Made to Thrive

If you're a parent, it's more important than ever to not only be aware of what your child is exposed to online but to guide them in making great decisions about their sexual purity. As the father of five children (my oldest is 12), I feel pretty confident in all of the "do-nots" that come with pornography, social media, and movies. But until I met Zach and Angela Miller, I didn't fully understand how unprepared I was to advise my children in what to do as they grow up... and what is at stake. Zach and Angela's ministry, Purity Parenting, was born out of a desire to support and coach parents amid a scattered and sometimes confusing landscape of content for parents who want to keep their children sexually pure. In today's episode we'll talk about why this is such a big deal, how you can start talking about these issues with your child no matter how young -- or old! -- they are, and which resources can protect your home and empower the next generation. This is Made to Thrive! Show notes for today's episode can be found at madetothrive.coach/085. Get your free thriving assessment in the 7 Core Areas at AmIThriving.com.

#059 - What's your magic number? If you watch TV at all, you've likely seen a financial planning commercial that asks you what you need to retire. Many people target a certain amount of money by age 65 and start saving and investing. And other people set that plan on fire! If you're familiar at all with the FIRE movement - Financial Independence, Retire Early - you might have heard of Brad Barrett and his podcast co-host Jonathan Mendonsa, founders of ChooseFI.com. They are on a mission to change your magic number from a dollar amount to an age... and one that's potentially much younger than 65! Brad joins us for a deep dive into what it means to choose financial independence instead of what's been taught to us by our parents and what's being touted by big financial planning firms. He makes the case of a series of small changes in your lifestyle that yield long-term wealth and - most importantly - fulfillment. And of course, Brad answers 5 Big Questions... here on Made to Thrive! Check out MadeToThrive.coach/056 for notes on today's episode! Get your free thriving assessment in the 7 Core Areas at AmIThriving.com.

For anyone who struggles with issues of identity - especially if you are mission-driven or aspire to do bigger and better things - there's a quiet, condemning voice that challenges you with these questions: "Who am I to think that I can do more that what's expected of me?" and "What happens when people find out that I don't have it all figured out?" This mental battle, commonly known as Imposter Syndrome, plagues more people than you might first imagine, including people who have achieved incredible success. Today's guest, Shane Sams from FlippedLifestyle.com, shares his story of overcoming Imposter Syndrome. As we dive into his story of battling the fears that almost kept him from starting numerous online businesses - including one where he coaches other people to create their own business - you'll find advice on how to overcome Imposter Syndrome in your own life... and of course, he answers 5 Big Questions here on Made to Thrive! Check out MadeToThrive.coach/016 for notes on today's episode, including a free course from Shane!

#014 - Do you have big dreams? Are you called to do something more with your life but you're not sure what it is or even how it's going to happen? Today's guest, Mitch Matthews from the Dream. Think. Do. podcast, shares his story of going after a big dream and finding something even better when it seemed like the dream was no longer possible. Mitch comes with a perspective of having interviewed more than 300 dreamers on his podcast and having coached high-level executives for more than a decade. He talks about the faith that's required to chase a big dream and the many intangible benefits that appear along the way... and of course, he answers 5 Big Questions! You can find out more about Mitch at mitchmatthews.com, the Dream. Think. Do. podcast, and by reading his books: Ignite and Dream Job: Redefined. Show notes for the podcast are at madetothrive.coach/014. You can also get a free assessment to determine whether you're thriving in the 7 Core Areas of life. Just visit amithriving.com.

#004 - Aaron Walker had it all: a great family, a string of successful businesses, and enough money to retire... twice! But something happened in his life that caused him to question whether any of it mattered. Was he living in significance? In our interview, Aaron shares the keys to his success and how living for significance has enhanced all areas of his life as he now builds up others through his book View from the Top and his Iron Sharpens Iron mastermind groups. And of course, Steve answers 5 Big Questions... here on Made to Thrive! Show notes for today's episode can be found at madetothrive.coach/004. Get your free thriving assessment in the 7 Core Areas at AmIThriving.com.

#080 - If you're at all familiar with personal development, you've likely heard of Napoleon Hill's classic Think and Grow Rich. In it, he popularized an age-old idea of a mastermind group as a means of solving problems, coming up with new ideas for business, and in general elevating one's level of existence. Fast forward ninety years, and many of what are called "masterminds programs" today are unrecognizable from Hill's original intent. While these programs are helpful in many ways, they miss the spirit of what was present in Benjamin Franklin's junto and even the first-century church. Today's guest, Steve Kinsley, joins us to share what he has learned and how he has changed during his more than six years in a mastermind. His experience will demonstrate the vital elements that make this alliance more effective than any has has seen and why masterminds can be the key to transformation in your career and your life. And of course, Steve answers 5 Big Questions... here on Made to Thrive! Show notes for today's episode can be found at madetothrive.coach/080. Get your free thriving assessment in the 7 Core Areas at AmIThriving.com.

#079 - What is the most important identity you can have? Is it what you do for work? Is it your role within your family? What about the legacy you'll leave behind? While these are all important, today's guest proposes that our identity is something deeper and - ironically - simpler. David Ask's identity shows up in many ways: as an entrepreneur, a husband, a father, a facilitator, and as a friend. Today we discuss why our identity is so important and how we can create an identity through line that creates integrity in everything we do. And, of course, David answers 5 Big Questions on being a dad... here on Made to Thrive! Show notes for today's episode can be found at madetothrive.coach/079. Get your free thriving assessment in the 7 Core Areas at AmIThriving.com.

#078 - What's the biggest career decision you've had to make? Was it going for a promotion that would put you in a leadership role? Maybe it was moving across the country to work for a startup? How about leaving the world of employment altogether and striking out on your own? Today's guest, Daniel Earhart, decided to leave behind what was by all accounts a pretty good job to pursue a business of his own, and he shares the anatomy of career disruption: the many decisions he had to make along the way and how he made them. We also discuss the risks he took in starting his business and how - in his mind - staying at his job posed an even greater risk to his quality of life and to what he wants for his family. And, of course, we wrap up our conversation with 5 Big Questions about being a dad... here on Made to Thrive. Show notes for today's episode can be found at madetothrive.coach/078. Get your free thriving assessment in the 7 Core Areas at AmIThriving.com.

#077 - Who are the people who have made the biggest impact on your life? The ones who were available to give you advice when you had a difficult decision to make or who you could reach out to when you weren't sure how to handle a situation. Or maybe you didn't have that. Like so many people today. Today's guest, Robin Jennings, believes that whether or not you've had a mentor for the big moments in your life, you can - and must - be one for the younger generation. In his latest book, A Letter to the Church and the Next Generation, Jennings uses the book of James to frame a model for mentoring that not only challenges us to mentor others, but gives us the tools to do it. Join us for a conversation about growing as men and as mentors and hear Robin's answers to 5 Big Questions... here on Made to Thrive! Show notes for today's episode can be found at madetothrive.coach/077. Get your free thriving assessment in the 7 Core Areas at AmIThriving.com.

#076 - What is it that companies want most from you? Is it your loyalty? Sure, that would be nice. How about your money? Getting warmer! What if I told you that the thing companies most want from you is your attention? While having corporations work overtime to get your attention might not seem that pernicious, today's guest argues that our lack of awareness about this practice and the impact attention harvesting has on every part of our lives is cause for concern. Wes Woodhouse is a fighter pilot who has spent years enjoying the benefits of paying attention to the right things and studying the harm that a lack of attention presents, even to those of us who aren't flying jets. This interview will resonate with anyone who is interested in the changes that are coming as we transition from the Information Age to the Attention Age and for anyone who wants to hear Wes's answers to 5 Big Questions for Dads... here on Made to Thrive! Show notes for today's episode can be found at madetothrive.coach/076. Get your free thriving assessment in the 7 Core Areas at AmIThriving.com.

