Point Of Impact With Aaron Hale

In this insightful episode of the podcast, Aaron Hale sits down with real estate expert Veena Jetti to delve into her journey and strategies in the multifamily investment space. Veena shares the origins of her passion for real estate and provides a deep dive into her impressive portfolio, discussing the challenges and triumphs of focusing on multifamily complexes.  She addresses the reasons behind the fewer deals this year and emphasizes the critical role of reputation and relationship-building in selecting investments.  The conversation also explores the benefits of commercial real estate and the importance of fostering trust with investors, offering valuable advice on how to nurture these crucial relationships. Beyond the technical aspects of real estate investing, Veena discusses her approach to personal development, highlighting how she leverages personality strengths to optimize her business and workplace dynamics.  She explains her preferred personality tests and contrasts them with others, shedding light on how understanding individual differences enhances team performance. Additionally, Veena talks about her company's strategic focus on multifamily assets, including the criteria for choosing investment locations based on state laws and opportunities. Veena Jetti's socials: Website: https://www.multifinow.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/veenajetti/?hl=en

What if addiction isn't about substances at all…but about escaping reality? Today Aaron Hale sits down with Ken Miller, a Dartmouth grad, former felon, and now a man with 21+ years of sobriety, to unpack a harder truth most people avoid:  The real addiction is leaving reality–and there are no good excuses for doing it. Ken traces his path from foster care, violence, and prison to building multiple businesses, mentoring men across the country, and living with clarity and discipline. He explains why emotional pain never justifies relapse, why cliches block real thinking, and why authenticity requires far more than honesty–it requires responsibility. This conversation isn't about motivation or self-help shortcuts. It's about truth, perception, and what it actually takes to face life without numbing, masking, or running. 0:00 Intro 0:34 Addicted to leaving reality 2:33 Childhood, foster care, and early trauma 7:50 Intelligence, privilege, and first exposure to alcohol 9:17 Ken's definition of an alcoholic 13:38 Escaping reality with chemicals 17:30 Why no emotional pain justifies using 20:37 Making amends by showing up 26:21 Dropping personas and "Becoming Ken" 29:47 The turning point 33:31 What it means to finally be well 40:30 Why cliches are lazy thinking 46:07 Forgiveness, resentment, and letting go 57:29 Life after addiction 59:40 Countdown to Impact Resources Mentioned: Connect with Ken: 📍 LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/kenmiller84/  📧 Email: ken@denalifsp.com 📚 Ken's Book: Becoming Ken https://amzn.to/3NIN4jt  📚 The Six Pillars of Self-Esteem — Nathaniel Branden https://amzn.to/49qc6v1 📚 The Speed of Trust — Stephen Covey https://amzn.to/450ApOO  📚 Deep Work — Cal Newport https://amzn.to/4jBG0Bo  Disclosure: Some of the links in these show notes are affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you purchase through them (at no extra cost to you).

What happens when the uniform comes off…and no one tells you what's next? On this episode of Point of Impact, Aaron Hale talks with JR Butler, Founder & CEO of Shift Group. JR built Shift Group to help veterans and former athletes break into business careers without getting filtered out by outdated hiring systems. He believes the traditional resume reduces real people to lifeless bullet points, and that better tools and better storytelling create better opportunities. The conversation covers what transition is really like, why confidence follows discipline, and why starting over with humility is not a setback. It's the path forward. If you're figuring out your next move, this episode will help you rethink how to present yourself, how to aim your skills, and how to climb the mountain a second time. 0:00 Intro 02:24 Losing identity after the uniform  4:23 Why the resume is broken  10:32 Coaching, discipline, and doing the work  26:11 You are Tom Brady (but you still start at the bottom) 33:05 Culture fit beats credentials  37:40 What's next for Shift Group 41:47 Countdown to Impact Resources Mentioned: 🌐 Shift Group  https://shiftgroup.io Shift Group on socials: https://www.youtube.com/@shiftgroup_hq  https://www.instagram.com/shiftgroup_hq/    📚 To Sell Is Human – Daniel Pink https://amzn.to/49yCZ0Z  📚 The Qualified Sales Leader – John McMahon https://amzn.to/4jlL5xv  📚 The Power of One – Bryce Courtenay https://amzn.to/4jlPtMJ  Disclosure: Some of the links in these show notes are affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you purchase through them (at no extra cost to you).

