The Story Engine Podcast

What does it really take to stand out in a world where everyone is fighting for attention? In this powerful episode of The Story Engine Podcast, I sit down with PR strategist and visibility expert Lauren Cabello, founder of Leverage with Media PR and the newly launched Big City Podcast Tours. Lauren shares what most entrepreneurs get wrong about visibility, why traditional PR is making a surprising comeback in the age of AI, and how authentic relationships—not viral trends—are becoming the ultimate competitive advantage. But this conversation goes far deeper than media placements and podcast appearances. Lauren opens up about one of the most pivotal moments of her life: selling the home where she raised her children, walking away from a successful personal finance brand, changing her public identity, and betting everything on a new vision. Her story is a powerful reminder that true visibility starts with the courage to reinvent yourself, trust your instincts, and keep moving forward long before the results arrive. Whether you're an entrepreneur, author, speaker, or thought leader looking to expand your influence, this episode delivers both practical strategy and profound inspiration.

In this episode, I sit down with Rubina Chadha, founder of Inner Design, to explore what it really means to regulate your nervous system in high-stakes moments. We go far beyond surface-level "mindset" advice and dive into the real reason so many high performers—entrepreneurs, leaders, and creatives—feel overwhelmed, burned out, or stuck despite their success. Rubina shares how we've been conditioned to live in our heads, and why reconnecting with our bodies is the key to clarity, resilience, and sustainable performance.

Through a powerful, real-life story, we uncover what emotional regulation actually looks like in practice—not in theory. From navigating major life transitions to making better decisions under pressure, this conversation reveals simple, practical tools you can use immediately. If you've ever felt like overthinking, stress, or emotional overwhelm is holding you back, this episode will show you a new way forward—one rooted in presence, awareness, and real inner alignment.

• 00:00 – Introduction to Rubina Chadha and the power of nervous system regulation
• 01:17 – What creativity and mindfulness really mean (and why everyone is creative)
• 03:19 – Why high performers default to overthinking—and where it stops working
• 05:05 – The hidden cost of stress: health, relationships, and burnout
• 07:27 – Why we're not taught how to handle stress—and what's missing
• 11:22 – Rubina's unique approach: creative expression + breathwork as entry points
• 12:59 – Simple ways to release stress (that most adults have forgotten)
• 15:17 – What becomes possible when you learn to regulate your emotions
• 17:59 – A real-life story: receiving life-changing news in the kitchen
• 19:40 – The emotional conflict of letting go and supporting growth
• 22:46 – Finding peace, presence, and gratitude on the other side
• 24:32 – A powerful live storytelling transformation of Rubina's journey
• 28:07 – The impact of being seen—and the importance of community

In this episode of the Story Engine Podcast, I sit down with Mark Rust, founder of Consequently Creative, to unpack what it really takes to stand out in a world flooded with noise, sameness, and safe marketing. Mark shares how his background as a musician shaped his approach to branding—and why the magic isn't in logos or color palettes, but in the bold, often uncomfortable choices that make people pay attention. From redefining branding as the central operating system of your business to crafting messages that connect beyond words, this conversation challenges everything you thought you knew about visibility.

We also dive into the role of audacity in business growth—what it looks like to break the rules, create unforgettable moments, and engineer opportunities instead of waiting for luck. Mark shares powerful stories (including one unforgettable outreach strategy involving a coffin and a competitor's microphone) that demonstrate how small, creative shifts can open massive doors. If you've ever felt stuck blending in, overcomplicating your message, or struggling to articulate what makes you different, this episode will give you a new lens—and the courage—to do something radically different.

Episode Highlights

01:15 – How music shaped Mark's creative thinking and storytelling approach

03:13 – The hidden downside of chasing perfection and "rockstar" success

04:36 – Why marketing magic comes from combining multiple elements—not just design

06:47 – The real key to standing out: leading with why, not what

08:31 – The biggest mistake businesses make: vague, meaningless messaging

10:23 – Why people connect emotionally—not logically—to brands

12:17 – Branding as the central operating system of your business

13:52 – What makes Consequently Creative different in a crowded industry

15:51 – The power of audacity: doing what others won't

17:50 – Kyle's story of bold action and betting on himself

20:05 – Mark's unforgettable moment asking a university president for help

21:40 – The "coffin campaign": a bold outreach strategy that landed a dream client

