Pencil Leadership with Chris Anderson

Florian Kemmerich spent 15 years climbing the corporate ladder in the medical device world, running companies across Germany, Mexico, and the United States. From the outside, he had won. Then a coaching session put him in a chair across from his five year old self, and that kid told him he was wasting his life. He calls what he found the absent subject of his own education. School gave him every tool to make a living and nothing that told him who he was. Florian is the co-founder of Human Planet, the author of On Vocation, and the founder of Vocating.ai. He has mobilized close to a billion dollars of impact capital and chairs TIGER 21 in Switzerland. He is also a father of five, a former paratrooper, and a national level judoka who walked away from a run at the 1992 Olympics because it was not his why. His philosophy is four words. Impact Lives, Share Profits. This is not a finance lecture. It is the quiet question a lot of successful men carry and will not say out loud. Here is some of what Chris and Florian get into: Why society trains men to perform and provide, and never asks what they want The moment at 33 that blew up a career, and what it cost his wife and family Why making money or making a difference is a false choice, and how to do both at once Why burnout is usually a direction problem, not a rest problem The three exercises to find your why. Cut the noise, go back to your earliest memory, look forward to your deathbed Your imprint. What happened between ages two and six, and how to flip it Why your hobby is not a waste of time, and how to use it inside the job you already have Why chasing fame, fortune, and power will make you miserable Money as a means, not an outcome What AI actually changes, and why the answer is not inside the chatbot If you are winning on paper and quietly asking is this it, start here. Find Florian: Book and personal site: on-vocation.com His firm: human-planet.com His AI career platform, beta signup: vocating.ai LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/floriankemmerich Instagram: instagram.com/flokemmerich The Upgraded Man is for men who refuse to stay complacent. Follow the show and send this one to a man trying to figure out what he is for. This episode may or may not be sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links, meaning we'll receive a small commission if you buy something.===========================⚡️ PODCAST: Subscribe and listen on all major platforms⚡️ Want to be a guest on The Upgraded Man? Apply here ➡ https://upgraded-man.com/guest⚡️ For support or business inquiries, email us ➡ chris@upgraded-man.com Our mission at The Upgraded Man is simple — help men upgrade every area of their life through real conversations, honest stories, and actionable insight from men who have done the work.Want to be a guest on The Upgraded Man? Send Chris Anderson a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/upgradedmanpodcast The content on The Upgraded Man is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The views expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not constitute professional legal, financial, medical, or therapeutic advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making decisions based on information discussed on this podcast. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

At the end of every episode of The Upgraded Man there is a physical journal. The guest reads what the last guest wrote, sits with it, and then writes something down for the next guest. Same book every time, passed from man to man. Larry Hagner reads the entry Phillip Lanier left behind: "It is better to be a warrior in a garden than a gardener in a war." Larry takes it into what it means to be a warrior outside your castle instead of inside it, where the people you love live. Then he writes his own, and he does not soften it. "The definition of hell is being on your deathbed and meeting the man that you could have become." He explains why that line and not another one. His oldest was about to leave for college. His wife had asked him if he regretted anything about how he raised that kid. He could look at her and say no. He had done the work, he had made the connection, and if he died tomorrow there would be nothing left on the table between him and his son. That is the whole test, and it is a hard one. Not whether you loved your kids. Whether you would have anything to regret if the clock ran out today. In this episode: The entry Phillip Lanier left, and what Larry does with it Being a warrior outside your castle, not inside it The line Larry left for the next guest, and why he chose it The question his wife asked him about his oldest son What no regrets actually looks like when you check the work Larry Hagner is the founder of The Dad Edge and author of The Pursuit of Legendary Fatherhood. Find him at thedadedge.com and at The Dad Edge on Instagram and YouTube. The Upgraded Man is for men who refuse to stay complacent. Full episode with Larry is available now. This episode may or may not be sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links, meaning we'll receive a small commission if you buy something.===========================⚡️ PODCAST: Subscribe and listen on all major platforms⚡️ Want to be a guest on The Upgraded Man? Apply here ➡ https://upgraded-man.com/guest⚡️ For support or business inquiries, email us ➡ chris@upgraded-man.com Our mission at The Upgraded Man is simple — help men upgrade every area of their life through real conversations, honest stories, and actionable insight from men who have done the work.Want to be a guest on The Upgraded Man? Send Chris Anderson a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/upgradedmanpodcast The content on The Upgraded Man is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The views expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not constitute professional legal, financial, medical, or therapeutic advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making decisions based on information discussed on this podcast. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This is the most valuable part of our conversation with Nate Spangle, founder of Get Indiana, pulled out as its own episode. Nate is known across Indiana as a hype man. Big stunts, small towns, a truck, a camera. But none of that is where the story starts. It starts in 2017, when his mom died of cancer while he was in college. He admits he was a self-absorbed 20 year old who talked mostly to hear his own voice. He gave his mom a blank notebook when she got diagnosed and asked her to write down her story. After she was gone, he opened it and it was empty. That moment is where he stopped blaming her and started blaming the questions he never asked. Then his grandmother stepped in. On the surface she was a farmer's wife who cooked and did laundry. Once he started asking real questions, he found a woman who took a class in bookkeeping, ran his grandfather's businesses, took a cross country train trip alone, and built radio tubes for airplanes during World War Two. Same woman. Different questions. In this episode: Why losing a parent turned a self-absorbed kid into a man obsessed with other people's stories The blank notebook, and the mistake almost every man makes with the people he loves How to get past the surface with someone you think you already know Why the people you find boring are usually a sign of the questions you are asking What Nate would ask his mom if he had one more conversation, and why the answer took him thirty seconds to say out loud The second chance he got with his grandmother, and exactly what he did differently How his mom hyping him up at wrestling meets became the whole business model he runs today If you have a parent still living, a grandparent you have never really talked to, or kids who will one day try to remember who you were, this one is worth thirteen minutes. Nate Spangle is the founder of Get Indiana and host of Get IN. with Nate Spangle. Find him at getindiana.com and at @natespangle everywhere. The Upgraded Man is for men who refuse to stay complacent. Full episode with Nate is available now. This episode may or may not be sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links, meaning we'll receive a small commission if you buy something.===========================⚡️ PODCAST: Subscribe and listen on all major platforms⚡️ Want to be a guest on The Upgraded Man? Apply here ➡ https://upgraded-man.com/guest⚡️ For support or business inquiries, email us ➡ chris@upgraded-man.com Our mission at The Upgraded Man is simple — help men upgrade every area of their life through real conversations, honest stories, and actionable insight from men who have done the work.Want to be a guest on The Upgraded Man? Send Chris Anderson a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/upgradedmanpodcast The content on The Upgraded Man is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The views expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not constitute professional legal, financial, medical, or therapeutic advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making decisions based on information discussed on this podcast. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Joel Bein spent two years clearing more than a thousand beliefs on himself before he ever worked on anyone else. In this episode he does it live, on Chris. Joel finds the belief that has been running Chris since he was a kid, walks him through it on camera, and about fifteen minutes later Chris says the words out loud and feels nothing. Joel is the founder of Human Liberation, where he works one on one with six and seven figure entrepreneurs to permanently remove the beliefs that quietly cap what they earn and what they enjoy. He calls it uncoaching, because he is not adding another framework. He is subtracting the root. If you have done the therapy, read the mindset books, and the same voice still shows up at three in the morning, this is the one. In this episode: What a limiting belief actually is, and why Joel calls it a closet full of old shirts you never throw out Why meditation and mindset hacks mow the lawn instead of pulling the dandelion out at the root The live demo. Chris names the pressure he carries, Joel finds the belief underneath it, and you hear the moment it lets go Why "I'm not good enough" may be the most common belief on the planet, and the animated movie scene that shows exactly how it gets made The Santa Claus test, and why a belief that is truly cleared does not come back the next time life gets hard The first domino. Beliefs, thoughts, emotions, actions, outcomes, and why most men only ever work the last two How a belief you do not know you have turns into a revenue ceiling and a three in the morning money spiral Why doing the emotional work makes a man harder to shake, not softer, and what that does for a marriage The comparison trap. Chris on why a podcast that is doing well still feels average Joel's entry in the Upgraded Man Journal, and the sentence he left for the next guest Find Joel Bein at thehumanliberation.co. His podcast is The Joel Bein Show, on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Short-form on YouTube at @human_liberation, and he is most active on LinkedIn. The Upgraded Man is for men who refuse to stay complacent. Full episodes every Monday. If this one helped, follow the show and send it to a man who needs it. This episode may or may not be sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links, meaning we'll receive a small commission if you buy something.===========================⚡️ PODCAST: Subscribe and listen on all major platforms⚡️ Want to be a guest on The Upgraded Man? Apply here ➡ https://upgraded-man.com/guest⚡️ For support or business inquiries, email us ➡ chris@upgraded-man.com Our mission at The Upgraded Man is simple — help men upgrade every area of their life through real conversations, honest stories, and actionable insight from men who have done the work.Want to be a guest on The Upgraded Man? Send Chris Anderson a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/upgradedmanpodcast The content on The Upgraded Man is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The views expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not constitute professional legal, financial, medical, or therapeutic advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making decisions based on information discussed on this podcast. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Upgraded Man Journal is the part of every episode where the guest reads what the last guest left behind, answers it honestly, and then writes something for the man who comes next. No prep. No script. Just the question and whatever comes up. This week it is Phillip Lanier, founder of Your Money Essentials and Core Business Essentials. Before he built and sold a company, he and his wife were homeless. He teaches money now to people who feel behind, and he does it without shame. The question left for him came from Doctor Joseph Charles Hagan: if the goal you were chasing was not impossible, what would that goal be, and what would you do? Here is what comes out of it: The goal Phillip says feels impossible, which is building a financial class from nothing and then getting people to actually want to work on their money. Why he says the hard part is not the building. It is that nobody wakes up excited to look at their finances. The move he makes on the spot. Write the goal down, put it on display on the window right in front of his desk, and stare at it every single day. Chris on the reason most men never chase the thing they say they want. Not money. Not time. What other people might think. The line Phillip leaves for the next guest, and the story of hearing it on a podcast, pulling his car over, and having to collect himself before he could drive again. Why that line landed so hard on a guy who spent years on construction sites and started feeling like he did not fit anymore. If you have a goal sitting in your head that you have never written down anywhere, this one is about fifteen minutes of your day away from being fixed. Write it down. Put it where you cannot avoid it. Find Phillip: Financial class: yourmoneyessentials.com Business coaching: corebusinessessentials.com New episodes of The Upgraded Man drop three times a week. Full guest episodes on Monday, the best moment from a past guest on Wednesday, and the Journal on Friday. This episode may or may not be sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links, meaning we'll receive a small commission if you buy something.===========================⚡️ PODCAST: Subscribe and listen on all major platforms⚡️ Want to be a guest on The Upgraded Man? Apply here ➡ https://upgraded-man.com/guest⚡️ For support or business inquiries, email us ➡ chris@upgraded-man.com Our mission at The Upgraded Man is simple — help men upgrade every area of their life through real conversations, honest stories, and actionable insight from men who have done the work.Want to be a guest on The Upgraded Man? Send Chris Anderson a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/upgradedmanpodcast The content on The Upgraded Man is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The views expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not constitute professional legal, financial, medical, or therapeutic advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making decisions based on information discussed on this podcast. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Larry Hagner is the founder of The Dad Edge and host of The Dad Edge Podcast. He has spent more than a decade helping men become better husbands and fathers. In this Wednesday episode, he lays out the order most men get backward at home. Larry uses an oak tree to explain it. The branches are your marriage, your kids, your work, your friends. The trunk is you. Most men skip the trunk. They selflessly serve everybody else, never lead themselves, and then wonder why the people counting on them still feel hungry and thirsty. This is a short, practical episode. No filler, and every idea comes with a story out of Larry's own house. Here is what Chris and Larry get into: The oak tree. Why the trunk is you, and what happens to the branches when you ignore it. The daily anchor every man needs. For Larry it is fitness and faith, every single day, no exceptions. Why leading yourself first is not selfish. It is the most selfless thing you do, because your output is what your family actually gets. It is not about what we teach. It is about what they catch. The order that works. Yourself, then your marriage, then your kids. The back burner trap. How a marriage quietly slides to the back burner once kids arrive, and how to move yours back up front. Seen, heard, and safe. The three things his wife needs. Respect, appreciation, and affection. The three he needs. The night his 14 year old asked if they were getting divorced, and why Larry told him to pull up a chair and watch them resolve it. Lead your kids through questions, not lectures, so they learn to think instead of waiting to be told. Respond instead of react, and how to build psychological safety, an environment free from shame, blame, pain, and guilt. Why that safety decides whether your 18 year old calls you at 3 a.m. or rolls the dice and drives home. Stop fixing. Validate, normalize, and replace the word why with the words tell me more. Find Larry: Website: thedadedge.com  Free conversation starters: thedadedge.com/25questions and thedadedge.com/kidquestions  His book: thedadedge.com/legendarybook  Instagram and YouTube: The Dad Edge This episode may or may not be sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links, meaning we'll receive a small commission if you buy something.===========================⚡️ PODCAST: Subscribe and listen on all major platforms⚡️ Want to be a guest on The Upgraded Man? Apply here ➡ https://upgraded-man.com/guest⚡️ For support or business inquiries, email us ➡ chris@upgraded-man.com Our mission at The Upgraded Man is simple — help men upgrade every area of their life through real conversations, honest stories, and actionable insight from men who have done the work.Want to be a guest on The Upgraded Man? Send Chris Anderson a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/upgradedmanpodcast The content on The Upgraded Man is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The views expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not constitute professional legal, financial, medical, or therapeutic advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making decisions based on information discussed on this podcast. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Most men were taught that being nice is the same as being good. Paul Roseberry has spent more than ten years showing men that this is the reason a lot of good guys are losing at home. Paul is a relationship coach and former matchmaker who now works almost exclusively with nice guys, and he is also a headlining standup comedian. He is the creator of the SECURITY Method. In this episode he sits down with Chris Anderson to break down why the nice guy has to lose, what security actually means to a woman, and why the word no might be the most important thing a husband can learn to say. Chris also gets honest about the conversation he had with his own wife a couple of years ago that changed the trajectory of his marriage. What we get into: Why being too accommodating is a turnoff, not a virtue The real definition of security: the ability to protect that which has value Why money, muscles and a house are only the surface version of security The difference between a relationship held together by need and one held together by interest What happens when a man uses a woman to solve a problem of his own, and why she feels it How a man goes from asset to liability, and from partner to another child in his own house The one line Paul uses with his wife to reset a bad moment without starting a fight How to start saying no without blowing up a marriage that has run one way for years Why the thing you are most afraid to do is the thing she needs you to do The difference between kind and nice, and why only one of them earns respect Why a woman who feels used does not always leave, and what she does instead Warrior in a garden, not a gardener in a war Why Paul would rather be a whole half than half whole This one is for the man who is doing everything right and still feels like a roommate in his own house. Connect with Paul at paulroseberry.com. He offers a free 20 minute call to anyone who wants to talk about working together. Email paul@paulroseberry.com. Instagram @paul_roseberry_. YouTube @paulroseberry_saves_society. If this one hit you, send it to a man who needs it. Stay upgraded. This episode may or may not be sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links, meaning we'll receive a small commission if you buy something.===========================⚡️ PODCAST: Subscribe and listen on all major platforms⚡️ Want to be a guest on The Upgraded Man? Apply here ➡ https://upgraded-man.com/guest⚡️ For support or business inquiries, email us ➡ chris@upgraded-man.com Our mission at The Upgraded Man is simple — help men upgrade every area of their life through real conversations, honest stories, and actionable insight from men who have done the work.Want to be a guest on The Upgraded Man? Send Chris Anderson a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/upgradedmanpodcast The content on The Upgraded Man is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The views expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not constitute professional legal, financial, medical, or therapeutic advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making decisions based on information discussed on this podcast. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

When Ralph Brewer's marriage ended in infidelity and divorce, he was left with three young kids, a shattered sense of identity, and no real support system. What started as private journaling and anonymous blog posts grew into a mission to help men navigate divorce, recover from betrayal, and understand why so many relationships quietly die. In this episode of The Upgraded Man, host Chris Anderson sits down with Ralph — self-published author of The Dead Bedroom Fix and founder of Help for Men — for an honest conversation about loss, attachment, and what it actually takes for a man to come back from rock bottom. In this episode: Why it often takes a "holy poop moment" like divorce to finally force a man to change, and how Ralph turned his into a mission The hidden reason so many men have no real friendships, and why community is critical to male mental health What a sexless marriage is actually signaling, and why the problem is rarely about sex itself Attachment theory made simple: how anxiously attached men and avoidant partners fall into a dysfunctional cycle, and how to break it The "moving the goalposts" trap that leaves men doing everything and still feeling rejected Why getting healthier sometimes ends a relationship, and why that isn't a failure Ralph's controversial 36-month rule for vetting a partner before committing How to take ownership after betrayal, model resilience for your kids, and stop trying to fix what isn't yours to fix A simple first step for any man who senses something is off in his relationship this week Ralph Brewer is the author of The Dead Bedroom Fix, which has been read by hundreds of thousands of men across multiple editions, and the founder of Help for Men, home to the private men's support community The Brotherhood. Known online as "Dad Starting Over," he reaches millions of men across YouTube, Facebook, and TikTok. Learn more: helpformen.com Follow Ralph: search "Dad Starting Over" on YouTube, Facebook, and TikTok This episode may or may not be sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links, meaning we'll receive a small commission if you buy something.===========================⚡️ PODCAST: Subscribe and listen on all major platforms⚡️ Want to be a guest on The Upgraded Man? Apply here ➡ https://upgraded-man.com/guest⚡️ For support or business inquiries, email us ➡ chris@upgraded-man.com Our mission at The Upgraded Man is simple — help men upgrade every area of their life through real conversations, honest stories, and actionable insight from men who have done the work.Want to be a guest on The Upgraded Man? Send Chris Anderson a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/upgradedmanpodcast The content on The Upgraded Man is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The views expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not constitute professional legal, financial, medical, or therapeutic advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making decisions based on information discussed on this podcast. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Most men do not lose their marriage in one big blowup. They lose it slowly, by being in the house but not actually in the room. In this episode, Chris Anderson sits down with Thomas Edwards Jr, founder of The Professional Wingman and author of The One Up Effect: Gamify Your Life to Win and Have Fun Playing, to talk about why so many high performing men feel like a stranger in their own home, and what it takes to come back. Thomas built a career the media called the real life Hitch, with more than 400 marriages and engagements to his name, features in The Wall Street Journal and People magazine, and appearances on The Steve Harvey Show and ABC Nightline. Then he imploded. Drugs, alcohol, a business falling apart, and a marriage on the edge. He got sober on January 14, 2019, rebuilt from the ground up, and just celebrated 12 years of marriage. In this episode: Why disconnection in your marriage usually starts as disconnection from yourself The four worlds of purpose, play, passion, and performance, and why most men live in only one Emotional awareness, emotional literacy, and emotional intelligence explained in plain language Why anger is often the only word men have for sadness, and how to get more words What to share with your wife, what to take somewhere else, and how to say "I need time to process" Why having emotions is not weakness, but letting emotions drive your behavior is The thermometer principle: stop reacting to the room and start setting the temperature How to acknowledge what your wife is feeling without trying to fix it Why work life balance is a lie, and what harmony and one identity look like instead The case for play, fun, and things to look forward to, including video games without the guilt Are you playing your game of life, or running someone else's program Thomas closes with the story of the night he cried out for help, and the promise he has carried ever since. Connect with Thomas: theoneup.com and thomasedwardsjr.com. The book is The One Up Effect. If this one hits, share it with a man who needs it. Follow the show so we can keep making them. Stay upgraded. This episode may or may not be sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links, meaning we'll receive a small commission if you buy something.===========================⚡️ PODCAST: Subscribe and listen on all major platforms⚡️ Want to be a guest on The Upgraded Man? Apply here ➡ https://upgraded-man.com/guest⚡️ For support or business inquiries, email us ➡ chris@upgraded-man.com Our mission at The Upgraded Man is simple — help men upgrade every area of their life through real conversations, honest stories, and actionable insight from men who have done the work.The content on The Upgraded Man is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The views expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not constitute professional legal, financial, medical, or therapeutic advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making decisions based on information discussed on this podcast. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In 2020, Tim McDonald went to an urgent care for a pain in his side. He left knowing he had stage IV colorectal cancer that had already spread to his liver. A second oncologist told him he had three years to live. Almost six years later, after a liver transplant and a long stretch of treatment, Tim is still here, still working, and still traveling with his wife every year. Chris Anderson sits down with Tim to talk about the mindset that carried him through it, the symptoms he brushed off for months, and what it actually looks like to stop planning your life and start living it. Tim is a healthcare advocate and the host of the Advocacy at Work podcast and blog. He has gone to Capitol Hill to push for colorectal cancer research funding and sits on research panels that bring the patient voice into how new treatments get built. This one is for the man who keeps putting off the checkup, the hard conversation, and the trip he says he will take someday. What we get into: The moment Tim heard the words "you have cancer" and why his reaction worried his own doctor Why he told his wife "that's your story, not mine" after a doctor handed him a three year timeline The count to 10 practice that got his temper under control, and why most men quit before it works The journaling exercise he uses to talk back to fear so it stops running his decisions The symptoms he explained away for months: weight loss, back pain, night sweats, and never feeling warm Why colorectal cancer screening dropped from age 50 to 45, and why it may drop again to 40 Cologuard versus the newer blood tests, and what to do if you are too young for insurance to cover it How one positive blood test six years later sent him back into the what ifs, and how he got out What changed in his marriage when his wife became the rock instead of him Why he stopped trying to be the hardest worker in the room and started working smarter The question he left in the Upgrade Log for the next guest Connect with Tim McDonald: Website and podcast: advocacyatwork.com LinkedIn: Tim A. McDonald If this one helps you, send it to a man who needs it. Follow the show so we can keep putting them out. Stay upgraded. This episode may or may not be sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links, meaning we'll receive a small commission if you buy something.===========================⚡️ PODCAST: Subscribe and listen on all major platforms⚡️ Want to be a guest on The Upgraded Man? Apply here ➡ https://upgraded-man.com/guest⚡️ For support or business inquiries, email us ➡ chris@upgraded-man.com Our mission at The Upgraded Man is simple — help men upgrade every area of their life through real conversations, honest stories, and actionable insight from men who have done the work.The content on The Upgraded Man is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The views expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not constitute professional legal, financial, medical, or therapeutic advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making decisions based on information discussed on this podcast. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Nate Spangle never set out to build a media company. He set out to be the first truck in line at the Indy 500. That single idea, filmed on his phone while walking into work, blew up overnight and became Get Indiana, the brand now known across the state for hyping up small towns, local businesses, and the people most folks would drive right past. In this episode, Chris Anderson sits down with Nate to unpack how a $3,000 truck off Facebook Marketplace turned into a full media company, and why plain old curiosity is the real engine behind all of it. Nate opens up about the loss that reshaped how he sees people, the strategy behind his fastest-growing videos, and the mindset that keeps him swinging even when a big idea does not land. Here is what Chris and Nate get into: How one viral video and a 1986 Dodge truck launched Get Indiana and 15,000 followers in six weeks Why you cannot fake obsession, and how being real beats being polished every time The "delta" strategy: finding the gap between what people want and what nobody else is making Losing his mom at 20, the second chance he got with his grandmother, and how learning to ask better questions changed everything Why chasing a thousand real fans beats chasing a million strangers Building a team, handing off the mic, and turning a one-man brand into a real business The habits that keep him going: a short memory, no sulking, and dreaming so big it makes people uncomfortable Whether you want to start something of your own, grow an audience, or just get more out of every single day, Nate's story is a straight shot of proof that the only way it does not work out is if you quit. Follow Nate and Get Indiana at getindiana.com and @NateSpangle on all social media. New episodes of The Upgraded Man drop every week This episode may or may not be sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links, meaning we'll receive a small commission if you buy something.===========================⚡️ PODCAST: Subscribe and listen on all major platforms⚡️ Want to be a guest on The Upgraded Man? Apply here ➡ https://upgraded-man.com/guest⚡️ For support or business inquiries, email us ➡ chris@upgraded-man.com Our mission at The Upgraded Man is simple — help men upgrade every area of their life through real conversations, honest stories, and actionable insight from men who have done the work.The content on The Upgraded Man is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The views expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not constitute professional legal, financial, medical, or therapeutic advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making decisions based on information discussed on this podcast. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Most men were never taught how to be a great father or husband — they were left to figure it out on their own, often repeating the very patterns they swore they'd break. In this episode of the Upgraded Man Podcast, host Chris Anderson sits down with Larry Hagner, founder and CEO of The Dad Edge, who has spent fourteen years building a community and body of work to help men lead their families with intention. Larry opens up about growing up without his biological father, an abusive stepfather, and the night he crossed a line with his own four-year-old son that changed everything. From there, the two dig into the real, teachable skills that separate present fathers and husbands from absent ones. In this conversation, Larry and Chris cover: Why the quality of every relationship lives in the repair, not the harmony or disharmony How to own your mistakes with your kids without losing respect or authority The forgiveness "plant" analogy and why forgive-and-forget doesn't work Leading yourself first (faith and fitness) so you have something to give your family Why your marriage belongs on the front burner, not behind the kids Prioritizing your spouse's three core needs: to be seen, heard, and safe Creating psychological safety so your kids call you at 3 a.m. instead of rolling the dice The three-part communication blueprint: respond vs. react, lead with structure, provide safety Replacing the word "why" with "tell me more" to defuse defensiveness The middle ground between toxic masculinity and the passive "nice guy" Setting and enforcing boundaries as a kind man, not a controlling one Why "there's no such thing as an unconditional relationship" Larry also shares the story of reconnecting with his biological father after eighteen years and the deathbed quote that drives him to leave nothing on the table. Larry Hagner is the founder of The Dad Edge, host of The Dad Edge Podcast, and author of "The Pursuit of Legendary Fatherhood." Connect with him @thedadedge on Instagram and YouTube. Free resources: thedadedge.com/25questions (conversation starters for your wife), thedadedge.com/kidquestions (75 questions for kids by age), and thedadedge.com/legendarybook for his signed book plus two free courses. This episode may or may not be sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links, meaning we'll receive a small commission if you buy something.===========================⚡️ PODCAST: Subscribe and listen on all major platforms⚡️ Want to be a guest on The Upgraded Man? Apply here ➡ https://upgraded-man.com/guest⚡️ For support or business inquiries, email us ➡ chris@upgraded-man.com Our mission at The Upgraded Man is simple — help men upgrade every area of their life through real conversations, honest stories, and actionable insight from men who have done the work.The content on The Upgraded Man is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The views expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not constitute professional legal, financial, medical, or therapeutic advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making decisions based on information discussed on this podcast. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ever feel like you're grinding harder than ever and still scraping by before the next paycheck hits? You're not bad with money. The world changed — and most men were never handed a plan. In this episode of The Upgraded Man Podcast, Chris Anderson sits down with Philip Lanier, a former construction laborer who went from homelessness to selling his own company and now teaches everyday people how to take control of their finances without shame. Philip gets real about the "death by a thousand cuts" that quietly drains your accounts, the borrowed scoreboard that keeps you chasing the wrong version of success, and why getting your priorities in the right order matters more than how much you earn. In this conversation, you'll learn: Why so many men operate without a financial plan — and how the world is engineered to profit from that The "death by a thousand cuts" problem hiding in your subscriptions and monthly payments How to face your bank app without shame and get one small win today Why chasing the "American dream scoreboard" keeps you stuck and stressed The sea turtle lesson on struggle, and what it teaches us about raising money-smart kids Practical guardrails to stop justifying debt and start delaying gratification How building generational financial wisdom beats a better golf swing every time Whether you're living paycheck to paycheck or just tired of feeling behind, this episode delivers the mindset shift and practical steps to make money feel calmer this week. Connect with Philip Lanier: Financial class: yourmoneyessentials.com Business coaching: corebusinessessentials.com Follow The Upgraded Man Podcast, share this with a man who needs it, and keep upgrading your life. This episode may or may not be sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links, meaning we'll receive a small commission if you buy something.===========================⚡️ PODCAST: Subscribe and listen on all major platforms⚡️ Want to be a guest on The Upgraded Man? Apply here ➡ https://upgraded-man.com/guest⚡️ For support or business inquiries, email us ➡ chris@upgraded-man.com Our mission at The Upgraded Man is simple — help men upgrade every area of their life through real conversations, honest stories, and actionable insight from men who have done the work.The content on The Upgraded Man is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The views expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not constitute professional legal, financial, medical, or therapeutic advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making decisions based on information discussed on this podcast. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

You are working harder than ever and the needle still will not move. In this episode of The Upgraded Man Podcast, host Chris Anderson sits down with Dr. Joseph Drolshagen, creator of the SMT method and a 27-year corporate sales veteran turned subconscious performance coach, to expose the real reason most men stall out in business and wealth building. It is not your strategy. It is not the economy. It is the programming running underneath everything you do. Drolshagen breaks down how 85% of your results are driven by subconscious patterns, why hustle culture quietly sabotages the men who buy into it, and how getting into alignment helped his clients scale from 7.5 million to over 22 million in twelve months while taking five weeks of vacation. Drawing on three-plus decades of study and his own climb out of a struggling Detroit upbringing, this is a conversation about doing the inner work that actually changes the outer results, not another pep talk with a 72-hour shelf life. In this episode: Why working harder is the first move struggling business owners make, and why it almost never works The difference between your conscious knowing and the subconscious programming that triggers the actions you take How to build a dynamic vision that pulls you forward instead of grinding you down Why lottery winners and burned-out founders share the exact same hidden problem The simple assessment Drolshagen tells every man to run before he changes anything else How taking uncomfortable action rewires your programming for good Why scaling a business can feel exciting instead of soul-crushing How fear, procrastination, and "I am okay at 1 million" are really the same limitation Whether you are leading a team, growing revenue, or trying to build generational wealth without losing your family in the process, this episode hands you a new place to start: the man in the mirror. Guest: Dr. Joseph Drolshagen, creator of the SMT method and 27-year sales leader. Book a no-pitch call directly with Joe at SMT.com. Follow The Upgraded Man Podcast, and share this one with a man who has hit a ceiling he cannot explain. This episode may or may not be sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links, meaning we'll receive a small commission if you buy something.===========================⚡️ PODCAST: Subscribe and listen on all major platforms⚡️ Want to be a guest on The Upgraded Man? Apply here ➡ https://upgraded-man.com/guest⚡️ For support or business inquiries, email us ➡ chris@upgraded-man.com Our mission at The Upgraded Man is simple — help men upgrade every area of their life through real conversations, honest stories, and actionable insight from men who have done the work.The content on The Upgraded Man is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The views expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not constitute professional legal, financial, medical, or therapeutic advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making decisions based on information discussed on this podcast. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What does it really mean when a man says, "That's just who I am"? In this episode of The Upgraded Man, host Chris Anderson sits down with Arky Jones, founder of Personality Peak and a lifelong student of stoicism, to unpack why that phrase is usually an excuse rather than an identity. Born in England and now based in Australia, Arky brings a hard-won perspective shaped by military training, a serious injury, and a complete rebuild of his life and purpose. Together they explore how self-awareness, radical ownership, and small daily upgrades can pull any man out of complacency and into a fuller, more deliberate way of living. This is a direct, no-excuses conversation about change, responsibility, and becoming the man you actually want to be. In this episode: Why "personality is a mirror, not a label" and how seeing yourself clearly changes everything The truth about self-awareness for men and why it is not the "woo woo" stuff you think How the locus of control separates what you can own from what you must release Stoicism made practical, from Marcus Aurelius's Meditations to the choices you make every day Why surrender can be a strength instead of a weakness The hidden danger of comfort and how it quietly kills growth, hunger, and purpose Needs versus wants, and how chasing image and status drains your life energy Facing your "unopened bills" and demons head-on instead of delaying the consequence Why modern men have lost their tribe, their role, and their mission, and how to begin reclaiming it The 1% better philosophy you can apply in any moment of any day to compound real change Arky's story of shattering his pelvis in Royal Marines training and the pivot that rebuilt his life Connect with Arky Jones at Personality Peak (personalitypeak.com) to take the free five-minute personality insight tool and uncover your blind spots. This episode may or may not be sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links, meaning we'll receive a small commission if you buy something.===========================⚡️ PODCAST: Subscribe and listen on all major platforms⚡️ Want to be a guest on The Upgraded Man? Apply here ➡ https://upgraded-man.com/guest⚡️ For support or business inquiries, email us ➡ chris@upgraded-man.com Our mission at The Upgraded Man is simple — help men upgrade every area of their life through real conversations, honest stories, and actionable insight from men who have done the work.The content on The Upgraded Man is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The views expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not constitute professional legal, financial, medical, or therapeutic advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making decisions based on information discussed on this podcast. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

At 70 years old, Jeff broke four ultra-distance cycling world records in a single day, and he did it after training for only a few months. On this episode of The Upgraded Man Podcast, host Chris Anderson sits down with the record-breaking cyclist, former aerobatic pilot, and performance coach to take apart one of the most common excuses men hide behind: a lack of motivation. Jeff makes the case that motivation is overrated, and that the real engine behind a life of achievement is learning to enjoy the process, set the right goals, and pivot without shame when something stops serving you. In this episode, you will learn: Why motivation is overrated and enjoying the process is what actually sustains long-term effort The difference between quitting and "pivoting," and why Jeff reframes walking away as a strength rather than a failure How to set goals that are "50 percent believable" so they never become a to-do list or a pipe dream The four-stage path to mastery: discovery, training, practice, and teaching, and how to copy it from a skill you already have Why complacency is the real enemy, and the rare moments when it actually works in your favor How a safety net makes a career or life pivot responsible instead of reckless What overtraining taught Jeff about the gap between hating an activity and hating how it makes you feel Why writing down your strengths and challenges gives your goals real power Jeff is a cycling and performance coach who has set multiple records through the World Ultra Cycling Association, competed for years as an aerobatic pilot, and raised roughly $15,000 for his local Parkinson's community. His approach blends decades of athletic experience with a coaching philosophy focused on building people up, not just making them faster. Learn more and connect with Jeff at JeffsCoaching.com. If this conversation pushed you to reconsider something you have been avoiding, subscribe to The Upgraded Man Podcast, leave a review, and share this episode with a man who is ready to pivot. This episode may or may not be sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links, meaning we'll receive a small commission if you buy something.===========================⚡️ PODCAST: Subscribe and listen on all major platforms⚡️ Want to be a guest on The Upgraded Man? Apply here ➡ https://upgraded-man.com/guest⚡️ For support or business inquiries, email us ➡ chris@upgraded-man.com Our mission at The Upgraded Man is simple — help men upgrade every area of their life through real conversations, honest stories, and actionable insight from men who have done the work.The content on The Upgraded Man is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The views expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not constitute professional legal, financial, medical, or therapeutic advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making decisions based on information discussed on this podcast. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

High achievers don't get stuck because they lack effort. They get stuck because they're moving fast in the wrong direction. In this episode of The Upgraded Man Podcast, Chris Anderson sits down with high-performance coach Tim Kelly to unpack why so many capable men hit a ceiling and what it actually takes to break through. Tim is a former Navy rescue swimmer, commercial real estate investor, author, and founder of Active Duty Passive Income. After achieving financial freedom and then losing over seven figures, he rebuilt his life around clarity, faith, and disciplined daily action. Now he helps high performers get out of their own way and build lives that are both successful and fulfilling. In this conversation, Chris and Tim cover: The three reasons even the highest performers stay stuck Why clarity is the foundation of high performance, and how to run a clarity audit on yourself The difference between staying busy and making real progress Why financial freedom means nothing without responsibility and purpose The GROWS framework: God, Relationships, Occupation, Wealth, and Strength Why you cannot succeed in isolation and how to get into the right rooms How to reframe failure as a win, progress, or a lesson The courage it takes to have the hard conversations in your personal life This one is for any man who looks successful on paper but knows he's capable of more. It's a blueprint for trading busyness for clarity and finally moving the needle on the things that matter most. Connect with Tim Kelly: Website: thetimothykelly.com LinkedIn and Instagram: @thetimothykelly Take the free high-performance clarity assessment, grab the gap guide, and book a call. Remember, it's just about one percent better each day. Follow the show and share this episode with a man who's working to be better every single day. This episode may or may not be sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links, meaning we'll receive a small commission if you buy something.===========================⚡️ PODCAST: Subscribe and listen on all major platforms⚡️ Want to be a guest on The Upgraded Man? Apply here ➡ https://upgraded-man.com/guest⚡️ For support or business inquiries, email us ➡ chris@upgraded-man.com Our mission at The Upgraded Man is simple — help men upgrade every area of their life through real conversations, honest stories, and actionable insight from men who have done the work.The content on The Upgraded Man is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The views expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not constitute professional legal, financial, medical, or therapeutic advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making decisions based on information discussed on this podcast. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What does it take to turn 325 acres of Indiana woods into a national spirits brand and an "adult Disneyland" that pulls visitors from across the country? In this episode of The Upgraded Man Podcast, Chris Anderson sits down with Jeff McCabe, co-founder of Hard Truth Distilling Co., for a wide-ranging conversation on craft, mindset, family, and the long game of building something that lasts. Jeff is a Naval Academy graduate and former Navy pilot who went on to run a major part of the business travel and corporate card division at American Express before stepping away to chase a different kind of dream in Brown County. Alongside his partners and his own family, he built Big Woods, Quaff On, and Hard Truth into an experience that visitors remember long after they leave. In this conversation, you'll hear: Why a whiskey tastes better at 93 proof than 90, and what that obsession with detail reveals about doing anything well The Charlie Munger philosophy on the wall of his boardroom, and the wild family connection to Munger that Jeff only learned recently What the Naval Academy taught him about failing, and why learning to fail removed his fear of it How he leads people who don't share his mindset by listening first and meaning what he says The realities of running a business with his son, daughter, and son-in-law all under one roof Where he was on the morning of 9/11, and how being out of New York let him help in a way no one else could The McCabe family history, from Irish Gallowglass roots to two uncles' bars and a now-legendary dance hall story The Byron Nelson lesson that stuck with him for life: never putt short Whether you're building a company, leading a team, or just trying to navigate whatever life throws your way, Jeff's blend of hard-won wisdom and Midwest grit offers something to take home. Hard Truth Distilling Co. is located in Nashville, Indiana, in the heart of Brown County, and its spirits are now distributed across 38 states. Plan a visit to walk the property, take a distillery tour, or build a custom experience of your own. The Upgraded Man Podcast is for men who refuse to stay complacent and want to keep growing across every area of life. New episodes drop regularly, so subscribe and share this one with someone who needs it. This episode may or may not be sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links, meaning we'll receive a small commission if you buy something.===========================⚡️ PODCAST: Subscribe and listen on all major platforms⚡️ Want to be a guest on The Upgraded Man? Apply here ➡ https://upgraded-man.com/guest⚡️ For support or business inquiries, email us ➡ chris@upgraded-man.com Our mission at The Upgraded Man is simple — help men upgrade every area of their life through real conversations, honest stories, and actionable insight from men who have done the work.The content on The Upgraded Man is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The views expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not constitute professional legal, financial, medical, or therapeutic advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making decisions based on information discussed on this podcast. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of The Upgraded Man Podcast, host Chris Anderson sits down with Dr. Carla Caturia, a mindset and family relationship expert who has worked with thousands of families to help fathers strengthen their connection with their kids. As the first female guest since the show's rebrand, Dr. Carla brings a fresh, practical perspective to one of the toughest questions dads face: how do I stay close to my kid as they grow up? Whether you have a toddler, a teenager, or a kid somewhere in between, this conversation gives you a real-world framework for showing up as the father your kids actually need. Key topics and takeaways: Why the disconnect between dads and their teenage sons is normal, but absolutely fixable The "fix-it trap" most dads fall into and what to do instead when your kid opens up How to read your child's energy and know when to listen versus when to engage The difference between productive struggle and being too hard on your kids Why discipline rooted in natural consequences is more effective than reactive punishment How to navigate the identity shifts kids go through in elementary, middle, and high school The 20-minute weekly strategy that can transform your relationship with your teen Why regulating your own emotions is the single biggest move a dad can make How to spot whether your kid is dealing with a motivation problem or an identity problem The role of vulnerability in earning your child's trust and respect Why affirmations only work when paired with evidence What dads need to let go of as their kids grow into their own people Dr. Carla also shares the story of a father and two sons whose relationship transformed through small, consistent shifts, and leaves dads with a powerful reminder to have grace with themselves through the journey. Connect with Dr. Carla on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube. Reach out directly for a consultation if you want personalized support strengthening your family relationships. Follow The Upgraded Man Podcast and share this episode with a dad in your life who could use it. This episode may or may not be sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links, meaning we'll receive a small commission if you buy something.===========================⚡️ PODCAST: Subscribe and listen on all major platforms⚡️ Want to be a guest on The Upgraded Man? Apply here ➡ https://upgraded-man.com/guest⚡️ For support or business inquiries, email us ➡ chris@upgraded-man.com Our mission at The Upgraded Man is simple — help men upgrade every area of their life through real conversations, honest stories, and actionable insight from men who have done the work.The content on The Upgraded Man is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The views expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not constitute professional legal, financial, medical, or therapeutic advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making decisions based on information discussed on this podcast. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Welcome to the very first guest episode of The Upgraded Man Podcast. Host Chris Anderson sits down with Dr. Bobby Shelton, a researcher and speaker on self-leadership theory, for a conversation about what it actually takes for a man to like himself again, and why so many high-achieving men are quietly running on empty. Bobby opens up about the morning he sat in a chair for an hour and a half, refusing to stand until he gave himself permission to start liking who he was. He shares how a wife's blunt comment, 180 pounds of weight loss, a doctoral program he chose because he hated reading, and the funeral of yet another friend lost to suicide led him to a breaking point and a complete rebuild. The conversation moves into Bobby's signature framework, easy hard versus hard hard, and why most men exhaust themselves on the wrong battles. In this episode: The chair moment that changed Bobby's life and what it means to give yourself permission Why losing 180 pounds and earning a doctorate didn't fix the anger or the depression The self-leadership principle: you cannot lead others until you lead yourself How men outsource their identity to jobs, social media, religion, and the opinions of strangers Easy hard versus hard hard, and how to tell which one you are actually living in The daily writing practice Bobby uses to end every morning with "I love you, Bobby" Why saying no to good things is the price of saying yes to your real purpose Bobby's next mission with the George W. Bush Institute supporting veteran mental health Connect with Dr. Bobby Shelton through Self Leadership Lab, available on YouTube, Apple, and major platforms, and on LinkedIn. His website and email are open for anyone who wants to start the work. Subscribe to The Upgraded Man Podcast for weekly conversations built for men who refuse to be complacent. This episode may or may not be sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links, meaning we'll receive a small commission if you buy something.===========================⚡️ PODCAST: Subscribe and listen on all major platforms⚡️ Want to be a guest on The Upgraded Man? Apply here ➡ https://upgraded-man.com/guest⚡️ For support or business inquiries, email us ➡ chris@upgraded-man.com Our mission at The Upgraded Man is simple — help men upgrade every area of their life through real conversations, honest stories, and actionable insight from men who have done the work.The content on The Upgraded Man is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The views expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not constitute professional legal, financial, medical, or therapeutic advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making decisions based on information discussed on this podcast. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In 1910, a former president stood at the Sorbonne and delivered what would become one of the most quoted passages in American history. But Theodore Roosevelt wasn't a polished motivational speaker that day. He was a man who had buried his wife and mother on the same day, disappeared into the Badlands for two years, and rebuilt himself from nothing. That's the man behind "The Man in the Arena" — and that context changes everything. In this solo episode of The Upgraded Man, Chris Anderson reads Roosevelt's full passage and breaks it down into six movements every man needs to hear. This isn't a coffee mug quote anymore. This is a roadmap for the man who's tired of keeping a tally of his shortcomings and quietly wondering if he's built for any of this. In this episode, Chris unpacks: The real story behind Roosevelt's 1910 Sorbonne speech and why context changes the meaning Why the loudest critic in your life isn't on the internet — he's between your ears The difference between wanting the credit and being willing to take the bruises Why the polished man is the suspicious one, and what dust, sweat, and blood actually prove A direct word for the man keeping a running ledger of every place he's fallen short The critical difference between being exhausted and being spent — and why the cure isn't more rest Why neutrality, not failure, is the real opposite of being in the arena A three-part challenge: name the arena, text it to a brother, do one thing this week that risks failure If you've been circling something for months — a hard conversation, a decision at work, a prayer, a confession — this episode is the nudge to step in. The Upgraded Man Podcast is hosted by Chris Anderson and focuses on men's personal development across five life pillars. Recently rebranded after 500 episodes from The Elevate Media Podcast, the show is built for men who are done coasting and ready to do the work. Subscribe, share this episode with a brother who needs it, and come back in 30 days to see what changed. This episode may or may not be sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links, meaning we'll receive a small commission if you buy something.===========================⚡️ PODCAST: Subscribe and listen on all major platforms⚡️ Want to be a guest on The Upgraded Man? Apply here ➡ https://upgraded-man.com/guest⚡️ For support or business inquiries, email us ➡ chris@upgraded-man.com Our mission at The Upgraded Man is simple — help men upgrade every area of their life through real conversations, honest stories, and actionable insight from men who have done the work.The content on The Upgraded Man is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The views expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not constitute professional legal, financial, medical, or therapeutic advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making decisions based on information discussed on this podcast. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this debut episode of the newly rebranded Upgraded Man Podcast, host Chris Anderson lays out the foundation for everything to come. After years of running the Elevate Media Podcast, Chris is honing in on a clear mission: helping men who refuse to stay complacent become better versions of themselves, one day at a time. This solo episode introduces the five pillars that will guide every future conversation, every guest interview, and every solo breakdown on the show. Chris speaks openly about why men today need this conversation more than ever, from the alarming rates of male suicide to the cultural pressure to chase transactions over real relationships. He shares personal stories from his own journey, including his college mental health struggles, his experience playing soccer in Holland as a teenager, and standing on the Great Wall of China during a leadership mission trip. Key topics and takeaways from this episode: Why mindset and mental health are the foundation of every other area of growth, and how to drop the labels that keep men stuck The truth about health: it's invisible until you lose it, and why nutrition, fitness, and recovery have to be non-negotiable Relationships over revenue, and why investing in people first opens doors that chasing sales never will How financial stress impacts every other area of life, and the difference between spending to impress and building real freedom The forgotten pillar of living fully, and why experiences compound in ways that possessions never do Why time speeds up as life goes on, especially with kids, and how to be present in the moments that actually matter A preview of upcoming guests including Olympians, gold medalists, ultra marathoners, and entrepreneurs who have pushed the limits of what is possible The goal of this show is not just success. It is becoming a better man, husband, father, friend, and leader. If that resonates with you, follow the show and share it with a guy in your life who would benefit from the journey. Host: Chris Anderson, founder of the Upgraded Man Podcast and former athletic trainer with a master's degree in athletic training. This episode may or may not be sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links, meaning we'll receive a small commission if you buy something.===========================⚡️ PODCAST: Subscribe and listen on all major platforms⚡️ Want to be a guest on The Upgraded Man? Apply here ➡ https://upgraded-man.com/guest⚡️ For support or business inquiries, email us ➡ chris@upgraded-man.com Our mission at The Upgraded Man is simple — help men upgrade every area of their life through real conversations, honest stories, and actionable insight from men who have done the work.The content on The Upgraded Man is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The views expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not constitute professional legal, financial, medical, or therapeutic advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making decisions based on information discussed on this podcast. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This is a milestone moment. In episode 500, host Chris Anderson pulls back the curtain on what it actually takes to stay consistent for nearly a decade of podcasting, the relationships that changed the trajectory of his business, and the biggest announcement in the show's history: the Elevate Media Podcast is officially becoming The Upgraded Man Podcast. Chris gets candid about starting in the corner of his living room with Captain America kid headphones and a laptop mic, interviewing millionaires before he ever looked the part. He shares why most podcasters quit before episode eight, what 500 episodes of guest conversations have taught him about building a real life, and why the show is narrowing its focus to serve the audience that kept showing up: men who refuse to stay complacent. Chris also introduces the five pillars that will anchor every future episode and invites listeners into a community built around becoming better tomorrow than you are today. In this episode: Why consistency beats talent every single time, and how showing up weekly compounds into something bigger than you imagined The relationships-over-revenue principle that opened doors Chris never expected Why "done is better than perfect" is the only way to actually start something The embarrassing early days of the podcast, from kid headphones to a built-out studio How to recognize when you're stuck on autopilot in business, marriage, health, or finances Why the Upgraded Man is a journey, not a destination, and what that means for listeners The official announcement of the podcast rebrand and what's changing (and what isn't) A preview of the five pillars that will shape every future episode and conversation Practical ways to stop coasting and start evolving in your nine-to-five, your workouts, and your relationships Why Chris believes the next 500 episodes will matter more than the first Whether you've been listening since the living room days or you're finding the show for the first time, this episode is a reset, a thank-you, and an invitation. Hit follow so you don't miss episode 501 and the first full episode of The Upgraded Man Podcast. Host: Chris Anderson, founder of Elevate Media and host of The Upgraded Man Podcast (formerly the Elevate Media Podcast). This episode may or may not be sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links, meaning we'll receive a small commission if you buy something.===========================⚡️ PODCAST: Subscribe and listen on all major platforms⚡️ Want to be a guest on The Upgraded Man? Apply here ➡ https://upgraded-man.com/guest⚡️ For support or business inquiries, email us ➡ chris@upgraded-man.com Our mission at The Upgraded Man is simple — help men upgrade every area of their life through real conversations, honest stories, and actionable insight from men who have done the work.The content on The Upgraded Man is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The views expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not constitute professional legal, financial, medical, or therapeutic advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making decisions based on information discussed on this podcast. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Most men don't lose their relationships because they stopped trying — they lose them because they never understood what actually creates lasting attraction and respect. In this episode, Chris sits down with A.D. the Kingmaker Dunbar, a former engineer who invested over $200,000 and years of study into understanding relationship dynamics from every angle imaginable — from Muslim men with multiple wives to former pimps and pickup artists. What he found will challenge almost everything men have been told about love, leadership, and being a "good guy." In this episode, you'll discover: The three types of men — peasants, good guys, and kings — and which one you're currently operating as Why "happy wife, happy life" is a trap that produces some of the most miserable men alive The power dynamic hiding in every relationship — and how men unknowingly hand over control without realizing it Why your woman can't respect you more than you respect yourself — and how self-investment changes everything in a relationship The midlife crisis reframe — why A.D. says men should "have the crisis now" instead of waiting until 50 The difference between leading and controlling — and why sexual attraction is the only real dividing line between the two Why men are getting more mediocre results while doing more — and the business analogy that makes it undeniable How to flip a failing relationship dynamic — including the one conversation A.D. says you should be having every month Why testosterone is dropping across all species — and what it means for modern dating and marriage How to love without attachment — and why being willing to walk away is actually the most loving thing a man can do Whether you're single, in a relationship, or a husband looking to reignite what's been lost, this conversation is a wake-up call. A.D. doesn't do shame — but he does make you feel something that leads to a decision. Connect with A.D. the Kingmaker on all platforms: @adthekingmaker Resources for husbands and wives: thethirtydayfix.net/husband | thethirtydayfix.net/wife This episode is NOT sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links, meaning we'll receive a small commission if you buy something.===========================⚡️PODCAST: Subscribe to our podcast here ➡ https://elevatemedia.buzzsprout.com/⚡️Need post-recording video production help? Let's chat ➡ https://calendly.com/elevate-media-group/application⚡️For Support inquires or Business inquiries, please email us at ➡︎ support@elevate-media-group.comOur mission here at Elevate Media is to help purpose-driven entrepreneurs elevate their brands and make an impact through the power of video podcasting.Disclaimer: Please see the link for our disclaimer policy for all our episodes or videos on the Elevate Media and Elevate Media Podcast YouTube channels. https://elevatemediastudios.com/disclaimer Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Have you been doing everything right — putting in the work, staying consistent — but you still can't break through to the next level? This episode is for you. Chris Anderson shares the timeless "Three Feet from Gold" story from Napoleon Hill's Think and Grow Rich and unpacks what it means for every entrepreneur, business owner, and father who's on the verge of walking away. In this episode:

In this episode, Jim Ferry of Volition Capital pulls back the curtain on growth equity — the often-misunderstood middle ground between venture capital and private equity. If you're a founder wondering whether outside capital is right for your business, this is a must-listen. What you'll learn: The difference between venture capital, growth equity, and private equity (and where you fit) The 3 reasons founders seek growth equity investment What investors are really evaluating when they meet you How to talk about your competition without killing the deal What a 5–7 year investment partnership actually looks like Why Shark Tank is NOT an accurate picture of how deals work The founder traits that correlate with successful outcomes This episode is NOT sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links, meaning we'll receive a small commission if you buy something.===========================⚡️PODCAST: Subscribe to our podcast here ➡ https://elevatemedia.buzzsprout.com/⚡️Need post-recording video production help? Let's chat ➡ https://calendly.com/elevate-media-group/application⚡️For Support inquires or Business inquiries, please email us at ➡︎ support@elevate-media-group.comOur mission here at Elevate Media is to help purpose-driven entrepreneurs elevate their brands and make an impact through the power of video podcasting.Disclaimer: Please see the link for our disclaimer policy for all our episodes or videos on the Elevate Media and Elevate Media Podcast YouTube channels. https://elevatemediastudios.com/disclaimer Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Did you know 15 to 20% of the population has dyslexia, yet most schools are still failing these students? In this episode of the Elevate Media Podcast, host Chris Anderson sits down with Russell Van Brocklen, a dyslexia educator and researcher with over a decade of experience helping students overcome learning differences through a brain-based approach rooted in Yale research. Russell breaks down exactly why the traditional school system is built for a brain that dyslexic students simply don't have and what to do instead. He walks through his step-by-step writing method that can take a child writing random, misspelled words to producing well-structured sentences with correct grammar in a single session. He also shares how he's helping students with dyslexia, ADD, and ADHD find their "specialty" (their narrow area of deep interest) and use it as the engine for advanced academic achievement, including peer-reviewed research and AI-era career readiness. Whether your child is struggling in school, you suspect dyslexia in yourself, or you're just fascinated by how different brains learn, this episode will change the way you think about intelligence, education, and potential. Connect with Russell and access a free guide: dyslexiaclasses.com This episode is NOT sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links, meaning we'll receive a small commission if you buy something.===========================⚡️PODCAST: Subscribe to our podcast here ➡ https://elevatemedia.buzzsprout.com/⚡️Need post-recording video production help? Let's chat ➡ https://calendly.com/elevate-media-group/application⚡️For Support inquires or Business inquiries, please email us at ➡︎ support@elevate-media-group.comOur mission here at Elevate Media is to help purpose-driven entrepreneurs elevate their brands and make an impact through the power of video podcasting.Disclaimer: Please see the link for our disclaimer policy for all our episodes or videos on the Elevate Media and Elevate Media Podcast YouTube channels. https://elevatemediastudios.com/disclaimer Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of the Elevate Media Podcast, Chris Anderson sits down with Chanda Coston, business strategist, CEO, and founder of the HEB Foundation, to explore how high-achieving entrepreneurs can regain control of their time and focus on what truly moves the needle. Chanda shares her proven methods for calendar audits, time blocking, task batching, and the “automate, delegate, eliminate” approach to simplify business operations and reduce overwhelm. They dive deep into finding clarity amidst distractions, setting boundaries, avoiding burnout, and leveraging AI without losing the human connection that drives business growth. Whether you're balancing a 9-to-5, a growing business, or family responsibilities, this episode provides practical insights to help you take focused action, increase productivity, and design a business that aligns with your life and legacy. This episode is NOT sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links, meaning we'll receive a small commission if you buy something.===========================⚡️PODCAST: Subscribe to our podcast here ➡ https://elevatemedia.buzzsprout.com/⚡️Need post-recording video production help? Let's chat ➡ https://calendly.com/elevate-media-group/application⚡️For Support inquires or Business inquiries, please email us at ➡︎ support@elevate-media-group.comOur mission here at Elevate Media is to help purpose-driven entrepreneurs elevate their brands and make an impact through the power of video podcasting.Disclaimer: Please see the link for our disclaimer policy for all our episodes or videos on the Elevate Media and Elevate Media Podcast YouTube channels. https://elevatemediastudios.com/disclaimer Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Are you building a business… or did you accidentally build a job? In this episode of the Elevate Media Podcast, Chris Anderson sits down with entrepreneur and investor Chaz Wolfe to break down how to build a business that doesn't own you. From mindset shifts to delegation, hiring, systems, and profit planning, this conversation is a blueprint for entrepreneurs who want freedom without sacrificing growth. Chaz shares how he scaled multiple businesses, built a multi-million dollar construction company without swinging a hammer, and why clarity, intentionality, and profit on purpose are non-negotiables for long-term success. In this episode, we cover:Why owner dependency is killing your growthThe mindset shift required to build systems earlyHow to know when to hire your first team memberThe difference between hustle culture and intentional growthWhy profit must be planned — not hoped forBalancing family, faith, and entrepreneurshipBuilding businesses with exit potentialHow to think bigger even if you're just getting startedIf you want to stop being the hero in your business and start building something scalable, this episode is for you. This episode is NOT sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links, meaning we'll receive a small commission if you buy something.