Entrepreneur Audacity

Angie Verzeletti

Entrepreneur Audacity is where driven people come to think bigger, move faster, and stop playing small. This podcast brings you raw, unfiltered conversations with entrepreneurs, executives, and business leaders who are actually in the arena - building, failing, learning, and winning. We break down what it really takes to grow a business, lead at a high level, and stay mentally sharp while doing it. No fluff. No recycled advice. Just real stories, real strategy, and the mindset required to operate at the top.

  1. 3 days ago

    You're Doing Self Improvement Wrong

    Self improvement, willpower and habit formation are broken down in this solo Entrepreneur Audacity episode, as Angie Verzeletti explains why consuming more self improvement content rarely creates real change. She unpacks the neuroscience behind consistency, showing why willpower fails when it tries to override identity and habit, and why self control alone cannot close the identity-behaviour gap. Angie shares two practical tools, pattern interruption and a minimal viable routine, to help listeners actually stick with new habitsinstead of just consuming more content, and explains why personal development has to target both the conscious and subconscious brain to actually work.   Who This Episode Is For This episode is for anyone who consumes endless self improvement books, podcasts and videos but struggles to actually change their behaviour, people who have triedwillpower and self control as their main strategy for consistency and keep falling back into old patterns, and anyone wanting to understand the real neuroscience behind personal development and self awareness. It is also for entrepreneurs and coaches wanting practical, science backed tools for habit formation rather than more theory.   Key Topics Discussed Why high consumption of self improvement books, podcasts and videos often leads to lowimplementationThe two brain systems at work: the conscious brain and the subconscious brainHow dopamine gets triggered by novelty, anticipation and planning, which can makechange feel productive without real actionWhy willpower fails when it tries to override identity and habitThe identity-behaviour gap and why behaviour that outpaces identity feels threatening to the nervous systemA personal example of binge eating sugar after dinner and how that pattern was changedTwo tools for real change: pattern interruption and a minimal viable routineWhy sustainable self improvement starts with identity work, not behaviour work aloneHow small daily actions create new default patterns and build consistency over timeClosing advice to make goals so small the brain can realistically adopt them  JOIN OURMAN TALK FACEBOOK COMMUNITY - https://www.facebook.com/groups/1065633029216454   Apply to be on the show: ⁠⁠https://forms.office.com/r/vYGqHNt85r⁠⁠ Connect with the show: Insta - / entrepreneuraudacity FaceBook - / entrepreneuraudacity Website - ⁠⁠https://www.entrepreneuraudacity.com⁠⁠ Linked In - ttps://www.linkedin.com/company/142901969  Connect with Angie: Insta - / angieverzeletti LinkedIn - / angie-verzeletti-6924a4210 Website - ⁠⁠https://www.angieverzeletti.com⁠⁠   Podcast Links Apple Podcast - ⁠⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast.... Spotify -⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/7wQJrQs.... AmazonMusic - ⁠⁠https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/cad.... IheartRadio - ⁠⁠https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-en.... PocketCast - ⁠⁠https://anchor.fm/s/110a06a98/podcast....

  2. 5 days ago

    How Self Awareness Got Me Sober and Unstoppable | Johnny, Dry Culture

    Consistency, self awareness and procrastination sit at thecentre of this Entrepreneur Audacity episode, as Angie speaks with Johnny, the Chicago-based founder of Dry Culture, about his sobriety journey and how recovery shaped his identity. Johnny shares how day drinking and a lack of self awareness led him into repeated cycles of addiction, the wake up call that took him to rehab on Valentine's Day 2024, and how building consistency and authenticity rebuilt his life, his personal brand and his business. The conversation explores emotional regulation, beating procrastination, and whystaying genuine matters in both sobriety and entrepreneurship.   Who This Episode Is For This episode is for anyone stuck in procrastination or looking to build real consistency in their habits and business, people questioning their relationship with alcohol or day drinking, and anyone rebuilding self awareness and authenticity after addiction or a major life reset. It is also for entrepreneurs wanting to turn a personal brand into a real business, and anyone who needs practical tools for emotional regulation and pivoting when things get hard.   Key Topics Discussed Johnny introduces Dry Culture as a sobriety-based personal brand built from lived experience, with a 30-day reset program designed to help people break old patternsHow environment was a major trigger in his addiction, and why changing surroundings became central to his recovery approachThe moment that pushed him to get sober: seeing olderregulars at an after-hours bar and realising that could be his futureA terrifying night when he was held at knife point during a cocaine and alcohol binge, underscoring how dangerous that lifestyle becameHow recovery and entrepreneurship both require emotional regulation, self awareness, and the consistency to pivot without spirallingTurning his Instagram page into a business after peopleresponded to his raw honesty and authenticityEarning his alcohol recovery coach certification and plans to add coaching calls focused on root causes, not just surface-level behaviourIdentity after sobriety, including "people pruning," rediscovering hobbies like skateboarding, and reconnecting with reading, running and content creation Major physical milestones after getting sober, includinglosing around 60 pounds, running marathons, and completing a 339-mile ultra run across IowaThe importance of authenticity, choosing the right circle,protecting your energy, and beating procrastination by making changes before expecting different results  Action items Audit your environment and remove obvious triggersPick one hard thing and finish it instead of quitting whenit gets uncomfortableBuild routines that help you regulate your mind beforereacting to stressReconnect with a hobby or interest you dropped years agoIf you want change, take the first step before waiting tofeel ready  JOIN OUR MAN TALK FACEBOOK COMMUNITY https://www.facebook.com/groups/1065633029216454   Apply to be on the show: ⁠⁠https://forms.office.com/r/vYGqHNt85r⁠⁠ Connect with Johnny: https://thedryculture.com/https://www.instagram.com/dry_culture/?hl=en Connect with the show: Insta - / entrepreneuraudacity FaceBook - / entrepreneuraudacity Website - ⁠⁠https://www.entrepreneuraudacity.com⁠⁠ Linked In - ttps://www.linkedin.com/company/142901969  Connect with Angie: Insta - / angieverzeletti LinkedIn - / angie-verzeletti-6924a4210 Website - ⁠⁠https://www.angieverzeletti.com⁠⁠   Podcast Links Apple Podcast - ⁠⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast.... Spotify -⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/7wQJrQs.... AmazonMusic - ⁠⁠https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/cad.... IheartRadio - ⁠⁠https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-en.... PocketCast - ⁠⁠https://anchor.fm/s/110a06a98/podcast....

  3. 3 Sept

    Stop Relying on Willpower, Design Your Habits Instead

    Consistency, habit formation, self control and willpower are broken down in this solo Entrepreneur Audacity episode, as Angie Verzeletti explains why motivation is the wrong foundation for building lasting habits. Instead of relying on self control or willpower, Angie shows how habit formation actually works through the habit loop, cue, routine, reward, and why a daily routine built on design rather than motivation is what makes consistency stick. The episode gets practical and science backed: make the right behaviour easier, make the wrong behaviour harder, and build a non-negotiable floor you can rely on even on low-energy days.   Who This Episode Is For This episode is for anyone who has relied on motivation or willpower to stay consistent and keeps falling off track, people wanting to understand the real science behind habit formation and the habit loop, and entrepreneurs or creators looking to build a daily routine that survives low-energy days. It is also for anyone who has tried building new habits before and wants a practical, non-negotiable approach instead of relying on self control alone.   Key Topics Discussed Angie frames consistency as a design problem, not a personality trait or a motivation issueMotivation is described as a temporary emotional state that changes with stress, sleep, food, mood and results, so it cannot reliably carry long-term habit formationThe basal ganglia is explained as the brain system tied to automatic routines, where repeated behaviours become encoded and require less conscious self controlThe habit loop is broken down as cue, routine, reward, using examples like dinner, driving and seatbeltsMost consistency failures are presented as loop design failures, not willpower failuresThe importance of an environment audit: reduce friction for good habits and increase friction for behaviours you want to stopPractical environment changes include removing sugar from easy reach, laying out workout gear, putting healthy snacks in view, and making cues obviousHabit stacking is introduced as attaching a new habit to an existing routine using the formula "after I do X, I will do Y"The episode closes with the idea of choosing a non-negotiable floor, one behaviour you do every day, including your worst days JOIN OUR MAN TALK FACEBOOK COMMUNITY - https://www.facebook.com/groups/1065633029216454   Apply to be on the show: ⁠⁠https://forms.office.com/r/vYGqHNt85r⁠⁠  Connect with the show: Insta - / entrepreneuraudacity FaceBook - / entrepreneuraudacity Website - ⁠⁠https://www.entrepreneuraudacity.com⁠⁠ Linked In - ttps://www.linkedin.com/company/142901969  Connect with Angie: Insta - / angieverzeletti LinkedIn - / angie-verzeletti-6924a4210 Website - ⁠⁠https://www.angieverzeletti.com⁠⁠   Podcast Links Apple Podcast - ⁠⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast.... Spotify -⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/7wQJrQs.... AmazonMusic - ⁠⁠https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/cad.... IheartRadio - ⁠⁠https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-en.... PocketCast - ⁠⁠https://anchor.fm/s/110a06a98/podcast....

  4. 1 Sept

    The Ego Trap: What 50 Years of Leadership Taught | Harland Merriam

    Ego, real estate investing and leadership skills sit at the heart of this Entrepreneur Audacity episode, as Angie speaks with Harland Merriam, a former pastor and military chaplain turned real estate entrepreneur, about purpose, resilience and the value of building business with the right people. Harland shares the thinking behind his book, Profit Seeks Purpose, and the lessons he's learned from decades of service, investing and mentoring others. The conversation explores how success can feel hollow when it's disconnected from values, why consistency and authenticity matter more thanego, and how honest peer groups build the self awareness leaders need to grow. Who This Episode Is For This episode is for entrepreneurs and leaders questioningwhether their success still aligns with their values, anyone navigating a major identity shift or career change, and business owners wanting to build with the right people instead of going it alone. It is also for real estate investorsand anyone interested in leadership skills, humility and personal development, or looking for practical tools like the pause between stimulus and response to keep ego out of the driver's seat.   Key Topics Discussed Harland introduces himself as a repurposed pastor andmilitary chaplain with 50 years of service, including 30 years in the military, who later moved into multifamily real estate investingWhy he wrote Profit Seeks Purpose and how the book grew out of a weekly entrepreneur mastermind focused on faith, growth and purposeThe importance of "sitting with yourself" andasking whether your work still aligns with your valuesThe identity shift and personal development that came with leaving ministry and becoming "a businessman" and "anentrepreneur"Entrepreneurship as a team sport, and why real estateinvesting requires investors, bankers, builders and strong partnersThe resilience it took to lead a 129-unit apartmentinvestment during COVID, including eviction freezes, cash flow strain and responsibility to 17 investorsDoing business the right way even under pressure to cutcorners, and why consistency and long-term trust matter more than short-term winsEgo, humility and the importance of self awareness whenpride starts driving decisionsHow mentors, feedback and a pause between stimulus and response helped Harland change old habitsLeadership skills as service, with strong leaders developing others rather than simply directing them Action Items Find a small group of trusted people to speak honestly with on a regular basisAsk whether your current work still aligns with your values and purposeLook for areas where ego or control may be blocking better decisionsPractice pausing between stimulus and response before reactingBuild businesses and teams around trust, accountability and long-term integrity JOIN OUR MAN TALK FACEBOOK COMMUNITY https://www.facebook.com/groups/1065633029216454   Apply to be on the show: ⁠⁠https://forms.office.com/r/vYGqHNt85r⁠⁠  Connect with Harland: www.ProfitSeeksPurpose.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/harlandmerriam/https://www.facebook.com/harland.merriamhttps://x.com/harlandmerriamhttps://www.instagram.com/harlandmerriam/Connect with the show: Insta - / entrepreneuraudacity FaceBook - / entrepreneuraudacity Website - ⁠⁠https://www.entrepreneuraudacity.com⁠⁠ Linked In - ttps://www.linkedin.com/company/142901969  Connect with Angie: Insta - / angieverzeletti LinkedIn - / angie-verzeletti-6924a4210 Website - ⁠⁠https://www.angieverzeletti.com⁠⁠   Podcast Links Apple Podcast - ⁠⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast.... Spotify -⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/7wQJrQs.... AmazonMusic - ⁠⁠https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/cad.... IheartRadio - ⁠⁠https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-en.... PocketCast - ⁠⁠https://anchor.fm/s/110a06a98/podcast....

  5. 27 Aug

    Why Self Efficacy Beats Fake It Till You Make It

    Confidence is not a personality trait, and this solo episodebreaks down exactly why. Angie Verzeletti challenges the common idea that confidence must come first and explains why it is actually the result of action and self-efficacy, not perfectionism or waiting to feel ready. She breaks downher confidence loop framework, four stages that show how to build real, lasting confidence intentionally, especially when starting something new.   Who This Episode Is For This episode is for anyone stuck waiting to feel confidentbefore they start something new, people held back by perfectionism, self doubt or the fear of imperfect results, and entrepreneurs or creators who keep delaying action until they feel ready. It is also for anyone who has dismissed their own evidence of progress and wants a practical framework for building self efficacy instead of faking confidence they don't yet feel.   Key Topics Discussed Confidence is framed as a neurological result, not a personality trait or prerequisite for actionThe usual model is backwards: people wait to feel confidentbefore acting instead of building self efficacy through action firstThe confidence loop has four stages: action, evidence,identity update, confidenceThe most common break point is between action and evidence, when imperfect results get treated as failureThe second break point is between evidence and identityupdate, when people dismiss their own proofAngie shares a personal example of assuming she could notcoach, then updating that belief through repeated actionCompletion is defined as the win, not performance quality,directly countering perfectionismNaming evidence out loud or in writing is presented as a wayto reinforce the loopFor brand new arenas, the strategy is to manufacture microevidence through very small completed actionsThe key takeaway is to start today with the smallestpossible step instead of waiting to feel ready  Key Frameworks Confidence Loop: action, evidence, identity update,confidenceMicro evidence strategy: breaking goals into the smallestpossible completed actions  JOIN OURMAN TALK FACEBOOK COMMUNITY - https://www.facebook.com/groups/1065633029216454   Apply to be on the show: ⁠⁠https://forms.office.com/r/vYGqHNt85r⁠⁠   Connect with the show: Insta - / entrepreneuraudacity FaceBook - / entrepreneuraudacity Website - ⁠⁠https://www.entrepreneuraudacity.com⁠⁠ Linked In - ttps://www.linkedin.com/company/142901969  Connect with Angie: Insta - / angieverzeletti LinkedIn - / angie-verzeletti-6924a4210 Website - ⁠⁠https://www.angieverzeletti.com⁠⁠   Podcast Links Apple Podcast - ⁠⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast.... Spotify -⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/7wQJrQs.... AmazonMusic - ⁠⁠https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/cad.... IheartRadio - ⁠⁠https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-en.... PocketCast - ⁠⁠https://anchor.fm/s/110a06a98/podcast....

  6. 25 Aug

    Resilience, Self Discipline and Second Chances | Ivy Sardi

    Resilience, rock bottom and second chances define this episode, Angie Verzeletti sits down with Ivy Sardi to talk personal development, self improvement and the self discipline it took to rebuild his life after addiction and jail time. Ivy shares how house arrest became the starting point for real transformation, how journaling and fitness became the foundation of his resilience, and how he went from rock bottom to running a global online coaching business. The conversation covers emotional regulation, self belief and why personal development is less about a single turning point and more about showing up every day.   Who This Episode Is For Anyone who feels like they have hit rock bottom and needs proof that a second chance is possible, people rebuilding their life or self belief after addiction, incarceration or a major setback, and anyone interested in tools for real change. It is also for aspiring entrepreneurs wondering how to start a business from nothing, and anyone curious how fitness and journaling can build resilience from the ground up.   Key Topics Discussed Ivy Sardi's background at 33, including drug addiction,selling commercial amounts of drugs and serving time in jail before starting his coaching businessHow house arrest after prison forced Ivy to stay home,train, study nutrition and rebuild his habits from rock bottomHis first business moves, from posting on Facebook andsharing his story to speaking at a charity for troubled kidsWhy the turning point was not a single moment of motivationbut a shift into discipline, routine and self beliefHow training and consistency in jail helped Ivy rebuild self trust and resilience after years of addiction and suicide attemptsReading people, pattern recognition and emotional subtext, and how those skills translated from high stakes environments into businessComparing criminal and legitimate business, and how Ivy sees legal business as just as ruthless in different waysFamily dynamics, being the black sheep of a good household, and slowly rebuilding relationships after prisonJournaling as a personal development tool, from basicgratitude prompts to writing detailed visions of income, home and business goalsFitness as a gateway to better business decisions, stronger confidence and more respect in professional settingsEmotional regulation and therapy, including Ivy's longprocess of reconnecting with emotion after years of numbing and shutting downWhy real success is about becoming a healthier, moregrounded person, not just money or business output Key Frameworks Identity first: become the kind of person who naturallyfollows through before expecting long term resultsBasic habits done repeatedly: sleep, food, training andconsistency matter more than complicated systemsPattern recognition: learning to read people, tone andbehaviour more accurately over timeSelf trust through action: confidence is built by showingup, even when performance is imperfectJournaling as programming: writing goals in detail helpsreinforce how you think and what you expect from life  JOIN OUR MAN TALK FACEBOOK COMMUNITY https://www.facebook.com/groups/1065633029216454   Apply to be on the show: ⁠https://forms.office.com/r/vYGqHNt85r⁠⁠ Connect with Ivy: www.primalfuelnutrition.com.auInsta - @iamivysardi  Connect with the show: Insta - / entrepreneuraudacity FaceBook - / entrepreneuraudacity Website - ⁠⁠https://www.entrepreneuraudacity.com⁠⁠ Linked In - ttps://www.linkedin.com/company/142901969  Connect with Angie: Insta - / angieverzeletti LinkedIn - / angie-verzeletti-6924a4210 Website - ⁠⁠https://www.angieverzeletti.com⁠⁠   Podcast Links Apple Podcast - ⁠⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast.... Spotify -⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/7wQJrQs.... AmazonMusic - ⁠⁠https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/cad.... IheartRadio - ⁠⁠https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-en.... PocketCast - ⁠⁠https://anchor.fm/s/110a06a98/podcast....

  7. 20 Aug

    Why Men Struggle to Speak Up | Men's Mental Health Awareness

    Men's mental health, toxic masculinity, and male depression take centre stage in this episode. Entrepreneur Audacity kicks off its first men's mental health awareness conversation with host Angie and guest Rangi, unpacking why so many men bottle up their emotions and stay silent instead of talking. It's a real look at emotional regulation, trauma, and relationships and why lived experience often teaches better support than book knowledge alone. We discuss how vulnerability can coexist with masculinity, why so many men stay silent instead of reaching out for support, and why learning to speak honestly can improve partnerships, parenting, and self-respect. If you've ever wondered why men don't open up, or you're looking for men's mental health resources for yourself or someone you love, this conversation is a starting point. Key Topics: Fear of judgment can keep men silent about their emotionsEmotional suppression often comes out later as anger or burnoutTrauma and unresolved pain can shape present-day reactionsVulnerability can be a strength, not a weakness- Emotional regulation helps reduce conflict and miscommunication- Lived experience can make support feel more real and trustworthyHealing requires self-awareness, honesty, and accountabilityBreaking unhealthy cycles matters in relationships, parenting, and personal growthNotable ideas: It is okay not to be okay.Speaking honestly can prevent pain from building up over time.Real growth starts with understanding your own patterns.Healing becomes easier when people stop pretending everything is fine.JOIN OUR MAN TALK FACEBOOK COMMUNITY - https://www.facebook.com/groups/1065633029216454 Apply to be on the show: ⁠⁠https://forms.office.com/r/vYGqHNt85r⁠⁠ Connect with the show: Insta - / entrepreneuraudacity FaceBook - / entrepreneuraudacity Website - ⁠⁠https://www.entrepreneuraudacity.com⁠⁠ Connect with Angie: Insta - / angieverzeletti LinkedIn - / angie-verzeletti-6924a4210 Website - ⁠⁠https://www.angieverzeletti.com⁠⁠ Podcast Links Apple Podcast - ⁠⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast.... Spotify -⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/7wQJrQs.... AmazonMusic - ⁠⁠https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/cad.... IheartRadio - ⁠⁠https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-en.... PocketCast - ⁠⁠https://anchor.fm/s/110a06a98/podcast....

