What if the only thing holding you back was the story you’ve been telling yourself?

In this powerful and deeply personal episode of The InPowered Life Podcast, Rudi sits down with New York Times bestselling author, keynote speaker, and podcast host Jon Acuff to explore the soundtracks that shape our lives—our inner dialogue, our relationship with success, and the beliefs that either propel us forward or keep us stuck.

Jon shares the exact frameworks he’s used to write 10 bestselling books, transform his mindset, and help thousands of high performers replace overthinking with action. Together, Rudi and Jon unpack how to identify broken soundtracks, rewire your mental patterns, and step into the full potential you know you were meant for—with humor, heart, and tactical clarity.

More from Don & Evonne:

Buy Jon’s book Soundtracks: https://jonacuff.com/soundtracks

More from Jon Acuff: Website

Follow on IG: @jonacuff

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• The 3-part framework Jon uses to write bestselling books—and how you can apply it to your own big idea
• 
  
• What a “soundtrack” is and how it silently shapes your life
• 
  
• How to identify the broken thoughts that hold you back (in just 60 seconds)
• 
  
• The 3 questions to ask about any thought: Is it true? Is it helpful? Is it kind?
• 
  
• Why mindset is the most powerful tool you use every moment of your life
• 
  
• How to shift from performance to purpose and find joy in the process
• 
  
• Why being kind to yourself is the foundation of lasting transformation

💬 Key Quotes

• “A brain that can worry can wonder. A brain that can doubt can dare. A brain that can spin can soar.”
• “The rest of the day is gravy. I already started full.”
• “You’re not burned out—you’re bored. You’re overstimulated and under-challenged.”
• “Never hold a grudge against yourself.”
• “The scars you share become lighthouses for people headed toward the same rocks.”

Resources & Links:

• Join The InPowered Life Community - https://rudiriekstins.com/community
• Buy your copy of "The Universe is Hiring: Discover the Role You Were Born to Fill" - https://a.co/d/cJpXKCE
• Connect on IG: @rudiriekstins @annistonblairriekstins
• Find Rudi and Anniston online @ www.rudiriekstins.com and www.annistonriekstins.com

Chapters:

[00:00] Intro & Jon’s Origin Story

[02:40] The Framework Behind 10 Bestselling Books

[06:00] Soundtracks: Repetitive Thoughts That Shape Reality

[10:00] Identifying Negative Self-Talk Through Goals

[17:00] Is It True, Helpful, and Kind? Rewriting Mental Scripts

[22:00] Childhood Wounds, Self-Protection & Healing

[26:00] Money Soundtracks & Breaking Generational Patterns

[30:00] Success Without Sacrifice: Marriage, Family & Meaning

[35:00] Performing vs. Serving & Becoming the Lighthouse

[40:00] Living Up to Your Potential—What the Data Shows

[44:30] Why Yelling at Yourself Doesn’t Work

[48:00] Where to Start: Soundtracks, Joy, and Momentum

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What does it really take to thrive in both business and love? In this powerful conversation, Rudi and Anniston sit down with Don and Yvonne Verity, co-founders of Clean Eatz, to unpack how personal growth, deep connection, and mutual support fuel their $100M+ brand—and their marriage.

The couples discuss vulnerability, healing past wounds, leading together without losing individuality, and why growing as partners starts with growing as people. They also announce an upcoming transformational retreat experience unlike anything available today.

More from Don & Evonne:

Follow Don

Follow Evonne

Check out Clean Eatz

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• You can’t expect your partner to do the work for you—transformation starts within.
• Setting realistic growth expectations creates sustainable progress.
• Communication isn’t one-size-fits-all—it requires honoring your partner’s style.
• The strongest relationships allow room for both people to lead—in different lanes.
• Supporting each other’s personal dreams is the foundation of co-creating something bigger.
• True connection comes from seeing and being seen without judgment.
• Transformation requires consistent integration—not just information.

