The Story Engine Podcast

Kyle Gray
  • 5.0 (50)
  • Marketing
  • Updated Weekly

The Story Engine Podcast where we teach you how to make marketing easier, more powerful and fun through storytelling. Each week we learn from top entrepreneurs, influencers and world-changers on how to share your story through content, copywriting, speaking and how to make your story your most powerful marketing tool.

  1. 23h ago

    What If the Last 3% Is Hiding Outside Your Analytical Mind With Barry Goldstein

    In this episode of The Story Engine Podcast, I sit down with Barry Goldstein, a longtime music producer and creative collaborator who has spent more than 40 years exploring how music can magnify mission, unlock creativity, and help us move through the blocks that keep us from our next level. We dive into the idea of the "last 3%"—that frustrating gap between knowing you have something great and actually being able to fully express its potential. Barry explains why solving that final piece doesn't necessarily require more effort, more analysis, or more information. Sometimes, it requires getting out of the thinking mind and into a deeper state of intuition, coherence, creativity, and flow. Barry also shares the deeply personal story that led him to rethink his entire relationship with music. At the height of his career as a major-label record producer in New York City, the work he had once loved became repetitive, stressful, and creatively draining. His search for a way back to the joy he experienced as a 14-year-old musician eventually led him to experiment with music created at 60 beats per minute—music he describes as "decomposing" rather than composing. What began as an experiment for his own healing unexpectedly became a tool that people used for sleep, anxiety, childbirth, dementia, and other transformational experiences. We also explore the moment Barry realized just how powerful that work had become while watching thousands of people experience breakthroughs during a walking meditation at a Dr. Joe Dispenza event in Cancun. This conversation is ultimately about more than music—it's about remembering why we create, learning to trust what we don't yet know, and discovering what becomes possible when we bring the heart and mind back into alignment. Highlights (00:27) – Barry explains his mission to use music to magnify purpose and why his lifelong fascination has been the creative process of bringing something into existence from nothing. (05:15) – We unpack who Barry works with and why his ideal collaborators are people who have already done significant personal work but sense there is still something missing or another level they can access. (07:55) – I explore the "last 3%" idea: why the final bit of refinement can make the difference between something that works and something that creates a dramatically greater impact. (09:06) – Barry explains why the final 3% may actually require less effort, not more, and how music can help shift us out of an overactive analytical state and into alpha and theta brainwave states associated with flow. (12:03) – We explore why the goal isn't to choose between the heart and the mind, but to integrate them—and how heart-brain coherence can open access to intuition and wisdom beyond analytical knowledge. (17:14) – Barry takes us back to his years as a major-label producer in Midtown Manhattan, when the career he had dreamed about began to feel like a job and producing music became a source of pressure instead of joy. (19:00) – Barry reveals the experiment that changed his relationship with music: setting a metronome to 60 beats per minute and allowing music to emerge without preconceptions, editing, or knowing where it would lead. (21:47) – What Barry thought nobody would listen to started reaching people in unexpected ways—including families using his music for dementia, sleep challenges, dental appointments, and childbirth. (25:06) – Barry describes the powerful moment on a beach in Cancun when he watched thousands of people experience breakthroughs during a Dr. Joe Dispenza walking meditation—and realized his music had become the soundtrack to their transformation. (26:47) – I retell Barry's story through the lens of his transformation from a successful but creatively trapped producer into someone using music as a tool for healing, flow, possibility, and meaningful impact. (32:56) – Barry reacts to hearing his own story told back to him and recognizes how powerful it can be to have another person help distill the deeper meaning hidden inside your own experience. (34:24) – Barry shares where to connect with him and reflects on why great collaboration begins with the curiosity of asking, "I wonder what he would do with this."

  2. Sep 8

    What If the Biggest Problems in Your Business Are Actually a Sign You're Out of Alignment With Esther Wildenberg

