Best Crushing Adversity Podcasts (2025)

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112. Healing Our Relationship With Nature: Purpose, Restoration, and Hope with Tim Christophersen 57:42

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1d ago57:42

57:42

In this episode of What's the Point, I sit down with Tim Christophersen, one of the world's leading voices in nature restoration and conservation, to explore what really drives us as humans and how we find meaning in our relationship with the natural world. Tim's journey is a powerful human story of growth, purpose, and responsibility — and it's bi…

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#180 -Roger Gracie - "The Warrior Mindset" | 10x BJJ World Champion on Conquering Fear, Winning the Mental Game & the Tao of a Champion 🥋🏆 57:17

2d ago57:17

57:17

Roger Gracie - "The Warrior Mindset" | 10x BJJ World Champion on Conquering Fear, Winning the Mental Game & the Tao of a Champion 🥋🏆 Roger Gracie - 10x BJJ World Champion and author of "The Warrior Mindset: The Tao of a Champion" reveals how a kid who was picked last for soccer, afraid to swim, and hid from his sister became the greatest jiu-jitsu …

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111. Finding Meaning Through Resilience and Kindness with Noemi Beres 54:30

8d ago54:30

54:30

In this episode of What's the Point, I sit down with Noemi Beres, a woman whose life story is a powerful reflection of resilience, kindness, and purpose. From growing up in Hungary in a modest but deeply loving family, to becoming an entrepreneur, connector, and creative force, Noemi shares what keeps her going and how she discovered what truly mat…

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Leaving the W2 Behind through Rentals and Mortgage Notes 44:18

9d ago44:18

44:18

In this episode of From Adversity to Abundance, we’re sharing a special conversation where Jamie Bateman joins Jack Hoss on the RealDealChat podcast. Jamie talks about his path from the corporate world into real estate investing, starting with single-family rentals and eventually moving into mortgage notes. He reflects on the origins of Labrador Le…

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How To Build A Gratitude Mindset For A Joyful Thanksgiving 16:11

11d ago16:11

16:11

If the headlines feel loud and your heart feels thin, consider this your invitation to build a gratitude mindset that actually sticks. We take a clear, practical walk through the habits that make thankfulness more than a seasonal feeling—so it becomes a steady way of seeing your life, your relationships, and God’s provision. We start by bridging sc…

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110. The Sweet Work of Meaning: Family, Craft, and Purpose with Shawn & Lawren Askinosie 54:59

15d ago54:59

54:59

On today's episode of What's the Point, we explore how meaning is created—slowly, intentionally, and lovingly—through the everyday work of craft, family, and purpose. Bill welcomes Shawn and Lawren Askinosie, the father–daughter team behind Askinosie Chocolate, one of America's most respected bean-to-bar chocolate companies. Their story is more tha…

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#179 -Enri Pjetri : Rome Revealed - Gladiators, Emperors & Michelangelo's Secrets ⚔️🏛️🎨 56:20

16d ago56:20

56:20

Built Not Born Podcast (Episode 179)- Enri Pjetri: Rome Revealed - Gladiators, Emperors & Michelangelo's Secrets ⚔️🏛️🎨 Roman art historian and tour guide Enri Pjetri takes us through 3,000 years of history walking the streets of the Eternal City of Rome. From the Sistine Chapel to the Colosseum, from Michelangelo to Marcus Aurelius, Enri reveals wh…

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S2 Ep14-Healing After Injustice: Monica Daly on Surviving the Family Court System 18:35

18d ago18:35

18:35

This week’s episode is a truly powerful one. I sit down with Monica Daly, a mum of two, professional chef, and aspiring motivational speaker, who opens up about her life-changing journey through the family court system- and how she found her voice after being silenced by false allegations and emotional abuse. Monica had built a life she loved- rais…

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109. From Rant to Resolve: How Unity Became His Purpose 59:35

22d ago59:35

59:35

Discovering meaning and purpose by choosing connection over division — how one leader turned a moment of frustration into a nationwide movement for unity. After three decades in high-powered business and private equity, Adam Mizel found himself yelling at the TV in 2020, watching the world unravel. That moment sparked an unexpected transformation—f…

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You Can Rewire Your Mind With God’s Help 19:03

29d ago19:03

19:03

Feeling stuck in prayer, purpose, or your daily walk with God? Let's change the script. We talk about the trap of a fixed mindset and map a clear path toward a growth mindset that is honest about weakness and bold about progress. You'll hear how humility and persistence fuel fundamental transformation, and why the words "not yet" can reshape your i…

