The Empowered Life with Dustin Vaughn Warncke Podcast

Feature Links! EmpoweredLifeNation.com – Check out Dustin’s newly launched platform for his latest two books, an audio masterclass series, guided sleep meditation, companion workbook, and one-on-one coaching. Join the Empowered Life Nation Facebook group! https://facebook.com/groups/empoweredlifenation  In this powerful return episode, host Dustin Vaughn Warncke shares the profound personal and spiritual trials he has navigated over the last four years. From surviving a severe hit-and-run car crash to experiencing his heart stopping on the operating table, Dustin opens up about his near-death experiences and the unshakable peace he found in the presence of Christ. Moving beyond his personal testimony, Dustin introduces an exciting new chapter with the launch of his digital platform and community. He challenges listeners to wake up from the "bread and circuses" of modern media distractions, guard themselves against dark spiritual forces, and anchor their lives in a genuine relationship with God rather than organized religion. Key Takeaways The Launch of a New Community: Dustin officially announces his new brand, which offers digital products, an audio masterclass series, and guided sleep meditations to help people achieve their ultimate potential. Surviving "Job-Like" Trials: Over the past four years, Dustin has endured severe hardships, including financial scams, divorce, PTSD, a severe hit-and-run car crash in his Chevy Silverado, and a recent severe insect bite. Near-Death Experiences (NDEs): While getting an implanted defibrillator tested in 2021, Dustin's heart stopped, leading to a profound spiritual encounter where he received a telepathic message from Christ and felt absolute, unmatched peace. Spiritual Warfare & Discernment: Dustin emphasizes the reality of spiritual battles and shares the story of a former satanic priest who made a 180-degree turn to follow Jesus. Rejecting Modern Distractions: Listeners are urged to ignore the societal "bread and circuses" pushed by mainstream media and instead focus on living a life of purpose, meaning, and significance. Other Featured Links & Resources from the Show! John Ramirez: Discover the incredible testimony of John Ramirez, a former occultist and devil worshiper who turned his life around to follow Christ, at JohnRamirez.org. Chase Hughes: Check out Chase Hughes on YouTube for fascinating insights into modern cultural trends, human behavior and analysis. Link Tree (All the BEST Stuff!): https://linktr.ee/dustinwarncke 

Special Guests: The "Aggies Without Limits" (AWL) and Bridges to Prosperity Panel from New Mexico State University (NMSU) Co-Host: Tammy Bean Episode Summary In this heartwarming special edition, Dustin sits down with a diverse panel of students, alumni, and faculty from New Mexico State University’s Aggies Without Limits (AWL). This group travels internationally to developing nations like Nicaragua and Guatemala to build critical infrastructure—water systems, bridges, and health centers—for underserved communities. Moving beyond the engineering and logistics, the conversation dives deep into the human element of service. The panel shares powerful stories about the unbreakable bonds formed between volunteers, the humility learned from living with host families who have little material wealth but immense generosity, and how "suffering together" in the trenches of service work creates lifelong family dynamics. Dustin and the group explore how service acts as a "drug" that, once tasted, changes your trajectory forever. Whether it’s fixing a baseball field in Mexico, laying pipe in a Guatemalan trench, or simply being present for someone in need, this episode is a testament to the fact that when you give of yourself, you often receive far more in return. Meet the Panel Kenny Stevens: NMSU Faculty Advisor who has been with the group since 2007, completing over 18 projects. Molly Williams: Joined AWL in 2016; served as President for the Guatemala water project. Diana Jaramillo: Current NMSU Senior and International Project Manager; joined in 2022. Linnette Gutierrez: Outreach Coordinator starting her second year with the group. Daniel Gomez: Recent graduate and former Vice President/Local Project Manager. Naila Salinas: Former Project Manager and Treasurer, currently in her fourth year with the organization. Key Takeaways & Highlights The Bond of Service: The group discusses how three weeks of intense service work creates relationships equivalent to living with someone for a year. Strangers become family through shared purpose and adversity. "Don't Suffer in Silence": A core motto of the group introduced by Kenny Stevens. It emphasizes the importance of communication, vulnerability, and relying on your team when things get physically or emotionally tough. Perspective Shift: Several guests share how returning to the U.S. after living in communities with metered water or limited electricity fundamentally changed their view on American luxuries. Leadership in Action: How students with no prior construction experience (like Linnette repairing a bridge with a jammed finger) learn resourcefulness and leadership on the fly. The Universal Language of Help: Dustin draws parallels between AWL's work and his own experiences with fishing ministries for soldiers, noting that the heart of service is the same everywhere: it is about selfless giving without expecting a reward.   YOUTUBE SLIDE SHOW OF GUESTS: https://youtu.be/N6TfgwKtCqE Memorable Quotes "Service is almost like a drug... once you get into it, it's hard to not want to keep doing it." — Kenny Stevens "We don't fit in here... we want to travel to different parts and do something for somebody else." — Kenny Stevens (on the origins of the group) "When you put it all in God's hands... things started just happening. Things that you couldn't do yourself." — Dustin Vaughn Warncke "It’s amazing to see their joy... children playing with the water that was coming off their property... it made it all worth it." — Naila Salinas "Memento Amori: Remember that you must love." — Stoic Phrase Quoted by Dustin Vaughn Warncke Call to Action: Dustin closes the show with a reminder that you don't have to travel across the world to make a difference. Look for opportunities in your own community—whether it's volunteering at a food bank, helping a neighbor, or joining a service organization. Be the light in the darkness. Connect with Dustin: Website: DustinsProjects.com BusinessWithDustin.com Social Media @DustinsProjects @BusinessWithDustin Books: Available at DustinsBooks.com Join the Community: The Empowered Life Nation on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredlifenation

What really matters in the meaning and purpose of this life experience and embodiment?  What happens when a flood comes through your area and people who you know lose everything? We talk about the summer floods here in Central Texas and the meaning of life when disasters like this, manmade or natural, happen in our world. Learn more about Dustin Vaughn Warncke and connect with him the following ways. Text: [email protected] All the LINKS: https://linktr.ee/dustinwarncke  Some of Those Links: https://BusinesswithDustin.com (Full-Stack Consulting, Marketing, and Business Scaling) https://DustinsProjects.com (Creator Hub) https://DustinsBooks.com (Amazon Author Hub) https://DustinsPodcast.com (Personal Growth Podcast The Empowered Life with Dustin Vaughn Warncke) http://thebestoftheoutdoors.podbean.com/ (Outdoors Podcast by Dustin)

In this powerful episode of The Empowered Life with Dustin Vaughn Warncke, Dustin sits down with Steve Itzkowitz, the author of From Diseased to Destiny. Steve shares his remarkable journey of transformation—from battling illness and hardship to discovering renewed purpose, faith, and destiny. Listeners will be inspired as Steve unpacks the lessons behind his book, offering hope, resilience, and a reminder that even in life’s darkest moments, breakthrough is possible and there is always hope if you keep moving forward. His story is a testament to the power of perseverance, spiritual growth, and the pursuit of a greater calling. To learn more about Steve’s work and his book, visit www.FromDiseasedtoDestiny.com and you’ll find resources, inspiration, and tools to help you walk your own path from struggle to strength. And don’t forget to explore more episodes of The Empowered Life at www.dustinspodcast.com, where Dustin continues to share uplifting conversations designed to empower, encourage, and equip you for life and business.

Dustin and Lori go way back to their middle and high school years and even both attended the same college, Texas Lutheran University in nearby Seguin, Texas.  In this heartfelt and eye-opening conversation, Dustin Vaughn Warncke sits down with Lori, a compassionate professional in hospice and end-of-life care. Together, they shed light on one of life’s most tender and often misunderstood seasons—supporting individuals and families as they walk through the final chapters of life and how the body knows how to die which sheds insights on why certain end-of-life care is done with certain guidelines. As a Registered Nurse as well as a very emotionally intelligent, compassionate person,  Lori shares her journey into hospice care and the powerful lessons she’s learned about compassion, presence, mindfulness, and the dignity every person deserves at the end of life. From stories of meaningful connections with patients to practical advice for families facing difficult decisions, this episode offers both inspiration and comfort. Dustin and Lori also explore the deeper spiritual and emotional dimensions of hospice care, reminding us that end-of-life moments are not only about closure but about love, grace, and living fully until the very last breath. Key Themes Include: Understanding what hospice truly is—and what it is not. How hospice teams support both patients and families through care, counseling, and compassion. The importance of dignity, respect, and presence in end-of-life situations. Stories that reveal the beauty of connection in some of life’s hardest times. Spiritual and emotional takeaways for anyone seeking peace, healing, and perspective. This episode is an invitation to see end-of-life care through a lens of HOPE, not fear. Whether you’re facing these decisions now or simply want to be better prepared, Lori’s wisdom and Dustin’s heartfelt questions offer guidance and encouragement for the journey. 👉 Listen now and explore more empowering episodes at DustinsPodcast.com.

Outdoor TV, Radio, Podcast, Book, and Magazine outdoor celebrity Larry Weishuhn joins Dustin to talk about some deep  subjects about our roots, life lessons, and leaving a legacy to our children's children.   About Larry Weishuhn Larry Weishuhun is a professional wildlife biologist, outdoor writer, book author, artist, after-dinner speaker, podcaster, outdoor television and radio show host and life-long hunter/wildlife conservationist.  As a professional wildlife biologist he has established quality wildlife management programs on well over 12,000,000 acres. As an outdoor writer/television show host he has published over 4,000 feature articles, columns and blogs, has authored and/or co-authored nine award-winning books and written chapters for many others; he has appeared in over 500 outdoor television episodes. Larry has hosted, co-hosted, owned and produced many award winning outdoor television series. He currently serves as a co-host for the weekly “A Sportsman’s Life” with Luke Clayton and Jeff Rice, which can be seen on CarbonTV.com and YouTube.Larry currently does three weekly podcast: “DSC’s Campfires with Larry Weishuhn” which airs on Spotify, Applepodcasts, Carbontv.com, waypointtv.com and elsewhere; “Campfire Talk with Luke and Larry” on Sporting Classics Daily as well as many other platforms; “Catfish Radio with Luke Clayton and Friends” which can be listened to on CarbonTV.com.  Larry too has been doing a weekly outdoor radio show with Luke Clayton since 2007, “Luke Clayton Outdoors”.Even though known universally as “Mr. Whitetail” Larry has hunted extensively on six continents.  In 2007 he was inducted into the “National Legends of the Outdoors Hall of Fame” and that same year received the very sparingly presented “Zeiss Lifetime Achievement Award”.  Long involved in wildlife conservation and hunting Larry serves as a Brand Ambassador for Hornady, and long served as the “DSC (Dallas Safari Club) Ambassador”. Learn more about Dustin Vaughn Warncke and connect with him the following ways. Text: [email protected] All the LINKS: https://linktr.ee/dustinwarncke  Some of Those Links: https://BusinesswithDustin.com (Full-Stack Consulting, Marketing, and Business Scaling) https://DustinsProjects.com (Creator Hub) https://DustinsBooks.com (Amazon Author Hub) https://DustinsPodcast.com (Personal Growth Podcast The Empowered Life)

Let's Face It, Most of us have "too much stuff". On this episode, Dustin talks about his journey of minimizing all of the clutter and storage unit expenses by letting go of things he owned, LOTS of extra "stuff", that was holding him back and giving away and selling things that didn't add value to his life any more.   Brought to you by EVER HOPE https://Ever-Hope.com   Learn more about Dustin Vaughn Warncke and connect with him the following ways. Text: [email protected] All the LINKS: https://linktr.ee/dustinwarncke  Some of Those Links: https://BusinesswithDustin.com (Full-Stack Consulting, Marketing, and Business Scaling) https://DustinsProjects.com (Creator Hub) https://DustinsBooks.com (Amazon Author Hub) https://DustinsPodcast.com (Personal Growth: The Empowered Life)  

Dustin rides solo on this podcast and teaches some humorous ways to tackle challenges, and adversities that we all face in life using "Double Negative Statements" and adding other perspectives that engage our gratitude for the things that are going right in our lives.    Brought to you by EVER HOPE: https://Ever-Hope.com   Learn more about Dustin Vaughn Warncke and connect with him the following ways. Text: [email protected] All the LINKS: https://linktr.ee/dustinwarncke  Some of Those Links: https://BusinesswithDustin.com (Full-Stack Consulting, Marketing, and Business Scaling) https://DustinsProjects.com (Creator Hub) https://DustinsBooks.com (Amazon Author Hub) https://DustinsPodcast.com (Personal Growth: The Empowered Life)  

Dustin talks about how to experience God's "voice", how to understand how and when the Divine communicates with us in Spirit. Focusing on calmness helps us find peace. Let's have a GREAT DAY and AWESOME LIFE! The goal of this podcast is to help you adjust your expectations and adapt your goals to your success in living an intentional optimized life with empowering resilience.  Sponsored by EVER HOPE Inspirational Cuff Bracelets at https://Ever-Hope.com. Learn more about Dustin Vaughn Warncke and connect with him the following ways. Email Dustin: [email protected] https://BusinesswithDustin.com (Full-Stack Consulting, Marketing, and Business Scaling) https://DustinsProjects.com (Creator Hub) https://DustinsBooks.com (Amazon Author Hub) https://DustinsPodcast.com (Podcast Hub for THIS SHOW!)

Dustin shares some solo thoughts on what TRULY Matters in Life with some world view perspective. This show is all about helping you have a better day and AWESOME LIFE! The goal of this podcast is to help you adjust your expectations and adapt your goals to your success in living an intentional optimized life with empowering resilience.  Sponsored by EVER HOPE Inspirational Cuff Bracelets at https://Ever-Hope.com. Learn more about Dustin Vaughn Warncke and connect with him the following ways. TEXT DUSTIN: (512) 497-7674 Email Dustin: [email protected] https://BusinesswithDustin.com (Full-Stack Consulting, Marketing, and Business Scaling) https://DustinsProjects.com (Creator Hub) https://DustinsBooks.com (Amazon Author Hub) https://DustinsPodcast.com (Podcast Hub for THIS SHOW!)

Dustin features some motivational and inspirational personal development ideas and features a compilation of some of his video content from social media channels. All to help you have a better day and AWESOME LIFE! The goal of this podcast is to help you adjust your expectations and adapt your goals to your success in living an intentional optimized life with empowering resilience.  Sponsored by EVER HOPE Inspirational Cuff Bracelets at https://Ever-Hope.com. Learn more about Dustin Vaughn Warncke and connect with him the following ways. Email Dustin: [email protected] https://BusinesswithDustin.com (Full-Stack Consulting, Marketing, and Business Scaling) https://DustinsProjects.com (Creator Hub) https://DustinsBooks.com (Amazon Author Hub) https://DustinsPodcast.com (Podcast Hub for THIS SHOW!)

Dustin discusses some perspective-changing points about gratitude and many other growth areas which can help us to see life in a more meaningful way.  The goal of this podcast is to help you adjust your expectations and adapt your goals to your success in living an intentional optimized life with empowering resilience.  Sponsored by EVER HOPE Inspirational Cuff Bracelets at https://Ever-Hope.com. Learn more about Dustin Vaughn Warncke and connect with him the following ways. Email Dustin: [email protected] https://BusinesswithDustin.com (Full-Stack Consulting, Marketing, and Business Scaling) https://DustinsProjects.com (Creator Hub) https://DustinsBooks.com (Amazon Author Hub) https://DustinsPodcast.com (Podcast Hub for THIS SHOW!)

Dustin shares an interview with Rev. Dr. Lee Witting on NDE RADIO WITH LEE WITTING, a weekly podcast. This show features Dustin talking about his own NDE (Near Death Experience) and STE's (Spiritually Transformative Experience) how how they effected him and what he has learned from the lessons taught from other experiences and his own. The goal of this podcast is to help you adjust your expectations and adapt your goals to your success in living an intentional optimized life with empowering resilience.  Sponsored by EVER HOPE Inspirational Cuff Bracelets at https://Ever-Hope.com.   Learn more about Dustin Vaughn Warncke and connect with him the following ways.Email Dustin: [email protected] https://BusinesswithDustin.com (Full-Stack Consulting, Marketing, and Business Scaling) https://DustinsProjects.com (Creator Hub) https://DustinsBooks.com (Amazon Author Hub) https://DustinsPodcast.com (Podcast Hub for THIS SHOW!)

