Mindset Mavericks

In this episode of Mindset Mavericks, Jon Coogan interviews Dr. Danny Brassell, who shares his journey from a teacher to a successful public speaker. Danny discusses the importance of storytelling in communication, the art of connecting with audiences, and the strategies for overcoming stage fright. He emphasizes the significance of practice, empathy, and understanding your audience to create impactful presentations. The conversation also touches on the lessons learned from adversity and the importance of building a brand through effective communication.

Takeaways

• Danny Brassell's journey includes multiple career pivots, showcasing resilience.
• Public speaking is a skill that can be developed with practice.
• Empathy plays a crucial role in connecting with audiences.
• Crafting a well-structured message is essential for effective communication.
• Storytelling can transform presentations and engage listeners.
• Understanding your audience is key to delivering impactful messages.
• Practice and consistency are vital for building confidence in public speaking.
• Building a brand involves integrating storytelling into marketing efforts.
• Lessons learned from adversity can shape one's purpose and drive.
• Execution of knowledge is more valuable than knowledge itself.

Jennifer Watson looked like the definition of high performance: a university-level track star, a clinic owner by her 30s, a TEDx speaker, and transformational coach. But under the surface, she was exhausted, overwhelmed, and questioning everything.

In this raw and powerful episode, Jennifer opens up about the hidden cost of achievement and the lies we tell ourselves about what it means to be successful. From burnout and emotional shutdown to intuition, flow state, and what real leadership looks like in 2025—this conversation is packed with depth, truth, and permission to finally do things differently.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re doing everything “right” but something still doesn’t feel right… this one is for you.

⏱️ Chapters

• 0:00:11 – Intro & Guest Welcome

• 0:01:00 – Who Were You Growing Up?

• 0:02:56 – From Goofball to High Performer

• 0:08:21 – Burnout & Identity Shifts

• 0:14:40 – Self-Worth & External Validation

• 0:21:42 – Redefining Burnout

• 0:34:30 – Coaching & Self-Awareness

• 0:37:34 – Building Intuition

• 0:42:00 – Flow State Mastery

• 0:46:20 – Why Run Your Race Global?

• 0:49:06 – Quickfire Round

• 0:56:27 – Where to Find Jennifer

• 0:57:05 – Final Reflections & Outro

  
  

We dive deep into the extraordinary story of Cam F Awesome — multi-time national boxing champion, motivational speaker, and resilience expert. From being bullied as a kid to becoming a powerhouse in and out of the ring, Cam shares how he transformed fear into fuel, developed unbreakable mental toughness, and why he legally changed his name to "Awesome."

We talk about dealing with setbacks, building mental strength, how your internal dialogue shapes your reality, and his transition from boxing to comedy and public speaking.
Get ready for a raw, real, and incredibly inspiring conversation that will change how you think about fear, failure, and success.

Link to guest: https://camfawesome.com/

Chapters:
00:00:00 – Intro: Meet Cam F Awesome00:02:18 – How Bullying Led to Boxing00:07:15 – Reinventing Identity After Moving States00:08:39 – From Fear-Based to Confidence-Based Motivation00:12:06 – Training Like a Champion00:18:44 – Handling Loss and Building Resilience00:22:27 – Why He Changed His Name to "Awesome"00:28:47 – From Boxer to Stand-Up Comedian00:34:41 – Staying Authentic Over Selling Out00:40:26 – Parenting Yourself: Choosing Discipline00:44:31 – Quickfire Round: Books, Habits & Mindset00:51:18 – Where to Find Cam F Awesome

Ever feel like you're working hard but not actually getting anywhere?

Today's guest, Aliki Samone, is an engineer-turned-entrepreneur who left the world of spacecraft design to build The Summit Method, a life-planning system that helps people craft a vision and actually follow through.

In this episode, we cover:
✅ Why a 5-year plan is the key to success
✅ The 3 steps to achieving any big goal
✅ The 4 pillars of success you NEED to master
✅ How to find your life’s purpose & stay on track
✅ How to stop spiraling in self-doubt and start taking action

If you’ve ever felt stuck or like your goals are slipping away, this episode will give you the framework to change that.

