That’s Awesome with Ryan McPartlin

That’s Awesome with Ryan McPartlin

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That’s Awesome with Ryan McPartlin episodes

  • More Than Superman: Brandon Routh on Reinvention, Fatherhood and Staying Grounded

    keywords

    Brandon Routh, Superman, Hollywood, acting career, Chuck, self-care, personal growth, Hallmark, fan interactions, positivity, Captain Awesome, Ray Palmer, Legends of Tomorrow, ComicCon 

    takeaways

    • Reconnecting with old friends can reignite inspiration.
    • The journey to Hollywood often starts with small steps.
    • Early jobs in acting can shape future opportunities.
    • Playing iconic roles like Superman comes with both pressure and privilege.
    • Transitioning from one role to another can be challenging yet rewarding.
    • Experiences in the service industry can enhance acting skills.
    • Fan interactions can provide insight into the impact of a role.
    • Self-care is essential for personal and professional growth.
    • Community and family support are vital in the entertainment industry.
    • Positivity in media can create a sense of joy and connection.

      • Chapters

      00:00 Reconnecting with Old Friends
      02:45 The Journey to Hollywood
      05:26 Early Acting Experiences
      08:12 The Soap Opera Transition
      10:45 The New York Experience
      13:26 The Bartending Days
      16:08 The Road to Superman
      19:07 The Casting Process for Superman
      21:51 Becoming Superman
      24:13 Reflections on the Role
      26:35 The Legacy of Superman
      29:33 The Role of Positive Role Models
      32:18 Navigating Life as a Superhero's Child
      33:13 Transitioning from Superman to Other Roles
      39:27 The Hallmark Experience and Fan Interactions
      48:47 Self-Care and Mental Wellness Strategies

      Follow Ryan McPartlin on Socials

      Instagram: @ryanmcpartlin

      Facebook: @ryanmcpartlin

      YouTube: @RyanMcPartlinTV

      X: @ryanmcpartlin

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      59 min
    • Is Animal Control's, Vella Lovell The Next Motivational Guru???

      This episode of That’s Awesome wasn’t designed to teach anything - it was simply two actors catching up and comparing notes on life, work, and the strange in-between spaces of a creative career. Ryan McPartlin sits down with former co-star from Clusterfunke Christmas Vella Lovell, star of Animal Control, for a free-flowing, stream-of-consciousness conversation that moves effortlessly between humor, honesty, and the shared uncertainty that comes with chasing work you love.

      They talk about acting without romanticizing it, auditions without overthinking them, and imposter syndrome without pretending it ever fully disappears. Along the way, stories from theatre, television, Vancouver during COVID, and the modern reality of self-tapes lead to an accidental realization: Vella has a way of framing life that feels suspiciously close to an accicdental motivational keynote.

      There’s no roadmap here. Just laughter, perspective, and the comfort of knowing that not having it all figured out might actually be the point.

      Keywords & Topics Discussed

      Vella Lovell, Ryan McPartlin, Mr. Mayor, Animal Control, acting podcast, actor life, creative career, Hollywood acting, imposter syndrome, uncertainty, authenticity, comedy acting, audition process, self tapes, creative process, resilience, self doubt, confidence, community, motivation, life lessons, staying grounded, behind the scenes acting, limiting beliefs,

      • Catching up as friends and letting the conversation go where it wants

      • Acting as a long game rather than a destination

      • Hollywood’s obsession with labels and expectations

      • Living with imposter syndrome instead of trying to eliminate it

      • Auditions as repetition, not judgment

      • Comedy, rhythm, and instinct—onstage and in life

      • The isolation of self-tapes vs. the energy of real community

      • Letting go of outcomes and focusing on effort

      • Finding humor inside uncertainty

      • Accidentally sounding like a motivational speaker without trying

        Mentioned in This Episode

        • Animal Control, Mr. Mayor, 

        • Theatre training and television comedy

        • Life lessons hidden inside everyday conversations

        • Tony Robbins (purely by accident)

