JDS podcast

In this inspiring episode of the JDS Podcast, host Joshua Agbontaen sits down with leadership strategist, financial services professional, and author Chad Betz to explore why success doesn’t have an expiration date.

After decades in leadership, finance, consulting, and executive coaching, Chad discovered that many accomplished professionals aren’t stuck because they lack talent—they’re trapped by outdated definitions of success, fear of change, and the sunk cost fallacy.

Together, Joshua and Chad unpack career reinvention, burnout, leadership, mindset, authenticity, and how to build a life that reflects who you are today—not who you were years ago.

In this episode, we discuss:

* Why smart people stay on the wrong path

* The hidden cost of playing it safe

* Career reinvention at any age

* Burnout and redefining success

* The sunk cost fallacy in life and business

* Leadership during uncertainty

* Self-awareness and personal growth

* Building confidence through experience

* Creating authentic success

Whether you’re an entrepreneur, executive, or someone questioning what’s next, this conversation will help you rethink success and embrace your next chapter with confidence.

In this thought-provoking episode of the JDS Podcast, host Joshua Agbontaen sits down with retired psychotherapist, author, and trauma expert Phyllis E. Leavitt to explore how personal healing and collective healing are deeply connected.

With more than 34 years of experience helping individuals, couples, families, and survivors of trauma, Phyllis shares why many of today’s biggest societal challenges—from division and conflict to violence and fear—often have roots in unresolved emotional wounds.

Drawing from her latest book, America in Therapy, this conversation examines trauma, emotional healing, spiritual growth, forgiveness, healthy relationships, and how healing ourselves can create healthier communities and a more compassionate world.

In this episode, we discuss:

* Childhood trauma and emotional healing

* The connection between personal and societal healing

* Why unresolved pain fuels conflict

* Spirituality and psychotherapy

* Breaking cycles of violence

* Forgiveness and emotional freedom

* Healing relationships after conflict

* Raising emotionally healthy children

* Hope in divided times

* Creating lasting inner peace

Whether you’re seeking personal healing, healthier relationships, or a deeper understanding of today’s world, this conversation offers wisdom, compassion, and practical hope.

In this episode of the JDS Podcast, host Joshua Agbontaen sits down with Terrence L. Rotering, retired U.S. Air Force officer, former NORAD weapon systems officer, and author of the eleven-book Chronicles Series.

After serving more than 35 years in military service, Terrence devoted two years to creating a 5,000-page epic that blends fantasy, science fiction, and spiritual warfare into a unique multiverse inspired by literary legends such as Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, Frank Peretti, and Isaac Asimov.

Together, they explore the creative process, the intersection of faith and fiction, world-building, perseverance, purpose, and the power of storytelling to inspire hope and transformation.

In this episode, we discuss:

* Transitioning from military service to becoming an author

* Writing an eleven-book epic series

* Fantasy, science fiction, and spiritual warfare

* Building immersive fictional worlds

* Faith and storytelling

* Creativity and perseverance

* Lessons from military leadership

* Why stories shape culture

* Finding purpose after retirement

* Leaving a meaningful legacy

Whether you’re an aspiring writer, a fan of epic fantasy, or someone passionate about meaningful storytelling, this conversation will leave you inspired.

In this inspiring episode of the JDS Podcast, host Joshua Agbontaen sits down with Gaylen Wilson—heart transplant survivor, 20-years-sober recovering alcoholic, Certified Thriving Relationship Coach, and co-founder of The Monument Method Institute.

Gaylen’s journey is one of remarkable resilience. From losing his farm and rebuilding multiple careers to overcoming addiction, surviving end-stage heart failure, and receiving a life-saving heart transplant, he has learned that life’s greatest challenges often become our greatest teachers.

Together, Joshua and Gaylen explore the power of reinvention, emotional safety in relationships, men’s mental health, recovery, forgiveness, conflict repair, and how to build relationships that can withstand life’s toughest seasons.

In this episode, we discuss:

* Reinvention after failure and loss

* Living with purpose after a second chance

* Recovery from addiction

* Heart transplant survival

* Men’s mental health and vulnerability

* Emotional safety in relationships

* Conflict repair and intimacy

* Marriage through adversity

* Redefining success after life’s biggest setbacks

* Building relationships that last

This is a conversation about hope, resilience, healing, and choosing to build a life worth coming home to.

In this fascinating and deeply human episode of the JDS Podcast, host Joshua Agbontaen sits down with Janet Goodwin — Reiki Master Teacher, medium, Akashic Record reader, and creator of ADHD-friendly energy healing tools designed specifically for busy, overstimulated nervous systems.

Janet works at the intersection of neurodivergence, nervous system regulation, spirituality, and practical healing. Her work challenges the idea that traditional wellness practices work for everyone — especially people with ADHD brains who struggle with stillness, overwhelm, racing thoughts, emotional exhaustion, and nervous system dysregulation.

Through Reiki, ADHD-focused meditations, energy work, mediumship, and Akashic Record readings, Janet helps people better understand themselves while creating healing practices that actually feel accessible instead of frustrating.

In this episode, we explore:

* Why traditional wellness advice often fails ADHD brains

* Nervous system regulation for neurodivergent people

* Reiki and energy healing explained simply

* ADHD, overstimulation, and emotional exhaustion

* Why “just meditate” doesn’t work for everyone

* Spirituality without perfection or pressure

* Mediumship and Akashic Record readings

* The connection between intuition and neurodivergence

* Healing shame around ADHD and being “too much”

* Building practical healing tools for real life

This is a grounded, insightful, and surprisingly funny conversation about healing, self-understanding, nervous system support, and learning how to work with your brain instead of constantly fighting against it.

🔗 Connect with Janet:

Good Luna Healing Store

In this eye-opening episode of the JDS Podcast, host Joshua Agbontaen sits down with Craig Meriwether, Clinical Hypnotherapist, Medical Hypnosis Specialist, and Subconscious Transformation Expert.

For more than 16 years, Craig has helped people overcome anxiety, trauma, self-sabotage, chronic stress, depression, performance fears, and emotionally rooted physical symptoms by working directly with the subconscious mind.

Many people understand what needs to change in their lives, yet continue repeating the same patterns. Why? According to Craig, insight alone isn’t enough. Real transformation happens when change reaches the subconscious level where beliefs, emotions, habits, and survival patterns are stored.

In this conversation, Craig explains what hypnotherapy really is, how it differs from traditional talk therapy, why the subconscious mind drives so much of our behavior, and how people can begin creating lasting change without reliving painful experiences.

In this episode, we discuss:

* What hypnotherapy really is

* Why talk therapy sometimes falls short

* The science behind subconscious change

* Anxiety, trauma, and nervous system regulation

* Why people repeat unwanted patterns

* Healing without reliving painful memories

* Emotional roots of physical symptoms

* Hypnosis myths and misconceptions

* PTSD, performance anxiety, and confidence

* Practical tools for calming the mind

This is a fascinating conversation about healing, transformation, and unlocking the power of the subconscious mind.

In this powerful episode of the JDS Podcast, host Joshua Agbontaen sits down with Corey Jefferson—U.S. Navy submarine veteran, executive coach, founder of Ester Media Group, and creator of the COPE Method.

Corey’s story isn’t about avoiding hardship—it’s about learning how to move through it. After serving in the military and leading in high-pressure corporate environments, a devastating personal loss forced him to rethink everything he knew about leadership, resilience, grief, and emotional health.

Together, Joshua and Corey explore burnout, toxic workplaces, emotional intelligence, military transition, difficult conversations, personal growth, and why healthy coping skills are one of the most overlooked leadership tools today.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, emotionally exhausted, or stuck carrying burdens in silence, this conversation offers practical wisdom and hope.

In this episode, we discuss:

* The story behind the COPE Method

* Leadership under pressure

* Grief, loss, and emotional resilience

* Burnout and workplace culture

* Military lessons that shape leadership

* Emotional intelligence and self-awareness

* Difficult conversations and accountability

* Healthy coping strategies

* Personal growth through adversity

* Leading yourself before leading others

In this thought-provoking episode of the JDS Podcast, host Joshua Agbontaen sits down with Mohamed Nabil—author, social innovator, creator of AIDOP (AI Debates on One’s Publications), and advocate for using artificial intelligence to challenge ideas rather than simply confirm them.

Mohamed has authored several books, including My Interview with ChatGPT, Philosophical Debates with AI, Ideas That Survived AIDOP, and Truth Is Sexy. His work explores the intersection of artificial intelligence, philosophy, democracy, education, creativity, and the future of society.

Together, Joshua and Mohamed discuss how AI is reshaping human thinking, why critical thinking matters more than ever, the future of education, the ethics of AI, and how people can collaborate with technology without losing their humanity.

Whether you’re an entrepreneur, leader, student, or simply curious about the future, this conversation will challenge the way you think about artificial intelligence and its role in our world.

In this episode, we discuss:

* The inspiration behind AIDOP

* Human-AI collaboration

* AI and critical thinking

* The future of education

* Philosophy in the age of AI

* Creativity and innovation

* The ethics of artificial intelligence

* Enlightened Populism

* Technology and social impact

* Preparing for the future of work

Learn more about Mohamed Nabil and his work at: Mohamed Nabil’s Website

In this encouraging episode of the JDS Podcast, host Joshua Agbontaen sits down with Dr. Bill Senyard—pastor, biblical scholar, author, and speaker with over 30 years of ministry experience.

Dr. Bill has dedicated his life to helping Christians, parents, and leaders move beyond performance-driven faith and discover the freedom of living deeply rooted in God’s grace. Through his Good Enough book series, he addresses identity, parenting, shame, emotional health, forgiveness, and spiritual growth with both biblical wisdom and practical insight.

Together, Joshua and Dr. Bill explore why so many believers struggle with feeling “not good enough,” how grace transforms our relationships, and what it truly means to live loved instead of striving for approval.

Learn more about Dr. Bill and his resources: https://gospel-app.com/dr-bills-book/

In this empowering episode of the JDS Podcast, host Joshua Agbontaen sits down with Karen R. F. Mitchell, also known as The Empress Lioness—author, transformational coach, speaker, and host of The Empress Lioness Podcast.

Karen shares her deeply personal journey from surviving trauma to embracing authenticity, self-worth, and sovereign leadership. Together, they explore healing, rebuilding identity, overcoming adversity, personal growth, and what it truly means to move from survival into purpose.

They also discuss Karen’s upcoming book, Becoming The Empress Lioness: Rising from Survival into Sovereignty, and the powerful message behind it.

Learn more about Karen and join the Becoming List:

https://www.karenrfmitchell.com/

In this episode, we discuss:

* Rising from survival into sovereignty

* Healing emotional wounds

* Rebuilding identity and self-worth

* Authentic leadership

* Personal transformation

* The power of becoming

* Spiritual growth

* Lessons from Becoming The Empress Lioness

* Finding purpose after adversity

* Living with confidence and authenticity