Taking it for Granted

Host Grant Smith is joined by his brother AJ Smith to kick off the fifth year of the podcast. If you want to learn more about AJ and his story, check out his four previous episodes. 

Alfred Williams, affectionately known as Big Al, comes from modest beginnings. Growing up in Texas, Big Al loved playing music and even joined the marching band. However, after a bet with a lifelong friend, he tried out for the football team. After a few setbacks, the rest is history. Big Al left Texas to play college football at the University of Colorado. He had unmatched success on the field winning numerous awards such as the Butkus award and a national championship, but it is the life lessons he learned in Boulder that have stuck with him most. After his college days, Big Al was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals, then left to play for the 49ers, and ultimately ended up back in Colorado, playing for the Broncos. He once again reached the pinnacle of his profession, winning two Super Bowls. After his playing days, Big Al ventured into the tech world, his true passion from an early age.You can now hear Big Al on KOA Sports weekdays from 3-6 pm MT with Dave Logan and Ryan Edwards.

 Kat O'Sullivan is a best-selling author, keynote speaker, and lifelong changemaker. She believes when "shift happens," it's time to "make magic happen." Kat leverages her 25 years of experience and expertise to help individuals and organizations achieve the seemingly impossible. She challenges assumptions, brings a fresh perspective, and creates a sense of curiosity about what else is possible. Kat has a long history of reinvention under fire, with immediate and long-lasting results. Kat works to provide clear strategies, plans, and practical tools to help everyone on their transformational journeys from "impossible" to "possible.” To learn more about Kat, visit her website https://katosullivan.com/.

Back from a month off, Host Grant Smith reflects on some lessons learned during his time away.

Father Mike Tess joins Host Grant Smith for his sixth appearance on the podcast! Father Mike and Grant talk about numerous topics, ranging from family trips, dealing with death, and rap music. To learn more about Father Mike, give him a follow on Instagram @FatherMikeTess, or go back and listen to his previous five appearanced on the pod.

Alan Questel is the Author of two terrific books "Creating Creativity: Embodying the Creative Process" and "Practice Intentional Acts of Kindness: ... and Like Yourself More". He is also an expert in the Feldenkrais Method, after training with Dr. Feldenkrais himself. He makes the complex simple, teaching others the benefits of the method, and helping them unlock their potential and like themselves more. Alan is on a mission to cultivate kindness and help individuals discover how acts of kindness can lead to greater satisfaction and happiness. To learn more about Alan and his work, check out his websites https://www.uncommonsensing.com/ and https://www.practicing-kindness.com/.

A special tribute to the Veterans that have joined Host Grant Smith in previous episodes of the podcast in honor of the 4th of July.

Host Grant Smith recaps his first trip north of the border to Bob's Lake in Canada, and reflects on some life lessons learned along the way.

Adam Cayton-Holland has been a Comedian for nearly half his life. Celebrating twenty years in comedy with a headlining show at Comedy Works in Denver, he is thankful to be living this life. Adam is an avid birder, and while stand-up is still his passion, it has taken a backseat to his family. He has a special out now called "Wallpaper" and continues to do The Grawlix Comedy Show and The Grawlix podcast with his good friends and fellow Comedians Ben Roy and Andrew Orvedahl. To learn more about Adam, where you can catch his shows, and watch his specials, check out his website adamcaytonholland.com or give him a follow on social media @caytonholland. 

Tanner Ballengee's day job is a Mailman, and if that's all you knew about him, you'd be missing one heck of a life lived. Tanner is an Author of two books "Sixty Tattoos I Secretly Gave Myself At Work" and "Tourorist" and his working on his third. He also skateboards as much as he can, and he is now putting out skateboarding films with one already released and a second in the works. To learn more about Tanner and his work, check out his website tannerballengee.com or give him a follow on Instagram @66tb99. 

Host Grant Smith takes a look back at keys to happiness and joy from former guests.