          Connect with Ryan McPartlin

          • Twitter, Facebook, Instagram @ryanmcpartlin & @ryanmcpartlintv

            Listen & Watch

            Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, and everywhere you get podcasts

            Watch the full episode on YouTube at RyanMcPartlinTV channel


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            1 hr
          • Dr. Bob Husband: The Simple Skills That Create Real Influence

            Summary

            In this episode of That’s Awesome, Ryan McPartlin reconnects with Dr. Bob Husband, one of the most influential communication professors in University of Illinois history and a legendary mentor whose classes shaped generations of students to become leaders in their fields long before the title “influencer” became a buzzword.

            As an actor, Ryan was trained to listen - really listen- using repetition and presence to stay grounded in the moment. During this conversation, he has a realization: Dr. Husband’s communication class was actually his first acting class, teaching the same active listening skills actors rely on to create real connection on set, skills that translate directly to leadership, relationships, and influence in everyday life.

            This isn’t about performing or talking louder. It’s about learning how listening, asking better questions, and reflecting what you hear builds trust, credibility, and impact. Drawing from decades in education and executive consulting, Dr. Husband breaks down how humility paired with fierce resolve creates transformational leaders - and why the most influential people in any room are often the best listeners.

            Keywords

            communication, leadership, listening, mentorship, self-improvement, storytelling, education, humility, questions, transformational leadership, University of Illinois, influencer, actor, Captain Awesome, Chuck

            Takeaways

            • The most important word in any language is a person's name.
            • Effective communication starts with listening.
            • Asking questions is a powerful tool in conversations.
            • Humility and fierce resolve are essential traits in leadership.
            • Transformational leaders combine humility with strong resolve.
            • Education and mentorship play a crucial role in personal growth.
            • The art of storytelling enhances communication.
            • Building connections through names can break the ice.
            • Self-improvement begins with the willingness to ask questions.
            • Community and collaboration are vital for success.
              • Chapters
              Introduction to the Podcast and Guest
              Dr. Bob Husband's Background and Career
              The Importance of Names in Communication
              Bob's Journey into Communication and Education
              The Role of Listening in Effective Communication
              The Need for Better Listening Skills in Leadership
              The Art of Listening and Engagement
              Control in Conversations: The Power of Questions
              Leadership Through Inquiry: The Role of Questions
              The Importance of Connection in Conversations
              Listening as an Acting Skill: The Power of Non-Verbal Communication
              Transformational Leadership: Humility and Resolve
              Adapting to Change: A Leadership Challenge
              The Role of Authenticity in Leadership
              Embracing Authenticity: A Personal Journey
              The Essence of Humility and Resolve
              Transformative Life Episodes
              The Power of Questions in Leadership
              Ubuntu: The Collective Experience

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              1 hr 2 min
            • JEANNA LOVES CHRISTMAS & How You Can Too...

              In this episode of That’s Awesome with Ryan McPartlin, Ryan sits down with his friend Jeanna Crawford, founder of Jeanna Loves Christmas, to talk about how a deep emotional connection to Christmas — rooted in her childhood — grew into a thriving high-end holiday décor business and online brand.

              What began as a small, heartfelt passion turned into a full-fledged company and creative platform. Jeanna opens up about choosing Christmas not just as a season, but as a mindset — one centered on light, joy, and intention. She shares how trusting her instincts, leading with heart, and embracing creativity helped her business grow from humble beginnings to tens of thousands of followers and a reputation that’s earned her the nickname “The Queen of Christmas.”

              This conversation is about more than decorations — it’s about how the things that bring us peace and joy early in life can become the foundation for meaningful work and a purpose-driven career.

              Episode Takeaway

              Sometimes your calling isn’t something you chase, it’s something that’s been comforting you all along. When you choose to lead with heart, passion can turn into purpose.

