Growth Now Movement with Justin Schenck

Justin Schenck
  • 4.9 (213)
  • Self-Improvement
  • Updated Weekly

Growth Now Movement is hosted by Entrepreneur and Public Speaker Justin Schenck and has been chosen by INC Magazine as a Top 8 podcast every Entrepreneur should follow. He sits down with top performers, celebrities, and entrepreneurs like Ed Mylett, Joel Marion, Sarah Centrella, and Andy Frisella! They then teach you how to implement things into your life for you to live your dreams!

  1. Why Most People Never Create Deep Focus in Their Life with Chuck Balsamo

    4d ago

    Why Most People Never Create Deep Focus in Their Life with Chuck Balsamo

    In this episode of the Growth Now Movement, I reconnect with entrepreneur and visionary builder Chuck Balsamo for the first time in five years, and this conversation dives deep into productivity, focus, entrepreneurship, family, legacy, and the systems required to build something truly meaningful. Chuck shares what life has looked like during the last several years of building new ventures, staying intensely focused on growth, and learning how to protect both his energy and his time while still showing up for the people who matter most. We talk extensively about the importance of building "fortresses" of productivity by intentionally designing environments that reduce distraction, minimize decision fatigue, and create opportunities for deep work. Chuck explains how time blocking, routines, boundaries, and intentional calendar management have become essential tools for both business success and personal peace. Drawing from concepts popularized by Daniel H. Pink around willpower, discipline, and habits, Chuck breaks down why most people fail to protect their focus and how entrepreneurs can create systems that allow them to perform at a higher level consistently without burning out. One of the most powerful parts of this conversation is Chuck's perspective on legacy. As his businesses have grown, he's become increasingly aware that every "yes" comes at the expense of something else, often time with family. We discuss the emotional realities of entrepreneurship, the tradeoffs that come with ambition, and why saying "no" is one of the most important skills anyone can develop. Chuck also introduces his newest venture, uSpace, a premium backyard remote workspace designed to create an undistracted environment for focused work, creativity, and productivity. He shares the origin story behind the company, the inspiration for the design, pricing and financing options, tax and ROI considerations, and his long-term vision for scaling the business into a potentially billion-dollar brand. Take a look at USPACE We also talk about: The "sprinter mindset" for work productivity Why environment shapes performance How distraction is quietly destroying creativity Why one great idea can completely change your life The importance of protecting mental space Entrepreneurship and ego Health scares that shifted Chuck's perspective on life and empathy This episode is packed with practical insights for entrepreneurs, creators, executives, remote workers, parents, and anyone trying to create more focus, balance, and intentionality in their life. In This Episode, You Will Learn: How Chuck Balsamo structures his days for maximum productivity Why creating a distraction-free environment matters The power of time blocking and hard boundaries How to reduce decision fatigue and improve focus Why saying "no" is critical for long-term success The emotional tradeoffs entrepreneurs face How environment impacts performance and creativity The origin story behind uSpace Why focused work in short bursts is more effective How health scares changed Chuck's perspective on life and legacy Timestamps 00:00 Chuck Returns 01:19 Five Years of Building Behind the Scenes 04:39 Calendars, Time Blocking, and Focus 15:50 The Science of Timing, Habits, and Willpower 21:24 Building "Fortress" Environments for Productivity 25:34 How One Great Idea Can Change Everything 30:18 Ego, Purpose, and Entrepreneurship 32:21 The Sprinter Mindset for Work 41:42 Family, Community, and Balance 48:35 Success Habits and Protecting Space 53:58 Growth Through Health Scares 56:33 Gratitude and Final Thoughts

