Why do so many parents feel exhausted, overwhelmed, and emotionally drained—even when they deeply love their children?

In this episode of Books4Guys, Chris sits down with TEDx speaker, founder of Rise to Regulation, parent coach, and author Melissa Corkum to discuss parenting burnout, nervous system regulation, and the science behind Blocked Care—a little-known condition that affects countless parents experiencing chronic stress.

Melissa shares how her own journey through adoption, parenting, and years of supporting families led her to discover that many struggling parents aren't failing—they're simply operating from a nervous system that's stuck in survival mode. Chris and Melissa explore why chronic stress changes the way we connect with our children, how burnout impacts compassion, and why understanding the nervous system can completely transform the way parents view themselves and their families.

The conversation also dives into emotional regulation, mental health, social media, self-care, parenting expectations, and practical strategies for creating more margin in everyday life. Melissa explains why small habits—like proper sleep, hydration, movement, and learning to complete the stress cycle—can have a profound impact on a parent's ability to show up with patience and compassion.

Whether you're a parent, teacher, social worker, counselor, or simply someone interested in understanding stress and human behavior, this episode offers practical insights that can improve not only your parenting but every important relationship in your life. 

In this episode, you'll learn:

•  What "Blocked Care" is and why so many parents experience it 
•  How chronic stress changes the way we connect with our children 
•  Why burnout isn't a character flaw—it's a nervous system response 
•  How regulating your nervous system improves parenting and relationships 
•  The importance of completing the stress cycle 
•  Why comparison and social media increase parenting stress 
•  Practical ways to create more emotional margin every day 
•  Books and resources that have shaped Melissa's work 

What would happen if you put your cell phone away for an entire year?

In this episode of Books4Guys, Chris sits down with former Division I basketball referee, Olympic official, executive coach, keynote speaker, and author Tommy Short to discuss his remarkable experiment of living 365 days without a cell phone and the life-changing lessons that followed.

After spending nearly two decades officiating Division I college basketball and working on the international stage with FIBA and Team USA Basketball, Tommy realized the pursuit of excellence had come with a cost. Constant travel, endless connectivity, and always feeling "on call" were pulling him away from the people and moments that mattered most. That realization inspired an experiment that challenged nearly every modern habit—and ultimately became his book, The Call I Almost Missed: 365 Days Without a Cell Phone and What It Taught Me About Love, Presence, and the Lies We Live.

Chris and Tommy discuss presence, technology, ambition, family, purpose, success, and why so many of us spend our lives chasing someone else's definition of achievement. Tommy also shares the unexpected lessons he learned during his year offline, the importance of embracing boredom, how removing constant distraction unlocked greater creativity, and why identifying what truly matters is one of the most important exercises anyone can do.

Whether you're constantly attached to your phone, trying to create healthier boundaries, or simply looking to become more intentional with your time, this conversation will challenge the way you think about technology, relationships, and living a meaningful life. 

In this episode, you'll learn:

•  Why Tommy chose to live an entire year without a cell phone 
•  How technology quietly steals our attention and presence 
•  Why defining success for yourself is essential to living a fulfilled life 
•  The surprising benefits of boredom and uninterrupted thinking 
•  How removing distractions improved creativity and relationships 
•  The importance of identifying what truly matters before it's too late 
•  Why being fully present is one of the greatest gifts you can give someone 
•  The books that have had the biggest impact on Tommy's life 

https://tommyshort.com/

Can focusing on safety actually transform an organization's culture and improve business performance?

In this episode of Books4Guys, Chris sits down with entrepreneur, CEO, keynote speaker, and bestselling author Brian Fielkow to discuss his book, Making Safety Happen, and why the strongest organizations don't view safety as a policy—they make it a core value that shapes every decision they make.

Brian shares his unique career journey from practicing corporate law to leading recycling, logistics, and transportation companies before becoming a nationally recognized speaker and consultant. Along the way, he discovered that organizations with the healthiest cultures consistently outperform those focused solely on profits. Chris and Brian explore how leadership, accountability, trust, and employee engagement create environments where people thrive, and why investing in your people ultimately drives better business results.

The conversation also dives into organizational culture, leadership, continuous improvement, frontline employees, process management, psychological safety, and why great leaders create systems that help people succeed rather than simply blaming individuals when mistakes happen. Whether you lead a Fortune 500 company, own a small business, or manage a team of five people, this episode offers practical leadership lessons that can strengthen your culture and improve performance across every area of your organization. 