              ️Episode Timeline

              01:53 – Jeanna shares where her love of Christmas truly began

              02:46 – The idea behind Jeanna Loves Christmas and how it started

              05:02 – Growing the business from small beginnings to real momentum

              07:06 – The surreal feeling of watching the brand take off

              09:48 – Why Jeanna believes Christmas is a choice — and a way of life

              Keywords

              Christmas

              Holiday décor

              Entrepreneurship

              Creativity

              Jeanna Loves Christmas

              Turning passion into a career

              Creative business journey

              Holiday mindset

              That’s Awesome Podcast

              Ryan McPartlin

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              45 min
            • Jason Day: Golf Saved His Life But Faith and Family Gave It Meaning. Lessons from a PGA Champion and Former World Number One

              Keywords

              Golf, Jason Day, PGA, champion, childhood, trauma, overcoming adversity, professional golf, family dynamics, mental health, success, support systems, life lessons, faith, finding love

              Summary

              In this episode, Ryan McPartlin sits down with professional golfer Jason Day, who shares his inspiring journey from a challenging childhood in Australia to becoming one of the top golfers in the world. Jason discusses the impact of his family dynamics, the importance of support systems, and the lessons learned through adversity. He emphasizes the significance of enjoying the process of improvement and finding the right people to surround oneself with. The conversation highlights the struggles, trauma and triumphs of Jason's life, offering valuable insights into resilience, determination, and the pursuit of excellence.

              Takeaways

              • Jason Day reflects on his 13 PGA Tour victories and the feeling of swinging a golf club.
              • Golf is addictive due to the potential for quick improvement in skills.
              • Jason shares his challenging childhood experiences and the impact of his father's abuse.
              • Despite the abuse, Jason's love for golf helped him focus and excel in the sport.
              • Jason's mother made sacrifices to send him to a golf academy, recognizing his potential.
              • The importance of having a structured routine and support system in achieving success.
              • Jason discusses the pressure of being number one in the world and the challenges that come with it.
              • He emphasizes the importance of loving the process of improvement rather than just the end goal.
              • Finding the right life partner and support system is crucial for personal and professional growth.

                • Chapters

                00:00 Introduction to the Awesome Journey
                01:57 The Golfing Journey Begins
                05:52 Overcoming Childhood Challenges
                12:01 The Impact of Family Dynamics
                15:20 Finding Purpose in Golf
                21:21 The Road to Professional Golf
                27:03 Achieving Success and Recognition
                32:41 The Importance of Support Systems
                39:06 Reflections on Success and Failure
                50:25 Final Thoughts and Life Lessons


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                53 min
              • Hallmark Star Taylor Cole Opens Up To Ryan McPartlin About Infertility, Grief And How Acting In Feel-Good Movies Gives Her Hope

                Keywords

                Ryan McPartlin, Taylor Cole, Hallmark, Supernatural, Chuck, Infertility, Comic-Con, Christmas-Con, fan engagement, Acting, personal struggles, Mental Health, Charity Events, Golf, Grief

                Summary

                In this engaging conversation, Ryan McPartlin and Taylor Cole discuss their experiences in the entertainment industry, the importance of fan engagement, and the challenges of personal struggles, particularly around infertility. They explore the significance of creating feel-good content, the financial burdens associated with fertility treatments, and the therapeutic aspects of acting. The conversation also touches on the joy of charity events and the fun dynamics on set, culminating in a heartfelt exchange about vulnerability and the journey of life.

                Takeaways

                • Taylor Cole has a strong connection with her fans, especially from Supernatural and Hallmark.
                • Hallmark movies provide an escape from real-life conflicts.
                • The Hallmark fan base is heartwarming and supportive.
                • Infertility has been a significant personal struggle for Taylor Cole.
                • Mindset and self-care are crucial during challenging times.
                • It's important to listen to oneself and prioritize mental health.
                • The financial burden of infertility treatments can be overwhelming.
                • Charity events provide a fun way to give back to the community.
                • Creating feel-good content is more important now than ever.
                • Sharing personal struggles can help others feel seen and heard.

                  • Chapters

                  00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction
                  03:35 Fan Engagement and Hallmark's Impact
                  06:24 The Farm Project and Community Support
                  08:58 Personal Struggles and Growth
                  11:24 Balancing Personal Life and Acting
                  13:44 Mindset and Emotional Resilience
                  18:32 Journey of Surrender and Acceptance

                  20:52 The Power of Sharing Vulnerability

                  21:58 Financial Burdens of Fertility Treatments
                  27:09 Golfing Passion and Charity Events
                  30:52 Listening to Yourself: A Key to Healing
                  32:29 Thats Awesome Close

                  Watch this episode on YouTube @RyanMcPartlinTV

                  Follow - Ryan McPartlin

                  FB - @RyanMcPartlin
                  Instagram - @RyanMcPartlin
                  X - @RyanMcPartlin
                  TikTok - @RyanMcPartlin

                  Follow - Taylor Cole

                  Instagram - @taylorquinncole
                  X - @taylorcole


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                  33 min
                • CHUCK'S Awesome Family Reunion and Sarah Lancaster’s Hollywood Lessons

                  Keywords

                  Chuck, Captain Awesome, Ellie Bartowski, Dr. Woodcomb, Sarah Lancaster, Ryan McPartlin, Hollywood journey, acting career, child star, family, career challenges, advice for actors

                  Summary

                  In this fun tv reunion, Ryan McPartlin and Sarah Lancaster explore Sarah's journey from a shy child in Kansas to a successful actress in Hollywood. They discuss the challenges of transitioning from a child star to an adult actor, the importance of family, and the lessons learned along the way. Sarah shares her experiences of navigating the ups and downs of her career, the significance of trusting the process, and the balance between work and family life. The conversation is filled with humor, nostalgia, and valuable insights for aspiring actors.

                  Takeaways

                  • Sarah Lancaster reflects on her journey from a shy child to a successful actress.
                  • She emphasizes the importance of trusting the process in one's career.
                  • The transition from child star to adult actor comes with its own challenges.
                  • Family support played a crucial role in Sarah's career decisions.
                  • Sarah's experience highlights the need for resilience in the acting industry.
                  • She shares the significance of balancing work and family life.
                  • The conversation touches on the importance of self-advocacy in pursuing dreams.
                  • Sarah's story illustrates the value of hard work and dedication.
                  • The impact of COVID-19 led Sarah to reevaluate her priorities.
                  • Ryan and Sarah discuss the importance of creative fulfillment in their careers.

                    • Titles

                    • From Shy Kid to Hollywood Star: Sarah Lancaster's Journey
                    • Trusting the Process: Lessons from Sarah Lancaster

                      • Sound Bites

                      • "I don't care as much anymore."
                      • "I want to go to the beach."
                      • "Trust the process."

                        • Chapters

                        00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction
                        03:31 Sarah Lancaster's Journey to Hollywood
                        06:10 Early Career and Breakthrough Role
                        08:50 Transitioning to Series Regular
                        11:45 Challenges After Success
                        14:31 Navigating Early Adulthood and Career Decisions
                        17:25 Support Systems and Struggles
                        19:52 Finding Stability in a Career
                        22:11 The Journey of Everwood and Beyond
                        23:20 Navigating the Roller Coaster of Acting
                        25:55 Finding Balance: Family and Career
                        29:19 Wisdom from Experience: Trusting the Process
                        32:58 Thats Awesome Close


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                        34 min
                      • Bombing my "Captain Awesome" audition...and still landing the role on CHUCK
                        Episode Notes (Show Description & Chapters)

                        In this debut episode, Ryan McPartlin opens up about the evolution from The Awesome Business Podcast to That’s Awesome—a show that celebrates people, purpose, and the pursuit of being just a little more awesome. He takes us back to 2007, when he was a new dad, nearly broke, and on the verge of giving up… right before an audition that went totally off the rails.

                        Through humor, humility, and hindsight, Ryan reflects on what it really means to surrender, stay authentic, and root for others’ success—even when you’re questioning your own.

                        Chapters & Key Moments

                        00:00 — The Journey of Captain Awesome

                        Ryan introduces That’s Awesome, explains why he shifted focus from business to storytelling, and shares how the spirit of his Chuck character became the foundation for the podcast’s message of encouragement and authenticity.

                        00:08 — The Audition That Changed Everything

                        Ryan reflects on 2007—becoming a new father, struggling financially, and missing a friend’s wedding to take one last shot at an NBC pilot. He sets the scene for a life-changing day that didn’t go as planned.

                        06:19 — Auditioning for Captain Awesome

                        A behind-the-scenes look at the fateful Chuck audition: blanking on lines (twice), ignoring good instincts, fist-bumping the producers, and walking out convinced he’d just blown his biggest opportunity.

                        11:23 — Lessons Learned and Moving Forward

                        Ryan shares how he still got the part, how Comic-Con helped him realize his place on the show, and what it taught him about imposter syndrome, authenticity, and trusting the process.

                        15:58 — Looking Ahead

                        Ryan closes the episode with the core message behind That’s Awesome: surrender, be authentic, and root for others to succeed. Plus, a teaser for the next guest—someone who might be “even more awesome” than him.

                        Topics Discussed

                        • The evolution from The Awesome Business Podcast to That’s Awesome

                        • How failure and vulnerability can open unexpected doors

                        • Letting go of control and surrendering to something bigger

                        • Redefining success and belonging in Hollywood

                        • Finding purpose in authenticity and service

                        • The power of rooting for others to be awesome

                          Connect with Ryan

                          Instagram: @RyanMcPartlin

                          YouTube: RyanMcPartlinTV

                          X: @RyanMcPartlin

                          FB: @RyanMcPartlin

                          TikTok: @RyanMcPartlin


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                          16 min
                        • Nicole Sciacca: Pivoting, Reinventing & Building a Bigger Business in the Digital Age | E15

                          Keywords: Podcast, wellness, yoga, fitness, entrepreneurship, mobility, CARS method, digital transformation, injury recovery, mental health, digital fitness, pandemic impact, grief, online business, wellness, community, fitness industry, personal growth, resilience, entrepreneurship

                          Summary

                          In this episode of The Awesome Business Podcast, Ryan McPartlin sits down with Nicole Sciacca—former professional dancer turned mobility expert, entrepreneur, and all-around badass—to talk about what happens when life throws punch after punch… and how you roll with it. Nicole built a thriving in-person fitness business, only to have the pandemic rip it away overnight, forcing her to rebuild from scratch in the digital world. She opens up about the struggle of starting over, the frustration of adapting to an industry that changed overnight, and the mindset shifts that kept her moving forward. We get into the raw, unfiltered truth about entrepreneurship, reinvention, and why fitness is so much more than just working out—it’s about training your body and your mind to handle whatever comes next. Nicole also shares how grief has reshaped her perspective, the surprising lessons it’s taught her, and why she believes the connections we make don’t end when someone is gone. If you’ve ever felt stuck, lost, or like you’re being forced into a new chapter you didn’t sign up for, this one’s for you.

                          • Nicole Sciacca transitioned from a professional dancer to a wellness expert.
                          • Injury led Nicole to discover the healing benefits of yoga.
                          • The CARS method focuses on joint health and functional movement.
                          • Nicole's journey emphasizes the importance of mental health in physical fitness.
                          • Adapting to the digital age was crucial for Nicole's business during the pandemic.
                          • The dance community provided a strong support network for Nicole.
                          • Nicole's podcast, Shocking Y'all, ranks in the top 3% globally.
                          • Teaching yoga can be challenging without reciprocal energy from students.
                          • Nicole's experience with injuries shaped her approach to teaching.
                          • The importance of stubbornness and resilience in entrepreneurship. This is a whole untapped market.
                          • Go all in because now is the best time.
                          • Incredible courses and platforms are available for online business.
                          • You can just find your community online.
                          • Death is not the end; it is a transitional relationship.
                          • Life is so much more profound and beautiful than we give it credit for.
                          • You have to see the bigger picture.
                          • I still talk to Matt; he is an ascended spirit.
                          • The pandemic created a polarizing environment in the fitness industry.
                          • You don't have to become Martha Stewart; find your niche.

                            • Sound Bites

                            • "I'm destined for palm trees."
                            • "I had to heal and I had to move."
                            • "I left feeling good in my body."
                            • "I was like, what?"
                            • "I had over 200 people sign up."
                            • "I was just convinced I could do it."
                            • "This is a whole untapped market."
                            • "What a blessing this is."
                            • "I still talk to Matt."

                              • Chapters

                              00:00 Introduction to the Awesome Business Podcast
                              01:53 Meet Nicole Sciacca: A Journey from Dance to Wellness
                              05:01 Navigating the Dance Community and Early Career
                              09:45 The Shift to Fitness and Healing Through Yoga
                              12:35 Injury and the Transformation of Teaching Yoga
                              18:22 The CARS Method: A New Approach to Movement
                              21:18 Adapting to the Digital Age During the Pandemic
                              24:33 Exploring the Digital Fitness Landscape
                              29:05 Navigating the Pandemic's Impact on Fitness
                              34:28 Confronting Grief and Loss
                              45:12 Embracing Change and Future Endeavors


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                              49 min
                            • Thomas Lennon: Reno 911, Night at The Museum & The Grind of Hollywood Part 2 | E14

                              Keywords

                              entertainment, podcast, Thomas Lennon, acting, pitching, social media, resilience, success, Netflix effect, show business

                              Summary

                              In this episode of the Awesome Business Podcast, host Ryan McPartlin engages in a deep conversation with Thomas Lennon, exploring the intricacies of success in the entertainment industry. They discuss the relentless work ethic required to thrive, the importance of resilience, and the art of pitching ideas. Lennon shares insights on how social media has transformed acting careers and reflects on the ongoing stress that accompanies success. The conversation also touches on the Netflix effect on career recognition and the significance of building connections in show business.

                              Takeaways

                              • Success in entertainment requires an insatiable work ethic.
                              • The highs and lows of the industry are very personal.
                              • Building resilience is crucial to navigate the challenges of show business.
                              • Pitching is an art that requires practice and performance.
                              • Social media has become a vital tool for aspiring actors.
                              • The Netflix effect can significantly impact career recognition.
                              • Connections in the industry can open doors to opportunities.
                              • Chronic stress is a common experience for those in entertainment.
                              • Superstitions and rituals can help soothe the anxiety of the job.
                              • Success is an ongoing journey, not a destination.

                                • Sound Bites

                                • "You have to build up a very thick skin."
                                • "It's a performance of the idea."
                                • "The only easy day in show business was yesterday."
                                • "You must have some superstitions or good luck rituals."
                                • "You gotta bring it into a very short time span."
                                • "You gotta get to SAG early retirement which is 62."
                                • "It's never going to be easy."

                                  • Chapters

                                  00:00 Introduction to the Awesome Business Podcast
                                  00:57 The Journey of Thomas Lennon
                                  02:54 The Reality of Success in Entertainment
                                  06:16 Building Resilience in the Industry
                                  10:08 The Art of Pitching and Performance
                                  12:34 The Impact of Social Media on Acting Careers
                                  18:27 The Hard Work Behind the Scenes
                                  20:22 Reflections on Stress and Success
                                  26:24 The Importance of Connections in Show Business
                                  32:05 The Netflix Effect on Career Recognition
                                  37:17 The Ongoing Journey in Entertainment


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                                  41 min

                                About That’s Awesome with Ryan McPartlin

                                From the publisher's feed

                                On That’s Awesome, Ryan McPartlin and his guests break down life like a TV series — exploring one story, one episode, one breakthrough at a time and the plot twists that shaped who they are today.