Primal King Podcast

Jess is back! For this episode Derek and Jess wanted to take a little time to break down the "ABC's" of how they just had their best month ever with Cross O Meats. In this crossover episode that is mixing business with life, they talk about the top 3 keys that will help you in your business or profession and the takeaways that have led to steady growth. Make sure to check out this episode if you are especially if you are considering starting a business, getting one off the ground or just looking to take it to the next level!

Derek is a little angry this week... Over the past weekend there was a tragic murder locally that should have never happened. It was something that could have been completely avoidable if not for our collective "compassion" that seems to be killing us; both figuratively and literally. Derek asks that you come to this episode with an open mind. If you do, it's hard to argue against what he is saying...

In a world that will make fun of the best student in class, be great. In a world that will try to keep you stuck, be great. We could go on and on but the reality is, once you achieve greatness in one area, you will learn how that can translate to all other areas whether that is in fitness, marriage, business or any area. In this episode, Derek talks about the importance of not only doing our best to become great at something but to also help raise the standard of those around us to be great as well. It doesn't matter if it's sports, poetry, speaking, 4-H or any other area. Greatness will spur more greatness. Go out there and be great at something!

Jerred Moon is the owner and founder of End of 3 Fitness, the Better Human Business and the author of the highly motivational book, "Killing Comfort." In this episode, Derek and Jerred dive into why comfort really is killing us but more importantly, what are the simple habits that can bring you to a better and more fulfilled life. Hint: it may not be quite as hard or complex as you think! In order to KILL comfort and achieve the results that you want, it isn't (and never has been) about going to the most extreme...it's about simple habits. If you've been in a little bit of a funk or just not living the way that you want, this will be the wake up call AND some action steps to get back on track!

In 2022, we have SO many options when it comes to purchasing products or services. It's not like the "good ole' days" when we went to the local store to see what was available. Amazon will have products to us right away. We can take online courses and get virtual gym memberships. The question becomes this...how can you separate from this massive crowd? In this episode of The FIRE, Derek covers what changes you could make to your business right now and the strategies to affect growth right away simply by knowing what it is that will gain support with your tribe...

This week Derek and his wife gave their older two kids school assesments to see if they were testing at the level they are at (7th and 4th grades). It didn't go so well.. Both of the kids do very well in school but supposedly aren't at the level they should be in so what does that mean?  So often, whether it's public schools, businesses, our personal fitness or relationships or so many other areas, we get away from the basics. Usually if you are off track in any area, you are neglecting the very basics of what will give you success. In this episode Derek breaks down why we are off the mark and the fastest way to get back on track!

Whether it's in business or life, we spend so much time thinking about what we need to do. We worry about what we need to learn... What if our relationships and the people we are surrounded by and learning from is actually MORE important? What if ONE relationship could change the entire trajectory of your business or your life? Being "in the right rooms" will often take investments and discomfort but in this episode Derek talks about two things that he recently signed up for that will put him in the right rooms and how you can do the exact same thing!

Derek puts on his preacher hat again today and you're all going to love this episode! If you are a Christian and have ever said something along the lines of "I know where I'm going when I die because I'm saved," this is a can't miss episode. So many of us will use this as a reason to continue to play small. After all, if we know the outcome of the game already, why would we need to play all out? Let this be your wake up call as a Christian to do more, be more and achieve more. You've already won! That's the good news. Now, it's just a matter of how you want to play the game until it's over that will determine how your time spent here is lived.

After another crazy week of business, ranch stuff and just genral life stuff, Derek goes into what life has looked like for him and the history he has with some bouts of depression and anxiety. First off, it happens to everyone so it doesn't mean that you are weak or broken or even different. Second, you have to understand that all you have to do is WIN TODAY. Don't worry about tomorrow. Don't worry about yesterday. Win today. If you've been struggling or tend to struggle with anxiety or depression, this is a MUST LISTEN episode!

Tony Whatley is a speaker, coach, 20 plus year entrepreneur and author of the book "Side Hustle Millionaire." Among many other things, Tony built his first side hustle business in his 20's and was able to sell it for millions while still working his "day job." Derek is a huge advocate for entrepreneurship and when he learned about Tony's story, he knew it would be a great conversation. Often times people are worried about having to go all in to start a business but what if it is possible to start it, grow it and become very successful without having to quit your job that provides a certain level of security? This is the exact topic that Tony and Derek dive into today. If you have ever thought you want to start a business to either supplement your current income or potentially completely replace what you're doing just know that it IS possible and Tony will teach you how!  

Have you ever seen the "gurus" online tell you how you can make a million dollars in 30 days with their "proven system?" Have you ever seen that young kid telling you how easy it is to start a 7 figure business? If you have, you need to listen to this FIRE episode! The "How to make money" and "How to build a business" space is just as fake as the weight loss industry when it comes to setting realistic standards. The same issues that weight loss gurus can create with body image also happen ALL THE TIME with business. There is no "get rich quick scheme" (that is legal). There is putting time into something, learning from experiences that the time factor creates, allowing the time to reveal new directions and build valuable relationships. If you think it's taking too long or you are a failure because you aren't a millionaire after 6 months of starting something, you NEED to listen to this episode!

It is Derek's 40th birthday and he is ready to share the top 3 takeaways he has after 40 years. The idea is always to gain more wisdom with age and also to have more perspective the longer that one lives. While 40 may not be super old, there are lessons that have been learned through experience as well as trial and error. If Derek can shed some light on these key takeaways, the hope is that you will be able to learn from is lessons whether you are younger than 40 or even if you've past that milestone birthday!

Josh Kosnick owns the fact that he is an Alpha male that loves to compete, drink bourbon and smoke cigars yet he also fully embraces his vulnerable side. Having these layers can be a key to powerful leadership skills. In a world that seems to convince so many of us simply fall in line, it is important to identify the traits that will help you rise in your business or career as a leader. Josh has used these same skills over his life to build a top level wealth management business, sell it, and now succeed in helping others to lead a faith-driven, fulfilled life. Josh is a family man, a successful business owner and coach and mentor and if you are aspiring to become a better leader that is worthy of others following you, this is a must listen!

It's the 6 year anniversary since Derek's dad passed away. This week he also saw that one of his former associates at Clickfunnels passed away as well at a relatively young age.  This episode is more of a reflection of what has been learned after the sudden passing of his dad and just how fragile life is. Also, there can be some very critical lessons that we can all learn from understanding how quickly everything can change. Rather than fearing death and fearing how things can change so fast, what if we learn to live more in the moment? What if we learn to forgive faster and love harder? We will all be faced with our own mortalilty at some point and the best thing we can do is understand it, embrace it and live accordingly!

In this new episode of the FIRE, Derek goes through what has allowed him to be successful in areas of his life that most may not have been able to achieve. If you are going to be a top level income earner, you will have to do things that the masses aren't willing to do.  Derek tells the story of what is going through his mind when he's in the middle of the "suck." It could be working out, spending tons of hours on his business or just about any area; it comes down to the competition. Most may think that business is only competing with yourself but that's not the case.  If you feel like you need to get the mental edge on being more successful and making more money, this episode will be a game changer for you. This ONE trick will pay massive dividends over time...