    1 hr
  2. From Gangs and Drugs to Purpose and Impact with Mark Lebrun

    May 26

    From Gangs and Drugs to Purpose and Impact with Mark Lebrun

    In this episode of the Growth Now Movement, I sit down with entrepreneur, speaker, and digital marketing agency owner Mark Lebrun for a powerful conversation about transformation, faith, purpose, and building a life centered around impact. Mark and I first connected at a speaking event in Orlando, and after hearing his story, I knew I had to bring him onto the podcast. His journey is one of the most honest and inspiring stories I've heard in a long time. Growing up surrounded by gangs, drugs, and destructive environments, Mark shares how his life completely shifted after an encounter with Jesus and the influence of a friend named Patrick, who challenged him to change his environment, his habits, and the people he surrounded himself with. We dive deep into the importance of intentional relationships, the reality that success changes social dynamics, and how growth often requires letting go of environments and people that no longer align with who you're becoming. Mark opens up about navigating the end of a 16-year relationship and how that season forced him to reevaluate his life, his purpose, and the direction he truly wanted to go. We also talk about how the COVID-19 pandemic unexpectedly launched his digital marketing career. After growing to over 100,000 followers on TikTok in just four months, Mark realized there was massive opportunity in content creation, brand building, and helping businesses leverage social media effectively. He shares how he transitioned from giving away free advice online to building a successful paid consulting and agency business focused on helping others grow their influence and impact. One of the biggest takeaways from this conversation is Mark's perspective on content creation. Instead of creating content for ego or validation, he explains why the best creators focus on serving the audience first and creating content that genuinely solves problems and transforms lives. This episode is about more than marketing or entrepreneurship. It's about identity, faith, healing, relationships, purpose, discipline, and learning how to build a life that actually matters. Mark also shares his long-term vision of creating a movement that provides resources, opportunities, and a non-traditional environment for inner-city communities to experience Christ across industries including business, media, entrepreneurship, and creativity. If you've ever felt stuck in your environment, struggled with fear around showing up online, or wondered whether real transformation is possible, this conversation will challenge and inspire you. In This Episode, You Will Learn: How Mark Lebrun transformed his life from gangs and drugs to purpose Why changing your environment changes your future The importance of intentional relationships and mentorship How faith helped Mark discover his calling What happens to relationships when success enters your life How Mark gained 100,000 TikTok followers in four months Why audience-focused content always performs better How to overcome fear of being on camera The difference between influence and impact Mark's definition of success and daily habits for growth Timestamps 00:00 Who Mark Lebrun Is Today 01:43 From Streets, Gangs, and Drugs to Faith 04:16 Mentorship and Choosing the Right Circle 06:15 Why Intentional Relationships Matter 09:28 How Success Changes People Around You 13:19 The COVID TikTok Breakthrough 18:50 Creating Content That Actually Helps People 22:46 Building a Bigger Mission and Movement 26:12 How to Push Past Camera Fear 29:56 Defining Success and Daily Habits 37:20 Family, Growth, and Final Thoughts

    41 min
  3. How to Differentiate Yourself in a Noisy World with Mark Levy

    May 19

    How to Differentiate Yourself in a Noisy World with Mark Levy

    In this episode of the Growth Now Movement, I sit down with differentiation expert, branding strategist, and bestselling author Mark Levy for a fascinating conversation about what truly makes ideas spread. Mark has worked with some of the biggest brands and thought leaders in the world, including Google, Adobe, Amazon, and American Express. But one of the most incredible stories he shares in this episode is how he helped an unknown Simon Sinek articulate the idea that would eventually become Start With Why and the now-famous Golden Circle framework. We dive deep into what makes an idea memorable, how to communicate your message more effectively, and why so many people struggle to articulate the brilliance that's already inside of them. Mark explains how his background pitching more than 25,000 books as a sales director taught him how attention works, how curiosity works, and why emotion always beats logic when it comes to influence and connection. He shares practical tools for entrepreneurs, speakers, coaches, creators, and business owners who feel like they have a "half-formed" idea but don't know how to clearly express it. One of my favorite parts of this conversation is when Mark breaks down his concept of the "vision deliverable" and how directing feedback properly can completely change the way people respond to your ideas. We also talk about the power of free writing from his book Accidental Genius, how to bypass your internal editor, and why creativity often shows up when you stop trying so hard to force it. We also explore why "illogical" branding can create unforgettable companies, including the fascinating story behind Red Bull and how they built a category-defining brand by doing the unexpected. This episode is packed with insights on branding, messaging, creativity, thought leadership, marketing psychology, communication, and personal growth. If you've ever struggled to explain what you do, communicate your vision, or stand out in a crowded marketplace, this conversation will absolutely shift the way you think. In This Episode, You Will Learn: How Mark Levy helped Simon Sinek develop "Start With Why" Why differentiation is the key to standing out in business How to articulate ideas that feel unfinished or unclear The power of free writing to unlock creativity and clarity Why emotion and experience matter more than information How Red Bull built one of the most memorable brands in the world Why useful feedback requires intentional direction How to overcome your internal editor and self-doubt What makes certain speakers, brands, and ideas unforgettable Mark's definition of success and the daily habits that fuel his creativity

    45 min
  4. How to Find Purpose, Build Legacy, and Create Real Impact with Charles T. Lee

    May 12

    How to Find Purpose, Build Legacy, and Create Real Impact with Charles T. Lee

    In this episode, I sit down with Charles T. Lee, founder of Ideation and author of Design Your Good Life, to unpack what it really means to live with purpose in a world that constantly pulls you in a hundred different directions. Charles works with high-level leaders and executives, helping them gain clarity early and then execute on brand, vision, and impact. But what I love about this conversation is that we go way beyond business strategy. We get into the real stuff… purpose, legacy, relationships, and how to actually design a life that feels aligned. One of the biggest takeaways for me is how Charles reframes purpose. Instead of this one big thing you're supposed to figure out for the rest of your life, he talks about purpose as something agile, something seasonal, and something you can actually take action on right now. That shift alone is powerful. We also break down his three-phase framework from the book: Spark, Actualize, and Influence. This gives you a practical roadmap to move from curiosity and ideas to real execution and impact. It's not just theory. It's something you can apply immediately. We talk a lot about relationships too. Who you surround yourself with, how to filter the right people into your life, and why generosity and stewardship are the foundation of any meaningful legacy. Charles makes a strong case that success isn't just about what you build, but who you build it with and how you show up along the way. We also dive into AI and where the world is heading. Instead of fearing it, Charles believes it should actually free us up to focus more on human connection, deeper thinking, and intentional living. That perspective really hit home for me. This conversation is for anyone who feels like they've been checking the boxes but still wants more clarity, more alignment, and more purpose in their life. In This Episode, You Will Learn: Why purpose is not fixed and how to adapt it through different seasons of life The three-phase framework to design a meaningful and impactful life How to move from ideas to execution and real-world value Why relationships are the foundation of legacy and long-term success How to filter the right people into your life using curiosity and authenticity A new way to think about AI and how it can enhance human connection Daily habits and mindset shifts that lead to a more aligned life How to focus on your core strengths instead of trying to do everything

    32 min
  5. Sustainable Weight Loss, Self-Worth, and Healing with Corinne Crabtree

    May 5

    Sustainable Weight Loss, Self-Worth, and Healing with Corinne Crabtree

    In this episode of The Growth Now Movement, I sit down with weight loss coach and entrepreneur Corinne Crabtree for one of the most honest conversations I've had around weight loss, emotional eating, food noise, and what it really takes to create lasting transformation. Corinne's story is powerful because it's not about a quick fix. She lost over 100 pounds, but more importantly, she completely changed her life by building what she calls a normal, sustainable lifestyle rooted in habits she could actually maintain forever. We talk about the breaking point that changed everything for her. Sitting on the couch, emotionally exhausted, telling her one-year-old son she was too tired to play. That moment became her wake-up call. And what's incredible is that her transformation didn't start with some massive overhaul. It started with one simple promise: walk for 15 minutes a day. That's it. This conversation dives deep into why so many people overcomplicate weight loss and why sustainable success often starts with doing one thing consistently. Corinne opens up about her lifelong battle with emotional eating, the constant mental chatter she calls food noise, and how childhood food insecurity, bullying, and emotional pain shaped her relationship with food long before she realized it. We unpack what food noise actually is, why it's so hard for people to silence, and how the solution isn't just willpower. It's emotional healing. She shares how learning to handle her inner critic with grace instead of shame changed everything, and why self-compassion is often more powerful than self-discipline. We also talk about how she turned her own transformation into a business back in 2007, starting on Weight Watchersmessage boards, accepting payments through PayPal, and eventually scaling into a massive coaching platform helping women around the world. Corinne also gives her perspective on GLP-1 medications and peptides, offering a balanced, honest take. She doesn't dismiss them, but she makes one thing clear: no tool can replace doing the emotional work necessary for long-term change. This episode is about more than losing weight. It's about identity, self-worth, healing, and finally creating a life you don't need to escape from. In This Episode You Will Learn • How Corinne lost 100 pounds through sustainable habits • Why "small forever changes" beat extreme dieting • The truth about emotional eating and food noise • How childhood experiences shape your relationship with food • Why self-compassion matters more than shame • How to quiet your inner critic • What food noise really is and how to reduce it • How Corinne built a business from her personal transformation • Her honest perspective on GLP-1s and peptides • Why emotional healing is essential for lasting weight loss • Daily habits that support success and balance

