That’s Awesome with Ryan McPartlin

Ryan McPartlin, Bleav

On That’s Awesome, Ryan McPartlin and his guests break down life like a TV series — exploring one story, one episode, one breakthrough at a time and the plot twists that shaped who they are today.

  1. FEB 6

    Is Animal Control's, Vella Lovell The Next Motivational Guru???

    This episode of That’s Awesome wasn’t designed to teach anything - it was simply two actors catching up and comparing notes on life, work, and the strange in-between spaces of a creative career. Ryan McPartlin sits down with former co-star from Clusterfunke Christmas Vella Lovell, star of Animal Control, for a free-flowing, stream-of-consciousness conversation that moves effortlessly between humor, honesty, and the shared uncertainty that comes with chasing work you love. They talk about acting without romanticizing it, auditions without overthinking them, and imposter syndrome without pretending it ever fully disappears. Along the way, stories from theatre, television, Vancouver during COVID, and the modern reality of self-tapes lead to an accidental realization: Vella has a way of framing life that feels suspiciously close to an accicdental motivational keynote. There’s no roadmap here. Just laughter, perspective, and the comfort of knowing that not having it all figured out might actually be the point. Keywords & Topics Discussed Vella Lovell, Ryan McPartlin, Mr. Mayor, Animal Control, acting podcast, actor life, creative career, Hollywood acting, imposter syndrome, uncertainty, authenticity, comedy acting, audition process, self tapes, creative process, resilience, self doubt, confidence, community, motivation, life lessons, staying grounded, behind the scenes acting, limiting beliefs, Catching up as friends and letting the conversation go where it wants Acting as a long game rather than a destination Hollywood’s obsession with labels and expectations Living with imposter syndrome instead of trying to eliminate it Auditions as repetition, not judgment Comedy, rhythm, and instinct—onstage and in life The isolation of self-tapes vs. the energy of real community Letting go of outcomes and focusing on effort Finding humor inside uncertainty Accidentally sounding like a motivational speaker without trying Mentioned in This Episode Animal Control, Mr. Mayor,  Theatre training and television comedy Life lessons hidden inside everyday conversations Tony Robbins (purely by accident) Connect with Ryan McPartlin Twitter, Facebook, Instagram @ryanmcpartlin & @ryanmcpartlintv Listen & Watch Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, and everywhere you get podcasts Watch the full episode on YouTube at RyanMcPartlinTV channel Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    1 hr
  2. JAN 30

    Dr. Bob Husband: The Simple Skills That Create Real Influence

    Summary In this episode of That’s Awesome, Ryan McPartlin reconnects with Dr. Bob Husband, one of the most influential communication professors in University of Illinois history and a legendary mentor whose classes shaped generations of students to become leaders in their fields long before the title “influencer” became a buzzword. As an actor, Ryan was trained to listen - really listen- using repetition and presence to stay grounded in the moment. During this conversation, he has a realization: Dr. Husband’s communication class was actually his first acting class, teaching the same active listening skills actors rely on to create real connection on set, skills that translate directly to leadership, relationships, and influence in everyday life. This isn’t about performing or talking louder. It’s about learning how listening, asking better questions, and reflecting what you hear builds trust, credibility, and impact. Drawing from decades in education and executive consulting, Dr. Husband breaks down how humility paired with fierce resolve creates transformational leaders - and why the most influential people in any room are often the best listeners. Keywords communication, leadership, listening, mentorship, self-improvement, storytelling, education, humility, questions, transformational leadership, University of Illinois, influencer, actor, Captain Awesome, Chuck Takeaways The most important word in any language is a person's name. Effective communication starts with listening. Asking questions is a powerful tool in conversations. Humility and fierce resolve are essential traits in leadership. Transformational leaders combine humility with strong resolve. Education and mentorship play a crucial role in personal growth. The art of storytelling enhances communication. Building connections through names can break the ice. Self-improvement begins with the willingness to ask questions. Community and collaboration are vital for success. Chapters Introduction to the Podcast and Guest Dr. Bob Husband's Background and Career The Importance of Names in Communication Bob's Journey into Communication and Education The Role of Listening in Effective Communication The Need for Better Listening Skills in Leadership The Art of Listening and Engagement Control in Conversations: The Power of Questions Leadership Through Inquiry: The Role of Questions The Importance of Connection in Conversations Listening as an Acting Skill: The Power of Non-Verbal Communication Transformational Leadership: Humility and Resolve Adapting to Change: A Leadership Challenge The Role of Authenticity in Leadership Embracing Authenticity: A Personal Journey The Essence of Humility and Resolve Transformative Life Episodes The Power of Questions in Leadership Ubuntu: The Collective Experience Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    1h 2m
  3. 12/19/2025

    JEANNA LOVES CHRISTMAS & How You Can Too...

