A casual conversation about gardening in the Midwest with Toledo's Garden Guy, Mike O'Rourke and Rookie Gardener, Scott Sandstrom. Mike interviews various guests, from experts to local DIY gardeners in a relaxed conversation. While Scott keeps the subjects down to the weekend warrior level. We hope you enjoy each podcast episode, as even the most basic topics can reveal a surprise tip or hint you may not know about! Your Midwest Garden is sponsored by Black Diamond Nursery & Lawn Service. Se ...
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Welcome to the Fitness + Technology Podcast for club owners, operators, and fitness professionals! This show is your #1 trusted resource for the accelerating world of fitness technology. Each week, we bring you an expert interview with a global influencer at the crossroads of fitness and technology. You’ll get the insights, tools, and inspiration you need to stay connected to the pulse of what matters most for your fitness business in the age of exponential technologies. This podcast is brou ...
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Join bestselling author and entrepreneur Mike Fallat as he uncovers incredible stories from fascinating people around the globe. From trailblazing entrepreneurs and visionary leaders to daring adventurers and everyday heroes, each episode explores unforgettable journeys, valuable life lessons, and inspiring breakthroughs. Tune in for authentic conversations that motivate, entertain, and empower you to live your own remarkable story.
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Mike Siegel and Julie Oliver of Ground Game Texas present a weekly conversation on the progressive movement in Texas with the people and organizations hard at work on the front lines. Airing each Monday afternoon at 5PM Central on KPFT-FM in Houston, and available in podcast form weekly.
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Transformative ideas from the best thinkers on the planet including guests like James Clear, Susan Cain, Michael Pollan, Deepak Chopra, Nicole LaPera, Yung Pueblo, Gabor Mate, Maggie Smith, , David Whyte, Macklemore, George Saunders, Anne Lamott, Frank Turner, Mark Manson, Tara Brach, AJ Jacobs, Oliver Burkeman, Ryan Holiday, Parker Palmer. It’s not about perfection; it’s about direction.
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Interesting stories from today’s franchisors and entrepreneurs.
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Embrace the Chaos: Finding Clarity Through Meditation with Henry Shukman (Part 1)
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1:00:26In this episode, Henry Shukman discusses how to embrace the chaos and find clarity through meditation while exploring themes of self-development and self-love. Henry emphasizes the balance between effort and acceptance in spiritual practice, highlighting the interplay between sudden insights (satori) and gradual progress. He also discuss the import…
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Ep 184 How To Take Your Franchise Consulting or Coaching Practice to the Next Level
15:29
15:29
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15:29This is a special edition "Deep Dive" audio version of my Franchise Consultant Survival guide. If reading eBooks is not your thing, this audio version will give you some ideas and tactics to take your franchise consulting practice to the next level. Get ready to save time, shorten your deal cycle, and create more efficiency in your business. I'm he…
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Today’s New World Of Startups & Technologies With Pariskshit Prutt & Jackson Powell
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24:12In this episode of the Fitness + Technology Podcast, Bryan O’Rourke welcomes Pariskshit Dutt & Jackson Powell to the show. They are the founders of Fittest, a hardware-free heart rate tracking platform designed to help gyms boost member engagement, drive accountability, and increase retention. By seamlessly integrating with wearables, Fittest provi…
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Navigating Fear and Hope: the Everyday Courage That Shapes Our Lives with Ryan Holiday
52:41
52:41
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52:41In this episode, Ryan Holiday explores navigating fear and hope and the everyday courage that shapes our lives. He unpacks how to confront our fears and how we need to do so, over and over. With great stories and insights, we are reminded that we don’t have to be fearless, we just have to begin. Key Takeaways: The concept of courage and its signifi…
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Ep 183 The "Speed 2 Lead" Episode to Shorten Your Deal Cycle as a Franchise Consultant or Broker
7:32
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7:32I used this amazing tool called "Google Notebook LM" to generate this podcast from our Clienttether "Speed 2 Lead" eBook! If you'd rather listen than read, this episode is full of actionable steps to help your franchise consulting business get to the next level. If you want the eBook shoot me an email at [email protected]! Here's a link to chec…
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Failure as Fertilizer: Learning to Bloom Again with Debbie Millman
59:56
59:56
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59:56In this episode, Debbie Millman explores how we can use failure as fertilizer and learn to bloom again. Debbie's book and this conversation is about more than just gardening tips or tools, it's about what happens when we let ourselves be bad at something, especially later in life. Debbie opens up about learning to grow and why failure might be the …
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From Benches to Breakthroughs: A New Approach to Mental Health with Dixon Chibanda
