Chasing Greatness with Ben Sorensen

Bryan Chapman is a husband, father, business owner, hunter, and adventurer. In this episode Ben and Bryan dive into Bryan's drastic move from successful career to business purchase, intentionally deciding to do hard things, camaraderie built during extreme physical challenges, being an example for our kids, the idea that you must always be training, and so much more! Produced by - Ascentdigitalagency.com Book Ben - chasing-greatness.com

Tom Miaskiewicz in an AI strategist and AI consultant, in this episode Ben and Tom discuss the rapid evolution in AI in the past 12 months, AI in marketing, the continued importance for the human element, the rise of agentic AI, the idea that we are currently in the launch ramp of AI, and so much more! Produced by - ascentdigitalagency.com Book Ben - chasing-greatness.com

Amanda Prince is is a certified nurse practitioner, mother, wife, community leader, and health and wellness expert. In this episode Ben and Amanda dive into all things optimal health including hormones, peptide therapy, diet, exercise, parenting, and so much more! Produced by - ascentdigitalagency.com Book Ben - chasing-greatness.com special thanks to - sanavitadurango.com

Ricky King is a husband, father, business owner, and coach. In this episode Ben and Ricky dive into the parallels of business leadership and coaching sports, how to build a strong team, the idea that we can control our attitudes, effort, and belief in ourselves, priorities around being an active parent, self care, and so much more! Produced by - ascentdigitalagency.com Book Ben - chasing-greatness.com Special Thanks to - https://www.statefarm.com/agent/us/co/cortez/ricky-king-j1yrt5t86al

PC Lauinger is a father, husband, and business owner. Ben and PC dive into the differences between business ownership and being an employee, finding balance in business ownership, prioritizing family time, the importance of personal health, the idea that slower progress is still progress, and so much more! Produced by - ascentdigitalagency.com Book Ben - chasing-greatness.com Special Thanks to - www.gtglass.com

Maggie Emerson is a mother, money mentor, and entrepreneur. This conversation covers topics around how to create wealth and overflow without self abandonment, the power of our energetic relationship with money, philosophies around paying yourself what you are worth, pricing models, and so much more! Produced by - ascentdigitalagency.com Book Ben - chasing-greatness.com Special Thanks to - https://www.beaucoup-babe.com/

Kristen Johnston is a mother, community leader, and entrepreneur who owns multiple businesses. In this episode Ben and Kristen discuss the "blessing and curse" that is business ownership, lessons learned from different business ventures, personal growth through entrepreneurship, benefits of a seasonal business, balance, and so much more! Produced by - ascentdigitalagency.com Book Ben - chasing-greatness.com Special Thanks to - https://jackalopeacresfarm.com/ and https://nourishdurango.com/

Sean Murray is a father, marathon runner, and district attorney in Colorado's 6th judicial district. In this episode Ben and Sean dive into Seans experience on both the defense and prosecution side of the judicial system, the idea that there is nuance in criminal justice, Seans belief that with more common ground and communication the system can be more impactful, the human side of a prosecutor's job, what constitutes success, and so much more! Produced by - ascentdigitalagency.com Book ben - chasing-greatness.com Special Thanks to - https://www.lpcgov.org/departments/district_attorney_s_office/index.php

Stuart Buergler is a paramedic, community leader, entrepreneur and inventor. This episode we get to hear about Stuarts evolution from a first responder to an inventor and entrepreneur, the realities of starting a new product business in the medical technology industry, delayed gratification, need based evolution, perseverance, and so much more! Proudly Produced by - ascentdigitalagency.com Book Ben - chasing-greatness.com Special Thanks to - edsmedtech.com

Abi Lock is an elite runner, a writer, and a nutrition and running coach. In this conversation Ben and Abi dive into the power of perspective, the importance of valuing ourselves regardless of accomplishments, the importance of perspective, Abi's major injury set backs, moving through life with joy and curiosity, redefining identities, and so much more! Special Thanks to - https://hillsforthrills.com/ Produced by - ascentdigitalagency.com Book Ben - chasing-greatness.com

Chandler Sommerfeldt is a podcast host, coach, entrepreneur, mother, and athlete. In this episode Ben and Chandler dive into her 3 coaching pillars Mindset, Movement, and Nutrition- the idea that everything starts with mindset, that movement is medicine, and so much more! Produced by - http://ascentdigitalagency.com/ Book Ben - https://chasing-greatness.com/

