In this powerful episode of Building Champions for Life, host Kirk Spahn sits down with Jason Reid, a successful entrepreneur turned mental health advocate, to explore the hidden struggles of high-performing youth. From the pressures of social media to the impact of emerging technologies, Jason shares invaluable insights on recognizing the signs of mental health challenges in seemingly successful young athletes and students. Jason's journey from construction industry leader to passionate ment...
Alan Lazaros's journey from pain to purpose is nothing short of extraordinary. After losing his father at age two, experiencing family abandonment at fourteen, and surviving a near-fatal car accident at twenty-six, this transformational leader discovered his calling: bringing personal development to the masses through practical, no-nonsense strategies. His story demonstrates the incredible power of perseverance and intentional growth, showing how life's most devastating moments can become the...
Elizabeth Bieniek’s journey from English major to tech trailblazer is a testament to the power of curiosity. As the former Director of Innovation at Cisco, she shattered the mold of traditional tech leadership, proving that asking "why" can be more valuable than any coding skill. Her unconventional background became her secret weapon in the world of corporate innovation. In the tech industry, where ones and zeros often take center stage, Elizabeth stands out by championing the human element. ...
Dr. Danny Brassell—a dynamic educator, speaker, and author is revolutionizing the way we think about learning and communication. From overcoming a childhood stutter to inspiring thousands of students and educators worldwide, Danny's journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and positive thinking. Danny shares his infectious enthusiasm for education, revealing innovative strategies to engage students and ignite a lifelong love of learning. He challenges listeners to rethink tradition...
Dean Taylor's journey from a childhood dream of becoming a country music star to his current role as a life coach for working dads is a testament to the power of rediscovering dormant dreams and finding renewed purpose. His story illustrates that while our specific aspirations may change over time, the core desire to make an impact and influence others can remain a driving force throughout our lives. Dean emphasizes the importance of living the values we preach, noting that our actions speak ...
James Hilovsky’s journey from minor league baseball to restaurant industry veteran and franchise expert showcases the power of reinvention and resilience. His experience with the Philadelphia Phillies and subsequent climb through the restaurant business ladder demonstrates how skills honed in athletics translate to the corporate world. James draws parallels between franchising and following a well-crafted playbook, making it an ideal fit for athletes transitioning to business. Beyond business...
Anna Reger’s journey from adversity to impact is a testament to perseverance and purpose. She overcame a challenging upbringing in Houston, dropping out of high school and working in foster care. A near-fatal car accident became her wake-up call, propelling her from GED classes to college success with the help of supportive mentors. Her true championship moment came when maternal instinct met entrepreneurial spirit, leading to the creation of FlipLok—a groundbreaking classroom safety device. ...
In this conversation, Kirk Spahn and Kevin Surace explore the journey of entrepreneurship, emphasizing the importance of passion, purpose, and joy in achieving success. Surace shares insights from his diverse career, highlighting the significance of teamwork, learning from others, and maintaining curiosity. He introduces the concept of the Joy Success Cycle, which ties joy to productivity and success, and discusses the importance of adaptability and perseverance in the face of challenges. The...
In this conversation, Kirk Spahn and Heidi Johnson of Charity Matters explore the transformative power of passion, purpose, and service in the nonprofit sector. Heidi shares her personal journey from a life-altering tragedy to founding a successful nonprofit organization, emphasizing the importance of storytelling, teamwork, and resilience. They discuss the challenges faced in nonprofit work, the significance of finding one's gifts, and the joy of giving back to the community. The conversatio...
In this conversation, Craig Andrews of Allies 4 Me shares his remarkable journey from a Marine veteran to a successful entrepreneur and author. He discusses his transition from engineering to marketing, the importance of lifelong learning, and the challenges he faced in business and health. Craig emphasizes the significance of trust, relationships, and creating positive experiences for others. His insights on perseverance and personal growth provide valuable lessons for anyone looking to beco...
In this moving episode of Building Champions for Life, host Kirk Spahn sits down with Olympic gold medalist and world record holder Dan Jansen to reflect on one of the most powerful journeys in sports history. From skating on frozen ponds in Wisconsin to heartbreak on the Olympic stage, Dan opens up about how the tragic loss of his sister Jane shaped his mental fortitude, fueled his relentless pursuit of excellence, and ultimately led to his unforgettable gold medal moment in Lillehammer. Tog...
In this inspiring episode of Building Champions for Life, host Kirk Spahn sits down with Blake Corum—NFL running back for the Los Angeles Rams and two-time All-American from the University of Michigan. Known for his record-breaking rushing touchdowns and leadership on the field, Blake’s story is one of relentless dedication, resilience, and purpose. But as Kirk reveals, Blake’s impact extends far beyond football. He’s already making waves as a philanthropist, entrepreneur, and role model for ...
In this episode, host Kirk Spahn sits down with rising WTA tennis star and ICL Academy student Iva Jovic for a deep, inspiring conversation about purpose, perseverance, and finding joy in the grind. Iva shares how the stillness of the COVID-19 lockdown sparked her love of tennis and how that spark ignited a journey from hitting balls on public basketball courts to winning international titles and making her mark on the pro circuit. Together, they explore Iva’s development through the Six P’s ...
Join host Kirk Spahn as he embarks on a journey to uncover the mindsets, habits, and philosophies of champions and transformative leaders. In this podcast, Kirk sits down with innovators, entrepreneurs, athletes, artists, and changemakers who are redefining what it means to lead and succeed. Each episode offers deep insights, honest stories, and practical wisdom to help you unlock your highest potential. In this introductory episode, Kirk lays the foundation by introducing the 6 P’s tha...
Host Kirk Spahn introduces his new podcast: Building Champions for Life