The Story Engine Podcast

The Story Engine Podcast where we teach you how to make marketing easier, more powerful and fun through storytelling. Each week we learn from top entrepreneurs, influencers and world-changers on how to share your story through content, copywriting, speaking and how to make your story your most powerful marketing tool.

How to Turn Your Intellectual Property Into a Profit Center With Sharon Toerek 10/20/2026

How to Turn Your Intellectual Property Into a Profit Center With Sharon Toerek What if the legal protection you’ve always viewed as a necessary expense could actually become one of your business’s greatest drivers of profit, freedom, and growth? In this episode of The Story Engine Podcast, I sit down with Sharon Toerek, founder and CEO of Toerek Law and a leading legal advisor to independent marketing agencies, to explore how intellectual property and strategic legal agreements can do far more than protect your business from risk. Sharon shares why client contracts, pricing, payment terms, and ownership of your original work can make the difference between running a profitable agency and constantly feeling busy while your margins disappear. We also explore what happens when a successful client relationship turns into a financial crisis, leaving an agency struggling to collect payment while its intellectual property is being used without proper authorization. Sharon reveals how these situations develop, why proactive legal strategy matters, and how agencies can transform their proprietary systems, methodologies, and expertise into scalable revenue streams through training, education, licensing, and other IP-driven business models. If you’re ready to move beyond selling time for money and start creating more value from your thinking, this conversation will challenge how you view legal protection—and reveal how protecting your brilliance can become a pathway to greater profitability, freedom, and long-term success. Highlights (01:52) – Why Sharon specializes in helping independent marketing agencies—and the overlooked legal needs that inspired her business. (03:50) – How legal affairs can become a profit center by improving client contracts, protecting margins, and creating new revenue opportunities. (04:46) – Why the intellectual property agencies create every day could be worth far more than the fees they charge for their services. (05:50) – How packaging proprietary systems, methodologies, and education can create repeatable revenue streams beyond selling time for money. (06:46) – Why AI makes intellectual property protection more complicated—and why businesses can unknowingly infringe on someone else’s work. (08:12) – How proactive legal strategy helps agencies negotiate from a position of strength instead of constantly reacting to stressful client problems. (09:07) – The contract details that can make the difference between a profitable month and one spent fulfilling work that barely pays. (10:05) – Why an agency’s greatest negotiating leverage comes at the beginning of a client relationship—and how to use it effectively. (13:43) – Inside a high-pressure client crisis involving withheld payments, disputed intellectual property, and the threat of serious financial consequences. (18:27) – The words that capture the stakes of a business-threatening situation: “This is a make or break moment for us potentially.” (19:59) – Why knowing your legal options isn’t enough—and how to find a practical business solution when a client relationship goes sideways. (21:14) – How a successful, long-standing client relationship can turn into an IP dispute when money becomes a bigger concern. (22:40) – The agency that used its intellectual property to build an entirely new business around training, education, events, and media. (24:18) – Why the biggest opportunity for professional service firms may be creating value from their thinking rather than their doing. (25:07) – Hear Kyle transform Sharon’s client crisis into a powerful origin story about protecting businesses, stopping financial bleeding, and creating freedom through intellectual property. (28:12) – Why bringing humanity and emotion into your story can make your expertise more meaningful and memorable. /episode/index/show/storyengine/id/43302879

From a Hospital Bed to a Healing Business: The Unexpected Power of Scent With Jessica Wiehle 10/16/2026

From a Hospital Bed to a Healing Business: The Unexpected Power of Scent With Jessica Wiehle What if one of the simplest tools for changing how you feel, focus, lead, and connect was something you could experience simply by breathing? In this episode of The Story Engine Podcast, I sit down with Jessica Wiehle, founder of AromaWell and a formally trained clinical aromatherapist, to explore the surprising power of scent. We unpack how essential oils interact with the brain, why different aromas can influence mood, motivation, memory, stress, and focus, and how Jessica creates personalized “aromatic signatures” for individuals, businesses, healthcare facilities, and shared spaces. But Jessica’s story goes much deeper than aromatherapy. After losing her mother to cancer at just 19, Jessica discovered herbal medicine and eventually experienced the powerful effects of eucalyptus during an incredibly stressful period of her own life. Years of study, experimentation, and entrepreneurship eventually led her to develop customized aromatherapy programs—including work with memory-care patients experiencing severe cognitive decline. We explore the moment her work came full circle, the lesson she learned about solving everything through effort, and why sometimes the next level of growth comes not from trying harder, but from creating more space for pleasure, relaxation, and alignment. Highlights (02:03) – Why Jessica calls herself a “modern medicine woman” and how decades of studying plants shaped her approach to healing (03:36) – How aromatherapy began transforming Jessica’s work with memory-care patients and expanded into mental health, hospice, and workplace wellness (06:23) – What actually happens in the brain when you smell an essential oil—and why scent can influence memory, mood, and motivation (07:36) – Why rosemary and peppermint may act like a workout for the brain, particularly for cognitive stimulation (14:23) – The realization that changed Jessica’s business: why a purely clinical approach wasn’t fully aligned with the way she wanted to help people (16:48) – How Jessica creates a personalized “aromatic signature” based on your personality, story, goals, and the environment you want to create (19:32) – How the same process can be applied to an entire business by aligning scent with brand story, mission, vision, and customer experience (20:45) – Why aromatherapy offers something most personal-development tools don’t: an approach that works in the background without requiring more effort (21:47) – The hidden blocks behind motivation and overwhelm—and how Jessica uses scent to address them (23:22) – The connection between breathing, cortisol, stress, and why a smell can become a simple reminder to slow down (25:21) – Why pleasure matters and how scent can engage the subconscious in ways we don't always consciously understand (27:39) – The deeply personal story that led Jessica to aromatherapy after losing her mother to cancer at just 19 (31:55) – The eucalyptus experience that convinced Jessica there was something powerful about aromatherapy (33:04) – Jessica remembers being beside her mother in hospice—and the small moment of connection she has never forgotten (36:05) – How Jessica went from a paralegal career to building a business around plants, research, and aromatherapy (37:27) – What happened when Jessica introduced a customized aromatherapy program into a memory-care facility (38:50) – How nurses tracked the effects of aromatherapy—and the dramatic changes they observed in some residents (39:37) – The World War II survivor who told Jessica, “I don’t know what’s in this stuff, but it’s working” (41:06) – Kyle reflects on Jessica’s story and the journey from standing beside her dying mother to helping others through aromatherapy (46:49) – Jessica’s reaction to hearing her own story reflected back—and what she learned about authentic storytelling (48:14) – Why telling your story in a way that creates a personal connection can change how people experience—and respond to—it (48:53) – Jessica’s closing message about our capacity to evolve through our senses and become more conscious of what surrounds us /episode/index/show/storyengine/id/43221213

When Success Costs You Your Life: Reclaiming Your Identity, Motivation, and Family With David Taylor- Klaus 10/13/2026

