Nic and his friend, Brett, talk about his work of creating a culture of leadership.

At the age of 20, Brett started a marble countertop store. He began his 26-year career in the fire department as a volunteer firefighter—and did it for 2 years before taking a paid position.

He talks about setting goals—even 20 year goals—and being undettered. Brett says he encourages people to look at the big picture and asks the key question, “Where do you want to end up?”

As Brett blends a strong faith into his tradecraft, what you hear is how his leadership is rooted in caring for his people and their success. The core of creating a leadership culture, he says, is caring enough to get to know his guys—who they’re dating, their goals and dreams.

It’s in this culture that Brett creates a place where even alpha males can safely say, “I’m struggling.”

WARNING: In the second hour, Brett shares true stories of being a first responder. With real compassion and sensitivity he talks about responding to suicides and death—and how he led his crew through loss and heart rendering moments.

If you enjoy the podcast please share it with a friend, or both. Your recommendation goes a long way in helping us reach more people.

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🛟 Click here to order your copy of Nic’s Life Ready Curriculum

🧰 Check out Nic’s new solution for foremen: The Foreman's Inner Circle

💬 To subscribe to Nic’s Leadership DRIP, please text the word “DRIP” to 866-998-4545 then follow the prompts.

❓ If you have questions or comments for Nic & Tarina, please send an email to [email protected].

🎬 Check out Nic's Work Force Pro YouTube channel.

📚 Nic has written 4 books. You can decide which one is best for you here.

Tarina denies having robbed anyone despite wearing robber masks. And Nic defends his freedom to have a cold without criticism.

Because Christmas is a time for family and friends, Nic and Tarina talk about the five love languages. Together they go through the languages and the people in their lives who represent each.

In this episode, you experience the love and appreciation Nic and Tarina have for each other and for those they cherish. Their admiration for the people and their love language is clear and wonderful to hear.

Click the link to find your love language.

If you enjoy Nic and Tarina’s podcast and get something from listening to “all this Nic Bittle Crap,” please hit the like button, share it with a friend, or both. Your recommendation goes a long way in helping us reach more people.

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🛟 Click here to order your copy of Nic’s Life Ready Curriculum

🧰 Check out Nic’s new solution for foremen: The Foreman's Inner Circle

💬 To subscribe to Nic’s Leadership DRIP, please text the word “DRIP” to 866-998-4545 then follow the prompts.

❓ If you have questions or comments for Nic & Tarina, please send an email to [email protected].

🎬 Check out Nic's Work Force Pro YouTube channel.

📚 Nic has written 4 books. You can decide which one is best for you here.

With Christmas just around the corner, Nic and Tarina talk about growing up in Corn and holiday traditions. When Nic brings up their first Christmas together, Tarina declines to tell the story.

Tarina shares about how her mom would sew—and her Dad would be the one to pick out the fabric. Nic would open presents Christmas morning, feed the cattle, then spend the day with grandparents in Stillwater.

He tells the story about how he and his older brother used a riding lawn mower to create a 5-mile trap line. Always the entrepreneurs, they created a micro-business with the hides they caught and skinned. When Nic starts to describe how they would harvest skunk essence, Tarina comments, “I think we’re losing our family friendly rating.”

Among all the memories and laughs, Nic reflects how the beauty of the season is about being content. And Tarina admires Nic’s inventiveness growing up—and how things haven’t really changed. They both miss and appreciate the opportunity they had as kids to dream, to work, and to give and receive love. 

If you enjoy Nic and Tarina’s podcast and get something from listening to “all this Nic and Tarina Bittle Crap,” please hit the like button, share it with a friend, or both. Your recommendations go a long way in helping us reach more people.

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🛟 Click here to order your copy of Nic’s Life Ready Curriculum

🧰 Check out Nic’s new solution for foremen: The Foreman's Inner Circle

💬 To subscribe to Nic’s Leadership DRIP, please text the word “DRIP” to 866-998-4545 then follow the prompts.

❓ If you have questions or comments for Nic & Tarina, please send an email to [email protected].

🎬 Check out Nic's Work Force Pro YouTube channel.

📚 Nic has written 4 books. You can decide which one is best for you here.

