I Dare You Podcast

Darrin Johnson
  • 5.0 (57)
  • SELF-IMPROVEMENT
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Welcome to the I Dare You Podcast, a candid conversation with today's top entrepreneurs and business leaders about leading with more joy and purpose and living a meaningful life. This podcast is all about helping you break through and get after the life you desire. You'll be encouraged to live just outside your comfort zone and take the courageous next steps to become the person - and leader - you were meant to be. Leadership is an adventure, and the I Dare You Podcast will give you the inspiration and tools to equip you to lead like never before. Darrin Johnson is a business leader and communicator with three decades of leadership experience. You can connect with him on Instagram @darrinjohnson1 and through email at darrinjohnson@mac.com For additional information, visit www.IDareYoupod.com.

  1. Episode 226: How to Stop Comparing Yourself (Before It Steals Your Joy) with Kelsie Watts

    6D AGO

    Episode 226: How to Stop Comparing Yourself (Before It Steals Your Joy) with Kelsie Watts

    Recording artist and Broadway sensation Kelsie Watts joins The I Dare You Podcast for a candid conversation about what it really takes to build a career that lasts—onstage and online. Kelsie is making waves again with new original music, including her latest release “Made for Your Love,” and has become a viral singing phenomenon with 250M+ views and 3.5M+ followers across TikTok and Instagram. In this episode, she takes us behind the curtain on her journey from Lubbock, Texas (singing in church and studying music) to Belmont University in Nashville, to grinding through the “unseen years” that most people never hear about. We talk about: Why “overnight success” is a myth The creative story behind “Made for Your Love” and Kelsie’s Whitney Houston inspiration How understanding the business of music matters as much as talent   The Broadway reality: Kelsie’s run as Queen Jane Seymour in SIX! The Musical (including her iHeartRadio Music Award nomination for Favorite Broadway Debut) and what it’s like to step into high-pressure roles live   The message behind her acclaimed single “Fit In”—and why comparison is “the thief of joy” The power of authenticity, preparation, and staying coachable after hearing “no” Plus, Kelsie shares her simple “I Dare You” challenge—one small act that can change someone’s day. Follow Kelsie: @kelsiewatts (TikTok) | @kelsiewattsmusic (Instagram) Listen to her music everywhere you stream. Remember, as discussed in E218, grab your FREE, custom-designed PDFs (inspired by Start With Why by Simon Sinek) at idareyoupod.com: 5 “Why discovery” questions Daring Purpose Tool (Belief → Action → Results → One sentence) Start With Why Visual Synopsis (WHY / HOW / WHAT + trust + consistency)

    45 min
  2. Episode 225: Main-Character Energy: The Question That Changes Your Next Move with Scott Scovill

    MAY 12

    Episode 225: Main-Character Energy: The Question That Changes Your Next Move with Scott Scovill

    Scott Scovill’s story is what happens when you stop negotiating with fear. He’s the founder of Moo TV (a global live-event video powerhouse), a creative force behind massive tours and TV specials, and the author of Tenacious: The Art of Relentlessly Pursuing Your Wildest Dreams—but this conversation isn’t a highlight reel. It’s the real roadmap: flunking out, rebuilding confidence, taking bold swings, and learning how to keep going when doubt is loud. In this episode of I Dare You, we talk about:   Why tenacity isn’t something you’re born with—it’s something you build   The mindset shift that changed Scott’s life: “Live like you’re writing a book” How fear disguises itself as “busy” and quietly steals your best chapter The power of one bold move—and how to choose it without blowing up your life The perspective that comes from a health scare and the urgency of living on purpose If you’ve been stuck, hesitant, playing small, or waiting for the “right time”… this is your nudge (and your challenge): What would make the next chapter more interesting—and are you willing to do it? Listen now, then take the dare. Connect with Scott: https://www.scottscovill.com/. https://www.instagram.com/scottscovillcreative  https://www.facebook.com/scottscovillcreative https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-scovill-943a4022/

    40 min
  3. Episode 224: Dr. Seuss’ Best Leadership Lesson (That Most Adults Miss) with Darrin Johnson

    MAY 5

    Episode 224: Dr. Seuss’ Best Leadership Lesson (That Most Adults Miss) with Darrin Johnson