#075 - For years I followed politics - usually at the national level - but I eventually directed my attention elsewhere because I felt stuck. It didn't seem there was anything I could do to make a difference. So I disengaged. I stopped watching the news and removed myself from the political process entirely with the exception of casting my vote each election cycle. As it turns out, there were small, substantive things I could have done - and that you and I can do today - to influence our country. In today's episode, campaign consultant and candidate coach Raz Shafer joins us to discuss how he plans to affect change in our country and the two questions he asks each political candidate he coaches that many politicians would benefit from asking themselves. Raz also sheds light on the most important way we can influence our nation as he answers 5 Big Questions about being a father... here on Made to Thrive! Show notes for today's episode can be found at madetothrive.coach/075. Get your free thriving assessment in the 7 Core Areas at AmIThriving.com.

#074 - What is success to you? Is it career achievement? Financial net worth? Status among those you admire? What if it's something seemingly less... that actually means a whole lot more? Author, podcaster, and executive coach Tim Winders joins us today to share insights from his new book, Coach: A story of success redefined; rather, he shares insights from his life that show up in the pages of the novel and that direct us to rethink much of what we're currently doing. Tim challenges the standard definitions of success and gives us a simple way to think about our lives that's much more attainable for you and me. And, of course, Tim answers 5 Big Questions about thriving in all areas of life... here on Made to Thrive! Show notes for today's episode can be found at madetothrive.coach/074. Get your free thriving assessment in the 7 Core Areas at AmIThriving.com.

#073 - Have you ever wanted to make a change in your life but didn't know what you wanted to change? Or you had a clear vision for what you wanted but didn't know how to get there? Or maybe you were just too afraid to start? Many people just like you and me are faced with a real problem that sits quietly in the backs of our minds every day: we don't know how to read the maps of our lives so we can get to our ultimate destination. Fortunately, there are people like Lance Golinghorst who as coaches have learned the right questions to ask or can offer a hand back to those of us who aren't as far along to guide us through our next stage of life. Lance gives us insights into the world of coaching and we get to discuss in detail on one of the most important coaching roles we'll ever have: parenting. Join us as we learn more about coaching and hear Lance's answers to 5 Big Questions about being a dad... here on Made to Thrive! Show notes for today's episode can be found at madetothrive.coach/073. Get your free thriving assessment in the 7 Core Areas at AmIThriving.com.

#072 - Have you ever had a truly honest moment with yourself and asked, "Why aren't I living at a higher level?" If you have, the next question has to be: What's keeping me back from operating at my potential? On today's show we're joined by leadership and transition coach Dennis Volpe, who has experienced every point on the potential continuum in his more than twenty years as a naval officer, sports coach, and now certified leadership and transition coach. Dennis has a gift for meeting complicated questions like, "Why aren't I thriving?" and "What should I do next?" with simple paradigms that help you understand and act on clear steps to operating at your potential. Join us for an inspiring lesson on the five barriers to your potential and hear Dennis's answers to 5 Big Questions here on Made to Thrive! Show notes for today's episode can be found at https://www.madetothrive.coach/072. Get your free thriving assessment in the 7 Core Areas at AmIThriving.com.

#071 - What if you had to choose between making a deal worth millions of dollars and living a life of integrity? At face value, you'd likely choose the life of integrity, but for the main character in The Sale, a new book by Alex Demczak and Jon Gordon, the decision isn't that easy. Alex joins us today for an engaging discussion about his latest book and the experiences that led to writing it. The characters in his book lead us on a journey of deciding what's most important to us and why many of us aren't living in line with our values. The Sale offers foundational principles for living with integrity that ensure we don't cut corners where it matters most. Join us as we learn more about this new book, hear Alex's message to his readers, and get his answers to 5 Big Questions... this is Made to Thrive! Show notes for today's episode can be found at https://www.madetothrive.coach/071. Get your free thriving assessment in the 7 Core Areas at AmIThriving.com.

#070 - What if I told you there's a way to improve your career, your health, and your overall satisfaction with life? Would you want to know what it is? According to today's guest, Adam Connors from NetworkWise, the key to improving your life in all sorts of areas is a surprising simple one: better relationships. Adam started his company after reflecting on his life and realizing how much personal and career relationships had created opportunities not only for him but for many people around him. After studying the common elements of important relationships in his life, Adam realized he had discovered consistent characteristics that he could teach to anyone, and NetworkWise was born. Join us as we discuss what makes transformational relationships and hear Adam's answers to 5 Big Questions... here on Made to Thrive! Show notes for today's episode can be found at https://www.madetothrive.coach/070. Get your free thriving assessment in the 7 Core Areas at AmIThriving.com.

#069 - Do you have permission to be a man? In a world of toxic masculinity, emasculated men, and a "first do no harm" mentality that results in not doing much at all, there is a growing need to redefine manhood from an eternal perspective. Today's guest, JD Crouse from the League of Elite Men, has lived on every point of the masculine continuum, but it wasn't until a few years ago that he discovered a mystery that was right in front of him the whole time: his true identity as a man. JD is on a mission to empower a generation of elite men, inviting them to live a life of significance that starts with realizing who they really are. Join us for an authentic conversation and hear JD tackle 5 Big Questions for Dads here on Made to Thrive! Show notes for today's episode can be found at https://www.madetothrive.coach/069. Get your free thriving assessment in the 7 Core Areas at AmIThriving.com.

#068 - If you're anything like today's guest - and, admittedly, the host - you would love to take a break from work but you don't know how you could. I mean, with as busy as you are and how reliant others are on you to deliver on a consistent basis, how could you step away for even a week's vacation? How about a two-month sabbatical? Is that even possible? It is when you see someone else do it. Today's guest, Brian Mininger from Bear Creek Outdoor Living, joins us midway through his two-month sabbatical to share why he took it, how he took it, and what he's learning in his time away from work. I think you'll enjoy the challenge of someone else's example: taking a long overdue break and taking time to answer a brand new set of 5 Big Questions about being a dad. This is Made to Thrive! Show notes for today's episode can be found at https://www.madetothrive.coach/068. Get your free thriving assessment in the 7 Core Areas at AmIThriving.com.

#067 - If you're like most parents, it's hard to tell whether you're winning or losing. One moment it seems you have everything figured out, and the next you're picking up the pieces from a meltdown you never saw coming. Maybe that's just me. Today's guest, Christine Bright, has a bold proposition: you can win at parenting. She created Parenting Game Wins after years of working with parents - especially dads - who wanted to do better with their kids but really didn't know how to. Like most coaches, Christine learned how to win from losing, so make sure you listen to her stories of raising her son, their relationship today, and her take on 5 Big Questions. This is Made to Thrive! Show notes for today's episode can be found at https://www.madetothrive.coach/067. Get your free thriving assessment in the 7 Core Areas at AmIThriving.com.

#066 - If you've been married for more than a month or two, you've likely discovered a few ways to mess things up in your marriage. Maybe by a thoughtless comment, an assumption of what your wife was supposed to do in a particular situation, or just not knowing how to respond when conflict arises. Like many of us, early in his marriage Scott LaPierre tried doing things his way and, like many of us, he wasn't too pleased with the results. So he hit the books - one in particular - to learn how to do marriage the right way. Join us for a conversation about what marriage is supposed to look like, how you can have a better marriage, and how this one area can affect all the rest. And listen for Scott's answers to 5 Big Questions ... here on Made to Thrive! Show notes for today's episode can be found at https://www.madetothrive.coach/066. Get your free thriving assessment in the 7 Core Areas at AmIThriving.com.