    I've spent a lot of time thinking about alignment—not just as a personal-growth concept, but as something that directly affects how we lead, build businesses, make decisions, and live our lives. In this episode of The Story Engine Podcast, I sit down with Esther Wildenberg, an executive coach, entrepreneur, consultant, and AI business owner who has spent more than 20 years helping leaders recognize when they've drifted out of alignment and find their way back. Esther describes alignment as the place where our purpose, passion, heart, identity, and actions are working together—and when they are, we create a kind of inbound energy that attracts the right people, opportunities, and growth. We get very practical about what happens when that alignment disappears. Esther calls it "founder's fatigue": when we become obsessed with everything that isn't working, blame our employees, clients, finances, or circumstances, and convince ourselves we simply don't have enough time. She explains why stepping away from the business can actually be one of the most productive things an entrepreneur can do, including her unconventional three-day process of removing clients from their normal environment—and even taking away their phones—to create enough space for clarity. We also dive into Esther's own experience during the COVID pandemic, when a company pivot, a newborn son in the NICU, isolation, and an identity crisis forced her to completely rethink how she was living and leading. Ultimately, this conversation is about learning to step out of the trenches, reconnect with yourself, and create the kind of business and life that actually supports the person you want to become. Highlights (02:49) – Esther defines alignment and explains why getting your energy, purpose, passion, identity, and messaging into sync can dramatically change how your business grows. (03:58) – Why alignment is so difficult: the uncomfortable necessity of slowing down, creating silence and solitude, and actually listening to what your life is telling you. (06:49) – The biggest challenge of growing a team: why the people you hire will never care about your business exactly the way you do—and why entrepreneurs need to let go of that expectation. (08:24) – Why a candidate saying "no" to a past employer isn't necessarily a red flag—and the question Esther asks to uncover whether someone has actually learned from their failures. (09:23) – "Founder's fatigue": the warning signs that you're out of alignment, including constantly focusing on what's broken and blaming everyone around you. (12:25) – The hidden cost of the hustle: how an obsession with productivity, money, and growth can quietly destroy your health, relationships, and sense of balance. (12:55) – Why entrepreneurs may need to stop thinking in three- to five-year plans and start developing the ability to pivot every 90 days to six months. (14:48) – Esther's unconventional alignment reset: stepping completely out of your business for three days to gain enough distance to actually see the problem clearly. (15:09) – Why Esther takes away her clients' phones—and how she believes 90% of their problems can begin to resolve once they're removed from the environment creating the stress. (17:34) – The power of changing your environment and surrounding yourself with people who face similar challenges, including Esther's experience in high-level masterminds. (19:30) – Why taking an hour for yourself in the morning can actually make you more productive, focused, and magnetic throughout the rest of your day. (20:36) – Esther's raw story of founder's fatigue during the COVID pandemic: a company pivot, a newborn son, six weeks in the NICU, isolation, and a complete crisis of identity. (23:17) – The turning point: how Esther hired a coach, changed the direction of her company, and shifted from focusing on sales and revenue to helping people thrive and connect. (24:31) – The podcast question that changed Esther's perspective on her own impact—and helped her realize she didn't need to reach thousands of people to make a meaningful difference. (26:00) – Why Esther stopped preparing for podcasts and stages and began trusting what she calls the "download" of what she needs to say in the moment. (31:54) – Esther explains why vulnerability is central to her work and how she uses her own painful experiences to help others move through similar challenges faster. (34:12) – Esther's powerful prediction about the future of AI and technology—and why the ability to deeply connect with other human beings may become our most valuable skill. (35:21) – Her final challenge: build real communities, become an excellent communicator, and strengthen the human relationships that technology can never replace.

  3. Sep 4

    From "Behind Zero" to Playing a Bigger Game: How to Stop Letting Your Past Define Your Future with Markus Kaulius

    What if the very experiences you've been trying to leave behind are actually the things that qualify you to play a bigger game? In this episode of The Story Engine Podcast, I sit down with Markus Kaulius, a multi-exit entrepreneur, investor, author, and longtime student of personal development, to unpack the beliefs, habits, health, and faith that have shaped the man he is today. Markus grew up poor, in a broken family, and describes himself as starting "behind zero"—but instead of seeing that history as baggage, he learned to recognize it as the source of his work ethic, resilience, and ability to connect with people. We dig into why we so often write successful people off by assuming they were simply born that way, and how doing that protects us from having to challenge our own beliefs, identity, and assumptions. Then we go much deeper. Markus shares the system he uses to create the life he wants: identifying the habits that support that life, putting those systems in place, and trusting them long enough to work. We explore why health should come first if you want to give your best to your family and your work, why faith is about more than religion and can include having genuine faith in your own purpose, and what happened when Markus hit one of the lowest points of his entrepreneurial life during COVID. After his business dropped 70% in a single month, he found himself leading from fear and holding an all-hands meeting that made him realize he had become the leader he never wanted to be. What happened next completely changed the trajectory of his company. This conversation is ultimately about learning to see obstacles differently, moving from scarcity to abundance, and realizing that you may be much closer to playing the bigger game you were designed for than you think. Highlights (01:29) – From growing up poor and broken to becoming a multi-exit entrepreneur Markus opens up about growing up financially, emotionally, and spiritually disadvantaged—and why he now considers that difficult background one of the greatest advantages he was given. (06:41) – Why we write successful people off—and what that protects us from We unpack the psychology behind assuming someone's success came easily, and how dismissing their story allows us to avoid challenging our own beliefs, identity, and potential. (09:41) – Finding the "younger version" of yourself who is still stuck in limiting beliefs Markus explains who he is really trying to reach when he speaks and coaches: the younger version of himself who believed he couldn't succeed because of his circumstances. (12:45) – Why the right mentor isn't necessarily the "best" mentor Markus shares a powerful perspective on personal development: if someone's voice resonates with you and challenges you to take action, keep listening. If it doesn't, find another voice. (15:45) – The habit system behind Markus's success Instead of relying on discipline, Markus explains how he identifies the habits required to create the life he wants, puts systems in place, and then trusts the process instead of constantly looking for immediate results. (18:26) – Why your health might need to come before your business and family Markus challenges the idea that putting your health first is selfish and explains how starting his day with his body and energy actually allows him to show up better for his work, family, and relationships. (22:04) – Faith in yourself, faith in your purpose, and faith in something bigger We explore what happens when you genuinely believe you were put here for a bigger purpose—and how that belief can completely change the way you approach your daily decisions. (27:24) – The COVID moment that forced Markus to confront his own limiting beliefs Markus takes us inside one of the darkest periods of his entrepreneurial journey, when his business dropped 70% in a month and fear about the future began affecting the way he led his team. (29:53) – The all-hands meeting that made him realize he had become the worst version of himself as a leader He shares the uncomfortable moment when he saw fear in his employees' faces and realized that his own panic and scarcity mindset were spreading throughout the organization. (32:13) – The obstacle isn't necessarily blocking you—it may be preparing you Inspired by Ryan Holiday's The Obstacle Is the Way, Markus describes the breakthrough that helped him see his biggest challenges as the very things capable of making him stronger and more qualified. (33:23) – "I'm not a benchwarmer": The mindset shift that changed everything During prayer and meditation, Markus had a realization that snapped him out of his victim mindset: he wasn't meant to sit on the sidelines. He was meant to get back in the starting lineup. (34:34) – How one mindset shift created a new business opportunity within 24 hours Markus brought his executives together, changed the energy in the room, and asked a simple question: who needed warehouse space? Within 24 hours, the company had its first new contract—and momentum began building again. (37:59) – Rewriting the story of your own life I reflect Markus's COVID experience back to him as a story, connecting the external crisis to the internal patterns he had carried since childhood and the moment he chose to recommit to his purpose. (43:35) – Why your life doesn't have to be perfect for the system to work We talk about the reality that personal transformation isn't something you "finish." New obstacles will always appear, but having a framework for reconnecting with yourself, your purpose, your health, and your faith can help you navigate whatever comes next. (45:25) – The message Markus wants you to take action on today Markus closes with a challenge: if something in this conversation resonated with you, don't dismiss it. Take action, become a better version of yourself tomorrow, and recognize that the world only gets one version of you.

