The Positive Persistence Podcast with Ian Bowen

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PositivePersistence-ch8fk

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The Surprising Power of Imagination

ian@thepositivepersistence.com (Positive Persistence) — Wed, 22 Apr 2026 10:38:37 +0000

In this episode, you’ll discover:

1. Why adults quietly stop using their imagination and how fear of failure is almost always the reason.
2. What Ian was imagining from a hospital bed, paralyzed from the chest down, and why it mattered.
3. How vivid mental pictures paired with emotion can begin pulling your desired future toward you.
4. The reticular activating system: what it is and why obsessing over your goal makes the right resources appear.
5. Why your dream may take 13 years, not overnight, and why that is not a reason to abandon it.
6. How to revive your imagination starting today, even if it has been dormant for years.

Key Takeaways:

1. Imagination Is a Tool, Not a Luxury: Adults who stop dreaming don't lose their potential. They just stop activating it.
2. Fear Kills the Dream Before It Starts: Most people cut off their biggest goals before giving them a real chance. The threat isn't failure. It's quitting early.
3. Emotion Makes Visualization Work: A mental picture alone is not enough. Connecting to how achieving your goal will feel is what makes it magnetic.
4. Your Brain Will Find What You're Looking For: The reticular activating system filters reality based on your focus. Point it at your dream and useful things start appearing.
5. Long Obedience, Aggressive Patience: Imagination without staying power fades. Keep the dream vivid and keep doing the work, even when results are slow.
6. What You Put Out Comes Back: The universe rewards obsessive clarity about what you want. Start with the picture. Stay with it.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction: another solo cast with Ian
00:16 – Remember how you used to dream as a kid
01:00 – The moment adults stop using their imagination
01:55 – Fear is what cuts the dream short before it forms
02:41 – Four weeks paralyzed from the chest down: Ian's personal story
03:10 – How keeping the dream alive made a 13-year comeback possible
03:57 – The reticular activating system: why obsessing over your goal rewires what you notice
05:10 – Paint the vivid picture: sight, sound, feel, taste
05:38 – Long obedience in the same direction with aggressive patience
05:53 – Dreaming isn't just for kids. Don't sleep on it.

CONNECT WITH IAN BOWEN:

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PositivePersistence-ch8fk

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Mindset for Body Image with Jay Nelson

ian@thepositivepersistence.com (Jay Nelson) — Wed, 15 Apr 2026 11:11:45 +0000

In this episode, you’ll discover:

1. The 125-pound country boy origin story and how one arm wrestling loss launched a lifelong mission.

2. Why evidence from your past is the best compass for your next step forward.

3. How Jason turned a racist client rejection into rocket fuel for mastering his craft.

4. The biggest gap in how women are supported in fitness, and why "just exercise more" is a dismissal, not advice.

5. The difference between contributing and determining circumstances, and why confusing the two keeps people stuck.

6. Why body image transformation is always powered by an internal need, even when the goal looks external.

7. The three things Jason needs from every client before he can do his job: early arrival, consistency, attitude.

8. What a biological age test revealed about his own brain health, and why being lean doesn't mean everything is working.

Key Takeaways:

1. Trust Your Past Steps: The evidence of how far you've come is the most reliable fuel for your next move.

2. Pain Is Fuel, Not a Sentence: Use frustration, rejection, and setbacks as a spark to sharpen your skills rather than a reason to retreat.

3. Contributing vs. Determining: Other people can make your journey harder. They cannot determine the outcome. Know the difference.

4. Disempowered Expectations Always End in Retreat: Expect the process to work. Doubt the process and you'll quit before it has a chance.

5. Body Change Is an Inside Job: Physical transformation spills into every area of life because it fills an internal gap, not just an aesthetic one.

6. Fat Loss Is the Entry Point: Metabolic health is the foundation, but longevity requires going under the hood: brain, organ systems, and more.

7. Show Up with Three Things: Early, consistent, and with a good attitude. Everything else can be taught.

8. Goals Come with Inherited Problems: When you set a goal, expect disruption. The obstacles are part of the package, not a sign you're failing.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction to the Positive Persistence Podcast

00:11 – Meet Jason Nelson: founder of Body Image Fitness

01:34 – From country kid to the city: the school that changed everything

03:16 – The arm wrestling moment that lit the spark

05:57 – Stacking wins and building a new identity through evidence

08:41 – How to step into the arena when fear is holding you back

10:52 – Moving to the US, starting over at 25, and facing doubt

13:12 – Experiencing racism and deciding to become undeniable

16:22 – Women, fitness gaps, and a healthcare system that dismisses them

21:09 – Why "Body Image" became the name and the mission

24:41 – The three client traits Jason can't teach

28:51 – The Human Optimization Project and the longevity framework

31:55 – Biological age testing: what a brain score of 44 changed for Jason

34:05 – Disempowered expectations always end in retreat

38:36 – Goals always come with inherited problems

Connect with Jason Nelson:

Website: https://bodyimage.health/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaynelson0580/

CONNECT WITH IAN BOWEN:

Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/marriage-and-intimacy-tips-for-christian-couples/id1345544810

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PositivePersistence-ch8fk

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Building Resilient Relationships with Monica Tanner

ian@thepositivepersistence.com (Monica Tanner) — Wed, 8 Apr 2026 10:05:00 +0000

In this episode, you’ll discover:

1. Why coming from a family of divorce doesn't have to define your own marriage and how the generations before us can actually give us an unexpected head start.

2. The root of "earned love" thinking, how childhood experiences wire us to believe we must be perfect to be worth keeping, and why that belief wreaks havoc in adult relationships.

3. What Monica's rock bottom looked like: debilitating anxiety, three kids, a business to run, and sitting paralyzed on her closet floor unable to get dressed.

4. Why you are wounded in relationship and therefore must be healed in relationship, and what the difference is between a partner who supports your healing and one who does it for you.

5. The dangerous myth that a loving partner should just know what you need, and why even 24 years of marriage doesn't make anyone a mind reader.

6. How to turn complaints into requests using a framework rooted in Relational Life Therapy, and why teaching people how to treat you is an act of love.

7. The 3% rule: a simple, numbers-backed approach to staying emotionally connected using just 20 minutes a day, three hours a week, and one trip a year.

8. The one brave question that can unlock a new level of intimacy in your marriage, if you can hear the answer without getting defensive.

Key Takeaways:

1. You Were Wounded in Relationship: That means healing happens there too. A partner can hold space for your healing, but self-love is the actual work, and no one can do it for you.

2. Stop Earning, Start Being: The belief that love must be earned is a childhood adaptation, not a truth. Recognizing the difference is the first step to lasting intimacy.

3. Your Partner Cannot Read Your Mind: No matter how long you've been together, your needs change constantly. The skill of making clear, loving requests is what closes that gap.

4. Complaints Are Hidden Requests: Underneath every frustration is a desire. Learning to translate your complaints into requests gives your partner something they can actually act on.

5. 3% Is All It Takes: Twenty intentional minutes a day, three connected hours a week, and one dedicated trip a year is enough to keep a marriage thriving through every season.

6. Don't Wait for Later: Couples who defer their relationship until after the kids, the career, or the mortgage often arrive at that later not knowing the person beside them.

7. Differences Create Passion: Incompatibility is not a red flag. Navigating your differences with curiosity rather than contempt is what generates both intimacy and passion.

8. Be the Spouse You Want to Have: You can't control your partner. You can control who you show up as, and that is the most powerful lever you have in any relationship.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction to the Positive Persistence Podcast

00:11 – Meet Monica Tanner: relationship coach and author of Secrets of Happily Ever After

01:26 – Growing up through divorce and why that became a strength, not a sentence

04:15 – The "earned love" trap: why so many of us believe we must be perfect to be kept

04:50 – Monica's childhood: abandoned at 12, couch-surfing at 16, and the belief she formed

07:41 – Wounded in relationship, healed in relationship: the framework that changed everything

10:00 – Why your partner can support your healing but cannot do it for you

11:18 – What to do when your only model of marriage was emotionally shut down

13:38 – Rock bottom: paralyzed on the closet floor and the week that turned things around

19:14 – The mind-reading myth: why "if they loved me, they'd just know" keeps couples stuck

21:00 – How to make requests, set loving limits, and teach people how to treat you

25:07 – The manual we all have for others and why nobody ever sees it

27:55 – The cost of putting your relationship on hold until later

32:12 – The 3% rule: 20 minutes a day, 3 hours a week, one trip a year

34:56 – The question that could change your marriage: “What is it like to be married to me?”

Connect with Monica Tanner:

Website: https://www.monicatanner.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/monitalksmarriage

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/monica.tanner2

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@secretsofhappilyeverafter

CONNECT WITH IAN BOWEN:

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PositivePersistence-ch8fk

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Running Through Pain with Dr. Tiffany Bozovich

ian@thepositivepersistence.com (Positive Persistence) — Wed, 1 Apr 2026 11:55:00 +0000

In this episode, you’ll discover:

1. The mental journey from "you'll never run again" to crossing a marathon finish line and what shifted internally to make that possible.

2. Why pain isn't the enemy but rather your body's messenger trying to get your attention about something that needs addressing.

3. How Dr. Tiffany's science-based approach to chiropractic care combines manipulation, rehab, and physical therapy for whole-body healing.

4. The critical role vulnerability plays in healing and why asking for help is a strength, not a weakness, when recovering from injury.

5. How to reframe the cultural default message about pain from "you're broken, slow down" to "your body is communicating what needs attention."

6. Why the body has an amazing capacity to heal itself when you provide the right tools, environment, and support system.

Key Takeaways:

1. Pain is a Messenger, Not a Verdict: Pain doesn't mean stop forever. It's your body's way of telling you to pay attention to something. Instead of avoiding pain, learn what it's communicating so you can address the root cause.

2. The Body Can Heal Itself When Given the Right Tools: Your body has an incredible capacity for recovery and adaptation. The key is providing proper support, movement, and treatment rather than accepting limitations as permanent.

3. Vulnerability is a Prerequisite for Healing: You can't get help if no one knows you're struggling. Getting over the discomfort of sharing your pain with someone who can help is essential for recovery and potentially life-changing.

4. Prove Them Wrong by Proving Yourself Right: When faced with limiting diagnoses or predictions, channel your energy into proving what's possible for yourself rather than arguing with others. Let your results speak for themselves.

5. Pain Applies to All Areas of Life: The principles of dealing with physical pain translate directly to emotional, professional, and relational challenges. Instead of stopping when something hurts, find another way to keep moving forward.

6. Movement is Medicine: Consistent, appropriate movement and activity are often more healing than rest alone. The key is finding the right type and amount of movement for your current condition.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction to the Positive Persistence Podcast

00:52 – Meet Dr. Tiffany Bozovich: chiropractor and marathon runner

01:24 – The history of chiropractic care and science-based approaches

03:33 – From athlete to patient: the story of four knee surgeries

04:13 – What was happening mentally when told "you'll never run again"

08:04 – The turning point: deciding to prove them wrong

12:42 – How personal pain shaped a holistic approach to patient care

18:37 – The power of vulnerability in healing and asking for help

23:45 – Why people avoid seeking help and how to overcome that barrier

27:17 – Rewriting the cultural story about pain and injury

28:48 – The body is amazing: how it can heal itself with the right tools

29:04 – Life lessons from physical pain: moving forward through adversity

30:07 – Where to find Dr. Tiffany and Bozovich Wellness

Connect with Dr. Tiffany Bozovich:

Website: https://bozovichwellness.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bozovichwellness/

CONNECT WITH IAN BOWEN:

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PositivePersistence-ch8fk

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Breaking Emotional Barriers with Carolyn Moore

ian@thepositivepersistence.com (Ian Bowen) — Sat, 28 Mar 2026 13:06:43 +0000

Have you ever hit a wall emotionally with anxiety, grief, stress, or pure overwhelm and thought, "Why can't I just get it together?"

In this profound and deeply practical episode, Ian Bowen sits down with Carolyn Moore, a licensed therapist with nearly two decades of experience guiding people through life's most challenging emotional terrain. As the founder of Point to Point Counseling, Carolyn specializes in cognitive behavioral therapy and a holistic approach that treats the whole person: body, mind, and spirit.

Carolyn explains the powerful connection between our thoughts, emotions, and physical experiences, and why bottling up emotions creates trapped energy within our bodies that affects how we show up in life. She introduces her compelling "bottle analogy" for understanding emotional pressure, breaks down how to process rather than suppress difficult feelings, and shares practical strategies for building emotional resilience that can transform how you navigate adversity.

This is a must-listen for anyone struggling with anxiety, processing past trauma, or feeling stuck in emotional patterns. Carolyn's insights offer a roadmap for breaking through barriers and moving toward a more purpose-driven, emotionally healthy life.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

1. How cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps reframe adversity by changing the relationship between your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.

2. Why emotions carry energy that doesn't just disappear on its own, and how suppressing feelings creates trapped emotional pressure within your body.

3. The "bottle analogy" for understanding how unprocessed trauma and emotions build pressure that eventually erupts in unexpected ways.

4. How body, mind, and spirit are interconnected, and why addressing one area can create positive ripple effects in the others.

5. Practical "right now skills" for managing overwhelming emotions in the moment before you can fully process them later.

6. Why labeling emotions and understanding their genesis from past trauma is the first essential step toward healing and breaking free from emotional patterns.

Key Takeaways:

1. Adversity Lives in Body, Mind, and Spirit: You can experience trials in physical health, mental wellbeing, or spiritual life, and they're all interconnected. Addressing one area often creates positive momentum in the others.

2. Emotions Carry Energy That Demands Direction: All emotions carry energy that doesn't just vanish. If you don't actively process and direct that energy outward, it becomes trapped in your body and affects how you show up in life.

3. Bottling Up Emotions Creates Internal Pressure: Like shaking a carbonated bottle, suppressing emotions without processing them builds pressure that will eventually explode in frustration, anger, or sadness at unexpected times.

4. Process, Don't Just Distract: Pushing down difficult emotions or distracting yourself from pain doesn't resolve it. You must actively process feelings to release the trapped energy and move forward.

5. Label It to Heal It: Understanding and naming your emotions, especially tracing them back to their origin in past trauma, is essential for treating them. You can't heal what you can't identify.

6. Start Where You Can: When everything feels overwhelming, begin with the area you can tackle first. Small successes in physical health (sleep, movement, nutrition) can boost mood and motivation, creating momentum for deeper healing.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction to the Positive Persistence Podcast

00:35 – Meet Carolyn Moore: licensed therapist and founder of Point to Point Counseling

01:02 – Introduction to cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and its power

02:02 – Defining adversity from a holistic perspective: body, mind, and spirit

03:24 – The interconnection: how physical struggles impact emotions and thoughts

03:39 – The bottle analogy: why bottling up emotions creates trapped energy

04:01 – Understanding emotional energy and how it affects rooms and relationships

04:20 – What happens when emotional energy isn't processed or directed

05:00 – The carbonation effect: how suppressed emotions build pressure over time

27:39 – Teaching emotional awareness and "right now skills" for immediate overwhelm

28:01 – Moving from emotional regulation to goal attainment and purpose

28:50 – The spiritual component: where you put your hope and trust matters

29:00 – The importance of labeling emotions and understanding trauma's genesis

30:56 – Where to connect with Carolyn Moore and Point to Point Counseling

Connect with Carolyn Moore:

Website: https://www.point2pointcounseling.org/

Psychology Today Profile: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/point-2-point-counseling-valparaiso-in/423113

Connect with Ian Bowen:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@IanBowenPositivePersistence

CONNECT WITH IAN BOWEN:

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PositivePersistence-ch8fk

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Rare Disease, Real Resilience with Josh Resnikoff

ian@thepositivepersistence.com (joshua resnikoff) — Wed, 18 Mar 2026 12:35:00 +0000

In this episode, you’ll discover:

1. What the rare disease journey really means, why 1 in 10 people has a genetic condition, and why the current healthcare system wasn't built to handle it.
2. The story of Josh's son Shiloh, from a sudden 105-degree fever at 18 months to years of unexplained recurring illness and a healthcare system that had no answers.
3. The emotional stages Josh went through: hope, betrayal, guilt, and the community moment that finally shifted him toward action.
4. How to be a fierce self-advocate in the healthcare system, and why sometimes burning the bridge with a doctor who can't help you is the right call.
5. What Josh means by being a "pathological optimist" and how that mindset gets tested and rebuilt through real adversity.
6. The daily habits and tools Josh uses to process setbacks, from talking problems out loud to working out and unstructured time in nature.
7. What pushed Josh from personal pain to building a company, and the role that seeing other ordinary parents change the world played in that decision.
8. How Sunstone Health works and why its technology can deliver what used to take seven years in just 12 weeks.

Key Takeaways:
1. You Can't Take No for an Answer: In rare disease and in life, moving past the experts who can't help and finding the ones who can is not optional; it's survival.
2. Community Is the Inflection Point: Isolation keeps you stuck. Finding others on the same journey can shift you from paralysis to action. You don't have to carry the fight alone.
3. Purpose Outlasts Pain: When your mission is personal, giving up isn't an option. Connecting your work to something that truly matters creates a fuel that outlasts every setback.
4. Allow the Bad Day: Suppressing struggle doesn't build resilience. Letting yourself feel it fully, then waking up and going again, is what real grit looks like.
5. The Scientific Method Applies to Life: Fail, observe, adjust, repeat. Getting comfortable with failure isn't weakness; it's the only path that edges you closer to the truth.
6. Overnight Success Takes 10 Years: What looks like a breakthrough is years of invisible work. Build the practices now. The results show up later.
7. Problem-Solve Out Loud: Talking through challenges, moving your body, and giving your mind unstructured time are legitimate and proven strategies for getting back in the fight.
8. Legacy Is Built in the Ordinary: It's not the big milestones but the individual families helped, the team members believed in, and the daily work that defines lasting impact.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction to the Positive Persistence Podcast
00:32 – Meet Josh Resnikoff: founder, scientist, and warrior parent
00:47 – What is the rare disease journey? The 7-year diagnostic odyssey explained
03:15 – From biomedical engineer to caregiver: Josh's background and mindset
04:50 – Shiloh's story: years of unexplained fevers and a healthcare system without answers
07:54 – The moment a doctor said "it's not terminal, so don't worry about it"
09:25 – Processing betrayal, guilt, and grief as a rare disease parent
12:02 – Finding community and the inflection point that changed everything
14:48 – How to be a fierce self-advocate without burning every bridge (and when to burn them)
17:50 – Pathological optimism: what it looks like on the hard days
22:38 – Daily habits and tools for resetting after setbacks
27:00 – Why Josh built a company instead of just managing his own family's situation
29:52 – Sunstone Health: the elevator pitch and the 12-week promise
33:30 – Legacy over outcome: why the work matters more than the milestone
36:10 – How to connect with Josh and learn more about Sunstone Health

Connect with Josh Resnikoff:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuaresnikoff/
Website: https://www.sunstonehealth.com/
Email: info@sunstonehealth.com

CONNECT WITH IAN BOWEN:

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PositivePersistence-ch8fk

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

90. Turning Adversity into Superpower with John Kippen

ian@thepositivepersistence.com (Ian Bowen) — Wed, 11 Mar 2026 11:16:34 +0000

What if the thing you’ve been hiding from could actually become your greatest strength?

In this powerful episode, Ian Bowen sits down with resilience and empowerment coach John Kippen to explore how a life-altering brain tumor diagnosis transformed his life in unexpected ways. After undergoing brain surgery in 2002, John woke up to discover that he had permanent facial paralysis. What followed was more than a decade of hiding from the world, struggling with self-confidence, and questioning how he could move forward.

John shares the emotional and physical journey that followed his diagnosis, including the shock of learning about the tumor, the intense recovery process, and the moment he realized his life had permanently changed. For years, he withdrew from social situations, avoided mirrors and cameras, and wrestled with the loss of his identity and confidence.

But everything began to shift when John rediscovered a childhood passion: performing magic. Through storytelling and performance, he began reframing his facial paralysis not as something to hide but as a unique part of his story. What started as a way to cope eventually became a powerful tool to inspire others facing their own struggles.

Today, John helps people understand that what makes them different can become their greatest superpower. Through vulnerability, authenticity, and courage, he encourages others to stop hiding and start living their most authentic lives.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

1. John’s shocking journey from early symptoms to waking up after brain tumor surgery.

2. The emotional toll of permanent facial paralysis and the years he spent hiding from the world.

3. How rediscovering his love for magic helped him rebuild his confidence and identity.

4. The moment John realized that what made him different could actually be his superpower.

5. How storytelling and vulnerability can create deep connections and inspire others.

6. Why authenticity is one of the most powerful tools for personal transformation.

7. How embracing your story can help others overcome their own struggles.

Key Takeaways:

1. Your Struggles Can Become Your Strength: What initially feels like your greatest weakness can become the very thing that empowers you and helps others.

2. Hiding Only Prolongs the Pain: Avoiding mirrors, cameras, or social situations may feel safe, but true healing begins when you face your reality with courage.

3. Authenticity Creates Connection: When you share your story openly, people relate to you on a deeper level and feel less alone in their own challenges.

4. Your Differences Are Not Flaws: The qualities that make you feel different can become your unique advantage and personal brand.

5. Small Moments Can Spark Big Transformation: Rediscovering a passion or taking one courageous step can start the process of rebuilding your confidence.

6. You Never Know Who You’re Inspiring: Simply showing up and living authentically can give someone else the strength to keep going.

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction: Ian welcomes resilience coach John Kippen

01:04 - The early symptoms that led to a brain tumor diagnosis

03:48 - Receiving the life-changing news and preparing for brain surgery

06:40 - Waking up after surgery and discovering facial paralysis

08:36 - Complications during recovery and returning to surgery

11:00 - Realizing the facial paralysis might be permanent

12:30 - Losing confidence and hiding from the world for years

13:33 - Rediscovering magic and stepping back into the spotlight

14:48 - Using storytelling and mentalism to connect with audiences

16:10 - Turning differences into a personal superpower

17:39 - A powerful moment performing magic that changed everything

18:43 - The turning point that helped John accept himself

20:55 - Why authenticity helps others step out of hiding

22:30 - Writing his motivational memoir Playing the Hand You Were Dealt

Connect with John Kippen:

Website: https://www.johnkippen.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnkippenspeaker/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kippen/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnkippen/

Connect with Ian Bowen:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@IanBowenPositivePersistence

CONNECT WITH IAN BOWEN:

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PositivePersistence-ch8fk

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

89. Reclaiming Your Body with Dana Huwig

ian@thepositivepersistence.com (Ian Bowen, Dana Huwig) — Wed, 4 Mar 2026 11:00:00 +0000

Are you tired of constantly starting over with your health and fitness goals?

In this deeply personal and informative episode, Ian Bowen sits down with his wife Dana Huwig, owner of Team Bone Wellness, for an honest conversation about the lifelong journey of reclaiming your body and yourself. Dana opens up about her own struggles, from growing up in the toxic "skinny culture" of the 90s and 2000s to the physical and mental toll of nearly a decade of pregnancy and nursing, through the ups and downs of marathon training that wreaked havoc on her body, to finally discovering a sustainable approach that helped her feel strong and confident in her forties.

Dana shares her raw and real story of dealing with severe anemia, hormone imbalances, thyroid issues, gallbladder removal, and inexplicable weight gain despite doing everything "right." She explains how these experiences led her to create Team Bowen Wellness, a program that integrates GLP-1 medications with nutrition and fitness to fill the gap in care she witnessed. Dana tackles the guilt and shame surrounding GLP-1 use head-on, reframing them as legitimate tools for metabolic health rather than "cheating" or quick fixes.

This episode is a must-listen for any woman who has ever felt like her body didn't belong to her anymore; whether from motherhood, aging, hormones, or simply life. Dana offers a compassionate, judgment-free perspective on doing what makes YOU feel good, without apology.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

1. Dana's journey through the toxic skinny culture of the 90s and 2000s and how it shaped her relationship with her body.

2. The physical and emotional toll of nearly a decade of pregnancy and nursing, and what it really means to want your "body back."

3. How training for a marathon led to unexpected weight gain, exhaustion, and inflammation, and the blood work that revealed severe anemia and hormone imbalances.

4. The moment Dana realized she was doing everything "right" but still couldn't get her outsides to match her insides.

5. What GLP-1 medications actually are, how they work, and why they shouldn't carry shame or guilt when used responsibly.

6. The critical importance of integrating nutrition and strength training with GLP-1s to avoid becoming "skinny fat" and to build sustainable habits.

7. How Dana learned to love her body at 45, and why your best body isn't behind you.

Key Takeaways:

1. Your Body Goes Through Seasons: Pregnancy, nursing, postpartum, perimenopause, menopause: your body will change. Learning to love yourself through those variations is essential. Give yourself the grace you'd give your best friend.

2. "Doing Everything Right" Isn't Always Enough: Sometimes weight gain and inflammation are signs of underlying medical issues: anemia, hormone imbalances, thyroid problems. If something feels off, dig deeper and find a practitioner who will actually listen.

3. GLP-1s Are Tools, Not Magic or Cheating: These medications have been around for decades and are deemed very safe. Using them for metabolic health is no different than taking Tylenol for a headache. The guilt belongs to diet culture, not to you.

4. Muscle Preservation Is Non-Negotiable: If you're on a GLP-1, you must prioritize protein and lift heavy weights. Otherwise, your body will burn muscle first, leaving you "skinny fat" with no metabolic fire and no energy.

5. Small Wins Matter More Than the Scale: When the scale won't move, notice the small victories: better mobility, improved stamina, clothes fitting differently, more energy, higher libido. The "N" in Ian's RINSE method stands for Notice Your Small Wins.

6. Your Best Body Isn't Behind You: At 45, Dana feels more confident and amazing than she did in her twenties. Your best days, best energy, and best relationship with your body can be ahead of you, no matter your age.

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction: Ian welcomes his wife Dana Huwig to the show

01:39 - Dana's lowest season: after four boys and nearly a decade of pregnancy and nursing

06:42 - Wanting your body back and reclaiming yourself

08:27 - The toxic skinny culture of the 90s and 2000s

13:55 - The endless cycle of fad diets

14:36 - Marathon training and the havoc it wreaked on Dana's body

17:57 - Hitting a wall: gaining weight while doing everything "right"

20:16 - Discovering severe anemia and hormone imbalances

23:15 - The inexplicable return of inflammation and weight gain

25:44 - How GLP-1s entered Dana's life

29:45 - The GLP-1 debate: worship vs. demonization

30:17 - Why you shouldn't feel guilty about using GLP-1s

34:22 - Top mistakes people make with GLP-1s

37:46 - Building habits and having an exit strategy

38:16 - Finding time for yourself when you're a busy mom

40:53 - What to do when the scale won't move

44:20 - Feeling more confident in your forties than your twenties

45:18 - No shame in Botox, no shame in gray hair; do what makes YOU feel good

47:53 - A compassionate first step for anyone feeling ashamed

Connect with Dana Huwig:

Instagram (Business): https://www.instagram.com/teambowenwellness/

Instagram (Personal): https://www.instagram.com/therealdanabowen/

CONNECT WITH IAN BOWEN:

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PositivePersistence-ch8fk

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

88. Remembering Forgotten Victories with Ian Bowen

ian@thepositivepersistence.com (Ian Bowen) — Wed, 25 Feb 2026 10:38:15 +0000

Have you forgotten the victories that built your resilience?

In this powerful solo cast episode, Ian Bowen shares a transformative insight he discovered from another podcast: our past is full of victories we have forgotten. Ian explores why remembering these forgotten wins is essential for building genuine resilience and overcoming life's current challenges. He challenges listeners to tap into their personal history of success—both big and small—as a source of strength and confidence.

Ian explains the science behind why remembering past accomplishments creates new neural pathways that enable us to take on new challenges with greater self-belief. He emphasizes that resilience isn't built from someone else's success stories, but from recognizing our own track record of getting through hard times. From learning to swim to landing that long-awaited promotion, every victory matters and contributes to our momentum.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone facing adversity, feeling stuck, or needing a reminder of their own strength. Ian provides practical advice on how to catalog your wins and create a personal success inventory you can turn to when life gets hard. He reminds us that we are truly stronger than we think, we just need to remember.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

1. Why our past victories are the foundation of true resilience and how we've forgotten most of them.

2. The science behind how remembering past accomplishments creates new neural pathways that boost confidence and self-belief.

3. How stacking small wins over time creates momentum that can help you break through current barriers.

4. Why other people's affirmation of your achievements matters—and how to save those moments for when you need them most.

5. The practical value of creating a written inventory of your successes, big and small, to reference during difficult times.

6. How recognizing that you've overcome adversity before proves you have the strength to do it again.

Key Takeaways:

1. Your Past is Your Resilience Blueprint: Every struggle you've survived and every victory you've achieved is evidence of your capability. Your resilience isn't theoretical, it's built from real experiences you've already lived through.

2. Forgotten Wins Still Count: Just because you don't regularly think about your past successes doesn't mean they don't exist or can't help you now. The victories are there, waiting to be remembered and leveraged.

3. Stack Small Wins Into Big Momentum: Learning to swim, getting a promotion, handling a difficult conversation, these small victories stack on top of each other. Over time, they create the momentum and confidence needed to face major challenges.

4. Save Affirmation for Later: When someone compliments your achievement, don't brush it off. Let it sink in and store it away. You'll want that memory when you're facing self-doubt in the future.

5. Create Your Success Inventory: Take time to write down your wins in your phone or journal. Make it a living document you can revisit whenever you need reassurance that you've overcome hard things before.

6. You Are Stronger Than You Think: The barrier in front of you right now is just a roadblock in the momentum you've already created. Tap into that existing momentum; it's yours, and it's real.

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction to Ian's first solo cast

00:15 - The inspiration behind today's message

00:30 - The forgotten victories concept

00:45 - Why past victories build resilience

01:05 - How the speaker has overcome personal adversity

01:45 - The science of remembering past accomplishments

02:30 - Creating new neural pathways through past success

02:45 - Introduction to the Rinse Method

03:20 - When was the last time you prioritized you?

04:25 - Cataloging small and big wins

05:10 - The surprising realization of looking back

05:25 - Stacking victories into momentum

06:00 - Resilience built on your own success, not others'

06:20 - Accepting and saving affirmations from others

07:10 - Creating a success list in your phone

07:55 - The ability to make a comeback

08:05 - Closing

Connect with Ian Bowen:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@IanBowenPositivePersistence

CONNECT WITH IAN BOWEN:

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PositivePersistence-ch8fk

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

87. Saving Your Marriage with Dr. Lee Baucom

ian@thepositivepersistence.com (Positive Persistence) — Thu, 19 Feb 2026 11:46:53 +0000

Is your marriage in crisis or have you drifted into parallel lives with your spouse?

In this transformative and deeply practical episode, Ian Bowen sits down with Dr. Lee Baucom, a marriage therapist and relationship expert with decades of experience helping couples navigate crisis and restore connection. Dr. Lee specializes in a hope-infused, action-oriented approach that goes beyond surface-level fixes to address the fundamental dynamics that make or break marriages.

Dr. Lee shares powerful insights on shifting perspectives in relationships, the critical difference between "me" thinking and "we" thinking, and why most marriage problems stem from a disconnect rather than incompatibility. He explains his revolutionary three-path framework for marriage restoration: connecting, changing, and creating a path to "we." The conversation covers everything from understanding the crisis cycle to practical strategies for rebuilding trust and emotional connection.

This is a must-listen for anyone in a struggling marriage, life coaches working with couples, or anyone who wants to strengthen their relationship before problems escalate. Dr. Lee provides actionable wisdom that can help you move from crisis to connection.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

1. The power of perspective shifts in marriage and how viewing yourself, your spouse, and your relationship differently can create immediate transformation.

2. Why most marriage problems aren't about compatibility issues but about losing connection and the sense of "we."

3. The three essential paths to marriage restoration: connecting emotionally, changing yourself to bring your best, and creating a sustainable "we" mindset.

4. How the crisis cycle works in struggling marriages and what practical strategies can break you free from destructive reactive patterns.

5. The fundamental difference between defending your ego in arguments versus actually defending and strengthening your relationship.

6. Why addressing surface-level conflicts one at a time keeps couples stuck, and how focusing on building better systems creates lasting change.

Key Takeaways:

1. Learn to Look Back Thoughtfully, Not Regretfully: Reflection can trap you in guilt or help you grow. Choose thoughtful learning over regretful rumination so past relationships inform your future rather than haunt it.

2. Perspective is Your Marriage Superpower: Humans can observe themselves in action. Use this ability to pull back from reactive patterns and see yourself, your spouse, and your relationship dynamics with fresh, compassionate eyes.

3. Crisis Narrows, Connection Broadens: When you're in pain or crisis mode, your perspective collapses to survival thinking. Expanding your view beyond your immediate hurt is essential for breaking destructive cycles and rebuilding connection.

4. Systems Trump Individual Fixes: Addressing conflicts one at a time won't fix a broken relationship system. Focus on building better patterns for how you communicate, connect, and resolve issues together as a team.

5. "We" Thinking Transforms Everything: Moving from "me versus you" to "us together" fundamentally changes how you approach money, parenting, in-laws, and every decision. This shift is the foundation of a thriving marriage.

6. Connection Requires Vulnerability, Not Negotiation: Real emotional intimacy comes from being present and vulnerable together, not from transactional bargaining, scorekeeping, or trying to win arguments. You can't negotiate your way to genuine connection.

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction to the Positive Persistence Podcast

00:30 - Meet Dr. Lee Baucom: marriage therapist and relationship expert

01:17 - Thoughtful reflection vs. regretful rumination: learning from past relationships

02:23 - The power of perspective in relationships

03:00 - The observer effect: watching yourself in action

04:00 - Why crisis narrows your perspective and how to expand it

06:38 - Moving from "bad fit" to understanding systemic relationship issues

16:11 - The three paths to marriage restoration: connect, change, create

24:26 - Building connection through vulnerability and emotional presence

32:05 - The crisis cycle: understanding reactive patterns in marriage

37:48 - From "me" thinking to "we" thinking: a fundamental shift

42:03 - Taking care of yourself to show up better in your relationship

44:36 - Resources: Save The Marriage and Unpause Your Marriage programs

Connect with Dr. Lee Baucom:

Website: https://leebaucom.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leebaucom/?hl=en

Amazon (Books): https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B00FNRZEJC

CONNECT WITH IAN BOWEN:

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PositivePersistence-ch8fk

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

86. A Mother’s Journey on CDLS with Megan Dahl

ian@thepositivepersistence.com (Positive Persistence) — Wed, 11 Feb 2026 11:00:00 +0000

What does it mean to choose love in the face of adversity… not once, but twice?

In this deeply moving episode, Ian Bowen sits down with Megan Dahl, a mother of three boys, two of whom have Cornelia de Lange Syndrome (CDLS). Megan shares her journey of raising children with special needs—one biological, one adopted—and how she’s turned life’s toughest challenges into opportunities for growth, advocacy, and unwavering love.

Megan opens up about the realities of CDLS, a genetic syndrome with a wide spectrum of abilities, and how her sons Mason and Charlie navigate the world nonverbally. She discusses the intentional choice to adopt a child with CDLS, the daily therapies, immune challenges, and the profound joy her boys bring to everyone they meet.

Beyond parenting, Megan is a fierce advocate for inclusion, highlighting the ongoing struggle for accessibility and basic human rights for people with disabilities. She also courageously shares the story of Mason’s abuse by a home healthcare nurse—and how she channeled her anger into action by founding Mason’s Mission to provide security cameras for vulnerable families.

Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, advocate, or simply someone looking to live with more empathy, this episode is a powerful reminder that strength is built in everyday acts of love, service, and persistence.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

1. What Cornelia de Lange Syndrome (CdLS) is and how it varies across a spectrum.

2. Why Megan and her husband chose to adopt a child with CdLS.

3. The daily realities of raising children who are nonverbal and immunocompromised.

4. How Megan maintains resilience while balancing motherhood and former nursing.

5. Why inclusion is more than a buzzword; it’s a basic human right.

6. The story behind Mason’s abuse and the creation of Mason’s Mission.

7. How small acts of kindness can transform someone’s day, and your own.

8. Why adversity can refine us, not define us, if we choose to grow from it.

Key Takeaways:

1. Love Is a Choice: Megan’s decision to adopt a child with CdLS reflects a profound commitment to love without limits.

2. Inclusion Is Action: Accessibility, whether a ramp, a changing table, or a kind word, should be a given and not a privilege.

3. Resilience Is Built in Community: Support from family, partners, and a village is essential in navigating challenges.

4. Turn Pain Into Purpose: Megan transformed her anger over Mason’s abuse into a mission to protect other families.

5. Small Acts Matter: Holding a door, making eye contact, or sending a meal can be a powerful act of service.

6. Your Story Is Yours to Write: Adversity doesn’t have to define you, but how you respond does.

7. Advocacy Starts with Empathy: Seeing the world through someone else’s experience is the first step toward change.

8. Joy Can Be Found in the Hardest Places: Even in struggle, there is space for love, laughter, and growth.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Welcome to the Positive Persistence Podcast

00:15 – Introducing Megan Dahl and her story of love and resilience

00:55 – What is Cornelia de Lange Syndrome (CsLS)?

02:00 – The spectrum of CsLS: from mild to severe

02:50 – Megan’s two sons: one biological, one adopted

03:25 – The story of adopting Charlie

06:30 – The role of family and partnership in her journey

09:40 – Megan’s passion for inclusion and accessibility

11:15 – The real-world impact of rolling back DEI initiatives

12:20 – Challenges of accessing public spaces with a disability

17:05 – Mason’s experience with abuse by a home healthcare nurse

23:40 – The importance of in-home cameras for caregivers

29:20 – Learning from adversity and refusing to be a victim

32:10 – Dealing with blame, shame, and public judgment

33:00 – The power of therapy and mental health support

33:45 – One key takeaway: You write your own story

34:40 – How to support the CsLS Foundation

35:00 – Closing thoughts: Stay positive, persistent, and loving

Connect with Megan Dahl:

Website: https://linktr.ee/watchyourmouthsister

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meggdahl

Organization: Cornelia de Lange Syndrome Foundation https://www.cdls.org/

CONNECT WITH IAN BOWEN:

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PositivePersistence-ch8fk

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

85. Bipolar Superpowers with Christoph Merrill

ian@thepositivepersistence.com (Positive Persistence) — Wed, 4 Feb 2026 11:00:00 +0000

What happens when the habits you build quietly become the thing that saves your life?

In this raw and deeply impactful episode of the Positive Persistence Podcast, Ian Bowen sits down with Christoph Merrill, founder of HabitFreak, to explore the real power of habits under pressure. From outward success and fast-growing businesses to internal battles with bipolar disorder, Christoph shares the moment his life nearly ended and how a simple habit of writing notes to his kids became his lifeline.

Christoph challenges conventional habit advice, explaining why “nice habits” fall apart when life gets hard and why only battle-tested, non-negotiable habits truly create lasting change. This conversation is a powerful reminder that persistence isn’t about motivation, it’s about identity, self-awareness, and choosing forward momentum even on the hardest days.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

1. How writing notes to his kids became the habit that saved Christoph’s life.

2. What it means to live with Bipolar Type 1 and why Christoph reframes it as a superpower.

3. Why most habit advice fails when pressure is applied.

4. The difference between “nice habits” and battle-tested, non-negotiable habits.

5. How positive momentum habits help you push through life’s inevitable “walls.”

6. Why identity and not outcomes is the true driver of consistency.

7. How to regulate extreme highs and lows without losing your edge.

8. Why Christoph believes you are truly “one habit away.”

Key Takeaways:

1. Pressure Reveals Habits: The habits that survive stress are the ones that matter most.

2. Consistency Beats Motivation: Progress comes from repetition, not inspiration.

3. Identity Drives Action: Who you believe you are shapes what you consistently do.

4. Self-Awareness Is Non-Negotiable: You can’t change what you refuse to see.

5. Momentum Matters: Small, daily actions compound into massive change.

6. Regulation Creates Sustainability: Growth isn’t about extremes, it’s about control.

7. Habits Are Lifelines: The right habit at the right time can change everything.

8. Persistence Is a Choice: You choose it daily, especially when it’s hard.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Welcome to the Positive Persistence Podcast

01:30 – Introducing Christoph Merrill and HabitFreak

03:30 – Early success, mindset culture, and leadership

04:30 – Writing notes to his kids: a simple but powerful habit

07:20 – Living the dream while feeling deeply disconnected

08:10 – The moment Christoph nearly ended his life

10:00 – Discovering Bipolar Type I

12:00 – Hyper-focus, flow state, and unintended consequences

16:40 – Why most habit advice fails under pressure

18:30 – “Nice habits” vs. battle-tested habits

22:45 – How pressure exposes your true operating system

31:30 – The universal “wall” in growth and persistence

41:50 – Mania, momentum, and the danger of extremes

43:30 – Choosing regulation over chaos

49:20 – “You are one habit away” explained

52:30 – Final thoughts on persistence and personal responsibility

Connect with Christoph Merrill:

Website: https://www.christophmerrill.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christophmerrill/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christophmerrill/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CHRISTOPHmerrill

CONNECT WITH IAN BOWEN:

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PositivePersistence-ch8fk

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

84. Organ Donation & Hope with Ty Gipson

ian@thepositivepersistence.com (Ty Gipson, Ian Bowen) — Wed, 28 Jan 2026 11:00:00 +0000

What do you do when life leaves you with no options… except to move forward?

In this powerful episode of the Positive Persistence Podcast, Ian Bowen sits down with entrepreneur, speaker, and transplant survivor Ty Gipson. Diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at just eight years old, Ty’s life has been shaped by adversity from the very beginning.

From pioneering early insulin pump technology to surviving kidney failure, dialysis, and multiple organ transplants, Ty’s story is a living testament to grit, faith, and unwavering mindset.

Ty shares how a “no options” philosophy, instilled by his parents, helped him navigate moments where survival itself was uncertain. He opens up about receiving a kidney from his mother, a pancreas transplant that freed him from diabetes for 12 years, and later receiving another kidney from his wife after months on dialysis.

Through it all, Ty reveals how mindset, purpose, and community carried him through the darkest seasons of his life.

This episode is not just about survival. It’s about hope, responsibility, and choosing how we think, act, and speak when adversity hits.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

1. What the “No Options” mindset really means and why it’s not about limitation, but commitment.

2. Ty’s journey with Type 1 diabetes and early insulin pump technology.

3. How kidney failure and dialysis reshaped his view on life and purpose.

4. The emotional reality of waiting for organ transplants and the power of organ donation.

5. How Ty received life-saving organs from his mother and later his wife.

6. What 12 years without diabetes taught him about gratitude and perspective.

7. The importance of community, encouragement, and locking arms in hard seasons.

8. Ty’s simple but powerful 3-step framework for navigating adversity.

Key Takeaways:

1. No Options Means Full Commitment: When quitting isn’t available, clarity and focus emerge.

2. Mindset Is a Daily Practice: How you think, act, and speak shapes your reality.

3. Find Your Why: Purpose fuels perseverance, especially in dark seasons.

4. Encouragement Saves Lives: A kind word or shared story can change someone’s future.

5. Hope Exists on the Other Side: Even the tallest walls are climbable.

6. Simplicity Wins: Tools that are simple are easier to use when life is hard.

7. Community Matters: None of us are meant to fight alone.

8. Your Story Has Power: Sharing your journey can inspire action in others.

Timestamps:

01:00 – Introducing Ty Gipson and the “No Options” mindset

02:15 – Childhood lessons that shaped Ty’s resilience

06:20 – Kidney failure and the reality of limited medical options

09:20 – The late-night call that changed everything

11:00 – Surgery, uncertainty, and choosing life

12:30 – A kidney that worked immediately: a miracle moment

15:00 – Living 12 years without diabetes

18:55 – Kidney failure returns and entering dialysis

23:10 – The importance of encouragement in hopeless places

26:00 – Finding purpose inside adversity

31:00 – Why Ty now shares his story publicly

32:40 – Helping others one conversation at a time

34:30 – The 3-step framework: Do, Think, Talk

36:00 – Simple tools for staying mentally prepared

37:00 – How to connect with Ty and get support resources

38:00 – Organ donation and how to get involved

38:30 – Final encouragement and closing thoughts

Connect with Ty Gipson:

Website: https://tygipson.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ty-gipson-336b84b/

Organ Donation Information & Sign-Up: https://donatelife.net

CONNECT WITH IAN BOWEN:

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PositivePersistence-ch8fk

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

83. Running, Resilience & 50 States with Mike Stiles

ian@thepositivepersistence.com (Positive Persistence) — Wed, 21 Jan 2026 19:30:00 +0000

What does it take to run 75 marathons across 46 states—and keep going after two herniated discs?

In this inspiring episode, Ian Bowen sits down with avid runner Mike Stiles, who is on a mission to complete a marathon in all 50 states. With nearly three decades of running under his belt, Mike shares his journey from doubting he could finish his first marathon to becoming a seasoned endurance athlete with an unwavering commitment to his goal.

Mike opens up about the physical setbacks, the mental battles, and the community that has supported him every step of the way. He introduces his “Triple A” framework—Aware, Accept, Adjust—a powerful mindset tool that has helped him adapt through injury, aging, and changing capabilities. Whether you’re a runner, a goal-setter, or someone facing a long-term challenge, Mike’s story is a testament to the power of persistence, adaptability, and finding joy in the journey.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

1. How Mike went from walking in a 5K to running 75 marathons.

2. Why he decided to join the 50 States Marathon Club—and how close he is to completing it.

3. The mental shift from “Can I finish?” to “How fast can I finish?”—and back again.

4. How he overcame two herniated discs and kept running.

5. The “Triple A” method: Aware, Accept, Adjust—and why acceptance is the hardest part.

6. The role of community, friends, and “support staff” in sustaining a long-term running journey.

7. Mike’s race-day strategy for breaking down 26.2 miles mentally.

8. Why the last mile is often his fastest—and how he pushes through the final 10K.

Key Takeaways:

1. Start Small, Think Big: Mike’s journey began with a local 5K and grew into a 50-state mission.

2. Persistence Over Perfection: Progress isn’t always linear—setbacks are part of the process.

3. Community Is Fuel: Running with others provides accountability, support, and shared joy.

4. Adapt Your Approach: As your body changes, adjust your training—not your goal.

5. Break It Down: Mentally segment big challenges into familiar, manageable pieces.

6. Comfort in Discomfort: Learn to be comfortable with being uncomfortable—it’s part of growth.

7. Celebrate Small Wins: Every finish line, no matter the time, is an achievement.

8. Mindset Is Everything: Your thoughts can fuel your persistence—or hold you back.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Welcome to the Positive Persistence Podcast

01:00 – Introducing Mike Stiles and his 75 marathons across 46 states

02:00 – From first 5K to first marathon: Mike’s early running days

03:40 – The support of running clubs and finding community

04:45 – Overcoming a herniated disc after only two marathons

05:30 – Small wins and gradual improvement in running

06:10 – Combining passions: Running, travel, and the 50 States Marathon Club

07:00 – The importance of Hal (a friend, not Hal Higdon) in Mike’s journey

08:05 – Mental strategies for bouncing back after injury

09:10 – How being told “you can’t” became motivation

10:15 – Running marathons teaches you: “I can do hard things.”

11:05 – The role of community and training partners

13:00 – Breaking down the marathon mentally: From 20 miles to the finish

15:40 – The “Triple A” framework: Aware, Accept, Adjust

19:00 – Adapting training after injury and with age

21:10 – The importance of core strength and ongoing self-care

22:45 – [Ad break: The Rinse Method]

23:00 – Why acceptance doesn’t mean complacency

24:00 – Public goals create accountability

26:30 – The “running bug” and why we keep coming back

28:00 – Advice for tackling long-term, grueling goals

29:30 – Being “comfortable with being uncomfortable”

30:30 – Mike’s 10-10-10 rule for marathon pacing

31:00 – How he mentally tackles the last 10K

32:50 – Drawing on past successes to fuel present challenges

33:45 – What resilience means to Mike now vs. when he started

34:45 – The power of small wins: “Make your bed.”

35:20 – How to follow Mike’s journey to 50 states

36:50 – Closing thoughts: Stay positive, persistent, and remember—mindset is everything

Connect with Mike Stiles:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mike.stiles.875879/

50 States Marathon Club: https://www.facebook.com/groups/74142960795/

CONNECT WITH IAN BOWEN:

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PositivePersistence-ch8fk

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

82. Street Medicine & Health Equity with Arielle Banks

ian@thepositivepersistence.com (Positive Persistence) — Wed, 14 Jan 2026 12:51:28 +0000

How do you provide healthcare to those who can’t make it to a clinic?

In this powerful episode, Ian Bowen is joined by his cousin, Arielle Banks, a family nurse practitioner and street medicine pioneer dedicated to advancing health equity in Los Angeles. Dr. Banks shares her journey from growing up with a heart for service to launching a street medicine program that meets unhoused patients exactly where they are: in encampments, cars, and RVs.

Arielle breaks down the systemic barriers that prevent vulnerable populations from accessing care, from environmental challenges and political red tape to the overlooked social determinants of health. She emphasizes the importance of seeing patients as whole people, not just medical cases. And explains how peer navigators, community resources, and compassionate advocacy can bridge the gaps in our healthcare system.

Whether you work in healthcare, volunteer in your community, or simply want to understand how to better support those around you, this episode is a heartfelt call to action for more humane, holistic, and equitable care for all.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

1. How Arielle launched a street medicine program to serve unhoused populations in LA.

2. Why traditional clinic models often fail patients without stable housing.

3. The role of social determinants of health like food, shelter, and transportation in patient outcomes.

4. How politics and funding restrictions create red tape in healthcare access.

5. The importance of peer navigators and community resources in connecting patients to care.

6. Why listening to patients and advocating for their whole needs is essential.

7. How Arielle organized the Atlanta Nurses for Black Lives march and why healthcare workers must engage in racial justice.

8. The power of community mobilization during crises like the LA fires.

Key Takeaways:

1. Meet People Where They Are: Street medicine brings care directly to those who can’t access traditional clinics.

2. Health Is More Than Healthcare: Social determinants like housing, food security, and transportation directly impact well-being.

3. Be a Persistent Advocate: Change often requires pushing through red tape and speaking up for what’s right.

4. Listen to Understand: Patients are whole people with complex lives; treat them with curiosity, not authority.

5. Healthcare Workers Have Influence: Clinicians can and should advocate for systemic change and health equity.

6. Community Is Everything: In times of crisis, collective support can restore hope and provide essential resources.

7. Ask Questions: Patients have the right to understand their care and seek second opinions.

8. Turn Compassion Into Action: Whether through volunteering, donating, or advocating, everyone can help bridge healthcare gaps.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Welcome to the Positive Persistence Podcast

00:30 – Introducing Arielle Banks and her work in street medicine

01:00 – Clarifying Arielle’s role in Healthcare in Action

01:30 – Launching the street medicine program at St. John’s

02:30 – Challenges in serving unhoused populations

03:00 – How street medicine works: meeting patients where they are

03:35 – Congratulations on Arielle’s PBS Local Hero Award nomination

04:00 – What inspired Arielle to focus on health equity

05:00 – Addressing healthcare disparities as an African American woman

06:00 – Environmental and political challenges in street medicine

07:25 – The role of education and awareness in healthcare access

08:45 – Fear, stigma, and hustle culture as barriers to care

09:20 – The importance of social determinants of health

10:35 – Moving from transactional to compassionate, whole-person care

12:10 – A real-life example: why blood pressure meds alone aren’t enough

13:50 – Healthcare professionals’ role in racial justice and equity

15:10 – How to use your influence to create change

16:15 – Overcoming red tape and pushback in healthcare systems

18:30 – Personal experiences that shaped Arielle’s advocacy

22:00 – Why patients must advocate for themselves—and how providers can help

25:50 – The power of community during the LA fires

27:35 – Connecting patients to existing resources through peer navigators

32:45 – How to find a peer navigator or health advocate

34:15 – Arielle’s future goals in health equity and advocacy

35:15 – How to support Arielle’s work and follow her journey

36:20 – Closing thoughts: Stay positive, persistent, and human-centered

Connect with Arielle Banks:

Organization: Healthcare in Action

Donation & Info: https://www.healthcareinaction.org/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-arielle-banks-dnp-fnp-c-254310149/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allthatsarielle/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ariellenb

CONNECT WITH IAN BOWEN:

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PositivePersistence-ch8fk

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

81. Failure to Freedom with Bryan Power

ian@thepositivepersistence.com (Positive Persistence) — Wed, 7 Jan 2026 13:14:56 +0000

What if your biggest relationship failure could become your greatest breakthrough?

In this deeply insightful episode, Ian Bowen sits down with Bryan Power, relationship coach and founder of My Relationship Fail. Bryan opens up about his own journey through a dysfunctional childhood, abandonment wounds, and a marriage that nearly ended in divorce, sharing how he turned his pain into a powerful coaching practice dedicated to helping others heal.

Bryan breaks down the concept of “death by a thousand paper cuts” in relationships and introduces the six pillars of integrated attachment theory. He explains why listening to defend, instead of to understand, is a silent killer of connection, and how emotional regulation, boundary-setting, and repairing core wounds can transform even the most strained partnerships.

Whether you’re struggling in a relationship, recovering from a breakup, or simply wanting to understand yourself better, this episode is a masterclass in turning relational pain into personal power.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

1. How Bryan’s childhood trauma shaped his early understanding of love and connection.

2. Why “death by a thousand paper cuts” is what often ends relationships and not big blow-ups.

3. The danger of listening to defend instead of listening to understand.

4. What dismissive avoidance is and how it shows up in conflict.

5. The six pillars of integrated attachment theory and how to apply them.

6. How to regulate your emotions before having hard conversations.

7. Why the “cup in the sink” isn’t really about the cup and what it’s actually about.

8. How to reframe relationship failures as opportunities for growth.

Key Takeaways:

1. Failure Is Feedback: Your relationship breakdowns can become breakthroughs if you’re willing to learn.

2. Heal Your Core Wounds: Until you address your subconscious triggers, you’ll keep replaying the same patterns.

3. Listen to Understand, Not Defend: Shift from a defensive posture to a curious, team-minded approach.

4. Emotional Regulation Comes First: Never have serious conversations when you’re emotionally triggered.

5. Communication Is a Skill: Most relationship problems stem from poor communication, not lack of love.

6. You Can’t Heal What You Don’t Feel: Acknowledge and work through your emotions instead of avoiding them.

7. Set Boundaries with Love: Healthy boundaries protect the relationship; they don’t wall it off.

8. Turn Breakups into Breakthroughs: Use relational pain as fuel for personal growth and deeper connection.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Welcome to the Positive Persistence Podcast

01:10 – Introducing Bryan Power and My Relationship Fail

02:30 – How childhood trauma shapes adult relationships

05:00 – Bryan’s story: From rocky relationships to coaching

08:15 – What is “death by a thousand paper cuts”?

10:45 – The importance of self-awareness and ownership

13:20 – Listening to defend vs. listening to understand

16:30 – How to pause when emotions run high

19:45 – Attachment styles and dismissive avoidance explained

23:10 – The six pillars of integrated attachment theory

28:50 – Emotional regulation and practical calming tools

32:40 – Why the “cup in the sink” isn’t about the cup

36:15 – How to communicate needs without attacking

39:30 – Common communication barriers and how to break them

42:50 – Bryan’s lightbulb moment: Overexplaining and feeling unheard

45:00 – How to connect with Bryan and join his mission

46:25 – Closing thoughts: Stay positive, persistent, and open to growth

Connect with Bryan Power:

Website: https://www.myrelationshipfail.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/myrelationshipfail/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryanwpower/

CONNECT WITH IAN BOWEN:

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PositivePersistence-ch8fk

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

80. From Grind to Growth with Steven Hadley

ian@thepositivepersistence.com (Positive Persistence) — Wed, 31 Dec 2025 14:16:00 +0000

What if the key to scaling your business wasn’t working harder, but thinking smarter?

In this power-packed episode, Ian Bowen sits down with Steven Hadley, former owner of Daphne FitBody Bootcamp and founder of Gym Owner Advantage. Steven shares his journey from firefighting entrepreneur to strategic CEO, revealing how he learned to swap the daily grind for intentional growth.

Drawing from his 14+ years as an entrepreneur, Steven breaks down his “optimize before you maximize” philosophy and introduces the transformative “Four C’s” framework: Commitment, Courage, Capability, and Confidence. He explains why taking a step back is the most powerful step forward, how to identify your unique ability, and why measuring progress backward, not forward, is the secret to unstoppable momentum.

Whether you’re a gym owner, business leader, or anyone feeling stuck in the weeds, this episode is a masterclass in working on your business, not just in it.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

1. Why Steven believes “getting better” beats “getting bigger” in business.

2. How his “optimize before you maximize” approach can transform your operations.

3. The Four C’s growth cycle: Commitment, Courage, Capability, and Confidence.

4. Why taking a strategic pause is the ultimate leverage for entrepreneurs.

5. How to identify your unique ability and build your business around it.

6. Practical ways to shift from operator to visionary in your company.

7. The “gap vs. gain” mindset and why looking backward fuels forward progress.

8. How to use “what if I don’t?” as a motivator to push through fear.

Key Takeaways:

1. Optimize Before You Maximize: Do one thing exceptionally well before expanding.

2. Growth Requires a Pause: The most strategic action is often stepping back to think.

3. The Four C’s Cycle: Commitment leads to Courage, which builds Capability, which creates Confidence.

4. Your Unique Ability Is Your Superpower: Build your team and business around it.

5. Measure Progress Backward: Look how far you’ve come, not just how far you have to go.

6. Comfort Is the Enemy of Growth: Staying busy with easy tasks won’t move the needle.

7. Clarity Beats Hustle: Overwhelm often comes from working on the wrong things in the wrong order.

8. Think “What If I Don’t?”: Sometimes the fear of staying stuck is the push you need to leap.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Welcome to the Positive Persistence Podcast

01:32 – Meet Steven Hadley: From gym owner to business strategist

02:42 – The problem with entrepreneur “firefighting” mode

05:20 – Why “better” beats “bigger” in business growth

07:18 – The power of going narrow and deep

10:27 – How to find your unique ability and secret sauce

14:49 – The Four C’s: Commitment, Courage, Capability, Confidence

18:13 – Why your past achievements have an expiration date

22:45 – Shifting from operator to visionary

26:30 – Overcoming imposter syndrome and cultivating self-belief

31:28 – The “gap vs. gain” mindset for measuring success

34:35 – How to reconnect with your purpose during setbacks

38:17 – What is Gym Owner Advantage and who it’s for

41:56 – Where to find Steven and learn more

42:26 – Closing thoughts: Stay positive, persistent, and intentional

Connect with Steven Hadley:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stevenwhadley/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stevenhadley17

CONNECT WITH IAN BOWEN:

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PositivePersistence-ch8fk

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

79. The Machete Mentality with Robyn Tanner

ian@thepositivepersistence.com (Positive Persistence) — Wed, 17 Dec 2025 16:24:22 +0000

What if your greatest brush with death became the fuel to help others step into their future selves?

In this raw and powerful episode, Ian Bowen sits down with Robyn Tanner, a certified future self coach, host of the Daily Fight podcast, and bestselling author of The Machete Mentality. Robyn pulls back the curtain on her harrowing medical journey, from being misdiagnosed by nine doctors while suffering from a rare spinal infection, to undergoing emergency surgery that left her with a partially dead leg and missing part of her spine. She shares how she fought her way back to running marathons, coaching clients, and stepping onto the bikini stage, all while redefining her identity beyond the warrior persona.

Robyn reveals the crucial difference between being stuck and settling, how to tap into the roar of your future self, and why true resilience is not about pushing through pain, it is about learning when to soften. This is a masterclass in turning trauma into transformation, offering life coaches and high-performers a blueprint for leading with sober, tested wisdom.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

1. What it truly means to be a future self coach and how Robyn bridges the gap between who you are and who you are meant to be.

2. The story of Robyn's rare spinal infection, the nine doctors who missed it, and how she advocated for her life in the nick of time.

3. How she defied medical limitations to run a marathon, compete in bodybuilding, and reopen her gym, all with a partially dead leg.

4. The emotional and mental toll of losing a core identity as a fighter and learning to process trauma years later.

5. The difference between being stuck (having hope left) and settling (having given up), and how to move from one to the other.

6. Why soft personal development is not enough, and how to tap into the urgent, roaring beast inside you.

7. How Robyn's sober leadership philosophy ensures she only coaches what she has lived and mastered for years.

8. Practical strategies to stop running everyone else's life and start running your own.

Key Takeaways:

1.Stuck is Not Settling: Being stuck means you still have fight left; settling means you have thrown in the towel. You can choose to change at any moment.

2. Your Future Self is Roaring: That relentless, God-given obsession inside you is not a whisper, it is a roar. Answer it before life forces you to.

3. Stop Performing, Start Feeling: True healing requires creating space to process trauma, not just pushing through it for others.

4. Advocate Like Your Life Depends on It: In medical crises and personal battles, you must be your own unwavering champion.

5. Do What You Love, It is That Simple: Overcomplication is the enemy. If you love to write, write. If you love to coach, coach. Start there.

6. Resilience is a Blend of Hard and Soft: Learn when to fight and when to stretch. Not everything has to be a battle.

7. Your Past Does Not Disqualify You, It Equips You: Every version of you is on your team. Integrate your stories; do not abandon them.

8. Sober Leadership is Trustworthy Leadership: Coach only what you have lived and mastered. Credibility comes from time-tested experience, not theory.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction to the Positive Persistence Podcast

01:04 – Welcoming Future Self Coach Robyn Tanner

01:35 – What is a Future Self Coach?

03:23 – Robyn's Medical Nightmare: Misdiagnosis and Advocacy

06:27 – Emergency Surgery and Facing Mortality

08:07 – Defying Medical Limitations: Marathons, Coaching, and Stage

11:52 – The Emotional Toll of Identity Loss

16:18 – Processing Trauma Years Later

19:26 – Stuck vs. Settling: The Critical Difference

22:45 – Tapping into Your Inner Roar

27:30 – The Role of Faith and Self-Belief

30:42 – How Robyn Coaches with Sober Leadership

35:56 – Where to Find Robyn Tanner and Her Work

41:30 – Wrapping Up: Stay Positive, Stay Persistent

Connect with Robyn Tanner:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/writer_robynlynn/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/robynlynntanner/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robynthrasher/

Website: https://www.robyntanner.com/

Book – The Machete Mentality: https://a.co/d/hT7KWd1

CONNECT WITH IAN BOWEN:

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PositivePersistence-ch8fk

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

78. Mindset for Sustainable Ambition with Kathy Oneto

ian@thepositivepersistence.com (Positive Persistence) — Wed, 10 Dec 2025 06:00:00 +0000

What if chasing success didn’t have to mean burning out?

In this deeply insightful episode, Ian Bowen sits down with Kathy Oneto, an executive and life-work coach, speaker, and founder of Sustainable Ambition. Kathy brings a refreshing and realistic approach to ambition, one that aligns high achievement with personal well-being. Drawing from her experience as a former triathlete and marathon runner, she shares powerful lessons on pacing, resilience, and the art of thriving without sacrificing what matters most.

Kathy opens up about the misconceptions of “work-life balance” and introduces her practical framework for managing ambition wisely: aligning the right ambitions, at the right time, with the right effort. She discusses the importance of self-compassion, the power of community, and how to navigate setbacks with a growth mindset.

This episode is essential listening for life coaches, leaders, and anyone feeling caught between hustle culture and the desire for a fulfilling, sustainable life.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

1. How Kathy’s background as a triathlete shapes her philosophy on sustainable effort and resilience.

2. Why the term “work-life balance” can be misleading, and what to focus on instead.

3. The three-part framework for sustainable ambition: Right Ambition, Right Time, Right Effort.

4. Practical strategies for pacing yourself in life and work to avoid burnout.

5. How to find meaning and motivation even in roles that aren’t your ultimate passion.

6. The importance of self-compassion and acknowledging your progress.

7. Why your support system is critical for long-term persistence and success.

8. How to reframe setbacks as learning opportunities and continue moving forward.

Key Takeaways:

1. Sustainable Ambition Is a Mindset: True success isn’t about relentless hustle; it’s about aligning your efforts with what matters most to you, over the long haul.

2. Pace Over Push: Like in endurance sports, pacing is key. Consistent, intentional effort beats short-term burnout every time.

3. Right Effort, Right Time: Be discerning about where you invest your energy. Not every goal deserves your all, all the time.

4. Progress Over Perfection: Acknowledge how far you’ve come. Celebrating small wins builds momentum and motivation.

5. Self-Compassion Is Strategic: Being kind to yourself when you stumble isn’t soft; it’s essential for resilience and continued growth.

6. Your Community Is Your Fuel: Surround yourself with people who believe in you, challenge you, and help you see your own potential.

7. Embrace the Long Game: Meaningful change and achievement often take longer than we expect. Trust the process.

8. Alignment Beats Hustle: When your actions are aligned with your values and vision, effort feels more like purpose than grind.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction to the Positive Persistence Podcast

01:18 – Welcome Kathy Oneto: Redefining sustainable success

02:29 – From triathlete to coach: How sports shaped Kathy’s philosophy

04:08 – The myth of work-life balance and a more realistic approach

07:18 – The Sustainable Ambition framework: Right Ambition, Right Time, Right Effort

10:31 – How to pursue big goals without burning out

14:49 – Finding meaning in the journey, not just the destination

17:32 – The role of self-compassion and acknowledging progress

20:14 – Building a support system that champions your growth

23:17 – Reframing setbacks as learning, not failure

26:12 – Kathy’s one piece of actionable advice: start with self-compassion

28:42 – How life coaches can apply these principles with clients

31:50 – Where to find Kathy, her book, podcast, and resources

39:50 – Closing thoughts: Staying positive, persistent, and aligned

Connect with Kathy Oneto:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sustainableambition/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sustainableambition/

Website: https://sustainableambition.com/

Book: https://sustainableambition.com/books#preordernow

Podcast: https://sustainableambition.com/podcast

CONNECT WITH IAN BOWEN:

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PositivePersistence-ch8fk

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

77. Medical Miracle to Messenger with Victoria Mitchell

ian@thepositivepersistence.com (Positive Persistence) — Wed, 3 Dec 2025 01:32:21 +0000

What does it truly mean to be resilient when your life depends on the gift of a stranger?

In this profoundly moving episode, Ian Bowen sits down with Victoria Mitchell, an extraordinary advocate and motivational speaker. Victoria unveils her incredible journey of being born with an ultra-rare urea cycle disorder, a condition that made protein her kryptonite and threatened her life from infancy. She shares the pivotal moment of receiving a life-saving liver transplant at just four years old and how that gift shaped her entire existence.

Victoria pulls back the curtain on the challenges of growing up immunocompromised, the visible scar that made her feel different, and the powerful advocacy of her mother who refused to accept grim medical prognoses. Now, 28 years post-transplant, she channels her experiences into helping others through her work with Extend the Rose, the National Urea Cycle Disorder Foundation, and Gift of Life.

This is a masterclass in turning personal struggle into a purpose-driven life, offering a powerful perspective on resilience, gratitude, and the profound impact of organ donation.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

1. The story of Victoria’s rare disorder diagnosis just days after birth and the staggering odds she faced.

2. What it was like growing up with highly regulated protein intake and the constant threat of ammonia spikes.

3. The harrowing 23-day wait for a liver transplant and why that timeframe was miraculously short.

4. The profound physical and developmental changes Victoria experienced immediately after her transplant.

5. How a visible scar shaped her self-image as a child and the powerful reframe she uses today.

6. The inspiring story behind "Extend the Rose" and how it brings hope to families in the hospital.

7. Victoria’s crucial work with Gift of Life, debunking common myths about organ donation.

8. Her powerful, actionable definition of resilience and how anyone can tap into it during difficult times.

Key Takeaways:

1. Resilience is Getting Up More Than You Fall Down: True resilience isn't about avoiding hardship; it's about the commitment to rise every single time you fall.

2. Your Support System is Non-Negotiable: Having advocates—like Victoria's mother—who challenge the status quo can be the difference between giving up and fighting on.

3. A Crisis is an Invitation to Grow: The most challenging chapters of your life can become the foundation for your purpose and your greatest contributions to others.

4. Don't Pray for a Hole, Start Digging: You can wait for a miracle, or you can put in the work yourself. Action, however small, is the seed of resilience.

5. Asking for Help is a Strength: Vulnerability and reaching out for support are not signs of weakness but profound acts of courage and self-awareness.

6. One Donor Can Save Dozens of Lives: Understanding the massive impact of organ donation can transform a difficult conversation into a legacy of life.

7. Healing Others Helps You Heal: Using your story to bring light to someone in a dark place creates a cycle of healing that benefits both the giver and receiver.

8. Mindset is Everything: How you see your challenges: as insurmountable obstacles or invitations to grow, defines your journey through them.

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction to the Positive Persistence Podcast

01:23 - Welcoming Extraordinary Advocate Victoria Mitchell

03:09 - Unpacking a Rare Disorder Diagnosed in Infancy

05:42 - The Challenges of Growing Up with a Urea Cycle Disorder

08:14 - The Life-Saving Liver Transplant at Age Four

10:41 - Life After Transplant: New Challenges and Freedoms

15:15 - The Mental and Emotional Impact of a Visible Scar

17:25 - Debunking Life Expectancy Myths After a Transplant

20:30 - The Role of a Tenacious Mother and Advocate

22:48 - Creating Hope for Families with "Extend the Rose"

26:05 - Advocating for Organ Donation Education in High Schools

30:35 - The Astonishing Statistics of Organ Donation

33:03 - What Resilience Truly Means and How to Cultivate It

35:26 - How to Connect with Victoria and Support Her Work

Connect with Victoria Mitchell:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/victoria.f.mitchell/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/torrey.thomas.14

National Urea Cycle Disorders Foundation: http://nucdf.org/

Extend the Wave: https://extendthewave.org/

CONNECT WITH IAN BOWEN:

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PositivePersistence-ch8fk

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

76. Shattering Limiting Beliefs with Lorayne Michaels

ian@thepositivepersistence.com (Positive Persistence) — Wed, 26 Nov 2025 06:00:00 +0000

What if your greatest pain was the very foundation of your purpose?

In this powerful episode, Ian Bowen sits down with Lorayne Michaels, a certified personal trainer, wellness coach, and purpose-driven speaker. Lorayne pulls back the curtain on her journey from a shattered "perfect life"marked by abusive relationships, divorce, and rock-bottom self-worth, to building a mission dedicated to helping women break free from mental and physical barriers. She shares the pivotal mindset shifts and practical tools she used to rebuild from scratch, including a cross-country move and immersing herself in personal development.

Lorayne reveals how to rewire your brain from self-sabotage to self-love, why your past prepares rather than disqualifies you, and how to prioritize your well-being without guilt. This is a masterclass in turning pain into purpose, offering a powerful blueprint for any woman or life coach ready to reclaim their confidence and step into their God-given potential.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

1. The moment Lorayne's "perfect life" imploded in 2020 and how she used it as a catalyst for total reinvention.

2. The three critical questions she asked herself when starting from scratch that guided her transformation.

3. How to break free from the common limiting beliefs of "I'm too old" and "It's too late" to pursue your dreams.

4. A simple, powerful neuroscience analogy for rewiring your brain from negative thought loops to positive affirmations.

5. The two daily practices to build self-worth from the inside out, including the "Alphabet I-Ams."

6. How women can overcome guilt and finally prioritize their own health and fitness.

7. The profound reframe: "Your past doesn't disqualify you; it prepares you," and how to apply it to your own story.

8. The role of journaling and a gratitude mindset in healing and rebuilding confidence.

Key Takeaways:

1. Your Past Prepares You, Not Disqualifies You: The lessons from your deepest struggles are the exact tools you need to help others who are now where you once were.

2. Rewire Your Brain, Rewrite Your Life: By consciously changing your thoughts, you can literally create new neural pathways, turning a trench of negativity into a highway of positive belief.

3. Self-Worth is a Daily Practice: Telling yourself "I love you" in the mirror and using affirmations like the "Alphabet I-Ams" build the foundational worthiness required for transformation.

4. You Can't Pour From an Empty Cup: Prioritizing your health isn't selfish; it's essential. You show up as a better parent, partner, and leader when you are physically and mentally fit.

5. Persistence is Clarity, Not Just Hustle: True forward momentum often starts with getting still, turning off the noise, and tapping into your faith and inner guidance to find the right next step.

6. Your Mindset is Your Most Powerful Asset: If you believe you can or you can't, you're right. The battle is won in your mind long before it's manifested in your life.

7. Journaling is a Release and a Reframe: Getting your thoughts on paper and even burning them can be a therapeutic act that releases negativity and refocuses your mind on gratitude and growth.

8. Your 40s Are Just the Beginning: It's never too late to reinvent yourself, pursue your dreams, and become the healthiest and most confident version of yourself.

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction to the Positive Persistence Podcast

01:08 - Welcoming Lorayne Michaels

01:37 - The Essence of Tranquil Power

02:16 - The Question: When a "Perfect Life" Shatters

02:45 - Lorayne's Story of Implosion and Abuse

04:07 - Tapping into Faith and Inner Strength

05:12 - The First Steps to Reinvention

06:30 - The 3 Guiding Questions for a New Life

07:30 - Cutting Out the Noise and "Safe" Advice

09:30 - The Turning Point: Personal Development and Community

11:54 - Breaking Free from Common Limiting Beliefs

13:50 - The Neuroscience of Rewiring Your Brain

16:44 - How to Build Unshakable Self-Worth

18:51 - The "Alphabet I-Ams" Practice

20:13 - Overcoming Guilt and Prioritizing Your Health

23:05 - "Your Past Doesn't Disqualify You"

27:28 - The Power of Mindset and Emotional Intelligence

31:25 - Lorayne's Current Mission: Fitness for Women 35+

35:38 - The Role of Journaling and Gratitude

39:10 - A Therapeutic Journaling Technique for Release

41:53 - How to Connect with Lorayne Michaels

Connect with Lorayne Michaels:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/loraynemichaels/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LorayneMichaelsCoaching

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lorayne.michaels

Journals: https://www.etsy.com/shop/theboldbeginnings/

Podcast: The Bite-Size Podcast with Lorayne Michaels https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-bite-size-podcast-with-lorayne-michaels/id1679053330

CONNECT WITH IAN BOWEN:

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PositivePersistence-ch8fk

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

75. Heart Attack Healing Blueprint with Tara Benoit

ian@thepositivepersistence.com (Positive Persistence) — Wed, 19 Nov 2025 04:34:47 +0000

What happens when your identity is shattered in an instant, and the very thing that defined you is now a threat to your life?

Tara Benoit, a speaker, bestselling author, and 2025 American Heart Association Woman of Impact, joins Ian Bowen to share her harrowing and inspiring journey of surviving a SCAD heart attack at 46. As a lifelong athlete in the best shape of her life, Tara’s world collapsed when a spontaneous tear in her coronary artery led to a rare heart attack, forcing her to walk away from the heavy lifting and competitive fitness that she loved.

In this raw conversation, Tara pulls back the curtain on the frustrating medical gaslighting she endured, the grief of losing a core part of her identity, and the powerful mindset and practical tools she used to rebuild. She unveils her powerful "MOVE Method" framework (Manage, Overcome, Value, Evolve) and explains how movement and meditation became her anchors for emotional and mental healing. This episode is a masterclass for any life coach or individual on how to navigate a life-altering crisis, reinvent yourself with purpose, and lead from a place of renewed strength.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

1. What a SCAD (Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection) heart attack is and why it disproportionately affects healthy women under 50.

2. The story of Tara’s heart attack, from the first warning signs to the moment of diagnosis after being initially dismissed.

3. The profound identity crisis that follows when you can no longer do the thing that defined you.

4. Why being physically fit can be a double-edged sword in both survival and emotional recovery.

5. The most challenging truth Tara had to confront about herself while writing her memoir, "Torn Heart."

6. Tara’s "MOVE Method" – a simple 4-pillar framework for managing control, overcoming challenges, valuing the lesson, and evolving through adversity.

7. Practical ways to use physical movement and stretching for emotional and nervous system regulation after trauma.

8. The one piece of advice Tara gives to anyone, especially women, feeling stuck and wanting to transform into the next version of themselves.

Key Takeaways:

1. Persistence is Getting Present, Not Just Pushing: True resilience isn't about forcing your way through; it's about the courage to stop, find clarity, and then take the next right step.

2. Your Identity is Not Your Activity: When a core part of your identity is stripped away, the path to healing involves grieving the old self and consciously building a new, equally powerful identity.

3. You Must Be Your Own Advocate: In a medical or personal crisis, you are the only one who knows how you truly feel. Using your voice to demand the care you deserve is non-negotiable.

4. Heal the Mind to Heal the Body: Trauma lives in the cells. Practices like intentional meditation and mindful movement are not optional extras; they are critical for recalibrating the nervous system and facilitating full-body healing.

5. Transformation Starts with Permission: The first step to changing your life is giving yourself unconditional permission to want that change and to acknowledge your current unhappiness as a catalyst.

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction to the Positive Persistence Podcast

01:09 - Welcoming Tara Benoit and Her Incredible Journey

02:02 - What is a SCAD Heart Attack?

03:29 - The Unknown Causes and Correlation with Stress

05:21 - The Identity Crisis of an Athlete Who Can’t Train

07:16 - The Moment It All Began: Tara’s Heart Attack Story

11:00 - Medical Gaslighting and the Fight for a Diagnosis

16:44 - The Pivotal Moment of Diagnosis and Validation

19:28 - The Hardest Truth: Confronting the Self in "Torn Heart"

22:53 - Introducing the "MOVE Method" for Resilience

28:05 - Using Movement and Meditation to Recalibrate Your Nervous System

33:47 - Advice for Feeling Stuck and Starting Your Transformation

39:08 - How to Connect with Tara Benoit and Get "Torn Heart"

Connect with Tara Benoit:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tarabenoitinspires/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TaraBenoitInspires/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Tarabenoitinspires

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tarabenoit/

Website: https://www.tarabenoit.com/

Book, Torn Heart: https://a.co/d/7yl5FM0

CONNECT WITH IAN BOWEN:

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PositivePersistence-ch8fk

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

74. Comeback from Corporate Collapse with Jodi Scott

ian@thepositivepersistence.com (Positive Persistence) — Wed, 12 Nov 2025 06:00:00 +0000

What happens when the strategic partnership you bet your entire company on collapses overnight, leaving you to fire your family and face financial ruin?

Jodi Scott is the co-founder and CEO of Green Goo. Jodi pulls back the curtain on her incredible journey from blending clinical care and plant-based medicine to building a nationally recognized, family-run brand, only to have it all come crashing down due to a partner's federal indictment. She shares the moment she had less than 24 hours to terminate her entire team, including her mom and sister, and the profound personal crisis that followed.

Jodi reveals the mindset shifts and practical tools she used to navigate this rock bottom, from cold plunges to conscious breathing, and how she found the clarity to fight for her company back. This is a masterclass in resilience for any entrepreneur, leader, or life coach, offering a powerful blueprint for rebuilding with purpose, preserving company culture, and leading with a renewed sense of gratitude.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

1. How Jodi’s childhood, shaped by athletic performance and a deep connection to plants, fused with her education in health psychology to form the foundation of Green Goo.

2. The story of starting in a kitchen and scaling to 150,000 retail doors in less than five years, and the "fight or flight" mode of exponential growth.

3. Why they sought a strategic partner and how a seemingly perfect alignment with an international company turned into their biggest nightmare.

4. The devastating 24-hour period that led to the collapse of the deal, the termination of her entire team, and the loss of all personal and company financial resources.

5. The pivotal family conversation that shifted them from paralysis to deciding to fight for their company and their customers.

6. Jodi’s powerful reframe of "persistence" from constant pushing to getting present and finding clarity before action.

7. Actionable grounding techniques (like the 10-second horizon gaze and sound focusing) to calm the nervous system and make sharp decisions under pressure.

8. Where Green Goo is today in its "second startup" phase and the immense gratitude that comes from losing everything and building it back.

Key Takeaways:

1. Persistence is Clarity, Not Just Hustle: True persistence isn't always go-go-go. Sometimes, it's the courage to stop, get present, and find the clarity needed to take the right next step.

2. Build Your "In-The-Ring" Muscle Outside The Ring: The ability to stay calm and make intentional decisions in a crisis is built through daily practices like breathwork and mindfulness, not in the moment of panic.

3. Your Support System is Your Lifeline: From family to community mentors, leaning on your real support network is non-negotiable when navigating a crisis that feels insurmountable.

4. Crisis is an Invitation, Not an Obstacle: The most challenging times, while painful, can be gifts that force a reevaluation of what matters, leading to a richer, more purposeful way of living and leading.

5. Label Your Thoughts to Liberate Yourself: When flooded with stress, simply naming a thought ("worry," "fear") and letting it pass allows you to discard mental noise and access a state of clear, intentional action.

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction to the Positive Persistence Podcast

01:14 - Welcoming Jodi Scott, Co-Founder & CEO of Green Goo

01:37 - Jodi's Journey: From Plant-Based Roots to Clinical Care

04:08 - The "Aha" Moment: Discovering the Gap in Natural First Aid

05:19 - Farmer's Market Beginnings and Exponential Retail Growth

09:35 - The Decision to Partner: Seeking Strategic Growth

16:33 - The Deal Collapses: A Founder's Federal Indictment

20:45 - The Devastating 24 Hours: Letting Go of the Family Team

24:30 - Hitting Rock Bottom: Financial and Emotional Paralysis

26:21 - The Turning Point: "We Can't Live Without This Stuff"

28:05 - The New Persistence: Getting Present Through Cold Plunges and Breath

31:26 - Leading by Example: How Jodi's Practices Rippled to Her Family

34:25 - The 18-Month Fight to Reclaim Green Goo

39:48 - Actionable Steps to Reframe a Crisis and Find Clarity

43:50 - The Gift in the Struggle: A Renewed Lens on Life and Business

46:55 - How to Support Green Goo and Connect with Jodi

Connect with Jodi Scott:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jodi_a_scott/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GreenGooHelps

Website: https://www.greengoo.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodi-scott-7b16bb161/

CONNECT WITH IAN BOWEN:

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PositivePersistence-ch8fk

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

73. From Rock Bottom to Resilience with Chad Dunn

ian@thepositivepersistence.com (Positive Persistence) — Wed, 5 Nov 2025 06:00:00 +0000

What does it take to rebuild a life from rock bottom, federal prison, and addiction into one of purpose and success?

In this raw and powerful episode, Ian Bowen sits down with Chad Dunn, a certified behavioral change specialist and the co-founder of MOVE Human Performance Center. Chad unveils his incredible journey from a promising career in physical therapy to a devastating spiral of drug use and a 30-month federal prison sentence. He shares the pivotal turning point that sparked his redemption and the core philosophy that now allows him to help everyone from professional athletes to individuals with catastrophic injuries reclaim their lives.

Chad delves into his "One in a Row" methodology, the critical importance of a real support system, and why he reframes "addiction" as a series of "choices." This is a masterclass in resilience, offering a practical blueprint for anyone looking to overcome limitations and build a life of unshakable strength.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

1. Chad’s journey from a dream-driven kid to a drug-dealing, crack-smoking personal trainer, and the consequences that forced a reckoning.

2. The single most important factor in his turnaround and how finding a "real" support system is non-negotiable for sustainable change.

3. The "One in a Row" mindset methodology he developed in prison and how to apply it to any goal.

4. A powerful client story of helping a paralyzed BMX Hall of Famer walk again through mindset and environment.

5. Why Chad prefers the word "choices" over "addiction" and how this linguistic shift empowers personal responsibility.

6. Practical steps for anyone feeling stuck to start their comeback, including the first thing you must do to hear yourself think.

Key Takeaways:

1. Your Support System Must Be Real: The people who hold the mirror up to you in both good times and bad are the ones who will help you cross the finish line.

2. Master the "One in a Row" Mindset: Success is built one day, one repetition, one good choice at a time. Focus on completing the one directly in front of you.

3. Be the Inner Coach, Not the Inner Critic: The battle is won or lost in your mind. Silence the critic and become the coach who pushes you through the struggle.

4. Environment is Everything: Surround yourself with people who are grinding. A competitive, positive environment is contagious and raises the floor for everyone.

5. On the Other Side of Pain Lies Greatness: The frustration and struggle are where resilience is built and where true transformation happens.

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction to the Positive Persistence Podcast

01:37 - Meet Chad Dunn: From Physical Therapy Aspirations to a Life Off the Rails

02:21 - The Downward Spiral: Drug Use, Dealing, and Hitting Rock Bottom

04:06 - The Turning Point: Meeting His Wife and the Power of a Real Support System

04:35 - Federal Prison as a Training Ground: “Movement is Medicine”

07:30 - Founding MOVE Human Performance Center and the “One in a Row” Philosophy

10:27 - Mindset in Action: The Story of Helping a Paralyzed Athlete Walk Again

15:40 - Creating a Contagious Environment for Recovery and Peak Performance

21:21 - Embracing Your New Identity: Letting Go of Who You “Used to Be”

22:40 - Ignoring the Noise: How to Stop Being the Inner Critic and Start Being the Inner Coach

25:59 - The Power of Self-Identity: Why “Know Thyself” is the First Step to Change

28:48 - The Non-Negotiables of Change: Why You Must Have a Plan and an Exit Strategy

31:28 - “On the Other Side of Pain Lies Greatness”: A Story of Ultramarathon Pain and Purpose

35:51 - Practical Steps to Start Your Comeback: Finding Silence and Breathing

38:12 - Chad’s Final Message and How to Connect

Connect with Leigh Devine:

Website: https://mindovervirtuallyeverything.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moveperformance

Facebook: https://facebook.com/chaddunn22

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/chad-dunn-1b562a41

Book: https://mindovervirtuallyeverything.com/shop/

CONNECT WITH IAN BOWEN:

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PositivePersistence-ch8fk

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

72. Parenting Resilient Teens with Leigh Devine

ian@thepositivepersistence.com (Positive Persistence) — Wed, 29 Oct 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Are you feeling overwhelmed by navigating the complexities of today's teenagers?

In this profoundly insightful and practical episode, Ian Bowen sits down with Leigh Devine, a seasoned therapist and founder of Lotus of Life Counseling with over 23 years of experience. Leigh pulls from her vast expertise in schools, hospitals, and private practice to shed light on the inner world of adolescents and provide a roadmap for adults to support them effectively.

She delves into the critical importance of validation over compliance, how to regulate your own nervous system during heated moments, and why a teen's lie is often a shield, not a sword. Leigh also shares tangible strategies for building self-esteem in a world of social media comparison and fostering the resilience kids need to transition successfully into "emerging adulthood."

This is a must-listen for anyone, who wants to move beyond reactionary parenting and mentoring. Parents could unlock becoming a grounded, trusted guide for the young people in their lives.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

1. The two most common patterns of adversity teens face today and how to spot the early warning signs of declining mental health.

2. Why validation is the cornerstone of building trust with a teenager (and how it's different from agreement).

3. A simple, in-the-moment tool for parents to de-escalate their own anger and turn a disciplinary moment into a teaching one.

4. The surprising reason why teenagers lie and how to create an environment where they feel safe telling the truth.

5. Practical strategies for helping teens build healthy body confidence and self-worth in the age of YouTube and social media comparison.

6. How to support the transition from adolescence to young adulthood by being a "resource," not a "helicopter."

Key Takeaways:

1. Validate to Build Trust: Validation is the fastest way to build a bridge of trust. Acknowledging a teen's feelings as real is not about agreeing with them. It’s about making them feel heard.

2. Regulate Yourself First: The most powerful parenting tool in a crisis is your own regulated nervous system. Walking away to breathe is not a sign of weakness; it's a strategic move that models emotional intelligence.

3. Connection is Protection: Teens who are isolated and lack connection to peers, clubs, or other supportive adults are at higher risk. Fostering these connections is a proactive step toward safeguarding their mental health.

4. Build the Human, Not the Résumé: Focus on praising character, effort, and integrity over outward appearance or achievement. This builds a core sense of self-worth that isn't dependent on external validation.

5. Let Them "FIO" (Figure It Out): Resilience is born from overcoming adversity. Allowing teens to solve their own problems (within safe boundaries) gives them the blueprint to handle future challenges.

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction to the Positive Persistence Podcast

01:28 - Meet Leigh Devine: Therapist and Founder of Lotus of Life Counseling

03:03 - Common Patterns of Adversity Faced by Teens Today

06:00 - The Power of Validation and How It Builds Trust & Identity

09:05 - Finding the Balance: Giving Teens Space vs. Providing Guidance

12:32 - Evolving as a Parent: Moving Beyond "Because I Said So"

17:08 - The Regulated Parent: How to Pause and De-escalate in Heated Moments

21:50 - Understanding Why Teens Lie: It’s Often a Protection Mechanism

27:09 - Early Warning Signs of Teen Mental Health Struggles

30:24 - The Critical Role of Social Connection (Online and Offline)

34:11 - Building Healthy Body Image and Self-Esteem in a Digital World

44:07 - The "Emerging Adult": Supporting the Transition to Independence

47:58 - The Ultimate Goal: Unconditional Love and Building Resilient Humans

51:50 - How to Connect with Leigh Devine and Lotus of Life Counseling

Connect with Leigh Devine:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lotus_of_life_counseling_

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lotusoflifeIndy

Website: https://www.lotusoflifecounseling.net/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leigh-devine-0b69431a6/

CONNECT WITH IAN BOWEN:

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PositivePersistence-ch8fk

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

71. Building a Breakthrough Brand with Filip Keuppens

ian@thepositivepersistence.com (Positive Persistence) — Wed, 22 Oct 2025 06:00:00 +0000

What does it take to transform a niche remedy into a globally recognized performance brand used by elite athletes?

In this insightful and tactical episode, Ian Bowen sits down with Filip Keuppens, the visionary CEO of The Pickle Juice Company. Filip pulls back the curtain on his journey of building Pickle Juice, the only scientifically proven beverage to stop muscle cramps in 60 seconds. He shares the unique challenges of carving out the "hyperfunctional beverage" category and educating consumers on a product that has nothing to do with actual pickles.

Drawing from his diverse background in Fortune 500 sales, military service, and competitive rugby, Filip delivers powerful lessons on leadership, resilience, and strategic thinking. He opens up about his early career struggles with conventional corporate thinking and how learning to focus on "the what, not the who" became his key to navigating high-pressure situations. Filip also dives deep into the importance of emotional regulation, creating a culture that allows for failure, and why removing just one toxic person from a team can boost efficiency by 40-60%.

This is a must-listen for entrepreneurs, leaders, and anyone looking to build a resilient mindset, a transparent brand, and a high-performing team.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

1. The science behind Pickle Juice and how it blocks the nerve signals that cause muscle cramping.

2. How Filip is building a "hyperfunctional" product development company, moving beyond cramps to vessel dilation and VO2 max improvement.

3. The strategy of using elite athletes as a "credibility play" to build consumer confidence in a revolutionary product.

4. Filip's framework for handling adversity by removing emotion and viewing challenges as "algorithmic problems."

5. Practical techniques for calming your nervous system (like box breathing) to make better decisions under pressure.

6. Why allowing your ego to drive decisions almost guarantees a compromised outcome, in business and in sports.

7. The dramatic impact of a single disruptive team member and how to identify and address it quickly.

8. Filip's personal journey of surrounding himself with the right people and finding fulfillment by treating root causes, not symptoms.

Key Takeaways:

1. Build Confidence in the Concept: When introducing a completely new product, you must build consumer confidence not just in your brand, but in the entire new category you are creating.

2. Focus on the What, Not the Who: In any challenging situation, focus on the problem itself, not the person who delivered it. This removes emotion and leads to more efficient, logical solutions.

3. Calm the Mind to Peak Perform: High performance in business, sports, and life is not about hyping yourself up, but about calming your mind to operate in the most efficient cerebral space possible.

4. One Bad Apple Spoils the Bunch: A single disruptive or misaligned individual can reduce a team's efficiency by 40-60%. Protecting your team's culture is not just healthy, but also critical for performance.

5. Embrace Failure to Succeed: You have to be willing and able to fail. If you're not failing, you're not trying hard enough or pushing the boundaries of what's possible.

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction to the Positive Persistence Podcast

01:50 - What is The Pickle Juice Company?

04:19 - From military and rugby to CEO: Filip’s unique background

06:44 - The challenge of thinking differently in corporate America

09:10 - The mindset for facing high-pressure situations

12:30 - The "What, Not the Who" framework for problem-solving

14:18 - How elite athletes use calming techniques to perform

16:06 - The danger of letting your ego drive decisions

19:15 - Dealing with competitors and protecting your brand

22:10 - How one disruptive person can ruin team efficiency

25:01 - Filip’s personal journey with insecurity and toxic relationships

28:40 - The daily habits that create a joyful and fulfilling life

31:17 - How sports masked a deeper need for self-work

35:10 - Why vulnerability and self-awareness are true strengths

39:08 - Why you must be willing to fail in order to succeed

41:45 - Where to find Pickle Juice and learn more about the science

Connect with Filip Keuppens:

Website: https://picklepower.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fkeuppens/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fkeuppens

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fkeuppens/

CONNECT WITH IAN BOWEN:

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PositivePersistence-ch8fk

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

70. Reboot Your Health & Performance with Dr. Remina Panjwani

ian@thepositivepersistence.com (Positive Persistence) — Mon, 13 Oct 2025 01:43:16 +0000

Do you want to understand the root cause of your health issues instead of just treating the symptoms?

In this enlightening and science-backed episode, Ian Bowen sits down with Dr. Remina Panjwani, a board-certified internal medicine physician and functional medicine expert. Dr. Remina pulls back the curtain on the powerful differences between conventional and functional medicine, explaining how a personalized, holistic approach can help you reboot your health and elevate your performance.

She dives deep into the critical gut-brain connection, the impact of stress on your hormones, and how ancient spiritual practices are now being validated by modern neuroscience. Dr. Remina also shares her own powerful journey from a challenging upbringing and military service to becoming a top physician, and how her personal battles with mental health shaped her passion for helping others.

This is a must-listen for anyone feeling burnt out, dealing with mysterious symptoms, or simply wanting to optimize their well-being for a long, high-performing life.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

1. The fundamental difference between conventional medicine’s “band-aid” approach and functional medicine’s root-cause methodology.

2. What “concierge care” really means and how it transforms the patient experience from stressful waits to personalized service.

3. The scientific link between your gut health and mental state (the gut-brain axis), and how inflammation in one causes inflammation in the other.

4. How breathwork, meditation, and even sound healing physically change your brainwaves and regulate your nervous system.

5. Dr. Remina’s top three non-negotiable daily practices for nervous system regulation, better sleep, and sustainable energy.

6. A simple biohack for high-performers who feel they don’t have time to sleep.

Key Takeaways:

1. Your Health Journey is Personal: Functional medicine doesn't use a one-size-fits-all model. It looks at your unique biochemistry, lifestyle, and history to create a customized plan for healing and optimization.

2. Address the Root, Not Just the Symptom: Chronic issues like brain fog, fatigue, and anxiety often stem from root causes like gut inflammation, hormonal imbalances, or nervous system dysregulation, not a lack of medication.

3. Embrace the “Moment of Pause”: The most powerful tool for regulating your nervous system is already with you: your breath. Taking moments to pause and breathe throughout the day builds resilience and prevents burnout.

4. Pay Now or Pay Later with Your Health: Investing time in self-care, proper nutrition, and sleep on the front end is far less costly than dealing with chronic disease later, in terms of time, money, and quality of life.

5. Bridge Eastern and Western Wisdom: The most effective health strategy combines the best of conventional medicine (for acute care) with the proven, holistic tools of functional and ancient practices (for sustainable wellness).

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction to the Positive Persistence Podcast

01:30 - Introduction to Dr. Remina Panjwani and her background

02:43 - What is functional medicine and how does it differ from conventional care?

09:45 - The concierge care model: personalized service and stress-free labs

18:10 - The role of spirituality and science in healing: nervous system regulation explained

28:02 - Dr. Remina’s powerful personal journey from self-doubt to top physician

35:21 - The critical gut-brain connection and how nutrition impacts everything

39:05 - The top 3 daily practices for rebuilding health and sustaining performance

44:00 - The “selfish” reframe: Why prioritizing your health is a gift to those you love

48:43 - How Dr. Remina bridges Eastern and Western medicine in her practice

51:07 - Where to find Dr. Remina and start your own health reboot

Connect with Dr. Remina Panjwani:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drremina/

Website: https://www.drremina.com

Podcast: The Dr. Remina Panjwani Show https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dr-remina-panjwani-show/id1725008602

Email: hello@drremina.com

CONNECT WITH IAN BOWEN:

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PositivePersistence-ch8fk

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

69. Rewire Your Brain & End Self-Betrayal with Abby Havermann

ian@thepositivepersistence.com (Positive Persistence) — Wed, 8 Oct 2025 03:57:55 +0000

What if the biggest thing holding you back is a story you don't even know you're telling yourself?

In this profound and eye-opening episode, Ian Bowen sits down with Abby Havermann, a psychotherapist-turned-coach who illuminates the unconscious self-betrayals that keep us stuck. Abby masterfully blends clinical psychology, cutting-edge neuroscience, and ancient wisdom to explain how our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors are wired—and how we can rewire them.

Abby opens up with incredible vulnerability about her own journey, including a humiliating rock-bottom moment that forced her to confront the unconscious patterns driving her life. She shares powerful insights on how to "unmemorize" debilitating emotions like guilt, break free from the cycle of unworthiness, and shift from simply surviving to truly thriving.

This is a must-listen for anyone feeling stuck in their own story, battling repetitive negative emotions, or ready to take radical responsibility for their personal reality. Abby provides a practical and compassionate roadmap for waking up from "sophisticated sleepwalking" and creating lasting change from the inside out.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

1. How Abby blends psychology, neuroscience, and ancient wisdom to explain the "human machinery."

2. The shocking personal setback that became Abby's catalyst for profound change and self-discovery.

3. What "unconscious self-betrayal" really means and a simple, relatable example (saying "yes" when you mean "no").

4. A powerful, personal story of how Abby "unmemorized" a lifelong pattern of feeling guilty.

5. Why your personality creates your personal reality and how to identify the different "parts" of your inner world.

6. Practical steps to identify your own self-betrayals and rewire your neural pathways for a more authentic life.

7. Why it's biologically difficult to change and how to navigate the "anger-shame" cycle.

Key Takeaways:

1. You Are Not Your Personality: Your personality—made up of how you think, act, and feel—creates your personal reality. To change your life, you must become conscious of and change these elements.

2. Self-Betrayal Roots in Unworthiness: Many of our unconscious self-betrayals, from people-pleasing to overachieving, drill down to a deep-seated sense of unworthiness.

3. To Create Change, Focus Inward Lasting change doesn't happen by just changing your outer world. You must put more attention on your inner world than your outer world.

4. Don't Act From the Emotion: You can feel stuck, anxious, or angry without having to act on it. The goal is to observe the emotion, shift your physiological state, and then choose your behavior consciously.

5. You Can "Unmemorize" Emotions: Just as you learned to tie your shoes, you learned to feel guilt, anxiety, or shame. Through focused attention and new practices, you can unlearn these automatic emotional responses.

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction to the Positive Persistence Podcast

01:30 - Introduction to Abby Havermann: Psychotherapist and coach

02:10 - Abby explains the blend of psychology, neuroscience, and ancient wisdom

05:18 - Addressing skepticism about energy and ancient wisdom

09:53 - Abby's defining setback: The story of her arrest and profound humiliation

12:02 - The journey of "unmemorizing" guilt

14:20 - How to practically unlearn an ingrained emotion or habit

16:55 - How your personality creates your personal reality

17:44 - Unpacking "unconscious self-betrayal" with relatable examples

21:47 - Ian shares a personal story of self-betrayal and unworthiness

25:38 - How to identify your patterns of self-betrayal and rewire your thoughts

28:55 - The trap of venting and how to seek support without getting stuck

32:03 - The biology of emotion: It's an addiction, not a moral failing

35:39 - Abby's daily rituals for mental resilience and getting "unstuck"

39:43 - Where to find Abby and her resources

Connect with Abby Havermann:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/abby.havermann

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abby.havermann

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abbyhavermann

Website: https://www.abbyhavermann.com

Podcast (The Intuition Incubator): https://www.abbyhavermann.com/podcast

Free Course (From Hot Mess to Harmony): https://www.abbyhavermann.com/join-from-hot-mess-to-harmony-course

Tedx talk: https://youtu.be/NcvpoY28j8I?si=1cb3Zyl514UlDObO

CONNECT WITH IAN BOWEN:

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PositivePersistence-ch8fk

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

From Corporate Burnout to Fit Mom with Kaitlin Capek

ian@thepositivepersistence.com (Positive Persistence) — Wed, 1 Oct 2025 08:32:00 +0000

Have you ever felt stuck in a career that looks good on paper but drains your soul?

In this powerful and relatable episode, Ian Bowen sits down with Kaitlin Capek, who made the courageous leap from a high-stress corporate finance career to becoming a certified nutrition coach and fitness professional.

Kaitlin opens up about her journey as a high-achiever, the intense burnout that led to a breaking point, and the moment she decided to quit her well-paying job to pursue her passion for health and wellness. She shares raw insights into the challenges of being a primary caregiver, the "mom guilt" that comes with chasing a dream, and how she battled imposter syndrome while rebuilding her professional identity.

This is a must-listen for anyone, especially moms, feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or disconnected from their true selves. Kaitlin provides a practical, compassionate, and sustainable framework for making a life-changing pivot without sacrificing your well-being or family.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

1. The story of Kaitlin’s late-night walk and emotional breakdown that signaled it was time for a change.

2. Kaitlin's honest take on feeling like a "fraud" in a new industry and how "putting in the reps" built her confidence.

3. Why perfectionism is the enemy of progress and how to build lasting habits with an 80/20 mindset.

4. Practical strategies for time-blocking, setting boundaries, and accepting help without guilt.

5. The four key pillars that Kaitlin coaches busy moms to focus on: protein, produce, water, and movement.

6. A simple 3-step process to start moving toward a more passion-driven career.

Key Takeaways:

1. Your Passion Must Be Greater Than Your Fear: The drive to become who you want to be can push you through the discomfort of imposter syndrome and change.

2. Perfectionism Guarantees Burnout: Sustainable progress in health, career, or life comes from consistency, not perfection. Aim for 80%, not 100%.

3. You Have to Make Time, Not Find It: Audit your calendar and treat your self-care and goals with the same importance as a doctor's appointment for your child.

4. Accept Help, You're Not a Burden: Leaning on your support system is not a sign of weakness; it's a strategic move that allows you to be a better parent, partner, and professional.

5. Small, Consistent Wins Create Massive Change: Forget the 28-day extreme challenges. Losing half a pound a week sustainably leads to 25 pounds in a year without the misery.

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction to the Positive Persistence Podcast

01:30 - Introduction to Kaitlin Capek: From finance to fitness

02:10 - Kaitlin's competitive, busy childhood and background

03:18 - Starting a career in corporate finance and mortgage

05:18 - The pivotal moment of burnout and emotional breakdown

07:10 - The unexpected "sign" and the decision to quit her job

09:53 - The weight of external expectations and people-pleasing

12:02 - The identity shift and mom guilt of a career change

14:20 - Battling imposter syndrome by "putting in the reps"

16:55 - The dramatic improvement in happiness, energy, and health

17:44 - Advice for moms who feel stuck, overwhelmed, and unhappy

21:47 - How to tailor fitness and nutrition for a busy mom's schedule

25:38 - Why the "all or nothing" philosophy fails every time

27:24 - The critical importance of sustainability and maintenance

28:55 - Balancing motherhood with professional ambitions and routines

32:03 - The power of accepting help from your support system

33:22 - The non-negotiable habits for health and happiness

35:39 - What to do when you're feeling burnt out and overwhelmed

37:16 - 3 practical steps to start a passion-driven career transition

39:43 - Resources, communities, and connecting with Kaitlin

Connect with Kaitlin Capek:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kaitlin.callham

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kaitlin.capek/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaitlin-capek-callham-aa292925/

Website: https://back40fitness.com/collections/nutrition

CONNECT WITH IAN BOWEN:

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PositivePersistence-ch8fk

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

67. Rewire Your Mindset with Angie Wisdom

ian@thepositivepersistence.com (Positive Persistence) — Tue, 23 Sep 2025 12:17:31 +0000

What if the key to unlocking your highest potential wasn't about working harder, but about thinking differently? Award-winning Master Certified Coach Angie Wisdom joins the Positive Persistence Podcast to dismantle the myth that success is solely built on grind and performance.

Angie shares her powerful journey from a challenging childhood that shaped her drive for external validation to a top financial advisor who realized that crossing days off a calendar was a sign of deep disconnection. She now specializes in helping high-performing leaders rewire their subconscious minds, break free from generational programming, and build an unshakable relationship with themselves.

This episode is a masterclass in moving from burnout to brilliance, offering practical tools to identify your core values, silence your inner critic, and finally show up as the "non-negotiable you."

In this episode, you’ll discover:

1. How childhood experiences shape our drive for significance and external validation.

2. The pivotal moment Angie realized that performance-based worth leads to emptiness, and how to find fulfillment instead.

3. Why "woo-woo" practices like stillness and self-inquiry are the ultimate performance accelerators.

4. A simple yet powerful framework for identifying your core values and using them as a compass for every decision.

5. How to use hypnosis and conscious work to rewrite limiting beliefs and build new neural pathways for success.

6. The "Non-Negotiable You" philosophy: why prioritizing yourself is the most selfless thing you can do.

Key Takeaways:

1. Your Worth is Not Your Performance: Basing your value on external achievements is a fast track to burnout. True, sustainable success comes from an internal foundation of self-worth.

2. Values Are Your Operating System: Your core values are not just characteristics; they are the essential "supplements" you need daily to feel energized, motivated, and fulfilled. Every decision filtered through your values becomes clear and easy.

3. Stillness is a Strategic Power Move: Being afraid to sit with your thoughts means you're afraid of what you might find. Confronting this through meditation or journaling is how you access your greatest ideas and deepest wisdom.

4. Self-Care is Selfless: Neglecting yourself and giving others your "scraps" is the most selfish thing you can do. Filling your own cup first allows you to show up as 100% for everyone in your life.

5. Choose Your Seat: You must decide who you want to be and how that person thinks, acts, and believes. Your feelings will follow your actions, not the other way around.

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction to the Positive Persistence Podcast

01:00 - Introduction to Angie Wisdom: Master Coach and Mindset Rewirer

01:46 - Angie’s childhood: Growing up with a divided family and an alcoholic mother

02:51 - The drive to find significance and value through external achievement

04:21 - How childhood programming creates people-pleasing and performance-based identities

06:28 - The common denominator of high achievers: a search for significance

07:48 - The pivotal moment in her financial career: Crossing days off a calendar like a prisoner

09:09 - The realization that fulfillment comes from internal joy, not external performance

10:34 - Why people are afraid of stillness and self-reflection (worthiness, fear, and programming)

13:55 - The critical importance of knowing your core values

16:50 - How to identify your values and use them as a decision-making filter

19:53 - Combining conscious work and hypnosis to rewire limiting beliefs

22:33 - The power of programming new beliefs directly into the subconscious

24:45 - Introducing the "Non-Negotiable You": The agreement to stop negotiating on who you are

26:18 - How to answer the objection: "I'm a busy parent; I don't have time for myself!"

27:27 - Why making time for yourself is non-negotiable and how to start with just 5 minutes

29:38 - The mindset shift: Prioritizing yourself is selfless, not selfish

32:03 - How to use your values to make yourself a priority, no matter how busy you are

34:27 - The power of starting small: How 60 seconds can change everything

36:34 - How to "Choose Your Seat" and show up as the person you want to be, even under pressure

39:10 - Why your mind creates congruency with your beliefs (and how to change them)

40:33 - Putting on the "glasses" of your future self to determine your next actions

42:44 - How to dream again and set a new vision when you feel stuck or complacent

44:10 - Ian's final thoughts and connecting with Angie

Connect with Angie Wisdom:

Website: https://angiewisdom.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/angiewisdomlifecoach/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/angiwisdom

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angie-wisdom-50b734180/

Podcast (Sharing Wisdom): https://open.spotify.com/show/1PBijrWRciGbFvWiFDiSNo

Book (The Non-Negotiable You): https://angiewisdom.com/product/the-non-negotiable-you-mindset-mastery-for-daily-success/

Find out your non-negotiables: https://angiewisdom.com/values-assessment/

CONNECT WITH IAN BOWEN:

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PositivePersistence-ch8fk

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

66. Embracing Pain to Avoid Suffering with Brian Bogert

ian@thepositivepersistence.com (Positive Persistence) — Tue, 16 Sep 2025 14:38:31 +0000

A seven-year-old boy had his arm torn off in a Walmart parking lot grew up to become a powerful coach. Now, he’s teaching CEOs and high performers how to transform their deepest pain into their greatest strength.

Brian Bogert, a human behavior and success coach, joins the show to share one of the most harrowing and transformative stories we’ve ever featured. He recounts the day a stranger’s mistake changed his life forever, the nurse whose single choice saved him, and the profound moment in the hospital that taught him the difference between pain and suffering.

This is a masterclass in resilience, a deep dive into the “trash” from our past that holds us back, and a practical framework for how to stop living in a protective state and start living connected to who you truly are.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

1. The life-altering accident at age 7 and the immediate perspective shift that saved his mindset.

2. The critical difference between pain (short-term, actionable) and suffering (chronic, avoidable).

3. Why most people are motivated to avoid pain but rarely identify the suffering they wish to avoid.

4. The “Waste to Wealth” methodology: How to identify and remove the emotional trash from your past.

5. Why living in a constant state of protection guarantees disconnection from everything you want.

Key Takeaways:

1. Perspective is Everything: Lying in a hospital bed, Brian realized his life was secure while the child next to him was terminally ill. This moment taught him to be moved by what he could do with his circumstances, not stuck by what happened to him.

2. Embrace Pain, Avoid Suffering: Pain is short-term and has a direct cause. Suffering is persistent and optional. We can embrace the pain of a difficult conversation to avoid the suffering of a broken relationship.

3. Your Trash is Not Your Fault, But It Is Your Responsibility: The emotional triggers and limiting beliefs from your past are often generational. Once you become aware of them, it becomes your responsibility to manage them so you don’t bury others in your trash.

4. Ask More Questions: The only time we get stuck in life is when we stop asking questions. Questions give us options, which lead to new choices, actions, and feedback.

5. Live Unprotected to Stay Connected: Living with a "strong spine" (knowing your worth) and a "soft front" (being open-hearted) allows for true connection. Armor might protect you, but it always disconnects you from the life you want.

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction to the Positive Persistence Podcast

01:57 - Introduction to Brian Bogert: The man who can see into your soul

02:35 - The accident: August 10, 1992, in a Walmart parking lot

03:05 - The nurse whose choice to act saved his life (and the one who walked away)

07:00 - The decision: Don’t get stuck by what happens to you, get moved by what you do with it

08:15 - The philosophy: Embrace pain to avoid suffering

13:50 - How identifying the suffering you wish to avoid provides powerful motivation

17:30 - The power of asking more questions to uncover your real barriers

21:32 - Introducing the “Waste to Wealth” concept and “taking out your trash”

24:22 - How people’s reactions to his injury created core trash: “No one will believe my truth.”

25:59 - The snowboarding injury at 20 that led to deep depression and isolation

27:45 - Having a $10M business at 27 yet feeling empty, and the moment with his daughter
29:45 - How trash shows up: Misinterpreting his wife’s simple question as an attack

33:15 - Two simple exercises to start identifying your trash

38:11 - Why most people live protected and disconnected

42:45 - The Eminem in “8 Mile” analogy: Having nothing left to justify or defend

44:24 - Ian’s final thoughts and connecting with Brian

Connect with Brian Bogert:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brian.bogert.3

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bogertbrian/

Website: https://brianbogert.com/

Podcast (Flipping the Lid): https://open.spotify.com/show/7zfkjk3mIMY4i6JWQR7aFz

CONNECT WITH IAN BOWEN:

FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61568079585675

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PositivePersistence-ch8fk

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

65. Saving Teacher Sanity with Rae Hughart

ian@thepositivepersistence.com (Positive Persistence) — Wed, 10 Sep 2025 06:00:00 +0000

How does a former special education student who couldn't read a book until her senior year of college become a national leader in education, a TEDx speaker, and the CEO of a movement saving teachers from burnout?

Rae Hughart, CEO of Teach Better and founder of the Teachers Deserve It movement, joins the show for a powerful conversation about her journey from being a self-proclaimed "worst student" to a transformative force in education. She opens up about the profound impact of a single dance teacher who saw her potential, the guidance counselor who told her she wasn't "college-bound," and the moment she decided to become a math teacher specifically to be the teacher she never had.

This is a raw look at the systemic pressures crushing educators, the power of practical solutions over empty buzzwords, and how building the right community can help you create a dream career you never knew was possible.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

1. How a label can shape, but not define, your entire identity and journey.

2. The pivotal moment a dance instructor’s trust gave Rae a lifeline and a new sense of capability.

3. The real, daily pressures that lead to overwhelming teacher burnout and how the system is set up for survival, not success.

4. Why the "Teachers Deserve It" movement is about actionable solutions, not just complaints.

5. How Rae overcame massive self-doubt to build a company by leaning on the expertise of others and building a powerful community.

Key Takeaways:

1. Your Label is Not Your Limit: Being identified as a special education student led Rae to believe she was a "lost cause." It took one person seeing past that label to show her a different path.

2. Trust is a Powerful Catalyst: Being trusted with responsibility—like a key to the dance studio—can be a transformative moment that builds confidence and self-worth.

3. Environment is Everything (For Teachers Too): Teachers are often in a state of "fight or flight," juggling countless demands. Sustainable teaching requires systems that work for educators, not against them.

4. Start with Solutions, Not Just Problems: The "Teachers Deserve It" philosophy is about empowering educators with practical, sub-5-second strategies to reclaim their time and sanity, not adding to their to-do list.

5. You Don’t Have to Be the Expert in Everything: Entrepreneurship isn't about knowing it all; it's about knowing your strengths and building a community of people who excel where you don't.

Timestamps:

00:00 - Meet Our Inspiring Guest: Rae Hughart

01:14 - Dana, Ian’s wife, joins the conversation as the co-host

02:15 - Rae's Journey: From special ed student to educator

04:36 - The challenges and rewards of teaching

07:29 - The impact of a dance teacher

13:11 - Teachers deserve it: addressing teacher burnout

21:25 - Empowering teachers with practical solutions

25:06 - Prioritizing personal growth and performance

28:05 - The need for updated learning approaches

29:05 - Responsive and practical solutions for teachers

31:56 - The journey from educator to entrepreneur

36:39 - Building a community and overcoming self-doubt

40:20 - Connecting and supporting the education community

49:01 - Conclusion and final thoughts

Connect with Astronaut Christopher Huie:

Website: https://teachersdeserveit.com/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@raehughartedu

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raehughart/

X: https://x.com/raehughart

IG: https://www.instagram.com/teachersdeserveit/

Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/teachers-deserve-it-real-talk/id1792030274

Book: Amazon.com: Teachers Deserve It: What You Deserve. Why You Don't Have It. And How You Can Go Get It.

CONNECT WITH IAN BOWEN:

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PositivePersistence-ch8fk

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

64. Reaching for the Stars with Astronaut Christopher Huie

ian@thepositivepersistence.com (Positive Persistence) — Wed, 3 Sep 2025 06:00:00 +0000

What does it take to become one of the fewer than 800 people in human history to travel to space?

Christopher Huie, the 19th Black astronaut and first Jamaican American to journey beyond our atmosphere, joins the show to share his incredible path from a latchkey kid in Florida to rocket scientist and space pioneer. He opens up about growing up surrounded by the echoes of shuttle launches, how Star Trek shaped his leadership style, and why his mother’s trust, not pressure, set him on a trajectory toward the stars.

This is a conversation about redefining failure, the power of asking “how” instead of “if,” and why pursuing impossible goals transforms not just what we achieve, but who we become.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

1. How growing up near Kennedy Space Center shaped Christopher’s childhood dreams.

2. Why his mother’s Jamaican roots influenced her hands-off approach to parenting and why it worked.

3. The role of “ignorance” and curiosity in innovation and personal growth.

4. How engineering principles can help reframe failure and expand what’s possible.

5. What it truly feels like to see Earth from space and why that perspective changes everything.

Key Takeaways:

1. Your Environment Shapes Your Potential: Christopher credits his structured, supportive upbringing and exposure to space culture with keeping him focused and curious.

2. Don’t Self-Limit: He never believed there was anything he couldn’t do—even when others said otherwise. Let the world tell you “no,” not yourself.

3. Failure Is Data, Not Defeat: In engineering, there’s never just one right answer. Each “failure” is just one path eliminated on the way to a solution.

4. Ask “How,” Not “If”: Shifting from a binary mindset to a creative one opens up infinite possibilities and encourages problem-solving instead of surrender.

5. Define the Impact, Not the Path: Start with the change you want to make in the world—the how will follow.

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction to Christopher Huie

00:35 - What is Virgin Galactic and its role in commercial space flight?

02:17 - Christopher’s childhood inspiration: space shuttles, documentaries, and Star Trek

05:10 - The influence of his Jamaican American mother and single-parent household

06:50 - Why he wanted to be a helicopter engineer

08:24 - Overcoming statistical odds: being Black in aerospace

11:31 - How private school and a structured environment helped him thrive

12:15 - The power of a “figure-it-out” engineering mindset

13:09 - Dealing with failure and not self-limiting

15:04 - Where his audacity and self-belief come from

16:12 - “Ignorance is a great innovation tool”

17:36 - His engineering approach to obstacles and redefining success

19:48 - Why some problems have no solution—and that’s okay

20:21 - Reframing failure: It’s not if, it’s how

22:17 - “Bad brainstorming” and expanding solution spaces

23:40 - Start with complete freedom, then apply constraints

24:07 - The importance of defining the problem before seeking the solution

25:10 - How to identify the real goal behind the goal

27:39 - The power of radical humility and continuous feedback

30:04 - How AI and humans learn through failure

32:51 - Why we must go to space “for who we become in the process”

34:13 - Pushing past comfort zones to discover potential

35:07 - The side benefits of pursuing hard things (like GPS)

37:16 - What it feels like to see Earth from space

39:38 - How the overview effect creates profound humility and connection

40:34 - Advice for overcoming setbacks and pursuing dreams

41:09 - You are the only you—leverage your unique perspective

42:07 - How to “make your own luck” by controlling your environment

43:36 - Final thoughts: You’re capable of more than you think

44:35 - How to connect with Christopher Huie

Connect with Astronaut Christopher Huie:

Website: https://www.astrochuie.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/astrochuie/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/astrochuie/

X: https://x.com/astrochuie

Threads: https://www.threads.com/@astrochuie

CONNECT WITH IAN BOWEN:

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PositivePersistence-ch8fk

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

63. Journey of Redemption with John Petrelli

ian@thepositivepersistence.com (Positive Persistence) — Wed, 27 Aug 2025 06:00:00 +0000

How does a violent, rage-filled teenager transform into a celebrated Hollywood trainer and model, only to have it all threatened by a rare disease that left him paralyzed from the neck down?

John Petrelli, a two-time author, speaker, and 30-year veteran fitness coach to the stars, shares his incredible journey from a lost youth seeking identity in bar fights to finding purpose by helping others. He opens up about the profound impact of a strained relationship with his WWII veteran father, the life-altering moment a college professor saw his potential, and the desperate cross-country move that saved his life.

This is a raw conversation about the roots of anger, the power of a single mentor, and the unimaginable resilience required to rebuild your body and spirit from absolute zero.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

1. The childhood roots of rage and how a lack of identity leads to violence.

2. The pivotal moment a criminal justice professor changed John’s life with one sentence.

3. Why sometimes the only way out of a negative environment is a geographic change.

4. The surprising, universal insecurities of A-list celebrities and where they stem from.

5. The harrowing details of his battle with Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) and how his past struggles prepared him to survive.

Key Takeaways:

1.Identity is Chosen, Not Given: Losing his identity as an athlete, John found a new, destructive one in violence. We often adopt the identity that gets us the most attention, even if it's negative.

2. One Person Can Change Your Trajectory: A single mentor who believes in you when you can't believe in yourself can be the catalyst for a completely new life path.

3. Your Environment is Everything: To truly change, you must often change your peer group, your location, and what you fill your time with. Surround yourself with people who lift you up.

4. Resilience is Built in the Past: Your past struggles are not for nothing; they are the tools you will need to overcome future adversity. Look back at your "wins" to fuel your current battles.

5. Mindset is Medicine: Facing a potentially fatal paralysis, John nourished his spirit with music, his body with whole foods, and his mind with visualization and faith, creating the perfect conditions for healing.

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction to John Petrelli’s many lives

01:19 - John on the power of the title "Dad"

02:06 - Ian on reading John’s book, "Page Turner: Confessions of a Hollywood Trainer"

02:41 - The mindset of a violent teenager: Where the rage came from

04:06 - The profound impact of a father who couldn’t say "I love you"

07:40 - How to pivot away from a negative identity and environment

08:29 - The life-altering encounter with Professor Tom Lanahan

10:22 - "I don't know who you used to be... I know who you are right now."

12:20 - The emotional weight of a second chance

14:12 - Why he had to leave everything and move to California

16:28 - Arriving in California and sleeping on a floor for a new future

17:57 - The power of filling your minutes with positive action

19:14 - Studying for his certification while working as a bouncer and landscaper

20:38 - How his clients became his mentors and family

23:30 - The common struggles and insecurities of his celebrity clients

28:06 - Where limiting beliefs truly come from (Hint: It’s often childhood)

31:54 - The fulfilling joy of being a coach and witnessing transformation

33:23 - The segue into his biggest battle: Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS)

34:41 - How his past struggles prepared him for paralysis

36:40 - The rapid onset of GBS: From numbness to full paralysis in days

38:30 - The 45-minute whirlwind from ER to ICU on respiratory watch

39:29 - Context: From benching 405 lbs to being completely paralyzed

40:35 - John’s mental state facing a life-threatening diagnosis

41:19 - Creating a healing environment: Music, nourishment, and visualization

44:45 - Ian on the power of visualization from his own hospital experience

45:40 - Resilience isn’t bouncing back; it’s bouncing forward with new tools

47:45 - The "metaphysical backpack" of tools we collect from overcoming adversity

48:50 - The community that showed up: Christmas carolers at his door

50:34 - His mission to pay it forward and be a spark for others

51:45 - Ian’s final thoughts and where to find John’s book

52:26 - John’s offer to donate speaking time to educators, first responders, and caregivers

53:18 - How to connect with John Petrelli

Connect with John Petrelli:

Website: https://www.confessionsofahollywoodtrainer.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/john.petrelli/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-petrelli-16589b251/

CONNECT WITH IAN BOWEN:

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PositivePersistence-ch8fk

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

62. The Joy Hour with Tom Lyman

ian@thepositivepersistence.com (Positive Persistence) — Wed, 20 Aug 2025 05:07:33 +0000

What does it take for a successful, functional addict to finally surrender and ask for help?

Tom Lyman, a men’s life coach and founder of The Joy Hour, shares his raw and powerful story of a 12-year battle with addiction, adultery, and a double life that nearly cost him everything. He reveals the pivotal moment in his backyard on Thanksgiving that became his "rock foundation," the humbling journey through rehab, and how he rebuilt his marriage and discovered his true purpose.

This is a candid conversation about the destructive power of ego, the life-saving act of surrender, and the transformative power of creating connection to replace isolation.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

1. The stark difference between a "rock bottom" and a "rock foundation."

2. Why it's so difficult for high-achieving men to ask for help and how to overcome it.

3. How Tom’s wife’s ultimatum, delivered with love, became the catalyst for change.

4. The birth of "The Joy Hour"—a sober, connection-based movement that grew from 30 to 200 people in a month.

5. Tom’s "Recovery, Discovery, Action" framework for building a life of purpose beyond addiction.

Key Takeaways:

1. Functional Isn't Fine: You can have the big house, cars, and business success while your private life is crumbling. External success often masks internal pain.

2. Humble Yourself or Be Humbled: The ego that built your success can prevent you from getting the help you need. Surrender is a strength, not a weakness.

3. Connection is the Antidote: Mental health and addiction struggles worsen in isolation and improve through connection. Your environment is everything.

4. Your Receipts and Timestamp Don't Lie: To see what you truly value, look objectively at how you spend your money and your time.

5. Recovery → Discovery → Action = Purpose: Healing is the first step. Then you must discover your gifts and, most importantly, take bold action to live them out.

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction to Tom Lyman

00:56 - The pivotal Thanksgiving 2021 rock bottom moment

03:17 - The functional addict facade: Maintaining a double life

05:27 - The moment his wife said "I can't do it anymore"

07:15 - The humbling experience of (paid) outpatient rehab

09:40 - How ego prevents men from asking for help

11:25 - The miraculous restoration of his marriage and family

13:23 - The origin story of "The Joy Hour"

16:05 - How a sober party became a movement for mental health and connection

19:36 - [Mid-roll Ad] The Rinse Method

21:06 - How Joy Hour creates organic support networks

22:12 - A powerful story: How connection replaced anxiety medication

23:42 - Tom’s philosophy on identity: "I had addictions; I am not an addict."

25:33 - The Recovery, Discovery, Action framework explained

29:31 - Redefining success: It’s not the cars or the money

32:00 - Balancing external success with internal peace

32:58 - The critical question: "What is your WHY?"

35:12 - Steve Jobs' regret: "I've had very little joy."

36:05 - One piece of advice for starting your journey: Pen and Paper

38:57 - The power of auditing your time and spending

41:52 - Where to find Tom Lyman and The Joy Hour

Connect with Tom Lyman:

Website: https://tomlyman.com/ (Coming Soon)

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tomthejoyhourguy/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-lyman-4a0b31230/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JoyHourShow

CONNECT WITH IAN BOWEN:

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PositivePersistence-ch8fk

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Compassionate Love Awakens with Dr. Josiane Bonte

ian@thepositivepersistence.com (Ian Bowen) — Wed, 13 Aug 2025 11:06:21 +0000

What if the key to healing trauma and transforming relationships lies in a hidden biological gift we all possess?

Dr. Josiane Bonte, a family and systems researcher with over 22 years of experience, unveils the science and soul of compassionate love: a powerful force encoded in our DNA.

In this profound conversation, she reveals how embracing our shadow selves, practicing self-compassion, and shifting our energy can dissolve conflict, heal generational wounds, and unlock extraordinary post-traumatic growth.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

1. The scientific foundation of compassionate love and its role in human connection

2. How shadow work helps reclaim disowned parts of ourselves for wholeness

3. Why trauma can become a gateway to post-traumatic growth

4. The ripple effect of self-compassion on relationships and global healing

5. Practical steps to shift from reactivity to loving awareness in daily life

Key Takeaways:

1. Chromosome of Connection: Compassionate love is biologically wired in us—activate it to transform relationships.

2. Shadow Integration: The qualities we judge in others mirror hidden aspects of ourselves waiting to be embraced.

3. Trauma as Catalyst: Grounded hope—focusing on what works in the present—fuels post-traumatic growth.

4. Energy Matters: Your emotional responses to global events either perpetuate or heal collective pain.

5. Sovereign Love: True compassion starts within; you can’t give what you haven’t cultivated for yourself.

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction to Dr. Josiane Bonte’s work

00:38 - Defining compassionate love and its planetary impact

02:29 - The discovery of the "compassion chromosome" in scientific research

04:20 - How conflict dissolves when we prioritize harmony over being right

07:22 - The sacred role of intimacy in healing trauma and awakening love

09:58 - Seeing the divine in others—even in conflict

12:16 - Shadow work: Uncovering repressed qualities to reclaim power

15:27 - Dr. Josiane’s personal journey through divorce and self-discovery

18:40 - Breaking victim mentality: External reality reflects internal state

21:25 - Post-traumatic growth vs. stagnation—the power of grounded hope

25:06 - A harrowing case study: How compassionate love de-escalated violence

29:50 - Spiritual diets: Protecting your energy in a chaotic world

32:21 - Practical steps to integrate shadow aspects and cultivate self-love

37:27 - Why crying (and laughing) are essential to emotional balance

40:26 - The simplicity (and challenge) of choosing love in every moment

Connect with Dr. Josiane Bonte:

Website: https://www.theintegrativewellness.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/josianebonte/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josianeapollon/

Book: https://a.co/d/2N7lZu7

CONNECT WITH IAN BOWEN:

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PositivePersistence-ch8fk

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Borrowed Confidence Transforms with Sarah Dumont

ian@thepositivepersistence.com (Ian Bowen) — Wed, 13 Aug 2025 02:55:49 +0000

What happens when life forces you into leadership during your darkest hour?

Sarah Dumont shares her powerful journey from corporate food service to reluctantly inheriting her mother's Fit Body Bootcamp locations after losing her to cancer. Through raw vulnerability, Sarah reveals how she transformed overwhelming grief and crippling anxiety into entrepreneurial strength, discovering her life's purpose in the process.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

1. How to navigate leading a business while grieving a profound loss

2. The power of "borrowed confidence" when you don't believe in yourself

3. Why staying present is crucial during overwhelming life transitions

4. How a supportive community can hold you through your darkest moments

5. The mindset shift from "keeping things afloat" to "making it your own"

Key Takeaways:

1. Feel the fear, do it anyway. Perfect conditions don't exist—action creates momentum even in uncertainty

2. Borrowed confidence works. Accept others' belief in you when you can't find your own

3. Presence over perfection. Focus on what you can accomplish today rather than everything at once

4. Community as Catalyst: Shared grief and support can become the foundation for transformation

5. Response Over Reaction: Your reality is shaped by how you choose to respond to circumstances

Timestamps:

00:00 - Sarah’s background: From event planning to corporate food service

02:11 - Sarah’s mom's cancer diagnosis and the pull to come home

04:08 - The difficult decision to leave Boston and support family

07:28 - Moving home during COVID and stepping into the business

09:10 - Her Mom’s passing on September 3rd, 2021

11:28 - The overwhelming reality of inheriting two businesses

13:47 - Selling one location and focusing on Westminster Fit Body Bootcamp

15:08 - How shared grief created community strength

18:39 - Learning the business while handling estate affairs

21:53 - The power of staying present during crisis

25:06 - Borrowed confidence and accepting help from others

27:20 - The World Conference moment: “Stop dabbling, go all in”

29:50 - The emotional commitment meeting with her team

32:21 - How to accept compliments and belief from others

34:08 - Advice for cultivating resilience during overwhelming challenges

37:27 - “Feel the fear and do it anyway” philosophy

40:26 - Choosing familiar discomfort over unfamiliar growth

41:56 - Finding strength through response vs. reaction

44:27 - How challenges become opportunities for growth

Connect with Sarah Dumont:

Website: https://fitbodybootcamp.com/locations/westminster-vt/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/srd671/

Instagram Business: https://www.instagram.com/westminsterfitbodybootcamp/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WestminsterVTFitBodyBootcamp

CONNECT WITH IAN BOWEN:

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PositivePersistence-ch8fk

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Lead Yourself First with Rich Lohman

ian@thepositivepersistence.com (Ian Bowen) — Wed, 13 Aug 2025 02:37:31 +0000

How can you become the leader of your own life before leading others?

Rich Lohman, a leadership expert and high-performance coach, joins Ian Bowen to unpack the transformative power of self-leadership. Rich shares his journey from people-pleasing to purposeful growth, the science behind DISC personality assessments, and why a growth plan is non-negotiable for success.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

1. Why leadership starts with the person in the mirror—not a title or position.

2. The three pillars of self-leadership: fitness, finances, and relationships.

3. How DISC assessments reveal your blind spots and unlock growth.

4. The “earthquake moments” that force change—and how to avoid waiting for them.

5. Why most personal development fails (and how to turn reading into results).

Key Takeaways:

1. Leadership Begins Within: You can’t lead others effectively until you lead yourself.

2. DISC as a Mirror: Your personality assessment isn’t just data—it’s a roadmap for growth.

3. Burn the Ships: Commitment requires eliminating escape routes.

4. Growth over Goals: A 1% daily improvement compounds into lifelong transformation.

5. Coaching Matters: The right coach accelerates progress by reflecting your potential back to you.

Timestamps:

00:00 - Rich’s backstory: From sales manager to leadership coach

07:15 - The cold morning run that sparked a friendship (and a leadership lesson)

12:30 - Why most people outsource leadership—and why that’s a mistake

18:45 - The Romans 12:2 framework: “Do not conform to the patterns of this world”

25:10 - How DISC assessments expose your blind spots and strengths

32:40 - The 4-step growth plan: Identify, commit, track, reflect

40:20 - “Rigorous honesty”: Why lying to yourself is the biggest barrier

48:00 - Rich’s “earthquake moment” and the power of burning ships

55:30 - Project 1202: Custom coaching for entrepreneurs and teams

Connect with Rich Lohman:

Website: https://www.richlohman.com/r/a

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richlohman/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rich_lohman/

Project1202: https://www.project1202.com/

CONNECT WITH IAN BOWEN:

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PositivePersistence-ch8fk

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Check-Out to Check-In with Uriel Baker

ian@thepositivepersistence.com (Ian Bowen) — Wed, 13 Aug 2025 02:19:51 +0000

How does a luxury hotel manager transform his health and life by opening a fitness studio?

Uriel Baker, a former hospitality executive turned Fit Body Bootcamp owner, shares his incredible journey from Jamaica to the U.S., his 30-year career in luxury hotels, and the wake-up call that led him to prioritize health and family.

In this conversation, Uriel reveals:

1. His Jamaican upbringing and early love for sports and hospitality.

2. The shocking health diagnosis that forced him to change his life.

3. Why he left a thriving career to open a fitness studio.

4. How he reversed pre-diabetes and lost 40 pounds without medication.

5. The mindset shift that helped him turn adversity into fuel.

Key Takeaways:

1. Health as a Priority: Uriel’s demanding career led to neglecting his health until a doctor’s warning became his turning point.

2. Courage Over Fear: He embraced courage to make life-changing decisions, even when they seemed risky.

4. Legacy Over Career: Fatherhood became his motivation to prioritize well-being over professional success.

5. Community Matters: His fitness studio became more than a business—it became a support system and a second family.

6. Uriel’s philosophy: “You either win or learn—there’s no losing if you grow from the experience.”

Timestamps:

00:00 - From Jamaica to the U.S.: Uriel’s early life and hospitality career

07:30 - The culture shock of moving from Jamaica to Newark in winter

15:45 - Climbing the corporate ladder: Promotions, relocations, and burnout

22:10 - The health wake-up call: Prediabetes, high cholesterol, and heart palpitations

30:05 - Quitting hospitality to open a fitness studio: The leap of faith

38:20 - How Fit Body Bootcamp transformed his health and community

45:00 - Reversing prediabetes and losing 40 pounds naturally

52:15 - Fatherhood as motivation: “Fix your life or lose your life”

Connect with Uriel Baker:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uriel.b876/

Fit Body Bootcamp Mason, OH: https://fitbodybootcamp.com/locations/mason-oh/

Fit Body Bootcamp West Chester, OH: https://fitbodybootcamp.com/locations/west-chester-township-oh/

CONNECT WITH IAN BOWEN:

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PositivePersistence-ch8fk

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

57. Burnout to Breakthrough with Monica Connolly

ian@thepositivepersistence.com (Ian Bowen) — Wed, 16 Jul 2025 11:00:00 +0000

Monica Connolly’s life unraveled after losing a child, caring for a husband with a traumatic brain injury, and battling severe health crises, until her doctor warned: "If you don’t change, you’ll die soon."

In this transformative episode, the certified holistic coach and host of Unshakable Belief Podcast reveals how she rebuilt her body, mind, and spirit from rock bottom.

Discover why gut health is the secret to nervous system regulation, the 5-minute daily reset that lowers cortisol, and how to reclaim your dreams when buried under responsibility. Monica’s Thrive Blueprint isn’t about quick fixes, it’s a science-backed roadmap for women ready to rise from burnout and step into their purpose.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Wake-Up Call: How Monica’s doctor’s dire warning forced her to confront binge eating, chronic stress, and self-abandonment—and why "just getting through the day" is a red flag.

2. Gut-Brain Connection: The unexpected link between probiotics and mental clarity (and how healing her microbiome helped regulate her nervous system).

3. The 5-Minute Rebellion: Why setting non-negotiable boundaries (even for a sunset gaze) is the first step to breaking burnout cycles.

4. Trauma vs. Purpose: How Monica’s grief became her superpower—and why sharing her story on stage unlocked her coaching calling.

5. The Reset Program: Her proven framework to help women realign health, confidence, and purpose (plus the mirror exercise that dissolves self-doubt).

Timestamps: 00:00 - "You’re Going to Die Soon": Monica’s Rock-Bottom Moment

04:30 - Losing a Child, Caregiving, and Burying Herself in Busyness

12:15 - The Pandemic Pivot: Leaving Healthcare to Drive Uber (And Find Herself)

20:45 - Gut Health Breakthrough: How Probiotics Quieted Her Fight-or-Flight Response

28:10 - The Stage That Changed Everything: Why Trauma Coaching Unlocked Her Voice

35:00 - Thrive Blueprint: Small Steps to Rebuild Health (Sleep, Hydration, Joy)

42:20 - "I Couldn’t Look in a Mirror": Healing Body Shame Through Journaling

50:00 - Client Spotlight: From Self-Doubt to Launching 3 Businesses

55:30 - Monica’s Mantra: "Your Journey Is Progress, Not Perfection"

Connect with Monica Connolly:

Website: https://monicaconnollycoaching.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mnconnolly/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CoachMonicaConnolly

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/monicaconnollyandco/

Connect with Ian Bowen:

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PositivePersistence-ch8fk

CONNECT WITH IAN BOWEN:

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PositivePersistence-ch8fk

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56. Rediscovering Passion & Purpose

ian@thepositivepersistence.com (Ian Bowen) — Wed, 9 Jul 2025 11:00:00 +0000

How do you reclaim your identity after years of putting others first?

Motivational speaker, certified coach, and restaurateur Jennifer Mentesana joins Ian Bowen to share her powerful journey from chasing financial stability to rediscovering her passion and purpose.

In this deeply relatable episode, Jennifer opens up about:

1. Pivoting from her dream of broadcast journalism to media sales to pay off student debt.

2. The wake-up call that made her leave a lucrative but unfulfilling career.

3. Supporting her husband’s restaurant dream—and the devastating closure during COVID.

4. The “breadcrumb” moments that led her back to coaching and podcasting.

5. How hitting rock bottom at 50 became her catalyst for reinvention.

Key Takeaways:

1. Adversity reveals opportunity. Losing their restaurant led Jennifer to innovate with take-and-bake pizza kits—a lifeline during lockdowns.

2. Your past passions hold clues. Jennifer reconnected with her love for performance and public speaking to build her coaching business.

3. Self-care isn’t selfish. Prioritizing “me time” (even 30 minutes daily) is critical for intuition and joy.

4. Midlife reinvention is possible. Jennifer’s story proves it’s never too late to pursue your purpose.

5. Motherhood and ambition can coexist. Modeling self-fulfillment teaches kids resilience and independence.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction: Jennifer’s multifaceted career (coach, speaker, restaurateur)

05:30 – From journalism dreams to media sales: Pivoting for survival

12:45 – The strength-finder quiz that exposed her misaligned career path

20:15 – Leaping into the restaurant business with a 1-year-old

28:40 – COVID’s gut punch: Closing their second location and losing $500K

35:50 – The pivot: Creating pizza kits to serve struggling families

42:10 – Hitting a wall at 50: “Who am I outside of mom and wife?”

50:00 – Rediscovering coaching and launching her podcast

58:30 – Practical tips for busy women to reconnect with themselves

1:05:00 – Why adversity is the making of you (and how to reframe failure)

Connect with Jen Mentesana:

Website: https://jenmentesana.com/

Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@jenmentesana7449/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jen-mentesana-b62121161/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jen_mentesana/

Connect with Ian Bowen:

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PositivePersistence-ch8fk

CONNECT WITH IAN BOWEN:

X: https://x.com/jordanjmendoza

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PositivePersistence-ch8fk

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55. Resilience, Adversity, Triumph

ian@thepositivepersistence.com (Ian Bowen) — Wed, 2 Jul 2025 11:00:00 +0000

How do you turn life’s toughest challenges into fuel for success?

Social media coach and podcast host Jordan Mendoza joins Ian Bowen to share his incredible journey from poverty and trauma to building a thriving career and family.

In this raw and inspiring episode, Jordan reveals:

1. How his mother’s resilience with one lung shaped his outlook on adversity.

2. The life-changing moment he was racially profiled and assaulted by police at age 12—and chose empathy over anger.

3. Surviving a near-fatal car accident that left him with 52 surgical staples.

4. The mindset shift that took his podcast from 30 to 160,000 monthly downloads.

5. Why "NO" in sales means "Next Opportunity" and how to gamify rejection.

Key Takeaways:

1. Adversity is a gift. Every struggle comes with a lesson—extract it and grow.

2. Your past doesn’t define you. Jordan’s childhood of poverty, abuse, and instability became the foundation for his resilience.

3. Faith fuels perseverance. Jordan credits his strength to his relationship with God.

4. Blaze your own trail. Success comes from unconventional thinking and relentless consistency.

5. Turn pain into purpose. Jordan’s upcoming book, The Life-Changing Power of Adversity, proves hardship can be a catalyst for transformation.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction: Jordan’s multifaceted life (father of 6, coach, entrepreneur)

05:15 – Growing up poor: Lessons from his mother’s resilience

12:30 – Meeting his Filipino father at 12 and discovering his heritage

20:45 – Surviving police brutality and choosing forgiveness

28:00 – The car accident that nearly killed him (and the miracle of no seatbelt)

35:10 – From 30 to 160,000 podcast downloads: The power of consistency

42:20 – Sales mindset: Why "NO" means "Next Opportunity"

50:00 – Fatherhood, faith, and finding joy in the grind

Connect with Jordan Mendoza:

Podcast: https://www.byotpod.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordanjmendoza/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealjordanjmendoza/

BYOT Consulting: https://www.linkedin.com/company/blazeyourowntrail/

Connect with Ian Bowen:

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ianrbowen?

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PositivePersistence-ch8fk

CONNECT WITH IAN BOWEN:

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PositivePersistence-ch8fk

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

54. Unseen Side Effects with Kim Witczak

ian@thepositivepersistence.com (Ian Bowen) — Wed, 25 Jun 2025 11:00:00 +0000

What happens when personal tragedy collides with systemic failure?

Drug safety advocate Kim Witczak joins Ian Bowen to share her harrowing journey from losing her husband to antidepressant side effects to becoming a leading voice for FDA reform.

On this episode, Kim reveals: 1. The shocking lack of transparency around medication risks. 2. How she turned grief into advocacy, leading to FDA-mandated "black box" warnings on antidepressants. 3. The hidden tactics Big Pharma uses to suppress side-effect data. 4. Why lawsuits are critical to uncovering sealed pharmaceutical documents. 5. How to advocate for yourself and loved ones in healthcare decisions.

Key Takeaways:

1. "I’m not anti-drug—I’m pro-information." Patients deserve full transparency about medication risks.

2. One person can change the system. Kim’s work proved individual advocacy can force billion-dollar industries to reform.

3. Listen to your intuition. If something feels off medically, ask questions and challenge assumptions.

4. Grief can fuel purpose. Kim channeled loss into saving lives through policy change.

5. Sunlight is the best disinfectant. Sealed corporate documents revealed deliberate suppression of drug risks.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Kim’s story: A tragedy that sparked a movement

05:15 – The coroner’s question: “Was he on any medication?”

12:30 – The floating Bible: A sign that changed everything

20:45 – Suing Pfizer and winning: How lawsuits expose hidden truths

28:00 – The FDA’s flawed system: Who really controls drug approvals?

35:10 – Black box warnings: How Kim’s advocacy saved lives

42:20 – Practical steps to advocate for your health

50:00 – Finding purpose in pain: Kim’s message for anyone facing adversity

Connect with Kim Witczak:

Twitter: https://x.com/woodymatters

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimwitczak/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kim_witczak/

Website: https://www.kimwitczak.com/

Substack: https://acceptablecollateraldamage.substack.com/

Connect with Ian Bowen:

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ianrbowen?

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PositivePersistence-ch8fk

CONNECT WITH IAN BOWEN:

X: https://x.com/stephen_scoggins

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PositivePersistence-ch8fk

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53. Alignment Over Arrogance with Stephen Scoggins

ian@thepositivepersistence.com (Ian Bowen) — Thu, 19 Jun 2025 11:00:00 +0000

From homelessness to building a nine-figure empire, Stephen Scoggins reveals the raw truth: Your business (and life) won’t scale until you dismantle the two subconscious programs sabotaging you.

In this power-packed episode, he shares how arrogance and ancestral scarcity nearly destroyed him—and the exact "inner work" framework that rewired his brain for aligned success.

Discover why 85% of entrepreneurs stall at $640K (and how to break through), the 5 constraints choking your growth, and the daily mantra that keeps Stephen grounded in service over ego.

Key Takeaways: 1. The Two Deadly Programs: How Stephen’s "rescuer complex" and family belief that "Scoggins don’t get ahead" kept him stuck—and how to identify your own hidden scripts.

2. Homelessness to Hundred Millions: Why his rock-bottom moment wasn’t about money—but a total loss of identity (and the year-long soul search that changed everything).

3. The $640K Ceiling: The real reason entrepreneurs plateau (hint: it’s not funding or marketing—it’s ignorance, arrogance, impatience, fear, and insecurity).

4. Shadow Work = Profit Work: Stephen’s "movie editor" exercise to reframe trauma into fuel (plus why burning your past literally creates space for abundance).

5. Alignment Before Flow: His free 5-minute quiz to diagnose your misalignment—and why "serving as your true self" magnetizes opportunities.

Timestamps: 00:00 - From Construction Sites to Podcast Studios: Stephen’s Unlikely Journey

04:30 - "Carrying Studs at 16": How Childhood Trauma Shaped His Hustle

12:15 - The Toxic Relationship That Left Him Homeless (And the Lesson That Saved Him)

20:45 - "We All Think We Should Be Further Ahead" (The Impatience Trap)

28:10 - The 5 Business-Killing Constraints (And How to Reverse Them)

35:00 - Stephen’s Morning Mantra: "I’m Healthy, Wealthy, Wise—And a Steward"

42:20 - Why Your Business Is Chaotic (Spoiler: It’s You)

50:00 - The Mirror Exercise That Made His Audience Cry (Try This Alone First)

55:30 - Free Alignment Quiz: stevenacoggins.com/alignment

Connect with Stephen Scoggins:

Website: https://stephenscoggins.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephenscoggins/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/stephenscoggins

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stephen_scoggins

Free Alignment Quiz: stevenacoggins.com/alignment

Connect with Ian Bowen:

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PositivePersistence-ch8fk

CONNECT WITH IAN BOWEN:

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PositivePersistence-ch8fk

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

52. The Crush-It Formula with Coach Jaime Elizondo

ian@thepositivepersistence.com (Ian Bowen) — Wed, 11 Jun 2025 11:00:00 +0000

How do elite performers bounce forward from setbacks and how can you?

High-performance coach and former championship football coach Jaime Elizondo joins Ian Bowen to unpack the science of resilience, the power of adaptive thinking, and his proven "Crush It" framework for turning obstacles into opportunities.

Drawing from 25+ years in sports and executive coaching, Jaime reveals:

1. The 7 layers of resilience most people miss.

2. Why "bounce forward" beats "bounce back."

3. How to silence doubt before it derails you.

4. The Crush It Formula: Courage, Resilience, Unstoppable Identity, and more.

5. Energy management tactics to sustain focus (and why sleep is a superpower).

Key Takeaways:

1. Doubt causes delay, delay causes division. Immediate action aligns you with your purpose.

2. Resilience is multi-dimensional. Master emotional regulation, optimism, self-efficacy, and empathy.

3. Elite performers recover faster. They don’t lack fear—they adapt and navigate challenges quicker.

4. "I get to" more than "I have to." Reframing obligations as opportunities fuels mental toughness.

5. Protect your energy bank. Identify drains (like email overload) and replenish with intentional recharging.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Meet Jaime Elizondo: From NFL coaching to high-performance leadership

05:20 – Jaime’s pivot: Turning down $150K in law to coach for $12.5K

10:45 – The "Crush It Formula" origin story (and a championship-game disaster)

18:30 – The 7 pillars of resilience most people ignore

25:00 – Fixed vs. growth mindset: The continuum most miss

32:10 – Energy management: Why time is finite but energy is renewable

40:15 – Sleep science: How the brain replenishes in the last 4 hours

47:00 – Halftime hacks: Borrowing football strategies for daily focus

52:30 – Where to find Jaime’s book, coaching programs, and free resources

Connect with Coach Jaime Elizondo:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaime-elizondo/

Website: https://jaimeelizondo.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coach_elizondo/

Connect with Ian Bowen:

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PositivePersistence-ch8fk

CONNECT WITH IAN BOWEN:

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PositivePersistence-ch8fk

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

51. Navigate College Smarter with Ryan Moore

ian@thepositivepersistence.com (Ian Bowen) — Wed, 4 Jun 2025 08:29:46 +0000

How do you find the right college without losing your mind—or your money?

College advisor and former D1 coach Ryan Moore joins Ian Bowen to break down the eight-step roadmap that’s helping students and families confidently navigate the complex journey from high school to college.

Drawing from 20 years of collegiate coaching and admissions experience, Ryan reveals:

1. Why finding a school that feels right matters more than its division level. 2. How D3 schools might be your secret weapon. 3. The biggest financial aid myths—and what families actually end up paying. 4. The exact eight steps to reduce stress and make smart college decisions. 5. What coaches, admissions counselors, and universities really look for in applicants.

Key Takeaways:

1. Fit over fame. The right school isn’t always the most prestigious—it’s the one aligned with your goals, passions, and personality. 2. D1 isn’t everything. Great athletes exist in every division. Focus on academics, culture, and long-term growth. 3. Start early. Conversations about goals and college fit should begin as early as 9th grade. 4. Be well-rounded. Volunteer work, multi-sport participation, and strong communication skills help students stand out. 5. Post-enrollment support matters. Success doesn’t stop at acceptance—ongoing guidance helps students adapt and thrive.

Timestamps:

00:00 - 05:10 – Meet Ryan Moore, founder of On Track College Advising 05:10 - 10:30 – Why most families wait too long (and what it costs them) 10:30 - 15:15 – From D3 athlete to D1 coach: Ryan’s background 15:15 - 20:00 – Division myths: Why parents only aim for D1 20:00 - 28:50 – The 8-Step Selection Success process: Discover to Select 28:50 - 35:00 – Financial aid reality: “No one pays sticker price” 35:00 - 42:15 – Campus visits: When, why, and what to ask 42:15 - 48:10 – What colleges really look for in student applicants 48:10 - 54:00 – Post-enrollment coaching: Making sure students don’t quit 54:00 - 59:30 – Helping students and families agree on the right choice 59:30 - End – Final advice: Confidence comes from clarity and preparation

Connect with Ryan Moore:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-moore-4ba2113a/ Website: https://ontrackcollegeadvising.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ontrackcollegeadvising/

Connect with Ian Bowen:

Website: https://thepositivepersistence.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ianrbowen/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ianrbowen?lang=en YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PositivePersistence-ch8fk

CONNECT WITH IAN BOWEN:

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PositivePersistence-ch8fk

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

50. Grief, Growth, Grit with Cristina Simmons

ian@thepositivepersistence.com (Ian Bowen) — Wed, 28 May 2025 11:00:00 +0000

How do you turn unimaginable loss into a life of purpose and holistic healing?

Occupational therapist and author Cristina Simmons joins Ian Bowen to share her powerful journey through grief, chronic pain, and parenting a child with autism. In this raw and inspiring conversation, Cristina reveals:

1. The shocking medical diagnosis that followed years of unprocessed grief.

2. How lifting heavy weights became her nervous system therapy.

3. The EAT framework (Educate, Accept, Transform) for overcoming life’s toughest challenges

4. Why she went back to school at 39 to better understand her autistic son.

5. Her "FOOD" method to stop emotional eating (and the surprising link between cravings and emotions).

Key Takeaways:

1. Grief lives in the body. Unprocessed trauma manifested as chronic pain, gut issues, and even a tumor for Cristina.

2. Presume competence. Cristina’s autistic son—once kicked out of multiple schools—now thrives in public high school.

3. Movement is medicine. Weightlifting regulated Cristina’s nervous system when therapy couldn’t.

4. EAT your challenges: Educate yourself, Accept what you can’t control, Transform pain into purpose.

5. FOOD framework: Feel the emotion, Option to shift it, Observe the change, Decide/Deprive wisely.

Timestamps:

00:00 - Losing 3 children to a rare genetic disorder

07:30 - How unprocessed grief destroyed Cristina’s gut health

15:45 - The tumor diagnosis that nearly cost her a leg

22:10 - Working out on a walker: "No excuses" mindset

30:05 - EAT framework: From trauma to occupational therapy

38:20 - Parenting autism: Presuming competence over limitations

45:00 - FOOD method to stop emotional eating

52:15 - Why heavy weights calm sensory overload

Connect with Cristina Simmons:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cristina-simmons-30850431a/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cristinapsimmons/

Email: info@cristinapsimmons.com

Connect with Ian Bowen:

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PositivePersistence-ch8fk

CONNECT WITH IAN BOWEN:

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PositivePersistence-ch8fk

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

49. Effort, Attitude, Target with Dominic Clegg

ian@thepositivepersistence.com (Positive Persistence) — Wed, 21 May 2025 11:00:00 +0000

What if the key to unlocking your best self lies in mastering just five controllables?

Mental performance coach Dominic Clegg joins Ian Bowen to break down his powerful "EATTE" framework—Effort, Attitude, Target, Toughness, Environment—and how focusing on these controllables can transform your life. From collegiate football coaching to personal tragedy, Dom shares raw insights on:

1. Why "try" is the most dangerous word in your vocabulary (and what to say instead)

2. How to find the silver lining in even the darkest moments

3. The difference between your "why" and your "hunger"—and why both matter

4. Building unshakable discipline through micro-standards

5. Turning pain into fuel (Dom’s personal story of loss and legacy)

Key Takeaways:

1. Effort isn’t "trying." Replace "I’ll try" with "I will"—eliminating excuses and unlocking full potential.

2. Attitude is a choice. Even in adversity, you control whether to see the good or the bad.

3. Your environment shapes you. From phone screens to peer groups, curate inputs that elevate you.

4. "Hunger" is greater than "Why." Dom’s "family of three" mantra—a visceral daily driver beyond abstract purpose.

5. 1% better = 37x growth. Tiny, disciplined wins compound into transformational change.

Timestamps:

00:00 - The danger of "try" (and Tim Grover’s Kobe Bryant lesson)

07:45 - Dom’s EAT framework: Effort, Attitude, Target, Toughness, Environment

15:20 - How controllables reduce stress (college athletes’ secret weapon)

22:10 - Finding the good: Dom’s vulnerable story of loss and legacy

30:05 - Why "can’t" steals your power (squat rack mindset hack)

38:40 - "Hunger" vs. "Why": What gets you out of bed at 5 AM?

45:15 - Alpha Pack Coaching: Building discipline through micro-standards

52:00 - Free Alpha Packet offer (Dom’s gift to listeners)

Connect with Dominic Clegg:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dom-clegg-a1pha-pack/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/coachdomclegg

Website: https://www.a1phapack.com/

A1lpha Pack: https://www.linkedin.com/company/a1pha-pack/

Podcast: “Leading the Pack” on Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@CoachDomClegg/

Connect with Ian Bowen:

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PositivePersistence-ch8fk

CONNECT WITH IAN BOWEN:

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PositivePersistence-ch8fk

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

48. Think, Don’t Drown with Dr. Khai Win

ian@thepositivepersistence.com (Ian Bowen) — Wed, 14 May 2025 11:00:00 +0000

What if your brain’s biggest enemy isn’t stress—but the way you respond to it?

Neuroscientist and flow coach Dr. Khai Win joins me to dismantle the myths of "mental toughness" and reveal how to rewire your brain for resilience—starting with your next breath.

From battling suicidal ideation to coaching high achievers, Dr. Win shares battle-tested neuroscience to help you:

1. Escape the rumination trap (using her "Think Framework")

2. Hack flow states even in chaos (like parenting or remote work)

3. Replace toxic positivity with actionable mental fitness strategies

4. Leverage tiny wins to rebuild self-worth after trauma

Key Takeaways:

1. Flow isn’t just for athletes—it’s biology. Remove barriers (like stress or distractions) to enter this high-focus state—critical for parents, coders, and CEOs alike.

2. "Mental toughness" can backfire. When hopelessness hits, focus on one breath—not motivational quotes. Dr. Win’s "mental fitness" approach builds sustainable resilience.

3. Your amygdala is a faulty smoke alarm. Chronic stress shrinks your rational brain (prefrontal cortex) and hypersensitizes fear—here’s how to reset it.

4. The napkin metaphor for rumination: Your mind absorbs negativity like a soaked napkin. Dr. Win’s "Track-Halt-Investigate" method stops the cycle.

5. Tiny actions rebuild identity. "Just put on your gym shoes"—how 2% efforts rewire neural pathways faster than "all-or-nothing" goals.

Timestamps:

00:00 - Why "mental toughness" fails (and what to do instead)

08:15 - Dr. Win’s origin story: From trauma to neuroscience advocate

14:30 - The Think Framework: Track-Halt-Investigate toxic thoughts (live demo!)

22:45 - Flow state hack: Lower the "activation energy" for focus

31:10 - How chronic stress physically shrinks your brain

38:00 - Tiny Habits > Motivation: BJ Fogg’s method for neuroplasticity

45:20 - Dr. Win’s free offer for Mental Health Awareness Month

50:00 - "Honor invisible wins" – closing mantra

Connect with Dr. Khai Win:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brainless_bowsee/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/khai-resilient-mindset/

Connect with Ian Bowen:

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ianrbowen?

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PositivePersistence-ch8fk

CONNECT WITH IAN BOWEN:

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PositivePersistence-ch8fk

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47. Silence Your Noise with Kristy Kuhl

ian@thepositivepersistence.com (Ian Bowen) — Wed, 7 May 2025 11:00:00 +0000

What if the biggest obstacle standing between you and your dreams isn’t external—but the noise in your own head?

High-performance coach Kristy Kuhl reveals how she went from a six-figure corporate job to unapologetically designing her life, and the exact systems she uses to help others silence self-sabotage.

Discover why "simple doesn’t mean easy"—and how to finally take action on what matters (without waiting for motivation).

Key Takeaways:

Your biggest enemy isn’t failure—it’s the committee in your head. Childhood conditioning wires us to seek approval, and quieting those voices comes before crushing goals.
Every “yes” to others is a “no” to your future self. Kristy breaks down her battery metaphor—why draining energy on non-essentials leaves you too exhausted to build the life you want.
Regret speaks louder than fear. After interviewing a death doula, Kristy shares the shocking #1 deathbed remorse that now fuels her boldest decisions.
Five minutes is all you need to prove you’re unstoppable. Her counterintuitive method for leveraging chaotic moments (like school drop-off lines) to build unstoppable momentum.
Successful people don’t have better goals—they have better alarms. Why her “speaker scorecard” system (with sticky notes and music triggers) outperforms vision boards every time.

Timestamps:

00:00 - The Noise Holding You Back (And How to Spot It)

06:15 - "I Changed Who I Was at Age 8" (Kristy’s People-Pleaking Origin Story)

12:40 - Corporate Success ≠ Fulfillment: Why She Walked Away

18:30 - The Deathbed Regret That Will Make You Rethink Everything

25:45 - How to Outsmart Your Brain’s "Not Good Enough" Script

31:20 - High-Performance Hack: Taking Action in Peak Energy States

38:00 - The 3-Word Question That Unlocks Your Next Chapter

42:10 - Kristy’s "Chicken List" Strategy for Bold Moves

47:50 - Why You Need Fewer Goals and Better Systems

Connect with Kristy Kuhl:

Website: https://kristykuhl.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristy-kuhl-mba-84650b41/

Keep Rising with Kristy Kuhl: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/keep-rising-with-kristy-kuhl/id1723386662

Connect with Ian Bowen:

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PositivePersistence-ch8fk

CONNECT WITH IAN BOWEN:

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PositivePersistence-ch8fk

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46. Motion of Gratitude with Shannon Missimer

ian@thepositivepersistence.com (Ian Bowen) — Wed, 30 Apr 2025 10:15:27 +0000

High achievers, listen up: What if gratitude isn’t just fluffy self-care, but a neuroscientific hack to rewire your brain for resilience? Shannon Missimer (founder of The Motion of Gratitude) shares her raw journey from postpartum depression to profound joy—and the exact gratitude framework that transformed her life (even when she could only be grateful for gravity).

Discover why gratitude isn’t about ignoring pain, but alchemizing it—and how to start a practice that actually sticks (no woo-woo required).

Key Takeaways:

1. How Shannon’s rock-bottom gratitude practice began with thanking the ground beneath her feet—and why this "absurd" starting point rewired her brain.

2. Why waiting to feel grateful before practicing it keeps you stuck—and how to create gratitude proactively (even on terrible days).

3. How morning/night gratitude rituals hack your reticular activating system to spot opportunities (instead of obstacles).

4. Shannon’s "Type A to Zen" shift: Why intentional gratitude (vs. robotic journaling) is the difference between busywork and breakthroughs.

5. How pairing gratitude with physiological tools (like breathwork) calms the nervous system 3x faster.

Timestamps:

00:00 - High Achievers’ Dilemma: Success Without Fulfillment

02:15 - Shannon’s Wake-Up Call: Postpartum Depression and a Husband’s Tough Love

08:30 - "Gratitude for Gravity" (The Practice That Changed Everything)

12:45 - Debunking "Woo-Woo Gratitude": The Neuroscience of Thankfulness

18:20 - How to Start a Gratitude Practice That Doesn’t Fizzle Out

25:10 - Morning vs. Night Gratitude: Which Is More Powerful?

31:40 - Breathwork + Gratitude: Shannon’s 2-Minute Stress Reset

38:00 - The 28-Day Gratitude Challenge (For Skeptics Who Hate Journals)

42:15 - Raising Grateful Kids: Shannon’s School Program for Students

Connect with Shannon Missimer:

The Motion of Gratitude: https://www.themotionofgratitude.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannonmissimer/

The Motion of Gratitude Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@themotionofgratitude/podcasts

Connect with Ian Bowen:

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PositivePersistence-ch8fk

CONNECT WITH IAN BOWEN:

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PositivePersistence-ch8fk

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45. Faith Over Fear with Dusty Mysen

ian@thepositivepersistence.com (Ian Bowen) — Wed, 23 Apr 2025 11:00:00 +0000

Author, and Cancer Warrior Dusty Mysen, shares his harrowing yet inspiring journey from a devastating diagnosis to becoming a survivor against all odds.

Discover how faith, relentless positivity, and a fighter’s mindset helped Dusty defy an 11% survival rate—and how you can apply his lessons to overcome your darkest moments.

Key Takeaways:

1. How a routine gallbladder misdiagnosis led to a life-altering discovery of pancreatic cancer—and why Dusty calls it a "blessing in disguise."

2. The night nurse’s unexpected prayer that shifted Dusty’s mindset from "dead man walking" to unwavering belief in survival.

3. Why tucking his kids into bed became a daily victory during chemo—and how stacking tiny wins builds resilience.

4. Dusty’s battle against an 80% first-year mortality rate and the Whipple procedure that saved his life (after two surgeons said it was impossible).

5. Dusty’s 6-point daily strategy (faith, positivity, physical fitness, family focus, and more) that kept him alive—and how it applies to any challenge.

Timestamps:

00:00 - High Achievers, Burnout, and the Search for Fulfillment

02:30 - Dusty’s "Perfect Life" Before Cancer: Family, Career, and Health

05:45 - The Misdiagnosis: Gallbladder Pain vs. Pancreatic Cancer

08:15 - The Brutal Diagnosis: A Surgeon’s Cold Delivery and Rock Bottom

12:00 - The Miracle Moment: A Nurse’s Prayer and the Shift to Survival Mode

15:30 - Dusty’s Battle Plan: Positivity, Fitness, and Family as Fuel

22:10 - The Failed Whipple Surgery: "Go Home and Get Your Affairs in Order"

25:40 - Defying the Odds: A Second Surgeon, a 13-Hour Surgery, and Victory

30:00 - Life After Cancer: Lessons on Hope, Persistence, and Living Fully

Connect with Dusty Mysen:

A Cancer Warrior: How I Fought And Survived My Battle With Pancreatic Cancer: https://a.co/d/5Uq7pQc

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dusty-mysen-1867688/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dusty.mysen

Connect with Ian Bowen:

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PositivePersistence-ch8fk

CONNECT WITH IAN BOWEN:

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PositivePersistence-ch8fk

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44. Mindset, Money, and Momentum with JT Thomas

ian@thepositivepersistence.com (Ian Bowen) — Thu, 17 Apr 2025 11:00:00 +0000

Real and raw, JT Thomas (former NFL hopeful turned financial expert) reveals how a career-ending injury led to his "PhD in FIO" (Figuring It Out)—and how to apply his hard-won lessons to your reinvention.

Learn why chasing passion alone can bankrupt you, the 5 non-negotiable team members every entrepreneur needs, and how to rewire your identity when life forces a pivot.

Key Takeaways:

1. "You weren’t gonna play football forever." How JT’s mom’s tough love (and a divine moment) saved him from despair. 2. The FIO Mindset. Why "figuring it out" beats formal degrees when reinventing yourself. 3. Passion ≠ Paycheck. The harsh truth about monetizing your purpose (and how to balance both). 4. Your 5-Person Success Team: Accountant, Attorney, Banker, Mentor, and Wealth Manager— and why you can’t afford to skip one. 5. "If you don’t allocate your time, someone else will." Time-blocking strategies for relentless pivoters.

Timestamps:00:00 - From NFL Dreams to Financial Freedom 02:30 - The Injury That Changed Everything 05:45 - Identity Crisis: "Who am I if not an athlete?" 08:15 - Massage Therapy, Sales, and False Starts 12:00 - Building a Business with Zero Experience 15:30 - The 5-Person Team Every Entrepreneur Needs 22:10 - Passion vs. Profit: Why Money Matters 25:40 - Time Management for Pivoters 30:00 - Faith, Failure, and the Power of FIO

Connect with JT Thomas:Personal Instagram Business Instagram

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YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PositivePersistence-ch8fk

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43. The Marathon Mindset With Thomas Scaria

ian@thepositivepersistence.com (Positive Persistence) — Wed, 2 Apr 2025 11:00:00 +0000

Ian Bowen interviews Thomas Scaria, accountability and resilience coach, about his journey from a successful corporate career to finding his true calling in coaching and helping others. Thomas shares his story of overcoming personal and professional setbacks, including the loss of his father and job during the COVID-19 pandemic, and how running became a transformative tool for him. They delve into the concept of the "Marathon Mindset Method" and how it can be applied to various aspects of life.

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42. Resilience Rewritten With Chris Welton

ian@thepositivepersistence.com (Positive Persistence) — Wed, 26 Mar 2025 11:00:00 +0000

In this episode of Positive persistence, we sit down with Chris Welton, a true testament to resilience, ambition, and self-belief, he refused to let obstacles define his path. From navigating adversity to building a life of strength and purpose, his story is a powerful reminder that our greatest challenges can become our greatest advantages.

We dive into: ✅ The mindset shift that changed everything ✅ Lessons learned from overcoming setbacks ✅ How to embrace your uniqueness as a strength ✅ Strategies for turning adversity into an advantage

Whether you're facing your own struggles or looking for inspiration to level up, this conversation is packed with motivation, wisdom, and actionable takeaways.

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YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PositivePersistence-ch8fk

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41. Breaking Limits, Building Confidence With Andrew Adames

ian@thepositivepersistence.com (Positive Persistence) — Wed, 19 Mar 2025 11:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we explore what it takes to break through barriers, build confidence, and step fully into your potential. Our guest, Andrew Adams shares personal insights, practical strategies, and inspiring stories that will help you take bold action and own your influence.

What You’ll Learn:

How to develop an unshakable mindset
Practical steps to turn doubt into drive
Ways to lead with confidence and purpose
The habits that fuel long-term success

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YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PositivePersistence-ch8fk

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40. Redefining Limits: The Next Level Mentality With Ben Newman

ian@thepositivepersistence.com (Positive Persistence) — Wed, 12 Mar 2025 11:00:00 +0000

What separates the elite from the average? In this episode, we dive deep into the mindset, discipline, and strategies that fuel high-performance individuals. My guest, Ben Newman, shares hard-earned insights on resilience, mental toughness, and what it really takes to dominate in any field.

Key Takeaways:

The mindset shift that turns obstacles into stepping stones
Why discipline beats motivation every time
How top performers build unshakable confidence
The secret to executing at the highest level—consistently

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YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PositivePersistence-ch8fk

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39. What you do, not what you say With Aram Grigorian

ian@thepositivepersistence.com (Positive Persistence) — Wed, 5 Mar 2025 12:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we explore the nuances of privilege, accountability, and personal growth. It’s not about the labels we carry but about the actions we take. Through candid conversation, we challenge the idea that privilege is a given—arguing instead that it’s something we prove through responsibility and integrity.

Key Topics:

The weight of privilege: more than just a label
Accountability as a daily practice
The role of small choices in shaping character
Integrity: what it means to truly show up

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YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PositivePersistence-ch8fk

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38. Betting it all on success With Dr. Amit Kakar

ian@thepositivepersistence.com (Positive Persistence) — Wed, 26 Feb 2025 12:00:00 +0000

What You’ll Learn in This Episode: ✅ How Amit’s father’s immigration story shaped his early perspective ✅ The challenges of navigating school and social pressures ✅ His experiences with gambling and the turning points that led to change ✅ The importance of personal accountability and learning from failure ✅ How he’s using his experiences to build a better future

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Instagram

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YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PositivePersistence-ch8fk

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37. Beyond the scale With Darrylynn Silva-Costa

ian@thepositivepersistence.com (Positive Persistence) — Wed, 19 Feb 2025 12:00:00 +0000

Join Ian Bowen as he sits down with Daryln Silva Costa, nutrition and wellness guru, master nutrition coach, expert in the psychology of eating, and mother of four. Daryln shares her incredible 180-pound weight loss transformation journey and how it sparked her passion for helping others understand their complex relationship with food. This episode delves into the often-overlooked psychology of eating, exploring the emotional, social, and personal narratives that influence our food choices and behaviors. Daryln challenges conventional fitness advice, emphasizing the importance of mindset, self-compassion, and building a compelling vision for long-term wellness over simply "finding your why." She also discusses the different ways men and women approach food and the societal pressures that impact their perceptions of health and body image. Whether you're struggling with your weight, looking to improve your nutrition, or simply seeking a more balanced and joyful approach to wellness, this episode offers valuable insights and practical strategies for creating lasting change.

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Instagram

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YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PositivePersistence-ch8fk

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36. Building a Legacy of Success With Karl Jacobi

ian@thepositivepersistence.com (Positive Persistence) — Wed, 12 Feb 2025 12:00:00 +0000

Ian Bowen interviews Carl Jacoby, a high-performance coach, entrepreneur, and Army combat veteran. Carl shares his incredible journey from a challenging childhood marked by a broken home and negative influences, to military service, and ultimately, entrepreneurial success. He opens up about the adversities he faced, including financial losses and the struggle to overcome limiting beliefs instilled from a young age. Carl discusses how these experiences fueled his passion for helping men, particularly fathers, unlock their potential and create a lasting legacy. He details his coaching programs, including the Ignite Blueprint and Alpha Evolution Coaching, which provide frameworks for self-discovery, purpose-finding, and personal transformation. Carl emphasizes the importance of identifying one's "inner fires" to power through obstacles and live a life of intention.

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YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PositivePersistence-ch8fk

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35. Winning with the 2% factor With Barrett Henson

ian@thepositivepersistence.com (Positive Persistence) — Wed, 5 Feb 2025 12:00:00 +0000

Tune in to the Positive Persistence Podcast for an inspiring conversation with Barrett Henson, a coach, entrepreneur, and philanthropist who embodies the spirit of positive persistence. Learn about his journey, his non-profit MI-GIFT, and his insights on building a successful business by focusing on helping others. Share this episode with someone who inspires you!

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YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PositivePersistence-ch8fk

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34. The power of dream, think, do With Mitch Mathews

ian@thepositivepersistence.com (Positive Persistence) — Wed, 29 Jan 2025 12:00:00 +0000

Join host Ian Bowen as he sits down with Mitch Mathews, creator of the Dream Think Do podcast, success coach, speaker, serial entrepreneur, and host of EncouragerCon. Mitch shares his inspiring journey, from a small-town bike shop to coaching top organizations like Nike, United Airlines, and NASA. They delve into the Dream Think Do framework, exploring the importance of dreaming big, thinking strategically, and taking action. Mitch also discusses overcoming challenges, finding clarity, and achieving more than you thought possible, even when you're already successful. He shares powerful stories and practical advice for anyone looking to tap into their potential and live a more fulfilling life.

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YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PositivePersistence-ch8fk

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33. The Busy Person's Guide to Joy with Lisa Even

ian@thepositivepersistence.com (Positive Persistence) — Wed, 22 Jan 2025 12:00:00 +0000

In this episode of the Positive Persistence Podcast, host Ian Bowen sits down with Lisa Evin, a renowned author and joy expert. Lisa shares her inspiring journey of prioritizing joy in her life, from the initial spark of the idea to implementing it in her daily routines.

Lisa provides practical tips and actionable strategies to help you cultivate more joy in your own life, including scheduling short "date nights," finding joy in everyday activities, and getting into each other's joy.

Don't miss this insightful conversation with Lisa Evin as she shares her wisdom on how to design a life you love.

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YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PositivePersistence-ch8fk

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32.Finding Success in Every Moment With Eric Recker

ian@thepositivepersistence.com (Positive Persistence) — Wed, 15 Jan 2025 12:00:00 +0000

In this episode of the Positive Persistence Podcast, Ian Bowen welcomes Dr. Eric Recker, a certified success coach, entrepreneur, and dentist. Dr. Rector shares his insights on the crucial connection between time management and energy balance.

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YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PositivePersistence-ch8fk

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31. From Paranioa to A Life Of Purpose With Adam Carroll

ian@thepositivepersistence.com (Positive Persistence) — Wed, 8 Jan 2025 12:00:00 +0000

Ready to unlock your full potential? In this episode, Adam Carroll reveals the secrets to living a life of purpose and fulfillment. Learn how to:

Break free from the 'have to's' and embrace your 'want to's'.
Harness the power of your subconscious mind to achieve your goals.
Engineer your reality to attract abundance and happiness.

Join Ian Bowen and Adam Carroll for an inspiring conversation that will empower you to create the life you truly desire.

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YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PositivePersistence-ch8fk

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28. Overcoming Obstacles & Adversity With Matt Espeut

ian@thepositivepersistence.com (Positive Persistence) — Mon, 23 Dec 2024 12:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we dive into an incredible story of redemption, resilience, and the power of mindset!

Matt Espeut is here to share his journey from facing legal troubles and incarceration to building one of the most successful Fit Body Boot Camp locations in the nation.

Through sheer determination and a transformative shift in perspective, he turned adversity into an opportunity to rewrite his future.

Tune in as we explore the pivotal moments that fueled his comeback, the mindset strategies that propelled his success, and his advice for anyone looking to overcome obstacles and create a life they’re proud of.

This is a story of hope, grit, and unwavering determination you won’t want to miss!

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YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PositivePersistence-ch8fk

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27. Finding Your Youthfulness With Lisa Lopez & Jordan Murphy

ian@thepositivepersistence.com (Positive Persistence) — Wed, 18 Dec 2024 12:00:00 +0000

In this inspiring episode of The Positive Persistence Podcast, we are joined by two extraordinary guests, Lisa Lopez and Jordan Murphy, who bring a wealth of experience in holistic healing and energy work.

Lisa, the founder of a renowned Holistic Healing Center in the Santa Monica Mountains, shares her journey of 23 years dedicated to guiding individuals toward self-love, inner peace, and vibrant health.

From working with celebrities in the entertainment industry to helping individuals overcome significant life challenges like trauma and cancer, Lisa's approach combines Eastern and Western healing traditions to create profound transformation.

Together with Jordan, they’ll discuss how to unlock your highest vibration, the power of embracing the present moment, and practical tips to elevate your self-care routine.

Whether you’re looking to restore balance in your life, improve your physical and emotional well-being, or simply feel more connected to your inner self, this conversation will leave you feeling inspired and empowered.

Tune in for a deep dive into holistic practices, energy healing, and how to cultivate a life filled with harmony, beauty, and joy. Don’t miss this chance to start your journey toward a brighter, more fulfilled life!

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YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PositivePersistence-ch8fk

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26. A More Positive You With Dale Smith Thomas

ian@thepositivepersistence.com (Positive Persistence) — Wed, 11 Dec 2024 12:00:00 +0000

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Dale Smith Thomas, internationally acclaimed speaker, author, and renowned “Hope Doctor.”

From her humble beginnings in rural Mississippi to gracing stages worldwide, Dale has spent over 25 years empowering audiences with her transformative messages.

As an author and a frequent guest on national media like The Dr. Phil Show and The Big Idea, Dale’s mission is to teach others to become "Hope Dealers" and embrace her definition of hope—Helping Other People Excel.

Don’t miss this episode filled with wisdom, motivation, and actionable insights to help you excel in every area of your life!

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YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PositivePersistence-ch8fk

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25. The Outdoor Experience With Nicolette Sowder

ian@thepositivepersistence.com (Positive Persistence) — Wed, 4 Dec 2024 12:00:00 +0000

On this episode, we’re joined by Nicolette, the inspiring founder of Wilder Child and Honeybird Farm, a 60-acre regenerative farm in Northwest Michigan!

Nicolette’s journey began with a simple dream of living closer to nature, and it evolved into a global community that helps families connect deeply with the natural world.

We’ll dive into her story of starting Honeybird Farm, the transformative power of nature-connected parenting, and the creation of Wildschooling and the Kids Moon Club.

Nicolette shares her insights on fostering meaningful family bonds through nature, living in alignment with the earth’s rhythms, and building a lifestyle rooted in wild-hearted freedom.

Get ready for an inspiring conversation that will leave you eager to kick off your shoes and walk barefoot down your own dirt-lined path!

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YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PositivePersistence-ch8fk

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24. Optimize Your Health & Wellness In 2025 With Charlene Hutsebaut

ian@thepositivepersistence.com (Positive Persistence) — Wed, 27 Nov 2024 16:26:00 +0000

In this episode, we’re joined by a 30-year veteran of the health and fitness industry who brings a wealth of expertise with over 18,000 client hours, degrees in Physical Education and Education, and certifications in strength training, Pilates, and functional aging.

With a deep background in rehab and nutrition, Charlene is passionate about helping people prioritize their health and wellness in a way that fits into their busy lives.

We’ll dive into practical tips for embracing your body at every stage, finding joy in movement, and making small, sustainable changes that lead to big results.

Whether you’re looking to balance fitness with a demanding schedule or want to reimagine your approach to wellness, this conversation will leave you feeling inspired and empowered to take the next step on your health journey.

Tune in for actionable insights and expert advice to help you create a lifestyle of health and vitality—no matter where you’re starting from!

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YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PositivePersistence-ch8fk

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23. Setting Your Life Up For Success With Angelina Rivera

ian@thepositivepersistence.com (Positive Persistence) — Wed, 20 Nov 2024 12:00:00 +0000

Are you ready to take your business to the next level? In this inspiring episode, I sit down with a true problem-solving powerhouse—a certified Black Belt in process improvement with over 24 years of experience.

As a first-generation Latina, she shattered glass ceilings, becoming the first female Black Belt in her field while optimizing multimillion-dollar operations in the competitive manufacturing industry. Known by her clients as "the problem solver," she brings unmatched expertise in identifying business roadblocks and implementing creative, actionable solutions that drive results.

From helping startups gain traction to guiding $20M businesses to new heights, her insights are invaluable for entrepreneurs, CEOs, and managers alike. Beyond her professional accomplishments, she’s a California native, a devoted wife and mom, and an adventure seeker who thrives on challenges.

Tune in to learn how to streamline your operations, boost efficiency, and avoid burnout while staying focused on what you love most about your business. This is an episode you don’t want to miss!

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22. Experiencing Happy: Uncovering the Secrets to Lasting Joy With Kim Strobel

ian@thepositivepersistence.com (Positive Persistence) — Wed, 13 Nov 2024 12:00:00 +0000

Have you ever struggled to feel truly happy with your life?

If so, this week's podcast guest, Kim Strobel is here to help explain why!

Kim is an educator, a best-selling author, and keynote speaker who has spoken to hundreds of thousands of people in her illustrious career about how to live an overall happier life.

Her book, "Teach Happy," is a simple guide for anyone to follow who's looking to take small steps in their everyday lives that lead to big-time happiness.

Get ready for your daily dose of happy, because we're diving in!

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21. Building Your Grit & Resistance With Amberly Lago

ian@thepositivepersistence.com (Positive Persistence) — Wed, 6 Nov 2024 11:00:00 +0000

My mentor, best-selling author, and highly sought-after speaker Amberly Lago joins us on the podcast this week!

After a near-fatal motorcycle accident, doctors told her that she was going to most likely lose her leg. However, she took a life circumstance that would have knocked most of us out for the count, persevered, rehabbed her leg, and now shares her story of overcoming to help empower other people and business owners.

Amberly's new book, "Joy Through The Journey," shares her experience of navigating through difficult times in your life and still finding joy in the process!

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20. Finish Quarter Four Strong & Get A Head Start On Your 2025

ian@thepositivepersistence.com (Positive Persistence) — Wed, 30 Oct 2024 11:00:00 +0000

Can you believe that we're already into the last quarter of 2024!?

It seems like just yesterday we were celebrating the start of the new year... but that's how quickly life can happen.

I'm sure you've fallen into the Resolution Trap with the new year. You get excited for new goals, set goals that may be too aggressive, and give up after a few weeks. Sound familiar? We've all fallen for the New Year's Resolution Trap, but this year you can make real change by setting goals with a plan of action.

That's why today I want to talk to you about ensuring you're doing the things now that will allow you to start off your 2025 with massive momentum and help you build a solid foundation so that you can truly achieve all the goals you have for your life!

Make this quarter your best one yet and create the momentum to carry you into the New Year and beyond with my simple step-by-step plan. I hope you're ready, let's dive in!

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19. Overcoming Adversity & Finding Your Inner Strength With Bryce Henson

ian@thepositivepersistence.com (Positive Persistence) — Wed, 23 Oct 2024 11:00:00 +0000

What a treat this week on the podcast as I welcome in Fit Body Boot Camp CEO and good friend of mine, Bryce Henson to the show!

Bryce has been able to build a massive, 7-figure business that spans across the globe and has helped thousands of people transform their mindset and their bodies through their fitness journey.

He shares his story of overcoming a tough childhood, battling his own addictions, and how he was able to navigate through all of those obstacles to build a holistic life of success!

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18. Victory Outside The Arena With Bill Burke

ian@thepositivepersistence.com (Positive Persistence) — Wed, 16 Oct 2024 11:00:00 +0000

Do we have a treat for you on today's podcast!

I'm joined by Bill Burke, former Division 1 quarterback at Michigan State to talk to all of you about what he learned through his time as a top level athlete, including learning from the greatest college football coach of all time, Nick Saban.

Bill has taken what he has learned as an athlete and applied it to his entrepreneurship journey, which he details in his book, "Victory Outside The Arena."

Learn and apply these valuable lessons that Bill talks about into your life and your business journey and watch the amazing success you'll able to create from it!

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17. Mastering Mindset & Sales With Joe Marcoux

ian@thepositivepersistence.com (Positive Persistence) — Wed, 9 Oct 2024 11:00:00 +0000

You know that one of the slogans I live by is that "mindset is everything" ...

Well today, I'm honored to have the sales dojo master, Joe Marcoux on the podcast.

Joe helps businesses and entrepreneurs tap into their true potential by blending the art of mindset and sales into the curriculum he teaches his clients.

Through Joe's help and that of SOS Dojo, Joe has helped thousands of business owners grasp what sales truly is and helped them reach their sales milestones.

Sales is something a lot of business owners struggle with, so sit back as Joe walks you through how to navigate sales in a way that's most authentic to you!

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16. Heal Yourself Through Reiki Energy Mastery With Melissa Ramsey

ian@thepositivepersistence.com (Positive Persistence) — Wed, 2 Oct 2024 11:00:00 +0000

This week, I am honored to welcome a special guest and friend, Melissa Ramsey to the podcast!

Melissa is a highly skilled and experienced Reiki Master, who brings a wealth of knowledge and insight into the powerful practice of Reiki. Together, we explore the origins and principles of Reiki, breaking down how this ancient form of energy healing works to restore balance and promote healing in the mind, body, and spirit.

Melissa shares personal stories and real-life examples of how Reiki has transformed lives, offering a deep dive into its applications for stress relief, emotional clarity, and overall well-being.

Whether you're new to Reiki or a seasoned practitioner, this episode will provide you with a rich understanding of the benefits of Reiki and its ability to enhance both physical and emotional healing.

You’ll learn how this gentle yet profound practice taps into universal life force energy to remove blockages, improve relaxation, and promote inner peace.

Join us as we uncover the wisdom of Reiki from an expert’s perspective and discover how it can become a powerful tool in your journey toward healing and self-growth!

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15. Suck Less, Do Better With Nate Green

ian@thepositivepersistence.com (Positive Persistence) — Wed, 25 Sep 2024 11:00:00 +0000

Are you ready to figure out your suck? Because if you want to achieve more and live a life of success and fulfillment, that's exactly what you're going to need to do.

That's the topic on the podcast with award-winning CEO and serial entrepreneur Nate Green!

As the author of "Suck Less, Do Better," Nate's mission has become taking the lessons he's learned in life about fastracking success and helping equip others so that they can live a life of success.

Lock in because this is the podcast you need to align your mindset and your life for success!

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14. The Ultra Marathon Man With Josh Coval

ian@thepositivepersistence.com (Positive Persistence) — Wed, 18 Sep 2024 11:00:00 +0000

Have any of you ever ran a marathon before? If so, then you know the amount of preparation, work, and sweat that goes into finishing one.

Now imagine trying to do a 100-mile marathon ... crazy, right!?

Well that's exactly what this week's guest, Josh Coval has done and is preparing to do once again in the next couple of weeks.

Josh joins me today on the podcast to talk about the mindset it takes to run an ultra marathon, how it's helped him battle depression throughout his life, and how you have to approach every day to achieve success in your life.

Get settled in, because you're about to learn from one of the best!

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13. A New Generation Of Teaching With Mike Earnshaw

ian@thepositivepersistence.com (Positive Persistence) — Wed, 11 Sep 2024 11:00:00 +0000

We’ve got a special one today for you as I’m joined by Illinois South Cook principal of the year, Mike Earnshaw!

Mike is a devoted father, husband, educator, and author of the "EduCulture Cookbook: Recipes & Dishes To Positively Transform School & Classroom Culture," and he’s here today to share about his life’s journey, what got him into education, and how he’s empowering the next generation of children!

Mike’s unique approach to teaching and mentoring has him changing the way educators view the classroom, the curriculum, and the connection with their students. Parents, you’re not going to want to miss this amazing episode!

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12. The Joy Of The Outdoors With Jenessa Carlisle

ian@thepositivepersistence.com (Positive Persistence) — Wed, 4 Sep 2024 12:00:00 +0000

This week on the podcast I’m honored to be joined by my great friend Jenessa Carlisle. As a Parks & Trail Ambassador for the Met Council, Jenessa is passionate about promoting diversity and inclusion when it comes to all things outdoors.

Her mission is to dismantle the systematic barriers that have historically excluded communities of color so that everyone can truly experience and enjoy all of the amazing things that outdoor life has to offer.

Today she’s here to share her experiences of being a boat captain, trail guide, and even most recently a dog musher (we’ll get into that later). But ultimately, she’s here to share her love of the outdoors with you and hope it inspires you to discover your love of the outdoors as well!

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11. The Key To Living A Healthy Life With Brooks Coleman

ian@thepositivepersistence.com (Positive Persistence) — Wed, 28 Aug 2024 12:00:00 +0000

Living a healthy lifestyle is one of the most talked about subjects on the planet ... and truthfully, there are so many different opinions out there that it can lead people down the wrong path or even keep them from taking any steps at all.

That's why I wanted to bring on our good friend, Brooks Coleman, who is the founder of Data Driven, a company that helps people not only lose unwanted fat but keep it off by building sustainable, easy-to-implement habits in their lives.

We'll talk about common dieting myths, what advice you should be listening to when it comes to your health, and three simple habits you can implement into your daily life that'll have you start seeing results RIGHT AWAY!

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10. Finding Your Purpose With Sarah Wright

ian@thepositivepersistence.com (Positive Persistence) — Wed, 21 Aug 2024 12:00:00 +0000

Today’s guest is sure to inspire and motivate you!

Sarah Wright joins us this week to share her story of addiction, abuse, and more importantly, overcoming.

Sarah found herself depressed and addicted to drugs at an early age, but through what she calls “God moments,” she battled her way through it all on her way to beating addiction and building a beautiful family.

Her story will show you the power God, mindset, and purpose can have if you truly lean into them!

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9. The Power Of Alternative Medicine With Dan Mossell

ian@thepositivepersistence.com (Positive Persistence) — Wed, 14 Aug 2024 12:00:00 +0000

With so much information coming to light about the power of alternative medical practices different from what we’ve been taught, I thought it a great idea to bring on my good friend Dr. Dan Mossell to talk about the power of alternative healing.

Dr. Dan specializes in shamanic healing and other holistic practices that give people alternative options to the traditional Western medicine approach that has become the norm.

Through his shamanic and chiropractic work, Dr. Dan has been able to help 100’s patients experience recovery and relief through these life-changing practices.

Today I talk with him about his story, how he got into the medical practice, why he’s so passionate about helping people, and some types of healing and medicine you can look into that are different from your standard Western medicine.

Get settled in, because this is one of the most impactful episodes you might ever listen to!

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8. Beyond The Lanes: Life Lessons Of A World Champion with Diandra Asbaty

ian@thepositivepersistence.com (Positive Persistence) — Wed, 7 Aug 2024 11:00:00 +0000

We have a special treat for you in today's podcast, as Diandra Asbaty joins me! Diandra is a champion in every sense of the world. She’s won over 60 medals in bowling representing our country, achieved bowler of the year, become a world champion, and been inducted into the bowling hall of fame!

I can’t think of a better person on the podcast to talk to all of you about what it looks like to develop the mindset and heart of a champion.

Diandra and I talked about her life journey, how she got started in bowling, and how she tailored her life so that she could become the champion she is today.

She talks about the mindset, discipline, and action it takes to truly become a champion in anything, so this is a conversation you won’t want to miss!

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7. Habits for Health and Wellness Success with Dana Bowen

ian@thepositivepersistence.com (Positive Persistence) — Wed, 31 Jul 2024 11:00:00 +0000

In a world that constantly pushes us to keep going, it's crucial to remember the importance of rest and self-care.

Join Dana and I on the podcast this week as we explore the power of giving yourself grace and recognizing when it's time to take a break.

In this episode, we'll dive into the signs that your body needs rest, the benefits of slowing down, and practical tips on how to do what you can with what you have, wherever you are.

Tune in to discover how embracing balance can lead to a healthier, more fulfilling life.

Remember, you don't always have to push through—sometimes, the best way to move forward is to pause and recharge!

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6. Defining Your Own Destiny with Betsy Kwiatkowski

ian@thepositivepersistence.com (Positive Persistence) — Wed, 24 Jul 2024 11:00:00 +0000

Never let anyone tell you what you can't and can't achieve when it comes to your life and the dreams you have for it! That's the mantra for this week as I sit down with my good friend, Betsy Kwiatkowski.

From starring as a collegiate basketball player to owning her own business, Betsy is no stranger to the opinions of other people. But instead of letting their opinions dictate her route in life, she used them as fuel to do what people said she couldn't, and build a thriving life in the process!

She's here to share her story with you, what she's learned along the way, and how you can develop this type of persistent and unstoppable mindset in your own life!

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5. Mastering Adaptability and Mental Toughness with Dan Stowell

ian@thepositivepersistence.com (Positive Persistence) — Wed, 17 Jul 2024 11:00:00 +0000

I'm joined on the podcast this week by my good friend Dan Stowell who is sharing with us his journey of overcoming adversity. From growing up with an alcoholic father to being diagnosed with Crohn's disease, Dan is no stranger when it comes to experiencing adversity in his life.

Despite going through these tough times, Dan has been able to build the toughness, resilience, and adaptability that has inspired others and helped him become a highly sought-after leader in his industry.

Dan's unique approach, which he calls, "Nova," is his alter ego that represents the best version of himself. Through this approach he teaches others to do the same thereby creating their unique system for personal growth.

Through his brand EMG (Experiences + Mindset = Growth), Dan has built a community where others can come, share the adversity they're going through in their own lives, and find a safe space to grow through those adversities.

If you find yourself struggling with adversity in your life right now, this is a must-listen episode for you!

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4. Beyond Limits: Coach Dez's Philosophy of Perseverance

ian@thepositivepersistence.com (Positive Persistence) — Mon, 8 Jul 2024 09:00:00 +0000

In this episode of the Positive Persistence Podcast, host Ian Bowen interviews Coach Dez Desmond Dunham, a nationally acclaimed coach, community leader, teacher, entrepreneur, and author. Coach Dez shares his inspirational journey from facing challenges in his childhood, including a speech impediment and dyslexia, to becoming a successful track and field coach and author. He emphasizes the importance of positive persistence, grit, determination, and the power of youth sports in shaping and molding individuals. Coach Dez also discusses the lessons he imparts to his athletes, such as changing perspectives, focusing on the bigger picture, and counting blessings instead of problems. He encourages individuals to give their best, even when they don't feel their best, and to surround themselves with positive influences.

Links

Learn More about Ian

Takeaways

Coach Dez overcame challenges in his childhood, including a speech impediment and dyslexia, to become a successful track and field coach and author.
Positive persistence, grit, and determination were key factors in Coach Dez's journey to success.
Youth sports have the power to shape and mold individuals, teaching them important life lessons.
Changing perspectives, focusing on the bigger picture, and counting blessings instead of problems is essential for personal growth and success.
Giving your best, even when you don't feel your best, is crucial for achieving goals and making a positive impact.

Sound Bites

"You don't have to be the best to give your best."
"If you're going to have some pitfalls, you're going to have some troubling times, get a reward from it."
"You don't have to feel your best to give your best."

About the Podcast

Welcome to "Positive Persistence, with Ian Bowen," the podcast that will ignite your spirit and fuel your journey to greatness! I'm Ian Bowen, and I'm here to bring you stories of ordinary people who've conquered extraordinary challenges.

If you're ready to unleash your potential and leave an indelible mark on the world, you're in the right place. Each week, we'll dive deep into tales of triumph that will inspire you to overcome your own obstacles and reach new heights.

But this isn't just a podcast – it's a movement. By joining our "Positive Persistence" family, you're taking the first step towards activating your highest potential and living the life you truly deserve.

After each episode, don't keep this inspiration to yourself! Share the show with friends who need that extra push. Hit that subscribe button so you never miss a moment of motivation.

Want more? Head over to ianbowen.net and sign up for my weekly newsletter. You'll get access to my free RINSE playbook – your guide to crushing obstacles in life, business, and relationships.

The conversation doesn't stop here. Follow me on Instagram @positivepersistence for behind-the-scenes content and daily doses of motivation. Check out my website, ianbowen.net, for more resources, and join our Facebook community @PositivePersistence to connect with fellow persistence warriors.

Remember, your journey to greatness starts with a single step. Let "Positive Persistence" be that step. Together, we'll turn your dreams into reality.

Now, let's dive into today's incredible story of triumph over adversity!

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YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PositivePersistence-ch8fk

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3. From Surgery to Marathons: Jacqueline's Inspiring Comeback Story

ian@thepositivepersistence.com (Positive Persistence) — Fri, 28 Jun 2024 18:52:00 +0000

Jacqueline Menchaca-McPherson shares her journey of overcoming spinal cord surgery to remove a tumor and the challenges she faced during her recovery. She was diagnosed with a spinal cord tumor and had to undergo surgery shortly after giving birth. Despite the physical and emotional pain, Jacqueline remained positive and determined to regain her strength and mobility. She started with occupational and physical therapy, gradually relearning how to use her hands and walk again. Jacqueline's mindset and strong willpower allowed her to surpass the expectations of her doctors and accomplish feats like running marathons. Her story is a testament to the power of resilience and the importance of having a strong why.

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Takeaways

Having a positive mindset and strong willpower can help you overcome challenges and achieve remarkable feats.
A strong why and a sense of purpose can provide motivation and drive during difficult times.
Recovery from surgery and physical therapy requires patience, perseverance, and a willingness to push through discomfort.
Believing in oneself and refusing to accept limitations can lead to personal growth and accomplishment.

Sound Bites

"You are stronger than you think you are."
"What did he say? That's amazing."
"I am strong. I am so strong."

About the Show

Welcome to "Positive Persistence, with Ian Bowen" the podcast that will ignite your spirit and fuel your journey to greatness! I'm Ian Bowen, and I'm here to bring you stories of ordinary people who've conquered extraordinary challenges.

After each episode, don't keep this inspiration to yourself! Share the show with friends who need that extra push. Hit that subscribe button so you never miss a moment of motivation.

Want more? Head over to ianbowen.net and sign up for my weekly newsletter. You'll get access to my free RINSE playbook – your guide to crushing obstacles in life, business, and relationships.

The conversation doesn't stop here. Follow me on Instagram @positivepersistence for behind-the-scenes content and daily doses of motivation. Check out my website ianbowen.net for more resources, and join our Facebook community @PositivePersistence to connect with fellow persistence warriors. Watch this podcast on YouTube.

Remember, your journey to greatness starts with a single step. Let "Positive Persistence" be that step. Together, we'll turn your dreams into reality.

Now, let's dive into today's incredible story of triumph over adversity!

CONNECT WITH IAN BOWEN:

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PositivePersistence-ch8fk

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2. Overcoming Challenges with the RINSE Methodology

ian@thepositivepersistence.com (Positive Persistence) — Fri, 28 Jun 2024 18:49:00 +0000

In this episode of the Positive Persistence Podcast, host Ian Bowen shares his personal experience with recent back pain and how it has brought him back to a time when he faced a seemingly insurmountable task of healing and getting back to where he wanted to be. He introduces the RINSE methodology, which stands for Remember, Imagine, Notice, Shift, and Expect. Remembering past successes and knowing that you can do hard things gives you the confidence to overcome current challenges. Using your imagination to envision your desired outcome helps you tap into your potential. Noticing and celebrating small wins along the way keeps you motivated. Shifting your mindset from focusing on what you can't do to what you can do helps you create momentum. And finally, expecting challenges and embracing them prepares you to overcome obstacles.

Learn More About Ian

Takeaways

Remembering past successes and knowing that you can do hard things gives you the confidence to overcome current challenges.
Using your imagination to envision your desired outcome helps you tap into your potential.
Noticing and celebrating small wins along the way keeps you motivated.
Shifting your mindset from focusing on what you can't do to what you can do helps you create momentum.
Expecting challenges and embracing them prepares you to overcome obstacles.

Sound Bites

"I had to remember I could do hard things. And that is the R in RINSE."
"The only thing that I had in my arsenal at that time was my imagination."
"We have to remember to notice the small wins that we have along the way on our journey."

About the Show

After each episode, don't keep this inspiration to yourself! Share the show with friends who need that extra push. Hit that subscribe button so you never miss a moment of motivation.

Want more? Head over to ianbowen.net and sign up for my weekly newsletter. You'll get access to my free RINSE playbook – your guide to crushing obstacles in life, business, and relationships.

Remember, your journey to greatness starts with a single step. Let "Positive Persistence" be that step. Together, we'll turn your dreams into reality.

Now, let's dive into today's incredible story of triumph over adversity!

CONNECT WITH IAN BOWEN:

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PositivePersistence-ch8fk

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

1. Defying Expectations: From Paraplegic to Marathoner

ian@thepositivepersistence.com (Positive Persistence) — Fri, 28 Jun 2024 18:37:00 +0000

In this episode of the Positive Persistence podcast, host Ian Bowen shares his personal story of using positive persistence to overcome a seemingly insurmountable obstacle. After experiencing tingling sensations and pain in his legs, Ian was diagnosed with neurosarcoidosis, a condition that left him paralyzed from the chest down. Despite being told he would never walk again, Ian set a goal to run a marathon. Through physical therapy, mental fortitude, and a mindset of positive persistence, Ian was able to complete the race, defying expectations and proving that he could overcome any challenge.

Learn More about Ian:

Takeaways

Positive persistence is the principle of using determination and a positive mindset to overcome obstacles and achieve goals.
Having a strong why and a clear vision of where you want to be can provide the motivation and focus needed to push through challenges.
Noticing and celebrating small wins along the way can help maintain motivation and keep you moving forward.
Expecting setbacks and being prepared to face them can help you navigate through difficult times and stay on track towards your goals.
Mindset is everything - shifting your mindset to focus on what you can do rather than what you can't do can make a significant difference in your ability to overcome obstacles.

Sound Bites

"From paraplegic to marathoner"
"Mindset is everything"
"Stay positive, stay persistent"

About the Show

After each episode, don't keep this inspiration to yourself! Share the show with friends who need that extra push. Hit that subscribe button so you never miss a moment of motivation.

Want more? Head over to ianbowen.net and sign up for my weekly newsletter. You'll get access to my free RINSE playbook – your guide to crushing obstacles in life, business, and relationships.

Remember, your journey to greatness starts with a single step. Let "Positive Persistence" be that step. Together, we'll turn your dreams into reality.

Now, let's dive into today's incredible story of triumph over adversity!

CONNECT WITH IAN BOWEN: