John and Rich dive into the hard but necessary work of setting boundaries, letting go of people-pleasing, and choosing peace over approval. They talk about recognizing one-sided relationships, protecting your energy, and why saying “no” is actually an act of self-respect. A practical, honest conversation for anyone feeling stretched thin or ready for a reset.

Rich also shares highlights from his new free mini-guide, The Fulfillment Reset, and how simple mindset shifts can help you reclaim clarity and calm. Download his free eBook here: https://payhip.com/b/Tg3np

In this episode of The Above Board Podcast, John talks with Shellee Howard, college planning expert, founder of College Ready, and author of How to Send Your Student to College Without Losing Your Mind or Your Money. Shellee shares how families can navigate the college process with confidence by finding the right school, minimizing debt, and making smart decisions from start to finish. Whether your student is a freshman or a senior, this conversation will help you plan with purpose and peace of mind.

In this episode of The Above Board Podcast, John talks with Brian Ahearn, Chief Influence Officer at Influence People and one of the few globally certified trainers of Dr. Robert Cialdini’s principles of persuasion.

Brian shares ideas from his new book, Influence from Above: Where Faith and Influence Meet, exploring how persuasion, ethics, and love come together in leadership and life. They discuss how to lead with integrity, build trust through authenticity, and use influence in ways that create real connection and impact. A great listen for anyone who wants to lead with purpose and influence with heart.

📚 Learn more about Brian Ahearn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianfahearn/

In this episode of The Above Board Podcast, John Kennedy sits down with Eliana Goldstein, a certified career coach who helps ambitious professionals build careers they love without burning out. Eliana shares her own journey from corporate ad tech to coaching, what she’s learned about finding purpose at work, and why true fulfillment comes from alignment, not a job title. They also talk about burnout, confidence, and how to know when it’s time to make a change. A great listen if you’re rethinking your career or want to feel more energized and connected to what you do every day.

Find more helpful success coaching resources from Eliana and her team here: https://www.elianagoldsteincoaching.com/

We often talk about compound interest when it comes to money, but character works the same way. The small choices you make every day, how you lead, how you treat people, how you show up, build on each other over time. In this episode, John Kennedy, CFP®, shares how integrity, consistency, and humility play a bigger role in success than most people realize. It’s an honest look at how character compounds in business, leadership, and everyday life.

In this week’s episode, John Kennedy shares why “getting in over your head” might be exactly what you need to grow in your career, your finances, or your personal life. He breaks down a powerful idea inspired by Carl Richards: real progress happens just beyond the edge of your comfort zone. Whether it’s taking on a new challenge, saying yes before you feel ready, or finally stepping into something that scares you a little. This episode will remind you that safe equals stagnant, and growth happens at the edge.

In this episode, John chats with his longtime friend Kimberly Stevens—national champion swimmer, bestselling author, speaker, and breast cancer survivor. Kim has faced heartbreaking loss, her daughter’s life-threatening diagnosis, and her own battle with cancer. Instead of letting those moments define her, she turned them into a mission to bring hope to others through her movement Extend the Rose. We talk about resilience, grit, gratitude, and why hope is something we all need to share. Kim’s story is raw, inspiring, and a reminder to never give up.

- Learn more or get involved: https://extendtherose.org

- Be one of the first 10 listeners to text us at 407-904-8414 and get a free copy of Kim’s book! Want your own right away? Grab ALTAR’d here: https://www.amazon.com/ALTARd-Finding-through-GRATITUDE-NEVER/dp/B0BQ9LLP7H

We hear a lot of the same questions when it comes to money—because navigating your finances isn’t always straightforward. In this episode, we’re answering some of the most common things people ask us, from budgeting basics to feeling stuck or overwhelmed. Whether you’re just starting out or reevaluating your financial habits, this conversation is a reminder that you’re not alone—and there are simple, practical steps you can take to move forward.

In this episode, John shares how one book—Unreasonable Hospitality—reshaped how he and the team think about service. From handwritten notes to surprise welcome boxes and even personally delivered cookies, it’s all about making people feel seen. He dives into why a little extra effort in human connection still matters, even in a world racing toward automation. You’ll also hear how companies like Disney create “magic moments” to outweigh the “tragic” ones—and how you can apply the same mindset to your own work and life.

Why does losing feel so much worse than winning feels good? In this episode, John and Matt revisit one of their most honest conversations—from a time when markets were down and emotions were running high. They break down the concept of loss aversion and how it quietly shapes our decisions, often without us realizing it.