Episodes
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Ep.182 I Deciding to Talk About Money: Subtle Ways Control Shows Up in Relationships with Emily Rose
Some red flags don’t look like red flags until it’s too late. And when it comes to relationships and money, the costcan be devastating. Emily Rose—known as Mama Wilder—found herselfin a financially abusive marriage, pregnant and alone, and had to build a safe, stable life from scratch. Now she’s...
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Ep. 193: Deciding to Push Past Impossible | Ryan Stramrood on Extreme Ice Swimming & Mental Grit
What happens when a self-proclaimed couch potato decides to plunge into some of the coldest waters on earth? You get Ryan Stramrood, world record ice swimmer, Antarctic adventurer, and performance coach who’s redefined what it means to push past impossible. In this episode of Decidedly, we dive...
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Ep. 192: Deciding to Win: Coach Matt Doherty on Culture, Leadership & Building Champions
What do Michael Jordan, Dean Smith, and high-performing CEOs all have in common? The answer: culture beats talent every time. In this episode of Decidedly, we sit down with Coach Matt Doherty, 1982 UNC National Champion, former head coach of the Tar Heels, and now an executive coach for business...
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Deciding with Confidence: How to Avoid Overconfidence & Make Smarter Choices with Don Moore | Ep.178 REPLAY
Are you as good at making decisions as you think you are? 🤔 In this replay of the Decidedly Podcast, we sit down with repeat guest Don Moore, UC Berkeley professor and author of Perfectly Confident and Decision Leadership, to unpack the hidden dangers of overconfidence and overprecision in...
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Ep. 191: Deciding to Invest in Growth: Building Marketing That Drives Revenue | Tim Hines
What if the biggest threat to your business growth wasn’t a lack of ideas—but chasing the wrong ones? In this episode of Decidedly, we sit down with Tim Hines – fractional CMO, business coach, and author – to unpack how entrepreneurs can stop wasting time on “shiny objects” and start building...
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Ep. 190: Deciding to Lead with Grit: Father Stephen J. Gadberry on Silence, Resilience & True Faith
What if the key to resilience wasn’t about avoiding suffering—but learning to embrace it with grit, faith, and silence? In this episode of Decidedly, we sit down with Father Stephen J. Gadberry – Catholic priest, Air Force veteran, and ultra-endurance athlete – to uncover how tragedy, discipline,...
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Ep. 189: Deciding to Eliminate Goals: Former Green Beret & FBI Analyst Dr. Apollo Emeka on Making Big Decisions That Stick
What if achieving success had nothing to do with setting goals—and everything to do with making decisions you can’t turn back from? In this episode of Decidedly, we sit down with Dr. Apollo Emeka – former Green Beret, FBI analyst, and business strategist – to uncover why goals keep so many…
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Ep. 188: Deciding to Rewire Your Mind: How Conscious Choices Change Your Brain with Dr. Caroline Leaf
What if changing your life didn’t start with habits, but with rewiring how you think? In this episode of Decidedly, we sit down with Dr. Caroline Leaf – cognitive neuroscientist, bestselling author, and pioneer in the field of neuroplasticity – to explore how conscious choices reshape your brain,...
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Deciding in Alignment: How to Quit Wasting Time on Things You Don’t Care About with John R. Miles // REPLAY Ep.138
John R. Miles and Sanger discuss doing less of what you don’t care about and more of what you love. KEY TOPICS Remembering to do what you want (not what you ‘should’ do) while maintaining a productive business. Building trust and strong relationships with team members. Simplifying your life so…
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Deciding What’s Really Making You Sick: The Hidden Triggers Wrecking Your Health (and How to Fix Them) // Dr. Julie Kennedy REPLAY Ep. 144
What if the root of your fatigue, brain fog, weight gain—or even poor decision-making—wasn’t your hustle, but your hormones? In this episode of Decidedly, functional medicine expert Dr. Julie Kennedy reveals the invisible health disruptors most people overlook: from sleep-depriving stress…
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Deciding to Be Resilient: How to Build Mental Strength, Avoid Burnout, and Make Better Decisions with Dr. MH Pelletier | Ep.155
What does it really take to build resilience—and how do you know when to push through or pivot? In this episode of Decidedly, we’re joined by Dr. MH Pelletier, work psychologist and author of The Resilience Plan, to break down what resilience looks like in business, leadership, and life. You’ll...
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She Grew Up Trapped on a Boat And Became a Global CEO | Suzanne Heywood’s Untold Story // Ep 165 REPLAY
What if your childhood was a prison disguised as adventure? In this gripping episode of Decidedly, Suzanne Heywood shares the shocking true story of growing up trapped on a sailboat for nearly a decade—with no friends, no school, and no way out. Her parents set off to “follow Captain Cook,” but...