Dustin covers a name his clients give him when he is called in to handle situations when they go sideways, which can sometimes happen in business and personal relationships. Based on the movie OCEANS 11, the term "Greaseman" refers to the person or people who get a job done from the inside and, in the case of tactical empathy, the "Cooler" that comes in an diffuses conflict, effectively smoothing things over in a give situation. Dustin discusses some best practices for how to handle "live wire" types of situations and how to remain calm under pressure.  Sponsored by EVER HOPE Inspirational Cuff Bracelets at https://Ever-Hope.com. Learn more about Dustin Vaughn Warncke and connect with him the following ways. Email Dustin: [email protected] https://BusinesswithDustin.com (Full-Stack Consulting, Marketing, and Business Scaling) https://DustinsProjects.com (Creator Hub) https://DustinsBooks.com (Amazon Author Hub) https://DustinsPodcast.com (Podcast Hub for THIS SHOW!)   The goal of this podcast is to help you adjust your expectations and adapt your goals to your success in living an intentional optimized life with empowering resilience.  Sponsored by EVER HOPE Inspirational Cuff Bracelets at https://Ever-Hope.com. Learn more about Dustin Vaughn Warncke and connect with him the following ways. Email Dustin: [email protected] https://BusinesswithDustin.com (Full-Stack Consulting, Marketing, and Business Scaling) https://DustinsProjects.com (Creator Hub) https://DustinsBooks.com (Amazon Author Hub) https://DustinsPodcast.com (Podcast Hub for THIS SHOW!)  

The goal of this podcast is to help you adjust your expectations and adapt your goals to your success in living an intentional optimized life with empowering resilience.  Sponsored by EVER HOPE Inspirational Cuff Bracelets at https://Ever-Hope.com. Learn more about Dustin Vaughn Warncke and connect with him the following ways. Email Dustin: [email protected] https://BusinesswithDustin.com (Full-Stack Consulting, Marketing, and Business Scaling) https://DustinsProjects.com (Creator Hub) https://DustinsBooks.com (Amazon Author Hub) https://DustinsPodcast.com (Podcast Hub for THIS SHOW!)    

Dustin shares a recent business situation that went "sideways" and how he handles it with tactical emotional intelligence response instead of getting overheated and "reacting" as is usually default mode in our human wiring and modern world. The goal of this podcast is to help you adjust your expectations and adapt your goals to your success in living an intentional optimized life with empowering resilience.  Sponsored by EVER HOPE Inspirational Cuff Bracelets at https://Ever-Hope.com. Learn more about Dustin Vaughn Warncke and connect with him the following ways. Email Dustin: [email protected] https://BusinesswithDustin.com (Full-Stack Consulting, Marketing, and Business Scaling) https://DustinsProjects.com (Creator Hub) https://DustinsBooks.com (Amazon Author Hub) https://DustinsPodcast.com (Podcast Hub for THIS SHOW!)    

We are never going to rid of our problems we face during this lifetime. Living in peace means dealing with adversity head on and "Taking the Bull by the Horns", so to speak. There is always hope and if you are listening to this and the world has beat you up, it's time to OVERCOME. Let's do this together! Sponsored by EVER HOPE Inspirational Cuff Bracelets at https://Ever-Hope.com. Learn more about Dustin Vaughn Warncke and connect with him the following ways. Email Dustin: [email protected] https://BusinesswithDustin.com (Full-Stack Consulting, Marketing, and Business Scaling) https://DustinsProjects.com (Creator Hub) https://DustinsBooks.com (Amazon Author Hub) https://DustinsPodcast.com (Podcast Hub for THIS SHOW!)  

We sometimes face adversity and miss the blessings in the lessons life is trying to teach us. Understanding that we will either in coming into a crisis, going through the middle of a crisis, or coming out of a crisis, in our lives is part of our growth process. Learn the lessons in your journey and always know that there is hope.   Sponsored by EVER HOPE Inspirational Cuff Bracelets at https://Ever-Hope.com. Learn more about Dustin Vaughn Warncke and connect with him the following ways. Email Dustin: [email protected] https://BusinesswithDustin.com (Full-Stack Consulting, Marketing, and Business Scaling) https://DustinsProjects.com (Creator Hub) https://DustinsBooks.com (Amazon Author Hub) https://DustinsPodcast.com (Podcast Hub for THIS SHOW!)

