The Long-Haul Leader

Chris Ducker
  • 5.0 (2)
  • BUSINESS

In a world obsessed with overnight wins and hustle culture, The Long-Haul Leader is a refreshing, no-fluff philosophy for entrepreneurs and leaders who are building businesses and lives that are made to last. Hosted by serial entrepreneur, Chris Ducker, this show dives deep into what it really takes to lead with longevity, purpose, and peace of mind. Each episode features candid conversations with industry leaders, bestselling authors, and mission-driven entrepreneurs who’ve built careers and companies that stand the test of time. From navigating burnout and balancing ambition with well-being, to creating personal brands with lasting impact, The Long-Haul Leader is your go-to guide for playing the long game in leadership and business. If you're in it for legacy, not just likes... you're in the right place.

  1. 11/19/2025

    How to Maximize Your Impact via Your Health with JJ Virgin

    JJ Virgin is a four-time New York Times bestselling author, health expert, and one of the most trusted voices in nutrition, fitness, and long-term wellness. With over 40 years of experience coaching high performers, from CEOs to elite athletes, she specializes in helping leaders optimize their energy, resilience, and longevity. She’s been featured on Dr. Phil, The Today Show, and hundreds of major media outlets, and is known for making complex health science simple, practical, and doable for busy entrepreneurs. In this episode, Chris and JJ explore what entrepreneurs and leaders must do to stay strong, focused, and healthy over the long-haul. From protein and plants to resistance training, sleep, creatine, and VO₂ max, this conversation is packed with simple, actionable strategies to help you perform at your best, without burning out. Whether you're a midlife entrepreneur or simply want more strength and stamina, JJ’s insights will help you build a stronger, more resilient foundation for the long-term! IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN: Why your health is the ultimate business advantageThe single biggest shift midlife leaders must make in their nutritionSleep as the cornerstone of recovery, energy and mental performanceThe rise of VO₂ max and why it's now a top indicator of lifespan EPISODE TIMESTAMPS: 03:48 - JJ Virgin's Health and Wellness Philosophy11:41 - The Importance of Protein and Diet22:22 - Exercise and Movement for Long-Term Health27:57 - Creating a Movement-Friendly Workspace28:29 - Benefits of Post-Meal Walks30:06 - Incorporating Resistance Training31:44 - Overcoming Exercise Barriers34:48 - The Importance of Sleep for Recovery39:18 - The Role of Creatine in Health44:30 - Understanding VO2 Max48:25 - Personal Health Goals RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Get Your Copy of The Long-Haul LeaderConnect with Chris on InstagramCheck Out JJ’s WebsiteConnect with JJ on Instagram SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW: Be sure to subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts (or your favorite podcast player) — it helps more long-haul leaders like you discover the show and join the journey. Thanks for listening to The Long-Haul Leader podcast. See you next week with more insights to help you lead with purpose, resilience, and impact.

    55 min

  2. 11/12/2025

    The Leadership Journey Beyond Hustle with Mark Schaefer

    Mark Schaefer is a globally recognized keynote speaker, marketing consultant, and author of 11 bestselling books including KNOWN, Marketing Rebellion and Belonging to the Brand. Mark has spent decades helping professionals and organizations build authentic brands and meaningful connections. In this episode, Chris and Mark talk about what happens when success comes at the cost of your health, and how to find contentment on the other side. After a health scare revealed dangerously high blood pressure, Mark made the courageous decision to pause, re-evaluate, and realign his work and life. The conversation dives deep into the importance of slowing down, creating space for creativity, and redefining what it truly means to be successful in business and in life. This is an honest, refreshing discussion between two longtime friends about legacy, longevity, and letting go of the endless chase for more. IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN: How a health wake-up call changed the way Mark approaches work and successThe power of contentment and why it’s Mark’s new singular focusWhy slowing down can lead to more creativity and impact, not lessThe importance of hobbies, reflection, and time in nature for sustainable successHow to balance ambition with well-beingThe surprising connection between becoming a grandparent and redefining priorities EPISODE TIMESTAMPS: 01:45 - Mark’s Journey and Recent Health Scare02:19 - The Importance of Contentment and Life Changes05:33 - Mark's New Lifestyle and Health Improvements11:14 - Balancing Work, Health, and Hobbies18:00 - Exploring Creativity and Avoiding Burnout19:17 - Scaling Back and Resetting Priorities21:36 - Embracing Contentment Over Hustle25:19 - Financial Insights and Business Growth29:15 - The Impact of Becoming a Grandfather30:42 - Advice for Young Entrepreneurs31:51 - Reflecting on Sacrifice and Long-Term Success RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Get your Copy of The Long-Haul LeaderConnect with Chris on InstagramCheck Out Mark’s BooksMark’s WebsiteConnect with Mark on Instagram SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW: Be sure to subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts (or your favorite podcast player) — it helps more long-haul leaders like you discover the show and join the journey. Thanks for listening to The Long-Haul Leader podcast. See you next week with more insights to help you lead with purpose, resilience, and impact.

