The Yeah, But Podcast

Marc A. Wolfe
  • 5.0 (11)
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Updated Biweekly

"Yeah, But..." The two words that kill more dreams than failure. Bestselling author Marc A. Wolfe provides you with the tools to squash them. Based on his acclaimed book, The Yeah, But Podcast features raw conversations with leaders who share how they overcame their own self-doubt. You'll get real-world strategies to silence your inner critic, break free from limitations, and turn your biggest goals into reality. It's time to trade excuses for execution. Tune in and let's get to work. #NoMoreYeahButs

  1. They Ignored the Future… So He Walked Away From a Top Law Firm

    Apr 28

    They Ignored the Future… So He Walked Away From a Top Law Firm

    He saw the future of his firm—before anyone else did.Proved it would work. Built the relationships. Created demand.Leadership said no.So he walked away from everything. IN THIS EPISODE:Marc Dedman didn’t follow a clean, predictable path to success—he built it through grit, calculated risk, and an unwillingness to ignore opportunity. From working brutal hours in Arkansas rice fields for less than a dollar an hour to leading major legal strategies and managing a multi-state law firm, his story dismantles the myth of “linear success.” But the real inflection point? When he saw where the legal industry—and his firm—needed to go next… and leadership refused to move. This episode breaks down what happens when vision collides with resistance, how to handle someone else’s “Yeah, But,” and why sometimes the only strategic move is to leave. WHAT WE COVER: The moment he saw the future—and leadership didn’tFrom Arkansas roots to Columbia MBATurning down investment banking after a $20K reality checkWorking rice fields for under $1/hour (and what it taught him)The scholarship strategy that made college possibleHigh-stakes legal experience in the Army JAG CorpsWhy most lawyers get relationships wrong“Be the buyer, not the bought” — strategic positioningThe 85-day experiment that proved his visionStepping down as managing partner to pursue the futureWalking away from one of the highest-paid rolesThe Dr Pepper job that built elite people skillsLosing a case—but winning a $500 vs $500,000 outcomeThe deathbed decision that changed everythingThe “12-hour day” advice that reshaped his lifeQUOTES: “How can we be the buyer and not the bought?”“It’s not always about winning—it’s about minimizing the damage.”“Work a hard half-day… it just doesn’t matter which 12 hours.”ABOUT THE GUEST:Marc Dedman is a seasoned attorney, former managing partner, and strategic leader with decades of experience across litigation, international law, and business strategy. Known for his relational approach and forward-thinking mindset, he has led firm expansion across multiple states and built global legal relationships spanning Europe, Asia, and the Americas. ABOUT THE HOST:Marc A. Wolfe is an Executive Coach, Strategic Advisor, and President of the Nashville Chapter of the Private Directors Association. He acts as a catalyst for high-performing leaders, helping them navigate complexity and turn conversations into outcomes. With a unique background that spans supporting early Apple technology at Fortune 500 companies to photographing U.S. Presidents and NFL teams, Marc brings a rare perspective to high-stakes environments. He is the author of Yeah, But, a framework designed to help leaders cut through the noise to accelerate growth and innovation. RESOURCES / CONNECT / CONTACT: Website: https://www.marcawolfe.com/Get a copy of Yeah, But: https://ybut.short.gy/ybRead your free chapter of ‘Yeah, But’: https://ybut.short.gy/chapterSuggest a guest for The Yeah, But Podcast: https://ybut.short.gy/ybguest CONNECT WITH MARC: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcwolfe/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marcawolfe/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marcAwolfeX (Twitter): https://x.com/marcawolfe

