The Story Engine Podcast

On today’s episode, Dr. Andrea Pennington is joining us. We are going to be learning from her as an expert speaker, expert storyteller, and master of self-love. She has had an incredibly prolific career spanning many different industries.  We are going to hear from her today on how she had the courage to step into a new future vision of her life going from working very hard in the television industry not wanting her life to living in the South of France creating the dream life and this all comes through better storytelling.  Dr. Andrea Pennington is an integrative physician, acupuncturist, meditation teacher, and conscious communication specialist. She is the founder of In8Vitality, a #1 international bestselling author, highly acclaimed 2x TEDx speaker, visionary brand strategist for Light workers, and Co-founder of the #RealSelfLove Movement. As a sought-after media personality for the last two decades, Dr. Andrea has shared her candid, empowering insights on vitality and resilience on the Oprah Winfrey Show, the Dr. Oz Show, iTV This Morning, CNN, the Today Show, LUXE-TV, Thrive Global, and HuffingtonPost and as a news anchor for Discovery Health Channel. In her role as a documentary producer, she has produced a 4-part documentary series entitled Simple Steps to a Balanced Natural Pregnancy. In This Episode: If you understand how the hero’s journey works, it empowers you to become the creator of your story positively. The hero’s journey exists because it is how we go through and process things.   If this was a hero’s journey, what would the hero take from those painful lessons and where would they go forward?  We can author our life.   We each have our own purpose and destiny to discover.  There is gold, hidden jewels, and gems to be found in your personal story.  Go mining for that gold and treasure within your own life because you’re a gift to the world.  Share your presence with passion.   And so much more!!! Connect with Dr. Andrea Pennington: Andrea’s Website Andrea on Facebook Andrea on LinkedIn Andrea on Twitter Andrea on YouTube

On today’s episode, Mina Shah is joining us. Mina is an incredible entrepreneur that has been working with women for many years and creating huge impacts in their lives.  Today we are going to hear her story of how she really had to tap into her intuition to create a life beyond what she thought was possible.  She was living a good life, being very successful as a speaker with Tony Robbins, and still had to lean into becoming more than that.  Even when she didn’t have all the answers. Even when she didn’t know exactly what she would be doing.  How do you have the courage to step into the unknown and create a bigger, brighter future for yourself? Mina Shah has spoken to over 1400 groups and strategically consulted over 180 business owners teaching them the skills and strategies necessary to achieve their personal best and excel in an ever-changing market. Her expertise comes from intentionally honing her craft of sales, marketing, leadership, and negotiation for over 15 years. The record-breaking result of this was leading herself and her teams to a #1 position in 2 different companies in 2 completely different industries. At the end of 2012, Mina left her dream job at Robbins to pursue her dream. In 2014 she launched mina meetings, to empower women around the globe with the mindset and the skill set to Know Their Value & Claim Their Worth - personally, professionally, and financially! In This Episode:  Her travels gave her perspective and changed her priorities.   If you’re ever trying to figure out what to do with your life or you’re frustrated, the best place to start is where you are.   You can’t solve tomorrow’s problem.  You can only solve today’s problems.  To achieve greatness you must be willing to take small humble steps.  If you start here with small and humble steps, you will astound yourself with where you can be in a couple of years.   And so much more!!! Connect with Mina Shah: Mina’s Website. Mina Meetings on Instagram Mina on Instagram

On today’s episode, I am talking to Daniel Lamb. Daniel Lamb is the founder of Holland Creative, a content marketing, and copywriting agency. He helps people create content-driven funnels that make a big impact on their business. We are going to talk about how Daniel works with his clients today, but there is also a little extra magic happening on this episode.  In This Episode: A proprietary process is so foundational to the rest of your communication and your strategy. Once you have your process in place then everything else becomes much simpler. We have to start by having an honest conversation about goals and budgets. Without a sense of where we want to go and how we want to get there, we can’t come up with a robust offer.   The client wants you to show up, be an expert, and tell them what to do. Business owners have a lot on their plates and marketing is just a small piece.   And so much more!

