Ever had that whisper inside telling you there’s more?

This solo episode flips the script and takes you deep into The Alchemist—not as a book review, but as a mirror to the entrepreneur’s journey. From dreams that won’t let go, to fears that keep us stuck, to the wild synchronicities that show up once we commit—this is about the power of owning your story, stepping into your Personal Legend, and trusting that the universe is conspiring in your favor.

Jason gets raw and real about his own journey—leaving comfort for calling, fighting the voice of “not enough,” and discovering that the treasure isn’t at the end... it’s in the becoming.

If you’ve ever questioned your path, felt the fear of pursuing a bigger dream, or wondered if you’re the only one feeling lost mid-climb—this one’s for you. 

This episode will challenge your excuses, shift your narrative, and remind you: You were built for this.

Let’s go make your dream happen.

Learn more about Jason's work!
Website: https://www.roar.consulting
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jtroarconsult
Insta: https://www.instagram.com/roarconsultinginc/
Tik Tok: tiktok.com/@coffeeandgritpodcast
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-tracey?trk=org-employees
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (810) 522-8931 

Options For The Alchemist:
Amazon: The Alchemist 25th Anniversary: A Fable About Following Your Dream$14.24Amazon.com30-day returns208 pages · Fiction · Novel
Audible: https://www.audible.com/pd/The-Alchemist-Audiobook/B002V0Q4LG

What if the “boring” routine is the secret to living your wildest dreams? In this powerhouse return to the mic, Mary Vance is back—and she’s more grounded, fiery, and energized than ever. Two years after her Wake the F** Up* episode, we reunite for an unforgettable conversation about what it really means to live the lifestyle, not just preach it.

Mary’s not just a coach—she is the billboard for Mary Vance Lifestyle. And this episode is a full-body reminder of what’s possible when you show up consistently, stay rooted in your habits, and live in radical alignment with your values.

We cover everything:

• How daily hydration, movement, nutrition, and rest are the gateway to energy and impact
• The power of pattern, structure, and discipline to create freedom
• Running retreats in the Virgin Islands while raising a family and building a business
• Reclaiming brain health after traumatic injury through holistic healing and a wild journey to Peru
• The truth about processed food, real wellness, and why your metabolism isn’t “broken”—your routine is
• Raising a warrior son and watching him literally do reps for Jesus

This isn’t just another podcast—it’s a clinic in living with purpose and vitality. Mary brings fire, science, storytelling, and soul—and she holds nothing back.

If you’re tired of running on empty or chasing quick fixes, this episode is your wake-up call (again). Come ready to be moved, challenged, and inspired to take full ownership of your energy and your life.

Learn more about Jason's work!
Website: https://www.roar.consulting
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jtroarconsult
Insta: https://www.instagram.com/roarconsultinginc/
Tik Tok: tiktok.com/@coffeeandgritpodcast
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-tracey?trk=org-employees
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (810) 522-8931 

Get to know Mary’s work!
Website: https://www.maryvancelifestyle.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Championschoicenutrition/
Insta: https://www.instagram.com/maryvancelifestyle/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-vance
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@maryvancelifestylecoach
Email: [email protected]

What if you never came back home—how different would your community be?

In this heart-centered episode of Coffee & Grit, I sit down with Erika McNamara—attorney, entrepreneur, and absolute Difference Maker—to unpack a journey that feels like a real-life version of It’s a Wonderful Life. From international business in China to solo law practice in Brighton, Erika’s story is one of reinvention, resilience, and relentless service.

This conversation goes deep into what it means to build a business with purpose. Erika opens up about the reality of starting her practice in the 2008 recession, how volunteering became a cornerstone of her business model, and why walking the streets of her hometown is often more powerful than any ad or algorithm.

We talk about:

• The power of real-world connection vs. relying on social media to “get business”
• How small moments—like a coffee chat or a parking lot convo—can change everything
• What younger entrepreneurs need (and aren’t getting) when it comes to mentorship
• Why knowing what you’re not good at might be your greatest strength
• And the emotional weight (and peace) of planning for life’s hardest moments

Erika doesn’t just talk about community—she creates it. And this episode is a masterclass in showing up, building trust, and being the kind of person people remember.

Learn more about Jason's work!
Website: https://www.roar.consulting
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jtroarconsult
Insta: https://www.instagram.com/roarconsultinginc/
Tik Tok: tiktok.com/@coffeeandgritpodcast
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-tracey?trk=org-employees
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (810) 522-8931 

Get to know Erika’s work!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/erikamcnamaralaw/
Insta: https://www.instagram.com/mcnamaralawfirm/
Email: [email protected]

What happens when you trade in your classroom for the coaching seat — and let your story fuel your impact?

In this powerful episode of Coffee & Grit, I sit down with Julia Keider, a former teacher who turned her passion for people and purpose into a thriving coaching and consulting career. Julia’s journey isn’t just about making a career move — it’s about honoring your life experiences, embracing your full story, and realizing that the next chapter can be even more fulfilling than the last.
From growing up in an immigrant family in Brighton, MI, to raising her own kids while navigating personal loss and professional pivots, Julia opens up about what it really means to build a life that’s connected, meaningful, and purpose-driven. We dive into her transition from the classroom to the boardroom, the power of listening deeply, and how she helps leaders slow down the noise to unlock their own potential.

We explore:

• The lessons hidden in every chapter of your life (yes, even the hard ones).
• How to move past the "I'm just a teacher" mindset and build something bigger.
• The art of asking the right questions to create transformation.
• Why being a coach (and a parent) means modeling the very growth you want to inspire.
• And how to create spaces — at work, at home, and in your community — that foster connection and purpose.

If you’ve ever felt stuck in your current role, wondered if it’s too late to start over, or questioned if your experiences really matter in the next phase of your journey, this episode is for you.

Spoiler alert: you’ve got more in the tank than you think.


Learn more about Jason's work!
Website: https://www.roar.consulting
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jtroarconsult
Insta: https://www.instagram.com/roarconsultinginc/
Tik Tok: tiktok.com/@coffeeandgritpodcast
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-tracey?trk=org-employees
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (810) 522-8931 

Get to know Julia’s work!
Website: https://www.keiderconsulting.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julia-keider/
Email: [email protected]

What if the problem isn’t conflict—but the way we define it?

In this powerful and eye-opening episode of Coffee & Grit, I sit down with the legendary leader & EOS Implementer Mike Gruley to stir the pot on a topic most people avoid: communication that creates breakthroughs, not breakdowns.

We unpack the silent killer of progress—artificial harmony—and explore how most people confuse healthy conversation with conflict. From family blowups to business breakdowns, we explore why people avoid the uncomfortable, and what happens when we finally stop dancing around the truth.
Mike brings his decades of leadership wisdom to the table with humor, empathy, and raw storytelling. We dive into everything from childhood conditioning to boardroom dynamics, and how curiosity—not judgment—is the secret to building unstoppable teams.

We cover: 
🔥 The lie we’ve been sold about conflict
🔥 How to get real without making it personal
🔥 The power of asking better questions
🔥 What happens when you lead with vulnerability
🔥 How EOS and core values transform culture from the inside out
🔥 And yes… the infamous “doggy or sheep” metaphor that will change how you see miscommunication forever

If you’re tired of surface-level BS, if you’ve been losing sleep over conversations you’re not having, or if you’re ready to become the kind of leader people run through walls for—this is the episode you’ve been waiting for.

Hell is meeting the person you could have been.

Start the conversation that sets you free.


Learn more about Jason's work!
Website: https://www.roar.consulting
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jtroarconsult
Insta: https://www.instagram.com/roarconsultinginc/
Tik Tok: tiktok.com/@coffeeandgritpodcast
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-tracey?trk=org-employees
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (810) 522-8931 

Get to know Mike’s work!
Website: https://www.eosworldwide.com/mike-gruley
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-gruley/

In this special solo episode of Coffee & Grit, Jason Tracey takes the mic to share the raw, unfiltered journey of self-discovery, resilience, and stepping fully into your purpose.

After a last-minute cancellation, Jason seizes the opportunity to dive deep into the power of self-awareness—understanding what truly energizes you, drives you, and defines your superpower. From reflecting on personal habits that fuel success to recognizing the mental roadblocks that hold us back, this episode is a masterclass in unlocking your potential.

Jason pulls back the curtain on his own struggles with burnout, limiting beliefs, and the hard lessons that forced him to redefine his business and purpose. He shares how he went from working with draining clients just to “pay the bills” to fully embracing his mission—empowering the empowerers. Through deeply personal stories, he explores how clarity, belief, and storytelling can reshape your reality and attract the right opportunities.

This episode is packed with hard-hitting insights on:
🔥 The importance of recognizing your own energy triggers
🔥 How to shift from survival mode to purpose-driven action
🔥 The power of storytelling in business and leadership
🔥 Why getting clear on your mission is the key to unlocking new doors
🔥 How to rewrite your internal narrative to break free from limitations

If you’re feeling stuck, drained, or struggling to communicate your value, this is the episode you need. Tune in and discover how to uncage your beast, step into your difference-making power, and create the impact you were meant for.


Learn more about Jason's work!
Website: https://www.roar.consulting
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jtroarconsult
Insta: https://www.instagram.com/roarconsultinginc/
Tik Tok: tiktok.com/@coffeeandgritpodcast
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-tracey?trk=org-employees
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (810) 522-8931

There are episodes you record… and then there are episodes you feel in your bones.
This is one of those. An instant classic. One of my favorites of all time.

In this conversation with Stu Strahan, we go way beyond business. Stu opens up with raw honesty about the heartbreak of losing it all — and the long, quiet years of doubt that followed. He shares the moment his son reignited the entrepreneurial fire in him, pulling him out of fear and into the future.

But what makes this episode truly unforgettable is how Stu and his family have built their business: with heart, grit, and a deep commitment to treating people like people, even in an industry where that’s often forgotten.

We laugh. We cry. We talk family, faith, leadership, and the relentless drive to get back up and build a life you’re proud of.

This is the kind of conversation that sticks with you.
That reminds you why you started.
That proves, no matter how many times you’ve been knocked down, you’re not done yet.

You’ll take away:
💥 Lessons on rebuilding after failure
💥 Why service and heart win every time
💥 Building a culture that attracts people to you
💥 The power of family in business
💥 And why it’s never too late to start again

Listen to this one — and then listen again. It’s that good.

Learn more about Jason's work!
Website: https://www.roar.consulting
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jtroarconsult
Insta: https://www.instagram.com/roarconsultinginc/
Tik Tok: tiktok.com/@coffeeandgritpodcast
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-tracey?trk=org-employees
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (810) 522-8931 

Get to know Stu’s work!
Brighton Website: https://www.fastestlabs.com/brighton/
Brighton Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FastestLabsBrighton
Brighton Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fastestlabs_brighton/
Brighton LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fastest-labs-of-brighton/
Brighton Yelp Reviews: https://www.yelp.com/biz/fastest-labs-of-brighton-howell
Brighton Email: [email protected] 
Brighton Phone: (810) 255-0209 
Ann Arbor Website: https://www.fastestlabs.com/ann-arbor/
Ann Arbor Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FastestLabsAnnArbor
Ann Arbor Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fastestlabs_annarbor/
Ann Arbor LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fastest-labs-of-ann-arbor/
Ann Arbor Email: [email protected] 
Ann Arbor Phone: (734) 499-0539 
X: https://x.com/FastestLabs
Email: [email protected]

From Side Hustle to Snack Sensation: The Spicy Rise of Crosseye’s Ghost Pretzels

In this episode of Coffee & Grit, we sit down with John Hyden a Difference Maker, and someone who turned late-night kitchen experiments into a full-blown viral snack brand. What started as a creative outlet during the 2008 housing crash quickly snowballed into something way bigger… thanks to a little fire, a lot of flavor, and one pickle guy’s review that blew up the internet.

