Next Steps Forward with Dr. Chris Meek

Dr. Chris Meek
  • 5.0 (9)
  • MENTAL HEALTH
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Personal empowerment, commitment to our own well-being and the motivation to achieve more than we ever thought possible are the ingredients of a better life. And, they're all within our reach. Next Steps Forward with Dr. Chris Meek delves into the keys to adding energy, excitement, direction and purpose to everything that we do. The program hosts mental health advocates and medical experts, frontline voices on human trafficking and social justice issues, familiar faces from the worlds of entertainment and sports, and leading entrepreneurs to engage in thought-provoking discussions that inspire the audience to take their own next steps forward to better themselves and their communities. Next Steps Forward is intended to be a source of empowerment that many around the world are in need of now more than ever. For guests who join the program, Chris cultivates a space where honest, quality conversations thrive and are not only meant to educate and inform but inspire action, introspection and a deeper understanding of the world around us. Next Steps Forward with Dr. Chris Meek is an informative, uplifting hour every Tuesday at 1 PM Eastern Time/10 AM Pacific Time that's certain to inspire you to take that important next step forward, too.

  1. 2D AGO

    Future-Proofing Your Life: Technology, AI, and Taking Your Next Steps Forward w/ Crystal Washington

    Join host Dr. Chris Meek as he sits down with Crystal Washington, one of Forbes' 50 Leading Female Futurists, to explore how we can navigate an increasingly complex technological landscape while staying true to our human values. Crystal, a certified futurist and technology strategist who has worked with Fortune 100 companies like Google, American Express, and Pfizer, breaks down the intimidating world of artificial intelligence, social media, and emerging technologies into actionable insights that anyone can understand and apply. In this engaging conversation, Crystal shares her expertise on becoming "future-proof" in both business and life, discussing how small tech actions can lead to transformative outcomes. As a Hall of Fame Speaker who appears weekly on the Emmy-nominated show Life 2.0, Crystal brings her unique perspective on how technology can be a force for good when we approach it with intention and purpose. About Crystal Washington: Futurist, author, and Hall of Fame Speaker, Crystal Washington equips organizations with the knowledge they need to become "future-proof." As a technology strategist and certified futurist, Crystal makes complex artificial intelligence, social media, and app technology easy to understand and accessible for everyday people. Crystal's clients include Fortune 100 companies, including Google, American Express, and Pfizer. As a sought-after keynote speaker, she has entertained and educated audiences around the globe. As one of Forbes' 50 Leading Female Futurists, she appears weekly on season two of the Emmy-nominated show Life 2.0. She's also appeared in numerous publications, including Entrepreneur and Bloomberg Businessweek, and major television networks regularly call on her as a tech expert. Crystal is the author of One Tech Action and The Social Media Why.

    59 min

  2. JAN 27

    The Responsibility to Remember w/ Andrew H. Card Jr and Leon Panetta

    In this milestone 250th episode of Next Steps Forward, Dr. Chris Meek is joined by two of the most consequential public servants of our time: Andrew Card and Leon Panetta. In a wide-ranging and deeply personal conversation, these former White House Chiefs of Staff reflect on lives shaped by service, leadership under pressure, and a shared commitment to preserving the lessons of September 11, 2001. From Leon Panetta's upbringing as the son of Italian immigrants and his journey through Congress, the CIA, and the Department of Defense, to Andrew Card's path from the Merchant Marine Academy to the highest levels of government, including his pivotal role on 9/11, this episode explores what truly forms a leader. The discussion spans decades of American history and civic life: the moral weight of leadership decisions, the value of military and public service, lessons learned from presidents across party lines, and the growing challenges facing democracy in an era of polarization. Card and Panetta also offer candid advice to young Americans considering public service today and reflect on whether unity and the political "center" can be restored. The second half of the episode is devoted to September 11, 2001 and its enduring legacy. Together, Card and Panetta recount the facts of that day, share firsthand experiences and behind-the-scenes moments, and examine how 9/11 reshaped national security, diplomacy, intelligence, and preparedness. As members of The 9/11 Legacy Foundation, they explain why remembrance must remain nonpartisan, why education is essential for future generations, and what lessons from 9/11 are most at risk of being forgotten as the 25th commemoration approaches. This landmark episode is a powerful reflection on leadership, memory, unity, and responsibility, and a reminder that remembering 9/11 is not just about honoring the past, but about shaping the future we choose to build. About Andrew H. Card Jr: Known for his calm, disciplined leadership and deep sense of duty, Andrew Card has spent decades in high-level roles in the public and private sectors. Among his roles during three administrations was his service as U.S. Secretary of Transportation, and Chief of Staff for President George W. Bush during one of the most consequential periods in modern American history, including the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.  About Leon Panetta: Leon Panetta is one of America's most experienced public servants. A former member of Congress, he has also served as White House Chief of Staff, Director of the Office of Management and Budget, Director of the CIA, and later as the United States Secretary of Defense. He also founded the Panetta Institute for Public Policy to inspire civic engagement and educate future leaders.