    44 min
  2. She Was Told “You Can’t Do This”… That Moment Changed Everything

    Apr 14

    She Was Told “You Can’t Do This”… That Moment Changed Everything

    She was told—at one of the most personal moments of her life—“you can’t do this.”Most people would fold. She didn’t.That decision didn’t just define her—it exposed how often we let other people set our limits.And leaders do it every day with one phrase: “Yeah, but…” IN THIS EPISODE:Marc A. Wolfe sits down with Missy Acosta, Senior Vice President of Brand Experience at Delta Dental of Tennessee, to unpack what actually holds leaders back—and it’s not lack of skill. With more than 25 years across public relations, agency work, and enterprise leadership, Missy cuts through the noise on what actually works today: storytelling, owned media, and aligning your work with something real. But the deeper conversation goes beyond marketing—into time, identity, and the quiet excuses that stall momentum. This isn’t about tactics. It’s about the decisions leaders avoid making. WHAT WE COVER: Why “everything is marketing” is more than a slogan—it’s reality The shift from earned media to owned media (and why it matters now) The leadership trap: when ideas accidentally become directives Why most meetings kill creativity—and how to protect ideation “I don’t have time” vs. the truth about prioritization The hidden cost of constant interruptions on performance What changes when you realize high performers are just human How to handle being told “you can’t do this” Why you cannot let other people define your ceiling Developing thick skin without losing awareness Breaking silos and improving real customer experience Why “that’s how we’ve always done it” is a losing strategy The importance of connecting every role to the “why” Starting before you feel ready (because you won’t) Replacing “but” with “and” to shift mindset and language Why most people die with the song still in them QUOTES: “Everything is marketing. It’s storytelling—and whether you like it or not, you’re in sales.” “You don’t have a time problem. You have a prioritization problem.” “I can’t let other people defeat me.” ABOUT THE GUEST:Missy Acosta is the Senior Vice President of Brand Experience at Delta Dental of Tennessee, where she leads marketing, communications, and customer experience strategy. With over 25 years in marketing—spanning public relations, agency work, and corporate leadership—she focuses on storytelling, cause marketing, and aligning brand purpose with real impact. ABOUT THE HOST:Marc A. Wolfe is an Executive Coach, Strategic Advisor, and President of the Nashville Chapter of the Private Directors Association. He acts as a catalyst for high-performing leaders, helping them navigate complexity and turn conversations into outcomes. With a unique background that spans supporting early Apple technology at Fortune 500 companies to photographing U.S. Presidents and NFL teams, Marc brings a rare perspective to high-stakes environments. He is the author of Yeah, But, a framework designed to help leaders cut through the noise to accelerate growth and innovation. RESOURCES / CONNECT / CONTACT: Website: https://www.marcawolfe.com/ Get a copy of Yeah, But: https://ybut.short.gy/yb Read your free chapter of ‘Yeah, But’: https://ybut.short.gy/chapter Suggest a guest for The Yeah, But Podcast: https://ybut.short.gy/ybguest CONNECT WITH MISSY: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/missyacosta CONNECT WITH MARC: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcwolfe/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marcawolfe/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marcAwolfe X (Twitter): https://x.com/marcawolfe

