https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/chiseled-we-re-all-a-work-in-progress-with-rob-commodari--6624625enSpiritualityCopyright Robert Commodarihttps://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/0926c4df4f66bcbf912abd6ba38d25e4.jpghttps://www.spreaker.com/podcast/chiseled-we-re-all-a-work-in-progress-with-rob-commodari--6624625Sat, 15 Aug 2026 03:21:48 +0000Robert CommodariRobert Commodarirob@talktorob.comThe Chiseled podcast, hosted by Rob Commodari, is a biweekly show dedicated to fostering personal growth and self-awareness. Through candid conversations with guests from diverse backgrounds—including entrepreneurs, spiritual leaders, and individuals...false965c2e50-fd0e-5239-83de-3c69c9068161episodichttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/chiseled-ep-138-the-secret-isn-t-talent-it-s-curiosity-ron-tite--74026647
Ron's disarming charm is due not only to his comedic instincts but also his endless interest with the unknown. Growing up poor, he was surrounded by people who told him he just had to find work. But Ron was too curious to get a blue-collar job. As a kid intrigued by the craft of comedy, he took risks early, starting with telling Bill Cosby-style stories at his high school in Oshawa, Ontario.  

"I wanted to experience what it was like to deliver something in front of a crowd," he said. 

Ron headed off to college without much more than a dime in his pocket, an interest in sports, and the desire to make people laugh. He had no idea the opportunities that lay in wait.

"Like everybody in this field, I did a phys ed degree," he joked of his early ambitions. "I didn't know there were careers. ... If somebody would have told me, 'I am a writer,' I would have been like, 'Get out of here, nobody's a writer.'"

Ron's insatiable appetite for discovery and his exposure to people outside his bubble opened his eyes to boundless possibilities. He went with them, first by getting a job in the business school at his university, then moving into program management before learning how to build websites at the dawn of the Internet. He was poached by the company he hired to design his business school's website, started consulting with them, and then got picked up by the advertising company that partnered with the website company. He eventually went out on his own, in many different directions, on- and off-stage.

"There was no plan, there was no path, there was no journey. Just being open to new experiences and being curious about it along the way is what landed me in this position," he said.

Ron has gone from a successful standup career to a creative director in advertising to the owner of a strategic consulting firm for global brands. His clients have included Walmart, Google, Kraft, Volvo, and Intel, to name a few. Whether using art, comedy, artificial intelligence, or something else, Ron says he is all-in on learning new ways of doing things.

"It's not enough to be curious about it. You need to explore it and embrace it," he said of emerging technology and processes.

Everything Ron does — even the tormented telling of a joke gone flat — is fascinating to him, he says. I think you'll find Ron's perspective and comedic flare fascinating too, so let's go get Chiseled.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74026647Sat, 15 Aug 2026 03:19:58 +0000Robert CommodariRon Tite is funny. The standup comedian-turned-business-consultant-turned-bestselling-author is, as they say in show business, a natural. He will have you laughing throughout this week's episode of Chiseled. Ron's disarming charm is due not only to...
Ron's disarming charm is due not only to his comedic instincts but also his endless interest with the unknown. Growing up poor, he was surrounded by people who told him he just had to find work. But Ron was too curious to get a blue-collar job. As a kid intrigued by the craft of comedy, he took risks early, starting with telling Bill Cosby-style stories at his high school in Oshawa, Ontario.  

"I wanted to experience what it was like to deliver something in front of a crowd," he said. 

Ron headed off to college without much more than a dime in his pocket, an interest in sports, and the desire to make people laugh. He had no idea the opportunities that lay in wait.

"Like everybody in this field, I did a phys ed degree," he joked of his early ambitions. "I didn't know there were careers. ... If somebody would have told me, 'I am a writer,' I would have been like, 'Get out of here, nobody's a writer.'"

Ron's insatiable appetite for discovery and his exposure to people outside his bubble opened his eyes to boundless possibilities. He went with them, first by getting a job in the business school at his university, then moving into program management before learning how to build websites at the dawn of the Internet. He was poached by the company he hired to design his business school's website, started consulting with them, and then got picked up by the advertising company that partnered with the website company. He eventually went out on his own, in many different directions, on- and off-stage.

"There was no plan, there was no path, there was no journey. Just being open to new experiences and being curious about it along the way is what landed me in this position," he said.

Ron has gone from a successful standup career to a creative director in advertising to the owner of a strategic consulting firm for global brands. His clients have included Walmart, Google, Kraft, Volvo, and Intel, to name a few. Whether using art, comedy, artificial intelligence, or something else, Ron says he is all-in on learning new ways of doing things.

"It's not enough to be curious about it. You need to explore it and embrace it," he said of emerging technology and processes.

Everything Ron does — even the tormented telling of a joke gone flat — is fascinating to him, he says. I think you'll find Ron's perspective and comedic flare fascinating too, so let's go get Chiseled.]]>2198chiseledpodcast,curiosity,embraceit,exploreit,growth,leadership,rontitefalse1138fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/chiseled-ep-137-when-your-identity-changes-everything-changes-will-davis--73160244https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73160244Sat, 01 Aug 2026 10:15:02 +0000Robert CommodariWill Davis thought his future was already written. As the son of a pastor, he believed ministry was the only path God could truly bless. But after years of trying to force an identity that wasn't his, God led him somewhere unexpected—real estate....2365calling,chiseledpodcast,christianleadership,faith,identity,leadership,mindset,personalgrowth,purpose,realestatefalse1137fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/chiseled-ep-136-living-life-on-his-terms-christopher-fusco--73038061
I admit I'm living vicariously through Chris. I've often thought of living off the land, so to speak, but that ship has sailed for me. For Chris, he's living on his own terms with no regrets.

See, Chris is a professional nomad. He splits his time between his home base in Salida, Colorado, and living six months a year out of his Subaru Outback. Granted, he's not foraging for berries or eating what he traps. The Subaru is decked out with a bed platform, a refrigerator, and a Starlink satellite mounted on the roof so he can work online wherever he is. A big battery powers it all.

"I can eat really well. I can do work. I can sleep well and I can just go. It's great; it's super fun," he said.

Chris is living his dream after being burned out and physically exhausted. The fade started happening even before COVID hit in 2020. At the time, Chris was doing in-person training at a Maryland gym where individuals come for physical therapy. He was crushing his own workouts but feeling drained. As a mountain biker and avid snowboarder, he was tired of being stuck indoors and doing the same routine day after day.

When everyone was ordered home, the gym business went south. Chris, on the other hand, went west, staying with a friend's family in Denver before venturing into the great unknown.
 
While meandering through Utah, he found that the unknown was filled with travelers just like him — people making their way through the country with everything they owned strapped to their cars.

"I met a whole bunch of van lifers," he said. "Some people who have just, like, seasonal jobs, some people who own businesses, who have companies. Whatever. All of the different things living in all different kinds of vehicles."

Joining a caravan, Chris made his way to Salida, where he decamped first at an eco-village and later in a cabin. He has been pursuing this lifestyle ever since.

With a background in physical therapy and a need to earn income, Chris launched the All-Mountain Athlete Project to train individuals — from weekend warriors and 80-year-old grandpas with hip replacements to professional athletes — how to create a physical routine that maximizes activity while minimizing side effects. He helps people "crush mountain sports without burnout."

Chris calls his training program the "minimal effective dose" for performing at peak without causing fatigue or feeling like a "kicked-in trash can."

Chris's coaching program trains people so they can get outdoors, not stuck in a gym. It may not be for everyone, but for those with wandering souls, it may be the system they need to commune with nature — in a hardcore, workout kind of way — and feel great the next day.

I couldn't be prouder of Chris, who shares his journey on this week's episode of Chiseled. Feel free to listen while you're trekking through the wilderness on your own journey this weekend. Enjoy.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73038061Sat, 18 Jul 2026 03:00:56 +0000Robert CommodariOK, bias alert: This week's guest is my cousin, 31-year-old Chris Fusco, who owns Summit Fitness and Performance and is founder of the All-Mountain Athlete Project. I admit I'm living vicariously through Chris. I've often thought of living off the...
I admit I'm living vicariously through Chris. I've often thought of living off the land, so to speak, but that ship has sailed for me. For Chris, he's living on his own terms with no regrets.

See, Chris is a professional nomad. He splits his time between his home base in Salida, Colorado, and living six months a year out of his Subaru Outback. Granted, he's not foraging for berries or eating what he traps. The Subaru is decked out with a bed platform, a refrigerator, and a Starlink satellite mounted on the roof so he can work online wherever he is. A big battery powers it all.

"I can eat really well. I can do work. I can sleep well and I can just go. It's great; it's super fun," he said.

Chris is living his dream after being burned out and physically exhausted. The fade started happening even before COVID hit in 2020. At the time, Chris was doing in-person training at a Maryland gym where individuals come for physical therapy. He was crushing his own workouts but feeling drained. As a mountain biker and avid snowboarder, he was tired of being stuck indoors and doing the same routine day after day.

When everyone was ordered home, the gym business went south. Chris, on the other hand, went west, staying with a friend's family in Denver before venturing into the great unknown.
 
While meandering through Utah, he found that the unknown was filled with travelers just like him — people making their way through the country with everything they owned strapped to their cars.

"I met a whole bunch of van lifers," he said. "Some people who have just, like, seasonal jobs, some people who own businesses, who have companies. Whatever. All of the different things living in all different kinds of vehicles."

Joining a caravan, Chris made his way to Salida, where he decamped first at an eco-village and later in a cabin. He has been pursuing this lifestyle ever since.

With a background in physical therapy and a need to earn income, Chris launched the All-Mountain Athlete Project to train individuals — from weekend warriors and 80-year-old grandpas with hip replacements to professional athletes — how to create a physical routine that maximizes activity while minimizing side effects. He helps people "crush mountain sports without burnout."

Chris calls his training program the "minimal effective dose" for performing at peak without causing fatigue or feeling like a "kicked-in trash can."

Chris's coaching program trains people so they can get outdoors, not stuck in a gym. It may not be for everyone, but for those with wandering souls, it may be the system they need to commune with nature — in a hardcore, workout kind of way — and feel great the next day.

I couldn't be prouder of Chris, who shares his journey on this week's episode of Chiseled. Feel free to listen while you're trekking through the wilderness on your own journey this weekend. Enjoy.]]>2303adventure,chiseledpodcast,courage,fitness,leadership,liveinspired,livewithpurpose,mindset,outdoorlife,personalgrowthfalse1136fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/chiseled-ep-135-fast-and-hard-from-addictions-to-redemption-matt-tyner-sr--72813516​
"Since I was in fourth grade, I decided that I either wanted to be a professional baseball player or the president of the United States, and I didn't think I was going to make that second one happen," he said.
​
He and his best friend decided they wanted to go to college together, so they flipped a coin: heads, University of Miami, and tails, Arizona State. Heads it was. 

Through a series of good fortunes, Matt became a walk-on at the University of Miami and when a buddy got sick, he filled in. His star was born. He went three times to the College World Series and in his senior year was a ninth-round draft pick by the Baltimore Orioles. 
​
But having grown up with an alcoholic mother and living the life of a star athlete in Miami in the 1970s, Matt developed a pretty severe alcohol and cocaine problem. He became a hard-core addict. 
​
"That drug would grab me and never let go," he said. "I would carry that with me for 28 years."
​
In 2001, Matt quit drugs and alcohol cold turkey, but he didn't get into a program. His physical body was cleaning up, but his mental state was not improving. After an unfortunate and highly public encounter with his estranged wife in 2003, he met someone who to this day is his sponsor at Alcoholics Anonymous.
​
"God puts people in your path," he said. "There are angels strewn all throughout my path."
​
In recovery and over the years, Matt reunited with his wife and reconciled with his children. He got a job as a coach for the Towson University Tigers baseball team, which he just officially retired from four days ago, on July 1. He found a spiritual path through AA and rediscovered his faith in Jesus.

He has written a book, "Fast and Hard: From Addiction to Redemption," and plans to take his testimony on the road to speak to young athletes about staying focused on the bigger picture and not losing themselves in the enticements offered by college and pro sports.
​
"It's fast. There's a lot of fun. There's a lot but at what cost? What was the cost? That is the underlying theme on everything I speak on," Matt said.
​
As a sponsor, coach, and communicator, Matt shares entertaining stories of his youth, the Miami college sports scene, and the way forward after living the fast life. I am sure you will be entertained if not learn some of the benefits of joining a program to overcome addiction. So, tune in to this week's episode of Chiseled, and I hope you have a great day celebrating America's 250th founding! Happy Independence Day.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/72813516Sat, 04 Jul 2026 03:42:07 +0000Robert CommodariMatt Tyner Sr. grew up a "normal kid in Smalltown U.S.A." In his hometown of Decatur, Illinois, he learned about sports the old-fashioned way, attending local games. But in 1974, while watching ABC's Wide World of Sports, he saw University of Miami...​
"Since I was in fourth grade, I decided that I either wanted to be a professional baseball player or the president of the United States, and I didn't think I was going to make that second one happen," he said.
​
He and his best friend decided they wanted to go to college together, so they flipped a coin: heads, University of Miami, and tails, Arizona State. Heads it was. 

Through a series of good fortunes, Matt became a walk-on at the University of Miami and when a buddy got sick, he filled in. His star was born. He went three times to the College World Series and in his senior year was a ninth-round draft pick by the Baltimore Orioles. 
​
But having grown up with an alcoholic mother and living the life of a star athlete in Miami in the 1970s, Matt developed a pretty severe alcohol and cocaine problem. He became a hard-core addict. 
​
"That drug would grab me and never let go," he said. "I would carry that with me for 28 years."
​
In 2001, Matt quit drugs and alcohol cold turkey, but he didn't get into a program. His physical body was cleaning up, but his mental state was not improving. After an unfortunate and highly public encounter with his estranged wife in 2003, he met someone who to this day is his sponsor at Alcoholics Anonymous.
​
"God puts people in your path," he said. "There are angels strewn all throughout my path."
​
In recovery and over the years, Matt reunited with his wife and reconciled with his children. He got a job as a coach for the Towson University Tigers baseball team, which he just officially retired from four days ago, on July 1. He found a spiritual path through AA and rediscovered his faith in Jesus.

He has written a book, "Fast and Hard: From Addiction to Redemption," and plans to take his testimony on the road to speak to young athletes about staying focused on the bigger picture and not losing themselves in the enticements offered by college and pro sports.
​
"It's fast. There's a lot of fun. There's a lot but at what cost? What was the cost? That is the underlying theme on everything I speak on," Matt said.
​
As a sponsor, coach, and communicator, Matt shares entertaining stories of his youth, the Miami college sports scene, and the way forward after living the fast life. I am sure you will be entertained if not learn some of the benefits of joining a program to overcome addiction. So, tune in to this week's episode of Chiseled, and I hope you have a great day celebrating America's 250th founding! Happy Independence Day.]]>3426addictionrecovery,baseball,chiseledpodcast,collegebaseball,faith,hope,jesus,leadership,matttyner,personalgrowth,podcast,redemption,sobriety,towsonbaseballfalse1135fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/chiseled-ep-134-falling-in-love-with-christ-marie-miller--72606089
For Marie Miller, that dream began at age seven. Raised in a musical family, she spent her childhood performing bluegrass, singing and playing both mandolin and guitar.

At 15, her father took her to Nashville. By 17, she had signed with Curb Records and later earned a No. 1 Christian radio hit with "You're Not Alone."

Her career took her from opening for pop artists and performing at Disney World to sharing stages with artists such as The Backstreet Boys, The Wallflowers, and Five for Fighting.

Yet her most memorable performance came before a crowd of 750,000 in Philadelphia during the visit of Pope Francis, where she appeared alongside Aretha Franklin and Andrea Bocelli.

 As her faith deepened, Marie felt called in a different direction. Choosing purpose over popularity, she stepped away from the nightlife and embraced a mission centered on faith, family, and service through music.

Inspired by St. Thérèse of Lisieux and her message of "The Little Way," Marie shares powerful insights on surrender, humility, courage, and resisting the pull of fame.

In this episode of Chiseled, Marie discusses trusting God's plan, finding joy in ordinary acts of love, and why the brightest spotlight isn't fame—it's God's love.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/72606089Sat, 20 Jun 2026 01:45:02 +0000Robert CommodariMany young people dream of performing on big stages. Few get the opportunity before adulthood. For Marie Miller, that dream began at age seven. Raised in a musical family, she spent her childhood performing bluegrass, singing and playing both...
For Marie Miller, that dream began at age seven. Raised in a musical family, she spent her childhood performing bluegrass, singing and playing both mandolin and guitar.

At 15, her father took her to Nashville. By 17, she had signed with Curb Records and later earned a No. 1 Christian radio hit with "You're Not Alone."

Her career took her from opening for pop artists and performing at Disney World to sharing stages with artists such as The Backstreet Boys, The Wallflowers, and Five for Fighting.

Yet her most memorable performance came before a crowd of 750,000 in Philadelphia during the visit of Pope Francis, where she appeared alongside Aretha Franklin and Andrea Bocelli.

 As her faith deepened, Marie felt called in a different direction. Choosing purpose over popularity, she stepped away from the nightlife and embraced a mission centered on faith, family, and service through music.

Inspired by St. Thérèse of Lisieux and her message of "The Little Way," Marie shares powerful insights on surrender, humility, courage, and resisting the pull of fame.

In this episode of Chiseled, Marie discusses trusting God's plan, finding joy in ordinary acts of love, and why the brightest spotlight isn't fame—it's God's love.]]>2722catholicfaith,chiseledpodcast,christianmusic,faithjourney,faithoverfear,mariemiller,personalgrowth,podcast,purposedrivenlife,sttherese,surrender,trustgodfalse1134fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/chiseled-ep-133-the-power-of-your-thinking-adam-buttorff--72379773
When Adam Buttorff describes himself as a "heathen," a "SOB," and "depraved," I know he's talking about someone he was. When I hear him describe his love for God and commitment to Christianity, I encourage it.

It's no surprise Adam clings to the Lord. He has been tried in his personal and professional life. As a husband, he lost the love of his life — his wife and the mother of his children — to glioblastoma. As an investor before the 2008 market crash, he was nearly wiped out. But rather than rejecting God, he sought His embrace.

"I was really angry with God, but I was also very thankful to God because I felt like he just helped me and brought people around me," he said. "I never for once felt godforsaken."

After his wife's death, Adam started using his relationship with God to help others. He's now a business coach, trainer, author, and public speaker who imbues his Christianity into the services he provides. With fewer years ahead of him than behind him, as he says, he is still deep in real estate investment, but he's not wildly swinging for the fences as he did. Instead, he's a "steady Eddie."

That stability has not only let him focus on raising his children to the young men they've become, but also it has helped him teach others how to make every day a gift and "turn a setback into a comeback."

Adam acknowledges that just as it wasn't easy for him, it can be equally hard for others. "People love the results of growth, they just don't like to go through growth," he said.

In this week's episode of Chiseled, Adam shares his faith journey and how it informs his every action, decision, and suggestion. For me, I believe the person he is becoming is exactly who he is meant to be. I hope you enjoy his story.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/72379773Sat, 06 Jun 2026 02:29:12 +0000Robert CommodariThere's an adage that says when people reveal themselves to you, believe them. I like to add an adjunct to that: when someone tells you who he is trying to become, support him. When Adam Buttorff describes himself as a "heathen," a "SOB," and...
When Adam Buttorff describes himself as a "heathen," a "SOB," and "depraved," I know he's talking about someone he was. When I hear him describe his love for God and commitment to Christianity, I encourage it.

It's no surprise Adam clings to the Lord. He has been tried in his personal and professional life. As a husband, he lost the love of his life — his wife and the mother of his children — to glioblastoma. As an investor before the 2008 market crash, he was nearly wiped out. But rather than rejecting God, he sought His embrace.

"I was really angry with God, but I was also very thankful to God because I felt like he just helped me and brought people around me," he said. "I never for once felt godforsaken."

After his wife's death, Adam started using his relationship with God to help others. He's now a business coach, trainer, author, and public speaker who imbues his Christianity into the services he provides. With fewer years ahead of him than behind him, as he says, he is still deep in real estate investment, but he's not wildly swinging for the fences as he did. Instead, he's a "steady Eddie."

That stability has not only let him focus on raising his children to the young men they've become, but also it has helped him teach others how to make every day a gift and "turn a setback into a comeback."

Adam acknowledges that just as it wasn't easy for him, it can be equally hard for others. "People love the results of growth, they just don't like to go through growth," he said.

In this week's episode of Chiseled, Adam shares his faith journey and how it informs his every action, decision, and suggestion. For me, I believe the person he is becoming is exactly who he is meant to be. I hope you enjoy his story.]]>2632chiseledpodcast,christianleadership,faithjourney,faithoverfear,hope,overcomingadversity,personalgrowth,podcast,purposedrivenlife,realestateinvestor,resilience,turnsetbacksintocomebacksfalse1133fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/chiseled-ep-54-the-winston-project-cindy-aronstam--72268112Cindy, a real estate agent in San Diego, hadalways been a dog lover. Her parents had a dog before she was born. She grew upwith them. When she got her first dog of her own, she picked an English bulldogwhom she named Winston.
Winston lived well beyond the 8–10-year lifespanof most bulldogs to almost 14 years old. His passing was so sorrowful to Cindythat she would take walks with her husband and stand behind him so that shewould be protected from seeing other people's pets.
Two days after her beloved bulldog Winston passed,Cindy spotted a golden retriever with a gray beard and soulful eyes. She pulledaway from her husband Jim and asked the owner if she could pet the animal. Asshe bent down to touch the dog, the owner told her, "This isWinston." And she knew that the loss of her pup wouldn't be in vain.
Fast forward and Cindy and Jim now have Harry, a"foster fail" that they were supposed to temporarily care for untilhe found a home. Turned out that Harry already was home, and Cindy foundrenewed purpose in helping not only her new pup, but all dogs.
Soon after, Cindy and Jim started The WinstonProject, which aims to raise funds for shelters and rescues so they can do thework of saving animals. She says, hopefully, one day, the need for shelterswill be eliminated altogether.
If you haven't heard the story of how my familygot our current dog, I share it in this week's episode of Chiseled. If you're adog lover, this episode with Cindy may well bring you to happy or sad tears,but it's a joyous and purposeful journey. 
Cindy and Jim's Winston Project, which is now officiallya 501 c(3) nonprofit, is had its first annual gala in San Diego on June 8,2023. You'll probably feel the urge to donate after hearing Cindy describe her relationship with Winston, the WinstonProject's goals, and her passion for saving animals.
You can find more about the gala and the WinstonProject on Cindy's website as well as on Facebook and Instagram. And if you're looking for Cindy for real estatein the San Diego market, you only need to look up "the bulldog realtor." Appropriate, don't you think?]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/72268112Mon, 01 Jun 2026 00:15:20 +0000Robert CommodariLots of people love their pets, but few turn the loss oftheir dog into a life mission. But that's what Cindy Aronstam did after herbeloved English bulldog Winston passed away. Cindy, a real estate agent in San Diego, hadalways been a dog lover. Her...Cindy, a real estate agent in San Diego, hadalways been a dog lover. Her parents had a dog before she was born. She grew upwith them. When she got her first dog of her own, she picked an English bulldogwhom she named Winston.
Winston lived well beyond the 8–10-year lifespanof most bulldogs to almost 14 years old. His passing was so sorrowful to Cindythat she would take walks with her husband and stand behind him so that shewould be protected from seeing other people's pets.
Two days after her beloved bulldog Winston passed,Cindy spotted a golden retriever with a gray beard and soulful eyes. She pulledaway from her husband Jim and asked the owner if she could pet the animal. Asshe bent down to touch the dog, the owner told her, "This isWinston." And she knew that the loss of her pup wouldn't be in vain.
Fast forward and Cindy and Jim now have Harry, a"foster fail" that they were supposed to temporarily care for untilhe found a home. Turned out that Harry already was home, and Cindy foundrenewed purpose in helping not only her new pup, but all dogs.
Soon after, Cindy and Jim started The WinstonProject, which aims to raise funds for shelters and rescues so they can do thework of saving animals. She says, hopefully, one day, the need for shelterswill be eliminated altogether.
If you haven't heard the story of how my familygot our current dog, I share it in this week's episode of Chiseled. If you're adog lover, this episode with Cindy may well bring you to happy or sad tears,but it's a joyous and purposeful journey. 
Cindy and Jim's Winston Project, which is now officiallya 501 c(3) nonprofit, is had its first annual gala in San Diego on June 8,2023. You'll probably feel the urge to donate after hearing Cindy describe her relationship with Winston, the WinstonProject's goals, and her passion for saving animals.
You can find more about the gala and the WinstonProject on Cindy's website as well as on Facebook and Instagram. And if you're looking for Cindy for real estatein the San Diego market, you only need to look up "the bulldog realtor." Appropriate, don't you think?]]>2623awareness,chiseled,lifemission,thebulldogrealtor,thewinstonprojectfalse154fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/chiseled-ep-132-where-is-god-in-all-this-becky-galli--72123954
Every guest on this show has discovered a purpose in pain or testified about a lesson learned from conquering their own challenges. It's a blessing for me to have interviewed each of them and to help tell their tales.

And, oh my, this week we got a doozy. Becky Galli was hit with all of the worst kinds of troubles: a sibling's childhood death, two special-needs children, a divorce, and her own unexplained paralysis.

But did she let it get her down?

Yeah. She did. Naturally, she asked, "Why me?"

"What am I, Calamity Jane?" she joked. "The Job or Jobette; it's a lot. It was a lot and I felt that, where is God in all that?"

But Becky decided to stop sitting at "the edge of a pity pit" and look at the "evidence" of her own endurance.

"If you can look back at the times that you've been sad and you've gotten through it, that evidence kind of gives you confidence that you will get through this too."

Becky was lucky to have an example set by her father, a minister and author of the book, "Sit Down, God, I'm Angry." Knowing she had permission to get angry with God, Becky worked through her sadness by writing her sorrows down, allowing others to carry her load when she was unable, and keeping the faith, even when she was challenged in every way.

With the help of a friend and a burgeoning internet, Becky turned her misfortunes into a series of op-eds at The Baltimore Sun. Her writing career took off from there. She started writing short stories with reflective questions that turned into the book, "Rethinking Possible." She has now written 400 columns, countless blogs, and is working on her third book. It's got a working title I love: "Losing Without Losing It."

Becky also works as an advocate for Pathfinders for Autism, an organization that helps parents of children with autism locate educational resources and assistance. I've had the fortune to get to know this group and I'm better for it. 

I'm also fortunate to convey Becky's advice on dealing with adversity: stay strong, keep the faith, and keep moving through it. And I hope you keep enjoying each episode of Chiseled. ]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/72123954Sat, 23 May 2026 02:00:58 +0000Robert CommodariIf you've been listening to Chiseled, you know I have amazing guests who share personal stories of overcoming hardship, living through the paradoxes of faith, and using everything they've learned to help others. Every guest on this show has...
Every guest on this show has discovered a purpose in pain or testified about a lesson learned from conquering their own challenges. It's a blessing for me to have interviewed each of them and to help tell their tales.

And, oh my, this week we got a doozy. Becky Galli was hit with all of the worst kinds of troubles: a sibling's childhood death, two special-needs children, a divorce, and her own unexplained paralysis.

But did she let it get her down?

Yeah. She did. Naturally, she asked, "Why me?"

"What am I, Calamity Jane?" she joked. "The Job or Jobette; it's a lot. It was a lot and I felt that, where is God in all that?"

But Becky decided to stop sitting at "the edge of a pity pit" and look at the "evidence" of her own endurance.

"If you can look back at the times that you've been sad and you've gotten through it, that evidence kind of gives you confidence that you will get through this too."

Becky was lucky to have an example set by her father, a minister and author of the book, "Sit Down, God, I'm Angry." Knowing she had permission to get angry with God, Becky worked through her sadness by writing her sorrows down, allowing others to carry her load when she was unable, and keeping the faith, even when she was challenged in every way.

With the help of a friend and a burgeoning internet, Becky turned her misfortunes into a series of op-eds at The Baltimore Sun. Her writing career took off from there. She started writing short stories with reflective questions that turned into the book, "Rethinking Possible." She has now written 400 columns, countless blogs, and is working on her third book. It's got a working title I love: "Losing Without Losing It."

Becky also works as an advocate for Pathfinders for Autism, an organization that helps parents of children with autism locate educational resources and assistance. I've had the fortune to get to know this group and I'm better for it. 

I'm also fortunate to convey Becky's advice on dealing with adversity: stay strong, keep the faith, and keep moving through it. And I hope you keep enjoying each episode of Chiseled. ]]>2617autismawareness,chiseledpodcast,faith,perseverance,personalgrowth,purposeinpain,resiliencefalse1132fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/chiseled-ep-131-procrastination-proof-never-get-stuck-again-jon-acuff--71932740
Some would say, Jon was born winning. He was fortunate enough to grow up the son of a minister in a household where humor was everywhere. "Our dinner table was like an open mic night," he says.

But married with kids and at a dead end in his career, Jon was in his 30s before he realized that the "stage and page" — public speaking and book-writing — drove his sense of purpose and meaning. So, he decided to re-invent himself.

Drawing from his youth, Jon wrote his first book as a satire about church life. Later, having worked for financial adviser Dave Ramsey, his second book was a satire about money. Having now finished his 11th book, Jon is an expert in writing about how to avoid procrastination and give yourself permission to find your purpose and live your dreams.

As Jon explains this week, many of the barriers to success are mostly within ourselves. But people often blame events outside themselves — the economy, government, or parents — for not getting started on a plan to achieve their goals.

"A lot of people are going, 'Until this happens, I can't do it,'" he says. "For me in my mid-30s I realized I was waiting for someone else to change my career, and unfortunately, I realized, 'Oh wait, it's me. The one who has the most skin in the game in Jon Acuff's career is Jon Acuff,'" he said.

I met Jon when he was a speaker for a Buffini Coaching event. He's not a realtor; he's a corporate leadership speaker. He is also a great joke teller and even shares how to craft a joke to get the laughs.

Jon has clearly thought through — as a result of living through — what prevents us from reaching our goals. He offers several bits of advice on overcoming barriers.

"Stuck doesn't have an expiration," he explains, noting that it's a lifelong challenge to break through the blocks. He adds that he follows his own advice every day — waking up in the morning and asking himself, "What are the things I'm trying to do? What are the dreams I'm building? What's the mindset I want going into this? How do I set this ahead of time. How do I figure this out? How do I have a great attitude about this?"

Those are a lot of questions, and you don't have to be a born entrepreneur or even an especially positive person to answer them. However, what you need to succeed, according to Jon, is to stop listening to the broken soundtracks in your mind.

So, push through the skip in the vinyl record of your mind and give yourself permission to pursue your dreams. You can start by listening to this entertaining and inspirational episode of Chiseled.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/71932740Sat, 09 May 2026 02:14:45 +0000Robert CommodariSometimes when I interview someone very affable and professional, I think to myself, "No wonder this guy sold a million books." That's how I think about today's guest on Chiseled, Jon Acuff. Jon is so funny, polished, and purpose-driven that he fills...
Some would say, Jon was born winning. He was fortunate enough to grow up the son of a minister in a household where humor was everywhere. "Our dinner table was like an open mic night," he says.

But married with kids and at a dead end in his career, Jon was in his 30s before he realized that the "stage and page" — public speaking and book-writing — drove his sense of purpose and meaning. So, he decided to re-invent himself.

Drawing from his youth, Jon wrote his first book as a satire about church life. Later, having worked for financial adviser Dave Ramsey, his second book was a satire about money. Having now finished his 11th book, Jon is an expert in writing about how to avoid procrastination and give yourself permission to find your purpose and live your dreams.

As Jon explains this week, many of the barriers to success are mostly within ourselves. But people often blame events outside themselves — the economy, government, or parents — for not getting started on a plan to achieve their goals.

"A lot of people are going, 'Until this happens, I can't do it,'" he says. "For me in my mid-30s I realized I was waiting for someone else to change my career, and unfortunately, I realized, 'Oh wait, it's me. The one who has the most skin in the game in Jon Acuff's career is Jon Acuff,'" he said.

I met Jon when he was a speaker for a Buffini Coaching event. He's not a realtor; he's a corporate leadership speaker. He is also a great joke teller and even shares how to craft a joke to get the laughs.

Jon has clearly thought through — as a result of living through — what prevents us from reaching our goals. He offers several bits of advice on overcoming barriers.

"Stuck doesn't have an expiration," he explains, noting that it's a lifelong challenge to break through the blocks. He adds that he follows his own advice every day — waking up in the morning and asking himself, "What are the things I'm trying to do? What are the dreams I'm building? What's the mindset I want going into this? How do I set this ahead of time. How do I figure this out? How do I have a great attitude about this?"

Those are a lot of questions, and you don't have to be a born entrepreneur or even an especially positive person to answer them. However, what you need to succeed, according to Jon, is to stop listening to the broken soundtracks in your mind.

So, push through the skip in the vinyl record of your mind and give yourself permission to pursue your dreams. You can start by listening to this entertaining and inspirational episode of Chiseled.]]>2450chiseledpodcast,jonacuff,mindset,personalgrowth,procrastinationproof,purposedriven,takeactionfalse1131fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/chiseled-ep-130-true-grit-miriam-mckinney--71633355
"It's the best long-term investment; it's the best way for wealth. That's what we tell our clients," she said. "So, I knew that's how I could make up ground."

Invest she did. But not before spending two years living a stoic life, turning down the finer things that her hometown of Asheville, North Carolina, offers, so she could squirrel away some savings and buy a property with cash.

With her scrimping, Miriam was able to buy a foreclosure in 2014. She fixed it up, leased it to long-term renters, and sold it years later for double what she bought it. Then she did it again.

Using investment strategies like a 1031 exchange, Miriam is now not just a realtor, but a highly successful investor with multiple properties.

"It's just one of those things that when you get a little bit of success and you have the mindset that 'I can do this, I got this,' then it's just like a snowball."

Miriam says she relied on three things to push past her early fear — her faith, her experience as an educator, and her decision to surround herself with people who share her mindset, including fellow members of her "Buffini family" real estate coaching program.

"When you want to change your mindset, and if you've got goals, you have to surround yourself, you have to saturate yourself with other people ... (who) can help your mindset," she said.

As an avid reader who is on a personal development journey that includes being a founding member of the John Maxwell certified coaching team, Miriam says she believes her purpose includes teaching investment strategies, particularly to women.

"Along my journey I have helped other people, encouraged other people, and shown them a path: how you do this, how you invest in real estate and become a millionaire, a multi-millionaire just by thinking long-term."

Miriam's southern drawl and thoughtful responses to my questions may charm you into considering an investment strategy of your own. She is happy to help you get from where you are to where you want to be. You can learn more about her success and her process on this week's episode of Chiseled. ]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/71633355Sat, 25 Apr 2026 10:54:13 +0000Robert CommodariWhen Miriam McKinney got divorced in the early 2010s, she ended up in a financial hole. Depressed and broke, she wallowed a bit and wondered what to do with herself. But her self-pity didn't last long. As an already successful realtor, Miriam did what...
"It's the best long-term investment; it's the best way for wealth. That's what we tell our clients," she said. "So, I knew that's how I could make up ground."

Invest she did. But not before spending two years living a stoic life, turning down the finer things that her hometown of Asheville, North Carolina, offers, so she could squirrel away some savings and buy a property with cash.

With her scrimping, Miriam was able to buy a foreclosure in 2014. She fixed it up, leased it to long-term renters, and sold it years later for double what she bought it. Then she did it again.

Using investment strategies like a 1031 exchange, Miriam is now not just a realtor, but a highly successful investor with multiple properties.