Wallace Vigo Nelson is a natural doctor and self described "health nut." He is also the founder of Vitavore that is built around maximizing your health and lifestyle. He got to the point where he would see person after person come to him needing help after trying various different fad diets and failing that he knew he had to do something about it. Rather than sit on the sidelines, he dove into give people a common sense approach to eating and living better. Derek and Wallace talk about everything that is popular in the weight loss industry such as: -Is long term fasting and intermittent fasting actually beneficial? -Are beans actually HARMING you? -Is the carnivore diet healthy? -Cold plunge anyone? -How does movement and exercise fit into an overall healthy lifestyle? These are just a few of the topics that are covered. STOP driving yourself crazy with all of the useless weight loss information out there and make sure to listen to Wallace's common sense approach in this episode!

Derek and Jess are back at it to talk about the past year and what the future for them looks like. On this same style of episode last year, they went through 5 important questions that they believe we should all be asking ourselves: -What accomplishment are you most proud of? -What is your biggest lesson this year? -What is your biggest disappointment? -What is ONE thing you will commit to this coming year to better yourself? -What is your BHAG (Big hairy audacious goal) in 2023? Althought they wish that they could tell you all how they crushed every goal in 2022, they fell short in a few different areas. They want to go over the wins, the setbacks and also leave you with some motivation to get out their and crush the new year!

It's the time of year that we all set our resolutions and intentions for the upcoming year. New Years can be a great time to reset and refocus. However, most of us will not accomplish the goals that we have set and there's one reason... In this episode, Derek goes through the reason why so many of us consistently miss out on our goals. We may lose weight temporarily or make more money for a little while but it doesn't ever seem to last; but why? If you have been in the same boat as Derek and you find yourself getting close to goals and then falling away or if you can't seem to stay on track with the life that you want, this episode is a MUST LISTEN. Happy new year!

What would a classroom look like if Derek was teaching? On this episode, Derek talks about one of the things that he wishes schools did more of (hint: it centers around personal responsibility). Rather than diving into some of the culture wars that seem to be happening at schools across the country, he'd rather talk about the bigger picture and the solution. Most of us (including kids) never learn that we have the power and ability to shape the future based on the actions that we take. We can overcome generational poverty, obesity, relationship failures and just about everything else in a matter of years once we realize the true power we have. Have you ever wondered what one person can do on their own? The answer is...they can change EVERYTHING!

Whether you realize it or not, we all have an internal struggle to make good choices. Several times every day we go through a negotiation and often times, the terrorist wins... Whether the negotiation is to work out, eat good, treat your spouse with respect or just about any other decision, we have the negotiation on what to do. Have you ever wondered why you go against what you know is right? It's because the inner terrorist in you (and me) is a GREAT salesman. In this episode Derek goes through the stages on HOW to win these negotiations and what steps you can take to become a better internal salesman for what is good rather than keep falling back into making the decisions that aren't helpful or productive for the life you want to live!

Which do you prefer; comfortable lies or unpleasant truths?  Most of us will say that we want the honest truth but do we really? Derek talks about how painful the truth can be if you are anyone like him. No one wants to hear that you could lose weight if you really wanted to. No one wants to hear that you could make more money if you really wanted to. Really, no one wants to hear things that cause them discomfort in any way...which is why so many of us stay stuck day after day and year after year. In this episode, Derek dives into what it will take to truly make the changes needed for growth. He also talks about how we have fallen into such an age of disinformation that truth is exceedingly hard to find and accept. Once you do find the truth though, it will change everything!  

Were humans, from a chromosomal and DNA standpoint, meant to live to be at least 120 years old? Dr. Anthony Chaffee began his journey into optimizing human health at the age of 16 when he began studying molecular and cellular biology at the University of Washington. From there he went on to become a professional athlete as well as a doctor that specializes in neurosurgery. One of his most controversial claims is that plants are actually killing us with their defense mechanisms deployed to keep us from eating them. Because his studies and data seem to be so far outside of the mainstream, he is the perfect guest for Derek to talk to. If you have been trying the "same ole" diets and never feeling as good as what you'd like to or losing the amount of weight that you think you should, Dr. Chaffee may have some critical insight. As always, with any type of diet or exercise change, consult your physician. This conversation can absolutely give you a great starting point to see if what we take as "common knowledge" in the nutrition world is real or a HUGE lie perpetrated around money and lobbying power. You can decide for yourself...

During this solo episode, Derek talks about how one team in the Super Bowl has achieved greatness and it may not be what you think... Most teams in the NFL as well as most people in general are extremely happy with "good." Most of us would think that life simply has two options: good or bad. However, what does it take to actually achieve greatness? If you have been feeling like you are stuck on "good" in your body, your marriage or relationships, your finances or any other area of life, you have to tune into this sports-meets-life edition of the podcast!

Derek and Jess are back and ready to dive in on one of the hardest topics that many people ask themselves: where do I apply grace and compassion and where do I hold fast to my standards and remove myself or other people around me to stay in alignment? If you are a Christian, we are taught to love and forgive. However, there are also very strict standards that we are instructed to live by. Should we judge other people and their decisions and their choices? Should we always forgive because we are taught so much about forgiveness? Should we EVER seek harsh judgement against those that live outside of our standards? Many of these questions are being asked and dealt with right now. There is a movement toward cleaning up schools yet not discriminating. There is an effort to clean up crime but not lose compassion. This episode should, at the very least, give you some different thoughts and opinions on how to approach these very sensitive and controversial topics so you can make these decisions for yourself.

What comes first: confidence or success? Maybe the better question is does it make more sense to practice all of the hocus pocus ways of being more confident? (yes, there are "gurus" that teach this stuff) OR, does it make more sense to commit to only doing things that create success? If you have ever struggled with confidence or with having success you need to tune into this episode... What if there is a simple answer on not only how to have more confidence but how to also have more success-which breeds more confidence-which breeds more success and on and on. Listen to this ONE thing and go out and crush it!

Have you ever done your absolute best but still failed? Most of us have... Typically we will say things like "I can hold my head up high knowing that I gave it my best" or "At least I left it all out on the field." However, what if those are nothing more than cheap one-liners that will never actually help us get results? Doing our best is one thing. It may even be admirable to see someone laying it all out and doing their best. If you want to truly win and have success it's not about doing your best; it's about doing what's required. Derek was inspired by a podcast he recently heard when this topic was brought up. Most of us will do everything we can in the moment to win and/or be successful but that's never what it's about; it's ALL about doing the things required to ultimately achieve that success. If you are struggling with your weight, your marriage or your results in general, this is an episode that you have to check out!

We all hear things like "Control what you can control" but what does that actually mean? Right now the world seems to be throwing so much at us that it can be hard to even know where to put our energy and focus. We hear crazy news stories and it seems like things are spiraling out of control whether that be politics, current events, potential wars and so on. If we allow it to, these things will consume a ton of time and energy and leave us feeling helpless but as much as we may hate to admit us, there's very little we can do as individuals to fix it. On the other hand, there are very FEW things that we actually can control despite how hard we may try. We can't control the people around us. We can't control certain circumstances. However, these very few things that we can control are absolutely vital. In this episode, Derek walks you through his experience and his ongoing learning about how to focus on what is controllable. Hint: it's not much but if you realize what is controllable, it'll be an absolute game changer!

Whether we choose to learn history or not, it goes in cycles. It is often said that if you want to predict the future, you only need to look to the past. There is a book called "The Fourth Turning" that breaks this concept down and explains exactly why we are experiencing right now in our country. There are four turning points and the final one is "Crisis." We are living in that stage right now. If we are able to understand these cycles, it makes understanding how to navigate them much easier. We don't have to panic. We don't have to live in fear. We simply need to know how to navigate the time we are living through. In this episode Derek breaks down the predictable cycles that each generation experiences and lays out how to best handle what is headed our way. Don't be the person left wondering what happened...

We wouldn't say that there is necessarily an attack on marriage in our current culture. However, there does seem to be a lot of glorifying the "hook up" culture that seems to paint it as so much more fun than committed relationships. This isn't some "marriage is the ONLY way someone can be happy" rant either. Derek and Jess wanted to advocate or at least exploring WHY marriage, although sometimes very difficult, is way more fulfilling than it is painted in silly shows like we see on TV. This episode is Derek and Jess' pitch on why marriage can be the optimal level of relationships if done properly. Yes, there are some ways to avoid pitfalls because a bad marriage can be equally destructive for our happiness and fulfillment. If you are younger and worried that you may be missing out by being in a committed relationship, don't be worried. If you are older and wonder if the grass is greener somewhere else, it probably isn't...

"Do not pray for an easy life. Pray to be stronger men." -JFK Aftrer a tough situation this week, Derek talks about the false hope that so many of us have for creating an easy life. An "easy" life shouldn't be what we pray for. The trials and difficulties we go through are what CREATES the good stuff.  Derek also goes into the examples that everyone needs to be aware of when it comes to building a bigger business, owning a big piece of land, achieving a higher title or nearly anything else that is a big achievement: there will be people that want to take it from you and you have to be strong enough and possess enough wisdom to persevere. Whether you are in the beginning stages of your empire or near the top, this episode will serve as both a cautionary tale as well as motivation to keep going!

We all know work ethic is at an all time low which can be great for those of us willing to work. It means that we will always have a way to not only make money but do better than the average person who isn't willing to put in the work. However, you may be surprised to know that hard work will only take you so far and may only be sustainable for a short period of time before burnout happens. The question becomes this; what now? What if I'm not smart enough? What if I didn't get good grades in high school or college? What if I don't have all of the skills necessary? The good news is that there is ONE common trait that nearly ALL successful people have and it has nothing to do with anything God given or from your upbringing. Having this trait doesn't necessarily mean you will be successful in everything you do but not having it will almost guarantee failure in everything you do...

After a trip to St. Louis for a business conference, Derek is sharing the biggest takeaway from the experience. Western culture doesn't focus on death very much. After all, it does seem pretty morbid, right? With that thought process being so pervasive in our culture, it can actually make it tough to see how we're living and how we'll ultimately be judged. Derek heard David Goggins share his vision about what happens when we die. It wasn't so much about the spiritual side of it but the reflective side that really made the impact. How will we look back on what we did and how we lived? Will we fulfill what it is that we were put here to do? Will we die being the best version of ourselves or will we be embarassed by what we could have done? These are just a few of the questions that Derek has been asking himself and will put to you on this massively impactful episode!

Chad Felderhoff grew up in a town of 1500 people and was working at his family business from a very young age. While most kids were off at the pool or playing, he was learning how to work and the value of a dollar. In our present culture, it seems like we don't value hard work or the "dirty jobs" like we used to. There used to be a ton of purpose and fulfillment created by working hard, earning money and providing for your family. Now, we would rather replace our blue collar jobs and businesses with automations and machines. Chad is the type of person that is the glue of our country. He grew up in a small town, he worked hard at some tough jobs, got his education and used it to learn enough to become a business owner where he now provides a ton of jobs for his community. This is the type of episode that you should consider sharing with the high school kids in your life. Rather than selling them the dream of getting a degree, getting that comfortable job and living just over broke until they retire, they can see how putting in the hard work early can change not only them and their family's lives down the road but can also impact a community by helping others as well.

In this episode, Derek dives into the age old debate about nature vs. nurture. With this conversation however, he takes a look at a VAST study that confirms what he thought to be true: it's about 50/50. What this data shows is that there are actually a lot of things we can't change...but there are just a little more that we can. Have you ever been critical of your height or how you look? Have you ever obsessed about wanting to be different but no matter how much you worry, nothing changes? We ALL have. This will be an episode that you don't want to miss because it will put the focus squarely back where it should be...on the things that we CAN change.

Tim Meeks grew up in Alabama very poor but he didn't let that stop him. Fortunately for him, although he was poor, he learned some of the most valuable lessons that will lead anybody to future success; hard work and humility. Although he was raised in a double wide trailer (and STILL lives in one right now despite running a multi-million dollar business) he didn't ever play victim to his circumstances. Instead, he went out and worked hard to get a good job, parlayed that into a startup business and then ultimately grew that business to a massive success. If you have ever thought that you weren't born with enough resources or that you just got unlucky with your circumstance, make sure to check out this episode because Tim shares a ton of knowledge and wisdom around how you can be an "anybody" and still have huge success!

Do you ever feel like everyday is the same? Does it seem like you have the same lifestyle, the same routine and mostly the same outcome? Do you end up telling your kids to just go away and play on the iPad or the gaming system? Everyone has tough days when they're raising kids. There are plenty of times when it seems easier to just let them get what they want rather than dealing with another temper tantrum. It could seem easier to just be their friend and not the authority that they need. Remember this...you aren't just teaching your kids. In fact, what you are teaching your kids is ultimately what they will teach their kids one day...and their kids one day...and on and on. It is really easy to get caught up in the day to day stress and lose sight that what we do and how we live is exactly what we are teaching our kids' kids one day. In this episode, Derek tries to get you to zoom out a little and see the real picture of legacy!

Derek had the opportunity to speak at the graduation ceremony for his local high school and the first point that he talked about was suffering. That same topic came up again when his daughter was struggling with some of her own issues. It may sound like a crazy question on the surface but...is suffering actually helpful? As humans, we are built to avoid pain and suffering at all costs. We buy all kinds of products that make our life easier but is that actually giving us a better quality of life? If you are going through a period of time where you or someone around you is suffering, make sure to check out this episode and share it with those that need to hear it. Suffering may actually be the BEST thing that you can go through...if you fully understand it.

How often do you feel guilty about taking a few days off to go do something fun? Do you ever feel like you "can't afford" to do the thing that you've been wanting to do? As Derek has gotten into his 40th year, he is starting to lean into the idea of experiences. Having responsibilities and obligations can make a marriage suffer and can also create distance between you and your kids if you aren't very intentional.  After a conversation with a friend, this topic became very relevant. So often we make plans and then they never happen because we are just too busy or just too broke. We put off valuable experiences because we "shouldn't" do them. However, there will be a time for all of us when we look back and wish that we had just done it. If you are bogged down or feeling like you need a break but feel guilty about it, this is a must listen!

