The Thought Leader Revolution Podcast

"If you optimize your hormones, you lose depression, you lose anxiety, you feel good again, you're energized, you're good to go."  A mission born from struggle. Former cop and veteran Michael Seemann faced burnout, depression, and a body that was shutting down—until he discovered the power of hormone optimization. That breakthrough became Evolving Vitality, a clinic dedicated to restoring men's health through hormone balance, mental wellness, and affordable access to life-changing care. Michael shares how turning pain into purpose shaped his business mindset: build for service, not greed. Keep prices fair, lead with integrity, and let faith drive the mission. Success, he says, is simple—trust God, work hard, and do the right thing. Now, with clinics in five states and plans to expand across North America, Michael's proving that purpose-driven entrepreneurship can save lives—and restore the spirit of those who serve. Expert action steps:  1. Trust God – Have faith that He will lead you to the right purpose.  2. Believe in Yourself – Even if you doubt your ability, start.  3. Work Hard and Be Honest – Give your best effort with integrity; success will follow. Learn more & connect:  • EvolvingVitality.com  https://www.evolvingvitality.com/blog/posts/peptide-therapy-at-evolving-vitality-what-it-is-and-why-it-s-changing-the-future-of-health Also in this episode:  • Book Mentioned: "Good Energy" by Casey and Calley Means  Visit https://www.eCircleAcademy.com and book a success call with Nicky to take your practice to the next level. 

"I'm responsible for 100% of my own healing."  Success doesn't come from your coach—it comes from you. This nugget hits hard with one truth: no one can do the work for you. You can hire the best mentor in the world, but if you're not fully invested, nothing changes. The moment you take full ownership, everything shifts.  Your coach can guide, challenge, and inspire—but they can't move your feet. If you resist their direction or half-commit, you're setting your money on fire. But if you show up 100%—coach­able, committed, and accountable—you'll unlock results that no coach could ever hand you.  Visit https://www.eCircleAcademy.com and book a success call with Nicky to take your practice to the next level. 

"It's a story about patterns, the ones that shape us, trap us, and sometimes, if we're lucky, set us free." Power and transformation begin where truth meets courage. This conversation reveals how the human potential movement emerged from the radical optimism of the 1970s and reshaped into today's $48-billion self-help industry. At its core is the tension between enlightenment and ego — how the same tools that awaken millions can also entrap them if they surrender their inner wisdom to authority. The principles at play are timeless: responsibility, authenticity, and the danger of confusing charisma with truth.  From her front-row seat at the birth of EST, Marcia Martin exposes both the miracles and the madness behind the movement that promised human liberation. She shares what it was like to be a powerful woman in a man's world — creating mass transformation while learning hard lessons about influence, control, and integrity. Her reflections carry a rare honesty and hard-earned compassion that illuminate the shadow side of success.  Marcia is a legendary thought leader, executive coach, and founding architect of the modern self-help industry. She helped launch Werner Erhard's EST (Erhard Seminar Training), ran Tony Robbins' organization in its early years, co-created the Transformational Leadership Council with Jack Canfield, and has guided hundreds of thousands through transformational leadership worldwide.  Expert action steps: Center before you act — Be fully present. When you engage with others, bring yourself into the moment rather than being distracted by thoughts about the past or future.  Listen generously — Listen before you speak. Assume the person you're hearing is brilliant and that what they're saying is valuable. This creates connection and dissolves tension in the space.  Speak from authenticity — Communicate from your heart and direct experience, not from beliefs or rehearsed thoughts. Speak truthfully and vulnerably.  Learn more & connect:  You can get 'Sex, Power, And Transformation' here: https://marciamartintransform.com/thebook  https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcia-martin-/ Visit https://www.eCircleAcademy.com and book a success call with Nicky to take your practice to the next level. 

"To attract those beautiful circumstances, what we have to do is raise our frequency vibration."  Most people think success is about strategy—but it's really about energy. Your emotional vibration determines what you attract. Stay stuck in fear, anger, or pride, and life keeps handing you the same struggles on repeat. Shift to courage, joy, or love, and everything changes.  There's a frequency scale behind it all, one that explains why some people move effortlessly through life while others grind without results. It's not about working harder—it's about operating higher. When your vibe rises, so does your power to create.  This nugget reveals the little-understood secret behind the people who seem to magnetize success. Once you see it, you can't unsee it.  Also in this episode:  Dr. David Hawkins' Power vs. Force  https://a.co/d/iTdisWT  Visit https://www.eCircleAcademy.com and book a success call with Nicky to take your practice to the next level.