24:51 – Why conventional marketing no longer works in an oversaturated world

26:04 – How to position your message so people actually lean in

28:14 – Small shifts in clarity that create massive business impact

29:14 – A powerful story that captures Mark's philosophy in action

In this episode of the Story Engine Podcast, I sit down with Carolee Moore, an expert storyteller who helps corporate leaders and subject matter experts find their voice, get on the right podcasts, and turn their visibility into real business growth. What stood out to me most is how Carolee doesn't just focus on booking interviews—she helps people reconnect with their authentic voice after years of operating inside corporate expectations. We explore how storytelling, when done right, becomes the bridge between deep expertise and real influence.

Carolee shares her journey from growing up in Jamaica surrounded by storytelling, to navigating corporate America, to building (and walking away from) a successful marketing agency that no longer aligned with her. We also dive into how podcast guesting can fast-track credibility in B2B spaces, why so many experts struggle with visibility despite their experience, and how finding your voice can literally "change the vote" in the rooms that matter most. If you've ever felt unseen, under-recognized, or stuck playing small—this conversation will show you a new path forward.

00:49 – From Jamaica to the U.S.: The Roots of a Storyteller 02:09 – Corporate Life, Structure, and Suppressed Creativity 03:30 – Building (and Closing) a Multi-Six-Figure Agency 04:24 – The Pivot: From Marketing to Podcast Guesting 05:31 – The Types of Experts She Works With 07:41 – Why Podcasting Works for High-Level Experts 09:00 – Turning Stories Into Credibility and Sales 11:14 – The Hidden Struggles of High-Achieving Experts 12:46 – Watching Less Experienced People Win (and Why It Hurts) 14:08 – The Real Transformation: Finding Your Authentic Voice 16:46 – Integrating Visibility With Sales and Business Strategy 17:23 – The Boardroom Moment That Changed Everything 19:00 – Speaking Up and Changing the Vote 20:58 – Learning to Own Your Voice 21:39 – Underpricing and Positioning Lessons as an Agency Owner 22:46 – A Major Win: Earning a Year's Salary in One Day 23:30 – Learning to Celebrate and Step Away 24:44 – The Story Reflection: From Silence to Impact

In this episode of the Story Engine Podcast, I sit down with Jonathan Greye from personalbrand.com to explore what branding really means—and why most people are getting it completely wrong. We go far beyond logos, fonts, and color palettes to uncover the deeper "engine of the story" that drives everything: your identity, your lived experiences, and the essence of who you are. Jonathan shares how true branding is about mirror work—reflecting your full story back to you so clearly that it transforms not just your messaging, but your offers, your team alignment, and the way your entire business operates.

What struck me most is how this process doesn't just create a brand—it creates freedom. When your brand is rooted in your true essence, you stop rebuilding your website every year, stop chasing trends, and start building something timeless that evolves with you. Jonathan also opens up about the pivotal moment that pushed him to leave agency life behind and build a business where creativity, alignment, and impact finally came together. If you've ever felt boxed in, scattered, or disconnected from your own brand, this conversation will completely reframe how you see your business.

01:09 – The "Engine of the Story" Explained Jonathan shares how storytelling across copy, visuals, and design creates a multi-sensory brand experience.

03:42 – What a Brand Manifesto Actually Does We break down how a manifesto draws a line in the sand, attracts the right people, and repels the wrong ones.

05:09 – Where Most Branding Agencies Get It Wrong Why focusing only on content or niching can limit growth—and how true brand DNA creates long-term flexibility.

07:42 – The Costly Trap of Constant Rebranding I share the common cycle of rebuilding websites and chasing trends—and why it never works long term.

08:38 – Mirror Work: Seeing Yourself Clearly for the First Time Jonathan defines mirror work and explains how embracing your full story becomes your true differentiation.

10:25 – How Your Brand Shapes Your Offers and Business Model We explore how understanding your essence influences not just messaging—but how you structure your entire business.

12:04 – The "Frankenstein Brand" Problem Jonathan describes how many entrepreneurs piece together scattered strategies that never fully align.

15:06 – Branding That Creates Cultural Impact How great brands go beyond marketing and begin to shape movements and communities.

17:08 – The Breaking Point: Creative Director Burnout Jonathan shares the moment he realized his dream job wasn't what he thought it would be.

