In this episode of the Purpose Chasers Podcast, I sit down once again with Dr. Carolyn Colleen: TEDx speaker, former UN delegate, and founder of Acton Academy Midwest. Dr. Carolyn’s story is one of resilience and fierce leadership, and today we dive deep into the work she’s doing to inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs.

We talk about the Acton Children’s Business Fair, where kids ages 6–14 step into their own version of Shark Tank to create, pitch, and sell their ideas. Dr. Carolyn shares how this movement has grown to serve over 150 young entrepreneurs and why building confidence, financial literacy, and resilience in children is essential for breaking generational cycles of poverty.

We also touch on her nonprofit work with the Fierce Foundation, her passion for creating generational self-sufficiency, and how music, creativity, and community play a central role in the way her students learn and grow.

Whether you’re a parent, entrepreneur, or educator, this episode will challenge you to think differently about education, leadership, and purpose.

The Purpose Chasers | Align. Scale. Thrive.

Don’t just listen, take action. Subscribe to the Purpose Chasers Podcast on your favorite platform to ensure you never miss an episode designed to help you break free from mediocrity and live extraordinarily.

📈 GROW YOUR BRAND

The Happy Check | Organic Marketing & Strategic Growth

Building a purpose-driven life requires a business that scales without you. If you’re tired of the "ad-spend" rat race and want to build a brand rooted in trust, referrals, and organic growth, it’s time for a Happy Check.

Visit ⁠TheHappyCheck.com⁠ to discover the organic marketing strategies and business systems Mark Crandall uses to turn customer experiences into high-growth assets.

Want daily organic marketing tips? Follow the movement:

🌐 Web: ⁠TheHappyCheck.com⁠

Stop trading time for hustle. Start winning customers through trust.

Getting on stage is one thing. Building a career from it is another.

In this episode of the Purpose Chasers, Host Mark Crandall sits down with Dr. Carolyn Colleen—speaker, coach, and founder of the Fierce Network and Fierce Foundation. Carolyn shares the real tactics that took her from practicing speeches on her phone to being featured on TEDx, ABC, NBC, and stages nationwide.

Here’s what you’ll discover:

• The first step every aspiring speaker misses (and why it costs them gigs)
• How to book free stages strategically to build momentum
• Turning small events into paid opportunities by collecting the right testimonials
• Why social proof is the #1 driver of more bookings
• How to serve event planners so they want to invite you back
• What to do immediately after a talk to build community and land your next opportunity

Carolyn doesn’t hold back—this is the straight talk every aspiring speaker needs if they want to get paid to speak and build influence that lasts.

HIT the FOLLOW Button and drop a comment on the episode

In this episode of the Purpose Chasers Podcast, Mark Crandall reconnects with Sean Douglas — U.S. Air Force veteran turned powerhouse speaker and founder of The Success Corps. Sean shares how he walked away from military security to dominate the speaking world, using category design, tactical positioning, and relationship-driven strategies.

You’ll hear:

• The turning point that took Sean from Air Force leader to full-time entrepreneur
• Why building relationships outperforms chasing money every time
• The psychological system Sean uses to open and close loops in his talks
• Tactical strategies for artists, producers, and entrepreneurs to break into speaking
• How to reframe setbacks, embrace discomfort, and use failure as a stepping stone

The Purpose Chasers | Align. Scale. Thrive.

Don’t just listen, take action. Subscribe to the Purpose Chasers Podcast on your favorite platform to ensure you never miss an episode designed to help you break free from mediocrity and live extraordinarily.

📈 GROW YOUR BRAND

The Happy Check | Organic Marketing & Strategic Growth

Building a purpose-driven life requires a business that scales without you. If you’re tired of the "ad-spend" rat race and want to build a brand rooted in trust, referrals, and organic growth, it’s time for a Happy Check.

Visit ⁠TheHappyCheck.com⁠ to discover the organic marketing strategies and business systems Mark Crandall uses to turn customer experiences into high-growth assets.

Want daily organic marketing tips? Follow the movement:

🌐 Web: ⁠TheHappyCheck.com⁠

Stop trading time for hustle. Start winning customers through trust.

After walking away from a $5.1M construction sale, enduring betrayal, financial devastation, and a year of darkness, I was brought back to the one thing I can’t shake — Purpose Chasers.

In this raw solo episode, I share my journey out of the fire and why I’m still standing. From building and scaling multi-million-dollar companies, to losing everything, to finding healing through music, marketing, and therapy — this is the story behind my comeback.

You’ll hear:

• Why I walked away from a $5.1M deal and what it cost me

• How music and managing Produced by Nef re-ignited my purpose

• The weight of walking away from family to break generational trauma

• The relaunch of Purpose Chasers Academy, Mastermind, and my next book

• Why I refuse to live in fear and what it means to stand back in calling

If this episode hit home, hit Follow on Spotify, drop a review, and join the movement.

In this raw episode of the Purpose Chasers Podcast, host Mark Crandall shares a story of loss, betrayal, and rebuilding that nearly broke him—but ultimately pulled him back into his purpose.

After walking away from a $5.1M construction sale less than 30 days from closing, Mark endured slander, financial devastation, and a season of darkness that forced him to confront family trauma and business betrayal head-on.

But out of the fire came clarity. Music, marketing, and therapy reignited his calling, leading him back to Purpose Chasers, and to building platforms that elevate creators, entrepreneurs, and artists who refuse to quit.

This isn’t about chasing dollars. It’s about chasing your calling.

Highlights:

Walking away from a $5.1M deal and losing $350K in the process

Breaking generational trauma to protect his family

Driving 5,000 miles to study the music industry

Partnering with Produced by Nef (DJ Premier’s lead engineer) to build a brand and digital presence

Upcoming re-launch of the Purpose Chasers Academy and Mastermind

• Connect with Mark:
• YouTube – The Purpose Chasers
• Instagram – @organicwordnerd

In this Purpose Chasers Podcast episode , Hal Elrod, best-selling author of The Miracle Morning, shares how to navigate the dip after success, reframe adversity into service, and create purpose-driven momentum through daily habits. This audio-only conversation is a reminder that your best is still ahead.

The Purpose Chasers | Align. Scale. Thrive.

Don’t just listen, take action. Subscribe to the Purpose Chasers Podcast on your favorite platform to ensure you never miss an episode designed to help you break free from mediocrity and live extraordinarily.

📈 GROW YOUR BRAND

The Happy Check | Organic Marketing & Strategic Growth

Building a purpose-driven life requires a business that scales without you. If you’re tired of the "ad-spend" rat race and want to build a brand rooted in trust, referrals, and organic growth, it’s time for a Happy Check.

Visit ⁠TheHappyCheck.com⁠ to discover the organic marketing strategies and business systems Mark Crandall uses to turn customer experiences into high-growth assets.

Want daily organic marketing tips? Follow the movement:

🌐 Web: ⁠TheHappyCheck.com⁠

Stop trading time for hustle. Start winning customers through trust.

Most artists and creators are unknowingly giving away their audience’s data, and LinkTree is cashing the check. In this no-fluff conversation, marketing expert Bud Heaton interviews Mark Crandall on why LinkTree is a trap for musicians, creators, and entrepreneurs, and exactly how to take back control of your name, traffic, and audience.

You’ll discover:

• Why LinkTree is quietly selling your audience data to ticketing companies
• The simple landing page strategy that puts you back in control
• How owning your own domain builds long-term SEO authority
• The hidden costs of “free” tools and how to escape them in 72 hours
• How to monetize small, loyal email lists faster than huge followings

Whether you’re a hip-hop artist, a content creator, or a brand-builder, this episode gives you the playbook for building your own distribution channel, owning your brand online, and turning your purpose into your biggest asset.

Watch more Purpose Chasers Podcast Convo on YouTube at @thepurposechasers.

In this inspiring episode, Mark Crandall sits down with acclaimed hip-hop artist and Good Dad Gang founder, Termanology (Daniel Carillo), to talk fatherhood, breaking generational curses, and advocating for fathers’ rights.

From his global movement Good Dad Gang—founded in 2014 and now a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit—to his impactful book 100 Ways to Be a Better Dad, Termanology shares the lessons, challenges, and victories of parenting with purpose. We discuss the realities fathers face in custody disputes, the importance of being present, and why breaking toxic cycles starts at home.

The Purpose Chasers | Align. Scale. Thrive.

Don’t just listen, take action. Subscribe to the Purpose Chasers Podcast on your favorite platform to ensure you never miss an episode designed to help you break free from mediocrity and live extraordinarily.

📈 GROW YOUR BRAND

The Happy Check | Organic Marketing & Strategic Growth

Building a purpose-driven life requires a business that scales without you. If you’re tired of the "ad-spend" rat race and want to build a brand rooted in trust, referrals, and organic growth, it’s time for a Happy Check.