    In this solo episode, I’m pulling a surprisingly powerful leadership lesson from Dr. Seuss’ Oh, the Places You’ll Go!—specifically the part most people skip right past: The Waiting Place. That grown-up trap where I’m not lazy… I’m just delaying. Waiting on clarity. Waiting on confidence. Waiting for life to slow down. Graduation season isn’t just for 18-year-olds in caps and gowns. It’s for me. It’s for you. It’s for anyone stepping into a new chapter that didn’t come with a ceremony—just more pressure and responsibility. Here’s what I’ll walk you through: Why “adult graduations” happen all the time (and rarely come with applause) How I can look busy… and still be stuck The real cost of waiting (even when it sounds responsible) A simple 7-day exit plan you can run starting today This one is fresh, fun, and practical—with the kind of warm, direct “let’s go” energy that will get you moving before the episode ends. Because you don’t have to know the whole chapter. You just have to turn the page. Hit play and let’s get after it. Remember, as discussed in E218, grab your FREE, custom-designed PDFs (inspired by Start With Why by Simon Sinek) at idareyoupod.com: 5 “Why discovery” questions Daring Purpose Tool (Belief → Action → Results → One sentence) Start With Why Visual Synopsis (WHY / HOW / WHAT + trust + consistency) Connect with Darrin Johnson: www.idareyoupod.com Instagram: @idareyoupod YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@IDareYouPod TikTok: @idareyoupod

    24 min
  4. Episode 223: Get Calm‑ish: The Simple Reset for Pressure Moments with Dr. Dana Sinclair

    APR 28

    Episode 223: Get Calm‑ish: The Simple Reset for Pressure Moments with Dr. Dana Sinclair

    Dr. Dana Sinclair is back—and this is a big one. Dana is a world-class performance psychologist, and the author of Dialed In: Do Your Best When It Matters Most—now an international bestseller.  Dana works with high-level executives and leaders in a wide range of businesses and industries. She also works with professional teams and athletes in the NFL, MLB, WNBA, NHL, MLS, IndyCar, PGA, and the Olympics.… but here’s the point: the same pressure principles that help a pro athlete in a championship moment also help you in your meeting, your interview, your hard conversation, your parenting moment, or your next big swing. This is Dana’s second time on the I Dare You Podcast—and her first episode became one of our most downloaded episodes ever, which tells you everything about how much this message resonates. In this conversation, we go deeper into the exact tools that help you “shift when you drift,” get “calm-ish” on demand, and stop waiting to feel confident before you take action. Dr. Sinclair is a licensed psychologist with doctorates from the University of Cambridge and the University of Ottawa, is a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Faculty of Medicine at the University of British Columbia, and is a specialist lecturer with the Royal Institue of British Architects.  Press play if you want to learn how to perform better—right when it matters most. Connect with Dr. Dana Sinclair: Instagram: @drdanasinclair www.drdanasinclair.com

    35 min
  5. Episode 222: Stop Chasing Someone Else’s Success (Define Yours in 10 Minutes) with Brianna Doe

    APR 21

    Episode 222: Stop Chasing Someone Else’s Success (Define Yours in 10 Minutes) with Brianna Doe

    You can feel it: the rules of work have changed. Careers aren’t linear anymore. Everyone’s building something on the side. And if you’re trying to grow a business, grow an audience, or just grow yourself… you need a strategy that actually fits the world we’re in now. In Episode 222, I’m joined by Brianna Doe — Founder & CEO of Verbatim, a top-ranked influencer marketing agency, co-creator of let her cook, and the author of The Unapologetic Professional. Brianna is one of the sharpest voices I’ve heard on digital culture, leadership, and building a career that feels authentic (not just impressive on paper). We talk about: Why consistency matters more than “having the it factor” when you’re building influence How to define success on your terms (and stop living by someone else’s expectations) What a portfolio career really looks like—and how to pursue multiple passions without burning out Why systems and time-blocking aren’t restrictive… they’re the secret to freedom How to untangle your identity from your job title and build a life that’s bigger than your work If you’ve ever felt stuck, scattered, or like you’re doing all the “right” things but something still feels off—this conversation will give you clarity and a practical next step. Hit play on Episode 222 now. Connect with Brianna: YouTube: @lethercookmedia Website: briannadoe.com Podcast: Stop The Scroll w/ Brianna Doe (Available on Apple & Spotify) Newsletter: This Could’ve Been an Email (100,000+ subscribers)   Verbatim Agency LinkedIn: @weareverbatim Website: www.weareverbatim.com

    35 min
  6. Episode 221: AI Is Stealing Your Life (Unless You Do This First) with Darrin Johnson

    APR 14

    Episode 221: AI Is Stealing Your Life (Unless You Do This First) with Darrin Johnson

    AI is moving fast. Like faster-than-your-brain-can-keep-up fast. And in Episode 221, we’re talking about what that actually means for your work—and for your life—because this isn’t just a productivity conversation. This is a you conversation. Here’s the point: AI isn’t the villain. Drift is. If you don’t decide what matters, something else will. And when AI starts giving you time back, there’s one question you have to answer: What are you going to do with the gains? More output… or more meaning? In this episode, I break down three big shifts happening in real time.  Then I share a simple framework I use to make sure reclaimed time doesn’t disappear into more email, more meetings, and more noise: Guard The Gains Reclaimed time is only a gift if you protect it. So we talk about defining your non-negotiables, assigning the margin you’re getting back, and putting it on the calendar—because if it’s not scheduled, it’s not real. The AI prompt I shared in the episode Copy/paste this: “AI is giving me time back. My top values are: [list]. My non-negotiables are: [list]. Help me plan the next 7 days so the extra time goes to those things first. Give me specific calendar blocks, 3 guardrails to protect them, and ONE question to review at the end of the week.” The AI business tools I shared If you’re trying to get started, keep it simple:   ChatGPT or Claude   Canva (content) Otter (meetings) Descript (audio/video) Notion (My personal favorite: writing and practical lifestyle tools) This episode will help you use AI as a tool—without letting it quietly take over the parts of your life that make you human. Now hit play—because the people who win in this next season won’t be the ones who “learn AI”… they’ll be the ones who use it to build a life they actually want. Let’s go. Remember, as discussed in E218, grab your FREE, custom-designed PDFs (inspired by Start With Why by Simon Sinek) at idareyoupod.com: 5 “Why discovery” questions Daring Purpose Tool (Belief → Action → Results → One sentence) Start With Why Visual Synopsis (WHY / HOW / WHAT + trust + consistency) Connect with Darrin Johnson: www.idareyoupod.com Instagram: @idareyoupod YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@IDareYouPod TikTok: @idareyoupod

    24 min
  7. Episode 220: The “Own Your Power” Reset with Daniel Fielding

    APR 7

    Episode 220: The “Own Your Power” Reset with Daniel Fielding

    If you’re ready to (finally)own your power, this episode is for you. My guest is Daniel Fielding—former U.S. Army Special Forces Green Beret, bestselling author, keynote speaker, and host of The Asset Mindset Podcast. His message was forged in environments where clarity, discipline, and leadership under pressure aren’t optional—Special Forces operations and high-risk executive and celebrity protection. Daniel is the author of The Asset Mindset: A Special Forces Perspective for Achieving Success, and the creator of the MINDSET Method workbooks at TheAssetMindset.com—guided, no-excuses tools to help you break limiting beliefs and turn adversity into advantage. In this conversation, we get practical about facing fear, taking ownership, and building a mindset you can rely on when it matters most. Hit play - and get ready to master your mindset like never before. Connect with Daniel: TheAssetMindset.com Instagram: @the_asset_mindset Linkedin: Daniel Fielding Facebook: The Asset Mindset As discussed in E218, grab your FREE, custom-designed PDFs (inspired by Start With Why by Simon Sinek) at idareyoupod.com: 5 “Why discovery” questions Daring Purpose Tool (Belief → Action → Results → One sentence) Start With Why Visual Synopsis (WHY / HOW / WHAT + trust + consistency)

    32 min
  8. Episode 219: The One Brave Yes Rule: Say Yes, Then Figure It Out with Abby Cheshire

    MAR 31

    Episode 219: The One Brave Yes Rule: Say Yes, Then Figure It Out with Abby Cheshire

    You are about to meet someone who doesn’t just talk about “living your passion” — she’s actually doing it. Chef Abby Cheshire is a private yacht chef, a high school culinary arts teacher,  best-selling author, and social media influencer (@abbyinthegalley). During the school year, she’s in the classroom shaping the next generation of chefs. But in the summer? She’s out on the open water, traveling and cooking global cuisine on a yacht. And Abby’s new best-selling cookbook, Passport to Flavor: 100 Global Dishes You Can Make Anywhere, is not just a collection of recipes. It’s a passport into some of the coolest places on the planet.   And it’ll make you want to live a little braver the minute you finish an episode (and the minute you close the book). She’s been featured in the New York Times, Newsweek, and more, worked with Food Network stars at Super Bowl events, and built a community of over 2.5 million followers across platforms  When she’s not on the high seas, Abby lives in Central Florida. Grab your passport. Hit play, and say YES to the next big opportunity. Connect with Abby: Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube: @abbyinthegalley Her website is: abbyinthegalley.com

    40 min
See All (226)

5
out of 5
57 Ratings

About

Welcome to the I Dare You Podcast, a candid conversation with today's top entrepreneurs and business leaders about leading with more joy and purpose and living a meaningful life. This podcast is all about helping you break through and get after the life you desire. You'll be encouraged to live just outside your comfort zone and take the courageous next steps to become the person - and leader - you were meant to be. Leadership is an adventure, and the I Dare You Podcast will give you the inspiration and tools to equip you to lead like never before. Darrin Johnson is a business leader and communicator with three decades of leadership experience. You can connect with him on Instagram @darrinjohnson1 and through email at darrinjohnson@mac.com For additional information, visit www.IDareYoupod.com.

Information

  • Creator
    Darrin Johnson
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    226
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Show Website
    I Dare You Podcast

You Might Also Like