Bet on You

One of the greatest risks we can take in life is journeying through our grief.  Hear from Shannon Spann DeBruyn whose husband was the first American casualty post 9.11.  Her story inspires us to confront areas in our life where we can feel more whole, authentic and connected.

As if being a Fire Captain wasn’t a career in and of itself, Steve Ball shares with us how a side hustle transitioned into business ownership that inspired future entrepreneurial initiatives. Steve will share his views on striking harmony between career, family, and service to community. -------- Bet On You features host Angie (Morgan) Witkowski, who is joined by risk-takers who share their journeys to successes of all kinds.

Fernando Meza isn’t just the creative force behind OneUpWeb.  He and his wife are the owners of Luna Rosa Farms – a you-pick lavender farm that is host to an event center and AirBnB.  Fernando will share his contagious spirit in regard to pursuing your passions and finding the time to achieve your dreams.    ------ Bet On You features host Angie (Morgan) Witkowski, who is joined by risk-takers who share their journeys to successes of all kinds.  

Growing up in Oahu, Hawaii, Sakura Takano had no way of knowing that her life’s journey would lead her to call Traverse City, Michigan home. Hear Sakura share how her career stints on the East Coast, and her life as a stay at home parent on the West Coast, would eventually allow her to realize balance between community, career, and passion in her important non-profit work in Northern Michigan.

Coach Read is a legend.  He coaches cross country in a region that produces some of the best runners in the nation (for real)!  Listen to Tom talk about the joy of running, coaching student athletes, and how to get started if you think it's time to pound the pavement.

Molly grew up never knowing her dad.   After her mom passed away, she decided it was time for her to uncover this mystery. Hear about the risks Molly took on her journey; this story ends with a surprising realization and an incredible reunion.  

After earning her BA and MS in engineering, Jen decided it was time to confront a truth: she didn't want to be an engineer.  Hear Jen's story about betting on herself by going back to school, making a career switch and designing a life she's excited to live.

Hear from Pastor Jane Lippert on how she found her way into the ministry and, eventually, at odds with her clergy members. This conflict created an opportunity for her to provide ministry to non-traditional church-goers: those who are financially insecure and homeless. Even though the pay wasn't what she expected, Jane discovered her passion! Jane's story is an inspiration to those who seek to take a stand for their values.

When Amanda’s husband asked her what business she wanted to run next, it didn’t take her long to answer: “I’ve always wanted to run a special events space.” Enter Blue Ribbon Barn – the business that allows her to work alongside her guests to help them plan their most important events and experiences. Hear from Amanda how she’s developed her entrepreneurial confidence with each business she and her husband have invested in along their life’s journey together.

Brad Graft is many things - author, business owner and Marine.  Listen in as he shares his journey into owning a mini-golf dynasty that started when his dad asked a simple question: "Why can't we, in Northern Michigan, have Myrtle Beach-style putt-putt golf?"  In this episode, Brad shares invaluable lessons he learned in the Corps - like learning how to work in misery! - and how anything can be conquered with hard work and determination.

Christal Frost Anderson is a survivor.  As a victim of child sexual abuse, she’s here to share her story with hope that it inspires us to share ours – whatever painful truth we hold that is limiting us from being fully present in our life.  In this episode, Christal “goes there.”  Listen in and you’ll be amazed by the journey that has allowed her to be so courageous.

How would your world be different if you could read minds? Ben Whiting - Magician, Mentalist, Keynote Presenter - and I discuss this in our episode. While Ben will tell you that he can't really read minds, what he can do is pay attention to our verbals and nonverbals. What he learns from paying attention to others has the power to transform relationships. In this episode, you'll learn about Ben's journey from street performer to the keynote stage. You won't want to miss this one!

Imagine what it'd be like to be an All-American collegiate basketball player.  Has that settled in yet?  Now, imagine after that experience you were to be selected to play on the professional team, The Washington Generals, that competes against The Harlem Globetrotters.  Chuck Schuba shares his journey from elementary school in Kalkaska, MI to his experiences traveling the globe with The Generals.  Chuck is now a high school teacher and varsity basketball coach who gets to impart his wisdom with his students and student athletes.  Enjoy this episode!

Nick Nissley isn't your average college president.  While his path to higher education wasn't paved smoothly, once there he received an education that launched a career that included several pivots to get to where he is today.  As the President of Northwestern Michigan College, he's passionate about ensuring educate for every community member - from elementary student to adult.  Listen in and hear an amazing story of resilience, leadership, and agility. 

Steven Pressfield is best known for his novel "The Legend of Bagger Vance," which was adapted into a film directed by Robert Redford. His book “Gates of Fire” is taught at the U.S. Military Academy, the U.S. Naval Academy, and the Marine Corps Basic School at Quantico. Aside from fiction, he is also known for his series of books on writing, including "The War of Art," "Do The Work," and "Turning Pro."

As we get ready to start a brand new year, we're taking a look back at all the great conversations we've had since starting Bet On You last fall -- and look ahead to all the exciting stuff in store for 2023!

John U. Bacon is an author, sports columnist, and, as referred to by Good Morning America, the “Real Ted Lasso.”  When John became the Huron High School River Rat’s hockey coach, they had the worst record in the country.  In three years, he turned them into champions.  Hear the Two Rules that he taught his team that turned out to be the secrets of their success.

After 3 rejections in 10 years, the Porters from ActionGlow finally earned a coveted spot on Shark Tank ---and scored a deal with Robert Herjavec! Hear how they did it!   It’s a story of resilience, determination, and persistence. They never gave up betting on themselves, and it paid off!   Join host Angie Witkowski, Keynote Speaker and Executive Coach, as she and Ben Whiting, Entrepreneurship Keynote Speaker as they interview ActionGlow Founders Dakota and Garret Porter for the Bet on You Show, a show dedicated to business leadership and entrepreneurs.  Check out more Bet on You Podcasts here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6Yx96M3iCfSVkMZ9AQ6YhisBVaK_jTJ3   Sign up for Email Reminders for the Bet on You Show: https://www.angiewitkowski.com/bet-on-you-podcast/   Buy the book that inspired the Podcast:  “Bet on You – How to Win with Risk” https://amzn.to/3EtC42c   Garret and Dakota Porter started ActionGlow a company that creates LED lights for sports equipment, at ages 13 and 16 respectively. They worked hard to develop a business plan, raise money, and learned how to manufacture and sell their products.    They had always dreamed of making a deal with Shark Tank, to capitalize and leverage the sharks’ success. They first applied in 2012, but were not big enough or ready. As they continued to grow and develop their business, they auditioned a 2nd and 3rd time, but still did not earn a spot on the show.   Finally, in 2022, they decided to apply to the program once more time. They hired sponsors and researched how to be successful. Their business had grown, and they had better sales numbers and a more mature business. This time, persistence and hard work paid off; they made it to the show!   Garret and Dakota proposed a deal of $200,000 at a 15% stake. While some of the sharks were concerned about the possibility of knockoffs, shark Robert Herjavec made a counteroffer of $200,000 at a 30% stake, which Dakota and Garret accepted.    It was a huge success!   In this episode, learn all about: How it took resilience and grit to get on Shark Tank. They had to bet on themselves and overcome rejection. They had to learn, grow, and continue to build their business acumen.  How Garret and Dakota found and selected sponsors to help them prepare for the Shark Tank interview. How the Shark Tank process works, from arriving on set to lights, camera, action! How to have the courage to sustain a grilling from the sharks, in the spotlight. And for the lucky few that get a deal, how to work with the sharks after the show.    Also learn about Garret and Dakota’s business advice: How to think outside the box in order to develop a product and to gain the attention of your customers? How to work with other professionals in an effort to grow your business   Lessons Learned: Bet on You Listen in and hear the inspiring story of persistence, resilience, and perseverance.    Garret and Dakota bet on themselves again and again. They took risks and had the courage, confidence and clarity to bet on themselves, even when they were rejected the first three times. They never gave up and continued to learn, grow, built momentum, and consulted and trained with sponsors - - and all that hard work finally paid off! How to Connect with our guest speakers, Dakota and Garret Porter: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dakota-porter-9b042555/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/garret-porter-5b532212b/ https://actionglow.com/pages/contact-us How to Connect with our host, Angie Witkowski: Website: https://www.angiewitkowski.com/   To Book Angie for Keynote or Executive Coaching: Email: info@angiewitkowski.com   Social Channels: YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@angiewitkowski LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angiewitkowski/ Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/@angiewitkowskibrand Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/angiewitkowski/ Twitter:  https://twitter.com/AngieWitkowski Tik Tok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@coachangieski   To order Angie’s books: SPARK: https://amzn.to/3KpBdmU  Bet on You: https://amzn.to/3EtC42c Leading from the Front: https://amzn.to/3InvuLH   About Angie Witkowski  Angie Witkowski is a New York Times best-selling author of the business books “SPARK,” “Bet on You,” and “Leading from the Front.” She has been a coach inside some of the world’s best businesses and has shared a keynote stage with some of the most influential leaders of our time. Angie served as an officer in the Marine Corps and holds a BA and MBA from the University of Michigan. She is a CEO and multi-million-dollar entrepreneur as well as a co-owner of Morsels (https://www.morselsbakery.com/), a coffee and bakery in downtown Traverse City, MI.

The secret sauce to Allison Beers’ success at building her event planning company is her focus on relationships.  She not only loves networking, but making introductions in the hopes that new connections are formed — for herself or for others.  Hear Allison talk about growing her business, Events North, and learn how to build relationships for mutual benefit.