LIVE with The Famous Unshakeable™ Dr. AL

Guest: Neil Wood

Episode Overview

What does it really take to achieve extraordinary success without becoming a pushy salesperson? In this episode, Neil Wood shares how he overcame a difficult childhood, built more than $1 billion in sales, trained over 30,000 sales professionals, and discovered that the greatest sales strategy isn't selling—it's serving. Learn how goal setting, mindset, listening skills, and trusted relationships create sustainable business growth and personal fulfillment.

Key Takeaways

• Success begins with serving others instead of trying to sell.
• Goal setting transforms your future by creating clarity and daily action.
• Listening is the most powerful sales skill—people buy when they feel understood.
• Positive daily habits shape long-term success more than talent alone.
• Mentors, coaches, and consistent learning accelerate personal and financial growth.

Listener Q&A

Q: What's the biggest mistake most salespeople make?

 A: Talking too much instead of asking thoughtful questions and listening carefully to understand the client's real needs.

Q: Can goal setting really change your life?

 A: Neil credits learning goal setting through Zig Ziglar's teachings with transforming his health, career, and financial future.

Q: What's the secret behind generating over $1 billion in sales?

 A: Building trust, becoming a trusted advisor, and focusing on solving problems instead of closing deals.

Q: What's one daily habit everyone should adopt?

 A: Begin each morning with positive input and end each day by reflecting on the best part of your day to reinforce an optimistic mindset.

What You'll Learn From This Episode

• How relationship-based selling outperforms traditional sales tactics.
• Why listening is more valuable than pitching.
• How goal setting creates measurable personal transformation.
• The impact mentors have on long-term success.
• Daily mindset habits that improve both business and life.

Connect with Neil Wood:

• Website: https://www.neilwoodconsulting.com/ 
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/neilwoodsales/  

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Guest: Don Vierboom

Episode Overview

What does it really take to build a business that thrives without depending on you every day? In this episode, business coach Don Vierboom shares practical strategies for helping entrepreneurs escape the daily grind by improving leadership, delegation, financial awareness, and strategic planning. Drawing on 35 years of sales and marketing experience, Don explains why coaching, systems, and the right mindset are essential for sustainable business growth and owner freedom.

Key Takeaways

• Stop trying to do everything yourself—delegation is essential for growth.
• Track sales, profitability, and CRM metrics consistently to make better decisions.
• Build a business that can operate successfully while you're away.
• Hire high performers who create significantly more value than average employees.
• Price based on market value instead of limiting yourself with personal assumptions.

Listener Q&A

Q: How do I know if my business truly gives me freedom?

 If you can't take two to four weeks away without constantly checking in, your business still depends too heavily on you.

Q: What should I delegate first?

 Bookkeeping, accounting, and strategic planning are excellent starting points because they free your time for leadership.

Q: What metrics should every business owner monitor?

 Lead generation, sales pipeline, profitability, gross margin, EBITDA, and overall net profit.

Q: Why do so many business owners underprice themselves?

 Many rely on instinct instead of market research. Understanding your market allows you to confidently charge what your value deserves.

What You'll Learn From This Episode

• How to overcome the mindset that keeps founders trapped as the bottleneck.
• Why coaching accelerates business growth.
• The importance of diagnostics before implementing change.
• How company culture can scale alongside growth.
• Why premium positioning often creates healthier businesses than competing on price.

Connect with Don Vierboom 

• Website: fourtreecoaching.com
• Personal Website: mitchcammidge.com
• LinkedIn (Don Vierboom): https://www.linkedin.com/in/donvierboom/
• LinkedIn (Four Tree Coaching): https://www.linkedin.com/company/four-tree-coaching/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fourtreecoaching/
• X (Twitter): https://x.com/DonVierboom
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@donvierboom11

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Guest: Michael Woods

Episode Overview

What does it take to overcome poverty, addiction, failure, and self-doubt to build a meaningful life? In this inspiring conversation, Michael Woods shares how a single Zig Ziglar cassette changed the course of his future. From high school dropout to successful business leader, author, and motivational speaker, Michael explains why attitude, faith, leadership, and intentional thinking matter more than circumstances. Learn practical strategies for overcoming negativity, leading with purpose, and creating lasting personal growth.

Key Takeaways

• Your past does not determine your future—your choices do.
• The information you consume shapes your mindset and your life.
• Great leaders listen first, serve others, and build trust.
• Daily habits of faith, gratitude, and personal development create long-term success.
• Positive thinking is a discipline developed through consistent action.

Listener Q&A

Q: What changed Michael's life the most?

 A: Hearing Zig Ziglar's Born to Win inspired him to believe he could become more than his circumstances.

Q: How can I stay positive in today's negative world?

 A: Reduce negative inputs, feed your mind with uplifting content, focus on your health, and intentionally practice gratitude.