    In this episode of That’s Awesome with Ryan McPartlin, Ryan sits down with his friend Jeanna Crawford, founder of Jeanna Loves Christmas, to talk about how a deep emotional connection to Christmas — rooted in her childhood — grew into a thriving high-end holiday décor business and online brand. What began as a small, heartfelt passion turned into a full-fledged company and creative platform. Jeanna opens up about choosing Christmas not just as a season, but as a mindset — one centered on light, joy, and intention. She shares how trusting her instincts, leading with heart, and embracing creativity helped her business grow from humble beginnings to tens of thousands of followers and a reputation that’s earned her the nickname “The Queen of Christmas.” This conversation is about more than decorations — it’s about how the things that bring us peace and joy early in life can become the foundation for meaningful work and a purpose-driven career. Episode Takeaway Sometimes your calling isn’t something you chase, it’s something that’s been comforting you all along. When you choose to lead with heart, passion can turn into purpose. ️Episode Timeline 01:53 – Jeanna shares where her love of Christmas truly began 02:46 – The idea behind Jeanna Loves Christmas and how it started 05:02 – Growing the business from small beginnings to real momentum 07:06 – The surreal feeling of watching the brand take off 09:48 – Why Jeanna believes Christmas is a choice — and a way of life Keywords Christmas Holiday décor Entrepreneurship Creativity Jeanna Loves Christmas Turning passion into a career Creative business journey Holiday mindset That’s Awesome Podcast Ryan McPartlin Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    44 min
  4. 12/11/2025

    Jason Day: Golf Saved His Life But Faith and Family Gave It Meaning. Lessons from a PGA Champion and Former World Number One

    Keywords Golf, Jason Day, PGA, champion, childhood, trauma, overcoming adversity, professional golf, family dynamics, mental health, success, support systems, life lessons, faith, finding love Summary In this episode, Ryan McPartlin sits down with professional golfer Jason Day, who shares his inspiring journey from a challenging childhood in Australia to becoming one of the top golfers in the world. Jason discusses the impact of his family dynamics, the importance of support systems, and the lessons learned through adversity. He emphasizes the significance of enjoying the process of improvement and finding the right people to surround oneself with. The conversation highlights the struggles, trauma and triumphs of Jason's life, offering valuable insights into resilience, determination, and the pursuit of excellence. Takeaways Jason Day reflects on his 13 PGA Tour victories and the feeling of swinging a golf club. Golf is addictive due to the potential for quick improvement in skills. Jason shares his challenging childhood experiences and the impact of his father's abuse. Despite the abuse, Jason's love for golf helped him focus and excel in the sport. Jason's mother made sacrifices to send him to a golf academy, recognizing his potential. The importance of having a structured routine and support system in achieving success. Jason discusses the pressure of being number one in the world and the challenges that come with it. He emphasizes the importance of loving the process of improvement rather than just the end goal. Finding the right life partner and support system is crucial for personal and professional growth. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Awesome Journey 01:57 The Golfing Journey Begins 05:52 Overcoming Childhood Challenges 12:01 The Impact of Family Dynamics 15:20 Finding Purpose in Golf 21:21 The Road to Professional Golf 27:03 Achieving Success and Recognition 32:41 The Importance of Support Systems 39:06 Reflections on Success and Failure 50:25 Final Thoughts and Life Lessons Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    53 min
  5. Hallmark Star Taylor Cole Opens Up To Ryan McPartlin About Infertility, Grief And How Acting In Feel-Good Movies Gives Her Hope

    12/04/2025

    Hallmark Star Taylor Cole Opens Up To Ryan McPartlin About Infertility, Grief And How Acting In Feel-Good Movies Gives Her Hope

