Built Not Born

Dr. Emily Katz Anhalt — Ancient Wisdom for Polarizing Times | Why Humanity Needs Herodotus 📜🏛️🔥Nearly 2,500 years ago, a Greek historian named Herodotus drew the first line between myth and fact. Herodotus introduced the radical idea that truth must be verified — not just believed. Today, that line is disappearing fast.Dr. Emily Katz Anhalt is a professor of classical languages and literature at Sarah Lawrence College and author of Ancient Wisdom for Polarizing Times: Why Humanity Needs Herodotus, the Man Who Invented History.In this conversation, she makes the case that the father of history has more to say about our polarized modern world than almost anyone writing today.We cover why algorithm-driven news bubbles are just a modern version of an ancient tyrant's trick, what Achilles and Odysseus get wrong about leadership, and the one question Herodotus would demand we ask ourselves every single day.If you've ever felt like the world is splitting into two completely different realities — this episode is for you.📚 Ancient Wisdom for Polarizing Times — available on Amazon 🌐 emilykatzanhalt.com© Copyright - Joe Ciccarone 2026 - Built Not Born Podcast. All Rights Reserved.Views expressed by guests do not necessarily reflect the views of the host.

Chris "Bones" Burns - The BJJ Project, Rickson Gracie, Invisible Jiu Jitsu and Why Everyone Needs to Calm the F*ck Down 🥋🔥He's the algorithm's favorite BJJ instructor — equal parts savage wisdom and sarcasm.Chris Burns is a 3rd Degree Black Belt in Rickson Gracie's lineage who's been chasing the invisible art for over two decades.His take?The sport is cool, but self-defense is the point. And everyone needs to chill the f*ck out.What You'll Learn:Why his first 10 years of training were "terrible experiences all around"The moment he finally learned jiu-jitsu — from a hip escapeWhat it's like to roll with Rickson Gracie (hint: "He surfs a human being")Why blue belts should focus on survival, not submissionsHow to train smart when you're older, injured, or bothThe difference between being a lion and being a rat — and why both are validWhy the martial arts community needs to "calm all of your tits"Power Quote: "Calm down. It's just a hobby. Stop making this the focal point of your life. The martial arts is the important thing. The community is the important thing. Be happy that you're physically doing something with another human being and you're connecting with them. Calm the fck down."* — Chris BurnsTimestamps:🥋 0:00 - Introduction😤 3:30 - His terrible first experiences on the mat📼 8:00 - VHS tapes, Gracie in Action, and finding the combatives🔥 14:00 - Meeting Jason Robic and learning the hip escape that changed everything🌊 22:00 - What it's like to roll with Rickson ("He surfs a human being")🎯 30:00 - What a blue belt should actually know🤼 38:00 - Flow rolling vs hard sparring — pick your partners wisely🦁 44:00 - Training when you're older: "There's a time you're a lion, there's a time you're a rat"🎨 50:00 - How being an artist shaped his teaching🧘 56:00 - Breath work, whiskey, and coffee by the ocean📚 60:00 - Books that changed his life: Fight Club, Man's Search for Meaning, The Art of War💡 65:00 - One lesson: Calm down, it's just a hobbyConnect with Chris Burns:The BJJ Project (YouTube, Instagram, TikTok)Zero Point Jiu-Jitsu (Podia)Instagram: @chrisbonesburnsSubscribe for more conversations with elite performers who've overcome the odds.#ChrisBonesBurns #RicksonGracie #BJJ #JiuJitsu #GracieJiuJitsu #InvisibleJiuJitsu #SelfDefense #BJJProject #BuiltNotBorn #Podcast #MartialArts© Copyright - Joe Ciccarone 2026 - Built Not Born Podcast. All Rights Reserved. Views expressed by guests do not necessarily reflect the views of the host.

Chef Jose Garces - Iron Chef, James Beard Winner & Restaurant Empire Builder on Beating Bobby Flay, & Scaling Culture 🍳🏆He beat Bobby Flay on national TV. He built a 25-restaurant empire. He's a James Beard Award winner and Iron Chef.But the biggest lesson? It came from watching his mom cook dinner after a factory shift — tired, organized, and making it happen anyway.What You'll Learn:The leadership lessons he learned watching his Ecuadorian mom run the home kitchenHow getting fired from his first chef job became his biggest breakthroughWhat it's like to cook under extreme pressure on Iron Chef AmericaThe moment he almost lost it all — cutting his finger mid-battle, blood everywhere, 45 minutes leftHow to scale culture across 25 restaurants without losing your soulWhy he took a $12/hour line cook job after 10 years in the industryThe wellness shift in his 50s that made him a better leader, dad, and partnerPower Quote: "There are no failures. It's just a function of learning and growing." — Chef Jose GarcesTimestamps:🍳 0:00 - Introduction👨‍👩‍👦 3:00 - Leadership lessons from his mom's kitchen🤼 6:30 - What wrestling taught him about competition and grit💼 10:00 - Working since age 8 and the entrepreneurial mindset🔥 14:30 - Getting fired and taking a $12/hour job to learn from the best🏆 20:00 - Opening Amada and betting everything on Spanish tapas in Philly⚔️ 26:00 - Beating Bobby Flay and becoming an Iron Chef🩸 32:00 - The Indian cuisine battle — cutting his finger, blood won't stop, 45 minutes left📈 36:00 - Scaling culture across 25 restaurants🧘 40:00 - The wellness shift: meditation, sauna, yoga, and Nordic skiing💡 45:00 - One lesson: Be aware and more lovingFeatured Platform: Cook Unity — Chef Garces' meals delivered nationwideConnect with Chef Jose Garces:Website: ChefGarces.comRestaurants: Amada, Volver, Buena Onda, Okatshe & moreCook Unity: Order Chef Garces meals nationwideGarces Foundation / Comida GarcesSubscribe for more conversations with elite performers who've overcome the odds.#ChefJoseGarces #IronChef #JamesBeard #Philadelphia #Amada #CookUnity #Leadership #BuiltNotBorn #Podcast #Restaurant #JoeCiccarone© Copyright - Joe Ciccarone 2026 - Built Not Born Podcast. All Rights Reserved.Views expressed by guests do not necessarily reflect the views of the host.

Guy Kawasaki - "Everyone Has Something to Hide" | Apple Evangelist & Canva Chief on Privacy, Signal, and Protecting Your Freedom 📱🔐Guy Kawasaki evangelized the Macintosh. He's Canva's Chief Evangelist.He's written 18 books.Now at 71, Guy Kawasaki says this might be his most important book yet — because it's not about making money.It's about protecting yours.What You'll Learn:The "billboard test" — would you be okay seeing every text you've sent on a highway billboard?Why WhatsApp isn't as secure as you think (and what metadata really reveals)How Signal differs from every other messaging appWhy Guy gave this book away for freeThe $12.95 book that launched his writing careerWhat he'd tell a college grad entering the workforce todayWhy working at Zippy's might be better than Goldman SachsPower Quote: "Everybody has something to hide — not because they've done something wrong, but because privacy equals freedom." — Guy KawasakiTimestamps:📱 0:00 - Introduction🔐 2:30 - Why Guy pivoted to writing about privacy🧪 6:15 - The billboard test for your text messages📊 10:00 - WhatsApp vs Signal: metadata is the real danger💰 15:30 - Why he gave this book away for free at 71✍️ 20:00 - "If You Want to Write" — the $12.95 book that changed everything🎓 24:45 - Advice for college grads: Zippy's vs Goldman Sachs🤖 30:00 - Kawasaki GPT: better at being Guy than Guy🏄 34:30 - Starting surfing at 60 and the 10-foot board rule☕ 38:00 - Best coffee spots in Oahu for remote work💡 41:00 - One lesson: Never ask people to do something you wouldn't doFeatured Book: "Everyone Has Something to Hide: Why and How to Use Signal to Preserve Your Privacy, Security, and Wellbeing" by Guy Kawasaki & Madison NuismerConnect with Guy Kawasaki:Podcast: Remarkable PeopleWebsite: GuyKawasaki.comKawasakiGPT.comBook: Free on Amazon (or $4.04 after launch)Subscribe for more conversations with elite performers who've overcome the odds."Life is Built, Not Born."Joe Ciccarone#GuyKawasaki #Signal #Privacy #Apple #Canva #Cybersecurity #BuiltNotBorn #Podcast #RemarkablePeople #Tech #JoeCiccarone© Joe Ciccarone - Built Not Born Podcast. All Rights Reserved. Views expressed by guests do not necessarily reflect the views of the host.

Rob Jones - "Put Your Legs On" | Paralympic Medalist & 31 Marathons in 31 Days on Defeating the Inner Terrorist 🎖️🏃‍♂️He stepped on an IED in Afghanistan and lost both legs above the knee. He asked his teammates to kill him. They refused. Nine months later he won a bronze medal at the Paralympics. Then he biked across America. Then he ran 31 marathons in 31 consecutive days. Now he teaches leadership at Echelon Front.What You'll Learn:The moment the IED exploded — and what went through his mind in the first 60 secondsWhy he skipped the first four stages of grief and went straight to acceptanceHow he convinced Olympic gold medalist Brad Lewis to fly across the country and coach himThe "inner terrorist" — the real enemy that almost defeated himWhy extreme challenges are 90% mental and 10% physicalHow standup comedy makes him a better leadership instructorPower Quote: "The blast took my legs, but it didn't take my mission. You don't need legs to stand up. You just need to decide you're not going to quit." — Rob JonesTimestamps: 🎖️ 0:00 - Introduction📖 4:30 - The book that made him join the Marine Corps💣 12:15 - What it's like to patrol knowing every step could be your last🔥 22:00 - July 22, 2010: The IED explosion🏥 35:45 - Waking up two days later in Germany💪 42:30 - First rep in rehab: lifting his stumps off the bed🦿 48:00 - Getting fitted for prosthetics — and the pain of learning to walk again🥉 55:20 - Emailing Brad Lewis and making the Paralympics🚴 64:00 - Biking 5,181 miles across America through the Rockies in February🏃 72:30 - 31 marathons in 31 days — and the back injury that almost ended it🎭 78:00 - Why standup comedy is scarier than biking across America👹 82:00 - The "inner terrorist" — the real antagonist of his story💡 86:00 - One lesson: Act in the best interest of other peopleFeatured Book: "Put Your Legs On: One Man's Journey to Survive, Recover, and Live" by Rob Jones (Foreword by Jocko Willink)Connect with Rob Jones:Website: RobJonesJourney.comInstagram: @robjonesjourneyLinkedIn: Rob JonesEchelon FrontSubscribe for more conversations with elite performers who've overcome the odds.#RobJones #PutYourLegsOn #EchelonFront #Marines #Paralympic #Leadership #ExtremeOwnership #BuiltNotBorn #Podcast #Veteran #Resilience JoeCiccarone© Joe Ciccarone - Built Not Born Podcast. All Rights Reserved.Views expressed by guests do not necessarily reflect the views of the host.

Ann E. Butler - "Wife. Mother. Spy." | 27-Year Undercover CIA Officer & Mom of Five on Secret Missions, Going Into Labor During Ops & Hiding It All From Her Kids 🕵️‍♀️👨‍👩‍👧‍👦Her kids found out she was a CIA agent the night before her retirement party.For 27 years, Ann E. Butler recruited spies, ran covert operations across four continents, and made it home for dinner — all while raising five children who thought mom was just a diplomat.What You'll Learn:How she went into labor during a clandestine meeting (and still made the handoff)The art of the "bump" — engineering a chance encounter to recruit an assetWhy a pregnant mom of five is the perfect undercover coverHow to build trust fast enough that someone will commit treason for youThe moment her daughter discovered the truth (a mosaic gave it away)What 9/11 was like from inside a European CIA stationPower Quote: "Take advantage of opportunities that come your way. Persevere, even though it's not always easy. And be grateful for those opportunities — because they can turn into extraordinary moments." — Ann E. ButlerTimestamps:🕵️‍♀️ 0:00 - Introduction 📖 3:30 - Why she wrote the book after 27 years of silence🤰 8:45 - Going into labor during a clandestine meeting🚂 15:20 - Almost nine months pregnant on an overnight train in alias🎯 24:00 - The "bump" — how CIA officers engineer chance encounters🤝 32:15 - Building trust: how to get someone to commit treason🏫 40:30 - CIA training: the farm, fake prisons, and pressure tests💥 48:00 - September 11th from inside a European CIA station👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 55:20 - How her kids finally found out (the night before retirement)🎬 62:00 - The Americans TV show: how accurate is it?🏃‍♀️ 68:30 - Running a marathon in Paris (after meeting an asset first)💡 74:00 - One lesson: Take advantage of opportunities and be gratefulFeatured Book: "Wife. Mother. Spy. An Extraordinary Life Filled With Ordinary Days" by Ann E. ButlerConnect with Ann E. Butler:Website: AnnEButler.comBook: "Wife. Mother. Spy" (Amazon)Instagram: Ann E. Butler Subscribe for more conversations with elite performers who've overcome the odds.#AnnEButler #WifeMotherSpy #CIA #Spy #Espionage #Leadership #Motherhood #BuiltNotBorn #Podcast #WomenInLeadership #Undercover #JoeCiccarone #Podcast© Joe Ciccarone - Built Not Born Podcast. All Rights Reserved. Views expressed by guests do not necessarily reflect the views of the host.

Built Not Born 2025 Wrap-Up | 100% Audience Growth, Lessons from My Dad & What's Coming in 2026 🎙️🔥No interview this week.Just reflecting on an incredible year and looking ahead to what's next.What's Inside:Spotify stats: almost 100% audience growth and 30% follower increaseThe #1 most downloaded episode of the year (hint: AJ Brown made it happen)Epic guests: Guy Kawasaki, Roger Gracie, Jon Gordon, Dave Berke, Martin Dugard & moreThe hardest episode I've ever recorded — saying goodbye to my dadWhat's coming in 2026: CIA spies, Marine combat vets, and BJJ legendsHighlights from 2024:Jim Murphy (Inner Excellence) — most downloaded episode of the yearRoger Gracie — 10x World Champion, changed how I train and teachJon Gordon & Kathryn Gordon — leadership and relationship gritGuy Kawasaki — Wiser Guy, always deliversDave Berke & Jamie Cochran — Echelon Front leadershipMartin Dugard — Taking Midway, WWII storiesThe episode about my dad — RIP Fran CiccaroneComing in 2026:Ann E. Butler — CIA agent for 20+ years, her kids didn't know until her retirement partyRob Jones — US Marine, Echelon Front instructor, author of "Put Your Legs On"Chris Burns — Black belt under Rickson Gracie, BJJ Instagram legendThe Lesson: You're here, then one day you're not. Let's rock out each and every day. Be present. Be focused. Give your best. Learn from those who came before and share with those who come after.Subscribe and follow for more in 2026.#BuiltNotBorn #Podcast #YearInReview #2024Wrapped #Leadership #NewYear #2026 #Grateful #JoeCiccarone© Joe Ciccarone - Built Not Born Podcast. All Rights Reserved.