Rob Drabkin is a Musician from Denver, CO, spreading positivity through his songs. He was born and raised in Colorado, but decided to go to college in Texas to become a doctor. After graduating, Rob made the decision to pursue music full time, and moved back to his home state to get his start. After many open mics and lessons, Rob got one of his first big breaks playing the Fox Theater in Boulder, and has been a touring musician ever since. Having opened for the likes of Michael Franti, Trevor Hall, and Mat Kearney, he has built a devoted fan base in Colorado and throughout the country. After his song "It's a Beautiful Day" was featured in a belVita commercial, his international presence has grown as well. Rob's latest album "Spring in December" continues his mission of finding joy in the little moments, and putting a positive spin on tough situations. He also has a new project in the works that he will be announcing this summer. To learn more about Rob, give him a follow on Instagram @robdrabkin, find his music wherever you listen, or check out his website https://www.robdrabkin.com/.

Scott DeHuff is the Host of the "DeHuff Uncensored" podcast, which was voted the number one comedy podcast in Colorado. Scott covers funny and crazy news from around the world, and talks sports from time to time with some Denver legends. Scott spent nearly twenty years behind the scenes in radio, and now has his own platform that he is making the most of. After working with Mark Schlereth, Alfred Williams, Joel Klatt, Mike Evans, and many more, he has found his calling with his podcast. To learn more about Scott, subscribe to "DeHuff Uncensored" wherever you listen to podcasts, and give him a follow across all social media platforms @dehuffuncensored. 

Dave Logan is the Voice of the Broncos for KOA, an 11-time state champion as a high school football coach, a former NFL wide receiver with the Browns and Broncos, , Host of KOA Sports, and Founder of Team Dave Logan. Growing up in Wheat Ridge, Colorado, Dave excelled a baseball, basketball, and football, getting drafted in the MLB out of high school, but instead he chose to go play basketball and football for his hometown Buffs at the University of Colorado. After his playing days at CU, Dave was drafted in the NFL and NBA, becoming one of only four people ever to be drafted in all three sports. Dave chose to take his talents to the NFL, playing wide receiver for the Browns during their "Kardiac Kids" era, becoming a fan favorite for his toughness. After his playing days, Dave got his start in radio, and in 1997 became the "Voice of the Broncos" for KOA in addition to coaching HS football, where he has won 11 state championships including three in a row at Cherry Creek High School from 2020-2022.To learn more about Dave, check out the "Dave Logan Podcast" wherever you listen to podcasts.

Joanna Raimo and Patrick Catezone are the Hosts of the Indie Postcard podcast. Both of them grew up with music playing a big part in their lives, and after meeting at the University of Illinois, they knew they were meant to be friends. After graduating, they started the podcast to “deliver” audiences the best emerging indie and alternative music acts. First published in 2023, Indie Postcard began as a way for two former college radio hosts to continue introducing music to new audiences. Indie Postcard delivers you new episodes every week. Listen to it exclusively on Spotify every Wednesday at Indie Postcard. Coming soon to Apple Music and other platforms. Visit their Instagram page, TikTok, and YouTube channel @indiepostcardpodcast to stay up to date on all things indie music. 

Host Grant Smith shares some revelations from the mountain, and discusses the importance of trying to be in the present moment.

Kathy Lee brings a smile to everyone's face she meets. After moving to the United States with her parents as a child from South Korea, she attended Colorado University before interning at MTV, the Rockies, and ultimately on 103.5 The Fox, where she still works today.She has been the producer and Co-Host for Rick Lewis the past 27 years! Through her life experiences, which there have been plenty of, Kathy Lee believes she has been molded into who she is today as a result of the good and bad that life has thrown at her. She gives back as much as she can, family means everything to her, and she is a person you hope to meet in your life.To learn more about Kathy Lee, give her a follow on Instagram @kathyleewhite, or tune into the "Rick Lewis Show" weekday mornings from 6-10am MT.

Cortney McDermott is a best selling Author, TEDx Speaker, and Mind-Body Expert. She has written two books, "Change Starts Within You" and "Give Yourself Permission", and has spoken to companies like Nike, Google, Universal, and Virgin Group. Cortney combines ancient wisdom and scientific research to help inspire, educate, and activate people's potential. Through her world travels and studies, she is always trying to ask herself the right questions and trust everything. To learn more about Cortney and her work, give her a follow on Instagram @cortneymcdermott or check out her website https://www.cortneymcdermott.com/.

Carina Marshall is a Certified Master Life Coach, Meditation Teacher, and Author of "Discover & Use Your Greatest Superpower: Metaphysics, Spirituality, and Bubble Gum". In her book, Carina offers you sixteen Metaphysical tools to amplify your powers of intention, intuition, visualization, focus, allowing, and understanding the subtle world of energy. Through her world travels and life lessons learned, she believes she can help you live a happier and joyful life, unlocking your full potential. To learn more about Carina and her work, check out her website https://unlimitedself.us/. 

Host Grant Smith talks about some life lessons that have been learned or reinforced recently.

Connor Shreve is a Journalist for the Local News Network in Durango, Colorado. After working all over the country in media, including in Minor League Baseball and at KOA Newsradio, Connor is enjoying his time at LNN, reporting on feel-good stories as opposed to the hard-hitting news that he worked on in some of his previous career stops. He also just started a podcast called "Beyond the Headlines" that you can check out wherever you listen to podcasts. To learn more about Connor and his work, give him a follow on instagram @connorshreve.

Eric Hutchinson has been a Musician for the majority of his adult life. It's always been his passion, but he turned that passion into a prestigious career. After using music as an outlet for most of his childhood, Eric decided to give it a go at making it, and released his debut album "Sounds Like This". He is wrapping up the 15th anniversary tour of that album, and it was a great time to get nostalgic and reminisce about where his music and life have taken him. He is now a proud father and husband, and always tries to spread positivity through his music. To learn more about Eric and his work, check out his website https://www.erichutchinson.com/ or give him a follow on Instagram @erichutchinson.

Kristal Alfonso, The Wine Yogi, returns to the podcast to discuss her journey through the Hard 75 program, what her frequent beach trips do for her mental state, and transitioning into a new chapter of motherhood. To learn more about Kristal, listen to her previous appearance on the TIFG podcast, give her a follow on Instagram @iamthewineyogi, or check out her website https://iamthewineyogi.com/.

Byron Cobb is a giver and a learner. He's also a Botanist, Photographer, and Philanthropist, but Byron is at his core, always trying to learn how and why things work the way they do, and give as much as himself as possible to his loved ones in his life. From an early age, Byron has been an avid reader and lover of the outdoors; values that were instilled in him by his parents at an early age. He also places tremendous importance on having the right people around you in life, and giving everything to those relationships. While Byron has had many different chapters of his life, he always makes sure that the present is the most important.To learn more about Byron, give him a follow on Instagram @lordbyronphoto.

Host Grant Smith's brother AJ Smith joins the TIFG podcast for the fourth time to kick off another year. AJ shares an exciting life update, and talks about how doing the right thing never goes out of style. To learn more about AJ, check out the previous three episodes!

Host Grant Smith takes a look back at some lessons learned throughout the three years of the Taking it for Granted Podcast.

Daniela Bumann is a Swiss native based in California, a Corporate Consultant, International Teacher, Transformational Speaker, Life Coach, and Evolutionary Consciousness Guide. Her insights and teachings open new pathways for change, helping individuals tap into their spiritual potential and fostering greater unity on Earth. Whether trying to advance your career, enrich your relationships, or boost business morale and productivity, Daniela empowers you with mindfulness and performance habits, allowing you to break free from challenges and truly embrace a life that's liberated, boldly real, and authentically yours. To learn more about Daniela, her work, and her two books "High Performance Without Pain" and "Gliding You Home", check out her website https://www.vibrantlivingnow.org/.

