Beyond Self-Made
Conversations on leadership, reinvention, and the truth behind success. Hosted by Michael Greenwalt. Welcome to Beyond Self-Made. I'm Michael Greenwalt - speaker, author, and someone who's lived more than one life. From poverty to the military, to the cage, to the fireground, to the boardroom and entrepreneurship, I've learned that success isn't about doing it alone - it's about who shows up, who opens doors, and who walks with you when things get hard. This podcast is about leadership under pressure, career reinvention, personal growth, and the power of authentic human connection. These interviews are stories, conversations, and lessons for people building their next chapter - together.
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Your Greatest Pain Might Be Your Greatest Purpose | Jay Allen
08/12/2026
Your Greatest Pain Might Be Your Greatest Purpose | Jay Allen
What if the moment that broke your heart became the moment that gave your life its purpose? My guest today never set out to become famous. He set out to tell the truth. After watching his mother disappear into Alzheimer's, he wrote a song that would touch millions, raise millions of dollars for research, and ultimately change the course of his life. This isn't just a conversation about music. It's about purpose, healing, faith, and what really matters when the spotlight fades. Country artist Jay Allen has performed on national stages, appeared on The Voice, signed record deals, and gone viral with a song inspired by his mother's battle with early-onset Alzheimer's. But behind the headlines is a much deeper story. In this conversation, Jay shares the heartbreaking moment his mother no longer recognized him, how that pain became the song "Blank Stares," and why he ultimately walked away from chasing fame to pursue something far more meaningful. Together we explore: Why authenticity always outlasts image The hidden reality of the music industry Fame versus fulfillment Faith, purpose, and resilience Mental health and healing Leadership through vulnerability Supporting first responders, veterans, and caregivers Why your greatest struggle may become your greatest calling Whether you're an artist, entrepreneur, leader, or simply someone navigating life's hardest seasons, this episode is a reminder that purpose is often found on the other side of pain. Sometimes the most powerful thing you can do isn't chasing recognition. It's choosing significance. Connect with Jay Allen Website: Instagram: @jayallenmusic Facebook: Jay Allen Music
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Mental Health, Music & Making a Difference: With Christine Farr
08/03/2026
Mental Health, Music & Making a Difference: With Christine Farr
When people think about supporting veterans and first responders, they often think of saying "thank you." But what happens after that? In this episode, I sit down with Chris Farr, President of Northern Arizona Marine League Charities, to talk about what real service looks like after the uniform comes off. We discuss how Marine League Charities has grown from supporting Toys for Tots into an organization that helps veterans, first responders, youth programs, scholarships, and local families throughout Northern Arizona. Chris shares her personal journey into nonprofit leadership, why community matters so deeply, and how simple acts of kindness can change someone's life. We also dive into the importance of mental health, PTSD resources, and why events like the upcoming Jay Allen & Sherry Rowe Benefit Concert are about far more than great music. Every ticket sold helps provide meaningful support for veterans, first responders, and organizations working to improve mental health in our community. This conversation is a reminder that healing happens through connection, purpose, and people willing to show up for one another. Whether you've served, know someone who has, or simply want to make your community stronger, I think you'll find something meaningful in this episode. In this episode: The mission behind Marine League Charities The incredible growth of Toys for Tots in Northern Arizona Supporting veterans long after military service Mental health resources for first responders and veterans Why community involvement matters more than ever The upcoming benefit concert featuring Jay Allen and Sherry Rowe How every person can make a difference Connect. Serve. Give back. Because no one should have to carry life's hardest battles alone. #BeyondSelfMade #Veterans #FirstResponders #MentalHealth #PTSD #CommunityLeadership #Leadership #Service #MarineLeagueCharities #ToysForTots #Flagstaff #NorthernArizona #GivingBack #Community #JayAllen #SherryRowe #Podcast #LeadershipPodcast
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Teaching Humans in an AI World: Anika Jackson on education, entrepreneurship, and the future of work
07/28/2026
Teaching Humans in an AI World: Anika Jackson on education, entrepreneurship, and the future of work
AI is changing everything, but what if our greatest competitive advantage isn't technology at all? In this episode of Beyond Self Made, Michael sits down with branding strategist, educator, and podcast host Anika Jackson, founder of Your Brand Amplified, to explore what it really takes to stay relevant in a rapidly changing world. From building one of the world's top marketing podcasts to teaching graduate students at USC and helping entrepreneurs amplify their voices, Anika shares the winding journey that led her to a career centered on helping others succeed. Together they discuss: • Why authenticity has become more valuable—not less—in the age of AI • The entrepreneurial leap and learning to bet on yourself • How podcasting creates influence through genuine human connection • What AI is changing in education, branding, and the future of work • Why curiosity, joy, and adaptability may become the most important skills of the next decade • How entrepreneurs can build businesses that reflect their values instead of simply chasing attention This isn't just a conversation about branding. It's about identity, purpose, and why the future still belongs to people who are willing to learn, connect, and continue evolving. If you've ever wondered how to stay relevant without losing yourself, this episode is for you.
