The Positive Persistence Podcast with Ian Bowen

Are you feeling overwhelmed by navigating the complexities of today's teenagers?In this profoundly insightful and practical episode, Ian Bowen sits down with Leigh Devine, a seasoned therapist and founder of Lotus of Life Counseling with over 23 years of experience. Leigh pulls from her vast expertise in schools, hospitals, and private practice to shed light on the inner world of adolescents and provide a roadmap for adults to support them effectively.She delves into the critical importance of validation over compliance, how to regulate your own nervous system during heated moments, and why a teen's lie is often a shield, not a sword. Leigh also shares tangible strategies for building self-esteem in a world of social media comparison and fostering the resilience kids need to transition successfully into "emerging adulthood."This is a must-listen for anyone, who wants to move beyond reactionary parenting and mentoring. Parents could unlock becoming a grounded, trusted guide for the young people in their lives.In this episode, you’ll discover:1. The two most common patterns of adversity teens face today and how to spot the early warning signs of declining mental health.2. Why validation is the cornerstone of building trust with a teenager (and how it's different from agreement).3. A simple, in-the-moment tool for parents to de-escalate their own anger and turn a disciplinary moment into a teaching one.4. The surprising reason why teenagers lie and how to create an environment where they feel safe telling the truth.5. Practical strategies for helping teens build healthy body confidence and self-worth in the age of YouTube and social media comparison.6. How to support the transition from adolescence to young adulthood by being a "resource," not a "helicopter."Key Takeaways:1. Validate to Build Trust: Validation is the fastest way to build a bridge of trust. Acknowledging a teen's feelings as real is not about agreeing with them. It’s about making them feel heard.2. Regulate Yourself First: The most powerful parenting tool in a crisis is your own regulated nervous system. Walking away to breathe is not a sign of weakness; it's a strategic move that models emotional intelligence.3. Connection is Protection: Teens who are isolated and lack connection to peers, clubs, or other supportive adults are at higher risk. Fostering these connections is a proactive step toward safeguarding their mental health.4. Build the Human, Not the Résumé: Focus on praising character, effort, and integrity over outward appearance or achievement. This builds a core sense of self-worth that isn't dependent on external validation.5. Let Them "FIO" (Figure It Out): Resilience is born from overcoming adversity. Allowing teens to solve their own problems (within safe boundaries) gives them the blueprint to handle future challenges.Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction to the Positive Persistence Podcast01:28 - Meet Leigh Devine: Therapist and Founder of Lotus of Life Counseling03:03 - Common Patterns of Adversity Faced by Teens Today06:00 - The Power of Validation and How It Builds Trust & Identity09:05 - Finding the Balance: Giving Teens Space vs. Providing Guidance12:32 - Evolving as a Parent: Moving Beyond "Because I Said So"17:08 - The Regulated Parent: How to Pause and De-escalate in Heated Moments21:50 - Understanding Why Teens Lie: It’s Often a Protection Mechanism27:09 - Early Warning Signs of Teen Mental Health Struggles30:24 - The Critical Role of Social Connection (Online and Offline)34:11 - Building Healthy Body Image and Self-Esteem in a Digital World44:07 - The "Emerging Adult": Supporting the Transition to Independence47:58 - The Ultimate Goal: Unconditional Love and Building Resilient Humans51:50 - How to Connect with Leigh Devine and Lotus of Life CounselingConnect with Leigh Devine:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lotus_of_life_counseling_Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lotusoflifeIndyWebsite: https://www.lotusoflifecounseling.net/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leigh-devine-0b69431a6/ CONNECT WITH IAN BOWEN:Website: https://thepositivepersistence.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ianrbowen/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ianrbowenYouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PositivePersistence-ch8fk Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What does it take to transform a niche remedy into a globally recognized performance brand used by elite athletes?In this insightful and tactical episode, Ian Bowen sits down with Filip Keuppens, the visionary CEO of The Pickle Juice Company. Filip pulls back the curtain on his journey of building Pickle Juice, the only scientifically proven beverage to stop muscle cramps in 60 seconds. He shares the unique challenges of carving out the "hyperfunctional beverage" category and educating consumers on a product that has nothing to do with actual pickles.Drawing from his diverse background in Fortune 500 sales, military service, and competitive rugby, Filip delivers powerful lessons on leadership, resilience, and strategic thinking. He opens up about his early career struggles with conventional corporate thinking and how learning to focus on "the what, not the who" became his key to navigating high-pressure situations. Filip also dives deep into the importance of emotional regulation, creating a culture that allows for failure, and why removing just one toxic person from a team can boost efficiency by 40-60%.This is a must-listen for entrepreneurs, leaders, and anyone looking to build a resilient mindset, a transparent brand, and a high-performing team.In this episode, you’ll discover:1. The science behind Pickle Juice and how it blocks the nerve signals that cause muscle cramping.2. How Filip is building a "hyperfunctional" product development company, moving beyond cramps to vessel dilation and VO2 max improvement.3. The strategy of using elite athletes as a "credibility play" to build consumer confidence in a revolutionary product.4. Filip's framework for handling adversity by removing emotion and viewing challenges as "algorithmic problems."5. Practical techniques for calming your nervous system (like box breathing) to make better decisions under pressure.6. Why allowing your ego to drive decisions almost guarantees a compromised outcome, in business and in sports.7. The dramatic impact of a single disruptive team member and how to identify and address it quickly.8. Filip's personal journey of surrounding himself with the right people and finding fulfillment by treating root causes, not symptoms.Key Takeaways:1. Build Confidence in the Concept: When introducing a completely new product, you must build consumer confidence not just in your brand, but in the entire new category you are creating.2. Focus on the What, Not the Who: In any challenging situation, focus on the problem itself, not the person who delivered it. This removes emotion and leads to more efficient, logical solutions.3. Calm the Mind to Peak Perform: High performance in business, sports, and life is not about hyping yourself up, but about calming your mind to operate in the most efficient cerebral space possible.4. One Bad Apple Spoils the Bunch: A single disruptive or misaligned individual can reduce a team's efficiency by 40-60%. Protecting your team's culture is not just healthy, but also critical for performance.5. Embrace Failure to Succeed: You have to be willing and able to fail. If you're not failing, you're not trying hard enough or pushing the boundaries of what's possible.Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction to the Positive Persistence Podcast01:50 - What is The Pickle Juice Company?04:19 - From military and rugby to CEO: Filip’s unique background06:44 - The challenge of thinking differently in corporate America09:10 - The mindset for facing high-pressure situations12:30 - The "What, Not the Who" framework for problem-solving14:18 - How elite athletes use calming techniques to perform16:06 - The danger of letting your ego drive decisions19:15 - Dealing with competitors and protecting your brand22:10 - How one disruptive person can ruin team efficiency25:01 - Filip’s personal journey with insecurity and toxic relationships28:40 - The daily habits that create a joyful and fulfilling life31:17 - How sports masked a deeper need for self-work35:10 - Why vulnerability and self-awareness are true strengths39:08 - Why you must be willing to fail in order to succeed41:45 - Where to find Pickle Juice and learn more about the scienceConnect with Filip Keuppens:Website: https://picklepower.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fkeuppens/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fkeuppensLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fkeuppens/ CONNECT WITH IAN BOWEN:Website: https://thepositivepersistence.