Life doesn't always go as planned — and this past year proved that to me more than ever.

In this episode, I open up about the ups and downs of 2024 — a year that tested me in more ways than one. Business took a hit, savings ran dry, and I had to face some tough lessons head-on.

But through it all, I grew. I got sharper as a marketer, stepped back into sales, and doubled down on becoming a better trader.

This episode is a behind-the-scenes look at what it’s really like to rebuild — from the ground up. It’s honest, it’s raw, and it’s for anyone who's trying to find their footing again.

So if you’ve ever felt like you’re learning the hard way — you’re not alone.

Let’s talk about the setbacks that shape us and the growth that comes after.

https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/zach-schuenke/episodes/Why-Im-Grateful-for-the-Hardest-Year-of-My-Life-e301au1

Ever look back on a year and think, “Man, that was rough”?

That was me with 2024.

In this episode, I open up about everything—from a tough breakup and co-parenting struggles to nearly losing our business.

On the surface, it felt like a year full of setbacks. But when I really took the time to reflect… it was also the year I grew the most.

I talk about how hitting rock bottom in business led to some of our biggest breakthroughs, how my relationship taught me more than I expected, and how I’ve learned to show up better—for my kids, my team, and myself.

This one’s not about pretending everything was great. It’s about being real, learning through the mess, and still moving forward.

So if you’ve had a tough year or just want to hear an honest take on bouncing back and building better, give this episode a listen.

https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/zach-schuenke/episodes/2024-Was-Brutal-But-I-Needed-It-e301av2

Life has a way of humbling you—especially when you think you’ve got things figured out.

For me, that moment came after a string of business pivots, stress stacking up, and finally realizing I had to cut back and start mowing my own lawn again. It sounds small, but it represented a much bigger shift.

In this episode, I open up about what’s been happening behind the scenes—the tough months, the business lessons, the personal growth, and how I’ve had to rewire the way I look at success, marketing, and leadership.

From rethinking return on ad spend to discovering the real power of a team with integrity, I’m sharing the raw, unfiltered stuff that most people don’t talk about.

If you’re navigating a rough patch or just need to hear that you’re not alone in the chaos, this one’s for you.

https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/zach-schuenke/episodes/When-Growth-Hurts-But-You-Do-It-Anyway-e2qommq

Ever look at someone’s big house or nice car and think, “Wow, they must really have it all together”?

Yeah… I used to think that too.

In my latest podcast episode, it’s Not About the Stuff”, I get real about what success actually means—and spoiler alert—it’s not about fancy toys or showing off.

I share stories from my own life, like living in the woods with my kids for six months after my divorce (yep, really), and how that season taught me more about success than any paycheck ever could.

See, for me, success is freedom. It’s being there for my kids when they need me—or just because I want to be. It’s having the flexibility to help someone I care about or to move my family to a better place.

This episode isn’t about hustle culture or chasing wealth. It’s about choosing what really matters to you—and building your life around that.

So if you’ve ever felt like success was out of reach or only meant for the rich and famous, this one’s for you.

https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/zach-schuenke/episodes/My-Take-on-True-Success-e2qomn2

Fear makes terrible decisions.

We all know it, but most of us still let it drive the car.

In this episode, I’m breaking down how fear—especially the kind built from past failures—can totally sabotage your future.

Whether it's business, trading, or just life, too many people are stuck replaying old stories instead of writing new ones.

I talk about the difference between reacting and planning, and why being afraid of getting burned again is keeping way too many people from actually winning.

This one’s personal. It’s about legacy, purpose, and knowing exactly why you're chasing success in the first place.

If you’ve ever said “I just can’t” when something deep down told you “maybe you should,” this episode’s for you.

https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/zach-schuenke/episodes/Why-Fear-Keeps-You-Stuck-And-How-to-Break-Free-e2qomng

Ever feel like success should be easier than it is? Like you’re doing the right things, but it’s still hard?

In my latest podcast episode, I open up about something most people don’t really talk about—what it actually takes to succeed.

