Podcasts about notable quotes if

Matt Putra is a fractional CFO and founder of Eightx, specializing in helping e-commerce and consumer packaged goods (CPG) companies scale profitably and sustainably. With over a decade of experience, Matt has supported businesses generating $5 million to $100 million in revenue, expertly managing cash flow, raising capital, and building financial systems that empower founders to make data-driven decisions confidently. On this episode we talk about: Matt's unconventional path to becoming a CFO, including working in manufacturing and private equity before founding Eightx​ The challenges and strategies for scaling a business that heavily depends on personal expertise and trust​ Why Matt chose e-commerce and CPG niches and how he built his client base primarily through LinkedIn and referrals​ The importance of setting and tracking key financial metrics tailored to each business team for proactive management​ Managing cash flow with weekly 13-week forecasts to foresee and handle financial challenges​ Taking calculated financial risks as a founder and balancing ambition with cash flow realities​ Advice for founders on understanding finance versus outsourcing critical financial functions​ How Matt continues to build and scale Eightx with a growing team of CFOs, analysts, and accountants​ Top 3 Takeaways 1.  Key financial metrics and consistent cash flow forecasting are crucial tools for business longevity and scaling.​2.  Scaling a fractional CFO business requires careful hiring and trust-building with skilled financial professionals.​3.  Founders should focus on core finance understanding but outsource complex financial functions to experts like fractional CFOs.​ Notable Quotes   "If you can figure out your top 20 financial metrics, you're very likely to succeed."​   "The most boring activity that exists in finance today is updating your 13-week cash flow forecast every week, but it makes you a better cash flow manager."​   "Charge enough to overdeliver for your customers because it will cost more to deliver on your promises than you expect."​ Connect with Matt Putra:   LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/mattputra​   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattwjputra/​   Website (Eightx): https://eightx.co​ ✖️✖️✖️✖️

Julee Gracey is a certified business coach, speaker, and author specializing in building confidence, overcoming self-doubt, and empowering entrepreneurs to unlock personal and financial freedom. Her background spans international modeling, TV hosting, and multimillion-dollar real estate deals, bringing an edge and authenticity to her work with high-achieving business owners and those seeking practical transformation. Her book, "Highly Confident," encapsulates her coaching philosophy and actionable frameworks for living and working boldly.​ On this episode we talk about: How Julee started her first business as a crafty kid selling wire rings in elementary school​ The lessons of growing up with hardworking, entrepreneurial parents and early confidence-building experiences​ Breaking away from the traditional life path, taking risks, and building a modeling career that led to TV and business coaching​ The real story behind being a briefcase model on Deal or No Deal and why money decisions matter​ Why confidence and courage are developed through action, not just positive thinking or "mirror affirmations"​ The connection between physical discipline, health, and showing up confidently in every part of life​ The role of boundaries, saying “no,” and not overextending yourself as a leader and entrepreneur​ How Julee's coaching and her book teach decision frameworks that help clients clarify goals, overcome imposter syndrome, and build lasting confidence​ Top 3 Takeaways 1.  Confidence is built by taking courageous action and learning through small wins, not just by waiting for permission.​2.  Physical health and movement directly influence confidence and business performance—a disciplined body supports a focused mind.​3.  Setting clear boundaries and learning to say “no” is essential for sustainable success and healthy relationships.​ Notable Quotes   "If you're going to fail, fail spectacularly—do it really big and glorious."​   "Confidence does not come from shouting self-affirmations in the mirror. It comes from showing up and doing the work."​   "People don't want the overextended, stressed-out version of you."​ Connect with Julee Gracey: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/juleegracey/ Website: https://juleegracey.com​ Book: highlyconfidentbook.com ✖️✖️✖️✖️

About the Host: Dr. Kristin Hieshetter is a renowned functional medicine expert and host of the widely acclaimed podcast, Functional Health Radio. With years of experience in the field, Dr. Hieshetter is committed to educating both patients and fellow healthcare providers about functional medicine practices and holistic health solutions. A doctor dedicated to optimizing health through natural and evidence-based treatments, she is recognized for her contribution to the understanding of complex health issues like anemia and its effects on the brain. Episode Summary: In this illuminating episode of Functional Health Radio, Dr. Kristin Hieshetter delves into a prevalent yet often misunderstood health issue—anemia. With a staggering 32.9% of the American population affected, the implications of this condition are vast and significant. Dr. Hieshetter discusses a recent clinical case from her office, addressing the nuanced indicators of anemia and their critical role in overall health, particularly concerning cognitive function and pregnancy. She underscores the importance of a thorough evaluation and targeted treatments that go beyond standard iron supplementation. This episode explores the diverse types of anemia, highlighting the importance of comprehensive blood tests such as the Complete Blood Count (CBC) with differential to assess red blood cell health more broadly. Dr. Hieshetter elucidates the dangers of over-the-counter vitamins that may not meet the necessary quality and bioavailability standards, illustrating how subpar supplementation can worsen anemia over time. She provides insights into functional medicine approaches that can effectively remedy anemic conditions, emphasizing the necessity of working with qualified health providers for precise interventions. The episode is a call to action for listeners to prioritize accurately diagnosing and addressing anemia for long-term health benefits, including prevention of brain volume reduction and cognitive decline. Key Takeaways: Anemia affects a significant portion of the population and requires proper diagnosis through comprehensive blood tests, not just iron levels. Over-the-counter vitamins often lack necessary nutrients and quality, potentially exacerbating anemia and underlying health issues. Functional medicine offers targeted treatments for anemia, focusing on the overall balance of nutrients and maintaining brain health. Persistent anemia can lead to cognitive decline and brain volume reduction, with women being particularly at risk due to menstrual cycles and pregnancy. Quality supplements that meet pharmaceutical purity and bioavailability are crucial in treating anemia effectively, especially in functional health care. Notable Quotes: "If you have low hemoglobin, guess what you can't do? You can't bring oxygen to your body and you can't get rid of carbon dioxide. That's really bad." "The findings of this study suggest anemia may be significantly associated with smaller brain volumes in the limbic system." "Let's make it a priority to get those numbers, let's get our labs drawn, let's look at what we can do to help ourselves." "Imagine the average person who has blood work that looks like this, who isn't flagged as anemic, even though there's low ferritin." "This is why I do what I do." Resources: Frontiers in Aging and NeuroScience Study PubMed Standard Process nutritional supplements For a comprehensive understanding of these insights and more, don't miss this compelling episode. Tune in to discover how you can safeguard your brain health and implement effective solutions for anemia through functional medicine. Stay engaged with Functional Health Radio for more critical health discussions that can transform your well-being.

Nelson Repenning and Don Kieffer are longtime collaborators and professors at the MIT Sloan School of Management. With nearly 30 years of combined research, leadership experience, and hands-on work inside major organizations, they specialize in fixing broken systems, developing leaders, and helping teams operate at peak performance. They are co-authors of the new book There's Got to Be a Better Way, a practical, field-tested guide to improving how people work. On this episode we talk about: How Nelson and Don each earned their very first dollar Why early childhood experiences shape lifelong money habits Practical ways parents can teach kids about money today The surprising paths that led both professors into higher education How a chance meeting at Harley-Davidson sparked a 30-year collaboration Why fixing knowledge work is harder than fixing factory work The origin story behind their new book and why it finally came together What teaching leaders revealed about how people actually learn Why improving work makes companies more profitable and people happier Top 3 Takeaways Improving work isn't about grinding harder — it's about designing systems that allow people to succeed. Kids learn more from watching how adults handle money than from any formal lesson. Long-term collaboration thrives when partners bring different strengths but share the same mission. Notable Quotes “If you want better results, you don't fix the people — you fix the work.” “Kids learn about money by seeing how you treat it, not by what you tell them.” “The moment we started teaching our ideas, we realized how much more we had to learn.” Purchase a Copy of "There's Got To Be a Better Way" https://www.amazon.com/Theres-Got-Be-Better-Way/dp/1541704622 ✖️ ✖️ ✖️ ✖️

Sean O'Brien is a serial entrepreneur, Shark Tank alum, and founder of Swingzy, a golf training tool designed to help players make smoother, more consistent swings. He's also the former CTO and CMO of Audio, a venture-backed startup co-founded by Kevin Costner and supported by major brands like Camping World and Snapchat. Known for turning down one of the biggest offers in Shark Tank history, Sean has built and sold multiple companies while staying at the forefront of tech, marketing, and product innovation. On this episode we talk about: How Sean turned rejection from Goldman Sachs into his first million-dollar business The wild story behind his eight-figure company that started with a beach chair in storage The mindset shift that turns rejection into motivation How he landed the Entrepreneur Magazine cover by sheer persistence Working with Kevin Costner and other celebrity partnerships The creation and growth of Swingzy and its impact on the golf industry Top 3 Takeaways Rejection can be your greatest motivator—if you use it as fuel instead of failure. Execution always outweighs ideas; what matters is taking consistent, bold action. Reinvention is the key to long-term success—keep evolving with each new opportunity. Notable Quotes “If you get rejected, your job is to make the people who passed on you look stupid. That's the fuel.” “Ideas are worthless until you execute. Everyone's got a million-dollar idea, but almost no one acts.” “Every setback I've ever had eventually turned into my biggest opportunity.” Connect with Sean O'Brien: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seanobrien/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seanobrienofficial Company: https://www.swingzy.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Our bodies hold onto trauma, toxins, and pain for biological reasons—not willpower. Dr. Aimie Apigian shares her bathtub breaking point and the 3-phase Biology of Trauma® framework that changed everything: how to prepare, open channels, and safely release what our nervous systems have been protecting us from. After her third collarbone break in a 2017 car accident, Dr. Aimie found herself back in depression, chronic fatigue, and developing chronic pain—despite years of therapy and functional medicine work. Crying in a bathtub, she realized her body wasn't broken; it was scared to let go. This episode reveals her discovery of the hidden connection between emotional toxins, psychological toxins, and biochemical toxins—and why our nervous systems hold on to all three. You'll learn the exact six-step process that moves through preparation, opening drainage pathways, and active release, plus why forcing detoxification before our bodies feel safe makes symptoms worse, not better. This framework bridges somatic healing, nervous system regulation, and functional medicine for both individuals struggling with stored trauma and practitioners helping clients who feel stuck. Whether we're dealing with chronic pain, autoimmunity, insomnia, or anxiety that won't shift, or we're therapists or health professionals seeking trauma-informed approaches, this episode explains how to create a biology of letting go. Dr. Aimie shows us how to work with our bodies' protective wisdom instead of fighting against it—so we can finally experience the freedom, authenticity, and healing our nervous systems have been waiting to feel safe enough to allow. In this episode you'll learn: [03:32] Why Your Body Holds On: The relationship with the past that serves survival and the parts that aren't ready to let go [07:00] The Body Trauma Loop: Nervous system pattern of looping between stress and overwhelm that keeps you stuck holding on [12:37] Holding On to Regrets: How regret creates bracing and collapse in the body and why it's one of the hardest things to release [14:58] When Life Didn't Go as Supposed: The deep sadness of holding on to how things were meant to be instead of what is [19:21] The Biggest Myth About Letting Go: Why letting go isn't a decision you make but a biology your body needs to feel safe enough to create [20:33] Three Types of Toxins We Hold: Emotional toxins, psychological toxins, and biochemical toxins all accumulate the same way in your body [23:32] Why Bodies Hold Biochemical Toxins: When you have a biology of holding on emotionally, you also hold mold, metals, parasites, and environmental toxins [28:00] Three Phases of Letting Go: Preparation, opening channels, and deep cleaning—why skipping preparation makes everything worse [31:52] What Happens When You Detox Wrong: Fatigue, mood issues, sleep problems, and brain fog all worsen when deep cleaning happens without open channels [34:11] The Six-Week Process: Creating safety, building support, working with breath, pacing the release, feeling emotions, and active detoxification [38:45] Opening Drainage Pathways: Why poop, pee, and sweat matter for letting go and how constipation keeps trauma stuck [41:00] Always Do Phases One and Two: Why you should always be resourced with open channels even when not actively detoxifying Main Takeaways: Letting Go is Biology, Not Decision: Your body holds on because it doesn't believe letting go is safe yet, not because you lack willpower or haven't decided to move forward with your mind Emotional and Biochemical Toxins Connect: When you hold emotional toxins from regrets and psychological toxins from limiting beliefs, your biology also holds biochemical toxins like mold, heavy metals, and parasites The Body Trauma Loop Keeps You Stuck: Nervous systems that loop between stress and overwhelm without reaching calm aliveness create a biology of holding on rather than releasing Deep Cleaning Without Preparation Retraumatizes: Doing intensive trauma work or detoxification before opening your channels and creating safety brings pain to the surface without allowing it to leave, making symptoms worse Regrets Create Bracing and Collapse: Holding on to regrets shows up as simultaneous bracing in shoulders and collapse in chest and heart, demonstrating how past pain lives in present body Dysregulation Multiplied by Time Becomes Chronic Conditions: Twenty years of nervous system dysregulation creates autoimmunity, chronic pain, and long-haul syndromes through accumulated toxin burden that body won't release Three Phases Must Follow Sequence: Preparation creates safety, opening channels allows ventilation, and deep cleaning releases what's ready—skipping steps or reversing order causes more harm than healing Always Resource and Keep Channels Open: Even when not actively detoxifying, you should always be doing phases one and two to prevent accumulation and stay ready for life's hard experiences Notable Quotes: "If it makes you sick 20 years later, that wasn't stress—that was trauma. You see childhood through adult eyes now, but that's not how you lived it." "Trauma becomes our biology. Then our biology blocks our healing, joy, and authenticity."  "The more emotional toxins we hold, the more biochemical toxins our body holds—mold, plastics, heavy metals, parasites." "Deep cleaning without release retraumatizes us. We surface the trauma but don't let it leave. It makes things worse."  "Once we recognize we're holding on, the choice becomes clear: stay small and safe, or let go safely and live freely."  Episode Takeaway: Letting go isn't about willpower—it's biology our nervous system needs to feel safe to create. When we hold emotional toxins, our body creates a biology of holding on. That same biology holds biochemical toxins: mold, heavy metals, parasites. Our bodies don't distinguish between toxic emotions and toxic chemicals. Both require the same three-phase process to release safely. Preparation creates safety so our nervous system considers letting go. Opening channels provides ventilation so what surfaces can actually leave. Deep cleaning happens last because without preparation, pain surfaces with nowhere to go. This is why intensive trauma work or aggressive detox makes fatigue, mood, and pain worse. The key insight: always do phases one and two, even when not actively detoxifying. Keep our drainage pathways open to prevent accumulation. When we're emotionally or physically constipated, toxins build up instead of moving through. Letting go becomes a way of being—creating a biology that releases rather than holds on. Resources/Guides: Visit biologyoftrauma.com for more resources on the Biology of Trauma® framework The Biology of Trauma book - Available now everywhere books are sold. Get your copy Foundational Journey - If you are ready to create your inner safety and shift your nervous system, join me and my team for this 6 week journey of practical somatic and mind-body inner child practices. Lay your foundation to do the deeper work safely and is the pre-requisite for becoming a Biology of Trauma® professional.  Related Episodes: Episode 1: What Professionals Need to Know About the Chronic Freeze Response with Dr. Peter Levine Episode 57: ACEs: How the Body Holds and Hides Pain with Dr. Vincent Felitti   our host: Dr. Aimie Apigian, double board-certified physician (Preventive/Addiction Medicine) with master's degrees in biochemistry and public health, and author of the national bestselling book "The Biology of Trauma" (foreword by Gabor Maté) that transforms our understanding of how the body experiences and holds trauma. After foster-adopting a child during medical school sparked her journey, she desperately sought for answers that would only continue as she developed chronic health issues. Through her practitioner training, podcast, YouTube channel, and international speaking, she bridges functional medicine, attachment and trauma therapy, facilitating accelerated repair of trauma's impact on the mind, body and biology. Disclaimer: By listening to this podcast, you agree not to use this podcast as medical, psychological, or mental health advice to treat any medical or psychological condition in yourself or others. This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your own physician, therapist, psychiatrist, or other qualified health provider regarding any physical or mental health issues you may be experiencing. Comment Etiquette: I would love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Please share and use your name or initials so that we can keep this space spam-free and the discussion positive