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ianrbowen/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ianrbowenYouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PositivePersistence-ch8fk Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Do you want to understand the root cause of your health issues instead of just treating the symptoms?In this enlightening and science-backed episode, Ian Bowen sits down with Dr. Remina Panjwani, a board-certified internal medicine physician and functional medicine expert. Dr. Remina pulls back the curtain on the powerful differences between conventional and functional medicine, explaining how a personalized, holistic approach can help you reboot your health and elevate your performance.She dives deep into the critical gut-brain connection, the impact of stress on your hormones, and how ancient spiritual practices are now being validated by modern neuroscience. Dr. Remina also shares her own powerful journey from a challenging upbringing and military service to becoming a top physician, and how her personal battles with mental health shaped her passion for helping others.This is a must-listen for anyone feeling burnt out, dealing with mysterious symptoms, or simply wanting to optimize their well-being for a long, high-performing life.In this episode, you’ll discover:1. The fundamental difference between conventional medicine’s “band-aid” approach and functional medicine’s root-cause methodology.2. What “concierge care” really means and how it transforms the patient experience from stressful waits to personalized service.3. The scientific link between your gut health and mental state (the gut-brain axis), and how inflammation in one causes inflammation in the other.4. How breathwork, meditation, and even sound healing physically change your brainwaves and regulate your nervous system.5. Dr. Remina’s top three non-negotiable daily practices for nervous system regulation, better sleep, and sustainable energy.6. A simple biohack for high-performers who feel they don’t have time to sleep.Key Takeaways:1. Your Health Journey is Personal: Functional medicine doesn't use a one-size-fits-all model. It looks at your unique biochemistry, lifestyle, and history to create a customized plan for healing and optimization.2. Address the Root, Not Just the Symptom: Chronic issues like brain fog, fatigue, and anxiety often stem from root causes like gut inflammation, hormonal imbalances, or nervous system dysregulation, not a lack of medication.3. Embrace the “Moment of Pause”: The most powerful tool for regulating your nervous system is already with you: your breath. Taking moments to pause and breathe throughout the day builds resilience and prevents burnout.4. Pay Now or Pay Later with Your Health: Investing time in self-care, proper nutrition, and sleep on the front end is far less costly than dealing with chronic disease later, in terms of time, money, and quality of life.5. Bridge Eastern and Western Wisdom: The most effective health strategy combines the best of conventional medicine (for acute care) with the proven, holistic tools of functional and ancient practices (for sustainable wellness).Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction to the Positive Persistence Podcast01:30 - Introduction to Dr. Remina Panjwani and her background02:43 - What is functional medicine and how does it differ from conventional care?09:45 - The concierge care model: personalized service and stress-free labs18:10 - The role of spirituality and science in healing: nervous system regulation explained28:02 - Dr. Remina’s powerful personal journey from self-doubt to top physician35:21 - The critical gut-brain connection and how nutrition impacts everything39:05 - The top 3 daily practices for rebuilding health and sustaining performance44:00 - The “selfish” reframe: Why prioritizing your health is a gift to those you love48:43 - How Dr. Remina bridges Eastern and Western medicine in her practice51:07 - Where to find Dr. Remina and start your own health rebootConnect with Dr. Remina Panjwani:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drremina/Website: https://www.drremina.comPodcast: The Dr. Remina Panjwani Show https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dr-remina-panjwani-show/id1725008602Email: hello@drremina.com CONNECT WITH IAN BOWEN:Website: https://thepositivepersistence.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ianrbowen/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ianrbowenYouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PositivePersistence-ch8fk Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What if the biggest thing holding you back is a story you don't even know you're telling yourself?In this profound and eye-opening episode, Ian Bowen sits down with Abby Havermann, a psychotherapist-turned-coach who illuminates the unconscious self-betrayals that keep us stuck. Abby masterfully blends clinical psychology, cutting-edge neuroscience, and ancient wisdom to explain how our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors are wired—and how we can rewire them.Abby opens up with incredible vulnerability about her own journey, including a humiliating rock-bottom moment that forced her to confront the unconscious patterns driving her life. She shares powerful insights on how to "unmemorize" debilitating emotions like guilt, break free from the cycle of unworthiness, and shift from simply surviving to truly thriving.This is a must-listen for anyone feeling stuck in their own story, battling repetitive negative emotions, or ready to take radical responsibility for their personal reality. Abby provides a practical and compassionate roadmap for waking up from "sophisticated sleepwalking" and creating lasting change from the inside out.In this episode, you’ll discover:1. How Abby blends psychology, neuroscience, and ancient wisdom to explain the "human machinery."2. The shocking personal setback that became Abby's catalyst for profound change and self-discovery.3. What "unconscious self-betrayal" really means and a simple, relatable example (saying "yes" when you mean "no").4. A powerful, personal story of how Abby "unmemorized" a lifelong pattern of feeling guilty.5. Why your personality creates your personal reality and how to identify the different "parts" of your inner world.6. Practical steps to identify your own self-betrayals and rewire your neural pathways for a more authentic life.7. Why it's biologically difficult to change and how to navigate the "anger-shame" cycle.Key Takeaways:1. You Are Not Your Personality: Your personality—made up of how you think, act, and feel—creates your personal reality. To change your life, you must become conscious of and change these elements.2. Self-Betrayal Roots in Unworthiness: Many of our unconscious self-betrayals, from people-pleasing to overachieving, drill down to a deep-seated sense of unworthiness.3. To Create Change, Focus Inward Lasting change doesn't happen by just changing your outer world. You must put more attention on your inner world than your outer world.4. Don't Act From the Emotion: You can feel stuck, anxious, or angry without having to act on it. The goal is to observe the emotion, shift your physiological state, and then choose your behavior consciously.5. You Can "Unmemorize" Emotions: Just as you learned to tie your shoes, you learned to feel guilt, anxiety, or shame. Through focused attention and new practices, you can unlearn these automatic emotional responses.Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction to the Positive Persistence Podcast01:30 - Introduction to Abby Havermann: Psychotherapist and coach02:10 - Abby explains the blend of psychology, neuroscience, and ancient wisdom05:18 - Addressing skepticism about energy and ancient wisdom09:53 - Abby's defining setback: The story of her arrest and profound humiliation12:02 - The journey of "unmemorizing" guilt14:20 - How to practically unlearn an ingrained emotion or habit16:55 - How your personality creates your personal reality17:44 - Unpacking "unconscious self-betrayal" with relatable examples21:47 - Ian shares a personal story of self-betrayal and unworthiness25:38 - How to identify your patterns of self-betrayal and rewire your thoughts28:55 - The trap of venting and how to seek support without getting stuck32:03 - The biology of emotion: It's an addiction, not a moral failing35:39 - Abby's daily rituals for mental resilience and getting "unstuck"39:43 - Where to find Abby and her resourcesConnect with Abby Havermann:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/abby.havermannInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/abby.havermannLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abbyhavermannWebsite: https://www.abbyhavermann.comPodcast (The Intuition Incubator): https://www.abbyhavermann.com/podcastFree Course (From Hot Mess to Harmony): https://www.abbyhavermann.com/join-from-hot-mess-to-harmony-courseTedx talk: https://youtu.be/NcvpoY28j8I?si=1cb3Zyl514UlDObO CONNECT WITH IAN BOWEN:Website: https://thepositivepersistence.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ianrbowen/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ianrbowenYouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PositivePersistence-ch8fk Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Have you ever felt stuck in a career that looks good on paper but drains your soul?In this powerful and relatable episode, Ian Bowen sits down with Kaitlin Capek, who made the courageous leap from a high-stress corporate finance career to becoming a certified nutrition coach and fitness professional.Kaitlin opens up about her journey as a high-achiever, the intense burnout that led to a breaking point, and the moment she decided to quit her well-paying job to pursue her passion for health and wellness. She shares raw insights into the challenges of being a primary caregiver, the "mom guilt" that comes with chasing a dream, and how she battled imposter syndrome while rebuilding her professional identity.This is a must-listen for anyone, especially moms, feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or disconnected from their true selves. Kaitlin provides a practical, compassionate, and sustainable framework for making a life-changing pivot without sacrificing your well-being or family.In this episode, you’ll discover:1. The story of Kaitlin’s late-night walk and emotional breakdown that signaled it was time for a change.2. Kaitlin's honest take on feeling like a "fraud" in a new industry and how "putting in the reps" built her confidence.3. Why perfectionism is the enemy of progress and how to build lasting habits with an 80/20 mindset.4. Practical strategies for time-blocking, setting boundaries, and accepting help without guilt.5. The four key pillars that Kaitlin coaches busy moms to focus on: protein, produce, water, and movement.6. A simple 3-step process to start moving toward a more passion-driven career.Key Takeaways:1. Your Passion Must Be Greater Than Your Fear: The drive to become who you want to be can push you through the discomfort of imposter syndrome and change.2. Perfectionism Guarantees Burnout: Sustainable progress in health, career, or life comes from consistency, not perfection. Aim for 80%, not 100%.3. You Have to Make Time, Not Find It: Audit your calendar and treat your self-care and goals with the same importance as a doctor's appointment for your child.4. Accept Help, You're Not a Burden: Leaning on your support system is not a sign of weakness; it's a strategic move that allows you to be a better parent, partner, and professional.5. Small, Consistent Wins Create Massive Change: Forget the 28-day extreme challenges. Losing half a pound a week sustainably leads to 25 pounds in a year without the misery.Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction to the Positive Persistence Podcast01:30 - Introduction to Kaitlin Capek: From finance to fitness02:10 - Kaitlin's competitive, busy childhood and background03:18 - Starting a career in corporate finance and mortgage05:18 - The pivotal moment of burnout and emotional breakdown07:10 - The unexpected "sign" and the decision to quit her job09:53 - The weight of external expectations and people-pleasing12:02 - The identity shift and mom guilt of a career change14:20 - Battling imposter syndrome by "putting in the reps"16:55 - The dramatic improvement in happiness, energy, and health17:44 - Advice for moms who feel stuck, overwhelmed, and unhappy21:47 - How to tailor fitness and nutrition for a busy mom's schedule25:38 - Why the "all or nothing" philosophy fails every time27:24 - The critical importance of sustainability and maintenance28:55 - Balancing motherhood with professional ambitions and routines32:03 - The power of accepting help from your support system33:22 - The non-negotiable habits for health and happiness35:39 - What to do when you're feeling burnt out and overwhelmed37:16 - 3 practical steps to start a passion-driven career transition39:43 - Resources, communities, and connecting with KaitlinConnect with Kaitlin Capek:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kaitlin.callhamInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/kaitlin.capek/Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaitlin-capek-callham-aa292925/Website: https://back40fitness.com/collections/nutrition CONNECT WITH IAN BOWEN:Website: https://thepositivepersistence.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ianrbowen/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ianrbowenYouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PositivePersistence-ch8fk Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What if the key to unlocking your highest potential wasn't about working harder, but about thinking differently? Award-winning Master Certified Coach Angie Wisdom joins the Positive Persistence Podcast to dismantle the myth that success is solely built on grind and performance.Angie shares her powerful journey from a challenging childhood that shaped her drive for external validation to a top financial advisor who realized that crossing days off a calendar was a sign of deep disconnection. She now specializes in helping high-performing leaders rewire their subconscious minds, break free from generational programming, and build an unshakable relationship with themselves.This episode is a masterclass in moving from burnout to brilliance, offering practical tools to identify your core values, silence your inner critic, and finally show up as the "non-negotiable you."In this episode, you’ll discover:1. How childhood experiences shape our drive for significance and external validation.2. The pivotal moment Angie realized that performance-based worth leads to emptiness, and how to find fulfillment instead.3. Why "woo-woo" practices like stillness and self-inquiry are the ultimate performance accelerators.4. A simple yet powerful framework for identifying your core values and using them as a compass for every decision.5. How to use hypnosis and conscious work to rewrite limiting beliefs and build new neural pathways for success.6. The "Non-Negotiable You" philosophy: why prioritizing yourself is the most selfless thing you can do.Key Takeaways:1. Your Worth is Not Your Performance: Basing your value on external achievements is a fast track to burnout. True, sustainable success comes from an internal foundation of self-worth.2. Values Are Your Operating System: Your core values are not just characteristics; they are the essential "supplements" you need daily to feel energized, motivated, and fulfilled. Every decision filtered through your values becomes clear and easy.3. Stillness is a Strategic Power Move: Being afraid to sit with your thoughts means you're afraid of what you might find. Confronting this through meditation or journaling is how you access your greatest ideas and deepest wisdom.4. Self-Care is Selfless: Neglecting yourself and giving others your "scraps" is the most selfish thing you can do. Filling your own cup first allows you to show up as 100% for everyone in your life.5. Choose Your Seat: You must decide who you want to be and how that person thinks, acts, and believes. Your feelings will follow your actions, not the other way around.Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction to the Positive Persistence Podcast01:00 - Introduction to Angie Wisdom: Master Coach and Mindset Rewirer01:46 - Angie’s childhood: Growing up with a divided family and an alcoholic mother02:51 - The drive to find significance and value through external achievement04:21 - How childhood programming creates people-pleasing and performance-based identities06:28 - The common denominator of high achievers: a search for significance07:48 - The pivotal moment in her financial career: Crossing days off a calendar like a prisoner09:09 - The realization that fulfillment comes from internal joy, not external performance10:34 - Why people are afraid of stillness and self-reflection (worthiness, fear, and programming)13:55 - The critical importance of knowing your core values16:50 - How to identify your values and use them as a decision-making filter19:53 - Combining conscious work and hypnosis to rewire limiting beliefs22:33 - The power of programming new beliefs directly into the subconscious24:45 - Introducing the "Non-Negotiable You": The agreement to stop negotiating on who you are26:18 - How to answer the objection: "I'm a busy parent; I don't have time for myself!"27:27 - Why making time for yourself is non-negotiable and how to start with just 5 minutes29:38 - The mindset shift: Prioritizing yourself is selfless, not selfish32:03 - How to use your values to make yourself a priority, no matter how busy you are34:27 - The power of starting small: How 60 seconds can change everything36:34 - How to "Choose Your Seat" and show up as the person you want to be, even under pressure39:10 - Why your mind creates congruency with your beliefs (and how to change them)40:33 - Putting on the "glasses" of your future self to determine your next actions42:44 - How to dream again and set a new vision when you feel stuck or complacent44:10 - Ian's final thoughts and connecting with AngieConnect with Angie Wisdom:Website: https://angiewisdom.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/angiewisdomlifecoach/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/angiwisdomLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angie-wisdom-50b734180/Podcast (Sharing Wisdom): https://open.spotify.com/show/1PBijrWRciGbFvWiFDiSNoBook (The Non-Negotiable You): https://angiewisdom.com/product/the-non-negotiable-you-mindset-mastery-for-daily-success/Find out your non-negotiables: https://angiewisdom.com/values-assessment/ CONNECT WITH IAN BOWEN:Website: https://thepositivepersistence.