And I’m not just talking about money or business wins. I’m talking about the pain, the pressure, the discomfort, and the growth that comes with pushing for more in life.

I share a bit of my own story—from nearly missing out on becoming an Eagle Scout, to building a business that’s growing faster than I ever expected.

And yeah, it’s been exciting, but it’s also been one of the toughest seasons of my life. The truth? Growth hurts. But it’s worth it.

I also get into the big question people always ask: “If trading is so great, why are you selling it?” And I give the honest answer—impact. I don’t want to just succeed for myself. I want to bring people with me.

If you’re in a season where everything feels like a stretch... where you’re growing, but it’s uncomfortable... or if you’ve been second-guessing your path—this episode is for you.

Let’s talk about what it really means to grow, to lead, and to build something meaningful—even when it’s hard.

https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/zach-schuenke/episodes/The-Truth-About-Success-Its-Supposed-to-Hurt-e2qommi

You know that moment when you think, “This is it—we cracked the code”… and then it all falls apart?

Yeah. Been there.

In this episode, I talk about one of the most unexpected lessons I’ve learned in marketing so far. We thought we had the perfect ad strategy—targeting the right audience, using all the “pro tips,” and things were going great… until they weren’t.

Turns out, the audience we thought we were reaching wasn’t who was actually responding. And that little twist? It changed everything.

I break down the five levels of awareness, why the typical advice about targeting “solution aware” people might be missing something huge, and how one simple shift brought our traffic back from the dead.

Whether you run ads, write copy, or just want to connect better with your audience—this episode’s for you.

Let’s dive in.

https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/zach-schuenke/episodes/When-Doing-Everything-Right-Still-Fails-e2qomno

I saw a bumper sticker the other day that said, “The closer you get, the slower I drive.”

And the guy driving? He was tailgating everyone.

It cracked me up... but it also sparked a deeper thought.

How often do we criticize others for the same things we’re guilty of?

How often do we not even realize we’re doing it?

In this episode, I unpack that moment and dig into one of the most underrated skills today: self-awareness.

From teenage outcasts and high school bullies, to workplace drama and trading room challenges—I share real stories that show how a lack of self-awareness can quietly wreck your results, relationships, and personal growth.

This isn’t about being perfect. It’s about calling yourself out, in the best way possible.

Because if you can learn to see your blind spots, you can start to shift them.

Let’s talk about it.

https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/zach-schuenke/episodes/Call-Yourself-Out-Before-Life-Does-It-For-You-e2qomm0

In this episode, I talk about a recent experience with my daughter’s friend’s dad. Great guy, super chill. But every time we chat, it’s all about his fish tank, motorcycles, and Jeep upgrades.

And it got me thinking... is he really passionate about all that—or just trying to fill a void?

I’ve been there myself. Trying to find meaning in things instead of purpose. So in this episode, I get real about what it means to live with purpose—and how so many of us, especially guys, fall into the trap of chasing “stuff” when what we really need is direction.

I share my thoughts on how to shift that—starting with how we spend our time, how we treat our health, our relationships, and the kind of legacy we want to leave behind.

If you’ve ever felt like something’s missing—or wondered if you’re really living with intention—this one’s worth a listen.

Let’s talk about how to find real purpose in a world full of distractions.

https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/zach-schuenke/episodes/The-Hidden-Cost-of-Not-Having-Purpose-e2qomo3

Sometimes, life just isn't fair, even when you're doing everything right.

I've definitely been feeling that lately. In this episode, while taking a stroll around the neighborhood, I reflect on the story of Joseph from the Bible—someone who faced huge setbacks but still kept moving forward.

I get real about my recent business struggles, juggling responsibilities with family and relationships, and how trading has become a critical safety net for me.

Here's the key takeaway: Preparation matters. By building up diverse skills and planning for the unexpected, you can handle life's challenges better. Join me as I share thoughts on gratitude, resilience, and why discipline today means strength tomorrow.

Tune in and let's figure out how to overcome life's tough moments—together.

https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/zach-schuenke/episodes/Turning-Setbacks-into-Comebacks-Lessons-from-Josephs-Story-e2nqkde