Welcome to the intersection of mental health & personal development!
Think.Live.Repeat. gives you behind the scenes access to transparent conversations with some of the world’s most influential authors, speakers, and celebrities. You will get tools for going the distance and putting anxiety, panic & negative self-talk in the rearview mirror.
It’s all about choosing to INvest INward – both in yourself and in the people around you. There will be stories to make you laugh and advice that will leave you motivated and inspired to level up. New episodes drop every Tuesday...join the INvest INward squad today!
Ever deal with a "my way or the highway" person? Maybe you work with someone like this, or worse, you're related to one. Regardless of your connection, it can be incredibly difficult to deal with someone who's certain about everything. I unpack some things on my mind around the idea of certainty, both how my upbringing has impacted it and how to get your head out from under crushing boulder of certainty. Hope you enjoy!
Chapters
00:00
Introduction: The Concept of Certainty
03:04
The Influence of Certainty on Faith & Business
06:37
The Dangers of Unquestionable Certainty
14:46
Certainty and its negative Impact
17:45
Conclusion: Embracing Alternative Perspectives
Follow me on Instagram @ johnskomski for daily intrapreneurial motivation and learn more about Investing Inward at https://jskomski.com/
Music:
Hindsight (Instrumental) by Fivefold (used with written permission)
By Your Side by Caslow, Bertie Scott & Patfromlastyear (used with written permission)keywords: certainty, black and white, alternative perspectives, core beliefs, open mind, growth, self-isolation
2 years and 104 episodes are in the book! I get real for a little while and reflect on the past episodes and give some hints for what's coming next. Enjoy!
Chapters
00:00
Reflecting on Two Years of the Think, Live, Repeat Podcast
02:41
Pausing Guest Episodes and Exploring Solo Episodes
04:34
Introducing a New Show Aligned with the Host's Business
06:27
Valuing Connections Made Through the Podcast
08:19
Embracing an Uncertain Future and Trusting the Process
Follow me on Instagram @ johnskomski for daily intrapreneurial motivation and learn more about Investing Inward at https://jskomski.com/
Music:
Hindsight (Instrumental) by Fivefold (used with written permission)
By Your Side by Caslow, Bertie Scott & Patfromlastyear (used with written permission)keywords podcast, journey, reflection, pause, solo episodes, new show, connections, gratitude, uncertain future
Warning: this episode will keep you riveted! Terrence Ogden shares his journey from a life of addiction and hardcore drug abuse to becoming a source of inspiration for others. He discusses his past struggles with drugs and his journey to recovery. He goes into emphasizes the importance of faith & camaraderie and having a support system in overcoming addiction. He also highlights the role of pushing oneself outside of their comfort zone and doing hard things as a means of personal growth and transformation. We dig into the formation of Project Grit, an organization that aims to help individuals overcome obstacles and build camaraderie through challenging events. He emphasizes the need compassion in a divided world and shares his vision for expanding Project Grit's impact.
Check out what Terrence is doing here: https://officialprojectgrit.com/who-we-are
Takeaways
keywords: addiction, recovery, camaraderie, support system, pushing boundaries, personal growth, discomfort, comfort zone, personal growth, Project Grit, obstacles, camaraderie, unity
Follow me on Instagram @ johnskomski for daily intrapreneurial motivation and learn more about Investing Inward at https://jskomski.com/
Music:
Hindsight (Instrumental) by Fivefold (used with written permission)
By Your Side by Caslow, Bertie Scott & Patfromlastyear (used with written permission)
[NOTE: This was an especially transformational episode...Ryan is out there tackling one of today's biggest hot button issues and making a real difference. You're going to be inspired & challenged - I promise!]
Ever watch police body cam footage and wonder how you’d react? Here’s one thing for sure, it’s harder than it looks! The myriad of possibilities and outcomes officers have to analyze in a matter of second is truly frightening. Oh, and they do it day after day. Crazy! We’re going to dig into that very topic with today’s guest, Ryan Tillman and our conversation was truly transformational! Ryan is a police officer, author, speaker, podcast host creator, producer and so much more.
This episode will blow your mind, make sure you listen right to the end and prepare to be challenged to think outside your comfort zone and belief systems!
Order his book Happy Eyes today: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C9S3G64B?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
Check out his site and learn about his mission here: https://www.breakingbarriersunited.com/
Follow & interact with Ryan on Instagram & YouTube:
Follow me on Instagram @ johnskomski for daily motivation and learn more about Investing Inward at https://jskomski.com/
Music: Hindsight (Instrumental) by Fivefold (used with written permission)
It's time to make the workplace suck less! Stephanie Kunkel is an entrepreneur, author, and speaker about mental health and wellness in the workplace. She shares her personal experience with depression and how it led her to the work she's doing today with the Perspective Shifters Hub. We discuss the lack of understanding and support for mental health in organizations and the importance of perspective and empathy. Stephanie also talks about her book, 'Perspectives Through Broken Glass,' which offers mantras and insights for navigating depression. We explore the idea of distance rather than conquering mental health challenges and the significance of small wins. We also highlight the disconnect between the C-suite and employees, with a focus on the importance of valuing and investing in employees.
You can order a copy of Stephanie's book here: https://www.amazon.com/Perspectives-Through-Broken-Stephanie-Kunkel/dp/1956353089
Check out the Perspective Shifters Hub here: https://www.perspectiveshifters.com/
Takeaways
keywords: mental health, depression, corporate space, perspective, empathy, support, understanding, book, mantras, small wins, emotions, mental health, workplace, leadership, employee engagement, turnover, gap analysis
Follow me on Instagram @ johnskomski for daily intrapreneurial motivation and learn more about Investing Inward at https://jskomski.com/
Music:
Hindsight (Instrumental) by Fivefold (used with written permission)
By Your Side by Caslow, Bertie Scott & Patfromlastyear (used with written permission)
Tom Anderson, NYT Bestelling Author & founder and CEO of Anisova, shares his journey from wealth management to entrepreneurship and the creation of his financial technology companies. He discusses the value of debt and challenges the conventional wisdom that all forms of debt are bad. Tom emphasizes the importance of having a debt philosophy and optimizing debt to achieve financial goals. He also talks about teaching his children about money and the importance of empowering employees and creating a magnetic culture within organizations.
Takeaways
Follow me on Instagram @ johnskomski for daily intrapreneurial motivation and learn more about Investing Inward at https://jskomski.com/
Music:
Hindsight (Instrumental) by Fivefold (used with written permission)
By Your Side by Caslow, Bertie Scott & Patfromlastyear (used with written permission)Keywords
Tom Anderson, Anisova, wealth management, entrepreneurship, financial technology, debt, debt philosophy, financial goals, teaching children about money, empowering employees, magnetic culture
For the 100th episode of the show, I knew I had to find someone who would bring the energy & momentum of all conversations we've had on the show so far. The choice was clear, the incredible Ramon Ray joins us today and you will walk away inspired. If you feel burned out and like you're losing steam, let this powerful thought spur you back into action: "Who loses if you don't win?" It's not about succeeding for our own ego, it's about all the people counting on us to win!
To learn more about Ramon, check out his site: https://zoneofgenius.com/
Takeaways
Follow me on Instagram @ johnskomski for daily intrapreneurial motivation and learn more about Investing Inward at https://jskomski.com/
Music:
Hindsight (Instrumental) by Fivefold (used with written permission)
By Your Side by Caslow, Bertie Scott & Patfromlastyear (used with written permission)
[NOTE: Sitting down with a current NFL player (and one at the top of his game) was a real treat! Alec is an incredible competitor and he's making a real difference in the world with his foundation. You'll love the conversation!]
Ever wish you could spend an hour with a top tier NFL player and learn what it's like to live that #football life? This episode is for you! The Miami Dolphins' starting fullback Alec Ingold joined me for an incredible conversation...let me tell you, he is THE REAL deal and is an absolute inspiration.
We talk about playing the NFL (obviously) his book The 7 Crucibles, navigating a career-altering injury, being adopted, his foundation and SO much more. You'll hear stories about Derek Carr, what it was like playing in empty stadiums during COVID and his hot take on what Tom Brady's doing next.
Order Alec's amazing book The Seven Crucibles: An Inspirational Game Plan for Overcoming Adversity in Your Life: https://www.amazon.com/Seven-Crucibles-Inspirational-Overcoming-Adversity/dp/B0BX1VTCY9
Check out Alec's incredible podcast Forged Ingold (sweet name by the way):
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/forged-ingold/id1683425042
A great place to start learning more about Alec & his foundation:
https://alecingold.com/foundation
Follow & interact with Alec on Instagram, Twitter & Facebook
Follow me on Instagram @ johnskomski for daily motivation and learn more about Investing Inward at https://jskomski.com/
Music: Hindsight (Instrumental) by Fivefold (used with written permission)
[NOTE: This is a fan fav and Ken is always providing incredible insights. Oh, and you might say I'm dropping some bread crumbs for you...there are exciting things in the works for a future collab between Ken & I. Stay Tuned! ]
He's back by popular demand and he's better than ever! Who? He's the great Ken Rusk and we rock the mic together as we solve the worlds problems with one practical solution at a time (you're welcome in advance). What would you say to a room full of 10,000 students? How about 10,000 teachers? 10,000 parents? We tackle those tough scenarios and take an honest look at the struggles our parents & educators are facing as they attempt to equip future generations. We get real and discuss some balanced perspectives on how to start bringing order to the chaos and making sense of the insanity.
Check out Ken's brand new podcast, Comfort, Peace & Freedom today:
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/comfort-peace-freedom-with-ken-rusk/id1660815664
Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/6vXEkQ2X0odObEpLivZNro
Sign up for Ken's incredible course The Path to a Successful Life: https://sso.teachable.com/secure/992605/checkout/4379535/lifetime-path
While you're at it, order your copy of Ken's bestseller Blue Collar Cash on Amazon today: https://www.amazon.com/Blue-Collar-Cash-Ken-Rusk/dp/006298960X
Ken's website is a wealth of information, including some tremendous blog posts https://www.kenrusk.com/
Follow & interact with Ken on Instagram & Facebook:
Follow me on Instagram @ johnskomski for daily motivation and learn more about Investing Inward at https://jskomski.com/
Music: Hindsight (Instrumental) by Fivefold (used with written permission)
I have my good friend (and repeat guest) Ben Albert on the show today and we are all over the map discussing the challenges and frustrations of marketing and lead generation. We explore different approaches to reaching out to potential clients, including the use of content creation, cold outreach, and personal connections. We also compare the strategies of successful individuals in different industries, such as Ryan Serhant and Alex Hormozi. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding one's target audience and tailoring marketing efforts to their preferences and needs. You're gonna love it!
Takeaways
Ben's the talented host of a host of podcasts (yes, that was a great pun) on the Real Business Connections network. He provides a tremendous amount of value and shares practical insights that you can use and grow with. Check out the shows today!
https://realbusinessconnections.com/allshows/
A great place to start learning more about Ben and his mission: https://balbertmarketing.com/
Follow & interact with Ben on LinkedIn & Instagram:
Follow me on Instagram @ johnskomski for daily motivation and learn more about Investing Inward at https://jskomski.com/
Music:
Hindsight (Instrumental) by Fivefold (used with written permission)
By Your Side by Caslow, Bertie Scott & Patfromlastyear (used with written permission)Keywords: marketing, lead generation, content creation, cold outreach, personal connections, Ryan Serhant, Alex Hormozi, success, authenticity, value creation, mindset, acquiring clients, following footsteps, false income expectations, balance, relationships, sustainable growth
[NOTE: This is a fan fav and Clint is an amazing guest. He's been integral in helping so many people find meaning in what they do, I know you'll love it. Enjoy! ]
They say never meet your heroes or you'll be disappointed. Well, today I'm debunking that myth because I've met today's guest before and he is truly all that & a bag of chips! Clint Pulver is a powerful force for good and an all-around amazing human being. He's cracked the code on blending education, inspiration & entertainment into one incredible experience on stages all over the world.
Clint is not your average motivational speaker – he's an Emmy Award winner, professional drummer, best-selling author, and accomplished leadership expert. With a passion for igniting change and helping individuals unlock their true potential, Clint's journey is nothing short of remarkable. We delve deep into the fascinating life story of his inspiring personality, as he literally rocks stages worldwide with his transformative work in workplace culture and leadership.
Clint's engaging storytelling, profound insights, and unwavering dedication to helping others find their purpose make this episode a must-listen. Prepare to be inspired, motivated, and ready to conquer the world as we uncover the incredible life and wisdom of Clint Pulver.
Check out Clint's amazing book I Love It Here: https://www.amazon.com/Love-Here-Leaders-Create-Organizations/dp/1989603378
Check out Clint's website: https://clintpulver.com/
Follow & interact with Clint on Instagram, YouTube & LinkedIn
Follow me on Instagram @ johnskomski for daily intrapreneurial motivation and learn more about Investing Inward at https://jskomski.com/
Music: Hindsight (Instrumental) by Fivefold (used with written permission)
This is a crazy interesting episode that you won’t want to miss! I actually get to talk to rocker/rapper Manafest (aka Chris Greenwood…yes, the same one who’s released iconic songs like Human & Impossible! Hes been rocking out for over 2 decades and has had some crazy connections along the way, including NF opening for HIM! We dig into how he got started in music (it’s not what you think) and the grind of the early years in the music industry. We also talk about his book and how he’s obsessed not only with creating amazing music, but also ways to multiply his impact and reach with scalable solutions. He even shares some of his favorite personal development content and his upcoming album release.
Speaking of that, get ready for Manafest's newest album, Learning How to Be Human, dropping this Friday on June 14th 2024: https://manafest.com/go
Takeaways
Follow me on Instagram @ johnskomski for daily intrapreneurial motivation and learn more about Investing Inward at https://jskomski.com/
Music:
Hindsight (Instrumental) by Fivefold (used with written permission)
By Your Side by Caslow, Bertie Scott & Patfromlastyear (used with written permission)KeywordsChris Greenwood, Manifest, musician, singer, Spotify, Juno awards, genre, hip hop, rock, punk, message, success, distribution, marketing, online platforms, inspiration, musician, entrepreneur, journey, reading books, financial education, coaching, success, collaboration, upcoming album
Epic Guest Accent Alert: On Today's episode I interview my friend and fellow podcast host Adrian Ramsey, coming in all the way from the land down under! Adrian is a highly skilled designer and entrepreneur in the home design industry, and has added podcast and television host to his impressive list of accomplishments. We dig into his journey into designing homes, as well as his crazy story of how he started his own podcast (which was a totally baller move)! Adrian shares insights on scaling a service-based business and the importance of building rapport with clients. He also emphasizes the value of creating evergreen content and using different platforms to expand reach. And he even shares some of his favorite authors & speakers that have impacted his personal growth. You'll enjoy it!
Check out Adrian's show TALKDesign today: https://talkdesign.show/
Takeaways
Follow me on Instagram @ johnskomski for daily intrapreneurial motivation and learn more about Investing Inward at https://jskomski.com/
Music:
Hindsight (Instrumental) by Fivefold (used with written permission)
By Your Side by Caslow, Bertie Scott & Patfromlastyear (used with written permission)
Ever wonder why it's so difficult to make positive growth stick? It's easy to change for a day, it's much harder to change for a year and beyond. I reveal a 3-part process to growth that will dramatically increase your odds of making your progress actually last for the long run. Hope it helps!
Takeaways
Follow me on Instagram @ johnskomski for daily intrapreneurial motivation and learn more about Investing Inward at https://jskomski.com/
Music:
Hindsight (Instrumental) by Fivefold (used with written permission)
By Your Side by Caslow, Bertie Scott & Patfromlastyear (used with written permission)information, application, implementation, finance, fitness, personal development, change, understanding, consistency
This is an extra special episode for me! I interview my mentor and the person responsible for some of the biggest steps I've taken in my life. He's none other than the incredible Jonathan Brush, Founder & CEO of Unbound and he comes out swinging with some absolutely earth shattering career and life advice today, you won't want to miss this one!
Check out Unbound today! https://beunbound.us/
Takeaways
Follow me on Instagram @ johnskomski for daily intrapreneurial motivation and learn more about Investing Inward at https://jskomski.com/
Music:
Hindsight (Instrumental) by Fivefold (used with written permission)
By Your Side by Caslow, Bertie Scott & Patfromlastyear (used with written permission)
Keywords career journey, creating value, pivoting, traditional education, time management, task management, relationships, questions-based paradigm, flexibility, adaptability, entrepreneurial mindset, creating value, fulfilling work, building skills, gaining experience, time, patience, finding work you love, autonomy, phases of life, learning from experiences
Summary
Today John has due guests with John Emilio and Henry Beltra, the cohosts of the incredible Universal Lens Podcast! They discuss the importance of open conversations about mental health and the power of knowing that you're not alone. They also share their experiences of running businesses alongside mental health challenges and offer strategies for managing anxiety and stress. The conversation highlights the importance of focusing on the journey rather than the destination when it comes to personal growth and overcoming challenges. They also explore the power of reframing and changing one's mindset to achieve success and overcome challenges.
Check out their podcast, The Universal Lens today!
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-universal-lens/id1656590115
Takeaways
Chapters
00:00
Introduction and Connection
06:39
The Inception of the Universal Lens Podcast
12:33
Navigating Business and Mental Health Challenges
23:04
Embracing the Journey of Personal Growth
25:35
The Impact of Language on Mental Health
26:35
The Importance of Supportive Friendships
27:32
The Power of Reframing and Changing Mindset
28:30
Setting Yourself Up for Success
32:44
The Genesis of the Book and the Importance of Mindfulness
45:27
Reducing Suffering and Making a Positive Impact
Follow me on Instagram @ johnskomski for daily intrapreneurial motivation and learn more about Investing Inward at https://jskomski.com/
Music:
Hindsight (Instrumental) by Fivefold (used with written permission)
By Your Side by Caslow, Bertie Scott & Patfromlastyear (used with written permission)
Keywordsfriendship, business, mental health, podcast, anxiety, panic attacks, open conversation, running a business, mental health challenges, strategies, journey, personal growth, reframing, mindset, success, challenges, personal growth, business, setting oneself up for success, positive changes, book, personal experiences, tools, mindfulness, reducing suffering, positive impact
I pull back the curtain and reveal my secrets to getting incredible podcast guests. I know you'll find some value in it, enjoy!
Takeaways
Chapters
00:00
Introduction and Question: How to Get High-Quality Guests
01:24
Realizing the Value of Speaking with Incredible People
04:01
Tips for Getting Guests: Leveraging Common Backgrounds and Connections
04:57
The Power of Shameless Name Dropping
07:48
Persistence and Strategic Networking in Reaching Out to Guests
09:41
Making Connections in the Desired Field
13:08
Encouragement to Start a Podcast and Create Positive Content
13:55
Closing Remarks
Follow me on Instagram @ johnskomski for daily intrapreneurial motivation and learn more about Investing Inward at https://jskomski.com/
Music:
Hindsight (Instrumental) by Fivefold (used with written permission)
By Your Side by Caslow, Bertie Scott & Patfromlastyear (used with written permission)
Grab your popcorn, kickback and gear up for a fireside chat on today's episode! Jon Quatro is a longtime friend and has recently jumped onto the scene composing, co-producing and performing his first album! We get real and talk about the role of storytelling in music, perfectionism, mental health, authenticity, responses to unsolicited advice and so much more. Check out his songs on Spotify and follow him on IG @jonnyquatromusic...Enjoy!
Takeaways
Follow me on Instagram @ johnskomski for daily intrapreneurial motivation and learn more about Investing Inward at https://jskomski.com/
Music:
Hindsight (Instrumental) by Fivefold (used with written permission)
By Your Side by Caslow, Bertie Scott & Patfromlastyear (used with written permission)
Keywords: music, movies, superheroes, storytelling, art, mental health, authenticity, perfectionism, music, songwriting, branding, storytelling, talent distribution, cultural references, rock stars, authenticity, personal growth, goals
From high school dropout to multimillionaire business owner, Jeff Lerner shares his incredible journey of resilience and failure, and how he has learned to embrace failure as a part of the entrepreneurial adventure. He discusses the importance of defining success as the progressive realization of a worthy ideal and living a life of fulfillment. Jeff also emphasizes the need to disconnect from the opinions and validation of others and focus on the bigger picture. He encourages entrepreneurs to keep striving and never give up on their calling. He explains the ABCD model, which stands for activating event, belief, consequence, and disputation. Jeff emphasizes the importance of consciously deciding what an event means before reacting to it and offers strategies for challenging and changing beliefs. He also shares his personal journey of dropping out of high school and becoming a lifelong learner. Jeff discusses the importance of allowing children to experiment and find their own path without judgment and shares insights on parenting and personal transformation. He concludes by introducing Entre, a platform that combines business skills with personal growth to empower individuals to live an entrepreneurial adventure.
Takeaways
Chapters00:00
Introduction and Resilience
08:34
Defining Success and Failure
24:44
Introduction
32:48
Jeff's Personal Journey and Love for Learning
39:43
Empowering Children through Experimentation without Judgment
46:40
Entra: Combining Business Skills with Personal Growth
Keywordsresilience, failure, entrepreneurial adventure, success, fulfillment, opinions, validation, calling, Ellis paradigm, ABCD model, activating event, belief, consequence, disputation, personal growth, parenting, entrepreneurial adventure
Follow me on Instagram @ johnskomski for daily intrapreneurial motivation and learn more about Investing Inward at https://jskomski.com/
Music:
Hindsight (Instrumental) by Fivefold (used with written permission)
By Your Side by Caslow, Bertie Scott & Patfromlastyear (used with written permission)
This has been over a year in the making and if you're even thinking of speaking as part (or all) of your career, you NEED this 30 minute conversation. Full stop. Phil M Jones is a renowned hall of fame speaker with over 3,500 paid speaking gigs under his belt, bestselling author and respected consultant in sales and persuasion. He teaches people exactly what to say...literally. We unpack his unconventional journey to where he is today and I promise you'll glean all kinds of insights that you'll be able to use in your own career and life. Enjoy!
Takeaways
Chapters
00:00
Introduction and Background
01:22
Phil's Journey from Retail to Speaking and Training
21:45
Creating an Interconnected Ecosystem of Products and Services
28:58
Defining Success and Future Plans
Follow me on Instagram @ johnskomski for daily intrapreneurial motivation and learn more about Investing Inward at https://jskomski.com/
Music:
Hindsight (Instrumental) by Fivefold (used with written permission)
By Your Side by Caslow, Bertie Scott & Patfromlastyear (used with written permission)
In this episode, Wilkes discusses his musical background and how he came into music through his family. He shares his journey of pursuing a career in music and the balance between intentionality and going with the flow. Wilkes emphasizes the importance of prioritizing family and staying true to his values and goals. He also discusses the tension between market demands and personal authenticity in the music industry. In this conversation, Wilkes discusses his obsession with authenticity and his refusal to conform to industry expectations. He shares his experience on The Voice and the balance between knowing who he is and who he's not. Wilkes also talks about meeting famous musicians and the impact of his song 'Crawl.' He explains the inspiration behind the song and the vulnerability it represents. Lastly, he discusses going viral with his "Happy" and invites listeners to engage with him on various platforms.
TakeawaysPrioritize what truly matters in life, such as family and relationships, over career success.
00:00
Introduction and Musical Background
01:27
Early Interest in Music and Career Choice
08:43
Prioritizing Family and Career Goals
16:07
Commitment to Family and Staying True to Priorities
29:00
The Desire for Success and the Value of Family
34:49
Staying True to Yourself in the Music Industry
35:29
Dealing with the Tension Between Market Demands and Personal Authenticity
36:21
Authenticity and Stubbornness
42:08
The Voice Experience
47:35
Meeting Famous Musicians
51:52
The Inspiration Behind 'Crawl'
59:12
Going Viral with 'Happy' Song
01:03:34
Engaging with Wilkes
You're either going to be really happy or really disappointed, depending on your outlook! A mic failure (my fault) left the full version of this without any audio, so you get the quick version this week. Hope you still find it valuable!
Follow me on Instagram @ johnskomski for daily intrapreneurial motivation and learn more about Investing Inward at https://jskomski.com/
Music:
Hindsight (Instrumental) by Fivefold (used with written permission)
By Your Side by Caslow, Bertie Scott & Patfromlastyear (used with written permission)
[NOTE: Since releasing this episode, JJ has expanded his live gigs to the US and continued to blow up online. My collabs with JJ on Instagram have been some of the most liked content I've put out there and it's just another confirmation this conversation has been a fan favorite. Enjoy! ]
There's no elegant way to put this: today you're going to hear from one of the best freaking guitar players out there! JJ Tejlgaard is a Danish guitar phenom and he's only just beginning. You may have heard one of his incredible covers of well-known pop and rock tunes and he's been shared by artists including Alan Walker, Avenged Sevenfold & The Jonas Brothers. Apologies in advance for being a fanboy!
You'll get to hear about how JJ started with guitar and the evolution of how he became the stud that he is today! We dive into his creative process, the business side of the music industry and the importance of collaboration. And we of course talk about his debut concert, brand new EP and what's coming next. (HINT: MORE concerts, stay tuned!!)
Become a true fan and support JJ on his Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/jensjulius
A great place to start learning more about JJ: http://jensjulius.com/
Follow & interact with JJ on TikTok, Instagram & YouTube
Follow me on Instagram @ johnskomski for daily intrapreneurial motivation and learn more about Investing Inward at https://jskomski.com/
Music:
Intro & Outro Segments played by JJ Tejlgaard (used with written permission)
In this episode, John Skomski interviews Kristen Butler, a three-time bestselling author and the founder of the Power of Positivity community. Kristen shares her journey from failure to success, discussing how she overcame rock bottom and transformed her life. She emphasizes the importance of embracing the comfort zone and expanding it to foster personal growth.
Kristen also highlights the significance of reframing failure and adopting a positive mindset. She provides practical strategies for dealing with panic and anxiety, such as nutrition, spending time outdoors, and cultivating a positive mindset. Listeners are encouraged to engage with Kristen on Instagram and explore the Power of Positivity website for more resources on living a positive lifestyle.
Order Kristen's book The Comfort Zone today! https://www.amazon.com/The-Comfort-Zone/dp/1788179102/
Check out Kristen's website & follow her on Instagram:
Takeaways
Follow me on Instagram @ johnskomski for daily intrapreneurial motivation and learn more about Investing Inward at https://jskomski.com/
Music:
Hindsight (Instrumental) by Fivefold (used with written permission)
By Your Side by Caslow, Bertie Scott & Patfromlastyear (used with written permission)
In this episode, John Skomski interviews Alex Herrera, a Porsche salesperson at Porsche Austin. Alex shares his journey of how he transitioned from selling Hondas to selling high-end Porsches. He discusses the profile of Porsche customers, including their average age and income. Alex also talks about the future of Porsche and the challenges of selling used Porsches.
Additionally, he shares his experience of starting on social media and achieving rapid growth on platforms like Instagram and TikTok. In this conversation, Alex Herrera shares his experience of using social media to grow his business and generate leads. He discusses the power of platforms like Instagram and TikTok, where he has gained millions of views and attracted new customers.
Alex emphasizes the importance of being intentional and putting in the work to achieve success. He also highlights the concept of intrapreneurship, where individuals act as entrepreneurs within an organization. Alex encourages entrepreneurs to try new things, incorporate personality into their content, and stay consistent in their efforts. He believes that the future of business is online and urges people to take advantage of the opportunities available.
Follow Alex on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alex_porscheaustin/
Takeaways
Follow me on Instagram @ johnskomski for daily intrapreneurial motivation and learn more about Investing Inward at https://jskomski.com/
Music:
Hindsight (Instrumental) by Fivefold (used with written permission)
By Your Side by Caslow, Bertie Scott & Patfromlastyear (used with written permission)
In this episode, Jack Skeels shares his journey from being a failed plumber to finding success in management. He emphasizes the importance of failure, resilience, and self-belief in achieving one's goals. Jack also discusses the impact of others' perception and belief in your abilities. He highlights the power of empowering teams and removing excessive management in organizations. Additionally, Jack explores the generational perspectives on management and the importance of asking questions and embracing ignorance for lifelong learning. In this conversation, Jack Skeels discusses the concept of unmanaged work and its impact on organizations. He highlights the challenges faced by individuals and teams when dealing with unmanaged work and provides strategies for effectively managing it. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding and addressing unmanaged work to improve productivity and employee satisfaction.
Order Jack's book Unmanaged: https://www.amazon.com/Unmanaged-Master-Creating-Empowered-Organizations/dp/B0CLSJJJ49
Follow Jack on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jackaskeels/
Takeaways
Follow me on Instagram @ johnskomski for daily intrapreneurial motivation and learn more about Investing Inward at https://jskomski.com/
Music:
Hindsight (Instrumental) by Fivefold (used with written permission)
By Your Side by Caslow, Bertie Scott & Patfromlastyear (used with written permission)
In this episode, Brett Snodgrass, an author, entrepreneur, and real estate expert, shares his journey from pursuing material success to seeking significance and impact. He discusses his transition into the real estate industry and the challenges and opportunities it presents. Brett also emphasizes the importance of mindset and personal growth, and how he has learned to prioritize his time and energy by developing filters for his life. He concludes by discussing his motivation for writing his book, 'The Secret War Within,' and the unique approach he took in sharing his story. The conversation covers influential authors and speakers, the power of stories and humor, the impact of fiction, future books and projects, navigating opportunities and goals, and engaging with Iron Deep.
Check out Brett's site for more info: https://www.irondeep.com
Order Brett's book, The Secret War Within: https://www.amazon.com/Secret-War-Within-Brett-Snodgrass/dp/B0CJ4CWPD7
Takeaways
Follow me on Instagram @ johnskomski for daily intrapreneurial motivation and learn more about Investing Inward at https://jskomski.com/
Music:
Hindsight (Instrumental) by Fivefold (used with written permission)
By Your Side by Caslow, Bertie Scott & Patfromlastyear (used with written permission)
[NOTE: This episode racked up the downloads at first release in January 2023 & we decided to rerelease it for newer listeners of the show. Buckle up for the ride of your life!]
Scott's life reads like a novel...and not the Disney fairy tale kind of story. At a young age Scott learned just how cold the world can be when he and his younger brother were abducted by their mother. She fled the country with them and they were made to live like fugitives, using fake names and running from city to city. It culminated in Texas during a dramatic standoff with law enforcement and then took another turn as a legal battle ensued that captured the attention of the entire nation.
They say true life is stranger than fiction & Scott's life is a testament to this. From his mother hiring a hitman to kill his father to burning their house down, these are the sorts of things no child should ever experience.
What's probably most incredible is just how much Scott has grown through all of this. What would easily bury most in a life of escapism and despair, Scott has met his trauma head on and worked tirelessly to grow and use these things to become a better version of himself. He serves the community through a variety of channels, raising awareness about crimes against children and educating parents how to protect their kids.
This is the story of Scott's journey from survivor to thriver and how he's taken absolutely terrible circumstances and used them to grow in ways most would never think possible.
You can order Scott's book Extraordinary Circumstances here: https://www.amazon.com/EXTRAORDINARY-CIRCUMSTANCES-Landmark-Parental-Abduction/dp/0595441696
You can learn more about Scott's incredible story here: https://scottberne.com/
Get valuable resources from NCMEC: https://www.missingkids.org/HOME
Follow & interact with Scott on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram
Follow me on Instagram @ johnskomski for daily motivation and learn more about Investing Inward at https://jskomski.com/
Music: Hindsight (Instrumental) by Fivefold (used with written permission)
Colin Stevens, a two-time author and entrepreneur, shares his journey from banking to entrepreneurship and the challenges he faced along the way. He emphasizes the importance of taking risks and embracing discomfort in order to grow and succeed. Colin also discusses the fear of failure and the mindset needed to reframe failure as an opportunity for growth. He highlights the significance of being true to oneself and not seeking validation from others. Colin shares insights on parenting and setting a positive example for the next generation. Overall, his story inspires listeners to overcome obstacles and pursue their passions.
Check out Colin's site for more info: https://thecolinstevens.com/
Order Colin's book, Make Your Mark: https://www.amazon.com/Make-Your-Mark-Lessons-Fulfillment/dp/B0BLFW9V1K
Takeaways
Chapters
01:01
Transition from Banking to Entrepreneurship
02:26
Taking Risks and Making Career Transitions
04:32
Dealing with the Fear of Failure
07:44
Reframing Failure and Embracing Risk
09:46
The Importance of Discomfort and Challenge
13:28
Not Everyone is Cut Out to be an Entrepreneur
15:48
Managing Stress, Anxiety, and Panic
16:27
The Power of Reframing Failure
20:40
Being Honest and Facing the Truth
25:17
The Importance of Discomfort and Struggle
26:30
Qualifications for Writing a Book
28:57
The Impact of Sharing Struggles and Failures
31:03
Being Okay with Not Being Liked
38:11
Parenting and Setting a Positive Example
39:01
The Mindset of Embracing Discomfort
41:41
Conclusion and Connecting with Colin Stevens
Follow me on Instagram @ johnskomski for daily intrapreneurial motivation and learn more about Investing Inward at https://jskomski.com/
Music:
Hindsight (Instrumental) by Fivefold (used with written permission)
By Your Side by Caslow, Bertie Scott & Patfromlastyear (used with written permission)
In this episode, host John Skomski interviews Steve Griggs, the owner of Steve Griggs Design, a landscaping and design business in New York City. Steve shares his journey of starting his business and building it into a successful brand. He discusses the importance of design in landscaping and how he approaches working with clients to create their vision.
