Libsyn Directory

#264: Angie Wisdom — The Non-Negotiable You: The Key to Lasting Success

Release Date: 08/25/2025

#278: Ben Johnson — Building Teams, Products, and the Future of Tech

MIKE'D UP!

This week, Mike is joined by , CEO and Founder of , for a sharp, energizing look at what it really takes to lead in today’s tech world. With more than 20 years of software experience and over $30 million raised across five startups, Ben brings the hard-earned lessons only a seasoned builder can offer. Ben breaks down the traits of effective tech leadership—setting a clear vision, empowering teams, and avoiding micromanagement. He shares candid stories from his early days as a founder, including a memorable misunderstanding of “burn rate.” He explains why learning to speak the...

#277: Laura G. Patac — Whole, Not Perfect: Reinventing and Reclaiming Yourself

MIKE'D UP!

In this powerful episode, Mike welcomes back —author, storyteller, and transformation strategist—to explore the ideas behind her latest book, Through honest conversation and deep insights, Laura reveals why reinvention isn’t a destination but a lived journey shaped by every experience, every pivot, and every scar earned along the way. Together, Mike and Laura unpack the beauty of our personal origin stories and the quiet, unseen moments that shape who we become. Laura invites listeners to look beyond the myth of perfection and instead embrace the raw, unfiltered truth of their...

#276: Connor Steinbrook — 4X World Series of Poker Champion Builds a Real Estate Empire

MIKE'D UP!

Note: Connor was a 3X World Series of Poker champion when this episode was recorded, and hours before his birthday earlier this month, he won his 4th World Series of Poker circuit championship! When life dealt him a losing hand, didn’t fold. He went all-in and stormed back. In this episode, Mike welcomes back four-time World Series of Poker champion turned real estate powerhouse to uncover how one man went from the chaos of online poker shutdowns to leading one of eXp Realty’s most dominant teams— Connor’s story plays out like a classic comeback movie: a sudden crash, a crisis of...

#275: Jay Sapovits — Recovery, Redemption & Reigniting Success with the Founder of Ink'd Stores

MIKE'D UP!

This week, Mike sits down with , the founder and President of , a thriving $5 million e-commerce company that powers over 1,000 online swag stores for brands like DoorDash, Crocs, and Penn Entertainment. Jay opens up about his turbulent journey—from explosive early success and devastating loss to rebuilding his life and business from the ground up. The conversation explores Jay’s struggle with gambling addiction, the painful collapse of his first ventures, and how entering recovery became the foundation for lasting personal and professional transformation. He shares how humility,...

#274: Jane Hanson— From Emmy-Winning Journalism to Empowering Your Voice in Business

MIKE'D UP!

This week, Mike sits down with , an Emmy-winning journalist who spent nearly three decades at NBC New York. From her humble beginnings in a small Minnesota town to becoming a prominent voice in television journalism, Jane reflects on a career filled with powerful storytelling, resilience, and transformation. Jane opens up about covering pivotal events like 9/11, the emotional weight of live reporting, and the moment she realized it was time to pivot from broadcasting to coaching. Today, she empowers entrepreneurs, executives, and women to master the art of authentic...

#273: Kurt Avery — How One Mission Has Transformed 30 Million Lives in 80+ Countries

MIKE'D UP!

In this moving and eye-opening conversation, Mike sits down with Kurt Avery, the visionary founder and president of , to explore how one man’s faith, resilience, and entrepreneurial drive sparked a movement that’s transforming global health. After leaving the corporate comfort of Fortune 500 marketing, Kurt took a leap of faith to create a company focused on a single, world-changing mission—to provide safe, clean water to every person who needs it. In this episode, we journey through the challenges and triumphs that shaped Sawyer’s path—from early financial hardships and failed...

#272: Why NOW is the BEST TIME to START your BUSINESS PODCAST

MIKE'D UP!