"It's just one of those things that when you get a little bit of success and you have the mindset that 'I can do this, I got this,' then it's just like a snowball."

Miriam says she relied on three things to push past her early fear — her faith, her experience as an educator, and her decision to surround herself with people who share her mindset, including fellow members of her "Buffini family" real estate coaching program.

"When you want to change your mindset, and if you've got goals, you have to surround yourself, you have to saturate yourself with other people ... (who) can help your mindset," she said.

As an avid reader who is on a personal development journey that includes being a founding member of the John Maxwell certified coaching team, Miriam says she believes her purpose includes teaching investment strategies, particularly to women.

"Along my journey I have helped other people, encouraged other people, and shown them a path: how you do this, how you invest in real estate and become a millionaire, a multi-millionaire just by thinking long-term."

Miriam's southern drawl and thoughtful responses to my questions may charm you into considering an investment strategy of your own. She is happy to help you get from where you are to where you want to be. You can learn more about her success and her process on this week's episode of Chiseled. ]]>2223buffini,chiseledpodcast,financialfreedom,mindsetmatters,realestateinvesting,wealthbuilding,womeninrealestatefalse1130fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/chiseled-ep-55-anything-is-possible-ty-nichols--71351343
Hanging out with friends he had known since preschool, Ty found himself caught in a massive brawl. Though a bystander, he was arrested and charged with first-degree assault and second-degree murder.

"I'm staring down a million-dollar bond and I didn't even do anything," he said. Ty ended up getting sentenced to 15 years, which was suspended to five. He served three years in a state penitentiary.

A former Catholic school student, Ty turned to the Bible on his first night in jail. He opened up to a random page and landed on Psalm 1, whose first line starts with "Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked." Ty knew that he had to steer clear of troublemakers and eliminate from his life the people who got him into his mess.

"Those that you surround yourself with do have a massive impact on your life," he said.

After his release, Ty did everything he could to say on the straight and narrow path. After several attempts to find work, Target finally gave Ty a chance. He worked his way up, eventually becoming a store manager, team leadership trainer, and recruiter. After 14 years at Target, Ty moved on and opened up his own business. He now teaches professionals and leaders how to be more productive, more impactful, and more influential through behavior design and habit formation.

To get to his success Ty needed motivation, skills, and the will to succeed. It wasn't easy, but thanks to a little help from new friends, a supportive wife, lots of dedication, and a clear vision, Ty is a public speaker, a behavioralist, and the "habit strategist," who helps individuals reach the mindset they need to achieve their goals.

I was fortunate to be introduced to Ty by our mutual Toastmaster friends, Karen and Frank Story. Ty really teaches us that anything is possible — both good and bad — and how we use the lessons from our experiences will determine how our futures will progress. I'm pleased to share Ty's engaging story and insights on this episode of Chiseled.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/71351343Wed, 15 Apr 2026 20:13:46 +0000Robert CommodariAt age 21, Ty Nichols was "cooking" as Comcast's top Mid-Atlantic region salesman for 19 months in a row. He was looking to buy property in Panama and create a successful life and career — until he ended up in the wrong place at the wrong time....
Hanging out with friends he had known since preschool, Ty found himself caught in a massive brawl. Though a bystander, he was arrested and charged with first-degree assault and second-degree murder.

"I'm staring down a million-dollar bond and I didn't even do anything," he said. Ty ended up getting sentenced to 15 years, which was suspended to five. He served three years in a state penitentiary.

A former Catholic school student, Ty turned to the Bible on his first night in jail. He opened up to a random page and landed on Psalm 1, whose first line starts with "Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked." Ty knew that he had to steer clear of troublemakers and eliminate from his life the people who got him into his mess.

"Those that you surround yourself with do have a massive impact on your life," he said.

After his release, Ty did everything he could to say on the straight and narrow path. After several attempts to find work, Target finally gave Ty a chance. He worked his way up, eventually becoming a store manager, team leadership trainer, and recruiter. After 14 years at Target, Ty moved on and opened up his own business. He now teaches professionals and leaders how to be more productive, more impactful, and more influential through behavior design and habit formation.

To get to his success Ty needed motivation, skills, and the will to succeed. It wasn't easy, but thanks to a little help from new friends, a supportive wife, lots of dedication, and a clear vision, Ty is a public speaker, a behavioralist, and the "habit strategist," who helps individuals reach the mindset they need to achieve their goals.

I was fortunate to be introduced to Ty by our mutual Toastmaster friends, Karen and Frank Story. Ty really teaches us that anything is possible — both good and bad — and how we use the lessons from our experiences will determine how our futures will progress. I'm pleased to share Ty's engaging story and insights on this episode of Chiseled.]]>2582awareness,behavioralist,chiseled,habitstrategistfalse155fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/chiseled-ep-129-from-wall-street-to-god-s-harvest-the-story-of-first-fruits-farm-rich-bernstein--71239081
"I'd always been interested in agriculture," he said. "I never lost that love for farming."

His wife, Carol, who was supportive of the move, insisted they don't just buy more land to have more stuff but to till it for the glory of God. So, after Rich got baptized in 1997, he asked six worshipers from his church — all of whom had grown up on farms — to help him launch a project to provide fresh, nutritious food for the needy.

Between his management expertise, the group's agriculture acumen, and evidently some help from above, Rich and his fellow "pioneers," all of whom are still involved in the project, turned a garden that was just one-third of an acre into a 281-acre farming interest producing three million pounds-plus of food annually. 

All of it feeds the hungry, but First Fruits Farm distinguishes itself from other meal services by nourishing the spirit as well as the body. 

"God knew what he was doing. I wasn't going to have a vocational career in agriculture. I was going to have a ministerial career," he said.

Run entirely on volunteers, Rich says in addition to food, First Fruit Farms offers educational programming that attracts students from all over the area, whether kids attending wealthy private schools or children who have never seen a farm living in the inner city. 

All the students visiting the farm learn the same lessons: they are uniquely individual souls for whom God has a plan — and the place isn't called "First Fruits" for nothing.

"We're not giving people rotting vegetables and saying, 'Hope you're OK with that,'" he said. "Jesus is pretty clear: 'Whatever you do for people, it's as if you did that to me.' ... I wouldn't dream of giving Jesus apples that were smashed by a bulldozer."

Little-known fact: according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Baltimore County has more than 70,000 acres of farmland producing $93 million in agriculture sales each year. If a small piece of that market is going to establish God's kingdom on earth here in Baltimore, then the produce from First Fruits surely tastes delicious.

I have volunteered at Fresh Fruits Farm, and it was a meaningful experience that I hope to do again. I encourage you to get out there sometime and try a little harvesting of your own. In the meantime, you can reap the benefits of Rich's wisdom on this week's episode of Chiseled.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/71239081Sat, 11 Apr 2026 10:43:39 +0000Robert CommodariRich Bernstein always wanted to get back to his roots. Born into a Jewish family in a rural area up north and originally expecting to become a farmer, Rich ended up in Baltimore, MD, as a pre-med student at Johns Hopkins University. Detouring...
"I'd always been interested in agriculture," he said. "I never lost that love for farming."

His wife, Carol, who was supportive of the move, insisted they don't just buy more land to have more stuff but to till it for the glory of God. So, after Rich got baptized in 1997, he asked six worshipers from his church — all of whom had grown up on farms — to help him launch a project to provide fresh, nutritious food for the needy.

Between his management expertise, the group's agriculture acumen, and evidently some help from above, Rich and his fellow "pioneers," all of whom are still involved in the project, turned a garden that was just one-third of an acre into a 281-acre farming interest producing three million pounds-plus of food annually. 

All of it feeds the hungry, but First Fruits Farm distinguishes itself from other meal services by nourishing the spirit as well as the body. 

"God knew what he was doing. I wasn't going to have a vocational career in agriculture. I was going to have a ministerial career," he said.

Run entirely on volunteers, Rich says in addition to food, First Fruit Farms offers educational programming that attracts students from all over the area, whether kids attending wealthy private schools or children who have never seen a farm living in the inner city. 

All the students visiting the farm learn the same lessons: they are uniquely individual souls for whom God has a plan — and the place isn't called "First Fruits" for nothing.

"We're not giving people rotting vegetables and saying, 'Hope you're OK with that,'" he said. "Jesus is pretty clear: 'Whatever you do for people, it's as if you did that to me.' ... I wouldn't dream of giving Jesus apples that were smashed by a bulldozer."

Little-known fact: according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Baltimore County has more than 70,000 acres of farmland producing $93 million in agriculture sales each year. If a small piece of that market is going to establish God's kingdom on earth here in Baltimore, then the produce from First Fruits surely tastes delicious.

I have volunteered at Fresh Fruits Farm, and it was a meaningful experience that I hope to do again. I encourage you to get out there sometime and try a little harvesting of your own. In the meantime, you can reap the benefits of Rich's wisdom on this week's episode of Chiseled.]]>2550baltimorecommunity,chiseledpodcast,faithinaction,purposedrivenlife,serveothersfalse1129fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/chiseled-ep-128-dream-bigger-trust-deeper-marc-allen--70951776
Left with his own bills to pay and a crowd to enlighten, Marc and his partner, Shakti Gawain, gathered together all they had learned about spirituality and personal growth from years studying in the heart of the 1970s' "spiritual smorgasbord" — Berkeley, California — and hosted the five-day seminar.

The results were better than he could have imagined. They were asked to host another event in Los Angeles. Using what he had typed out for his guests at the seminar, Marc self-published a book, then another, then another. Shakti published the same material under another title, and sales took off.

The two then started the New World Library, which has published hundreds of books that inspire and challenge people to improve their lives and the world. Some of its famous authors include Eckhart Tolle, Alice Walker, Deepak Chopra, and Richard Carlson.

From that first seminar, Marc built, refined, and distilled his philosophy into his most famous book, The Millionaire Course: The Visionary Plan for Creating the Life of Your Dreams. In it, Marc asks eight essential questions. He also teaches how to create affirmations and adapt them to one's own circumstances and situations.

"We're all such individuals that words that resonate with one person will not resonate the same way with another," he said. "You just keep playing with it. ... When you find that right affirmation, you feel energy from it."

Even if, unlike me, you haven't read Marc's book a half-dozen times, it won't matter because in this week's episode of Chiseled, Marc recites from memory some of his favorite lessons from the book as well as lines from poems and meditations like the Tao Te Ching and the Kabbalah.

Marc describes himself as a "cultural creative." He is not a fan of Western philosophy — calling it too intellectual and not spiritual enough. He sees himself as a Christian practicing the most fundamental of Jesus' message.

"'A new law I give unto you, love one as I loved you,'" he said. "That's the essence of Christianity."  

I welcome you to join this week's "book club" on Chiseled, discover Marc's pick for the best spiritual book of the 21st century, and "dare to dream." As he says, "Whatever happens, you will never regret it."]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70951776Sat, 28 Mar 2026 10:43:12 +0000Robert CommodariWhen Marc Allen was in his 20s and desperate for cash, a man hired him and his then-girlfriend to help prepare a seminar for 25 paying guests on spirituality and self-improvement. Five minutes before it was supposed to start, the guy bolted. Left...
Left with his own bills to pay and a crowd to enlighten, Marc and his partner, Shakti Gawain, gathered together all they had learned about spirituality and personal growth from years studying in the heart of the 1970s' "spiritual smorgasbord" — Berkeley, California — and hosted the five-day seminar.

The results were better than he could have imagined. They were asked to host another event in Los Angeles. Using what he had typed out for his guests at the seminar, Marc self-published a book, then another, then another. Shakti published the same material under another title, and sales took off.

The two then started the New World Library, which has published hundreds of books that inspire and challenge people to improve their lives and the world. Some of its famous authors include Eckhart Tolle, Alice Walker, Deepak Chopra, and Richard Carlson.

From that first seminar, Marc built, refined, and distilled his philosophy into his most famous book, The Millionaire Course: The Visionary Plan for Creating the Life of Your Dreams. In it, Marc asks eight essential questions. He also teaches how to create affirmations and adapt them to one's own circumstances and situations.

"We're all such individuals that words that resonate with one person will not resonate the same way with another," he said. "You just keep playing with it. ... When you find that right affirmation, you feel energy from it."

Even if, unlike me, you haven't read Marc's book a half-dozen times, it won't matter because in this week's episode of Chiseled, Marc recites from memory some of his favorite lessons from the book as well as lines from poems and meditations like the Tao Te Ching and the Kabbalah.

Marc describes himself as a "cultural creative." He is not a fan of Western philosophy — calling it too intellectual and not spiritual enough. He sees himself as a Christian practicing the most fundamental of Jesus' message.

"'A new law I give unto you, love one as I loved you,'" he said. "That's the essence of Christianity."  

I welcome you to join this week's "book club" on Chiseled, discover Marc's pick for the best spiritual book of the 21st century, and "dare to dream." As he says, "Whatever happens, you will never regret it."]]>3256chiseledpodcast,daretodream,dreambiggertrustdeeper,faithinaction,leadership,mindsetshift,personalgrowthfalse1128fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/chiseled-ep-56-resistance-is-the-enemy-mary-lou-kayser--70856338However, when her father unexpectedly passed awayand a new person came into her life who had a profound influence on her, shewas tuned in for the signs. And she got one.
"I started getting downloads from a highersource and they were coming to me as poems," she said. "So I juststarted collecting and writing them down."
Months later, she found she had a collection thathit on four themes: leaving, grieving, loving, and being. She put them togetherand published the set in her new book The FarUnlit Unknown, which she describes as a take on "non-obviousleadership development."
Mary Lou calls her newest book a gift to herselfand an opportunity to move toward her next calling, whatever that may be.Indeed, Mary Lou teaches that resistance or preventing yourself fromgoing after new goals is the enemy of a fulfilled life.
"At the end of the day you're the only personwho stops you," she said. "It's up to us to say 'yes' to ideas."
I was fortunate to meet May Lou through our mutualconnection Tommy Breedlove. She has amazing insights and I'm happy to be ableto share some of them with you in this episode of Chiseled, the podcast for those of us who are still a work in progress.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70856338Tue, 24 Mar 2026 18:27:02 +0000Robert CommodariMary LouKayser is a best-selling author of seven books, a podcaster, educator, writer,and mother of two. She is also a listener of the universe. And when it sendsher a message, she's ready to receive it. But at no time did she expect amessage to tell...However, when her father unexpectedly passed awayand a new person came into her life who had a profound influence on her, shewas tuned in for the signs. And she got one.
"I started getting downloads from a highersource and they were coming to me as poems," she said. "So I juststarted collecting and writing them down."
Months later, she found she had a collection thathit on four themes: leaving, grieving, loving, and being. She put them togetherand published the set in her new book The FarUnlit Unknown, which she describes as a take on "non-obviousleadership development."
Mary Lou calls her newest book a gift to herselfand an opportunity to move toward her next calling, whatever that may be.Indeed, Mary Lou teaches that resistance or preventing yourself fromgoing after new goals is the enemy of a fulfilled life.
"At the end of the day you're the only personwho stops you," she said. "It's up to us to say 'yes' to ideas."
I was fortunate to meet May Lou through our mutualconnection Tommy Breedlove. She has amazing insights and I'm happy to be ableto share some of them with you in this episode of Chiseled, the podcast for those of us who are still a work in progress.]]>2254awareness,chiseled,rejectingresistance,resistanceistheenemyfalse156fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/chiseled-ep-127-the-protective-whisper-how-glenn-morshower-found-his-mission--70631209https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70631209Sat, 14 Mar 2026 02:36:27 +0000Robert CommodariGlenn Morshower knew as a child that he wanted to be an actor. It wasn’t just because he watched a friend perform at a local theater—it was because he never treated other people’s doubts as anything more than a challenge. That mindset has carried him...3276glennmorshower,listentothevoice,liveyourmission,theprotectivewhisperfalse1127fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/chiseled-ep-8-negotiating-relationships-dan-o-dell--70402023https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70402023Tue, 03 Mar 2026 03:57:02 +0000Robert CommodariIn this episode Dan O'Dell, a real estate agent in Oakland Park, KS shares with us the importance of building relationships in business and in life. More important than negotiating real estate deals, Dan discusses the importance of negotiating...1745awareness,chiseled,negotiatingrelationships,savingamarriagefalse18fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/chiseled-ep-46-guiding-principles-and-spiritual-forces-bill-hampton--70390211
As someone who was making money but never had any, when Bill arrived at his new apartment complex, he immediately went upstairs and called the show. And that's how he became a lifelong friend and a longtime business colleague of Dave Ramsey.

"I got through because he had no listeners back then. He was probably just happy to talk to somebody," Bill recalled.

Bill signed up for Dave's Financial Peace University class and started applying the principles. Three years later, Dave asked Bill to teach the class. From there, they built an empire.

During their 13 years together, Bill helped Dave sign book deals, build the marketing and digital business, design high school and college curricula, and launch a new radio show, one that today is heard by 4.5 million listeners each week on 500 stations.

Dave Ramsey's company rose from a $2 million to a $70 million business by the time Bill left. But Bill had to leave. Gobs of money, private jets, and living on his achievements left him in search of a new challenge.

In this episode of Chiseled Bill shares the journey from joining Dave Ramsey to founding Hampton Strategies, a consulting firm that helps businesses grow. He tells how he built a multimillion-dollar peach business from the back of a truck and engineered an Amish shed company, and he discusses the guiding principles and spiritual forces behind every decision along the way.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70390211Mon, 02 Mar 2026 15:48:30 +0000Robert CommodariBill Hampton is not from the south, but he got there as fast as he could. At age 24, while moving from Atlanta to Nashville to build his music management and concert promotion business, he tuned into a radio station and heard a "hillbilly" talking...
As someone who was making money but never had any, when Bill arrived at his new apartment complex, he immediately went upstairs and called the show. And that's how he became a lifelong friend and a longtime business colleague of Dave Ramsey.

"I got through because he had no listeners back then. He was probably just happy to talk to somebody," Bill recalled.

Bill signed up for Dave's Financial Peace University class and started applying the principles. Three years later, Dave asked Bill to teach the class. From there, they built an empire.

During their 13 years together, Bill helped Dave sign book deals, build the marketing and digital business, design high school and college curricula, and launch a new radio show, one that today is heard by 4.5 million listeners each week on 500 stations.

Dave Ramsey's company rose from a $2 million to a $70 million business by the time Bill left. But Bill had to leave. Gobs of money, private jets, and living on his achievements left him in search of a new challenge.

In this episode of Chiseled Bill shares the journey from joining Dave Ramsey to founding Hampton Strategies, a consulting firm that helps businesses grow. He tells how he built a multimillion-dollar peach business from the back of a truck and engineered an Amish shed company, and he discusses the guiding principles and spiritual forces behind every decision along the way.]]>2406chiseled,guidingprinciples,hamptonstrategies,humility,spiritualforcesfalse146fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/chiseled-ep-126-dr-chistina-paul-health-vitality-and-longevity--70356068
She also spent a lot of time in the critical care units of hospitals encountering patients with life-threatening chronic illnesses that could have been prevented.

Fortunately, as she explains in this week's episode of Chiseled, a "chronic illness" no longer has to be a permanent or terminal one.

"If you're leg is broken and you fix it, it's not going to stay a broken leg forever," she said. "Ninety percent of things that are labeled as chronic diseases, individuals who are labeled as having chronic disease, (these) are still reversible."
​
Dr. Paul dedicates her time to making sure that people live at the top of their game for as long as possible by pairing traditional medical science with personalized deep dives used in the practice of functional, longevity medicine, also known as precision health care.

Much of her practice falls into categories that most people innately understand, but don't always address — adequate sleep, healthy food, and stress reduction. But the science extends beyond that to epigenetics — how genes are expressed, hormones, and the microbiome, or gut health.

"That's our second brain," she said. "Our microbiome is such a huge player with our neurological health."

Unlike traditional medicine, actuarial tables and diagnostic codes have little to do with her decision-making matrix. In fact, she describes insurance as "reactive care." Instead, she uses an analogy comparing her practice to skydiving, which, if you know me, personally resonates.

"It's like having a parachute. You're ready, you jump off the plane, but it really doesn't open until you're close to the ground. So, you're just falling. It's going to save you, but just at the very end," she said. "But you want to have checked if that parachute opens before you got on the plane and you want it to open right away. That's the kind of health care strategy that we empower our patients to take."

As a big believer in the idea of investing 10 percent of our income into our personal well-being, I couldn't agree more with Dr. Paul's assessment of taking care of ourselves to take care of others.

"If we're not able to take care of our inner health or self, you can't show up for your partners, your families, your business," she said.

For those unfamiliar with longevity care, or those who want to learn more, I urge you, for your own health, to take a listen to this week's episode of Chiseled.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70356068Sat, 28 Feb 2026 04:38:44 +0000Robert CommodariDr. Christina Paul felt a calling — help people to live better, healthier lives right up to the end. The root of her dedication, she says, came from what she calls a gift from God to be able to study science and grow up in a household where wholesome...
She also spent a lot of time in the critical care units of hospitals encountering patients with life-threatening chronic illnesses that could have been prevented.

Fortunately, as she explains in this week's episode of Chiseled, a "chronic illness" no longer has to be a permanent or terminal one.

"If you're leg is broken and you fix it, it's not going to stay a broken leg forever," she said. "Ninety percent of things that are labeled as chronic diseases, individuals who are labeled as having chronic disease, (these) are still reversible."
​
Dr. Paul dedicates her time to making sure that people live at the top of their game for as long as possible by pairing traditional medical science with personalized deep dives used in the practice of functional, longevity medicine, also known as precision health care.

Much of her practice falls into categories that most people innately understand, but don't always address — adequate sleep, healthy food, and stress reduction. But the science extends beyond that to epigenetics — how genes are expressed, hormones, and the microbiome, or gut health.

"That's our second brain," she said. "Our microbiome is such a huge player with our neurological health."

Unlike traditional medicine, actuarial tables and diagnostic codes have little to do with her decision-making matrix. In fact, she describes insurance as "reactive care." Instead, she uses an analogy comparing her practice to skydiving, which, if you know me, personally resonates.

"It's like having a parachute. You're ready, you jump off the plane, but it really doesn't open until you're close to the ground. So, you're just falling. It's going to save you, but just at the very end," she said. "But you want to have checked if that parachute opens before you got on the plane and you want it to open right away. That's the kind of health care strategy that we empower our patients to take."

As a big believer in the idea of investing 10 percent of our income into our personal well-being, I couldn't agree more with Dr. Paul's assessment of taking care of ourselves to take care of others.

"If we're not able to take care of our inner health or self, you can't show up for your partners, your families, your business," she said.

For those unfamiliar with longevity care, or those who want to learn more, I urge you, for your own health, to take a listen to this week's episode of Chiseled.]]>3286chiseledpodcast,functionalmedicine,investinyourhealth,livebetter,longevityfalse1126fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/chiseled-ep-57-how-to-buy-a-home-david-sidoni--70185650But David decided to put his acting career behind him and gointo real estate. 
"As I got into real estate, everyone said, 'Oh, you'regoing to be great in real estate (because) you're an actor.' Eh. You're more astage manager. You put out fires all the time," he said.
Nonetheless, David was happy getting chiseled into the'David' he wanted to become. But after years in the business, he startednoticing a trend that unsettled him and he realized he wanted to focus on theparts of the job that he loved.
From there he launched his podcast, How to Buy aHome, now in its fourth year. It focuses primarily on first-timehomebuyers, a third of the market but a segment that David says most real estatecompanies ignore. 
"Go to all the big ones, I don't care who it is —Keller, eXp, Compass, Coldwell, Sotheby’s. It's listings, listings, listings.What other business totally ignores one third of the customer base? It blows meaway."
I met David not long ago and I am trying on my unicorn hornas one of his referral partners. It seems to fit nicely. More so, I'm happy tohave a "guy" on the show with boundless energy and true passion forwhat he does. I am sure you will feel his energy and joy in this episode of Chiseled.
If you would like to get in touch with David, all of his contact informationcan be found on HowtoBuyaHome.com.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70185650Sat, 21 Feb 2026 03:53:17 +0000Robert CommodariYou may remember David Sidoni from the 1990s. He was the PatSajak of the tween set (were they called 'tweens' back then?). David had abrief but successful career on TV and in music videos, most notably on thesketch comedy show Roundhouse and as host...But David decided to put his acting career behind him and gointo real estate. 
"As I got into real estate, everyone said, 'Oh, you'regoing to be great in real estate (because) you're an actor.' Eh. You're more astage manager. You put out fires all the time," he said.
Nonetheless, David was happy getting chiseled into the'David' he wanted to become. But after years in the business, he startednoticing a trend that unsettled him and he realized he wanted to focus on theparts of the job that he loved.
From there he launched his podcast, How to Buy aHome, now in its fourth year. It focuses primarily on first-timehomebuyers, a third of the market but a segment that David says most real estatecompanies ignore. 
"Go to all the big ones, I don't care who it is —Keller, eXp, Compass, Coldwell, Sotheby’s. It's listings, listings, listings.What other business totally ignores one third of the customer base? It blows meaway."
I met David not long ago and I am trying on my unicorn hornas one of his referral partners. It seems to fit nicely. More so, I'm happy tohave a "guy" on the show with boundless energy and true passion forwhat he does. I am sure you will feel his energy and joy in this episode of Chiseled.
If you would like to get in touch with David, all of his contact informationcan be found on HowtoBuyaHome.com.]]>2078awareness,chiseled,firsttimehomebuyer,howtobuyahome,unicornfalse157fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/chiseled-ep-125-chiseled-by-football-refined-by-faith-matt-birk--70053303
Matt thought he had it all figured out. But the 15-year offensive lineman discovered along his NFL journey that there was much left to learn.

"When you're given a gift, you don't always appreciate it," he said. "Those seeds were planted in me at an early age. I guess it just kinda took a while for them to blossom fully."

Getting married and having his first child — and working in a sport that "hurts" — led Matt back to his faith. Combined with the great fortune of being surrounded by professional players and coaches who embraced and mentored him, Matt discovered that like football, Catholicism teaches you to push through the "passion" to experience the divine.

After 11 years with his hometown team, the Minnesota Vikings, Matt became a free agent. It only took a short while after sitting down with another God-fearing Catholic, John Harbaugh, Matt knew it was time to head to Baltimore.

"I just thought this guy's going to get the most out of me in every way," he said.

Matt played with the Ravens for four years and ended up winning a Super Bowl ring with the 2013 champion team. That's when he decided it was time to pack it up and turn toward building on all that he had learned.

Working in and out the NFL League Office, Matt focused on doing good and being good. He started programs to encourage more than 100,000 students to read. He promoted not just child literacy, but family learning.

Returning to Minnesota in 2019, Matt launched a faith-based high school in an underserved area. He also developed a program called 4HG, "For His Glory," a project to create a healthy sports culture in elementary schools. He's been especially active in the pro-life movement and had a short-lived fling with politics before deciding it wasn't for him.

Now with eight kids, Matt looks at his family the way he imagines God looks at His children.

"Sometimes I just want to be with my kids. I don't need them to perform. I just want to sit with them," Matt said.

In multiple stories on this week's episode of Chiseled, Matt shares how football prepared him for faith and vice versa. He describes how the NFL treats religion and describes how "suffering" — in both sport and church — is not merely physical, but a mindset to achieve glory.

This week's episode is perfect for anyone who wants to learn more about the history and practice of Catholicism, but it's also great for anyone who really loves football. And as Matt puts it, they're very much the same thing. You will hear all about it when you tune into this week's Chiseled. Amen and enjoy.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70053303Sat, 14 Feb 2026 10:35:02 +0000Robert CommodariBorn in a town called St. Paul, Minnesota, you would figure that Matt Birk was destined to be Catholic. And he is. But while he followed the rules growing up, the essence of his religion got away from him as a young man, especially after having been...
Matt thought he had it all figured out. But the 15-year offensive lineman discovered along his NFL journey that there was much left to learn.

"When you're given a gift, you don't always appreciate it," he said. "Those seeds were planted in me at an early age. I guess it just kinda took a while for them to blossom fully."

Getting married and having his first child — and working in a sport that "hurts" — led Matt back to his faith. Combined with the great fortune of being surrounded by professional players and coaches who embraced and mentored him, Matt discovered that like football, Catholicism teaches you to push through the "passion" to experience the divine.

After 11 years with his hometown team, the Minnesota Vikings, Matt became a free agent. It only took a short while after sitting down with another God-fearing Catholic, John Harbaugh, Matt knew it was time to head to Baltimore.

"I just thought this guy's going to get the most out of me in every way," he said.

Matt played with the Ravens for four years and ended up winning a Super Bowl ring with the 2013 champion team. That's when he decided it was time to pack it up and turn toward building on all that he had learned.

Working in and out the NFL League Office, Matt focused on doing good and being good. He started programs to encourage more than 100,000 students to read. He promoted not just child literacy, but family learning.

Returning to Minnesota in 2019, Matt launched a faith-based high school in an underserved area. He also developed a program called 4HG, "For His Glory," a project to create a healthy sports culture in elementary schools. He's been especially active in the pro-life movement and had a short-lived fling with politics before deciding it wasn't for him.

Now with eight kids, Matt looks at his family the way he imagines God looks at His children.

"Sometimes I just want to be with my kids. I don't need them to perform. I just want to sit with them," Matt said.

In multiple stories on this week's episode of Chiseled, Matt shares how football prepared him for faith and vice versa. He describes how the NFL treats religion and describes how "suffering" — in both sport and church — is not merely physical, but a mindset to achieve glory.

This week's episode is perfect for anyone who wants to learn more about the history and practice of Catholicism, but it's also great for anyone who really loves football. And as Matt puts it, they're very much the same thing. You will hear all about it when you tune into this week's Chiseled. Amen and enjoy.]]>3334baltimoreravens,catholic,chiseledpodcast,faithandfootball,family,leadership,mattbirk,personalgrowth,purpose,superbowlchampionfalse1124fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/chiseled-ep-58-recoding-the-unconscious-mind-a-j-yager--69854423"My grandfather was a mentor early in my life," he said. "Hechallenged me to have a self-study course outside of school or sports."
When A.J. was a boy and wanted to achieve a goal, his grandfather would makehim read a book, watch a video or listen to an audiotape by Tony Robbins,Napolean Hill, Dennis Waitley, and others. His granddad told A.J. to studythese and other self-development leaders for 45 minutes per day and write downhis thoughts. At the end of the week, A.J. and his grandfather would reviewwhat he learned.
"All these different self-development topics that he wanted to startingraining into my unconscious mind at a young age," A.J. recalls of hisstudies. "Basically, that got me into a place where I wanted to help otherpeople."
A.J. started his career path when he was just 10 years old.By age 17, he owned a computer maintenance business and was attendingdevelopment seminars with his grandfather. He has been professionally coachingsince he was 18 years old.
Now 42, A.J. helps people recode their unconscious mind and move out ofunhealthy patterns of suppression into healthier patterns of connections. Healso helps business owners translate their data into growth.
I had the pleasure of interviewing A.J. a few months back and am glad tofinally get this episode of Chiseled out to you. A.J.'s knowledge of how themind works and how to surface the unconscious to achieve what you are set outto do is the true meaning of chiseling. If you're like me, you will befascinated by what he had to tell me.
Want to reach A.J. and learn more about how your mind can affect your physicaland mental wellbeing and what you can do to evoke the incredible amounts ofpotential in your brain? You can reach him on his website and connect for a complimentary introductory call. I'm sure you will immediately tap into some new insights about yourself and your relationship to the world around you.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69854423Sat, 07 Feb 2026 03:53:50 +0000Robert CommodariA.J. Yager's grandfather had a lot to do with where A.J. istoday — a highly successful hypnotherapist, emotion and performance coach basedout of Eden, Utah. "My grandfather was a mentor early in my life," he said. "Hechallenged me to have a self-study..."My grandfather was a mentor early in my life," he said. "Hechallenged me to have a self-study course outside of school or sports."
When A.J. was a boy and wanted to achieve a goal, his grandfather would makehim read a book, watch a video or listen to an audiotape by Tony Robbins,Napolean Hill, Dennis Waitley, and others. His granddad told A.J. to studythese and other self-development leaders for 45 minutes per day and write downhis thoughts. At the end of the week, A.J. and his grandfather would reviewwhat he learned.
"All these different self-development topics that he wanted to startingraining into my unconscious mind at a young age," A.J. recalls of hisstudies. "Basically, that got me into a place where I wanted to help otherpeople."
A.J. started his career path when he was just 10 years old.By age 17, he owned a computer maintenance business and was attendingdevelopment seminars with his grandfather. He has been professionally coachingsince he was 18 years old.
Now 42, A.J. helps people recode their unconscious mind and move out ofunhealthy patterns of suppression into healthier patterns of connections. Healso helps business owners translate their data into growth.
I had the pleasure of interviewing A.J. a few months back and am glad tofinally get this episode of Chiseled out to you. A.J.'s knowledge of how themind works and how to surface the unconscious to achieve what you are set outto do is the true meaning of chiseling. If you're like me, you will befascinated by what he had to tell me.
Want to reach A.J. and learn more about how your mind can affect your physicaland mental wellbeing and what you can do to evoke the incredible amounts ofpotential in your brain? You can reach him on his website and connect for a complimentary introductory call. I'm sure you will immediately tap into some new insights about yourself and your relationship to the world around you.]]>2218awareness,chiseled,mentalwellbeing,theunconsciousmindfalse159fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/chiseled-ep-124-creating-power-in-everything-we-say-thomas-blackwell--69700621
Thomas is the author of The Liberty of Our Language Revealed, We Bring About What We Talk About. Now a highly successful entrepreneur and public speaker, Thomas went — in the space of five years — from earning $87 per month in commissions to running an insurance company earning seven figures per year — largely and simply by picking his words carefully.

He learned during that time that by paying attention to the way he spoke to others, he changed the way he talked to himself about himself. Rather than thinking he was in a "losing" situation, he flipped the script and chose to say he was on his way to winning. It started to work. And people started to connect with him.

"Sometimes the universe is conspiring for things we don't want to happen but oftentimes we're unconsciously making those decisions," he said.

Thomas explains that our success depends not only on how well we connect with others, but how we perceive ourselves — because how we perceive ourselves is how others will be trained to see us.

For instance, a salesperson afraid to ask for a referral conveys disbelief about the value of what he or she offers. Likewise, if we view others in our industry as competitors, we miss out seeing them as partners.

These redirects in our thought and speech can be applied to our personal and spiritual lives as well.

"In order to reach the next level of achievement ... my value has to be congruent with that," he said.

It may sound at first like Thomas is talking about the power of "positive thinking," and that's part of it. But Thomas is a master of language, and he coaches on turning thought into speech, which then stimulates action. The law of attraction works better when we give our words the power we seek.

These insights on how to use language successfully started working for me immediately. Here's an example for you: instead of saying, there's nothing wrong with putting out some positivity, instead I will tell you that everything right can come from it.

When you listen to Thomas speak and then try it yourself, you too can create maximum opportunity to be of service and success. I hope you enjoy putting into practice this week's episode of Chiseled.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69700621Sat, 31 Jan 2026 03:54:35 +0000Robert CommodariIf you're a lover of words, you're going to love listening to Thomas Blackwell. Like the water whose molecules change based on how you talk to it, Thomas has a way of making you change the way you think, and more importantly, how you convey it....
Thomas is the author of The Liberty of Our Language Revealed, We Bring About What We Talk About. Now a highly successful entrepreneur and public speaker, Thomas went — in the space of five years — from earning $87 per month in commissions to running an insurance company earning seven figures per year — largely and simply by picking his words carefully.

He learned during that time that by paying attention to the way he spoke to others, he changed the way he talked to himself about himself. Rather than thinking he was in a "losing" situation, he flipped the script and chose to say he was on his way to winning. It started to work. And people started to connect with him.

