Courage Cast - Faith, Encouragement and Motivation for Today

555 Episodes!  I revisit my guiding scripture in this process - Psalm 90:12 - "Teach us to number our days, so that we may gain a heart of wisdom."  and discuss the Top Five Regrets of the Dying" that started it all in Episode 1 of this podcast.  Thank you, from the bottom of my heart to everyone that's listened to this podcast over the last 6 years.  Your involvement, your influence, and your inspiration have taken me farther than I ever dreamed possible.  I have no regrets - only gratefulness.  I have no idea if after 5 months whether I'll be continuing this podcast or not, but I sure hope you'll stay connected to me at EricNordhoff.com either way. 

I'm grateful that my last interview for this podcast is with my sister-in-law, Maribeth Dodd.  Maribeth is a leader.  She is a business coach of leaders in the corporate world, in network marketing, and leaders in ministry.  She shares vulnerability about balancing her work along with all of her other personal responsibilities.  And, how sometimes the best place to be is a little bit scared.  

Award-winning and best-selling author, Lee Strobel, joins me for one of my final interviews.  It is fitting to talk about the end of life at this time, as I want listeners to remember what's most important in your life as you live it.  This conversation really impacted me.  I hope it impacts you too.  See the trailer and watch The Case For Heaven Movie in a theatre near you April 4-6, 2022.Get the Why Believe in Heaven? Booklet Lee mentions in our conversation for 99 cents (while supplies last).For a complete transcript of this interview, visit my transcripts page on EricNordhoff.com.

As part of my ongoing exercise in trimming and pruning my life, I spent the last 2 weeks prayerfully thinking about and writing down a Pro's and Con's list of the 18 things that I have been doing for work.  That process helped me narrow my work-life down to 5 main areas of focus.  And, I balance them with 1 main area of focus personally.  I share it all in this 3rd-to-last episode of the Courage Cast before my long 5-month planned hiatus.

Jackie Brewster is a Certified Enneagram Coach and Experiential Specialist and coaches others to self-discovery, using the ancient Enneagram from a Christian faith-based perspective.  She guides me to clarity about my Enneagram number and helps me understand the core motivations that lead to my behavior.   We talk about the core motivations of each Enneagram number.  We discuss what "wings" are.  She shares about her 52-Week Devotional book, Hearing God Speak.  We also experience the Enneagram Essentials Cards together - the set is available now on pre-order on Amazon.   There's so much we pack into this hour together.  If you're Enneagram-curious, you'll love this episode.  

I've gotten so caught up in trimming, that I've forgotten to trim.  You heard me right - I take a taste of my own medicine, via my wife.   She hands me a doozy that really gets me thinking about the questions that help me to decide whether to trim something or not. Do I have the TIME for it?Do I have the TALENT for it?Do I have the PASSION for it?VOTE FOR COURAGE CASTCourage Cast is up for a Spark Media Fan Award for Best Male Podcast. Would you take a minute to click on this link to vote for the Courage Cast? Voting ends at the end of February. I sure do appreciate your support and encouragement!

Author, Joshua Medcalf recently posted this on Twitter..."None of us are getting out of here alive. The purpose of life is not to arrive safely at death or accrue the most titles, trophies, and treasures.  Live from a death bed perspective. Be relentless in the pursuit of what sets your soul on fire."Here's my response to this.  I'm curious, what would you be, do or have if you had a death bed perspective?  Email me. *Ending prayer is spoken graciously from the Lectio App.  VOTE FOR COURAGE CASTCourage Cast is up for a Spark Media Fan Award for Best Male Podcast. Would you take a minute to click on this link to vote for the Courage Cast? Voting ends at the end of February. I sure do appreciate your support and encouragement!

My longtime friend, Tim Williams, joins me on the podcast today.  We chat about a wide variety of relatable topics that both challenge and motivate young men to do what needs to be done now, so they can become who they want to become later.  Listen to Tim's Thrivehood PodcastNotable Thrivehood Podcast episodes:8 Qualities Girls Want In A GuyTips On Buying Your First Used CarUseless Facts You Can UseGrateful For Life StrugglesVOTE FOR COURAGE CASTCourage Cast is up for a Spark Media Fan Award for Best Male Podcast. Would you take a minute to click on this link to vote for the Courage Cast? Voting ends at the end of February. I sure do appreciate your support and encouragement! *The views and the opinions expressed on this podcast...blah blah blah

Many times, your decision to trim one thing has compounding effects.  That's when pruning becomes fun.  

