Listen Bitch Presents TELL ME WHY YOU'RE SPECIAL

What if everything Hollywood taught you about self-defense is wrong?Christopher Thompson has spent decades teaching martial arts, firearms, and real-world personal protection, but one tragic event completely changed the way he viewed violence. After losing one of his students in a knife attack, Christopher realized that most self-defense training doesn’t prepare people for what actually happens in real life.In this episode we dive into the psychology of violence, why awareness beats fighting, the myths surrounding firearms, trauma-informed self-defense, protecting your family, situational awareness, and practical strategies anyone can use to stay safer.If you’ve ever thought self-defense was only for fighters, this conversation will change your mind.Salutatuons! I'm instructor Thompson, a firearms instructor, range safety officer, certified firearms specialists ( allows me to testify in court on firearms and ammunition) and a martial arts instructor. I have twenty seven years in as a teacher, and a practitioner of 31 in Ed Parkers Kenpo.To keep it brief in 2014 a student of mine was brutally, murdered with a knife. He wasn't just a student. He was a family friend and ever since and for more than a decade, I have been creating a resume that no one else had. As a student first I started cross training in everything I could possibly find. Looking for a solution to how to stop a knife attack. At the time I thought I knew, I was wrong! I promised his parents who were friends of mine that I would always keep his name alive in the bravery of his actions trying to stop someone who just and took the life of his best friend in front of him. I went to Kali, Muay Thai and firerarms. I've spent every day since studying in practicing on how to survive a stabbing event. I run a couple of companies and with my business partner. We created Dragonfly academy of integrated defensive arts. Specializing in managing violence, and specifically on a mission to help serve marginalized communities like LGBTQ+, indigenous and native population, and groups that face targeted acts of violence. We built this to help save lives, because self defenses is for everyone!http://www.dragonflydefensivearts.com/

Does the justice system truly treat everyone equally?In this episode of Listen Bitch Presents: Tell Me Why You’re Special, former prosecutor and criminal defense attorney James M. Porfido shares lessons from more than 35 years inside the legal system. From prosecuting violent crimes to defending the accused, James explains how perspective changes depending on which side of the courtroom you’re standing on. The conversation explores wrongful accusations, media influence, celebrity trials, constitutional rights, judicial integrity, and why justice isn’t always as simple as guilty or innocent.

What happens when life completely derails your plans?In this episode of Listen Bitch Presents: Tell Me Why You’re Special, Branden sits down with entrepreneur and nonprofit founder Rachel Minion to discuss the life-changing cancer diagnosis that transformed both her business and her purpose. Rachel shares how emergency appendicitis led to discovering appendix cancer, the emotional isolation that followed, and why she created Beyond Basic Needs to provide comfort kits for cancer warriors across the country.This conversation explores resilience, entrepreneurship during crisis, mindset, healing, leadership, marriage, purpose, and turning life’s greatest interruptions into opportunities to serve others. Whether you’ve faced cancer personally or simply need hope after unexpected setbacks, Rachel’s story is a powerful reminder that purpose is often born from pain.⸻Rachel is a powerhouse of innovation and resilience, leading Rockstarr & Moon to new heights in B2B marketing. As the founder and CEO, she has built a cutting-edge agency specializing in growth hacking, demand generation, and authority building, empowering businesses to achieve remarkable success through seamless integration and transparency.Rachel’s journey is marked by her transformative role as the Director of Marketing at Ticketmaster, where she faced the challenge of a pandemic furlough with unwavering determination. Turning adversity into opportunity, she grew her side hustle into a thriving business generating over $500k annually.Beyond her professional triumphs, Rachel is the heart behind Beyond Basic Needs, a nonprofit she founded to support cancer warriors with chemo care kits. As a cancer warrior herself, she understands the importance of community and support, ensuring no one faces their battle alone.Rachel’s bold, unapologetic style and 20 years of marketing expertise make her a sought-after speaker who delivers not just talks but lifelines. She shares raw, honest insights on navigating career highs and lows, facing cancer head-on, and finding one’s authentic voice.Rachel Minion is a visionary leader, a compassionate advocate, and a beacon of resilience, inspiring others with her creativity, courage, and unwavering spirit.https://rachelminion.com/

Is your child addicted to video games… or are they trying to meet emotional needs they don’t know how to express?In this episode of Listen Bitch Presents, Nathan Graham shares a powerful perspective that challenges how parents think about gaming, screen time, and connection.In this episode we discuss: Why kids become emotionally attached to video games Healthy gaming vs. unhealthy gaming habits The psychology behind gaming addiction The four core human needs games fulfill Why Minecraft and Fortnite create different experiences Flow state and why interruptions trigger emotional reactions The “Three Deep Conversations” parenting technique Rebuilding trust with your children Setting healthy gaming boundaries Warning signs gaming has become unhealthy Using curiosity instead of judgment as a parent Creating stronger family relationships through understanding If you enjoy meaningful conversations that challenge the way you think, subscribe for more conversations with extraordinary people.Nathan is the author of Why Won't He Just Log Off?, speaker, coach, entrepreneur, and father. Through his work with families, parents, and communities, he helps people better understand the growing challenges of video game addiction, excessive screen time, and digital dependency in children and teens.Rather than focusing solely on limiting technology, Nathan explores the deeper emotional, social, and psychological needs that often drive excessive gaming. His approach helps parents move beyond constant conflict, strengthen communication, rebuild trust, and reconnect with their children.Drawing from personal experience, extensive research, and years of coaching and leadership, Nathan provides practical, real-world strategies that families can implement immediately. His mission is simple: help parents understand what is happening behind the screen so they can create healthier relationships, stronger families, and lasting change.https://syntheticecho.ca/why-wont-he-log-offhttps://syntheticecho.ca/why-wont-he-log-off

Most entrepreneurs don’t fail because they’re bad at business—they fail because they don’t understand their numbers.In this episode of Listen Bitch Presents: Tell Me Why You’re Special, Branden sits down with CPA and business advisor Summer Morris to unpack the financial habits that separate thriving businesses from struggling ones. They discuss cash flow, debt, pricing, paying yourself, financial confidence, and why avoiding your bank account only makes things worse. Summer shares her own financial struggles, the lessons that transformed her business, and simple strategies every entrepreneur can use to build wealth with confidence instead of fear.Summer is a CPA who helps business owners understand how their business actually makes money.She works with owners who are profitable but still feel cash-strapped, helping them identify where money is leaking, make better financial decisions, and increase profit without adding more stress.Through her Clarity CEO Reset, Summer gives business owners a simple framework to understand their numbers and confidently decide what to do next.https://summermorriscpa.com/clarity

Why do so many people know what they should do for their health but never actually change?In this episode of Listen Bitch Presents: Tell Me Why You’re Special, Branden sits down with Dr. Len Lopez, chiropractor, nutritionist, strength coach, and creator of the 5 Steps a Day framework.Together they discuss why consistency always beats motivation, why sleep is the most overlooked pillar of health, how daily habits shape your future, why accountability matters more than information, and practical ways anyone can begin transforming their life one small step at a time.Whether you’re trying to lose weight, improve your mindset, build healthier habits, or simply stop starting over every Monday, this conversation offers practical wisdom you can use immediately.If this episode challenged the way you think about health, send it to someone who’s tired of starting over.Subscribe to Listen Bitch Presents for conversations with extraordinary people who are changing lives.And if you’ve been thinking about starting your own podcast, quit waiting. Podcasting is still one of the greatest opportunities almost nobody is taking advantage of. Join my free Podcast Support Group and let’s build something that matters.For over 25 years he has been helping people EAT Right and TRAIN Smart.Over the years, he saw people tracking what they were doing for their "Physical" body... and often thought what about Mind and Spirit?As a result, he created "5 S.T.E.P.S. a Day" a unique tool that helps you track how you feed Body, Mind, and Spirit.It's NOT Rocket Science... It's Feedback and Accountability. Are you doing the things that will move you out of that 'Vicious' cycle - and into that 'Virtuous' Circle?  He also created 5 STEPS for TEENs. The S.T.E.P.S. are the Same - but Different.Come learn more about 5 S.T.E.P.S. with Dr. Lenhttps://5stepsaday.com/

What happens when a lifelong truth seeker sits down to discuss consciousness, quantum physics, spirituality, personal responsibility, and the nature of reality? In this episode of Listen Bitch Presents: Tell Me Why You’re Special, Branden LaNette interviews Alan Gillanders, author, artist, entrepreneur, and explorer of human consciousness.Alan shares the story of leaving conventional beliefs behind after years of searching for deeper truth, including his experiences studying Eastern philosophy, meditation, quantum concepts, and personal transformation. Together they discuss stress, suffering, identity, manifestation, higher consciousness, technology, media, personal freedom, and why so many people spend their lives disconnected from themselves.Whether you agree, disagree, or somewhere in between, this conversation will challenge you to think harder than you did yesterday.Alan has always had an inquiring mind, asking, "What is truth?", a timeless question at the core of existence. With decades of study in metaphysics, quantum theory, consciousness, and ancient spiritual teachings and traditions, Alan weaves together the mystical and the scientific, offering a voice that is both intuitive and analytical. Having witnessed and experienced miraculous events, his work resonates with those seeking meaning beyond dogma and reality beyond illusion.Alan believes the inward journey is a sacred space where thoughts take form, and the soul is remembered; where we realize our true nature: not separate, but expressions of the infinite. His writing encourages readers to reconnect with the divine essence that permeates the entire cosmos.This book represents Alan’s first major literary project, stemming from years of journaling, meditation, and profound inner exploration. A passionate artist, he mainly works in oil painting and has experience in metal sculpture. He owned and managed an art gallery in Subiaco, Western Australia, for more than ten years, and has led several other creative and business ventures.Alan resides with his wife in Quinns Rocks, a coastal suburb of Perth. Together, they have four children and a lifelong dedication to creative and spiritual growth.https://alangillanders.com/

What if the biggest mistake people make in sales is the exact same mistake they make in dating?In this episode of Listen Bitch Presents: Tell Me Why You’re Special, Branden sits down with best-selling author and sales expert Abhinav Goklani to explore the surprising connections between sales, relationships, trust, confidence, and human psychology.Abhinav shares his remarkable story of leaving India with only $750 to pursue a life-changing relationship in America, taking a leap of faith that ultimately reshaped his future. From navigating cultural differences to building a successful career in sales, he explains how trust, authenticity, and curiosity became the foundation of both personal and professional success.The conversation dives deep into prospecting, sales psychology, customer trust, rejection, confidence, dating dynamics, entrepreneurship, and the mindset of top performers. Abhinav reveals why most people fail in sales because they’re focused on themselves instead of understanding the needs of others, and why authentic influence is built through consistency, honesty, and long-term commitment.Listeners will walk away with practical insights for business growth, relationship building, leadership, and personal development while learning why the people who succeed are often the ones willing to do the next scary thing.If you’ve ever struggled with sales, confidence, networking, prospecting, or taking a leap of faith, this conversation is packed with valuable lessons you can apply immediately.Abhinav flew from India to Santa Barbara with 750 dollars in his pocket and a one way ticket to be with a stranger he met on the internet. That stranger is now his wife and soulmate. Over 7 years he went from below minimum wage to one of the top paid SDRs at world famous SaaS companies, generating 16 millions in pipeline and 8 millions in luxury automotive sales. He studied performance psychology, modern prospecting, and the science of human behavior, mentored personally by Justin Michael and Brandon Clauser. His obsession was never just pipeline. It was always people. What makes someone say yes, lean in, trust you before they know why. The boardroom and the first date have more in common than anyone admits, and this book is proof. If he could go from zero to this, so can you.https://www.amazon.com/Prospecting-Dating-Make-Them-Chase-ebook/dp/B0GZYJBPVS

What happens when someone loses everything and still finds a reason to fight?In this deeply personal episode of Listen Bitch Presents: Tell Me Why You’re Special, Branden sits down with Brian Blackman, founder of Crab Crew Life, to discuss his journey through addiction, homelessness, recovery, and ultimately helping others find hope.Brian shares the moment that changed everything—a rock-bottom experience where he looked in the mirror and saw no light left inside himself. What followed was a painful but transformative journey through sobriety, healing childhood wounds, rebuilding his identity, and discovering a purpose greater than himself.The conversation explores addiction, shame, homelessness, resilience, faith, recovery, personal responsibility, and what separates people who recover from those who remain trapped in destructive cycles. Brian also shares the inspiring story of Elaine, the woman who took him in when no one else would, and how that act of compassion became part of his recovery story.Listeners will learn about the Crab Crew philosophy and its four pillars: resilience, adaptability, belief, and personal responsibility. Most importantly, they’ll hear a message that anyone struggling needs to hear:You are not too far gone.This episode is for anyone battling addiction, supporting someone in recovery, overcoming trauma, or searching for proof that redemption is still possible.Bryan left Texas for California chasing a dream — and ended up homeless, sleeping in his car, drowning in alcohol and addiction. Then an 85-year-old landlord named Elaine changed everything. She didn't just give him a room. She gave him a reason to rise.Now sober, viral, and on a mission — Bryan built Crab Crew Life to prove that no matter how deep you've dug your hole, you can claw your way back out.https://crabcrewlife.com/https://crabcrewlife.com/

What happens when a twelve-year-old refuses to let pain have the final word?In this powerful episode of Listen Bitch Presents: Tell Me Why You’re Special, Branden sits down with bestselling young author and anti-bullying advocate Shanti Hershenson to discuss how writing transformed her life and helped her find her voice during one of the most difficult seasons of her childhood.Shanti shares how bullying, identity struggles, and feeling misunderstood led her to discover a passion for storytelling that would eventually result in dozens of published books before adulthood. She opens up about the healing power of writing, the realities of social media bullying, the challenges young people face today, and how creativity can become a path toward purpose.The conversation explores overcoming fear, trusting yourself before the world validates you, building an audience online, balancing authenticity with growth, and why so many aspiring writers never finish their first book.Whether you’re a writer, entrepreneur, parent, student, or someone who has ever felt invisible, this episode is a powerful reminder that your story matters and your voice deserves to be heard.Shanties first two novellas were published when she was in the sixth grade, although her writing journey started long before then. Ever since she could hold a pencil, marker, or crayon, she was creating stories. They started from pictures, mere scribbles, and eventually, turned into captivating tales.​She lives in California with her parents, sister, and furry friends. Besides writing, she enjoys skateboarding, fencing, being a regular teenager, and of course, reading. She writes in a variety of genres, including Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Contemporary, although she mostly sticks to Sci-Fi.As an anti-bullying advocate, you may find her volunteering or performing powerful poetry at open mic nights. ​Shanti is eighteen years old and a senior in high school. She plans to study Creative Writing at Bryn Mawr College.https://www.amazon.com/Shanti-Hershenson/e/B08QRF5LP4?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=1645593351&sr=8-1http://shantihershenson.com/

What if your story is part of something much bigger than you realize?In this powerful episode of Listen Bitch Presents: Tell Me Why You’re Special, Branden sits down with Air Force Academy graduate and author Terrence Rotering to discuss faith, spiritual warfare, purpose, and the incredible journey behind his massive Chronicles book series.Terrence shares how a military career that included flying jets and working at NORAD eventually led him into writing an expansive science fiction and fantasy universe spanning multiple worlds, thousands of characters, and a battle between good and evil that ultimately points readers back to biblical truth.The conversation explores spiritual warfare, the reality of evil, God’s purpose in our lives, faith in modern culture, and the challenge of communicating truth without becoming preachy. Terrence also shares several remarkable “God wink” moments that strengthened his conviction that he was called to write these stories.Branden and Terrence dive deep into Christian responsibility, sharing your testimony, overcoming fear, the nature of heaven, and why every individual has a unique role to play in God’s larger story.Whether you’re a reader, writer, believer, creative, or someone searching for deeper purpose, this episode will challenge you to see your life through a much bigger lens.Terrence graduated from the United States Air Force Academy. He retired from the United States Air Force after twenty years of service as a weapon systems officer on fighter aircraft worldwide and fifteen more years at North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD). Author of the ten book Chronicles Series, Terry gives readers an epic adventure of fantasy, science fiction, and spiritual warfare; following in the footsteps of the giants in all three genres.https://chroniclesoftrinian.com/

What if motivation isn’t actually the thing holding most people back?In this eye-opening episode of Listen Bitch Presents: Tell Me Why You’re Special, Branden sits down with elite performance coach and Propel Health Australia Managing Director Grant Jenkins to explore the connection between performance, recovery, nutrition, gut health, and long-term wellness.Drawing from his experience working with elite athletes, including professional tennis players, Grant shares the pivotal moment that changed his perspective on human performance and led him to focus on foundational health rather than simply athletic achievement.The conversation dives into genetics and athletic potential, differences in training approaches between men and women, recovery strategies that actually restore energy, and the hidden role gut health plays in motivation, nutrient absorption, physical performance, and overall well-being.Grant also discusses concerns about food quality, glyphosate exposure, supplement industry standards, regulatory differences between Australia and the United States, and why consumers need to become educated advocates for their own health.Whether you’re an athlete, entrepreneur, parent, or someone simply trying to feel better and perform at a higher level, this episode offers practical insights into creating a healthier, stronger, and more resilient life.propelhealthaustralia.com and use code - special5Grant is the Managing Director of Propel Health Australia and a high-performance coach with more than 25 years of experience working with elite athletes, health professionals and everyday Australians seeking better health outcomes.Grant has coached athletes across four sports at World Championship level and worked at all four Tennis Grand Slams, including helping develop former World No.1 Ash Barty. Today, he combines performance coaching with his work in the health and supplement industry, focusing on evidence-based nutrition, gut health, metabolic health, recovery, cognitive performance and anti-aging.As the founder of the international brand Propel Health, Grant is passionate about helping people cut through health misinformation and understand the science behind supplements, performance, recovery and long-term wellness.Podcast topics may include:• Gut health and the microbiome• Supplements that actually matter• Performance, recovery and creatine• Men’s health over 40• Anti-aging and longevity• Health industry myths and misleading marketing• Building a health brand in Australia• Elite sport and mindset• Entrepreneurship, resilience and reinventionhttps://propelhealthaustralia.com/propelhealthaustralia.com and use code - special5

What happens when someone who appears to have everything together is secretly falling apart?In this powerful episode of Listen Bitch Presents: Tell Me Why You’re Special, Branden sits down with writer and trauma educator Lisa Lacey to discuss her upcoming memoir, Notes from a Certified Madwoman, and the life experiences that inspired her to write it.Lisa shares the reality behind appearing successful on the outside while privately battling mental illness, trauma, self-hatred, and emotional pain. She opens up about psychiatric hospitalization, being misdiagnosed, recovery, therapy, addiction recovery programs, and the difficult process of learning to trust herself again.The conversation explores trauma triggers, childhood wounds, self-acceptance, personal accountability, healing beyond labels, and why so many high-achieving women silently struggle despite looking successful to everyone around them.Branden and Lisa also discuss the power of storytelling, the importance of sharing difficult truths, toxic coaching and therapy environments, neurodiversity, intuition, and why healing often begins when people stop hiding their experiences.This episode is an honest conversation about mental health, resilience, recovery, and the courage it takes to tell the truth about your life.Lisa Lacy is a writer, trauma educator, and author of the upcoming memoir Notes From a Certified Madwoman and its companion Field Guide: The Psychology of Performance™️. After more than three decades in corporate education, healthcare consulting, performance, and storytelling, Lisa now speaks and writes about addiction, psychosis, trauma, nervous systems, identity masking, reinvention, and the hidden realities of high functioning survival in women. Drawing from lived experience, recovery, and years teaching trauma informed emotional intelligence in addiction recovery centers across Georgia, Lisa creates conversations that are psychologically informed without sounding clinical, emotionally honest, unexpectedly funny, and deeply human.https://www.lisalacy.com/about-1

What if everything you’ve been taught about life insurance, wealth preservation, and financial security is incomplete?In this episode of Listen Bitch Presents: Tell Me Why You’re Special, Branden sits down with Keith Friedman, Founder and CEO of FBO Strategies, to discuss how wealthy families approach wealth preservation, risk management, and long-term financial planning differently than most Americans.Keith shares how the 2008 financial crisis changed the trajectory of his career after watching certain mutually owned life insurance companies remain financially strong while major institutions collapsed. That experience led him to develop the Carbine Allocation Strategy and become a leading voice in helping families think differently about cash value life insurance, asset allocation, legacy planning, and financial protection.Together, Branden and Keith dive into common misconceptions about life insurance, wealth preservation strategies, financial freedom, legacy planning, entrepreneurial financial mistakes, and why protecting wealth often matters more than chasing the highest returns.If you’re a business owner, entrepreneur, parent, or anyone thinking about long-term financial security, this conversation offers a fresh perspective on building wealth that lasts for generations.Keith is the Founder & CEO of Stamford, Connecticut-based FBO Strategies, LLC. He is a 21-year veteran of the insurance and financial services industries, including 14 years at the helm of FBO Strategies. Friedman is a pioneer in the use of permanent life insurance to transfer risk and maximize cash value accumulation. He is the originator of the Carbyne Allocation® strategy for reallocating clients’ conservative assets, such as bonds and cash, into a cash value insurance policy with higher returns and similar risk. Friedman has been featured on CNBC, Fox Business, and the AFO Wealth Management Forward Podcast and quoted by U.S. News & World Report, Nasdaq, CPA Trendlines, and Insure.com.https://www.carbyneallocation.co/

What happens when life hits you with everything at once?In this deeply moving episode of Listen Bitch Presents: Tell Me Why You’re Special, Branden sits down with Mike Rizzo to discuss caregiving, cancer, faith, resilience, and the power of finding joy even in life’s darkest moments.Mike shares his incredible journey of caring for his wife Nancy through her battle with ALS while simultaneously facing his own diagnosis of mesothelioma. He opens up about the emotional, physical, and spiritual challenges that came with becoming a full-time caregiver, navigating grief, and confronting mortality head-on.Throughout the conversation, Mike discusses the importance of remaining calm during adversity, trusting God’s guidance, maintaining perspective, and recognizing that our circumstances do not define who we are. He shares lessons learned through caregiving, cancer, faith, personal growth, and the pursuit of peace regardless of external conditions.Branden and Mike also explore the human spirit, purpose, mortality, healing, intuition, and the daily practices that allow people to experience joy even when life feels impossible. This conversation is a powerful reminder that while we cannot always control what happens to us, we can choose how we respond.If you’ve ever faced hardship, loss, uncertainty, illness, or simply needed a reminder that hope still exists, this episode will encourage you to keep going.⸻I guide others on how to live from a place of complete calm, without worry, and virtually no stress. I'm qualified to offer this because I live it. This place came about after 65 years of life, including 25 years of meditation, a terminal cancer diagnosis (that hasn't taken my life), and my wife's passing from ALS. I've learned to simplify everything, first teaching golf for nearly 40 years, and now shifting to helping others who want to experience this sense of moment to moment calm and peace in their daily life. I will help your listeners by offering practical tools they can use, and a different way of seeing themselves, those in their lives, and the world at large. My book Finding Joy in Daily Living is a guide to help people reduce unnecessary suffering.  In Jack Canfield's words in his reply to my recent email: "The content is brilliant." I am kind, speak from my heart and am here to serve; I don't need anything else in life.https://findingjoydaily.com/chapter-excerpts/a