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ianrbowen/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ianrbowenYouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PositivePersistence-ch8fk Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A seven-year-old boy had his arm torn off in a Walmart parking lot grew up to become a powerful coach. Now, he’s teaching CEOs and high performers how to transform their deepest pain into their greatest strength.Brian Bogert, a human behavior and success coach, joins the show to share one of the most harrowing and transformative stories we’ve ever featured. He recounts the day a stranger’s mistake changed his life forever, the nurse whose single choice saved him, and the profound moment in the hospital that taught him the difference between pain and suffering.This is a masterclass in resilience, a deep dive into the “trash” from our past that holds us back, and a practical framework for how to stop living in a protective state and start living connected to who you truly are.In this episode, you’ll discover:1. The life-altering accident at age 7 and the immediate perspective shift that saved his mindset.2. The critical difference between pain (short-term, actionable) and suffering (chronic, avoidable).3. Why most people are motivated to avoid pain but rarely identify the suffering they wish to avoid.4. The “Waste to Wealth” methodology: How to identify and remove the emotional trash from your past.5. Why living in a constant state of protection guarantees disconnection from everything you want.Key Takeaways:1. Perspective is Everything: Lying in a hospital bed, Brian realized his life was secure while the child next to him was terminally ill. This moment taught him to be moved by what he could do with his circumstances, not stuck by what happened to him.2. Embrace Pain, Avoid Suffering: Pain is short-term and has a direct cause. Suffering is persistent and optional. We can embrace the pain of a difficult conversation to avoid the suffering of a broken relationship.3. Your Trash is Not Your Fault, But It Is Your Responsibility: The emotional triggers and limiting beliefs from your past are often generational. Once you become aware of them, it becomes your responsibility to manage them so you don’t bury others in your trash.4. Ask More Questions: The only time we get stuck in life is when we stop asking questions. Questions give us options, which lead to new choices, actions, and feedback.5. Live Unprotected to Stay Connected: Living with a "strong spine" (knowing your worth) and a "soft front" (being open-hearted) allows for true connection. Armor might protect you, but it always disconnects you from the life you want.Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction to the Positive Persistence Podcast01:57 - Introduction to Brian Bogert: The man who can see into your soul02:35 - The accident: August 10, 1992, in a Walmart parking lot03:05 - The nurse whose choice to act saved his life (and the one who walked away)07:00 - The decision: Don’t get stuck by what happens to you, get moved by what you do with it08:15 - The philosophy: Embrace pain to avoid suffering13:50 - How identifying the suffering you wish to avoid provides powerful motivation17:30 - The power of asking more questions to uncover your real barriers21:32 - Introducing the “Waste to Wealth” concept and “taking out your trash”24:22 - How people’s reactions to his injury created core trash: “No one will believe my truth.”25:59 - The snowboarding injury at 20 that led to deep depression and isolation27:45 - Having a $10M business at 27 yet feeling empty, and the moment with his daughter29:45 - How trash shows up: Misinterpreting his wife’s simple question as an attack33:15 - Two simple exercises to start identifying your trash38:11 - Why most people live protected and disconnected42:45 - The Eminem in “8 Mile” analogy: Having nothing left to justify or defend44:24 - Ian’s final thoughts and connecting with BrianConnect with Brian Bogert:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brian.bogert.3Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bogertbrian/Website: https://brianbogert.com/Podcast (Flipping the Lid): https://open.spotify.com/show/7zfkjk3mIMY4i6JWQR7aFz CONNECT WITH IAN BOWEN:Website: https://thepositivepersistence.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ianrbowen/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ianrbowenYouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PositivePersistence-ch8fk Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

How does a former special education student who couldn't read a book until her senior year of college become a national leader in education, a TEDx speaker, and the CEO of a movement saving teachers from burnout?Rae Hughart, CEO of Teach Better and founder of the Teachers Deserve It movement, joins the show for a powerful conversation about her journey from being a self-proclaimed "worst student" to a transformative force in education. She opens up about the profound impact of a single dance teacher who saw her potential, the guidance counselor who told her she wasn't "college-bound," and the moment she decided to become a math teacher specifically to be the teacher she never had.This is a raw look at the systemic pressures crushing educators, the power of practical solutions over empty buzzwords, and how building the right community can help you create a dream career you never knew was possible.In this episode, you’ll discover:1. How a label can shape, but not define, your entire identity and journey.2. The pivotal moment a dance instructor’s trust gave Rae a lifeline and a new sense of capability.3. The real, daily pressures that lead to overwhelming teacher burnout and how the system is set up for survival, not success.4. Why the "Teachers Deserve It" movement is about actionable solutions, not just complaints.5. How Rae overcame massive self-doubt to build a company by leaning on the expertise of others and building a powerful community.Key Takeaways:1. Your Label is Not Your Limit: Being identified as a special education student led Rae to believe she was a "lost cause." It took one person seeing past that label to show her a different path.2. Trust is a Powerful Catalyst: Being trusted with responsibility—like a key to the dance studio—can be a transformative moment that builds confidence and self-worth.3. Environment is Everything (For Teachers Too): Teachers are often in a state of "fight or flight," juggling countless demands. Sustainable teaching requires systems that work for educators, not against them.4. Start with Solutions, Not Just Problems: The "Teachers Deserve It" philosophy is about empowering educators with practical, sub-5-second strategies to reclaim their time and sanity, not adding to their to-do list.5. You Don’t Have to Be the Expert in Everything: Entrepreneurship isn't about knowing it all; it's about knowing your strengths and building a community of people who excel where you don't.Timestamps:00:00 - Meet Our Inspiring Guest: Rae Hughart01:14 - Dana, Ian’s wife, joins the conversation as the co-host02:15 - Rae's Journey: From special ed student to educator04:36 - The challenges and rewards of teaching07:29 - The impact of a dance teacher13:11 - Teachers deserve it: addressing teacher burnout21:25 - Empowering teachers with practical solutions25:06 - Prioritizing personal growth and performance28:05 - The need for updated learning approaches29:05 - Responsive and practical solutions for teachers31:56 - The journey from educator to entrepreneur36:39 - Building a community and overcoming self-doubt40:20 - Connecting and supporting the education community49:01 - Conclusion and final thoughtsConnect with Astronaut Christopher Huie:Website: https://teachersdeserveit.com/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@raehugharteduInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/raehughart/X: https://x.com/raehughartFB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61568079585675IG: https://www.instagram.com/teachersdeserveit/Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/teachers-deserve-it-real-talk/id1792030274Book: Amazon.com: Teachers Deserve It: What You Deserve. Why You Don't Have It. And How You Can Go Get It. CONNECT WITH IAN BOWEN:Website: https://thepositivepersistence.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ianrbowen/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ianrbowenYouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PositivePersistence-ch8fk Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What does it take to become one of the fewer than 800 people in human history to travel to space?Christopher Huie, the 19th Black astronaut and first Jamaican American to journey beyond our atmosphere, joins the show to share his incredible path from a latchkey kid in Florida to rocket scientist and space pioneer. He opens up about growing up surrounded by the echoes of shuttle launches, how Star Trek shaped his leadership style, and why his mother’s trust, not pressure, set him on a trajectory toward the stars.This is a conversation about redefining failure, the power of asking “how” instead of “if,” and why pursuing impossible goals transforms not just what we achieve, but who we become.In this episode, you’ll discover:1. How growing up near Kennedy Space Center shaped Christopher’s childhood dreams.2. Why his mother’s Jamaican roots influenced her hands-off approach to parenting and why it worked.3. The role of “ignorance” and curiosity in innovation and personal growth.4. How engineering principles can help reframe failure and expand what’s possible.5. What it truly feels like to see Earth from space and why that perspective changes everything.Key Takeaways:1. Your Environment Shapes Your Potential: Christopher credits his structured, supportive upbringing and exposure to space culture with keeping him focused and curious.2. Don’t Self-Limit: He never believed there was anything he couldn’t do—even when others said otherwise. Let the world tell you “no,” not yourself.3. Failure Is Data, Not Defeat: In engineering, there’s never just one right answer. Each “failure” is just one path eliminated on the way to a solution.4. Ask “How,” Not “If”: Shifting from a binary mindset to a creative one opens up infinite possibilities and encourages problem-solving instead of surrender.5. Define the Impact, Not the Path: Start with the change you want to make in the world—the how will follow.Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction to Christopher Huie00:35 - What is Virgin Galactic and its role in commercial space flight?02:17 - Christopher’s childhood inspiration: space shuttles, documentaries, and Star Trek05:10 - The influence of his Jamaican American mother and single-parent household06:50 - Why he wanted to be a helicopter engineer08:24 - Overcoming statistical odds: being Black in aerospace11:31 - How private school and a structured environment helped him thrive12:15 - The power of a “figure-it-out” engineering mindset13:09 - Dealing with failure and not self-limiting15:04 - Where his audacity and self-belief come from16:12 - “Ignorance is a great innovation tool”17:36 - His engineering approach to obstacles and redefining success19:48 - Why some problems have no solution—and that’s okay20:21 - Reframing failure: It’s not if, it’s how22:17 - “Bad brainstorming” and expanding solution spaces23:40 - Start with complete freedom, then apply constraints24:07 - The importance of defining the problem before seeking the solution25:10 - How to identify the real goal behind the goal27:39 - The power of radical humility and continuous feedback30:04 - How AI and humans learn through failure32:51 - Why we must go to space “for who we become in the process”34:13 - Pushing past comfort zones to discover potential35:07 - The side benefits of pursuing hard things (like GPS)37:16 - What it feels like to see Earth from space39:38 - How the overview effect creates profound humility and connection40:34 - Advice for overcoming setbacks and pursuing dreams41:09 - You are the only you—leverage your unique perspective42:07 - How to “make your own luck” by controlling your environment43:36 - Final thoughts: You’re capable of more than you think44:35 - How to connect with Christopher HuieConnect with Astronaut Christopher Huie:Website: https://www.astrochuie.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/astrochuie/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/astrochuie/X: https://x.com/astrochuieThreads: https://www.threads.com/@astrochuie CONNECT WITH IAN BOWEN:Website: https://thepositivepersistence.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ianrbowen/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ianrbowenYouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PositivePersistence-ch8fk Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

How does a violent, rage-filled teenager transform into a celebrated Hollywood trainer and model, only to have it all threatened by a rare disease that left him paralyzed from the neck down?John Petrelli, a two-time author, speaker, and 30-year veteran fitness coach to the stars, shares his incredible journey from a lost youth seeking identity in bar fights to finding purpose by helping others. He opens up about the profound impact of a strained relationship with his WWII veteran father, the life-altering moment a college professor saw his potential, and the desperate cross-country move that saved his life.This is a raw conversation about the roots of anger, the power of a single mentor, and the unimaginable resilience required to rebuild your body and spirit from absolute zero.In this episode, you’ll discover:1. The childhood roots of rage and how a lack of identity leads to violence.2. The pivotal moment a criminal justice professor changed John’s life with one sentence.3. Why sometimes the only way out of a negative environment is a geographic change.4. The surprising, universal insecurities of A-list celebrities and where they stem from.5. The harrowing details of his battle with Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) and how his past struggles prepared him to survive.Key Takeaways:1.Identity is Chosen, Not Given: Losing his identity as an athlete, John found a new, destructive one in violence. We often adopt the identity that gets us the most attention, even if it's negative.2. One Person Can Change Your Trajectory: A single mentor who believes in you when you can't believe in yourself can be the catalyst for a completely new life path.3. Your Environment is Everything: To truly change, you must often change your peer group, your location, and what you fill your time with. Surround yourself with people who lift you up.4. Resilience is Built in the Past: Your past struggles are not for nothing; they are the tools you will need to overcome future adversity. Look back at your "wins" to fuel your current battles.5. Mindset is Medicine: Facing a potentially fatal paralysis, John nourished his spirit with music, his body with whole foods, and his mind with visualization and faith, creating the perfect conditions for healing.Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction to John Petrelli’s many lives01:19 - John on the power of the title "Dad"02:06 - Ian on reading John’s book, "Page Turner: Confessions of a Hollywood Trainer"02:41 - The mindset of a violent teenager: Where the rage came from04:06 - The profound impact of a father who couldn’t say "I love you"07:40 - How to pivot away from a negative identity and environment08:29 - The life-altering encounter with Professor Tom Lanahan10:22 - "I don't know who you used to be... I know who you are right now."12:20 - The emotional weight of a second chance14:12 - Why he had to leave everything and move to California16:28 - Arriving in California and sleeping on a floor for a new future17:57 - The power of filling your minutes with positive action19:14 - Studying for his certification while working as a bouncer and landscaper20:38 - How his clients became his mentors and family23:30 - The common struggles and insecurities of his celebrity clients28:06 - Where limiting beliefs truly come from (Hint: It’s often childhood)31:54 - The fulfilling joy of being a coach and witnessing transformation33:23 - The segue into his biggest battle: Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS)34:41 - How his past struggles prepared him for paralysis36:40 - The rapid onset of GBS: From numbness to full paralysis in days38:30 - The 45-minute whirlwind from ER to ICU on respiratory watch39:29 - Context: From benching 405 lbs to being completely paralyzed40:35 - John’s mental state facing a life-threatening diagnosis41:19 - Creating a healing environment: Music, nourishment, and visualization44:45 - Ian on the power of visualization from his own hospital experience45:40 - Resilience isn’t bouncing back; it’s bouncing forward with new tools47:45 - The "metaphysical backpack" of tools we collect from overcoming adversity48:50 - The community that showed up: Christmas carolers at his door50:34 - His mission to pay it forward and be a spark for others51:45 - Ian’s final thoughts and where to find John’s book52:26 - John’s offer to donate speaking time to educators, first responders, and caregivers53:18 - How to connect with John PetrelliConnect with John Petrelli:Website: https://www.confessionsofahollywoodtrainer.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/john.petrelli/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-petrelli-16589b251/ CONNECT WITH IAN BOWEN:Website: https://thepositivepersistence.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ianrbowen/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ianrbowenYouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PositivePersistence-ch8fk Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What does it take for a successful, functional addict to finally surrender and ask for help?Tom Lyman, a men’s life coach and founder of The Joy Hour, shares his raw and powerful story of a 12-year battle with addiction, adultery, and a double life that nearly cost him everything. He reveals the pivotal moment in his backyard on Thanksgiving that became his "rock foundation," the humbling journey through rehab, and how he rebuilt his marriage and discovered his true purpose.This is a candid conversation about the destructive power of ego, the life-saving act of surrender, and the transformative power of creating connection to replace isolation.In this episode, you’ll discover:1. The stark difference between a "rock bottom" and a "rock foundation."2. Why it's so difficult for high-achieving men to ask for help and how to overcome it.3. How Tom’s wife’s ultimatum, delivered with love, became the catalyst for change.4. The birth of "The Joy Hour"—a sober, connection-based movement that grew from 30 to 200 people in a month.5. Tom’s "Recovery, Discovery, Action" framework for building a life of purpose beyond addiction.Key Takeaways:1. Functional Isn't Fine: You can have the big house, cars, and business success while your private life is crumbling. External success often masks internal pain.2. Humble Yourself or Be Humbled: The ego that built your success can prevent you from getting the help you need. Surrender is a strength, not a weakness.3. Connection is the Antidote: Mental health and addiction struggles worsen in isolation and improve through connection. Your environment is everything.4. Your Receipts and Timestamp Don't Lie: To see what you truly value, look objectively at how you spend your money and your time.5. Recovery → Discovery → Action = Purpose: Healing is the first step. Then you must discover your gifts and, most importantly, take bold action to live them out.Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction to Tom Lyman00:56 - The pivotal Thanksgiving 2021 rock bottom moment03:17 - The functional addict facade: Maintaining a double life05:27 - The moment his wife said "I can't do it anymore"07:15 - The humbling experience of (paid) outpatient rehab09:40 - How ego prevents men from asking for help11:25 - The miraculous restoration of his marriage and family13:23 - The origin story of "The Joy Hour"16:05 - How a sober party became a movement for mental health and connection19:36 - [Mid-roll Ad] The Rinse Method21:06 - How Joy Hour creates organic support networks22:12 - A powerful story: How connection replaced anxiety medication23:42 - Tom’s philosophy on identity: "I had addictions; I am not an addict."25:33 - The Recovery, Discovery, Action framework explained29:31 - Redefining success: It’s not the cars or the money32:00 - Balancing external success with internal peace32:58 - The critical question: "What is your WHY?"35:12 - Steve Jobs' regret: "I've had very little joy."36:05 - One piece of advice for starting your journey: Pen and Paper38:57 - The power of auditing your time and spending41:52 - Where to find Tom Lyman and The Joy HourConnect with Tom Lyman:Website: https://tomlyman.com/ (Coming Soon)Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tomthejoyhourguy/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-lyman-4a0b31230/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JoyHourShow CONNECT WITH IAN BOWEN:Website: https://thepositivepersistence.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ianrbowen/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ianrbowenYouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PositivePersistence-ch8fk Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What if the key to healing trauma and transforming relationships lies in a hidden biological gift we all possess?Dr. Josiane Bonte, a family and systems researcher with over 22 years of experience, unveils the science and soul of compassionate love: a powerful force encoded in our DNA.In this profound conversation, she reveals how embracing our shadow selves, practicing self-compassion, and shifting our energy can dissolve conflict, heal generational wounds, and unlock extraordinary post-traumatic growth.In this episode, you’ll discover:1. The scientific foundation of compassionate love and its role in human connection2. How shadow work helps reclaim disowned parts of ourselves for wholeness3. Why trauma can become a gateway to post-traumatic growth4. The ripple effect of self-compassion on relationships and global healing5. Practical steps to shift from reactivity to loving awareness in daily lifeKey Takeaways:1. Chromosome of Connection: Compassionate love is biologically wired in us—activate it to transform relationships.2. Shadow Integration: The qualities we judge in others mirror hidden aspects of ourselves waiting to be embraced.3. Trauma as Catalyst: Grounded hope—focusing on what works in the present—fuels post-traumatic growth.4. Energy Matters: Your emotional responses to global events either perpetuate or heal collective pain.5. Sovereign Love: True compassion starts within; you can’t give what you haven’t cultivated for yourself.Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction to Dr. Josiane Bonte’s work00:38 - Defining compassionate love and its planetary impact02:29 - The discovery of the "compassion chromosome" in scientific research04:20 - How conflict dissolves when we prioritize harmony over being right07:22 - The sacred role of intimacy in healing trauma and awakening love09:58 - Seeing the divine in others—even in conflict12:16 - Shadow work: Uncovering repressed qualities to reclaim power15:27 - Dr. Josiane’s personal journey through divorce and self-discovery18:40 - Breaking victim mentality: External reality reflects internal state21:25 - Post-traumatic growth vs. stagnation—the power of grounded hope25:06 - A harrowing case study: How compassionate love de-escalated violence29:50 - Spiritual diets: Protecting your energy in a chaotic world32:21 - Practical steps to integrate shadow aspects and cultivate self-love37:27 - Why crying (and laughing) are essential to emotional balance40:26 - The simplicity (and challenge) of choosing love in every momentConnect with Dr. Josiane Bonte:Website: https://www.theintegrativewellness.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/josianebonte/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josianeapollon/Book: https://a.co/d/2N7lZu7 CONNECT WITH IAN BOWEN:Website: https://thepositivepersistence.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ianrbowen/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ianrbowenYouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PositivePersistence-ch8fk Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What happens when life forces you into leadership during your darkest hour?Sarah Dumont shares her powerful journey from corporate food service to reluctantly inheriting her mother's Fit Body Bootcamp locations after losing her to cancer. Through raw vulnerability, Sarah reveals how she transformed overwhelming grief and crippling anxiety into entrepreneurial strength, discovering her life's purpose in the process.In this episode, you’ll discover:1. How to navigate leading a business while grieving a profound loss2. The power of "borrowed confidence" when you don't believe in yourself3. Why staying present is crucial during overwhelming life transitions4. How a supportive community can hold you through your darkest moments5. The mindset shift from "keeping things afloat" to "making it your own"Key Takeaways:1. Feel the fear, do it anyway. Perfect conditions don't exist—action creates momentum even in uncertainty2. Borrowed confidence works. Accept others' belief in you when you can't find your own3. Presence over perfection. Focus on what you can accomplish today rather than everything at once4. Community as Catalyst: Shared grief and support can become the foundation for transformation5. Response Over Reaction: Your reality is shaped by how you choose to respond to circumstancesTimestamps:00:00 - Sarah’s background: From event planning to corporate food service02:11 - Sarah’s mom's cancer diagnosis and the pull to come home04:08 - The difficult decision to leave Boston and support family07:28 - Moving home during COVID and stepping into the business09:10 - Her Mom’s passing on September 3rd, 202111:28 - The overwhelming reality of inheriting two businesses13:47 - Selling one location and focusing on Westminster Fit Body Bootcamp15:08 - How shared grief created community strength18:39 - Learning the business while handling estate affairs21:53 - The power of staying present during crisis25:06 - Borrowed confidence and accepting help from others27:20 - The World Conference moment: “Stop dabbling, go all in”29:50 - The emotional commitment meeting with her team32:21 - How to accept compliments and belief from others34:08 - Advice for cultivating resilience during overwhelming challenges37:27 - “Feel the fear and do it anyway” philosophy40:26 - Choosing familiar discomfort over unfamiliar growth41:56 - Finding strength through response vs. reaction44:27 - How challenges become opportunities for growthConnect with Sarah Dumont:Website: https://fitbodybootcamp.com/locations/westminster-vt/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/srd671/Instagram Business: https://www.instagram.com/westminsterfitbodybootcamp/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WestminsterVTFitBodyBootcamp CONNECT WITH IAN BOWEN:Website: https://thepositivepersistence.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ianrbowen/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ianrbowenYouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PositivePersistence-ch8fk Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

