Best Shaken Not Scared Podcasts (2025)

1
Scared, Shaken, and Still Standing: When Fear Shows Up and Your Weapons Come Out 20:31

1d ago20:31

20:31

When your worst fears start knocking on the door, it's easy to feel like you're losing your grip. In this raw and real episode, I talk about the terrifying possibility of losing my only child—and what it’s like when nothing seems to get better, no matter how hard you pray. I’ll walk you through how I handled two of the scariest weeks of my life: wh…

1
#204: Levis – Did NOT Invent Denim 20:33

2d ago20:33

20:33

Levi help Jacob patent the famous rivet on the Levis jeans that make the pockets so durable. That is how Levis starts to build the empire. Dave Young: Welcome to the Empire Builders Podcast, teaching business owners the not-so-secret techniques that took famous businesses from mom and pop to major brands. Stephen Simple is a marketing consultant, s…

1
It's OK to Be Scared: Fighting Back Even When You're Scared, Sick, and Worn Out 7:03

8d ago7:03

7:03

This week’s episode wasn’t planned — because life doesn’t always give us time to plan. Valerie shares from a raw place about fear, exhaustion, and the importance of rest. If you’re in the fight of your life, this is your reminder that it’s okay to pause… that resting is still fighting. The Beast wants you tired and discouraged. Don’t give him the w…

1
#203: Parker Brothers – Their Monopoly Story 15:47

9d ago15:47

15:47

Making games better and getting them into the world seems like the thing to do when your dad passes and you need money. Sounds like Monopoly. Dave Young: Welcome to The Empire Builders Podcast, teaching business owners the not-so-secret techniques that took famous businesses from mom and pop to major brands. Stephen Semple is a marketing consultant…

1
Loving Through the Fire: An Insider-Outsider’s Perspective on Courage & Commitment 30:41

16d ago30:41

30:41

What does it take to stand by someone as they navigate unimaginable loss, grief, and healing? My daughter-in-law, Nicki, joins me for a raw and powerful conversation about what it’s like to love and commit to someone who is walking through fire. When she met Sean, all she knew was that he had a sister deep in addiction and a lot of anger about it. …

1
#202: Sour Patch Kids – Gummy Bears Meet Cabbage Patch Kids 15:44

16d ago15:44

15:44

Sour Patch Kids were the result of paying attention to the industry and the wants and delights of the world at large. And delivering what the people wanted. Dave Young: Welcome to the Empire Builders Podcast, teaching business owners the not-so-secret techniques that took famous businesses from mom and pop to major brands. Stephen Semple is a marke…

1
#201: Cabela’s – From Furniture to Fishing Flies 23:34

23d ago23:34

23:34

1000 fishing flies and an ad that failed turned a furniture store family into a sporting goods store empire. Way to go Cabela’s. Dave Young: Welcome to the Empire Builders Podcast, teaching business owners the not-so-secret techniques that took famous businesses from mom and pop to major brands. Stephen Semple is a marketing consultant, story colle…

1
Uncertainty Is For Certain 15:34

23d ago15:34

15:34

Uncertainty Is For Certain We crave certainty and security. We plan, we prepare, we try to get it all “right”—but the truth is, certainty is a lie. And sometimes it holds us back more than it helps. In this episode, I’m sharing what it looks like to move forward without clarity or guarantees—and why living courageously has never been about having a…

1
Being Brave Doesn't Mean Fearless: Choosing Courage is the Key 21:17

30d ago21:17

21:17

Being brave doesn’t mean you’re not afraid—it means you choose courage anyway. In this episode, Sean and I get real about what bravery looks like in everyday life. We talk about the moments that test us, the fears we don’t always admit out loud, and how courage is often a quiet, persistent choice—not a one-time act. Whether you’re facing something …

1
#200: Happy Meal – 35 Billion Served 19:44

30d ago19:44

19:44

Because of the Happy Meal McDonalds is the world’s largest toy distributor. Larger than Hasbro or Mattel. This is an Empire! Dave Young: Welcome to The Empire Builders Podcast, teaching business owners the not-so-secret techniques that took famous businesses from mom and pop to major brands. Stephen Semple is a marketing consultant, story collector…

1
#199: Supergoop – A Cancer Scare Jumpstarts An Empire 24:48

1M ago24:48

24:48

When a family friend is diagnosed with skin cancer, Holly Thaggard polls a bunch a skin care chemists and comes up with the Unseen Sunscreen. Dave Young: Welcome to The Empire Builders Podcast, teaching business owners the not-so-secret techniques that took famous businesses from mom and pop to major brands. Stephen Semple is a marketing consultant…

1
The Power of Perspective: How Shifting Your View Can Change Everything 28:47

1M ago28:47

28:47

Your perspective shapes everything—your mindset, your resilience, and even the way you navigate life’s biggest challenges. In this episode, we dive deep into how shifting your perspective can transform setbacks into stepping stones and struggles into lessons. 📌 Helpful Links & Resources ▶️ Watch the video version on YouTube 🌐 Visit Valerie’s Websit…

1
#198: Wizard Academy – Magical Communication 21:29

1M ago21:29

21:29

From writing a regular article in Radio Ink magazine to a weekly outbound memo to free clinics, Roy H. Williams created a marketing school like no other. Dave Young: Welcome to the Empire Builders Podcast, teaching business owners the not-so-secret techniques that took famous businesses from mom and pop to major brands. Stephen Semple is a marketin…

1
#197: James Bond – Shaken Not Stirred 22:18

2M ago22:18

22:18

A feeling of authenticity is what really brought 007 to life and the Broccoli family brought it to the screen. Dave Young: Welcome to the Empire Builders Podcast, teaching business owners the not-so-secret techniques that took famous businesses from mom-and-pop to major brands. Stephen Semple is a marketing consultant, story collector, and storytel…

1
When Holding On Holds You Back: Why Sometimes You Have to Burn It Down to Build It Back 18:41

2M ago18:41

18:41

🔥 Are you holding on to something that’s actually holding YOU back? In this episode of Brave, Bold & Unfiltered, I’m getting real about the moment I realized I had to burn it down to build again—and why sometimes the only way forward is to let go of what’s keeping you stuck. If you've ever felt guilty for walking away from something—even when you k…

1
#196: Swatch – Saving the Swiss Watch Makers 22:39

2M ago22:39

22:39

Japan’s digital watches massively disrupted the Swiss watch market. So, an entry level fashion watch is created to save the day. Swatch! Dave Young: Welcome to the Empire Builders Podcast, teaching business owners the not-so-secret techniques that took famous businesses from mom-and-pop to major brands. Stephen Semple is a marketing consultant, sto…

1
Finding Faith In The Storm: How Challenges Strengthen Our Belief 30:48

2M ago30:48

30:48

Life’s storms have a way of shaking our foundations—but they can also rebuild them. In this episode, Sean and I have an open, heartfelt conversation about faith. Sean shares his journey of finding faith again after losing it, while I talk about how my faith has been strengthened through life’s toughest battles. Whether you're questioning, searching…

1
#195: PEZ – Part 2 – From Loophole to Pez Outlaw 13:17

2M ago13:17

13:17

How Steve Glue made 4 Million giving the people what they wanted by beating the system; and how Pez ran him out of the business. Dave Young: Welcome to the Empire Builders Podcast, teaching business owners the not-so-secret techniques that took famous businesses from mom and pop to major brands. Stephen Semple is a marketing consultant, story colle…

1
Step Into Your Strength: Why Not You? Why Not Now? 22:39

2M ago22:39

22:39

What if the strength you’re searching for is already within you? What if you are the one meant to rise, lead, and show others the way? In this episode, we’re talking about stepping into your strength—not just for yourself, but for those who need to see a warrior in action. The world needs more role models of courage and hope, and that starts with Y…

1
#194: Pez – Part 1 – The Mint that Became a Collectable 17:00

2M ago17:00

17:00

What do you do when you think cigarette smoke is disgusting and you are a bit of a germaphobe? Create a collectable candy empire, of course. Dave Young: Welcome to the Empire Builders Podcast, teaching business owners the not-so-secret techniques that took famous businesses from mom and pop to major brands. Stephen Semple is a marketing consultant,…

1
Quarterback Without A Playbook: Navigating Life’s Toughest Hits with Rhonda 35:47

2M ago35:47

35:47

What happens when you’re thrown into the toughest game of your life with no playbook? In this episode, I sit down with Rhonda Gartner, a mother who found herself as the “quarterback” of her son’s addiction journey—trying to hold everything together while everyone looked to her for answers she didn’t have. Your story matters, so live it courageously…

1
#193: Jacuzzi – Propellers to Propellers 18:51

3M ago18:51

18:51

The Jacuzzi Seven were obsessed with flight and engineered better propellers. What is the difference between propellers of air or water??? Dave Young: Welcome to the Empire Builders Podcast, teaching business owners the not-so-secret techniques that took famous businesses from mom and pop to major brands. Stephen Semple is a marketing consultant, s…

1
Courage Is Not Just For Heroes: We Need It For Everyday Life 32:28

3M ago32:28

32:28

In this powerful episode, Sean and I discuss how courage isn’t just reserved for heroes but is crucial for navigating the challenges of everyday life. While we often think of courage in terms of grand, heroic actions, it’s the everyday moments that truly require bravery. Join us as we explore how to tap into your inner courage to face the obstacles…

1
#192: Polaroid – Instant Idea, Instant Pic, Instant Empire 24:16

3M ago24:16

24:16

What happens when you are in the polarization film business and your daughter asks why she can’t see the picture right away? You invent Polaroid. Dave Young: Welcome to the Empire Builders Podcast, teaching business owners the not-so-secret techniques that took famous businesses from mom and pop to major brands. Stephen Semple is a marketing consul…

1
Living Through the Grief—A Mother’s Journey Through Love & Loss 47:33

3M ago47:33

47:33

What do you do when you know the inevitable is coming? How do you keep living when your heart is already breaking? In this deeply moving episode, Donna, one of my incredible Warriors, shares her story of standing strong in the face of losing her son. After years of addiction, her son developed a serious heart condition. Given a grim prognosis, he c…

1
#191: Three Levels of Trust – From Surface to Deep 23:09

3M ago23:09

23:09

Stephen has been studying and learning how to use and explain trust for Organizations. Let’s just say, you need to get vulnerable for this one. Dave Young: Welcome to the Empire Builders Podcast, teaching business owners the not-so-secret techniques that took famous businesses from mom and pop to major brands. Stephen Semple is a marketing consulta…

1
Balance Of Thinking And Doing—Why Action Matters: Stop Overthinking And Start Taking Action 18:31

3M ago18:31

18:31

Are you stuck in the cycle of overthinking but never taking action? In this solo episode, Valerie Silveira dives into the crucial balance between thinking and doing—and why action is the key to reclaiming your life. She explores how waiting for change to happen keeps you stuck, why your thoughts alone won't break the cycle, and what you can do toda…

1
#190: Care & Repair – A True Empire Building Story 29:01

3M ago29:01

29:01

Sergei Kaminskiy started his empire by taking jobs that he didn’t know how to do and then hiring a professional to learn from. Wow. Dave Young: Welcome to the Empire Builders Podcast, teaching business owners the not-so-secret techniques that took famous businesses from mom and pop to major brands. Stephen Semple is a marketing consultant, story co…

1
The Truth About Anger: When It Helps And When It Hurts 23:37

3M ago23:37

23:37

🔥 Anger is a natural emotion that can serve as both a motivator and a destructive force. In this episode, Sean and I dive deep into the dual nature of anger—when it can help us set boundaries or fight for what matters and when it becomes toxic and holds us back. Your story matters, so live it courageously! 📌 Helpful Links & Resources ▶️ Watch the v…

1
#189: Birkenstock – Went Public At 7 Billion 18:21

4M ago18:21

18:21

You know you have a great idea when you start having competitors copy you. Well, Dr. Scholl’s copied the foot bed from Birkenstock. Dave Young: Welcome to the Empire Builders Podcast, teaching business owners the not-so-secret techniques that took famous businesses from mom and pop to major brands. Stephen Semple is a marketing consultant, story co…

1
Bye Bye Miss American Pie: How One Moment Can Shatter Everything You Thought You Knew 48:48

4M ago48:48

48:48

In this deeply reflective episode, Sean shares how a single, life-altering incident with Jamie during the early days of her addiction forever changed his perception of safety, family, and life itself. This pivotal moment shattered his once-blissful view of the world and caused him to wrestle with emotions that shaped his journey moving forward. We …

1
#188: Walmart – Big Dreams for Small Towns 17:55

4M ago17:55

17:55

Sam Walton left JC Penny and realized that people in rural America had to travel to shop in department stores. He changed all that. Dave Young: Welcome to the Empire Builders Podcast, teaching business owners the not-so-secret techniques that took famous businesses from mom and pop to major brands. Stephen Semple is a marketing consultant, story co…

1
Heartbeat of the Family: Why Your Strength as a Mom Matters More Than Ever 21:13

4M ago21:13

21:13

In this episode of Warriors in Hope, Valerie Silveira addresses mothers dealing with children in addiction, emphasizing the critical role they play as the emotional heartbeat of their families. She shares her personal journey through the struggles of addiction, the feelings of guilt and helplessness, and the importance of self-care and empowerment.…

1
#187: Willy Wonka – More Than A Movie! 15:50

4M ago15:50

15:50

Stephen and Dave stroll down memory lane to discover just how the Willy Wonka bar came to be. Dave was a little disappointed. But you won’t be. Dave Young: Welcome to the Empire Builders Podcast, teaching business owners the not-so-secret techniques that took famous businesses from mom-and-pop to major brands. Stephen Semple is a marketing consulta…

1
#186: Rolex – How To Promote a Premium Brand 21:02

4M ago21:02

21:02

Affinity marketing at it’s very, very finest. Rolex has made Mariners, Aviators, Drivers, etc, seek out and own a luxury time piece. Dave Young: Welcome to The Empire Builders Podcast, teaching business owners the not-so-secret techniques that took famous businesses from mom-and-pop to major brands. Stephen Semple is a marketing consultant, story c…

1
Still Standing After All The Tears: Two TV Interviews On Finding Courage And Inspiring Hope 15:18

4M ago15:18

15:18

Happy New Year! In this special episode, I’m sharing two powerful TV interviews that highlight my journey through unimaginable challenges and the courage it took to keep standing. 💜 In the first interview, recorded two years ago, I shared the story behind my book Still Standing After All the Tears and what it was like to navigate life after Jamie w…

1
#185: Dirty Dough (part 2) – No Money? Invest Time. 25:18

4M ago25:18

25:18

Bennett Maxwell continues by explaining how, when you are starting out, it is critically important to invest time and win peoples hearts. Dave Young: Welcome to the Empire Builders Podcast, teaching business owners the not-so-secret techniques that took famous businesses from mom-and-pop to major brands. Stephen Semple is a marketing consultant, st…

1
A Christmas Message Of Peace: Finding Light In The Darkness 12:00

5M ago12:00

12:00

The holidays can be a time of mixed emotions—joy, love, togetherness, stress, grief, and longing for what could have been. In this special Christmas episode, I share a heartfelt message to help you find peace amidst the chaos and light in even the darkest moments. Whether facing the holiday with a heavy heart or simply seeking a moment of reflectio…

1
#184: Dirty Dough (Part 1) – A Chairman’s Story 19:38

5M ago19:38

19:38

Bennett Maxwell understood that to run a successful company he needed to know the business and be the least important person in it. Dave Young: Welcome to the Empire Builders Podcast, teaching business owners the not-so-secret techniques that took famous businesses from mom and pop to major brands. Stephen Semple is a marketing consultant, story co…

1
#183: Talking A.I. – Terminator or Jetsons 15:06

5M ago15:06

15:06

Stephen talks about how embracing AI is the best way for the world to head into the future. It will be brighter and more creative. Dave Young: Welcome to The Empire Builders Podcast, teaching business owners the not-so-secret techniques that took famous businesses from mom-and-pop to major brands. Stephen Semple is a marketing consultant, story col…

1
Stay Inspired Through Life's Storms: 7 Ways to Keep Going When the Going Gets Tough 15:42

5M ago15:42

15:42

Life’s challenges can feel overwhelming, but even in the midst of the toughest storms, it’s possible to keep moving forward. In this episode, I share 7 practical and powerful ways to stay inspired when life feels heavy. Whether you’re facing grief, addiction, or life’s unexpected twists, these strategies will help you find the courage to keep going…

1
#182: Twitter – Not “X” 22:44

5M ago22:44

22:44

Dave Young: Welcome to the Empire Builders podcast, teaching business owners the not-so-secret techniques that took famous businesses from mom and pop to major brands. Stephen Semple is a marketing consultant, story collector, and storyteller. I’m Stephen’s sidekick and business partner Dave Young. Before we get into today’s episode, a word from ou…

1
#181: Rebecca Cassel – Part 2 – Partnerships Take Work 27:50

5M ago27:50

27:50

Rebecca and Lon build out a coaching empire that takes full use of the manuals and techniques they developed building successful home service companies. Dave Young: Welcome to the Empire Builders Podcast, teaching business owners the not-so-secret techniques that took famous businesses from mom and pop to major brands. Stephen Semple is a marketing…

1
What Happens to Us vs. What Happens for Us: Choosing How We Feel and Finding Purpose in Pain 15:32

5M ago15:32

15:32

In this, I explore two powerful ideas that can transform how we experience life’s challenges. First, I’ll dive into the common tendency to say that others “made us feel” a certain way—but the truth is, no one has that power over us. We get to decide how we feel and what we think. Then, I’ll look at a deeper question: when life hands us major challe…

1
#180: Rebecca Cassel – Part 1 – Helping Contractors Succeed 26:43

6M ago26:43

26:43

Rebecca meets Lon and they build an empire of home services companies that lead to the best Contractor Coaching Program. Dave Young: Welcome to the Empire Builders Podcast, teaching business owners the not-so-secret techniques that took famous businesses from mom and pop to major brands. Stephen Semple is a marketing consultant, story collector, an…

1
The Line Between Selfless and Self-Destructive: Why Helping Doesn’t Mean Losing Yourself 13:12

6M ago13:12

13:12

In this episode, I reflect on an important realization in my journey—the distinction between being selfless and losing oneself. It’s noble to be selfless, but when we lie down in the muck and mire with others, we risk our own well-being. Through my story and insights, I’ll explore how to walk the line between compassion and self-destruction, and wh…

1
Reclaiming Courage: Where Have All the Warriors Gone? 20:29

6M ago20:29

20:29

📣 Our first-ever Video format for the Warriors in Hope Podcast! 📣 In a world that feels more challenging than ever, courage seems to be in short supply. But true warriors aren’t gone—they’re just waiting to be awakened. In this first video episode, we’re diving into what it means to reclaim courage, rise up, and bring out the warrior within each of…

1
#179: Banana Ball – Frictionless Baseball 21:43

6M ago21:43

21:43

The Banana’s asked one fundamental question to revive a defunct minor ball team. What do fans hate about going to a game? Dave Young: Welcome to the Empire Builders podcast, teaching business owners the not-so-secret techniques that took famous businesses from mom and pop to major brands. Stephen Semple is a marketing consultant, story collector, a…

1
#178: Spin Master – Yep, The Toy Company 19:17

6M ago19:17

19:17

Going from public domain toys to Spin Master Originals was a must. How did Harari, Rabi and Verity do it? It wasn’t with the devil sticks. Dave Young: Welcome to the Empire Builders podcast, teaching business owners the not-so-secret techniques that took famous businesses from mom and pop to major brands. Stephen Simple is a marketing consultant, s…

1
#177: Lip Bar – All Natural Happy Place 23:08

6M ago23:08

23:08

This is how you go from not wanting to be unhappy to working your passion to Shark Tank to Lipstick Empire. Way to go, Melissa Butler. Dave Young: Welcome to the Empire Builders Podcast, teaching business owners the not-so-secret techniques that took famous businesses from mom-and-pop to major brands. Stephen Semple is a marketing consultant, story…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Shaken Not Scared Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen