Pulse Ox

Dive into this unforgettable episode of The Pulse Ox Podcast where host Eric Stopper sits down with Jeff Mains, CEO of Champion Leadership Group and author of "Small Fish, Big Pond" and the captivating new release, "The Captain’s Keys." If you’re fascinated by what it takes to lead under pressure and want practical wisdom for business—and maybe even a heart-pounding tiger shark story—this one’s for you!What’s Inside:Meet Jeff Mains: Learn how Jeff helps B2B SaaS founders not only grow and scale, but build leadership teams ready for anything. He introduces the core framework from his latest book, breaking down why every leader needs an anchor, a crew, a navigator, and a champion.60 Feet Under with a Tiger Shark: Jeff shares a gripping personal story from his diving adventures in the Bahamas. What does staring down a massive tiger shark teach about business leadership and composure under pressure? More than you might guess!Stoicism, Resilience, and Cultivating Calm: Eric and Jeff explore the crossover between ancient philosophy and modern business. Learn how Jeff and Eric both use stoic principles to keep cool heads when the stakes are high—and why embracing pressure can make or break your growth.Learning from Losses: Jeff candidly discusses a painful business mistake—how a bad hire led to a $5M loss—and the lessons he extracted about accountability, delegation, and maintaining culture. Jeff’s insights on check-ins, North Star metrics, and healthy communication are a must-hear for any leader facing challenging decisions.Turning Lows Into Wins: Eric quizzes Jeff on how to transform organizational setbacks into sources of motivation, learning, and (yes) even celebration.Practical Leadership Systems: Get a sneak peek into "The Captain’s Keys," described as what might happen if a leadership book and a Netflix drama had a baby—filled with storms, boats, emotional wreckage, and a down-to-earth leadership system at its core.Connect with Jeff:Social: @JeffKMainesLeadership resources: championleadership.comGrab "The Captain’s Keys" wherever you buy books!If you loved this episode, please give us a like on Spotify and share it with a friend.Listen in and discover how the depths—both literal and figurative—can change your outlook on leadership forever!Takeaways-Leaders need a support system consisting of an anchor, a crew, a navigator, and a champion.-Staying calm under pressure is crucial in both diving and business.-Perception of challenges can shift from negative to positive over time.-Learning from losses is as important as celebrating wins.-Delegation requires accountability, not abdication of responsibility.-Success can mask underlying mistakes in leadership decisions.-Establishing clear metrics for success is essential for accountability.-Regular check-ins with team members foster connection and support.-Communication methods should be tailored to individual team members.-Leadership lessons can come from unexpected places, like diving. Chapters00:00 Navigating Leadership: The Stability Matrix02:57 Diving Deep: Lessons from the Ocean05:58 Perception and Opportunity in Crisis08:38 Celebrating Wins and Learning from Losses11:27 The Art of Delegation and Accountability

Show Notes: Kiley Schmitz on Building Resilience, Embracing Change, and the Journey from Entrepreneurship to Chief People OfficerIn this insightful episode of the Pulse Ox podcast, host Eric Stopper sits down with Kylie Schmitz—founder and coach at Odyssey Resilience and the newly appointed Chief People Officer at McGuire Sponsil. Kylie brings a fresh, dynamic perspective on career pivots, the power of resilience, and unlocking human potential, informed by her diverse background in leadership, entrepreneurship, and sales coaching.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:Kylie’s Unique Career Path: Hear how Kylie went from being “funemployed” to founding her own company, Odyssey Resilience, and how a serendipitous opportunity led her back into the world of corporate leadership.Lessons in Resilience: Kylie shares her resilience model, built from real experiences in rapidly scaling an organization from 50 to 250 employees, and explains why resilience is at the core of her coaching philosophy.Making Big Life Decisions: The importance of aligning your vision, mission, and values—not just for yourself, but when building high-performing teams or nurturing talent, including key strategies for retaining top contractors.Knowing Your Core Values: Both Eric and Kylie discuss their personal journeys to defining core values, the processes they used (from deep introspection to practical exercises), and the role these values play in making impactful decisions.Empowerment and Human Potential: With stories drawn from both the entrepreneurial world and corporate environments, Kylie details her passion for helping people achieve their goals—wherever they work.What’s Next for Odyssey Resilience: As Kylie steps fully into her new role, her partner Chris is set to lead Odyssey Resilience into its next chapter, continuing its mission of guiding athletes and corporate “athletes” to peak performance.Quotes to Remember:“You stay married to the mission, not the method.”“Resilience isn’t about avoiding adversity—it’s about how you handle it when it comes.”“Values are your culture on display.”Where to Connect with Kylie:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kileyschmitz/Instagram: @coachkylieListen, learn, and be inspired to define your path, bounce back stronger, and help your team thrive. Don’t forget to subscribe, share this episode, and leave us a review on Spotify!Discover more about unlocking your own resilience and aligning your mission with your daily work by tuning in to this episode of Pulse Ox.00:00 Career Shift to Chief People Officer04:39 Embracing Corporate Role Aligned Mission08:53 Maximizing Employee Potential12:53 Articulating Core Values Workshop13:48 Core Values: Fun, Learning, Achievement, Integrity

