The Alignment Show

What happens when we stop trying to master technology and start learning with it?In this episode of The Alignment Show, I sit down with Joshua Hale — a self-taught “holistic tech wizard” who helps creators and entrepreneurs build businesses that serve life instead of consuming it. Joshua’s journey runs from the intensity of restaurant kitchens to the freedom of leading his own AI-driven strategy practice. Along the way, he’s learned that the most valuable skill in a changing world isn’t technical expertise — it’s curiosity.We talk about his “teach-by-doing” approach, the mindset of an autodidact, and how authenticity becomes an asset in an era when anyone can access unlimited information. Joshua also shares his 10-80-10 Method — 10 percent human idea, 80 percent AI execution, 10 percent human refinement — and why seeing AI as a creative co-pilot, not a competitor, can expand both your freedom and your impact.If you’ve ever wondered how to use AI without losing yourself in the process, or how to build a business around learning, purpose, and humanity, you’ll find this conversation both practical and deeply encouraging.About Joshua HaleJoshua Hale is a holistic tech strategist and AI mentor who helps creators and entrepreneurs build life-first businesses—ventures that align purpose, technology, and personal well-being. A self-taught innovator, he blends systems thinking, marketing strategy, and real-world experimentation to make complex technology accessible and empowering. Through his company and community work, Joshua equips people to use AI as a tool for clarity, creativity, and connection rather than complexity or control.Resources & LinksConnect with Joshua Hale🌐 JoshuaHale.io🔗 Joshua's resources for you💼 Joshua Hale on LinkedInMentioned in This Episode* The 10-80-10 Method: Joshua’s framework for balancing human creativity and AI efficiency.* Ikigai: The Japanese concept of finding alignment between what you love, what you’re good at, and what the world will pay for.* Joanna Penn: Writer and podcaster who inspires creators to integrate AI ethically and creatively.Connect with Donn King✉️ Subscribe to The Alignment Show newsletter at TheAlignmentshow.com.🌎 Learn more about my books at DonnKing.com/Books. Take a look at Creating While Caring, my latest book.You can get links to video or audio versions of this episode at DonnKing.com/98. Or (if you’re seeing this in email), just click on the headline to listen via your Substack app, which is probably the best way to watch/listen to either format.You can catch the video on YouTube or audio versions of all episodes later at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon podcasts, and (always) Substack.If you get value from the show, consider supporting us through Buy Me a Coffee. You can make a one-time contribution or sign up for regular support. Your support helps me continue helping you and others, and thank you in advance!You can also subscribe on Substack for free OR upgrade to a paid subscription to receive the following bonus material for each episode:* The “Big Takeaway”* A bulleted summary of the episode* Practical tips from the episode* A quote to ponder* Prefer text? We turn each podcast into an article.Plus, Founding Members receive ebook copies of all my books as well as a sponsorship message on the podcast at least once a month.That’s our way for saying “thanks for the support!”Note: if you accidentally subscribe on ConfidenceCultivators.com (which used to host the show), I will comp you the equivalent subscription on King’s Chronicles, the new home of The Alignment Show. Get full access to The Confidence Cultivator at confidencecultivator.substack.com/subscribe

Listen here or watch video on YouTube:In this episode of The Alignment Show, I sit down with returning guest Jeff West, one of our “stars in alignment,” to talk about his newest book, The Hidden Heist, co-authored with Bill Cates.Jeff has built a reputation for crafting business parables, stories that don’t just explain principles but draw you in through characters and plot. The Hidden Heist may be his boldest yet: a personal finance parable set entirely during a bank robbery. With humor, tension, and unexpected twists, Jeff and Bill tackle the money myths that hold so many people hostage, while showing the habits that can change a financial future.We also dig into the craft of writing parables—how flawed characters, lived stories, and surprising turns make lessons stick more than any how-to guide could. Along the way, Jeff shares insights about co-authoring, weaving personal experience into fiction, and the unique role of storytelling in an age of AI.Whether you’re curious about money, storytelling, or simply living in closer alignment with your values, you’ll find both encouragement and practical wisdom here.You can hear audio versions of this podcast at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon podcasts, and Substack. Catch the show notes at DonnKing.com/97.Resources mentioned in this episode include:* Our sponsor, Butterfly Copywriting. Check it out at https://DonnKing.com/Butterfly.* Donn King’s books. Find out about his latest and all his others at https://DonnKing.com/Books.* All about Jeff’s new book written along with Bill Cates at https://TheHiddenHeist.com.* A free resource from Bill Cates at https://TheOrdinaryMillionaire.com.Remember that we have moved our home over to our new site at TheAlignmentShow.com. We encourage you to subscribe there!If you get value from the show, consider supporting us through Buy Me a Coffee. You can make a one-time contribution or sign up for regular support. Your support helps me continue helping you and others, and thank you in advance!You can also subscribe on Substack for free OR upgrade to a paid subscription to receive the following bonus material for each episode:* The “Big Takeaway”* A bulleted summary of the episode* Practical tips from the episode* A quote to ponder* A topic index with timestampsPlus, Founding Members receive ebook copies of all my books as well as a sponsorship message on the podcast at least once a month.That’s our way for saying “thanks for the support!”Note: if you accidentally subscribe on ConfidenceCultivators.com (which used to host the show), I will comp you the equivalent subscription on King’s Chronicles, the new home of The Alignment Show. Get full access to The Confidence Cultivator at confidencecultivator.substack.com/subscribe

