Andy dives into the art of staying grounded when the world around you feels chaotic. Drawing from personal stories, psychological research, and lessons learned from five months of podcasting, Andy explores how to mirror intensity without absorbing it, reclaim your peace, and stay true to your purpose. Whether you're navigating workplace stress, social pressure, or emotional storms, this episode offers practical wisdom to help you stay whole.

💬 Top 10 Quotes from the Episode

* “Other people’s intensity can feel like a tidal wave, but we do not have to drown in it.”

* “Mirror their urgency to show you hear them, then step back and do what you need to do.”

* “You match their rhythm for a moment, you nod to their beat, then step away to your own music.”

* “You can reflect someone’s energy to connect with them, but you don’t have to absorb it.”

* “The key is not to prioritize what’s on your schedule, but to schedule your priorities.” — Stephen Covey

* “You can care about someone’s needs without letting their stress rewrite your life.”

* “It’s not cold or dismissive. It’s self-preservation.”

* “When you take a stance and get some swagger back in your life, you’ll be surprised how the same people treat you differently.”

* “Ask yourself, what’s my next step? Not theirs, not the world’s. Yours.”

* “Every time we choose our own path over someone else’s chaos, we get a little closer to the life we want.”

#EmotionalIntelligence

#LeadershipGrowth

#MentalWellness

#StayGrounded

#PodcastWisdom

Andrew Windham, founder of Educated Freedom, dives deep into true wealth building, financial freedom, and purpose-driven life strategies. Exploring the myths of chasing money, he emphasizes how purpose acts as your soul's North Star for enduring success, contrasting it with fleeting external validations. Drawing from experiences with ultra-high-net-worth individuals, Andrew shares insights on financial planning, tax efficiency, mental health wealth, relationship wealth, and spiritual growth. Key discussions include overcoming identity crises in retirement, the importance of self-reflection for personal development, and practical advice for young professionals on money goals, vocation, and stewardship. Whether you're seeking wealth management tips or ways to align career, culture, and cashflow for holistic prosperity and life balance, this conversation reveals how intentional living leads to sustainable wealth creation and happiness.

Top 20 Quotes

* "When you're talking about people who are chasing money and wealth, it's because their compass or their point of relation is always external. And that constantly changes versus purpose is enduring because. It's your soul's North Star, it's internal." (00:00)

* "The people who create space in seven figures, eight figures, nine figures and above... are essentially asking some version of what do I want? And they're acting out of intention and purpose and thoughtfulness. That's really the definition of enough." (06:15)

* "I really love Sahil Bloom new book, The Five Types of Wealth... you've got social wealth, you got financial wealth, you got relationship wealth, you've got physical wealth like your health... I would say it's kind of hard to have good mental health if you don't have good foundational spiritual health." (05:48)

* "My life to reflect my calling for Christ and everything that I do, and that's kind of part of my life's mantra, live your highest purpose all day, every day in every role that you play." (08:19)

* "Knowing your purpose and chasing your purpose. Your first thing first is what gives you true wealth." (08:23)

* "Don't let money be the excuse for you being unsatisfied with your life." (11:15)

* "If you chase everything, you get nothing." (11:42)

* "Everything that really matters boils back to relationship." (13:03)

* "The key with purpose is it's enduring... Purpose is the living out and the pursuit of your soul's North Star." (13:59)

* "All the answers are internal. They're not external." (17:30)

* "You think money's the answer to all your problems when you don't have it. But what I'll share with you is the more money you have, the more problems you have." (19:45)

* "Paying tax is actually a blessing... Rather than tip the IRS, tip your favorite server, your favorite service provider." (21:53)

* "The place God calls you to is the place where your deepest gladness and greatness and the world's deepest hunger meet." (Quoting Frederick Buechner) (24:01)

* "The Lord gives us three to five unique capabilities... The real journey to life and our vocation is how do we use that for the right purpose?" (25:35)

* "Men tend to equate their entire worth, value and identity to their secular vocation versus their life's vocation." (27:01)

* "Identity is everything... When they can't exit a business, it's because they are stuck or they are frozen in time with a specific identity." (30:18)

* "There is no conversation about retirement [in the Bible]... The biggest fallacy is you ever arrive. You absolutely never do." (35:26)

* "Our ultimate vocation in life is hand up, hand down... We're constantly learning how to be the captain of the ship." (37:20)

* "Busy merit badge... Everybody wants to earn the busy merit badge. They want a PhD in busy." (41:53)

* "Money... carries only the amount of energy and emotion that you assign to it. And ultimately it is the ultimate and simplest reflection of values and priorities." (44:18)