In-person at the Nic Bittle Studio in Corn, Oklahoma and all the way from Sioux Falls, South Dakota, is Patrick McGowan. Patrick is Nic's audio producer for the Life & Leadership Podcast.

They cover a range of topics including why it's important to show up on video like you care and how the goal of all communication is to connect with another human.

Patrick McGowan is the owner of Punchn Communications, an advisory firm committed to empowering more human connection. He is a leading expert on transforming people and teams through the way they talk.

He started Punchn in 2020 because he looked like a potato on camera—and has since helped dozens of professionals achieve more clarity and confidence across the lens. He is a teacher, facilitator, and student of how to communicate with power, presence, and credibility.

Patrick works with leaders who want to grow their influence and professionals who want to expand their reach. In a world full of noise and distraction, it’s critical the way one communicates is clear, confident, and compelling.

After a 25+ year career leading healthcare innovation, managing a manufacturing startup, and even serving as a pastor of a church (to name a few), he has the experience, tools, frameworks, and understanding for how changing the way we talk can change the way we work.

People choose to work with Patrick because of his probing questions, how he colors outside the lines (always has, according to his big sister), and his calm confidence. His customers report that he makes them look good: giving them more confidence, more energy, and more impact. He produces podcasts for professionals who have a message that deserves to reach more people.

You can connect with Patrick at [email protected] for communications training, team facilitation, video or audio production, and leadership coaching.

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🛟 Click here to order your copy of Nic’s Life Ready Curriculum

🧰 Check out Nic’s new solution for foremen: The Foreman's Inner Circle

💬 To subscribe to Nic’s Leadership DRIP, please text the word “DRIP” to 866-998-4545 then follow the prompts.

❓ If you have questions or comments for Nic & Tarina, please send an email to [email protected].

🎬 Check out Nic's Work Force Pro YouTube channel.

📚 Nic has written 4 books. You can decide which one is best for you here.

In this episode, Nic and Tarina talk about the spark that led Nic to develop the Life Ready Curriculum. He shares how meaningful this project has been to work on and what he hopes young people will gain—namely, knowing and living by a set of core virtues.

Frequent listeners of the podcast already appreciate how Nic and Tarina discuss their values every week and provide insight into key life skills. This episode shows us more of their heart for readying people—especially young people—to live good and fulfilling lives.

The Life Ready Curriculum is a transformative journey designed to go beyond the traditional high school curriculum and provide students with what they truly need to succeed.

Because students want real-life skills that prepare them to thrive, Life Ready does more than give facts and figures. The program introduces 36 virtues through an innovative micro-learning format that students can digest and immediately apply to their lives.

Through guided discussions, reflection, and journaling, students embark on a personal journey that reveals how each virtue can become foundational to their growth and success. Life Ready fosters a deeper connection to personal values. It equips students to lead fulfilling and purpose-driven lives after graduation and beyond.

To learn more about the Life Ready Curriculum click the link below.

If you enjoy Nic and Tarina’s podcast and get something from listening to “all this Nic Bittle Crap,” please hit the like button, share it with a friend, or both. Your recommendation goes a long way in helping us reach more people.

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🛟 Click here to order your copy of Nic’s Life Ready Curriculum

🧰 Check out Nic’s new solution for foremen: The Foreman's Inner Circle

💬 To subscribe to Nic’s Leadership DRIP, please text the word “DRIP” to 866-998-4545 then follow the prompts.

❓ If you have questions or comments for Nic & Tarina, please send an email to [email protected].

🎬 Check out Nic's Work Force Pro YouTube channel.

📚 Nic has written 4 books. You can decide which one is best for you here.

This the third and final episode in the 3-part series with Manley Feinberg: keynote speaker, former executive, jazz guitarist, and rock climber.

In this episode, Manley shares the story about rock climbing El Capitan in Yosemite National Park in California. It was the climb of a lifetime, and for one of the climbers, a real life or death situation.

It’s worth checking out Manley’s website (www.verticallessons.com). When you watch his 3-minute video you'll see the scale, grandeur, and danger of the climb. Then come back to listen to the episode. If you’re not familiar with El Capitan, this gives you a good picture as Manley tells his story.

