Best The Tracy And Craig Show Podcasts (2025)

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#441: What Happens After You Sell the Business? with John Rood 1:10:08

6d ago1:10:08

1:10:08

What really happens when an entrepreneur sells their business? For John Rood, it was the start of a deeply personal reckoning with identity, purpose, risk, and time. In this episode, we go beyond the typical exit story and talk about what it actually feels like to step away from the company you built—and what comes next when you’re no longer busy, …

1
#440: Cash, Risk, and the Real Reason Most Deals Fall Apart with Elliott Holland 1:45:16

13d ago1:45:16

1:45:16

This episode is fire. Elliott Holland is a straight shooter who has seen hundreds of deals from every angle—searcher, investor, operator, and QofE provider. In this conversation, we cut through the noise to talk about what’s really going on in the acquisition market, why most self-funded searchers fail, and how owners can actually position their bu…

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#439: How to Build a Marketing Engine That Ties to Sales, Value, and Cash Flow with Kim Clark 1:25:39

20d ago1:25:39

1:25:39

Most business owners are exhausted by marketing that feels like a black box—random tactics, disconnected agencies, and no clear ROI. Kim Clark knows that pain—and she’s built the solution. As the former head of sales and marketing at ITR Economics, Kim helped transform the business from a founder-led consulting firm into a scalable company that exi…

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#438: What a Great CFO Actually Does (And Why Most Owners Have the Wrong Expectations) with Pat Hobby 1:26:13

27d ago1:26:13

1:26:13

This episode sets the bar. Pat Hobby, my former business partner, is one of the best CFOs I’ve ever worked with. He’s not just a CPA or an operator—he brings an investor mindset and decades of experience managing financials with the purpose of building long-term value. In this conversation, we break down exactly what a business owner should expect …

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#437: He Did What Most Business Owners Only Dream About—Rob Dube’s Story 1:14:44

1M ago1:14:44

1:14:44

Many owner-operators begin their journey driven by the vision of personal and financial independence, only to find themselves entrenched in the daily operations, unable to step away without fear of chaos. In this episode, I talk with Rob Dube, co-founder of ImageOne and visionary behind The 10 Disciplines for Managing and Maximizing Your Energy™, a…

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#436: Integrating Strategy, Execution, and Financial Clarity with Shannon Susko 1:12:46

1M ago1:12:46

1:12:46

Today I'm talking with Shannon Susko, a serial entrepreneur who developed the 3HAG (3-Year Highly Achievable Goal) and Metronomics frameworks. What sets Shannon's approach apart is how directly it connects your strategic plan and execution rhythms to clear, measurable financial outcomes. It's an operating system built specifically for business owne…

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#435: The New SBA Playbook for Acquisitions with John Thwing 1:35:53

2M ago1:35:53

1:35:53

SBA loans have always been a key tool for financing business acquisitions, but recent changes have opened up new opportunities for both buyers and sellers. If you're thinking about selling your business, acquiring one, or financing a transition, these updates could have a major impact on your strategy. Watch on YouTube In this episode, I sit down w…

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#434: Q1 Economic & M&A Update with ITR Economics, ButcherJosheph, & Joe Brown 2:12:57

2M ago2:12:57

2:12:57

The economy is shifting fast, and if you’re a middle-market business owner, the moves you make today will define your future—whether that’s navigating capital markets, securing financing, or making critical reinvestment decisions. Watch on YouTube In this Quarterly Economic & M&A Update, I bring together three powerhouse guests to give you real-tim…

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#433: Designing Your Future Org Chart: How to Build a Scalable, Owner-Independent Business with Mike Frommelt and Rick Rittmaster 1:38:37

2M ago1:38:37

1:38:37

Scaling a business isn’t just about increasing revenue—it’s about building the right leadership team to support that growth. Too often, business owners get stuck because their team isn’t structured for the future, leaving them to fill the gaps instead of leading strategically. Watch on YouTube In this episode, I sit down with Rick Rittmaster and Mi…

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#432: Why More Growth Won’t Set You Free (And What Will) with Nick Bradley 1:45:48

2M ago1:45:48

1:45:48

More revenue, more employees, and more complexity can actually pull you deeper into the day-to-day grind—unless your business is structured the right way. Watch on YouTube In this episode, I sit down with Nick Bradley, a business growth strategist and private equity veteran who has worked on billion-dollar deals and now helps business owners scale …

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#431: Turning Crisis into a Scalable ESOP with Heather Braimbridge-Cox and Bill Mills 1:38:06

