StoryBuilders Podcast

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Kylie and Jake Rieke join Andrew Biernat on StoryBuilders to share their powerful journey from burnout on a Minnesota farm to living a purpose-filled life in Costa Rica. Once entrenched in what they call the “American trance,” the Riekes made a radical decision to walk away from their generational farm and rewrite their story from the inside out. Their transformation—captured in their upcoming book A More Brilliant Life—is a roadmap for anyone craving clarity, change, and authenticity.

Key Takeaways:

1. Escaping the Trance: Discover how Kylie and Jake recognized they were living someone else’s dream—despite having all the outward signs of success—and what sparked their decision to break free.
   
   
   
2. The Power of Personal Health: Learn how Jake’s secret health transformation and 50-pound weight loss became the catalyst for mental clarity, self-confidence, and momentum in every other area of life.
   
   
   
3. Letting Go to Move Forward: Explore the emotional and financial complexities of walking away from a fifth-generation farm and how courage, clarity, and a shared vision helped them release everything they knew.
   
   
   
4. Designing a Brilliant Life: Get a preview of the six-phase framework outlined in their book—Contemplate, Investigate, Activate, Eliminate, Accelerate, and Navigate—designed to help others build a life that’s truly theirs.
   
   
   

Kylie and Jake’s story is a testament to the power of intentional living, internal transformation, and having the guts to leap before life gives you permission.

🔗 Follow their journey and stay up to date at brilliantlifejourney.com

Want to be a guest on the StoryBuilders Podcast? Let's connect and see if it's a mutual fit! ---> mystorybuilders.com/podcastprecall

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Mark Collins, entrepreneur, coach, and author of Life Mastery: Living Life by Design, joins Andrew Biernat on StoryBuilders to reveal the hidden struggles of high achievers and how to overcome them. From battling imposter syndrome to unlocking true fulfillment, Mark shares his personal journey and the transformative strategies he uses to help entrepreneurs step into their full potential.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Hamster Wheel of Success: Why external achievements won’t silence self-doubt—and what to do instead.
2. From Success to Fulfillment: The difference between building a thriving business and creating a life that truly excites you.
3. Unlocking Your Hero in Hiding: How to rewrite the internal beliefs holding you back and show up with confidence in business and life.
4. Mastering Mindset for Growth: Practical strategies to shift from managing fears to mastering them, so you can lead with clarity and purpose.

Mark shares real-life examples of entrepreneurs who transformed their lives by tackling the internal roadblocks to success. If you’ve ever felt like you’re constantly proving yourself, this episode will give you the tools to break free.

Connect with Mark:
📖 Grab his book Life Mastery: Living Life by Design at freedom-for-life.net 

Want to be a guest on the StoryBuilders Podcast? Let's connect and see if it's a mutual fit! ---> mystorybuilders.com/podcastprecall

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Dre Baldwin, former pro basketball player, entrepreneur, and founder of Work On Your Game, Inc., joins Andrew Biernat on StoryBuilders to share his journey from an overlooked athlete to a thriving business leader. With over 30,000 pieces of content published and a brand built on discipline, mindset, and business strategy, Dre’s insights are a masterclass in personal and professional growth.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Power of Relentless Discipline: Learn how Dre transformed rejection into success by applying systematic discipline to sports, business, and content creation. His “third day” philosophy teaches you how to show up and perform—even when motivation fades.
2. Turning Content into a Scalable Business: Discover how Dre built a brand by listening to his audience, monetizing free content, and repurposing ideas into books, courses, and coaching programs.
3. Mastering the Speaking and Coaching Game: Dre breaks down why most speakers struggle to build sustainable businesses and shares strategies for leveraging intellectual property beyond the stage.
4. The Mindset Shift That Changes Everything: Explore the psychology behind high performance, unlocking your unique talents, and aligning passion with profitable opportunities.

Dre brings these lessons to life with engaging stories from his time as an athlete, content creator, and entrepreneur. Tune in to discover how to take control of your game and scale your expertise into a thriving business.

🎯 Get a free copy of Dre’s book The Third Day at ThirdDayBook.com
🔗 Connect with Dre and explore Work On Your Game University at WorkOnYourGameUniversity.com

Want to be a guest on the StoryBuilders Podcast? Let's connect and see if it's a mutual fit! ---> mystorybuilders.com/podcastprecall

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Camille Diaz, optimization coach, wealth strategist, and host of The Real Deal with Camille, joins Andrew Biernat on StoryBuilders to share her expertise on escaping burnout and achieving real productivity. Known for helping entrepreneurs revive their energy and efficiency, Camille reveals how to stop spinning your wheels and start making meaningful progress.

