Some people survive.

Some people shine.

And some people walk through the fire and become the damn fire.  That describes Sparkle Lindsay perfectly!  Because this is not just another episode. It is a reunion, a revelation, and a reminder of what happens when you stop waiting and start walking toward your calling. Sparkle returns to Coffee & Grit five years after we first connected on LinkedIn. Back then, she was barely a year into sobriety and unsure if recovery coaching would even be a real path. Now she’s built a national movement, trained over 1,300 coaches, launched multiple curriculums, and turned trauma into transformation. But it did not happen overnight. We dig into:

• The rock-bottom moments, from funerals to bounced checks, and the divine timing that followed
• Building a business while healing from addiction, grief, and self-doubt
• The shift from proving yourself to becoming yourself
• The power of doing the work inside and out
• How knowing, loving, and leading yourself first changes everything
• Why leadership is not about fixing people. It is about holding space for their rise

This episode is for the Difference Maker who is building while battling self-doubt, putting everyone else first, and waiting for a sign. Let this be it. Sparkle’s story is not polished or sugar-coated. It is honest, gritty, and exactly what most entrepreneurs need to hear. This is what building from the inside out really looks like. You are not late. You are right on time. And the time is now.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/coffee-grit--5708348/support.

Let’s get one thing straight this isn’t just another story about surviving.

This is a story about choosing to rise differently with love, with grace, and with fire. Joni Woods came back into the studio just weeks before her book Burned, Blocked & Better Than Ever drops. But this conversation?

It went way beyond a book launch. Joni doesn’t just talk about resilience. She lives it.
From sleeping in her car after escaping a toxic marriage…
To raising her kids in the aftermath of generational trauma…
To surviving abuse, shame, religious judgment, betrayal, loss, and learning how to finally let go without losing herself...

This is the kind of episode that punches you in the chest, then wraps you in a hug.

We talk about:

• Why forgiveness isn’t weakness — it’s freedom
• How letting go of resentment can heal generations
• The pain of being misunderstood by the people closest to you
• Why your vulnerability is the real value of your story
• What it looks like to choose love when you’ve got every reason not to
• How to stop living on other people’s expectations — and finally be YOU

And yeah… we talk about the scars.
The ones you carry on your body.
The ones you explain to your kids.
The ones that shaped who you are. Because Joni didn’t just survive — she turned her story into a mission.

And she’s sharing it now so you don’t have to keep carrying yours alone.

This episode is for:
✅ The person who’s been told to tone it down, suck it up, or keep the peace
✅ The entrepreneur who’s stuck in relationships, routines, or roles that are killing their spirit
✅ The visionary who's been through the fire — and is ready to rise

This isn’t self-help fluff. This is a damn roadmap for how to be kind, real, and relentless in a world that keeps testing you.

Joni’s book Burned, Blocked, and Better Than Ever launches Oct. 7th. Pre-order it. Share it. Show up to her story.

Because she didn’t just write it for herself. She wrote it for all of us.

🎧 Let this episode be your reminder: you’re not broken — you’re becoming.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/coffee-grit--5708348/support.

Let’s talk real...

If you’ve ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, inconsistent with your content, or questioning whether your marketing efforts are even working… this one’s for you.

Because I’ve been there too!

In this solo episode of Coffee & Grit, I step back into the studio—Loudmouth Studio—to catch you up on the wild journey of building something from scratch while still trying to coach, create, lead, and live.

We dive into:

• How my dream of having a content studio went from 3-year vision to reality in 3 months
• What it really looks like behind the scenes of building your brand while building your business
• Why entrepreneurs struggle with consistency—and how to fix it
• The story of a client who started sharing his truth, got vulnerable… and finally started closing
• How to stop giving your best work away for free and start charging your worth
• The hidden ROI of sharing your story—and the cost of staying silent
• Why so many visionary entrepreneurs are burning out on marketing that doesn’t move the needle

This episode isn’t polished.

It’s not scripted.

It’s not a highlight reel. It’s me, in the moment, fired up, and laying it all out so you can get clear, confident, and freaking consistent in how you show up.

If you’re a Difference Maker ready to stop playing small and start dominating your space with real, raw, authentic marketing—this is the spark you’ve been waiting for. 🎧 Let’s go.



Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/coffee-grit--5708348/support.

Ever feel like you were lazy, unmotivated, or just... broken—because the traditional path never lit you up?

You sat in the back of the classroom, zoned out in office meetings, watching your peers climb ladders you didn’t even want to lean against...You weren’t the problem!  You were a visionary stuck in a system that couldn’t hold you.