Ever had one of those moments where a “five-minute fix” with technology turns into two hours of hair-pulling? In this solo episode of The Alignment Show, I share a recent run-in with Photoshop that pushed me right to the edge of giving it all up—computers, creative work, even publishing.But behind the exasperation was something deeper:* What do you do when the tools you depend on start draining the joy out of the work?* How do you know if it’s just a temporary frustration—or a sign it’s time to lay something down?* And how do you keep the spark alive in the things you love?I tell a story (with a little humor, a little honesty, and a nod to my AI sidekick “Lizzie”) about nearly tossing my laptop into the lake. More importantly, I invite you to reflect on how you handle those breaking-point moments in your own life.🎧 Listen in, and then let me know: How do you deal with that kind of frustration?Watch the video on YouTube:You can hear audio versions of this podcast at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon podcasts, and Substack. Catch the show notes at DonnKing.com/96.Sponsors for this episode include:* Val Tews and Butterfly Copywriting (DonnKing.com/Butterfly)* Donn’s books, including info on Creating While Caring: Practical Tips to Keep Creating While Caring for a Loved One, coming out before the end of September (DonnKing.com/Books).Remember that we have moved our home over to our new site at TheAlignmentShow.com. We encourage you to subscribe there!If you get value from the show, consider supporting us through Buy Me a Coffee. You can make a one-time contribution or sign up for regular support. Your support helps me continue helping you and others, and thank you in advance!You can also subscribe on Substack for free OR upgrade to a paid subscription to receive the following bonus material for each episode:* The “Big Takeaway”* A bulleted summary of the episode* Practical tips from the episode* A quote to ponder* A topic index with timestampsPlus, Founding Members receive ebook copies of all my books as well as a sponsorship message on the podcast at least once a month.That’s our way for saying “thanks for the support!”Note: if you accidentally subscribe on ConfidenceCultivators.com (which used to host the show), I will comp you the equivalent subscription on King’s Chronicles, the new home of The Alignment Show. Get full access to The Confidence Cultivator at confidencecultivator.substack.com/subscribe

Jennifer Pierce spent decades climbing the corporate ladder—investment banking, HR, and commodities trading—before realizing she wasn’t living true to her values. Burnout and loss pushed her to recalibrate her life and eventually find her calling as a leadership coach.In this conversation, Jennifer shares her honest reflections on imposter syndrome, the difference between therapy and coaching, and why true alignment comes when we stop just naming our values and actually live them. She also reveals how a painful personal turning point helped her embrace authenticity, service, and connection.If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s too late to make a change, or if you’ve felt the tug between security and purpose, Jennifer’s story offers encouragement—and a reminder that we’re all just walking each other home.Watch the video on YouTube:You can hear audio versions of this podcast at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon podcasts, and Substack. Catch the show notes at DonnKing.com/95.Resources included in this episode include:* Jennifer’s website at JenPierceCoaching.com.* Jennifer on LinkedIn.* Our sponsors for this episode:* Saleswise Live™* Butterfly Copywriting* Donn’s books, including Creating While Caring, due to be release within September 2025.Remember that we have moved our home over to our new site at TheAlignmentShow.com. We encourage you to subscribe there!If you get value from the show, consider supporting us through Buy Me a Coffee. You can make a one-time contribution or sign up for regular support. Your support helps me continue helping you and others, and thank you in advance!You can also subscribe on Substack for free OR upgrade to a paid subscription to receive the following bonus material for each episode:* The “Big Takeaway”* A bulleted summary of the episode* Practical tips from the episode* A quote to ponder* A topic index with timestampsPlus, Founding Members receive ebook copies of all my books as well as a sponsorship message on the podcast at least once a month.That’s our way for saying “thanks for the support!”Note: if you accidentally subscribe on ConfidenceCultivators.com (which used to host the show), I will comp you the equivalent subscription on King’s Chronicles, the new home of The Alignment Show. Get full access to The Confidence Cultivator at confidencecultivator.substack.com/subscribe

Editor’s Note: We are setting up a new publishing workflow, which means we may have a few glitches in the next few episodes. Thanks for bearing with us, and email donn@donnking.com with any problems or issues you have.What happens when a global supply chain strategist, author, and TEDx speaker turns his focus from corporate success to soul-deep purpose? In this inspiring conversation, Andy Bhattacharyya—founder of AI-driven sustainability firm Amplo Global—shares his journey from engineering and ESG compliance to mentoring vulnerable youth and writing fiction that champions resilience.Andy reveals:* Why he blends fiction and nonfiction to teach values-based leadership* How sustainability is evolving beyond compliance into purposeful business strategy* The personal “life versions” that shape his choices and drive his legacy* Stories of overcoming vulnerability, from trafficking prevention to mentoring future leadersWhether you’re navigating a career pivot, seeking more meaning in your work, or curious about the intersection of business, storytelling, and purpose, Andy’s insights will challenge you to think bigger, and act with intention.In this episode we talked about:* Andy’s new venture, LeadWithAndy.com (we never got the QR code in the video, but this will take you right to it.* Val Roskens Tews and her Butterfly Copywriting business, one of our sponsors. Find out more at DonnKing.com/Butterfly.* Donn’s books, including the upcoming release of Creating While Caring. Find out more at DonnKing.com/Books.Remember that we have moved our home over to our new site at TheAlignmentShow.com. We encourage you to subscribe there!If you get value from the show, consider supporting us through Buy Me a Coffee. You can make a one-time contribution or sign up for regular support. Your support helps me continue helping you and others, and thank you in advance!You can also subscribe on Substack for free OR upgrade to a paid subscription to receive the following bonus material for each episode:* The “Big Takeaway”* A bulleted summary of the episode* Practical tips from the episode* A quote to ponder* A topic index with timestampsPlus, Founding Members receive ebook copies of all my books as well as a sponsorship message on the podcast at least once a month.That’s our way for saying “thanks for the support!”Note: if you subscribe on ConfidenceCultivators.com, I will comp you the equivalent subscription on King’s Chronicles, the new home of The Alignment Show. Get full access to The Confidence Cultivator at confidencecultivator.substack.com/subscribe

Andrea Waltz doesn’t just teach people to embrace rejection—she embodies it. In this episode, we sit down with the co-author of the enduring bestseller Go for No! to explore the bold mindset shifts behind her work, the 25-year legacy of a powerful little parable, and what compelled her and husband Richard Fenton to finally write a sequel.This isn’t just a conversation about sales. It’s about risk, courage, creativity, and the emotional grit it takes to do work that matters. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a writer, a solopreneur, or a professional in transition, Andrea’s insight will nudge you to rethink your relationship with failure, and maybe even chase a few more no’s yourself.👉 Tune in to hear the behind-the-scenes origin story of Go for No!, how fiction became a powerful teaching tool, and why mindset, not tactics, is what really gets in the way of meaningful action.* Find the original Go for No! Yes is the Destination, No is How You Get There* Get the sequel: Go for No! The SequelYou can get links to video or audio versions of this episode at DonnKing.com/93. Or (if you're seeing this in email), just click on the headline to watch or listen via your Substack app, which is probably the best way to watch/listen to either format.You know someone who wants to hear this.Make sure you don’t miss show notes. Get full access to The Confidence Cultivator at confidencecultivator.substack.com/subscribe

Next Tuesday, I'm offering two separate opportunities to learn about the power of Substack.If you're seeing this—or reading this—on Substack, there's a good chance you already use it. Not a 100% chance, of course. You can read free material on Substack without ever logging in or subscribing to anyone. But still, a pretty good chance.Even if you're already using it, you might not realize just how much potential Substack has to help you get your message out to a world that needs to hear it.I figured the best way to give you a taste of what we’re going to talk about in the workshop is to use Substack to show you. So, I’m making this post go out through almost every available format Substack offers. That should give you a feel for how flexible it is, and maybe help you decide whether Substack could be useful for you.In the workshop, we’ll take a 20,000-foot view of what Substack can do. This post? Think of it as the 30,000-foot preview.The way I like to explain Substack is with a metaphor: it’s like a Swiss Army knife, or maybe even more like a Leatherman tool. Sure, you could find a better email platform, a more powerful podcast host, or a sleeker blogging tool. But Substack’s strength is in being the Leatherman of creative communication: one solid tool that does everything well enough, and keeps it all in one place.Take this post, for example. I used Substack’s video feature to talk to you, and you’ll find it embedded here. They are rolling out a live video feature, which I don’t have yet. It has some limitations. For instance, it only works from the mobile app, so I can’t use my usual green screen or share slides. But it’s fast, it’s personal, and if you set it up right, the video becomes part of a post that people can watch later. I will use it when it become available to me. For now, I’m recording the video and then uploading it.I can upload a video directly into a post. I can also do an audio version instead—or a full podcast episode. Substack will distribute your podcast to Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and just about anywhere else people listen. This will become such a podcast episode.You can embed video or audio in a regular post that is not a podcast. Or you can just write a regular text post (and if you’re reading this, that may be your preference over video or audio). Add photos if you want. Substack will email that post to your list, which makes it a great newsletter tool—which is how a lot of people first think of it. But you can also send posts only to email without publishing them online, more like a traditional mailing list.Readers can find you through search, or they can subscribe to get emails when you publish, so it functions kind of like a blog and kind of like a newsletter. The post editor gives you a lot of formatting flexibility, though not as much as something like WordPress.There’s even a whole ecosystem for short-form posts, like what Twitter used to be, called Notes. You can share quick ideas, links, reactions, and more. (I will post a Note a little later pointing to this post.)And all of this? Free.Now, if you’ve spent any time on the internet, you’ve heard the old line: “If it’s free, you’re the product.” That’s usually true—most free platforms monetize you through ads. But Substack works differently. It’s a freemium model: you can offer paid subscriptions and give your subscribers bonus content or perks. Substack takes 10% of what you earn, which means they only succeed if you do.That’s a different incentive model from most platforms. They don’t throttle your reach. They don’t ask you to “pay to play.” In fact, it’s the opposite. They want more people to find you, subscribe to you, and support you.Now, it’s true that once you hit a certain level of revenue, you might be able to make more money using another system. But many of us—including me—stick with Substack anyway, because it’s just so much easier to manage than the more complex tools out there.And you don’t have to commit to anything in this workshop. I just want to show you what Substack can do (probably a lot more than you realized) and help you see how simple it is to use. It’s great for people who say, “I’m not good at tech,” and it’s efficient enough to appeal to folks who are good at tech but don’t want to spend their lives formatting blog posts.Just because you can format a WordPress post doesn’t mean you want to spend the time it takes to do it.So however you came across this, whether through a recorded video, audio, a text post, a Note, an email, or just stumbling across it online—I hope you’ll check out our workshop on July 8, 2025.And if you find this after that date, don’t worry—you can still find the replay at the link I’ll share. But if you’re seeing this in time, go ahead and sign up. That way you can join us live and get your questions answered.Just go to DonnKing.com/SubstackInfo to sign up. That’s DonnKing.com/SubstackInfo, and that Donn with a double N. DonnKing.com/SubstackInfo.You may know folks who would also benefit from this. Share the post—it’s free!Make sure you get our content on effective communication and life management. Our home base is at King’s Chronicles: Get full access to The Confidence Cultivator at confidencecultivator.substack.com/subscribe

