The Audacious Living Podcast

Audley Stephenson

The Audacious Living Podcast🎙unpacks wisdom from guests to help you live your best audacious life ever! #BeAudacious📢

  1. Critical Thinking, Courage & Personal Responsibility with Kevin Dolan and Peter Calfee

    2D AGO

    Critical Thinking, Courage & Personal Responsibility with Kevin Dolan and Peter Calfee

    What happens when people stop listening to each other? In this thought-provoking episode of The Audacious Living Podcast, Audley Stephenson sits down with Kevin Dolan and Peter Calfee, co-authors of Hijacked: Our Republic… Unless We Can Save It, for a deep conversation about critical thinking, courage, communication, education, AI, and the growing breakdown of meaningful dialogue in society. This conversation goes far beyond politics. At its core, it’s about learning how to think for yourself, how to question assumptions, and how to engage with people who may see the world differently than you do. Kevin and Peter explore the importance of intellectual curiosity, personal responsibility, and the courage required to speak honestly in a world increasingly driven by tribal thinking and emotional reactions. Audley also reflects on how growth happens through conversation, perspective, and evolution — not isolation. One of the most powerful moments in the episode comes when the discussion turns toward the role AI may play in shaping human thought, and the important distinction between knowledge and wisdom. Throughout the episode, the conversation remains grounded, reflective, and deeply human. There are moments of tension, humor, vulnerability, and insight that challenge listeners to slow down, think critically, and approach difficult conversations with greater openness and empathy. If you’ve ever felt exhausted by division, overwhelmed by noise, or uncertain about how to navigate today’s rapidly changing world, this episode offers a thoughtful reminder that courage, curiosity, and meaningful dialogue still matter. In this episode, you’ll hear about: Why critical thinking matters more than everThe difference between teaching people how to think versus what to thinkHow AI can influence and potentially hijack human thinkingThe role courage plays in speaking up and thinking differentlyWhy meaningful growth requires conversation and perspectiveHow personal responsibility connects to societal change Guest Bio Kevin Dolan and Peter Calfee are the co-authors of Hijacked: Our Republic… Unless We Can Save It. Drawing from backgrounds in finance, leadership, aviation, and systems thinking, they explore critical thinking, societal evolution, education, and the importance of open dialogue in modern culture. Their work encourages readers to think independently, communicate courageously, and engage more thoughtfully with the world around them. Guest Links Hijacked: Our Republic… Unless We Can Save It https://www.amazon.ca/HIJACKED-Our-REPUBLIC-Unless-SAVE/dp/B0FK9RTGTRListen on Major Platforms Spotify → open.spotify.com⁠ Apple Podcasts → podcasts.apple.com Amazon Music → music.amazon.ca⁠ CTA Enjoying the show? Share this episode with someone who needs to hear this. Leave a review: ratethispodcast.com⁠/audacious

    53 min
  2. Why Confidence Is Built Before the Big Moment with Sandy Cohan

    2D AGO

    Why Confidence Is Built Before the Big Moment with Sandy Cohan

    Confidence doesn’t suddenly appear when life gets hard. It’s built quietly, long before the pressure arrives. In this episode of The Audacious Living Podcast, Audley Stephenson sits down with mental performance coach Sandy Cohan for a thoughtful conversation about confidence, focus, discipline, emotional control, and what truly separates high performers from everyone else. Drawing from years of experience working with athletes, business leaders, and elite performers, Sandy shares why mindset isn’t just about motivation. It’s about preparation, self-awareness, and learning how to respond under pressure. Throughout the conversation, Audley and Sandy unpack the difference between confidence and belief, why failure is often the foundation of growth, and how controlling your controllables can completely shift the way you approach challenges. From sports stories to everyday life situations, this episode explores how emotional resilience gets developed through repetition, perspective, and intentional habits. There’s also a deeply relatable side to this conversation. Whether they’re discussing unsent draft emails, emotional reactions, parenting, or handling adversity, the discussion constantly circles back to one truth: pressure reveals what preparation built. The lessons shared here extend far beyond athletics and into leadership, relationships, business, and personal growth. If you’ve ever struggled with self-doubt, overthinking, fear of failure, or trying to stay grounded under pressure, this episode will remind you that confidence isn’t something you wait for. It’s something you build through action, repetition, and learning to trust yourself one moment at a time. In this episode, you’ll hear about: Why confidence is built before pressure ever arrivesThe difference between confidence and beliefHow elite performers control their focus under pressureWhy failure is essential for growth and resilienceThe importance of emotional control in everyday lifeHow preparation creates calm in high-stakes moments Guest Bio Sandy Cohan is a mental performance coach, speaker, and author who works with athletes, executives, and high performers to strengthen mindset, focus, emotional control, and resilience. With a background in hockey as both a player and coach, Sandy now helps individuals develop the habits and mental frameworks needed to perform at their best under pressure. He is also the author of the 99 Rules book series focused on athletes and sports parents. Guest Links Sandy Cohan sandycohan.com⁠ Listen on Major Platforms Spotify → open.spotify.com⁠ Apple Podcasts → podcasts.apple.com⁠ Amazon Music → music.amazon.ca⁠ Call to Action Enjoying the show? Share this episode with someone who needs to hear this. Leave a review: ratethispodcast.com⁠

    59 min
  3. Audacious Leadership, Curiosity & Human Connection — Chris March

    4D AGO

    Audacious Leadership, Curiosity & Human Connection — Chris March

    What happens when leadership stops being about control and starts becoming about connection? In this episode of The Audacious Living Podcast, Audley Stephenson sits down with Chris March for a thoughtful conversation about leadership, curiosity, communication, AI, and what it means to remain human in a rapidly changing world. Chris brings a unique global perspective shaped by living and working across Canada, Australia, and the UK. Together, he and Audley explore how curiosity strengthens leadership, why people simply want to feel seen, heard, and valued, and how growth often begins the moment we stop pretending to have all the answers. The conversation moves beyond traditional leadership ideas and into something much deeper. They discuss emotional intelligence, adaptability, vulnerability, feedback, and the quiet forms of audacity that shape both our personal and professional lives. One particularly powerful moment comes when they explore the possibility that AI might actually help people become more human again by creating more space for connection, curiosity, and meaningful interaction. There’s also a deeply relatable layer to this conversation around identity and change, especially as Chris reflects on moving back to Australia after 16 years in Canada and navigating the unexpected experience of reverse culture shock. This episode is for anyone trying to lead better, grow personally, navigate change, or reconnect with what really matters in their relationships, careers, and everyday interactions. If you’ve been feeling stretched by uncertainty or overwhelmed by the pace of modern life, this conversation offers a grounded reminder that curiosity, consistency, and human connection still matter deeply. In this episode, you’ll hear about: Why leadership is about bringing people along, not controlling themHow curiosity can improve communication and reduce judgmentThe role AI may play in strengthening human connectionWhy feedback is a roadmap, not a roadblockThe importance of emotional intelligence in leadership and lifeHow small consistent actions build influence over time Guest Bio Chris March is a leadership and executive coach who has worked across Canada, Australia, and the UK helping leaders strengthen communication, navigate change, and build stronger team cultures. Alongside his coaching work, Chris also advises business owners and shares leadership insights centered around curiosity, adaptability, emotional intelligence, and growth. Guest Links chrismarchcoaching.com⁠ Listen on Major Platforms open.spotify.com⁠ podcasts.apple.com⁠ music.amazon.ca⁠ CTA Enjoying the show? Share this episode with someone who needs to hear this. Leave a review: ratethispodcast.com⁠

    46 min
  4. Why Small Audacious Steps Can Completely Change Your Life — Casey Berman

