When Vivian Cobb's husband was dying, she finally opened the bank statements — and discovered they were broke. The multi-millionaire life he'd built was a facade: drained accounts, cash advances, a lapsed life insurance policy, and a house four months from foreclosure. She calls what he did financial infidelity, and she argues it's far more common, and more destructive, than most couples admit.

In this conversation, Vivian returns to Titans of Transition to talk about the hidden money secrets that quietly erode a marriage — and how to have the honest financial conversations that protect it. We get into what financial infidelity really is, why it's rooted in fear rather than money, the difference between a scarcity and an abundance money mindset, and how to start "the most expensive conversation you're avoiding" without turning it into a fight.

Vivian is a keynote speaker, real estate broker, and author of the new book "Unspoken Costs: How to Have Relationship-Saving Money Conversations." Her thesis is simple: hard conversations don't break trust — avoiding them does. If money is a source of silence or tension in your relationship, this one's for you.

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📘 Vivian's book, "Unspoken Costs": https://amzn.to/4i6DOmn 

🌐 Vivian's website: https://www.viviancobbspeaking.com/ 

🎥 Vivian on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@viviancobbspeaking 

🔗 Connect with Vivian on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/viviancobb/

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Titans of Transition explores how leaders navigate career and life transitions. Hosted by Joe Miller, Career & Leadership Coach.

🎧 Follow Titans of Transition in your podcast app so you never miss an episode.

🌐 Interested in coaching with Joe? https://www.leadershipinklings.com/coaching

⏱ Chapters

0:00 'We were broke' — the moment at the bank

0:39 Welcome back — six years later

1:02 Why she wrote 'Unspoken Costs'

3:10 The wake-up call: could your spouse find the accounts?

6:25 Financial infidelity, defined

7:14 Keeping up the facade: country club vs. the mortgage

8:09 After he died: foreclosure and losing the house

9:57 We never know tomorrow — don't put it off

12:41 Almost dying (COVID) and finding her mission

13:29 Turning pain into purpose

16:47 Still emotional: the season he died

21:14 Inside the book: it starts with fear

22:33 Denial — 'I was afraid of the answer'

23:18 Your money mindset: abundance vs. scarcity

26:23 The most expensive conversation you're avoiding

30:10 'You can't take it with you' — the near-death lesson

32:38 How to start the money talk without a fight

35:41 Make it routine: from weekly check-ins to quarterly

36:49 The 'no-ask' budget (and keeping it playful)

42:02 Why it's the men who come to her

44:11 Wrapping up — and what's next (a book series)

45:01 Where to find Vivian

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When Geoff Curtis left a 30-year career in biotech and pharma communications, he asked a Fortune 50 executive a simple question: how long would he stay relevant after leaving? The answer, a year to 18 months, sent him into what he calls his own purgatory.

This conversation is about what happens when the role that defined you is gone: the loss of identity, relevance, and structure, and how you rebuild purpose afterward. We get into the "armor" we wear, why it's harder for men to be vulnerable, imposter syndrome, the pull of external validation, and learning to be present.

Geoff is the author of "Embracing Your Own Purgatory" and the co-founder of the Future Voices Collective. If you've been through a career transition, layoff, retirement, or any loss of identity, this one's for you.

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📘 Geoff's book, "Embracing Your Own Purgatory": Amazon, Barnes & Noble 🔗 Connect with Geoff on LinkedIn 🎓 Future Voices Collective 

Titans of Transition explores how leaders navigate career and life transitions. Hosted by Joe Miller, Career & Leadership Coach.

🎧 Follow Titans of Transition in your podcast app so you never miss an episode. 🌐 Interested in coaching with Joe? Go HERE 