What if the biggest thing holding you back isn’t your circumstances—but the story you’ve been telling yourself?In this episode of Listen Bitch Presents: Tell Me Why You’re Special, Branden sits down with Dr. Brian Arnold to discuss overcoming limitations, building self-belief, finding purpose, and creating a life of freedom through faith and intentional living.Dr. Brian shares his remarkable journey from being labeled a special education student who struggled with reading to becoming a successful educator, coach, speaker, author, and podcast host. Along the way, he learned that many people stay stuck because they allow other people’s expectations to define who they are instead of discovering who they were created to be.Together, Branden and Brian explore identity, purpose, self-confidence, faith, personal responsibility, mentorship, overcoming excuses, and the daily habits that help people create lasting transformation. They discuss the importance of surrounding yourself with the right people, developing a relationship with God, and making intentional decisions that align with your values and calling.This episode is a powerful reminder that your past does not determine your future and that freedom begins the moment you decide to stop living by limitation and start living by purpose.⸻Dr. B is  the host of two inspiring podcasts: The Journey to Freedom Podcast and Living Boldly with Purpose. Today, I have the pleasure of introducing a very special guest, a dynamic keynote speaker, professor, and author who has dedicated over two decades to helping individuals unlock their true potential and achieve meaningful success.Our guest is Dr. Brian E. Arnold (Dr. B), the creator of the transformative Journey to Freedom podcast and program, a life-changing experience designed for those feeling stuck and ready to move forward. Dr. B specializes in guiding individuals through personal and professional breakthroughs, focusing on key areas like faith, finances, trust, health, and identity.With extensive experience as both a podcast host and guest, Dr. B brings unmatched energy, authenticity, and relatability to every conversation. He is dedicated to sharing authentic stories, actionable insights, and inspiring messages that connect with individuals from all backgrounds.In addition to his coaching and mentorship, he is the voice behind Dr. B's 7-Minute Mindset YouTube series and The Journey to Freedom podcast, where he delivers actionable daily tips on self-discovery, growth, and purposeful living.Known for his blend of humor, wisdom, and practical strategies, Dr. B is a sought-after speaker and mentor who leaves a lasting impact on everyone he works with.I’m thrilled to have him with us today to share the invaluable lessons he’s learned and the insights he’s gained on living a life of freedom and fulfillment.Call to ActionLink to send listeners to:http://Brianearnold.comI am dedicated to helping Others Become the person they need to be in order to do what they were created to Do. My website will give options  on how I can do that

What if the business you’ve spent years building is actually the thing keeping you trapped?In this powerful episode of Listen Bitch Presents: Tell Me Why You’re Special, Branden sits down with entrepreneur, author, and Sunny HQ founder Dylan Bost to discuss burnout, business growth, alignment, purpose, and the hidden cost of success.After building a thriving 25-person agency complete with awards, luxury cars, and outward signs of achievement, Dylan found himself questioning whether success was actually bringing fulfillment. His journey led him to rethink entrepreneurship, challenge conventional definitions of achievement, and build a life centered around freedom, meaning, and human connection.Together, Branden and Dylan discuss entrepreneurial burnout, personal alignment, mentorship, human-centered business, AI’s role in modern companies, customer relationships, personal growth, and the difference between being busy and being effective.If you’ve ever felt trapped by your own success, struggled with burnout, or questioned whether you’re building the life you actually want, this conversation will hit home.⸻I’m Dylan Clayton Bost, founder of Sunny HQ — a human-first WordPress hosting and support company built from years of learning what not to do.Before Sunny HQ, I ran a successful creative agency for over a decade. On the surface, everything looked great. But behind the scenes, I was caught in a cycle of reactive work, subjective deliverables, and systems that pulled more energy than they returned.That experience, along with the guidance of a few great mentors, led me to redesign how I build — not just businesses, but culture, time, and purpose.Sunny HQ was born out of that pivot. It’s a business grounded in clarity and simplicity. We support hundreds of clients by taking the tech weight off their shoulders — so they can focus on what they actually came here to build. No bots. No chaos. Just real support from real people.I bring 30 years of experience in design, systems thinking, and operations, and I’ve spent the past several years refining what it means to build from alignment instead of urgency. I’m also writing The Seven Mirrors, a book that explores how memory, leadership, and business intersect — and how clarity becomes a tool for transformation.https://dylanclaytonbost.com/

What happens when the worst day of your life becomes the beginning of your greatest lesson?In this deeply moving episode of Listen Bitch Presents: Tell Me Why You’re Special, Branden sits down with Steven Ferrara, author of From Grief to Gratitude, to discuss his journey after losing his 23-year-old son Christopher in a tragic car accident.Steven shares how years of journaling, reflection, and spiritual growth helped him move from anger and heartbreak toward healing and gratitude. Rather than allowing grief to define his identity, he learned how to process pain, discover meaning in suffering, and develop a new relationship with both loss and purpose.Together, Branden and Steven explore grief, spiritual healing, resilience, emotional processing, personal growth, identity after loss, and the power of choosing gratitude even during life’s darkest seasons.This episode is for anyone navigating grief, loss, tragedy, or major life transitions and looking for hope, perspective, and a reminder that healing is possible.⸻Today’s guest is Steve Ferrara — a thought leader in spiritual awakening, a nationally recognized speaker, and the author of the acclaimed book From Grief to Gratitude: A New Paradigm on Death.For more than two decades, Steve has guided thousands through life’s deepest challenges — from the loss of loved ones to the search for meaning and inner peace. His work grew out of the most profound turning point in his life: the passing of his 23-year-old son, which opened a 20-year journey of journaling, reflection, and spiritual transformation.What emerged is a deeply moving roadmap that helps people shift from suffering to healing — from grief to gratitude — by embracing universal principles, acceptance, willingness, and a renewed understanding of our connection to consciousness.Steve’s book has been praised as “phenomenal” and “one of the best books on grief” by legendary author Jack Canfield, who called it a memoir of spiritual awakening, a page-turner, and a guide that shows what’s possible when we open to the deeper nature of life.Before becoming an author, Steve built one of the largest privately held financial services firms in the country, serving as CEO for 25 years. He has taught Universal Laws and principles for healthy physical, mental, and spiritual living since his twenties — continuing a family legacy of transformational teaching.Through his writing, speaking, and coaching, Steve Ferrara helps people relieve suffering, awaken spiritually, and find meaning in the most challenging moments of life.Please welcome… Steve Ferrara.https://www.stevenferrara.com/

Why are so many talented professionals invisible online?In this episode of Listen Bitch Presents: Tell Me Why You’re Special, Branden sits down with business strategist Ashley Smith to discuss her powerful concept known as The Proof Gap—the growing disconnect between real-world expertise and online visibility.Ashley explains why highly skilled professionals, consultants, coaches, and business owners are often overlooked despite decades of experience. As AI and search engines evolve, trust, authority, and discoverability are becoming more important than traditional marketing tactics and generic SEO strategies.Together, Branden and Ashley explore how podcasting, authentic content, AI-powered search, personal branding, online authority, and strategic visibility help professionals stand out in a crowded marketplace. They discuss why trust matters more than vanity metrics, how AI is changing the future of search, and why entrepreneurs must intentionally create a digital footprint that reflects their expertise.If you’ve ever felt like you’re great at what you do but struggle to get noticed, this conversation will show you why expertise alone isn’t enough—and what to do about it.⸻Ashley Smith is a business strategist and former real estate leader who helps experienced professionals become more visible and trusted in a world shaped by search and AI. She’s the creator of the "Proof Gap", a concept that explains why so many experts are overlooked online — and how to fix it without becoming a content creator.https://showyourproof.beehiiv.com/products/proof-gap-self-assessment

What if stress isn’t the problem—but the invitation?In this episode of Listen Bitch Presents: Tell Me Why You’re Special, Branden sits down with mindfulness teacher and entrepreneur Allen Imberato to explore how childhood conditioning, identity, stress, and self-worth shape the way we experience life. After spending ten years living in an ashram, Allen shares how true transformation comes not from becoming someone new, but from uncovering who you’ve always been beneath the masks, expectations, and survival patterns.Together they discuss mindfulness, emotional resilience, meditation, neuroplasticity, personal growth, stress management, AI for wellness, and why so many successful people still struggle to find inner peace. Allen also introduces KeyFlow, his innovative platform designed to help people identify and break free from limiting stress patterns.If you’ve ever felt like you’re constantly chasing success, validation, or happiness without finding fulfillment, this conversation will challenge you to look inward and rediscover what’s already within you.⸻I’ve been deeply immersed in the world of mindfulness and transformation for over 50 years. My journey began in my 20s when I lived in an ashram for a decade, where I practiced and taught mindfulness-based meditation across North America.That experience inspired me to create a personal transformation seminar called "Winning at Work and Life", which I delivered publicly and inside major corporations across the U.S. The seminar evolved into an audio program that was later featured in a national infomercial campaign.At the same time, I built a thriving business software company KiBiz Systems that I’ve led for over 30 years—serving thousands of users worldwide with custom CRM, ERP, Accounting, POS, and Manufacturing systems.In 2011, I brought together my two passions—personal growth and technology—by creating an app called Stress Shifter on the Apple App Store. That evolution has now become KiFlow.KiFlow is an AI-powered app that guides users through a deeply personal, safe, and anonymous journey to uncover the root causes of stress and shift into a stronger, more resilient mindset. In just minutes, it helps users understand their emotional triggers, reframe their experience, and move forward with clarity and conscious intention.http://www.kiflow.app/

Make sure you click on your free audit .https://podcastleadfrlow.com/brandenIn this episode of Listen Bitch Presents: Tell Me Why You’re Special, Branden sits down with podcast growth and monetization strategist Nathalie Dormeu to uncover why so many podcasts fail to generate leads, clients, and revenue despite producing great content.Nathalie explains why podcast downloads are often vanity metrics and why the real value of a podcast comes from building trust with actual human listeners. She shares how successful podcasters use their shows as relationship-building tools rather than content machines, creating long-term opportunities through connection and credibility.The conversation dives into podcast monetization, lead generation, audience psychology, business growth, AI-generated content, and the importance of authentic human communication in a world increasingly filled with automation. Nathalie reveals why many podcasters struggle to see business results and how a single clear call to action can dramatically outperform multiple competing offers.Branden and Nathalie discuss the growing role of AI in content creation, why listeners can still recognize authentic human connection, and how podcasting remains one of the most powerful trust-building tools available to entrepreneurs today.They also explore sales psychology, relationship marketing, membership growth, audience engagement, and the systems necessary to turn podcast listeners into paying clients. Nathalie shares practical strategies for measuring podcast ROI and explains how business owners can reverse engineer their podcast content to support their larger business goals.If you’ve ever wondered how to turn your podcast into a lead-generation asset instead of just another content channel, this episode delivers actionable insights you can implement immediately.Bonjour! I’m Nathalie,  a Podcast Growth & Monetization Strategist with a deep love for systems that serve humans, not the other way around.For the past 10+ years, I’ve helped coaches, creators, and educators build scalable programs and memberships. Along the way, podcasts kept showing up as the most under-leveraged asset in their business.Great episodes. Loyal listeners.But no clear path from listening → action.Today, I help podcasters rethink monetization beyond downloads and sponsorships, using simple frameworks that turn episodes (solo or interviews) into opportunities for connection, qualification, and growth.If your audience cares about podcast growth, lead quality, ethical monetization, or using AI without losing trust, this will be a very practical conversation.When I’m not mapping podcast journeys, you’ll find me lifting weights (emotionally committed, physically inconsistent but getting there), tending to my orchids, or hanging out with my husband, our 3 kids and 3 dogs.https://themembershiplab.com/