Meet the creator behind Crosseye’s Ghost Pretzels—a visionary who took an old nickname from the '90s and turned it into a bold brand that people can’t get enough of. We dive deep into his journey from job loss to gourmet pretzel hustle, how he bootstrapped everything from packaging to pricing, and the moment he realized… “this might actually be something.” You’ll hear:

• The full behind-the-scenes story of going viral overnight
• How he turned a rap name into a snack brand
• Why hoodies with his logo are flying off the shelves
• The tough love convo that helped him finally price his product right
• What it means to stay humble, keep learning, and build one pretzel at a time

This isn’t just a business story—it’s the American dream, dipped in ghost dust and seasoned with grit. 🎯 Want a taste? Visit www.crosseyesghostpretzels.com or follow along on Facebook.

Learn more about Jason's work!
Website: https://www.roar.consulting
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jtroarconsult
Insta: https://www.instagram.com/roarconsultinginc/
Tik Tok: tiktok.com/@coffeeandgritpodcast
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-tracey?trk=org-employees
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (810) 522-8931 

Get to know John’s work! 
Website: https://crosseyesghostpretzels.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Crosseyes-Ghost-Pretzels/100063547511188/
Email: [email protected]

What if you ran your business like a college football team? That’s the question we unpack in this high-energy reunion with Desi Mayner — one of the original Coffee & Grit guests from way back in Episode 2. So much has changed since his first visit in February 2020 (pre-pandemic!), and Desi’s journey of transformation from coaching athletes to building elite business teams is nothing short of inspiring. In this episode, we dive into:

• Why most small businesses are structured like losing teams (and how to fix it)
• The difference between hiring thoroughbreds vs. donkeys — and why it’s costing you
• What sports and military teams can teach us about leadership, culture, and execution
• How Desi uses DISC profiles, football analogies, and simple frameworks to build better leaders
• Why vulnerability, absolute accountability, and clear expectations are non-negotiable in leadership
• And how building stronger businesses starts with building stronger people and families

This one is packed with raw stories, hard truths, and real talk about what it actually takes to lead. Whether you’re a coach, solopreneur, or leading a growing team — this episode will give you a new lens on leadership and a playbook to start building your own Super Bowl-worthy business.

Learn more about Jason's work!
Website: https://www.roar.consulting
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jtroarconsult
Insta: https://www.instagram.com/roarconsultinginc/
Tik Tok: tiktok.com/@coffeeandgritpodcast
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-tracey?trk=org-employees
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (810) 522-8931 

Get to know Desi’s work!
Website: https://maynerleadership.com/ 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/desi.mayner 
Insta: https://www.instagram.com/desimayner/ 
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@desimayner 
Email: [email protected]

Pete Lopez was 27 when he got the news no one ever wants to hear.

He had a severe back injury that left him bed ridden for 3 months, and surgery was the only option. His dreams of living an active, pain-free life? Done.

At least, that’s what they told him. But Pete had a choice: accept that story—or rewrite it. What happened next wasn’t just about healing himself. It was about owning his life in a way he never had before.

He committed to learning everything he could about how the body moves, heals, and thrives… without surgery, without shortcuts, and without giving up.

And because of that, Pete didn’t just fix his back. He found his True North—his calling to help others do the same. Now, through True North Corrective Exercise and Uncle Pete’s Produce, Pete is a Difference Maker on a mission to help people take ownership of their health, reclaim their potential, and live the life they were meant for.

In this Coffee & Grit episode, we get raw about:
🔥 How Pete overcame pain, doubt, and isolation to rebuild his life from the inside out
🔥 Why he believes pain is a teacher—not a life sentence
🔥 What it means to stop outsourcing your power and start taking control of your healing
🔥 How community, faith, and cold plunges (yeah, we talk about that) keep him grounded
🔥 And why Pete shows up every day to serve others who’ve been told “this is just the way it is.”

This isn’t just a comeback story.
It’s a blueprint for rewriting your own.

Tune in and get ready to uncage your beast.
Because if Pete can do it, so can you.

Learn more about Jason's work!
Website: https://www.roar.consulting
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jtroarconsult
Insta: https://www.instagram.com/roarconsultinginc/
Tik Tok: tiktok.com/@coffeeandgritpodcast
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-tracey?trk=org-employees
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (810) 522-8931 

Get to know Pete’s work!
Website: https://www.tndirection.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pete.lopez.758
Insta: https://www.instagram.com/truenorthpetel/
Email: [email protected]