The Inspiration Podcast with Stan Gibson

In this episode, Eric Recker shares his inspiring journey from a successful dentist to an adventurer and author, emphasizing the importance of living in the 'Now' and managing burnout through mindful practices. Discover practical strategies to slow down, reset, and find purpose amidst a hectic life.

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MORE INFO: https://www.stangibsonspeaks.com

Key Topics:

• The concept of 'Win the Now' and its origins
• Eric Recker's adventures in climbing and flying
• Managing burnout and self-destructive behaviors
• The importance of pacing and 'pole pole' philosophy
• Strategies for self-care and mental resilience
• The impact of childhood bullying on personal growth
• Balancing a successful dental practice with adventurous pursuits
• The significance of purpose and 'why' in life and work
• Lessons learned from mountain climbing and endurance sports
• How to identify and overcome burnout signs

Episode Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Eric Recker and his diverse pursuits

02:13 Eric's dental practice and leadership style

04:08 Adventures in flying, climbing, and endurance sports

07:58 The story behind 'Win the Now' and its significance

13:51 Lessons from Kilimanjaro and the 'pole pole' philosophy

19:56 The importance of pacing and managing stress

23:46 Recognizing signs of burnout and self-destructive behaviors

29:53 Strategies for self-care and living intentionally

36:51 Reflections on medals, purpose, and personal growth

45:12 Who is 'not for' and finding the right clients

50:04 How to connect with Eric Recker and final thoughts

In this episode, Stan Gibson explores the transformative power of identity and how intentionality in key areas of life can lead to a richer, more fulfilling existence. Discover practical strategies to shape your self-perception and create lasting change.

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MORE INFO: https://www.stangibsonspeaks.com

Key Takeaways:

• Your behavior is a vote for your identity.
• The brain treats I am statements as facts, not just words.
• Consistency and evidence are key to reinforcing new identities.
• Your reticular activating system helps you notice opportunities aligned with your identity.
• Small actions over 66 days can change your habits and identity.

Episode Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to the Power of Identity

02:20 Understanding the Science of Transformational Identity

03:46 The Five Areas for Intentionality in Life

06:55 Creating Your First Identity Statement

08:50 The Science Behind Self-Perception and Beliefs

12:07 The Identity Loop: I Am, Evidence, I Must, Action

17:54 The Role of Neuroscience in Reinforcing Identity

21:46 Building and Reinforcing Your New Identity

26:00 Applying Identity Principles to Different Life Domains

38:56 Practical Steps to Rewrite Your Identity

45:08 Homework: Creating Your Identity Statement

In this episode, Jeff shares his journey from corporate success to founding Royal Lynx Golf Tours, emphasizing the importance of relationships, culture, and experience in creating memorable golf trips. We explore how his background in corporate leadership and coaching informs his approach to business and life.

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Key Topics:

• Jeff's transition from corporate to golf tours
• The culture and history of Scottish golf courses
• The importance of relationships and local knowledge in travel
• How to create memorable travel experiences
• Leadership and legacy in business and life

Episode Chapters:

02:00 The importance of authentic, non-commercialized golf courses

02:29 Curating personalized golf and cultural experiences

02:53 Common mistakes in planning golf trips and how to avoid them

03:21 The value of relationships and local partnerships in travel

03:47 Jeff's advice for those wanting to explore Scottish golf

04:16 The role of caddies and local guides in enhancing the experience

04:43 The significance of slowing down and enjoying the journey

05:10 Jeff's transition from corporate to coaching and golf business

05:40 Lessons learned from corporate leadership and coaching

06:08 The importance of purpose and being irreplaceable in work

06:35 Balancing risk and reward in entrepreneurship

07:02 The value of planning and relationships in business success

07:30 Final thoughts and how to connect with Jeff

In this episode, Stan Gibson explores the transformative power of visioning, goal setting, and journaling to create a life by design. He shares science-backed techniques for rewiring the brain, the importance of specificity, and practical tips for integrating these practices into daily life.

