track what drains and fuels your energy daily. Replace one draining task this week by delegating or automating it.

• Reflect on your authenticity. Ask: Am I building a business that truly reflects who I am and what I believe? Authenticity is momentum fuel—without it, burnout is inevitable.

Conclusion:
Momentum isn’t just about moving faster—it’s about moving with purpose. Chip Higgins reminds us that small businesses don’t need to be big to make a massive impact. What matters is direction, energy, and authenticity. When you align your passion with purpose and lead with intention, you create a force that doesn’t just sustain your business—it transforms it.

So take a breath, refocus your energy, and start building the kind of momentum that lasts.

Are you truly preparing yourself—and your family—for the future? Or are you following traditional paths like college and career that may actually be leaving you vulnerable?

Today's guest, Matt Smith, is an American entrepreneur and economic commentator who walked away from convention to build a resilient life. Now based in Uruguay running a regenerative cattle ranch, he co-hosts Doug Casey’s Take podcast, publishes the Crisis Investing newsletter, and just co-authored The Preparation: How to Become Competent, Confident, and Dangerous with Doug Casey and his 20-year-old son.

In this conversation, Matt shares how to become truly self-reliant in uncertain times—covering education, economics, and the timeless virtues that build competence and confidence. If you’ve ever wondered how to thrive, not just survive, this is an episode you can’t afford to miss.

Quotes:

• “Real confidence only comes through competency. When you become good at anything, even just one thing, it becomes a beachhead you can build on.”
• “You are the average of the five closest people around you. Choosing those people consciously is really critical, and makes all the difference.”
• “The environment is going to create different desires in you. Humans look to other humans to figure out what they want.”

Actionable Takeaways:

• Question the Default Path: Ask yourself, Am I pursuing this career, degree, or lifestyle because I chose it—or because culture told me to? Write down what you truly want versus what you’ve been conditioned to want.

• Design Your Peer Environment: Evaluate the five people you spend the most time with. Do they push you toward competence, confidence, and independence—or keep you stuck in mediocrity? Make one intentional change this week.

• Lower Your Time Preference: Practice delaying gratification. Instead of chasing short-term comfort, invest time, money, or effort into something that will make you stronger in 5–10 years.

• Build Competence in One Area: Pick a skill—physical, financial, or intellectual—and commit to deliberate practice. Confidence flows from demonstrated competence.

• Create Your Personal Code: Draft a short written set of principles (3–5 lines) that define who you are and the kind of man or woman you want to become. Revisit it weekly.

Conclusion

In a world where uncertainty is the only guarantee, Matt Smith reminds us that true preparation isn’t about credentials or checking boxes—it’s about becoming the kind of person who can adapt, lead, and thrive no matter what comes. Competence, confidence, and resilience don’t happen by accident; they’re built through intentional choices, delayed gratification, and surrounding yourself with the right people and principles.

The challenge is simple yet profound: Are you preparing to merely survive, or to live with strength, independence, and purpose? The time to start building that future is now.

Do you ever feel like you’re constantly rushing, juggling everything, yet never truly present? Stress, anxiety, and screen addictions aren’t just bad habits—they’re rewiring your brain.

This week’s guest, Dr. Trish Leigh, a neurofeedback expert and brain health coach, reveals how to retrain your brain for focus, calm, and authentic joy. With her unique blend of cutting-edge science and lived experience as a mother of five, she helps people break free from overwhelm, screen dependence, and unhealthy patterns.

Discover how multitasking sabotages your well-being, why screen use is reshaping kids’ brains, and the practical steps you can take today to rewire your mind for resilience, presence, and lasting performance.

Quotes:

• “You have to not only give yourself permission to relax, but see the utter importance of it to be able to accomplish the things that you want.”
• “If you can regulate yourself, you can have that higher level of conversation, even when you’re coming up against conflict.”
• “Do something—do one thing every day that scares you.”

Actionable Takeaways:

• Audit Your Daily Schedule: Identify the moments that leave you feeling rushed or dysregulated, then restructure your day to reduce rushing and create space for calm focus.

• Rewire Your Brain for Regulation: Practice recognizing your stress “cues” (e.g., feeling rushed, tightening finances, snapping at loved ones) and use grounding techniques—like pausing, breathing, or stepping back—to reset before burnout.

• Digital Dopamine Detox: Take inventory of your screen habits and replace one “quick dopamine hit” activity (doom-scrolling, binge-watching) with a real-life joy activity that brings deeper fulfillment.

• Redefine Joy vs. Dopamine: Ask yourself, “Am I chasing quick stimulation, or choosing experiences that give me true joy?” Then schedule at least one authentic joy activity this week.

• Break Multitasking Habits: Commit to being fully present in one area of your life—work, family, or rest—rather than juggling everything at once. Notice how your energy and focus shift.

Conclusion

At the end of the day, your brain is your most valuable asset—and the way you train it determines how you show up in every part of your life. Dr. Trish Leigh reminds us that stress, screen dependence, and constant multitasking don’t just make us tired; they rewire us for burnout. But with awareness, intentional practices, and the right tools, we can rewire for focus, calm, joy, and resilience.

The challenge—and the opportunity—is to ask yourself: Am I living the life I truly want, or the one I’ve been programmed to accept? The choice to reshape your brain and your future starts today.

What happens when you do everything society tells you—earn the degrees, land the secure job, build the perfect life—only to find yourself feeling empty? Why do so many men chase grit, competition, and accomplishments, yet still end up lost? And what if the real answer isn’t in choosing between education or trade skills, city or wilderness, but in forging a life that blends both?

Our guest today, Zach Hanson, has lived that journey. A former AI and machine-learning product management expert who helped build technology at the cutting edge, Zach walked away from the “safe” path to pursue something deeper. His story took him from competitive Jiu Jitsu and a tech career to the most remote town in Idaho, where he rebuilt his life after divorce through hunting, trapping, writing, and faith.

Zach is not only an avid hunter, trapper, and trade advocate, but also a thought leader who bridges two worlds—the resilience of hands-on trades and the innovation of artificial intelligence. Today, he lives with his wife and three children at the base of the Sawtooth Mountains in rural Idaho, proving every day that success isn’t about titles or paychecks, but about discipline, curiosity, and a God-centered life.

In this conversation, Zach shares hard-won lessons on self-reliance, the dangers of over-education without real skills, and why rediscovering community, faith, and practical knowledge may be the antidote to the frustrations so many men face.

Quotes:

1. "The arc of the book is, what I found out is I actually found community there. I found God there. And it was all through my trying to run away and have these experiences which were great, but took me full circle to realize that I actually really need community."

2. "If you have the desire, you will find a way. Now there is a component of grit to that, but it is desire full stop, and that has kind of changed my mindset very recently."
3. "When people ask, that's what I you know, that's my identity. Now, it's not I'm some fancy worker, whatever like I'm talking about the things that bring me joy as an individual, and those things do."

Key Takeaways:

• Expand your definition of education – Don’t settle for “college or bust.” Ask yourself: What practical skills could I learn right now that would make me more self-reliant? Start with something simple like changing your own oil, learning basic welding, or even gardening.

• Audit your identity – How do you introduce yourself? Do you define yourself only by your job title, or by the passions and skills that truly bring you joy? Reframe your identity around what aligns with your values and long-term vision.

• Practice relentless curiosity – Treat everyday tasks as opportunities to learn. Instead of outsourcing everything, ask: Could I figure this out myself? Watch a tutorial, take a class, or shadow someone skilled.

• Prioritize communication and honesty in relationships – Daily devotionals, hard questions, and open dialogue can prevent small frustrations from eroding intimacy. What’s one honest conversation you’ve been avoiding? Have it this week.

• Balance grit with desire – Discipline will get you far, but true growth comes when your actions align with what you deeply desire. Reflect: Am I grinding out of obligation, or pursuing something I truly want?

Zach’s story is a reminder that fulfillment doesn’t come from following a prescribed path, but from daring to carve out your own. Whether it’s through sharpening practical skills, deepening your faith, or embracing relentless curiosity, the challenge is the same: stop outsourcing your growth and start owning it. His journey—from artificial intelligence labs to the remote mountains of Idaho—proves that resilience and wisdom are forged not in comfort, but in the willingness to step into the unknown.