Coach Gus "Big Dog" Felder - "The Inside Game" | From North Philly High School Dropout to the NFL on Faith, Stoicism & Building Champions 🏈🔥A teacher told him he'd be "dead or in jail." He became an Executive Director of Player Development at the University of Nebraska, earned three degrees from Penn State, and is now building the next generation of champions.Power Quote:"The world will judge you by what it sees on the outside — your title, your status, your resume. But real leadership, real strength, real success — that starts on the inside." — Coach Gus FelderWhat You'll Learn:How a North Philly kid who dropped out of high school ended up with three Penn State degreesWhy the inside game determines how far the outside game can goThe power of being present (and why Coach Gus is available until 2am every night)How Marcus Aurelius and stoic philosophy shaped his approach to adversityWhy he hires people who are the complete opposite of himThe daily habits that keep him sharp: sauna, cold plunge, cigars, Legos, and journalingTimestamps:🏈 0:00 - Introduction & Philly connection🔥 4:30 - From North Philly to Berwick: a whole different world📚 12:15 - How Marcus Aurelius found a kid from Strawberry Mansion💪 18:45 - NCAA non-qualifier: proving yourself as a student first🧠 28:30 - The inside game vs. the outside game🙏 38:00 - Spiritual devotion & faith in the locker room👀 45:20 - Being present: listening to understand, not to respond⚡ 52:40 - NIL, the transfer portal & building loyalty🔥 62:00 - Forged in the fire: letting adversity transform you📖 68:30 - Daily habits: sauna, cold plunge, Legos & journaling❤️ 75:00 - One lesson: Don't let the world make you who it wants you to beFeatured Book: "The Inside Game: Mastering the Mind, Strengthening the Spirit, Leading with Purpose" by Coach Gus FelderConnect with Coach Gus Felder:Book: "The Inside Game" (Amazon)IG: Coach Gus Felder Subscribe for more conversations with elite performers who've overcome the odds.#CoachGusFelder #TheInsideGame #Leadership #PennState #Nebraska #NorthPhilly #Stoicism #MarcusAurelius #Faith #BuiltNotBorn #Football #PlayerDevelopment #Podcast #JoeCiccarone© Joe Ciccarone - Built Not Born Podcast. All Rights Reserved.Views expressed by guests do not necessarily reflect the views of the host.

Roger Gracie - "The Warrior Mindset" | 10x BJJ World Champion on Conquering Fear, Winning the Mental Game & the Tao of a Champion 🥋🏆Roger Gracie - 10x BJJ World Champion and author of "The Warrior Mindset: The Tao of a Champion" reveals how a kid who was picked last for soccer, afraid to swim, and hid from his sister became the greatest jiu-jitsu fighter of all time.What You'll Learn:Why training smart beats training hard (and how Roger refined white belt techniques to dominate world championships)The mental game that wins fights before they startHow chess thinking transforms your jiu-jitsu strategyRoger's daily meditation practice that changed everythingThe closed guard sweep from knee-up position nobody else usesWhy "don't give up to fear" became his life philosophyPower Quote:"A lot of people think they're not capable of doing something. They see what someone else did and think, 'That person has something I don't.' But you're completely wrong. You have what it takes. You just need to start." — Roger GracieTimestamps:🥋 0:00 - Introduction🏆 2:30 - From scared kid to 10x World Champion💡 8:45 - The moment the Gracie mission became his mission🎯 15:20 - Training smart vs. training hard (skill development over sparring)♟️ 28:40 - How chess transformed his jiu-jitsu thinking⚔️ 38:15 - The legendary Jacaré brown belt match🧠 48:30 - Winning the mental game before the Buchecha fight🎬 55:00 - Watching Braveheart before every competition🧘 62:45 - Daily meditation practice (30-60 minutes)📚 68:20 - Alexander the Great, Buddha & warrior philosophy🔥 75:00 - One lesson: Don't give up to fearFeatured Book: "The Warrior Mindset: The Tao of a Champion" by Roger GracieConnect with Roger Gracie:Website:RrogerGracie.comAcademy: Roger Gracie Academy, LondonBook: Warrior Mindset - Tao of a Champion (Amazon)Subscribe for more conversations with elite performers who've overcome the odds.#RogerGracie #BJJ #JiuJitsu #MartialArts #TheWarriorMindset #Gracie #WorldChampion #BuiltNotBorn #Leadership #MentalToughness #Meditation #ChampionMindset #Podcast #JoeCiccarone © Joe Ciccarone - Built Not Born Podcast. All Rights Reserved.Views expressed by guests do not necessarily reflect the views of the host.

Built Not Born Podcast (Episode 179)- Enri Pjetri: Rome Revealed - Gladiators, Emperors & Michelangelo's Secrets ⚔️🏛️🎨Roman art historian and tour guide Enri Pjetri takes us through 3,000 years of history walking the streets of the Eternal City of Rome. From the Sistine Chapel to the Colosseum, from Michelangelo to Marcus Aurelius, Enri reveals why Rome is like a lasagna - layers upon layers of Western civilization all in one city - and shares an epic 3-day itinerary for experiencing the Eternal City.What You'll Learn:• Why Rome is like a lasagna (layers of 3,000 years of history)• The perfect 3-day Rome itinerary (ancient sites, Vatican, and Baroque Rome)• What makes the Sistine Chapel and Colosseum must-see destinations• Why the Trevi Fountain tradition is actually THREE coins, not one• Hidden Rome: Trastevere and authentic neighborhoods tourists miss• Emperor Antoninus Pius: The 24-year reign of total peaceKey Quote:"Rome is the only city in the world where all the story of the past is still here in layers. You can touch it with your hands and feel the smell. From the foundation by Romulus to modern Italy - it's all here, waiting for you to discover." - Enri PjetriTimestamps:🏛️ 00:00 - From Albania to Rome: Following the dream of ancient history🏛️ 08:30 - Why Rome is like a lasagna (layers of civilization)🏛️ 15:20 - The Palatine Hill: Walking where emperors walked🏛️ 22:45 - Victor Emmanuel Monument: Beautiful but controversial🏛️ 28:15 - Mussolini's road that cut the Roman Forum in half🏛️ 35:40 - What makes the Colosseum one of the Seven Wonders🏛️ 42:20 - Vatican City: Where Christianity became a world religion🏛️ 48:50 - The Trevi Fountain myth: It's THREE coins, not one🏛️ 55:30 - Emperor Antoninus Pius: 24 years of peace (161 AD)🏛️ 62:15 - Marcus Aurelius and the tragedy of Commodus🏛️ 68:40 - The Sistine Chapel: Why Michelangelo said no to the Pope🏛️ 75:25 - Michelangelo's revolution: Creating space and time in painting🏛️ 82:10 - The Last Judgment: 25 years after the ceiling🏛️ 88:30 - Perfect 3-day Rome itinerary revealed🏛️ 95:15 - Day 1: Ancient Rome (Colosseum, Forum, Palatine Hill)🏛️ 101:45 - Day 2: Vatican City (Museums, Sistine Chapel, St. Peter's)🏛️ 107:20 - Day 3: Baroque Rome and hidden neighborhoods🏛️ 113:35 - Trastevere: Where authentic Rome comes alive at night🏛️ 119:50 - Caravaggio's free masterpieces in Roman churches🏛️ 125:40 - The church with the ceiling illusion (Sant'Ignazio)🏛️ 131:15 - What Rome teaches the modern world: Learn from the past🏛️ 137:45 - Julius Caesar: The leader every emperor copiedConnect with Enri Pjetri:• IG: Enri Pjetri • What's App Phone #: +39 328 461 6623• Private tours available for Vatican, Colosseum, and custom Rome experiences• Contact for tour bookings and Rome travel adviceSubscribe for more episodes exploring history, culture, and the stories behind iconic people and destinations.#Rome #Vatican #Colosseum #Italy #TravelItaly #ArtHistory #Michelangelo #AncientRome #SistineChapel #RomanEmpire #BuiltNotBorn #JoeCiccarone© Joe Ciccarone - Built Not Born Podcast. All Rights Reserved.Views expressed by guests do not necessarily reflect the views of the host.

Built Not Born Podcast - Bryan Antonelli: "Seize, Clear, Build Hold" - Transforming America's Most Violent PrisonsFormer Federal Bureau of Prisons Senior Deputy Regional Director Bryan Antonelli shares 25 years of leadership lessons from transforming America's most dangerous prisons. From Hazelton (where Whitey Bulger was murdered) to Coleman (largest prison complex in America), Bryan reveals how he used military counterinsurgency tactics to turn chaos into order and his new book "Seize, Clear, Build and Hold."What You'll Learn:• Why every prison reform starts with fixing the lockup first• How to get staff buy-in when taking over a chaotic facility• The counterinsurgency tactics that work inside maximum security prisons• Why leadership training matters more than security technology• How drones and cell phones are destroying prison security• The parallel between Jiu-Jitsu training and leadership under pressureKey Quote:"There's always one more thing you can do to increase your odds of success. Your jail's gonna go as your lockup goes - if your lockup's a crowded, undisciplined mess, your jail's gonna be a disaster." - Bryan AntonelliTimestamps:🔒 00:00 - From Air Force to 25 years transforming violent prisons🔒 12:30 - Taking over Hazelton after Whitey Bulger's murder🔒 18:45 - Why staff culture beats security technology every time🔒 25:20 - The shower plan that changed everything in 48 hours🔒 32:15 - How contraband (drones, cell phones, soaked mail) fuels prison violence🔒 39:40 - "The storm before the calm" - expect resistance before reform🔒 46:25 - Counterinsurgency tactics: Treating gangs like insurgent groups🔒 52:30 - Always start with the lockup - your foundation for order🔒 58:15 - The Sony Walkman descrambler: How smart inmates really are🔒 64:40 - Incentivizing prisoners: Honor dorms vs restrictive housing🔒 71:20 - First week takeover plan: Observe, listen, don't rush🔒 77:50 - Building systems that outlast the leader🔒 83:30 - The shocking lack of defensive tactics training in corrections🔒 90:15 - Why Jiu-Jitsu makes better leaders and decision makers🔒 96:40 - From elite athlete to "fat slob" and back: Brian's transformation🔒 103:25 - Training at Max's Mixed Martial Arts with the Migliarese brothers🔒 109:30 - Leave your ego at the door or it'll get choked out🔒 115:45 - Extreme Ownership: The leadership bible that changed everything🔒 121:20 - Final lesson: Make time for yourself and family firstFeatured Book: "Seize, Clear, Build and Hold" by Brian AntonelliBrian Antonelli's Background:• 25-year career with Federal Bureau of Prisons• Senior Deputy Regional Director, Northeast Regional Office (Philadelphia)• Transformed Hazelton (WV) after Whitey Bulger murder - 7 murders/year to ZERO• Chief of Emergency Preparedness for entire BOP• Coleman (FL) - Largest federal prison complex in America• 15 prison locations nationwide• 4 years Air Force (1993-1997)• 28 years training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (black belt)• 1996 Olympic Training Center - Greco-Roman wrestlingConnect with Brian Antonelli:• LinkedIn: Brian Antonelli (13,000+ followers)• Company: Forged By Freedom Fit (strength & nutrition coaching)• Book: "Seize, Clear, Build, Hold"Subscribe for more episodes with leaders who've transformed chaos into order.#BrianAntonelli #SeizeClearBuildAndHold #PrisonReform #FederalPrisons #Leadership #ExtremeOwnership #Corrections #LawEnforcement #JiuJitsu #BuiltNotBorn© Joe Ciccarone - Built Not Born Podcast. All Rights Reserved.Views expressed by guests do not necessarily reflect the views of the host.

Dave Berke: "The Need to Lead" - Former Top Gun Instructor & F-35 Commander on Why Every Problem is a Leadership Problem ✈️Former Marine Corps Lieutenant Colonel Dave Berke shares his journey from Top Gun instructor to F-35 squadron commander to combat veteran fighting alongside Navy SEALs in Ramadi. Now a leadership instructor at Echelon Front with Jocko Willink and Leif Babin, Dave reveals lessons from his new book "The Need to Lead" - the third in the Extreme Ownership series.What You'll Learn:• Why every problem is a leadership problem (and how that empowers you to solve it)• The difference between extreme ownership and preemptive ownership• Why "someone's gonna do it, it might as well be you" changes everything• How to lead when you're leading your equals and peers• Why good leadership must outlast the leader• The power of being a leader who listens firstKey Quote:"Someone's going to do it, it might as well be you. Every person needs to lead in order to succeed, no matter the environment." - Dave BerkeTimestamps:🛩️ 00:00 - The Star Wars moment that sparked a fighter pilot dream🛩️ 08:15 - Mom's powerful advice: "Someone's gonna do it, might as well be you"🛩️ 15:30 - Growing up in Marine Corps town: El Toro flight path childhood🛩️ 22:45 - First time behind the controls and the road to Top Gun🛩️ 28:20 - Only Marine to fly both F-22 Raptor and F-35B Lightning🛩️ 35:40 - Mom watching his first F-35B vertical landing - full circle moment🛩️ 42:15 - Becoming a Top Gun instructor: Leading your peers🛩️ 48:30 - Humble, credible, approachable: The ultimate teaching framework🛩️ 55:20 - Leaving the cockpit for combat on the ground in Ramadi🛩️ 62:45 - Fighting alongside Jocko and Leif's SEAL Team in 2006🛩️ 68:30 - The dichotomy: Coming home to San Diego after losing a Marine🛩️ 75:10 - Reconnecting with Jocko and Leif to join Echelon Front🛩️ 82:40 - Writing the third book in the Extreme Ownership series🛩️ 88:15 - Every problem is a leadership problem (and every solution is too)🛩️ 94:20 - Preemptive ownership: Solving problems before they happen🛩️ 101:30 - The leader as listener: Why talking less makes you more effective🛩️ 107:45 - Good leadership outlasts the leader - you don't pick when you leave🛩️ 114:20 - Everyone is a leader: Why title and rank don't matter🛩️ 120:15 - The brutal truth about writing: First drafts are humbling🛩️ 125:30 - Final lesson: Leadership is a skill anyone can learnBook: "The Need to Lead" by Dave Berke - Available October 2024Third book in the Extreme Ownership series following "Extreme Ownership" and "The Dichotomy of Leadership"Connect with Dave Berke:• Instagram: @DavidRBerke• Company: Echelon Front (with Jocko Willink & Leif Babin)Subscribe for more episodes with elite performers who've overcome the odds.#DaveBerke #TheNeedToLead #ExtremeOwnership #EchelonFront #JockoWillink #TopGun #Leadership #Marines #F35 #BuiltNotBorn #JoeCiccarone #LeifBabin© Joe Ciccarone - Built Not Born Podcast. All Rights Reserved.Views expressed by guests do not necessarily reflect the views of the host.

Built Not Born Podcast (#176)- Amy P. Kelly & Julie Nee: "The Gift of Growth" on Daily Micro-Actions, Building Beliefs, and Why Four Minutes Beats Four HoursAmy P. Kelly and Julie Nee share their latest book "The Gift of Growth" - a daily growth guide proving that four minutes of intentional action beats four hours of planning. Both corporate veterans who've worked with Jon Gordon for a decade reveal how 365 days of quotes paired with micro-actions creates sustainable transformation for busy people.What You'll Learn:The formula: Idea + Action = ProgressHow to build a belief that fuels difficult daysWhy appreciating small wins transforms your inner criticCreating physical environments that support growthThe power of daily micro-actions over grand plansKey Quote:"Almost every successful person begins with two beliefs: the future can be better than the present, and I have the power to make it so."Timestamps:00:00 - Guest introductions & The Gift of Growth origin story09:15 - How the book works: Quote + micro-action daily18:45 - The CULTIVATE framework explained29:30 - Curating your information diet39:20 - Building your belief garden44:45 - The basement stories: Growth through hardship58:15 - The logistics of self-publishing73:50 - John Gordon's impact on their lives82:30 - Final takeaways: Take action & build your belief gardenFeatured Book: "The Gift of Growth: Plant Presents Every Day" - Available on AmazonConnect with Amy P. Kelly & Julie Nee:Book: Gift of Growth Website: YouGrowGirl.comIG: @YouGrowGirlCommunityWebsite: AmyPKelly.comWebsite: :JulieNee.comSubscribe for more episodes with proven strategies on personal growth, leadership, and sustainable success.#AmyPKelly #JulieNee #TheGiftOfGrowth #PersonalGrowth #Leadership #YouGrowGirl #BuiltNotBorn #JoeCiccarone #JonGordon #DayOfDevlopment © Joe Ciccarone - Built Not Born Podcast. All Rights Reserved.Views expressed by guests do not necessarily reflect the views of the host.

Episode: Built Not BornGuest: Guy Kawasaki - Former Apple Chief Evangelist, Author of "Wiser Guy"Host: Joe CiccaroneRelease Date: September 22, 2025🎯 Power Quote"Your true scorecard isn't measured in dollars, followers, or fancy titles. It's measured in lives changed, relationships strengthened and personal growth achieved. I hope you made people's lives better. I hope the world is better for you having lived in it." - Guy Kawasaki📖 Episode OverviewApple's former Chief Evangelist Guy Kawasaki returns to share wisdom from his new book "Wiser Guy" and reveals the leadership lessons learned from Steve Jobs, the power of saying yes early in your career, and why he started surfing at 60. From getting mistaken for Jackie Chan to learning the high road from his father, Guy delivers actionable insights on motivation, sales mastery, and building a remarkable life.Key Topics Covered:Mission-driven leadership vs. being an assholeThe foundation of great teachers and mentorsWhy motivation doesn't matter (but being motivated does)Sales fundamentals and the power of empathyPunch up, never punch down leadership philosophyRegret analysis and taking bold actionLearning new skills later in lifeMeasuring impact over money⏰ Timestamps with Emojis🍎 [00:00] - Opening & Steve Jobs "Think Different" StoryGuy recalls being in the room when the iconic "Think Different" campaign was previewedThe moment Steve Jobs said "Don't give one to Guy" in front of everyoneGuy's response: "Steve, it's okay because I don't trust you either"Why this probably cost him $250 million👔 [08:15] - Mission-Driven Assholes vs. Regular AssholesThe distinction between people who are assholes for themselves vs. for a missionSteve Jobs as the ultimate mission-driven assholeWhy Melanie Perkins from Canva proves you don't need to be an asshole to succeedThe chicken-and-egg question: Does being an asshole make you successful, or does success make people tolerate your behavior?👩‍🏫 [15:30] - The Teacher Who Changed Everything: Trudy AkauHow an elementary school teacher in Hawaii altered Guy's entire life trajectoryThe moment she told Guy's parents he had potential and should leave public schoolFrom potential "ghetto guy" to Stanford graduate because of one teacher's interventionHow to become a "Trudy" in someone else's life🌺 [22:45] - The Gardener Story: Taking the High RoadGetting mistaken for the gardener while trimming his hedge in an affluent SF neighborhoodHis father's surprising reaction: "Statistically, she was right"Why being Japanese American in Hawaii vs. mainland created different perspectivesThe lesson in giving people the benefit of the doubt🏎️ [28:20] - The Jackie Chan MomentDriving a Porsche, feeling like hot stuff, getting asked by teenage girls if he's Jackie ChanGuy's life goal: someday having Jackie Chan get asked if he's Guy KawasakiWhy you've got to get your motivation where you can find it🚗 [32:10] - What Really Motivated Guy: Cars, Not Changing the WorldThe Porsche ride in high school that made him want to study harderGetting robbed twice on the bus and vowing never to live in povertyThe Stanford friend's family with the Rolls Royce, Ferrari, and Arizona Biltmore lifestyle"Forget changing the world, you gotta change the car"✅ [40:25] - The Power of Saying Yes Early in Your CareerWhy Guy said yes to counting diamonds during MBA schoolHow seemingly random experiences (jewelry sales) prepared him for Apple evangelismLearning hand-to-hand combat sales skillsWhen to transition from saying yes to everything to being selective🤝 [46:50] - Sales Fundamentals: Empathy Over EverythingThe one thing that separates great salespeople from mediocre onesWhy great salespeople think about the customer, not their quotaThe importance of believing your product is genuinely good for the other personWhy Guy could never sell Microsoft Windows👆 [52:15] - Punch Up, Never Punch DownTrue strength means challenging those above you, never belittling those with less powerHow you can judge someone's character by how they treat "powerless" peopleThe pragmatic and moral reasons to avoid punching downWhy punching down is a sign of weak ego and overcompensation😔 [58:30] - Regret Analysis: Action vs. InactionDaniel Pink's Regrets Project findingsWhy people regret not taking risks more than taking risks and failingThe evolutionary vs. modern context of risk-takingHow social relationships factor into regret patterns🏄‍♂️ [65:40] - Learning New Skills at 60+: Surfing and HockeyStarted surfing at 60, hockey at 44 (both because his kids were interested)Why he reverses the typical parent approach - he takes up what his kids loveThe mental barriers people create about learning later in lifeStill surfing literally every day at 71🌊 [72:20] - Business Lessons from Surfing"If you don't try to catch a wave, you'll never catch a wave"Why waiting for the perfect wave means never catching any waveThe mental complexity of surfing as a metaphor for business decisionsHow surfing te

Built Not Born Podcast: Jay Papasan - The Rookie Real Estate Agent, Why Busy Means Broke, and Turning Focus Into a Superpower - Episode 174 🏠📈Episode Description 📖Co-author of "The One Thing" Jay Papasan returns to Built Not Born for his third appearance to discuss his latest book "The Rookie Real Estate Agent." In this power-packed conversation, Jay reveals the research-backed strategies that separate successful real estate rookies from those who struggle, why 200 people in your database is the magic number, and how to turn busyness into productivity.Drawing from interviews with 250+ top-performing agents, Jay breaks down the fundamentals that haven't changed in 20 years alongside the modern tools and technology that make everything more effective. Whether you're in real estate, sales, or any service-based business, this episode delivers actionable insights on database management, prospecting strategies, and building sustainable business systems.Key Topics Covered: 🎯🏡 Why treating real estate like a business from day one is crucial📊 The 200-person database rule and 6.5% annual transaction rate🎯 Focus as a superpower in an age of distraction📞 The professional-to-personal call structure that works🏠 How to conduct epic open houses that generate leads💼 When to go part-time vs. full-time in sales careers🔄 The four-touch event marketing systemGuest Bio 👨‍💼Jay Papasan is the co-author of "The One Thing," one of the most popular business books of all time, and VP of Publishing at Keller Williams Realty 📚. Jay's also the author of the newly released "The Rookie Real Estate Agent" and co-host of "The ONE Thing" podcast with Gary Keller. Jay's writing and research have helped millions of professionals focus their efforts and build sustainable, profitable businesses. His newsletter "The 20 Percenter" reaches 13,000+ subscribers with a 65% open rate 📊.Key Quotes 💬"Focus is a superpower. Without delay, how fast can we get people into income-producing activities?" 💪 - Jay Papasan"Your database is your business. 200 people in your database - that's the magic number from our proprietary research." 📈 - Jay Papasan"The biggest mistake rookies make is they don't treat it like a business early enough. The moment you think of it like a business, you start doing things differently." 🏢 - Jay Papasan"Most people's database is just their phone or a spreadsheet and they don't touch it until people reach out to them." 📱 - Jay Papasan"If you're not talking to people about buying and selling real estate today, you probably weren't productive today." 📞 - Jay Papasan"We all want to believe that people, even when we weren't there, were wishing we were." 🎯 - Jay Papasan (on the "missed you" call strategy)Episode Highlights ⏰[00:00] 🎬 Opening discussion about lost luggage and Air Tags [02:30] 📚 Jay's experience with The ONE Thing Domino program[05:15] 🏠 Introduction to "The Rookie Real Estate Agent" book [08:45] 🔄 20 years of real estate: what's changed vs. what stays the same [12:20] 🐕 The Taco Taco success blueprint (Jay's dog as business model) [15:40] ⚡ Focus as a superpower - busyness vs. productivity [19:25] 💼 How to know if you're being impactful vs. just busy [23:10] 📊 The 200-person database magic number revealed [27:35] 🧮 Database math: 6.5% transaction rate breakdown [31:20] 📧 Database cultivation strategies and open rates [35:45] 📞 The professional-to-personal call structure [39:15] 🎉 Four-touch event marketing system [42:50] 🤔 Biggest myths that trip up rookie agents [46:30] 💰 Corner case: what to do with $5K and 90 days left [50:15] 🏠 Epic open house strategies for lead generation [54:40] 🎯 Finding your "One Thing" in multi-faceted real estate business [58:25] ⚡ Rapid fire questions: $100 purchase, worst advice, overwhelm strategies [62:10] 📱 Most used apps and life philosophy [64:35] 🚀 What's next for Jay and Gary KellerResources Mentioned 📚🎯 Website: Jay Papasan 📖 New Book: "The Rookie Real Estate Agent" by Jay Papasan 📚 Classic Book: "The One Thing" by Gary Keller and Jay Papasan💼 Company: Keller Williams RealtyBuilt Not Born Podcast (#122) - Jay Papasan: Think Like a CEOBuilt Not Born Podcast (#81) - Jay Papasan: The ONE ThingKey Insights and Takeaways 💡Database Management:Magic Number: 200 people in your database for sustainable businessTransaction Rate: 6.5% of your database will transact annuallyLong-term View: 65% of people will own a home over 10 yearsTouch Frequency: Connect with database every 10 days maximumQuarterly System: Work through 2 letters of alphabet weekly (A-B, C-D, etc.)Prospecting Strategies:Professional First: Start calls with business, end with personalEvent Marketing: 4 touch

End of Summer Recap, Camera Flashes, and Fall Preview - Episode 173 📸☀️🍂Episode Description 📖Built Not Born host Joe Ciccarone takes a break from guest interviews to share an end-of-summer reflection and preview the exciting lineup of guests coming in the fall season. Joe opens up about the "best of times and worst of times" summer, sharing the loss of his father Fran and celebrating sending his second son off to college.This episode offers listeners a behind-the-scenes look at the podcast's growth and Joe's personal journey, while building anticipation for upcoming conversations with bestselling authors, Navy Top Gun instructors, Apple executives, and championship coaches.Episode Highlights:Personal reflections on family loss and growthPreview of upcoming bestselling author guestsBehind-the-scenes podcast insightsCall to action for subscriber growthIntroduction to the Built Not Born Blog newsletterHost Personal Update 👨‍👨‍👦The Worst of TimesLoss of Father: Joe's father Fran Ciccarone passed away July 3rd after battling cancerFuneral Impact: 200 people attended the funeral luncheon for the 82-year-old - remarkable turnout that spoke to his father's characterFamily Process: July spent handling funeral arrangements, viewings, and reconnecting with familyEulogy Available: Joe recorded a special eulogy episode available on SpotifyThe Best of TimesCollege Send-off: Dropped second son off at college in upstate New YorkFamily Milestone: Now has two sons in college (senior and freshman) and one middle schooler at homePositive Outlook: Both college sons are "in great spots" and expected to thriveUpcoming Fall Season Guest Preview 🎙️Recently Released:Jon Gordon - Episode 17218-time bestselling authorDiscussed "The 7 Commitments of a Great Team"$100,000 speaking fee performer15-minute conversation packed with leadership insightsComing Soon:Jay PapasanCo-author of "The One Thing" - one of the most popular business books of all timeNew book: "The Rookie Real Estate Agent" (releasing next week)Expert on productivity, focus, and business success principlesSpecializes in thriving during recessions and crowded marketsGuy KawasakiFormer Apple Chief Evangelist who launched the Macintosh with Steve JobsNew book: "Wiser Guy" - follow-up to 2019's "Wise Guy"Joe received early pre-read copyTechnology and entrepreneurship expertiseDave Burke (Echelon Front)Former Navy Top Gun flight instructorCombat veteran who served on ground in Ramadi, Iraq with Jocko Willink and Leif BabinNew book: "The Need The Lead"Currently working with Echelon Front leadership consultingAmy P. Kelly & Julie NeeCo-authors discussing "Gifted Growth"Leadership and business development focusDudley DuncanHall of Fame swimming coachExpert on succeeding in one of the most grueling sportsInsights on mental toughness and athletic excellencePodcast Growth Initiatives 📈Subscription DriveSubscribe to Built Not Born Podcast (Spotify, Apple, Google, Overcast)Why It Matters: Subscriptions drive algorithmic promotion within appsImpact: More subscribers = broader reach and discoverabilityGoal: Automatic episode downloads for loyal listenersBuilt Not Born Blog Launch 📝New Newsletter:Post-episode summaries of best habits, tactics, and strategies3-minute read format for busy professionalsDirect links to guest resources, books, courses, and platformsEasy way to follow and connect with featured guestsSubscription available for regular updatesSEO Keywords 🔍Built Not Born podcast, Joe Ciccarone, end of summer recap, podcast preview, Jon Gordon, Jay Papasan, Guy Kawasaki, Dave Burke, Echelon Front, Top Gun instructor, Apple Macintosh, bestselling authors, leadership podcast, personal development, business success, productivity, focus, military leadership, swimming coaching, Built Not Born blog, podcast newsletter, subscription growthTags 🏷️#BuiltNotBorn #PodcastRecap #JoeCiccarone #JonGordon #JayPapasan #GuyKawasaki #DaveBurke #EchelonFront #Leadership #PersonalDevelopment #BusinessSuccess #Productivity #MilitaryLeadership #Apple #TopGun #Swimming #Newsletter #PodcastGrowth #FallSeason #BestsellingAuthorsAbout Built Not Born 🎙️Built Not Born explores how high achievers in business, sports, and life overcome obstacles to reach peak performance. Hosted by Joe Ciccarone, each episode delivers actionable insights and inspiring stories from leaders who've built something extraordinary.Subscribe to Built Not Born:Apple PodcastsSpotifyGoogle PodcastsOvercastAll major podcast platformsBuilt Not Born Blog: Subscribe for post-episode summaries and guest resources delivered in 3-minute reads.© Joe Ciccarone - Built Not Born Podcast. All Rights Reserved.Views expressed by guests do not necessarily reflect the views of the host.