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MORE INFO: https://www.stangibsonspeaks.com

Key Topics:

• The role of neuroplasticity in achieving goals
• How to use journaling to rewire your brain for success
• The importance of specificity in visioning exercises
• Science behind visualization and goal achievement
• Practical steps for creating a five-year vision journal
• The connection between self-awareness and identity formation
• Historical examples of journaling by famous leaders
• The impact of gratitude and emotional regulation in goal setting
• Tools and techniques for effective journaling and reflection
• The significance of intentional living and leadership

Episode Chapters:

00:00 Intro: Visioning and Working Backwards

00:46 The Five-Year Vision Journal: The Bridge Between Awareness and Identity

01:44 Rewiring Your Brain by Writing the Future in Past Tense

03:39 Maxwell Maltz and Psycho-Cybernetics

05:14 Your Brain's Built-In Guidance System

07:41 Is Visioning Just Goal Setting?

09:17 The Power of a 15-Minute End-of-Day Reflection

10:35 Journaling for Anxiety and Better Sleep

12:02 How Writing Frees Up Mental Space

13:06 Famous Journalers Through History

14:18 Stan's 7-Minute Morning Journaling Routine

17:08 Handwriting vs. Typing: What the Science Says

20:24 Back to the Five-Year Vision: The Three Phases

21:20 How the Five-Year Journal Works (Start With the End)

23:29 The Questions That Make You Stop and Think

24:49 Coffee Time: Protecting Your Uninterrupted Space

25:39 Creating a Present-Tense Identity Statement

27:58 Questions to Ask Yourself Today

29:31 How to Start: Pick Up a Pen and Schedule It

30:18 Recap and an Invitation to Reach Out

31:19 Legacy Labs Mastermind Announcement

32:36 Wrap-Up and Sign-Off

In this episode, Kristi Knouse shares her inspiring journey through leadership, community impact, and her personal battle with stage four cancer. Discover how her faith, mentorship, and community work have shaped her life and leadership style.

Connect with Kristi Knouse:

• LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristiknous/
• PODCAST GUESTING: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLVhkUdjNHy_Jd8c_IlBJWJdSxXCHwYuuR ;
• Email Address: [email protected]

Key Topics:

• Kristi Knouse's role as president of the Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines
• The growth of the foundation from 31 million to 1.2 billion in assets
• Impact of community collaboration and public-private partnerships in Iowa
• Leadership lessons from top Iowa business and community leaders
• Kristi's personal journey with stage four cancer and faith-based resilience
• The importance of mentorship and creating a personal board of advisors
• The role of gratitude and faith in facing life's challenges
• The significance of community impact and legacy building in leadership
• Insights into the community's leadership culture and collaboration
• Kristi's advice for emerging leaders and the importance of continuous learning

Episode Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Kristi Knouse and her leadership impact

01:56 Overview of the Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines

03:55 Growth and impact of the foundation's assets and grants

09:00 Leadership culture and collaboration in Des Moines

15:08 Personal stories of mentorship and leadership influence

19:59 Kristi's journey with stage four cancer and faith

29:46 Reflections on community impact and legacy

40:12 Advice for emerging leaders and continuous learning

50:02 Closing thoughts and contact information

Linda Foggie is the Global Head of Real Estate and Corporate Services at Scotiabank, where she oversees a global portfolio spanning more than 30 countries and supporting over 90,000 employees. Her mandate includes enterprise-wide real estate and corporate services functions, such as global travel, food and hospitality, and corporate cards.

Linda brings deep international experience from her prior as Global Head of Real Estate Operations at Citibank, as well as senior roles at Wells Fargo and CBRE. At CBRE, she led a revenue‑generating Global Corporate Services business, further strengthening her commercial and client-oriented perspective. A licensed architect and Columbia Business School MBA, Linda serves on a private equity–backed board and is actively engaged in a range of philanthropic initiatives.

Episode Summary:

In this episode, Linda Foggie shares her inspiring journey through the real estate industry, leadership lessons, and the importance of growth mindset and intentionality in achieving success. Discover how she navigates diversity, builds culture, and leaves a lasting legacy.

Key Topics:

• Linda Foggie's career journey from Manhattan to global leadership
• Leadership lessons on overcoming fear and pushing through insecurities
• The importance of growth mindset and lifelong learning
• Navigating diversity and building inclusive culture
• Strategies for effective leadership in global organizations
• The role of intentionality in career and life
• Balancing personal life and high-level responsibilities
• Leaving a legacy through impact and service

Episode Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Linda Foggie's impressive career

04:06 Overcoming fear and insecurities in leadership

06:03 The importance of continuous learning and education

07:49 Navigating diversity and building inclusive culture

10:10 The role of intentionality in career growth

11:58 Balancing personal life and professional responsibilities

13:55 Leadership advice for new leaders and scaling careers

15:47 Creating authentic connections across cultures

18:05 The impact of vulnerability and authenticity in leadership

20:03 Maintaining energy and motivation during travel

21:56 Moving to a Sunshine-filled life and enjoying the journey

24:08 The importance of strong relationships and support systems

25:57 Advice for new leaders in complex organizations

28:12 The significance of influence and taking on responsibility

30:02 The value of networking and visibility in career advancement

31:51 Traits to look for in high-potential talent

33:51 The importance of integrity and adaptability in leadership

35:48 Linda Foggie's legacy and impact on others

37:53 Final thoughts on servant leadership and living intentionally

40:04 Contact information and closing remarks

In this episode, Stan Gibson explores the critical role of self-awareness in leadership and personal growth. He discusses psychometric assessments like Clifton Strengths, Enneagram, and Aptive, and how understanding your strengths and kryptonite can transform your career and relationships.

Key Topics:

- The importance of self-awareness in leadership

- Psychometric assessments: Clifton Strengths, Enneagram, Aptive

- Understanding your strengths and kryptonite

- Neuroplasticity and transformational identity

- The role of emotional intelligence in career success

- How to leverage team strengths for better collaboration

- Stress responses and reactions under fear and pressure

- Using AI tools to create personalized self-awareness reports

Episode Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Self-Awareness and Leadership

02:19 The Significance of Self-Awareness in Personal and Professional Growth

03:11 The Gap Between Perceived and Actual Self-Awareness

04:07 The Role of Emotional Intelligence in Career Advancement

06:03 Understanding Decision Biases and the Brain's Bias for Negative News

08:20 Overview of Clifton Strengths and Its Impact on Team Dynamics

11:46 The Enneagram and Its Deep Insights into Motivation and Stress

19:35 Additional Assessments: Aptive and Their Benefits

24:50 Using AI to Create a Personalized Self-Awareness Profile

26:17 Visioning and Setting Future Goals Based on Self-Awareness

27:12 Transformational Identity and Showing Up with Purpose

28:38 The Power of Mindset and Overcoming Negative Bias

30:06 Practical Steps to Enhance Self-Awareness and Leadership

31:30 Encouragement to Take Assessments and Embrace Self-Knowledge

34:21 Join the Legacy Lab and Continuous Leadership Development

Jim Logan shares his incredible journey of battling stage four cancer while preparing for the Iron Man World Championship, illustrating the power of faith, resilience, and living with purpose. This episode offers profound insights into overcoming adversity and living intentionally.

Jim Logan Bio:

James J Logan, born and raised in New Jersey, attended high school in Germany from 1978 to 1982. Moved to Atlanta in 1993, met my wife Kelly and we married in 1996. I started a home inspection business in 1996 and retired in 2026 due to cancer. Raised a well adjusted 21 year old son as well! Diagnosed with stage 4 terminal cancer in April 2024. I am fighting cancer, training for the IRONMAN World Championship in Kona, Hawaii, on October 10, 2026, and I published a book titled Just Keep TRI-ING. The purpose of the book is to give faith to the faithless, hope to the hopeless and to prove the IRONMAN motto: ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE!

Book & Social Media links:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jim.logan.462536

Instagram: Jim Logan (@stage42025)

Ironman Foundation: IRONMAN Foundation

Book: Just Keep Tri-ing — Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=just+keep+tri-ing

Key Topics:

- Jim Logan's cancer journey and overcoming stage four diagnosis

- Preparation and challenges of competing in the Iron Man World Championship

- The role of faith, hope, and love in overcoming adversity

- The DSSP formula: discipline, sacrifice, suffering, pain

- Living with purpose and intentionality amidst health challenges

- The importance of mindset and mental toughness in extreme sports and life

- The impact of community, charity, and giving back in personal growth

- Lessons learned from setbacks and resilience in training and health

- The significance of faith in overcoming fear and despair

- Jim Logan's book 'Just Keep Trying' and its message of perseverance

Episode Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Jim Logan's Inspiring Journey

02:25 Understanding the Iron Man World Championship

04:22 Jim's Background in Triathlons and Motivation

06:23 The Origin of Jim's Book 'Just Keep Trying'

08:12 The Power of Faith and Overcoming Fear

11:06 Jim's Cancer Diagnosis and Medical Journey

16:29 Training with Cancer: Challenges and Mindset

22:02 Living with Purpose and the Iron Man Race

27:13 Jim's Spiritual Journey and Faith in Action

36:37 Raising Money for the Iron Man Foundation

43:28 Final Thoughts and Inspirational Message

In this solo episode, Stan Gibson makes his case for why masterminds deserve a serious look — whether that's his own group, the Legacy Lab, or someone else's. Drawing on 25+ years of his own mastermind experience and decades in the corporate world, Stan lays out five reasons to consider joining one: the confidential "room" that most leaders don't currently have, built-in accountability, deep self-awareness work, access to concentrated peer wisdom, and the chance to build a lasting legacy. Along the way, he clarifies the differences between a mastermind (peer-led), group coaching (facilitator-led), and therapy (past-focused), shares the assessment tools he uses with clients (Clifton StrengthFinders, Enneagram, Aptive, and Genius Spark), and walks through the five-year "reverse journal" exercise that anchors the Legacy Lab's approach to intentionality. He closes with details on the Legacy Lab's October launch, including a discount for early sign-ups.

Key Takeaways:

- A mastermind gives leaders a safe room to talk that usually doesn't exist anywhere else in their life.

- Sharing a goal with a group makes you far more likely to follow through on it.

- Knowing yourself well is the foundation for leading and living with intention.

- Getting advice from 10–12 peers at once beats one-on-one advice alone.

- Companies that invest in developing their people see stronger revenue and returns.

Episode Chapters:

00:00 Welcome and episode intro

01:17 What a mastermind is and Stan's own 25-year mastermind journey

03:44 Five reasons to consider a mastermind (intro)

04:27 Reason 1 — The room you need most doesn't exist

06:35 Reason 2 — Accountability moves the needle

07:48 Reason 3 — Deep self-awareness (StrengthFinders, Enneagram, Aptive, Genius Spark)

11:49 Reason 4 — Pure wisdom and the ROI of investing in people

15:22 Reason 5 — Building a legacy through the five-year reverse journal

20:10 Recap of the five reasons

21:54 Mastermind vs. group coaching vs. "coach-sultant"

25:06 Mastermind vs. group coaching vs. therapy

26:59 Closing thoughts on intentionality

28:42 Legacy Lab October launch and early-bird discount

29:21 Sign-off and listener Q&A open

31:23 Free resources at leadwithstan.com and next episode teaser

In this episode, Stan sits down with Zac Jiwa — computer scientist turned home chef, entrepreneur, and now documentary filmmaker — to talk about his passion project, Food, Wine, and God. Zac shares his winding origin story: growing up between a Pakistani Muslim father and a Southern preacher's-kid mother, building a career in healthcare tech, and eventually hitting a wall in his early 40s that sent him on a sabbatical across the world. A "burning bush" moment on a plane, watching an Anthony Bourdain episode, crystallized the idea for a docuseries that follows the Judeo-Christian faith story geographically and historically — through food, wine, and culture. Zac and Stan dig into the pilot episode (filmed in Jerusalem), the realities of funding and producing independent film, lessons on leadership and letting go of control, and how listeners can support the project.

Zac Jiwa Socials:

Website: https://www.foodwineandgod.com

Instagram: @‌foodwineandgod @‌chef_zac_atx

TikTok: @‌foodwineandgod @‌chef_zac_atx

Facebook: @‌foodwineandgod @‌chef_zac_atx

FREE GIFTS FOR LEADERS: https://leadwithstan.com

MORE INFO: https://www.stangibsonspeaks.com

Key Takeaways:

- Your background can become your calling.

- Big visions often start small — and take time.

- Sabbaticals can reset your direction

- You're not fully in control — and that's okay.

- Filmmaking is entrepreneurship without a playbook.

- Community support matters.

- It's never too late to pursue a legacy.

Episode Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Zac Jiwa and his journey

01:57 Zac's background in computer science and art

05:05 The origin of Food, Wine, and God

09:49 Traveling to Israel and biblical exploration

15:05 The divine calling and project development

19:49 The biblical timeline and cultural exploration

24:57 Challenges in filmmaking and fundraising

30:08 Zac's culinary skills and family influence

35:00 Leadership lessons and divine timing

39:49 Future plans for Food, Wine, and God

45:03 How to support and connect with Zac