    Keywords Ryan McPartlin, Taylor Cole, Hallmark, Supernatural, Chuck, Infertility, Comic-Con, Christmas-Con, fan engagement, Acting, personal struggles, Mental Health, Charity Events, Golf, Grief Summary In this engaging conversation, Ryan McPartlin and Taylor Cole discuss their experiences in the entertainment industry, the importance of fan engagement, and the challenges of personal struggles, particularly around infertility. They explore the significance of creating feel-good content, the financial burdens associated with fertility treatments, and the therapeutic aspects of acting. The conversation also touches on the joy of charity events and the fun dynamics on set, culminating in a heartfelt exchange about vulnerability and the journey of life. Takeaways Taylor Cole has a strong connection with her fans, especially from Supernatural and Hallmark. Hallmark movies provide an escape from real-life conflicts. The Hallmark fan base is heartwarming and supportive. Infertility has been a significant personal struggle for Taylor Cole. Mindset and self-care are crucial during challenging times. It's important to listen to oneself and prioritize mental health. The financial burden of infertility treatments can be overwhelming. Charity events provide a fun way to give back to the community. Creating feel-good content is more important now than ever. Sharing personal struggles can help others feel seen and heard. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction 03:35 Fan Engagement and Hallmark's Impact 06:24 The Farm Project and Community Support 08:58 Personal Struggles and Growth 11:24 Balancing Personal Life and Acting 13:44 Mindset and Emotional Resilience 18:32 Journey of Surrender and Acceptance 20:52 The Power of Sharing Vulnerability 21:58 Financial Burdens of Fertility Treatments 27:09 Golfing Passion and Charity Events 30:52 Listening to Yourself: A Key to Healing 32:29 Thats Awesome Close Watch this episode on YouTube @RyanMcPartlinTV Follow - Ryan McPartlin FB - @RyanMcPartlin Instagram - @RyanMcPartlin X - @RyanMcPartlin TikTok - @RyanMcPartlin Follow - Taylor Cole Instagram - @taylorquinncole X - @taylorcole Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    33 min
  6. CHUCK'S Awesome Family Reunion and Sarah Lancaster’s Hollywood Lessons

    11/12/2025

    CHUCK'S Awesome Family Reunion and Sarah Lancaster’s Hollywood Lessons

    Keywords Chuck, Captain Awesome, Ellie Bartowski, Dr. Woodcomb, Sarah Lancaster, Ryan McPartlin, Hollywood journey, acting career, child star, family, career challenges, advice for actors Summary In this fun tv reunion, Ryan McPartlin and Sarah Lancaster explore Sarah's journey from a shy child in Kansas to a successful actress in Hollywood. They discuss the challenges of transitioning from a child star to an adult actor, the importance of family, and the lessons learned along the way. Sarah shares her experiences of navigating the ups and downs of her career, the significance of trusting the process, and the balance between work and family life. The conversation is filled with humor, nostalgia, and valuable insights for aspiring actors. Takeaways Sarah Lancaster reflects on her journey from a shy child to a successful actress. She emphasizes the importance of trusting the process in one's career. The transition from child star to adult actor comes with its own challenges. Family support played a crucial role in Sarah's career decisions. Sarah's experience highlights the need for resilience in the acting industry. She shares the significance of balancing work and family life. The conversation touches on the importance of self-advocacy in pursuing dreams. Sarah's story illustrates the value of hard work and dedication. The impact of COVID-19 led Sarah to reevaluate her priorities. Ryan and Sarah discuss the importance of creative fulfillment in their careers. Titles From Shy Kid to Hollywood Star: Sarah Lancaster's Journey Trusting the Process: Lessons from Sarah Lancaster Sound Bites "I don't care as much anymore." "I want to go to the beach." "Trust the process." Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction 03:31 Sarah Lancaster's Journey to Hollywood 06:10 Early Career and Breakthrough Role 08:50 Transitioning to Series Regular 11:45 Challenges After Success 14:31 Navigating Early Adulthood and Career Decisions 17:25 Support Systems and Struggles 19:52 Finding Stability in a Career 22:11 The Journey of Everwood and Beyond 23:20 Navigating the Roller Coaster of Acting 25:55 Finding Balance: Family and Career 29:19 Wisdom from Experience: Trusting the Process 32:58 Thats Awesome Close Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    33 min
  7. Bombing my "Captain Awesome" audition...and still landing the role on CHUCK

