The Influence Exchange

J.V.
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Welcome to The Influence Exchange with J.V., where real conversations meet real-life experiences. From entrepreneurship, leadership, and wealth to mindset, relationships, resilience, and personal growth, we explore the stories, challenges, and lessons that shape our lives. Through honest conversations with inspiring people from all walks of life, we share fresh perspectives, practical insights, and experiences that make you think, reflect, and grow. Real conversations. Real experiences. Real growth.

  1. 1d ago

    The Patterns That Protected You as a Child May Be Holding You Back | Tori Janae

    What if the behaviors that helped you survive childhood are the same patterns holding you back as an adult? Maybe you learned to stay quiet, avoid conflict, please everyone, or always appear strong. Those behaviors may have helped you feel safe growing up, but what happens when they begin affecting your relationships, decisions, and personal growth? In Episode 65 of The Influence Exchange, J.V. sits down with transformational life strategist Tori Janae for an honest and deeply personal conversation about childhood survival patterns, emotional safety, people-pleasing, relationships, and breaking cycles that no longer serve us. Tori shares her experience growing up in an unstable environment, how those experiences shaped her approach to life, and what she learned about recognizing the patterns she carried into adulthood. J.V. also opens up about his own childhood experiences, creating a meaningful conversation about how our past can influence who we become. In this episode, we explore: How childhood survival patterns can influence adult relationships Why people-pleasing can make it difficult to express our needs The connection between emotional safety and our reactions How to recognize patterns that no longer serve us Why professional success doesn't always lead to personal fulfillment The importance of pausing before reacting Breaking generational cycles and making different choices How self-awareness and reflection can support meaningful change One of Tori's most powerful messages is that recognizing a pattern is already half the battle. Our past may shape us, but it doesn't have to determine how we move forward. Tori's Website: https://www.torijenae.com Host J.V. Episodes released weekly! Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube and also available on all major podcast platforms.  Follow The Influence Exchange on social media. Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-influence-exchange/id1853094614 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0FUV10b233dmePoYbGgli4 YouTube Channel: https://youtube.com/@theinfluenceexchange?si=GRWCJS5qhiu7aAwG Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_influence_exchange?igsh=bDRzb2NwNjJyaXQ1&utm_source=qr Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@the_influence_exchange?_r=1&_t=ZP-91Ot1k669Nu Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1F2h4hbGNL/?mibextid=wwXIfr See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    The Patterns That Protected You as a Child May Be Holding You Back | Tori Janae

  2. Nov 4

    Dyslexia Isn’t a Lack of Potential: Helping Kids Learn Differently | Russell Van Brocklen

    What happens when a child has the intelligence and potential to succeed, but the traditional education system isn't meeting their needs? In Episode 64 of The Influence Exchange, J.V. sits down with Russell Van Brocklen to explore dyslexia, learning differences, and why struggling with reading or writing should never define a child's future. Russell shares his remarkable personal journey, from having a first-grade reading and writing level while attending university to receiving 15 credits of F after an internship that originally recommended A-minus grades. Rather than allowing those experiences to define him, Russell dedicated himself to helping students with dyslexia develop their reading, writing, and critical-thinking skills. Throughout this conversation, we explore: Why dyslexia doesn't mean a lack of intelligence or potential. Early signs of reading and writing difficulties that parents should recognize. Why traditional teaching methods don't always work for every student. How Russell uses students' interests and strengths to support learning. The importance of early identification, educational support, and parental advocacy. How artificial intelligence is changing education and why foundational skills still matter. Why success isn't just about academic achievement, but giving children meaningful choices for their future. Russell also shares examples from his work with students and families, explains his approach to teaching writing, and discusses why parents should feel empowered to ask questions and seek appropriate support. Whether you're a parent, educator, student, or someone who has experienced learning challenges, this conversation offers a different perspective on education, resilience, and human potential. Russell's Website: https://dyslexiaclasses.com Host J.V. Episodes released weekly! Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube and also available on all major podcast platforms.  Follow The Influence Exchange on social media. Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-influence-exchange/id1853094614 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0FUV10b233dmePoYbGgli4 YouTube Channel: https://youtube.com/@theinfluenceexchange?si=GRWCJS5qhiu7aAwG Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_influence_exchange?igsh=bDRzb2NwNjJyaXQ1&utm_source=qr Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@the_influence_exchange?_r=1&_t=ZP-91Ot1k669Nu Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1F2h4hbGNL/?mibextid=wwXIfr See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    Dyslexia Isn’t a Lack of Potential: Helping Kids Learn Differently | Russell Van Brocklen