18:12 – The Dali Museum Project That Changed Everything A powerful story of creative rejection that led to a complete shift in his career path.

20:02 – The First Aligned Client Experience The moment Jonathan realized he was finally doing the work he was meant to do.

21:39 – "I Finally Felt Seen" How a client's reaction validated his new approach to branding and set the foundation for his business.

26:08 – From Rejection to Reinvention (Story Breakdown) I reflect Jonathan's journey back to him, connecting the dots into a powerful, transformational narrative.

28:58 – Where to Learn More How to connect with Jonathan and explore working with his team at personalbrand.com.

What if the reason your coaching business feels exhausting… is because it's built the wrong way? In this episode of the Story Engine Podcast, I sit down with Christie Ruffino to unpack how coaches, speakers, and authors can escape the chaos of low-ticket offers, endless content creation, and "shiny object syndrome" — and instead build scalable, high-ticket programs that deliver real results.

Christie shares her proven framework for turning your expertise into a profitable, freedom-based business using strategic offers, risk-reversal guarantees, and books as powerful lead-generation tools (not just credibility pieces). You'll also hear her raw journey from overworked single mom grinding through 10+ hour days… to creating a business that supports her lifestyle, her family, and her freedom. If you're ready to stop spinning your wheels and start building something sustainable, this episode will show you how.

In This Episode

• 01:27 – Christie's Background & Mission From publishing expert to helping coaches leverage books for impact and income.
• 02:21 – Why Most Books Don't Make Money The myth of "build it and they will come" — and why a book alone won't grow your business.
• 03:45 – The Right Way to Use a Book as a Lead Generator How to position your book as a funnel that attracts ideal high-ticket clients.
• 05:06 – What High-Ticket Clients Actually Want Why they don't care about reading your book — and what they do want instead.
• 06:40 – Building a Real High-Ticket Offer The biggest mistake coaches make (starting too small) and how to position yourself as an expert faster.
• 08:36 – The Power of Guarantees in Coaching Programs How risk-reversal builds trust, improves conversions, and ensures real client results.
• 10:02 – Screening vs Selling Why the best high-ticket models focus on qualifying clients instead of convincing them.
• 11:28 – The "Busy & Broke" Entrepreneur Trap Content overload, shiny objects, and why the ascension model leads to burnout.
• 13:27 – Christie's Unique Framework Risk-reversal offers, done-for-you components, and structured group coaching systems.
• 16:19 – Done-For-You vs Done-With-You Support How to design offers that maximize results without draining your time.
• 17:26 – Christie's Breaking Point Working 10–12 hour days as a single mom, overwhelmed and stuck in the hustle cycle.
• 20:08 – The Emotional Cost of Busyness The hidden guilt and pressure of trying to provide while feeling absent at home.
• 22:17 – The Turning Point: High-Ticket Transformation Moving from chaos to clarity — and finally building a business that works.
• 24:32 – Freedom, Travel, and Lifestyle by Design Choosing how to work, where to work, and creating space for life again.
• 25:15 – Christie's Story, Reframed A powerful narrative transformation illustrating her full journey and impact.
• 30:19 – Where to Learn More & Final Thoughts Christie shares resources and reflects on the power of storytelling in business.

What if the way you lead today was shaped long before your first job, team, or business? In this episode of the Story Engine Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Kevin Mays to explore how early childhood roles—whether you were the oldest, youngest, or an only child—quietly influence your leadership style, decision-making, and even the types of people you attract into your life and work.

Dr. Kevin breaks down how these deeply ingrained patterns can either limit or amplify your impact—and more importantly, how to break free from them. This conversation is a powerful invitation to lead yourself first, so you can show up more authentically for your team, your clients, and your mission. Plus, you'll get a behind-the-scenes look at how Kevin is shaping his message and story for an upcoming book—revealing what it really takes to step into your full leadership potential.

Highlights:

(00:25) – Kevin's origin story: getting kicked out of college and discovering the power of choosing what you want vs. what you should

(01:40) – From psychologist to leadership expert: helping high achievers become "inspired executives"

(02:45) – The breaking point: realizing a traditional career path wasn't the right fit after a near-dangerous flying experience

(03:20) – A radical decision: selling everything, hitting the road, and designing life on his own terms

(04:10) – "My age doubled overnight": the moment Kevin stepped into adulthood, leadership, and responsibility

(05:00) – Leading through crisis: helping a bank grow during the 2006–2008 financial collapse using conscious leadership

(07:18) – The deeper mission: mastering consciousness and applying ancient wisdom (like teachings of the Buddha) to modern leadership

(09:10) – What's really leading you: the "invisible patterns" formed in early childhood that drive your behavior

(10:00) – The neuroscience of identity: how your brain wires your beliefs, habits, and self-concept before age 3

(10:45) – The "8-lane highway" effect: why most people repeat the same patterns for life without realizing it

(11:30) – Birth order explained: how being oldest, youngest, or an only child shapes your leadership style

(12:30) – The trap of success: how the traits that made you successful become your biggest limitation

(13:20) – The turning point: awareness as the gateway to breaking unconscious patterns

(14:44) – Why entrepreneurs struggle to scale: when "doing everything yourself" becomes the bottleneck

(16:47) – Leadership ripple effect: how your internal patterns create chaos—or clarity—throughout your entire organization

(17:30) – "I work with a bunch of idiots": the hard truth about leadership and taking responsibility for your team

(18:39) – The real work: shifting from mastering the external world to mastering your internal one

(19:48) – Kyle's breakthrough: how being an only child shaped conflict avoidance and over-responsibility

(21:31) – The realization: what got you here won't get you to the next level

(23:06) – The process: building awareness as a mental discipline to interrupt and rewrite old patterns

(25:27) – A painful lesson: staying too long with a misaligned client and the toll it took on Kevin's life

(26:00) – The cost of misalignment: anxiety, stress, and how it impacts your family and well-being

(27:27) – The breaking point: finally letting go of what wasn't working

(28:17) – The shift: what happens when you create space by removing what drains you

(29:00) – Alignment in action: attracting better clients, better opportunities, and more fulfilling work

(29:45) – Case study: a high-level executive transforms confidence and lands a better-aligned role

(30:20) – Organizational transformation: how one leader's internal shift improved communication, culture, and profitability

(31:00) – A powerful story: Kyle reflects Kevin's journey into a compelling narrative of transformation

(35:58) – Final insight: you are always writing your story—whether you realize it or not

(36:18) – Where to go next: Dr. Kevin shares his book launch and how to begin upgrading your leadership

In this episode, I sit down with Shannon Graham—someone who's spent over two decades helping visionary leaders bring bold ideas to life—and who is now stepping into his own vision with LOOTBOX, a performance nutrition brand designed specifically for gamers. What struck me most in this conversation is how Shannon's entire journey—from not fitting into traditional masterminds to embracing imagination and creativity—has led him to build something that truly serves a community often overlooked and misunderstood.

We explore the massive gap in the gaming industry between the demand for high-level performance and the low-quality, sugar-loaded products marketed to gamers. Shannon shares how LOOTBOX is different—not just in what it delivers nutritionally, but in how it creates community, elevates identity, and integrates cutting-edge experiences like AI companions. This is a conversation about creativity, courage, and what happens when you stop trying to fit in—and start building something better.

Highlights:

• 00:58 – Shannon shares his transition from 22 years in leadership development to launching LOOTBOX

• 02:18 – Why imagination and creativity are the most underrated drivers of real-world impact

• 04:03 – Inside the "Hall of Heroes" and how childhood nostalgia fuels adult innovation

• 06:02 – How working on "moonshot" ideas shaped Shannon's ability to think beyond existing models

• 08:30 – The inspiration (and limitations) behind fast-scaling brands—and how LOOTBOX stands apart

• 10:31 – The real problem with gamer nutrition: sugar, crashes, and lack of respect

• 12:50 – Why sustainable performance and recovery are the missing pieces in gaming culture

• 15:16 – The massive gap in the market—and why gamers are ready for something better

• 17:05 – Introducing Nova: the AI avatar companion changing the user experience

• 20:23 – How Shannon is blending gaming culture with

Hair loss is often treated as a surface-level issue—but what if the real cause runs much deeper? In this episode of the Story Engine Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Julie Olson to uncover the often-overlooked metabolic factors behind hair loss, along with the profound emotional and psychological toll it can take on women. This conversation goes beyond quick fixes, shining a light on the internal imbalances that may be at the root of the problem.

