The High Performance Life

This episode is a little different. Instead of me asking the questions… I'm the one in the hot seat. I sit down with longtime friend and creative partner Cheryl Tan—someone who's seen the journey up close for nearly a decade—to unpack the real story behind the show, the LIFE framework, and the seasons of life we don't talk about enough. We go deep into what it actually looks like to build something meaningful while navigating family, business, overwhelm, and identity shifts—especially in this stage of life. We talk about empty nesting, marriage, regret, curiosity, and why most people feel busy… but still disconnected. And maybe most importantly—how to design a life that actually feels like your own. If you've ever felt like life is moving fast… Or you're building something but not sure it's aligned… This conversation will hit! 🔑 Key Takeaways Why most people feel overwhelmed—and how clarity starts by separating what you can vs can't control The real purpose behind the LIFE framework—and how to actually use it in your day-to-day life Why relationships—not transactions—are the foundation of both business and fulfillment The hidden emotional weight of empty nesting—and how to navigate that transition intentionally How to design your "perfect day"—and why most people never take time to define it Why curiosity is one of the most underrated skills for growth, connection, and better conversations The importance of building your next chapter while still living your current one

What if the reason you still feel stuck… has nothing to do with your effort, and everything to do with where you're building from? In this episode, I sit down with Keyen Lage—former NFL athlete turned high-performance coach—to unpack why so many successful people still struggle with self-belief, fulfillment, and direction. We go deep into something I think a lot of people miss: the difference between building a life from your head… vs your heart. Keyen shares his journey from reaching the NFL to having that identity stripped away—and how that forced him to rebuild from a completely different place. We also talk about curiosity, faith, risk, and why some of the biggest breakthroughs in life don't come from a plan… but from being willing to follow something you don't fully understand yet. If you've ever felt like you're doing all the right things but still feel disconnected… this conversation will challenge how you think about success, purpose, and what it actually means to be aligned. About Keyen Lage Keyen Lage is a high-performance coach for ambitious men and a former NFL athlete whose career was cut short by a neck injury. After reaching the pinnacle of professional sport, he was forced to rebuild his life from scratch—shifting his focus toward emotional alignment, relationships, and long-term fulfillment. Over the past seven years, he has built a multi six-figure coaching business, working with Silicon Valley entrepreneurs, professional athletes, and high-level creators. His work centers on helping men eliminate self-sabotage, lead with emotional clarity, and understand masculine–feminine dynamics so they can experience both external success and internal fulfillment. Blending performance psychology with emotional depth, Keyen teaches that true leadership and resilience are not forced—they are the byproduct of alignment. Key Takeaways Why achieving success doesn't guarantee fulfillment—and often exposes deeper misalignment The difference between building from the head vs the heart, and why one leads to self-sabotage Why curiosity—not control—is often the driving force behind meaningful life change How following "what feels right" can lead to opportunities you couldn't logically plan for The role of faith and something bigger than yourself in sustaining long-term success Why environment and surroundings play a critical role in personal growth and identity shifts How self-sabotage often comes from pursuing goals that aren't aligned with who you truly are

What if the biggest breakdowns in your relationships… aren't about what you're saying— but how you're saying it? In this episode, I sit down with Betsy Butterick—"The Coaches' Coach" to unpack the communication habits that quietly shape every relationship in our lives. We talk about the gap between what we intend to say and how it's actually received—and why so many conversations break down before they even have a chance to succeed. Betsy shares practical, real-world tools that can immediately improve how you communicate—whether you're leading a team, raising a family, or navigating everyday relationships. If you've ever felt misunderstood… or struggled to communicate clearly with the people closest to you, this conversation will challenge the way you think about connection. About Betsy Butterick Betsy Butterick is known as "The Coaches' Coach"—a communication specialist who helps individuals and teams build stronger relationships through more effective communication. As a former coach, she understands that "chemistry" isn't random—it's something that is built through intentional connection, with communication at its core. In her work, Betsy meets people where they are and helps them improve how they communicate, collaborate, and lead. She brings a professional, playful, and people-centric approach to learning and development. A lifelong athlete and former collegiate basketball player, Betsy applies a high-performance mindset to her work—helping individuals and teams create meaningful change through small, consistent shifts. Key Takeaways Why "before you tell, ask" is one of the most effective ways to improve communication How assumptions derail conversations—and why curiosity leads to better outcomes The difference between intention and impact, and why that gap causes conflict Why hard conversations feel difficult—and how to approach them more effectively How fear of judgment prevents people from asking the questions that matter most Why clarity and directness can be powerful—when delivered with the right context The role curiosity plays in building stronger, more meaningful relationships

In this episode, I am joined by ADHD coach and podcast host Kristen Carder! Kirsten's mission is to unpack what ADHD really looks like in adulthood, and why so many people grow up believing they're lazy, disorganized, or broken when the reality is far more complex. Today, Kristen shares her own journey from struggling to find her purpose to building one of the most recognized podcasts and coaching communities for adults with ADHD. Together, they explore the everyday realities of living with ADHD—from time blindness and overcommitment to creativity, relationships, and parenting. They also dive into why ADHD often goes undiagnosed for decades—especially for women—and how understanding your brain can transform the way you see yourself, your relationships, and your potential. If you've ever felt like you're capable of so much more but can't quite figure out why certain parts of life feel harder than they should… this conversation may help connect the dots. About Kristen Carder Kristen Carder is a multi-certified life coach, educator, and host of the I Have ADHD Podcast, which has reached millions of listeners around the world. After years of tutoring students who struggled in school, Kristen began noticing a pattern: many of the families she worked with were navigating ADHD—but there were almost no resources available for adults trying to understand their own brains. That realization led her to launch the I Have ADHD Podcast in 2018, which quickly grew into a global platform supporting adults with ADHD through education, coaching, and community. Kristen now leads the Focused coaching program and helps thousands of adults better understand their ADHD, regulate their emotions, and build lives that work for the way their brains are wired. Her work centers around helping people break free from shame, self-criticism, and the belief that they're simply "not trying hard enough." Key Takeaways Why ADHD is often misunderstood as laziness or lack of discipline How ADHD brains are driven by interest, urgency, and novelty—not traditional motivation The concept of "time blindness" and why people with ADHD struggle with deadlines and lateness Why ADHD often runs in families and can become normalized across generations How ADHD can impact relationships when partners feel like managers or parents Why understanding your strengths—and designing life around them—is key to thriving with ADHD The connection between ADHD, emotional regulation, and childhood experiences

After 45 years of helping families, couples, and individuals, Dr. Larry Waldman has seen the same patterns repeat themselves again and again. Fear of failure. Avoiding help. Self-sabotage. And the powerful ways childhood shapes the adults we become. In this conversation, Dr. Waldman shares lessons from nearly half a century in clinical psychology, working with marriages on the brink, struggling parents, high performers battling imposter syndrome, and individuals trying to break free from the stories they tell themselves. We talk about why people resist getting help even when they desperately need it, how early childhood experiences quietly shape our mindset for decades, and why fear of failure keeps so many people stuck in careers, relationships, and situations they know aren't right. Dr. Waldman also shares deeply personal reflections about his own upbringing, his father's struggles in business, and the lessons that shaped his life and career. This episode is full of practical wisdom about parenting, relationships, personal responsibility, and the mindset shifts that allow people to move forward, even when life feels uncertain. About Dr. Larry Waldman Dr. Larry F. Waldman, Ph.D., ABPP is a Phoenix, Arizona licensed clinical and forensic psychologist who recently became semi-retired after a 45-year private practice. Over the course of his career, he worked with children, teens, parents, couples, and adults, and consulted with attorneys in areas including family law, personal injury, immigration, and estate planning—all while navigating the life of a successful entrepreneur and raising two sons. He earned degrees from the University of Wisconsin and the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee, completed his Ph.D. at Arizona State University, and received Diplomate status (ABPP) in 2003. Dr. Waldman has served in leadership and advisory roles across the profession, including: Past President of the Maricopa Psychological Society Director of Psychological Services at Charter Psychiatric Hospital of Glendale Adjunct graduate professor in counseling He is also certified as an ACE senior fitness specialist and a certified yoga instructor. Dr. Waldman is the author of eight books and a seasoned speaker who brings practical, engaging "edutainment" to topics like parenting, marriage, stress, business psychology, and personal development. 🔑 Key Takeaways Why many people still avoid seeking mental health help—even when they clearly need it The stigma around mental health and how it prevents people from improving their lives The fine line between coaching and therapy—and why having someone to talk to is critical for growth Why imposter syndrome and fear of failure often hold people back in their careers How childhood experiences and parenting styles shape confidence, resilience, and independence The powerful role parents play in shaping their children through everyday behavior—not just words Why trying—even when you fail—is always better than staying stuck in fear

