Best Matt Swanson Podcasts (2025)

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Poetic Alchemy: Angela Harvey on Healing, Boundaries, and Self-Discovery 1:16:13

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7d ago1:16:13

1:16:13

In this heartfelt episode of The Human Experience, host Jennifer Peterkin welcomes Angela Harvey, who opens up about her profound journey through codependency, depression, and rediscovering her self-worth. Angela shares candid reflections on her lifelong search for validation, the pain of unmet expectations, and the transformative process of learni…

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Uncovering Hidden Roots: Linda Ambrus Broenniman on Family Secrets, Survival, and The Politzer Saga 1:15:58

22d ago1:15:58

1:15:58

Show Notes: In this profound episode of The Human Experience, host Jennifer Peterkin and guest interviewer Linda explore the extraordinary story of a woman whose Hungarian refugee parents survived World War II and the Holocaust. The guest recounts the shocking discovery of her hidden Jewish heritage within a family that had long believed they were …

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Rebuilding After the Wreck: Cheryl Wilder on Accountability, Healing, and the Power of Creativity 1:33:57

1M ago1:33:57

1:33:57

In this deeply moving episode of The Human Experience, host Jennifer Peterkin welcomes Cheryl Wilder, who shares her remarkable journey of survival, accountability, and transformation following a tragic car accident at age 20 that changed the course of her life. Cheryl recounts the night of the crash that left her friend severely injured and led to…

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Beyond the Pulpit: How One Pastor Challenged the Status Quo 1:21:27

2M ago1:21:27

1:21:27

Show Notes: In this thoughtful episode of The Human Experience, host Jennifer Peterkin visits John (Jonathan Heaslet) at his North Carolina home to reflect on a remarkable life of service, transformation, and storytelling. John shares his early years growing up near San Francisco, his studies in mathematics and economics, and his first career as a …

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From Tragedy to Purpose: Linda’s Journey of Loss, Love & Service 1:02:57

2M ago1:02:57

1:02:57

In this moving episode of The Human Experience, host Jennifer Peterkin sits down with Linda, who shares her extraordinary journey of resilience and compassion. After the tragic murder of her best friend and her best friend’s mother, Linda made the life-altering decision to take in the five orphaned children left behind. What began as an act of love…

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Triumphing Over Trauma: Maria Teresa Pratico-Swanson on Healing, Spiritual Awakening, and Self-Love 1:12:29

3M ago1:12:29

1:12:29

Show Notes: In this heartfelt episode of The Human Experience, host Jennifer Peterkin sits down with Maria Teresa Pratico-Swanson, a shamanic healer, artist, and speaker whose life story is one of resilience, hope, and transformation. Maria opens up about her personal journey through trauma, addiction, and domestic violence, sharing how she overcam…

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Had to Ask: Shannon Lewis on Choreographing Just In Time, SNL, and 25+ Years on Broadway 40:28

3M ago40:28

40:28

Shannon Lewis (@realshanlew) is a veteran Broadway performer turned choreographer whose career spans more than 25 years on stage and screen. She made her Broadway debut in the original run of Crazy for You, later earning acclaim performing ‘I Gotcha’ in the original Broadway cast of Fosse. Shannon also went on to appear in beloved productions like …

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Had to Ask: John Cardoza on Love, Loss, and Finding His Way from Moulin Rouge! to The Notebook 56:09

3M ago56:09

56:09

John Cardoza (@johnfcardoza) joins me on Had to Ask for a vulnerable, moving, and deeply human conversation about love, grief, and resilience. From touring the country in Moulin Rouge! to creating the role of Young Noah in The Notebook on Broadway, John has built a career grounded not just in talent, but in choosing what feels right and meaningful.…

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Rewriting the Story: Derek Newborn on Resilience, Healing, and Spiritual Awakening 1:20:46

3M ago1:20:46

1:20:46

In this episode of The Human Experience, host Jennifer Peterkin travels to Clermont, FL and welcomes Derek Newborn, who shares his raw and inspiring journey from abandonment, trauma, and self-destruction to transformation, healing, and purpose. Growing up in Fort Myers, Florida, Derek faced the pain of parental incarceration, single-parent struggle…

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Had to Ask: Matt Doyle on Company, Sondheim, and Surviving Broadway’s Toughest Truths 59:12

