Built Not Born

Dave Berke: "The Need to Lead" - Former Top Gun Instructor & F-35 Commander on Why Every Problem is a Leadership Problem ✈️Former Marine Corps Lieutenant Colonel Dave Berke shares his journey from Top Gun instructor to F-35 squadron commander to combat veteran fighting alongside Navy SEALs in Ramadi. Now a leadership instructor at Echelon Front with Jocko Willink and Leif Babin, Dave reveals lessons from his new book "The Need to Lead" - the third in the Extreme Ownership series.What You'll Learn:• Why every problem is a leadership problem (and how that empowers you to solve it)• The difference between extreme ownership and preemptive ownership• Why "someone's gonna do it, it might as well be you" changes everything• How to lead when you're leading your equals and peers• Why good leadership must outlast the leader• The power of being a leader who listens firstKey Quote:"Someone's going to do it, it might as well be you. Every person needs to lead in order to succeed, no matter the environment." - Dave BerkeTimestamps:🛩️ 00:00 - The Star Wars moment that sparked a fighter pilot dream🛩️ 08:15 - Mom's powerful advice: "Someone's gonna do it, might as well be you"🛩️ 15:30 - Growing up in Marine Corps town: El Toro flight path childhood🛩️ 22:45 - First time behind the controls and the road to Top Gun🛩️ 28:20 - Only Marine to fly both F-22 Raptor and F-35B Lightning🛩️ 35:40 - Mom watching his first F-35B vertical landing -...

Built Not Born Podcast (#176)- Amy P. Kelly & Julie Nee: "The Gift of Growth" on Daily Micro-Actions, Building Beliefs, and Why Four Minutes Beats Four HoursAmy P. Kelly and Julie Nee share their latest book "The Gift of Growth" - a daily growth guide proving that four minutes of intentional action beats four hours of planning. Both corporate veterans who've worked with Jon Gordon for a decade reveal how 365 days of quotes paired with micro-actions creates sustainable transformation for busy people.What You'll Learn:The formula: Idea + Action = ProgressHow to build a belief that fuels difficult daysWhy appreciating small wins transforms your inner criticCreating physical environments that support growthThe power of daily micro-actions over grand plansKey Quote:"Almost every successful person begins with two beliefs: the future can be better than the present, and I have the power to make it so."Timestamps:00:00 - Guest introductions & The Gift of Growth origin story09:15 - How the book works: Quote + micro-action daily18:45 - The CULTIVATE framework explained29:30 - Curating your information diet39:20 - Building your belief garden44:45 - The basement stories: Growth through hardship58:15 - The logistics of self-publishing73:50 - John Gordon's impact on their lives82:30 - Final takeaways: Take action & build your belief gardenFeatured Book: "The Gift of Growth: Plant Presents Every Day" - Available on AmazonConnect with Amy P. Kelly & Julie Nee:Book: Gift of Growth Website: YouGrowGirl.comIG: @YouGrowGirlCommunityWebsite: AmyPKelly.comWebsite: :JulieNee.comSubscribe for more episodes with proven strategies on personal growth, leadership, and sustainable success.#AmyPKelly #JulieNee #TheGiftOfGrowth #PersonalGrowth #Leadership #YouGrowGirl #BuiltNotBorn #JoeCiccarone #JonGordon #DayOfDevlopment © Joe Ciccarone - Built Not Born Podcast. All Rights Reserved.Views expressed by guests do not necessarily reflect the views of the host.

Episode: Built Not BornGuest: Guy Kawasaki - Former Apple Chief Evangelist, Author of "Wiser Guy"Host: Joe CiccaroneRelease Date: September 22, 2025🎯 Power Quote"Your true scorecard isn't measured in dollars, followers, or fancy titles. It's measured in lives changed, relationships strengthened and personal growth achieved. I hope you made people's lives better. I hope the world is better for you having lived in it." - Guy Kawasaki📖 Episode OverviewApple's former Chief Evangelist Guy Kawasaki returns to share wisdom from his new book "Wiser Guy" and reveals the leadership lessons learned from Steve Jobs, the power of saying yes early in your career, and why he started surfing at 60. From getting mistaken for Jackie Chan to learning the high road from his father, Guy delivers actionable insights on motivation, sales mastery, and building a remarkable life.Key Topics Covered:Mission-driven leadership vs. being an assholeThe foundation of great teachers and mentorsWhy motivation doesn't matter (but being motivated does)Sales fundamentals and the power of empathyPunch up, never punch down leadership philosophyRegret analysis and taking bold actionLearning new skills later in lifeMeasuring impact over money⏰ Timestamps with Emojis🍎 [00:00] - Opening & Steve Jobs "Think Different" StoryGuy recalls being in the room when the iconic "Think Different" campaign was previewedThe moment Steve Jobs said "Don't give one to Guy" in front of everyoneGuy's response: "Steve, it's okay because I don't trust you either"Why this probably cost him $250 million👔 [08:15] - Mission-Driven Assholes vs. Regular AssholesThe distinction between people who are assholes for themselves vs. for a missionSteve Jobs as the ultimate mission-driven assholeWhy Melanie Perkins from Canva proves you don't need to be an asshole to succeedThe chicken-and-egg question: Does being an asshole make you successful, or does success make people tolerate your behavior?👩‍🏫 [15:30] - The Teacher Who Changed Everything: Trudy AkauHow an elementary school teacher in Hawaii altered Guy's entire life trajectoryThe moment she told Guy's parents he had potential and should leave public schoolFrom potential "ghetto guy" to Stanford graduate because of one teacher's interventionHow to become a "Trudy" in someone else's life🌺 [22:45] - The Gardener Story: Taking the High RoadGetting mistaken for the gardener while trimming his hedge in an affluent SF neighborhoodHis father's surprising reaction: "Statistically, she was right"Why being Japanese American in Hawaii vs. mainland created different perspectivesThe lesson in giving people the benefit of the doubt🏎️ [28:20] - The Jackie Chan...

