The Ultimate Coach Podcast

Meredith Bell and Ipek Williamson
The Ultimate Coach Podcast

Expand your state of Being to fall more deeply in love with life, with yourself, and with the possibility of an extraordinary life - a life of abundance, daily miracles, loving relationships, personal breakthroughs, powerful creations, and peace in the here and now. Our mission is to provide you with experiences of Being through people coming together and conversing. However, please do not listen to this podcast about our guests. Please listen about you. Listen about Being. When you do, we promise, your experience will be remarkable. Join us every other Thursday, as your hosts Meredith Bell and Ipek Williamson share inspired conversations with individuals whose lives have been impacted directly or indirectly by the book The Ultimate Coach written by Amy Hardison and Alan D. Thompson. When you hear something that you feel will help, heal, or add value to someone in your life, please share the episode and also leave a review. Remember, this is a podcast about Being. This is a podcast about you. Please do not listen to this podcast about our guests. Please listen about you. Listen about Being. When you do, we promise, your experience will be remarkable.

  1. Trust, Love, and The Ultimate Experience - Judy & Erik Thureson

    FEB 27

    Trust, Love, and The Ultimate Experience - Judy & Erik Thureson

    What happens when you say yes to life’s unexpected opportunities? In this episode, Judy and Erik Thureson share their experiences surrounding The Ultimate Experience events with host Meredith Bell. Judy opens with the incredible story of how a Facebook contest led her to a life-changing road trip with Steve Hardison. She talks about the inspiration from her late son Jacob, the humor of her husband's concerns, and the profound lessons she learned along the way. Judy's journey from chance encounters to powerful collaborations is a testament to the magic that unfolds when we embrace possibility. Erik and Judy dive into the heart of transformational events and the power of "who you're being." From navigating production challenges to raising $100,000 for charity at a single event, their stories highlight the role of trust, love, and radical commitment in creating meaningful impact. Whether you're looking for inspiration, leadership lessons, or a reminder of the miracles that unfold when we step up with purpose, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss. About the Guest:  About Judy Thureson Judy Thureson has a genuine desire to see people live their most authentic life. In the last decade, she has helped thousands of clients transform their mental, physical, and spiritual health. Judy helps her clients un-lock their super power! She is passionate about helping her clients heal and grow through adversity. In June of 2019, Judy experienced the tragic loss of her eighteen year old son, Jacob to opioid overdose. In the midst of her unimaginable grief she wrote the #1 Bestselling book BEAUTIFUL TRAGEDY: How to Build Strength and Resilience during life’s Greatest Challenges. Her book chronicles her experience and introduces the GIVE Principle. Judy is a trusted advisor for grieving families. She shares tools on how to use healthy coping skills to navigate the storms of grief and uncertainty. https://judythureson.com/ https://thecreatorcollective.com/theultimateexperience2026 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61554829303776  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/judythureson  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/judy-thureson-4783631b8/  About Erk Thureson With over three decades of learned experience from Disney, Oscars, Fox Sports, GSN, and the NFL in the areas of programming and production, Erik’s skillset is rich and vast.  The depth of his industry experience accompanied with an extensive education from CSU Fullerton, UC Santa Barbara, UCLA, Emory University, and Berklee College of Music, make him a powerful force of creativity. From creating client engagement solutions to managing over $65M in digital product development, he knows how to identify road blocks and develop solutions to overcome them. Erik sees potential pathways, in situations and in people. In 2019, Erik experienced the tragic loss of his 18 year old son, Jacob, to an opioid overdose. In honoring his son’s legacy, Erik courageously confronts the stigmatized issues of mental health and substance abuse, encouraging audiences to join in the collective effort to remove the barriers that prevent open dialogue about mental health and substance abuse.  He is passionate about serving others and creating films that make the world a better...