3M ago1:38:06

1:38:06

Many business owners dream of building a company that thrives without them, but few understand what it takes to make that a reality—especially when facing a leadership crisis. In this episode, I sit down with Heather Braimbridge-Cox, CEO of Windings, and Bill Mills, founder of The Leadership Process™, to break down how to transform a struggling cul…

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#430: Cash vs. Valuation: Why Entrepreneurs Get Trapped in the Wrong Financial Metrics with Patrick Donohue 1:26:08

3M ago1:26:08

1:26:08

I’ve spent the last handful of episodes diving deep into business valuations, M&A jargon, and how buyers think about value. But here’s the thing—most of it doesn’t matter unless you actually have cash left over at the end of the day. Watch on YouTube That’s why I brought Patrick Donohue back on the show. He and I have been in the trenches, working …

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#429: How to Engineer Business Value: Scaling Smart, Hiring Right, and Creating Freedom with Rens Hayes 1:40:27

3M ago1:40:27

1:40:27

Most business owners go through a pivotal moment—their first real look behind the curtain at how buyers value companies. For Rens Hayes, that moment came when he went through a sale and due diligence process for his father’s structural steel business. What he learned from that experience completely changed how he approached building and scaling his…

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#428: Cutting Through the Noise: Why Free Cash Flow Is the Only Metric That Matters with Ken Sanginario 1:20:13

3M ago1:20:13

1:20:13

In a world full of business jargon and complicated metrics, free cash flow stands out as the foundation of value creation for both owner-operators and investors. kXVm3nQBij8 Watch on YouTube Ken Sanginario returns to focus on this core principle, unpacking the noise around financial metrics and zeroing in on sustainable free cash flow—cash availabl…

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#427: Navigating Deal Structures: The Hidden Factors That Impact Your Net Proceeds with Dave Diehl 1:22:10

3M ago1:22:10

1:22:10

Most business owners focus on the offer price when selling their business—but the deal structure is what ultimately determines how much you walk away with, when you get it, and how much risk you take on. Watch on YouTube In this episode of Independence by Design™, I sit down with Dave Diehl, CEO of Prairie Capital Advisors, to demystify the complex…

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#426: Understanding Buyers: How Ownership Structures Shape M&A Goals with Jeff Buettner 1:16:07

4M ago1:16:07

1:16:07

Most business owners think a high offer price is the ultimate goal in selling their business—but the truth is, every buyer has their own game plan, and not all offers are created equal. Watch on YouTube In this episode of Independence by Design™, I sit down with Jeff Buettner from ButcherJoseph to explore how private equity firms, strategic buyers,…

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#425: Unlocking Business Value: Practical Tools for Growth and Ownership Goals with Ken Sanginario & John Lawlor 1:52:17

4M ago1:52:17

1:52:17

As a business owner, you’ve likely heard terms like EBITDA, working capital, and Weighted Average Cost of Capital (WACC)—but do they feel relevant to your day-to-day decisions? In this episode, I sit down with Ken Sanginario and John Lawlor to demystify these concepts and show how they directly impact your ability to grow, scale, and transition you…

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#424: Scaling for Sanity: Jimmy Fritz on Balancing Growth, Cash Flow, and Life 1:40:22

4M ago1:40:22

1:40:22

Running a business often feels like juggling flaming torches—especially when cash flow, growth, and operations clash with your personal goals. Today, I sit down with Jimmy Fritz, a good friend and second-generation business owner of The Wedding Shoppe and Kennedy Blue, to unpack his journey from being entrenched in daily operations to becoming a tr…

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#423: From Financial Confusion to Clarity: Unlocking the 14 Ownership KPIs with Tracy Bech 2:07:35

4M ago2:07:35

2:07:35

Many business owners struggle to connect their financials to actionable insights and ownership goals. In this episode of Independence by Design™, I sit down with Tracy Bech—founder of the 60-Minute CFO and creator of a financial forecasting system that simplifies the three-statement model—to break down the 14 Ownership KPIs that every owner-operato…

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#422: From Operator to Owner: Redefining the CEO Role with Joel Trammell 1:05:10

5M ago1:05:10

1:05:10

Many business owners wrestle with understanding the CEO’s role and its connection to ownership. In this episode of Independence by Design™, I sit down with Joel Trammell—a seasoned entrepreneur who has grown and sold two companies to nine-figure exits—to break down what a CEO truly does, how the role aligns with ownership, and how owners can transi…

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#421: Mike Michalowicz: Go All In: Unleash the Power of Ownership & Build Unstoppable Teams 58:15

5M ago58:15

58:15

If you’ve ever read Profit First or The Pumpkin Plan, you know Mike Michalowicz delivers game-changing ideas for entrepreneurs. In this episode, we dive into his newest book, All In, and talk about the systems, frameworks, and mindset shifts you need to build a business that thrives—with or without you in the room. Watch on YouTube Mike and I tackl…

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#420: Closing the Execution Gap: Systematize Your Culture & Step Back with Confidence with Bill Mills 1:35:55

5M ago1:35:55

1:35:55

If you’ve ever wondered how to protect and scale your company’s culture while cutting down on friction, drama, and the “execution gaps” that keep you stuck in the weeds, this episode is for you. I sit down with Bill Mills, founder of The Leadership Process, to dive into the strategies that help owner-operators like you align your team, systematize …

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#419: From Hustle to Freedom: How to Build a Business That Runs Without You with Jean Moncrieff 1:08:27

5M ago1:08:27

1:08:27

What happens when the business you thought would set you free starts to feel like a prison? In this episode of Independence by Design™, I sit down with Jean Moncreiff, a seasoned entrepreneur turned coach, to unpack the hard lessons he learned scaling businesses, juggling cash flow nightmares, and realizing he was building a job, not independence. …

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#418: Walker Deibel: Buy Then Build, Acquisition Entrepreneurship, and Unlocking Wealth in the Middle Market 1:37:32

6M ago1:37:32

1:37:32

In this episode of Independence by Design™, I sit down with Walker Deibel, author of Buy Then Build and founder of Acquisition Lab, to uncover the strategies that turn owner-operators into true business owners. Walker shares his expertise on how to use acquisitions to build wealth and create independence by aligning your business with your long-ter…

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#417: Mastering Profitability in a Professional Services Firm with Marcel Petitpas 1:22:29

6M ago1:22:29

1:22:29

In this episode of Independence by Design™, I sit down with Marcel Petitpas, a visionary in operational clarity and profitability for professional services. Marcel's journey as the CEO of Parakeeto has been marked by solving one of the most complex puzzles in professional services—mastering profitability through operational data. We explore his per…

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#416: Behind the Curtain: How Ultra-Wealthy Families Manage Their Business Assets with Brandon Henry 1:09:37

6M ago1:09:37

1:09:37

In this episode of Independence by Design™, I have a fascinating discussion with Brandon Henry, who works closely with billionaires and ultra-high-net-worth families as part of a family office. This conversation is invaluable for owner-operators running middle-market companies, offering a glimpse into the world of sophisticated wealth management an…

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#415: Everyone Gets Punched in the Face: A Framework for Planning with Tom Walker 1:07:52

6M ago1:07:52

1:07:52

In this episode, I sit down with Tom Walker, a financial strategist who’s all about connecting the big picture to the details—uncovering hidden constraints, planning for the unexpected, and transforming companies into resilient, wealth-generating assets. Tom brings a no-nonsense approach to planning, not to predict every outcome, but to create a fr…

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#414: How to Navigate a Third-Party Sale with an Investment Banker with Adam Webb 1:25:44

7M ago1:25:44

1:25:44

Demystify what it means to prepare for a third-party sale and how an investment banker can be a game-changer in that process. For owners weighing their exit options, Adam shares insights on how to gauge your business’s market value from a third-party buyer’s perspective—highlighting what you need to know about valuations, strategic buyer selection,…

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#413: From GameStop to Kinko's: Gary Kusin on Building, Scaling, and Creating Legacy Businesses 1:09:12

7M ago1:09:12

1:09:12

In this episode of Independence by Design™, I sit down with Gary Kusin—an entrepreneur who built some of the most recognizable brands in the world, including GameStop and Kinko’s. Gary's incredible journey, from starting Babbage’s (which became GameStop) to leading Kinko’s to a billion-dollar sale to FedEx, is packed with lessons on scaling busines…

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#412: Revenue Predictability & Strategic Marketing Tied to Valuation Growth with Shiv Narayanan 58:21

7M ago58:21

58:21

In this episode of Independence by Design™, I sit down with Shiv Narayanan, founder of How to SaaS, to uncover the core strategies behind scaling a business through strategic marketing and revenue predictability. Shiv’s deep experience in the private equity space and his work with founder-led companies offers actionable insights for owners looking …

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#411: Mastering the Art of Pricing: How to Charge What You’re Worth with Casey Brown 1:24:57

7M ago1:24:57

1:24:57

In this episode of Independence by Design™, I sit down with pricing expert Casey Brown, founder of Boost Pricing, to dig deep into one of the biggest pain points for business owners: pricing. Casey breaks down the psychological barriers that often keep us stuck—mainly fear—and shows how we can shift from defensive pricing to a confident, value-driv…

