This special end-of-year episode of the Driving Change Podcast highlights some of the most inspiring moments from 2024's guests. Host Jeff Bloomfield revisits conversations with thought leaders and change-makers, showcasing their insights on emotional intelligence, transformation, resilience, and purposeful living. The episode also introduces the new book Inspired by a True Story and previews exciting content for the upcoming year, including Braintrust’s NeuroCoaching® program and the launch of the NeuroCoaching® book.

Why You Should Listen:

This episode is a reflection and inspiration booster as you plan for 2025. Each clip is packed with life lessons and actionable insights, encouraging you to reflect on your personal growth and set meaningful goals for the new year.

Takeaway Points:

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Driving Change Podcast

01:00 Reflecting on Change and Growth

02:25 Dr. Richard Boyatzis: Understanding Intentional Change Theory

08:07 Andrew Barry: The Power of Identity and Transformation

14:25 Pat Del Medico: Empathy in Leadership and Connection

22:08 Chad Foster: Overcoming Obstacles: A New Perspective

28:45 Trav Bell: Living with Purpose: The Bucket List Philosophy

34:18 Dr. Boyatzix:motional Intelligence and Leadership Insights

38:41 Jeff’s Final thoughts

In this captivating episode of Driving Change, host Jeff Bloomfield sits down with Trav Bell, also known as "The Bucket List Guy." Trav shares his transformative journey from a personal trainer to a global advocate for intentional, purpose-driven living. Through humor, passion, and candid vulnerability, Trav explains how he uses the "bucket list" concept as a tool to inspire people to lead fulfilling lives and embrace their dreams before it’s too late.

This episode is a powerful reminder to live intentionally and prioritize joy, gratitude, and personal goals. Trav’s insights into mental health, positive psychology, and the value of self-discovery provide actionable steps to rethink how you live. Whether you're feeling stuck or simply want to start embracing life with purpose, this episode will motivate you to create and pursue your own bucket list.

00:00 Introduction to the Bucket List Guy

03:01 Trav's Origin Story and Early Influences

12:10 Transitioning from Fitness to Life Coaching

13:59 Overcoming Depression and Mental Health Challenges

20:12 The Importance of Writing a Bucket List

24:03 Breaking Down Barriers to Goal Setting

27:10 The Power of Free Thinking and Trusting the Process

29:05 Purpose as a Journey, Not a Destination

30:32 Creating a Tangible Life Plan

31:31 The Importance of Meaning and Fulfillment in Work

32:53 The Bucket List Blueprint: A Path to Happiness

34:50 Choosing Happiness and Instant Gratification

36:02 Transformative Stories of Bucket List Success

45:10 The Reverse Bucket List: A Gratitude Exercise

50:01 The 'F*** It' List: Embracing What You Don't Want

Summary

Kerrie Lee Brown's journey from journalist to self-care advocate is anything but typical. Starting in the world of bodybuilding magazines, she dove into other people’s stories, interviewing celebrities like Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sylvester Stallone. Imagine interviewing celebrities like that and thriving in a high-stakes media career—only to have it all interrupted by a life-threatening heart attack at age 39. Kerrie Lee Brown thought she could handle it all, but when she ignored warning signs, her body finally forced her to listen. Now, she’s here to reveal the hidden dangers of stress, the surprising ways heart attacks present in women, and the power of storytelling to heal. Will her story make you rethink your own pace? Listen to find out if you might be missing the critical signs she once overlooked.

Key Takeaways

00:00:27 - Introduction & Teaser for Kerrie Lee Brown’s Story 

02:28:00 - Kerrie’s Upbringing and Early Influences 

05:14:00 - Discovering Journalism and Early Career Path 

07:43:00 - The Influence of Irish Dance and Performance 

11:38:00 - From Covering Others' Stories to Discovering Her Own 

12:00:00 - The Heart Attack & A New Perspective on Life 

15:02:00 - Redefining Self-Care and Recognizing Health Signs 

20:51:00 - Creating Red Lily Life & the Power of Storytelling 

24:04:00 - Strategies for Managing Stress & Achieving Work-Life Balance 

29:35:00 - How to Join Red Lily Life & Final Reflections 

In this episode of Driving Change, Jeff Bloomfield sits down with a remarkable guest, Craig Lucas, founder and visionary behind Authentica. Craig shares his personal journey, from the trials of rebuilding his life after unexpected professional challenges to creating transformative experiences for individuals and organizations. But just as you think you’ve heard it all, Craig hints at the deeper valleys and peaks of his story—moments that shaped his unshakable belief in human potential. What exactly was the life-altering epiphany that led him to redefine success? You'll have to tune in to find out!

Takeaways:

What Will You Gain? This episode isn’t just another leadership talk—it's a journey of personal transformation. As you listen, you'll feel deeply connected to Craig’s story, gaining insights that can help you overcome your own challenges with greater purpose and resilience. Craig's story is a reminder that even in your darkest moments, there’s potential for profound growth—if you're willing to face it head-on.