Built Not Born Podcast: Jon Gordon - The 7 Commitments of a Great Team, Why Teammates Are Forever, and How Commitments Crush Goals 🚀⚡Episode Description 📖Bestselling author Jon Gordon returns to Built Not Born to discuss his latest book "The 7 Commitments of a Great Team" - a book that took him 16 days to type but 54 years to write 📚. From his days as a Cornell lacrosse player to becoming one of the world's top leadership experts, Jon reveals the framework that transforms ordinary teams into extraordinary ones.In this powerful episode, Jon shares the profound moment when his dying coach said "Teammates are forever" and how that revelation became the foundation for understanding what truly makes teams great. Discover why commitments matter more than goals, how to build unbreakable team bonds, and the secret to staying energized instead of drained by your work 💪.Key Topics Covered: 🎯🏆 The 7 Commitments that separate great teams from good ones💥 Why commitments crush goals every time❤️ The power of "Teammates are forever"🎯 How to align your team around vision and mission🔥 Why love drives grit and commitment drives greatness🥊 Life as a series of sprints combined with a boxing match⚡ How to stay energized instead of drained by your workGuest Bio 👨‍💼Jon Gordon is a bestselling author, keynote speaker, and leadership consultant 🏆. Author of 32+ books including "The Energy Bus," "The Power of Positive Leadership," and "The Hard Hat," Jon has worked with numerous Fortune 500 companies, sports teams, school districts, and nonprofits around the world 🌍. His practical frameworks for building positive, high-performing teams have transformed organizations from the NFL to Fortune 500 boardrooms ✨ Key Quotes 💬"Teammates are forever, Tim. Teammates are forever." 💫 - Coach Richie (Jon's Cornell lacrosse coach)"Goals are great, but your goals will not take you to where you want to go. It's your commitments that will take you to your goals." 🎯 - Jon Gordon"We don't get burned out because of what we do. We get burned out because we forget why we do it." 🔥 - Jon Gordon"Commitment is really love in action." ❤️ - Jon Gordon"Life is a series of sprints and a marathon combined with a boxing match. You're not just running, but you are getting hit along the way." 🥊 - Jon GordonEpisode Highlights ⏰[00:00] 🎬 Introduction and Jon's incredible writing journey [03:30] 💫 The profound "Teammates are forever" moment with Coach Richie [08:15] 🏆 Cornell lacrosse national championship connections and cosmic timing [12:45] 🎯 Why commitments crush goals - the dirty myth about goal setting [18:20] 📝 The powerful exercise: writing goals then ripping them up [22:10] 🔧 Which of the 7 commitments to start with as a leader [25:40] 🎯 Vision and mission: knowing where you're going and why [28:35] 🤝 Commitment to each other - having each other's backs [32:15] ⚡ Why some work energizes you while the same work drains you [35:50] 🥊 Life as sprints + boxing match - how commitments carry you through [38:45] ❤️ How love drives grit and commitment drives greatness [42:20] 🌟 Jon's mission: developing positive leaders worldwide [45:10] 📚 What's next: "The Energy Bus Rides Again" sequel teaserResources Mentioned 📚📖 Book: "The 7 Commitments of a Great Team" by Jon Gordon📚 Classic: "The Energy Bus" by Jon Gordon🏆 Book: "The Hard Hat" by Jon Gordon📝 Tool: 7 Commitments Checklist (available on Jon's website)🎓 Program: Certified Positive Leader certification🏆 Story: Cornell lacrosse national championship (21 years after George Barardi)📖 Upcoming: "The Energy Bus Rides Again" (sequel)📖 Upcoming: "The Power of Positive Habits"Connect with Jon Gordon 🌐💻 Website: JonGordon.com🎓 Certification: Become a Jon Gordon Certified Leader 📸 Instagram: @JonGordon11🐦 Twitter/X: @JonGordon11About Built Not Born 🎙️Built Not Born explores how high achievers in business, sports, military, and life overcome obstacles to reach peak performance 🚀. Hosted by Joe Ciccarone, each episode delivers actionable insights and inspiring stories from leaders who've built something extraordinary ✨.Subscribe to Built Not Born: 📱🍎 Apple Podcasts🎵 Spotify📱 YouTube Tags 🏷️#JonGordon #7Commitments #TeamBuilding #Leadership #EnergyBus #PositiveLeadership #Goals #Commitments #TeamWork #Cornell #Lacrosse #BuiltNotBorn #JoeCiccarone #Podcast #Motivation #Inspiration #TeamCulture #Vision #Mission #Grit #Love #Success #Mindset #PersonalDevelopmentSEO Keywords 🔍Jon Gordon, 7 commitments great team, team building, leadership development, Energy Bus, positive leadership, commitments vs goals, team culture, vision and mission, teammate relationships, Cornell lacrosse, Built Not Born podcast

Built Not Born Podcast: Martin Dugard on Taking Midway, Epic History, and the Courage That Changed the World 🚢⚓Episode Description 📖New York Times bestselling author Martin Dugard joins Built Not Born to discuss his latest book "Taking Midway" and how he makes history as exciting as a spy thriller 🕵️‍♂️. From co-authoring 12+ books in The Killing Series with Bill O'Reilly to his solo Taking Series, Martin reveals his creative process for bringing pivotal moments in history to life ✨.In this episode, Martin shares the incredible story of the Battle of Midway - the most decisive naval engagement of WWII that shifted global power from the British Empire to the American Empire 🌍. Discover the intelligence breakthrough that changed everything, the courage of pilots who knew they wouldn't survive, and why this battle saved democracy itself 🦅.Key Topics Covered: 🎯⚔️ The Battle of Midway: Why it was the turning point of WWII🔐 Lieutenant Commander Joseph Rochefort's code-breaking breakthrough👥 Admiral Nimitz vs. Admiral Yamamoto: Contrasting leadership styles🌍 The "Europe First" strategy and its impact on the Pacific War🎉 How Churchill celebrated Pearl Harbor (and why)✍️ The creative process behind The Killing Series📚 Making history accessible to casual readers🔍 Research techniques for bringing historical moments to lifeGuest Bio 👨‍💼Martin Dugard is a New York Times bestselling author 12-13 times over 🏆 and co-author of The Killing Series, which has sold over 19 million books worldwide 📈. His solo work includes the Taking Series: Taking Paris, Taking Berlin, Taking London, and Taking Midway 🇺🇸. Martin describes himself as "a gateway drug for history's casual readers" and has mastered the art of making historical events as thrilling as modern spy novels 🎬.Key Quotes 💬"I don't have a research assistant, but I've got a really curious mind and it's like I just don't let go of a fact." 🧠 - Martin Dugard"If we had lost [at Midway] and the Japanese had taken Midway, they would've been in a perfect position to launch a completely destructive second raid on Pearl Harbor... We would've been completely out of the war in the Pacific." ⚡ - Martin Dugard"Those sailors, when they came home from the war, if they had seen what we have going on in our country right now, I think they would've been very disoriented. It is just weird to see history repeat itself." 🔄 - Martin DugardEpisode Highlights ⏰[00:00] 🎬 Introduction and Martin's incredible publishing track record[05:30] 💡 How Martin developed his "gateway drug to history" philosophy[12:15] 🤝 The creative process behind The Killing Series collaboration with Bill O'Reilly[18:45] 🎉 Why Churchill was excited about Pearl Harbor[25:20] ⚔️ The Battle of Midway: Most decisive naval engagement of WWII[32:10] 🔐 Lieutenant Commander Joseph Rochefort's code-breaking breakthrough[38:45] 😄 The "You don't have to be crazy to work here, but it helps" sign[42:30] 📰 Censorship, propaganda, and the "ghost" USS Yorktown[48:15] 👥 Admiral Nimitz vs. Admiral Yamamoto: Leadership styles compared[52:40] 🌍 How Midway marked the end of the British Empire, birth of American Empire[58:25] 🤔 Why some battles capture popular imagination (Pearl Harbor vs. Wake Island)[65:10] 📚 Lessons from Midway relevant to today[70:45] 🦅 The courage of torpedo bomber and dive bomber pilots[75:20] ✍️ Martin's writing routine and research process[80:15] 📖 Favorite books and Bruce Springsteen influenceResources Mentioned 📚📖 Book: "Taking Midway" by Martin Dugard📚 Series: The Taking Series (Taking Paris, Taking Berlin, Taking London)🔥 Series: The Killing Series (co-authored with Bill O'Reilly)🏃‍♂️ Upcoming Book: "The Long Run" (April 2025) - About the running boom of the 1970s🎬 Movie Reference: Pulp Fiction and the Wake Island watch story🏢 Historical Location: Pearl Harbor code-breaking basement ("the dungeon")🎵 Music: Bruce Springsteen's "Darkness on the Edge of Town" albumConnect with Martin Dugard 🌐💻 Website: MartinDugard.com📸 Instagram: @authorMartinDugard🐦 Twitter/X: @MartinDugardAbout Built Not Born 🎙️Built Not Born explores how high achievers in business, sports, and life overcome obstacles to reach peak performance 🚀. Hosted by Joe Ciccarone, each episode delivers actionable insights and inspiring stories from leaders who've built something extraordinary ✨.Subscribe to Built Not Born: 📱🍎 Apple Podcasts🎵 Spotify📱 Google Podcasts🎧 All major podcast platformsTags 🏷️#MartinDugard #TakingMidway #BattleOfMidway #WWII #WorldWarTwo #KillingSeries #BillOReilly #History #HistoryBooks #PacificWar #AdmiralNimitz #NavalHistory #Codebreakers #Intelligence #Leadership #Courage #BuiltNotBorn #JoeCiccarone #Podcast #NewYorkTimesBestseller #HistoricalNonfiction #AmericanHistory #PearlHarbor #NavySeals #MilitaryHistorySEO Keywords 🔍Martin Dugard, Taking Midway, Battle of Midway, WWII history, Killing Series, Bill O'Reilly, Pacific War, Admiral Nimitz, code breakers, naval battles, Worl

Built Not Born Podcast: Jamie Cochran - Jocko Willink's Secret Weapon on Extreme Ownership & Creating LeadersPOWER QUOTE:"You are doing your team a disservice if you are not putting them in a position to lead. If you are not giving them those opportunities to solve problems, to come up with solutions, to come up with plans and then go execute on those plans, you are not creating a team that can function without you." - Jamie Cochran📺 Watch the Full EpisodeJamie Cochran, Chief Operating Officer of Echelon Front, shares her incredible journey from working in higher education to becoming a leadership expert alongside Navy SEALs Jocko Willink and Leif Babin. Jamie he breaks down the core principles of Extreme Ownership and reveals how these battle-tested leadership concepts apply to business, family, and personal growth.🎯 Key Takeaways✅ How Jamie went from part-time admin to COO in 9 years using an "experiment mindset"✅ The four core beliefs of leadership that transform organizations✅ Why "Cover and Move" is really about building relationships and teamwork✅ The power of the "Read Back" technique for clear communication✅ How to master "Prioritize and Execute" when overwhelmed with multiple priorities✅ Why Decentralized Command creates stronger leaders at every level✅ The barriers to Extreme Ownership and how to overcome them⏰ Timestamps[00:01:45] 🎯 Jamie's journey from SDSU to Echelon Front COO[00:06:30] 🧪 The "experiment mindset" - giving yourself one year to assess[00:11:15] 👥 Leadership definition: "Any human being who interacts with other human beings"[00:14:20] 🤝 Cover and Move - Building relationships through reciprocal trust[00:19:45] 📝 Simple - The Read Back technique for clear communication[00:24:10] 🎯 Prioritize and Execute - Detaching from emotions to see clearly[00:29:35] 🚶 "Relax, Look Around, Make a Call" - The power of stepping back[00:34:50] 👑 Decentralized Command - Empowering everyone to lead[00:41:20] 💪 Extreme Ownership - The barriers and how to overcome them[00:47:15] 👩‍💼 Women in leadership - Natural advantages and self-imposed barriers[00:52:30] 🏔️ Hiking for mental clarity and detachment[00:55:45] 🥋 Jamie's Jiu-Jitsu journey and earning her blue belt[01:01:10] 💡 Final advice: "Stop making excuses and start taking ownership"🔥 Power Quotes💬 On Leadership:"Leadership is truly how we solve every single problem or challenge we face in our life, business, or in our personal lives. Leadership can guide us to solving those problems and challenges."💬 On Taking Ownership:"The reality is that fear is completely unfounded. If I give you two options of people to work with - one who casts blame and makes excuses, or someone who steps up and says 'This is my fault, here's how I'm gonna solve it' - anyone would rather work with the person taking ownership."💬 On Communication:"I wanna get a read back so that I can make sure I communicated effectively and I didn't miss anything important. When I put that on me and show them this is a test for me, if they can give me a read back and we are aligned, I can say go execute."💬 On Detachment:"Look for every opportunity in your day to detach. The better we get at detaching in the small, insignificant ways, the more equipped we're going to be to detach when the time comes where we have big problems we need to solve."💬 On Creating Leaders:"You are doing your team a disservice if you are not putting them in a position to lead. If you are not giving them those opportunities to solve problems, to come up with solutions, you are not creating a team that can function without you."📖 About Jamie CochranJamie Cochran is the Chief Operating Officer at Echelon Front, where she has worked for 9+ years building the company alongside Navy SEALs Jocko Willink and Leif Babin. She started in higher education at San Diego State University before joining Echelon Front in a part-time administrative role and working her way up to COO. Jamie specializes in teaching leadership principles to organizations worldwide and leads the Women's Leadership Assembly at Echelon Front.🏢 Key Topics Covered#Leadership #ExtremeOwnership #EchelonFront #JockoWillink #LeifBabin #NavySEALs #WomenInLeadership #TeamWork #Communication #CoverAndMove #PrioritizeAndExecute #DecentralizedCommand #JiuJitsu #BJJ #MilitaryLeadership #BusinessStrategy #PersonalDevelopment #Ownership #BuiltNotBorn #Podcast📚 Resources MentionedCompany: Echelon FrontBook: "Extreme Ownership" by Jocko Willink and Leif BabinBook: "The Dichotomy of Leadership" by Jocko Willink and Leif BabinTraining: Extreme Ownership Academy (free courses available)🎧 Subscribe & Connect👍 Like this video if you found value in Jamie's leadership insights!🔔 Subscribe for more episodes with top performers and thought leaders💬 Comment below with your biggest takeaway from this conversationConnect with Jamie Cochran & Echelon Front:Website: EchelonFront.comOn Line Academy: Extreme Ownership Book: "Extreme Ownership" by J

Episode 169: In Memory of Francis Silvio Ciccarone - Life Lessons from The Counselor💔 A Special Memorial Episode - Host Joe Ciccarone honors his father Francis, who passed away July 3rd, 2025 after a courageous battle with cancer. This deeply personal episode shares the life lessons, wisdom, and legacy of a Department of Defense Hall of Fame engineer who was the family's trusted advisor for 82 years.Key Timestamps & Moments:[0:00-2:30] 🕊️ Opening tribute and episode purpose[2:30-5:00] 👨‍💼 Francis's career: DOD Hall of Fame, Navy Yard, Pentagon meetings[5:00-8:00] 📝 Joe's Facebook tribute post (full reading)[8:00-12:00] 🤝 "The Consigliere" - Francis as family advisor and counselor[12:00-15:00] 🎤 The eulogy master - 25+ eulogies over 30 years[15:00-18:00] 📸 Magical moment: sharing 20 photos together[18:00-20:00] 🌺 The Hawaiian shirt story and promise[20:00-23:00] 🎓 POWERFUL: Career advice to grandson Luca[23:00-25:00] 🙏 Final reflections and gratitudeFour Pillars of Career Success (Francis's Wisdom):🎤 Be a Good Public Speaker - Stand up, motivate people, be better than average✍️ Be a Good Writer - Craft emails, memos, connect on the page🤝 Be a Good Teammate - Share credit, show up when inconvenient⭐ Keep Your Nose Clean - High character attracts good peoplePower Quotes:💪 "Dad, thank you for leading the way"🎯 "He didn't tell you what you wanted to hear. He told you what you had to hear"✨ "There's moments of magic hidden in the hours of misery"🏆 "Good people attract other good people"🔥 "Life is built, not born"Key Themes & Takeaways:Legacy Building - How one person's wisdom impacts generationsGrief & Growth - Finding meaning in loss and celebrating lifeFamily Values - The importance of being present and honestCareer Excellence - Timeless advice for professional successCharacter Matters - Why integrity defines your reputationCommunity Support - How people show up during difficult timesSEO Keywords:grief, loss of parent, father tribute, life lessons, career advice, family legacy, memorial podcast, Department of Defense, character building, public speaking, teamwork, writing skills, end of life, cancer journey, eulogy, family values🎧 This episode will resonate with anyone who has lost a parent, seeks career guidance, or wants to understand what it means to live with character and purpose.🕊️Francis Silvio Ciccarone - March 26, 1943 to July 3, 2025 🕊️