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#178 -Bryan Antonelli: "Seize, Clear, Build, Hold" - Transforming America's Most Violent Prisons 1:02:58

1M ago1:02:58

1:02:58

Built Not Born Podcast - Bryan Antonelli: "Seize, Clear, Build Hold" - Transforming America's Most Violent Prisons Former Federal Bureau of Prisons Senior Deputy Regional Director Bryan Antonelli shares 25 years of leadership lessons from transforming America's most dangerous prisons. From Hazelton (where Whitey Bulger was murdered) to Coleman (lar…

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S2 Ep13- Building Soul-Based Resilience in Times of Uncertainty, Esther Heese 17:34

1M ago17:34

17:34

In this powerful and heart-opening episode, I sit down with Esther Heese, a soul-based resilience mentor from Las Palma who has dedicated more than 30 years to helping people navigate life’s greatest uncertainties. Esther’s mission is to inspire others to find peace, clarity, and strength — even when life feels like it’s falling apart. She guides p…

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Life’s Inflection Points and Real Estate Freedom: Whitney Elkins-Hutten on Resilience, Career Shifts, and Redefining Wealth 51:53

1M ago51:53

51:53

In this episode of From Adversity to Abundance, host Jamie Bateman sits down with Whitney Elkins-Hutten, a real estate investor, educator, and the Director of Investor Education at PassiveInvesting.com. Whitney’s journey is not just about building wealth—it’s about navigating real-life challenges, pivoting when necessary, and using adversity as a c…

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S2 Ep12-Beyond the Courtroom, Michelle Eldin: A Mother’s Courage in the Fight for Her Child 17:19

1M ago17:19

17:19

In this episode, I sit down with Michelle Eldin, someone I connected with online after she saw my Start Over book co-author post on Facebook. From the moment we spoke, her story really struck a chord with me — not only because of what she’s endured, but because of how she’s transformed her experience into something empowering. Michelle opens up abo…

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S2 Ep11-From Council estate to 17 Houses: Shirleyann's journey to an extraordinary life 18:57

1M ago18:57

18:57

Growing up on a council estate in the North, Shirley Ann Haig didn’t have an easy start. Raised by a single mum on benefits, she knew she wanted more out of life — even if the odds were stacked against her. From lying about detention just to do her homework, Shirley’s early years were far from glamorous. But that didn’t stop her. She turned her lif…

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#177 - Dave Berke: "The Need to Lead" - Former Top Gun Instructor & F-35 Commander on Why Every Problem is a Leadership Problem ✈️ 1:03:53

2M ago1:03:53

1:03:53

Dave Berke: "The Need to Lead" - Former Top Gun Instructor & F-35 Commander on Why Every Problem is a Leadership Problem ✈️ Former Marine Corps Lieutenant Colonel Dave Berke shares his journey from Top Gun instructor to F-35 squadron commander to combat veteran fighting alongside Navy SEALs in Ramadi. Now a leadership instructor at Echelon Front wi…

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S2 Ep10- The Truth behind the film I got to #2 on Netflix US 25:29

2M ago25:29

25:29

In this episode, I’m setting the record straight about a feature film I helped fund and produce, which went on to reach number 2 on Netflix USA and number 4 on Netflix UK. I want to share how it really came together-not through luck, but through connections, timing, and an unshakable belief in what I was doing. This film was born out of persistence…

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#176 -Amy P. Kelly & Julie Nee: "The Gift of Growth" 🌱 43:03

2M ago43:03

43:03

Built Not Born Podcast (#176)- Amy P. Kelly & Julie Nee: "The Gift of Growth" on Daily Micro-Actions, Building Beliefs, and Why Four Minutes Beats Four Hours Amy P. Kelly and Julie Nee share their latest book "The Gift of Growth" - a daily growth guide proving that four minutes of intentional action beats four hours of planning. Both corporate vete…

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S2 Ep9-From Cello to Chakras: Jerome Zoran on Energy Expansion and Healing 17:58

2M ago17:58

17:58

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S2 Ep8- DEATH IN NEW YORK: Camille Wordsworth’s Journey to Self-Healing 17:55

2M ago17:55

17:55

One night. One city. One moment that changed everything. In this moving episode, Camille Wordsworth shares her remarkable journey from following a carefully plotted life plan to finding her own voice and purpose. Once a finance analyst raised to do everything “by the book,” Camille opens up about how losing her job, navigating a toxic relationship,…

