418: Forget the Grind: The Secret to Sustainable Success GUEST: Joe Byerly - Writer, Podcaster & Creator of “From the Green Notebook”
DREAM THINK DO | Motivation, Encouragement & Strategy
Release Date: 04/17/2025
DREAM THINK DO | Motivation, Encouragement & Strategy
In this short and heartfelt episode… Mitch Matthews is keeping it simple but powerful. It’s a mini-episode, just 15 minutes… but it’s packed with a mindset shift that could transform your holidays (and maybe even your new year!). As we dive into this season that’s often full, fast, and a little frantic… we wanted to offer you a concept that’s helping Mitch to stay grounded, present, and joy-filled. It’s a two-word mantra that’s serving as his personal battle cry: “Christmas Curious.” Whether you're someone who loves spreadsheets and schedules… or you’re someone...
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An Interview with former Navy SEAL, CEO & bestselling author Brent Gleeson In this powerful episode, Mitch Matthews sits down with Brent Gleeson - former Navy SEAL, CEO, and bestselling author - to dive into the mindset, routines, and values that allow you to go ALL IN on what matters most, even during the most chaotic of times… (even the holidays!). With insights from Brent’s new book ALL IN: The Pathway to Personal Growth and Professional Excellence, this episode offers a practical roadmap for finishing the year strong and stepping into 2026 with focus, clarity, and intention. Read...
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An interview with Olympic Medalist, Author, & Design Thinker John K. Coyle What if your next breakthrough wasn’t about fixing your weaknesses… but doubling down on your strengths? This week on DREAM THINK DO, Mitch sits down with John K. Coyle - an Olympic silver medalist turned Fortune 500 exec, design thinking expert, and Emmy-winning analyst - to explore what happens when you stop trying to fix what’s “wrong” with you… and instead, design a life around what you do best. John shares his journey from burnout and humiliation on the U.S. Olympic speed skating team to a...
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In this inspiring and deeply authentic episode, Mitch sits down with someone he recently shared the TEDx stage with - Dr. Angela Walker Franklin. Dr. Franklin is the President and CEO of Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences, and not only is she the first woman and first person of color to hold that role in the university’s 125+ year history… she’s also a licensed clinical psychologist, a published author, and a powerful voice for leading with empathy, courage, and clarity. They dive into her unique upbringing in a small South Carolina town - where her family ran a funeral...
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In this episode, Mitch sits down with the brilliant and bold Dr. Julia Garcia - a psychologist, behavioral researcher, and the author of the powerful new book, The 5 Habits of Hope. With 20+ years of experience working with students, educators, CEOs, and entire communities to create space for hope, Dr. J brings the science and the soul - blending tactical tools with raw honesty and deep life experience. This isn’t toxic positivity. This is real, grounded, authentic hope. And it couldn’t be more timely. As we head into the holidays - a season that can stir up a lot of different...
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We’ve got an inspiring and eye-opening conversation for you this week as Mitch sits down with Shawn D. Nelson - the founder and CEO of LoveSac. If the name sounds familiar, it should. LoveSac has become a billion-dollar disruptor in the furniture space, known for their ultra-comfy bean bags and their game-changing modular couches that are built to last a lifetime. But long before LoveSac became a publicly traded company with hundreds of retail stores… it started in Shawn’s parents’ basement with a roll of vinyl, some foam, and a wild idea. Since then, Shawn’s story has included...
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In this solo episode, Mitch Matthews shares an honest, behind-the-scenes story that started with a season of struggle, turned into a desperate idea… and accidentally launched a movement that’s now inspired thousands of people to get clear on their big dreams and goals and move forward with courage and clarity. You’ll hear about the surprising origin of the very first Big Dream Gathering - an experiment that started in their living room and eventually led to events hosted around the country. These events have helped people to get clear and get connected and get big dreams...
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What if you could actually feel good about money? Not just make more of it - but feel less stress, more clarity, and a sense of freedom around your finances? That’s exactly what we’re talking about this week with our guest, John Kennedy. He’s a Certified Financial Planner, yes… but his superpower is helping people unpack the emotional side of money, build simple systems that work, and finally take control of their financial life - without shame or overwhelm. John is a partner and senior wealth advisor, and the co-host of the Above Board Podcast, which ranks in the top 2% of...
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In this powerful episode, Mitch reconnects with Vanessa McNeal - a dynamic speaker, trauma-informed life coach, and certified elite coach who's changing the way leaders think about difficult people, burnout, and team culture. Vanessa’s mission? To help high achievers ditch burnout, quiet the noise of overwhelm, and lead from a place of inner alignment. She’s not about surface-level fluff - her strategies are rooted in science, her story is authentic, and her presence is transformative. In this conversation, Mitch and Vanessa dive deep into the neuroscience behind stress, conflict, and...
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What does it take to fully step into the life you were meant to live? What happens when you lose a big part of your identity… and have to rebuild from the ground up? That’s what we’re talking about in this raw and real episode with Nick Koumalatsos. Nick is a former Marine Raider, turned multi-passionate entrepreneur, coach, and author. He’s also the co-founder and CEO of Johnny Slicks, a fast-growing premium grooming brand. He's also the author of Excommunicated Warrior: 7 Stages of Transition - a powerful book that explores how to navigate major life shifts without losing yourself in...
info_outlineToday’s guest is Joe Byerly. He’s a rising voice in leadership and the founder of: “From the Green Notebook” — a podcast and blog that’s been inspiring leaders inside and outside the military for over a decade.
Joe spent 20+ years in the U.S. Army, earning prestigious honors like: the Legion of Merit, multiple Bronze Stars, a Purple Heart and the General Douglas MacArthur Leadership Award… all while leading teams in high-stakes environments.
But what sets Joe apart is his philosophy: leadership isn’t about grinding harder or always pushing to extremes.
Instead, Joe believes in AND teaches self-awareness, daily habits, and lifelong learning as the keys to real… sustainable growth.
In 2013, Joe started the “From the Green Notebook” as a blog about military-oriented leadership lessons… and he certainly wasn’t trying to be an “influencer.” He started it because he saw a need.
Well… it quickly became popular inside and outside military… attracting over two million visitors. Then… in 2020, Joe launched the “From the Green Notebook” podcast and it’s now in the top 1% of all podcasts.
Joe interviews top military and world leaders, bestselling authors, Super Bowl-winning athletes, and Grammy-nominated recording artists. You’ll want to check it out!
Whether you're a seasoned leader or just getting started, Joe’s down-to-earth, actionable approach will inspire you to lead with empathy, resilience, and intention. Let’s dive in!
ENCOURAGING THE ENCOURAGERS:
Remember… you can now check out Mitch’s OTHER podcast called “ENCOURAGING THE ENCOURAGERS” anywhere you listen to podcasts.
It’s specifically designed for Coaches, Speakers and Content Creators and provides a quick dose of inspiration, strategy AND… of course… encouragement!
Find it on Apple Podcasts: Click here
Find it on Spotify: Click here
Find it on Anchor: Click here
Find it on Google: Click here
IN THIS EPISODE:
Whether you're leading teams, navigating a transition, or just looking to grow personally and professionally, Joe's practical insights on reading, writing, and reflection will inspire and equip you to lead with empathy, resilience, and intentionality.
In this episode, we cover:
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What the Green Notebook symbolizes — and why it matters so much for leaders
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Why Joe believes leadership starts with self-leadership
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The simple (but uncommon!) daily practices that fuel sustainable growth
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How to build a life (and career) around your purpose, not your title
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Joe’s tactical tips for reading 40+ books a year without burnout
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His daily journaling practice that boosts self-awareness and leadership performance
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How From the Green Notebook grew from a personal blog into a global leadership movement
RESOURCES & MORE ABOUT JOE:
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FromTheGreenNotebook.com — Joe's blog and podcast
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Instagram: @fromthegreennotebook
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Podcast: From the Green Notebook — wherever you listen to podcasts: https://fromthegreennotebook.com/podcasts/
We Want to Hear From YOU! 🎙💡
👉 What’s one small but powerful step you can take TODAY to take your leadership and life… to the next level? Write it down and make it happen!
👉 Comment below and let us know what resonated most with you from this powerful convo!
👉 If this episode spoke to you… PLEASE leave a review!
It encourages me and my guests AND it helps more Dream Think Doers find the show! THANKS SO MUCH! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