Mastering Marketing and Leadership with Alex Vonderhaar

In this episode of Spartan Leadership, host Josh Kosnick delves into the fascinating journey of Alex Vonderhaar, a neuro-marketing expert. 

They discuss Alex's profound near-death experience, which led him to change his career path from neuroscience to marketing. Alex shares insights on the importance of understanding marketing's role in business, strategies for creating impactful customer experiences, and leveraging both personal and corporate branding. The conversation also explores the future of marketing with AI, the significance of direct mail in a digital age, and the critical role of core values in business operations. Alex emphasizes the necessity for business owners to refine their skills in copywriting and customer retention to drive sustainable growth.

00:00 A Near-Death Experience and Life Reflections
00:08 The Matrix and Life Choices
00:59 Marketing Challenges for Business Owners
01:39 Welcome to Spartan Leadership
02:14 Introducing Alex Vande Har
04:05 Alex's Journey to Marketing
11:27 Starting a Marketing Company
20:32 The Importance of Hard Conversations
26:07 Understanding Marketing and Neuromarketing
43:41 Building a Personal Brand vs. Company Brand
45:28 The Importance of Long-Term Brand Building
46:37 Personal Brand vs. Corporate Brand
47:46 AI's Role in Modern Marketing
50:23 The Future of SEO and Digital Marketing
55:42 The Revival of Direct Mail Marketing
01:01:39 Customer Retention Strategies
01:13:56 The Power of Core Values in Business
01:18:53 Unconventional Marketing Tips for Entrepreneurs
01:25:11 Simulation Theory and Final Thoughts

🔗 LEARN MORE ABOUT ALEX: HTTPS://WWW.HIDDENFALLSMEDIA.COM

🎙️ SPARTAN LEADERSHIP PODCAST HOSTED BY JOSH KOSNICK: HTTPS://WWW.JOSHKOSNICK.COM

JOIN US AT BRIDGE BUILDER LIVE 2025: JOSHKOSNICK.COM/BRIDGEBUILDERLIVE

#JoshKosnick #AlexVonderhaar #HiddenFallsMedia #NeuroscienceMarketing #LeadershipPodcast #SpartanLeadership #AIinMarketing #PsychologyOfSales #BrandTrust #MarketingScience

Spartan Valor Foundation is dedicated to empowering veterans, military families, and survivors of child trafficking. Through strategic partnerships, we provide critical resources, advocacy, and hope for those who have sacrificed so much. Join us in making a difference—because no hero should stand alone.

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What if the secret to explosive business growth is letting go?

In this powerful episode of the Spartan Leadership Podcast, Josh Kosnick sits down with Bennett Maxwell—entrepreneur, investor, and founder of Dirty Dough. After scaling his cookie company to 450+ franchises sold in just 3 years, Bennett reveals the unlikely mindset behind his success: detachment from outcomes.

This conversation is about more than business. It’s about identity, purpose, and leading without ego. Bennett shares how Eastern philosophy, fatherhood, and failure have shaped him as a man and a CEO—and how true success might mean learning how to surrender.

What You'll Learn:

- How Bennett scaled Dirty Dough into a national franchise
- The spiritual framework that keeps him grounded
- What most founders get wrong about success
- Why identity-based leadership outlasts outcome-driven tactics
- How to lead with presence, purpose, and resilience

00:00:00 - Introduction
00:00:06 - The Importance of Perception
00:00:45 - Building a Community for Real Conversations
00:02:23 - Introducing Spartan Leadership
00:02:29 - Interview with Bennett
00:04:02 - Bennett's Transition from Operator to Architect
00:04:07 - Bennett's Entrepreneurial Journey
00:11:44 - Eastern Philosophy and its Application in Business
00:16:51 - Leadership Lessons
00:22:35 - The Drive to Build After an Exit
00:26:06 - Bennett's Weight Loss Journey
00:28:56 - Bennett's Daily Life and Prioritizing Health
00:31:10 - Exploring Psychedelics and Its Impact
00:36:08 - Returning to Business: Franchise Misconceptions
00:39:16 - The Illusion of Control in Business
00:45:37 - Thoughts on Success and Parenting
00:46:49 - Unpopular Beliefs
00:49:17 - Connecting with Bennett

Connect with Bennett:
https://linktr.ee/bennettmaxwell

Connect with Josh Kosnick:
https://www.joshkosnick.com

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Weekly conversations with high-performing leaders who lead with courage, conviction, and clarity.

Spartan Valor Foundation is dedicated to empowering veterans, military families, and survivors of child trafficking. Through strategic partnerships, we provide critical resources, advocacy, and hope for those who have sacrificed so much. Join us in making a difference—because no hero should stand alone.

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Loneliness is silently destroying leaders—and destroying teams. In this Spartan Leadership episode, Josh Kosnick sits down with Shasta Nelson, top keynote speaker and author of The Business of Friendship and Frientimacy, to uncover why connection is not a luxury for leaders—it’s a leadership advantage.

Shasta breaks down her “Connection Triangle” (positivity, consistency, vulnerability), explains why so many high achievers neglect relationships, and challenges the myth that it has to be “lonely at the top.” We also explore the difference between happiness and joy, how to build meaningful connection without crossing boundaries, and why learning to navigate relationships will transform your leadership, your company, and your life.

Shasta will be joining us live at Bridge Builder Live in Madison, WI, on August 7th, where she will help leaders develop the relationships that drive clarity, health, and high performance.

Join us: https://joshkosnick.com/bridgebuilderlive

Follow Shasta:
Website: https://www.shastanelson.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shastanelson/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shastamnelson/

If you’re ready to lead with deeper connection, tune in now.

It can be lonely being a leader, but it doesn't have to be! Having a strong support network and focusing on leadership skillscan make challenges seem less daunting. Prioritize personal growth and social connections to foster team building and avoid isolation.

If you need connection as a leader, visit joshkosnick.com to learn how to become a part of the community of leaders we are building!

00:00:00 - Introduction
00:00:04 - The Importance of Connection in Leadership
00:00:54 - Announcement of Bridge Builder Live 2025
00:02:39 - Introduction to the Interview with Shasta Nelson
00:03:00 - Shasta Nelson's Journey to Becoming a Leading Voice in Connection
00:03:46 - Shasta's Transition from War Correspondent to Pastor to Speaker
00:03:59 - The Role of a Pastor in Shaping Shasta's Speaking Career
00:08:36 - The Importance of Community in Church
00:09:24 - How to Break into the World of Speaking
00:12:42 - The Importance of Building a Brand and Credibility
00:13:34 - The Impact of Relationships on Business and Teams
00:15:58 - The Role of Relationships in Happiness
00:18:04 - The Difference Between Joy and Happiness
00:21:13 - The Connection Triangle and Its Importance in Leadership
00:25:13 - Loneliness in Leadership and Its Consequences
00:30:47 -

Spartan Valor Foundation is dedicated to empowering veterans, military families, and survivors of child trafficking. Through strategic partnerships, we provide critical resources, advocacy, and hope for those who have sacrificed so much. Join us in making a difference—because no hero should stand alone.

🔗 Learn more: spartanvalor.org

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Trump drops bombs on Iran. Tucker roasts Ted Cruz. NYC votes for socialism. Israel calls for a ceasefire.

In this episode of Leadership in Review, we break down the chaos and call out what’s real:

– Was Trump’s Iran strike bold leadership or reckless?
– Tucker vs. Ted Cruz: who’s actually standing for conservative values?
– Why NYC’s socialist mayor win is a warning for America.
– Is Israel’s ceasefire a show of strength or a step toward weakness?

We cut through the noise, react, and pull out the leadership lessons (and failures) that matter for business, politics, and your own life.

If you’re tired of soft takes and want real, unapologetic commentary on leadership in a world gone sideways, hit subscribe and join us.


Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes featuring top business minds, elite performers, and leadership experts.

#SpartanLeadership #Leadership #BusinessSuccess #Mindset #Entrepreneurship #SelfImprovement #Podcast #JoshKosnick #SpartanMindset

Spartan Valor Foundation is dedicated to empowering veterans, military families, and survivors of child trafficking. Through strategic partnerships, we provide critical resources, advocacy, and hope for those who have sacrificed so much. Join us in making a difference—because no hero should stand alone.

🔗 Learn more: spartanvalor.org

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Steve Cadigan, LinkedIn's first CHRO and top global talent strategist, joins Josh Kosnick on the Spartan Leadership Podcast to discuss how leaders can navigate rapid change, foster meaningful culture, and build high-performance teams. With experience scaling LinkedIn from 400 to 4,000 employees and advising Fortune 500 companies and nations, Steve shares unique insights on the future of work, the role of cross-cultural experiences in leadership, and how to create innovative, resilient organizations. Tune in to learn practical strategies for leaders who want to thrive in a shifting landscape and lead with clarity.

Learn more about Steve Cadigan: https://stevecadigan.com

Learn more about Spartan Leadership and Kairos Coaching: https://joshkosnick.com

Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes featuring top business minds, elite performers, and leadership experts.

#SpartanLeadership #Leadership #BusinessSuccess #Mindset #Entrepreneurship #SelfImprovement #Podcast #JoshKosnick #SpartanMindset

Spartan Valor Foundation is dedicated to empowering veterans, military families, and survivors of child trafficking. Through strategic partnerships, we provide critical resources, advocacy, and hope for those who have sacrificed so much. Join us in making a difference—because no hero should stand alone.

🔗 Learn more: spartanvalor.org

Support the show

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SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST HERE:
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In this episode of Spartan Leadership, Josh Kosnick sits down with Pat McNamera—retired Sergeant Major, Special Operations veteran, elite performance coach, and the mind behind “Basic Dude Stuff.” Introduced by Dr. Trevor Wilkins, Pat unpacks decades of hard-earned wisdom on building strength, living intentionally, and refusing to play the victim.

We cover everything from tactical readiness and civilian training to emotional control, faith, and legacy. Pat’s delivery is unfiltered, but his message is clear: real leadership requires action, not talk.

00:00:00 - Introduction
00:01:27 - Welcome to Spartan Leadership
00:01:42 - Guest Introduction: Pat McNamara
00:02:54 - Pat's Childhood and Early Life
00:06:14 - Transition to Military
00:10:50 - Overcoming Challenges and Failures
00:11:11 - Perseverance and Self-Motivation
00:12:45 - Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
00:15:32 - The Importance of Feedback and Sanity Checks
00:16:22 - The Power of Ideas and Protecting Them
00:19:37 - The Use of Technology in Capturing Ideas
00:20:40 - Reflections on Military Culture and Leadership
00:27:56 - Transition to Teaching and Building a Brand
00:31:32 - Financial Struggles and Lessons Learned
00:33:12 - Multiple Revenue Streams and Business Sustainability
00:34:49 - Building a Business Through Discipline
00:37:49 - Adapting to Market Changes and Giving Back
00:39:39 - Supporting the Community During Hard Times
00:39:54 - Training Law Enforcement Officers
00:42:00 - Current State of Law Enforcement
00:44:55 - The Importance of Adaptability
00:46:49 - Discussion on Media Influence and Consumption
00:51:30 - Introduction to Basic Dude Stuff
00:51:40 - The Influence and Impact of Basic Dude Stuff
00:59:19 - Reflections on Modern Culture and Masculinity
01:03:17 - Reconnecting with Our Primal Being
01:04:11 - Critique on Modern Dependence on Technology
01:04:36 - Closing Remarks and Gratitude
01:04:48 - How to Follow Pat McNamara
01:05:33 - Closing Message to Spartans

 📲 Follow Josh: https://linktr.ee/joshkosnick

Follow Pat McNamera: https://www.tmacsinc.com/

#SpartanLeadership #PatMcNamera #BasicDudeStuff #VeteranLeadership #TacticalMindset #Discipline #LeadershipDevelopment #SelfOwnership #JoshKosnick

Spartan Valor Foundation is dedicated to empowering veterans, military families, and survivors of child trafficking. Through strategic partnerships, we provide critical resources, advocacy, and hope for those who have sacrificed so much. Join us in making a difference—because no hero should stand alone.

🔗 Learn more: spartanvalor.org

Support the show

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What makes a truly great leader? Why are so many influencers just echoes of others? In this powerful conversation, Chris Widener—one of the most respected speakers in the world—joins Josh Kosnick to discuss mentorship, integrity, revival, and the crisis of masculinity in modern leadership.