When Success Costs You Your Life: Reclaiming Your Identity, Motivation, and Family With David Taylor- Klaus What happens when the success you’ve worked so hard to create slowly pulls you away from the people and the life that matter most? In this episode of The Story Engine Podcast, I sit down with David Taylor-Klaus, MCC, to explore the hidden cost of defining ourselves by what we do—and what it takes to reconnect with who we are beyond our accomplishments. David shares the deeply personal story of reaching a breaking point during Hurricane Katrina, when he realized he had become so disconnected from himself that he could no longer keep his struggles silent. That moment ultimately led him into therapy, coaching, and a much deeper process of rebuilding his life around his values, relationships, and purpose. We also dive into David’s work around neuroinformed coaching and why understanding how your brain actually works can change the way you approach motivation, leadership, and personal growth. We explore the difference between “work-life balance” and what David calls a life rhythm, how entrepreneurs can become overcalibrated toward accomplishment, and the five things that can motivate an ADHD brain: play, interest, novelty, competition/collaboration, and urgency. Most importantly, David shares a powerful question that can completely change the way you approach your future: “What will this look like when it’s easy?” Rather than forcing yourself into someone else’s definition of success, the goal is to discover the path that works with who you actually are. Highlights (02:29) – Why successful people can become disconnected from their families by defining themselves through their work and accomplishments (04:01) – The “work-life balance” lie and why building your life first creates a healthier relationship with your work (05:41) – The warning signs David ignored before realizing something was seriously out of alignment in his life (07:13) – The Hurricane Katrina moment that forced David to confront the storm happening inside him (07:58) – Why speaking your struggles out loud can be the beginning of changing your life (09:25) – The stigma around difficult emotions and why learning to experience emotions matters (12:09) – What neuroinformed coaching means—and why most coaching research doesn't account for neurodiversity (16:46) – The PINCH framework: five things that can help motivate an ADHD brain (19:27) – The two turning points that transformed David’s recovery from something he was doing for his children into something he was doing for himself (21:00) – How watching his wife go through coach training sparked David’s first genuine excitement in years (24:35) – David’s story retold: from feeling trapped and disconnected to discovering a future he could actually feel excited about (30:51) – The realization entrepreneurs need: it doesn’t have to be this hard (32:10) – The question that can change your path: “What will this look like when it’s easy?” /episode/index/show/storyengine/id/43192208

The Questions That Reveal What’s Really Driving You With Ken Proctor 10/09/2026

The Questions That Reveal What’s Really Driving You With Ken Proctor What if the biggest obstacle in your business isn’t the problem you’re trying to solve—but the question you haven’t been willing to ask? In this episode of The Story Engine Podcast, I sit down with executive coach and Vistage chair Ken Proctor to explore the power of asking better, tougher questions. Ken shares how his own failures taught him that leaders don’t necessarily need more answers—they need someone willing to challenge them, uncover their blind spots, and help them see what’s really driving their decisions. We dive into the “ghosts” that can quietly shape the way leaders operate, from fear and insecurity to old stories carried from childhood into business. Ken explains why asking uncomfortable questions can create more respect than simply trying to be liked, while I explore my own experience of discovering how a single comment from my father influenced years of decisions in my career. This conversation is ultimately about using honest questions to break out of familiar patterns, create greater self-awareness, and move toward more alignment and integrity as a leader. Highlights (01:03) – How Ken’s failures turned into the foundation for his “Art of the Question” methodology (01:25) – The question that uncovered a CEO’s deepest fear—and revealed the connection to his micromanagement (02:29) – Why challenging leaders with questions can create movement when advice and answers fall short (03:29) – The difference between asking questions to be liked and asking questions that earn respect (03:45) – A powerful CEO question: If you fired yourself, what qualities would you want in your replacement that you don’t possess? (05:00) – How tough questions can uncover hidden constraints affecting executives, sales teams, and company culture (06:30) – Why the “sting” of an honest question can be the thing that finally wakes someone up (08:10) – The hidden cost of avoiding uncomfortable truths inside a company (09:50) – How an old comment from a parent can become a “ghost” that silently drives years of business decisions (11:00) – Recognizing the moment when a familiar pattern repeats—and realizing the ghost may still be running the show (12:50) – Turning painful business experiences into greater self-awareness, significance, and alignment (13:20) – Why leaders need to be willing to ask themselves the same tough questions they ask everyone else (14:00) – Moving from constantly circling the problem to finally confronting what’s driving it /episode/index/show/storyengine/id/43172373

From Losing $21 Million to Building Businesses That Don’t Need You With Tom Matzen 10/06/2026

From Losing $21 Million to Building Businesses That Don’t Need You With Tom Matzen I’ve built a lot of businesses over the years, but some of my biggest lessons came from the ones that went painfully wrong. In this episode of The Story Engine Podcast, I sit down with serial entrepreneur Tom Matzen, who has built 94 businesses, taken companies public, built franchise models, and experienced both enormous wins and multimillion-dollar losses. We dig into one of the most painful chapters of his career: turning a company valued at $21.4 million into $10 million in debt in just six months after stepping away from the business and trusting the wrong person. Tom shares what that experience taught him about intuition, accountability, checks and balances, and the dangerous difference between delegation and simply abdicating responsibility. But the conversation goes far beyond what went wrong. Tom explains why entrepreneurs can accidentally build businesses that are completely dependent on them—and why becoming “indispensable” can actually become a liability. He introduces his Omega Method, built around organic growth, machine leverage, equity expansion, growth alliances, and asset accumulation, with the goal of creating more profit and more freedom while allowing the founder to spend more time in their zone of genius. We also get into AI and automation, strategic partnerships, acquiring rather than building from scratch, and the powerful story of how losing another business ultimately led Tom to create Icon Maker. This is a conversation about turning painful business failures into frameworks, freedom, and a completely different way of building. Highlights (02:19) – Tom reveals how a company he took public went from $21.4 million in value to $10 million in debt in just six months (04:02) – The warning Tom ignored before hiring a “shark” to run the company—and why he now sees that decision differently (05:39) – The critical distinction between empowering a team and having the checks and balances necessary to protect the business (07:47) – Why entrepreneurs often mistake healthy skepticism and “street smarts” for being a constraint on growth (10:08) – The moment Tom realized he had stopped listening to his own instincts—and how stepping down from the board created an opening for disaster (10:08) – The “worst-case scenario” filter Tom now uses before entering a new business venture (13:17) – Why entrepreneurs should start with the exit in mind—and how failing to do this can shape the entire structure of a business (15:00) – How being indispensable can trap entrepreneurs inside the businesses they worked so hard to build (18:07) – Tom introduces the five principles behind his Omega Method for creating more growth with less work (20:57) – From $1,100 monthly mastermind phone bills to AI agents: how technology has changed the leverage available to entrepreneurs (22:23) – Why Tom believes entrepreneurs should look for ways to acquire or license existing assets instead of constantly starting from scratch (24:11) – The power of strategic alliances—and how the right relationship can create quantum rather than linear growth (29:26) – The shocking moment Tom was locked out of his own company after a massive launch (30:57) – How losing access to his business also meant losing years of personal files, tax records, photos, and other critical information (33:45) – Tom identifies one of his biggest entrepreneurial mistakes: confusing abdication with delegation (35:01) – Why painful experiences can show up physically—and the question Tom believes every entrepreneur needs to ask about intuition: “Do we trust it?” (35:41) – The three-day Icon Maker launch that generated $3.2 million in sales and became a turning point in Tom’s entrepreneurial journey (37:33) – Why Tom focuses on serving the people who don’t buy—and how that philosophy changes the way he approaches selling (42:00) – I share the story behind my own painful business failure and how it became the catalyst for creating the Omega Method (43:58) – Tom explains how a $100,000 loan and a devastating business failure ultimately led to his partnership with Danella and the creation of Icon Maker (45:00) – Why Tom believes every mistake can become either a lesson or simply another painful experience—and how reflection changes everything (45:00) – The difference between building a business and building a job with economic risk—and why freedom needs to be part of the model /episode/index/show/storyengine/id/43172243

What If Your Greatest Success Is Being Driven by an Unhealed Past With Bryan Post 09/29/2026