Ryan Edwards is the Host of KOA Sports on iHeartRadio 3 - 6 pm MT. After wearing many hats in life, from Bank Teller to Frontman of a rock band, Ryan has found his calling in sports talk radio. An avid fan for many years, Ryan does a tremendous job of bringing in the fan's perspective to a show with two former NFL players. He got his start in radio as a Producer for many different shows, and credits his success to being up for anything throughout his long and winding road of a radio career. To learn more about Ryan, listen to KOA Sports weekdays and give him a follow on Twitter (X) and Instagram @redwardsradio.

Rick Lewis is the Host of the "Rick Lewis Morning Show" on 103.5 The Fox, Founder of the amazing band the "Rick Lewis Project", and Color Analyst of the Denver Broncos Radio Network. To learn more about Rick, check out his first apperance on the TIFG podcast, and give him a follow on all social media platforms @1RickLewis.

A compilation episode of the voices of iHeartRadio Denver on what they are thankful and grateful for this year.

Jake Plummer is a former NFL Quarterback and Co-Founder of UMBO Mushrooms. After plenty of success on the field, Jake found himself looking for the next chapter of his life, and through friends and business partners, founded UMBO Mushrooms with Rashad Evans. They also host the podcast "Suga Snake Takes" together. After growing up in a small town, reaching the pinnacle of sports, and being a fan favorite wherever he went, Jake now likes to get out of the limelight and spend time with his family. He believes you get back what you put out, and is always searching for ways to help others. To learn more about Jake and his work check out the Jake Plummer Foundation and UMBO Mushrooms. https://jakeplummerfoundation.org/https://getumbo.com/

Greg Hollenback is the Founder of the Modern Eater. After decades working in radio and other forms of media, Greg found his passion through his work with restaurants, chefs, and farms. Taking his experience and passion, he created the Modern Eater Network, and has been living his dream for the past eight years. If you want to learn more about Greg and his work, check out his website https://themoderneater.com/ or follow the Modern Eater on all social media platforms @themoderneater.

Father Mike Tess returns for another conversation with Host Grant Smith talking all things life. They reminisce on Grant's wedding, revisit blessing vs. a burden, and discuss how to keep your power. To learn more about Father Mike, go back and listen to the previous four episodes, you won't regret it! You can also follow FM on Instagram @fathermiketess.

A mashup episode of big moments and key takeaways that stuck with Host Grant Smith from his conversations with previous guests.

Mike Roach is the Experience Officer and one of the Founders of Taysia Blue Rescue. After wearing many hats in life, from architect to mailman, Mike has found his passion helping dogs find their forever homes, alongside his wife Jackie. After quite the origin story, Taysia Blue has helped over 2300 Siberian Huskies and Alaskan Malamutes stay out of the shelter. To learn more about Mike and the Taysia Blue Rescue, check out their website https://www.taysiablue.com/ or give them a follow on social media @taysiablue.

Matthew Bradford is a Marine and Motivational Speaker who inspires countless people through his story of overcoming injuries sustained during his time in Iraq after stepping on an IED, and not letting that define him. He founded No Legs, No Vision, No Problem, and helps others bounce back after life has knocked them down. He is an avid hunter, fisher, and Kentucky Wildcat fan, and finds his purpose in life through his family. To learn more about Matthew and his work, or book him to speak at an event, visit his website https://www.matthew-bradford.com/. You can also follow Matthew on Instagram @m_bradford_usmc.