Courtney Williams is a long time foster parent fostering over 70 children and adopting 6. She also hosts "The Foster Friendly" podcast. In this episode Ben and Courtney discuss the huge need for foster families, the fulfillment in helping others, balancing her own family with her foster calling, and so much more! Produced my - ascentdigitalagency.com Book Ben - Chasing-greatness.com Special Thanks to - https://americaskidsbelong.org/

Shaun Smith is a retired Army and Green Beret veteran, ultra runner, father, and business leader. In this episode Ben and Shaun dig into the power of saying "yes" and showing up for things, getting out of your comfort zone, looking at life's ups and downs as a "curriculum", and so much more! Produced by - http://ascentdigitalagency.com/ Book Ben - https://chasing-greatness.com/ Special Thanks to - https://fandmconst.com/

Michael Delisser is the owner of DeLisser consulting, a leadership coach, communications expert, and author. In this episode Ben and Michael discuss his new book "Leadership Accelerators" and the three leadership accelerators including Personality Preferences, Culturally Learned Communication Habits, Emotional Intelligence, and so much more! Produced by - http://ascentdigitalagency.com/ Book Ben - https://chasing-greatness.com/ Special Thanks to - https://www.delisserconsulting.com/

Dr. Barb Hughson is an entrepreneur, author, leadership coach, and visionary. In this episode Ben and Barb dive into all things leadership and explore the ways to expand capacity as a leader including the key pillars of Empathy, Grit, A Growth Mindset, and so much more! Produced by - www.ascentdigitalagency.com Book Ben - www.chasing-greatness.com Special Thanks to - https://www.drbarbhughson.com/

Avery Collins is a professional ultra runner and coach. In this episode Ben and Avery dive into Avery's long running career, the evolution of the sport of ultra running and Avery's evolution alongside the sport, the power of taking time off, the experience of having a signature shoe, and so much more! Produced by - http://ascentdigitalagency.com/ Book Ben - https://chasing-greatness.com/

Baird Kleinsmith is an entrepreneur, investor, community leader, and father. In this Episode Ben and Baird dive into wealth building, business ownership through acquisition, the benefits of living below your means, the feeling of "making it", the differences between buying a business and starting one, and so much more! Produced by - ascentdigitalagency.com Book Ben - chasinggreatness.com

Dr. Mario Torres-Leon is a Harvard, Yale, and Columbia educated physician with over 30 years of experience. He is also a serial entrepreneur and has founded multiple start ups as well as the president of Alive Partner. In this episode Ben and Dr. Mario discuss the unique background of Dr. Marios medical experience, the profound power of gratitude, the evolution of male and female relationships, the importance of "feeling" our emotions, and so much more! Produced by - http://ascentdigitalagency.com/ Book Ben - https://chasing-greatness.com/ Special Thanks to - https://www.alivepartner.com/

Josh Coon is a doctor of psychology, psychology professor, and a sport psychologist. In this episode Ben and Josh dive into the power of the mind as it relates to sports, the idea that pursuing challenging things contributes to a meaningful life, Josh's journey using running to fortify the mind, and so much more! Produced by - http://ascentdigitalagency.com/ Book Ben - https://chasing-greatness.com/ Special Thanks to - https://shift-psych.com/

Jimmy Lubonski is a father, community leader, retired first responder, and athlete. In this episode, Ben and Jimmy dive into Jimmy's experience with Murphing 365 days in a row followed but 365 days of hero wod's, running 100 milers, and more. They deep dive into the mental resilience required to complete huge challenges, the power in doing difficult things, how it feels to inspire others, showing up for family, and so much more! Produced by - http://ascentdigitalagency.com/ Book Ben- https://chasing-greatness.com/

Dave Albrechta is a father, attorney, small business owner, and community leader. After specializing in litigation services for many years, Dave has fundamentally changed his business model and his approach to conflict resolution- in this episode Ben and Dave dive into the challenges with traditional approaches to law, the revolutionary idea of integrative law, the courage to make meaningful change in business to better align with personal values and so much more! Produced by - http://ascentdigitalagency.com/ Book Ben - https://chasing-greatness.com/ Special Thanks to - https://www.aspengrovelaw.com/

Alex Miller is an entrepreneur and business leader. In this Episode Ben and Alex dive into Alex's recent acquisition of two businesses, the process of leaving the corporate world for entrepreneurship, the belief that there is a high likelihood of things working out, ways to communicate as business owners, overcoming fear while taking risks, and so much more! Produced by - http://ascentdigitalagency.com/ Book Ben - https://chasing-greatness.com/ Special Thanks to - https://animasglass.com/ and https://www.smartenterprises.net/