What If Your Greatest Success Is Being Driven by an Unhealed Past With Bryan Post I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about the patterns that quietly shape how we lead, love, and live—and this conversation with Bryan Post took that exploration somewhere much deeper. Bryan has spent nearly 30 years working with families, adopted and foster children, parents, CEOs, entrepreneurs, and high-performing executives. His central message is powerful: when we experience stress, we don’t simply become stressed—we can actually regress emotionally, allowing old fears, traumas, and survival patterns to take control. In this episode, we unpack his “Fear to Love” methodology and explore why the same emotional patterns he sees in children can show up in highly successful adults who have mastered business, achievement, and grit but still struggle with relationships, connection, and a deeper sense of meaning. What really stood out to me was Bryan’s emphasis on going beyond simply thinking about our trauma or inner child. Real transformation, he argues, requires us to slow down, enter the emotional experience, breathe through it, and learn to meet our pain without shame or judgment. Bryan shares his own deeply personal story—from being conceived under traumatic circumstances and moving through foster care and adoption, to a pivotal night when he collapsed on the floor after a painful marriage experience, and eventually to a powerful moment in Sacramento where he openly processed his own emotional overwhelm in front of a group. We also talk about why successful people can climb the first mountain of financial and professional achievement only to discover an emotional void when it’s time to climb the second mountain of meaning. If you’ve ever wondered why you can be incredibly capable in one area of your life while feeling completely overwhelmed in another, this conversation offers a fascinating look at what may be happening underneath the surface. Highlights (00:14) – Why Bryan starts with the parents instead of the child: How helping parents develop deeper self-understanding can completely change the way they understand and respond to their children. (02:04) – The “Stress Model” that applies to both children and adults: Why Bryan believes the emotional patterns he sees in children are fundamentally the same patterns playing out inside stressed adults. (03:55) – Why your inner child may be running the show: We explore how childhood experiences continue to influence present-day relationships and reactions, especially during moments of stress. (04:42) – Trauma, energy, and the memories stored beneath the surface: Bryan explains how unresolved experiences can be triggered years later, creating emotional reactions that seem disproportionate to what’s actually happening in the moment. (06:00) – The hidden emotional void behind high achievement: Why some successful men can conquer the first mountain of business and financial success but struggle when it comes to relationships, meaning, and emotional connection. (08:29) – What makes Bryan’s approach different: Why talking about trauma and the inner child isn't enough—and why real change requires going into the emotional experience itself. (09:30) – The surprising connection between breathing, stress, and emotional regulation: Bryan explains how slowing down and breathing can help interrupt the cycle of cortisol, fear, and emotional reactivity. (10:44) – Why people don't change until they're willing to: Bryan explains the moment when someone finally becomes ready to stop repeating the same patterns and why that willingness can create breakthroughs far faster than years of traditional approaches. (13:23) – Bryan’s own story of trauma, adoption, and survival: Bryan opens up about the circumstances surrounding his conception, adoption, family history, and the experiences that ultimately shaped his life’s work. (16:37) – The night Bryan collapsed on the floor: He shares an incredibly vulnerable moment from a difficult marriage when he drove home for 90 minutes, walked into an empty house, and finally allowed himself to have a deep, uncontrollable cry. (19:34) – What emotional mastery actually looks like: Bryan explains how developing awareness of your pain can change the way you respond when rage, overwhelm, or old emotional patterns surface. (21:39) – The Sacramento breakthrough: Bryan describes experiencing intense overwhelm and imposter syndrome at one of his own events—and choosing to process his pain openly rather than hide it. (22:50) – Why Bryan lay down in front of his own group: He shares exactly what happened when he told everyone he needed to do his own emotional work first and allowed himself to receive support. (23:28) – Kyle turns Bryan’s story into a story of its own: I retell Bryan’s journey from the lonely drive home to the Sacramento breakthrough and explore what it means to create a safe space for emotional transformation. (27:44) – The choice we have in every stressful moment: Bryan leaves us with a simple but powerful practice: stop, take three to ten deep breaths, and choose love instead of automatically reacting from old trauma and fear. /episode/index/show/storyengine/id/42549715

From Self-Hatred to a Life Built Around Human Connection With Jennifer Hill 09/25/2026

From Self-Hatred to a Life Built Around Human Connection With Jennifer Hill What happens when the traits you spent your life fighting become the very things that allow you to serve others? In this episode of The Story Engine Podcast, I sit down with Jennifer Hill, a self-described former “asshole” who has transformed decades of misunderstanding, broken relationships, self-hatred, and personal development into what she now calls her superpower: human connection. Jen shares the brutally honest moment when someone finally told her that her behavior was hurting people—and how that confrontation started a decades-long journey of learning to understand herself, embrace her autistic brain, and turn the way she naturally sees and connects people into a gift. Then the story takes an unexpected and heartbreaking turn. Just as Jen and her business partner Julian were preparing to sell their technology company, Julian suddenly passed away, the acquisition fell apart, and Jen found herself on her knees in Lisbon asking God and the universe what she was supposed to do next. Her answer became the Jennifer Hill Tribe—a community designed around belonging, safety, generosity, and meaningful human connection. We talk about how the tribe grew from a simple request for 10 members into a thriving community, why so many successful entrepreneurs still feel like they can't fully be themselves in other rooms, and how Jen uses her unique ability to connect people to create relationships that become friendships, business partnerships, and sometimes even romance. Most importantly, we explore why the story that nearly breaks you may eventually become the exact story that helps someone else survive their hardest day. Highlights (01:29) – The brutally honest feedback that changed Jen’s life Jen shares the moment someone looked her directly in the eyes and told her she was powerful—but was also destroying people around her. That confrontation became the catalyst for decades of personal transformation. (02:34) – From self-hatred and existential crisis to a search for meaning Jen opens up about the darkest period of her life, her early search for purpose, and the experiences that eventually led her toward personal development and self-understanding. (06:04) – Why knowing your problem isn't the same as knowing how to change it Jen explains why recognizing that she was hurting people wasn't enough—and how years of reading, meditation, coaching, and eventually understanding her autism helped her begin turning what she once saw as a weakness into a superpower. (07:22) – The business email Jen wishes she could take back Jen tells the story of sending an all-caps email to her team asking if they were “a bunch of fucking morons”—and how a business coach helped her recognize that even her communication style needed to change. (08:20) – Discovering autism as a superpower Jen shares how her friend and business partner Julian helped her see the strengths behind the way her brain works, including pattern recognition and the ability to make connections others might miss. (09:00) – How Jen accidentally became a human-connection machine Jen explains how she naturally channels introductions and connections for people without even keeping track of how many referrals she makes—and how that gift eventually became the foundation of her community. (09:36) – The business idea that was supposed to change humanity Jen reveals how she and Julian began building Optimatch, a technology designed to turn her intuition for matching people into a scalable system. (10:00) – The phone call that shattered everything Just one day after Jen and Julian celebrated receiving the exact acquisition offer they wanted, Jen woke up to the news that Julian had suddenly died. (10:42) – What do you do when the future you planned disappears overnight? With the acquisition gone, clients pushed away, hundreds of thousands of dollars in debt, and her business partner gone, Jen found herself on her knees asking God and the universe to show her what to do next. (11:06) – The unusual test Jen gave the universe Jen asked for 10 paid members of her community within a month as a sign that the Jennifer Hill Tribe was her next assignment. Instead, 30 people joined—and another 30 joined the following month. (14:45) – The real mission behind the Jennifer Hill Tribe Jen explains her bigger vision: helping every human being develop deep, meaningful relationships with themselves, other people, and their purpose. (15:14) – Who actually belongs in Jen’s tribe? We explore the entrepreneurs, doctors, investors, coaches, authors, podcasters, and other successful people who make up the community—and the common values that bring them together. (16:58) – Why successful people can still feel like they don't belong Jen reveals the missing ingredient she sees in many masterminds and communities: the ability to show up completely authentically without feeling like you have to hide part of yourself. (19:06) – How Jen creates a community that feels like a “warm hug” Jen breaks down what happens when someone joins the tribe and how she intentionally creates an environment where people feel secure, cared for, welcomed, and seen. (19:58) – The unusual systems Jen uses to create powerful connections Jen explains how she combines different systems—including numerology, motivational psychology, and Cards of Your Destiny—to understand how people may naturally connect and where friction might exist. (21:49) – Yes, Jen is also a professional matchmaker Things take a hilarious turn when Jen reveals she keeps a “soulmate list” and sometimes introduces people for fun—including putting Kyle on the list in real time. (25:55) – The “fairy godmother of human connection” Jen explains the role she has embraced and why creating meaningful connections between people has become one of the greatest joys of her life. (27:26) – The moment Jen realized the tribe had truly become what she wanted Jen describes the twice-monthly tribe social hours that consistently remind her why she created this community in the first place: love, appreciation, connection, and people feeling genuinely seen. (29:34) – Why the tribe secretly became the “Love Club” Jen shares the deeply personal story behind the community's internal name and how a difficult experience involving her sister ultimately gave the tribe a name that captured its true purpose. (31:52) – I tell Jen’s story back to her I take everything we've uncovered and turn it into the story of someone who spent years feeling like she didn't fit in, finally discovered her gifts, built a company, found a powerful business partner, and then had her world shattered by his sudden death. (35:00) – “Let me find my tribe” I share the moment when Jen's loss became the beginning of a new mission: creating a place where people could feel safe, seen, supported, and connected. (36:41) – How one community member became the proof that Jen had created what she needed Jen’s vision comes full circle when a member reaches out to her during a personal crisis—and Jen realizes she can be there for someone else in exactly the way she once needed someone to be there for her. (38:54) – The story that could save someone else Jen closes with a powerful reminder: the story that broke you, embarrassed you, or made you feel like you couldn't keep going may eventually become the story that helps someone else survive their hardest day. /episode/index/show/storyengine/id/42549660

