Finding Better Podcast

🔥 What if the reason you feel stuck in life… isn’t because you’re lost — but because you’ve never actually decided what you want? In this episode of the Finding Better Podcast, John Suzuki sits down with John Salzwedel — coach, speaker, and author of Stop Leaving Life on the Table — who walked away from decades of success as a CEO… after realizing he had everything society told him to want, but none of what truly fulfilled him. Because here’s the truth: Most people don’t feel empty because they failed… they feel empty because they succeeded at the wrong things. After spending 30 years building a successful career from the ground up — going from opening mail to becoming the owner and CEO of a national company — John hit a moment most people fear: He reached the top… and realized he didn’t want to be there anymore. So he made a decision most people avoid. He stepped away, turned down the noise of the world, and started designing a life that actually meant something. This conversation isn’t just about success. It’s about identity, intention, and having the courage to stop living by default — and start living by design. Inside this conversation, you’ll learn: -Why achieving “success” can still leave you feeling empty -How to cut through the noise and discover what truly matters to you -The simple exercise that reveals your real priorities -Why most people are chasing a definition of success that isn’t theirs -How to stop leaving life on the table — and start living fully -Why fulfillment comes from alignment, not achievement -How to make bold life changes without losing yourself -The truth about purpose that no one teaches you 💡 Key Takeaways: -Success without meaning will always feel empty -If you don’t define your life, the world will do it for you -Clarity comes when you slow down and listen to yourself -You’re allowed to choose a different path — even after “making it” -Don’t leave your life on the table Website: www.theCoach.vip Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecoach.vip LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/john-salzwedel-75986718 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnsalzwedel/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@johnsalzwedel 👍 If this message resonated with you, like, subscribe, and share it with someone who feels stuck — or someone who needs the courage to start living life on their own terms. #FindingBetter #LifeDesign #Purpose #Mindset #PersonalGrowth #Fulfillment #Success #SelfDiscovery #Motivation #LifeLessons

🔥 What if the real reason you’re struggling… isn’t your circumstances — but your willingness to keep going when life gets hard? In this episode of the Finding Better Podcast, John Suzuki sits down with Jay Setchell — a resilience speaker, author, and multi-time death survivor who has endured over six dozen surgeries, paralysis, traumatic injuries, and unimaginable pain… yet refuses to quit. Because here’s the truth: Most people don’t break because life is hard… they break because they stop moving forward. Drawing from a lifetime of extreme adversity — including near-death experiences, chronic pain, and living mostly paralyzed in a wheelchair — Jay shares the mindset that has carried him through it all: Sweat dries. Blood clots. Bones heal. So get up and keep going. This conversation goes far beyond resilience. It dives into what it really means to live with gratitude, to reject victimhood, and to keep showing up — not just for yourself, but for others — no matter what life throws at you. Inside this conversation, you’ll learn: -Why quitting becomes tempting — and how to push through anyway -The mindset that turns pain into purpose -Why gratitude is a daily decision (even in suffering) -How “stubbornness” can become your greatest strength -The truth about resilience that most people don’t understand -Why you must take responsibility instead of waiting for help -How small actions create momentum in the hardest moments -The power of perspective when everything seems against you 💡 Key Takeaways: -If you’re breathing, you’re not done — keep moving. -You have more to offer life than you think. -Gratitude isn’t situational — it’s a choice. -Resilience is built through action, not comfort. -If you can’t find better… create it. 👍 If this message resonated with you, like, subscribe, and share it with someone who needs a reminder to keep going — especially when life feels impossible. #FindingBetter #Resilience #NeverGiveUp #Mindset #PersonalGrowth #Discipline #MentalStrength #Motivation #LifeLessons #Gratitude #Perseverance