How can you become the leader of your own life before leading others?Rich Lohman, a leadership expert and high-performance coach, joins Ian Bowen to unpack the transformative power of self-leadership. Rich shares his journey from people-pleasing to purposeful growth, the science behind DISC personality assessments, and why a growth plan is non-negotiable for success.In this episode, you’ll discover:1. Why leadership starts with the person in the mirror—not a title or position.2. The three pillars of self-leadership: fitness, finances, and relationships.3. How DISC assessments reveal your blind spots and unlock growth.4. The “earthquake moments” that force change—and how to avoid waiting for them.5. Why most personal development fails (and how to turn reading into results).Key Takeaways:1. Leadership Begins Within: You can’t lead others effectively until you lead yourself.2. DISC as a Mirror: Your personality assessment isn’t just data—it’s a roadmap for growth.3. Burn the Ships: Commitment requires eliminating escape routes.4. Growth over Goals: A 1% daily improvement compounds into lifelong transformation.5. Coaching Matters: The right coach accelerates progress by reflecting your potential back to you.Timestamps:00:00 - Rich’s backstory: From sales manager to leadership coach07:15 - The cold morning run that sparked a friendship (and a leadership lesson)12:30 - Why most people outsource leadership—and why that’s a mistake18:45 - The Romans 12:2 framework: “Do not conform to the patterns of this world”25:10 - How DISC assessments expose your blind spots and strengths32:40 - The 4-step growth plan: Identify, commit, track, reflect40:20 - “Rigorous honesty”: Why lying to yourself is the biggest barrier48:00 - Rich’s “earthquake moment” and the power of burning ships55:30 - Project 1202: Custom coaching for entrepreneurs and teamsConnect with Rich Lohman:Website: https://www.richlohman.com/r/aLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richlohman/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rich_lohman/Project1202: https://www.project1202.com/ CONNECT WITH IAN BOWEN:Website: https://thepositivepersistence.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ianrbowen/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ianrbowenYouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PositivePersistence-ch8fk Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

How does a luxury hotel manager transform his health and life by opening a fitness studio?Uriel Baker, a former hospitality executive turned Fit Body Bootcamp owner, shares his incredible journey from Jamaica to the U.S., his 30-year career in luxury hotels, and the wake-up call that led him to prioritize health and family.In this conversation, Uriel reveals:1. His Jamaican upbringing and early love for sports and hospitality.2. The shocking health diagnosis that forced him to change his life.3. Why he left a thriving career to open a fitness studio.4. How he reversed pre-diabetes and lost 40 pounds without medication.5. The mindset shift that helped him turn adversity into fuel.Key Takeaways:1. Health as a Priority: Uriel’s demanding career led to neglecting his health until a doctor’s warning became his turning point.2. Courage Over Fear: He embraced courage to make life-changing decisions, even when they seemed risky.4. Legacy Over Career: Fatherhood became his motivation to prioritize well-being over professional success.5. Community Matters: His fitness studio became more than a business—it became a support system and a second family.6. Uriel’s philosophy: “You either win or learn—there’s no losing if you grow from the experience.”Timestamps:00:00 - From Jamaica to the U.S.: Uriel’s early life and hospitality career07:30 - The culture shock of moving from Jamaica to Newark in winter15:45 - Climbing the corporate ladder: Promotions, relocations, and burnout22:10 - The health wake-up call: Prediabetes, high cholesterol, and heart palpitations30:05 - Quitting hospitality to open a fitness studio: The leap of faith38:20 - How Fit Body Bootcamp transformed his health and community45:00 - Reversing prediabetes and losing 40 pounds naturally52:15 - Fatherhood as motivation: “Fix your life or lose your life”Connect with Uriel Baker:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uriel.b876/Fit Body Bootcamp Mason, OH: https://fitbodybootcamp.com/locations/mason-oh/Fit Body Bootcamp West Chester, OH: ​​https://fitbodybootcamp.com/locations/west-chester-township-oh/ CONNECT WITH IAN BOWEN:Website: https://thepositivepersistence.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ianrbowen/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ianrbowenYouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PositivePersistence-ch8fk Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Monica Connolly’s life unraveled after losing a child, caring for a husband with a traumatic brain injury, and battling severe health crises, until her doctor warned: "If you don’t change, you’ll die soon."  In this transformative episode, the certified holistic coach and host of Unshakable Belief Podcast reveals how she rebuilt her body, mind, and spirit from rock bottom. Discover why gut health is the secret to nervous system regulation, the 5-minute daily reset that lowers cortisol, and how to reclaim your dreams when buried under responsibility. Monica’s Thrive Blueprint isn’t about quick fixes, it’s a science-backed roadmap for women ready to rise from burnout and step into their purpose. Key Takeaways: 1. The Wake-Up Call: How Monica’s doctor’s dire warning forced her to confront binge eating, chronic stress, and self-abandonment—and why "just getting through the day" is a red flag. 2. Gut-Brain Connection: The unexpected link between probiotics and mental clarity (and how healing her microbiome helped regulate her nervous system). 3. The 5-Minute Rebellion: Why setting non-negotiable boundaries (even for a sunset gaze) is the first step to breaking burnout cycles. 4. Trauma vs. Purpose: How Monica’s grief became her superpower—and why sharing her story on stage unlocked her coaching calling. 5. The Reset Program: Her proven framework to help women realign health, confidence, and purpose (plus the mirror exercise that dissolves self-doubt). Timestamps: 00:00 - "You’re Going to Die Soon": Monica’s Rock-Bottom Moment 04:30 - Losing a Child, Caregiving, and Burying Herself in Busyness 12:15 - The Pandemic Pivot: Leaving Healthcare to Drive Uber (And Find Herself) 20:45 - Gut Health Breakthrough: How Probiotics Quieted Her Fight-or-Flight Response 28:10 - The Stage That Changed Everything: Why Trauma Coaching Unlocked Her Voice 35:00 - Thrive Blueprint: Small Steps to Rebuild Health (Sleep, Hydration, Joy) 42:20 - "I Couldn’t Look in a Mirror": Healing Body Shame Through Journaling 50:00 - Client Spotlight: From Self-Doubt to Launching 3 Businesses 55:30 - Monica’s Mantra: "Your Journey Is Progress, Not Perfection" Connect with Monica Connolly: Website: https://monicaconnollycoaching.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mnconnolly/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CoachMonicaConnolly Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/monicaconnollyandco/ Connect with Ian Bowen: Website: https://thepositivepersistence.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ianrbowen/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ianrbowen?lang=en YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PositivePersistence-ch8fk CONNECT WITH IAN BOWEN:Website: https://thepositivepersistence.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ianrbowen/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ianrbowenYouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PositivePersistence-ch8fk Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

How do you reclaim your identity after years of putting others first? Motivational speaker, certified coach, and restaurateur Jennifer Mentesana joins Ian Bowen to share her powerful journey from chasing financial stability to rediscovering her passion and purpose.   In this deeply relatable episode, Jennifer opens up about: 1. Pivoting from her dream of broadcast journalism to media sales to pay off student debt. 2. The wake-up call that made her leave a lucrative but unfulfilling career. 3. Supporting her husband’s restaurant dream—and the devastating closure during COVID. 4. The “breadcrumb” moments that led her back to coaching and podcasting. 5. How hitting rock bottom at 50 became her catalyst for reinvention.   Key Takeaways: 1. Adversity reveals opportunity. Losing their restaurant led Jennifer to innovate with take-and-bake pizza kits—a lifeline during lockdowns. 2. Your past passions hold clues. Jennifer reconnected with her love for performance and public speaking to build her coaching business. 3. Self-care isn’t selfish. Prioritizing “me time” (even 30 minutes daily) is critical for intuition and joy. 4. Midlife reinvention is possible. Jennifer’s story proves it’s never too late to pursue your purpose. 5. Motherhood and ambition can coexist. Modeling self-fulfillment teaches kids resilience and independence.   Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction: Jennifer’s multifaceted career (coach, speaker, restaurateur) 05:30 – From journalism dreams to media sales: Pivoting for survival 12:45 – The strength-finder quiz that exposed her misaligned career path 20:15 – Leaping into the restaurant business with a 1-year-old 28:40 – COVID’s gut punch: Closing their second location and losing $500K 35:50 – The pivot: Creating pizza kits to serve struggling families 42:10 – Hitting a wall at 50: “Who am I outside of mom and wife?” 50:00 – Rediscovering coaching and launching her podcast 58:30 – Practical tips for busy women to reconnect with themselves 1:05:00 – Why adversity is the making of you (and how to reframe failure)   Connect with Jen Mentesana: Website: https://jenmentesana.com/ Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@jenmentesana7449/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jen-mentesana-b62121161/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jen_mentesana/   Connect with Ian Bowen: Website: https://thepositivepersistence.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ianrbowen/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ianrbowen?lang=en YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PositivePersistence-ch8fk CONNECT WITH IAN BOWEN:Website: https://thepositivepersistence.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ianrbowen/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ianrbowenYouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PositivePersistence-ch8fk Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