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What if you're not lazy or unmotivated — you're just out of spoons?Personal trainer Abby Clapper uses "spoon theory" to explain why sticking to a workout routine has almost nothing to do with willpower and everything to do with finite daily energy. Abby works with neurodivergent clients — ADHD, autism, and chronic health conditions — and has built her whole practice around one idea: the fitness routine that works for a neurotypical brain doesn't work for every brain.In this episode, Abby and host Joe talk through:- Spoon theory: why ADHD brains run out of energy for a workout, and how to budget for it- The accountability tricks that actually make fitness stick (and why she shows up at your door)- The 12-week rule: changing the routine right before the ADHD brain gets bored- Her honest take on GLP-1s (Ozempic) — the energy zap, and why strength training matters even more on them- Protein, fiber, and hydration when you're eating less- Leaving a corporate wellness job to build her own business — scarcity mindset to abundance- Why fitness has to be a lifestyle and an identity, not a short-term project- Strength training as you age: starting with the 5s and 10s, not where you left off 25 years ago- The truth about rest and deload weeks — going hard every day is the mistakeWhether you've tried the gym and quit, feel like your brain just won't cooperate with a routine, or want a sustainable approach that doesn't run on influencer-level motivation, this one's for you.CONNECT WITH ABBY CLAPPER🎙 Podcast: Talk Your Abs Off 📸 Instagram: @CoachAbbyClapper🌐 Website: endorfinwellness.comABOUT THE SHOWTitans of Transition explores the pivots, leaps, and turning points that shape careers and lives. New episodes monthly. Follow the show in your podcast app so you don't miss the next one.

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Mental toughness isn't enough — and grit alone won't save you. Former Navy SEAL turned leadership coach Andrew Sridhar argues that the "do hard things" culture (ice baths, ultramarathons, BUD/S-style suffering) is an INCOMPLETE answer to real-life misery — and explains what actually builds resilience when your career, your business, or your life falls apart.In this episode of Titans of Transition, Andrew ("Sri") takes us from the SEAL teams to Wall Street to tech leadership to coaching, and breaks down how to master a career pivot, why smart people get stuck, and the practical tools that actually move the needle — agency, self-awareness, and mindfulness.🎧 If you've ever felt stuck, over-prepared but under-moving, or unsure whether to stay or go — this one's for you.⏱️ CHAPTERS00:00 The resilience lie: why "do hard things" is incomplete01:00 Meet Andrew Sridhar — SEAL → Wall Street → Tech03:51 The pivot into coaching (after a layoff)05:39 How to master a pivot: humility, ego, learning mindset10:23 Confidence & gravitas: why not proving yourself is magnetic13:08 Why people get stuck: depression, sunk cost, fear19:34 Stop waiting for a Eureka moment — just try the thing22:14 Know how you're wired (and why there's no playbook)27:39 BUD/S: why physicality is necessary but not sufficient31:54 The resilience & grit critique (the full rant)36:29 When toughness fails: the business-owner story40:01 Agency: accept your reality or change it44:54 Focus, distraction, ADHD & small "nudges"50:10 Resilience tools: mindfulness, breathing, meditation55:51 Wrap-up: books & where to find Andrew📚 BOOKS & RESOURCES MENTIONED- The Procrastination Equation — Dr. Piers Steel- How to Be an Imperfectionist — Stephen Guise- Tara Brach podcast (free guided meditations)- Calm / Headspace apps (free trials)- Huberman Lab podcast (neurochemistry)🔗 FIND ANDREW- Website: https://andrewsridhar.com- Podcast: The Warrior Poet Podcast: https://andrewsridhar.com/resources#podcast - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewsridhar/🔔 SUBSCRIBE for more conversations on navigating change, career pivots, and leadership: https://www.youtube.com/c/TitansofTransition💬 Have you ever felt the "ice bath" advice fall short? Drop a comment — if there's enough interest, we'll bring Andrew back for round two.#Resilience #CareerChange #NavySEAL #Leadership #Mindfulness---Titans of Transition is a podcast about the pivots, transitions, and turning points that shape our careers and lives.CONNECT- Audio https://www.titansoftransition.com/- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fjmiller3/

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When the company that employed Abby Clapper announced it was moving buildings — and her position wouldn't be coming along — she had a choice: find the next safe landing, or commit to the business she'd been quietly building on the side. She jumped. And she was terrified.

Two and a half years later, her personal training practice runs almost entirely on referrals, built around a philosophy that sounds simple but isn't: meet people exactly where they are — different bodies, different brains, different histories with the gym — and help them find movement that actually sticks.

In this conversation, Abby and Joe dig into what that career leap really felt like (anxiety included), how she approaches fitness for neurodivergent clients and adults in their 70s and 80s, why she refuses to guarantee weight loss, what the Atomic Habits identity shift looks like in a real training relationship, and why she proudly calls herself a "conservative personal trainer."

If you've ever started and stopped a fitness routine, or made a leap that scared you more than you expected — this one's for you.Resources & Links:

Connect with Abby:

• Instagram | Website

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Unlock leadership lessons from one of history’s greatest explorers—Lewis and Clark—and learn how their journey offers powerful insights for navigating your own uncharted moments. If you're facing a transition, feeling unprepared, or seeking resilience in uncertain times, this episode will inspire you with strategies rooted in adventure, teamwork, and trust.Jeff Ton, a leadership coach and Lewis and Clark enthusiast, shares how the explorers’ story transcends history to illuminate modern leadership. From the importance of assembling a complementary team, to trusting your ecosystem of partners, he reveals how embracing the unknown with agility and humility can lead to extraordinary success—not just in exploration but in life and career transitions. Discover how Lewis and Clark’s reliance on native tribes, their preparation for the unforeseen, and their adaptive mindset are lessons every leader can apply today.You’ll learn practical frameworks like the "Four S’s"—support, solution-seeking, sagacity, and strategic behavior—and how journaling and reflection build resilience by strengthening your mental muscle memory. Jeff also discusses his upcoming book, Uncharted Moments, which blends his personal journey as a caregiver with the timeless leadership principles from the trail, reminding us all that the greatest discoveries are often within.This episode is perfect for anyone navigating change—whether in personal life, professional career, or leadership development—and eager for tangible tools to face their own unknowns. If you believe that true leadership stems from helping others, embracing community, and trusting your instincts, you’ll find inspiration and action points to move forward with courage.Jeff Ton is a leadership strategist and author known for weaving historical stories into actionable leadership lessons. His work helps aspiring and seasoned leaders uncover hidden potential through stories of adventure and discovery—lessons that empower you to chart your own uncharted waters.Don’t miss the chance to reframe your next challenge as an opportunity for growth. Join Jeff and discover how the uncharted moments of the past can guide you toward a future filled with legacy, love, and resilience.The Five Lessons:1. Vision and Planning: Starts at 13:52 - Discusses the importance of vision and planning, referencing Thomas Jefferson's vision.2. Team Building: Starts at 9:04 - Talks about building a diverse and skilled team.3. Adaptability and Resilience: Starts at 18:39 - Emphasizes developing resilience through past challenges.4. Collaboration and Trust: Starts at 14:42 - Focuses on building an environment of trust.5. Learning from Experience: Starts at 22:01 - Highlights the value of journaling and learning from past experiences.Connect with Jeff Ton:Website: https://jeffreyston.com/LinkedIn: Jeff Ton on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/jtonindy/

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Only 3% of people who just click "Apply" ever get a job offer. But 87% of people who got hired had someone help them through networking. Career coach Sara Andrus (500+ clients, 10+ years) breaks down exactly why the recruiting system is broken — and what actually works.In this episode of Titans of Transition, host Joe Miller sits down with Sara Andrus, founder of Avara Careers and former corporate HR/recruiting leader, to unpack the modern hiring crisis. Sara reveals why applicants are getting ghosted (hint: it's not the ATS), how to use the 96-hour application window for 8x better results, and why treating recruiters as allies — not gatekeepers — changes everything. From HireVue AI interviews to the "near peers" networking strategy, this conversation is a field guide for anyone stuck in the job search grind.IN THIS EPISODE:• Why applying in the first 96 hours gives you an 8x greater chance of landing an interview• The truth about ATS: "ATS is not killing your resume — a human presses reject"• Sara's Ideal Job Benchmark — a 6-component framework for evaluating any role• How to build a targeted networking list of 30–50 companies (even if you've been out of touch)• Why 5–7 interview rounds is now normal — and how to navigate stakeholder dynamics• HireVue AI video interviews: what they are and how to prepare• Using AI to tailor your resume and generate the 10 most likely interview questions• The blacksmith analogy: why we're at a once-in-a-century career inflection point

CONNECT WITH SARA ANDRUS:Website: avarahcareers.comEmail: [email protected]: linkedin.com/in/sarahbandrus  (posts daily)CONNECT WITH JOE MILLER:linkedin.com/in/fjmiller3/#jobsearch #networking #careeradvice #jobhunting #resumetips #ATS #HireVue #brokenrecruiting #careercoach #jobinterview #AI #jobseekers #linkedintips #hiringtips #futureofwork

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Discover how to rewrite your career narrative for success 🚀 in this transformative episode featuring executive coach and author Terre Short. This conversation is perfect for leaders navigating career transition, building executive presence, and working on a healthier leadership mindset.Terre brings decades of experience helping leaders pivot their mindset, elevate their strengths, and embrace positive change. From her groundbreaking book, "The Words We Choose," to her upcoming release, "Leadership: What's Love Got to Do With It," Terre shares actionable insights on navigating career transitions, finding fulfillment, and cultivating self-love as the foundation for leadership success.We tackle big topics like controlling the internal narrative, breaking free from limiting beliefs, and adopting mindfulness practices to unlock your full potential. Through personal stories and client examples, Terre dives into the importance of choosing empowering words, creating a pivot practice to disrupt negative thought spirals, and aligning your values with your career goals.Whether you're striving for executive presence, navigating change in a challenging job market, or simply seeking life lessons to fuel your journey, this episode is packed with inspiration and practical tools. Don’t miss the chance to learn from Terre’s wisdom and apply these transformative strategies to your own path.Check out this episode and start rewriting your career story today. Your next chapter begins here! 🚀Onward!  - JoeTerre on linkedin Terre's email - [email protected]The Words We Choose - Terre's First BookSubscribe for more conversations on career transitions and leadershipListen to more Titans of Transition episodes on career change and leadership growth#careernarrative#careertransition#executivecoaching#mindsetshift

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Discover how the “hidden job market” holds the key to your next career move! In this Titans of Transition episode, Joe Miller sits down with John Tarnoff—executive coach, author of Boomer Reinvention, and master of mid-career transitions—to expose why 80% of jobs are never posted online and what you can do to access them.John shares his fascinating journey from Hollywood film executive to tech entrepreneur, and reveals practical strategies for navigating today’s broken hiring system. Learn why referrals and networking now trump job applications, and how crafting your personal brand is essential for standing out.John Tarnoff on LinkedIn Key Takeaways:The hiring system is broken—and what you can do about itHow to access the hidden job market and get referrals working for youConfidence comes from preparation, not waitingNetworking beats blind applications every timeAgeism and career reinvention after 50: actionable solutionsBuild your “superpower” and position yourself as the solutionWhether you’re struggling to land your next role or looking to accelerate your career, John’s insights on building authentic connections, identifying your value proposition, and leveraging thought leadership are game-changers. This episode is packed with actionable advice, inspiring stories, and practical steps to thrive in any market.Don’t miss your chance to gain life lessons, expert guidance, and a proven roadmap to your next big opportunity!Soundbites:"Things are kind of broken, man.""You are selling yourself as a product.""Make it about what you deliver."Join the conversation and take the first step toward your next transition!#resumeskills #resumetips #resumestrategies #mid-careerprofessionals #executivecoaching

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From a decade in the corporate 9-to-5 grind to the bold leap into entrepreneurship, this is my radical journey 🚀. In this interview, Dylan Davis shares the challenges, fears, and pivotal moments that pushed him to leave behind stability for the unpredictable world of starting his own business. Learn how hitting rock bottom mentally and professionally became the catalyst for change, and why he chose to embrace failure as an entrepreneur over success in employment.Discover how Dylan overcame hurdles like sales, marketing, and adapting to the demands of entrepreneurship. He also reveals how leveraging AI transformed his approach, from automating tasks to driving smarter decisions, allowing him to focus on what truly matters.Whether you're dreaming of leaving your corporate job, curious about entrepreneurship, or want practical insights on using AI to empower your journey, this episode is packed with advice and lessons learned. Stop waiting for the "perfect time"—your leap starts here.#aiinbusiness #aiinbusiness #overcomingfear #leadgeneration #overcomingfear Dylan's info:Offerings: Youtube Channel: LinkedIn: 

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