    39 min

  3. 11/05/2025

    How to Craft a Life Worth Living with Grant Baldwin

    Grant Baldwin is the founder and CEO of The Speaker Lab, a coaching and training company that has helped tens of thousands of speakers launch and grow successful speaking businesses. A dynamic entrepreneur, bestselling author, and seasoned keynote speaker, Grant has delivered nearly 1,000 presentations to over half a million people across 47 states and beyond. Under his leadership, The Speaker Lab has been named to the Inc. 5000 list four years running and has become a trusted industry leader for aspiring and experienced speakers alike. In this episode, Chris and Grant dive into what it really takes to build a business and a life that lasts. From staying the course and avoiding burnout to finding joy outside of work, Grant shares lessons from over a decade of leading a multi seven-figure company with intention and purpose. He opens up about the power of consistency, why hobbies matter more than hustle, and how building genuine relationships (not just networking) has shaped his journey. This conversation is a masterclass in long-term thinking, leadership, and creating a business that supports the life you actually want to live. IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN: The importance of long-term thinking and staying the courseHow to keep things interesting when you’ve been doing the “same thing” for yearsThe value of hobbies, rest, and sabbaticals (including why Grant got his pilot’s license!)Building authentic relationships that lead to opportunityWhy success means creating a business that supports your life, not the other way around EPISODE TIMESTAMPS: 04:04 - The Journey of Building a Successful Business06:11 - Maintaining Passion and Avoiding Burnout15:44 - The Importance of Relationships and Personal Mastery19:11 - Building Relationships: From Macro to Micro19:25 - Networking Strategies: The Right and Wrong Approaches20:14 - The Evolution of Social Media Engagement21:14 - Intentional Relationship Building23:58 - Hobbies and Pastimes: Finding Balance30:08 - Living Like a Long-Haul Leader RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Get Your Copy of The Long-Haul LeaderConnect with Chris on InstagramThe Speaker LabConnect with Grant on Instagram SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW: Be sure to subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts (or your favorite podcast player) — it helps more long-haul leaders like you discover the show and join the journey. Thanks for listening to The Long-Haul Leader podcast. See you next week with more insights to help you lead with purpose, resilience, and impact.

    34 min

  4. 10/29/2025

    Survival, Success and Miracle Mornings with Hal Elrod

    Hal Elrod is the bestselling author of The Miracle Morning, a keynote speaker, and one of the most resilient humans you’ll ever meet. He has survived a tragic childhood loss, a near-fatal car accident, and an aggressive cancer diagnosis. Today he helps millions of people transform their lives simply by transforming how they start their day. In this episode, Hal gets incredibly real with Chris about what it means to stay the course. He shares the mindset that helped him beat cancer, how he rebuilt his energy and mental health after treatment, and the practices he still relies on every single day. You’ll also hear Hal open up about shifting from a constant-hustle extrovert to someone who now protects his solitude and peace, why he believes most entrepreneurs waste precious time wishing they were further ahead, and how to define success around what matters most: health, family, and freedom. This conversation is packed with courage, perspective, practical tools and a refreshing reminder that the long game is the only game worth playing. IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN: Why Hal believes mindset is the #1 factor in healing and successThe Miracle Morning and how it helped him beat cancerHow Hal leads, earns, and impacts others while protecting his energyOutgrowing “busy” and discovering the joy of solitudeWhat Hal now prioritizes most: health, family, and freedom EPISODE TIMESTAMPS: 03:06 - Hal's Battle with Cancer: A Journey of Survival08:03 - The Power of Mindset in Overcoming Adversity15:03 - Life After Cancer: Challenges and Triumphs17:24 - Balancing Leadership and Health19:33 - Building a Lean Team20:10 - Personal Relaxation and Hobbies22:53 - Shifting from Extrovert to Introvert27:21 - Advice to My Younger Self29:48 - Prioritizing Health, Family, and Freedom RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Get Your Copy of The Long-Haul LeaderConnect with Chris on InstagramMiracle MorningConnect with Hal on Instagram SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW: Be sure to subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts (or your favorite podcast player) — it helps more long-haul leaders like you discover the show and join the journey. Thanks for listening to The Long-Haul Leader podcast. See you next week with more insights to help you lead with purpose, resilience, and impact.