What If the Things Making You Sick Are the Things You Don’t Know to Look For With Dr. Torrie Thompson 09/22/2026

What If the Things Making You Sick Are the Things You Don’t Know to Look For With Dr. Torrie Thompson In this episode of The Story Engine Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Torrie Thompson to unpack one of the most frustrating experiences in health: doing everything “right” and still feeling terrible. We talk about the hidden toxins in our homes, products, and environments that can quietly accumulate over time—and why so many symptoms that we’ve been taught to accept as “normal” may actually be signs that something deeper is going on. From scented trash bags and household chemicals to mold, heavy metals, environmental toxins, and gut issues, Torrie explains why her approach starts with extensive data and testing rather than guessing. She shares how she uses comprehensive labs to identify what is actually happening inside someone’s body, then combines that information with personalized, data-backed protocols and a team-based approach to help people clear what’s holding them back. But the most powerful part of our conversation is Torrie’s own story. She became sick at just 12 years old and spent 15 years going from doctor to doctor while being told that her labs were “perfect,” despite debilitating headaches, weakness, insomnia, depression, weight gain, brain fog, and severe bone pain. It wasn’t until she began digging through years of old lab work herself that she discovered clues pointing toward Lyme disease, co-infections, mold, and environmental toxins—things that had been missed for years. We also take a deeper look at the transformation that happened when she finally began getting answers: having the energy to work out again, play tennis, get through the day without needing a nap, and ultimately feel like she had her body and her life back. Along the way, I help Torrie tell this story in a way that reveals not only the data behind her work, but the deeply personal reason she became so passionate about helping others find answers. Highlights (00:18) – Torrie explains why she focuses on hidden toxins and helping people identify what in their homes, products, and environments could be affecting their health. (02:21) – Why doing everything “right” can still leave you feeling horrible—and how common health problems can become normalized even when they aren’t actually normal. (03:29) – The surprising example of scented trash bags and how seemingly harmless everyday products can contribute to our overall toxic burden. (05:32) – The mindset that keeps people stuck: believing they’re simply “broken” or have to live with their symptoms instead of looking for what’s actually causing them. (06:07) – Torrie breaks down her data-driven approach, including testing for mold mycotoxins, heavy metals, environmental toxins, parasites, and gut imbalances. (07:32) – Why years of experience and thousands of client cases matter when developing protocols—and how Torrie uses real-world data to determine what works. (08:24) – The power of having a team of practitioners analyze difficult cases together instead of relying on a single perspective. (09:11) – What can happen when the body begins clearing its toxic burden: more energy, less brain fog, improved hormones, reduced inflammation, better mood, and improved lab markers. (10:28) – Torrie takes us back to age 12, when unexplained symptoms began and she started a 15-year journey through doctors and specialists searching for answers. (12:04) – The emotional breaking point that changed everything—and the moment Torrie decided she had to find the answer herself. (13:05) – How an accidentally ordered lab test became the first major clue toward Lyme disease and finally gave Torrie something to investigate. (14:40) – The second major discovery: testing revealed extremely high levels of black mold and environmental toxins that traditional testing had failed to uncover. (16:43) – The moment Torrie realized she was finally getting her life back—when she could work out, lift weights, eat more normally, and recognize the healthy person she saw in the mirror. (17:37) – Why gradual changes can be so difficult to recognize—and how much of our lives we may be missing while we assume feeling bad is simply normal. (19:00) – I help Torrie tell the full version of her story, including the 15-year struggle, the emotional breaking point, the search for answers, and the discoveries that changed her life. (23:52) – We talk about why your personal story can be just as powerful as your expertise—and why Torrie’s experience is more than just “I was sick, now I’m better.” (25:38) – Torrie reflects on what it feels like to hear her own story told back to her and why the human story can connect with people in ways data alone cannot. (26:59) – Torrie shares where to follow her and learn more about her work. /episode/index/show/storyengine/id/42549565

Risk, Resilience, and Reinvention: How to Turn Life’s “Terrible Gifts” Into Your Next Chapter With Tom LeNoble 09/18/2026

Risk, Resilience, and Reinvention: How to Turn Life’s “Terrible Gifts” Into Your Next Chapter With Tom LeNoble What happens when the challenges you’ve spent years trying to overcome become the very experiences that shape who you’re capable of becoming? In this episode of The Story Engine Podcast, I sit down with Tom LeNoble, a former executive at companies including MCI, Palm, Walmart.com, and Facebook, who has been given six months to live three separate times and has lived with metastatic cancer for the past fourteen years. Rather than allowing those diagnoses to define his life, Tom has built his philosophy around three powerful principles: risk, resilience, and reinvention. We dig into what it actually looks like to stop living in the past, stop waiting for a “do-over,” and start using your past as evidence of what you’re capable of. Tom shares how his childhood, health crises, and willingness to take enormous risks—including leaving a dream corporate position to join a then-little-known Facebook—shaped the way he now advises executives and professionals. We also explore the hidden problems beneath the problems people bring to coaching, the six forms of energy that can become imbalanced, why curiosity and psychological safety can accelerate change, and how “acting as if” can help you move toward a life that doesn’t yet exist. This is a conversation about resilience, but more importantly, it’s about what becomes possible when you decide that your past can inform your future without controlling it. Highlights (01:56) – Risk, resilience, and reinvention: Tom explains how two life-threatening illnesses forced him to rethink conventional approaches and develop the three principles that now guide his work with executives. (02:59) – Stop waiting for the “do-over”: We explore why living in the past can consume the time, energy, and consciousness you need to actually create your future. (04:10) – The problem beneath the problem: Tom reveals why clients often arrive with one business question but leave with an entirely different answer—and how going one or two layers deeper can uncover what’s really blocking them. (04:58) – Turn your past into evidence, not a ball and chain: Tom explains how previous experiences can either keep you stuck or become proof that you’re capable of handling what comes next. (07:17) – The six forms of energy: We break down how time, physical vitality, relationships, money, support, and other forms of energy interact—and how depletion in one area can create problems everywhere else. (08:17) – Are you missing the butterfly?: Tom shares a powerful metaphor for how being mentally stuck in the last email, conversation, or upcoming meeting can cause us to miss the renewal and opportunities happening right in front of us. (08:55) – Stop searching for the story that makes you look good: We talk about how entrepreneurs and leaders can filter their own experiences through the wrong lens—and miss the stories and insights that would actually connect with their audience. (10:23) – Curiosity as a coaching superpower: Tom explains how watching behavior, facial expressions, and vocal inflection helps him identify what’s really happening beneath someone’s words and create a safe space for honest conversations. (11:57) – The investor call that was costing an executive his relationship: Tom shares a specific example of helping an executive recognize that the sacrifices he thought were necessary for business success were actually creating the same relationship problems he had experienced before. (13:57) – What changes when you’re told you have six months to live: Tom describes the perspective shift that comes from facing death repeatedly—and why he became more interested in what he could do while living than in dwelling on the possibility of dying. (14:39) – Resilience is a muscle: Tom explains why resilience gets stronger through use and why looking forward, rather than wallowing in what happened, can fundamentally change how we experience adversity. (16:14) – The lifestyle that forced Tom to wake up: Tom gets specific about the years when he worked 12–14 hour days, partied afterward, neglected his health, and lived almost entirely for future outcomes. (18:34) – Growing up in “the shack”: Tom takes us back to his childhood without hot water or a refrigerator and explains how realizing at age five that his life was different became an early catalyst for risk, resilience, and reinvention. (21:01) – The phone call that changed everything: Tom tells the story of being recruited by Facebook when it was still a little-known company, interviewing with a 19-year-old Mark Zuckerberg, and taking the enormous risk of leaving his dream job at Palm. (23:50) – Building a career while fighting for your health: Tom reveals what it was really like working at Facebook while dealing with a serious diagnosis—including being more concerned about where the bathroom was than whether he was in the right meeting room. (25:01) – My attempt to reflect Tom’s story back to him: I take everything Tom has shared and connect the pieces—from his health struggles and relentless work ethic to his decision to fight forward and reinvent his life. (28:55) – Why your story can reveal possibilities you didn’t see before: Tom explains why having someone accurately reflect your story back to you can help you see the person you’re capable of becoming. (29:29) – The hidden power of writing your own story: Tom shares why writing his memoir was so cathartic and why every part of our past—even the parts we would rather hide—can be essential to understanding who we are today. (31:03) – Where to connect with Tom: Tom shares how you can learn more about his work, his books, and the Opening Pathways Collective. /episode/index/show/storyengine/id/42549730

What If the Last 3% Is Hiding Outside Your Analytical Mind With Barry Goldstein 09/15/2026

What If the Last 3% Is Hiding Outside Your Analytical Mind With Barry Goldstein In this episode of The Story Engine Podcast, I sit down with Barry Goldstein, a longtime music producer and creative collaborator who has spent more than 40 years exploring how music can magnify mission, unlock creativity, and help us move through the blocks that keep us from our next level. We dive into the idea of the “last 3%”—that frustrating gap between knowing you have something great and actually being able to fully express its potential. Barry explains why solving that final piece doesn’t necessarily require more effort, more analysis, or more information. Sometimes, it requires getting out of the thinking mind and into a deeper state of intuition, coherence, creativity, and flow. Barry also shares the deeply personal story that led him to rethink his entire relationship with music. At the height of his career as a major-label record producer in New York City, the work he had once loved became repetitive, stressful, and creatively draining. His search for a way back to the joy he experienced as a 14-year-old musician eventually led him to experiment with music created at 60 beats per minute—music he describes as “decomposing” rather than composing. What began as an experiment for his own healing unexpectedly became a tool that people used for sleep, anxiety, childbirth, dementia, and other transformational experiences. We also explore the moment Barry realized just how powerful that work had become while watching thousands of people experience breakthroughs during a walking meditation at a Dr. Joe Dispenza event in Cancun. This conversation is ultimately about more than music—it’s about remembering why we create, learning to trust what we don’t yet know, and discovering what becomes possible when we bring the heart and mind back into alignment. Highlights (00:27) – Barry explains his mission to use music to magnify purpose and why his lifelong fascination has been the creative process of bringing something into existence from nothing. (05:15) – We unpack who Barry works with and why his ideal collaborators are people who have already done significant personal work but sense there is still something missing or another level they can access. (07:55) – I explore the “last 3%” idea: why the final bit of refinement can make the difference between something that works and something that creates a dramatically greater impact. (09:06) – Barry explains why the final 3% may actually require less effort, not more, and how music can help shift us out of an overactive analytical state and into alpha and theta brainwave states associated with flow. (12:03) – We explore why the goal isn’t to choose between the heart and the mind, but to integrate them—and how heart-brain coherence can open access to intuition and wisdom beyond analytical knowledge. (17:14) – Barry takes us back to his years as a major-label producer in Midtown Manhattan, when the career he had dreamed about began to feel like a job and producing music became a source of pressure instead of joy. (19:00) – Barry reveals the experiment that changed his relationship with music: setting a metronome to 60 beats per minute and allowing music to emerge without preconceptions, editing, or knowing where it would lead. (21:47) – What Barry thought nobody would listen to started reaching people in unexpected ways—including families using his music for dementia, sleep challenges, dental appointments, and childbirth. (25:06) – Barry describes the powerful moment on a beach in Cancun when he watched thousands of people experience breakthroughs during a Dr. Joe Dispenza walking meditation—and realized his music had become the soundtrack to their transformation. (26:47) – I retell Barry’s story through the lens of his transformation from a successful but creatively trapped producer into someone using music as a tool for healing, flow, possibility, and meaningful impact. (32:56) – Barry reacts to hearing his own story told back to him and recognizes how powerful it can be to have another person help distill the deeper meaning hidden inside your own experience. (34:24) – Barry shares where to connect with him and reflects on why great collaboration begins with the curiosity of asking, “I wonder what he would do with this.” /episode/index/show/storyengine/id/42549690

What If the Biggest Problems in Your Business Are Actually a Sign You’re Out of Alignment With Esther Wildenberg 09/08/2026

What If the Biggest Problems in Your Business Are Actually a Sign You’re Out of Alignment With Esther Wildenberg I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about alignment—not just as a personal-growth concept, but as something that directly affects how we lead, build businesses, make decisions, and live our lives. In this episode of The Story Engine Podcast, I sit down with Esther Wildenberg, an executive coach, entrepreneur, consultant, and AI business owner who has spent more than 20 years helping leaders recognize when they’ve drifted out of alignment and find their way back. Esther describes alignment as the place where our purpose, passion, heart, identity, and actions are working together—and when they are, we create a kind of inbound energy that attracts the right people, opportunities, and growth. We get very practical about what happens when that alignment disappears. Esther calls it “founder’s fatigue”: when we become obsessed with everything that isn’t working, blame our employees, clients, finances, or circumstances, and convince ourselves we simply don’t have enough time. She explains why stepping away from the business can actually be one of the most productive things an entrepreneur can do, including her unconventional three-day process of removing clients from their normal environment—and even taking away their phones—to create enough space for clarity. We also dive into Esther’s own experience during the COVID pandemic, when a company pivot, a newborn son in the NICU, isolation, and an identity crisis forced her to completely rethink how she was living and leading. Ultimately, this conversation is about learning to step out of the trenches, reconnect with yourself, and create the kind of business and life that actually supports the person you want to become. Highlights (02:49) – Esther defines alignment and explains why getting your energy, purpose, passion, identity, and messaging into sync can dramatically change how your business grows. (03:58) – Why alignment is so difficult: the uncomfortable necessity of slowing down, creating silence and solitude, and actually listening to what your life is telling you. (06:49) – The biggest challenge of growing a team: why the people you hire will never care about your business exactly the way you do—and why entrepreneurs need to let go of that expectation. (08:24) – Why a candidate saying “no” to a past employer isn’t necessarily a red flag—and the question Esther asks to uncover whether someone has actually learned from their failures. (09:23) – “Founder’s fatigue”: the warning signs that you’re out of alignment, including constantly focusing on what’s broken and blaming everyone around you. (12:25) – The hidden cost of the hustle: how an obsession with productivity, money, and growth can quietly destroy your health, relationships, and sense of balance. (12:55) – Why entrepreneurs may need to stop thinking in three- to five-year plans and start developing the ability to pivot every 90 days to six months. (14:48) – Esther’s unconventional alignment reset: stepping completely out of your business for three days to gain enough distance to actually see the problem clearly. (15:09) – Why Esther takes away her clients’ phones—and how she believes 90% of their problems can begin to resolve once they’re removed from the environment creating the stress. (17:34) – The power of changing your environment and surrounding yourself with people who face similar challenges, including Esther’s experience in high-level masterminds. (19:30) – Why taking an hour for yourself in the morning can actually make you more productive, focused, and magnetic throughout the rest of your day. (20:36) – Esther’s raw story of founder’s fatigue during the COVID pandemic: a company pivot, a newborn son, six weeks in the NICU, isolation, and a complete crisis of identity. (23:17) – The turning point: how Esther hired a coach, changed the direction of her company, and shifted from focusing on sales and revenue to helping people thrive and connect. (24:31) – The podcast question that changed Esther’s perspective on her own impact—and helped her realize she didn’t need to reach thousands of people to make a meaningful difference. (26:00) – Why Esther stopped preparing for podcasts and stages and began trusting what she calls the “download” of what she needs to say in the moment. (31:54) – Esther explains why vulnerability is central to her work and how she uses her own painful experiences to help others move through similar challenges faster. (34:12) – Esther’s powerful prediction about the future of AI and technology—and why the ability to deeply connect with other human beings may become our most valuable skill. (35:21) – Her final challenge: build real communities, become an excellent communicator, and strengthen the human relationships that technology can never replace. /episode/index/show/storyengine/id/42549650