Built Not Born Podcast: Jay Papasan - The Rookie Real Estate Agent, Why Busy Means Broke, and Turning Focus Into a Superpower - Episode 174 🏠📈Episode Description 📖Co-author of "The One Thing" Jay Papasan returns to Built Not Born for his third appearance to discuss his latest book "The Rookie Real Estate Agent." In this power-packed conversation, Jay reveals the research-backed strategies that separate successful real estate rookies from those who struggle, why 200 people in your database is the magic number, and how to turn busyness into productivity.Drawing from interviews with 250+ top-performing agents, Jay breaks down the fundamentals that haven't changed in 20 years alongside the modern tools and technology that make everything more effective. Whether you're in real estate, sales, or any service-based business, this episode delivers actionable insights on database management, prospecting strategies, and building sustainable business systems.Key Topics Covered: 🎯🏡 Why treating real estate like a business from day one is crucial📊 The 200-person database rule and 6.5% annual transaction rate🎯 Focus as a superpower in an age of distraction📞 The professional-to-personal call structure that works🏠 How to conduct epic open houses that generate leads💼 When to go part-time vs. full-time in sales careers🔄 The four-touch event marketing systemGuest Bio 👨‍💼Jay Papasan is the co-author of "The One Thing," one of the most popular business books of all time, and VP of Publishing at Keller Williams Realty 📚. Jay's also the author of the newly released "The Rookie Real Estate Agent" and co-host of "The ONE Thing" podcast with Gary Keller. Jay's writing and research have helped millions of professionals focus their efforts and build sustainable, profitable businesses. His newsletter "The 20 Percenter" reaches 13,000+ subscribers with a 65% open rate 📊.Key Quotes 💬"Focus is a superpower. Without delay, how fast can we get people into income-producing activities?" 💪 - Jay Papasan"Your database is your business. 200 people in your database - that's the magic number from our proprietary research." 📈 - Jay Papasan"The biggest mistake rookies make is they don't treat it like a business early enough. The moment you think of it like a business, you start doing things differently." 🏢 - Jay Papasan"Most people's database is just their phone or a spreadsheet and they don't touch it until people reach out to them." 📱 - Jay Papasan"If you're not talking to people about buying and selling

End of Summer Recap, Camera Flashes, and Fall Preview - Episode 173 📸☀️🍂Episode Description 📖Built Not Born host Joe Ciccarone takes a break from guest interviews to share an end-of-summer reflection and preview the exciting lineup of guests coming in the fall season. Joe opens up about the "best of times and worst of times" summer, sharing the loss of his father Fran and celebrating sending his second son off to college.This episode offers listeners a behind-the-scenes look at the podcast's growth and Joe's personal journey, while building anticipation for upcoming conversations with bestselling authors, Navy Top Gun instructors, Apple executives, and championship coaches.Episode Highlights:Personal reflections on family loss and growthPreview of upcoming bestselling author guestsBehind-the-scenes podcast insightsCall to action for subscriber growthIntroduction to the Built Not Born Blog newsletterHost Personal Update 👨‍👨‍👦The Worst of TimesLoss of Father: Joe's father Fran Ciccarone passed away July 3rd after battling cancerFuneral Impact: 200 people attended the funeral luncheon for the 82-year-old - remarkable turnout that spoke to his father's characterFamily Process: July spent handling funeral arrangements, viewings, and reconnecting with familyEulogy Available: Joe recorded a special eulogy episode available on SpotifyThe Best of TimesCollege Send-off: Dropped second son off at college in upstate New YorkFamily Milestone: Now has two sons in college (senior and freshman) and one middle schooler at homePositive Outlook: Both college sons are "in great spots" and expected to thriveUpcoming Fall Season Guest Preview 🎙️Recently Released:Jon Gordon - Episode 17218-time bestselling authorDiscussed "The 7 Commitments of a Great Team"$100,000 speaking fee performer15-minute conversation packed with leadership insightsComing Soon:Jay PapasanCo-author of "The One Thing" - one of the most popular business books of all timeNew book: "The Rookie Real Estate Agent" (releasing next week)Expert on productivity, focus, and business success principlesSpecializes in thriving during recessions and crowded marketsGuy KawasakiFormer Apple Chief Evangelist who launched the Macintosh with Steve JobsNew book: "Wiser Guy" - follow-up to 2019's "Wise Guy"Joe received early pre-read copyTechnology and entrepreneurship expertiseDave Burke (Echelon Front)Former Navy Top Gun flight instructorCombat veteran who served on ground in Ramadi, Iraq with Jocko Willink and Leif BabinNew book: "The Need The Lead"Currently working with Echelon Front leadership consultingAmy P. Kelly & Julie NeeCo-authors discussing "Gifted Growth"Leadership and business development focusDudley DuncanHall of Fame swimming coachExpert on succeeding in one of the most grueling sportsInsights on mental toughness and athletic excellencePodcast Growth Initiatives 📈Subscription DriveSubscribe to Built Not Born Podcast (Spotify, Apple, Google, Overcast)Why It Matters: Subscriptions drive algorithmic promotion within appsImpact: More subscribers =

Built Not Born Podcast: Jon Gordon - The 7 Commitments of a Great Team, Why Teammates Are Forever, and How Commitments Crush Goals 🚀⚡Episode Description 📖Bestselling author Jon Gordon returns to Built Not Born to discuss his latest book "The 7 Commitments of a Great Team" - a book that took him 16 days to type but 54 years to write 📚. From his days as a Cornell lacrosse player to becoming one of the world's top leadership experts, Jon reveals the framework that transforms ordinary teams into extraordinary ones.In this powerful episode, Jon shares the profound moment when his dying coach said "Teammates are forever" and how that revelation became the foundation for understanding what truly makes teams great. Discover why commitments matter more than goals, how to build unbreakable team bonds, and the secret to staying energized instead of drained by your work 💪.Key Topics Covered: 🎯🏆 The 7 Commitments that separate great teams from good ones💥 Why commitments crush goals every time❤️ The power of "Teammates are forever"🎯 How to align your team around vision and mission🔥 Why love drives grit and commitment drives greatness🥊 Life as a series of sprints combined with a boxing match⚡ How to stay energized instead of drained by your workGuest Bio 👨‍💼Jon Gordon is a bestselling author, keynote speaker, and leadership consultant 🏆. Author of 32+ books including "The Energy Bus," "The Power of Positive Leadership," and "The Hard Hat," Jon has worked with numerous Fortune 500 companies, sports teams, school districts, and nonprofits around the world 🌍. His practical frameworks for building positive, high-performing teams have transformed organizations from the NFL to Fortune 500 boardrooms ✨Key Quotes 💬"Teammates are forever, Tim. Teammates are forever." 💫 - Coach Richie (Jon's Cornell lacrosse coach)"Goals are great, but your goals will