In an earlier episode, I shared my word for the year - TRIM. How am I pruning my life?  I understand the benefits, but now how do I go about it? I share my process here...in the hopes that it's helpful to you:1. Take Inventory2. Identify 3. Prune Plan4. Do It5. EvaluateVOTE FOR COURAGE CASTCourage Cast is up for a Spark Media Fan Award for Best Male Podcast. Would you take a minute to click on this link to vote for the Courage Cast? Voting ends at the end of February. I sure do appreciate your support and encouragement!

The legend of St. Valentine comes into play today as we celebrate Valentine's Day.  Let's remember the origin story and God's love story for us as we take heart in Him. 

10 Benefits of PruningReduce StressHave Better Health Make Better DecisionsImproved Relationships Make More Money Gain More TimeGain Control Think More Clearly Be More Productive Have a Better Sense of Well-being, Balance and Peace

This episode is about my backstory about the process of pruning and trimming and why it matters so much to me now."Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit." - John 15:2How many of you have clutter in your life?  How many of you are frustrated with areas of your life that just don't seem to working for you anymore?  This is about you - your disciplines, processes, systems in your life and how you can improve them by taking inventory of your life and identifying areas of waste, disorganization, fat or inefficiencies.  Then, come up with a plan to systematically remove these from your life, so you can experience greater freedom and margin in your life to be the best version of you possible! 

Continuing the conversation about the straight path that God models for us, I discuss Jesus' compassion vs. my convenience.

Inspired by a chapter in the devotional book The Book of Mysteries by Jonathan Cahn. VOTE FOR COURAGE CASTCourage Cast is up for a Spark Media Fan Award for Best Male Podcast. Would you take a minute to click on this link to vote for the Courage Cast? Voting ends at the end of February. I sure do appreciate your support and encouragement! Apply Now To The Courageous Mastermind

There are 3 patterns you can follow in your financial life.  The pattern of the poor, middle class or rich.  Here's a link to the graphic.Today, I am going to teach the pattern of the rich as learned from Robert Kiyosaki and Rich Dad, Poor Dad.VOTE FOR COURAGE CASTCourage Cast is up for a Spark Media Fan Award for Best Male Podcast. Would you take a minute to click on this link to vote for the Courage Cast? Voting ends at the end of February. I sure do appreciate your support and encouragement! Apply Now To The Courageous Mastermind

Be generous with encouragement.  It is verbal sunshine.  It costs nothing, it warms hearts and enriches lives. - Nicky Gumble (The Bible in One Year)1 Thessalonians 5:11 - "Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing."Two things to remember in life:Take care of your thoughts when you are alone.Take care of your words when you are with people.VOTE FOR COURAGE CASTCourage Cast is up for a Spark Media Fan Award for Best Male Podcast. Would you take a minute to click on this link to vote for the Courage Cast? Voting ends at the end of February. I sure do appreciate your support and encouragement! Apply Now To The Courageous Mastermind

If I had to choose between quantity vs quality, I will always desire quantity.  Here's why!VOTE FOR COURAGE CASTCourage Cast is up for a Spark Media Fan Award for Best Male Podcast. Would you take a minute to click on this link to vote for the Courage Cast? Voting ends at the end of February. I sure do appreciate your support and encouragement! Apply Now To The Courageous Mastermind

The plan is simple:Pay off all BAD debt.Build a 3-month emergency fund.Open a Roth IRAInvest $500 a month (into the SPY - S&P500)Keep doing for 40 years.Start early and this is enough to make you a millionaire.  Assuming a 12% annual return rate compounded over 40 years, this would be worth $4,943,560.VOTE FOR COURAGE CASTCourage Cast is up for a Spark Media Fan Award for Best Male Podcast. Would you take a minute to click on this link to vote for the Courage Cast? Voting ends at the end of February. I sure do appreciate your support and encouragement! Apply Now To The Courageous Mastermind

