The InPowered Life

📝 Show Notes

In this episode of The InPowered Life Podcast, hosts Rudy Rick Stein and Aniston welcome Larry Hagner, founder of The Dad Edge and author of the upcoming book The Pursuit of Legendary Fatherhood.

Larry shares his powerful journey from a difficult childhood with absent father figures to becoming a patient, intentional, and present dad. This heartfelt conversation unpacks the mindset shifts, skills, and daily practices that help fathers break free from "the drift," deepen family connection, and grow into the men their families deserve.

From asking better questions, to creating safety in communication, to embracing self-forgiveness and vulnerability — Larry provides wisdom and tactical tools that every parent and partner can apply right away.

Whether you’re a father, mother, or simply striving for stronger relationships, this episode will inspire you to pursue growth, connection, and lasting change.

🔑 In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

🔗 Resources & Links

🌐 Connect with Larry Hagner: Instagram | Website

🌟 Join The InPowered Life Community: https://rudiriekstins.com/community

📲 Follow the host: @rudiriekstins | @annistonblairriekstins

🌐 Official Website: www.rudiriekstins.com | www.annistonriekstins.com

What if abundance wasn’t something you had to chase—but something already within your reach?

In this deeply soulful episode of The InPowered Life Podcast, hosts Rudy and Aniston Rick Stein welcome Cathy Heller—spiritual teacher, podcaster, and author—to explore the intersection of entrepreneurship and spirituality.

Drawing from the timeless wisdom of Kabbalah, Cathy introduces listeners to the Law of Reception, a powerful shift from chasing to receiving, from striving to allowing. She unpacks the heart’s role in divine connection, shares daily practices for spiritual alignment, and challenges limiting beliefs around money and scarcity.

Through personal stories, practical tools, and mystical insights, Cathy offers a path to expand your capacity to receive, embrace your soul’s unique purpose, and live with more ease, gratitude, and fulfillment.

The Kabbalistic roots of abundance and why they apply to everyone

The difference between the Law of Attraction and the Law of Reception

How to expand your spiritual vessel to receive more light and joy

Why the heart, not the mind, is the true seat of divine connection

Practical daily exercises for spiritual alignment and purpose

How to rewrite money myths and embrace abundance without guilt

Why abundance is limitless and sharing multiplies, not diminishes, resources

How to discover and honor your unique soul contract

The role of gratitude and compassion in raising your frequency

Practical ways to live in authenticity and divine flow

“Abundance is not outside of you—it’s already here, waiting for you to receive it.”
“The heart connects us to the divine, while the mind often keeps us in fear.”
“Sharing your light never dims it—it multiplies it.”
“Wealth is not corrupt or scarce. It’s energy, and energy is infinite.”
“Your soul contract is unique—no one else can live it for you.”

🌐 Connect with Cathy Heller: Website | Instagram

📖 Cathy’s Program: Abundant Ever After — Learn More

🎧 Cathy Heller Podcast — Listen Here

🌟 Join The InPowered Life Community: https://rudiriekstins.com/community

📲 Follow the hosts: @rudiriekstins | @annistonblairriekstins

🌐 Official Websites: www.rudiriekstins.com | www.annistonriekstins.com

[00:00:00] Introduction & Guest Background

[00:04:12] Kabbalah as Universal Spiritual Wisdom

[00:07:58] The Shift: Law of Attraction → Law of Reception

[00:11:21] Expanding the Spiritual Vessel

[00:15:03] The Heart vs. The Mind in Divine Connection

[00:19:17] Daily Spiritual Practices for Alignment

[00:24:40] Money, Myths & Scarcity Beliefs

[00:29:33] Redefining Abundance as Limitless

[00:33:46] Soul Contracts and Unique Purpose

[00:37:29] Gratitude, Frequency & Raising Your Light

[00:41:55] Stories of Fulfillment Beyond Wealth

[00:45:30] Practical Tools to Receive More Abundance

📝 Show Notes

What if the key to your success wasn’t pushing harder, but letting go?

In this empowering and deeply insightful episode of The InPowered Life Podcast, host Rudy welcomes Dana Grant—co-founder of Cali'flour Foods, author, and intuitive coach—for a transformative conversation on shifting from constant hustle to a life of balance, flow, and authenticity.

Dana shares her journey from living in high-achieving, masculine energy to embracing her feminine power, tuning into her intuition, and cultivating a deeper sense of self-awareness. She opens up about overcoming trauma, rewriting limiting beliefs, and the practical tools that helped her reconnect to her inner guidance.

Whether you’re seeking more ease in your business, a stronger connection to your intuition, or a path toward authentic self-expression, this episode is filled with wisdom to help you trust the process and live in alignment.

🔑 In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

💬 Key Quotes

“Trust is the foundation of transformation.”

“Gratitude is the fastest way to raise your frequency.”

“Flow happens when you allow yourself to receive.”

“Your stories shape your reality—rewrite the ones that hold you back.”

“Authenticity isn’t found—it’s remembered.”

🔗 Resources & Links

⏱ Chapters

📝 Show Notes

What if your biggest business success started with just a beat-up van and a big idea?

In this inspiring and action-packed episode of The InPowered Life Podcast, hosts Rudi and Aniston sit down with Nick Friedman, co-founder of College Hunks Hauling Junk, to dive deep into the mindset, grind, and purpose behind building one of America’s most recognizable franchise brands.

Nick opens up about his entrepreneurial journey—from launching a summer side hustle in college to scaling it into a $300 million national franchise. Along the way, he shares real talk on burnout, taking the leap from a steady job, and the challenges of franchising. More than just profits, Nick reveals how purpose, gratitude, and impact have become the guiding forces in his business and life.

🔑 In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• How College Hunks went from a college idea to a household name
• The mindset needed to walk away from “safe” career paths
• Nick’s take on balancing hustle with gratitude and presence
• The ups and downs of scaling—and the truth about franchising
• How to build a purpose-driven business that gives back
• What Nick means by “butterfly moments” and how they shape our paths
• The difference between passion and purpose—and how to find yours
• 
  

💬 Key Quotes

“You can be grateful and still ambitious. Gratitude fuels growth.”

“Franchising isn’t about control—it’s about alignment.”

“The most meaningful work is impact-driven. It’s not just about what we do, it’s why we do it.”

“Your biggest pivot points often come disguised as challenges.”

“Legacy isn’t built later—it’s built now.”

🔗 Resources & Links

• 🌐 College Hunks Hauling Junk: https://www.collegehunkshaulingjunk.com
• 📲 Follow Nick Friedman: @nickfriedman
• 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

[00:00:00] Introduction and Mindset

[00:00:22] Empowered Life Community Promo

[00:02:02] Podcast and Guest Introduction

[00:04:06] Nick’s Entrepreneurial Origin Story

[00:05:45] Taking the Leap: Quitting the Day Job

[00:09:07] Early Operations and Burnout

[00:10:41] Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

[00:14:28] Business Survival and Scaling Challenges

[00:16:02] Transitioning to Franchising

[00:21:03] Franchise Model Realities

[00:24:15] Proof of Concept and Early Franchisees

[00:25:48] Covid, Social Impact, and Franchisee Buy-In

[00:27:03] Purpose-Driven Business and Giveback

[00:33:53] Synchronistic Moments and Butterfly Effects

[00:39:09] Presence, Mindset, and The Gap vs. The Gain

[00:41:47] Motivation Beyond Success

[00:46:56] Purpose, Impact, and Legacy

[00:51:26] Closing Remarks and Takeaways

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

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

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

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

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

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