Adam Symson says he owes his position as president of CEO of The E.W. Scripps Company to his failures. Or more accurately, his fortitude. He’s had to navigate layoffs, acquisitions, and a global pandemic in his role, and his resilience has come in handy.

On episode 98, Adam tells us why and how he embraces failure. He also shares how his family’s immigrant history and Jewish identity subtly influenced him to become a journalist. His dream of being an investigative reporter didn’t go as planned, but Adam embraced an alternate path that’s led him to being a media executive of the country’s fourth-largest local TV broadcaster.

Episode 98: Adam Symson - The E.W. Scripps Company

Casey Hilmer Ward started running in elementary school and later joined her school’s cross country team. In July 2003, 13-year-old Casey went on a training run and was attacked a quarter-mile from her house. She managed to break free but only after being stabbed four times, including in the neck.

On episode 101, Casey shares her survival story and the scars—visible and invisible—she carried until later in high school. As a motivational speaker, she tells audiences you have to keep going through the tough times in life and embrace failure. After all, she opened her indoor cycling and fitness studio, Power Ryde, after being rejected from medical school.

Show Notes:
- Learn about Power Ryde: https://www.powerryde.com/

Episode 101: Casey Hilmer Ward - Stabbing Survivor + Power Ryde

Growing up in small town Ohio, Kristin Shrimplin was different. In high school, she was silenced by relentless bullies. Later on, she thought having power and being in control would protect her, but her journey to empowerment—and sobriety—actually involved acknowledging she was powerless.

On episode 113, Kristin explains the liberation of being powerless, the importance of language, and how she approaches serving others. Today, Kristin is the president and CEO of Women Helping Women, a gender-based violence prevention and crisis intervention center. Despite the challenges she’s faced, she brings a positivity to her relationships and work that is worth emulating. 

Show Notes: 
- Learn more about Women Helping Women: https://www.womenhelpingwomen.org/
- If you or someone you know is struggling with gender-based violence, help is available. Call or text Women Helping Women’s 24-hour hotline at 513-381-5610. For support outside the Cincinnati area, contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233.

Episode 113: Kristin Shrimplin - Women Helping Women

After 19 years with the Cincinnati Bengals, Jeff Berding left his executive-level position to bring a new sports team to the Queen City: FC Cincinnati. Early on, Jeff faced skepticism about the new venture, but he saw a bright future that he’s still helping to build.

On episode 114, the soccer club’s CEO tells us about his inspiration for the club, gets real about FCC’s disappointing MLS seasons, and explains why it’s crucial to decide whose support means the most to you. Although he had some soccer experience prior to FCC, Jeff embodies what it means to have a growth mindset.

Episode 114: Jeff Berding - FC Cincinnati

In 2005, Nick Marckwald dreamt of opening a fine dining restaurant called Hen of the Woods. After years of being a chef and a brief stint in property management, Nick was determined to make it happen until a new, even brighter opportunity—to create a pototo chip and snack company—appeared.

On episode 115, Nick discusses the evolution of his dream and how he and his co-founders started Hen of the Woods snacks. They knew next to nothing about running a consumer packaged goods company, but their hard work and determination have made it work. Along the way, Nick harnessed the positive side of FOMO and has embraced the ever-changing nature of his company’s namesake, the mushroom.

Show Notes: 
- Check out Hen of Woods on its website: https://www.henofthewoodsotr.com/

Episode 115: Nick Marckwald - Hen of the Woods

Robyn Johnson hated selling as a kid and became a youth minister, which she dubs the least capitalistic profession possible. But out of necessity, she started reselling garage sale finds on eBay, Amazon, and Craigslist. Success brought opportunity and a new passion: helping other entrepreneurs sell online.

On episode 116, Robyn shares her entrepreneurial journey from garage sales to her current consulting agency, Marketplace Blueprint. Her thyroid cancer diagnosis caused her to take a step back, and despite her fears, she watched the business grow under her team’s stewardship. Now a cancer survivor, her outlook on the business and life was changed for the better.

