Longfire

In this episode, I sit down with independent country artist Willie Austing to talk about his path into music, his new EP Outgrown, and what it actually takes to build a craft over time. We get into songwriting, recording, early live shows, and the reality of developing skills across multiple areas at once.

Willie shares the behind-the-scenes side of the process, including burnout, self-teaching instruments, and what it feels like to get completely locked into your work for hours at a time. We also talk about balancing a full-time job, relationships, and creative work, and what separates people who stick with it from those who don’t.

00:18 Intro to Willie Austing
01:31 Willie's background, sports, and how music started
02:27 New EP Outgrown, burnout, and why sometimes less is more
06:37 Songwriting process, melody vs. words, and the story behind “Two Birds”
10:24 Why smooth wording matters, plus the Game of Thrones coffee cup analogy
13:00 Learning guitar, sound, recording, and becoming self-sufficient
21:16 First open mics, first paid gig, and learning live performance
30:54 Wedding performances, nerves, and opening for Rodney Atkins
37:07 Worst gig story and what rough reps teach you
42:30 Musical influences and what shaped his sound
45:29 Social media, posting music, and trying to reach new people
49:18 Balancing a full-time job, relationships, health, and music
57:14 The long-term dream, AI, and protecting the human side of art
01:02:15 College football, Texas fandom, and fall Saturdays
01:14:31 Rapid fire round
01:22:54 Final wisdom and where to find Willie

Find Willie Austing Here:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/willie_austing/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@willie_music_
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5wpW51yR2aENy8QINandGP?si=RsKNYIBKSrCb6PZDK7OXuA
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/willie-austing/1739712915

Michael Alberse joins Pieces of Impact to talk about his path from building out a cargo van in college to living in it while working at Google, all while stacking capital and learning how to invest with more intention. We get into how that season shaped his habits, why he focuses on cash-flowing and alternative investments today, and how he’s building a brand around teaching personal finance in a more practical, honest way.

We also talk through the difference between chasing flashy deals and building a real financial foundation, the role of CPAs and good operators, his best and worst investments so far, and why he believes money should be used as a tool rather than something to worship. This was a thoughtful conversation on risk, freedom, and building a life that actually fits.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Michael Alberse

02:37 From Van Life to Financial Freedom

06:35 The Journey of Cash Flow Goals

10:59 Building a Social Media Presence

17:32 Micro Investing as a Business

23:05 Creating Value Through Education

27:53 The Importance of Humility and Feedback

28:14 The Value of Hiring a CPA

29:04 Understanding Taxes and Income Types

31:44 Starting a Business: Lessons Learned

34:34 Organizing Investments for Growth

36:47 Aligning Financial Goals in Relationships

39:34 Best and Worst Investment Deals

44:17 Lessons from Investment Failures

45:56 Balancing Cash Flow and Equity Growth

47:55 Future Goals and Vision

49:52 The Role of Money in Life

52:06 Rapid Fire Questions

Steele Chambers joins Pieces of Impact to talk about his path from growing up in Georgia to Ohio State, his stops in the NFL, and what life looks like in the UFL. We get into a typical day in camp and how he’s started building a voice in media through his Tape Talk breakdowns and the Bobby Carpenter show.

We also cover the position change that reshaped his career, the cookie jar mindset that helped him through fall camp, and his take on NIL and the transfer portal. Subscribe for more conversations focusing on business, fitness, sports, and the outdoors.

• 00:00 Intro + Steele’s background
• 01:32 A day in UFL camp
• 02:34 Tape Talk, group chat prep, and the Bobby Carpenter show
• 07:11 NFL vs UFL differences
• 08:26 Choosing Ohio State
• 11:00 First workouts and adjusting to the level of speed
• 15:56 Cookie jar, calluses, and mat drills
• 16:40 Switching from running back to linebacker
• 30:22 NIL + transfer portal thoughts
• 38:09 Handling the grind early in college
• 41:11 NFL camp pressure
• 47:18 Media path and Big Ten Network boot camp
• 52:30 Rapid fire
• 58:01 Wrap up wisdom
• 59:11 Where to find Steele

In this solo episode, I hit four topics I’ve been thinking about lately: the surprisingly interesting history of the spoon fishing lure, the new Harry Potter HBO series, why I’m all-in on the Red Rising books, and how I’m trying to stand out with authentic outreach in an AI-heavy world.

Pieces of Impact is where I document conversations (and occasional solo episodes) about business, fitness, sports, and the outdoors, among other things. If you enjoy this one, share it with a friend and subscribe.