What if your different wiring isn't something to overcome—it's the foundation for building a business that actually works for you?For years, many neurodivergent professionals have spent enormous energy trying to decode unspoken workplace expectations, masking their natural tendencies, and wondering why traditional employment feels so exhausting. But what happens when we embrace the brains we've got instead of trying to mind-read what's expected of us, and start building businesses that work WITH our wiring instead of against it?In this milestone 50th episode of Thinkydoers, Sara sits down with serial entrepreneur Peter Shankman—creator of five startups with three exits, founder of Help a Reporter Out (now Source of Sources), and co-founder of Mental Capital Consulting. Peter shares his journey from spending decades believing something was wrong with him to building multiple successful companies powered by his ADHD brain.Whether you're a shy introvert wondering how to gain visibility, a neurodivergent professional considering entrepreneurship, or a leader trying to understand how to build truly neuroinclusive workplaces, this conversation will challenge everything you thought you knew about "fitting in."Episode Highlights:How accidentally falling into PR and media led Peter to discover that the only way he could truly thrive was by making his own rules.Why decades of being told you're “disruptive” can feel like a burden—and how unlearning that narrative helped Peter see his neurodivergent brain as an asset, not a liability.Media visibility for introverts: why letting press coverage do the talking can be a game-changer when self-promotion feels impossible.What every company should understand about neurodiversity—and why resistance to change is holding workplaces back.Don't hide your different brain: Peter's powerful message about embracing neurodiversity without shame—it doesn't have to define your whole identity, but it shouldn't be your secret either.Key Concepts Explored:Accidental career in PR and media: How starting out in an AOL chatroom led Peter to discover that he thrives when he creates his own rules.Entrepreneurship as a fit for neurodivergent brains: Why traditional employment can feel restrictive and self-employment allows your wiring to become an asset.The “broken” narrative: Unlearning decades of being told you're disruptive and embracing neurodivergence as a benefit rather than a liability.Media visibility for introverts: How earned media and press coverage can do the talking for you when self-promotion feels impossible.Building neuroinclusive workplaces: Why companies resist change and what they can gain by embracing employees who think differently.Don't hide your different brain: Embracing neurodiversity without shame—it doesn't have to be your entire identity, but it shouldn't be your secret either.Creating your own sandbox: Designing your environment and work to meet your unique strengths and needs.Common Questions Answered:How can I turn neurodivergence into an asset in my career or business?Why do traditional workplaces often feel limiting or frustrating for neurodivergent people?How can media visibility help introverts or high-expertise thinkers get noticed without self-promotion?What does it take to create a neuroinclusive workplace that supports different ways of thinking?How do I embrace my “different brain” without shame or feeling like it defines me?Notable Quotes: "If you didn't know what to do, fake it and figure it out" – Peter Shankman [00:04:00]"The majority of us have been told our whole lives that we're broken. It took me 20 years to realize I could make my brain...

Jen Powell is the innovative CEO of JP Inc, a talent management agency revolutionizing influencer licensing with offices in LA, Nashville, and New York. With over 20 years of experience in modeling and influencer marketing, Jen has transformed the traditional fashion industry by embracing influencer-driven commerce early on, making her a unique leader in this space. On this episode we talk about: Jen's transition from a top modeling agent to a pioneer in influencer marketing Early success stories of monetizing fashion blogs through sponsorships The challenges and opportunities within traditional modeling agencies Founding JP Inc and growing it into a national influencer talent agency The future of modeling, including digital/AI models and the enduring need for human connection Creator brand development and licensing as a low-risk business strategy Details about Jen's course, "The Creator's Path to Product" Top 3 Takeaways Social media followership is now a critical factor in hiring talent within the modeling and influencer industries. Licensing allows creators to retain ownership of their intellectual property while scaling their brands with less risk. Despite advances in digital and AI models, authentic human connection remains vital in storytelling and marketing. Notable Quotes "If there's two models up for a job and one has 3 million followers and one has 5,000, the model with 3 million followers is going to get the job." "It's better to make everybody think you're dumb than to speak up and remove all doubt." "Human connection matters more than people think it does in modeling and storytelling." "Licensing your creator business offers a less risky path while you build your brand and audience." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

John talks with Michael Erath — entrepreneur, business coach, speaker, founder of Next Level Growth, author of Five Obsessions of Elite Organizations: Take Your Business and Your Life to the Next Level, The Path to the Pinnacle: Using Customized Business Operating Systems to Drive Growth, Rise: The Reincarnation of an Entrepreneur, and husband, father, and grandpa. Listen to this episode to learn more: [00:00] - Intro and Michael's bio [01:21] - Michael's backstory [03:19]  - Betrayed by his business partner and how he navigated that [07:50] - Implementing EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System) in his new business [10:33] - Ideal client of Next Level Growth [13:37] - Five Obsessions of Elite Organizations [15:43] - #1: Great People [16:21] - #2: Inspiring Purpose [17:07] - #3: Optimized Playbooks [17:44] - #4: Culture of Performance [19:15] - #5: Growing Profits and Cash Flow [20:52] - Figuring out your personal purpose vs. the company purpose [22:46] - How pain helped John and Michael discover their purposes [26:57] - What is quarterly calibration and why Michael uses it [33:27] - Three key questions for managers/leaders to ask [34:33] - Employees can also give feedback to their managers/leaders [38:25] - Traits of a great leader [40:19] - Role of Michael's faith in his business [42:33] - Hard times help people grow stronger [45:46] - Michael's definition of success [47:03] - #1 weekly habit [50:31] - How Michael invests in his growth [54:28] - Best way to reach out to Michael [57:13] - Closing thoughts NOTABLE QUOTES: "If money is the only reason you're in business, that's the reason you're gonna go out of business." "Most of our frustrations between people is a result of unclear expectations." "If you treat profit and cash as a byproduct, that's all it ever will be." "If you believe in your purpose, you need to be intentional about growing your profits and cash flow." "Leadership is about relationships. You have to be an empathetic listener to build relationships." "You don't get stronger by not working out. You actually have to tear the muscle in order to build it up." "Paint a picture of what a successful life looks like for you as an individual, and then build the systems and structures into your life." "Marry the right partner, because at the end of the day, if you marry someone who's a great partner for you, they support you and help you and make you almost unstoppable." "Do your research on your coach, and if the person you want to coach you doesn't have at least one coach, don't hire that person." BOOKS MENTIONED: Traction: Get A Grip On Your Business by Gino Wickman (https://a.co/d/fJcDVGl) Already Whole: Unlock The Eight Keys to Emotional Freedom and Inner Peace by Elijah Kai (https://a.co/d/5OSoZYu) USEFUL RESOURCES: https://askmichaelerath.com/ https://nextlevelgrowth.com/ https://pinnaclebusinessguides.com/guide/Michael-Erath/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelerath1/ https://www.facebook.com/michael.erath.2025 https://www.youtube.com/@nextlevelgrowth Five Obsessions of Elite Organizations: Take Your Business and Your Life to the Next Level (https://a.co/d/g95AUrg) The Path to the Pinnacle: Using Customized Business Operating Systems to Drive Growth (https://a.co/d/91e0ZJB) Rise: The Reincarnation of an Entrepreneur (https://a.co/d/8zkIGxi) https://fiveobsessions.com/   CONNECT WITH JOHN Website - https://iamjohnhulen.com    LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnhulen Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/johnhulen    Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/johnhulen    X - https://x.com/johnhulen    YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLX_NchE8lisC4NL2GciIWA    EPISODE CREDITS Intro and Outro music provided by Jeff Scheetz - https://jeffscheetz.com/ 

