Narrative Podcast

Tim Croll and Steve Gohl share an honest conversation about suicide, grief, mental health, and the importance of truly checking in with the people we care about.They talk about losing people close to them, the shock and guilt that follow, and how grief can continue to return over time. They also explore why “I’m fine” does not always tell the full story and offer three questions that can lead to deeper conversations:

The episode also includes practical ways to support someone who is struggling, including listening without trying to fix everything, showing up, sharing emotional burdens, and creating a simple daily routine built around gratitude, encouragement, and quiet reflection. This is a vulnerable conversation about loss, hope, and learning to be more present for the people around us.

Most founders fail because they treat their business like a math problem when it’s really a story about survival, identity, and timing. Hess Adnani reveals why the real breakthrough comes when you stop forcing a dead idea, start listening to the market, and build the internal strength to keep going.

Tim Croll and Hess Adnani unpack the overlooked connection between entrepreneurship and personal transformation, from the brutal startup “valley of death” to the inner work that changes everything outside of you. Hess shares how selling everything he owned, traveling across 30 countries, and stepping away from the grind led him to a new framework for growth that blends business strategy with nervous system regulation.

You’ll discover:

Connect with Hess: https://hessadnani.com/ 

Connect with Narrative: https://narrative.live/ 

What happens when life takes an unexpected detour, and your most cherished roles are put to the test?

In this episode of Narrative, host Tim Croll sit down with Joe (Josiah) Nicely—a Marine Corps veteran, financial advisor, business consultant, and dedicated Lego enthusiast. Following a difficult and contentious divorce, Joe found himself facing a separation from his family and a massive shift in how he could show up for his kids.

Instead of letting passive circumstances write his story, Joe made an intentional, decade-long decision to put his relationship with his son first. When his son turned 16 and wanted an alternative to typical corporate retail jobs, they decided to co-found their very own Lego store. Shortly after, Joe was laid off from his corporate position—propelling them fully into entrepreneurship.

In this transparent and deeply inspiring conversation, Tim and Joe discuss how a business can serve as a "container" for building generational relationships, why nobody else can achieve your personal goals for you, and the critical difference between doing "good things" and building a true, faith-driven legacy.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

Controlling the Narrative: Moving from passive living to making intentional, weekly life decisions.

The Business as a Container: How starting a venture together created the ultimate space for raw collaboration, disagreements, and deep relationship growth between father and son.

Shifting from Authority to Collaboration: The challenge of putting down the "Dad card" to actively prioritize and elevate your child’s input as an equal business partner.

Wisdom vs. Understanding: Why knowing what is right isn't enough unless you have the understanding to put it into action.

A Legacy that Transcends 100 Years: Realizing that career titles fade, but what you actively invest into people will yield generational returns.

What does it take to sustain a business when an entire industry shifts beneath your feet? In this episode, host Tim Croll catches up with longtime colleague Phil Kyprianou, a seasoned entrepreneur, e-commerce veteran, and founder of GothRider Coffee and the Hubbvee agency. From dropping out of school to launch a recording studio to navigating the early internet radio space, performance marketing, and today’s multi-billion dollar coffee industry, Phil has mastered the art of the pivot.

Phil pulls back the curtain on the real realities of entrepreneurship: overcoming familial pressures, recovering from sudden 40% revenue drops due to uncontrollable customs shifts, and keeping your mind nimble as an early adopter of AI. Tim and Phil dive into what they call the "survival instinct" in business and challenge the toxic "get rich quick" culture by exploring how to build for longevity, focus on core strengths, and anchor your business in genuine customer relationships.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

The Reality of Parental Pressure: How a family's protective instincts can create friction when you choose a non-traditional path.

The Business Survival Instinct: Recognizing the difference between pushing through a dead end and choosing to adapt your timeline.

Lessons from the Blockbuster vs. Netflix Era: Why timing and bottlenecks matter more than simply having a good idea.

Pivoting in 2026: How GothRider Coffee rapidly shifted its model in a hyper-competitive market to build a long-term legacy.

Marathon Mindset: Why modern business requires removing societal anxiety and focusing entirely on community building.

