Admit it, you've done it.

You didn't want to but you just couldn't help yourself. 

You saw somebody post something online that you didn't agree with politically and you had to 'share your opinion' with them.

Chances as, it maybe even got a little heated.

Why do we do it?

We now it's not going to end well, but we still do it anyway.

There's a simple reason for it and you may already know what it is.

Find out in today's show!

In this week's episode I sit down with someone who has had an enormous impact on my life.

My guest is Mike Kitko, a man who has pushed me, challenged me, and supported me unconditionally.

This episode is a raw and powerful conversation about unconditional love, personal evolution, and the sometimes painful process of facing the truth about who we are. Mike shares stories of breaking points, rebuilding himself, and learning how to live in a way that no longer hides from reality.

If you’ve ever felt the weight of pretending everything is okay while struggling inside—or wondered what happens when you finally stop hiding—this conversation is for you.

Key Takeaways

• Why “unconditional love and support” can completely shift your relationships.
• The phrase Mike lives by: love = letting others voluntarily evolve.
• The truth about what happens when your outside success doesn’t match your inside reality.
• The moment Mike’s carefully constructed life collapsed—and how it forced him to rebuild.
• Why facing hard truths about yourself is often the first step to freedom.

Mike just released his second book "Inner World, Outer World". Grab your copy on Amazon right here! 

Welcome back to the final installment of this trilogy! In this episode, I wrap up the deep dive into Tony Robbins’ “Six Basic Human Needs,” zeroing in on the last two: Growth and Contribution — arguably the most fulfilling and soul-level needs we chase (consciously or not).

I break down how these two needs show up in our lives, what happens when we neglect them, and why chasing growth without contribution can leave you empty. You’ll get real talk, some personal storytelling, and a clear challenge to start asking: “Where am I growing?” and more importantly, “Who am I helping?”

🔥 What You’ll Learn 

• What “mental clutter” actually reveals about your unmet need for growth.
• How unchecked self-improvement can become a trap without contribution.
• Why the most successful people are obsessed with giving more than getting.
• The surprising connection between “stuckness” and a lack of service.

#PersonalGrowth #HumanNeeds #TonyRobbins #SelfImprovementPodcast #ContributionMatters #GrowthMindset #LiveOnPurpose #PodcastMotivation #PurposeDrivenLife #EmotionalWellbeing

In this second installment of our deep-dive trilogy on Tony Robbins’ Six Basic Human Needs, I walk you through the third and fourth needs that drive human behavior: Love & Connection and Significance.

This episode digs into how these two needs show up in your relationships, career, and self-worth—and how they can either fuel or derail your growth depending on how you meet them. 

🔑 What you’ll uncover in this episode:

• The double-edged sword of seeking love versus settling for connection
• Why chasing significance might be quietly eroding your relationships
• The identity crisis that forced James to re-evaluate his own need for validation
• How meeting your needs in empowering vs. disempowering ways determines your quality of life

⚠️ This isn’t surface-level self-help fluff. It’s real, vulnerable, and will absolutely make you check yourself.

#SixHumanNeeds #LoveAndConnection #PersonalGrowthJourney #SelfAwarenessMatters #SignificanceVsLove #IntentionalLiving #TonyRobbinsWisdom #EmotionalNeeds #TransformYourLife #PodcastMotivation

🎙️ Show Notes for Part 1: Six Basic Human Needs – Certainty and Uncertainty

In this episode, I'm kicking off a powerful 3-part series inspired by Tony Robbins' framework: the Six Basic Human Needs. Focusing first on Certainty and Uncertainty, I'm going to walk you through how these forces shape our daily decisions, beliefs, and emotional reactions — often without us even realizing it.

Whether you’re a leader, parent, coach, or just someone hungry for personal growth, this episode will challenge how you see your own behavior and relationships. 

🔑 In this episode, you'll discover:

• Why chasing too much certainty might be silently sabotaging your progress.
• The sneaky ways uncertainty already controls your life — even if you think you hate surprises.
• What “micro-moments” reveal about your dominant needs (and how to spot them).
• The critical question to ask yourself when you're stuck in a rut… and the liberating mindset shift that follows.

👂 Get ready to hear how simple insights can create massive shifts — and why I'm not giving it all to you at once.

📚 Resources Mentioned

• Tony Robbins – The 6 Basic Human Needs Framework

#HumanNeeds #TonyRobbinsInspired #SelfAwarenessJourney #CertaintyAndUncertainty #MindsetMatters #EmotionalIntelligence #PersonalGrowthTools #LifeDesign #MotivationalPodcast 

In this deeply candid conversation, I reconnect with long-time friend and punk rock frontman Wes Hoffman. From growing a band to navigating career pivots and redefining success, Wes pulls back the curtain on his personal evolution.