Q: What's the biggest leadership lesson Michael learned?

 A: Listen deeply to understand what your team is experiencing before trying to lead or solve problems.

Q: What role does faith play in success?

 A: Michael believes spending daily quiet time with God provides direction, peace, and purpose.

What You'll Learn From This Episode

• How mindset determines the direction of your life.
• Why personal growth starts with what you allow into your mind.
• Leadership habits that build stronger teams.
• Practical ways to overcome negativity and adversity.
• How faith and service create lasting fulfillment.

Connect with Michael Woods:

Website: https://michaelwoodsonline.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/motivationwithmichaelwoods/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-woods-34b13586/

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Guest: Carl David

Episode Overview

When Carl David lost his brother to suicide, his family was forever changed. Instead of allowing grief to define his future, he dedicated his life to suicide prevention through writing, filmmaking, and advocacy. In this powerful conversation, Carl shares the realities of surviving suicide loss, the importance of mental health support, and why military personnel, first responders, and families must break the silence around emotional pain. This episode offers hope, practical insights, and a reminder that every life matters.

Key Takeaways

• Healing after suicide is possible, but it requires support and time.
• Asking for professional help is a sign of strength—not weakness.
• Military members and first responders face unique mental health challenges that deserve greater awareness.
• Families should create safe spaces for honest conversations about emotional struggles.
• Suicide prevention begins with education, compassion, and removing stigma.

Listener Q&A

Q: Can someone hide suicidal thoughts even if they seem happy?

 Yes. Carl explains that his brother appeared outgoing and well-liked, showing how emotional pain can remain hidden.

Q: Does grief after suicide ever completely disappear?

 Carl shares that you don't "get over it"—you learn how to live with it through healing and support.

Q: Why do first responders often avoid asking for help?

 Many fear being viewed as weak or losing their careers, making peer support and mental health resources especially important.

Q: What should someone do if they're experiencing dark thoughts?

 Reach out immediately to a trusted person or mental health professional. Seeking help is a courageous first step.

What You'll Learn

• How suicide loss impacts an entire family.
• Why mental health conversations save lives.
• The unique emotional burdens carried by veterans and first responders.
• Healthy approaches to processing grief and trauma.
• Practical ways communities can support those who are struggling.

Connect with Carl David

• Website: Carl-david.com  
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carledavid
• X: https://x.com/97yankee
• Substack: https://forcemultiplier1.substack.com
• Truth Social: https://truthsocial.com/@Forcemultiplier
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carledavid1415
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carledavid1415

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Guest: Amberly Lago

Episode Overview

Resilience isn't something you're born with—it's something you build. In this inspiring conversation, Amberly Lago shares how surviving a devastating motorcycle accident, enduring more than 34 surgeries, and living with chronic pain transformed her perspective on grit, gratitude, faith, and purpose. She also explains how writing a book can open doors to new opportunities while creating lasting impact.

Key Takeaways

• Resilience is built long before you need it through daily habits and discipline.
• Gratitude is one of the fastest ways to shift your mindset during difficult seasons.
• Your greatest struggles can become your greatest purpose when you choose to share your story.
• Success comes from consistent training, preparation, and taking action despite fear.
• Relationships and proximity to experienced mentors accelerate personal and professional growth.

Listener Q&A

Q: How do you stay positive during chronic pain or adversity?

 A: Amberly relies on faith, gratitude, prayer, and intentionally focusing on what she still has instead of what she's lost.

Q: Can difficult experiences actually make you stronger?

 A: Yes. Every challenge develops resilience and grit that prepares you for future obstacles.

Q: Why should someone write a book?

 A: A book creates credibility, opens media opportunities, expands your network, and allows your story to help others.

Q: What's the best way to overcome fear?

 A: Take action anyway. Fear often exaggerates what could happen, while action creates confidence.

What You'll Learn From This Episode

• How to develop resilience before life tests you.
• Practical ways to build a daily gratitude habit.
• Why mindset shapes your ability to recover from setbacks.
• How discipline creates long-term success.
• How sharing your story can create impact while growing your personal brand.

Connect with Amberly Lago:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amberlylago/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amberlylagomotivation/
• Instagram (Podcast): https://www.instagram.com/theamberlylagoshow/
• Instagram (Mastermind): https://www.instagram.com/unstoppablelifemastermind/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amberlybrownlago
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/AmberlyLagoMotivation
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@amberlylago

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Guest: Anette DeMattio

Episode Overview

 What if the strength you've relied on your entire life is actually keeping you stuck? In this powerful conversation, Annette DeMattio shares how surviving six cancer diagnoses, childhood trauma, and years of pushing through led her to discover the hidden dangers of living in constant survival mode. Learn how to recognize burnout, reconnect with your body, ask for help without guilt, and build lasting resilience that supports both your health and relationships.