===========================⚡️PODCAST: Subscribe to our podcast here ➡ https://elevatemedia.buzzsprout.com/⚡️Need post-recording video production help? Let's chat ➡ https://calendly.com/elevate-media-group/application⚡️For Support inquires or Business inquiries, please email us at ➡︎ support@elevate-media-group.comOur mission here at Elevate Media is to help purpose-driven entrepreneurs elevate their brands and make an impact through the power of video podcasting.Disclaimer: Please see the link for our disclaimer policy for all our episodes or videos on the Elevate Media and Elevate Media Podcast YouTube channels. https://elevatemediastudios.com/disclaimer Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, Chris sits down with digital marketing expert Shane Barker to break down the real impact of reviews on Amazon and beyond. Shane shares practical insights on managing negative reviews, building brand trust, and why reputation management is no longer optional for modern businesses. Whether you sell on Amazon or rely on online reviews to drive growth, this conversation is packed with actionable strategies you can apply immediately. Main talking points:Why negative and critical reviews matter more than positive onesHow Amazon reviews impact long-term brand trustCommon mistakes businesses make with review managementExpanding reputation strategy beyond Amazon to Google and social platformsWhere to follow Shane for ongoing Amazon and marketing insights This episode is NOT sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links, meaning we'll receive a small commission if you buy something.===========================⚡️PODCAST: Subscribe to our podcast here ➡ https://elevatemedia.buzzsprout.com/⚡️Need post-recording video production help? Let's chat ➡ https://calendly.com/elevate-media-group/application⚡️For Support inquires or Business inquiries, please email us at ➡︎ support@elevate-media-group.comOur mission here at Elevate Media is to help purpose-driven entrepreneurs elevate their brands and make an impact through the power of video podcasting.Disclaimer: Please see the link for our disclaimer policy for all our episodes or videos on the Elevate Media and Elevate Media Podcast YouTube channels. https://elevatemediastudios.com/disclaimer Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of the Elevate Media Podcast, we sit down with John from Fiscal Advocate to talk about why understanding your numbers is non-negotiable if you want to build a healthy, scalable service business. We break down how business owners can get clarity, create a strong financial foundation, and make smarter decisions that support long-term growth. What we cover:Why most service business owners struggle with their numbersHow to build a solid financial foundation before scalingThe importance of direction, clarity, and financial disciplineResources available for professional service companiesWhere to connect with John and Fiscal Advocate for ongoing support  This episode is NOT sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links, meaning we'll receive a small commission if you buy something.===========================⚡️PODCAST: Subscribe to our podcast here ➡ https://elevatemedia.buzzsprout.com/⚡️Need post-recording video production help? Let's chat ➡ https://calendly.com/elevate-media-group/application⚡️For Support inquires or Business inquiries, please email us at ➡︎ support@elevate-media-group.comOur mission here at Elevate Media is to help purpose-driven entrepreneurs elevate their brands and make an impact through the power of video podcasting.Disclaimer: Please see the link for our disclaimer policy for all our episodes or videos on the Elevate Media and Elevate Media Podcast YouTube channels. https://elevatemediastudios.com/disclaimer Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of the Elevate Media Podcast, Chris Anderson welcomes Jeremy Vest, a veteran YouTube strategist. With two decades of experience, Jeremy provides a no-nonsense guide to achieving sustainable growth, moving past the common pitfalls that keep over 90% of creators from even reaching 1,000 subscribers. This is a crucial conversation for anyone looking to build a media company, from aspiring creators to small business owners.In this episode, you will learn:Why you must create content for the viewer, not for yourself, and why being a "generalist" on YouTube is a "very dangerous thing."The critical importance of narrowing down your niche, using the example of the world's most famous plumber, and why specificity (e.g., "skaters over 40") is essential to stand out from AI-generated content.The "Purpose, Passion, Profit" three-circle alignment necessary to sustain creativity over the long haul.The power of defining your value and mission in a six-word phrase to maintain focus and belief.The "Click, Watch, Like" algorithm framework and how to set the first two seconds of your video with high stakes to match your title and thumbnail intent.How Jeremy's company uses AI to find the titles, hooks, and scripts from the world's top-performing videos to create winning formulas.Why creators must have a "growth mindset" to improve by 1% every week, instead of quitting with a "fixed mindset."The smart way to monetize: never make more than 10% of your revenue from ads, prioritizing your own products/services, affiliate marketing, and brand partnerships.The "hard truth" most creators are not ready to hear about their journey to success. This episode is NOT sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links, meaning we'll receive a small commission if you buy something.===========================⚡️PODCAST: Subscribe to our podcast here ➡ https://elevatemedia.buzzsprout.com/⚡️Need post-recording video production help? Let's chat ➡ https://calendly.com/elevate-media-group/application⚡️For Support inquires or Business inquiries, please email us at ➡︎ support@elevate-media-group.comOur mission here at Elevate Media is to help purpose-driven entrepreneurs elevate their brands and make an impact through the power of video podcasting.Disclaimer: Please see the link for our disclaimer policy for all our episodes or videos on the Elevate Media and Elevate Media Podcast YouTube channels. https://elevatemediastudios.com/disclaimer Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of the Elevate Media Podcast, Chris Anderson welcomes Jay Setchell, a remarkable guest whose life journey embodies extreme resilience. Raised on a farm, a Marine Corps veteran, an entrepreneur, and a corporate leader, Jay has faced and overcome unimaginable challenges, including dying three times, a debilitating accident that left him paralyzed, and 73 surgeries. He discusses how these experiences shifted his entire perspective on life, purpose, and commitment, contrasting his generation's "suck it up" philosophy with the current societal push for "safe places." This is a raw and uncompromising conversation about finding strength within pain, adjusting your mindset, and why giving up is simply not an option.In this episode, you will learn:What fundamentally changes in a man's mind and purpose after multiple near-death experiences.The profound difference between "hope" and "true belief/faith" when pursuing goals.The concept of "The Set of the Sail" and how a slight adjustment in attitude can change your entire direction.Why Jay believes modern society is raising a "country of soft people" and what is owed to their parents.The mindset and commitment required for an entrepreneur to succeed, and why it's better to make less money doing what you love.How to harness anger, frustration, or even chronic pain to drive yourself forward and accomplish what you need to do.Jay's conviction that "it's always too soon to quit" and that a life of service and helping others is the ultimate purpose. This episode is NOT sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links, meaning we'll receive a small commission if you buy something.===========================⚡️PODCAST: Subscribe to our podcast here ➡ https://elevatemedia.buzzsprout.com/⚡️Need post-recording video production help? Let's chat ➡ https://calendly.com/elevate-media-group/application⚡️For Support inquires or Business inquiries, please email us at ➡︎ support@elevate-media-group.comOur mission here at Elevate Media is to help purpose-driven entrepreneurs elevate their brands and make an impact through the power of video podcasting.Disclaimer: Please see the link for our disclaimer policy for all our episodes or videos on the Elevate Media and Elevate Media Podcast YouTube channels. https://elevatemediastudios.com/disclaimer Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

We dive into an honest conversation with Roy Ward, CEO, President, and Founder of Pre-Game Athletics, on why he moved from a 20-year career in the reactive medical device industry to pioneer a proactive movement focused on preparing for peak performance. It's not about just "warming up"—it's about committing to a ritual that fuels you mentally and physically.In this episode, we challenge the idea of preparation as a forced habit, exploring the three-step process of making it a ritual you feel. Roy details how music integration and new sports tech wearables are central to this shift, helping entrepreneurs, athletes, and "movers" of all kinds optimize their performance without taking extra time out of their day.It's time to move beyond the Band-Aid fixes of a reactive lifestyle and embrace proactivity. Discover the secret sauce behind the Pre-Game community, the power of a "voluntary discomfort" ritual (sauna and cold plunge), and the vital role of recovery—because your recovery is the start of your warm-up for the next event.Roy's final message: "Appreciate every moment. Make the most of every moment. Prepare to be your best at everything you do, and always stay in the saddle."===========================⚡️PODCAST: Subscribe to our podcast here ➡ https://elevatemedia.buzzsprout.com/⚡️Need post-recording video production help? Let's chat ➡ https://calendly.com/elevate-media-group/application⚡️For Support inquires or Business inquiries, please email us at ➡︎ support@elevate-media-group.comOur mission here at Elevate Media is to help purpose-driven entrepreneurs elevate their brands and make an impact through the power of video podcasting.Disclaimer: Please see the link for our disclaimer policy for all our episodes or videos on the Elevate Media and Elevate Media Podcast YouTube channels. https://elevatemediastudios.com/disclaimer This episode is NOT sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links, meaning we'll receive a small commission if you buy something.===========================⚡️PODCAST: Subscribe to our podcast here ➡ https://elevatemedia.buzzsprout.com/⚡️Need post-recording video production help? Let's chat ➡ https://calendly.com/elevate-media-group/application⚡️For Support inquires or Business inquiries, please email us at ➡︎ support@elevate-media-group.comOur mission here at Elevate Media is to help purpose-driven entrepreneurs elevate their brands and make an impact through the power of video podcasting.Disclaimer: Please see the link for our disclaimer policy for all our episodes or videos on the Elevate Media and Elevate Media Podcast YouTube channels. https://elevatemediastudios.com/disclaimer Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Chris Anderson speaks with Dr. Brian McCarley about his journey from a head athletic trainer to a long-time successful chiropractor, guiding entrepreneurs, business leaders, and families.From Athletic Training to Chiropractic: Dr. Brian recounts his career shift, explaining that the late-night, intense lifestyle of an athletic trainer was incompatible with being a newlywed. This led him through a brief stint in the business world before choosing chiropractic—a more natural, faith-aligned healthcare approach—necessitating a difficult move to Texas for three years of school.The Entrepreneurial Decision Cascade: Success after the initial leap requires navigating a continuous series of smaller, difficult decisions that, when stacked together, can feel overwhelming. Dr. Brian advocates for prioritizing based on what's urgent versus what's truly important, and learning to make the "least bad decision" when all options are challenging. He suggests using whiteboards and Post-it Notes to visualize and prioritize tasks, and to always assess how one decision will affect others down the road.The Value of Advisors: Having a team of trusted advisors is crucial for gaining an outside perspective, simplifying complex issues, and identifying personal "blind spots" or ego-driven blocks that cloud judgment. Dr. Brian sees his role with patients and clients not as an educator, but as a "guide" to help them become the "hero of their own life."Overcoming "Brain Fog" with Health: The episode dives into the connection between health and entrepreneurial performance. Dr. Brian pinpoints "bright shiny syndrome" and neglecting self-care as common causes of mental clarity issues that compromise business-critical decisions.Practical Health Strategies for High-Achievers:Efficient Exercise: Focus on activities that offer the greatest benefit in the shortest time, citing rucking (walking with a weighted vest) as an effective, low-impact method.Time Management & Delegation: Calculate your effective hourly rate and delegate tasks that cost less than that rate to a VA or part-time help, freeing up the entrepreneur for high-value work and personal time.Hourly Brain Breaks: Set a timer to take a 5-minute break every hour to step away from the computer. This prevents neurological burnout and increases efficiency and problem-solving.The Logic of Intermittent Fasting: Dr. Brian shares his thoughts on intermittent fasting, noting that three meals a day is a product of the industrial revolution and that bodies are designed for periods of fasting. He advises anyone trying it to be deliberate, prepare for mental shifts, and learn to distinguish between true hunger and boredom by drinking water. This episode is NOT sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links, meaning we'll receive a small commission if you buy something.===========================⚡️PODCAST: Subscribe to our podcast here ➡ https://elevatemedia.buzzsprout.com/⚡️Need post-recording video production help? Let's chat ➡ https://calendly.com/elevate-media-group/application⚡️For Support inquires or Business inquiries, please email us at ➡︎ support@elevate-media-group.comOur mission here at Elevate Media is to help purpose-driven entrepreneurs elevate their brands and make an impact through the power of video podcasting.Disclaimer: Please see the link for our disclaimer policy for all our episodes or videos on the Elevate Media and Elevate Media Podcast YouTube channels. https://elevatemediastudios.com/disclaimer Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What if we told you that the whole concept of work-life balance sets us up for disappointment? Brace yourselves for an enlightening discussion where we challenge the narratives surrounding pursuing a harmonious life and the misconceptions about entrepreneurship. We dive into honest conversations about the grind in reaching our life goals and the sacrifices we need to make for long-term success. It's not about working 24 hours a month and expecting a rosy life, it's about understanding that success demands effort.We're not here to sugarcoat things. Starting a business is not as simple as leaving your 9 to 5 job and suddenly having a Ferrari in your garage. We must prioritize and manage our time effectively, making strategic decisions about what we're willing to give up for the sake of our dreams. And most importantly, how we spend our time now will determine our growth and success in the future. So, are you spending time on activities that fuel your growth, or are you wasting your potential? Let's take a hard look at ourselves and our routines. It's time to break free from the illusion of work-life balance and step into the reality of what it takes to elevate ourselves, our brand truly, and our agency. This episode is NOT sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links, meaning we'll receive a small commission if you buy something.