In this week's episode, I am joined by Light Watkins! Light Watkins is a bestselling author, speaker, podcast host, and mindfulness expert focused on helping people create presence and fulfillment "from the inside out." He's the author of five books, including Bliss More, Travel Light, and his newest, The Year You Transform, which introduces his "Tortoise Approach to Change"—building lasting change through small, 7-day commitments. He also leads an online community called The Happiness Insiders, has spoken for Fortune 500 companies, and has led workshops around the world. Key Takeaways Why success without inner work leads to emptiness The difference between being "on" vs being your authentic self How discomfort is the gateway to presence and growth Why most people sabotage fulfillment by chasing big changes The "No Complaining" challengeand why it's harder than you think The Tortoise Approach: small, consistent habits that actually transform your life Best Moments 02:46 – What it really means to be your "true self" "Being your true self is who you would be if you didn't care so much about what other people thought about you… and if you were focused on making a difference." 05:57 – The real goal: presence, not success "Most people ultimately want to feel connected… fulfilled… like their life matters. And the umbrella term for all of that is presence." 06:30 – Why discomfort is necessary "In order to get to that state of presence, we need to inoculate ourselves with some discomfort." "A lot of the most uncomfortable moments in your life were actually the most profound ones." 08:24 – Why we resist growth in our own lives "We love the drama and growth in movies… but we reject it when it happens in our own life." 11:54 – You don't need to change your environment "You don't need to go across the world to have that experience—you can bring that experience to where you are." 13:48 – The moment success didn't fulfill him "I saw myself on a billboard in Times Square… and I realized, it didn't really make me feel that different inside." 16:34 – The lie we're sold about success "The sense of fulfillment that I thought was going to come from that… didn't come." 18:47 – Where fulfillment actually comes from "The goodness we're looking for… is really in the small moments." 30:33 – The power of shifting from frustration to gratitude "I went from frustration to appreciation… and that moment stayed with me for years." 34:44 – The hardest habit: no complaining "Seven days without complaining… almost everyone takes longer than seven days to do it." "What you realize is—you're surrounded by complainers, because it's how we bond." 36:40 – The 3 paths to change "The first path is 'Eat, Pray, Love'—blow your life up… and that rarely works the way people think." 38:36 – Why people break under pressure "That breaking point didn't happen in two seconds—it was building for years." 40:25 – The Tortoise Approach to transformation "You want to optimize for consistency… not intensity." "There's no graduation date—you just keep showing up." 44:52 – Success vs fulfillment "You're not going to be more fulfilled just because you get to the money faster." 47:36 – The uncomfortable truth "Here's how you know you're the problem… you think they're the problem." 49:37 – Where change actually starts "If you're the problem… you also have the solution.

In this week's episode, I am joined by Michael Easter! Michael Easter is a bestselling author, journalist, and professor whose work explores the intersection of performance, health, and modern life. He is the author of The Comfort Crisis, a New York Times bestseller credited with helping popularize rucking—walking with added weight—as a powerful tool for physical and mental resilience. His latest book, WALK WITH WEIGHT: The Definitive Guide to Rucking (Feb 2026), blends science, evolutionary history, and practical guidance to show how one of the most fundamental human movements can dramatically improve strength, endurance, mood, and longevity. Named "The Workout of 2024" by GQ, rucking has been embraced by leading voices in health and performance. Michael's work challenges the modern obsession with comfort and aesthetics, advocating instead for sustainable, functional habits that build real resilience—physically and mentally. Key Takeaways -Most people don't struggle from lack of knowledge—they struggle from choosing comfort over action - The "2% mindset": why only a small percentage choose the harder (but better) path - Simple, ancient behaviors (like walking, being outdoors, and community) still outperform complex routines - Why "perfect" health optimization often backfires—and what actually works long-term - How small daily decisions (like taking the stairs) compound into massive life changes - Why rucking (walking with weight) may be the highest ROI habit for strength, endurance, and longevity Best Moments 00:00 – Why modern life is engineered for comfort (and why that's a problem) 03:00 – We've never had more health information… so why are we worse off? 07:03 – "Don't let perfect be the enemy of good enough" 08:58 – How comfort is quietly damaging our relationships 10:14 – The 2% mindset: choosing discomfort for long-term gain 18:58 – Why small habits (like stairs) create massive long-term change 21:03 – The real secret to building consistency (just start) 23:21 – Why rucking is one of the highest ROI habits you can do 27:41 – How to stack habits into your daily life without extra time

Amy Leneker is an optimistic, joy-seeking, recovering workaholic—and a leadership consultant with more than 25 years of experience, including a decade in the C-suite. Over the course of her career, she has helped more than 100,000 leaders, teams, and organizations—from Fortune 100 companies to the public sector—thrive at work through keynotes, coaching, and training centered on less stress and more joy. A first-generation college student, Amy earned both her undergraduate and graduate degrees while working full-time and later raising a family. She has studied leadership at Yale, neuroscience through the NeuroLeadership Institute, and stress resilience at Harvard Medical School. Her work and insights have been featured in outlets such as Fast Company, Inc., and CEOWORLD Magazine. Amy is the author of Cheers to Monday: The Surprisingly Simple Method to Lead and Live with Less Stress and More Joy (Wiley, March 24, 2026). In her work, she helps leaders understand what real joy actually is—defining it as the intersection of meaning at work, feeling that we matter in relationships, and purpose in what we do. Key Points • Burnout signs often overlooked • Why work addiction gets rewarded • The journey from stress to joy • The importance of self-care • Resetting work-life balance Best Quotes 03:29 - 03:42 • "It was awful, and it was, I often say that I burnt out in a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad way. It was the worst, one of the worst experiences of my life." 05:32 - 05:46 • "I started my own company thinking I was gonna be a, a, a modern CEOA burnout free CEO. And two years later, I found myself in the exact same spot. So that's when the real reckoning began, which is what is driving this." 05:46 - 05:50 • "This isn't about external forces, this is about me." 23:00 - 23:23 • "The problem was me. So I, I took myself wherever I went, and it was such a, a wild awakening and not in a great way. So I had been looking at this wellness retreat for years... So I just took it. I didn't even check with my husband because I knew that anything that made me less, like I was in that moment, he was gonna say, I'm in. I'm all in." 24:30 - 24:38 • "It wasn't an external demand that was causing me so much pain, it wasn't an external demand that was making me a workaholic." 25:26 - 25:31 • "The number one shame trigger at work is the fear of irrelevance."

In this week's episode, I am joined by Ashley Herd! Ashley Herd is a former Chief People Officer and General Counsel, leadership speaker, and podcast host who has trained more than 250,000 managers through LinkedIn Learning and live corporate programs. Throughout her career, she has helped professionals navigate leadership challenges with greater clarity and confidence, translating complex workplace dynamics into practical tools leaders can actually use. After leading HR and Legal teams at McKinsey, Yum! Brands, and Modern Luxury, Ashley founded Manager Method to bring better management training to organizations of all sizes. She is a top LinkedIn Learning instructor and co-host of the HR Besties podcast. As CEO of Manager Method, Ashley equips managers with proven frameworks that strengthen accountability, communication, and team performance—because better managers build better workplaces. Her forthcoming book, The Manager Method (Feb 10, 2026), delivers a simple, repeatable approach for real-world leadership moments—hiring, feedback, conflict, and leading through change—grounded in her signature Pause–Consider–Act framework. Key Points • Culture is shaped by direct managers. • High performers can face accidental punishment. • Leadership involves feedback, conflict, and change. • "Pause, consider, act" enhances management. • A 60-second reset makes tough conversations easier. Best Quotes 03:15 - 03:25 • "I say to people often, it's hard to have this company culture. There's often manager cultures. If you're gonna look at Glassdoor for example, I mean, I've done this at places I've worked, and I will look at Glassdoor and I will see comments." 04:43 - 05:00 • "Well, you know, what's, what's kind of funny to that point? Such a great point. And what I, what I find is the bigger an organization gets, the harder culture becomes at a, at a grander scale. The the, and to your point, the more micro it becomes, who is, who is directly responsible for you?" 07:58 - 08:10 • "I remember my first day of my corporate job or my first week I was, I was doing in sales, I did this before I went to law school. I was cold calling chief financial officers for the like fortune 1000 Chief financial officers." 18:21 - 18:36 • "Because one thing I say is, as a leader, something that's important to know is nobody on your team should feel like they have to share things about them, especially personal things. But too often people feel afraid to share the real parts of, of themselves and their lives outside of work." Learn more about Ashley's book "Manager Method", click here: https://www.managermethod.com/book

In this week's episode, I am joined by Tim Packer! Tim is a celebrated Canadian artist and former police detective who walked away from a stable career to pursue a lifelong creative calling. Since making that leap, he has built a thriving, multi-million-dollar art business—selling original works, self-publishing prints, and running a top-tier online art academy that has helped thousands of artists grow both creatively and professionally. Through the Tim Packer Art Academy and his upcoming book, You Can Sell Your Art, Tim teaches artists how to master not only the creative side of their craft, but also the business fundamentals required for long-term success. Passionate about demystifying the art world, he challenges the myth that success is reserved for the "naturally talented," breaking down what actually works, what doesn't, and how artists can build sustainable careers doing what they love. Key Points • Growth mindset unlocked art career success. • Talent grows; it's not just bestowed. • Overcome fear and step into uncertainty. • Your potential talent is virtually limitless. • Impactful art goes beyond "good enough." Best Quotes 03:46 - 03:53 • "And as soon as I kind of came across the idea of the growth mindset, I thought, first of all, I thought, I don't really believe this." 04:48 • "And then January of 2000, I quit my job, walked away from my pension, and started my life as a full-time artist." 06:30 - 06:47 • "The very first thing you have to change is your mindset and the idea that you are not limited by the skills, competencies, whatever you have now, that you can improve on anything and that your potential talent is really unlimited." 09:17 - 09:27 • "It takes courage because you have to be okay with the uncertainty that comes about. Because a lot of the times, the choices you're making, they're not the logical, safe choices." 10:02 - 10:09 • "I mean, for me, I was, I was making my best year ever. I made like $280,000 from the sale of my art." 11:26 - 11:36 • "You have to have the courage that things might fail, but you also need to be smart about taking risks where failure's not gonna take you out of the game." 19:44 - 19:49 • "Once you have enough money to live the life you're comfortable with, well more money is just zeros in your Bank account." 23:18 - 23:29 • "If the more people that love your work and love it to the degree they actually make poor choices financially when they shouldn't be buying your work and they actually spend money on it. 'Cause they just have to have it." 40:08 - 40:13 • "Frustration comes about when the, what happens in reality doesn't meet our expectations."

Baya Voce is a relationship repair expert who helps couples rebuild connection when communication has broken down and loneliness has taken hold. With a Master of Social Work from Columbia University and advanced training in Relational Life Therapy under Terry Real, she combines evidence-based therapeutic approaches with the clarity, practicality, and directness of coaching. In addition to her clinical and coaching work, Baya collaborates with Rick Doblin and MAPS, alongside Columbia University, on research exploring MDMA-assisted couples therapy and its potential to deepen relational connection. Her TEDx talk on loneliness—viewed more than five million times—highlights the often-unspoken emotional cost of disconnection in modern relationships. Based in Austin, Texas, Baya works with couples seeking reconnection, greater clarity, or even a respectful separation, grounded in her core belief that genuine repair is the most powerful antidote to loneliness. Key Points • Impact of phones on relationship intimacy • Translation of complaints to growth opportunities • Relational loneliness vs. solitary loneliness • Enlightened self-interest in partnerships • Shifting from "fixing" to self-evolving within conflict Best Quotes 17:34 - 17:42 • "What are the understanding, what are the relationship needs, which are gonna be very different than your individual preferences." 22:03 - 22:10 • "Maybe I wanna be more independent. I wanna feel actually like I can handle the tension of differentiation." 23:34 - 23:43 • "But how, how I look back on the giving is that I'm so all on all the time that as I've gotten older..." 48:46 - 48:50 • "When two people can come into couples therapy and be like, here's the thing that's really hard for me." 51:18 - 51:23 • "We have a culture where phones are a, are a, they're like a third pillar in our relationships."

Dr. Aaron Hartman, MD is a board-certified Family Medicine physician, an Institute for Functional Medicine Certified Practitioner (IFMCP), and the founder of Richmond Integrative & Functional Medicine (RIFM). A Virginia native, he completed his medical training at Virginia Commonwealth University and the Medical College of Virginia, finishing his Family Medicine residency at MCV. He later earned advanced credentials in Integrative, Holistic, and Functional Medicine through the American Board of Integrative and Holistic Medicine, the American Board of Physician Specialties, and the Institute for Functional Medicine. Dr. Hartman also served as a Major in the U.S. Air Force, holding leadership roles including Clinic Director and Medical Director, with assignments that included Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany. In addition to founding the Virginia Research Center, he has participated in numerous clinical trials—contributing to research published in The Lancet—and has served as an Assistant Clinical Professor at the VCU School of Medicine since 2011. He is the author of UnCurable, a deeply personal account of his adopted daughter Anna, who was diagnosed with cerebral palsy and given a bleak prognosis. Through her story, Dr. Hartman introduces what he describes as a "hidden revolution" in functional medicine, challenging conventional assumptions about what is possible in health and healing. Key Points • Healthcare's blind spots exposed • The impact of diet on health discussed • Personal stories of medical defiance • The role of self-advocacy in health • Importance of foundational health practices Best Quotes 03:52 - 04:00 • "You'll get referred to five specialists to get five different diagnoses, six different medications, three surgery recommendations, and leave, having no idea what's going on." 08:53 - 08:56 • "The experts don't know and they don't know what they don't know." 09:07 - 09:11 • "I call these blind spots. These are things that, that we think to be true though just aren't true." 20:00 - 20:06 • "My journey with my family was I'm this typical doctor, academic minded, you know, above average intelligence, hard worker." 24:45 - 24:52 • "The book, we talked about this, but my, my admonition is the people is don't accept the standard of care, don't accept status quo."

In this week's episode, I am joined by Anthony Abbagnano! Anthony is the founder of Alchemy of Breath, a globally recognized breathwork community that has helped thousands of people reclaim their power through the transformative practice of conscious breathing. His personal journey, shared in his book, details how he overcame profound challenges through breathwork and mindfulness, ultimately leading him to create a life rooted in purpose, balance, and service. A pioneer in the digital breathwork space, Anthony was the first to bring breathwork online. He serves as curator for online breathwork on the board of the Global Professional Breathwork Alliance (GPBA) and holds a faculty position with the Shift Network. His Breathe the World online breathwork sessions draw hundreds of participants each week and support a growing global community of more than 170,000 people. Anthony has spoken alongside leading voices in personal growth and wellness, including Deepak Chopra, Marianne Williamson, Bruce Lipton, Peter Levine, Alex Howard, Wim Hof, and Fleet Maull, further solidifying his role as a trusted guide in the global breathwork movement. Key Points • One breath studied equals a lifetime learned • Inner calm is attainable in outer chaos • Mastery vs. Mystery in life's journey • The transforming power of acknowledgment • Survival instincts can reside with success Best Quotes 02:31 - 02:50 • "I contracted an illness and I'd already left behind my work. I had a very successful company in Italy where I was working with architecture and had about 300 people working for me, restoring buildings and finding beautiful old buildings for English and American people." 03:07 - 03:17 • "So I spent time in Asia. I left the company to run on its own, had it kind of sorted and went to Asia." 08:07 - 08:16 • "And so I didn't know it was gonna be a breakthrough. I thought this was the end in all the forms it could possibly show itself." 39:12 - 39:26 • "We use control to tell you what to do, to tell each other better ways to criticize each other, to make people more like us, to, to, to feel better by pointing out someone else's problem problems." 50:10 - 50:16 • "So there's something about restoring choice that needs to happen for someone to get traction."

In this episode, I am joined by Dr. Sunita Sah! Sunita is a Cornell professor, former physician, and one of the world's leading experts on compliance and defiance. Dr. Sunita Sah is a national bestselling author, award-winning professor at Cornell University, and expert in organizational psychology. She is a former physician and management consultant whose research focuses on influence, authority, compliance, and defiance. Her work has appeared in The New York Times, Harvard Business Review, and Scientific American, among others. Her book, Defy: The Power of No in a World That Demands Yes, explores how to reclaim agency and speak up when it matters. The paperback edition, How to Speak Up When It Matters, releases February 24, 2026. Key Takeaways Why we've misunderstood the word defy The hidden cost of always saying yes Compliance vs. true consent What "false defiance" looks like The five elements of a true yes or no How to teach kids (and ourselves) to say no without confrontation

Clifford Stephan is the founder of Booze Vacation, a health and wellness company created for high-performing men who want to elevate their lives and careers by leveraging the benefits of taking a strategic break from alcohol. He is also the founder of OneCompensation, a successful Bay Area compensation consulting firm that has helped Silicon Valley companies—including Google, LinkedIn, Kaiser Permanente, and Motorola Mobility—attract, engage, and retain top talent. In his mid-40s, Clifford realized that his regular, "semi-responsible" drinking was quietly undermining his health and long-term potential. He chose to take a year-long break from alcohol—what he called a "booze vacation." That decision reset both his body and his relationship with drinking, ultimately inspiring him to create Booze Vacation so other men could take a structured break, reclaim their health, and expand their professional capacity. Clifford holds a B.S. in Nutritional Science from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, has completed more than a dozen long-course triathlons, and is determined to "kick ass and take names" well into his 80s and beyond. Key Points • Booze breaks can upgrade your baseline • Wearables expose alcohol's impact on health • Breaks from alcohol can recalibrate cravings • Sleep, fitness, and mood improve sans alcohol • Life clarity and enhanced performance without alcohol • Clifford's Booze Vacation concept explained Best Quotes 01:45 - 01:58 • "Yeah, in short, scratching my own itch and yeah, I don't like the term cutting. It sounds kind of, you know, negative, harsh, we, we use in term taking an extended vacation from drinking." 02:54 - 03:03 • "I had, I had got sleep apnea, which was a pretty, pretty bad about that. And yeah, just wasn't feeling my best." 05:30 - 05:49 • "I think that when I started wearing the whoop in 2019, it was probably one of the most eye-opening things that I had done because I, I've worn it consecutively for many years now, and you can tell really quickly what alcohol does to your body." 07:58 - 08:06 • "It's a kind of a lifetime lifestyle experiment. And especially men of success. I think it's important that if you make it to the mountain top, you wanna stay there and enjoy it as long as possible." 10:41 - 10:51 • "You're gonna need more, it's gonna be harder on your aging body and you're gonna find yourself continually in lowered and lower states and, and, and kicking the crap outta yourself a lot faster."

Andrew Brodsky is an award-winning professor, management consultant, and virtual communications expert at the McCombs School of Business at The University of Texas at Austin. Recognized by Poets&Quants as one of the "World's 40 Best Business School Professors Under 40," Andrew is widely regarded for his work at the intersection of workplace technology, communication, and productivity. He also serves as the CEO of Ping Group, where he helps organizations improve how people connect and perform in modern, digitally driven workplaces. Andrew earned a Ph.D. in Organizational Behavior from Harvard Business School and a B.S. from The Wharton School. He currently lives in Austin with his wife and two rescue dogs. Key Points • Crafting Effective Virtual Messages • Enhancing Trust in Digital Relationships • Pros & Cons of Remote Communication • Leveraging AI for Productivity • Personal Anecdotes & Communication Research Best Quotes 03:49 - 03:56 • "The old way of the office was if you had a question, you'd go to your coworkers' cubicle or office and ask them." 05:10 - 05:15 • "I was left with an immune deficiency. So I'm often having to communicate with others from a distance." 05:42 - 05:58 • "And if you show up and you have the right energy and you, you're, you're animated, you're, you're empathetically listening, you know, there's so many things and some people, you know, this thing just draws them down like immediately you're on the computer and, and they're shutting down and they're getting uncomfortable." 17:23 - 17:39 • "One of a good example of this is research on the email urgency bias where basically these researchers found that when people receive an email, they ex they think the sender wants a response a lot more quickly than they actually do."

In this week's episode I am joined by my good friend Stephen Drum! During his 27 years of service, he developed and led high-performance teams in combat at every level and in the most challenging and extreme environments. Stephen was a principal architect and co-creator of the US Navy's Warrior Toughness Program. Stephen is a professional speaker, trainer and author, helping leaders and teams optimize their performance and execution in challenging and high-pressure situations. Key Points • Grasp leadership in high-stress roles • Parenting: Kids, sports & life lessons • Embrace life's imperfect moments • The power of maintaining friendships • Navigating transitions as families grow

Andrew Herr is the Founder of FlyKitt, a breakthrough travel protocol designed for high performers—from the battlefield to the boardroom—who need to function at peak capacity no matter the conditions. Whether leading teams, competing at elite levels, or making mission-critical decisions, showing up sharp after a flight is essential. Yet among the 10 million+ people who travel every day, few understand the toll flying takes on the body. Jet lag, inflammation, dehydration, gut issues, joint pain, poor metabolism, and brain fog are real, long-lasting risks that quietly erode performance. FlyKitt is changing that. Used by elite special operations forces, Navy SEALs, Fortune 500 executives, and professional athletes in the NBA, NFL, and Olympics, the system is built on more than 1,000 experiments aimed at neutralizing travel stress and protecting performance. Its data-driven supplement and timing protocol has shown a 94% reduction in travel symptoms, with 85% of users reporting improved circadian rhythm alignment. Andrew's innovation stems from his career leading human performance efforts for the U.S. military, where he specialized in optimizing warfighters to perform under extreme pressure. He's also tested his limits personally, completing the Spartan Ultra World Championship in Iceland's brutal winter—twice. Key Points • Inflammation can lower your immune defense. • Discover how to biohack jet lag. • Tips on diet and sleep for travelers. • Techniques to maintain high performance. • Prevent travel burnout with Fly Kit. Best Quotes 08:16 - 08:23 • "You're getting flavors of decompression and altitude sickness because of the rapidity with which this is happening." 08:41 - 08:46 • "What I'm saying is the inflammation plus the circadian shift is why jet lag is so bad." 09:37 - 09:52 • "All these things are, you know, gut inflammation we know causes these things. Brain fog. We know that when we're inflamed the actual immune cells and these cytokines, immune compounds transit into the brain and change the way the brain metabolizes energy so you feel more tired." 09:53 - 10:04 • "So all these things are secondary to this flight induced inflammation. And then if you have circadian shifts on top of it and you're flying long distance, then it prevents you from resetting your circadian rhythm." 14:11 - 14:23 • "The air filtration on planes actually quite good. Now they, there's all kinds of problems with the air on planes that I'm not gonna get into around like bleed air coming in through the jet engines, you get exhaust in the plane." 23:42 - 23:50 • "You know, my, my scientific assessment is safe. We do only recommend rates and older, but for younger we have a fly Kitt Junior where we make it with gummies."

In this week's episode, I am joined by Nick O'Kelly! Nick is a retired Chief Warrant Officer 3 with 13 years of service in the U.S. Army, including 9 years in Special Operations. He is one of the rare individuals to have served both as a U.S. Army Green Beret and as an MH-60M Black Hawk pilot with the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment. Over the course of seven overseas deployments—including three combat tours in Iraq, Afghanistan, and the Philippines—he provided direct support to Tier 1 Special Mission Units in some of the world's most dangerous and complex environments. Nick is now the author of Stigma, a powerful and unflinching exploration of mental health in the military and other high-performance communities. The book breaks the long-standing code of silence around psychological struggle, revealing that strength and struggle can coexist—and that battle is not weakness. Key Points • Life as a high performer and mental health • The impacts of mental health stigmas • Special Forces training mirrors life's battles • Family dynamics of a high-performing soldier • The liberating power of vulnerability

Sébastien Page has more than two decades of leadership experience and has conducted extensive research in positive, sports, and personality psychology. In addition to The Psychology of Leadership, he is the author of Beyond Diversification (McGraw-Hill, 2020) and co-author of Factor Investing and Asset Allocation (CFA Institute, 2016). He currently serves as Chief Investment Officer and Head of Global Multi-Asset at T. Rowe Price, where he oversees a team of investment professionals actively managing more than $500 billion. Sébastien has earned six research paper awards from The Journal of Portfolio Management and the Financial Analysts Journal, and he serves on the editorial boards of both publications. He also sits on the Board of Directors of the Institute for Quantitative Research in Finance (the Q Group). A respected voice in the field, he appears regularly on outlets such as Bloomberg TV and CNBC, and was named one of LinkedIn's Top 15 Voices in Finance. Key Points • Learning from losses is key • Stress can boost performance • Habits can change personality • Empathy improves communication • Parenting parallels leadership Best Quotes 03:54 - 04:00 • "They're all obsessed with sports psychologists with losing and what you do with the loss." 19:00 - 19:11 • "I consider myself an introvert as well. Look, there's a theory behind it that reaches sports psychology life and setting goals in business." 19:37 - 19:46 • "It's hard enough to keep you motivated. It's not so easy that you'll get bored. And it's not so hard that it's impossible." 21:21 - 21:31 • "But if you realize that stress actually fuel for performance up to a point, then you at least stop stressing about stressing, you remove a layer of stress." 43:39 - 43:48 • "I have videos with my daughter out there where I teach her about finance and investing. We started doing this when she was 10."

In this week's episode, I am joined by Dr. Emily Falk! Emily Falk is a Professor at the University of Pennsylvania with appointments in Communication, Psychology, Marketing, and Operations, Informatics & Decisions. She serves as Vice Dean of the Annenberg School for Communication, Director of the Communication Neuroscience Lab, and Director of the Climate Communication Division at the Annenberg Public Policy Center. An expert in the science of behavior change, Dr. Falk integrates psychology, neuroscience, and communication to investigate what makes messages persuasive, why ideas spread, and how people can become more effective communicators. Her new book, What We Value: The Neuroscience of Choice and Change, uncovers the hidden brain processes behind every decision we make—and shows how understanding those processes can help us make more intentional choices in our work, relationships, and lives. Dr. Falk's research has earned numerous honors, including early career awards from the International Communication Association, the Society for Personality and Social Psychology, the Social and Affective Neuroscience Society, and the NIH Director's New Innovator Award. She is also a Fulbright grant recipient, a DARPA Young Faculty Award winner, and was named a "Rising Star" by the Association for Psychological Science. She earned her B.A. in Neuroscience from Brown University and her Ph.D. in Psychology from the University of California. Key Points • Insights on choice-making • The brain's social influence • Creating impactful habits • The neuroscience of purpose • Parenting using brain science Best Quotes 02:59 - 03:08 • "you know, I know that you think that when I come to your house, we're really spending quality time together, but actually we're not." 03:26 - 03:30 • "I wanna spend time with my kids, I wanna be a good boss. There are so many different things." 03:52 - 03:56 • "I wasn't sticking that landing of actually getting over there and spending the time with my grandmother." 10:44 - 10:51 • "People who are feeling more purposeful get a lot of benefits, both in terms of mental health and physical health." 19:24 - 19:33 • "Our brain figures out the things that we're choosing between, it then assigns a subjective value to each one, and then it keeps track of how things went."

In this week's episode, I am joined by Dr. Bob Rosen! Dr. Bob Rosen is a world-renowned thought leader on healthy people and healthy organizations. A psychologist, New York Times best-selling author, researcher, and preeminent business advisor, his pioneering work on personal and organizational change has earned global recognition. Each year, Bob speaks to thousands of people around the world and appears frequently in international media. A sought-after media commentator, Bob has been featured in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Fortune, Bloomberg Businessweek, Financial Times, Time, Chief Executive Magazine, and many others. His books include Detach, the New York Times bestseller Grounded®, the Washington Post bestseller Conscious, Just Enough Anxiety, Global Literacies, The Catalyst, The Healthy Company, and Leading People. As a global keynote speaker, Bob is especially known for his insights into the psychology of self-improvement and leadership in a rapidly changing world. Bob holds a Ph.D. in clinical psychology from the University of Pittsburgh and is a graduate of the University of Virginia. He teaches in executive education programs and has long served on the faculty of the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at George Washington University's School of Medicine. His body of work—including books, programs, and resources—is available at bobrosen.com. Key Points • The peril of past & future attachments • Agile living beats stability illusion • Embrace imperfection, discard perfection • Success: balancing aspiration & contentment • Self-awareness: key to high performance Best Quotes 05:56 - 06:09 • "And so I wanted to identify the common attachments that got in the way. At the same time, Western psychology teaches us about dreams and aspirations and problem solving." 09:50 - 10:00 • "So by not facing the truth inside of us, us and practicing forgiveness of what happened, we risk becoming too attached to the past." 18:02 - 18:06 • "But the present state is where peace lies, and it's the hardest place to be." 32:43 - 32:58 • "We have a choice. So detached, although it might be scary for people who are high performing, it really helps them in the long run with their success and high performance."

In this week's episode, I am joined by Jeanne Sparrow! Jeanne Sparrow is an author, trusted leadership and communication consultant, and graduate faculty instructor at Northwestern University. A 7-time Emmy-winning television host, award-winning radio personality, and podcast host, Jeanne brings more than 30 years of experience in broadcasting and media to her work. Driven by a lifelong passion for amplifying people's stories with clarity and hope, Jeanne's mission is to create connection and community—and to help others do the same. She empowers individuals and organizations to become more adaptable, confident, and successful by teaching them how to deliver authentic value through visionary leadership and inspiring communication. You can connect with Jeanne and join her online community at www.fearlessauthenticity.com, listen to her podcast Fearless Authenticity with Jeanne Sparrow on YouTube or your preferred streaming platform, and find her book Fearless Authenticity: Lead Better, Sell More, and Speak Sensationally at your favorite bookseller. Key Points • Impact of being true to oneself • Legacy tied to authentic living • Midlife: a time for self-realignment • The magnetic vibe of authenticity • Action as an antidote to fear Best Quotes 4:23 - 04:34 • "What do you actually do every day? Like that's the stuff I'm interested in because those, because the way in which we fulfill these roles is actually the thing that shows people who we are." 08:37 - 08:44 • "The saddest thing in the world is for somebody to leave this earth and with music still in their heart, right?" 08:47 - 08:55 • "And sometimes it's in tune with other people and sometimes it's not. But when you find the place where you are reaching that right harmony with other people, it's beautiful." 15:44 - 15:47 • "My mama told me, you always leave people better than you found them. That's right." 27:47 - 27:59 • "I am so passionate about, you know, people taking their authenticity to heart and understanding that they are a gift."

My guest today is Eddie Pinero — speaker, creator, and founder of Your World Within. Eddie has built one of the most recognizable storytelling platforms in the self-development world. His spoken-word films and reflections on purpose, discipline, and growth have reached hundreds of millions of people online, reminding us that we're always one decision away from a completely different life. But behind all the creative success is something deeper — a philosophy about what it means to live a meaningful life. In this conversation, we talk about the process of becoming, why hardship is essential for growth, and how the pursuit of excellence doesn't have to come at the cost of peace. Eddie's perspective bridges the gap between art and action — between thought and motion. It's a reminder that the life you want isn't waiting for permission; it's waiting for you to begin. Key Points The power of one decision — how small choices can completely shift the direction of your life. Why doing hard things is the fastest way to build confidence and resilience. How to create from a place of meaning rather than validation. The balance between chasing excellence and maintaining inner peace. Why progress isn't about perfection — it's about evolution, one step at a time.

In this week's episode, I am joined by Shira Miller! Shira is passionate about helping people live and lead with purpose, optimism, and sustained energy. A two-time TEDx speaker, Certified Executive Coach, and author of Free and Clear: Get Unstuck and Live the Life You Want, Shira currently serves as Chief Communications Officer for National DCP, the $3 billion supply chain company serving Dunkin' franchisees. Cultivating optimism is her superpower. Having overcome financial hardship, chronic health challenges, and career misalignment, Shira transformed her own life into one fueled by meaning, connection, and impact. Today, she helps thousands of leaders and organizations do the same—activating the remarkable within themselves, their teams, and their cultures. Shira's speaking engagements include events for the Society for Human Resource Management, Women's Foodservice Forum, Emory University, Canyon Ranch, the Women's Leadership Conference–Wisconsin, the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce, and the Public Relations Society of America, among others. Her insights have been featured in Thrive Global, Shape, Health, First for Women, Authority Magazine, Quick & Simple, and the Atlanta Journal–Constitution. Key Points • Optimism: Your Life's Superpower • The Positive Impact of Daily Acts • Relationships Shape Your Path • Reverse Bucket List Confidence Booster • Embrace the "Remarkable" Inside You Best Quotes 10:32 • "You know, the statistic is unfortunately quite high. If I think of the book, positive Intelligence, are you familiar? I've heard It, yes. Okay. It's terrific by, shes, I'm not going to say his name, exact shed shamine, his estimate is that 80% of us are holding ourselves back because of our negative relationship with ourself, and it's with our inner saboteur." 16:05 - 16:18 • "I call it the five things that I did for myself. You can do this in the morning or you can do it in the night. So let's say you're doing it at night and I try to list five things that I did for myself that day." 19:21 - 19:31 • "And people are uncomfortable with that. So when you can really, you know, I talk in the book about taking a pause, it could be for 10 minutes, it could be for 10 days." 31:36 - 31:50 • "The first point I wanna make is that we all already have the remarkable inside of us. And when I'm talking about remarkable, it's the ability to do something extraordinary or to make a big impact." 34:19 • "I call it a reverse bucket list. Would you like to hear about it? Okay. So, you know, the concept of a bucket list, you know, things we wanna do before we kick the bucket, before we, you know, die. So in this case, it's about acknowledging everything that we've already done."

Tamara Myles is a speaker, author, and professor specializing in the science of human flourishing at work. She helps leaders and organizations—including Microsoft, KPMG, and MassMutual—unlock the power of meaningful work to drive peak performance, innovation, and resilience. A faculty member at Boston College and a researcher and instructor at the University of Pennsylvania, Tamara's work challenges traditional assumptions about work, showing that when leaders cultivate meaning, they create thriving teams and lasting impact. Through her latest book, Meaningful Work (co-authored with Wes Adams), Tamara is redefining what it means to truly thrive at work. The book and its accompanying Make Work Meaningful framework demonstrate how purpose, connection, and contribution can elevate not only organizational success but also individual fulfillment. Her insights offer leaders and teams practical ways to align high performance with genuine well-being, making her a leading voice in conversations about how to live and lead at the highest level. Key Points • "The 3 Cs: Community, Contribution, Challenge" • "Positive emotions coexist with struggle" • "AI's rise altering the work dynamic" • "Youth demanding meaningful work" • "Mutual mentorship and generational bridging" Best Quotes 02:08 - 02:31 • "And, and so it really, it was transformative in my personal life. And then in my work life I think was a com was an evolution and, and a way of, of like naming sometimes, you know, it's about having language to describe what you already believe in or what things you already do." 02:14 - 02:31 • "And then in my work life I think was an evolution and, and a way of, of like naming sometimes, you know, it's about having language to describe what you already believe in or what things you already do." 13:00 • "My leader cares about what's happening in my life outside of work. And one of the practices that we teach is exactly what, what you said, like at the weekly standup meeting at a weekly one-on-one, just ask, like let people talk about don't, don't be so transactional and go right into like, here are the things that are going on this week who has a question, right?" 34:14 • "So Marty Seligman, who founded the field of positive psychology has told us, you know, everybody who, who is a scholar and, and kind of researcher or works in the field that his moonshot vision, his big goal with the field is to have 51% of the population in the world flourishing by 2051."

In this conversation, I am joined by Jim Murphy! Jim is the man behind the viral book "Inner Excellence"! Today, we explore the themes of personal growth, the impact of literature, and the journey of young athletes. We discuss the importance of surrendering control, the role of belief, focus, and freedom in achieving excellence, and the influence of parents in shaping children's beliefs. The conversation also touches on the significance of competition, relationships, and creating a positive impact through service, while navigating challenges and learning from failures. Jim shares insights on the future of Inter Excellence and the need to fill the gap in society with a message of love and connection. takeaways The journey of a young athlete can be transformative. Literature can significantly impact personal growth. Survival mentality often hinders true potential. Surrendering control can lead to greater freedom. Belief, focus, and freedom are essential for excellence. Parents play a crucial role in shaping beliefs.

Sherri Coale is a native Oklahoman who grew up in a small rural town just north of the Red River, where she developed a lifelong love for reading, writing, and basketball—not necessarily in that order. After a standout collegiate career at Oklahoma Christian, she traded her high tops for the sidelines in 1987, beginning what would become a Hall of Fame coaching career. For 25 years, Sherri served as the head women's basketball coach at the University of Oklahoma, where she became the winningest coach in program history. Under her leadership, the Sooners appeared in 19 consecutive NCAA tournaments and reached three Final Fours, cementing her legacy as one of the most successful coaches in the sport. Sherri's contributions extend far beyond OU. She has coached on the international stage with USA Basketball, helping lead teams to a bronze medal in 2001 and a gold medal at the 2013 World University Games, where her squad defeated Russia on their home court. Throughout her career, she has been recognized not only for competitive excellence but also for championing academics and community service, always striving to maximize her players' potential both on and off the court. Her impact has been honored with inductions into the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame, the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame, the Oklahoma Women's Hall of Fame, and numerous others—including the "Home of" signs proudly displayed in her hometown of Healdton. Beyond coaching, Sherri is an author, master motivator, engaging speaker, gifted writer, and thoughtful observer of everyday life. She shares her reflections in her weekly blog, A Weigh of Life (sherricoale.com), and is the author of Rooted to Rise, an Amazon bestseller, and The Compost File. She and her husband, Dane, have been married for 38 years and are the proud parents of two children, a daughter-in-law, a son-in-law, and two beloved granddaughters who now fill their world with joy. Key Points • The importance of coaching beyond the game • Cultural impact of shows like Ted Lasso • Growth in collegiate athletics and its consequences • The allure of writing and life after coaching • The evolution of women's basketball and its icons Best Quotes 03:23 - 03:28 • "The more curiosity we have, the, the less judgmental we're gonna be and the better off it is." 05:12 - 05:17 • "It's a proven philosophy that if you can connect with someone, you can help shape and change their behavior." 06:59 - 07:03 • "I need that. I need more of that in my life and I'd watch more stuff." 08:16 - 08:20 • "I fell in love with basketball in the third grade. Nobody in my family played." 09:04 - 09:11 • "So I went to college and said, I wanna be a teacher and a coach because I could not imagine a day without a basketball in my hand." 30:44 - 30:53 • "What I wanted them to most leave Oklahoma with what I wanted my children, I have two children. What I wanted them to leave our home with was confidence." 46:38 - 46:46 • "When I first started writing the stories in Rooted to Rise, I had about 15 stories and I thought I didn't, I wasn't writing a book, I was just writing."

In this week's episode, I am joined by Suzanne Warye! Suzanne Warye is a sobriety influencer and the host of the popular podcast The Sober Mom Life. She is also the founder of The Sober Mom Life Cafe, a supportive digital community where women can explore their relationship with alcohol and discover freedom in sobriety. Her work and personal journey have been featured in Scary Mommy and the Huffington Post. Based on the North Shore of Chicago, Suzanne lives with her husband and three kids. When she's not creating content or connecting with her community, she's likely reheating her coffee and embracing her self-proclaimed "whole heart, half ass" approach to parenting. Suzanne is the author of "The Sober Shift", out September 30th! Key Points • Sobriety shifts life's trajectory • Navigating feelings post-alcohol • Sharing the generational drink culture • The lifelong impact of personal habits • Connection beyond numbing substances Best Quotes 03:50 - 03:56 • "But I too was drinking very heavily early on in my life, like super early." 07:35 - 07:43 • "I, I mean, it's interesting because I grew up in a family where my grandfather was an alcoholic." 11:54 - 12:03 • "I think being bored is like the pathway to creativity. We don't, we don't create anything when we're just like, you know, constantly consuming." 12:04 - 12:17 • "We have a rule in our house, like, you can use, you can be on the screen as long as you want, as long as you're creating and not consuming, because something happens to our mental health when we create." 12:21 - 12:30 • "And so I think just, but first allowing ourselves to feel the feelings of boredom, because generally adults aren't good at being bored either."

In this week's episode, I am joined by Alex Hutchinson! Alex is a science journalist, author, and former long-distance runner for the Canadian national team whose work explores the limits of human performance and humanity's innate drive to explore. He writes the long-running Sweat Science column for Outside magazine and has contributed to The New York Times, The New Yorker, and The Globe and Mail. A Columbia-trained journalist with a Ph.D. in physics from Cambridge, Alex completed post-doctoral research with the National Security Agency before shifting full-time to writing. He is the author of the New York Times bestseller Endure: Mind, Body, and the Curiously Elastic Limits of Human Performance and, most recently, The Explorer's Gene: Why We Seek Big Challenges, New Flavors, and the Blank Spots on the Map (2025), a groundbreaking look at the science behind why humans are wired to push boundaries. Key Points • How challenges enhance meaning in life • Daily routines can unlock high performance • AI's impact on critical thinking and exploration • The fine balance of parenting and risk • The paradox of effort Best Quotes 01:29 - 01:40 • "High performance, you know, you can, you can use different words for it, but I think that the concept is, I, I've always liked to, to push as hard as I can, push my limits, see what I'm capable of." 03:50 - 04:03 • "So it's always this, this, it's a delicate dance of trying to, trying to cr create that feeling in other people to try and, you know, have them challenged enough without feeling like, no, you, you, you always have to push harder." 05:21 - 05:28 • "I always wanted them to focus on the effort. I always wanted them to have fun doing what they were doing, not just worried about the end, but actually enjoying the journey." 06:22 - 06:28 • "There's a joy in the, there's a joy in seeing what I, what I'm capable of today. That, and it's, it's fun." 07:58 - 08:14 • "The one strain of res research that I found, you know, really validating to be frank, is on this idea called the effort paradox, which is what psychologists, that's their, their term for this idea that sometimes we do things not in spite of the fact that they're hard, but because they're hard." 10:49 - 11:01 • "Yeah, for sure. I mean, you know, and I'm a morning runner. Like I, when I, you know, when I was competing, going, you know, in, in high school and university practices were after school, after, after classes, and I was used." 12:37 - 13:01 • "So I, like, I really encourage people to figure out what's gonna get them going. And, and don't make it too daunting at the beginning. Don't, don't start with like a 18 step process to get ready for the day, but figure out what's gonna be good for you, do it, and then do it long enough that it eventually, it's no longer optional because then you don't have to waste your time or waste your mental energy to convincing yourself. It's just what you do."

Joel Goldberg broke into the sports broadcasting scene in the 1990s by knocking on television station doors, cold calling broadcast executives, and sending out resume tapes. His career was not handed to him, it was built on persistence, connection, and years of hard work. Over a 30-year career, Joel has worked in four markets, covering two World Series Championship teams and thousands of baseball games, as well as multiple Super Bowls, NHL playoffs, and NCAA March Madness tournaments. Along the way, he has interviewed countless athletes, Hall of Famers, and celebrities, telling stories that range from the most famous stars to under-the-radar role players. Since 2008, Joel has had the privilege of covering the Kansas City Royals as a host and reporter, a role that allows him to inform, entertain, and connect fans to the athletes they admire. Through his years of storytelling and observing how championship organizations succeed—and fail—Joel recognized that the leadership methods and culture-building strategies used in sports could translate directly into the corporate world. This realization led him to launch a motivational speaking business in 2017. He is also the host of the podcast Rounding the Bases with Joel Goldberg and the author of the books Small Ball Big Results and Small Ball Big Dreams. Key Points • Big dreams & life lessons in baseball • Unlocking success by embracing imperfection • Media's dynamic evolution in storytelling • Balancing high performance with family • Transitioning from sport to speaking stages Best Quotes 08:41 - 08:48 • "My longtime broadcast colleague, Ryan Lafe, who's our play Byplay guy, so I've been with him for 18 years in Kansas City." 17:53 - 18:00 • "When you're a professional and you, you've signed up for something that you love doing and it's your career, he just got on a plane and went and performed." 25:28 - 25:35 • "I always feel good about the guys that maybe met their spouse in college maybe before they were big time or, or in high school." 39:36 - 39:47 • "But like as far as viral content and all that, look, I'd be lying if I said I didn't get a dopamine hit from when a ton of people watch something that I do that goes viral." 46:40 - 46:48 • "There are just like any other profession, there are athletes in, in all sports that, that are doing it for the money. They don't like it so they won't miss it." 48:52 - 49:02 • "I love the, the, the small ball metaphor because in obviously with my baseball ties, the bunts, nobody thinks that a bunt is exciting." 50:34 - 50:49 • "It's not something that ends up in a bio or, or anything like that. But you're doing something to help advance your, cause your team's cause your purpose and you don't get a lot of credit for it publicly."

In this week's episode, I am joined by Rich Christiansen! Rich Christiansen is a globally recognized entrepreneur, author, mentor, and humanitarian. He has founded or co-founded 51 businesses, with 16 of them becoming multimillion-dollar successes, each launched with $10,000 or less, and has conducted business in 14 countries. He is the bestselling author of The ZigZag Principle (McGraw Hill, 2011), which became both a Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestseller, and the co-author of Bootstrap Business. In 2021, Rich launched the Legado Family Framework, a model designed to help families strengthen values, traditions, and governance—positively impacting and stabilizing families worldwide. A natural mentor, he has launched and trained hundreds of young leaders, founded the Entrepreneur Leadership Center, and served as Chairman of the Board of Trustees at Southern Utah University as well as on the Utah State Board of Higher Education. He also founded Mountain Grabbers, his thought leadership company, and HooDoo Capital, an early-stage venture capital firm. Beyond business, Rich leads an adventurous life. With his family, he has explored slot canyons, summited Mt. Kilimanjaro, and stood at the base of Mt. Everest three times. He enjoys frisbee golf, skiing, golf, cooking, playful music, and makes meditation a daily practice. Together with his wife, he is the proud parent of five sons, ten grandchildren, and a daughter from Nepal. Looking ahead, Rich is committed to using his next chapter of thought leadership to help guide humanity toward a balanced and safe middle way. Key Points • Rich Christiansen's 51-business journey • The Zigzag Principle unpacked • "Fail quickly and efficiently" • Entrepreneurship with a heart • Critical thinking over AI • Personal values define success Best Quotes 03:33 - 03:43 • "It's about 12, 13 years old. I kind went back and rewrote it, updated it last year, and, and it was really fun 'cause a lot of the principles held stronger than ever." 06:07 - 06:13 • "Please put guardrails in your life because it really becomes a at bat game, Scott, it really does." 06:37 - 06:43 • "I think it's always funny to me how movement and action create opportunity." 22:20 - 22:25 • "You show me a family or an organization with a bunch of rules and I'll show you a broken culture." 37:31 - 37:43 • "I think back to that concept of, of I want my sons to be, they know that they're not going to get any of my wealth and they would be offended if I did give them money."

Dr. Benjamin Ritter is a leadership and career coach, international speaker, and founder of Live for Yourself Consulting. He helps senior leaders and executives gain clarity, confidence, and control over their careers so they can lead with purpose and build work that truly fulfills them. Holding a doctorate in Organizational Leadership, Ben developed two signature frameworks—the LIVE system and the Three C's of Self-Leadership—that combine evidence-based theory with practical coaching strategies. He has worked with professionals at top organizations including Amazon, Google, Mayo Clinic, and Pinterest. A former healthcare executive who once felt stuck despite external success, Ben transformed that experience into a mission to help others learn to lead themselves first. He is also the author of the bestselling book Becoming Fearless and host of The Executive Podcast. Key Points • Clarity, confidence, and control in career • Alignment is key for high performance • Soccer career insights and life lessons • The LIVE model for personal growth • Becoming fearless in professional life Best Quotes 05:44 - 05:52 • "The most important leader is the leader that's inside you. Are you leading yourself as the way that you want your leader to actually show up and lead for you?" 08:35 - 08:42 • "And that belief is gonna allow me to go, to go achieve the things that I want to achieve despite other people's opinions." 21:40 - 21:45 • "You have to make sure it's not draining other critical components of your life and the things that can be important." 40:59 - 41:02 • "If you can have that belief and keep that front and center, then oh, you're gonna be okay."

I'm joined today by Joe Hirsch, an internationally recognized expert on leadership, communication, and feedback culture. Joe is a bestselling author and keynote speaker who combines behavioral science with powerful storytelling to help individuals and organizations lead with greater clarity, connection, and impact. His book The Feedback Fix has been featured in Harvard Business Review, praised by Forbes, and implemented by top companies, schools, and government agencies around the world. He's spoken on stages across five continents and hosts the podcast I Wish They Knew, where he explores the hidden habits of exceptional leaders. Joe's mission is to help people lead with less fear and more purpose, creating thriving cultures where people and performance grow together. In our conversation, Joe and I dive into the transformative power of feedback and how it can move from a dreaded transaction to a powerful tool for growth, trust, and authentic communication. We explore why humility, curiosity, and empathy are essential in feedback conversations, along with practical strategies to improve communication in both personal and professional relationships. Joe also explains how self-confidence impacts our ability to receive feedback and why timing and delivery are crucial for building trust. This episode will challenge the way you think about feedback and show you how small shifts in approach can strengthen relationships, enhance leadership, and unlock high performance. Key Takeaways: -Feedback is most effective when it looks forward, not backward. - Humility, curiosity, and empathy create stronger feedback cultures. - Self-confidence shapes how we receive and grow from feedback. - Timing and delivery can make or break difficult conversations. - Shifting feedback from a power dynamic to a partnership builds trust.

Rachel DeAlto is a keynote speaker, author, and expert in communication, leadership, and relatability. She is the author of Relatable: How to Connect with Anyone Anywhere (Even if It Scares You) and The Relatable Leader: Create a Culture of Connection. Rachel holds a law degree, a Master's in psychology, and maintains an influential social media presence where she shares psychological research updates and practical takeaways to help people connect and communicate more effectively. She has appeared as an expert on Lifetime's Married at First Sight, TLC's Kate+Date, and more than 200 national media outlets. Rachel speaks on relationship-building, the power of connection, emotional intelligence, and authenticity, with her most recent TEDx talk, Being Authentic in a Filtered World, featured on TED.com. Key Points • Relatable leadership is fundamental • Importance of respect in teams • Trust is key to leadership success • Discussing the power of kindness • Parenthood insights and anecdotes Best Quotes 01:30 - 01:36 • "But I think in terms of being a relatable parent is you wanna be able to see and hear your children." 03:10 - 03:21 • "It's high performance is something where you're just trying to do the best job you possibly can, which is all you can do to make that impact, which I know is an important word, both in leadership and in parenting." 05:25 - 05:36 • "Gary Vaynerchuk said probably like a decade ago that if we weren't paying attention, we'd be missing the fact that the radio was replaced by the television and the television is being replaced by our phones." 08:24 - 08:31 • "One of the things I've found to be most successful in leadership is the ability to put life first." 39:36 - 39:41 • "Imagine if every person in this universe treated every other person as if they had value."

Brian Galke is the founder and CEO of Subtle Skills, a company that teaches people how to decode facial features and body language to build instant rapport and communicate more effectively. His F.A.C.E. Reading System helps individuals understand how others receive information, allowing them to connect more deeply, stay present, and lead with empathy. Brian's journey—from introverted help-desk worker to Regional VP of Sales managing a $40 million book of business—demonstrates the real-world power of mastering subtle communication. Today, he shares these tools through keynotes, workshops, and online content, helping leaders and teams across industries strengthen their relationships and influence. He's been called a "secret weapon" for his ability to decode people and unlock confident, authentic communication. Key Points • Face reading has ancient origins • Facial cues influence communication • Emotional intelligence trumps AI • Faces can signal introversion/extroversion • Mastering microexpressions is key Best Quotes 06:19 - 06:23 • "It's not just the messenger. Sometimes it's the timing of when you hear it." 07:16 - 07:22 • "There's a whole theory that you need to reread books that you've already read because you're gonna learn new things." 09:12 - 09:21 • "We are a lot of our environment and if you're, if you surround yourself with the right kind of energy, the right kind of people help amplify our message, help amplify our growth."

There is a trap that most new parents fall into, and they dont even realize that it could be killing their relationship... This episode outlines something you can do daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly to hold your marriage together during this new chapter in your life! I hope it helps!

Jason Graystone is a self-made entrepreneur, investor, and bestselling author who achieved complete financial freedom by the age of 30. After launching his first business at just 22, Jason went on to build multiple multimillion-dollar companies across both the online and service sectors. Today, he's known as a professional investor, speculator, and angel investor with a deep passion for financial education and wealth creation. A globally recognized voice in the world of personal finance, trading, and entrepreneurship, Jason has spoken on some of the most prestigious stages in the investing space, as well as at universities, schools, and for major organizations—including the Metropolitan Police. He is the founder of an industry-leading investment and trading education platform that helps people take control of their finances and achieve long-term financial independence. In addition to his business success, Jason is a dedicated philanthropist, having raised over £100,000 for charitable causes. He is also deeply connected to many of the world's top entrepreneurs and thought leaders. In 2018, his groundbreaking work in trader development earned him a feature in Forbes Magazine alongside world-renowned trading psychologist Dr. Brett Steenbarger. As the author of Always Free and Trading Free, Jason's mission is to empower people to live purpose-driven, financially independent lives. His belief is simple yet powerful: "When we are free and able to focus on meaningful work, we become better human beings." Key Points • Mental freedom is key to true wealth. • Wealth equals service impact on lives. • Process over outcome for success. • Effective parenting shapes confidence. • Financial discipline is freedom's ally. Best Quotes 24:42 - 24:59 • "So what I would, I would just go on my Instagram and at this point his friends start following me, right? So they think I'm cool and, and I'd just go, I was talking to someone the other day and you know, they said this and, and then I would kind of explain my answer on the social media and they, his friends would all be like, your dad's, yeah, your dad's cool." 36:43 - 36:53 • "My approach to sharing all of this stuff, I, I, I watched a, I watched a seminar, but it, it was recorded back in the eighties. I watched it in my early twenties by, by a guy called Stuart Wild." 37:45 - 37:49 • "And when they find you, all you have to do is have an organized way to build these people." 39:41 - 40:06 • "No matter how much you teach them chat, GPT could teach them, but it's about building trust so when they can sit, when they can spend an hour with you online or two hours watching your videos or five hours reading a book, you've, you've built equity in that relationship where they trust you and they're not gonna go and search Google for another person to teach 'em the same thing that they, they just believe that you are the only person that can help them now." 45:24 - 45:32 • "I think common trap that a lot of entrepreneurs or business owners fall into these days is they feel like they've got to say something profound." Learn more about Jason's new book: https://amzn.to/3TGGtGg

In this week's episode, I am joined by Adam McGraw! Adam spent over a decade at American Express, where he led high-performing teams in sales and commercial strategy, earning recognition as a top 2% leader across the company. But it was his personal experience navigating stress, burnout, and the limitations of traditional leadership models that sparked a deeper shift. That shift ultimately led to the creation of CREW. Today, Adam is a transformational leadership speaker, executive coach, and the co-founder and CEO of CREW, a private leadership community for senior executives committed to purpose, connection, and fulfillment. Through CREW, he helps senior leaders build authentic, emotionally intelligent peer networks that prioritize connection, resilience, and meaning, alongside high performance. He's a certified coach, an experienced facilitator, and someone deeply passionate about helping leaders thrive not just in business, but in life. Along the way, Adam partnered closely with Stanford lecturer and New York Times bestselling author Shirzad Chamine, creator of the Positive Intelligence® framework. Profoundly influenced by the model's integration of neuroscience and mindset mastery, Adam dedicated himself to sharing this work with leaders across the country. Driven by a personal philosophy of alignment over achievement, Adam is passionate about helping leaders reconnect with their inner drive, navigate life transitions, and define success on their own terms. His journey is grounded in what he calls a "go for it" mindset, leaving behind the stability of a corporate career to pursue the mission-driven life he once didn't have the courage to follow. Through CREW, he now helps other leaders do the same, providing a curated, members-only space where senior executives can find the safe, growth-focused community they often lack inside their organizations. Key Points • Success isn't just about promotions • Parenting insights that steer careers • Books can pivot your life direction • Relationships: The X factor of growth • Finding joy in life's little moments Best Quotes 01:48 - 01:52 • "I ended up in this corporate path really never wanting to do it." 02:41 - 02:49 • "I went in that lane. There were goals and external validation metrics to chase and competitive. And I went for it, and I got sucked into it." 06:27 - 06:33 • "And then I would immediately dissent back down to baseline levels of happiness, fulfillment, significance, and self-worth." 11:34 - 11:40 • "That's not how the brain works. That's not where vision and creativity and innovation live." 49:33 - 49:40 • "And we spend a good chunk of our lives trying to get back to that innocence, that curiosity and that value that childhood presented."

