In this episode, I sit down with the incredibly vibrant and deeply thoughtful Paloma Pilar for a conversation that spans passion, purpose, and the unexpected twists of life. We explore the power of love—both in relationships and in the way we approach our work—and how true fulfillment comes from embracing who we are, rather than fitting into a mold. Paloma shares her journey from acting in New York to building a career in coaching, the lessons she's learned about resilience, and why she believes people, more than anything else, are her passion. If you've ever struggled with giving and receiving love, defining success or wondered if you're allowed to pursue multiple callings, this one's for you.

Connect With Vaughn:

Apply for coaching: https://www.vaughnkohler.com/coaching

Follow Vaughn on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vaughnkohler/

Connect With Paloma:

Follow Paloma on Instagram: @palomastrength

Join Paloma's Community: thegreatnesscircle.com

In this episode, I sit down once again with my longtime friend, former college roommate, and now a regular contributor to the show, Erin Ahnfeldt. We explore the power of settings—not just in storytelling, but in real life.

Erin shares a powerful reflection on the places that shape us, from his experiences as an English teacher navigating an unexpected school merger to the way landscapes—whether the Colorado mountains or the wide Kansas horizon—speak to something deeper in our souls. We talk about the beauty of restorative places, the challenge of difficult ones, and how God meets us in both.

We also get into some fun, classic VKP banter: a Wheaton College memory involving Tolkien and trolls, the leadership of Deion Sanders, and a reflection on CU's legendary coach Bill McCartney. But at the heart of this conversation is a simple yet profound truth: where we are matters, and God is telling a story through the places we inhabit.

Join us for a deep, insightful, and at times hilarious conversation about why our settings matter, how they form us, and what they reveal about the Author of our story.

Connect With Vaughn:

Apply for coaching: https://www.vaughnkohler.com/coaching

Connect with Erin Ahnfeldt:

Visit Erin's website: www.erinahnfeldt.com

Follow Erin on Instagram: @erinahnfeldt

In this episode, a good friend, Alex Spinoso, and I reflect on the trials of scaling a business, from staff issues to the weight of running multiple companies. We talk about how criticism from employees can hurt, especially when you pour your heart into the company. But hey, that's part of leadership. Whether it's realizing that your vendors are actually "partners" in your business or coming to terms with the fact that your employees don't have to like you, but they need to respect the vision—it's all part of the game.

Key Points and Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction

01:17 - What's on your mind?

07:19 - How long have you been dreaming?

09:59 - Annual revenue

10:23 - The toughest blows to deal with

16:27 - Does it matter?

20:29 - Are emotions bad?

27:58 - What keeps you relentless?

32:12 - You need your employees

35:02 - Adjusting to intensity

40:20 - Ability or desire?

52:04 - How to accept anxiety

59:30 - Best practices to overcome depression

1:04:15 - Mexican death stories

1:10:40 - September 5th, 2028

1:14:55 - Final word

1:05:36 - Conclusion

In this deeply personal and reflective episode, I sit down with my good friend, Ron Ratliff, to explore the trials and triumphs of faith, friendship, and forgiveness. From our shared love of C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien to navigating profound spiritual crises, Ron and I delve into the complexities of suffering, grace, and redemption. Through poignant stories and powerful insights, Ron shares how his experiences with loss and hardship have shaped his life and his faith, offering listeners a compelling reminder of the transformative power of love and mercy.

Key Points and Timestamps:

00:06 - Introduction and Nostalgia

05:31 - Ron's Spiritual Crisis

14:07 - Learning from Suffering

24:20 - Challenges within the Church

27:37 - The Balance of Justice and Mercy

35:12 - The Power of Mercy Over Justice

47:07 - The Danger of Bitterness

53:34 - Ron's Final Challenge

1:05:36 - Conclusion

In this episode, I explore the powerful question: "What if you were the most impactful person anyone ever met?" Drawing from a keynote I delivered at Genesis Lifestyle Medicine corporate event, I dive into practical strategies for maximizing your influence in both personal and professional realms. I'll walk you through mastering the core elements of charisma—power, presence, and warmth—and share how you can leverage the art of storytelling and build meaningful connections. This episode is packed with actionable insights for anyone looking to elevate their leadership, relationships, and overall impact. Tune in to learn how to become the person who transforms lives and achieves extraordinary success.

(00:00 - 01:00) Introduction and Purpose of the Talk

(01:53 - 22:00) The Three Components of Charisma

(02:49 - 05:50) Power

(07:24 - 19:36) Presence

(20:01 - 24:54) Warmth

(36:52 - 41:38) Building Rapport Through Emotion-Evoking Questions

(42:31 - 48:51) The Power of Storytelling

(48:51 - End) Conclusion: The Impact of Developing Charisma

In this episode, I "write a letter" to a friend and dive into the anxiety many of us feel about today's political climate. Inspired by a real life conversation with a friend, I share practical advice on how to maintain perspective amidst the chaos. I discuss how our drive to solve every problem can lead to stress and distraction and highlight the importance of focusing on what we can control. I also explore the dangers of conspiracy theories and how to engage with politics meaningfully. Join me for a thoughtful discussion on navigating the political landscape without losing your peace of mind or sense of responsibility.

