The Laptop Lifestyle Dad Show

• True leadership is forged, not given — it's built over time, not just titles.
  
   
• Emotional intelligence is essential: Know yourself before you try to lead others.
  
   
• Communication matters: Shift from "you" messaging to "I" messaging and see your influence grow.
  
   
• Spiritual grounding fuels servant leadership — Merv shares his powerful daily practices.
  
   
• Lead with purpose, not ego: Be the lighthouse, not the rescue boat.
  
   

“I found I could get more out of people by treating them as people and working above that line — being a leader rather than their manager.” – Merv Jersak

“True freedom doesn't come from having more — it comes from becoming more.” – Jeff Ross

“Emotional intelligence starts with observing how you react and replacing reaction with response.” – Merv Jersak

• [00:01] – Merv’s unique journey: 40+ years in the same career path
  
   
• [02:30] – Climbing the ladder from programmer to VP — leadership by grooming
  
   
• [06:36] – What “above the line” leadership actually looks like
  
   
• [08:00] – The shift from managing process to leading people
  
   
• [12:05] – The difference between “I messaging” vs “You messaging”
  
   
• [15:00] – The power of internal health and self-awareness
  
   
• [17:00] – Merv and Jeff on spiritual grounding and daily practice
  
   
• [21:00] – Why Merv is launching the Lead with Purpose podcast
  
   
• [24:30] – Leadership wisdom that transcends industries
  
   

• Book: Lead Smarter, Not Harder by Merv Jersak
  
   
• Podcast (coming soon): Lead with Purpose
  
   
• Website: peoplefirstprojectmanagement.com

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

• The difference between heroes and hero makers in leadership.
  
   
• Why forgiveness is the gateway to freedom and healing.
  
   
• Navigating divorce, identity crisis, and finding purpose through pain.
  
   
• Understanding the shift from fear-based to love-based energy.
  
   
• Creating true abundance through alignment and service to others.
  
   
• The role of self-worth, self-leadership, and spiritual practices in building legacy.
  
   

"You can't lead others until you’ve learned to lead yourself." – Jeff Ross
"Forgiveness is not just for them—it's for you. And most importantly, it's about forgiving yourself." – Alana Cahoon
"These are my riches… When you open your eyes and see what you already have, you realize you're already abundant." – Alana Cahoon

• 03:00 – Why this season is about Hero Makers and legacy leadership.
  
   
• 04:20 – Alana shares her backstory from NYC artist to holistic entrepreneur.
  
   
• 10:30 – The identity crisis post-divorce that led to a deeper calling.
  
   
• 13:45 – The power and heartbreak of servant leadership.
  
   
• 17:55 – How to move from victimhood into your personal power.
  
   
• 21:45 – Fear-based vs love-based energy: which one are you operating from?
  
   
• 27:00 – Jeff’s raw insights on money, faith, and character.
  
   
• 32:00 – Alana shares a sneak peek of her upcoming book Creating Abundance.
  
   
• 34:30 – How to forgive yourself and stop drinking the poison of guilt.
  
   

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

• Leadership through identity and integrity: Why leadership isn't about image, it's about ownership.
  
   
• Mental health & healing: From ayahuasca to horses, the modalities that changed Dr. JayR's life.
  
   
• Survival vs. legacy: From the streets of Long Beach to global impact, Dr. JayR's journey.
  
   
• The real role of motivation: Get them out of the tunnel first—then lead them on the journey.
  
   
• Routine, consistency & impact: Why your life is your content and your routine is your secret weapon.
  
   

“If I give you everything, I have nothing left.” – Dr. JayR McIntyre
 

“Be dry fit. Work in any weather. Don’t stop.” – Dr. JayR McIntyre
 

“We’re not born in the spotlight—we’re forged in the trenches.” – Jeff Ross

• 00:00 – Introduction to Season 3: The Hero Makers Season
  
   
• 02:17 – “Your life is your algorithm”—resetting your inner operating system
  
   
• 03:45 – Real talk: why influencers need healing before speaking
  
   
• 05:55 – Can you survive if the world went dark?
  