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Manley is the founder of Vertical Lessons, Inc. He is an award-winning international keynote speaker, business leader and best-selling author. Leveraging more than thirty years of business, professional speaking and adventure experience, his insight and energy will inspire and equip you to step up and reach your next summit.

He is the author of Reaching Your Next Summit! 9 Vertical Lessons for Leading with More Impact.

Manley’s 11 years of leadership influence contributed to a workplace culture that landed Build-A-Bear Workshop on the FORTUNE 100 Best Companies to Work For® List four years in a row. Manley served two terms as the president of the St. Louis chapter of the National Speakers Association.

On a personal note, Manley likes to sleep on the side of mountains. Who doesn’t? Even more shocking is that his wife has been encouraging that for more than three decades, and his two kids still kiss him on the cheek in front of their friends.

If you enjoy Nic and Tarina’s podcast and get something from listening to “all this Nic Bittle Crap,” please hit the like button, share it with a friend, or both. Your recommendation goes a long way in helping us reach more people.

---

🛟 Click here to order your copy of Nic’s Life Ready Curriculum

🧰 Check out Nic’s new solution for foremen: The Foreman's Inner Circle

💬 To subscribe to Nic’s Leadership DRIP, please text the word “DRIP” to 866-998-4545 then follow the prompts.

❓ If you have questions or comments for Nic & Tarina, please send an email to [email protected].

🎬 Check out Nic's Work Force Pro YouTube channel.

📚 Nic has written 4 books. You can decide which one is best for you here.

In this episode, Manley picks up where he left off on his journey from corporate executive to professional speaker. Among other things, he shares how learned first hand the importance of exponential commitment and the need to command your momentum.

Manley is the founder of Vertical Lessons, Inc. He is an award-winning international keynote speaker, business leader and best-selling author. Leveraging more than thirty years of business, professional speaking and adventure experience, his insight and energy will inspire and equip you to step up and reach your next summit.

He is the author of Reaching Your Next Summit: 9 Vertical Lessons for Leading with More Impact.

Manley’s 11 years of leadership influence contributed to a workplace culture that landed Build-A-Bear Workshop on the FORTUNE 100 Best Companies to Work For® List four years in a row. Manley served two terms as the president of the St. Louis chapter of the National Speakers Association.

Learn more about Manley here.

On a personal note, Manley likes to sleep on the side of mountains. Who doesn’t? Even more shocking is that his wife has been encouraging that for more than three decades, and his two kids still kiss him on the cheek in front of their friends.

If you enjoy Nic and Tarina’s podcast and get something from listening to “all this Nic Bittle Crap,” please hit the like button, share it with a friend, or both. Your recommendation goes a long way in helping us reach more people.

---

🛟 Click here to order your copy of Nic’s Life Ready Curriculum

🧰 Check out Nic’s new solution for foremen: The Foreman's Inner Circle

💬 To subscribe to Nic’s Leadership DRIP, please text the word “DRIP” to 866-998-4545 then follow the prompts.

❓ If you have questions or comments for Nic & Tarina, please send an email to [email protected].

🎬 Check out Nic's Work Force Pro YouTube channel.

📚 Nic has written 4 books. You can decide which one is best for you here.

From the Workplace Pro studio,  Nic has a conversation with Manley Feinberg. This is the first of a three-part series with Manley. 

Manley is the founder of Vertical Lessons, Inc. He is an award-winning international keynote speaker, business leader and best-selling author. Leveraging more than thirty years of business, professional speaking and adventure experience, his insight and energy will inspire and equip you to step up and reach your next summit.

He is the author of Reaching Your Next Summit! 9 Vertical Lessons for Leading with More Impact.

Manley’s 11 years of leadership influence contributed to a workplace culture that landed Build-A-Bear Workshop on the FORTUNE 100 Best Companies to Work For® List four years in a row. Manley served two terms as the president of the St. Louis chapter of the National Speakers Association.

Learn more about Manley here.

On a personal note, Manley likes to sleep on the side of mountains. Who doesn’t? Even more shocking is that his wife has been encouraging that for more than three decades, and his two kids still kiss him on the cheek in front of their friends.

If you enjoy Nic and Tarina’s podcast and get something from listening to “all this Nic Bittle Crap,” please hit the like button, share it with a friend, or both. Your recommendation goes a long way in helping us reach more people.

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🛟 Click here to order your copy of Nic’s Life Ready Curriculum

🧰 Check out Nic’s new solution for foremen: The Foreman's Inner Circle

💬 To subscribe to Nic’s Leadership DRIP, please text the word “DRIP” to 866-998-4545 then follow the prompts.

❓ If you have questions or comments for Nic & Tarina, please send an email to [email protected].

🎬 Check out Nic's Work Force Pro YouTube channel.

📚 Nic has written 4 books. You can decide which one is best for you here.

In the flesh at the Nic Bittle Workplace Pro studio in Corn, Oklahoma, is Mark LeBlanc, Nic’s long-time friend, mentor, and business coach.

Mark LeBlanc, CSP, CPAE has been on his own virtually his entire adult life. He once had a job for six months and was inspired by the two words, “You’re fired!” At the ripe, young age of 21, he vowed he would do whatever it would take to make it on his own. And he has.

He recently celebrated his 40th anniversary in business! He has experienced the good, bad, ugly, and great of being his own boss. And in 2023, after 40 years as a professional speaker, Mark was inducted into the National Speakers Association Hall of Fame. You can see his acceptance speech here.

He and Nic talk about the ups and downs (a lot of downs) of business, life, and leadership. Mark shares how what you do every day matters way more than what you do every once in a while. And he discusses what he learned from the great Judith when he walked the El Camino (a short 400 mile hike in Spain) for the first time.

His keynote speech titled Never Be the Same (and book by the same name) is a catalyst for how consistency plays a vital role in achieving in times of challenge and change. While he shares unique insights and ideas on commitment, his reveal on resolve will change the way your people take action for the rest of their lives.

If there was one thing to take from this conversation is this: Mark believes in you more than you may believe in yourself.

The author and co-author of seven books, Mark resides in Minneapolis, MN.

If you enjoy Nic and Tarina’s podcast and get something from listening to “all this Nic Bittle Crap,” please hit the like button, share it with a friend, or both. Your recommendation goes a long way in helping us reach more people.

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🛟 Click here to order your copy of Nic’s Life Ready Curriculum

🧰 Check out Nic’s new solution for foremen: The Foreman's Inner Circle

💬 To subscribe to Nic’s Leadership DRIP, please text the word “DRIP” to 866-998-4545 then follow the prompts.

❓ If you have questions or comments for Nic & Tarina, please send an email to [email protected].

🎬 Check out Nic's Work Force Pro YouTube channel.

📚 Nic has written 4 books. You can decide which one is best for you here.

Leaders have a responsibility to connect a task to a purpose. Every job worth doing is worth doing well.

Nic and Tarina, in this episode, talk about Chapter 17 from Know This. Do That. They point out how even the menial and mundane tasks demand excellence. No job is too small, or insignificant, for someone to be good at it.

As Nic says, the foreman on an oil field needs to tell the fire watch, “You’re the most important guy on the job. When you’re not here, my welders can’t weld.”

And just like sealing duct work, leadership is messy, sticky work—and sometimes thankless. But a lot of leaders, unfortunately, feel it’s not their job to inspire their apprentices and workers to deliver greatness.

Nic shares how growing up on the farm his dad was tough on him and his brother. It was hard because consequences were high. He also talks about failing his first driving test.

When you care with intensity, you will do great work. You gotta care.

If you enjoy Nic and Tarina’s podcast and get something from listening to “all this Nic Bittle Crap,” please hit the like button, share it with a friend, or both. Your recommendation goes a long way in helping us reach more people.

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🛟 Click here to order your copy of Nic’s Life Ready Curriculum

🧰 Check out Nic’s new solution for foremen: The Foreman's Inner Circle

💬 To subscribe to Nic’s Leadership DRIP, please text the word “DRIP” to 866-998-4545 then follow the prompts.

❓ If you have questions or comments for Nic & Tarina, please send an email to [email protected].

🎬 Check out Nic's Work Force Pro YouTube channel.

📚 Nic has written 4 books. You can decide which one is best for you here.