Show Notes: 
- Learn more about Marketplace Blueprint on its website: https://marketplaceblueprint.com/ 
- Read Think and Grow Rich for Women by Sharon Lechter: https://sharonlechter.com/women/  
- Read The Source by Tara Swart: https://www.taraswart.com/the-source/

Episode 116: Robyn Johnson - Marketplace Blueprint

One rule in Myron Rivers’ life is to question everything. His independent thinking is the lynchpin of his entrepreneurial spirit, and today, he is the CEO of Lerch, a concierge app. But growing up, he faced serious hardship.

On episode 117, Myron shares how he overcame the traumas of his childhood and talks about breaking the cycle of violence. His pride in being a Black man informs his approach to parenting. And he reflects on how his time in the U.S. Air Force influenced his diversity and inclusion work.

Show Notes: 
- Learn more about Lerch on its website: https://asklerch.com/   
- If you or someone you know is a victim of abuse, the National Domestic Violence Hotline is available to help 24/7. Call the confidential hotline at 800-799-7233.

Episode 117: Myron Rivers - Lerch

When Kendra Ramirez started getting calls from other sales people asking for a tutorial on how to use LinkedIn effectively, a business idea was born. She shared her idea with three business coaches who all said it would fail because LinkedIn was a fad. Kendra started her agency anyway.

On episode 118, Kendra talks about listening to her intuition and building confidence as a business owner. In February, she released her book “Micro Shift: Small Mindset Changes for Big Results.” One of the key ideas from the book is a practice Kendra calls looking for the wobble. The feeling of being off balance is an opportunity to ask yourself what’s not being fulfilled in your life.

Show Notes: 
- Learn more about Kendra Ramirez Digital Agency: https://www.kendraramirez.com/  
- Read Kendra’s book, Micro Shift: https://www.amazon.com/Micro-Shift-Mindset-Changes-Results/dp/B09SY39N8X

Episode 118: Kendra Ramirez - Kendra Ramirez Digital Agency

Danyetta Najoli grew up in Harlem—when it wasn’t the one of desirable New York City neighborhoods to live in. She remembers priceless memories with her friends’ families and dance lessons at her godmother’s studio, but in the background, her family was learning to thrive in the face of loss.

On episode 118, Danyetta shares one of her coaching programs that she has used in her own life and with her clients. The four-step process is: release, allow, attract, and act. She explains each step on this episode, and you can learn more about them in her new book “Micro Shift: Small Mindset Changes for Big Results.”

Show Notes: 
- Learn more about Danyetta’s work: https://www.danyetta.com/ 
- Read Danyetta’s book, Micro Shift: https://www.danyetta.com/product-page/signed-copy-of-micro-shift-small-changes-for-big-results

Episode 119: Danyetta Najoli - Certified Coach + Author

Daniella Dayoub has had a love-hate relationship with her body. Her struggles with disordered eating began when she was a kid, but in her twenties, a personal trainer told her she needed to fuel her body well if she wanted to have energy to build muscle. Now, Daniella helps other people through her health coaching business, D Fit Life.

On episode 120, the certified personal trainer tells us about the tipping point that finally led to her changing her habits around eating. As a health coach, Daniella impresses upon her clients that eating quality, nutrient-rich food is much more important than how much you eat. And don’t miss the two tips she shares at the end of the episode about practices that can helps us all get more in touch with our body.

Show Notes: 
- Learn more about Daniella’s health coaching business, D Fit Life: https://www.dfitlife.com/
- If you or someone you know is struggling with disordered eating, help is available. The National Eating Disorders Association helpline is available Monday through Friday at 800-931-2237 and online: https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/ Text "NEDA" to 741741 to reach the crisis text line.

Episode 120: Daniella Dayoub - D Fit Life

After college, Mike Sanford found immediate success as a software engineer. By 23, he was supervising a team of 30, but it ended in a train wreck. Reeling from the experience, he realized his job shouldn’t be the anchor of identity and began a journey to have a relationship with God.

On episode 122, Mike walks us through his search for faith, why Islam became his spiritual home, and how his faith has helped him through hard times. He explains some basics about the Islamic faith and touches on life as a single parent.

Show Notes: 
- Learn more about CAIR, the Council on American-Islamic Relations: https://www.cair.com/

Episode 122: Mike Sanford - Software Engineer + Muslim Convert

Noelle Van Vlierbergen says writing saved her life. It gave her an outlet to explore her interior life after years of numbing herself through heavy drinking. Today, she is a life and addiction recovery coach, an author, and the creator of Day by Daybook, a journal for change.

On episode 123, Noelle shares her journey getting sober, discusses the benefits of writing, and explains how she transitioned from an HR position at Apple to take her coaching and writing full-time. Today, there are three Daybooks: Classic, Recovery, and Teen.

Show Notes: 
- Get the Day by Daybook journal: https://shop.daybydaybook.com/
- Learn more about Noelle’s coaching: https://noellevan.com/ 
- Read Noelle’s book, “The Sober Leap”: https://www.amazon.com/Sober-Leap-Practical-Amazing-Addiction/dp/1683507371

Episode 123: Noelle Van Vlierbergen - Sober Coach + Author

Mark Neff is no stranger to pivoting. He’s made drastic career changes—from the business world to hair styling to coaching. Years ago, after getting his second DUI in six months, he decided to finally face his alcoholism and get sober. He is a testament to what can happen when you embrace your authentic self.

On episode 124, Mark shares his career journey, his path to sobriety, and what it was like to come out as a gay teenager. Just before the pandemic, Mark sold his hair salon and followed his passion into coaching. At the beginning of the year, he published a book, “Diving Into Darkness to Find Light.”

Show Notes: 
- Read Mark’s book: https://www.amazon.com/Diving-Into-Darkness-Find-Light/dp/0578334852 
- Brene Brown’s interview with Father Richard Rohr: https://brenebrown.com/podcast/spirituality-certitude-and-infinite-love-part-1-of-2/

Episode 124: Mark Neff - Coach + Author

All her life Michele Hobbs has had an unbeatable work ethic and a determination to get what she sets her mind to. In high school, she was denied for a loan from Fifth Third Bank but convinced the bank president to give her another shot. Today, she is the founder of OTR Stillhouse and Pet Wants.

On episode 125, Michele tells us about becoming an entrepreneur, her leadership ethos and landing an incredible deal on the property that OTR Stillhouse now occupies. She also shares stories about her personal life, growing up on Cincinnati’s West Side and coming out in 1979.

Show Notes: 
- Check out OTR Stillhouse: https://otrstillhouse.com/ 
- Learn more about Pet Wants: https://www.petwants.com/

Episode 125: Michele Hobbs - OTR Stillhouse + Pet Wants

Paul Delaney had one goal at the start of his career: climb the corporate ladder to become a senior vice president of a national company. After all, that was the path modeled to him by his father, at job fairs, and in his network. Then, it all shifted as he got clearer on his purpose and values and expanded his thinking.

On episode 128, Paul explains how he came to reject the corporate ladder for a place within a boutique business. As partner at Amend Consulting, he works to foster a collaborative, not competitive, culture where every employee can be successful. Paul was born and partially raised in South Africa, and he reflects on how his native country’s apartheid government impacts his outlook on diversity and inclusion today.

Show Notes: 
- Read “The Earned Life” by Marshall Goldsmith: https://marshallgoldsmith.com/book-page-the-earned-life/
- Listen to Huberman Lab: https://hubermanlab.com

Episode 128: Paul Delaney - Amend Consulting

Crystal Render is more in tune with her body, her values and her internal monologue than most people. It’s how she knew something was wrong when she was pregnant with her third child, despite doctors and nurses dismissing her pain. After reexamining her, they found five blood clots and double pneumonia—diagnoses that could have killed her. 

On episode 130, the chef and founder of Magnificent Morsels catering company tells us about how growing up in humble beginnings has led to a life of gratitude. It hasn’t always been easy, but Crystal embraces failure whole-heartedly and works to turn the tests she faces into testimonies of her character. A devoted practitioner of manifestation, she explains the 3-6-9 technique she uses to bring her goals and dreams to life.

Show Notes: 
- Learn more about Magnificent Morsels: https://www.mmcaterz.com/
- Listen to Sarah’s interview with Suzy DeYoung: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/episode-96-suzy-deyoung-la-soupe-founder-chef/id1330322754?i=1000531160658

Episode 130: Crystal Render - Magnificent Morsels + Chef

The day Bassey Eno-Idem’s brother passed away at 28 from diabetes complications, Bassey also lost his best friend. Out of the grief, he rooted himself in the desire to not let fear or his own insecurities dictate his future.

On episode 131, Bassey shares how he transitioned from mechanical engineer to sales leader and entrepreneur. In 2018, he and his wife, Jess, began the process of opening a Shred415 fitness studio. Everything was in place for Bassey to quit his corporate career and run the studio full-time, and then the pandemic hit. By relying on his engineering skillset, he pivoted, and they still found success.

Show Notes: 
- Learn more about Shred415 fitness studio: https://shred415.com/locations/redbank/ 
- Listen to the How I Built This podcast featuring Spanx founder Sara Blakely: https://www.npr.org/2017/08/15/534771839/spanx-sara-blakely

Episode 131: Bassey Eno-Idem - Shred415 Red Bank

When JeRod Lindsey was looking for a path to success after dropping out of college, he decided to ask for help. He met Mike Rodarte through a mentorship program, and soon, their friendship cemented. JeRod’s educational and professional success followed.

On episode 132, the pair explain their friendship story and share their latest mentorship initiative: Level Up Cincinnati. The program offers scholarships and mentorship to Black, Latinx, and first-generation college students to develop future leaders. JeRod and Mike also delve into the importance of male friendship and are a great example of the people who help us through failure.

Show Notes:
- Get involved and learn more about Level Up Cincinnati: https://www.levelupcincinnati.org/ 
- Listen to JeRod’s podcast, The Discussion: https://www.thediscussion513.com/

Episode 132: JeRod Lindsey and Mike Rodarte - Level Up Cincinnati

Many of us have had less-than-stellar dates that make for a good story, but Stephanie Hibbert has a book-full of them. Once, her date even left her at a concert. It wasn’t until she began loving herself that she found everything she had always been looking for.

On episode 133, Stephanie shares some of her worst date stories that inspired her book, Thank You for Swiping Right. She talks about giving herself a mindset makeover, abandoning her preconceived timeline and having gratitude even for people who weren’t her right match.

Show Notes:
- Read Stephanie’s book, Thank You For Swiping Right: https://stephhibbs.com/ols/products/thank-you-for-swiping-right

Episode 133: Stephanie Hibbert - Author + Self-Love Warrior

Claudia Jakubzick grew up in south Florida, the second daughter of Peruvian immigrants. Her childhood was filled with fun and love, then later partying and parental neglect. She graduated from high school with a third-grade reading level, but she was determined to not be a “loser.” 

On episode 134, Claudia shares how she found the will to forge a new path for her future. She pursued her childhood passion for science, and today, she is an associate professor within Dartmouth’s Department of Microbiology and Immunology. She tells Sarah about her relationship with her parents today and how she, in turn, parents her three children.

Show Notes:
- Read Claudia’s article in Journal of Experimental Medicine: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6400547/

Episode 134: Claudia Jakubzick - Immunologist

Six months after coming out of retirement to join Under Armour, Randy Harward didn’t feel right. Not on his morning run or all day at work. He went to the emergency room, and it turns out he was experiencing heart failure. The road to recovery has been long, and today, Randy contends he isn’t the same person he was.

On episode 135, Randy shares what it was like to return to work after double bypass surgery. He still experiences a fogginess, but his system for managing his confusion is one that anyone can adopt if you’re feeling stressed or anxious. Now a business advisor for Stanford and other organizations, Randy talks about the power of constraints, his years in the outdoor industry and why he always asks about brand’s long arcs.

Show Notes:
- Read “Getting Things Done” by David Allen: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/getting-things-done-david-allen/1101546710 
- Learn about the Getting Things Done work management system: https://gettingthingsdone.com/

Episode 135: Randy Harward - Former Patagonia + Under Armour Executive

During the Christmas break of his junior year at college, Brian Joseph was home visiting his family when he experienced intense pain in his shoulder. Doctors couldn’t find an explanation, but the always-on-the-go Brian was bedridden for weeks and had to drop out of school. Recovering gave him the opportunity of a lifetime.

 On episode 136, the former insurance salesman explains how introducing payroll deduction to his nationwide company led to a division vice president offer when he was 21 years old. Today, Brian is the co-founder of RevJen Group, which focuses on human and financial sustainability by helping support the business side of nonprofits. He and Sarah talk about success and significance, finding your path and what it means to get into the arena. 

Show Notes:
- Read “Surrender” by Bono: https://surrendermemoir.com/ 
- Listen to Brené Brown’s interview with Bono on “Unlocking Us”: https://brenebrown.com/podcast/songs-of-surrender-and-carrying-the-weight-of-our-contradictions-part-1-of-2/ 
- Learn more about RevJen: https://revjen.com/

Episode 136: Brian Joseph - RevJen Group

Kelly Seelig started working at tech startups in Silicon Valley in the ’90s. She adapted to her male-dominated environment, but when she realized she was losing herself in the process, she decided to make a change.

On episode 137, Kelly discusses her experience as a woman in a male-dominated field and tells us about the dance class that changed her whole mindset. Her career journey inspired Kelly to write her book, “Right Brain Girl Left Brain World,” about how she found her voice and herself. She and Sarah also discuss psychological safety.

Show Notes:
- Read Kelly’s book “Right Brain Girl Left Brain World”: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08P1QQCP7 
- Read “True North” by Bill George: https://billgeorge.org/book/true-north
- Read “The Go-Giver” by Bob Burg and John David Mann: https://thegogiver.com/the-go-giver/ 
- Read “Leadership Wisdom From the Monk Who Sold His Ferrari” by Robin Sharma: https://www.robinsharma.com/book/leadership-wisdom-from-the-monk-who-sold-his-ferrari

Episode 137: Kelly Seelig - Author + Marketing Advisor

One of Michelle Spoelstra’s first career aspirations was to be an interior designer. Ultimately, she found her way into clinical psychology. When the pandemic hit, she thought more and more about the importance of space, and today, Michelle is a healing interior designer.

On episode 138, Michelle explains what she does and why she created her business. She believes healing takes many forms, including through beauty and aesthetics. Through healing practices and clearing energy and clutter, Michelle helps her clients unlock the power of shifting their space. She also shares her infertility journey and discusses spirituality. 

Show Notes:
- Learn more about Michelle and her work: https://www.michellespoelstra.com/
- Read “You Can Heal You Life” by Louise Hay: https://www.hayhouse.com/you-can-heal-your-life-paperback

Episode 138: Michelle Spoelstra - Psychologist and Healing Interior Designer

When she was 7 years old, Corrie Loeffler fell in love with the Scripps National Spelling Bee when her brother competed in a regional competition. Today, she is the executive director of the annual event. But first, she had her own run attempting to become the national champion.

On episode 139, Corrie shares how her shot at winning it all went south and how she ultimately learned the Bee is not about winning in the first place. Even after her competition days were over, Corrie volunteered and eventually was offered a job. She also talks about the evolution of the Bee to become more inclusive in recent years and how the organization weathered the pandemic.

Show Notes:
- Learn more about Scripps National Spelling Bee: https://spellingbee.com/
- Read about Zaila Avant-garde, the 2021 spelling bee champion: https://www.nytimes.com/2022/06/02/us/spelling-bee-zaila-avant-garde.html

Episode 139: Corrie Loeffler - Scripps National Spelling Bee

Peg Ruppert is caring, faith-driven and a seasoned leadership coach. But when her marriage of nearly 25 years ended, she questioned her identity. Now, Ruppert has used her experience to write a new book, “Rediscover You Post-Divorce.”

On episode 140—the last episode of this podcast—Peg and Sarah talk about how to pick yourself up after failure and embrace the unknown future. Peg is a big believer in focusing on the future without losing sight of the past. She shares three tips for moving on from hardship in a positive way to connect with your inherent self-worth.

Show Notes:
- Read Peg’s book “Rediscover You Post-Divorce”: https://www.amazon.com/Rediscover-YOU-post-divorce-confidence-Wonderful/dp/B0BW23RTL4 
- Read and work through “The Artist’s Way” by Julia Cameron: https://www.amazon.com/Artists-Way-25th-Anniversary/dp/0143129252

Episode 140: Peg Ruppert - Author + Leadership Coach

In this episode Sarah Brown speaks with Neal Tew, Founder of The T Squash Academy, about his struggle and road to health with Bipolar Disorder.

Diagnosed while a student at Harvard, Neal was pre-med, Phi Beta Kappa, captain of the squash team and externally everything looked great. But he wasn't.

Neal gives us a unique perspective into the disease and de-stigmatizes mental health disorders. As he says, one way to understand this illness is as the brain's attempt to reach for order. Fascinating stuff!

Also, for more on Neal's story, check out this post:

http://neverapologizeforpassion.blogspot.com/

Episode 37 - Neal Tew

The COVID-19 pandemic has created a new normal, one complete with social distancing, remote working, and a whole lot of uncertainty and fear. Learning how to calm ourselves and reframe our thinking is more important than ever. Sara Hyzdu, a neuroscience coach and the founder of Why Grey Matters, joined us for our first live-streamed podcast recording to share coronavirus coping strategies.

On episode 57, Sara explains what happens in the brain when we feel stress and fear and how we can introduce the feel-good hormones of dopamine, serotonin and oxytocin back into our brain right now. She shares lots of tips on how to connect with and support your kids and yourself. By focusing on what we do know and understanding our brains better, we have more control over our choices and feelings.

Learn more about Why Grey Matters: https://www.whygreymatters.com/.
These five foods boost brainpower: https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/foods-linked-to-better-brainpower.

Support us by supporting our sponsor!
Looking to create change and develop your emotional intelligence to become a better leader? Learn how Deni Tato and Corporate Consciousness can help at https://www.corpconsciousness.com/.

Episode 57 - Sara Hyzdu - Neuroscience Coach + Why Grey Matters

One lesson Dr. Chris Radchenko lives by: If you want something, go out and get it. It’s how he worked his way through school on a drilling rig, succeeded in becoming an interventional pulmonologist, and met his wife.

On episode 74, Chris tells us about the AI program that’s helping diagnose incidental lung nodules at UC Health. He also shares tips for taking care of your lung health during lung cancer awareness month and how he learned to trust himself.

Show Notes:
- Thank you to our sponsor Health Carousel, which provides world class staffing and workplace solutions designed to improve lives and make health care work better. Learn more at healthcarousel.com. 
- One of the nation’s top 25 public research universities, UC Health is revolutionizing how discovery-driven care is delivered. Learn more at uchealth.com. 
- Learn more about UC Health’s Lung Cancer Screening Program and find out if you qualify by calling 513-584-LUNG.

Episode 74: Dr. Chris Radchenko — UC Health

After 25 years of working for large restaurant brands, Jason Vaughn wanted to use what he learned to propel a smaller brand. That led him to Frisch’s Big Boy, one of Cincinnati’s most beloved restaurants. But instead of using Frisch’s rich legacy as a guiding force, Jason has worked to make it a grounding force.

On episode 79, the Frisch’s president and CEO talks about modernizing the restaurant by honoring, but not necessarily following, the past. Jason also shares a ton of leadership lessons he’s learned during his career, including why his employees are more important than he is and how to foster green light thinking.

Show Notes:
- Are you ready to interrupt your patterns and live healthier and happier without ever feeling like you are missing out? Learn more about 0.0 Living’s 30-Day Alcohol Reset: http://0-0-living.mykajabi.com/30-day-alcohol-reset

Episode 79: Jason Vaughn — Frisch’s Big Boy President and CEO

Ever experienced failure? Of course you have. But what makes some people more resilient than others? Learn from successful people on how their failures launched them into success.

Failing Forward Pod

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