    38 min
  3. Imposter Syndrome Is NOT Your Problem—Your Ego Is

    Mar 31

    Imposter Syndrome Is NOT Your Problem—Your Ego Is

    He thought becoming CIO might expose him.A 150-year legacy. A massive brand. One wrong move—and it’s public failure.But what if imposter syndrome isn’t weakness… it’s proof you belong? IN THIS EPISODE: Shane Callahan, CIO at Vanderbilt University, dismantles one of the most misunderstood leadership challenges: imposter syndrome. Instead of treating it as something to eliminate, he reframes it as a signal—you’re in the right room, stretching into something bigger than yourself. Marc Wolfe and Shane go deep on the tension between fear and growth, ego and trust, and why the best leaders don’t pretend to know everything. From punk rock tours and skateboarding injuries to military intelligence briefings and executive leadership, Shane connects unlikely experiences into a powerful leadership philosophy grounded in humility, discipline, and mission. WHAT WE COVER: Shane’s personal foundation: family, identity, and contradiction From punk rock and skateboarding to the military What skateboarding teaches about leadership and trust Performing under pressure before you’re “ready” Why failure is required (not optional) The difference between failure and negligence QUOTES: “Imposter syndrome is one click away from being honored to be in the room.” “If you don’t know something, say it. Just don’t fail to follow up.” “If people don’t trust you with the little things, they won’t trust you with the big ones.” ABOUT THE GUEST: Shane has over 25 years of experience in technology, intelligence, and leadership. He currently serves as Vanderbilt University’s Chief Information Officer (CIO), after being its first Chief Information Security Officer (CISO). Before joining Vanderbilt, Shane was Vice President and CISO at naviHealth, an Optum company, where he transformed the organization's approach to cybersecurity and built its first security program. Shane served four years of active duty in the U.S. Air Force and twelve in the Navy Reserves as an Intelligence Officer, focusing on cyber/information warfare, human intelligence (HUMINT), and psychological operations (PSYOPS). After several deployments, he resigned his commission to focus on family life. His private-sector experience includes leading the global data protection program for Deloitte and overseeing security, privacy, and disaster recovery functions at Tractor Supply Company. Shane also spent nearly a decade teaching IT and cybersecurity as an adjunct professor. He is a founding board member of the Nashville Chapter of the Cloud Security Alliance and has served on the Mayor’s Information Security Advisory Board. He is also a graduate of the FBI CISO Academy. Shane lives in TN, with his wife Brianne and their three children. He is also a lifelong musician and recovering skateboarder. ABOUT THE HOST: Marc A. Wolfe is an Executive Coach, Strategic Advisor, and President of the Nashville Chapter of the Private Directors Association. He acts as a catalyst for high-performing leaders, helping them navigate complexity and turn conversations into outcomes. With a unique background that spans supporting early Apple technology at Fortune 500 companies to photographing U.S. Presidents and NFL teams, Marc brings a rare perspective to high-stakes environments. He is the author of Yeah, But, a framework designed to help leaders cut through the noise to accelerate growth and innovation. RESOURCES / CONNECT / CONTACT: Website: https://www.marcawolfe.com/ Get a copy of Yeah, But: https://ybut.short.gy/yb Read your free chapter of ‘Yeah, But’: https://ybut.short.gy/chapter Suggest a guest for The Yeah, But Podcast: https://ybut.short.gy/ybguest CONNECT WITH MARC LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcwolfe/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marcawolfe/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marcAwolfe X (Twitter): https://x.com/marcawolfe

    38 min
  4. From Asthma to Navy SEAL Commander: Overcoming the Impossible

    Mar 17

    From Asthma to Navy SEAL Commander: Overcoming the Impossible

    A doctor told him to stop competing and “play chess.” Weeks later, his lungs were filling with blood in Navy SEAL training. He was handed discharge papers and told he didn’t belong. He almost rang the bell. IN THIS EPISODE: In this powerful conversation, Marc A. Wolfe sits down with Alden Mills, a three-time Navy SEAL platoon commander, Inc. 500 CEO, Division I athlete, and author of Unstoppable Mindset, to dismantle the myth of natural talent and expose the truth about failure. Born with smaller-than-average lungs and severe asthma, Alden was told to live a “less active lifestyle.” Instead, he became a Navy SEAL. But not without near-fatal setbacks, public failure, and moments where quitting seemed logical. This episode is a masterclass in overcoming the “Yeah, But” excuses, especially: Yeah, but I’m not ready. Yeah, but what if I fail? Yeah, but I don’t know where to start. If you’re a leader, founder, executive, or athlete battling doubt, this one hits hard. WHAT WE COVER: 01:47 – Born with asthma and smaller-than-average lungs 02:41 – “I’ve failed more times than I’ve succeeded” 04:20 – The doctor who told him to play chess 07:32 – Scoring against his own team (4 times) and finding rowing 11:16 – When failure meant death: SEAL training realities 12:45 – Lungs filling with blood & getting medically discharged 15:18 – The church moment that changed his mindset 20:12 – Hell Week: “You’re why everyone is quitting” 22:27 – The decision not to ring the bell 26:47 – Five career paths, multiple business failures, 38 publisher rejections 29:40 – Why your first attempt should be your worst 31:06 – Stop comparing yourself to others 33:31 – The horizon metaphor: Believe before you can see 36:19 – The 3 controllables: Thoughts. Focus. Beliefs. QUOTES: “No one decides what you can or can’t do but you.” “It’s not complicated. It’s just hard.” “You have three controllables: your thoughts, your focus, your beliefs.” ABOUT ALDEN MILLS: Alden Mills is on a mission to help 100 million people Be Unstoppable. He is a three-time bestselling author, the former Inc. 500 CEO of Perfect Fitness, and the founder of multiple businesses. Throughout his time as a businessman founding and leading multiple companies, he has been awarded over 40 patents. A former Navy SEAL, he is a three-time platoon commander and ranked #1 platoon commander each time. Alden teaches people, teams, and organizations to Be Unstoppable. Entrepreneur magazine ranked him the #1 top virtual speaker. CONNECT WITH ALDEN: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aldenmills Twitter (X): https://twitter.com/aldenmills Website: https://www.alden-mills.com/speaking-overview Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alden_mills Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UnstoppableAldenMills​ ABOUT THE HOST Marc A. Wolfe is an Executive Coach, Strategic Advisor, and President of the Nashville Chapter of the Private Directors Association. He acts as a catalyst for high-performing leaders, helping them navigate complexity and turn conversations into outcomes. With a unique background that spans supporting early Apple technology at Fortune 500 companies to photographing U.S. Presidents and NFL teams, Marc brings a rare perspective to high-stakes environments. He is the author of Yeah, But, a framework designed to help leaders cut through the noise to accelerate growth and innovation. RESOURCES FOR YOU Website: https://www.marcawolfe.com/ Get a copy of Yeah, But: https://ybut.short.gy/yb Read your free chapter of ‘Yeah, But’: https://ybut.short.gy/chapter Suggest a guest for The Yeah, But Podcast: https://ybut.short.gy/ybguest CONNECT WITH MARC LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcwolfe/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marcawolfe/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marcAwolfeX (Twitter): https://x.com/marcawolfe