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Erica Kirk’s Grace: Resilience After Tragedy 10:36

2M ago10:36

10:36

What does real forgiveness look like when the wound is still fresh? We open with the powerful moment at Charlie Kirk’s memorial and the courageous grace Erica Kirk offered to the person responsible for his death. Her choice isn’t framed as perfection or passivity—it’s a living example of how faith, scripture, and daily practice can turn a crushing …

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From Pro Skier to Chronic Illness to $28 Million in Sales: Athena Brownson on Identity, Adversity, and Serving Through Real Estate 54:57

2M ago54:57

54:57

In this episode of From Adversity to Abundance, host Jamie Bateman sits down with Athena Brownson, a former professional skier turned powerhouse real estate agent, investor, and developer. Athena opens up about her journey through debilitating health struggles—including a career-ending injury, chronic Lyme disease, and eight surgeries—while simulta…

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S2 Ep7- From Stuck to Strong 10:07

2M ago10:07

10:07

In this episode, I open up about one of the most challenging times in my life...a period where I felt completely lost and trapped. I share how my journey took me from building businesses and breaking sales records in Malaysia, to fighting for my marriage years ago, and ultimately to discovering a deeper connection with myself and the universe. Alon…

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From Childhood Abandonment to Sales Leadership: Merriah Harkins on Emotional Resilience, Private Credit, and Earning Investor Trust 1:02:30

2M ago1:02:30

1:02:30

In this episode of From Adversity to Abundance, host Jamie Bateman speaks with Merriah Harkins, Senior Sales Officer at Lukrom, a private investment firm with a focus on private credit. While Merriah has built a powerhouse career in sales and investor relations—with over 25 years of experience driving revenue and client retention—her professional s…

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#175 -Guy Kawasaki - "Wiser Guy" : Apple's Former Chief Evangelist on Mission-Driven Leadership, Surfing at 71, and Where Motivation Comes From 46:27

2M ago46:27

46:27

Episode: Built Not Born Guest: Guy Kawasaki - Former Apple Chief Evangelist, Author of "Wiser Guy" Host: Joe Ciccarone Release Date: September 22, 2025 🎯 Power Quote "Your true scorecard isn't measured in dollars, followers, or fancy titles. It's measured in lives changed, relationships strengthened and personal growth achieved. I hope you made peo…

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When Headlines Crush Your Spirit, Choose Hope Anyway 7:26

3M ago7:26

7:26

When tragedy strikes, where do we turn? The brutal murder of a young Ukrainian refugee and the shocking assassination of Charlie Kirk have left many questioning how hope can survive in such troubled times. These events shake us to our core, yet they also highlight something vital – darkness and hatred may be relentless, but so is the light of faith…

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S2 Ep6- The Cave you fear to enter, holds the treasure you seek. 10:48

3M ago10:48

10:48

In this episode, we explore one of the biggest mistakes people make when trying to be the hero of their own story... and how it can leave them broke, lost, or defeated. Drawing inspiration from Joseph Campbell’s The Hero with a Thousand Faces and the timeless journey of Luke Skywalker in Star Wars, we dive deep into the meaning of Campbell’s powerf…

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108. The Journey, Not the Destination: John Golden on Authentic Leadership and Self-Awareness 50:48

3M ago50:48

50:48

In this episode of What's the Point?, Bill Ellis welcomes John Golden—strategist, podcaster, martial arts practitioner, and Chief Strategy & Marketing Officer at Pipeliner CRM. John's story stretches from growing up in Ireland to building a career in the U.S. that blends sales leadership, publishing, and purpose-driven business. Through their conve…

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#174 -Jay Papasan - The Rookie Real Estate Agent, Why Busy Means Broke, and Turning Focus Into a Superpower - Episode 174 🏠📈 40:34

3M ago40:34

40:34

Built Not Born Podcast: Jay Papasan - The Rookie Real Estate Agent, Why Busy Means Broke, and Turning Focus Into a Superpower - Episode 174 🏠📈 Episode Description 📖 Co-author of "The One Thing" Jay Papasan returns to Built Not Born for his third appearance to discuss his latest book "The Rookie Real Estate Agent." In this power-packed conversation,…

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Breaking Free from Decision Paralysis 12:36

