End of Summer Recap, Camera Flashes, and Fall Preview - Episode 173 📸☀️🍂Episode Description 📖

Built Not Born host Joe Ciccarone takes a break from guest interviews to share an end-of-summer reflection and preview the exciting lineup of guests coming in the fall season.

Joe opens up about the "best of times and worst of times" summer, sharing the loss of his father Fran and celebrating sending his second son off to college.

This episode offers listeners a behind-the-scenes look at the podcast's growth and Joe's personal journey, while building anticipation for upcoming conversations with bestselling authors, Navy Top Gun instructors, Apple executives, and championship coaches.

Episode Highlights:

• Personal reflections on family loss and growth
• Preview of upcoming bestselling author guests
• Behind-the-scenes podcast insights
• Call to action for subscriber growth
• Introduction to the Built Not Born Blog newsletter

Host Personal Update 👨‍👨‍👦The Worst of Times

• Loss of Father: Joe's father Fran Ciccarone passed away July 3rd after battling cancer
• Funeral Impact: 200 people attended the funeral luncheon for the 82-year-old - remarkable turnout that spoke to his father's character
• Family Process: July spent handling funeral arrangements, viewings, and reconnecting with family
• Eulogy Available: Joe recorded a special eulogy episode available on Spotify

The Best of Times

• College Send-off: Dropped second son off at college in upstate New York
• Family Milestone: Now has two sons in college (senior and freshman) and one middle schooler at home
• Positive Outlook: Both college sons are "in great spots" and expected to thrive

Upcoming Fall Season Guest Preview 🎙️Recently Released:

Jon Gordon - Episode 172

• 18-time bestselling author
• Discussed "The 7 Commitments of a Great Team"
• $100,000 speaking fee performer
• 15-minute conversation packed with leadership insights

Coming Soon:

Jay Papasan

• Co-author of "The One Thing" - one of the most popular business books of all time
• New book: "The Rookie Real Estate Agent" (releasing next week)
• Expert on productivity, focus, and business success principles
• Specializes in thriving during recessions and crowded markets

Guy Kawasaki

• Former Apple Chief Evangelist who launched the Macintosh with Steve Jobs
• New book: "Wiser Guy" - follow-up to 2019's "Wise Guy"
• Joe received early pre-read copy
• Technology and entrepreneurship expertise

Dave Burke (Echelon Front)

• Former Navy Top Gun flight instructor
• Combat veteran who served on ground in Ramadi, Iraq with Jocko Willink and Leif Babin
• New book: "The Need The Lead"
• Currently working with Echelon Front leadership consulting

Amy P. Kelly & Julie Nee

• Co-authors discussing "Gifted Growth"
• Leadership and business development focus

Dudley Duncan

• Hall of Fame swimming coach
• Expert on succeeding in one of the most grueling sports
• Insights on mental toughness and athletic excellence

Podcast Growth Initiatives 📈Subscription Drive

Subscribe to Built Not Born Podcast (Spotify, Apple, Google, Overcast)

• Why It Matters: Subscriptions drive algorithmic promotion within apps
• Impact: More subscribers = broader reach and discoverability
• Goal: Automatic episode downloads for loyal listeners

Built Not Born Blog Launch 📝

New Newsletter:

• Post-episode summaries of best habits, tactics, and strategies
• 3-minute read format for busy professionals
• Direct links to guest resources, books, courses, and platforms
• Easy way to follow and connect with featured guests
• Subscription available for regular updates

SEO Keywords 🔍

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Tags 🏷️

#BuiltNotBorn #PodcastRecap #JoeCiccarone #JonGordon #JayPapasan #GuyKawasaki #DaveBurke #EchelonFront #Leadership #PersonalDevelopment #BusinessSuccess #Productivity #MilitaryLeadership #Apple #TopGun #Swimming #Newsletter #PodcastGrowth #FallSeason #BestsellingAuthors

About Built Not Born 🎙️

Built Not Born explores how high achievers in business, sports, and life overcome obstacles to reach peak performance. Hosted by Joe Ciccarone, each episode delivers actionable insights and inspiring stories from leaders who've built something extraordinary.

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© Joe Ciccarone - Built Not Born Podcast. All Rights Reserved.

Views expressed by guests do not necessarily reflect the views of the host.