3M ago59:12

59:12

Tony Award winner Matt Doyle (@mattfdoyle) — who you may know from Company, Spring Awakening, The Book of Mormon, and more — joins me on Had to Ask for a candid, hilarious, and heartfelt conversation about the highs, lows, and everything in between of life in the theatre. From falling head over heels for Sondheim to dreaming of playing Romeo, Matt …

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Brotherhood & Battle: Michael Allison on Overcoming Adversity, Identity, and the Power of Resilience 1:41:24

4M ago1:41:24

1:41:24

In this powerful and emotionally charged episode of The Human Experience, host Jennifer Peterkin sits down in Boynton Beach, FL. with Michael W. Allison, MBA—U.S. Marine, Purple Heart recipient, award-winning keynote speaker, and best-selling author—to explore a remarkable life story shaped by trauma, transformation, and purpose. From a challenging…

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Had to Ask: Burke Swanson on Stranger Things, Back to the Future, and Building Community Through Theatre 48:24

4M ago48:24

48:24

You might know Burke Swanson (@burke_swanson) as Young Hopper in Stranger Things: The First Shadow on Broadway — but his path to the Upside Down started long before the Demodogs. After making his Broadway debut in The Rose Tattoo, Burke has quickly become a performer to watch, blending physicality, poetry, and heart into every role. In this episode…

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Had to Ask: J. Harrison Ghee on Some Like It Hot, Winning a Tony, Drag as Revelation & Being Seen 45:55

4M ago45:55

45:55

Had to Ask is back with the one and only J. Harrison Ghee (@jharrisonghee) — Tony Award-winner, Broadway trailblazer, and all-around radiant soul. In this episode, J gets candid about the fearless self-expression that’s defined their journey onstage and off. From their first instinct reading the Some Like It Hot script to why playing Lola in Kinky …

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Failing Grief: How Losing His Mom Shaped Matt Gilhooly’s Life 1:23:46

4M ago1:23:46

1:23:46

Matt Gilhooly, host of The Life Shift podcast, shares the story behind his own pivotal life shift—the sudden death of his mother when he was just eight years old. In a deeply moving conversation, Matt reflects on the fallout that followed, the perfectionism that took hold, and how it took him 20 years to finally face the grief he had buried. He ope…

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Had to Ask: Drew Gehling on Booking the Role That Got Away in & Juliet, the Broadway Community, and Loving Julia Mattison 54:42

4M ago54:42

54:42

What happens when Broadway’s favorite Shakespeare gets real about love, legacy, and the role that got away? In this episode of Had to Ask, Drew Gehling (@drewgehling), currently starring as Shakespeare in & Juliet on Broadway, opens up about what it’s like to be part of a show he calls “the joy factory,” lighting up the stage eight times a week. We…

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Had to Ask: Erich Bergen on Playing the Villain in Boop! on Broadway, Being a Multi-Hyphenate, and Why Blake Still Hits Hard 58:37

4M ago58:37

58:37

You may know Erich Bergen (@erichbergen) from Jersey Boys, Waitress, or playing the internet’s favorite political heartthrob on Madam Secretary (Melanie's words, not his)— but in this episode of Had to Ask, he opens up about some of the moments that really shaped him. We talk about how he got his foot in the door selling merch at the Shubert Theatr…

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From Budapest to Hollywood: Katherine Mitchell on Resilience, Reinvention, and the Stories We Carry 1:41:31

4M ago1:41:31

1:41:31

Katherine Mitchell’s 84-year journey defies the limits of a single identity. Born during WWII in Hungary, she survived war, communism, and displacement before building a multifaceted life in the U.S. As a nationally ranked gymnast turned refugee, talent agent turned screenwriter, single mother turned novelist, Katherine’s story is a testament to gr…

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Had to Ask: Tatianna Córdoba on Real Women Have Curves on Broadway, Societal Expectations, Immigration, and the People Who Raised Us 39:22

5M ago39:22

39:22

Before Real Women Have Curves closed on Broadway, Tatianna Córdoba (@tatiannasophia) sat down with Had to Ask to talk about everything this moment meant to her — and what it took to get there. Tatianna opens up about the power of representation as a half-Filipina, half-Latina woman on Broadway, the pressure of societal expectations, and telling sto…

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Had to Ask: Emma Pittman on The Outsiders on Broadway, Parasocial Relationships, and What’s on Her For You Page (It’s Unhinged) 51:28