===========================⚡️PODCAST: Subscribe to our podcast here ➡ https://elevatemedia.buzzsprout.com/⚡️Need post-recording video production help? Let's chat ➡ https://calendly.com/elevate-media-group/application⚡️For Support inquires or Business inquiries, please email us at ➡︎ support@elevate-media-group.comOur mission here at Elevate Media is to help purpose-driven entrepreneurs elevate their brands and make an impact through the power of video podcasting.Disclaimer: Please see the link for our disclaimer policy for all our episodes or videos on the Elevate Media and Elevate Media Podcast YouTube channels. https://elevatemediastudios.com/disclaimer Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of the Elevate Media Podcast, Chris Anderson sits down with viral marketing expert and AI creator Austin Armstrong to break down the real art of going viral without chasing shortcuts. From posting 20 to 25 times a day on Facebook to building micro SaaS with vibe coding, Austin shares exactly how he has generated billions of views, built multiple seven-figure businesses, and stacked numerous streams of income using social media the smart way. In this episode, you will learn: Why “the algorithm hates me” is really a discipline and longevity problem.How Austin went from 600 “failed” YouTube uploads to 100K subscribers in three days by narrowing his content and doubling down on what worked The power of creating a repeatable content series with the same hook and structure but fresh “meat in the middle.”Why most creators should stop starting over and instead refine their niche and audience on the channel they already haveHow to niche down, define your ideal client persona, and choose the right platform and format for them. Austin's “START” video framework for turning views into trust and leadsWhy he posts 20 to 25 times a day on Facebook and how collaboration pods and simple text threads are driving tens of millions of viewsHow to walk the line between clickbait, controversy, and ethical engagementWhy perfectionism is just procrastination in disguise and how quantity leads to quality over time What vibe coding is and how non-technical creators can build micro SaaS tools that generate recurring revenueThe mindset, sacrifices, and consistency required to replace your job income with content and online offers This episode is NOT sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links, meaning we'll receive a small commission if you buy something.===========================⚡️PODCAST: Subscribe to our podcast here ➡ https://elevatemedia.buzzsprout.com/⚡️Need post-recording video production help? Let's chat ➡ https://calendly.com/elevate-media-group/application⚡️For Support inquires or Business inquiries, please email us at ➡︎ support@elevate-media-group.comOur mission here at Elevate Media is to help purpose-driven entrepreneurs elevate their brands and make an impact through the power of video podcasting.Disclaimer: Please see the link for our disclaimer policy for all our episodes or videos on the Elevate Media and Elevate Media Podcast YouTube channels. https://elevatemediastudios.com/disclaimer Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A deep dive into data-driven marketing and entrepreneurship with Dr. Alexa D'Agostino, covering two decades of experience and insights.Persistence vs. Delegation: The biggest hurdles to scaling are a lack of persistence for those under $1 million and a CEO's inability to delegate and focus on strategy for those over $5 million.Data is More Than Numbers: Data is defined as buying behavior, what customers hate, when they click, and why they don't buy—it's crucial to listen to what the data is screaming, not to guess.The Shift in Content: Polished, overproduced content is hurting conversions. What converts now is "raw, real, fast, unedited" content like screenshots and behind-the-scenes looks, which builds trust and transparency.AI as an Amplifier: AI will not take over marketing teams but will change their roles, requiring more strategists. AI is only as good as the knowledge it's trained on, and it amplifies what you know.Relentless Execution: Dr. Alexa's secret sauce is "relentless execution"—moving faster, testing faster, and launching, learning, and tweaking instead of waiting for perfection.Avoiding Shiny Object Syndrome: Founders should focus on one offer and scale it to the $750K to $1.5M range to ensure enough profit to hire a dedicated team member before expanding to a second offer.Tracking Traction: Traction isn't always revenue; it can be momentum, interest, waitlist sign-ups, or acquisition interest, which indicates the need to pivot or double down.Single Channel Focus: Beginning entrepreneurs should focus on mastering one channel (e.g., TikTok for product, LinkedIn for education) where their consumer is, to build community, drive traffic, and avoid burnout.Top 3 Data Points: The most important metrics to track are Traffic (are they staying?), Conversion Rate (is the campaign working?), and Cost Per Sale/Lead.Low vs. High Ticket Sales Funnel: Social media acts as the top of the funnel to build trust. Low-ticket sales are a volume play, while high-ticket sales require deeper trust and a longer engagement journey (often six months or more).Essential Business System: Every founder needs a CRM (even starting with a basic spreadsheet like Excel) to capture leads, keep them warm, and follow up, as leads don't just "pop up."Value in the Age of AI: The true value an expert provides is in context, knowledge, and perspective, which AI cannot replicate because it has not lived the experience. This episode is NOT sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links, meaning we'll receive a small commission if you buy something.===========================⚡️PODCAST: Subscribe to our podcast here ➡ https://elevatemedia.buzzsprout.com/⚡️Need post-recording video production help? Let's chat ➡ https://calendly.com/elevate-media-group/application⚡️For Support inquires or Business inquiries, please email us at ➡︎ support@elevate-media-group.comOur mission here at Elevate Media is to help purpose-driven entrepreneurs elevate their brands and make an impact through the power of video podcasting.Disclaimer: Please see the link for our disclaimer policy for all our episodes or videos on the Elevate Media and Elevate Media Podcast YouTube channels. https://elevatemediastudios.com/disclaimer Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, Chris breaks down Elon Musk's Neuralink: the promises, the problems, and the real concerns no one's talking about. From medical skepticism to ethical red flags, data transparency, past animal testing issues, hacking risks, and the spiritual implications of tampering with the brain, Chris unpacks whether Neuralink is a revolutionary idea or a dangerous overreach. MAIN TALKING POINTS:What Neuralink claims it can do vs. what's actually provenLack of transparency and peer-reviewed dataSkepticism from the medical communityEthical concerns and past monkey deathsBig Pharma comparisons and biasRisks of hacking and mind manipulationAI, robotics, and the future of medical breakthroughsThe spiritual and moral danger of modifying the mindPersonal reasons Chris isn't on board with brain implantsWhy believers must stay discerning with new technology This episode is NOT sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links, meaning we'll receive a small commission if you buy something.===========================⚡️PODCAST: Subscribe to our podcast here ➡ https://elevatemedia.buzzsprout.com/⚡️Need post-recording video production help? Let's chat ➡ https://calendly.com/elevate-media-group/application⚡️For Support inquires or Business inquiries, please email us at ➡︎ support@elevate-media-group.comOur mission here at Elevate Media is to help purpose-driven entrepreneurs elevate their brands and make an impact through the power of video podcasting.Disclaimer: Please see the link for our disclaimer policy for all our episodes or videos on the Elevate Media and Elevate Media Podcast YouTube channels. https://elevatemediastudios.com/disclaimer Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A deep dive into entrepreneurship with Wes Towers, covering his two decades of experience and insights.Early Beginnings: Wes's unconventional start in web design and his decision to launch his own business after a few years in marketing agencies.Taking the Leap: The apprehension and opportunities that led Wes to start his own agency, taking over a handful of clients.Sales Transformation: How Wes overcame his lack of confidence in sales, learned to be his authentic self, and focused on understanding client needs.The Power of Networking: The unexpected benefits of joining a networking group, not just for leads, but for honing his business presentation skills.Niche Specialization: The "horror story" that taught Wes the crucial lesson of sticking to his lane and specializing in trades and construction.AI and the Future of Business: Wes's perspective on AI as a disruptor and how it forced him to double down on human connections, relationship building, and expertise.The Entrepreneurial Rollercoaster: Navigating the ebbs and flows of business over 20 years and the importance of slowing down and refocusing.Key Lessons for Growth: The three most important things Wes learned: mastering sales, building and leading a team effectively, and cultivating an abundance mindset.Personal Growth through Business: How entrepreneurship amplifies life lessons and Wes's focus on mentoring his children to achieve their own success.Evolving Marketing Trends: The shift away from traditional funnels due to the changing value of information and the rise of "Search Everywhere optimization."The Art of Storytelling: The impact of storytelling in marketing and how a simple blog post led to a major newspaper feature.  This episode is NOT sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links, meaning we'll receive a small commission if you buy something.===========================⚡️PODCAST: Subscribe to our podcast here ➡ https://elevatemedia.buzzsprout.com/⚡️Need post-recording video production help? Let's chat ➡ https://calendly.com/elevate-media-group/application⚡️For Support inquires or Business inquiries, please email us at ➡︎ support@elevate-media-group.comOur mission here at Elevate Media is to help purpose-driven entrepreneurs elevate their brands and make an impact through the power of video podcasting.Disclaimer: Please see the link for our disclaimer policy for all our episodes or videos on the Elevate Media and Elevate Media Podcast YouTube channels. https://elevatemediastudios.com/disclaimer Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A punchy mindset reset for entrepreneurs and leaders. Chris unpacks the Alan Watts quote—“You are under no obligation to be the same person you were five minutes ago”—and shows how to flip the next five minutes to your advantage. The Alan Watts quote that snaps you out of autopilotWhy identity is a choice, not a sentenceMoving vs. stagnating: “If you're not moving, you're dying”Reframing mistakes from five minutes ago (anger, fear, laziness)Choosing happiness, gratitude, and perspective—on purposeSetting boundaries and building a backbone without losing kindnessA simple reflection prompt to break labels and rewrite your storyDaily practice: decide who you'll be in the next five minutes This episode is NOT sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links, meaning we'll receive a small commission if you buy something.===========================⚡️PODCAST: Subscribe to our podcast here ➡ https://elevatemedia.buzzsprout.com/⚡️Need post-recording video production help? Let's chat ➡ https://calendly.com/elevate-media-group/application⚡️For Support inquires or Business inquiries, please email us at ➡︎ support@elevate-media-group.comOur mission here at Elevate Media is to help purpose-driven entrepreneurs elevate their brands and make an impact through the power of video podcasting.Disclaimer: Please see the link for our disclaimer policy for all our episodes or videos on the Elevate Media and Elevate Media Podcast YouTube channels. https://elevatemediastudios.com/disclaimer Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of the Elevate Media Podcast, Chris Anderson delivers a wake-up call about excuses, ownership, and action. He dives deep into why most people stay stuck—blaming others, their environment, or circumstances—and how to shift into full accountability to transform your business, health, and life. Main Talking Points:Why excuses keep you from growth and successTaking 100% ownership of your resultsBreaking free from the victim mindsetHow to respond instead of react when challenges hitWhy success requires discomfort and persistenceLetting go of people who don't share your vision or work ethic This episode is NOT sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links, meaning we'll receive a small commission if you buy something.===========================⚡️PODCAST: Subscribe to our podcast here ➡ https://elevatemedia.buzzsprout.com/⚡️Need post-recording video production help? Let's chat ➡ https://calendly.com/elevate-media-group/application⚡️For Support inquires or Business inquiries, please email us at ➡︎ support@elevate-media-group.comOur mission here at Elevate Media is to help purpose-driven entrepreneurs elevate their brands and make an impact through the power of video podcasting.Disclaimer: Please see the link for our disclaimer policy for all our episodes or videos on the Elevate Media and Elevate Media Podcast YouTube channels. https://elevatemediastudios.com/disclaimer Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of the Elevate Media Podcast, host Chris Anderson sits down with Andrew Stallings, founder and president of Alio Group. Andrew redefines athlete marketing in the modern era, having partnered with over 130 brands and properties. With over 15 years of experience shaping how athletes, brands, and media connect, Andrew shares his journey from producing NASCAR radio to building one of the fastest-growing agencies in sports. He discusses the importance of community over currency, navigating challenges in building relationships, and the evolving landscape of athlete partnerships and NIL. Tune in to learn, grow, and elevate your business with insights from a prominent figure in the sports industry.Main talking points:Andrew Stallings' Background: Founder of Alio Group, an athlete marketing agency, with 15+ years in sports branding.Alio Group's Philosophy: "Community over currency" – building resources for rising sports talent.Business Challenges: Emphasizes value, networking, adaptability, and personal journey.Timing & Preparation:  Importance of planning, backup plans, and consistent work routines.Entrepreneurial Mindset:  Continuous improvement, managing finances, and balancing self-interest.Community as Network: Network extends beyond business; being a connector is key.Navigating Egos: Challenge egos inquisitively, offer solutions, and recognize varied approaches.Evolving Partnerships: Shift from "sponsorship" to "partnership" and digital engagement.Impact of NIL: Concerns about fragmentation and need for more structure in college sports.Athlete Marketing: Diversified revenue streams, engaged audiences, and understanding long-term value.Advice for Aspiring Professionals: Proactively find and solve problems to advance careers.This episode is NOT sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links, meaning we'll receive a small commission if you buy something.===========================⚡️PODCAST: Subscribe to our podcast here ➡ https://elevatemedia.buzzsprout.com/ ⚡️Need post-recording video production help? Let's chat ➡ https://calendly.com/elevate-media-group/application ⚡️For Support inquires or Business inquiries, please email us at ➡︎ support@elevate-media-group.com Our mission here at Elevate Media is to help purpose-driven entrepreneurs elevate their brands and make an impact through the power of video podcasting. Disclaimer: Please see the link for our disclaimer policy for all our episodes or videos on the Elevate Media and Elevate Media Podcast YouTube channels. https://elevatemediastudios.com/disclaimer This episode is NOT sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links, meaning we'll receive a small commission if you buy something.