Life doesn’t always go the way you plan, but sometimes that’s the point.

Shannen’s story took her from the ER to running a CPR training business across the country all while raising kids and learning how to turn ADHD into her “special sauce” for business and life.

We talk about what it takes to build with energy that never quits, why every person crosses your path for a reason, and how creating value is what keeps you in the game.

This one is for parents, entrepreneurs, and anyone who’s ever wondered if their challenges could actually be their gift.

Keep digging in 😤

Khristian Avalar went from failing his real estate test three times and grinding in restaurants to losing 110 pounds and building a brand. This is a raw look at resilience, discipline, and putting yourself first.

#thebalancedceo #diginthemediamovement #chriswilliams #khristianavalar #keepdiggingin #resiliencestory #realestategrind

Alyx’s path in the fitness industry has not been about shortcuts. It has been about showing up, putting in the work, and staying authentic. We talk daily discipline, overcoming challenges, and why the long way is the only way.

Keep digging in 😤

#thebalancedceo #keepdiggingin #diginthemediamovement #fitnessindustry #authenticself #growthmindset #resilience #leadershipjourney #careerlessons

This is not a recap.
 This is a moment of clarity.

In this special edition of The Balanced CEO, I talk through my 29029 experience and what it revealed about how we lead, how we prepare and how we respond.

This is for anyone chasing a meaningful life under pressure.
 And this is only the beginning.

Keep digging in 😤

#thebalancedceo #my29029experience #chriswilliams #diginthemediamovement #leadershippodcast #growthmindset #mentalresilience #entrepreneurlife

What does it take to pivot at 50 and build something that actually matters to you?

Alice Heck opens up about her journey, from layoffs to leadership, and how she built a brand that speaks directly to Pacific Islander women and their stories.

Hit play if you’ve ever felt the pull to build something that reflects who you really are.

Keep digging in 😤

#diginthemediamovement #thebalancedceo #chriswilliams #aliceheck #polygirl #faithfamilyfitness #startupstory #founderlife #womeninbusiness #culturalidentity #representationmatters #buildwithheart

21 years of growing together, and now we’re releasing something special.

Alexis finally joins the podcast. We talk marriage, parenting, business, grief, and what it really takes to grow without losing each other.

Real talk, no fluff. If you're building something with your partner, this one's for you.

If you're in a relationship and trying to build something bigger together, this one's for you.

Keep digging in 😤

#diginthemediamovement #thebalancedceo #marriedandbuilding #entrepreneurlife #relationshiptruths #keepdiggingin #thebalancedceo

If you’re the engine and the engine breaks, everything breaks.

In Episode 2 of The Balanced CEO, Gary Walsh lays it out. Burnout. Fatherhood. Boutique gyms that actually work. Saying no. Buying back your time. This is what it means to build without losing yourself.

Listen if you’re serious about growth and done pretending you're fine.

Keep digging in 😤

Jay Rhodes joins me on this first episode to talk about what most people don’t—financial struggle, seven miscarriages, burnout, and still choosing to build.

We talk about what happens when your vision is bigger than your circumstances, what it takes to actually run a gym, and how personal pain can shape you into the kind of leader people need.

This one is honest, heavy, and hopeful. If you’re building something and feel like it’s hard right now, this episode is for you.

Keep digging in 😤

#balancedceo #jayrhodes #leadershiprealtalk #entrepreneurship #resilience #keepdiggingin

In our Season 2 finale, I sit down with Marine veteran, CrossFit Games athlete, and gym owner Candice Wagner to talk about rebuilding when everything feels like it’s falling apart.

From competing at the highest level to navigating gym ownership, divorce, and burnout—Candice shares how she found her way back through community, systems, and grit.

In this episode, I talk with Matt Albrizio of Forever Fierce about how gym owners can scale apparel sales without the stress. We discuss how apparel builds brand, boosts community, and drives serious ROI—with most gyms seeing $500–$850 per order in net profit. We also cover the “ownership mindset,” building harmony between work and family, and why now is the time to make your merch matter.

Keep digging in 😤