Host: Bob Furniss (without co-host Amos) Guest: Daniel Thomas, Informa Location: ICMI Conference Expo Floor Guest Background Daniel Thomas approaches contact center industry from a research background Surveys audiences and writes research reports Has "front row seat" to industry transformation Conducts the annual State of the Contact Center survey About the State of the Contact Center Report Comprehensive benchmark study surveying contact center professionals Covers multiple verticals including: Training and skills Compensation and salary Technology use Leadership perceptions Strategy Tracks year-over-year progress Recent additions include AI and workforce training questions Key Surprising Findings 1. Contact Centers as Strategic Intelligence Hubs Major shift: Contact centers increasingly viewed as "strategic customer intelligence hubs" rather than cost centers Described as "customer intelligence and nervous system" No other department has closer customer proximity or more customer data C-suite now acknowledges value with direct data funnels informing executive decisions 2. AI Perceptions and Impact 72% believe AI will transform roles, not replace them Only ~25% think AI will lead to workforce reductions AI expected to handle "level one, rote, monotonous, repetitive work" Agents will focus on: Complex needs and edge cases Soft skills: empathy, communication, problem solving, critical thinking 90% of surveyed leaders believe humans necessary as AI overseers Gartner prediction: 40% of agentic AI projects will fail by 2027 (often due to neglecting human oversight) Agent Evolution Agents increasingly viewed as: Consultants Solutions architects Higher-tier problem solvers "White glove service" providers Rising expectations due to AI support Agents becoming intelligence providers to C-suite More analytical roles: identifying trends, patterns, creating intelligent summaries Top AI Implementation Concerns Customer resistance (top concern) Data accuracy Data privacy and security Lack of proper AI governance Workforce and Quality Management Insights Workforce Models (Nearly Equal Three-Way Split) In-office full time Hybrid Fully remote Models remain transitional and subject to change Increased scheduling flexibility critical for retention Quality Focus Shift Traditional metrics: CSAT, utilization, average handle time New priority: Agent experience rising in importance Recognition that internal customer experience drives external customer experience Customer Satisfaction Challenges Current CSAT surveys often lack nuance Can't distinguish between: Poor agent performance vs. poor company policy Single bad experience vs. overall satisfaction Need for more qualitative feedback mechanisms "Watermelon effect": High metrics but poor actual experience Channel Evolution Significant jump from multi-channel to omni-channel implementation Growth in non-traditional channels: Social media SMS/text Video Technology enabling unified customer history across channels Key Takeaways Successful organizations treat contact centers as "valuable strategic sources of intelligence" Organizations not recognizing this value are "dropping the ball" and will "see the consequences" Contact centers serve as the "hub" and "nervous system" reaching everywhere in the organization When no one knows the answer, they turn to the contact center Notable Quotes "If your agents aren't excited about AI, then you actually haven't communicated to them how enriching and transforming it could be" "Agents are increasingly going to play a role where they are the eyes and the ears... providing the intelligence back to the C-suite" Contact centers as "the strongest data... the hub... the nervous system that reaches in everywhere else"

Go With The Flow: Automating Amazon Data Scraping with Bookmarklets and Chrome Extensions Episode Overview In this episode, Danny and Ritu delve into creative methods for automating data scraping from Amazon pages using bookmarklets and Chrome extensions. They explore different approaches to gather valuable insights while emphasizing the importance of viewing challenges from multiple perspectives. This episode explores automation and data scraping techniques, creative approaches to workflow optimization with practical insights for immediate implementation. Key Takeaways Automation of Amazon data extraction can be achieved through bookmarklets and Chrome extensions, enhancing workflow efficiency. Understanding the structure of Amazon product pages and applying creative coding techniques can result in more efficient data scraping. Chapter Markers Time Chapter Description 00:01 Introduction Danny welcomes listeners and introduces the theme of the episode, highlighting a shared experience in automation. 01:40 Understanding Amazon's Taxonomy Database Danny discusses the complexities of Amazon's taxonomy database and how content in listings impacts product types. 05:00 Automation in Data Collection Ritu and Danny explain different ways to automate mundane tasks of scraping data from Amazon product pages. 09:11 Scraping Mechanics Explained Ritu breaks down the mechanics of how scraping works, particularly focusing on the Document Object Model (DOM). 18:20 Introduction to Bookmarklets Ritu explains bookmarklets and their function as JavaScript executing buttons on browser pages. 25:21 Creating a Chrome Extension Ritu discusses the creation of a Chrome plugin to automate checking the arrival date of multiple products on Amazon. 30:05 Advanced Scraping Techniques Danny discusses the depth of information available on Amazon product pages and the importance of efficient data extraction. 49:01 Developing a Storyboard Generator Danny reveals the development of a storyboard generator that aids in creating compelling visual content. 57:12 Conclusion and Future Directions Danny and Ritu summarize the episode's insights and encourage listeners to experiment with their scraping techniques. Notable Quotes "If you can be as creative as possible and then you've got people around you that put guard rails in place, you'll be surprised at the level of skill set needed." Resources Mentioned

This week marks a massive milestone—400 episodes of Cover Band Confidential! To celebrate, Mike Schulte steps in as moderator to turn the tables on Adam and Dan, asking the questions listeners have always wanted answered. Together, they look back at seven years of podcasting, community-building, faceplants, fart pedals, and life lessons that made Cover Band Confidential what it is today.Expect stories you've never heard before, stats that will blow your mind (246 hours of audio?!), and a heartfelt reflection on what it really means to “rock more and suck less.”

Speed to Lead: The $30K Mistake Killing Your Clinic Growth In this episode, Doc Danny Matta breaks down one of the most overlooked profit leaks in cash-based practice ownership — slow lead follow-up. Learn how the average clinic loses tens of thousands each month from poor contact speed, and discover a simple system to fix it fast. Quick Ask Help us hit our mission of adding $1B in cash-based services to physical therapy. Share this episode with a clinician friend or post it on your Instagram stories — tag @dannymattaPT so he can reshare it! Episode Summary Big picture: Most clinics lose $30K+ per month from slow follow-up and poor lead management. The data gap: The average healthcare clinic takes 2 hours and 5 minutes to respond to a lead — consumers expect 10–15 minutes. Industry average: Only 11% of people who fill out a healthcare form ever become patients. 100x advantage: Responding within 5 minutes increases your chance of conversion by 100 times. The math: Raising your contact-to-eval rate from 40% to 70% could add $30,000/month in revenue — no new ads, no new spend. Lessons & Takeaways Track everything: If you don't measure conversion from contact to eval, you're flying blind. Speed to lead: Reach out within 5–15 minutes when someone submits a form or books a call. Multi-touch follow-up: Use 5–7 touch points (calls, texts, emails) in the first 1–2 weeks. Auto + human combo: Use automated confirmations plus manual outreach to maximize connection. Text wins: Consumers are far more likely to reply to a text than a voicemail. Mindset & Motivation Serve, don't sell: Follow-up isn't pestering — it's helping people make the change they already want. Fix the leak first: Don't spend more on marketing until your conversion system works. Track the funnel: Know your contact requests, booked calls, evals, and follow-ups weekly. Pro Tips for Owners Set notifications: When a new form is submitted, get instant alerts via Slack or text. Train your admin: Give them scripts for fast responses and early scheduling. Layer automation: Confirm appointments automatically via text + email. Segment leads: Prioritize same-day outreach for hot leads; move cold leads to your newsletter. Systemize: Build a “speed to lead” SOP — who calls, who texts, and when. Notable Quotes “If you can respond within five minutes, it increases the likelihood they'll become a client by 100 times.” “Fortune is in the follow-up — and most clinics aren't following up at all.” “Nobody wants PT; they want the freedom PT gives them. Help them get it by being responsive.” Action Items Audit your lead-to-eval conversion rate. Implement instant text + email confirmation for all form submissions. Create a 5–7 touchpoint follow-up plan over two weeks. Assign ownership: Who calls, who texts, and how soon? Review results monthly — aim for 70% contact-to-eval conversion. Programs Mentioned PT Biz Part-Time to Full-Time 5-Day Challenge (Free): Get clear on your numbers, choose your path, and build your one-page business plan. Resources & Links PT Biz Website Free 5-Day PT Biz Challenge About the Host: Doc Danny Matta — physical therapist, entrepreneur, and founder of PT Biz and Athlete's Potential. He's helped over 1,000 clinicians start, grow, and scale successful cash-based practices across the U.S.

Many women enter perimenopause unprepared for the brain remodeling and nervous system changes that make this transition feel destabilizing. For practitioners supporting clients through midlife, and for women navigating perimenopause themselves, understanding how stored trauma amplifies symptoms and shrinks capacity changes everything about this journey. This episode features Dr. Mariza Snyder, author of The Perimenopause Revolution, who shares her personal journey through perimenopause while carrying complex PTSD from childhood abuse.  You'll discover why stabilizing blood sugar becomes foundational for cellular energy, how the critical line of overwhelm shifts during perimenopause, and why brain inflammation during this transition feels like cognitive decline.  Dr. Mariza reframes perimenopause as an invitation to review what's up for change—relationships, obligations, and patterns that no longer serve your nervous system—rather than something to survive. In this episode you'll learn: 02:16 Why Blood Sugar Stability Is Pillar One: How stabilizing cellular energy through food becomes foundational during perimenopause and nervous system dysregulation 04:30 Perimenopause as Neuroendocrine Transition: Understanding neuroinflammation and brain remodeling during erratic hormone decline 08:14 When Executive Function Falters: Why women who effortlessly managed 100 tabs suddenly can't multitask the way they used to 11:22 Change and Stored Trauma: Why perimenopause triggers those carrying trauma—change means the unknown, and the unknown feels more dangerous than familiar suffering 14:18 Everything Up for Review: How perimenopause forces discernment about what you've been tolerating, prioritizing, and saying yes to 17:03 The Critical Line of Overwhelm Shifts: How perimenopause shortens your capacity threshold and why that might be the invitation you need 20:53 The Cake Pop Phenomenon: Why women operate disconnected from their bodies and how perimenopause demands new attunement 23:14 Progesterone, GABA, and Melatonin Decline: The alarming rate at which women lose these calming neurochemicals during perimenopause 27:09 Shifting State Through Grounding: Practical strategies like naming objects in the room to get prefrontal cortex online 28:34 The Five Week Midlife Reset Plan: Movement, sleep strategies, meal plans, recipes, and symptom trackers to create wins without overwhelm Main Takeaways: Cellular Energy Determines Everything: Blood sugar stability creates homeostasis that supports mood regulation, stress tolerance, and nervous system capacity—making it foundational for both perimenopause and trauma healing. Perimenopause Shrinks Your Critical Line of Overwhelm: Your capacity threshold shortens during perimenopause, forcing discernment about relationships, obligations, and patterns that push you over the edge into dysregulation. Brain Inflammation Mimics Cognitive Decline: The erratic decline of estrogen, progesterone, GABA, and melatonin creates neuroinflammation that feels like early dementia but is actually your brain remodeling for the second half of life. The Hundred-Tab Brain Stops Working: Executive function that allowed effortless multitasking begins to falter—it's a time your brain is recalibrating to focus on one thing at a time. Stored Trauma Amplifies Perimenopause Symptoms: Women with childhood trauma, hypervigilant nervous systems, and complex PTSD experience perimenopause as more destabilizing because change triggers survival responses rooted in the unknown feeling dangerous. Everything Comes Up for Review: Perimenopause forces examination of what you've been tolerating—work obligations, relationships, people-pleasing patterns, and the habit of prioritizing everyone else before yourself. Disconnected Demands New Attunement: Operating disconnected from your body (all cerebral, nothing below the neck) no longer works—perimenopause demands you drop into your body and form new relationships with its signals. Notable Quotes: "If we could just optimize, stabilize our cellular energy through stabilizing our blood sugar, we really set a great foundation." "We could have a hundred tabs open and manage them effortlessly. And then I remember the day where I was really having to effort because that level of executive function begins to falter." "Nothing is wrong. Stop trying to find something to do right now. Like, just be present in the moment." "I feel like a cake pop sometimes. Everything is just happening here and what's below my head, there's nothing below. You know, I'm so disconnected." "Perimenopause is a time for discernment, because everything is up for review. We get to work on the trauma because it's probably coming up for review." "The critical line of overwhelm—you have less of a line. It shortens. And I don't necessarily think that that is a bad thing if you can become aware." Episode Takeaway: Perimenopause isn't just about hot flashes and missed periods. Your brain is literally remodeling itself. Hormones that showed up predictably for decades now arrive erratically. For women carrying stored trauma, this feels destabilizing. Change means the unknown. The unknown feels dangerous. You don't know who you're becoming. You don't know what your capacity will be. You don't know if you can trust your brain anymore. Your nervous system responds the only way it knows how—by staying on alert. The critical line of overwhelm shifts during perimenopause. Your capacity threshold shortens. What felt manageable last year now pushes you over the edge. The relationships that drain you. The obligations you never wanted. The people-pleasing patterns you've carried for decades. They suddenly feel intolerable. Your nervous system no longer has bandwidth for what doesn't serve you. Stabilizing cellular energy through blood sugar becomes foundational because dysregulation multiplied by time creates the neuroinflammation that mimics cognitive decline. Women who operated as "cake pops"—all cerebral, disconnected from body signals—discover that perimenopause demands new attunement. Your body is no longer willing to be ignored. The invitation is to grieve your former self, accept your brain's recalibration, and choose what you're calling into the second half of your life with fierce discernment about what matters enough to maintain your nervous system regulation. Resources/Guides: The Perimenopause Revolution by Dr. Mariza Snyder - The comprehensive manual for navigating perimenopause with nervous system support, blood sugar strategies, movement plans, meal plans, and the five-week midlife reset. Get the book and access over $700 in bonuses at drmariza.com/book The Biology of Trauma book - Available now everywhere books are sold. Get your copy Foundational Journey - If you are ready to create your inner safety and shift your nervous system, join me and my team for this 6 week journey of practical somatic and mind-body inner child practices. Lay your foundation to do the deeper work safely and is the pre-requisite for becoming a Biology of Trauma® professional.  Related Episodes: Ep 166: The Body Keeps Score: How Trauma Rewires Your Nervous System with Dr. Bessel van der Kolk Ep 123: Light, Sleep and High-Impact Habits To Heal Your Nervous System   Guest: Dr. Mariza Snyder is a functional practitioner and author of The Perimenopause Revolution, the comprehensive guide helping women navigate perimenopause with nervous system regulation, cellular energy optimization, and practical strategies for the decade-long transition. With her own experience of complex PTSD and hypervigilant nervous system, she brings both clinical expertise and personal understanding to supporting women through midlife brain remodeling. Learn more at drmariza.com and connect with her on Instagram @drmariza. Your host: Dr. Aimie Apigian, double board-certified physician (Preventive/Addiction Medicine) with master's degrees in biochemistry and public health, and author of the national bestselling book "The Biology of Trauma" (foreword by Gabor Maté) that transforms our understanding of how the body experiences and holds trauma. After foster-adopting a child during medical school sparked her journey, she desperately sought for answers that would only continue as she developed chronic health issues. Through her practitioner training, podcast, YouTube channel, and international speaking, she bridges functional medicine, attachment and trauma therapy, facilitating accelerated repair of trauma's impact on the mind, body and biology. Disclaimer: By listening to this podcast, you agree not to use this podcast as medical, psychological, or mental health advice to treat any medical or psychological condition in yourself or others. This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your own physician, therapist, psychiatrist, or other qualified health provider regarding any physical or mental health issues you may be experiencing. Comment Etiquette: I would love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Please share and use your name or initials so that we can keep this space spam-free and the discussion positive

