I Dare You Podcast

That voice in your head saying "Who do you think you are?" Here's what nobody tells you: if you're not experiencing imposter syndrome, you're playing small. Research shows 70% of people feel like frauds at some point—and you know who feels it the most? High performers. The ones actually doing the thing. But here's the shift: imposter syndrome isn't the problem. It's actually a sign you're doing something right. In this episode, I'm giving you a powerful, proven 3-step framework that completely reframes how you think about this feeling. Because you're not overcoming imposter syndrome—you're becoming a different person. Stop waiting until you feel ready. That day will never come. Your move: Listen to this episode. Then take one action that scares you. Let's go. Plus, grab your FREE Launch Your Dare Planning System at idareyoupod.com—the worksheets based on Dr. Benjamin Hardy's Future Self framework that we used in Episode 206.  If you haven't done the work yet, now's the time. Your Future Self needs you to stop drifting and start leading with intention—not just intensity.  Connect with Darrin Johnson: www.idareyoupod.com Instagram: @idareyoupod YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@IDareYouPod TikTok: @idareyoupod

Why do 92% of New Year's resolutions fail? Because most of us are chasing goals that sound good instead of goals rooted in who we truly are. In this game-changing episode, I sit down with Chris Bailey—bestselling author of Intentional: How to Finish What You Start—to completely reimagine how we set and achieve our goals. You'll discover:   Why SMART goals are often less effective than doing nothing at all (yes, really)   The 12 fundamental human values that drive everything you do—and how to identify yours Why waking up at 4 AM has zero correlation with success (backed by research) How to know when quitting a goal is actually the smartest move The "Rule of Three" that will transform your daily productivity Chris breaks down the science of goal attainment in a way that's practical, tactical, and deeply personal. This isn't about hustle culture or Instagram productivity hacks. It's about aligning your goals with your core values so you actually want to finish what you start. Chris Bailey is a productivity expert whose work has been featured in The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Harvard Business Review, and TED. His books have been published in over 40 languages, and his new book Intentional is already a bestseller. If you're tired of setting goals you never finish, this episode is for you. For your life to be different, your days have to be different. Plus, grab your FREE Launch Your Dare Planning System at idareyoupod.com—the worksheets based on Dr. Benjamin Hardy's Future Self framework that we used in Episode 206.  If you haven't done the work yet, now's the time. Your Future Self needs you to stop drifting and start leading with intention—not just intensity.  Connect with Chris Bailey: https://chrisbailey.com Instagram: @chrisbaileyauth Connect with Darrin Johnson: www.idareyoupod.com Instagram: @idareyoupod YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@IDareYouPod TikTok: @idareyoupod

2026 is here! Are you already feeling overwhelmed and behind—or are you ready to protect the plan you created and actually live with intention?  In this jam-packed episode, I'm giving you the three powerful moves that will help you turn down the noise and turn up your purpose in 2026. This isn't about hustling harder—it's about hustling on purpose.  You'll discover:  The 5 Why's exercise that reconnects your goals to your deepest values and reignites the spark that's been buried under routine  How to move from constant balance to seasonal focus—the framework that frees high performers from guilt and creates MORE time  Why doing less actually achieves more (and the research that proves constraints unleash creativity, not hinder it)  The 90-Day Reset system that keeps your ambition aligned and your wheels on the road all year long  In the episode, I talk about how to write your Season Statement: Here's the format: For the next [timeframe], I'm prioritizing [theme] so I can [reason]. Here’s how to write your Clarity Sprint: Step 1: Write your biggest goal for 2026 in one sentence. Make it concrete. Make it measurable. No fluff. Step 2: Ask "Why?" five times. With each answer, ask yourself, "Why is that important?"  Step 3: Name the tradeoffs for the next 90 days. What are you willing to give up for this goal? And what are you NOT willing to give up? Be honest. What are you willing to sacrifice to reach it? Plus, grab your FREE Launch Your Dare Planning System at idareyoupod.com—the worksheets based on Dr. Benjamin Hardy's Future Self framework that we used in Episode 206.  If you haven't done the work yet, now's the time. Your Future Self needs you to stop drifting and start leading with intention—not just intensity.  Connect with Darrin Johnson: www.idareyoupod.com Instagram: @idareyoupod YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@IDareYouPod TikTok: @idareyoupod