How do you turn life’s toughest challenges into fuel for success? Social media coach and podcast host Jordan Mendoza joins Ian Bowen to share his incredible journey from poverty and trauma to building a thriving career and family. In this raw and inspiring episode, Jordan reveals: 1. How his mother’s resilience with one lung shaped his outlook on adversity. 2. The life-changing moment he was racially profiled and assaulted by police at age 12—and chose empathy over anger. 3. Surviving a near-fatal car accident that left him with 52 surgical staples. 4. The mindset shift that took his podcast from 30 to 160,000 monthly downloads. 5. Why "NO" in sales means "Next Opportunity" and how to gamify rejection. Key Takeaways: 1. Adversity is a gift. Every struggle comes with a lesson—extract it and grow. 2. Your past doesn’t define you. Jordan’s childhood of poverty, abuse, and instability became the foundation for his resilience. 3. Faith fuels perseverance. Jordan credits his strength to his relationship with God. 4. Blaze your own trail. Success comes from unconventional thinking and relentless consistency. 5. Turn pain into purpose. Jordan’s upcoming book, The Life-Changing Power of Adversity, proves hardship can be a catalyst for transformation. Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction: Jordan’s multifaceted life (father of 6, coach, entrepreneur) 05:15 – Growing up poor: Lessons from his mother’s resilience 12:30 – Meeting his Filipino father at 12 and discovering his heritage 20:45 – Surviving police brutality and choosing forgiveness 28:00 – The car accident that nearly killed him (and the miracle of no seatbelt) 35:10 – From 30 to 160,000 podcast downloads: The power of consistency 42:20 – Sales mindset: Why "NO" means "Next Opportunity" 50:00 – Fatherhood, faith, and finding joy in the grind Connect with Jordan Mendoza: Podcast: https://www.byotpod.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordanjmendoza/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealjordanjmendoza/ X: https://x.com/jordanjmendoza BYOT Consulting: https://www.linkedin.com/company/blazeyourowntrail/ Connect with Ian Bowen: Website: https://thepositivepersistence.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ianrbowen/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ianrbowen? YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PositivePersistence-ch8fk CONNECT WITH IAN BOWEN:Website: https://thepositivepersistence.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ianrbowen/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ianrbowenYouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PositivePersistence-ch8fk Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What happens when personal tragedy collides with systemic failure? Drug safety advocate Kim Witczak joins Ian Bowen to share her harrowing journey from losing her husband to antidepressant side effects to becoming a leading voice for FDA reform. On this episode, Kim reveals: 1. The shocking lack of transparency around medication risks. 2. How she turned grief into advocacy, leading to FDA-mandated "black box" warnings on antidepressants. 3. The hidden tactics Big Pharma uses to suppress side-effect data. 4. Why lawsuits are critical to uncovering sealed pharmaceutical documents. 5. How to advocate for yourself and loved ones in healthcare decisions. Key Takeaways: 1. "I’m not anti-drug—I’m pro-information." Patients deserve full transparency about medication risks. 2. One person can change the system. Kim’s work proved individual advocacy can force billion-dollar industries to reform. 3. Listen to your intuition. If something feels off medically, ask questions and challenge assumptions. 4. Grief can fuel purpose. Kim channeled loss into saving lives through policy change. 5. Sunlight is the best disinfectant. Sealed corporate documents revealed deliberate suppression of drug risks. Timestamps: 00:00 – Kim’s story: A tragedy that sparked a movement 05:15 – The coroner’s question: “Was he on any medication?” 12:30 – The floating Bible: A sign that changed everything 20:45 – Suing Pfizer and winning: How lawsuits expose hidden truths 28:00 – The FDA’s flawed system: Who really controls drug approvals? 35:10 – Black box warnings: How Kim’s advocacy saved lives 42:20 – Practical steps to advocate for your health 50:00 – Finding purpose in pain: Kim’s message for anyone facing adversity Connect with Kim Witczak: Twitter: https://x.com/woodymatters LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimwitczak/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kim_witczak/ Website: https://www.kimwitczak.com/ Substack: https://acceptablecollateraldamage.substack.com/ Connect with Ian Bowen: Website: https://thepositivepersistence.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ianrbowen/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ianrbowen? YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PositivePersistence-ch8fk CONNECT WITH IAN BOWEN:Website: https://thepositivepersistence.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ianrbowen/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ianrbowenYouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PositivePersistence-ch8fk Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

From homelessness to building a nine-figure empire, Stephen Scoggins reveals the raw truth: Your business (and life) won’t scale until you dismantle the two subconscious programs sabotaging you. In this power-packed episode, he shares how arrogance and ancestral scarcity nearly destroyed him—and the exact "inner work" framework that rewired his brain for aligned success. Discover why 85% of entrepreneurs stall at $640K (and how to break through), the 5 constraints choking your growth, and the daily mantra that keeps Stephen grounded in service over ego. Key Takeaways: 1. The Two Deadly Programs: How Stephen’s "rescuer complex" and family belief that "Scoggins don’t get ahead" kept him stuck—and how to identify your own hidden scripts. 2. Homelessness to Hundred Millions: Why his rock-bottom moment wasn’t about money—but a total loss of identity (and the year-long soul search that changed everything). 3. The $640K Ceiling: The real reason entrepreneurs plateau (hint: it’s not funding or marketing—it’s ignorance, arrogance, impatience, fear, and insecurity). 4. Shadow Work = Profit Work: Stephen’s "movie editor" exercise to reframe trauma into fuel (plus why burning your past literally creates space for abundance). 5. Alignment Before Flow: His free 5-minute quiz to diagnose your misalignment—and why "serving as your true self" magnetizes opportunities. Timestamps: 00:00 - From Construction Sites to Podcast Studios: Stephen’s Unlikely Journey 04:30 - "Carrying Studs at 16": How Childhood Trauma Shaped His Hustle 12:15 - The Toxic Relationship That Left Him Homeless (And the Lesson That Saved Him) 20:45 - "We All Think We Should Be Further Ahead" (The Impatience Trap) 28:10 - The 5 Business-Killing Constraints (And How to Reverse Them) 35:00 - Stephen’s Morning Mantra: "I’m Healthy, Wealthy, Wise—And a Steward" 42:20 - Why Your Business Is Chaotic (Spoiler: It’s You) 50:00 - The Mirror Exercise That Made His Audience Cry (Try This Alone First) 55:30 - Free Alignment Quiz: stevenacoggins.com/alignment   Connect with Stephen Scoggins: Website: https://stephenscoggins.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephenscoggins/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/stephenscoggins X: https://x.com/stephen_scoggins Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stephen_scoggins Free Alignment Quiz: stevenacoggins.com/alignment   Connect with Ian Bowen: Website: https://thepositivepersistence.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ianrbowen/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ianrbowen?lang=en YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PositivePersistence-ch8fk CONNECT WITH IAN BOWEN:Website: https://thepositivepersistence.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ianrbowen/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ianrbowenYouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PositivePersistence-ch8fk Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.