The Ripple Effect Podcast with Steve Harper

Steve Harper
  • 5.0 (33)
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Updated Semimonthly

Welcome to The Ripple Effect Podcast with Steve Harper, where the power of connection, building better relationships, and creating a positive impact on the world take center stage. Join us on a transformative journey as we explore the profound effects that small actions can have on individuals, communities, and the global community as a whole. At the heart of The Ripple Effect Podcast is the belief that every action we take creates a ripple that spreads far beyond its initial impact. Hosted by the insightful and inspiring Ripple Man himself, Steve Harper, this podcast delves deep into the art of creating meaningful connections and fostering relationships that have the potential to change lives. Steve Harper, a renowned thought leader, entrepreneur, and relationship expert, guides listeners through thought-provoking conversations with a wide array of talented guests. Each episode is a treasure trove of wisdom and insights from individuals who have made a significant difference in their respective fields. Whether it's renowned authors, visionary entrepreneurs, celebrated artists, or social change-makers, The Ripple Effect Podcast welcomes guests who have harnessed the power of their actions to create positive waves across society. Listeners gain invaluable perspectives on topics such as personal growth, leadership, mindfulness, innovation, and social impact. The Ripple Effect Podcast is a platform for genuine and heartfelt conversations that delve beyond surface-level dialogue. Through these engaging discussions, Steve Harper and his guests explore the deeper layers of human connection, vulnerability, and authenticity. The podcast inspires listeners to reflect on their own relationships and consider how they can make a difference in the world through intentional actions. Listeners will come away from each episode feeling empowered and motivated to create their own ripples of change. The Ripple Effect Podcast offers practical advice, actionable strategies, and real-life examples of individuals who have transformed their lives by embracing the power of connection and building better relationships. Tune in to The Ripple Effect Podcast with Steve Harper and embark on a journey of personal growth, transformation, and making a positive impact on the world. Prepare to be inspired, uplifted, and challenged as you discover the incredible potential that lies within each and every one of us to create a ripple effect of change.

  1. 1d ago

    What Dating Looks Like After 50 (The Ripple Effect Podcast ft. Ileana Garcia)

    Have you ever had that moment where you realize the life you built isn't actually the one you want anymore? Today's guest knows that feeling better than almost anyone I've talked to on this show. Ileana Garcia (you probably know her as Illy in the Streets on TikTok) has spent the last few years turning her gray divorce and everything that followed into some of the most honest and funniest content out there. If you've ever gone through a divorce after 50, or you're staring down starting over at 50 and wondering if you have it in you, this conversation is going to feel like sitting across from a friend who already walked the road you're on. We talk about what it actually looks like to date after divorce when you haven't done it in decades (spoiler: it's a whole new world out there). We get into how she's managed to stay friends with her ex, which honestly might be the part of her story that surprises people the most. And we don't skip past the hard stuff either, because being a content creator in this space means dealing with online criticism that most people never see behind the videos. What I love most about Ileana is that she never tried to build some polished, curated version of herself online. She just showed up as she is, funny and a little chaotic and completely unfiltered, and that authentic social media approach is exactly why people can't get enough of her. We talk about what pushed her to leave a whole career in sales behind for this, what that career change to content creator actually felt like in the messy middle, and whether she ever saw any of this coming. If you've ever wondered whether you could rebuild your friendships, your confidence, or your whole sense of self after everything falls apart, stick around for this one. Ileana's story might just be the permission slip you didn't know you needed. More About the Guest Ileana Garcia is the creator behind Illy in the Streets on TikTok, where she's built a following of over 50,000 by talking openly about what life actually looks like after leaving a long marriage. Featured in The Wall Street Journal, her content covers the parts most people go through quietly: the agonizing decision itself, navigating friends and family, guilt and sadness, untangling finances, and the slow work of reinvention and reflection. She's just as candid about what comes after, from dating again to building new relationships, and doesn't shy away from talking about the internet hate that comes with putting your life online. Before entering content creation, Ileana spent her career in enterprise sales, and it shows in the way she naturally tells a story. Ripple with Ileana Garcia: TikTok More About the Host Steve Harper is the founder of Ripple Central and host of The Ripple Effect Podcast, where he explores what it really takes to build authentic, meaningful relationships. He also owns Owner Insite, a construction project management software company. Steve runs The Pond, a community built around intentional connection and 8-Minute Ripple events. Ripple with Steve Harper Instagram Facebook X Website