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54:53
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54:53In this episode, Dr. Dixon Chibanda explores from benches to breakthroughs: a new approach to mental health. He explains why storytelling, radical empathy, and solving daily-life problems often outperform medication-first approaches; how three simple steps—opening the mind, uplifting, strengthening—turn elders into community healers; and why hope, …
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The Future of Fitness Presentation: LIVE From SIBEC With Bryan O'Rourke
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39:22
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39:22In this episode of the Fitness + Technology Podcast, Bryan O’Rourke shares his presentation “The Future of Fitness” live from SIBEC. Bryan offers a bold and thought-provoking look at how industry leaders can thrive amid rapid transformation. From navigating global micro and macro trends to redefining leadership, marketing, and digital strategy, thi…
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Beyond Anxiety: How Curiosity Turns Fear Into Fuel with Martha Beck
58:00
58:00
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58:00In this episode, Martha Beck explores how to move beyond anxiety and how curiosity turns fear into fuel. Martha dives into why anxiety can’t simply be silenced. It has to be replaced with things like creativity, curiosity, and a deep kindness towards ourselves. Key Takeaways: Discussion of anxiety versus fear and their psychological implications. E…
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Move Your Body, Free Your Mind: The Science of Movement and Mental Health with Caroline Williams
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1:07:20In this episode, Caroline Williams shares how moving your body can free your mind as she dives into the surprising science of movement and mental health. Caroline spent years studying the brain until she realized she was ignoring half the equation. She explains how movement of all kinds, walking, stretching, dancing, and even laughter can reshape o…
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Navigating the Messy Parts of Life: Embracing Imperfection and Growth with Josh Radnor
50:14
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50:14In this episode, Josh Radnor discusses the messy parts of life and embracing imperfection and growth. Josh Radnor explains how, even outward success, fame, acclaim, creative fulfillment isn’t enough to quiet the deeper battles within. He shares how real freedom comes not from achieving perfection, but from making peace with the messy, unfinished pa…
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Why Community and Courage Matter More Than Ever with Laura McKowen
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58:14In this episode, Laura McKowen explores why community and courage matter more than ever in making change in your life. She dives into the “messy midle” – theu ncertain space between giving up what umbs us and becoming someone new. She shares the story of the Luckiest Club, a global sobriety community. Key Takeaways: Understanding that real transfor…
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The Sales Funnel & Consumer Behaviors: Challenges & Opportunities With Sarah Harris & Hilary McGuckin
46:27
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46:27In this episode of the Fitness + Technology Podcast, Bryan O’Rourke shares his webinar with Hilary McGuckin and Sarah Harris from Keepme.ai as they explore how the modern fitness sales funnel is evolving—and what that means for fitness operators, marketers, and tech providers alike. In their conversations, they unpack: The biggest challenges fitnes…
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Send us a text YMGP has found a new product that we think you are going to love! It's just recently been released and we are all on the ground floor. But don't be fooled the by packaging, it's not a gardener's lotion, but as colorful as the bottle is, it's a plant fertilizer! So simple to use, not only will the beginner like the mild 7-7-7 no burn …
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Anxiety, Beauty, and the Unknown: A Map to Emotional Resilience with David Whyte
57:53
57:53
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57:53In this episode, David Whyte explores anxiety, beauty, and the unknown as a true map to emotional resilience. David shares how anxiety can be a doorway to deeper understanding and connection. He and Eric discuss the paradox of holding both joy and struggle, the surprising wisdom hidden in everyday emotions, and how poetry and language can bring us …
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Ep 182 Finding Your True "Why" with Consultant Marc Cole from The You Network
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27:39Today’s guest is someone who turned sweet success into a passion for helping others launch their dream businesses. Marc Cole is a Senior Consultant with The You Network, and he’s on a mission to guide aspiring entrepreneurs toward the right franchise fit. From B2B gifting to franchise matchmaking, Marc brings heart, clarity, and a deep belief in kn…
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Ep 181 Making The Choice Between Unhappiness or Uncertainty with Franchise Consultant Tom Scarda
24:16
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24:16Tom Scarda, franchise expert and author of The Magic of Choosing Uncertainty, joins the show to share how he went from civil service to building and selling a successful franchise—and now helps others do the same. We dive into how to find the right franchise, avoid common mistakes, and why franchising is more about lifestyle than loving a product. …
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Unlock Your Inner Anthem: A Tribute to Mike Peters
38:08
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38:08This is a special episode from our archives with one of my favorite musicians, Mike Peters. Mike recently passed away, and this episode is more than a conversation; it’s a tribute to a beautiful soul. In our chat, we explored the idea of our lives being anthems; how defiance, hope, and inner strength were a soundtrack for his formative years, and l…
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Fluke or Fate? Embracing Uncertainty to Live a Fuller Life with Brian Klaas
56:54
56:54
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56:54In this episode, Brian Klaas explains the concept of whether things are a fluke or fate, and explores how embracing uncertainty can lead to a living a fuller life. Brian makes the case that randomness and chaos might be exactly what makes our lives matter so much, and how we tend to worship at the “Altar of Progress in the Church of Control.” We ma…
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Successfully Augmenting Fitness Facility Products & Services With Garrett Marshall
35:50
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35:50In this episode of the Fitness + Technology Podcast, host Bryan O’Rourke welcomes back Garrett Marshall, a distinguished leader with over 22 years of experience driving growth in the wellness industry. Garrett’s expertise spans strategy and innovation, executive leadership, business development, strategic partnerships, and technological product dev…
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The Bittersweet Truth About Beauty, Sorrow, and What Makes Life Worth Living with Susan Cain
51:56
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51:56In this episode, Susan Cain explores the bittersweet truth about beauty, sorrow, and what makes life worth living. She emphasizes the transformative power of music and bittersweet emotions and also discusses how acknowledging grief can lead to deeper connections and creativity. This episode encourages listeners to embrace their emotions and seek be…
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Ep 180 BAI Consultant Deene Yenchochic's Shares A Masterclass on Clienttether
38:49
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38:49In this episode, I sit down with Deene Yenchochic, a BAI consultant power user of Clienttether, to unpack how this all-in-one CRM platform has transformed the way she runs her consulting business. From automations that never let leads fall through the cracks, to features that actually make you money—Deene shares the exact tools, stories, and workfl…
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Flaws as Fuel: Harness Doubt, Cynicism & Ambition for Real Growth with Claire Hoffman
51:23
51:23
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51:23In this episode, Claire Hoffman explores the idea behind how our flaws, doubt, cynicism, and even ambition aren’t signs of failure, but can be used as fuel. She tells the story of Aimee Semple McPherson, a woman who built a religious empire and faked her own kidnapping. But this episode isn’t about scandal. It’s about the tension that we all carry …
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Next Gen-Fitness: Innovation, Insights, & Industry Disruption With Bryan O'Rourke
50:18
50:18
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50:18In this episode of the Fitness + Technology podcast, Bryan O’Rourke joins an exclusive panel live from FIBO to explore the future of the fitness industry through the lens of technology, innovation, and digital transformation. Featuring global industry leaders: Bryan K. O'Rourke – President, Fitness Industry Technology Council | Chairman, Vedere Ven…
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The Midlife Makeover: Redefining Success and Happiness After 40 with Chip Conley
45:44
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45:44In this episode, Chip Conley defines a midlife makeover and how to redefine success and happiness after 40. He shares how the most difficult stretches of his life ended up being the start of something completely new. Chip also explains the pull of the ego, the search for identity and how letting go of traditional success can open the door for somet…
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Send us a text This episode is a follow up to our "Advantages of Rainwater" show in season four. Scott is installing a rain barrel system from Jesse's company at the garden center. This episode talks about siting the system and a bunch of tips from Jesse. So listen in, there's a lot of information here. AND LISTEN IN FOR A PROMO CODE TO GET A DISCO…
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Ep 179 Sean Bush’s Formula to Explode Home‑Service Franchisee Revenue
41:06
41:06
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41:06Sean Bush isn’t just the Chief Sales Officer at Bush Consulting LLC—he’s the field‑boots coach who hops on planes to help franchisees close bigger tickets and streamline ops. In this episode Ryan digs into Sean’s battle‑tested tactics for turning leads into lifetime fans, scaling SOPs, and building A‑player crews that love showing up on Monday. …
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ROOK: Data Integration & Its Utility In Our Industry With Marco Benitez
25:28
25:28
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25:28This week on the Fitness + Technology podcast, host Bryan O’Rourke welcomes Marco Benitez to the show. Marco is the CEO & Founder of ROOK, a wearable API that transforms health data and empowers apps and software with actionable insights. ROOK easily processes and embeds data from hundreds of wearables with single integration and shares access to d…
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How to Nurture Creativity in a Noisy World with Maggie Smith