In this powerful episode, host Eric Stopper sits down with Laura Burnside, co-founder of CSE Leadership, to unpack her deeply personal and transformative journey through adversity, spiritual discovery, and entrepreneurial courage.Laura shares a remarkable story of resilience, beginning with a life-changing medical crisis in 2011 that left her temporarily without feeling in her limbs and challenged her identity and direction. What followed was not just a physical recovery, but a profound spiritual awakening—a moment on a plane that changed the trajectory of her life and work. Hear how a mysterious voice, an uplifting song, and serendipitous experiences led Laura to "trust the universe" and embrace vulnerability as a catalyst for growth.Dive into Laura’s approach to leadership and entrepreneurship, built on honoring each person’s unique value and holding space for authenticity in the workplace. Learn how her philosophy of “when you know better, you do better” (Maya Angelou) guides her professional and personal decisions, from founding CSE Leadership to turning down opportunities that don’t align with her purpose.Eric and Laura also explore the power of yoga, mindfulness, and being truly “in the flow”—plus, how these practices create the openness needed for unexpected opportunities, including her inspiring work in Saudi Arabia.Key themes:Overcoming adversity & listening for signsThe intersection of spirituality and businessStaying open to unexpected doorsImportance of self-care and staying inspired as a leaderLeading with compassion, authenticity, and curiosityWhether you’re an entrepreneur, healthcare leader, or seeker on your own path, Laura’s story is a beautiful reminder to trust in the process, notice the “God winks,” and bravely walk through the doors that open—sometimes in the most unlikely places.Connect with Laura Burnside:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lara-burnside-mha-cec-acue-ba53b417/CSE Leadership: www.cscleadership.comIf you found value in this episode, please like, share, and let us know your thoughts!00:00 "Empowering Leaders to Value Diversity"04:05 Spiritual Reflection and Career Uncertainty07:48 "Trust the Universe"12:08 In the Flow Zone15:35 Emotional Overload and Resignation Journey17:18 "Unexpected Saudi Arabia Journey"

Welcome to a game-changing episode of the Pulse Ox Podcast! This week, host Eric Stopper sits down with Dr. Howard Cohn, the trailblazing founder behind the Cohn Health Institute, the Bio Stacking Summit, and Cohn Nutrition. In this episode, Dr. Cohn takes us deep into the story of his journey from chiropractic school to pioneering emotional healing through the revolutionary Neuro Emotional Technique (NET).What’s Inside:The Origin Story: Dr. Cohn reveals how a chance mentorship led him to NET and why “practice makes permanent”—not perfect.The “How To” vs. “Who Do”: Discover the profound difference between learning more “how to’s” and clearing the hidden emotional “who do” blocks holding you back from greatness.Instant Healing Demystified: Hear Dr. Cohn break down how NET brings together 5,000 years of Chinese medicine and the science of conditioned emotional responses to create rapid, lasting transformation—sometimes in minutes!Breakthroughs with Athletes, Executives…and Dogs?! From helping sales professionals smash their ceilings to healing canine phobias, Dr. Cohn shares unforgettable stories that show NET’s real-world magic.Process vs. Meditation: Eric shares his own emotional healing experience and gets Dr. Cohn’s expert take on why NET works differently—and how it can catalyze real change, not just cathartic release.The Mind-Body Connection: Learn why your body never lies, why emotional triggers aren’t always logical, and the fascinating way our perceptions—not just our memories—shape what holds us back.Mainstream Breakthrough: Did you know NET has been featured on Grey’s Anatomy and validated by peer-reviewed studies? Dr. Cohn spills the details.Events & Resources: Get the scoop on the upcoming Bio Stacking Summit (September 13–19th, 100% virtual, with a VIP upgrade available), and learn where you can connect with Dr. Cohn and his worldwide community.Key Takeaways:Healing can happen in an instant—if you access the right techniques and address not just the “how to’s” but the deeper “who do’s.”NET is more than therapy—it’s a tool to clear the baggage, shift the body, and unlock your next level in health, performance, and happiness.Anyone can benefit, from high-achieving adults to children, and even animals. Results are real, lasting, and sometimes downright miraculous.Connect with Dr. Cohn:LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/drhowardcohn/Cohn Health InstituteCohn NutritionBio Stacking Summit (September 13–19—100% virtual!)If you loved this episode, don’t forget to hit like, subscribe, and share with a friend who needs to hear this powerful message. Check the show notes for all the links, and we’ll see you next time on the Pulse Ox Podcast!Found this episode transformative? Drop a review or tag us on social to join the conversation!00:00 "Unblocking Potential for Success"03:52 Healing Through Self-Awareness and Consciousness07:24 "Visceral Muscle Testing Approach"11:29 Different Perspectives on a Quarter13:27 Removing Relationship Barriers16:06 Miraculous Dog Healing Experience22:02 "Global Health Innovations Unveiled"23:05 Virtual Summit with VIP Access

