This week feels different. The assassination of Charlie Kirk wasn’t just another tragedy — it was a line crossed in America.

In this episode of Spartan Leadership, Josh Kosnick shares his unfiltered response to the events of this week. From the cultural divide exposed by Charlie’s death, to the dangerous normalization of political violence on social media, to the difference between justice and vengeance — this is a sobering conversation about the value of human life, leadership, and truth.

Charlie Kirk was a 31-year-old husband, father, and believer. He wasn’t a politician. He was murdered for his convictions. That reality demands we ask: which side of this divide will you stand on?

Josh reflects on Scripture, leadership, and the responsibility to use your voice even when it costs you. This is a call to clarity, courage, and justice in a culture at war with itself.

00:00 Introduction and Mission Statement
00:16 Founding the Organization
00:24 Core Beliefs and Values
00:51 Christian Duty and Public Arena
01:07 Personal Reflections and Gratitude
01:52 Grassroots Movement and Media Perception
02:14 Generational Realignment and Youth Engagement
03:21 Tragic News and Emotional Response
04:20 The Impact of Charlie Kirk's Death
10:24 Social Media's Role in Modern Tragedies
22:11 Call to Action and Leadership
33:56 Concluding Thoughts and Final Call to Action

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

Connect with Josh Kosnick: https://linktr.ee/joshkosnick

#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.

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In this no-holds-barred episode of the Spartan Leadership Podcast, Josh Kosnick is joined by Jason Smith and Emanuel Whitfield for a fiery roundtable on the state of leadership, censorship, and cultural division in America.

This is not your average podcast—this is Leadership in Review.

We’re diving deep into:
•The erosion of free speech in modern America
•The hypocrisy of both political parties
•How black-on-black crime is ignored while race narratives are manufactured
•The truth about trans ideology, mental health, and school shootings
•Immigration, sovereignty, and the breakdown of national identity
•Why the left and right both weaponize division—and what real leadership demands
•How to build identity and meaning outside the media’s manipulation

🔥 Emanuel doesn’t hold back on Trump, Jason calls out legal double standards, and Josh anchors the conversation with principle-driven leadership and insight forged from decades of business, coaching, and personal growth.

If you’re tired of performative politics and looking for clarity, courage, and uncomfortable truth—this episode is for you.

🎙️ Don’t forget to:
•Subscribe for more real leadership conversations
•Drop a comment—what resonated most with you?
•Share with someone who needs to hear the truth

00:00 Introduction and Call for Unity
03:47 Welcome to Spartan Leadership
03:55 Leadership in Review
07:41 Censorship and Free Speech
22:54 Laws and School Shootings
41:45 Division and American Identity
44:00 Rising Crime and Immigration
44:47 Cultural Identity and Integration
46:31 Firearm Control and Civil Rights
48:49 COVID-19 Vaccine Debate
50:16 Media Influence and Public Perception
51:08 Black Community and Crime
54:54 Education and Affirmative Action
01:05:19 Diversity and Ideological Differences
01:17:54 Personal Stories and Reflections
01:21:19 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

⸻

🧭 Learn more at https://joshkosnick.com

📚 Take the Life Quotient Assessment: https://joshkosnick.com/assessment

📕 Grab Josh’s book The Kairos Code: https://joshkosnick.com/books

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What happens when telling the truth costs you your platform, your reputation, and your place in the tribe?

In this powerful episode of the Spartan Leadership Podcast, Josh Kosnick sits down with journalist Mik Olson, who’s faced backlash for doing exactly that — telling the truth, even when it offends his own side.

A contributor to The Federalist, The Christian Post, and Not the Bee, Mik has written about Christian nationalism, the moral collapse of conservative media, and the rise of influencer-driven politics. This conversation is about courage, faith, and the danger of compromising truth for the sake of power.

Together, Josh and Mik discuss:

• The “woke right” and its silent spread through conservative circles
• Why alternative media is losing credibility
• Christian nationalism vs authentic spiritual conviction
• The illusion of online influence — and who’s funding it
• The high cost of integrity in a performative world

If you're tired of echo chambers, loyalty tests, and leaders who won’t speak up — this one’s for you.

🔔 Subscribe for more conversations grounded in faith, integrity, and unapologetic leadership.

#TellTheTruth #MikOlson #JoshKosnick #SpartanLeadership #ChristianNationalism #IntegrityInLeadership #FaithAndPolitics #MediaTruth #KairosLeadership

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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Watch the full conversation with Mitch Matthews as we explore the intersection of faith, business, and identity in the coaching world.

This is not a surface-level interview. Josh and Mitch go deep on calling, purpose, and what it actually takes to build a life and business that honors your values.

00:00 Introduction and Initial Thoughts
01:02 Guest Introduction: Mitch Matthews
02:44 Mitch's Journey into Coaching
04:15 Early Career and Entrepreneurial Spirit
05:21 Corporate Experience and Transition
10:47 Faith in Business
20:18 Coaching Leaders in Faith Integration
30:59 The Power of Prayer in Business
35:20 Getting Your First Clients
36:59 The Authority Bridge Process
38:16 Building Trust and Value
40:37 Leveraging Relationships and Speaking Opportunities
43:09 The Reality of Entrepreneurship
43:52 Investing in Skills and Team
48:11 Balancing Business Growth and Personal Values
56:22 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
01:01:41 The Importance of Hard Work
01:08:55 Final Thoughts and Resources

Connect with Mitch Matthews
Website: https://mitchmatthews.com
Free Guide – 44 Ways to Find Your First Life Coaching Clients: https://mitchmatthews.com/44ways
Free Download – 11 Prayers for Building a Coaching Business You Love: https://mitchmatthews.com/prayers

Learn More About Josh Kosnick and Spartan Leadership
Website: https://joshkosnick.com
Take the Life Quotient Assessment: https://joshkosnick.com/assessment
Bridge Builder Mastermind: https://joshkosnick.com/mastermind
Follow Josh on Instagram: https://instagram.com/joshkosnick
Follow Josh on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/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

CONNECT WITH ME HERE:
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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.

🔗 Learn more: spartanvalor.org

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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

Subscribe for More:
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.

🔗 Learn more: spartanvalor.org

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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

CONNECT WITH ME HERE:
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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

CONNECT WITH ME HERE:
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SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST HERE:
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