Two days left in 2025. Are you beating yourself up about the goals you didn't hit—or are you ready to design the life you actually want in 2026? In this episode, I'm giving you the blueprint that top 1% performers use to create their future instead of just reacting to whatever life throws at them. This isn't another pep talk—it's a definite plan. You'll discover: The 5 powerful questions that will get you crystal clear on what's holding you back from becoming your Future Self The calendar "cheat code" that will change everything about how you design your 2026 (hint: 90% of people never do this) Why getting specific with your goals is the only way to make the universe, God, and your network show up for you The 5-Step Walk It Back exercise to reverse-engineer your dream life Plus, I'm giving you FREE access to the Launch Your Dare Planning System—two powerful worksheets based on Dr. Benjamin Hardy's Future Self framework. Download them at idareyoupod.com and spend 60-90 minutes doing the work that will change your year. Your Future Self is waiting. The only question is: are you daring enough to meet them? I dare you. Connect with Darrin Johnson: www.idareyoupod.com Instagram: @idareyoupod YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@IDareYouPod TikTok: @idareyoupod

What if everything you thought made you valuable is about to be replaced by AI? And what if that's the best thing that could happen to you? In this episode, I sit down with Lawrence Ford—futurist, investor, and author of The World Does(n’t) Need You: The End of Work — Reclaiming Purpose in the Age of AI. Known as the "Shaman of Wall Street" by The Washington Post, Lawrence walks between two worlds: capital and consciousness, Wall Street and wisdom. This isn't another tech podcast about how AI works. This is about what happens when the knowledge economy collapses, when degrees and credentials no longer guarantee value, and when one out of three jobs could be lost in the next three years. Lawrence calls this the Third Season—that sacred space between breakdown and breakthrough where we're forced to ask: Who am I, and why am I here? You'll discover: Why AI is the "new fire" and what that means for your future How to partner with AI instead of competing against it The difference between knowledge and wisdom—and why only one matters now Why your purpose isn't a luxury anymore; it's a mandate Practical steps to discover your irreplaceable gift The I Dare You Challenge: Go be you. If you've been feeling like the ground is shifting beneath you, this conversation will help you understand why—and what to do about it. Special Offer: Get three exclusive FREE PDFs designed specifically for I Dare You listeners—including the Future Self Blueprint worksheet, a complete book study guide, and a 90-day action plan. Available only until December 31st at www.idareyoupod.com Connect with Lawrence: www.lawrenceford.org or consciouscapital.org

What happens when you stop trying to be perfect and just let yourself be? In this episode, I sit down with actor Matt Drago to talk about his incredible journey bringing the independent film Somewhere in Montana to life—and the lessons he learned along the way about creativity, authenticity, and what it means to truly show up. Matt is a world-renound actor living in Los Angeles. Best known for his role as Fabian in SOMEWHERE IN MONTANA, he has appeared in a variety of other projects including Disney's Counting Scars viral video, What Would Jesus Do: The Journey Continues, Ridley Scott's Prophets of Science Fiction, and the popular audio drama podcast No Other Way.  He also has his own production company, which is currently in development on its first feature film. Outside of performing, Matt enjoys karate (he is a 4th degree black belt) and is an avid sports fan.  Special Offer: Get three exclusive FREE PDFs designed specifically for I Dare You listeners—including the Back to the Future Blueprint worksheet, a complete book study guide, and a 90-day action plan. Available only until December 31st at www.idareyoupod.com Connect with Matt: Instagram: @mattdrago www.mattdrago.com

Stop setting goals the wrong way. In this game-changing episode, I reveal what’s really holding you back—and introduce a completely different approach backed by cutting-edge psychology. Discover the revolutionary concept that you're not driven by your past—you're pulled forward by your vision of your Future Self. Learn how to escape "The Excellence Trap" that keeps high performers stuck, master the 5-Step Back to the Future Blueprint to reverse engineer your ideal life, and understand why being good at everything prevents you from being great at what matters most. I share personal stories from my own transformation, tactical exercises you can do today, and the research-backed strategies that have helped thousands of high achievers design their Future Self and close the gap between who they are and who they're becoming. Key Takeaways: Why your "self-image cruise control" is sabotaging your progress The 10-Year Telescope strategy to get radically specific about your future How to reclaim 10+ hours per week by eliminating what your Future Self would never tolerate The identity-first approach that makes your behaviors automatically align with your goals Special Offer: Get three exclusive FREE PDFs designed specifically for I Dare You listeners—including the Back to the Future Blueprint worksheet, a complete book study guide, and a 90-day action plan. Available only until December 31st at www.idareyoupod.com Inspired by Dr. Benjamin Hardy's transformative book Be Your Future Self Now. I Dare You Challenge: Write a letter to yourself from your Future Self on December 31st, 2026. What will that person thank you for doing today? One year from today, you'll be a year older. Will you be a year better? Connect with Darrin Johnson: www.idareyoupod.com Instagram: @idareyoupod YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@IDareYouPod TikTok: @idareyoupod

In this episode, I sit down with Lillian Zhang, author of The New Money Rules: The Gen Z Guide to Personal Finance.  Her debut book aims to help young people globally overcome money anxiety and develop the habits and foundation they need to thrive.  Lillian Zhang is a personal finance educator who helps Gen Z and millennials build confidence with money through practical, relatable content. A Silicon Valley professional and a Haas School of Business graduate from the University of California, Berkeley, she blends real-world experience with actionable guidance that resonates with young adults navigating today’s financial landscape.  Lillian has been featured on CNBC Make It, Business Insider, Bloomberg, ABC’s Good Morning America, and Yahoo Finance.  At just 25 years old, Lillian is changing the conversation around money for an entire generation. Her massive following on TikTok and Instagram is evidence that her message is breaking through. What you’ll learn: Why Gen Z is ditching the latte factor advice and focusing on growing their income instead.  Why talking openly about money isn't taboo anymore—it's empowering.  Money hacks and simple strategies you can implement today The important difference between two types of side hustles you  Order The New Money Rules at your local independent book store or at  Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/New-Money-Rules-Personal-Finance/dp/B0DW678THW Want more I Dare You insights? Sing up for my weekly email with free, road-tested strategies you can implement in your life: www.idareyoupod.com Connect with Lillian: www.lillianzhang.com TikTok: @lillianzhang Instagram: @bylillianzhang Youtube: @lillianzhang_

What if the biggest obstacle between you and the life you want isn't your circumstances—it's your ego? In this episode, I sit down with Jim Murphy, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Inner Excellence and performance coach to some of the best athletes and leaders in the world. Jim's story isn't about overnight success. He's a former pro baseball player who lost his career to injury, spent five years in the desert wrestling with his identity, and emerged with a message that's transforming lives at the highest levels of sport and business. Jim works with Olympians and championship teams, but this conversation isn't just for elite athletes. It's for anyone chasing success thinking it will finally make them happy. Anyone who looks good on the outside but feels empty inside. Anyone tired of the endless treadmill of trying to be enough. We dive deep into mastering your ego, training your heart, and why your hardest moments might be the most important things that ever happen to you.  Plus: Exclusive for I Dare You Podcast listeners: Grab 3 free custom PDFs (Effortless visual synopsis, workbook, and Be At Ease worksheet) at idareupod.com. Connect with Jim: www.innerexcellence.com Instagram: @innerexcellence