Selling high-ticket transformational services isn't just a skill—it's a personal evolution. In this episode of The Story Engine Podcast, I sit down with Brook Bishop, an expert in high-ticket transformational sales. Together, we explore why selling deep, meaningful transformation requires you to embody that transformation yourself. Brook shares her philosophy on selling with confidence, integrity, and self-worth—and how the sales process becomes a mirror that reflects your own growth, visibility, and value. If you've ever struggled to charge what your work is worth, felt resistance around sales, or wanted to elevate the impact of your transformational offerings, this conversation will shift the way you see sales forever. ⏱ On This Episode [02:14] – Why selling transformation is transformational [04:56] – Brook explains how self-worth shapes your pricing and your presence [07:33] – The emotional journey behind selling deep, life-changing work [10:02] – Why many transformational entrepreneurs undercharge—and how to break the cycle [12:45] – Kyle and Brook discuss visibility, vulnerability, and being seen [15:27] – How to bring more confidence into every sales conversation [18:11] – A story of a client who unlocked new levels of clarity and value through Brook's process [21:38] – Brook's framework for selling without pressure or pushiness [24:20] – Closing reflections on the inner evolution required to sell transformation powerfully

Everyone wants a more profitable business—but most entrepreneurs don't actually know what creates profit, let alone how to consistently increase it. Growing revenue is one thing. Taking home more money is another. In this episode of The Story Engine Podcast, I sit down with Joe Abreu, an expert in helping business owners identify where profit is leaking, where opportunity is hiding, and how to build a business that rewards you financially—not just operationally. Joe breaks down the hidden drivers of profitability, the common mistakes entrepreneurs make when scaling, and the mindset shifts required to consistently take home more income. If you've ever looked at your revenue numbers and wondered why there's not more left over for you, this conversation will give you clarity, tools, and stories you can apply right away. ⏱ On This Episode [02:12] – Why revenue ≠ profit—and why entrepreneurs often confuse the two [04:47] – Joe shares the biggest profit leaks hidden inside most businesses [07:19] – The difference between scaling up and scaling smart [09:54] – Kyle and Joe discuss how small tweaks can dramatically improve profitability [12:38] – What most business owners misunderstand about expenses and margins [15:21] – A real-world example of a business owner who doubled take-home profit without growing revenue [18:03] – The mindset shift that transforms financial chaos into clarity [20:46] – Joe's simple framework for increasing profit starting this week [23:15] – Closing thoughts: how to build a business that pays you first

Writing a book isn't just about words on a page—it's about building authority and creating a strategic asset that moves your business forward. In this episode of The Story Engine Podcast, I sit down with Bill Blankschaen, a master at helping experts turn their ideas into influential books that drive real business results. Bill shares his unique framework for authoring with purpose, why most experts approach book writing backwards, and how to craft a message that not only resonates with readers but attracts clients, opportunities, and credibility. If you've ever dreamed of writing a book—or want yours to make a bigger impact—this conversation will give you clarity, direction, and inspiration. ⏱ In This Episode [02:18] – Why writing a book is one of the most powerful ways to establish authority [04:57] – Bill explains why most authors start in the wrong place—and what to do instead [07:35] – The essentials of crafting a book that aligns with your business goals [10:22] – How to draw out the deeper message behind your expertise [13:41] – Kyle and Bill discuss using stories to elevate your credibility [16:54] – What differentiates a "calling card" book from a true authority-building book [19:29] – Common mistakes experts make when trying to write alone [22:46] – Bill's process for guiding authors from idea to published influence [25:31] – Closing thoughts: how to begin crafting a book that actually moves your mission forward

In a world dominated by clicks, funnels, and automation, is it possible we've lost the human touch? On this episode of The Story Engine Podcast, I sit down with Sam Wakefield, a sales expert and personal development leader who's on a mission to bring door-to-door sales back into industries that have become overly reliant on digital marketing. Sam shares why face-to-face conversations are still one of the most powerful ways to build trust, how he's reframing "old school" sales for modern markets, and why genuine human connection is a sales strategy that never goes out of style. If you've ever felt that your sales process has become too cold, too automated, or too disconnected, this episode will remind you of the timeless power of a real conversation. ⏱ Episode Highlights with Timestamps [02:31] – Why digital-only strategies can leave businesses missing real connection [05:12] – The psychology of face-to-face sales and why it still works today [08:44] – How Sam is helping companies reintroduce personal interaction into their sales process [12:09] – The hidden advantages of door-to-door over digital in certain markets [15:37] – Kyle and Sam discuss blending digital strategies with in-person engagement [19:03] – A story of how human connection transformed a sales conversation into lasting trust [22:18] – Why "old school" methods aren't outdated—they're a competitive advantage [25:41] – Closing thoughts: how to reconnect with customers in a more human way