In this episode, you'll learn:

•  Why safety should be a core value instead of just another workplace priority 
•  How great leaders build cultures based on trust and accountability 
•  Why employee engagement starts with leadership 
•  The importance of creating simple, repeatable systems and processes 
•  How psychological safety improves communication and performance 
•  Why frontline employees often hold the key to organizational improvement 
•  How continuous improvement creates long-term business success 
•  The books and leadership principles that have influenced Brian throughout his career 

https://brianfielkow.com/

How do you discover your purpose and build a life that creates lasting value?

In this episode of Books4Guys, Chris sits down with speaker, executive coach, educator, consultant, and author Dr. Colby Jubenville to discuss purpose, personal branding, leadership, resilience, and why every person has the ability to create meaningful impact.

Drawing from decades of experience coaching students, athletes, executives, and organizations, Colby shares the lessons that shaped his life—from growing up in Mobile, Alabama, to playing college football, building leadership programs at Middle Tennessee State University, and helping thousands of people identify their unique talents and direction. Chris and Colby discuss why adversity often becomes our greatest teacher, how coaches and mentors can change the trajectory of a person's life, and why developing yourself is one of the greatest investments you'll ever make.

The conversation also explores the importance of taking action, building confidence, creating your personal brand, finding work that aligns with your strengths, and learning to create value for others before expecting success for yourself. Whether you're a student trying to find your path, a professional considering your next move, or a leader investing in others, this episode is packed with practical wisdom that will challenge you to think bigger and live more intentionally. 

In this episode, you'll learn:

•  Why adversity can become your greatest competitive advantage 
•  How coaches and mentors shape successful people 
•  The importance of discovering your purpose early in life 
•  What personal branding really means 
•  How to identify and develop your unique talents 
•  Why confidence is built through action 
•  How creating value for others leads to long-term success 
•  The books and life lessons that have influenced Colby's journey

https://drjubenville.com/books/

Can one difficult employee—or one toxic leader—impact an entire organization's culture?

In this episode of Books4Guys, Chris sits down with leadership consultant, CEO, Chief Happiness Officer of Blue Light Leadership, and author Diana Lowe to discuss her book Hard to Handle and why emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and healthy leadership have never been more important.

Drawing from her own experiences working in toxic workplaces around the world, Diana shares how years of difficult leadership inspired her mission to help organizations build healthier cultures without sacrificing performance. Chris and Diana explore why high performers often receive a pass for damaging behaviors, how poor leadership impacts mental health, and why today's leaders must develop emotional intelligence if they want to attract, retain, and inspire great people.

The conversation also dives into feedback, self-awareness, workplace culture, resilience, mental health, and practical ways leaders can create environments where both individuals and teams can thrive. Whether you're leading a company, managing a team, or simply looking to become a better leader, this episode offers practical wisdom that can change the way you approach leadership and relationships. 

In this episode, you'll learn:

•  Why toxic leadership affects far more than productivity 
•  How emotional intelligence improves leadership and culture 
•  Why high performers shouldn't get a free pass for poor behavior 
•  The importance of self-awareness in leadership 
•  How leaders can give and receive meaningful feedback 
•  Why mental health belongs in leadership conversations 
•  How Diana helps organizations transform difficult workplace dynamics 
•  The books that have shaped Diana's thinking on leadership and personal growth

https://bluelightleadership.com/

What if the success you've been chasing isn't actually leading you toward happiness?

In this episode of Books4Guys, Chris sits down with entrepreneur, former CEO, MIT graduate, Harvard Business School alumnus, keynote speaker, and author Craig Robinson to discuss his new book, The Happiness Reboot, and why so many high achievers reach success only to discover something is still missing.

Craig shares his personal journey from growing up in a difficult household in Atlanta to building a successful career in business and leadership. Along the way, he realized that achievement alone doesn't create fulfillment. Chris and Craig explore why purpose must come before happiness, how our mindset shapes the way we experience life, and why many people unknowingly spend years chasing goals that ultimately leave them feeling empty.

The conversation also dives into the science of happiness, the importance of meaningful relationships, how social media has changed the way we compare ourselves to others, and practical frameworks from The Happiness Reboot that help readers identify what truly matters. Whether you're climbing the corporate ladder, building a business, or simply trying to create a more meaningful life, this episode offers practical wisdom for finding fulfillment without waiting for "someday." 