Visit ⁠TheHappyCheck.com⁠ to discover the organic marketing strategies and business systems Mark Crandall uses to turn customer experiences into high-growth assets.

Want daily organic marketing tips? Follow the movement:

🌐 Web: ⁠TheHappyCheck.com⁠

Stop trading time for hustle. Start winning customers through trust.

Whether you’re a dad, a mom, or simply passionate about strong families, this conversation will challenge and inspire you.

Part 1: One Time Weekend

Ian and Eddie share their journey from slinging merch to headlining the Fencepost stage. Discover what it takes to grow a band from the van to the spotlight.

Part 2: The Origins of Fencepost
Dennis and Eddie from RDI Productions break down the vision, sweat, and purpose behind one of this year’s most buzzworthy independent festivals.

Bonus: Scott Hannay (The Mihali Band)
Scott is turning the Fencepost stage into a gamer’s paradise with a live video game jam band set.
Imagine Sonic, Castlevania, Mario Kart—and you on stage playing—while Scott’s band performs the soundtrack in real time.

“We’re remixing these soundtracks live, syncing with gameplay—it’s like Bit Brigade meets jam band energy.” – Scott Hannay

GIVEAWAY: Play On Stage with Scott Hannay at Fencepost

Two lucky fans will be chosen:

• 2 Grand Prize Winners: Choose your favorite game from Scott’s setlist and play it live on stage at Fencepost Festival, soundtracked by a full band
• Bonus Winner: Exclusive Fencepost merch plus a surprise prize pack

How to Enter:

1. Share this Blog Link: https://thepurposechasers.com/post/fencepost-festival-ep122
2. Tag 3 friends you want to bring to Fencepost

3. Use hashtag: #FencepostMultiplayerLive

Brady Watt joins the Purpose Chasers Podcast to share his remarkable journey from playing bass in New England punk bands at 14 to performing with icons of the music industry.

Far from an overnight success, Brady spent years honing his craft and hustling in the New York City music scene. Over the years he has collaborated with legends like DJ Premier and Talib Kweli, and even toured with the rock band O.A.R. – proving that his rise is the result of passion and persistence, not luck.

In this episode, Brady unpacks the origin of his viral “Bass & Bars” series – the YouTube sensation where he lays down bass grooves while top MCs drop verses. He reveals how an idea from his team (including DJ Premier and Ian Schwartzman) to promote an album. By calling in favors from a network of rapper friends built over years, Brady created a simple, powerful formula: live bass + elite bars. The result? The first few episodes went viral, and the series has now surpassed 70 installments. Brady explains that when something works, you double-down rather than switch up – one of his key lessons for sustained success.

Brady also shares insights into his disciplined daily routine and mindset. He’s played bass literally every day since age 14, exemplifying the dedication behind his talent. He discusses integrating social media into his career while staying sane – from posting music content consistently to deleting the app off his phone to avoid the toxic scrolling habit. This unwavering discipline and focus have helped him prioritize creativity over distractions, ensuring his art always comes first.

Most importantly, Brady offers wisdom on building authentic relationships and trusting your craft for the long haul. He credits much of his success to genuine networking and collaboration – leveraging years of friendships to create new opportunities (the “path of least resistance,” as he calls it). He emphasizes sticking to what you do best and continuing to refine it, rather than chasing quick fame or bending to trends. In fact, Brady’s “overnight” success story was over 15 years in the making. From jamming in basements to jamming onstage at Red Rocks with 50,000 fans, his journey highlights the power of perseverance, consistency, and staying true to your vision. 

The Purpose Chasers | Align. Scale. Thrive.

Don’t just listen, take action. Subscribe to the Purpose Chasers Podcast on your favorite platform to ensure you never miss an episode designed to help you break free from mediocrity and live extraordinarily.

📈 GROW YOUR BRAND

The Happy Check | Organic Marketing & Strategic Growth

Building a purpose-driven life requires a business that scales without you. If you’re tired of the "ad-spend" rat race and want to build a brand rooted in trust, referrals, and organic growth, it’s time for a Happy Check.

Visit ⁠TheHappyCheck.com⁠ to discover the organic marketing strategies and business systems Mark Crandall uses to turn customer experiences into high-growth assets.

Want daily organic marketing tips? Follow the movement:

🌐 Web: ⁠TheHappyCheck.com⁠

Stop trading time for hustle. Start winning customers through trust.