  3. Oct 30

    You Saved for Retirement, But Did You Prepare for Who You’ll Become? | Wendy Leggett

    You can spend decades preparing financially for retirement, saving, investing, and making sure the numbers work. But there’s another question we don’t ask nearly enough: Who will you become when the career, title, and daily routine are no longer there? In episode 63 of The Influence Exchange, J.V. sits down with retirement life coach Wendy Leggett for a conversation about the side of retirement that goes far beyond money. After spending 25 years in sales leadership, Wendy made a major career transition of her own. Today, she helps people think intentionally about life beyond their careers and prepare for the changes retirement can bring to identity, purpose, relationships, connection, structure, and fulfillment. Wendy shares one question that captures the heart of this conversation: “If you are what you do, who are you when you don’t?” J.V. and Wendy explore why financial readiness is only one part of retirement preparation, what can happen when our identity becomes deeply connected to our career, and why leaving work shouldn't mean leaving behind our sense of purpose and direction. They also discuss the difference between filling time and fulfilling time, building a “runway to retirement,” rediscovering interests through a curiosity list, and Wendy's belief that when one chapter ends, we're not starting over, we're starting from strength. Whether retirement is decades away, approaching quickly, or you've already entered that chapter, this conversation challenges you to think beyond what you're retiring from and start thinking about what you're retiring to. Wendy's Retirement Rewritten Biweekly Newsletter: confluxretirementcoaching.com Wendy's Free Retirement Insights Assessment: https://calendly.com/confluxretirementcoaching/retirement-readiness-assessment Host J.V. Episodes released weekly! Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube and also available on all major podcast platforms.  Follow The Influence Exchange on social media. Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-influence-exchange/id1853094614 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0FUV10b233dmePoYbGgli4 YouTube Channel: https://youtube.com/@theinfluenceexchange?si=GRWCJS5qhiu7aAwG Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_influence_exchange?igsh=bDRzb2NwNjJyaXQ1&utm_source=qr Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@the_influence_exchange?_r=1&_t=ZP-91Ot1k669Nu Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1F2h4hbGNL/?mibextid=wwXIfr See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    You Saved for Retirement, But Did You Prepare for Who You’ll Become? | Wendy Leggett

  4. Oct 28

    See the Person, Not the Disability: Why Accessibility Is About Belonging | Jenna Udenberg

    Accessibility is about more than ramps, doors, or meeting a requirement. It's about dignity, belonging, and seeing the person first. In episode 62 of The Influence Exchange, J.V. sits down with Jenna Udenberg, educator, author, and disability advocate, for a powerful conversation about accessibility, inclusion, identity, and what it means to create communities where people genuinely feel seen, heard, and valued. Jenna shares her journey from being diagnosed with arthritis at seven years old and beginning to use a wheelchair at eight, to spending more than 19 years as an educator and eventually turning her lived experiences into advocacy work. They discuss why accessibility is so often treated as an afterthought, why people with disabilities should be involved from the beginning when spaces and experiences are being designed, and how seemingly small changes can restore someone's dignity and agency. Jenna also challenges common assumptions about disability, including the idea that a wheelchair represents limitation. For her, her wheelchair represents freedom. The conversation also explores her years as an educator, being underestimated by others, the story behind her book Within My Spokes: A Tapestry of Pain, Growth, and Freedom, and the ripple effect that can happen when we choose to take action. At the heart of the conversation is a simple message: We want to be seen. We want to belong. We want to be heard. Jenna's Website: https://www.aboveandbeyondwithu.org Buy Jenn's Book: https://a.co/d/08ZuTfuE Host J.V. Episodes released weekly! Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube and also available on all major podcast platforms.  Follow The Influence Exchange on social media. Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-influence-exchange/id1853094614 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0FUV10b233dmePoYbGgli4 YouTube Channel: https://youtube.com/@theinfluenceexchange?si=GRWCJS5qhiu7aAwG Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_influence_exchange?igsh=bDRzb2NwNjJyaXQ1&utm_source=qr Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@the_influence_exchange?_r=1&_t=ZP-91Ot1k669Nu See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    See the Person, Not the Disability: Why Accessibility Is About Belonging | Jenna Udenberg

