A Shot Of Inspiration

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On a Shot of Inspiration with host: Greg Stephens, guest, Troy Karnes shares how addiction recovery and a rare cancer diagnosis reshaped his approach to growth. Instead of chasing quick fixes, he uses the HALT framework—hungry, angry, lonely, tired—plus journaling, accountability, and small daily practices to nurture health, relationships, and peace while pursuing big goals.

 3 Key takeaways :

• Quick fixes fade; consistent nurturing compounds.
• HALT turns overwhelm into doable daily shifts.
• Accountability and honest self-talk protect long-term goals.

About Troy:

Troy Karnes is a father, husband, author of No Silver Bullets, coach, recovering alcoholic, salesman, and cancer survivor. His journey through addiction and cancer reshaped his perspective on resilience, faith, and the value of nurturing life. Today, Troy is on a mission to share the lessons he learned in the hardest battles so others can rise with courage when they face big steps in their own lives.

Resources:

Website: https://troykarnes.com/

Order Book: No Silver Bullets: https://troykarnes.com/book/

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A Shot of Inspiration podcast with host Greg Stephens and guest Dr. David Phelps dives into his pivot from dentistry to founding Freedom Founders, the family crisis that reshaped his priorities, and why he helps practice owners invest for time freedom, not just more money. Actionable real-estate lessons, resilient mindset, and impact-first leadership.

3 Key Takeaways:

• Time is the real ROI—build investments that buy discretionary time.
• Start simple: single-family real estate builds skill, cash flow, and options.
• Impact over scale: intimate communities transform lives faster.

About David:

Dr. David Phelps owned and managed a private dental practice for over 21 years. While still in dental school, he partnered with his father on their first rental property—an investment that sparked a lifelong passion for real estate and ultimately grew into a portfolio generating consistent cash flow.

When his young daughter, Jenna, was diagnosed with leukemia and later underwent a liver transplant, David chose to leave clinical practice to be fully present with her. His real estate investments became the “Plan B” that gave him the freedom to focus on what mattered most—family.

Today, Dr. Phelps is a nationally recognized speaker and founder of the Freedom Founders Mastermind Community, where he helps professionals turn their hard work into lasting financial freedom and create lives of purpose and impact.

Resources:

doctorphelps.com

facebook.com/drdphelps

YouTube.com/user/drdphelps

Podcast:  freedom founders.com/podcast

Book: Scaling Time vs Wealth:  http://bit.ly/4puSw8i

Book:  What’s Your Next:  http://bit.ly/45UUjM6

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On A Shot of Inspiration podcast with host Greg Stephens and guest Lindsay Guzowski, Lindsay shares her bold journey from launching a $40,000 plumbing startup to creating The Crucible, a science-based leadership assessment transforming private equity and executive teams. She reveals how intellectual curiosity, data-driven insight, and the courage to act on a single decision can reshape businesses, careers, and lives.

3 Key Takeaways:

• Bold decisions spark transformation.
• The right leadership fit drives real growth.
• Curiosity fuels innovation and success.

About Lindsay:

Lindsay Guzowski is the CEO and founder of The Crucible, an award-winning, science-based assessment company helping private equity and venture firms identify and develop top executives.

A proven entrepreneur, she scaled a plumbing business from a $40,000 investment into a multi-million-dollar exit and later drove double-digit growth as a partner at an executive search firm. A cum laude graduate of Dartmouth, Lindsay also holds a master’s in quantitative sociology from UNC Chapel Hill and an MBA from Northwestern’s Kellogg School of Management. Her research on leadership and culture has been published in top journals.

Since launching The Crucible in 2020, she has earned multiple industry awards. Outside of work, Lindsay loves trivia nights with her husband, playing NYT Connections, and cheering on her son, a competitive go-kart racer.

Resources:

https://thecrucible.com/

 https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindsayguzowski/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-crucible-pe/

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On this episode of A Shot of Inspiration podcast with host Greg Stephens and guest host Endio Magel, we sit down with Ainara Almeida for an open and inspiring conversation about authenticity, purpose, and courage. Ainara shares her story of breaking barriers, embracing identity, and choosing boldness over comfort. Together, they explore what it means to live authentically, create meaningful impact, and stay aligned with who you truly are. It’s a powerful reminder that your voice and choices matter more than you think.

3 Key Takeaways

• Authenticity shapes purpose
• Courage creates opportunity
• Your story inspires others

About Ainara:

Ainara Almeida is the founder of Flow State Collective, a movement and community-driven platform designed to help individuals and organizations live in alignment with their true potential. With a natural gift for creating intentional, transformative spaces, Ainara leads retreats, gatherings, and corporate events that spark clarity, ignite creativity, and build confidence.

Flow State is more than just an experience—it’s a movement of people choosing to live in alignment, embrace authentic connection, and shape the reality they desire. Rooted in love, presence, and possibility, Ainara’s work creates ripple effects of empowerment and growth that continue to expand everywhere she goes.

Resources:

Instagram

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On A Shot of Inspiration podcast with host Greg Stephens and guest Tressa Fernandez, Tressa shares her powerful journey from a stable 17-year government career to boldly stepping into her calling as a speaker, mentor, and encourager. With a heart for helping others move from fear to faith and from survival to purpose, Tressa opens up about finding her voice, leading with compassion, and calling out the greatness in others.

3 Key Takeaways

• Your purpose won’t wait for comfort.
• Awareness is the first step to freedom.
• Real leadership sees and calls out the good in others.

About Tressa:

Tressa Fernandez is a speaker, author, and purpose igniter on a mission to help others step boldly into their God-given calling. After nearly two decades in government leadership, she is now focused on inspirational speaking—equipping people to lead with confidence and live in alignment with God's voice.

Through her platform When She Speaks, Tressa creates transformational spaces where individuals discover their identity, develop their voice, and grow into impactful, Christ-centered leaders. She is also the author of God is Speaking: Are You Listening?, a powerful collection of personal testimonies about learning to recognize and respond to God's voice in everyday life.

Tressa inspires audiences to overcome fear, embrace their unique calling, and lead with faith, integrity, and kingdom purpose.

Resources:

Tressa's Website:  https://whenshespeaks.faith/

Tressa's Book:  God is Speaking, Are You Listening?: A Collection of Testimonies:  https://www.amazon.com/God-Speaking-Are-You-Listening/dp/1662805209

Tressa's LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/tressa-fernandez-1296863b/

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On this episode of A Shot of Inspiration podcast, host Greg Stephens sits down with author and executive coach Adam Fleming for a rich, real conversation on leadership, failure, transformation, and legacy. From his early woodworking days to coaching global executives, Adam shares stories of deep growth and what it really means to believe in people—especially when they fail. Plus, hear how a hiking trip across Spain inspired his newest book The Legacy Way.

✅ 3 Key Takeaways

• Failure isn’t fatal—it’s where growth begins
• Coaching starts with listening, not advising
• A true legacy begins with letting go

About Adam:

Adam G. Fleming has been described as “the most down-to-earth person I know” and “the friendliest guy on the Camino.” A Tom Sawyer at heart, Adam leads others into lives of adventure, beauty, motivation, and meaningful change.

With 18 years of experience as an executive coach, Adam works with everyone from Fortune 1000 leaders to missionaries and artists. He’s also a global coach trainer, having taught in places like DR Congo and Egypt, and currently serves as a lead pastor and novelist.

Adam married Megan in 1998. They have four children—and are thrilled to welcome their first daughter-in-law in August 2025. He loves hiking, travel, books, and cheering on his teens at soccer games and school plays.

Resources:

Adam's LinkedIn

Adam's Books

Adam's email

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On this episode of A Shot of Inspiration with host Greg Stephens, guest Tyler Jorgenson shares how hitting rock bottom in 2008—with a negative $17K balance and a growing family—became the spark for rebuilding his life. Instead of freezing, he moved. That movement led to international success, personal freedom, and a mission to help others launch shows of their own.

3 Key Takeaways:

• Movement creates opportunity—even when you’re at zero.
• Personal brand matters, especially for introverts.
• Entrepreneurship is about solving problems with creativity and courage.

About Tyler:

Tyler Jorgenson is a serial entrepreneur, media strategist, and Rich Dad® Business Expert. He’s the founder of Bern Media, a premium content agency helping industry leaders turn their personal brands into media empires. As host of BizNinja® Entrepreneur Radio, Tyler has interviewed 400+ top entrepreneurs—from billionaires and bestselling authors to Shark Tank alumni. After losing everything in the 2008 crash, he rebuilt from scratch, earned an MBA from USC, and launched ventures that generated millions. Today, he helps 7-figure founders scale their impact and income by building authority through media. If you’re ready to stop playing small and start being known, Tyler’s the one who helps you own the spotlight.

Resources:

Tyler's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tylerdjorgenson/

Tyler's Website: https://www.tylerjorgenson.com

Tyler's Company: https://www.BernMedia.co

Tyler's Podcast: https://www.BizNinjaRadio.com

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On A Shot of Inspiration, host Greg Stephens talks with Greg Peters, a self-described “reluctant networker” who turned his fear into a superpower. Now a coach, author, and podcast host, Greg shares how to build meaningful business relationships…even if you're introverted or hesitant.

3 Key Takeaways:

• You don’t have to be extroverted to be a great networker
• Small steps can lead to powerful professional growth
• Real networking is about authentic connection, not selling

About Greg:

Greg Peters is a self-proclaimed “reluctant networker” turned networking expert. A computer programmer by training, Greg once dreaded making connections, but through practice and perseverance, he transformed that reluctance into a strength. He built a successful web development business using the very networking skills he once avoided.

Today, Greg is the co-founder of Third Generation Networking, where he coaches individuals, trains teams, and speaks to organizations about building genuine connections. He’s a past Chapter President of the National Speakers Association, author of Hello and a Handshake: A Reluctant Networker’s Guide to Survival and Success at Your Next Business Gathering, and host of the Third Generation Networking podcast.

Greg helps others move from hesitation to confidence…one connection at a time.

Resources:

Website: https://thereluctantnetworker.com  

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thereluctantnetworker/

Email: [email protected]

Book:  Hello and a Handshake: https://bit.ly/4lAWw4Q

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On this episode of A Shot of Inspiration, host Greg Stephens sits down with author, speaker, and Motivational Listener D. Scott Smith for a powerful conversation about connection, community, and what it really takes to show up and win. From launching a radio show in a new city to helping people remember how remarkable they are, Scott shares wisdom, warmth, and practical takeaways that will stick with you long after the episode ends.

3 Key Takeaways:

• Motivational listening changes lives — and brains
• Connection is strategy, not luck
• You’ll find what you’re looking for in every community

About D. Scott:

D. Scott Smith is a speaker, coach, and global mentor known as a Motivational Listener. He helps individuals and businesses bridge the gap between strategy and execution. Scott serves as Executive Director at Edvocation, Board VP at UPLIFT Leadership, and is available as a Fractional Chief of Staff. He co-hosts The WACO Experience, The EXPERIENCE Live with Russ and Scott, and Virtual Global Tea Break.

Scott is the author of Networking for Students, Business Networking: A Scientific Method, and FREEZE: Inaction in the Face of Business Crisis. A former CEO and entrepreneur, he brings decades of insight…and a bass guitar to every conversation. He and his wife, Christine, celebrate 41 years of marriage in 2025.

Resources:

Website: https://www.dscottsmith.com/

Email: [email protected]

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dscottsmith/

X: https://twitter.com/d_scott

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/d.scottsmith/

Amazon Live: https://www.motivationallistener.live/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dscottsmithmba

D. Scott Smith Books:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/D-Scott-Smith/e/B07K77WDPM

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What if the story you’ve been through could become your greatest asset? On this episode of A Shot of Inspiration, host Greg Stephens welcomes bestselling author and publishing powerhouse Aurora Winter to unpack how storytelling can turn pain into purpose—and words into wealth. From grief to growth, from AI to IP, this episode is packed with insight, heart, and hope.

 3 Short Key Takeaways:

• Your story holds gold—don’t wait to share it.
• Pivots are scary but necessary for growth.
• Publishing is more than a book—it’s a business move.

About Aurora:

Aurora Winter, MBA, is a bestselling author, entrepreneur, TV writer-producer, and founder of SamePagePublishing.com. With a background in both neuroscience and film, Aurora specializes in helping leaders craft unforgettable stories that grow brands, launch books, and build thriving businesses. Her award-winning titles include Turn Words Into Wealth and Magic, Mystery, and the Multiverse testaments to her creative range and business insight.

Resources:

Aurora's Website

Same Page Publishing

YouTube

Instagram

TikTok

LinkedIn

Linktree

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