Patrick Leddin is a leadership expert, bestselling author, decorated Army veteran, and founder of two successful companies. As a former Airborne Ranger and 82nd Airborne officer, senior consultant at KPMG and Franklin Covey, and Vanderbilt professor, Patrick has coached thousands of people to lead through challenge and change. He's the author of The Five-Week Leadership Challenge and, with James Patterson, the new book Disrupt Everything: Win and Take Control of Your Future. On this episode we talk about: Patrick's unlikely journey from floundering college dropout and Army recruit to multimillion-dollar entrepreneur and bestselling author How the military taught him discipline and the value of following clear steps and systems Building and exiting a consulting company with his wife—from side hustle to full-time to acquisition Why “betting on yourself” can unlock more security and fulfillment than any traditional “safe” career path Insights from “Disrupt Everything”: Defining purpose, thriving under adversity, and finding opportunity in uncertainty Behind the scenes on co-authoring with James Patterson, blending powerful storytelling with actionable business wisdom Top 3 Takeaways Most “overnight” entrepreneurs start with side hustles, lots of hours, and calculated risk—build your skillset, then leap when the moment is right. Define your mission, values, and purpose early, and you'll weather any disruption or crisis thrown your way. True opportunity is often found in chaos—if you're willing to pivot and act when everyone else hesitates. Notable Quotes “If you can fail at what you don't want, you may as well take a chance on what you love.” “At some point, you need to ask, do you want a safe job—or would you rather bet on yourself?” “Times of uncertainty are fertile ground for opportunity—if you're clear on your purpose, you can disrupt everything and win.” Connect with Patrick Leddin: Website: patrickleddin.com ✖️✖️✖️✖️

Scott Harris is the founder of Magnetic Real Estate and a Wall Street Journal Top 150 agent, with over $2 billion in New York City residential sales. Creator of the Magnetic Method, Scott has guided clients through some of the most complex deals in America's most competitive market. In this episode, he shares his journey from warehouse shifts and music tours to building a seven-figure real estate career—and reveals what it really takes to thrive in real estate, no matter the market. On this episode we talk about: How growing up around family businesses built his work ethic and networking skills The pivotal leap from music and performing to top-tier real estate success What it actually takes to stand out (and survive) in a hyper-competitive city like NYC Why adding value and making authentic connections lead to repeat business and powerful referrals Building your schedule, handling time-wasters, and why agents who “go all in” thrive long-term The truth about timing, mindset, market cycles, and why now might be the best time to jump in Top 3 Takeaways Most success in real estate comes from sheer volume, discipline, and relentless networking—not luck or unique ideas. Relationship building, genuine curiosity, and giving without expectation are the real differentiators in crowded markets. Don't let market conditions scare you—some of the greatest fortunes are made in tough economies when others get scared off. Notable Quotes “If you add enough value and connect people, it always comes back. That's just the law of reciprocity.” “87% of agents wash out before year five—but if you're willing to do the volume, you'll beat the odds.” “Every market has opportunity; your belief, vision, and action matter more than interest rates.” Connect with Scott Harris: pursueyourhome.com ✖️✖️✖️✖️

On this episode, repeat guest Colton Bagnoli is back to share his absolute obsession with hunting Africa after yet another trip to South Africa and to give his honest and raw opinion on whether the new cartridges that have hit the market lately are actually worth considering.  “Pap” as he's better known doesn't mince words when it comes to why Africa is worth considering, regardless of your budget, and the many reasons for making it a priority in your future hunting plans. And, as someone deeply involved in the shooting and firearms space, his takes on many of the newer cartridges that have been released is not to be missed.  NOTABLE QUOTES:  “If you just plink around, you have no business shooting an animal at 1,000 yards.”  @papwinkle  CRUSADER SAFARIS  ---------------------------  DEALS & PARTNERS:  For over 100 years Leica has set the standard for premium optics. From spotting scopes to binoculars, rifle scopes and the new CRF MAX rangefinders, Leica is the choice for those who accept no compromises.  Don't miss out on Canada's best mountain hunting and conservation expo! The 2026 Wild Sheep Society of BC's Salute to Conservation Mountain Hunting Expo will sell out fast. Get your tickets now!  onX Hunt is the most powerful 3D mapping solution for hunters. Get your FREE trial today. If you're already a member, check out the exclusive offers and perks available when you upgrade to an Elite Member.   Tired of gut rotting instant coffee? Check out This Is Coffee and get yourself some great instant coffee for when you're in the backcountry or on the road.  ---------------------------  SUPPORT WILD SHEEP:  Go to Wild Sheep Foundation to find a membership option that suits your budget and commitment to wild sheep.  Go to Wild Sheep Society of BC to become a member, enter raffles, buy merch and support BC's wild sheep populations.  SUPPORT MOUNTAIN GOATS:  Go to Rocky Mountain Goat Alliance to find a membership option that suits your budget and commitment to conserving mountain goats and their habitat.   

John continues his conversation with Dr. Rachel Fox. In this episode, Dr. Rachel talks about the inspiration behind her nonprofit, You Go Girl, which empowers girls and women by helping them with self-love & awareness, physical & mental health, and education.  In Part 1, they discussed the struggles she faced, building a blended family, overcoming her daughter's serious illness, and how these experiences shaped her purpose and career. Listen to this episode to learn more: [00:00] - Story behind starting her nonprofit, You Go Girl [04:47] - Dr. Rachel's book: Back to Me: Evolved & Unshaken - A New Awakening [08:03] - The Gold in the Mud analogy [10:00] - Why Dr. Rachel stopped self-promoting her book [14:14] - Why you should buy multiple copies of a book [17:18] - Back to Me's availability on Kindle [17:55] - John's advice for overcoming fear of recording [22:11] - Don't die with your story inside you [25:10] - Dr. Rachel's definition of success [28:07] - Traits of a great leader [32:22] - #1 daily habit [34:00] - How Dr. Rachel invests in herself [36:31] - Coaches need coaches [37:28] - Creating family memories [42:00] - Best way to connect with Dr. Rachel [46:53] - Wrap-up NOTABLE QUOTES: “If girls aren't healed, they'll turn into women who are still broken. And that's why we focus on girls and women.” “Your first recording is always your first recording. It is your baseline. Because as you do it more, you get better at it. You start learning different tricks and things that work for you.” “I tell you how many times I failed … but there are a lot of lessons learned along the way.” “The things that we want to hide from, the things that we say, ‘Gosh, that was embarrassing. Oh my goodness, I can't believe that cringy moment,' those hold so many good lessons.” “You don't get to the shiny, pretty part without the heat, the fire, and knocking away the impurities.” “The worst feeling that I can think of in this kind of world is to die with your story inside you.” “You have to be ready for the feedback. And just because somebody has an opinion about you or your work doesn't make it true.” “A good leader allows you the space to grow, gives you the tools to be able to grow, celebrates you when you grow, and looks for that transformation.” “You never become more appreciative of life than when you see somebody so close to you hang on to it.” BOOK MENTIONED: The Awe Of God by John Bevere (https://a.co/d/9di9hV8) USEFUL RESOURCES: https://www.racheldfox.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/racheldfox/ https://www.instagram.com/racheldfox/ https://www.facebook.com/racheldfox https://x.com/theracheldfox https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5oUKM0EYbaKjheENkGKX5A?view_as=subscriber Back to Me: Evolved & Unshaken - A New Awakening (https://a.co/d/8CmZfDK) CONNECT WITH JOHN Website - https://iamjohnhulen.com    LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnhulen Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/johnhulen    Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/johnhulen    X - https://x.com/johnhulen    YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLX_NchE8lisC4NL2GciIWA    EPISODE CREDITS Intro and Outro music provided by Jeff Scheetz - https://jeffscheetz.com/ 

Why does brain inflammation happen during the freeze response? How do you explain the difference between stress and trauma to patients? What's the single most important starting point for nervous system regulation? This episode answers these critical questions while revealing why emotional eating isn't a willpower problem and introducing the simple three-day tracking tool that changes everything for healing. You'll discover the critical line of overwhelm - that invisible threshold where stress becomes trauma - and learn practical strategies you can implement immediately to support your nervous system and begin the repair process. In this episode you'll learn: [01:19] The Biggest Myth: Why confusing stress and trauma leads to minimizing experiences and self-shame  [02:11] Physician's Lens on Trauma: If it makes you sick 20 years later, it wasn't just stress  [06:04] Three Nervous System States: Understanding polyvagal theory and the critical line of overwhelm  [09:52] Brain Inflammation During Freeze: Why immune cells unleash inflammation as protective survival strategy  [13:25] Dysregulation Multiplied by Time: Why autoimmunity takes 20 years of nervous system dysregulation to appear  [14:40] Three-Day Nervous System Journal: Simple hourly tracking tool that reveals hidden patterns  [19:00] The Gut-Brain Connection: Why your gut is inseparable from brain health and trauma loops  [21:22] Emotional Eating and Functional Freeze: Understanding food's hidden functions beyond willpower  [24:40] The #1 Starting Point: Why quality sleep has greatest impact on nervous system regulation  [25:44] Aligning with Circadian Rhythm: Morning sunlight, red light therapy, and working with your body's healing strategies Main Takeaways: Stress vs. Trauma Requires Different Repair: If it makes you sick 20 years later, it was trauma requiring fundamentally different approaches than stress management The Critical Line of Overwhelm: Personal capacity threshold where activation becomes trauma and the body automatically hits emergency brake Brain Inflammation Serves Protection: Immune cells unleash inflammation during freeze to facilitate disconnection and energy conservation for survival Time Compounds Dysregulation: Autoimmunity requires approximately 20 years of nervous system dysregulation to manifest as diagnosable disease Three-Day Tracking Creates Awareness: Hourly nervous system tracking reveals patterns showing time spent in shutdown, stress, or calm aliveness Innate Healing Requires Right Conditions: Surgical incisions prove the body heals itself when blocks are removed and proper support provided Gut-Brain Creates Stuck Points: Imbalanced gut causes neurochemical problems feeding back to worsen gut issues, limiting therapy progress Food Function Reveals Need: Emotional eating serves specific purposes - staying awake, avoiding feelings, managing energy - not willpower failure Sleep Impacts Everything: Quality sleep has greatest single effect on nervous system regulation and reduces sugar cravings Notable Quotes: "If it makes you sick 20 years later, that was not just stress. That was trauma your body was experiencing in childhood. You're looking at it through the lens of your adult self now, but that's not how you were experiencing it back then." "The critical line of overwhelm is where you've done your best. Your best wasn't good enough, and hitting the wall means there's no point in trying anymore." "Brain inflammation is part of a trauma response. Sometimes it triggers it. Sometimes it's triggered by the freeze response, but they always happen together." "Dysregulation multiplied by time becomes diagnoses. It's predictable." "Track your nervous system, and you'll be amazed at how much you learn about yourself in a week."   Episode Takeaway: The critical line of overwhelm represents your personal threshold where stress becomes trauma and your body automatically engages the emergency brake. Brain inflammation during freeze is part of the deliberate survival strategy - helping you disconnect, go numb, and conserve energy for survival. The insight: dysregulation multiplied by time becomes disease. Autoimmunity takes approximately 20 years of compounded nervous system dysregulation to manifest. This explains why short-term stress doesn't cause chronic illness but prolonged trauma patterns do. The three-day nervous system journal - tracking your inner state hourly - reveals patterns invisible to both practitioners and clients. This tracking tool shows how much time you spend in each of the three states and guides targeted intervention. Quality sleep stands as the single most powerful starting point for nervous system regulation. Better sleep reduces emotional eating, decreases sugar cravings, and increases your capacity to handle stress before crossing that critical line into trauma territory. Resources/Guides: The Biology of Trauma book - Available now everywhere books are sold. Get your copy Foundational Journey - If you are ready to create your inner safety and shift your nervous system, join me and my team for this 6 week journey of practical somatic and mind-body inner child practices. Lay your foundation to do the deeper work safely and is the pre-requisite for becoming a Biology of Trauma® professional.  Related Episodes: Episode 101: Brain Inflammation: Addressing The Overlooked Gatekeeper To Trauma Release with. Dr Austin Perlmutter Your host: Dr. Aimie Apigian, double board-certified physician (Preventive/Addiction Medicine) with master's degrees in biochemistry and public health, and author of the national bestselling book "The Biology of Trauma" (foreword by Gabor Maté) that transforms our understanding of how the body experiences and holds trauma. After foster-adopting a child during medical school sparked her journey, she desperately sought for answers that would only continue as she developed chronic health issues. Through her practitioner training, podcast, YouTube channel, and international speaking, she bridges functional medicine, attachment and trauma therapy, facilitating accelerated repair of trauma's impact on the mind, body and biology. Disclaimer: By listening to this podcast, you agree not to use this podcast as medical, psychological, or mental health advice to treat any medical or psychological condition in yourself or others. This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your own physician, therapist, psychiatrist, or other qualified health provider regarding any physical or mental health issues you may be experiencing. Comment Etiquette: I would love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Please share and use your name or initials so that we can keep this space spam-free and the discussion positive