Paul Roberts is the Vice President of Durango Coca-Cola, father, community leader, and ultra runner. In this episode Ben and Paul dive into the power of running long distances, the opportunities to get to know others while on the trail, the power in taking risks, the importance of self belief when doing hard things, the significance of setting massive goals, and so much more! Produced by - https://ascentdigitalagency.com/ Book Ben - https://chasing-greatness.com/ Special Thanks to - https://www.durangococacola.com/

Jen Sokol is a certified business intermediary and business broker who specializes in the sales of "main street businesses". In this episode Ben and Jen dive into all things buying and selling a business including things to pay attention to as a business owner that might want to sell, industries that make sense for buying a business, the idea that you don't have to have experience in the industry to own a business, how important people are in business, and so much more! Produced by - http://ascentdigitalagency.com/ Book Ben- https://chasing-greatness.com/ Special Thanks to - https://colepartners.net/

Eric Hassel is a Navy Veteran, ISSA Certified Strength & Conditioning coach, bodybuilding coach, a CrossFit level one, and Kettlebell RX. In this episode Ben and Eric dive into Eric's experience using physical fitness to build a strong body and mind- the power of mental strength over physical strength, how freeing being in shape is, how to break through plateaus in physical fitness, the importance of doing hard things, and so much more! Produced by - http://ascentdigitalagency.com/ Book Ben- https://chasing-greatness.com/

Dr. Nicola Dehlingher is a doctor of naturopathic medicine and small business owner. In this episode Ben and Dr. Nicole dive into all things health and wellness including overcoming depression and anxiety, how social media distorts our perceptions of ourselves, transforming our inner critics into an ally and so much more! Produced by - http://ascentdigitalagency.com/ Book Ben - https://chasing-greatness.com/ Special Thanks to - https://puravidahealthcare.com/

Amber Andrew is a serial entrepreneur, homeschool mom, wife, and community leader. In this episode Ben and Amber dive into the realities of entrepreneurship, the willingness to take huge risks, the power in starting, the freedom that comes with starting over, and so much more! Produced by - http://ascentdigitalagency.com/ Book Ben - https://chasing-greatness.com/ Special Thanks To - https://www.theperfectdayco.com/

Joe Kuefler is a certified personal trainer, volunteer firefighter and EMT, small business owner, father, and community leader! In this episode Ben and Joe discuss the importance of physical fitness, Joe's work ethic and applying it to all things in his life, the surprising weight loss benefits of strength training, the importance of protein in our diets, and so much more! Produced by - https://ascentdigitalagency.com/ Book Ben- https://chasing-greatness.com/ Special Thanks to - https://www.hossfitcoaching.com/

Dwayne Perry is an athlete, world traveler, and personal trainer. In this Episode Ben and Dwayne dive into the concepts of self mastery, the power in experiencing other cultures, the importance of spending time in nature, taking things to the extremes, the power of meditation, Dwayne's experience with extended fasting, the "less is more" mindset, and so much more! Produced by - https://ascentdigitalagency.com/ Book Ben - https://chasing-greatness.com/ Special Thanks to - https://durangostrengthpro.com/

Sabrina Stanley is a professional ultra runner and running coach. In this episode ben and Sabrina dive into the power of truly believing in yourself, how self belief can get you started on big dreams, the power of going "all in", bouncing back in a huge way after her DNF on her first 100 miler attempt, the mind set necessary to win competitive races, and so much more! Produced by - http://ascentdigitalagency.com/ Book Ben - https://chasing-greatness.com/ Special Thanks to - https://sabrinastanley.com/about

Phil Zappone is a nurse practitioner, a certified personal trainer, small business owner, and father. In this episode Ben and Phil dive into the benefits of physical movement, using "dark fuel" to motivate you, the importance of finding your "why", the power in doing difficult things, and so much more! Produced by - http://ascentdigitalagency.com/ Book Ben - https://chasing-greatness.com/ Special Thanks to - https://alpinepagosa.com/

