FailCraft

Ezekiel Iferia
  • 5.0 (49)
  • Personal Journals
  • Updated Daily

FailCraft is a podcast about the messy, real side of success. Host Ezekiel Iferia dives into the stories of creators, founders, and everyday people who turned setbacks into stepping stones. From failed ideas to reborn dreams, each episode uncovers how failure shapes mastery — and why learning to fall is part of learning to fly.

  1. 3d ago

    Burnout Is a Nervous System Problem: Somatic Tools to Scale Your Business - Helen Malinowski

    Whatdo you do when you are a decade into a career you love, only to find yourselfsitting in a doctor's office hearing that your physical fatigue, jaw clenching,and Sunday scaries are actually severe burnout? HelenMalinowski is a Licensed Clinical SocialWorker, founder of Beacon ofHope Counseling, and creator of The Catalyst Collective at the Somatic Integration Institute. After reaching a pointof bone-deep exhaustion in 2019, Helen realized that burnout isn't a timemanagement or calendar problem—it is a nervous system regulation problem. Byintegrating Somatic Experiencing into her life, she scaled her practice into a7-figure group practice with 27 clinicians without depleting her well-being orfamily life. In this episode of FailCraft, Helen joins Ezekiel to discuss the hiddencosts of holding other people's trauma. She breaks down why you can't calendaryour way out of burnout, how to listen to physical pain cues like jaw clenchingand insomnia, and why community is the ultimate safeguard for entrepreneurs andclinicians. Inthis episode of FailCraft, you’ll discover: ·        The Annual Physical Wake-Up Call: Recognizing burnout when you can't see it yourself[02:36 / 04:13]. ·        Why Time Management Fails: Understanding the nervous system fight-or-flightshut-down loop [04:38 / 06:41]. ·        Somatic Experiencing Cues: Listening to physical pain signals (jaw clenching,backaches, sleep disruption) [07:08 / 08:30]. ·        The Cost of Holding Trauma: Overcoming the false choice between high income andpersonal well-being [10:51 / 13:16]. ·        Scaling to 7-Figures via Community: Building administrative support and leaning away fromlow-energy tasks [13:48 / 15:38]. ·        Isolation as a Burnout Accelerator: Lessons from Simone Biles on the necessity of supportivenetworks [16:01 / 18:16]. ConnectWith Helen Malinowski: ·        Website Hub & Special Access: Access resources and burnout tools at flourishingpractice.org/ ·        Social & Community: Connect with Helen on Instagram Support the Show: ·        Fuel the FailCraftMission: https://iferia.nestuge.com/supportme ·        Subscribe, leave areview, and share this episode with a clinician, entrepreneur, or healer! Wantto Be a Guest on FailCraft? ·        Connect with Ezekielon PodMatch: https://podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/failcraft 00:00 Introduction:Helen Malinowski & Nervous System Burnout 02:36 The 2019Wake-Up Call: Sitting in the Doctor's Office 04:38 Why BurnoutIsn't a Time Management Problem 07:08 SomaticExperiencing: Listening to Physical Pain Signals 10:51 The Dark Sideof Being a Healer: Holding Trauma Without Depletion 13:48 Scaling a7-Figure Practice While Protecting Well-Being 16:01 Why IsolationAccelerates Professional Burnout 19:54 Early WarningSigns: Pain, Sleep Disruption, and Social Withdrawal 23:11 RedefiningSuccess as Contentment and Quality Relationships 24:12 Connect withHelen Malinowski & Flourishing Practice Chapters:

  2. 3d ago

    Overcoming Public Speaking Fear & Finding Your Stage Message - Terry L. Fossum

    Whydo high-achieving, talented professionals get paralyzed when stepping onto astage or speaking in front of an audience—and why do so many speeches fail toland? TerryL. Fossum is a survival reality TV showwinner (Kicking and Screaming), #1 Wall Street Journal bestselling author, TEDx speaker(with over 1 million views), and founder of The World Class Speaker Program and The Stage Advantage. Drawing from his experience as aU.S. Air Force officer, corporate leader, and global keynote speaker, Terry demystifiesthe fear of public speaking. In his book The S.I.M.P.L.E. Guide to Public Speaking — Without Losing YourLunch, he teaches executives, authors, and entrepreneurs that stagepanic stems from fear of judgment—and shows how shifting focus from self-preservationto audience service builds stage confidence. In this episode of FailCraft, Terry joins Ezekiel for an energeticconversation on message clarity. He breaks down the difference between personalstories and audience transformation, conducts a live visualization exercise toaccess your "position of power," and shares insider strategies forgetting booked by event organizers. Inthis episode of FailCraft, you’ll discover: ·        The Root of Stage Fright: Shifting focus from self-judgment to audience transformation[01:59 / 02:24]. ·        Talent vs. Clarity: Why confusion kills speaking opportunities and careeradvancement. ·        Story vs. Message: Moving past personal anecdotes to deliver audiencetransformation. ·        The Position of Power Exercise: Accessing past wins to eliminate stage anxiety [07:47 /09:51]. ·        Survival Lessons for the Stage: Paralleling wilderness survival with public speakingbasics [12:45 / 14:51]. ·        What Event Planners Buy: Solving problems and protecting event organizerreputations. ConnectWith Terry L. Fossum: ·        Website Hub & Free Tool: Test your stage-ready message and find angles at thestageadvantage.com. ·        Official Website: Connect directly with Terry at terrylfossum.com. Supportthe Show: ·        Fuel the FailCraftMission: https://iferia.nestuge.com/supportme ·        Subscribe, leave areview, and share this episode with a speaker, author, leader, or entrepreneur! Wantto Be a Guest on FailCraft? ·        Connect with Ezekielon PodMatch: https://podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/failcraft 00:00 Introduction:Terry L. Fossum & Public Speaking Without Losing Your Lunch 01:59 Why PublicSpeaking Paralyzes Successful Leaders 03:57 You Don't Havea Talent Problem—You Have a Clarity Problem 05:36 Why Your LifeStory Isn't Your Message 07:47 Live Exercise:Accessing Your Position of Power 12:45 SurvivalLessons Applied to the Stage: Focusing on the Basics 15:17 OvercomingSilence in Meetings: "It's Not About You" 16:09 ServantLeadership & What Event Planners Actually Buy 17:47 RedefiningSuccess as Serving Others and Faith in Action 19:17 Connect withTerry L. Fossum & The Stage Advantage Chapters:

  3. 3d ago

    America on the Couch: Healing Collective Trauma & Division - Phyllis Leavitt

    Whatwould happen if the United States walked into a psychotherapist's officetoday—and what diagnosis would explain our nation's escalating politicaldivision, anger, and social unrest? PhyllisLeavitt spent 34 years as a licensedpsychotherapist treating severe family dysfunction, abuse, and childhoodtrauma. In her book Americain Therapy: A Practical Guide to Healing What Ails Us, Phyllisapplies the proven principles of family therapy to modern society. She arguesthat political hatred, bullying, and systemic violence are not ideologicalissues—they are the unhealed symptoms of a collective mental health crisis. Bydrawing parallels between toxic family roles (bullies, victims, and enablers),Phyllis presents a psychological roadmap to heal societal wounds, resolveconflicts safely, and restore empathy. In this episode of FailCraft, Phyllis joins Ezekiel for a compassionateand deep conversation. She breaks down why violence acts as a cry for help, howunhealed childhood trauma fuels aggressive behaviors in leadership, and howindividuals can break the cycle of rage within their own homes. Inthis episode of FailCraft, you’ll discover: ·        America on the Couch: Diagnosing societal division and political rage througha clinical lens. ·        Roles in a Toxic Nation: Identifying the dynamics of bullies, victims, andenablers in society. ·        The Turning Point of Pain: Why severe crises force families—and nations—to seekhealing [04:25 / 08:31]. ·        Hurt People Hurting People: Understanding how unhealed childhood trauma fuelssocietal violence [08:53 / 11:13]. ·        The Identified Patient: Viewing school shooters and violent actors as cries forhelp [12:30 / 14:06]. ·        Healing Your Inner Child: How personal trauma recovery builds empathy for others[17:32 / 19:41]. ConnectWith Phyllis Leavitt: ·        Website Hub: phyllisleavitt.com ·        Books:Find America in Therapy: A Practical Guide to Healing What Ails Usalongside her personal healing memoirs on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and majorbooksellers. Support the Show: ·        Fuel the FailCraftMission: https://iferia.nestuge.com/supportme ·        Subscribe, leave areview, and share this episode with a therapist, parent, or community leader! Wantto Be a Guest on FailCraft? ·        Connect with Ezekielon PodMatch: https://podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/failcraft 00:00 Introduction:Phyllis Leavitt & Putting America in Therapy 01:43 Diagnosing thePatient: Societal Abuse, Neglect, and Symptoms 04:25 Toxic FamilyRoles in Politics: Bullies, Victims, and Enablers 08:31 The TurningPoint: Why Pain Drives Us to Seek Help 08:53 UnhealedTrauma: Why Hurt People Hurt People 12:30 The IdentifiedPatient: Viewing Violence as a Cry for Help 17:32 Healing YourOwn Inner Child to Help Others 20:30 RedefiningSuccess as a Contribution to Peace and Healing 22:19 Connect withPhyllis Leavitt & America in Therapy Chapters:

  4. 3d ago

    Orchestrating Authentic Connections & Surviving Betrayal - David Homan

    Whatdo you do when the foundation you lead loses its entire endowment overnight inthe Bernie Madoff Ponzi scheme, leaving you to rebuild trust and your careerfrom absolute zero? DavidHoman is a classical composer, startupfounder, philanthropy advisor, and founder of Orchestrated Connecting—a global network of over 2,500super-connectors. After spending 15 years feeling socially isolated due to achildhood illness at age 12, David reverse-engineered the art of connection,viewing relationship building through the lens of a musical symphony. Ratherthan relying on transactional networking, David created a trust-basedmethodology that eliminates scorekeeping, emphasizes unconditional gratitude,and aligns purposeful communities. In this episode of FailCraft, David joins Ezekiel for an inspiringconversation on building trust after betrayal. He breaks down how he navigatedthe aftermath of the Madoff scandal, why transactional scorekeeping ruinsrelationships, and how to practice authentic networking without burning out. Inthis episode of FailCraft, you’ll discover: ·        Navigating the Madoff Scandal: Facing public blame and loss of capital when a $1M+foundation collapsed. ·        Overcoming Childhood Isolation: Turning 15 years of feeling like an outsider into aconnector's superpower. ·        Ditching Transactional Networking: Why keeping score kills deep relationship capital. ·        The "Babysitter Standard" for Trust: High-bar criteria for making authentic warmintroductions [08:03 / 09:19]. ·        Managing Connector's Burnout: Re-energizing through gratitude while managing globalrelationships. ·        One Safe Step for Isolated Listeners: Calling someone to express unprompted, expectation-freegratitude [12:31 / 13:21]. ConnectWith David Homan: ·        Website Hub & Community: Explore videos, articles, books, and music at orchestratedconnecting.com. ·        Book: Orchestrating Connection (Available on major bookplatforms). Supportthe Show: ·        Fuel the FailCraftMission: https://iferia.nestuge.com/supportme ·        Subscribe, leave areview, and share this episode with an entrepreneur, connector, or communitybuilder! Wantto Be a Guest on FailCraft? ·        Connect with Ezekielon PodMatch: https://podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/failcraft 00:00 Introduction:David Homan & Orchestrating Connection 02:14 NavigatingCatastrophe: The Madoff Scandal & Rebuilding Trust 04:44Reverse-Engineering Connection from Childhood Isolation 06:38 WhyTransactional Networking & Scorekeeping Fail 08:03 Building the"Babysitter Standard" for Trust 09:40 OvercomingConnector's Burnout Through Gratitude 11:00 Healing theWorld Through Purposeful Community 12:31 One ActionableStep to Reconnect Today 14:17 RedefiningSuccess as Purposeful Waking Energy Chapters:15:24 Connect with DavidHoman & Orchestrated Connecting

  5. 3d ago

    Fixing Operational Chaos & Cash Flow Leaks in Mid-Market Businesses - Biff Jennings

    Whatdo you do when a national 12-facility recycling operator is losing millions indelayed cash flow simply because its billing process is decentralized andmismanaged at the plant level? BiffJennings is a consulting CFO, co-founderof NetgainCFO, and former board member of the Solid WasteAssociation of North America. With over two decades of financial leadershipexperience across private-equity-backed and family-owned companies, Biff stepsinto operational chaos in tough industries like manufacturing, logistics, andrecycling. He specializes in turning around distressed mid-market companies byfixing broken billing systems, managing 13-week cash forecasts, and helpingfounders transition from reactive gut-instinct management to data-drivenclarity. In this episode of FailCraft, Biff joins Ezekiel for a practicalconversation on business engineering and financial health. He breaks down whyrapid growth often amplifies hidden operational inefficiencies, how to deliverhard financial truths to founders, and why a 13-week cash forecast is thesingle most vital tool for avoiding sudden bankruptcy. Inthis episode of FailCraft, you’ll discover: ·        Centralizing Billing Systems: How a 12-facility operator saved cash flow by assigningsingle-point billing accountability [02:06 / 03:36]. ·        Confusing Growth with Health: Why increasing revenue often masks drifting margins andoperational friction [05:02 / 05:37]. ·        Delivering Hard Truths to Founders: Using facts rather than financial jargon to guidestrategic choices. ·        Overcoming Founder Bottlenecks: Delegating low-value tasks using Dan Martell's Buy Back Your Time framework [09:37 / 10:25]. ·        The 13-Week Cash Forecast: The single report every business owner needs to spotcash crunches before they happen. ·        Building Repeatable Decision Systems: Shifting from heroic operational firefighting topredictable processes. ConnectWith Biff Jennings: ·        Website Hub & Financial Resources: netgaincfo.com ·        LinkedIn:Connect with Biff Jennings on LinkedIn. Supportthe Show: ·        Fuel the FailCraftMission: https://iferia.nestuge.com/supportme ·        Subscribe, leave areview, and share this episode with an executive, business owner, or CFO! Wantto Be a Guest on FailCraft? ·        Connect with Ezekielon PodMatch: https://podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/failcraft 00:00 Introduction:Biff Jennings & Operational Turnarounds 02:06 The $1M BillingLeak: Centralizing 12 Facility Operations 05:02 Why RapidRevenue Growth Can Kill Mid-Market Companies 08:14 Delivering HardFinancial Truths Without Getting Fired 09:37 ManagingFounder Bottlenecks & Delegating Tasks 11:44 The 13-WeekCash Forecast: Spotting Cash Crunches Early 13:26 RedefiningSuccess as Business Leader Confidence 15:29 Connect withBiff Jennings & NetgainCFO Chapters:

  6. 3d ago

    Why Parents Are Saying "No Gifts Please" & Gifting Experiences Over Toys - Mic Foster

    What do you do when asingle themed birthday party leaves you packing 30 plush toys into your car,facing a house already overflowing with clutter? Mic Foster is an entrepreneur of 26 years, a girl dad ofthree, and the founder of No Gifts Please.Realizing that the modern birthday cycle produced clutter, parentalawkwardness, and overwhelmed kids, Mic launched an AI-powered experienceregistry platform. In its first months alone, No Gifts Pleaseprocessed over $1 million in registry value, allowing family and friends tofund horseback riding lessons, dance classes, art workshops, and family tripsinstead of short-lived plastic toys. In this episode of FailCraft, Mic joins Ezekiel for an insightfulconversation on modern parenting and consumer culture. He breaks down how tohandle awkward conversations with grandparents, why experience-based giftscreate lasting core memories, and how to stop the inflow of physical clutterduring family celebrations. In this episode of FailCraft,you’ll discover: ·        The"Squishmallow" Breaking Point: Realizing the birthday party cycle was broken. ·        TheAwkwardness of "No Gifts": Bridging the gap between traditional givers and clutter-freeparents. ·        ValidatingMarket Demand: Going from a manualprototype to $1M in registry value [06:17 / 06:59]. ·        PairingPhysical Items with Experiences: Giving small complementary items (like riding boots forlessons). ·        Breakingthe Tradition of Consumerism: Why nostalgia makes parents pile boxes under the tree. ·        BuildingCore Memories over Plastic:Why shared family experiences outlast physical toys. Connect With Mic Foster: ·        WebsiteHub & Free Registry:Create a free experience registry at nogiftsplease.com. ·        DirectContact: Reach Mic directlyvia email at mic@nogiftsplease.com. Support the Show: ·        Fuel the FailCraftMission: https://iferia.nestuge.com/supportme ·        Subscribe, leave areview, and share this episode with a parent, grandparent, or family member! Want to Be a Guest onFailCraft? ·        Connect with Ezekielon PodMatch: https://podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/failcraft Chapters: 00:00 Introduction:Mic Foster & The Birthday Hangover 01:55 The SquishmallowIncident: 30 Plush Toys and a Breaking Point 06:17 Launching NoGifts Please: Overnight Requests & $1M Registry Value 08:17 How to TellGrandparents "No Toys" Without Being Rude 10:03 ConnectingPhysical Gifts to Experiences 11:47 Breaking theCycle of Childhood Consumerism 13:57 Core Memoriesvs. Plastic Toys: Why Experiences Last 16:03 One Rule to Stopthe Inflow of Clutter Today 17:25 RedefiningSuccess as Enjoying the Entrepreneurial Journey 19:19 Connect with MicFoster & NoGiftsPlease.com

  7. 4d ago

    Managing Focus Over Time: Overcoming ADHD & Procrastination - Cindy Baker

    Whatdo you do when a quick 5-minute phone break turns into 30 minutes of mindlessscrolling, sparking the terrifying realization that you are giving away yourdreams minute by minute? CindyBaker is a productivity coach, speaker,founder of Cindy Baker Coaching, and author. Holding a Master’sdegree in counseling alongside 19 years of experience as an educator, Cindyspent decades battling undiagnosed ADHD and overcompensating to fit traditionalproductivity molds. After realizing that open-ended time management techniqueslike rigid time-blocking fail neurodivergent thinkers, Cindy developed the"Focused Sprint Method." Today, she teaches entrepreneurs how tomanage attention over time, channel hyper-focus, and turn ADHD into a businesssuperpower. In this episode of FailCraft, Cindy joins Ezekiel for a practicalconversation on focus and attention. She breaks down the hidden costs ofmasking disorganization, why procrastination is often a fear response ratherthan laziness, and how to win the day using 15-to-30-minute timed work sprints. Inthis episode of FailCraft, you’ll discover: ·        The Scroll Break Realization: Catching yourself giving away dreams minute by minute. ·        The Hidden Cost of Masking: Living with constant fear and stress to hide ADHDsymptoms. ·        Focus vs. Time Management: Why managing attention is more critical than searchingfor extra hours [04:27 / 05:26]. ·        Why Traditional Planners Fail: How the ADHD brain views time as "now" vs."not now". ·        The Focused Sprint Method: Isolating 3 high-impact priorities and using timedintervals [07:41 / 10:22]. ·        Debunking Procrastination: Understanding fear of failure, perfectionism, and"done beats perfect" [11:40 / 13:39]. ConnectWith Cindy Baker: ·        Website Hub & Coaching: Find books and coaching details at cindybakercoaching.com. ·        Free Procrastination Course: Access Cindy's free course and weekly productivity tipsat waitnomore.net. Supportthe Show: ·        Fuel the FailCraftMission: https://iferia.nestuge.com/supportme ·        Subscribe, leave areview, and share this episode with an entrepreneur, educator, or anyone withADHD! Wantto Be a Guest on FailCraft? ·        Connect with Ezekielon PodMatch: https://podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/failcraft 00:00 Introduction:Cindy Baker & Managing Focus 02:07 The 30-MinuteScroll Break: Recognizing Wasted Time 03:01 The Stress andEnergy Cost of Masking ADHD 04:27 Managing Focusvs. Managing Time 05:50 Why RigidTime-Blocking Fails the Neurodivergent Brain 07:41 The FocusedSprint Method & Isolating 3 Priorities 10:22 CreatingUrgency with Timed Work Boosts 11:40 WhyProcrastination Isn't Laziness: Perfectionism and Fear 13:39 Done BeatsPerfect: Action Over Perfection 16:07 Breaking theDopamine Loop and Starting with 5-Minute Tasks 18:10 RedefiningSuccess as Faith, Purpose, and Helping Others 19:31 Connect withCindy Baker & Free Procrastination Course Chapters:

  8. 4d ago

    Commando Filmmaking in Moscow & Capturing Truth in 160 Countries - Craig D. Forrest

    Whatdo you do when you are secretly filming in communist Moscow's Red Squarewithout a permit and a KGB agent marches directly toward your camera setup? CraigD. Forrest is an Emmy-winning TVdirector, documentary filmmaker, author, and former film professor. Over a40-year career spanning more than 250 overseas assignments across 160countries, Craig has filmed in the trenches of tribal warfare, covered humantrafficking, and documented human conflict across six continents. He is theauthor of Commando Tactics for Digital Filmmakers and Night Train to Cairo. Today, Craig advocates forredemptive storytelling and mentors the next generation of digital creators. In this episode of FailCraft, Craig joins Ezekiel for an entertaining andinsightful conversation on global storytelling. He breaks down how he salvageda high-stakes shoot in Moscow, why older media leaders risk becoming obsoleteby ignoring AI, and the personal sacrifices attached to a lifetime of worldtravel. Inthis episode of FailCraft, you’ll discover: ·        The Moscow KGB Incident: Executing a 45-second commando shoot in Red Squarewithout a permit. ·        The Camera as a Light: Documenting human suffering, trafficking, and conflictacross 160 countries. ·        Commando Tactics for Creators: Core storytelling, lighting, and gear principles thatwithstand chaotic environments. ·        The Media Adaptability Trap: Why established leaders fail when refusing to embrace AIand mobile trends. ·        The Personal Cost of Wandering: Navigating divorce, family life, and long soloassignments abroad. ·        The Commando Mindset: Learning from failures, analyzing successes, andcontinuing to create. ConnectWith Craig D. Forrest: ·        Website Hub: craigforrest.com ·        Books:Find Commando Tactics for Digital Filmmakers and Night Train to Cairo on Amazon and major digitalplatforms. Supportthe Show: ·        Fuel the FailCraftMission: https://iferia.nestuge.com/supportme ·        Subscribe, leave areview, and share this episode with a filmmaker, traveler, or storyteller! Wantto Be a Guest on FailCraft? ·        Connect with Ezekielon PodMatch: https://podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/failcraft 00:00 Introduction:Craig D. Forrest & Commando Filmmaking 01:59 Filming BehindEnemy Lines: The KGB Red Square Encounter 05:01 DocumentingDarkness: Is the Camera a Shield or a Light? 06:22 Inside"Commando Tactics for Digital Filmmakers" & "Night Train toCairo" 08:10 Why Older MediaLeaders Fail to Adapt to AI and Social Trends 10:17 The PersonalCost of Traveling to 160 Countries 12:48 The CommandoMindset: Learning from Failure and Success 14:30 RedefiningSuccess as Mentoring the Next Generation 15:48 Where to FindCraig's Books and Media Projects Chapters:

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About

FailCraft is a podcast about the messy, real side of success. Host Ezekiel Iferia dives into the stories of creators, founders, and everyday people who turned setbacks into stepping stones. From failed ideas to reborn dreams, each episode uncovers how failure shapes mastery — and why learning to fall is part of learning to fly.

Information

  • Creator
    Ezekiel Iferia
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    278
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Ezekiel Iferia
  • Show Website
    FailCraft