   
• 08:16 – AI & identity: mastering tools vs. being ruled by them
  
   
• 11:30 – Survival stories that shape your leadership
  
   
• 13:04 – Failure as feedback: the leadership reframe
  
   
• 15:59 – Legacy isn't for you—it's for the next generation
  
   
• 18:41 – Content is your life: stop creating, start documenting
  
   
• 24:20 – Just help one: why impact beats algorithm
  
   
• 27:46 – Final wisdom: “Be dry fit. Don’t stop. Be proud of yourself.”
  
   

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this powerful episode, Jeff Ross is joined by Fathers for Change founder Patrick Nugent, a father of three who’s redefining what it means to be a man in today’s world. From the chaos of his 20s to a quiet spiritual shift in China as a first-time dad, Patrick shares his journey of identity, depression, masculinity, and the launch of a movement that now supports countless fathers across Australia.

This is one of the realest conversations we’ve had yet on HeroMakers. If you're a dad, husband, or man navigating purpose—this one’s for you.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

• Resilience is not hype—it’s habit.
  
   
• “Drift” is slow-motion destruction for any man.
  
   
• Vulnerability is just another word for truth.
  
   
• Your family is your first leadership stage.
  
   
• Donkeys are more spiritually grounded than some humans.
  
   

“You don’t rise to the level of your goals. You rise to the level of your training.” – Craig Whitney
“Drift doesn’t scream. It whispers.” – Craig Whitney
“The donkey’s strength is calm in chaos. That’s leadership.” – Craig Whitney

• 02:49 – HeroMakers Season intro with Craig
  
   
• 06:00 – Why “lone wolf” masculinity is a trap
  
   
• 11:14 – Craig’s childhood on the farm: lessons from donkeys
  
   
• 15:10 – True definition of resilience
  
   
• 22:47 – Men, emotions, and rebuilding identity
  
   
• 29:30 – Real talk on vulnerability and burnout
  
   
• 36:00 – Leading yourself first before leading others
  
   
• 47:30 – The vision of Next Level Coaching: 1 million transformed leaders
  
   
• 50:00 – Craig’s final charge to the next generation of men
  
   

Craig Whitney – Founder of Next Level Coaching

• Leadership & resilience coach for men
  
   
• Specializes in self-leadership, performance, & identity
  
   
• Mission: Train 1 million men to rebuild from burnout and drift
  
   

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

• 💪 Fortitude over fear: How Janice found strength and grace in life’s most difficult moments
  
   
• 🧠 Imposter Syndrome = Inner Misalignment: Why authenticity beats performance every time
  
   
• 🪞 Leadership starts with self-leadership: Leading yourself through journaling, reflection, and awareness
  
   
• 📚 Legacy through story: How Janice turned her life lessons into 5 powerful books
  
   
• 💚 The shift from sales to service: When you lead with heart, people follow
  
   

“Fortitude is the inner strength of knowing who you are, even in the chaos.” – Janice Muir
 

“You don’t know what you don’t know… until you live it or hear it from someone who has.” – Janice Muir
 

“I never asked, ‘Why me?’ Instead, I kept walking. One step, one day, one breath at a time.” – Janice Muir

• 02:49 – Welcome to the Hero Makers Season with Jeff
  
   
• 04:24 – Janice’s life journey: From athletic champion to five-time author
  
   
• 07:19 – Facing hardship: Dementia caregiving, cancer, and character
  
   
• 08:07 – Finding fortitude and inner strength through writing
  
   
• 12:43 – Leading by example: From journaling to legacy building
  
   
• 16:27 – Imposter syndrome and the power of being true to yourself
  
   
• 18:58 – The shift from sales to heart-led service
  
   
• 23:52 – What legacy means to Janice: Books, tapestries, and stories
  
   
• 28:13 – Advice to her 25-year-old self: Trust your higher self
  
   
• 30:35 – Final words: Stay open, go within, and lead from the soul
  
   

Janice Muir

• 🖋️ Author of Let Me Get This Off My Chest, The Vision to Win, Forget Me Not, and more
  
   
• 🧠 Mindset Mentor & Cancer Warrior
  
   

🌐 Website: janicemuir.com

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

• 🔥 True leadership is forged in the trenches, not on the stage.
  
   
• 🛠️ Evaluated experience, not just experience, produces wisdom.
  
   
• 👣 Legacy is created through daily, intentional decisions, not grand gestures.
  
   
• 🚫 The villain in leadership is often ego, consumerism, and character neglect.
  
   
• 🌱 You can’t grow a healthy community if you’re not growing as an individual.
  
   

"Your gift might get you on the stage, but your character is what keeps you there." – Jim Burgoon
 

"Legacy isn’t what people say when you die. It’s how you live now that echoes through generations." – Jeffery Ross
 

"Wisdom doesn’t come from experience. It comes from evaluated experience." – Jim Burgoon

• 00:00 – Welcome to Hero Makers Season with Jeff
  
   
• 01:30 – Jim’s Story: From the trenches to transformation
  
   
• 06:15 – The lesson Jim would give his younger self
  
   
• 12:00 – Why many leaders fall (and how to avoid it)
  
   
• 17:00 – The difference between growth & intentional growth
  
   
• 23:30 – Spiritual leadership vs. personal agenda
  
   
• 28:00 – The submarine analogy: internal pressure vs. external collapse
  
   
• 35:00 – Legacy: writing 50 books, raising resilient kids, living for eternity
  
   
• 41:30 – Final words of wisdom: Start small. Be diligent. Be unshakable.
  
   
• 42:50 – Jim’s podcast rebrand: The Unshakable Life
  
   

Jim Burgoon

• Leadership coach, podcaster, faith-driven entrepreneur
  
   
• Founder of The Unshakable Life Podcast
  
   
• Website: leadwithjim.com

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

1. The Real Hero Isn’t AI — It’s You.
   AI is a tool, not the answer. YOU are the solution your audience is looking for.
   
    
2. The Power of the HERO Framework.
   Hear → Educate → Reflect → Offer — a simple but profound framework for guiding others through transformation.
   
    
3. Burnout Is a Symptom — Not a Failure.
   Both Jeff and Dave share candid moments of rebuilding after hitting the wall in business.
   
    
4. Don’t Wait to Be Ready — Start With a Burden.
   You don’t need a clear “calling” to begin — start with what breaks your heart.
   
    
5. Season 3 Is a Movement, Not Just a Podcast.
   This season is about legacy, leadership, and leveraging AI without losing your authenticity.
    

“AI isn’t the hero. You’re the hero. AI just helps you scale your story.” — Jeffery Ross

“Clarity doesn’t always come before you start — sometimes it comes because you start.” — Dave Miller

“The goal of HeroMakers isn’t to build followers… It’s to create leaders who build other leaders.” — Jeffery Ross

• [00:00] – Welcome to Season 3: The HeroMakers Vision
  
   
• [04:18] – From Overwhelm to Alignment: The Why Behind This Season
  
   
• [10:45] – What the HERO Framework Really Means
  
   
• [14:00] – Dave’s Confession: When Systems Become Shackles
  
   
• [17:35] – How to Guide Others Without Having All the Answers
  
   
• [21:10] – The Role of Storytelling in Your Business
  
   
• [26:42] – A Challenge for Listeners: Who Are You Becoming?
  
   

• 🎙️ Dave Miller – AI and systems expert, tech integration coach for Laptop Lifestyle Dads
  
   
• 📚 Referenced: Donald Miller’s StoryBrand, John Maxwell’s Law of the Lid, HERO Framework (Jeff + Dave model)
  
   
• 🛠️ Tools Mentioned: ChatGPT, Skool, ClickFunnels
   

💬 Comment “HERO” on Facebook or YouTube if this episode resonated — and Jeff will send you the free HERO Framework Mini Guide 🦸‍♂️

🎧 Subscribe and listen on: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you tune in.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Main Topics / Takeaways:

• The evolution of Season 2: Unlocking your voice and brand identity
  
   
• Highlights from epic guest episodes and solo insights
  
   
• The Hero Makers theme launching Season 3
  
   
• Why leadership, legacy, and purpose now take center stage
  
   
• The tools (AI, social selling, attraction marketing) vs. the real story (YOU)
  
   

Notable Quotes:

"AI is just a tool — YOU are the real story."
"This isn’t about building content… it’s about building movements."
"We’re not here to escape life — we’re here to come ALIVE."

Key Moments (Timestamps):

• 00:00 – Kangaroo bars, baby! Jeff opens with a freestyle-style spoken word recap
  
   
• 01:30 – Thanking the listeners and reflecting on what Season 2 meant
  
   
• 03:00 – One word that sums up the season: VOICE
  
   
• 05:00 – Episode shoutouts: Johnny Els, Mike Hopp, Dave Miller, Austin Armstrong & more
  
   
• 11:30 – Personal breakthroughs + community wins
  
   
• 14:50 – What’s next: The Hero Makers Era 🔥
  
   
• 17:00 – Season 3 Theme: From Info to Formation
  
   
• 20:00 – An open invitation to be part of the next season
  
   

Featured Guests Recapped in This Episode:

• Johnny Els (Ep 33)
  
   
• Mike Hopp (Ep 25)
  
   
• Dave Miller (Ep 34)
  
   
• Jonathan Mast
  
   
• Austin Armstrong (Ep 8)
  
   
• Dame Doria Cordova
  
   
• Rex Sykes (Ep 5)
  
   
• Denny Walsh (Ep 1)
  
   
• Jane Slack-Smith (Ep 2)
  
   
• DJ, Kylie Thompson, Lauren Nguyen, Sandy Sagralada, Martin Ruoff
  
   

Call-To-Action (CTA):

💥 Subscribe to the podcast on Spotify, Apple, or YouTube

💬 DM Jeff on Facebook or email [email protected] if YOU have a story to share

🎤 Want to be featured in Season 3? Apply now and join the Hero Makers movement

🙌 Share this episode with a mate who’s ready to rise up and lead with their VOICE™

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Main Topics Covered:
 

✅ How Dave went from construction sites to building custom GPTs
 

✅ What AI agents are—and how they’re already changing business
 

✅ How to simplify video prompting using the VEO Prompter GPT
 

✅ Behind the scenes of the LLD 30-Day Sprint & VOICE Framework
 

✅ Future-proofing your skills and mindset in an AI-driven world

Key Moments:

• 01:00 – Jeff’s caffeinated kangaroo freestyle + why this episode is different
  
   
• 03:30 – Dave’s AI origin story & how a 3-day challenge changed everything
  
   
• 09:50 – Breaking down the VEO Prompter GPT & making complex tech simple
  
   
• 19:45 – Dave’s real talk on productivity, prompt engineering, and AI content myths
  
   
• 30:40 – The new era of AI agents and how they’re replacing (and creating) jobs
  
   
• 43:00 – Human-first content, value-led branding & keeping it real in an AI world
  
   
• 56:15 – Why the 30-Day Sprint was created & who it’s for
  
   
• 01:10:00 – What the future holds for AI, search, creativity, and connection
  
   

Guest:
🧠 Dave Miller – AI Strategist, Systems Builder, and Co-Creator of the LLD Academy Custom GPT Suite

Resources Mentioned:

• The VEO 3 Prompt Filter GPT Bundle – $5 Special
  
   
• Join the 30-Day Sprint (Early Bird $199)
  
   
• LLD Academy
  
   
• Facebook Group: Laptop Lifestyle Dads
  
   

Call to Action:
👉 Want to learn how to use AI without losing your voice?
Join Jeff & Dave inside the 30-Day Sprint and build content that actually connects.
🎧 Episode available now on:

• YouTube: Laptop Lifestyle Dads Channel
  
   
• Apple & Spotify
  
   
• LA Tribune Podcast Network
  
   

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.