Alignment First w/ Mycal Anders

In this episode of Alignment First, I sit down with Dr. Lance Cutsforth, Army veteran and founder of Mons Sana, to break down why a breakthrough is not a transformation. We dive into identity after service, moral injury, and the difference between healing you own and healing you rent, and break down real, actionable ways to become the fittest leader possible through peace, power, and presence.Key Takeaways1. Trauma is any situation you face that you are not adequately prepared or resourced for. That makes it an injury, not a disorder.2. Service teaches you to answer "what do I do" instead of "who am I." Take the uniform away and the gap shows up fast.3. Externalizing your healing feels safe. It costs you your agency. No pill, program, or coach owns your outcome.4. Every peak emotional experience makes your psyche malleable. The heat is the window. It is not the change.5. Integration is the hammer. Skip it and you cool into a shape you did not choose.Quotes• "Knowledge is what you gain when things go according to plan. Wisdom is what you gain when they don't." – Dr. Lance Cutsforth• "Identity was more what is my human doingness and not my human beingness." – Dr. Lance Cutsforth• "These medicines unlock doors, but we have to be the ones to step through it." – Dr. Lance CutsforthConnect with Dr. Lance Cutsforth• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lancecutsforth/• Website: www.monssana.com___________________________________________________________________________________Next Level Resources✅ Discover Who You Are As A Leader: ⁠https://nextlevelhq.co/what-kind-of-leader-are-you/⁠✅ Clarity|Coaching|Consistency|Community: ⁠NextLevelHQ.co ⁠✅ Subscribe to Alignment First on Spotify: ⁠https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/coachderz/Partners & Sponsors@ThorneHealth → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠thorne.com/u/progressalways⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@StrongCoffee → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠strongcoffeecompany.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ — Code: NEXTLEVEL15@wearshepherds → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Shepherds.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@team4kor → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠4korfitness.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ — Code: NEXTLEVEL15Build Your Vision Espresso → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠visionespresso.co⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@TYRsport → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠fitness.tyr.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ — Code: 14034Start Your Healing Journey → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.morozkoforge.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ — Codes: NEXTLEVEL350 / NEXTLEVEL500Alignment First. Progress Always.#AlignmentFirst#ProgressAlways#FittestLeader#LeadershipDevelopment#Podcast#AURA#Mastery#PersonalGrowth#ExecutiveCoaching#Leadership#AlignedLeadership

In this episode of Alignment First, I sit down with Kylie Barber to unpack why capable, accomplished people stay stuck in relationships long beyond their ability to serve one another. We dive into assumptions, courageous conversations, intentional adversity, and standards that do not bend, and break down real, actionable ways to become the fittest leader possible through peace, power, and presence.Key TakeawaysAssumptions are the top source of disappointment. Say the expectation out loud.Contribution means something different to every person at the table. Define it together.Trade-off is not sacrifice. The language you choose decides whether you feel chosen or cheated.Convenience removed the friction that builds competence, confidence and capability. Choose intentional adversity.Standards keep you from settling. Name what you want early and hold it.Quotes"Be ruthless with your standards in what you want. Don't settle." – Kylie Barber"We are risk averse. We're out of practice in pursuing risk." – Kylie Barber"[mindreading]... if that's a conscious strategy for you, look forward to being disappointed." – Mycal AndersConnect with Kylie BarberInstagram: @KylieBarberAZLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kylielbarberWebsite: kyliebarber.comNext Level Resources✅ Discover Who You Are As A Leader: https://nextlevelhq.co/what-kind-of-leader-are-you/✅ Clarity|Coaching|Consistency|Community: NextLevelHQ.co✅ Subscribe to Alignment First on Spotify: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/coachderz/Alignment First. Progress Always. Sponsors & Partners @ThorneHealth → ⁠thorne.com/u/progressalways⁠ @StrongCoffee → ⁠strongcoffeecompany.com⁠ — Use Code: NEXTLEVEL15 @wearshepherds → ⁠Shepherds.com⁠ @team4kor → ⁠4korfitness.com⁠ — Use Code: NEXTLEVEL15 Build Your Vision Espresso → ⁠VisionEspresso.co⁠ @TYRsport → ⁠fitness.tyr.com⁠ — Use Code: 14034 @MorozkoForge → ⁠morozkoforge.com⁠ — Use Code: NEXTLEVEL350 / NEXTLEVEL500Alignment First. Progress Always.#AlignmentFirst #AlignedLeadership #ExecutiveCoaching #Leadership #Podcast

In this episode of Alignment First, I sit down with Amy Young, CEO of Redefine Possibility to unpack what happens when you get everything you chased and realize you no longer want it. We dive into identity evolution, the space between trigger and response, resentment inside a marriage, and defining success on your own terms, and we break down real, actionable ways to become the fittest leader possible through peace, power, and presence.Key Takeaways1. Your identity is allowed to evolve before the season ends. Amy knew she was done with soccer a year before her last game. That honesty turned the exit into a gift.2. Between the trigger and your reaction sits a space. Your power lives there.3. Feel the feeling, then move it through you. Holding the emotion is where you hand your power away.4. What got you here will not get you there. The next level is built on what you say no to.5. Success is a definition, not a ladder. Write yours, then rewrite it every season.Quotes• "You have to be willing and ready to let your identity evolve." – Amy Young• "When we hold on to the emotion that the trigger represents, that's where the power transaction happens." – Amy Young• "More doesn't always mean more. More can mean less. You can have more in your life by doing less." – Amy YoungConnect with Amy Young• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/amyyounglifeandcareercoachforfemaleexecutives/• Website: redefinepossibility.com/Next Level Resources✅ Discover Who You Are As A Leader: ⁠https://nextlevelhq.co/what-kind-of-leader-are-you/⁠✅ Clarity|Coaching|Consistency|Community: ⁠NextLevelHQ.co ⁠✅ Subscribe to Alignment First on Spotify: ⁠https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/coachderz/Partners & Sponsors@ThorneHealth → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠thorne.com/u/progressalways⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@StrongCoffee → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠strongcoffeecompany.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ — Code: NEXTLEVEL15@wearshepherds → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Shepherds.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@team4kor → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠4korfitness.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ — Code: NEXTLEVEL15Build Your Vision Espresso → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠visionespresso.co⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@TYRsport → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠fitness.tyr.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ — Code: 14034Start Your Healing Journey → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.morozkoforge.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ — Codes: NEXTLEVEL350 / NEXTLEVEL500Alignment First. Progress Always.#AlignmentFirst#ProgressAlways#FittestLeader#LeadershipDevelopment#Podcast#AURA#Mastery#PersonalGrowth#ExecutiveCoaching#Leadership#AlignedLeadership

In this episode of Alignment First, I sit down with Kayleen Duffy, host of That One Thing, to unpack what happens when the resilience that built you starts running you. We dive into stillness, core values, identity after sport, and what one hundred percent of your capacity actually looks like, and break down real, actionable ways to become the fittest leader possible through peace, power, and presence.Key Takeaways1. Resilience is a superpower until it becomes a default. Notice when you make it harder than it has to be.2. Bravery can be the mask fear wears. Finishing the drill is not the same thing as staying aligned.3. Slow seasons are not punishment. They are the opening where the next version of you gets built.4. If you cannot name your core values, you cannot tell what is for you and what is not.5. One hundred percent capacity is not a stacked calendar. It is high value, low volume effort.Quotes• "In that silence is the truth." – Kayleen Duffy• "I am the only one living this life. No one else. This is my damn life." – Kayleen Duffy• "You sit still long enough, you run out of your own story. The only thing left is what is true." – Mycal AndersConnect with Kayleen Duffy• That One Thing podcast. On Spotify, YouTube, and Apple Podcasts.• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/duffykayleen/___________________________________________________________________________________Next Level Resources✅ Discover Who You Are As A Leader: ⁠https://nextlevelhq.co/what-kind-of-leader-are-you/⁠✅ Clarity|Coaching|Consistency|Community: ⁠NextLevelHQ.co ⁠✅ Subscribe to Alignment First on Spotify: ⁠https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/coachderz/Partners & Sponsors• @ThorneHealth → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠thorne.com/u/progressalways⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠• @StrongCoffee → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠strongcoffeecompany.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ — Code: NEXTLEVEL15• @wearshepherds → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Shepherds.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠• @team4kor → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠4korfitness.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ — Code: NEXTLEVEL15• Build Your Vision Espresso → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠visionespresso.co⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠• @TYRsport → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠fitness.tyr.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ — Code: 14034• Start Your Healing Journey → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.morozkoforge.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ — Codes: NEXTLEVEL350 / NEXTLEVEL500Alignment First. Progress Always.#AlignmentFirst#ProgressAlways#FittestLeader#LeadershipDevelopment#Podcast#AURA#Mastery#PersonalGrowth#ExecutiveCoaching#Leadership#AlignedLeadership

In this episode of Alignment First, I sit down with Dr. Michael Sumko to unpack why connection comes before correction, in the operating room and at home. We dive into rebuilding trust, managing expectations, and leading through the death of an old identity, and break down real, actionable ways to become the fittest leader possible through peace, power, and presence.Key TakeawaysConnect before you correct. People take your insight only after they feel your care.Trust is currency. You earn it in small, consistent moments, not grand gestures.Treat the person, not the birth certificate. Lead who is actually in front of you.Let people fail so they can grow. Sometimes a leader wins by stepping back.Never accept where you are. More reps, better results, or you leave them on the table.Quotes"Before you correct, you need to connect." – Dr. Michael Sumko"Trust is currency." – Dr. Michael Sumko"Don't treat a birth certificate. Treat a patient." – Dr. Michael SumkoConnect with Dr. Michael SumkoWebsite: DrMichaelSumko.comPractice: Arizona Sports Medicine Center (ASMC), Stapley and the 60, Mesa AZFacebook: Dr. Michael Sumko, Hip and Knee SpecialistInstagram: @drmichaelsumko Next Level Resources✅ Discover Who You Are As A Leader: https://nextlevelhq.co/what-kind-of-leader-are-you/✅ Clarity|Coaching|Consistency|Community: NextLevelHQ.co✅ Subscribe to Alignment First on Spotify: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/coachderz/Alignment First. Progress Always. Sponsors & Partners @ThorneHealth → ⁠thorne.com/u/progressalways⁠ @StrongCoffee → ⁠strongcoffeecompany.com⁠ — Use Code: NEXTLEVEL15 @wearshepherds → ⁠Shepherds.com⁠ @team4kor → ⁠4korfitness.com⁠ — Use Code: NEXTLEVEL15 Build Your Vision Espresso → ⁠VisionEspresso.co⁠ @TYRsport → ⁠fitness.tyr.com⁠ — Use Code: 14034 @MorozkoForge → ⁠morozkoforge.com⁠ — Use Code: NEXTLEVEL350 / NEXTLEVEL500Alignment First. Progress Always.#AlignmentFirst #AlignedLeadership #ExecutiveCoaching #Leadership #Podcast

In this episode of Alignment First, I sit down with Chris Hynes, co-founder and CTO of OwnerRez, to unpack why the smallest honest truths build the deepest trust. We dive into the quiet lies that erode connection, the reps behind real communication, and why a little friction keeps you and your systems robust. Then we break down real, actionable ways to become the fittest leader possible through peace, power, and presence.Key TakeawaysQuiet lies feel kind. They cost you trust. Tell the truth with tact and trust gets deeper.You don't rise in leaps. You rise in reps. Small and consistent beats forcing the whole thing at once.Facts inform. Stories land. Communicate through energy and story and people remember it.Efficiency has a ceiling. Strip out all the friction and the system gets brittle. Growth needs resistance.Culture is built by repetition. Name your values, teach the why, and say it until people say it back.Quotes• "You can pursue efficiency too much and then make the system very brittle." – Chris Hynes• "Keeping the peace, saying the quiet lie, is not the way to do it." – Chris Hynes• "It's a real feeling. You can't logic your way out of it." – Chris HynesConnect with Chris HynesOwnerRez: ownerrez.comThe Walk and Talk Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/2ygYbwMSyAsw7vNBEtFYMgNext Level Resources✅ Discover Who You Are As A Leader: https://nextlevelhq.co/what-kind-of-leader-are-you/✅ Clarity|Coaching|Consistency|Community: NextLevelHQ.co ✅ Subscribe to Alignment First on Spotify: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/coachderz/Alignment First. Progress Always.Sponsors & Partners@ThorneHealth → ⁠thorne.com/u/progressalways⁠ @StrongCoffee → ⁠strongcoffeecompany.com⁠ — Use Code: NEXTLEVEL15 @wearshepherds → ⁠Shepherds.com⁠ @team4kor → ⁠4korfitness.com⁠ — Use Code: NEXTLEVEL15 Build Your Vision Espresso → ⁠VisionEspresso.co⁠ @TYRsport → ⁠fitness.tyr.com⁠ — Use Code: 14034 @MorozkoForge → ⁠morozkoforge.com⁠ — Use Code: NEXTLEVEL350 / NEXTLEVEL500Alignment First. Progress Always.#AlignmentFirst #LeadershipDevelopment #ExecutiveCoaching #AlignedLeadership #HighPerformance #NextLevel #Veteran #AURA #LeadershipMindset #ProgressAlways

