The Second Act with Michael and John

Born in Orlando and raised in Kissimmee, Joshua Young, known as Saint Josh, wrote his first rap at six years old and, by 11, set a bold goal to pursue music, inspired by artists like Eminem and Lil Wayne. Struggling with shyness, music became his outlet, helping him build confidence and develop his craft—first mastering lyrics, then flow, performance, and storytelling. As he grew, he realized that success in music required not just talent but business acumen, leading him to leverage freelancing platforms to create custom music for brands. Now a thriving artist and entrepreneur, he has collaborated with major brands like the NFL and Auburn University while staying true to his mission of using music to inspire, uplift, and create a lasting impact (and if you were wondering...he wrote and produced the current music for our show!).

Starring:

Michael Newborn (@michaelnewborn)

John Ballenger (@john-ballenger53)

Guest:

Saint Josh

https://www.instagram.com/saintjoshtyg/

https://www.instagram.com/saintjoshmusic/

https://open.spotify.com/artist/0RMN8YWshpWT8UoUTczQK2?si=xuAk4xwpQKmjmaU_0D3ayQ

Network/Produced by:

Seltzer Kings (@seltzerkings) (seltzerkings.com)

Theme Music by Saint Josh

Listen Here:

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/71Uji4fPLsnGEJjeAqomiJ?si=77e3d7bb636c422a

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-second-act-with-michael-and-john/id1707412739

Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/a6b369bb-36a9-47ab-9f22-1bacfcff6166/the-second-act-with-michael-and-john

iHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-the-second-act-with-michae-123242148/

Socials:

Linktree: linktr.ee/secondactmovement

Instagram: @secondactmovement

LinkedIn: @secondactmovement

Facebook: @secondactmovement

YouTube: @secondactmovement

Website: michaelandjohn.com

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jordon Allard grew up in the Midwest, inspired by her hardworking father, who instilled in her the values of balance, perseverance, and family-first priorities. Initially unsure of her exact career path, she explored various healthcare roles before choosing occupational therapy for its deep personal impact. After gaining experience in the field, she unexpectedly found herself with an opportunity to launch her own therapy business during the height of COVID—while six months pregnant. Despite the challenges of entrepreneurship and motherhood happening simultaneously, she took the leap, learning to embrace uncertainty, push past imposter syndrome, and build Aspire Therapy into a thriving company. Along the way, she discovered the power of saying no to protect what truly matters, refined her leadership approach, and proved that success isn’t about perfect timing—it’s about having the courage to start.

Starring:

Michael Newborn (@michaelnewborn)

John Ballenger (@john-ballenger53)

Guest:

Jordon Allard

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jallard-aspire/

https://www.weaspire.net/

Network/Produced by:

Seltzer Kings (@seltzerkings) (seltzerkings.com)

Theme Music by Saint Josh

Listen Here:

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/71Uji4fPLsnGEJjeAqomiJ?si=77e3d7bb636c422a

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-second-act-with-michael-and-john/id1707412739

Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/a6b369bb-36a9-47ab-9f22-1bacfcff6166/the-second-act-with-michael-and-john

iHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-the-second-act-with-michae-123242148/

Socials:

Linktree: linktr.ee/secondactmovement

Instagram: @secondactmovement

LinkedIn: @secondactmovement

Facebook: @secondactmovement

YouTube: @secondactmovement

Website: michaelandjohn.com

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Henry Oliver’s life journey is a testament to the power of reinvention and embracing one’s unique path. A writer and speaker based in Southeast London, Henry’s early career was shaped by talent attraction marketing and insightful essays on literature and history. However, it was during a challenging period of illness and time away from work that his perspective shifted, sparking the idea for his book, Second Act: What Late Bloomers Can Tell You About Reinventing Your Life. Reflecting on his own life experiences, Henry recognized the profound potential in those who may not yet have achieved greatness but are quietly preparing for their moment. His work blends biography, social science, and thoughtful exploration, celebrating late bloomers like Eisenhower and Katherine Graham while emphasizing the value of persistence, quiet preparation, and the transformative power of failure. Through his book and The Common Reader Substack newsletter, Henry continues to inspire others to see reinvention as an opportunity to write their own remarkable second acts.

Starring:

Michael Newborn (@michaelnewborn)

John Ballenger (@john-ballenger53)

Guest:

Henry Oliver

https://substack.com/@henryoliver

https://www.henry-oliver.co.uk/

Network/Produced by:

Seltzer Kings (@seltzerkings) (seltzerkings.com)

Theme Music by Saint Josh

Listen Here:

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/71Uji4fPLsnGEJjeAqomiJ?si=77e3d7bb636c422a

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-second-act-with-michael-and-john/id1707412739

Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/a6b369bb-36a9-47ab-9f22-1bacfcff6166/the-second-act-with-michael-and-john

iHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-the-second-act-with-michae-123242148/

Socials:

Linktree: linktr.ee/secondactmovement

Instagram: @secondactmovement

LinkedIn: @secondactmovement

Facebook: @secondactmovement

YouTube: @secondactmovement

Website: michaelandjohn.com

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Chris Hetzner’s journey is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and calculated risk-taking. Starting out as a lead guitarist in a band and managing high-end restaurants in Los Angeles, Chris honed his leadership and operational skills early on. With an MBA in finance, he transitioned into consulting at Ernst & Young, working with industry giants like Ford and Uber, before moving to Meta to manage billion-dollar budgets and optimize customer service. Despite his corporate achievements, Chris longed for independence and control over his future. In 2018, he purchased his first short-term rental property, sparking the creation of Boost Rentals. Over time, he grew this side hustle into a thriving business, managing 50 properties across the U.S. In April 2024, after years of meticulous planning, Chris left his corporate role to focus entirely on his business. Now, he inspires others to embrace calculated risks, value time as the ultimate currency, and align their lives with their passions.

Starring:

Michael Newborn (@michaelnewborn)

John Ballenger (@john-ballenger53)

Guest:

Chris Hetzner

https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrishetzner/

https://www.boost-rentals.com/

Network/Produced by:

Seltzer Kings (@seltzerkings) (seltzerkings.com)

Theme Music by Saint Josh

Listen Here:

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/71Uji4fPLsnGEJjeAqomiJ?si=77e3d7bb636c422a

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-second-act-with-michael-and-john/id1707412739

Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/a6b369bb-36a9-47ab-9f22-1bacfcff6166/the-second-act-with-michael-and-john

iHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-the-second-act-with-michae-123242148/

Socials:

Linktree: linktr.ee/secondactmovement

Instagram: @secondactmovement

LinkedIn: @secondactmovement

Facebook: @secondactmovement

YouTube: @secondactmovement

Website: michaelandjohn.com

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Emma Doyle, known as Coach EM, shares her inspiring journey from a high-performance tennis coach—having been a D1 college athlete and world team coach for Australia—to a globally recognized corporate coach. Certified by the International Coach Federation and trained in Neuro-Linguistic Programming and Emotional Intelligence, Emma helps leaders unlock potential through curiosity, feedback, and tailored strategies. Drawing on her Amazon best-seller What Makes a Great Coach?, her podcast The Coaching Podcast, and her TEDx talk, "Unleashing Female Potential," she emphasizes the power of "curiosity over judgment," execution over talent, and celebrating small wins. Splitting her time between Denver and Melbourne, Emma’s passion for empowering others reflects her belief in the transformative power of resilience and energy.

Starring:

Michael Newborn (@michaelnewborn)

John Ballenger (@john-ballenger53)

Guest:

Emma Doyle

https://www.linkedin.com/in/emma-doyle-41150215?

http://www.coachem.com/

Network/Produced by:

Seltzer Kings (@seltzerkings) (seltzerkings.com)

Theme Music by Saint Josh

Listen Here:

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/71Uji4fPLsnGEJjeAqomiJ?si=77e3d7bb636c422a

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-second-act-with-michael-and-john/id1707412739

Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/a6b369bb-36a9-47ab-9f22-1bacfcff6166/the-second-act-with-michael-and-john

iHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-the-second-act-with-michae-123242148/

Socials:

Linktree: linktr.ee/secondactmovement

Instagram: @secondactmovement

LinkedIn: @secondactmovement

Facebook: @secondactmovement

YouTube: @secondactmovement

Website: michaelandjohn.com

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Michael and John share their gratitude for many things as they reflect on an incredible year with The Second Act!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Linda Hafstad’s journey is a testament to bold choices and a relentless drive to make a difference. Growing up as an expatriate child living across the globe, she developed an early awareness of life’s brevity and the importance of meaningful work. Despite earning a perfect GPA, Linda made the unconventional decision to skip college, opting instead to pursue her dream of building something impactful. By 17, she had founded Ekte Media—named after the Norwegian word for "real"—and forged a unique path by partnering with impact-driven organizations to tell authentic stories. To fund her vision, Linda took on side jobs like Uber Eats, embodying the resilience and dedication that define her career today. Recently spending time with Sir Richard Branson on Necker Island, she found renewed inspiration in her mission to elevate brands focused on global change. Now a recipient of multiple awards, including the Outstanding Leadership Award at the Marketing 2.0 Conference, Linda’s story of unwavering integrity and purpose-driven work makes her a trailblazer in brand strategy and digital impact.