    33 min

  5. 10/22/2025

    The Entrepreneur's Guide to Family Time with Ryan Deiss

    Ryan Deiss is the Founder and CEO of The Scalable Company (Scalable.co), DigitalMarketer.com, and a Founding Partner at Scalable Equity, LLC, a venture equity accelerator that builds and acquires B2B media, service, and software brands. In his 20+ year career as a serial entrepreneur, investor, and advisor, Ryan has started 17 companies, exited 4, and his portfolio of companies generated in excess of $200M in revenue last year, alone. As one of the most respected minds in digital marketing, Ryan continues to shape the way entrepreneurs grow smarter, scale sustainably, and lead better. In this episode, Chris and Ryan discuss the napkin moment that completely transformed Ryan's approach to business, and ultimately became the foundation for one of the most widely adopted marketing frameworks in the world. He also opens up about redefining success after multiple exits, and the lessons that helped him prioritize purpose and family without losing his entrepreneurial edge. This episode is a deep dive into what it really takes to build lasting success, without losing sight of what matters most. IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN: The story behind Ryan’s “million-dollar napkin” and how simplicity became his superpowerWhy most entrepreneurs overcomplicate their businesses and how to fix itThe two turning points that shaped Ryan’s journey through burnout and backHow to set calendar-based boundaries that protect your time and familyThe “Big 3” habit that keeps Ryan consistent and focused every week EPISODE TIMESTAMPS: 02:38 - Ryan's Early Business Journey05:45 - The Million Dollar Napkin10:55 - Balancing Business and Family Life15:50 - Setting Boundaries for Personal and Professional Success21:11 - Flexible Time Blocking Strategies22:13 - Personal Habits and Routines23:49 - Weekly and Quarterly Reviews30:34 - Avoiding Burnout34:24 - Celebrating Wins and Learning from Mistakes RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Get Your Copy of The Long-Haul LeaderConnect with Chris on InstagramCheck Out Scalable CoConnect with Ryan on Instagram SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW: Be sure to subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts (or your favorite podcast player) — it helps more long-haul leaders like you discover the show and join the journey. Thanks for listening to The Long-Haul Leader podcast. See you next week with more insights to help you lead with purpose, resilience, and impact.

    42 min

  6. 10/15/2025

    The Future of Exceptional Experiences with Neen James

    Neen James is a leadership strategist, dynamic keynote speaker, and the author of Folding Time, Attention Pays, and Exceptional Experiences. With boundless energy, quick wit, and actionable insights, she serves as a confidante to C-suite leaders, helping them elevate experiences, sharpen focus, and strengthen communication and influence. Recently appointed to the board of the World Luxury Chamber of Commerce, Neen has been named one of the Top 30 Leadership Speakers by Global Gurus multiple years in a row for her work with prestigious brands including Viacom, Comcast, Virtuoso Travel, Four Seasons, and the FBI. In this episode, Chris and Neen dive into what it truly means to design and deliver exceptional experiences, for your clients, your team, and yourself. From productivity to attention, and now to luxury experiences, Neen’s work has evolved around one central theme: human connection. She reveals why luxury is a mindset, how leaders can think like concierges instead of bellhops, and why creating emotional connection in an AI-driven world is more important than ever. IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN: Why luxury is about experience, not expenseHow to think like a concierge, not a bellhop and why that mindset changes everythingThe Experience Elevation Model: a framework for enticing, exciting, and delighting your clientsWhy retention beats acquisition when it comes to sustainable growthHow energy, not time, is your most valuable asset as a long-haul leader EPISODE TIMESTAMPS: 02:27 - The Power of Thought Leadership and Connection07:04 - The Evolution of Productivity to Exceptional Experiences08:14 - Luxury as a Mindset: Human Connection in a Digital World13:03 - AI vs. Human Connection: The Concierge Approach15:14 - Experience Elevation Model: From Attention to Advocacy17:04 - Enticing Clients with Compelling Stories19:24 - Delighting Clients by Anticipating Needs20:15 - Igniting Client Advocacy22:28 - The Importance of Retaining Existing Clients28:05 - The Role of Energy in Leadership RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Get Your Copy of The Long-Haul LeaderConnect with Chris on InstagramGet Your Copy of Exceptional ExperiencesConnect with Neen on InstagramNeen's Website SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW: Be sure to subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts (or your favorite podcast player) — it helps more long-haul leaders like you discover the show and join the journey. Thanks for listening to The Long-Haul Leader podcast. See you next week with more insights to help you lead with purpose, resilience, and impact.