In this episode of Alignment First, I sit down with Paul Alkoby, Air Force veteran and founder of the You Are Good Project, to talk about turning your lowest point into a mission that serves others. We dive into ownership, self-forgiveness, identity, and the daily practices that keep a leader regulated, and break down real, actionable ways to become the fittest leader possible through peace, power, and presence.Key Takeaways1. You are not behind. You are out of alignment. Paul played small for years before he owned his story and stepped forward.2. Forgive yourself first. Paul could forgive almost anyone except himself. Self-forgiveness unlocked everything else.3. Drop the weight that was never yours. The body keeps the score. Release what you have carried for other people.4. Update your identity for the season you are in. An old identity in a new season keeps leaders stuck.5. Get out of isolation on purpose. Paul's "go first" practice, three real conversations a day, breaks the loop.Quotes• "I realized how small I'd been playing for so long." – Paul Alkoby• "I front load the identity so the goal becomes inevitable." – Coach Derz• "I don't have a problem forgiving other people. It's always myself." – Paul AlkobyConnect with Paul Alkoby• IG: @paulalkoby & @youaregoodprjct• You Are Good Project: https://youaregoodproject.org/Next Level Resources✅ Clarity | Coaching | Consistency | Community → https://next-level.app.clientclub.net/communities/groups/next-level-headquarters/home?invite=69c17e4d5d8cee9656ff1c61✅ Become the Fittest Leader Possible → NextLevelHQ.co/blog✅ Get More Alignment First → https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/coachderz/Partners & Sponsors@ThorneHealth → thorne.com/u/progressalways@StrongCoffee → strongcoffeecompany.com/?ref=2YN5cnK8v9zQ4DUse Code: NEXTLEVEL15Alignment First. Progress Always!#AlignmentFirst #LeadershipDevelopment #ExecutiveCoaching #AlignedLeadership #HighPerformance #NextLevel #Veteran #AURA #LeadershipMindset #ProgressAlways

In this episode of Alignment First, I sit down with Noelia Worth to unpack how she went from 29 years behind the chair to betting on herself and opening her own salon. We dive into choosing courage over comfort, dropping the masks we wear in every room, and leading from faith, presence, and full self-expression, and we break down real, actionable ways to become the fittest leader possible through peace, power, and presence.Key Takeaways1. You are the result of the choices you make inside your circumstances, not the circumstances themselves.2. When a signal shows up two or three times, that is your confirmation. Stop stalling and move.3. The friction you feel is your present self meeting your future self. Walk through it on purpose.4. The masks you wear at work, at home, and with friends drain energy you never get back. Become one self and reclaim it.5. Your fullest expression meets no resistance, because the truth never needs defending.Quotes• "Our feelings and our thoughts constantly change by the minute. Do you really want to trust that?" – Noelia Worth• "I sat in my car bawling. Then I got over it. Okay, let's do this." – Noelia Worth• "You are less the product of your circumstances and more the result of your choices." – Coach DerzConnect with Noelia WorthInstagram: @noelianono1 and @beautysoireeazSalon: Scottsdale, AZ. Text or call 480.469.3604Podcast: A Connection is a ConnectionNext Level Resources✅ Clarity | Coaching | Consistency | Community → https://next-level.app.clientclub.net/communities/groups/next-level-headquarters/home?invite=69c17e4d5d8cee9656ff1c61✅ Become the Fittest Leader Possible → NextLevelHQ.co/blog✅ Get More Alignment First → https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/coachderz/Partners & Sponsors@ThorneHealth → thorne.com/u/progressalways@StrongCoffee → strongcoffeecompany.com/?ref=2YN5cnK8v9zQ4DUse Code: NEXTLEVEL15Alignment First. Progress Always!

In this episode of Alignment First, I sit down with Gord Nicodemus to talk about building real freedom on top of the foundation you already have. We dive into chasing a dream job that paid less than boxing groceries, walking on at Oregon State two days after tearing his MCL, teaching entrepreneurship through lemonade stands and engineering investments in his rental car business that return 50 percent over two years. Real, actionable ways to become the fittest leader possible.Key Takeaways1. The job you dreamed about may not pay the bills you actually have. Build accordingly.2. Your body will give you a setback. Your decisions decide what you do with it.3. Systems are your decisions on paper. Write them down once. Reuse them forever.4. Teach your kids to control what they actually control. Attitude. Energy. Effort.5. The W-2 is one stream. Aligned leaders build more than one.Quotes • "My phone doesn't ring, you get more money." – Gord Nicodemus • "This is the part of the game where most people quit." – Mycal Anders • "Every time I tried to quit, they promoted me." – Gord NicodemusConnect with Gord Nicodemus • Instagram. @Gordopreneur • Web: desertdrivesllc.com & airportparkingphoenix.comNext Level Resources ✅ Join the Leaders Forum: https://next-level.app.clientclub.net/communities/groups/next-level-headquarters/home?invite=69c17e4d5d8cee9656ff1c61 ✅ Clarity|Coaching|Consistency|Community: NextLevelHQ.co ✅ Subscribe to Alignment First on Spotify: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/coachderz/Alignment First. Progress Always.Sponsors & Partners @ThorneHealth → ⁠thorne.com/u/progressalways⁠ @StrongCoffee → ⁠strongcoffeecompany.com⁠ — Use Code: NEXTLEVEL15 Alignment First. Progress Always.#AlignmentFirst #LeadershipDevelopment #ExecutiveCoaching #AlignedLeadership #HighPerformance #NextLevel #Veteran #AURA #LeadershipMindset #ProgressAlways

In this episode of Alignment First, I sit down with my Marine brother Aaron Williamson: founder of Mission Ready, celebrity trainer, and Marine Corps Body Bearer who carried fallen brothers to their final rest at Arlington National Cemetery. We go deep on the most humble duty in the Corps, the chaos he ran through in Hollywood, the homelessness that forced him back into fitness, and the Ibogaine journey that realigned his ego, his faith, and his family. Real, actionable ways to become the fittest leader possible through peace, power, and presence.Key TakeawaysThe Marine Corps Body Bearers carry every Marine buried at Arlington with absolute precision because that final image is what the family keeps forever.Operating in chaos becomes a habit. Impatience kicks open doors that distract you from the one thing you actually want.Hollywood, fame, and grind can put ego in you whether you admit it or not. Plant medicine and faith can pull it back out.God kept pulling Aaron back into fitness through every detour. Some assignments in your life are not optional.Your life is the mission. Curate your existence to support the highest version of yourself, or someone else will write the script for you.Quotes"Your life is the mission. You got to be ready." : Aaron Williamson"It's almost like a test in life to see how bad you really want the main thing you want." : Aaron Williamson"No matter how many times I've tried to take my fitness back, God has pulled me back into it." : Aaron WilliamsonConnect with Aaron WilliamsonInstagram: @aaronvwilliamsonMission Ready: Find Aaron on Instagram, Facebook, and his new YouTube channel where he is going all in on food addiction.Next Level Resources✅ Clarity | Coaching | Consistency | Community : https://next-level.app.clientclub.net/communities/groups/next-level-headquarters/home?invite=69c17e4d5d8cee9656ff1c61✅ Become the Fittest Leader Possible : NextLevelHQ.co/blog✅ Get More Alignment First : https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/coachderz/Partners & Sponsors@ThorneHealth → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠thorne.com/u/progressalways⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@StrongCoffee → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠strongcoffeecompany.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ — Code: NEXTLEVEL15@wearshepherds → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Shepherds.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@team4kor → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠4korfitness.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ — Code: NEXTLEVEL15Build Your Vision Espresso → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠visionespresso.co⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@TYRsport → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠fitness.tyr.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ — Code: 14034Start Your Healing Journey → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.morozkoforge.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ — Codes: NEXTLEVEL350 / NEXTLEVEL500Alignment First. Progress Always.#AlignmentFirst #ProgressAlways #FittestLeader #LeadershipDevelopment #Podcast #AURA #Mastery #PersonalGrowth #ExecutiveCoaching #Leadership #AlignedLeadership

In this episode of Alignment First, I sit down with Zach Ratashak, founder of Tactical Mind Business Coaching and Navy veteran, to talk about what it actually means to lead people before you lead a business. We dive into building people-first systems, the mindset shift from military service to entrepreneurship, and the courage it takes to walk away from security to bet on yourself. We break down real, actionable ways to become the fittest leader possible through peace, power, and presence.Key TakeawaysGreat leaders know their people before they manage their people.Investing in someone else's goals builds more loyalty than any incentive program.You cannot logic your way into bold decisions. The gut has to lead.Leaving security behind is not reckless. It is a trained muscle.Systems and clarity are the difference between growth and guessing in business.Quotes"I made a point to learn about them as a person versus them just filling a space." – Zach Ratashak"You have to jump off the cliff and figure out where it falls." – Zach Ratashak"Do this till it ain't fun no more." – Mycal AndersConnect with Zach Ratashak Website: tactical-mind.com Instagram / Social: @zachratashak or @officialzachratashakNext Level Resources ✅ Clarity | Coaching | Consistency | Community → NextLevelHQ.co⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠✅ Ready to be the Fittest Leader Possible? → Join the Leaders Forum✅ Subscribe to Alignment First → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/coachderz/Sponsors & Partners@ThorneHealth → ⁠thorne.com/u/progressalways⁠ @StrongCoffee → ⁠strongcoffeecompany.com⁠ — Use Code: NEXTLEVEL15#AlignmentFirst #LeadershipDevelopment #ExecutiveCoaching #AlignedLeadership #HighPerformance #NextLevel #Veteran #AURA #LeadershipMindset #ProgressAlways

In this episode of Alignment First, I sit down with Jayce Boyd — Under Armour All-American, 19th round MLB draft pick, Florida State alum, and College World Series champion — to go deep on what happens when elite performance meets unaddressed shadows. We dive into financial stewardship for young athletes, the ego traps that block growth, the two lies that nearly cost him everything, and how radical honesty with his parents, his community, and himself became the foundation for real recovery and real leadership.Key TakeawaysYou can be the most disciplined performer in the room and still be running from the truth behind closed doors.Ego is the #1 barrier to financial literacy — and to growth in every other area of life.The lies "I don't deserve good things" and "I can't hurt anyone if I'm alone" are silent destroyers.You were designed to live from the inside out — not to absorb the world and try to survive it.Stillness, community, and truth-telling aren't soft skills — they're the foundation of real leadership.Quotes• "I don't deserve good things. I don't even know where that lie came from." – Jayce Boyd• "You can't see the frame when you're in the picture." – Mycal Anders• "My brain and body were designed to live inward, then outward and most people have it backwards." – Jayce BoydConnect with Jayce Boyd 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayce-boyd/The Post: https://www.thepost.co/Next Level Resources✅ Clarity | Coaching | Consistency | Community → NextLevelHQ.co⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠✅ Ready to be the Fittest Leader Possible? → Join the Leaders Forum✅ Subscribe to Alignment First → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/coachderz/Sponsors & Partners @ThorneHealth → ⁠thorne.com/u/progressalways⁠ @StrongCoffee → ⁠strongcoffeecompany.com⁠ — Use Code: NEXTLEVEL15#AlignmentFirst #LeadershipDevelopment #ExecutiveCoaching #AlignedLeadership #HighPerformance #NextLevel #Veteran #AURA #LeadershipMindset #ProgressAlways

In this episode of Alignment First, I sit down with Bailey Crawford, founder of The Crawford Collective, to talk about what it really takes to build something from nothing; without a roadmap, permission or apology. We dive into the power of authentic connection, rewiring automatic negative thoughts, and why your next easiest step is always enough to keep moving. We break down real, actionable ways to become the fittest leader possible through peace, power, and presence.Key Takeaways1. Never underestimate the power of a single connection. Every relationship is a seed.2. Staying in motion, even without a clear destination, is how you build momentum.3. Your brain is protecting you. Learn to separate fear from fact.4. Identifying and acknowledging your emotions releases their hold on you instantly.5. When life gets hard, ask one question: What is the next easiest step?Quotes• "I never undervalued those connections I make with whoever. It could be at a coffee shop, it doesn't matter." – Bailey Crawford• "What is the next easiest step? Is this an automatic negative thought or a true thought?" – Bailey Crawford• "When you look at it through a lens of ownership, you realize how far you've come." – Mycal AndersConnect with Bailey Crawford 📸 Wedding Photo & Video → baileycrawfordmedia.com 🎬 Full Production Agency → thecrawfordcollectivevideo.comNext Level Resources✅ Clarity | Coaching | Consistency | Community → NextLevelHQ.co⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠✅ Ready to be the Fittest Leader Possible? → Join the Leaders Forum✅ Subscribe to Alignment First → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/coachderz/Sponsors & Partners @ThorneHealth → ⁠thorne.com/u/progressalways⁠ @StrongCoffee → ⁠strongcoffeecompany.com⁠ — Use Code: NEXTLEVEL15#AlignmentFirst #LeadershipDevelopment #ExecutiveCoaching #AlignedLeadership #HighPerformance #NextLevel #Veteran #AURA #LeadershipMindset #ProgressAlways