Starring:

Michael Newborn (@michaelnewborn)

John Ballenger (@john-ballenger53)

Guest:

Linda Hafstad

Personal:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindahafstad/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lindahafstad/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lindahafstad

Business:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ektemedia/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ekteimpactmedia

Network/Produced by:

Seltzer Kings (@seltzerkings) (seltzerkings.com)

Theme Music:

"You Can't Stop Me" by Andy Mineo

Listen Here:

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/71Uji4fPLsnGEJjeAqomiJ?si=77e3d7bb636c422a

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-second-act-with-michael-and-john/id1707412739

Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/a6b369bb-36a9-47ab-9f22-1bacfcff6166/the-second-act-with-michael-and-john

iHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-the-second-act-with-michae-123242148/

Socials:

Linktree: linktr.ee/secondactmovement

Instagram: @secondactmovement

LinkedIn: @secondactmovement

Facebook: @secondactmovement

YouTube: @secondactmovement

Website: michaelandjohn.com

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

John Register’s journey is a powerful testament to resilience and the possibility of a second act. A world-class athlete, John’s life changed dramatically after a traumatic accident cost him his leg. Faced with this profound shift, he developed his Three Rs framework—Reckoning, Revision, and Renewal—to guide himself through transformation. Through this process, he not only redefined his own path as a Paralympic medalist and global advocate but also empowered others to navigate their own transitions. With a belief that “everything in life is training,” John has made it his mission to show how adversity can lead to reinvention and renewal, reminding us all that with purpose and community, each of us has the capacity to build a new chapter.

Starring:

Michael Newborn (@michaelnewborn)

John Ballenger (@john-ballenger53)

Guest:

John Register

https://johnregister.beehiiv.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnregister/

https://johnregister.com/

Network/Produced by:

Seltzer Kings (@seltzerkings) (seltzerkings.com)

Theme Music:

"You Can't Stop Me" by Andy Mineo

Listen Here:

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/71Uji4fPLsnGEJjeAqomiJ?si=77e3d7bb636c422a

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-second-act-with-michael-and-john/id1707412739

Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/a6b369bb-36a9-47ab-9f22-1bacfcff6166/the-second-act-with-michael-and-john

iHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-the-second-act-with-michae-123242148/

Socials:

Linktree: linktr.ee/secondactmovement

Instagram: @secondactmovement

LinkedIn: @secondactmovement

Facebook: @secondactmovement

YouTube: @secondactmovement

Website: michaelandjohn.com

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this Halloween special of The Second Act podcast, hosts Michael Newborn and John Ballenger dig into thrilling tales of career fear and growth, recounting moments that took them to the edge of their comfort zones. From Michael’s make-or-break tech sales deal under intense pressure to John’s first flight as an aircraft commander for the President, they reveal how self-doubt and imposter syndrome can haunt even the most seasoned pros. They talk about the sacrifices needed for ambitious goals, noting the commitment required for big dreams, but never without a cost. Through stories of high stakes and resilience, they inspire listeners to confront their own fears and take bold steps forward. Wrapping up, they invite the audience to share their “second act” stories and join the Second Act Movement online, encouraging a fearless leap into new chapters.

Starring:

Michael Newborn (@michaelnewborn)

John Ballenger (@john-ballenger53)

Network/Produced by:

Seltzer Kings (@seltzerkings) (seltzerkings.com)

Theme Music:

"You Can't Stop Me" by Andy Mineo

Listen Here:

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/71Uji4fPLsnGEJjeAqomiJ?si=77e3d7bb636c422a

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-second-act-with-michael-and-john/id1707412739

Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/a6b369bb-36a9-47ab-9f22-1bacfcff6166/the-second-act-with-michael-and-john

iHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-the-second-act-with-michae-123242148/

Socials:

Linktree: linktr.ee/secondactmovement

Instagram: @secondactmovement

LinkedIn: @secondactmovement

Facebook: @secondactmovement

YouTube: @secondactmovement

Website: michaelandjohn.com

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sarah Nightengale's journey exemplifies resilience, adaptability, and the power of community. Originally aspiring to be a diplomat, she adjusted her career path to accommodate the frequent relocations that came with her role as a military spouse. Overcoming challenges in finding employment overseas, she built a diverse career across higher education marketing, healthcare administration, and data analytics, leading to her role as a Senior Advisor at Raymond James Financial. Since 2014, Sarah has championed military spouse employment through the Hiring Our Heroes Military Spouse Professional Network, serving as Chapter Lead for three chapters and earning recognition as Military Spouse of the Year from Hire Heroes USA. A registered yoga teacher, she also promotes well-being among service members and their families. Now based at Carlisle Barracks, PA, with her husband and two dogs, Sarah’s story is a testament to the strength and adaptability of military spouses everywhere.

Starring:

Michael Newborn (@michaelnewborn)

John Ballenger (@john-ballenger53)

Guest:

Sarah Nightengale

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahnightengale/

Network/Produced by:

Seltzer Kings (@seltzerkings) (seltzerkings.com)

Theme Music:

"You Can't Stop Me" by Andy Mineo

Listen Here:

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/71Uji4fPLsnGEJjeAqomiJ?si=77e3d7bb636c422a

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-second-act-with-michael-and-john/id1707412739

Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/a6b369bb-36a9-47ab-9f22-1bacfcff6166/the-second-act-with-michael-and-john

iHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-the-second-act-with-michae-123242148/

Socials:

Linktree: linktr.ee/secondactmovement

Instagram: @secondactmovement

LinkedIn: @secondactmovement

Facebook: @secondactmovement

YouTube: @secondactmovement

Website: michaelandjohn.com

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices