What do you do when the life you built—the love, the plans, the future—gets ripped away without warning? When the person you were supposed to grow old with is taken, and you're left not only grieving but parenting through the pain? In this episode, Danny Lesslie opens up about walking through the darkest season of his life: losing his wife Raffe after a five-year battle with cancer. He doesn’t hold back. Danny shares the raw truth about grief, fatherhood, and how the storm inside him became fuel for healing. If you've ever wrestled with loss, purpose, or the weight of simply showing up—this conversation will meet you right where you are.

But Danny isn’t here to tell a “poor me” story—he’s here to serve. Named an Apogee honor man, Danny is a man of deep courage, faith, and conviction. He’s turned pain into purpose, writing a book with God's presence through it all. What makes him uniquely powerful is his willingness to be seen—messy, broken, real—and still lead others forward. This isn’t just a story of heartbreak. It’s a story of hope, of what’s possible when we choose to feel everything and use it to love deeper, lead better, and live fuller.

Quotes:

• "All this that we're going to talk about today... I didn't come on here to give you a poor me thing. I came on here to serve you and speak light into this darkness." - Danny Lesslie
• "People are worth your effort. People are worth everything - your job, your trophies, your money, your house... all the things that we strive for are so hollow and they just go away." - Danny Lesslie
• "If you're not moving from purpose, you can't weather the storms that show up." - Danny Lesslie

Takeaways:

• Grief doesn’t follow rules—so stop trying to manage it. Danny shows that healing begins not with control, but with surrender. Whether through writing, walking with a weighted vest, or just allowing himself to cry, he finds strength by facing the pain instead of avoiding it.
• Your pain can serve others—if you let it. Rather than hiding his story, Danny uses it to bring light into other people’s darkness. His vulnerability becomes a gift, proving that being real is more powerful than being strong.
• Presence is everything. From being with his wife through her final days to parenting his kids alone, Danny reminds us that showing up—fully and honestly—is more impactful than having all the answers.
• Life will burn down—build anyway. Whether it’s love, faith, or legacy, Danny challenges us to invest in what matters now, because everything we have is temporary. He turns loss into a call to live with fierce intention.

Conclusion:

This episode is a powerful reminder that even in the face of unimaginable loss, we have a choice—to go numb, or to feel deeply and move forward with purpose. Danny Lesslie’s story is not just about grief; it’s about resilience, love, and living with intention. His honesty, strength, and unwavering commitment to honoring his wife’s legacy show us what it truly means to lead from the heart. If you're walking through darkness, let this conversation be a light. And if you're not, let it be your wake-up call to love harder, show up fully, and stop wasting time on things that don’t matter.

Are you stuck in the cycle of overeating, fad diets, and confusing nutrition advice? Why does losing fat feel harder than ever—even when you're trying to eat “healthy”? What if the secret to fixing your health wasn’t another extreme diet, but something so simple it’s almost laughable? Dr. Ted Naiman believes it is. A physician and author with over 25 years of experience, Dr. Naiman discovered that diet and exercise—not prescriptions—were the real keys to transforming his patients’ health. His no-nonsense, data-backed approach strips away the noise and focuses on one clear concept: satiety per calorie.

In this episode, Dr. Naiman explains why protein percentage and food volume are the hidden levers behind fat loss, and how our modern food environment hijacks our biology. He breaks down his “PE Diet” and shares how you can eat more, feel fuller, and lose fat—without overcomplicating it. Whether you're struggling with cravings, feeling stuck despite working out, or just want to cut through the BS, this conversation will challenge your assumptions and reset how you think about food—for good.

Quotes:

• "The whole system is designed to encourage you to eat enough to not die of starvation." - Dr. Ted Naiman

• "Every human is wired to eat as many calories as they possibly can while expending as few calories as possible." - Dr. Ted Naiman

• "Your ultimate purpose is to pass your genes forward—but you can't do that if you don't have enough energy to survive." - Dr. Ted Naiman

Key Takeaways:

• Protein is King for Satiety

Humans (like all animals) are driven by a biological need to consume enough protein. If your food is low in protein, you'll unconsciously overeat to meet that need—often taking in excess calories in the process.

• Satiety per Calorie Is the Missing Link

Dr. Naiman introduces the idea that the most effective way to lose fat is to eat foods that provide high satiety (fullness) per calorie—typically those high in protein, fiber, and water, and low in refined fats and carbs.