From “Behind Zero” to Playing a Bigger Game: How to Stop Letting Your Past Define Your Future with Markus Kaulius 09/04/2026

From “Behind Zero” to Playing a Bigger Game: How to Stop Letting Your Past Define Your Future with Markus Kaulius What if the very experiences you’ve been trying to leave behind are actually the things that qualify you to play a bigger game? In this episode of The Story Engine Podcast, I sit down with Markus Kaulius, a multi-exit entrepreneur, investor, author, and longtime student of personal development, to unpack the beliefs, habits, health, and faith that have shaped the man he is today. Markus grew up poor, in a broken family, and describes himself as starting “behind zero”—but instead of seeing that history as baggage, he learned to recognize it as the source of his work ethic, resilience, and ability to connect with people. We dig into why we so often write successful people off by assuming they were simply born that way, and how doing that protects us from having to challenge our own beliefs, identity, and assumptions. Then we go much deeper. Markus shares the system he uses to create the life he wants: identifying the habits that support that life, putting those systems in place, and trusting them long enough to work. We explore why health should come first if you want to give your best to your family and your work, why faith is about more than religion and can include having genuine faith in your own purpose, and what happened when Markus hit one of the lowest points of his entrepreneurial life during COVID. After his business dropped 70% in a single month, he found himself leading from fear and holding an all-hands meeting that made him realize he had become the leader he never wanted to be. What happened next completely changed the trajectory of his company. This conversation is ultimately about learning to see obstacles differently, moving from scarcity to abundance, and realizing that you may be much closer to playing the bigger game you were designed for than you think. Highlights (01:29) – From growing up poor and broken to becoming a multi-exit entrepreneur Markus opens up about growing up financially, emotionally, and spiritually disadvantaged—and why he now considers that difficult background one of the greatest advantages he was given. (06:41) – Why we write successful people off—and what that protects us from We unpack the psychology behind assuming someone’s success came easily, and how dismissing their story allows us to avoid challenging our own beliefs, identity, and potential. (09:41) – Finding the “younger version” of yourself who is still stuck in limiting beliefs Markus explains who he is really trying to reach when he speaks and coaches: the younger version of himself who believed he couldn’t succeed because of his circumstances. (12:45) – Why the right mentor isn’t necessarily the “best” mentor Markus shares a powerful perspective on personal development: if someone’s voice resonates with you and challenges you to take action, keep listening. If it doesn’t, find another voice. (15:45) – The habit system behind Markus’s success Instead of relying on discipline, Markus explains how he identifies the habits required to create the life he wants, puts systems in place, and then trusts the process instead of constantly looking for immediate results. (18:26) – Why your health might need to come before your business and family Markus challenges the idea that putting your health first is selfish and explains how starting his day with his body and energy actually allows him to show up better for his work, family, and relationships. (22:04) – Faith in yourself, faith in your purpose, and faith in something bigger We explore what happens when you genuinely believe you were put here for a bigger purpose—and how that belief can completely change the way you approach your daily decisions. (27:24) – The COVID moment that forced Markus to confront his own limiting beliefs Markus takes us inside one of the darkest periods of his entrepreneurial journey, when his business dropped 70% in a month and fear about the future began affecting the way he led his team. (29:53) – The all-hands meeting that made him realize he had become the worst version of himself as a leader He shares the uncomfortable moment when he saw fear in his employees’ faces and realized that his own panic and scarcity mindset were spreading throughout the organization. (32:13) – The obstacle isn’t necessarily blocking you—it may be preparing you Inspired by Ryan Holiday’s The Obstacle Is the Way, Markus describes the breakthrough that helped him see his biggest challenges as the very things capable of making him stronger and more qualified. (33:23) – “I’m not a benchwarmer”: The mindset shift that changed everything During prayer and meditation, Markus had a realization that snapped him out of his victim mindset: he wasn’t meant to sit on the sidelines. He was meant to get back in the starting lineup. (34:34) – How one mindset shift created a new business opportunity within 24 hours Markus brought his executives together, changed the energy in the room, and asked a simple question: who needed warehouse space? Within 24 hours, the company had its first new contract—and momentum began building again. (37:59) – Rewriting the story of your own life I reflect Markus’s COVID experience back to him as a story, connecting the external crisis to the internal patterns he had carried since childhood and the moment he chose to recommit to his purpose. (43:35) – Why your life doesn’t have to be perfect for the system to work We talk about the reality that personal transformation isn’t something you “finish.” New obstacles will always appear, but having a framework for reconnecting with yourself, your purpose, your health, and your faith can help you navigate whatever comes next. (45:25) – The message Markus wants you to take action on today Markus closes with a challenge: if something in this conversation resonated with you, don’t dismiss it. Take action, become a better version of yourself tomorrow, and recognize that the world only gets one version of you. /episode/index/show/storyengine/id/42549625