  4. Sep 1

    I Did Everything Right—So Why Was I So Unhappy with Melissa Marina

    What happens when you've built the successful career, hit the milestones, created the life everyone tells you that you should want—and yet, deep down, you know something is wrong? In this episode of The Story Engine Podcast, I sit down with Melissa Marina, a subconscious healer and intuitive channel for top entrepreneurs and founders, to explore what happens when high achievers finally stop compromising their deepest desires. Melissa shares the story of graduating with honors, winning entrepreneurship awards, landing a great corporate job, and seemingly doing everything "right"—while privately feeling miserable, coping with wine and cigarettes, and wondering why success wasn't making her happy. We dive into the patterns that keep ambitious people stuck, including people-pleasing, limiting beliefs, unsupportive relationships, old identities, and the pressure to pursue goals that no longer feel meaningful. Melissa walks me through her Release, Reveal, Rise framework for clearing the patterns holding you back, reconnecting with your deeper purpose, and building a new identity and lifestyle around what you actually want. We also explore one of the most powerful themes of the conversation: sometimes what looks like a business or money problem is actually connected to your relationships, your identity, or the life you've been afraid to ask for. This episode is ultimately about something much bigger than making more money—it's about creating a life where success, fulfillment, family, freedom, and purpose can actually coexist. Highlights (01:42) – Why stepping away from business during motherhood became a massive accelerator Melissa explains how maternity leave unexpectedly gave her more clarity, energy, and focus—and why removing the "shoulds" from her business actually created more growth and income. (04:13) – The hidden cost of building a life that looks successful but doesn't fulfill you We explore how different seasons of life require different priorities and why performative work can quietly drain your energy. (04:58) – The high achievers who secretly feel like something is missing Melissa breaks down the types of founders and executives she works with—and the "wild, outrageous dreams" they often suppress because they have families, teams, mortgages, and responsibilities depending on them. (06:31) – How people-pleasing and relationships can become invisible ceilings We uncover how the desire to keep everyone happy can prevent ambitious people from pursuing their next level—and how a partner's lack of alignment can become a powerful hidden block. (08:51) – The Release, Reveal, Rise framework Melissa introduces the three-stage process she uses to help clients identify recurring patterns, reconnect with their purpose, and create a new identity aligned with their future. (10:52) – What has to be cleared before you can actually find clarity We talk about releasing old career paths, business decisions, identities, and "masks" that may still be taking up space—even when they no longer belong in your life. (12:30) – Designing a life where your business supports your life—not the other way around Melissa explains how the "Reveal" stage helps clients design their ideal next chapter around family, travel, relationships, spirituality, wealth, fulfillment, and the rhythms that genuinely work for them. (14:04) – The identity shift that makes your future self possible Melissa explains the "Rise" phase and how raising your minimum standards, changing your self-concept, and creating new boundaries can help you stop reverting to the person you've outgrown. (15:54) – "I did everything right"—and still hated my life Melissa takes us back to her early twenties in Bermuda, when she had the grades, awards, career, relationship, and accomplishments—but realized she had forgotten herself along the way. (18:30) – The moment Melissa realized achievement wasn't the answer She shares the profound realization that doing everything society expected of her had not created happiness—and that she had been following the formula for success while losing herself in the process. (19:47) – What changed when success stopped being about hustle Melissa describes her transition from a "hustle era" to a season of choosing, where she could focus on speaking, facilitating transformations, and the work that genuinely makes her lose track of time. (21:15) – Finding a partner who amplifies your ambitions instead of limiting them We explore how Melissa's current relationship has allowed her to pursue international speaking, travel, and a bigger vision for her family without having to choose between motherhood and her purpose. (22:14) – The terrifying conversation that changed her relationship Melissa shares the defining moment when she had to tell her partner that traveling the world and speaking was part of the life she wanted—and why refusing to compromise on that desire ultimately deepened their relationship. (25:49) – The story behind the story: when success looks right but your life feels completely wrong I help Melissa turn her experience in Bermuda into a powerful story about dissatisfaction, playing small, discovering purpose, and ultimately creating a life aligned with what she truly wanted. (33:14) – The surprising connection between money problems and relationships We uncover why the "money block" or business ceiling clients think they're facing can actually be connected to their relationships—and how recognizing that connection can create a major breakthrough. (34:00) – Discovering what your current life is really costing you Melissa explains her "Destiny Opportunity Audit" and how looking at missed opportunities, lost time, and potential income can reveal the real cost of remaining stuck.