Steve also talks about the challenges of dealing with planning and zoning boards and the impact of major events like 9/11 and COVID-19 on his business. He shares insights on growth, referrals, and the power of publishing a book. In this conversation, Steve Gregg discusses the importance of transparency and how it has contributed to his success in the construction industry. He emphasizes the value of doing what you say you're going to do and building trust with clients.
Steve also talks about his book, 'Straight Dirt,' which highlights the importance of honesty and straightforwardness in business. He shares his insights on the simplicity of success and the need for follow-through. Steve discusses his plans for expansion and replicating his success in different locations. He also emphasizes the importance of understanding the work and having hands-on experience. Lastly, Steve gives advice to his younger self and discusses the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship.
Takeaways
Get your copy of Steve's book, Straight dirt today: https://www.amazon.com/Straight-Dirt-Premier-Landscape-Designer/dp/1948261073
Follow Steve on "The 'Gram": https://www.instagram.com/stevegriggsdesign/
Follow me on Instagram @ johnskomski for daily intrapreneurial motivation and learn more about Investing Inward at https://jskomski.com/
Music:
Hindsight (Instrumental) by Fivefold (used with written permission)
By Your Side by Caslow, Bertie Scott & Patfromlastyear (used with written permission)
Listen up Inward Investors! Some exciting things are heading your way in 2024 as we shift our focus to mental health and providing mindset-based solutions for panic and anxiety. And don't skip off early, at the end of the episode I drop a special announcement about the Go Calm Yourself Collective!
Takeaways
Chapters
00:00
Introduction and Background
03:00
Experiencing Trauma and Panic Attacks
06:00
Starting the Podcast and Collaboration with Book Thinkers
09:00
Exploring Speaking Opportunities
12:00
Shift in Focus to Mental Health
15:00
Introducing the Go Calm Yourself Collective
18:00
Conclusion and Future Plans
Follow me on Instagram @ johnskomski for daily intrapreneurial motivation and learn more about Investing Inward at https://jskomski.com/
Music:
Hindsight (Instrumental) by Fivefold (used with written permission)
By Your Side by Caslow, Bertie Scott & Patfromlastyear (used with written permission)
[NOTE: This episode has been a fan favorite & we decided to rerelease it for newer listeners of the show! As we dive more into mental health topics in the coming months, this felt like the perfect time!]
Ever hear of a little band called Maroon 5? Today you’re going to hear from their founding drummer Ryan Dusick & this conversation just might change your life!
We talk about the band's rise to fame, what life is like touring in a world renown band and some of the surprises he encountered along the way. We take a detour down entrepreneurship lane and talk specifically about the processing of finding your voice (literally in the band's case) and how the path to success is almost longer than we anticipate.
We then dig into his ultimate exit from the band, and his struggles with anxiety & panic that ultimately led him down a dark path of addiction & alcoholism.
Ryan completely destroys any pre-conceived notions about a "rock star persona" you might think someone with his background would have. On the contrary, he's one of the most real & empathetic people I've had the pleasure of interviewing on the show. I promise you won't be able to put down his new book Harder to Breathe and you'll come away inspired.
We wrap the episode on a positive note, working through Ryan's recovery process and hearing about how he serves people today as a certified therapist & coach. He's also a great speaker and I'm hoping he'll be launching a podcast or YouTube channel soon!
Oh, and Ryan shares some fun stories, like the time John Mayer did an impromptu comedy routine before the band opened for his concert.
Order Ryan's book Harder to Breath: https://www.amazon.com/Harder-Breathe-Memoir-Finding-Recovery/dp/B0BVNPN6LJ
A great place to start learning more about Ryan: https://www.ryandusick.com/
Follow & interact with Ryan on Facebook, Instagram & LinkedIn
Follow me on Instagram @ johnskomski for daily intrapreneurial motivation and learn more about Investing Inward at https://jskomski.com/
Music: Hindsight (Instrumental) by Fivefold (used with written permission)
It's just me today - getting real about anxiety and panic and sharing some hints on exciting things on the horizon. Enjoy!
Takeaways
Chapters
00:00
Introduction and Focus on Mental Health
03:01
The Journey of Overcoming Panic and Anxiety
04:29
The Problem with the Terminology of Overcoming Mental Health
08:23
Embracing the Journey and Erasing the Destination
12:12
Stop Beating Yourself Over the Head with Expectations
13:51
Focus on Direction and Identity
14:17
Excitement for the Future
Follow me on Instagram @ johnskomski for daily intrapreneurial motivation and learn more about Investing Inward at https://jskomski.com/
Music:
Hindsight (Instrumental) by Fivefold (used with written permission)
By Your Side by Caslow, Bertie Scott & Patfromlastyear (used with written permission)
In this episode, John Skomski interviews Kevin Hines, an advocate for mental health and suicide prevention. Kevin shares his incredible story of surviving a suicide attempt by jumping off the Golden Gate Bridge and how he has dedicated his life to helping others. The conversation covers various topics, including Kevin's books, the importance of storytelling, the support of his father, the journey of recovery, and the tools for wellness. Kevin emphasizes the need for taking action and seeking help, as well as the importance of gratitude and responsibility in managing mental health. The episode concludes with information on how to engage with Kevin and his upcoming projects.
Learn more about Kevin on his website & follow him on Instagram:
Order Kevin's book The Art of Being Broken today: https://www.amazon.com/Cracked-Not-Broken-Surviving-Thriving/dp/1442222409
Stay Tuned for his new children's book, The Dimly Lit Star, releasing on January 18th and helping kids with bullying.
Watch his mental health hacks series on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fqDAWPaXPJA&list=PLaAelpJCpnYNW-emAtljtG2gEHIh9YwzX
Takeaways
Chapters
00:00
Introduction and Background
01:30
The Art of Being Broken
03:20
The Dimulet Star Children's Book
04:03
The Connection with the Author's Father
06:16
The Supportive Network
09:15
The Journey of Recovery
12:19
The Miracle and Gratitude
15:01
Taking Action and Seeking Help
18:23
Responsibility and Tools for Wellness
20:08
Engaging with Kevin Hines
21:13
Conclusion and Book Recommendations
Follow me on Instagram @ johnskomski for daily intrapreneurial motivation and learn more about Investing Inward at https://jskomski.com/
Music:
Hindsight (Instrumental) by Fivefold (used with written permission)
By Your Side by Caslow, Bertie Scott & Patfromlastyear (used with written permission)
In this conversation, Markus Kaulius discusses the importance of mindset and following your passion in business. He emphasizes that starting a business is different from running an existing business and cautions against negative thinking when considering the chances of success. Markus encourages listeners to start with what they love and not to believe the false dichotomy of choosing between doing what they love and making money. He also introduces his upcoming book and the Play a Bigger Game community, which aims to surround people with positive and supportive individuals.
Learn more about Markus on his website & follow him on Instagram:
Consider joining Play A Bigger Game: https://playabiggergame.com/
Takeaways
Chapters
00:00
Introduction to Marcus Collius
01:08
Marcus's Experience at Date with Destiny
03:03
Recognizing and Changing Our Stories
05:23
The Power of Positive Affirmations
06:43
The Science Behind Positive Thinking
09:19
Overcoming Negative Self-Talk
10:31
Unseating Negative Beliefs and Creating New Ones
15:25
The Importance of Intentional Thinking
17:34
Recognizing and Breaking Free from a Broken System
19:34
Finding Your Authenticity and Purpose
22:22
The Evolution of Marcus and Discovering Purpose
28:30
The Power of Experimentation and Reframing Failure
34:31
Knowing When to Persevere and When to Quit
39:42
Starting a Business vs. Existing Business
41:19
Following Your Passion vs. Pursuing Money
45:55
Play a Bigger Game
Follow me on Instagram @ johnskomski for daily intrapreneurial motivation and learn more about Investing Inward at https://jskomski.com/
Music:
Hindsight (Instrumental) by Fivefold (used with written permission)
By Your Side by Caslow, Bertie Scott & Patfromlastyear (used with written permission)
Jeanette Bronee discusses the concept of the power pause in conversations and how it can lead to better decision-making and collaboration. She emphasizes the importance of taking time in, rather than time out, to reflect and prioritize tasks. Bronee also highlights the need for reflection and rethinking in order to understand our strengths and challenges. She encourages pausing after impactful events to learn and grow from them. Bronee questions the culture of fear, uncertainty, and doubt (FUD) and advocates for care-driven cultures. She emphasizes the need to tap into what we care about to find true motivation and success.
Takeaways
Chapters
00:00
The Power Pause in Conversations
05:22
Taking Time In, Not Time Out
09:13
The Importance of Reflection
11:57
Rethinking Strengths and Challenges
13:53
Pausing After Impactful Events
16:12
Redefining Influencers and Leaders
18:34
Moving Towards Collective Wellbeing
20:35
Questioning the Culture of Fear, Uncertainty, and Doubt (FUD)
24:47
The Cost of FUD and the Need for Care-Driven Cultures
28:28
Slowing Down and Doing It Right the First Time
29:54
Fear as an Unsustainable Motivator
33:21
Tapping into What We Care About
35:00
The Mind, Heart, and Motivation Connection
36:51
Where to Find Jeanette Bronee
Learn more about Jeanette on her website: https://www.jeanettebronee.com/
Order Jeanette's book The Self -are Mindset today: https://www.amazon.com/Self-Care-Mindset-Rethinking-Well-Being-Work-Life/dp/1119986850/
Follow me on Instagram @ johnskomski for daily intrapreneurial motivation and learn more about Investing Inward at https://jskomski.com/
Music: Hindsight (Instrumental) by Fivefold (used with written permission)
In this conversation, Efren Delgado, a former FBI special agent, discusses his experiences in national security, private security, and civil rights. He shares insights on the difference between the FBI and CIA, the importance of critical thinking, and the role of emotion in decision-making. Delgado also delves into the dynamics of hate crimes, racism, and bigotry, emphasizing the need for self-reflection and humility. He highlights the power of thinking and the dangers of groupthink, urging individuals to embrace reality and find purpose and meaning in their lives.
Order Efren's book The Opposite is True today : https://www.amazon.com/Opposite-True-Unexpected-Counterintuitive-Psychology/dp/B0CFZQGYY5
Follow & interact with Efren on Instagram & check out his website:
Takeaways
Follow me on Instagram @ johnskomski for daily intrapreneurial motivation and learn more about Investing Inward at https://jskomski.com/
Music: Hindsight (Instrumental) by Fivefold (used with written permission)
Ever wish you could sit down with Ryan Reynolds or Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson and find out the keys to their success? Today you're going to hear from someone who actually did! Jason Feifer is the incredible Editor in Chief at Entrepreneur magazine, bestselling author, speaker & mindset/business influencer.
We discuss the concept of the zigzag payoff, which involves exploring new opportunities and being open to unexpected paths. We also talk about how to determine which opportunities to pursue and how to approach them as experiments. Jason emphasizes the importance of defining success on your own terms and being willing to be bad at something in order to improve. We also touch on how to prepare for interviews with high-profile individuals and the common thread between multifaceted individuals like Ryan Reynolds and Dwayne Johnson. Jason discusses his weekly newsletter, One Thing Better, which provides insights and strategies for success at work.
Follow & interact with Jason on LinkedIn & check out his website:
Takeaways:
Chapters00:00
Introduction and Guest Introduction
01:30
The Concept of Zigzag Payoff
06:04
Exploring New Opportunities
09:05
Determining Good Opportunities
11:09
Using Experiments to Explore Opportunities
16:37
Defining Success and Making Money
23:34
Preparing for Interviews with High-Profile Individuals
27:28
The Common Thread Between Multifaceted Individuals
30:58
Promoting the Newsletter
Follow me on Instagram @ johnskomski for daily intrapreneurial motivation and learn more about Investing Inward at https://jskomski.com/
Music: Hindsight (Instrumental) by Fivefold (used with written permission)
Ever try to set up a funnel for your business? You watch some YouTube videos, copy the formula, put it in motion and then wait for the leads to flow in and the money to hit your bank. Simple, right? Not so much...unfortunately there's a lot of mystique and misinformation when it comes to using funnels to get leads for your business. If it's not done right, you can actually end up losing (a lot) of money. Here to help you demystify the puzzle is Mikael Dia, founder of Funnelytics and an expert in funnels and lead magnets.
John & Mikael discuss the importance of understanding the science and art behind funnels and the misconception that they are a set-it-and-forget-it solution. Mikael shares his journey of scaling his own businesses, starting with a Mandarin school and later transitioning to a consulting agency. He emphasizes the need for iteration and the challenges of choosing a niche.
They also discuss the transition from being self-employed to becoming a business owner and the importance of documenting processes to scale up. In this conversation, Mikael Dia shares insights on business growth and the importance of following the right order in building a successful business. He emphasizes the four phases of business growth: attract, close, deliver, and retain.
Mikael also highlights the key factors for business growth, including offers, funnels, and operational scale. He advises against skipping steps and trying to do things out of order, as it can lead to wasted time and money. Mikael concludes by inviting the audience to connect with him on LinkedIn and learn more about funnels and funnel marketing on funnelitics.io.
Follow & interact with Mikael on LinkedIn & check out his website:
Takeaways
Chapters
00:00
Introduction to Funnels and Lead Magnets
02:02
Starting a Mandarin School and Testing Funnels
03:36
Scaling a Consulting Business
06:01
The Importance of Iteration in Funnels
07:28
Overcoming the Fear of Dead Ends
08:39
Choosing a Niche and Demystifying Expertise
11:09
Transitioning from Self-Employed to Business Owner
17:57
The Value of Podcasting Beyond Monetary Gain
19:41
The Paralysis of Choosing a Niche
20:31
Selecting a Niche and Overcoming Expertise Objections
27:21
Transitioning from Self-Employed to Busin
They say music is the universal language because it can transcend language barriers and go straight to the heart. Today's guest is singer/songwriter Stephen Stanley and he's taken that concept to a whole new level. I've personally listened to his newest album Divided Frame of Mind more than any other album this year and he masterfully weaves an entire narrative throughout each song. He's got an incredible ability to take his own journey and relate it to people from all walks of life...I promise you won't be disappointed!
Hailing from Mansfield, Georgia, Stephen started playing his mother's guitar at the age of nine after an accident left him deaf in one ear, discovering an innate musical ability and a talent for melody. By 13, he expanded his skills to piano and drums, writing songs and leading worship at his father's church. Over the last decade, Stanley has honed a distinct voice, infusing every note with raw emotion and a profound sense of purpose.
2023 marked the release of his first album and tour, and rest assured he's just getting started!
Check out Stephen's website: https://www.stephenstanleymusic.com/
Give Stephen's music a listen on Apple & Spotify:
Apple: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/stephen-stanley/28074609
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5uGLuPqfATGbvk6shtjDoX?si=midg5DlUSRCDKpYVXew8pA&nd=1&dlsi=4f0726d855b04a81
Follow & interact with Stephen on Instagram, TikTok & YouTube:
Follow me on Instagram @ johnskomski for daily intrapreneurial motivation and learn more about Investing Inward at https://jskomski.com/
Music: Hindsight (Instrumental) by Fivefold (used with written permission)
So you own a business and you feel stuck. Wouldn't it be nice if you had the cheat code to unlock exponential growth? Okay fine, no such cheat code exists, but there are some fundamental components that will totally rock your world. Today's guest is Alex Neist, former pro athlete, entrepreneur and the founder of Hostage Tape.
On today's episode he literally opens his playbook and reveals how he brought Hostage Tape from 6 figures to 8 figures in less than 2 years. Seriously, you need to listen right to the end when Alex reveals a growth formula that will blow your mind!
Oh, and don't miss the amazing Black Friday special running right now: https://hostagetape.com/pages/blackfriday
Alex is the visionary behind Hostage Tape, a revolutionary ecommerce venture transforming sleep quality one mouth at a time. Prior to this, he invested 16 years in a sports video analytics company, starting from scratch and pioneering the use of human tagging for easily searchable game data, akin to a human Google for sports. A former professional quarterback in the Arenafootball league, Alex seamlessly transitioned to coaching, boasting a career spanning over 15 years. Beyond his business acumen, he enjoys exploring the world for new adventures with his wife and two kids.
Learn more about the Hostage Tape story and the science behind it: https://hostagetape.com/
Follow & interact with Alex & the Hostage Tape team on Instagram, Youtube & TikTok:
Follow me on Instagram @ johnskomski for daily intrapreneurial motivation and learn more about Investing Inward at https://jskomski.com/
Music: Hindsight (Instrumental) by Fivefold (used with written permission)
Ever wake up in the middle of the night feeling like you can't breathe? Ever check yourself into a hospital because you think you're having a heart attack, only to find out your heart is fine? If any of this sounds familiar, it's likely because you've experienced panic attacks and one thing's for sure: they suck! Today's guest is business owner & author Jason Wolbers and he has firsthand experience in this area, along with a boatload of tips to help you on the journey.
On today's episode we go down a path that many entrepreneurs don't like to take time to think about: mental health. We get real about our own struggles with anxiety, panic & mental health and share some killer tips that will definitely hit you right where you're at!
