Join Up Dots - Business Coaching Made Easy (With A Bit Of Life Coaching Too)

Shawn Stevenson: Rebuilding His Body And Success By Reshaping The World Todays guest on Join Up Dots is a man who seems to have cracked it big-time, and knows exactly what he was put on this planet to do. And his mission is to make us the healthiest version of what we can be and live an amazing life everyday But unlike so many of our guests who have a childhood that was less than perfect, his life started in a very different way. As he says in his own words "I spent the first half of my childhood in a quiet suburban neighbourhood with all of the love and attention that a child could ask for. I spent the second half of my childhood growing up in some of the most dangerous parts of the inner city, surrounded by gangs, drugs, alcohol, and violence on a daily basis. I was able to gain so much from both environments, and I'm truly grateful for the life I've been given. The situations I was in helped me cultivate perspective, resourcefulness, and (most importantly) the power of choice. However, it was in college that my entire world really changed. Not because of the education I was receiving, but because of the devastating illness that I was diagnosed with at the age of 20. Seemingly overnight I was in excruciating pain, I lost a great deal of function in my leg, and I could barely get from room to room in my house, let alone get around on campus anymore. Essentially, my spine was deteriorating far faster than it was supposed to. And according to my doctor at the time, I had the spine of an 80-year old person, even though I was just a young college kid." And that was just the start of what would become life mission. Starting with getting himself healthy, he learnt so much that he could then share with the world. And now being the founder of Advanced Integrative Health Alliance, a successful company that provides Wellness Services for both individuals and organizations worldwide, podcast host, and a dynamic keynote speaker life seems good…in fact very good. So does he see people struggle in life as they haven't had the good and the bad, so aren't aware of what they can deal with? And would he like to go back in time and change anything that has occurred whilst on this earth? Well lets find out as we bring onto the show, to start joining up dots with the one and only Mr Shawn Stevenson

Should I Really Become An ENTREPRENEUR? In this episode of Join Up Dots, we respond to a listener standing at the crossroads between job security and earning their own income. Stripping away the online hype, we explore the real truth about entrepreneurship – the freedom and the fear, the pride and the pressure, the growth and the loneliness. This is an honest, from-the-heart look at what it really costs emotionally and mentally to build something of your own, and why responsibility always comes before freedom. If you've ever felt the pull to work for yourself but worried about the uncertainty, this episode will help you see the full picture before you leap. If this resonates, share it with someone who needs to hear it today. #JoinUpDots #EntrepreneurLife #RealBusiness #EarnYourOwnIncome #StartupReality #MindsetMatters #BusinessTruths Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast and leave a review. Your feedback helps us reach more people and continue bringing you valuable content. See you in the next episode!

Am I Really Speaking To Who I Want To BUY? (Troy's Problem) On today's episode of Join Up Dots, we dive into why so many business ideas struggle not because they lack passion or effort, but because they're trying to speak to everyone at once. Using a real listener story, David explores how clarity around your *perfect customer* transforms everything — from confidence and messaging to momentum and sales. When you stop chasing attention and start speaking to the right person, selling becomes simpler, more natural, and far more effective. This episode is a grounded reminder that growth doesn't come from doing more, but from getting clearer about who you're really here to serve. Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast and leave a review. Your feedback helps us reach more people and continue bringing you valuable content. See you in the next episode! #JoinUpDots #FindYourAudience #RightCustomer #BusinessClarity #EntrepreneurMindset #BuildWithPurpose

Freedom, Adventure And The Travelling Life With Caroline Makepeace Today's guest joining us on the Join Up Dots podcast believes in travel, more travel and then when she is finished and wants a bit of rest: Travel. And this is not the pack your bags for two weeks each year, or for as many weekends as you can get, kind of adventure. She is a believer that "Your life does not have to fit in a box. You don't have to live behind the picket fence, slave away at that full-time job that sucks you dry, and the monotonous peak hour traffic runs. You can have the picket fence and a job you love of course, but, we're pretty sure you at least want to escape your everyday life for weekend getaways or a three-week vacation every year." But what is the fascinating thing about today's guest, is how close she came to buying into the status quo that life seems to be lived by. Settling into the routine or a life lived on other peoples terms. After meeting each other, falling madly in love and then beginning a five year honeymoon as they travelled the world teaching English, things came to a halt As she says "We returned home after the honeymoon and hit a major slump. This travel life we loved was over. That thinking changed everything and before we knew it we were chasing money making schemes all over the world trying to get the riches we needed to keep travelling. Let's just say $500,000 and no self-esteem later we woke up." "Why do we need to wait until we have the money to live what's in our hearts? Why not just start with what is in the heart today?" And with that thought, and I'm sure more than a touch of apprehension they set off on what has become their life, travelling, blogging and helping others to buy into the start the dream today mentality with their top ranked blog "Y Travel" and now with two children in tow, their success, and ability to grab more experiences in a month than most of us have in a lifetime is assured. So what was it about the nomadic lifestyle that had such a pull on them? And is it something that they think everyone can do, or does it take a certain type of mindset? Well lets find out as we bring onto the show to start joining up dots, with the one and only travelling entrepreneur herself Caroline Makepeace.

Today's guest joining us on the Join Up Dots podcast business interview is a man who is thriving in the online world by getting business's to ask the right questions. Originally from a small rural town in central California he started his first business installing lawns on people's yards at the age of 16. He eventually started tinkering with and selling computers, and made his way down to Los Angeles to attend college at UCLA. It was then that he began taking on consulting gigs building websites for small local businesses with a few of his friends. After getting a request from one of these consulting clients to have a quiz built for his website, he had a bit of a lightbulb moment. He is a co-founder of Interact Quiz Builder. Along with his friends he spent a few weeks building this first quiz, and after that started to talk to other business owners about whether or not they'd use quizzes in their marketing efforts. This year alone, it looks like the sacrifices required to build a business are paying off, as they have seen a 300% jump in growth and are anticipating 500% by the end of the year. Great stuff, so are there certain quizzes that convert like gangbusters or do all types do the magic? And why does he think that this works so well, in regards to lead captures unlike a normal tired old magnet? Well lets find out as we bring onto the show, to joining up dots with the one and only Mr. Josh Haynam Show Highlights Josh shares how he has developed a belief system that means he walks his own path in life. Strong will and firm mindset all the way. Why the position of grand leaders in business are not sought out by the individuals themselves, but more often than not are placed there by the followers. Why so many business's struggle with the lack of income coming into the business. This is a phase that hinders growth for most and can often be the killer. And lastly…….. Why Josh believes his mindset changed forever by attending college. It wasn't the course material but the students he studied with that made a huge change.

Lifestyle Freedom Still Has Lifestyle Hassles In this episode of Join Up Dots, David Ralph shares three real-life emails from listeners who have taken their first genuine steps towards financial freedom and discovered the truth most people never talk about: freedom doesn't remove problems, it simply gives you better ones. Through honest reflections and lived experience, the episode explores how taking ownership of your income, time, and choices brings both hassle and fulfilment, and why that trade-off is exactly where growth, confidence, and real freedom begin. It's a grounded, human reminder that you don't need perfection or certainty to start, just the courage to choose your own path and deal with challenges that actually move you forward. If this episode resonated with you, share it with someone who needs to hear it and keep the conversation going using #JoinUpDots #FinancialFreedomJourney #CreateYourOwnLife #RealFreedom #SideHustleTruths. Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast and leave a review. Your feedback helps us reach more people and continue bringing you valuable content. See you in the next episode!

Happy Xmas To Everyone - Five Pressies From Join Up Dots Welcome to our podcast, where we unwrap life's most precious gifts together! 🎁 Today, I'm thrilled to share five incredible presents that can transform your life. Passion Unveiled: Discovering your passion is like finding a treasure map to fulfillment. 🌟 #PassionUnleashed #PurposeFound The Power of Personal Agency: You hold the reins to your life's story. Realizing that you're in control, regardless of circumstances, is liberating. 🌈 #EmpowerYourself #YouAreInControl Gratitude & Mindfulness Magic: Embrace the present and cultivate gratitude and mindfulness. It's the key to unlocking joy in every moment. 🙏 #GratitudeAttitude #MindfulLiving Nurturing Meaningful Connections: Relationships are the heartbeats of life. Cultivate meaningful connections that uplift, inspire, and support your journey. 👫 #RelationshipRiches #ConnectAndThrive Resilience & Adaptability: Life's challenges are lessons in disguise. Embrace resilience and adaptability; they're your superpowers in the face of adversity. 💪 #RiseStrong #AdaptAndOvercome Join me as we explore these life-changing gifts together. Let's unwrap the beauty of passion, the strength of agency, the magic of gratitude, the richness of connections, and the power of resilience. Remember, these presents aren't just for the holidays; they're for a lifetime of joy and growth. 🌟✨ #LifePresents #TransformativeGifts #JoyfulLiving

LIFESTYLE FREEDOM - The Mindset Shifts In this episode of Join Up Dots, we dive into the most common question I'm asked: *"I'd love to quit my job, but I don't know what I can do." Rather than chasing big ideas or dramatic leaps, this conversation strips everything back to what really matters first — covering your bills, calming the pressure, and building confidence one step at a time. It's about stopping the overthinking, realising you don't need to escape your job, and understanding that entrepreneurship begins quietly, alongside what you're already doing. When you focus on removing financial stress instead of forcing clarity, better decisions naturally follow, and opportunities start to reveal themselves without fear or panic driving the wheel. If this episode resonated with you, share it with someone who's feeling stuck or restless at work and needs permission to start small and smart. #JoinUpDots #SideHustleMindset #BuildBeforeYouQuit #OneBillAtATime #EntrepreneurThinking #QuietProgress #FinancialClarity Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast and leave a review. Your feedback helps us reach more people and continue bringing you valuable content. See you in the next episode!

Lifestyle FREEDOM - The Controlled Way In this episode of **Join Up Dots**, David Ralph tackles the number one question he hears from listeners: "I'd love to quit my job, but I don't know what I can do instead." Rather than chasing big ideas or dramatic leaps, David strips entrepreneurship back to what really matters — covering your bills first and building from there. Drawing on his own experience of jumping too early and feeling the pressure that followed, he explains why the smartest path to freedom is starting small, creating side income alongside your job, and replacing expenses one by one before ever handing in your notice. This episode is a grounded, reassuring reminder that you don't need to know your life's purpose to begin — you just need to create options, reduce risk, and let confidence grow naturally over time. If you've been overthinking your next move, this conversation will help you breathe, refocus, and take the first realistic step forward. If this episode resonated with you, share it with someone who's feeling stuck at work and dreaming of something more. Let's spread the message that freedom is built, not jumped into. #JoinUpDots #QuitTheJobMyth #SideHustleLife #EntrepreneurMindset #BuildBeforeYouLeap #FinancialFreedomJourney Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast and leave a review. Your feedback helps us reach more people and continue bringing you valuable content. See you in the next episode!

Punching The Hell Out Of Stress My guest today, on the confidence boosting Join Up Dots free podcast interview is a man who a few years back was disappointed with the current mental health care solutions he was offered after suffering from stress in the workplace. So like so many guests, he didn't accept what he saw and decided to take action, turning to alternative therapies which got him through and beyond this temporary stress. These solutions began forming into a business idea which led him to creating Stressbox in Jan 2014, and he took these learnings into the corporate environment to help with de-stressing in companies everywhere. As they say "We are an up and coming mental wellness fitness brand with a social purpose to support the epidemic of work related stress. We succeed in this by creating innovative holistic fitness workshops, in-house talks on preventing stress and performing our epic yet different fitness class….StressBox. Our powerful class combines Boxing fitness with Mindfulness all to wonderful music to inspire and enlighten you within our 1 hour experience. We create magic moments in our bespoke classes to suit your busy schedule, at StressBox we understand that time in this hectic world is valuable so we combined Holistic health with musical fitness to have greater impact on your mindset not just your body." To succeed in this new business, he researched stress in society for 2 years via practical innovative coaching and academically using Neuroscience, the science of meditation and positive psychology. And rapidly this knowledge became a cult hit at a popular gym in Birmingham, England with teachers, doctors, entrepreneurs, and teenagers becoming fanatics with his alternative style. So why if he had an issue with stress did he then decide to build a business around it, and not run to live stress free on a hot tropical island somewhere full of bikini wearing beauties? And is this as a real life issue, or do so many people just use the word as a badge of honour nowadays? Well lets find out as we bring onto the show to start joining up dots with the one and only, Mr Liam Joe Blackwood. Show Highlights During the show we discussed such weighty topics with Liam Joe Blackwood such as: Why so many people find themselves in situations in their lives which doesn't naturally match their skills and talents - which can obviously lead to the kind of stress which can be avoided. Why the power of visualisation is such a powerful process in building success in a persons life, and the steps that we should take everyday to bring these visions to life. Liam Joe recalls the battles he overcome in the early days to get his vision out to the world, and the steps he took to get there. Why we should never overthink anything in our lives, but simply look to do the best we can in the most relaxed method possible. That is always the best way. and lastly…. Why Liam Joe allowed himself to feel creative and playful in his life which was a complete gamechanger and turned his life around forever.

Housesitting ,Travel, Adventure, & Lifestyle Success Leads To The Dream Job With Ian Usher Today's guest entrepreneur joining us on the Join Up Dots Steve jobs inspired podcast, has a fascinating story of struggle, acceptance, madness, love and finding the path to a life that he never dreamt possible. Following on the from his previous appearance on Join Up Dots on episode 138, our guest has built upon amazing, headline making life changes, whereby he suffered a relationship break up, sold his entire life on Ebay, hit the headlines, sold his life story to Disney, bought a tropical island, found love and tackled a bucket list of amazing experiences all within a a period of a few years. But it is what he has done since these crazy fun times that inspires me more. You see so many people will do so much, in a short period of time and then start to settle. They will find themselves back in a routine, where the images of adventures past, haunt them like a character from a Charles Dickens novel. Our guest today however has done the opposite. He has saught out opportunities, conversations and experiences across the world and constructed a life that is on his terms. As he says "I did my last interview with Join Up Dots while I was in Texas, house sitting for a friend there as part of our US RV adventure. Since then Vanessa and I studied to become English teachers, then spent a year in China working as teachers in a private business, topping up the travel funds. Since then we have become full-time nomads, using house sitting as our accommodation, and teaching online for a Chinese company as our primary income source. As our accommodation is basically free we only have to work a few hours per week to make ends meet. It really is the global semi-retired dream lifestyle. We can live absolutely anywhere as long as we have a decent internet connection. We have become very well known in the house sitting community, and have been very successful in securing some very sought-after luxurious house sits. So how has he managed to build something from scratch, when right from the very start he was out of his long established comfort zone? And could he ever go back to a life that was controlled by the decision making of someone else? Well let's find out as we bring onto the show to start joining up dots with the one and only Mr Ian Usher

LISTENER SUCCESS: How to Earn Money Managing People's Inboxes In this episode, discover how Carol Hinkin, a listener of Join Up Dots, transformed inspiration from the show into a thriving online inbox management service. Hear Carol's journey from understanding the role of an inbox manager, acquiring essential skills, setting up her business, and effectively marketing her services. Learn about her pricing strategies, delivering exceptional service, and scaling her business. Carol's story is a blueprint for anyone looking to start their own venture. Tune in to be inspired and share her success with the world!

What Stage Are You In? In this episode of Join Up Dots, David Ralph takes listeners on a candid, conversational journey through the five major stages of moving from employee to affluent entrepreneur, explaining how awareness, preparation, bold action, steady growth and eventual mastery unfold in real life rather than in textbooks. Blending honest reflection with personal stories — from late-night frustrations at the kitchen table to quiet moments of clarity that sparked change — David shows how freedom, resilience and the courage to evolve shape the path to wealth far more than luck ever could. It's a reminder that every entrepreneur starts with uncertainty, stumbles through the messy middle and becomes stronger by embracing the lessons hidden in setbacks. If you know someone dreaming of building a life on their own terms, share this episode and spread the message using #JoinUpDots #EntrepreneurLife #BuildYourDreams. Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast and leave a review. Your feedback helps us reach more people and continue bringing you valuable content. See you in the next episode!