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Functioning Is Not the Same as Flourishing: My Ketamine Journey
07/01/2026
Functioning Is Not the Same as Flourishing: My Ketamine Journey
For years, I thought healing meant learning to carry more. What if it actually means learning to carry less? In this deeply personal episode of Beyond Self-Made, I share my complete journey after finishing six medically supervised ketamine treatments. This isn't an endorsement or medical advice. It's simply an honest reflection on why I chose to explore this path, what I experienced during each session, and how it has already begun changing the way I lead, parent, handle stress, and experience life. We talk about: • Why I decided to pursue ketamine therapy after 23 years in the fire service • Trauma, first responders, and the invisible weight we normalize • Beauty, love, anger, limitless potential, and unexpected spiritual insights • The realities that aren't often discussed, including headaches, vivid nightmares, and the importance of integration therapy • The measurable changes I've noticed in stress, presence, creativity, relationships, and even physical health metrics • Why this experience wasn't about escaping life, but learning to engage with it differently Whether your path involves therapy, faith, exercise, meditation, journaling, or another approach entirely, I hope this conversation encourages you to ask one important question: What are you intentionally doing to care for the person carrying everything you've been through? If this conversation resonates with you, I'd love to hear your thoughts or experiences. Reach out through my website, michaelgreenwalt.net, or connect with me on LinkedIn and Instagram (themichaelgreenwalt). If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who might need to hear it. #BeyondSelfMade #KetamineTherapy #MentalHealth #FirstResponders #Leadership #PersonalGrowth #HealingJourney #TraumaRecovery #Neuroplasticity #Resilience #Mindset #Veterans #EmotionalHealth #SpiritualGrowth #SelfLeadership #HumanPerformance #MensMentalHealth #Purpose #GrowthMindset #MichaelGreenwalt
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Limitless: Reflections After My 2nd Ketamine Treatment - Chasing Anger, Finding Peace
06/15/2026
Limitless: Reflections After My 2nd Ketamine Treatment - Chasing Anger, Finding Peace
In this deeply personal episode of Beyond Self Made, I share my reflections after my second ketamine treatment session. Unlike my first experience, which was filled primarily with beauty, love, and peace, this session took an unexpected turn. At one point, I found myself chasing what felt like a manifestation of anger through a vibrant landscape of color and energy. The harder I chased it, the further it moved away. Then something shifted. Instead of pursuing it, I realized I didn't have to. What followed was one of the most powerful moments I've experienced: a reminder that we often give power to the very things that hold us back. We also discuss: • The difference between intentional pauses and what I call a "peaceful pause" • Changes I've noticed in everyday interactions since beginning treatment • Being more present with family • Letting go of unnecessary conflict and frustration • Anxiety, deadlines, and emotional reactions • The connection between ketamine therapy and self-awareness • What it means to confront fear instead of running from it Whether you're curious about ketamine therapy, personal growth, emotional healing, or simply becoming more of who you're capable of being, I hope this conversation offers something meaningful. If there's one message I took away from this experience, it's this: Face what you're avoiding. You may be far more capable, resilient, and limitless than you realize.