🏆 GRIDIRON GENIUS: GM Michael Lombardi's NFL Championship Blueprint | From Bill Walsh to Bill Belichick | 3x Super Bowl WinnerEpisode DescriptionThe ultimate NFL & College Football insider joins Built Not Born for an incredible conversation.Michael Lombardi, 3x Super Bowl winning GM who now serves as General Manager at the University of North Carolina working alongside the legendary Coach Bill Belichick.Originally aired in September 2022 - a classic episode worth revisiting as Lombardi's insights remain as relevant as ever.In this episode, GM Michael Lombardi takes us behind the scenes of his legendary NFL career, sharing untold stories from his time with coaching legends Bill Walsh, Al Davis, and Bill Belichick. From discovering Hall of Fame talent like Charles Haley to building Super Bowl dynasties, this is the football masterclass you've been waiting for.🔥 What You'll Discover:How a kid from Ocean City, NJ became one of the NFL's most respected executivesThe real story behind the West Coast Offense creation (hint: it wasn't in San Francisco!)Inside stories of Tom Brady, Joe Montana, and NFL legendsWhy leadership beats organization every timeThe genius scouting methods that found hidden gemsHow Stoic philosophy conquered the NFL (Big thanks to Lombardi!)What's wrong with modern NFL coaching and player evaluation🎯 Key Topics & Timestamps[0:00-5:00] From Jersey Shore to NFL DreamsGrowing up in Ocean City, New JerseyValley Forge Military Academy transformationFollowing Bruce Springsteen's advice to "chase your dreams"[5:00-15:00] The Bill Walsh Era - 49ers Dynasty BeginsBecoming Walsh's right-hand man in 1984Driving the legendary coach around San FranciscoBehind-the-scenes of the West Coast Offense creationEXCLUSIVE: How the offense was actually developed in Cincinnati, not San Francisco[15:00-25:00] Scouting Genius - Finding Charles HaleyThe epic story of discovering the future Hall of FamerWhy one play on film convinced Bill Walsh immediatelyThe art of NFL scouting in the 1980s[25:00-35:00] The John Taylor "Phantom Injury" StoryHow Lombardi saved a career with creative roster managementTaylor's journey from practice squad to 3x Super Bowl championWhy patience and development matter in team building[35:00-50:00] Al Davis and the Raiders CultureLearning from "The Last Maverick" of footballDavis's legendary work ethic and attention to detailWhy Davis would hang up with his famous "Oh, f*ck!" when disagreeing[50:00-70:00] Bill Belichick - The Early YearsFirst meeting with Belichick in Cleveland (1991)The mysterious "mission statement" paper Lombardi will donate to the Hall of FameHow Belichick developed "confidence without evidence"The Eric Metcalf punt return mastery story[70:00-80:00] Bringing Stoicism to the NFLHow Lombardi introduced "The Obstacle Is The Way" to the leagueWhy Marcus Aurelius = Bill BelichickThe book that changed NFL culture forever[80:00-95:00] Modern NFL AnalysisWhy the fullback disappeared (and won't return)The evolution of the safety positionWhy computers will never replace play-calling intuitionThe "Middle Eight" - how games are won in crucial moments[95:00-105:00] Personal Philosophy & The Daily CoachPartnership with George RavelingDaily writing routine and journaling practiceValues passed to children and grandchildrenBruce Springsteen inspiration🏈 Guest Bio: Michael LombardiMichael Lombardi is one of the most accomplished executives in NFL history:3x Super Bowl Champion (1984, 1988, 1989 with 49ers; 2001, 2003, 2004 with Patriots)Current GM at University of North Carolina Football (working with Bill Belichick)Former NFL Executive: 49ers, Raiders, Browns, Eagles, PatriotsBestselling Author: "Gridiron Genius: A Master Class in Winning Championships and Building Dynasties in the NFL"Co-Founder: The Daily Coach (with George Raveling)Media: VS Network host and columnist📚 Books & Resources Mentioned"Gridiron Genius" by Michael Lombardi - Available everywhere books are soldFootball Done Right: by Michael Lombardi  - Lombardi's latest work on coaching trees and top 100 NFL players The Daily Coach - Daily leadership and wisdom content (thedailycoach.com)🔥 Quotes from This Episode:"Champions behave like champions before they are champions." - Bill Walsh"Culture beats everything." - Michael Lombardi"The greatest reward for doing is the opportunity to do more." - Michael Lombardi's life motto"You can't work in the NFL. You gotta live in the NFL." - Al Davis"The secret to all victory lies in the organization of the non-obvious." - Marcus Aurelius (as applied to football)🏆 Why This Episode MattersThis isn't just another football interview - it's a masterclass in excellence from someone who helped build multiple dynasties. Whether you're interested in:NFL Strategy & AnalyticsLeadership DevelopmentTeam BuildingSport

🎯 From Toxic Culture to Unstoppable Teams: Kyle McDowell's 10 Principles That Created a Leadership Revolution.💪 Power Quote"We reward people for how busy they are... 'I was triple booked, I had 13 meetings today.' I don't care. What I care about is: can you draw a straight line from any of those activities to the outcome you're actually responsible for?" - Kyle McDowellAfter 30 years climbing the corporate ladder to manage 15,000+ employees and billions in P&L, Kyle McDowell discovered something that changed everything: the most toxic workplaces weren't broken by accident—they were built that way.Best selling author Kyle McDowell reveals the 10 principles that transformed a failing 7-billion-dollar government program into a powerhouse of excellence and how these strategies became the foundation for his USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling book "Begin with We."🎧 Episode Timestamps[00:00] 🎸 Pearl Jam bonding & Philly sports culture[04:30] 📈 Kyle's 30-year corporate journey from cubicle to C-suite[08:15] 💔 The toxicity breaking point that changed everything[12:45] 🎯 Defining "Culture of Excellence" (Personal + Professional + Corporate goals)[18:20] 🔬 The MIT study: Why 30 million people really quit their jobs[22:30] 🌟 THE 10 PRINCIPLES DEEP DIVE BEGINS[23:00] ✅ Principle #1: We do the right thing, always[26:15] 👑 Principle #2: We lead by example[29:30] 🤝 Principle #3: We say it, then do it[32:45] ⚡ Principle #4: Taking action > being idle[36:00] 🎯 Principle #5: We own our mistakes[39:15] 🤜🤛 Principle #6: We pick each other up[43:30] 📊 Principle #7: Outcomes > activity (the meeting trap!)[48:45] 💬 Principle #8: We challenge each other diplomatically[53:00] 🚀 Principle #9: We embrace challenge[56:30] 📚 Book recommendations that changed Kyle's life[59:45] 🏃‍♂️ The daily sweat rule & Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu philosophy[62:15] 🎯 Lightning round: Ray Dalio, radical transparency & tattoo philosophy🔥 Best Takeaways🎯 The Culture FormulaIf your team is running in different directions, you're not leading—you're managing chaos.⚡ The Meeting TrapStop rewarding activity over outcomes. Being "triple-booked" isn't impressive—it's inefficient. Ask yourself: can you draw a straight line from this meeting to an actual outcome you're responsible for?🛡️ The Leadership Cycle BreakerToxic leaders create toxic leaders. When someone sees their boss taking credit and focusing only on personal advancement, they replicate that behavior. One authentic leader can break this cycle and create momentum in the opposite direction.💪 The Challenge FrameworkChallenges must be grounded in data OR experience—not just opinions. Create an environment where challenges flow omnidirectionally: peer-to-peer, team-to-boss, boss-to-team.🎪 The Authenticity AdvantageStop asking people to be someone different at work. When you filter out authenticity, you lose diverse perspectives and end up with vanilla environments where the best ideas don't win.📊 Key Stats That'll Blow Your Mind🔢 30 million profiles analyzed in MIT study on why people quit💰 7 billion dollar government program Kyle transformed👥 15,000 employees under Kyle's leadership at peak🎸 105 Pearl Jam shows attended (because priorities!)📚 2 bestseller lists hit by "Begin with We" right out of the gate🎵 Bonus: The Pearl Jam ConnectionKyle's 30-year Pearl Jam journey mirrors his leadership evolution—from solo focus to community building. There's something profound about a guy who's been to 105 shows understanding the power of "we."🏆 Why This Episode MattersIf you're tired of toxic workplace culture, endless meetings that accomplish nothing, or teams where politics trump performance, this episode is your roadmap out. Kyle proves that authentic leadership isn't just feel-good fluff—it's a competitive advantage that drives real results.📞 Connect with Kyle McDowell🌐 Website: kylemcdowellinc.com📱 Social Media: @KyleMcDowellInc (All platforms)📖 Book: "Begin with We" (Amazon)💼 LinkedIn: Kyle McDowell IncKyle personally responds to every message from listeners—hit him up with your leadership challenges!📝 Episode Keywordsleadership development, workplace culture, toxic workplace, corporate culture, team building, authentic leadership, employee engagement, management principles, organizational excellence, business leadership, culture transformation, workplace toxicity, leadership principles, team performance, corporate transformation🎙️ About Built Not Born PodcastFeaturing real conversations with successful entrepreneurs and leaders who share the unfiltered truth about building something meaningful. No corporate speak, no fluff—just practical wisdom you can use. "Every Day People, Remarkable Lives." Subscribe and never miss an episode! 🔔📄 Copyright & L

Built Not Born Podcast: Steve Hordinski - US Navy Diver, BJJ Wisdom, & Mental Toughness"Discipline will take you a long ways, but mental toughness will take you further." - Steve HordinskiEpisode DescriptionIn Built Not Born Episode 166 - We DIVE deep with Steve Hordinski, a 4th-degree black belt under Master Carlos "Caique" Elias and owner of the Katharo Training Center in Colorado. Steve is a veteran US Navy diver and shares wisdom about BJJ principles, grip fighting his teaching methodology and hard lessons learned from training with the legendary founder of Gracie Jiu Jitsu - Helio Gracie. Whether you're a seasoned practitioner or new to BJJ, Steve's insights on longevity, mental toughness, and the evolution of BJJ will transform your approach to the art.Episode Timestamps🥋 [00:00] Introduction to Steve Hordinski, 4th-degree black belt under Master Kaiki🌊 [03:12] Steve's Navy diving career - underwater leverage & challenges🧨 [08:45] The World War II bomber recovery mission in Palau💪 [12:20] Life lessons from Navy diving: "Discipline takes you far, mental toughness takes you further"👨‍🏫 [15:40] Training with Helson and transitioning to Master Kaiki🇧🇷 [19:25] Experience training with Helio Gracie in Brazil🔄 [23:50] The old school BJJ survival approach vs. modern leg lock game📊 [26:15] The four major principles Steve lives by in his BJJ🤝 [29:30] The grip fighting game: "Everything bad happens when you don't control hands"🧠 [31:45] Steve's three concepts of grip fighting that changed his game🧘‍♂️ [36:10] Training strategies for longevity and injury prevention👥 [39:45] Choosing the right training partners as you age🏆 [41:20] The one lesson Steve wants everyone to take away: "Develop toughness"🔍 [43:30] Closing thoughts: "Control and efficiency - that's Jiu-Jitsu"Key TakeawaysNavy Diving Philosophy: Steve's experience as a Navy diver taught him that mental toughness exceeds discipline in importance for long-term success.The Four BJJ Principles: Steve governs his jiu-jitsu by four key principles:Leverage over strength (but use strength at the end of the lever)Timing over speedNatural body movements/flexibilityStreet effectiveness (blocking punches also blocks grips)Grip Fighting System: Steve breaks down his revolutionary approach to grip fighting into three concepts:Training for Longevity: Incorporate Buddha Con movements (jiu-jitsu + yoga), meditation, hot yoga, and targeted strength conditioning to stay on the mats longer.Mental Toughness: The key to longevity in BJJ isn't talent or physical attributes, but developing mental grit and perseverance.Power Quotes"Discipline will take you a long ways, but mental toughness will take you further." - Steve Hordinski"If you're blocking punches, you're also blocking grips - makes you very hard to be controlled." - Steve Hordinski"Control and efficiency. That's Jiu-Jitsu." - Steve HordinskiConnect with Steve HordinskiInstagram: @SteveHordinskiKotharo Training Center (Littleton, Colorado)Hashtags#BJJ #BrazilianJiuJitsu #GripFighting #NavyDiver #HelioGracie #Kaiki #JiuJitsuWisdom #MentalToughness #GroundControl #BuiltNotBorn #CombatSports #GrapplingTips #BJJLifestyle #JiuJitsuJourney #BJJLongevity #GripGame #BJJWisdom #JiuJitsuPrinciples #JoeCiccarone #Philly #BJJ #SteveHordinski

Built Not Born Podcast: Kathryn Gordon on Relationship GRIT - How to Stay Together, Grow Together, and Thrive Together"Where there is a void in communication, negativity will fill it. That's why we need to communicate, communicate, communicate." - Kathryn GordonEpisode OverviewKathryn Gordon is the co-author of the bestselling book "Relationship GRIT" and wife of best selling author Jon Gordon. Kathryn discusses her candid journey of nearly 30 years of marriage. Using remarkable vulnerability, Kathryn reveals the framework that helped her and Jon overcome significant challenges and build a thriving relationship that's stood the test of time.🎧 Listen to the Full Episode[EMBED PLAYER HERE]📝 Episode Highlights[00:03:15] 👋 Kathryn introduces herself and her journey from behind-the-scenes supporter to author and entrepreneur[00:06:40] 💘 The unexpected and persistent way she and John met (and almost didn't meet!)[00:11:20] 💔 Early marriage challenges and how they navigated having children while building businesses[00:15:30] 🧠 Introduction to the G.R.I.T. framework: God, Resolve, Invest, Together[00:18:45] 💯 Why perfect-looking couples often end up divorced[00:21:10] ⚖️ Why you shouldn't keep score in your relationship[00:24:30] 👏 The transformative power of complimenting your partner[00:28:15] 💪 Focusing on strengths instead of weaknesses[00:32:40] 🗣️ Why "where there is a void in communication, negativity will fill it"[00:35:50] 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 The importance of regular family team meetings[00:39:20] 🚶‍♀️ Why walking together transforms difficult conversations[00:43:15] 🎢 Kathryn's one lesson for listeners: "Relationships are like riding a rollercoaster"🔑 Key TakeawaysThe G.R.I.T. FrameworkG - God: Putting faith at the center of your relationshipR - Resolve: Commitment to work through challenges instead of walking awayI - Invest: Continuously investing time and energy in your relationshipT - Together: Making decisions and facing obstacles as a united teamBest Practices for a Thriving RelationshipDon't keep score - relationships have seasons where give and take naturally fluctuateCompliment each other regularly - even (especially) when you don't feel like itFocus on strengths, not weaknesses - appreciate what your partner excels atCommunicate expectations clearly - don't expect mind-readingHave regular family/couple team meetingsWalk and talk - side-by-side communication reduces confrontation📚 About "Relationship GRIT""Relationship GRIT: A True Story with Lessons to Stay Together, Grow Together, and Thrive Together" tells Kathryn and Jon Gordon's journey through struggles with money, parenting disagreements, and communication breakdowns to a thriving 28-year marriage. The book provides practical tools for couples to strengthen their relationship.🔗 Connect with Kathryn GordonInstagram: @KathrynGordonWebsite: KathrynForReal.comPodcast: Kathryn For RealPublishing: GordonPublishing.com📌 Mentioned in this EpisodeBuilt Not Born Podcast (128) - Jon Gordon - The Power of Positivity Jon Gordon - Catherine's husband and 17-time bestselling author"Relationship GRIT" - Katherine and John's co-authored bookGordon Publishing - Kathryn Publishing Company🏷️ Episode Tags#RelationshipAdvice #MarriageTips #RelationshipGRIT #KathrynGordon #JonGordon #CommunicationSkills #HealthyRelationships #MarriageGoals #CoupleGoals #RelationshipPodcast #RelationshipHelp #BuildNotBorn #JoeCiccarone #Podcast #Relationships #marriage #EnergyBus #CommunicationCopyright © 2025 Joe Ciccarone - Built Not Born Podcast. All rights reserved.