The coaching world is booming—but most platforms only make the business side more complicated. What if you had a tool that didn't just organize your coaching practice, but actually made you a better coach? On this episode of The Story Engine Podcast, I sit down with Mitch Russo, serial entrepreneur and founder of multiple software and coaching companies. Mitch introduces Click Coach, a powerful new platform designed to streamline the coaching process while helping coaches consistently deliver on the results they promise. We explore the unique features that set Click Coach apart, the philosophy behind its creation, and what this means for the future of coaching. If you're a coach—or aspire to be one—this episode will show you how to simplify your systems, elevate your practice, and focus on what really matters: transforming your clients' lives. ⏱ Episode Highlights with Timestamps [02:34] – Why most coaching platforms fail to support what coaches actually need [05:12] – The origin story of Click Coach and how Mitch saw the gap in the market [08:01] – How Click Coach helps coaches deliver measurable results with less overwhelm [11:26] – The philosophy behind coaching with clarity, accountability, and results [14:58] – Real-world examples of coaches using Click Coach to transform their practice [18:15] – Kyle and Mitch discuss the future of coaching software and AI integration [21:39] – What sets Click Coach apart from generic business platforms [25:02] – Closing thoughts: how coaches can simplify their systems and amplify their impact

Every story you tell—whether on stage, in a book, or in a conversation—has the power to change how people see you, themselves, and what's possible. But often, we miss the deeper truths in our own stories until someone reflects them back to us. On this episode of The Story Engine Podcast, I sit down with Amanda Johnson, a master storyteller who helps people uncover new possibilities by expressing their truth in talks and books. Together, we explore Amanda's own story while also unpacking practical storytelling strategies you can apply right away. From reframing limiting beliefs to structuring stories that resonate, this episode is both an intimate journey and a toolkit for better communication. If you want to share your message with more clarity, authenticity, and impact, you won't want to miss this conversation. ⏱ Episode Highlights with Timestamps [02:25] – Why reflecting back someone's story can unlock new insights and possibilities [05:41] – Amanda shares her own journey into storytelling and coaching [08:13] – The difference between telling a story and crafting one for impact [11:28] – How to identify the deeper meaning behind your personal stories [14:36] – Practical techniques for structuring talks and books that truly resonate [17:59] – Kyle and Amanda explore how vulnerability and truth connect us with audiences [21:12] – Examples of how storytelling transforms both the speaker and the listener [24:47] – Closing reflections: why your story is always evolving—and how to tell it with power

High achievers often look successful on the outside—yet underneath, anxiety, self-doubt, and pressure can take a heavy toll. What if the very drive that fuels achievement could also lead to peace and calm, instead of burnout? In this episode of The Story Engine Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Patricia Zurita-Ona, a clinical psychologist who specializes in helping ambitious leaders and high performers break free from the cycles of fear and worry. Dr. Patricia shares why high achievers are especially prone to anxiety, the hidden ways it shows up, and how her approach empowers people to cultivate calm, resilience, and self-acceptance without losing their edge. If you've ever felt like your success comes at the cost of your peace of mind, this conversation will show you how to achieve both. ⏱ Episode Highlights with Timestamps [02:19] – Why high achievers are particularly vulnerable to anxiety and overthinking [05:04] – Common patterns: how success-driven habits can mask deeper struggles [08:11] – The hidden cost of perfectionism and constant self-pressure [11:23] – Dr. Patricia's approach: moving beyond anxiety toward calm and resilience [14:42] – Practical strategies for shifting thought patterns in stressful moments [18:17] – Kyle and Dr. Patricia discuss how anxiety can become a growth signal, not just a setback [21:09] – Stories of clients who transformed their lives by reframing their relationship with anxiety [25:33] – Closing thoughts: why peace and success don't have to be opposites

What if fitness wasn't just about building muscle or burning calories—but about reshaping the way you lead, work, and live? On this episode of The Story Engine Podcast, I sit down with Mycal Anders, a fitness coach who helps high achievers and executives create total life transformation through the discipline of fitness. Mycal shares why training the body is the gateway to unlocking clarity, resilience, and purpose, and how his approach goes far beyond the gym to impact leadership, relationships, and mindset. Whether you're an entrepreneur, an executive, or simply someone striving for more, this conversation will show you how fitness can become the foundation for real transformation in every area of life. ⏱ Episode Highlights with Timestamps [02:21] – Why fitness is more than just health—it's a tool for leadership and clarity [05:10] – The unique challenges high achievers face when it comes to health and balance [08:36] – Mycal's approach to using fitness as an anchor for discipline and resilience [11:44] – Stories of executives who completely shifted their lives through his coaching [14:59] – How physical training impacts mental strength, confidence, and decision-making [18:12] – Kyle and Mycal discuss the ripple effect of fitness on relationships and business [21:28] – Practical steps leaders can take to start integrating fitness into their transformation journey [24:55] – Closing thoughts: why investing in your body is the key to unlocking your full potential

Entrepreneurs often find themselves juggling too many platforms—emails, landing pages, websites, and social media—leaving them stuck in complexity instead of flow. What if you could bring all of that under one roof and create more freedom, ease, and simplicity in your business? On this episode of The Story Engine Podcast, I sit down with Lisza Crisalle, an expert at streamlining systems and building automation that supports growth without the overwhelm. Lisza shares her philosophy on simplifying business, her approach to integrating tools seamlessly, and how entrepreneurs can reclaim time and focus by letting go of tech chaos. If you've ever felt buried under platforms and logins, or you've wondered how to scale your business without scaling your stress, this conversation will show you the path to building smarter systems that actually serve your vision. ⏱ Episode Highlights with Timestamps [02:18] – Why most entrepreneurs struggle with complexity in tech and automation [05:09] – Lisza's philosophy: freedom and ease as the foundation for scaling [07:42] – How consolidating tools saves both time and money for business owners [10:16] – Real-world examples of entrepreneurs transformed by streamlined systems [13:24] – The hidden cost of scattered platforms on productivity and mindset [16:33] – Lisza's process for mapping out automation that truly supports your business goals [19:08] – Kyle and Lisza discuss the role of storytelling in communicating tech solutions [22:15] – The promise of automation: more time for creativity, freedom, and growth [25:39] – Closing thoughts: how to start simplifying your systems today

How do you move from the depths of grief to a life of joy, purpose, and transformation? On this episode of The Story Engine Podcast, I sit down with Alisa Cooper, founder of Cocoon to Butterfly—a movement, program, and experience designed to guide people through the painful seasons of loss and help them emerge with renewed hope and joy. Alisa shares her deeply personal journey, the lessons she's learned along the way, and the practices that allow her to support others on their own paths of transformation. This conversation is as much about resilience as it is about healing. Whether you're navigating grief yourself, supporting someone you love, or simply seeking more joy and alignment in your life, Alisa's story and methods will leave you inspired to embrace transformation. ⏱ Episode Highlights with Timestamps [02:27] – Alisa's personal journey: how grief became the catalyst for her mission [05:43] – The importance of creating safe, supportive spaces for healing [08:19] – How transformation often feels like a cocoon stage before joy can emerge [11:06] – Practices and rituals Alisa uses to help people move through grief [14:52] – Why joy and grief can coexist—and how to honor both [18:17] – Kyle and Alisa discuss the power of vulnerability in building community [21:44] – Stories of participants who found new strength and clarity through her program [25:09] – The role of movement, creativity, and ritual in the healing process [28:35] – Closing thoughts: embracing the transformation from cocoon to butterfly in your own life

What if fear, stress, and even pain weren't enemies to overcome—but powerful allies? On this episode of The Story Engine Podcast, I sit down with Akshay Nanavati, founder and author of Fearvana. Akshay has built his life and mission around transforming our relationship with negative emotions—teaching us how to channel fear, struggle, and discomfort into fuel for growth, clarity, and resilience. Drawing from his own extraordinary experiences, including life-threatening adventures and personal battles, Akshay shares his process for reframing fear and using it as a compass instead of a roadblock. Whether you're a high achiever facing burnout or simply someone looking for more courage in daily life, this episode offers a blueprint for turning struggle into strength. ⏱ On This Episode [02:14] – Why high performers struggle with fear, stress, and self-sabotage [05:06] – The science of reframing "negative" emotions into productive energy [07:38] – Akshay's personal story: a time when Fearvana helped him in life-or-death situations [10:41] – How embracing fear builds resilience instead of draining energy [13:22] – The mindset shift that turns pain into purpose and clarity [16:08] – Practical exercises for using fear as a tool in business and life [19:47] – Kyle and Akshay discuss how to reframe failure as training, not defeat [23:11] – Why fearlessness is a myth—and why fear itself is essential for growth [26:40] – Closing insights: how to live a bold, aligned, and purpose-driven life with Fearvana

What if you could get clarity on life's biggest decisions—not by overthinking, but by listening? On this episode of The Story Engine Podcast, I sit down with Ed Rush, former fighter pilot, serial entrepreneur, and bestselling author. Ed shares powerful stories from his time in the cockpit and the boardroom, and reveals the unique process he uses to talk to God and receive insights that guide his most important life and business choices. Whether or not you consider yourself spiritual, Ed's approach offers practical tools for gaining clarity, tuning into intuition, and taking bold action. Packed with unforgettable fighter pilot stories and real-world business lessons, this episode will inspire you to trust your inner compass and navigate life with confidence. ⏱ Episode Highlights with Timestamps [02:07] – How Ed's fighter pilot background shaped his ability to make high-stakes decisions [05:22] – The process Ed uses to talk to God and why it's accessible to anyone [08:40] – Why you don't need to be religious to benefit from listening for guidance [11:15] – Ed shares a story of receiving a clear insight that shifted his business path [14:29] – How to distinguish between fear, ego, and true divine direction [18:06] – Kyle and Ed explore the overlap between faith, intuition, and entrepreneurship [21:48] – Fighter pilot lessons applied to business: making quick, decisive choices under pressure [25:12] – The surprising connection between silence, stillness, and breakthrough ideas [29:33] – Closing thoughts: why trusting guidance can unlock opportunities you never imagined

What if the key to winning over investors wasn't just in your numbers—but in the story you tell? On this episode of The Story Engine Podcast, I sit down with Ben Wiener, author of Fever Pitch, a fictional story crafted to teach startup founders how to captivate investors. Ben shares why so many pitches fail, how storytelling bridges the gap between vision and funding, and why a well-told narrative often matters as much as your deck or financials. We dive into the storytelling formula behind Fever Pitch, why founders struggle to get their message across, and how investors can use this book to better understand the entrepreneur's journey. Whether you're preparing your first pitch or looking to refine your message, this episode will help you turn your startup story into a funding advantage. ⏱ On This Episode [02:18] – Why most startup founders struggle to get their pitches across effectively [04:46] – How fiction can teach real-world lessons about storytelling and persuasion [07:12] – The unique formula Fever Pitch uses to engage readers while teaching founders [10:05] – Why investors benefit from reading stories like Fever Pitch to understand founder psychology [13:21] – The common mistakes founders make when presenting their ideas to investors [16:08] – How storytelling builds trust and emotional resonance in a pitch [19:33] – Ben's advice for founders preparing to pitch: how to stand out beyond the slide deck [23:10] – Kyle and Ben discuss why blending creativity and business is a founder's superpower [27:41] – Closing thoughts: why every founder needs to see their pitch as a story

How do you go from writing hit jingles for major brands to helping people design lives filled with purpose and creativity? On this episode of The Story Engine Podcast, I sit down with Paul Hoffman, a master creator who transformed his career in music into a mission to guide others in sculpting their lives. Paul shares how his early days as a musician and jingle-writer taught him the power of storytelling, rhythm, and discipline—skills he now uses to help people consciously create their daily habits, shape their mindset, and design an "epic life." We dive into the art of living with intention, the importance of crafting small daily rituals, and the mindset shifts that allow you to move from being reactive to becoming the true author of your story. If you've ever felt like life is happening to you instead of through you, this episode will inspire you to start sculpting with purpose. ⏱ On This Episode [02:11] – Paul shares his early career creating jingles and what it taught him about influence and creativity [05:36] – The turning point: how Paul shifted from music into personal development and leadership [08:52] – Why sculpting your life starts with small daily rituals and consistent habits [12:07] – The difference between living reactively vs. consciously designing your life [15:22] – How mindset patterns can either build or break your ability to create an epic life [18:39] – Paul's framework for "sculpting" life one decision and detail at a time [22:05] – Kyle and Paul discuss how creativity in music translates into creativity in life design [25:47] – A story of transformation: how one of Paul's clients rewrote their life narrative through this process [29:18] – Closing thoughts on how to begin sculpting your epic life today  

