Beyond The Forge

In this revealing episode recorded while driving, Jay makes a confession that will change how you think about AI and podcasting. The first two Digital Toolbox episodes? Real or Fake. Find out here.

This isn't just about the tech, it's about the brutal reality of being a family man, business owner, and content creator trying to find time for what you love. Jay pulls back the curtain on his experiment with AI and how he's using this technology to scale his podcast without sacrificing authenticity.

Raw and honest, this episode will make you question what's real and what's possible in 2025.

Connect with Jay

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Episode Resources

• ElevenLabs Voice Cloning Platform (Not an affiliate - just sharing because this stuff actually works)
• Google Notebook LM
• Beyond the Forge main podcast episodes
• Digital Toolbox Episodes DT01 & DT02 (AI-generated)

Quick note: Jay doesn't earn any commissions from ElevenLabs or any other tools mentioned - he's just passing along what's working for him because he believes in sharing genuine value.

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After several weeks being away, Jay and Chantal return with their most vulnerable episode yet. This isn't just a catch-up, it's a raw, unfiltered dive into the devastating losses that shook their family and how they're fighting their way back.

What happened during their hiatus will leave you breathless:

• The tragic and sudden loss of Chantal's father in a senseless act of violence
• The heartbreaking attack and death of their beloved dog
• The ugly family dynamics that emerged during grief, forcing impossible decisions
• Leo's ongoing journey with Tourette's, autism, ADHD, and anxiety as he navigates childhood

But this episode is about more than tragedy. It's about the fierce love that drives parents to advocate relentlessly for their special needs children. It's about learning that sometimes the family you choose matters more than the one you're born into. And it's about the brutal honesty required to prioritize your mental health when everything feels like it's crumbling.

You'll discover:

• The reality of family dysfunction during crisis and when to walk away
• Practical insights about medication, therapy, and finding the right support team
• Why Leo's growth this year gives them hope despite the challenges
• The importance of open mental health conversations and seeking help

Compelling hooks:

• "I cried more tears over my dog than I have for anyone before"
• "Unless you've walked in these shoes, you don't get to have an opinion"
• "Death brings out the ugliest sides in people"
• "I didn't want to be alive anymore. I wanted the pain to stop."

This episode isn't just their story—it's for every parent fighting for their child, every person grieving in silence, and anyone who's ever felt completely overwhelmed by life's curveballs.

Call to Action: If this episode resonates with you, you're not alone. Share your story with us. Comment here or reach out on social media. We're building a community where vulnerability is strength and no one fights alone. Your voice matters, and we want to hear it.

Chantal's IG: @chantalcadmus

YouTube channel: @jaycadmus

Jay's IG: @jay.cadmus

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The ground is shifting beneath our feet in the data world, and I'm not gonna sugarcoat it. There's some real uncertainty here. Remember when being good at Excel made you valuable? Those days are gone. In this episode, I get real about what AI means for us data folks; not the corporate BS version, but the human truth. If you're a junior analyst watching your tasks get automated away in minutes, this one's for you. I'm sharing what I've learned watching colleagues struggle through this transition, and the skills that actually matter now. The future belongs to those who can bridge the world of algorithms and the world of human needs. It's not about fighting the AI wave, it's about finding where we fit as it washes over everything we thought we knew. Let's talk about how to survive, adapt, and maybe even thrive as our industry reinvents itself around us.

For more episodes like this or to join up, follow along, or get in touch, use this link: https://innovix.systeme.io/bio.

 

In this revealing episode of Beyond the Forge: Digital Toolbox edition, I take you behind the scenes of my year-long journey with the top AI assistants that have transformed my workflow. After almost a year of loyalty to one AI tool, what made me completely switch?

I share my candid experience with both platforms I used: ChatGPT vs Claude. You'll learn the stark differences in how these AI tools handle coding challenges, process documents, and integrate with your creative process.

Whether you're a developer, content creator, or business owner looking to leverage AI, this comparison gives you the unfiltered truth about which tool excels in different scenarios. Discover why I now keep both in my digital toolkit and how you can make the most strategic choice for your specific needs.

For more episodes like this or to join up, follow along, or get in touch, use this link: https://innovix.systeme.io/bio.

 

In this eye-opening episode of Beyond the Forge, I sit down with Angelina Tadros, who walked away from a 13-year career as a structural engineer to build her own successful company. Angelina shares her honest journey of breaking free from the traditional career path, including how COVID became the catalyst for her transformation.

We dive deep into the mindset shifts required to overcome limiting beliefs, the importance of calculated risks versus blind leaps, and how finding your true skills can lead to unexpected opportunities. If you're feeling trapped in a high-paying but unfulfilling job, Angelina's practical advice on building resilience and creating multiple income streams might be exactly what you need to hear.

Discover how one woman found genuine freedom by challenging conventional wisdom about success and security, and how you can too.

Watch the video episode here: https://youtu.be/IvExSLX0BIc?si=BLdhR_jMaw8qchV6

For more updates, follow here: https://innovix.systeme.io/bio

 

In this exclusive audio edition of Beyond the Forge, we've brought in a wonderful guest. This episode is a powerful one. To see the exclusive video interview on YouTube, check out this link: https://youtu.be/Fuy8QDPB3dQ. 