Dr. Dravon James is the Founder of the Next Step Leadership Academy, a company that empowers women to use everything that shows up in their lives- good, bad, or otherwise to reach their next level of greatness. Dr. Dravon is a Transformation Specialist using her Every Day Peace philosophy to coach people how to master goal attainment. She is the author of Freedom is Your Birthright. As a leader in the healthcare industry for more than three decades she is the recipient of the Secretary McDonough Coin of Recognition for her leadership efforts to combat the COVID pandemic, Radio Host of the “Dr. Dravon James Every Day Peace” live, weekly show on Unity Online Radio, coach on the SiriusXM “Road Dog Trucking” show, and an actress whose career credits include a recurring role on HBO's acclaimed “The Wire.” Dr. Dravon uses this training and experience to lead women to their victory using the power of Every Day Peace to achieve their Next Level of Greatness in life and business. Dr. Dravon's journey began in poverty on the South Side of Chicago. Though she had always dreamt of a career on the stage, Dravon went on to earn a doctorate in pharmacy from Creighton University and has worked as a pharmacist all of her adult life. Along with her medical career and theatrical aspirations, Dr. Dravon has also always had a keen interest in personal development. To learn more about Dr. Dravon and her work, visit her website https://drdravonjames.com/ or give her a follow on social media @drdravonjames.

Casey Adams is a young entrepreneur who recently started Listener.fm and hosts the "Casey Adams Show" where he talks with tremendous guests such as Robert Greene, Mike Stud, and James Lawrence. After a difficult injury when he was 16, Casey devoted his life to learning from others on how to succeed at whatever he put his mind to, and has continued to build a brand that is wholly his own. To learn more about Casey, give him a follow on Instagram @caseyadamsshow, check out his latest creation Listener.fm https://app.listener.fm/register?or listen to his conversation with Andy Frisella of 75 Hard https://andyfrisella.com/blogs/realaf-podcast/529-75hard-vs-casey-adams.

Keyanna Blass is the host of "Dark Sugar Podcast" where she discusses race, gender, mental health, and self-care. She says the podcast is all about motivation, affirmation, and relationships, and Keyanna does a great job broaching topics that are sometimes difficult to talk about. Keyanna also teaches middle school Social Studies, and tries to help kids understand both sides of history. To learn more about Keyanna and her work, check out the "Dark Sugar Podcast" https://open.spotify.com/show/2guup5OPX3o225P8Io8n41 or give her a follow on Instagram @darksugarpodcast.

Tom McGowan returns for another free-flowing conversation with Host Grant Smith. Tom is a young entrepreneur who is the CEO and Founder of All Things Good. ATG is a news outlet that is turning into a digital empire that provides only good news stories and content. Through the struggles of starting a company with no financial backing, moving from city to city to find work, and overcoming the naysayers who didn't believe in the power of positive news, Tom is on his way to changing how the world of media works! To learn more about Tom and his work, give him a follow on Instagram @tommcgowancreative and @allthingsgood.

Anthony Rodriguez is a Multimedia Professional at iHeartRadio and KOA and the "swiss army knife" that can do whatever is needed to help the radio stations run at peak efficiency. After stints at ESPN and in television news, Anthony is now doing all things social media, and even produces the "Mandy Connell Show" on KOA. Throughout his life, one thing that has always remained a constant for him is the importance of family. After living all over the country, he knew he wanted to be close to his parents, brother, and now wife, and he couldn't be happier with his decision. An avid lover of movies, music, and sports, Anthony has found his place in life and work, and continues to excel at whatever he puts his mind to. To learn more about Anthony, his weight loss journey, or just to be entertained, give him a follow on Twitter (X) @AnthonyRod33 or Instagram @thelifeofarod.

Nic Dean is a Comedian based out of Denver, CO, originally from Omaha, Nebraska. Through his 10 years in comedy, Nic has started to find his voice and presence on stage, and the stories of his upbringing in his set, make him relatable to so many fans. Nic spends his free time in the mountains or on the golf course, and cherishes his relationship with his wife, who is a fellow comic. To learn more about Nic, and where you can catch one of his shows, give him a follow on Instagram @dr.nicdean.