    57 min

  3. JAN 20

    The Future of Free Enterprise: Gentry Collins on Empowering Entrepreneurs

    In this week's episode of Next Steps Forward, Dr. Chris Meek sits down with Gentry Collins, Founder and CEO of the American Free Enterprise Chamber of Commerce, to explore how small and medium-sized businesses can thrive in today's economy. Gentry, a seasoned political strategist and partner at CAP Public Affairs, has worked at the highest levels of American politics, from serving as National Political Director of the Republican National Committee to advising across multiple sectors of the economy. Together, Chris and Gentry discuss the meaning of "equal access to the marketplace" and how the American Free Enterprise Chamber is redefining what it means to advocate for entrepreneurs and family businesses. They dive into the challenges facing small business owners, from navigating complex regulations to competing with corporate consolidation, and explore practical strategies for empowerment, trust-building, and sustainable growth. Gentry also shares insights from his work in politics, brand strategy, and public affairs, reflecting on how economic opportunity shapes the broader political landscape and what policymakers should prioritize when crafting policies that impact entrepreneurs. Whether you're a business owner, aspiring entrepreneur, or simply curious about the intersection of free enterprise and advocacy, this episode offers actionable takeaways for building opportunity, credibility, and lasting impact in your community. Tune in for a thoughtful conversation on creating a more equitable, opportunity-driven economy and taking the next steps forward in your business and personal growth. About Gentry Collins: Gentry Collins  is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the American Free Enterprise Chamber of Commerce, a national advocacy and trade association working to expand equal economic opportunity for all Americans and to ensure that small and medium-sized businesses have fair access to the marketplace. Gentry is also a partner at CAP Public Affairs, where he's worked across multiple sectors of the American economy on large-scale advocacy and brand-management efforts. He's served as a Fellow at the University of Southern California's Center for the Political Future, lecturing on the future of the Republican Party, and he's a co-founder of NewRepublican.org, created to rethink how political organizations understand brand and message. Earlier in his career, Gentry served as National Political Director of the Republican National Committee, helping return a Republican majority to Congress, and previously held senior leadership roles with the Republican Governors Association and the Republican Party of Iowa. He's been named Politico's "Top Presidential Staffer Get", and The New York Post has called him "one of the most highly regarded operatives in the party."

    46 min

  4. JAN 13

    Faith in Action: Shane Manney on Purpose, Service, and Global Impact

    Shane Manney, Founder and Executive Director of 5 Stones International, a mission-driven nonprofit expanding hope, training, and humanitarian aid around the globe, joins program host Dr. Chris Meek on this installment of Next Steps Forward. Shane shares his powerful journey from U.S. Marine Corps service and frontline security work to building a ministry rooted in faith, fitness, and relational discipleship. You'll hear how 5 Stones uses mixed martial arts, tactical training, and international outreach to help individuals discover identity, purpose, and meaning in Christ while serving communities in some of the world's toughest environments. Tune in for inspiring stories of resilience, mission, and the next steps forward in making a tangible impact in people's lives. About Shane Manney: Shane Manney is the founder of 5 Stones Fight Club. He has over 20 years of coaching experience that includes wrestling, boxing, submission grappling and strength training. He spent six years as an infantry machine gunner in the United States Marine Corps, two years as a police officer in Richmond, Virginia, and eight years as a private security contractor and security lead supervisor for Exelon Nuclear Security.  Currently, he works in the field of drug and alcohol rehabilitation at Pennsylvania Counseling Services.

    57 min

  5. JAN 6

    The Flipside: How to Invert Your Perspective and Turn Fear Into Your Superpower w/ Michelle "MACE" Curran

    Next Steps Forward host Dr. Chris Meek welcomes Michelle "MACE" Curran, former U.S. Air Force combat pilot, elite Thunderbirds Lead Solo, bestselling author, and trailblazing motivational speaker, to the program to discuss courage, confidence, and breaking through fear to live a life of purpose and possibility. Michelle's journey from a small-town girl in Wisconsin to one of the most respected fighter pilots in the world is nothing short of remarkable. During her 13-year career in the U.S. Air Force, she flew F-16s in combat missions across the globe and made history as only the second woman ever to serve as Lead Solo for the Air Force Thunderbirds, a role that demands precision, resilience, and fearless leadership. After stepping away from military service, Michelle founded Upside Down Dreams, a platform dedicated to empowering individuals and teams to overcome self-doubt, embrace bold action, and unlock their full potential. As a keynote speaker and author of the bestselling book The Flipside: How to Invert Your Perspective and Turn Fear Into Your Superpower, she takes lessons from the cockpit and applies them to everyday challenges, showing us how to reframe fear, conquer imposter syndrome, and build high-performing mindsets in both personal and professional life.  During the interview, Michelle will share: What it really takes to push past fear and self-imposed limits How her experience as a fighter pilot shaped her views on leadership, teamwork, and resilience Why starting before you're ready is one of the most powerful moves you can make Practical strategies for turning uncertainty and doubt into confidence and action Whether you're facing a major life transition, career challenge, or simply looking to elevate your mindset, this conversation with Michelle "MACE" Curran will leave you feeling empowered, motivated, and ready to take your next steps forward. About Michelle "MACE" Curran: Michelle "MACE" Curran is a former U.S. Air Force fighter pilot and lead solo for the Thunderbirds. In early 2022, Michelle left active duty military service to found Upside Down Dreams, a company which empowers people to overcome obstacles and the fear of failure. She travels the country speaking to organizations on lessons of grit, perseverance, determination, and teamwork. Through keynotes, courses and workshops, she empowers individuals to shift how they view fear, overcome self-doubt, and build trust in high performing teams. Over the last few years, she's shared her story from over a hundred stages and taken it to the page. Her debut non-fiction book, The Flipside, became a USA Today Top 20 Bestseller and has been featured on CBS Mornings, The Next Big Idea, and in Fast Company. She has also written two children's books Upside Down Dreams and What's Your Callsign?, both picture books for children with big dreams looking for a real-world heroine. She loves inspiring others, both young and old, to chase their dreams and achieve their true potential.

    51 min

  6. 12/30/2025

    The Heart of a Cheetah: Africa's Path to Prosperity w/ Magatte Wade

    What if the key to ending poverty in Africa isn't more aid but more freedom? In this powerful episode of Next Steps Forward, host Dr. Chris Meek sits down with globally recognized entrepreneur, author, and thought leader Magatte Wade to challenge some of the most deeply held assumptions about Africa, capitalism, and human flourishing. Born and raised in Senegal, Magatte shares her firsthand experience of a culture rich in dignity, community, and tradition, yet constrained by limited economic opportunity. From her early years in West Africa to her current work spanning Austin, Texas and the African continent, Magatte explains how governance, regulation, and economic freedom, not charity, shape prosperity. As Senior Fellow at Atlas Network, Magatte makes a compelling case for free markets as the most effective tool for lifting people out of poverty. She discusses why youth unemployment remains high even in stable democracies, how excessive regulation stifles entrepreneurship, and what it would take for Senegal, and Africa more broadly, to become a beacon of economic freedom. The conversation also tackles controversial topics head-on: the legacy of colonialism, the failures of post-independence leadership, and why Magatte has famously called foreign aid "poison." She explains why she believes aid often does more harm than good, what real freedom looks like for Africa's future, and how dignity, purpose, and enterprise can restore hope to disillusioned young people.  About Magatte Wade: Magatte Wade is a Senior Fellow at Atlas Network, the leading organization of African free market think tanks. She was listed as a Forbes "TWENTY Youngest Power Women in Africa," a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum, and a TED Global Africa Fellow. Magatte is the bestselling author of  "The Heart of a Cheetah," and the host of "The Magatte Wade Show." Magatte's passion for the role of free markets in overcoming poverty and the power of enterprise to tackle social issues and promote entrepreneurial education make her a sought-after speaker and thought leader at major conferences, events, and universities around the world. She's spoken at the United Nations, Aspen Institute, Harvard, Oxford, Stanford, Yale, MIT, and the TED mainstage and her work has been featured in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Guardian, Fast Company, Fortune, and many other well-regarded media outlets.

    56 min

  7. 12/23/2025

    Redefining Love, Aging, and Life on Your Own Terms w/ Vicki Larson

    In this week's episode of Next Steps Forward, host Dr. Chris Meek sits down with award-winning journalist and author Vicki Larson to explore love, independence, aging, and the evolving landscape of journalism. Vicki shares insights from her latest book, LATitude: How You Can Make a Live Apart Together Relationship Work, explaining what it means to pursue committed relationships while maintaining separate households and why this approach is growing in popularity. She also discusses her acclaimed book, Not Too Old for That: How Women Are Changing the Story of Aging, and offers empowering perspectives on how women can embrace later life as a time for growth, independence, and self-discovery. Throughout the conversation, Vicki reflects on her decades-long career in journalism, the challenges and joys of reporting with curiosity and compassion, and how societal norms around marriage, relationships, and aging are evolving. Listeners will gain practical advice, thoughtful reflections, and inspiration to define life on their own terms, no matter their stage of life. Tune in for an enlightening discussion on courage, curiosity, resilience, and the freedom to live differently. About Vicki Larson: Vicki Larson is an award-winning journalist who has spent her career asking questions that challenge long-held assumptions about marriage, aging, and what it means to live a fulfilling life on our own terms. She is the author of "LATitude: How You Can Make a Live Apart Together Relationship Work." Her book "Not Too Old for That: How Women Are Changing the Story of Aging" was named Best Book of 2022 by Take the Lead and earned praise from former supermodel and pro-aging activist Paulina Porizkova. Vick is also the coauthor of "The New I Do: Reshaping Marriage for Skeptics, Realists, and Rebels," which was named the Best Book of 2014 by PopSugar.

    53 min

  8. 12/16/2025

    Fire It Up: How Couples Rebuild Trust, Joy, and Emotional Closeness w/ Carolyn Sharp

    This week on Next Steps Forward, Dr. Chris Meek is joined by Carolyn Sharp, a nationally recognized relationship expert, licensed independent clinical social worker, and award-winning author of Fire It Up: Four Secrets to Reigniting Intimacy and Joy in Your Relationship. With more than 30 years of experience helping couples build resilient connections, Carolyn offers deep insights into the nature of true intimacy, why it often fades, and how attachment styles, subtle relationship patterns, and major breaches of trust shape long-term connection. She also explains how couples can reignite emotional closeness, the difference between intimacy and sexual connection, and the transformative role of PACT, the Psychobiological Approach to Couples Therapy. Chris and Carolyn will explore the world of high-conflict couples: what defines them, how early experiences fuel repeated patterns, and how professionals determine whether partners should stay together or separate for their safety and well-being. Carolyn reflects on her career path from working with children in the foster care system to counseling high-conflict couples, sharing the lessons she's learned about resilience, healing, and the rebuilding of trust.  About Carolyn Sharp: Carolyn Sharp, LICSW, is a nationally recognized relationship expert with over 30 years of experience helping couples, individuals, and teams build resilient connections. Her career began working with severely impacted children in foster care, later serving as Clinical Director at the YMCA and faculty member at Washington School for Professional Psychology, training future therapists. In 2005, Carolyn launched her private practice, specializing in high-conflict couples therapy. She trained extensively with Dr. Stan Tatkin, founder of PACT (Psychobiological Approach to Couple Therapy), and served as a PACT Institute ambassador. Carolyn expanded into coaching, retreats, and corporate consulting, creating transformational experiences worldwide using real-time, science-based interventions. She's the award-winning author of Fire It Up: Four Secrets to Reigniting Intimacy and Joy in Your Relationship, has spoken for The New York Times Company, and is a Psychology Today columnist. She leads sold-out retreats across the U.S. and Italy. Known for her direct, insightful, humor-infused style, Carolyn brings deep compassion and a no-nonsense drive for real change. Personally, after navigating divorce and blending a family of four teenagers, Carolyn understands firsthand the work required for lasting love. She lives in Massachusetts with her husband, passionate about helping others build relationships that are joyful, resilient, and fully alive.

    57 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
9 Ratings

About

Personal empowerment, commitment to our own well-being and the motivation to achieve more than we ever thought possible are the ingredients of a better life. And, they're all within our reach. Next Steps Forward with Dr. Chris Meek delves into the keys to adding energy, excitement, direction and purpose to everything that we do. The program hosts mental health advocates and medical experts, frontline voices on human trafficking and social justice issues, familiar faces from the worlds of entertainment and sports, and leading entrepreneurs to engage in thought-provoking discussions that inspire the audience to take their own next steps forward to better themselves and their communities. Next Steps Forward is intended to be a source of empowerment that many around the world are in need of now more than ever. For guests who join the program, Chris cultivates a space where honest, quality conversations thrive and are not only meant to educate and inform but inspire action, introspection and a deeper understanding of the world around us. Next Steps Forward with Dr. Chris Meek is an informative, uplifting hour every Tuesday at 1 PM Eastern Time/10 AM Pacific Time that's certain to inspire you to take that important next step forward, too.

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