The Sean Trace Show

Life can hit hard sometimes.Stress, setbacks, rejection, failure, overwhelm, all of it can make you feel like you’re falling behind or getting crushed by the pressure.In this episode of The Sean Trace Show, I break down 5 science-backed ways to become more resilient, mentally, emotionally, and physically.We talk about:• Why stress might actually be helping you grow• The mindset shift that changes pressure into power• Why relationships are critical for resilience• How small actions create momentum• The Stoic idea of controlling what you can control• Why purpose gives suffering meaningI also share personal stories about:• Working on a Ron Howard movie after almost saying no• Fighting through serious illness and recovery• Failing multiple times before making sports teams• Building resilience through family, business, fitness, and purposeIf you’ve been struggling lately, feeling overwhelmed, burned out, or uncertain about the future, I hope this conversation reminds you of one thing:You’re still here.And sometimes that’s where resilience begins.If this video helped you, subscribe, share it with someone who needs it, and let me know in the comments:What helps YOU stay resilient when life gets difficult?#Resilience #MentalStrength #Motivation #SelfImprovement #Mindset #SeanTraceShow

I don't have many conversations that stop me in my tracks, but this one with Allie Tetrick did exactly that. Allie is a three-time world champion professional cyclist, a biochemist, and a born-and-raised California cowgirl who found her way into competitive cycling almost by accident - buying a bike to surprise her grandfather and never really looking back.But this episode isn't about trophies. Allie opened up about being life-flighted off a course, surviving a traumatic brain injury, and making the mistake so many high performers make:  coming back too fast, for all the wrong reasons. What pulled her out wasn't another race. She was finally deciding to do it for herself and no one else.We got into the difference between results and effort, why hustle culture glorification does more harm than good, and what it really takes to build community for women in sport. As a dad raising a daughter, that last part hit me especially hard. Her advice to her younger self? Wear the boots. Own your truth. Stop shrinking to fit a mold that was never made for you.What's one thing you've been shrinking about yourself to fit in, and what would change if you just decided to own it?

In this episode, I sit down with Lauren Soper to unpack what really holds people back from taking action in their lives, careers, and personal growth. We dive into the psychology behind fear, procrastination, and the bystander effect, and why so many of us wait for the “right time” instead of making a decision in the moment. Lauren shares her journey from staying small and avoiding being seen to stepping into leadership, public speaking, and even running for local office, all while raising five kids and building a career in financial services. We talk about mindset shifts, the power of writing to clear mental noise, and how taking responsibility instead of blaming others can completely change your trajectory. I also open up about my own transitions, identity shifts, and the importance of continuing to show up even when things feel uncertain. This conversation is really about building courage in small moments, embracing discomfort, and realizing that growth doesn’t come from waiting—it comes from doing.If you’ve been putting something off or telling yourself “later,” what’s one thing you can finally take action on today?

In this episode, I sit down with Scott Winter, founder of Collaborative Commons, who has spent 40 years doing performance improvement, organizational development, and disaster preparedness work. What started with a high school fight and a principal's punishment became a lifelong calling to help people discover what's already inside them. Scott breaks down why struggle isn't a sign that something's wrong, it's the first signal that you're actually learning. We get into the science of flow states, why identity-based habits beat goal-setting every time, and how the simple act of choosing - one rung at a time - is more powerful than any motivational shortcut out there. I also open up about a cancer scare that rewired my priorities overnight, how a moment with my daughter reminded me that leadership lives in the small moments, and why the people you let into your circle will either expand or shrink what you believe is possible for yourself. If you've ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, or like your life just needs a reset, this conversation is your ladder.What's one identity you've been afraid to claim for yourself, and what's one small step you could take today to start living it?

In this episode, I sit down with keynote speaker and singer-songwriter Rachel Druckenmiller to unpack what it really means to get unmuted - at work, in life, and within yourself. Rachel shares the five reasons people silence themselves, from fear and self-doubt to imposter syndrome and perfectionism, and why so many of us are living dimmed-down versions of who we're meant to be. We get into her personal story of burning out as a corporate well-being director, getting hit by a truck mid-run and sustaining a spinal fracture, and how both of those blindside moments became catalysts for her biggest transformations. We also go deep on why struggle is often the doorway to meaning, how to borrow other people's belief in you when you've lost your own, and the one question her father taught her that can shift everything when you're feeling stuck. This is one of the most raw and honest conversations I've had on this show, and I think it'll hit home for anyone who's been holding themselves back and wondering when they're finally going to show up fully.What's one area of your life where you know you've been muting yourself, and what's the fear that's been keeping you quiet?

In this episode, I sat down with health and fitness coach Caleb Whittle - a former decade-long marketing pro turned coach, to get real about what it actually takes to build a body and a lifestyle that holds up long-term. We talked about why movement has to be planned, not hoped for, especially as life gets busier and the stakes get higher. Caleb breaks down how muscle mass is one of the single greatest predictors of longevity and fall prevention as we age, and why your brain fog might disappear faster than you think once you clean up your diet. We got into the truth about sustainable weight loss, the calories-in-versus-calories-out equation, and why most people sabotage themselves by switching things up too soon instead of trusting the process. We also explored what it looks like to protect your personal time as a busy parent and business owner, how to overcome gym anxiety, and why three days a week of strength training is genuinely enough to start seeing results.If you've been waiting for the "right time" to get serious about your health, Caleb makes it clear: the formula is simple, the timeline just requires more patience than most people give it.What's the one thing you keep telling yourself you'll start "next week" when it comes to your health, and what's actually stopping you from starting tomorrow?

In this episode of The Sean Trace Show, I sit down with retired US Army Special Forces officer Mark Grdovic for a powerful conversation about leadership, courage, resilience, and what it really means to step toward hard things when most people instinctively pull back. We talk about the mindset behind volunteering for the unknown, how elite teams are built under pressure, and why real leadership is not about control but about earning trust, casting vision, and preparing people to think for themselves when things get messy. Mark also shares lessons from his years in Special Forces, his work as an instructor, and the deeper meaning behind his book Those Who Face Death. This conversation goes far beyond the military and into the real-world struggles people face in business, family, personal growth, and everyday life. Have you ever had a moment where running toward the hard thing changed who you became?

On The Sean Trace Show, I sit down with Kyle Shepard, a Navy audiologist and resilience expert, and this conversation completely changed how I think about stress. We break down why stress isn’t something to avoid, it’s something to train with, and how learning to function with it, recover from it, and grow because of it can reshape how you show up as a parent, leader, and human.What if the stress you’re feeling right now is actually trying to level you up?

In this episode, I sat down with Holland Romero, a 24-year Navy SEAL veteran and founder of Legacy Forged Mindset, who coaches executives, founders, and elite athletes to lead with purpose and unlock peak performance. His origin story alone is worth the listen - at 19, with zero military background and zero physical training, he heard three sentences from a stranger at a Christmas party and signed a SEAL contract the very next day. Everyone told him he'd fail. He went anyway. The stranger, it turned out, had actually quit SEAL training himself. One lie changed everything.Beyond the origin story, Holland breaks down what elite performance really looks like, why your "why" matters more than your physical ability, how he built unstoppable team cohesion leading 60 to 70 person cross-functional units in combat, and how great leaders protect their team's energy just as fiercely as their own. We also get into failure, ownership, and why the scariest thing isn't falling short - it's looking back and wondering if you could have done it. What's the one thing you've been overthinking or waiting to feel ready for, and what's one step you could take on it today?

I sat down with Jen Mueller on The Sean Trace Show, a veteran sports broadcaster and sideline reporter, and this conversation completely changed how I think about communication. What stood out to me is that great communicators don’t just react in the moment, they walk into every conversation with a clear objective and intention. From locker rooms to business settings, Jen broke down how vague communication creates friction, while being direct builds trust, clarity, and results. It made me reflect on how often we speak without really knowing what we want out of the interaction. How often do you enter a conversation with a clear outcome in mind?

I didn’t realize how much my brain was holding me back until this conversation. Sitting down with David Hitz, a mental performance coach using neuroscience, I unpack what it really means to train your mind like your body. From handling pressure in high-stakes moments to using visualization not just for success but for failure and recovery, this episode completely shifted how I think about resilience, confidence, and growth. We dive into neuroplasticity, breathwork, and the real tools that help you stop spiraling and start moving forward with clarity. If you’ve ever felt stuck in your own head, this is the conversation that might change everything. So what would happen if you started training your mind as intentionally as you train everything else? 

Most people think strength comes from pushing harder.It doesn’t.It comes from what’s underneath you.This morning I was walking through Napa Valley, back where I grew up, surrounded by redwoods, vineyards, and memories. And it reminded me of something simple but powerful.The trees that last aren’t the ones that grow the fastest. They’re the ones with the deepest roots.Same goes for us.In this episode, I talk about:the relationships that actually hold you up when life hitswhy success can pull you away from what matters mosthow community, family, and real connections shape who you becomeand why the strongest people aren’t unbreakable… they’re supportedBecause storms are coming. That part’s guaranteed.The question is, what’s holding you down when they do?

I sat down with Gifty Enright and this conversation completely challenged how I think about success, burnout, and what it actually means to live a fulfilling life. We talked about how society trains us to chase constant output, wear busyness like a badge of honor, and confuse achievement with well-being, only to realize later that those things can actually pull us further away from who we really are. What hit me most was the idea that success isn’t about how much you do or how much you earn, but whether your life is aligned with your identity, your values, and the things that genuinely light you up. We got into the reality of burnout, the danger of chasing external validation, and how easy it is to wake up one day with everything “on paper” and still feel completely empty inside. This episode is really about stepping back, questioning what you’re chasing, and building a life that actually feels good to live, not just one that looks good from the outside.So I’ll leave you with this… are you chasing what truly matters to you, or just collecting badges that were never yours to begin with?

In this episode, I sit down with Paralympic gold medalist, marathon world record holder, and disability advocate Richard Whitehead MBE for a powerful conversation about resilience, discipline, purpose, and what it really means to keep showing up. We talk about overcoming adversity, building confidence through small wins, raising kids to find their own path, and why success is not about following someone else’s story but creating your own. Richard shares lessons from sport, disability advocacy, leadership, mindset, and community, and this conversation is packed with inspiration for anyone chasing personal growth, mental toughness, and a more meaningful life. What is one area of your life where you need to keep showing up, even when it feels hard?

In this episode, I sat down with Justin Brown, founder of Blackout Mobile Stress Studio to peel back the layers on why we are all carrying more than we admit. We jump straight into the raw reality of being a dad-preneur and the heavy mental load of pivoting from a high-stakes business meeting to cleaning up a sick toddler without losing your cool. Justin shares the wild origin story of his mobile rage room concept, which actually started with students forming underground fight clubs during the pandemic just to find a physical outlet for their pent-up energy.We explore the science of how stress accumulates in the body like a silent toxin, often waiting for a tiny, unrelated trigger to cause a total system failure. It is a refreshing, honest look at why performing vulnerability isn't always the answer and why sometimes you just need a soundproof space to drop a few f-bombs, smash a ceramic mug, and reset your internal compass. This conversation is for anyone who feels like they are managing everyone else’s energy while their own tank is hitting empty.What is your non-negotiable activity that keeps you from hitting a breaking point when life gets overwhelming?

In this episode of The Sean Trace Show, I sit down with Laurie-Ann Murabito to talk about what it really takes to find your voice, speak with confidence, and become the kind of leader people actually remember. We get into how shyness is learned, how confidence is built through reps, and why visibility often matters just as much as competence when it comes to career growth, leadership, and influence. Laurie-Ann shares how she went from being painfully shy to helping professionals, executives, coaches, and consultants use storytelling, humor, body language, and vocal delivery to stand out in rooms that matter. We also talk about nervous system training, imposter syndrome, public speaking anxiety, leadership presence, communication skills, and why some people sound like leaders while others, even if they are technically brilliant, struggle to land their message. This conversation is full of real stories, practical speaking advice, and honest insight on how to stop hiding, own your superpower, and use your voice to create opportunities, build trust, and make a lasting impact. What is one moment in your life when you realized you needed to stop staying quiet and start using your voice?

I sat in a hospital waiting room recently, alone and facing a biopsy, and all I could think was how much I wanted someone to just hold my hand. It is a vulnerable admission, but it is the heart of the conversation I had with executive coach Jule Kim on this episode of The Sean Trace Show. We dig into the adulting myth—the idea that being a grown-up just means paying bills and sucking it up while our internal world remains a total wreck. Jule shares her powerful story of growing up as a neurodivergent Korean kid in 1980s Alabama, feeling like a permanent outsider, and how those early experiences created the invisible saboteurs that drive our behavior today. We talk about the unmet needs we all carry, from my own daughter’s fear of losing her specialness to the way we obsessively try to control our surroundings when we feel unsafe. This episode is a deep dive into why we have to stop putting concealer over our emotional wounds and finally pop the zit of our secret fears so we can actually move forward. It is about the heavy lifting of the internal world that our parents’ generation never taught us how to do, and why identifying your hidden triggers is the only way to truly lead yourself and others.Looking back at your own childhood unmet needs—like the need for safety, validation, or being seen—which one do you think is still driving your adult decisions today, and how does it show up when you are stressed?

In this episode, I sit down with Steve Gamlin for a powerful conversation about resilience, self-kindness, gratitude, personal growth, mental health, and what it really takes to keep moving forward when life gets hard. We talk about grief, anxiety, emotional regulation, building healthy habits, overcoming self-doubt, and how small intentional choices can create real momentum during uncertain seasons. Steve shares how losing his wife, surviving years of hardship, and rebuilding through pain deepened his understanding of resilience, while I open up about growing my company, managing stress, practicing self-care, and learning how kindness toward myself has become essential to showing up well in business, fatherhood, and life. This episode is about mindset, healing, personal development, and the daily habits that help us stay grounded, hopeful, and strong even when we do not have everything figured out.

In this episode, I sit down with Joe Pardavila, a former New York City morning radio producer turned podcaster, author, and communication coach, to talk about what really makes someone a powerful communicator. We get into why curiosity is the foundation of better conversations, how great listening can completely change your relationships and content, and what Joe learned from spending 24 years in one of the most competitive media markets in the world. We also talk about authenticity, improv, podcast hosting, storytelling, social media, personal growth, and how to find your communication superpower. This conversation is packed with practical insights for creators, entrepreneurs, podcasters, and anyone who wants to speak more clearly, connect more deeply, and become more confident in everyday life. What do you think makes someone unforgettable in conversation: the way they speak, or the way they listen?

In this episode of The Sean Trace Show, I sit down with Kyle Depiesse, entrepreneur, husband, father, and founder of Guy’s Trip, to talk about something a lot of men feel but do not always know how to say out loud, success without fulfillment. We get into what happens when you spend years climbing the ladder, only to realize it is leaning against the wrong wall. Kyle shares his journey from corporate America to teaching, stay-at-home fatherhood, and eventually building a lifestyle brand centered on helping men reconnect with purpose, brotherhood, adventure, and emotional steadiness. We talk about the quiet weight men carry, the isolation that can come with responsibility, the role of movement and challenge in opening people up, and why so many men look successful on paper while feeling disconnected underneath it all. This conversation also explores fatherhood, identity, masculinity, friendship, vulnerability, travel, rites of passage, and what it really means to provide for your family beyond money. If you have ever felt stretched thin, stuck in provider mode, or like you are doing everything right but still feeling off, this episode is a real and honest reminder that fulfillment, connection, and being fully alive still matter. What does success actually look like to you, and have you ever realized you were chasing the wrong version of it?

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Nestor Rodriguez, a board-certified emergency medicine physician and longevity expert, to talk about what real success looks like when health, wellness, and high performance all collide. We get into why so many driven people ignore their health while chasing money, career growth, and big goals, and why that mindset eventually catches up with them. Dr. Nestor shares how small daily habits, intentional choices, and the right support system can completely change the trajectory of your life, especially for entrepreneurs, executives, parents, and other high achievers under constant stress. We talk about longevity, preventive health, aging, fitness, mindset, hormones, burnout, and why too many people wait until something breaks before they finally take their health seriously. This conversation really comes down to one powerful idea: if you want to show up for your family, build something meaningful, reduce stress, and live a stronger life for the long haul, you have to stop treating your health like an afterthought and start seeing it as part of your success.

In this episode, I sat down with Siara Ramos to talk about burnout, productivity, leadership, and the difference between simply staying busy and actually moving your life forward. We dug into why so many capable professionals feel overwhelmed even when they are working nonstop, how broken systems and unrealistic expectations quietly create burnout, and why being constantly busy does not always mean you are being effective.Siara shares practical ideas from her work as a career strategist and project manager, including why rest is more important than most people admit, how cleaning up your calendar can dramatically reduce stress, and why learning to remove what is not essential is one of the first real steps toward taking control of your time again. We also talk about boundaries, delegation, and the mindset shift that helps people stop trying to do everything alone.At the end of the day, the conversation is about building systems that actually support your life instead of draining it.

In this conversation, I sit down with Dennis Moseley-Williams to unpack what value actually means in today’s world. We talk about why businesses that compete on speed and price will eventually lose, and why the real opportunity is creating experiences, community, and transformation. From the difference between McDonald’s and a fine-dining restaurant to how businesses can help people feel seen, connected, and part of something bigger.This episode challenges the way we think about service, relationships, and building something that truly matters.What is one business that makes you feel like you belong, not just like a customer?

I sat down with former Navy SEAL Jimmy May to talk about the part nobody posts about, what happens after the mission ends and the identity fades. Jimmy spent 22 years in the SEAL teams, then four of his friends died by suicide within months of his retirement, and that moment lit a fire that turned into Beyond the Brotherhood, a nonprofit built around community, purpose, and goals, with nearly 60 fellows and zero suicides inside the program. We go deep on the transition out of elite military service, the mentorship that helped him rebuild a new chapter, and why discipline, faith, and choosing the right people around you can be the difference between drifting and healing. We also talk fatherhood, martial arts, emotional awareness, and why meaningful growth almost always comes through challenge, not comfort, plus the leadership lessons Jimmy carried into business through Mayday Executive Services. This episode is for anyone dealing with burnout, career change, loneliness, or that quiet feeling of, I should be doing more with my life, and it offers real talk on how to rebuild direction one decision at a time.When you hit a hard season, what is the one habit or anchor that pulls you back onto the right track?

Most people aren't failing. They're drifting. And drifting is quitting in instalments.In this episode, I'm announcing something I've never said out loud before, and kicking off Chapter One of my new book, Never F---ing Quit: How to Earn the Life That You Want. We're starting with the one thing that has to happen before everything else: the day you decide not to be average.I talk about what drifting actually looks like, why it's so dangerous, what it costs you financially, mentally, and in your relationships — and the questions you need to start asking yourself right now.This isn't about motivation. It's about being honest with yourself.

In this episode of The Sean Trace Show, I sit down with Tommy Richardson, a Marine and Navy veteran and the founder of Divine Savagery, to talk about resilience, leadership, discipline, and what real toughness looks like when life is punching back. We get into why “do not quit” is not a quote, it is a lifestyle, how chasing hard things builds confidence and capability, and why failure is not the enemy, it is the teacher. I share stories from training Muay Thai with my daughter and nephews, plus how parenting, pressure, and accountability all connect to building stronger people and better teams. Tommy breaks down what he sees as the biggest leadership gap today, why culture and expectation management make or break organizations, and how to train optimally without burning out. We also talk faith, purpose, and what a strong life looks like when you are trying to lead your family, your business, and yourself with integrity.What is one hard thing you have been avoiding lately that you know would make you stronger if you finally went after it?

In this episode, I sit down with Ivy Forero to talk about what happens when you stop chasing certainty and start trusting yourself. We get into the real stuff, moving across the world without a safety net, becoming a parent while rebuilding your identity, letting go of old roles, and learning how optimism becomes a daily choice instead of a personality trait. Ivy shares her journey from Colombia to the US to Dubai, her work in customer success and leadership, and how intuition, self regulation, and inner trust have guided her through uncertainty, career changes, and single motherhood. We talk about the hero’s journey, surrender, personal power, and why growth often starts when logic runs out. This is a conversation about courage, curiosity, and what it really means to lead yourself in a world that keeps changing.If this conversation resonated, go follow Ivy on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivyforero/Her posts on optimism, growth, and leadership are worth having in your feed.

In this episode of The Sean Trace Show, I sit down with Ben Cochrane, a lifelong marketer who runs an agency in New Zealand and has worked with major global brands, to talk about what real leadership looks like when the work is fast, stressful, and full of opinions. We get into why investing in people is the most underrated leadership skill, not “training programs,” but real coaching, real feedback, and the kind of mentorship that accelerates growth. Ben breaks down how leaders build a culture where people feel safe to speak up, challenge ideas, and disagree respectfully, without turning the workplace into either a conflict zone or a “nice culture” where creativity goes to die. We talk about mental health in high-pressure environments, how humor can release tension and create clarity, and why strong teams run on habits, consistency, and trust, not long hours and performative busyness. Ben shares how starting his own business shaped him, what he learned at Harvard about scaling versus staying small and profitable, and why defining “enough” can be the difference between a great life and endless drift. If you are leading a team, building an agency, running a business, or trying to grow without burning out, this conversation is packed with practical leadership lessons, company culture insights, and real-world decision-making that actually holds up when things get intense.

In this episode of The Sean Trace Show, I sit down with Anne Grady to talk about resilience in real life, not the Instagram version. We get honest about anxiety, depression, burnout, parenting through chaos, leadership under pressure, and why life doesn’t magically get easier when you hit the next milestone. Anne shares her framework for evolvability, the skills that help you move from reacting to intentionally growing forward, even when everything feels unstable. We talk about nervous systems, daily habits, emotional regulation, control, and why sitting with discomfort is where real growth actually happens. This conversation is for anyone feeling overwhelmed, stuck in survival mode, or tired of being told to just “be positive.” It’s about learning how to work with your brain instead of against it, building resilience one skill at a time, and realizing that happiness isn’t a personality trait, it’s a practice.

In this episode of The Sean Trace Show, I sit down with Miriam Katz, a public speaking coach, improv performer, actor, and creator of the Ex Appeal podcast, to unpack what actually makes someone compelling when they speak. We get into why “polished” can sound robotic, how humor pulls you into deeper truth instead of avoiding it, and why the real unlock is learning to talk the way you talk to your friends. Miriam shares how improv builds trust in yourself, not by making you funnier but by removing the blocks that keep your natural personality hidden, and why so many professionals struggle because they are chasing perfection instead of presence. I also talk about how teaching kids gave me the most brutal, most useful feedback on communication, why I use play and jokes to lead my team better, and how anxiety can be reframed as energy you can bring to the audience instead of something you need to hide. We close with practical mindset shifts for interviews and presentations, and Miriam breaks down how preparation and playfulness can work together to help you show up confident, human, and real.

In this episode of The Sean Trace Show, I sit down with Kevin Stark, a retired Navy SEAL with 22 years of military experience who now leads men’s retreats and does leadership consulting and coaching. We talk about why grit alone eventually breaks you, and how sustainable high performance really comes from learning to pulse your energy through life, push hard, recover on purpose, then come back stronger. Kevin explains arete, the Greek idea of excellence through virtue, and how building an ethos, values, and simple tools like breathwork, mantras, and staying centered can help you lead with clarity when life gets loud. We connect it to martial arts and judo, that idea of flowing with pressure instead of resisting everything, and we get real about fatherhood, identity shifts, and the hidden fear most people carry, am I good enough, and what will people think of me. If you are a founder, executive, veteran, or parent trying to stay grounded while carrying a lot, this conversation is about mental toughness with wisdom, calm strength, and building a life that actually feels meaningful.

In this episode of The Sean Trace Show, I sit down with firefighter, paramedic, father, and leadership author Jared Vermeulen to explore what it really means to stay calm when life hits hard. We talk about leadership under pressure, emotional control in chaotic environments, and why calm as a leader becomes contagious to your team and your family. Jared shares powerful lessons from the fire service on brotherhood, crew culture, and supporting people through tragedy, along with practical insights on triggers, perspective shifts, and building strong internal foundations that keep you steady when everything feels unstable. We dive into parenting, protecting our kids without projecting fear, and how confidence and self esteem shape resilience. Along the way we talk hobbies, music, martial arts, building things with your hands, and creating space to slow down in a high pressure life.This conversation is a reminder that life will punch you in the face sometimes, but with the right mindset, relationships, and habits, you can keep your footing, keep moving forward, and lead with calm when it matters most.

In this episode of The Sean Trace Show, I sit down with physician, speaker, coach, and consultant Dr. Kim Nichols to unpack why the most powerful leadership skill is way less flashy than people think, it is the ability to watch, listen, and actually notice what is in front of you. We talk about mentorship, why so many high potential people never realize what they are good at until someone names it, and how a single sentence from the right person can change a whole career trajectory. Dr. Kim breaks down the leader as coach mindset, how great leaders ask better questions instead of being overly prescriptive, when top down direction is needed, and when it kills creativity and ownership. We get into psychological safety at work, how to create a culture where people can speak up, bring ideas, call out mistakes early, and still feel respected, and what to say when a conversation goes sideways but you still want to protect the relationship. Along the way I share stories about parenting, team building, communication burnout, and a moment where my daughter realized she could lead without being “the leader,” and it all ties back to one idea, the best teams win when every person is allowed to contribute their strength at the right moment.

In this episode of The Sean Trace Show, I sit down with Dr. Kevin Ahmaad Jenkins, a University of Pennsylvania lecturer and the founder of Concord Healthcare Solutions, to talk about equity, empathy, and what it actually looks like to show up when it counts. We get real about bias, not as a buzzword, but as something you can notice, challenge, and use to become a better human and a better leader. Kevin shares stories from the rooms where tough conversations happen: hospitals, Fortune 100 and Fortune 500 companies, and community leadership. He breaks down the difference between cognitive empathy, emotional empathy, and compassionate empathy (the kind that ends with action). I also share personal moments from life in Vietnam, fatherhood, anxiety, and the daily discipline of making the bed and walking into the fire instead of running from it. If you care about leadership, DEI, mental resilience, fatherhood, and how to build a world that is safer and more human, this conversation will challenge you in the best way and push you toward the simplest takeaway: don't just say "aw," do something.

In this episode of The Sean Trace Show, I sit down with Dr. Alison Kole, a triple board certified sleep medicine specialist and the host of Sleep Is My Waking Passion, to unpack what actually happens in your brain while you sleep and why sleep is one of the biggest levers for health, performance, and emotional stability. We talk about the glymphatic system and how sleep helps your brain clear out “junk,” why deep sleep and REM sleep matter for memory consolidation, learning, and emotional processing, and how sleep deprivation can wreck decision making by taking your prefrontal cortex offline and putting your amygdala in charge. I share my own experiences with late night schedules, stress, anxiety spikes, and the way smartphones can quietly sabotage sleep quality, plus why a single massage reminded me what real restorative sleep feels like. Dr. Kole explains how circadian rhythm and schedule consistency impact energy even when you think you’re getting enough hours, how sleep problems can affect metabolism, hunger hormones, insulin resistance, weight gain, and long term risks like heart disease, and why shift work and circadian misalignment can change who you are as a person. We close with simple, real advice for better sleep tonight, including the mindset shift that helps most, stop obsessing over sleep, build a wind down routine, and protect your decompression time so you can show up as a better partner, parent, leader, and human.

In this episode of The Sean Trace Show I sit down with ultra endurance adventurer turned high performance leadership coach Luke Tyburski to unpack what mindset really is and why he says self belief is not even real. We talk about running down Mount Everest, crossing the Sahara, and building a world first 2000 kilometer triathlon from Morocco to Monaco, then translate those lessons into parenting, leadership, and everyday life. Luke breaks down the difference between self belief and confidence, how to actually build confidence with reps, positive self talk, and community, and why being present is the real success hack in a world addicted to distraction. We get into helping our kids face exams and fear of failure, training our attention like an athlete, making choices instead of sacrifices, and crafting a personal life philosophy that becomes your North Star. If you have ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, or trapped in negative self talk, this conversation will give you practical tools to refocus, be less negative, and move forward one intentional choice at a time.

In this episode of The Sean Trace Show, I sit down with communication coach and TEDx speaker coach Michael Ashford to unpack what it really means to talk like a human in an AI driven world. We dive into everything from storytelling and conflict resolution to thinking on your feet and asking better questions. We explore why presence and attention are the real flex, how to train curiosity so your intuition becomes sharper and less biased, and how emotional intelligence shows up in hiring, leadership, parenting, Muay Thai with my daughter, and even learning to embrace failure with a growth mindset.Along the way, I share some of my own wild stories from Zen Buddhism, Chinese medicine, and recovering from years of food allergies, while Michael breaks down practical frameworks for becoming a better listener, interviewer, and leader so our conversations build trust instead of breaking it. If you care about communication, conflict resolution, intuition, or just staying genuinely human while AI reshapes the world, this episode is a masterclass in slowing down, paying attention, and letting curiosity lead the way.

In this episode of The Sean Trace Show, I sit down with executive coach and leadership expert Chris March to talk about what real leadership looks like in 2025, far beyond the fake it till you make it mindset. We start with our shared love of basketball and Kobe Bryant, breaking down the mamba mentality, how Kobe reset the culture of the Redeem Team, and what it means to set a standard that pulls everyone else higher. From there we dive into the difference between performative confidence and real confidence, why the best leaders often do not have to be the loudest in the room, and how one person can change the culture of a team, a company, or even a kids Muay Thai class just by how they show up. Chris shares how high performers burn out when they try to be machines, and we unpack the seven types of rest, from physical and mental rest to social, sensory, creative, and spiritual rest, and why they matter if you want sustainable high performance. We also talk about finding your why, how his 17 year travel career collapsing during the pandemic pushed him into coaching, what feedback really is for ambitious mid career professionals, and why you will never earn more than you secretly believe you are worth. If you are a founder, a manager, or just someone who wants to lead your life with more purpose, this conversation blends Kobe Bryant mamba mentality, executive coaching, burnout recovery, leadership mindset, and real talk about resilience into one powerful playbook for becoming the kind of leader people actually want to follow.

In this solo episode, I open up about something we all struggle with: quitting too soon. I talk about how, growing up, I bounced between instruments and sports, never sticking long enough to see progress. I even joke about faking guitar in my wife’s music videos because, honestly, I quit before I ever got good. But that’s the point! We all hit “the dip,” that frustrating middle zone where excitement fades before the results show.I share how my daughter Ailani hit that same wall learning piano, and how staying consistent turned endless “Mary Had a Little Lamb” into real music. The truth is, success isn’t about grinding till you burn out, it’s about small wins, showing up daily, and not quitting on a bad day. Motivation fades, but identity sticks. When you start telling yourself “I’m someone who finishes,” everything changes.This episode is my reminder for you and for me, that we are what we repeatedly do. Keep showing up, even when it sucks. Don’t stop when you’re tired, stop when you’re done.

I sit down with New York Times bestselling writer Bill Blankschaen to unpack how your real breakthrough starts when you start with your story, for real, and we get into leaving safe gigs, choosing the calling, and building StoryBuilders to help leaders craft books and content that actually move people. We talk mindset, faith as action, the hero’s journey, the normalcy trap, and how motion creates options. Bill shares the framework behind Your Story Advantage, from finding a meaningful message to multiplying it through books and platforms, then monetizing it in the creator economy. I share my own leap moments, from Vietnam to film sets, and how answering the call opened wild doors. If you want a life that feels aligned, if you want clarity on your strengths, and if you are ready to tell your story with courage and cash flow in mind, press play and let’s build.

I sat down with leadership coach Hugo Breton to talk about one of the hardest jumps in any career, going from being the best individual contributor on the team to actually leading one. We got real about the gap between management and leadership, learning to delegate, building trust through authenticity, and why communication is everything.Hugo shared how great leaders set a clear North Star, keep their teams aligned like a perfect LEGO build, and create systems that prevent burnout instead of causing it. We even dove into how creative teams, from game studios to media companies, can use Pixar-style feedback loops to level up together.If you’re ready to stop micromanaging and start scaling, this episode is your cheat code for leadership.

In this podcast, I sit down with science communicator Erin Winick Anthony, formerly MIT Tech Review and NASA, now founder of Steam Power Media, to design the next space station from the ground up. We unpack how modular stations get to orbit, what materials and shielding protect crews from radiation and micrometeoroids, and why robots like AstroBee will take routine tasks off astronaut schedules. We dig into microgravity science, fire that burns as a sphere, 3D printing human tissues, hydroponics and aeroponics for tomatoes and lettuce, and the very real upgrades to sleep, food, and even toilets. We dream up a space pinball machine and a science arcade, talk about space hotels for families, and what kids need to train for microgravity. Erin shares lessons from zero-g flights, Meow Wolf tech art, and NASA’s Benefits for Humanity, plus how to make complex science engaging on social media. If you care about ISS replacement, STEM education, and inspiring the next generation, this episode is for you.

In this solo episode of The Sean Trace Show, I open up about one of those weeks when everything seems to hit at once. I got sick, felt worn out, and started questioning my balance between work, family, and purpose. But through that chaos, I was reminded of something powerful: storms are inevitable, but panic is optional. I share lessons from martial arts, stoicism, and leadership about how to stay calm under pressure, focus on what you can control, and use slow seasons to sharpen your sword. Whether you’re a parent, creator, or business leader, this episode will remind you that calm isn’t passive, it’s power in motion.

This Monday on The Sean Trace Show, I went solo to talk about one of the most important skills we can develop: staying calm under pressure. It started with a funny but stressful moment when a cockroach flew into my daughter’s eye on the motorbike ride home from Muay Thai, and it led us into a powerful conversation about why panic never solves the problem. I shared stories from my own life, from pulling someone out of a flipped car to lessons from Stoic philosophy, to even what I’ve learned watching Anderson Silva dance around the octagon. Whether it’s raising my daughter, leading my team, or navigating the chaos of everyday life, the truth is the same: calm is a choice and a skill. If we can hold onto our composure, we can make better decisions, protect the people we love, and lead through difficult moments.

In this episode of The Sean Trace Show, I sit down with Nina Purewal, the founder of Pure Minds and the international bestselling co-author of Let That Sh*t Go. We dive deep into what it really takes to let go, from breaking free of negative self-talk to facing imposter syndrome head on. Nina shares her journey from the corporate grind to mindfulness and leadership, and we explore how awareness is the first step toward change. Together, we talk about the importance of creating psychological safety at work, how managers shape the entire culture of a company, and why reframing your thoughts can literally rewire your brain. Along the way, I share some of my own stories about parenting, catching myself in old thought patterns, and learning to separate what I can control from what I can’t. This conversation is full of practical tools, real stories, and a reminder that if we can clear out the mental clutter and let go of what doesn’t serve us, we can make space for growth, purpose, and joy.

In this episode of The Sean Trace Show, I sit down with astrophysicist and professor Erika Hamden for an incredible conversation about curiosity, failure, and finding joy in the process of discovery. Erika has dedicated her life to exploring the universe, from building telescopes to studying the stars, but what stood out most in our talk was her wisdom on how science mirrors life.We discussed why asking the right questions matters, how to separate your identity from being “right,” and why failure is not the end. Erika also shared personal stories about the movies, mentors, and moments that shaped her career, and how role models made the impossible suddenly feel real.If you’ve ever wondered how to stay curious, embrace mistakes, and push through the unknown, this episode will inspire you to keep reaching for your own stars.

In this episode of The Sean Trace Show, I sit down with leadership expert and author Julie Winkle Giulioni to explore what it really means to grow, both as individuals and as leaders.Julie shares why intentionality matters in every decision we make, how small choices can shift the entire trajectory of our lives, and why leadership today is less about titles and more about earning trust. We dive into creating psychologically safe workplaces, building authentic partnerships between leaders and teams, and rethinking growth beyond the corporate ladder.This conversation is packed with insights on leadership, personal growth, career development, and living with purpose. If you’re a leader, aspiring leader, or someone who wants to live more intentionally, this episode will inspire and challenge you to rethink what growth really means.

In this episode of The Sean Trace Show, I speak with Tyler Clark, co-founder of Zawadie, a company turning refugee camps into places of opportunity. Tyler shares stories of resilience from people who, despite living on as little as $7 a month, remain hopeful and generous.We dive into how Zawadie connects skilled refugees with U.S. companies, creating real jobs in customer service, tech, and more. In under a year, they’ve already helped over 220 refugees escape poverty and build brighter futures.This conversation is about more than business. It’s about dignity, hope, and proving that profit and purpose can thrive together.

I sit down with astrobiology PhD student and astronaut hopeful Alyssa Carson for a real talk about what it actually takes to get space ready. We jump straight into facing fear and building courage, from skydiving when your body wants to freeze, to floating in microgravity and learning how to stay calm when everything is weightless. Alyssa walks me through a 9G jet turn that tunnels your vision to the size of a bottle cap, and how breathing, focus, and reps make the difference. We go inside the spacesuit, breaking down IVA suits you wear inside the spacecraft and EVA suits built to survive outside, and why water training helps you move and work when the suit feels heavy on Earth.We get practical too. What astronauts really eat in orbit, why bread is a no go because of crumbs, how tortillas solve that problem, and yes, how espresso can work in microgravity when an astronaut really loves coffee. We dive into her research on methane on Mars, why that signal matters, and what it could say about past microbial life. Alyssa shares the path to space careers in plain English, start with what you love doing, flying, building, experimenting, then stack skills, keep your grades strong, and look for programs, labs, and mentors that let you get your hands on real work. We talk about mindset during the long PhD grind, staying steady when progress feels slow, and using small wins to keep momentum.If you are a kid at heart who wants space, or a parent helping a kid aim high, this one gives you concrete steps, inside the suit details, and a clear picture of the courage and curiosity it takes to fly.

In this episode of The Sean Trace Show, I sit down with speaker and author Steve Gamlin to talk about designing a life that actually fits you. We dig into vision boards that go beyond cars and cash, building habits one small action at a time, and why measurable goals matter. Steve opens up about losing his wife, how he is processing grief with honesty and humor, and the simple daily practices that keep you moving forward, gratitude, acts of kindness, and showing up. If you need a blueprint for resilience, clarity, and purpose, this conversation delivers practical steps you can start today.