Ron Lotti had an very tough upbringing. He experienced everything from abuse to neglect and was ultimately left wondering if he even had a place in this world at all. He thought that the military could provide some of the structure and discipline that he so badly needed but after an unfortunate incident, even that proved not to work. So many people that would've ran into the amount of obstacles that Ron did not only at an early age but even throughout his early adult years would have probably ended up as another statistic...but not him. In this episode learn what Ron did to pull himself up, how a family was able to bring him in when he needed it and how a woman (and a new baby) changed not only his future but also his entire legacy!

Have you ever wondered why it seems like most men in our society aren't nearly as strong as they used to be? Does it seem like most men don't have that fire, drive and conviction that those that came before us had? It's all due to the "Big Dog Effect." In this episode Derek tells a story about how his friend would ensure that his big dogs would never turn on them starting from the time they were young puppies; make them understand who the authority is and never let them forget. What may sound to some like animal cruelty is actually a highly effective way to make a dog or even an entire population of people be willing to submit. Once you listen to this talk about the "Big Dog Effect," it will become crystal clear what is happening in our culture and what we need to do in order to take our country back...

It is the HUGE milestone of 200 episodes being published so it calls for some fun...right? In this episode, Derek has on everyone's favorite guest which also happens to be his wife, Jess, to play a game of "What If."  -What if Derek's dad's situation hadn't happened the way that it did? -What if Derek and Jess didn't make the move that they did? -What if their decisions over the past 5 years negatively impact their kids? We all look back on pivotal times in our life and ask the question around "what if" but does it do any good? Not usually... However, in this milestone episode, Derek and Jess don't just play a game of "what if," they instead go through the lessons that they've learned that wouldn't have be able to be learned any other way than just going right through the sh#t.  If you have struggled with past decisions and if the "what if's" are holding you back, this will be a great episode for you to listen to!

Derek is fresh off a week long retreat and it opened up some insight as to why so many of us never reach the goals that we have... When is the last time that you were in a situation that you were so overwhelmed by physical and mental strain that you thought you were going to die? That happened to Derek this week. Are you curious why it seems like you haven't ever gotten to the point that you want in life and you'll see how you can shift your mindset to achieve nearly anything you could ever want!

Do you ever wonder why some decisions are made at the highest levels that not only may not help our country but actually hurt us? Derek had a conversation several years ago with a very wealthy man that gave a clue at that time why these things may be happening but he was too naive at that time to truly understand how that conversation could be connected to what we're all seeing today. This episode is quite a bit different than most and it's not meant to be depressing; it's meant to shine a light on what is going on and to be able to make the best decisions for our lives once we know exactly what (and who) we're dealing with.

After a weekend hunting trip, Derek reflects on some of the things that he wished were different with his childhood. We all have those things that we wish would have been different when we were kids. Some of us had parents that abused us yet we end up passing that same abuse on to our kids. Some of us grow up in poverty and raise our kids in poverty. The hunting trip Derek took with his son was a reminder that he never got to go hunting with his dad. There were circumstances that contributed to that fact and although there is no resentment, it's also an opportunity to make sure his son never says the same thing. This episode is a reminder to anyone out there with kids or even those that are considering having kids that everything about your "generational ____," can be changed by YOU!

If you have ever thought that Derek doesn't talk enough about feelings, this is your episode! Okay, maybe he isn't going to talk about feelings the way that you think...but more about how we should be dealing with our feelings. If you're like most, you have at some point said the words "I don't feel like doing that today." In fact, nearly every one of us has used the way that we feel to justify doing or not doing what we know we need to. We've used the way that we feel to justify our decisions. Everyone, at one  point or another, has used our feelings as an excuse. What if our feelings are actually a lie? What if our feelings are actually what is holding us back from taking the critical steps to live a better life? In this episode Derek breaks down his recent loss and how feelings played a critical role and how we can all make better choices regardless of how we are feeling.  

This episode is a little different but the mission will always be to help you live a better life... This week Derek reads an article written by the biggest newpaper in the state of Idaho that is attacking a small town football coach for his beliefs. This article hits very close to home seeing that Derek has been coaching high school football for 15 years and also puts his opinions out through his podcast and social media platforms. When a small, fringe group of people have the loudest microphones, it will seem like your values are outdated. It may even seem like you are the extemist...but you aren't.  Derek is using this different style of episode to encourage everyone that enough is enough. We've had enough of people being cancelled for stepping out of line. We are tired of people being fired for having beliefs that aren't considered "mainstream" enough. We are tired of self-censoring for fear of retribution. If you are feeling the same way as Derek and are tired of the craziness going on, please share this episode!

It's easy to get in a rut and wonder why it's happening. How many times have you or someone you know gotten to a point and asked "how has my life gotten to this point?"  If you were given a crystal ball and could look into the future, you would see exactly how everything will go. However, there isn't a crystal ball. But...what if there are actually is the next best thing to being able to see directly into the future? In this episode Derek will break down exactly how you can get a glimpse of what your life will look like in the future with precise accuracy and it's actually much easier to see than you might think. If you want to be the "fortune teller" of your own life, this episode will lay it all out...

Tom Cable has coched football at every level; High School, College and Professional over the past 30+ years. What was it that allowed him to have continued success and rock solid relationships with his players? Love. Whether you are a business owner or a peewee coach, respect is earned and players and employees will go much harder for those that they respect and love. How is it that you go about that though when it's much easier said than done? In this episode you'll not only learn what it's like to be at the highest of highs (such as winning a Super Bowl) but also the dark valley after a gut-wrenching loss as well as what it takes to get your team to truly buy into your vision and execute at a level of mastery. Make sure to tune into the "Finding Mastery Podcast" coming out on Nov 22 if you loved hearing from Coach Tom Cable!

In the Western world, we have moved to a society of consumers and less and less, producers... There was a time that most people could take pride in what they do and what they create. We could take pride in the land that we own or the things that we make or create but that time has come and gone. We have replaced our purpose with the promise of "stuff" to make us happy but it is having the exact opposite effect that we think it will. If you're wondering why you aren't feeling like you are living your purpose, in this episode Derek goes through why he believes this is happening on a mass scale and also what you can do to change it!

When you hear the word "extremist," you probably think BAD, right? Our society has villainized extremes and perhaps rightfully so...however, what does it take to actually become the best of the best? Is it balance? Is it passiveness? What WILL actually allow you to climb the mountain? That's right; it's becoming extreme about what you're looking to accomplish. Keep in mind that being the best at anything is not for most people and that is totally fine. Not everyone wants to have 6 pack abs or a 6 figure plus business but if you do, you most likely won't achieve it by being overly balanced and comfortable. That is a lie that too many of us believe. If you want to truly get the results that you haven't gotten before and if you truly want to achieve greatness in any area of life, make sure to listen to the evolution that Derek has had when it comes to this topic!

Slavery is a thing of the past, right? Well, maybe not... If the definition of slavery is to be owned by someone else, what would it be called to be owned by SOMETHING else? So many of us are owned by debt or a mortgage or a relationship that forces us to not be able to be truly free. Would that be called a slave?  In this episode, Derek dives into how so many of us are living in a modern day, self imposed slavery. We are forced to live and to act and to speak in a way that is not that of a free person because we are owned by so many outside forces.  How do we get out of it? Make sure to listen to this episode and share it out so we can end this modern day slavery as soon as possible!

If you have ever heard the saying that "nice guys finish last" you probably think it's because they are getting pushed over by the "mean guys." What if that wasn't the case at all? What if the goal is to NEVER become the nice guy at all? In this episode, Derek reflects on a conversation that he recently had that made this point crystal clear and how he was the "nice guy" in a situation that really came back to bite as it almost always does. Although our culture may try to convince you that being a nice guys (or gal) is something we should all strive for, it's not true and it's also not biblical despite what your pastor or teacher may tell you. If you've fallen into that nice guy situation or if you always wonder why it seems that you aren't getting the respect that you should, this is a must listen!

How many times have you asked yourself or your significant other how much is enough? How many times have you wondered if it's all "worth it" to keep pushing even after your basic needs are taken care of? When does wanting to "do well" turn into greed? These are the types of questions that Derek and Jess tackle in this very important episode. They dive deep into the reasons why it's okay to want more and to be committed to achieving more while also keeping the main things the main things. After going through their different experiences like having their water and power shut off due to not being able to pay their bills years ago all the way to achieving abundance, they are able to shed a unique angle on "how much is enough." Maybe, the real answer to the question is to actually be asking a better question when it comes to this topic...

Have you ever heard someone say "don't take it so personal?" Most of us have... Rather than not taking things personal, maybe we should. Maybe we SHOULD hold enough of a grudge to fuel the fire that otherwise might not be there. In this episode Derek goes through several examples of people that have taken things personally. From athletes to business owners and everyone in between, the best of the best always seem to be able to compartmentalize that darker energy and harness it for good. The next time someone tells you to "not take it so personal," you absolutely should consider taking it VERY personal and using it as the fuel to crush your goals!

Will 2024 be one of, if not the most, chaotic years most of us have ever seen? If so, what can we do to THRIVE despite any of the chaos? Do you have a gut feeling that we are walking into a pretty volatile year? So many people seem to have the feeling that we are. With so many different things that could escalate into chaos such as middle eastern wars, our southern border being wide open, civil unrest, high interest, cost of living and inflation and the list goes on and on. It seems like the table has been set for a very challenging year. With that being said, we are not put here to live in a spirit of fear. In fact, it may be the best year ever to show your courage and mental toughness...if you have it.  In this episode, Derek and Jess cover some of the heavy issues that could be heading our way but at the same time they lay out exactly what can be done to not only survive 2024 regardless of how tough it gets but how to THRIVE regardless of the circumstances!

It's hard to argue that we have moved from a spiritual world to a digital world. Data, metrics and measurements have taken over where we might have been able to clearly hear our intuition. We can complain about it but we're all guilty. If everything you do is only based on logic and data, are you missing out on a critical voice? Maybe even the voice of God? Derek believes so... In this episode, Derek does his best to lay out a couple of real world stories that made him realize that the 6th sense that some talk about isn't some sort of woo-woo, fairy dust stuff...it's as real as any data that could be captured on a computer.  Ignore those feelings and that "voice" at your own peril...

Jeramiah Solven is a decorated former Army Ranger, an Ultra Racer (completing multiple 100+ mile races), a podcast host and a leadership and high performance coach. To say that he has completerd a few challenging things in his life would be a huge understatement.  In this converstaion, Derek and Jeramiah dive into not just deciding what you want in life like so many will try to do and most likely fail. Why is that? Because it always comes back to who you must become in order to achieve what you want. It's not a destination, it's an identity. This will be the hard hitting episode around mental toughness that will push you through all of those goals that you set for this new year and will also provide you with some of the critical tools needed to live the best life possible!

We all want to believe that we are irreplaceable, right? After all, most of us think we are the most important person ever created...but what if we actually aren't that important at all?  In the past couple weeks, we have seen two of the most respected and successful coaches in football retire and each of them had their replacement hired within 48 hours. We've all seen loved ones and famous people pass away and life still goes on. What do you think will actually happen when it's your time to pass on? Most likely the same thing... Understand that this shouldn't be all "doom and gloom" though. It is actually very freeing when you know that most of the world will move on when you're gone so you might as well keep that perspective when it comes to living to your truest form. In other words, if no one (outside of our closest friends and some family members) really cares, we should be able to eliminate all fear and attack life the way that we should...ALL OUT! Tune into this episode if you struggle with a fear of judgement or if you just struggle to take in criticism. It will be a game changer!!!

We always hear how much people that achieve greatness have to sacrifice. Almost everyone has their own "success story" that they talk about. It could be the amount of hours that they had to put in. It could be how hard they had to work. It may be how much money they invested or borrowed. These are stories that are talked about ALL THE TIME. But what about the cost of greatness that could impact our mental health? What about the amount of hate that could come your way at any time? After a week in Vegas and seeing what his former boss went through after some controversy, Derek is taking you through the little talked about downside of success: the amount of people that don't actually want you to succeed. It was on full display after his fromer boss' incident recently. Not only will Derek walk you through what this looks like but more importantly, how you get past it. The jealousy and nay-sayers should NEVER hold you back. If you have ever felt this or if you are planning on achieving greatness, this is a must listen episode!

Derek had a memory pop up from two years ago that can teach us all a HUGE lesson... Two years ago, his daughter wasn't able to get a single minute of playing time in her team's championship game. With Derek's history in sports, he wasn't used to not being in the game and it was even harder to see his daughter not get a single second of playing time.  This may not seem like the end of the world for most but kids take things like this pretty hard. They feel like it's "unfair" and want to become a victim. Is that attitude one that will help you have success though? When we go through our own version of the storm, it can be very hard to move forward. We may want to just feel sorry for ourselves or think that it's taking to long to get to the daylight.  After two short years, Derek's daughter is now pulled up to the varsity team and getting tons of playing time (as an 8th grader) because of what happened after that day two years ago.  When it feels like everything is coming down on you, keep moving forward. It may only be an inch at a time...but over time those inches will turn into miles and you won't even recognize where you used to be.

If you live rural you definitely know what a bungee cord is. You've probably used them to tie down things or strap things in at some point. So...what does a bungee cord have to do with us holding back our progress? In this episode, Derek dives deep into stretching our capacity and how it is the single greatest factor in growing our mindset and mental toughness.  Most of us will never know why we are holding ourselves back because most of us won't ever push the limits far enough to know what we're actually capable of. It's hard to know how far we can stretch ourselves if we stay in our comfort zone. Almost all lives that aren't fulfilled come back to a capacity problem.  If you are wondering what is keeping you from hitting that next level, this is the episode specifically made for YOU!

Social media is like a fun house mirror at the circus; there is some truth to it but it's an absolute distortion of reality. All of the "successful" people that you see have one true thing in common and it's not the Lambos and beachfront properties...it's that they've all FAILED more times than they could count. It isn't popular to talk about failing. In fact, if you have any ego at all, it can actually be very embarassing.  What if we knew that the ONLY way to accomplish the goals that we have is through failure? Would you be more likely to fail? Derek talks about a few very specific instances of failure that have happened and how it has allowed him to grow despite the ego hits. These examples will show you why it is these "successful" people that we all see seem to continue winning...but it's always after failure.

