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Today's author promises to help us unleash the most powerful force in business — love. Join Mike & Cory as they consider what it means to design love in as leaders and experience-makers.Support the ShowBookworm #249: What You're Made For by George RavelingDesign Love In by Marcus BuckinghamLove + Work by Marcus BuckinghamStrengthsFinderStandOutMac Power Users with Marco ArmentOvercastEOS (Entrepreneur Operating System)Ninety.ioRadical Candor by Kim ScottUnreasonable HospitalityThe Book of ElonThe Almanack of Naval RavikantMike's Rating: ⭐⭐⭐Cory's Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
In this episode of The Life You're Made For, Dr. Heather Penny shares why sometimes the most powerful thing we can do is pause with intention. Together, we explore the difference between reacting and responding, the practice of emotional intelligence, and how creating “Grace Space” helps us lead ourselves and others with greater peace, curiosity, and connection. This conversation is an invitation to slow down, reflect, and choose who you want to be as you move forward. Stick around to the end for a big announcement. Step into The Life You're Made For, I'm cheering you on!heatherpenny.com@heatherpennyphdMusic & Production by Jason Squires
This episode is sponsored by:St. Louis Pen Show: Join us June 25-28. Tickets on sale now!Today's author shares incredible behind-the-scenes stories from his career working with some of the world's best athletes. Join Mike & Cory as they explore purpose, meaning, and wisdom from a legendary coaching trailblazer.Support the ShowNathan Barry episode on Unreasonable HospitalityWhat You're Made For by George RavelingMike's YouTube Video on How He Takes Book NotesMike's Book Notes vaultRadical Candor by Kim ScottRapt by Winifred GallagherAirHow to Live a Meaningful Life by Bill Burnett & Dave EvansThe Second Mountain by David BrooksFrom Strength to Strength by Arthur BrooksDesign Love In by Marcus BuckinghamUnreasonable Hospitality by Will GuidaraHow to Lead Your Family by Joel BeekeMike's Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Cory's Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Tue, 19 May 2026 22:00:00 GMT http://relay.fm/focused/256 http://relay.fm/focused/256 David Sparks and Mike Schmitz David & Mike discuss the difference between task triage and time architecture when designing your week and using rituals to help you transition from one task to the next. David & Mike discuss the difference between task triage and time architecture when designing your week and using rituals to help you transition from one task to the next. clean 3646 David & Mike discuss the difference between task triage and time architecture when designing your week and using rituals to help you transition from one task to the next. This episode of Focused is sponsored by: Vitally: Your Copilot for AI-Powered Customer Success. Get a free pair of AirPods Pro when you book a qualified meeting. Keeper: Get 60% off personal and family plans. Links and Show Notes: Deep Focus: Extended ad-free episodes with bonus deep dive content. Video version of this episode Focused #250: Planning Your Week Don't Plan Your Week, Design It | Practical PKM The Deep Life by Cal Newport #316: Weekly Templates David's Ideal Week Template Mike's Ideal Week Template Plan Your Ideal Week | Free Tool by Mike Schmitz Timery Day One Obsidian Keychron K2 HE Wireless Keyboard Mike's guitar What You're Made For by George Raveling
Tue, 19 May 2026 22:00:00 GMT http://relay.fm/focused/256 http://relay.fm/focused/256 Calendar Modes & Transitions Rituals 256 David Sparks and Mike Schmitz David & Mike discuss the difference between task triage and time architecture when designing your week and using rituals to help you transition from one task to the next. David & Mike discuss the difference between task triage and time architecture when designing your week and using rituals to help you transition from one task to the next. clean 3646 David & Mike discuss the difference between task triage and time architecture when designing your week and using rituals to help you transition from one task to the next. This episode of Focused is sponsored by: Vitally: Your Copilot for AI-Powered Customer Success. Get a free pair of AirPods Pro when you book a qualified meeting. Keeper: Get 60% off personal and family plans. Links and Show Notes: Deep Focus: Extended ad-free episodes with bonus deep dive content. Video version of this episode Focused #250: Planning Your Week Don't Plan Your Week, Design It | Practical PKM The Deep Life by Cal Newport #316: Weekly Templates David's Ideal Week Template Mike's Ideal Week Template Plan Your Ideal Week | Free Tool by Mike Schmitz Timery Day One Obsidian Keychron K2 HE Wireless Keyboard Mike's guitar What You're Made For by George Raveling
Every life includes moments that feel like a turning point—unexpected challenges, difficult decisions, or plot twists you didn't see coming. At these crossroads, the noise gets louder. Opinions, fears, pressure, and uncertainty can pull you in a hundred directions. But what if the strategy you're looking for isn't outside of you… it's already within you? In this episode join Dr. Heather Penny and Dr. LaNysha Adams, as they explore how to access your inner wisdom and create a personal strategy for navigating life's hardest moments. Through the lens of Clarity, Confidence, and Courage, you'll learn how to quiet external noise, tune into your own knowing, and move forward in a way that feels grounded, aligned, and true. Because you don't need all the answers—you need a deeper trust in yourself to take the next right step.Step into The Life You're Made For, I'm cheering you on!heatherpenny.com@heatherpennyphdMusic & Production by Jason Squires
Today's authors promise to help you build purpose, clarity, and connection without quitting your job, blowing up your life, or starting from scratch. Join Mike & Cory as they consider how to use design thinking to craft lives and careers they love.Support the ShowNathan Barry Show with Bill Burnett & Dave EvansCurrent Reader appThe LibraryHow to Live a Meaningful Life by Bill Burnett & Dave EvansDesign Your Life by Bill Burnett & Dave EvansFlow by Mihaly CsikszentmihalyiFinite & Infinite Games by James CarseMike's Amateur Advantage NewsletterThe Second Mountain by David BrooksFalling Upward by Richard RohrFrom Strength to Strength by Arthur BrooksWhat You're Made For by George RavelingDesign Love by Marcus BuckinghamMike's Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐Cory's Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
There are seasons when everything shifts at once. Roles can change, priorities might evolve, and life speeds up. In the middle of it all, a quiet question surfaces: What do I actually want now?In this conversation, Dr. Heather Penny sits down with her husband, Darren, to explore how to stay grounded in an ever-changing world. Together, they talk about the importance of anchoring yourself in what truly matters: your values, purpose, and the person you're becoming. They unpack the power of choice, especially in overwhelming seasons, and challenge the commitments we carry. What are you holding onto out of obligation? What would it look like to step back and choose again? They also reframe self-care as essential leadership. Slowing down isn't falling behind, it's how you find clarity and show up fully.If you've been feeling stretched or disconnected, this episode will help you reconnect with your voice, ask better questions, and move forward with intention.Step into The Life You're Made For, I'm cheering you on!heatherpenny.com@heatherpennyphdMusic & Production by Jason Squires
This episode is sponsored by:St Louis Pen Show: Join us June 25-28. Tickets on sale now!Today's author promises to give us a guide to creating, contributing, and actualizing our potential amid the craziness of modern life. Join Mike & Cory as they embark on a journey to rediscover excellence in their own lives.Support the ShowNathan Barry Show episode with Bill Burnett & Dave EvansBookworm #180: Master of Change by Brad StulbergDiscipline Equals Freedom by Jocko WillinkBookworm #196: Why We Sleep by Matthew WalkerDaily Rituals by Mason CurreyCraft + CommerceHow to Live a Meaningful Life by Bill Burnett & Dave EvansWhat You're Made For by George RavelingMike's Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐Cory's Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
In this powerful solo episode, Dr. Heather Penny invites you to slow down and take an honest look at the thoughts you've been rehearsing. Every repeated thought becomes a root, and those roots are ultimately directing your growth. But this conversation goes deeper than just mindset. It's about coming home to yourself.Heather shares a transformative perspective: you belong to you. And from that place of belonging, you can begin to live with greater clarity, confidence, and courage. Not just as a leader, but as a parent, spouse, and friend.This episode isn't about fixing yourself. It's about remembering who you are and how you are called to show up in the world.Pick up your copy of Heather's book The Bracelet on Amazon today! Step into The Life You're Made For, I'm cheering you on!heatherpenny.com@heatherpennyphdMusic & Production by Jason Squires
In this episode of The Life You're Made For, Dr. Heather Penny sits down with Heather Johnson from Bridgeway Church in Roseville, CA to explore what it really means to experience transformational growth. From navigating seasons of caregiving to stepping into leadership as the first woman to preach at her church, Heather shares how growth is rarely comfortable but always meaningful. Together, they unpack the tension between challenge and purpose, reminding us that while we can't always control what we go through, we can choose how we respond.This conversation dives deep into the inner work of leadership by learning to give yourself grace, recognizing the voice of your inner critic, and building the courage to take risks even when anxiety shows up. You'll hear honest reflections on failure, resilience, and the small, everyday decisions that shape who we become.If you've ever felt stuck between protecting yourself and stepping into something greater, this episode will challenge and encourage you to lean into discomfort, embrace growth at your own pace, and remember: you've done hard things before—and you can do them again.Step into The Life You're Made For, I'm cheering you on!heatherpenny.com@heatherpennyphdMusic & Production by Jason Squires