"When we chase something beautiful and glorious, we get inspired and that inspiration frees energy, and that energy is what gets it done."  A powerful thought leader brand isn't built on strategy alone—it begins with inner alignment. The foundation of real influence comes from living in harmony with your true nature and sharing wisdom that comes from experience, not ego. As Udo explains, thriving requires vision, not fear; renewal comes from stillness; and true leadership starts by reconnecting with the essence of life itself. When your work serves life, not money, your message becomes timeless.  Udo Erasmus reveals how his lifelong search for truth and health led him from war-torn Europe to pioneering the study of fats that heal and human nature itself. His insights on inspiration, silence, and vision remind us that the energy behind our message determines its reach. His story shows that thought leadership grows from service—helping others live better through what you've discovered within yourself.  Udo is the legendary author of Fats That Heal, Fats That Kill, a global best-seller that sold over 300,000 copies. A biochemist, nutrition pioneer, and philosopher, Udo has spent more than four decades teaching the world about the link between health, human nature, and purpose. His latest book, Your Body Needs an Oil Change, continues his mission to help people live consciously, healthily, and with heart.   Expert action steps:  Start with heartache—let it guide you back to your inner self.  Practice stillness daily to reconnect with your true nature.  Discover your inspired purpose by aligning your talents with service.  Learn more & connect:  Fats That Heal, Fats That Kill by Udo Erasmus  Your Body Needs an Oil Change by Udo Erasmus  Website: UdoErasmus.com https://udoerasmus.com/  Instagram / Facebook / LinkedIn: @udoerasmus  Visit https://www.eCircleAcademy.com and book a success call with Nicky to take your practice to the next level.

"Take time today, map out these five freedoms for yourself, and be honest. Are you someone that is taking action to become and be free right away?"  Freedom isn't a single finish line—it's a balance of five parts that most entrepreneurs overlook. The pursuit of success often begins with money but ends in exhaustion when other forms of freedom are missing. This Nugget explores what it really means to live free—not just financially, but in every area that gives your life depth and meaning.  Each freedom builds on the next, shaping a foundation that supports more than just your business goals. There's a structure behind true independence—one that requires clarity, discipline, and a willingness to redefine what freedom feels like beyond the surface level.  This isn't about chasing success. It's about reclaiming control—over your choices, your time, your energy, and your mind.  Visit https://www.eCircleAcademy.com and book a success call with Nicky to take your practice to the next level.

"You win this race in your mind before you ever win it with your legs. It's the same in business. You're going to win with your mind before you ever win it with all the tactical stuff that you do."  Success rarely comes from following convention. It's born from resilience, courage, and the willingness to think differently. The misfit entrepreneur doesn't seek comfort—he seeks growth. He plays the long game, knowing that discipline, consistency, and perseverance outlast luck every time. Through every setback and success, the defining principle remains simple: keep showing up when everyone else quits.  Dave Lukas built multiple Inc. 5000 companies by thinking like a contrarian. When others pulled back during crisis, he tripled down on sales. When injuries or failures hit, he rebuilt stronger. He's proof that success comes from mastering your mind before mastering your craft—and that long-term focus beats short-term hype.  Dave is an entrepreneur, investor, endurance athlete, and host of The Misfit Entrepreneur. He teaches people how to build financial freedom through his company, 12MinuteTrading.com, and lives by his DCP Formula: Discipline, Consistency, and Perseverance.  Expert action steps:  Apply the DCP Formula—Discipline, Consistency, and Persistence—to every area of life and business.  Master your mindset, because beliefs determine results.  Spend a full day discovering what you truly want and define your core beliefs as your guiding compass.  Learn more & connect:  The Ten-Year Career – by Dave Lukas  MisfitEntrepreneur.com  12MinuteTrading.com  Visit https://www.eCircleAcademy.com and book a success call with Nicky to take your practice to the next level. 

