The Influence Exchange

J.V.
  • 4.9 (33)
  • Self-Improvement
  • Updated Weekly

The Influence Exchange, hosted by J.V., is a personal growth podcast built around honest conversations, real-life experiences, and practical lessons that help you think differently, grow intentionally, and create meaningful change in your life. Through solo episodes and conversations with entrepreneurs, authors, leaders, coaches, and everyday people with powerful stories, we explore mindset, leadership, wealth, relationships, career, resilience, confidence, success, adversity, and purpose. Real conversations. Real experiences. Real growth.

  1. 4d ago

    Bonus Episode: The Question That Could Change Your Life Forever | Chris Woods

    What if one question could completely change the direction of your life? In this episode 43 of The Influence Exchange, J.V. sits down with executive coach, leadership consultant, speaker, author, and former Google executive Chris Woods for a conversation about leadership, fear, authenticity, mindset, gratitude, and discovering who you're truly meant to become. While building a successful career at Google and attending Harvard University, Chris experienced a life-threatening medical emergency caused by cardiac Lyme disease. After flatlining in the hospital and receiving a pacemaker, everything changed. Instead of asking, "Why did this happen to me?" He began asking a much more important question: "Who would I be in the absence of my concerns?" That single question became the foundation of his mission to help leaders overcome fear, discover their strengths, and live more authentically. In this episode, we discuss: The life-changing event that reshaped Chris's purpose Why fear silently controls so many decisions How to identify your authentic strengths Leadership optimization and building stronger teams The dangers of micromanagement and poor workplace culture Why gratitude can transform your mindset Balancing leadership, family, and personal fulfillment How to recognize when your life is out of alignment Practical strategies to overcome self-doubt and fear Why evolution, not revolution is often the key to lasting change Chris Website: https://chriswoodscoach.com/ Chris Book: https://a.co/d/0cuwK8DG Chris Contact: https://chriswoodscoach.com/contact 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.

    Bonus Episode: The Question That Could Change Your Life Forever | Chris Woods

  2. 6d ago

    The Side Hustle Mindset: Opportunities Are Everywhere | Bart Merrell

    What if the opportunity to change your life is already sitting right in front of you? In episode 42 of The Influence Exchange, J.V. sits down with entrepreneur, speaker, author, and side hustle expert Bart Merrell to talk about entrepreneurship, financial freedom, mindset, AI, side hustles, and learning how to turn everyday experiences into streams of income. From becoming a dog trainer by accident to international business deals in Japan to turning one of life’s hardest moments, losing part of his leg in 2024 into purpose and impact.  Bart’s story proves that opportunities are everywhere if you learn how to look for them. In this episode, Bart shares: What a real side hustle actually is How to identify opportunities in everyday life Why most people overlook income opportunities How to start a side hustle with little money The power of mindset and taking action AI opportunities and modern business ideas Why mentorship matters How fear stops people from moving forward The importance of learning through failure How to monetize skills, experiences, and challenges This conversation is motivating, practical, honest, and filled with real-life lessons for anyone who wants to create additional income, build freedom, or think differently about opportunity. Don’t ask if you can monetize it, ask HOW. Bart's website: https://thesidehustlesamurai.com/ Bart's free assessment: https://ai.bartmerrell.com/blindspot Buy Bart's book on Amazon: https://a.co/d/08Xz9x1u 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.

    The Side Hustle Mindset: Opportunities Are Everywhere | Bart Merrell

  3. Jul 15

    Why Most People Never Reach Their Full Potential | Alan Lazaros

    What if the life you’re building on the outside doesn’t match who you are on the inside? In episode 41 of The Influence Exchange, J.V. sits down with entrepreneur, coach, and Alan Lazaros to talk about mindset, fear, self-belief, personal growth, leadership, relationships, and what it truly takes to reach your full potential. After surviving a life-changing car accident at 26 years old, Alan was forced to reevaluate everything he believed about success, fulfillment, and purpose. Although he had financial success, a strong career, and external achievements, he realized he had never truly worked on himself internally. Today, Alan is the CEO and founder of Next Level University, a global self-improvement platform helping entrepreneurs, leaders, and individuals break through fear, limiting beliefs, and self-doubt. In this conversation, Alan shares: Why most people stay stuck The difference between external success and inner fulfillment How fear silently controls people Self-belief vs self-worth The importance of personal development Leadership, mindset & emotional growth Why environment and peer groups matter The truth about discipline and long-term success How to identify what’s holding you back Why personal growth requires discomfort This episode is honest, deep, practical, and filled with real conversations about life, trauma, growth, and becoming the best version of yourself. If you’ve ever: Felt stuck, struggled with confidence, wanted to grow personally, questioned your purpose, felt disconnected from yourself, wanted more out of life, then this episode is for you. Alan website: https://www.nextleveluniverse.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. 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.

    Why Most People Never Reach Their Full Potential | Alan Lazaros

  4. Jul 8

    Fired at 63 and Nearly Broke, How David Nassief Became a Millionaire by 69

    What if losing your job later in life became the best thing that ever happened to you? In this powerful episode 40 of The Influence Exchange, J.V. sits down with financial educator and author David Nassief to discuss wealth, retirement, investing, financial mistakes, mindset, and why it’s never too late to change your financial future. After being fired at 63 years old, David realized he and his wife were dangerously close to running out of money in retirement. Instead of giving up, he rebuilt his life from the ground up, studied personal finance obsessively, and created a simple system that helped him go from nearly broke to becoming a millionaire by age 69. This episode dives deep into: Building wealth later in life Why most people struggle financially The difference between making money and building wealth 401(k)s, Roth IRAs & index funds Avoiding common investing mistakes Financial discipline & consistency Why simplicity beats complexity The truth about fees and Wall Street How mindset affects financial success Why it’s never too late to start investing David also shares lessons from his One Page Wealth Compass and explains how small financial decisions made consistently over time can completely change your future. If you’ve ever: Felt behind financially, wondered where to start investing, struggled with debt, worried about retirement, wanted financial freedom, needed motivation to start over, then this conversation is for you. David's information: Free PDF: https://onepagewealthcompass.com/free Buy David's Book: https://a.co/d/099d595C Social Media TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@davidn536 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/onepagewealthcompass/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@onepagewealthcompass Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/111549991 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.

    Fired at 63 and Nearly Broke, How David Nassief Became a Millionaire by 69

  5. Jul 3

    Bonus Episode: From Coma to Comeback: How Dan MacQueen Rebuilt His Life After Brain Surgery

    What would you do if your entire life changed in just 24 hours? In this powerful episode 39 of The Influence Exchange, J.V. sits down with motivational speaker and brain injury survivor Dan MacQueen to discuss resilience, mindset, identity, recovery, and the mental strength required to rebuild your life after trauma. Dan shares the incredible story of collapsing in London after suffering dangerous pressure on his brain, waking up weeks later from a coma, and having to relearn how to walk, talk, and smile again after emergency brain surgery and a traumatic brain injury. But this conversation goes far beyond survival. It’s about: How mindset changes everything Learning to adapt when life completely changes direction Taking responsibility during setbacks Rebuilding confidence and identity Becoming the hero in your own story Why perspective matters during difficult moments How to keep moving forward even when life feels impossible Dan’s message is simple, honest, and powerful: “It’s not what happens to you, it’s how you respond to it that matters.” This episode is emotional, motivational, and filled with real-life lessons that anyone facing adversity, fear, uncertainty, or setbacks can relate to. If you’ve ever: Felt stuck, faced trauma, questioned yourself, needed motivation, struggled to keep going, wondered how to rebuild after life changes, then this conversation is for you. Dan's website: https://www.macqueendan.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. 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.

    Bonus Episode: From Coma to Comeback: How Dan MacQueen Rebuilt His Life After Brain Surgery

  6. Jul 1

    The Hidden Reason You Feel Stuck in Life and Business | Joanna Zhang

    What if the reason you feel stuck has nothing to do with strategy, and everything to do with alignment? In this powerful episode 38 of The Influence Exchange, J.V. sits down with award-winning entrepreneur Joanna Zhang to talk about success, burnout, entrepreneurship, spiritual awakening, leadership, and reconnecting with yourself. Joanna shares her journey from building successful businesses while secretly feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, and unfulfilled to discovering that real growth starts internally. Together, they dive into: Why so many entrepreneurs feel stuck even when they’re succeeding The difference between hustle and alignment Physical, emotional, and spiritual blockages How self-neglect quietly impacts leadership and business growth Why strategy alone isn’t enough Emotional burnout, imposter syndrome, and external validation The importance of hiring aligned people How setbacks can create unexpected opportunities Energy vs. effort in business and life Why fulfillment matters more than appearances This episode is honest, reflective, and filled with practical perspective for anyone trying to grow without losing themselves in the process. If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, exhausted, or like something is “missing” despite your success, this conversation is for you. Joanna Website: https://operationsgenius.net/ Contact Joanna: https://linktr.ee/joannazhang 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.

    The Hidden Reason You Feel Stuck in Life and Business | Joanna Zhang

  7. Jun 24

    How NLP Can Rewire Your Mind and Break the Patterns Holding You Back | Dr. Heidi Heron

    What if the biggest thing holding you back, isn’t your circumstances, but the story you keep repeating in your mind? In episode 37 of The Influence Exchange, J.V. sits down with coach, therapist, author, and NLP expert Dr. Heidi Heron for a deep conversation about mindset, human behavior, imposter syndrome, fear, self-doubt, and personal growth. For more than 25 years, Dr. Heidi Heron has helped people understand how unconscious beliefs and mental patterns shape the way they think, feel, and live. Together, J.V. and Dr. Heidi break down why so many people feel stuck, and how awareness can completely change your life. In this episode, they discuss: What mindset really means Why people stay stuck even when they want change The hidden beliefs controlling your behavior Fear of judgment and imposter syndrome Why confidence and competence are different The power of Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) How your thoughts shape your emotions Why looking up can actually change your state emotionally Human behavior, awareness, and personal responsibility How to stop living on autopilot This episode is filled with practical insight, relatable moments, and powerful mindset shifts that can help you better understand yourself and the patterns holding you back. If you’ve ever struggled with self-doubt, fear of change, feeling stuck, negative thinking, overthinking, confidence, then this conversation is for you.  Dr. Heidi Heron Website: https://www.heidiheron.com/ Buy Dr. Heidi Heron Book: https://a.co/d/0cCg2oom 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.

    How NLP Can Rewire Your Mind and Break the Patterns Holding You Back | Dr. Heidi Heron

  8. Jun 17

    From Coma to Comeback: Shannon Michelle’s Story of Resilience

    What if your life changed in a single moment and you had to learn how to become yourself all over again? In this powerful episode 36 of The Influence Exchange, J.V. sits down with author, speaker, and trauma survivor Shannon Michelle for one of the most emotional and inspiring conversations on the podcast so far. After a devastating motorcycle accident on Pacific Coast Highway, Shannon was left in a coma for months with severe brain trauma and life-changing injuries. Doctors weren’t sure if she would ever fully recover. During her healing journey, she had to relearn how to walk, remember, and rebuild her life step by step. But Shannon’s story doesn’t stop there. From surviving a traumatic brain injury to later battling breast cancer, Shannon shares how faith, resilience, self-kindness, and staying present helped her keep moving forward, even through the darkest moments. In this episode, we talk about: Surviving a near-fatal motorcycle accident Recovering from traumatic brain injury and memory loss Learning how to rebuild your identity after trauma The importance of staying present during difficult seasons Her “PATCHwork” method for healing and self-awareness Turning pain into purpose Her book Step Into Your Miracle Why kindness to yourself matters more than perfection This conversation is raw, emotional, honest, and deeply human. If you’ve ever struggled with trauma, loss, anxiety, healing, or trying to find yourself again after life changes unexpectedly, this episode will stay with you. Shannon's Website: https://stepintoyourmiracle.com/ Buy Shannon's Book: https://amzn.to/4l7pisZ Contact Shannon: https://stepintoyourmiracle.com/contact-me/ 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.

    From Coma to Comeback: Shannon Michelle’s Story of Resilience
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4.9
out of 5
33 Ratings

About

The Influence Exchange, hosted by J.V., is a personal growth podcast built around honest conversations, real-life experiences, and practical lessons that help you think differently, grow intentionally, and create meaningful change in your life. Through solo episodes and conversations with entrepreneurs, authors, leaders, coaches, and everyday people with powerful stories, we explore mindset, leadership, wealth, relationships, career, resilience, confidence, success, adversity, and purpose. Real conversations. Real experiences. Real growth.

Information

  • Creator
    J.V.
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    43
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © © 2026 The Influence Exchange
  • Show Website
    The Influence Exchange

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