Listen in to discover:

• 🎸 Why Wes ditched the 9-to-5 to chase music full time—and then came back
• 🤝 The powerful networking philosophy that changed his career trajectory
• 📉 How failure in business taught him what fulfillment really means
• 🎤 Behind the scenes of managing a band while working a corporate job

This episode is a masterclass in balancing creativity, career, and connection. Whether you're a musician, entrepreneur, or just figuring it all out, Wes's story is fuel for your fire.

Connect with him on IG at https://www.instagram.com/wesleyhoffman/

#WesHoffman #PunkRockJourney #CreativeEntrepreneurship #LifeAfterFailure #NetworkingForSuccess #MusicAndMindset #DIYBandLife #ResilientCreatives #CareerTransitions #AuthenticConnections

In this week's episode I'm sharing a personal habit I’ve recently made more consistent: regularly reviewing my journal.

I talk about how great a habit it is for personal growth and keeping a great mindset, even going so far as to say daily journaling (part of my Five to Thrive habits) is one of the pieces of my "suit of armor" that I wear against negativity and the craziness that the world loves to throw at you and I daily.

I explain that reviewing journal entries helps dig up "golden nuggets of wisdom" that would otherwise be forgotten in the hustle and bustle of daily life. I also highlight how it can give you a completely different perspective on past situations, helping you grow and evolve.

In this powerful episode, Geta Barbu, a gut health practitioner and certified nutritionist dives deep into the emotional, physical, and spiritual landscapes of wellness and risk-taking. Geta opens up about her bold life choices, the invisible burdens of chronic illness, and the surprising link between your belly and your bravery. Whether you're here for health tips or human truth, this conversation goes far beyond surface-level advice.

🔍 What You’ll Uncover:

• A personal story of “moving for love” that transformed one woman’s life—and tested every part of her being.
• The subtle, sneaky signs of chronic illness and why so many are missing them (hint: it’s not just about food).
• The "Crazy" Decision to Burn Her Own Ships: She had a fantastic job, a beautiful three-bedroom condo, and a stable life in the US. Then, Geta bought a one-way ticket to Spain, leaving everything behind for a relationship that was barely months old. Most people called her "crazy." Find out why it was the smartest move she ever made. 
•  Geta reveals the profound, painful decision to quit gymnastics, a "first love," and how that seemingly devastating loss ultimately opened the door to her authentic path and current success. 

• Follow Geta Barbu on Instagram: @getas.digest

#GutHealth #ChronicIllnessSupport #MentalWellnessMatters  #HealthTransformation #DecisionFatigue #MindsetShift #NutritionHeals #LifeRisks #HealingJourney

If you've ever set big goals but found yourself stuck in self-sabotage, procrastination, or just “meh” energy, this one hits deep. I pull back the curtain on the mental and emotional blocks that silently control your behavior, offering clarity and practical ways to shift your identity and rewire your patterns.

🔑 In this episode:

• Why "motivation" is NOT your problem—and what actually is.
• The crucial distinction between circumstances and thoughts (hint: only one of them you can control).
• The power of becoming the person who naturally follows through.
• A deeply personal story that shows how to walk your truth—even when it rains.

✨ Tune in and find the missing link between your goals and your consistent action.

🔍 Major Takeaways Teased:

• 🌧️ What rain taught me about mindset—and how it applies to everything you avoid.
• 🧠 The sneaky internal loop that's stopping your momentum.
• 🔁 What really changes when you shift from doing to being.
• 🧍‍♂️ How to stop relying on willpower—and start identifying as the person who just gets it done.

#MindsetMatters #TakeActionNow #SelfDiscipline #JamesDunnPodcast #IdentityShift #MindsetCoach #SuccessHabits #OvercomeProcrastination #MotivationIsntEnough #ActionTaker

In this raw, real, and deeply reflective episode, James sits down with burnout expert and full-time RVer Tiffany Leader to unravel the truth behind burnout, self-worth, entrepreneurship, and the power of taking a damn pause. From hitting rock bottom in her career to launching a mission-driven business that gives her freedom and healing, Tiffany shares how she moved from barely holding it together to helping others build sustainable, soul-nourishing lives.

This isn’t just about success—it’s about staying sane, centered, and unstoppable.

🎙️ What You’ll Take Away:

• The "burnout incident" that changed Tiffany’s life forever—and what she did next
• How to know if you’re in fight-or-flight… and what to do about it
• Why failure isn’t the end—it’s just feedback for the pivot
• The small, icy trick that could instantly regulate your nervous system

📚 RESOURCES MENTIONED

• EFT Tapping (Emotional Freedom Technique)
• The Take a Moment Collective – Tiffany’s soul-nourishing membership for driven women
• Instagram: @seethewonder.llc
• Email: [email protected]

#EntrepreneurHealing #BurnoutRecovery #NervousSystemRegulation #PurposeDrivenBusiness #WomenInLeadership #UnstoppablePodcast #MentalHealthForEntrepreneurs #EFTTapping #MindBodyConnection #TakeAMoment