How To Eliminate Distractions (TIME) Todays guest joining us on the show is a man who has created something, that as soon as I saw it I thought "Wow, I know many people who could do with this system" It's all down to giving you the ability to focus in on a task, when the world of distractions are flying around your head. You know what its like, you have an important piece of work to finish, but you just need to check Facebook for a second, and then of course the football results, and before you know it that piece of work takes longer and longer. Pressure and stress abounds Well as our guest says " After I left my corporate job, I spent several years struggling to build a life that allowed me the creative freedom to realize my potential, while still paying my bills. I worked as a freelance writer and tutor, started a business, and pursued numerous side hustles before eventually establishing myself as a professional coach for entrepreneurs, growth company executives, and Fortune 100 managers. Along the way, I tried everything I could find that promised to boost my productivity, and to stop myself from procrastinating and wasting time. I found productivity apps that helped me organize my to-do list, stay off social media, and manage my calendar. I also developed my own systems to set long-term goals, to plan my weeks more strategically, and to stick to a strong morning routine. After helping my coaching clients implement some of these tools, I realized that today's digital workers need a solution for procrastination that didn't exist: A community to connect with like-minded individuals committed to holding each other accountable, hour by hour, for actually doing the actions contained in those todo lists, productivity tools, and goal trackers. I created Focusmate to help independent workers break free of the shame and anxiety caused by chronic procrastination, and to enjoy the same benefits of accountability as clients paying thousands of dollars for coaching. Love this, truly love this. So when this idea popping into his head did he think like most people seem to do "That must be out there already, so what's the point?" And where does he find the biggest need for his services, from people who are just beginning or ones much further into the game who should know better. Well let's find out as we bring onto the show to start joining up dots with the one and only Taylor Jacobson Show Highlights We discussed so many deep subjects on the show such as: Why so many people fail to get an idea of the ground quite simply due to the fact that they have too many ideas. Taylor talks about "blundering" around in his career, which allowed him to experience many things that has led him to where he is today. We chat about finding the minimum viable product for any business as soon as possible, no matter how ugly it might be. And lastly……….. What would it be like if you didn't have to worry about business and only do what you love doing in life? Then perhaps its time to find a business partner who does.

To Get REALLY RICH You Need A WEALTH Filter In this episode of Join Up Dots, we dive deep into the idea of creating your own personal "wealth filter" — a way of stripping out the noise, the gurus, the hacks, and all the financial overwhelm that keeps you stuck. It's an honest, conversational look at how simplifying your inputs can massively increase your clarity, reduce stress, and help you finally focus on what genuinely makes you richer in every sense of the word. Using real stories, practical insights, and a calm, grounded approach, the episode helps listeners understand how much easier wealth becomes when you remove distraction and tune into what truly matters. If this resonates with you, share it with someone who needs to hear it today using hashtags like #WealthMindset #SimplicityWins #JoinUpDotsPodcast. Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast and leave a review. Your feedback helps us reach more people and continue bringing you valuable content. See you in the next episode!

The First Lady To Climb Everest By Both Sides Todays guest is a lady who could literally be singing "I'm on the top of the world, looking down at the creation"every-time she jumps out of bed.Because since University, she has had a fascination for climbing, and took part in her first mountain expedition,to the Ruwenzori in central Africa at the age of 21.And something clicked in her.Was it the challenge?The camaraderie?Or simply the thrill of doing something that so few people have seen or done before?Whatever it was since that first climb she has tackled mountains across southern and central Africa, in South America, in the Alps and of course in the Himalayas when she stood on the top of the world and made history by becoming the first woman to reach the summit from the North and South peaks. But though her days on the worlds highest peak now seem to be at an end (in her words "I have not intention in going back" )her thirst for adventure seems unquenchable and in spring of 2004 she joined British woman Rona Cant and Norwegian Per-Thore-Hansen on a dog-sled expedition of 650 km through the remote wastes of the Norwegian Arctic to the most northerly point in Europe.With all these experiences just bursting from her, its no surprise that she has also climbed twice to the top of the book charts too,with her two self penned books Everest: Free To Decide and Just for the love of it"So before I mispronounce any more words and names, let me say it gives me great pleasure, to bring onto the show to start joining up the dots that have made her life, the one and only Cathy O'Dowd.

Easy Biz Ideas To Pay For YOUR Xmas In this episode of Join Up Dots, we dive into how anyone can fund their entire Christmas without stress, debt, or panic by launching a simple, local, service-based business right in their own neighbourhood. It's all about tapping into the skills you already have, solving small but meaningful problems for people nearby, and discovering just how quickly local income can flow when you show up, get visible, and offer real value. This episode is a reminder that you don't need a huge plan, a website, or months of preparation — you just need to start. If you've ever wanted proof that earning extra money before Christmas is possible for absolutely anyone, this is your moment. Share this episode with someone who needs that nudge using #JoinUpDots #SideHustle #EarnLocal #ChristmasCashFlow. Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast and leave a review. Your feedback helps us reach more people and continue bringing you valuable content. See you in the next episode!

Travel The World And EARN ! Todays guest joining us on the Steve Jobs inspired podcast interview is one of those ladies, who will inspire so many people out there that would love to leave the safety of their positions and travel the world feeling inspired. The kind of freedom that comes with choices and excitement at every turn. Your sitting at your work and you start wondering where you could go if you weren't chained to the desk. Your mind wanders. You love the image. But then you shake it off and get back to living in the real world. Well our guest today had those same feeings but instead of staying in the office environment, following the career she had created, she made living in the real world all about travelling new paths, experiencing adventure on every corner and having a kick ass life. She was an investment banker in California and worked in the stressful environment until she realised that it was burn out time. She realised that she had travelled a path that was not for her, and as Duran Duran once sang "Im on a ride and I wanna get off, but they won't slow down the roundabout" So she jumped off the roundabout herself.,bought a one way ticket to Thailand, sold her belongings and left everything she knew behind on September 27, 2012, with nothing but a carry-on backpack. She had never done this before, and certainly had never travelled on her own, but she still did it. Was she scared to say goodbye to everything ? Was she able to plan enough to make sure that she wasn't literlaly going into the unknown? And of course the key question that everyone will want to now is how has she managed to fund the travelling lifestyle? Well lets find out as we bring onto the show to start joining up dots, on the top rated business podcast, the one and only Kristin Addis.

Why Do I Keep On FAILING To Get RICH? In this episode of Join Up Dots, we dive into the real reason so many people try to get rich but never quite make it. It's not the lack of effort, talent, or desire — it's the mindset behind the actions. We explore the shift from living like a poor person trying to get rich to thinking like someone who already has wealth, freedom, and choice. I share the turning point in my own life, when saving every penny, scrimping, and playing small finally gave way to asking a better question: *What do the rich do differently?* That mindset change opened the door to a life built on abundance rather than fear, and it's a shift anyone can make. If you're ready to stop chasing and start choosing, this episode will help you take that first step toward real financial transformation. Share this message far and wide using **#JoinUpDots #MindsetShift #WealthBuilding**. Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast and leave a review. Your feedback helps us reach more people and continue bringing you valuable content. See you in the next episode!

Welcome To Paddlesmash Paddlesmash creators Tim Swindle And Scott Brown have been entrepreneurs for over 10 years, having launched multiple companies. His first Kickstarter in 2013 was successfully funded for a game he co-created called, Utter Nonsense. It achieved rapid commercial interest and ultimately went on to be sold in Target, Walmart and other major retailers around the country. He has since brought numerous products to market in the toy, game, and novelty space. How The Dots Joined Up For Tim As an early investor and employee at PointDrive, a Chicago-based sales software company, he had roles leading sales, marketing, and operations before the company was acquired in 2016 by LinkedIn. During this time, he worked on his own future making the most of all the time he had available. In 2018 Tim co- founded Playtacular, a boutique publishing company that designs and creates innovative toys and games. In addition to this he also is heaviliy involved in Paddlesmash a great new family game brought to him by its inventor Joe Bingham. Tim lives in Nashville, with his wife, daughter and his dog Tucker. So what is it about the uber competitive toy market that excites him and keeps him moving forward daily? And how can someone listening today with an idea for a toy move it to the shops quickly? Well lets find out as we bring onto the show, to join up more dots with the one and only Mr Tim Swindle