(0:00) - Intro

(1:18) - Political concerns

(2:30) - Objective fact to controversies

(3:39) - Questioning narratives

(5:02) - Corrupt politicians

(5:54) - "Focus on what you can control..."

(7:55) - Real virtue

(8:52) - Conclusion

In this episode, Erin Anhfeldt and I delve into symbols and symbolism. As an English teacher, Erin often discusses these concepts in the classroom with his students. And at the mention of symbolism, it might evoke a sense of dread. However, Erin believes that symbols, both in literature and in life, have the power to move us deeply. They are tangible representations of abstract ideas, and I think that God uses them powerfully in our lives.

Erin opens up a lot when he says, "one of the most profound symbols in my life appeared when my daughter Hope was born. Doctors had told us that we would never be able to have children, making her birth a miraculous event. We named her Hope to remind ourselves to never give up, even when things seem impossible. The day she was born, as I looked at her in the bassinet, I felt overwhelmed by the responsibility of being a good father. In that moment of doubt, I noticed the majestic Pikes Peak through the hospital window and was reminded of Psalm 121: 'I lift my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.' That mountain became a symbol of God's help and presence in my life, reassuring me that I am not alone."

Recognizing symbols requires reflection, which can be fostered through journaling, intentional conversations, or simply spending time in quiet contemplation. These practices help us see the sacred in our daily lives and understand that we are part of a larger story written by God. Symbols and themes are woven into our experiences to remind us of His love and guidance. Whether through writing, discussing with friends, or observing our surroundings, we can uncover these meaningful symbols and gain a deeper appreciation of our journey.

(0:00) - Intro

(1:17) - Symbolism

(8:04) - Recurring symbols

(11:30) - "To Kill A Mocking Bird"

(13:27) - Spend more time reflecting

(18:40) - Discover your story

(22:50) - Living symbols

(30:16) - "Drawing On The Left Side Of The Brain"

(34:50) - God loves symbols

(40:27) - Movies

(47:27) - Final thoughts

(48:50) - Conclusion

In this candid episode, Erin Ahnfeldt and I dive into a deeply personal story about his dad's incredible act of love and faith. With a history of leukemia, Erin's father recently felt compelled to bless his grandchildren, inspired by the biblical story of Jacob blessing his offspring. Despite the logistical challenges, the family miraculously came together, allowing his dad to impart a touching and emotional blessing to his grandchildren. The profound impact of his words showcased the enduring power of intentionality and love in family dynamics.

Growing up, Erin's father was a formidable figure, both in physical prowess and character. Now, his strength is exemplified in his unwavering commitment to blessing and encouraging others. As we discuss these moments of intentional blessings and affirmations, we explore how these actions can resonate deeply within families and communities.

We also delve into the importance of not letting comparisons steal our joy, highlighting that our worth comes from the grace and love of God. This episode exemplifies the power of words, intentional acts of kindness, and the enduring legacy of faith and love that can shape our lives and relationships.

Get ready for a "Pardon the Interruption" style rapid-fire discussion where my esteemed guest, Dr. Jason Hamed, and I cover a wide range of interesting and relevant topics, from basic life hacks for optimal physical performance to lessons learned from our dearly departed dads. Dr. Hamed is an extraordinary human being; he's a husband, dad, and co-founder of The Wellness Connection, a very successful holistic health center in St. Louis, Missouri. He is a good friend and one of the most impressive, articulate, passionately curious and growth-minded men I know. From picking up archery to practicing cold plunges before it was cool (see what I did there?), Dr. Hamed is a one-of-a-kind entrepreneur and man of God, and the insights and stories he shares in this episode are wise, entertaining, and supremely valuable. Follow Dr. Jason on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjhamed/ Visit the Virtus Ultimus Website: https://www.virtusultimus.com/

Dr. Ellen Reed is back! In this episode, we continue unpacking "The Framework of Achievement," which is the scientifically proven and easy-to-implement tool presented in Dr. Reed's book, Relentless Solution Focus (co-authored with Dr. Jason Selk). Specifically, we identify three most common mistakes of goal-setting, how to identify a goal that is concrete, measurable, and meaningful to you; and how to formulate and execute the process for achieving that goal. Let's face it: a critical key to fulfillment in life is having goals and actually achieving them. This is a masterclass for exactly how to do that!

Follow Dr. Reed on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drellenreed/?hl=en