Chapters

(00:00) - Chasing Wealth vs. Purpose: External Compass or Internal North Star(00:20) - Welcome to Fulfillment Project: Introducing Andrew Windham(00:41) - How We Connected: The Power of LinkedIn Relationships(01:07) - Finding Top Talent: Stories from LinkedIn Encounters(01:56) - Building a Remote Team: Values and Culture Fit(02:52) - Origins of Connections: Modern Matchmaking via LinkedIn(03:24) - The Essence of Relationships: People Are Key to Everything(04:50) - What Wealthy People Think About: Beyond Just Having Enough(05:48) - Defining Enough: Studies on Income and Foundational Needs(06:15) - The Five Types of Wealth: Financial, Social, Relational, Physical, and Spiritual(08:19) - Living with Purpose: Avoiding the Trap of External Validation(08:23) - Fleeting Victories: Lessons from Athletes like Scottie Scheffler(11:15) - Chasing Everything Leads to Nothing: Focus on What Matters(13:03) - Ultra-High-Net-Worth Personalities: Avoiding Money as Power(13:59) - Purpose as Enduring: Your Soul's North Star(14:54) - COVID as a Timeout: Choosing to Think Over Distraction(16:14) - Daily Bible Reading: The Secret to Perspective(17:30) - Internal Answers: Stop Chasing External Validation(17:58) - Finding Your North Star: Make It a Priority(19:45) - Money Goals for Young People: Start with What You Want(21:53) - Early Struggles: Building from Scratch with Limited Resources(23:15) - The Hidden Costs of Wealth: Maintenance and Liabilities(24:01) - Books for Purpose: Frederick Buechner on Vocation(25:35) - Unique Capabilities: Hone Your God-Given Gifts(27:01) - Vocation vs. Job: Family as True Calling(28:29) - Identity in Marriage and Parenting: Avoiding Empty Nests(30:18) - Identity is Everything: Coaching Through Transitions(32:33) - Parenting Different Kids: Love Regardless of Outcomes(34:03) - Building Habits Early: Preparing for Future Seasons(35:26) - No Retirement in Purpose: Keep Contributing(37:20) - Hand Up, Hand Down: Mentorship as Vocation(38:10) - You Never Arrive: Always Evolving(39:20) - Lifestyle Extender Exercise: Planning for Extra Years(40:45) - Healthspan vs. Lifespan: Do What You Love Now(41:15) - Finding Cracks in Busy Schedules: Make Time for Passions(41:53) - The Busy Merit Badge: Rejecting the PhD in Busy(42:39) - Podcast Relaunch: Culture, Career, and Cashflow(44:18) - Impact Over Influence: Service and Stewardship(45:23) - Where to Find Andrew: Communities and Resources(45:59) - Closing Thoughts: Share and Subscribe for Fulfillment

Description

Discover how author and marketing expert Chris Spellman balances creativity, family, and fulfillment in this episode. From writing a dystopian trilogy with his wife to leading with humility in business, Chris shares insights on productivity, purpose, and personal growth. Perfect for listeners seeking motivation, creative inspiration, and life balance.

💬 Top 15 Quotes from the Episode

* “The heroic is the daily life.”

* “You have to manufacture time very intentionally.”

* “Our hobby was focused on creativity rather than passivity.”

* “Everyone should be the CEO of their own area.”

* “Humility is a certain kind of honesty.”

* “Fulfillment is always a moving target.”

* “You can’t jump over the small things and just get to the big things.”

* “Writing with your spouse binds you together in a unique way.”

* “Have your head in the clouds and your feet firmly planted on the ground.”

* “The more you pursue fulfillment, the more you realize you have further to go.”

* “Time does not give itself to you. You have to pay yourself first.”

* “The most joy is in the experience, not the result.”

* “Creative hobbies bring couples closer than consumption hobbies.”

* “You can only give what you have.”

* “Life is made up of little things—the big things come and go.”

⏱️ Chapters

* 00:00 – The Heroic in the Everyday

* 01:19 – Writing a Trilogy: The Origin Story

* 03:04 – From Superheroes to Dystopia

* 04:53 – Universal Appeal and Real-Life Parallels

* 07:16 – Historical Inspirations: Spanish Civil War & French Revolution

* 08:26 – Family Life and Creative Collaboration

* 09:55 – From 12 Years to 9 Months: Writing Process Evolution

* 11:17 – Creative vs. Consumption Hobbies

* 13:11 – Writing as a Team: Google Docs and Division of Labor

* 14:11 – Marriage, Mission, and Meaning

* 16:57 – Peaks and Valleys of Publishing

* 18:39 – Handling Criticism and Staying Motivated

* 21:47 – Marketing Mindset: Big Picture Meets Detail

* 24:58 – Fulfillment in the Small Things

* 27:52 – The People You Want to Work With

* 29:16 – Serious Work, Lighthearted Spirit

* 31:32 – Childhood Dreams Realized

* 34:40 – Are You Fulfilled?