"The struggle is the cost of admission. It is the price of doing business." - Stephen MarcheStephen Marche: On Writing, Failure, and the Enduring Struggle of the Creative Life 📚In this week's conversation, Joe Ciccarone sits down with Stephen Marche, acclaimed Canadian writer and cultural commentator whose work appears in The New Yorker, The Atlantic, and The New York Times. Stephen shares insights from his book "On Writing and Failure," discussing the inevitable struggles of the creative process, the realities of rejection, and why perseverance might be the only thing that truly matters.Episode Highlights:02:15 - Introduction to Stephen Marche and his diverse writing career 🖋️04:30 - The power of short-form books and the Voltaire quote about pocket pamphlets 📖07:10 - "The first job of a writer is to write. The second is to persevere." 💪09:45 - Herman Melville's tragic story: how Moby Dick sold fewer than 400 copies 📚12:30 - James Joyce couldn't even get hired to teach English as a second language 😮15:20 - "Trying to find fulfillment in writing is like trying to learn how to fly by jumping off a cliff" 🧠17:40 - Anne Frank's diary was rejected 15 times by publishers 📝19:25 - The gap between intention, action, and consequence in creative work ⏳22:10 - Why success is temporary and often disconnected from quality of work 🏆24:30 - Margaret Atwood's story about still feeling insecure despite enormous success 🌟26:15 - Depression as an occupational hazard in writing careers 😔28:45 - "The quality of your writing has very little effect on the success of your career, but it's the only thing that matters" 💯31:20 - Stephen's experience writing for Esquire and the intensive editorial process 🔍35:10 - Why there's no such thing as required reading 📚37:40 - Cormac McCarthy didn't sell more than 5,000 copies until he was 60 📖41:35 - Stephen's writing routine: sleep as a creative superpower 💤46:20 - The myth of alcohol fueling creativity 🍺48:50 - Stephen's one lesson for aspiring writers 🎯50:15 - Current projects and spending a day with Shakespeare 🎭About Stephen Marche:Stephen Marche is a Canadian writer, cultural commentator, and novelist. His work regularly appears in The New Yorker, The Atlantic, and The New York Times. With a PhD in Shakespeare studies, Marche brings both scholarly depth and journalistic clarity to his writing. His book "On Writing and Failure" offers a realistic look at the creative process, highlighting the struggles of famous writers throughout history while providing insight on perseverance in the face of rejection.Key Takeaways:Success and quality are often disconnected in the writing world - Moby Dick, now considered a masterpiece, sold fewer than 400 copies in Melville's lifetimeDepression should be treated as an occupational hazard for writersThe struggle doesn't end with success - even legendary writers like Margaret Atwood still experience insecuritySleep and proper self-care are crucial for creative productivityThe myth of alcohol fueling creativity is contradicted by the actual work of famous "drunk" writersUnderstanding that struggle is the permanent condition of writing, not a phase that precedes successThe only thing that is permanent is change. Connect with Stephen Marche:Twitter: @StephenMarcheWebsite: StephenMarche.comRecommended Reading:"On Writing and Failure: Notes to Writers" by Stephen Marche"Reality Hunger: A Manifesto" by David Shields"Blood Meridian" by Cormac McCarthyHashtags:#OnWritingAndFailure #CreativeProcess #WritingLife #StephenMarche #AuthorInterview#WritingTips #LiterarySuccess #CreativePersistence #WriterStruggle #CreativeResilience#PublishingReality #WritersJourney #CreativeCareer #AuthorAdvice #WritingCommunity #JoeCiccarone #BuiltNotBorn #Podcast #Philly #Toronto #MargaretAtwood #Failure

"Your comfort zone is no joke - but life gets better when you step outside of it." - Tim ConniffTim Conniff: Breaking Out of Your Comfort Zone - From Corporate Sales to Stand-Up Comedian 🎭In this entertaining and inspiring episode, Joe Ciccarone sits down with Tim Conniff, who transitioned from being a healthcare sales director to a full-time stand-up comedian and keynote speaker. Tim shares his remarkable journey from bombing a college speech to becoming a successful comedian, proving it's never too late to try something new.Episode Highlights:01:45 - Introduction to Tim Conniff and his multiple roles in life 🙋‍♂️03:20 - Tim's first experience with public speaking in college and how badly it went 😅05:10 - The 30-year gap between Tim's first comedy experience and his return to the stage 📅08:15 - How Tim's son quitting basketball opened up time for him to pursue comedy 🏀10:30 - The moment Tim had his "I can do that" realization at a local comedy club 💡12:45 - Tim's rapid rise in comedy: from open mic to hosting shows in just six months 🚀15:20 - The challenge and rewards of being a "clean" comedian in today's landscape 🧼18:40 - Tim's creative process for writing and refining jokes 📝21:15 - The structure of jokes and how comedians work to get laughs every 6-15 seconds ⏱️23:30 - How Tim balances his corporate career with his comedy pursuits 💼25:45 - Tim's keynote "Your Comfort Zone Is No Joke" and its message 🎤27:10 - The powerful question: "When was the last time you did something for the first time?" 🤔29:45 - Tim's experience performing for patients with traumatic brain injuries 💪32:20 - Simple ways to get out of your comfort zone that anyone can try 🌱35:10 - Tim's personal practices for clearing his mind (running and hot yoga) 🧘‍♂️38:40 - The ONE lesson Tim hopes listeners take away 🔑40:15 - Fun closing questions: dream day with Zig Ziglar or Jim Rohn 🌟About Tim Conniff:Tim Conniff is a former sales director for a large healthcare company who now focuses full-time on his work as a stand-up comedian and keynote speaker. After rediscovering his passion for comedy in 2022, Tim quickly rose from open mic performer to hosting shows and delivering paid gigs across the Philadelphia area. His keynote "Your Comfort Zone Is No Joke" combines clean comedy with inspirational messages about challenging yourself and trying new things.Key Takeaways:It's never too late to try something new - Tim started his comedy career in earnest at middle ageHaving an "I can do that" moment instead of saying "I could never do that" can change your lifeThe iterative process is crucial - in comedy, sports, or any skill, you improve through consistent practiceClean comedy creates more opportunities and challenges you to be a better writerGetting out of your comfort zone leads to growth, new opportunities, and a more fulfilling lifeWhen you help enough people get what they want, you'll get what you want (Zig Ziglar)Connect with Tim Conniff:Website: TimConniff.comInstagram: @TimConniffLinkedIn: Tim ConniffHashtags:#StandUpComedy #ComfortZone #PersonalGrowth #SalesLeadership #PublicSpeaking#CleanComedy #KeynoteSpeaker #GrowthMindset #ToastMasters #CorporateHumor #TryNewThings #LifeLessons #ProfessionalDevelopment #WorkLifeBalance #MindsetMatters #JoeCiccarone #BuiltNotBorn #Comedy #StandUpComedy

"Success takes care of itself when you take care of yourself. Your best moments always come from a clear heart and an unburdened mind." - Jim MurphyJim Murphy: #1 NY Times Best Selling Author - How Inner Excellence Creates Champions 🏆In this powerful episode, Joe Ciccarone sits down with Jim Murphy, author of the viral sensation "Inner Excellence" that was famously read by Eagles wide receiver AJ Brown on the sidelines during a game. Jim shares his remarkable journey from minor league baseball player to mental skills coach for elite athletes, and how his book rocketed from Amazon ranking #532,000 to #1 overnight.Episode Highlights:00:05 - Introduction to Jim Murphy and his background in mental skills coaching 🧠03:12 - The viral moment when AJ Brown was spotted reading "Inner Excellence" on the NFL sidelines 📱06:45 - Jim's personal journey: from financial struggles to overnight success 💰09:30 - Understanding "Inner Excellence" philosophy and the concept that "every beginning has an end and every ending has a new beginning" 🔄12:15 - Jim discusses how losing his baseball vision led to a greater vision for his life 👁️15:40 - The core philosophy: "What's essential is invisible to the eye" and focusing on what truly matters ❤️18:22 - How to be "unoffendable and unirritatable" in a world full of criticism 🛡️21:10 - The importance of understanding that "your opponent is not your enemy, but your partner in the dance" 🤝23:45 - Freedom to choose your thoughts - breaking negative thought patterns 💭26:30 - The PALMS acronym for ego: Possessions, Achievements, Looks, Money, and Status 🌴28:15 - "We do not climb mountains to get to the top. We climb them to see who we can become" 🏔️31:40 - Jim's personal practices for clearing his mind and recharging (including cold plunging!) ❄️34:10 - The one lesson Jim hopes listeners take away: slow down and ask God how you can grow 🙏36:25 - Fun closing questions: dream day with the Obamas and tattoo quote "Selfless is Fearless" ✨About Jim Murphy:Jim Murphy is a #1 NY Times Best Selling author and mental skills coach who works with professional athletes and high-performers. His book "Inner Excellence" focuses on training the mind for extraordinary performance and the best possible life. After Eagles wide receiver AJ Brown was seen reading the book on the sidelines during a January 2025 game, the book skyrocketed from selling 2-3 copies a day to over 100,000 copies in a week, achieving the coveted #1 spot on the New York Times bestseller list.Connect with Jim Murphy:Instagram: @InnerExcellenceJimMurphyTwitter: @InnerExcellenceWebsite: innerexcellence.comBook: Inner Excelence Key Quotes:"What's essential is invisible to the eye.""Be unoffendable and unirritatable.""Your opponent is not your enemy, but your partner in the dance.""The greatest freedom we have is the freedom to choose our own thoughts.""We do not climb mountains to get to the top. We climb them to see who we can become.""Selfless is fearless."Hashtags:#InnerExcellence #JimMurphy #MentalSkills #MindsetTraining #SportsPerformance #HighPerformance #AJBrown #PhiladelphiaEagles #NYTimesBestseller #MentalCoaching #PersonalDevelopment #SuccessMindset #Resilience #PerformanceCoach #JoeCiccarone #BuiltNotBorn #Podcast #FlyEaglesFly #GoBirds #MindsetMatters #AJBrown #Eagles #SuperBowlLIX #SBLIX #FYP #Philly #Ojomo #Reading #Books #NYTimes© 2025 Joe Ciccarone - Built Not Born Podcast (All Rights Reserved)

🧠 Hello Trauma: Dr. Hillary Cauthen on How Trauma Affects Athletic Performance & Mental Health"Coming forward and standing up for yourself is the most astonishing act of bravery. Refusing to go quietly, asserting one's right to safety takes courage that people who haven't experienced any trauma can barely imagine. What heroes do is so simple, yet so rare. They say, 'Stop, this is not right. This is not okay. And I won't stand by and do nothing.'" - Dr. Hillary Cauthen🎙️ Episode HighlightsIn this powerful episode, we sit down with Dr. Hillary Cauthen, clinical sports psychologist and author of "Hello Trauma, Our Invisible Teammate." Dr. Cauthen shares her expertise on understanding trauma's impact on performance, developing resilience, and creating a culture that champions growth and healing.⏱️ Time Stamps00:45 - Introduction to Dr. Hillary Cauthen - clinical sports psychologist, author, podcaster, and mom of four02:15 - Dr. Hillary's journey from athlete to sports psychology - moving to Maine and recognizing the need for specialized mental performance coaching05:20 - Defining trauma as a physiological response that our brain makes meaning of06:30 - The prevalence of trauma - 70% of adults have experienced trauma (reported cases only)08:45 - Different trauma responses and how they impact recovery10:35 - The three ways people deal with trauma: minimizer, enabler, and moral authority14:20 - Seven steps to dealing with trauma15:10 - Step 1: Acknowledge that something happened16:15 - Step 2: Seek feedback and consult experts17:20 - Step 3: Conduct conversations with care with everyone involved18:30 - Step 4: Ask people what they need instead of assuming20:15 - Step 5: Create a plan of action together21:00 - Step 6: Discuss action steps and keep each other updated22:10 - The power of hope in the healing process22:45 - Emotional hygiene and the importance of mental wellness check-ins24:30 - Balancing empathetic engagement with accountable action26:45 - The difference between culture and climate in organizations28:20 - The importance of finding people doing high-level work and learning from them31:10 - The power of journaling for mental health and clarity36:40 - Questions to ask yourself: "What is my role right now?" and "What's the one thing I need to do?"39:30 - Share Your Secrets: How Dr. Hillary recharges (music, naps, bubble baths)42:00 - The power of napping for performance enhancement43:50 - Book recommendation: "The Tao of Pooh"44:30 - One lesson to take away: "Be a good human and have empathy"45:10 - If Dr. Hillary could spend a day with anyone: her grandfather46:30 - Dr. Hillary's tattoo: "My heart is your heart, your heart is my heart"👩‍⚕️ About Dr. Hillary CauthenDr. Hillary Cauthen is a clinical sports psychologist based in Austin, Texas. She works on the continuum of care for high performers from Olympic athletes and NFL Players, from those struggling with mental health symptoms to those seeking performance optimization. As a former Division 1 college track athlete and TEDx speaker she brings personal experience to her approach to mental health and performance.Dr. Cauthen leads a practice with seven other practitioners, working with teams, individual athletes, and the community to help them thrive. Beyond her clinical work, she's an author, podcaster, mom of four, and self-described "avid coffee drinker and nap taker."💡 Key Insights from the Episode🔍 Understanding TraumaDr. Cauthen defines trauma not as "big T" or "little t" events, but as a physiological response that occurs when our brain makes meaning of an experience. This framework removes judgment and allows us to recognize that trauma can stem from various experiences, from injuries to job loss.🔄 The Three Responses to TraumaThe Minimizer: Pretends it didn't happen or isn't that badThe Enabler: Takes blame or responsibility for the traumatic eventThe Moral Authority: Recognizes something happened and advocates for healing🧩 Seven Steps for Dealing with TraumaAcknowledge that something happenedSeek feedback and consult expertsConduct conversations with care with everyone involvedAsk people what they needCreate a plan of action togetherDiscuss action steps and implement them, keeping each other updatedHope is part of the healing process🌟 Practical WisdomJournaling: 5 minutes a day can change neurological patternsMental check-ins: Advocating for regular emotional hygienePresent focus: Ask "What's my role right now?" and "What's the one thing I need to do?"Empathetic engagement: Balance care with accountability🔗 Connect with Dr. Hillary CauthenInstagram: @DrC_MindsetWebsite: txopps.comBook: Hello TraumaTEDx Talk: Toxicity of Sport Culture on Athletes’ Mental Health "Life is Built, Not Born."© 2025 Joe Ciccarone - Built Not Born Podcast. All rights reserved. "Hello Trauma, Our Invisible Teammate" by Dr. Hillary Cauthen is available on Amazon and everywhere books are sold.