In this episode of Alignment First, I sit down with Anna Redmond, founder of BRAAV and AllCoin, to explore what it actually means to earn your place — and why recognition only lands when it's real. We dive into how she's taking the military challenge coin tradition digital, why belonging requires a bar, and how preserving the stories of those who served might be one of the most important leadership moves of our time.Key TakeawaysBelonging without a standard is just participation — exclusivity creates meaning.You don't need lived experience to earn respect inside a community — you need curiosity and commitment.The gap between civilian and veteran culture closes when we choose to genuinely listen.Recognition ceremonies work because they call out something real — the "why" behind the honor matters as much as the honor itself.Preserving stories is an act of leadership — what we fail to capture, we lose forever.Quotes"The more stories we collect, the more memories we preserve." – Anna Redmond"It would be real easy to move through the world with a chip on your shoulder and look at everybody through the lens of 'it could be worse.'" – Mycal Anders"Uploading your coins is always free — creating community is always free." – Anna RedmondConnect with Anna Redmond🌐 allcoin.braav.co (mention Next Level HQ to skip the waitlist)📧 [email protected]🔗 BRAAV | AllCoin Platform___________________________________________________________________________________Stay Connected & Take Action✅ Join The Leaders Forum: Clarity | Coaching | Consistency | Community → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://next-level.app.clientclub.net/communities/groups/next-level-headquarters/home?invite=69c17e4d5d8cee9656ff1c61 ✅ Ready to be the Fittest Leader Possible? → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠NextLevelHQ.co⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠/Blog✅ Subscribe to Alignment First → https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/coachderz/ Partners & Sponsors@ThorneHealth → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠thorne.com/u/progressalways⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@StrongCoffee → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠strongcoffeecompany.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ — Code: NEXTLEVEL15@wearshepherds → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Shepherds.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@team4kor → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠4korfitness.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ — Code: NEXTLEVEL15Build Your Vision Espresso → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠visionespresso.co⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@TYRsport → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠fitness.tyr.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ — Code: 14034Start Your Healing Journey → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.morozkoforge.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ — Codes: NEXTLEVEL350 / NEXTLEVEL500Alignment First. Progress Always.#AlignmentFirst#ProgressAlways#FittestLeader#LeadershipDevelopment#Podcast#AURA#Mastery#PersonalGrowth#ExecutiveCoaching#Leadership#AlignedLeadership

In this episode of Alignment First, I sit down with DJ Barton, co-founder and CEO of ELYT Travel, to talk about what it actually takes to build a life, not just a lifestyle. We dive into losing his father early in life, finding purpose through fatherhood, the power of proximity, and why divorcing your past is the only way to marry your future. Real, actionable ways to become the fittest leader possible through peace, power, and presence.Key Takeaways1. You have to divorce your past to marry your future, growth demands it.2. Moments matter more than things. The memories you create outlast any material possession.3. The better you get at life, the smaller (and better) the rooms become.4. Proximity is currency. One connection can literally change your life.5. Most people want the accolades without the reps. Leaders put in the work behind closed doors.Quotes• "You have to trim to grow." – DJ Barton• "Talk is cheap. Whiskey costs money." – DJ Barton's Grandfather (via DJ Barton)• "Popular decisions are not voted popular. You have to do things that are uncomfortable to become comfortable." – DJ BartonConnect with DJ Barton📸 Instagram: @TheRealDJBarton💼 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/therealdjbarton/👥 Facebook: Real DJ Barton🍸 Connections & Cocktails: facebook.com/ConnectionsandCocktailsAZNext Level Resources✅ Clarity | Coaching | Consistency | Community →https://next-level.app.clientclub.net/communities/groups/next-level-headquarters/home?invite=69c17e4d5d8cee9656ff1c61✅ Become the Fittest Leader Possible → NextLevelHQ.co/blog✅ Get More Alignment First →https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/coachderz/Partners & Sponsors@ThorneHealth → thorne.com/u/progressalways@StrongCoffee → strongcoffeecompany.com/?ref=2YN5cnK8v9zQ4DUse Code: NEXTLEVEL15Alignment First. Progress Always!

In this episode of Alignment First, I sit down with Keira Brinton — the People's Publisher and founder of JOA Publishing — to explore what it really means to stop refusing your muse. We dive into channeling your gifts, the power of surrender, and what it takes to go from $5K to millions as a single mother of five and break down real, actionable ways to become the fittest leader possible through peace, power, and presence.Key TakeawaysYour gift may look like a curse before it looks like a calling. Lean in anyway.Books are received, not written. Stop creating from your own understanding; ask for something new.Surrender isn't poetic. It's practical and it requires you to burn the ships.Evidence is the antidote to self-doubt. Your actions either match your vision or they don't.Dark moments always leave. Anchor to that truth and you can tolerate anything long enough to win.Quotes"I have not said no to one single ask that the creator has asked me to bring to the earth." – Keira Brinton"It's the only thing that lives beyond us; the written word." – Keira Brinton"I don't need anyone to tell me that I'm great. I am what I am. And I'm really proud of who I've become." – Keira BrintonConnect with Keira BrintonAuthor Archetype Assessment:  https://go.keirabrinton.com/assessment The Author Threshold Workshop: https://go.keirabrinton.com/author-threshold-workshop📸 Instagram: @KeiraBrinton 🌐 KeiraBrinton.com | JOAPublishing.com 🎙️ Daily Podcast: 350+ episodes — ask, listen, do. ▶️ YouTube: Documenting the path to $10M as a single mom of fiveStay Connected & Take Action✅ Clarity | Coaching | Consistency | Community → NextLevelHQ.co⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠✅ Ready to be the Fittest Leader Possible? → Join the Leaders Forum✅ Subscribe to Alignment First → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/coachderz/ Sponsors & Partners@ThorneHealth → ⁠thorne.com/u/progressalways⁠ @StrongCoffee → ⁠strongcoffeecompany.com⁠ — Use Code: NEXTLEVEL15 @wearshepherds → ⁠Shepherds.com⁠ @team4kor → ⁠4korfitness.com⁠ — Use Code: NEXTLEVEL15 Build Your Vision Espresso → ⁠VisionEspresso.co⁠ @TYRsport → ⁠fitness.tyr.com⁠ — Use Code: 14034 @MorozkoForge → ⁠morozkoforge.com⁠ — Use Code: NEXTLEVEL350 / NEXTLEVEL500Alignment First. Progress Always.#AlignmentFirst #LeadershipDevelopment #ExecutiveCoaching #AlignedLeadership #HighPerformance #NextLevel #Veteran #AURA #LeadershipMindset #ProgressAlways

In this episode of Alignment First, I sit down with Eryk Anders — UFC veteran, fighter, and founder of Ya Boi Fitness Academy in Vestavia, Alabama — to talk about what it really means to walk away on your own terms and build something that outlasts the fight. We dive into identity, legacy, coaching the next generation, and why the most dangerous thing you can do is let your environment do your growing for you.Key TakeawaysPreparation isn't always perfect but identity covers the gap.You don't retire from who you are. You retire from what you did.Protecting kids from failure is the fastest way to kill their confidence.The shift from competitor to coach is one of the most powerful identity moves a leader can make.Real peace isn't the absence of pressure. It's knowing exactly who you are when pressure shows up.Quotes"This ain't my first rep. I know what's up." – Eryk Anders"Let your kid get choked out. He's still alive. He's going home and he'll be better because of it." – Eryk Anders"Win or lose, you need whatever happens." – Eryk AndersConnect with Eryk Anders📍 Ya Boi Fitness Academy — Birmingham, Alabama📱 Instagram / Social: @yaboifitness & @erykeanders 🌐 Website: www.yaboifitness.com/Next Level Resources✅ Clarity | Coaching | Consistency | Community →https://next-level.app.clientclub.net/communities/groups/next-level-headquarters/home?invite=69c17e4d5d8cee9656ff1c61✅ Become the Fittest Leader Possible → NextLevelHQ.co/blog✅ Get More Alignment First →https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/coachderz/Partners & Sponsors@ThorneHealth → thorne.com/u/progressalways@StrongCoffee → strongcoffeecompany.com/?ref=2YN5cnK8v9zQ4DUse Code: NEXTLEVEL15Alignment First. Progress Always!

In this episode of Alignment First, I sit down with Steph Strine — Naval Academy grad, Marine veteran, yoga instructor, and fitness coach at Equinox and Soto Method — to talk about what happens when the uniforms come off and you're forced to rediscover who you are. We dive into identity loss, sobriety, service, and the real work of turning your hardest chapters into your greatest superpowers.Key Takeaways1. Athletes and service members face an identity crisis twice — when they leave sport and when they leave the uniform. Most people never name it.2. The scaffolding of military and athletic life is real. Discounting it is ego. Owning it is growth.3. Sobriety isn't a limitation — it's a platform. Steph got sober in the military and runs marathons for soldiers against suicide today.4. What you resist persists. Surrender isn't weakness — it's how the real work gets done faster.5. You teach the lesson you most need to learn. Radical transparency is how we connect and how we heal.Quotes• "The death of two uniforms — I'm bringing that to my therapist this week." – Steph Strine• "It's actually very selfish of me to think my experience is unique. I'm not alone." – Steph Strine• "You're moving through the world with a higher sense of self-awareness than most." – Coach DerzConnect with Steph Strine📸 Instagram: @stephsrine🏋️ Equinox NYC & Soto Method (app + studios in NYC; Dallas location opening Fall 2026)Next Level Resources✅ Clarity | Coaching | Consistency | Community →https://next-level.app.clientclub.net/communities/groups/next-level-headquarters/home?invite=69c17e4d5d8cee9656ff1c61✅ Become the Fittest Leader Possible → NextLevelHQ.co/blog✅ Get More Alignment First →https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/coachderz/Partners & Sponsors@ThorneHealth → thorne.com/u/progressalways@StrongCoffee → strongcoffeecompany.com/?ref=2YN5cnK8v9zQ4DUse Code: NEXTLEVEL15Alignment First. Progress Always!

In this episode of Alignment First, I sit down with Mollie Gray — Olympic-level rugby athlete, army veteran, wedding photographer, world traveler, and finder of self — to unpack what ten days of radical silence revealed about identity, presence, and what it means to stop running and finally come home to yourself. We dive into her Vipassana meditation retreat experience and break down real, actionable ways to become the fittest leader possible.Key Takeaways1. Silence isn't punishment. Ten days without talking forces you to face what you've been carrying in your body for years.2. Sankaras are real. The tension, trauma, and "not good enough" stories don't live in your mind, they live in your body. The work is releasing them.3. Day six will break you, and that's the point. The hardest moments in any transformation are the signal that a breakthrough is on the other side.4. Presence is the practice. Anxiety lives in the future. Peace lives right here. Stop deferring your best self.5. You cannot build your fittest life with someone who needs you to stay small. The right relationships give you space to keep growing.Quotes• "The silence makes you stronger." – Mollie Gray• "I love my life so much that I just want to get home to it." – Mollie Gray• "Be present, be in your life right now." – Mollie GrayConnect with Mollie Gray 📸 Instagram: @wheresmolliegray 📷 Photography: @mollygray.photographyStay Connected & Take Action✅ Clarity | Coaching | Consistency | Community → https://next-level.app.clientclub.net/communities/groups/next-level-headquarters/home?invite=69c17e4d5d8cee9656ff1c61 ✅ Ready to be the Fittest Leader Possible? → NextLevelHQ.co/blog✅ Subscribe to Alignment First → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/coachderz/Sponsors & Partners @ThorneHealth → ⁠thorne.com/u/progressalways⁠ @StrongCoffee → ⁠strongcoffeecompany.com⁠ — Use Code: NEXTLEVEL15 @wearshepherds → ⁠Shepherds.com⁠ @team4kor → ⁠4korfitness.com⁠ — Use Code: NEXTLEVEL15 Build Your Vision Espresso → ⁠VisionEspresso.co⁠ @TYRsport → ⁠fitness.tyr.com⁠ — Use Code: 14034 @MorozkoForge → ⁠morozkoforge.com⁠ — Use Code: NEXTLEVEL350 / NEXTLEVEL500Alignment First. Progress Always.#AlignmentFirst #LeadershipDevelopment #ExecutiveCoaching #AlignedLeadership #HighPerformance #NextLevel #PersonalGrowth #Podcast #Vipassana #ProgressAlways

