The Second Act with Michael and John

By Michael Newborn, John BallengerSociety & Culture Business Entrepreneurship

The Second Act with Michael and John episodes

April 17, 2024 30: Ascending to Educate with Todd Lancaster (Vistage Chair, Former School Superintendent & Retired Special Operations Pilot)
In this week’s episode of "The Second Act," we explore the inspiring journey of Todd Lancaster, a retired Air Force Colonel and Colorado native, who transitioned from a 22-year career as an aviation officer to roles in public education and leadership consulting. Todd’s story begins at the Air Force Academy, carrying through to flying jets and helicopters for special operations, and culminating in his current role as a Vistage Chair, where he mentors a diverse group of leaders. His experiences highlight the importance of foundational values, teamwork, and adapting leadership skills across various professional landscapes, underscoring his belief in seeing challenges as opportunities for growth.

Starring:
Michael Newborn (@michaelnewborn)
John Ballenger (@john-ballenger53)

Guest:
Todd Lancaster (https://www.linkedin.com/in/1toddlancaster)

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/
Google: https://podcasts.google.com/?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5tZWdhcGhvbmUuZm0vdGhlc2Vjb25kYWN0

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
58 min
April 10, 2024 29: Vuja De: A Familiar Spark
Hey everyone, Michael and John here with some exciting news from our podcast journey! It's been an amazing seven months full of learning, sharing, and growing with you all. We've been lucky to welcome incredible guests who've shared their powerful stories of overcoming obstacles, achieving successes, and sharing wisdom. Their tales of resilience, joy, and the human spirit have truly shaped our show and connected with our listeners on a deep level.

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/
Google: https://podcasts.google.com/?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5tZWdhcGhvbmUuZm0vdGhlc2Vjb25kYWN0

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
44 min
April 03, 2024 28: Blueprints for Change with Martin Skea (Founder/CEO ToGatherHomes)
In this insightful episode, Michael and John explore the fascinating journey of Martin Skea, who transitioned from a successful corporate career across notable firms like KPMG, IBM, and Wells Fargo, to launching his own innovative venture, ToGatherHomes. With roots in New Jersey and a rich history of living in major US cities before settling in Brussels, Belgium, Martin shares his passion for urban economics, history, and real estate development—a passion likely influenced by his father's connection to the development of the World Trade Center. Martin's professional path is marked by his tenure at the NY Department of City Planning and his pivotal role at Wells Fargo, overseeing strategy, operations, and marketing. His venture into entrepreneurship with ToGatherHomes introduces a revolutionary approach to housing development, offering predesigned, pre-engineered, and prefabricated homes made from mass timber. This leap into entrepreneurship was partly inspired by his time at Harvard's School of Design, driven by a desire to tackle the challenges of affordable housing through sustainable means. Martin's narrative is not just about career transitions but also about overcoming imposter syndrome, embracing new beginnings, and the importance of passion and purpose in driving innovation.

Starring:
Michael Newborn (@michaelnewborn)
John Ballenger (@john-ballenger53)

Guest:
Martin Skea
linkedin.com/in/martin-skea/
https://eit.europa.eu/news-events/news/eit-community-new-european-bauhaus-catalyse-programme-looking-socially-innovative

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/
Google: https://podcasts.google.com/?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5tZWdhcGhvbmUuZm0vdGhlc2Vjb25kYWN0

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
1 hr 1 min
March 27, 2024 27: I Was Inverted with Michelle “MACE” Curran (Founder of Upside Down Dreams, Public Speaker, Best Selling Author and Former F-16 Fighter Pilot)
In this uplifting episode of the Second Act Podcast, hosts Michael Newborn and John Ballenger engage in a riveting conversation with Michelle “MACE” Curran, a figure of resilience, ambition, and transformation. From her humble beginnings in a small town in northern Wisconsin to her awe-inspiring achievements as a member of the prestigious Thunderbird squadron, Michelle’s journey is nothing short of remarkable. With insightful questions and engaging dialogue, Michael and John uncover Michelle's evolution from a shy, introspective child to a celebrated fighter pilot, highlighting her skill, courage, and determination against the backdrop of societal barriers and personal doubts.
Michelle’s life takes a compelling turn as she shares her bold transition from the cockpit to the helm of her own venture, Upside Down Dreams. Here, as a sought-after public speaker and best-selling children's book author, she continues to inspire, focusing on empowering others to chase their dreams. Michael and John delve into the motivations behind Michelle's shift, exploring how her experiences as a fighter pilot have shaped her message of resilience and possibility.
This episode is more than just a tale of personal triumph; it is an inspiring call to action for all who listen, underscored by Michelle’s journey from navigating the skies to touching hearts and minds across the world. It reminds us that with hard work, resilience, and the courage to embrace change, we can redefine our limits and soar to new heights.

Starring:
Michael Newborn (@michaelnewborn)
John Ballenger (@john-ballenger53)

Guest:
Michelle "Mace" Curran
michaelandjohn.com/mace
instagram.com/mace_curran
linkedin.com/in/macecurran/

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/
Google: https://podcasts.google.com/?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5tZWdhcGhvbmUuZm0vdGhlc2Vjb25kYWN0

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
1 hr 21 min
March 20, 2024 26: The Mind Is A Powerful Thing with Erik Thompson (Psychologist and Founder of Thompson Leadership Development)
In this episode, Michael and John are joined by Eric Thompson, a clinical psychologist turned executive leadership coach. The conversation covers topics such as Eric's childhood and the impact of his parents' divorce, his podcasts on leadership and strengthening marriages, and his transition from clinical psychology to executive leadership development. The conversation highlights the importance of self-awareness, faith, and the pursuit of personal growth. He shares how his background as a family psychologist and how it has influenced his distinctive systems leadership model in guiding his work with executive teams. The conversation explores the importance of harmony and flow state in teams, as well as the role of trust and dependability in both personal and professional settings. The conversation concludes with a discussion on writing and the spiritual aspects of Erik's work, as well as practical steps for those embarking on their second act.

Starring:
Michael Newborn (@michaelnewborn)
John Ballenger (@john-ballenger53)

Guest:
Erik Thompson (https://thompsonleadership.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/
Google: https://podcasts.google.com/?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5tZWdhcGhvbmUuZm0vdGhlc2Vjb25kYWN0

Socials:
Linktree: linktr.ee/secondactmovement
Instagram: @secondactmovement
LinkedIn: @secondactmovement
Facebook: @secondactmovement
YouTube: @secondactmovement
Website: secondactmovement.com

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
55 min
March 13, 2024 25: The Invisible Hand with Isaac Lee (Author, Operations Expert and former USMC Commanding Officer/MAWTS-1 Instructor)
In this episode, Michael and John are joined by Isaac Lee, a former Marine Corps Commanding Officer and MAWTS-1 Instructor (think Top Gun for helicopter pilots), who shares his journey from growing up in Texas to joining the military and eventually transitioning into the private sector. He discusses the challenges of balancing military life with personal life, the unique experiences and camaraderie in the military, and the decision to leave the Marine Corps.
In one’s transition from the military to the private sector, Isaac emphasizes the importance of “finding a situation, not a job,” where he has applied his operational and leadership skills to help organizations level up their business for scale and efficiency. Isaac also reflects on his two decades of combat experience in writing his memoir titled Hangar 4 (release date: April 9th, 2024). He discusses the importance of mental health advocacy and the impact of his military service on his relationships. Isaac provides practical advice for those going through a transition and emphasizes the value of believing in oneself and leveraging personal networks.

Starring:
Michael Newborn (@michaelnewborn)
John Ballenger (@john-ballenger53)

Guest:
Isaac Lee (linkedin.com/in/isaaclee1)

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/
Google: https://podcasts.google.com/?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5tZWdhcGhvbmUuZm0vdGhlc2Vjb25kYWN0

Socials:
Linktree: linktr.ee/secondactmovement
Instagram: @secondactmovement
LinkedIn: @secondactmovement
Facebook: @secondactmovement
YouTube: @secondactmovement
Website: secondactmovement.com

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
1 hr 2 min
March 06, 2024 24: A Dream Made True with Eric Baliruno (Finance Exec Turned Franchise Owner)
In this episode, Michael and John are joined by Eric Baliruno, a corporate executive turned entrepreneur. They discuss Eric's journey from Uganda to the US, how his experience in boarding school shaped his early childhood, and his transition to Colorado. Eric shares his passion for finance and accounting and his desire to become an entrepreneur. He also talks about his early career in startups and established companies, highlighting the importance of mentors and inspiring leaders. Eric shares his career journey, his decision to transition to entrepreneurship, and his new beginnings as a franchisee of ZoomDrain. He emphasizes the importance of setting goals, creating a plan, seeking support, and staying positive. Eric also highlights the role of faith and belief in oneself in achieving success.

Starring:
Michael Newborn (@michaelnewborn)
John Ballenger (@john-ballenger53)

Guest:
Eric Baliruno (Linkedin)

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/
Google: https://podcasts.google.com/?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5tZWdhcGhvbmUuZm0vdGhlc2Vjb25kYWN0

Socials:
Socials:
Linktree: linktr.ee/secondactmovement
Instagram: @secondactmovement
LinkedIn: @secondactmovement
Facebook: @secondactmovement
YouTube: @secondactmovement
Website: secondactmovement.com

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
1 hr 11 min
February 28, 2024 23: The Third Option with Col. John Buckley (Ret.) (Army Leader and Military Transition Expert)
In a compelling conversation, John Buckley recounts his transition from a 30-year distinguished career in the Army to navigating the complexities of civilian employment. He reflects on the critical role of criticism, hard work, and resilience throughout his life and military tenure, underscoring the tough, competitive nature of military advancement and the challenges it presents.
Post-retirement, John faced initial rejections in civilian life, which he turned into a catalyst for aiding fellow veterans in their job searches. He sheds light on the difficulties veterans encounter with applicant tracking systems and the cultural gap between military and civilian workplaces. John advocates for better integration strategies, emphasizing the mutual benefits for employers and the veteran workforce. He calls attention to the necessity of organizational support for veterans and suggests that employers' growing recognition of the value veterans bring is a positive trend.
Offering insights into effective transition strategies, John underscores the importance of data-driven decision-making and the potential of veterans in their second careers, advocating for a supportive approach from companies to harness the unique skills and experiences of the military community.

Starring:
Michael Newborn (@michaelnewborn)
John Ballenger (@john-ballenger53)

Guest:
John Buckley
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-buckley-6b96288/
Military.com: 8 Hard-Earned Tips on Military Transition
Better Together story
LinkedIn articles

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/
Google: https://podcasts.google.com/?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5tZWdhcGhvbmUuZm0vdGhlc2Vjb25kYWN0

Socials:
Linktree: linktr.ee/secondactmovement
Instagram: @secondactmovement
LinkedIn: @secondactmovement
Facebook: @secondactmovement
YouTube: @secondactmovement
Website: secondactmovement.com

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
1 hr 15 min
February 21, 2024 22: A Life of Gratitude with Mirela Mus (Founder and CPO of Product People)
In this captivating episode, Michael and John sit down with Mirela Mus, the visionary Founder and Chief Product Officer of Product People, to delve into her remarkable journey from her formative years in Romania to her rise as a distinguished product leader and innovative entrepreneur. Mirela shares the key moments and triumphs in her career, notably the launch of Product People, the premier destination for Product Management in Europe, illustrating the profound impact of her Romanian upbringing on her work ethic and determination.
Mirela offers invaluable insights into the entrepreneurial journey, stressing the importance of understanding personal goals and bracing for the inevitable ups and downs of building a business. Through her story, Mirela emphasizes the drive for change and dissatisfaction with conventional career paths that propelled her towards entrepreneurship, crafting her own unique trajectory. This episode not only explores Mirela's personal and professional growth, but also serves as a source of motivation and guidance for aspiring entrepreneurs looking to navigate the complex landscape of product management and business creation.

Starring:
Michael Newborn (@michaelnewborn)
John Ballenger (@john-ballenger53)

Guest:
Mirela Mus
linkedin.com/in/mirelamus

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/
Google: https://podcasts.google.com/?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5tZWdhcGhvbmUuZm0vdGhlc2Vjb25kYWN0

Socials:
Linktree: linktr.ee/secondactmovement
Instagram: @secondactmovement
LinkedIn: @secondactmovement
Facebook: @secondactmovement
YouTube: @secondactmovement
Website: secondactmovement.com

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
1 hr 1 min
February 14, 2024 21: People Matter Most with Vineet Rajan (Serial Entrepreneur and Co-Founder/CEO of Forte)
In this episode, Vineet Rajan recounts his multifaceted journey, beginning with his immigration to the US, his service in the Marine Corps, and his transition into entrepreneurship with the founding of Forte, a mental wellness benefit company. Vineet reflects on the foundational role of his family's support and the resilience fostered through athletics. He shares poignant experiences from his military service, including his decision to enlist post-9/11 and his deployment in combat and the UK. The conversation also delves into Vineet's post-military life, focusing on the hurdles of adjusting to civilian life and his venture into supporting mental wellness through Forte. He discusses the critical need for workplaces to invest in mental health, outlining the benefits of enhanced employee retention, productivity, and overall wellbeing. Vineet closes by offering insights on navigating life's transitions, underscoring the importance of balance and rhythm in embarking on new chapters.

Starring:
Michael Newborn (@michaelnewborn)
John Ballenger (@john-ballenger53)

Guest:
Vineet Rajan
https://www.linkedin.com/in/vineetrajan23

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/
Google: https://podcasts.google.com/?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5tZWdhcGhvbmUuZm0vdGhlc2Vjb25kYWN0

Socials:
Linktree: linktr.ee/secondactmovement
Instagram: @secondactmovement
LinkedIn: @secondactmovement
Facebook: @secondactmovement
YouTube: @secondactmovement
Website: secondactmovement.com

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
1 hr 2 min

About The Second Act with Michael and John

From the publisher's feed

What actually drives someone to walk away from a conventional path and start over? In this podcast, Michael and John pull back the curtain with executives, founders, operators and veterans who have…