In this episode, you'll learn:

•  Why success doesn't automatically lead to happiness 
•  How to identify the "life wobbles" that often become turning points 
•  Why purpose should come before the pursuit of happiness 
•  The role mindset plays in long-term fulfillment 
•  How comparison and social media affect our well-being 
•  Practical frameworks for creating a more meaningful life 
•  Why relationships and community matter more than achievements 
•  The books and mentors that have shaped Craig's life and career

https://www.craigmrobinson.com/

In this episode of Books4Guys, Chris sits down with former Georgia All-American, NFL first-round draft pick, ESPN College GameDay analyst, entrepreneur, and bestselling author David Pollack to discuss resilience, faith, leadership, discipline, and his new book, Every Day Counts: Start Where You Are. Use What You Have. Do What You Can.

David shares the highs and lows of his remarkable journey—from overcoming adversity in high school and becoming one of college football's most dominant defensive players, to seeing his NFL career end unexpectedly because of a neck injury. Rather than allowing setbacks to define him, David explains how those difficult moments became opportunities for growth and ultimately led him to a successful broadcasting career with ESPN, entrepreneurship, podcasting, and now becoming an author.

Throughout the conversation, Chris and David discuss why adversity is often life's greatest teacher, how discipline creates freedom, the importance of living in the present instead of dwelling on the past or worrying about the future, and why taking action is more important than waiting until everything feels perfect. David also shares how his Christian faith transformed his life, the mentors who shaped his career, what he learned during his years on College GameDay, and why developing daily habits is one of the most important investments anyone can make.

Whether you're an athlete, entrepreneur, leader, or simply someone navigating a challenging season of life, this episode is filled with practical wisdom about perseverance, purpose, personal growth, and becoming the person you're called to be. 

In this episode, you'll learn:

•  Why hard times are designed to refine us, not define us 
•  The mindset that helped David overcome career-ending adversity 
•  How faith became the foundation of his life and leadership 
•  Why discipline and daily habits determine long-term success 
•  The importance of staying present and controlling what you can control 
•  Lessons learned from Georgia Football, the NFL, and ESPN College GameDay 
•  Why taking action beats waiting for the "perfect" opportunity 
•  David's favorite books and why reading is one of the greatest competitive advantages

What if your greatest limits aren't physical, but the stories your mind tells you?

In this episode of Books4Guys, Chris sits down with award-winning journalist, endurance expert, and New York Times bestselling author Alex Hutchinson to discuss human performance, endurance, curiosity, exploration, mindset, and the ideas behind his books Endure and The Explorer's Gene. Drawing on his unique background as both a physicist and journalist, Alex explains how studying the science of performance led him to one of the most fascinating discoveries in sports psychology: our minds often determine our limits long before our bodies do. 

Throughout the conversation, Alex shares lessons from decades of interviewing world-renowned scientists, elite athletes, and researchers studying endurance, motivation, and human behavior. Chris and Alex explore the relationship between the mind and body, why positive self-talk can dramatically improve performance, and how curiosity may be one of humanity's greatest evolutionary advantages. They also discuss why people are naturally driven to explore the unknown, embrace new challenges, and continually seek growth—even after achieving major goals. 

The discussion also covers resilience, motivation, sports psychology, lifelong learning, entrepreneurship, parenting, career transitions, and the importance of enjoying the journey rather than constantly chasing the next milestone. Whether you're an athlete, entrepreneur, leader, or simply someone looking to push beyond self-imposed limitations, this episode offers practical insights into developing greater mental toughness, embracing curiosity, and unlocking more of your potential. 

Key Discussion Topics

•  The science behind Endure and why the mind often determines physical limits 
•  The inspiration behind The Explorer's Gene
•  How positive self-talk influences performance and resilience 
•  Why curiosity is hardwired into human nature 
•  The relationship between endurance, mindset, and motivation 
•  Career transitions, taking risks, and betting on yourself 
•  Why success alone doesn't create lasting fulfillment 
•  Learning to enjoy the process instead of chasing the destination 
•  Parenting, growth mindset, and embracing failure as part of learning 
•  Book recommendations including The Sports Gene and Inside the Box by David Epstein 

Executive Development Parter: https://www.standardpursuit.com/

What if fantasy stories could do more than entertain? What if they could challenge your faith, strengthen your character, and inspire you to discover your purpose?

In this episode of Books4Guys, Chris sits down with author, English teacher, and lifelong storyteller Terrance Niedziela Jr. to discuss reading, writing, education, fantasy literature, mentorship, faith, and the inspiration behind his debut novel, The Tales of Aris: Becoming Fire and Lightning. Terrance shares how growing up in a difficult home environment, finding refuge in libraries, and being encouraged by influential teachers ultimately shaped his passion for storytelling and his desire to create meaningful fiction that points readers toward hope, courage, and purpose. 

Throughout the conversation, Terrance reflects on the life-changing mentors who believed in his writing when he nearly gave up, the role reading played in developing his imagination, and why teachers have such a profound opportunity to shape the lives of young people. Chris and Terrance also explore the importance of curiosity, critical thinking, and introducing young readers to books that ignite creativity rather than simply entertain. As an educator, Terrance explains why helping students fall in love with reading may be one of the greatest gifts we can give the next generation. 

The conversation also dives into The Tales of Aris: Becoming Fire and Lightning, an epic Christian fantasy adventure that follows two siblings unexpectedly transported into another world where they must embrace a higher calling, battle darkness, and discover that true strength comes through faith, purpose, and trusting God. Filled with unforgettable characters, epic battles, allegorical themes, and timeless lessons about identity, redemption, and courage, Terrance's novel offers readers an imaginative story that entertains while encouraging deeper reflection on life's biggest questions. Whether you're a fan of fantasy, faith-based fiction, education, or simply love stories that inspire hope, this episode is packed with encouragement for readers, writers, and lifelong learners alike. 

Key Discussion Topics

•  Terrance Niedziela Jr.'s journey from struggling student to teacher and published author 
•  How books, libraries, and mentors shaped his life 
•  The lasting impact great teachers have on young readers 
•  Why reading develops imagination, creativity, and critical thinking 
•  The inspiration behind The Tales of Aris: Becoming Fire and Lightning
•  Blending epic fantasy with timeless themes of faith, courage, and purpose 
•  Overcoming criticism, self-doubt, and difficult childhood experiences 
•  The importance of mentorship and positive role models 
•  Encouraging young people to embrace reading and lifelong learning 
•  Why storytelling has the power to transform lives 

Executive Development Partner: https://www.standardpursuit.com/

What does it take to build a life of lasting influence, and why is your greatest chapter still ahead of you?

In this episode of Books4Guys, Chris sits down with New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestselling author, Hall of Fame speaker, leadership expert, and executive coach Chris Widener to discuss leadership, influence, personal growth, faith, mentorship, and the lessons he's learned from speaking to millions of people around the world. From overcoming a difficult childhood marked by poverty and instability to becoming one of the most recognized voices in leadership and motivation, Chris shares a remarkable story of resilience, purpose, and perseverance. 

Throughout the conversation, Chris reflects on working alongside legendary mentors including John Maxwell, Zig Ziglar, Jim Rohn, Brian Tracy, and Denis Waitley, explaining how those relationships shaped both his career and his philosophy on leadership. He shares why success begins with thinking bigger than your current circumstances, why character must always outgrow achievement, and how maintaining a strong foundation allows people to handle greater opportunities without losing sight of what matters most. Chris also introduces his inspiring mindset of "Finish Like the Knicks," encouraging listeners to approach the final chapters of life with the same energy, determination, and purpose as the very beginning. 

Chris and Chris also discuss mentorship, sales, entrepreneurship, influence, family, work-life balance, purpose, and the importance of developing timeless principles instead of chasing temporary trends. Whether you're an entrepreneur, business leader, salesperson, student, or someone simply striving to become a better version of yourself, this episode is filled with practical wisdom and encouragement to think bigger, lead with integrity, and make the most of every season of life. 

Key Discussion Topics

•  Chris Widener's journey from a difficult childhood to becoming a bestselling author and Hall of Fame speaker 
•  Lessons learned from John Maxwell, Zig Ziglar, Jim Rohn, Brian Tracy, and Denis Waitley 
•  Why it's "just as easy to think big as it is to think small" 
•  The importance of building character before pursuing success 
•  Leadership, influence, and creating a lasting legacy 
•  Faith, purpose, and navigating life's hardships 
•  Why mentorship accelerates personal and professional growth 
•  Entrepreneurship, sales, and developing a long-term vision 
•  Balancing career success with family and relationships 
•  Book recommendations including Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion by Robert Cialdini, The Challenge of the Disciplined Life by Richard Foster, and The Pursuit of God by A.W. Tozer 

Executive Development Partner: https://www.standardpursuit.com/