"Sometimes the universe is conspiring for things we don't want to happen but oftentimes we're unconsciously making those decisions," he said.

Thomas explains that our success depends not only on how well we connect with others, but how we perceive ourselves — because how we perceive ourselves is how others will be trained to see us.

For instance, a salesperson afraid to ask for a referral conveys disbelief about the value of what he or she offers. Likewise, if we view others in our industry as competitors, we miss out seeing them as partners.

These redirects in our thought and speech can be applied to our personal and spiritual lives as well.

"In order to reach the next level of achievement ... my value has to be congruent with that," he said.

It may sound at first like Thomas is talking about the power of "positive thinking," and that's part of it. But Thomas is a master of language, and he coaches on turning thought into speech, which then stimulates action. The law of attraction works better when we give our words the power we seek.

These insights on how to use language successfully started working for me immediately. Here's an example for you: instead of saying, there's nothing wrong with putting out some positivity, instead I will tell you that everything right can come from it.

When you listen to Thomas speak and then try it yourself, you too can create maximum opportunity to be of service and success. I hope you enjoy putting into practice this week's episode of Chiseled.]]>4500chiseledpodcast,faithandgrowth,leadershipdevelopment,mindsetmatters,personalgrowth,powerofwords,speakitintoexistencefalse1124fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/chiseled-ep-60-changing-lives-with-laughter-greg-kettner--69632348From there, Greg hit the comedy circuit. For almost a decade, he toured North America, opening for no less the likes of Robin Williams, Jim Gaffigan, Norm MacDonald, and Gilbert Gottfried.
But it was a lonely and financially unsatisfying place.
"The downside was I wasn't getting paid that much so it took me about six years to figure out that I like money more than I like standup," he said. "But now I've been able to combine the two."
About four years ago, Greg founded WorkHappy, a coaching program that teaches corporate leaders how to communicate, remember where they want to go, how they want to get there, and how to blow off steam rather than "bottling it up and just blowing a gasket."
"We spend two-thirds of our day, a lot of us working, and when we're not happy, it's a grind," he said.
Working in suicide prevention and mental wellness, Greg also founded Men in the Middle, a fellowship program in his hometown of Walla Walla, Washington. The program enables bonding experiences and teaches men how to care for themselves and talk openly about mental health.
"If we take care of each other, take care of ourselves, the world's a much better place," he said.
I met Greg through a mutual friend and I'm so glad I did. He made me laugh throughout this interview, and I'm sure you will too listening to his stories and natural timing. I'm sure I will be following his mantra to "laugh every day. Put it on your calendar."
Greg also runs the Facebook group, The Humor Lab, which he launched during the pandemic lockdown. Nonpolitical and PG-13-rated, the group now has more than 38,000 members. I encourage you to look it up when you need a laugh. If you'd like to reach Greg, you can do so on LinkedIn or on his website, GregKettner.com. 
I hope you get a bellyfull of laughs from this episode of Chiseled.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69632348Wed, 28 Jan 2026 00:26:53 +0000Robert CommodariGreg Kettner got started in comedy on a dare. After watching hockey with his buddies one night, on their way home they passed a pub that was holding an open mic night. After a couple drinks, he got the courage to stand up and tell some stories. The...From there, Greg hit the comedy circuit. For almost a decade, he toured North America, opening for no less the likes of Robin Williams, Jim Gaffigan, Norm MacDonald, and Gilbert Gottfried.
But it was a lonely and financially unsatisfying place.
"The downside was I wasn't getting paid that much so it took me about six years to figure out that I like money more than I like standup," he said. "But now I've been able to combine the two."
About four years ago, Greg founded WorkHappy, a coaching program that teaches corporate leaders how to communicate, remember where they want to go, how they want to get there, and how to blow off steam rather than "bottling it up and just blowing a gasket."
"We spend two-thirds of our day, a lot of us working, and when we're not happy, it's a grind," he said.
Working in suicide prevention and mental wellness, Greg also founded Men in the Middle, a fellowship program in his hometown of Walla Walla, Washington. The program enables bonding experiences and teaches men how to care for themselves and talk openly about mental health.
"If we take care of each other, take care of ourselves, the world's a much better place," he said.
I met Greg through a mutual friend and I'm so glad I did. He made me laugh throughout this interview, and I'm sure you will too listening to his stories and natural timing. I'm sure I will be following his mantra to "laugh every day. Put it on your calendar."
Greg also runs the Facebook group, The Humor Lab, which he launched during the pandemic lockdown. Nonpolitical and PG-13-rated, the group now has more than 38,000 members. I encourage you to look it up when you need a laugh. If you'd like to reach Greg, you can do so on LinkedIn or on his website, GregKettner.com. 
I hope you get a bellyfull of laughs from this episode of Chiseled.]]>2444awareness,changingliveswithlaughter,chiseled,thehumorlab,workhappyfalse160fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/chiseled-ep-123-how-to-win-the-dough-make-the-bread-and-serve-souls-heather-reed--69479248https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69479248Sat, 17 Jan 2026 05:53:22 +0000Robert CommodariBeing a pastor’s wife can be lonely. The work is never done, your life is always on display, and there will always be critics. None of that has deterred Heather Reed. Heather pours into her husband’s ministry while building a thriving real estate...3020chiseledpodcast,christianentrepreneur,communitymatters,discipline,faithandbusiness,leadership,ministrylife,pastorswife,perseverance,realestatesuccess,remax,servingothers,timestacking,torchbearerfalse1122fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/chiseled-ep-61-finding-more-joy-purpose-and-value-jim-decarlo--69364034"I told my kids and my wife, we have two choices, we either sell the house and move to Sydney or we sell the house and move to Baltimore and everyone voted feet and hands, Baltimore," he said.
Upon his return, Jim discovered that transitions in the financial services industry in the United States were taking root more slowly than in Australia. It was another opportunity for transformation.
"It was a gift to see around the corner a little bit," he said.
Jim started working with large financial services firms, but decided his mission in the U.S. would be more than technological transformation. It would also be a chance to build an environment where capitalism stands by its original promise to help employees reap the rewards of their commitments.
In this episode of Chiseled, Jim shares when he realized the move back to Baltimore was a leap of faith, why he's energized to change the organizational culture of financial firms, and what we all can do to find more joy, purpose, and value while we still have time on this Earth.
It was a pleasure to speak to Jim for this episode of Chiseled, and I am really moved by the insights, perspectives, and honesty he brought to the conversation. If you would like to contact Jim you can find him on LinkedIn or Instagram.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69364034Fri, 09 Jan 2026 01:32:00 +0000Robert CommodariJim DeCarlo has had a very full life. He is the proud son of Art DeCarlo, a champion Baltimore Colts defensive back and end. He lived in Australia for 24 years, lured by the offer to play indoor lacrosse professionally. After 22 years of success in..."I told my kids and my wife, we have two choices, we either sell the house and move to Sydney or we sell the house and move to Baltimore and everyone voted feet and hands, Baltimore," he said.
Upon his return, Jim discovered that transitions in the financial services industry in the United States were taking root more slowly than in Australia. It was another opportunity for transformation.
"It was a gift to see around the corner a little bit," he said.
Jim started working with large financial services firms, but decided his mission in the U.S. would be more than technological transformation. It would also be a chance to build an environment where capitalism stands by its original promise to help employees reap the rewards of their commitments.
In this episode of Chiseled, Jim shares when he realized the move back to Baltimore was a leap of faith, why he's energized to change the organizational culture of financial firms, and what we all can do to find more joy, purpose, and value while we still have time on this Earth.
It was a pleasure to speak to Jim for this episode of Chiseled, and I am really moved by the insights, perspectives, and honesty he brought to the conversation. If you would like to contact Jim you can find him on LinkedIn or Instagram.]]>2679awareness,chiseled,choices,thefulllife,thefulllife #chiseled #awarene,transformation,transitionsfalse162fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/episode-122-finding-your-whistle-chris-ullman--69283153
So, the government spokesman grabbed his coat and walked over to the Oval Office to whistle for President George W. Bush.

It was in 2001, and Chris says it was a relief to learn that his boss, Office of Management and Budget Director Mitch Daniels, wasn't firing him.

"When you're a spokesman in the White House you are just one bad quote away from losing your job," he joked.

Chris has spent his entire life whistling. He would whistle for hours while delivering newspapers on his bicycle as a kid. At age 25 or 26, a guy in a parking lot heard him whistling Beethoven's third piano concerto and recognized it. With that affirmation, Chris decided his talent was worth developing.

Chris has performed the National Anthem for the Wizards and the Baltimore Orioles, has appeared with the National Symphony Orchestra at the U.S. Capitol, and whistled on the Tonight Show, among other gigs.

But not everyone loves it.

"Some people hate whistling and can't stand the sound and think it's stupid," he said, noting that the former House Speaker, Newt Gingrich, was not a fan.

For Chris, whistling is more than puckering up and blowing air. It's a metaphor for finding your gifts.

"We live in a society where it's always big, more, better," he said. In actuality, it's the small things that matter. Just like practice makes perfect, learning how others perceive your skills helps develop tools to change the lives around you.

"Think small. Don't worry about changing the world. And more importantly, be courageous," he advised.

Chris has been extremely successful as a spokesman at the top level of government. He has worked for corporate leaders and billionaires. As you will discover in this week's episode of Chiseled, Chris not only teaches the art of storytelling he also shares how to perfect your own.

This week's Chiseled is a great episode to kick off the new year and learn how to develop your best self. So, make it your resolution to tune in and enjoy.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69283153Sat, 03 Jan 2026 03:47:50 +0000Robert CommodariThe idea of whistling while you work takes on a whole new meaning when talking to Chris Ullman. The four-time international whistling champion was at his job one day when his boss came in and told everyone the staff meeting was cancelled. He turned to...
So, the government spokesman grabbed his coat and walked over to the Oval Office to whistle for President George W. Bush.

It was in 2001, and Chris says it was a relief to learn that his boss, Office of Management and Budget Director Mitch Daniels, wasn't firing him.

"When you're a spokesman in the White House you are just one bad quote away from losing your job," he joked.

Chris has spent his entire life whistling. He would whistle for hours while delivering newspapers on his bicycle as a kid. At age 25 or 26, a guy in a parking lot heard him whistling Beethoven's third piano concerto and recognized it. With that affirmation, Chris decided his talent was worth developing.

Chris has performed the National Anthem for the Wizards and the Baltimore Orioles, has appeared with the National Symphony Orchestra at the U.S. Capitol, and whistled on the Tonight Show, among other gigs.

But not everyone loves it.

"Some people hate whistling and can't stand the sound and think it's stupid," he said, noting that the former House Speaker, Newt Gingrich, was not a fan.

For Chris, whistling is more than puckering up and blowing air. It's a metaphor for finding your gifts.

"We live in a society where it's always big, more, better," he said. In actuality, it's the small things that matter. Just like practice makes perfect, learning how others perceive your skills helps develop tools to change the lives around you.

"Think small. Don't worry about changing the world. And more importantly, be courageous," he advised.

Chris has been extremely successful as a spokesman at the top level of government. He has worked for corporate leaders and billionaires. As you will discover in this week's episode of Chiseled, Chris not only teaches the art of storytelling he also shares how to perfect your own.

This week's Chiseled is a great episode to kick off the new year and learn how to develop your best self. So, make it your resolution to tune in and enjoy.]]>3369chiseledpodcast,courage,findingyourgifts,newyearinspiration,personalgrowth,storytellingmatters,thinksmallfalse1122fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/chiseled-ep-121-becoming-a-change-agent-mike-gandolfo--69146339
I've known Mike Gandolfo for nearly 20 years. In fact, he's the voice of Chiseled — my announcer and voices my commercial. He also made the cool new intro clip for this podcast.

In any case, Mike has been on a journey to discover why real estate agents are held in such low regard. Just Google the expression "realtors are ..." and see what the autofill shows you. It's not good, but it may be a true reflection of what people think.

"There are not too many realtor Halloween costumes floating around out there. There weren't too many people growing up wanting to be a realtor," he said.

Mike says the reputation may be deserved. Most agents don't think about themselves as a "person of influence" and many arrive in the industry on a whim or as a last resort. Sixty percent of real estate agents do not close one deal per year, and 87 percent of realtors quit the business within five years.

"Most people go into the real estate business because it's a path of least resistance," he said.

That is partly because the industry does not demand excellence. Real estate classes don't come close to meeting the demands of the job, which require wearing many hats, including financial adviser, therapist, lawyer, advocate, and negotiator.

"You literally are taking people who have low self-esteem, who have imposter syndrome, and you're putting them in an almost impossible situation," he said.

Mike is out to change all that. He has stepped back from the production line to help agents change their perspective about what their role is — consultants and insiders helping individuals going through the biggest financial deal of their lives while also experiencing at least two of the biggest stressors of their lives — moving and whatever is impelling them to move.

Mike is now bent on making the changes that are going to tweak the Google algorithm. I'll let you hear more about it on this week's episode, but his goal, starting with an incredible new app called Requity, aims to transform client relationships by giving realtors and their clients the tools they need to connect on a deeper level.

Anyone who wants to be more service-oriented will benefit from this week's episode of Chiseled, but for the realtors in the audience, this week's episode is a must. Enjoy and let's go get chiseled.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69146339Sat, 20 Dec 2025 10:54:05 +0000Robert CommodariThis week's episode is the quintessential study in excellence for real estate agents, but you don't have to be an agent to gain insights in how to conduct your own business or life of service. I've known Mike Gandolfo for nearly 20 years. In fact,...
I've known Mike Gandolfo for nearly 20 years. In fact, he's the voice of Chiseled — my announcer and voices my commercial. He also made the cool new intro clip for this podcast.

In any case, Mike has been on a journey to discover why real estate agents are held in such low regard. Just Google the expression "realtors are ..." and see what the autofill shows you. It's not good, but it may be a true reflection of what people think.

"There are not too many realtor Halloween costumes floating around out there. There weren't too many people growing up wanting to be a realtor," he said.

Mike says the reputation may be deserved. Most agents don't think about themselves as a "person of influence" and many arrive in the industry on a whim or as a last resort. Sixty percent of real estate agents do not close one deal per year, and 87 percent of realtors quit the business within five years.

"Most people go into the real estate business because it's a path of least resistance," he said.

That is partly because the industry does not demand excellence. Real estate classes don't come close to meeting the demands of the job, which require wearing many hats, including financial adviser, therapist, lawyer, advocate, and negotiator.

"You literally are taking people who have low self-esteem, who have imposter syndrome, and you're putting them in an almost impossible situation," he said.

Mike is out to change all that. He has stepped back from the production line to help agents change their perspective about what their role is — consultants and insiders helping individuals going through the biggest financial deal of their lives while also experiencing at least two of the biggest stressors of their lives — moving and whatever is impelling them to move.

Mike is now bent on making the changes that are going to tweak the Google algorithm. I'll let you hear more about it on this week's episode, but his goal, starting with an incredible new app called Requity, aims to transform client relationships by giving realtors and their clients the tools they need to connect on a deeper level.

Anyone who wants to be more service-oriented will benefit from this week's episode of Chiseled, but for the realtors in the audience, this week's episode is a must. Enjoy and let's go get chiseled.]]>4035chiseledpodcast,clientfirst,excellence,integritymatters,leadership,purposeoverprofit,raisingthebar,realestateprofessionals,servicedrivenfalse1121fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/chiseled-ep-62-never-quitting-on-yourself-michael-schiff--69100740It was there, in 11th grade, that Mike found hisfirst mentor, a football coach who taught him and his teammates their firstlessons in self-respect.  
"He was a father figure to me. He was afather figure to many other guys. He really taught me that relationship betweencoach and coachee," Mike said.
Mike rose in the ranks, becoming captain of thefootball team and a battalion commander in charge of 250 corps cadets. Butafter 19 months clean, he fell backward again when he started taking medicineto manage the pain of a root canal.
"I thought it would be a good idea to doubleup on my meds — what the nurse would dispense out — and save them all for aFriday night, and by doing so ... I released my addiction all over again,"he said.
After a second attempt at recovery, Mike wasaccepted to the University of Florida in Gainesville. There, he relapsed oncemore and started down another dangerous path. Arrested again, he was sentencedto one year and one day in prison. As an imprisoned senior fearful for hisfuture, that was the final straw. Mike has been in recovery, clean and sobersince Nov. 18, 2003.
Mike eventually graduated college, a day he callsone of the top five of his life. He also succeeded in getting his recordexpunged. He considers himself extremely lucky and tries to pay it forwardevery day.
Mike is someone whom I call a friend, and I aminspired by his leadership. Earning his real estate license in 2004, he now owns a real estateteam that sells $100 million in real estate and 350 homes a year. He works to find recovery housing space in the Baltimoremetro market for others dealing with addiction, and he runs a private Facebookgroup for real estate professionals who are active in recovery.
Mike has faced setbacks, but he says they are no longer atrigger for relapse. Even so, he says when he thinks he's got it allfigured out, he knows he, like all of us, is still a work in progress. That'sone reason why I am so happy Mike is my guest on Chiseled.
If you'd like to reach Mike, you can find him on Instagram or through his closed Facebook page REPAIR: Real Estate Professionals Activein Recovery.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69100740Wed, 17 Dec 2025 17:44:09 +0000Robert CommodariMichael Schiff admits he could have been in thecriminal Hall of Fame by the time he was in 8th grade. Arrested six timesbefore age 16 on drug possession, shoplifting, destruction of property, andother charges, he ended up in a juvenile detention...It was there, in 11th grade, that Mike found hisfirst mentor, a football coach who taught him and his teammates their firstlessons in self-respect.  
"He was a father figure to me. He was afather figure to many other guys. He really taught me that relationship betweencoach and coachee," Mike said.
Mike rose in the ranks, becoming captain of thefootball team and a battalion commander in charge of 250 corps cadets. Butafter 19 months clean, he fell backward again when he started taking medicineto manage the pain of a root canal.
"I thought it would be a good idea to doubleup on my meds — what the nurse would dispense out — and save them all for aFriday night, and by doing so ... I released my addiction all over again,"he said.
After a second attempt at recovery, Mike wasaccepted to the University of Florida in Gainesville. There, he relapsed oncemore and started down another dangerous path. Arrested again, he was sentencedto one year and one day in prison. As an imprisoned senior fearful for hisfuture, that was the final straw. Mike has been in recovery, clean and sobersince Nov. 18, 2003.
Mike eventually graduated college, a day he callsone of the top five of his life. He also succeeded in getting his recordexpunged. He considers himself extremely lucky and tries to pay it forwardevery day.
Mike is someone whom I call a friend, and I aminspired by his leadership. Earning his real estate license in 2004, he now owns a real estateteam that sells $100 million in real estate and 350 homes a year. He works to find recovery housing space in the Baltimoremetro market for others dealing with addiction, and he runs a private Facebookgroup for real estate professionals who are active in recovery.
Mike has faced setbacks, but he says they are no longer atrigger for relapse. Even so, he says when he thinks he's got it allfigured out, he knows he, like all of us, is still a work in progress. That'sone reason why I am so happy Mike is my guest on Chiseled.
If you'd like to reach Mike, you can find him on Instagram or through his closed Facebook page REPAIR: Real Estate Professionals Activein Recovery.]]>2765awareness,chiseled,leadership,neverquitonyourself,recovery,soberfalse162fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/chiseled-ep-63-a-near-death-experience-rob-taylor--68952234Rob is a physical trainer who has worked with Olympians and NFL sports teams as well as youth and college athletes. You'd expect him to be tough.
But when he woke up that December night to the feeling of a "singular 18-wheeler" hitting him in the chest and running down his right arm, he wasn't sure what was going on. Moments later, a "highway of 18 wheelers" went through his chest and he was thrown to the floor from the pain.
"I'm 240 pounds. I'm not normally knocked on my rear end," he said.
Unsure about whether he was having a heart attack since the pain was in his right arm, not his left, his wife got him into the car to drive to Baltimore's St. Joseph's hospital.
They never made it.
Through a series of wild events that he describes in this week's episode of Chiseled, Rob shares through laughter and tears the details of that night, how it has affected his life and business, and what he does with the knowledge he gained from the experience.
You may want to grab a tissue for this episode. It's an emotional roller coaster in the best kind of way.
I've known Rob for about eight years. Our friendship dates back to the days he trained my soccer-playing daughter while she attended Maryvale High School in Baltimore (she also played soccer for four years while studying at Salisbury University on the Eastern Shore). He is a tough but lovable coach and his philosophy and skills have changed the lives of countless athletes. My family is fortunate to have had him come into our lives and we're glad he's still in them.
If you'd like to reach Rob, you can download his ebusiness card from callcoachtaylor.com. His information will be entered directly into your phone's contact list. You will also receive great coaching videos and other information about Smarter Team Training. Meanwhile, I hope you enjoy this episode of Chiseled]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68952234Tue, 09 Dec 2025 02:27:48 +0000Robert CommodariRobert Taylor Jr. will never forget 12/1/21 and not just because the date reads the same backward and forward. That's the night that Coach Taylor survived a massive cardiac event thanks to "everybody (doing) what they were supposed to do that night...Rob is a physical trainer who has worked with Olympians and NFL sports teams as well as youth and college athletes. You'd expect him to be tough.
But when he woke up that December night to the feeling of a "singular 18-wheeler" hitting him in the chest and running down his right arm, he wasn't sure what was going on. Moments later, a "highway of 18 wheelers" went through his chest and he was thrown to the floor from the pain.
"I'm 240 pounds. I'm not normally knocked on my rear end," he said.
Unsure about whether he was having a heart attack since the pain was in his right arm, not his left, his wife got him into the car to drive to Baltimore's St. Joseph's hospital.
They never made it.
Through a series of wild events that he describes in this week's episode of Chiseled, Rob shares through laughter and tears the details of that night, how it has affected his life and business, and what he does with the knowledge he gained from the experience.
You may want to grab a tissue for this episode. It's an emotional roller coaster in the best kind of way.
I've known Rob for about eight years. Our friendship dates back to the days he trained my soccer-playing daughter while she attended Maryvale High School in Baltimore (she also played soccer for four years while studying at Salisbury University on the Eastern Shore). He is a tough but lovable coach and his philosophy and skills have changed the lives of countless athletes. My family is fortunate to have had him come into our lives and we're glad he's still in them.
If you'd like to reach Rob, you can download his ebusiness card from callcoachtaylor.com. His information will be entered directly into your phone's contact list. You will also receive great coaching videos and other information about Smarter Team Training. Meanwhile, I hope you enjoy this episode of Chiseled]]>3189awareness,chiseled,giveitallyougot,neardeathexperience,smarterteamtraining,trainerfalse163fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/chiseled-ep-120-patriot-barbie-lindsey-graham-on-standing-up-for-freedom--68917263
A serial entrepreneur, Lindsey and her husband owned six brick-and-mortar service businesses. Think hair salons, tanning salons, and gyms. The power couple was a pinnacle of their community, at the peak of their careers, and even talking about retiring early.

Then the pandemic hit. Everything shut down. "Two weeks to stop the spread" turned into an unforeseeable end. Lindsey and her husband were facing bankruptcy as the lockdown dragged on.

"We were doing the math, and I was like, dude, we are going to go bankrupt."

Knowing that she could face a backlash from local authorities, Lindsey decided to reopen her hair salon. What she didn't expect was the global media coverage and attention she soon received.

"Some people did not like that I was reopening and called me a murderer and a racist and all kinds of other crazy things, and then the other side said, 'You're a hero, you're brave,'" she said. "All I'm doing, to be honest, is hair."

Oregon officials threatened Lindsey with $50,000 per day fines, jail time, and the removal of their three children, including their infant son, from the family home.

Nasty memes and threats to her family and employees soon followed. Lindsey and her husband became outcasts and targets.

It took five months for "cancel culture" to destroy all six of the businesses Lindsey and her husband had built. Moreso, Lindsey was fearful she could be killed by an enraged activist.

"I didn't know any of that was going to happen, or perhaps I wouldn't have done it," she said.  

But something else was happening behind the scenes in the early days of the media conflagration. Someone attempted to insult Lindsey by calling her "Patriot Barbie." Not seeing it as an insult, Lindsey adopted the name with pride. Her alter ego was born, and she quickly became an icon among political and religious conservatives.

Unsure of the next step, she and her husband moved out of Oregon that September to start over doing something different. After listening to the whisper in her ear, she began writing her testimony.

"I have a beautiful testimony, a beautiful and sad testimony, and I wasn't sharing that in Oregon," she said.

Now a Texas-based conservative activist, speaker, "faith-fueled Christian, and a freedom-fighting mama bear," Lindsey has launched a new clothing line called Pretty Little Patriot, which she says is a way to minister to women.

"All of the merch is either patriotic or Jesus," she said. "People are so blown away at how bold my brand is in Jesus, and so it's attracting people."

Lindsey says cancel culture ruined her life, but only because "that was not the life God would have for me." She found her voice amid an attempt to silence it. Speaking her truth is how she is getting chiseled.

Tune in to this week's Chiseled to hear how Lindsey managed to find her true purpose in one of the darkest periods in modern history.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68917263Sat, 06 Dec 2025 12:31:06 +0000Robert CommodariDid you ever just do what you had to and then found yourself in the middle of a firestorm? That's what happened to Lindsey Graham, better known as "Patriot Barbie," six weeks into the COVID lockdown of 2020. A serial entrepreneur, Lindsey and her...
A serial entrepreneur, Lindsey and her husband owned six brick-and-mortar service businesses. Think hair salons, tanning salons, and gyms. The power couple was a pinnacle of their community, at the peak of their careers, and even talking about retiring early.

Then the pandemic hit. Everything shut down. "Two weeks to stop the spread" turned into an unforeseeable end. Lindsey and her husband were facing bankruptcy as the lockdown dragged on.

"We were doing the math, and I was like, dude, we are going to go bankrupt."

Knowing that she could face a backlash from local authorities, Lindsey decided to reopen her hair salon. What she didn't expect was the global media coverage and attention she soon received.

"Some people did not like that I was reopening and called me a murderer and a racist and all kinds of other crazy things, and then the other side said, 'You're a hero, you're brave,'" she said. "All I'm doing, to be honest, is hair."

Oregon officials threatened Lindsey with $50,000 per day fines, jail time, and the removal of their three children, including their infant son, from the family home.

Nasty memes and threats to her family and employees soon followed. Lindsey and her husband became outcasts and targets.

It took five months for "cancel culture" to destroy all six of the businesses Lindsey and her husband had built. Moreso, Lindsey was fearful she could be killed by an enraged activist.

"I didn't know any of that was going to happen, or perhaps I wouldn't have done it," she said.  

But something else was happening behind the scenes in the early days of the media conflagration. Someone attempted to insult Lindsey by calling her "Patriot Barbie." Not seeing it as an insult, Lindsey adopted the name with pride. Her alter ego was born, and she quickly became an icon among political and religious conservatives.

Unsure of the next step, she and her husband moved out of Oregon that September to start over doing something different. After listening to the whisper in her ear, she began writing her testimony.

"I have a beautiful testimony, a beautiful and sad testimony, and I wasn't sharing that in Oregon," she said.

Now a Texas-based conservative activist, speaker, "faith-fueled Christian, and a freedom-fighting mama bear," Lindsey has launched a new clothing line called Pretty Little Patriot, which she says is a way to minister to women.

"All of the merch is either patriotic or Jesus," she said. "People are so blown away at how bold my brand is in Jesus, and so it's attracting people."

Lindsey says cancel culture ruined her life, but only because "that was not the life God would have for me." She found her voice amid an attempt to silence it. Speaking her truth is how she is getting chiseled.

Tune in to this week's Chiseled to hear how Lindsey managed to find her true purpose in one of the darkest periods in modern history.]]>3105chiseledpodcast,faithoverfear,freedomfighter,godsplan,overcomingadversity,patriotbarbie,purposeinpain,resilience,smallbusinessstories,womenoffaithfalse1120fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/chiseled-ep-119-what-matters-most-mark-viviano--68688348
It takes some nerve, especially when you're at the top of your game, to muster the courage to walk away from it all, listen to the voice, and wait for the unknown to be revealed. But that's what Mark Viviano did when he left his highly successful 40-year career in sportscasting.

Raised in the St. Louis area, Mark was inspired early to get into sports reporting — by his mother and the legendary commentator Jack Buck.

"The sound of his voice and his description of the game is truly, I will say, what pulled me into the beauty and artistry of reporting," he said. "She gave him the confidence in telling me I'd be good at it."

Mark started broadcasting college and professional sports while still a student at the University of Missouri. After college, he was hired in big sports markets in Iowa, Ohio, Atlanta, and Baltimore working at top news stations.

Mark's illustrious career included reporting from locker rooms and on the field. He had a daytime radio show and delivered evening and late-night television reports. Most of the time, he did all of it in the same day.

"I became a workaholic," he said.

After decades in a career he loved — one in which he was named Maryland sportscaster of the year FIVE times — Mark was driving down the road when he received a message he could not ignore. It wasn't a heart murmur, but it was a literal pressing on his chest that he says was undeniably God telling him to slow down.

"I was shaking, scared, but in awe," he said.

Twenty minutes later, he arrived at the station and put in notice that he was quitting the radio show. One week after that, he met the woman who would become his wife.

"This was somebody that I had worked with for two years and I didn't even know them because my head was always down. I was always working."

It didn't take long after he and his wife Megan had their second son that Mark decided that family was his true passion. He retired from television in 2024 and has since focused on being a fulltime father, parishioner, volunteer, and youth sports coach.

"It's a blessing and I'm blessed to be in the position to do it," he said.

If you're a sports fan from the Baltimore area, you probably know of Mark Viviano, but I'm sure you don't know this side of him. I invite everyone who enjoys talking sports and God to hear him bear all on this week's episode of Chiseled.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68688348Sat, 22 Nov 2025 01:04:57 +0000Robert CommodariThe call is coming from the inside ... no, not from inside the house, and no, it's not a scream. The call is the moment when you hear God talking to you. You can choose to ignore the voice, or you can jump in with both feet and follow the path less...
It takes some nerve, especially when you're at the top of your game, to muster the courage to walk away from it all, listen to the voice, and wait for the unknown to be revealed. But that's what Mark Viviano did when he left his highly successful 40-year career in sportscasting.

Raised in the St. Louis area, Mark was inspired early to get into sports reporting — by his mother and the legendary commentator Jack Buck.

"The sound of his voice and his description of the game is truly, I will say, what pulled me into the beauty and artistry of reporting," he said. "She gave him the confidence in telling me I'd be good at it."

Mark started broadcasting college and professional sports while still a student at the University of Missouri. After college, he was hired in big sports markets in Iowa, Ohio, Atlanta, and Baltimore working at top news stations.

Mark's illustrious career included reporting from locker rooms and on the field. He had a daytime radio show and delivered evening and late-night television reports. Most of the time, he did all of it in the same day.

"I became a workaholic," he said.

After decades in a career he loved — one in which he was named Maryland sportscaster of the year FIVE times — Mark was driving down the road when he received a message he could not ignore. It wasn't a heart murmur, but it was a literal pressing on his chest that he says was undeniably God telling him to slow down.

"I was shaking, scared, but in awe," he said.

Twenty minutes later, he arrived at the station and put in notice that he was quitting the radio show. One week after that, he met the woman who would become his wife.

"This was somebody that I had worked with for two years and I didn't even know them because my head was always down. I was always working."

It didn't take long after he and his wife Megan had their second son that Mark decided that family was his true passion. He retired from television in 2024 and has since focused on being a fulltime father, parishioner, volunteer, and youth sports coach.

"It's a blessing and I'm blessed to be in the position to do it," he said.

If you're a sports fan from the Baltimore area, you probably know of Mark Viviano, but I'm sure you don't know this side of him. I invite everyone who enjoys talking sports and God to hear him bear all on this week's episode of Chiseled.]]>2658baltimoresports,chiseledpodcast,faithjourney,godiscalling,markviviano,purposedrivenlife,sportsbroadcasting,transformationstoryfalse1120fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/chiseled-ep-64-the-go-giver-bob-burg--68645731
Bob, an entrepreneur and leadership trainer, is known for his "Endless Referrals" sales training classes. He alsoco-authored the book TheGo-Giver with John David Mann. The Go-Giver has sold 1 million copies and has been translated into 30languages. It is listed by Inc.Magazine as No. 10 of the most motivational booksever written.

Motivate is what Bob does. He teaches salesprofessionals and leaders how to communicate their value to acceleratetheir business growth. He is an "unapologetic" believer in the freemarket system and says the amount of money one makes is directly proportionalto how many people one serves.

"The people who are most successful in sales,most sustainably successfully, (are) always the ones who (are) more focused ongiving value to others," Bob told me.

In this episode of Chiseled, Bob shares the principles behind The Go-Giver, which draws on storytelling and parables to teach the fivelaws of stratospheric success. These are defined as the laws of value,compensation, influence, authenticity, and receptivity.

I'm not going to give the whole podcast away and Icouldn't possibly tell you all the valuable nuggets in the book, so you'll justhave to listen to Bob's summary. Bob is full of wisdom, which he relays soclearly that you may instantly want to go out and buy his books. It was myhonor to interview Bob in one of my shortest but most jam-packed podcasts yet.

If you'd like to reach Bob and get a copy of hisDaily Impact email, you can sign up at burg.com. Meanwhile, I hope you enjoy this episode of Chiseled.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68645731Wed, 19 Nov 2025 21:39:04 +0000Robert CommodariIf you're a business professional who believes in the notionthat "givers gain," you're probably familiar with Bob Burg. Bob, an entrepreneur and leadership trainer, is known for his "Endless Referrals" sales training classes. He alsoco-authored the...
Bob, an entrepreneur and leadership trainer, is known for his "Endless Referrals" sales training classes. He alsoco-authored the book TheGo-Giver with John David Mann. The Go-Giver has sold 1 million copies and has been translated into 30languages. It is listed by Inc.Magazine as No. 10 of the most motivational booksever written.

Motivate is what Bob does. He teaches salesprofessionals and leaders how to communicate their value to acceleratetheir business growth. He is an "unapologetic" believer in the freemarket system and says the amount of money one makes is directly proportionalto how many people one serves.

"The people who are most successful in sales,most sustainably successfully, (are) always the ones who (are) more focused ongiving value to others," Bob told me.

In this episode of Chiseled, Bob shares the principles behind The Go-Giver, which draws on storytelling and parables to teach the fivelaws of stratospheric success. These are defined as the laws of value,compensation, influence, authenticity, and receptivity.

I'm not going to give the whole podcast away and Icouldn't possibly tell you all the valuable nuggets in the book, so you'll justhave to listen to Bob's summary. Bob is full of wisdom, which he relays soclearly that you may instantly want to go out and buy his books. It was myhonor to interview Bob in one of my shortest but most jam-packed podcasts yet.