Dr. Haley Arias is a doctor of chiropractic medicine, a mother, a wife, a professor of biology, and an author. in this episode Ben and Haley discuss Haley's new book "When I can't see you", the profound impact grief can have on people, the power of supporting one another, the idea that no strong person has had an easy past, setting new standards for processing traumas within families, the benefits of talking through hard things, Haley's deep desire to help others in their time of grief, and so much more! Produced by - https://ascentdigitalagency.com/ Book Ben - https://chasing-greatness.com/ Purchase "When I can't see you" - https://mascotbooks.com/product/when-i-cant-see-you/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR3h-bbKH6icwScHjb-C4UD10oGj5qywzQ6uNh6062dVWubvJIDLfYbJTvI_aem_S_qiNSo7tHqKEPLmWD6FXg

Tabitha Zappone is a nurse practitioner and the owner of Alpine Medical Specialty Practices. In this episode Ben and Tabitha explore the idea that our body knows how to take care of itself, the power in looking at every aspect of your life including how you are moving, how you are eating, and how you are thinking, the belief that diseases can actually be reversed through diet and lifestyle changes, the fact that food can either heal you or kill you, and so much more! Produced by - http://ascentdigitalagency.com/ Book Ben - https://chasing-greatness.com/ Special Thanks to - https://alpinepagosa.com/

Lars Schneider and Bruce Jones are the co founders and partners of Mountain Men Disaster Restoration. They are both serial entrepreneurs, fathers, community leaders, and so much more. In this episode Ben, Bruce, and Lars deep dive into the keys to a successful business partnership, the benefits of learning your partner before you jump in, "fair and equal" in partnerships, the power of focus and becoming what you focus on, the idea that what got you to where you are today isn't going to get you somewhere you haven't been, and SO MUCH MORE. Produced by - https://ascentdigitalagency.com/ Book Ben - https://chasing-greatness.com/ Special Thanks to - https://mountainmendm.com/

Tom Miaskiewicz is the AI Strategist at Fort Lewis College, as an expert in AI he has helped start the AI Institute, hosts free AI workshops, and more! In this episode, Ben and Tom deep dive into all things AI, including multi modal developments, the impacts of AI in business and higher education, the importance of the human element of AI, ways that AI might impact economies and humanity in the future, the potential need for regulation in the industry, practical applications, and SO MUCH MORE! Produced by - http://ascentdigitalagency.com/ Book Ben - https://chasing-greatness.com/ Special Thanks to - https://innovation.fortlewis.edu/ai-institute Register for FREE AI Workshops - https://bit.ly/free-AI-workshops Resources Cited - "Machines of Loving Grace" essay by Dario Amodei: https://darioamodei.com/machines-of-loving-grace “Intelligence Age” blog post by Sam Altman: https://ia.samaltman.com/

Dot Clemens is the owner of Dot Rock Consulting, as a licensed CPA and HR professional with over 17 years of experience she helps business owners find balance in their business. In this episode Ben and Dot explore the concepts of self care, the power of energy, the idea of hiring a "chief energy officer", delegating and finding help so that you can spend time in your "zone of genius", and so much more! Produced by - http://ascentdigitalagency.com/ Book Ben - https://chasing-greatness.com/ Special Thanks to - https://www.dotrockconsulting.com/

Brittany See is the co-founder of Ascent Digital, the VP of Operations, and a digital marketing and advertising expert. In this episode Ben and Brittant dive into the challenges in starting a new business, Brittany's ability to overcome severe adversity in life, the power in staying the course, the importance of a strong community, the courage to take risks, and so much more! Produced by - https://ascentdigitalagency.com/ Book Ben- https://chasing-greatness.com/

Jason Swenk is the owner and founder of Adengy Mastery 360, host of Smart Agency Masterclass podcast, and is well known for digital agency growth, scalability, and exit strategies. In this episode Ben and Jason dive into Jason's journey as an "accidental entrepreneur", turning a skill set into a business, work/life balance, the power in delegating and hiring the right people, the importance of surrounding yourself with the right people, and so much more! Produced by - http://ascentdigitalagency.com/ Book Ben - https://chasing-greatness.com/

Dr. Nancy Utter is a naturopathic doctor and owner of Durango Natural medicine. In this conversation Ben and Nancy deep dive into natural health and wellness, human evolution and the relationship with modern stressors, the importance of lifestyle, diet, and stress and how they impact health and well being, the importance of sleep, how interconnected our minds bodies and souls are, and so much more! Produced by - ascentdigitalagency.com Book Ben- chasing-greatness.com Special Thanks to - durangonaturalmedicine.com/