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Ep. 187: Deciding to Communicate Like a Leader: Coaching, Trust, and the Questions That Change Everything with Abigail Doust
What if the key to better decisions, stronger relationships, and real leadership… isn’t having the right answers, but asking better questions? In this episode of Decidedly, we sit down with Abigail Doust—coach, trainer, speaker, and lifelong student of communication—to unpack the underrated power...
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Ep. 186: Deciding to Hike Your Own Hike: Lessons from the Trail About Business, Belonging, and Becoming
What does a 500-mile trek through Spain, a rain-soaked trail in Scotland, and a solo summit in Colorado have to do with building a meaningful life or business? In this episode, we share the unexpected lessons learned from long-distance hikes, Ironman races, and conversations on the trail — and…
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Deciding to Make Tough Calls: Leading Well When Stakes are High with Matthew Confer | REPLAY Ep.170
Are your business decisions driven by instinct, or by strategy? How often do you actually stop to tell the difference? Matthew Confer, the mind behind decision-making simulations used by leading companies, reveals why your gut might betray you, what most leaders get wrong under pressure, and how…
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Deciding to be Surrounded by Idiots: Thomas Erikson on Personality Types, Self-Awareness, and Better Team Building // Ep. 151 REPLAY
What if the real reason your team can’t get along... is you? In this mind-shifting episode, international best-selling author and human behavior expert Thomas Erikson (yes, the guy behind Surrounded by Idiots) joins Decidedly to decode how understanding personality types can transform your...
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Deciding to Expose the Fine Print: Government Claims on Medical Products w/ @justtheinserts // Ep. 166 REPLAY
What if the most important medical information was hiding in plain sight? In this eye-opening replay of Ep. 166, we sit down with Alexandra, the powerhouse behind @justtheinserts, to uncover what pharmaceutical companies and government agencies actually disclose—if you know where to look. From...
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Deciding to Get Out of a Rut: Practical Strategies for Getting Unstuck // Ep. 136 REPLAY
Ever feel like you're spinning your wheels, stuck in the same place despite your efforts? In this episode, hosts Shawn and Sanger delve into the practical strategies to help you break free from life's ruts and reignite your momentum. Drawing from their extensive experience in decision-making and...
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Deciding to Ask Bigger Questions: Spencer Klavan on Science, Faith & Building a Meaningful Business // REPLAY
What’s the real point of your business — and your life? In this mind-opening conversation, scholar and cultural commentator Spencer Klavan joins host Sanger Smith to explore one of the most overlooked foundations in entrepreneurship: God. Spencer, associate editor of the Claremont Review of Books...
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Ep 185. | Deciding to Deliver World-Class Customer Experiences with Dr. Joseph Michelli | The Michelli Experience
What makes a customer feel like they matter? In this powerhouse conversation, bestselling author and world-renowned customer experience consultant Dr. Joseph Michelli joins us to unpack the magic behind some of the most beloved brands in the world — from Ritz Carlton and Starbucks to Zappos,...
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Deciding to Harness Celebrity Energy in Entrepreneurship: What It Takes to Make True Impact with Whitney Uland // REPLAY
In this episode of the Decidedly podcast, hosts Sanger Smith and Shawn Smith engage in a lively discussion with guest Whitney Uland, a multifaceted entrepreneur, filmmaker, and expert in intentional living. Whitney shares her insights on harnessing 'celebrity energy' to empower entrepreneurs to...
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Ep.150 I Deciding to Have Your Last Bad Day: It’s Not Luck, It’s Mindset w/ Michael O’Brien / REPLAY
What would happen if you did a gratitude practice before opening each meeting? Are mindfulness practices a fluffy waste of time? Michael O’Brien suffered a personal tragedy that caused him to reset how he thinks about his beliefs, and how he utilizes his energy in daily life. Today, he shares the...
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Ep.133 I Deciding Curiosity Beats Compliance: The Case for Smart Rebels w/ Dr. Todd Kashdan // REPLAY
What happens when you stop playing by the rules and start asking better questions? Where’s the line between healthy dissent and chaos — and why do the best leaders welcome a little pushback? Psychologist and researcher Dr. Todd Kashdan joins us to make the case for principled insubordination —…
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Ep.161 I Deciding "Education" is Failing Us: Bring Back Critical Thinking with Matt Beaudreau // REPLAY
Have you wondered if the education system is actually preparing the next generation to lead? Do you question whether *real* learning happens within the confines of a classroom? What if the very foundation of how we’ve been taught to think is broken? Matt Beaudreau is on a mission to rebuild the…
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Ep.184 I Deciding to be Alone: 10 Days in Total Darkness and 60 in Antarctica with Akshay Nanavati
What do you do with fear that isn’t going away? Akshay Nanavati has walked ahead of Humvees looking for bombs in Iraq, dragged a 400-pound sled across Antarctica, and spent ten days in complete darkness—all in pursuit of one thing: a better relationship with fear. In this episode, heand Sanger…
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Ep.183 I Deciding to Take Initiative: What Happens When Men Step Up with Ryan Michler
Is it possible to become the man you never had as a role model? Ryan Michler didn’t grow up with a blueprint for manhood—but that didn’t stop him from building one. He and Sanger talk about why so many men feel aimless and how stepping up—not faking it—is the way out. They talk about the appeal…
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Ep.181 | Deciding to Own Your Schedule: Hidden Costs of Being ‘Always Available’ with Jamie Hopkins
How much of your time is actually yours? Jamie Hopkins is back, and we’re breaking down what it takes to run a company without letting it run your life. He cuthis travel by 90%, began coaching his kids’ sports teams, and took on a bigger leadership role in business—all by making one critical...
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Ep.180 I Deciding to Scale and Sell: UGG’s Rise, Near Collapse, and Ultimate Exit with Brian Smith
Building a brand is about more than having a great product—it’s about getting people to believe in it. Brian Smith, founder of UGG, knows this firsthand. What started as a niche surf product exploded into a globalphenomenon, but the real challenges came with scaling, staying ahead of competitors,...
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Ep.179 I Deciding to Take Back Time: Why Discipline Won’t Make You Productive with Craig Ballantyne
Everyone preaches discipline as the key to getting more done—but what if it’s actually slowing you down? Craig Ballantyne coaches top entrepreneurs,and he argues that discipline alone won’t make you or your business productive. In this episode, we’re breaking down why most business owners waste...
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Ep.178 I Deciding to Doubt Yourself (In a Good Way): The Science of Overconfidence with Don Moore
Confidence is essential in business, but unchecked overconfidence? That’s where things fall apart. Don Moore, a leading expert on decision science, breaks down why most people—especially successful ones—tend to be too sure of themselves in areas they know little about. We dig into why business...
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Ep.177 I Deciding to Cut Ties…or Keep the Commitment: What Fuels Hard Decisions with Dr. Art Markman
How do you know if you’re being persistent or simply wasting your time? Dr. Art Markman joins us to break down how our brains process disappointment, why we misjudge sunk costs, and how different personality types handle setbacks. Whether it’s a business decision, a personal goal, or even a high...
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Ep.176 I Deciding to Rationalize Bad Decisions: How We Trick Ourselves into Thinking We’re Right
Why do we justify bad decisions—even when we know better? From business to parenting to the worst excuses people use to defend bad habits, this episode breaks down why we rationalize dumb decisions. They get into why work-from-home isn’t always the dream people claim, the myth of “Fed is Best”...
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Ep.175 I Deciding Why Some Memories Stick (and Others Don’t)
What makes something worth remembering? Sanger and Shawn break down why grit and a little discomfort create the most memorable experiences, whether it's backpacking or making even the most boring sports fun. If you’ve ever wondered why some moments stick with you and others fade away, this…
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Ep.174 I Deciding Like Law Enforcement: Poor Training Creates High-Stakes Mistakes with Adam Haidary
What happens when poor training leads to high-stakes mistakes? Adam Haidary went from patrolling the streets to reshaping law enforcement—training officers to perform at their peak, saving lives with groundbreaking programs, and exposing the raw realities of life on the frontlines. In this…
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Ep.146 I Deciding to Walk the World: Overcoming Your Temptation to Quit with Tom Turcich // REPLAY
What all goes into a 7-year, 28,000-mile walk around the world? Why would someone take on such a huge adventure in the first place? What about when you get lost, lonely, or lack the drive to keep going? Tom Turcich, the 10th person to walk around the world, shares his experience of being immersed...
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Ep.131 I Deciding to Elevate Your Health: 6 Ancestral Health Hacks w/ Hilda Labrada Gore // REPLAY
What if the real health hacks aren’t from the latest influencer or supplement, but from our ancestors? Could the answers lie in the simple habits we’ve forgotten? In this replay of Ep.131, Hilda Labrada Gore, host of The Wise Traditions Podcast, shares six ancestral health practices that go…
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Ep.173 I Deciding to Read the Room: What an FBI Agent Sees That You Don’t with Joe Navarro
Think body language is just about crossed arms and forced smiles? Think again. After years spent catching spies and decoding body language, Joe Navarro reveals how the smallest cues can uncover the biggest truths. From subtle tells that exposed Soviet operatives to pinpointing the hidden leader…
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Ep.172 | Deciding to Ditch the Resolution Trap: A Smarter Way to Set Goals This Year
Why do New Year’s resolutions fail so often? Maybe it’s because they’re designed to. In this episode, Sanger and Shawn tear into the traditional approach to resolutions and explain why they’re usually a waste of time. Instead, they break down a no-nonsense way to set goals that actually reflect...
