The Inspiration Accelerator

On this episode, Michael speaks with Melissa Rush and Ashley Higginbotham.

Melissa Rush is an adventurer and entrepreneur, co-owning Rush & Company, an Executive Search Firm specializing in Textiles, with her husband Rick. She's trekked iconic trails worldwide, from Patagonia's W Trail to Japan's Kumano Kodo to Tour du Mont Blanc and Nepal's Annapurna Base Camp. Her recent conquest of summitting Kilimanjaro adds to her list. Melissa thrives on pushing her limits, whether in business or adventure. Melissa Rush is more than just an avid traveler and hiker; she's a testament to what can be achieved with passion, perseverance, and a willingness to embrace life's challenges with open arms.

Ashley Higginbotham is a dedicated mom of two, wife, and the proud owner of two energetic dogs. Outside of her family life, she's a relentless adventurer with an impressive athletic resume. From completing a ½ Ironman in Wilmington, NC, to tackling the iconic Promise Land 50K Trail Run in Virginia's hills, Ashley thrives on pushing boundaries. Her love for exploration isn't confined to the United States; she recently conquered the summit of Kilimanjaro. Professionally, Ashley is an Executive Recruiter with Rush & Company, leveraging her determination and keen eye for talent. With her blend of family devotion, outdoor enthusiasm, and professional prowess, Ashley embodies the spirit of unstoppable determination.

The trio talk about pushing limits, redefining what's possible, and Melissa and Ashley's epic trek up Mt. Kilimanjaro.

On this episode, Michael speaks with Dawne Hanks, founder and CEO of Eliminate Girl Hate.

With over two decades of experience as a brand and marketing strategist, Dawne has journeyed across the globe, delving into the intricacies of human behavior and gaining a profound global perspective—both in the spotlight and behind the scenes. Renowned for award-winning work with influential brands such as Nike, Oakley, TedX Youth, University of San Francisco, and Girls Inc. PNW, Dawne has had the privilege of witnessing the transformative power of authentic storytelling and genuine curiosity on individuals and organizations.

As the founder of Eliminate Girl Hate, Dawne is committed to providing advocacy, consulting, and coaching to both men and women who share a common goal—to build a more equitable world for women and girls. Dawne's passion for fostering positive change and eliminating gender bias shines through in every aspect of their work, making her a powerful voice for progress and equality and now her focus is on shining a light on the voices of others.

Enjoy!

On this episode, Michael speaks to Juliet Starrett. Juliet is the coauthor of NYT Bestseller Built to Move: The Ten Essential Habits to Help You Move Freely and Live Fully, as well as the CEO of The Ready State, a multi-million-dollar company that has disrupted the fitness industry with a new market category of movement and mobility content.

She founded and chairs the nonprofit StandUpKids to combat the health effects of sedentary lifestyles. In addition to her success in business, law, and writing, she is one of the most decorated competitive whitewater athletes in the world.

Juliet and Michael talk about motivation, the power of habits, and of course, movement!

Enjoy!

On this episode, Michael speaks with Bob Carter.

Bob Carter is a connector and philanthropic visionary who champions creative solutions to institutional strategy and humanitarian challenges worldwide. He's a founding board member of the World Health Organization Foundation and the African American Development Officers Network Board, serves as a board member of Bridge Philanthropic Consulting, and is a former president and CEO of global fundraising consulting firm Ketchum.

Through his world-renowned philanthropy consulting firm, Carter: Advancing Philanthropy Worldwide, Bob provides board governance to non-profit organizations and advises with his lifelong expertise in major gift, international capital, and endowment fundraising by providing engaging and motivating keynote speeches, wealth management advising, and strategic planning sessions for both global organizations and high-net-worth individuals and their families.

Bob and Michael talk about building strong teams, the connection between sports and life, and battling one's demons.

On this episode, Michael speaks with Bryan Maher. Bryan is a songwriter, music producer, and new dad. He's also the lead signer of the band, Black Suit Youth.

Black Suit Youth is a four piece DIY rock band from, New York. Currently signed to 59X Records, they have been self-releasing albums and EPs and booking their own tours for years. They have played sold out theaters with bands such as Story of the Year and Alien Ant Farm.

Bryan and Michael talk fatherhood, the characteristics that drive people to seek fame, how playing music prepares a person for life, and Bryan's life-changing vision quest.

On this episode, Michael speaks with Christine Astarita.

Christine is the owner and founder of Breakthrough Intensive PT, an organization focused on helping kids and adults with disabilities, as well as their families, to improve the quality of their lives.

She is also an endurance athlete, using her mission at Breakthrough to fuel purpose behind her ultra runs and raise awareness that limits are only where we place them.

Christine is the author of Breaking Through Special Needs and the children’s book, Chance the Therapy Dog: Goes To Work which promotes inclusion and resources for those in need.

In her spare time, she is an adventurer at heart - always chasing the next mountain range! 

Christine and Michael talk about the importance of education and the inclusion of people with special needs as well as Christine's epic 100 mile run. She pushed some of her clients from Breakthrough, ran through the night, and endured torrential rain, all to bring awareness to her cause!

On the first episode of Season 2, Michael speaks with Rebecca Rusch.

Rebecca is a world-class explorer, professional athlete, acclaimed speaker and author who brings her wilderness wisdom to top trailblazers to reach the heights of human performance in leadership, business, and life.

Rebecca launched three thriving organizations: Rusch Ventures, The Be Good Foundation, and Rebecca’s Private Idaho.

Her Emmy award-winning film, Blood Road, is the story of her becoming the first person to bike the entire 1,800-kilometer Ho Chi Minh Trail in Vietnam, the place where her father's plane was shot down during the Vietnam conflict.

Rusch to Glory: Adventure, Risk, & Triumph on the Path Less Traveled, Rebecca’s bestselling memoir, weaves lessons of grief and failure, the mind-body connection, and endurance, perseverance, and resilience.

Michael and Rebecca talk about mindset, pushing one's limits, and her epic journey on the Ho Chi Minh Trail.

On the season one finale, Michael speaks to his wife, Gina DeGregorio-Sonbert. Gina is a former music publicist turned psychologist, autism advocate, author, and business owner.

On this episode, Gina and Michael talk about reality TV, walking away from something that no longer serves you (even when you're really successful at it), and raising children when one has very special needs.

Enjoy!

On this episode, Michael speaks with Mark Anthony. 

Mark Anthony is an international speaker and business advisor. He has lectured as well as trained and coached business professionals on six of the seven continents. At the age of nineteen, Mark started his first business and in only a few short years, had clients coast to coast. In his thirties, he created a 7-figure business, and in his 40s built a thriving 8-figure business.

Mark and Michael talk about his best-selling book, "Join the 7-Figure Club," his being mistaken for a famous musician, and his climb up Mt. Kilimanjaro. 

Enjoy!

On this episode, Michael speaks with Dr. Amber Langley-Gill.

Amber is an author, founder of Biohacker Babe Academy, and a content strategist. Formerly an emergency/critical care veterinarian, she quickly shifted her focus from veterinary medicine to brain + gut health when her twins were born prematurely. As she embarked on a personal mission to heal her own health and the health of her family, she wrote a book about her simple hacks for optimal brain + gut health called, NO BRAINER.

Amber and Michael talk about Amber's first race. a 150-mile run through the Sahara Desert, prioritizing family time, and the importance of being flexible when things don't look the way we want them to. 

Enjoy!