    38 min

  7. 10/08/2025

    Mastering Communication and Balancing Life's Demand with Phil M. Jones

    Phil M. Jones is a serial entrepreneur, founder of five multimillion-dollar companies, and a strategic advisor to leaders of some of the world’s biggest brands. He's the author of seven bestselling books, including the acclaimed Exactly series with over 3 million copies sold. His expertise has impacted more than 800 industries across 59 countries, and he now serves in residence at High Point University’s Access to Innovators Program, joining the ranks of global leaders like Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak and Netflix co-founder Marc Randolph, mentoring the next generation of innovators. In this episode, Chris sits down with Phil to explore the art of communication and thriving in a high-achieving lifestyle. Phil shares strategies for solving problems effectively, using precise language to drive business results, and balancing work-life demands without sacrificing health or performance. They also discuss the impact of AI on information sharing and how leaders can stay ahead in a fast-changing world. Packed with actionable insights and thought-provoking ideas, this conversation is a must-listen for anyone looking to grow, lead, and perform for the long-haul! IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN: How the right words can transform your business outcomesBalancing high-achievement with personal well-beingLeadership lessons for sustainable success in a fast-changing worldPractical strategies for long-term thinking and personal growth EPISODE TIMESTAMPS: 04:20 - The Impact of 'Exactly What to Say'08:54 - Balancing Work and Personal Life13:34 - The Importance of Momentum and Focus18:05 - Building a Loyal and Effective Team24:11 - The Future of Content Creation and AI26:13 - The Decline of Online Courses26:59 - AI's Personalized Insights28:36 - The Future of Thought Leadership32:06 - Health and Momentum38:41 - Travel Hacks and Jet Lag Solutions40:14 - Maximizing Productivity on the Road45:24 - Exploring New Hobbies RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Get Your Copy of The Long-Haul LeaderConnect with Chris on InstagramExactly What to SayPhil's WebsiteConnect with Phil on Instagram SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW: Be sure to subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts (or your favorite podcast player) — it helps more long-haul leaders like you discover the show and join the journey. Thanks for listening to The Long-Haul Leader podcast. See you next week with more insights to help you lead with purpose, resilience, and impact.

    51 min

  8. 10/01/2025

    Unpacking Purpose: Navigating Life's New Chapters with Brian Clark

    Brian Clark is a writer, traveler, and entrepreneur. He’s best known as the founder of the pioneering content marketing resource Copyblogger, along with its popular StudioPress and Rainmaker business lines. Between 2007 and 2017, Brian’s companies generated over $70 million in sales, all without investment and advertising thanks to a unique content marketing approach. Following the acquisition of the Copyblogger collection of assets and a brief pause to travel the world with his family, Brian now helps Generation X navigate the new realities of midlife, retirement, and longevity. In this episode, Chris and Brian dive deep into building long-term, purpose-driven businesses without sacrificing your well-being. They explore how to lead with intention, master your mindset, and create a lasting legacy while navigating the challenges of midlife entrepreneurship. Brian shares his journey, offering insights into the hurdles and opportunities that come with evolving your career and business at midlife. Together, they discuss burnout, mental health, and strategies for sustainable leadership that allow you to stay in your zone of genius. IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN: The hidden challenges of selling a successful business (and how to rediscover your identity afterward)Practical strategies for preventing burnout and protecting your mental healthWhy adaptability and staying in your zone of genius matter more than everThe role of AI and technology in amplifying creativity (without losing the human connection)Why legacy isn’t about credit, it’s about the people you help along the way EPISODE TIMESTAMPS: 02:47 - From Copy Blogger to Longevity Economy03:59 - The Shift to Purpose-Driven Work06:18 - Overcoming Burnout and Finding Balance13:12 - Navigating Identity After Business Acquisitions15:50 - Mastering Every Moment as a Solopreneur19:01 - The Role of AI in Modern Entrepreneurship21:27 - The Importance of Human Connection in the Age of AI22:11 - Using AI for Ideation and Validation23:18 - Staying in Your Zone of Genius24:02 - The Evolution of Further and Midlife Insights27:15 - Economic Fears and Midlife Challenges30:10 - Mentorship and Influences34:14 - Legacy and Lasting Impact RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Get Your Copy of The Long-Haul LeaderConnect with Chris on InstagramCheck Out Brian’s Newsletter, FurtherConnect with Brian on LinkedIn SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW: Be sure to subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts (or your favorite podcast player) — it helps more long-haul leaders like you discover the show and join the journey. Thanks for listening to The Long-Haul Leader podcast. See you next week with more insights to help you lead with purpose, resilience, and impact.

    42 min
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About

In a world obsessed with overnight wins and hustle culture, The Long-Haul Leader is a refreshing, no-fluff philosophy for entrepreneurs and leaders who are building businesses and lives that are made to last. Hosted by serial entrepreneur, Chris Ducker, this show dives deep into what it really takes to lead with longevity, purpose, and peace of mind. Each episode features candid conversations with industry leaders, bestselling authors, and mission-driven entrepreneurs who’ve built careers and companies that stand the test of time. From navigating burnout and balancing ambition with well-being, to creating personal brands with lasting impact, The Long-Haul Leader is your go-to guide for playing the long game in leadership and business. If you're in it for legacy, not just likes... you're in the right place.

Information

  • Creator
    Chris Ducker
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    22
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 Chris Ducker
  • Show Website
    The Long-Haul Leader