When is the last time that you committed to ANYTHING good or healthy for 75 days? How about for 30 days? How about for even 14 days? Most of us, if we are being completely honest, will have a hard time remembering. It's very easy to work on developing "healthy" habits but so often life will throw us curveballs that knock us off track. It could be the unexpected travel. It could be the last minute work meetings or schedule changes. The truth is that most of us become a victim of what is going on around us and we never truly own the day. If you have wondered why it is that you can't seem to stay consistent for any period of time, make sure to check out this "Couples Edition" to see how Derek and Jess have managed to create consistency and the results that will inevitably come along with it!

After being together for over 20 years, are we still the same people? Of course not. After all, if you're the same person you were 20 years ago then you obviously haven't evolved or grown. If we all grow over the timespan of our marriages, how can we make sure that we grow together and not apart? That is a big topic... In this Couples Episode, Derek and Jess talk about when their mental growth started to happen and how it all started. They both grew up in small towns and sometimes it can be easy to stay in the same thought process forever if you aren't careful. If you wonder how to grow a business with your spouse and how to keep growing as individuals TOGETHER, this is a great episode to check out!

If you aren't getting the results you want, here's why...you aren't making the choices and decisions that people would make to get the results you want. If you want to be rich...you can't make poor people decisions If you want to be fit...you can't make overweight people decisions If you want a great marriage...you can't make single people choices Success in nearly every area of life leaves clues and if you can break down the way that people act in order to accomplish the goals that they want, you can achieve anything that they have. If you struggle with getting the results that you want, just understand that you are a few decisions away. You can do this.

Telling the truth is easy, right? None of us ever want to be liars. However, it can also be one of the most difficult things in life and in business... A little lie here about why a customer didn't get their order earlier. A little lie there about something to your spouse. These all add up and the outcome is NEVER good. Sooner or later, truth will always come out.  Derek and Jess had two different experiences within hours of each other that actually compelled them to re-record their planned episode because it seemed like they were being called to share this specific message this week. Whether you have a business or not, the lessons shared here will be vital to living the best life possible!

Aaron Zar is the owner of SLNT, one of the most important businesses out there that is taking the drawbacks and potential hazards of current technology head on. They are entrusted by military, governments, business leaders and travelers who want to have the peace of mind knowing their information is safe. SLNT's mission is simple; to empower humanity to reclaim their right to disconnect. In this episode, Derek and Aaron dive deep into what risks are associated with the devices that we all use on a daily basis. It can be everything from privacy and data breaches, to potential tracking information and even potential health risks from EMF's that are emitted. We can all say how much we wish we could just "go back to the good ole' days" before our phones and devices were a part of everyday life but it's not going to happen. Since we have to deal with the situation we are in and perhaps not the one we want, what do we do?  Aaron will walk you through how to best mitigate these risks as well as how he uses social media and refuses to let social media use him. We live in a new world with new risks and challenges and this episode will be sure to help you navigate your way through.

How do you keep going when things get hard? What is the fuel that you use? Or...do you just quit... What most people fail to realize in our "instant delivery" society is that almost anything that is worthwhile takes time. It also takes more resolve and mental toughness than we are ever led to believe. Businesses often fail in the first couple of years but why is that? Could it be that too many of us simply give up when things get really hard? In this "Couples Episode," Derek and Jess each chime in on how they are able to play the mental game that allows them to keep going through the hard times. They also cover the realistic challenges that we'll all face even if you don't see them from the big social media influencers. They bring you real life...

We here a lot about how we are now in the period of time with the most anxious, depressed and addicted society that we have ever had. Why is that? While there could be several reasons for this, whether it is diet, purpose or a number of other factors, could it actually be the GAP? In this episode, Derek breaks down why this GAP could actually be one of the driving factors for why we continue living in the anxious and depressed state that we have gotten into.

It's Couples Edition time again! This week, Derek and Jess dive into the complex issue of how hard is too hard when it comes to pushing your kids... So often in our modern society, we see kids being held to less and less of a standard. We have turned into a culture of "if it feels good do it" and that has become a problem. Everywhere we look it seems like there are spoiled, entitled, ungrateful little turds and why is that happening? Is it because of a lack of standards? Derek and Jess think so. We all wonder if we are being too hard or too soft on our kids. If we push them hard they might rebel but if we go too soft they won't build character. Where is the line? Derek and Jess do their best to navigate these questions and their overall parenting philosophy that will help push the discussion of how we can raise the best kids possible. 

TJ Morris aka "Bear" has had a pretty incredible path to where he is now which is the owner and CEO of several different businesses and ventures as well as leading a massive YouTube following. From starting out as a drummer in a metal band that couldn't get gigs booked and deciding to make enough money to be able to get his own shows and book other bands to play with them to a wobbly path to finding his faith and all the way up to huge business success, the story alone is worth a listen. However, TJ has made big waves in the "Prepper" space simply by staying away from what he calls "Doomer Porn" and sticking to common sense ways that all of us can have a little extra insurance in the event that it's needed. His knowledge and level-headed philosophy is now providing the much needed information to help us all be prepared in the event that our society takes a turn for the worse. When you mix in his personality and his strong faith, this will be an episode that will be worth listening to multiple times!

This week Derek and Jess dive into the topic of marriage and where it should rate in regards to everything else in life. We live in the "hustle" culture that can make us think that there are many things more important than a marriage but is that true? Well, maybe at certain points... Derek and Jess talk about marriage and how to make it a priority even when things are busy. They also dive into intimacy, staying connected and how Jess can be the "stuck up cat" sometimes. You'll hear all about it in this episode!

Sometimes marriage can make us all a little complacent. We may gain a few extra pounds or we may start taking for granted all of the things that got us together in the first place. So, if you woke up single tomorrow, would you be attractive to date? It's a weird question but it's one worth asking... Derek and Jess take on this question after they saw it posed on a Facebook post and they walk you through how marriage can actually lead us to showing up less than what we could be simply because we are comfortable.  If you've been together with your significant other for a long time, you have to check out this episode so you can ask yourself the question on whether or not you are marketable or if it's time to get it together...

Nick Thayer is a Coast Guard veteran and developed a love of fitness that led him into becoming a Crossfit coach. That passion didn't stop there though and it ended up leading him to a place that he never could have expected; The Tactical Games. The Tactical Games will push even the most fierce competitors and warriors to their limits. With a mixture of physical hardship and precision shooting, The Tactical Games can humble just about anybody. Nick knew as soon as he was introduced to it, he was hooked for life. Nick started at TTG though a marketing position but his drive and love for the competition eventually propelled him into becoming the Owner and President where he has been able to explode the business. Everyone from A list celebritities to hardened Special Operators and congresswomen have now been a part of The Tactical Games and it is only just beginning. Make sure to check out this episode to see what it is like to push the boundaries on what you think is possible as well as how Nick went from quitting the high school basketball team to crushing it in the business world.

On this week's episode, Derek and Jess go completely off the rails with an AI Generated "Ask Us Anything... With all of the stress and turmoil in the world, the Couples Edition decides to take a break from all of the serious topics and just have a little bit of fun. Since this topic was last second, they decided to ask the AI machine to generate some silly questions to answer and it didn't disappoint. If you are sick of all of the negativity and heaviness of current events OR if you just want a chance to laugh at Derek and Jess, this is the episode to tune into!