Jason is an incredible entrepreneur, author, motivational speaker & content creator! Growing up, Jason Wolbers learned the value of staying positive, a lesson that shaped his personal and work life. Joining direct sales right after high school, he became the top salesperson in a company with 150 representatives at just nineteen and twenty. His success came from learning and applying success principles, consistently ranking in the top 10% of company sales.
Now in Ohio with his high school sweetheart and two grown kids, Jason believes in the power of a positive mindset, a principle he teaches daily. During the pandemic, he started Jason Wolbers Motivation (Positivity Central) on social media, aiming to help people through tough times. This journey led to fulfilling a dream—writing his first book, "The Power of a Positive Mindset," to inspire others on their journeys.
Order his book The Power of a Positive Mindset today: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C9S7HDWT?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_HC38DWKNT45J5J3ZWVKY
Check out his site and learn about his mission here: https://jasonwolbersmotivation.com/about/
Follow & interact with Jason on Instagram & FaceBook:
Follow me on Instagram @ johnskomski for daily motivation and learn more about Investing Inward at https://jskomski.com/
Music: Hindsight (Instrumental) by Fivefold (used with written permission)
Ever watch police body cam footage and wonder how you’d react? Here’s one thing for sure, it’s harder than it looks! The myriad of possibilities and outcomes officers have to analyze in a matter of second is truly frightening. Oh, and they do it day after day. Crazy! We’re going to dig into that very topic with today’s guest, Ryan Tillman and our conversation was truly transformational! Ryan is a police officer, author, speaker, podcast host creator, producer and so much more.
This episode will blow your mind, make sure you listen right to the end and prepare to be challenged to think outside your comfort zone and belief systems!
Order his book Happy Eyes today: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C9S3G64B?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
Check out his site and learn about his mission here: https://www.breakingbarriersunited.com/
Follow & interact with Ryan on Instagram & YouTube:
Follow me on Instagram @ johnskomski for daily motivation and learn more about Investing Inward at https://jskomski.com/
Music: Hindsight (Instrumental) by Fivefold (used with written permission)
He's back by popular demand with his new book in hand! Nick Hutchison is the founder of BookThinkers, author, speaker, biohacker & fitness extraordinaire. His brand new book Rise of the Reader is out Nov. 1st and it's chocked full of tools that will help you learn how to retain & implement what you read!
Be sure to order a copy today: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CHF8VBYW?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_JC5R22D3N70J22RMKKPB
Check out Nick's brand new site and apply to have him speak at your upcoming event! https://nickhutch.com/
Learn more about BookThinkers at their website: https://www.bookthinkers.com/
Listen to the BookThinker's Podcast today: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bookthinkers-life-changing-books/id1517311450
Follow & interact with Nick & BookThinkers on Instagram & Facebook:
Follow me on Instagram @ johnskomski for daily motivation and learn more about Investing Inward at https://jskomski.com/
Music: Hindsight (Instrumental) by Fivefold (used with written permission)
They say never meet your heroes or you'll be disappointed. Well, today I'm debunking that myth because I've met today's guest before and he is truly all that & a bag of chips! Clint Pulver is a powerful force for good and an all-around amazing human being. He's cracked the code on blending education, inspiration & entertainment into one incredible experience on stages all over the world.
Clint is not your average motivational speaker – he's an Emmy Award winner, professional drummer, best-selling author, and accomplished leadership expert. With a passion for igniting change and helping individuals unlock their true potential, Clint's journey is nothing short of remarkable. We delve deep into the fascinating life story of his inspiring personality, as he literally rocks stages worldwide with his transformative work in workplace culture and leadership.
Clint's engaging storytelling, profound insights, and unwavering dedication to helping others find their purpose make this episode a must-listen. Prepare to be inspired, motivated, and ready to conquer the world as we uncover the incredible life and wisdom of Clint Pulver.
Check out Clint's amazing book I Love It Here: https://www.amazon.com/Love-Here-Leaders-Create-Organizations/dp/1989603378
Check out Clint's website: https://clintpulver.com/
Follow & interact with Clint on Instagram, YouTube & LinkedIn
Follow me on Instagram @ johnskomski for daily intrapreneurial motivation and learn more about Investing Inward at https://jskomski.com/
Music: Hindsight (Instrumental) by Fivefold (used with written permission)
If you're an entrepreneur, content creator or just want to stay relevant, you need to hear this episode. AI has taken the world by storm and it's quickly become a scenario of adopt or die. There's no more "going back to the way things used to be". Pandora's box has been opened and you need to find out how to leverage it to get ahead of your competitors. Lucky for you, today's guest is Mark Savant and he shows you exactly how to do that!
Mark Savant is a podcast production professional with a solid track record of helping entrepreneurs and businesses thrive in an evolving world shaped by automation and AI. Recognizing the growing demand for authenticity in brand communication, he is committed to making podcasting a pivotal part of your business strategy. Mark's expertise is built on utilizing cutting-edge technology and collaborating with developers to stay ahead in the industry. His mission is to empower you, creating a better world for small businesses, families, and communities.
With hundreds of podcast episodes, tens of thousands of content pieces, and close collaboration with numerous business owners, Mark understands the challenges of staying up-to-date. He's here to handle the research and execution, allowing you to focus on what you do best.
To hear amazing tips & hacks, check out Mark's After Hours Entrepreneur podcast:
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/after-hours-entrepreneur-with-mark-savant/id1527185048
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6VdeUA4MOpuKs7XhOiaMK8
Learn more about Mark's amazing podcast production services on his site: https://marksavantmedia.com/services/
Follow & interact with Mark on Instagram, Youtube & LinkedIn:
Follow me on Instagram @ johnskomski for daily intrapreneurial motivation and learn more about Investing Inward at https://jskomski.com/
Music: Hindsight (Instrumental) by Fivefold (used with written permission)
Today's guest started out his life with the odds NOT in his favor. Ryan Zofay was surrounded by disfunction & addiction, and one would hardly blame him for becoming yet "another unfortunate statistic". But that's not what happened. He instead emerged as a beacon of hope, business leader, author & motivational speaker!
After a life-altering accident in 2001 due to addiction, Ryan embarked on a path of self-discovery, investing heavily in personal development. This commitment not only transformed his life but also influenced his businesses, where he integrated personal growth principles, fostering positive work environments and enhancing team performance.
In 2020, Ryan and partner Adam Roth founded "We Level Up" to introduce personal development practices, particularly in the drug and alcohol industry. Offering inpatient services and personal development programs, they inspire individuals to reach their full potential. Ryan's ultimate goal is to create a world where everyone wakes up feeling empowered, safe, and fulfilled, driven by a strong sense of purpose. His commitment to helping others unlock their limitless potential and experience true excitement in life defines his remarkable journey and mission.
Check out Ryan's book An Unlikely Businessman: https://www.amazon.com/Unlikely-Businessman-overdosed-multimillionaire-ebook/dp/B0C4WL5RRK
Follow & interact with Ryan on Instagram & TikTok
Follow me on Instagram @ johnskomski for daily intrapreneurial motivation and learn more about Investing Inward at https://jskomski.com/
Music: Hindsight (Instrumental) by Fivefold (used with written permission)
If you have a business, are thinking of starting a business or just want some great business advice, the next 50 minutes with my friend and guest Max Lewis will blow your mind! He gives a bunch of incredibly practical insights on how to grow your business while avoiding costly mistakes. Some of of the questions he answers include, " What about attorneys - are they worth the money? Should you go into partnership with a friend or family member? How do you go about building an amazing culture?"
From humble beginnings selling mangoes as a child to building an ultrahigh net worth & retiring at the young age of 36, Max is full of surprises! He possesses a no BS, deep understanding of business that can only be gained through more than 20 years of firsthand experience.
Check out Max's book Who is Max Lewis?: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BW32CWGN?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_SE3S94XCW6K2M0Y7JRHS
Follow & interact with Max on Instagram & TikTok
Follow me on Instagram @ johnskomski for daily intrapreneurial motivation and learn more about Investing Inward at https://jskomski.com/
Music: Hindsight (Instrumental) by Fivefold (used with written permission)
Rapper. Firefighter. Stay-at-home dad. Author. Entrepreneur. What do those 5 roles bring to mind? Chances are "the same person" isn't what pops into your head. Yet today's guest is all of those things, and SO much more. I was truly blown away by my conversation with Corey Paul... his story had such a profound and lasting impact on me and I know it will impact you as well!
To say that Corey grew up in less than ideal circumstances would be an understatement. Overcoming the odds, he rose to fame and achieved success within the music industry. And then things got challenging, really challenging. Instead of letting that derail him, he persevered through the struggles and grew in his faith, his relationships and his character. Corey gets real & vulnerable and shares lessons he learned through his toughest times and how he got to the other side.
He published a book this year and started releasing some incredible music again. Check out Corey's book Path to Podcast Success: https://www.amazon.com/Path-Podcast-Success-Everything-Learned/dp/B0CGW118KM
Give Corey's music a listen on Apple & Spotify:
Apple: https://music.apple.com/nz/artist/corey-paul/384364008
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/25ksFneQI7WRWIerxd8eg0
Follow & interact with Corey on Instagram & YouTube:
Follow me on Instagram @ johnskomski for daily intrapreneurial motivation and learn more about Investing Inward at https://jskomski.com/
Music: Hindsight (Instrumental) by Fivefold (used with written permission)
De-stressing is a multi-billion dollar industry! From books & coaching to food & TV, the world is obsessed with new ways and hacks to destress and avoid it altogether. What if I told you that we've got it all wrong? What if I told you that stress was actually good? Well that's exactly what we're going to explore with today's guest Dr. Amir Rashidian! Dr. Rashidian is a Chiropractor, author, speaker & expert in helping people improve their health and thrive.
Dr. Rashidian holds Bachelor of Science degrees in Chemistry and Human Biology and a Doctorate in Chiropractic. He founded the Mid-Atlantic Chiropractic Center in 2006 which serves over 18,000 patient visits annually and provides high-tech diagnostics to detect and correct disturbances in the nervous system. The doctors at the Mid-Atlantic Chiropractic Center promote drugless health solutions and work with patients to eliminate the causes of disease and not merely the suppression of symptoms.
Check out Dr. Rashidian's newest book Cracking The Stress Secret: https://www.amazon.com/Cracking-Stress-Secret-Pressure-Power/dp/1626349525
A great place to start learning more about Dr. Rashidian: https://drrashidian.com/
Follow & interact with Dr. Rashidian on YouTube & LinkedIn:
Follow me on Instagram @ johnskomski for daily intrapreneurial motivation and learn more about Investing Inward at https://jskomski.com/
Music: Hindsight (Instrumental) by Fivefold (used with written permission)
If you've been listening to the show for any length of time, you probably know that mindset is a constant theme in our conversations. Well, we lean into the idea of mindset in an even bigger way with today's incredible guest Kash Hasworth! He's got a crazy origin story and he catapulted himself into success by leveraging the power of an intentional mindset.
Kash is an expert in sales, marketing & growth strategies and in his early 20s scaled a wireless franchise to over 28 locations. Now he's the founder & CEO of Solar Ignite Group, author, speaker and influencing force in the sales & leadership space. His book is helping entrepreneurs and sales professionals across the country and his content is featured in a number of national media outlets including Bloomberg and Entrepreneur and is
Check out Kash's incredible book Selling Keeps You Broke: https://www.amazon.com/Selling-Keeps-You-Broke-Performance/dp/B0C2CF36N2
A great place to start learning more about Kash: https://kashhasworth.com/
Follow & interact with Kash on Instagram & LinkedIn:
Follow me on Instagram @ johnskomski for daily intrapreneurial motivation and learn more about Investing Inward at https://jskomski.com/
Music: Hindsight (Instrumental) by Fivefold (used with written permission)
[Stay tuned, season 2 launches on 9.12.23! We’re re-releasing a few of our all-time favorite and most popular episodes. These are conversations that listeners like you have RAVED about. Enjoy & and get pumped for some exciting season 2 guests!]
"I just need to get motivated!" Ever say that before? If we're honest, we've all been there. Before you embark on another futile attempt of change, you need to listen to Dre Baldwin's groundbreaking insights on how to create change that LASTS . Here's a secret...it's not what you think. Simply conjuring more motivation won't get you there, but creating a system just might. Curious? You gotta listen!
Dre is a former pro basketball player turned entrepreneur, author and prolific content creator. He's written dozens of books, speaks, hosts a podcast & creates daily videos on social media that challenge and inspire. Dre's website is a great place to start: https://www.dreallday.com/
Check outthe Work on Your Game podcasttoday:
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/work-on-your-game-mindset-mental-toughness-discipline/id1102601387
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3mdf5xLk5t3I4Vt9UwMhUu
Dre's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwHgkC8tsH6r0hQjCw_raYw
Follow & interact with Dre on Instagram & LinkedIn:
Follow me on Instagram @ johnskomski for daily motivation and learn more about Investing Inward at https://jskomski.com/
Music: Hindsight (Instrumental) by Fivefold (used with written permission)
[Taking a quick breather as we gear up for season 2 and we’re re-releasing a few of our all-time favorite and most popular episodes. These are conversations that listeners like you have RAVED about. Enjoy & and stay tuned for some exciting season 2 guests!]
Hall of Fame Episode Alert! If you're trying to establish your voice and make a difference in the lives of those around you, the next 30 minutes will be a game changer for you. Promise! Evan Carmichael is INCREDIBLE and the consistent value he brings to people all around the world each day puts him at level where very few reside. As soon as we started I knew this one was going into the Think.Live.Repeat. record books!
Evan hasn't let his huge successes cloud his transparency and openness about his journey. He paints a very real picture of what his life has been like, the mistakes he's made along the way and the lessons he's learned. It's incredibly rare to have someone at his level be this open and I admittedly took full advantage of it!
We talk about finding your mission, establishing a presence in a very loud/crowded space and ways to utilize others' content while remaining authentic and unique.
Evan also talked about the importance of finding satisfaction in the process and not tying happiness to the outcome. We talk about the evolution of his YouTube channel and just how vital momentum is for all of us.
Speaking of momentum, you should order Evan's new book Momentum: https://www.amazon.com/Momentum-Evan-Carmichael/dp/1952566649
Check out Evan's INCREDIBLE YouTube Channel (3.5 M Subs and growing): https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKmkpoEqg1sOMGEiIysP8Tw
A great place to start learning more about Evan and his mission: https://believe.evancarmichael.com/homepage
Follow & interact with Evan on Instagram, LinkedIn & Twitter
Oh and you heard him: Follow me on Instagram @ johnskomski for daily motivation and learn more about Investing Inward at https://jskomski.com/
Music: Hindsight (Instrumental) by Fivefold (used with written permission)
[Taking a quick breather as we gear up for season 2 and we’re re-releasing a few of our all-time favorite and most popular episodes. These are conversations that listeners like you have RAVED about. Enjoy & and stay tuned for some exciting season 2 guests!]
If you've ever scrolled through your Instagram or TikTok feed, there's a good chance you've seen a guy resembling a mildly stoned hippy. Long white beard, Einstein hair & delivering a blend of homespun wisdom and wisecracks. Sound familiar? Then you've seen today's guest - Comedian Rodney Norman!
He's pushing 1 million followers on TikTok and his content gets an incredible number of views. He's built a cultlike following of raving fans and has the merch to prove it!
Just a sidenote here: I had to hide the fanboy side of me for this one. I was super stoked to have a comedian of this caliber spend an hour with me and really open up about a number areas. Rodney is just like you would expect him to be...down to earth, personable and of course...FUNNY! I promise you'll enjoy this episode!
Some highlights from our conversation:
Watch Rodney's comedic genius at work on TikTok & YouTube:
Learn more about Rodney & check out his tour schedule on his website: https://www.rodneynorman.com/
Follow & interact with John on Instagram & LinkedIn:
Follow me on Instagram @ johnskomski for daily motivation and learn more about Investing Inward at https://jskomski.com/
Music: Hindsight (Instrumental) by Fivefold (used with written permission)
Happy 1ST Birthday TLR Podcast! And what better way to celebrate our 52nd episode with one of the world's foremost authors & speakers, the one & only Jon Acuff! He's a husband & father, NYT bestselling author, INC Top 100 leadership speaker, host of the All It Takes Is A Goal podcast & CEO of Acuff Ideas. He also likes to run, build Legos, eat chips & queso and evangelize the world about the benefits of CrossFit!
You're like, "John, this is incredible...how did you land such an amazing guest?" I'm so glad you asked! Before I launched the show, I was on one of Jon's virtual events and of course, I paid for the VIP experience. When it came to Q&A time, I knew exactly what I was going to ask him: "Jon, what do I need to do to get you as a guest on my upcoming podcast?" He said to reach out after recording a years' worth of episodes and that became one of my main goals for the 1st year of TLR: land Acuff for episode 52!
Long story short, after an amazing connection from previous guest Grant Baldwin, the date was set and the rest is history!
The episode is absolutely packed with insights & humor as Jon opens up about life in his 30s and how he transformed into who he is today. (HINT: It wasn't a lightening bolt moment that changed him. Rather, a gradual flock of "aha's"...you'll get it when you listen).
We talk about the challenges of growing a business while maintaining a focus on marriage & family. His thoughts on the "hustle culture" content we see all over social media is absolutely brilliant, you won't want to miss it!
And best of all, he's got a book ready to drop next month!
Preorder Jon's brand new book All It Takes Is a Goal & claim your bonuses, including the entire audiobook for FREE: https://jonacuff.com/all-it-takes-is-a-goal-book
A great place to start learning more about Jon: https://jonacuff.com/
Follow & interact with Jon on Instagram, Facebook & LinkedIn
Follow me on Instagram @ johnskomski for daily intrapreneurial motivation and learn more about Investing Inward at https://jskomski.com/
Music: Hindsight (Instrumental) by Fivefold (used with written permission)
Business, marriage, parenting & friendships - know what the single BIGGEST source of friction is? "I". Yep, YOU making YOU #1. When it becomes all about you, it creates an environment where the other person is put in a less-than position. That in turn makes them react poorly and focus on "I". Keep the tennis match up for 5 minutes and voila, you have the genesis of 95% of interpersonal conflicts: "I".
What if I told you there was a better way? Well, there is and it begins with (you guessed it), "WE"!
Today's guest is Kyle McDowell...he spent the better part of 3 decades managing massive teams (massive as in 15,000+ employees) in corporate America @ household name companies. He gathered a massive amount of experienced & knowledge which he's since leveraged to create the groundbreaking 10 We's".
Now he's a WSJ & USA Today bestselling author, speaker and consultant that helps organizations rid themselves of toxic culture...all by beginning with WE!
Check out Kyle's bestselling book Begin with WE: https://www.amazon.com/Begin-WE-Principles-Sustaining-Excellence/dp/1544529910
A great place to start learning more about Kyle: https://kylemcdowellinc.com/
Follow & interact with Kyle on Instagram & LinkedIn
Follow me on Instagram @ johnskomski for daily intrapreneurial motivation and learn more about Investing Inward at https://jskomski.com/
Music: Hindsight (Instrumental) by Fivefold (used with written permission)
You have a position to fill in your business. You place ads on all the job boards. Prospective hires send in their resumes & complete the screening forms. You're excited...And then you're not. The disappointment kicks in when many applicants don't even show up and some of the ones who do didn't follow the basic printed instructions on the application. Sound familiar? If you own a business or work in talent acquisition, I'm sure it does!
Today's guest is Laura Casselman...she's a CEO, Mom, consultant, WSJ bestselling author & speaker and she shares incredible wisdom in building a team and creating a culture that empowers, rather than takes down.
She talks how she got to where she is today and the many obstacles she's had to overcome, including severe illness. She's maintained a "never say die" attitude and continues to inspire people from all walks of life.
We cover a variety of topics including hiring & talent acquisition, working through adversity and treatment of women in the workplace. A little word to all the guys listening - stop interrupting women!
Check out Laura's book Trust Your Increments: https://www.amazon.com/Trust-Your-Increments-Consistent-Massive/dp/1636980058
A great place to start learning more about Laura: https://lauracasselman.com/
Follow & interact with Laura on Instagram & LinkedIn
Follow me on Instagram @ johnskomski for daily intrapreneurial motivation and learn more about Investing Inward at https://jskomski.com/
Music: Hindsight (Instrumental) by Fivefold (used with written permission)
WARNING: you may find your beliefs challenged after hearing from today's guest, the incredible Chris Wilson. Raised in the warzone that was Baltimore in the 80s, he eventually found himself in a life threatening situation as a teenager. He responded with a gun and that fateful day signified the beginning of the end as he was subsequently sentenced to life in prison.
But that didn't stop Chris - rather than giving up, he doubled down on turning his life around and relentlessly pursued what he called his Master Plan. I'm not going to give the entire story away, but clearly Chris is NOT still in prison and he's using his story as a force for good.
Today he's a talented artist, speaker, business owner & social entrepreneur. He's taken his Master Plan and turned it into a movement that is helping thousands of people get their lives on track.
Before you make sweeping opinions on criminal justice reform & the prison system, you need to listen to Chris' story and put yourself in his shoes. How would you have responded growing up in the environment he did? How would you have responded that fateful night when his life was threatened? Check out his book The Master Plan and find out for yourself: https://www.amazon.com/Master-Plan-Journey-Prison-Purpose/dp/0735215588
A great place to start learning more about Chris: https://chriswilson.biz/
Follow & interact with Chris on Facebook, Instagram & LinkedIn
Follow me on Instagram @ johnskomski for daily intrapreneurial motivation and learn more about Investing Inward at https://jskomski.com/
Music: Hindsight (Instrumental) by Fivefold (used with written permission)
He's back by popular demand and he's better than ever! Who? He's the great Ken Rusk and we rock the mic together as we solve the worlds problems with one practical solution at a time (you're welcome in advance). What would you say to a room full of 10,000 students? How about 10,000 teachers? 10,000 parents? We tackle those tough scenarios and take an honest look at the struggles our parents & educators are facing as they attempt to equip future generations. We get real and discuss some balanced perspectives on how to start bringing order to the chaos and making sense of the insanity.
Check out Ken's brand new podcast, Comfort, Peace & Freedom today:
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/comfort-peace-freedom-with-ken-rusk/id1660815664
Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/6vXEkQ2X0odObEpLivZNro
Sign up for Ken's incredible course The Path to a Successful Life: https://sso.teachable.com/secure/992605/checkout/4379535/lifetime-path
While you're at it, order your copy of Ken's bestseller Blue Collar Cash on Amazon today: https://www.amazon.com/Blue-Collar-Cash-Ken-Rusk/dp/006298960X
Ken's website is a wealth of information, including some tremendous blog posts https://www.kenrusk.com/
Follow & interact with Ken on Instagram & Facebook:
Follow me on Instagram @ johnskomski for daily motivation and learn more about Investing Inward at https://jskomski.com/
Music: Hindsight (Instrumental) by Fivefold (used with written permission)
Ever say, " Gee, I should start a podcast?" You're in the right place because you're about to hear from producer, broadcasting professional & recording studio owner Scott "Fitz" Fitzgerald! Fitz owns Roc Vox studios in Rochester NY and has an extensive resume in media & production...he even produced the comedy Bottom Feeders which streams on Amazon Prime! Basically, he knows what the heck he's talking about!
Scott & and I dig into his background and how he got into the industry. We take a few scenic detours along the way (think Goodyear Blimp and the PGA) and then we settle into an extremely practical segment on what you need to start your very first podcast.
As the title implies, if you're considering starting a podcast: START ONE. And listen to this episode because Scott & I will equip you with the basics to get things rolling.
And if you're looking for someone to help you produce your show or simply give you a consultation, now you know who to turn to: Scott!
Scott is also the host of the inspiring Positive Blatherings podcast where he gives you a front row seat to positive & life changing conversations with positive & successful people. No preparation, no script. Just letting the conversation have a mind of its own: a Blathering.
Check out Scott's podcast Positive Blatherings:
1. https://open.spotify.com/show/3m0FfqzO3ZbPyfwNRBXNZQ
2. Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/positive-blatherings-podcast/id1409637084
A great place to start learning more about Scott and Roc Vox: https://rocvox.com/about-us/
Follow & interact with Scott on LinkedIn, Instagram & Facebook:
Follow me on Instagram @ johnskomski for daily motivation and learn more about Investing Inward at https://jskomski.com/
Music: Hindsight (Instrumental) by Fivefold (used with written permission)
This episode is a fun one! Scott "Fergie" Ferguson is the embodiment of "growth through pain" and is an inspiration to everyone he encounters! He's a veteran, real estate expert, life coach, podcast host, fitness aficionado and about 17 other things.
Scott was killing it in the real estate industry until a little thing called the Great Recession in 2008 (that wasn't kind to those in real estate). He pretty much lost everything and found himself at the proverbial rock bottom. The pain & circumstances helped him realize he wasn't the person who he wanted to be and clawed his way back from the ground up and reinvented who he was. He exists to serve others and takes the lessons he's learned along the way and helps people overcome their own obstacles.
Scott is the host of the top rated Time To Shine Today podcast where he gives you access to some of the top minds in coaching & consulting. Happen to like what you hear from one of his guests? Be sure to reach out because you just might be able to work with them yourself!
Check out Scott's podcast Time To Shine Today:
1. Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/33whcL74eJsBm5ncZe4FL6
2. Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/time-to-shine-today/id1492556195?mt=2&app=podcast
A great place to start learning more about Scott and his mission: https://timetoshinetoday.com/
Follow & interact with Scott on LinkedIn, Instagram & Facebook:
Follow me on Instagram @ johnskomski for daily motivation and learn more about Investing Inward at https://jskomski.com/
Music: Hindsight (Instrumental) by Fivefold (used with written permission)
Attention ALL business owners - if you've ever wondered how to acquire more clients WITHOUT going broke, you need to listen to today's episode! Serial entrepreneur Tim Calise joins me for an explosive conversation on client acquisition strategies! And no, not the usual stuff you hear online - I'm talking about explaining the science of it and tactical steps to take that will actually work.
After minutes of digging into Tim's story you'll quickly see why he's qualified to speak on this topic. He understands business at a deep level and has over 20 years of results to back it up. Tim shares about his time working with Alex Hormozi as VP of Business Development & Product Strategy w/ Gym Launch & ALAN. Tim confirms what we all suspect: yes, Alex is a walking anomaly & once-in-a-generation talent!
Oh, and listen right to the end because you'll LOVE hearing about one of his college hustles...he was quite an effective, shall we say, marketer?
Tim was gracious enough to provide the Think.Live.Repeat. audience with a special gift. DM him "TLR" and he'll send you a free resource as a thank you for listening to the episode! While you're there, ask him about the upcoming Cash Flow Collective and how it can completely transform your client acquisition struggles.
Check out Tim's podcast Leveling The Field:
1. Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5cE6i6IpWBgZQUYl9ldYvU
2. Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leveling-the-field/id1647043147
A great place to start learning more about Tim and his mission: https://timcalise.com/about-me
Follow & interact with Tim on LinkedIn & Instagram:
Follow me on Instagram @ johnskomski for daily motivation and learn more about Investing Inward at https://jskomski.com/
Music: Hindsight (Instrumental) by Fivefold (used with written permission)
It's not everyday you get to meet a ninja...from what I hear, they're often hard to see. But your faithful host got lucky and scored a conversation with a ninja...a NETWORKING ninja! Ben Albert, owner of Balbert Marketing and host of several incredible podcasts joined me for super insightful conversation on life transformations and learning to network.
Ben gets into his origin story and how life began to change for him in 2020 as he stared at an empty bottle of Jim Beam and a lack of direction & purpose. Fast-forward to today, Ben is a force for good and is making a real difference in the world of entrepreneurship, marketing & networking.
He's the talented host of a host of podcasts (yes, that was a great pun) on the Real Business Connections network. He provides a tremendous amount of value and shares practical insights that you can use and grow with. Check out the shows today!
https://realbusinessconnections.com/allshows/
And Ben & I had some extra fun with this one...we decided to make it a 2-part experience where I interviewed him on my show and then he interviewed me on his Rochester Business Connections. So hop on over and check out part-2 of our conversation here: https://realbusinessconnections.com/rochesterbusinessconnections/
A great place to start learning more about Ben and his mission: https://balbertmarketing.com/
Follow & interact with Ben on LinkedIn & Instagram:
Follow me on Instagram @ johnskomski for daily motivation and learn more about Investing Inward at https://jskomski.com/
Music: Hindsight (Instrumental) by Fivefold (used with written permission)
Ever wish you could spend an hour with a top tier NFL player and learn what it's like to live that #football life? This episode is for you! The Miami Dolphins' starting fullback Alec Ingold joined me for an incredible conversation...let me tell you, he is THE REAL deal and is an absolute inspiration.
We talk about playing the NFL (obviously) his book The 7 Crucibles, navigating a career-altering injury, being adopted, his foundation and SO much more. You'll hear stories about Derek Carr, what it was like playing in empty stadiums during COVID and his hot take on what Tom Brady's doing next.
Order Alec's amazing book The Seven Crucibles: An Inspirational Game Plan for Overcoming Adversity in Your Life: https://www.amazon.com/Seven-Crucibles-Inspirational-Overcoming-Adversity/dp/B0BX1VTCY9
Check out Alec's incredible podcast Forged Ingold (sweet name by the way):
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/forged-ingold/id1683425042
A great place to start learning more about Alec & his foundation:
https://alecingold.com/foundation
Follow & interact with Alec on Instagram, Twitter & Facebook
Follow me on Instagram @ johnskomski for daily motivation and learn more about Investing Inward at https://jskomski.com/
Music: Hindsight (Instrumental) by Fivefold (used with written permission)
(PART 2) "I wish I was connected with less influential people", said absolutely no one. Let's be real, we all wish we had a chance to connect with famous & influential people. Whether for business or personal reasons, I'd bet the majority of you have at least one A-list individual you're dying to meet & talk to. I know I have like at least 58 or so.
What if I told you there were things you could start doing today to dramatically increase the odds of successfully connecting with them?
Today's guest is the incredible author Jimmy Soni! Jimmy spent 6 years researching and writing a comprehensive book about the founders of PayPal. Not only did we dive into his book The Founders, we spent the first half of the conversation discussing the "how" of networking with people who most consider inaccessible. You say, "What does Jimmy know about this?" Well, he sat down with Elon Musk at his home and interviewed him for several hours. So that right there should highlight he knows a thing or two!
This is probably the most tactical conversation I've had so far on the show and it's chocked full with actionable networking & sales strategies! Jimmy's an incredible author who's written a number of books and has another couple bangers in the works! Oh, and he's just so damn likeable too.
Order The Founders today: https://www.amazon.com/Founders-Paypal-Entrepreneurs-Shaped-Silicon/dp/1501197266
A great place to start learning more about Jimmy and his books: https://jimmysoni.com/
Follow & interact with Jimmy on Instagram, Twitter & LinkedIn
Follow me on Instagram @ johnskomski for daily motivation and learn more about Investing Inward at https://jskomski.com/
Music: Hindsight (Instrumental) by Fivefold (used with written permission)
"I wish I was connected with less influential people", said absolutely no one. Let's be real, we all wish we had a chance to connect with famous & influential people. Whether for business or personal reasons, I'd bet the majority of you have at least one A-list individual you're dying to meet & talk to. I know I have like at least 58 or so.
What if I told you there were things you could start doing today to dramatically increase the odds of successfully connecting with them?
Today's guest is the incredible author Jimmy Soni! Jimmy spent 6 years researching and writing a comprehensive book about the founders of PayPal. Not only did we dive into his book The Founders, we spent the first half of the conversation discussing the "how" of networking with people who most consider inaccessible. You say, "What does Jimmy know about this?" Well, he sat down with Elon Musk at his home and interviewed him for several hours. So that right there should highlight he knows a thing or two!
This is probably the most tactical conversation I've had so far on the show and it's chocked full with actionable networking & sales strategies! Jimmy's an incredible author who's written a number of books and has another couple bangers in the works! Oh, and he's just so damn likeable too.
Order The Founders today: https://www.amazon.com/Founders-Paypal-Entrepreneurs-Shaped-Silicon/dp/1501197266
A great place to start learning more about Jimmy and his books: https://jimmysoni.com/
Follow & interact with Jimmy on Instagram, Twitter & LinkedIn
Follow me on Instagram @ johnskomski for daily motivation and learn more about Investing Inward at https://jskomski.com/
Music: Hindsight (Instrumental) by Fivefold (used with written permission)
(PART 2) Some people have great voices. Then there are a select few who have INCREDIBLE voices. Cliff Dorsey is one of those blessed few who can literally transport you into another dimension as you listen to him sing and play guitar! This guy's voice will make you stop & look twice - I promise!
Cliff and I cover the gamut and discuss everything from his musical influences, the business behind assembling & managing a band, getting a record deal & how he got his start. You'll have to listen to get the full story, but I'll tell you this: being pushed up on stage as a teenager one Sunday at church to sing and play Long Black Train is part of his music journey. It's a classic!
We also scored big time with Cliff offering to perform a few songs from his new EP New Neon LIVE while we recorded our episode! Think of it as your own private acoustic set, complements of Cliff - crazy, right??
We pick up the conversation this week with Cliff sharing his view of music genres and where the industry is headed next. If you missed the first part of our conversation, check it out!
Check out Cliff's new EP New Neon on Spotify today!:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4zsh902OKX6B46ISTh9eRa
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/cliff-dorsey/1375757810
A great place to start following Cliff's trajectory is his homepage: https://www.cliffdorsey.com/
You can also interact with Cliff on Instagram & watch him perform on YouTube:
Follow me on Instagram @ johnskomski for daily intrapreneurial motivation and learn more about Investing Inward at https://jskomski.com/
Music: Hindsight (Instrumental) by Fivefold (used with written permission)
Some people have great voices. Then there are a select few who have INCREDIBLE voices. Cliff Dorsey is one of those blessed few who can literally transport you into another dimension as you listen to him sing and play guitar! This guy's voice will make you stop & look twice - I promise!
