Today, Mike sits down with Jayson Stirrup, Executive Director of Casa Hogar in Cabo San Lucas. Jayson takes us through his unexpected journey from Toronto, Canada, to leading a children's home in Mexico, where he dedicates his life to helping kids overcome the trauma of their pasts. He shares powerful stories of resilience, the challenges of running a nonprofit in a foreign country, and the unique strategies Casa Hogar employs to foster a nurturing environment for children. Jayson’s story exemplifies the power of extra effort put forth through servant leadership.

This is the Level Up Lifestyle podcast. Make sure to follow along our journey by visiting our social channels here: https://linktr.ee/theleveluplifestyle

Today, Mike sits down with Luke Gilliam, Senior Vice President at Liberty National. Luke shares his journey from a small-town upbringing in Texas to overcoming the challenges of a declining journalism industry. He dives into his transition from traditional journalism to leading a digital media startup, reflecting on the hard lessons learned along the way. Luke’s insights on innovation, leadership, and adapting to change offer valuable takeaways for anyone looking to navigate the evolving landscape of business and life.

This is the Level Up Lifestyle podcast. Make sure to follow along our journey by visiting our social channels here: https://linktr.ee/theleveluplifestyle

Today, Mike sits down with agency owner Brandon Jones. Brandon takes us through his journey from a small town in Lower Alabama to becoming a successful agency owner. He shares his early love for sports,  the derailment of a surgery in college, and the struggles of moving far away from home to take on his toughest challenge. Brandon’s story is a testament to perseverance, making tough decisions, and never letting adversity define you.

This is the Level Up Lifestyle podcast. Make sure to follow along our journey by visiting our social channels here: https://linktr.ee/theleveluplifestyle

Today, Mike sits down with Clint McLain, agency owner in Birmingham, Alabama. Clint shares his journey from living on his own out of high school on a movie theater salary to his rewarding but challenging climb to a steady career. Following his family legacy, he had to make a painful decision with one of his most prized possessions to escape rock bottom. Clint’s story highlights perseverance, adaptability, and the enduring impact of focused extra effort.

This is the Level Up Lifestyle podcast. Make sure to follow along our journey by visiting our social channels here: https://linktr.ee/theleveluplifestyle

Today, Mike sits down with Drew Aderholt, agency owner in Alpharetta, Georgia. Drew takes us through his journey from growing up in the insurance industry to carving out his own path within the company. He shares his experience as the son of a successful agency owner, the challenges of transitioning from the worksite to the individual market, and the unexpected hurdles he faced in his first years as an agency owner. Drew's story is a testament to the power of hard work, adapting to change, and creating your own legacy while honoring your roots.

This is the Level Up Lifestyle podcast. Make sure to follow along our journey by visiting our social channels here: https://linktr.ee/theleveluplifestyle

Today, Mike sits down with Chicago-based agent, Monica Klempel. Monica shares her journey, detailing her early passion for figure skating and the rigorous training that led her to the brink of the Olympics. Despite a career-ending injury, her resilience and extra effort guided her to success in academia and a thriving career in insurance. Monica’s story exemplifies the power of hard work, sacrifice, and adaptability in the face of adversity.

This is the Level Up Lifestyle podcast. Make sure to follow along our journey by visiting our social channels here: https://linktr.ee/theleveluplifestyle

Today, Mike sits down with a very special guest, Dallas Cowboys defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence! DeMarcus shares his journey from a small town in South Carolina to the NFL, revealing how his family's work ethic and his own determination propelled him forward. He discusses the challenges he faced, from missed opportunities in his early football career to the pivotal decisions that shaped his path. DeMarcus’s story highlights the importance of resilience, faith, and hard work, offering valuable lessons on overcoming adversity and achieving success.

This is the Level Up Lifestyle podcast. Make sure to follow along our journey by visiting our social channels here: https://linktr.ee/theleveluplifestyle

Today, Mike sits down with the President of FC Dallas, Dan Hunt. Dan tells the story of how his family's legacy transformed American sports, starting with humble beginnings on a farm in Arkansas. He shares the bold risks his father took to pursue his passion for sports. His reflections on perseverance, integrity, and community involvement offer powerful insights into building a lasting legacy.

This is the Level Up Lifestyle podcast. Make sure to follow along our journey by visiting our social channels here: https://linktr.ee/theleveluplifestyle

Today, Mike sits down with Danielle Alexander, Supervising Agent from the Kevin Petersen agency and bronze medalist in the 1992 Barcelona Olympics for taekwondo. Danielle shares her journey from humble beginnings to overcoming challenges on her way to the Olympics. From facing initial resistance to winning a dramatic rematch, Danielle’s story is one of resilience and mental toughness. Her insights on breaking barriers and facing challenges head-on exemplify the power of determination. Danielle’s journey is a testament to the mental toughness needed to achieve greatness.

This is the Level Up Lifestyle podcast. Make sure to follow along our journey by visiting our social channels here: https://linktr.ee/theleveluplifestyle

Today, Mike sits down with a very special guest, Olympic Gold Medalist Carly Patterson. Carly walks us down the road to the 2004 Summer Olympics, detailing her somewhat accidental entry into gymnastics and how she fell in love with the hard work the sport demanded of her. Even when faced with uncertainty, the mental toughness she forged allowed her to surpass all the grueling days and set the stage for her unprecedented Olympic performance.

This is the Level Up Lifestyle podcast. Make sure to follow along our journey by visiting our social channels here: https://linktr.ee/theleveluplifestyle