In this episode of Do The Work | Mindset Mastery As we head into the final quarter of 2025, I can't help but reflect on how quickly this year has passed. For some it has been a year of breakthroughs, for others a season of struggle, and for many it has been the same repeated cycle with no real progress. I know that space well because I spent years stuck there, constantly comparing myself to others, replaying the same broken record of frustration and disappointment. What I learned is that when you remain in that weakened state and do nothing, it always makes things worse. There is no positive outcome that comes from inaction. It took me years of turmoil, fights at home, depression, and setbacks before I finally said enough was enough. I had to let go of arrogance, become a student, and follow a proven model with absolute discipline. That model taught me to take care of my body, grow my mind, and improve my business every single day. Eleven years later, that same discipline has carried me through highs and lows, created stability, and given me the responsibility to teach others to do the same. Last week, I interviewed one of our top producers, Felipe. His story hit hard. His mother in law is battling a terminal illness, and his family is carrying that weight every single day. Yet he continues to show up, smiling, working, and leading his family. He's able to remain strong because he follows the same model he built in times of peace. He makes his power deposits, his purpose deposits, and his profit deposits, even in the middle of heartbreak. That discipline allows him to stay strong when most would break. And that is the lesson. Discipline is what steadies you when the storms of life hit. Without it, you ride an emotional roller coaster that everyone around you feels your family, your clients, even strangers on Instagram. But with discipline, you create stability. You show up the same way whether life is good or life is breaking apart. You keep moving forward regardless of fear, anger, or doubt. I've lived this through every season of my business and my life: from financial ruin, to injuries, to losing agents, to being told the company wouldn't survive. And each time, I kept showing up, making my deposits, holding to the model. You wouldn't know my fear or my doubt because I refused to let it dictate my actions. That is what built this company, that is what built my family, and that is what continues to build my life today. So as we close this year, ask yourself: are you operating from feelings, or are you following a standard? Are you making deposits every day, or are you hoping that things just work out? Because without discipline, you don't stand a chance. With it, you create a foundation that allows you to not only survive but thrive no matter what comes your way. Reader Engagement Questions Where in your life do you need to raise your standard so discipline guides you instead of feelings? How do your family, clients, and peers experience you when things fall apart do they see strength or instability? What daily deposits can you commit to right now that will keep you steady through both success and hardship? Notable Quotes “If you are in a weakened position and you do nothing, it makes things worse. There is no positive that could come out of that.” “Discipline allows you to remain strong in moments of tragedy, in moments of weakness, in moments of doubt and fear but you wouldn't know.” “Regardless of where I am in life, I show up the very same way day in and day out. But again, you wouldn't know.” Follow A.Z. Araujo on Social Media: Instagram: @azaraujo Facebook: A.Z. Araujo TikTok: A.Z. Araujo YouTube: Do The Work Podcast   For Real Estate Agents in AZ: Learn more about Do The Work Coaching and A.Z. & Associates: dothework.com/azaa   Upcoming Events: If you're a real estate brokerage owner, sign up for one of our upcoming events. Visit: dothework.com bigmoneybrokerage.com Join my mailing list for updates!   New Do The Work Gear: Check out the latest DTW and Do The Work Gear! Hats, shirts, journals, and more: • • shop.dothework.com

How Workshops Win: Emotion-First Public Speaking for Cash-Based PT Lead Gen In this episode, Doc Danny Matta lays out how to fill your schedule by getting in front of real people—workshops, talks, and small group education—and connecting emotionally before you ever ask for the appointment. He explains direct-response marketing for cash-based clinics, the “feelings before logic” rule, and a practical script stack (frustration → “imagine if” → personal story → action) that turns talks into patients. Quick Ask Help PT Biz move toward the mission of adding $1B in cash-based services to our profession: share this episode with a clinician friend or post it to your IG stories and tag Danny—he'll reshare it. Episode Summary Direct-response > referrals: Cash clinics grow fastest by going straight to the people (gyms, clubs, teams, parent groups), not by waiting on physician referrals. Workshops convert: Live education (in-person or virtual) is a predictable way to create trust and book consults. Feelings before facts: Lead with frustration, fear, and hope—the human stuff—then layer in the plan. Positive vision beats fear: “Imagine if…” scenarios help audiences see the future they want and move toward it. Stories sell: Personal experience (e.g., your own injury journey) creates instant credibility and connection. Let them say it: When attendees voice their own stakes and frustrations, commitment skyrockets. The Emotional Connection Framework Appeal to feelings before logic. Name the frustration in their language (“Isn't it frustrating when…?”) to open the door to change. Use “Imagine if…” Paint a clear, positive future state (pain-free golf trips, finishing workouts, keeping up with kids). Share something personal. Brief, relevant story that mirrors their journey (e.g., your own ACL rehab or chronic pain lesson). Make them feel the problem. Skip the RCT lecture; speak to missed experiences and what they're giving up. Elicit their why. Ask direct questions so they articulate what's at stake—then show the next step. Field Notes & Examples Workshops that work: Gyms, run clubs, golf leagues, youth sports parents, corporate wellness lunches, and private FB groups. The “gruff granddad” story: A patient's Disney scooter and coaster seatbelt moment became the emotional turning point—once he said it, change followed. Military → MobilityWOD/CrossFit reps: Coaching, audits, and “mystery shopper” feedback sharpened delivery—reps matter. Pro Tips You Can Use Today Book two talks this month. One in person, one virtual. Keep each to 25–30 minutes + Q&A. Script the open. 90 seconds: frustration opener → “imagine if” vision → your 20-second origin story. Give a simple plan. 3 steps max. Clear, doable, no jargon. Single CTA. “Grab a free 15-minute consult today”—QR code + signup sheet + link. Debrief after. What hook landed? What question came up most? Tighten the next talk. Notable Quotes “If you want action, connect emotionally first. Feelings open the door; logic walks them through it.” “I'd rather pull people toward the future they want than push them with fear. ‘Imagine if…' changes the room.” “When they say what hurts and what they want back, commitment follows.” Action Items Create a 1-page workshop outline: opener, 3 teaching points, 1 CTA. Make a list of 10 local/digital groups and pitch your talk this week. Design a QR code to your consult page and practice the closing script. Track: attendees → consults → plans of care. Iterate monthly. Programs Mentioned Clinical Rainmaker: Coaching + plan to get you full-time in your clinic. Mastermind: Scale beyond yourself into space, team, and systems. PT Biz Part-Time to Full-Time 5-Day Challenge (Free): Get crystal clear on expenses, visit targets, pricing, 3 go-full-time paths, and a one-page plan. Resources & Links PT Biz Website Free 5-Day PT Biz Challenge About Danny: Over 15 years in the profession—staff PT, active-duty military PT, cash-practice founder and exit—now helping 1,000+ clinicians start, grow, and scale cash-based practices with PT Biz.

Travis and producer Eric break down one of the most polarizing topics in entrepreneurship: is it better to bootstrap a business, or raise outside capital? Drawing on personal experience and lessons from startup culture, Travis reveals the biggest mistakes founders make when chasing VC funding, why Silicon Valley's obsession with investment misleads so many, and the first principles everyone should use to decide how to launch any new company. On this episode we talk about:   The dangers and downsides of raising funding too early—even if the “checklist” seems to fit your business   Why bootstrapping builds discipline, pressure, and actual proof of concept (and how to get creative when money is tight)   When venture capital makes sense—and all the hidden costs of taking outside money, from loss of control to preferential contracts   How AI is changing the software startup equation, and shrinking the need to raise massive amounts of funding   Lessons learned from infamous failures (like Quibi) and the right ways to audit your business before chasing investment Top 3 Takeaways 1.  Bootstrapping is almost always the better first move; it boosts discipline, real market feedback, and keeps control in the founder's hands.2.  Raising outside capital adds pressure, complex contracts, and doesn't guarantee success; cash alone never fixes a business that lacks product-market fit.3.  Use trusted frameworks (like Reid Hoffman's Blitzscaling checklist), consult experienced founders, and remember: don't give away control unless it's truly required for growth. Notable Quotes   “If at all possible, bootstrap first—even just to prove your concept. Outside money makes everything more complicated.”   “Cash doesn't solve all your problems. There are usually bigger issues at play—product, marketing, market fit—that have nothing to do with funding volume.”   “The moment you take other people's money, it gets harder, not easier; discipline and focus will always win.” Connect with Travis Chappell:   LinkedIn: Travis Chappell on LinkedIn   Twitter/X: @travischappell   Instagram: @travischappell   Website: travischappell.com ✖️✖️✖️✖️

In this episode, Travis and producer Eric dive into the uncomfortable but crucial world of pricing your services and mastering sales. They discuss real strategies, share personal struggles, and break down Alex Hormozi's now-famous “closed rate pricing gauge cheat sheet.” Whether you're a freelancer, agency owner, or business leader, you'll learn how to stop undercharging for your work, confidently sell your value, and turn price conversations from awkward to awesome. On this episode we talk about:   How to use close rates to determine if your prices are too low (or too high)   Overcoming anxiety around sales and setting prices for friends, family, and clients   Writing scripts and using prep tools (like ChatGPT) to gain confidence before making offers   Sales conversation frameworks—discovery, demo, value-building, and closing   Actionable advice for firing low-value clients, upselling, and navigating new price points Top 3 Takeaways 1.  If your close rate is above 60–80%, you're probably undercharging; double or triple your prices and focus on building real value for the right clients.2.  Good sales is about diagnosing problems and becoming a trusted advisor—not just pitching; scripts, discovery, and prep are your friends.3.  Retention is easier than acquisition, but honesty and transparency are key when raising prices or letting legacy clients go. Notable Quotes   “If you can describe the problem better than they can, people will assume you have the solution.”   “Most people aren't paying for a deal—they're paying for results from someone they trust to deliver.”   “You're either selling stuff or building stuff. Everything else is noise.” Connect with Travis Chappell:   LinkedIn: Travis Chappell on LinkedIn   Twitter/X: @travischappell   Instagram: @travischappell   Website: travischappell.com ✖️✖️✖️✖️

On this solo episode, Travis breaks down the right (and wrong) way to handle the dreaded “your price is too expensive” objection—featuring FBI negotiator Chris Voss's real-world advice alongside Travis's own experience selling high-ticket podcasting services. If skipping straight to discounts has ever cost you a deal or margin, this episode gives you battle-tested scripts and the mindset needed to sell with confidence and preserve premium pricing. On this episode we talk about: Chris Voss's formula for uncovering the real reasons behind price objections Why you should almost never cut your price—and what to say instead When customer “pushback” is just a complaint (not an objection) How to build so much value with overdelivery that price is a non-issue Travis's personal client example of winning deals at 3X the competitor's price—without haggling Top 3 Takeaways 1.  Isolate price resistance—ask clarifying questions to uncover if the concern is real, or just noise.2.  Lead with empathy, then confidently explain the real value—don't counter “expensive” with discounts or apologies.3.  High-value service earns high prices—overdeliver, believe in your offer, and treat objections as opportunities for better conversations (not price cuts). Notable Quotes “If there's price pressure, the answer is better service—not a discount.” (Chris Voss) “Objections aren't always real. Treat it like a complaint until it becomes genuine.” “Be confident: If you overdeliver, whatever you're charging is a bargain.” Connect with Chris Voss: LinkedIn: Chris Voss Book: Never Split the Difference ✖️✖️✖️✖️

In this captivating episode of On Adventure, I sit down with the legendary Bob Becker - ultramarathoner, race director, and age-defying adventurer - to unpack his incredible journey from late-blooming runner to becoming the oldest finisher of the Badwater 135, one of the world's toughest ultramarathons. At 80 years old, Bob proves that it's never too late to rewrite your story, conquer deserts, and inspire generations. Whether you're an aspiring endurance athlete, race organizer, or simply someone looking for motivation to stay active, this episode delivers.