Cliff and I cover the gamut and discuss everything from his musical influences, the business behind assembling & managing a band, getting a record deal & how he got his start. You'll have to listen to get the full story, but I'll tell you this: being pushed up on stage as a teenager one Sunday at church to sing and play Long Black Train is part of his music journey. It's a classic!
We also scored big time with Cliff offering to perform a few songs from his new EP New Neon LIVE while we recorded our episode! Think of it as your own private acoustic set, complements of Cliff - crazy, right??
Not surprisingly, we had too much fun and our conversation went far too long to keep release it as 1 episode. So, today is part 1 - we'll pick up the conversation next week as Cliff opens part 2 with his view of music genres and where the industry is headed next.
Check out Cliff's new EP New Neon on Spotify today!:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4zsh902OKX6B46ISTh9eRa
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/cliff-dorsey/1375757810
A great place to start following Cliff's trajectory is his homepage: https://www.cliffdorsey.com/
You can also interact with Cliff on Instagram & watch him perform on YouTube:
Follow me on Instagram @ johnskomski for daily intrapreneurial motivation and learn more about Investing Inward at https://jskomski.com/
Music: Hindsight (Instrumental) by Fivefold (used with written permission)
Ever hear of a little band called Maroon 5? Today you’re going to hear from their founding drummer Ryan Dusick & this conversation just might change your life!
We talk about the band's rise to fame, what life is like touring in a world renown band and some of the surprises he encountered along the way. We take a detour down entrepreneurship lane and talk specifically about the processing of finding your voice (literally in the band's case) and how the path to success is almost longer than we anticipate.
We then dig into his ultimate exit from the band, and his struggles with anxiety & panic that ultimately led him down a dark path of addiction & alcoholism.
Ryan completely destroys any pre-conceived notions about a "rock star persona" you might think someone with his background would have. On the contrary, he's one of the most real & empathetic people I've had the pleasure of interviewing on the show. I promise you won't be able to put down his new book Harder to Breathe and you'll come away inspired.
We wrap the episode on a positive note, working through Ryan's recovery process and hearing about how he serves people today as a certified therapist & coach. He's also a great speaker and I'm hoping he'll be launching a podcast or YouTube channel soon!
Oh, and Ryan shares some fun stories, like the time John Mayer did an impromptu comedy routine before the band opened for his concert.
Order Ryan's book Harder to Breath: https://www.amazon.com/Harder-Breathe-Memoir-Finding-Recovery/dp/B0BVNPN6LJ
A great place to start learning more about Ryan: https://www.ryandusick.com/
Follow & interact with Ryan on Facebook, Instagram & LinkedIn
Follow me on Instagram @ johnskomski for daily intrapreneurial motivation and learn more about Investing Inward at https://jskomski.com/
Music: Hindsight (Instrumental) by Fivefold (used with written permission)
There's no elegant way to put this: today you're going to hear from one of the best freaking guitar players out there! JJ Tejlgaard is a Danish guitar phenom and he's only just beginning. You may have heard one of his incredible covers of well-known pop and rock tunes and he's been shared by artists including Alan Walker, Avenged Sevenfold & The Jonas Brothers. Apologies in advance for being a fanboy!
You'll get to hear about how JJ started with guitar and the evolution of how he became the stud that he is today! We dive into his creative process, the business side of the music industry and the importance of collaboration. And we of course talk about his debut concert, brand new EP and what's coming next. (HINT: MORE concerts, stay tuned!!)
Become a true fan and support JJ on his Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/jensjulius
A great place to start learning more about JJ: http://jensjulius.com/
Follow & interact with JJ on TikTok, Instagram & YouTube
Follow me on Instagram @ johnskomski for daily intrapreneurial motivation and learn more about Investing Inward at https://jskomski.com/
Music: Intro & Outro Segments played by JJ Tejlgaard (used with written permission)
You go to a restaurant with your family. Once you're seated you take a look around...what do you see? Chances are, a large % of the people there are looking at some form of a screen. Why? Because we are ADDICTED to our distractions. We're so comfortably numb (yes, Pink Floyd reference) with being detached from reailty that we don't even realize we're doing it.
Today's conversation with Paul Agone might just be the thing you needed to shake you out of the haze and start engaging with the world around you once again. Paul is an iconic influencer and advocate for millennials, relating to their struggles in an incredibly empathetic way. His website (and brand) All Groan Up is a testament to the struggles twenty-somethings face as they work on "adulting" and he's been a force for helping inspire them to move forward in life.
He's expanded beyond the millennials with his latest book Listen To Your Day and is on a mission to help people unplug from constant distractions and learn both from themselves and the world around them. You'll find our conversation incredibly insightful and walk away with a boatload of tips on being more present and alive!
Order Listen to Your Day today: https://www.amazon.com/Listen-Your-Day-Life-Changing-Attention/dp/1540900711
A great place to start learning more about Paul and his mission: https://allgroanup.com/
Follow & interact with Paul on Instagram, Twitter & LinkedIn
Follow me on Instagram @ johnskomski for daily motivation and learn more about Investing Inward at https://jskomski.com/
Music: Hindsight (Instrumental) by Fivefold (used with written permission)
Every think about the words we use? No...not four-letter ones when we hit our shin on the tow hitch. I'm talking about the framework of our language...simple words, like "But" & "Then". Did you know that the words we use have the power to literally shape how we think and act with the words we use? Sounds crazy? Coach Reed Maltbie joined me for a fascinating conversation about this very topic and I promise you'll be a believer by the time the episode is over.
Reed is a brilliant guy who's cracked the code for effective communication. He's been coaching sports since he turned 16 and he's distilled decades of knowledge into a concise handbook for how to level up how we communicate. These insights landed him a Ted talk, speaking engagements within massive corporations and now a brand new book!
What he shares isn't just for the sports field; on the contrary, it's equally (if not more) applicable to parents communicating with kids, spouses communicating with each other and employers communicating with team members. This is a must listen and I promise you'll want to go and buy the book after hearing what it's about.
Order Reed's brand new book The Spartan Mindset: Mastering the Language of Excellence: https://www.amazon.com/Spartan-Mindset-Mastering-Language-Excellence/dp/1631959980
A great place to start learning more about Reed and his mission: https://www.coachreed.com/
Check out Reed's Ted Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EhRXQs0K6ls
Follow & interact with Reed on Instagram, Twitter & Facebook
Follow me on Instagram @ johnskomski for daily motivation and learn more about Investing Inward at https://jskomski.com/
Music: Hindsight (Instrumental) by Fivefold (used with written permission)
PART 2 Imagine laying in a parking lot as a child with your arm 10 feet AWAY from you. Today you're going to hear about how a life threating injury as a child and the actions of an incredible stranger forever shaped the direction of Brian Bogert's life. The energy and intensity Brian brings to the table is palpable and you'll experience just how passionate he is about his mission of helping people take out the trash. Wait, what?
See, we've all got trash in our lives. Guilt, shame, fear...the list goes on. And often we sit on this and try to bury it deep below. But hiding it and trying to pretend it's not there isn't a solution...just like with actual trash, our inner trash finds an explosive way out and it's never pretty. Brian believes lasting growth starts with dealing with the trash we've compacted into our lives from the times we were children and creating healthy, empowering beliefs about who we are in its place.
Brian brings in current, real life examples of what he's talking about to drive his point. He's an open book who's not afraid to be real about his own life in an attempt to inspire and influence others to take steps to change their own lives.
In the conclusion of our conversation Brian gets practical & discusses how to actually implement the concepts of taking out the trash. He gives some killer examples from his own life!
FAMILY FRIENDLY NOTE: This episode has language throughout, not for kids!
Wanna learn more about Brian? Check out his home page: https://brianbogert.com/
Check out Brian's brand new podcast Flipping the Lid today:
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/flipping-the-lid/id1676524898
Follow & interact with Brian on Instagram, YouTube & Twitter
Follow me on Instagram @ johnskomski for daily motivation and learn more about Investing Inward at https://jskomski.com/
Music: Hindsight (Instrumental) by Fivefold (used with written permission)
Imagine laying in a parking lot as a child with your arm 10 feet AWAY from you. Today you're going to hear about how a life threating injury as a child and the actions of an incredible stranger forever shaped the direction of Brian Bogert's life. The energy and intensity Brian brings to the table is palpable and you'll experience just how passionate he is about his mission of helping people take out the trash. Wait, what?
See, we've all got trash in our lives. Guilt, shame, fear...the list goes on. And often we sit on this and try to bury it deep below. But hiding it and trying to pretend it's not there isn't a solution...just like with actual trash, our inner trash finds an explosive way out and it's never pretty. Brian believes lasting growth starts with dealing with the trash we've compacted into our lives from the times we were children and creating healthy, empowering beliefs about who we are in its place.
Brian brings in current, real life examples of what he's talking about to drive his point. He's an open book who's not afraid to be real about his own life in an attempt to inspire and influence others to take steps to change their own lives.
This conversation was so good & I didn't want to cut it short, so we're spitting it into 2 parts...come back next week for the conclusion of his story and practical ways to implement the concepts he discusses in part 1!
FAMILY FRIENDLY NOTE: This episode has language throughout, not for kids!
Wanna learn more about Brian? Check out his home page: https://brianbogert.com/
Check out Brian's brand new podcast Flipping the Lid today:
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/flipping-the-lid/id1676524898
Follow & interact with Brian on Instagram, YouTube & Twitter
Follow me on Instagram @ johnskomski for daily motivation and learn more about Investing Inward at https://jskomski.com/
Music: Hindsight (Instrumental) by Fivefold (used with written permission)
The ripple effect - a minding bending principle that says you never know just how big of an impact you can have on someone's life (AND not even realize it). Today's guest is the incredibly talented & funny Jeff Civillico. Jeff does it all...he's entertained all over the world, headlined in Vegas for a decade where he had his own show, rode a unicycle off a cliff (with a bungee cord), started an amazing charity for kids, speaks...yeah, you get the picture.
Jeff highlights that the work you do matters and you never know just how many lives are being changed because of the work that YOU do. And it's not just a matter of waiting for it to come full circle. Other times these instances of impact are sitting right under our noses and it's just a matter of reframing the situation so we can see just how much of a difference we're making.
And in one of my all-time favorite moments on the show, Jeff shares the unbelievable story about how he got into the entertainment industry and the incredible impact a random performer named Peter Panic had on him decades earlier. It goes full circle and I promise you'll be blown away and inspired!
Check out Jeff in action on his site: https://jeffcivillico.com/
Learn more about Win Win Charity, Jeff's amazing organization that brings entertainment, happiness & hope to children in hospitals across the country: https://winwincharity.org/
Follow & interact with Jeff on Instagram, LinkedIn & Facebook and stay tuned for excited updates on his upcoming Amazon Prime special!
Follow me on Instagram @ johnskomski for daily motivation and learn more about Investing Inward at https://jskomski.com/
Music: Hindsight (Instrumental) by Fivefold (used with written permission)
"Everybody has it together...EXCEPT me". Ever say that before? You, me and everyone else if we're honest. See, that's the ironic thing. We all think everyone else has it together when in reality, each of us is some kind of messed up. NOBODY knows what the heck they're doing!
And that nugget is just one of like 74 different insights the incredible Shawn Anthony delivers on this episode. I learned so much in this conversation and he was dropping gems faster than I could pick them up!
Wondering how to build & leverage a following? Stumped by low engagement on your social media posts? Clueless as to how to grow your brand and network to the next level? Shawn shares actionable ideas on these and several more relevant topics.
Shawn is the host of the amazing School's Over...Now What podcast. He provides a tremendous amount of value and shares practical insights that you can use and grow with. Check out the show today!
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/schools-over-now-what/id1405269030
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6jqDZivua3u9bfDbsaLM0h
A great place to start learning more about Shawn and his mission: https://www.schoolsovernowwhat.com/about
Follow & interact with Shawn on Instagram & LinkedIn
Follow me on Instagram @ johnskomski for daily motivation and learn more about Investing Inward at https://jskomski.com/
Music: Hindsight (Instrumental) by Fivefold (used with written permission)
Question: where do you think someone who sold cell phones & timeshare presentations would end up 10-15 years later? Answer: the president and CFO of a successful company and published author! Surprised? You shouldn't be.
Today's guest Cody Adent proves that there is no magic formula for success. Consistent, hard work and being willing to learn & grow will take you MILES farther than most are willing to go.
Cody & I cover the gamut and talk about everything from the struggles that early entrepreneurs face to super practical ways to make better decisions on a consistent basis.
This conversation was REAL and FUN!
Order Cody's book Winning the Moment: A Blueprint for a New Mindset and Focus https://www.amazon.com/Winning-Moment-Blueprint-Mindset-Focus/dp/1642255629?source=ps-sl-shoppingads-lpcontext&ref_=fplfs&psc=1∣=ATVPDKIKX0DER#customerReviews
A great place to start learning more about Cody and his mission: https://www.codyadent.com/
Follow & interact with Cody on Instagram & LinkedIn
Follow me on Instagram @ johnskomski for daily motivation and learn more about Investing Inward at https://jskomski.com/
Music: Hindsight (Instrumental) by Fivefold (used with written permission)
Drinking, parenting, the laugh police & Mormonism. What do all these topics have in common? More like WHO has all of these things in common. Bryce Prescott is today's guest and he's got more interesting facets than Baskin Robin's has flavors.
The episodes are never scripted - I go in with an open mind and let the conversation flow. My conversation with Bryce may have set the record for the number of seemingly unrelated topics all covered in one conversation. We cover drinking and the process of quitting. We wade into the stream of "cancel culture" and how it impacts comedy and comedians. We dive into Bryce's background in Mormonism and how that impacted his comedy as well as how his faith has evolved. Yeah, as I said...it's a diverse mix!
FAMILY FRIENDLY NOTE: There's some colorful language that made it into the episode. Nothing explicit, but there are a few words you might not want your 5 year-old hearing. That said, you will laugh. Promise.
Wanna watch Bryce in action? Check out his home page: https://bryceprescott.com/
Check out Bryce's podcast Stand Up! today:
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/stand-up-with-bryce-prescott/id1582709861
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1vvzMfRV6GASBiAYqXpSlM
Bryce's Top 3 Comedians:
Follow & interact with Bryce on Instagram, YouTube & Twitter
Follow me on Instagram @ johnskomski for daily motivation and learn more about Investing Inward at https://jskomski.com/
Music: Hindsight (Instrumental) by Fivefold (used with written permission)
The military and leadership - can't have one without the other and we often think of a very specific style/type of leadership in the context of the military. Some general shouting orders or a drill sergeant screaming in a recruit's face. Well be prepared to reexamine those ideas as you listen to Retired Lieutenant Colonel Oak McCulloch share some very different ideas on leadership. Oak has over 40 years leadership experience, 23 of which were spent as a combat arms officer in the US Army.
We talk about everything from Oak's time in combat, leadership styles, parenting hacks and more. Oak even shares a memory about the late General Colin Powell visiting his base while serving in Desert Storm. Oak is an author and an accomplished speaker and is making a difference in the lives he serves.
Order Oak's book Your leadership Legacy: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1952037107?tag=wixlabs1234-20&linkCode=ogi&th=1&psc=1
A great place to start learning more about Oak and his mission: https://www.ltcoakmcculloch.com/
Follow & interact with Oak on Instagram, LinkedIn & Twitter
Follow me on Instagram @ johnskomski for daily motivation and learn more about Investing Inward at https://jskomski.com/
Music: Hindsight (Instrumental) by Fivefold (used with written permission)
It’s easy to say you want to help people. Then comes the hard part…WHO do you help? The world is full of people with problems, but we’re not all equipped to help everyone equally. So where do you start? I reveal the essential formula for figuring out who you’re best equipped to serve!
Part of my goal with Investing Inward and the podcast has been to have a platform to share thoughts and lessons from my life in hopes that I will inspire and motivate you to change and grow. From time to time I'll be blending in a shorter episodes like these and I'd love to hear what you think! Hit me up on my socials and share your feedback. And don't forget to leave a 5-star review!
Learn more about Investing Inward at https://jskomski.com/:
Music: Hindsight (Instrumental) by Fivefold (used with written permission)
Hall of Fame Episode Alert! If you're trying to establish your voice and make a difference in the lives of those around you, the next 30 minutes will be a game changer for you. Promise! Evan Carmichael is INCREDIBLE and the consistent value he brings to people all around the world each day puts him at level where very few reside. As soon as we started I knew this one was going into the Think.Live.Repeat. record books!
Evan hasn't let his huge successes cloud his transparency and openness about his journey. He paints a very real picture of what his life has been like, the mistakes he's made along the way and the lessons he's learned. It's incredibly rare to have someone at his level be this open and I admittedly took full advantage of it!