Putting it Into Action: Now it's your turn. Think about the obstacles you’ve faced—how can you use Craig’s story to reframe your struggles as stepping stones to success? After hearing how Craig turned his setbacks into breakthroughs, you’ll want to explore transformative experiences like Authenica’s events or Braintrust’s training to continue your journey of growth and self-discovery.

How to find out more about Craig and Authentic

Website: Authenica

In this powerful episode of the Driving Change Podcast, host Jeff Bloomfield sits down with Chad Foster, a trailblazing motivational speaker and the first blind person to graduate from Harvard Business School’s Leadership Program. Chad shares his extraordinary journey from a childhood diagnosis of impending blindness to becoming a leader in the corporate world and a source of inspiration for millions. As listeners, you'll hear about the challenges Chad faced, the mindset shifts that helped him overcome them, and how he turned adversity into a driving force for success.

Why Listen?

This episode is for anyone who has ever faced a significant challenge and wondered how to rise above it. Chad’s story isn’t just about surviving adversity—it’s about thriving because of it. Listeners will gain valuable insights into resilience, the power of perspective, and actionable strategies for turning obstacles into opportunities.

Key Takeaways:

Call to Action:

Tune in to hear Chad Foster’s remarkable story and gain the tools to turn your own obstacles into stepping stones for success. Whether you’re facing a personal challenge or simply looking to improve your mindset, this episode offers practical advice and inspiration that will leave you feeling empowered.

Find out more about Chad, order his book, inquire about his availability:

https://chadefoster.com/

In this episode of *Driving Change*, host Jeff Bloomfield sits down with legendary comedian Jeff Allen, whose journey from addiction and brokenness to clean comedy and redemption is nothing short of remarkable. From the man behind the phrase "Happy Wife, Happy Life," Jeff's story will have you laughing one moment and deeply moved the next. But what sparked his transformation from a self-destructive lifestyle to finding faith and humor? And how did comedy save him from his darkest moments? Jeff opens up about his wild journey from stand-up failures, addiction, and near self-destruction to becoming one of the most respected clean comedians in the industry today. Can laughter really lead to healing? You’ll want to listen to find out.

Takeaways

Transformation Through Comedy: Jeff shares how he went from bombing on stage to finding his voice and success as a comedian.

Faith and Recovery: His candid account of overcoming addiction and finding faith as the cornerstone of his personal and professional life.

Clean Comedy Wins: The shift to clean comedy not only revitalized his career but also became his ministry.

Family and Redemption: Jeff's relationship with his wife and children became the driving force behind his journey to sobriety and personal growth.

Lessons from the Greats: Insightful advice from comedy legends like Jerry Seinfeld and Larry Miller that changed Jeff’s approach to his craft.

Why Listen?

Jeff Allen's life story is a testament to the power of perseverance, faith, and laughter. This conversation isn’t just for comedy fans; it’s for anyone who has ever struggled, felt lost, or needed to rediscover their purpose. Jeff’s unique mix of humor and heartfelt honesty will make you laugh, cry, and reflect on your own life journey.

Call to Action:

Don’t miss this powerful and inspiring episode. Subscribe, share, and take a moment to leave a review to let us know how Jeff’s story impacted you. Whether you're in need of a good laugh or a dose of inspiration, this episode has it all!

Chapter Markers:

0:00 - Introduction to Jeff Allen  

1:30 - Jeff’s Early Life and Comedy Beginnings  

6:00 - First Bombs on Stage  

10:40 - Advice from Comedy Legends  

15:00 - Battling Addiction and Hitting Rock Bottom  

19:30 - Turning Point: Finding Sobriety and Faith  

24:00 - Transitioning to Clean Comedy  

30:00 - Personal Growth and Family Life  

35:00 - Lessons Learned and Future Vision  

40:00 - Closing Thoughts and Jeff's New Book

Today on the Driving Change Podcast, Jeff has returning guest, Dr. Richard Boyatzis, a pioneer in emotional and social intelligence. In this mind-bending episode, Dr. Richard Boyatzis shatters conventional wisdom about leadership and transformation, revealing the surprising science behind why most change efforts fail—and what really drives lasting growth. From his journey through the jungles of neuroscience to crafting his game-changing Intentional Change Theory, Dr. Boyatzis dives into the intricate dance between our brains, emotions, and the pursuit of purpose. Want to know why goal-setting might be sabotaging your success? Or how visionary leaders ignite innovation while others stumble in the dark? Dr. Boyatzis has the answers. And they might just change your life.

Key Takeaways:

Practical Tips:

How to learn more about Dr. Boyatzis and where to purchase his new book

LinkedIn: Dr. Richard Boyatzis

New Book: The Science of Change - Amazon

Join host Jeff Bloomfield as he sits down with Lauren Lane, beloved actress from The Nanny and Professor in the Acting Program at Texas State University. Lauren opens up about her journey from Oklahoma to Hollywood, the lessons she learned along the way, and how she now guides the next generation of actors. This episode is packed with wisdom on balancing passion with practicality and staying true to yourself.