🔗 Check out Aliki’s work & books here: www.conqueryoursummit.com

🎧 Subscribe & Follow Mindset Mavericks

Timestamps

00:00:00 – Intro: Why This Episode Will Change Your Life
00:04:55 – Aliki’s Story: From Spacecrafts to Life Planning
00:11:20 – The 5-Year Plan Explained
00:18:30 – The 3 Steps to Achieving Any Goal
00:25:45 – The 4 Pillars of Success
00:34:10 – How to Create a Life Purpose Statement
00:41:00 – The Biggest Planning Mistakes to Avoid
00:47:15 – The Habit That Changed Everything
00:55:00 – Final Thoughts & Where to Find Aliki

Struggling with bloating, painful periods, eczema, or burnout? It might not be just stress—it could be your gut health.

💡 Did you know? Your gut microbiome controls more than just digestion—it affects hormone balance, stress levels, skin health, and energy production. If you're dealing with:
✔ IBS, bloating, or gut issues that won’t go away
✔ Severe PMS, period cramps, or irregular cycles
✔ Eczema, acne, or unexplained skin flare-ups
✔ Chronic fatigue, brain fog, and feeling burned out
✔ High stress levels, anxiety, and poor sleep

…then this episode is a must-listen! 🙌

🎙️ In This Episode, We Cover:
✅ Gut Health & Digestion – The hidden cause of bloating, IBS, and food intolerances
✅ The Gut-Hormone Connection – How your digestion affects your period & PMS
✅ Eczema & Skin Conditions – The link between gut bacteria, inflammation, and skin flare-ups
✅ Stress & Burnout – Why chronic stress damages digestion and hormones
✅ Best & Worst Foods for Gut Healing & Hormone Balance
✅ Birth Control & Gut Health – What happens to your digestion when you're on the pill
✅ How to Reset Your Gut for More Energy, Better Periods & Clearer Skin

👩‍⚕️ Guest: Registered Dietitian & Gut Health Expert, Julia Chien
🎙️ Host: Jon Coogan – Mindset Mavericks Podcast

📌 If you've tried everything but still struggle with digestive issues, hormonal imbalances, or burnout—this episode is for you!

🔔 Follow the podcast for weekly expert insights on health, mindset, and performance!

🔗 Guest’s Website (Julia Chien): https://www.juliachien.ca

🔗 Guest’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/juliachien.rd

🔗 Mindset Mavericks Website: https://www.mindsetmavericks.co.uk

Want to write and publish your own book?
Most aspiring authors dream of publishing a book—but they often fall for myths that ruin their success before they even start. 📖

In this episode, publishing veteran Terry Whalin breaks down how to write a book, publish it successfully, and actually make sales. Whether you’re self-publishing or looking for a book deal, this episode is packed with insider tips that every author needs to hear.

🔥 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
✅ How to start writing your book (and finish it!)
✅ The biggest publishing myths that keep authors stuck
✅ How to self-publish vs. get a traditional deal
✅ Why most books fail—and how to succeed
✅ How to market your book & sell more copies

📌 Timestamps:
00:00:00 - Intro: How to Write & Publish a Book00:01:40 - Terry Whalin’s Journey into Publishing
00:06:21 - The #1 Mistake Authors Make
00:10:45 - How to Create a Book Proposal That Sells
00:16:38 - How to Market a Book & Get More Sales
00:24:30 - Self-Publishing vs. Traditional Publishing
00:33:06 - How Writing Articles Can Boost Book Sales
00:47:50 - The One Lesson Terry Wishes He Knew Earlier
00:52:24 - Final Advice for Aspiring Authors

📖 Want to grab Terry’s book? Get "10 Publishing Myths" for just $10: 👉 PublishingOffer.com

📢 Enjoyed this episode?
👍 Like & Subscribe for more publishing tips!
💬 Comment below: What’s stopping YOU from writing your book?
🔔 Turn on notifications for future episodes!

#HowToWriteABook #SelfPublishing #WritingTips #HowToPublishABook #BookMarketing #Entrepreneurship #MindsetMavericks

In this powerhouse episode of Mindset Mavericks, we sit down with Coach Nick, a former hostage negotiator, police officer, and five-time gold medalist at the 2024 Police and Fire Championships. From tackling extreme endurance challenges like the Alcatraz Swim to coaching high performers on mental resilience and fitness, Coach Nick shares life-changing insights into how your body shapes your mindset.

🚨 Discover:✅ Why fitness is the foundation for success in business and life
✅ How hostage negotiation taught him the power of emotional control
✅ The one mindset shift that can help you push through tough times
✅ Why most people quit too early (and how to break the cycle)
✅ The fitness myth that's keeping you stuck

🔑 If you’ve ever struggled to stay consistent with health, fitness, or mindset, this episode will give you the blueprint to get back on track and stay there.

📲 Follow Coach Nick:
👉 Instagram: @TheRealCoachNick
👉 Website: 40dayfit.com

💬 What’s ONE fitness or mindset struggle you’ve overcome? Drop it in the comments below! 👇

00:00:00 - Welcome to Mindset Mavericks
00:00:12 - Meet Coach Nick: The Mindset Architect
00:03:43 - Why Fitness is the Foundation for Success
00:07:07 - The Life-Changing Advice From His Grandfather
00:12:24 - Lessons from Hostage Negotiation & Decision Making Under Pressure
00:17:26 - Why Most Men Struggle With Vulnerability
00:22:42 - The #1 Thing to Do If You Feel Stuck in Life
00:29:33 - Surviving the Alcatraz Swim: A Test of Mental Strength
00:40:08 - How to Get Over Gym Anxiety & Start Training
00:50:05 - The Biggest Lesson Coach Nick Wishes He Knew Sooner
00:51:41 - Final Words of Wisdom: Your First Step Starts NOW

What do ultra-endurance athletes and successful entrepreneurs have in common? More than you think.

In this episode of Mindset Mavericks, Jon Coogan sits down with Reuben Spath, an ultra-endurance athlete and AI entrepreneur. Reuben shares how completing an Ironman and a 100km ultramarathon prepared him for the brutal challenges of the startup world.

At just 25, he built and sold a SaaS company while still at university. Now, he's the founder of MacroMate, an AI-driven health and wellness app designed to revolutionize how we track nutrition and performance.

💡 Key Takeaways from the Episode:
✅ How endurance training builds mental resilience for business success
✅ The power of visualization and how to push past self-doubt
✅ Why taking fast action beats perfectionism in startups
✅ How Reuben built and launched MacroMate in one weekend
✅ The role of AI in personalized health and wellness
✅ How to build the right team and avoid hiring mistakes
✅ The biggest lesson Reuben learned from scaling two tech companies

🚀 Special Offer for Listeners:
Reuben is offering 50% off a yearly subscription to MacroMate!

Use promo code MINDSETMAVERICK to claim your discount.

⏳ Chapter Timestamps:

00:00:00 - Why endurance athletes make great founders
00:01:27 - How Reuben got into ultra-endurance sports
00:04:00 - The brutal training required for an Ironman
00:07:14 - How to push through self-doubt and mental barriers
00:14:06 - Building a startup vs. running an ultramarathon
00:20:48 - MacroMate: An AI-driven wellness app
00:25:50 - The future of AI in personal health
00:32:02 - Biggest mistakes in building a tech startup
00:35:09 - Lessons in resilience & bouncing back from setbacks
00:40:12 - Quickfire round: Books, habits, and inspiration
00:42:46 - Reuben’s final message to listeners

What if everything you’ve been told about success is wrong?

Most people believe that working harder, learning more, or getting better skills is the key to success. But what if the real problem isn’t your ability—it’s your mindset?

In this episode, career coach & ex-software engineer Dagna Bieda shares how she went from burnout and imposter syndrome to rewiring her brain like software—completely transforming her career and life. If you’ve ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, or held back by self-doubt, this episode will give you the exact mental reprogramming techniques to break free.

🧠 WHAT YOU’LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE:
✔️ Why your brain operates like outdated software—and how to upgrade it
✔️ The hidden signs of burnout (most people ignore these until it’s too late)
✔️ Imposter syndrome isn’t real—here’s why & how to fix it
✔️ How neurofeedback can rewire your brain for confidence & success
✔️ The biggest career mistake smart people make
✔️ Why your thoughts are NOT facts—and how to rewrite limiting beliefs
✔️ How to network without cringe & build authentic relationships
✔️ The career advice you should actually ignore

💡 This isn’t just theory—Dagna has used these techniques to help tech professionals transform their careers in just months.

🎯 If you’re ready to stop overthinking and start taking control of your mindset, this episode is a MUST-LISTEN.

🎯 LIKE & SUBSCRIBE for more deep-dive interviews on mindset, resilience, and career success!
💬 COMMENT BELOW: What’s one mental “bug” you need to reprogram?
⭐ Leave a 5-star review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts—it really helps us grow!
📚 Get Dagna’s book ‘Brain Refactor’ on Amazon

📌 GUEST & PODCAST LINKS

📌 Connect with Dagna Bieda:
🔗 LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/dagnabieda
📚 Her Book ‘Brain Refactor’ on Amazon:
🌍 Website:https://www.themindfuldev.com

Mindset Mavericks Podcast – Episode Chapters

00:00:00 – Why mindset, not skillset, drives success
00:02:15 – The breakthrough that changed Dagna’s career
00:10:30 – How to debug your brain and rewrite limiting beliefs
00:20:45 – Early signs of burnout and how to recover
00:35:00 – Overcoming imposter syndrome and building confidence
00:50:15 – Networking strategies that feel natural and effective
00:55:00 – Future-proofing your career with a growth mindset
00:58:30 – Final insights and key takeaways

Leadership isn’t about control—it’s aboutempowerment. But most leaders get itcompletely wrong…

In this episode ofMindset Mavericks, we sit down withIsabelle Fortin, a leadership expert whose journey began in theRoyal Canadian Air Force. When she transitioned to the corporate world, she wasshocked—leadership wasn’t about inspiring teams, it was aboutcontrolling them. That’s when she made it her mission toredefine leadership and help businesses buildpeople-first cultures thatactually work.

💡 In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• The biggestleadership myths that are holding you back
• Whymost team-building activities are a waste of money
• How tohandle workplace conflicts without drama
• Whyego is ruining your leadership style (and what to do instead)
• Thegame-changing mindset shift that makes you a leader peoplewant to follow

🎯 Whether you're leading a team ofone or one hundred, this conversation willchange the way you lead forever.

📌 Links Mentioned in This Episode:

• 🔗 Isabelle’s Website:https://againsttheordinary.org
• 🔗 Connect with Isabelle on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/isabellefortin/
• 🔗 TEDx Talk by Caroline McHugh -The Art of Being Yourself:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=veEQQ-N9xWU

⏳ Chapters:

• 00:00:00 -Welcome to Mindset Mavericks
• 00:00:12 -Meet Isabelle Fortin: A Leadership Maverick
• 00:02:23 -Why Most Leaders Get It Wrong
• 00:06:39 -The Truth About Leadership in the Military
• 00:14:53 -How to Set Boundaries & Lead with Empathy
• 00:18:43 -Why Team-Building Days Don’t Work
• 00:26:33 -The 3 Things Every Great Team Needs
• 00:31:06 -Balancing Individuality & Business Success
• 00:46:47 -The Biggest Leadership Mistakes to Avoid
• 01:00:36 -Where to Find Isabelle Fortin

🔥Don't forget to FOLLOW the podcast for more deep-dive conversations withgame-changing entrepreneurs, leaders, and mindset experts! 💡💥