🧠 Stoic Philosophy for Modern Life with Phil Van Treuren"Stoicism is focusing on things that are in your control, overcoming negative emotions, living in the present moment, helping others for the common good, and finding opportunity in every obstacle." - Phil Van TreurenIn this episode of the Built Not Born Podcast, Joe welcomes author and entrepreneur Phil Van Treuren to explore how ancient Stoic philosophy can transform our modern lives. Phil is the author of "The Little Book of Stoic Quotes," and shares profound insights on living in the present moment, embracing obstacles, and finding peace in our chaotic world.🎧 Episode Highlights:📝 About Phil Van Truitt [02:25]Author, entrepreneur, and "perpetual work in progress"Built a successful DTC e-commerce business from his basementPublished four books on Stoic philosophy lessonsFounder of Stoic Simple, where he sells his books and publishes blog posts🏛️ What is Stoic Philosophy? [06:10]Phil's one-sentence definition after a year of researchWhy Stoicism has experienced a renaissance in modern cultureRecommendations for beginners: Ryan Holiday and Donald Robertson⏰ Living in the Present Moment [11:45]Why humans struggle to stay present compared to animalsHow focusing on the past leads to depression and looking too far ahead causes anxietySeneca's wisdom: "The primary cause of both hope and fear is that instead of adapting ourselves to present circumstances, we send our thoughts to the future"💪 Amor Fati: Loving Your Fate [19:30]How to embrace and love whatever fate you're givenFinding opportunities in obstacles and challenging circumstancesUsing difficulties to become a better person✍️ Phil's Creative Process [24:15]Writing entire books on his cell phone while juggling family lifeHow limitations forced him to become a better writerEmbracing and loving the constraints of your circumstances😤 Managing Emotions [36:45]The misconception that Stoicism means suppressing emotionsLearning to step back and examine emotions before acting on themCreating space between stimulus and response💀 Memento Mori: Remember You Will Die [45:20]How remembering mortality can spur positive actionPlanning meaningful experiences with loved onesRemoving the ego from thinking time is guaranteed🏆 The Three Great Stoics [53:15]Comparing Seneca, Epictetus, and Marcus AureliusThe unique writing styles and contributions of each philosopherPhil's appreciation for different aspects of each Stoic master🎮 Fun Game: Meditations or Gladiator? [1:04:15]A quiz testing knowledge of real Marcus Aurelius quotes versus movie linesThe surprising connection between the movie and actual Stoic philosophy🌟 Final Wisdom [59:20]Finding comfort in knowing the world will continue without youHow this perspective brings peace and reduces egoOur responsibility to make the world better for future generations📚 Books Mentioned:"The Little Book of Stoic Quotes" by Phil Van Treuren"The Daily Stoic" by Ryan Holiday"The Obstacle is the Way" by Ryan Holiday"Meditations" by Marcus Aurelius (Gregory Hayes translation recommended)"Letters from a Stoic" by Seneca"A Dog Who Follows Gladly" by Phil Van Treuren"Man's Search for Meaning" by Viktor FranklWhether you're new to Stoicism or a longtime practitioner, this episode offers practical wisdom to help navigate life's challenges with grace, courage, and tranquility."Life is Built, Not Born."Joe Ciccarone#Episode160#Stoicism #philosophy #PhilVanTreuren #DonaldRobertson #JoeCiccarone #podcast #StoicSimple #DSL #Philly #books #author #emotions #seneca #meditations #marcusaurelius © 2025 Joe Ciccarone - Built Not Born Podcast. All rights reserved.

Built Not Born Podcast with Derek Sivers 🎙️Episode: Useful, Not True - Choosing Better Beliefs"We choose what we believe not because it's absolutely true, but because it's useful to believe it." - Derek SiversIn this episode, Joe welcomes back best selling author Derek Sivers for a deep dive into his new book "Useful, Not True" and explores how our beliefs shape our reality. Derek shares insights on choosing beliefs that serve us better and making peace with what we can't control.Episode Highlights ⭐🕒 00:00 - 03:45 - Introduction and catching upJiu-jitsu training space as a podcast background Previous podcast appearance discussionDerek's book writing process🕒 03:46 - 12:30 - Exploring "Useful, Not True"Core concept of choosing beneficial beliefsDerek's research journey through philosophy and religionWriting approach and keeping books concise🕒 12:31 - 20:15 - Emotions and Decision MakingHow emotions decide before logic kicks inThe importance of mental stateStrategies for controlling emotional responses🕒 20:16 - 28:45 - Questions for Self-ReflectionIdentifying outdated beliefsDealing with distractionsFinding your top priority🕒 28:46 - 35:30 - Making Peace with UncertaintyBeing okay regardless of outcomesDerek's experience moving from Oxford to New ZealandAdapting to unexpected changes🕒 35:31 - 45:00 - Rapid Fire QuestionsBest investments in lifeDealing with overwhelmFuture plans and prioritiesKey Takeaways 🎯Choose beliefs based on their usefulness rather than absolute truthControl your response to situations by managing your mental stateRegularly question whether your old beliefs still serve youJournal daily to gain clarity when feeling overwhelmedThere's always another way to look at any situationResources Mentioned 📚📖 "Useful, Not True" by Derek Sivers📖 "Hell Yeah or No" by Derek Sivers🎙️ Derek's Previous episode: Built Not Born (#66) - Hell Yeah or NoConnect with Derek 🌐Website: sive.rsBook: Useful, Not TrueContact: Say Hello to Derek© 2025 Built Not Born Podcast. All rights reserved.#BuiltNotBorn #DerekSivers #UsefulNotTrue #Entrepreneurship #PersonalDevelopment #JoeCiccarone #MindsetShift #Podcast #Philly #NewZealand #Beliefs #true #author #books

Lt. Colonel Jodi Pritchard (USAF): Combat Flight Nurse | Never Stop Believing In Yourself | Built Not Born Podcast💫 "I wanted to be part of something bigger than myself. And that's what my father helped me with - he led me in the right direction. The biggest team there is, is the United States military." - Lt. Colonel Jodi PritchardFeatured in James Patterson's #1 New York Times bestseller "Walk In My Combat Boots: True Stories from America's Bravest Warriors," Lt. Colonel Jodi Pritchard (USAF) shares her remarkable journey from a West Virginia farm to becoming a distinguished Air Force flight nurse and CCAT (Critical Care Air Transport) team leader.Episode Highlights:⏱️ Time Stamps:[00:00] - Introduction and family military legacy[03:45] - First deployment to Operation Enduring Freedom[07:30] - Powerful story of transporting wounded and fallen soldiers[12:15] - Experience of taking fire while landing in Baghdad[16:20] - The mindset required at age 22 in combat situations[21:30] - Story of soldiers' resilience and brotherhood[26:45] - Mental health challenges and breaking the stigma[32:15] - The importance of decompression after deployment[37:30] - The meaning behind her memorial tattoo[42:15] - Advice for aspiring military medical personnel[45:30] - The importance of remaining humble[48:45] - Behind the scenes with James Patterson and the bookKey Topics Discussed:🎖️ Four generations of military service in her family🚁 20+ years as a medevac flight nurse🏥 Critical missions transporting wounded warriors💪 Mental resilience and PTSD awareness🌟 Leadership lessons from combat experienceNotable Quotes:"You're the best part of their worst day." - On being a medivac flight nurse"Never stop believing in yourself." - Lt. Col. Jodi Pritchard Book Feature:Lt. Colonel Pritchard's story is featured in James Patterson's & Matt Eversmann's "Walk In My Combat Boots" (2021), which shares 45 powerful stories from America's service members. Her profile particularly focuses on her critical missions during Operation Enduring Freedom and her role in medical evacuations.Connect & Follow: Lt. Col. Jodi Pritchard:🎙️ Built Not Born Podcast📚 "Walk In My Combat Boots" by James Patterson and Matt Eversmann🎬 IG: Lt. Col. Jodi Pritchard 🎬 Facebook: Lt. Col. Jodi Pritchard #MilitaryMedicine #USAF #Veterans #Leadership #Resilience #MilitaryPodcast #BuiltNotBorn #JoeCiccarone #podcast #iraq #Afghanistan #combat #combatmedicine #JodiPritchard #JamesPatterson #WalkInMyCombatBoots #USA #military #philly #WVU #MattEversmann #army

🎙️ Built Not Born Podcast: Max Boot on Ronald Reagan - His Life and Legend 🎙️"The crew of the space shuttle Challenger honored us by the manner in which they lived their lives. We will never forget them, nor the last time we saw them this morning as they prepared for their journey and waved goodbye and slipped the surly bonds of earth to touch the face of God." - Ronald Reagan, January 28, 1986In this episode, we sit down with Max Boot, the acclaimed Washington Post columnist, Pulitzer Prize finalist, and Senior Fellow on the Council on Foreign Relations, to discuss his groundbreaking biography "Ronald Reagan: His Life and Legend."⏱️ Episode Highlights:[00:00] Introduction to Max Boot and his extensive work[05:30] Reagan's early life and the pivotal Montgomery Ward job rejection[12:45] The GE years: Reagan's political transformation[18:20] Nancy Reagan's crucial role in Reagan's success[25:15] The assassination attempt and its impact on the presidency[32:40] The Iran-Contra affair and Reagan's management style[38:50] Strategic Defense Initiative (Star Wars) and Soviet relations[45:30] James Baker: The Velvet Hammer[52:15] Reagan's lasting impact on American politics[58:40] The Challenger speech and Reagan's legacy🔑 Key Insights:Reagan's transformation from FDR Democrat to conservative iconThe surprising truth about Reagan's relationship with his childrenHow Nancy Reagan shaped the presidencyThe myth and reality of Reagan's role in ending the Cold WarJames Baker's crucial role as Chief of StaffBehind the scenes of John Hinkley's attempted assassination of President Reagan. 📚 Book Recommendation:Max recommends Robert Caro's multi-volume biography of Lyndon B. Johnson as a masterpiece of political biography.🌐 Connect with Max Boot:Twitter: @MaxBootWashington Post: Max Boot's ColumnFacebook: Max Boot Council on Foreign Relations: Max Boot (Senior Fellow) 🎧 Listen to Built Not Born Podcast:Apple PodcastsSpotifyYouTube#BuiltNotBorn #MaxBoot #RonaldReagan #PoliticalHistory #Biography #Leadership #Presidency #AmericanHistory #Podcast #builtnotborn #joeciccarone #1980s #JamesBaker #NancyReagan #WashingtonPost #CouncilOnForeignRelations #WashingtonDC #NYC #FYP #communism #berlinwall #ColdWar

🎙️ From Tragedy to Triumph: How Michael O'Brien Turned His "Last Bad Day" Into a Mindfulness Revolution In this powerful episode, we sit down with Michael O'Brien, who shares his incredible journey from a devastating cycling accident to becoming an executive coach and mindfulness advocate. After being hit head-on by an SUV traveling 40 mph in 2001, Michael transformed his near-death experience into a philosophy that's helping executives and corporations embrace mindfulness.⏱️ Time Stamps:00:00 - Introduction and early career05:30 - The life-changing accident on July 11th, 200115:45 - The path to forgiveness and mindset shift25:30 - Development of Pause, Breathe, Reflect (PBR) methodology35:15 - Bringing mindfulness to corporate culture45:20 - Cycling across America with a total knee replacement50:30 - Quick-fire questions and book recommendations💫 Power Quote:"Everything is neutral until you label it. One day, you might see that this happened for you and not to you."Key Highlights:🚴‍♂️ Surviving a near-fatal cycling accident that required 34 units of blood🧘‍♂️ Creating the Pause, Breathe, Reflect (PBR) mindfulness practice💪 Completing a cross-country bike ride on a total knee replacement🏢 Bringing mindfulness practices to corporate environments📱 Developing an accessible meditation app for busy professionalsResources Mentioned:📚 "Man's Search for Meaning" by Viktor Frankl📱 Pause, Breathe, Reflect App (Available on App Store and Google Play)Connect with Michael:🌐 pausebreathereflect.com💼 LinkedIn: Michael O'Brien📱 Download the Pause, Breathe, Reflect app#Mindfulness #ExecutiveCoaching #Resilience #PersonalDevelopment #MentalHealth #CorporateWellness #Meditation #LeadershipDevelopment #Wellness #MindfulnessAtWork #PersonalGrowth #PodcastEpisode #Inspiration #MindsetShift #MichaelObrian #JoeCiccarone #builtnotborn #podcast #philly #mindset #fyp #biking #enduranceathelete This episode serves as a powerful reminder that our greatest challenges can become our greatest teachers, and how mindfulness can transform both our personal and professional lives. Michael's story demonstrates that with the right mindset and tools, we can turn our "last bad day" into a catalyst for positive change."Life is Built, Not Born."Joe Ciccarone#Episode156

Built Not Born Podcast - Episode 155: New Year's Special 🎉Show DescriptionJoin host Joe Ciccarone for a special New Year's Eve episode as he reflects on the podcast's journey and shares exciting updates for 2025! 🎊Episode Timestamps🎤 00:00 - Introduction and New Year's Greeting🙏 01:15 - Thank You to Loyal Listeners📅 02:30 - Podcast Journey Since April 2021⭐ 03:45 - Highlight Reel of 2024 GuestsGuy KawasakiSeth Godin (3rd appearance)Jay PapasanJames Devlin (3x Super Bowl Champion)US Special Forces OperatorsDonald RobertsonLord Andrew Roberts📺 05:30 - Platform UpdatesFull episodes now available on YouTubeShort-form content on TikTok (@joe_ciccarone)New Opus Clip integration for highlight reels📧 07:15 - Newsletter AnnouncementBuilt Not Born "Episode X-Ray" on Substack2-minute episode summariesLinks to guest resourcesFree subscription📢 09:00 - Schedule UpdateMoving to bi-weekly episodes10 pre-recorded interviews ready🎙️ 10:30 - Upcoming Guest PreviewDerek Sivers (NYT Bestselling Author)Max Boot (Washington Post, Reagan Biography)Stephen Marche (Writing and Failure)Jodie Pritchard (Combat Medic)Tim Conniff (Comedian)Javier Vasquez (UFC Fighter/Jiu-Jitsu Instructor)Key LinksNewsletter: Built Not Born on SubstackYouTube: Built Not Born ChannelTikTok: @joe_ciccaroneFull Episodes: Available on Spotify, Apple PodcastsKeywords#BuiltNotBorn #Podcast #JoeCiccarone #Entrepreneurship #Leadership #PersonalDevelopment #2025Goals #PodcastCommunity #SuccessStories #Motivation #BJJ #podcasts #mindset #philly #fyp Connect with JoeBlog: Built Not Born SubstackIG: @jciccaroneX: @jciccaroneTT @joe_ciccarone "Life is Built, Not Born." 💪Joe Ciccarone#Episode155

🎙️ From College Football Runner to CBS Sports Betting Analyst: How Mackenzie Brooks is Changing the Game."I speak for the nerds. I'm like the Lorax of the coders - bridging the gap between casual fans and complex analytics." - Mackenzie BrooksIn this episode, we sit down with Mackenzie Brooks, a 23-year-old sports betting analyst for CBS Sports who's revolutionizing how we understand sports analytics and making football accessible to everyone, especially Taylor Swift fans (aka - Swifties)!⏰ Time Stamps:00:00 - Introduction and McKenzie's background05:30 - Journey from University of Georgia to CBS Sports10:15 - The birth of Quick Locks and early social media presence15:45 - Breaking into sports betting analysis20:30 - Being a woman in a male-dominated industry25:15 - The Taylor Swift effect and educating new football fans30:45 - The future of sports betting and broadcasting35:20 - Work-life balance and recharging strategies40:10 - Advice for aspiring sports analysts45:30 - Networking and career development tips🔑 Key Interview Highlights:From running coffee for ESPN College GameDay to becoming a leading sports betting analystHow coding and analytics created a unique career pathBreaking down complex sports concepts for new audiencesThe impact of Taylor Swift on women's interest in footballThe future of sports betting in mainstream broadcasting💡 Career Tips from Mackenzie Brooks:Find your niche and be a "one of one"Put in the reps, even with a small audienceBuild relationships with producers, not just on-camera talentUse social media to develop your personal brandDon't be afraid to start small and grow🎯 Game-Changing Moments:Her innovative approach to teaching football to new fans (25:15)How she bridges the gap between data analytics and casual viewers (20:30)The future of sports betting integration in live broadcasts (30:45)Connect with CBS Sports Mackenzie Brooks:IG: kenzbrooksbetsX: kenzbrooksbets "Life is Built, Not Born."Joe Ciccarone#Episode154© 2024 Joe Ciccarone / Built Not Born Podcast . All rights reserved.

🥋 Built Not Born Podcast #153- Episode Notes: Mastering BJJ Through Project-Based Learning with Josh Vogel🎯 Episode Highlights:Josh Vogel, BJJ black belt and co-owner of The Jiu-Jitsu Company in Philadelphia, shares deep insights on developing an effective BJJ game plan and training methodology.📝 Key Topics Covered:Project-based learning approach to BJJCreating an organized game planChoosing the right training partnersBalancing positional sparring vs. free rollingUsing instructionals effectivelyThe "Bank Robber" analogy for skill development💡 Major Takeaways:Focus on mastering your own style of jiu-jitsu rather than trying to learn everythingStart with one reliable technique from each major positionMaintain a 70/30 split between maintenance training and new project workChoose training partners based on your injury prevention needs and learning goalsUse instructionals strategically by testing small portions during live training🏆 Training Tips:Begin with the end in mind and work backwardsBalance between natural reactions and trained responsesUse positional sparring to develop specific skillsStudy competition footage to understand real-world applicationFocus on solving one problem at a time🎓 About Josh Vogel:20+ years of BJJ experienceCo-owner of The Jiu-Jitsu Company in Old City, PhiladelphiaCreator of "90 Day Project Based Jiu-Jitsu" instructional on BJJ FanaticsKnown for systematic, organized approach to teaching BJJ📱 Connect with Josh Vogel:Website: JiuJitsuPhilly.comInstagram: @TheJiuJitsuCompanyBJJ Fanatics: Josh Vogel's Instructional Built Not Born Podcast #44: Josh Vogel #BJJ #MartialArts #JiuJitsu #Training #Podcast #BuiltNotBorn #ProjectBasedLearning #BJJTraining #Grappling #MartialArtsTraining #JoshVogel #JoeCiccarone #BuiltNotBorn #podcast #philly #philadelphia #PhillyBJJ

🎙️ Title: How to Think Like Socrates with Donald Robertson📝 Description:Philosopher and psychotherapist Donald Robertson joins us to discuss his new book "How to Think Like Socrates: Ancient Philosophy as a Way of Life in the Modern World." Donald and I discuss how Socrates' methods of questioning and critical thinking remain powerfully relevant in the modern world. Robertson reveals why wisdom is more about developing skills than accumulating knowledge, and explains how anyone can apply Socratic techniques to navigate modern challenges.📋 Show Notes:🏛️ Introduction to Socrates: The most influential early philosopher who shaped Western thought❓ The Socratic method explained and how to apply it in modern life🧠 Why Socrates was called "the most interesting man in history"👑 The relationship between Socrates and Marcus Aurelius⚖️ The trial and death of Socrates: Why Athens executed its greatest philosopher🎯 Practical techniques for developing wisdom as a skill💡 How Socratic questioning can improve critical thinking📚 Preview of Robertson's upcoming book on anger management through Stoic philosophy👨‍🏫 About Donald Robertson:Donald Robertson is a philosopher, cognitive-behavioral psychotherapist, and author of multiple bestselling books including "How to Think Like a Roman Emperor" and "Marcus Aurelius: A Life." He is one of the world's leading experts on ancient philosophy and its application to modern life.🔗 Links:🌐 donaldrobertson.name📖 How to Think Like Socrates 📖 How to Think Like a Roman Emperor📜 Marcus Aurelius - The Stoic Emperor 🏷️ Tags:#Philosophy #Socrates #Wisdom #CriticalThinking #StoicPhilosophy #PersonalDevelopment #AncientWisdom #joeciccarone #donaldrobertson #stoicism #philosophy #mindset #questions

From Undrafted to 3x Super Bowl Champion: James Develin - Never Give Up Episode DescriptionFormer New England Patriots fullback James Develin shares his remarkable journey from being an undrafted defensive lineman out of Brown University to winning three Super Bowls alongside Tom Brady under Bill Belichick. In this deeply personal conversation, James reveals what it takes to succeed at the highest level of professional football and the valuable life lessons he learned from two NFL legends.Episode HighlightsEarly Years & College JourneyGrowing up in southeastern PennsylvaniaPlaying football at Boyertown High SchoolDecision to attend Brown UniversityBalancing mechanical engineering studies with footballTransition from defensive line to fullbackProfessional Football JourneyGoing undrafted in the NFLPlaying arena football for Oklahoma City Yard DogsTime with the UFL's Florida TuskersPractice squad experience with Cincinnati BengalsBreaking through with the New England PatriotsPatriots Dynasty YearsLearning from Tom Brady and Bill BelichickSuper Bowl XLIX victory (Patriots vs. Seahawks)Historic Super Bowl LI comeback (28-3 vs. Falcons)Super Bowl LII against hometown Philadelphia EaglesPlaying alongside NFL legends (T.O., Chad Ochocinco)Key Lessons from NFL LegendsTom Brady's Influence:Consistency in preparationPutting team before selfImportance of treating everyone with respectProfessional longevity through self-careBill Belichick's Leadership:Attention to detailUnderstanding historyStrategic preparationIdentifying key prioritiesLife After FootballTransitioning from NFL to entrepreneurshipFounding Solberry (smoothie and açai bowl business)Locations in Brigantine and Ocean City, NJBalancing business with family lifeNotable Quotes"Nothing beats hard work. I found my niche in the NFL doing the jobs that nobody else wanted to do." - Jimmy DevelinBill Belichick on Develin's retirement:"James Develin may be unsung in terms of publicity and fame, but to his coaches and teammates, he is one of the most appreciated and respected players we ever had."Key TakeawaysConsistency and hard work trump natural talentBeing comfortable with discomfort leads to growthFamily should always come firstNever quit on your dreamsDetails matter in both sports and businessAbout Jimmy Develin3x Super Bowl Champion8 seasons with New England Patriots (2012-2019)Brown University graduate (Mechanical Engineering)Current entrepreneur and owner of SolberryConnect with Jimmy Develin:IG: @JDevelin Visit Solberry in Brigantine and Ocean City, NJKeywords and Tags#NFLJourney #Patriots #SuperBowl #TomBrady #BillBelichick #NeverGiveUp #FootballLife #NFL #EntrepreneurLife #PatriotsDynasty #SuperBowlChampion #NFLSuccess #FootballStory #BusinessSuccess #BuiltNotBorn #JoeCiccarone #jamesdevelin #jimmydevelin #podcast #philly #Eagles Listen to full episode for more insights on leadership, perseverance, and success both on and off the field.

Built Not Born Podcast: Seth Godin Unveils "This is Strategy" (Episode 150)CLICK THIS LINK -->>> SIGN UP FOR THE NEW BUILT NOT BORN BLOGIn Episode #150 - Joe Ciccarone sits down with marketing legend and bestselling author Seth Godin to discuss his latest book, "This is Strategy." Seth gives a master class on the art of strategic thinking!Don't miss this episode packed with actionable insights and the creative perspectives of Seth Godin. Seth's insights are a strategic playbook for navigating our ever-changing world.Listen and discover how to become a master strategist in work and life!🎙️ Episode Highlights:Why Strategy Matters Now: Seth explains why he felt compelled to write about strategy in today's world, touching on the need for hope and actionable plans.Empathy: The Secret Weapon: Discover how understanding your audience is crucial for effective strategy (it's not just for corporate bigwigs!).Culture & Strategy: Seth breaks down his famous definition of Culture - "people like us do things like this" concept and how it relates to creating lasting change.Avoiding the Race to the Bottom: Learn why competing solely on price is a dangerous game, and how to rise above it.The Sunk Cost Trap: Seth shares wisdom on letting go of past investments to move forward strategically.Permission Marketing in the Digital Age: Killer advice for creatives looking to grow their audience authentically.AI & Strategy: Seth offers insights on how professionals can leverage AI tools without being replaced by them.💡 Quotable Moments:"Low price is the last refuge of someone who doesn't have a strategy."You have more power than you want to admit, and less than you think you might. Each of us has a chance to lean in and make a difference, but none of us is in charge."🎁 Bonus Content:Seth's sub-$100 life-changing purchases (spoiler: they're delicious!)The worst advice Seth hears in the Strategy field.How a rescue dog named Murray helps Seth stay focused.🔗 Connect with Seth Godin:Blog: seths.blogStrategy Book bonuses: seths.blog/tisBuilt Not Born Episode #127 - Creativity, Overcoming Fear & Saving the Planet Built Not Born Episode #100 - The Song of Significance

Lisa Bodenburg: Boundary Breaking USMC Huey Door GunnerLisa Bodenburg is one of the first female Huey helicopter door gunners in the U.S. Marine Corps. Lisa amazing story is featured in NY Times Best Selling author James Patterson's - "Walk In My Combat Boots: True Stories from America's Bravest Warriors." Lisa and I Discuss: Lisa joining the Marines and earning the right to be one of the first ever female Huey door gunners.Her deployments to both Iraq and Afghanistan.Challenges she faced as a woman in a male-dominated role.Mental health struggles after deployments and how she overcame them.Her transition to civilian life: bodybuilding and Olympic boxing trials.Lisa's advocacy for veterans and women in combat roles.Lisa's story offers insights into the realities of modern warfare, the evolving role of women in the military, and the importance of mental health support for veterans.Connect with Lisa Bodenburg:IG: Lisa BodenburgFacebook: Lisa Bodenburg Book: Walk in My Combat Boots (By James Patterson) "Life is Built, Not Born."Joe Ciccarone#Episode149

Jon Gordon is one of the most influential and sought after leadership authors and speakers in the world. Jon is the author of 30 books including 17 best sellers and 5 children’s books. His books include the timeless classic The Energy Bus which has sold over 3 million copies, The Carpenter which was a top 5 business book of the year, Training Camp, The Power of Positive Leadership, and The Power of a Positive Team. Jon’s book, The One Truth has been called profound, revolutionary and life changing.Jon is a consultant to numerous CEO’s, NFL, NBA, and MLB coaches, championship teams and high performers. He is an inspirational teacher who has helped millions of people have a more positive mindset.Jon and I discuss his journey to a Positive Mindset, how his step-father influenced who he became and how his new, mindset changing training, The Day of Development , can have a profound impact on our personal and professional life. Connect with Jon Gordon:Website: Jon Gordon Training: Day of Development Book: The Energy Bus "Life is Built, Not Born."Joe Ciccarone#Episode148

John Matthews is the founder of the non-profit Ride Hard, Breathe Easy. John and his team at RHBE have raised close to $1 Million Dollars and helped thousands of lung cancer patients as they undergo life saving treatment. John started RHBE in memory of his late mom, Kathleen Matthews. Before his Mom lost her life to lung cancer, John promised her he would "do something" for lung cancer patients. That "something" became a commitment of raising $1 Million Dollars for lung cancer patients. John and I discuss what it was like to bike across the country, the numerous challenges cancer patients face as they go through treatment and why "Many Hands, Make Light Work."Connect with John Matthews:Website: Ride Hard, Breathe Easy LinkedIn: John Matthews Website: Know What Matters "Life is Built, Not Born."Joe Ciccarone#Episode147

CLICK THIS LINK -->>> SIGN UP FOR THE NEW BUILT NOT BORN NEWSLETTER CLICK THIS LINK -->>> SIGN UP FOR THE BUILT NOT BORN YOUTUBE CHANNEL Thank you for being a listener! "Life is Built, Not Born."Joe Ciccarone#Episode146

Adam Hergenrother is the Founder & CEO of Adam Hergenrother Companies. Adam’s journey from a college graduate to leading a $1 Billion organization and 1,000 employees is inspiring. Adam discusses why personal growth and leadership drive business success.Adam shares how he turned his startup into a powerhouse in real estate, construction, and education. Adams his company has been voted the best place to work in Vermont five times. Livian, his real estate team, is ranked #2 in the nation. BlackRock Construction has appeared on the Inc. 5000 list twice. Adam's first book, The Founder & The Force Multiplier, is a #1 Amazon bestseller. His latest book The 200% Life: Your Guide to Spiritual Growth & Business Success Without Meditating on a Mountaintop.Adam talks about his secrets to success: having a growth mindset, learning from failure, setting and achieving huge goals, balancing work and life, and always learning. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur or just want to level up in life, Adam’s insights are gold.Don't miss this episode. Get ready to be inspired by one of today’s top business leaders. Connect with Adam Hergenrother:Website: Adam HergenrotherBook: The 200% Life IG: @AdamHergenrother "Life is Built, Not Born."Joe Ciccarone#Epsisode145

CLICK THIS LINK -->>> SIGN UP FOR THE NEW BUILT NOT BORN BLOGHarry Psaros is the author of the book, "From Struggle to Strength: A Father's Journey with Autism and the Power of Hope and Positivity."Harry writes about his Autism journey with his oldest son Gus. Harry shares the mindset that brought the family from awareness, to diagnosis, to a treatment plan that led to Gus ultimately attending college. Known affectionately as the “Pitt Guru,” Harry is a top social media influencer for University of Pittsburgh athletics and the senior writer for Pittsburgh Sports Now.Connect with Harry Psaros:Website: Harry PsarosBook: From Struggle to Strength - A Father's Journey IG: Harry PsarosTwitter: Harry Psaros @PittGuruLinkedIn: Harry Psaros"Life is Built, Not Born."Joe Ciccarone#Episode144

CLICK THIS LINK -->>> SIGN UP FOR THE NEW BUILT NOT BORN BLOGLucius Pomerantz, MD is a board certified orthopedic surgeon and hand specialist in San Diego, CA. "Dr Luke" is a former MMA fighter and Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu who trains at Victory MMA with the legendary Dean Lister and Jocko Willink. Dr Luke is the creative force behind, "Cut to the Bone", the digital channel he created where he educates people on how to prevent and treat common orthopedic injuries. Dr Luke and I discuss what it's like being on the patient side of orthopedic surgery, how to stay on the BJJ mat, why he finds time to unlock his creative pursuits and what's the best life lesson he can pass on. Connect with Lucius Pomerantz, MD:Website: Lucius Pomerantz, MDIG: Dr LuciusYouTube: Cut to the Bone"Life is Built, Not Born."Joe Ciccarone#Episode143

Amy P. Kelly is the Vice President of Consulting for The Jon Gordon Companies and co-author with Jon Gordon of the USA Today Best Seller "Difficult Conversations Don't Have to Be Difficult" &  "The Energy Bus Field Guide" a roadmap to fueling your life, work, and team with positive energy.Amy and I discuss how she got connected with the legndary Jon Gordon and some of the amazing takeaways from her USA Today Best Selling Book "Difficult Conversations".Connect with Amy P. Kelly:Website: Amy P. KellyLinkedIn: Amy P. KellyIG: Amy P. KellyBook: Difficult Conversations "Life is Built, Not Born."Joe Ciccarone#Episode142