There are two main lakes that are connected by the Jordan River that borders Israel.  One is alive and one is dead.  I talk about why and how it can inspire you to make your life about something more than yourself!Inspired by Jonathan Cahn's devotional book, The Book of Mysteries.VOTE FOR COURAGE CASTCourage Cast is up for a Spark Media Fan Award for Best Male Podcast. Would you take a minute to click on this link to vote for the Courage Cast? Voting ends at the end of February. I sure do appreciate your support and encouragement! Apply Now To The Courageous Mastermind

Tomorrow, I begin a new series of DAILY podcasts again!  I'm inspired to give you more short nuggets of courage, inspiration and motivation for your day.  These are going to be designed to be listened to any time you need them.  Also, today, I'm announcing the formation of the first-ever Courageous Mastermind group.  I'm looking for 10 people to join this journey with me.  If you'd like to know more, simply email me or look for an announcement on the website, Instagram or in the Courageous Community group.

I share my thoughts behind having a "word" for the year.  I share mine and why I chose it.Share your "word" with me and why you chose it.  Send me an email.

Let's talk money.  It's just about the end of the year.  This is a great time to review your finances, your financial plan and anything related to how you're maximizing and stewarding the resources that God has given you.  I sat down with Gabe Nelson - a registered financial advisor - to discuss developing my personal financial plan.  He has a brand new book releasing January 11 called The Solopreneur's Money Manifesto: How To Master Your Finances and Create The Life You Want. Start Your Journey with Gabe.  (Hit START HERE)Listen to Gabe's podcast.

Recently, I went through an exercise with Cliff Ravenscraft where I answered a series of coaching questions.  My answers surprised me.  They gave me a new awareness of my core beliefs and why I am where I am in life and in business.   Here's the third of three episodes dedicated to this values assessment exercise.  Today, I answer the question "What would I most like to feel?"My answers helped me to reset my belief system and gave me greater clarity and focus.  Do you want to go through this values assessment yourself?  Email me and I'll send it to you.

Recently, I went through an exercise with Cliff Ravenscraft where I answered a series of coaching questions.  My answers surprised me.  They gave me a new awareness of my core beliefs and why I am where I am in life and in business.   Here's the second of three episodes dedicated to this values assessment exercise.  Today, I answer the question "What feelings do I most want to avoid?" Do you want to go through this values assessment yourself?  Email me and I'll send it to you.

Recently, I went through an exercise with Cliff Ravenscraft where I answered a series of coaching questions.  My answers surprised me.  They gave me a new awareness of my core beliefs and why I am where I am in life and in business.   Here's the first of three episodes dedicated to this values assessment exercise.  I encourage you to do this values assessment yourself and get curious about what comes up for you!Do you want to go through this values assessment yourself?  Email me and I'll send it to you.

A year ago, I had the opportunity to speak with some college students at Belmont University.  My friend, Professor Barry Landis, wanted me to speak on a topic that would be foundational and practical for college students - something these Music & Entertainment students could use out in the real world.This is the last of ten short (9 minutes or less) messages I recorded recently on a brand new app online called Racket (think Twitter for audio).The #10 way to succeed with zero talent is: BELIEVE IN YOURSELF

A year ago, I had the opportunity to speak with some college students at Belmont University.  My friend, Professor Barry Landis, wanted me to speak on a topic that would be foundational and practical for college students - something these Music & Entertainment students could use out in the real world.This is the ninth of ten short (9 minutes or less) messages I recorded recently on a brand new app online called Racket (think Twitter for audio).The #9 way to succeed with zero talent is: DO MORE THAN WHAT'S REQUIRED

A year ago, I had the opportunity to speak with some college students at Belmont University.  My friend, Professor Barry Landis, wanted me to speak on a topic that would be foundational and practical for college students - something these Music & Entertainment students could use out in the real world.This is the eigth of ten short (9 minutes or less) messages I recorded recently on a brand new app online called Racket (think Twitter for audio).The #8 way to succeed with zero talent is: BE COACHABLE

