Today’s curveball: a client canceled last-minute. Instead of sulking, I took a page from my my favorite football team’s playbook—embrace everything, even the boos. Whether it’s rain, rejection, or a reschedule, you can treat it all like fuel. The question isn’t why me?—it’s how can I use this?

Today’s two-minute trip takes us to Lubango, Angola, before shifting to a bigger question: are you playing life not to lose, or are you playing to win? A subtle mindset shift—away from threat and toward possibility—can change everything about how you show up today.

On the first day of October, I reflect on what it means to separate “talking days” from “creative days,” and why feedback is fueling my growth as I build The Building Business Relationships Podcast. Honest critique stings less when it pushes you higher—and that’s exactly where I’m aiming.

Check out the Preview episode of The Building Business Relationship Podcast here: https://share.transistor.fm/s/f87050b5

From apple cider donuts to Puerto Varas, Chile, today’s reflection lands on a bigger question: are we chasing follower counts or building relationships that actually matter? Because 100 people who trust you can change your world more than 10,000 who scroll past you.

Seven weeks of near-daily rambling—er, podcasting—and I’m hooked. From Oregon Ducks football to random reflections, today I’m celebrating the magic of just showing up… and daring you to pick a habit you’ll stick with (no excuses).

On Johnny Appleseed Day, I trade apple lore for something heavier: the erosion of rule of law, the disorienting state of leadership, and why promoting values that aren’t currently valued can feel unbearable. No silver linings here—just radical honesty, a restless night, and a reminder to connect with people who still believe in building trust.

We’ve all been there—trying to duct-tape a deal, a project, or a relationship into working when the timing’s all wrong. Spoiler: it’s exhausting. Today’s lesson? Stop rowing like mad and let the wind do some of the work. Sometimes the smartest move is to park it, laugh, and wait for the right breeze.

Last night’s adventure: beef noodles, long lines, and landing a side-seat at The Daily Show with Jordan Klepper. Sure, the warm-up comic talked longer than the taping itself—but the laughs, the strangers-turned-friends, and the reminder to grab opportunities now made it worth every minute.

Today’s journey goes from a random stop in Madagascar to Carnival Cruise’s baffling “sunscreen ice cream” before landing on something that actually matters: why leadership in business has to mean more than vague platitudes and buzzwords. If we don’t define it clearly, and demand leaders who unite rather than divide, we’re just scooping air, or worse.

On the first day of fall, I dig into why saying “no” never felt right to me—and how reframing it as saying “yes” to my own priorities makes all the difference. This episode is about clarity, focus, and staying on your path without burning bridges along the way.