In this episode of Alignment First, I sit down with Eric Coonrod, founder of E. Coonrod & Co. and author of The Preparation Principle, to break down the real truth behind selling a business. We dive into the hidden friction of M&A, the psychology of founders during exit, and what it actually takes to prepare for a successful transition—before, during, and after the deal. Key TakeawaysMost founders underestimate the time, cost, and emotional toll of selling a business.The best time to prepare for a sale is the day you start the company.Identity loss post-sale is one of the biggest blind spots entrepreneurs face.Deal fatigue and seller’s remorse derail more deals than lack of opportunity.The right team (M&A attorney, tax advisor, wealth manager, accountant) is non-negotiable.Quotes“Deal fatigue is real and it kills more deals than bad offers.” – Eric Coonrod“Your business isn’t just your income. It’s your identity.” – Eric Coonrod“The best time to prepare for a sale is the day you start the company.” – Eric CoonrodConnect with Eric Coonrod📧 [email protected]🌐 https://ecoonrodco.com📘 The Preparation Principle on Amazon___________________________________________________________________________________Stay Connected & Take Action✅ Clarity | Coaching | Consistency | Community → NextLevelHQ.co⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠✅ Ready to be the Fittest Leader Possible? → NextLevelHQ.co/blog✅ Subscribe to Alignment First → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/coachderz/Partners & Sponsors@ThorneHealth → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠thorne.com/u/progressalways⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@StrongCoffee → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠strongcoffeecompany.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ — Code: NEXTLEVEL15Alignment First. Progress Always.#AlignmentFirst #Leadership #MandA #IdentityLeadership #Entrepreneurship #Podcast #Business #PeacePresencePower

What if your leadership ceiling isn’t a strategy problem…but a health and self-awareness problem?In this episode of Alignment First, I sit down with Dr. Pat Boulogne — chiropractor, acupuncturist, entrepreneur, and executive mentor — for one of the most wide-ranging and thought-provoking conversations I’ve had on the show.From selling lemonade at four years old to building and exiting a high-volume chiropractic practice, to mentoring executives on judgment and sustainable performance, Dr. Pat embodies integration.Dr. Pat breaks down her three-brain model (reptile, mammalian, and conscious) and how most leaders are unknowingly operating from reactive survival patterns instead of conscious leadership.If you want durable performance physically, mentally, financially, you must upgrade the quality of your internal dialogue and the inputs you tolerate.We also unpack:Functional medicine vs. sick careWhy early symptoms are data, not inconveniencesThe gut-brain connection and its impact on decision-makingBoundaries, burnout, and knowing when to sell at your peakWhy alignment isn’t optional for high performersAnd it all comes back to alignment.Key Takeaways1. “You’re not what you eat. You’re what you can absorb.”2. Most people don’t resist health — they resist knowing.3. Insurance covers sick care. You are responsible for health care.4. Your reptile brain agrees with your circumstances — your conscious brain must interrupt the pattern.5. Durable performance comes from fewer interventions and higher-quality judgment.Quotes• “Executives are paid for their judgment. Health is the same.”• “If you say you’re sick, your reptile brain will prove you right.”• “Denial keeps you comfortable — until the bill comes due.”• “I’m a very good doctor. I’m looking for a very good patient.”Connect with Dr. PatLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/drpatboulogne/Website: healthteamnetwork.comFacebook & Instagram: Ask Dr. Pat__________________________________________________________________________________Stay Connected & Take Action✅ Clarity | Coaching | Consistency | Community → NextLevelHQ.co⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠✅ Ready to be the Fittest Leader Possible? → NextLevelHQ.co/blog✅ Subscribe to Alignment First → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/coachderz/Partners & Sponsors@ThorneHealth → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠thorne.com/u/progressalways⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@StrongCoffee → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠strongcoffeecompany.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ — Code: NEXTLEVEL15#AlignmentFirst #Leadership #ExecutiveHealth #FunctionalMedicine #Mindset #DurablePerformance #HighPerformance #Ownership #Alignment #Podcast

Dr. Ruth N. Faucette, PhD is a relationship-driven psychotherapist and executive leadership consultant who built her foundation in medical academia at Virginia Tech and went on to train physicians in holistic care and leadership development. In this episode of Alignment First, we unpack the Four Ps quietly sabotaging high performers: perfection, proving, pleasing, and performing.If you’re a driven leader who gets results but feels the strain underneath the surface, this conversation will hit. We explore why authenticity is more than a buzzword, how vulnerability builds trust instead of weakness, and why chasing perfection disconnects you from your team. Dr. Ruth shares how relationships before agenda is her current growth edge and how sustainable leadership requires alignment across biological, psychological, social, and spiritual domains.This episode is a recalibration for founders, executives, and high achievers who are ready to stop auditioning and start leading.Key Takeaways:1. Perfection blocks connection and erodes trust2. Proving creates division and keeps leaders stuck in “me” instead of “we”3. Pleasing breeds resentment and weakens standards4. Performing without authenticity leads to burnout5. Sustainable leadership starts with self-awareness and courageous feedbackNotable Quotes:• “Relationships before agenda.”• “Authenticity is the most powerful approach you can take as a leader.”• “You’re not leading. You’re auditioning.”• “Pleasing feels kind, but it often avoids courage.”• “Alignment comes before sustainable performance.”Connect with Dr. Ruth:• Website: https://https://www.legendaryleadershipbydrruthfaucette.com/• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-ruth-n-faucette-phd-010a475a/ ___________________________________________________________________________________Stay Connected & Take Action✅ Clarity | Coaching | Consistency | Community → NextLevelHQ.co⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠✅ Ready to be the Fittest Leader Possible? → NextLevelHQ.co/blog✅ Subscribe to Alignment First → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/coachderz/Partners & Sponsors@ThorneHealth → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠thorne.com/u/progressalways⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@StrongCoffee → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠strongcoffeecompany.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ — Code: NEXTLEVEL15Alignment First. Progress Always.#AlignmentFirst #LeadershipDevelopment #ExecutiveCoaching #AuthenticLeadership #HighPerformance #NextLevel #PersonalGrowth #FounderLife #LeadershipMindset #ProgressAlways

Most leaders don’t have an information problem.They have an adaptation problem.In this episode of Alignment First, I sit down with Logan Gelbrich — founder of Deuce Gym, creator of the Hold The Standard Summit, and author of Going Right — to unpack the difference between technical challenges and adaptive ones… and why that distinction changes everything about how you build teams, culture, and capacity.We get into group dynamics, leadership containers, the shadow side of “doing hard things,” and why most organizations are stuck having conversations they refuse to name.If you lead people — or want to — this is required listening.Key Takeaways:Not all problems are technical — many require personal and organizational adaptation.High-performing cultures reduce the gap between what’s said publicly and what’s only thought privately.Fitness (and most tactics) are free — value is created through coaching and development.Growth requires confronting the shadow side of your strengths.Leaders must build containers of trust and willingness to unlock real performance.Quotes:“You don’t need a better technique. You need to become a different person.”“Most leaders don’t lack information. They lack adaptation.”“Fitness is free. Coaching is not.”“If you can’t say the hard thing out loud, you don’t have a performance problem. You have a container problem.”“Is it still mental toughness if another hard workout is easier than having a hard conversation?”Connect with Logan:Website: https://holdthestandard.comGym: https://deucegym.comInstagram: @functionalcoachPodcast: Hold The Standard Podcast___________________________________________________________________________________Stay Connected & Take Action✅ Clarity | Coaching | Consistency | Community → NextLevelHQ.co⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠✅ Ready to be the Fittest Leader Possible? → NextLevelHQ.co/blog✅ Subscribe to Alignment First → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/coachderz/Partners & Sponsors@ThorneHealth → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠thorne.com/u/progressalways⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@StrongCoffee → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠strongcoffeecompany.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ — Code: NEXTLEVEL15Alignment First. Progress Always.#LeadershipDevelopment #AdaptiveLeadership #OrganizationalCulture #FittestLeader #AlignmentFirst #LoganGelbrich #HighPerformance #StrengthAndConditioning #ExecutiveCoaching #IntegrityCourageOwnership

Bella Vasta didn’t stumble into systems, hiring, or AI. She earned them through necessity. From building a six-figure pet sitting business in Scottsdale to navigating NICU nights, divorce, and reinvention, Bella’s story is a masterclass in resilience, identity, and intentional infrastructure.In this conversation, we unpack why most business owners resist systems until crisis forces their hand, how AI is not replacing human connection but protecting it, and why alignment, not grind, is the real unlock for sustainable success.If you’re running your business on gut instinct and prayer, this episode will challenge you in the best way.Key Takeaways1. Systems aren’t restrictive—they’re what allow freedom during life’s hardest seasons2. AI isn’t about speed; it’s about reclaiming your genius3. Hiring is marketing—and culture is a two-way love letter4. Nervous system regulation is a business skill, not a luxury5. Alignment beats effort when effort is misdirectedQuotes“If you’re in business long enough, something will happen and your systems will decide if you survive it.”“AI doesn’t replace your humanity. It protects it.”“Hiring isn’t transactional. It’s relational.”“Your business will never outgrow your identity.”“Ease isn’t laziness. It’s alignment.”Connect with BellaInstagram & Facebook: @BellaVastaWebsite: http://www.bellaVasta.com___________________________________________________________________________________Stay Connected & Take Action✅ Clarity | Coaching | Consistency | Community → NextLevelHQ.co⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠✅ Ready to be the Fittest Leader Possible? → NextLevelHQ.co/blog✅ Subscribe to Alignment First → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/coachderz/Partners & Sponsors@ThorneHealth → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠thorne.com/u/progressalways⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@StrongCoffee → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠strongcoffeecompany.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ — Code: NEXTLEVEL15Alignment First. Progress Always.#AlignmentFirst #Leadership #AIForBusiness #SystemsThinking #Entrepreneurship #HiringSystems #FounderLife #PeacePresencePower

This episode is a deep, honest exploration of what happens after the uniform comes off. I got to jam with Ed Lubowicki—former Notre Dame lacrosse player, ex–Deloitte consultant, and founder of Lubowicki Performance Advisory—to unpack the identity shift athletes face when sport ends, and how to intentionally transcend and include the best parts of that chapter into the next one.Ed shares insights from 400+ conversations with athletes navigating life beyond competition, challenging the narrative that “athletes die twice,” and reframing transition as a bigger Plan A: not a fallback. In this conversation we explore stoicism, process over outcomes, intentional adversity, and why support systems matter more than willpower alone.Key takeawaysWhy most athletes undervalue their lived experience, and how that creates friction post-sportThe difference between knowing resilience and practicing it through intentional adversityHow identity stories can stall momentum; and how to update the narrative without erasing the pastWhy outcomes don’t tell the whole story, and how to reclaim agency through processHow to rebuild the scaffolding of support that once existed in sportQuotes“Athletes don’t need an option B. They need a bigger option A.”“You don’t just fall out of shape or alignment. You fall out of a system.”“Resilience isn’t learned in theory. It’s earned in experience.”“The story that got you here might not be the one that keeps you here.”Connect with the GuestWebsite: https://luboadvisory.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/edlubowicki/_____________________________________________________________Stay Connected & Take Action✅ Clarity | Coaching | Consistency | Community → NextLevelHQ.co⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠✅ Ready to be the Fittest Leader Possible? → NextLevelHQ.co/blog✅ Subscribe to Alignment First → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/coachderz/Partners & Sponsors@ThorneHealth → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠thorne.com/u/progressalways⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@StrongCoffee → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠strongcoffeecompany.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ — Code: NEXTLEVEL15Alignment First. Progress Always!#AlignmentFirst #AthletesBeyondSport #IdentityWork #LeadershipDevelopment #ProgressAlways

In this episode, I sit down with Rita Hudgens, holistic mindset life coach and founder of Transform University, for a grounded, coach-to-coach conversation on identity, flow, healing, and what it really means to build a life that feels aligned, not just impressive on paper.What began as a reconnection through shared space at the gym evolves into a deep dialogue on mountaintops and valleys, hustle culture, redefining contribution, and the courage required to outgrow identities that once fueled success but now quietly drain peace.Rita shares her journey through near-death illness, divorce, long-haul COVID, and decades of leadership alongside professional athletics: revealing how self-awareness, faith, and intentional action became the foundation of Transform University. I got to reflect on my own evolution from force-driven leadership to alignment-first living, unpacking how presence, time, and legacy become the real metrics of success.This conversation is honest, reflective, and deeply human: especially for high performers who have achieved a lot but sense there’s a more integrated way to live, lead, and serve.Key TakeawaysAlignment isn’t about doing less—it’s about doing what matters mostFlow is a promise that must be protected intentionallyIdentity evolves fastest when environment and circles of influence evolve tooHealing and growth require action, not just beliefTime isn’t managed—it’s investedNotable Quotes“Our strengths can be overused just as easily as they can be underused.”“Flow is when you’re no longer hitting your head against life.”“You don’t get the promise unless you act on it.”“We don’t need balance—we need harmony.”“It takes a lot of work to make life feel effortless.”Connect with RitaTransform University → https://transformuniversity.netLinkedin → https://www.linkedin.com/in/rita-hudgens/___________________________________________________________________________________Stay Connected & Take Action✅ Clarity | Coaching | Consistency | Community → NextLevelHQ.co⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠✅ Ready to be the Fittest Leader Possible? → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CoachDerz.com/blog✅ Subscribe to Alignment First → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/coachderz/Partners & Sponsors@ThorneHealth → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠thorne.com/u/progressalways⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@StrongCoffee → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠strongcoffeecompany.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ — Code: NEXTLEVEL15Alignment First. Progress Always#AlignmentFirst #LeadershipDevelopment #HolisticCoaching #MindsetMatters #FlowState #IdentityWork #HighPerformance #PersonalGrowth #Presence #ProgressAlways

In this episode of Alignment First, Mycal sits down with Corbin Smith, a 30-year coaching veteran, founder of MTTS Sports Group, author of More Than the Scoreboard, and host of the More Than the Scoreboard podcast.Corbin shares the raw reality of transitioning from athlete to coach, navigating loyalty in the coaching profession, and why self-leadership is the foundation of every great team, family, and organization. From locker-room lessons to parenting adult children, this conversation is a masterclass in integrity, accountability, and alignment.Key TakeawaysWhy self-leadership is the non-negotiable foundation of all leadershipThe difference between loyalty and alignment in modern coaching and businessHow peer leadership creates more leaders—not followersWhy honesty without tact fails, and tact without honesty is manipulationHow great leaders zoom in and out without losing their North StarNotable Quotes“Leadership isn’t a position—it’s a service.” - Corbin“If you can’t lead yourself, everything above it collapses.” - Corbin“The best leaders don’t create followers; they create leaders.” - Corbin“Imposter syndrome usually means you’re standing at the edge of growth.” - Corbin“You don’t avoid failure as a leader—you learn how to respond to it.” - CorbinConnect with CorbinWebsite: https://mttssportsgroup.com/Podcast: More Than the Scoreboard (YouTube, Spotify, Apple)Book: More Than the Scoreboard (coming soon)Stay Connected & Take Action✅ Clarity | Coaching | Consistency | Community → NextLevelHQ.co✅ Ready to be the Fittest Leader Possible? → CoachDerz.com/blog✅ Subscribe to Alignment First → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/coachderz/Partners & Sponsors⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@StrongCoffee → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠strongcoffeecompany.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ — Code: NEXTLEVEL15@ThorneHealth → thorne.com/u/progressalways#Leadership #SelfLeadership #Coaching #AthleteToLeader #AlignmentFirst #ProgressAlways

In this episode of Alignment First, I sit down with Joseph Cancilla, founder of Hana Events & Experiences, United States Marine Corps veteran, and experiential architect creating emotionally resonant events at scale. What begins as a shared Marine Corps bond evolves into a deep conversation about grief, empathy, nervous system regulation, and what it actually takes to lead with presence instead of pressure.Joseph opens up about unlearning Marine Corps conditioning in civilian leadership, avoiding grief through busyness, and how meditation, breathwork, and embodiment reshaped both his leadership style and his business model. Together, they explore why slowing down is not weakness, how emotional intelligence creates better outcomes, and why aligned leaders create experiences that move people—not just impress them.Key TakeawaysLeadership often requires unlearning before growth becomes possibleEmpathy can exist without lowering standardsGrief avoided becomes friction; grief processed becomes wisdomStillness and embodiment lead to clearer decisionsEmotional resonance creates lasting leadership impactQuotes“Every decision in the Marine Corps is framed as life or death—and that doesn’t translate cleanly to civilian leadership.” – Mycal Anders“Validation doesn’t mean agreement—it means honoring someone’s lived experience.” – Joseph Cancilla“Slowing down was the only way I could finally feel again.” – Joseph Cancilla“If nobody’s given you permission to be great, this is it.” – Mycal AndersConnect with Joseph Cancilla🌐 Website: https://www.hana.events📸 Instagram: @hanaaroundtheworld🔗 LinkedIn: Joseph CancillaStay Connected & Take Action✅ Clarity | Coaching | Consistency | Community → https://nextlevelhq.co✅ Ready to be the Fittest Leader Possible? → https://go.coachderz.com/blog✅ Subscribe to Alignment First → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/coachderz/Partners & Sponsors@ThorneHealth → https://www.thorne.com/u/progressalways@StrongCoffee → https://strongcoffeecompany.com — Code: NEXTLEVEL15Alignment First. Progress Always!#AlignmentFirst #ProgressAlways #VeteranLeadership #EmbodiedLeadership #EmotionalIntelligence #MarineCorpsMindset #LeadershipDevelopment #EventExperience

In this episode of Alignment First, I sit down with Jessica Depatie—producer, podcaster, shadow work educator, and branding consultant—for a deep conversation on identity, harmonics, and why true alignment matters more than marketing tactics. We explore how inner coherence shapes outer expression and what it really means to lead, and brand, from integrity.Key Takeaways1. Niching down fails when your work operates at a principled, not professional, level2. Alignment creates resonance; optimization creates burnout3. Standing out feels dangerous only when identity lags behind expression4. The most powerful brands are revealed, not manufactured5. Leadership becomes art when coherence replaces performanceQuotes• “The most powerful brand isn’t engineered, it’s revealed.” – Jessica Depatie• “We’re not optimizing humans; we’re harmonizing them.” – Mycal Anders • “Fear of being seen is often fear of our own judgment.” – Jessica DepatieConnect with Jessica Depatie• Website: https://shadowmedia.group• Substack & Projects: Available via her website___________________________________________________________________________________Stay Connected & Take Action✅ Clarity | Coaching | Consistency | Community → NextLevelHQ.co⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠✅ Ready to be the Fittest Leader Possible? → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CoachDerz.com/blog✅ Subscribe to Alignment First → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/coachderz/Partners & Sponsors@ThorneHealth → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠thorne.com/u/progressalways⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@StrongCoffee → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠strongcoffeecompany.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ — Code: NEXTLEVEL15Alignment First. Progress Always.#AlignmentFirst#ProgressAlways#FittestLeader#LeadershipDevelopment#HighPerformanceHabits#ExecutiveAthlete#MindsetMastery#PersonalGrowthJourney#PeakPerformanceCoaching#NextLevelLeadership#Podcast

In this episode of Alignment First, I sit down with Christalyne Causey, former burned-out healthcare worker turned medspa owner and performance-focused health strategist. We unpack why burnout isn’t a motivation problem. It’s a hormone and nervous system problem. From stress chemistry and dopamine addiction to sleep deprivation and modern lifestyle design, this conversation delivers practical insight into restoring balance, performance, and human connection.Key Takeaways1) Burnout is often biological, not psychological: chronic stress suppresses key hormones like testosterone and serotonin2) Dopamine overstimulation blocks deeper connection, fulfillment, and bonding hormones3) Resistance training and daily movement are powerful tools for stress regulation and longevity4) Whole foods support hormone production by reducing inflammation and nutrient depletion5) Sleep is the foundation of recovery: chronic deprivation accelerates aging and burnoutQuotes• “Burnout isn’t a character flaw. It’s your biology waving a red flag.” – Mycal Anders• “Dopamine addiction is quietly destroying our ability to connect.” – Christalyne Causey• “You don’t need optimization. You need restoration.” – Christalyne CauseyConnect with Christalyne CauseyWebsite: https://thebareeffect.comInstagram: @thecauseyeffect___________________________________________________________________________________Stay Connected & Take Action✅ Clarity | Coaching | Consistency | Community → NextLevelHQ.co⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠✅ Ready to be the Fittest Leader Possible? → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CoachDerz.com/blog✅ Subscribe to Alignment First → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/coachderz/Partners & Sponsors@ThorneHealth → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠thorne.com/u/progressalways⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@StrongCoffee → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠strongcoffeecompany.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ — Code: NEXTLEVEL15Alignment First. Progress Always.#AlignmentFirst#ProgressAlways#FittestLeader#LeadershipDevelopment#HighPerformanceHabits#ExecutiveAthlete#MindsetMastery#PersonalGrowthJourney#PeakPerformanceCoaching#NextLevelLeadership#Podcast

In this episode of Alignment First, I sit down with Mo Fitzgerald — former NWSL player, strategist, facilitator, and founder of Play Street Studio — to explore why play is not a distraction from performance, but a catalyst for it.We unpack the loss of identity athletes experience after sport, the isolation of leadership and entrepreneurship, and why modern workplaces are starving for connection, creativity, and presence. Mo breaks down how play functions as a love language, a leadership practice, and a competitive advantage — not fluff, not recreation, but a disciplined way to build culture, trust, and innovation.Key Takeaways1) Play is wired into human biology and is essential for connection, creativity, and adaptation2) The best leaders facilitate wisdom already inside their teams instead of extracting answers3) Creativity is a practice — if teams don’t train it, they can’t access it under pressure4) Seriousness is often mistaken for rigor, but play and excellence are not opposites5) In-person connection creates exponential impact that technology cannot replaceQuotes• “Play isn’t juvenile — it’s how humans connect, adapt, and create.”• “If you don’t practice creativity, it won’t show up when you need it.”• “Leadership isn’t about engagement — it’s about who you choose to lead for.”• “We haven’t updated how we work to match how people actually learn.”• “Play creates culture. Culture creates performance.”Connect with Mo Fitzgerald• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mofitzgerald• Website: https://playstreetstudio.com• Instagram: @momofitzz___________________________________________________________________________________Stay Connected & Take Action✅ Clarity | Coaching | Consistency | Community → NextLevelHQ.co⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠✅ Ready to be the Fittest Leader Possible? → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CoachDerz.com/blog✅ Subscribe to the Next Level Substack → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://nextlevelalignment.substack.com/✅ Subscribe to Alignment First → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/coachderz/Partners & Sponsors@ThorneHealth → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠thorne.com/u/progressalways⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@StrongCoffee → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠strongcoffeecompany.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ — Code: NEXTLEVEL15Alignment First. Progress Always.#AlignmentFirst#ProgressAlways#FittestLeader#LeadershipDevelopment#HighPerformanceHabits#ExecutiveAthlete#MindsetMastery#PersonalGrowthJourney#PeakPerformanceCoaching#NextLevelLeadership#Podcast

In this episode of Alignment First, I sit down with Madeline Davis Tully — former Princeton rowing athlete and rowing coach at Stanford, Ohio State, and Boston University, national champion, and founder of MDT Leadership. We unpack what it truly means to transition from competing for championships to creating champions, the parallels between elite sport and executive leadership, and how identity, values, and discipline shape high-performance lives.Key Takeaways1) The transition from athlete to coach demands humility, identity work, and a shift from “me” to “we.”2) Elite coaching hinges on understanding team chemistry, not just talent, and making objective decisions without bruising egos.3) Leadership translates best when it’s authentic; great leaders learn to lead from the front, middle, or rear depending on situational need.4) Athletes become exceptional executives because they already understand discipline, failure, repetition, and long-term process.5) A coach’s power lies in steadiness, especially when a client or athlete misses the big moment.Quotes• “To become a champion, you must act like one before you ever win.” – Madeline Davis Tully• “My job isn’t to want it more than you. My job is to help you realize what you truly want.” – Madeline Davis Tully• “A great coach meets their athlete at the dock after a loss — steady, present, and ready for what’s next.” – Madeline Davis TullyConnect with Madeline Davis Tully• Website: ⁠https://mdtlead.com⁠• LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/madelinedavistully___________________________________________________________________________________Stay Connected & Take Action✅ Clarity | Coaching | Consistency | Community → NextLevelHQ.co⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠✅ Ready to be the Fittest Leader Possible? → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CoachDerz.com/blog✅ Subscribe to Alignment First → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/coachderz/Partners & Sponsors@ThorneHealth → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠thorne.com/u/progressalways⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@StrongCoffee → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠strongcoffeecompany.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ — Code: NEXTLEVEL15Alignment First. Progress Always.#AlignmentFirst#ProgressAlways#FittestLeader#LeadershipDevelopment#HighPerformanceHabits#ExecutiveAthlete#MindsetMastery#PersonalGrowthJourney#PeakPerformanceCoaching#NextLevelLeadership#Podcast

In this episode of Alignment First, I sit down with Christian Ponder — NFL veteran, entrepreneur, and founder of The Post, a community built to elevate athletes long after sport. We dig into identity, fatherhood, leadership, boundaries, and how to create systems that keep you aligned while building something bigger than yourself. Christian breaks down the misconceptions about athletes in transition and reveals what he really learned from the darkest turning point of his football career.Key Takeaways1. Why athletes and veterans share nearly identical identity challenges post-career — and how The Post reframes that experience as an asset, not a burden.2. How the “broken wing narrative” harms high performers — and what aspirational communities do differently.3. Christian’s pivotal college mistake, how it derailed his NFL trajectory, and the humility and ownership it forged.4. The real reason boundaries get harder after sports — and the system Christian now uses to stay present as a husband and father.5. Why youth sports matter more than ever — and how over-specialization is robbing kids of the adversity they need to grow.Quotes• “People want to be part of something that makes them feel elevated, not treated like they’re broken.” – Christian Ponder• “Sports are a safe hard thing — a classroom for character.” – Christian Ponder• “Leadership is earned. Especially at home.” – Christian PonderConnect with Christian Ponder• IG: @cpsevenseven• The Post: https://www.thepost.co• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christian-ponder-075a64155/___________________________________________________________________________________Stay Connected & Take Action✅ Clarity | Coaching | Consistency | Community → NextLevelHQ.co⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠✅ Ready to be the Fittest Leader Possible? → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CoachDerz.com/blog✅ Subscribe to the Next Level Substack → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://nextlevelalignment.substack.com/✅ Subscribe to Alignment First → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/coachderz/Partners & Sponsors@ThorneHealth → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠thorne.com/u/progressalways⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@StrongCoffee → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠strongcoffeecompany.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ — Code: NEXTLEVEL15@wearshepherds → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Shepherds.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@team4kor → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠4korfitness.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ — Code: NEXTLEVEL15Build Your Vision Espresso → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠visionespresso.co⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@TYRsport → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠fitness.tyr.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ — Code: 14034Start Your Healing Journey → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.morozkoforge.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ — Codes: NEXTLEVEL350 / NEXTLEVEL500Alignment First. Progress Always.#AlignmentFirst#ProgressAlways#FittestLeader#LeadershipDevelopment#HighPerformanceHabits#ExecutiveAthlete#MindsetMastery#PersonalGrowthJourney#PeakPerformanceCoaching#NextLevelLeadership#Podcast

In this episode of Alignment First, I sit down with Shawn Richards, founder of Blue Sky Business Consulting and host of The Team Engagement Podcast. We dive into how leaders can maximize their human capital, strengthen communication, develop emerging leaders, and evolve their identity as their vision grows. This is a powerful conversation on building teams that can actually win.Key TakeawaysWhy human capital is your greatest competitive advantage.The #1 point of failure in leadership (and how to fix it).How identity shifts allow leaders to scale without burning out.The power of small-unit leadership and clear guardrails.How psychological safety unlocks innovation and collaboration.Quotes“Leadership isn’t about knowing everything—it’s about knowing how to find the answers.” – Shawn Richards“People aren’t expenses; they’re your greatest assets.” – Shawn Richards“Progress—not perfection—is the definition of success.” – Shawn RichardsConnect with Shawn RichardsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawnjrichards/Blue Sky Consulting: https://blueskybizconsulting.comThe First Fifty Project: https://thefirstfiftyproject.comStay Connected & Take Action✅ Join the Alignment Village → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠NextLevelVillage.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠✅ Ready to be the Fittest Leader Possible? → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CoachDerz.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠✅ Enhance Your Fitness Journey → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠NextLevelPFC.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠✅ Subscribe to Progress Always on Spotify → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/5DmNDDIPLiYIfO278S32hM?si=258af1623c974b00⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Partners & Sponsors@ThorneHealth → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠thorne.com/u/progressalways⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@StrongCoffee → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠strongcoffeecompany.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ — Code: NEXTLEVEL15@wearshepherds → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Shepherds.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@team4kor → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠4korfitness.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ — Code: NEXTLEVEL15Build Your Vision Espresso → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠visionespresso.co⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@TYRsport → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠fitness.tyr.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ — Code: 14034Start Your Healing Journey → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.morozkoforge.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ — Codes: NEXTLEVEL350 / NEXTLEVEL500

In this episode of Alignment First, I sit down with Megan Joseph, founder of Megalife Integrative Wellness, to explore how herbs, mushrooms, and spiritual connection can restore the body when traditional medicine can’t. We dive into her journey through Ehlers-Danlos, autoimmunity, trauma healing, parasitic detoxing, and why peace—not speed—is the real metric of health.Key Takeaways1. True healing starts internally—breath, prayer, nature, and removing sugar create the baseline for transformation.2. Trauma and unprocessed emotion manifest physically, often long before symptoms surface.3. Microdosing supports slow, sustainable rewiring, while heroic doses can overwhelm the system without proper facilitation.4. Parasite + heavy metal cleansing can radically shift energy, mood, cognition, especially in kids.5. Identity matters—you are not your diagnosis; the words “I am” shape your biology and your outcomes.Quotes“I refused to accept ‘there’s nothing you can do.’ That wasn’t going to be my story.” – Megan Joseph“Breath, prayer, nature. Start there—your body already knows what to do.” – Megan Joseph“Don’t become your diagnosis. Speak what you want, not what you fear.” – Megan JosephConnect with Megan JosephMegalife Integrative Wellness📍 2240 N. Scottsdale Rd, Unit 110, Tempe, AZ🌐 https://megalifeinw.com🌐 https://megalifeskinbeauty.comStay Connected & Take Action✅ Join the Alignment Village → ⁠https://nextlevelvillage.com/⁠ ✅ Ready to be the Fittest Leader Possible? → ⁠https://go.coachderz.com/✅ Enhance Your Fitness Journey → ⁠https://www.nextlevelpfc.com⁠ ✅ Subscribe to Progress Always on Spotify → ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/5DmNDDIPLiYIfO278S32hM?si=258af1623c974b00@ThorneHealth → ⁠thorne.com/u/progressalways⁠ @StrongCoffee → ⁠strongcoffeecompany.com⁠ — Use Code: NEXTLEVEL15 @wearshepherds → ⁠Shepherds.com⁠ @team4kor → ⁠4korfitness.com⁠ — Use Code: NEXTLEVEL15 Build Your Vision Espresso → ⁠VisionEspresso.co⁠ @TYRsport → ⁠fitness.tyr.com⁠ — Use Code: 14034 @MorozkoForge → ⁠morozkoforge.com⁠ — Use Code: NEXTLEVEL350 / NEXTLEVEL500Progress Always.

In this episode of Alignment First, I sit down with Tiffany Carole—creator of Aroma Point Therapy Fundamentals, founder of Master Creator Academy, and visionary behind the Lumina Guild—to explore the bridge between science, plant medicine, and spiritual awakening. We dive into healing as a return to wholeness, betrayal as humanity’s oldest wound, and why high performers struggle to receive support. This is a conversation for leaders ready to reconnect with life force and reclaim their peace.Key TakeawaysHealing is less about fixing symptoms and more about remembering your wholeness.Betrayal constricts the energetic heart, limiting one’s ability to receive support, joy, and abundance.Essential oils on acupoints can act as vibrational “plant medicines” that open consciousness and restore regulation.Pattern liberation requires wanting freedom more than the drama of the healing journey.Choosing self, despite external resistance, is the path to deeper alignment and leadership evolution.Quotes“Healing is remembering our wholeness.” – Tiffany Carole“You must want liberation more than the drama of healing.” – Tiffany Carole“Your next breakthrough is in becoming the version of you who can finally receive.” – Mycal AndersConnect with Tiffany CaroleYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tiffany_caroleEmail: [email protected]: The Inner Nature of Essential Oils → https://monara.orgStay Connected & Take Action✅ Join the Alignment Village → https://nextlevelvillage.com/✅ Ready to be the Fittest Leader Possible? → https://go.coachderz.com/1-1-high-performance-coaching/✅ Enhance Your Fitness Journey → https://www.nextlevelpfc.com✅ Subscribe to Progress Always on Spotify → https://open.spotify.com/show/5DmNDDIPLiYIfO278S32hM?si=258af1623c974b00Partners & Sponsors@ThorneHealth → https://www.thorne.com/u/progressalways@StrongCoffee → https://strongcoffeecompany.com/?ref=2YN5cnK8v9zQ4D — Code: NEXTLEVEL15@wearshepherds → https://www.shepherds.com@team4kor → https://4korfitness.com — Code: NEXTLEVEL15Build Your Vision Espresso → https://visionespresso.co/fastpass?am_id=mycal7450@TYRsport → https://fitness.tyr.com — Code: 14034Start Your Healing Journey → https://www.morozkoforge.com — Codes: NEXTLEVEL350 / NEXTLEVEL500Progress Always.

In this episode of Alignment First, I sit down with Melissa Nanavati—speaker, author, and relationship architect redefining how high performers connect and communicate at home. We dive into the neuroscience of chemistry, the power of updated agreements, and the frameworks that help couples protect their peace, presence, and power.Key TakeawaysChemistry isn’t magic, it’s biology maintained through intentional habits.High performers need systems for connection just as much as systems for business.The BRAVE Framework creates safety for difficult conversations.Couples thrive when they routinely update agreements for new seasons of life.Presence, curiosity, play, and courage are the core skills of peak-performance love.Quotes“Chemistry is biology, and biology can be maintained with intention.” – Melissa Nanavati“Unresolved conversations are open loops draining your energy.” – Melissa Nanavati“If you want high-performance love, treat your relationship like the most important system you run.” – Mycal AndersConnect with Melissa Nanavati• Instagram: @melissananavati• Website: https://peakperformancelove.com• YouTube: Peak Performance LoveStay Connected & Take Action✅ Join the Alignment Village → ⁠https://nextlevelvillage.com/⁠✅ Become the Fittest Leader Possible → ⁠https://go.coachderz.com/1-1-high-performance-coaching/⁠✅ Level Up Your Fitness → ⁠https://www.nextlevelpfc.com⁠✅ Subscribe on Spotify → ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/5DmNDDIPLiYIfO278S32hM?si=258af1623c974b00⁠Partners & Sponsors@ThorneHealth → ⁠⁠⁠⁠thorne.com/u/progressalways⁠⁠⁠⁠@StrongCoffee → ⁠⁠⁠⁠strongcoffeecompany.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ — Code: NEXTLEVEL15@wearshepherds → ⁠⁠⁠⁠Shepherds.com⁠⁠⁠⁠@team4kor → ⁠⁠⁠⁠4korfitness.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ — Code: NEXTLEVEL15Build Your Vision Espresso → ⁠⁠⁠⁠visionespresso.co⁠⁠⁠⁠@TYRsport → ⁠⁠⁠⁠fitness.tyr.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ — Code: 14034Start Your Healing Journey → ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.morozkoforge.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ — Codes: NEXTLEVEL350 / NEXTLEVEL500Progress Always.

In this episode, I sit down with Kris Kluver — speaker, strategic advisor, facilitator, and founder of Life On Your Terms and Peer Circles. We explore how audacity becomes the gateway to real transformation, why most leaders are solving the wrong problems, and how to build a life that protects what matters most.We dive into identity, intentionality, time compression, and the mindset required to become the fittest leader possible.Key TakeawaysOrdinary goals create extraordinary friction. Audacious goals eliminate noise.Time isn’t a resource; it’s a tool leaders can compress with intention.Presence is the most valuable currency in leadership and relationships.Identity must evolve before outcomes do. Mindset drives mechanics.Holistic intentionality is the foundation of life on your terms.Quotes“Extraordinary lives live in the unreasonable.” — Kris Kluver“Audacity is the forcing device that removes all the noise.” — Kris Kluver“You have more than enough time for everything you want, if you choose presence.” — Kris KluverConnect with Kris KluverWebsite: Peer-Circle.comAdvising & Resources: LifeOn-YourTerms.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kriskluver/Stay Connected & Take Action✅ Join the Alignment Village → https://nextlevelvillage.com/✅ Become the Fittest Leader Possible → https://go.coachderz.com/1-1-high-performance-coaching/✅ Level Up Your Fitness → https://www.nextlevelpfc.com✅ Subscribe on Spotify → https://open.spotify.com/show/5DmNDDIPLiYIfO278S32hM?si=258af1623c974b00Partners & Sponsors@ThorneHealth → ⁠⁠⁠⁠thorne.com/u/progressalways⁠⁠⁠⁠@StrongCoffee → ⁠⁠⁠⁠strongcoffeecompany.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ — Code: NEXTLEVEL15@wearshepherds → ⁠⁠⁠⁠Shepherds.com⁠⁠⁠⁠@team4kor → ⁠⁠⁠⁠4korfitness.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ — Code: NEXTLEVEL15Build Your Vision Espresso → ⁠⁠⁠⁠visionespresso.co⁠⁠⁠⁠@TYRsport → ⁠⁠⁠⁠fitness.tyr.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ — Code: 14034Start Your Healing Journey → ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.morozkoforge.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ — Codes: NEXTLEVEL350 / NEXTLEVEL500Progress Always.