Key Takeaways:

1. The PSA Productivity Framework: Learn how Priorities, Scheduling, and Accountability can transform the way you work—eliminating overwhelm and keeping you focused on what truly matters.
2. Breaking the Burnout Cycle: Discover why the common "work harder" mindset leads to exhaustion and how to shift towards high-impact tasks that drive success without draining your energy.
3. Optimizing Your Workspace for Efficiency: From a four-monitor setup to smart scheduling techniques, Camille shares practical strategies to reduce decision fatigue and streamline daily tasks.
4. Making Productivity Inevitable: Find out how habit-stacking, accountability partners, and goal-setting strategies can help you stay on track—even when motivation dips.

Camille’s insights are packed with real-world examples and actionable advice to help entrepreneurs build sustainable success.

🔹 Connect with Camille:

• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/camillediaz
• Podcast: The Real Deal with Camille
• Free Masterclass: camillediaz.com/masterclass

Tune in to learn how to escape the burnout trap and build a business that thrives!

Want to be a guest on the StoryBuilders Podcast? Let's connect and see if it's a mutual fit! ---> mystorybuilders.com/podcastprecall

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Colin Reed, owner of Industrial Solutions, joins Andrew Biernat on StoryBuilders to reveal how lean thinking transforms businesses by cutting waste, improving efficiency, and boosting profitability. From his early frustrations with corporate bureaucracy to leading a consulting firm that helps companies thrive, Colin’s journey is packed with lessons for business owners and leaders.

Key Takeaways:

1. The True Cost of Inefficiency – Discover how small inefficiencies add up to major financial losses and why lean thinking is the key to unlocking hidden profits.
2. Leadership Buy-In is Everything – Learn why lean initiatives fail without leadership engagement and how to get executives invested in the process.
3. Firing Clients for Growth – Understand why Colin has turned down business from companies that refuse to implement change—and how this strategy has strengthened his firm.
4. Practical Steps to Get Lean – Explore simple yet powerful actions any business can take today to eliminate waste, from improving workflow to reducing unnecessary inventory.

Colin shares real-world success stories, actionable insights, and the mindset shifts needed to build a more efficient, scalable business.

Learn more at ISIworld.net and start optimizing your operations today.

Want to be a guest on the StoryBuilders Podcast? Let's connect and see if it's a mutual fit! ---> mystorybuilders.com/podcastprecall

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Steven Burkhart, founder of Burkhart Creative Agency, joins Andrew Biernat on StoryBuilders to reveal how businesses can harness the power of visual storytelling to stand out, connect with customers, and increase their value. From his early days as a wedding videographer to helping brands craft compelling narratives, Steven shares expert insights on making your business unforgettable.

Key Takeaways:

1. Why 80% of Businesses Fail to Sell – Learn the critical mistakes business owners make when positioning their company for sale and how to avoid them.
2. The Power of Story in Marketing – Discover why storytelling isn’t just a buzzword—it’s the key to turning prospects into loyal customers.
3. How to Overcome Camera Awkwardness – Struggling to look natural on video? Steven shares actionable tips to boost confidence and communicate with impact.
4. Simple Fixes for Pro-Quality Video – From lighting and audio to scripting engaging content, learn how small tweaks can make a massive difference in your brand’s online presence.

Steven brings these lessons to life with real-world examples and practical strategies any entrepreneur can apply. Whether you're building a brand, preparing to sell, or just want to create better content, this episode is packed with insights you can use immediately.

Connect with Steven at burkhartcreativeagency.com to start crafting a compelling brand story today!

Want to be a guest on the StoryBuilders Podcast? Let's connect and see if it's a mutual fit! ---> mystorybuilders.com/podcastprecall

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Ben Prager, founder and creative director of Prager Creative, joins Andrew Biernat on StoryBuilders to share his journey from corporate burnout to building a thriving agency. With over a decade of experience helping brands stand out, Ben offers insights into balancing creativity with business growth while maintaining a fulfilling personal life.