That is exactly what fueled this impromptu recording of Coffee & Grit after a trust builder meeting at Loud Mouth Studio that went 10 layers deeper.  Listen I as I talk with a young and hungry entrepreneur Hayden Larance, founder of Amistad Digital, whom found his path while selling products he didn't love. What started as a casual off-camera conversation turned into one of the a super energizing episode for those in the grind of building a start up business. 

We dive into:

• What it's really like building a business from zero—no fluff, no filters
• Making the leap from scammy sales to soul-driven service
• Why automation and reputation matter for small business owners
• The solopreneur struggle: wearing every hat, burning out, and still showing up
• How action—not info—is the bridge between dreaming and doing
• The power of relationships and showing up human in business
• Shifting from “How do I make money?” to “How do I make a difference?”

Hayden might be young, but he’s got that beast-mode mindset. He’s documenting the journey, slaying giants, and learning in real-time—and he’s not afraid to get uncomfortable. This episode is for the entrepreneurs out there grinding in silence, wondering if they're crazy for wanting more.
For the ones chasing freedom instead of just a paycheck.

For the ones who feel stuck—but know deep down they were built for something bigger. This is your reminder to stop the "mental masterbation" and Just Do It like Nike!

🎧 Listen in and watch how the fire gets lit.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/coffee-grit--5708348/support.

What’s up, everybody?! Welcome back to another episode of Coffee & Grit — and you already know I’m fired up for this one!

It’s not every day I get to jam in the new studio with a three-time guest, a true friend, and one of the biggest difference makers I know — the Godfather of Connecting People, Steven Zyskowski, founder of Caerusnet Michigan.

Steve’s was back in Michigan last week from sunny Arizona for the annual Caerusnet Breakfast — and this year, I got the honor of emceeing the event. Let’s just say, when Steve’s in town, the energy shifts. The man is a master connector, facilitator, community builder, and culture curator — and in this conversation, we go deep.

From the power of shaking the tree for opportunity (instead of waiting for apples to fall in your lap), to the reason Caerusnet isn’t for everyone — Steve gives us a behind-the-scenes look at what it truly means to build a tribe of givers and difference makers.

We unpack stories of growth, comebacks, and what it takes to stay in the game when the entrepreneurial grind gets real.

This episode is a masterclass in building community, doing business with the right people, and refusing to play small.

So if you’ve ever struggled with imposter syndrome, questioned your value, or felt like giving up — this one’s for you. You’re closer than you think. Just keep shaking the damn tree. 

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/coffee-grit--5708348/support.

This episode features a powerhouse Difference Maker—Rhonda Trask, founder of Hearts CRi Michigan (HCRi)—who’s rewriting the story for foster, adoptive, and kinship families across the state.

If you’ve never walked alongside a foster, adoptive, or kinship family—you probably have no idea just how isolating, exhausting, and misunderstood the journey can be. But Rhonda does. And she’s made it her mission to see these families, hear them, and empower them with real tools to heal trauma and build confidence in kids and caregivers alike.

In this powerful conversation, we talk about:
🔥 What it means to parent two different brains—trauma and neurotypical—and why the same playbook won’t cut it
🔥 The difference between being trauma-informed vs. trauma-responsive (it’s massive)
🔥 Why foster families burn out—and how the right support systems can stop the cycle
🔥 How a single moment at a dinner table lit a fire in Rhonda that became Hearts CRi
🔥 What a real win looks like for a child who’s only known survival mode
🔥 The bold new ways Rhonda’s building wraparound support, trauma-informed OT, IEP advocacy, and even dreams of a full family healing camp This isn’t a feel-good story.

It’s a call to action. Because as Rhonda says: “Not everyone is called to foster or adopt. But everyone can do something.” Whether you're a parent, an educator, or someone looking for a way to make real impact—you need to hear this story.

☕ So grab your coffee and tune in. You’ll walk away with a deeper understanding of trauma, empathy, and what it really takes to make a difference.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/coffee-grit--5708348/support.

What happens when you combine Southern grit, global business leadership, a little Café Du Monde, and a whole lot of faith?

You get Tom Rivers.

In the very first episode recorded in our new content studio (after a few hard lessons and black screens, of course), Tom and I dive into a rich conversation about starting from scratch, chasing vision, and building a life and business with purpose. From his Cajun roots and coffee memories in New Orleans, to launching products across continents with Ford and Harmon, Tom shares what it really looks like to persevere—not just in business, but in life, marriage, and faith.

We talk about the power of story, the pain of self-doubt, and the joy of finding clarity in your purpose. Tom opens up about his bold move into C12, a faith-driven business advisory franchise, and how he’s now pouring everything he’s learned into helping other Christian CEOs lead with excellence—at home and in the workplace.

This episode hits on everything:
🔥 Starting over with vision
🙏 Leadership with Biblical values
💬 Spouses giving the truth we need to hear
📈 Owning your ideal client and message
💥 And how one tattoo, inked during a war in Jerusalem, tells the story of Tom’s entire journey

If you’re an entrepreneur walking by faith, building something meaningful, or wrestling with the grind—this one’s going to resonate.

So pour a cup of chicory if you’ve got it and buckle up—this conversation is equal parts heart, hustle, and Holy Spirit.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/coffee-grit--5708348/support.

Karyn Kokeny didn’t just pivot careers—she flipped the whole damn script.

In this fire-packed conversation, we talk about what it really takes to build a business, develop confidence, and 10X your life from the inside out. From her early days coaching gymnastics to climbing the corporate ladder to aligning with the Grant Cardone team, Karyn’s journey is a full-circle transformation fueled by mindset, mentorship, and straight-up grit.

This isn’t a story about leaving something—it’s about stepping into your power and choosing more.

We dive into:

• Why most people misunderstand what sales really is
• How coaching helped Karyn shift her mindset and become a confident closer
• The structure and discipline behind real business growth
• Why self-care and belief are just as important as your pitch
• And how branding and storytelling build authentic trust that drives results

If you’ve ever felt like you were “meant for more” but didn’t know how to get out of your own way—this one’s your permission to stop playing small.

Sales isn’t sleazy. It’s service. It’s belief. And when you own it, it becomes your superpower.

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 Karyn’s work!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kokenycoachingandconsulting
Insta: https://www.instagram.com/karynkokeny/?hl=en
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karynkokeny/
X: https://x.com/karyn_kokeny
Email: [email protected] 

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/coffee-grit--5708348/support.

What does it take to turn a life-shattering diagnosis into a mission that empowers millions? 

In this deeply personal and raw episode, Heather Ruby, founder of With Haven AI, shares how she transformed her husband’s cancer battle into a lifeline for caregivers.
Heather takes us on a powerful journey—from the panic of an unexpected diagnosis to the overwhelming weight of being a caregiver, while running a business and raising a family. She reveals how she built With Haven AI, a first-of-its-kind app that uses AI’s emotional intelligence to support caregivers around the clock.

Heather’s story isn’t just about overcoming—it’s about building something that didn’t exist, driven by love, grit, and the refusal to let cancer steal everything. Her vulnerability and unwavering determination to help others are a testament to the power of Difference Makers.

Tune in to hear how pain became purpose, and how one woman’s battle cry is set to change the world for caregivers everywhere.


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 Heather’s work!
Website: https://withhaven.org 
Insta: https://www.instagram.com/withhavenai/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-ruby-21a06019/
Email: [email protected] 
Waitlist Link: https://forms.gle/fiDPeEc5VArfEZqB9 

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/coffee-grit--5708348/support.

Ready to turn relentless curiosity into real-world freedom?

In this high-voltage conversation, Jason sits down with Audrey Schultz—“Modern Frontierswoman,” successful blogger, vacation-rental investor, interior-designer-turned-realtor, and self-taught Spanish speaker—just days after they first met in Difference Maker Bootcamp. 

Audrey peels back the curtain on her three-year, no-pay grind to monetize her gardening blog, the burnout fights and mindset shifts that kept her pressing “publish” when nobody was reading, and the Pinterest traffic tsunami that finally changed everything. She shares how translating a Spanish memoir on a whim led her to write her own 111-k-word fantasy novel, and why learning 15 new Spanish words a day during lockdown rewired her inner monologue—and her network. Jason draws out the lessons behind Audrey’s bold pivots: buying her first foreclosure at 21, convincing her retired parents to cash-flow a duplex (and transform their retirement), and using intuition over “one-size-fits-all” sales scripts to serve clients at the highest level.

You’ll hear hard-won truths on consistency, patience, and trusting your gut, plus practical riffs on blogging revenue streams, short-term-rental math, and building a referral web that stretches nationwide. By the end, you’ll see why our passions—no matter how random—are never wasted, and how every skill we nurture becomes another tool for freedom.

Plug in, pour a dangerous amount of coffee, and discover how to turn your restless curiosity into a platform, a business, and a purpose-driven life you never need to escape.

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 Audrey’s work!
Website: https://listwithaudrey.com
Website: https://modernfrontierswoman.com
Website: https://beavertaillodge.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Audrey-Schultz/61574688170057/
Insta: https://www.instagram.com/modernfrontierswoman/
Insta: https://www.instagram.com/audrey.schultz.realtor/
Insta: https://www.instagram.com/beavertaillodge/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/audrey-schultz-7291731a/
Pintrest: https://www.pinterest.com/schultzau/
Email: [email protected] 
Saturnino Rodriguez’s Magazine: http://adelanteforward.com/editions/ 

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/coffee-grit--5708348/support.