Should you FORCE your kids to do anything? Is it good parenting to actually make them do things even if they really don't want to?  In this episode, Derek and Jess dive into the question on whether or not you should make your kids play sports. Coming from a sports background, Derek has his thoughts but Jess has a different experience based on her upbringing...so her answer might surprise you. We live in a culture where we often times hear that we shouldn't force our kids to do certain things and we shouldn't force them to be uncomfortable. Is that the best path? Derek and Jess will dive into this dilemna and how they have handled it with their four kids and how you can handle it as well.

Keith has a famously unique story: he went from being a pastor of a church to living very "loose" and even ended up dating a porn star. That's not something that you hear too much. He eventually ended his first marriage and found his true love and he thought all would be well forever until he heard the words that no married man ever wants to hear from his wife..."my life is better without you in it." Rather than just throwing in the towel and getting a second divorce, those words sent Keith on a journey to be the most attractive man he could be for his wife and the results were mind blowing. Not only did he not end up in another divorce, his relationship is nothing short of on fire with his now long time wife. The results were so good in fact, other people started asking him how he did it which eventually led to him starting Married Game where he has helped hundreds of men rekindle the fire and passion that so often goes out after years of being with someone. If you have any thoughts that things could be better in the bedroom and in that in turn would make things better in every aspect of your relationship, this is a must listen episode!  

After Derek started watching the new Netflix Docu-series all about the infamous website Ashley Madison, he HAD to bring this awkward question to Jess; could Ashley Madison actually be good for certain marriages? For anyone that has been listening for long, you will know that some of these questions have a way of making Jess a little embarassed and this one is no different. It is an intriguing thought experiment however...could someone cheating on their spouse in secret somehow actually help the marriage? In this "Couples Edition," Derek and Jess tackle the uncomfortable topic of infidelity while bring their own flavor of awkward humor and you won't want to miss it!

So many conversations in "podcast land" are all about what people did when they first got started years ago. What were the struggles that they went through? What were the challenges that they faced? What should they have done differently? There is only one problem that can come up with this method: do they even remember what is was REALLY like in the beginning? In this episode, Derek brought on Charlie Adams, Founder and CEO of the Naughty Dog, who is in the beginning stages of building a business with a massive upside. They got into ALL of the messy-ness that happens in the first few months into the first couple years of starting a business. Things like: -What it looks like to start a brand new business -How long do you wait to actually make the jump and go all in -How to know if you are scaling at the right speed -What sacrifices will need to be made to actually "make it" If you are someone that is new in business or if you are someone considering taking the plunge to start a business, this will be a refreshingly new approach to hear from Charlie about what it takes to get something off the ground and still not know with 100% certainty what the potential will actually be. This will serve as a guide as well as an inspiration to put you on the best path for your success!

Life and business isn't all rainbows and lollipops despite what we see on Instagram. Usually, especially if you are trying to accomplish big goals, there will be more problems that most feel like they can handle. What then? Recently Derek and Jess had to make a MASSIVE change in their business in order for it to be sustainable. It wasn't an easy decision. It certainly wasn't comfortable. How did they get through it? Honesty. This episode breaks down exactly how they faced the problem and how they proceeded to deal with it. As with anyone, they definitely don't have it all "figured out." However, this will be an episode to give you the picture on how they dealt with this big decision and how it was received by their customers and hopefully this can help you if or when you are in a similar situation.

What do you accept as "normal?" Why do you think it's normal if it isn't right? After a recent trip to the Bay Area, Derek reflects on a conversation that he had that drove home the fact that sometimes, there may be no coming back.  Sometimes the only way to stop doing something is to keep it from escalating yet so often, we let it get to that point anyways. Whether it comes to crime in our cities, our southern border or our own fitness or relationships, there is danger in simply accepting bad behavior.  In this episode, Derek breaks down how this happens and how to keep it from ever escalating beyond the point of no return because by that time, it's probably too late...

Ian Smith became known worldwide virtually overnight because of his stance on the lockdowns just a few short years ago. While most of the country was hunkering down and waiting on their "leaders" to tell them what they could do and how they could live, Ian took a different path: he refused to be locked down. Despite numerous fines, arrests and becoming a national villain for so many that were on board with the Covid policies, Ian made the decision to stay true to his beliefs. Some people love him. Some people hate him. Whatever your thoughts are on Ian, it's impossible to argue with his determination and backbone to stay true to what he believes. In this episode, Derek and Ian dive deep into his story and look at how he made his way through hell and come out the other side. If you struggle with sticking to what you believe in and how to stick to your beliefs, this is a must listen episode!

Do you have days that feel like you are on a rollercoaster and the only thing you want to do is get off? In this episode, Derek and Jess take you through "how they do it." Hint; they don't do it well despite what some people may think... Pursuing greatness will always be much harder and take much longer than we think so how is it that you can get through all of the days that feel like the lowest of lows? You keep going. You may cry (as Jess talks about). You might threaten to sell everything and go live in a subdivision (like Derek talks about). However, you dig down deep and keep going because the breakthrough always comes after the breakdown. You'll see how the day and even weeks of hell turned into one of the best and most rewarding days that they have had...simply because they kept going. 

Derek and Jess are celebrating their 17 year wedding anniversary! Rather than just talking about how easy it has been, they decided to get real and lay out their best and worst qualities... Often times in business, there will be team building exercises and personality tests and many other tools to help each other communicate at the highest level. Derek had an experience with a company that actually had the upper-level management lay out what they think the others' best and worst qualities were. This can help show an outside perspective of how people perceive one another and give insight into how you show up. While this can be very uncomfortable, it can also spark conversations that will spur growth. Derek and Jess wanted to do this very exercise in front of you all in hopes that it will not only help them in their marriage journey but also to inspire these conversations to happen in your relationship. Communication, honesty and growth has been key to their marriage and it can also be key to yours...if you're willing to do it.  You are encouraged to take this episode's topic back to your significant other and get real. Your relationship will be better for it in the long run...

When you live your day-to-day life, you may not think that you are making any type of an impact. It's very easy to discount what you do... In this episode Derek and Jess dive into how the peaks and valleys of life can be hard but just a few kind words can change everything. If you think that what you do doesn't matter, this is the episode that you HAVE to listen to.

Human beings can handle just about anything. We can struggle through loss, heartbreak, job loss, financial collapse and so much more. The one thing that we CAN'T handle over even a short period of time is chaos. It can literally make us go crazy... What some may not realize is that we were about a quarter inch away from absolute chaos just a few short days ago. If that shot had been just a few millimeters over, we may be watching chaos unfold like none of us have ever seen. Are we out of the woods now though? Derek doesn't think so. This episode is not meant to be "doom and gloom." Instead, it is an intense look into what we should all be focusing on in this moment in history. It is an episode that should serve as a warning and a call to action; we have to get better and be better. It's our obligation. It's our duty.