Dustin shares a recording of one of his most-renowned spiritual devotionals, which was recorded in front of an audience of soldiers stationed at Fort Hood/(now known as Fort Cavazos) at a bi-annual Cross Water Outfitters Fishing Ministry event. This devotion covers the challenges we all face in life and how we can overcome and adapt to the changes and “curveballs” that life throws at us. Change is the only thing that stays the same so the goal of this podcast is to help you adjust your expectations and adapt your goals to your success in living an intentional optimized life with empowering resilience.  Learn more about the fishing minstry and consider supporting: https://CrossWaterOutfitters.org  Sponsored by EVER HOPE Inspirational Cuff Bracelets at https://Ever-Hope.com. Learn more about Dustin Vaughn Warncke and connect with him the following ways. Email Dustin: [email protected] https://BusinesswithDustin.com (Full-Stack Consulting, Marketing, and Business Scaling) https://DustinsProjects.com (Creator Hub) https://DustinsBooks.com (Amazon Author Hub) https://DustinsPodcast.com (Podcast Hub for THIS SHOW!)

The rain falls on all of us. We never fully get rid of all of our problems, change is inevitable, and there always seems to be a "fire to put out". Dustin explores some perspective for when life throws you a "curveball". Sponsored by EVER HOPE Inspirational Cuff Bracelets at https://Ever-Hope.com. Learn more about Dustin Vaughn Warncke and connect with him the following ways. (512) 497-7674 (Text Me Questions or Subjects for Upcoming Shows!) Email Dustin: [email protected] https://BusinesswithDustin.com (Full-Stack Consulting, Marketing, and Business Scaling) https://DustinsProjects.com (Creator Hub) https://DustinsBooks.com (Amazon Author Hub) https://DustinsPodcast.com (Podcast Hub for THIS SHOW!)

Dustin interviews his son Jackson on this special episode and asks him some questions about pas, present, and the future of his life and worldview. Jackson is 15 years old and has some great insights of what it means to be a young man facing a brave new world of fast-paced change as he blazes a trail into his future.   Sponsored by EVER HOPE Inspirational Cuff Bracelets at https://Ever-Hope.com. Learn more about Dustin Vaughn Warncke and connect with him the following ways. Email Dustin: [email protected] https://BusinesswithDustin.com (Full-Stack Consulting, Marketing, and Business Scaling) https://DustinsProjects.com (Creator Hub) https://DustinsBooks.com (Amazon Author Hub) https://DustinsPodcast.com (Podcast Hub for THIS SHOW!)

In this show, Dustin Vaughn Warncke explores the Vietnam War story of Steve Guardipee and Steve Story who were shot down in a scout helicopter (LOACH) while on a reconnaissance/recover mission in 1972. They crashed in an enemy base camp and had Steve Story heroically saved Steve Gardipee and wouldn't leave him behind. What happened in the meantime was Gardipee's amazing experience with our Heavenly Father, the Source of all creation, and he learned what happened to us after this life through his experience. Steve is a personal friend of Dustin and has done several interviews about his after life experience with God, who is literally made up of LOVE. Dustin gives some takeaways before and after this testimony, which was originally recorded over 10 years ago.  Sponsored by EVER HOPE Inspirational Cuff Bracelets at https://Ever-Hope.com. Learn more about Dustin Vaughn Warncke and connect with him the following ways. Email Dustin: [email protected] https://BusinesswithDustin.com (Full-Stack Consulting, Marketing, and Business Scaling) https://DustinsProjects.com (Creator Hub) https://DustinsBooks.com (Amazon Author Hub) https://DustinsPodcast.com (Podcast Hub for THIS SHOW!)  

Dustin opens this new podcast with a message of enduring hope and God's grace and reads a chapter from one of his books, An Intentional Optimized Life, titled "Who You Really Are"... Sponsored by EVER HOPE Inspirational Cuff Bracelets at https://Ever-Hope.com. Learn more about Dustin Vaughn Warncke and connect with him the following ways. Email Dustin: [email protected] https://BusinesswithDustin.com (Full-Stack Consulting, Marketing, and Business Scaling) https://DustinsProjects.com (Creator Hub) https://DustinsBooks.com (Amazon Author Hub) https://DustinsPodcast.com (Podcast Hub for THIS SHOW!)