In this episode of The Life You're Made For, Dr. Heather Penny sits down with Jennifer Draughon, President of Neptune Aviation Services, for an honest conversation about leadership, growth, and the discomfort that often comes with becoming better. Jennifer shares how her leadership is grounded in truth, trust, and transparency as well as why creating Grace Space is essential for building teams that can take risks, learn from failure, and grow without shame. Together, they unpack the tension between high standards and grace, and why real progress isn't about perfection, it's about showing up and getting better each day. If you're navigating leadership, pursuing growth, or learning how to embrace discomfort, this episode will challenge and encourage you to keep moving forward.Step into The Life You're Made For, I'm cheering you on!heatherpenny.com@heatherpennyphdMusic & Production by Jason Squires
On this episode of The Life You're Made For, Dr. Heather Penny talks with Dr. Nathan Herzog, Dean at Biola University in Southern California, about the discomfort of growth and what it really takes to lead well. Why does everyone want breakthrough but resist the process? Nate shares why clarity, confidence, and courage are essential for stepping into uncomfortable seasons, and how leaders grow by choosing connection over control. From delegation and trust to humility, belonging, and servant leadership, this episode challenges the false belief that you have to figure it out alone. If you're ready to get comfortable being uncomfortable and lead with courage, this conversation is for you.Step into The Life You're Made For, I'm cheering you on!heatherpenny.com@heatherpennyphdMusic & Production by Jason Squires
On this episode of The Life You're Made For, host Dr. Heather Penny sits down with Tiffany Loeffler, Executive Director of the nonprofit The Alliance, serving at-risk and foster children, to discuss sustainable leadership and how meeting real human needs shapes the way we lead.Together, they unpack what it looks like to create healthy rhythms, protect your personal life from work overflow, and build filters for the many good opportunities that compete for your attention. Tiffany shares how she structures her days, notices the warning signs of overload, and builds recovery into her life through intentional daily, weekly, and yearly practices.This episode is a thoughtful reminder that leadership isn't about doing more. It's about knowing yourself, staying aligned with your values, and leading from a place of clarity, balance, and purpose.Step into The Life You're Made For, I'm cheering you on!heatherpenny.com@heatherpennyphdMusic & Production by Jason Squires
What can white-water rafting in the Grand Canyon teach us about leadership and life? In this episode of The Life You're Made For, host Dr. Heather Penny sits down with Michelle Riddell to explore how leadership begins within and is shaped through clarity, courage, and connection.Drawing from a rafting trip that became a lived leadership lesson, Heather and Michelle talk about caring for yourself, honoring the signals of your body, and choosing peace over striving. They unpack why anxiety can be a gift, how mindset shapes the energy we bring into every space, and why leadership development is never a solo journey.With a deep heart for the next generation, Michelle shares how mentors helped her believe she could design her life—and how she now walks alongside Gen Z and young professionals, helping them ask better questions, clarify their dreams, and take meaningful next steps.This episode is an invitation to slow down, listen inward, and step boldly into the life you're made for.Step into The Life You're Made For, I'm cheering you on!heatherpenny.com@heatherpennyphdMusic & Production by Jason Squires
This week on the Calvary Church Podcast, we close out our January series, All In, with a powerful Vision Sunday message entitled “This Is What We're Made For.”From Philippians 3:1–9, the Apostle Paul reflects on everything he once considered gain—and why he ultimately laid it all down to know Christ. His words challenge us to reconsider our priorities, our pursuits, and the things we place our confidence in.On Vision Sunday, we look ahead together—clarifying who we are as a church, why we exist, and what it means to live with purpose and passion for the gospel. This message calls us to stop settling for what's comfortable and step fully into the life God has designed us for.Join us as we celebrate all God has done, cast vision for what's ahead, and commit ourselves—once again—to living all in for Jesus.Subscribe, share, and lean into the calling God has placed on your life.