Every 11 minutes, a life is lost…and more than a hundred people are left carrying the weight of it. Today Aaron Hale sits down with Tony DeMaio, longtime advocate for veterans and first responders, and founder of Helping Heroes USA.  Tony breaks down what really leads people down the path of isolation, depression, and despair–and how everyday people can step in before it's too late. From recognizing early warning signs to learning how to start hard conversations without judgment, Tony shares a clear, practical framework for prevention.  If you've ever wondered what to say, how to help, or whether you can make a difference, this conversation might just give you the tools to help save a life. 0:00 Intro 1:14 Why this mission matters 4:35 You don't have to be a veteran to help 8:46 Talking about it saves lives 12:38 Recognizing warning signs and restoring hope 18:12 Why strong people still need support 21:40 How to start the conversation 25:19 Practical prevention and responsibility 30:14 Purpose, process, and moving forward 34:33 What Helping Heroes USA does 39:30 Why community saves lives 43:10 Countdown to Impact 54:10 What living a life of impact really means Resources Mentioned: Helping Heroes USA https://helpingheroesusa.org 📚 Silent Battle - Tony DeMaio https://silentbattle.life

When 14-year-old Nick Prefontaine suffered a near-fatal snowboard accident, doctors told his parents he may never walk, talk, or eat on his own again.   He spent three weeks in a partially induced coma, months in rehabilitation, and was expected to need 24-hour care for the rest of his life…   Instead, he ran out of the hospital.   Today, Nick sits down with Aaron Hale to break down the 4-step framework behind his comeback, and the mindset that carried him through the darkest moments of his life.   Nick opens up about the doubt, the inner voice that told him he'd run again, the support system that refused to let him quit, and how his recovery ultimately led him into real estate, public speaking, and founding Common Goal to help others rise after crisis.   No matter where you are or what you're facing, Nick's story is a reminder:   Once you take your first step, your next step will always appear.   0:00 Intro 1:24 The jump, the crash, and the miracle of survival 5:05 The doctors' grim prediction (and his parents' refusal to accept it) 7:27 Breaking down the STEP System 12:10 Life after rehab 17:44 Creative real estate, family business, and finding purpose 22:10 What support really means 24:29 The calling to speak and help trauma survivors 29:30 Following the internal "yes" 43:10 Morning routines, mindset, and daily practices 45:34 Snowboarding again, and finally letting it go 48:19 Countdown to Impact   Resources Mentioned:   STEP System (free download):  nickprefontaine.com/step    Common Goal: Nick's speaking & coaching platform https://nickprefontaine.com/    Smart Real Estate Coach Masterclass: smartrealestatecoach.com/masterclass    📚 Frequency — Penny Peirce https://amzn.to/4rIDEnO    📚 Zero Limits — Dr. Joe Vitale & Dr. Hew Len https://amzn.to/3KHjHwZ    📚 The Millionaire Mind — T. Harv Eker https://amzn.to/44dtW2I    Disclosure: Some of the links in these show notes are affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you purchase through them (at no extra cost to you).  

When Rick Hogg looks back on nearly three decades in Special Operations, one truth stands out above the rest: The dogs weren't just teammates…they were the reason he came home. In this conversation, Rick walks through the moments that shaped his life on and off the battlefield: the first deployment where a dog saved his team, the long nights training in the heat, the surgeries and setbacks that came with age and miles, and the day he held his K9 partner Duco for the last time.  Rick also opens up about transition. The parts nobody prepares you for…  The missing tribe. The sudden quiet. The uphill climb of starting a business with no blueprint, losing his entire social media platform overnight, and learning the hard way what it means to build something with your own name on it. From combat lessons to entrepreneurship to the rhythm of a life rebuilt around family, faith, and service, this episode follows the path of a man who has had to start over (more than once) and keeps finding a mission worth fighting for.   0:00 Intro 0:38 Rick Hogg: SOF veteran and K9 handler 6:49 Becoming a K9 handler and why dogs change the battlefield 10:09 Malinois vs Dutch Shepherds and what makes a top working dog 17:21 Starting the In Honor of Duco Project 21:46 What military working dogs really do in combat 25:13 Retiring with Duco 29:20 The bond between handlers and their dogs 31:43 Warhawk Tactical 35:35 Losing social media pages & why owning your platform matters 38:33 Pivoting during COVID and launching the podcast 45:21 Entrepreneurship lessons 49:09 Writing The Firearms Training Notebook 52:02 Transition challenges 54:26 Time, family, and the Five Fs 59:36 Leaving the military tribe and finding a new one 1:03:58 How dogs shape routine, mindset, and resilience 1:10:18 Countdown to Impact   Resources Mentioned: Warhawk Tactical https://warhogg.com In Honor of Duco Project - via Scott's Wish (SOF K9 medical support) https://www.scottswish.org/in-honor-of-duco  On The Range Podcast https://www.ontherangepodcast.com/ The Firearms Training Notebook by Rick Hogg & Mark Kelly https://amzn.to/3XFuKK6  Disclosure: Some of the links in these show notes are affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you purchase through them (at no extra cost to you).  

What does a TOPGUN instructor, a Marine forward air controller in Ramadi, and the only Marine to ever fly the F-22 Raptor all have in common? One man–Dave Berke–and a lifetime of lessons on what leadership really looks like. Aaron Hale sits down with retired Marine Colonel Berke, a fighter pilot and ground combat leader who's spent his career making hard calls in places where mistakes cost lives. From carrier decks to close air support in Ramadi, Berke learned early that complacency is deadly and humility keeps you alive. Berke shares stories from the cockpit, the streets, and the moments that changed him…including the loss of a Marine under his command, the rooftop fight that shifted how he leads, and the TOPGUN flight that redefined accountability. He also dives into why small corrections prevent big problems, what TOPGUN really teaches, and how preemptive ownership can strengthen your family, your team, and your life. If you're looking to lead with more clarity, courage, and purpose, this conversation delivers the kind of lessons you don't forget. 0:00 Intro 0:33 Dave Berke's Marine Corps origin story 1:54 Becoming a pilot 4:11 The military "path" and fighting complacency 6:08 Carrier landings, fear of correction, and the danger of hiding mistakes 8:05 The lesson that changed his flying forever 12:18 The long road to TOPGUN & what it really teaches 17:34 The graduation flight that redefined leadership 24:36 Choosing to leave the cockpit for ground combat 29:54 First missions in Ramadi and blending air/ground leadership 36:04 First mission with Jocko & Leif 39:20 Losing Cpl. Chris Leon & the weight of command 42:44 Extreme ownership vs. preemptive ownership 52:13 Meltdown in the simulator 57:13 Commanding the Air Force's Raptor division as a Marine 1:00:21 Countdown to Impact Resources Mentioned: 📚Extreme Ownership - Jocko Willink & Leif Babin https://amzn.to/48s4dEZ 📚Leadership Strategy and Tactics Field Manual - Jocko Willink https://amzn.to/4rxdt3k 📚The Need to Lead - Dave Berke https://amzn.to/4iwt7aU  Connect with Dave: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidrberke/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidrberke/ Echelon Front: https://echelonfront.com/instructors/dave-berke/  Disclosure: Some of the links in these show notes are affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you purchase through them (at no extra cost to you).  

What compels a man to fly to a refugee camp alone, endure malaria on a cot in Africa, join Special Forces, become the oldest rookie in the NFL, and still go searching for the next way to serve? For Nate Boyer, the answer is simple: purpose. service. responsibility. Today Aaron Hale sits down with a man who has spent his life moving toward the hard thing–not for glory, but because someone had to.  Nate shares how a single Time Magazine article pulled him into the Darfur crisis, how illness and the Battle of Fallujah pushed him toward the military, and how living among Iraqi and Afghan partners reshaped his understanding of humanity and service. He opens up about walking on to the Texas Longhorns football team with zero experience, stepping onto an NFL field at 34, building MVP to support veterans and athletes in transition, and why every new chapter (from filmmaking to business) is just another way to serve. Nate's story is a reminder that when purpose calls, you go. Not for recognition. Not for comfort. But because answering the call is what makes a life meaningful. This episode is a rare look into the heart behind the warrior–a man defined not by achievement, but by service. 0:00 Intro  1:11 Meet Nate Boyer 5:56 Volunteering in a war-torn region  8:47 Malaria, Fallujah, and the call to serve  12:35 Becoming a Green Beret  15:54 The draw of doing hard things  17:49 Living and working alongside local forces  21:42 What military service really is (and isn't) 25:35 Chasing an impossible dream: Texas football  30:26 Life as an older college athlete and veteran  41:01 Choosing the harder path  46:20 The NFL chapter  49:44 Building MVP: Merging Vets & Players  55:34 Waterboys, Kilimanjaro, and service-driven impact  58:10 Hollywood 1:07:15 Countdown to Impact Resources Mentioned: 📚 Born to Run - Christopher McDougall https://amzn.to/4ofrakE  📚 Kitchen Confidential - Anthony Bourdain https://amzn.to/4ok9hkP  📚 East of Eden - John Steinbeck https://amzn.to/49yiX7s  Nate's Projects: MVP: Merging Vets & Players https://vetsandplayers.org/  Waterboys https://waterboys.org/conqueringkili/  8 Primal https://8primal.com/  Sweetest Day film: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt36375289/  Disclosure: Some of the links in these show notes are affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you purchase through them (at no extra cost to you). ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Point of Impact isn't just a podcast—it's a battle cry. Hear raw, real stories of warriors, risk-takers, and everyday legends who turned adversity into fuel. Catch more real, raw conversations: 🛡️ Point of Impact Podcast → https://pointofimpactpod.com/ 🛡️ Apple Podcasts → https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/point-of-impact-with-aaron-hale/id1681213789 🔥 Book Aaron to speak → https://calendly.com/aaronhale/new-meeting 👇 Let's connect: IG → https://www.instagram.com/aclayhale/ FB → https://www.facebook.com/aclayhale LinkedIn → https://linkedin.com/in/aaron-hale-1861477 Check this out for more → linktr.ee/aaronhalepointofimpact

How does a young man obsessed with proving himself evolve into a leader willing to give everything for the man on his left?  Today Aaron Hale sits down with former Navy SEAL, author, and weapons/tactics expert Jeff Gonzales, whose career spanned the height of narco‑terrorism in Central and South America. Jeff traces his journey from a teenager searching for purpose, to meeting the SEALs who would shape his path, to learning the hard way that greatness isn't earned alone–it's forged in brotherhood, failure, and the brutal clarity of combat. He shares powerful stories of jungle warfare alongside Peruvian counterparts, the humbling experience of teaching men who had just returned from real firefights, and how cultural exchanges sharpened him into a more adaptive, lethal, and wiser operator. From concealed carry fundamentals to the mindset required to protect life, Jeff embodies a gritty truth: the job isn't to be perfect. It's to be better, for the people who count on you. 0:00 Intro 1:16 Meet Jeff Gonzales 4:08 Jeff's journey to the SEALs 12:54 The combat deployment that changed everything 24:26 Deploying to Panama and the narco‑terror era 35:27 Lessons from working with foreign SOF 37:20 The Peruvian "mirror" SEALs and real jungle warfare ops 47:23 Learning from mistakes 57:21 From GWOT to concealed carry 1:20:19 Countdown to Impact Resources Mentioned: Trident Concepts:  https://tridentconcepts.com/ 📚 Jeff's books:  Combative Fundamentals: https://amzn.to/3JU3WCv  The Concealed Carry Manual: https://amzn.to/44bAqyR  Disclosure: Some of the links in these show notes are affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you purchase through them (at no extra cost to you).

What happens when you combine patriotism, loss, grit, and great country vocals? Ryan Weaver: former U.S. Army Black Hawk pilot turned country music artist.  Today he joins Aaron Hale to talk about brotherhood, loss, honoring heroes, and the pursuit of purpose–along with some inside secrets from the country music industry. After losing his brother in combat, Ryan made a choice: to live in his honor and turn pain into purpose. From flying missions in Iraq to headlining arenas with the Professional Bull Riders, he forged a path built on resilience, authenticity, and pure American grit. From the battlefield to the big stage, Ryan's story proves that courage doesn't fade when the uniform comes off…it just finds a new stage. 0:00 Intro 0:43 From Black Hawks to Country Music 2:04 Losing His Brother in Combat and Finding a New Mission 6:57 Karaoke Nights to National Arenas 10:12 Inside the Life of a Touring Independent Artist 15:30 Blending Rock, Country, and Patriotism 16:57 Becoming "The Patriotic Voice of the PBR" 18:23 The Advice That Changed Everything 20:18 Writing Burn and the Benghazi Connection 23:38 From Volunteer Jam to Madison Square Garden 26:26 Meeting Travis Tritt, Charlie Daniels, Kid Rock & More 30:42 Songwriting as Therapy and Storytelling 37:43 Lessons from the Music Business 44:18 Treating Music Like a Business 48:30 TikTok, YouTube, and the Power of Platforms 53:16 Living for Legacy and Writing From Sand to Stage 58:20 Countdown to Impact Resources Mentioned: 📘 13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi https://amzn.to/4qPecg1  📘 Gus and the French Fry series https://amzn.to/3LTdNca  📘 From Sand to Stage - Ryan's upcoming book 🎶 Ryan's song "Let's Talk About Heroes" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebULvWwmIXs  Connect with Ryan: 🌐 https://ryanweaver.net/  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RyanWeaverCountry Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryanweavercountry  Disclosure: Some of the links in these show notes are affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you purchase through them (at no extra cost to you).

When Rick Hogg looks back on nearly three decades in Special Operations, one truth stands out above the rest: The dogs weren't just teammates…they were the reason he came home. In this conversation, Rick walks through the moments that shaped his life on and off the battlefield: the first deployment where a dog saved his team, the long nights training in the heat, the surgeries and setbacks that came with age and miles, and the day he held his K9 partner Duco for the last time.  Rick also opens up about transition. The parts nobody prepares you for…  The missing tribe. The sudden quiet. The uphill climb of starting a business with no blueprint, losing his entire social media platform overnight, and learning the hard way what it means to build something with your own name on it. From combat lessons to entrepreneurship to the rhythm of a life rebuilt around family, faith, and service, this episode follows the path of a man who has had to start over (more than once) and keeps finding a mission worth fighting for.   0:00 Intro 0:38 Rick Hogg: SOF veteran and K9 handler 6:49 Becoming a K9 handler and why dogs change the battlefield 10:09 Malinois vs Dutch Shepherds and what makes a top working dog 17:21 Starting the In Honor of Duco Project 21:46 What military working dogs really do in combat 25:13 Retiring with Duco 29:20 The bond between handlers and their dogs 31:43 Warhawk Tactical 35:35 Losing social media pages & why owning your platform matters 38:33 Pivoting during COVID and launching the podcast 45:21 Entrepreneurship lessons 49:09 Writing The Firearms Training Notebook 52:02 Transition challenges 54:26 Time, family, and the Five Fs 59:36 Leaving the military tribe and finding a new one 1:03:58 How dogs shape routine, mindset, and resilience 1:10:18 Countdown to Impact   Resources Mentioned: Warhawk Tactical https://warhogg.com   In Honor of Duco Project - via Scott's Wish (SOF K9 medical support) https://www.scottswish.org/in-honor-of-duco    On The Range Podcast https://www.ontherangepodcast.com/   The Firearms Training Notebook by Rick Hogg & Mark Kelly https://amzn.to/3XFuKK6  Disclosure: Some of the links in these show notes are affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you purchase through them (at no extra cost to you).  

When a backpack set off a hidden IED in Afghanistan, Army Staff Sergeant Travis Mills lost both arms and both legs instantly. Travis shares how he went from lying on the battlefield to becoming one of the most recognized motivational speakers, entrepreneurs, and advocates for wounded veterans. He opens up about his recovery at Walter Reed, the moment he decided to stop asking "why," and how humor, family, and purpose became the tools that rebuilt his life. From founding the Travis Mills Foundation to redefining what it means to be a warrior, this is the story of a man who proves that you can lose everything and still live without limits. If you've ever faced something that felt impossible, Travis Mills will remind you: you can't control what happens to you, but you can always control how you respond. 0:00 Intro 0:51 Meet Travis Mills and the humor that helped him heal 4:42 The day everything changed 6:07 Waking up to a new reality 9:28 The start of recovery at Walter Reed 11:48 Finding a new normal and redefining "wounded warrior" 16:28 Starting over after the military 17:51 Founding the Travis Mills Foundation 21:08 Life after tragedy 25:54 The power of humor and brotherhood 32:38 Why helping others heals you too 35:04 The mission today 46:10 Countdown to Impact 52:00 Closing thoughts and where to connect with Travis Resources Mentioned: 📚 Tough as They Come by Travis Mills 📚 Bounce Back by Travis Mills 📚 Extreme Ownership by Jocko Willink & Leif Babin Travis Mills Foundation: https://www.travismillsfoundation.org/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/travismillsfoundation/   

When Marine combat engineer Rob Jones stepped on an IED in Afghanistan, his life changed forever. But instead of breaking, he rebuilt—stronger.   Rob shares his journey from losing both legs in combat to winning Paralympic bronze, cycling across America, and running 31 marathons in 31 days—all to prove that strength isn't about what happens to you, but how you respond.   From battlefield lessons to fatherhood and leadership at Echelon Front, Rob reveals the mindset that carried him through pain, purpose, and perseverance: you don't quit until the mission's complete.   If you've ever faced something that felt impossible, this episode will remind you—you can't always choose what happens to you, but you can always choose what you do next. 0:00 Intro 0:51 The moment it happened 3:12 Growing up on a farm and finding discipline in the Marines 6:42 From college dropout to combat engineer 10:04 What the Marine Corps really teaches you 13:51 The IED blast that changed everything 21:40 Turning recovery into purpose 25:18 Discovering the Paralympics and winning bronze 30:44 Meeting his future wife at the Games 33:52 From rowing to cycling across America 37:11 31 marathons in 31 days 42:01 From "broken heroes" to unbreakable humans 46:10 Leadership, Jocko Willink, and finding new purpose at Echelon Front 53:00 Countdown to Impact Resources Mentioned: 📚 Extreme Ownership – Jocko Willink & Leif Babin 📚 Olympian (formerly Assault on Lake Casitas) – Brad Alan Lewis 💻 Gym Jones philosophy – Mark Twight writings Connect with Rob: 🌐 https://www.robjonesjourney.com/ 🌐 https://echelonfront.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/RobJonesJourney/ 

Disruptor Nation, today's conversation is about courage, resilience, and choosing impact in the face of unthinkable challenges. I'm joined by Steve Flemming, a Navy veteran, medical professional, and fighter who has faced multiple sclerosis, cancer, and the mental toll of forced retirement. Instead of giving in, Steve chose to climb literally. From scaling Mount Kilimanjaro with fellow veterans to serving with Team Rubicon in disaster zones, Steve has turned personal battles into a mission of service, growth, and purpose. Here's what we cover in this powerful and deeply human episode: Why Steve chose the Navy over other military branches and how his journey into Navy medicine began The health challenges he's faced,multiple sclerosis, cancer and the mindset shifts that keep him moving forward How he reframed setbacks into strength and reclaimed control of his mental health His transformative climb up Mount Kilimanjaro with fellow veterans, and what it taught him about resilience The critical difference between PTSD and PTSS and why post-traumatic growth is possible The life-changing impact of the Warrior Path program on his healing and his mission Inside Team Rubicon: how they mobilize veterans and civilians to serve communities in times of crisis The bigger question: What's your Kilimanjaro? and how to find it Steve doesn't just talk about resilience, he embodies it. This episode will challenge you to rethink adversity and inspire you to find your own summit. Countdown to Impact: 3 Books: The Mission, The Men, and Me by Pete Blaber - https://a.co/d/e6yDT6q Objective Secure by Nick Lavery - https://a.co/d/51t5iL3 Spare by Prince Harry - https://a.co/d/dRILo6f 2 Quotes: "There's positivity to extract from the worst situations." — Nick Lavery "A rock is just a rock until you pick it up and swing it like a hammer." — Steve Flemming 1 Person: Matt Downing, retired Command Master Chief, a lifelong mentor and guide in Steve's journey Follow Steve's journey on Facebook: Steve's fight with MS and Cancer Learn more and get involved with team rubicon And don't forget, subscribe to The Point of Impact Podcast for more stories of resilience, leadership, and transformation.

Disruptor Nation, today's episode is about one thing most entrepreneurs avoid talking about money. Not the flashy "make six figures overnight" hype, but the real fundamentals of managing it, multiplying it, and actually enjoying it. I'm joined by Rocky Lalvani, founder of Profit Comes First, entrepreneur, podcast host, and champion of the Profit First methodology. From an immigrant childhood to a career in biotech to becoming a trusted financial voice for small business owners, Rocky has seen firsthand what happens when we ignore money and what's possible when we master it. Here's what we cover in this practical and perspective-shifting conversation: How Rocky's early lessons in money shaped his entrepreneurial mindset Why schools and society are failing us when it comes to financial literacy The essential money fundamentals every entrepreneur needs to know How to manage a business budget without losing sleep or control Why consistency with money beats chasing fast growth every time The simple way to structure your bank accounts for financial discipline What the Profit First mindset is, and how this small psychological shift can change everything Why being resourceful matters more than being "rich" when starting out Rocky doesn't just talk about profit, he shows entrepreneurs how to build it into their DNA. This episode is your roadmap to getting disciplined with money, building wealth with intention, and finally running your business like a business. Countdown to Impact: 3 Books: The Road Less Stupid by Keith Cunningham - https://a.co/d/gu2BVMG Awareness by Anthony de Mello - https://a.co/d/4PRIHtR The traveler's gift by Andy Andrews - https://a.co/d/bJAr590 2 Quotes: "Iron sharpens iron, one man sharpens another, except the sharpening. You've got to accept the sharpening." "Turn your expectations into appreciation and life becomes pretty good." — Tony Robbins 1 Person: Mike Michalowicz — creator of Profit First, whose framework gave Rocky the words and tools to empower entrepreneurs Connect with Rocky at profitcomesfirst.com And don't forget, subscribe to The Point of Impact Podcast for more conversations that will sharpen your vision, your leadership, and your impact.