Two hundred episodes. I’m still not chasing charts—I’m chasing change. In this milestone episode, I pull together the 10 biggest lessons from every interview, solo riff, on-stage presentation, and conversation with YOU. If you’re new here, you picked the perfect moment to jump in. Here’s the heartbeat: Consistency beats motivation. Small, boring inputs create the biggest outcomes. You can’t have it all, but you can have all that matters. Your calendar tells the truth. Time is your sharpest weapon. Block it, guard it, use it with intent. Wellness is the long game. Think decades. Train strength. Prioritize healthspan. Identity drives habit. Become the person your future self will thank. Your mindset is a battlefield. Curate your inputs like your life depends on it. Avoid the drift. Master your mornings. Make the first hour the best hour. Your comfort zone is killing your dream. Fear is a compass, not a stop sign. Action wins. Every choice is a vote for who you’re becoming. Follow the community on Instagram at @IDareYouPod and grab my Friday email at idareyoupod.com. The magic you’re looking for is in the work you’re avoiding. Let’s go. Plus: Exclusive for I Dare You Podcast listeners: Grab 3 free custom PDFs (Effortless visual synopsis, workbook, and Be At Ease worksheet) at idareupod.com. Connect with Darrin Johnson: www.idareyoupod.com Instagram: @idareyoupod YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@IDareYouPod TikTok: @idareyoupod

Tony Miltenberger is a pastor, Army veteran, executive coach, podcaster, and author of Wisdom in the Wound: How God Uses Your Past to Shape Who You’re Becoming.  Tony brings over 15 years of leadership experience in non-profit leadership and is the creator and host of the Follow 2 Lead Podcast, with over 400 episodes recorded to date. His message blends real-world grit with spiritual wisdom and practical tools to help you live a better life. Tony is a devoted husband and father who draws strength and inspiration from his family. He has been married to his high school sweetheart, Karen, for over 20 years, and together they are raising three incredible children, Connor, Caleb, and Shiloh. Plus: Exclusive for I Dare You Podcast listeners: Grab 3 free custom PDFs (Effortless visual synopsis, workbook, and Be At Ease worksheet) at idareupod.com. Connect with Tony: www.follow2leadcoaching.com Instagram: @follow2leadpodcast Instagram: @twmilt

For high achievers who are tired of being everything for everyone, this episode is your permission slip to stop over-explaining and apologizing for setting boundaries in life. My special guest, Dr. Jen Fry, is a TEDx speaker, conflict expert, and author of a dynamite new book, “I Said No: A No-BS Guide to Boundaries Without the Guilt.” She owns JenFryTalks and also owns Coordle, a B2B tech company tackling youth sports travel chaos. Jen understands how conflict within athletics, corporate, or professional settings can impact a team. Jen wants to help you build the skills you need to navigate those hard but essential conversations and come out on top.  She is a veteran coach with over 15 years of experience at the collegiate level with coaching stints at Elon University, University of Illinois - 2011 National Runner-up, Washington State University, and Norfolk State University.  She received her PhD in Sports Geography from Michigan State University. Connect with Dr. Jen Fry: www.jenfrytalks.com Instagram: @jenfrytalks

In this solo episode, I challenge everything you thought you knew about leadership and communication. Are you being "nice" or are you actually being kind? Spoiler alert: there's a massive difference, and it's costing you credibility, power, and results. I reveal why people-pleasing is sabotaging your leadership and provide a clear framework to become a Kind, Clear, and Assertive Leader: You'll learn: The critical distinction between "nice" (people-pleasing) and "kind" (people-growing) A quick diagnostic tool to determine if you’re too nice! Two micro-scripts you can use immediately to have difficult conversations with clarity and empathy The I Dare You Kindness Framework to become a Kind Leader Three non-negotiable rules that will transform how you lead Whether you're leading a team, managing up, or navigating personal relationships, this episode gives you the tactical tools to stop avoiding hard conversations and start having them with dignity, respect, and results. This episode will fundamentally change how you show up at work and in life. The I Dare You “Kind Framework”: (Kind, Clear, Assertive) Step 1: Prepare the truth (Give specific evidence) Step 2: What is the impact? (Deliver in a calm, clear, and kind manner) Step 3: Make the assertive ask (specific request - no fuzzy agreements) Step 4: Set boundaries (Clear next steps / decisions of what happens next) Step 5: Reinforce respect (affirm them / thank them) Plus: Exclusive for I Dare You Podcast listeners: Grab 3 free custom PDFs (Effortless visual synopsis, workbook, and Be At Ease worksheet) at idareupod.com. Connect with Darrin Johnson: www.idareyoupod.com Instagram: @idareyoupod YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@IDareYouPod TikTok: @idareyoupod

Feeling stuck in the midlife drift? In this powerful episode, Jason Smith—fitness coach, owner of Fit in Midlife, and Men's Fitness Magazine cover star—shares his incredible transformation from corporate burnout to thriving in his 50s.  Discover how he escaped 30 years of neglecting his health, the real dangers of alcohol that nobody talks about, and why "safety in numbers" kept him trapped for so long.  Jason reveals practical insights on recognizing when you're drifting through life, the connection between alcohol and declining health, and how prioritizing fitness became the foundation for transforming not just his body, but his relationships, career, and entire outlook on life.  If you're over 40 and ready to reclaim your energy, vitality, and purpose, this conversation will inspire you to take action today. Plus: Exclusive for I Dare You Podcast listeners: Grab 3 free custom PDFs (Effortless visual synopsis, workbook, and Be At Ease worksheet) at idareupod.com. Connect with Jason: www.fitinmidlife.com Instagram: @fitinmidlife TikTok: @fitinmidlife

Amanda Goetz is a 2x Founder, CEO and 4x CMO. She is an inspirational writer and content creator captivating millions of people every month through her social insights and newsletter “Life’s a Game”.  Amanda’s new best-selling book, Toxic Grit: How to Have It All and (actually) Love What You Have, is a rally cry about thriving without the grind. Amanda graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and went on to lead marketing teams at Ernst & Young, The Knot and still advises as Fractional CMO to multiple startups.  She started her last company, House of Wise, during the pandemic in her garage, raised two rounds of venture capital and sold it in 2022 all while homeschooling three young children as a single mom.  She found love again and lives with her partner and 3 kiddos in Miami, FL after a decade dodging hustle culture in NYC. Plus: Exclusive for I Dare You Podcast listeners: Grab 3 free custom PDFs (Effortless visual synopsis, workbook, and Be At Ease worksheet) at idareupod.com. Connect with Amanda: Instagram: @theamandagoetz www.amandagoetz.com

January is overrated. In this solo episode, I flip the cultural script and make a compelling case for starting your goals in October. You’ll learn why the next 90 days create natural urgency without panic, how to use “fresh start” effects that stack in your favor, and the simple weekly ritual that makes progress feel easier, not heavier. What you’ll learn: The October Advantage: why change sticks better now than in January Parkinson’s Law and how 90 days sharpens focus and kills procrastination Why writing goals by hand boosts recall and commitment The 5‑step Be At Ease Blueprint to engineer an effortless state: Time‑block a weekly Reset Ritual Mind Sweep with Delete, Delegate, Do Build your Friction List The One Thing test 15‑minute Microbursts (and the 2.5‑second rule) Plus: Grab 3 free custom PDFs (Effortless visual synopsis, workbook, and Be At Ease worksheet) at idareupod.com. Follow @idareyoupod and share this episode with someone who wants their best year to start now. Connect with Darrin Johnson: www.idareyoupod.com Instagram: @idareyoupod YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@IDareYouPod TikTok: @idareyoupod

On this episode of the I Dare You Podcast, we welcome Alfred Brenner, a former Marine Corps K9 Handler whose life took a dramatic turn in 2010. After completing Marine Corps Boot Camp at Paris Island, Alfred's path led him to Military Police School and eventually to become a K9 Handler, training at Lackland AFB in San Antonio, Texas. While deployed in 2010, Sgt. Brenner was severely injured by an IED explosion that tragically took the life of his K9 partner, Grief. Through numerous surgeries and months of physical recovery, Alfred discovered that the emotional pain of losing his partner far outweighed his physical wounds. It was during this healing journey that he found his new purpose. Before medically retiring from the Marines, Alfred made one final contribution by helping train the next generation of handlers. Today, his mission has transformed into sharing his powerful experiences as a handler and inspiring others with his message of resilience and how to "Survive with Grief". Exclusive for I Dare You Podcast listeners, be part of The Dare Club and get your FREE Thrive visual synopsis, Thrive worksheet, and Well-Being Assessment PDFs!  Simply go to www.idareyoupod.com Connect with Alfred: Social: @sgtbrenner survivingwithgrief@gmail.com www.survivingwithgrief.com

In this eye-opening episode, I sit down with Dr. Corinne Low, Associate Professor at the Wharton School and author of "Having It All: What Data Tells Us About Women's Lives and Getting the Most Out of Yours." Dr. Low shares her groundbreaking research on the modern challenges facing working mothers and why women often find themselves "winning the bread and baking it too." Drawing from 15 years of original research and her personal journey as a working mother, Dr. Low reveals startling data about gender roles at home versus the workplace. Discover why mothers today spend twice as much time with their children as previous generations, how female breadwinners still do twice the housework of their male partners, and why the explosion in parenting time since the 1990s has created a "perfect storm" for working women. Whether you're juggling career and family or simply interested in the data behind gender dynamics, this conversation offers both validation and practical insights for creating more balanced lives. Don't miss this compelling discussion about the structural challenges women face and how we might reimagine what "having it all" really means. Exclusive for I Dare You Podcast listeners, be part of The Dare Club and get your FREE Thrive visual synopsis, Thrive worksheet, and Well-Being Assessment PDFs!  Simply go to www.idareyoupod.com Connect with Dr. Corinne Low: www.corinnelow.substack.com www.corinnelow.com Instagram: @corinnelowphd

What’s the ONE thing that separates success from failure? In this powerful episode, I reveal why consistency is the ultimate secret weapon of high performers. Discover the Dare Consistency Blueprint - a proven three-step system that will transform how you approach your goals and help you push through the ‘murky middle’. Learn why doing hard things first thing each morning can revolutionize your productivity, how to master the critical ‘murky middle’ where most people quit, and the surprising research about consistency in leadership that you can’t afford to ignore. Whether you’re starting a new project or stuck in the middle of one, this episode provides the practical tools you need to join the top 1% in whatever matters most to you. Exclusive for I Dare You Podcast listeners, be part of The Dare Club and get your FREE Thrive visual synopsis, Thrive worksheet, and Well-Being Assessment PDFs!  Simply go to www.idareyoupod.com Connect with Darrin Johnson: www.idareyoupod.com Instagram: @idareyoupod YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@IDareYouPod TikTok: @idareyoupod

In today’s episode, I am thrilled to introduce you to Michelle "MACE" Curran - an absolute force of nature who embodies everything this podcast stands for. Michelle “MACE” Curran is a former United States Air Force fighter pilot with nearly 2,000 hours of F-16 flying time. She flew combat missions in Afghanistan and honed her skills across the globe. Then, she served as the Lead Solo Pilot for the Thunderbirds, the Air Force’s elite demonstration team - becoming the fourth woman in history to do so! Michelle is also the author of an incredible new book, The Flipside: How to Invert Your Perspective and Turn Fear Into Your Superpower. She has helped notable clients like Microsoft, Boeing, John Deere, SpaceX, Purina, PwC, and more make bold choices and push past obstacles.  Exclusive for I Dare You Podcast listeners, be part of The Dare Club and get your FREE Thrive visual synopsis, Thrive worksheet, and Well-Being Assessment PDFs!  Simply go to www.idareyoupod.com Connect with Michelle “MACE” Curran: Instagram: @mace_curran www. macecurran.com