    1h 2m
  2. Valentine’s Special: Finding Purpose Through Love and Loss - David Walsh

    FEB 13

    Valentine’s Special: Finding Purpose Through Love and Loss - David Walsh

    In this deeply moving episode of The Ultimate Coach Podcast, David Walsh shares his extraordinary journey of love, loss, and purpose. He takes us back to the serendipitous moment when he met his beloved wife, Lena—a chance encounter that blossomed into a profound connection. Their story, filled with beautiful memories and heartfelt moments, unfolds with both warmth and authenticity. However, life took an unexpected turn when Lena was diagnosed with cancer, a battle she faced with unwavering strength and grace. David opens up about the devastating loss of Lena and the transformative shift it triggered within him. In the very moment of her passing, he felt an undeniable change, as if a switch had been flipped inside him. This marked the beginning of his mission to inspire a billion people, turning his grief into a powerful force for good. David candidly shares how he navigated the overwhelming pain, eventually closing his successful business to honor his newfound purpose. His story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the ability to find light even in the darkest times. We also discuss David's heartfelt book, Thank You, I Love You, which chronicles his love story with Lena and serves as a testament to resilience, growth, and the enduring power of unconditional love. David’s vulnerability, wisdom, and passion are palpable throughout the conversation, offering a beacon of hope for anyone seeking purpose amidst life’s most profound challenges. About the Guest:  David Walsh is passionate about helping business owners discover and live their purpose. After the agonizing passing of his beloved wife Lena to cancer in 2021, David’s world was devastated. But in the aftermath of that loss - rising from the ashes - David not only discovered his true purpose but surprisingly the purpose of his late wife too. He then set out on a journey to write a book to share his life with his beautiful wife and also how he not only found his own purpose in life but also that of Lena. So now, David has published that book, called “Thank You, I Love You” and it’s a book about love, a book about achieving the impossible and about finding your purpose in loss. Get David's book at https://a.co/d/130eo0n Find more about the book at https://thankyouiloveyoubook.com https://www.davidwalshonline.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@DavidWalsh/ https://www.facebook.com/DavidWalshOnline/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidwalshonline/ About the Host:  A beacon of change and a catalyst for transformation, Ipek Williamson is a multifaceted professional who seamlessly integrates two decades of corporate expertise with a diverse skill set as a coach, mentor, speaker, author, meditation advocate, and teacher. Her mission is to guide individuals through the complexities of modern life, helping them find deep peace and harmony. Ipek's coaching approach, rooted in Core Values, Mental Fitness, and Mind Mastery, empowers clients to unlock their hidden potential and confidently embrace change with joy. Beyond coaching, Ipek's influence spreads through her 100+ meditations on the Insight Timer App and live meditation sessions, where she shares transformative wisdom. Her impact extends to workshops, courses, and training sessions for individuals, groups,...

    56 min
  3. Shifting Perspectives and Releasing Judgments on the Journey of Being - Townsend Wardlaw

    JAN 30

    Shifting Perspectives and Releasing Judgments on the Journey of Being - Townsend Wardlaw