🔥 What if getting better isn’t about working harder… but working on the right things? In this episode of the Finding Better Podcast, John Suzuki sits down with Aaron Trahan — a leadership and performance coach who helps high performers rethink how they approach growth, success, and improvement across both work and life. Because here’s the truth: Most people don’t fail because they lack effort… they fail because they’re focused on the wrong things. Drawing from over 20 years of leadership experience — including running a billion-dollar business — Aaron shares the real lessons he learned the hard way: Success without awareness can still lead to failure. This conversation goes beyond business. It dives into what it actually means to get better as a leader, a partner, a parent, and as a human being — and why most people stay stuck despite wanting more. Inside this conversation, you’ll learn: Why “getting better” is not a solo journey -The hidden reason most people fail their goals (even with motivation) -How your calendar reveals your real priorities -Why focus — not talent — is the ultimate performance superpower -The role of subtraction (not addition) in personal growth -How blind spots hold you back more than lack of skill -The “5 Whys” method to uncover the real reason behind your goals 💡 Key Takeaways: -You can’t improve what you don’t see — awareness is everything. -Your priorities aren’t what you say — they’re what you schedule. -Focus requires saying no — and that’s non-negotiable. -A strong “why” will always lead you to the “how.” -Growth isn’t about doing more — it’s about doing what matters. Connect with Aaron Trahan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aarontrahancoaching/ 👍 If you enjoyed this conversation, like, subscribe, and share it with someone who’s trying to get better — but might be focusing on the wrong things. #FindingBetter #PersonalGrowth #Leadership #Mindset #SelfImprovement #Focus #Productivity #HighPerformance #Success #GrowthMindset #Discipline #LifeLessons

🔥 What if the path to finding better isn’t about doing more… but doing less? In this episode of the Finding Better Podcast, John Suzuki sits down with Nell Debevoise, a subtraction strategist who helps high achievers rethink success by removing what quietly drains their energy. In a world obsessed with productivity, hustle, and adding more habits, Nell introduces a powerful alternative: systematic subtraction — the intentional process of letting go of what no longer serves you so you can reclaim clarity, alignment, and sustainable success. Drawing from her personal experiences with burnout, a life-changing car accident, and her work coaching leaders alongside horses, Nell shares why the most capable and responsible people are often the most depleted — and how to break that cycle. This conversation will challenge the idea that success always requires more effort and offer a refreshing new perspective: sometimes the best way forward is by removing what’s holding you back. Inside this conversation, you’ll learn: 1. Why high achievers are often the most burned out 2. The concept of systematic subtraction and how it works 3. The difference between balance and true alignment in life and leadership 4. How constant productivity pressure leads to diminishing returns 5. What horses can teach us about presence and energy management 6. Why stopping to ask “How is this really going?” can change everything 7. The simple “Stop, Drop, Roll” method for preventing burnout 💡 Key Takeaways: 1. Success isn’t always additive — sometimes progress requires subtraction. 2. Burnout often comes from responsibility and capability, not weakness. 3. Alignment across work, personal life, and purpose matters more than balance. 4. Constant productivity pressure leads to diminishing returns. 5. Real clarity often comes from pausing and removing what drains you. Connect with Nell Debevoise: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nell3d/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nelldd Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Leadin3D 👍If you enjoyed this conversation, please like, subscribe, and share it with someone who might need permission to do a little less and live a little better.