Calley Means has gained a ton of traction over the past year and there's good reason. He is someone that graduated from Stanford and Harvard business schools and then went on to be a pharmaceutical and food consultant. Like so many of us, he had an event take place that changed his entire trajectory: seeing his mother get diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer and pass away 13 days later. This led him to find his true life mission which turned out to be leading the way for alternative ways to become healthier which also led him into a fight with big food and big pharma. Although many of us know that some of the so-called "experts" don't have our best in mind, Calley has been on the inside and knows why this all works. Is it some massive conspiracy? Is it a coordinated attack on the American people? Is it just simply greed? This is a must-listen episode if you want to know the TRUTH behind how our food is now a weapon and what you can do about it to take back control and live as healthy as possible!

How is it that we have gotten to a point that down seems up and left seems right? How is it that we almost feel like we are living in an alternate reality? In this episode, Derek breaks down exactly how we got here and what we can do to improve our lives using this exact model...

We all want bigger and better. It may be the bank account, the house, the car or just about anything. Here is the question that Derek and Jess ask in this episode...is better ACTUALLY better? Our life is just a giant collection of decisions. If we make one decision, it could affect several other things. So often in life we don't really think about the downstream affect of what becoming better may actually mean in other areas of life. If you want the billion dollar business, will that impact your home life? If you want the six pack abs, will it impact your relationships? There may not be a "one size fits all" answer to this question but Derek and Jess dive into the tricky topic about better not always actually being better...

Derek and Jess don't get a lot of time to spend doing absolutely nothing...but it happened this past weekend on a cruise ship to Mexico and back! We all know how easy it is for us to get in the day to day grind and sometimes what we all need is a change of environment and, perhaps, a change of pace to learn some real lessons.  This episode is based around the two biggest takeaways that Derek and Jess learned from being able to take a couple days away from the ranch, the kids, the work and everything else to re-charge and re-focus. This should be a good lesson for all of us to consider even if we aren't on a cruise ship anytime soon!

Sometimes it's really easy to take things personal. Maybe it's that guy that cut you off in traffic. Maybe it's that rude cashier or even that fight with a friend that you never saw coming. Maybe it's even someone taking their life that you would have never expected... The reality is, we don't ever truly know what someone may be going through but our reactions usually don't take those thoughts into mind. Yes, people should always have a certain amount of kindness and decency but it's also very easy for us to be so self-focused that no matter what the reason may be, we take it personal...and it may be destroying us for no reason. In today's episode, Derek goes into the topic of how sometimes the best thing that we can do is chalk up some of our negative reactions to what may be going on in someone else's life and it may not be out you at all and that requires us to have a little bit of grace and understanding.

Have you thought to yourself in the past few years that nothing seems to make sense? Have you had a friend that does things or makes decisions that don't make sense? I'm pretty sure we all have... When you can figure out this ONE thing, you can start seeing through all of the fog. You can see why people, politicians, corporations and even yourself keep making decisions that may not make any sense. Once you know, you can use it to your advantage and not only see through the fog, but you'll be able to go out and crush it in your own life!

How do you handle those "hard conversations" with your kids? Is it with anger and strict consequences? Is it with compassion and being somewhat of a pushover? Does it maybe even vary from instance to instance? In this episode, Derek and Jess dive into what they have been doing recently with the hard conversations. As your kids get older and inevitably get themselves into some trouble here and there, what is the best way to navigate it in a way that sets boundaries but doesn't cause resentment? There most likely isn't any "right answer" to this question but Derek and Jess hope that opening up the conversation around this will lead to some clarity if this is something that you are struggling with!

As humans, we all want to world to bend to our will. So often we want others to think like us or see things how we see them. We also know that isn't real life to have those expectations... In this episode, Derek breaks down how important it is to simply trust the process and don't try to do everything our way. As difficult as it can be, there are natural laws, roadmaps and clues to the success that we want in just about every area.  Whether it's spirituality, fitness, business or a number of other areas, there are ways to achieve success but the question is...can you submit long enough to get it???

Every generation has it's challenges when it comes to marriage. In the old days, isolation with your spouse could be an issue or the fact that you may not have had access to very many potential mates before getting married.  Nowadays, we have a whole different set of issues. Whether it's access to those old flames through social media or if it's the access to being able to see just about anything we want anytime we want, it can really stress a relationship in ways that we haven't ever dealth with before. The question is this; how hard is it to stay married in this new digital age and if you can stay married, how hard is it to have a great marriage? What are the do's and don'ts? In this episode, Derek and Jess break it down and share some of their insight having been married for 17 years and most of that being in the digital age.

You've all gotten to know Derek and Jess pretty well over the past few years so would you ever imagine that Jess is becoming a prepper? Well, maybe... We know how weird some of the things that are happening seem to be. A highly divided election season. Inching closer and closer to what could turn into WW3. Port strikes that could threaten supply chains. Natural disasters impacting millions of people. The list goes on and on. So, what should we do? Should we become preppers and just hunker down for a few months? Derek and Jess dive into what it looks like to be prepared in an uncertain time. Does that mean burrying gold in the back yard and living a terrified existence? Not at all. Does it mean that we all could be a little more prepared just in case? Absolutely. Make sure to tune into this episode where you can learn what it looks like to have a sensible approach for anything that could be heading our way.

Do you ever feel like you are just smack dab in the middle of it? Maybe you aren't necessarily right at the starting line and you definitely haven't gotten to the other side so you don't know where to go or if you'll ever actually get to where you are going? If so, this episode is for you... Derek heard a saying years ago that "we shouldn't talk about our wounds, just our scars." The reason behind this saying is that wounds are still open and they can be difficult to talk about. However, what do the people do that have the wounds? Who can the people that are right in the middle of their storm listen to that can relate? Maybe we should talk about our wounds after all and not wait until they have been fully healed. This isn't an episode to talk about "oh poor me because things are hard." It's an episode about understanding that many of us are right in the middle of everything and we're not alone. It could be in the middle of raising kids or growing a business or a struggling marriage or so many other things. If that's you, you're going to be okay one way or the other because being in the middle of it is a hell of a lot better than never starting...and there's an army of people just like you going through similar trials.

Are you a part of the "useful class" or the valuable class? It seems like we have gotten to a point in our country where people that bring the lowest overall value to our society recieve the most financial gain. This isn't a victim claim but rather a call out to those out there doing the most important and fulfilling work that almost always goes completely unrecognized. There will be people that trade (basically) fake numbers on a computer screen all day on Wall Street that make billions yet the people that literally build society struggle to get by. People that trade rounding errors on currencies around the world have multiple beach homes yet the individuals building those homes can't afford a house. How did we get here? In this episode, Derek wants to give a shout out to those that are out there doing work that may go unnoticed yet is the most essential work that can be done; the work that makes our society better and the work that is needed by all of us. He also gets into why it is that he is launching a beef stick line specifically made to honor those individuals and how it all came about...

All good things must come to an end and it is time for the Primal King Podcast to ride off into the sunset. After more than 5 years and 260 episodes, Derek is wrapping up the ride of a lifetime. To say that he is humbled and grateful for all of your support would be an understatement. Just as life changes and experience changes, so does the direction of what someone wants to talk about and who they want to talk to. That is exactly where Derek found himself while making this difficult decision.  Make sure that you check out this final episode because there are some MAJOR updates for what the future holds and it might not be too long before he's back at it with a different direction that hopefully you will all love.