    33 min
  5. They Said It Was Impossible: 24 Months to Build a Fighter Jet (What If We Failed?)

    Mar 3

    They Said It Was Impossible: 24 Months to Build a Fighter Jet (What If We Failed?)

    They wanted a brand-new tactical jet. From a company known for small civilian aircraft. Designed, built, and flying in under 24 months. The kind of program that normally takes five to six years. Twelve leaders sat in a conference room. As a sketch of the airplane goes up on the screen, excitement builds. Then Dale says the deadline. Collective gasp.Thirty-two “Yeah, Buts.” And one question nobody wanted to say out loud:What if we fail, publicly? Because this wasn’t partial credit.It was a one or a zero.Fly… or don’t.IN THIS EPISODE:In this conversation, I sit down with aerospace executive Dale Tutt, former program leader at Cessna Aircraft Company, engineering executive at Virgin Galactic, and now a strategic leader at Siemens.Dale has led teams through record-breaking aircraft development, walked into organizations mid-crisis, and helped deliver a spaceship to space under the leadership of Richard Branson. But this episode isn’t about aerospace.It’s about leadership under pressure.It’s about walking into a room where doubt is louder than belief.It’s about taking over teams you didn’t build.It’s about moving your family across the country when you’re not even sure where to start.And it’s about realizing that what got you promoted wasn’t your technical brilliance, it was your ability to align people, build trust fast, and define success before execution begins.If you lead teams, run a company, or are stepping into something bigger than you feel prepared for, this episode will pressure-test your excuses.WHAT WE COVER:Taking on a “five-year” aircraft program with a 24-month deadlineThe room reaction: 32 “Yeah, Buts” in minutesFlying in 23 months, and why scope clarity came firstJoining Virgin Galactic mid-flight testingCutting engineering attrition from ~20% to 7%“I’m not ready” — leading outside your expertiseWhy MVP thinking beats over-engineeringQUOTES:“If you don’t have the fear of failure, you’re probably a little crazy.”“We didn’t need a perfect jet. We needed a jet that could fly.”“I didn’t get hired because I knew how to build spaceships. I got hired to lead people.”ABOUT THE GUEST:Dale Tutt is an aerospace executive and transformational engineering leader.He has led major development programs at Cessna Aircraft Company, served as Vice President of Engineering at Virgin Galactic, and now works in a strategic leadership role at Siemens, helping companies accelerate performance through digital innovation.CONNECT WITH DALE:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dale-tutt/ABOUT THE HOST:Marc A. Wolfe is an Executive Coach, Strategic Advisor, and President of the Nashville Chapter of the Private Directors Association. He acts as a catalyst for high-performing leaders, helping them navigate complexity and turn conversations into outcomes.With a unique background that spans supporting early Apple technology at Fortune 500 companies to photographing U.S. Presidents and NFL teams, Marc brings a rare perspective to high-stakes environments. He is the author of Yeah, But, a framework designed to help leaders cut through the noise to accelerate growth and innovation.RESOURCES / CONNECT / CONTACT:Website: https://www.marcawolfe.com/Get a copy of Yeah, But: https://ybut.short.gy/ybRead your free chapter of ‘Yeah, But’: https://ybut.short.gy/chapterSuggest a guest for The Yeah, But Podcast: https://ybut.short.gy/ybguestCONNECT WITH MARC:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcwolfe/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marcawolfe/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marcAwolfeX (Twitter): https://x.com/marcawolfe

