The InPowered Life

In this soul-stirring episode of The InPowered Life podcast, your host Rudi Riekstins welcomes transformational teacher, best-selling author, and spiritual speaker Kute Blackson. Together, they dive deep into Kute’s incredible life journey, the power of surrender, and how to connect with the divine flow of life to achieve your highest potential.


Key Takeaways:

• Surrender is the Path to Freedom: Letting go of control doesn’t mean giving up; it means aligning with life’s flow.
  
   
• Truth is the Foundation of Transformation: Acknowledge what you truly feel, even when it’s uncomfortable.
  
   
• Challenges Are Opportunities for Growth: When life doesn’t go as planned, trust that the universe is working in your favor.
  
   
• Your Soul’s Guidance is Infallible: Following your inner guidance may not make logical sense, but it leads to alignment with your highest potential.
  
   
• Surrender Requires Active Participation: Surrendering doesn’t mean doing nothing; it means acting without attachment to specific outcomes.
  
   
• Unconditional Love is Transformative: Kute’s mother demonstrated the power of unconditional love, which became a foundation for his life and work.
  
   
• Life is a School for the Soul: Every experience—good or bad—is an opportunity to learn, grow, and evolve.
  
   
• The Magic Happens Beyond the Peanut: Holding too tightly to what you think you want (the "peanut") can limit you from receiving life’s greater blessings.
  
   
• Curiosity Can Shift Perspective: Instead of resisting challenges, get curious about what new opportunities they might be creating.
  
   
• The Power of Parental Influence: Kute’s parents demonstrated surrender, faith, and unconditional love, shaping his ability to embrace the unknown and live with purpose.
  
   

• “The next level of your life requires letting go of everything that no longer serves your growth." - Kute Blackson
• “If you’re asking the question, you already know the answer.” - Rudi Riekstins

Visit our website: https://www.rudiriekstins.com

Follow along at: https://www.instagram.com/the.inpowered.life.podcast/

Stream on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@rudiriekstins

Kute Black’s Links: 

Website: https://kuteblackson.com/

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kuteblacksonlovenow

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/kuteblackson09

Chapters:

00:00 - Welcome to The InPowered Life Podcast

00:29 - Meeting Kute Blackson

02:42 - Kute’s Multi-Cultural Background and Early Struggles

07:15 - The Catalyst for Change

18:46 - The Power of Truth and Surrender

30:38 - The Philosophy of Surrender

37:50 - Practical Steps to Surrender

49:52 - Lessons from Writing The Magic of Surrender

53:08 - Lessons from Kute’s Parents

55:39 - How Kute’s Parents Met

1:00:24 - Boundless Bliss Bali Retreat

1:02:28 - Closing Thoughts and Call to Action

In this powerful episode of the InPowered Life podcast, host Rudi Riekstins is joined by Larry Hagner, the founder of the Dad Edge movement and host of the Dad Edge Podcast. Together, they dive deep into what it means to live a legendary life as a father, husband, and leader. Larry candidly shares his journey from a tumultuous childhood to becoming a beacon of guidance for fathers worldwide. This episode is packed with actionable insights, heartfelt stories, and invaluable lessons for parents and anyone striving to lead an empowered life.

Key Takeaways:

1. Creating a Legacy: Larry emphasizes that true legacy begins at home, with how we show up for our children and our spouse.
2. Vulnerability as Strength: Larry and Rudi discuss how vulnerability, when used authentically, can be a superpower for building deeper connections with loved ones.
3. The Role of Connection: Larry shares why connection is the cornerstone of influence with children and how establishing a strong bond minimizes the need for harsh discipline.
4. Failure is a Learning Tool: Encouraging parents to let their children fail safely and learn from their mistakes as a key to building resilience.
5. Emotional Regulation and Patience: Practical steps for developing patience and why it doesn’t come naturally but can be learned like any other skill.

• "Without connection, you have no influence." - Larry Hagner
• "Patience is a practice of emotional resilience and regulation." - Larry Hagner
• "Being vulnerable is not a weakness, it’s the foundation of true connection." - Rudi Riekstins

Visit our website: https://www.rudiriekstins.com

Follow along at: https://www.instagram.com/the.inpowered.life.podcast/

Stream on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@rudiriekstins

Larry Hagner’s Links: 

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheDadEdge

X: https://x.com/thedadedge/ 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/larry-hagner-a82b8715/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyS9kQOWK-BOF2N2A3Sn8ag

In this powerful episode of The InPowered Life Podcast, Rudi welcomes Nathan Leathers, a successful entrepreneur, real estate investor, and legacy builder. Nathan shares his inspiring journey from humble beginnings to achieving financial success and building a life rooted in impact, personal growth, and meaningful connections. Throughout this candid conversation, Nathan offers profound insights on navigating challenges, making pivotal decisions, and surrounding yourself with the right people to create lasting change.