5M ago51:28

51:28

Meet Emma Pittman: Broadway’s rising star who’s breaking the mold, telling her truth, and giving us all the backstage tea in the very first episode of Had to Ask. Emma Pittman (⁠@emmapittmanofficial⁠) is not just Cherry Valance in The Outsiders — she’s a vlogger, a Broadway scene-stealer, and forever the internet’s Roxie Hart. In this episode, Emma…

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Living History: Robert Kesten on Activism, Identity, and the Stories That Shape Us 1:28:24

5M ago1:28:24

1:28:24

Robert Kesten, Executive Director of the Stonewall National Museum & Archives, shares a deeply personal and wide-ranging conversation that spans civil rights, global activism, the importance of preserving history, and his lifelong commitment to justice. From organizing a fundraising event as a child in response to Martin Luther King Jr.'s assassina…

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From Trauma to Advocacy: Shakina Rush and the Mission Behind She Is U 46:00

5M ago46:00

46:00

After surviving childhood sexual abuse, domestic violence, and sexual assault, Shakina Rush chose healing—and then built a movement. In this powerful in-person conversation, recorded in Philadelphia after her nonprofit’s second annual housing fair, Shakina shares how her lived experiences shaped She Is U, an organization that supports individuals i…

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A Promise to His Mother: Richard Hsung on Legacy, Loss, and the Power of Story 1:17:14

6M ago1:17:14

1:17:14

When Richard Hsung promised his dying mother he’d finish her memoir, he didn’t yet understand the weight of that vow—or the decade-long journey it would set in motion. In this episode, Richard shares his deeply personal path of honoring his mother’s extraordinary life as an adopted child of American missionaries in pre-Communist China, a refugee fr…

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From Refugee to Healer: Dr. Katrina Nguyen’s Journey of Faith, Freedom, and Service 1:13:22

6M ago1:13:22

1:13:22

Dr. Katrina Nguyen was just 14 months old when her family fled Vietnam by boat during the Fall of Saigon, a journey marked by near-death experiences and unimaginable courage. Now a board-certified pediatric gastroenterologist, bestselling author, and founder of the nonprofit Faithful-2-Fitness, she channels that legacy of resilience into helping fa…

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The Greatest Journey: From Restaurant Owner to Travel Photographer 1:02:15

7M ago1:02:15

1:02:15

In this episode of The Human Experience, I sit down with Ralph Velasco, a seasoned travel photographer and founder of small group travel experiences. Raised in suburban Chicago, Ralph takes us through his winding career path—from restaurants and real estate to his true calling behind the camera and on the road. We explore how travel can be a powerf…

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The Power of Local: A Life in Service to Philadelphia 53:43

7M ago53:43

53:43

In this episode of The Human Experience, I sit down with Vincent Thompson, longtime journalist and current Communications Director for the President of Philadelphia City Council. Born and raised in Philly, Vincent shares how his curiosity led him from a school newspaper to national political conventions and eventually into public service. We discus…

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From Coal Mines to Concert Halls: My Grandmother’s Century of Stories 1:13:04

8M ago1:13:04

1:13:04

In this heartfelt episode, I sit down with my grandmother—my last living grandparent—to capture her incredible journey through life. From her Italian immigrant roots in coal-mining Pennsylvania to her years as a talented young musician and her marriage to my grandfather, a brilliant physicist and Holocaust survivor, this conversation uncovers a cen…

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Healing Beyond Therapy: Kim’s Story 1:10:42

8M ago1:10:42

1:10:42

After years of identifying solely as a teacher, Kim faced an identity crisis when burnout forced her to leave the profession. What followed was a deeply personal journey through therapy, self-discovery, and alternative healing modalities. In this episode, she shares the emotional rollercoaster of redefining herself, uncovering childhood trauma, and…

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Holding It Loosely: The Evolution of The Human Experience Podcast 9:19

8M ago9:19

9:19

Two years ago, The Human Experience went live—a deeply personal and transformative journey of storytelling, connection, and vulnerability. Host Jennifer Peterkin reflects on what she has learned, the intentionality behind in-person interviews, and why proximity and presence matter in capturing human stories. She also shares an important update abou…

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From Coincidence to Miracle – Sophia’s Story 58:10

9M ago58:10

58:10

What if life’s coincidences weren’t random, but signs guiding you toward your true purpose? In this episode of The Human Experience, Jennifer sits down with Sophia, whose remarkable journey has taken her from working with Buckminster Fuller in architecture to running a couture fashion business, and ultimately helping survivors of human trafficking …

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Season 1 Finale: The Biggest Lessons & Boldest Moves 7:17