  5. Aug 28

    When Your Business Is Thriving but Your Life Is Falling Apart With John Glon

    I sat down with entrepreneur and business coach John Glon for a conversation about something I've experienced personally—and something I see happen to so many founders: the moment when hard work, grit, and determination that once built the business start becoming the very things that hold it back. John shared his journey from running a successful electrical manufacturing business to realizing that his deeper calling was helping leaders and their teams communicate, execute, and lead better. We explored what happens when founders become the person everyone depends on, why "I'll just do it myself" becomes such a dangerous habit, and how growth can eventually demand an entirely different skill set than the one that created the business in the first place. I also shared a deeply personal story about a painful decision I made with a business partner, the consequences of stepping too far away from my own company, and the years of costly mistakes that eventually helped me develop a better way forward. At the heart of this conversation is a simple question: What if the solution to your business problems isn't working harder, but learning how to lead differently? John and I unpack structure, vulnerability, curiosity, presence, accountability, and the importance of creating a business where everyone understands their role, knows the North Star, and has the freedom to do their best work. If you're a founder or leader who has built something successful but feels like the business is demanding more and more of you, this conversation may help you see your situation—and your next move—in a completely different way. Highlights (01:32) – John explains the philosophy that guides how he shows up: love, care, and compassion, and how his entrepreneurial journey led him toward helping other leaders. (02:52) – Why John walked away from a seemingly reliable and profitable business path after realizing that success wasn't filling his cup or allowing him to help enough people. (05:32) – We explore the idea of turning years of costly mistakes into a shortcut for other entrepreneurs, so they don't have to spend years learning the same lessons the hard way. (05:59) – I share a powerful storytelling lesson: how saying "I worked so hard to figure this out, and now I have the shortcut for you" can transform painful experiences into authority. (08:23) – John reveals the three things he believes make his coaching different: structure, vulnerability and curiosity, and being fully present with the people he serves. (10:34) – Why vulnerability can unlock a completely different level of trust inside an organization—and why admitting that you don't have all the answers can actually make you a stronger leader. (13:05) – The warning signs that a founder may be operating out of alignment: the business is growing too quickly, the wheels are falling off, or the owner desperately wants more time away from the business. (15:04) – We uncover a major trap for high achievers: you can't outwork every problem in your business—and you definitely can't outwork problems in your family. (17:29) – Why entrepreneurs often need someone outside themselves to help break habits, patterns, and "scar tissue" that keep them stuck in the same leadership cycle. (18:14) – John describes what becomes possible on the other side: genuine smiles, more engaged employees, higher-level work, more personal freedom, and a team that is finally rowing in the same direction. (20:02) – John tells the story of a painful decision to exit a business partnership—and how acting from shame and frustration created consequences that went far beyond the original conflict. (22:52) – A powerful lesson about the danger of using an "easy button" in business: stepping too far away can cause you to lose touch with the heart and soul of the culture you created. (24:36) – John discovers that his results-driven approach was alienating employees who had been drawn to the company because of its heart-centered culture. (26:18) – An emotional conversation with a key employee forces John to confront a difficult realization: he was no longer operating in alignment with his own values. (28:59) – John looks back on a period when his business finally felt joyful—employees were laughing, money was flowing, the team was connected, and he was able to create balance outside of work. (31:25) – I tell the story behind my own transformation, beginning with the question that stopped me in my tracks: "Why do we need to babysit you?" (34:00) – I reveal the process I developed through years of painful mistakes: creating structure, vulnerability, curiosity, and presence so leaders can bring their businesses and lives back into alignment. (35:53) – John reacts to hearing his story reflected back to him—and explains why experiencing a story can sometimes create more transformation than simply intellectualizing a problem. (37:53) – John shares why storytelling has become such a powerful leadership tool for him, and why the best speakers don't always need slides or complicated frameworks to make an impact. (38:59) – John shares his closing thoughts and where you can connect with him and learn more about his work.

  6. Aug 25

    From Nurse to Entrepreneur: How To Build A Business To Put People Before the System With Ashley Yardley

    What happens when you're a nurse who deeply cares about helping people, but you realize the healthcare system doesn't always give you the freedom—or the options—to provide the kind of care you believe people deserve? In this episode of The Story Engine Podcast, I sit down with Ashley Yardley, founder of Advanced Mobile IV, to unpack the personal experiences that pushed her to build a completely different model of healthcare. We talk about how her background in home health and hospice led her to see the power of bringing care directly into people's homes and communities, and how that eventually became a mobile IV franchise built around nurses, technology, flexibility, and personalized care. But Ashley's story goes much deeper than building a healthcare business. She shares the devastating experience of watching her father-in-law improve dramatically during cancer treatment, only to see his treatment options change after an insurance decision—and the profound realization that followed. That experience helped Ashley understand that she wanted to create more options for patients while also giving nurses a way to build businesses, control their schedules, and have a greater impact on their communities. We also explore the software and systems behind her franchise, the vision of empowering nurses to become entrepreneurs, and the moment I reflected Ashley's own story back to her in a way she had never heard before. This conversation is ultimately about turning painful experiences into purpose—and building something that gives people more freedom, more options, and more control over their own lives. Highlights (01:29) – Why Ashley believes healthcare works better when care happens in someone's natural environment—and how that insight became "nurses on wheels." (03:37) – The surprising reason so many people seek IV therapy, from dehydration and travel to athletes and unexpected moments when they need support quickly. (05:26) – What makes someone an ideal Advanced Mobile IV franchisee—and why Ashley looks for people who want to invest in their health, future, and community. (06:26) – Why being a great nurse doesn't automatically make someone a great business owner, and the business mindset Ashley believes franchisees need. (08:20) – How Ashley built proprietary software and an EMR to help her franchisees respond quickly, manage nurses, track inventory, and scale. (09:20) – The business model behind mobile IV: rapid service, recurring subscriptions, community relationships, and the potential for additional revenue streams. (10:59) – The transformation Ashley is most proud of: giving nurses more freedom while helping them build careers that allow them to spend more time with their families. (12:42) – The moment Ashley realized the traditional hospital environment was no longer the right fit—and why she wanted to fill the gaps she had seen firsthand. (13:43) – The painful experience that changed Ashley's perspective on healthcare, insurance, and the role that financial decisions can play in patient care. (15:42) – What happened when Ashley's father-in-law's cancer treatment was working, but an insurance decision made the treatment financially inaccessible. (17:51) – Ashley's philosophy on going back to the basics of health and giving the body the foundation it needs to fight and recover. (19:12) – The powerful story of Ashley's son after brain surgery—and the moment he asked to receive an IV because he knew he needed one. (19:36) – Ashley's vision for the future: empowering nurses to build their own clientele, choose their schedules, and get paid what they deserve. (20:47) – How painful experiences can become lessons, and why Ashley believes something that feels like the worst moment may ultimately be protecting or teaching you. (26:44) – I retell Ashley's story back to her—and she hears the deeper meaning of her journey in a way she never had before. (27:39) – Why hearing your own story from someone else can be more empowering than telling it yourself—and how a new perspective can help us move faster. (28:25) – Ashley's closing message: trust yourself, seek second and third opinions, and remember that you may have more options than you realize. (29:30) – Where to learn more about Ashley, Advanced Mobile IV, and opportunities for nurses to get involved.

  7. Aug 21

    Your Brain Health Problems May Be Starting Decades Earlier Than You Think With Eric Collett

    In this episode of The Story Engine Podcast, I sit down with brain health and dementia expert Eric Collett to explore a question I think a lot of us would rather avoid: What if the problems we experience in our brain, energy, focus, and mental health today are warning signs of something deeper? Eric explains why conditions like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's can begin developing decades before obvious symptoms appear, and why things like brain fog, low energy, declining productivity, gut health issues, and memory changes deserve more attention than we often give them. We also unpack Eric's powerful "hardware vs. software" analogy: sometimes we keep trying to learn more, work harder, or become more productive when the real problem is that our underlying biology needs attention. What makes this conversation especially powerful is Eric's personal story. After 16 years working in assisted living and memory care, he reached a breaking point when he had to leave his family's evening plans to return to work with a dying resident. That night, he looked in the mirror and realized he was overweight, exhausted, brain foggy, chronically stressed, and ignoring the warning lights in his own life. Within days, he decided to leave his career and build what became A Mind for All Seasons. We talk about his four-part process—measure, learn, apply, and adjust—and why information alone isn't enough to change your health. Ultimately, this episode is about taking care of your brain before you desperately need to, recognizing that common doesn't always mean normal, and taking the next right step toward having the energy, clarity, and capacity to live the life you actually want.

  8. Aug 18

    What If Thinking About Death Is the Key to Living Your Best Life With Karen Salmansohn

    What if the thing we spend our lives avoiding—death—could actually become one of the most powerful tools for creating a more meaningful life? In this episode of The Story Engine Podcast, I sit down with behavioral change expert and bestselling author Karen Salmansohn to explore why so many ambitious, high-achieving people resist self-help, stay trapped in "beast mode," and keep telling themselves they'll finally live the life they want someday. Karen shares her philosophy of moving from the "den of pleasure" into the "laboratory of growth," embracing emotional diversity, and focusing less on success, money, and productivity and more on becoming the person you actually want to be. We also go deep into Karen's personal story. After her father's death forced her to confront how much of her own life she had been postponing, she wrote his eulogy—and then wrote one for herself. That exercise became a blueprint for the life she wanted to live. We explore how mortality awareness can create urgency, how identity-based habits can change behavior, why your core values can become the "puppet master" of your habits, and how a single message her father left behind—"Everything that is not given is lost"—continues to shape the work she does today. This is a conversation about death, but ultimately, it's about learning how to live with more courage, intention, meaning, and purpose.

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5
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50 Ratings

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The Story Engine Podcast where we teach you how to make marketing easier, more powerful and fun through storytelling. Each week we learn from top entrepreneurs, influencers and world-changers on how to share your story through content, copywriting, speaking and how to make your story your most powerful marketing tool.

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