00:00 Intro

01:24 Exploring Spoon Fishing Lures

05:38 The New Harry Potter HBO Series

08:41 Diving into Red Rising

11:33 Standing Out in an AI-Driven World

18:04 Conclusion

Jakob James joins Pieces of Impact to talk about his journey from Cincinnati to Ohio State and Toledo, and what big-time college football really teaches you about discipline, adversity, and long-term growth. We go behind the scenes on game week preparation, locker room dynamics, NIL, the transfer portal, and what it takes to earn trust inside a top program.

We also discuss life after football, how to handle setbacks, and why Jakob believes instant gratification is the biggest trap. If you’re building something in your own life, this episode is a reminder that real progress comes from doing the small things right, over and over again.

00:00 Introduction and Background of Jakob James

02:47 Transitioning from High School to College Football

05:58 Recruitment Journey to Ohio State

08:42 Adjusting to College Life and Training

11:54 Experiences with Coaches and Training Staff

14:55 Strength and Conditioning at Ohio State

18:00 Navigating Coaching Changes and Team Dynamics

20:57 The Impact of NIL and Transfer Portal on College Football

24:06 Game Week Structure and Expectations

26:45 Conclusion and Future Outlook

33:09 Weekly Practice Breakdown

39:03 Game Day Rituals

45:35 Navigating the Transfer Portal

52:02 The Future of College Football

01:03:15 Adversity and Development in Sports

01:10:51 Roster Restructuring in College Football

01:15:58 The Importance of Off-Field Environment

01:17:02 Transitioning from Ohio State to Toledo

01:21:20 The Coaching Path and Its Challenges

01:23:59 Lessons from Adversity

01:25:30 Exploring Future Career Paths

01:27:24 Rapid Fire Round: Toughest Opponents

01:30:43 Memorable Game Environments

01:33:13 Proposed Changes to College Football

01:36:09 A Day of Freedom and Reflection

01:37:20 Final Wisdom and Takeaways

Adam Breneman is a former college football player turned broadcaster and entrepreneur. In this episode, we talk about how he reinvented himself after football, the mentors and moments that shaped his mindset, and why he believes “volume negates luck” when you’re trying to build something real.

We also get into the business behind his content: how he earns trust and access with coaches, how brand partnerships actually work when you have real attention, why he likes equity as the upside play, and why real estate is a foundational long-term strategy. If you enjoy conversations with builders, operators, and people creating momentum, subscribe for more.

00:00 — Intro + what Adam’s building now

01:11 — Career pivots + leaving football identity behind

10:40 — The trait Adam sees in successful people (“will things to happen”)

11:51 — Herm Edwards mentorship + leadership + perspective

19:51 — Big Ten / college football talk (favorite stadiums, underrated programs)

24:22 — Adam’s weekly cadence + offseason tour plan (12 schools in ~15 days)

28:00 — Why he loves real estate + how he got started

31:55 — His wealth stack: cash-flow engine vs equity upside vs real estate preservation

36:09 — Trust, access, and why he won’t trade relationships for “breaking news”

40:13 — Final wisdom: “volume negates luck” + “no one’s thinking about you”

In this episode of the Pieces of Impact podcast, I sit down with Spencer Wonder, founder of Terra Firma Tackle. We talk about Spencer’s path from marine science and teaching to building a tackle company, what it looks like to run a product business with a small team, and why reputation and quality control matter.

We also get into great white sharks, how land-based shark fishing is changing fast, and why social media and drone fishing can create real risk for the future of the sport if the content reaches the wrong audience.

00:00 Introduction to Spencer Wonder

02:58 Spencer's Journey in Fishing and Education

06:03 The Business of Tackle and Gear

08:47 Adventures in Extreme Fishing

12:01 Unique Fish Caught and Future Goals

14:46 Business Aspirations and Future Plans

18:01 Networking and Community in Fishing

20:50 Great White Sharks and Conservation

24:02 The Responsibility of Fishing in the Public Eye

27:02 Misunderstandings in Land-Based Shark Fishing

29:44 A Day in the Life of Spencer Wonder

35:20 Navigating Challenges in Business

39:48 Lessons from Pre-Orders and Customer Service

41:05 The Impact of COVID-19 on Business Growth

43:30 Leveraging Social Media for Success

45:13 The Importance of Language and Culture in Travel

48:48 Adventures in South America and Africa

54:27 The Art of Fishing: Techniques and Experiences

01:00:02 Rapid Fire Insights and Personal Favorites

Dylan Wier and Blaine Kenny of Coastal Worldwide discuss what it takes to build a fishing business and a media brand that lasts. They share how they met, how the company evolved from an earlier venture, and why they hire for character and attention to detail before fishing experience.