In this episode of Alignment First, I sit down with Kiefer Gilbert (bartender turned programmer, entrepreneur, coach, and ultra runner) to explore the deep psychology behind running 100+ miles, staying sober, and chasing the edges of human potential. We dive into addiction, discipline, fatherhood, faith, chaos, and what it really means to find yourself when you're miles beyond comfort.Key TakeawaysUltra running forces you to face the truth; there’s nowhere to hide from yourself.Sobriety and endurance share the same engine: honesty, discipline, and ownership.You can’t half-do anything in life; full commitment is the only path.Pushing limits reveals what matters most: family, purpose, and alignment.The right relationships don’t hold you back. They hold space while you evolve.Quotes“Any endeavor that asks everything of you will show you everything you’re not.” – Kiefer“If you don’t want it for you, it won’t happen.” – Kiefer“The universe will test you to see if you really want the thing you say you want.” – MycalConnect with Kiefer GilbertIG: @kiefermadnessUltra Coaching Inquiries → DM on InstagramStay Connected & Take Action✅ Join the Alignment Village → ⁠⁠⁠⁠NextLevelVillage.com⁠⁠⁠⁠✅ Ready to be the Fittest Leader Possible? → ⁠⁠⁠⁠CoachDerz.com⁠⁠⁠⁠✅ Enhance Your Fitness Journey → ⁠⁠⁠⁠NextLevelPFC.com⁠⁠⁠⁠✅ Subscribe to Progress Always on Spotify → ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/5DmNDDIPLiYIfO278S32hM?si=258af1623c974b00⁠⁠⁠⁠Partners & Sponsors@ThorneHealth → ⁠⁠⁠⁠thorne.com/u/progressalways⁠⁠⁠⁠@StrongCoffee → ⁠⁠⁠⁠strongcoffeecompany.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ — Code: NEXTLEVEL15@wearshepherds → ⁠⁠⁠⁠Shepherds.com⁠⁠⁠⁠@team4kor → ⁠⁠⁠⁠4korfitness.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ — Code: NEXTLEVEL15Build Your Vision Espresso → ⁠⁠⁠⁠visionespresso.co⁠⁠⁠⁠@TYRsport → ⁠⁠⁠⁠fitness.tyr.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ — Code: 14034Start Your Healing Journey → ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.morozkoforge.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ — Codes: NEXTLEVEL350 / NEXTLEVEL500Progress Always.

In this episode of Alignment First, I sit down with Kyle Brown, the spiritual and lifestyle architect who almost died from stress. We explore his near-death experience, the cost of constant hustle, and how he rebuilt his life through total self-trust. Kyle reveals what it means to surrender, embody balance, and lead from alignment instead of ego.Key TakeawaysHustle without harmony leads to burnout, even for high achievers.True health includes peace, not just physical performance.Letting an old identity “die” creates space for authentic growth.Curiosity is the key to connection, both with others and with self.Leadership starts with do no harm, take no shit, compassionate boundaries.Quotes“I had to let that version of me die so I could step into this version of me.” – Kyle Brown“The spirit doesn’t evolve; it remembers.” – Kyle Brown“We shouldn’t take seriously what the gods made for fun.” – Kyle BrownConnect with Kyle BrownInstagram: @kyleemanuelbrownBook: TotalSelfTrust.comStay Connected & Take Action✅ Join the Alignment Village → NextLevelVillage.com✅ Ready to be the Fittest Leader Possible? → CoachDerz.com✅ Enhance Your Fitness Journey → NextLevelPFC.com✅ Subscribe to Progress Always on Spotify → Spotify LinkPartners & Sponsors@ThorneHealth → thorne.com/u/progressalways@StrongCoffee → strongcoffeecompany.com/?ref=2YN5cnK8v9zQ4D — Use Code: NEXTLEVEL15@wearshepherds → Shepherds.com@team4kor → 4korfitness.com — Use Code: NEXTLEVEL15Build Your Vision Espresso → VisionEspresso.co/FastPass@TYRsport → fitness.tyr.com — Use Code: 14034Start Your Healing Journey → Morozko Ice Bath — Use Code: NEXTLEVEL350 / NEXTLEVEL500Progress Always.

In this episode of Alignment First, I sit down with Dr. Derek Price, former NFL athlete turned physician and leadership coach, to explore what it truly means to earn your strength through life’s hardest seasons. We talk faith, fatherhood, and the real work of building men who lead with peace, presence, and power.Key TakeawaysSuccess without alignment leads to emptiness. Presence is the true measure of leadership.Hard things create expansion; adversity is the fastest path to growth.Mentorship and accountability are non-negotiable if you want lasting greatness.Identity must come before achievement. Become the person first, then pursue the goal.Leadership begins at home: showing up as a husband and father is the ultimate test.Quotes“Hard things make the rest of life easier.” – Dr. Derek Price“If you just outwork people, good things happen.” – Dr. Derek Price“Fitness and leadership are the same; they both reveal your standards.” – Dr. Derek PriceConnect with Dr. Derek Price📘 Download his free manual: clubfaction.com/book💡 Follow his work in leadership, mindset, and performance coaching.Stay Connected & Take Action✅ Join the Alignment Village → ⁠⁠⁠⁠NextLevelVillage.com⁠⁠⁠⁠✅ Ready to be the Fittest Leader Possible? → ⁠⁠⁠⁠CoachDerz.com⁠⁠⁠⁠✅ Enhance Your Fitness Journey → ⁠⁠⁠⁠NextLevelPFC.com⁠⁠⁠⁠✅ Subscribe to Progress Always on Spotify → ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/5DmNDDIPLiYIfO278S32hM?si=258af1623c974b00⁠⁠⁠⁠Partners & Sponsors@ThorneHealth → ⁠⁠⁠⁠thorne.com/u/progressalways⁠⁠⁠⁠@StrongCoffee → ⁠⁠⁠⁠strongcoffeecompany.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ — Code: NEXTLEVEL15@wearshepherds → ⁠⁠⁠⁠Shepherds.com⁠⁠⁠⁠@team4kor → ⁠⁠⁠⁠4korfitness.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ — Code: NEXTLEVEL15Build Your Vision Espresso → ⁠⁠⁠⁠visionespresso.co⁠⁠⁠⁠@TYRsport → ⁠⁠⁠⁠fitness.tyr.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ — Code: 14034Start Your Healing Journey → ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.morozkoforge.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ — Codes: NEXTLEVEL350 / NEXTLEVEL500Progress Always.#leadership #men #fathers #ritesofpassage #lockeroomleadership #personalgrowth #nfl #podcast #alignmentfirst #nextlevel

In this episode of Alignment First, I sit down with Hannah Chapman, Certified Financial Planner and Founder of X² Wealth Planning, to explore how human design and emotional intelligence can transform your relationship with money. We dive into the intersection of financial strategy, nervous system regulation, and self-awareness; revealing how true abundance begins when your energy and wealth align.Key Takeaways1) Independence Creates Integrity: Breaking free from corporate constraints allows advisors (and leaders) to serve with authenticity.2) Heal the Money Story: Emotional safety with money comes before financial strategy. You can’t budget your way out of a scarcity mindset.3) Energy Shapes Strategy: Understanding your human design can help you make better financial decisions and build stronger relationships.4) Partnership Requires Presence: Couples who honor each other’s decision-making styles create wealth and peace simultaneously.5) Parenting Without Projection: Teaching kids abundance starts with modeling self-trust, curiosity, and possibility.Quotes• “Wealth isn’t built by control. It’s sustained through self-awareness.” – Hannah Chapman• “Your emotional relationship with money determines how you act under stress, not your balance sheet.” – Hannah Chapman• “You can’t spreadsheet your way to peace; you have to feel safe enough to expand.” – Mycal AndersConnect with Hannah Chapman🌐 Comprehensive Financial Planning → https://www.x2wealthplanning.com/🌐 Human Design, Money Mindset, Business Coaching, and Podcast → https://www.expansiveceo.com/🎥 YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@ExpansiveCEOStay Connected & Take Action✅ Join the Alignment Village → ⁠⁠⁠⁠NextLevelVillage.com⁠⁠⁠⁠✅ Ready to be the Fittest Leader Possible? → ⁠⁠⁠⁠CoachDerz.com⁠⁠⁠⁠✅ Enhance Your Fitness Journey → ⁠⁠⁠⁠NextLevelPFC.com⁠⁠⁠⁠✅ Subscribe to Progress Always on Spotify → ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/5DmNDDIPLiYIfO278S32hM?si=258af1623c974b00⁠⁠⁠⁠Partners & Sponsors@ThorneHealth → ⁠⁠⁠⁠thorne.com/u/progressalways⁠⁠⁠⁠@StrongCoffee → ⁠⁠⁠⁠strongcoffeecompany.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ — Code: NEXTLEVEL15@wearshepherds → ⁠⁠⁠⁠Shepherds.com⁠⁠⁠⁠@team4kor → ⁠⁠⁠⁠4korfitness.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ — Code: NEXTLEVEL15Build Your Vision Espresso → ⁠⁠⁠⁠visionespresso.co⁠⁠⁠⁠@TYRsport → ⁠⁠⁠⁠fitness.tyr.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ — Code: 14034Start Your Healing Journey → ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.morozkoforge.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ — Codes: NEXTLEVEL350 / NEXTLEVEL500Progress Always.#leadership #personalgrowth #humandesign #wealth #emotional #relationship #money #entrpreneurship #alignmentfirst #podcast

In this episode of Alignment First, I sit down with Master Gunnery Sergeant (Ret.) Martin Duarte, Program Outreach Coordinator for Wounded Warriors Family Support. We talk about the real transition veterans face when the uniform comes off—redefining purpose, rebuilding identity, and rediscovering the tribe that keeps you grounded.Key TakeawaysLeaving service isn’t the end—it’s the beginning of rediscovering purpose.“Inspect what you expect” applies to life, not just the military.Rebuilding your tribe is essential to long-term growth and mental health.The nonprofit space must collaborate, not compete, to better serve veterans.Education and networking are the most underutilized tools in veteran success.Quotes“You didn’t lose who you were when you left the military—you just need to remember who you still are.” – Mycal Anders“It takes self-awareness to realize it’s not them, it’s me—and start growing again.” – Martin Duarte“Inspect what you expect. Accountability builds culture everywhere you go.” – Martin DuarteConnect with Martin Duarte👉 https://www.wwfs.org/Learn more about Wounded Warriors Family Support and how you can help veterans and their families thrive beyond service.Stay Connected & Take Action✅ Join the Alignment Village → ⁠⁠⁠⁠NextLevelVillage.com⁠⁠⁠⁠✅ Ready to be the Fittest Leader Possible? → ⁠⁠⁠⁠CoachDerz.com⁠⁠⁠⁠✅ Enhance Your Fitness Journey → ⁠⁠⁠⁠NextLevelPFC.com⁠⁠⁠⁠✅ Subscribe to Progress Always on Spotify → ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/5DmNDDIPLiYIfO278S32hM?si=258af1623c974b00⁠⁠⁠⁠Partners & Sponsors@ThorneHealth → ⁠⁠⁠⁠thorne.com/u/progressalways⁠⁠⁠⁠@StrongCoffee → ⁠⁠⁠⁠strongcoffeecompany.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ — Code: NEXTLEVEL15@wearshepherds → ⁠⁠⁠⁠Shepherds.com⁠⁠⁠⁠@team4kor → ⁠⁠⁠⁠4korfitness.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ — Code: NEXTLEVEL15Build Your Vision Espresso → ⁠⁠⁠⁠visionespresso.co⁠⁠⁠⁠@TYRsport → ⁠⁠⁠⁠fitness.tyr.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ — Code: 14034Start Your Healing Journey → ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.morozkoforge.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ — Codes: NEXTLEVEL350 / NEXTLEVEL500Progress Always.#progressalways #leadership #personalgrowth #mindset #entrepreneurship #nonprofit #wwfs #woundedwarriorfamilysupport