* 36:48 – Daily Practices for Fulfillment

* 39:56 – Reflection, Silence, and Spiritual Anchoring

* 41:36 – Final Words: Stick to the Plan, Find Joy in the Process

What does it take to build the fastest-growing running media brand before turning 21? In this episode of Fulfillment Project, host Andy Leonard sits down with Dominic Schlueter—founder of The Running Effect—to uncover the mindset, habits, and spiritual reflections that fueled Dom’s meteoric rise from a high school podcast dreamer to a thriving media entrepreneur.

They explore:

* How to discover your passion by starting before you're ready

* What success really looks like in your 20s (hint: it's not just money)

* The dark side of ambition—stress, burnout, and the art of slowing down

* How God’s favor may follow faithfulness

* Building something meaningful without losing your soul

With a blend of raw honesty, practical wisdom, and spiritual insight, this episode is a must-listen for dreamers, doers, and anyone chasing fulfillment in a hyper-distracted world.

🔔 Listen now to learn how to balance excellence with rest, grind with gratitude, and faith with ambition.

🔥 Top 20 Quotes from the Episode

"You don’t find passion—you create it by starting when you suck and sticking with it."

"If you’re not passionate about something, figure it out like it’s a 911 emergency."

"No one is thinking about you. Don’t let fear of what others think hold you back from action."

"The journey is the reward. Not the check, not the medal, not the praise."

"The greatest strength is often also your greatest weakness."

"You’re living in answered prayers—don’t forget that."

"God doesn’t play favorites, but He does give favor to those who steward their gifts well."

"Hit publish. What do you lose?"

"Motivation rarely comes before the action—it comes after."

"Do something hard every day. A strong body trains a strong mind."

"An easy life fashions a mind that can only handle ease."

"The grass isn’t greener on the other side. It’s greener where you water it."

"Being 20 and living like you're 25 comes with pressure most people don’t see."

"The Running Effect started because I wanted to talk to people better than me."

"Don’t be afraid to suck at something new."

"To whom much is given, much is expected."

"I’d rather puke from stress than coast through mediocrity."

"You get to do this. You don’t have to."

"You’re writing the book of your life through your actions every single day."

Chapters

00:00 – Intro

01:15 – Meet Dom: From Alter Server to Media CEO

02:56 – Don't Wait: Hit Publish Today

04:55 – The Truth About Passion (and How to Create It)

06:24 – Motivation Follows Movement

07:21 – 20 at 20: Lessons from a Young Veteran

09:03 – The Trap of Always Wanting Next

10:29 – Real Talk: Pressure, Stress, and Puking from Burnout

13:24 – Is 9-to-5 Underrated? Dom Thinks So.

14:51 – Rituals to Stay Grounded (and Sane)

16:53 – Do Not Disturb = Mental Clarity

18:27 – Fear of Judgment & Shorts That Don’t Match

20:30 – Journaling, Memory, and the First Podcast Entry

23:52 – Building a Media Empire by Asking Questions

26:08 – Seasons, Chapters, and Staying Present

28:16 – Eternity is in the Present Moment

30:10 – Extraordinary Moments Are Often Ordinary Ones

33:29 – The Journey Is the Reward

35:21 – Answered Prayers and the Danger of Forgetting

37:51 – Can You Be the Best and Still Be Balanced?

41:06 – What If You're Already Where You’re Supposed to Be?

42:32 – Why This Podcast Exists: For My Sons—and You

43:51 – Moral Responsibility: Excellence Is a Spiritual Duty

47:30 – What You Do With Your Raw Materials Matters

We cover a lot of ground in this episode of Fulfillment Project as I sit down with Joe Coleman of St. Kolbe Studios.

The sacred, yet ordinary act of raising a child.

The modern challenges that pull us away from what matters most.

The irreplaceable value of human connection, and why AI and efficiency can’t fulfill our deepest needs.

From Joe’s billion-dollar idea to fix frustrating baby wipe dispensers to a critique of the “grindset” mentality, we unpack how podcasts foster meaningful dialogue in a world leaning on chatbots for support.

Joe shares why men need male friendships, how spouses thrive by nurturing each other’s social bonds, and the renaissance of independent journalism through platforms like Substack and YouTube.

Join us for a heartfelt dive into parenting, relationships, mental health, and finding purpose in a digital age.

Quotes - -

Andy (00:00): “We wanted our son to have someone to look up to as he grew up… Read about his life, son, and be inspired and live up to that example.”