💬 Key Quotes

• “Wherever you go, there you are. Your past doesn’t disappear just because your partner is healthy.”
• “You don’t complete me. I had to complete myself first.”
• “We built a $100M company by learning to stay in our lanes—while cheering each other on.”
• “Growth isn’t becoming one person—it’s two whole people building something together.”

Resources & Links:

• Join The InPowered Life Community - https://rudiriekstins.com/community
• Buy your copy of "The Universe is Hiring: Discover the Role You Were Born to Fill" - https://a.co/d/cJpXKCE
• Connect on IG: @rudiriekstins @annistonblairriekstins
• Find Rudi and Anniston online @ www.rudiriekstins.com and www.annistonriekstins.com

Chapters:

[00:00] Intro & Intentional Partnerships

[02:10] Defining Transformation in Relationships

[04:00] Love Languages & Communication Breakdowns

[06:30] Healing Past Wounds & Trust Issues

[11:00] Supporting Without Fixing

[13:00] Why They Chose Each Other

[15:00] Staying in Your Lane While Building Together

[18:00] Celebrating Each Other’s Dreams

[22:00] Common Mistakes in Transformation

[24:30] Daily Habits for Growth as a Couple

[26:30] The Truth About Outgrowing Relationships

[30:00] Why They're Launching Dual Retreats

[33:00] The Power of Brotherhood & Vulnerability

[39:00] Creating Space for Deep Growth

[44:00] Final Invitation & Reflections

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this transformative episode of The InPowered Life, Rudi sits down with renowned cognitive neuroscientist and bestselling author Dr. Caroline Leaf to uncover the science behind thought, emotion, and change. With over 40 years of research in neuroplasticity and mind management, Dr. Leaf explains how we can literally rewire our brains by taking control of our thoughts. Whether you're battling anxiety, burnout, or pressure, this episode provides tangible, science-backed tools—including how to create calm in just 60 seconds.

You’ll also hear about Dr. Leaf’s newest book, Help in a Hurry, which offers real-time techniques for shifting your state and reclaiming your peace. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed or stuck in cycles of stress, this conversation will remind you where your power truly lies—within.

More from Dr. Leaf:

Pre-order Help in a Hurry today

Download the NeuroCycle app

Brain Detox Challenge

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Your mind is 99% of who you are; you are not your brain or your emotions
• Thought and emotion are not fixed—you can change how you think and feel
• Stress, burnout, and anxiety are signals, not identity
• You can activate neuroplasticity and create change in as little as 60 seconds
• The “toddler and parent” model helps you manage overwhelming emotions
• Peace isn’t something you earn—it’s already in you, waiting to be accessed
• Help in a Hurry teaches practical, real-world tools for fast emotional recovery

💬 Key Quotes

“You are not your brain and you are not the emotions coming out of your brain. You are your mind.” – Dr. Caroline Leaf

“The brain doesn't think. It stores and responds. Your mind controls how you show up in the world.” – Dr. Caroline Leaf

“Peace is the fuel for healing—and it’s already inside you.” – Dr. Caroline Leaf

“Every time you think, you’re changing your brain and your body.” – Dr. Caroline Leaf

Resources & Links:

• Join The InPowered Life Community - https://rudiriekstins.com/community
• Buy your copy of "The Universe is Hiring: Discover the Role You Were Born to Fill" - https://a.co/d/cJpXKCE
• Connect on IG: @rudiriekstins @annistonblairriekstins
• Find Rudi and Anniston online @ www.rudiriekstins.com and www.annistonriekstins.com

Chapters:

[00:00] Welcome & Dr. Leaf Introduction

[03:00] The Truth About Mind vs Brain

[06:30] Why Emotions Aren’t Your Identity

[10:15] The “Parent & Toddler” Model of Mind Management

[14:00] Breaking Free from Overwhelm & Resistance

[18:00] The Power of Peace in the Midst of Chaos

[23:00] The First 60 Seconds: How to Shift Instantly

[27:00] Understanding Neuroplasticity in Daily Life

[30:00] Real Tools from Help in a Hurry

[36:00] What to Do When You’re Triggered

[41:00] The 63-Day Cycle to Create Lasting Change

[47:00] How Fast Can You See Results?