Why Listen?

If you’re navigating your own career path, this episode will resonate deeply. Lauren’s story offers relatable insights on pursuing your dreams, managing the ups and downs, and finding balance in a demanding world. Her practical advice and heartfelt reflections will leave you inspired and better equipped to handle your own journey.

Key Takeaways:

Call to Action:

Listen to Lauren Lane’s inspiring journey and take away practical advice for your own life. Whether you’re in the arts or another field, her lessons on balancing passion with practicality are universal. Tune in, get inspired, and apply these insights to your own path

00:00 Introduction and Setting the Stage

03:03 Growing Up in Oklahoma and Texas

09:03 The Influence of Values and Upbringing

13:20 The Power of Storytelling in Acting

18:33 Pursuing a Career in Acting

24:37 The Decision to Move to Los Angeles

27:51 Starting a Career in Los Angeles

29:20 The Importance of Business Skills

30:56 Learning on the Job

32:14 The Role of Vulnerability

34:39 Self-Care and Mental Health Awareness

36:25 Understanding Different Perspectives

40:21 Finding Balance

49:15 Using Social Media as a Tool

52:12 Monetizing Skills and Talents

53:09 The Acting Program at Texas State University

53:15 Maintaining a Legacy

How to learn more about Lauren:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officiallaurenlane/?hl=en

TSU: https://faculty.txst.edu/profile/1921446

IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0485420/

In this episode of the Driving Change podcast, host Jeff Bloomfield sits down with Joseph Johnson, founder of Change Course Ministries, to explore a powerful journey of redemption and transformation. Joseph shares how he overcame personal failure and incarceration to create a ministry that helps others rebuild their lives. Learn actionable tips on how to embrace second chances, build a supportive community, and offer intentional encouragement that can lead to profound life changes.

Why Listen?

If you're looking to be inspired by real-life stories of transformation, this episode is for you. Discover how the power of grace, forgiveness, and community can change lives—including yours. You'll walk away with practical advice on how to apply these principles to your own journey, making this episode a must-listen for anyone interested in personal growth, leadership, and making a positive impact.

What You’ll Learn:

Call to Action:

Listen to this episode to learn how you can embrace the power of grace, build a supportive community, and offer second chances that lead to life-changing transformations. 

Visit change-course.org to get involved or learn more about how you can make a difference.

00:00 Introduction and Background

08:07 From Pit to Promise: Joseph's Transformation

13:17 The Power of Community and Support

20:11 Building Change Course and Creating Sustainable Impact

26:58 Life-Changing Stories from Change Course Participants

29:23 Breaking Cycles and Changing Narratives

38:34 Getting Involved and Making a Difference

41:09 The Importance of Loving Your Neighbor

Eugene Lee, a trailblazing actor, playwright, and director, shares his powerful journey on the Driving Change podcast. From his roots in segregated Texas, where his family nurtured his academic and creative talents, to his discovery of a passion for acting in high school, Eugene’s story is one of resilience and inspiration. Despite stereotypes and challenges, he chose the path of acting over law school, marking the start of an extraordinary career.

Tune in to hear Eugene's remarkable experiences, from working with Ron Howard to thriving in Los Angeles. He delves into the importance of persistence, handling rejection, and diversifying one's skills. Eugene also highlights his critically acclaimed play, East Texas Hot Links, and the profound impact he aims to achieve through his art. His legacy is defined by truth, change, and a relentless drive to inspire others.

Takeaways

Eugene Lee's passion for acting was sparked in high school when he took on a character that challenged stereotypes and allowed him to bring dignity to the role.

Growing up in a segregated environment in Texas, Lee faced double standards and had to work harder to prove himself.

Despite having the opportunity to attend law school, Lee chose to pursue a career in acting and theater, driven by his passion and the belief that he could make a difference.

Lee's journey highlights the importance of family support and the impact of societal attitudes on the choices and opportunities available to individuals. Persistence and not taking rejection personally are key in the entertainment industry.

Diversifying and broadening one's skills can lead to more opportunities.

Learning how to learn and internalize dialogue is crucial for success.

Eugene Lee's play, East Texas Hot Links, sheds light on the African-American experience and aims to change perspectives.

Lee's legacy is that of a good man who told the truth and made a difference through his work.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Eugene Lee

03:22 Eugene Lee's Origin Story

08:14 Discovering a Passion for Acting

19:17 Facing Challenges and Making Choices

25:55 From Teaching to Acting: The Journey Begins

29:24 The Importance of Persistence and Not Taking Rejection Personally

30:32 Diversifying and Broadening Skills for More Opportunities

32:28 Learning How to Learn and Internalize Dialogue

38:26 East Texas Hot Links: Shedding Light on the African-American Experience

48:37 Eugene Lee: A Good Man Who Told the Truth and Made a Difference

How to find out more about Eugene Lee:

Website: http://www.eugeneleeonline.com/

IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0497247/

Current Theatre Production of East Texas Hot Links: Court Theatre Chicaog - Sept 2024