9M ago7:17

7:17

Send us a text In this episode of Tribe Tracks, host Kendall LeJeune pulls back the curtain on a season that began with the classic creator doubt: "Am I just about to rant into the void?" Join us for this special finale as Kendall reveals how those initial whispers of uncertainty transformed into a movement that's redefining community-building acro…

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How Matt Porcaro Engineered His Brand’s Rise to 80K+ Followers 1:07:25

9M ago1:07:25

1:07:25

Send us a text From being the kid who always picked the weird character in Mario Kart to building an 82,000+ follower brand in a completely blue ocean niche, Matt Porcaro proves that embracing your contrarian instincts might just be your biggest advantage. In this episode of Tribe Tracks, host Kendall LeJeune sits down with Matt Porcaro, founder of…

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Episode 76: From Survival to Strength - Ethan’s Story 1:12:49

9M ago1:12:49

1:12:49

In this episode of The Human Experience, Jennifer Peterkin sits down with Ethan Poetic, a self-published author, keynote speaker, and survivor of incredible adversity. Ethan shares his journey of growing up in a single-parent household, taking on responsibilities beyond his years, and surviving a near-fatal car accident that left him with a 99% cha…

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Kristen Hartnagel: Your Brand Already Exists—But Are You Controlling It? 1:09:42

9M ago1:09:42

1:09:42

Send us a text "Want to know how Lewis Howes, Ed Mylett, and Amy Porterfield built their personal brands? Meet the architect behind their success." In this episode of Tribe Tracks, host Kendall LeJeune sits down with Kristen Hartnagel, founding team member of Brand Builders Group and the strategic mind who's helped over 60 authors hit bestseller li…

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The Truth About Foster Care & Adoption: Episode 75 - Joe’s Story Part 2 1:17:38

9M ago1:17:38

1:17:38

Show Notes: Content Warning: This episode contains discussions about drug use, abuse, and neglect. Please proceed with care. Two years after his first appearance on the podcast, Joe returns to share the incredible and often painful journey of adopting his niece and nephew. In this raw and honest conversation, he details the struggles of navigating …

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Justin Colby Built an Empire by Breaking Every Branding Rule (Except One) 55:18

9M ago55:18

55:18

Send us a text "Want to know how someone becomes Apple's #2 ranked investing podcast without spending a dollar on marketing for 10 years? (Spoiler: It involves being the opposite of what you'd expect)" In this episode of Tribe Tracks, Kendall dives deep with Justin Colby, who went from "broke, busted, and disgusted" to running multiple 7-figure bus…

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The Family You Choose: Episode 4 - Joe’s Story (REPLAY) 48:48

10M ago48:48

48:48

Next week, we’ll be bringing Joe, a former guest, back to the podcast to continue sharing more of his story. In the meantime, please enjoy listening to his first appearance on The Human Experience Podcast. Content Warning: In this episode we discuss domestic violence, suicide, drug addiction, and childhood abuse. Please proceed with care. In this d…

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Attention Is Currency—Logan Swanson on How to Get More of It. 43:12

10M ago43:12

43:12

Send us a text From land investing to podcasting empire: How Logan Swanson turned niche expertise into a content marketing powerhouse without spending a dime on ads. In this episode of Tribe Tracks, host Kendall LeJeune sits down with Logan Swanson, founder of Prime Land Exchange and host of The Land Fixer podcast, to unlock the secrets behind buil…

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Finding Strength In Vulnerability - Laurel’s Story 1:57:19

10M ago1:57:19

1:57:19

In this deeply moving episode of The Human Experience with host Jennifer Peterkin, Laurel opens up about her incredible life story filled with resilience, heartbreak, and humor. From being placed in foster care at just two years old, to experiencing multiple homes, adoption, and reconnecting with her sister and extended family, Laurel’s journey is …

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Your Brand Is About to Die—Jeremy Knauff's Brutal Warning 1:17:39

10M ago1:17:39

1:17:39

Send us a text "From near-death to becoming a PR powerhouse who's helped shape financial literacy curriculum for an entire state - Jeremy Knauff reveals how authentic storytelling transforms expertise into industry authority." In this episode of Tribe Tracks, host Kendall LeJeune sits down with Jeremy Knauff, Marine Corps veteran turned PR strategi…

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Building Greenhouses of Hope - John’s Story 1:49:29