Key Takeaways:

1. Success often begins with consistent, incremental decisions made from a place of intention and vision.
2. Surrounding yourself with the right people is critical for personal and professional growth.
3. Embracing change, redefining your identity as you grow, and seeking discomfort are keys to achieving long-term success.
4. Building a legacy is about impact and giving back, not just financial gain.

• "Momentum is everything in life, making the right decision and trusting yourself." - Nathan Leathers
• "Get uncomfortable. When you get used to being uncomfortable, you’ll start seeing yourself grow in ways you didn’t expect." - Nathan Leathers

Visit our website: https://www.rudiriekstins.com

Follow along at: https://www.instagram.com/the.inpowered.life.podcast/

Stream on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@rudiriekstins

Nathan Leather’s Links: 

Website: https://greenguardms.com/ 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nateleatherss/?hl=en 
X: https://x.com/nateleatherss 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nate-leathers/

Chapters:

[00:04] Welcome to the InPowered Life Podcast

[00:29] Nathan’s Humble Beginnings

[02:48] Life Lessons and Staying Consistent

[05:11] Shifting Mindsets

[07:35] Defining Moments

[09:30] Evaluating Your Circle

[14:16] Balancing Business and Relationships

[16:38] Navigating Identity Shifts

[21:16] The Infinite Game vs. Finite Game Mindset

[26:10] Head, Heart, and Hand Framework

[30:43] Uncomfortable Growth and Momentum

[35:28] Final Takeaways and Audience Challenge

In this episode of The InPowered Life podcast, Rudi and Anniston dive into the delicate, sometimes challenging, but rewarding topic of parenting and the profound responsibility it entails. They reflect on their own experiences as parents of two young children, Brady and Allie Olivia, and explore how they navigate the complexities of raising children while fostering independence, love, and emotional resilience.

Key Takeaways:

Parenting is an ongoing journey of growth where both parents and children are constantly learning from each other.

Create open communication channels with your children to foster trust and emotional resilience.

Teach children to trust their intuition and allow them to make mistakes in a supportive environment.

Recognize and manage your own emotional triggers to ensure healthy interactions with your children.

Quotes

• "Our goal is to be good stewards of our children, not to own them, but to guide them on their unique journey." - Anniston Riekstins
• "Parenting is not about protecting your children from every negative experience, but helping them rise after they've faced the fire." - Rudi Riekstins
• "Our children are our greatest teachers. They show us the areas we need to grow in, both emotionally and spiritually." - Rudi Riekstins
   

Visit our website: https://www.rudiriekstins.com
Follow along at: https://www.instagram.com/the.inpowered.life.podcast/
Stream on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@rudiriekstins

In this empowering episode of The InPowered Life podcast, hosts Rudi Riekstins welcome a very special guest, Dr. Robb Kelly, an addiction and mindset expert who has turned his personal struggles into a purpose-driven life of service. Dr. Robb shares his incredible life story of overcoming alcoholism, homelessness, and trauma to become one of the world's most successful mindset and performance coaches. From playing music with legendary artists like Elton John and David Bowie to hitting rock bottom, Dr. Robb's journey is an inspiration for anyone looking to rise above their challenges.

Key Takeaways:

1. Addiction Is a Symptom, Not the Cause: Addiction is often a result of unresolved trauma rather than just substance abuse. Addressing emotional and psychological roots is crucial for long-term recovery.
2. The Power of Mindset and Neural Pathways: Rewiring the brain through daily habits—like deep breathing, mirror work, and changing routines—can create new neural pathways that lead to personal and professional success.
3. Childhood Trauma Is the Gateway Drug: Unresolved childhood trauma is a key factor in addiction and other destructive behaviors. Healing those wounds can unlock the path to recovery and personal growth.
4. Your Success Depends on Who You Surround Yourself With: The people you spend time with influence your growth. Surround yourself with individuals who inspire, support, and challenge you to reach your highest potential.
5. Daily Morning Routine to Prime for Success: Incorporate morning habits like deep breathing, mirror affirmations, and changing routines to reprogram your mind for success and positive outcomes.
    

Quotes:

• "Childhood trauma is the gateway drug." - Dr. Robb Kelly
• "Show me your friends, and I'll show you your future." - Dr. Robb Kelly
   

Visit our website: https://www.rudiriekstins.com
Follow along at: https://www.instagram.com/the.inpowered.life.podcast/
Stream on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@rudiriekstins

Robb Kelly’s Links: 
Website: https://robbkelly.com/
Personal Foundation: https://www.therobbkellyfoundation.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drrobb.kelly.1
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/addiction_doctor/
X: https://x.com/robbkellygroup
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/the-addiction-doctor-749718210/
Personal Phone: Dr. Robb offers listeners a direct way to reach out to him. He invites those struggling or seeking guidance to text him at 214-600-0210 for a 15-minute phone call that could change their life. He even offers a money-back guarantee if the call doesn't make a difference.

In this powerful episode of The InPowered Life Podcast, host Rudi Riekstins sits down with serial entrepreneur, author, and podcast host Mike "C-Roc" Ciorrocco. Mike is the founder of That One Agency and author of the transformative book Rocket Fuel: Convert Setbacks Into Becoming Unstoppable. Together, they explore Mike’s incredible journey from a tumultuous childhood to becoming a globally recognized performance expert. Mike shares how pivotal life experiences shaped his mindset and propelled him to build a life of intention, impacting countless others through his teachings and business ventures.


Key Takeaways:

1. Set Clear Intentions: Success begins with a clear intention. When you know what you want, your attention will naturally focus on achieving it.
2. Use Setbacks as Fuel: Challenges and adversity can either hold you back or fuel your journey. Store them in your fuel tank, not your trunk.
3. The Power of Relationships: Your network is key to your net worth. Building genuine relationships and connections can create long-lasting success and open doors to new opportunities.
4. Think Bigger: Most people limit themselves. Dreaming big, like Mike’s billion-dollar brand vision, helps align actions and opportunities with your ultimate goal.
5. Mentorship is Vital: You don’t need direct mentorship to learn from the best. Observe, study, and surround yourself with people who inspire you to grow.

Quotes

• "When you set your intention, it gives your attention direction." – Mike C-Roc
• "You get to choose your easy: tough times now for easy later, or easy now for tough times later." – Mike C-Roc
   

Visit our website: https://www.rudiriekstins.com
Follow along at: https://www.instagram.com/the.inpowered.life.podcast/
Stream on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@rudiriekstins

Mike C-Roc’s Links: 
Website: https://mikecroc.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mikeciorrocco
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikeycroc/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGWHuKojqZfcXmvGCAi_t1Q
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-ciorrocco/
X: https://x.com/mikeycroc
 

In this powerful episode of The InPowered Life podcast, Rudi and Anniston dive deep into the transformative power of authenticity and belonging. Inspired by the teachings of Brené Brown, they discuss why fitting in is the opposite of belonging and how living authentically is the key to personal freedom and fulfillment.


Key Takeaways:

Belonging vs. Fitting In: At our core, everyone desires to belong, but true belonging comes from being authentic, not from fitting in. When we compromise our true selves, we lose the ability to belong genuinely.

The Power of Authenticity: Authenticity is the highest vibrational frequency, 700x more powerful than any other. It connects you to your purpose and empowers you to live your best life.

Connection Through Vulnerability: Every human behavior is driven by a desire for connection, and the only way to create deep, meaningful connections is by being vulnerable and authentic.

Authenticity in Business: Rudi and Anniston talk about how authenticity should be present in every area of life, including business, and how being real with your colleagues and clients creates trust and drives success.

Personal Stories: Both hosts share their personal journeys of overcoming the need to fit in, how it impacted their relationships and careers, and the breakthroughs they experienced when they embraced authenticity.


Quotes

• “The opposite of belonging isn’t being alone; it’s fitting in. And when we fit in, we lose touch with our true selves.” — Anniston Blair Riekstins
• “Authenticity is 700x more powerful than any other vibrational frequency.” — Rudi Riekstins
• “The only way to create real connection is through vulnerability. Without it, you lose the power of authenticity.” — Rudi Riekstins
   

Visit our website: https://www.rudiriekstins.com
Follow along at: https://www.instagram.com/the.inpowered.life.podcast/
Stream on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@rudiriekstins

In this powerful episode of the InPowered Life Podcast, host Rudi Riekstins is joined by David JP Phillips, an international speaker, coach, and global authority on public speaking, communication, and self-leadership. David is a three-time TEDx speaker and the author of High on Life, a transformative book that explores the path from depression to living a life of empowerment.

Key Takeaways:

1. Practical Tools for Emotional Mastery: David shares techniques to immediately shift your emotional state, including stress mapping, the awe exercise, and boosting testosterone through physical and mental hacks.
2. Public Speaking Tips: Insights into mastering the art of communication, from managing internal emotions to delivering impactful talks on stage.
3. Angel’s Cocktail: Learn how to mix your own "Angel’s Cocktail" of hormones—dopamine, oxytocin, and endorphins—to boost happiness and energy.
4. Run Toward Your Fear: David advises embracing your fears rather than avoiding them, which allows you to take control and overcome anxiety in both public speaking and personal growth.
5. Stress Mapping for a Clearer Mind: Stress mapping involves listing all sources of stress in your life and systematically reducing or eliminating them. This tool helps in reducing chronic stress and improving overall well-being.
6. Harness the Power of Awe: By practicing the awe exercise, you can boost your happiness and gratitude levels, making you more energized and present in your daily life.
7. Practical Hormone Hacks: Learn scientifically-backed techniques to control neurochemicals like testosterone and oxytocin, which can boost your confidence and make you more present in relationships and work.
8. Mindset Shifts Lead to Lasting Change: Changing your emotional state can lead to significant shifts in thoughts and behaviors, helping you overcome challenges like stress and depression, and live a more empowered life.
    

Quotes:

• "Run towards your fear, otherwise it will run after you." – David JP Phillips
• "I learned to hack my depression and turn it into a pursuit of happiness." – David JP Phillips

Visit our website: https://www.rudiriekstins.com
Follow along at: https://www.instagram.com/the.inpowered.life.podcast/
Stream on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@rudiriekstins

David JP Phillips’s Links: 
Website: https://www.davidjpphillips.com/ 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidjpphillips/ 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/david.jp.phillips 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidjpphillips/ 
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/davidjpphillips 
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@davidjpphillips
Book: High on Life by David JP Phillip
Ted Talks: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL58GT05QtAOehn-knchKcLvypy7JkiQaz

In this episode of the InPowered Life podcast, Rudi and Anniston dive into one of the most underestimated but crucial aspects of personal well-being and high performance—sleep. Despite its seemingly mundane topic, sleep is a cornerstone of a healthy, empowered life. Hosts Rudi and Anniston share personal stories, science-backed insights, and practical strategies to optimize your sleep for ultimate vitality and performance.


Key Takeaways:

Sleep as a Foundation for Health: Sleep isn't just for rest—it's vital for healing, rejuvenation, and maintaining overall well-being. Your body produces critical cells during sleep that fight diseases, including cancer.

Quality Over Quantity: It's not just about getting eight hours of sleep. The timing and quality of sleep, especially deep sleep, matter. Deep sleep before midnight offers the most restorative benefits for your body and mind.

The 3-2-1 Rule for Better Sleep: Implement this formula for improved sleep quality:

• 3 hours before bed: No food.
• 2 hours before bed: No work or critical thinking.
• 1 hour before bed: No blue light (phones, TVs, or screens).

The Impact of Inconsistent Sleep: Missing even one hour of sleep can negatively affect your body, reducing cell production and increasing the risk of serious health issues like heart disease and strokes.

Small Changes, Big Results: Simple hacks like switching to dimmer light bulbs or investing in temperature-regulating bedding (like the Eight Sleep mattress) can drastically improve sleep quality and overall health.

Sleep is Non-Negotiable for High Performers: Prioritizing sleep is essential for anyone aiming to live a high-performance lifestyle. Skipping sleep for work or entertainment has lasting consequences on productivity and well-being.

Track Your Sleep: Using devices to measure sleep patterns and health metrics (like HRV) helps you become more aware of how your habits impact your sleep and, ultimately, your health and performance.

Quotes:

• "Sleep isn't just about rest—it's the time when your body repairs, heals, and rejuvenates itself." 
• "We want to live big lives, and that starts with prioritizing sleep. Without it, everything else falls apart."
• "Deep sleep before midnight is the gold standard for recovery. It's when your body does its most important work." 
• "Your best ideas and your most creative solutions happen when your brain is well-rested. That's why sleep is non-negotiable for us." 

Visit our website: https://www.rudiriekstins.com
Follow along at: https://www.instagram.com/the.inpowered.life.podcast/
Stream on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@rudiriekstins


Chapters:
[00:04] - Introduction
[00:30] - The Importance of Sleep
[02:49] - Rudi’s Early Sleep Habits
[05:06] - The Health Benefits of 8 Hours of Sleep
[07:30] - Impact of Missing Sleep
[09:53] - The Role of Sleep in Parenting and Well-being
[12:18] - The Sleep-Deprivation Struggle
[14:28] - The 3-2-1 Sleep Rule for Better Sleep Hygiene
[16:39] - Rudi’s Experience with Alcohol and Sleep Quality
[19:03] - Creating a Bedtime Routine
[21:23] - Anniston’s Insights on Tracking Sleep and Deep Sleep Benefits
[23:44] - Why Deep Sleep Matters
[26:00] - Practical Sleep Hacks
[30:44] - The Eight Sleep Mattress
[33:01] - Personal Sleep Challenges and Solutions
[37:38] - Immune System and Sleep
[39:51] - Final Thoughts

In this enlightening episode of the InPowered Life podcast, meet guest Gina Worful, a registered dietitian and the founder of the Mastering Mindfulness Institute. Gina shares her transformative journey from conventional dietetics to a mindfulness-based approach to health and nutrition. She delves into why traditional dieting methods often fail and how understanding the deeper drivers of our behaviors can lead to sustainable changes. This conversation uncovers the science behind food cravings, the role of the nervous system, and practical tools for listeners to start reclaiming their health.


Key Takeaways:

Conventional Dieting Often Misses the Root Cause: Traditional diet plans focusing solely on willpower and restriction often fail because they don't address the underlying reasons for eating behaviors. Sustainable change comes from understanding the deeper drivers behind our habits.

Mindfulness Over Willpower: Gina emphasizes the importance of mindfulness—bringing focused attention to our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors around food. By moving toward our discomfort with curiosity rather than avoiding it, we can uncover what truly drives our eating patterns.

The Science of Food Cravings: Stress and a dysregulated nervous system can lead to impulsive eating and cravings, particularly for quick energy sources like carbohydrates. When stressed, the body shifts into a survival mode, overriding rational decisions about food.

The Power of the Three Rs:

• Reconnect: Pause and bring awareness to your body when a craving hits.
• Reset: Move away from the immediate environment to break the autopilot behavior.
• Reflect: Afterward, consider what the craving or behavior was trying to tell you, whether you gave in to it or not.Awareness is the First Step: Shifting from judgment to curiosity about your eating habits is key. Instead of criticizing yourself for craving or indulging in certain foods, use these moments to learn more about your body’s needs and emotional triggers.

Regulating the Nervous System: The more regulated your nervous system is, the easier it becomes to make healthy food choices. Techniques like mindful breathing can help calm the nervous system and reduce the urge to eat impulsively.

Listening to Your Body: By tuning into how different foods make you feel, you can start to naturally gravitate toward choices that support your well-being. This approach helps you move away from rigid dieting and develop a more intuitive relationship with food.

Focus on Real, Whole Foods: Aim to eat closer to nature by incorporating more whole foods into your diet. A simple strategy is to include a variety of colorful vegetables, ensuring you receive a range of nutrients.

Change is a Gradual Journey: Sustainable change takes time and involves self-compassion and practice. Gina highlights that while noticeable shifts can happen in the first few months, true harmony with your body and food typically takes around a year of consistent practice and self-awareness.

Self-Compassion is Key: Reducing self-judgment and adopting a compassionate approach towards your eating behaviors can significantly impact your journey to better health. The goal is to make peace with food and your body, not to achieve perfection.
 

• "It's not just about knowledge. There's a depth underneath that we can't really see." - Gina Worful
• "Most people know the basics of healthy eating. What's missing is understanding what truly drives our behaviors." - Gina Worful
• "The more you restrict, the more you rebound back for safety." - Gina Worful
• "You can't force people to follow a program. But when you bring awareness and curiosity to their experience, they naturally start to change." - Gina Worful
   

Visit our website: https://www.rudiriekstins.com
Follow along at: https://www.instagram.com/the.inpowered.life.podcast/
Stream on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@rudiriekstins

Gina Worful’s Links: 
Website: https://masteringmindfulness.institute/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gina.worful/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gworful
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ginaworful/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@masteringmindfulness.institute