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Ep.171 I Deciding to Strengthen Your Family Business: Is it About Titles, or Talents? with David Kolbe
What happens when family dynamics intersect with business strategy? David Kolbe, CEO of Kolbe Corp, shares the highs and hurdles of taking the reins in a family business. With roots in his grandfather’s Wonderlic Test and his mother’s Kolbe Index, David explains how understanding instincts and...
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Ep.170 I Deciding to Make Tough Calls: Leading Well When Stakes are High with Matthew Confer
Are your business decisions driven by instinct, or by strategy? How often do you actually stop to tell the difference? Matthew Confer, the mind behind decision-making simulations used by leading companies, reveals why your gut might betray you, what most leaders get wrong under pressure, and how…
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Ep.169 I Deciding to Fight for the Forgotten: Trading the Cage for a Cause with Justin Wren
What drives someone to leave behind a career in the UFC to serve the world's most forgotten people? In this episode, we sit down with Justin Wren, a former professional MMA fighter who traded his career in the cage for a mission with real impact. Justin shares his journey from a bullied child to...
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Ep.168 I Deciding to Escape the Fishbowl: Disrupt Routine and See Life Differently with Eric Weiner
Have you ever felt like life’s become a little too predictable? Maybe you’re wondering if there’s more to see, more to learn—if you could just get a fresh perspective. Eric Weiner has explored the world as a Peabody-winning journalist, lived in the chaos and beauty of New Delhi, and uncovered the...
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Ep.167 I Deciding to Fix the Leadership Gap: Why Culture Eats Strategy Every Time with Ray Kelly
Why do some businesses flourish while others struggle, even when everything looks perfect on paper? In this episode, we sit down with Ray Kelly, Senior VP at Think2Perform, to share the decisions you can make TODAY to bring out the best in each person working in your business. KEY TOPICS Why your...
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Ep.166 I Deciding to Expose the Fine Print: Government Claims on Medical Products w/ @justtheinserts
What if all those medical products we trust come with more risk than we think? And how much of that risk is buried in the fine print most of us never read? In this episode, we’re talking to Alexandra from @justtheinserts, who’s made it her mission to help people decode medical inserts, so we...
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Ep.165 I Deciding to Survive a Decade at Sea: From Shipwreck to Scholar with Suzanne Heywood
What’s it like to be pulled from your home at just seven years old and set adrift on the open ocean? How do you survive ten years of brutal storms, danger, and isolation on a small yacht with your family? In this episode, Suzanne Heywood shares the chaos of her childhood spent sailing around the...
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Ep.164 I Deciding in the Election: Thinking Beyond the Mudslinging with Ken Coleman
With every election cycle, the noise grows louder—polls, predictions, and endless opinions from every direction. But how much of it is real, and how much is just noise? How can we think clearly and make decisions that serve us, our families, and our businesses? In this episode, Sanger Smith sits...
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Ep.163 I Deciding to Refuse Victimhood: He Had a 1% Chance of Survival… with John O’Leary
How do you come back from a 1% chance of survival? How do you fight back when life gives you every reason to give up? John O’Leary didn’t simply survive a devastating childhood fire—he found a way to transform his battle into something far greater. In this episode, John shares the approach that...
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Ep.162 I Deciding to Evangelize Your Business: Marketing Moves from Canva's Evangelist, Guy Kawasaki
Have you ever felt like your marketing message isn’t hitting home? Are you struggling to differentiate your business in a sea of competitors who all seem to say the same thing? What if the real issue isn’t your product, but how you’re communicating its value? Guy Kawasaki has mastered the art of...
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Ep.147 I Deciding to Influence: What Healthy Control Looks Like with Derrick Kinney // REPLAY
What would happen if you suddenly disappeared from your business for a month? Could it run without you? What about your kids…could they be competent, contributing members of society if you weren’t hounding them? And when it comes to your goals…are you so caught up in the lines of your business…
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Ep.161 I Deciding the Education System is Failing Us: Bring Back Critical Thinking with Matt Beaudreau
Have you wondered if the education system is actually preparing the next generation to lead? Do you question whether *real* learning happens within the confines of a classroom? What if the very foundation of how we’ve been taught to think is broken? Matt Beaudreau is on a mission to rebuild the…
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About this show
Defeating bad decision-making for family business owners, so you can improve their health, wealth, and relationships.
Hosted by
Sanger Smith and Shawn Smith
Categories