If you want to understand how high performers use reading to shape their thinking — and how you can actually apply what you learn from books instead of just collecting advice — this episode is definitely for you. Today, I chat with Larry G. Dix, bestselling author, entrepreneur, and creator of the "Do What's Right" framework. We dig into why reading new books can help you reframe failure, not as something to avoid, but as a valuable tool for growth. Larry unpacks how he built discipline into his life and explains the difference between simply consuming books and truly learning from them.

As a creator or podcaster, you’ll walk away with practical strategies for building discipline into your daily habits and a real-world approach to learning from others’ mistakes (so you can avoid a few of your own). Plus, Larry shares the top books and habits he believes every entrepreneur should know about — including the one business principle he immediately put into action after reading.

Connect with Larry G. Dix

Website:https://www.larrygdix.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/larrygdixII/#

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/larry-dix-

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Chapters

00:00 Exploring Meaningful Observances
00:41 Meet Larry G. Dix
01:17 Celebrating National Reading New Book Month
01:26 The Book That Changed Larry’s Mind
02:36 Rethinking Failure and Growth
04:39 Why Leaders Should Keep Reading
06:10 Do Top Performers Read More?
08:05 How Books Shape Elite Success
10:20 Learning from True Mentors
12:24 Avoiding Mistakes by Learning From Others
13:35 From Consuming to Applying Knowledge
14:06 The Power of Discipline with Books
16:12 Lightning Round: Book Favorites
18:38 "Do What's Right" and Larry’s Philosophy
19:32 Where to Find Larry G. Dix
20:03 Wrapping Up and Next Steps

If you’ve ever wondered how to truly move forward after pain, this episode is for you. I sit down with Avonley Lightstone, whose story is proof that even the deepest wounds can become a source of strength. We don’t just talk about “pain awareness month”—we make sense of what pain really means, and how you can find purpose in your hardest moments. Avonley shares why seeing your inner scars can open up healing, and she introduces her practical “EYESHAD Method” for moving from old wounds to new growth.

If you’re a podcaster or creator, you’ll get a few useful takeaways:

• How sharing your own story—without shame—can actually help listeners and others start their own healing.

• Practical steps on nurturing compassion, whether you’re telling stories or supporting someone with invisible pain.

• Why forgiveness is personal, and how letting go can set you (and your work) free.

Whether you’re carrying scars or want to support others through theirs, tune in for gentle, honest inspiration.

Connect with Avonley Lightstone

Website: https://avonleylightstone.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/avonleylightstone/

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Chapters

00:00 Welcoming Avonley Lightstone
00:45 What Pain Awareness Means
02:11 Pain and Early Identity
04:16 Beauty in Brokenness
06:01 Turning Points in Healing
09:31 Introducing the EYESHAD Method
12:03 Forgiveness and Deep Wounds
14:53 Misunderstandings About Forgiveness
18:31 Why Pain and Trauma Are Taboo
22:32 Compassion for Hidden Pain
24:38 Legacy and Writing About Pain
27:08 Where to Find Avonley’s Work
28:03 Closing and Final Reflections

If you’ve ever wondered how books shape who you are—not just what you know—today’s episode is for you. I sit down with David Ask, an entrepreneur, coach, and soon-to-be author, to explore why reading matters for anyone who wants to grow, create, or simply feel more grounded. We talk about how the right books can help you discover your true identity, and David shares why starting with “who” you are matters more than chasing a goal or purpose without self-awareness.

If you’re a podcaster or creator, you’ll walk away with two fresh insights:
— How the practice of reading—even just a few books a year—can spark new connections and shift your creative outlook.
— The real difference between grit and resilience, plus how knowing that difference can shape the projects and stories you pursue.

We also get a peek into David’s journey writing his new book, and why the process itself has helped him—and can help us—go deeper on what really matters, both in work and in life.

Connect with David Ask

Website: https://davidaskmusic.com/

Twitter: https://x.com/davidaskmusic

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Chapters

00:00 Celebrating National Read a New Book Month
01:03 David’s Most Impactful Reads
02:27 Lessons Learned Writing Guardians of Grit
05:21 Finding Time and Motivation to Read
07:08 Why “Start With Who,” Not “Why”
10:11 Books and Stories for Identity
12:39 Nature, Personality, and Finding Identity
14:10 The Role of Stories in Self-Discovery
15:28 Grit vs. Resilience Explained
17:24 Introducing Guardians of Grit
19:56 What David Hopes Readers Take Away
21:03 Where to Find David and His Work

If you’ve ever wondered how a book can take your work as a coach, creator, or leader to the next level, you’ll want to listen to this conversation. In honor of National Reading Book Month, I chat with Steve McKinney, who’s spent decades guiding people toward stronger, healthier lives—and even wrote a book about it. Steve opens up about why he decided to write The Gospel of Fitness, how that book expanded his reach beyond what he ever imagined, and the lessons he learned that could help anyone thinking about sharing their knowledge. In this episode, you’ll hear the real impact of combining passion with publishing, plus how fitness, faith, and simple habits can connect to create lasting change. If you’re a podcaster or creator, you’ll take away smarter approaches to building authority (like writing a book) and practical ideas for teaching what you know in a way that sticks with people. Tune in for inspiration and a few laughs as well!

Connect with Steve Mckinney

Website:https://fitnessandmore.net/

Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/stevemckinneyfitness/

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Chapters

00:00 Celebrating National Reading Book Month
00:35 Why Steve Wrote The Gospel of Fitness
02:10 How Writing a Book Changed Everything
03:32 Standing Out in the Fitness World
04:51 How His Book Deal Happened
05:52 Advice for Aspiring Authors
07:50 Inspiring Others to Share Their Stories
08:57 Training Clients Around the World
09:57 How Reading Fuels Personal Growth
11:22 Key Lessons From The Gospel of Fitness
12:35 Is It a Guide or a Lifestyle?
14:35 Clearing Up Fitness Myths
16:52 The 3W Approach to Healthy Aging
19:39 Why Connect Faith, Mindset, and Fitness
20:56 Parting Wisdom and Thanks
21:29 Where to Find Steve and His Book
22:10 Closing: Finding Meaning in Every Day

If you’re looking for fresh ways to think about reading, leadership, and how books shape business culture, this episode is for you. I had a great conversation with Tom Fox, known as the Compliance Evangelist, who has written over 30 books—including best-selling children’s books on ethics. Tom shares why staying curious and reading new books isn’t just for personal growth, but is essential for anyone leading a business or building an ethical workplace. You’ll hear why reading doesn’t have to be overwhelming (even if you’re busy!), how stories and learning connect across all ages, and what compliance really means for everyday businesses.

Podcasters and creators will especially pick up practical ideas on:

• Turning podcast interviews and blog posts into valuable book content.

• Using reading—not just as research, but as a tool to continuously improve decision-making and company culture.

Plus, you’ll get Tom’s thoughts on children’s books that inspire adults, and clever ways to carve out time for learning in a noisy world.

Connect with Tom Fox

Website: https://compliancepodcastnetwork.net/

Twitter: https://x.com/tfoxlaw

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/compliance-podcast-network/

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Chapters

00:00 Welcome and Introduction
01:29 The Power of Reading for Leaders
03:25 What Is Compliance, Really?
05:14 Reading and Better Decision-Making
08:14 Why Businesses Need Compliance
09:04 How Leaders Find Time to Read
10:01 Podcasting, Learning, and Sharing Ideas
13:48 Writing Children’s Books on Ethics
15:29 Why Books Still Matter Today
16:38 The Calming Focus of Reading
17:45 Lightning Round: Books and Inspiration
24:29 Where to Find Tom Fox
25:22 Closing Remarks and Newsletter Invite

If you’ve ever wondered what makes a friendship truly meaningful—and how you can be more intentional about creating good times—this episode is for you. I sat down with Christian W. Schnepf, a TEDx sociologist and founder of the Science of Good Times, to dig into the science behind lasting connections. Christian shares why friendships have shaped his own life, especially in tough times, and how treating life as a “bonus round” changed his approach to relationships and everyday joy.

Listen in for a simple but profound strategy you can use to appreciate each day (hint: it involves counting your days in a totally different way). You’ll hear why the biggest threat to genuine friendship might be simpler than you think—and what to do about it. Plus, as a creator or podcaster, you’ll find practical ways to maximize the value in your relationships by becoming more focused with your time and attention, and walk away with ideas for celebrating milestones, big and small, with your friends.

Connect with Christian Schnepf

Website: https://chrisw.co/

LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisw-gt/

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Chapters

00:00 Christian W. Schnepf’s Journey
00:38 What Is a Good Time Strategist?
01:15 How Friendships Supported Christian
03:28 Treating Life Like a Bonus Round
07:13 The Power of Counting Days
09:18 Why Friendships Matter for Well-being
12:23 Biggest Threats to Friendships Today
14:30 Quality Over Quantity in Friendships
16:21 Lightning Round: Insights on Friendship
19:05 Celebrating Friendship and Life Milestones
19:22 How to Maximize Your Good Times
19:45 Closing Thoughts and Newsletter Invitation

If you want practical insights on setting boundaries, processing life’s big changes, or just need inspiration to read more, this episode is for you. I sit down with Stephanie Jordan—author, mother of five, and someone who’s lived through incredible highs and lows—to talk about what reading and writing mean to her. You’ll hear us dig into why National Read a New Book Month can be life-changing, and how picking up the right story at the right time might shift something in your own world. Stephanie shares simple, relatable examples of boundaries that will make you rethink how you handle tricky relationships. Podcasters and creators will pick up why vulnerability and personal experience are powerful storytelling tools, and how to use real-life challenges as seeds for meaningful creative work. There are lots of personal, honest moments in this conversation—and a reading list you’ll want to check out.

Connect with Stephanie Jordan

Website: https://www.thestephaniejordan.com/

Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/thestephaniejordan/#

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Chapters

00:00 Welcome and Introductions
00:40 Celebrating National Read a New Book Month
01:21 What Reading Means to Stephanie
01:56 Books That Shaped Stephanie
02:50 Turning Life’s Trials Into Books
04:33 Shifting From Salon to Writing
05:16 Where to Start With Stephanie’s Books
06:12 Writing About Complex Relationships
07:06 Why Boundaries Really Matter
08:25 Boundary Examples: Physical and Relational
11:03 Faith’s Role in Writing and Life
11:56 What Stephanie Hopes Readers Take Away
12:26 Finding Time for Reading and Writing
13:17 Books, Motorcycles, and the Joy of Escape
14:00 Current Reads and Recommendations
14:16 Advice for Reading a New Book
15:06 Lightning Round: Quick Fire Questions
17:20 Where to Find Stephanie and Her Work
17:41 Closing and Next Steps

If you’re looking for honest, practical advice on supporting mental health—especially during challenging times—today’s episode is for you. In honor of National Suicide Prevention Month, I sit down with Jennifer Wilts, a certified clinical trauma specialist and mental health coach. Jennifer shares her own deeply personal story of navigating trauma, PTSD, and coming out the other side with tools that help others find hope, not just survive. You’ll hear how she built her “Hope Searchers Toolkit” using science-backed approaches that complement traditional therapy, and why even small acts—like sharing your story—can have a big ripple effect for others.

If you’re a podcaster or creator hoping to connect with listeners around tough topics, you’ll learn:
• How nutrition and daily habits can support your mind and well-being.
• Why building a simple “toolkit” for hope is important for anyone navigating tough times.

Jennifer brings a unique perspective to transforming pain into purpose—whether for yourself or to better support your community. Tune in and take away ideas you can use in your own life or podcast.