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I Saw Beauty Everywhere: My First Ketamine Experience
06/11/2026
I Saw Beauty Everywhere: My First Ketamine Experience
I expected darkness. I found love. What happens when you stop trying to control the experience and simply allow yourself to receive what comes? In this follow-up episode of Beyond Self Made, I sit down immediately after my first ketamine treatment to share what I experienced while it's still fresh. Going into the session, I expected to confront trauma, memories, fears, or difficult emotions. Instead, I found something completely different. What I experienced is difficult to describe with words. It felt like a journey through space and time, from the cellular level to the vastness of the universe. There were moments of beauty, connection, love, peace, and a profound sense that everything is somehow connected. This isn't a conversation about medical advice or treatment recommendations. It's simply an honest account of a personal experience and the reflections that followed. In this episode we discuss: My first ketamine treatment experience Why words often fail to describe transformational moments The feeling of connection and unity Love, self-acceptance, and personal healing Faith, purpose, and perspective The role of beauty in personal growth What surprised me most about the experience Why healing isn't always what we expect Whether you're curious about ketamine therapy, interested in personal development, or simply exploring different perspectives on healing and growth, I hope this conversation provides insight and encouragement. Sometimes the answers we're looking for don't arrive as solutions. Sometimes they arrive as perspective.
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Ketamine, Healing, and the Search for More: My Journey Begins
06/10/2026
Ketamine, Healing, and the Search for More: My Journey Begins
For years I've worked through trauma, stress, leadership challenges, and the pressure that comes with life and career transitions. I've invested in therapy, personal growth, health, and self-improvement, but recently I found myself asking a simple question: What if there's another level of healing available? In this episode of Beyond Self Made, I sit down with my brother, Dave Greenwalt, just minutes before my first ketamine treatment session. We talk openly about the stigma surrounding ketamine therapy, mental health, trauma, faith, anxiety, depression, personal growth, and the hopes and fears that come with stepping into an unfamiliar healing process. This conversation isn't about promoting a treatment or pretending to have answers. It's about transparency, curiosity, and documenting a real journey as it unfolds. Along the way we discuss: Why I decided to pursue ketamine therapy The stigma and misconceptions surrounding treatment Trauma, stress, and emotional patterns that can become deeply ingrained Neuroplasticity and the possibility of creating new pathways forward Faith, healing, and trusting the process The importance of intention, self-awareness, and personal growth This is the first episode in a series where I'll share my experience, lessons learned, challenges, and reflections throughout the process. Whether you're considering ketamine therapy yourself, supporting someone who is, or simply interested in personal growth and mental wellness, I hope this conversation provides value and perspective. What follows is an honest conversation between two brothers about healing, hope, and the willingness to explore new paths forward.
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Built for More Than a Resume | Lily Finegan on College, Leadership, and Human Connection
06/01/2026
Built for More Than a Resume | Lily Finegan on College, Leadership, and Human Connection
In this episode of Beyond Self Made, Michael sits down with recent college graduate Lily Finegan for an honest conversation about growing up, identity, leadership, relationships, career pressure, and what it means to enter adulthood in the age of AI. Lily shares her journey from growing up in the Bay Area through family struggles, divorce, addiction, sports, and learning resilience at a young age — all while navigating college life, sorority leadership, internships, and preparing for an uncertain job market after graduation. Together, they dive into: Growing up around addiction and learning resilience Sports, leadership, and confidence College life and personal transformation Sorority culture and building community Career anxiety after graduation The changing workforce in the age of AI Why personality, follow-through, and relationships matter more than ever The importance of standing out in a competitive world Balancing ambition with purpose and fulfillment This episode is both practical and deeply relatable for students, young professionals, parents, and anyone navigating transition, uncertainty, or reinvention in today’s rapidly changing world.
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She Refused to Become Her Past | Mariah Garcia on Trauma, Healing, and Breaking Cycles
05/25/2026
She Refused to Become Her Past | Mariah Garcia on Trauma, Healing, and Breaking Cycles
In this deeply emotional and powerful episode of Beyond Self Made, Michael sits down with Mariah Garcia to discuss a childhood shaped by trauma, abuse, addiction, instability, and survival — and the intentional choices that helped her build a completely different life. Mariah opens up about witnessing the murder of her father as a child, enduring years of abuse, homelessness, addiction surrounding her family environment, and the emotional toll of constantly being uprooted. But this conversation is not about victimhood. It’s about resilience, personal responsibility, faith, healing, and the daily decision to become something greater than your past. Now a registered nurse, business owner, wife, mother, and competitor, Mariah shares how mentorship, therapy, intentional choices, and purpose helped her break generational cycles and build a life centered around love, service, and family. This episode dives into: Childhood trauma and survival instincts Abuse, addiction, and instability The psychology of resilience Breaking generational cycles Parenting after trauma Choosing growth over victim mentality Faith, healing, and purpose Building a meaningful life through intentional choices This is one of the most honest and impactful conversations ever shared on the podcast.
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Purposeful Struggle: Cage Fighting, Reinvention, and Becoming Hard to Kill with Jesse Prescott
05/18/2026
Purposeful Struggle: Cage Fighting, Reinvention, and Becoming Hard to Kill with Jesse Prescott
On this episode of the Beyond Self Made Podcast, Michael sits down with Jesse Prescott of the Robust Human Project for one of the most raw and honest conversations yet. What starts as an unstructured conversation between longtime friends quickly turns into a deep dive into transformation, identity, discipline, entrepreneurship, and why people need purposeful struggle in their lives. Jesse opens up about hitting rock bottom after divorce, alcoholism, gaining weight to nearly 300 pounds, and the moment that forced him to completely rebuild himself from the ground up. From riding a BMX bike across town to lose weight, to stepping into the cage terrified, to building a respected performance and recovery business that now trains elite athletes and Olympians — this conversation is about what happens when you refuse to quit. Michael and Jesse also unpack: The emotional reality of cage fighting and combat sports Why hard things make the rest of life easier Entrepreneurship, setbacks, and the long grind to success Jiu-jitsu as a metaphor for life and business Purposeful struggle vs. self-created chaos The hidden danger of comfort and complacency Reinvention after failure, heartbreak, and health scares Why consistency beats motivation every time This episode is for anyone who feels stuck, behind in life, burned out, afraid to start over, or searching for purpose in difficult seasons. Sometimes becoming who you’re supposed to be starts with doing the thing that scares you most. #BeyondSelfMade #MichaelGreenwalt #JessePrescott #PurposefulStruggle #MentalToughness #Entrepreneurship #JiuJitsu #MMA #SelfImprovement #PersonalGrowth #Leadership #Resilience #Discipline #Mindset #Podcast #CareerReinvention #NeverQuit #RobustHuman #Transformation #HardThings
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From Silent Struggle to Self-Belief | Agnel Etienne on Debt, Depression, MMA, DJing & Reinventing
05/11/2026
From Silent Struggle to Self-Belief | Agnel Etienne on Debt, Depression, MMA, DJing & Reinventing
What happens when you realize the life you worked so hard to build still doesn’t make you happy? In this episode of the Beyond Self Made podcast, Agnel Etienne shares an incredibly honest story about growing up through financial struggle, battling anxiety and depression in silence, and ultimately rebuilding his life through small wins, discipline, and the willingness to try new things. From painful childhood experiences and crushing student loan debt, to moving across the country for a fresh start, Agnel opens up about the moments that changed everything. We dive into therapy, personal growth, combat sports, confidence building, DJing, resilience, and why doing hard things can completely transform your life. This conversation is about much more than success. It’s about becoming the person you were meant to be - one uncomfortable step at a time. Topics include: Anxiety and silent depression Overcoming self-doubt Paying off $185,000 in debt Moving from New Jersey to Arizona MMA, Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, and personal growth Building confidence through hard experiences DJing and entrepreneurship Small wins that change your life Learning to embrace discomfort Why “trying new things” matters If you’ve ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, uncertain, or afraid to reinvent yourself, this episode is for you. Listen now and share this episode with someone who needs the reminder that growth starts the moment you stop running from discomfort. #BeyondSelfMade #Podcast #MentalHealth #SelfImprovement #PersonalGrowth #MMA #JiuJitsu #MuayThai #Entrepreneurship #DebtFreeJourney #Motivation #Mindset #Resilience #Leadership #AnxietyRecovery #TryNewThings #CareerGrowth #Confidence #MensMentalHealth #Transformation #DJLife #CombatSports #GrowthMindset #MichaelGreenwalt
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Built Under Pressure: The Leadership, Resilience, and Relentless Execution Behind Real Success
05/04/2026
Built Under Pressure: The Leadership, Resilience, and Relentless Execution Behind Real Success
In this episode of Beyond Self Made, Michael sits down with Rebecca Masters, CEO, entrepreneur, and one of the most quietly formidable leaders you will ever meet. Just ten days after welcoming a newborn, Rebecca shows up for a raw and wide-ranging conversation that goes far beyond business. From losing her mother at a young age, to accelerating through life with relentless drive, to navigating divorce, danger, and rebuilding from the ground up, this is a story of resilience in its purest form. What makes Rebecca different is not just her story. It is how she operates. From managing VIP experiences in Las Vegas to leading high stakes cybersecurity initiatives for global organizations, she has built a reputation for something rare. White glove leadership in environments where failure is common. In this episode, we explore: The hidden power of belief and how it shapes your trajectory Why most technology projects fail and what actually makes them succeed The role of trust, relationships, and human judgment in a technology driven world What it really takes to lead under pressure Turning adversity into forward momentum Why people first leadership still wins, even in cybersecurity Rebecca’s journey proves something most people overlook. Success is not built on perfect timing. It is built on showing up, staying in the fight, and refusing to let the mission fail. If you are navigating uncertainty, building something meaningful, or pushing to reach the next level in your career or leadership, this episode will stay with you. leadership, entrepreneurship, resilience, mindset, personal growth, career growth, business leadership, high performance, cybersecurity leadership, change management, executive leadership, organizational transformation, women in leadership, startup growth, consulting, overcoming adversity, life after loss, rebuilding your life, mental toughness, discipline, purpose driven life, career reinvention, leadership in the age of AI, human judgment, business podcast, motivational podcast, success stories
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Leadership, Reinvention & the Gold Nugget Mindset | How to Win in the Age of AI
04/27/2026
Leadership, Reinvention & the Gold Nugget Mindset | How to Win in the Age of AI
Feeling stuck in your career? Worried about AI replacing jobs? In this powerful episode, Michael Greenwalt reveals the leadership mindset, reinvention strategies, and daily habits that can transform your future. In this solo episode of the Beyond Self Made Podcast, Michael Greenwalt shares a masterclass on leadership, career growth, resilience, and adapting in the age of AI. Drawing from experience across military service, fire leadership, banking, entrepreneurship, and consulting, Michael breaks down the habits and mindset shifts that separate those who stagnate from those who rise. You’ll learn why teams outperform individuals, how great leaders gain influence beyond their title, why mentorship and succession planning matter, and how micro-gains create macro results over time. Michael also gets candid about battling depression and self-doubt, and how small victories can pull you forward when motivation disappears. Whether you’re early in your career, stuck in middle management, reinventing yourself, or trying to stay relevant in a rapidly changing world, this episode is packed with practical wisdom you can apply immediately. The future doesn’t belong to AI alone, it belongs to those who learn how to use it. Key Topics Covered: - Leadership without a title - Career reinvention strategies - Building stronger teams - Extreme ownership & accountability - Why calmness is contagious - How AI is changing careers - Micro habits that change your life - Small wins during depression & doubt - Dreaming bigger again leadership, career growth, self improvement, mindset, career reinvention, AI jobs, future of work, motivation, entrepreneurship, management, middle management, personal development, resilience, teamwork, productivity, Michael Greenwalt, Beyond Self Made, success habits, emotional intelligence, leadership training
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AI Is Moving Faster Than Humanity - Why Governance Is the Only Way Forward - with Tim Kuglin
04/20/2026
AI Is Moving Faster Than Humanity - Why Governance Is the Only Way Forward - with Tim Kuglin
What if the biggest risk with artificial intelligence isn’t what it can do, but who (or what) is controlling it? In this episode of Beyond Self-Made, Michael Greenwalt sits down with experimental engineer and AI pioneer Tim Kuglin; someone who isn’t just using AI, but actively building the systems that will govern it. From early satellite communications and video conferencing innovation to today’s cutting-edge work in AI governance through the RQLab and Zipr AI, Tim shares a rare inside look at what’s actually happening behind the scenes of the AI revolution. This conversation goes far beyond surface-level AI hype. You’ll hear: Why AI is no longer just a tool - but something that acts The hidden dangers of rapid AI development without governance Why “close enough” can be catastrophic in high-stakes environments How human + AI partnerships may be the only viable future The philosophy behind building technology that prioritizes humanity over profit If you’re a founder, operator, or anyone trying to stay relevant in the next 3–10 years, this is a conversation you can’t afford to miss. Because the real question isn’t whether AI will change the world… It’s whether we’ll be ready for it. Learn more:
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Steve Wideman: Taking empathy, sales skills, and relationships to build disruptive technology
04/13/2026
Steve Wideman: Taking empathy, sales skills, and relationships to build disruptive technology
Most entrepreneurs chase ideas: they rarely get the courage to bet on themselves. Steve Wideman, CEO of Ionite, did just that by leaving behind a decades-long career in enterprise sales to transform an industry with speed, simplicity, and relentless empathy. His journey from hospitality in Houston to leading a tech startup is a masterclass in daring to rewrite your own story, and proving that no background should limit your impact. In this episode, Steve shares how a deep-rooted fraternity bond and his unwavering confidence helped him navigate the chaos of startup life. You'll discover: the power of building genuine relationships over product pitches, why being willing to fail is the key to unprecedented innovation, and how a simple story to his daughter became a transformative business idea - proving that empathy fuels entrepreneurship. He reveals behind-the-scenes moments of risking a career move and winning big - by flying solo to meet Chicago prospects, and how that leap changed everything. We break down real-world insights on how to sell yourself, not just your product. You'll learn how leadership rooted in authenticity attracts top talent, why the fastest path to success is often through the lessons of failure, and how legacy-building isn't a gimmick but a deliberate act. Steve's passion for societal impact - speeding healthcare innovation and empowering startups - demonstrates that true success is measured by the lives we influence. This is perfect for aspiring entrepreneurs, sales leaders, and anyone craving a blueprint for turning risk into reward. If you believe that relationships trump technology, and that heartfelt storytelling can spark billion-dollar ideas, this episode is a must-listen. Join Steve as he explains why the best teams, the right mindset, and relentless determination put you ahead in a world obsessed with quick wins, and remind us all that success is a journey of persistence, human connection, and one bold step at a time. #Entrepreneurship #Innovation #Leadership #Empathy #StartupJourney #BusinessSuccess #stepbystep #TechIndustry #CareerShift #Authenticity
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Lead Your Time: 3 Practical Tools and 1 Life Hack to Elevate Your Life
04/06/2026
Lead Your Time: 3 Practical Tools and 1 Life Hack to Elevate Your Life
Technical issues prevented me from providing the normal interview style podcast, but I promised you all an episode a week. So here I am, in my pilot solo episode. I've been getting asked a lot of questions about how I found the time to write a book, or start a podcast, or start an AI company, or volunteer with a public benefit AI company. It's assumed that I'm caught in the toxic hustle culture. In this episode, I share how I actually have more time to be present with family and things that are important to me than I ever have before. I provide 3 steps to identifying your time habits and pursuing ambition. I also provide a "life hack" that has completely transformed the way I approach my goals and ambitions. Thank you for tuning in. If you like this episode or know someone who could benefit from these tips, please like, comment, share, and subscribe. Instagram: Themichaelgreenwalt
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Andrew Trujillo: Building Tech Products to Impact Efficiency
03/30/2026
Andrew Trujillo: Building Tech Products to Impact Efficiency
Andrew Trujillo is the CTO (Chief Technology Officer) of ionite, a technology company that is disrupting app integration at the Enterprise level, with a goal of expanding the technology to all users. Andy is a former Director at American Express, and has been involved with many other highly visible entities. We talk about old times, military service, and his path to becoming a cofounder.
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Mike Kennedy: A chaotic childhood turned into a life of purpose
03/23/2026
Mike Kennedy: A chaotic childhood turned into a life of purpose
Michael Kennedy shares his compelling story: from losing his mother as a young child, to struggling with the law and chaos, to finding new beginnings out west. He has transformed his life into one of purpose; becoming a husband and father, competing in mixed martial arts, and winning awards as an actor. #personalgrowth #resilience #motivation #lifelessons #inspiration #martialarts #mma #mmafighter #acting
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Ruben Garcia: Third Generation Family Legacy
03/16/2026
Ruben Garcia: Third Generation Family Legacy
Michael and Ruben talk about old times, the highs and lows of parenting, ambition, and the Garcia family legacy: Lafonda. Decades of taking care of people and building community. We can all learn from their example of genuinely taking care of people.
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Lily Finegan and Michael talk about life, and Michael's early journey in the military and fire service
03/09/2026
Lily Finegan and Michael talk about life, and Michael's early journey in the military and fire service
Lily Finegan is a senior at Northern Arizona University. In this episode, we talk about her surprising trip to Africa, her ambitions to get a "big girl" job, and Michael's early journey in the military and fire service.
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Morgan Baggs: Veteran, Software Engineer, Gym Owner, Jiu Jitsu Black Belt, and Former Professional Blackjack Player
03/02/2026
Morgan Baggs: Veteran, Software Engineer, Gym Owner, Jiu Jitsu Black Belt, and Former Professional Blackjack Player
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Kim Robinson: A Purposeful Life Serving Others
02/23/2026
Kim Robinson: A Purposeful Life Serving Others
Kim Robinson has lived experience. Growing up in a "shotgun house", to the military, to entrepreneurship and service to her community, Kim embodies what it means to live a purposeful life. All without fanfare or self promotion. Join us for a conversation rooted in humanity.
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Dr. Charn McAllister - Trusting Morality Over the Arbitrary
02/16/2026
Dr. Charn McAllister - Trusting Morality Over the Arbitrary
Dr. Charn McAllister is a graduate of West Point, and an Army Officer who flew helicopter combat missions in Iraq. Join us for a powerful example of ethical leadership, proving that doing the right thing isn't always the easiest.
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Roy Duprez -Back2Basics: From Reckless Youth to CEO
02/09/2026
Roy Duprez -Back2Basics: From Reckless Youth to CEO
Roy Duprez is the CEO of Back2Basics Outdoor Adventure Recovery. His journey leads us from a reckless childhood filled with alcohol, crime, and occassional drug use. Once he faced the truth regarding his behavior, he cleaned up his life, now helping others' in their recovery journey.
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Michelle Baggs - Frontline Fenix (Serving those who served us)
02/02/2026
Michelle Baggs - Frontline Fenix (Serving those who served us)
In our second episode of rising from the ashes, Michael sits down with Michelle Baggs from Frontline Fenix, for a grounded and honest conversation about resilience, and the unseen weight many people carry while still showing up for others. Michelle shares her personal journey, the moments that shaped her perspective, and what she has learned about navigating responsibility, identity, and growth when life doesn't follow a clean or predictable script. Together, they explore what it really means to lead with integrity, how lived experience changes the way we show up for people, and why strength is often quieter than we expect. This conversation isn't about chasing titles or pretending to have it all figured out. It's about doing the work, asking better questions, and understanding that none of us are truly self-made. If you've ever wrestled with purpose, pressure, or the gap between who you are and who you're becoming, this episode will resonate. In this episode we discuss: Leadership shaped by lived experience Navigating responsibility without losing yourself The unseen challenges behind "doing well" Why growth often comes through discomfort and reflection What it means to lead with empathy and accountability This episode is for: Leaders at any stage People carrying responsibility others don't see Anyone rethinking success, identity, or purpose If this conversation adds value, consider subscribing, sharing it with someone who needs it, and continuing the conversation.
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Dave Greenwalt - A Rebirth from the Ashes
01/31/2026
Dave Greenwalt - A Rebirth from the Ashes
Dave was born into poverty, spending his first year in a 40sq ft pop-up trailer. Throughout his life he encountered struggles with mental health/addiction, career changes, and relationships. That all changed once he lost everything. His marriage was over, he resigned from his career in the fire service, and a wildfire consumed everything he owned. Rising like a Phoenix from the ashes, he rebuilt himself - becoming completely sober, showing up for himself, fixing relationships, and starting two successful businesses. Dave's story reminds us that no matter how bad it gets, we can always rise above, and change our situation in life.
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