  8. 18 Aug

    How to Quit Smoking (and Beat Addiction) | Jessi Hartnett

    Learning how to quit smoking, overcoming addiction andsilencing negative self talk are at the heart of this Entrepreneur Audacity episode, as Angie Verzeletti sits down with writer, coach and podcaster Jessi Hartnett. Jessi shares exactly how to quit a habit that started at 13, how she beat addiction and workaholism after leaving a stressful, male dominated career in land survey and construction, and how trusting your intuition became the turning point that helped her heal. The conversation explores how to quit the cycle of negative self talk, rebuild self worth after burnout, and why small consistent action beats waiting for the perfect moment to start a business.   Who This Episode Is For This episode is for entrepreneurs on the edge of burnout,women in male dominated industries feeling isolated or overextended, anyone recovering from addiction (whether to smoking, substances or simply busyness), new mothers navigating identity loss, and creatives held back by perfectionism or fear of being seen online.   Key Topics Discussed Jessi Hartnett introduces herself as a wife, mother,entrepreneur, writer, podcaster and coachHer path from a scientific, numbers driven mindset intoconstruction related work in land survey, and the isolation that came with itHow quitting smoking and moving away from addiction became aturning point for reconnecting with intuitionSmoking as a coping mechanism that started at 13 and becametied to stress, perfectionism, workaholism and emotional avoidanceHow male dominated work environments intensify stress, selfreliance and the need for external validationThe role of negative self talk in keeping Jessi stuck incycles of pressure, shame and overworkThe practices that actually helped: intuition, real selfcare, affirmations, journaling, rest and self compassionThe gap between fluffy self improvement advice and theharder work of actually changing behaviour, habits and thought patternsMotherhood as an initiation that reshaped Jessi's identityand opened the door to creativity and writingPractical advice for starting a business, showing up onsocial media and avoiding burnout by keeping goals small and manageable  Apply to be on the show: ⁠⁠https://forms.office.com/r/vYGqHNt85r⁠⁠ Connect with Jessi: https://www.honoryourheart.net https://www.tiktok.com/@honoryourhearthttps://www.instagram.com/_honor_your_heart/https://www.youtube.com/@JessiHartnetthttps://www.facebook.com/JessiHartnettHonorYourHeart/   Connect with the show: Insta - / entrepreneuraudacity FaceBook - /entrepreneuraudacity Website - ⁠⁠https://www.entrepreneuraudacity.com⁠⁠ Connect with Angie: Insta - / angieverzeletti LinkedIn - / angie-verzeletti-6924a4210 Website - ⁠⁠https://www.angieverzeletti.com⁠⁠   Podcast Links Apple Podcast - ⁠⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast.... Spotify -⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/7wQJrQs.... AmazonMusic - ⁠⁠https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/cad.... IheartRadio - ⁠⁠https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-en.... PocketCast - ⁠⁠https://anchor.fm/s/110a06a98/podcast....

About

Entrepreneur Audacity is where driven people come to think bigger, move faster, and stop playing small. This podcast brings you raw, unfiltered conversations with entrepreneurs, executives, and business leaders who are actually in the arena - building, failing, learning, and winning. We break down what it really takes to grow a business, lead at a high level, and stay mentally sharp while doing it. No fluff. No recycled advice. Just real stories, real strategy, and the mindset required to operate at the top.