Dr. Julie shares her holistic approach to restoring hair health by addressing the body as an interconnected system—offering a new sense of hope for women who feel frustrated, unseen, or stuck. If you or someone you know has struggled with hair loss and hasn't found real answers, this episode opens the door to a more compassionate, root-cause-driven path forward.

Highlights:

(00:24) – Julie introduces her work: a triple board-certified nutritionist specializing in root-cause solutions for female hair loss

(01:03) – Kyle shares his experience with "biological anxiety" and how metabolic issues can manifest in unexpected ways

(02:14) – Why hair loss isn't genetic destiny: the role of epigenetics and how lifestyle choices influence gene expression

(03:52) – The powerful symbolism of hair and why it plays such a deep role in identity—especially for women

(05:00) – "Hair is the crown of glory": the emotional weight of hair loss and why it's so devastating

(06:10) – The psychological impact: how hair loss affects confidence, relationships, and how women show up in the world

(06:40) – The stress-hair loss cycle explained: how chronic stress triggers inflammation and pushes hair into the shedding phase

(07:58) – The surprising role of the scalp microbiome—and why hair requires more nutrients than you might think

(08:57) – The vicious cycle: how emotional stress about hair loss can actually make the condition worse

(10:00) – Why common solutions fail: extensions, transplants, and treatments that ignore the root cause

(10:50) – Julie's personal story begins: losing her hair in clumps at age 38 and being dismissed by doctors

(11:27) – "Medication is a bandage": why most approaches miss the deeper metabolic issues

(13:30) – The problem with modern medicine: being dismissed, unheard, and pushed toward lifelong medication

(16:25) – The 5 root causes of hair loss revealed: hormonal, digestive, inflammatory, toxins, and stress

(17:03) – Hidden toxins explained: how plastics, cosmetics, and everyday products disrupt hormones and health

(19:49) – A bigger issue emerges: why modern life is creating more metabolic problems than ever before

(21:23) – Lessons from a "Blue Zone": how lifestyle, food, and simplicity impact long-term health

(23:16) – The turning point: Julie leaves her dream job after her mother's cancer diagnosis—and her own health begins to decline

(24:49) – Hiding in the office: the emotional reality of hair loss—shame, isolation, and desperation for answers

(25:11) – "I was humiliated": the breaking point and frustration of getting no real solutions from doctors

(26:32) – The healing journey begins: uncovering hidden infections, food sensitivities, and internal imbalances

(28:43) – The slow victory: regaining her hair—and more importantly, control over her health and life

(29:43) – Starting her own practice: a moment of empowerment and stepping into her true calling

(31:00) – Kyle reflects Julie's story back: a powerful narrative of transformation, resilience, and purpose

(36:18) – A deeper layer: Julie's mother survives cancer, reinforcing the power of metabolic health and lifestyle changes

(37:13) – A heartbreaking insight: why losing hair can feel worse than chemotherapy for some women

(37:53) – The mission: giving women hope worldwide and addressing hair loss at its true root

(38:31) – Next steps: Julie shares how to identify your root cause with her diagnostic quiz

What if the goals you're chasing aren't actually yours? In this episode of The Story Engine Podcast, Kyle Gray sits down with Lia Dunlap, creator of the Limitless Life Club, to explore how leaders — especially women — can break free from expectations placed on them and design a life aligned with their true vision. Lia shares what it really means to live "limitless": setting goals rooted in authenticity, creating sustainable momentum, and building a path that feels expansive rather than exhausting.

Together, Kyle and Lia unpack the hidden pressures that shape our ambitions, how to separate external noise from internal truth, and why clarity is the foundation of both leadership and fulfillment. They also co-create a new story that captures the unique value of the Limitless Life Club — a community designed to help leaders move from reactive striving to intentional creation. If you're feeling successful on paper but disconnected from your deeper vision, this episode will help you recalibrate and reimagine what's possible.

02:15 — What the Limitless Life Club is and who it's designed to serve.

05:30 — The difference between externally driven goals and internally aligned vision.

08:45 — Why many leaders — especially women — feel boxed in by expectations.

12:00 — Redefining ambition: choosing goals that energize rather than deplete.

15:30 — Creating an enjoyable path to success instead of pushing through burnout.

18:45 — The power of community and support in expanding what feels possible.

22:00 — Co-creating a new narrative for leadership and limitless living.

25:00 — Practical steps to begin aligning your goals with your true vision.