Connect with Phil: Reach out to Phil directly on LinkedIn or X (formerly Twitter) @PhilKyprianou, or explore his consulting agency at hubbvee.com!

Connect with Tim and Steve at Narrative: narrative.live 

Description: Why is money one of the most emotional, yet taboo, topics we can discuss? In this episode, host Tim Croll sits down with entrepreneur, investor, and educator Gino Barbaro to peel back the layers of our deeply ingrained financial narratives. Gino shares his own journey from running his family’s traditional restaurant to managing over a thousand apartment units alongside his partner, Jake.

Discover how childhood "financial flashpoints" subconsciously dictate our adult financial decisions, how staying small out of fear holds us back, and why running a family requires the exact same systems, culture, and core values as scaling a successful business. Tim and Gino also dive into the concept of "financial intimacy" between spouses and why leaders must learn to connect before they correct. Whether you're struggling with money anxiety or looking to build a legacy for the next generation, this episode offers a refreshing, transparent look at mastering the game of money.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

How the historic 1971 shift off the gold standard fundamentally altered the middle-class relationship with money.

The power of recognizing your childhood financial memories to break free from scarcity mindsets.

Why defining your 30-year vision using reverse engineering is vital for planning your life's journey.

How to scale your business and your household using sustainable systems and processes.

Tips for creating honest conversations around money with your spouse to cultivate real intimacy.

Connect with Gino: Visit barbaro360.com to learn more about legacy building, or tune into The Jake and Gino Show, The Julie and Gino Podcast, or The Happy Money Podcast!

Connect with us at Narrative: Visit narrative.live and reveal the next chapter in your story by joining our Narrative Pro Network group. 

Join Tim Croll and Oleg Lougheed as they delve into the transformative power of storytelling. Discover how narratives shape our lives, influence our decisions, and connect us with others. Oleg shares his journey from Russia to becoming an entrepreneur, emphasizing the importance of curiosity, relationships, and the stories we tell ourselves. Tune in for insights on embracing life's chapters and finding richness beyond monetary success.

#storytelling #entrepreneurship #personalgrowth #narratives #relationships #curiositylife #richness

In this episode, Tim Croll and Rich Perrotti engage in a heartfelt conversation about life's transitions, personal growth, and the power of reflection. Rich shares his journey from a career in technology to his work as a poet. He's written a Christmas poem the last 48 years! The discussion touches on themes of love, loss, and the impact of AI on humanity, offering listeners valuable insights into navigating life's challenges with grace and resilience.

In this episode host Tim Croll chats with Jonathan Heston and they explore the profound journey of navigating life's "shaking seasons." They discuss how embracing uncertainty and engaging in authentic dialogue can lead to personal growth and a deeper sense of purpose.

Discover how to balance surrender with co-creation and build meaningful relationships that support your growth. 

#Narrative #SelfDiscovery #PersonalGrowth #EmbraceUncertainty #JourneyToPurpose #ShakingSeasons

Join us in this heartfelt episode as we delve into the inspiring journey of Shela Gronik. From facing homelessness to finding hope and purpose, Shela shares her transformative story of resilience and faith. Discover how she overcame life's challenges, redefined her identity beyond material success, and now dedicates her life to helping others through her nonprofit work. This episode is a testament to the power of perseverance and the impact of living a life filled with purpose and love.

Connect with Shela: https://www.heroesneveralone.org/ 

Connect with Narrative: https://narrative.live/

In this episode Tim Croll and Ashley Ljesevic explore the journey of self-discovery and personal growth. Ashley shares her experiences as a multi-sport athlete, detailing her transition from a promising basketball career to embracing new paths in life. The discussion delves into the challenges of identity, the importance of introspection, and the power of storytelling.

#SelfDiscovery #PersonalGrowth #endurance #narrative #Inspiration #Storytelling #Introspection #FaithJourney #Journaling #CourageToChange #AshleyLjesevic #PodcastEpisode

Tune in to hear Ashley's story and get connect with her here:

[email protected]

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleyljesevic/

https://www.endurancediaries.com/

Stay connected with us at https://narrative.live