What if you could create, launch, and optimize full-scale marketing campaigns in minutes—without needing a big team or weeks of effort? In this episode of The Story Engine Podcast, I sit down with Mike Filsaime, legendary software creator and founder of some of the most powerful tools for online entrepreneurs. Mike introduces Click Campaigns, his newest platform that puts the power of AI under one roof to simplify and accelerate everything from copywriting to campaign execution. We dive into why this tool is a game-changer for business owners, how AI is transforming the way entrepreneurs work, and what the future of digital marketing looks like when speed and precision are finally on your side. If you've ever felt overwhelmed by how long it takes to execute a marketing idea, this episode will show you how that bottleneck is about to disappear. ⏱ In This Episode [01:22] – Why entrepreneurs struggle with execution and how AI is closing the gap [03:48] – What makes Click Campaigns different from other marketing tools [06:15] – How AI can take tasks that once needed a full team and complete them in minutes [09:02] – Real-world example: turning a 30-day campaign build into a 30-minute process [12:10] – The shift from formulas to frameworks in AI-powered marketing [15:27] – Mike's take on where digital entrepreneurship is headed in the next 5 years [19:44] – How to balance automation with authentic connection in your messaging [23:08] – Closing thoughts: why entrepreneurs who embrace AI now will have the edge tomorrow

High-achieving women often face invisible roadblocks—patterns of thought, deep-seated beliefs, and subconscious habits that keep them from truly thriving. But what if you could move past those obstacles without years of rehashing the same painful memories in talk therapy? In this episode of The Story Engine Podcast, I sit down with Alexus Rae Lopez, a master NLP practitioner who specializes in helping ambitious women break free from their own mental and emotional barriers. Alexus shares the common patterns she sees in high achievers, why these roadblocks appear in the first place, and how to dismantle them through powerful NLP techniques that create lasting change. If you've ever felt like you're the biggest thing standing in your own way, this conversation will help you understand why—and give you tools to finally step forward with confidence and clarity. ⏱ On This Episode [01:14] – Why traditional talk therapy often keeps people stuck in the same cycles [03:22] – The types of roadblocks high achievers face and how they show up in everyday life [06:05] – How NLP works to reframe limiting beliefs at the subconscious level [08:41] – Alexus shares a client story where a single shift created a breakthrough after years of frustration [11:27] – The connection between unresolved emotional experiences and self-sabotage [14:10] – Practical strategies for spotting and dismantling your own roadblocks [17:36] – Why high achievers often attach their value to output—and how to break that pattern [20:18] – Kyle and Alexus explore the importance of integrating change into your identity, not just your habits [24:03] – Closing insights: stepping into possibility and freedom beyond your limitations

What if you could distill the who you serve and the why you do it into just six to ten powerful words—and use it to unlock a whole new level of success? On this episode of The Story Engine Podcast, I sit down with Mitchell Levy, an expert executive coach and master at creating what he calls executive abundance. We explore how one concise, well-crafted phrase can become the guiding compass for your career, business, and personal life—helping you attract opportunities, clarify your brand, and communicate your value instantly. Mitchell walks us through his simple but transformational process, shares stories from executives he's coached, and even creates a compelling phrase live on the show. If you've ever struggled to explain what you do in a way that clicks with people, this episode is your roadmap. ⏱ Episode Highlights with Timestamps [01:12] – Mitchell explains why most leaders struggle to clearly articulate their who and why [03:05] – The six-to-ten word framework that can transform how you present yourself [05:40] – Why brevity builds trust and credibility in high-level business conversations [08:15] – Live example: crafting an executive abundance statement in real time [12:02] – How this short phrase can open doors to unexpected opportunities [14:48] – Real-world case study: an executive's business growth after implementing their phrase [18:10] – The link between clarity of message and abundance in decision-making [21:33] – Common pitfalls to avoid when defining your who and why [25:56] – Kyle's reflection on how this process applies to storytelling and personal branding [28:40] – Closing thoughts from Mitchell on building your legacy through clarity