Are you constantly feeling like you're not enough? In this powerful and deeply personal episode of the Finding Better Podcast, John sits down with Jillian DiIorio, President of the We Are Enough movement, to explore one of the most important truths we often forget: you are already enough. In a world flooded with comparison, social media pressure, and constant messages telling us we need to be more, do more, and achieve more, Jillian shares a powerful message about reclaiming our inherent self-worth. The conversation also explores the story behind the We Are Enough movement, inspired by entrepreneur Blake Mycoskie, founder of TOMS Shoes, and the personal journey that led him to realize that success, wealth, and recognition cannot fill the deeper need for self-acceptance. This episode is about resetting the foundation of how we see ourselves. Inside this conversation, you’ll learn: 1. Why self-worth is something you're born with, not something you earn 2. How success and achievement can still leave people feeling empty 3. The hidden damage caused by constant comparison and social media 4. The powerful story behind the We Are Enough bracelet movement 5. Why reminding someone they are enough can change a life 6. How to start each day from a place of self-acceptance instead of self-criticism 💡 Key Takeaways: 1. You were born enough — your worth is not conditional. 2. External validation will never replace internal acceptance. 3. Small reminders can have life-changing impact. 4. Choosing how you see yourself is a daily decision. 5. True growth starts when you stop believing you're broken. Connect with Jillian / We Are Enough: Instagram: @jilliandiiorio Website: https://weareenough.co/ 👍 If this conversation resonates with you, please like, subscribe, and share this episode with someone who needs to hear that they are enough.

🤖 What happens when AI replaces productivity — and your identity? In one of the most consequential conversations on Finding Better, John sits down with impact investor, entrepreneur, and purpose strategist Florian Kemmerich to explore a question that will define the next decade: If automation replaces what we do… who are we? Florian shares his personal turning point — from corporate high-potential executive living in “golden handcuffs” to discovering his inner child and redefining success through vocation. Together, John and Florian unpack the difference between ego-driven success and purpose-driven service — and why AI makes this distinction more urgent than ever. Inside this conversation, you’ll learn: 1. Why fame and fortune feed the ego — but not fulfillment 2. The powerful “two-chair” inner child breakthrough that changed Florian’s life 3. The difference between helping and serving (and why it matters) 4. Why 500M jobs may disappear — and what that means for identity 5. The concept of “vocating” — building, not searching for, your vocation 6. How to leverage AI without becoming dependent on it 7. Why human agency is the critical skill of the future 💡 Key Takeaways: 1. Purpose comes from inside; ego seeks validation from outside 2. AI should be leveraged with intention — not used as a substitute for direction 3. Success without alignment leads to burnout and emptiness 4. Serving others creates meaning; helping from ego creates hierarchy 5. Education must evolve to include vocation alongside profession Florian is the author of On Vocation: How to Align Your Purpose with Your Profession and has helped over 150 individuals build structured, purpose-driven pathways toward meaningful impact. 🔗 Connect with Florian: Linkedin: https://share.google/aDJaGsNOEj6WZnjNK Website: https://www.buildingbridges.org/speaker/florian-kemmerich/ If this episode challenged or inspired you, please share it with someone navigating career uncertainty in the age of AI. 👍 Like, Subscribe, and Share to help us continue finding better — together.

🎉 This is Episode 200 of the Finding Better Podcast — and it’s all about YOU. In this special milestone episode, John reflects on two years, 200 conversations, 3,000+ subscribers, and the unexpected joy of building a community focused on real-life experiences — not opinions. From Santorini, Greece to your living room, this episode is a heartfelt thank you — and a powerful roadmap for what’s ahead in 2026. Inside this conversation, you’ll learn: 1. The 3 core principles behind every breakthrough: Curiosity, Clarity, and Courage 2. Why experience matters more than opinion 3. How 52 great ideas a year can completely transform your life 4. The truth about money, credit cards, and building real wealth 5. Why AI is the most important career skill you can learn right now 6. What parents must understand about teens and technology 7. Why failing fast is the fastest way forward 💡 Key Takeaways: 1. Curiosity is a muscle — if you don’t use it, you lose it. 2. Wealth isn’t about how much you make — it’s about how much you keep and invest. 3. AI isn’t coming — it’s already here. Learn it or risk being replaced by it. 4. Surround yourself with people who support your growth, not those who pull you back. 5. One great idea per week = 52 life-changing ideas per year. 🌐 New Website Launching April 1st: Visit johnsuzuki.com for exciting updates and new resources. If this podcast has impacted you in any way, please Like, Subscribe, and Share. Let’s make 2026 your best year ever.