Built Not Born Podcast: Martin Dugard on Taking Midway, Epic History, and the Courage That Changed the World 🚢⚓Episode Description 📖New York Times bestselling author Martin Dugard joins Built Not Born to discuss his latest book "Taking Midway" and how he makes history as exciting as a spy thriller 🕵️‍♂️. From co-authoring 12+ books in The Killing Series with Bill O'Reilly to his solo Taking Series, Martin reveals his creative process for bringing pivotal moments in history to life ✨.In this episode, Martin shares the incredible story of the Battle of Midway - the most decisive naval engagement of WWII that shifted global power from the British Empire to the American Empire 🌍. Discover the intelligence breakthrough that changed everything, the courage of pilots who knew they wouldn't survive, and why this battle saved democracy itself 🦅.Key Topics Covered: 🎯⚔️ The Battle of Midway: Why it was the turning point of WWII🔐 Lieutenant Commander Joseph Rochefort's code-breaking breakthrough👥 Admiral Nimitz vs. Admiral Yamamoto: Contrasting leadership styles🌍 The "Europe First" strategy and its impact on the Pacific War🎉 How Churchill celebrated Pearl Harbor (and why)✍️ The creative process behind The Killing Series📚 Making history accessible to casual readers🔍 Research techniques for bringing historical moments to lifeGuest Bio 👨‍💼Martin Dugard is a New York Times bestselling author 12-13 times over 🏆 and co-author of The Killing Series, which has sold over 19 million books worldwide 📈. His solo work includes the Taking Series: Taking Paris, Taking Berlin, Taking London, and Taking Midway 🇺🇸. Martin describes himself as "a gateway drug for history's casual readers" and has mastered the art of making historical events as thrilling as modern spy novels 🎬.Key Quotes 💬"I don't have a research assistant, but I've got a really curious mind and it's like I just don't let go of a fact." 🧠 - Martin Dugard"If we had lost [at Midway] and the Japanese had taken Midway, they would've been in a perfect position to launch a completely destructive second raid on Pearl Harbor... We would've been completely out of the war in the Pacific." ⚡ - Martin Dugard"Those sailors, when they came home from the war, if they had seen what we have going on in our country right now, I think they would've been very disoriented. It is just weird to see history repeat itself." 🔄 - Martin DugardEpisode Highlights ⏰[00:00] 🎬 Introduction and Martin's incredible publishing track record[05:30] 💡 How Martin developed his "gateway drug to history" philosophy[12:15] 🤝 The creative process behind The Killing Series collaboration with Bill O'Reilly[18:45] 🎉 Why Churchill was excited about Pearl Harbor[25:20] ⚔️ The Battle of Midway: Most decisive naval engagement of WWII[32:10] 🔐 Lieutenant Commander Joseph Rochefort's code-breaking breakthrough[38:45] 😄 The "You don't have to be crazy to work here, but it helps" sign[42:30] 📰 Censorship, propaganda, and the "ghost" USS Yorktown[48:15] 👥 Admiral Nimitz vs. Admiral Yamamoto: Leadership styles compared[52:40] 🌍 How Midway marked the end of the British Empire, birth of American Empire[58:25] 🤔 Why some battles capture popular imagination (Pearl Harbor vs. Wake Island)[65:10] 📚 Lessons from Midway relevant to today[70:45] 🦅 The courage of torpedo bomber and dive bomber pilots[75:20] ✍️ Martin's writing routine and research...

Built Not Born Podcast: Jamie Cochran - Jocko Willink's Secret Weapon on Extreme Ownership & Creating LeadersPOWER QUOTE:"You are doing your team a disservice if you are not putting them in a position to lead. If you are not giving them those opportunities to solve problems, to come up with solutions, to come up with plans and then go execute on those plans, you are not creating a team that can function without you." - Jamie Cochran📺 Watch the Full EpisodeJamie Cochran, Chief Operating Officer of Echelon Front, shares her incredible journey from working in higher education to becoming a leadership expert alongside Navy SEALs Jocko Willink and Leif Babin. Jamie he breaks down the core principles of Extreme Ownership and reveals how these battle-tested leadership concepts apply to business, family, and personal growth.🎯 Key Takeaways✅ How Jamie went from part-time admin to COO in 9 years using an "experiment mindset"✅ The four core beliefs of leadership that transform organizations✅ Why "Cover and Move" is really about building relationships and teamwork✅ The power of the "Read Back" technique for clear communication✅ How to master "Prioritize and Execute" when overwhelmed with multiple priorities✅ Why Decentralized Command creates stronger leaders at every level✅ The barriers to Extreme Ownership and how to overcome them⏰ Timestamps[00:01:45] 🎯 Jamie's journey from SDSU to Echelon Front COO[00:06:30] 🧪 The "experiment mindset" - giving yourself one year to assess[00:11:15] 👥 Leadership definition: "Any human being who interacts with other human beings"[00:14:20] 🤝 Cover and Move - Building relationships through reciprocal trust[00:19:45] 📝 Simple - The Read Back technique for clear communication[00:24:10] 🎯 Prioritize and Execute - Detaching from emotions to see clearly[00:29:35] 🚶 "Relax, Look Around, Make a Call" - The power of stepping back[00:34:50] 👑 Decentralized Command - Empowering everyone to lead[00:41:20] 💪 Extreme Ownership - The barriers and how to overcome them[00:47:15] 👩‍💼 Women in leadership - Natural advantages and self-imposed barriers[00:52:30] 🏔️ Hiking for mental clarity and detachment[00:55:45] 🥋 Jamie's Jiu-Jitsu journey and earning her blue belt[01:01:10] 💡 Final advice: "Stop making excuses and start taking ownership"🔥 Power Quotes💬 On Leadership:"Leadership is truly how we solve every single problem or challenge we face in our life, business, or in our personal lives. Leadership can guide us to solving those problems and challenges."💬 On Taking Ownership:"The reality is that fear is completely unfounded. If I give you two options of people to work with - one who casts blame and makes excuses, or someone who steps up and says 'This is my fault, here's how I'm gonna solve it' - anyone would rather work with the person taking ownership."💬 On Communication:"I wanna get a read back so that I can make sure I communicated effectively and I didn't miss anything important. When I put that on me and show them this is a test for me, if they can give me a read back and we are aligned, I can say go execute."💬 On Detachment:"Look for every opportunity in your day to detach. The better we get at detaching in the small, insignificant ways, the more equipped we're going to be to detach when the time comes...

Episode 169: In Memory of Francis Silvio Ciccarone - Life Lessons from The Counselor💔 A Special Memorial Episode - Host Joe Ciccarone honors his father Francis, who passed away July 3rd, 2025 after a courageous battle with cancer. This deeply personal episode shares the life lessons, wisdom, and legacy of a Department of Defense Hall of Fame engineer who was the family's trusted advisor for 82 years.Key Timestamps & Moments:[0:00-2:30] 🕊️ Opening tribute and episode purpose[2:30-5:00] 👨‍💼 Francis's career: DOD Hall of Fame, Navy Yard, Pentagon meetings[5:00-8:00] 📝 Joe's Facebook tribute post (full reading)[8:00-12:00] 🤝 "The Consigliere" - Francis as family advisor and counselor[12:00-15:00] 🎤 The eulogy master - 25+ eulogies over 30 years[15:00-18:00] 📸 Magical moment: sharing 20 photos together[18:00-20:00] 🌺 The Hawaiian shirt story and promise[20:00-23:00] 🎓 POWERFUL: Career advice to grandson Luca[23:00-25:00] 🙏 Final reflections and gratitudeFour Pillars of Career Success (Francis's Wisdom):🎤 Be a Good Public Speaker - Stand up, motivate people, be better than average✍️ Be a Good Writer - Craft emails, memos, connect on the page🤝 Be a Good Teammate - Share credit, show up when inconvenient⭐ Keep Your Nose Clean - High character attracts good peoplePower Quotes:💪 "Dad, thank you for leading the way"🎯 "He didn't tell you what you wanted to hear. He told you what you had to hear"✨ "There's moments of magic hidden in the hours of misery"🏆 "Good people attract other good people"🔥 "Life is built, not born"Key Themes & Takeaways:Legacy Building - How one person's wisdom impacts generationsGrief & Growth - Finding meaning in loss and celebrating lifeFamily Values - The importance of being present and honestCareer Excellence - Timeless advice for professional successCharacter Matters - Why integrity defines your reputationCommunity Support - How people show up during difficult timesSEO Keywords:grief, loss of parent, father tribute, life lessons, career advice, family legacy, memorial podcast, Department of Defense, character building, public speaking, teamwork, writing skills, end of life, cancer journey, eulogy, family values🎧 This episode will resonate with anyone who has lost a parent, seeks career guidance, or wants to understand what it means to live with character and purpose.🕊️Francis Silvio Ciccarone - March 26, 1943 to July 3, 2025 🕊️

🏆 GRIDIRON GENIUS: GM Michael Lombardi's NFL Championship Blueprint | From Bill Walsh to Bill Belichick | 3x Super Bowl WinnerEpisode DescriptionThe ultimate NFL & College Football insider joins Built Not Born for an incredible conversation.Michael Lombardi, 3x Super Bowl winning GM who now serves as General Manager at the University of North Carolina working alongside the legendary Coach Bill Belichick.Originally aired in September 2022 - a classic episode worth revisiting as Lombardi's insights remain as relevant as ever.In this episode, GM Michael Lombardi takes us behind the scenes of his legendary NFL career, sharing untold stories from his time with coaching legends Bill Walsh, Al Davis, and Bill Belichick. From discovering Hall of Fame talent like Charles Haley to building Super Bowl dynasties, this is the football masterclass you've been waiting for.🔥 What You'll Discover:How a kid from Ocean City, NJ became one of the NFL's most respected executivesThe real story behind the West Coast Offense creation (hint: it wasn't in San Francisco!)Inside stories of Tom Brady, Joe Montana, and NFL legendsWhy leadership beats organization every timeThe genius scouting methods that found hidden gemsHow Stoic philosophy conquered the NFL (Big thanks to Lombardi!)What's wrong with modern NFL coaching and player evaluation🎯 Key Topics & Timestamps[0:00-5:00] From Jersey Shore to NFL DreamsGrowing up in Ocean City, New JerseyValley Forge Military Academy transformationFollowing Bruce Springsteen's advice to "chase your dreams"[5:00-15:00] The Bill Walsh Era - 49ers Dynasty BeginsBecoming Walsh's right-hand man in 1984Driving the legendary coach around San FranciscoBehind-the-scenes of the West Coast Offense creationEXCLUSIVE: How the offense was actually developed in Cincinnati, not San Francisco[15:00-25:00] Scouting Genius - Finding Charles HaleyThe epic story of discovering the future Hall of FamerWhy one play on film convinced Bill Walsh immediatelyThe art of NFL scouting in the 1980s[25:00-35:00] The John Taylor "Phantom Injury" StoryHow Lombardi saved a career with creative roster managementTaylor's journey from practice squad to 3x Super Bowl championWhy patience and development matter in team building[35:00-50:00] Al Davis and the Raiders CultureLearning from "The Last Maverick" of footballDavis's legendary work ethic and attention to detailWhy Davis would hang up with his famous "Oh, f*ck!" when disagreeing[50:00-70:00] Bill Belichick - The Early YearsFirst meeting with Belichick in Cleveland (1991)The mysterious "mission statement" paper Lombardi will donate to the Hall of FameHow Belichick developed "confidence without evidence"The Eric Metcalf punt return mastery story[70:00-80:00] Bringing Stoicism to the NFLHow Lombardi introduced "The Obstacle Is The Way" to the leagueWhy Marcus Aurelius = Bill BelichickThe book that changed NFL culture forever[80:00-95:00] Modern NFL AnalysisWhy the fullback disappeared (and won't return)The evolution

🎯 From Toxic Culture to Unstoppable Teams: Kyle McDowell's 10 Principles That Created a Leadership Revolution.💪 Power Quote"We reward people for how busy they are... 'I was triple booked, I had 13 meetings today.' I don't care. What I care about is: can you draw a straight line from any of those activities to the outcome you're actually responsible for?" - Kyle McDowellAfter 30 years climbing the corporate ladder to manage 15,000+ employees and billions in P&L, Kyle McDowell discovered something that changed everything: the most toxic workplaces weren't broken by accident—they were built that way.Best selling author Kyle McDowell reveals the 10 principles that transformed a failing 7-billion-dollar government program into a powerhouse of excellence and how these strategies became the foundation for his USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling book "Begin with We."🎧 Episode Timestamps[00:00] 🎸 Pearl Jam bonding & Philly sports culture[04:30] 📈 Kyle's 30-year corporate journey from cubicle to C-suite[08:15] 💔 The toxicity breaking point that changed everything[12:45] 🎯 Defining "Culture of Excellence" (Personal + Professional + Corporate goals)[18:20] 🔬 The MIT study: Why 30 million people really quit their jobs[22:30] 🌟 THE 10 PRINCIPLES DEEP DIVE BEGINS[23:00] ✅ Principle #1: We do the right thing, always[26:15] 👑 Principle #2: We lead by example[29:30] 🤝 Principle #3: We say it, then do it[32:45] ⚡ Principle #4: Taking action > being idle[36:00] 🎯 Principle #5: We own our mistakes[39:15] 🤜🤛 Principle #6: We pick each other up[43:30] 📊 Principle #7: Outcomes > activity (the meeting trap!)[48:45] 💬 Principle #8: We challenge each other diplomatically[53:00] 🚀 Principle #9: We embrace challenge[56:30] 📚 Book recommendations that changed Kyle's life[59:45] 🏃‍♂️ The daily sweat rule & Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu philosophy[62:15] 🎯 Lightning round: Ray Dalio, radical transparency & tattoo philosophy🔥 Best Takeaways🎯 The Culture FormulaIf your team is running in different directions, you're not leading—you're managing chaos.⚡ The Meeting TrapStop rewarding activity over outcomes. Being "triple-booked" isn't impressive—it's inefficient. Ask yourself: can you draw a straight line from this meeting to an actual outcome you're responsible for?🛡️ The Leadership Cycle BreakerToxic leaders create toxic leaders. When someone sees their boss taking credit and focusing only on personal advancement, they replicate that behavior. One authentic leader can break this cycle and create momentum in the opposite direction.💪 The Challenge FrameworkChallenges must be grounded in data OR experience—not just opinions. Create an environment where challenges flow omnidirectionally: peer-to-peer, team-to-boss, boss-to-team.🎪 The Authenticity AdvantageStop asking people to be someone different at work. When you filter out authenticity, you lose diverse perspectives and end up with vanilla environments where the best ideas don't win.📊 Key Stats That'll...

Built Not Born Podcast: Steve Hordinski - US Navy Diver, BJJ Wisdom, & Mental Toughness"Discipline will take you a long ways, but mental toughness will take you further." - Steve HordinskiEpisode DescriptionIn Built Not Born Episode 166 - We DIVE deep with Steve Hordinski, a 4th-degree black belt under Master Carlos "Caique" Elias and owner of the Katharo Training Center in Colorado. Steve is a veteran US Navy diver and shares wisdom about BJJ principles, grip fighting his teaching methodology and hard lessons learned from training with the legendary founder of Gracie Jiu Jitsu - Helio Gracie. Whether you're a seasoned practitioner or new to BJJ, Steve's insights on longevity, mental toughness, and the evolution of BJJ will transform your approach to the art.Episode Timestamps🥋 [00:00] Introduction to Steve Hordinski, 4th-degree black belt under Master Kaiki🌊 [03:12] Steve's Navy diving career - underwater leverage & challenges🧨 [08:45] The World War II bomber recovery mission in Palau💪 [12:20] Life lessons from Navy diving: "Discipline takes you far, mental toughness takes you further"👨‍🏫 [15:40] Training with Helson and transitioning to Master Kaiki🇧🇷 [19:25] Experience training with Helio Gracie in Brazil🔄 [23:50] The old school BJJ survival approach vs. modern leg lock game📊 [26:15] The four major principles Steve lives by in his BJJ🤝 [29:30] The grip fighting game: "Everything bad happens when you don't control hands"🧠 [31:45] Steve's three concepts of grip fighting that changed his game🧘‍♂️ [36:10] Training strategies for longevity and injury prevention👥 [39:45] Choosing the right training partners as you age🏆 [41:20] The one lesson Steve wants everyone to take away: "Develop toughness"🔍 [43:30] Closing thoughts: "Control and efficiency - that's Jiu-Jitsu"Key TakeawaysNavy Diving Philosophy: Steve's experience as a Navy diver taught him that mental toughness exceeds discipline in importance for long-term success.The Four BJJ Principles: Steve governs his jiu-jitsu by four key principles:Leverage over strength (but use strength at the end of the lever)Timing over speedNatural body movements/flexibilityStreet effectiveness (blocking punches also blocks grips)Grip Fighting System: Steve breaks down his revolutionary approach to grip fighting into three concepts:Training for Longevity: Incorporate Buddha Con movements (jiu-jitsu + yoga), meditation, hot yoga, and targeted strength conditioning to stay on the mats longer.Mental Toughness: The key to longevity in BJJ isn't talent or physical attributes, but developing mental grit and perseverance.Power Quotes"Discipline will take you a long ways, but mental toughness will take you further." - Steve Hordinski"If you're blocking punches, you're also blocking grips - makes you very hard to be controlled." - Steve Hordinski"Control and efficiency. That's Jiu-Jitsu." - Steve...

Built Not Born Podcast: Kathryn Gordon on Relationship GRIT - How to Stay Together, Grow Together, and Thrive Together"Where there is a void in communication, negativity will fill it. That's why we need to communicate, communicate, communicate." - Kathryn GordonEpisode OverviewKathryn Gordon is the co-author of the bestselling book "Relationship GRIT" and wife of best selling author Jon Gordon. Kathryn discusses her candid journey of nearly 30 years of marriage. Using remarkable vulnerability, Kathryn reveals the framework that helped her and Jon overcome significant challenges and build a thriving relationship that's stood the test of time.🎧 Listen to the Full Episode[EMBED PLAYER HERE]📝 Episode Highlights[00:03:15] 👋 Kathryn introduces herself and her journey from behind-the-scenes supporter to author and entrepreneur[00:06:40] 💘 The unexpected and persistent way she and John met (and almost didn't meet!)[00:11:20] 💔 Early marriage challenges and how they navigated having children while building businesses[00:15:30] 🧠 Introduction to the G.R.I.T. framework: God, Resolve, Invest, Together[00:18:45] 💯 Why perfect-looking couples often end up divorced[00:21:10] ⚖️ Why you shouldn't keep score in your relationship[00:24:30] 👏 The transformative power of complimenting your partner[00:28:15] 💪 Focusing on strengths instead of weaknesses[00:32:40] 🗣️ Why "where there is a void in communication, negativity will fill it"[00:35:50] 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 The importance of regular family team meetings[00:39:20] 🚶‍♀️ Why walking together transforms difficult conversations[00:43:15] 🎢 Kathryn's one lesson for listeners: "Relationships are like riding a rollercoaster"🔑 Key TakeawaysThe G.R.I.T. FrameworkG - God: Putting faith at the center of your relationshipR - Resolve: Commitment to work through challenges instead of walking awayI - Invest: Continuously investing time and energy in your relationshipT - Together: Making decisions and facing obstacles as a united teamBest Practices for a Thriving RelationshipDon't keep score - relationships have seasons where give and take naturally fluctuateCompliment each other regularly - even (especially) when you don't feel like itFocus on strengths, not weaknesses - appreciate what your partner excels atCommunicate expectations clearly - don't expect mind-readingHave regular family/couple team meetingsWalk and talk - side-by-side communication reduces confrontation📚 About "Relationship GRIT"a...

"The struggle is the cost of admission. It is the price of doing business." - Stephen MarcheStephen Marche: On Writing, Failure, and the Enduring Struggle of the Creative Life 📚In this week's conversation, Joe Ciccarone sits down with Stephen Marche, acclaimed Canadian writer and cultural commentator whose work appears in The New Yorker, The Atlantic, and The New York Times. Stephen shares insights from his book "On Writing and Failure," discussing the inevitable struggles of the creative process, the realities of rejection, and why perseverance might be the only thing that truly matters.Episode Highlights:02:15 - Introduction to Stephen Marche and his diverse writing career 🖋️04:30 - The power of short-form books and the Voltaire quote about pocket pamphlets 📖07:10 - "The first job of a writer is to write. The second is to persevere." 💪09:45 - Herman Melville's tragic story: how Moby Dick sold fewer than 400 copies 📚12:30 - James Joyce couldn't even get hired to teach English as a second language 😮15:20 - "Trying to find fulfillment in writing is like trying to learn how to fly by jumping off a cliff" 🧠17:40 - Anne Frank's diary was rejected 15 times by publishers 📝19:25 - The gap between intention, action, and consequence in creative work ⏳22:10 - Why success is temporary and often disconnected from quality of work 🏆24:30 - Margaret Atwood's story about still feeling insecure despite enormous success 🌟26:15 - Depression as an occupational hazard in writing careers 😔28:45 - "The quality of your writing has very little effect on the success of your career, but it's the only thing that matters" 💯31:20 - Stephen's experience writing for Esquire and the intensive editorial process 🔍35:10 - Why there's no such thing as required reading 📚37:40 - Cormac McCarthy didn't sell more than 5,000 copies until he was 60 📖41:35 - Stephen's writing routine: sleep as a creative superpower 💤46:20 - The myth of alcohol fueling creativity 🍺48:50 - Stephen's one lesson for aspiring writers 🎯50:15 - Current projects and spending a day with Shakespeare 🎭About Stephen Marche:Stephen Marche is a Canadian writer, cultural commentator, and novelist. His work regularly appears in The New Yorker, The Atlantic, and The New York Times. With a PhD in Shakespeare studies, Marche brings both scholarly depth and journalistic clarity to his writing. His book a...

"Your comfort zone is no joke - but life gets better when you step outside of it." - Tim ConniffTim Conniff: Breaking Out of Your Comfort Zone - From Corporate Sales to Stand-Up Comedian 🎭In this entertaining and inspiring episode, Joe Ciccarone sits down with Tim Conniff, who transitioned from being a healthcare sales director to a full-time stand-up comedian and keynote speaker. Tim shares his remarkable journey from bombing a college speech to becoming a successful comedian, proving it's never too late to try something new.Episode Highlights:01:45 - Introduction to Tim Conniff and his multiple roles in life 🙋‍♂️03:20 - Tim's first experience with public speaking in college and how badly it went 😅05:10 - The 30-year gap between Tim's first comedy experience and his return to the stage 📅08:15 - How Tim's son quitting basketball opened up time for him to pursue comedy 🏀10:30 - The moment Tim had his "I can do that" realization at a local comedy club 💡12:45 - Tim's rapid rise in comedy: from open mic to hosting shows in just six months 🚀15:20 - The challenge and rewards of being a "clean" comedian in today's landscape 🧼18:40 - Tim's creative process for writing and refining jokes 📝21:15 - The structure of jokes and how comedians work to get laughs every 6-15 seconds ⏱️23:30 - How Tim balances his corporate career with his comedy pursuits 💼25:45 - Tim's keynote "Your Comfort Zone Is No Joke" and its message 🎤27:10 - The powerful question: "When was the last time you did something for the first time?" 🤔29:45 - Tim's experience performing for patients with traumatic brain injuries 💪32:20 - Simple ways to get out of your comfort zone that anyone can try 🌱35:10 - Tim's personal practices for clearing his mind (running and hot yoga) 🧘‍♂️38:40 - The ONE lesson Tim hopes listeners take away 🔑40:15 - Fun closing questions: dream day with Zig Ziglar or Jim Rohn 🌟About Tim Conniff:Tim Conniff is a former sales director for a large healthcare company who now focuses full-time on his work as a stand-up comedian and keynote speaker. After rediscovering his passion for comedy in 2022, Tim quickly rose from open mic performer to hosting shows and delivering paid gigs across the Philadelphia area. His keynote "Your Comfort Zone Is No Joke" combines clean comedy with inspirational messages about challenging yourself and trying new things.Key Takeaways:It's never too late to try something new - Tim started his comedy career in earnest at middle ageHaving an "I can do that" moment instead of saying "I could never do that" can change your lifeThe iterative process is crucial - in comedy, sports, or any skill, you improve through consistent practiceClean comedy creates more opportunities and challenges you to be a better writerGetting out of your comfort zone leads to growth, new opportunities, and a more fulfilling lifeWhen you help enough people get what they want, you'll get what you want (Zig Ziglar)Connect with Tim Conniff:Website: TimConniff.comInstagram: @TimConniff

"Success takes care of itself when you take care of yourself. Your best moments always come from a clear heart and an unburdened mind." - Jim MurphyJim Murphy: #1 NY Times Best Selling Author - How Inner Excellence Creates Champions 🏆In this powerful episode, Joe Ciccarone sits down with Jim Murphy, author of the viral sensation "Inner Excellence" that was famously read by Eagles wide receiver AJ Brown on the sidelines during a game. Jim shares his remarkable journey from minor league baseball player to mental skills coach for elite athletes, and how his book rocketed from Amazon ranking #532,000 to #1 overnight.Episode Highlights:00:05 - Introduction to Jim Murphy and his background in mental skills coaching 🧠03:12 - The viral moment when AJ Brown was spotted reading "Inner Excellence" on the NFL sidelines 📱06:45 - Jim's personal journey: from financial struggles to overnight success 💰09:30 - Understanding "Inner Excellence" philosophy and the concept that "every beginning has an end and every ending has a new beginning" 🔄12:15 - Jim discusses how losing his baseball vision led to a greater vision for his life 👁️15:40 - The core philosophy: "What's essential is invisible to the eye" and focusing on what truly matters ❤️18:22 - How to be "unoffendable and unirritatable" in a world full of criticism 🛡️21:10 - The importance of understanding that "your opponent is not your enemy, but your partner in the dance" 🤝23:45 - Freedom to choose your thoughts - breaking negative thought patterns 💭26:30 - The PALMS acronym for ego: Possessions, Achievements, Looks, Money, and Status 🌴28:15 - "We do not climb mountains to get to the top. We climb them to see who we can become" 🏔️31:40 - Jim's personal practices for clearing his mind and recharging (including cold plunging!) ❄️34:10 - The one lesson Jim hopes listeners take away: slow down and ask God how you can grow 🙏36:25 - Fun closing questions: dream day with the Obamas and tattoo quote "Selfless is Fearless" ✨About Jim Murphy:Jim Murphy is a #1 NY Times Best Selling author and mental skills coach who works with professional athletes and high-performers. His book "Inner Excellence" focuses on training the mind for extraordinary performance and the best possible life. After Eagles wide receiver AJ Brown was seen reading the book on the sidelines during a January 2025 game, the book skyrocketed from selling 2-3 copies a day to over 100,000 copies in a week, achieving the coveted #1 spot on the New York Times bestseller list.Connect with Jim Murphy:Instagram: @InnerExcellenceJimMurphyTwitter: @InnerExcellenceWebsite: innerexcellence.coma...

🧠 Hello Trauma: Dr. Hillary Cauthen on How Trauma Affects Athletic Performance & Mental Health"Coming forward and standing up for yourself is the most astonishing act of bravery. Refusing to go quietly, asserting one's right to safety takes courage that people who haven't experienced any trauma can barely imagine. What heroes do is so simple, yet so rare. They say, 'Stop, this is not right. This is not okay. And I won't stand by and do nothing.'" - Dr. Hillary Cauthen🎙️ Episode HighlightsIn this powerful episode, we sit down with Dr. Hillary Cauthen, clinical sports psychologist and author of "Hello Trauma, Our Invisible Teammate." Dr. Cauthen shares her expertise on understanding trauma's impact on performance, developing resilience, and creating a culture that champions growth and healing.⏱️ Time Stamps00:45 - Introduction to Dr. Hillary Cauthen - clinical sports psychologist, author, podcaster, and mom of four02:15 - Dr. Hillary's journey from athlete to sports psychology - moving to Maine and recognizing the need for specialized mental performance coaching05:20 - Defining trauma as a physiological response that our brain makes meaning of06:30 - The prevalence of trauma - 70% of adults have experienced trauma (reported cases only)08:45 - Different trauma responses and how they impact recovery10:35 - The three ways people deal with trauma: minimizer, enabler, and moral authority14:20 - Seven steps to dealing with trauma15:10 - Step 1: Acknowledge that something happened16:15 - Step 2: Seek feedback and consult experts17:20 - Step 3: Conduct conversations with care with everyone involved18:30 - Step 4: Ask people what they need instead of assuming20:15 - Step 5: Create a plan of action together21:00 - Step 6: Discuss action steps and keep each other updated22:10 - The power of hope in the healing process22:45 - Emotional hygiene and the importance of mental wellness check-ins24:30 - Balancing empathetic engagement with accountable action26:45 - The difference between culture and climate in organizations28:20 - The importance of finding people doing high-level work and learning from them31:10 - The power of journaling for mental health and clarity36:40 - Questions to ask yourself: "What is my role right now?" and "What's the one thing I need to do?"39:30 - Share Your Secrets: How Dr. Hillary recharges (music, naps, bubble baths)42:00 - The power of napping for performance enhancement43:50 - Book recommendation: "The Tao of Pooh"44:30 - One lesson to take away: "Be a good human and have empathy"45:10 - If Dr. Hillary could spend a day with anyone: her grandfather46:30 - Dr. Hillary's tattoo: "My heart is your heart, your heart is my heart"👩‍⚕️ About Dr. Hillary...

🧠 Stoic Philosophy for Modern Life with Phil Van Treuren"Stoicism is focusing on things that are in your control, overcoming negative emotions, living in the present moment, helping others for the common good, and finding opportunity in every obstacle." - Phil Van TreurenIn this episode of the Built Not Born Podcast, Joe welcomes author and entrepreneur Phil Van Treuren to explore how ancient Stoic philosophy can transform our modern lives. Phil is the author of "The Little Book of Stoic Quotes," and shares profound insights on living in the present moment, embracing obstacles, and finding peace in our chaotic world.🎧 Episode Highlights:📝 About Phil Van Truitt [02:25]Author, entrepreneur, and "perpetual work in progress"Built a successful DTC e-commerce business from his basementPublished four books on Stoic philosophy lessonsFounder of Stoic Simple, where he sells his books and publishes blog posts🏛️ What is Stoic Philosophy? [06:10]Phil's one-sentence definition after a year of researchWhy Stoicism has experienced a renaissance in modern cultureRecommendations for beginners: Ryan Holiday and Donald Robertson⏰ Living in the Present Moment [11:45]Why humans struggle to stay present compared to animalsHow focusing on the past leads to depression and looking too far ahead causes anxietySeneca's wisdom: "The primary cause of both hope and fear is that instead of adapting ourselves to present circumstances, we send our thoughts to the future"💪 Amor Fati: Loving Your Fate [19:30]How to embrace and love whatever fate you're givenFinding opportunities in obstacles and challenging circumstancesUsing difficulties to become a better person✍️ Phil's Creative Process [24:15]Writing entire books on his cell phone while juggling family lifeHow limitations forced him to become a better writerEmbracing and loving the constraints of your circumstances😤 Managing Emotions [36:45]The misconception that Stoicism means suppressing emotionsLearning to step back and examine emotions before acting on themCreating space between stimulus and response💀 Memento Mori: Remember You Will Die [45:20]How remembering mortality can spur positive actionPlanning meaningful experiences with loved onesRemoving the ego from thinking time is guaranteed🏆 The Three Great Stoics [53:15]Comparing Seneca, Epictetus, and Marcus AureliusThe unique writing styles and contributions of each philosopherPhil's appreciation for different aspects of each Stoic master🎮 Fun Game: Meditations or Gladiator? [1:04:15]A quiz testing knowledge of real Marcus Aurelius quotes versus movie linesThe surprising connection between the movie and actual Stoic philosophy🌟 Final Wisdom [59:20]Finding comfort in knowing the world will continue without youHow this perspective brings peace and reduces egoOur responsibility to make the world better for future generations📚 Books Mentioned:"The Little Book of

Built Not Born Podcast with Derek Sivers 🎙️Episode: Useful, Not True - Choosing Better Beliefs"We choose what we believe not because it's absolutely true, but because it's useful to believe it." - Derek SiversIn this episode, Joe welcomes back best selling author Derek Sivers for a deep dive into his new book "Useful, Not True" and explores how our beliefs shape our reality. Derek shares insights on choosing beliefs that serve us better and making peace with what we can't control.Episode Highlights ⭐🕒 00:00 - 03:45 - Introduction and catching upJiu-jitsu training space as a podcast background Previous podcast appearance discussionDerek's book writing process🕒 03:46 - 12:30 - Exploring "Useful, Not True"Core concept of choosing beneficial beliefsDerek's research journey through philosophy and religionWriting approach and keeping books concise🕒 12:31 - 20:15 - Emotions and Decision MakingHow emotions decide before logic kicks inThe importance of mental stateStrategies for controlling emotional responses🕒 20:16 - 28:45 - Questions for Self-ReflectionIdentifying outdated beliefsDealing with distractionsFinding your top priority🕒 28:46 - 35:30 - Making Peace with UncertaintyBeing okay regardless of outcomesDerek's experience moving from Oxford to New ZealandAdapting to unexpected changes🕒 35:31 - 45:00 - Rapid Fire QuestionsBest investments in lifeDealing with overwhelmFuture plans and prioritiesKey Takeaways 🎯Choose beliefs based on their usefulness rather than absolute truthControl your response to situations by managing your mental stateRegularly question whether your old beliefs still serve youJournal daily to gain clarity when feeling overwhelmedThere's always another way to look at any situationResources Mentioned 📚📖 "Useful, Not True" by Derek Sivers📖 "Hell Yeah or No" by Derek Sivers🎙️ Derek's Previous episode: Built Not Born (#66) - Hell Yeah or NoConnect with Derek 🌐Website: sive.rsBook: Useful, Not TrueContact: Say Hello to Derek© 2025 Built Not Born Podcast. All rights reserved.#BuiltNotBorn #DerekSivers #UsefulNotTrue #Entrepreneurship #PersonalDevelopment #JoeCiccarone #MindsetShift #Podcast #Philly #NewZealand #Beliefs #true #author #books

Lt. Colonel Jodi Pritchard (USAF): Combat Flight Nurse | Never Stop Believing In Yourself | Built Not Born Podcast💫 "I wanted to be part of something bigger than myself. And that's what my father helped me with - he led me in the right direction. The biggest team there is, is the United States military." - Lt. Colonel Jodi PritchardFeatured in James Patterson's #1 New York Times bestseller "Walk In My Combat Boots: True Stories from America's Bravest Warriors," Lt. Colonel Jodi Pritchard (USAF) shares her remarkable journey from a West Virginia farm to becoming a distinguished Air Force flight nurse and CCAT (Critical Care Air Transport) team leader.Episode Highlights:⏱️ Time Stamps:[00:00] - Introduction and family military legacy[03:45] - First deployment to Operation Enduring Freedom[07:30] - Powerful story of transporting wounded and fallen soldiers[12:15] - Experience of taking fire while landing in Baghdad[16:20] - The mindset required at age 22 in combat situations[21:30] - Story of soldiers' resilience and brotherhood[26:45] - Mental health challenges and breaking the stigma[32:15] - The importance of decompression after deployment[37:30] - The meaning behind her memorial tattoo[42:15] - Advice for aspiring military medical personnel[45:30] - The importance of remaining humble[48:45] - Behind the scenes with James Patterson and the bookKey Topics Discussed:🎖️ Four generations of military service in her family🚁 20+ years as a medevac flight nurse🏥 Critical missions transporting wounded warriors💪 Mental resilience and PTSD awareness🌟 Leadership lessons from combat experienceNotable Quotes:"You're the best part of their worst day." - On being a medivac flight nurse"Never stop believing in yourself." - Lt. Col. Jodi Pritchard Book Feature:Lt. Colonel Pritchard's story is featured in James Patterson's & Matt Eversmann's "Walk In My Combat Boots" (2021), which shares 45 powerful stories from America's service members. Her profile particularly focuses on her critical missions during Operation Enduring Freedom and her role in medical evacuations.Connect & Follow: Lt. Col. Jodi Pritchard:🎙️ Built Not Born Podcasta...