  2. Jun 30

    An AI That Answers Leads Before You Even Wake Up (The Ripple Effect Podcast ft. Austin Willman)

    If you run a business and have ever lost a customer because you didn't call them back fast enough, this one is going to sting. A lead comes in, life happens, and by the time someone picks up the phone, that customer has already booked with whoever responded first. My guest, Austin Willman, built his entire business around fixing that exact problem. He started in door-to-door solar sales, learned the home services world from the ground up, and turned that experience into an AI voice agent that helps contractors and roofers respond to leads the moment they come in, rather than 2 days later. But this conversation goes way beyond business. We also talked about second degree connections, mirror neurons, what kindness actually does to your brain, and why the smallest gesture you make today might matter more than you think. More About the Guest Austin Willman works with agency owners who've outgrown doing everything themselves but aren't ready to lose control or quality. He has interviewed over 80 marketing leaders and agency owners on his podcast, E-Coffee with Experts. Combined with a year of managing Neil Patel and Eric Siu's private agency owner community, Austin has his finger on the pulse of agency operations. His perspective centers on outcomes, relationships, and building pragmatic processes. Ripple with Austin Willman Instagram: @introtoaustin LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/austin-willman Business Website: https://www.digitalwebsolutions.com/who-we-are/ Slingshot: https://www.willman.ventures/speedtolead More About the Host Steve Harper is the founder of Ripple Central and host of The Ripple Effect Podcast, where he explores what it really takes to build authentic, meaningful relationships. He also owns Owner Insite, a construction project management software company. Steve runs The Pond, a community built around intentional connection and 8-Minute Ripple events. Ripple with Steve Harper Instagram: http://instagram.com/rippleon Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rippleon X: https://twitter.com/rippleon Website: http://www.ripplecentral.com The Pond: https://ripplecentral.com/pond To inquire about Steve's availability for conference keynotes, corporate training, or performance coaching, please contact info@ripplecentral.com. Want to go even deeper? Check out our Substack and Patreon for exclusive content and behind-the-scenes insights. And if you are ready for something more immersive, our Ripple Connect + Grow coaching program is a full year of community, coaching, and accountability designed to help you build more meaningful relationships and create an even bigger Ripple out there in the world. Substack: https://rippleon.substack.com Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/SteveHarper Ripple Connect + Grow: https://ripplecentral.com/connect-grow-coaching

  3. Jun 16

    Your Phone Is Making You Lonely (The Ripple Effect Podcast ft. Julie Sands)

    You already know the feeling. You put your phone down after an hour of scrolling and somehow feel more drained than before you picked it up. Maybe you're in a room full of people you love, and everyone's looking at their screen instead of each other. Maybe you've been quietly wondering if the way you've been living and connecting is actually working for you anymore. If any of that sounds familiar, this conversation is going to feel like coming up for air. I brought Julie Sands back into The Ripple Effect Podcast, and I'll be honest with you: time completely disappeared during this one. Julie is one of the most curious, well-read, and genuinely giving people I have ever had the pleasure of calling a friend. And her story alone is worth the listen. She started her career as an architect, then moved into project management, public works administration, and business development for a construction cooperative. But every single transition she has made has been driven by one thing: a deep commitment to understanding people and helping them show up as their best selves. She is an author, podcast host, and entrepreneur, and she recently became a chapter leader for Mothers Against Media Addiction (MAMA), an organization dedicated to raising awareness about the very thing we talk about in this episode. That is not a coincidence. That is Julie living out exactly what she believes. We got into what the research actually says about what makes people happy (and it is probably not what most of us spend our days chasing), why doom scrolling is quietly reshaping the way we relate to the people right in front of us, and what it really looks like to pursue meaningful relationships in a world that is designed to keep you distracted. We also touched on something I think a lot of people in that halftime stage of life are feeling but not saying out loud: the quiet question of what you actually want to do with the time you have left. What lights you up? What have you been putting off? What does your real purpose look like now that some of those earlier pressures have started to lift? Julie is also running two podcasts, working on a book, and the way her brain connects ideas is something you genuinely have to hear for yourself. Come hang out with us. You will not regret it. Want to go even deeper? Check out Patreon for exclusive content and behind-the-scenes insights. And if you are ready for something more immersive, our Connect + Grow Ripple coaching program is a full year of community, coaching, and accountability designed to help you build more meaningful relationships and create an even bigger Ripple out there in the world. Links below. Ripple On!!! Dive into Julie Sands' first interview on The Ripple Effect Podcast: https://youtu.be/Q5mfnER_nbA Ripple with Julie Sands Listen to Gearshift Gab Julie also started making earrings as a fundraiser so her son could go on a mission trip to Jamaica with their church. In three weeks, without posting a single thing on social media, she sold over 1,000 pairs! She sold them out of her purse to friends and acquaintances. No ad spend, just genuine human connection doing what it does best. You can check out her awesome collections here: https://jewelsbyjules.net Ripple with Steve Harper Instagram: http://instagram.com/rippleon Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rippleon X: https://twitter.com/rippleon Website: http://www.ripplecentral.com

  4. May 26

    How to Network Without Feeling Fake (The Ripple Effect Podcast ft. Sasha Grinshpun: Part Two)

    Have you ever walked into a room and felt like everyone else already knew how to network, how to pitch themselves, how to sound confident, and how to make the right connections? Here is the much-awaited part two of my conversation with Sasha Grinshpun on The Ripple Effect Podcast. We get into the real stuff that so many professionals, founders, entrepreneurs, and leaders are wrestling with right now. - How do you build meaningful connections without feeling fake? - How do you stop being the world's best-kept secret? - How do you turn feedback, rejection, and even those frustrating "nos" into something that actually moves you forward? Sasha brings such a refreshing perspective on authentic networking, career confidence, design thinking, LinkedIn networking, and the entrepreneur mindset. What I love about Sasha is that she does not just talk about career growth and business coaching from theory. She has lived the messy, nonlinear path herself, and she has helped thousands of professionals find the words, confidence, and clarity to take the next step. Sasha Grinshpun is an executive coach, career strategist, facilitator, and founder of Catapult Circles and the LinkedIn Accelerator. Over the last 15-plus years, she has worked with Fortune 500 executives, founders, and accomplished professionals as they navigate their next chapter. Her background spans Yale Economics, Harvard Business School, Monitor Deloitte, and IDEO, giving her a rare mix of strategic rigor, design thinking, and genuine warmth. Sasha is also a leading voice on how AI is changing networking, hiring, professional visibility, and the future of work. Sasha will be launching Networking for Introverts and LinkedIn Accelerator cohorts. She's also building with AI in communities around the world with her AI-in-Action workshops. See catapultcircles.com for more info! If this conversation hits home, I hope you will watch it all the way through. There are a lot of Ripples in this one, and I have a feeling one of them might be exactly what you need to hear right now. Ripple with Sasha Grinshpun Website: https://catapultcircles.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sashagrinshpun/ X: https://x.com/catapultcircles Substack: https://sashagrinshpun.substack.com/ Ripple with Steve Harper Instagram: http://instagram.com/rippleon Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rippleon X: https://twitter.com/rippleon Website: http://www.ripplecentral.com

  5. May 12

    The Skill AI Can't Replace (The Ripple Effect Podcast ft. Sasha Grinshpun: Part One)

    This one felt personal. If you've ever walked into a room and felt like everyone else had it figured out, or you've ever watched somebody get an opportunity and thought, "Wait, how did that happen for them?" then you're going to connect with this conversation. It was such an honor to have Sasha Grinshpun on The Ripple Effect Podcast. Sasha is an executive coach, career strategist, and facilitator who has spent more than 15 years helping people get honest about what they actually want and how they'll get there. She has worked with Fortune 500 executives, founders, and professionals navigating major career transitions, helping them turn the conversations they've been rehearsing in their heads into the ones that open real doors. Sasha's background is anything but ordinary. Yale Economics, Harvard Business School MBA, Monitor Deloitte strategy consulting, IDEO design thinking, and now the founder of Catapult Circles and the LinkedIn Accelerator. She brings a rare mix of strategy, warmth, and straight talk to the questions so many of us are quietly carrying. A lot of us were taught to keep our heads down, do good work, and trust that people will notice. But if you've lived long enough, you know it doesn't always work that way. Sometimes the missing piece is not talent. It is connection. It is trust. It is learning how to show up, be curious, and build meaningful relationships without feeling fake or salesy. Sasha has such a great way of talking about relationships, personal branding, LinkedIn networking, AI career advice, and the future of work in a way that feels simple and doable. Especially now, when AI is changing professional visibility, hiring, networking, and how people get found or overlooked, this conversation feels incredibly timely. There are a few moments in this episode that made me stop and think, and I think they'll do the same for you. So grab a cup of coffee, settle in, and watch this one all the way through. You might hear exactly what you need today. Good news. If you learned a lot from this conversation, part two is coming soon. Stay tuned! Ripple with Sasha Grinshpun Website: https://catapultcircles.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sashagrinshpun/ X: https://x.com/catapultcircles Substack: https://sashagrinshpun.substack.com/ Ripple with Steve Harper Instagram: http://instagram.com/rippleon Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rippleon X: https://twitter.com/rippleon Website: http://www.ripplecentral.com

  6. May 5

    What Games Teach Us About Better Leadership (The Ripple Effect Podcast ft. David Lowe-Rogstad)

    There's a strange pressure a lot of us feel right now. We're supposed to be innovative, strategic, emotionally intelligent, creative, calm under pressure, and still have enough left at the end of the day for the people we love. That's a lot. And that's why I appreciated this conversation with David Lowe-Rogstad. David has spent more than 25 years at the forefront of creative technology, building teams, companies, and brands through constant change. On paper, he has a history degree. In practice, he's been helping people and organizations stay relevant since 1997. But what really stood out to me is how David thinks about leadership, gamification, and the human side of work. Not just points, badges, or leaderboards, but how play, progress, curiosity, and challenge can help people feel more engaged and less stuck. David has sat in almost every seat inside an agency, so he understands the pressure, the uncertainty, and the issues that can slow even great teams down. He leads with heart and clarity, caring deeply about people while still knowing how to keep things moving. Settle in, listen closely, and Ripple On!!! Can't get enough of David's insights? Stay tuned for the exclusive After Show coming out on Patreon, Substack, and our Ripple community—The Pond.     Ripple with David Lowe-Rogstad LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lowerogstad/ Substack: https://lifewithadvantage.substack.com/ Website: https://www.starboard-collectives.com/ Instagram: @dlowe93 Ripple with Steve Harper Instagram: http://instagram.com/rippleon Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rippleon X: https://twitter.com/rippleon Website: http://www.ripplecentral.com Subscribe to the Ripple newsletter: https://ripplecentral.com/subscribe Join our ever-growing community of Ripplers in The Pond: https://ripplecentral.com/pond

  7. Apr 7

    The Stories Future Generations Need to Hear (The Ripple Effect Podcast ft. Mike O'Krent)

    This episode is something special. Our special guest is none other than Mike O'Krent, founder of LifeStories Alive, a company devoted to helping families preserve the voices, memories, and life lessons of the people they love most. Mike's journey is incredible: from interviewing Holocaust survivors for Steven Spielberg's Shoah Foundation to building a business that turns family stories into lasting video heirlooms for future generations. And trust me, once you hear why he does this work, it's going to hit you right in the heart. You'll hear why stories matter more than ever, how the simple act of listening can change a relationship, and why capturing someone's voice, wisdom, and legacy before it's too late may be one of the greatest gifts you ever give. Mike also shares practical gems on asking better questions, handling emotional conversations with grace, and becoming the kind of person people truly open up to. And hang with us all the way to the end, because Mike drops powerful advice on how to become a better conversationalist and listener. It's the kind of insight that can transform the way you show up at home, at work, and in every relationship that matters. This one is heartfelt, eye-opening, and full of Ripples that can last for generations. Ripple with Mike O'Krent: Website: https://www.lifestoriesalive.com Ripple with Steve Harper: Instagram: http://instagram.com/rippleon Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rippleon X: https://twitter.com/rippleon Website: http://www.ripplecentral.com

  8. Mar 24

    How to Deal With a Narcissist Without Losing Your Mind

    You walk into the conversation feeling clear, calm, and even confident. Then, somehow, you walk out, replaying every sentence, wondering if you said it wrong, if you overreacted, if you are the problem. If that sounds familiar, there's a good chance you just tried communicating with a narcissist, or you're dealing with narcissistic tendencies up close at work or at home. Maybe it's a narcissistic boss who turns every meeting into a scoreboard. Maybe it's a narcissistic coworker who can't share credit. Maybe it's a client, a partner, a friend, the person you cannot fully avoid. You try to resolve the issue like an adult, and suddenly you're in a loop of gaslighting, deflection, and a conversation that keeps snapping back to them. That's exhausting. It drains your energy, scrambles your confidence, and makes even simple conflict feel like walking through wet cement. In this episode of The Ripple Effect Podcast, I'm talking to you about how to deal with a narcissist without losing your peace, your professionalism, or your self-respect. Not in a "win the argument" way, because you already know that usually goes nowhere. In a practical, real-life way that helps you stay steady, set boundaries with a narcissist, and keep the conversation pointed toward an outcome instead of getting dragged into their chaos. If you've ever thought, "Why does every difficult conversation become a trial?" you're in the right place. If you're watching this because you feel worn out, tense before meetings, or you're starting to doubt yourself after every interaction, I want you to hear me clearly. You're not crazy. You're not weak. You're not "too sensitive." You're navigating a tough personality dynamic, and there are communication skills that can help you hold your ground without becoming someone you don't recognize. Stick with me to the end, because the most important shift isn't what you say to them. It's what you stop giving away to them. If this hits home, leave a comment and tell me what you're dealing with right now. Narcissist at work, toxic coworker, narcissistic boss, or something closer to home. And if you know someone who needs this, share it with them. We Ripple better when we don't do this alone. Ripple with Steve Harper Instagram: http://instagram.com/rippleon Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rippleon X: https://twitter.com/rippleon Website: http://www.ripplecentral.com Stay in the loop by being a part of the Ripple mail list: https://ripplecentral.com/subscribe Be a Patron: https://www.patreon.com/SteveHarper Join our ever-growing community of Ripplers in The Pond: https://ripplecentral.com/pond To inquire about my availability for conference keynotes, corporate training, or performance coaching, please contact info@ripplecentral.com.

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5
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33 Ratings

About

Welcome to The Ripple Effect Podcast with Steve Harper, where the power of connection, building better relationships, and creating a positive impact on the world take center stage. Join us on a transformative journey as we explore the profound effects that small actions can have on individuals, communities, and the global community as a whole. At the heart of The Ripple Effect Podcast is the belief that every action we take creates a ripple that spreads far beyond its initial impact. Hosted by the insightful and inspiring Ripple Man himself, Steve Harper, this podcast delves deep into the art of creating meaningful connections and fostering relationships that have the potential to change lives. Steve Harper, a renowned thought leader, entrepreneur, and relationship expert, guides listeners through thought-provoking conversations with a wide array of talented guests. Each episode is a treasure trove of wisdom and insights from individuals who have made a significant difference in their respective fields. Whether it's renowned authors, visionary entrepreneurs, celebrated artists, or social change-makers, The Ripple Effect Podcast welcomes guests who have harnessed the power of their actions to create positive waves across society. Listeners gain invaluable perspectives on topics such as personal growth, leadership, mindfulness, innovation, and social impact. The Ripple Effect Podcast is a platform for genuine and heartfelt conversations that delve beyond surface-level dialogue. Through these engaging discussions, Steve Harper and his guests explore the deeper layers of human connection, vulnerability, and authenticity. The podcast inspires listeners to reflect on their own relationships and consider how they can make a difference in the world through intentional actions. Listeners will come away from each episode feeling empowered and motivated to create their own ripples of change. The Ripple Effect Podcast offers practical advice, actionable strategies, and real-life examples of individuals who have transformed their lives by embracing the power of connection and building better relationships. Tune in to The Ripple Effect Podcast with Steve Harper and embark on a journey of personal growth, transformation, and making a positive impact on the world. Prepare to be inspired, uplifted, and challenged as you discover the incredible potential that lies within each and every one of us to create a ripple effect of change.

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