In this week's episode, my guest is Tim Shurr! Tim is the President of Shurr! Success Seminars & Coaching, a consulting and marketing firm, and a globally recognized mindset and performance expert. With a background in clinical psychology and certifications in hypnotherapy and NLP, Tim has facilitated over 15,000 individual hypnosis coaching sessions and decades of corporate training. Tim is the creator of the One Belief Away™ method, a transformative approach designed to reprogram limiting beliefs in just 30 minutes, and is often described as one of the most effective hypnotherapists and belief specialists in the world. He's authored six books, including Get Out of Your Way, The Cure for Self-Sabotage, and One Belief Away!, and has helped clients like Verizon, US Steel, Caterpillar, Amway, and Wells Fargo Advisors dramatically improve performance through behavior change and leadership development. An award‑winning speaker, TV and radio guest expert (including Fox News, CBS, NBC, ABC), and TEDx presenter, Tim empowers presidents, CEOs, and executives to foster engaged, self‑motivated teams, drive innovation, and boost profitability through sustainable mindset shifts. Key Points • Upgrade your unconscious beliefs • Overcome the high achiever cycle • Investment in self leads to success • Methods to shift self-limiting stories • Community and faith foster growth Best Quotes 02:38 - 02:47 • "I coined the term achiever syndrome. 'cause I feel like we've got this achiever syndrome, this feeling that no matter where we're at, we should be somewhere else no matter what we've done." 02:52 - 02:59 • "It's like we've got the finish line, and as soon as we get close to it, it gets pushed and it's like, oh, well now I gotta do." 07:28 - 07:34 • "What I do is I just figure out what feeling is keeping you stuck. And then I have you connect with that feeling." 08:07 - 08:21 • "So we go and we find that event. So let's just say we're working with your friend and we go back to when he was seven years old and all of a sudden he's having this experience where he tries to do something new in the classroom and it falls apart." 10:14 - 10:20 • "In fact, going for it makes me feel happier than holding back. Now you're starting to play to win." 12:18 - 12:23 • "If you go from I'm not worthy of love to, I am loved, that is a fundamental shift." 14:26 - 14:31 • "You just better do what you're promising. And so I'm like, yeah, I bring it." 19:14 - 19:26 • "But people aren't thinking of it that way. And so when my wife asked me to do some kind of activity... I'm like, I could be making a thousand dollars right now, but I'm gonna do this $10 activity for her because I value my marriage."

In this week's episode, I am joined by my good friend Mike Langford! Will Langford has 40 years' experience leading churches to engage communities with the life-changing message of Christ. Recently he retired from the pastorate to become a Pastor Wellness Catalyst with the Georgia Baptist Convention. He is married to Melissa, and they have two grown daughters. Dr. Langford received his Doctor of Ministry and Master of Divinity from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Will is both an accomplished author and speaker. Will's greatest passion is helping people cultivate their gifts and talents to leave a legacy of faith in their family and community. Key Points • Passionate about life's next chapter • Leaving a legacy, not just memories • The value of community and service • Driving force: Relationships over being right • Cultivating faith as life's foundation Best Quotes 04:25 - 04:34 • "You know, sometimes we, we focus on being right so much that we, we draw a really tight circle, and if we're not careful, we're gonna draw that circle so tight that we're the only ones standing in it." 05:13 - 05:24 • "I talk a lot on this show about Sunday night dinners, and my mom does a Sunday night dinner every week, my mom and dad, but mom's the one that listens to the show, so I mention her a little bit more." 07:48 - 07:58 • "I mean, look, look at, look at politics, right? I mean, it's every single month the media is pressing something that they want us to actually pay attention to." 14:18 - 14:26 • "And the light that shines the brightest, you know, it, it's, they're the furthest, I guess the light that shines the furthest shines the brightest right here." 44:50 - 44:59 • "It's the kind of thing that could help a group of people that are looking for a way to live within imbalance, but focus on the most important things."

In this week's episode, I am joined by Emily Kasriel! Emily is a journalist, researcher, and executive coach whose work explores one of the most underrated and powerful tools we have in relationships: deep listening. Emily has worked all over the world with the BBC, led major global media and leadership projects, and developed her Deep Listening method as a Senior Fellow at King's College London. She's trained thousands of people, from army officers to corporate leaders to students in over 100 countries, on how to listen in a way that creates real connection and trust. In this episode, we talk about what deep listening really means, and how it's different from the kind of listening most of us do every day. Emily shares simple, research-backed tools that can transform how we connect with our partners, kids, and even with ourselves. Key Points • Deep listening vs superficial talk • 8 steps to mastering deep listening • Silence is golden in conversation • Transform relations with profound talks • Ethics & boundaries in deep listening Best Quotes 03:43 - 03:51 • "And it's such a beautiful gift to be able to give to people around us and to strangers and even people we disagree with." 03:55 - 04:03 • "So often when we listen to other people and they say, let's say they talk about, I've had a really difficult day, my boss was being impossible." 06:46 - 07:00 • "Research evidences that when we do take the time to listen, when we use more silence, when we are genuinely curious, people are able to, you know, not only at work, feel more incentivized, the bottom line increases." 07:49 - 07:57 • "And it's also because of time pressures. We've all got so much to juggle in our lives, and we're bombarded with an overplay of information." 08:19 - 08:31 • "I know from my work as an executive coach with leaders in the BBC and in many different corporations and organizations, that when you do give people the space, they will create new understandings." 25:33 - 25:47 • "The evidence from the academics into deep listening approach found that when people were practicing deep listening, they felt much safer, safer to express themselves and more understood."

Gretchen Rubin is one of today's most influential observers of happiness and human nature. She's the author of many books, including the blockbuster New York Times bestsellers Outer Order, Inner Calm; The Four Tendencies; Better Than Before; and The Happiness Project. Her books have sold more than 3.5 million copies worldwide, in more than thirty languages. She hosts the top-ranking, award-winning podcast Happier with Gretchen Rubin, where she explores practical solutions for living a happier life. Raised in Kansas City, Rubin lives in New York City with her husband and two daughters. Key Points • Decode your 'Four Tendencies' personality • How to harness outer expectations • Rebels' unique response to expectations • The freedom within discipline for Upholders • Gretchen's take on 'Secrets of Adulthood' Best Quotes 02:26 - 02:37 • "Depending on whether your tendency is to meet or resist outer and inner expectations, that's what makes you an upholder, a questioner, an obliger, or a rebel." 06:48 - 06:57 • "I'm the kind of person that leads people to them. And I spend a lot of time with the other individuals helping them find themselves or what's most important." 13:35 - 13:39 • "I don't wanna be your babysitter; do your work in your own way, and I'll do my work in my own way." 20:38 - 20:41 • "Why are you not upholding your expectations for yourself?" 50:19 - 50:29 • "If you can't figure out what to do, choose the bigger life, you know, because people are like, oh. 'cause it's like the pros and the cons can feel very evenly weighed, but then it's like, choose the bigger life." Website: https://gretchenrubin.com/

Today's guest is Julie Skolnick! Julie is a nationally recognized expert on twice-exceptional children, or "2e" kids — those who are both gifted and face learning challenges like ADHD, anxiety, or autism. Julie is the author of Gifted and Distractible and the founder of With Understanding Comes Calm, a global organization that supports parents, teachers, and clinicians working with neurodiverse kids. She's helped thousands of families better understand the unique strengths and struggles that come with raising a child who doesn't fit the mold. In this episode, we talk about what it really means to raise a twice-exceptional child—how to keep curiosity alive, why motivation can disappear in boring or rigid environments, and how small shifts in communication can completely change the energy in your home. Julie shares powerful insights on trauma, learning styles, and the role of resilience—not just for kids, but for parents too. We also touch on relationships, love languages, and how giving yourself grace as a parent can be just as important as the strategies you use. If you're raising a complex, bright, emotionally intense child—or if you're one yourself—this conversation will help you feel seen, supported, and more equipped to lead with empathy instead of pressure. Key Points • 2e traits extend beyond being "smart." • Punishment doesn't teach lagging skills. • Importance of love & play in learning. • Gifted classrooms should be active. • Children's nature is key in parenting. Best Quotes 07:58 - 08:06 • "So the sit face forward, raise your hand, be organized, turn in your homework. Those are not gifted kids. That's anything but gifted." 11:09 - 11:18 • "So when I train teachers, I just, I just trained a bunch of administrators this week. I am always saying, your best answer is from the kid." 24:46 - 24:55 • "When you notice verbs and efforts, it's like they thank you. 'cause it's like, wow, you see how hard I'm working with all the things that I'm dealing with, right?" 39:13 - 39:27 • "Same with parents. Parents might come to me and be like, Ugh. And they'll tell me all these negative things about their kids. And I always start, my first question always is tell me what your kid's superpower is. Tell me what your kid is passionate about or loves or is interested in." 47:41 - 47:51 • "Wait, what? You don't think the way I Wait, hold on. That doesn't mean as much to you. Wait, you Right. Like we we're surprised, right?"

In this week's episode, I am joined by Leonard Sax! Dr. Leonard Sax is an American physician, psychologist, and author best known for his work on child and adolescent development. A graduate of MIT and the University of Pennsylvania, where he earned both his M.D. and Ph.D. in psychology, Dr. Sax has spent over three decades working with children and families in clinical settings. He is widely recognized for his advocacy on issues of gender differences, parenting, and education. Dr. Sax has authored several influential books, including: - Why Gender Matters (2005) - Boys Adrift (2007) - Girls on the Edge (2010) - The Collapse of Parenting (2015) (2024 revised edition) Through his writing and speaking engagements, Dr. Sax promotes evidence-based approaches to raising and educating children, with particular attention to the roles of culture, discipline, and biological sex differences. He has spoken in all 50 U.S. states and internationally, advising parents, educators, and policy makers on how to better support the development of healthy, motivated, and resilient kids. Dr. Sax is known for blending scientific research with practical advice, often challenging prevailing assumptions about parenting and education. Key Points • "Gentle parenting" hardships exposed • Importance of parental authority • Teen boys' disturbing tech addiction • Impact of media on shaping masculinity • Steps to counter a flawed culture Best Moments 05:01 - 05:14 • "We can argue about what gentle parenting means, and different gurus have different definitions, but one thing they agree on is that gentle parenting means letting kids decide that good parenting means letting kids decide." 07:28 - 07:33 • "Enlightened parenting means setting your child free to discover for themselves their own right and wrong." 10:29 - 10:35 • "The cause is this toxic American culture of disrespect and sleaze." 10:56 - 11:10 • "You also have to offer something positive. You have to offer a healthy culture, something positive to replace Drake, SZA, Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion." 16:35 - 16:39 • "In order to become a better parent, you have to become a better person." 43:15 - 43:20 • "School has become unfriendly to boys, boys doing things that boys have always done."