In this episode of Listen Bitch Presents: Tell Me Why You’re Special, Branden sits down with award-winning filmmaker and documentarian Jeremy  for a wide-ranging conversation about adversity, personal transformation, storytelling, mental health, and the lessons learned from life’s hardest seasons.Jeremy shares his journey from a troubled youth involved in drug sales and reckless behavior to becoming a successful filmmaker whose documentaries explore topics ranging from alternative medicine and personal growth to Bigfoot, UFOs, combat sports, and human behavior. He discusses how bullying, anxiety, and difficult experiences shaped his worldview and ultimately helped him develop a deeper understanding of people and personal growth.The conversation explores society’s relationship with anxiety, technology, social media, and modern distractions. Jeremy explains how many people spend their lives avoiding discomfort rather than learning from it and why mindfulness, gratitude, and self-awareness can create lasting transformation.Branden and Jeremy also discuss martial arts, combat sports, and how challenging physical experiences can help eliminate ego and build resilience. They dive into the hero’s journey, why audiences connect with stories of struggle and redemption, and why every person has a story worth sharing.The episode also explores alternative medicine, psilocybin microdosing, documentary filmmaking, and Jeremy’s work investigating unconventional topics while encouraging listeners to approach life with curiosity, courage, and personal responsibility.This conversation is a reminder that your past doesn’t define you, your mistakes don’t disqualify you, and your story may be exactly what someone else needs to hear.⸻Jeremy Norrie Podcast/Radio/TV/Film/ClubHouse etc.Areas of Experience (Professional)• Director/Producer of Independent Documentary Films for Amazon, FOX & CBS streaming platforms • Former Concert/Event Promoter from small private/public events internationally to large 30k person multiple day festivals in California • Formerly in the Cannabis Industry doing growing, concentrate & hash making, international journalism and almost every other possible aspect of cannabis industry• Formerly a journalist for MMA websites (MMAWeekly, SherDog, MMA.tv and MMA-Fighter) discussing UFC and other combat sportsAreas of Experience (Personal)• adversity, trauma, & dealing w/anxiety • bullying, predators and being a victim• relationships, treating women better • partying, drugs and balance vs recoveryOther knowledge • prowrestling• combat sports• movies (sci-fi action mystery thriller)• television (sitcom & above) Awards (Cannabis) * 1st : Best Concentrate - Dab City* 1st : Best Product - HTCC 2009* 2nd : Best Product - HTCC Bay Area 2012Awards (Filmmaking)“The Secret Cup”* 1st Place Best Documentary  - Poppy Film Festival (February 2022 - Sweden)“Aliens v.s BigFoot”“Don’t Call Me BigFoot”“Other Side of the Ring” “Why We Fight”& various others also are award winners previously Most of my other films have been Official Selections at various other film festivals, some currently screening, and again official awards for numerous others.I lived a wild and crazy rockstar like life and love to share my unique experiences from being on the ground level during the rise of both MMA/UFC to the Cannabis Industry.  There were all kinds of close calls with danger but also big achievements as well as the wisdom learned from the negative and positive parts of that journey both personally and professionally.Now I am making films for Amazon, FOX & CBS among other streaming platforms where we get to tell stories about all kinds of topics.  All of our films are from a serious open minded perspective, and there is an ongoing theme of overcoming adversity, helping people and personal struggles.  http://theskyisland.com/

In this episode of Listen Bitch Presents: Tell Me Why You’re Special, Branden sits down with adventurer, author, educator, and Soul Treader founder Belinda Coker to discuss confidence, reinvention, adventure, and finding yourself again in midlife.Belinda shares the pivotal moment in 2020 when she realized she no longer recognized the person staring back at her in the mirror after years of corporate stress, burnout, and losing touch with her sense of identity. What started as her first hike in more than three decades became the catalyst for a complete life transformation.The conversation explores how confidence is built through action rather than waiting to feel ready, why many people stay stuck longer than necessary, and how taking small brave steps can create extraordinary change over time. Belinda opens up about solo adventures, hiking across Greenland’s Arctic Circle, learning self-compassion through solitude, and embracing a simpler lifestyle focused on experiences rather than possessions.Branden and Belinda also discuss midlife challenges, divorce recovery, authenticity, risk-taking, lipedema, community support, women’s confidence, early retirement, travel, and the importance of surrounding yourself with people who encourage growth rather than fear.The episode serves as a powerful reminder that it’s never too late to start over, take a chance on yourself, and build a life that feels aligned with who you truly are.⸻Belinda is an Australian hiker, writer, and educator who helps women rebuild confidence through practical adventure and responsible travel. She has completed solo hikes from Australia’s Red Centre to crossing Greenland’s Arctic Circle, experiences that shaped her belief that confidence grows through action, not theory. Through her platforms, Soul Treader and The House Sitting Collective, she teaches how structure, trust, and responsibility create genuine freedom and stability in life.https://soultreader.com/

In this episode of Listen Bitch Presents: Tell Me Why You’re Special, Branden sits down with strength and conditioning coach Jim Laird to discuss burnout, health, performance, recovery, and the dangerous belief that working harder always produces better results.Drawing from nearly 30 years of experience coaching elite athletes and high performers, Jim shares why so many successful people unknowingly sabotage their health through chronic stress, excessive training, poor recovery, and constant productivity. He opens up about his own battles with ulcerative colitis, severe illness, and burnout, and how those experiences completely changed his approach to health and life.The conversation explores practical strategies for improving overall wellness, including walking after meals, prioritizing sleep, spending more time outdoors, reducing screen time, managing stress, and focusing on simple habits rather than chasing complicated fitness trends. Jim explains why performance and health are not always the same thing and why many people fail because they overlook the fundamentals.Branden and Jim also discuss technology addiction, the impact of modern lifestyles on physical and mental health, the importance of rest and recovery, and why sustainable success requires balance rather than constant grinding.The episode closes with fascinating stories from Jim’s travels, his work in Nicaragua, coaching elite athletes, celebrity encounters at the Aspen Comedy Festival, and his mission to help people create lasting transformation through implementation instead of information overload.⸻Jim is a strength and conditioning coach with nearly 30 years of experience working with everyone from professional athletes to high-performing professionals who are burned out and not getting results.He’s trained athletes across the NFL, MLB, CFL, and LPGA, including a 15-year partnership with Scott Downs, and has helped develop athletes from youth to Division I scholarships. He was also a business partner and mentor to Molly Galbraith, founder of Girls Gone Strong, where they co-created Train Like a Girl 1 and 2—two of the first fitness seminars designed exclusively for women. He also worked alongside Dr. Leland Stillman, integrating coaching and accountability into a medical practice.Jim worked under Dusty Baker helping prepare Nicaragua for the World Baseball Classic in Miami.He is currently based in Managua, Nicaragua, where he helped coach Los Dantos to a 2025 championship in the Germán Pomares League and is currently working with the Bóer baseball team, preparing elite athletes for high-level competition.But what makes Jim a remarkable podcast guest goes beyond coaching.He’s lived it.From working as a bouncer and high-end bodyguard… to living with Jim Wendler, author of 5/3/1… to training at Westside Barbell—one of the strongest gyms in the world—Jim has a deep well of real-world experience.Now living in Nicaragua, he continues to build his coaching business while having endless stories and adventures along the way.Jim has also overcome serious personal health challenges—including ulcerative colitis, a staph infection, and a traumatic brain injury—which allows him to deeply relate to the struggles his clients are going through.He’s rebuilt his own health multiple times and understands firsthand what it’s like to push too hard, burn out, and have to figure it out the hard way.https://www.vitalitybrotherhood.com/

In this episode of Listen Bitch Presents: Tell Me Why You’re Special, Branden sits down with Emmy-winning producer and director Leif Bristow to discuss the power of storytelling, resilience, courage, and the responsibility of bringing real-life experiences to the screen.Leif shares the remarkable story behind his film Dancing Through the Shadow, based on the life of Tia Zhang, a Chinese ballerina who defected during China’s Cultural Revolution. He discusses how he became involved with the project through his daughter Brittany, an actress and ballerina, and the challenges of telling such a powerful story while protecting those connected to it.The conversation explores universal themes of survival, perseverance, freedom, identity, and overcoming adversity. Leif explains why authentic storytelling matters, how stories create understanding across cultures, and why some of the most powerful lessons come from listening to experiences that are very different from our own.Branden and Leif also discuss the healing power of sharing personal stories, the courage required to speak truth through art, and whether every person has a story worth telling. Leif shares insights from his decades-long career in film and television, his upcoming projects, and his belief that every life contains lessons capable of impacting others.This episode is a powerful reminder that stories do more than entertain—they create connection, preserve history, inspire courage, and help people recognize their own strength in the face of adversity.Leif Bristow is an Emmy winning producer, director, screenwriter, and bestselling author known for bringing powerful stories to life on both page and screen. With more than 30 film and television projects to his credit, including beloved international productions, Leif has built a career around compelling storytelling, historical narratives, and cinematic adaptation. He joins us to discuss the creative journey of transforming unforgettable stories into books and films, the realities of the entertainment industry, and the inspiration behind Dancing Through the Shadow.https://www.dancingthroughtheshadow.com/

In this episode of Listen Bitch Presents: Tell Me Why You’re Special, Branden sits down with Brheanna Myers, founder of Light and Breezy Coaching, for a deep conversation about transformation, healing, purpose, fear, and what happens when life forces you to question everything you thought you knew.Brheanna shares the story of her near-death experience during the COVID era after contracting fungal pneumonia and how that event completely changed the direction of her life. She discusses her experiences with healing, self-trust, personal growth, and the lessons she believes emerged from facing death and rebuilding her life afterward.The conversation explores topics including overcoming fear, understanding the role of the nervous system, developing self-love, breaking free from limiting beliefs, rebuilding trust in yourself, and finding purpose through personal growth rather than external validation. Brheanna also shares her views on healing, consciousness, personal responsibility, and the importance of returning to unconditional love.Together, Branden and Brheanna discuss why so many people spend their lives waiting for permission to become who they already are, the impact of childhood experiences on adult behavior, and how small shifts in perspective can create massive changes over time.This episode is for listeners interested in personal growth, resilience, healing journeys, self-discovery, mindset work, and conversations that challenge conventional thinking.⸻Brheanna Myers is the founder of Light & Breezy Coaching and the creator of the Awaken Your Potential method. After a near-death experience in 2020 that radically transformed her life, she dedicated herself to helping others navigate spiritual awakening, release energetic blocks, and reconnect with their higher self.As a certified QHHT practitioner, quantum energy healer, spiritual coach, and author of Awaken Your Potential and Healing Frequencies Made Easy, Brheanna guides clients through powerful experiences such as past-life regression, DNA activations, subconscious healing, and nervous system recalibration. Her work blends practical psychology with advanced energetic and frequency-based tools, making complex spiritual concepts approachable and embodied in everyday life.Through her sessions, teachings, and writing, Brheanna helps people move out of survival mode and into alignment with their true purpose — restoring clarity, balance, and higher consciousness in a way that is grounded, supportive, and sustainable.Today, she joins us to share her story and explore what spiritual awakening really looks like, how to move through it safely, and how we can all awaken our potential while staying rooted in the human experience.https://www.lightandbreezycoaching.com/

In this episode of Listen Bitch Presents: Tell Me Why You’re Special, Branden sits down with author and former educator Susan “Susie” Gooch for a heartfelt conversation about marriage, teaching, storytelling, purpose, and finding meaning in everyday life.Susie shares her journey from aspiring attorney to beloved educator, explaining how her son’s learning challenges unexpectedly led her into a teaching career that would impact countless students over more than two decades. Known as the “school mama,” Susie discusses the importance of supporting children beyond academics and creating meaningful connections that last a lifetime.The conversation explores lessons from her nearly 40-year marriage, including the importance of choosing commitment, embracing imperfections, supporting each other’s passions, and understanding that love is often built in ordinary moments rather than grand gestures.Susie also opens up about retiring from education to pursue writing full-time, the inspiration behind her Carrington Series novels, and her belief that every person has a story worth telling. Together, she and Branden discuss parenting adult children, faith, family values, second chances, and why storytelling remains one of the most powerful ways to connect with others.This episode is for readers, parents, educators, married couples, and anyone who appreciates real-life wisdom delivered through authentic stories.Susan Gooch is the author of The Carrington Series, which includes The Carrington Affairs, The Nonnegotiable, and The Dirty Birds’ Book Club. A lifelong lover of books, history, and art, Susan spent many years as an educator sharing her passion for reading and writing with her students. She holds a BA in English and graduate degrees in education with concentrations in reading, administration, and gifted and talented education.A proud Southern storyteller, Susan set her Carrington novels in her beloved hometown of Searcy, Arkansas. Now retired from education, she spends her days writing contemporary women’s fiction that celebrates strong women, enduring friendships, and the lessons learned from a life well lived.An avid reader who devours more than 150 books a year, Susan actively connects with fellow readers online, highlighting favorite titles through her Instagram feature “Y’all Have Got To Read This.” A passionate supporter of book clubs, she loves discussing books and storytelling with readers everywhere.Susan and her husband,her high school sweetheart, have been married nearly forty years. They have three grown children and four granddaughters. Susan loves speaking with book clubs and frequently participates in discussions with readers.https://www.instagram.com/susangoochauthor/https://www.susangooch.com/

In this episode of Listen Bitch Presents: Tell Me Why You’re Special, Branden sits down with entrepreneur, strategist, and transformational leader Tiffanie Janowitz for a powerful conversation about reinvention, self-trust, resilience, and personal growth.Tiffanie shares the defining moment that changed the trajectory of her life during a family vacation in Mexico, where she realized everything was about to change. That realization led her to leave an unfulfilling marriage, challenge deeply rooted beliefs, and rebuild her life around authenticity rather than expectation.Together, Branden and Tiffanie explore the cost of self-betrayal, why people stay stuck in situations they’ve outgrown, and how fear often disguises itself as practicality. They discuss the importance of listening to your inner voice instead of outside opinions, overcoming judgment from family and friends, and finding the courage to trust yourself during major life transitions.The conversation also dives into personal responsibility, building daily habits that create resilience, navigating adversity, breast cancer recovery, gratitude practices, mindset shifts, and creating the infrastructure necessary for long-term success.This episode is for anyone standing at a crossroads, questioning whether they should stay where they are or finally take the leap toward the life they know they’re meant to live.⸻“How many people confuse being comfortable with being alive?” 🔥Tiffanie helps people stop settling for “fine” and start building lives and businesses that actually feel aligned, powerful, and free. Audiences learn how to create personal and professional infrastructure that supports growth instead of chaos—how to lead themselves through hard seasons, make decisions with conviction, and build habits, systems, and identity that scale with them.Listeners walk away with both mindset shifts and tangible tools: how to reclaim their time, energy, confidence, and agency—especially during seasons of transition, reinvention, or leadership expansion.My story resonates because it bridges strength and vulnerability with execution. I’ve rebuilt my life multiple times—walking away from relationships that no longer aligned, leaving a belief system that defined my identity, navigating entrepreneurship at high levels, and advocating for my own survival during breast cancer when my concerns were initially dismissed.I don’t just talk about resilience—I teach people how to rebuild after life forces a reckoning. Podcast audiences connect deeply with the honesty, but they stay for the frameworks. My story gives permission to question, courage to choose differently, and tools to move forward with clarity instead of fear.https://www.tiffaniejanowitz.com/

In this episode of Listen Bitch Presents: Tell Me Why You’re Special, Branden sits down with Lauretta Zucchetti, an international speaker, educator, and advocate for personal transformation, women’s empowerment, and conscious leadership.Raised in Italy and shaped by childhood trauma, foster care experiences, and limiting beliefs around relationships and self-worth, Lauretta shares her extraordinary journey from survival mode to purpose-driven living. Despite achieving professional success with companies like Xerox and Apple, she discovered that external achievements could not heal internal wounds.Together, Branden and Lauretta explore childhood conditioning, self-betrayal, personal identity, healing from loss, faith, purpose, reinvention, and the courage required to live authentically. Lauretta openly discusses the painful lessons that emerged from sacrificing her own needs for the expectations of others and how those experiences ultimately led her toward deeper self-awareness and service.The conversation also examines women’s empowerment, leadership, societal expectations, emotional healing, personal responsibility, and the importance of remaining loyal to yourself even when life demands difficult decisions.This episode is for anyone who has ever felt disconnected from themselves, trapped by expectations, or ready to step into a more authentic version of who they were created to be.Lauretta Zucchetti is a speaker and author helping women unlearn who they were taught to be so they can become who they actually are and create the life they deeply desire.Her work sits at the intersection of identity, self-trust, and conscious choice. With a background in international sales, leadership training, and transpersonal psychology (with companies like Apple Computer International and Xerox), as well as decades lived in the trenches of REAL life, she speaks about the patterns that quietly shape our decisions long before we’re aware of them.Her story includes rebuilding her life from nothing multiple times, moving between continents, holding senior roles in high-pressure corporate environments, and walking away from success when it required abandoning herself. Through these lived extremes, she came to understand how early conditioning, conditional love, and inherited beliefs can unconsciously dictate our relationships, careers, and sense of worth.Lauretta’s work is not about motivation or positive thinking. It is about making the unconscious conscious, about becoming courageously authentic, about recognizing when old stories are running new lives, and reclaiming the agency to choose differently. She speaks openly about self-betrayal, self-loyalty, and the moment when telling ourselves the truth becomes non-negotiable. It is at THAT point that everything changes: the impossible becomes possible, as we begin being the authors of our own desired future.Her work resonates especially with women and leaders who appear successful on the outside but sense a deeper misalignment within. Through her talks, she invites audiences to stop earning their right to belong, to be loved, or to be at peace, and to embody who they are meant to be, according to their true life purpose, independent of societal [email protected]://laurettazucchetti.com/

In this episode of Listen Bitch Presents: Tell Me Why You’re Special, Branden sits down with Ryan Matthews, former Army combat canine handler, TEDx speaker, author, entrepreneur, and founder of World of Dog Training and Instinct to Impact.Ryan shares his remarkable journey through combat PTSD, cancer, a devastating car accident, and a heart attack before the age of 30. Rather than allowing those experiences to define him, he used them as opportunities for growth, self-discovery, and leadership development.The conversation explores how trauma impacts trust, relationships, and personal identity, while highlighting the role of gradual exposure, accountability, and mindset shifts in overcoming fear. Ryan discusses his transition from military working dogs to civilian dog training and explains how the lessons he learned from thousands of dogs can be applied directly to leadership, communication, relationships, and human behavior.Branden and Ryan dive into topics such as resilience, emotional regulation, motivation, leadership styles, PTSD recovery, personal responsibility, negotiation, and why consistency matters more than intensity. They also explore the surprising ways dogs model loyalty, trust, emotional intelligence, and authentic leadership.This episode is packed with practical wisdom for entrepreneurs, leaders, parents, dog lovers, veterans, and anyone navigating personal adversity while trying to become a stronger version of themselves.Ryan Matthews is a former Army combat K9 handler, 2x TEDx speaker, published author, and founder of World of Dog Training. After overcoming combat PTSD, cancer, a serious car crash, and a heart attack by age 30, he now helps people rebuild resilience, leadership, and communication in high-pressure life situations. Ryan is known for translating lessons from dogs and horses into practical frameworks for trauma recovery, personal transformation, and stronger relationships at home and in leadership. His message goes far beyond dog training—it’s about becoming the calm, clear leader your life requires.https://train.worldofdogtraining.com/order-page

In this powerful episode of Listen Bitch Presents: Tell Me Why You’re Special, Branden sits down with Mike Gomoll, founder of Joey’s Song, a nationally recognized charitable organization created in honor of his son Joey.Mike shares the emotional journey of raising a child with Dravet Syndrome, a rare and severe form of epilepsy that profoundly impacted his family’s life. He opens up about the uncertainty of diagnosis, the challenges of special needs parenting, the strain placed on relationships, and the difficult reality of watching a child face obstacles most parents never imagine.Throughout the conversation, Mike reflects on Joey’s remarkable spirit, his love for music, and the lessons he taught everyone around him about joy, resilience, and living fully in the present moment. The discussion explores grief, anger, unconditional love, parenting, marriage, faith, community support, and the complicated emotions families experience while caring for children with significant medical needs.Mike explains how Joey’s Song transformed from personal heartbreak into a nationally respected charitable movement that raises money for epilepsy and neurofibromatosis research through music, advocacy, and community connection. What began as grief became a mission that continues helping countless families facing similar challenges.This episode is a powerful reminder that while tragedy may shape our stories, it doesn’t have to define them. It’s a conversation about turning loss into legacy, finding purpose through pain, and discovering hope in the middle of life’s hardest seasons.Joey Gomoll died in 2010, just shy of his 5th birthday, after battling a rare form of epilepsy called Dravet's Syndrome his entire life. Upon his passing, his family started  a charity called Joey's Song to help raise money to fund research grants focused on finding treatments and cures for rare, intractable, pediatric epilepsies. In the 15-plus years since Joey's death, Joey's Song has grown from a few acoustic guitars in a sports bar to a multi-day concert series featuring Grammy winners and Rock n Roll Hall of Famers (Members of bands like Cheap Trick, Guns N Roses, The Go-Go's, The Bangles, Tears For Fears, Garbage, Portugal.The Man, Goo Goo Dolls, Eve 6, Everclear and many more). This amazing collection of musicians gathers every January in Madison, WI. They volunteer their time and talent, and form a series of supergroups throughout the weekend for a one-of-a-kind concert event.Since its inception, Joey's Song has been a part of over $ 2 million raised and has had over 10,000 attendees in just the last two years.Joey's Song is the story of finding meaning in tragedy, of the amazingly generous spirit of the rock music community, and of how one family can turn a couple of emails into an event that impacts an entire community.You hear the stories of how artists who normally sell out big stadiums come together to play these amazing one-and-done shows. How the super groups are formed and some behind-the-scenes stories that will leave you in awe of these talented artists and maybe scratching your head about how it all comes together.https://www.joeyssong.orgBecause Joey's Song is a 100% volunteer organization - no paid staff and all of our performers donate their time and talent - we are able to take the bulk of ticket sales, donations, and merchandise sales and turn them into research grants.  Our website and social media provide regular updates and links to our various events and activities, and allow anyone to join us in our fight to end these terrible seizures that take lives and steal futures.By going to our website and following via social media, you will get access to incredible performances and the chance to win one-of-a-kind experiences - like artist meet and greets and signed memorabilia - all in service of our mission to fund this desperately needed research.