• The Real Fix Is Shockingly Basic

Eat more protein, choose whole foods with volume and fiber, and move your body consistently. Simple doesn't mean easy—but it does mean doable and sustainable.

Conclusion:

Dr. Ted Naiman cuts through the clutter of modern health advice with one powerful message: fat loss and metabolic health aren't about extreme diets, fancy supplements, or micromanaging your hormones—they’re about returning to simple, foundational principles your body already understands. By focusing on high-satiety, high-protein foods and rejecting the ultra-processed combinations that hijack hunger, you can take back control of your appetite, your energy, and your long-term health. His common-sense, science-backed approach proves that lasting transformation doesn’t have to be complicated—it just has to be aligned with how your body is wired to thrive.

What happens when your dream doesn’t come true overnight—and instead, it takes decades of sweat, sacrifice, and countless setbacks? Do you keep pushing when you’re playing to empty rooms, living off couches, and watching peers give up one by one? In a world that glorifies instant success, Christian McAlhaney’s story is a powerful reminder that real growth takes time. If you’ve ever felt the pull between chasing your passion and being responsible for your family, or questioned whether the grind is worth it, this episode will hit home. What if the secret to making it isn’t talent—but staying in the game longer than anyone else?

Christian is a guitarist for Anberlin, co-founder of Loose Talk, and a longtime member of Acceptance—three massively influential bands with loyal followings. But beyond the music, Christian is a grounded husband, father, and creative entrepreneur who’s walked the long road with integrity and grit. He opens up about building a life in music before the internet, navigating fatherhood on tour, and the faith and values that anchor him through it all. Christian’s passion for creating without compromise—and his deep commitment to being a good man first and foremost—make him uniquely equipped to guide any artist or leader wrestling with purpose, perseverance, and priorities.

Quotes:

• "It's about really honing that skill and learning the ropes of the business and growing and trying new things and failing, and pushing through adversity." - Christian McAlhaney

• "In the beginning, it's a lot more failing than succeeding, but it's still seeing where you want to go and truly believing in yourself." - Christian McAlhaney

• "We've always carried ourselves more about our actions than words anyway." - Christian McAlhaney

Takeaways:

• Longevity beats hype. Christian’s career proves that success isn’t always about a viral moment—it’s about showing up, staying committed, and evolving with intention over decades.

• Family and passion can coexist—with boundaries. Touring life isn’t easy with a family, but Christian and his wife make it work through clear communication, mutual respect, and realistic expectations.

• Don’t hand over your business blindly. Early in his career, Christian let others handle the business side. Now, he emphasizes the importance of artists being deeply involved in their own operations—from budgeting to marketing—to protect their vision and profits.

• Faith doesn’t need a label. Rather than boxing his music into a category, Christian lets his values speak through how he lives, treats people, and creates. His message: be a good human first, and let the rest follow naturally.

Conclusion:

Christian McAlhaney’s journey is a testament to grit, growth, and grace. Whether you're an aspiring artist, a dedicated parent, or someone simply trying to stay true to your values while chasing a dream, his story reminds us that success isn't about shortcuts—it's about showing up with integrity, again and again. Through every season of life, Christian has chosen to lead with character, prioritize family, and keep creating on his own terms. This episode is a powerful encouragement to slow down, stay the course, and build a life that lasts.

What happens when a 24-year-old suddenly becomes the guardian of five siblings—while battling poverty, navigating systemic barriers, and confronting the complexities of the foster care system? Dr. Danisha Keating’s journey is one of remarkable resilience and purpose. A former foster youth who stepped into a life-changing responsibility, she defied the odds by continuing her education, breaking cycles of trauma, and emerging as a powerful voice for healing and transformation.

Now holding a PhD, Dr. Keating uses her lived experience to advocate for foster youth, struggling families, and anyone seeking to rise above their circumstances. From homelessness to higher education, she’s turned her pain into purpose—empowering others through her books, speaking, and mentoring. Her story is more than survival; it’s a roadmap to redemption, showing that with faith, support, and unwavering resolve, your past doesn’t have to dictate your future.

Quotes:

• "Your story doesn't define who you are. It impacts you, but it doesn't have to be the thing that makes you stop moving forward." - Dr. Danisha Keating

• "I wanted to be the foundation my siblings could stand on. My job is to go so far that my foundation for where my kids stand is at a higher level if they choose to go." - Dr. Danisha Keating

• "The only thing I can teach my kid is to be a good human and to love Jesus. Everything else is secondary." - Dr. Danisha Keating

Key Takeaways:

• Breaking generational cycles is possible through intentional healing and personal development

• Small acts of kindness can significantly impact families facing hardship

• Support systems are crucial for individuals navigating difficult life circumstances

Conclusion:

In a world that often defines us by our struggles, Dr. Danisha Keating is living proof that resilience and purpose can rise from even the most difficult beginnings. From foster care to becoming a guardian, scholar, and advocate, her journey shows that our past does not define our future.

Dr. Keating’s story is a beacon of hope—a reminder that healing is possible through community, faith, and determination. Her message challenges us to choose growth, compassion, and joy despite life’s hardships, and to lead with empathy, not perfection. Her final word is powerful: You are not defined by what happened to you, but by how you choose to move forward.

Are you tired of feeling stuck, unmotivated, and disconnected from your potential? In a culture that undermines masculine identity, purpose, and sovereignty — how do young men reclaim their strength and step into real leadership? Meet Nicky Billou — the "Freedom Man." An entrepreneur, speaker, and champion of male empowerment, Nicky brings fire and clarity to a world in need of both. Born in Iran and raised by courageous Christian parents who fled tyranny, his life is a testament to resilience, freedom, and legacy.

With deep experience in business, media, and mentorship, Nicky doesn’t just talk success — he lives it. His approach is shaped by the powerful example of his father, a man who led with generosity, integrity, and bold conviction. If you’re ready to rise above mediocrity and live with purpose, this episode is your wake-up call.

Quotes:

• "Your purpose isn't something out there outside of you that you go discover and go, 'Oh, that's my purpose.' Your purpose is something you choose from deep within." - Nicky Billou

• "If you want to be the best man you can be, the man you've always wanted to be, you've got to discover your purpose." - Nicky Billou

• "If you can align your identity with the things that need to be done as a man, as a young man, this is just who you are, and there is no room for compromise." - Matt Beaudreau

Key Takeaways:

• Freedom Is a Core Human Drive

Nicky believes that every person—especially men—deeply craves freedom: the ability to chart their own course, speak truth, and live with purpose. His mission is to help others reclaim it.

• Masculinity Must Be Modeled and Challenged

Young men need masculine-only spaces, challenge, and accountability. Without those, they drift. Nicky emphasizes that growth comes through discomfort, purpose, and strong male mentorship.

• Legacy Begins at Home

Nicky’s greatest influence was his father—a principled businessman who led with generosity, helped others selflessly, and taught that sales, business, and leadership are acts of love and service.

Conclusion:

In a time when truth is blurred, masculinity is questioned, and purpose feels out of reach for many young men, Nicky Billou offers a clear and empowering message: freedom, leadership, and success start with personal responsibility, strong values, and a commitment to becoming who you were meant to be. This episode is more than a conversation—it's a call to action for men to rise, lead with conviction, and live with intentionality in every area of life.

In a world where many doubt true transformation is possible, Ron Adkins’ story proves otherwise in the most dramatic way. Once known as one of the most violent inmates in the prison system—serving nearly 600 years in sentences and spending 13 years in solitary confinement—Ron’s life took a radical turn. Through a powerful spiritual awakening and a redefinition of his identity, he transformed from a feared gang member into a beacon of redemption and hope.

This episode isn’t just inspirational—it’s a deep dive into the power of human potential. Ron shares how he broke free not just from physical restraints, but from the mental and emotional chains of his past. His story reveals the true nature of courage, the importance of identity in personal change, and how even the darkest chapters can become the foundation for a life of purpose and service.

Key Quotes:

• "Bravery is not being unafraid. It's doing it even though you're afraid, doing it while you're afraid." - Ron Adkins

• "Everything God does is redemptive. He's the Redeemer." - Ron Adkins

• "Writing is thinking. When you're writing, you're putting your thoughts down to paper, you're really digging down and really organizing your thoughts." - Ron Adkins

• "It's continuously asking ourselves that as our knowledge grows."- Matt Beaudreau

Key Takeaways:

• Examine your personal identity - who are you telling yourself you are, and is that story limiting your potential?

• Practice courage by doing things that scare you, understanding that bravery isn't the absence of fear, but action despite fear

• Seek out mentors and spiritual guidance who can help you see your inherent value

• Regularly reflect on your life story, looking for moments of divine intervention or unexpected grace

• Start writing - use writing as a tool for thinking, processing, and understanding your personal journey

Conclusion:

Ron Adkins' story is living proof that transformation is always possible. Once facing 599 years in prison, he’s now a voice of hope and redemption, showing that identity is a choice, not a life sentence. His journey reminds us that courage means acting despite fear, and that with faith, any path can be redirected. Ron’s message isn’t just about his past—it’s a call to believe in your own power to change. Learn more at RadicalRestorationMinistries.com.