  5. Oct 21

    Stop Blaming Technology: What Actually Makes a Business Grow | James Lang

    What if technology isn’t actually the reason your business is struggling to grow? In episode 61 of The Influence Exchange, J.V. sits down with James Lang for a conversation about business growth, leadership, operations, technology, and the growing impact of artificial intelligence. James explains why many problems that appear to be technology problems are actually systems, people, or culture problems, and why simply investing in another tool won’t fix a business that hasn't addressed the underlying issue. They also discuss the difference between being busy and actually making progress, why businesses need systems that can scale beyond the owner, and how leaders can approach AI as the workplace continues to change. James also shares a personal perspective on success, legacy, and why he believes progress is success. In this conversation: Why technology isn't always the real problem Systems, people, and culture in business growth Being busy vs. actually moving forward Building a business that can scale How AI is changing the workplace Why human leadership still matters in an AI-driven world Looking beyond money when defining success Progress, purpose, and legacy If you're a business owner, entrepreneur, or leader trying to grow without simply adding more technology, this conversation will challenge you to look at what's really holding your organization back. James Website: https://overlang.com Host J.V. Episodes released weekly! Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube and also available on all major podcast platforms.  Follow The Influence Exchange on social media. Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-influence-exchange/id1853094614 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0FUV10b233dmePoYbGgli4 YouTube Channel: https://youtube.com/@theinfluenceexchange?si=GRWCJS5qhiu7aAwG Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_influence_exchange?igsh=bDRzb2NwNjJyaXQ1&utm_source=qr See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    Stop Blaming Technology: What Actually Makes a Business Grow | James Lang

  6. Oct 14

    Stop Drifting Through Life: The Power of Intentional Living | Larry O’Nan

    Are you living with intention, or are you simply allowing life to happen? In episode 60 of The Influence Exchange, J.V. sits down with Larry O’Nan, author of Intentional Living and Giving, to explore what it means to live a purposeful life, set meaningful goals and make decisions that align with your values. Drawing on decades of leadership, fundraising and mentoring, Larry shares why writing down your goals matters, how accountability shapes your decisions and why intentional living is about more than personal achievement. We also explore navigating major life changes, developing daily discipline, seeking guidance from others and finding fulfillment through generosity and helping people. Whether you're looking for direction, struggling to follow through on your goals or simply questioning what's next, this conversation invites you to consider how you're spending your time and what kind of life you want to build. In this conversation, we explore: Why so many people drift through life without a clear direction The importance of written goals and personal accountability How small, intentional decisions shape your future Finding purpose through leadership, service and giving Building daily habits and remaining intentional through life's changes Your life doesn't have to be left to chance. Start by deciding what matters to you. Larry's website: https://larryonan.com Larry's Books: https://larryonan.com/shop Host J.V. Episodes released weekly! Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube and also available on all major podcast platforms.  Follow The Influence Exchange on social media. Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-influence-exchange/id1853094614 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0FUV10b233dmePoYbGgli4 YouTube Channel: https://youtube.com/@theinfluenceexchange?si=GRWCJS5qhiu7aAwG Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_influence_exchange?igsh=bDRzb2NwNjJyaXQ1&utm_source=qr Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@the_influence_exchange?_r=1&_t=ZP-91Ot1k669Nu See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    Stop Drifting Through Life: The Power of Intentional Living | Larry O’Nan

  7. Oct 9

    Failure Is Temporary: How Setbacks Build Stronger Leaders | Chris Sherian

    What happens when everything you've worked for starts falling apart? How do you rebuild your confidence, your business and your life when the path forward isn't clear? In Episode 59 of The Influence Exchange, J.V. sits down with entrepreneur Chris Sherian for a conversation about failure, resilience, leadership and the lessons that come from starting over. After nearly four decades in business, Chris has experienced major setbacks, including the impact of the 2008–2009 recession. He shares how those experiences reshaped his approach to entrepreneurship and why he believes failure and challenges are temporary. We also explore his personal journey through major life changes, completing two Ironman triathlons, overcoming prostate cancer and discovering the importance of mentors, community and a strong mindset. Chris shares practical lessons for business owners, including why scaling a business before fixing its problems can make those problems worse, and why treating employees well is essential to creating a positive customer experience. Whether you're rebuilding after a setback, leading a team or working toward a personal goal, this conversation offers perspectives on persistence, growth and moving forward when life doesn't go as planned. Connect with The Influence Exchange: Subscribe on Apple Podcasts or follow on Spotify, and share this episode with someone who could benefit from the conversation. Host J.V. Episodes released weekly! Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube and also available on all major podcast platforms.  Follow The Influence Exchange on social media. YouTube Channel: https://youtube.com/@theinfluenceexchange?si=GRWCJS5qhiu7aAwG Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_influence_exchange?igsh=bDRzb2NwNjJyaXQ1&utm_source=qr Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@the_influence_exchange?_r=1&_t=ZP-91Ot1k669Nu Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1F2h4hbGNL/?mibextid=wwXIfr See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    Failure Is Temporary: How Setbacks Build Stronger Leaders | Chris Sherian

  8. Oct 7

    You’re Not Behind, You Just Haven’t Started Moving Yet | Willie Blake

    Do you ever feel like you’re falling behind in life, business, or your personal goals? What if you’re not actually behind, you just haven’t started moving yet? In episode 58 of The Influence Exchange, J.V. sits down with coach, speaker, author, and entrepreneur Willie Blake for a conversation about overcoming self-doubt, breaking through overwhelm, and creating momentum through small, intentional actions. Willie shares how growing up with dyslexia shaped the way he saw himself and eventually helped him recognize the strengths that can come with thinking differently. He also discusses his work helping neurodivergent professionals and entrepreneurs move forward when big goals feel overwhelming. You’ll hear about Willie’s GPS Goal Method, Get Clear, Plan the Route, and Start Moving, as well as his 2% Rule, which focuses on taking one manageable step instead of trying to change everything at once. Willie also shares a simple strategy called “One Minute, One Thing” for those moments when even getting started feels difficult. Because sometimes the biggest obstacle isn’t how far you have to go. It’s getting yourself out of park. You’re not behind. You just need to start moving. Willie's Website: https://coachwillieblake.com/ Willie's Free ebook: https://coachwillieblake.com/freegift Host J.V. Episodes released weekly! Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube and also available on all major podcast platforms.  Follow The Influence Exchange on social media. YouTube Channel: https://youtube.com/@theinfluenceexchange?si=GRWCJS5qhiu7aAwG Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_influence_exchange?igsh=bDRzb2NwNjJyaXQ1&utm_source=qr Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@the_influence_exchange?_r=1&_t=ZP-91Ot1k669Nu Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1F2h4hbGNL/?mibextid=wwXIfr See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    You’re Not Behind, You Just Haven’t Started Moving Yet | Willie Blake
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About

Welcome to The Influence Exchange with J.V., where real conversations meet real-life experiences. From entrepreneurship, leadership, and wealth to mindset, relationships, resilience, and personal growth, we explore the stories, challenges, and lessons that shape our lives. Through honest conversations with inspiring people from all walks of life, we share fresh perspectives, practical insights, and experiences that make you think, reflect, and grow. Real conversations. Real experiences. Real growth.

Information

  • Creator
    J.V.
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    65
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © © 2026 The Influence Exchange
  • Show Website
    The Influence Exchange