    58 min
  6. The Power of Voice, Media, and Discipline with Jonathan 'Bushman' Dunnings

    Apr 28

    The Power of Voice, Media, and Discipline with Jonathan 'Bushman' Dunnings

    In this episode of The Growth Now Movement, I sit down with Detroit radio personality Bushman, also known as JD, someone I randomly met at Walt Disney World and instantly knew I had to have on the show. What makes Bushman fascinating is the contrast between who he is on-air versus who he is off-air. On the radio, he's high energy, engaging, and commanding attention. Off the mic, he's more introverted, grounded, and deeply focused on mental health, connection, and reminding people to check in on the people around them. We talk about how he developed that on-air alter ego and why it's rooted in service. For Bushman, it's not about being loud just to be loud. It's about using his platform to uplift, inspire, and connect. He shares his journey into DJing and radio, starting with inspiration from a friend in North Carolina that sparked something in him early on. That curiosity turned into a career that eventually led him to Detroit, a city he chose to stay in because of the opportunity, the culture, and the ability to keep growing. Despite major milestones like appearing in 8 Mile, doing multiple reality TV shows including Bar Rescue, and interviewing high-profile figures like Barack Obama, Joe Biden, and Bill Clinton, Bushman still operates with a relentless hunger to keep improving. We break down his interview style and why preparation matters, but also why the best moments come from asking the unexpected questions. He shares stories from interviewing artists like Waka Flocka Flame and how standing out in those moments is what creates real connection. We also talk about how radio has evolved in the digital age, what it means to "hit the post," and why adaptability is everything in media today. Beyond radio, Bushman is stepping into new arenas like improv, acting, and voice acting, continuing to stretch himself creatively. One of the most powerful parts of this conversation is his personal transformation. Bushman shares how he went from nearly 360 pounds down to around 215, and what that journey taught him about discipline, identity, and growth. This episode is about showing up fully, evolving constantly, and using your platform to make an impact. In This Episode You Will Learn • The difference between on-air confidence and off-air personality • How Bushman built his career in radio and DJing • Why he chose Detroit and stayed committed to growth • The mindset behind staying hungry after success • How to stand out in interviews and conversations • What "hitting the post" means in radio • How media and radio have evolved in the digital age • The importance of daily affirmations and checking in on people • How Bushman transformed his health and lost over 140 pounds • Why growth requires stepping into new creative challenges

    39 min
  7. Meeting 10,000 Friends and the Lessons Learned with Rob Lawless

    Mar 31

    Meeting 10,000 Friends and the Lessons Learned with Rob Lawless

    In this episode of The Growth Now Movement, I sit down with Rob Lawless, a guy who made a bold decision to walk away from a successful corporate career to pursue something most people wouldn't even consider. His goal? Meet 10,000 people, one-on-one, simply for the sake of human connection. Not for business. Not for networking. Not for followers. Just to connect. Rob shares what inspired this mission, which really comes down to something we all lose as we get older: curiosity, wonder, and the willingness to step into someone else's world without judgment. We talk about how, as adults, we often become more guarded, more distracted, and more disconnected. Rob's work is a direct challenge to that. It's about slowing down, being present, and having real conversations that go beyond surface-level small talk. This conversation dives deep into what actually builds meaningful relationships: curiosity, gratitude, consistency, and respect. Rob explains how those four things have allowed him to connect with people from completely different backgrounds, cultures, and belief systems, including faith. We also talk about the reality of social media and how it's distorting connection. While it gives us access to more people than ever before, it often removes depth and replaces it with quick hits of validation. Rob shares why intentional, one-on-one conversations matter more now than ever. He opens up about how COVID forced him to pivot his project from entirely in-person interactions to virtual conversations, which unexpectedly expanded his reach to over 90 countries. What started as a local mission turned into a global movement. We also get into some of the real challenges that come with this work, including awkward conversations, setting boundaries, and staying present with each person while maintaining the energy to keep going. Rob shares the story of how he ended up on The Kelly Clarkson Show and what that experience meant for his mission. We also talk about what happens when he reaches 10,000 people, and what's next. From keynote speaking to writing a book to potentially teaching human connection in universities, Rob is just getting started. This episode is a reminder that at the core of everything we're chasing is connection. And maybe the simplest thing we can do to change our lives is to sit down and truly listen to another human being. In This Episode You Will Learn • Why Rob left corporate life to pursue human connection • How curiosity can transform your relationships • Why adults lose their sense of wonder and how to get it back • The four pillars of meaningful connection: curiosity, gratitude, consistency, and respect • How social media is weakening real human interaction • Why intentional conversations matter more than ever • How COVID expanded Rob's mission globally • How to handle awkward conversations and build deeper relationships • The importance of empathy and perspective • What true connection looks like in today's world

    44 min
  8. The Missing Link in Goal Setting and Success with Kristin Erickson

    Mar 24

    The Missing Link in Goal Setting and Success with Kristin Erickson

    In this episode of The Growth Now Movement, I sit down with peak performance coach Kristin Ericksen to talk about something most people struggle with but rarely address: why we don't finish what we start. Kristin has coached over 3,000 people and she's on a mission to help individuals actually follow through on their goals, not just set them. Because the truth is, most people don't have a goal-setting problem. They have a finishing problem. We break down why traditional SMART goals often fall short and what's really missing for most people, which comes down to two key things: purpose and urgency. Without those, even the best plan falls apart. Kristin opens up about her own turning point during COVID, what she calls her "brick wall moment." It forced her to slow down, surrender control, and get radically focused on what actually mattered. That season completely shifted her trajectory, taking her from the fitness industry into financial services and a more leveraged way of living where she wasn't trading time for money. We dive into her framework around money and wealth building, including the three types of money everyone should understand: fast money, medium money, and slow money. She breaks down how to think about earning, building, and leaving a legacy, along with the foundational financial steps most people skip. We also talk about the importance of protecting your assets before trying to grow them, eliminating high-interest debt, building an emergency fund, and understanding how compound interest works through the rule of 72. Kristin shares why estate planning is not just for the wealthy, but something everyone should think about early. This conversation also goes into the future of work and how AI is rapidly changing the landscape. Kristin shares why learning to use AI is no longer optional, but also why human connection, presence, and intentional disconnection are more important than ever. We talk about her practice of intentionally disconnecting every month to reset and reconnect with what matters most. When it comes to success, Kristin defines it simply: doing what you want, when you want, with the people you want. And she shares the daily habits that help her stay aligned with that vision, including faith, movement, and identifying the three most important things she must accomplish each day. This episode is a powerful reminder that success is not about doing more. It's about doing what matters and actually finishing it. In This Episode You Will Learn • Why most people fail to finish what they start • What's missing from traditional goal-setting frameworks • The importance of purpose and urgency in achieving goals • How Kristin's "brick wall" moment changed her life and career • The difference between hustle and leverage • The three types of money and how to use them • Why protecting your finances comes before growing them • How compound interest works using the rule of 72 • Why estate planning matters for everyone • How AI is changing the future of work • Why human connection and intentional disconnection are critical • Daily habits that create alignment and success

    38 min
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4.9
out of 5
213 Ratings

About

Growth Now Movement is hosted by Entrepreneur and Public Speaker Justin Schenck and has been chosen by INC Magazine as a Top 8 podcast every Entrepreneur should follow. He sits down with top performers, celebrities, and entrepreneurs like Ed Mylett, Joel Marion, Sarah Centrella, and Andy Frisella! They then teach you how to implement things into your life for you to live your dreams!

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