Coursen’s Corner

Spencer Coursen

Origin stories, pivot points, and everything in between. Join bestselling author, threat management expert, and combat veteran Spencer Coursen every Wednesday for insightful conversations with inspiring friends, trusted mentors, and top industry experts as they share their passions, struggles, triumphs, and hard lessons learned along the way. With unfiltered insights and practical advice, tune in for stories that inspire, advice that empowers, and takeaways that will level up your life.

  1. 2D AGO

    E. 99 | “Master the internal game, and everything external changes” with Jason Ayers

    Most high achievers do not have a motivation problem. They have an outdated survival strategy. Success strategist, and founder of Visionary Alignment, Jason Ayers,  breaks down how childhood adaptation becomes adult performance, why success can hide internal chaos, and what it takes to upgrade your internal operating system without losing your competitive edge. Master the internal game, and everything external changes. 🎧 In this episode  00:00:00 Podcast Intro and Meet Jason Ayers00:00:37 Why High Achievers Tie Identity to Winning00:01:31 How Childhood Survival Strategies Become Adult Success Patterns00:03:08 What a Failed Environment Does to a Child’s Sense of Self00:04:37 Why High Performers Become Hyper-Independent00:05:26 The Inner Critic That Keeps Successful People Miserable00:08:08 Why Smart People Still Miss Their Biggest Blind Spots00:08:55 How Confirmation Bias Shapes Personal Identity00:11:20 Hardware, Software, and Firmware for Human Behavior00:15:45 When High Performance Strategies Stop Working00:17:14 Why Military Transition Feels Like a Coding Problem00:20:20 How Jason Helps Clients Through Major Life Transitions00:21:09 What Brings High Achievers to Coaching00:22:33 How Reading and Pattern Recognition Shaped Jason’s Work00:24:01 Jason’s Toolbox: Hypnosis, Somatic Work, and Trauma Healing00:27:15 Why Trauma Freezes People in the Past00:29:00 What Integration Means in Healing and Growth00:30:39 Why High Achievers Cut Off Their Own Emotions00:34:01 The Circle Model of Trauma, Emptiness, and Identity00:38:54 Are Men Taught to See Vulnerability as Weakness?00:40:32 How Movies and Culture Program Masculinity00:44:54 How Parents and Environment Shape Your Internal Software00:49:29 Why the Ego Is Misunderstood00:50:56 Why Conventional Therapy Often Misses the Real Problem00:54:22 Aligning Your Internal Identity With Your External Success00:57:21 Why External Success Cannot Solve Internal Pain01:00:35 Social Media, Perfection, and the Comparison Trap01:02:48 When Internal Mastery Starts Changing Everything01:04:31 The Transition Points That Force People to Change01:06:05 Why High Achievers Struggle to Celebrate Wins01:11:13 How to Sharpen the Blade Without Burning Out01:12:35 Sun Tzu, Strategy, and Updating Your Life Approach01:13:21 Why Winning Requires Feedback Loops and Iteration01:15:46 The Kaizen Mindset and 1% Daily Improvement01:19:52 Final Thoughts on Constant Improvement01:20:38 Jason Ayers Answers the Five Closing Questions01:26:32 Where to Find Jason Ayers Online Like. Share. Comment. Subscribe. 📺 Join us on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@SpencerCoursen  About Jason Ayers: Jason Ayers helps high achievers, entrepreneurs, business owners, and teams gain clarity, build winning strategies, and execute with precision. His background spans chemical engineering, leadership, performance work, process optimization, and Neurolinguistic Programming, giving him a systems-based approach to personal and professional transformation. https://www.instagram.com/jason_r_ayers https://visionaryalignment.com/   ––––––––––––––––––––– 🔗 Connect with Spencer Coursen  📧 Mailbag: SGC@CoursenEnterprises.com  🌐 Website: https://www.SpencerCoursen.com  📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/s.coursen/? 🎙️Podcast Guest Submission Form: https://www.spencercoursen.com/guest-submission-form-podcast  📰 Newsletter: https://spencer-coursen.beehiiv.com/ 📖 "The Safety Trap" by Spencer Coursen: https://a.co/d/3KXG4y2  👨‍⚖️ Hire Spencer Coursen as your next keynote speaker: https://www.spencercoursen.com/public-speaking   ––––––––––––––––––––– Special Thanks To: ⌨️ Podcast Recorded Studio: Record ATX:  https://www.recordatx.com/   🎶 Theme Song: "Underground Moments" by Cushy: https://www.epidemicsound.com/music/tracks/bd4f94e1-a84b-4859-8eaf-09bab32426f0/  🎬 Ronin6 Media:  https://www.Ronin6.com

    1h 28m
  2. MAR 4

    E. 98 | How a Fishing Legacy Built a Premium Bourbon Whiskey with Jordy Bisbee

    Most people think launching a bourbon brand is about the bottle.  It’s not. It’s about the story behind it. Jordyn Bisbee grew up inside one of the most legendary fishing tournaments in the world.  Colin Mulligan brings private label spirits and wood-finishing expertise from Bespoken Spirits in Lexington, Kentucky. Together, they built the award-winning Bisbee's Bourbon from the ground up. 🎧 In this episode 00:00:00 From Fishing Legacy to Premium Bourbon: The Story Begins00:02:08 Colin Mulligan's Expertise in Custom Bourbon Recipes and Wood Finishing00:09:00 Colin’s Transition from Investment Banking to the Spirits Industry00:13:20 Exploring the Art and Science Behind Premium Bourbon Creation00:17:56 Developing Black and Blue, Marlin Reserve, and Gold Medal Chupacabra00:28:18 The Creative Process and Regulatory Hurdles of Bourbon Labeling00:36:30 Overcoming Doubts and Receiving Genuine Customer Feedback at Launch00:39:55 Navigating Social Media and Regulations for Alcohol Brand Growth00:46:52 Protecting the Brand and Crafting Your Perfect Bisbee's Bourbon Experience00:49:02 International Growth and Innovative Grassroots Marketing Strategies00:51:53 Unpacking the Celebrity, Moment, Feeling, Soundtrack, and Legacy of Bisbee's00:58:20 How to Find and Order Your Own Bottle of Bisbee's BourbonLike. Share. Comment. Subscribe. If you enjoy bourbon, business, entrepreneurship, or just a great origin story, this conversation is for you. Connect with Jordyn Bisbee and Colin Mulligan https://www.instagram.com/jordy_bisbee/  https://www.instagram.com/cjmulligan_/  https://www.instagram.com/bisbees_bourbon/  https://bisbeesbourbon.com/  https://bespokenspirits.com/  Like. Share. Comment. Subscribe. Join us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SpencerCoursen 🔗 Connect with Spencer Coursen  📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SpencerCoursen ⁠ 📧 Mailbag: SGC@CoursenEnterprises.com  🌐 Website: https://www.SpencerCoursen.com  📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/s.coursen/? 🎙️Podcast Guest Submission Form: https://www.spencercoursen.com/guest-submission-form-podcast  📰 Newsletter: https://spencer-coursen.beehiiv.com/ 📖 "The Safety Trap" by Spencer Coursen: https://a.co/d/3KXG4y2  👨‍⚖️ Hire Spencer Coursen as your next keynote speaker: https://www.spencercoursen.com/public-speaking   Special Thanks To: ⌨️ Podcast Recorded Studio: Record ATX:  https://www.recordatx.com/   🎶 Theme Song: "Underground Moments" by Cushy: https://www.epidemicsound.com/music/tracks/bd4f94e1-a84b-4859-8eaf-09bab32426f0/  🎬 Ronin6 Media:  https://www.Ronin6.com

    59 min
  3. FEB 25

    E. 97 | The Hands Never Lie: Photographing Authentic Western Life with Knox Kronenberg

    Photographers do not just capture moments, they decide which moments matter. Knox Kronenberg explains how he creates images that feel timeless, and why authenticity beats aesthetics every time. Knox shares how he went from fly fishing around the world, to self-teaching himself photography on YouTube tutorials, to selling large-scale fine art, and what it takes to execute high-risk creative ideas when there is no guarantee of success.  Topics we cover: Why “Earned Beauty” Reads as Truth Captured Moments vs Created MomentsBuilding Confidence Through RepsWhy Black and White Make Images Feel TimelessControlling Focus to Tell the StoryThe Importance of Non-Negotiable StandardsFailing Forward Without Losing MomentumIf you are a creator, a business builder, or a high performer who cares about your craft, this episode gives you a clean framework: pursue the work you are willing to suffer for, fail forward, iterate fast, and always refuse to quit. Because in Knox’s definition, failure is never final. It’s just another opportunity to become even better.  Meet Knox Kronenberg:Knox Kronenberg is an artist who uses the power of black and white photography to capture the essence of the old world meeting the new, as well as the unique beauty of western life. With a keen eye for the perfect angle, Knox creates stunning large-scale works that transport viewers to a world that is both timeless and contemporary. Through his work, Knox seeks to explore the complexities of the human experience and the way that history and tradition intersect with modernity. His photographs showcase the beauty of the natural world, as well as the structures and artifacts that make up our built environment, all captured in stunning black and white. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/knox_kronenberg/  Website: https://knoxkronenberg.com/  ––––––––––––––––––––– 🔗 Connect with Spencer Coursen  📧 Mailbag: SGC@CoursenEnterprises.com  🌐 Website: https://www.SpencerCoursen.com  📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/s.coursen/? 🎙️Podcast Guest Submission Form: https://www.spencercoursen.com/guest-submission-form-podcast  📰 Newsletter: https://spencer-coursen.beehiiv.com/ 📖 "The Safety Trap" by Spencer Coursen: https://a.co/d/3KXG4y2  👨‍⚖️ Hire Spencer Coursen as your next keynote speaker: https://www.spencercoursen.com/public-speaking   ––––––––––––––––––––– Special Thanks To: ⌨️ Podcast Recorded Studio: Record ATX:  https://www.recordatx.com/   🎶 Theme Song: "Underground Moments" by Cushy: https://www.epidemicsound.com/music/tracks/bd4f94e1-a84b-4859-8eaf-09bab32426f0/  🎬 Ronin6 Media:  https://www.Ronin6.com

    1h 6m
  4. FEB 18

    E. 96 | From Athlete to Founder: Jeremy Hills on Identity and Purpose

    "Most people want the result. Few are willing to fall in love with the process." In Episode 96 of Coursen’s Corner, I sit down with Jeremy Hills, founder of The Kollective, to break down what coaching really means and why elite performance starts long before the outcome. A former University of Texas running back under Mack Brown, Jeremy shares what it felt like to lose the one title he had built his entire life around, and how that loss forced him to answer a harder question: Who am I without the game? What followed was not a straight line. From selling cars at CarMax to working in medical device sales, Jeremy rebuilt himself from the ground up. He bet on an idea rooted in performance, longevity, and culture. That bet became The Kollective, a private social performance club that now stands on the edge of national expansion. But this conversation goes deeper than business. Jeremy talks about retiring his mother and why that matters more than any athletic accolade. He opens up about the vivid dreams that followed his injury, the internal battle of walking away from a lifelong identity, and the quiet discipline it takes to build something over 12 summers without a guarantee. You will hear his philosophy on grit, competition, and the price of victory. You will hear why he hires for culture, character, and competence, even if it slows growth. And you will hear the principles he repeats to his son every night before bed: respect, compete, love. We do not bully. We will not be bullied. This episode is about more than entrepreneurship. It is about refinement. It is about choosing courage over comfort. It is about building a life you are proud of when no one is clapping. 🎧 In this episode: 01:08 Redefining Your Life's Biggest Accomplishment 11:22 Knowing When To Expand Your Business Reach 15:43 What It Takes To Compete At The Highest Levels 19:40 Plan Your Life or Have Your Life Planned For You 21:01 What Betting On Yourself Really Means 28:40 Am I Being The Man That I Am Raising My Son To Be? 36:55 Maintaining Quality And Control As You Grow 39:58 Unforeseen Challenges of Being A Business Leader  47:41 Dealing With CopyCats and Idea Thieves  01:03:30 Best Book Recommendations For Business Leaders If you are navigating life after sports, building a business, leading a family, or simply trying to become a better man, this conversation will challenge you, inspire you, and leave you striving for more.   ––––––––––––––––––––– Connect with Jeremy:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jhills5/  Kollective: https://www.thekollective.com/  ––––––––––––––––––––– 🔗 Connect with Spencer Coursen  🌐 Website: https://www.SpencerCoursen.com  📸  Follow Spencer on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/s.coursen/? 🎙️Podcast Guest Submission Form: https://www.spencercoursen.com/guest-submission-form-podcast  📰 My Newsletter for Life-Saving Tips: https://spencer-coursen.beehiiv.com/ 📖 Purchase "The Safety Trap" by Spencer Coursen: https://a.co/d/3KXG4y2  👨‍⚖️ Hire Spencer Coursen as your next keynote speaker: https://www.spencercoursen.com/public-speaking   ––––––––––––––––––––– Special Thanks To: ⌨️ Podcast Recorded Studio: Record ATX:  https://www.recordatx.com/   🎶 Theme Song: "Underground Moments" by Cushy: https://www.epidemicsound.com/music/tracks/bd4f94e1-a84b-4859-8eaf-09bab32426f0/  🎬 Ronin6 Media:  https://www.Ronin6.com

    1h 7m
  5. FEB 11

    E. 95 | Courage, Curiosity, and Self-Mastery with Alexis Quiterio

    “Most people think self-mastery is a finish line. It is not. It is the daily practice of learning, failing, adjusting, and showing up anyway.” In this episode of Coursen’s Corner, I sit down with Alexis Cotterio to talk about what real growth looks like when you stop chasing certainty and start building trust in yourself. We get into discipline, intuition, relationships, and why the smallest moments, if you pay attention, become the metrics of transformation. 🎧 We dive into: Why self-mastery is a journey, not a destinationHow curiosity, courage, and surrender shape your next chapterThe difference between authenticity and sincerity, and why both matterWhy journaling forces clarity and turns emotion into actionHow avoidance turns small concerns into future crisesMasculine and feminine dynamics, and how trust is built in real timeThe power of receiving, affirming, and anticipating needs in partnershipWhy discernment is the skill that protects you in the age of noise If you have ever felt stuck in your head, trapped by structure, or unsure how to trust your own direction, this conversation will provide the language and tools you need to help facilitate your desired path forward. ––––––––––––––––––––– Alexis Quiterio is an executive coach in self-mastery, conscious communication, and sustainable wellness. Drawing from two decades of lived experience in health, personal growth, and relationship dynamics, she helps leaders build the capacity to support their business and life.  Her work explores how daily habits, emotional awareness, communication, and intentional relationships shape impact, safety, and fulfillment. Known for her grounded presence and real-time integration, Alexis shares practical insights on creating consistency without burnout, communicating with clarity and grace, and living in a way that supports both ambition and embodiment. Connect with Alexis:  email: hi@alexisquiterio.com to explore working 1:1. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexisquiterio/  ––––––––––––––––––––– 🔗 Connect with Spencer Coursen  🌐 Website: https://www.SpencerCoursen.com  📸  Follow Spencer on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/s.coursen/? 🎙️Podcast Guest Submission Form: https://www.spencercoursen.com/guest-submission-form-podcast  📰 My Newsletter for Life-Saving Tips: https://spencer-coursen.beehiiv.com/ 📖 Purchase "The Safety Trap" by Spencer Coursen: https://a.co/d/3KXG4y2  👨‍⚖️ Hire Spencer Coursen as your next keynote speaker: https://www.spencercoursen.com/public-speaking   ––––––––––––––––––––– Special Thanks To: ⌨️ Podcast Recorded Studio: Record ATX:  https://www.recordatx.com/   🎶 Theme Song: "Underground Moments" by Cushy: https://www.epidemicsound.com/music/tracks/bd4f94e1-a84b-4859-8eaf-09bab32426f0/  🎬 Ronin6 Media:  https://www.Ronin6.com

    1h 8m
  6. 12/17/2025

    E. 94 | 20 Questions That Define Strength, Safety, and Self-Trust with Spencer Coursen

    In this solo episode of Coursen’s Corner, Spencer Coursen answers 20 listener-submitted questions in an unscripted, deeply personal Q&A that cuts to the core of safety, confidence, masculinity, leadership, and self-trust. From the critical difference between feeling safe and being safe, to why people ignore their instincts, mistake politeness for protection, and confuse bravado with real confidence—this episode distills decades of high-risk experience, personal growth, and hard-won insight into practical lessons anyone can apply. Spencer also opens up about identity loss, trauma, relationships, vulnerability, and the internal battles that shaped the man he is today—reinforcing one central idea: safety isn’t about fear. It’s about awareness, preparation, and the courage to trust yourself. This episode is for anyone who wants to protect what matters most—starting with themselves. If this episode hits home, please like, comment, and subscribe to help more men find the tools and conversations they need to succeed.  ––––––––––––––––––––– 🔗 Connect with Spencer Coursen  🌐 Website: https://www.SpencerCoursen.com  📸  Follow Spencer on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/s.coursen/? 🎙️Podcast Guest Submission Form: https://www.spencercoursen.com/guest-submission-form-podcast  📰 My Newsletter for Life-Saving Tips: https://spencer-coursen.beehiiv.com/ 📖 Purchase "The Safety Trap" by Spencer Coursen: https://a.co/d/3KXG4y2  👨‍⚖️ Hire Spencer Coursen as your next keynote speaker: https://www.spencercoursen.com/public-speaking   ––––––––––––––––––––– Special Thanks To: ⌨️ Podcast Recorded Studio: Record ATX:  https://www.recordatx.com/   🎶 Theme Song: "Underground Moments" by Cushy: https://www.epidemicsound.com/music/tracks/bd4f94e1-a84b-4859-8eaf-09bab32426f0/  🎬 Ronin6 Media:  https://www.Ronin6.com

    30 min
  7. 11/26/2025

    E. 93 | “Why Men Are Lost In Modern Dating” with Lloyd Dixon

    “Most men have spent their whole life being rewarded for following directions. Nobody ever taught them how to lead.”  In this episode of Coursen’s Corner, I sit down with dating coach Lloyd Dixon (The Single Guy) to unpack why so many men feel lonely, invisible, and stuck in their own heads when it comes to women. 🎧 We dive into: Why “pickup” tactics and canned routines fail in real lifeThe rise of lonely, isolated men who have no idea where to go or what to do sociallyHow self-love, confidence, and a real social circle make you more attractive than any line ever willWhy women move slower in dating and what men get wrong about thatTarget rich environments that are not bars and clubsThe dangers of over-relying on tech and AI instead of developing real-world social skillsHow coaching and mentorship turn information into execution and resultsLloyd’s story of helping a 35 year old “40-year-old virgin” go from zero dates to real options in three monthsIf you have ever felt invisible, behind, or confused by the modern dating game, this conversation will give you clarity, direction, and a plan. 🎙 Guest: Lloyd Dixon📺 YouTube: The Single Guy 📸 Instagram: @a.single.guy If this episode hits home, please like, comment, and subscribe. It helps more men find the tools and conversations they need. ––––––––––––––––––––– 🔗 Connect with Spencer Coursen  🌐 Website: https://www.SpencerCoursen.com  📸  Follow Spencer on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/s.coursen/? 🎙️Podcast Guest Submission Form: https://www.spencercoursen.com/guest-submission-form-podcast  📰 My Newsletter for Life-Saving Tips: https://spencer-coursen.beehiiv.com/ 📖 Purchase "The Safety Trap" by Spencer Coursen: https://a.co/d/3KXG4y2  👨‍⚖️ Hire Spencer Coursen as your next keynote speaker: https://www.spencercoursen.com/public-speaking   ––––––––––––––––––––– Special Thanks To: ⌨️ Podcast Recorded Studio: Record ATX:  https://www.recordatx.com/   🎶 Theme Song: "Underground Moments" by Cushy: https://www.epidemicsound.com/music/tracks/bd4f94e1-a84b-4859-8eaf-09bab32426f0/  🎬 Ronin6 Media:  https://www.Ronin6.com

    1h 8m
  8. 11/19/2025

    E. 92 | Creating A Global Life of Love and Learning with Andy & Jenny Knopp

    From Sweden to Seoul to Austin…They built a school, built a family, and built a life most people only dream about. Andy & Jenny Knopp join me to talk about love, leadership, culture, and what happens when you bet everything on each other. ––––––––––––––––––––– What happens when your first date turns into a pitch deck—and then into a life in Seoul? In this episode of Coursen’s Corner, Spencer sits down with Andy and Jenny Knopp, the husband-and-wife team behind Gangnam English Academy, a wildly successful English-immersion preschool in the heart of Korea’s most competitive education district. They unpack the stark differences between Korean and American education, why Korean parents push for fluent English by age five, and how their school grew from two students to a fleet of buses—almost entirely through word of mouth. Andy and Jenny share why speaking and confidence matter more than perfect grammar in the early years, how baking, music, and play become powerful language tools, and what they look for when hiring teachers who can actually connect with kids. Their conversation also dives into the realities of running a business with your spouse: learning to step away, empowering staff, setting (and breaking) boundaries between home and work, and rediscovering individual passions while raising a family on two continents. If you’re a parent, educator, or entrepreneur—or you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to build a life and a company overseas—this episode is packed with insight, honesty, and heart. 🎧 Topics Include: Why Korean parents push for fluent English by age five—and how the system differs from U.S. education.How Andy and Jenny built Gangnam English Academy from two students to a full-scale immersion school.The real challenges of running a business as a married couple (and how they learned to fight fair).What makes great early-childhood teachers—and why kindness and energy matter more than credentials.How stepping back empowered their staff and gave them the freedom to build a healthier family life. ––––––––––––––––––––– 🔗 Connect with Andy & Jenny Knopp 📧 email: andyknopp@gmail.com▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/andyknopp🌐 Website: gangnamenglishacademy.com  🖇️ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andyknopp/?originalSubdomain=kr  📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seoulsistersblog/ 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andyknopp1/  ––––––––––––––––––––– 🔗 Connect with Spencer Coursen  🌐 Website: https://www.SpencerCoursen.com  🎙️Podcast Guest Submission Form: https://www.spencercoursen.com/guest-submission-form-podcast  📰 My Newsletter for Life-Saving Tips: https://spencer-coursen.beehiiv.com/ 📸  Follow Spencer on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/s.coursen/? 📖 Purchase "The Safety Trap" by Spencer Coursen: https://a.co/d/3KXG4y2  👨‍⚖️ Hire Spencer Coursen as your next keynote speaker: https://www.spencercoursen.com/public-speaking   ––––––––––––––––––––– Special Thanks To: ⌨️ Podcast Recorded Studio: Record ATX  https://www.recordatx.com/     🎶 Theme Song: "Underground Moments" by Cushy: https://www.epidemicsound.com/music/tracks/bd4f94e1-a84b-4859-8eaf-09bab32426f0/    🎬 Ronin6 Media https://www.Ronin6.com

    1h 14m
4.8
out of 5
40 Ratings

About

Origin stories, pivot points, and everything in between. Join bestselling author, threat management expert, and combat veteran Spencer Coursen every Wednesday for insightful conversations with inspiring friends, trusted mentors, and top industry experts as they share their passions, struggles, triumphs, and hard lessons learned along the way. With unfiltered insights and practical advice, tune in for stories that inspire, advice that empowers, and takeaways that will level up your life.