Connect with Jennifer Wilt

Website: https://amaptohope.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amaptohope/

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Chapters

00:00 Welcome and Introduction
01:08 Jennifer’s Journey Through Trauma
02:43 Living With PTSD and Finding Hope
04:11 Shifting From Survival to Healing
05:15 From Military to Mental Health Work
07:08 Helping Others by Sharing Your Story
09:21 Becoming the “Map Maker of Hope”
10:53 Building the Hope Searcher Toolkit
13:26 The Power of Faith and Purpose
16:33 Community and Healing
17:50 Nutrition and the Mind-Body Connection
20:15 Practical Steps for Mind-Body Healing
22:00 Where to Find Jennifer Wilts
23:11 Closing Thoughts and Goodbyes

If you’ve ever wondered what it really means to recover and keep going — even when life throws you surprises you never trained for — this episode is for you. In this conversation, I sit down with Dr. Jeffrey Reynolds: Ironman triathlete, author, nonprofit leader, and two-time cancer survivor. We get real about the ups and downs of recovery, and Jeffrey shares how the discipline and mindset of endurance sports helped him face a cancer journey he never expected.

You’ll pick up a new perspective on what recovery can mean — whether it’s from illness, addiction, or everyday challenges. We dig into how to build a support system you can truly lean on, and why pacing yourself in tough times is just as important as pushing through. Listen for practical outlook shifts you can borrow for your own next “race,” creative or otherwise: like shifting your focus to “one day at a time,” and simple ways to stay connected to what really matters (even when everything feels upside-down).

Connect with Jeffrey Reynolds

Website: https://www.everymilematters.com/

Twitter: https://x.com/drjeffreynolds

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjeffreyreynolds/

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Chapters

00:00 Welcome & The Power of Observance
00:23 Introducing Dr. Jeffrey Reynolds
01:02 Ironman Meets Cancer Survivor
02:24 Lessons Learned From Endurance Sports
04:09 Mindset Shifts During Cancer Treatment
05:47 Facing Treatment’s Toughest Moments
07:08 Advice for Caregivers in Recovery
08:57 The Fluid Emotions of Recovery
10:12 Mortality and Life Priorities
11:48 Sharing Lessons Through Writing
13:23 Top Mindset Shifts for Tough Times
14:49 Don’t Go It Alone
15:19 Take Time to Slow Down
16:34 Lightning Round: Recovery Insights
17:46 Embracing Every Day
17:53 Where to Get Jeffrey’s Book
18:44 Wrapping Up & Final Thoughts
19:19 Thank You and How to Stay Connected

If you’re looking for honest, down-to-earth conversations about resilience and finding hope on the hardest days, you’ll get a lot out of this episode. Today, I talk with Pete A. Turner about the realities many veterans face during National Suicide Prevention Month. Pete shares what it was like being a combat spy, dealing with loss, and living with PTSD, but also how he’s found ways to heal and help others. You’ll hear how the smallest acts of community—like reaching out to friends before they hit rock bottom—can make a huge difference. We also dig into the story behind Ride for the Brave and the real challenges of keeping advocacy projects going.
If you’re a podcaster or creator, you’ll learn:

• Practical ways to build supportive connections, on and off the mic.

• How to approach tough topics authentically while caring for your own wellbeing. This episode is a reminder that even just being present for someone can help lighten their load.

Connect with Pete A Turner

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/peteaturner

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peteaturner/

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Chapters

00:00 Introducing National Suicide Prevention Month
00:40 Meet Pete A. Turner and His Journey
01:28 Combat Experiences and Perspective on Resilience
04:02 Losing a Brother to Suicide
07:24 Recognizing When Someone Needs Help
08:30 Reaching Out Before Crisis
09:45 The Ride for the Brave Story
12:47 When Advocacy Becomes Too Much
15:04 Building Community on the Road
17:05 Advice to Those Struggling
19:18 Family, Loss, and Ongoing Healing
21:07 Where to Find Pete’s Work
21:45 The Power of Prevention and Community
22:11 Episode Wrap-Up and Newsletter