10M ago1:49:29

1:49:29

In this heartfelt and inspiring episode, Jennifer Peterkin sits down with c, founder of the Greenhouse Project in Chester, Pennsylvania. John shares his incredible journey from addiction and incarceration to living out his faith through radical community-building. He unpacks the mission behind the Greenhouse Project, a ministry rooted in transformi…

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Your Perfect Posts Are Killing Your Brand - Bret Shuford 58:46

10M ago58:46

58:46

Send us a text From Broadway stages to 216K followers, Bret Shuford transformed "showing up" into an art form - without a single trending dance. In this episode of Tribe Tracks, host Kendall LeJeune sits down with the Broadway star turned digital strategist who proves you don't need to sacrifice authenticity for attention. Join us as we unlock the …

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Life Under and After Communism - Jeny’s Story 1:30:27

10M ago1:30:27

1:30:27

Show Notes: In this episode of The Human Experience, we sit down with Jeny, a Romanian native and social worker, to explore her extraordinary story. Jeny shares her experiences growing up under the communist regime in Romania, witnessing the 1989 revolution, and her current work with children in need through Firm Foundations Romania (FFR). Through …

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Josh Culler On Why 98% of Creators Quit (And How to Be the 2%) 1:07:19

10M ago1:07:19

1:07:19

Send us a text "The $10,000 camera equipment sat unopened in boxes. That's when I realized most people are building their brands completely backwards." In this episode of Tribe Tracks, host Kendall LeJeune sits down with Josh Culler, whose 13-year journey from high school marketing intern to organic growth strategist revealed an uncomfortable truth…

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Parenthood, Purpose, & Rediscovering Yourself - Markella’s Story 1:38:27

11M ago1:38:27

1:38:27

In this heartwarming and deeply insightful episode of The Human Experience, Jennfier sits down with Markella, a psychologist specializing in the identity shifts of parenthood, to explore the evolving nature of relationships, self-discovery, and the challenges of balancing societal expectations with personal growth. From the breathtaking setting of …

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Online Community Building is Broken (Here’s the Fix) | Megan Huber 1:18:17

11M ago1:18:17

1:18:17

Send us a text From high school teacher to 6-figure launch in just 60 days - discover how Megan Huber built multiple thriving communities by breaking conventional engagement rules. In this episode of Tribe Tracks, host Kendall LeJeune sits down with Megan Huber, a community-building strategist who helps coaches transform their audiences into thrivi…

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A Season of Stories - Recap Episode 1:16:41

11M ago1:16:41

1:16:41

Welcome to a special recap episode of The Human Experience Podcast! In this episode, host Jennifer Peterkin takes us on a journey through some of the most compelling and impactful moments from past conversations. Featuring highlights from some incredible guest interviews, Jennifer weaves these moments together with her own insights, reflecting on r…

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How Steve Trang Built a Podcast Empire by Shutting Up 1:09:39

11M ago1:09:39

1:09:39

Send us a text From Phoenix real estate broker to national sales authority, Steve Trang reveals how his podcast grew to over 100,000 monthly downloads by making every episode about the guest's hero journey, not himself. In this episode of Tribe Tracks, host Kendall LeJeune sits down with Steve Trang, founder of Close More Sales and host of the Disr…

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God’s Plan & A Pretzel: Episode 31 - Auntie Anne’s Story (REPLAY) 1:08:44

11M ago1:08:44

1:08:44

December will be a time of rest and reflection for The Human Experience Podcast. During the next few weeks, Jennifer will be releasing some powerful conversations from previous guests as replay episodes to remember some incredible stories and share with new listeners. In this deeply moving and inspirational episode of The Human Experience, Jennifer…

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The Raw Truth About Going Viral with Sam Primm 55:45

11M ago55:45

55:45

Send us a text From managing over $50M in real estate assets to amassing 1.9M TikTok followers, Sam Primm shows how authenticity beats perfectionism in building influence. In this episode of Tribe Tracks, host Kendall LeJeune sits down with Sam Primm, real estate investor and founder of Faster Freedom, who built a thriving education business with n…

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Kill Your Ego, Grow Your Brand: The Henry Washington Method 1:02:10

11M ago1:02:10

1:02:10

Send us a text "I'm not teaching you - I'm sharing my journey." - How Henry Washington's radical transparency approach built a following of hundreds of thousands while other influencers chase vanity metrics. In this episode of Tribe Tracks, host Kendall LeJeune sits down with Henry Washington of Bigger Pockets, whose authentic content strategy has …