    In this episode with host Meredith Bell, Townsend Wardlaw shares his journey from consulting to coaching, revealing the profound shift in how he works with clients. He discusses the unique fulfillment coaching brings, as it empowers individuals to uncover their own solutions and embrace new perspectives. Hear how transformative experiences with renowned coaches like Rich Litvin and Steve Hardison inspired Townsend to approach each client with curiosity and a beginner’s mind, fostering deeper, more impactful conversations. Townsend dives into the concept of freedom in consciousness work, explaining how focusing on a client’s "being" rather than their "doing" can drive faster, more lasting changes. Through an inspiring story about working with a struggling sales team in India, Townsend demonstrates the power of shifting perception to unlock potential. Learn about the “glasses” we all wear that shape our view of the world—and how changing them can lead to the perception that life is effortless and fun. You are sure to be moved by Townsend’s story about an area of judgment he had about his wife and what he learned about himself in the process. He shares insights on how self-awareness and acceptance play critical roles in navigating life’s challenges. Discover how examining legacy habits and shifting perspectives can deepen relationships, spark personal breakthroughs, and create meaningful change. Don't miss this enlightening conversation packed with actionable takeaways for your own growth. About the Guest:  Townsend began his career journey at 27, rapidly from outbound cold-calling for a small, long-distance reseller to the role of vice president of a Fortune 500 technology company in under six years. In 2002, he ventured into entrepreneurship, founding a sales consulting and outsourcing company, which grew to $3M in revenue. After closing the company in 2009, Townsend dedicated himself to serving founders on their journey to growth and exit. He has coached 1,000s of leaders, and his efforts have generated over $1.5 billion in revenue and created more than $1 billion in generational wealth for their founders. What Townsend holds in the highest regard is his role in mobilizing over $7.5 Billion in capital and contributions towards social and environmental organizations. Currently, Townsend serves as the trusted advisor to a select group of founders and the world’s top coaches. In his spare time, he leads The Coach’s Operating System, a community that serves coaches on their journey to master the business of coaching. https://www.townsendwardlaw.com/ - Townsend’s website https://www.thecoachsos.com/  - The Coaches Operating System About the Host:  Meredith is the Co-founder and President of Grow Strong Leaders. Her company publishes software tools and books that help people build strong relationships at work and at home. Meredith is an expert in leader and team communications, the author of three books, and the host of the Grow Strong Leaders Podcast. She co-authored her latest books, Connect with Your Team: Mastering the Top 10 Communication Skills, and Peer Coaching Made Simple, with her business partner, Dr. Dennis Coates. In them, Meredith and Denny provide how-to guides for improving communication skills and serving as a peer coach to someone else.  Meredith is also The Heart-centered Connector. One of her favorite ways of BEING in the world is to introduce people who can benefit from knowing each other.  https://growstrongleaders.com/ a...

    53 min
  4. Four Steps to Live a Magical Life - Wayne Hoffman

    JAN 16

    Four Steps to Live a Magical Life - Wayne Hoffman

    In this episode of The Ultimate Coach Podcast, Ipek Williamson sits down with Wayne Hoffman, one of the world’s top mentalists, an award-winning performer, keynote speaker, and author of Mind Candy. Wayne shares his captivating journey from a childhood fascination with magic to becoming a global entertainer and speaker, blending psychology, sociology, and illusion into a career that inspires and amazes audiences worldwide. Wayne recounts the unforgettable story of his first encounter with Steve Hardison, which is featured in The Ultimate Coach book and reflects on how that moment opened doors to new opportunities and meaningful connections. He also dives into his powerful four-step process that anyone can use to achieve their goals, emphasizing the importance of clarity, action, and living with purpose. Throughout the conversation, Wayne’s stories remind us of the magic all around us and within us. From traveling to over 90 countries to balancing his career and family life, Wayne inspires listeners to step out of their comfort zones, embrace the unknown, and take bold steps toward creating a life they truly love. About the Guest:  Multi-award-winning performer and speaker Wayne Hoffman is recognized as one of the top mentalists in the world. He currently tours the world with his stage show, as well as his keynote speech, The Power and Potential of The Human Mind. He is also the author of the best-selling book, Mind Candy. Wayne’s passion for the mysterious was sparked at a young age and led him to study the art of magic. Later, through extensive self-studies in sociology, psychology, and human behavior, Wayne was able to develop the foundation of the skills he uses today. He now travels the world performing and speaking at exclusive events, theaters, television, casinos, universities, and top corporations. Wayne’s presentations are high-energy experiences that involve body language, human behavior, and visual illusions that will make you question your senses. Wayne is well known for presenting his keynote to the world’s brightest minds. His keynote teaches a process that acts as a catalyst for personal and professional growth. The unique presentation includes demonstrations of mentalism and illusion that help highlight his educational content and the unique insight he’s gathered during his time studying the human mind. Wayne’s keynote has led to his service as an in-demand life coach for some of the world’s highest net-worth leaders. Wayne has been featured on America's Got Talent, The TODAY Show, The Discovery Network, Fool Us, The Ellen Degeneres Show, NatGeo, CNN Money, The Science Channel, Masters of Illusion, and countless radio shows in the US and Canada. Wayne has presented in front of thousands of audiences in some of the most elite venues across the world and has been personally hired by thought leaders like John Maxwell. Following his success as an entertainer and speaker, Wayne leveraged his knowledge to launch Hoffman Entertainment Inc. This dynamic company serves the event industry by providing meeting & event planners with entertainment and production resources. https://waynehoffman.com/ https://facebook.com/waynehoffman99 https://www.instagram.com/waynehoffman/ https://youtube.com/c/WayneHoffman About the Host:  A beacon of change and a catalyst for transformation,...