What if the secret to stronger relationships, better leadership, and a more meaningful life starts with one simple choice? 💛 In EP 199 of the Finding Better Podcast, John Suzuki sits down with keynote speaker and author Greg Bennick to explore the power of kindness — not as a cliché, but as a strategy for life and business. Greg shares insights from his book Reclaim the Moment: Seven Strategies to Build a Better Now and explains why believing in the possibility of kindness can completely change how we show up in the world. Inside this conversation, you’ll learn: • Why kindness is the foundation of authentic connection • How being kind to yourself changes everything • The hidden cost of comparison culture and social media • Why success can be more intimidating than failure • How to “spin up” instead of spiraling down • What it really means to reclaim the present moment 💡 Key Takeaways: • Kindness is a choice — and it’s always available. • You can’t pour into others if you’re not kind to yourself first. • Comparison steals joy; presence restores it. • Growth requires leaping into the unknown. • When you lift one person, you lift the world. Connect with Greg Bennick: Website: https://www.gregbennick.com Student Programs: https://www.amazingassemblies.com If this episode moved you, share it with someone who needs a reminder that kindness still matters. Like, subscribe, and help us continue building a community focused on growth, authenticity, and finding better.

As artificial intelligence accelerates and technology reshapes how we live and work, one essential human truth becomes clearer than ever: we’ve gotten smarter, but we’ve forgotten our heart. In this episode of Finding Better, John Suzuki welcomes back author and speaker Kim Sorrelle for a powerful conversation about love—not as a feeling or transaction, but as a way of being. Drawing from her book Love Is and her journey studying the meaning of love through lived experience, Kim reframes what love really means in relationships, leadership, trust, and human connection. Together, John and Kim explore why love is becoming more important—not less—in the age of AI, and why true human connection can never be replaced by technology. In this conversation, you’ll learn: 1. Why love is not transactional and never a “two-way street” 2. How expectations quietly sabotage relationships 3. What “Love is patient, love is kind” really means in everyday life 4. Why trust changes everything in relationships and leadership 5. How love becomes the defining human advantage in an AI-driven world 6. Why learning to love yourself may be the hardest—and most important—work 💡 Key Takeaways: 1. Love is not something you trade—it’s something you live 2. Expectations turn love into disappointment 3. Trust first creates stronger human connection 4. Technology amplifies intelligence, but love defines humanity 5. Understanding love transforms how we lead, relate, and live 📘 Guest: Kim Sorrelle, author of Love Is 👍 If this conversation resonated with you, please like, subscribe, and share it with someone who could use a reminder of what truly matters. Connect with Kim: Website: https://www.kimsorrelle.com Facebook: https://tiny.one/kimsfacebookpage Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kim-langlois-sorrelle-11079523/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kimsorrelle/?hl=en Youtube: https://tiny.one/kimsorrelleyoutube TV Show: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=bold+brave+tv+heart+%26+soul Amazon Book Links: 1. https://tiny.one/loveisonamazon 2. https://www.amazon.com/Cry-Until-You-Laugh-Funny/dp/1630472697/ref=sr_1_6?crid=DDLLDDUVGPXD&keywords=cry+until+you+laugh+book&qid=1705248198&sprefix=cry+until%2Caps%2C199&sr=8-6

What does it really take to succeed — and get promoted — in today’s rapidly changing, AI-driven world? In this episode of the Finding Better Podcast, John Suzuki sits down with Keith Anderson, founder of Career Alchemy Lab and former leader at Google, Uber, Meta, and YouTube. Together, they unpack why performance alone is no longer enough — and why trust, perception, and human connection matter more than ever. Keith shares firsthand insights from sitting inside promotion rooms at Big Tech companies and explains why being “great at your job” doesn’t automatically make you a safe bet for leadership. As AI reshapes how work gets done, the next era of success belongs to those who lead with humanity, intuition, and clarity. Inside this conversation, you’ll learn: 1. Why strong performers often get overlooked for promotions 2. The difference between being likable and being promotion-ready 3. How leaders decide who is a “safe bet” for advancement 4. Why storytelling matters more than checklists and metrics 5. How human connection protects careers during layoffs and disruption 6. What skills will matter most as AI transforms the workplace 💡 Key Takeaways: 1. Promotions are driven by trust, not just results 2. Leaders advocate for people they can clearly “tell a story” about 3. Human connection is a career survival skill in the AI era 4. Career growth requires shaping perception, not just doing good work 👍 If you found this valuable, please like, subscribe, and share the episode with someone navigating their career right now. Connect with Keith: Website: https://keithanderson.io/MediaPartnerships Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/keithand