A deeply personal and timely conversation with Governor John Kasich on bridging divides, living your values, and why forgiveness is essential in today's fractured political landscape. We were so pleased to be joined by Governor John Kasich who opens up about the role of faith, forgiveness, and civic duty in his life and career. The conversation spans everything from the tragic loss of his parents to a drunk driver, his evolving views on religion and politics, to the lessons shared in his newest book Heaven Help Us. Governor Kasich's winsome curiosity sparked a profound dialogue about personal transformation, ideological differences, and how to build bridges in divided times.

In this special reverse interview episode, my friend and colleague Steven Wright from Healthy Gut interviews me about the core concepts from my upcoming book, The Biology of Trauma. Steven understands the somatic work, the parts work, the biology, the capacity, and the overwhelm from his own healing journey, making this conversation uniquely insightful. I share stories I haven't told anywhere else - including my keto diet disaster during surgery residency that became my first clue about the biology of trauma. We explore why I rewrote this book seven times, how I discovered I had all three major biochemical imbalances, and the painful decision to place my adopted son Miguel in a different home - the grief that ultimately led to my autoimmune diagnosis and this entire body of work. Key Topics & Timestamps [00:00] The Eight Drafts of the book: Dr. Aimie's journey as an author [04:12] Beyond ACEs Scores: Why we can become obsessed with our score  [08:36] Capacity is Everything: Understanding your nervous system's dynamic capacity  [13:47] The Biology Block: How Dr. Aimie discovered her own biology was sabotaging her trauma healing [21:55] The Pain Equation: When humans decide to change  [25:44] Perception vs. Reality: How we create mountains from molehills  [28:19] The Healing Timeline: Why trauma work doesn't have to be a lifelong journey [34:04] Safety First: The critical sequence for healing trauma without retraumatization [37:18] Stress vs. Trauma: The crucial distinction that changes everything [38:18] Miguel's Story: The heartbreaking adoption journey that changed Dr. Aimie Main Takeaways The Three-Legged Stool: True trauma healing requires addressing psychological, emotional, AND biological aspects simultaneously Biology Keeps You Stuck: Inflammation, oxidative stress, and biochemical imbalances create internal danger signals that perpetuate trauma responses Capacity Changes Moment to Moment: Your nervous system's capacity is dynamic and requires constant awareness, not just daily check-ins Perception Creates Your Reality: Your body responds to your perception of danger, not actual danger - making that molehill into a mountain The Right Sequence Matters: Creating safety must come before attempting to process trauma, or symptoms worsen Fast Healing is Possible: When addressing all three domains properly, healing happens faster than medication with only positive "side effects" Notable Quotes "If something makes you sick, that is not stress. Let's call it for what it is. That is your body having gone into a trauma response." "Our capacity is not being measured up against our reality, it's being measured up against our perceptions." "The pain of staying the same has to become so bad that we're willing to undergo the pain of change." "If their body had already felt safe, it would have already opened up all of this stuff and let all of these emotions and trauma go. It hasn't felt safe." Episode Takeaway Trauma healing doesn't have to be a lifelong journey. By understanding that trauma lives in your biology - not just your mind - and following the proper sequence of safety, support, then expansion, you can heal faster than traditional approaches suggest. The key is addressing all three aspects: psychological, emotional, and biological, rather than focusing on just one. Resources Related To This Episode Resources/Guides: Biology of Trauma book - Bonuses are available when you Pre-order now. Go Deeper With Dr. Aimie with The Biology of Trauma Book (available only until September 22nd): Guided Seeker: Get the Workbook + Mastercourse to go with the book - walking you through each chapter's key concepts Accelerated Implementer: Everything above + live half-day online group intensive with Dr. Aimie for implementation support Fast Track Professional: Everything above + one full day in-person with Dr. Aimie at her home to identify your biggest personal block to your next level of healing and regulation as a professional and guide for others  Foundational Journey - If you want to be guided through The Essential Sequence laid out in the Roadmap and the book, join me and my team for this 6 week journey into your inner world with practical somatic and parts self-practices to lay your foundation to do the deeper work safely. These are the daily practices I have found that change one's biology and health symptoms the fastest. Steven Wright - Healthy Gut - Learn more about Steven's gut-brain support products: HoloZyme™ digestive enzymes with dual-strain activation technology, Tributyrin-X™ for microbiome diversity and gut lining health, and HCL Guard™ for protein digestion support Related Episode: Episode 122: Shutdown Before Stress: The Misstep in Trauma Healing That Often Gets Missed Related YouTube Video: Shutdown Before Stress: The Misstep in Trauma Healing That Often Gets Missed | Dr. Aimie Apigian About Dr. Aimie Apigian Dr. Aimie Apigian is a double board-certified physician in preventive and addiction medicine who bridges the gap between Western medicine and somatic healing practices. After her own health crisis in 2014 while in medical residency, she discovered how stored trauma was affecting her biology. She has since dedicated her career to helping others understand and heal the biological impacts of trauma through her courses, clinical practice, and her new book "The Biology of Trauma."   Disclaimer: By listening to this podcast, you agree not to use this podcast as medical, psychological, or mental health advice to treat any medical or psychological condition in yourself or others. This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your own physician, therapist, psychiatrist, or other qualified health provider regarding any physical or mental health issues you may be experiencing. Comment Etiquette: I would love to hear your thoughts on this episode! Please share your constructive feedback by using personal name or initials so that we can keep this space spam-free, and let's keep the discussion positive!

Travis teams up with his producer Eric for an actionable episode on budgeting you'll actually stick to. Forget the generic advice and unrealistic expectations—this episode tackles the real-life habits, tools, and mental shifts that help you put (and keep) more money in the bank. Travis breaks down the parallels between honest financial tracking and fitness, shares how his own family discovered hidden cash leaks, and discusses proven apps and systems that make saving automatic and attainable at any income level. On this episode we talk about: Why “eyeballing” your budget is like trying to lose weight without tracking calories The surprising expenses (bites, licks, tastes… and subscriptions) that sabotage your savings Lessons Travis learned from catching years of double-billed HOA fees How to identify (and cut) spending that doesn't actually make life better Hands-on reviews of apps and systems like EveryDollar and Rocket Money, with tips for making them work for you The value of splitting money into separate savings accounts and “paying yourself first” Top 3 Takeaways 1.  Tracking every dollar for even just a couple months will instantly highlight where money is leaking out—and where painless cuts can add up fast.2.  Use budgeting apps (EveryDollar, Rocket Money, or similar) to create intentional systems, not just wishful thinking, and to automate savings for major goals.3.  Developing focus around spending is as important as optimizing income—and the discipline you build budgeting will serve every other area of your financial life. Notable Quotes "If you haven't tracked every dollar for multiple months, you can't say you have a real budget—eyeballing always misses key details." "You'll be surprised what you see after looking at the data. Suddenly, it's obvious what to cut and what to keep.” "Budgeting is about being honest with yourself—a few months of real tracking creates lasting habits and real surplus." ✖️✖️✖️✖️

John continues his chat with Austin Armstrong. They discuss the evolving role of AI in education and business, strategies for integrating AI into your workflow, the upcoming AI Marketing World Conference, and the AI tools Austin recommends. In Part 1, Austin shared his journey from MySpace to building Syllaby, an AI startup that helps content creators, entrepreneurs, and business leaders create and share content faster and easier. Listen to this episode to learn more: [00:00] - Recap of Part 1 [01:24] - AI Marketing World Conference [04:21] - Julia McCoy at the conference [05:08] - Who the conference is for [06:00] - How AI is changing education and student cheating [10:03] - Why teachers should focus on critical thinking [11:57] - AI tool recommendations [15:39] - Austin's definition of success [16:01] - Top daily habit [18:57] - Austin's upcoming book, Virality [20:18] - Traits of a great leader [20:53] - Best way to connect with Austin [24:39] - Book recommendations [25:25] - Closing thoughts NOTABLE QUOTES: “If you set out to accomplish something, or have a set desire or outcome, and you achieve that, that's a success.” “It's getting easier and easier to cheat, and I think the most important thing that teachers can do is to know that this is happening and adjust to critical thinking.” “The problem is that critical thinking is not taught in school, because the school system does not want critical thinkers. They want robots.” “If you're going to embrace AI in the school system, you have to allow and enforce critical thinking.” “Lead by example. That's always been a core belief of mine, that I'm not just going to bark orders at you. Anything that I tell you to do is based on something that I've previously done or have experience with first.” “Don't be a content creator. Be a business owner who creates content.” BOOKS MENTIONED: Buy Back Your Time: Get Unstuck, Reclaim Your Freedom, and Build Your Empire by Dan Martell (https://a.co/d/hgFEgso) The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho (https://a.co/d/4Q9XT6C) AI TOOLS: ChatGPT (https://openai.com/ ) Claude (https://www.anthropic.com/claude ) Grok (https://grok.com/) Copilot (https://copilot.microsoft.com/chats/kyux5V4Rhz2VTzzW7AcRT ) LLaMA (https://www.llama.com/ ) Futurepedia.io (https://www.futurepedia.io/ ) FutureTools.io (https://www.futuretools.io/ ) There's An AI for That (https://theresanaiforthat.com/ ) Product Hunt (http://producthunt.com )  G2 (http://g2.com ) USEFUL RESOURCES: https://austinarmstrong.ai/ https://syllaby.io/ https://aimarketingworld.co/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/austinarmstrong90/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/trysyllaby/ https://www.facebook.com/Owwstin/ https://www.facebook.com/trysyllaby https://x.com/trySyllaby https://www.youtube.com/@syllaby https://www.tiktok.com/@syllaby.ai CONNECT WITH JOHN Website - https://iamjohnhulen.com    LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnhulen Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/johnhulen    Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/johnhulen    X - https://x.com/johnhulen    YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLX_NchE8lisC4NL2GciIWA    EPISODE CREDITS Intro and Outro music provided by Jeff Scheetz - https://jeffscheetz.com/ 

What if real change doesn't begin with institutions, campaigns, or capital — but with the people we invite into our lives?In this episode, Eric sits down with Amanda Litman, co-founder of Run for Something and author of When We're In Charge, to explore how small, human-scale actions can spark transformational impact — from politics to parenting to how we rebuild our social lives post-pandemic.Amanda has helped 225,000+ people raise their hands to run for office — and she's just getting started. In this candid conversation, she breaks down how we show up, lead, connect, and fundraise in ways that build community rather than extract from it.Episode Highlights:[00:00] What if real change starts with people — not policy, profit, or programs? [02:49] Amanda's three-pronged theory of social change: electoral power, workplace culture, and human relationships [04:25] The power of “casual hosting” to rebuild adult friendships and community [07:11] Why digital connection often feels empty — and what we can do about it [09:12] Designing invitations people can say “yes” to — both in life and in leadership [11:58] Fundraising is broken. Here's how we fix it without losing integrity [14:48] “Don't treat your supporters like crap.” Amanda on the ethics of political messaging [18:48] How millennials are redefining leadership in the workplace [21:29] Why personality — not brand — is key to breaking through on new media [24:18] What keeps Amanda going when everything feels impossible [26:21] The origin story of Run for Something and what's coming next Notable Quotes:“If work sucks less, people can be better parents, partners, and citizens.” — Amanda Litman [03:20] “Don't treat your supporters like crap. If you've told them the sky is falling for ten years — what now that it's actually falling?” — Amanda Litman [16:05] “I only drink the poison I have the antidote for.” — Amanda Litman [25:06] “Organizations can't really tell a story. A person can.” — Amanda Litman [22:43] “We make it easy to say yes — whether it's dinner or running for office.” — Amanda Litman [09:12]P.S. — Struggling to align your message with your mission? We help social impact leaders like you build trust-building brands through authentic storytelling, thoughtful design, and digital strategy that works. Let's talk about your goals »Listeners, now you can text us your comments or questions by clicking this link.*** If you liked this episode, please help spread the word. Share with your friends or co-workers, post it to social media, “follow” or “subscribe” in your podcast app, or write a review on Apple Podcasts. We could not do this without you! We love hearing feedback from our community, so please email us with your questions or comments — including topics you'd like us to cover in future episodes — at podcast@designbycosmic.com Thank you for all that you do for your cause and for being part of the movement to move humanity and the planet forward.