In this episode of Listen Bitch Presents: Tell Me Why You’re Special, Branden sits down with Tony Teneglier, creator of the podcast Work Sucks, But I Like It, for a deep conversation about burnout, workplace culture, fulfillment, leadership, and what it actually means to build a meaningful life.Tony shares his personal journey through career burnout after following traditional success paths that promised fulfillment but ultimately left him feeling disconnected. Together, Branden and Tony explore how modern work culture often rewards exhaustion, hustle, and status while ignoring purpose, relationships, and personal well-being.The conversation dives into workplace leadership, employee engagement, manufacturing culture, office politics, and the growing disconnect between personal values and company expectations. Tony explains how understanding people as individuals—not just employees—can dramatically improve workplace morale, retention, and performance.Branden and Tony also discuss authenticity in podcasting and social media, the dangers of chasing external validation, and why real conversations matter more than carefully curated online personas. They challenge the self-help industry’s obsession with shortcuts and emphasize the importance of discipline, consistency, and long-term growth.Tony shares insights from his PhD work studying flow states in the workplace and explains how organizations can create environments where people thrive rather than simply survive.This episode is for leaders, entrepreneurs, managers, employees, and anyone questioning whether success without fulfillment is really success at all.Tony lives by a simple standard: say what you do, do what you say.As the host of *Work Sucks, But I Like It*, an aerospace manufacturing leader, and an author, he challenges the myths around burnout, motivation, and success. With backgrounds in psychology and materials science, Tony brings honesty, discipline, and real-world experience to conversations about modern work—pushing people to stop waiting for motivation and start building integrity, mastery, and follow-through.https://worksucksbutilikeit.com/quiz

In this episode of Listen Bitch Presents: Tell Me Why You’re Special, Branden sits down with peak performance coach and life strategist Jessie Torres for a powerful conversation about trauma, resilience, fear, grief, healing, and personal transformation.Jessie shares her journey from surviving childhood abuse and shame to becoming a coach who helps others reclaim their lives. She opens up about how fear lived in her body, how trauma shaped her identity, and how years of survival mode created patterns that kept her small. Through courage, self-awareness, and intentional action, Jessie began rewriting the story she believed about herself.The conversation explores the difference between being victimized and becoming trapped in a victim identity, the role fear plays in controlling decisions, and how challenges can become opportunities for growth when viewed through a new perspective. Jessie shares how stepping into uncomfortable experiences—including fitness competitions and improv classes—helped her build confidence and break free from limiting beliefs.Branden and Jessie also discuss grief, faith, emotional healing, and the devastating loss of Jessie’s two brothers, including one who was murdered. Jessie explains how she found peace through processing grief, embracing what she calls “fierce grace,” and learning to find meaning even in life’s darkest moments.This episode is for anyone who has experienced trauma, loss, fear, shame, or self-doubt and is looking for proof that healing, growth, and freedom are possible.⸻For the last 18 years Peak Performance Coach and Life Strategist, Jessie Torres has coached thousands of High Performance People from all walks of life and various parts of the world that have achieved success and the highest level of fulfillment. Out of the top 120 coaches on the planet, Jessie ranked either number 1 or top 3 in every measurable category while working with the top coaching company in the world. Jessie is fueled by a passionate love for humanity and a burning desire to end suffering. She is driven to discover the truth of the client’s deepest potential and unlock the limitless opportunities that leave others in the dark ages! Bringing all levels of mindset, emotional intelligence, energy and strategy with an authentic, client driven approach. Jessie’s teachings will help you transform your life from pain or trauma into purpose and passion, what Jessie refers to as “Fierce Grace”.https://iamfiercegrace.com/https://unshakeablelife.com/life-coach

 In this episode of Listen Bitch Presents: Tell Me Why You’re Special, Branden sits down with Corwin (CJ) for a powerful conversation about faith, personal responsibility, resilience, legacy, and the transformative power of storytelling.Corwin shares lessons from becoming a father at a young age, navigating mistakes that carried long-term consequences, and learning how accountability became the foundation for personal growth. Together, they discuss how many people spend years blaming circumstances while avoiding ownership of their choices, and why true freedom begins when responsibility replaces excuses.The conversation explores faith in action, trusting God’s plan during uncertainty, and the difference between chasing social media validation versus building a meaningful legacy. Corwin shares how writing and storytelling can communicate biblical truth in a way that reaches people who might otherwise avoid traditional religious conversations.Branden and Corwin also discuss neuroplasticity, emotional resilience, gratitude, discipline, long-term commitment, and why personal growth requires awareness of the patterns that shape our lives. This episode is a reminder that your past does not have to determine your future, and that lasting change starts with intentional choices made one day at a time.If you’ve ever struggled with purpose, accountability, faith, or finding meaning beyond external validation, this conversation will challenge and encourage you.⸻Corwin “CJ Moneyway” JohnsonPodcast Host | Author | Entrepreneur | Resilience StorytellerCorwin “CJ Moneyway” Johnson is a globally recognized podcast host, best-selling author, and impact-driven speaker known for bridging faith, legacy, leadership, and personal transformation.As host of The CJ Moneyway Show — ranked in the top 2% of podcasts globally by Listen Notes — CJ sits down with world-changers, entrepreneurs, and cultural voices to explore stories that inspire, equip, and shift mindsets. Through deep, unfiltered conversations, he unlocks the blueprint of purpose and power, one episode at a time.He is also the creator and host of Planting Seeds with CJ, a newly launched show focused on spiritual growth, healing, and inner resilience — providing audiences with actionable insights for life’s toughest seasons.✍️ Author & MessengerCJ is the author of Both Eyes Open and Both Eyes Shut, two acclaimed works on faith, trauma, and personal growth. His highly anticipated third book, Faith Through Trials, drops in 2025 — a soul-level exploration of trusting the process when the path isn’t clear.📬 Connect • Website: https://cjmoneyway.com • Email: [email protected] • Socials: Available upon request or @cjmoneywayhttps://pod.link/1707761906

What happens when the thing you’ve built your entire identity around is suddenly taken away?In this powerful episode of Listen Bitch Presents: Tell Me Why You’re Special, Branden sits down with Janet Gesmi, a former professional violist whose career was shattered after a devastating car accident. What followed was a journey through grief, identity loss, faith, healing, marriage, and ultimately discovering a completely new purpose.Janet shares the emotional reality of losing the career she spent years building and the difficult process of separating who she was from what she did. She opens up about a pivotal conversation with her husband that forced her to confront questions of worth, love, purpose, and identity beyond performance.The conversation explores how suffering can become a doorway to transformation, how God often writes unexpected second chapters, and how beauty can emerge from life’s hardest seasons. Janet explains how her path eventually led her into translating life-changing books and bringing powerful messages to English-speaking audiences through language, faith, and storytelling.Branden and Janet discuss grief, spiritual growth, marriage, personal reinvention, purpose after loss, overcoming identity crises, and learning to trust God’s plan when life doesn’t unfold the way we expected.This episode is for anyone navigating a major life transition, career loss, unexpected hardship, grief, reinvention, or a season where God seems to be rewriting the script.Sometimes losing what you thought was your calling is how you discover your true one.⸻Janet Gesme became a translator by accident--or better said, by God' plan. She played viola and cello professionally for 29 before a car accident in 2015 ended her musical career. On that same day, a friend introduced her to a book by Martin Schleske. She ended up translating "The Sound of Life's Unspeakable Beauty" during her long, excruciating recovery. Now, 11 years later, she is playing viola again. Not just any viola, but the opus 304 "Schorschi" viola made by Martin Schleske. She is here today to talk about her translation of Schleske's second book, "Listening Hands: Eavesdropping on the Sound of Life.https://[email protected]/

Tori Janae joins Listen Bitch Presents: Tell Me Why You’re Special for a brutally honest conversation about childhood trauma, grief, addiction, emotional safety, nervous system healing, trust issues, survival patterns, and breaking generational cycles.Tori shares her story of growing up surrounded by drug and alcohol addiction, being conceived in a heroin rehab facility, and eventually becoming the person who broke a four-generation cycle of addiction and dysfunction. She explains how unresolved childhood trauma silently shapes adulthood through coping mechanisms like people-pleasing, hyper-independence, perfectionism, emotional isolation, and high achievement.This episode dives deep into nervous system dysregulation, emotional safety in relationships, grief processing, trust wounds, chronic stress, healing after loss, and how trauma affects the body physically, emotionally, and psychologically.Branden and Tori unpack the reality that many high achievers are unknowingly running on survival mode, driven by a “wound of not enough.” They discuss rebuilding identity after trauma, navigating difficult family dynamics, custody battles, addiction loss, and why healing requires emotional regulation rather than constant performance.Tori also shares practical healing tools including breathwork, yoga, journaling, magnesium glycinate, mindfulness practices, movement, and nervous system support strategies that helped her heal from deep emotional wounds.If you’ve struggled with trauma, grief, anxiety, people-pleasing, emotional exhaustion, trust issues, nervous system overload, or feeling stuck in survival mode, this episode will probably feel painfully familiar — and deeply validating.Tori is a Transformational Life Strategist who has been coaching since 2010, working at the root level of human change; the patterns, wounds, and nervous system responses quietly running people’s lives beneath the surface. She holds three degrees in psychology and brings rare depth through training in trauma, energy psychology, nervous system science, leadership, and spiritual development.Born into addiction and trauma, Tori rebuilt her life completely from the ground up and has since helped countless high-achievers do the same. Her clients don’t just transform themselves; their relationships shift, their businesses grow, and their families feel the shift.Tori is an open book and she speaks candidly about growing up with addicted parents, leaving home at 17, losing her family, rebuilding after financial loss, ending an 18-year marriage, and surviving grief and trauma. She brings warmth, directness, and hard-earned wisdom to every conversation. Your audience will feel both seen and genuinely moved.https://www.torijenae.com/opt-in-d7dec567-5a03-4245-b2fa-929599de006a

Tom Joseph, founder of Americans Mainstream Party and Main Street Party, joins Listen Bitch Presents for a heated conversation about election reform, political corruption, voter engagement, blockchain voting technology, AI-powered democracy tools, and the growing distrust in America’s political system.Tom breaks down his mission to rebuild the election process through a new app that matches voters with candidates based on actual policy positions instead of party labels. Using blockchain technology, encryption, AI, and local issue-based committees, Tom believes the current political system can be disrupted from the ground up.This episode dives into why so many Americans feel politically homeless, how party leadership and donor influence control elections, why voter participation keeps collapsing, and how modern politics has become more about power and money than representation.Branden and Tom discuss gerrymandering, media suppression, Super PACs, congressional strategy, digital democracy, voter psychology, election transparency, and why both Republicans and Democrats often protect the same establishment systems.Tom also shares his vision for restoring accountability, reducing campaign corruption, increasing voter participation, and creating a more transparent system where people actually feel represented again.If you’re frustrated with politics, exhausted by division, skeptical of mainstream media, or questioning whether democracy still works the way it was intended to — this conversation is going to challenge you.Tom Joseph is an innovator, business owner, and social activist. As the founder of Bookminders, he developed a transformative approach to outsourced bookkeeping and pioneered a remote-first employment model that prioritizes flexibility and work-life balance. As an activist and media producer, he launched Wilson's Fountain and America's Main Street Party, introducing a new method for nominating members of Congress. With a track record of leveraging technology for societal well-being, he applies a business-oriented approach to election reform.https://www.mainstreetparty.org/nominating-process

Scarlett Stanhope, known as The Biz Hippie, joins Listen Bitch Presents for a raw conversation about money mindset, self-worth, burnout, entrepreneurship, emotional healing, abundance, and the hidden pressure behind success.Scarlett opens up about going from a high-achieving workaholic battling depression, migraines, eczema, and emotional exhaustion to hitting rock bottom after a near-death experience that forced her to completely reevaluate her life. What followed was a journey from “business mode” into deep healing, self-discovery, nervous system work, and understanding the emotional relationship people have with money.This episode dives into the truth nobody talks about: money is deeply tied to identity, safety, childhood conditioning, self-worth, and emotional regulation. Branden and Scarlett unpack why entrepreneurs sabotage success, why abundance feels unsafe for so many people, and how chasing external validation can quietly destroy your peace.They also discuss entrepreneurship pressure, scarcity beliefs, financial comfort zones, spiritual bypassing, nervous system healing, abundance alignment, and the difference between performative success and genuine fulfillment.If you’ve ever struggled with burnout, money anxiety, self-worth, business pressure, fear of success, emotional exhaustion, or feeling like no amount of achievement is enough — this episode is going to hit hard.Scarlett also shares practical money mindset strategies and a free quiz to help listeners begin transforming their relationship with abundance and financial self-trust.Scarlett aka The Biz Hippie, teaches coaches to conquer their finances and own their worth so they can be fully supported by the work they love! Scarlett harnessed the power of money to break free from her workaholic career path and pursue her dreams. She uses a combination of tangible money management strategies as well as a variety of coaching techniques to help her clients transform their mindset and relationship to money, allowing them to strategically achieve their goals and live their best liveshttps://thebizhippie.com/quiz