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#410: Q3 2024 Economic and M&A Update with ITR Economics, ButcherJoseph, and Walker Insights 1:40:24

7M ago1:40:24

1:40:24

In this special Quarterly Economic and M&A Update, I’ve pulled together three powerful conversations to help you, the owner-operator, navigate the current economic landscape and make smarter decisions for your business. We’ll start with Brian Beaulieu from ITR Economics, who provides a detailed breakdown of inflation, interest rates, and how the ec…

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#409: Where is the Money? From Services to E-Commerce: Tracy Bech’s Playbook for Understanding Cash Flow 1:35:28

8M ago1:35:28

1:35:28

In this episode of Independence by Design™, I sit down with Tracy Bech, a seasoned entrepreneur who has successfully navigated running multiple companies with vastly different business models. From her first services-based business with high margins to her second venture, an inventory-based e-commerce company with a completely different cash flow m…

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#408: Escaping the Daily Grind: How Matt Bodnar Moved from Operator to a Capital Allocator with a Portfolio of Businesses 1:04:59

8M ago1:04:59

1:04:59

In this episode of Independence by Design™, I sit down with Matt Bodnar to explore what it truly means to be an owner versus an operator. Matt’s journey—from being deeply entrenched in the day-to-day operations of his IT firm to becoming a strategic investor and capital allocator—perfectly illustrates the shift in mindset necessary to move from "do…

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#407: Where Does the Multiple in Business Valuations Come From (and How to Double It) with Ken Sanginario? 1:37:42

8M ago1:37:42

1:37:42

In this episode of Independence by Design™, I sit down with Ken Sanginario, a top turnaround and valuation expert and creator of the Value Opportunity Profile, to dive deep into the fundamental drivers behind business valuations. We explore how the multiple in a business valuation is directly tied to the sustainability, predictability, and transfer…

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#406: The Art and Science of Business Valuations: Insights from Over 1,500 Valuations with Brandon Hall 1:17:25

8M ago1:17:25

1:17:25

In this episode of Independence by Design™, I sit down with Brandon Hall, an expert who has conducted over 1,500 business valuations across a wide range of industries. We dive deep into the importance of understanding and controlling the value of your business. Brandon shares his journey from a corporate accountant to a trusted advisor in the valua…

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#405: Breaking Founder Dependency: How to Assess, Recruit, and Integrate the Right CEO with Mike Frommelt 1:12:11

9M ago1:12:11

1:12:11

In this episode of Independence by Design™, I sit down with Mike Frommelt, the co-founder of Strategic Talent Partners and a seasoned expert in executive search and leadership development for privately held businesses. We dive into the critical role of talent assessment and leadership development in scaling a business beyond the founder’s personal …

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#404: Design a CEO Compensation Plan Tied to Your Cash Flow & Equity Valuation Goals with Craig Rutledge 1:09:32

9M ago1:09:32

1:09:32

In this episode of Independence by Design™, Ryan Tansom is joined by Craig Rutledge, an expert in compensation strategy and the Partner at VisionLink. Craig offers valuable insights for growth-oriented business owner-operators looking to step back from daily operations and hire a CEO who can drive both cash flow and equity growth. He addresses the …

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#403: Cash Flow Broke and Balance Sheet Rich with Eric Roman 1:07:06

9M ago1:07:06

1:07:06

In this episode of Independence by Design™, Ryan Tansom is joined by Eric Roman, a former dentist turned entrepreneur and business coach, who shares his powerful story of building and exiting a successful dental service organization (DSO) worth $40 million. Despite his company’s impressive valuation, Eric felt cash flow broke and balance sheet rich…

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#402: Tax Mitigation Strategies: Keeping More of What You Earn with Roger Roundy 54:36

9M ago54:36

54:36

In this episode of Independence by Design™, Ryan Tansom sits down with Roger Roundy, a tax mitigation strategist with a unique approach to helping business owners keep more of their hard-earned money. Roger explains the three phases of wealth—accumulation, preservation, and distribution—and how each phase requires different tax mitigation strategie…

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#401: Discovering the Truth About Economics & Money: Joe Brown on Inflation, Investments, and Independence 1:03:08

9M ago1:03:08

1:03:08

In this inaugural episode of the Independence by Design™ podcast, Ryan Tansom sits down with Joe Brown, founder of Heresy Financial, to dive deep into the intricacies of the economy and financial systems. Driven by personal experiences and a relentless curiosity, Joe explores the mainstream financial narratives and advocates for a deeper understand…

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#400: Introduction to Independence by Design™ 1:01:16