If you'd like to reach Bob and get a copy of hisDaily Impact email, you can sign up at burg.com. Meanwhile, I hope you enjoy this episode of Chiseled.]]>1750awareness,chiseled,endlessreferrals,leadershiptraining,principles,thegogiverfalse164fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/chiseled-ep-65-living-the-chiseled-life-rob-commodari--68546273If you've been following my journey for a while, you probably know that I have dedicated my life to learning. My love for personal development began when I first read Og Mandino's classic, The Greatest Salesman in the World, while working as a penny stock broker in Boca Raton, Fl. 
After reading Salesman in one night, I went the next day to Barnes and Noble and bought all of Mandino's books. Since then, I have read more than 1,000 books, and my interest in self-help and personal growth has become a passion for helping others discover the best in themselves.  
Even after all that reading, I still had doubts about my worthiness to write my own personal growth book. Nonetheless, and despite my hesitation, I published Better Than You Think in 2020. The book focuses on 16 principles of awareness to build a more fulfilling life. With its release came a workbook, a website, and several personal appearances. 
You already know how to reach me (just reply to this email) but I would be grateful for you to visit RobCommodariauthor.com where you can learn more about Better Than You Think, order a copy for yourself or a friend, and download the accompanying workbook. 
Better Than You Think turned out to be a beginning, not an end, to my efforts to share stories of impact and growth. As I describe in this week's episode of Chiseled, I had an epiphany before starting this podcast. I do believe it's part of a larger plan. At the very least, it has been hugely rewarding and I learn something new from every guest. 
After more than two years of episodes, Chiseled has spawned a new project -- a 16-module course with stories, lessons, and exercises to help people realize that we all are a work in progress, and each of us is a work worth pursuing. I will be introducing it shortly.
Meanwhile, I have recently embarked on a related project. Next month, I will be hosting Living the Chiseled Life: An Introspective Look Inside live at Gramercy Mansion in Stevenson, Md. We will be bringing stories to life in an evening to remember. I am confident this will not be a one-night-only event.
I sincerely hope that you enjoy this episode of Chiseled, in which Dan asks some great questions about my getting started on this journey, stories I shared in Better Than You Think, and intense conversations between me and God.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68546273Thu, 13 Nov 2025 00:46:54 +0000Robert CommodariWell, this is going to be a little awkward. Dan Faulkner, Jr. should be sending you this message since he is my guest host this week and interviewed none other than ... me. 😉 If you've been following my journey for a while, you probably know that I...If you've been following my journey for a while, you probably know that I have dedicated my life to learning. My love for personal development began when I first read Og Mandino's classic, The Greatest Salesman in the World, while working as a penny stock broker in Boca Raton, Fl. 
After reading Salesman in one night, I went the next day to Barnes and Noble and bought all of Mandino's books. Since then, I have read more than 1,000 books, and my interest in self-help and personal growth has become a passion for helping others discover the best in themselves.  
Even after all that reading, I still had doubts about my worthiness to write my own personal growth book. Nonetheless, and despite my hesitation, I published Better Than You Think in 2020. The book focuses on 16 principles of awareness to build a more fulfilling life. With its release came a workbook, a website, and several personal appearances. 
You already know how to reach me (just reply to this email) but I would be grateful for you to visit RobCommodariauthor.com where you can learn more about Better Than You Think, order a copy for yourself or a friend, and download the accompanying workbook. 
Better Than You Think turned out to be a beginning, not an end, to my efforts to share stories of impact and growth. As I describe in this week's episode of Chiseled, I had an epiphany before starting this podcast. I do believe it's part of a larger plan. At the very least, it has been hugely rewarding and I learn something new from every guest. 
After more than two years of episodes, Chiseled has spawned a new project -- a 16-module course with stories, lessons, and exercises to help people realize that we all are a work in progress, and each of us is a work worth pursuing. I will be introducing it shortly.
Meanwhile, I have recently embarked on a related project. Next month, I will be hosting Living the Chiseled Life: An Introspective Look Inside live at Gramercy Mansion in Stevenson, Md. We will be bringing stories to life in an evening to remember. I am confident this will not be a one-night-only event.
I sincerely hope that you enjoy this episode of Chiseled, in which Dan asks some great questions about my getting started on this journey, stories I shared in Better Than You Think, and intense conversations between me and God.]]>2652awareness,betterthanyouthink,chiseled,godsizedconversations,livingthechiseledlife,thegreatestsalesmanfalse165fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/chiseled-ep-118-the-art-of-being-patricia-gagic--68469182
Her skills developed young. Patricia picked up her first pencil and started drawing Elizabethan ball gowns at age three.

"I would finish a drawing. I would take it to my mom and dad and say, 'Oh, look at this,' and they would just stare at me like, 'Who are you?'"

But art wasn't her first career. An avid reader who excelled in school, she was encouraged by her parents to start a practical career, so in the 1970s she decided to join the good old boys' network of Canadian banking.

"I loved the whole idea of the business of banking," she said.

By time she was age 25, she was a branch manager. But that wasn't all. She excelled at property management and built a large portfolio of properties. Her studies and successes helped her mentor young business students.

But something else lingered. A polymath, Patricia felt the "spark of God" drive her not just toward artwork, but also to the relationship of art to math and the universe. This sense of unity with everything inspires her creations.

It also helped her to come out the other side after the death of her daughter.

"When you have the awareness that you have Christ consciousness, Buddha consciousness, that you have consciousness, it's like I've been able to separate and look at it in that duality and not let it be an absorption," she said.  

Patricia has been on a karmic journey of detachment and connection her whole life, and it is a strength that has propelled her to dizzying heights of discovery and contentment.

"When you allow yourself to experience being in the fullness of time ... your Zen, your bliss, when you see that you're exactly where you need to be then you are allowing spirit to emulsify," she said.

Patricia has worked in multiple artistic media, though she gained her mastery in the Matisse palette — the result of years of study under a master artist in France. But she has also impacted communities around the world, including in Peru, Nepal, and Cambodia, where she has built a library and schools.

Patricia's success is impressive, but her spirituality and her empathy are truly inspiring. I could talk to her for hours, but we had to stop somewhere. I am certain you will feel the fullness of connection after listening to this week's episode of Chiseled.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68469182Sat, 08 Nov 2025 01:35:05 +0000Robert CommodariPatricia Gagic is a world-renown artist, photographer, and author. Her work has appeared in the Vatican Museum Library, the Société National des Beaux Arts in Paris, and the Whitney Commons Gallery in Toronto, to name just a few, and she has won...
Her skills developed young. Patricia picked up her first pencil and started drawing Elizabethan ball gowns at age three.

"I would finish a drawing. I would take it to my mom and dad and say, 'Oh, look at this,' and they would just stare at me like, 'Who are you?'"

But art wasn't her first career. An avid reader who excelled in school, she was encouraged by her parents to start a practical career, so in the 1970s she decided to join the good old boys' network of Canadian banking.

"I loved the whole idea of the business of banking," she said.

By time she was age 25, she was a branch manager. But that wasn't all. She excelled at property management and built a large portfolio of properties. Her studies and successes helped her mentor young business students.

But something else lingered. A polymath, Patricia felt the "spark of God" drive her not just toward artwork, but also to the relationship of art to math and the universe. This sense of unity with everything inspires her creations.

It also helped her to come out the other side after the death of her daughter.

"When you have the awareness that you have Christ consciousness, Buddha consciousness, that you have consciousness, it's like I've been able to separate and look at it in that duality and not let it be an absorption," she said.  

Patricia has been on a karmic journey of detachment and connection her whole life, and it is a strength that has propelled her to dizzying heights of discovery and contentment.

"When you allow yourself to experience being in the fullness of time ... your Zen, your bliss, when you see that you're exactly where you need to be then you are allowing spirit to emulsify," she said.

Patricia has worked in multiple artistic media, though she gained her mastery in the Matisse palette — the result of years of study under a master artist in France. But she has also impacted communities around the world, including in Peru, Nepal, and Cambodia, where she has built a library and schools.

Patricia's success is impressive, but her spirituality and her empathy are truly inspiring. I could talk to her for hours, but we had to stop somewhere. I am certain you will feel the fullness of connection after listening to this week's episode of Chiseled.]]>4464artandsoul,chiseledpodcast,creativemind,faithandart,inspiration,mindsetmatters,patriciagagic,purposedrivenlife,spiritualjourneyfalse1118fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/chiseled-ep-66-building-intimacy-with-god-your-partner-and-yourself-stormy-hill--68421425
Dr. Stormy Hill, whom I met while working on my book chapter for NextLevel Your Life, takes a broad approach to enhancing intimacy.An occupational therapist, mental health and substance abuse specialist, andintimacy coach, Dr. Stormy dove into studies on intimacy while navigating thewaters of raising an autistic son.

"It was interesting, sort of a mom-world collision with aprofessional-world collision," she said.

Dr. Stormy, who is one of the celebrity authors of The Transformational Journey: Lessons from Bus…, now helps individuals and couples explore how to buildintimacy through self-confidence, self-love, bliss, and pleasure in and outsidethe bedroom. Dr. Stormy says having a growth mindset for life, love, and sexteaches us how to develop relationships for maximum satisfaction and spiritualfulfillment.

"The only thing about emotions is that they will change,which is why I don't think love is an emotion, it's a force," she told me.

In this week's Chiseled podcast, Dr. Stormyshares effective tools to connect with your partner, children, friends, andGod, and to overcome the challenges that confront us every day withpsychological and physical mastery. If you're interested in how your brain andbody work together, you must hear her insights.

Once you listen to this podcast, which is full of tips andexercises for building intimacy, you will probably want to learn more. On her website, Dr. Stormy offers a free"Compassionate Self-Care Guide," which is full of practices, videos,guided mediations and links to additional resources for developing intimacymore deeply. I'm betting you will want to check it out.

If you have questions or want even more of her incredibleguidance, you can reach Dr. Stormy by email or follow her on Instagram. Meanwhile, I hope you enjoy this enlightening episode of Chiseled.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68421425Tue, 04 Nov 2025 23:02:25 +0000Robert CommodariWhen we hear the word "intimacy," most of us thinkabout sex. But in reality, intimacy refers to honest connections with others,whether they be with a partner, child, friend, or even God. Dr. Stormy Hill, whom I met while working on my book chapter...
Dr. Stormy Hill, whom I met while working on my book chapter for NextLevel Your Life, takes a broad approach to enhancing intimacy.An occupational therapist, mental health and substance abuse specialist, andintimacy coach, Dr. Stormy dove into studies on intimacy while navigating thewaters of raising an autistic son.

"It was interesting, sort of a mom-world collision with aprofessional-world collision," she said.

Dr. Stormy, who is one of the celebrity authors of The Transformational Journey: Lessons from Bus…, now helps individuals and couples explore how to buildintimacy through self-confidence, self-love, bliss, and pleasure in and outsidethe bedroom. Dr. Stormy says having a growth mindset for life, love, and sexteaches us how to develop relationships for maximum satisfaction and spiritualfulfillment.

"The only thing about emotions is that they will change,which is why I don't think love is an emotion, it's a force," she told me.

In this week's Chiseled podcast, Dr. Stormyshares effective tools to connect with your partner, children, friends, andGod, and to overcome the challenges that confront us every day withpsychological and physical mastery. If you're interested in how your brain andbody work together, you must hear her insights.

Once you listen to this podcast, which is full of tips andexercises for building intimacy, you will probably want to learn more. On her website, Dr. Stormy offers a free"Compassionate Self-Care Guide," which is full of practices, videos,guided mediations and links to additional resources for developing intimacymore deeply. I'm betting you will want to check it out.

If you have questions or want even more of her incredibleguidance, you can reach Dr. Stormy by email or follow her on Instagram. Meanwhile, I hope you enjoy this enlightening episode of Chiseled.]]>2834awareness,buildingintimacywithgod,chiseled,godfaithandsexuality,honestconnections,intimacyfalse165fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/chiseled-ep-67-from-grief-to-joy-kelli-calabrese--68373905It was a huge shock to Kelli, who had spent her marriage trying to be a great wife.
"It took me to my knees, it emptied me out," she said.
After three years of doing a deep dive and peeling back the layers of her trauma, Kelli emerged a new woman. 
You might have thought there were five stages of grief, but Kelli says it's more like 14. And she knows because she went through all of them and now teaches them as a divorce and mental health care coach.
Kelli explains the stages of grief concisely and powerfully in this week's episode of Chiseled. But her story isn't just one of turning lemons into lemonade. It's one of personal discovery, finding joy, and falling "madly in love" with God.
Her journey is also not the only one she's offering. Kelli is making available to Chiseled listeners an e-copy of her latest bestselling book, Success Habits of Super Achievers, which shares the stories of 80 people who had something "unreasonably difficult" happen to them and made something great out of it. Just go to her website to download a copy or email her at kelli@kellicalabrese.com. You can also find Kelli on Facebook or LinkedIn.  ]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68373905Sat, 01 Nov 2025 02:27:03 +0000Robert CommodariOne day business and health coach Kelli Calabrese thought she had the perfect life — a successful career, a beautiful home, a 25-year marriage, and two great kids. But the next day, her husband came home and told her the marriage was over. He walked...It was a huge shock to Kelli, who had spent her marriage trying to be a great wife.
"It took me to my knees, it emptied me out," she said.
After three years of doing a deep dive and peeling back the layers of her trauma, Kelli emerged a new woman. 
You might have thought there were five stages of grief, but Kelli says it's more like 14. And she knows because she went through all of them and now teaches them as a divorce and mental health care coach.
Kelli explains the stages of grief concisely and powerfully in this week's episode of Chiseled. But her story isn't just one of turning lemons into lemonade. It's one of personal discovery, finding joy, and falling "madly in love" with God.
Her journey is also not the only one she's offering. Kelli is making available to Chiseled listeners an e-copy of her latest bestselling book, Success Habits of Super Achievers, which shares the stories of 80 people who had something "unreasonably difficult" happen to them and made something great out of it. Just go to her website to download a copy or email her at kelli@kellicalabrese.com. You can also find Kelli on Facebook or LinkedIn.  ]]>2520awareness,chiseled,fallinginlovewithgod,findingjoy,fromgrieftojoy,superachieverfalse167fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/chiseled-ep-68-living-in-faith-rob-foy--68339063Rob is a long-time friend of mine and a real estate agent in central Maryland. He grew up in an Irish Catholic household, but his family stopped attending weekly services around the time he was nine.
Flash forward 20+ years, and Rob and his brother found themselves one weekend abandoning a golf vacation in Myrtle Beach with a bunch of their buddies to check out rumors of Virgin Mary sightings in Conyers,Georgia.
It changed his life.
"So much grace was put on me at once that Ididn't know which way to go," Rob said of the experience.  
The event, which he describes in detail on this week's show, triggered a spiritual journey that has taken many ups and downs,including an incredible physical challenge that he explains in this episode. But through it all, Rob persisted, and has reached a level of faith that few of us can imagine.
This week's episode of Chiseled isn't just for the Catholics among us. It's for anyone who wants to hear another person's spiritual awakening and the incredible impacts that it has had on his life. Rob is extremely knowledgeable about his faith and discusses it in emotional and intellectual terms that you will find deeply engaging.
I promise, you're going to be intrigued by this episode of Chiseled. It may even inspire you to explore your own relationship with God. If you do, Rob's happy to discuss your journey with you. You can reach himat robfoy3@me.com. Or if you want to reach out to me, I am curious to hear what you think.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68339063Wed, 29 Oct 2025 19:35:12 +0000Robert CommodariThis episode of Chiseled is intense. If you're exploring your faith or are hard-core religious — whatever your religion — Rob Foy has some deep thoughts about having a "real" relationship with God. Rob is a long-time friend of mine and a real estate...Rob is a long-time friend of mine and a real estate agent in central Maryland. He grew up in an Irish Catholic household, but his family stopped attending weekly services around the time he was nine.
Flash forward 20+ years, and Rob and his brother found themselves one weekend abandoning a golf vacation in Myrtle Beach with a bunch of their buddies to check out rumors of Virgin Mary sightings in Conyers,Georgia.
It changed his life.
"So much grace was put on me at once that Ididn't know which way to go," Rob said of the experience.  
The event, which he describes in detail on this week's show, triggered a spiritual journey that has taken many ups and downs,including an incredible physical challenge that he explains in this episode. But through it all, Rob persisted, and has reached a level of faith that few of us can imagine.
This week's episode of Chiseled isn't just for the Catholics among us. It's for anyone who wants to hear another person's spiritual awakening and the incredible impacts that it has had on his life. Rob is extremely knowledgeable about his faith and discusses it in emotional and intellectual terms that you will find deeply engaging.
I promise, you're going to be intrigued by this episode of Chiseled. It may even inspire you to explore your own relationship with God. If you do, Rob's happy to discuss your journey with you. You can reach himat robfoy3@me.com. Or if you want to reach out to me, I am curious to hear what you think.]]>3061awareness,chiseled,faith,faithfilled,intensity,spiritualawakening,spiritualjourneyfalse167fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/chiseled-ep-117-laughing-your-way-to-success-and-a-calling-steve-rizzo--68271355https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68271355Sat, 25 Oct 2025 10:42:25 +0000Robert CommodariYou must be a pretty good comedian if your roommate is Drew Carey, your opening acts are Rosie O'Donnell, Chris Rock, and Sam Kinison, and you’re sharing the stage with Eddie Murphy, Jerry Seinfeld, and Ellen DeGeneres. That’s how big Steve Rizzo was...3480chiseledpodcast,comedy,faith,godhasaplan,humorheals,inspiration,laughyourwaytosuccess,mindset,motivation,personalgrowth,purpose,resilience,steverizzofalse1117fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/chiseled-ep-69-turning-burnout-into-a-blessing-brandy-wilson-edwards--68176582
Brandy Wilson Edwards was experiencing hardcore burnout.Working as an attorney for many years, she wondered where her passion went. She loved speaking, writing, and helping people live better lives, all activities she did as an attorney. But it wasn't fueling her own sense of fulfillment.

So Brandy took a "pause" to figure out what drove her happiness. She realized that she didn't have to choose between professional and personal goals. She could have it all — if she knew how to pursue it.

Now working as a motivational speaker, author, yoga and mindfulness instructor — and attorney, Brandy turned her passion for personal wellbeing into a mission to empower the legal community and other professionals to become zealousadvocates for themselves, not just their clients. You could say it's not even work at all for Brandy.

"I turned burnout into a blessing," she said.

In this episode of Chiseled, Brandy shares the difference between contentment and complacency, and gifts and skills, and shares how to "PAUSE," her five step method for setting priorities, taking action, understanding the consequences of your choices, self-care, and existing with intention to "live with more courage and less regret."

Brandy is a bundle of energy and I can see why sitting at a desk is not the greatest use of her talents. I am blessed to have met her and look forward to seeing what she does next to craft memorable messages and spread her contagious spirit.

Interested in hearing more from Brandy? You can take a look at her website or email her

at brandy@brandywilsonedwards.com.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68176582Fri, 17 Oct 2025 09:54:15 +0000Robert Commodari"I do not fit into a box. I'm certainly not a typical attorney." Brandy Wilson Edwards was experiencing hardcore burnout.Working as an attorney for many years, she wondered where her passion went. She loved speaking, writing, and helping people live...
Brandy Wilson Edwards was experiencing hardcore burnout.Working as an attorney for many years, she wondered where her passion went. She loved speaking, writing, and helping people live better lives, all activities she did as an attorney. But it wasn't fueling her own sense of fulfillment.

So Brandy took a "pause" to figure out what drove her happiness. She realized that she didn't have to choose between professional and personal goals. She could have it all — if she knew how to pursue it.

Now working as a motivational speaker, author, yoga and mindfulness instructor — and attorney, Brandy turned her passion for personal wellbeing into a mission to empower the legal community and other professionals to become zealousadvocates for themselves, not just their clients. You could say it's not even work at all for Brandy.

"I turned burnout into a blessing," she said.

In this episode of Chiseled, Brandy shares the difference between contentment and complacency, and gifts and skills, and shares how to "PAUSE," her five step method for setting priorities, taking action, understanding the consequences of your choices, self-care, and existing with intention to "live with more courage and less regret."

Brandy is a bundle of energy and I can see why sitting at a desk is not the greatest use of her talents. I am blessed to have met her and look forward to seeing what she does next to craft memorable messages and spread her contagious spirit.

Interested in hearing more from Brandy? You can take a look at her website or email her

at brandy@brandywilsonedwards.com.]]>2147authenticliving,betterthanyouthink,buffinistyle,burnouttoblessing,chiseledpodcast,courage,leadership,livewithpurpose,mindfulleadership,mindfulness,motivation,personalgrowth,resiliencefalse169fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/chiseled-ep-116-beating-stress-self-doubt-fear-jim-poole-nucalm--68099205https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68099205Sat, 11 Oct 2025 11:15:35 +0000Robert CommodariGrowing up in New York, Jim Poole wrestled, played football, and earned two black belts in martial arts. The downside? A lifetime of head injuries. “I was hospitalized 14 times with concussions,” Jim recalls. “And I was probably knocked unconscious...4072brainhealth,calmyourmind,chiseledpodcast,faithandscience,mindset,nucalm,peakperformance,resiliencefalse1116fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/chiseled-ep-70-why-the-best-are-the-best-kevin-eastman--68075898I am not alone in this love of language, which is why I really enjoyed my interview with Kevin Eastman for this week's episode of Chiseled.
Eastman is the former assistant coach of the 2008 NBA champion Boston Celtics. He is also the former assistant coach and vice president of operations for the L.A. Clippers. He has worked with the likes of Kevin Garnett, Kobe Bryant, Lebron James, Paul Pierce, and many others.
You may know Kevin as the Amazon best-selling author of Whythe Best Are the Best: 25 Powerful Words That Impact, Inspire, and Define Champions. This was one of my favorite reads over the last year.
In this week's podcast, Kevin describes some of the words that motivate him, among them "truth" and "preparation." He offers great insight into the meaning of "humility" and "curiosity." These words are just a few of the many that champion athletes internalize and live by. They are also guideposts for us to use to live with purpose.
Kevin packs a ton of incredible insights into our fast-paced discussion. This episode is dripping with remarkable stories of how successful athletes, coaches, and others learn and succeed. It's no accident that he found so many of the people he interviewed use the same vocabulary repeatedly.
I'm blessed to have had the opportunity to interview Kevin and I really appreciate all he shared. As a professional speaker, Kevin can be booked at kevineastman.net. You can also discover moregreat bits of wisdom from Kevin on his X (Twitter) handle, @kevineastman.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68075898Thu, 09 Oct 2025 12:29:50 +0000Robert CommodariIf you know anything about me, you know I love words. I'm an avid reader, a public speaker, and a burgeoning author. Mybook, Better Than You Think, is a study of some of my favorite words and how they shape us and our relationships. I am not alone in...I am not alone in this love of language, which is why I really enjoyed my interview with Kevin Eastman for this week's episode of Chiseled.
Eastman is the former assistant coach of the 2008 NBA champion Boston Celtics. He is also the former assistant coach and vice president of operations for the L.A. Clippers. He has worked with the likes of Kevin Garnett, Kobe Bryant, Lebron James, Paul Pierce, and many others.
You may know Kevin as the Amazon best-selling author of Whythe Best Are the Best: 25 Powerful Words That Impact, Inspire, and Define Champions. This was one of my favorite reads over the last year.
In this week's podcast, Kevin describes some of the words that motivate him, among them "truth" and "preparation." He offers great insight into the meaning of "humility" and "curiosity." These words are just a few of the many that champion athletes internalize and live by. They are also guideposts for us to use to live with purpose.
Kevin packs a ton of incredible insights into our fast-paced discussion. This episode is dripping with remarkable stories of how successful athletes, coaches, and others learn and succeed. It's no accident that he found so many of the people he interviewed use the same vocabulary repeatedly.
I'm blessed to have had the opportunity to interview Kevin and I really appreciate all he shared. As a professional speaker, Kevin can be booked at kevineastman.net. You can also discover moregreat bits of wisdom from Kevin on his X (Twitter) handle, @kevineastman.]]>2702awareness,champions,chiseled,powerfulwords,whythebestarethebestfalse170fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/chiseled-ep-59-overwhelming-odds-john-o-leary--68046526But then something happened, call it a miracle. Through thepower of countless people all striving to keep John alive, not to mention thewell wishes from near and far, including President Ronald Reagan, Pope JohnPaul II, sports announcer Jack Buck, NHL star Gino Cavallini and the entire St.Louis Blues hockey team, John pulled through. 
But that's just John's origin story. John survived, but hefelt lost trying to fit in. Throughout his youth, he would try to be likeeveryone else by taking big risks, whether physical feats, drinking, or otherextreme behavior.
"Anything someone else would do I would do even biggerand better to prove that I was ordinary," he said. "I wasn'tchiseled, I was bandaged. I was just raft with lies and a mask." 
At age 28 while working construction, John was asked to sharethe story of how he was burned — and he said "yes" for the firsttime. So, he spoke to a Girl Scout troop of three. 
"I did a lousy job. I was not even paid with a box ofSamoas," he joked. 
But one of the girl's fathers asked John to speak at hisRotary Club. That grew to another speaking gig and then more and more speakingengagements, not to mention two books, including the Number 1 bestseller,"On Fire, The Seven Choices to Ignite a Radically Inspired Life,"which has sold 250,000 copies and been translated into 12 languages.
"I'm not afraid of the scars anymore," John said."By saying 'yes' to others, I began to realize the dignity of my ownstory."
Over the years, John has spoken publicly 2,500 times andreached several million people to reveal "what happens when we allowourselves to be used for something bigger than ourselves." 
I am so inspired by John, not only because of the greatbaseball stories he shares about Jack Buck and the dozens of signed baseballshe received, but also because John embodies the principles of faith, healing,and dedication to purpose. 
John shares his story and the lessons he's learned in thisweek's episode of Chiseled. If you'd like to reach John, you can do soon one of his two websites, JohnOLearyInspires.com and readinawe.com, whichwill also give you the opportunity to take the 21-day challenge to spark inspiration, meaning, and joy. Check it out and enjoy this episode of Chiseled.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68046526Tue, 07 Oct 2025 13:07:47 +0000Robert CommodariAs a 9-year-old, Missouri native John O'Leary wasnearly killed while playing with fire. Burned on 100 percent of his body with89 percent covered in third-degree burns, John was not expected to live thefirst night.  But then something happened, call it...But then something happened, call it a miracle. Through thepower of countless people all striving to keep John alive, not to mention thewell wishes from near and far, including President Ronald Reagan, Pope JohnPaul II, sports announcer Jack Buck, NHL star Gino Cavallini and the entire St.Louis Blues hockey team, John pulled through. 
But that's just John's origin story. John survived, but hefelt lost trying to fit in. Throughout his youth, he would try to be likeeveryone else by taking big risks, whether physical feats, drinking, or otherextreme behavior.
"Anything someone else would do I would do even biggerand better to prove that I was ordinary," he said. "I wasn'tchiseled, I was bandaged. I was just raft with lies and a mask." 
At age 28 while working construction, John was asked to sharethe story of how he was burned — and he said "yes" for the firsttime. So, he spoke to a Girl Scout troop of three. 
"I did a lousy job. I was not even paid with a box ofSamoas," he joked. 
But one of the girl's fathers asked John to speak at hisRotary Club. That grew to another speaking gig and then more and more speakingengagements, not to mention two books, including the Number 1 bestseller,"On Fire, The Seven Choices to Ignite a Radically Inspired Life,"which has sold 250,000 copies and been translated into 12 languages.
"I'm not afraid of the scars anymore," John said."By saying 'yes' to others, I began to realize the dignity of my ownstory."
Over the years, John has spoken publicly 2,500 times andreached several million people to reveal "what happens when we allowourselves to be used for something bigger than ourselves." 
I am so inspired by John, not only because of the greatbaseball stories he shares about Jack Buck and the dozens of signed baseballshe received, but also because John embodies the principles of faith, healing,and dedication to purpose. 
John shares his story and the lessons he's learned in thisweek's episode of Chiseled. If you'd like to reach John, you can do soon one of his two websites, JohnOLearyInspires.com and readinawe.com, whichwill also give you the opportunity to take the 21-day challenge to spark inspiration, meaning, and joy. Check it out and enjoy this episode of Chiseled.]]>3586awareness,chiseled,liveinspired,overwhelmingodds,radicallyinspiredlife,readinawe,soulonfirefalse159fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/chiseled-ep-71-the-faithful-agent-garrett-maroon--67978802But about seven years after starting his career, Garrett felt that he was dancing around a subject he really wanted to discuss — his faith. So the Newport News, Virginia-based agent began talking about it with other realtors and even clients, and found that connecting his faith to his work could be wildly successful.

Garrett turned his faith into a successful business model. He operates the "Faithful Agent," a real estate business and a coaching company of the same name. He hosts a podcast with his buddy Tyler Wilson, runs a large Facebook community, and last year began holding faith-based business conferences for agents. He is also publishing a book on his faithful agent strategy.

"We want to be a place ... where a Christian can say, 'I need to gettrained in my business but I want it to come from someone who has the same mentality as I do with this eternal perspective, with Christ in mind,'" he said.
 
Garrett told me that he wants to make sure that people understand he's not using his faith to try to make a buck.

"At the end of the day, for me, as a Christian, my job is to first andforemost honor the Lord."

I recorded my interview with Garrett a while back. He is afast-talker and extremely animated about his goals, which he is rapidly achieving. I firmly believe that Garrett, a husband and father of four young children, is going to have great success in his endeavors, and after you hear this episode of Chiseled, you will too. 
 
Interested in learning more about Garrett? You can check out his website or email him at garrett@faithfulagent.com.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67978802Wed, 01 Oct 2025 23:01:47 +0000Robert CommodariReal estate agent Garrett Maroon has never made a cold call,hosted an open house, or bought a lead. He started in real estate in 2014 with just 40 people in his referral database and has since built a business on relationships and referrals only,...But about seven years after starting his career, Garrett felt that he was dancing around a subject he really wanted to discuss — his faith. So the Newport News, Virginia-based agent began talking about it with other realtors and even clients, and found that connecting his faith to his work could be wildly successful.

Garrett turned his faith into a successful business model. He operates the "Faithful Agent," a real estate business and a coaching company of the same name. He hosts a podcast with his buddy Tyler Wilson, runs a large Facebook community, and last year began holding faith-based business conferences for agents. He is also publishing a book on his faithful agent strategy.

"We want to be a place ... where a Christian can say, 'I need to gettrained in my business but I want it to come from someone who has the same mentality as I do with this eternal perspective, with Christ in mind,'" he said.
 
Garrett told me that he wants to make sure that people understand he's not using his faith to try to make a buck.

"At the end of the day, for me, as a Christian, my job is to first andforemost honor the Lord."

I recorded my interview with Garrett a while back. He is afast-talker and extremely animated about his goals, which he is rapidly achieving. I firmly believe that Garrett, a husband and father of four young children, is going to have great success in his endeavors, and after you hear this episode of Chiseled, you will too. 
 
Interested in learning more about Garrett? You can check out his website or email him at garrett@faithfulagent.com.]]>2296awareness,chiseled,christian,christinmind,faithbasedagent,faithfulagentfalse171fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/chiseled-ep-115-faith-fire-and-the-chisel-a-conversation-with-brian-buffini--67917392
You can also watch episodes of "Chiseled" on my YouTube channel. Go to https://www.youtube.com/rcommodari to subscribe. Thanks you!]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67917392Sat, 27 Sep 2025 10:49:10 +0000Robert CommodariI couldn’t be more honored to welcome today’s guest on Chiseled: Brian Buffini. For more than 20 years, Brian has been a coach to me, a role model, a guide in my faith journey — and an all-around good guy. He’s someone I deeply admire, and I’m humbled...
You can also watch episodes of "Chiseled" on my YouTube channel. Go to https://www.youtube.com/rcommodari to subscribe. Thanks you!]]>3157brianbuffini,brianbuffini #buffiniandcompan,buffiniandcompany,chiseledbyfaith,faithoverfear,godsplan,purposedriven,relationshipsmatter,spiritualgrowth,trusttheprocess,workingbyreferralfalse1115fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/chiseled-ep-72-five-guys-on-a-podcast--67830780Most of all, I hope the podcast has entertained you.

Turns out podcasting has brought me closer to an already strongband of brothers. In this week's Chiseled, I talk to four of my buddies in real estate who also have a taste for the mic and have launched their own shows.

We're not making a lot of money from these labors of love, butthe return on investment has been enormous. Not only have we found our voices, but we've learned several profound lessons.  

"Your compensation is directly impacted to how well youserve people and how many people you serve," said Louisville, Kentucky's Mike Gandolfo, who co-hosts the Horse Racing Happy Hour.

"If I can help other people win, I'm winning," saidBrad Noll, who explains how to become a great communicator.  

The five of us had several laughs discussing our adventures inpodcasting. Hopefully, the conversation will make you laugh too and perhaps even help you eliminate any hesitation that may be holding you back from pursuing a creative outlet of your own.
 
Interested in checking out my friends' podcasts? You can findthem here:

The Horse Racing Happy Hour hosted by Mike Gandolfo.
Student of the Game hostedby Brad Noll.
Inspire Campfire hosted by Scott Wurtzbacher.
The Karl Miller Show hosted by Karl Miller.

Meantime, enjoy the five guys (not the burger joint) on this episode of Chiseled.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67830780Sat, 20 Sep 2025 12:21:59 +0000Robert CommodariMany of you have been listening to Chiseled since I started podcasting in 2021. I love interviewing new people and hearing what they have to say. I hope you have found some useful insights from my guests on personal and professional growth. Most of...Most of all, I hope the podcast has entertained you.

Turns out podcasting has brought me closer to an already strongband of brothers. In this week's Chiseled, I talk to four of my buddies in real estate who also have a taste for the mic and have launched their own shows.

We're not making a lot of money from these labors of love, butthe return on investment has been enormous. Not only have we found our voices, but we've learned several profound lessons.  

"Your compensation is directly impacted to how well youserve people and how many people you serve," said Louisville, Kentucky's Mike Gandolfo, who co-hosts the Horse Racing Happy Hour.

"If I can help other people win, I'm winning," saidBrad Noll, who explains how to become a great communicator.  

The five of us had several laughs discussing our adventures inpodcasting. Hopefully, the conversation will make you laugh too and perhaps even help you eliminate any hesitation that may be holding you back from pursuing a creative outlet of your own.
 
Interested in checking out my friends' podcasts? You can findthem here:

The Horse Racing Happy Hour hosted by Mike Gandolfo.
Student of the Game hostedby Brad Noll.
Inspire Campfire hosted by Scott Wurtzbacher.
The Karl Miller Show hosted by Karl Miller.

Meantime, enjoy the five guys (not the burger joint) on this episode of Chiseled.]]>4284awareness,chiseled,findyourvoice,fiveguys,inspirecampfire,profoundlesson,studentofthegame,thehorseracinghappyhour,thekarlmillershowfalse172fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/chiseled-ep-73-finding-happy-chad-kneller--67744519
Through the lens of that existentialism, Chad drank too much, partied too hard, and ignored basic rules of society. Eventually, the warrants piled up and Chad found himself doing a coupletwo-week stints in jail. During one of those sojourns, he picked up a Bible and read it cover to cover. He then approached the prison minister.

“I said, ‘Hey, I got some questions,’ and he didn't know I have three hours’ worth of questions. He answered them all. Andthat was the beginning of a new life for me,” he said.

Upon his release, Chad returned to his new girlfriend and the two set upon a path of finding their future together. A marriage, two military stints, and three kids later, Chad and his wife are nowserial entrepreneurs.

Chad has also published a book called Finding Happy, which seeks to help people, especially young people, getbeyond the intensity of their emotions and gain context to get through the most difficult seasons of their lives.

“I feel like if someone would have given me a booklike that when I was in my early 20s I could have saved a whole lot of time. I wouldn't have wasted almost a decade after that.”

Finding Happy has received great reviews and Chad says he’s even been told it saved one person’s life, a true win if ever there was one.

It was a pleasure talking to Chad and I know his chiseling is going to continue to help others. If you want to reach Chad, hisemail is findinghappy1@gmail.com or you can check him out on all his social media channels @chadkneller or on his website.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67744519Tue, 16 Sep 2025 18:21:53 +0000Robert CommodariWhen Chad Kneller was in his 20s, he “was all about sex, drugs, and rock and roll.” Laser-focused on being a singer in a rock band, Kneller figured life ends at age 27, just as it did for a host of famous musicians who burned hot and diedyoung....
Through the lens of that existentialism, Chad drank too much, partied too hard, and ignored basic rules of society. Eventually, the warrants piled up and Chad found himself doing a coupletwo-week stints in jail. During one of those sojourns, he picked up a Bible and read it cover to cover. He then approached the prison minister.