"If there's any original entrepreneurs, it's four guys in a basement or a garage without a dollar to their name, but big dreams and musical instruments. And that's what we were. We were musical entrepreneurs" True opportunity arrives only when hard work meets truth. This episode explores how perseverance, humility, and self-awareness fuel long-term success. The principles shared here reveal that greatness isn't built overnight—it's crafted through patience, persistence, and a willingness to face uncomfortable truths about where you are and where you're going.  Jim Sonefeld shares his journey from soccer fields to stadiums as a founding member of Hootie & the Blowfish, and how the band's rise to global fame was built on preparation, honesty, and teamwork. He also dives into the mindset that helped him reinvent his life—transforming challenges like addiction into a message of hope, recovery, and purpose through music and speaking.  Jim is a multi-platinum recording artist, songwriter, and author of Swimming with the Blowfish. Today, he's an inspirational speaker combining music and message to empower others toward honesty, faith, and transformation.  Expert action steps:  Seek Truth Relentlessly: Be brutally honest about where you stand—morally, financially, and emotionally—because real growth starts with accurate self-awareness.  Embrace Failure: Treat setbacks as lessons that build resilience and character rather than proof of inadequacy.  Align with Core Relationships: Maintain harmony with yourself, those you love, and your higher power to stay grounded when success arrives.  Learn more & connect:  Go to Jim's official website jimsonefeld.com to find his book, music, and speaking info.  IG: @sonnytims64  FB: Jim Sonefeld  Visit https://www.eCircleAcademy.com and book a success call with Nicky to take your practice to the next level. 

"I go after a lot of things as an entrepreneur. Probably 90% of the things may not happen on the timeline that I expect. But you better believe for that 10%, I'm gonna show up with the best attitude and energy that I have. Because I'm not gonna let the other 90% take away from my shine."  The legal system wasn't built for the human heart—but Tiffani Brown is changing that. Through her vision of human-centered law, she's redefining what justice, service, and integrity look like in a world where entrepreneurs crave both success and soul. Her message is simple yet profound: law should protect people's dreams, not bury them in paperwork.  Tiffani's journey from big law to heart-driven entrepreneurship is a story of freedom and purpose. By paying off her $220,000 debt, walking away from corporate law, and creating My Legal Wellness, she turned her profession into a mission. She believes communities thrive when law is accessible, transparent, and grounded in compassion. Her philosophy blends strategy, spirituality, and courage—the same traits that led her to the Transformational Leadership Council and inspired her movement for ethical entrepreneurship.  Tiffani is a globally traveled attorney and visionary founder of MyLegalWellness.com, where she helps business owners navigate the law with clarity and heart. Her work bridges the gap between legal practice and human purpose—proving that leadership rooted in empathy can change industries from the inside out.   Expert action steps:  1. Go upstream – When something stops working, don't force it. Seek a higher path or new opportunity instead of staying stuck downstream.  2. Maintain a spirit of expectation – Stay open to possibility and say yes to opportunities that align with your purpose.  3. Control your attitude – Your energy and presence are your greatest powers; guard them fiercely and use them intentionally.  Learn more & connect:  • https://mylegalwellness.com/  Visit https://www.eCircleAcademy.com and book a success call with Nicky to take your practice to the next level. 

"Your expertise is your most potent asset." Expertise is the key that sets you apart. When you define your lane and stay true to it, you stop blending into the noise and begin attracting the right people who value what you do.  This Nugget explores how narrowing your focus creates authority, why clarity in your message matters, and the role authenticity plays in turning knowledge into trust. It's a simple shift that changes the way opportunities show up.  Your expertise is more powerful than you think. Use it well, and it becomes the magnet for growth in your business and relationships.  Visit https://www.eCircleAcademy.com and book a success call with Nicky to take your practice to the next level. 

"If it's all just business all the time, it's actually way less rewarding."  Success in business is not just about tactics or strategy—it's about the strength of your relationships. Building genuine connections creates opportunities, opens doors to new audiences, and generates exponential growth. By leading with value first and nurturing trust, entrepreneurs can transform a single introduction into a steady pipeline of opportunities, clients, and collaborations.  Charles Byrd shares how he left Silicon Valley, leveraged his systems background, and built a seven-figure business by creating a streamlined process for joint ventures and partnerships. He explains how to get in front of ideal clients by tapping into existing communities, how to structure win-win deals, and why serving others first accelerates results. From referral parties to embedded partnerships, Charles gives practical examples of how relationship-based business can create both revenue and impact.  Charles is a joint venture expert, speaker, and founder of PureJV and Flow. Known as the "deal flow guy," he has helped clients add millions in revenue, book stages alongside Tony Robbins, and land appearances on platforms like Joe Rogan. His deal flow system combines technology, systems thinking, and relationship building to create scalable success. Learn more at charlesbyrd.com.  Expert action steps:  1. Reach out regularly—ping people who come to mind to stay top-of-mind and keep relationships active.  2. Prioritize rest—optimize your sleep to maximize energy, productivity, and performance.  3. Create balance—build fun, exercise, and family time into your life to fuel both happiness and business success.  Learn more & connect:  https://www.charlesbyrd.com Visit https://www.eCircleAcademy.com and book a success call with Nicky to take your practice to the next level. 

"Successful people are decisive people."  Every opportunity carries a hidden clock. Wait too long and the door closes—but act with speed and the world opens up in ways you can't predict. The people who rise fastest aren't the ones who wait for certainty, they're the ones who move when others stall.  Inside this nugget is a story that reveals why some people attract wealth and others unknowingly push it away. It's not about talent, luck, or even timing—it's about what you signal when a chance lands in front of you. What would happen if you decided in seconds instead of days? What if you trained yourself to act with courage instead of hesitation? The answer might surprise you—and it could change the way you see every opportunity that crosses your path.  Learn more & connect:  Napolean Hill's Think And Grow Rich: https://a.co/d/eRfAiFF  Visit https://www.eCircleAcademy.com and book a success call with Nicky to take your practice to the next level. 

"The opportunity to witness somebody else's humanity through the noise, to see human being to human being in all the ways that we are similar and in all the ways that we are different." Storytelling is more than performance—it's the lifeblood of communication. The ability to translate complex ideas into human connection turns fear into freedom and nervousness into aliveness. Whether in business, politics, or personal growth, stories aren't just about information; they're about service, specificity, and sparking curiosity in others.  Eduardo shares how his own journey—from childhood show-and-tell to 15 years on stage, to coaching leaders around the world—shaped his philosophy. He explains how to turn anxiety into energy, why your anchor story is your most powerful tool, and how the art of empathy makes public speaking transformative. He insists that preparation is as much physical and emotional as it is intellectual, ensuring audiences don't just hear you but feel you.  Eduardo Placer is the founder of Fearless Communicators, a global coaching company made up of stage-trained storytellers who teach thought leaders, executives, and entrepreneurs to speak with candor, presence, and power. His clients include UN diplomats, presidential candidates, and social-impact entrepreneurs, and his team is built entirely of professional actors. Eduardo's mission is simple: empower people to speak the truth as themselves, without masks, and to make the biggest difference possible.  Expert action steps:  1. Prioritize connection over perfection—skip memorizing; serve the audience instead of impressing.  2. Warm up before speaking—treat it like an athletic event, with breath and body preparation.  3. Develop an anchor story—know it in 30-second, 3-minute, and 5-minute versions for any situation. Learn more & connect:  Find out what your story is that will make you a sought after speaker on global stages: https://www.fearlesscommunicators.com/storytospotlight/  Visit https://www.eCircleAcademy.com and book a success call with Nicky to take your practice to the next level. 

"Financial freedom is the freedom that makes all the other freedoms more easy and more possible."  Vision is the spark that fuels freedom and creates the foundation for everything else in life. When you know where you're headed, opportunities, people, and results start lining up to meet you.  Vision is more than an idea—it's the driver behind helping entrepreneurs grow, serve, and succeed in ways that change their future. The path to freedom starts with clarity and expands through action.  The vision here is to create a billion multimillionaires and e-Circle Academy is the vehicle. This nugget is about defining your own vision and living it boldly.  Visit https://www.eCircleAcademy.com and book a success call with Nicky to take your practice to the next level. 