What if getting fired wasn’t the end — but the beginning of the life you were meant to live? In this powerful and deeply human episode of the Finding Better Podcast, John Suzuki sits down with Merry Korn, whose life changed forever after being fired just two months into what she thought would be her final job before retirement. As a single parent with two teenagers headed to college, the fear was overwhelming — but what followed was extraordinary. Merry shares how that moment of despair became the foundation for a mission-driven business that eventually employed over 1,300 people across 30 states, many of whom had severe disabilities and were considered “unemployable” by society. Inspired by her mother, a Holocaust survivor, and the legacy of Oskar Schindler, Merry redefined what meaningful work can look like — and how purpose, courage, and listening to the inner voice can change everything. In this conversation, you’ll learn: 1. Why getting fired can sometimes be a hidden gift 2. How listening to your inner voice can change your life’s direction 3. What fear actually teaches us — and how to move through it 4. The power of gratitude during life’s hardest moments 5. How purpose and service can transform work into meaning 6. Why alignment matters more than security 💡 Key Takeaways: 1. Rock bottom can become your strongest foundation 2. Fear shrinks when action begins 3. Purpose often reveals itself in moments of crisis 4. Gratitude is a powerful antidote to despair 5. Meaningful work can change lives — including your own If you’re facing uncertainty, job insecurity, or a major life transition, this episode will remind you that sometimes the path forward begins where you least expect it. 👉 Listen, reflect, and find what “better” looks like for you. If this episode resonated with you, please like, subscribe, and share it with someone who might need to hear it today. Connect with Merry: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/merrykorn/ Website: https://firedtoinspired.com/

What if the biggest thing holding you back isn’t your skills, your background, or your circumstances — but a single belief you’ve been carrying your whole life? In this powerful episode of the Finding Better Podcast, John Suzuki sits down with Robert White, a transformational architect who went from growing up in poverty and surviving three heart attacks to leading two million-graduate learning organizations, retiring at 46, losing everything, and rebuilding a life rooted in joy, meaning, and satisfaction. This conversation goes deep into identity, belief systems, and what it really means to live an extraordinary life — beyond money, titles, and external success. Inside this conversation, you’ll learn: 1. What a “transformational architect” really does 2. How early life beliefs quietly shape success, health, and relationships 3. Why “I am not enough” is the most dangerous belief we hold 4. The difference between wanting more and chasing worth 5. How success without joy can still leave you empty 6. Practical ways to shift perspective and raise self-awareness 💡 Key Takeaways: 1. Transformation isn’t about what you see — it’s about where you’re looking from 2. Achievement can’t replace joy, satisfaction, and self-acceptance 3. Letting go of “I’m not enough” creates instant internal relief 4. Awareness is the gateway to meaningful change 5. You don’t need permission to pursue joy — you’ve already earned it Connect with Robert: 1. Website: https://www.extraordinarypeople.com/Welcome-to-Extraordinary-People-and-Robert-White/ 2. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/robert.white1 Robert's Book: https://www.amazon.in/Living-Extraordinary-Life-Robert-White/dp/097053910X 👍 If this episode resonated, please Like, Subscribe, and Share it with someone who needs to hear this message today.