Leadership doesn't start with strategy or skills, it starts within. In this episode, Dr. Heather Penny sits down with Nick Breitbart to explore why inner work is essential for healthy & influential leadership. Together they unpack the idea of Grace Space as a practice of compassion, curiosity, and candid feedback that creates room for growth. From self-awareness and blind spots to character alignment, consistency, and servant leadership, they share practical rhythms such as weekly check-ins, feedback loops, and guarding capacity that help leaders connect more deeply and lead with integrity. Whether at home or at work, leadership from within is slow, courageous work. But with grace and curiosity, it can transform how we lead and how we love.Step into The Life You're Made For, I'm cheering you on!heatherpenny.com@heatherpennyphdMusic & Production by Jason Squires
Today is Martin Luther King Jr. Day here in America. It's worth taking a minute today to consider one particularly brilliant and inspiring part of King's approach to civil rights.
Sit down with Dr. Heather Penny as she has a chat with an old friend, Jason Squires. Jason brings a blend of entrepreneurial clarity and creative courage, helping people see creativity not just in art or writing, but in leadership, systems, problem-solving, and yes, even spreadsheets. In this conversation, Jason shares what it looks like to recognize burnout, reclaim his creative voice, and allow creativity to lead again. Together, they explore entrepreneurship not as a grind, but as a way of living rooted in clarity, confidence, courage, as well as a powerful fourth C: creativity. This episode is for anyone who's building, growing, questioning, or quietly sensing that something needs to shift. It's a reminder that you are in control of your space, your energy, and your choices. Life really is meant to be good, even in the work. If you're looking for an honest, encouraging conversation about creativity, boundaries, and the real entrepreneurial journey, you won't want to miss this one with Jason Squires. Learn more about Jason at www.thecreativelaunch.com.Step into The Life You're Made For, I'm cheering you on!heatherpenny.com@heatherpennyphdMusic & Production by Jason Squires
Join Dr. Heather Penny as she sits down with Kacee Squires for a conversation about changing holiday traditions and the freedom that comes from reassessing what truly matters. Together they talk about outgrowing old rhythms, asking better questions, and giving yourself permission to pivot instead of pushing through. At the heart of this episode is a simple but powerful truth: you don't have to endure the holidays—you get to enjoy them. You have permission to reassess, release what's no longer meaningful, and create traditions that honor your family as it is now. If you're navigating changing family dynamics, holiday expectations, or the quiet grief that can come with new seasons, this conversation will meet you with honesty, hope, and freedom. Listen now and let this be the year you choose joy, presence, and traditions that truly fit the life you're made for.Step into The Life You're Made For, I'm cheering you on!heatherpenny.com@heatherpennyphdMusic & Production by Jason Squires
Some episodes feel less like a recording and more like real life. This is one of them. Dr. Heather Penny (known better as mom) sits down with her son Luke, the Luke from the book dedication for Grace Space. This is an honest, tender, sometimes funny conversation about what “Grace Space” has looked like between them over the years. Together they talk about practicing grace, missing it, rebuilding it, and how it continues to shape the way they show up for each other. This is grace lived, not in theory, but in the everyday moments of a mother and her grown kid figuring life out together.If you're a parent, a leader, a friend, or anyone navigating relationships with intention, the goal of this episode is you find fresh compassion for yourself, tools for meaningful conversations, permission to slow down and ask better questions as well as a reminder that the world is on your side.It's personal. It's real. It's full of heart. Don't miss it.Step into The Life You're Made For, I'm cheering you on!heatherpenny.com@heatherpennyphdMusic & Production by Jason Squires
A new kind of leadership is emerging and this generation is reshaping it with empathy, cooperation, and authenticity. In this episode, Dr. Heather Penny sits down with Dr. Lisa Smith, professor at Pepperdine and author of Hammer & Fire, to explore how young leaders are redefining what it means to lead well.Lisa shares why today's young adults see leadership as a shared enterprise, how they value every voice at the table, and why being seen as a whole person matters more than ever. They're skeptical of traditional authority, but when they find a leader they can trust, they show up with their whole heart.Together, they discuss the invitation for parents, mentors, and leaders to slow down, ask better questions, and come alongside rather than fix. From navigating constant public pressure to learning courageous conversations and intelligent risk-taking, this episode highlights the challenges and the strengths of shaping the next generation.Take a breath, stay curious, and discover what this rising generation is teaching all of us about leadership.Step into The Life You're Made For, I'm cheering you on!heatherpenny.com@heatherpennyphdMusic & Production by Jason Squires
Welcome to Part 2 of our conversation with Brian Taylor. In this episode, we explore what authentic leadership really looks like. Leadership isn't just strategy; it's relationships, trust, and the courage to stay curious. We talk about building circles of people who can see you, challenge you, and cheer you on. Because no leader can do it alone. You'll hear practical tools like learning to pause before responding, listening all the way to the end, and creating space for others to shine. We unpack how to evolve with your team, honor each person's growth, and lead with generosity instead of ego. If you're a leader who wants to build healthier teams, stronger relationships, and a leadership style rooted in humility and presence, this episode is for you.Connect more with Brian Taylor at https://briantaylor.co/Step into The Life You're Made For, I'm cheering you on!heatherpenny.com@heatherpennyphdMusic & Production by Jason Squires
It's easy to look like a great leader on the outside while quietly falling apart within. In this episode, executive coach Brian Taylor shares his journey from high performance to personal breakdown as well as how rediscovering his faith, family, and inner peace transformed the way he leads. Heather and Brian unpack what happens when achievement outpaces what you want to be doing, why slowing down can actually make you stronger, and how self-leadership begins with emotional and spiritual honesty. If you've ever felt exhausted, disconnected, or unsure what “winning” really means, this conversation will remind you that true leadership starts on the inside. Learn how to build rhythms of rest, rediscover your sacred center, and lead with clarity, confidence, and courage.Step into The Life You're Made For, I'm cheering you on!heatherpenny.com@heatherpennyphdMusic & Production by Jason Squires
We all hold clarity, confidence, and courage within us—they're not earned, they're uncovered. In this episode, Dr. Heather Penny talks with Kimberly Miller, co-author of Boundaries for Your Soul, about how true leadership starts from the inside out. Together they explore how self-awareness, compassion, and a healthy inner dialogue can transform the way we lead. Learn how to quiet your inner critic, embrace your true self, and lead with strength, tenderness, and peace.Step into The Life You're Made For, I'm cheering you on!heatherpenny.com@heatherpennyphdMusic & Production by Jason Squires
Leaders Who Create Leaders: Join Jason Squires as he sits down with Darren Penny in a podcast crossover! Darren was recently on The Life You're Made For with his wife and familiar voice on The Table, Dr. Heather Penny. He said something on that podcast that we wanted to dig a little deeper on as we kick off this month of Leaders Who Create Leaders. Check out Episode 86 of The Life You're Made For as well as Episode 181 of The Table where Darren talks about creating your inner circle.
In today's episode, Ryan reflects on the passing of his friend George Raveling and turns to Seneca for wisdom on how to handle grief. You'll hear Seneca's timeless words on love, loss, and why even painful memories can carry sweetness.
Join Dr. Heather Penny and Neptune's President, Jennifer Draughon, as they unpack what it means to lead from the inside out. They dive into overcoming false beliefs, building trust, and finding the courage for tough conversations. If you've faced self-doubt, conflict, or burnout in leadership, this episode will equip you with practical insights to lead with authenticity, responsibility, and resilience. It's not about perfection—it's about responsibility. They discuss how leaders can create environments where truth, trust, and transparency move beyond words on a wall and become lived experiences for every team member.Step into The Life You're Made For, I'm cheering you on!heatherpenny.com@heatherpennyphdMusic & Production by Jason Squires
Join Heather Penny and her husband, Darren, as they explore what it means to lead with your whole self. From mentors who shaped their paths to the daily choices that keep us aligned, they share how authenticity, integrity, and wholeness transform leadership. Walk away encouraged to slow down, listen to your life, and give yourself permission to lead with courage and peace.Step into The Life You're Made For, I'm cheering you on!heatherpenny.com@heatherpennyphdMusic & Production by Jason Squires
This special tribute episode celebrates the life and wisdom of George Raveling, bringing together some of his most powerful lessons shared over the years in his conversations with Ryan on The Daily Stoic Podcast.
If there's one thing Candace Parker does best, it's winning. In today's episode, Ryan sits down with basketball legend Candace Parker to talk about championships, pressure, and what it takes to be one of the greats. Candace talks about how being elite changes the way you see the world (and yourself), why winning never really feels like enough, and what happens when your whole identity is built around being the best. She opens up about legacy, ambition, parenting, and why she doesn't go a year without reading The Alchemist. Candace Parker is one of the most influential athletes of all time. After being selected as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2008 WNBA Draft by the Los Angeles Sparks, following a champion career at Tennessee, Parker went on to become the first player to earn WNBA MVP and Rookie of the Year honors in the same season, win three WNBA championship titles, and take home two Olympic gold medals. Be sure to grab a copy of Candace's book: The Can-Do Mindset: How to Cultivate Resilience, Follow Your Heart, and Fight for Your Passions Follow Candace on Instagram and X @CandaceParker
The world is crazy. Plus, we have our own crazy lives to worry about—that pile of work, the kid who might be coming down with a cold, the house project that must be finished.
It's a simple choice, but not easy.
Tim Ferriss sits down with George Raveling to uncover the incredible story of how he came to possess the original copy of Martin Luther King Jr.'s I Have a Dream speech and where it is now. Tim also talks with Ryan about the lessons he's learned from the 88-year-old basketball icon, the best advice George has given him, and what working on What You're Made For meant to him.
In today's episode, discover George Raveling's powerful philosophy on navigating life's chaos. With years of experience guiding top players and coaches, he reveals how to turn uncertainty into opportunity and transform life's challenges into a winning strategy.
In today's PT. 2 episode, George Raveling, basketball legend and Civil Rights leader, opens up about his close bond with Michael Jordan, the question he asks himself every morning, and why serving others holds more value than any accolade.As one of the most revered basketball coaches of all time, George has mentored legendary athletes and worked alongside coaching icons like Bob Knight and John Wooden. He played a pivotal role in persuading Michael Jordan to collaborate with Nike on Air Jordan, guided the 1984 U.S. men's Olympic team to gold, and even became the unexpected guardian of the original, handwritten copy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s “I Have a Dream” speech.
Sometimes hope is as simple as giving someone a reason to get through until morning. It's showing up, day after day, and saying, ‘I'm here for you.'”
Ryan Holiday sits down with one of his greatest inspirations, the legendary George Raveling, a pioneer in basketball, civil rights, and leadership. From his childhood in segregated Washington, D.C., to becoming one of the most influential figures in sports history, George's journey is nothing short of extraordinary. In this PT. 1 episode, George shares remarkable stories from his life, including his encounters with Presidents Jimmy Carter, Harry S. Truman, and Gerald Ford, his groundbreaking role as Nike's Global Director of Basketball, and how his lifelong journaling practice has shaped his wisdom and perspective.As one of the most revered basketball coaches of all time, George has mentored legendary athletes and worked alongside coaching icons like Bob Knight and John Wooden. He played a pivotal role in persuading Michael Jordan to collaborate with Nike on Air Jordan, guided the 1984 U.S. men's Olympic team to gold, and even became the unexpected guardian of the original, handwritten copy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s “I Have a Dream” speech