Most people downplay what makes them unique. On  Tell Me Why You’re Special, I sit down with everyday people who’ve turned their experiences, struggles, and perspectives into something meaningful and we unpack the story behind what truly makes them stand out.It’s a real conversation about identity, growth, and the moments that shape who we become. You have a story,  I’d love for my audience  to hear it.Arky Jones is the creator of PersonalityPeek, a platform focused on helping people better understand themselves through personality insights, self-awareness, and personal growth. He combines personality concepts, Stoic wisdom, and practical self-help to help listeners gain clarity, improve their mindset, and build a stronger relationship with themselves.https://personalitypeek.com/

Angela Burke, author of Real Girl’s Guide to Midlife, joins Listen Bitch Presents: Tell Me Why You’re Special for an honest conversation about midlife identity shifts, motherhood, hormones, emotional burnout, purpose, and what happens when women wake up one day realizing the life they built no longer fits who they’re becoming.This episode dives deep into the emotional and psychological transition many women experience in their 40s and 50s — including parenting adult children, losing identity in motherhood, hormonal changes, nervous system overwhelm, grief, reinvention, and the fear of becoming invisible.Angela shares how she sat on the idea for her book for nearly 20 years before finally stepping into her voice and creating something meaningful from her experiences. Together, Branden and Angela unpack why so many women feel isolated during midlife, how society dismisses women’s emotional and hormonal struggles, and why small brave actions can completely change the trajectory of someone’s life.This conversation is raw, validating, healing, and deeply relatable for women navigating transition, reinvention, emotional healing, self-worth, parenting shifts, and personal growth.If you’ve ever felt exhausted, disconnected, overwhelmed, invisible, emotionally stuck, or unsure who you are anymore — this episode will make you feel seen. is the author of REAL GIRLS GUIDE TO MIDLIFE, is an award-winning marketing strategist, mother of three, bonus mom to four, and fierce advocate for women reclaiming their stories at midlife. She splits her time between California and Australia with her partner, proving that the best chapters often require a passport, grit, and zero apologies. You can learn more at www.realgirlsguide55.com or follow Angela on Substack.

Dr. Amanda Wilson joins Listen Bitch Presents: Tell Me Why You’re Special for one of the wildest conversations yet — connecting airway health, mouth breathing, childhood development, neurodivergence, trauma recovery, faith, and the hidden health issues most people completely overlook.This episode dives into why chronic mouth breathing, poor jaw development, and sleep-disordered breathing may be affecting everything from ADHD symptoms and bedwetting to anxiety, exhaustion, speech issues, and long-term health outcomes.Dr. Amanda shares her evolution from traditional orthodontics into airway-centered care, her late autism/ADHD diagnosis, and the spiritual transformation that took her from atheism to trusting God fully with her business and purpose.This conversation blends science, healing, nervous system regulation, faith, neurodivergence, trauma recovery, and personal transformation in a way that will absolutely make you rethink health from the inside out.If you’ve ever struggled with self-worth, burnout, chronic stress, parenting challenges, breathing issues, or feeling misunderstood — this episode is going to hit hard.I’m Amanda Wilson, an orthodontist, dental consultant, and dental advisor. After 10 years in private practice in the San Francisco Bay Area, I created StraightSmile Solutions®; an orthodontic consulting company that directly services primary care dentists and their unique needs.I consult on any orthodontic service, process, vendor, or procedure but ultimately my core values are airway focused (AirwayDontics™), non-extraction, non-surgical, early orthodontic treatment (My Phase 1 Smile™).I was inspired to start this business after I met my husband, a general dentist, in dental school at UCSF. He inquired about adding ortho to his menu of services and asked me which course he should take. I took a deep dive, and I was appalled by the lack of quality, airway-focused, holistic, comprehensive orthodontic education for General and Pediatric Dentists. I’ve always loved to teach, and I thought I could help save lives and airways by not only teaching primary-care, oral physicians how to do ortho the RIGHT way, but also making the process efficient and productive.On a personal note, I live in Honolulu and I love spending time with my husband and my teenage kids. I love the flexibility of orthodontic coaching because it allows me to travel with my kids who are both nationally ranked, competitive swimmers. Evan (20 years old) is an athlete at MIT and is aiming for 2028 Olympic Trials and Olivia (17 years old), isn’t too far behind him. Supporting my small business makes this dream possible for our ohana. Mahalo!I am a proud member of the neurodivergent community. This rare, genetic trait gives me special skills in spatial and pattern recognition, which allows me to quickly analyze a patient’s malocclusion. A very small population of females have this gift and I am honored to share it with other doctors. It also makes me fun, entertaining and quirky-If you’d like to learn ortho from someone like me, I’d love to teach you! Book a free, non-clinical consultation today!I am a disciple of Jesus but I happily consult with people of all faiths and values.https://linktr.ee/straightsmilesolutions

Dr. Albert Bramante joins Listen Bitch Presents: Tell Me Why You’re Special to break down the psychology of self-sabotage, fear of success, imposter syndrome, trauma, emotional regulation, and why talented people stay stuck. We talk performance psychology, visibility fear, entrepreneurship, acting, podcasting, and the subconscious patterns keeping people from reaching their full potential. If you’ve ever felt “not ready,” frozen, inconsistent, or afraid to fully step into your purpose… this one will punch you directly in the soul.Dr Albert Bramante is a seasoned talent agent with more than two decades of experience in the entertainment industry, holds a Ph.D. in Psychology from Walden University. Additionally, he is a certified Hypnotist and NLP Practitioner, bringing a unique blend of psychological insight and practical expertise to his work. Driven by a passion for both the performing arts and the human psyche, he embarked on a mission to empower actors to overcome self-sabotage and unlock their full potential.Throughout his impressive career, Dr. Bramante has achieved remarkable success as a talent agent, securing roles for actors in a wide array of productions including TV shows, films, commercials, Broadway, and Off-Broadway performanceshttp://www.albertbramante.com/

This episode of Tell Me Why You’re Special went deep into the emotional reality of building companies, carrying responsibility, sleepless nights, startup pressure, self-doubt, impact-driven business, and the hidden psychological weight entrepreneurs carry while everybody online thinks they’re “living the dream.”Jason shared the story behind building Relief, a company helping people trapped in debt and collections, while also talking openly about the pressure founders experience that nobody sees on social media.One of the strongest parts of this conversation was Jason’s honesty about success. He talked about how real success isn’t just money, vanity metrics, followers, or looking productive online — it’s impact, peace, responsibility, and building something that genuinely helps people.We also discussed: startup pressure investor expectations entrepreneurship myths financial stress debt stigma burnout resilience founder anxiety personal growth through failure responsibility in leadership ego vs impact the emotional toll of building a business Jason brought a calm, intelligent, deeply experienced perspective without pretending entrepreneurship is glamorous 24/7.No fake flexing.No “10X hustle bro” nonsense.No pretending founders have it all figured out.Just real conversation about pressure, perseverance, learning from mistakes, and continuing to build anyway.The debt conversation was especially powerful because it humanized something millions of people quietly carry shame around. Jason explained how debt affects families emotionally, mentally, and relationally — not just financially — and why transparency and practical help matter.This episode is for entrepreneurs carrying invisible pressure.It’s for founders exhausted from pretending they’re fine.It’s for people drowning financially who need hope without judgment.And it’s for anyone trying to build something meaningful without losing themselves in the process.Honestly, this conversation felt less like a business podcast and more like a reality check for ambitious people trying to survive their own expectations.⸻Jason is the founder of Relief, a transformative platform revolutionizing debt management for everyday people. With two successful exits under his belt, over a decade mentoring founders through Techstars, and experience teaching entrepreneurship, Jason brings a wealth of expertise and a passion for empowering others to thrive in the world of business and innovation. As Co-Chair of MIT’s REAP program, he’s shaping the future of entrepreneurial ecosystems.

In this episode of Listen Bitch Presents: Tell Me Why You’re Special, I sit down with coach Tash Lankester  for a brutally honest conversation about body image, diet culture, self-worth, fitness obsession, emotional eating, sustainable habits, GLP-1 culture, women’s health, and the psychology behind transformation.Tash Lankester  shares her personal journey from restrictive dieting and toxic relationships with food into a balanced, sustainable lifestyle focused on confidence, consistency, and self-respect rather than punishment and perfectionism.We discuss how diet culture impacts women’s mental health, how self-worth affects consistency, why people self-sabotage progress, and how modern fitness culture can quietly turn into obsession and emotional burnout.The conversation also dives into: body image struggles restrictive dieting emotional eating self-sabotage confidence building sustainable weight loss GLP-1 conversations habit formation women’s fitness fitness mindset food guilt all-or-nothing thinking discipline vs punishment realistic health goals consistency and motivation Tash Lankester explains why transformation starts with small achievable steps instead of overwhelming perfectionism, and why sustainable habits matter more than extreme short-term results.We also discuss how fitness trends have evolved over the years, how social media affects body image, and why so many women feel trapped between health culture and self-acceptance.If you’ve ever struggled with your relationship with food, your body, consistency, or your own self-worth, this episode is going to hit home hard.This isn’t surface-level wellness talk.This is the emotional side of transformation nobody talks about honestly.Tash Lankester, a body transformation coach who's helping women achieve something most people think is impossible: sustainable transformation that actually sticks.Tash has worked with hundreds of clients, and what sets her apart is that she doesn't just help women transform their bodies—she helps them transform their entire relationship with themselves and optimise their health in the process. She's seen women reverse PCOS symptoms so dramatically their doctors no longer recommend medication. She's helped busy women lose between 10-30kg while actually enjoying the process and falling in love with it. And she's built a community of women who don't just build their dream bodies—they gain confidence, clarity, and control over their bodies for life.But here's what's really interesting: Tash didn't start out as a coach. She struggled with her own weight and fitness journey for years. She tried every diet, every workout program, every supplement. Nothing stuck. Until she figured out the one thing that actually works—and it's not what most people think.In this episode, we're diving into the TLC Method, why most diets fail, what actually works for sustainable fat loss, and how to build a body you actually love. If you've ever felt stuck, hopeless, or like you've tried everything—this conversation is for you.https://www.tashlankester.com/

This episode of Tell Me Why You’re Special went deep into addiction, masculinity, military conditioning, mental health, fatherhood, emotional healing, neuroplasticity, radical honesty, and what it actually looks like to rebuild your life from the inside out.Seth is a Marine Corps veteran and performance coach who opened up about returning from Afghanistan carrying trauma, eventually spiraling into addiction, emotional suppression, and a psychiatric hospitalization in 2022. But what made this conversation powerful wasn’t just the struggle — it was the ownership.No victim mindset. No fake motivation speeches. Just brutal honesty about what happens when performance-based identity finally collapses.We talked about the pressure men feel to suppress emotions, how military culture conditioned him to disconnect from vulnerability, and how healing required him to stop numbing himself and actually feel life again.Seth also shared his journey into neuroplasticity, habit formation, self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and the daily disciplines that helped him slowly rebuild peace, stability, and self-respect.One of the strongest parts of this conversation was Seth’s honesty about fatherhood and learning how to become emotionally available instead of emotionally armored.We also discussed Marines boot camp, parenting, addiction recovery, self-compassion, PTSD, mental health, emotional regulation, and why real transformation is usually boring, repetitive, consistent work — not flashy overnight breakthroughs.This episode is for men who are silently drowning.It’s for veterans.It’s for parents trying to break cycles.It’s for people who are exhausted pretending they’re okay.And honestly… it’s for anybody tired of hiding behind performance while quietly falling apart.Seth here. Marine Corps veteran, performance coach, and someone who has been through addiction, shame, mental health diagnoses, and the slow collapse of everything I thought defined me. I didn’t just survive it. I rewired it.What I found on the other side was simple and it changed everything: I wasn’t broken. I was conditioned. And if I could be conditioned into those patterns, I could condition myself out of them and into the person I actually wanted to become.That’s what I call Armor to Alignment. No hype. No surface level fixes. Just real work that leads to real change.Your mess becomes your message. I’m living proof.Your mess becomes your message. I’m living proof. Let’s talk about it.https://www.linkedin.com/in/seth-payne-657787350Inst: seth.g.pn