Chris was personally mentored by Jim Rohn and Zig Ziglar, has spoken over 2,500 times, and now leads a movement for spiritual revival across America. If you want truth over trend, and purpose over platform—this episode is for you.

Timestamps:
00:00 - Intro
00:46 - Welcome to Spartan Leadership
01:18 - Guest Introduction: Chris Widener
02:07 - Chris Widener’s Story
02:21 - The Power of Mentorship
08:07 - How to Find the Right Mentor
10:27 - Why Influence Is Misunderstood
14:13 - Lessons from Rohn and Ziglar
16:03 - The Danger of Imitation in Leadership
17:12 - Sahil Bloom’s Five Types of Wealth
18:04 - Plagiarism in the Speaking Industry
21:13 - Chris’s Book Writing Process
27:58 - The Core of Integrity
29:43 - Boldness in Leadership
30:37 - Self-Worth and Confidence
31:21 - Intentions vs. Actions
32:44 - Chris’s Revival Ministry
34:09 - College Campus Revivals
39:06 - Searching for Meaning
41:32 - Tithing and Trust
45:49 - Silence, Solitude, and Speaking
48:34 - Clarity Breaks and Lectio Divina
50:59 - A Vision for a Revived America
55:05 - The Emasculation of Men
57:37 - Teaching Masculine and Feminine Roles
01:00:53 - Feminism and the Perception of Men
01:01:46 - How to Connect with Chris
01:03:04 - Final Thoughts and Call to Action
________

📅 Book a Call with Josh: https://calendly.com/josh-kosnick/30min

🔗 Follow Josh Kosnick & Get Exclusive Content: https://linktr.ee/joshkosnick

Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes featuring top business minds, elite performers, and leadership experts.

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Spartan Valor Foundation is dedicated to empowering veterans, military families, and survivors of child trafficking. Through strategic partnerships, we provide critical resources, advocacy, and hope for those who have sacrificed so much. Join us in making a difference—because no hero should stand alone.

🔗 Learn more: spartanvalor.org

Support the show

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What happens when the career you built no longer feels like the life you want?

In this powerful episode of the Spartan Leadership Podcast, Josh Kosnick sits down with long-time friend and coach Michael Brownlow. After years of success at Northwestern Mutual, Michael made the rare decision to walk away—not because he failed, but because he felt called to something deeper.

They explore what most leaders avoid: discomfort, identity shifts, physical pain, and what it really means to pursue purpose over performance. From stories of international travel to lessons learned in stillness and struggle, this conversation is for anyone ready to stop performing and start leading.

• Learn more about Michael: https://michaelbrownlow.com 
• oin Rhino Boot Camp: https://joshkosnick.com/rhino
• Connect with Josh: https://joshkosnick.com
• Follow on Instagram: @joshkosnick

Chapters:
00:00:00 - Introduction
00:01:19 - Welcome to the Show
00:01:56 - Entering Financial Services
00:04:58 - The Attraction of Human Development
00:05:33 - The Challenge of Human Development
00:11:07 - The Importance of Self-Investment
00:11:24 - The Value of Genuine Engagement
00:14:04 - The Reality of Termination
00:15:35 - Understanding Ikigai
00:16:59 - Navigating Professional Life
00:18:20 - Identifying Career Criteria
00:21:15 - The Role of Packaging and Titles
00:24:35 - Maintaining Identity Amidst Change
00:25:24 - The Importance of Recognizing Identity
00:31:06 - Addressing the Identity Crisis
00:31:31 - The Pursuit of Mastery
00:32:37 - The Importance of Associations
00:33:44 - Leveraging AI for Personal Development
00:34:56 - Introduction to Rhino Bootcamp
00:35:12 - The Vision Behind Rhino Bootcamp
00:38:58 - The Impact of Rhino Bootcamp
00:41:33 - The Birth of Rhino Bootcamp
00:43:14 - The Value of Bias for Action
00:43:39 - The Power of Imperfect Action
00:46:41 - The Philosophy of Self-Development
00:47:38 - The Value of Personal Investment
00:50:27 - Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
00:52:37 - The Power of Authenticity
00:55:03 - The Joy of the Climb
00:56:20 - The Impact of Rhino Bootcamp
01:01:14 - The Importance of Follow-Up and Community
01:02:08 - The Lack of Personal Development Plans
01:03:40 - The Vision for Future Coaching
01:06:32 - The Importance of Leadership Skills
01:07:47 - Personal Responsibility in Li

Spartan Valor Foundation is dedicated to empowering veterans, military families, and survivors of child trafficking. Through strategic partnerships, we provide critical resources, advocacy, and hope for those who have sacrificed so much. Join us in making a difference—because no hero should stand alone.

🔗 Learn more: spartanvalor.org

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Nancy Gale didn’t just survive unthinkable trauma—she built something beautiful because of it.

Founder of JAMAH, a luxury American-made handbag brand, and AMBITION, a nonprofit for disadvantaged youth, Nancy’s life is proof that purpose and pain can co-exist. In this conversation, we talk about her early years in Detroit, what it really takes to build a brand from scratch, and how she turned personal tragedy into a mission that’s impacted lives around the world.

This episode is raw, honest, and full of moments that’ll stay with you long after it ends.

00:00 – Intro: From personal tragedy to luxury brand
01:35 – Growing up in Detroit and the roots of American craftsmanship
04:50 – Why JAMAH was built to challenge European fashion dominance
06:30 – Launching JAMAH and committing to a 25-year vision
08:10 – The artistry of American manufacturing and building connection
09:30 – The birth of the JAMAH Motorcar Collection
11:00 – Telling love stories through custom bags
13:00 – The early struggles of building a brand with no support
15:00 – Learning to trust your own vision as a founder
17:20 – A skydiving story that changed how Nancy led her business
19:00 – Why she started AMBITION and the power of consistent mentorship
21:45 – Getting to know students before trying to teach them
23:30 – The “You Don’t Know About Me” student challenge
26:00 – Nancy’s mental health journey after rape and trauma
29:10 – Finding strength through storytelling and humor
32:50 – Her mother’s murder and choosing purpose over pain
35:10 – What Sir Richard Branson taught her students
38:40 – Teaching kids the value of hard work
41:00 – Why purpose is essential for mental health and joy
44:00 – The truth about resilience (and why it’s a daily choice)
46:30 – Why leaders must hold space for two truths at once
48:00 – What Nancy learned from her father about softness
49:00 – What she hopes people say about her legacy
50:30 – Where to find JAMAH and support AMBITION
51:00 – Her unpopular belief: Simplicity is the goal

https://www.jamah.com/about-nancy

________

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Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes featuring top business minds, elite performers, and leadership experts.

#SpartanLeadership #Leadership #BusinessSuccess #Mindset #Entrepreneurship #SelfImprovem

Spartan Valor Foundation is dedicated to empowering veterans, military families, and survivors of child trafficking. Through strategic partnerships, we provide critical resources, advocacy, and hope for those who have sacrificed so much. Join us in making a difference—because no hero should stand alone.

🔗 Learn more: spartanvalor.org

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In this episode of Spartan Leadership, host Josh Kosk sits down for an in-person fireside chat with Michael Creed, Branch Manager at Luminate Home Loans. Michael shares his journey from a paycheck-to-paycheck upbringing to becoming a successful mortgage lender. Discover Michael's perspective on building a life of legacy, financial literacy, and how he coaches his team for success. Learn about his unique approach to balancing work and personal life, and his thoughts on the importance of living legacy over leaving a financial one. 

Don't miss out on these valuable insights into leadership, money management, and the long-term impact of giving back.
________

📅 Book a Call with Josh: https://calendly.com/josh-kosnick/30min

🔗 Follow Josh Kosnick & Get Exclusive Content: https://linktr.ee/joshkosnick

Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes featuring top business minds, elite performers, and leadership experts.

#SpartanLeadership #Leadership #BusinessSuccess #Mindset #Entrepreneurship #SelfImprovement #Podcast #JoshKosnick #SpartanMindset

Spartan Valor Foundation is dedicated to empowering veterans, military families, and survivors of child trafficking. Through strategic partnerships, we provide critical resources, advocacy, and hope for those who have sacrificed so much. Join us in making a difference—because no hero should stand alone.

🔗 Learn more: spartanvalor.org

Support the show

CONNECT WITH ME HERE:
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SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST HERE:
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