    MAY 13

    Why Small Audacious Steps Can Completely Change Your Life — Casey Berman

    Sometimes the biggest life changes begin with the smallest honest decision. In this episode of The Audacious Living Podcast, Audley Stephenson sits down with Casey Berman, a former attorney turned entrepreneur and founder of Leave Law Behind. Together, they explore what happens when success on paper no longer feels aligned with who you truly are. Casey opens up about leaving behind a respected legal career after realizing the profession no longer brought him fulfillment. What followed was not one giant leap, but a series of smaller courageous decisions that eventually transformed both his personal and professional life. The conversation digs into fear, uncertainty, transferable skills, burnout, peace of mind, and the courage it takes to reinvent yourself before you feel fully ready. What makes this conversation especially powerful is how grounded it feels. This is not about reckless risk-taking or overnight reinvention. It’s about learning how to trust yourself enough to take the next step, even when the full path is unclear. Audley and Casey also explore the idea of “unique genius” — the natural strengths and abilities people often overlook in themselves — and why understanding those gifts can completely reshape how we define success. There’s also an honest and thoughtful discussion around neurodiversity, parenting, resilience, and how life challenges can deepen empathy and perspective. By the end of this conversation, one thing becomes clear: audacity is not always loud. Sometimes it looks like quietly refusing to settle for a life that no longer fits who you are becoming. If you’ve been feeling stuck, disconnected, burned out, or unsure about your next chapter, this episode will meet you where you are. And hopefully, it’ll remind you that meaningful change often begins with one small courageous step. In this episode, you’ll hear about: Why so many professionals stay stuck in careers they’ve outgrownThe power of taking small audacious steps instead of giant leapsHow to identify your “unique genius” and transferable skillsWhy confidence is often built through action, not before itRedefining success through peace of mind and fulfillmentLessons on parenting, neurodiversity, empathy, and resilience Guest Bio Casey Berman is a former attorney, entrepreneur, and founder of Leave Law Behind, a coaching and career transition company helping unhappy lawyers discover more fulfilling career paths. After leaving a successful legal career in Silicon Valley, Casey built a platform focused on helping professionals reconnect with their strengths, purpose, and peace of mind through intentional career transformation. Guest Links Leave Law Behind - https://go.leavelawbehind.com/home Listen on Major Platforms Spotify⁠ - https://open.spotify.com/show/2jVR6V7X2kRiCCDXE0FTyl Apple Podcasts⁠ - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-audacious-living-podcast/id1547447345 Amazon Music - https://music.amazon.ca/podcasts/9f7902bb-dec8-4bd9-918d-d1fef21b7c67/the-audacious-living-podcast CTA Enjoying the show? Share this episode with someone who needs to hear this. Leave A Review Rate This Podcast - www.ratethispodcast.com/audacious

    55 min
  5. The Power of the Human Mind with Mysterion the Mind Reader

    MAY 11

    The Power of the Human Mind with Mysterion the Mind Reader

    Some of the biggest limitations we face are the ones we quietly place on ourselves. In this episode of The Audacious Living Podcast, Audley Stephenson sits down with mentalist and performer Mysterion the Mind Reader for a fascinating conversation about belief, perception, human behavior, and the incredible power of the mind. What starts as a discussion about mentalism quickly evolves into something much deeper: a conversation about growth, possibility, fear, self-awareness, and how the stories we tell ourselves shape the lives we live. Mysterion shares his unlikely journey from working as a cook to becoming one of the most recognized mentalists in the industry. Along the way, he opens up about taking risks, reinventing himself, overcoming self-doubt, and learning how to embrace uncertainty instead of fearing it. His story is a reminder that sometimes the boldest moves in life begin with simply trusting your instincts before you have all the answers. The conversation also explores how mentalism reveals the hidden patterns behind human thinking. Mysterion explains how people often underestimate the influence of words, repetition, belief systems, and the subtle ways we communicate without even realizing it. He breaks down why small mindset shifts can create massive long-term changes and why becoming “better than yesterday” is one of the most important commitments we can make to ourselves. What makes this episode especially powerful is the emotional depth beneath the entertainment. Beyond the mystery and mind-reading moments, this discussion challenges listeners to think differently about personal growth, resilience, self-awareness, and letting go of the past. It becomes less about tricks and more about transformation. If you’ve been feeling stuck, overwhelmed, uncertain about your next move, or disconnected from your own potential, this episode will remind you how much influence you still have over your mindset, your perspective, and ultimately your future. In this episode, you’ll hear about: How Mysterion became a professional mentalistWhy mindset shifts take time to create real changeThe hidden power behind words and repetitionHow limiting beliefs shape human behaviorWhy stepping outside your comfort zone mattersThe connection between audacity, curiosity, and growth Guest Bio Mysterion the Mind Reader is a professional mentalist, performer, and psychological entertainer known for blending storytelling, psychology, audience interaction, and mind-bending demonstrations into unforgettable live experiences. Over the years, he has appeared on major platforms including NBC and Penn & Teller: Fool Us, while building a reputation as one of the most engaging mentalists performing today. Guest Links Website: MysterionTheMindReader.com Instagram: @Mysterion_themindreder Facebook: Mysterion The Mind Reader Listen on Major Platforms 🎧 Spotify → Spotify⁠ 🍎 Apple Podcasts → Apple Podcasts⁠ 📦 Amazon Music → Amazon Music⁠ Call to Action Enjoying the show? Share this episode with someone who needs to hear this. ⭐ Leave a review: 👉 RateThisPodcast.com/audacious.

    1h 3m
  6. How KAYR Turned Pain Into Purpose and Built Transformational Wealth

    MAY 9

    How KAYR Turned Pain Into Purpose and Built Transformational Wealth

    Some people let adversity define them. Others use it as fuel. In this episode of The Audacious Living Podcast, Audley Stephenson sits down with author, entrepreneur, and real estate investor Kevin “KAYR” Robinson for a deeply honest conversation about resilience, discipline, vulnerability, and what it truly means to rebuild your life from the ground up. KAYR shares his journey growing up in poverty in Philadelphia, moving nearly 18 times before adulthood, losing family members to violence, prison, and illness, and ultimately transforming his life through mentorship, discipline, education, and intentional community. What emerges is not just a story about financial success, but a blueprint for emotional and mental resilience. Throughout the conversation, KAYR challenges the myth of the “self-made” individual and explains why vulnerability, support systems, and consistency matter more than motivation alone. He opens up about therapy, grief, identity, and the power of asking for help when life feels overwhelming. The discussion also explores his concept of “transformational wealth,” an approach focused on changing lives today instead of only building wealth for future generations. This episode is a reminder that resilience is not about pretending you’re okay. It’s about continuing to move forward while building the systems, relationships, and mindset needed to sustain you through difficult seasons. Whether you’re feeling stuck, rebuilding after loss, or trying to create a better future for yourself and those around you, this conversation offers both perspective and practical encouragement. In this episode, you’ll hear about: How KAYR transformed instability and adversity into purposeWhy discipline is more reliable than motivationThe importance of vulnerability and asking for helpHow mentorship and community helped shape KAYR’s mindsetThe difference between generational wealth and transformational wealthPractical ways to build resilience during difficult seasons Guest Bio Kevin “KAYR” Robinson is an entrepreneur, real estate investor, motivational speaker, and author of Can’t Break Me. After overcoming poverty, instability, and personal loss, KAYR built a successful real estate portfolio and created opportunities for family members and his community through what he calls “transformational wealth.” His work focuses on resilience, discipline, mindset, and helping others realize that their circumstances do not define their future. Guest Links KAYR Motivates Official Website⁠ https://www.kayrmotivates.com KAYR Motivates on Instagram⁠ https://www.instagram.com/kayrmotivates Listen on Major Platforms Spotify⁠ https://open.spotify.com/show/2jVR6V7X2kRiCCDXE0FTyl Apple Podcasts⁠ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-audacious-living-podcast/id1547447345 Amazon Music⁠ https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-audacious-living-podcast/id1547447345 Call to Action Enjoying the show? Share this episode with someone who needs to hear this. Leave a review: Rate This Podcast⁠ https://ratethispodcast.com/audacious

    44 min
  7. The Power of Presence, Listening, and Softening with James Brett

    MAY 8

    The Power of Presence, Listening, and Softening with James Brett

    Sometimes the most powerful thing we can offer another person isn’t advice. It’s presence. In this episode of The Audacious Living Podcast, Audley Stephenson sits down with James Brett for a thoughtful and deeply human conversation about leadership, healing, emotional awareness, and the transformative power of truly listening. James shares his personal journey from high-performing corporate sales environments to a life centered around mindfulness, coaching, and inner peace. Along the way, he opens up about surviving stage three cancer, how adversity reshaped his understanding of life, and why “softening” became one of the most important concepts in his personal growth journey. Together, Audley and James explore how many people spend their lives caught in overthinking, emotional tension, and the pressure to control outcomes. But through practices like deep listening, presence, breathwork, and self-awareness, James explains how we can reconnect with ourselves and others in more meaningful ways. This conversation also challenges traditional ideas around leadership. Rather than focusing on dominance or performance, James makes the case that emotional regulation, empathy, and intentional listening are some of the most impactful leadership tools available today. If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, emotionally disconnected, mentally exhausted, or simply trying to navigate life with more peace and clarity, this episode offers a grounded and reflective reminder that growth doesn’t always come from becoming harder. Sometimes it comes from learning how to soften. In this episode, you’ll hear about: Why deep listening creates stronger relationships and leadershipThe connection between presence and emotional freedomHow surviving cancer transformed James Brett’s perspective on lifeThe hidden impact of overthinking and mental tensionPractical ways to cultivate calm, awareness, and heart coherenceWhy “softening” can lead to healing and personal growth Guest Bio James Brett is a leadership coach, retreat facilitator, and founder of Oasis Within, a transformational wellness space located on the Mid North Coast of Australia. Drawing from decades of experience in corporate leadership, education, mindfulness, and personal healing, James now helps leaders and individuals cultivate presence, emotional awareness, and deeper human connection. Guest Links Oasis Within⁠ - https://www.oasis-within.com.au/ Listen on Major Platforms Spotify⁠ - https://open.spotify.com/show/2jVR6V7X2kRiCCDXE0FTyl?si=b0k9ttytQm-YE6wFBxvyQA Apple Podcasts⁠ - https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-audacious-living-podcast/id1547447345 Amazon Music⁠ -https://music.amazon.ca/podcasts/9f7902bb-dec8-4bd9-918d-d1fef21b7c67/the-audacious-living-podcast?ref=dm_sh_NpHXWlprfZQhxvEn5CH5cXwvE Enjoying the show? Share this episode with someone who needs to hear this. Leave a review: https://ratethispodcast.com/audacious

    31 min
  8. Using Storytelling to Heal and Grow Through Grief with John DeDakis

    MAY 5

    Using Storytelling to Heal and Grow Through Grief with John DeDakis

    Episode Description Sometimes the story doesn’t break you… it reveals you. In this episode of The Audacious Living Podcast, Audley Stephenson sits down with John DeDakis, former CNN editor, novelist, and writing coach, for a deeply human conversation about curiosity, grief, and the power of storytelling. John shares how a career rooted in journalism evolved into a calling centered on helping others process life’s most difficult experiences through writing. What begins as a conversation about storytelling quickly becomes something deeper, exploring how our most painful moments can become the very foundation for healing, connection, and growth. This is a conversation about going beyond the surface. John opens up about personal loss and how writing became a way to navigate grief, not avoid it. Together, Audley and John unpack why curiosity can disarm judgment, how vulnerability creates meaningful connection, and why the most impactful stories are the ones we’re often afraid to tell. They also explore the realities of the modern creative landscape, including the role of AI and social media, and why your authentic voice matters more now than ever. If you’ve ever felt like your story is too heavy, too complicated, or not worth telling, this episode will challenge that belief and give you a new perspective. This conversation is for anyone navigating loss, searching for purpose, or trying to make sense of their own story. In this episode, you’ll hear about: Why curiosity helps eliminate judgment and deepen connectionHow storytelling can become a powerful tool for healing griefThe importance of going deeper instead of stopping at the painHow to start writing your story without needing it to be perfectThe role of authenticity in a world shaped by AI and social mediaWhy your lived experience is your greatest creative advantage Guest Bio John DeDakis is a former senior editor at CNN, where he spent over 25 years, including serving on The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer. He is now a novelist, manuscript editor, and writing coach who helps aspiring writers tell meaningful stories. His work focuses on using writing as a tool for healing, particularly in navigating grief and personal transformation. Guest Links 🌐 Website: https://johndedakis.com⁠ Listen on Major Platforms 🎧 Spotify → https://open.spotify.com/show/2jVR6V7X2kRiCCDXE0FTyl?si=IR3TsfEWR3WA6BzfBRnVXQ⁠⁠ 🍎 Apple Podcasts → https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-audacious-living-podcast/id1547447345⁠⁠ 📦 Amazon 🎶 → https://music.amazon.ca/podcasts/9f7902bb-dec8-4bd9-918d-d1fef21b7c67/the-audacious-living-podcast?ref=dm_sh_pGv57yQvAmAQVp2IIaXoDwtFt⁠⁠ Call to Action Enjoying the show? Share this episode with someone who needs to hear this. ⭐ Leave a review: 👉 https://ratethispodcast.com/audacious⁠

    49 min
5
out of 5
49 Ratings

About

The Audacious Living Podcast🎙unpacks wisdom from guests to help you live your best audacious life ever! #BeAudacious📢