In this powerful episode of Listen Bitch Presents: Tell Me Why You’re Special, I sit down with David Petrash — Navy submariner, pastor, entrepreneur, author, leadership speaker, and survivor of devastating personal loss — for one of the most honest conversations about faith, leadership, mental health, surrender, and rebuilding your life after collapse.David shares the deeply personal story of how infidelity, divorce, church collapse, emotional burnout, and a mental breakdown led to a complete unraveling of his identity and eventually landed him in a mental institution for three months. Instead of destroying him permanently, that season became the beginning of a completely different relationship with God.We discuss authentic Christian leadership, overcoming mental health struggles, surrendering control, rebuilding faith after trauma, leadership pressure, divorce recovery, emotional healing, letting go of outcomes, trusting God during suffering, and why real faith is often built in broken places.David also talks about his book The Ripple of Faith, his music projects including songs releasing on Spotify, and the importance of focusing outward instead of becoming consumed by fear, shame, or self-protection.This conversation dives deep into Christianity, spiritual growth, emotional resilience, healing from betrayal, leadership burnout, mental health recovery, purpose, obedience, and trusting God when life completely falls apart.If you’ve ever questioned your purpose, struggled with faith, carried hidden pain, or wondered whether God could still use your story after disaster… this episode is going to hit hard.This is not polished church talk.This is survival, surrender, rebuilding, and faith made real.David Alan Petrash is a submariner, pastor, businessman,and water-treatment professional whose life bridges faith,service, and leadership. He served eight years aboard U.S.Navy nuclear submarines as a nuclear engineer beforeembarking on a distinguished career in industrial watertreatment, where he became a Certified Water Technologist and award-winning corporate trainer with Nalco Water, Solenis, and Siemens.Alongside his technical career, David spent more than three decades as Senior Pastor of Grace Point Vineyard Church in Wolfeboro, NH and Connections Vineyard Church in Tucson, AZ, where he delivered hundreds of sermons that blend scriptural depth with everyday wisdom. Today, David and his wife, Trina, co-own City Wide Facility Solutions of Southern Arizona, a multimillion-dollar enterprise serving regional businesses. Drawing from his unique background - from submarine hulls to the pulpit and the boardroom - David writes with both authority and compassion, inspiring readers to live with faith, courage, and purpose.https://www.rippleoffaith.com/

In this gripping episode of Listen Bitch Presents: Tell Me Why You’re Special, I sit down with Gregg Owen — former Chicago murder prosecutor, former touring rock musician, and author of Convergence — to talk about high-profile murder cases, courtroom corruption, criminal psychology, and the hidden realities of the justice system.Gregg shares his unbelievable journey from performing music on tour in the 1960s and 70s to prosecuting homicide cases in Chicago during one of the most corrupt eras in the city’s legal history.We discuss murder trials, witness intimidation, Operation Greylord, courtroom strategy, legal corruption, jury psychology, missing evidence, prosecutorial pressure, criminal justice reform, and the emotional toll of handling homicide cases for decades.Gregg also opens up about the psychological impact of trying 61 murder jury trials, how courtroom tactics influence juries, and why defense attorneys play a crucial role in preventing miscarriages of justice.This episode dives deep into true crime, corruption inside the legal system, criminal investigations, high-profile murder cases, human behavior, trauma, ethics, and the reality behind media portrayals of the courtroom.We also discuss Gregg’s book Convergence, his transition from musician to prosecutor, and how his life experiences shaped his understanding of justice and human nature.If you love true crime podcasts, courtroom drama, criminal psychology, legal corruption stories, and behind-the-scenes murder investigations, this conversation is going to hook you immediately.Gregg Owen has lived two completely different lives.I’m a former Chicago murder prosecutor who took a very unusual path to the courtroom.Before law school, I was a touring rock musician who performed across the Midwest and opened shows for bands like The Doors. But a personal turning point led me to leave music, cut my hair, and apply for an internship with the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office.Within a few years I was prosecuting murder cases in Chicago’s 26th and California courthouse, eventually trying more than sixty jury trials — most of them homicides.My book Convergence tells the true story of a brutal double murder that was solved in days but didn’t go to trial for four years. The case unfolded in the middle of a courthouse culture so corrupt it would later trigger the FBI’s historic Operation Greylord investigation.Today I share the behind-the-scenes realities of homicide trials, courtroom corruption, and the strange path that took me from rock stages to murder prosecutions.In the late 1960s he was a touring rock musician, performing with major bands including The American Breed, whose hit “Bend Me, Shape Me” climbed the Billboard charts.Within a few years he traded the stage for a courtroom.Gregg became a prosecutor in the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office in Chicago, where he tried 64 jury trials — 61 of them murder cases. He later became the first Chief of the Gang Prosecutions Unit in Illinois, handling some of Chicago’s most violent criminal organizations.Today Gregg writes true crime drawn from the cases he personally prosecuted.His debut book Convergence tells the extraordinary true story of a brutal Chicago double murder and the four-year legal battle that followed.

In this emotional and deeply relatable episode of Listen Bitch Presents: Tell Me Why You’re Special, I sit down with Katie Boyer to talk about burnout, mental health, chronic stress, people-pleasing, healing, and rebuilding your life after emotional exhaustion.Katie shares her experience working in an extremely high-stress library environment that slowly destroyed her physical and mental well-being. She opens up about reaching a breaking point, experiencing suicidal thoughts, and realizing she could no longer sacrifice herself trying to meet impossible expectations.We discuss boundaries, work-life balance, emotional burnout, stress-related health issues, authentic living, self-care, mental health recovery, people-pleasing, toxic productivity culture, healing from overwhelm, and learning to prioritize yourself without guilt.Katie also shares the incredible physical and emotional changes that happened after reducing stress — including improved sleep, hormone regulation, weight loss, reduced anxiety, enjoying the outdoors again, and reconnecting with peace and joy.This episode dives into mental health awareness, emotional healing, stress management, authentic relationships, self-worth, recovery from burnout, and the courage it takes to walk away from environments that are slowly destroying you.If you’ve ever felt trapped in stress, overwhelmed by expectations, emotionally exhausted, or disconnected from yourself… this conversation will probably hit you straight in the chest.This is a powerful episode about healing, boundaries, reclaiming yourself, and remembering that your life matters too.

In this emotional and powerful episode of Listen Bitch Presents: Tell Me Why You’re Special, I sit down with Chris Smith, a man who survived being shot in the head, spent 49 days in a coma, and fought his way back from partial paralysis after a traumatic attempted murder.Chris shares the unbelievable true story of surviving a violent shooting during what was supposed to be a first date, waking up in the hospital after nearly dying, and beginning the long road of physical, emotional, and spiritual recovery.We discuss near-death experiences, miracles, faith in God, recovery from brain injury, overcoming trauma, resilience, survival, healing, purpose after tragedy, and rebuilding life after catastrophic loss.Chris talks openly about learning to walk again, regaining function after paralysis, dealing with emotional pain, reconnecting with faith, and discovering a mission to inspire others through his story, music, speaking, and memoir.This conversation also dives into divine purpose, perseverance, trauma recovery, hope, personal transformation, overcoming fear, surviving violence, spiritual experiences, and finding meaning after suffering.If you’ve ever felt broken, hopeless, defeated, or wondered whether purpose can still exist after devastation, this episode will hit hard.This is a story about survival, miracles, resilience, faith, and refusing to give up.November 24th, 2021, ChristopherSmith was shot in the head and left fordead. For 13 hours his lifeless body lay onhis kitchen floor bleeding out, with onlyhis dog, Tiki by his side. Leslie, thewoman he had his first date with, wasfound dead, execution style, behind hisChristmas tree. Both were shot by her ex-boyfriend. For 49 days Chris was in acoma and had gone through countlesssurgeries…but he woke up! To this day,Christopher Smith, not only walks aroundand describes his Near-Death-Experienceon the other side, but is also able to joke,garden, and SING in a ROCK BAND! Allof this has brought him to his mission…amission to help others from his tragedy,and to spread the message of hope, faith,and healing throughout the world.A testament to the human capacity to persevere against seemingly insurmountable odds, this isa story that will leave you amazed and motivated to never give up. As Chris would be the firstone to tell you—he’s no angel but it’s his down-to-earth humor that makes him unique. He’sbeen a sinner many times over, but the Lord looked down and saved him, and he knows howlucky he is. A great read.”— Paul La Rosa, author and television producer for the CBS News true crime broadcast “48Hours”. CONTACT:Christopher Smith:C: 636 679 0047E: [email protected]

In this episode of Listen Bitch Presents: Tell Me Why You’re Special, I sit down with Dale Montgomery, Director of Advanced Planning for a virtual family office, to talk about the hidden side of entrepreneurship, business growth, leadership, stress, delegation, tax strategy, nervous system regulation, and what success actually costs people behind the scenes.Dale breaks down the concept of virtual family offices and explains why many entrepreneurs making $1M+ still feel overwhelmed, overworked, emotionally exhausted, and trapped inside businesses that depend entirely on them.We discuss scaling challenges, delegation, limiting beliefs, burnout, mental clarity, decision fatigue, work-life balance, ego in entrepreneurship, and why focusing on “who, not how” changes everything for growing companies.This conversation also dives into nervous system health, brain-heart coherence, stress management, breathwork, personal growth, leadership development, tax planning, liquidity, business independence, and the emotional realities many high performers quietly struggle with.Dale explains how stress impacts creativity, relationships, problem-solving, and long-term business value — and why entrepreneurs need sustainable systems instead of nonstop hustle culture.If you’re a business owner, entrepreneur, founder, coach, creator, or high achiever trying to scale without losing your mind, this episode is packed with practical insight and real conversations most people avoid having.Dale is the Director of Advanced Planning at TRS Family Office and the author of The Virtual Family Office Advantage.His work is built around a simple reality: the more successful a business owner becomes, the more complex their financial life gets, and complexity without coordination creates blind spots.Dale helps business owners eliminate fragmented advice and move from siloed decision-making to a fully coordinated strategy. Through a Virtual Family Office and Team-Based Model, he serves as the strategic quarterback, bringing together elite specialists across five core areas, Tax Mitigation, Risk Management, Legal Services, Business Advisory, and Wealth and Legacy planning. The result is proactive, integrated planning designed to uncover opportunities, reduce inefficiencies, and protect long-term wealth.He also works closely with CPAs across the country who want to evolve beyond the traditional referral model. Instead of sending advanced planning opportunities out the door, Dale helps CPAs expand their advisory impact, increase revenue per client, and deliver higher-level strategies to their A and B clients, all without adding staff or overhead.By integrating coordinated advanced planning into the CPA relationship, he helps firms deepen client loyalty, elevate their role from tax preparer to strategic advisor, and build a more scalable, value-based practicehttps://TRSFamilyOffice.comDownload the audio version of my book, The Virtual Family Office Advantage.The book explains what coordinated planning looks like and how a Virtual Family Office model brings the right experts together across five key areas: tax planning, risk mitigation, wealth management, legal services, and business advisory. Listeners who feel like their situation is getting more complex will walk away with a clearer way to think about their decisions, and a better understanding of what “coordinated planning” actually means.Schedule a 15-minute introduction call (optional).If a listener wants help applying the ideas to their own situation, they can schedule a short call. The goal is not to sell anything on the call. It’s simply to learn what they’re trying to solve, answer a few questions, and see whether it makes sense to take the next step.