We live in a time of deep division—politically, culturally, even generationally. But what if the path to healing isn’t another argument or another angry post… but service?In this powerful and hope-filled episode, Chip Webster shares how national service, volunteerism, and small acts of human connection can rebuild trust in our communities—and in each other. Drawing on his leadership background and life experience, Chip offers both a compelling vision and a practical invitation.If you’re disheartened by the current state of the country (or the world), this episode will rekindle your belief in what’s possible.In this episode, we talked about these and other topics:* Chip’s current website at UnityInService.org.* Vistage Florida where Chip served for so long.* The history of Sears, which is still technically in business with eight stores and a website.* Chip mentioned a quote by Joan Baez, which is actually, “Action is the antidote to despair.”* We talked about “Sore Loser Laws.” We’ll do a special episode on those later and link to it from here.* Our sponsors continue to support us. Visit Saleswise Live™, Donn Kings Books, and Butterfly Copywriting.You can catch video replays at the following links, or hear audio replays at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon podcasts, and Substack.* LinkedIn* YouTube* FacebookRemember that we have moved our home over to our new site at TheAlignmentShow.com. We encourage you to subscribe there!If you get value from the show, consider supporting us through Buy Me a Coffee. You can make a one-time contribution or sign up for regular support. Your support helps me continue helping you and others, and thank you in advance!You can also subscribe on Substack for free OR upgrade to a paid subscription to receive the following bonus material for each episode:* The “Big Takeaway”* A bulleted summary of the episode* Practical tips from the episode* A quote to ponder* A topic index with timestampsPlus, Founding Members receive ebook copies of all my books as well as a sponsorship message on the podcast at least once a month.That’s our way for saying “thanks for the support!”Note: if you subscribe on ConfidenceCultivators.com, I will comp you the equivalent subscription on King’s Chronicles, the new home of The Alignment Show.You know someone who could use this strong message.Head over to our new site at TheAlignmentShow.com and subscribe to make sure you don’t miss an episode! Get full access to The Confidence Cultivator at confidencecultivator.substack.com/subscribe

From interviewing Middle Eastern dignitaries and riding the waves of international journalism, to revolutionizing how modern franchises share knowledge, Penny Hopkinson’s journey is nothing short of remarkable. In this wide-ranging conversation, Penny shares how she turned a love of words and systems into a career that reshaped an industry.Whether you're a writer, business leader, or someone exploring what it means to live with integrity and purpose, this episode offers real-world wisdom from someone who’s done just that, across borders, generations, and platforms.We also get a special live update from Penny about her upcoming Manual Magic AI tool, a knowledge-sharing SaaS that could change the way businesses capture and transfer know-how.You can catch video replays at the following links, or hear audio replays at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon podcasts, and Substack.* LinkedIn* YouTube* FacebookResources shared in this episode include:* Penny’s Linktree leading to “all things Penny.”* She’ll post here when Manual Magic AI goes live* She talked about writing a memoir, too. Keep this bookmarked for updates!* Penny on LinkedIn* Hayley Mills info* About shorthand, including samples of systems* Penny’s book, Manual Magic (but remember she is offering access to her new Manual Magic AI through October 2025—keep an eye on her Linktree for when that goes live)* Our new sponsor, Val Rosken Tews at Butterfly Copywriting* Our sponsor, Saleswise Live* Our sponsor, Donn’s books (the new book, Creating While Caring, will be coming out soon and will be linked here).Share, like, and subscribe!Remember that we have moved our home over to our new site at TheAlignmentShow.com. We encourage you to subscribe there!If you get value from the show, consider supporting us through Buy Me a Coffee. You can make a one-time contribution or sign up for regular support. Your support helps me continue helping you and others, and thank you in advance!You can also subscribe on Substack for free OR upgrade to a paid subscription to receive the following bonus material for each episode:* The “Big Takeaway”* A bulleted summary of the episode* Practical tips from the episode* A quote to ponder* A topic index with timestampsPlus, Founding Members receive ebook copies of all my books as well as a sponsorship message on the podcast at least once a month.That’s our way for saying “thanks for the support!”Note: if you subscribe here on Confidence Cultivator, I will comp you the equivalent subscription on King’s Chronicles, the new home of The Alignment Show. Get full access to The Confidence Cultivator at confidencecultivator.substack.com/subscribe

What happens when the wheels come off the wagon, the train jumps the track, and everything melts into a puddle of nope?In this raw, deeply personal solo episode, Donn King pulls back the curtain on life as a caregiver in crisis mode. With honesty, humor, and hard-won wisdom, he offers seven ways to keep going when stopping isn’t an option, and the finish line is nowhere in sight.Whether you're caregiving, grieving, exhausted, or simply overwhelmed, this episode will remind you: you are not alone, and your next small step still matters.Resources we shared include:* New sponsor Butterfly Copywriting. Val Roskens Tews is a long-time friend of the show, but she’s new as a sponsor, so let me tell you a little about her. She is a content strategy writer who helps authors and coaches get past the overwhelm of creating content to post on LinkedIn. She offers stress-free content creation that helps them build a community of readers, potential clients, and business friends. Think of it as transformative content solutions.* Keep up with happenings with Donn’s books. The next one, Creating While Caring, is just about ready for birth.You can catch video replays at the following links, or hear audio replays at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon podcasts, and Substack.* LinkedIn* YouTube* FacebookIf you get value from the show, consider supporting us through Buy Me a Coffee. You can make a one-time contribution or sign up for regular support. Your support helps me continue helping you and others, and thank you in advance!You can also subscribe on Substack for free OR upgrade to a paid subscription to receive the following bonus material for each episode:* The “Big Takeaway”* A bulleted summary of the episode* Practical tips from the episode* A quote to ponder* A topic index with timestampsPlus, Sponsoring Members receive ebook copies of all my books as well as a sponsorship message at least once a month.That’s our way for saying “thanks for the support!”BONUS bonus: For this post, we are sharing all the “Paid Subscriber” bonuses with all of our readers so you can see the type of material that is included. That way you can decide if it is worthwhile to you to support the show through a paid subscription or ongoing BuyMeACoffee.The Confidence Cultivator, home of The Alignment Show, is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.You know someone who needs this encouragement.✨ Subscriber-Only Content1. 💡 The Big TakeawayResilience isn’t about pushing through at full strength. It’s about showing up faithfully, one breath, one task, one moment at a time.2. 📌 Bulleted Summary* The reality of crisis-phase caregiving: 108 hours of responsibility in a 168-hour week* Why silence around hardship makes people feel more alone, and how to break that silence* Seven practical and compassionate ways to carry on when everything has collapsed* Reflections on strength, presence, and the gift of being disillusioned* The challenge (and comfort) of living without a foreseeable end to the current crisis* The vital importance of being seen, even if just for five minutes3. 🛠️ Practical Tips* Journal or voice-record your uncensored feelings. “Give them air so they don’t rot inside you.”* Use micro-relief tools like a hand over your heart, a five-minute reset timer, or a smooth worry stone in your pocket.* Ask ruthless questions: “What happens if I don’t do this?” “What is good enough instead of ideal?”* Allow yourself to disappoint someone a little so you don’t collapse completely.* Create mini-rituals like lighting a candle, repeating a phrase, or writing a nightly sentence, such as, “Today, I showed up.”* Say one true thing out loud each day, such as, “This is impossible. But I’m doing it anyway.”4. 🧠 Quote to Ponder“We've never really known the future. We've only ever lived moment to moment, step to step, breath to breath. We've lived with the illusion of predictability. Now we've literally been disillusioned. And maybe, strangely, that's a kind of gift.”5. ⏱ Topic Index with Timestamps (Estimated)* 00:00 – Intro and sponsor highlights* 05:00 – Why this solo episode now? A caregiver’s reality* 10:00 – Language for crisis: when it all goes pear-shaped…* 11:00 – Seven Ways to Stay When You Can’t Leave* 11:20 – #1: Acknowledge the truth without judgment* 13:30 – #2: Micro relief and micro control* 15:55 – #3: Ruthless mental simplification* 20:50 – #4: Talk back to the isolation* 24:50 – #5: Redefine strength as softness* 26:45 – #6: Ritualize something, anything* 30:15 – #7: Say one true thing each day* 33:00 – Reflection: “This isn’t new. It’s just deeper.”* 36:00 – Final encouragement: “You are still here.”With our next post, we will provide paid subscribers a downloadable PDF with the seven ways along with some discussion about each. You’ll receive that, even if you just sign up as a paid subscriber for a month! Get full access to The Confidence Cultivator at confidencecultivator.substack.com/subscribe

Dan Janal thought he was the picture of health, working out regularly, feeling fine, living fully. So when a routine checkup turned into a life-threatening diagnosis, everything changed… and so did his mindset.In this powerful and deeply personal conversation, Dan shares how he went from shocked patient to hopeful guide, using his skills as a writer and speaker to reframe what it means to live with cancer. What begins as a health crisis becomes a life mission and a lesson in hope, presence, and purpose for all of us.If you’ve ever faced something unexpected, or you’re looking for a practical example of living in alignment with your values even in the hardest seasons, this episode will move you.We talked about these resources:* Cured: Strengthen Your Immune System and Heal Your Life by Jeffrey Rediger.* Dan’s web site for Reframing Cancer.* Dan’s Substack.* Lois Creamer’s episode 80.* The world-famous Mayo Clinic.* Our sponsor: Saleswise Live™.* Our sponsor: Donn’s books.You can catch video replays at the following links, or hear audio replays at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon podcasts, and Substack.* LinkedIn* YouTube* FacebookIf you get value from the show, consider supporting us through Buy Me a Coffee. You can make a one-time contribution or sign up for regular support. Your support helps me continue helping you and others, and thank you in advance!You can also subscribe on Substack for free OR upgrade to a paid subscription to receive a bonus post each month for subscribers only, including an audio version. Plus, Founding Members receive ebook copies of all my books.UPDATE: We are experimenting with bonus material for Paid subscribers (including those who support us through regular Buy Me a Coffee payments). We will now share with Paid subscribers the following bonus material for each episode:* The “Big Takeaway”* A bulleted summary of the episode* Practical tips from the episode* A quote to ponder* A topic index with timestampsThat’s our way for saying “thanks for the support!”Thanks for reading The Confidence Cultivator! This post is public so feel free to share it. Get full access to The Confidence Cultivator at confidencecultivator.substack.com/subscribe

What if grief could become a gateway to transformation, not just sorrow?In this powerful episode, Donn talked with grief educator Suzanne Jabour, who shared her moving journey after the loss of her 22-year-old son, Ben. Suzanne doesn’t offer platitudes; she offers permission. Permission to grieve differently. Permission to support others more meaningfully. And permission to be curious even in the darkest places.Whether you’re walking through your own loss or want to better support someone who is, this conversation will change the way you think about grief and connection.Resources we discussed include:* Suzanne’s website.* Suzanne’s LinkedIn.* A previous episode about managing grief with Kevin O’Connor.* Saleswise Live™.* Donn’s books.* “Writing Home: A Short Story about the Real Final Frontier,” a free short story to support you in living your own values.You can catch video replays at the following links, or hear audio replays at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon podcasts, and Substack.* LinkedIn* YouTube* FacebookIf you get value from the show, consider supporting us through Buy Me a Coffee. You can make a one-time contribution or sign up for regular support. Your support helps me continue helping you and others, and thank you in advance!You know someone who needs this kind of support. Help them out!You can also subscribe on Substack for free OR upgrade to a paid subscription to receive a bonus post each month for subscribers only, including an audio version. Plus, Founding Members receive ebook copies of all my books.The Confidence Cultivator is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to The Confidence Cultivator at confidencecultivator.substack.com/subscribe

What does it take to follow your passion—responsibly?In this episode of The Alignment Show, I sat down with Ahuva Gruen, founder of AG Financial CPA, to explore her inspiring journey from corporate CFO to independent business owner. Ahuva shared how she aligned her career with her lifelong entrepreneurial spirit, even in the face of major life transitions. We discussed the difference between a CPA and a CFO, why businesses need strategic financial leadership, and how individuals can responsibly pursue their dreams without sacrificing stability. Whether you're considering a leap toward your own business or looking to strengthen the one you already have, this conversation is packed with wisdom about living your values, taking smart risks, and building a thriving future.Resources we mentioned include:* Ahuva’s website* Ahuva on LinkedIn* Saleswise Live™* Donn’s booksYou can catch video replays at the following links, or hear audio replays at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon podcasts, and Substack.* LinkedIn* YouTube* FacebookShare your comments, even though the broadcast is over! We always pay attention and would love to continue the conversation.If you get value from the show, consider supporting us through Buy Me a Coffee. You can make a one-time contribution or sign up for regular support. Your support helps me continue helping you and others, and thank you in advance!You can also subscribe on Substack for free OR upgrade to a paid subscription to receive a bonus post each month for subscribers only, including an audio version. Plus, Founding Members receive ebook copies of all my books.You know someone who could use this boost! Get full access to The Confidence Cultivator at confidencecultivator.substack.com/subscribe

When the pandemic shook up our routines, many people didn’t just quit their jobs. They realigned their lives. That’s why I called it the Great Realignment rather than the Great Resignation. But now, five years later, is that sense of realignment still alive?In this solo episode, I reflect on the origins of The Alignment Show and explore whether it’s time to pause and ask: Am I still living in alignment with what matters most to me?We unpacked the difference between goals and mission, the trap of chasing the merely urgent, and how small moments of reflection, even five minutes at a time, can steer you toward a more meaningful life. I also shared a few personal stories, insights from friends of the show, and why I believe your values deserve a fresh look.🔗 Mentioned in this episode:* My Books* SalesWise Live* Wordslinger Podcast by Kevin Tumlinson for all things Kevin, along with the specific episode I mentioned.* The Alignment episode with Kevin* The book we mentioned about keeping your earning activities separate from your passion activities is Creating the Life You Really Want, Building the Career You Truly Desire.* We mentioned the idea that we have crossed the mountains (which means we’ve left the “old normal” behind), and we’re not going back to the way things were before. That concept was explored deeply in Canoeing the Mountains by Tod Bolsinger.* My other Substack is King’s Chronicles. It has a little different focus, but it is likely one that would appeal to listeners of The Alignment Show.* We talked about the Eisenhower Matrix. You can learn more about it here.* We mentioned Life 101: Everything We Wish We Had Learned About Life in School—But Didn'tYou can catch video replays at the following links, or hear audio replays at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon podcasts, and Substack.* LinkedIn* YouTube* FacebookIf you get value from the show, consider supporting us through Buy Me a Coffee. You can make a one-time contribution or sign up for regular support. Your support helps me continue helping you and others, and thank you in advance!You can also subscribe on Substack for free OR upgrade to a paid subscription to receive a bonus post each month for subscribers only, including an audio version. Plus, Founding Members receive ebook copies of all my books.The Confidence Cultivator is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.You know someone who could benefit from these insights. Get full access to The Confidence Cultivator at confidencecultivator.substack.com/subscribe

Note: I’m running a little behind posting the show notes and audio podcast for this episode. My grandson wound up needing emergency surgery (he is OK now), and so I just now have time to get it posted. But Kevin is worth waiting for!I’m thrilled to welcome back one of our "Stars in Alignment"—Kevin Tumlinson. Kevin is a bestselling author, entrepreneur, podcaster, and one of the most values-centered creatives I know. He’s also someone I personally fanboy over a bit (you’ll hear why).In this rich, wide-ranging conversation, we talked about the ongoing quest to align our lives with our values, even when life throws curveballs. Kevin opened up about shifting from discovery writing to outlining, navigating burnout, and rediscovering joy in writing after a difficult season. He also shared insights from launching a new venture, Author Anchor, which helps writers focus on what they love—writing—by offloading the rest to trained virtual assistants.Whether you're a writer or not, this episode is about far more than craft. It's about humility, resilience, and realignment. It’s about finding your mission and having the courage to keep creating even when the world gets loud.Among other things, in this episode we talked about:* The mother source for all things Kevin.* The auntie source for all things Kevin’s books (i.e., Amazon).* The Wordslinger podcast on YouTube.* Kevin on Substack, including his newsletter, The Writer_.* Draft2Digital got mentioned several times. Check them out.* Author Nation, the world’s largest author conference and multi-genre reader event, uniting authors, industry leaders, and readers for five transformative days of learning, networking, and growth.* Author Anchor provides cost-effective Virtual Assistants. Book a free discovery call tell them Kevin Tumlinson sent you from The Alignment Show. Doing so enables you to get your first month for $49 instead of $99 (VA rates will still apply—this is a discount off the base monthly fee).* Donn’s books, a show sponsor. It costs you nothing to check it out! You may find your next favorite read.* Saleswise Live™, a show sponsor. Again, it costs you nothing to check it out! You may change the course of your career, which is why they’re such a great sponsor for The Alignment Show.You can catch video replays at the following links, or hear audio replays at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon podcasts, and Substack.* LinkedIn* YouTube* FacebookIf you get value from the show, consider supporting us through Buy Me a Coffee. You can make a one-time contribution or sign up for regular support. Your support helps me continue helping you and others, and thank you in advance!You can also subscribe on Substack for free OR upgrade to a paid subscription to receive a bonus post each month for subscribers only, including an audio version. Plus, Founding Members receive ebook copies of all my books.You know someone who needs to hear this!And, we would love to converse with you. Questions for Kevin? Comments about what we talked about? Get full access to The Confidence Cultivator at confidencecultivator.substack.com/subscribe

🎙️ The Alignment Show with Donn King welcomed Todd Payne, founder of Konnectfully, emotional intelligence coach, and former Lutheran pastor with a powerful origin story.🔥 From being told he had "none of the gifts for ministry" to helping couples rediscover empathy and joy in their relationships, Todd brings a refreshing take on transformation, resilience, and the surprising role of the Enneagram in fostering real connection.Oh—and did we mention? He now lives in Portugal, after losing his home to a wildfire and choosing to start over with intention. Talk about falling upward!💬 Whether you're navigating a relationship crossroads, curious about emotional intelligence, or just love hearing how people realign their lives with purpose, this conversation is rich, real, and relevant.Resources we discussed include:* Todd’s website* Todd’s LinkedIn* We talked about videos of colorblind folks seeing color for the first time with the help of special glasses. Here is one such video among many.* Donn mentioned his newsletter. Check it out and subscribe for free, or go paid and receive audio versions and other perks.* Go look into Saleswise Live™.* One of Donn’s books will encourage you or a friend.You can catch video replays at the following links, or hear audio replays at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon podcasts, and Substack.* LinkedIn* YouTube* FacebookYou know someone who could use the insights from this conversation. Why not tell them, “Hey, you would enjoy listening to this episode!”If you get value from the show, consider supporting us through Buy Me a Coffee. You can make a one-time contribution or sign up for regular support. Your support helps me continue helping you and others, and thank you in advance! You can also subscribe for free OR upgrade to a paid subscription to receive a bonus post each month for subscribers only, including an audio version. Plus, Founding Members receive ebook copies of all my books. Get full access to The Confidence Cultivator at confidencecultivator.substack.com/subscribe

Note: For the past few weeks, I’ve been uploading a video version of the podcast to Substack, but I’ve noticed a few things: (a) most listeners aren’t using Substack for video (at least, for this podcast), (b) we already provide links to the live video replays, making this redundant, and (c) splitting my focus between video and audio has likely affected the audio quality.So, I’m shifting back to our original approach—prioritizing high-quality audio on Substack (and podcast platforms) while directing video learners to our existing video channels. If I’ve misread what works best for you, let me know in the comments or email me at donn@donnking.com!How do we engage in tough conversations without losing our cool—or our relationships? In this powerful episode of The Alignment Show, host Donn King sits down with Bob Burg, co-author of The Go-Giver, to discuss the art of tactful yet honest communication.With today’s divisive climate, it often feels impossible to have meaningful discussions with those who hold opposing views—whether at the holiday dinner table or in the workplace. Bob shares practical strategies for navigating disagreements with grace, avoiding emotional reactivity, and fostering genuine connection—even when tensions run high.The Confidence Cultivator is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.In this episode we talked about:* Why so many conversations escalate into personal attacks—and how to stop it.* The Ransberger Pivot technique for reframing discussions to find common ground.* How to respond (not react) when faced with inflammatory statements.* The secret to changing minds—without manipulation or aggression.* When to engage—and when to walk away.Whether you're trying to communicate better in your personal life, in business, or online, this conversation will give you tools to defuse conflict, build trust, and make your message heard.Watch or listen for a masterclass on influence, persuasion, and the power of respectful dialogue with Bob Burg.Here are some of the resources we shared in this episode:* Bob’s books* Saleswise Live™* The Go-Giver Success Vault* Jeff West’s books* Let Them Theory* Living Untethered* Russell Moore, former editor of Christianity Today, on modern “Christians” calling the teachings of Jesus “weak.”* Donn’s books* Free short story: “Writing Home: A Short Story About the Real Final Frontier”You can catch video replays at the following links, or hear audio replays at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon podcasts, and Substack.* LinkedIn* YouTube* FacebookYou know someone who needs to hear this.If you get value from the show, consider supporting us through Buy Me a Coffee. You can make a one-time contribution or sign up for regular support. Your support helps me continue helping you and others, and thank you in advance! You can also subscribe for free OR upgrade to a paid subscription to receive a bonus post each month for subscribers only, including an audio version. Plus, Founding Members receive ebook copies of all my books. Get full access to The Confidence Cultivator at confidencecultivator.substack.com/subscribe

Thank you for your patience! We broadcast the episode as scheduled last Friday, but we’re just now posting the show notes and feeding the audio to those outlets. But this was a conversation worth waiting for!The Alignment Show welcomed back Lizbeth Meredith, a writer, speaker, and resilience advocate whose journey has inspired audiences worldwide. You may remember her from Episode 76, where we explored her compelling memoir and the strength it takes to reclaim one’s life. In this episode, she returned with exciting news—her latest book, Tilka Faces the Odds, is soon available in audiobook format!The Confidence Cultivator is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Remember her from that past episode?This is the followup!Among the things we discussed:✔️ The behind-the-scenes process of recording an audiobook—the challenges, surprises, and victories along the way.✔️ Why Lizbeth chose to narrate her own book and what it means to bring Tilka’s story to life✔️ The resilience and reinvention that shape both her writing and her life. ✔️ How storytelling empowers us to navigate life’s unexpected turns.✔️ A glimpse into her upcoming projects, including a travel memoir and an anthology highlighting solo travel as a path to healing.You can access some of the following resources we discussed:* Tilka Faces the Odds* Pieces of Me* Grounded in Grit* Life 101: Everything We Wish We Had Learned About Life in School - But Didn't* Donn’s books* Saleswise Live™If you get value from the show, consider supporting us through Buy Me a Coffee. You can make a one-time contribution or sign up for regular support. Your support helps me continue helping you and others, and thank you in advance! You can also subscribe for freeOR upgrade to a paid subscription to receive a bonus post each month for subscribers only, including an audio version. Plus, Founding Members receive ebook copies of all my books.You can catch video replays at the following links, or hear audio replays at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon podcasts, and Substack.* LinkedIn* YouTube* FacebookYou know someone who could benefit from hearing this. Do them and us a favor! Get full access to The Confidence Cultivator at confidencecultivator.substack.com/subscribe

We had a great conversation this week with Joanna Penn, despite challenges facing your host.We originated the podcast from my daughter’s hospital room, and so the audio quality of the intro and outro isn’t up to our usual standards. Plus, although the promo went up on our video channels, our subscribers did not get the notice of the upcoming episode, for which I apologize! Plus again, stutters in the video feed led to a less-than-optimal experience on the video channels.I’m going to re-edit the video and post it on the video channels so that folks who prefer video will have a better experience, but I wanted to go ahead and post this to the list for those who prefer audio. When we have the new videos up, I will send you a brief message, and I will then point this post to those better videos.Why did I want to get this out rather than just skip this episode, especially since we’ve said the podcast has become irregular? Because it featured Jo Penn, and we had already announced it. Jo is a trailblazer in independent publishing, a pioneer in Kindle publishing, and a forward-thinking creator embracing the role of an AI-assisted artisan author. She writes craft books to support writers as Joanna Penn, and fiction, travel, and memoir as J.F. Penn. With nearly 40 books to her name under both “Penn names,” her impact on modern publishing is unmatched.Her craft books, like How to Market a Book and How to Write Non-Fiction, are must-reads for anyone serious about writing and publishing in today’s rapidly evolving landscape. Now, Joanna is back with a completely rewritten and updated second edition of How to Write Non-Fiction, tailored to meet the needs of modern writers in the digital age.We were privileged to host Jo in January 2024, just around a year ago……and we’re thrilled to welcome her back for another insightful conversation. Get ready to learn from one of the most innovative voices in the writing world as we discuss her journey, her creative process, and her vision for the future of publishing.Resources we discussed include:* Episode 46 of The Alignment Show.* Joanna Penn’s website for writers and online bookstore for writers.* J.F. Penn’s website for her work and online bookstore for fiction, memoir, and other projects.* We referenced Midjourney as the tool Jo has used recently to aid in cover design.* We also talked about her use of Runway.ml to produce video. Get full access to The Confidence Cultivator at confidencecultivator.substack.com/subscribe

What drives a leader to keep serving, even after an accomplished military career? Meet Dennis LaRue—Air Force veteran, leadership coach, and a man dedicated to helping others rise to their full potential.Thanks for reading The Confidence Cultivator! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.I’ve had the privilege of getting to know Dennis through The Go-Givers Success Vault, the thriving community built around The Go-Giver principles. From the start, he has impressed me—not just with his deep leadership knowledge, but with the way he teaches it. He has a gift for making leadership practical, personal, and powerful.Dennis spent 23 years in the U.S. Air Force, earning accolades for his problem-solving expertise and strategic insight. But instead of coasting into retirement, he leaned into his passion for leadership development. Now, as a Maxwell Leadership Team coach, an adjunct faculty coach at the University of Denver, and a Values-Based Leadership specialist, he’s helping leaders at every level—from young professionals to the C-Suite—lead with clarity and purposeIn this episode, we explore Dennis’s journey from military service to leadership coaching, his passion for values-driven leadership, and the principles that have shaped his mission to empower others.Among the items we discussed:* Dennis’s website* Dennis on LinkedIn* #steeltoesrequired, Dennis’s newsletter* Donn’s books* Saleswise Live™ and their upcoming trainingYou can catch video replays at the following links, or hear audio replays at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon podcasts, and Substack.* LinkedIn* YouTube* FacebookYou know someone—maybe a veteran, maybe someone else wanting to grow in leadership—who would benefit from this conversation. Do them and us a favor!If you get value from the show, consider supporting us through Buy Me a Coffee. You can make a one-time contribution or sign up for regular support. Your support helps me continue helping you and others, and thank you in advance! You can also subscribe for free OR upgrade to a paid subscription to receive a bonus post each month for subscribers only, including an audio version. Plus, Founding Members receive ebook copies of all my books. Get full access to The Confidence Cultivator at confidencecultivator.substack.com/subscribe