Show Notes – Melissa Whitaker on the Secrets to a Good Life, Bold Faith, and a Thriving Company CultureIn this vibrant and inspiring episode, Eric sits down with Melissa Whitaker, CEO and founder of Melissa Whitaker International, to dig into her secrets for living a great life—and helping others do the same. If you’ve ever wondered how to tap into your true purpose, reignite your passion for life, or foster a healthy workplace culture, Melissa’s wisdom will light you up.What You’ll Hear in This Episode:The Twofold Secret to a Good Life: Melissa shares her unique formula: love what you do AND have a personal passion that fuels your soul. (Dancing, anyone?)Dancing as a Lifeline: Hear Melissa’s personal story about how competitive East Coast Swing and Cha-Cha brought her into flow state and helped her escape daily stress.Turning Hard Times Into Empowerment: Melissa opens up about her challenging family dynamics as a child and explains how one pivotal moment in seventh grade shaped her fierce commitment to healthy relationships and empowerment—especially for women.Practical Advice to Her Younger Self: If you could slip advice to yourself at a vulnerable moment, what would it be? Melissa’s “fortune cookie note” is all about bold faith and resilience.Transforming Workplace Culture: Discover how Melissa’s company helps organizations thrive using tailored personality assessments—not only improving workplace happiness, but also creating self-awareness and synergy among teams.The Power of Personality Assessments: Eric and Melissa geek out over the value of tools like Culture Index, Myers Briggs, and others, discussing how knowing yourself and your coworkers can radically enhance both job satisfaction and company performance.Faith, Wellness, and Holistic Success: Melissa talks about integrating faith and wellness into her coaching, and why seeing people as whole beings—not just numbers—is the ultimate difference-maker in business success.Why You Should Listen: You’ll come away with practical takeaways about living with intention, leading with empathy, and designing your life and career for maximum engagement and joy. Listen for bold, actionable wisdom—plus a few personal dance floor confessions!Connect with Melissa: Find more about Melissa Whitaker and her resources at melissawhitakerintl.com. Free tools, guides, and ways to work with her are all just a click away!Don’t forget:If you enjoyed our conversation, subscribe, leave us a review, and share this episode—so more people can uncover their best selves at both work and home.Tune in and get ready to rediscover your passion, purpose, and the secret ingredients to a truly great life!Find Melissa here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissawhitaker/

Show Notes — Pulse Ox Podcast feat. Gabriel FloresIn this soul-stirring episode of the Pulse Ox Podcast, host Eric Stopper welcomes entrepreneur and podcast host Gabriel Flores for an intimate exploration of life’s deepest questions: grit, faith, mystical experiences, and redefining success after personal loss.Episode Highlights:Secrets to a Good Life: Eric reveals the findings from analyzing 60+ episodes—what are the consistent themes guests have shared as their secret to a good life? The answers might surprise you.Mystical & Miraculous Moments: Gabriel shares candidly about the profound loss of his father-in-law and the “serendipitous” spiritual moments that have since shifted his entire outlook on success and meaning. From Sting’s "Every Breath You Take" coming on at just the right moment to feeling the lingering presence of a loved one, you’ll be moved by these stories.Faith, Flow, and the Human Spirit: The conversation dives into how faith shows up in all forms—traditional religious belief, faith in oneself, and the power of community. Eric and Gabriel discuss how these factors drive our ability to persevere, heal, and find purpose.The Power of Repetition: Gabriel reflects on the importance of daily habits (like making your bed), celebrating small wins, and why “perfection” doesn’t equal success.Divine Encounters or the Power of the Mind? You’ll hear both hosts wrestle with where our most powerful “spiritual” feelings come from—are they divine, physiological, or something in between?Stories You Won’t Forget: Listen for a fascinating story about Juan Diego, the Virgin of Guadalupe, and miracles within Mexican Catholic tradition.Who Should Listen: Anyone interested in personal growth, spirituality (in all its forms), entrepreneurship, or simply hearing two thoughtful humans chat about what makes life worth living. Whether you’re at a crossroads or looking for inspiration, there’s something here for you.Connect with Gabriel Flores:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrgabrielflores/overlay/photo/Podcast & Website: The Shades of EcomIf you found this episode thought-provoking or comforting, share it with a friend, and remember to subscribe and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform!Pulse Ox PodcastHosted by Eric StopperStay curious. Stay inspired.