Key Takeaways

• Being "the strong one" often comes from survival—not true well-being.
• Chronic stress and ignoring your body's signals can contribute to burnout and declining health.
• Small daily acts of self-care create long-term transformation.
• Success without balance can damage your health and relationships.
• Healing begins by learning to receive support instead of carrying everything alone.

Listener Q&A

Q: Why is asking for help so difficult?

 Because many people equate needing help with weakness, making their identity dependent on always being the one who gives.

Q: What are signs I've been carrying too much for too long?

 Persistent headaches, muscle tension, digestive issues, fatigue, chronic pain, and feeling emotionally drained are common warning signs.

Q: Can someone be successful but still be in survival mode?

 Yes. High achievement can mask emotional exhaustion, damaged relationships, and neglected health.

Q: What's one simple habit to start healing today?

 Pause for a few minutes each day to breathe deeply, check in with your body, and ask yourself, "What do I need right now?"

What You'll Learn From This Episode

• How survival mode quietly shapes your decisions.
• The connection between emotional patterns and physical well-being.
• Why resilience includes receiving help—not just giving it.
• Practical ways to reduce stress through simple daily rituals.
• How to become "soul strong" without sacrificing yourself for everyone else.

Connect with Anette DeMattio:

• Official Website
• LinkedIn
• Instagram
• YouTube

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What does it take to create a lasting legacy that transforms lives? In this episode, Tom Ziglar shares the vision behind the Zig Ziglar 100th Birthday Celebration, highlighting the principles of personal growth, leadership, communication, business success, and influence. Learn how world-class leaders have applied Zig Ziglar's timeless philosophy to achieve extraordinary results while helping others succeed.

Key Takeaways

• Lasting success comes from transforming yourself before you can positively influence others.
• Effective communication starts with understanding different personality styles through the DISC profile.
• Strong relationships and trust are the foundation of leadership and business growth.
• Systems and processes allow entrepreneurs to build businesses that serve them instead of controlling them.
• Legacy is built by helping others grow and "being the light" in your community.

Listener Q&A

Q: What is the main purpose of the Ziglar 100 event?

 A: To inspire personal transformation that empowers attendees to positively impact their families, businesses, and communities.

Q: What is the DISC personality profile?

 A: DISC identifies four primary personality styles—Dominance, Influence, Steadiness, and Conscientiousness—to help people communicate more effectively with others.

Q: Why is communication style so important?

 A: People respond best when information is presented in the way they naturally receive it, making relationships and leadership more effective.

Q: What lesson can entrepreneurs take from this conversation?

 A: Build repeatable systems so your business can grow without making you a prisoner of your own company.

What You'll Learn From This Episode

• How personal transformation leads to greater influence.
• The fundamentals of the DISC personality framework.
• Ways to improve communication with different personality types.
• Why trust and relationships drive long-term success.
• Practical business lessons from leaders influenced by Zig Ziglar.

Connect with Tom Ziglar:

• Official Website: https://ziglar.com
• Ziglar 100 Event: https://ziglar100.com/
• Life Changing Programs: https://ziglar.com/life-changing-programs
• Online Store: https://ziglar.com/online-store
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/zigziglar
• X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/TheZigZiglar
• TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@zigziglarofficial
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ZiglarLife

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Guest: Tom Ziglar

Episode Overview

In this inspiring conversation, Tom Ziglar shares the vision behind the once-in-a-lifetime celebration of Zig Ziglar's 100th birthday and explains how Zig's timeless principles continue to shape leaders, entrepreneurs, sales professionals, and families worldwide. From servant leadership and ethical selling to discovering truth, personal transformation, and creating lasting impact, this episode offers practical wisdom anyone can apply to their own life and career.

Key Takeaways

• Success begins by helping others solve their problems before focusing on making a sale.
• Personal transformation comes first; lasting influence comes through amplifying what you've learned.
• Great leadership is rooted in truth, service, integrity, and purpose.
• Every product or service that genuinely solves a problem carries a moral responsibility to be shared.
• Your identity should be built on truth—not limiting stories or past failures.

Listener Q&A

Q: What is the purpose of the Ziglar 100 event?

 A: To celebrate Zig Ziglar's legacy while equipping attendees with practical strategies for leadership, business, sales, faith, and personal growth from world-class speakers influenced by Zig.

Q: What does "selling is serving" really mean?

 A: Great sales begin by understanding someone's challenges. When your product genuinely solves a problem, offering it becomes an act of service rather than persuasion.

Q: What is "Transformation to Amplification"?

 A: First, improve yourself by changing your thinking and actions. Then use your growth to positively impact others in your family, business, and community.

Q: How can someone overcome limiting beliefs?

 A: By identifying false stories they've believed about themselves and replacing them with truthful beliefs that unlock their potential and purpose.

What You'll Learn From This Episode

• How servant leadership creates long-term influence.
• Why ethical selling starts with solving problems.
• The connection between purpose, truth, and personal growth.
• How successful leaders multiply their impact by helping others succeed.
• Practical mindset shifts that lead to greater confidence and fulfillment.

Connect with Tom Ziglar:

• Official Website: https://ziglar.com
• Ziglar 100 Event: https://ziglar100.com/
• Life Changing Programs: https://ziglar.com/life-changing-programs
• Online Store: https://ziglar.com/online-store
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/zigziglar
• X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/TheZigZiglar
• TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@zigziglarofficial
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ZiglarLife

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Guest: Susie Singer Carter

Episode Overview

Long-term care is a topic most families avoid—until they have no choice. In this eye-opening episode, filmmaker and advocate Susie Singer Carter shares how her mother's experience in a five-star nursing facility exposed widespread failures within the long-term care system. She discusses understaffing, preventable neglect, patient advocacy, and why public awareness is essential to reform. Through her documentary No Country for Old People and advocacy organization ROAR 4 LTC, Susie is mobilizing families across America to demand accountability and dignity for aging loved ones.

Key Takeaways

• Many long-term care problems stem from chronic understaffing and profit-driven business models.
• Families should educate themselves before a loved one requires care because crises make informed decisions harder.
• Preventable issues like pressure sores and medication misuse remain widespread despite existing regulations.
• Storytelling and public awareness can drive meaningful healthcare reform.
• Collective action—including advocacy events and community organizing—can create pressure for systemic change.

Listener Q&A

Q: Why do problems happen even in highly rated nursing homes?

 A: Susie explains that ratings don't always reflect day-to-day care. Understaffing and operational issues can exist even in top-rated facilities, making family vigilance essential.

Q: What are "never events" in long-term care?

 A: Pressure sores, also called bed sores, are considered preventable by federal guidelines and should not occur when patients receive proper care and monitoring.

Q: How can families advocate for change?

 A: Susie believes public pressure is the most powerful force. She encourages people to educate themselves, share stories, and participate in advocacy initiatives.

Q: What kept Susie motivated after losing her mother?

 A: Love. She says her mother's suffering inspired her mission to ensure others don't endure the same experience and to advocate with empathy and compassion.

What You'll Learn From This Episode

• How the long-term care system operates behind the scenes.
• Warning signs families should watch for in nursing homes.
• Why preparation is critical before a care crisis occurs.
• How advocacy movements create healthcare reform.
• The role love, empathy, and community play in caregiving and change.

Connect with Susie Singer Carter:

• ROAR 4 LTC
• No Country for Old People Website
• No Country For Old People - Amazon Prime
• Instagram
• Facebook
• TikTok
• LinkedIn
• YouTube
• Substack
• Love Conquers Alz Podcast

Click here to claim your free gift: The Family Guide to Long-Term Care Advocacy

Guest: Anne L. Smith 

Episode Overview

 What happens when you realize the life you've built no longer reflects who you are? In this episode, author and speaker Anne L. Smith shares her journey through gray divorce after a 30-year marriage and the difficult process of reclaiming her identity. She discusses boundaries, therapy, journaling, and the courage it takes to create a more authentic life after 50. The conversation offers practical insights for anyone navigating major life transitions, relationships, or personal reinvention.

Key Takeaways

• Boundaries are essential for maintaining your identity within any relationship.
• A relationship can slowly deteriorate over time without a single defining moment.
• Therapy and self-reflection can uncover deep-rooted beliefs that shape our choices.
• Journaling creates clarity, helps process emotions, and supports healing.
• You are a whole person on your own—not someone's "other half."

Listener Q&A

Q: What is a gray divorce?

 A: Gray divorce refers to divorces among people aged 50 and older. Anne explains that this demographic now accounts for a significant portion of divorces in the U.S., driven by longer life expectancy, changing social norms, and a desire for fulfillment later in life.

Q: Was there one moment that made Anne leave?

 A: No. She describes it as a "slow burn"—years of emotional distance and gradually losing herself within the relationship.

Q: How did she heal after the divorce?

 A: Through therapy, journaling, reading, and building a supportive inner circle that encouraged honesty and growth.

Q: What's her biggest lesson?

 A: You are already whole. Healthy boundaries help you love others without losing yourself.

What You'll Learn From This Episode

• How to recognize when you've lost your identity in a relationship.
• Why boundaries are a form of self-respect, not selfishness.
• The emotional realities of divorce later in life.
• Practical ways journaling can improve mental clarity.
• How to embrace personal growth and create a fulfilling next chapter.

Connect with Anne L. Smith:

• Official Website
• LinkedIn – Lydia Anne Smith
• Instagram – @annesmithauthor

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