9M ago1:01:16

1:01:16

In this first episode of the newly rebranded Independence by Design™ podcast, host Ryan Tansom introduces a groundbreaking ownership framework designed specifically for growth-oriented business owner-operators who seek true independence. Drawing from his personal experience of turning around and selling his family business, Ryan explains how tradit…

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Brent "The Good Things Guy" Lindeque, on Waking Up to Being a Viral Sensation, Being Gay in a Hostile World, The Family & Friends Who Lift Us Up, and Meeting Oprah Winfrey! 33:27

1y ago33:27

33:27

Its our season finale, and to end off season one on a high note we delve into the remarkable story of proudly South African Brent Lindeque, affectionately known as the ‘Good Things Guy’.Picture this: In 2014, Brent transformed a reckless challenge into a random act of kindness, setting the stage for what would become a platform that touches the liv…

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Liam Lazore on Embracing Authenticity, Transgender Advocacy, the Intersection of Sports and Gender Identity, and Lighting the Path to Inclusivity! 54:32

1y ago54:32

54:32

On this episode I’m joined by Liam Lazore, and I could not be more excited about this conversation! Liam is an out-and-proud transgender man who faced a pivotal decision as a college basketball player: to embrace his truth or conform to expectations. Opting for authenticity, Liam publicly transitioned, becoming a beacon of resilience and advocacy. …

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Tracy Todd-Heine on Becoming a Quadriplegic, Motherhood, Divorce, Depression, Suicide, Ableism, The Comrades Marathon, Finding True Love, and her Earth Angels! 1:23:40

1y ago1:23:40

1:23:40

In this episode, we're allowed a view into the raw and unfiltered journey of Tracy Todd-Heine—a story of courage, despair, and ultimate triumph. Tracy's life has been a rollercoaster of highs and lows, starting with her birth as Tracy Lian Sinclair, a name that belied the challenges she would face. At 28, tragedy struck, and a freak accident left h…

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Craig Cameron-Mackintosh on Growing up in the bush, The paths that led him to art, Colour blindness, winning the Sanlam Portrait Award, and the raunchy life of Billy Monk! 2:03:13

1y ago2:03:13

2:03:13

In this episode we embark on an artistic adventure with the one and only Craig Cameron-Mackintosh. Picture this: a young talent from the Lowveld landscapes of White River, South Africa, Craig's journey into the world of art was like a brushstroke of destiny. From doodles as a kid to mastering the art of oil painting, his story is a canvas filled wi…

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Dhruv Visvanath on AppleTV+'s My Kind of Country, music, family, setbacks, success, new projects, Bollywood, finding motivation and forgetting how to fold paper planes! 1:05:22

1+ y ago1:05:22

1:05:22

In this episode I’ll be speaking to the one and only Dhruv Visvanath, India's guitar virtuoso and the only Indian artist among Acoustic Guitar Magazine’s '30 Great Guitarists Under 30’!From taking piano lessons at the age of 7, to finally mastering the guitar, he's become affectionately known as the 'Guitar Spanker.' Dhruv's music is a vibrant blen…

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Javier Negrete on How He Met Kermit, Healing from Childhood Abuse, Illustrating Kids Books, Teaching Others to Cope With Trauma, and Opening Catfé! 34:48

1+ y ago34:48

34:48

My guest on this episode is someone that most cat lovers on Instagram will know well - Javier Negrete,better known for the transformative turn his life took with the arrival of Kermit the Cat! From overcoming childhood trauma at the hands of a family member, to becoming a passionate advocate for animal welfare and mental health, Javie’s journey is …

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Aliya Ferguson on Food, Heritage, Life after Divorce, Children, Cape Town Eateries, Her Home in South Africa, and a Letter from 10 Downing Street! 36:30

1+ y ago36:30

36:30

Today, we're joined by Aliya Ferguson, a globetrotting Nutritional Therapist turned culinary artist. With a background in business, her life took a 180-degree turn when she became a Masterchef UK 2010 quarter-finalist, and discovered her passion for crafting recipes and hosting dining events. With her expertise featured in publications like Eatsplo…

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Nianell on Music, Metaphysics, Family, Children, Divorce, Mental Health, Theta Healing and New Projects! 1:00:57

1+ y ago1:00:57

1:00:57

Born in Omaruru, Namibia, Nianell's musical journey began at the tender age of 6. A scholarship led her to study music in South Africa. Her debut album, *Who Painted The Moon?*, catapulted her to global recognition. Her angelic vocals and soulful lyrics have enthralled guests at performances on nearly every continent. Platinum albums, awards, and a…

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