The Blueprint: Unlocking Cosmo: Advanced Listing Optimization Insights for Amazon Sellers Episode Overview In this episode, Danny McMillan and Oana Padurariu dive deep into the intricacies of Amazon's Cosmo system, providing valuable insights into how sellers can effectively optimize their listings. They cover 15 key relationships that drive successful product visibility and performance on Amazon. This episode explores amazon listing optimization strategies, understanding amazon's cosmo system with practical insights for immediate implementation. Key Takeaways Products that provide clear solutions to customer problems score higher in Cosmo optimization and gain better visibility on Amazon. Continuous revision and optimization of listings are essential as market conditions and customer preferences evolve. Chapter Markers Time Chapter Description 00:00 Introduction to Cosmo Danny and Oana introduce the topic of Cosmo, discussing its significance and how it has evolved over the past year. 02:00 Understanding Cosmo's Role Oana explains what Cosmo actually is, defining it as a common-sense knowledge graph and distinguishing it from an algorithm. 06:00 The 15 Relations Framework Danny and Oana go through the 15 parts of the Cosmo framework that can help sellers understand how to optimize their listings effectively. 14:00 Products that Suit Cosmo The hosts discuss what types of products benefit from Cosmo optimization and analyze product categories that perform well. 22:00 Optimization Strategies Strategies for effective product optimization in the context of Cosmo are shared, emphasizing the importance of understanding customer behavior. 31:00 Wrapping Up with Key Takeaways Danny and Oana summarize the main insights from the discussion, reinforcing the need for continuous optimization and understanding of product attributes. Notable Quotes "If you have a good product, make sure that you put in the effort to optimize it." Resources Mentioned Data Dive: A tool used to test outputs and improve product listing optimizations. Subscribe to Seller Sessions YouTube: Seller Sessions Channel Website: Seller Sessions

In this engaging episode of the Building HVAC Science Podcast, Eric Kaiser chats with Nikki Krueger, National Sales Manager and building science advocate at Santa Fe (a Thermastor brand), often dubbed the “Queen of Dehumidification.” They explore the science and application of dedicated dehumidification in homes and buildings across various climates—especially in today's increasingly humid and energy-efficient housing stock. Nikki shares insights from her 20+ years in the indoor air quality (IAQ) space, detailing her journey from AprilAire to launching her own consultancy, and ultimately joining Santa Fe. She explains how tighter building envelopes, increased ventilation needs, and changes in HVAC coil design have all contributed to the growing demand for standalone dehumidifiers—especially as homes become more efficient, but less capable of latent load removal. The discussion ranges from dew point awareness and crawlspace strategy to the nuanced interaction between comfort, humidity, and occupant behavior. Nikki emphasizes the importance of diagnostics and whole-house thinking when sizing and applying dehumidifiers. The episode closes with tips on where to find resources (including www.SantaFeProducts.com), and an open invite to meet at training events like the HVACR School Symposium.   Notable Quotes: "If we change one thing in the house, it's going to change a series of other things." "Relative humidity is like the horoscope of moisture—it's vague until you understand the temperature context." "Once you live in a home with proper dehumidification, you'll never go back." The Products: www.SantaFeProducts.com The Person: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikkikrueger/ The Symposium: https://www.hvacrschool.com/events/7th-annual-hvac-r-training-symposium/     This episode was recorded in July 2025.  

 “Would you date someone who refuses to buy feminine hygiene products—or has angry eyebrows?”In this episode of The JB and Sandy Show, Sandy and Tricia dive into the oddly specific dealbreakers women over 40 say they absolutely need in a partner. From beard preferences to meme etiquette, this hilarious segment reveals how dating changes when you know exactly what you want—and what you won't tolerate. But first, Sandy shares a jaw-dropping story about Vladimir Putin's travel routine that's equal parts bizarre and brilliant: his security detail reportedly collects his waste to prevent foreign governments from analyzing his health. Gross? Yes. Fascinating? Absolutely. Then, Tricia brings us the “Story We Love” featuring the Band Together Texas benefit concert at the Moody Center, where stars like Miranda Lambert, Matthew McConaughey, and Vince Young helped raise over $8.5 million for flood relief. The debate over who got the biggest crowd reaction—McConaughey or Vince Young—sparks some passionate Longhorn nostalgia. Notable Quotes:“If you spit, I'm out. No spitters allowed.”“You must be willing to buy feminine hygiene products without complaint.”“Putin's team collects his poo. That's next-level privacy.”“JB and I hugged once—and it was because Vince Young won the Rose Bowl.”Call to Action: If you laughed, cringed, or Googled “Putin bathroom protocol,” don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share The JB and Sandy Show with your friends. Follow us on Instagram and TikTok at @JBSandyATX and text us at 737-301-9600 to join the conversation!  

In this episode, Baylor Barbee reminds us that work and life will never get “easy.” As you level up—whether in your career, fitness, or personal growth—challenges grow with you. Coasting may feel comfortable, but it leads to stagnation, loss of purpose, and a slow decline in the very dreams you once chased. Drawing lessons from Picasso's constant reinvention, the Dead Sea's lifeless stillness, and the false victories of the “loser's bracket,” Baylor challenges you to stop hiding behind preparation and start equipping yourself for the next level now. Key Takeaways: Work Never Runs Out: Stop waiting for a mythical “caught up” day—it doesn't exist. Leveling Up Means New Challenges: Each stage requires new skills, not just mastery of old ones. Comfort Kills Growth: Stagnation breeds decay in your goals, relationships, and purpose. Push Past Preparation Mode: “I'm getting ready” is often just a disguise for fear of growth. Surround Yourself with Movers: Being around people striving for their next level fuels your own. Notable Quotes: “If you can coast, it's too easy. And if it's too easy, you're not giving your all.” “So many people are winning in the loser's bracket under the false pretense they're champions.” “The Dead Sea is dead because nothing flows in and nothing flows out—don't let that be your life.”

Jonathan Meagher-Zayas is the founder and chief strategist of Equity Warrior Strategies LLC, a consulting firm dedicated to advancing equity and social justice within the nonprofit and social impact sectors. With over 14 years of experience, Jonathan specializes in capacity building, leadership development, community engagement, and DEI strategy. He is a queer Latinx nonprofit leader, a social work adjunct professor, a certified fundraiser, a certified diversity professional, and a doctoral candidate focused on critical pedagogy in nonprofit leadership.Episode Summary:Join Asheley Blaise as she welcomes Jonathan Meagher-Zayas, a prominent leader in advocating for equity and inclusion in nonprofits. This episode delves into the pervasive issue of ableism in workplaces, particularly for individuals with developmental disabilities, and explores strategies for creating inclusive environments. Jonathan emphasizes the importance of recognizing inherent biases, co-creating solutions, and shifting organizational culture to promote genuine belonging.Throughout the episode, Jonathan shares valuable insights into the common misconceptions that employers and the public have about people with developmental disabilities, including assumptions about competency and the notion that accommodations are costly. He advocates for the power of language and the role it plays in either reinforcing or dismantling stigma. With educational examples from organizations like AHRC Nassau, Jonathan illustrates how effective advocacy and inclusion efforts can transform communities and workplaces. The conversation also highlights the continuous journey of self-improvement and actionable steps that allies can take to combat ableism.Key Takeaways:Cultural Transformation: True inclusion transcends policy changes and is deeply rooted in shifting organizational culture.Co-Creation and Leadership: Involving people with disabilities in decision-making processes is crucial to developing impactful strategies against ableism.Language and Representation: The ways we communicate and represent individuals can either reinforce stigma or foster belonging.Continuous Learning: Addressing ableism requires an ongoing commitment to education and unlearning of societal biases.Notable Quotes:"If employers really want to center people with disabilities, they need to co-create solutions together.""Belonging is a human need…language helps us connect, understand, and create that belonging.""Giving grace is going soft on the person but hard on the problem.""If you are most impacted by ableism in the workplace, you have the most expertise and perspective to share, how to better address it."Resources:Equity Warrior Strategies LLCAHRC Nassau NYS Community of Practice on DEIEncouraging you to dive into this insightful episode, it's clear there's much to learn and reflect upon when it comes to inclusion and equity. Stay tuned for more discussions on DSP Talk as we continue to explore ways to better our communities and workplaces. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Whitney Jones is a trailblazer in the fitness world, best known for winning the prestigious Ms. Olympia title three times—a feat made even more remarkable by her unconventional start at age 34. As the first mother to ever win an Olympia title, Whitney redefines what's possible in competitive bodybuilding. Her journey includes overcoming 18 surgeries, including a broken neck, while building a thriving career as an athlete, entrepreneur, motivational speaker, author, and dedicated mom. Through it all, she's remained focused on empowering others with her mindset of grit, purpose, and possibility.Whitney opens up about the mental and physical resilience it takes to succeed after severe injuries, why competing against yourself is more powerful than seeking validation, and how motherhood became a superpower—not a setback. She also shares how she transitioned from the advertising world to owning a gym, building a brand, and inspiring youth through fitness and self-belief.Key TakeawaysWinning While Broken: Whitney shares how resilience and mindset—not physical perfection—are what separate champions.Motherhood & Muscle: As the first mom to win an Olympia title, Whitney proves motherhood can fuel, not hinder, greatness.From Corporate to Coach: Her leap from ad agency life to gym ownership highlights the power of following passion over comfort.Inspiring the Next Generation: Whitney is committed to empowering youth, helping them break past limitations and rewrite their own stories.The Power of Visualization: Learn how visual learning and inner dialogue have been essential tools in Whitney's evolution as both an athlete and person.Notable Quotes"If you look at everything on paper, I should have never been a pro athlete. I should have never qualified for Olympia.""I didn't compete to impress the judges—I competed to conquer myself.""What sets champions apart is that they've learned how to win even when broken.""At the end of the day, I had to answer to myself. That's what pushed me harder.""Why not be everything you dream to be—without limits?"Connect with Rudy Mawer:LinkedInInstagramFacebookTwitter

n this episode of Days in the Wild, I sit down with backcountry hunter and elite outdoor photographer Steven Drake to unpack his approach to gear, preparation, and the mental edge needed to thrive deep in the wilderness. We dive into his minimalist yet functional backcountry pack system, how he balances photography and hunting in extreme terrain, and the hard-earned lessons that shape his mountain mindset. Whether you're dialing in your gear list or just looking for inspiration from someone who truly lives the wild, this episode is loaded with insight, authenticity, and practical takeaways.