Happy New Year 2026 🎉 In this special New Year episode of the Finding Better Podcast, John Suzuki shares a powerful and deeply personal message about how to make 2026 your best year ever — not through resolutions, but through choices. John reflects on his own life journey, the power of personal responsibility, and lessons from history that prove even in the hardest circumstances, we still have agency over who we become. This episode challenges you to rethink how you approach time, growth, adversity, and opportunity — especially as we enter a world rapidly changing with artificial intelligence. Inside this episode, you’ll learn: 1. Why your life at the end of 2026 will be shaped by the choices you make today 2. How taking responsibility can be the most empowering moment of your life 3. What the story of Japanese American WWII soldiers teaches us about resilience 4. How to stop negative self-talk and reframe it with one simple word: yet 5. Why getting 1% better every day compounds into massive life change 6. How curiosity and “scrappiness” are essential skills in the age of AI 💡 Key Takeaways: 1. No decision is still a decision — choose intentionally 2. You can empower or disempower yourself every single day 3. Growth doesn’t happen overnight, but it always compounds 4. Curiosity is a muscle — and it can change your future 5. If you’re feeling stuck, uncertain, or overwhelmed about the year ahead, this episode will help you reset your mindset and move forward with clarity and confidence. 👉 Download American Grit for free at johnsuzuki.com If this episode resonates with you, please like, subscribe, and share it with someone who needs encouragement as we start this new year.

The world is changing faster than ever — from AI-driven disruption to career uncertainty — and many people are wondering what comes next. In this powerful episode of Finding Better, John Suzuki sits down with Andrew Brummer, leadership coach and author of Leading Magnanimously, to talk about reinvention, mindset, and how to move forward when the ground shifts beneath your feet. After receiving the call no one wants to get at age 53, Andrew chose service over panic and transformed uncertainty into purpose. What followed was a global coaching journey spanning continents, industries, and cultures — proving that it’s never too late to start again. Inside this conversation, you’ll learn: 1. Why mindset — and “heartset” — determine how you handle change 2. How taking action quickly can break fear-based spirals 3. Why serving others is often the fastest path to clarity and momentum 4. How Andrew built a thriving coaching practice without a degree or network 5. The power of asking yourself the right questions at critical moments 6. Why leadership always starts with leading yourself 💡 Key Takeaways: 1. You may not control what happens to you, but you always control your response 2. Energy builds energy — action creates momentum 3. Helping others can pull you out of your own fear and uncertainty 4. Reinvention is possible at any age when values guide decisions If you’re navigating change, uncertainty, or reinvention, this episode will give you perspective, tools, and hope. 👍 Like, subscribe, and share this episode with someone who needs encouragement right now. Connect with Andrew: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewbrummer/ Twitter: https://x.com/AndrewBrummer Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ardunan.village/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Ardunan Website: https://www.ardunan.com

In this special holiday episode of Finding Better, John Suzuki shares a heartfelt solo reflection on love, forgiveness, gratitude, and finding peace in a divided world. As the holiday season brings both joy and tension, John offers a powerful reminder: we are far more connected than we realize. Through personal stories, thought-provoking perspective shifts, and deeply human lessons, this episode invites you to pause, reflect, and reconnect—with yourself and with others. John explores why the opposite of love isn’t hate, but fear… how forgiveness can literally lift a lifetime of emotional weight… and why gratitude may be one of the most powerful tools we have for mental and emotional well-being. Whether you’re preparing for a difficult family gathering, feeling overwhelmed by the state of the world, or simply looking for meaning during the holidays, this conversation is an invitation to find peace—starting within. In this episode, you’ll hear about: 1. Why we are all more connected than we think 2. How forgiveness can free you, even when the other person isn’t present 3. Why fear—not hate—is the true opposite of love 4. How gratitude shifts your mindset and emotional health 5. What “Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me” really means This episode is about choosing love, practicing grace, and remembering what the holidays are truly about. If this message resonates, please share it with someone who may need it.