Key Takeaways:

1. Escaping the Burnout Trap: Learn how Ben transitioned from overworking in a high-stress corporate job to launching his own creative agency, reclaiming both his time and passion.
2. The Art of Building the Right Team: Discover why hiring people with diverse skill sets and shared values is crucial for long-term success in any business.
3. Working with Creatives the Right Way: Gain valuable insights on how entrepreneurs and CEOs can collaborate effectively with creative professionals to maximize impact.
4. Smart Growth Strategies: Understand the importance of calculated risks, managing client expectations, and adapting to market changes without sacrificing work-life balance.

Ben’s journey is a testament to the power of strategic decision-making, creativity, and resilience in entrepreneurship.

Find Ben at PragerCreative.com and connect with him on Instagram & LinkedIn to learn more.

Want to be a guest on the StoryBuilders Podcast? Let's connect and see if it's a mutual fit! ---> mystorybuilders.com/podcastprecall

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Anita Larsen, business growth strategist and founder of Lita Coaching, joins Andrew Biernat on StoryBuilders to break down the key challenges entrepreneurs face when scaling their businesses. With a passion for helping small business owners, Anita shares practical strategies for sustainable growth and overcoming common roadblocks.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Fear of Delegation: Many entrepreneurs struggle to let go, but Anita explains why shifting from “doing it all” to becoming a true CEO is essential for scaling successfully.
2. The 80/20 Rule for Business Growth: Discover how identifying and focusing on the 20% of tasks that drive 80% of revenue can accelerate your success.
3. Leveraging Strategic Partnerships: Learn how to build referral networks and partnerships that bring in high-quality leads and create consistent business opportunities.
4. Scaling Without Losing Control: Anita walks through the mindset shifts and operational changes required to expand without sacrificing profitability or the soul of your business.

Anita shares real-world insights and strategies that help entrepreneurs navigate the tricky phase of scaling—without burning out or stalling progress.

Connect with Anita and grab her book at LitaCoaching.com.

Want to be a guest on the StoryBuilders Podcast? Let's connect and see if it's a mutual fit! ---> mystorybuilders.com/podcastprecall

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Jim Cathcart, Hall of Fame speaker, bestselling author, and mentor to experts, joins Andrew Biernat on StoryBuilders to reveal the path to becoming a recognized authority in any field. From an entry-level professional to one of the most quoted thought leaders in personal development, Jim’s journey is packed with insights for anyone looking to level up their expertise.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Levels of Expertise: Jim breaks down the journey from competence to excellence, expert, leading authority, and beyond—helping you determine where you want to go and what it takes to get there.
2. The Cost of Becoming a Star: Not everyone wants to be a celebrity, and that’s okay. Jim shares the trade-offs at each level of success and how to choose the right path for you.
3. Clarity, Confidence, and Courage: Learn why clarity is the foundation of expertise, how to develop unshakable confidence, and the surprising truth about overcoming imposter syndrome.
4. Building an Expert-Based Business: Discover how to monetize your expertise through speaking, consulting, and thought leadership—without sacrificing your personal life.

Jim shares powerful personal stories, including how he went from a novice speaker to commanding $40,000 per keynote, and the unexpected lessons he learned along the way.

Tune in to learn how to position yourself as a true expert and turn your knowledge into impact.

Connect with Jim at Cathcart.com and download his free book at FreeCathcart.com.

Want to be a guest on the StoryBuilders Podcast? Let's connect and see if it's a mutual fit! ---> mystorybuilders.com/podcastprecall

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Carley Martha, a certified financial business expert and advocate for automation, joins Andrew Biernat on StoryBuilders to reveal how she's transforming lives by automating success for families with special needs. From personal challenges to professional triumphs, Carley's story is a testament to resilience and innovation.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Power of Automation: Discover how Carley harnessed AI to overcome executive dysfunction, streamline business processes, and create a sustainable business model that empowers other families.
2. From Challenges to Solutions: Learn about Carley's journey as a mother to a special needs child, and how her personal experiences led her to develop automated solutions that alleviate the pressures of entrepreneurship for others in similar situations.
3. Client Success Stories: Hear inspiring examples of how Carely's clients, from struggling entrepreneurs to seasoned business owners, transformed their ventures through automation, enabling them to focus on growth and family.
4. Building Generational Wealth: Understand Carley's vision for creating lasting financial security for families, particularly those with special needs, through scalable and automated business practices.

Carley’s innovative approach and heartfelt dedication to helping others highlight the incredible impact of automation on both personal and professional levels.

Tune in to gain insights into how automation can revolutionize your business and life. Connect with Carley at Success Positive Guru for a free consultation and start your journey to streamlined success today.