In this conversation, Sileon Murray Sr shares his inspiring journey from a challenging upbringing from poverty to becoming the CEO of SURV7X, an IT and cybersecurity company. He discusses the pivotal moments in his life, including his military service, the importance of resourcefulness, and the impact of education on his personal and professional growth. Sileon emphasizes the significance of building a supportive network, creating a positive environment, and continuously learning as key factors in achieving success. He also reflects on the challenges he faced as a minority entrepreneur and the lessons learned from failures along the way.

Takeaways:

Sileon's journey is a true rags to riches story. Growing a company requires dedication and hard work. Starting somewhere is essential for entrepreneurs. Understanding the human side of business is crucial. Resourcefulness is key to overcoming challenges. Education opened doors for Cillian's career. Networking is vital for success in entrepreneurship. Creating a positive environment fosters growth. Resilience is built through facing and overcoming failures. Helping others is at the core of business success.

Sound Bites: "It's a true rags to riches story." "I started creating things." "Get your environment right."

Chapters

00:00 Reconnecting After Years
05:48 Transitioning to Full-Time Entrepreneurship
08:56 Overcoming Early Life Challenges
11:51 The Military's Influence on Business
14:49 Entrepreneurial Spirit from a Young Age
17:43 Navigating Racial and Economic Barriers
20:35 Finding Pathways to Success
28:13 The Catalyst for Change
34:02 Lessons from Adversity
40:30 The Power of Systems in Entrepreneurship
47:32 The Importance of Environment
52:37 Connecting Through Humanity
55:40 Reflection

In this episode of Beyond the Forge, hosts Jay and Chantal Cadmus share their personal journey of entrepreneurship, mental health struggles, and the challenges of raising a family. They discuss their pivotal moments of breaking free from difficult situations, the financial hardships they faced, and the importance of community support. The conversation emphasizes the significance of mental health, transformation, and resilience in overcoming life's obstacles. They conclude with actionable steps for listeners to create their own breakthroughs and foster a supportive community. takeaways

• Entrepreneurship is filled with raw truths and personal journeys.
• Breaking free often requires a pivotal moment of realization.
• Financial hardships can lead to significant personal growth.
• Mental health struggles are common and should be openly discussed.
• Transformation is a series of small decisions and actions.
• Community support is vital during challenging times.
• Rock bottom can serve as a foundation for rebuilding life.
• It's important to advocate for your needs and those of your family.
• Creating accountability can help in achieving personal goals.
• The journey of growth is ongoing and requires resilience.

Sound Bites

• "I felt like a total failure."
• "I was scared and worried for you."
• "Transformation is rarely a single moment."

Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Beyond the Forge 02:20 The Breaking Free Moment 05:09 Transitioning to a New Life 09:57 Facing New Challenges in Utah 14:39 Struggles and Support During Hard Times 19:31 Finding Stability and New Beginnings 26:17 Facing Setbacks and Mental Health Challenges 35:25 Rebuilding and Finding New Opportunities 40:00 Navigating Financial Hardships and Bankruptcy 45:01 Raising a Child with Special Needs 49:53 Transformative Lessons from Breaking Points 56:42 Outro

In the inaugural episode of Beyond the Forge, hosts Jay and Chantal Cadmus share their personal journeys, highlighting their humble beginnings, struggles with family dynamics, and the challenges of entrepreneurship. They discuss the importance of resilience, financial literacy, and the lessons learned from their experiences. The episode sets the stage for authentic conversations about life, mental health, and the realities of raising a family while navigating the complexities of modern life.

Takeaways

The podcast aims to explore authentic conversations about entrepreneurship and life.
Both hosts come from humble beginnings and appreciate the little things in life.
They emphasize the importance of making memories over material gifts.
Role models were scarce in their upbringing, shaping their resilience.
Family dynamics and trauma play a significant role in their lives.
Financial literacy is crucial for breaking the cycle of poverty.
High school presented identity challenges for both hosts.
The military journey provided stability but came with its own struggles.
Facing medical challenges with their son Leo tested their strength as a family.
The transition to North Carolina brought new hardships, including financial struggles.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Beyond the Forge
01:21 Humble Beginnings and Life Lessons
04:09 Role Models and Personal Growth
11:01 Struggles of Growing Up
15:08 Breaking the Cycle of Poverty
16:07 Navigating Education and Identity
24:54 Military Journey and New Beginnings
28:42 Love and Family Dynamics
31:23 Navigating Life's Challenges Together
35:25 The Financial Struggles of Military Life
42:11 The Impact of Relocation on Family Dynamics
48:35 Making Tough Decisions for Family's Future
54:54 A New Beginning in Utah and Future Challenges

Welcome to Beyond The Forge, the podcast where resilience, reinvention, and real conversations collide. In this trailer episode, hosts Jay and Chantal Cadmus introduce what this show is all about - unfiltered discussions on business, personal growth, and overcoming life's biggest challenges.

Expect deep dives into:
✅ Entrepreneurial struggles & breakthroughs – The highs, the lows, and the lessons that shape success.
✅ Mental resilience & personal growth – Navigating setbacks, burnout, and major life pivots.
✅ The intersection of ambition, relationships, and well-being – Finding balance while forging your own path.
✅ Our personal journey – From military life to financial hardship to rebuilding and thriving.

This isn't just a business podcast—it's a space for real stories, real struggles, and real growth. Whether you're a founder, a dreamer, a parent, or someone searching for honest conversations about life's toughest moments, this is your place to learn, grow, and push forward.

💡 Because success isn't given. It's forged.

🎧 Subscribe now and join us as we go Beyond The Forge. 🚀