In this dynamic and insightful conversation, Matt Beaudreau sits down with Kaylor Betts, a transformative speaker and personal development expert who shares his profound journey from a victim mentality to becoming a responsible, purpose-driven leader. The episode delves deep into masculine leadership, personal growth, emotional resilience, and the critical importance of taking action over merely reflecting on life's challenges.

Kaylor Betts is a no-BS life and business coach, truth-teller, and host of the top 1% podcast Awake & Winning. He’s built a movement by challenging the status quo and helping people break free from the systems, beliefs, and habits that keep them stuck. Once trapped by illness, burnout, and financial struggle, Kaylor rebuilt his life from the ground up. Now, he’s on a mission to help others reclaim their power, take radical responsibility, and create freedom in body, mind, and business. His journey is marked by a pivotal decision to stop playing the victim and start taking radical responsibility for his life. In this episode, listeners will be treated to Kaylor's unfiltered insights on overcoming obstacles, the importance of masculine leadership, and the transformative power of choosing action over complacency.

Key Quotes:

• "The purpose of life is to find your gift. The meaning of life is to give it away." - Kaylor Betts

• "Life's way too important to take so seriously." - Kaylor Betts

• "Just because your feelings are valid, it doesn't mean they should dictate your behavior." - Kaylor Betts

• "Eventually, what you have to understand is when you put the quote, unquote, mask on for so long... at some point you come to realize it's no longer a mask." - Matt Beaudreau

Key Takeaways:

• Men heal through action, not just reflection

• Embrace imperfection and prioritize speed over perfection

• Develop resilience by facing fears and taking responsibility

• Authenticity is about consciously choosing who you want to be

• Masculine leadership involves providing safety, protection, and direction

Conclusion:

Kaylor Betts wraps up the episode with a powerful message about personal responsibility and societal transformation. He emphasizes the critical need for men to break free from mediocrity, take ownership of their lives, and make a meaningful impact. The conversation concludes with a call to action: share inspiring content, support each other's growth, and commit to continuous personal development. Kaylor's core message resonates: heal your own wounds and help others do the same. Matt Beaudreau and Kaylor celebrate the courage it takes to be vulnerable, learn, and evolve. Their discussion serves as a roadmap for men seeking authentic leadership, personal growth, and purpose.

Links:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thekaylorbetts/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thekaylorbetts

The LIFE AW-cademy: https://theawlife.com/

The BIZ AW-cademy: https://theawbiz.com/

The POD-cademy: https://awakeandwinning.lpages.co/yourwinningpodcast/

Website: https://www.awakeandwinning.com

Apple Podcasts: The Awake & Winning Podcast on Apple Podcasts

Spotify: The Awake & Winning Podcast | Podcast on Spotify

Are you struggling to find purpose after life's most devastating challenges? What if losing everything could be the catalyst for your greatest transformation? In a world that often breaks us, how do we not just survive, but emerge stronger, more resilient, and more authentically ourselves?

Meet Daryl Calfee - a remarkable storyteller, artist, and resilience architect who has transformed personal tragedy into a powerful narrative of hope, growth, and reinvention. From a farm in West Virginia to becoming a creative professional and now a home developer, Daryl embodies the art of turning life's most challenging moments into opportunities for profound personal evolution.

Quotes:

• "When you wake up, you were the only one that was concerned about your happiness." - Daryl Calfee
• "If you're curious, you'll find that your empathy grows. You'll find that your connection grows." - Daryl Calfee
• "The hardest time to do the right thing is when everything in the world is telling you not to." - Matt Beaudreau

Key Takeaways:

• Embrace Your Unique Interests: Even if your passion seems unconventional, lean into what makes you different - it might become your greatest strength.

• Practice Radical Gratitude: Transform challenges by focusing on what you're thankful for, not what you've lost.

• Give Yourself Permission to Evolve: You are not defined by your past or current circumstances. Allow yourself to become the next version of yourself.

• Build Resilience Through Curiosity: Approach life's challenges with an open, curious mindset that seeks to understand and grow.

Conclusion:

In the face of life's most devastating challenges, Daryl Calfee demonstrates that our greatest strength lies not in avoiding pain, but in our capacity to transform it into a powerful narrative of hope, resilience, and personal reinvention. His journey reveals that every setback is an opportunity to redesign ourselves, to lean into our unique passions, and to emerge not just surviving, but authentically thriving. Through storytelling, art, and unwavering gratitude, Daryl shows us that the most profound leadership begins with the courage to embrace our own vulnerability and continuously evolve.

Are you tired of feeling stuck, afraid to take risks, or letting fear hold you back from your true potential? What if you could transform your failures into stepping stones of success? In a world where social media masks reality and young women struggle with confidence, how do you find the courage to be authentically you?

Meet Cary Williams - a powerhouse entrepreneur, Olympic-level boxing coach, and founder of Tussle Gear, who has rebuilt her life multiple times and turned challenges into opportunities. With 27 years in the boxing world and a journey marked by resilience, Cary is uniquely qualified to guide young women through life's toughest battles - both inside and outside the ring.

Quotes:

• "We're not successful in every single thing that we do, and when we are successful, it's because we have probably failed before doing that." - Cary Williams
• "Confidence comes from what are your alkalines? What have you accomplished? It wasn't because of how I looked. It was because of what I did and what I accomplished." - Cary Williams
• "Whatever you perceive to be is going to be reality, and it's going to be the reality for everybody else who is looking at you and engaging with you." - Cary Williams

Key Takeaways:

• Embrace failure as a learning opportunity, not a final destination
• Build confidence through consistent action and self-care
• Develop mental resilience by focusing on what you can control
• Create your own path, regardless of external expectations

Conclusion:Cary Williams delivers a powerful message of resilience and personal transformation that cuts through the noise of self-doubt and societal expectations. Her journey from boxer to entrepreneur illustrates that success is not about perfection, but about the courage to keep moving forward after each setback. Through her experiences, Cary proves that it's never too late to rebuild, reinvent, and rise stronger than before.

What does it take to risk everything—your business, reputation, and safety—for what you believe in? In a world where silence often feels safer than standing out, how far would you go to protect your principles? Would you risk your career, your comfort, or even your children's future to speak truth in a time of confusion? If you've ever felt the inner war between playing it safe and doing what's right, this episode will shake you awake.

Today’s guest is Lindsey Graham—no, not the senator. We’re talking about the bold, unstoppable Patriot Barbie. Lindsey is a fearless entrepreneur, speaker, mother, and unapologetic advocate for faith, family, and freedom. She refused to be canceled when cancel culture came knocking. After losing her salon business and nearly everything in Oregon for defying lockdown orders in 2020, she didn’t back down—she rebuilt from the ashes with a renewed fire and bigger mission. With her fashion brand Pretty Little Patriot, her nationwide Melaleuca network of over 300 women, and a platform rooted in biblical values and conviction, Lindsey isn’t just talking the talk—she’s living it out loud. Her story is raw, resilient, and rooted in truth. This episode is not about playing politics—it’s about playing for legacy.

Quotes:

• "I don’t want to get canceled again. But more than that—I want everything I build to glorify God and reflect my convictions.” - Lindsey Graham

• “Courage isn’t about not having fear. It’s about doing the right thing while you're shaking.” - Lindsey Graham

• “If you call me a racist and I know I’m not one, why should I care? You don’t get to define me—God does.” - Lindsey Graham

• “I didn’t open my business because I wanted to be a hero. I opened it because I had three kids to feed—and that made me brave.” - Lindsey Graham

• “I would rather my kids be ‘uneducated’ and get to heaven than be indoctrinated and lost in this world.” - Lindsey Graham

• “Doing the right thing is always the right thing, including when it's really, really scary to do it, because that's the hardest time to actually do the right thing." - Matt Beaudreau

Key Takeaways:

• Use your voice—even if it’s shaking. Don’t wait for a crisis to stand up. Speak up now for your values, especially when it's uncomfortable.

• Faith gets real in the fire. Lindsey’s relationship with God deepened after losing everything. When comfort disappears, conviction gets tested.

• Family leadership starts with example. Your kids are watching how you respond to adversity. Model bravery, humility, and unapologetic truth.

• Conviction > Convenience. Make decisions that align with your faith and principles, even when it costs you popularity, money, or approval.

Conclusion:

Lindsey Graham reminds us that being bold isn't about having no fear—it's about trusting that standing for truth is always worth the risk. Her journey from salon owner in Oregon to Patriot Barbie powerhouse in Texas is a blueprint for courageous living in a time of cultural confusion. If you’ve been waiting for permission to be loud about what matters—this is it.