We talk about finding your mission, establishing a presence in a very loud/crowded space and ways to utilize others' content while remaining authentic and unique.
Evan also talked about the importance of finding satisfaction in the process and not tying happiness to the outcome. We talk about the evolution of his YouTube channel and just how vital momentum is for all of us.
Speaking of momentum, you should order Evan's new book Momentum: https://www.amazon.com/Momentum-Evan-Carmichael/dp/1952566649
Check out Evan's INCREDIBLE YouTube Channel (3.5 M Subs and growing): https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKmkpoEqg1sOMGEiIysP8Tw
A great place to start learning more about Evan and his mission: https://believe.evancarmichael.com/homepage
Follow & interact with Evan on Instagram, LinkedIn & Twitter
Oh and you heard him: Follow me on Instagram @ johnskomski for daily motivation and learn more about Investing Inward at https://jskomski.com/
Music: Hindsight (Instrumental) by Fivefold (used with written permission)
So you want to start a business? You have a side hustle and you want to leave your day job and pursue your dream job? Do you have what it takes? Let's find out! Today I'm joined by Amy Seeley & Mike Bergin, 2 successful entrepreneurs who give you the inside track on what it's like to start & run your own business.
Both Mike & Amy have been successfully running their test prep businesses for years and we dig into the mindsets and habits that are a must have when it comes to taking the plunge and leaving your day job to start your dream job. This conversation is pure gold, you don't want to miss it!
A great place to start learning more about Amy & Mike and their businesses are below:
https://www.chariotlearning.com/ (Mike)
https://seeleytestpros.com/ (Amy)
Check out Mike & Amy's podcast Tests & The Rest today:
Apple:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tests-and-the-rest-college-admissions-industry-podcast/id1468409757
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7uYu0r083Ml9fZqFzLK8RX
Follow & interact with Amy & Mike on LinkedIn:
Follow me on Instagram @ johnskomski for daily motivation and learn more about Investing Inward at https://jskomski.com/
Music: Hindsight (Instrumental) by Fivefold (used with written permission)
On a scale of 1-10, how generous are you? Just wait until you hear from today's guest, Bob DePasquale (aka The Generosity Guy). He's made generosity a way of life and he's on a mission to help likeminded people get connected with their causes and giving like never before!
Bob also shares about his battle with cancer as a young man and how the events of 9/11 shaped his life and the lives of those around him. He goes beyond his physical recovery and sheds light on the emotional and mental recovery process as well. We cover lessons he learned as wrote his book and an exceptionally interesting conversation he had with Simon Sinek.
Order Bob's new book Personal Finance In A Public World o: https://www.amazon.com/Personal-Finance-Public-World-Technology/dp/1637306652
A great place to start learning more about Bob and his mission: https://www.bobdepasquale.com/
Check out Bob's podcast Speaking of Impact today:
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/speaking-of-impact/id1524489491
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1GNfj8a9iuhSxdV00TugPe
Follow & interact with Bob on Instagram, LinkedIn & Twitter
Follow me on Instagram @ johnskomski for daily motivation and learn more about Investing Inward at https://jskomski.com/
Music: Hindsight (Instrumental) by Fivefold (used with written permission)
Scott's life reads like a novel...and not the Disney fairy tale kind of story. At a young age Scott learned just how cold the world can be when he and his younger brother were abducted by their mother. She fled the country with them and they were made to live like fugitives, using fake names and running from city to city. It culminated in Texas during a dramatic standoff with law enforcement and then took another turn as a legal battle ensued that captured the attention of the entire nation.
They say true life is stranger than fiction & Scott's life is a testament to this. From his mother hiring a hitman to kill his father to burning their house down, these are the sorts of things no child should ever experience.
What's probably most incredible is just how much Scott has grown through all of this. What would easily bury most in a life of escapism and despair, Scott has met his trauma head on and worked tirelessly to grow and use these things to become a better version of himself. He serves the community through a variety of channels, raising awareness about crimes against children and educating parents how to protect their kids.
This is the story of Scott's journey from survivor to thriver and how he's taken absolutely terrible circumstances and used them to grow in ways most would never think possible.
You can order Scott's book Extraordinary Circumstances here: https://www.amazon.com/EXTRAORDINARY-CIRCUMSTANCES-Landmark-Parental-Abduction/dp/0595441696
You can learn more about Scott's incredible story here: https://scottberne.com/
Get valuable resources from NCMEC: https://www.missingkids.org/HOME
Follow & interact with Scott on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram
Follow me on Instagram @ johnskomski for daily motivation and learn more about Investing Inward at https://jskomski.com/
Music: Hindsight (Instrumental) by Fivefold (used with written permission)
If you've ever scrolled through your Instagram or TikTok feed, there's a good chance you've seen a guy resembling a mildly stoned hippy. Long white beard, Einstein hair & delivering a blend of homespun wisdom and wisecracks. Sound familiar? Then you've seen today's guest - Comedian Rodney Norman!
He's pushing 1 million followers on TikTok and his content gets an incredible number of views. He's built a cultlike following of raving fans and has the merch to prove it!
Just a sidenote here: I had to hide the fanboy side of me for this one. I was super stoked to have a comedian of this caliber spend an hour with me and really open up about a number areas. Rodney is just like you would expect him to be...down to earth, personable and of course...FUNNY! I promise you'll enjoy this episode!
Some highlights from our conversation:
Watch Rodney's comedic genius at work on TikTok & YouTube:
Learn more about Rodney & check out his tour schedule on his website: https://www.rodneynorman.com/
Follow & interact with John on Instagram & LinkedIn:
Follow me on Instagram @ johnskomski for daily motivation and learn more about Investing Inward at https://jskomski.com/
Music: Hindsight (Instrumental) by Fivefold (used with written permission)
Warning, you may need tissues for this one. Are you in need of some inspiration? You'll get more than your fair share after hearing John O'Leary's incredible story. John was severely burned as a child and wasn't expected to live. Through a hard fought battle, John pushed back on the temptation to give up and become a victim, choosing rather to be a victor.
John recounts a pivotal moment in his recovery when he was hit by the "why me" wall. His dad looked him in the eye and asked him this life changing question: "John, "damnit, why not you? His father told him that he could be a victim or he could chose to rise above. He then asked him a simple 3-word question: "Victim, or victor"?
John definitely chose the latter.
John's a devoted father and husband, speak, author & podcast host. He spends his life making a difference and inspiring people to live more inspired lives.
Some highlights from our conversation:
Grab a copy of John's latest booked In Awe: https://www.amazon.com/Awe-Rediscover-Childlike-Unleash-Inspiration/dp/059313544X
Learn more about John O'Leary on his website: https://johnolearyinspires.com/
Check out the Live Inspired Podcast today: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/live-inspired-podcast-with-john-oleary/id1166682012
Follow & interact with John on Instagram & LinkedIn:
Follow me on Instagram @ johnskomski for daily motivation and learn more about Investing Inward at https://jskomski.com/
Music: Hindsight (Instrumental) by Fivefold (used with written permission)
How cool would it be to have an "Alexa" of personal development books? Like, you have something you want to work on and all you have to do is ask for the perfect book to fit your needs and boom...you have your title!
Look no further, such a brilliant resource exists! His name is Nick Hutchison and he's the founder of BookThinkers! Nick has an encyclopedic knowledge of personal development books and is a fantastic resource for authors and those looking to become better versions of themselves.
BookThinkers helps authors promote their books and build ravings fanbases. Just check out a couple of his book summaries on Instagram and you'll wish you heard about him years ago!
Today we dive into a number of topics, including Nick's top 10 list of personal development books. Oh and if that's not enough, he's a world-traveler and well-versed in the philosophy of Stoicism.
Some highlights from our conversation:
Here's my personal bet... $50 says it's impossible to spend 30 minutes with Nick and NOT learn at least 1 thing!
Find Nick's top 10 book list here: https://www.bookthinkers.com/booklist
Learn more about BookThinkers at their website: https://www.bookthinkers.com/
Check out the BookThinker's Podcast today: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bookthinkers-life-changing-books/id1517311450
Follow & interact with Nick & BookThinkers on Instagram & Facebook:
Follow me on Instagram @ johnskomski for daily motivation and learn more about Investing Inward at https://jskomski.com/
Music: Hindsight (Instrumental) by Fivefold (used with written permission)
2022 is in the rearview mirror and time is running out. If you want to set yourself up for success in 2023, I let you in on a couple secrets that will GREATLY increase your odds of a successful (and MORE fulfilling) 2023!
On this very special holiday edition of the solo files, I dive into 2 questions you need to answer today:
What are 3 words that describe the life you're trying to build?
Are these objectives your own, or did you get them from someone else?
I also make a confession about Call of Duty MW2. Hint: I get honest.
Part of my goal with Investing Inward and the podcast has been to have a platform to share thoughts and lessons from my life in hopes that I will inspire and motivate you to change and grow. From time to time I'll be blending in a shorter episodes like these and I'd love to hear what you think! Hit me up on my socials and share your feedback. And don't forget to leave a 5-star review!
Learn more about Investing Inward at https://jskomski.com/:
Music: Hindsight (Instrumental) by Fivefold (used with written permission)
Imagine a life filled with an abundance of comfort, peace & freedom. Could you use some more of those ingredients in your life? Ken Rusk says we all could and on today's episode he shares some secrets on how to grow those areas of your life.
Ken, President of Rusk Industries, built a massively successful construction company having never went to college a day in his life. He's now on a mission to help people reimagine their futures and position themselves to experience a more satisfying life. He wrote a Blue Collar Cash as a manual for those looking to take their lives to the next level and regularly creates educational & inspiring content on social media.
Oh yeah, and you'll want a pack of crayons handy as you listen!
Some highlights from our conversation:
Order your copy of Ken's bestseller Blue Collar Cash on Amazon today: https://www.amazon.com/Blue-Collar-Cash-Ken-Rusk/dp/006298960X
Ken's website is a wealth of information, including some tremendous blog posts https://www.kenrusk.com/
Follow & interact with Ken on Instagram & Facebook:
Follow me on Instagram @ johnskomski for daily motivation and learn more about Investing Inward at https://jskomski.com/
Music: Hindsight (Instrumental) by Fivefold (used with written permission)
"I just need to get motivated!" Ever say that before? If we're honest, we've all been there. Before you embark on another futile attempt of change, you need to listen to Dre Baldwin's groundbreaking insights on how to create change that LASTS . Here's a secret...it's not what you think. Simply conjuring more motivation won't get you there, but creating a system just might. Curious? You gotta listen!
Dre is a former pro basketball player turned entrepreneur, author and prolific content creator. He's written dozens of books, speaks, hosts a podcast & creates daily videos on social media that challenge and inspire. Dre's website is a great place to start: https://www.dreallday.com/
Check outthe Work on Your Game podcasttoday:
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/work-on-your-game-mindset-mental-toughness-discipline/id1102601387
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3mdf5xLk5t3I4Vt9UwMhUu
Dre's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwHgkC8tsH6r0hQjCw_raYw
Follow & interact with Dre on Instagram & LinkedIn:
Follow me on Instagram @ johnskomski for daily motivation and learn more about Investing Inward at https://jskomski.com/
Music: Hindsight (Instrumental) by Fivefold (used with written permission)
If you're a husband or father, you cannot afford to miss this episode. I'm not exaggerating. In fact, I'll widen the scope further and say that if you're a man who can fog a mirror, you absolutely need the next 55 minutes . I guarantee this investment of your time will not disappoint and you'll walk away ready to be a better version of yourself.
Fellow podcast host Andrew Biernat joins me for what turned out to be one of the most transparent and helpful conversations on this show yet. There's a complete warehouse of practical insights on being a better husband & father, beating addiction, the benefits of therapy, faith, personal growth mindsets and so much more.
Andrew and I get intensely personal and go over what some would consider delicate topics that would be better left unsaid. Here's the thing: no one benefits when you hide your story and Andrew has embraced that reality as he seeks to help and inspire others!
Check out Your Personal Growth, Personal Brand Podcast today!
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/your-personal-growth-personal-brand-podcast/id1582631566
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7Ke6utmYOPbWA6bMnwA0Oy
Follow & interact with Andrew on LinkedIn & Facebook
Follow me on Instagram @ johnskomski for daily motivation and learn more about Investing Inward at https://jskomski.com/
Music: Hindsight (Instrumental) by Fivefold (used with written permission)
When is the best time to change careers? When you & your wife are expecting your first child (obviously). Okay, so that may not be the ideal time, but Grant Baldwin sure knew what he was doing when he made the decision to pivot into a career of professional speaking. Grant successfully grew his own speaking career and ultimately launched the Speaker Lab, where he and his team teach aspiring speakers the ins and outs of the industry and ultimately how to book gigs and get paid to speak. It's a great organization!
You'll hear about Grant's journey and many of the lessons he learned along the way. Grant talks about the importance of investing in yourself and shares how he turned a gift from his dad into an invaluable part of his training.
We also spent a good deal of time talking about the benefits of coaching, how to make the most of it and pitfalls to avoid. Grant also dropped this great line: people who pay, pay attention. Paying for advice is a great motivator to follow through on it!
Oh yes, and we discuss pickle ball.
You can listen to The Speaker Lab Podcast here:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-speaker-lab-podcast/id1072835737
https://open.spotify.com/show/5o0FZUZduijjwWGxyBpnzG
You can order Grant's book The Successful Speaker: Five Steps for Booking Gigs, Getting Paid, and Building Your Platform here: https://www.amazon.com/Successful-Speaker-Booking-Building-Platform/dp/0801094089
If you want to explore a career in speaking for yourself, check out the Speaker Lab's website: https://thespeakerlab.com/
You can learn more about Grant's background here: http://grantbaldwin.com/
Follow & interact with Grant on LinkedIn, Twitter and Instagram
Follow me on Instagram @ johnskomski for daily motivation and learn more about Investing Inward at https://jskomski.com/
Music: Hindsight (Instrumental) by Fivefold (used with written permission)
Your kids are listening and absorbing things like sponges. Are you talking to them, or is someone else? Kids crave stability and assurance and if you're not the person speaking that into their lives, someone else will (and it might be a less than positive influence).
Whether we're talking parenting, marriage or career, the people who look to us for guidance need us to be consistently communicating confidence and stability. Even when things aren't going according to plan, they need to know someone's working on it and everything is going to be okay.
It doesn't mean you pretend nothing is wrong. On the contrary, kids' BS meters can spot that a mile away. Be real, let them know the way things are. But then give them hope...let them know there's brighter days ahead and just keep consistently sharing that message with them.
Wait, no guest? That's right...
Get ready...we're introducing a new format into Think.Live.Repeat.. I'm going solo! The interview style has been fantastic and don't worry, that's not going anywhere! HINT: I just recorded a couple heavy hitters over the past few weeks, can't wait to share them with you!
Part of my goal with Investing Inward and the podcast has been to have a platform to share thoughts and lessons from my life in hopes that I will inspire and motivate you to change and grow. From time to time I'll be blending in a shorter episodes like these and I'd love to hear what you think! Hit me up on my socials and share your feedback. And don't forget to leave a 5-star review!
Learn more about Investing Inward at https://jskomski.com/:
Music: Hindsight (Instrumental) by Fivefold (used with written permission)
"So this is why people get a PhD"...that's what ran through my mind as I listened to Mike Palanski's incredible insights in leadership development. He's a professor, speaker, author and coach and one of the nicest guys you'll ever meet!
Mike developed the Me1st Method (and wrote the book) as a step-by-step framework and groundbreaking way for leaders to grow and get ready to face the Next Big Challenge.
The Me1st Method is for motivated leaders who are in new roles and facing big challenges. Whether starting in a new role, career, or organization, leading a major new project, or simply desiring to do something radically different, leaders will find insight and encouragement to develop keen insights and create meaningful change.
Mike also dropped this gem about half way into the conversation: The complexity of the solution should match the complexity of the problem. Far too often we come up super difficult solutions that do nothing except complicate a problem situation further. Don't get cute, don't get fancy - think in terms of practical and effective.
Oh, and you're going to have to listen to the very end of the episode to understand the title.
You can order Mike's book The Me1st Method here: https://www.amazon.com/Me1st-Method-Hands-Leadership-Development-ebook/dp/B0BHZX7VP2
Check out Mike's website: https://me1stmethod.com/
Follow & interact with Mike on LinkedIn
Follow me on Instagram @ johnskomski for daily motivation and learn more about Investing Inward at https://jskomski.com/
Music: Hindsight (Instrumental) by Fivefold (used with written permission)
Today’s guest is a relationship ninja! Parents, spouses and employers alike will all walk away with a toolbox full of tools (you’ll get the reference in a minute) to level up their communication and leadership abilities!
Andre Young is a prolific content creator! Not only is he an author & speaker, but he also hosts a podcast, writes a blog and creates daily motivational videos. His content is practical, simple to understand and easily translates into the real world. Whether you're a manager at your firm or a parent with kids, his content will elevate your ability to lead and communicate.