===========================⚡️PODCAST: Subscribe to our podcast here ➡ https://elevatemedia.buzzsprout.com/⚡️Need post-recording video production help? Let's chat ➡ https://calendly.com/elevate-media-group/application⚡️For Support inquires or Business inquiries, please email us at ➡︎ support@elevate-media-group.comOur mission here at Elevate Media is to help purpose-driven entrepreneurs elevate their brands and make an impact through the power of video podcasting.Disclaimer: Please see the link for our disclaimer policy for all our episodes or videos on the Elevate Media and Elevate Media Podcast YouTube channels. https://elevatemediastudios.com/disclaimer Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this powerful episode, Chris Anderson sits down with marathon runner and coach Adam Bennett, who turned his multiple sclerosis diagnosis into a mission of endurance and purpose. Over nearly ten years, Adam ran the equivalent of the Earth's circumference — 24,901 miles — proving that adversity doesn't define us, it refines us. From the emotional day of his diagnosis to the support of his family and the lessons he's learned along the way, Adam's story is one of relentless perseverance, hope, and leadership through action. Main Talking Points:The emotional moment Adam was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2015How he set a goal to run 24,901 miles — the Earth's circumferenceThe power of routine, discipline, and small daily stepsThe importance of family, faith, and community supportMentoring others living with MS and inspiring hopeLessons from 10 years of resilience, running, and personal growth“Run for the Fallen” and honoring fallen heroesThe mindset of never quitting and always looking where you want your life to go This episode is NOT sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links, meaning we'll receive a small commission if you buy something.===========================⚡️PODCAST: Subscribe to our podcast here ➡ https://elevatemedia.buzzsprout.com/⚡️Need post-recording video production help? Let's chat ➡ https://calendly.com/elevate-media-group/application⚡️For Support inquires or Business inquiries, please email us at ➡︎ support@elevate-media-group.comOur mission here at Elevate Media is to help purpose-driven entrepreneurs elevate their brands and make an impact through the power of video podcasting.Disclaimer: Please see the link for our disclaimer policy for all our episodes or videos on the Elevate Media and Elevate Media Podcast YouTube channels. https://elevatemediastudios.com/disclaimer Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of the Elevate Media Podcast, Chris Anderson sits down with Tim Swindle, a 10-year entrepreneur who turned a fun side project into a nationally distributed success. Tim shares how his first Kickstarter-backed game, Utter Nonsense, went from living room play to being sold in Target and Walmart nationwide. He opens up about overcoming self-doubt, leveraging online trends, and using influencers to launch products that stick.Discover practical lessons on prototyping, scaling, and marketing your product in today's crowded digital space. Whether you're just starting out or looking to scale, Tim's story offers the strategies and inspiration you need to take action. Main Talking Points:Why execution matters more than the ideaOvercoming self-doubt and just getting startedHow a Target buyer found his game through UK toy newsLeveraging influencers and viral trends to create demandTurning pickleball and spikeball into a new hit game: Paddle SmashBuilding authentic connections and gathering raw product feedbackThe importance of getting out of your comfort zone This episode is NOT sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links, meaning we'll receive a small commission if you buy something.===========================⚡️PODCAST: Subscribe to our podcast here ➡ https://elevatemedia.buzzsprout.com/⚡️Need post-recording video production help? Let's chat ➡ https://calendly.com/elevate-media-group/application⚡️For Support inquires or Business inquiries, please email us at ➡︎ support@elevate-media-group.comOur mission here at Elevate Media is to help purpose-driven entrepreneurs elevate their brands and make an impact through the power of video podcasting.Disclaimer: Please see the link for our disclaimer policy for all our episodes or videos on the Elevate Media and Elevate Media Podcast YouTube channels. https://elevatemediastudios.com/disclaimer Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

From a handwritten card in an avocado-green Tupperware box to a top-selling, gluten-free coffee liqueur poured across Colorado and beyond—this founder story is packed with grit, family legacy, and smart growth. David and Monica Kowalski share how Lebowski's Taproom (a Lebowski-themed spot in Colorado Springs) turned a house-made coffee liqueur into a rapidly expanding brand—pre-selling 1,500 bottles, landing marquee accounts, and building community through unforgettable cocktail experiences.Talking points:Rediscovering a long-lost, handwritten family recipe and perfecting it in-houseTurning a taproom “house pour” into a commercial product with Black Hat DistilleryPre-selling 1,500 bottles before launch and scaling into restaurants and liquor storesWhy the liqueur is different: gluten-free, no additives or caramel coloring, vodka-based, Colombian coffee, coffee-forward flavorCreative cocktail applications (espresso martinis, white Russians, tequila riffs) and menu education for restaurantsLicensing and expansion strategy (CO, FL, TX, CA, NY) and the realities of state-by-state permitsMarketing what actually works for hospitality now: events, experience, and daily contentBuilding a team culture with low turnover and “connection-first” serviceFive-year vision: second location, franchise conversations, national and international distributionEntrepreneur lessons: paperwork, patience, controlled chaos, and relentless outreach     This episode is NOT sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links, meaning we'll receive a small commission if you buy something.===========================⚡️PODCAST: Subscribe to our podcast here ➡ https://elevatemedia.buzzsprout.com/⚡️Need post-recording video production help? Let's chat ➡ https://calendly.com/elevate-media-group/application⚡️For Support inquires or Business inquiries, please email us at ➡︎ support@elevate-media-group.comOur mission here at Elevate Media is to help purpose-driven entrepreneurs elevate their brands and make an impact through the power of video podcasting.Disclaimer: Please see the link for our disclaimer policy for all our episodes or videos on the Elevate Media and Elevate Media Podcast YouTube channels. https://elevatemediastudios.com/disclaimer Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of the Elevate Media Podcast, Chris Anderson sits down with Austin McMillan, founder of Flywheel Financial, to talk about building profitable businesses through financial clarity and smart systems. Austin shares his journey from acquisitions in the landscaping industry to launching his own fractional CFO firm. They dive into why chasing revenue can sink businesses, the importance of profit-first strategies, and how to avoid burnout while scaling.Main Talking Points:Austin's journey into entrepreneurship and Flywheel Financial's missionWhy profit—not revenue—is the real scorecard for business healthThe importance of financial rhythms and owner KPIsRed flags that lead to burnout and financial stressBuilding accountability systems and effective team cultureHow AI is reshaping bookkeeping and financial servicesThe role of margin in creating freedom and creativityPersonal legacy, integrity, and family impact This episode is NOT sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links, meaning we'll receive a small commission if you buy something.===========================⚡️PODCAST: Subscribe to our podcast here ➡ https://elevatemedia.buzzsprout.com/⚡️Need post-recording video production help? Let's chat ➡ https://calendly.com/elevate-media-group/application⚡️For Support inquires or Business inquiries, please email us at ➡︎ support@elevate-media-group.comOur mission here at Elevate Media is to help purpose-driven entrepreneurs elevate their brands and make an impact through the power of video podcasting.Disclaimer: Please see the link for our disclaimer policy for all our episodes or videos on the Elevate Media and Elevate Media Podcast YouTube channels. https://elevatemediastudios.com/disclaimer Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of the Elevate Media Podcast, Chris Anderson sits down with Mike Pritchett to unpack the brutal but rewarding journey of entrepreneurship. Mike shares why grit—not talent or luck—is the ultimate factor that separates successful entrepreneurs from everyone else. From getting knocked down to rising again, his perspective will inspire anyone chasing their dream. Main Talking Points:Why grit is the #1 trait for entrepreneurial successThe harsh but honest reality of building a businessHow to know if entrepreneurship is truly your pathWhy persistence and resilience matter more than strategyEncouragement for early-stage entrepreneurs to keep going This episode is NOT sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links, meaning we'll receive a small commission if you buy something.===========================⚡️PODCAST: Subscribe to our podcast here ➡ https://elevatemedia.buzzsprout.com/⚡️Need post-recording video production help? Let's chat ➡ https://calendly.com/elevate-media-group/application⚡️For Support inquires or Business inquiries, please email us at ➡︎ support@elevate-media-group.comOur mission here at Elevate Media is to help purpose-driven entrepreneurs elevate their brands and make an impact through the power of video podcasting.Disclaimer: Please see the link for our disclaimer policy for all our episodes or videos on the Elevate Media and Elevate Media Podcast YouTube channels. https://elevatemediastudios.com/disclaimer

In this episode of the Elevate Media Podcast, Chris Anderson shares simple, beginner-friendly video editing tips that will help you create professional-quality content without being a professional editor. From cutting filler words to organizing your files, adding clean transitions, improving audio, and exporting the right way—Chris breaks it all down in layman's terms so you can elevate your brand through better video.What you'll learn in this episode:Why editing matters for brand perception and professionalismThe basics of cutting, trimming, and sequencing your contentBeginner-friendly editing software options (CapCut, Canva, DaVinci, Adobe)How to stay organized with files and assets to save timeThe role of pacing and storytelling in keeping your audience engagedTips for color grading and adding simple graphics for impactWhy clean, synced audio is more important than visualsUsing tools like Adobe Podcast Enhancer for noise reductionWhen and how to add music, sound effects, and transitionsExporting your final video in the right format and resolution This episode is NOT sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links, meaning we'll receive a small commission if you buy something.===========================⚡️PODCAST: Subscribe to our podcast here ➡ https://elevatemedia.buzzsprout.com/⚡️Need post-recording video production help? Let's chat ➡ https://calendly.com/elevate-media-group/application⚡️For Support inquires or Business inquiries, please email us at ➡︎ support@elevate-media-group.comOur mission here at Elevate Media is to help purpose-driven entrepreneurs elevate their brands and make an impact through the power of video podcasting.Disclaimer: Please see the link for our disclaimer policy for all our episodes or videos on the Elevate Media and Elevate Media Podcast YouTube channels. https://elevatemediastudios.com/disclaimer

In this episode of the Elevate Media Podcast, Chris Anderson sits down with serial entrepreneur and world traveler John Abbas. From serving in the Navy to chasing storms, starting roofing companies, running a Vegas coffee shop through the recession, and eventually building multiple thriving businesses, John shares his powerful journey of wins, failures, and lessons. Together, they dive into what it really means to choose happiness, why perspective matters, and how building people and culture is the real key to scaling.You'll learn how John leverages business ownership for long-term wealth, why he prefers buying businesses over starting them, and the importance of values-driven leadership. This episode is packed with insights for entrepreneurs at every stage.Talking Points:Why happiness is truly a choice and how John learned this perspective in the NavyLessons from building—and losing—businesses like roofing and a coffee shop during the recessionWhy buying businesses can be smarter than starting from scratchThe critical role of culture, core values, and leadership in growthHow John structures multiple businesses while being home every day by 3 p.m.Investing profits wisely for long-term wealth and financial freedomWhy legacy is more about daily impact than being remembered This episode is NOT sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links, meaning we'll receive a small commission if you buy something.===========================⚡️PODCAST: Subscribe to our podcast here ➡ https://elevatemedia.buzzsprout.com/⚡️Need post-recording video production help? Let's chat ➡ https://calendly.com/elevate-media-group/application⚡️For Support inquires or Business inquiries, please email us at ➡︎ support@elevate-media-group.comOur mission here at Elevate Media is to help purpose-driven entrepreneurs elevate their brands and make an impact through the power of video podcasting.Disclaimer: Please see the link for our disclaimer policy for all our episodes or videos on the Elevate Media and Elevate Media Podcast YouTube channels. https://elevatemediastudios.com/disclaimer

In this powerful episode of the Elevate Media Podcast, Chris Anderson sits down with Indiana Lt. Governor Micah Beckwith for an in-depth conversation on conviction, faith-driven leadership, and standing for truth in a culture of compromise. From personal sacrifices to political pressures, Micah shares what it truly means to lead with courage—even when it costs you. If you're a leader, entrepreneur, or someone wrestling with how to live out your beliefs in a public space, this episode is for you.Key Talking Points:What conviction really means and why many operate without itLessons from the Founding Fathers and how they still apply todayFaith, politics, and the unseen battle for truthNavigating political corruption and leading in lion's den environmentsWhy servant leadership creates long-term influenceLessons from Trump, Lincoln, and pastors of the Revolutionary WarThe biblical foundation of American governmentHow schools and parenting impact the future of our nationThe importance of knowing your values before entering tough spacesWhy we need more leaders who speak the hard truth in love This episode is NOT sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links, meaning we'll receive a small commission if you buy something.===========================⚡️PODCAST: Subscribe to our podcast here ➡ https://elevatemedia.buzzsprout.com/⚡️Need post-recording video production help? Let's chat ➡ https://calendly.com/elevate-media-group/application⚡️For Support inquires or Business inquiries, please email us at ➡︎ support@elevate-media-group.comOur mission here at Elevate Media is to help purpose-driven entrepreneurs elevate their brands and make an impact through the power of video podcasting.Disclaimer: Please see the link for our disclaimer policy for all our episodes or videos on the Elevate Media and Elevate Media Podcast YouTube channels. https://elevatemediastudios.com/disclaimer