Dale Alexander joins the podcast for a powerful conversation on money, purpose, discipline, and the long road to meaningful success. From building a business over decades to impacting thousands of students through his book The Talk (About Money), Dale shares why growth matters more than quick results, how generosity changes your perspective on life, and why action creates clarity. If you’ve ever felt stuck, uncertain about your next step, or frustrated by comparison and pressure, this episode will challenge you to redefine success and start building a life rooted in purpose instead of performance.

Josh and John are back fresh off another week of Tribe Calls, this time diving into Step 5 of the 8-Step Journey — Face the Scrutiny. In this episode, they get real about one of the most universal battles young men face: the comparison trap. From social media scrolling to the pressure of chasing the American dream, they unpack why comparison is rooted in ego and how defining your own version of success is the only way to stay grounded when the opinions start flying.

They also talk about the scrutiny that hits closest to home — the kind that comes from within your own four walls — and why a rock-solid center circle changes everything. Plus, the Rick Barry granny shot story that nobody wants to hear but everybody needs.

If you've ever held back from taking a first step because you were afraid of what people would think, this one's for you.

This episode breaks down the real secret behind building lasting habits: consistency in the smallest actions. After speaking to a local high school leadership program, Josh shares practical lessons on discipline, identity, and why most people fail because they wait for perfection before taking action. From fitness to finances to leadership, this conversation will challenge you to stop overcomplicating growth and start mastering the art of showing up — one small step at a time.

In this episode of The Take A Step Podcast, Josh Johnston pulls back the curtain on the brand—how it started, how it’s grown, and where it’s going. From losing his identity after baseball to chasing comfort in corporate America, Josh shares the real story behind building Take A Step from a simple Instagram page into a leadership platform. He breaks down the mission, business model, and the philosophy driving it all: action creates clarity. If you’ve ever felt stuck, unfulfilled, or unsure of your next move, this episode will challenge you to stop waiting for the perfect plan—and start taking the next step.

In this episode of The Take A Step Podcast, Josh reveals the preface for his first book that he is currently writing. It shares the story of losing his lifelong dream of playing professional baseball overnight and the identity crisis that followed. From chasing external validation to falling into comfort and complacency, he breaks down how many growth-minded professionals get stuck going through the motions. This conversation challenges you to rethink success, stop waiting for the perfect plan, and start taking intentional action. Because clarity isn’t found in a destination—it’s built through the process of taking the next step.

Josh and John debrief on this month's Tribe coaching topic: Choose the Struggle. But there's a twist — the real challenge isn't starting hard things, it's staying the course once they stop feeling hard. They dig into why we drift when things get monotonous, how to know when to push harder versus pivot, and why suffering might be exactly where God wants you. Raw, practical, and backed by real stories from the Tribe community.

In this episode of The Take A Step Podcast, Josh sits down with Michael Caldwell — serial entrepreneur, software company owner, and Mayor of Woodstock, Georgia — for a wide-ranging conversation about building something worth being proud of. They cover what makes Woodstock one of the most vibrant cities in the Southeast, why your network is your most valuable asset, how to actually integrate into a new community, and why action will always beat overthinking. Michael brings the kind of hard-won clarity you only get from someone who's built companies, served in office, and raised four kids — all at the same time.

What does it look like to live intentionally? In this episode, Josh sits down with Neil French — Army veteran, reserves Sergeant First Class, and founder of Proven Health — for a wide-ranging conversation on masculine accountability, military life, PTSD, and building a health coaching business from scratch. Neil breaks down the four pillars of true health, why most people fail despite knowing what to do, and how taking the smallest possible step is often the most powerful one you can take.

Follow Neil on Instagram: @neilfrenchfitness

letstakeastep.com

The Take A Step Podcast features real, unfiltered conversations with growth-minded professionals who are committed to living and leading with purpose.

In this episode, Josh Johnston sits down with Brandon Williams to explore the journey from fighter pilot to leadership coach, breaking down how high-stakes decision-making, accountability, and intentional reflection drive performance. From “hacking the clock” under pressure to building a debrief culture that fuels growth, this conversation challenges listeners to stop waiting for clarity and start creating it through action. If you’re ready to think differently, lead better, and take ownership of your next step—this episode is for you.

Follow Brandon Williams:

LinkedIn: @Brandon Williams
Instagram: @leadershipspeaker_pilot

Summary
In this episode, Josh Johnston interviews Justin Smith to explore leadership development, personal growth, and faith-driven success. They share practical insights from hiking the Appalachian Trail to leading teams, emphasizing the importance of taking action, pattern recognition, and aligning with biblical principles.

Key Topics

• Leadership development journey
• Lessons from hiking the Appalachian Trail
• The importance of taking small steps
• Recognizing patterns for better decision-making
• Integrating faith and leadership in the workplace
  

Keywords

Leadership, Personal Development, Faith, Appalachian Trail, Action Steps, Pattern Recognition, Communication, Leadership Traits, Faith in Business