This episode of the Growth Now Movement is deeply personal and incredibly meaningful. My wife, Lauren Schenck, joins me for a powerful conversation about love, healing, and personal growth as we celebrate a major milestone—our anniversary on April 1st.

Lauren and I get real about the transformative power of self-love, overcoming past traumas, and building a relationship rooted in trust and support. From navigating single parenthood to blending our families, we share the pivotal moments that shaped us, both individually and as a couple.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• The importance of self-love and personal healing in creating healthy relationships

• How we navigated past traumas and limiting beliefs to build a strong foundation

• The challenges and rewards of blending families and supporting each other's dreams

• Why vulnerability and authenticity are key to a fulfilling life

• The lessons we’ve learned in marriage, parenthood, and personal transformation

This conversation is one of the most raw and heartfelt episodes we’ve ever recorded, and we hope it resonates with you on your own journey.

Don't miss out on this special episode—and if you're ready to take your growth to the next level, grab your ticket to Growth Now Summit Live before sales close!

🎟 Get Your Growth Now Summit Live Ticket Here: www.growthnowsummit.com 

In this episode of the Growth Now Movement, I sit down with David Newman, a powerhouse in the world of personal branding, sales, and authority-building. If you're a CEO, founder, or entrepreneur looking to amplify your visibility, credibility, and revenue, this conversation is packed with insights.

David has spent years helping top business leaders build standout brands, leveraging speaking, publishing, and podcasting as key platforms for growth. We dive into his incredible journey—how he transitioned from marketing to professional speaking and now to teaching the art of selling with his latest book, Do It Selling.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• How to craft a magnetic personal brand that positions you as the go-to authority

• Why being controversial can actually help you stand out and attract the right audience

• The power of publishing, speaking, and podcasting to grow your influence

• The key to relationship-driven sales that actually work—without feeling salesy

• David’s biggest insights from Do It Selling that can help you close more deals and grow your business

If you’re ready to step up your personal brand, master the sales game, and build deeper relationships that drive real business growth, this is the episode for you.

Listen now and take your brand to the next level!

In this episode of the Growth Now Movement Podcast, host Justin Schenck dives into the power of your inner circle and how the people you surround yourself with directly impact your success, mindset, and overall fulfillment. Learn why upgrading your circle is essential and discover five actionable steps to connect with high-achievers, build meaningful relationships, and distance yourself from negativity. If you’re ready to take your life and business to the next level, this episode is a must-listen!

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• The importance of your inner circle in shaping your mindset and success

• How to audit your current relationships and make intentional changes

• Ways to attract and connect with high-achievers

• Strategies for investing in relationships that fuel your growth

• How to become the person that naturally attracts the right people

Resources & Links:

• Join us at Growth Now Summit LIVE!: www.growthnowsummit.com 

Ever wondered what it takes to build a high-quality home studio, leverage AI for content creation, and stay ahead in the digital world? In this episode, I sit down with Junaid Ahmed, a home studio architect, tech enthusiast, and father of four, to explore his incredible journey from beekeeping to becoming a sought-after expert in studio setup and content creation.

Junaid’s story is a testament to the power of curiosity, adaptability, and continuous learning. His relentless pursuit of knowledge has helped him master technology, refine his creative skills, and help countless individuals design the perfect home studio setup. Whether you’re a podcaster, content creator, or entrepreneur, this conversation is packed with game-changing insights on tech, personal growth, and the future of digital media.

In This Episode, We Dive Into:

✔️ How Junaid transitioned from beekeeping to home studio architecture – and the lessons he learned along the way ✔️ The importance of curiosity and continuous learning in achieving success ✔️ The future of podcasting and how to stay ahead in the ever-changing digital landscape ✔️ Why lighting is the most critical element in video production (and how to get it right) ✔️ The power of AI in content creation – how to use it to enhance efficiency and creativity ✔️ The role of family and personal growth in Junaid’s journey to success ✔️ His daily routines, habits, and non-negotiables that keep him productive and focused

Key Takeaways:

• Your environment matters – A well-designed studio setup can drastically improve video quality, engagement, and professionalism.
• AI is revolutionizing content creation – Learn how to integrate AI tools to streamline your workflow and maximize creativity.
• Lighting can make or break your videos – Master this element to create visually compelling content.
• Curiosity fuels success – Embracing lifelong learning opens up new opportunities and keeps you ahead of the curve.
• Family and personal growth are just as important as career success – Junaid shares how he balances both to create a fulfilling life.

If you’re looking to upgrade your studio setup, stay ahead of tech trends, and build a future-proof content strategy, this episode is a must-listen.

Don’t forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE for more expert insights on business, personal growth, and success!

Public speaking isn’t just about being on stage—it’s about building authority, growing your business, and making a lasting impact. In this episode, I sit down with Aurora Gregory, a public speaking expert, to dive deep into the power of speaking and how it can transform both your career and confidence.

Aurora shares her journey, from delivering her first speech at just 14 years old to becoming a sought-after speaker and coach. We break down the key elements of a compelling speech, who should consider public speaking, and how to craft a message that resonates with your audience.

If you’ve ever felt nervous about speaking in front of an audience, this conversation is packed with practical strategies to overcome fear, connect with your audience, and land speaking opportunities that can elevate your brand and business.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

✔️ Why public speaking is one of the most powerful tools for business growth and personal brand building ✔️ The biggest myths about becoming a successful speaker—and how to move past them ✔️ How to craft a compelling speech that leaves a lasting impact ✔️ The importance of knowing your audience and tailoring your message for maximum engagement ✔️ How to manage nerves and stage fright with proven techniques ✔️ Why having a few signature talks can open doors to new opportunities ✔️ Where to find speaking engagements and how to position yourself as an expert

Who Should Listen?

• Entrepreneurs looking to grow their business through public speaking
• Aspiring speakers who want to get started but don’t know where to begin
• Professionals wanting to improve communication and leadership skills
• Anyone who struggles with fear of public speaking and wants actionable tips to overcome it

Key Takeaways:

• Speaking is a Business Growth Tool – Public speaking can help position you as an authority, attract new clients, and increase visibility.
• Confidence Comes with Practice – The best speakers weren’t born that way. They mastered their craft through experience and preparation.
• Clarity is Key – A great speech is not about impressing people with big words, but about delivering a message that’s clear, concise, and impactful.
• Your Audience Matters – Knowing who you're speaking to allows you to connect and leave a lasting impression.
• Opportunities are Everywhere – From podcasts to conferences, networking events to virtual summits, there are countless places to share your message.

If you’re ready to level up your speaking skills, grow your business, and make a real impact, this episode is a must-listen.

In this episode, I sit down with Angie Callen, a former engineer turned career coach and entrepreneur, whose journey is nothing short of inspiring. Angie shares how she walked away from a traditional, stable career in engineering to pursue her true passion—helping people build careers and lives they love.

We dive into the mindset shifts, challenges, and breakthroughs that came with this transition, and how she leveraged her analytical background to become an in-demand career strategist. Angie opens up about the lessons she’s learned along the way, from navigating financial ruin and living in a school bus to rebuilding her life on her own terms.

This conversation is packed with wisdom on career transitions, personal resilience, and the power of emotional intelligence. If you’ve ever felt stuck in a job that doesn’t align with your values, this episode will give you the motivation and actionable advice to take control of your future.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• How Angie transitioned from engineering to coaching and built a thriving business
• Why self-awareness is key to designing a career and life that align with your values
• The role of grace and emotional intelligence in leadership, coaching, and personal growth
• How to navigate career pivots and make bold moves, even when they feel risky
• The power of a supportive partner in times of change and reinvention
• Angie’s personal story of hitting rock bottom, living in a school bus, and rebuilding from scratch
• Why taking calculated risks is essential for growth, success, and fulfillment

Key Takeaways:

• Passion Can Lead to Profit – You don’t have to stay stuck in a career that doesn’t excite you. Angie’s story proves that following your passion can also lead to success.
• Embrace Change with Courage – Major life and career transitions can be intimidating, but they’re often the key to discovering your true potential.
• Emotional Intelligence Matters – Success isn’t just about skills and hard work—it’s about how you communicate, connect, and lead with empathy.
• The Power of Resilience – Angie’s journey from financial hardship to entrepreneurship is a testament to perseverance and believing in yourself.
• Your Career Should Support Your Life—Not the Other Way Around – A fulfilling career is one that aligns with your values, lifestyle, and long-term vision.

If you’re ready to step outside your comfort zone, embrace change, and build a career that truly fulfills you, this episode is for you.

Listen now and start designing a life on your terms.

Rhonda Smith is back for her fourth appearance on the Growth Now Movement podcast, and this conversation is next-level. Since 2019, Rhonda has undergone a profound transformation, diving deep into self-discovery, healing, and personal growth. In this episode, she shares the raw, unfiltered truth about what it takes to break free from limiting beliefs, redefine success, and step into full authenticity.

We explore:

• The power of vulnerability and why embracing your truth leads to real freedom
• How plant medicine played a pivotal role in Rhonda’s healing journey
• What ‘Empty Success Syndrome’ is and how to break the cycle of chasing external achievements without inner fulfillment
• The importance of functional medicine in uncovering the root causes of physical and emotional health struggles
• How immersive retreats and personalized coaching can help you rewrite your story
• The mindset shifts needed to cultivate true self-worth and inner peace

If you're feeling stuck, questioning your path, or searching for deeper fulfillment, this episode will challenge and inspire you to step into the most authentic version of yourself.

Key Takeaways:

• Authenticity Over Perfection – True success isn’t about external achievements; it’s about living in alignment with who you really are.
• Healing Through Inner Work – Transformation requires self-reflection, courage, and sometimes unconventional methods like plant medicine.
• Breaking Free from ‘Empty Success Syndrome’ – Achievements mean nothing if you don’t feel fulfilled. Learn how to redefine success on your terms.
• Functional Medicine & Holistic Healing – Addressing root causes of health issues can lead to deeper healing—mentally, emotionally, and physically.
• The Power of Immersive Retreats – Why stepping away from daily life and immersing yourself in deep work can accelerate personal growth.
• Creating Inner Peace – Happiness doesn’t come from the next big milestone; it comes from within.

This episode is for entrepreneurs, leaders, and anyone on a journey of self-growth who’s ready to do the work and unlock a deeper level of success and fulfillment.

In this powerful episode of the Growth Now Movement Podcast, I sit down with Paul Hutchinson, a former billionaire investor turned humanitarian, whose life took a dramatic turn when he stepped away from business to fight against child trafficking. You may know Paul as an executive producer of the hit film The Sound of Freedom, a movie that shed light on the global child trafficking crisis. Today, he takes us beyond the screen to share the raw, unfiltered truth about his undercover missions, the psychological and emotional toll of his work, and what we can all do to protect the most vulnerable.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• From Boardrooms to Battlefields: How Paul built and exited Bridge Investment Group, a multi-billion dollar firm, before dedicating his life to humanitarian work.
• The Reality of Human Trafficking: Firsthand insights into the global crisis and the undercover operations working to dismantle trafficking networks.
• Behind The Sound of Freedom: Paul shares how the film came to life and the real-world impact it’s having in raising awareness.
• The Power of Plant Medicine: How Paul uses ancient healing practices to process trauma and continue his mission with resilience.
• Wealth, Purpose & Impact: Why true success isn’t about money, but about making a lasting difference in the world.
• Protecting Our Children: Practical steps we can all take to recognize signs of trafficking and safeguard our communities.

Why This Episode Matters:

• Human trafficking is a global crisis—education and awareness are the first steps toward change.
• Paul’s story is proof that success is about more than money—it’s about impact.
• The Sound of Freedom isn’t just a movie; it’s a wake-up call to take action.

 Key Takeaways:

• Wealth and purpose can go hand in hand when used for good.
• We all have a role to play in protecting children from exploitation.
• Healing past trauma can empower us to create lasting change.

 Tune in Now & Be Part of the Change Hit play and hear the untold stories behind The Sound of Freedom, Paul’s incredible journey, and how you can help protect the next generation.

Join the Movement: What’s your biggest takeaway from this episode? Drop a comment below! Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and turn on notifications so you never miss an episode of the Growth Now Movement Podcast.

In this episode , I had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with Jeff Krauss, a top-tier event planner who has worked with celebrities, Fortune 500 companies, and major organizations to create unforgettable, large-scale events.

Jeff’s story is inspiring—from his humble beginnings as a reluctant college promoter to becoming one of the most sought-after professionals in the industry working with SNL and people like George Clooney. He shares the invaluable lessons he’s learned along the way, including the key ingredients that make an event truly memorable, how to build authentic relationships without being overbearing, and why integrity is the cornerstone of long-term success.

We dive into the behind-the-scenes challenges and triumphs of event planning at the highest level, including Jeff’s incredible work in giving back to the community through charitable events. He also opens up about how the pandemic forced him to rethink his business approach and find innovative ways to adapt and thrive.

Jeff’s insights on the evolution of his business, his strategies for staying at the top of his game, and his unique definition of success will leave you motivated to chase your own dreams.

If you’re curious about the art of event planning, building meaningful connections, or redefining success on your terms, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.

Listen now and discover how to turn your passion into a thriving career while making a lasting impact!

In this episode of the Growth Now Movement Podcast, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Sebastian Rusk, podcasting expert and entrepreneur to uncover the transformative power of podcasting. Whether you're a seasoned podcaster or just thinking about starting your journey, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you elevate your game.

Episode Highlights: Sebastian’s Podcasting Journey

Sebastian shares his inspiring story of how podcasting has shaped his life and business. From humble beginnings to becoming a leading voice in the podcasting world, his journey proves the incredible potential of this medium.

The Building Blocks of a Successful Podcast

We dive into the nuts and bolts of creating a thriving podcast:

• Consistency is Key: Why producing regular, high-quality content is the foundation of success.
• Delegate to Elevate: Sebastian emphasizes the importance of building a team to handle tasks, freeing you up to focus on your strengths.

Podcasting as a Business Growth Tool

Sebastian highlights the networking superpower of podcasting, explaining how interviewing ideal clients can open doors to substantial business opportunities. He also shares strategies for leveraging your podcast to build lasting relationships and grow your influence.

Overcoming Challenges and Fears

We touch on:

• The Fear of Public Speaking: How podcasting can be a stepping stone to building confidence.
• The Power of a Solid Plan: Why success starts with clear, actionable goals.

Defining and Achieving Success

For Sebastian, success is about freedom, quality relationships, and pursuing what you love. He shares daily practices that keep him grounded and focused, offering a roadmap for anyone striving to achieve their version of success.

The Stand-Up Comedy Connection

Sebastian opens up about his venture into stand-up comedy and how it’s sharpened his communication skills, improved his storytelling, and added a new layer of authenticity to his podcasting journey.

Key Takeaways from This Episode:

• Podcasting is more than just content creation—it’s a business tool that can transform your life.
• Building relationships and networking through your show can open doors you never thought possible.
• Success starts with a clear plan and the willingness to step outside your comfort zone.
• Personal growth and professional freedom go hand in hand.

Join the Conversation:

What’s holding you back from starting your podcast? Or, if you’re already podcasting, what’s been the biggest impact on your journey? Share your thoughts with us on social media using #GrowthNowMovement. Don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast and leave a review—we love hearing your feedback!

This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to harness the power of podcasting for personal and professional growth. Tune in now and discover how to create, connect, and thrive through podcasting!