3M ago12:36

12:36

Have you ever felt completely paralyzed by indecision? That moment when options swirl around you, but taking any step forward seems impossible? You're not alone. The weight of indecisiveness is something we all carry at times – it creates anxiety, frustration, and can even contribute to depression as opportunities slip through our fingers. God does…

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#173 -End of Summer Recap, Camera Flashes, and Fall Preview 📸☀️🍂 6:32

3M ago6:32

6:32

End of Summer Recap, Camera Flashes, and Fall Preview - Episode 173 📸☀️🍂 Episode Description 📖 Built Not Born host Joe Ciccarone takes a break from guest interviews to share an end-of-summer reflection and preview the exciting lineup of guests coming in the fall season. Joe opens up about the "best of times and worst of times" summer, sharing the l…

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S2 Ep5- How Dance set me free 5:46

3M ago5:46

5:46

Most people would never guess this about me… I used to spend my nights at the Farmers Club in Buxton, dancing my heart out. Dancing-especially to Michael Jackson and the Bee Gees...became my escape and helped me through some dark times, giving me the freedom to just let go. That passion took me further than I ever imagined: from auditioning at Pine…

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107. Building Trust That Lasts: How Unity and Service Can Transform Communities, Companies, and Culture with Chip Webster 55:39

3M ago55:39

55:39

Trust. It's something we all crave, yet so many of us feel it slipping away. In today's conversation, I sit down with Chip Webster, founder of Unity and Service and author of Unity and Service: A Pathway to Responsible Citizenship. Chip has spent decades observing how trust is built—and broken—in boardrooms, neighborhoods, and across our country. H…

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Making Bold Decisions in Uncertain Times 14:17

3M ago14:17

14:17

Feeling stuck at life's crossroads? You're not alone. In this empowering episode, we tackle that all-too-familiar feeling when following God's plan feels like assembling IKEA furniture without instructions—confusing and frustrating. Decisiveness isn't just for naturally confident people; it's a skill you can develop through faith. I share how under…

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S2 Ep4 - Personal Branding That Converts: Real Strategies That Work 7:20

4M ago7:20

7:20

Building a personal brand isn’t just about strategy- it's about energy. When you fully embody who you are and share your journey authentically, you naturally attract the right people and opportunities. Working at a high frequency means showing up with intention, positivity, and clarity, so that everything you create carries more impact. In this spa…

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Own Your Life: How Deliberate Decisions Shape Your Future 17:03

4M ago17:03

17:03

What if the transformation you've been waiting for is simply one decision away? This eye-opening episode challenges the paralysis of indecision that keeps so many of us stuck in patterns of unfulfillment and missed potential. We dive deep into why managing life—not curing it—requires making deliberate choices that align with our purpose. Too many p…

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#172 - Jon Gordon - The 7 Commitments of a Great Team, Why Teammates Are Forever, and How Commitments Crush Goals 🚀⚡ 15:45

4M ago15:45

15:45

Built Not Born Podcast: Jon Gordon - The 7 Commitments of a Great Team, Why Teammates Are Forever, and How Commitments Crush Goals 🚀⚡ Episode Description 📖 Bestselling author Jon Gordon returns to Built Not Born to discuss his latest book "The 7 Commitments of a Great Team" - a book that took him 16 days to type but 54 years to write 📚. From his da…

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S2 Ep3 - Family time capsule: Favourite memories with the kids 3:58

4M ago3:58

3:58

In this episode, I’m taking a trip down memory lane to share some of my most memorable moments with my kids. From fun adventures to quiet times that mean the world to me, I’ll talk about the family memories I love to look back on and why they’ve stuck with me over the years. Join me as I reflect on the stories that make our family bond so special. …

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(Replay) How Feedback, Jiu-Jitsu, and Plant-Based Living Changed Everything with Jason Bronstad 50:02

4M ago50:02

50:02

What happens when you lose 100 pounds, humble your ego on the jiu-jitsu mat, rebuild your marriage through intentional listening, and take the helm of one of the cleanest plant-based brands in America? In this episode, Matt sits down with Jason Bronstad, CEO of MALK Organics, to unpack his radical transformation. From facing unemployment in early 2…

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106. From Purpose to Legacy: Derrick Girard on Finding Faith Through Adversity 48:52

4M ago48:52

48:52

In this episode of What's the Point?, host Bill Ellis sits down with Derrick Girard—entrepreneur, Air Force veteran, and author of Put to the Test. Derrick shares how a series of business challenges—including three major lawsuits—pushed him to reevaluate everything he thought he knew about success, leadership, and resilience. From growing up in a m…