Disruptor Nation, today's episode is all about service, sacrifice, and showing up where it matters most. I'm joined by Mark E. Petersen, Army veteran, firefighter, and founder of The People's Patriot Project. Mark's journey began right out of high school, serving 14 years in the military before earning degrees in Psychology and Education, working with troubled teens, and protecting his community as a first responder. But it's his mission now supporting veterans and first responders through mental health resources, community, and advocacy that's making waves nationwide. Here's what we cover in this inspiring and straight-shooting conversation: How Mark's military and psychology background shaped the way he serves others The lessons and realities he learned on the fire service front lines The birth of The People's Patriot Project and why it's different from many veteran organizations His vision for a space where veterans can truly rest, heal, and be heard Why collaboration,not competition is key to supporting those who served How his podcast connects veterans with real resources and real people making a difference Mark doesn't just talk about helping veterans, he's building the structures and community to make it happen. This episode is a blueprint for turning lived experience into lasting impact. Countdown to Impact: 3 Books: Valhalla Boys by Brennan Morton - https://a.co/d/g4REDC6 Military Sexual Trauma Poetry Collection by Kim Gwinnor - https://a.co/d/fKOm5vf - https://a.co/d/gHqWrFZ - https://a.co/d/9d0EZ26 Veterans in Crisis by Dr. Steve Lansing & Colonel Wayne Quest - https://a.co/d/0FRljSO 2 Quotes: "Plant beans, get beans." "When I make it to the top, I'll reach my hand back down for the rest." 1 Person: Randall Cunningham — for a small but meaningful conversation about perspective and self-worth Follow Mark and The People's Patriot Project at thepeoplespatriotproject.org and watch for upcoming episodes on their Facebook and Rumble channels. And don't forget—subscribe to The Point of Impact Podcast for more conversations that will challenge, inspire, and move you to action.

Disruptor Nation, today's episode pulls no punches, it's a raw and real conversation about faith, influence, and the soul of a nation. I'm joined by Chris Widener, bestselling author, global speaker, and one of the last protégés of personal development legends Jim Rohn and Zig Ziglar. Chris has lived at the intersection of business, ministry, and leadership and he's here to challenge us to think bigger, live bolder, and build our lives (and our country) on something unshakable. Here's what we cover in this powerful and purpose-packed conversation: How Chris went from a turbulent childhood to becoming one of the top speakers in the world The unlikely journey from pastor to author to Senate candidate and why he returned to ministry What writing parables taught him about influence, transformation, and legacy Why no politician is going to save America and what actually will His perspective on the spiritual decline in society and the Christian revival he sees coming The role of faith in personal growth, marriage, leadership, and national healing Lessons learned from his mentors Zig Ziglar and Jim Rohn and how they shaped his mission How to live a life of bold conviction in a culture that rewards silence Chris doesn't just speak about change—he lives it. This episode is a wake-up call to stop waiting, start leading, and build something lasting from the inside out. Countdown to Impact: 3 Books: Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion by Robert Cialdini - https://a.co/d/hAdLY3n The Pursuit of God by A.W. Tozer - https://a.co/d/ad0V9vz Autobiographies (general category) 2 Quotes: "Be a voice, not an echo." — Attributed to Albert Einstein "Far better it is to dare mighty things…" — Theodore Roosevelt 1 Person: Zig Ziglar (with Jim Rohn as a close second)  Connect with Chris Widener: ChrisWidener.com chriswidenercoaching.com comingamericanrevival.com  Don't forget to follow The Point of Impact Podcast and share this episode with someone who's ready to live with deeper conviction and purpose.

Disruptor Nation, today's episode dives straight into the heart of transformation, with no fluff. I'm joined by Michael DeSanti, a transformational men's coach, podcast host, and speaker on a mission to help men move from stuck and silent to aligned and activated. After hitting rock bottom himself, Michael found purpose through spirituality, mindset work, and an intentional shift toward service. And now? He's lighting the way for others to do the same. Here's what we cover in this deep and grounding conversation: How Michael pivoted his life from burnout and emotional disconnection to mission and fulfillment What helped him break out of comfort culture and start feeling alive again The core physiology of connection and why it's crucial for adults to build deep, bonded relationships Why society is making us more skeptical and isolated and how to push back with intention The power of nature and tech-free retreats to reconnect with purpose and dissolve trauma Behind the scenes of his men's retreats in Montana and Miami and how each one heals different layers of the masculine soul How he's teaching his son (and men everywhere) to find truth, resilience, and integrity How retreats, nature, and time offline can reset your mindset and realign your path. Michael doesn't just talk about living a purposeful life, he embodies it. This episode is your invitation to step into something deeper, wilder, and more aligned with who you really are. Countdown to Impact: 3 Books that impacted Michael's life: Tao Te Ching by Lao Tzu - https://a.co/d/frJKzVf Essays by Ralph Waldo Emerson - https://a.co/d/aEYKgrw Conversations with God by Neale Donald Walsch - https://a.co/d/gualyJr 2 Quotes: "Eventually all rivers flow to the sea. Why? Because the sea puts itself below them. Humility is what gives the sea its power." — Tao Te Ching, Chapter 66 "If the day and the night greet you with a sense of aliveness that are more starry, more elastic, more immortal—then that is your success." — Henry David Thoreau 1 Person: His father — whose legacy and presence continue to shape how Michael shows up for his son and his mission Connect with Michael DeSanti: Website: michaeldesanti.com Instagram: @mike_desanti Subscribe to The Point of Impact Podcast for more raw, powerful, and purpose-driven conversations. Let's disrupt the norm and create something worth living for.

Disruptor Nation, buckle in because today we're pulling no punches. I'm joined by Nate Wakeford, a men's coach, spiritual guide, and former startup founder who transformed his life through truth, discipline, and the fire of hardship. From being bullied as a child in a small country town to building a multimillion-dollar global business, Nate walks his talk. In this raw and necessary conversation, we tackle the uncomfortable questions:  What happened to masculinity in modern society?  Why are men more disconnected than ever?  And how do we find home, real home, in our own skin? Here's what we get into: • The breakdown of connection in our culture and how to reclaim it beyond the dopamine drip of social media • Why toxic masculinity isn't the problem… but the absence of healthy masculinity is • How shame has been used to fracture identity and the cultural cost of that • The masculine frame explained: what it looks like, how to hold it, and why it matters now more than ever • The power of spiritual alignment in a chaotic world • Why discipline and discomfort are gateways to discovering your real identity • How to lead, protect, and provide starting with yourself first Nate drops truth like a hammer and he invites us all to stop outsourcing our validation and start embodying what it truly means to be men of value, vision, and virtue. Follow Nate Wakeford at: @natewakeford And if this conversation hit home, subscribe to The Point of Impact Podcast for more no-BS 

Disruptor Nation, if you've ever questioned whether you're doing enough as a father, this one's going to hit home. In today's episode, I sit down with Larry Hagner, founder of The Dad Edge, author, coach, and a man on a mission to help fathers lead their families with purpose. But before the books, podcast, and global community… Larry was just a kid trying to make sense of chaos, pain, and fatherlessness. This conversation is raw, real, and transformative. Larry doesn't just share his story. he equips us with tools to be present, patient, and powerful men in our homes. We dive into: Larry's childhood and how abuse, addiction, and instability shaped his early years What fatherhood triggered in him and how it became his greatest teacher The origin story of The Dad Edge podcast and the movement it sparked Why patience isn't passive, it's a daily discipline for leading your family How to truly connect with your kids (Hint: It starts with 1-on-1 time and emotional safety) How writing The Spirit of Fatherhood helped him unpack the role of a modern dad Why your presence, not your perfection, is what your children crave How collaborative community is the future of parenting growth Whether you're a dad, husband, mentor, or future father, you'll walk away with clarity, conviction, and tools to lead your family better. Countdown to Impact – Larry's 3-2-1: 3 Books that shaped him: Unbeatable Mind by Mark Divine - https://a.co/d/c58jayN Relentless by Tim Grover - https://a.co/d/3KpWSQv Grow Up: Become the Parent Your Kids Deserve by Gary John Bishop - https://a.co/d/iDSjIYw 2 Quotes he lives by: "The definition of hell is meeting the man you could have become on your deathbed." [He lives by this one so deeply, it's all he needs.] 1 Person who made an impact: His grandfather, who taught him manhood without words—and love through quiet leadership and affection. Larry's books: The Dad's Edge - https://a.co/d/1sP02vx The Spirit of Fatherhood - https://a.co/d/3kVIvmI  Follow Larry at: TheDadEdge.com And make sure to follow The Point of Impact Podcast for more high-impact conversations that change how we show up and lead.