    10/28/2025

    Bombing my "Captain Awesome" audition...and still landing the role on CHUCK

    Episode Notes (Show Description & Chapters) In this debut episode, Ryan McPartlin opens up about the evolution from The Awesome Business Podcast to That’s Awesome—a show that celebrates people, purpose, and the pursuit of being just a little more awesome. He takes us back to 2007, when he was a new dad, nearly broke, and on the verge of giving up… right before an audition that went totally off the rails. Through humor, humility, and hindsight, Ryan reflects on what it really means to surrender, stay authentic, and root for others’ success—even when you’re questioning your own. Chapters & Key Moments 00:00 — The Journey of Captain Awesome Ryan introduces That’s Awesome, explains why he shifted focus from business to storytelling, and shares how the spirit of his Chuck character became the foundation for the podcast’s message of encouragement and authenticity. 00:08 — The Audition That Changed Everything Ryan reflects on 2007—becoming a new father, struggling financially, and missing a friend’s wedding to take one last shot at an NBC pilot. He sets the scene for a life-changing day that didn’t go as planned. 06:19 — Auditioning for Captain Awesome A behind-the-scenes look at the fateful Chuck audition: blanking on lines (twice), ignoring good instincts, fist-bumping the producers, and walking out convinced he’d just blown his biggest opportunity. 11:23 — Lessons Learned and Moving Forward Ryan shares how he still got the part, how Comic-Con helped him realize his place on the show, and what it taught him about imposter syndrome, authenticity, and trusting the process. 15:58 — Looking Ahead Ryan closes the episode with the core message behind That’s Awesome: surrender, be authentic, and root for others to succeed. Plus, a teaser for the next guest—someone who might be “even more awesome” than him. Topics Discussed The evolution from The Awesome Business Podcast to That’s Awesome How failure and vulnerability can open unexpected doors Letting go of control and surrendering to something bigger Redefining success and belonging in Hollywood Finding purpose in authenticity and service The power of rooting for others to be awesome Connect with Ryan Instagram: @RyanMcPartlin YouTube: RyanMcPartlinTV X: @RyanMcPartlin FB: @RyanMcPartlin TikTok: @RyanMcPartlin Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    16 min
  8. Nicole Sciacca: Pivoting, Reinventing & Building a Bigger Business in the Digital Age | E15

    03/27/2025

    Nicole Sciacca: Pivoting, Reinventing & Building a Bigger Business in the Digital Age | E15

    Keywords: Podcast, wellness, yoga, fitness, entrepreneurship, mobility, CARS method, digital transformation, injury recovery, mental health, digital fitness, pandemic impact, grief, online business, wellness, community, fitness industry, personal growth, resilience, entrepreneurship Summary In this episode of The Awesome Business Podcast, Ryan McPartlin sits down with Nicole Sciacca—former professional dancer turned mobility expert, entrepreneur, and all-around badass—to talk about what happens when life throws punch after punch… and how you roll with it. Nicole built a thriving in-person fitness business, only to have the pandemic rip it away overnight, forcing her to rebuild from scratch in the digital world. She opens up about the struggle of starting over, the frustration of adapting to an industry that changed overnight, and the mindset shifts that kept her moving forward. We get into the raw, unfiltered truth about entrepreneurship, reinvention, and why fitness is so much more than just working out—it’s about training your body and your mind to handle whatever comes next. Nicole also shares how grief has reshaped her perspective, the surprising lessons it’s taught her, and why she believes the connections we make don’t end when someone is gone. If you’ve ever felt stuck, lost, or like you’re being forced into a new chapter you didn’t sign up for, this one’s for you. Nicole Sciacca transitioned from a professional dancer to a wellness expert. Injury led Nicole to discover the healing benefits of yoga. The CARS method focuses on joint health and functional movement. Nicole's journey emphasizes the importance of mental health in physical fitness. Adapting to the digital age was crucial for Nicole's business during the pandemic. The dance community provided a strong support network for Nicole. Nicole's podcast, Shocking Y'all, ranks in the top 3% globally. Teaching yoga can be challenging without reciprocal energy from students. Nicole's experience with injuries shaped her approach to teaching. The importance of stubbornness and resilience in entrepreneurship. This is a whole untapped market. Go all in because now is the best time. Incredible courses and platforms are available for online business. You can just find your community online. Death is not the end; it is a transitional relationship. Life is so much more profound and beautiful than we give it credit for. You have to see the bigger picture. I still talk to Matt; he is an ascended spirit. The pandemic created a polarizing environment in the fitness industry. You don't have to become Martha Stewart; find your niche. Sound Bites "I'm destined for palm trees." "I had to heal and I had to move." "I left feeling good in my body." "I was like, what?" "I had over 200 people sign up." "I was just convinced I could do it." "This is a whole untapped market." "What a blessing this is." "I still talk to Matt." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Awesome Business Podcast 01:53 Meet Nicole Sciacca: A Journey from Dance to Wellness 05:01 Navigating the Dance Community and Early Career 09:45 The Shift to Fitness and Healing Through Yoga 12:35 Injury and the Transformation of Teaching Yoga 18:22 The CARS Method: A New Approach to Movement 21:18 Adapting to the Digital Age During the Pandemic 24:33 Exploring the Digital Fitness Landscape 29:05 Navigating the Pandemic's Impact on Fitness 34:28 Confronting Grief and Loss 45:12 Embracing Change and Future Endeavors Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    49 min
4.8
out of 5
21 Ratings

About

On That’s Awesome, Ryan McPartlin and his guests break down life like a TV series — exploring one story, one episode, one breakthrough at a time and the plot twists that shaped who they are today.

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