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I Got Sober to Survive. I Stayed Sober to Lead with Damon Mitchell 43:23

4M ago43:23

43:23

When Damon Mitchell lost the ability to do a single pushup, it triggered a reckoning—not just with his body, but with his identity as “the strong guy.” In this raw and reflective episode, Damon opens up about the neurological injury that sidelined his body but awakened something deeper. He shares how sobriety, self-trust, and intentional brotherhoo…

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#171 - Martin Dugard - Taking Midway, Epic History, and the Courage That Changed the World 🚢⚓ 41:38

4M ago41:38

41:38

Built Not Born Podcast: Martin Dugard on Taking Midway, Epic History, and the Courage That Changed the World 🚢⚓ Episode Description 📖 New York Times bestselling author Martin Dugard joins Built Not Born to discuss his latest book "Taking Midway" and how he makes history as exciting as a spy thriller 🕵️‍♂️. From co-authoring 12+ books in The Killing…

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Beyond Networking: Daniel Andrews on Asking the Right Questions to Build Real Trust 43:23

4M ago43:23

43:23

Matt Drinkhahn sits down with longtime friend and business coach Daniel Patrick Andrews for a raw and inspiring conversation about personal transformation, grief, and the business of building meaningful relationships. Daniel shares how he went from being a self-described “recovering people pleaser” who was “better in small doses,” to becoming a top…

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105. Begin With WE: Kyle McDowell on Crushing Workplace Dysfunction and Leading with Principle 51:45

4M ago51:45

51:45

What if the real problem in corporate culture isn't the strategy—but the absence of shared principles? In this powerful episode of What's the Point?, Bill Ellis welcomes bestselling author, speaker, and former Fortune 10 executive Kyle McDowell. Kyle pulls back the curtain on what's broken in today's organizations—and how The 10 WEs framework can s…

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#170 - Jamie Cochran - Jocko Willink's Secret Weapon on Extreme Ownership & Creating Leaders (Encore Episode) 55:43

5M ago55:43

55:43

Built Not Born Podcast: Jamie Cochran - Jocko Willink's Secret Weapon on Extreme Ownership & Creating Leaders POWER QUOTE: "You are doing your team a disservice if you are not putting them in a position to lead. If you are not giving them those opportunities to solve problems, to come up with solutions, to come up with plans and then go execute on …

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Navigating Grief: Supporting Loved Ones After Sudden Loss 12:32

5M ago12:32

12:32

The aftermath of devastating floods in Texas and New Mexico brings a somber reflection on how we comfort those facing sudden, unexpected loss. Drawing from both personal experience and professional expertise as a minister and crisis response specialist, this episode offers ten practical approaches to supporting grieving friends and family members. …

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104. No Degree Required: Ken Rusk on Building Comfort, Peace, and Freedom Through Blue Collar Grit 50:02

5M ago50:02

50:02

What if you didn't need a college degree to create the life of your dreams? In this episode of What's the Point?, Bill Ellis sits down with bestselling author, entrepreneur, and blue collar advocate Ken Rusk to unpack what it really means to take control of your future—without following the traditional path. Ken shares his journey from ditch diggin…

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It Costs Nothing to Be Polite: Lifting Others as You Rise with Dedric & Krystal 44:10

5M ago44:10

44:10

From chance gas station encounters to building an empire brick by brick, Dedric & Krystal Polite share how they rose from generational poverty to create generational wealth — and lift others as they rise. In this candid conversation, they reveal how getting fired and evicted sparked their Airbnb hustle, how a betrayal at 19 fueled their mindset tha…

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#169 - In Memory of My Dad - Francis Silvio Ciccarone 13:24

5M ago13:24

13:24

Episode 169: In Memory of Francis Silvio Ciccarone - Life Lessons from The Counselor 💔 A Special Memorial Episode - Host Joe Ciccarone honors his father Francis, who passed away July 3rd, 2025 after a courageous battle with cancer. This deeply personal episode shares the life lessons, wisdom, and legacy of a Department of Defense Hall of Fame engin…

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(Replay) Building Strong Communities for the Future with Thomas Power 43:53

5M ago43:53

43:53

In this enlightening episode of the Eternal Optimist, Matt Drinkhahn sits down with Thomas Power, a visionary thinker in the realm of AI and community building. They delve into the transformative power of AI, the emergence of intimate community groups, and the potential business models that can sustain these groups. They also explore the intersecti…