Andy (02:32): “The chances of us existing with the people we're existing with are one in a bazillion. I mean it's amazing.”

Joe Coleman (03:02): [having a child] “It was almost less exciting than I expected it to be… it was just so casual. Like Friday afternoon, we just are handed a child.”

Joe Coleman (04:02): “It’s this weird, I guess, duality of this is one of the most sacred things in your entire life. And it’s also like the most common thing you could possibly do.”

Joe Coleman (05:50): “People with less have managed to do this and do it just fine. Like, I’ll figure it out. It’ll be all right.”

Joe Coleman (09:56): “I love podcasts. It was sort of just a natural extension… I think it is the best medium to have any sort of meaningful discussion.”

Joe Coleman (11:18): “TV is just a vehicle to sell advertising… you might learn something along the way… at best a half truth.”

Joe Coleman (14:23): “Podcasts and things like that are bringing out a renaissance of independent journalism, which is great. I’m all for it.”

Joe Coleman (20:29): “If someone just creates baby wipes where I can grab one at a time… I don’t know why this doesn’t exist.”

Joe Coleman (22:29): “The more things become automated, the more we want human connection… if you can converse with people… you’re fine.”

Joe Coleman (34:19): “People are really grappling… looking to GPTs… for social emotional support… If you have three legitimately good friends, you are crushing it in life.”

Andy (21:30): “We can put a man on the moon, but we can’t make a pack of wipes where one comes out at a time.”

Andy (21:59): “AI is not changing diapers on a baby and they don’t get the relatability of certain topics to real human beings.”

Joe Coleman (37:47): “Spending time with people is inefficient if your goal is maximization of money or pleasure… But if you live your life pure efficiency, you’re going to be just depressed by 50 tops, probably by like 35, 40.”

Joe Coleman (39:43): “You need men who are going to lift you up in ways that… your wife just cannot fulfill that part for you. And you shouldn’t expect her to.”

Andy (44:37): “Men need men like women need women. And the best thing as a married couple you can do for each other is to support and nurture those relationships in your spouses.”

Chapters - -

00:00 - Introduction and St. Kolbe Inspiration: Andy introduces Joe Coleman and explains the significance of naming his son after St. Maximilian Kolbe, setting the stage for a meaningful discussion.

00:48 - Joe’s New Life in Texas and Fatherhood: Joe shares his journey from California to Texas, his new role as a father, and the casual yet profound experience of having his first child.

07:20 - St. Kolbe Studios and Podcasting Passion: Joe discusses his background in radio and why he founded St. Kolbe Studios, emphasizing podcasts as the best medium for deep conversations.

19:56 - The Billion Dollar Baby Wipe Idea: Joe pitches his practical solution for one-handed baby wipe dispensing, sparking a relatable parenting discussion.

21:30 - AI’s Limits in Jobs and Human Connection: Andy and Joe explore why AI can’t replace human relatability in tasks like caregiving or creative work requiring emotional depth.

30:15 - Men Can’t Go Through Life Alone: Joe and Andy discuss the necessity of male friendships and the dangers of synthetic relationships via AI or digital platforms.

37:01 - The Efficiency of Inefficiency: Joe critiques the “grindset” mentality, advocating for the value of human connection over efficiency-driven isolation.

49:30 - Closing and Where to Find Joe: Joe shares how to connect with St. Kolbe Studios and encourages aspiring podcasters to reach out for support.

Ever wondered how a missionary who grew up on an Indian reservation turned into a marketing solopreneur building a life of authenticity and fulfillment? Meet Lucas Wollschlager, who swapped college for a keyboard and a mission to create human-first content. In this Fulfillment Project episode, Lucas shares his untraditional journey from dropping out of college to launching Veritas Copy, emphasizing discipline, networking, and living a life of harmony.

Lucas brings a refreshing take on building a meaningful career. From his missionary days to mastering LinkedIn networking, he reveals how authenticity, discipline, and a touch of contrarian spirit drive success. Whether it’s waking up at the same time daily or embracing life’s discomfort, Lucas’s story is a full of ideas for anyone seeking a fulfilling, integrated life. Tune in for actionable insights on personal growth, entrepreneurship, and marketing strategy that cuts through the noise.

Top Quotes from the Conversation

* Andy (02:47): “The more natural it seems, the more preparation it took. The more simple and natural [it feels]; nothing happens simply and naturally.”

* Emphasizes the effort behind seamless content creation.

* Lucas Wollschlager (03:33): “The first place that you look for clients… are the people in your immediate circle.”

* Stresses the importance of leveraging existing networks for business growth.

* Lucas Wollschlager (05:46): “People are starting to show their true colors on [LinkedIn], which is nice. It's not stuffy corporate anymore.”

* Notes the shift toward authenticity on LinkedIn.

* Andy (07:58): “Every interaction matters. You have no idea how someone is going to come back up in your life.”

* Underlines the long-term value of positive interactions.

* Lucas Wollschlager (08:42): “I have to play the long game with this… not everybody is going to be able to do something for you in the short term.”

* Advocates for a long-term, relationship-focused approach to networking.

* Lucas Wollschlager (10:25): “Don’t be somebody who, as my dad would always say, pee in other people’s cornflakes. That’s not what you want to do.”

* A humorous yet serious reminder to leave positive impressions.

* Lucas Wollschlager (13:11): “I dropped out of college… I was too young and immature to handle that freedom well.”

* Reflects on his decision to leave college due to personal misalignment.

* Lucas Wollschlager (18:34): “If you don’t have a family… that is the time to take risks and to be calculated, but to really shoot your shot.”

* Encourages young people to take risks early in life.

* Lucas Wollschlager (21:25): “When you overly optimize for [comfort and luxury], you strip all meaning and fulfillment out of life.”

* Highlights the value of discomfort in finding purpose.

* Lucas Wollschlager (23:16): “Idleness is the enemy, man. If you’re idle, you’re not going to be effective in really anything.”

* Stresses the importance of routine and discipline to avoid stagnation.

* Lucas Wollschlager (37:35): “I think that there is something intriguing with this movement towards living a more integrated life… people want to be doing things that they don’t hate.”

* Discusses the modern desire for a harmonious, fulfilling life.

* Lucas Wollschlager (43:11): “You have to know yourself… I’m naturally kind of more an internal processor. So I had the problem of over reflecting.”

* Highlights the importance of self-awareness in balancing reflection and action.

Chapters

* 00:00 - Introduction and Welcome

* Andy introduces Lucas Wollschlager, founder of Veritas Copy, and highlights his focus on human-first content and authenticity.

* 00:42 - Lucas’s Background and Journey

* Lucas shares his path from missionary work to marketing, his move to Fort Worth, Texas, and how his skills transferred to a marketing career.

* 01:54 - Starting Veritas Copy

* Lucas discusses leaving his director of marketing role to start Veritas Copy, driven by a love for writing and strategy.

* 02:47 - The Art of Preparation in Marketing and Podcasting

* Andy and Lucas explore how natural-seeming content requires extensive preparation, drawing parallels between podcasting and marketing.

* 03:33 - Building a Client Base and LinkedIn Strategy

* Lucas explains how he leveraged his 10-year network to gain clients and why he focuses on LinkedIn for content creation.

* 04:39 - Why LinkedIn?

* Discussion on LinkedIn’s business-oriented audience and the platform’s shift toward more authentic, personality-driven content.

* 07:14 - The Power of Networking

* Lucas reflects on the long-term value of leaving positive impressions and building a network with integrity.

* 08:42 - Networking Philosophy

* Lucas shares his approach to networking, emphasizing a long-game mindset and avoiding transactional interactions.

* 11:15 - A Non-Traditional Path: Dropping Out of College

* Lucas recounts his decision to drop out after his freshman year and pursue missionary work, defying conventional career paths.

* 15:57 - Growing Up on an Indian Reservation

* Lucas discusses his upbringing in North Dakota, which fostered a contrarian attitude and resilience.

* 19:00 - The Value of College and Taking Risks

* Andy and Lucas debate the necessity of college for non-professional careers and the importance of taking calculated risks early in life.

* 21:25 - Embracing Discomfort for Fulfillment

* Lucas highlights how purposeful discomfort and suffering can lead to meaning and fulfillment, especially before family responsibilities.

* 23:16 - Discipline and Daily Routines

* Lucas shares his disciplined approach to daily routines, including waking up at the same time and structuring his mornings for success.

* 30:33 - The Importance of Planning and Reflection

* Andy and Lucas discuss the power of planning the next day in advance and reflecting to stay on track, including Lucas’s hybrid planning system.

* 37:15 - Living a Life of Harmony

* Lucas defines harmony as an integrated life where work, family, and personal values overlap, creating a fulfilling existence.

* 43:11 - Knowing Yourself and Taking Action

* Lucas emphasizes self-awareness, the dangers of over-reflection, and the need to act despite imperfections, using AI tools for self-analysis.

* 49:29 - Closing Thoughts and Where to Find Lucas

* Lucas shares where to connect with him (LinkedIn) and Andy wraps up the episode, encouraging listeners to subscribe and share.

Dive into Fulfillment Project with Andy and uncover the spark that fuels a purpose-driven life! In this episode, Building Good Baggage, join guest Cory Heimann as he shares his wild ride—from crafting interactive children’s books like Light of the Saints to pitching an epic Samsonite docu-series inspired by a life-saving briefcase from his dad’s Vietnam days. Expect raw, heartfelt stories about business, family, and the courage to chase audacious dreams, all while balancing the chaos of everyday life. Filled with practical wisdom and infectious enthusiasm, this episode will inspire you to create something from nothing and live boldly. Tune in, get fired up, and start your own fulfillment journey!

Chapters

* Introduction (00:00 - 00:09)Andy kicks off the episode with enthusiasm, introducing guest Cory Heimann and setting the stage for a dynamic conversation about faith, creativity, and purpose from Fort Wayne, Indiana.

* Cory’s Roots and Likeable Art (00:09 - 01:15)Cory shares his background in Fort Wayne and his journey as the founder of Likeable Art, a Catholic creative studio, highlighting his 18 years of blending faith with innovative projects.

* Shining a Light on Children’s Books (01:15 - 04:01)Dive into Cory’s interactive children’s books, Light of the Saints and Light of the Sacraments, where shining a flashlight reveals hidden images, sparking wonder for kids and parents alike.

* Pivoting to Purpose-Driven Work (04:01 - 07:18)Cory discusses Likeable Art’s shift to documentary production and consulting for ministries, emphasizing his strategy of aligning with clients’ missions to create meaningful impact.

* Aligning Values and Vision (07:18 - 12:43)Explore Cory’s evolution from chasing a big production company to embracing a lean, passion-driven model, focusing on collaboration and staying true to his core values.

* Balancing Family and Passion (12:43 - 19:06)Cory shares practical tips for “wasting time” with family, creating intentional moments, and separating work from home life to nurture relationships amidst a busy schedule.

* The Samsonite Docu-Series Dream (19:06 - 27:15)Cory unveils his bold passion project: a docu-series inspired by a Vietnam-era briefcase that saved his dad’s life, exploring fatherhood and “good baggage” through adventures with his sons.

* Creating Something from Nothing (27:15 - 33:38)Andy and Cory reflect on the thrill and challenge of bringing ideas to life, encouraging listeners to pursue their own creative projects despite uncertainty.

* Finding Runway for Passion Projects (33:38 - 36:33)Cory explains how he carved out a summer for his Samsonite project by rethinking finances as “runway,” prioritizing passion over equipment upgrades or excessive client work.

* The Power of a Misogi (36:33 - 41:55)Andy introduces the Japanese concept of a “misogi,” an annual challenge to anchor life’s memories, sharing his marathon experience and its impact on his fulfillment.

* Defining Fulfillment (41:55 - 46:20)Cory reveals his motto, “content with never being content,” and how a hunger for growth drives his sense of fulfillment, inspiring listeners to embrace the chase.

* Closing Call to Action (46:20 - 46:48)Cory encourages fearless creation, and Andy wraps up with a passionate call to share the episode, subscribe, and live boldly in pursuit of purpose.

Quotes

* “I want to give my boys good baggage, not the negative kind.” – Cory Heimann (23:34)

* “I’m content with never being content.” – Cory Heimann (41:55)

* “A meal tastes better when you’re hungry, and I’m hungry.” – Cory Heimann (42:21)

* “The most successful person at work is a failure if they’re not successful at home.” – Andy, quoting John Savage (12:29)

* “You can’t live if you’re avoiding suffering.” – Andy (39:30)

* “Create something out of nothing. It’s the thrill of life.” – Andy (28:00)

* “Wasting time with your kids is success.” – Cory Heimann, inspired by Pope Francis (15:06)

* “The perfect time to plant a tree was 100 years ago. The next best time is today.” – Andy (33:38)

* “Life is the little moments, not just the peak ones.” – Andy (45:54)

* “I try to visualize the moment I walk in the door and what kind of dad I need to be.” – Cory Heimann (15:32)

* “Comparison is the thief of joy.” – Cory Heimann (43:49)

* “You don’t have to see the finish line. Take the first step and let it unfold.” – Andy (33:38)

* “Every creative project has a dark night of the soul.” – Cory Heimann, referencing Steal Like an Artist (20:49)

* “Perfection is consistent effort toward the best version of myself.” – Andy (17:39)

* “If you’re not exercising your passion, do it. It will make your whole life better.” – Andy (36:33)

* “Don’t be afraid to make stuff.” – Cory Heimann (46:20)

* “I wonder if [Indiana is clean] because it’s so flat that any litter can just be blown away into another state. I think maybe that’s what we got going for us.” – Cory Heimann (00:26)

* “If you need anything broken, we’re open to it. We can break anything. We’re really good at that.” – Cory Heimann, on raising six boys (23:13)

* “I suck at social media. I was off of it for six years, 100% nude in the social media game.” – Andy (29:21)

In this episode, Andy dives into a game-changing idea: Plan your life or lose it. Life can feel like a whirlwind, but with a little planning, you can take charge and make your dreams a reality. From paper planners to digital apps, Andy shares his personal journey, practical tips, and the science behind why planning works. Whether you're aiming for big goals or just want more calm in your day, this episode is your nudge to start today. Grab a notebook, hit play, and let’s make things happen! Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with a friend who needs a little planning inspo.

Quotes from the Podcast

"Plan your life or lose it."

"If you want to live a life brimming with purpose, progress, and joy, there's one habit that stands above the rest: planning."

"Without a plan, you're letting life's chaos call the shots."

"Planning isn't one size fits all. There's no perfect system, just the one that works for you."

"There's something so satisfying about the inefficiency of my paper-based planner."

"The act of planning itself is the key. Find your groove and make it yours."

"Life seasons change and planning needs change. Embrace it and optimize for your life and needs as they evolve."

"Planning supercharges productivity and goal success." (2018, Psychological Bulletin)

"Planning calms your mind and reduces stress." (2017, Journal of Applied Psychology)

"Planning builds discipline and focus." (2019, Frontiers in Psychology)

"By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail." — Benjamin Franklin

"Plans are nothing. Planning is everything." — Dwight Eisenhower

"My best days, the ones where I feel on top of the world, are the days I start with a clear plan."

"You don't have enough time to not plan."

"Reflecting plus planning equals your superpower."

Podcast Description

In this episode of Fulfillment Project, host Andy sits down with his lifelong friend, Isaac St. John, owner of Acorn and Oak PLLC. Isaac shares his journey of prioritizing family and faith over career in public accounting, offering insights on vocation, risk-taking, and personal growth. From his disciplined approach to reading to his candid LinkedIn presence, Isaac reveals how he turned "maybes" into "yeses" by taking calculated risks and staying true to his values.

The episode dives into the five pillars of fulfillment—money, health, community, values, and vocation—and challenges listeners to reflect on their own priorities through actionable wisdom and "Ikeisms." Perfect for aspiring entrepreneurs, professionals seeking purpose, or anyone looking to align their life with what truly matters.

Top Quotes

* Isaac St. John: "I definitely called to lead that family life, be the head of the house and provide and bring my children closer to Jesus." (00:19)

* Andy: "You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with." (01:12)

* Isaac St. John: "When you start a book, you finish it. You don’t stop halfway through." (02:01)

* Andy: "In order to get to the concluding thought, you have to read the whole book." (02:26)

* Isaac St. John: "I can think of so many books that I’ve read that they weren’t really ready for me yet. But then as I developed as a person, I still remembered enough of the content that it shaped decisions I was making." (03:20)

* Isaac St. John: "I reread books all the time." (03:49)

* Isaac St. John: "The reality is who you are five years from now isn’t who you are today." (04:16)

* Isaac St. John: "Candor is kindness." (09:32)

* Andy: "Start with love, go to correction, end in affirmation." (09:38)

* Isaac St. John: "Try to catch someone doing good because that positive reinforcement carries so much more weight." (10:56)

* Andy: "If you’re too scared to act, then you’re too scared to grow." (11:49)

* Isaac St. John: "You’re hitting way over 90 percent, right? So like reframing it so that they have the perspective of there’s all these things you did right." (13:51)

* Andy: "If you aren’t your greatest critic, then you’re a loser." (14:17)

* Isaac St. John: "You are who you surround yourself with." (42:57)

* Isaac St. John: "There’s rewards that come with taking risk." (20:57)

* Isaac St. John: "I made sure that I had a certain amount of runway so that if business was terrible and it was a crash and burn, I knew my family would be okay." (22:41)

* Andy: "What passion do you have in your life that’s worth suffering for?" (24:46)

* Isaac St. John: "There’s a lot to be said for showing up in person and closing things in person." (25:25)

* Isaac St. John: "As humans, we have some automated responses almost built into us." (26:32)

* Andy: "Pay yourself first in everything." (30:09)

* Isaac St. John: "Unless you have that framework of how you’re directing your money, your money is just gonna do kind of what it wants." (31:33)

* Isaac St. John: "Our jobs don’t define us, no, they don’t. They’re just what we do." (34:07)

* Isaac St. John: "Work moves you towards sainthood. Being married moves you towards sainthood. Being single moves you towards sainthood." (39:40)

* Isaac St. John: "If someone outside of my life looked in, what would they tell me is important to me?" (42:18)

Chapters

* 00:00: Introduction – Andy introduces Isaac St. John and the Fulfillment Project.

* 00:41: Childhood Friendship and Reading Habits – Andy and Isaac reminisce about their lifelong friendship and discuss Isaac’s disciplined approach to reading.

* 02:26: The Value of Rereading Books – Isaac challenges the idea of only reading immediately applicable books and shares his habit of rereading for long-term growth.

* 04:45: LinkedIn Presence and Candor – Isaac explains how his accidental LinkedIn following grew and introduces the concept of "candor is kindness."

* 09:32: Leadership and Positive Reinforcement – Isaac and Andy discuss catching people doing good, reframing mistakes, and the importance of self-criticism.

* 14:17: Self-Reflection and Wisdom – The power of revisiting books and reflecting on wisdom at different life stages.

* 17:04: Starting a Business – Isaac shares his journey of leaving a secure job to start Acorn and Oak, emphasizing risk appetite and calculated steps.

* 23:40: Turning Maybes into Yeses – Isaac’s creative approach to securing clients, including in-person persistence and leveraging human psychology.

* 27:29: Financial Discipline – Andy and Isaac discuss paying yourself first and the zero-based budget for financial control.

* 32:22: Defining Vocation – A deep dive into vocation, work, and family, with Isaac emphasizing that jobs support, not define, one’s true calling.

* 42:20: Priorities and Influence – Isaac introduces the "time audit" and the importance of choosing who influences your life intentionally.

* 49:11: The Five Pillars of Fulfillment – Isaac critiques the role of money in fulfillment, emphasizing community, values, vocation, and health.

* 55:07: Closing and Call to Action – Isaac shares where to find him on LinkedIn and describes his ideal customer, followed by Andy’s closing remarks.

Episode Description

Get ready for a Fulfillment Project episode that’ll spark joy and shift your mindset! 🎉 Join Andy and the incredible Bridget Nohara, an executive ghostwriter and fitness enthusiast, as they dive into living intentionally, embracing the present, and turning raw talents into life-changing skills. Bridget drops wisdom bombs on discipline, gratitude, and finding God in the “gospel of the moment.” From her daily walks in snowy Canada to mastering word choice, this episode is a fun, heartfelt guide to unlocking fulfillment TODAY! 😄 Subscribe, share with a friend, and let’s get radically tethered to the now! 🚀

Top 16 Quotes

* “Be radically tethered to the present moment.” (40:56)

A powerful call to embrace the here and now.

* “Taking what I would call and acknowledge as a God-given gift and turning it into a skill.” (03:34)

Emphasizes the journey from natural talent to honed skill.

* “You don’t have to do that with all your God-given gifts. We can have gifts and they remain crude in a sense.” (03:34)

Highlights the choice to develop talents, encouraging growth.

* “Fitness is one of the pillars in my life… faith, fitness, and then community and work.” (08:32)

Introduces a framework for a balanced life, ideal for reflection.

* “Challenging things are good for me.” (10:42)

Encourages embracing challenges for growth.

* “I can solve all the world’s problems when I’m walking.” (15:37)

Captures the clarity and creativity that come from movement.

* “There’s something about having a thought, but making that thought concrete in word or in letter.” (16:24)

Emphasizes the power of externalizing thoughts.

* “I wonder if all successful people are reflective because there’s no way to get better if you don’t reflect.” (20:14)

Ties reflection to personal growth and success.

* “I love the notion of morning and evening prayer… where are we working in the vineyard today?” (20:35)

Provides a practical framework for daily intentionality.

* “Find something you’re grateful for today, sometimes it’s hard, but it helps you appreciate the here and now.” (27:49)

Highlights gratitude as a tool for presence.

* “We receive the external world through our senses… is there anything that I can see right now that I like?” (28:26)

Offers a sensory approach to finding joy in the moment.

* “Fake it till you make it is kind of a trick that kind of works most of the time.” (32:18)

Endorses acting with confidence to build it.

* “Positive self talk. Say good things to yourself about yourself, even if you don’t believe them.” (32:18)

Encourages the transformative power of self-affirmation.

* “The simplest thing we can do, and it’s so uncomfortable, is to put the phones down.” (44:43)

Highlights the challenge and value of disconnecting.

* “You get to live someone else’s life… and then you realize you’re in your sweatpants, your hair is undone.” (46:23)

Addresses the pitfalls of comparison via social media.

* “Good habits compounds over time. You don’t get the same fruit from a good habit year in and year out. You actually get more fruit the more you do it.” (47:38)

Emphasizes the long-term rewards of consistent habits.