The Ambition Lab

Whiz

The Ambition Lab is where ambition gets honest. Most people are building something. A business, a career, a family, a body, a life that actually means something. But nobody tells you the real cost of that kind of building — the sacrifices, the identity shifts, the seasons where everything feels like it is moving backwards before it moves forward.

  1. 1d ago

    The Mountaintop That Changed Everything

    What happens when an experience challenges everything you thought you understood about faith? For award winning author Marcia McFarland, a defining moment on a mountaintop became a turning point in her relationship with God. She describes an experience of hearing God speak to her, receiving words that challenged her understanding of faith and eventually inspired her book, Perfect Glory: 21 Spiritual Insights for the 21st Century. On this episode of The Ambition Lab, we explore Marcia's spiritual journey and what it means to move beyond inherited religious beliefs toward a more personal understanding of faith. We discuss the difference between religious tradition and personal conviction, the questions that can arise when long-held beliefs are challenged, and how people can explore their spirituality without feeling they must reject their entire background. Marcia also introduces the idea of Godwinks moments in everyday life that she interprets as reminders of God's presence. We explore how ordinary experiences can take on deeper meaning, why she felt compelled to share her journey through a book, and the personal challenges that come with making deeply held beliefs public. But this conversation isn't only about a mountaintop experience. It's also about what happens afterward: the uncertainty, the questions, and the effort to carry a meaningful experience into everyday life. Whether you have a strong religious background, are questioning what you've been taught, or are simply searching for a deeper connection, this conversation invites you to reflect on what faith means to you. In This Episode - The mountaintop experience that changed Marcia's understanding of God - How personal experiences can challenge inherited beliefs - The difference between religious obligation and a personal relationship with Jesus - How to question religious teachings without automatically rejecting your spiritual background - The meaning behind Perfect Glory: 21 Spiritual Insights for the 21st Century - One of the 21 spiritual insights that shaped Marcia's journey - What a Godwink is and how to recognize meaning in ordinary moments - Why Marcia decided to turn her personal experiences into a book - The vulnerability and personal cost of sharing your faith publicly - Navigating periods of uncertainty during a spiritual journey - Practical ways to explore faith more intentionally - What Marcia hopes readers take away from her story About Marcia McFarland Marcia McFarland is an award-winning author of Perfect Glory: 21 Spiritual Insights for the 21st Century. Through her writing, she shares spiritual experiences and insights that have shaped her understanding of God and her personal relationship with Jesus. Her work encourages readers to reflect on their beliefs, consider the meaning of their everyday experiences, and explore their own spiritual journeys. Connect with Marcia McFarland - Official Website: https://authormarciamcfarland.com - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcia-west-695728a7 - Facebook: Search for the Perfect Glory page on Facebook. Get the Book Perfect Glory: 21 Spiritual Insights for the 21st Century Available in hardback, paperback, Kindle, and audiobook formats. - Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Perfect-Glory-Spiritual-Insights-Century/dp/B0D5FFYKG5 - Author's Website: https://authormarciamcfarland.com A Question to Take With You How much of what you believe comes from what you've been taught, and how much comes from what you have personally explored and experienced? You don't have to have every answer to begin asking meaningful questions. Sometimes, a deeper understanding starts with the willingness to reflect. Listen, share your thoughts, and pass this episode along to someone who may be exploring their own relationship with faith. The Ambition Lab — honest conversations about ambition, purpose, growth, and what it really takes to build something meaningful.

  2. 1d ago

    The Whole System

    What happens when you've tried therapy, medicine, wellness strategies, and every solution you can think of, yet something still doesn't feel right? Sometimes, the problem isn't one part of your life. It's the way the whole system is working. On this episode of The Ambition Lab, I sit down with Liz Coleman, a certified transformational life coach, psychology graduate, Mind Shifting and NLP practitioner, and creator of the MindLife Reset™. Liz once held a C-suite position in New York while carrying two mortgages, feeling disconnected from her marriage, and dealing with several health challenges. After trying different approaches that seemed to address only individual parts of her experience, she began looking at the bigger picture. That journey led her to develop the MindLife Reset™, a whole-person approach that considers the connection between the mind, body, and spirit. Today, she works with high-achieving women who appear to have everything under control but struggle to switch off, quiet their thoughts, or trust their own decisions. In this conversation, we explore why success doesn't always bring fulfillment, how internal beliefs shape our everyday behavior, and why better boundaries or a more organized calendar may not be enough to create lasting change. Liz also explains how the stories we carry influence the way we think, feel, and respond, and how people can begin making meaningful changes without adding another demanding project to their already busy lives. But beyond the coaching work, we discuss the personal cost of stepping away from a corporate career, rebuilding your life, and learning to trust yourself again. In This Episode The moment Liz realized that treating individual problems wasn't enough Her transition from a C-suite career to transformational coaching Why successful women can struggle to switch off and relax The difference between achieving success and experiencing fulfillment What the MindLife Reset™ involves Why better boundaries and time management don't always solve deeper problems How internal stories and beliefs influence everyday behavior The connection between the mind, body, and emotional patterns Why changing your thoughts alone may not be enough How to stop overthinking and rebuild self-trust Common limiting beliefs among high-achieving women The personal sacrifices behind Liz's transformation journey Practical ways to begin making changes without overwhelming yourself About Liz Coleman Liz Coleman is a certified transformational life coach, psychology graduate, Mind Shifting and NLP practitioner, and creator of the MindLife Reset™. She helps high-achieving women understand the beliefs and patterns influencing their lives, quiet the mental noise, and develop a more balanced relationship with themselves. Through her whole-person approach, Liz focuses on helping women experience greater clarity, self-trust, and fulfillment without constantly adding more to their schedules. Connect with Liz Coleman Official Website: https://www.lizcolemanlifecoach.com/ MindLife Reset™ Approach: https://www.lizcolemanlifecoach.com/approach Private Coaching: https://www.lizcolemanlifecoach.com/coaching LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lizcolemanlifecoach/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reallizcoleman/ Email: welcome@lizcolemanlifecoach.com Get Liz's Free Guide 5 Techniques to Overcome Limiting Beliefs A practical guide to help you recognize and work through the beliefs that may be influencing your thoughts, decisions, and behavior. Download the guide: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1bMRRUfq_QyFtpcLWxTkW1AMTZ4HijdUG/view

  3. 1d ago

    The Healer's Map

    What if the answers you've been searching for aren't found in achieving more, but in understanding yourself more deeply? Most high-achievers spend years building successful lives, reaching goals, and meeting expectations. Yet, even when everything looks right from the outside, something can still feel missing. On this episode of The Ambition Lab, I sit down with Viki Scudiery, intuitive healer, founder of Source Healing, graduate of the Barbara Brennan School of Healing, and co-creator of The Source Cards. Viki's journey into healing began with her own years of medical struggles. Her search for answers eventually led her to explore the body, energy, intuition, and the deeper patterns that shape how we experience life. Together with her partner, Alexander Dunlop, she co-created The Source Cards, a system built around the idea that an ordinary deck of 52 playing cards can reveal deeper patterns connected to our birth dates, relationships, and personal journeys. In this conversation, we explore Viki's personal transformation, what Source Healing involves, and how she uses the cards to help people better understand themselves and their relationships. We also discuss the difference between outward success and inner fulfillment, the role of intuition, and how understanding our patterns might help us approach life differently. But beyond the healing work, Viki shares the personal cost of her journey, what it means to hold space for others, and why learning to listen to yourself can be just as important as pursuing your ambitions. In This Episode How Viki's medical struggles led her toward healing Her experience at the Barbara Brennan School of Healing What Source Healing involves and what happens during a session Understanding the energetic body and intuition Why successful people can still feel unfulfilled The story behind The Source Cards How birth dates are used to discover personal cards Exploring relationship dynamics through the cards Recognizing patterns that influence our choices and relationships Balancing different perspectives in a creative partnership The emotional cost of supporting others through their healing journeys Why fulfillment sometimes requires looking inward rather than achieving more About Viki Scudiery Viki Scudiery is an intuitive healer, founder of Source Healing, and co-creator of The Source Cards alongside her partner, Alexander Dunlop. A graduate of the Barbara Brennan School of Healing, Viki brings her personal healing journey and experience working with clients into her approach to understanding the body, energy, intuition, and human relationships. Through her work, she supports entrepreneurs, artists, athletes, and high-achievers who want to explore their personal patterns and develop a deeper understanding of themselves. Connect with Viki Scudiery Official Website – The Source Cards: https://www.thesourcecards.com/ Source Healing: https://www.thesourcecards.com/source-healing LinkedIn – Viki Scudiery: https://www.linkedin.com/in/viki-scudiery-b4092221/ Instagram – The Source Cards: https://www.instagram.com/thesourcecards/ YouTube – The Source Cards: https://www.youtube.com/thesourcecards TikTok – The Source Cards: https://www.tiktok.com/@thesourcecards Facebook – The Source Cards: https://www.facebook.com/thesourcecards Media, Resources and Programs: https://www.thesourcecards.com/media Work With Viki and Alexander: https://www.thesourcecards.com/work-with-us

  4. 2d ago

    The Man Who Named the Dates

    What happens when someone trained to analyze intelligence, examine evidence, and identify patterns becomes convinced that biblical prophecy points to specific dates in our time? And what happens when that conviction becomes strong enough to change the direction of his entire life? On this episode of The Ambition Lab, I sit down with C. Luke Humphreys, a former U.S. Army intelligence analyst and author of Teaching History Before It Happens and The Numbers. Luke brings an unusual background to the study of Bible prophecy. Drawing on his experience in intelligence analysis, he says he has examined biblical passages, historical patterns, and numerical calculations to develop a timeline of events he believes will unfold between 2027 and 2030. His work includes specific predictions involving March 28 and April 28, 2027, the return of Jesus, global events, and what he believes the numbers in scripture reveal about the future. These are extraordinary claims, and in this conversation, we explore the reasoning behind them. Luke explains how he arrives at his dates, how he interprets the biblical passages and numbers, and what evidence he believes supports his conclusions. We also discuss his predictions concerning the Ottoman Empire, nuclear warfare, the tribulation, and major changes he believes will affect religious communities around the world. But this conversation goes beyond prophecy. Luke shares his decision to sell his real estate and 95% of his possessions, his plans to begin traveling on April 1, 2027, and his ambition to reach 100 million people before 2030. Whether you agree with his interpretations or not, his story raises important questions about conviction, evidence, independent thinking, and what happens when someone reorganizes his life around a belief. In This Episode - How Luke's military intelligence background shaped his approach to Bible prophecy - Why he believes biblical prophecy can be examined through historical patterns and numbers - How he arrived at the specific dates of March 28 and April 28, 2027 - His predictions involving Pope Leo and the events he expects in 2027 - What he believes the numbers given to Moses and Daniel reveal - His interpretation of the revived Ottoman Empire and biblical references to warfare - What he believes will happen during the tribulation between 2027 and 2030 - The distinction between Jesus as the Lamb of God and the Lion of Judah - His predictions concerning religious communities and global events - Why he is selling much of what he owns to pursue his mission - The personal sacrifices behind his decision to travel and share his message - Why he believes people should examine his arguments for themselves About C. Luke Humphreys C. Luke Humphreys is a former U.S. Army intelligence analyst and author of Teaching History Before It Happens and The Numbers. He applies his analytical background to his study of biblical prophecy and presents his interpretations through books and public outreach. He has made both books available free in 133 languages through his website, alongside his Watchman Report. Connect with C. Luke Humphreys - Official Website: https://purelife2030.com - Free Books and Resources: https://purelife2030.com - Teaching History Before It Happens – Google Books: https://books.google.com/books?id=T0vUEQAAQBAJ - Teaching History Before It Happens – Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/books/details?id=T0vUEQAAQBAJ - The Numbers – Everand: https://www.everand.com/book/1076743435/The-Numbers-How-to-be-CERTAIN-Jesus-Returns-in-2030 - Watchman's Report: https://purelife2030.com/watchman/2026-08-23.html - Email: info@purelife2030.com Luke's predictions are his own interpretations and claims. The dates and events discussed are not presented as established facts or independently verified forecasts. Listeners are encouraged to read his material, examine the calculations, and assess the arguments critically.

  5. 2d ago

    The Transmission Gap

    A food recall can be announced today and still reach a family too late. Most people hear about contaminated products through headlines, social media posts, or store notices. But what happens when the warning never reaches the people who actually bought the product? On this episode of The Ambition Lab, I sit down with Jordan Robinson, founder of Anxin, a food safety intelligence platform designed to close the gap between food recalls being announced and consumers finding out about them. Jordan is tackling a problem that goes beyond making information available. It's about making that information timely, accurate, relevant, and practical enough for people to act on. Through Anxin, users can access food recall information, track products in their kitchens, scan grocery receipts, and check restaurant health inspection scores. The goal is to make food safety less confusing and help families make more informed everyday decisions. We explore what Jordan calls the Transmission Gap: the distance between an official food safety warning and the person who needs to hear it. We also discuss why old recalls sometimes resurface as breaking news, how foreign recalls can be mistaken for domestic ones, and why accuracy matters just as much as speed. Beyond the technology, Jordan opens up about building Anxin as a solo founder, the challenges of turning an idea into a working platform, and the responsibility of creating something that touches such a personal part of people's lives: the food they eat and serve their families. In This Episode - What the Transmission Gap means and why it matters - Why food safety information often fails to reach consumers in time - How Anxin helps families monitor food recalls - How grocery receipt scanning can make recall tracking more personal - Checking restaurant health inspection scores before dining out - Why old food recalls sometimes circulate as breaking news - The confusion between domestic and foreign food recalls - The importance of accuracy, context, and timely warnings - Building a food safety technology platform as a solo founder - The challenges and sacrifices behind developing Anxin - Feedback from families using the platform during food safety concerns - Practical steps consumers can take to stay informed and protect their households About Jordan Robinson Jordan Robinson is the founder of Anxin, a food safety intelligence platform focused on helping people access and act on food recall information. Through technology designed around everyday consumer needs, he is working to make food safety information more accessible, relevant, and useful to families. Explore Anxin Free Food Recall Database: https://pieceofmind.fyi/recalls A Question to Take With You How much confidence do you have that you'd find out if something in your kitchen had been recalled? This conversation is a reminder that information is only powerful when it reaches the people who need it—and reaches them in time. Listen, reflect, and share this episode with someone who cares about food safety and the well-being of their family. The Ambition Lab — honest conversations about ambition, purpose, growth, and what it really takes to build something meaningful. Sometimes, building something meaningful isn't about creating new information. It's about finding a better way to get the right information to the right people.

  6. 2d ago

    Success Is Never Achieved Alone

    Behind almost every successful person is someone who believed in them before they fully believed in themselves. For some, it's a mentor who offers an opportunity. For others, it's someone who provides guidance at a critical moment or challenges them to see their potential differently. But what happens when that early investment shapes not only a career, but the way someone chooses to help others? On this episode of The Ambition Lab, I sit down with Jeff Glick, CPA, Head of U.S. Operations at Outsourced CFO, to explore the role of mentorship, financial clarity, and relationships in building lasting success. With more than two decades of experience in finance, Jeff has helped hundreds of entrepreneurs navigate growth, improve financial systems, and make better business decisions. His journey began with a mentor who trusted him with responsibilities beyond his experience, and today, he's paying that investment forward by mentoring students, supporting founders, and helping business leaders grow. We discuss the difference between traditional accounting and strategic financial leadership, why founders need to understand more than just their revenue, and how a fractional CFO can help businesses prepare for growth, investment, and major decisions. Jeff also shares how technology, automation, and AI are changing the finance industry, what tomorrow's business leaders need to understand, and why financial data is most valuable when it helps you decide what to do next. But this conversation goes beyond business numbers. We explore the personal cost of ambition, balancing professional responsibilities with family life, and the importance of recognizing the people who help us along the way. In This Episode: - The mentor who recognized Jeff's potential early in his career - How mentorship influences the way we lead and support others - When a growing business needs strategic financial guidance - The difference between bookkeeping and financial leadership - Common financial mistakes founders make when scaling - Why financial clarity matters for confident business decisions - How fractional CFO services support growing companies - Preparing financially for investment, acquisitions, and expansion - How AI, automation, and cloud technology are changing finance - The personal sacrifices and trade-offs behind professional success - Practical steps founders can take to improve their financial position About Jeff Glick, CPA Jeff Glick is a Certified Public Accountant and Head of U.S. Operations at Outsourced CFO. With over two decades of experience, he works with entrepreneurs and business leaders to improve financial visibility, establish scalable systems, and make informed decisions that support sustainable growth. Beyond his professional work, Jeff is passionate about mentorship and helping others recognize and develop their potential. Connect with Jeff Glick: - LinkedIn: Search for Jeff Glick, CPA - Outsourced CFO: https://outsourcedcfo.com If you're building a business, developing a career, or trying to make better decisions about your future, this conversation offers an important reminder: success isn't just about having the right skills or working harder. It's also about having the right people around you, knowing when to seek guidance, and being willing to invest in others. Because the people who help us grow can influence the opportunities we create for ourselves and the opportunities we create for others.

  7. 3d ago

    The Financial Thermostat

    Why do some people work hard, earn more, and pursue financial success, yet still feel as though they're struggling to get ahead? Sometimes, the issue isn't just how much money we make. It may also be the beliefs, habits, and expectations we carry about money and how those patterns influence the way we earn, spend, save, and build wealth. On this episode of The Ambition Lab, I sit down with Pericles Rellas, a money mindset and manifestation expert with more than thirty years of experience helping people rethink their relationship with money. At the center of his work is the concept of the Financial Thermostat: the idea that our internal beliefs and expectations can influence the level of financial success we're comfortable pursuing, receiving, and maintaining. Pericles uses a striking metaphor to explain this idea: trying to manifest more money while holding on to limiting beliefs is like planting seeds in poisoned soil. You can focus on the results you want, but it's also worth examining the conditions you're creating beneath the surface. In this conversation, we explore where money beliefs come from, how childhood experiences can shape our financial decisions, and why wanting a different outcome doesn't always lead to meaningful change. We also discuss manifestation, the relationship between money and happiness, and the difference between understanding a concept intellectually and putting it into practice. Beyond the theories, we get personal. Pericles reflects on his own journey, the lessons he's learned through decades of work, and the sacrifices that can come with dedicating your life to helping others. In This Episode: What the Financial Thermostat means and how it may influence financial behavior Why earning more money doesn't automatically resolve financial struggles How childhood experiences shape our beliefs about wealth and abundance The meaning behind the metaphor of planting seeds in poisoned soil Practical ways to begin questioning and changing inherited money beliefs The relationship between mindset, manifestation, and financial decisions Whether money really makes us happy Common misconceptions about money and wealth The personal cost of spending decades helping others transform their relationship with money How high performers can examine the gap between financial success and personal freedom About Pericles Rellas Pericles Rellas is a money mindset and manifestation expert whose work focuses on helping people examine their beliefs about money and develop a healthier relationship with financial success. Drawing on more than three decades of experience, he encourages people to look beyond their income and consider the patterns that may be influencing their financial lives. Connect with Pericles Rellas: Official Website: https://periclesrellas.com Free Webinar: Visit his official website to find his free webinar and learn more about his work. If you've ever felt that your financial reality doesn't quite match your efforts, this conversation offers a different perspective to consider. It invites you to look beyond what you're trying to achieve and examine the beliefs and habits you're bringing into the process. Mindset alone doesn't replace financial knowledge, practical planning, or opportunity. But understanding your relationship with money can be a useful part of making more intentional financial decisions. A Question to Take With You: What did you learn about money growing up and is that belief still serving you today? Listen, reflect, and share this episode with someone who is rethinking their relationship with money and success. The Ambition Lab honest conversations about ambition, purpose, risk, and what it takes to build something meaningful. Don't just focus on the seeds you're planting. Pay attention to the soil you're planting them in.