Show Notes – Sonya Shelton on Leadership, Past Lives, and Trusting Your IntuitionIn this captivating episode, host Eric Stopper welcomes Sonya Shelton, CEO of Executive Leadership Consulting, for a fascinating journey that starts in her childhood and explores leadership, spirituality, and the mysteries of intuition.Sonya shares an incredible story about her early realization of past lives—starting with speaking French as a child, despite having no ties to the language or culture. From chance encounters as a young girl to vivid experiences as a Zen Buddhist practitioner in South Korea, and even a surprising revelation from a psychic coworker, Sonya guides us through the profound impact of these memories on her worldview.The conversation delves into the principles of Zen Buddhism, particularly the concepts of karma, presence, and enlightenment, and how these beliefs shape Sonya’s approach to both life and business. Sonya discusses how her unique life experiences have deepened her practice and influenced her leadership philosophy.Eric and Sonya then explore the realities of intuition: how to trust that inner knowing, ways Sonya tunes into her own guidance, and the ongoing challenge of honoring your inner voice in the face of external opinions.Key Moments:Sonya’s unexpected connection to the French language as a childVivid memories of past lives in France, South Korea, China, and as a Native American chiefThe intersection of spirituality, Zen Buddhist principles, and leadershipAdvice Sonya would give her 13-year-old self about trusting intuitionHow clairsentience guides her personal and professional decisionsConnect with Sonya Shelton and explore more resources on leadership: executiveleader.comThis episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in leadership, spirituality, and the deeper meaning behind intuition and past experiences. Don’t miss this thoughtful and inspiring conversation!Like what you hear? Make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with friends who are curious about the intersection of business and the unexplained.

Show Notes: The Pulse Ox Podcast — Featuring Travis Thomas, Performance CoachIn this inspiring and candid episode, host Eric Stopper is joined by Travis Thomas, a renowned performance coach specializing in mindset, team dynamics, and culture. Travis shares his journey from a career in improvisational comedy to nearly two decades of helping organizations and athletes unlock their full potential.The conversation dives deep, right from the start, as Eric invites Travis to share a transformative “divine experience” that shifted the entire trajectory of his life. Travis recounts a harrowing accident on a trampoline during a personal development course—an unexpected event that became a profound turning point. Hear how trust, surrender, and the courage to “leap and the net will appear” became guiding principles in Travis’s life and coaching philosophy.Key Takeaways:The power of receptivity and vulnerability in moments of major changeHow “leaping” without knowing the outcome can lead to real growth and purposeThe importance of owning your personal mission statement—how it can guide decisions across every aspect of lifeReal stories from Travis’s work with professional athletes, including a compelling account of supporting a U.S. Men’s National Team soccer player through immense personal pressureThe difference between being transactional and transformational, in both coaching and daily livingTravis and Eric also explore the joy of coaching others, especially kids, and the thrill of witnessing real growth in action. The episode is packed with practical wisdom—whether you’re navigating big transitions, seeking your purpose, or leading others.Connect with Travis Thomas Website: livyesand.comInstagram: @livyesandIf this episode resonated with you, please like, subscribe, and share The Pulse Ox Podcast—let’s uplift more stories of transformation together!Found this episode valuable? Give us a like on Spotify and share with a friend!

Show Notes for The Pulse Ox Podcast | Episode: Nater YoungchildTitle: “A Hawk, a Broken Back, and the Path to Purpose: The Mystical Wake-Up Call of Nater Youngchild”On this extraordinary episode of The Pulse Ox Podcast, Eric and Nick sit down with Nater Youngchild, founder of Hits Cannabis, to explore a story of pain, survival, and profound transformation.Nater’s journey begins with a life-altering accident in 2016: a devastating snowboarding crash near Mount Rainier that left him with five fractured vertebrae. While recuperating—alone in a mountain cabin, struggling physically and emotionally—Nater is jolted awake one night by an inexplicable, earth-shattering noise. What he discovers next defies logic: a massive skylight obliterated, glass scattered everywhere, and a majestic hawk, dead and splayed atop his office desk.This powerful, almost mystical encounter sends Nater spiraling into deep self-reflection. Over a cathartic journal-writing session in a mountain coffee shop, he sifts through his ambitions, relationships, and values, uncovering a wake-up call to refocus his life’s path. He investigates the symbolism of hawks across cultures, discovering a universal theme: the hawk as a divine messenger, urging him to rise above and see his journey from a higher perspective.As Nater recounts, this experience became a watershed moment—fueling bold decisions like ending misaligned relationships, radically redefining his approach to business, and ultimately, taking the leap with his childhood friend to launch Hits Cannabis.But that isn’t the end of the mysterious energy surrounding his experience. A would-be contractor and his girlfriend sense an “energy” in the house, deepening the intrigue and Nater’s quest to find meaning in these events. While Nater never pins down exactly what entity or force intervened, he emerges with a lasting sensitivity to energy and intuition, which he credits for guiding his future relationships, investments, and the mission behind Hits Cannabis.Tune in for an episode packed with awe-inspiring storytelling, practical reflections, and a deep dive into the intersection of trauma, spirituality, and entrepreneurship. If you’ve ever wondered how a single, inexplicable event can change the course of a life, you won’t want to miss this conversation.Key Topics:Surviving a traumatic accident and the power of gratitudeThe mystical appearance of the hawk and ancient symbolismJournaling as a tool for clarity and transformationUsing intuition in business and relationshipsEnergy sensitivity and spiritual aftermathThe founding story behind Hits CannabisMentioned in this episode:Hits Cannabis: hitsproducts.comUnique Ability 2.0 by Strategic CoachWake & Bake Coffee Shop, Glacier, WAWhere to find Nater:Hits Cannabis WebsiteNater Youngchild on LinkedInIf you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on Spotify and share with a friend!The Pulse Ox Podcast: Breathing life into extraordinary stories of insight, growth, and resilience.Find Nater Youngchild at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nateryoungchild/

Show Notes - Patty DeDominic on the Pulse Ox PodcastIn this inspiring episode, host Eric Stopper sits down with Patty DeDominic, an accomplished entrepreneur, strategic coach, and former staffing company founder whose journey is packed with wisdom, tough decisions, and remarkable growth.Key Highlights:From Startup to Industry Leader: Patty shares how she launched her staffing business in her late 20s, competing with giants like Kelly Services and Manpower. Against the odds, she grew the company over 27 years, ultimately employing over 660 people across 33 states and touching the lives of over 250,000 job seekers.Lessons Learned: Patty gets candid about balancing entrepreneurship and motherhood. She reflects on the sacrifices she made, admitting that starting and relentlessly growing her business while raising young children may have come at a cost—and shares advice she’d give her younger self about cherishing time with family.Navigating Rapid Growth: Discover how Patty’s company weathered the recession of the early ’80s, almost went under due to too much rapid success, and then leaped from $4 million to $6 million in annual revenue by betting big on the right technology at the right time.Choosing Clients with Integrity: Patty discusses the moments she walked away from high-profile clients, including Hollywood studios and government contracts, in order to uphold her company’s values. Learn how defining “America’s finest employers” became a strategic and moral compass.The Power of Clarity and Focus: Hear why clarity of mission, top-three yearly priorities, and aligning values are at the core of exponential business growth.Mindset & Mantras: Patty shares the personal sayings that guided her through challenging times, including “This too shall pass” and “When you get to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hold on.”Continued Impact: After selling her company, Patty went on to coach entrepreneurs, leveraging her experience to help others avoid the pitfalls she encountered on her own journey.Resources & Free Gifts:Patty has generously offered a free book: Avoiding the 13 Deadly Pitfalls on the Road to Exponential Growth—a must-read for any entrepreneur looking to accelerate their success with fewer bumps along the way.Connect with Patty DeDominic:Website: pattydedominic.com(Find her resources and reach out for coaching!)If this episode sparked an idea or gave you actionable insights, show us some love by liking and sharing it with friends or colleagues.