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Join host Baylor Barbee in this engaging episode of Shark Theory, where he delves into the importance of authentic leadership and continuous improvement. Baylor shares a recent experience with Pacesetter Homes that highlights effective leadership practices, focusing on transparency, accountability, and the pursuit of excellence. Take a journey as he discusses the impact of leaders who embrace their roles with authenticity and humility. In this episode, Baylor Barbee explores the significance of balancing acknowledgment of success with a commitment to addressing areas for improvement. He discusses his admiration for leaders who maintain transparency and accountability, as exemplified by Blake from Pacesetter Homes. By avoiding the pitfalls of overly optimistic assessments, leaders can foster trust within their teams. This candid approach not only strengthens leadership but also motivates teams to continuously seek new heights of success. Key themes include authentic leadership, continuous improvement, and the power of feedback. Baylor also emphasizes the importance of staying open to feedback from team members. He underscores how seeking and embracing input from others can reveal blind spots and spur growth. Through his own experiences, such as lessons learned from a former football coach, Baylor illustrates the difference between leaders who focus solely on positive metrics and those who genuinely seek to advance. By fostering an environment of transparency and continuous feedback, leaders can cultivate teams that are engaged, motivated, and ready to achieve their full potential. Key Takeaways: Effective leadership requires a balance between celebrating success and identifying areas for improvement. Authenticity and transparency in leadership build trust and inspire teams. Greatness involves constantly seeking new levels of growth and improvement. Soliciting and acting on feedback helps leaders identify blind spots and enhance team performance. Leaders should focus on creating environments where teams are motivated to strive for excellence. Notable Quotes: "If you want to be an effective leader, if you want to be a trusted leader, you have to embrace that mentality." – Baylor Barbee "Greatness always looks for another level." – Baylor Barbee "The people that always act like everything's all perfect... I don't ever want to be that person." – Baylor Barbee "Transparency in getting that feedback goes a long way to developing trust." – Baylor Barbee "When a team that wants to be there is a team that wins." – Baylor Barbee

Key Topics Covered:The Spark Behind Origin USAPete talks about how he saw an opportunity—and responsibility—to bring manufacturing back to America, starting with jiu-jitsu gis.Manufacturing in MaineThe commitment to American supply chains and reviving long-lost skills in the state of Maine.Resilience & RiskWhy Pete bet everything he had—literally—to get his business off the ground and why he never looked back.Partnership with Jocko WillinkHow teaming up with the Navy SEAL turned podcaster and author helped scale Origin's mission and visibility.What "Made in America" Really MeansThe difference between a marketing label and a mission-driven movement.Advice for Makers & EntrepreneursPete shares powerful insight on grit, self-belief, and doing hard things—even when no one else believes in you.Notable Quotes:“If you're not willing to put it all on the line, then you're not building something that's going to last.”“We don't just manufacture here. We grow our own cotton. We spin our own yarn. We dye, cut, and sew—all in America.”“You have to live the hard days to earn the good ones.” If you enjoyed this Makers of the USA episode, please leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Facebook. Please check out Makers of the USA's YouTube channel, Facebook and Instagram. Thank you all and stay safe and healthy.

Stephen Scoggins is a serial entrepreneur, author, coach, and host of the Build podcast. Having once started his business while sleeping in his car, Stephen built his construction company from the ground up and successfully exited in late 2023, selling at just under nine figures. Now, he invests in other entrepreneurs, mentors high-performing founders, and speaks across stages nationwide, sharing practical wisdom on scaling, exits, and personal transformation. On this episode we talk about: How Stephen went from homelessness to building and selling a near nine-figure company The lessons learned from exiting a business: why you should always build as if you plan to sell—even if you never do What buyers really want: systems, predictable cash flow, culture, and efficient operations The importance of restructuring, optimizing, and “going back through with a fine-tooth comb” before an exit Stephen's new focus on family office investing, real estate, equity stakes, and founder mentorship Why a year-long entrepreneur “test period” is Stephen's preferred way to find investible founders The five hidden enemies of entrepreneurs—impatience, arrogance, ignorance, fear, and insecurity—and how conquering them changes the game How to discern between arrogance and confidence, and how confidence comes from consistency, not credentials Tips on hiring for executive roles, including how to vet candidates even if they're smarter or more credentialed than you The value of coaching and mentorship at every stage—even after an exit Practical steps for employees and early-stage entrepreneurs to identify their superpowers, solve real problems, and launch a business with little capital Top 3 Takeaways Build to Sell, Even If You Don't: Always design your business with predictable systems, clear financials, and a scalable team—whether or not you ever plan to exit. Self-Awareness is the Real Secret: The most dangerous enemies in business are internal—impatience, fear, arrogance, ignorance, and insecurity. Master yourself to master your business. Mentorship Multiplies Success and Saves Pain: Investing in coaches and mentors is the cheapest and most powerful way to accelerate growth and avoid costly mistakes. Notable Quotes “If you'll focus on building as if you're going to sell, you'll end up with the kind of company buyers—and you—actually want.” “Arrogance is self-seeking. Humble confidence comes from serving others and showing up with consistency.” “Most of my painful lessons, including losing over a million dollars to embezzlement, could have been avoided by listening to my mentors sooner.” Connect with Stephen Scoggins: Website: stephenscoggins.com

Kirsten Graham is a virtual assistant (VA) and outsourcing expert who helps business owners reclaim their time, boost productivity, and scale smart—primarily through leveraging overseas talent. With a background in real estate, mortgages, and entrepreneurship, Kirsten is passionate about teaching entrepreneurs and professionals how to delegate low-value tasks, streamline their operations, and focus on high-impact activities. As co-founder of Six Figure Business Coaching, she helps her clients move from invisibility to visibility through video marketing, podcast guesting, and skilled virtual support. On this episode we talk about: Kirsten's first dollar earned through babysitting and her early journey into entrepreneurship Moving from real estate and mortgage to running a business that connects clients with remote talent worldwide Why hiring VAs for $6–$8 an hour can transform a business's profitability and owner's freedom The importance of hiring for very specific tasks rather than seeking a “unicorn” VA who does everything How treating remote team members with respect, paid time off, and long-term opportunities leads to retention and success The step-by-step model her company uses: interviewing, hiring, vetting, and training VAs for real estate, coaches, and service businesses Business models in the VA/outsource space: agency-style vs. direct-hire, margin differences, scalability, and how to choose a right-fit path The power of niching down (e.g., offering HighLevel-trained VAs or bookkeeping-specific VAs) and how to grow from a narrow offer Integrating AI: how today's VAs must be AI-fluent and how business owners can multiply efficiency by combining VAs and automation Why “boring” service businesses—like bookkeeping, HVAC, plumbing—are among the most reliable, profitable, and least likely to be automated by AI Buying, not just starting, a business: opportunities in acquiring already-running companies and upgrading them through outsourcing and systems Top 3 Takeaways Outsource for Freedom and Profit: Move all $6–$8/hour tasks off your plate; focus on what grows your business, not what just keeps it running. Niche, Train, and Systematize: Specialize your offer (e.g., marketing VAs, bookkeeping VAs, software-specific VAs) and use robust SOPs and ongoing training for client satisfaction and scale. Combine Talent, AI, and Acquisition: The biggest wins come from integrating skilled remote talent with AI-powered automations—whether you're starting from scratch or buying a business to modernize. Notable Quotes “If you're doing a $6 an hour task, you're doing it wrong. You should have someone else doing those tasks for you.” “It's easier to hire someone and keep them for years than to constantly replace people. Treat your VAs well—they're your team.” “Boring, unsexy businesses—like HVAC, bookkeeping, auto repair—are not going to be replaced by AI anytime soon, but they're always going to be profitable and needed.” Connect with Kirsten Graham: Website: sixfigurebusinesscoaching.com

In this high-impact episode of Shark Theory, Baylor Barbee explores what happens when you raise your standards—not just to meet expectations, but to exceed them entirely. After helping a client recover from a bad situation caused by another party, Baylor makes a bold decision to wipe everything clean and start over—not because he had to, but because his standard demanded it. Through the lens of Samurai warriors, Steve Jobs, and his own relentless mindset, Baylor delivers a powerful message: your actions are your legacy. The quality of your work defines you, even when no one else is watching—because you'realways watching. Key Takeaways: Set Standards Beyond Expectations: Don't just aim to meet what people want—aim to exceed it with your own personal code. Operate Like a Samurai: If your soul were in your sword—your actions—how sharp would it be? Maintain your craft like your legacy depends on it… because it does. Be Willing to Start Over for Better: Sometimes it's better to rebuild from scratch than to patch someone else's broken foundation. Someone's Always Watching—Especially You: We perform better when we know we're being watched. And the mirror is always watching. Quality Work Never Goes Out of Style: Your excellence becomes your brand, your differentiator, and your opportunity magnet. Notable Quotes: “If your soul was in your sword, you'd make sure it was flawless. Your soul now is in your actions.” “Is your standard for yourself higher than what anyone else expects of you?” “There's never a situation where someone's not watching—because you're always watching.” “You're not fooling anyone by cutting corners. You're just training yourself to settle.” “Quality work never goes out of style.”

Amanda Northcutt is a six-time executive with 22 years of experience in consulting, startups, and marketing strategy. After leaving a high-paying Silicon Valley role, Amanda saw a gap: creators and subject matter experts with massive potential, but lacking the CEO-level operational expertise needed to scale. As co-founder and CEO of Level Up Creators and Level Up Creator School, Amanda now helps coaches and consultants build boutique, high-impact businesses that generate recurring revenue and generational wealth. On this episode we talk about: Amanda's journey from Silicon Valley to creator consulting—and why she left the tech world on her own terms The mission of Level Up Creators: helping experts and executives turn decades of business experience into thriving consulting and coaching firms Why most creators and consultants struggle with operations, productization, and scaling—and how Amanda's team bridges that gap The ideal client profile: business experts (typically 40–60 years old) seeking legacy, impact, and a business they love for the next decade How to productize services, escape the “time-for-money” trap, and build a business that fits your life goals The importance of targeting painful, pervasive, urgent, and expensive problems for a specific audience How to stand out in a saturated market by developing a proprietary methodology and building deep trust with your audience Why high-ticket, high-touch, low-volume offers are the fastest path to impact and income for most experts The power of partner marketing, niche podcast guesting, and relationship-based lead generation How to structure partnerships and collaborations for maximum leverage and mutual benefit The mindset shift required to start over in a new field and build credibility from scratch Top 3 Takeaways Productize and Specialize: Focus on solving urgent, expensive problems for a specific audience with a clear, proprietary methodology—don't try to be everything to everyone. Go High-Ticket First: Start with high-touch, high-value offers before expanding into lower-ticket products or communities; this maximizes your impact and income with fewer clients. Leverage Partnerships and Niche Media: Build relationships with peers, pursue partner marketing, and guest on niche podcasts to reach your ideal clients—don't chase only the biggest platforms. Notable Quotes “If you're selling vitamins instead of Vicodin, you are not going to make sales—especially in a tough economy.” “You should be spending 80% of your time on only the highest-leverage activities in your business.” “The most successful people are willing to humble themselves and start over in a new field—they don't care about losing status, they just want to do the work.” Connect with Amanda Northcutt: Website: welevelupcreators.com

Jacob Caris is an ex-corporate finance professional turned online entrepreneur who has generated over $7 million in sales through courses, coaching, consulting, and affiliate marketing—without relying on sales calls or big sales teams. After leaving Wall Street, Jacob built a business that prioritizes time freedom, lean operations, and high profit margins. As the founder of Caris Digital and Caris Investments, he's become a leading voice in helping coaches, consultants, and creators build lifestyle businesses that fund true freedom. On this episode we talk about: Jacob's journey from corporate finance and consulting to building a multi-seven-figure online business Making his first dollar online selling social signals and flipping websites before launching his personal brand The importance of proof-of-concept—how earning your first dollar online can be the catalyst for everything that follows Transitioning from affiliate marketing to launching high-ticket offers and group coaching programs The evolution from sales-driven to marketing-driven businesses, and why Jacob prefers content and trust over endless sales calls How to design a business around your ideal lifestyle and avoid the trap of chasing empty revenue milestones Jacob's “Five Page Google Doc System” for selling high-ticket offers without sales calls or sales reps Why qualitative factors—like peace of mind and time with family—matter as much as profit in business design The importance of interrogating your “why” and building a business that supports your real goals, not just what the internet says you should want Top 3 Takeaways Proof of Concept is Everything: Making your first dollar online—no matter how small—proves what's possible and gives you the confidence to keep building. Marketing-Driven > Sales-Driven: With the right content, audience, and offer, you can sell high-ticket products without endless sales calls or big teams—freeing up your time and boosting margins. Design Your Business for Your Life: Don't blindly chase revenue milestones. Get clear on your ideal day, week, and lifestyle, then build a business that supports those goals. Notable Quotes “If you can solve one very clear and real pain point people are sitting with right now, and give them a sexy, slightly different approach, you only need one offer to change your life forever.” “You run a marketing-driven business or a sales-driven business. Neither is wrong, but I prefer to build a business where content and trust do the heavy lifting.” “Don't let sunk cost fallacy keep you climbing the wrong mountain. Interrogate your ‘why' and make sure you're building the life and business you actually want.” Connect with Jacob Caris: Website: jacobcaris.com