  8. 6d ago

    Even Monks Meditate Together

    We often think personal growth is something we have to figure out on our own. We work on ourselves, try to manage our struggles, and celebrate independence. But what if becoming a stronger, healthier version of ourselves has just as much to do with the people around us as it does with the work we do alone? On this episode of The Ambition Lab, I sit down with Dr. Maria Van Der Maaten, sociologist, community development practitioner, and author, to explore the role community plays in our personal growth, well-being, and ability to navigate life's challenges. The title of this episode raises a simple but powerful question: if even monks meditate together, why do so many of us believe we must face our struggles alone? We explore how our environment shapes who we become, what healthy communities provide that individual effort sometimes cannot, and why being surrounded by people doesn't always mean feeling genuinely connected. Maria also helps us examine the difference between independence and interdependence, and how the quality of our relationships can influence the way we experience life. But building meaningful connections isn't always easy. It takes time, effort, vulnerability, and a willingness to show up for others even when life gets busy. We discuss what it means to create spaces where people can speak honestly about their struggles, feel supported without judgment, and find the courage to ask for help. This conversation also turns the question inward: what happens when the person who supports everyone else needs support themselves? In This Episode: - Why personal growth doesn't have to happen in isolation - How our communities and environments influence who we become - The difference between independence and interdependence - Why you can feel lonely even when surrounded by people - How shared experiences and meaningful relationships support well-being - Building communities where people feel safe enough to be vulnerable - The importance of listening without immediately trying to fix everything - The time, effort, and vulnerability required to build lasting connections - How to begin creating a stronger sense of community - What to remember when you're struggling and don't know how to ask for help About Dr. Maria Van Der Maaten Dr. Maria Van Der Maaten is a sociologist, community development practitioner, and author whose work explores the connections between community, human relationships, and well-being. Her perspective invites us to look beyond individual achievement and consider how the people around us help shape our lives. Connect with Dr. Maria Van Der Maaten: - Official Website: https://mariavdm.com - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariavandermaaten/ - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maria.vandermaaten/ Book: Even Monks Meditate Together — ask Maria through her website or social profiles for publication and availability updates. If you've been trying to handle everything yourself, this conversation is an invitation to reconsider what strength really means. Asking for help doesn't make you less capable, and supporting others doesn't mean you must always have everything figured out. Sometimes, growth begins with one honest conversation, one act of kindness, or the decision to let someone else stand beside you. A Question to Take With You: Who helps you become a better version of yourself, and are you creating that same space for someone else? Listen, reflect, and share this episode with someone who might need the reminder that they don't have to figure everything out alone. The Ambition Lab — honest conversations about ambition, purpose, growth, and the choices that shape our lives. Growth may be personal, but that doesn't mean it has to be lonely.

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The Ambition Lab is where ambition gets honest. Most people are building something. A business, a career, a family, a body, a life that actually means something. But nobody tells you the real cost of that kind of building — the sacrifices, the identity shifts, the seasons where everything feels like it is moving backwards before it moves forward.