1:03:43
1:03:43
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1:03:43In this episode, Maggie Smith explores how to nurture creativity in a noisy world. A lot of people think creativity is something you do with a paintbrush or a poem but Maggie challenges us to think differently about creativity. It isn’t about what you make, but how you live. She dives into what it really means to be creative, even when you’re overw…
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Ep 178 How To Approach Your Marketing in the Age of AI: Insights from Jonathan Aufray
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39:05In this episode, I sit down with Jonathan Aufray, the CEO and co-founder of Growth Hackers, a digital agency helping startups and scaleups unlock sustainable, long-term growth. With nearly a decade of experience helping companies around the world accelerate their growth through inbound marketing, lead generation, and conversion strategies, Jonathan…
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Welcome to Million Dollar Stories, the podcast where host Mike Fallat explores the powerful journeys of authors and entrepreneurs who boldly transform their stories into impactful legacies. In this episode, Mike is joined by Stacy Ennis, co-author of the acclaimed book "Growing Influence: A Story of How to Lead with Character, Expertise, and Impact…
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From Loneliness to Belonging: Small Steps That Change Everything with Jillian Richardson
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52:38
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52:38In this episode, Jillian Richardson discusses the journey from loneliness to belonging and shares the small steps that can change everything. She delves into why friendship takes more effort than we expect and how we can actually get better at it. Jillian also explores what gets in the way of connection, why it’s not just about putting yourself out…
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Send us a text Em Shipman, Executive Director of Kidsgardening.org joins us to discuss kids learning through gardening. We discuss tips to get kids interested by playing in the dirt, experimenting with seed plantings and even just bringing toys into the garden bed. Developing an interest as to where food comes from by activities in and around the g…
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Ep 177 From the NFL to Entrepreneurship: Why Franchising Makes Sense for Retired Athletes with Ty Brewster, Steven Gardner, and Former NFL player Brady Sheldon
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40:48What happens after the final whistle blows? For many retired athletes, the next chapter begins in business — and franchising is one of the smartest moves they can make. Steven Gardener & Ty Brewster founders of FranReal, joins us to talk about how they're creating a streamlined way to discover, vet, and invest in franchise opportunities in real est…
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#350 - Jake Penny (No-Sweat Real Estate Investing 3.0)
38:48
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38:48Welcome to Million Dollar Stories, the podcast dedicated to uncovering inspiring journeys of authors and entrepreneurs who've boldly transformed their lessons into lasting legacies. Hosted by Mike Fallat, this episode features special guest Jake Penny, bestselling author of "No Sweat Real Estate Investing 3.0: High Returns, Low Risk, Zero Hassles."…
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What If You’re Wrong? How Uncertainty Makes Us More Human with William Egginton
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58:43
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58:43In this episode, William Egginton invites you to ask the question, “What if you’re wrong?” as he explains how being uncertain makes us more human. William explores the surprising overlap between a physicist, a philosopher, and a poet—each of whom came to the same unsettling truth: that we mistake our model of reality for reality itself. But this is…
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The Beatles, Lennon and McCartney, and the Truth We All Share with Ian Leslie
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53:11
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53:11In this episode, Ian Leslie discusses the history of the Beatles, John Lennon and Paul McCartney, and the truth we all share in their story. Ian explores how two young men from Liverpool created something together than neither could have made alone, not just music, but a shared consciousness that changed culture forever. John and Paul’s story isn’t…
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Ep 176 How To Develop A Great Lead Generation Strategy to Grow Your Brand Or Consulting Business with Travis Cook from Franchise Ventures
30:01
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30:01Travis Cook, Sales VP at Franchise Ventures, joins the show to break down the world of lead generation —how it works, who it’s for, and how his platform is helping thousands of aspiring entrepreneurs find the perfect business opportunity and helping franchise brands grow. We explore how brands and consultants should approach their lead generation, …
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Why You Can’t Think Your Way Out of Overthinking with Adam Mastroianni
57:24
57:24
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57:24In this episode, Adam Mastroianni explains why you can’t think your way out of overthinking. He unpacks why the thoughts that feel the most important are often the ones that keep us stuck. We also explore what it means to have a “skull full of poison,” how anxiety disguises itself as insight, and why real change isn’t about breakthroughs—it’s about…
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How to Stop Losing Your Mind (Literally): The Surprising Science of Attention with Amishi Jha
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49:13In this episode, Dr. Amishi Jha explores how to stop losing your mind (literally) and the surprising science of attention. She shares how mastering your mind isn’t about more effort, it’s about understanding how attention really works. You’ll learn how to train the three systems of attention (the flashlight, the floodlight, and the juggler), why mi…
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Send us a text In our first spring 2025 episode, with all the early seeds planted and doing the basement germination thing, Mike & Scott review what they learned over the winter gardening break. I'm sure you remember those essays in school when returning to class in the fall, What I Did On Summer Break... here's the gardener's version! Some you may…
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Debunking Brain Myths: What’s Really Holding You Back from Change with Sarah McKay
54:42
54:42
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54:42In this episode, Dr. Sarah McKay dives into debunking common brain myths and explores what’s really holding you back from change. She also discusses willpower and how it isn’t the magic bullet for behavior change. This conversation is all about separating fact from fiction when it comes to understanding your brain and how it works. Key Takeaways: […
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Elevating Lead Gen. Marketing, Tech, & Data With Mike Arce
40:30
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40:30This week on the Fitness + Technology podcast, host Bryan O’Rourke welcomes Mike Arce to the show. Mike is the CEO & Founder of Loud Rumor, which helps fitness studios dramatically increase membership by improving their marketing strategies through consulting. Today, Mike joins Bryan to talk about his business, lead generation marketing, implemente…
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#349 - Billy Batt (Unlimited Sellers Guide)
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57:08
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57:08Join Mike Fallat in this riveting episode of Million Dollar Stories featuring Billy Batt, bestselling author of "Unlimited Seller's Guide." From street gangs to the oil fields and then into entrepreneurship, Billy's extraordinary journey is packed with intense challenges, resilience, and transformative life lessons. Discover how Billy overcame stag…
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#348 - Charley O'Rourke (A Tale of Two Realtors)
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45:58Join Mike Fallat in this captivating episode of Million Dollar Stories featuring Charley O'Rourke, author of "A Tale of Two Realtors." Discover the power of hyper-local branding, the essential principles of real estate success, and the secrets to creating a memorable brand. Charley shares insights from his personal journey, highlighting how strateg…
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Ep 175 From Shark Tank to Scaling Success: The "Romp n’ Roll" Story with Babz & Michael Barnett
26:53
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26:53On this episode, I sit down with Michael and Babz Barnett, co-founders of Romp n’ Roll, the innovative kids’ gym and enrichment center designed to make early childhood learning fun. They share their journey from idea to franchise success, the science behind play-based learning, and how they’ve scaled their business while maintaining quality and imp…
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Unlocking the Wisdom of Dogs: What They Know About a Good Life with Mark Rowland
43:22
43:22
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43:22In this episode, Mark Rowland attempts to unlock the wisdom of dogs and discusses what they know about living a good life. He takes on some of life’s biggest, weightiest questions, like, what is meaning, how should we live, and explores them through the lens of our four-legged companions. It’s about philosophy. It’s about dogs, and it’s about the a…
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Ep 174 From Police Officer to Industrial Shrinkwrap Entrepreneur Ryan Lemieux's Story
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26:01In this episode, I sit down with Ryan Lemieux from Omega Shrink Wrap to explore the fascinating world of industrial shrink wrapping. We talk about his transition from a career in law enforcement to building his own franchise in a highly niche industry. From protecting massive structures to ensuring equipment stays safe during transportation, Ryan s…
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Redefining Wealth: The Truth About Money & Happiness with Sahil Bloom
55:15
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55:15In this episode, Sahil Bloom explores the idea of redefining wealth and the truth about money and happiness. He also shares a different definition of wealth – one that goes beyond financial success and taps into time, purpose, and relationships. Learn how to start finding the balance between striving for more while appreciating what’s right in fron…
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How to Overcome Struggle & Find Freedom : Life-Changing Lessons with Spring Washam
1:06:21
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1:06:21In this episode, Spring Washam discusses how to overcome struggle and find freedom. She explores the extraordinary life and spiritual wisdom of Harriet Tubman—not just as a historical figure, but as a guide for breaking free from our own inner prisons. Spring dives deep into the intersection of spirituality, justice, and personal transformation. Ke…
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