I Did Everything Right—So Why Was I So Unhappy with Melissa Marina 09/01/2026

I Did Everything Right—So Why Was I So Unhappy with Melissa Marina What happens when you’ve built the successful career, hit the milestones, created the life everyone tells you that you should want—and yet, deep down, you know something is wrong? In this episode of The Story Engine Podcast, I sit down with Melissa Marina, a subconscious healer and intuitive channel for top entrepreneurs and founders, to explore what happens when high achievers finally stop compromising their deepest desires. Melissa shares the story of graduating with honors, winning entrepreneurship awards, landing a great corporate job, and seemingly doing everything “right”—while privately feeling miserable, coping with wine and cigarettes, and wondering why success wasn’t making her happy. We dive into the patterns that keep ambitious people stuck, including people-pleasing, limiting beliefs, unsupportive relationships, old identities, and the pressure to pursue goals that no longer feel meaningful. Melissa walks me through her Release, Reveal, Rise framework for clearing the patterns holding you back, reconnecting with your deeper purpose, and building a new identity and lifestyle around what you actually want. We also explore one of the most powerful themes of the conversation: sometimes what looks like a business or money problem is actually connected to your relationships, your identity, or the life you’ve been afraid to ask for. This episode is ultimately about something much bigger than making more money—it’s about creating a life where success, fulfillment, family, freedom, and purpose can actually coexist. Highlights (01:42) – Why stepping away from business during motherhood became a massive accelerator Melissa explains how maternity leave unexpectedly gave her more clarity, energy, and focus—and why removing the “shoulds” from her business actually created more growth and income. (04:13) – The hidden cost of building a life that looks successful but doesn’t fulfill you We explore how different seasons of life require different priorities and why performative work can quietly drain your energy. (04:58) – The high achievers who secretly feel like something is missing Melissa breaks down the types of founders and executives she works with—and the “wild, outrageous dreams” they often suppress because they have families, teams, mortgages, and responsibilities depending on them. (06:31) – How people-pleasing and relationships can become invisible ceilings We uncover how the desire to keep everyone happy can prevent ambitious people from pursuing their next level—and how a partner’s lack of alignment can become a powerful hidden block. (08:51) – The Release, Reveal, Rise framework Melissa introduces the three-stage process she uses to help clients identify recurring patterns, reconnect with their purpose, and create a new identity aligned with their future. (10:52) – What has to be cleared before you can actually find clarity We talk about releasing old career paths, business decisions, identities, and “masks” that may still be taking up space—even when they no longer belong in your life. (12:30) – Designing a life where your business supports your life—not the other way around Melissa explains how the “Reveal” stage helps clients design their ideal next chapter around family, travel, relationships, spirituality, wealth, fulfillment, and the rhythms that genuinely work for them. (14:04) – The identity shift that makes your future self possible Melissa explains the “Rise” phase and how raising your minimum standards, changing your self-concept, and creating new boundaries can help you stop reverting to the person you’ve outgrown. (15:54) – “I did everything right”—and still hated my life Melissa takes us back to her early twenties in Bermuda, when she had the grades, awards, career, relationship, and accomplishments—but realized she had forgotten herself along the way. (18:30) – The moment Melissa realized achievement wasn’t the answer She shares the profound realization that doing everything society expected of her had not created happiness—and that she had been following the formula for success while losing herself in the process. (19:47) – What changed when success stopped being about hustle Melissa describes her transition from a “hustle era” to a season of choosing, where she could focus on speaking, facilitating transformations, and the work that genuinely makes her lose track of time. (21:15) – Finding a partner who amplifies your ambitions instead of limiting them We explore how Melissa’s current relationship has allowed her to pursue international speaking, travel, and a bigger vision for her family without having to choose between motherhood and her purpose. (22:14) – The terrifying conversation that changed her relationship Melissa shares the defining moment when she had to tell her partner that traveling the world and speaking was part of the life she wanted—and why refusing to compromise on that desire ultimately deepened their relationship. (25:49) – The story behind the story: when success looks right but your life feels completely wrong I help Melissa turn her experience in Bermuda into a powerful story about dissatisfaction, playing small, discovering purpose, and ultimately creating a life aligned with what she truly wanted. (33:14) – The surprising connection between money problems and relationships We uncover why the “money block” or business ceiling clients think they’re facing can actually be connected to their relationships—and how recognizing that connection can create a major breakthrough. (34:00) – Discovering what your current life is really costing you Melissa explains her “Destiny Opportunity Audit” and how looking at missed opportunities, lost time, and potential income can reveal the real cost of remaining stuck. /episode/index/show/storyengine/id/42588540

When Your Business Is Thriving but Your Life Is Falling Apart With John Glon 08/28/2026

When Your Business Is Thriving but Your Life Is Falling Apart With John Glon I sat down with entrepreneur and business coach John Glon for a conversation about something I’ve experienced personally—and something I see happen to so many founders: the moment when hard work, grit, and determination that once built the business start becoming the very things that hold it back. John shared his journey from running a successful electrical manufacturing business to realizing that his deeper calling was helping leaders and their teams communicate, execute, and lead better. We explored what happens when founders become the person everyone depends on, why “I’ll just do it myself” becomes such a dangerous habit, and how growth can eventually demand an entirely different skill set than the one that created the business in the first place. I also shared a deeply personal story about a painful decision I made with a business partner, the consequences of stepping too far away from my own company, and the years of costly mistakes that eventually helped me develop a better way forward. At the heart of this conversation is a simple question: What if the solution to your business problems isn’t working harder, but learning how to lead differently? John and I unpack structure, vulnerability, curiosity, presence, accountability, and the importance of creating a business where everyone understands their role, knows the North Star, and has the freedom to do their best work. If you’re a founder or leader who has built something successful but feels like the business is demanding more and more of you, this conversation may help you see your situation—and your next move—in a completely different way. Highlights (01:32) – John explains the philosophy that guides how he shows up: love, care, and compassion, and how his entrepreneurial journey led him toward helping other leaders. (02:52) – Why John walked away from a seemingly reliable and profitable business path after realizing that success wasn’t filling his cup or allowing him to help enough people. (05:32) – We explore the idea of turning years of costly mistakes into a shortcut for other entrepreneurs, so they don’t have to spend years learning the same lessons the hard way. (05:59) – I share a powerful storytelling lesson: how saying “I worked so hard to figure this out, and now I have the shortcut for you” can transform painful experiences into authority. (08:23) – John reveals the three things he believes make his coaching different: structure, vulnerability and curiosity, and being fully present with the people he serves. (10:34) – Why vulnerability can unlock a completely different level of trust inside an organization—and why admitting that you don’t have all the answers can actually make you a stronger leader. (13:05) – The warning signs that a founder may be operating out of alignment: the business is growing too quickly, the wheels are falling off, or the owner desperately wants more time away from the business. (15:04) – We uncover a major trap for high achievers: you can’t outwork every problem in your business—and you definitely can’t outwork problems in your family. (17:29) – Why entrepreneurs often need someone outside themselves to help break habits, patterns, and “scar tissue” that keep them stuck in the same leadership cycle. (18:14) – John describes what becomes possible on the other side: genuine smiles, more engaged employees, higher-level work, more personal freedom, and a team that is finally rowing in the same direction. (20:02) – John tells the story of a painful decision to exit a business partnership—and how acting from shame and frustration created consequences that went far beyond the original conflict. (22:52) – A powerful lesson about the danger of using an “easy button” in business: stepping too far away can cause you to lose touch with the heart and soul of the culture you created. (24:36) – John discovers that his results-driven approach was alienating employees who had been drawn to the company because of its heart-centered culture. (26:18) – An emotional conversation with a key employee forces John to confront a difficult realization: he was no longer operating in alignment with his own values. (28:59) – John looks back on a period when his business finally felt joyful—employees were laughing, money was flowing, the team was connected, and he was able to create balance outside of work. (31:25) – I tell the story behind my own transformation, beginning with the question that stopped me in my tracks: “Why do we need to babysit you?” (34:00) – I reveal the process I developed through years of painful mistakes: creating structure, vulnerability, curiosity, and presence so leaders can bring their businesses and lives back into alignment. (35:53) – John reacts to hearing his story reflected back to him—and explains why experiencing a story can sometimes create more transformation than simply intellectualizing a problem. (37:53) – John shares why storytelling has become such a powerful leadership tool for him, and why the best speakers don’t always need slides or complicated frameworks to make an impact. (38:59) – John shares his closing thoughts and where you can connect with him and learn more about his work. /episode/index/show/storyengine/id/42549560

From Nurse to Entrepreneur: How To Build A Business To Put People Before the System With Ashley Yardley 08/25/2026

From Nurse to Entrepreneur: How To Build A Business To Put People Before the System With Ashley Yardley What happens when you’re a nurse who deeply cares about helping people, but you realize the healthcare system doesn’t always give you the freedom—or the options—to provide the kind of care you believe people deserve? In this episode of The Story Engine Podcast, I sit down with Ashley Yardley, founder of Advanced Mobile IV, to unpack the personal experiences that pushed her to build a completely different model of healthcare. We talk about how her background in home health and hospice led her to see the power of bringing care directly into people’s homes and communities, and how that eventually became a mobile IV franchise built around nurses, technology, flexibility, and personalized care. But Ashley’s story goes much deeper than building a healthcare business. She shares the devastating experience of watching her father-in-law improve dramatically during cancer treatment, only to see his treatment options change after an insurance decision—and the profound realization that followed. That experience helped Ashley understand that she wanted to create more options for patients while also giving nurses a way to build businesses, control their schedules, and have a greater impact on their communities. We also explore the software and systems behind her franchise, the vision of empowering nurses to become entrepreneurs, and the moment I reflected Ashley’s own story back to her in a way she had never heard before. This conversation is ultimately about turning painful experiences into purpose—and building something that gives people more freedom, more options, and more control over their own lives. Highlights (01:29) – Why Ashley believes healthcare works better when care happens in someone’s natural environment—and how that insight became “nurses on wheels.” (03:37) – The surprising reason so many people seek IV therapy, from dehydration and travel to athletes and unexpected moments when they need support quickly. (05:26) – What makes someone an ideal Advanced Mobile IV franchisee—and why Ashley looks for people who want to invest in their health, future, and community. (06:26) – Why being a great nurse doesn’t automatically make someone a great business owner, and the business mindset Ashley believes franchisees need. (08:20) – How Ashley built proprietary software and an EMR to help her franchisees respond quickly, manage nurses, track inventory, and scale. (09:20) – The business model behind mobile IV: rapid service, recurring subscriptions, community relationships, and the potential for additional revenue streams. (10:59) – The transformation Ashley is most proud of: giving nurses more freedom while helping them build careers that allow them to spend more time with their families. (12:42) – The moment Ashley realized the traditional hospital environment was no longer the right fit—and why she wanted to fill the gaps she had seen firsthand. (13:43) – The painful experience that changed Ashley’s perspective on healthcare, insurance, and the role that financial decisions can play in patient care. (15:42) – What happened when Ashley’s father-in-law’s cancer treatment was working, but an insurance decision made the treatment financially inaccessible. (17:51) – Ashley’s philosophy on going back to the basics of health and giving the body the foundation it needs to fight and recover. (19:12) – The powerful story of Ashley’s son after brain surgery—and the moment he asked to receive an IV because he knew he needed one. (19:36) – Ashley’s vision for the future: empowering nurses to build their own clientele, choose their schedules, and get paid what they deserve. (20:47) – How painful experiences can become lessons, and why Ashley believes something that feels like the worst moment may ultimately be protecting or teaching you. (26:44) – I retell Ashley’s story back to her—and she hears the deeper meaning of her journey in a way she never had before. (27:39) – Why hearing your own story from someone else can be more empowering than telling it yourself—and how a new perspective can help us move faster. (28:25) – Ashley’s closing message: trust yourself, seek second and third opinions, and remember that you may have more options than you realize. (29:30) – Where to learn more about Ashley, Advanced Mobile IV, and opportunities for nurses to get involved. /episode/index/show/storyengine/id/42513460

Your Brain Health Problems May Be Starting Decades Earlier Than You Think With Eric Collett 08/21/2026

What If Thinking About Death Is the Key to Living Your Best Life With Karen Salmansohn 08/18/2026

Your Story Is Not Separate From You — How Writing a Book Unlocks a Whole New Level of Leadership with Steven Heumann 08/14/2026

She Shattered Her Leg, Got Evicted, and Found Freedom 08/11/2026

Wartime CEO: Disruption, Delayed Gratification, and Doing the Opposite with Chandler Bolt 08/07/2026

The Anti-Financial Advisor And What Wealth Actually Is With Chris Miles 08/04/2026

People only think other people die with Andrew Quebbemann 07/31/2026

The Success Trap: Why High Achievers Feel Stuck (And How to Lead with More Humanity) With Justin Ricklefs 07/28/2026

Why Your Diagnosis Isn't the Whole Story with Dr. Scott Richmond 07/24/2026

From Cancer Survivor to Medical Detective: The Hidden Causes of Chronic Illness Most Doctors Miss With Dr. Jill Carnahan 07/21/2026

The Pattern You Don't Know You're In With Nancy Bisbikos 07/17/2026

The Magic You’re Missing: Why Your Greatest Value Might Be Hiding in Plain Sight With Chris Van Loan 07/14/2026

From Reinvention to Recognition: The Visibility Strategy You Can’t Buy With Lauren Cobello 07/07/2026

How I Learned to Regulate My Emotions When It Matters Most with Rubina Chadha 06/30/2026

How I Learned to Regulate My Emotions When It Matters Most with Rubina Chadha In this episode, I sit down with Rubina Chadha, founder of Inner Design, to explore what it really means to regulate your nervous system in high-stakes moments. We go far beyond surface-level “mindset” advice and dive into the real reason so many high performers—entrepreneurs, leaders, and creatives—feel overwhelmed, burned out, or stuck despite their success. Rubina shares how we’ve been conditioned to live in our heads, and why reconnecting with our bodies is the key to clarity, resilience, and sustainable performance. Through a powerful, real-life story, we uncover what emotional regulation actually looks like in practice—not in theory. From navigating major life transitions to making better decisions under pressure, this conversation reveals simple, practical tools you can use immediately. If you’ve ever felt like overthinking, stress, or emotional overwhelm is holding you back, this episode will show you a new way forward—one rooted in presence, awareness, and real inner alignment. Highlights: 00:00 – Introduction to Rubina Chadha and the power of nervous system regulation 01:17 – What creativity and mindfulness really mean (and why everyone is creative) 03:19 – Why high performers default to overthinking—and where it stops working 05:05 – The hidden cost of stress: health, relationships, and burnout 07:27 – Why we’re not taught how to handle stress—and what’s missing 11:22 – Rubina’s unique approach: creative expression + breathwork as entry points 12:59 – Simple ways to release stress (that most adults have forgotten) 15:17 – What becomes possible when you learn to regulate your emotions 17:59 – A real-life story: receiving life-changing news in the kitchen 19:40 – The emotional conflict of letting go and supporting growth 22:46 – Finding peace, presence, and gratitude on the other side 24:32 – A powerful live storytelling transformation of Rubina’s journey 28:07 – The impact of being seen—and the importance of community /episode/index/show/storyengine/id/40631200

How to Stand Out When Everyone Sounds the Same With Marc Rust 06/23/2026

How to Stand Out When Everyone Sounds the Same With Marc Rust In this episode of the Story Engine Podcast, I sit down with Mark Rust, founder of Consequently Creative, to unpack what it really takes to stand out in a world flooded with noise, sameness, and safe marketing. Mark shares how his background as a musician shaped his approach to branding—and why the magic isn’t in logos or color palettes, but in the bold, often uncomfortable choices that make people pay attention. From redefining branding as the central operating system of your business to crafting messages that connect beyond words, this conversation challenges everything you thought you knew about visibility. We also dive into the role of audacity in business growth—what it looks like to break the rules, create unforgettable moments, and engineer opportunities instead of waiting for luck. Mark shares powerful stories (including one unforgettable outreach strategy involving a coffin and a competitor’s microphone) that demonstrate how small, creative shifts can open massive doors. If you’ve ever felt stuck blending in, overcomplicating your message, or struggling to articulate what makes you different, this episode will give you a new lens—and the courage—to do something radically different. Episode Highlights 01:15 – How music shaped Mark’s creative thinking and storytelling approach 03:13 – The hidden downside of chasing perfection and “rockstar” success 04:36 – Why marketing magic comes from combining multiple elements—not just design 06:47 – The real key to standing out: leading with why, not what 08:31 – The biggest mistake businesses make: vague, meaningless messaging 10:23 – Why people connect emotionally—not logically—to brands 12:17 – Branding as the central operating system of your business 13:52 – What makes Consequently Creative different in a crowded industry 15:51 – The power of audacity: doing what others won’t 17:50 – Kyle’s story of bold action and betting on himself 20:05 – Mark’s unforgettable moment asking a university president for help 21:40 – The “coffin campaign”: a bold outreach strategy that landed a dream client 24:51 – Why conventional marketing no longer works in an oversaturated world 26:04 – How to position your message so people actually lean in 28:14 – Small shifts in clarity that create massive business impact 29:14 – A powerful story that captures Mark’s philosophy in action /episode/index/show/storyengine/id/40631000

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