On the note of parenting: If you are a parent, I promise you this episode will deliver more value than an entire weekend seminar on raising kids. Don't miss what he has to say!
Andre also shares about his time early on as a mental health professional and dealing with some of the worst situations imaginable. We discuss ways to proactively raise kids to hopefully avoid some of those worst case scenarios.
You can order pre-order Andre's newest book The Leader's Toolbox here (12/13/22 release date): https://www.amazon.com/Leaders-Toolbox-EVOLVE-Leadership-leading/dp/1631959239
Check out Andre's website: https://youevolvingnow.com/
You can listen to the You Evolving Now podcast here:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/1066093
Follow & interact with Andre on YouTube, Instagram, LinkedIn & Facebook:
Follow me on Instagram @ johnskomski for daily motivation and learn more about Investing Inward at https://jskomski.com/
Music: Hindsight (Instrumental) by Fivefold (used with written permission)
Jay Fantom is a man on a mission. He’s the host of the popular podcast The Story Box, author of an incredible brand new book and he comes wrapped up in an amazing Australian accent. This episode will not disappoint!
Jay’s book The Path of an Eagle: How to Overcome and Lead After Being Knocked Down is a handbook for dealing with all the obstacles life throws at you. Jay wrote the book with his former self in mind - the book he wished he had as he was navigating these struggles. You'll read about how he dealt with addiction, trauma, panic & anxiety and the strategies he employed to overcome them. You'll also be equipped with the tools that you need to overcome your own inner demons and make consistent progress on a daily basis.
Jay & I also take some time and do a deep dive into the struggle of anxiety and panic. We both get real and share stories of what it’s like to live with it and strategies for thriving and overcoming.
Check out Jay's website: https://thestoryboxpodcast.com/
You can order Jay's book here: https://www.amazon.com/Path-Eagle-Overcome-After-Knocked/dp/163758492X
You can listen to The Story Box podcast here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-story-box/id1486295252
https://open.spotify.com/show/7h8Qv3r2ZV29f7ktJOwmgM
Follow & interact with Jay on Instagram, LinkedIn & Facebook:
Follow me on Instagram @ johnskomski for daily motivation and learn more about Investing Inward at https://jskomski.com/
Music: Hindsight (Instrumental) by Fivefold (used with written permission)
You won't want to miss this episode, trust me! David Naylor blows the doors clean off the house and reveals some incredible insights into the science that is motivational intelligence (MQ). MQ is a recently discovered field hailed as a top 10 most promising scientific discovery of the twentieth century and it even won a Nobel prize
If you've ever wondered why some people are more motivated than others, how to become more motivated yourself and how to overcome self-limiting beliefs, this will be an incredible 40 minutes for you. David shares one actionable tip after another - you'll walk away with a boatload of insights and things to implement.
We cover the gamut from the secret of Tom Brady's success to how babies learn to walk in spite of falling down 17 times per hour (yes, it's true). DISCLAIMER: this was recorded several weeks BEFORE the news about the looming divorce with Tom & Gisele. You gotta admit, we were a bit clairvoyant on this one!
David is the Executive Vice President of Global Learning @ 2Logical ( a Top 20 Global Leadership company) and is a contributor to several prestigious publications, including Harvard Business Review, Forbes, INC. Magazine and Fortune.
You can listen to 2Logical's Motivational Intelligence podcast here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/motivational-intelligence/id1472287796
https://open.spotify.com/show/6kJtig0CghSDEucTjRxKtP
Check out 2Logical's new app called Mojo. Simply punch in "Mojo motivational" into the IOS or Google Play stores and download today.
Follow & interact with David on LinkedIn:
Follow me on Instagram @ johnskomski for daily motivation and learn more about Investing Inward at https://jskomski.com/
Music: Hindsight (Instrumental) by Fivefold (used with written permission)
"Think Bigger, Lead Better, Win More!" Embracing those six words has allowed Coach Jim Johnson to transform his life from average to truly incredible. You'll hear about his 30 years as a high school basketball coach, starting with a less then ideal record and evolving into a powerhouse. Coach Jim talks about the mindsets he's built that allowed him to change his perspective and become a more effective leader & coach.
Of course, no conversation with Coach Jim would be complete without hearing a firsthand account of the inspiring "J-Mac story"!
His book A Coach and a Miracle shares the story in-depth. You'll read about how he led with compassion and gave an autistic, learning disabled team manager a once-in-a-lifetime chance. A chance that turned into an incredible opportunity that garnered national headlines, won an ESPY and became a heartwarming story not easily forgotten! Order your copy here: https://coachjimjohnson.com/inspirational-motivational-book-products/
Today Coach Jim spends his time delivering motivational keynotes, hosting a podcast coaching and creating inspiring content on social media.
Coach Jim's email and phone number (yep, he said to reach out!):
Email: jjhoops@rochester.rr.com
Phone: 585-764-0220
Check out Coach Jim's website: https://coachjimjohnson.com/
You can listen to the Limitless Leadership Longue podcast here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/limitless-leadership-lounge/id1576755421
https://open.spotify.com/show/2k5ujt5dM3VTKGnInlfxm9
Follow & interact with Coach Jim on LinkedIn, Facebook & Twitter:
Follow me on Instagram @ johnskomski for daily motivation and learn more about Investing Inward at https://jskomski.com/
Music: Hindsight (Instrumental) by Fivefold (used with written permission)
What's better than learning from your own mistakes? Learning from someone else's! That is especially easy to do when someone takes the time to author a book containing those very lessons, which is exactly what David Mammano did. He's an incredible entrepreneur, author, TEDx speaker & podcast host. At end of the day, he's just one of those guys that leaves you feeling inspired & optimistic.
His book Crash and Learn: Lessons in Business shares transparent stories from 10 successful business leaders who get real and share lessons they learned along the way (sometimes the hard way). Order your copy @ Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Crash-Learn-Business-David-Mammano/dp/1988925533
Watch David's TEDx talks:
Check out David's website: https://www.davidmammano.com/
You can listen to the Gonzo Experience podcast here: https://www.davidmammano.com/podcast
You can check out the Youtopia Network here: https://www.youtopianetwork.com/
Follow & interact with David on LinkedIn, Facebook & Instagram:
Follow me on Instagram @ johnskomski for daily motivation and learn more about Investing Inward at https://jskomski.com/
Music: Hindsight (Instrumental) by Fivefold (used with written permission)
"To do something you've never done, you've got to work like you never have." That is just one of many gems former NFL player Quentin Gause shares during our conversation. Quentin has laser focus and an incredible ability to set goals AND achieve them. Going from having an IEP (individualized education program) in grade school to graduating from Rutgers with a 4.0 is just one of many examples of this. This dude is a BEAST.
Quentin takes us on his journey into the NFL, starting from a young child when his uncle told him he wouldn't be team captain all the way through playing for the Eagles, Patriots & Broncos. He shares memorable events, including a huge interception he made while playing for the Eagles & meeting Tom Brady and John Elway.
Check out the video of the interception here: https://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/video/highlight-quentin-gause-interception-17469909
He opens up and gives an incredibly real view about the mindsets he built and dedication it takes to get into the NFL. For Quentin, life isn't just a highlight reel. He also shares about lessons learned the hard way, like the missed opportunity with the Buccaneers.
Today Quentin unleashes his peak performance mindset in the business world and is an incredible entrepreneur & owner of multiple successful businesses:
No Days Off Fitness: Corporate wellness Saas (Software-As-A-Service) Business Solution
Revolve Nutrition: Performance supplement line
Iron Visuals: Full service visual creative studio & marketing
Follow Quentin on LinkedIn, Instagram & Facebook:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/quentin-gause-04995356/
https://www.instagram.com/qgause/?hl=en
https://www.facebook.com/qgausefit
Follow me on Instagram @ johnskomski for daily motivation and learn more about Investing Inward at https://jskomski.com/
Music: Hindsight (Instrumental) by Fivefold (used with written permission)
Lately we've been reminded far too often that coming home safely is not a given for any law enforcement official. The job has inherent risks and the strain of never truly being "off duty" takes its toll. As I conclude this 2-part series with former FBI agent Vince Sellers, the episode takes a somber note as Vince shares about Special Agent Laura Schwartzenberger.
Laura was killed while executing a search warrant on February 2nd, 2021. Vince knew Laura personally and shares some of her story toward the end of the episode. She was a wonderful person, wife & mother who is greatly missed and I've chosen to dedicate this episode in Laura's honor.
Here's a great piece on Laura's life & legacy: https://www.fbi.gov/news/speeches/remembering-special-agent-laura-schwartzenberger-020621
This week's episode covers through the later stages of Vince's career in the FBI through the end, as well as some reflections on what he learned looking back. He shares on the challenge of knowing when it's time to move on in your career and how to go about doing it. He also shares some interesting perspectives on how he viewed the criminals he dealt with and ways for law enforcement to continue to evolve and grow.
Vince is currently the Enterprise Architect for the Comptroller's Office for the State of Texas. He also serves as a Commissioner for the City of Austin Community Police Review Commission.
When he's not at work, he's composing & recording music as the Austin Apologue and entering his pugs into costume contests. He also has a deep knowledge of pinball machines.
Follow Vince as Austin Apologue on YouTube for his music: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3kpREOxYG_lc6WBMAc2rww
Vince's Austin Apologue music page: https://austinapologue.com/
Vince's FBI webpage: https://vincentsellers.com/
You can get Vince's book Eyes Pried Open: Rookie FBI Agent here: https://www.amazon.com/Eyes-Pried-Open-Rookie-Agent/dp/1612964400
Follow me on Instagram @ johnskomski for daily motivation and learn more about Investing Inward at https://jskomski.com/
Music: Hindsight (Instrumental) by Fivefold (used with written permission)
Ever get up before dark and stand outside a door with a battering ram in your hand, leading a tactical unit on a raid? How about boxing a bunch of guys the night before your wedding? Or having to take a polygraph twice, because you're too "clean"? Today's guest Vince Sellers has done all that, and much more. So much more in fact, that we talked for nearly 2 hours and this turned out to be the first, 2-part series on the show!
After a decade in corporate America, Vince decided to shake things up and join the FBI. He gained a boatload of experience during his time in the agency and we unpack each part, from the polygraphs during application phase all the way through his final decision to leave and move on. This week's episode covers through the early part of his career in the FBI and next week's episode will take you through the later stages through the end, as well as some reflections on what he learned looking back.
There's some real gems in here as we zero in on mental techniques to navigate tough situations, how to recover from grief/depression & knowing when to decide it's time for a change in direction.
Vince is currently the Enterprise Architect for the Comptroller's Office for the State of Texas. He also serves as a Commissioner for the City of Austin Community Police Review Commission.
When he's not at work, he's composing & recording music as the Austin Apologue and entering his pugs into costume contests. He also has a deep knowledge of pinball machines.
Follow Vince as Austin Apologue on YouTube for his music: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3kpREOxYG_lc6WBMAc2rww
Vince's Austin Apologue music page: https://austinapologue.com/
Vince's FBI webpage: https://vincentsellers.com/
You can get Vince's book Eyes Pried Open: Rookie FBI Agent here: https://www.amazon.com/Eyes-Pried-Open-Rookie-Agent/dp/1612964400
Follow me on Instagram @ johnskomski for daily motivation and learn more about Investing Inward at https://jskomski.com/
Music: Hindsight (Instrumental) by Fivefold (used with written permission)
This is a story you won't hear everyday. Eddie Mraz and his wife Alyssa have a very special baby boy. Their son Everett has a severe brain condition, medically known as TUBB2A. Everett requires full time bedside care right - 24 hours, 7 days a week. Non-stop. You heard me, this isn't a metaphor.
Eddie pressed pause on his growing career and embraced the new role of stay-at-home dad, aka Chief Diaper Changer. His post on LinkedIn about the big change went viral, REALLY viral. It had over 14,000,000 views and nearly 200,000 reactions.
He hasn’t written a book (yet), I'm sure that's coming one day. For now, he's living out the pages of that story, one dad-shift at a time.
You really need to hear his story.
We talk about faith, prayer and the struggle of constant stress. Eddie shares tips for dealing with high stress situations and ways to maintain mental health in spite of the situation you may find yourself in. He shares his past struggles with destructive habits and how to find new, healthier ways to cope.
Eddie even walks through the mental battle of taking a cold shower at midnight! Hey, no one said this was easy!
Follow Eddie on LinkedIn for inspiring content and updates on his journey: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eddie-mraz-2030goals/
Here are links to the content Eddie has found instrumental:
Andrew Huberman - Huberman Labs: https://hubermanlab.com/about/
Craig Groeschel - Winning the War in Your Mind: https://www.amazon.com/Winning-War-Your-Mind-Thinking/dp/0310362725
James Clear - Atomic Habits: https://www.amazon.com/Atomic-Habits-Proven-Build-Break/dp/0735211299
John Eldridge - Resilient: https://www.amazon.com/Resilient-Restoring-Weary-These-Turbulent/dp/1400208645
Dr. Josh & Christi Straub - Famous at Home: https://www.amazon.com/Famous-Home-Decisions-Competing-Attention/dp/1496454863
Daily Kairos Journal: https://www.amazon.com/Daily-Kairos-Journal-Journaling-Inspirational/dp/B08DG5JV5G
Follow me on Instagram @ johnskomski for daily motivation and learn more about Investing Inward at https://jskomski.com/
Music: Hindsight (Instrumental) by Fivefold (used with written permission)
Description
You're scrolling through social media and you're inundated with one repeated theme: success. Or at least what we're told is success. Spotlight, followers, likes, revenue, influence...I could go on. Our society is permeated with a very one-dimensional idea of success.
Tim Schurrer decided to challenge that narrative and wrote a book on redefining success. He presents a much more fulfilling alternative to Hollywood's idea and he highlights the individualistic nature of success. What you consider success may not be the same for me or anyone else. I promise you'll walk away feeling encouraged and liberated to pursue your own ideas of success.
He also shares some great stories, including his early dreams of becoming the next John Mayer and what he learned from a conversation with sports legend Jim Nantz.
Tim's an author, host of a top rated leadership podcast and CEO of David Novak Leadership. Tim has spent his life creating inspiring content and living out the concepts he writes about in his book.
Follow Tim on LinkedIn, Instagram & Twitter for inspiring content.
Tim's webpage: https://www.buildawinningteam.com/
You can get Tim's latest book The Secret Society of Success here: https://www.amazon.com/Secret-Society-Success-Chasing-Spotlight/dp/1400229421
Get the first 2 chapters of Tim's book completely free: https://www.buildawinningteam.com/free
Follow me on Instagram @ johnskomski for daily motivation and learn more about Investing Inward at https://jskomski.com/
Music: Hindsight (Instrumental) by Fivefold (used with written permission)
You can put yourself in someone else's shoes...unless they don't fit. Ever wonder how to support someone you love as they go through a crisis, but have no idea where to start? The word is empathy, and most of us have the definition wrong! Bob masterfully explains how to correctly relate to a loved one in pain and truly display empathy.
Bob gets real and shares a practical formula that he uses to overcome shortcomings in his life. Hint: visualization is key.
He also talks about how to properly go about seeking a mentor and ways to respect and maximize their time.
Bob Burg is an international bestselling author and hall of fame speaker. Most widely known for his book The Go-Giver, it's sold over 1 million copies and sparked an entire movement.
Follow Bob on LinkedIn, Facebook & Instagram for inspiring content:
Bob's webpage: https://burg.com/
You can get Bob's latest book The Go-Giver Influencer here: https://www.amazon.com/Go-Giver-Influencer-Little-Story-Persuasive/dp/1591846374,
Follow me on Instagram @ johnskomski for daily motivation and learn more about Investing Inward at https://jskomski.com/
Music: Hindsight (Instrumental) by Fivefold (used with written permission)
Considering making a big change in life and wondering if you have what it takes to lean in and launch? My guest Derrick Kinney did exactly that. Find out what happened when he decided to sell his practice after 25 years and launch Good Money Framework. Did I mention he did it all in 2020? It's an amazing story.
We talk about about perfectionism, setting goals & the importance of tying a purpose to your money.
He also shares practical ways to get your family & friends on board with helping you grow. This part was dynamite!
Derrick is the CEO of Good Money Framework, Host of Good Money podcast and bestselling author of Good Money Revolution.
Follow Derrick on Instagram for daily content: @derricktkinney
Order your copy of the USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling book Good Money Revolution here: https://amzn.to/34hSonE
Get 5 free chapters of Good Money Revolution: https://www.goodmoneyframework.com/freechapters
Follow me on Instagram @ johnskomski for daily motivation and learn more about Investing Inward at https://jskomski.com/
Music: Hindsight (Instrumental) by Fivefold. Used with written permission.
John gives you a sneak peak about what's coming your way and the origin story behind the show.
Question: what happens when you mix 2020 with multiple crises? Hint: A change in perspective.
Buckle up and get ready for an exciting journey of investing inward. You know you're excited about it!
Hindsight (instrumental) by Fivefold. Used with written permission.