A year ago, I had the opportunity to speak with some college students at Belmont University.  My friend, Professor Barry Landis, wanted me to speak on a topic that would be foundational and practical for college students - something these Music & Entertainment students could use out in the real world.This is the seventh of ten short (9 minutes or less) messages I recorded recently on a brand new app online called Racket (think Twitter for audio).The #7 way to succeed with zero talent is: HAVE PASSION

A year ago, I had the opportunity to speak with some college students at Belmont University.  My friend, Professor Barry Landis, wanted me to speak on a topic that would be foundational and practical for college students - something these Music & Entertainment students could use out in the real world.This is the sixth of ten short (9 minutes or less) messages I recorded recently on a brand new app online called Racket (think Twitter for audio).The #6 way to succeed with zero talent is: SEEK SOLUTIONS

A year ago, I had the opportunity to speak with some college students at Belmont University.  My friend, Professor Barry Landis, wanted me to speak on a topic that would be foundational and practical for college students - something these Music & Entertainment students could use out in the real world.This is the fifth of ten short (9 minutes or less) messages I recorded recently on a brand new app online called Racket (think Twitter for audio).The #5 way to succeed with zero talent is: HAVE AN ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE

A year ago, I had the opportunity to speak with some college students at Belmont University.  My friend, Professor Barry Landis, wanted me to speak on a topic that would be foundational and practical for college students - something these Music & Entertainment students could use out in the real world.This is the fourth of ten short (9 minutes or less) messages I recorded recently on a brand new app online called Racket (think Twitter for audio).The #4 way to succeed with zero talent is: BE POSITIVELY CONTAGIOUS

A year ago, I had the opportunity to speak with some college students at Belmont University.  My friend, Professor Barry Landis, wanted me to speak on a topic that would be foundational and practical for college students - something these Music & Entertainment students could use out in the real world.This is the third of ten short (9 minutes or less) messages I recorded recently on a brand new app online called Racket (think Twitter for audio).The #3 way to succeed with zero talent is: GIVE YOUR BEST

A year ago, I had the opportunity to speak with some college students at Belmont University.  My friend, Professor Barry Landis, wanted me to speak on a topic that would be foundational and practical for college students - something these Music & Entertainment students could use out in the real world. This is the second of ten short (9 minutes or less) messages I recorded recently on a brand new app online called Racket (think Twitter for audio).The #2 way to succeed with zero talent is: SHOW UP AND DO THE WORK

A year ago, I had the opportunity to speak with some college students at Belmont University.  My friend, Professor Barry Landis, wanted me to speak on a topic that would be foundational and practical for college students - something these Music & Entertainment students could use out in the real world.  This is the first of ten short (9 minutes or less) messages I recorded recently on a brand new app online called Racket (think Twitter for audio). The #1 way to succeed with zero talent is: BE ON TIMELinks mentioned in this episode:  Essentialism BookFollow me on Racket and Twitter.

Today, I share a devotional message from a devotional book I read every morning called The Book of Mysteries by Jonathan Cahn (NYTimes Bestseller of the book The Harbinger). Every day for an entire year, an imaginary teacher gives his student daily ancient lessons taught for thousands of years in Jewish tradition.  This is the basic premise of the book. Jonathan Cahn mixes old testament and new testament lessons leading the reader to deeper insights into the teachings of Jesus and how it relates to their life today.  Every devotional entry is interesting, but this one had a more profound impact on me.  This one is called THE TENT WORLD (Day 50). Let me know, by messaging me on Twitter, if you want to hear more messages like this from me in the future.

You didn't just get here by accident.  You are here because everyone before you had the strength to persevere.  And everyone in your family genealogy has a story.  Laurie Hermance-Moore is more than an accredited genealogist helping people discover their family history, she's a story-discoverer and a storyteller!  Laurie's company, Heritage Bridge, specializes in family history and forensic genealogy. She breaks down for me her process of discovery and story-weaving for her clients.  This was a really fun episode to record.  I think you'll enjoy it if you're into ancestry or family tree research. In this interview, Laurie talks about:How Laurie became a genealogistHow did Laurie become accredited?How she discovers family stories?Warning: DNA doesn't lie!The process of genealogy.Family History vs. Forensic GenealogyWhy it's hard to research before 1850.What if you suspect you have slaves in your family history?What kinds of things can she uncover?Laurie shares her most interesting discoveries.Get a free starter guide to genealogy discoveryWhat's the most important advice she gives to people starting out.* All of this is organized with Chapter Markers. If your podcasting app allows, you may prefer to skip around this episode to listen to the parts that most interest you.Links mentioned in the episode:Free Download: 4 Ways To Build Your Family History LegacyIf you are considering working with Laurie, you can visit Heritage Bridge and schedule a free consultation.

Where were you on September 11, 2001?  What were you doing? What have you learned?  How have you changed?  No doubt, we all have vivid memories of that day. I share my personal memories and a short message of how we can move forward more unified.  If we haven't grown in 20 years, let this be the day we start!Follow me on Twitter @ericnordhoff

Jimmy Song is a Bitcoin expert and advocate.  His Twitter bio says "I will show you why Bitcoin will win".  He spends his educating people on how to program blockchain technology and program Bitcoin specifically. He often jokes that he preaches Bitcoin to Christians and Christ to Bitcoiners.  So much so, that he was inspired to write a book about it with several other co-authors.  It's called Thank God For Bitcoin: The Creation, Corruption and Redemption of Money In this interview, Jimmy talks about:The history of Bitcoin and how it worksHow to program BitcoinWhat the future will look like with Bitcoin (and without it - scary!)The moral failure of the current Fiat economyThe redemptive nature of the Bitcoin economyHow to start investing with BitcoinThe miracle of story of the book, Thank God For Bitcoin.Why Dave Ramsey should endorse Bitcoin* All of this is organized with Chapter Markers, if you'd prefer to skip around this episode and if you're podcasting app allows.Links mentioned in the episode:Cypherpunk ManifestoOriginal Satoshi Nakamoto WhitepaperProgramming Blockchain Education (Jimmy's teaching)3 Ways To Invest In BitcoinSwan BitcoinRiver FinancialCash.appI'm very grateful for Jimmy coming on our podcast.  I hope to have him on again for part 2 of this very worthwhile conversation.

You've heard the expression "Leaders are readers."  Jesse Wisnewski and Jeff Brown join me on the podcast to talk about the book they've co-authored, appropriately titled Read To Lead.  Purchase Read To Lead.

I was fortunate to talk with my longtime Walker Stalker friend, "Undead Randy" Fortunato, recently about the lessons learned from the creation of his comic book series, DECAY.  In August, I'll be going through the book THOU SHALL PROSPER by Rabbi Daniel Lapin. Get your book and join me by filling out this simple form. I hope to see you in the weekly book club starting in mid-August. - Eric

Since 2012, I've produced 1000+ podcast episodes for myself, corporate clients, influencers, counselors, and coaches.  I've grown successful communities and businesses as a result of podcasting. In this episode, I share how my passion for encouragement and connection, led me on a path to professional consulting and coaching through podcasting and digital media. Whether you want a professional podcast, help to develop your online marketing funnel, or you need help getting clarity in your career, business, or ministry,  visit EricNordhoff.com and schedule a free 30-minute consult with me.   I'm certain you will get value from our time together!In August, I'll be going through the book THOU SHALL PROSPER by Rabbi Daniel Lapin. Get your book and join me by filling out this simple form. I hope to see you in the weekly book club starting in mid-August. - Eric

I discuss a really interesting article I was sent recently.  I learned 3 simple things I can do to help instill confidence in my kids.  I think these truths are applicable to leadership as well. Here's the research article I discussed.

Real Estate Investor and Entrepreneur, Daniel Petersen, joins me to talk about a thing we call "The Talk" we have started together.  Zechariah 4:10 says "Do not despise small beginnings."  We sit down to talk just before the start of the first of six small group meetings we'll be hosting at my house.  Each week, more than a dozen young entrepreneurs and future business leaders will join us for dinner and entrepreneurial conversation.  Specifically today, we will lead a discussion about what an entrepreneur is and isn't.  We answer the question "what qualifies you to be an entrepreneur?".  I hope you enjoy our fun, impromptu discussion just before we head into our meeting! 

Over the years, I've heard my boys call certain kids in school or on the sports fields "Try Hards".  I guess it's a term used for people that seem to be trying extra hard to win or succeed.  In some ways, I kind of feel sorry for those kids...because it's actually a really good thing to want to do well and succeed.  But, on the other hand, I get their point.  Try Hards are over-the-top where it becomes annoying.  As I was preparing this message, I wondered if I have been a closet "Try Hard" all my life. Haha.  Anyway, here's my message for today.  I am trying too hard to do too many things for too many people too much of the time.  And, instead what I've been learning is that I actually experience more success when I do this... (you'll have to listen to the episode to find out what that is).  You're probably saying to yourself...typical TRY HARD thing to do. Haha.  As always, I hope this message inspires and awakens something new in you!- Eric

Phil Mickelson shocked the golf world by winning the 103rd PGA Championship (one of the 4 major golf tournaments of the year) last week.  He turns 51 in June...and no one that old has ever won a major golf tournament.  Many have noticed he is a much calmer, more patient golfer than he's ever been.  Something was different about Phil.  It turns out Mickelson has been practicing relaxation, meditation and visualization techniques these last 2-3 years.  I thought it would be interesting to look at what he implemented in his golf game and look at how we can apply it to our game in real life.  After all, it is called the game of life for a reason.  Why not work towards mastering our game by applying what Phil has to our lives as well!  Here's a summary of what we can learn from Phil Mickelson's victory in our personal and work life:Proper preparation starts with a powerful mindsetSelect the club you can swingFor the next shot, make it the best routine of the dayIf you don't see it, you cannot create itMake a complete swingLink to the PGA.com article mentioned in the podcast.

There's a big difference in how we can approach others and have success.  The first way is to want something from someone else.  This is coming to the person from a position of needing something from the person.  The second, more powerful position is coming to a person seeking to provide value, seeking to give something because I'm already full of worth and value already.  Which do you think is the more healthy position to be in? Thanks to Tasha Smith for the inspiration behind this post.  Please go get her book - CUSTOMER FIRST -  if you're in sales or in network marketing of any kind.  This book will help you.

When you make an assumption, you tell yourself that something is true without actually having any evidence that it is. It's all too easy to lead your life never questioning that you are assuming things to be facts.In today's podcast episode, I discuss what I've been learning about assumptions. I learned they are not all bad - that we are actually wired to make assumptions. But, it can be very harmful to us when we assume. I talk about how assumptions affect us in our personal, spiritual, and business life. Read More | My favorite assumption research links:How assumptions affect us relationallyHow assumptions affect us spiritually: Gospel Coalition article Is Assuming a sin?How assumptions affect us in businessMy raw, unedited notes on assumptions (Google Doc)

ADVENTURE - over the last month, that word -‘adventure’- keeps coming up in conversations I have, in sermons I hear, in podcasts I listen to, and in books I read. When I hear something over and over again, I know it’s something I need to pay attention to. ⠀⠀How about you? What resonates with you as you read this? What adventures are you taking with God? Where in your life can you be more of an open vessel - living with an open heart, an open mind, so you can contain the infinity of God? It’s such a mystery - but it’s an adventure!⠀

Before he died, a father said to his son; “Here is a watch that your grandfather gave me. It is almost 200 years old. Before I give it to you, go to the jewelry store downtown. Tell them that I want to sell it, and see how much they offer you.” ⠀⠀The son went to the jewelry store, came back to his father, and said; "They offered $150.00 because it's so old.” ⠀⠀The father said; “Go to the pawnshop." The son went to the pawnshop, came back to his father, and said; "The pawnshop offered $10.00 because it looks so worn.” ⠀⠀The father asked his son to go to the museum and show them the watch. He went to the museum, came back, and said to his father; “The curator offered $500,000.00 for this very rare piece to be included in their precious antique collections.” ⠀⠀The father said; “I wanted to let you know that the right place values you in the right way. Don't find yourself in the wrong place and get angry if you are not valued. Those that know your value are those who appreciate you, don't stay in a place where nobody sees your value.” ⠀Scriptures to meditate on:Psalm 139Matthew 6Romans 5Ephesians 2