    34 min
  6. Why Your Circumstances Don't Define Your Destiny: Olympic Bobsledder Devon Harris

    Feb 17

    Why Your Circumstances Don't Define Your Destiny: Olympic Bobsledder Devon Harris

    I'm scared of speed and height. I remember my first run and I just said, "You know what? If I die, I die." 3-time Olympian Devon Harris reveals the brutal reality of pushing a 650-pound bobsled into the unknown and why your current circumstances have zero say in where you end up. IN THIS EPISODE Marc Wolfe sits down with original Jamaican Bobsled Team member Devon Harris to dissect the transition from the toughest ghettos in the world to the global Olympic stage. This conversation moves past the Hollywood narrative to explore the cold, hard mechanics of mindset, the necessity of cutting off limiting relationships, and the Imposter Syndrome that haunts even world-class athletes. You will learn why little things done consistently are the only way big dreams become reality and how to manage the inner critic that appears every time you level up. Devon shares his transition from an Army Captain to a cook in a restaurant to a global motivational speaker, proving that a single success doesn't define you—the push does. WHAT WE COVER Your circumstances are just a starting pointGrowing up in Olympic Gardens: Seeing a better life from the gateManaging the inner critic when moving to the next levelWhy geography doesn't define your potentialThe Lamppost Google Search: How to find inspiration before the internetBreaking free: Why you must stop being friends with limiting mindsetsFacing the 99% risk: The "If I die, I die" mentalityBattling Imposter Syndrome after reaching the mountaintopStarting from scratch: From Olympic hero to restaurant cookDoing the little things consistently to achieve the impossibleThe Keep on Pushing Foundation: Giving back to disadvantaged communities IMPACTFUL QUOTES Your current circumstances don’t define where you’re going to end up.Go as far as you can see, for when you get there, you’ll see further.Every goal that we have sits on its version of a 650-pound bobsled. The way to get your goal moving is to start pushing. ABOUT THE GUEST Devon Harris is a 3-time Olympian and retired Captain of the Jamaica Defense Force. As an original member of the Jamaican Bobsled Team, Devon is now a world-renowned motivational speaker and founder of the Keep on Pushing Foundation. https://www.tiktok.com/@officialdevonharrishttps://www.instagram.com/officialdevonharris/https://www.facebook.com/keeppushingKeep on Pushing Foundation: https://www.keeponpushingfoundation.org ABOUT THE HOST Marc A. Wolfe is an Executive Coach, Strategic Advisor, and President of the Nashville Chapter of the Private Directors Association. He acts as a catalyst for high-performing leaders, helping them navigate complexity and turn conversations into outcomes. With a unique background that spans supporting early Apple technology at Fortune 500 companies to photographing U.S. Presidents and NFL teams, Marc brings a rare perspective to high-stakes environments. He is the author of Yeah, But, a framework designed to help leaders cut through the noise to accelerate growth and innovation. RESOURCES FOR YOU Website: https://www.marcawolfe.com/Get a copy of Yeah, But: https://ybut.short.gy/ybRead your free chapter of Yeah, But: https://ybut.short.gy/chapterSuggest a guest for The Yeah, But Podcast: https://ybut.short.gy/ybguest CONNECT WITH MARC LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcwolfe/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marcawolfe/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marcAwolfe X (Twitter): https://x.com/marcawolfe CONTACT US 2000 Mallory Lane, Suite 130.257, Franklin, TN 37067 USA 201 257 3545 webcontact@marcAwolfe.com

    32 min
  7. From "Undraftable" to Super Bowl Champion: Ben Utecht’s Story

    Feb 3

    From "Undraftable" to Super Bowl Champion: Ben Utecht’s Story

    Ben Utecht was a top NFL draft prospect until a career-ending injury red-flagged him as "too risky" for every team in the league. He sat by the phone, undrafted and devastated, until 5 seconds into free agency when Tony Dungy kept a promise that changed everything. This is the story of how Ben went from "damaged goods" to a Super Bowl ring, and the servant leadership lessons he now teaches Fortune 500 companies. IN THIS EPISODE: In this episode of The Yeah, But Podcast, Marc Wolfe sits down with Ben Utecht, former Indianapolis Colt, Super Bowl Champion, and author of The Champion's Creed. Ben shares the brutally honest reality of the NFL locker room where "No Excuses" is written on the wall, and how he translated elite sports discipline into a successful career as a Chief Culture Officer. We dive deep into the power of "Bold Grace," the specific moment Ben had to get on his knees to apologize to his daughter, and why he believes culture is a "pebble game," not a boulder game. If you are a leader trying to build a championship team without losing your humanity, this conversation is the playbook. WHAT WE COVER: 00:00 Intro: Super Bowl Rings & Estrogen Oceans (Girl Dad Life) 04:40 The "Yeah, But" of the NFL Locker Room 08:49 The Injury: Hearing the Pop & Being Red Flagged 11:36 The Promise: Why Tony Dungy Called 5 Seconds Later 13:34 Ego vs. Humility: The "Forget About Me, I Love You" Rule 18:37 The "Valley" of Life After Football 21:26 Vulnerability: The Moment Ben Apologized on His Knees 27:45 System: Save Yourself Time, Energy, Money QUOTES: "I sat in my agent's office... holding back tears... five seconds after the free agent market opened, the phone rings. It was Tony Dungy." — Ben Utecht "Culture is not a boulder game. Culture is a pebble game. It’s about ripple effect after ripple effect." — Ben Utecht "I chose to physically lower myself... I’m 6’7”, 260 pounds... I got on my knees below my daughter to apologize." — Ben Utecht ABOUT THE GUEST: Ben Utecht is an NFL Super Bowl Champion (Indianapolis Colts), a national speaker, and a Chief Culture Officer. He is the author of The Champion’s Creed and helps organizations build elite cultures through the principles of servant leadership. Website: https://www.benutecht.com/ Book: The Champion's Creed https://benutechtspeaks.com/buy-his-book/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benutecht/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/benutecht/ ABOUT THE HOST: Marc A. Wolfe brings an unflinching eye to leadership. With a background that ranges from supporting early Apple infrastructure to photographing U.S. Presidents and NFL teams, Marc has spent his career observing high-stakes performance from angles others miss. He doesn't just offer strategy; he holds up a mirror. As Co-President of the Private Directors Association, Nashville Chapter, and author of Yeah, But, he helps leaders dismantle the sophisticated excuses that disguise themselves as logic. RESOURCES FOR YOU: Website: https://www.marcawolfe.com/ Get a copy of Yeah, But: https://ybut.short.gy/yb Read your free chapter of ‘Yeah, But’: https://ybut.short.gy/chapter Suggest a guest for The Yeah, But Podcast: https://ybut.short.gy/ybguest CONNECT WITH MARC: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcwolfe/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marcawolfe/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marcAwolfe X (Twitter): https://x.com/marcawolfe CONTACT US: 2000 Mallory Lane, Suite 130.257, Franklin, TN 37067 USA 201 257 3545 webcontact@marcAwolfe.com

    40 min
  8. From State Trooper to 860K YouTube Subscribers

    Jan 20

    From State Trooper to 860K YouTube Subscribers

    Welcome to Season 2 of The Yeah, But Podcast. Expect brutally honest conversations about the excuses that hold leaders back. Everyone told Matt Outlaw he was crazy. He was a Sergeant with the Arkansas State Police, next in line for Lieutenant, with a guaranteed salary and full benefits. But he was also broke, filing for bankruptcy, and staring at a 'Yeah, But' that wouldn't go away. This is the story of how he walked away from total security to build 731 Woodworks, grew a YouTube channel to over 860,000 subscribers, and why he says discipline, not motivation, is the only reason he survived. In This Episode:In this episode of the Yeah, But Podcast, Marc Wolfe sits down with Matt Outlaw, the creator behind 731 Woodworks. Matt shares his brutally honest journey from financial ruin and filing for bankruptcy to leaving a 15-year career as an Arkansas State Trooper to become a full-time entrepreneur. We dive deep into the fear of quitting a "safe" career, the power of "praying circles," and the exact moment Matt knew his mission in law enforcement was over. If you are stuck in a job but know you are meant for more, this conversation exposes the reality of the jump. What We Cover: Intro: From State Trooper to YouTuber The Financial Crash: Bankruptcy and The $100 Start The First "Side Hustle" (Selling Furniture on Facebook) The Viral Moment: "5 Woodworking Projects to Sell" The "Yeah, But" of Walking Away from Security Faith Over Fear: The "In God We Trust" Shift The Resignation: Walking into the Captain's Office Discipline vs. Motivation (The Athlete Mindset) Dealing with the "Valley of Despair" in Business Marc’s Final Thoughts: Intentionality & Pre-Deciding Quotes:"I was in anguish about leaving the state police... I'm leaving the insurance, I'm leaving a steady paycheck." — Matt Outlaw"If you stay motivated, your motivation's gonna come and go... You have to stay disciplined." — Matt Outlaw"I’ve only heard God talk to me twice... I heard: 'I created the universe, I got this.'" — Matt Outlaw About the Guest:Matt Outlaw is a former Arkansas State Trooper turned full-time woodworker and content creator. He is the face of 731 Woodworks, a YouTube channel with over 860,000 subscribers dedicated to helping people build furniture and grow their own woodworking businesses. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/731woodworks Website: https://www.731woodworks.com About the Host:Marc A. Wolfe is an Executive Coach, Strategic Advisor, and President of the Nashville Chapter of the Private Directors Association. He acts as a catalyst for high-performing leaders, helping them navigate complexity and turn conversations into outcomes. With a unique background that spans supporting early Apple technology at Fortune 500 companies to photographing U.S. Presidents and NFL teams, Marc brings a rare perspective to high-stakes environments. He is the author of Yeah, But, a framework designed to help leaders cut through the noise to accelerate growth and innovation. Resources for You: Website: https://www.marcawolfe.com/ Get a copy of Yeah, But: https://ybut.short.gy/yb Read your free chapter of ‘Yeah, But’: https://ybut.short.gy/chapter Suggest a guest for The Yeah, But Podcast: https://ybut.short.gy/ybguest Connect with Marc: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcwolfe/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marcawolfe/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marcAwolfe X (Twitter): https://x.com/marcawolfe Contact Us:2000 Mallory Lane, Suite 130.257, Franklin, TN 37067 USA201 257 3545webcontact@marcAwolfe.com

    36 min
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5
out of 5
11 Ratings

About

"Yeah, But..." The two words that kill more dreams than failure. Bestselling author Marc A. Wolfe provides you with the tools to squash them. Based on his acclaimed book, The Yeah, But Podcast features raw conversations with leaders who share how they overcame their own self-doubt. You'll get real-world strategies to silence your inner critic, break free from limitations, and turn your biggest goals into reality. It's time to trade excuses for execution. Tune in and let's get to work. #NoMoreYeahButs

Information

  • Creator
    Marc A. Wolfe
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    27
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Marc A. Wolfe
  • Show Website
    The Yeah, But Podcast