Peter Canova is a Spiritual Philosopher, Linguist, International Businessman, Historian, and Author of the award-winning "First Souls" trilogy, and new book "Quantum Spirituality. After a series of life-changing events, Peter began writing on spirituality and consciousness, and now hopes to help others reach their full potential in the spiritual realm. His new book "Quantum Spirituality" unravels the nature of reality through quantum physics and ancient spiritual wisdom. To learn more about Peter and his work, check out his website https://www.petercanova.com/.

Delroy Gill is a Luxury Real Estate Advisor for Liv Sotheby's International Realty. He was just named the number one black real estate agent in the country, and continues to set higher goals for himself and succeeded at them. Coming to Colorado from London as a teenager, Delroy found his way in a foreign place, and began the path to where he is today. Delroy knows he wouldn't be where he is without the help of his mentors, and that is why he is so passionate about helping mentor others now. He is the founder of the Denver Gents group, helps with the Porter-Billups Leadership Academy, and spends as much time as he can with his family. To learn more about Delroy check out his website https://www.sothebysrealty.com/eng/associate/180-a-870-98409878/delroy-gill or give him a follow on Instagram @delroygill.

Bri Maestas does it all covering Denver sports. She hosts the Let's Talk Broncos podcast, and hosts sports talk shows for Mile High Sports and the Fan Cave CO. In addition to all of this, she also works for CU admissions,and catches as many concerts as she can. Bri has worked in many fields, but has found her calling in sports talk radio. Overcoming challenges and being open to new opportunities has led Bri down a career path she never expected, and now she is crushing every new opportunity she gets. To learn more about Bri and her work, follow her on Instagram and Twitter @BriMaestas303.

A look back at some previous episodes that show what our mission is here at TIFG. Talking with people from all walks of life, and finding ways to make sense of this world.

Chuck Ley is a U.S. Army Veteran, spending 10 years in active duty and being deployed multiple times. After leaving the Army due to injuries sustained while serving, Chuck spent decades working in radio all across the United States from Florida to Colorado. He now spends his time as a substitute teacher in his daughter's classroom, and being a part-time tour guide traveling the world. Chuck is a larger than life personality, making connections with people from all walks of life, and continues to chase his next adventure.

Michael Brown has done and seen a lot in his life. From getting introduced to politics in rural Oklahoma at age 6 by his parents, to becoming a lawyer, and then serving as Under Secretary for the Bush administration, he has left his mark wherever he has went. Michael currently hosts "The Situation with Michael Brown" 6-10am MT weekdays on 630 KHOW, and a nationally syndicated program every Saturday that airs on 300+ stations. With years of experience and inside access, he shares his opinion on a myriad of topics with listeners. To learn more about Michael and his work, check out his show weekdays, or give him a follow on social media @michaeldbrown, @MichaelBrownUSA, or check out his website https://khow.iheart.com/featured/the-michael-brown-show/.

Meghan Buchanan is an Aerospace Engineer who has climbed the highest seven summits in the world, and is now working on completing the Explorer's Grandslam. After overcoming dyslexia as a child and accompishing feats no one thought possible, Meghan developed the GGRIT method to help others achieve their goals. She now works with the Learning Disabilities Association of America (LDA) and countless others to spread her GGRIT, and continues to overcome and succeed in all life throws her way. To learn more about Meghan and her work, check out her website https://ggrit.com/, or give her a follow on all social media platforms @ggrit.

A compilation of all the keys to happiness and joy from former guests of the podcast, since our last mashup episode!

Wic Whitney is back for another conversation with Host Grant Smith. Wic is a musician who is sometimes labeled as a rapper, but blends the genres of hip hop, folk, soul, and a little rock to create his own unique sound. He's an advocate and voice for the LGBTQ+ community, and as a gay man himself, he uses his platform to help others become their true selves. Wic is as genuine and real as it gets, and that shines through in his music and his personal life! To learn more about Wic and his work, check out his first episode on the pod, or follow him on social media @wicmakesmusic.