Steve & Michelle Robbins are the founders and owners of Robbins Heating & Air Conditioning. In this episode we get to hear their story of getting married at 19 and starting their company in the same year, lessons learned over the last 20+ years in business, how they have maintained both a healthy marriage and a healthy business, perspectives on sustainable growth, building company culture, and so much more! Produced by - https://ascentdigitalagency.com/ Boon Ben- https://chasing-greatness.com/ Special Thanks to - https://www.robbinshvaconline.com/

Chief John Lee is a retired Seargent Major in the US Army where he spent most of his time with special forces, a current Fire Chief, a rancher, a small business owner, a father, and board member for LPEA. In this episode Ben and John discuss in depth leadership concepts, leading others in high-risk environments, balancing discipline and empathy, knowing how hard to push those you lead, the power of vulnerability in leadership, the importance of serving others, and so much more! Produced by- http://ascentdigitalagency.com/ Book Ben - https://chasing-greatness.com/

Brandon Laird is a father, entrepreneur, community leader, and the founder and chief pilot for Colorado Highland Helicopters. In this episode Ben and Brandon discuss Brandon's overcoming of extreme adversity- they discuss how Brandon has persevered through the loss of a helicopter and his wife 1 month apart- the power of resilience, the need for more intentional positivity, the highs and lows of business ownership, responsibilities as fathers, self care, and so much more! Produced by - https://ascentdigitalagency.com/ Book Ben - https://chasing-greatness.com/ Special Thanks to - https://coloradohighlandhelicopters.com/

Dr. Steve Elias is the dean of the Katz School of Business, has over 20 years of higher education experience, is the chair of La Plata County Economic Development Alliance, founder of the Center for Innovation in Durango, and so much more! In this episode, Ben and Steve dive into relationships in business, the intersection of higher ed and business, the power of organizations being mission oriented, the goal of helping students become creative thinkers, and so much more!

Natasha Swartley is an ultra runner, navy veteran, business owner, volunteer, medic, and so much more! In this episode Ben and Natasha deep dive what it's like "being at the feet" of so may runners and watching people do amazing things, the power in putting ourselves in environments where we can thrive and be ourselves, redefining the idea of success, strength and human resilience, the reward in sacrificing in order to build something meaningful, and so much more!

Suzy Phare is a leadership coach, HR consultant, owner of Real Ideal coaching, mother, community leader, and so much more! In this episode Ben and Suzy discuss the impact of asking empowering questions, the importance of intuition, applying leadership principles to parenting, the power of collective decision making, the concept of accountability in the workplace and the idea that accountability can't exist without expectations, and so much more!

Ryan Seare is a father, entrepreneur, runner, real estate investor, community leader, and so much more! In this episode Ben and Ryan dive into Ryan's approach to business, overcoming adversity, being a good role model, similarities between entrepreneurs and runners, healthy ways to cope with stress, the belief that moments when you are the most broken are the best opportunities to try new things, and SO MUCH more.

We'll dive into the mental and physical lessons learned from enduring a 100-mile ultra marathon and how these insights apply to the endurance challenges we all face in life, business, and careers. From the courage to take the first step, to the power of surrounding yourself with the right people, to the importance of mindset and resilience, this presentation will equip you with practical strategies to overcome obstacles, face challenges head-on, and push beyond your limits. Discover how to thrive through any storm, outlast the competition, and keep moving forward, even when the path gets tough.

Sloane Herman is a mother, a small business owner, a CMO, a community leader, and so much more! In this episode Ben and Sloane deep dive concepts like loving the hustle, listening to our higher callings, continual upward momentum in life, breaking stereotypes about working mothers, "doing it all" by juggling a full time job and raising a family, setting a strong example for her children, and so much more!

Maggie Guterl is a seasoned ultra runner, the athlete and event manager at Tailwind, the first ever female winner of Bigs Backyard Ultra, Cocodona 250 finisher, Hardrock 100 finisher, and column writer for Ultra Running Mag. In this episode Ben and Maggie discuss Maggie's battle with injury, how endurance sports have impacted everyday life, the idea of taking things one day at a time, the power in being willing to problem solve, opportunities to play the support role, the power of stoicism in our lives, the power of gratitude, the mindset to "just keep going" and so much more!

Episode 56 is the 1 year anniversary of the Chasing Greatness Podcast! We sit down with host Ben Sorensen for an interactive Q&A Session, answering questions sent in from the listeners! Produced by- http://ascentdigitalagency.com/ Book Ben- https://chasing-greatness.com/