This week, Mike fires up entrepreneurs and business leaders who have been saying, “someday I’ll start my podcast.” Mike reveals why Q4 is the golden window to plan and launch your show before everyone else even starts thinking about it. He breaks down the strategic advantage of starting now, how to structure your episodes, line up guests, and create content that truly represents your brand, values, and voice. Mike also dives into the bigger picture: a podcast isn’t only a marketing tool — it’s a relationship engine that builds credibility, expands your network, and creates...

#271: Graham Kuhn — Founder of Focus Films on Building Brands Through Authentic Storytelling

MIKE'D UP!

This week, Mike steps “behind the scenes” with , the creative force behind , whose life reads like a screenplay of transformation, grit, and passion. From the wrestling mats of small-town Wisconsin to the world’s grand opera stages — and ultimately to the helm of his own film company — Graham’s story proves that the path to success is rarely a straight line. When the pandemic hit days after launching his business, Graham faced what felt like the final curtain. Contracts vanished, plans unraveled — but instead of tapping out, he rewrote the script. Drawing on the resilience...

#270: Gail Jones — Beyond a Statistic: Real Stories of Teens & Young Adults Redefining Themselves

MIKE'D UP!

In this episode, Mike sits down with renowned author for a heartfelt and eye-opening conversation about self-worth, mental health, and the untapped potential hiding inside every young person. Released during and with right around the corner, this episode isn’t only a discussion — it’s a rallying cry to rediscover our inner greatness. Gail takes you behind the pages of her new book , sharing powerful stories from 15 extraordinary young people who refused to be defined by setbacks, comparison, or social pressures. From the scars of the pandemic to the scroll-induced self-doubt of social...

#269: Jonna Perlinger — Founder of Babe’s Babes on Championing Women in Sports Media

MIKE'D UP!

This week, we step into the heart and soul of America’s pastime. In this nostalgic episode, Mike sits down with , the driving force behind , to explore how baseball isn’t only a sport — it’s a legacy, a love language, and a way to keep the memories of those we cherish alive. From childhood living rooms turned into stadiums and sacred Yankees memorabilia that defined family bonds, to the modern-day mission of creating space for women’s voices in a traditionally male-dominated field — this conversation hits every note: nostalgia, inspiration, and pure passion for the game. Whether...

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What happens when you decide to take control of your thoughts and rewrite your own story?

In this episode, Mike sits down with Angie Wisdom—bestselling author of The Non-Negotiable You, master certified coach, and Fortune 500 keynote speaker—for a conversation that will change the way you think about success and fulfillment.

From her leap out of finance into coaching, to the daily non-negotiables that keep her grounded, Angie reveals the pivotal moments and practical tools that shaped her journey. She shares how to silence imposter syndrome, lean into self-belief, and align your actions with your deepest values. Along the way, she offers leaders and business owners fresh strategies to connect with their teams through authenticity and curiosity.

Packed with mindset shifts, morning rituals, and timeless wisdom, this episode is your backstage pass to living with purpose, leading with impact, and finding true balance in work and life.

IN THIS EPISODE:

➡️ Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

➡️ Aligning Your Values with Actions

➡️ Connecting with Your Team as a Leader

➡️ The Importance of Authenticity in Leadership

📘 BONUS TAKEAWAY:

By the end of this episode, you’ll walk away with simple yet powerful practices—like daily self-checks, gratitude, and intentional routines—that will help you stay aligned with your values, lead with confidence, and create fulfillment that lasts well beyond professional success.

🚀 PERFECT FOR:

Leaders, business owners, and professionals seeking personal and professional growth. Whether you’re navigating a career transition, striving to connect more authentically with your team, or looking for practical strategies to overcome Imposter Syndrome and find fulfillment in both work and life, this episode is a must-listen!

Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

The Non-Negotiable You: Mindset Mastery for Daily Success

The Sharing Wisdom Podcast

Reclaiming Yourself from Disconnection to Authenticity

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