The conversation dives into how they think about social media as a long game, why each platform needs its own strategy, and how staying authentic matters more than chasing views. They also break down the reality of sponsorships and why they only promote products they genuinely trust.

They also get real about the responsibility that comes with land based shark fishing, including ethics, safety rules, education, and why protecting the future of the sport matters. Plus, behind the scenes on what a full beach charter day looks like, and a few rapid fire favorites at the end.

00:00
Introduction to the Guests and Their Backgrounds
02:40
The Formation of Coastal Worldwide
05:24
Hiring Process and Character Evaluation
08:31
Business Strategy and Social Media Focus
11:36
Success and Future Goals
14:43
Social Media Platforms and Content Creation
17:33
Engagement and Audience Connection
20:15
Brand Partnerships and Sponsorships
34:54
Navigating Brand Deals and Sponsorships
50:49
The Future of Shark Fishing and Ethical Practices
01:09:03
The Unique Fishing Experience
01:10:28
Creating Lasting Memories
01:11:51
Delivering Value Beyond the Catch
01:12:48
The Importance of Hiring the Right People
01:17:13
Great White Shark Encounters
01:20:41
Influences in Content Creation
01:23:48
The Emotional Connection with Viewers
01:25:50
Wisdom and Happiness in Sharing Experiences

In this episode of Pieces of Impact, I sit down with Erick Dent, a Charleston based photographer and fly fisherman whose life revolves around the outdoors.

We talk about balancing photography with fly fishing, building a personal brand through consistent work, and the unique challenges of fishing and filming in Charleston. The conversation also dives into fly fishing itself, including mindset, ethics, fly tying, and the philosophy behind catch and release. Along the way, we touch on wildlife encounters, DIY projects, and why time in nature has a way of cutting through the noise.

About Erick: 

Erick Dent is a photographer based in Charleston, South Carolina, dedicated to promoting an active outdoor lifestyle. He has been shooting professionally for over 10 years, including several years as a full time photographer for Vineyard Vines, with work ranging from the Kentucky Derby to the Everglades.

Born and raised on the Gulf Coast of Florida, Erick developed a deep connection to the ocean and the natural world, preparing him to work in demanding environments where heat, cold, bugs, and sharks are part of the job. Outside of photography, he’s a semi-pro fly angler, practiced bush mechanic, amateur tailor, intentional vagabond, and animal control expert, to name a few.

00:00 Introduction to Erick Dent and His Journey

05:06 Life in Connecticut and Transition to Charleston

09:49 The Shift in Work Culture and Leaving Vineyard Vines

15:02 Daily Life and Photography in Fishing

20:07 Building Partnerships with Brands

24:45 Fishing Techniques and Experiences in Charleston

27:47 The Nuances of Fishing and Photography

33:09 Wildlife Encounters and Nature's Beauty

37:57 The Challenges of Fishing and Filming

43:01 Final Thoughts on Fishing and Life Lessons

51:46 Navigating the Challenges of Fly Fishing

54:36 The Ethics of Technology in Fishing

58:10 The Art and Science of Fly Tying

01:00:37 Catch and Release: A Fisherman's Philosophy

01:01:36 The Balance of Gear and Technique

01:04:49 Capturing the Moment: Photography on the Water

01:07:53 Exploring Diverse Fishing Species

01:10:37 Planning Fishing Trips: Strategy and Research

01:13:49 The Joy of DIY: Crafting and Tailoring

01:18:58 Understanding Wildlife: Animal Control Insights

01:22:57 Rapid Fire Round: Insights and Reflections

01:33:37 Final Thoughts: The Importance of Nature

Want to get your health and wellness in order without overcomplicating it? This quick solo episode breaks health and wellness down into three simple pillars: diet, movement, and sleep.

Diet: learn your intake by tracking calories
Movement: hit 10,000 steps a day in easy chunks
Sleep: build toward 7.5 to 8.5 hours with simple habits like consistent bedtimes, morning sunlight, and a short walk after dinner

Save this as a simple reset you can come back to anytime.

00:00
Intro: The Only 3 Things You Actually Need for Better Health
01:05
Diet: Gaining Awareness on Food Intake
05:25
Movement: 10,000 steps a Day
07:05
Sleep: Aim for 7.5-8.5 Hours Per Night
12:26
Wrapping Up