In this episode of Alignment First, I sit down with Jonathan Greye, one of the creative forces behind PersonalBrand.com, to explore the power of unbranding; stripping away everything that isn’t you to reveal your highest expression. We dive into the art of authentic storytelling, the courage to be seen, and how detachment fuels creativity.Key TakeawaysTrue branding begins with unbranding—releasing what’s not yours.Creativity thrives when you embrace curiosity over perfection.Vulnerability isn’t weakness; it’s your brand’s superpower.Detachment from outcomes frees you to create your best work.The journey from proof to permission is how you step into your purpose.Quotes“In order to see something fully and truly, you have to break it down to its most simplistic form.” – Jonathan Greye“Your brand is not really yours—it’s other people’s perception of how you show up every day.” – Jonathan Greye“You have to embrace the cringe before you can embody your confidence.” – Jonathan GreyeConnect with Jonathan Greye📺 Watch Zen With Ben: https://www.youtube.com/@ZenWithBen/🌐 Learn more about Jonathan: https://agency.personalbrand.com/jonathan-greye/💼 Work with his team: https://personalbrand.comStay Connected & Take Action✅ Join the Alignment Village → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠NextLevelVillage.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠✅ Ready to be the Fittest Leader Possible? → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CoachDerz.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠✅ Enhance Your Fitness Journey → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠NextLevelPFC.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠✅ Subscribe to Progress Always on Spotify → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/5DmNDDIPLiYIfO278S32hM?si=258af1623c974b00⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Partners & Sponsors@ThorneHealth → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠thorne.com/u/progressalways⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@StrongCoffee → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠strongcoffeecompany.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ — Code: NEXTLEVEL15@wearshepherds → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Shepherds.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@team4kor → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠4korfitness.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ — Code: NEXTLEVEL15Build Your Vision Espresso → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠visionespresso.co⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@TYRsport → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠fitness.tyr.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ — Code: 14034Start Your Healing Journey → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.morozkoforge.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ — Codes: NEXTLEVEL350 / NEXTLEVEL500

In this episode of Alignment First, I sit down with Gina Catalano, founder of Venture Solutions and author of Tandem Leadership: How Your Number Two Can Make You Number One. We explore how releasing old identities and building operational harmony can help leaders grow without losing themselves.Key TakeawaysGrowth requires releasing what no longer serves you.True freedom means designing life, not chasing “more.”Balance is a myth—seek harmony instead.Every leader needs a trusted mirror to see what’s really happening.Your business should serve your life, not the other way around.Quotes“You can’t step into who you’re becoming while clinging to who you’ve been.” – Mycal Anders“Run your business like you’ll own it forever but could sell it tomorrow.” – Gina Catalano“Harmony is the real target—balance is exhausting.” – Mycal AndersConnect with Gina CatalanoWebsite: venturesolutionus.comAmazon: Tandem Leadership (amazon.com/Tandem-Leadership-How-Your-Make/dp/1683502574)LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ginamcatalano/Stay Connected & Take Action✅ Join the Alignment Village → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠NextLevelVillage.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠✅ Ready to be the Fittest Leader Possible? → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CoachDerz.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠✅ Enhance Your Fitness Journey → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠NextLevelPFC.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠✅ Subscribe to Progress Always on Spotify → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/5DmNDDIPLiYIfO278S32hM?si=258af1623c974b00⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Partners & Sponsors@ThorneHealth → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠thorne.com/u/progressalways⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@StrongCoffee → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠strongcoffeecompany.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ — Code: NEXTLEVEL15@wearshepherds → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Shepherds.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@team4kor → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠4korfitness.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ — Code: NEXTLEVEL15Build Your Vision Espresso → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠visionespresso.co⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@TYRsport → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠fitness.tyr.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ — Code: 14034Start Your Healing Journey → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.morozkoforge.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ — Codes: NEXTLEVEL350 / NEXTLEVEL500Alignment First. Progress Always.

In this episode of Progress Always, I sit down with Daniel Knight, founder of Unicorn Universe and professional connector, to unpack how collaboration, repetition, and courageous vulnerability create exponential growth for leaders. We explore the real meaning of masterminds, why small reps matter more than big stages, and how your future self becomes your best accountability partner.Key TakeawaysCollaboration multiplies growth—it’s not about “how,” it’s about who you build with.Vulnerability from strength means removing the story and asking for feedback with composure.Repetition creates readiness—the small rooms prepare you for the big stages.Reflection builds resilience—record yourself, watch it back, and own your evolution.Your future self is waiting—speak, act, and decide today as the leader you’re becoming.Quotes“It’s not about how, it’s about who.” – Daniel Knight“Vulnerability from a place of strength communicates wisdom, not weakness.” – Mycal Anders“The smallest rooms prepare you for the biggest stages.” – Mycal AndersConnect with Daniel Knight🔗 LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/10xunicorn/💻 Book a TenX Strategy Session: 10xunicorn.win/strategyStay Connected & Take Action✅ Join the Alignment Village → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠NextLevelVillage.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠✅ Ready to be the Fittest Leader Possible? → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CoachDerz.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠✅ Enhance Your Fitness Journey → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠NextLevelPFC.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠✅ Subscribe to Progress Always on Spotify → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/5DmNDDIPLiYIfO278S32hM?si=258af1623c974b00⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Partners & Sponsors@ThorneHealth → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠thorne.com/u/progressalways⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@StrongCoffee → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠strongcoffeecompany.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ — Code: NEXTLEVEL15@wearshepherds → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Shepherds.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@team4kor → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠4korfitness.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ — Code: NEXTLEVEL15Build Your Vision Espresso → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠visionespresso.co⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@TYRsport → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠fitness.tyr.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ — Code: 14034Start Your Healing Journey → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.morozkoforge.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ — Codes: NEXTLEVEL350 / NEXTLEVEL500Alignment First. Progress Always.

In this episode of Progress Always, I sit down with Dr. Amber Enright — The Therapy Doctor — to explore what it means to build a life and business rooted in compassion, courage, and community. We dive into her journey from poverty and adoption to earning her doctorate at 25, leading in neurology and oncology physical therapy, and building one of Scottsdale’s most connected business networks.Key Takeaways1) Hard work is the price of ownership — entrepreneurship rewards those who keep saying “I don’t know” and go find out.2) Humanity is good business — authentic connection is the foundation of long-term success.3) Purpose beats perfection — impact comes from service, not status.4) The world isn’t fair, but you can still win — use adversity as training for empathy and excellence.5) Community multiplies capacity — when leaders collaborate, everybody grows.Quotes• “If you don’t like working hard, owning a business is just not for you.” – Dr. Amber Enright• “Our job is to be human first — in business and in life.” – Dr. Amber Enright• “Any closed door is five open doors.” – Dr. Amber Enright• “You must grind. It’s not hard to be exceptional in a world full of mediocrity.” – Mycal Anders• “When leaders choose compassion over comparison, they create capacity.” – Mycal AndersConnect with Dr. Amber Enright• AZTherapyDoc.comFacebook: • Scottsdale Living Business Edition• Scottsdale Top DocsStay Connected & Take Action✅ Join the Alignment Village → NextLevelVillage.com✅ Ready to be the Fittest Leader Possible? → CoachDerz.com✅ Enhance Your Fitness Journey → NextLevelPFC.com✅ Subscribe to Progress Always on Spotify → https://open.spotify.com/show/5DmNDDIPLiYIfO278S32hM?si=4b9d8899f4654f98Progress Always.

In this episode of Alignment First, I sit down with Melanie Spring, a speaker, storyteller, and intuitive guide, to explore what it means to remember who you are. We dive into the courage it takes to face your truth, the beauty of being seen without judgment, and the importance of releasing what no longer serves you. Together, we unpack how doing less allows you to be more — and how radical honesty and responsibility can rebuild alignment in life and love.Key TakeawaysThe door of possibility only opens when you drop your baggage.True healing begins when you stop doing and start being.Radical honesty and responsibility are the foundations of aligned relationships.You can’t guide others to wholeness without first sitting with your own truth.Alignment requires 100% ownership from both sides of every relationship.Quotes“Being with yourself is the most important part of working on yourself.” – Melanie Spring“The door of possibility only opens when you leave your baggage behind.” – Melanie Spring“When you make decisions from alignment, you increase your capacity to handle anything.” – Mycal AndersConnect with Melanie Spring🔗 MelanieSpring.com📱 Instagram: @melaniespringStay Connected & Take Action✅ Join the Alignment Village → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠NextLevelVillage.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠✅ Ready to be the Fittest Leader Possible? → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CoachDerz.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠✅ Enhance Your Fitness Journey → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠NextLevelPFC.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠✅ Subscribe to Progress Always on Spotify → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/5DmNDDIPLiYIfO278S32hM?si=258af1623c974b00⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Partners & Sponsors@ThorneHealth → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠thorne.com/u/progressalways⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@StrongCoffee → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠strongcoffeecompany.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ — Code: NEXTLEVEL15@wearshepherds → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Shepherds.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@team4kor → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠4korfitness.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ — Code: NEXTLEVEL15Build Your Vision Espresso → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠visionespresso.co⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@TYRsport → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠fitness.tyr.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ — Code: 14034Start Your Healing Journey → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.morozkoforge.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ — Codes: NEXTLEVEL350 / NEXTLEVEL500Alignment First. Progress Always.

In this episode of Alignment First, I sit down with Craig Perra, founder of the Mindful Habit System and host of Sex Afflictions and Porn Addictions. A former attorney turned transformational coach, Craig shares how he rebuilt his life from addiction and shame through self-leadership, integrity, and mindful habits that redefine what it means to be a man in alignment.Key TakeawaysAddiction isn’t the problem—it’s the solution to unhealed pain.All behavior is need-seeking behavior; awareness is the first step to change.Shame isn’t an enemy—it’s a protector pointing us toward integrity.Self-leadership begins when we learn to lead our “parts” with curiosity, not condemnation.Healing requires action—identity-reinforcing behaviors that align integrity with intention.Quotes“Addiction isn’t the problem—it’s the solution. We just need a better one.” – Craig Perra“Shame isn’t trying to hurt us; it’s trying to protect us.” – Craig Perra“If you can do it a little bit, you can do it a lot of bit.” – Craig PerraConnect with Craig Perra• Website: MindfulHabitHelp.com• Podcast: Sex Afflictions and Porn Addictions open.spotify.com/show/0ILT9xCM1SxEbJpWUmlF00?si=6e25ca92f01d42ad• YouTube: Mindful Habit Systemhttps://www.youtube.com/@ThemindfulhabitsexaddictionStay Connected & Take Action✅ Join the Alignment Village → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠NextLevelVillage.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠✅ Ready to be the Fittest Leader Possible? → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CoachDerz.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠✅ Enhance Your Fitness Journey → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠NextLevelPFC.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠✅ Subscribe to Progress Always on Spotify → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/5DmNDDIPLiYIfO278S32hM?si=258af1623c974b00⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Partners & Sponsors@ThorneHealth → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠thorne.com/u/progressalways⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@StrongCoffee → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠strongcoffeecompany.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ — Code: NEXTLEVEL15@wearshepherds → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Shepherds.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@team4kor → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠4korfitness.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ — Code: NEXTLEVEL15Build Your Vision Espresso → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠visionespresso.co⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@TYRsport → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠fitness.tyr.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ — Code: 14034Start Your Healing Journey → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.morozkoforge.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ — Codes: NEXTLEVEL350 / NEXTLEVEL500Progress Always.

In this episode of Alignment First, I sit down with J.R. Butler, Founder and CEO of Shift Group, to explore how high-performing veterans and athletes can translate their unique experiences into long-term career success. They unpack why athletic and military mindsets overlap—and how both groups can transform their service and sport into sustainable success beyond the uniform.Key TakeawaysThe key difference between athlete and veteran transitions is the lens of empowerment vs. repair.Resilience, trainability, and a team-first mindset make veterans and athletes ideal for leadership roles.True transformation starts when you remember your origin story—your past reps prepared you for your next mission.Corporate hiring must evolve beyond résumés to measure effort, attitude, and adaptability.Both groups thrive when they see their experience as a superpower, not a setback.Quotes“Your service is a superpower, not the obstacle.” – Mycal Anders“You don’t get to start at the next mountaintop—you’ve got to climb it again.” – J.R. Butler“Effort is the great equalizer; as long as you give 100%, we’re good.” – J.R. ButlerConnect with J.R. ButlerShift Group: ShiftGroup.ioLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jrbutler/ Stay Connected & Take Action✅ Join the Alignment Village → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠NextLevelVillage.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠✅ Ready to be the Fittest Leader Possible? → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CoachDerz.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠✅ Enhance Your Fitness Journey → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠NextLevelPFC.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠✅ Subscribe to Progress Always on Spotify → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/5DmNDDIPLiYIfO278S32hM?si=258af1623c974b00⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Partners & Sponsors@ThorneHealth → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠thorne.com/u/progressalways⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@StrongCoffee → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠strongcoffeecompany.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ — Code: NEXTLEVEL15@wearshepherds → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Shepherds.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@team4kor → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠4korfitness.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ — Code: NEXTLEVEL15Build Your Vision Espresso → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠visionespresso.co⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@TYRsport → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠fitness.tyr.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ — Code: 14034Start Your Healing Journey → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.morozkoforge.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ — Codes: NEXTLEVEL350 / NEXTLEVEL500Progress Always.