"World power is infinitely better than willpower."  At the heart of every business breakthrough is the ability to turn hidden potential into repeatable skills. Freedom, friendship, and purpose aren't things you stumble upon; they're capabilities you can practice until they become second nature. When fundamentals like belonging, influence, and co-creation are mastered, advanced business skills—marketing, sales, partnerships, leadership—become natural extensions rather than uphill battles.  Dave Buck shares how persistence turned him from eager student to the right-hand man of Thomas Leonard, the father of professional life coaching. He unpacks the origins of the industry, the lessons of human connection, and the coaching methods that evolved from trial, error, and challenge. His journey proves that sometimes you don't just choose a dream—the dream chooses you.  Buck is CEO of CoachVille and a pioneer who has spent 30 years shaping the profession of life coaching. As a mentee and daily collaborator of Thomas Leonard, he helped codify modern coaching methods and today leads programs like Get Your Power Back, designed to restore human connection as the foundation for business and leadership transformation.  Expert action steps:  Shift from being task-oriented to mastery-oriented: focus on skills, not just tasks.  Treat fear as a teacher, not an enemy: decode what it's trying to keep you safe from.  Leverage world power over willpower: design environments where growth becomes natural.  Learn more & connect:  Visit the Coachville membership site to get access to the free Get Your Power Back program. https://coachville.com/  Visit https://www.eCircleAcademy.com and book a success call with Nicky to take your practice to the next level. 

"I went on other people's podcasts, 'cause I was pretty much starting over… jumping on other people's podcasts is really what built my career back in 2020."  Building meaningful business connections doesn't require massive ad spend—it requires conversations that count. Podcast guesting is one of the most powerful ways to position yourself as a trusted authority, grow your audience, and attract clients without relying on paid marketing. By focusing on value, authenticity, and storytelling, you can transform a guest appearance into long-term opportunities.  That's why the Podcast Guesting Masterclass is designed to show you exactly how to succeed. You'll learn how to land guest spots on the right shows, what to say to captivate listeners and build instant trust, and how to turn podcast interviews into paying clients. Scheduled for September 22, 2025, at 7:00 PM EST, this free virtual event gives you the tools to elevate your brand and business through podcasting. Spots are limited—reserve your seat now to secure your advantage.  Alfonso Cuadra is a serial entrepreneur, creator of Wealth Genius AI, real estate investor, international speaker, and author who built his empire from humble beginnings. Known as "the godfather" of podcast guesting, he now teaches others how to harness this strategy to scale to six or even eight figures.  🎙 Want More Clients Without Paid Ads?  Podcast guesting is the fastest way to build authority, grow your audience, and attract clients—without the high cost of marketing.  Join us for the Podcast Guesting Masterclass and discover:  ✅ How to land guest spots on the right shows  ✅ What to say to captivate listeners & build instant trust  ✅ How to turn podcast interviews into paying clients  📅 Date: September 22, 2025  🕙 Time: 7:00 PM EST  💻 Free Virtual Event  👉 Spots are limited! Reserve your seat now.  https://www.wealthgenius.ai/podcast-guesting-092225  Visit https://www.eCircleAcademy.com and book a success call with Nicky to take your practice to the next level.

"I just want to play all out and quit letting my fears hold me back. And one of the tenants that we have… is the only way out is through."  True transformation begins when you realize that nothing outside of you needs fixing—you already have everything you need within. The journey to wholeness is not about becoming someone else but about recognizing your own completeness and living boldly from that truth.  Nicole Slade shares her powerful story of resilience, from a difficult upbringing and personal struggles to discovering the profound shift that comes from radical self-responsibility. Through her experience with transformational training, she learned the essential truth: you are enough exactly as you are. By embracing self-love and facing fears, she rebuilt her relationships, elevated her business, and created spaces where high-net-worth and high-heart-worth individuals connect with authenticity.  Nicole is the founder of AIM Elevated and co-founder of the nonprofit Trauma to Triumph. She hosts deeply intentional gatherings where leaders, investors, and change-makers unite to connect from the heart, build trust quickly, and collaborate on life-changing projects.  Expert action steps:  1. Treat every interaction as if it might be the last—leave people better than you found them.  2. Never take rejection or criticism personally; it reflects others, not you.  3. Lead with kindness in all situations, no matter the context.  Learn more & connect:  A.I.M. ELEVATED aim-elevated.com  Journey To Nobody Training: https://thejourneytonobody.com/  Also in this episode:  Stephen Covey's book: The SPEED of Trust: The One Thing That Changes Everything Landmark Forum https://www.landmarkworldwide.com/the-landmark-forum  Napolean Hill's Think and Grow Rich: https://a.co/d/aVHFTvC  Book by Nicole's husband, Brian Slade. Cleared Hot: Lessons Learned about Life, Love, and Leadership While Flying the Apache Gunship in Afghanistan and Why I Believe a Prepared Mind Can Help Minimize PTSD https://a.co/d/eGZYQ8z  Visit https://www.eCircleAcademy.com and book a success call with Nicky to take your practice to the next level. 

"Gratitude is something that you can create for yourself in an instant."  Gratitude is more than a feeling—it's a driver of growth. When energy is focused on positivity, belief, and excitement, new opportunities and stronger results naturally follow. Vibing high is not about luck but about choosing a mindset that attracts success.  Gratitude isn't necessarily a complex practice. It can come simply from noticing a sunrise, appreciating a smile, or even enjoying a fresh haircut. Small, everyday moments create momentum and open the door to bigger wins. By focusing on what is good, more good will arrive. The challenge is simple: ask what you are grateful for today. One clear thought of gratitude is enough to shift your vibration and spark a cycle of attraction. Staying in that state builds confidence, energy, and momentum for business, relationships, and life.  Visit https://www.eCircleAcademy.com and book a success call with Nicky to take your practice to the next level. 

"Start scared. Start before you're ready."  Lasting success rarely comes from waiting until the stars align—it comes from starting before you're ready, staying consistent, and having the courage to take messy action. The principles that create real progress aren't flashy; they're rooted in clarity about what matters most and the discipline to align daily life with those values.  In this conversation, Lan Phan opens up about her journey of transformation—shifting from chasing titles to living with purpose. She highlights the power of small daily choices, the mindset required to build resilience, and the importance of asking for opportunities instead of waiting for them. Her perspective shows that fulfillment isn't found in status but in designing a life that reflects your true priorities.  Lan Phan is the founder of Community of Seven, a global leadership strategist, keynote speaker, and author of Do This Daily. She equips leaders and entrepreneurs to align values, mindset, and habits so they can build businesses—and lives—that thrive.  Expert action steps:  1. Start before you feel ready—accept early imperfection as the price of progress.    2. Turn identity into action—set daily systems and keep them relentlessly.    3. Bet on yourself—trust your ability to figure things out when the branch shakes.    Learn more & connect:  https://www.communityofseven.com/  Lan's book, Do This Daily: Secrets to Finding Success, Happiness, and Purpose in Work and Life is available on Amazon and at Barnes & Noble.  Also in this episode:  • The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey  • The Top Five Regrets of the Dying by Bronnie Ware (Lan referred to it as The Last Wishes of the Dying)   • Ask! by Mark Victor Hansen (co-creator of Chicken Soup for the Soul) and his wife   • Grit by Angela Duckworth  Visit https://www.eCircleAcademy.com and book a success call with Nicky to take your practice to the next level. 

"The more grateful you are, the more gratitude you express in the world, the more gratitude the world will express to you."  Gratitude isn't just a nice idea—it's a multiplier for relationships, energy, and business success. The simple act of expressing thanks creates a ripple effect that builds trust, deepens bonds, and opens doors. When you make gratitude a daily practice, you're not just acknowledging others—you're generating powerful momentum in your own life.  In this Nugget, is the impact of a simple daily discipline: sending five gratitude notes for 30 days. Just 150 notes can completely transform the way opportunities, connections, and abundance flow into your life. This challenge isn't about technique or strategy—it's about heart. When you commit to gratitude, you feel lighter, more inspired, and more connected. And when that happens, business, relationships, and life all expand in extraordinary ways.  Visit https://www.eCircleAcademy.com and book a success call with Nicky to take your practice to the next level.