“I said, ‘Hey, I got some questions,’ and he didn't know I have three hours’ worth of questions. He answered them all. Andthat was the beginning of a new life for me,” he said.

Upon his release, Chad returned to his new girlfriend and the two set upon a path of finding their future together. A marriage, two military stints, and three kids later, Chad and his wife are nowserial entrepreneurs.

Chad has also published a book called Finding Happy, which seeks to help people, especially young people, getbeyond the intensity of their emotions and gain context to get through the most difficult seasons of their lives.

“I feel like if someone would have given me a booklike that when I was in my early 20s I could have saved a whole lot of time. I wouldn't have wasted almost a decade after that.”

Finding Happy has received great reviews and Chad says he’s even been told it saved one person’s life, a true win if ever there was one.

It was a pleasure talking to Chad and I know his chiseling is going to continue to help others. If you want to reach Chad, hisemail is findinghappy1@gmail.com or you can check him out on all his social media channels @chadkneller or on his website.]]>2449awareness,bible,chiseled,findinghappy,futuretogether,serialentrepreneursfalse174fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/chiseled-ep-114-escaping-your-self-imposed-prison-fazeena-haniff--67729064
The pain of the event was immediately suppressed in a family that tended to hide its emotions, so Fazeena never got to process the guilty feeling that she was to blame for the accident.

That is, until nearly 30 years later when she found herself miserable in a failing marriage and re-traumatized by an incident while driving her own car.

"I clearly had been holding onto this for how many decades, and it's playing a part in my marriage, and it's blocked me my entire life," she said. "I literally would self-sabotage myself to punish myself."

Having been in a self-imposed prison, Fazeena, who is now a communications and leadership coach, finally got the help she needed. She used training in neurolinguistic programming to learn how to process trauma and disconnect the tragedy from her thoughts about herself. She now uses that technique and others to help her clients recognize how their own traumas are holding them back.

Fazeena is very candid and transparent, and her level of self-awareness is admirable. I think you will find her story and the lessons she learned about forgiveness to be highly recognizable and maybe even helpful.

If you're moved by her story — or any of my guests on Chiseled — I welcome your feedback. In the meantime, I hope you enjoy this week's episode.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67729064Sat, 13 Sep 2025 10:50:07 +0000Robert CommodariFazeena Haniff was just seven years old when she witnessed her three-year-old cousin killed by a drunk driver. Visiting family in New York City for her birthday, she ended up attending a funeral instead of a celebration. The pain of the event was...
The pain of the event was immediately suppressed in a family that tended to hide its emotions, so Fazeena never got to process the guilty feeling that she was to blame for the accident.

That is, until nearly 30 years later when she found herself miserable in a failing marriage and re-traumatized by an incident while driving her own car.

"I clearly had been holding onto this for how many decades, and it's playing a part in my marriage, and it's blocked me my entire life," she said. "I literally would self-sabotage myself to punish myself."

Having been in a self-imposed prison, Fazeena, who is now a communications and leadership coach, finally got the help she needed. She used training in neurolinguistic programming to learn how to process trauma and disconnect the tragedy from her thoughts about herself. She now uses that technique and others to help her clients recognize how their own traumas are holding them back.

Fazeena is very candid and transparent, and her level of self-awareness is admirable. I think you will find her story and the lessons she learned about forgiveness to be highly recognizable and maybe even helpful.

If you're moved by her story — or any of my guests on Chiseled — I welcome your feedback. In the meantime, I hope you enjoy this week's episode.]]>2337chiseledpodcast,forgiveness,healingjourney,nlp,selfawareness,traumarecoveryfalse1114fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/chiseled-ep-74-time-and-space-scott-smith--67728134
One step closer to the edge and I may have found it. But I'm not ready yet. I have a lot of life left in me, plus I really don't know what I'm going to do with myself when I get there.

Apparently, I'm not the only one. Many years ago, D. Scott Smith's five-year-old son asked him a similar question. In fact, seemsthat a lot of people are wondering about the afterlife when they haven't yet figured out what to do with themselves right here on earth. Scott began pondering questions about time, space, and how we maneuver through them, and he came up with some amazing ideas about how to best live our lives in the moment.

Scott noted that age matters. At five years old, time feels like it's moving six times more slowly than it does for an older person. So, when he tells his son, it will be an hour until dinner, it's nosurprise his son starts questioning whether he is going to be bored in Heaven.

But the questions don't stop as we age.

"We're notoriously dissatisfied," he said.

On this week's episode of Chiseled, Scott offers his "octodecim" or rule of 18. In short, we live through seasons of life, which are designed for growing, learning, establishing, reaping, and benefiting, not to mention enjoying a little bonus time at the very end. But in Scott's theory, most of us aren't living the experience appropriate for their octodecim and are instead spending too much time evaluating the past or anticipating the future.

From the first minute of this week's episode of Chiseled, I'm certain you will be pleased with how you're spending yourtime. This was a fun, logical, metaphysical discussion (if such a thing is possible) and a great conversation no matter what age you are.
Want to reach Scott? You can catch up with him onhis website or follow him on YouTube, LinkedIn, or X (Twitter). Meanwhile, I hope you enjoy this episode of Chiseled.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67728134Thu, 11 Sep 2025 23:34:33 +0000Robert CommodariWill Heaven be boring? During a trip to the Grand Canyon a couple years ago, I looked out at the vastness of it all and thought, if this is Heaven, I can't wait. One step closer to the edge and I may have found it. But I'm not ready yet. I have a lot...
One step closer to the edge and I may have found it. But I'm not ready yet. I have a lot of life left in me, plus I really don't know what I'm going to do with myself when I get there.

Apparently, I'm not the only one. Many years ago, D. Scott Smith's five-year-old son asked him a similar question. In fact, seemsthat a lot of people are wondering about the afterlife when they haven't yet figured out what to do with themselves right here on earth. Scott began pondering questions about time, space, and how we maneuver through them, and he came up with some amazing ideas about how to best live our lives in the moment.

Scott noted that age matters. At five years old, time feels like it's moving six times more slowly than it does for an older person. So, when he tells his son, it will be an hour until dinner, it's nosurprise his son starts questioning whether he is going to be bored in Heaven.

But the questions don't stop as we age.

"We're notoriously dissatisfied," he said.

On this week's episode of Chiseled, Scott offers his "octodecim" or rule of 18. In short, we live through seasons of life, which are designed for growing, learning, establishing, reaping, and benefiting, not to mention enjoying a little bonus time at the very end. But in Scott's theory, most of us aren't living the experience appropriate for their octodecim and are instead spending too much time evaluating the past or anticipating the future.

From the first minute of this week's episode of Chiseled, I'm certain you will be pleased with how you're spending yourtime. This was a fun, logical, metaphysical discussion (if such a thing is possible) and a great conversation no matter what age you are.
Want to reach Scott? You can catch up with him onhis website or follow him on YouTube, LinkedIn, or X (Twitter). Meanwhile, I hope you enjoy this episode of Chiseled.]]>2915awareness,chiseled,isheavenboring,octodecim,timeandspacefalse173fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/chiseled-ep-75-how-to-break-through-walls-ken-walls--67678685https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67678685Mon, 08 Sep 2025 17:28:59 +0000Robert CommodariGrowing up in a "poor family" with "a lot of violence, drugs and alcohol in the house," Ken was a succesful entrepreneur from a young age, having started working at 8 years old. But by time he was 34, his success could not keep him from hitting rock...2856awareness,breakingthroughwalls,chiseled,growliveacademy,wallsofwisdomfalse174fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/chiseled-ep-76-epic-life-justin-breen--67635606It wasn't nearly as challenging for Justin as you'd think it might be. Tapping into his visionary mindset, Justin reached out to his 5,000-plus social media fanbase. Just six weeks later, he had started a public relations company from scratch.
"Someone either can get back into a plane after another one's been shot down without a parachute or they make an excuse. At the highest level, there are no excuses. You just do it," he said of launching a new venture.
From there, the sky was the limit for Justin. During COVID, Justin really started discovering that he could achieve success by living with gratitude, recognizing a higher power, and developing a great networking community. In 2022, he started his next company.
"That's when I went fully global," he said. "The trauma creates the triumph."
Working with entrepreneurs, Justin has turned BrEpic Communications into a global PR firm and runs the exclusive connectivity platform BrEpic Network. His first book, Epic Business, was a bestseller in six countries and No. 1 for entrepreneurship in the U.S. He followed up with Epic Life, which teaches, as the subtitle says, "how to build collaborative global companies while putting your loved ones first."
Justin has a lot on his mind and you can almost hear the wheels spinning in his brain in this clip from this week's Chiseled. He offers so many insights about visionary traits, you need to listen closely to unlock all the tips for discovering your true potential. I encourage you to buckle your seatbelt for this episode of Chiseled.
​
Want to talk to Justin? Find him on LinkedIn or his website.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67635606Thu, 04 Sep 2025 17:40:48 +0000Robert CommodariJustin Breen was an enterprising journalist in a Midwest media market when his bosses started slashing staff salaries in 2017. With a wife and two young children, Justin knew it was time to take his next step. It wasn't nearly as challenging for...It wasn't nearly as challenging for Justin as you'd think it might be. Tapping into his visionary mindset, Justin reached out to his 5,000-plus social media fanbase. Just six weeks later, he had started a public relations company from scratch.
"Someone either can get back into a plane after another one's been shot down without a parachute or they make an excuse. At the highest level, there are no excuses. You just do it," he said of launching a new venture.
From there, the sky was the limit for Justin. During COVID, Justin really started discovering that he could achieve success by living with gratitude, recognizing a higher power, and developing a great networking community. In 2022, he started his next company.
"That's when I went fully global," he said. "The trauma creates the triumph."
Working with entrepreneurs, Justin has turned BrEpic Communications into a global PR firm and runs the exclusive connectivity platform BrEpic Network. His first book, Epic Business, was a bestseller in six countries and No. 1 for entrepreneurship in the U.S. He followed up with Epic Life, which teaches, as the subtitle says, "how to build collaborative global companies while putting your loved ones first."
Justin has a lot on his mind and you can almost hear the wheels spinning in his brain in this clip from this week's Chiseled. He offers so many insights about visionary traits, you need to listen closely to unlock all the tips for discovering your true potential. I encourage you to buckle your seatbelt for this episode of Chiseled.
​
Want to talk to Justin? Find him on LinkedIn or his website.]]>2373brepic,chiseled,traumacreatestriumph,visionary,visionarymindsetfalse175fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/chiseled-ep-77-life-happens-in-the-transitions-amy-somerville--67582257But after nearly two decades in business, Amy needed to help her young family transition to the next stage of their lives. She chose to "take one for the team” and begin a very public-facing position running the professional development department. Within two years, she transitioned from senior vice president at RE/MAX to an independent consultant to an employee with Buffini and Company, whom she lovingly describes as "monsters" in the high-end real estate coaching space (I agree).
Just a year later, while attending a real estate conference in New York, she was approached by eXp Realty CEO Glenn Sanford, a fan of Jim Collins, whose Good to Great book series offers incredible organizational management principles. One of Colins’ principles says you may not know your "what" or your "why," but you are better positioned to take a leap in business when you find your "who."
Sanford, who owns Success Enterprises, which happens to publish Amy's favorite magazine, SUCCESS, told her that she may be his "who."
And shortly thereafter she transitioned again, becoming the new CEO of Success Enterprises.
“It's heavy to carry a brand that has such a reputation and such an impact on so many people, and me included, so it's wild," she said.
With its reputation for excellence, Amy is energized by the challenge of carrying the 127-year-old media group to its next level — by pursuing her own mission to LIVE — lead, inspire, provide value, and empathize.
With her energy, focus, faith, and fortitude, I have no doubt that SUCCESS is in good hands. I was honored to interview her and believe you will feel the positivity and intention in everything she says during this Chiseled podcast.
Amy is a source of strength and inspiration, with which I am sure you will agree after listening to this episode of Chiseled. Want to contact Amy? Listen to the end to get her email address so you can give her a buzz.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67582257Mon, 01 Sep 2025 15:53:35 +0000Robert CommodariFor Amy Somerville, life happens in the transitions. Amy was in the real estate business for 18 years with RE/MAX — as a realtor, broker, team leader, franchise consultant, and coach. She readily admits that throughout it all, she was not a public...But after nearly two decades in business, Amy needed to help her young family transition to the next stage of their lives. She chose to "take one for the team” and begin a very public-facing position running the professional development department. Within two years, she transitioned from senior vice president at RE/MAX to an independent consultant to an employee with Buffini and Company, whom she lovingly describes as "monsters" in the high-end real estate coaching space (I agree).
Just a year later, while attending a real estate conference in New York, she was approached by eXp Realty CEO Glenn Sanford, a fan of Jim Collins, whose Good to Great book series offers incredible organizational management principles. One of Colins’ principles says you may not know your "what" or your "why," but you are better positioned to take a leap in business when you find your "who."
Sanford, who owns Success Enterprises, which happens to publish Amy's favorite magazine, SUCCESS, told her that she may be his "who."
And shortly thereafter she transitioned again, becoming the new CEO of Success Enterprises.
“It's heavy to carry a brand that has such a reputation and such an impact on so many people, and me included, so it's wild," she said.
With its reputation for excellence, Amy is energized by the challenge of carrying the 127-year-old media group to its next level — by pursuing her own mission to LIVE — lead, inspire, provide value, and empathize.
With her energy, focus, faith, and fortitude, I have no doubt that SUCCESS is in good hands. I was honored to interview her and believe you will feel the positivity and intention in everything she says during this Chiseled podcast.
Amy is a source of strength and inspiration, with which I am sure you will agree after listening to this episode of Chiseled. Want to contact Amy? Listen to the end to get her email address so you can give her a buzz.]]>2024chiseled,goodtogreat,inspire,leadership,lifehappens,live,success,transitionsfalse177fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/chiseled-ep-113-finding-yourself-to-overcome-addiction-dr-robb-kelly-addiction-expert--67557922
The music career led him to college, and even to a job as a session musician at the famous Abbey Roads Studio in London, but it also led him to drink. While he was able to get his PhD in psychology at University of Oxford, his habit eventually landed him on the street, put out from his wife, children, and everyone he knew.  

"I definitely had an illness, a disease that was fatal," he said.

After 14 months living next to trash cans, a kindly stranger picked Robb up and took him home. A recovered alcoholic himself, his friend took him to an AA meeting, which led Robb to a fateful meeting with someone named "John."

John agreed to act as Robb's spiritual adviser for 12 weeks. Not only did Robb spend the time recovering, but he also learned how he would spend the rest of his life — successfully in a faraway land, helping thousands of others to overcome their addictions.
​
"He was definitely an angel," Robb says, and he means it literally. John disappeared, never to be seen again. And it wasn't long afterward, that Robb ended up in America.

"When I got wealthy ... I spent thousands upon thousands (of pounds) at a private detective agency, and they could never find him. But what he taught me is 90 percent of what I do today," he said.

As a neuroscientist, Robb studies the relationship between what you ingest and how your brain thinks and changes your perception. His deeply interventionist method of treatment teaches clients how to own their identity to make authentic choices, how self-perception changes physical health, and how the mind's fleeting decision to jump from thought to action can propel or limit you. 

He wraps up all this addiction treatment in the science of neuroplasticity — changing the way the mind works through neuro-linguistic programming, somatic experiencing techniques, and trauma therapy — with a side of nutritional and behavioral training.

"Your mind is energy, power. You can't touch it, feel it, but when it connects to another power outside you, neural pathways are changed. Your DNA changes."

Dr. Kelly has treated 10,000 patients with a "98 percent, bordering on 99 percent recovery" rate. That's compared to a relapse rate of 40-60 percent in the United States.

Dr. Kelly calls himself a "recovered" alcoholic. That's right, not "recovering." And when you hear him explain how he went through it and how he gets others through it, you will be amazed, even as your jaw drops in disbelief.

So, sit back, adjust to the Mancunian accent, and join us for a wild story of getting chiseled.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67557922Sat, 30 Aug 2025 11:00:08 +0000Robert CommodariMy guest this week, Dr. Robb Kelly, grew up in the projects of Manchester, England. Blessed with musical talent, he was performing on stage by the time he was 9 years old.  The music career led him to college, and even to a job as a session musician...
The music career led him to college, and even to a job as a session musician at the famous Abbey Roads Studio in London, but it also led him to drink. While he was able to get his PhD in psychology at University of Oxford, his habit eventually landed him on the street, put out from his wife, children, and everyone he knew.  

"I definitely had an illness, a disease that was fatal," he said.

After 14 months living next to trash cans, a kindly stranger picked Robb up and took him home. A recovered alcoholic himself, his friend took him to an AA meeting, which led Robb to a fateful meeting with someone named "John."

John agreed to act as Robb's spiritual adviser for 12 weeks. Not only did Robb spend the time recovering, but he also learned how he would spend the rest of his life — successfully in a faraway land, helping thousands of others to overcome their addictions.
​
"He was definitely an angel," Robb says, and he means it literally. John disappeared, never to be seen again. And it wasn't long afterward, that Robb ended up in America.

"When I got wealthy ... I spent thousands upon thousands (of pounds) at a private detective agency, and they could never find him. But what he taught me is 90 percent of what I do today," he said.

As a neuroscientist, Robb studies the relationship between what you ingest and how your brain thinks and changes your perception. His deeply interventionist method of treatment teaches clients how to own their identity to make authentic choices, how self-perception changes physical health, and how the mind's fleeting decision to jump from thought to action can propel or limit you. 

He wraps up all this addiction treatment in the science of neuroplasticity — changing the way the mind works through neuro-linguistic programming, somatic experiencing techniques, and trauma therapy — with a side of nutritional and behavioral training.

"Your mind is energy, power. You can't touch it, feel it, but when it connects to another power outside you, neural pathways are changed. Your DNA changes."

Dr. Kelly has treated 10,000 patients with a "98 percent, bordering on 99 percent recovery" rate. That's compared to a relapse rate of 40-60 percent in the United States.

Dr. Kelly calls himself a "recovered" alcoholic. That's right, not "recovering." And when you hear him explain how he went through it and how he gets others through it, you will be amazed, even as your jaw drops in disbelief.

So, sit back, adjust to the Mancunian accent, and join us for a wild story of getting chiseled.]]>3927addictionrecovery,chiseledpodcast,identity,manchestertousa,mindset,neuroplasticity,traumahealingfalse1111fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/chiseled-ep-78-overcoming-self-sabotage-craig-moody--67547609
Flash forward two decades and Craig was stillfeeling uprooted. With no job prospects and trouble making fraternal and romantic relationships, a nasty look from a clerk in a grocery store pushed Craig to the brink.

"I went home that night and just thoughtabout that stare I got and was like 'I'm done,'" he said.

And he nearly did himself in save for the beseeching voice of his father. As it turned out, however, Craig's dad wasnowhere near the house.

"It was God's voice," Craig said with certainty. "It was a defining moment in my life."

From there, Craig decided to turn his life around.He joined a local church, connected with an old friend who never gave up on him, and jumped into personal growth, studying the works of John Maxwell andothers. It wasn't long before Craig was flush — starting his own home restoration business, getting married, and having kids. He later started several other businesses and has gone from despondent "loser" tosuccessful business coach.

The co-author of the books Think Big and Next Level YourLife, in which, Craig tells a story about getting outof your own way and avoiding self-sabotage, lessons that we all need to learn some time in our lives.

"I acknowledge the imposter in me. It creeps up and I don't let him in," he said.

Craig's story may sound familiar to you; it even may sound like your own, and that's okay — because we all can learn from each other's versions of our own stories. I know after sharing my own stories with Craig, we will stay connected in the future.

Want to talk to Craig? Look him up on craigmoody.co or reach out to him at the email address he shares at the end of this episode of Chiseled.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67547609Thu, 28 Aug 2025 22:46:22 +0000Robert CommodariAt a tender age, Craig Moody moved with hisfamily to a new town. His educator mother and a businessman father wanted the best for their son, but while going to stay with family friends during thetransition, Craig felt unwelcome and unliked. Later, at...
Flash forward two decades and Craig was stillfeeling uprooted. With no job prospects and trouble making fraternal and romantic relationships, a nasty look from a clerk in a grocery store pushed Craig to the brink.

"I went home that night and just thoughtabout that stare I got and was like 'I'm done,'" he said.

And he nearly did himself in save for the beseeching voice of his father. As it turned out, however, Craig's dad wasnowhere near the house.

"It was God's voice," Craig said with certainty. "It was a defining moment in my life."

From there, Craig decided to turn his life around.He joined a local church, connected with an old friend who never gave up on him, and jumped into personal growth, studying the works of John Maxwell andothers. It wasn't long before Craig was flush — starting his own home restoration business, getting married, and having kids. He later started several other businesses and has gone from despondent "loser" tosuccessful business coach.

The co-author of the books Think Big and Next Level YourLife, in which, Craig tells a story about getting outof your own way and avoiding self-sabotage, lessons that we all need to learn some time in our lives.

"I acknowledge the imposter in me. It creeps up and I don't let him in," he said.

Craig's story may sound familiar to you; it even may sound like your own, and that's okay — because we all can learn from each other's versions of our own stories. I know after sharing my own stories with Craig, we will stay connected in the future.

Want to talk to Craig? Look him up on craigmoody.co or reach out to him at the email address he shares at the end of this episode of Chiseled.]]>3062awareness,chiseled,definingmoments,ourstory,personalgrowthfalse178fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/chiseled-ep-79-a-conversation-with-god-jamie-krakofsky--67487958














You would never know it talking to mild-mannered Jamie Krakofsky that he grew up a hard partier in Ft. Lauderdale. Immersed in drugs, alcohol, women, and gangviolence, he was thrown out of his dad's house at age 17. He tried living on his own but couldn't keep a job or an apartment.

Exasperated, his mom challenged him to change his life. She put him on a plane to Bangor, Maine, with a bunch of camping gear and told him to hike the length of the 2,193-mile-long Appalachian Trail. Whatever he did, he was not to return to Florida.

"She said, 'This is something that you need,'" Jamie recalled.

But Jamie didn't realize how right his mom was until he reached the top of Mount Katahdin, the northern point of the Appalachian Trail, on his first day of the journey.

"I just remember being up at the top of the mountain and just truly started having a conversation with God," Jamie said.

The conversation lasted overnight and by time he was done with it, Jamie was feeling detoxed and refreshed. But he still had a long way to go.

He didn't make it. Three and a half months into his adventure, he got injured. Obeying his mom's wish for him to keep out of Florida, he went to Colorado to stay with his mom's friends. The first week there, they decided to go camping. While up on Greenhorn Mountain, Jamie met his future wife, Bianca. 

Together, the two of them forged a new path.Jamie went into the military but had to take a medical discharge after eight years. He started in real estate and succeeded beyond his imagination. 

They also had three children — and they fostered16 or 17 more. When their youngest child was 20 years old, the couple adopted a baby.

"I'd like to think I've had an impact on a lot of people's lives," Jamie said.

Jamie shared his incredible story in this week's episode of Chiseled. Usually, I am familiar with the facts of my guests' stories before they come on the show, butJamie surprised me. I didn't know about all the parenting he has done, and I am truly inspired by the details he shared. If you're like me, his story will warm your heart and give you a spiritual lift.

Want to talk to Jamie? You can find him anywhere on social media @jamie.krakofsky or go to the end of the episode to hear him share his phone number.

Now, let's go get chiseled!


]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67487958Sat, 23 Aug 2025 11:55:34 +0000Robert CommodariChiseled Ep 79 A Conversation with God - Jamie Krakofsky You would never know it talking to mild-mannered Jamie Krakofsky that he grew up a hard partier in Ft. Lauderdale. Immersed in drugs, alcohol, women, and gangviolence, he was...














You would never know it talking to mild-mannered Jamie Krakofsky that he grew up a hard partier in Ft. Lauderdale. Immersed in drugs, alcohol, women, and gangviolence, he was thrown out of his dad's house at age 17. He tried living on his own but couldn't keep a job or an apartment.

Exasperated, his mom challenged him to change his life. She put him on a plane to Bangor, Maine, with a bunch of camping gear and told him to hike the length of the 2,193-mile-long Appalachian Trail. Whatever he did, he was not to return to Florida.

"She said, 'This is something that you need,'" Jamie recalled.

But Jamie didn't realize how right his mom was until he reached the top of Mount Katahdin, the northern point of the Appalachian Trail, on his first day of the journey.

"I just remember being up at the top of the mountain and just truly started having a conversation with God," Jamie said.

The conversation lasted overnight and by time he was done with it, Jamie was feeling detoxed and refreshed. But he still had a long way to go.

He didn't make it. Three and a half months into his adventure, he got injured. Obeying his mom's wish for him to keep out of Florida, he went to Colorado to stay with his mom's friends. The first week there, they decided to go camping. While up on Greenhorn Mountain, Jamie met his future wife, Bianca. 

Together, the two of them forged a new path.Jamie went into the military but had to take a medical discharge after eight years. He started in real estate and succeeded beyond his imagination. 

They also had three children — and they fostered16 or 17 more. When their youngest child was 20 years old, the couple adopted a baby.

"I'd like to think I've had an impact on a lot of people's lives," Jamie said.

Jamie shared his incredible story in this week's episode of Chiseled. Usually, I am familiar with the facts of my guests' stories before they come on the show, butJamie surprised me. I didn't know about all the parenting he has done, and I am truly inspired by the details he shared. If you're like me, his story will warm your heart and give you a spiritual lift.

Want to talk to Jamie? You can find him anywhere on social media @jamie.krakofsky or go to the end of the episode to hear him share his phone number.

Now, let's go get chiseled!


]]>2055appalachiantrail,awareness,chiseled,conversationwithgod,thejourneyfalse179fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/chiseled-ep-80-turning-suffering-into-strength-dan-armstrong--67456523
While his parents always encouraged him to believe in himself, even featuring him as lead on a song recorded by his family's musical act, The Armstrong Family, Dan was angry — so angry that at age 10, he nearly killed a childhood friend for making fun of the way he spoke.

"I remember putting my knee next to his head and pushing until I heard a crack. I remember hearing that crack and realizing I came this close to taking someone's life," he said.

Dan knew he had to work on his anger, and channeled his energy into writing stories and songs, working on his speech and singing, and even acting in school plays. With guiding love from his parents and practice to build his throat, palate, and lung strength, Dan ended up touring and recording with a band.

But he was also working a day job as a cable guy, which turned out to be an unexpected love. It enabled him to develop his affinity for connecting with people.

"I'm like a rolling bartender. I walk into someone's house, and they immediately open up," he said.

Dan turned many unbelievable stories from his career into a book, The Adventures of a Real-Life Cable Guy. Since its release, he has written or co-authored four more books with another on the way. He is also on the speaking circuit, turning his story into life lessons that others can follow.

"Right now, I'm very passionate about what I do. When I speak to audiences, I swear I see people crying," he said.

Dan is an overwhelmingly positive guy with a love of discovery, a genuine compassion for others, and a complete lack of judgment. His insights on the way to treat people are inspirational and ingenious.

I'm sure you will enjoy his easy-going nature in this episode of Chiseled. Want to connect with Dan? You can check him out on his website, contact him on Facebook or listen to the end of the episode to hear him share his email address.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67456523Wed, 20 Aug 2025 17:10:23 +0000Robert CommodariLancaster, Pennsylvania-native Dan Armstrong was born with a cleft palate, a congenital abnormality during fetal development that leaves a hole in the roof of the mouth. While today this is frequently surgically fixed during infancy, Dan, 60, had a...
While his parents always encouraged him to believe in himself, even featuring him as lead on a song recorded by his family's musical act, The Armstrong Family, Dan was angry — so angry that at age 10, he nearly killed a childhood friend for making fun of the way he spoke.

"I remember putting my knee next to his head and pushing until I heard a crack. I remember hearing that crack and realizing I came this close to taking someone's life," he said.

Dan knew he had to work on his anger, and channeled his energy into writing stories and songs, working on his speech and singing, and even acting in school plays. With guiding love from his parents and practice to build his throat, palate, and lung strength, Dan ended up touring and recording with a band.

But he was also working a day job as a cable guy, which turned out to be an unexpected love. It enabled him to develop his affinity for connecting with people.

"I'm like a rolling bartender. I walk into someone's house, and they immediately open up," he said.

Dan turned many unbelievable stories from his career into a book, The Adventures of a Real-Life Cable Guy. Since its release, he has written or co-authored four more books with another on the way. He is also on the speaking circuit, turning his story into life lessons that others can follow.

"Right now, I'm very passionate about what I do. When I speak to audiences, I swear I see people crying," he said.

Dan is an overwhelmingly positive guy with a love of discovery, a genuine compassion for others, and a complete lack of judgment. His insights on the way to treat people are inspirational and ingenious.

I'm sure you will enjoy his easy-going nature in this episode of Chiseled. Want to connect with Dan? You can check him out on his website, contact him on Facebook or listen to the end of the episode to hear him share his email address.]]>2782awareness,bestsellingauthor,chiseled,compassionate,genuine,ingeniousfalse180fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/chiseled-ep-81-the-mind-body-and-spirit-approach-to-health-and-personal-success-laura-di-franco--67402133
It was a leap of faith that Laura didn't mind taking because she already had a highly developed sense of awareness a tool that she uses to help entrepreneurs in health-based practices achieve their professional goals of sharing their story, building their business, and changing their world.

"With awareness you have a choice, awareness is everything," she said. "Awareness is the practice of healing."

Like everyone who experiences self-doubt, usually fromlistening to the little devil who sits on our shoulder, Laura is occasionally tinged with uncertainty about her next steps. But as someone who has published more than 67 collaborations and written 13 bestselling books onAmazon, Laura's perspective and guidance offer something valuable to everyone who listens.

In this episode of Chiseled, Laura speaks about how to build a purpose-driven life, how to knock out fearand self-sabotage, and how to recognize when your discernment and intuition are working for you.

There are times in our lives when we meet kindred spirits. Laura is one of those for me. She has one of the clearest senses of mission and purpose as I have ever seen, and her capacity to help people overcome their self-limitingthoughts is a gift on display in this episode of Chiseled.

Want to find out how to connect with Laura? You can reach out to her on her website LauraDiFranco.com or on LinkedIn. She is happy to talk about book ideas and publishing, or just to have a brain-picking session.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67402133Sun, 17 Aug 2025 14:20:12 +0000Robert CommodariWhen COVID-19 hit, Laura Di Franco immediately had to shut down her physical therapy business. She took that opportunity to focus on another project she had beenworking on since 2015 — Brave Healing Productions, a publishing company for health...
It was a leap of faith that Laura didn't mind taking because she already had a highly developed sense of awareness a tool that she uses to help entrepreneurs in health-based practices achieve their professional goals of sharing their story, building their business, and changing their world.

"With awareness you have a choice, awareness is everything," she said. "Awareness is the practice of healing."

Like everyone who experiences self-doubt, usually fromlistening to the little devil who sits on our shoulder, Laura is occasionally tinged with uncertainty about her next steps. But as someone who has published more than 67 collaborations and written 13 bestselling books onAmazon, Laura's perspective and guidance offer something valuable to everyone who listens.

In this episode of Chiseled, Laura speaks about how to build a purpose-driven life, how to knock out fearand self-sabotage, and how to recognize when your discernment and intuition are working for you.

There are times in our lives when we meet kindred spirits. Laura is one of those for me. She has one of the clearest senses of mission and purpose as I have ever seen, and her capacity to help people overcome their self-limitingthoughts is a gift on display in this episode of Chiseled.

Want to find out how to connect with Laura? You can reach out to her on her website LauraDiFranco.com or on LinkedIn. She is happy to talk about book ideas and publishing, or just to have a brain-picking session.]]>2549awareness,chiseled,discernment,healing,holistichealing,mindbodyspiritfalse181fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/chiseled-ep-112-the-rewards-for-selflessness-marvin-phillip--67385381
At age 12, Marvin couldn't qualify for his school teams. It was devastating to him. So, his mom got him into two clubs, each with a coach. Within one year — through coaching and hard work — he was able to become a junior champion on the track, and within two years, he was playing soccer on a national level.

"Sport was a big deal and so in my heart I felt like I could've been better, but I just didn't know how," Marvin says of the essential coaching he received playing club sports.

Marvin, who lives in Long Beach, California, now, credits coaching for a lifelong interest in learning and for his success in real estate, where he has had a Buffini & Company coach for over 18 years.

"I'm not the same person, I'm not the same real estate agent, I'm not the same friend, I'm not the same dad. You know, it has really changed my life from A to Z," he said.

The mindset also led Marvin to a tremendous act of selflessness as an Ironman. I don't want to give the story away, but the short of it is that Marvin gave up pursuit of a personal record to help a fellow athlete in major trouble on the course. Instead of a personal record, he achieved a different kind of success.

"For me it was probably the best race experience I ever had," he said.

Marvin's story helping someone else survive his own personal trial is racked with drama, selflessness, and the kind of ultimate satisfaction which we all aspire to achieve. By the way, that athlete is now one of Marvin's lifelong buddies (and a fellow Chiseled guest. You have to listen to find out who).

It's the feel-good story for your weekend. I hope you enjoy this week's episode of Chiseled. ]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67385381Sat, 16 Aug 2025 10:55:07 +0000Robert CommodariMarvin Phillip grew up in Trinidad & Tobago, one of the most southerly islands in the Caribbean, where track and soccer are sports that every child plays. At age 12, Marvin couldn't qualify for his school teams. It was devastating to him. So, his...
At age 12, Marvin couldn't qualify for his school teams. It was devastating to him. So, his mom got him into two clubs, each with a coach. Within one year — through coaching and hard work — he was able to become a junior champion on the track, and within two years, he was playing soccer on a national level.

"Sport was a big deal and so in my heart I felt like I could've been better, but I just didn't know how," Marvin says of the essential coaching he received playing club sports.

Marvin, who lives in Long Beach, California, now, credits coaching for a lifelong interest in learning and for his success in real estate, where he has had a Buffini & Company coach for over 18 years.

"I'm not the same person, I'm not the same real estate agent, I'm not the same friend, I'm not the same dad. You know, it has really changed my life from A to Z," he said.

The mindset also led Marvin to a tremendous act of selflessness as an Ironman. I don't want to give the story away, but the short of it is that Marvin gave up pursuit of a personal record to help a fellow athlete in major trouble on the course. Instead of a personal record, he achieved a different kind of success.

"For me it was probably the best race experience I ever had," he said.

Marvin's story helping someone else survive his own personal trial is racked with drama, selflessness, and the kind of ultimate satisfaction which we all aspire to achieve. By the way, that athlete is now one of Marvin's lifelong buddies (and a fellow Chiseled guest. You have to listen to find out who).

It's the feel-good story for your weekend. I hope you enjoy this week's episode of Chiseled. ]]>2515athletemindset,chiseledpodcast,coachingmatters,enduranceathlete,finishlinestories,growthmindset,inspiration,ironman,lifelessons,nevergiveup,perseverance,podcastepisode,selflessness,sportsmanship,triathlonlife,truevictoryfalse1112fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/chiseled-ep-82-running-over-anorexia-katie-kiliszewski--67318841
"I was so young when the eating disorder started, I didn't know what I was doing. It seemed like I was beinghealthy," she said. "I didn't know it then, but I know it now. I was in a lot of pain."

In high school, Katie turned to alcohol to copewith the obsessive behavior. The cycle made for many dangerous situations, which led to hospitalizations and in-patient counseling on and off through her late 20s.

Katie beat the eating disorder after hitting rockbottom and discovering that the "whys" in her life had become more powerful.

"Every time I felt like I was getting ready to lose more and more and more. That's kind of how the (recovery) started," she said.

On this week's episode of Chiseled, Katie shares her "comeback story," which includes a family that never gave up on her, a marriage to her best friend, two children, and running with renewed purpose.

Katie recently ran an ultramarathon to raise moneyfor a nonprofit she volunteers with that helps girls and young women overcome eating disorders. A future in public speaking is on the horizon.

"I have the power to change someone's life so I guess my message would be if you have a story, share it," she said.

Katie's story is not just gripping and emotional,it is also personal to me. She is the daughter of a good friend of mine and I am so happy how her story turned out. I am also proud of Katie and thrilled to see her turn her challenges into a calling.

If you would like to talk to Katie about her experience or if you have questions about a young person struggling with an eating disorder, reach out to Katie by messaging her on her Instagram profile, @katiekili.


]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67318841Sun, 10 Aug 2025 11:24:15 +0000Robert CommodariKatie Kiliszewski spent nearly half of her life battling an eating disorder that threatened to take everything from her. At a young age, she began obsessing over her weight, counting calories, and running. She was only 14 when she was diagnosed with...
"I was so young when the eating disorder started, I didn't know what I was doing. It seemed like I was beinghealthy," she said. "I didn't know it then, but I know it now. I was in a lot of pain."

In high school, Katie turned to alcohol to copewith the obsessive behavior. The cycle made for many dangerous situations, which led to hospitalizations and in-patient counseling on and off through her late 20s.

Katie beat the eating disorder after hitting rockbottom and discovering that the "whys" in her life had become more powerful.

"Every time I felt like I was getting ready to lose more and more and more. That's kind of how the (recovery) started," she said.

On this week's episode of Chiseled, Katie shares her "comeback story," which includes a family that never gave up on her, a marriage to her best friend, two children, and running with renewed purpose.

Katie recently ran an ultramarathon to raise moneyfor a nonprofit she volunteers with that helps girls and young women overcome eating disorders. A future in public speaking is on the horizon.

"I have the power to change someone's life so I guess my message would be if you have a story, share it," she said.

Katie's story is not just gripping and emotional,it is also personal to me. She is the daughter of a good friend of mine and I am so happy how her story turned out. I am also proud of Katie and thrilled to see her turn her challenges into a calling.

If you would like to talk to Katie about her experience or if you have questions about a young person struggling with an eating disorder, reach out to Katie by messaging her on her Instagram profile, @katiekili.


]]>2156awareness,beatinganorexia,chiseled,comebackstory,running,ultramarathonerfalse182fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/chiseled-ep-83-playing-in-the-league-of-dreams-mike-bordick--67239765https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67239765Sun, 03 Aug 2025 22:10:30 +0000Robert CommodariBaseball fans are in for a treat this week. I had the pleasure of interviewing Baltimore Orioles Hall of Famer Mike Bordick, who shared stories about his experiences playing in the Major League for 14 years, lessons he took from the game, and thoughts...3554baltimoreorioles,baseball,chiseled,leagueofdreams,thebaseballwarehousefalse183fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/chiseled-ep-111-escaping-a-mexican-cartel-kenny-barnwell--67217873
About two years later, with no prospects but a great work ethic, he was helping out a small businessman who ran a power washing company. One day, he took Kenny to the bookstore and offered to pay him $20 to read a book — Who Moved My Cheese? by Spencer Johnson. Kenny really liked it. The next week, the boss came back and told him if he read another book, he would pay Kenny $25. Kenny said sure, and he was given Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki. Kenny became hooked on entrepreneurialism and personal development.

Kenny eventually moved to Jacksonville where he discovered that he had a knack for marketing and event planning. He parlayed that into earning a gig as a stagehand — someone who helps set up and break down public events like concerts, trade shows, and the like. Deciding to return home to Georgia, he got a job in his hometown for another production company. 

As a musician, he was soon working in the backline, inventorying and preparing musical instruments for bands. It wasn't long after that, Kenny got a gig with a touring band. That launched his career going on the road with famous musical acts.

For more than 20 years, Kenny worked with some of the biggest acts in show business — musicians like Seal, Collective Soul, Sarah Bareilles, Trace Adkins, Travis Tritt, Chris Isaak, and many more.

Kenny's last night touring was during the Jonas Brothers' world tour. Sweet gig, right?

Well, he will tell you about that on this week's episode of Chiseled in which he shares the most harrowing, terrifying, and exciting story about going for a run in Monterrey, Mexico, and finding himself being chased around a desert mountain for 12 hours by six drug cartel henchmen.

I don't even want to tell you any more than that because Kenny's story is jaw-dropping. His survival, as he will say, can only be described as a miracle.

Kenny, who had already written a book in 2014 about life on the road, is now a speaker, coach, and educator for people wanting to break into music production. But this life-altering experience, which sounds like a script straight out of Hollywood, will shock you to the core.

Get your popcorn ready and enjoy this week's episode of Chiseled.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67217873Sat, 02 Aug 2025 11:05:07 +0000Robert CommodariKenny Barnwell grew up on a dirt road in Villa Rica, Georgia. His parents were deaf. He was the fifth of five children, and at age 14, when his parents split up, he turned to drugs. It wasn't long before he ended up homeless with just a guitar on his...
About two years later, with no prospects but a great work ethic, he was helping out a small businessman who ran a power washing company. One day, he took Kenny to the bookstore and offered to pay him $20 to read a book — Who Moved My Cheese? by Spencer Johnson. Kenny really liked it. The next week, the boss came back and told him if he read another book, he would pay Kenny $25. Kenny said sure, and he was given Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki. Kenny became hooked on entrepreneurialism and personal development.

Kenny eventually moved to Jacksonville where he discovered that he had a knack for marketing and event planning. He parlayed that into earning a gig as a stagehand — someone who helps set up and break down public events like concerts, trade shows, and the like. Deciding to return home to Georgia, he got a job in his hometown for another production company. 

As a musician, he was soon working in the backline, inventorying and preparing musical instruments for bands. It wasn't long after that, Kenny got a gig with a touring band. That launched his career going on the road with famous musical acts.

For more than 20 years, Kenny worked with some of the biggest acts in show business — musicians like Seal, Collective Soul, Sarah Bareilles, Trace Adkins, Travis Tritt, Chris Isaak, and many more.

Kenny's last night touring was during the Jonas Brothers' world tour. Sweet gig, right?

Well, he will tell you about that on this week's episode of Chiseled in which he shares the most harrowing, terrifying, and exciting story about going for a run in Monterrey, Mexico, and finding himself being chased around a desert mountain for 12 hours by six drug cartel henchmen.

I don't even want to tell you any more than that because Kenny's story is jaw-dropping. His survival, as he will say, can only be described as a miracle.

Kenny, who had already written a book in 2014 about life on the road, is now a speaker, coach, and educator for people wanting to break into music production. But this life-altering experience, which sounds like a script straight out of Hollywood, will shock you to the core.

Get your popcorn ready and enjoy this week's episode of Chiseled.]]>4784chiseledpodcast,faithjourney,growthmindset,kennybarnwell,miraclestory,musicindustry,overcomingadversity,personalgrowth,resiliencefalse1111fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/chiseled-ep-84-the-hustle-and-heart-coach-erin-harrigan--67163021
Erin Harrigan says that's the mistake most people make. The word "hustle" doesn't mean someone who's deceptive, aggressive, or pushy. To hustle actual means to do something with intention.

"First of all, Jesus is never in a hurry," she said. "He was here to see his mission through."

About 10 years ago, Erin decided to emulate the Jesus hustle. She left her corporate job to focus on molding herself in His image. After a few years, she heard the calling to help other Christian women align their business principles to the Bible.

"I just really felt Him saying, 'Now that I've told you how to follow this map, go show my ambitious daughters how to do this," Erin told me.

Since then, Erin has opened a business coaching program solely for Christian women. She has written the book, Pursuing Success God's Way; The Practical Guide to Hustle With Heart and hosts the podcast Redefining Hustle: Navigating Success as a Christian Woman.

"I love teaching women how they can redefine hustle and experience a level of success and fulfillment without doing what I call business as usual," she said.

Erin is extremely committed to her faith as well as her career, and you can tell by her enthusiasm and high-speed conversation that she is hustling. She offers a lot of wisdom and career advice, which I'm happy to be able to share with you on this week's episode of Chiseled.

Want to learn more about the alignment of Christian ideals to business? Listen to this episode of Chiseled and then check out Erin's website or connect with her on LinkedIn. ]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67163021Mon, 28 Jul 2025 23:43:14 +0000Robert CommodariWhen you hear someone say Jesus was a hustler, you probably think that person doesn't like Jesus. But what if the disconnect isn't the name but the definition of a "hustler"? Erin Harrigan says that's the mistake most people make. The word "hustle"...
Erin Harrigan says that's the mistake most people make. The word "hustle" doesn't mean someone who's deceptive, aggressive, or pushy. To hustle actual means to do something with intention.

"First of all, Jesus is never in a hurry," she said. "He was here to see his mission through."

About 10 years ago, Erin decided to emulate the Jesus hustle. She left her corporate job to focus on molding herself in His image. After a few years, she heard the calling to help other Christian women align their business principles to the Bible.

"I just really felt Him saying, 'Now that I've told you how to follow this map, go show my ambitious daughters how to do this," Erin told me.

Since then, Erin has opened a business coaching program solely for Christian women. She has written the book, Pursuing Success God's Way; The Practical Guide to Hustle With Heart and hosts the podcast Redefining Hustle: Navigating Success as a Christian Woman.

"I love teaching women how they can redefine hustle and experience a level of success and fulfillment without doing what I call business as usual," she said.

Erin is extremely committed to her faith as well as her career, and you can tell by her enthusiasm and high-speed conversation that she is hustling. She offers a lot of wisdom and career advice, which I'm happy to be able to share with you on this week's episode of Chiseled.

Want to learn more about the alignment of Christian ideals to business? Listen to this episode of Chiseled and then check out Erin's website or connect with her on LinkedIn. ]]>2617awareness,chiseled,godsway,hustleandheart,intentionfalse183fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/chiseled-ep-85-getting-a-financial-education-randy-wilson--67141722Plagued by self-doubt and unequipped with the education or family support he needed, Randy started searching for some answers on what to do next. He ended up at the local library, where he picked up Robert Kiyosaki's book, Retire Young, Retire Rich. From there, he realized that financial education is key to a better life.
"I was mad at my dad for not teaching me. I thought he was holding it from me," Randy said. "What I realized was that the reason why he wasn't sharing with me is because he didn't know."
Randy became a voracious reader, gaining financial literacy as well as inspiration through personal development. He is now paying it forward with his The Rich Mind podcast, helping others to discover what they can do to build their security, and better yet, regain control over their time.
I met Randy while in Dallas, Texas, at a Kyle Wilson retreat. As many of you know, Kyle has helped me to build my brand and my personal development program. He has also helped Randy, who is a co-author of Think Big!, a great read about self-discovery and the power of a mentor. 
While Randy says he is still early on in his journey, the lessons of those who come before us teach us the value of perspective. The journey must start somewhere and it's usually with the desire to take control of our path. I hope Randy's story reinforces your belief that we are all better than we think. 
​
Want to hear more from Randy? You can tune into The Rich Mind podcast or go to randywilsononline.com. He is also available by email, which he shares at the end of this episode of Chiseled.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67141722Sun, 27 Jul 2025 12:08:34 +0000Robert CommodariRandy Wilson spent most of his life wondering what he was going to do with himself. An average student who wanted to play pro basketball but lacked the height, he debated entering the military before going to a hometown university and eventually...Plagued by self-doubt and unequipped with the education or family support he needed, Randy started searching for some answers on what to do next. He ended up at the local library, where he picked up Robert Kiyosaki's book, Retire Young, Retire Rich. From there, he realized that financial education is key to a better life.
"I was mad at my dad for not teaching me. I thought he was holding it from me," Randy said. "What I realized was that the reason why he wasn't sharing with me is because he didn't know."
Randy became a voracious reader, gaining financial literacy as well as inspiration through personal development. He is now paying it forward with his The Rich Mind podcast, helping others to discover what they can do to build their security, and better yet, regain control over their time.
I met Randy while in Dallas, Texas, at a Kyle Wilson retreat. As many of you know, Kyle has helped me to build my brand and my personal development program. He has also helped Randy, who is a co-author of Think Big!, a great read about self-discovery and the power of a mentor. 
While Randy says he is still early on in his journey, the lessons of those who come before us teach us the value of perspective. The journey must start somewhere and it's usually with the desire to take control of our path. I hope Randy's story reinforces your belief that we are all better than we think. 
​
Want to hear more from Randy? You can tune into The Rich Mind podcast or go to randywilsononline.com. He is also available by email, which he shares at the end of this episode of Chiseled.]]>2768awareness,chiseled,familysupport,financialeducation,retirerich,retireyoungfalse184fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/chiseled-ep-86-breaking-free-of-the-imposter-syndrome-patrick-lewis--67103892You would think someone with that kind of focus and drive would be strutting his stuff, but Patrick, while appearing confident on the outside, was plagued by insecurity.
Patrick was suffering an identity crisis. His need for approval prevented him from having meaningful connections because, he said, he worried that people would find out he's not that smart a guy.
"When you're constantly worried of what someone's thoughts are of what you're doing, how you look, do you have enough money, are you making the right decisions, everything in your mind is insecure. Every thought that creeps in is a doubt," he said. 
While having been a follower of Jesus his whole life, it was not until Patrick's mid-40s — with the help of NFL player Aaron Walker, a therapist, and lots of prayer — that he broke free of his imposter syndrome. That was the day that when God "verbally" spoke to him. But the conversation did not start quietly, as he describes in the clip above. 
"I started by talking to God," he said. "He talked back to me, and he let me know that he loved me."
Since then, Patrick has not had a bad day since. He has established authentic relationships with family and friends, coached the Georgia Impact girls' softball team to a 2018 PGF National Championship and .883 winning percentage over 13 years, and was named one of the top five coaches in the nation. He also grew his company fourfold. 
Patrick attributes his success to the peace he has achieved in having a relationship with God. 
"Anybody that knew me during this whole journey would tell you that 'all Patrick ever wanted in his life was peace,' and that's all I ever have now."
​
I was one of the first people Patrick met at a Tommy Breedlove Legendary Mastermind event almost two years ago. I am fortunate since in the old days, Patrick confesses that he would never have joined one of those meetings for fear of being vulnerable. Now, he's out sharing the word.
Want to learn more about Patrick's journey? You can DM him on Instagram or reach him through his company website.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67103892Thu, 24 Jul 2025 19:02:58 +0000Robert CommodariPatrick Lewis started working at Superior Rigging and Erecting Company, his dad's place of employment, at the tender age of 10. By the time he was 16, he knew he wanted to own the company. By age 27, in 2001, Patrick and his partners bought it.  You...You would think someone with that kind of focus and drive would be strutting his stuff, but Patrick, while appearing confident on the outside, was plagued by insecurity.
Patrick was suffering an identity crisis. His need for approval prevented him from having meaningful connections because, he said, he worried that people would find out he's not that smart a guy.
"When you're constantly worried of what someone's thoughts are of what you're doing, how you look, do you have enough money, are you making the right decisions, everything in your mind is insecure. Every thought that creeps in is a doubt," he said. 
While having been a follower of Jesus his whole life, it was not until Patrick's mid-40s — with the help of NFL player Aaron Walker, a therapist, and lots of prayer — that he broke free of his imposter syndrome. That was the day that when God "verbally" spoke to him. But the conversation did not start quietly, as he describes in the clip above. 
"I started by talking to God," he said. "He talked back to me, and he let me know that he loved me."
Since then, Patrick has not had a bad day since. He has established authentic relationships with family and friends, coached the Georgia Impact girls' softball team to a 2018 PGF National Championship and .883 winning percentage over 13 years, and was named one of the top five coaches in the nation. He also grew his company fourfold. 
Patrick attributes his success to the peace he has achieved in having a relationship with God. 
"Anybody that knew me during this whole journey would tell you that 'all Patrick ever wanted in his life was peace,' and that's all I ever have now."
​
I was one of the first people Patrick met at a Tommy Breedlove Legendary Mastermind event almost two years ago. I am fortunate since in the old days, Patrick confesses that he would never have joined one of those meetings for fear of being vulnerable. Now, he's out sharing the word.
Want to learn more about Patrick's journey? You can DM him on Instagram or reach him through his company website.]]>2467awareness,chiseled,impostersyndrome,needforapproval,relationshipwithgod,yellingatgodfalse186fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/chiseled-ep-87-the-best-tool-for-success-self-esteem-janell-schmittling--67046167
For years, Janell Schmittling seemingly had the tools to become a successful real estate agent — but she lacked the biggest one — self-esteem. Why? Perhaps due to a lack of support from her brokerage, a lot of spinning wheels without getting results, and a husband who was suffering from alcoholism, which she blamed on herself.

"I was really struggling," she said.

Dealing with her husband's addiction, trying to raise young children, and not closing enough deals, Janell debated whether to leave real estate altogether. But something changed that turned everything around.

"When things finally started shifting for me was when I finally started praying for myself, instead of (my husband). And that might sound selfish, but I started praying to God that he would change how I reacted to him. And I asked God to change me instead of him," she said. "I started focusing on myself ... and then because I made changes in myself, that actually helped my husband hit his rock bottom and realize he needed help for himself. So, it was kind of amazing."

That's also when Janell discovered Buffini and Company. After watching a series of Buffini success stories on the Internet, she jumped all in. That was more than eight years ago. Janell started learning the systems she needed to succeed, got a great coach, and started meeting like-minded individuals.

"The people I surround myself are growth-minded and they know that we are always a work in progress," Janell said.

Janell now runs an all-female real estate company in O'Fallon, Illinois. They sold 200 homes and achieved $50 million in sales last year. By the way, her husband has been sober for eight years.

Janell still suffers bouts of self-doubt, but she knows now, as she describes in the clip above, that she's not alone.

And neither are you. Janell is paying it forward, especially by hiring and training women to be the real estate success she has shown they can be. Want to talk to Janell about lifting your own self-esteem? You can reach her on her email, through her company website, or call her at the number she shares at the end of this episode of Chiseled.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67046167Sun, 20 Jul 2025 15:14:12 +0000Robert CommodariReal estate agents — and anyone who may be struggling with self-esteem — are really going to enjoy this week's guest on Chiseled. For years, Janell Schmittling seemingly had the tools to become a successful real estate agent — but she lacked the...
For years, Janell Schmittling seemingly had the tools to become a successful real estate agent — but she lacked the biggest one — self-esteem. Why? Perhaps due to a lack of support from her brokerage, a lot of spinning wheels without getting results, and a husband who was suffering from alcoholism, which she blamed on herself.

"I was really struggling," she said.

Dealing with her husband's addiction, trying to raise young children, and not closing enough deals, Janell debated whether to leave real estate altogether. But something changed that turned everything around.

"When things finally started shifting for me was when I finally started praying for myself, instead of (my husband). And that might sound selfish, but I started praying to God that he would change how I reacted to him. And I asked God to change me instead of him," she said. "I started focusing on myself ... and then because I made changes in myself, that actually helped my husband hit his rock bottom and realize he needed help for himself. So, it was kind of amazing."

That's also when Janell discovered Buffini and Company. After watching a series of Buffini success stories on the Internet, she jumped all in. That was more than eight years ago. Janell started learning the systems she needed to succeed, got a great coach, and started meeting like-minded individuals.

"The people I surround myself are growth-minded and they know that we are always a work in progress," Janell said.

Janell now runs an all-female real estate company in O'Fallon, Illinois. They sold 200 homes and achieved $50 million in sales last year. By the way, her husband has been sober for eight years.

Janell still suffers bouts of self-doubt, but she knows now, as she describes in the clip above, that she's not alone.

And neither are you. Janell is paying it forward, especially by hiring and training women to be the real estate success she has shown they can be. Want to talk to Janell about lifting your own self-esteem? You can reach her on her email, through her company website, or call her at the number she shares at the end of this episode of Chiseled.]]>2461awareness,chiseled,prayforyourself,selfdoubt,selfesteem,toolsforsuccessfalse187fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/chiseled-ep-110-from-musician-to-mindset-mentor-jake-ballentine--67030663In his early years, Jake left college to pursue a career in music — and by most accounts, he did well. But after years on the road, he realized the message he was passionate about sharing wasn’t reaching the right audience.
“My purpose for performing music was to use it as a tool to communicate a positive message,” Jake said. “But in reality, I was getting paid to entertain drunk people. And there’s nothing wrong with that, but it wasn’t where I wanted to spend my time.”
Jake returned to college, earned a degree in psychology, and began volunteering at high schools. There, he blended music with motivational speaking — and everything clicked. After one presentation, a student approached him and asked the five words that changed his life:
 “How much do you charge?”
That moment launched a new path. Hundreds of schools and seven years later, Jake realized the same foundational principles he taught students also applied to adults chasing their dreams. Today, Jake distills the heart of his life’s lessons — and those once woven into his lyrics — into simple, powerful fundamentals: belief, discipline, planning, and commitment.
“It’s not in the times when everything is going great that we become good or great,” he says. “We become great in the challenges.”
One of Jake’s core messages is “You’re better than you think you are,” which happens to echo the title of a book that sits close to my heart — and my shelf. He also embodies the truth displayed on two framed posters in my office: “You need grit and grind to get to your goals.”
If you’re looking to build a strategy, shift your mindset, or find the courage to go all in on your dreams, this episode is for you. Jake Ballentine delivers wisdom worth hearing — and living.
🎙 Tune in to this week’s episode of Chiseled and get ready to uncover the greatness that’s already within you.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67030663Sat, 19 Jul 2025 05:47:38 +0000Robert CommodariJake Ballentine is a success coach who’s helped over 1,000 people break through the invisible barriers holding them back from their goals. But before he could guide others, Jake had to overcome his own. In his early years, Jake left college to pursue...In his early years, Jake left college to pursue a career in music — and by most accounts, he did well. But after years on the road, he realized the message he was passionate about sharing wasn’t reaching the right audience.
“My purpose for performing music was to use it as a tool to communicate a positive message,” Jake said. “But in reality, I was getting paid to entertain drunk people. And there’s nothing wrong with that, but it wasn’t where I wanted to spend my time.”
Jake returned to college, earned a degree in psychology, and began volunteering at high schools. There, he blended music with motivational speaking — and everything clicked. After one presentation, a student approached him and asked the five words that changed his life:
 “How much do you charge?”
That moment launched a new path. Hundreds of schools and seven years later, Jake realized the same foundational principles he taught students also applied to adults chasing their dreams. Today, Jake distills the heart of his life’s lessons — and those once woven into his lyrics — into simple, powerful fundamentals: belief, discipline, planning, and commitment.
“It’s not in the times when everything is going great that we become good or great,” he says. “We become great in the challenges.”
One of Jake’s core messages is “You’re better than you think you are,” which happens to echo the title of a book that sits close to my heart — and my shelf. He also embodies the truth displayed on two framed posters in my office: “You need grit and grind to get to your goals.”
If you’re looking to build a strategy, shift your mindset, or find the courage to go all in on your dreams, this episode is for you. Jake Ballentine delivers wisdom worth hearing — and living.
🎙 Tune in to this week’s episode of Chiseled and get ready to uncover the greatness that’s already within you.]]>2754betterthanyouthink,chiseledpodcast,fundamentals,gritandgrind,howmuchdoyoucharge,mindsetmatters,powerfulfundamentals,successcoach,unlockyourpotentialfalse1110fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/chiseled-ep-88-the-pleasure-of-having-cancer-john-mccormack--66904839
John lost weight, had no energy, and was unable to drive a car during his cancer treatment. He was feeling useless, unengaged, and completely dependent on others. His wife, also an FAU employee, had been unable to pick him up that Friday in January when practice had been cut short due to rain.

Drained of strength, John nonetheless responded to the team's call to offer some thoughts during its weekly post-practice workshop. John started talking and the players rallied around, reminding him why he was a coach.

"I felt really good about it," he said of the discussion. "On the way home, I called my mom and said, 'Mom, I found my purpose again.'"

Having worked with players since becoming a recruiter and assistant coach for FAU in 1991, and then FAU's head baseball coach in 2009, John remembered that his job is not only to teach fundamentals of America's favorite pastime, but also to help young men get through college and have a good life.

"Baseball is the easy part," he said. "Life is the hard part."

John's story is personal to me. I've known him since we were competitors on the diamond when I played for FAU and he played for nearby, what was then the College of Boca Raton, and is now Lynn University. We have been friends since our final year at school. We share the philosophy that whether in real estate or sports or something else, everything we do is relational, not transactional.

John is extending his mentorship to Chiseled listeners. So, after you're done listening to this episode of Chiseled, if you're looking for more information about cancer treatment or if you have a talented athlete at home, feel free to reach out to John at FAU. He says if he can help, he will. You can find his information on the school's website. ]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/66904839Wed, 09 Jul 2025 11:00:08 +0000Robert CommodariMany people who are treated for cancer follow a routine — home, treatment, work, home. Rinse and repeat. That was the case for Florida Atlantic University (FAU) baseball coach John McCormack when he was getting treatment for a neuroendocrine tumor —...
John lost weight, had no energy, and was unable to drive a car during his cancer treatment. He was feeling useless, unengaged, and completely dependent on others. His wife, also an FAU employee, had been unable to pick him up that Friday in January when practice had been cut short due to rain.

Drained of strength, John nonetheless responded to the team's call to offer some thoughts during its weekly post-practice workshop. John started talking and the players rallied around, reminding him why he was a coach.

"I felt really good about it," he said of the discussion. "On the way home, I called my mom and said, 'Mom, I found my purpose again.'"

Having worked with players since becoming a recruiter and assistant coach for FAU in 1991, and then FAU's head baseball coach in 2009, John remembered that his job is not only to teach fundamentals of America's favorite pastime, but also to help young men get through college and have a good life.

"Baseball is the easy part," he said. "Life is the hard part."

John's story is personal to me. I've known him since we were competitors on the diamond when I played for FAU and he played for nearby, what was then the College of Boca Raton, and is now Lynn University. We have been friends since our final year at school. We share the philosophy that whether in real estate or sports or something else, everything we do is relational, not transactional.

John is extending his mentorship to Chiseled listeners. So, after you're done listening to this episode of Chiseled, if you're looking for more information about cancer treatment or if you have a talented athlete at home, feel free to reach out to John at FAU. He says if he can help, he will. You can find his information on the school's website. ]]>2777floridaatlantic,ifoundmypurpose,lifeishard,lifeisthehardpart,mentorship,rinseandrepeatfalse187fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/chiseled-ep-89-acts-of-kindness-paul-hunter--66895265Paul could have let that curt diagnosis impact his reaction. But after he and his wife drove a bit, pulled over to pray, and then went home to be with their kids, they knew they were going to get through it.
Paul moved forward with the monthslong "hell" of treatment, but he never let it get the better of him. In fact, he says a lot of joy came from it.
"Nobody wishes to go through suffering but there's good there," he said. "Throughout the process you recognize how unbelievably great people are."
Paul, who is a devout Catholic and a very good friend of mine, said the experience brought him closer than ever to God. Part of the reason for that was the intense kindness he experienced from countless people, including many he barely knew.
"Humanity doesn't look so great a lot of times, but when something bad happens, people rally and they come to you and they lift you up and that it a phenomenal thing," he said.
It's now a way of life for Paul, who is cancer-free. He is never short of giving a kindness to others suffering an affliction. He also encourages others to offer a gesture, even if feels awkward or nosy.
"People want to (help) because not only they want to do it for me, but it makes them feel good," he said. "It was a gift to them to say 'yes' so I let people help me."
Paul has always had an attitude of gratitude, but if you really want to experience gratitude in action, I urge you to listen to this episode of Chiseled. Paul shares his email at the end in case you need help while going through a cancer diagnosis.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/66895265Tue, 08 Jul 2025 09:56:47 +0000Robert CommodariThe doctor who let Paul Hunter know he had back of throat and neck cancer did not have much of a bedside manner. According to Paul, he came in and said, "I'm sorry to have to tell you this. You have cancer and your life is changed forever." Then he...Paul could have let that curt diagnosis impact his reaction. But after he and his wife drove a bit, pulled over to pray, and then went home to be with their kids, they knew they were going to get through it.
Paul moved forward with the monthslong "hell" of treatment, but he never let it get the better of him. In fact, he says a lot of joy came from it.
"Nobody wishes to go through suffering but there's good there," he said. "Throughout the process you recognize how unbelievably great people are."
Paul, who is a devout Catholic and a very good friend of mine, said the experience brought him closer than ever to God. Part of the reason for that was the intense kindness he experienced from countless people, including many he barely knew.
"Humanity doesn't look so great a lot of times, but when something bad happens, people rally and they come to you and they lift you up and that it a phenomenal thing," he said.
It's now a way of life for Paul, who is cancer-free. He is never short of giving a kindness to others suffering an affliction. He also encourages others to offer a gesture, even if feels awkward or nosy.
"People want to (help) because not only they want to do it for me, but it makes them feel good," he said. "It was a gift to them to say 'yes' so I let people help me."
Paul has always had an attitude of gratitude, but if you really want to experience gratitude in action, I urge you to listen to this episode of Chiseled. Paul shares his email at the end in case you need help while going through a cancer diagnosis.]]>2471actsofkindness,attitudeofgratitude,cancerfree,chiseled,diagnosisfalse189fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/chiseled-ep-109-mastering-the-art-of-memory-ron-white--66856302
Ron has appeared all over the world displaying his feats of memory, including on National Geographic's "Brain Games," Fox TV's "Superhuman," and History Channel's "Superhumans." He shares his skills at workshops for corporations like Microsoft, General Motors, and Century 21, among others.

His purpose is not to perform parlor tricks. Though Ron's abilities will delight and amaze, he wants to create something beautiful with the human brain — his own and others.

"I really enjoy sharing what I have spent my life learning," he said.

Ron discovered the power of the human mind while an 18-year-old University of Texas freshman with a 0.9 GPA. He started working as a telemarketer for a chimney cleaning company, when during a chance call, he spoke with a man selling memory-building classes. That led to him to a new job in Dallas, where he discovered the power of the human mind.

"Two or three years in, it became more about memory for me than anything. I didn't just want to be a salesman or a businessman. I wanted to be a memory expert," he said.

Ron says there's no secret formula to having a superhuman memory. Instead, memory is all about learning how the brain works and using mastery techniques, which he teaches through his company BrainAthlete.com.

"My mind is no better than anybody else's," he said. "Anybody can develop their memory beyond their wildest imaginations."

So how does it work? You'll have to listen to this week's episode of Chiseled to learn a little more about that. And when you do, you'll be surprised to discover what a washing machine, a dam, a chef, medications, and a rowboat have to do with the first five presidents of the United States and giving a great speech. And if you remember afterward, give me a call to tell me what you think. ]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/66856302Sat, 05 Jul 2025 10:09:18 +0000Robert CommodariRon White is a two-time USA Memory champion. He has memorized the first seven chapters of the book of Proverbs, the U.S. Constitution, and the names of every service member fallen in Afghanistan, where he served as a naval intelligence specialist....
Ron has appeared all over the world displaying his feats of memory, including on National Geographic's "Brain Games," Fox TV's "Superhuman," and History Channel's "Superhumans." He shares his skills at workshops for corporations like Microsoft, General Motors, and Century 21, among others.

His purpose is not to perform parlor tricks. Though Ron's abilities will delight and amaze, he wants to create something beautiful with the human brain — his own and others.

"I really enjoy sharing what I have spent my life learning," he said.

Ron discovered the power of the human mind while an 18-year-old University of Texas freshman with a 0.9 GPA. He started working as a telemarketer for a chimney cleaning company, when during a chance call, he spoke with a man selling memory-building classes. That led to him to a new job in Dallas, where he discovered the power of the human mind.

"Two or three years in, it became more about memory for me than anything. I didn't just want to be a salesman or a businessman. I wanted to be a memory expert," he said.

Ron says there's no secret formula to having a superhuman memory. Instead, memory is all about learning how the brain works and using mastery techniques, which he teaches through his company BrainAthlete.com.

"My mind is no better than anybody else's," he said. "Anybody can develop their memory beyond their wildest imaginations."

So how does it work? You'll have to listen to this week's episode of Chiseled to learn a little more about that. And when you do, you'll be surprised to discover what a washing machine, a dam, a chef, medications, and a rowboat have to do with the first five presidents of the United States and giving a great speech. And if you remember afterward, give me a call to tell me what you think. ]]>2606brainathlete,braingames,chiseled,masterytechniques,superhuman,usmemorychampionfalse1108fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/chieseld-ep-90-sorrow-joy-in-the-midst-of-grief-bob-arnold--66845123
Marcie, a vibrant young woman who was just getting established in North Myrtle Beach, S.C., was talking with a friend on the phone when the conversation went silent. She had suffered QT prolongation, sudden death from cardiac arrest, a rare occurrence that afflicts people with arrythmia, or irregular heartbeat.

It is a tragedy that no parent should have to endure. But rather than get angry or go into denial, Bob and Jeanne chose another route to confront their suffering.

"I knew one thing that had to happen in order to do that ... is to really be honest about what's going on," Bob said. "Trying to think of all the ways to try to rationalize this or deal with this, I knew none of those were reality."

Bob started journaling. In the first three years after Marcie's death, he wrote 1,300 pages to help him "sort through the depths of despair" he was feeling.

Those reflections turned into a book authored by Bob and Jeanne called When the Circle is Broken: Our Journey Through Deep Sorrow and Surprising Joy in the Loss of Our Daughter.

The suffering also led Bob to ministry. The Arnolds now have a 70-acre farm in Western Maryland named Marcie's Meadow, which serves the ministry. They help people who are facing illness, death, divorce, or family difficulties find the joyous hand of God in their sorrow.

"God doesn't take away the pain, but the pain continually became a healing agent," he said. "It (keeps) shaping and reforming and reforming, and in the process, we meet this compassionate and caring God."

Bob's spirituality is evident in this episode of Chiseled. He tells a profound story of sorrow and joy and shares a path to healing that we can all follow. 

Bob's ministry is available to anyone who needs a lift. He can be reached at his email or phone number, which he shares at the end of the episode. Meanwhile, you can check out his ministry at his website, meadow4.org. ]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/66845123Thu, 03 Jul 2025 01:37:25 +0000Robert CommodariThe worst thing imaginable happened to Bob Arnold and his wife Jeanne in 2002. They were getting ready for bed and a coroner calls. Their 23-year-old daughter Marcie was found dead in her apartment nearly 500 miles away. Marcie, a vibrant young woman...
Marcie, a vibrant young woman who was just getting established in North Myrtle Beach, S.C., was talking with a friend on the phone when the conversation went silent. She had suffered QT prolongation, sudden death from cardiac arrest, a rare occurrence that afflicts people with arrythmia, or irregular heartbeat.

It is a tragedy that no parent should have to endure. But rather than get angry or go into denial, Bob and Jeanne chose another route to confront their suffering.

"I knew one thing that had to happen in order to do that ... is to really be honest about what's going on," Bob said. "Trying to think of all the ways to try to rationalize this or deal with this, I knew none of those were reality."

Bob started journaling. In the first three years after Marcie's death, he wrote 1,300 pages to help him "sort through the depths of despair" he was feeling.

Those reflections turned into a book authored by Bob and Jeanne called When the Circle is Broken: Our Journey Through Deep Sorrow and Surprising Joy in the Loss of Our Daughter.

The suffering also led Bob to ministry. The Arnolds now have a 70-acre farm in Western Maryland named Marcie's Meadow, which serves the ministry. They help people who are facing illness, death, divorce, or family difficulties find the joyous hand of God in their sorrow.

"God doesn't take away the pain, but the pain continually became a healing agent," he said. "It (keeps) shaping and reforming and reforming, and in the process, we meet this compassionate and caring God."

Bob's spirituality is evident in this episode of Chiseled. He tells a profound story of sorrow and joy and shares a path to healing that we can all follow. 

Bob's ministry is available to anyone who needs a lift. He can be reached at his email or phone number, which he shares at the end of the episode. Meanwhile, you can check out his ministry at his website, meadow4.org. ]]>2582chiseled,grief,joyoushand,ministry,sorrowandjoy,sorrowandjoy #grief #joyoushan,whenthecircleisbrokenfalse196fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/chiseled-ep-91-never-failing-lindsey-hanson--66790218"I looked (my mom) in the eye, and said 'I need help,'" Lindsey said. "I was ready."
Rather than go to a program, Lindsey stayed home to detox in her parents' care, a decision that she said enabled her to start over.
"I went through four weeks of detoxing, which was absolutely horrid, but on the other side of that is when I started to be able to start feeling human again and working on myself again."
After 10 years teetotaling, Lindsey now occasionally indulges in a libation, not because she needs it, but because she has turned her experiences into a self-care program that relies on "intentional effortlessness."
For Lindsey, that means a lot of therapy, journaling, gratitude, planning, and self-care, which includes a dedicated effort to focus on one's own behavior and decision-making, as she explains in the podcast.
Lindsey has found that using an array of tools available, she is able to "make sure I'm regulating that temperature inside me" so that she doesn't overheat, relapse, or lose focus on the future.
She says the routine will be different for everyone, and she can't make decisions for others, but she can empower people with the tools they need to make their own choices.
"If you make a mistake your story is not over," she said. "It doesn't matter where you've been, who you've been. Grit and determination are the No. 1 things that make sure you never fail."
Lindsey, former operations manager for "Legendary" Tommy Breedlove, is now helping others achieve their success through her podcast, “Productivity with Peace of Mind.” She is willing to help anyone who finds themselves struggling with behaviors they can't seem to control.
For those who want to give her a buzz or seek out her assistance, feel free to email her at lindsey@dellamentedynamics.com. In the meantime, I encourage you to sit back and listen to her incredible story on this episode of Chiseled.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/66790218Sun, 29 Jun 2025 01:27:37 +0000Robert CommodariWhen a cruel prank during a drunken rager turned into a stop in the local hospital psych ward, then-20-year-old Lindsey Hanson knew something had to change. Released to her parents' custody, she returned home and decided to start right then. "I looked..."I looked (my mom) in the eye, and said 'I need help,'" Lindsey said. "I was ready."
Rather than go to a program, Lindsey stayed home to detox in her parents' care, a decision that she said enabled her to start over.
"I went through four weeks of detoxing, which was absolutely horrid, but on the other side of that is when I started to be able to start feeling human again and working on myself again."
After 10 years teetotaling, Lindsey now occasionally indulges in a libation, not because she needs it, but because she has turned her experiences into a self-care program that relies on "intentional effortlessness."
For Lindsey, that means a lot of therapy, journaling, gratitude, planning, and self-care, which includes a dedicated effort to focus on one's own behavior and decision-making, as she explains in the podcast.
Lindsey has found that using an array of tools available, she is able to "make sure I'm regulating that temperature inside me" so that she doesn't overheat, relapse, or lose focus on the future.
She says the routine will be different for everyone, and she can't make decisions for others, but she can empower people with the tools they need to make their own choices.
"If you make a mistake your story is not over," she said. "It doesn't matter where you've been, who you've been. Grit and determination are the No. 1 things that make sure you never fail."
Lindsey, former operations manager for "Legendary" Tommy Breedlove, is now helping others achieve their success through her podcast, “Productivity with Peace of Mind.” She is willing to help anyone who finds themselves struggling with behaviors they can't seem to control.
For those who want to give her a buzz or seek out her assistance, feel free to email her at lindsey@dellamentedynamics.com. In the meantime, I encourage you to sit back and listen to her incredible story on this episode of Chiseled.]]>2288awareness,chiseled,detox,empowerpeople,gritanddetermination,legendary,selfcarefalse191fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/chiseled-ep-92-advocating-for-yourself-and-others-alice-tang--66775644"I was truly struggling as a stay-at-home wife with no status to work here," said the self-described extrovert. "I didn't feel good about myself. My behavior wasn't good, and it impacted my relationship, my marriage."
Alice, ever the problem-solver, asked her husband if the company would sponsor a family Green Card, which would enable her to work as well. The firm said yes, and Alice got a second chance. She registered in college and acclimated with others trying to launch a career for themselves.
"It gave me the curiosity and the possibility," she said. "You forget about feeling pity for yourself."
Flash forward to today: Alice has been a financial advisor for 23 years, working for the last 18 years with BPG Wealth Management in Portland, Oregon. She specializes in helping women find their "financial confidence" and self-esteem.
"A lot of times women are told that we're not enough. Either we're told that or it's implied," she said. "My goal is to have people have confidence in their finances (so) that they are resilient, they don't need to worry."
Alice, who says she's always been a Christian, but became a "woman of faith" after she entered the United States, said God is always there, ready to guide. That's where she gets her motivation to help others.
"The goal is one woman at a time," she said. "We're in a ministry. It's not about money, it's about what is the ministry behind the work that you and I do."
If you would like to contact Alice to discuss your financial situation or gain financial confidence, she shares her email address during the podcast. She can also be reached on LinkedIn. Meanwhile, enjoy this short, sweet, and explosive episode of Chiseled.  Securities offered through Osaic Wealth, Inc.member FINRA/SIPC. Osaic Wealth is separately owned and other entities and/or marketing names, products or services referenced here are independent of Osaic Wealth.   ]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/66775644Fri, 27 Jun 2025 17:56:29 +0000Robert CommodariThey say dynamite comes in small packages, and Alice Tang, all five feet of her, is full of spark. An immigrant from China, she arrived in the United States 30 years ago with her husband, who had been hired by a U.S. tech company. But with no work..."I was truly struggling as a stay-at-home wife with no status to work here," said the self-described extrovert. "I didn't feel good about myself. My behavior wasn't good, and it impacted my relationship, my marriage."
Alice, ever the problem-solver, asked her husband if the company would sponsor a family Green Card, which would enable her to work as well. The firm said yes, and Alice got a second chance. She registered in college and acclimated with others trying to launch a career for themselves.
"It gave me the curiosity and the possibility," she said. "You forget about feeling pity for yourself."
Flash forward to today: Alice has been a financial advisor for 23 years, working for the last 18 years with BPG Wealth Management in Portland, Oregon. She specializes in helping women find their "financial confidence" and self-esteem.
"A lot of times women are told that we're not enough. Either we're told that or it's implied," she said. "My goal is to have people have confidence in their finances (so) that they are resilient, they don't need to worry."
Alice, who says she's always been a Christian, but became a "woman of faith" after she entered the United States, said God is always there, ready to guide. That's where she gets her motivation to help others.
"The goal is one woman at a time," she said. "We're in a ministry. It's not about money, it's about what is the ministry behind the work that you and I do."
If you would like to contact Alice to discuss your financial situation or gain financial confidence, she shares her email address during the podcast. She can also be reached on LinkedIn. Meanwhile, enjoy this short, sweet, and explosive episode of Chiseled.  Securities offered through Osaic Wealth, Inc.member FINRA/SIPC. Osaic Wealth is separately owned and other entities and/or marketing names, products or services referenced here are independent of Osaic Wealth.   ]]>1850advocateforothers,awareness,chiseled,ministry,youareenough,youareworthyfalse192fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/chiseled-ep-93-a-journey-of-faith-and-survival-eberhard-samlowski--66733645
The doctors told Eberhard that it was unwise for him to make the trek, and that he had a limited chance of survival without surgery. But as a man of faith and science, and with an irresistible zest for life, Eberhard wasn't about to abandon his dream.

"They basically said that ... I was pointing a gun to my head, and they can't stop me, but they strongly advised against going. But I said I'm climbing Mt. Sinai," Eberhard, a former extreme athlete, said. "I wasn't willing to give up my lifestyle."

Before he left, Eberhard investigated medical options that might increase the 5 percent odds the doctors gave him of survival. An Ivermectin and Fenbendazole cocktail later, Eberhard started healing even while on his journey. His lifelong devotion to God was also magnified and reaffirmed.

"Everything has just been solidified in my mind that the Bible is actually true, that the things that are talked about in the Bible, including miracles, all happened, so I've just accepted all that," he said.

Two and a half years later and having never had the esophagectomy, Eberhard has gone from thinking of himself as a "dead man walking" to planning for his future — even after a new diagnosis of kidney cancer. He is now teaching people not only about the convincing evidence of the Bible's literal truth but also alternative therapies that traditional Western medicine does not yet fully embrace.

Are you interested in finding out how Eberhard is managing his cancer or want to learn more about the many ways God has intervened in his life? You can reach out to him on Facebook. He is also available at the email address he shares at the end of this episode of Chiseled. ]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/66733645Wed, 25 Jun 2025 00:41:03 +0000Robert CommodariEberhard Samlowski, a devout Christian and retired surgeon, knew before the doctors told him in 2022 that he had esophageal cancer. They suggested a three-part treatment — chemotherapy, radiation, and a risky surgery. Eberhard knew the odds were not...
The doctors told Eberhard that it was unwise for him to make the trek, and that he had a limited chance of survival without surgery. But as a man of faith and science, and with an irresistible zest for life, Eberhard wasn't about to abandon his dream.

"They basically said that ... I was pointing a gun to my head, and they can't stop me, but they strongly advised against going. But I said I'm climbing Mt. Sinai," Eberhard, a former extreme athlete, said. "I wasn't willing to give up my lifestyle."

Before he left, Eberhard investigated medical options that might increase the 5 percent odds the doctors gave him of survival. An Ivermectin and Fenbendazole cocktail later, Eberhard started healing even while on his journey. His lifelong devotion to God was also magnified and reaffirmed.

"Everything has just been solidified in my mind that the Bible is actually true, that the things that are talked about in the Bible, including miracles, all happened, so I've just accepted all that," he said.

Two and a half years later and having never had the esophagectomy, Eberhard has gone from thinking of himself as a "dead man walking" to planning for his future — even after a new diagnosis of kidney cancer. He is now teaching people not only about the convincing evidence of the Bible's literal truth but also alternative therapies that traditional Western medicine does not yet fully embrace.

Are you interested in finding out how Eberhard is managing his cancer or want to learn more about the many ways God has intervened in his life? You can reach out to him on Facebook. He is also available at the email address he shares at the end of this episode of Chiseled. ]]>2565awareness,chiseled,deadmanwalking,faithandsurvival,lifelongdevotion,manoffaithfalse193fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/chiseled-ep-108-how-to-win-in-spiritual-warfare-chris-cahill--66670681
It's a good thing he did, too, because even though this ex-Marine and hard rock drummer had a highly successful financial career, his wife was about to leave him with their two kids.

Looking back, Chris laughs that he dared say to his wife in that moment, honey, I have changed, but in fact something had. He and his wife decided to go to church. Picking one out of the blue, they ended up at the church where the YouTube pastor preached.

From there, Chris dove into Christian doctrine. He spent months of 14-hour days learning. He became a pastor and a counselor, and he and his wife dedicated their lives to helping others. But after several years of serving, their personal savings had run out and it was time for Chris to find a paying job.

"It's hard when you're doing ministry when you all of a sudden (you have to leave) .... You feel like you're turning your back on God," he said.

Amazingly, the financial firm where Chris had first started working after college was looking for a new owner. He went back to work there but changed his entire strategy for managing a financial planning company.

"I used to be a businessman who was Christian ... When I came back to the office, I said, 'Look,' — to myself and God I said — 'Look, I am now going to run this place like a ministry.'"

He did just that, building his practice on serving others without expectation. He succeeded beyond his imagination. Many of his clients now also worship with him.

Chris, who has written 11 religious-themed books, has spanned the gamut on Christian theology from Orthodoxy to Roman Catholicism to Protestantism. Throughout his various studies, he has learned that bickering over how to practice faith is a trick meant to keep us from interacting with God.

"The devil's work is to keep us entrapped in our own biases," Chris said. "He's got us so busy and distracted ... that we're not focusing on the real in-depth relationship that (we) have."

Chris said that spiritual warfare is a theme in his book, The Great Deception: What is Truth?, a "Dan Brown meets Indiana Jones conspiracy" about how to fight our biases and find the path to worship in ways that brings us closer to God.

Chris is an awesome storyteller, hugely energetic, and fun to listen to. When you hear his takes on God, the devil, and finding yourself, I'm willing to bet that you're going to want to read his latest book.

Fortunately, it's available on Amazon. In the meantime, you're going to get a real pick-me-up from our conversation in this week's episode of Chiseled.

 ]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/66670681Sat, 21 Jun 2025 10:45:47 +0000Robert CommodariChris Cahill was drinking with colleagues one evening while traveling on a business trip when he had an epiphany. His hands prevented him from taking a glass of scotch that was offered to him, as they had many times before. So, he returned to his...
It's a good thing he did, too, because even though this ex-Marine and hard rock drummer had a highly successful financial career, his wife was about to leave him with their two kids.

Looking back, Chris laughs that he dared say to his wife in that moment, honey, I have changed, but in fact something had. He and his wife decided to go to church. Picking one out of the blue, they ended up at the church where the YouTube pastor preached.

From there, Chris dove into Christian doctrine. He spent months of 14-hour days learning. He became a pastor and a counselor, and he and his wife dedicated their lives to helping others. But after several years of serving, their personal savings had run out and it was time for Chris to find a paying job.

"It's hard when you're doing ministry when you all of a sudden (you have to leave) .... You feel like you're turning your back on God," he said.

Amazingly, the financial firm where Chris had first started working after college was looking for a new owner. He went back to work there but changed his entire strategy for managing a financial planning company.

"I used to be a businessman who was Christian ... When I came back to the office, I said, 'Look,' — to myself and God I said — 'Look, I am now going to run this place like a ministry.'"

He did just that, building his practice on serving others without expectation. He succeeded beyond his imagination. Many of his clients now also worship with him.

Chris, who has written 11 religious-themed books, has spanned the gamut on Christian theology from Orthodoxy to Roman Catholicism to Protestantism. Throughout his various studies, he has learned that bickering over how to practice faith is a trick meant to keep us from interacting with God.

"The devil's work is to keep us entrapped in our own biases," Chris said. "He's got us so busy and distracted ... that we're not focusing on the real in-depth relationship that (we) have."

Chris said that spiritual warfare is a theme in his book, The Great Deception: What is Truth?, a "Dan Brown meets Indiana Jones conspiracy" about how to fight our biases and find the path to worship in ways that brings us closer to God.

Chris is an awesome storyteller, hugely energetic, and fun to listen to. When you hear his takes on God, the devil, and finding yourself, I'm willing to bet that you're going to want to read his latest book.

Fortunately, it's available on Amazon. In the meantime, you're going to get a real pick-me-up from our conversation in this week's episode of Chiseled.

 ]]>3676chiseledpodcast,chriscahill,christiandoctrine,faithjourney,havinganepiphany,helpingothers,spiritualawakening,spiritualwarfare,testimonyfalse1108fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/chiseled-ep-94-being-at-peace-during-a-near-death-experience-steven-cericola--66595601
Eventually, Steve got serious about his life, attending Johns Hopkins University part-time to earn a degree in mechanical engineering, and settling down with his wife Robyn.

So, it was quite ironic that he would have a near-death experience while swimming during a family vacation in Myrtle Beach, S.C.

"I body-surfed in on one of the waves ... I heard all this screaming and commotion so when I turned around to see what was happening, the wave was crashing, was pretty much almost up to my face level," he said. "I was tumbling around in the wave like you were a load of laundry in a dryer."

Steve was slammed into the ground with a force so hard, he thought he hit a rock. That's when he had an other-worldly experience.

"I was face down in that water, in that warm, serene pocket for, it felt like a long time, that's all I can tell you. And then the next thing I know I felt like it was this kind of like a nudge, like a nudge like, 'You can't stay, you have to go,'" he said.

Steve estimates he was under water for maybe a minute, but he doesn't know for sure. He does know that when he was about to let go of his remaining breath, his nephew pulled him to the surface.

Steve was badly injured, his body radiating with severe nerve pain. Taken to the hospital, he had spinal surgery the next day followed by a long period of rehab. The arduous journey back to health has had its highs and lows, and Steve says he still feels residual pain and numbness. But one thing he is sure of — he was being protected that day.

"I feel like sharing this story with people just to let them know there's something more out there," he said. "There's something way better than here. No one can convince me otherwise."

Steve has been a friend of mine since high school. He has been blessed with a close family, a good career, and a deep faith. I am thankful he's still with us today, and I am grateful that he shared his story with me.

If you want to talk to Steve about his experience, you can reach him on his Facebook or LinkedIn page. In the meantime, I hope you enjoy hearing his story on this episode of Chiseled.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/66595601Tue, 17 Jun 2025 22:29:38 +0000Robert CommodariSteven Cericola was a bit of a wild child. One of six siblings, he was labeled by classmates as the "guy most likely to be dead at 25." But even in his heady youth, he was athletic. He started swimming in the ocean at age 10. He was a competitive...
Eventually, Steve got serious about his life, attending Johns Hopkins University part-time to earn a degree in mechanical engineering, and settling down with his wife Robyn.

So, it was quite ironic that he would have a near-death experience while swimming during a family vacation in Myrtle Beach, S.C.

"I body-surfed in on one of the waves ... I heard all this screaming and commotion so when I turned around to see what was happening, the wave was crashing, was pretty much almost up to my face level," he said. "I was tumbling around in the wave like you were a load of laundry in a dryer."

Steve was slammed into the ground with a force so hard, he thought he hit a rock. That's when he had an other-worldly experience.

"I was face down in that water, in that warm, serene pocket for, it felt like a long time, that's all I can tell you. And then the next thing I know I felt like it was this kind of like a nudge, like a nudge like, 'You can't stay, you have to go,'" he said.

Steve estimates he was under water for maybe a minute, but he doesn't know for sure. He does know that when he was about to let go of his remaining breath, his nephew pulled him to the surface.

Steve was badly injured, his body radiating with severe nerve pain. Taken to the hospital, he had spinal surgery the next day followed by a long period of rehab. The arduous journey back to health has had its highs and lows, and Steve says he still feels residual pain and numbness. But one thing he is sure of — he was being protected that day.

"I feel like sharing this story with people just to let them know there's something more out there," he said. "There's something way better than here. No one can convince me otherwise."

Steve has been a friend of mine since high school. He has been blessed with a close family, a good career, and a deep faith. I am thankful he's still with us today, and I am grateful that he shared his story with me.

If you want to talk to Steve about his experience, you can reach him on his Facebook or LinkedIn page. In the meantime, I hope you enjoy hearing his story on this episode of Chiseled.]]>2191awareness,chiseled,neardeathexperience,otherworldly,somethingmorefalse194fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/chiseled-ep-95-rising-up-after-a-fall-greg-chaplain--66561736
Wherever you are in your plan, I want to give you and anyone else who is ready to wrap up 2024 a Christmas gift: a true story about faith and the cascade of abundance that comes with it.

For Chiseled listeners in my Buffini and Company coaching group, you may already know this week's guest, Greg Chaplain.

Raised Catholic in Massachusetts, Greg's family always had a relationship with God. Yet, it wasn't until he was 23, when he met a businessman at an Amway convention, that he accepted the Gospel and Christ as his savior. The commitment to walk in faith would guide him well over the next 35+ years.

Fast forward 16 years to 2004, Greg was working in the wine industry as a regional leader with a $100 million budget at his fingertips. He managed his company through eight acquisitions, but after a final $1.6 billion deal, he was let go.

For many people, losing a high-powered job at 39 years old with a new mortgage, a homemaker wife, and two children in private school would have been a terrifying blow. Not for Greg. He was calm and cool — so much so that a friend in his Christian fellowship expressed surprise by Greg's reticent response to this career broadside.

"That was the moment that I went, 'Oh yeah, I really do have faith. It's a real thing. I can actually feel it. My heart's at peace. I am not worried. I know we're going to be fine,'" he said.

While confidently interviewing for one of many corporate positions over the next three months, Greg started taking real estate classes on the side. The week that he passed his real estate exam, four hot job prospects, any of which could have been perfect for him, all dried up. The message was obvious.

"I looked at the sky and said, 'Really? This is what you want me to do?'" he recounted.

Greg joined a real estate company where he would hone his skills and empower himself to start his own team. In 2009, he opened the Real Estate Home Team in Norfolk, Virginia. The team kept hitting higher and higher peaks — until it fell apart. Undeterred, Greg rebooted, and his new team grew and grew — to more than 365 transactions a year. That's more than one a day! 

Then the bottom fell out again. 

I'll let Greg tell the rest of the story, but as his longtime friend and a true believer myself, I can tell you that Greg is my Rocky — it's not how hard he falls, it's how many times he gets back up.

Greg's resiliency is a great story in faith. I am happy to share it with you this Christmas season and hope your holidays, whatever you celebrate, are meaningful and joyous. I can't wait to see and hear from you in 2025.

By the way, if you want to talk to Greg about buying and selling in Norfolk, becoming an agent, or how your faith walk is going, he shares how to reach him at the end of this episode. Happy listening.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/66561736Sun, 15 Jun 2025 00:03:47 +0000Robert CommodariI have a question for all the business owners out there: Is your 2025 business plan ready? It's nearly Christmas. You should be done with your list and checked it twice. Wherever you are in your plan, I want to give you and anyone else who is ready...
Wherever you are in your plan, I want to give you and anyone else who is ready to wrap up 2024 a Christmas gift: a true story about faith and the cascade of abundance that comes with it.

For Chiseled listeners in my Buffini and Company coaching group, you may already know this week's guest, Greg Chaplain.

Raised Catholic in Massachusetts, Greg's family always had a relationship with God. Yet, it wasn't until he was 23, when he met a businessman at an Amway convention, that he accepted the Gospel and Christ as his savior. The commitment to walk in faith would guide him well over the next 35+ years.

Fast forward 16 years to 2004, Greg was working in the wine industry as a regional leader with a $100 million budget at his fingertips. He managed his company through eight acquisitions, but after a final $1.6 billion deal, he was let go.

For many people, losing a high-powered job at 39 years old with a new mortgage, a homemaker wife, and two children in private school would have been a terrifying blow. Not for Greg. He was calm and cool — so much so that a friend in his Christian fellowship expressed surprise by Greg's reticent response to this career broadside.

"That was the moment that I went, 'Oh yeah, I really do have faith. It's a real thing. I can actually feel it. My heart's at peace. I am not worried. I know we're going to be fine,'" he said.

While confidently interviewing for one of many corporate positions over the next three months, Greg started taking real estate classes on the side. The week that he passed his real estate exam, four hot job prospects, any of which could have been perfect for him, all dried up. The message was obvious.

"I looked at the sky and said, 'Really? This is what you want me to do?'" he recounted.

Greg joined a real estate company where he would hone his skills and empower himself to start his own team. In 2009, he opened the Real Estate Home Team in Norfolk, Virginia. The team kept hitting higher and higher peaks — until it fell apart. Undeterred, Greg rebooted, and his new team grew and grew — to more than 365 transactions a year. That's more than one a day! 

Then the bottom fell out again. 

I'll let Greg tell the rest of the story, but as his longtime friend and a true believer myself, I can tell you that Greg is my Rocky — it's not how hard he falls, it's how many times he gets back up.

Greg's resiliency is a great story in faith. I am happy to share it with you this Christmas season and hope your holidays, whatever you celebrate, are meaningful and joyous. I can't wait to see and hear from you in 2025.

By the way, if you want to talk to Greg about buying and selling in Norfolk, becoming an agent, or how your faith walk is going, he shares how to reach him at the end of this episode. Happy listening.]]>2930businessplan,getbackup,peacefulheart,resiliency,rockbottomfalse195fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/chiseled-ep-96-being-great-at-doing-what-you-love-jeffrey-gitomer--66501171
Having written 16 e-books and thousands of columns, blog posts, and articles in addition to his bestsellers, Jeffrey has produced a ton of content over the decades. His materials can help anyone become a better salesperson. 

You still have got to do the work, and if you don't love what you do, using artificial intelligence programs like ChatGPT, Microsoft's Co-Pilot, or X's Grok won't improve your mastery of your profession. It can't close a sale. That's going to be on you. 

That's why Jeffrey created his own AI program out of the mass of materials that he has written.  

"I created my own AI platform based on observing and realizing that ChatGPT is just a large hole," he said. 

If you haven't tried AI yet, I can tell you, it is great for accessing information quickly. But you have to know what to ask it and you have to understand the answer that it gives back to you. And be forewarned: The answers may sound authentic, but they may be nonsensical. The programs even admit that the information may not be useful. 

That's not the case with Jeffrey's AI program because he and his team input all of the information themselves. He even suggested it could come in handy right in the middle of a sales call.

"The value of my AI Is you don't have to read my book anymore. Just ask me and I will tell you in 10 seconds or less," he said. "I will guarantee that it's accurate."

Jeffrey said he gets asked all the time whether AI will replace salespeople in the future. Short answer, no. But the right platform may be what separates you from your competition. 

With his Philly accent and accompanying charm, Jeffrey shares how AI can make you great at what you do — as long as you love what you do. 

Want to check out more about Jeffrey or his program? You can get additional information on his website, gitomer.ai. Meantime, I hope you enjoy this episode of Chiseled.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/66501171Wed, 11 Jun 2025 01:18:49 +0000Robert CommodariThe "King of Sales," Jeffrey Gitomer, is the author of 17 bestselling books on sales and personal development, including How to Make Sales Forever and The Little Red Book of Selling. He is an icon in the personal growth and development industry so...
Having written 16 e-books and thousands of columns, blog posts, and articles in addition to his bestsellers, Jeffrey has produced a ton of content over the decades. His materials can help anyone become a better salesperson. 

You still have got to do the work, and if you don't love what you do, using artificial intelligence programs like ChatGPT, Microsoft's Co-Pilot, or X's Grok won't improve your mastery of your profession. It can't close a sale. That's going to be on you. 

That's why Jeffrey created his own AI program out of the mass of materials that he has written.  

"I created my own AI platform based on observing and realizing that ChatGPT is just a large hole," he said. 

If you haven't tried AI yet, I can tell you, it is great for accessing information quickly. But you have to know what to ask it and you have to understand the answer that it gives back to you. And be forewarned: The answers may sound authentic, but they may be nonsensical. The programs even admit that the information may not be useful. 

That's not the case with Jeffrey's AI program because he and his team input all of the information themselves. He even suggested it could come in handy right in the middle of a sales call.

"The value of my AI Is you don't have to read my book anymore. Just ask me and I will tell you in 10 seconds or less," he said. "I will guarantee that it's accurate."

Jeffrey said he gets asked all the time whether AI will replace salespeople in the future. Short answer, no. But the right platform may be what separates you from your competition. 

With his Philly accent and accompanying charm, Jeffrey shares how AI can make you great at what you do — as long as you love what you do. 

Want to check out more about Jeffrey or his program? You can get additional information on his website, gitomer.ai. Meantime, I hope you enjoy this episode of Chiseled.]]>1957aiasatool,gitomer,kingofsales,salesforever,thelittleblackbook,thelittleredbookfalse196fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/chiseled-ep-97-education-is-freedom-jim-keyes--66462685Jim's start wasn't easy. One of six kids, he grew up in a three-room shack with no running water in Grafton, Mass. Overwhelmed by it all, his mother walked out on the family when he was a child, and according to Jim, the family faced crisis after crisis. But these crises never deterred Jim from wanting to discover his place in the world.
"I didn't see myself as a victim, and said I will get through this and there's going to be another opportunity on the other side of this crisis, and there always was," he said.
Born to a Baptist father and a Catholic mother, at an early age Jim was swept away by the "uniqueness" of the Catholic Church, despite its familiar lessons.
"I learned the Bible verse James 1:12, 'Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial,' and I kind of own that," he said.
That verse would pop up in Jim's life repeatedly. But on the Christmas morning right after he was appointed CEO of 7-Eleven, Jim had a dream in which he successfully conquered three trials, and he knew that embodying change, confidence, and clarity would lead him wherever he wanted to go.
Jim has taken his classical education and faith lessons and put them in a book called, Education is Freedom: The Future is in Your Hands. He has gone on an international speaking tour with the book, and with the help of social media giant Mr. Beast, has created scholarship opportunities for children around the world.
Jim said that freedom has taught him to enjoy the richness of life and the beauty and peace of nature. But freedom can mean something different to everyone.
"Every day is literally a new adventure if you're open to it," he said.
A self-avowed "space geek," Jim is also a lover of the Star Wars franchise, which "preaches" about "the antidote to darkness." So, if you understand Yoda-speak or want to tap into the words of Pope John Paul II, you're going to love the conversation on this week's podcast.
You can learn more about James Keyes at his website, JamesWKeyes.com, or reach out to him on his Instagram. Meanwhile, I hope you enjoy this episode of Chiseled.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/66462685Sun, 08 Jun 2025 14:11:47 +0000Robert CommodariJim Keyes has an outstanding resume. A former CEO of 7-Eleven and Blockbuster, former head of planning at Citgo, a pilot, a sculptor, and a published author, Keyes learned from a challenging childhood that curiosity is the key not merely to get...Jim's start wasn't easy. One of six kids, he grew up in a three-room shack with no running water in Grafton, Mass. Overwhelmed by it all, his mother walked out on the family when he was a child, and according to Jim, the family faced crisis after crisis. But these crises never deterred Jim from wanting to discover his place in the world.
"I didn't see myself as a victim, and said I will get through this and there's going to be another opportunity on the other side of this crisis, and there always was," he said.
Born to a Baptist father and a Catholic mother, at an early age Jim was swept away by the "uniqueness" of the Catholic Church, despite its familiar lessons.
"I learned the Bible verse James 1:12, 'Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial,' and I kind of own that," he said.
That verse would pop up in Jim's life repeatedly. But on the Christmas morning right after he was appointed CEO of 7-Eleven, Jim had a dream in which he successfully conquered three trials, and he knew that embodying change, confidence, and clarity would lead him wherever he wanted to go.
Jim has taken his classical education and faith lessons and put them in a book called, Education is Freedom: The Future is in Your Hands. He has gone on an international speaking tour with the book, and with the help of social media giant Mr. Beast, has created scholarship opportunities for children around the world.
Jim said that freedom has taught him to enjoy the richness of life and the beauty and peace of nature. But freedom can mean something different to everyone.
"Every day is literally a new adventure if you're open to it," he said.
A self-avowed "space geek," Jim is also a lover of the Star Wars franchise, which "preaches" about "the antidote to darkness." So, if you understand Yoda-speak or want to tap into the words of Pope John Paul II, you're going to love the conversation on this week's podcast.
You can learn more about James Keyes at his website, JamesWKeyes.com, or reach out to him on his Instagram. Meanwhile, I hope you enjoy this episode of Chiseled.]]>3081chiseled,crisis,educationisfreedom,faithandreason,pubishedauthorfalse197fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/chiseled-ep-107-from-career-to-calling-dale-young--66428564
So, he mustered up some courage and organized a plan to change his life.

But nothing came quickly. He moved back to the United States in 1994 and took a tech job. He then got involved in another computer consulting company before moving to a start-up in 2000.

"Can you say not a good idea?" he joked.

It wasn't until 2007 that Dale started investigating life coaching. And it was still another four years before he found the type of coaching he wanted to do — Christian-based coaching. He took an introductory seminar with the "father of Christian coaching," Christopher McCluskey, and he was off to the races.

"I loved it, and it was like OK, this really feels like I've actually set foot on the path and I'm about to head down the path," he said.

Since then, Dale has studied numerous coaching programs, worked with many mentors, and received many revelations to infuse the spiritual into his coaching programs.
​
"With Christian coaching what we say is we're not facilitating that dialogue between yourself and (the coach), we're facilitating a dialogue between the client and the holy spirit and we're with the holy spirit as well, so we have a little triangle going on," he said.

Dale is a member of the International Coaching Federation, has co-authored two books (including Next Level Your Life, which I too co-authored), and participates in Masterminds on Christian coaching that have helped him develop a unique style of coaching built on combining identity, community, and calling, or what Dale describes as the who, where, and why of one's own path.

Dale also says he received a "God download" — a vision of how to build a coaching program. His "four keys to your calling" method focuses on what provides impact, how to identify strengths, what makes your heart cry, and what the desires of your heart are.

Taking a long, circuitous path, Dale finally heard his calling. He is now eager to help Christians who want to join his community and discover theirs. He offers his contact information at the end of the podcast for anyone who wants to learn more. I hope you enjoy our conversation on this week's Chiseled.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/66428564Sat, 07 Jun 2025 02:21:49 +0000Robert CommodariDale Young seemingly made all the right moves in the 1970s, '80s, and '90s. He got an advanced education, started working for a defense contractor, and moved to Australia where he was making money and enjoying all the perks. Then one day, during a...
So, he mustered up some courage and organized a plan to change his life.

But nothing came quickly. He moved back to the United States in 1994 and took a tech job. He then got involved in another computer consulting company before moving to a start-up in 2000.

"Can you say not a good idea?" he joked.

It wasn't until 2007 that Dale started investigating life coaching. And it was still another four years before he found the type of coaching he wanted to do — Christian-based coaching. He took an introductory seminar with the "father of Christian coaching," Christopher McCluskey, and he was off to the races.

"I loved it, and it was like OK, this really feels like I've actually set foot on the path and I'm about to head down the path," he said.

Since then, Dale has studied numerous coaching programs, worked with many mentors, and received many revelations to infuse the spiritual into his coaching programs.
​
"With Christian coaching what we say is we're not facilitating that dialogue between yourself and (the coach), we're facilitating a dialogue between the client and the holy spirit and we're with the holy spirit as well, so we have a little triangle going on," he said.

Dale is a member of the International Coaching Federation, has co-authored two books (including Next Level Your Life, which I too co-authored), and participates in Masterminds on Christian coaching that have helped him develop a unique style of coaching built on combining identity, community, and calling, or what Dale describes as the who, where, and why of one's own path.

Dale also says he received a "God download" — a vision of how to build a coaching program. His "four keys to your calling" method focuses on what provides impact, how to identify strengths, what makes your heart cry, and what the desires of your heart are.

Taking a long, circuitous path, Dale finally heard his calling. He is now eager to help Christians who want to join his community and discover theirs. He offers his contact information at the end of the podcast for anyone who wants to learn more. I hope you enjoy our conversation on this week's Chiseled.]]>2683calling,careertocalling,chiseledpodcast,christiancoaching,faithandbusiness,leadership,purposedrivenfalse1107fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/chiseled-ep-98-next-leveling-your-life-kyle-wilson--66400856A self-made entrepreneur who effectively made personal growth guru Jim Rohn into a household name, Kyle is the creator of his very own Inner Circle. If you know me, you know how important this impactful, loving, and growing group of people is to my life. Several are co-authors with me of the book Next Level Your Life, which Kyle published.
Kyle rose from an aimless boy to the largest service station owner on his stretch of highway in small-town Texas. After hearing a "God whisper," he picked himself up and moved his family to Dallas. There, he went from being a seminar organizer making cold calls to a public speaker to a marketing strategist who persuaded Jim Rohn to become his exclusive client. From there, Kyle founded Jim Rohn International, where he partnered with Jim Rohn for 18 years.
I don't want to get too deep here about what motivates Kyle. He shares some of his values in the podcast. Instead, I want to emphasize how this episode of Chiseled is a master class for business owners — or anyone who has a story to tell or a vision to live.
This episode is so full of details on the HOW to succeed that you need to listen to every word. And when you're done, you're going to want more. Fortunately, Kyle has much, much more to offer. Here are just a few marketing tips Kyle shares in this week's episode:
— How to empower your advocates to tell your story.
— How to fish instead of hunt (meaning how to attract instead of pursue).
— How to not seek assurance and instead bring overwhelming value.
— How to select the one thing that will move the needle most in your journey.
— How to avoid short-term distractions while on the pursuit of long-term success.
— How to skip the marketing funnel and use a marketing wheel. The conversation is 50 minutes, but Kyle is so expansive and so abundant-minded that he's offering to give Chiseled listeners a box full of marketing tools for free. You just have to listen to the end of the podcast to hear all that he is giving away, including books, recordings, and access to his Inner Circle. He will explain HOW to claim it (Hint: the only rule is you have to mention Chiseled!).

I'm so blessed by Kyle's generosity. He has been extremely impactful to my journey. I am thrilled that he has offered to share so much with my audience.

You're going to love these insights so don't hesitate.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/66400856Wed, 04 Jun 2025 21:53:07 +0000Robert CommodariIn this week's episode of Chiseled, I welcome Kyle Wilson to share his story. But he does much more than that. Kyle is one of the people helping to chisel me, and once you hear him, you are going to want him to do the same for you. A self-made...A self-made entrepreneur who effectively made personal growth guru Jim Rohn into a household name, Kyle is the creator of his very own Inner Circle. If you know me, you know how important this impactful, loving, and growing group of people is to my life. Several are co-authors with me of the book Next Level Your Life, which Kyle published.
Kyle rose from an aimless boy to the largest service station owner on his stretch of highway in small-town Texas. After hearing a "God whisper," he picked himself up and moved his family to Dallas. There, he went from being a seminar organizer making cold calls to a public speaker to a marketing strategist who persuaded Jim Rohn to become his exclusive client. From there, Kyle founded Jim Rohn International, where he partnered with Jim Rohn for 18 years.
I don't want to get too deep here about what motivates Kyle. He shares some of his values in the podcast. Instead, I want to emphasize how this episode of Chiseled is a master class for business owners — or anyone who has a story to tell or a vision to live.
This episode is so full of details on the HOW to succeed that you need to listen to every word. And when you're done, you're going to want more. Fortunately, Kyle has much, much more to offer. Here are just a few marketing tips Kyle shares in this week's episode:
— How to empower your advocates to tell your story.
— How to fish instead of hunt (meaning how to attract instead of pursue).
— How to not seek assurance and instead bring overwhelming value.
— How to select the one thing that will move the needle most in your journey.
— How to avoid short-term distractions while on the pursuit of long-term success.
— How to skip the marketing funnel and use a marketing wheel. The conversation is 50 minutes, but Kyle is so expansive and so abundant-minded that he's offering to give Chiseled listeners a box full of marketing tools for free. You just have to listen to the end of the podcast to hear all that he is giving away, including books, recordings, and access to his Inner Circle. He will explain HOW to claim it (Hint: the only rule is you have to mention Chiseled!).

I'm so blessed by Kyle's generosity. He has been extremely impactful to my journey. I am thrilled that he has offered to share so much with my audience.

You're going to love these insights so don't hesitate.]]>3043godwhisper,howtos,innercircle,marketingstrategist,marketingwheel,movetheneedle,nextlevelingyourlifefalse198fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/chiseled-ep-99-reach-one-teach-one-grow-one-donald-ethel-rucker--66387917
It wasn't long afterward that they married. But even though they were destined for each other, they admit the first three years of marriage were lousy.

"I had no positive role models on how to submit to men, how to respect them, how to honor them. What was that?" Pastor Ethel said.
"I didn't have any tools. And neither did he because his father walked away as well."

But the glue they shared was commitment and faith.

"The turning point for us was that we realized this is not God's will. He did not bring us together for us to be miserable," Don said.

The two set out investigating what they needed to build a strong marriage, and with God's help, developed 10 principles that laid the foundation for their union.

"If you look at your marriage as a business, you have towork that thing. That means there's got to be policies ... to govern that relationship," Don said. "It can failproof your relationship, the principles that God gave us."

Now, 41 years married, Ethel and Don teach these principles in couples' workshops. They have also written a book about their journey, From Misery to Marital Bliss.

That's not all they achieved. Through a program called "Reach One, Teach One, and Grow One," they are building on God's messages of transformation. In 2014, they founded the Christian Development Center in Montclair, California, and now feed and clothe 600 families monthly. They conductparenting and other educational classes and collaborate with local businesses to serve the greater San Bernadino County. They've even started down the path of investment to build affordable housing that can serve neighbors based ontheir income levels, rather than market value.

"(God) said, 'You will always have the poor. You will not always have me.' So, from Ethel and our perspective, what we're doing in the community is really doing what He would be doing if He was here," Don said.

I met Ethel and Don through Kyle Wilson's Inner Circle group, and I am struck by their ministry and their amazing accomplishments. I do believe they are transforming behaviors and outcomes in the lives of many, helping to build the kingdom of God. 

You can learn more about them on their website, Facebook and Instagram. Meanwhile, I hope you learn about their journey and enjoy this inspirational episode of Chiseled.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/66387917Tue, 03 Jun 2025 23:33:30 +0000Robert CommodariPastors Don and Ethel Rucker both heard the voice of God when they first laid eyes on each other. Meeting in a church — she was there because church was always her "safe haven" and he was there because he wanted to "appease" his sister — the word...
It wasn't long afterward that they married. But even though they were destined for each other, they admit the first three years of marriage were lousy.

"I had no positive role models on how to submit to men, how to respect them, how to honor them. What was that?" Pastor Ethel said.
"I didn't have any tools. And neither did he because his father walked away as well."

But the glue they shared was commitment and faith.

"The turning point for us was that we realized this is not God's will. He did not bring us together for us to be miserable," Don said.

The two set out investigating what they needed to build a strong marriage, and with God's help, developed 10 principles that laid the foundation for their union.

"If you look at your marriage as a business, you have towork that thing. That means there's got to be policies ... to govern that relationship," Don said. "It can failproof your relationship, the principles that God gave us."

Now, 41 years married, Ethel and Don teach these principles in couples' workshops. They have also written a book about their journey, From Misery to Marital Bliss.

That's not all they achieved. Through a program called "Reach One, Teach One, and Grow One," they are building on God's messages of transformation. In 2014, they founded the Christian Development Center in Montclair, California, and now feed and clothe 600 families monthly. They conductparenting and other educational classes and collaborate with local businesses to serve the greater San Bernadino County. They've even started down the path of investment to build affordable housing that can serve neighbors based ontheir income levels, rather than market value.

"(God) said, 'You will always have the poor. You will not always have me.' So, from Ethel and our perspective, what we're doing in the community is really doing what He would be doing if He was here," Don said.

I met Ethel and Don through Kyle Wilson's Inner Circle group, and I am struck by their ministry and their amazing accomplishments. I do believe they are transforming behaviors and outcomes in the lives of many, helping to build the kingdom of God. 

You can learn more about them on their website, Facebook and Instagram. Meanwhile, I hope you learn about their journey and enjoy this inspirational episode of Chiseled.]]>3118commitmentandfaith,couplesworkshops,godsvoice,reachoneteachone,strongmarriages,voiceofgodfalse199fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/chiseled-ep-100-the-sound-of-freedom-paul-hutchinson--66355785
Paul was living the high life building a multi-billion dollar company, Bridge Investment Group. He had a house with 10 bathrooms, seven fireplaces, three kitchens, and a closet larger than most people's apartments. A basketball court and a full-on DJ booth with light structures and a stage were set up in his basement.

He was also on his way to his second divorce, his kids wouldn't talk to him, and he had lost his relationship with God.

The parties every other weekend with NBA players and half-naked women kept him busy, but his soul wasn't fulfilled. However, his reputation as a flashy playboy with a disarming charm made him the kind of recruit that spy agencies look for.

Paul turned down the CIA's overtures, but when he got a call from the attorney general asking him to insinuate himself into a child trafficking ring, the challenge motivated him to action.  
"I didn't want to put my life in danger for some white-collar crime guys in Dubai, but when it came to kids, if there was something I could do to help, great," he said.

Two days after a follow-up chat with a homeland security agent stationed in Cartagena, Paul was in Colombia making a deal to "purchase" young virgins. "Then things became really real. I mean these guys knew who I was, and I realized the depth of darkness that they were engulfed in, and I realized how dangerous it really was, but I said to myself, 'If that was my child, if that 11-year-old was my daughter, I would take a bullet to get her out. I would give everything I have to destroy the lives of whoever tried to take her,'" he said.

The successful mission saving a group of children from a sex trafficker profoundly moved Paul. But it still hadn't quite renewed his soul. That would take another two years engaging in some mind-bending experiences with the operators who helped him save so many lives.
"I had what I call an 'ego death' and that ego death was absolutely necessary for 'Paul Effing Hutchinson' to go away," he said. "That's what brought me back to God."

Paul completed 70 missions in 15 countries during his 10 years undercover. He has earned the Ellis Island Medal of Honor and the International Medal of Freedom. He has been knighted three times, earned 12 honorary doctorate degrees, is the founder of Child Liberation Foundation, and personally donates millions of dollars to rescue children from enslavement.
As if his story needed any more drama, it has been brought to life on the big screen. The Sound of Freedom, starring Jim Caviezel and Eduardo Verástegui, who plays Paul's character is a must-watch. In fact, watching the film moved me to call Paul up and ask him to be my guest on this 100th episode of Chiseled. 

I could not be more honored, he agreed. When you hear Paul's story, when you hear how bad human trafficking still is, particularly in the United States, you won't believe that Paul could remain as humble as he is. But as he says, "a piece of coal doesn't become a diamond if it's just sitting out there in the sun. It's gotta go through some pressure, it's gotta go through some heat."

You can learn more about Paul and the efforts to end human trafficking at Liberating- humanity.com, ChildLiberation.org, and the SoundofFreedombook.com. You can also follow him on his Instagram and Facebook pages. But first, hear him on this week's episode share some of his darkest nights and most dangerous missions. Afterward, let me know if you were able to get through this episode without crying. I wasn't.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/66355785Sun, 01 Jun 2025 13:03:43 +0000Robert CommodariIt's our 100th episode of Chiseled and I'm so excited to have Paul Hutchinson join me for this milestone. You may have heard of Paul, the executive producer and inspiration for the movie, The Sound of Freedom.  Paul was living the high life building...
Paul was living the high life building a multi-billion dollar company, Bridge Investment Group. He had a house with 10 bathrooms, seven fireplaces, three kitchens, and a closet larger than most people's apartments. A basketball court and a full-on DJ booth with light structures and a stage were set up in his basement.

He was also on his way to his second divorce, his kids wouldn't talk to him, and he had lost his relationship with God.

The parties every other weekend with NBA players and half-naked women kept him busy, but his soul wasn't fulfilled. However, his reputation as a flashy playboy with a disarming charm made him the kind of recruit that spy agencies look for.

Paul turned down the CIA's overtures, but when he got a call from the attorney general asking him to insinuate himself into a child trafficking ring, the challenge motivated him to action.  
"I didn't want to put my life in danger for some white-collar crime guys in Dubai, but when it came to kids, if there was something I could do to help, great," he said.

Two days after a follow-up chat with a homeland security agent stationed in Cartagena, Paul was in Colombia making a deal to "purchase" young virgins. "Then things became really real. I mean these guys knew who I was, and I realized the depth of darkness that they were engulfed in, and I realized how dangerous it really was, but I said to myself, 'If that was my child, if that 11-year-old was my daughter, I would take a bullet to get her out. I would give everything I have to destroy the lives of whoever tried to take her,'" he said.

The successful mission saving a group of children from a sex trafficker profoundly moved Paul. But it still hadn't quite renewed his soul. That would take another two years engaging in some mind-bending experiences with the operators who helped him save so many lives.
"I had what I call an 'ego death' and that ego death was absolutely necessary for 'Paul Effing Hutchinson' to go away," he said. "That's what brought me back to God."

Paul completed 70 missions in 15 countries during his 10 years undercover. He has earned the Ellis Island Medal of Honor and the International Medal of Freedom. He has been knighted three times, earned 12 honorary doctorate degrees, is the founder of Child Liberation Foundation, and personally donates millions of dollars to rescue children from enslavement.
As if his story needed any more drama, it has been brought to life on the big screen. The Sound of Freedom, starring Jim Caviezel and Eduardo Verástegui, who plays Paul's character is a must-watch. In fact, watching the film moved me to call Paul up and ask him to be my guest on this 100th episode of Chiseled. 

I could not be more honored, he agreed. When you hear Paul's story, when you hear how bad human trafficking still is, particularly in the United States, you won't believe that Paul could remain as humble as he is. But as he says, "a piece of coal doesn't become a diamond if it's just sitting out there in the sun. It's gotta go through some pressure, it's gotta go through some heat."

You can learn more about Paul and the efforts to end human trafficking at Liberating- humanity.com, ChildLiberation.org, and the SoundofFreedombook.com. You can also follow him on his Instagram and Facebook pages. But first, hear him on this week's episode share some of his darkest nights and most dangerous missions. Afterward, let me know if you were able to get through this episode without crying. I wasn't.]]>4776childliberation,chiseled,egodeath,mindbendingexperiences,rescuechildren,savinglives,soundoffreedomfalse1100fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/chiseled-ep-101-invest-in-yourself-first-carol-foderick--66320998
And then it made sense to me. Working hard at a career is one thing, but creating work-life balance is a whole other level of effort. As you will learn this week, Carol is the epitome of discovering the balance between leadership and friendship, mothering and managing, and reflection and action. 

Carol started out in real estate working as a front desk receptionist while finishing college. Now, her real estate group has 32 people and closes 354 transactions in a year. She has invested in recreational, rental, and multi-unit real estate, owns a renovation company and a staging company, and 90 percent of her business comes from repeat customers and direct referrals.

"It truly takes a community effort of a lot of like-minded individuals coming together," she said.

Carol is also one of the Buffini White Hats, which, if you regularly listen to this program, you know is part of the elite coaching group I have been connected to for 25 years.  

"I always tell people the first check that I write of the year is to my Buffini coach and for my Buffini system because they have gotten me here. They are going to be the absolute last thing I abandon," she said.

That's a business decision. Personally, Carol is even more committed to her family. As a woman, it is a constant juggle to be successful in the workplace while also putting family first. But as she explains in a very poignant story, being the hardest working woman in real estate isn't going to make it on her epitaph.

"My tombstone is (not) going to say 'Ran a team of 32,'" she said.

Carol has a lot on her plate, and being a fast talker with an entrepreneurial mindset she gives listeners a lot to digest this week. I am sure you will gain many valuable insights from her. If you want to reach out to Carol, send her an email at carol@carolfoderick.com]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/66320998Thu, 29 May 2025 01:40:18 +0000Robert CommodariIt's funny. When I reflected on my conversation with Carol Foderick, this week's guest on Chiseled, I was amused that she is known as "the hardest working woman in real estate," yet she prioritizes her life outside the office. And then it made sense...
And then it made sense to me. Working hard at a career is one thing, but creating work-life balance is a whole other level of effort. As you will learn this week, Carol is the epitome of discovering the balance between leadership and friendship, mothering and managing, and reflection and action. 

Carol started out in real estate working as a front desk receptionist while finishing college. Now, her real estate group has 32 people and closes 354 transactions in a year. She has invested in recreational, rental, and multi-unit real estate, owns a renovation company and a staging company, and 90 percent of her business comes from repeat customers and direct referrals.

"It truly takes a community effort of a lot of like-minded individuals coming together," she said.

Carol is also one of the Buffini White Hats, which, if you regularly listen to this program, you know is part of the elite coaching group I have been connected to for 25 years.  

"I always tell people the first check that I write of the year is to my Buffini coach and for my Buffini system because they have gotten me here. They are going to be the absolute last thing I abandon," she said.

That's a business decision. Personally, Carol is even more committed to her family. As a woman, it is a constant juggle to be successful in the workplace while also putting family first. But as she explains in a very poignant story, being the hardest working woman in real estate isn't going to make it on her epitaph.

"My tombstone is (not) going to say 'Ran a team of 32,'" she said.

Carol has a lot on her plate, and being a fast talker with an entrepreneurial mindset she gives listeners a lot to digest this week. I am sure you will gain many valuable insights from her. If you want to reach out to Carol, send her an email at carol@carolfoderick.com]]>2838awareness,chiseled,familyfirst,hardworkingwoman,prioritizeyourlife,tombstone,worklifebalancefalse1101fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/chiseled-ep-102-cannonball-moments-eric-clayton--66287739It is no wonder, then, that as an adult, Eric loves borrowing from the colorful St. Ignatius, who helped Eric find his spirituality as a writer, first for Catholic Relief Services and now as the deputy director of communications at the Jesuit Conference of Canada and the United States, here in Baltimore.
As Eric explains in this week's podcast, St. Ignatius of Loyola was a soldier and minor noble who "was all about winning wars and wooing women" until he was hit by a cannonball during the Battle of Pamplona. The ordeal led him to put down his sword, become a pilgrim, and found the Jesuit order of priests.
"We're talking about these trajectory-changing instances in our lives," he said. "And they can be pretty brutal, pretty tragic and traumatic."
Eric draws from the inspirational type of prayer that Ignatius taught the Jesuits to pursue — imaginative, contemplative, and most of all experiential.
"He's really big on getting out into the world," Eric said. "The Jesuits, founded in the mid 1500s, were different than other religious orders because they lived in the world. They didn't live in monasteries."
The story of St. Ignatius' self-discovery is where the phrase Cannonball Moments, the title of Eric's second book, comes from.
"It's kind of a flippant term that folks use in the wider Ignatian community," he said.
Aside from Cannonball Moments: Telling Your Story, Deepening Your Faith, Eric also has written My Life With the Jedi: The Spirituality of Star Wars. His third book, Finding Peace Here and Now: How Ignatian Spirituality Leads Us to Healing and Wholeness, is due out in 2025.
Meanwhile, he also writes the award-winning weekly column, "Now Discern This," and has a Substack channel with some very entertaining headlines. It may be trite, Eric says, but for him writing is a form of prayer.
Eric is not only a gifted writer — and you can learn more about his work on his website — but he is also an engaging conversationalist who will have you instantly tuned in when you listen to this week's episode of Chiseled. Enjoy.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/66287739Mon, 26 May 2025 23:21:21 +0000Robert CommodariEric A. Clayton is a born storyteller. Writing fiction as a child, his grandmother would edit Eric's fantastical stories about elves and dragons, teaching him the skills of imaginary world-building. It is no wonder, then, that as an adult, Eric loves...It is no wonder, then, that as an adult, Eric loves borrowing from the colorful St. Ignatius, who helped Eric find his spirituality as a writer, first for Catholic Relief Services and now as the deputy director of communications at the Jesuit Conference of Canada and the United States, here in Baltimore.
As Eric explains in this week's podcast, St. Ignatius of Loyola was a soldier and minor noble who "was all about winning wars and wooing women" until he was hit by a cannonball during the Battle of Pamplona. The ordeal led him to put down his sword, become a pilgrim, and found the Jesuit order of priests.
"We're talking about these trajectory-changing instances in our lives," he said. "And they can be pretty brutal, pretty tragic and traumatic."
Eric draws from the inspirational type of prayer that Ignatius taught the Jesuits to pursue — imaginative, contemplative, and most of all experiential.
"He's really big on getting out into the world," Eric said. "The Jesuits, founded in the mid 1500s, were different than other religious orders because they lived in the world. They didn't live in monasteries."
The story of St. Ignatius' self-discovery is where the phrase Cannonball Moments, the title of Eric's second book, comes from.
"It's kind of a flippant term that folks use in the wider Ignatian community," he said.
Aside from Cannonball Moments: Telling Your Story, Deepening Your Faith, Eric also has written My Life With the Jedi: The Spirituality of Star Wars. His third book, Finding Peace Here and Now: How Ignatian Spirituality Leads Us to Healing and Wholeness, is due out in 2025.
Meanwhile, he also writes the award-winning weekly column, "Now Discern This," and has a Substack channel with some very entertaining headlines. It may be trite, Eric says, but for him writing is a form of prayer.
Eric is not only a gifted writer — and you can learn more about his work on his website — but he is also an engaging conversationalist who will have you instantly tuned in when you listen to this week's episode of Chiseled. Enjoy.]]>2549cannonballmoments,chiseled,imaginaryworldbuilder,stignatius,storyteller,trajectorychangingmomentsfalse1102fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/chiseled-ep-103-the-not-so-secret-agent-danny-hicks--66256623
Danny isn't just a businessman, however. He's an artist too. While coming from a family of entrepreneurs in the construction industry, he set his own course, studying art in college and becoming an art teacher in the Richmond, Virginia, county school system. It was only because of his frustration with a school administrator's inability to think outside the box that Danny pursued his real estate passion and found the nexus between art and business.

For Danny, combining the elements of real estate, art, and educating first-time homebuyers on how to achieve their dreams has been a reward years in the making. As he says, nothing feels better than being able to help someone get to where they want to be. He has taken it to the next level, combining real estate with rentals, renovations, and business development.

I shouldn't be surprised by Danny's ingenuity. As he shares in this week's episode, real estate doesn't just put people in homes or revitalize old neighborhoods. It also helps people find their joy and helps him refine his spiritual, moral, and ethical codes.

Danny is doing great, and it is no surprise. We should all be so lucky to find his level of clarity in our pursuits. I hope hearing Danny describe his path on this week's episode of Chiseled will help you discover how to combine your passions to achieve your ultimate success. ]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/66256623Mon, 26 May 2025 15:45:07 +0000Robert CommodariI have been in real estate a long time, but Danny Hicks taught me something new this week. Many of us in the real estate industry know the trifecta of the deal — location, price, and condition. For most homebuyers, you usually have to sacrifice one...
Danny isn't just a businessman, however. He's an artist too. While coming from a family of entrepreneurs in the construction industry, he set his own course, studying art in college and becoming an art teacher in the Richmond, Virginia, county school system. It was only because of his frustration with a school administrator's inability to think outside the box that Danny pursued his real estate passion and found the nexus between art and business.

For Danny, combining the elements of real estate, art, and educating first-time homebuyers on how to achieve their dreams has been a reward years in the making. As he says, nothing feels better than being able to help someone get to where they want to be. He has taken it to the next level, combining real estate with rentals, renovations, and business development.

I shouldn't be surprised by Danny's ingenuity. As he shares in this week's episode, real estate doesn't just put people in homes or revitalize old neighborhoods. It also helps people find their joy and helps him refine his spiritual, moral, and ethical codes.

Danny is doing great, and it is no surprise. We should all be so lucky to find his level of clarity in our pursuits. I hope hearing Danny describe his path on this week's episode of Chiseled will help you discover how to combine your passions to achieve your ultimate success. ]]>2593artist,awareness,businessdevelopment,chiseled,notsosecretagent,outsidetheboxfalse1103fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/chiseled-ep-104-tough-times-never-last-tough-people-do-blane-stewart--66253538
With his mom forced to work three jobs, Blane was left with little supervision, and he ran with it. By age 16, he owned a townhome and multiple cars, none earned by ordinary industry.

"I was doing bad things and every day I was putting myself in multiple felony-type situations that were dangerous for me," he said. "I was making bad choices from an empty place not knowing where to go."

With millions of dollars in rental properties and earning six figures a year by age 27, Blane was "spiritually bankrupt." At age 30, a SWAT team took him down. The intervention changed his life.

"There is no sense why I'm here," he said. "I put my family and myself in grave danger because all I wanted to do was be loved and accepted but I had no knowledge or base on how to do that."

After what he described as a six-month separation from his family, Blane stopped partying and drinking. He got rid of all his properties in 2006 before the mortgage meltdown and discovered business coaching through an acquaintance who had asked him to attend a Buffini Coaching event. Six months later, he was out of credit card debt and making money.

Now nearly 20 years later, Blane is a top broker for mortgage company NFM Lending. Instead of drinking and doing drugs, he has become an addict to processes, systems, and coaching.

He also found a spiritual practice for addicts that has given him perspective on "how to live life on life's terms." All the tools have empowered him with the principles on how to run a successful — and legitimate — business.

One thing Blane has not overcome since heady days: the highly motivational feeling of the hustle. He says he needs to check his actions everyday, just like any dependency, but he uses that drive to inspire young entrepreneurs to develop the controls and discipline needed to run their own enterprise.

Blane has made helping others his spiritual driver. He says he will never retire because "if you're not taking on the lesson, you ain't growing."

Listening to fast-talking Blane, with his wealth of one-liners, will probably hype you up too. If he motivates you, he is willing to help out anyone who needs it, so give him a call. He shares his phone number at the end of podcast. Enjoy this episode of Chiseled.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/66253538Sun, 25 May 2025 17:45:07 +0000Robert CommodariBlane Stewart was a latchkey kid, who turned his freedom into a hustle, often with severe consequences. Raised in his early years on a 100-acre farm, he was devastated by his parents' divorce, his dad's raging alcoholism, and his mom moving him and...
With his mom forced to work three jobs, Blane was left with little supervision, and he ran with it. By age 16, he owned a townhome and multiple cars, none earned by ordinary industry.

"I was doing bad things and every day I was putting myself in multiple felony-type situations that were dangerous for me," he said. "I was making bad choices from an empty place not knowing where to go."

With millions of dollars in rental properties and earning six figures a year by age 27, Blane was "spiritually bankrupt." At age 30, a SWAT team took him down. The intervention changed his life.

"There is no sense why I'm here," he said. "I put my family and myself in grave danger because all I wanted to do was be loved and accepted but I had no knowledge or base on how to do that."

After what he described as a six-month separation from his family, Blane stopped partying and drinking. He got rid of all his properties in 2006 before the mortgage meltdown and discovered business coaching through an acquaintance who had asked him to attend a Buffini Coaching event. Six months later, he was out of credit card debt and making money.

Now nearly 20 years later, Blane is a top broker for mortgage company NFM Lending. Instead of drinking and doing drugs, he has become an addict to processes, systems, and coaching.

He also found a spiritual practice for addicts that has given him perspective on "how to live life on life's terms." All the tools have empowered him with the principles on how to run a successful — and legitimate — business.

One thing Blane has not overcome since heady days: the highly motivational feeling of the hustle. He says he needs to check his actions everyday, just like any dependency, but he uses that drive to inspire young entrepreneurs to develop the controls and discipline needed to run their own enterprise.

Blane has made helping others his spiritual driver. He says he will never retire because "if you're not taking on the lesson, you ain't growing."

Listening to fast-talking Blane, with his wealth of one-liners, will probably hype you up too. If he motivates you, he is willing to help out anyone who needs it, so give him a call. He shares his phone number at the end of podcast. Enjoy this episode of Chiseled.]]>2963businesscoaching,chiseled,determined,intervention,topmortgagebrokerfalse1104fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/chiseled-ep-106-the-secret-war-within-brett-snodgrass--66247047Brad Noll — a guest I had on way back in the early days of Chiseled, on episode 19.  

Brett and Brad both grew up in Indiana. They both were sons of high school basketball coaches who were loving and highly demanding. They both played basketball in college and now work in real estate. They are both men of deep faith who prioritize their children.

In fact, the two know each other, but their stories lead down very different paths. For Brett, he went wild during the 2008 financial crash. He purchased his first home from the bank in 2007. In the space of two years, he went from investing in one property to buying and selling 150 properties.

That's an incredible pace, and it matched Brett's personality. Brett was all about excess back in those days — excessive drinking, excessive sex, excessive risk-taking.

Brett made the error of equating excess with success. At age 30, after he woke up hungover and propositioned by a prostitute in a hotel room in Las Vegas (nothing happened), he realized he was done "having fun."

"Not to go into too many gory details, but yeah, you hit this rock bottom, especially after you have achieved a lot of stuff, you feel this emptiness inside," he said. "I said I'm tired of 'having fun.' I just don't want to live like this anymore."

Brett went home, considered how to change his life, and started looking for meaning. It wasn't long afterward he found a relationship with Christ. He started paying attention to how Jesus behaved and the meaning of his own actions. He started being intentional with his life and began looking to support other men seeking purpose in their careers and relationships.

He soon wrote a book called The Secret War Within, an allegory about the gnawing that eats at everyone when they are missing purpose. He admits that the main character is partly based on him, but also general enough that it will be familiar to many men in particular.

Several years ago, Brett also formed Iron Deep, an incredible network of men who want to be good leaders, good businessmen, and good fathers. He has cultivated the program, which offers retreats to build fellowship, into something akin to a "discipleship" — 12 men per group who want to sharpen each other and go deep together in business and their relationship with God.

With his faith and clarity of purpose, Brett offers a thoughtful perspective on "what's worth it" in life, the role of men in society, and how to be great dads, excellent friends, and strong leaders.

Brett says one of the many traits he likes about Jesus is how relaxed he was. Brett's calm emulates the connectedness Jesus conveyed. He too makes me want to hurry up and slow down.

I felt deeply connected to Brett during this interview, and I am confident you will too. So, take a little time to listen to his story on this week's episode of Chiseled, and feel free to reach out to him if you want to learn more about Iron Deep or other topics that may resonate with you. ]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/66247047Sat, 24 May 2025 10:57:31 +0000Robert CommodariEvery story is unique, but sometimes I have to chuckle at our similarities. Take Brett Snodgrass. His story sounds familiar...Brad Noll — a guest I had on way back in the early days of Chiseled, on episode 19.  

Brett and Brad both grew up in Indiana. They both were sons of high school basketball coaches who were loving and highly demanding. They both played basketball in college and now work in real estate. They are both men of deep faith who prioritize their children.

In fact, the two know each other, but their stories lead down very different paths. For Brett, he went wild during the 2008 financial crash. He purchased his first home from the bank in 2007. In the space of two years, he went from investing in one property to buying and selling 150 properties.

That's an incredible pace, and it matched Brett's personality. Brett was all about excess back in those days — excessive drinking, excessive sex, excessive risk-taking.

Brett made the error of equating excess with success. At age 30, after he woke up hungover and propositioned by a prostitute in a hotel room in Las Vegas (nothing happened), he realized he was done "having fun."

"Not to go into too many gory details, but yeah, you hit this rock bottom, especially after you have achieved a lot of stuff, you feel this emptiness inside," he said. "I said I'm tired of 'having fun.' I just don't want to live like this anymore."

Brett went home, considered how to change his life, and started looking for meaning. It wasn't long afterward he found a relationship with Christ. He started paying attention to how Jesus behaved and the meaning of his own actions. He started being intentional with his life and began looking to support other men seeking purpose in their careers and relationships.

He soon wrote a book called The Secret War Within, an allegory about the gnawing that eats at everyone when they are missing purpose. He admits that the main character is partly based on him, but also general enough that it will be familiar to many men in particular.

Several years ago, Brett also formed Iron Deep, an incredible network of men who want to be good leaders, good businessmen, and good fathers. He has cultivated the program, which offers retreats to build fellowship, into something akin to a "discipleship" — 12 men per group who want to sharpen each other and go deep together in business and their relationship with God.

With his faith and clarity of purpose, Brett offers a thoughtful perspective on "what's worth it" in life, the role of men in society, and how to be great dads, excellent friends, and strong leaders.

Brett says one of the many traits he likes about Jesus is how relaxed he was. Brett's calm emulates the connectedness Jesus conveyed. He too makes me want to hurry up and slow down.

I felt deeply connected to Brett during this interview, and I am confident you will too. So, take a little time to listen to his story on this week's episode of Chiseled, and feel free to reach out to him if you want to learn more about Iron Deep or other topics that may resonate with you. ]]>2931chiseledpodcast,faith,irondeep,leadership,menoffaith,purpose,realestatefalse1106fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/chiseled-ep-105-spirit-mind-body-results-chicken-soup-for-the-soul-co-author-mark-victor-hansen--66092390
As a keynote speaker, author, publisher, and philanthropist, Mark is the guy whose face appears next to the words "determination" and "energy" in the dictionary. He started out being mentored in grad school by architect and inventor R. Buckminster Fuller, but after having gone bankrupt trying to sell geodesic domes in the 1970s, he asked God what he was meant to do. He says God told him to decide, and he came up with the answer.

"I want to talk to people who care about things that matter that would make a life-transformative difference in their life," he said.

Not knowing where to start, Mark went to speak to visionary real estate coach Chip Collins. Collins encouraged Mark to go sell his sales techniques to insurance agencies. So, Mark did. He self-published his first book, Stand Up, Speak Out, and Win, and took the book with him to all his appointments. In his first year, he sold 20,000 books for $10 apiece. Things grew from there.

"I went from being bankrupt, which I was ... and now I'm selling. I'm making money and I'm having fun."

By 1988, Mark was earning $1 million a year selling books on the speaking circuit. Then he met Jack Canfield. Operating in the same circles, Mark says Jack approached him one day and told him he was going to put 65 of Mark's stories in a book. Mark told him that wasn't going to happen unless they worked together. From there, the partnership was born.

"Jack tells the story a little bit different but one of those two stories is somewhere near true," he joked.

It took several years and more than 100 attempts at finding a title before Chicken Soup for the Soul was released. As you know, it went gangbusters. Since then, Mark has authored or co-authored more than 300 books. He has been the most frequent best-selling author on USA Today's books list, and he made the Guinness Book of World Records for his prolific sales. 

"Your imagination creates your reality," he said. "You can set outrageous goals if you really commit and have the courage to commit at a cellular level."

With his limitless energy and dedication to serving others, Mark says he is never going to retire. And that's great for the rest of us because he has many stories to tell, lessons to share, and new authors to publish. You're going to be blown away by this week's episode of Chiseled .]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/66092390Thu, 15 May 2025 17:26:02 +0000Robert CommodariMark Victor Hansen is the world's No. 1 author, having sold 500 million copies of a little book series he co-wrote, called Chicken Soup for the Soul. I'm thrilled to say that he is also this week's guest on Chiseled. As a keynote speaker, author,...
As a keynote speaker, author, publisher, and philanthropist, Mark is the guy whose face appears next to the words "determination" and "energy" in the dictionary. He started out being mentored in grad school by architect and inventor R. Buckminster Fuller, but after having gone bankrupt trying to sell geodesic domes in the 1970s, he asked God what he was meant to do. He says God told him to decide, and he came up with the answer.

"I want to talk to people who care about things that matter that would make a life-transformative difference in their life," he said.

Not knowing where to start, Mark went to speak to visionary real estate coach Chip Collins. Collins encouraged Mark to go sell his sales techniques to insurance agencies. So, Mark did. He self-published his first book, Stand Up, Speak Out, and Win, and took the book with him to all his appointments. In his first year, he sold 20,000 books for $10 apiece. Things grew from there.

"I went from being bankrupt, which I was ... and now I'm selling. I'm making money and I'm having fun."

By 1988, Mark was earning $1 million a year selling books on the speaking circuit. Then he met Jack Canfield. Operating in the same circles, Mark says Jack approached him one day and told him he was going to put 65 of Mark's stories in a book. Mark told him that wasn't going to happen unless they worked together. From there, the partnership was born.

"Jack tells the story a little bit different but one of those two stories is somewhere near true," he joked.

It took several years and more than 100 attempts at finding a title before Chicken Soup for the Soul was released. As you know, it went gangbusters. Since then, Mark has authored or co-authored more than 300 books. He has been the most frequent best-selling author on USA Today's books list, and he made the Guinness Book of World Records for his prolific sales. 

"Your imagination creates your reality," he said. "You can set outrageous goals if you really commit and have the courage to commit at a cellular level."

With his limitless energy and dedication to serving others, Mark says he is never going to retire. And that's great for the rest of us because he has many stories to tell, lessons to share, and new authors to publish. You're going to be blown away by this week's episode of Chiseled .]]>3795blownaway,chickensoupforthesoul,chiseled,inspiration,keynotespeaker,markvictorhansen,neverretire,numberoneauthor,outrageousgoals,storytellingfalse1105full