[50:00] Dr. Leaf’s Final Message: You Are Not Broken

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This is the final episode in the 6-part solo series with Rudi Riekstins, where he breaks down the InPowered Life Method—his proven framework for transformation. In this episode, Rudi explores the heart of lasting transformation: contribution and legacy.

It’s not just about changing your life—it’s about impacting others through the way you live, lead, and love. Rudi shares how to activate your purpose through daily service, why legacy is built in how you show up each day, and how to lead by example even when no one’s watching.

If you’ve ever wondered how to live in alignment with your highest self and create ripple effects of change, this episode is your invitation.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Contribution and legacy are built daily, not in death
• You activate your purpose by serving others from an overflowing cup
• There’s always room for your light—no matter how crowded the space
• The people around you are learning from your actions, not your words
• Sustainable impact begins with intentional self-care
• Every room you enter is a chance to lead, teach, and uplift

💬 Key Quotes

"Your legacy isn’t created in death—it’s created every day in how you show up." – Rudi Riekstins

"You have to selfishly fill your cup so that others can drink from the overflow." – Rudi Riekstins

"In every room, you’re teaching people how to be, how to love, and how to lead—whether you realize it or not." – Rudi Riekstins

Resources & Links:

• Join The InPowered Life Community - https://rudiriekstins.com/community
• Buy your copy of "The Universe is Hiring: Discover the Role You Were Born to Fill" - https://a.co/d/cJpXKCE
• Connect on IG: @rudiriekstins @annistonblairriekstins
• Find Rudi and Anniston online @ www.rudiriekstins.com and www.annistonriekstins.com

Chapters:

[00:00] Welcome & Series Recap

[02:00] The Power of Perspective Shift

[03:45] Legacy is Built in Daily Moments

[06:00] Activate Your Purpose Through Service

[08:00] Leaving Every Room Better Than You Found It

[10:00] Overflowing Cup = Scalable Impact

[13:00] Selfishness vs. Self-Filling

[14:30] Leading by Example Every Day

[16:00] Final Challenge: Living Your Legacy Intentionally

[17:30] Closing Thoughts & Invitation to Connect

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this fifth episode of the 6-part InPowered Life Method series, Rudi Riekstins dives into one of the most overlooked yet critical parts of transformation: reflection and integration. If you’ve ever found yourself stuck, unsure why progress stalls, this episode offers a framework to help you pause, assess, and move forward with intention. Learn the four pillars of powerful integration—from micro course corrections to stacking success evidence—and discover how to become the CEO of your own life.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Real transformation requires time for self-reflection, not just action
• Daily, weekly, and monthly check-ins ensure alignment with your goals
• Feedback from others offers a valuable, objective lens for growth
• Course correction should be small and strategic, not overwhelming
• Tracking and stacking success builds confidence and momentum
• Your failures are not the end—they’re catapults for growth
• Integration anchors your progress and keeps you in intentional motion

💬 Key Quotes

"You don’t ever get what you want. You get who you become." – Rudi Riekstins

"If you don’t create the time to pause, you’ll miss the lessons and the wins." – Rudi Riekstins

"Failures are magic launchpads—if you pause to reflect and course-correct." – Rudi Riekstins

Resources & Links:

• Join The InPowered Life Community - https://rudiriekstins.com/community
• Buy your copy of "The Universe is Hiring: Discover the Role You Were Born to Fill" - https://a.co/d/cJpXKCE
• Connect on IG: @rudiriekstins @annistonblairriekstins
• Find Rudi and Anniston online @ www.rudiriekstins.com and www.annistonriekstins.com

Chapters:

[00:00] Welcome & Series Recap 

[01:30] Why Integration and Reflection Matter 

[04:00] The Power of Daily, Weekly & Monthly Check-Ins 

[06:45] Getting Outside Feedback for Clarity 

[08:30] Small Course Corrections vs. Big Overhauls 

[11:45] Learning From Past Mistakes 

[14:00] The Importance of Stacking Success Evidence 

[18:30] The Formula One Analogy: Strategic Micro Tweaks 

[21:00] Becoming the CEO of Your Life 

[23:00] Final Thoughts & Call to Action

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In episode four of the 6-part InPowered Life Method series, Rudi Riekstins unpacks the concept of embodied action—what it really means to live today as the version of yourself you aspire to become. This isn’t about “faking it till you make it”—it’s about aligning your thoughts, emotions, energy, and behavior to your future identity so that transformation becomes inevitable. Rudi shares powerful personal stories and practical tools for taking aligned, joyful action that magnetizes your dreams into reality.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• You don’t get what you want—you get what you are
• Embodied action means taking steps today as the future version of yourself
• Real change requires replacing past conditioning with new identity-based habits
• Embodiment includes not just logic-driven actions, but joy-driven presence
• Creating space for joy can accelerate manifestation more than constant grind

💬 Key Quotes

You don’t become what you want. You become what you are." – Rudi Riekstins

"If you consistently show up as the version of you that you aspire to be, you will become that version." – Rudi Riekstins

"Joy is an essential part of alignment. Create from the version of you that’s already fulfilled." – Rudi Riekstins

Resources & Links:

• Join The InPowered Life Community - https://rudiriekstins.com/community
• Buy your copy of "The Universe is Hiring: Discover the Role You Were Born to Fill" - https://a.co/d/cJpXKCE
• Connect on IG: @rudiriekstins @annistonblairriekstins
• Find Rudi and Anniston online @ www.rudiriekstins.com and www.annistonriekstins.com

Chapters:

[00:00] Welcome & Series Context 

[01:30] What Is Embodied Action? 

[04:00] Acting From Future Identity 

[06:00] Past Conditioning vs. Future Intent 

[08:30] Coaching Example: Becoming Before the Title 

[11:30] Fitness Story: Aligning Identity With Action 

[14:00] Food, Fuel & Frequency 

[16:20] Joy as a Success Strategy 

[18:30] Gardening & Carpentry as Expansion Projects 

[21:00] Challenging the “Hustle” Model 

[23:30] Anchoring Your Future Identity in the Now 

[25:30] Consistency Creates Identity 

[27:00] Final Wisdom & How to Share

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This is the third episode in a 6-part solo series with Rudi Riekstins, where he breaks down the InPowered Life Method—his proven framework for transformation. This week, Rudi explores the crucial role of energetic alignment and how understanding the connection between your thoughts, emotions, and energy allows you to shift from reacting to life to consciously creating it. If you’ve ever felt stuck in emotional cycles or frustrated by the pace of change, this episode reveals how to break free and step into your power.

I In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Energetic alignment is the key to lasting transformation and conscious creation
• You are not your emotions—you're the awareness behind them
• Your thoughts generate emotions, which affect your energy and reality
• Emotions are indicators, not identity—they help you course-correct
• Coherence between the brain and body is essential for calm, creative power
• Daily emotional priming can magnetize your desired experiences
• Journaling your emotions helps uncover hidden thought patterns and triggers
• 
  

💬 Key Quotes

"You are the sum total of every thought, feeling, and decision you’ve ever made." – Rudi Riekstins

"Your emotions are simply indicators. They are feedback, not facts." – Rudi Riekstins

"You cannot create from a place of chaos. You must create from a place of calm, ease, and joy." – Rudi Riekstins

"When you shift your energy, you shift your life. But it starts with becoming aware of what you’re feeling and why." – Rudi Riekstins

Resources & Links:

• Join The InPowered Life Community - https://rudiriekstins.com/community
• Buy your copy of "The Universe is Hiring: Discover the Role You Were Born to Fill" - https://a.co/d/cJpXKCE
• Connect on IG: @rudiriekstins @annistonblairriekstins
• Find Rudi and Anniston online @ www.rudiriekstins.com and www.annistonriekstins.com

Chapters:

[00:00] Welcome & Series Recap 

[01:45] What is Energetic Alignment? 

[04:00] Thoughts, Emotions & Energy Explained 

[06:30] The Cycle of Emotional Identity 

[08:50] You Are Not Your Emotions 

[10:20] Emotions as Feedback, Not Identity 

[13:00] The Michelin Man Exercise: Detaching from Emotions 

[14:10] Brain-Body Coherence & Self-Regulation 

[17:00] Embodied Priming: Creating from Future Emotions 

[20:30] Morning Rituals for Alignment 

[23:30] Real-Life Application: Repeating the Practice 

[25:45] Closing Wisdom: Create with Calm, Ease & Joy

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this second episode of the 5-part solo series, Rudi Riekstins dives into one of the most transformative steps in personal growth: identity activation. Building on the foundation of self-awareness from Episode 1, Rudi teaches how to align your vision, thoughts, language, and energy to become the version of yourself who already has what you desire. If you're ready to stop waiting and start embodying the life you're meant to live, this episode gives you the mindset and method to get there.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Your transformation begins with a clear, aligned vision of your future self
• Identity activation requires daily commitment to being the version of you who already has what you want
• Focused intention amplifies your energy and magnetizes aligned opportunities
• Your language and thoughts reflect whether you're living in lack or in belief
• Frequency doesn’t lie—your energy is purchasing your future
• You already are what you seek; your job is to remember and become
• 
  

💬 Key Quotes

"You already are what you seek. You came fully equipped and prepared to be you." – Rudi Riekstins

"If you're doing the work from a place of lack, you're reinforcing the distance between you and your desire." – Rudi Riekstins

"Shift your thoughts, align your language, rehearse the energy—then the world mirrors it back to you." – Rudi Riekstins

Resources & Links:

• Join The InPowered Life Community - https://rudiriekstins.com/community
• Buy your copy of "The Universe is Hiring: Discover the Role You Were Born to Fill" - https://a.co/d/cJpXKCE
• Connect on IG: @rudiriekstins @annistonblairriekstins
• Find Rudi and Anniston online @ www.rudiriekstins.com and www.annistonriekstins.com

Chapters:

[00:00] Welcome Back & Episode Recap 

[01:30] The Power of Daily Identity Practice 

[03:10] Clarifying the Vision for Your Life 

[05:10] What Lights You Up From Within? 

[07:10] The Decision to Become That Version of You

[09:35] Identity Activation Explained 

[11:50] Why Doing Isn’t the Same as Being 

[14:20] Updating Your Language and Beliefs 

[16:00] Harnessing Focused Intention 

[18:30] Energy, Frequency & Embodiment 

[21:15] Final Reflections & What's Next

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This is the first episode in a 5-part solo series with Rudi Riekstins, where he unpacks the foundations of true transformation. Drawing from over 26 years of experience coaching high performers and organizations, Rudi introduces the InPowered Method—a proven framework designed to help you shift your inner world to create external results. In this episode, Rudi dives deep into the first pillar of the method: self-awareness. From limiting beliefs and emotional patterns to energetic blockages and inherited programming, he breaks down the seven areas of awareness necessary to create real, lasting change.

If you’ve been doing “some” of the work but still feel stuck, this episode reveals why—and what to do about it.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Self-awareness is the foundation of all lasting transformation
• Limiting beliefs often stem from childhood programming and false narratives
• Your habits, emotions, and energy all reinforce who you are today
• 95% of your actions are unconscious—awareness brings you back into control
• Energetic blockages and inherited beliefs can silently hold you back
• You must choose to be the pilot of your life—not a passenger on autopilot
• The InPowered Method offers a repeatable framework to create true change

💬 Key Quotes

"You are the sum total of every thought, feeling, and decision you’ve ever made." – Rudi Riekstins

"Meditation is powerful, but it’s just one tool. Transformation happens when you apply the full method." – Rudi Riekstins

"Your dominant frequency is purchasing more of the same experience—shift your energy, shift your life." – Rudi Riekstins

"We don’t need to suffer our way to joy. We can grow in joy, through joy." – Rudi Riekstins

Resources & Links:

• Join The InPowered Life Community - https://rudiriekstins.com/community
• Buy your copy of "The Universe is Hiring: Discover the Role You Were Born to Fill" - https://a.co/d/cJpXKCE
• Connect on IG: @rudiriekstins @annistonblairriekstins
• Find Rudi and Anniston online @ www.rudiriekstins.com and www.annistonriekstins.com

Chapters:

[00:00] Welcome & Series Introduction 

[01:40] Why Self-Awareness is the First Step 

[03:10] Meditation Alone Isn’t Enough 

[04:45] The 7 Areas of Awareness 

[06:50] Identifying Limiting Beliefs 

[09:20] Breaking Unconscious Habits 

[11:50] Emotional Patterns & Triggers 

[14:15] Energetic Awareness & Frequency 

[18:30] Navigating Blockages & Trapped Emotions 

[22:40] The Impact of Inherited Beliefs 

[27:10] Reclaiming Conscious Control 

[31:50] Daily Practices to Begin the Shift

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this powerful episode, Rudi and Anniston Riekstins unpack the emerging paradigm shift around masculine and feminine energy. For too long, society has glorified hustle, control, and dominance—hallmarks of the old masculine. But there’s a change happening. A collapse of the outdated masculine frequency is making space for a more integrated, intentional, heart-led model.

Rudi shares his personal journey navigating this transformation—from high-performing hustle to a magnetic stillness rooted in presence and self-knowing. Anniston explains how divine feminine and masculine energies exist in all of us, regardless of gender, and how balancing the two leads to power, peace, and alignment.

Whether you’re a man seeking deeper purpose or a woman looking to understand the shift in energy around you, this episode will challenge, inspire, and empower you to evolve with grace.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Masculine and feminine energy exist in all of us
• The old masculine is collapsing; the new is rooted in presence, stillness, and love
• True leadership starts with emotional mastery and intentionality
• Creating space is more powerful than dominating space
• Your frequency—your energetic state—is your greatest currency
• Integration of masculine/feminine energy leads to alignment and fulfillment

💬 Key Quotes

“Being in stillness is where your true power lies.” – Rudi

“You cannot fake frequency. And the world is evolving to value it above all else.” – Anniston

“The old masculine needs to protect. The new masculine creates safety.” – Rudi

“When men are given permission to lead with love, everything changes.” – Rudi

“Authenticity is your greatest currency.” – Anniston

Resources & Links:

• Join The InPowered Life Community - https://rudiriekstins.com/community
• Buy your copy of "The Universe is Hiring: Discover the Role You Were Born to Fill" - https://a.co/d/cJpXKCE
• Connect on IG: @rudiriekstins @annistonblairriekstins
• Find Rudi and Anniston online @ www.rudiriekstins.com and www.annistonriekstins.com

Chapters:

[00:00] Welcome + Masculine Energy Reimagined

[02:40] Rudi’s Emotional Openness and Inner Conflict

[05:05] Feminine as Receiver, Masculine as Creator

[08:25] Signs You’re Stuck in the Old Paradigm

[13:05] The Power of Presence and Stillness

[17:50] Redefining Strength: Stillness, Not Force

[21:00] What It Means to Be an Integrated Individual

[24:21] Intuition, Expression, and Leading with Wholeness

[28:07] A Men’s Retreat That Changed Everything

[32:36] Creating Space for Vulnerability

[36:49] Frequency Over Force

[41:32] Why the Shift Is Inevitable—and Necessary

[43:56] Leading from Authenticity, Not Ego

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.