    46 min
  5. Creating Impossible Futures - Dr. Johannes Metzler

    JAN 2

    Creating Impossible Futures - Dr. Johannes Metzler

    What if the way you think about yourself and who you are—i.e., your Identity—is all made up? And what if calling something “impossible” is simply a reflection of a self-imposed limitation and not reality? Join host Meredith Bell as she explores the answers to these intriguing questions with guest Dr. Johannes Metzler. Johannes shares how he works with clients to raise their awareness about their actual capabilities and what’s possible when they start releasing the limiting beliefs that have been holding them back. He describes one client’s journey to releasing the identity of being inconsistent.  You’ll find out how Johannes created his Document and why it’s an expression of his true essence. He explains how every line in it relates to every aspect of life, even flossing his teeth! This is an inspiring, thought-provoking episode that will open your eyes to the possibilities available to you right now. About the Guest:  Dr. Johannes Metzler is an Executive Coach from Berlin, Germany. He has a PhD in economics, with a business background as a strategy consultant, an executive and a founder. Today,  Johannes works with entrepreneurs and executives to help them thrive and create impossible futures in all areas of their lives while enjoying the ride. He’s married to his wonderful wife, Anna, and two amazing kids, Kaspar and Marlene. https://www.linkedin.com/in/johannesmetzler/ https://linktr.ee/johannesmetzler  Book From Stress to Success on Amazon: https://a.co/d/4GFzIzg  About the Host:  Meredith is the Co-founder and President of Grow Strong Leaders. Her company publishes software tools and books that help people build strong relationships at work and at home. Meredith is an expert in leader and team communications, the author of three books, and the host of the Grow Strong Leaders Podcast. She co-authored her latest books, Connect with Your Team: Mastering the Top 10 Communication Skills, and Peer Coaching Made Simple, with her business partner, Dr. Dennis Coates. In them, Meredith and Denny provide how-to guides for improving communication skills and serving as a peer coach to someone else.  Meredith is also The Heart-centered Connector. One of her favorite ways of BEING in the world is to introduce people who can benefit from knowing each other.  https://growstrongleaders.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/meredithmbell The Ultimate Coach Resources  https://theultimatecoachbook.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theultimatecoach Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theultimatecoachbook LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/14048056 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TheUltimateCoachBook Thanks for listening! Thanks so much for listening to our...

    47 min
  6. Exploring Impactful Lessons from a  Year of Conversations - Meredith Bell & Ipek Williamson

    12/19/2024

    Exploring Impactful Lessons from a Year of Conversations - Meredith Bell & Ipek Williamson

    In this special 2024 year-end episode, co-hosts of The Ultimate Coach Podcast Meredith Bell and Ipek Williamson come together to close the year by looking back at the wisdom and inspiration shared on the podcast throughout the past year. This special conversation offers a unique twist as they take turns "interviewing" each other, sharing personal insights, and celebrating the transformative power of the guests, books, and themes that have shaped their journeys. Ipek and Meredith discuss the significance of their word choices for 2025—Awareness and Creating—and how these reflect their personal growth and aspirations. They also highlight the most impactful lessons from guests, touching on themes such as noticing, acknowledging, and creating possibilities for others. Together, they explore the ripple effects of love, leadership, and intentional living, drawing from their favorite conversations and books that have inspired them. As they share their thoughts, Meredith and Ipek reflect on the transformational potential of listening, connection, and being intentional in relationships. This episode serves as an invitation to listeners to revisit episodes they may have missed and embrace the journey of self-discovery and growth. Join Ipek and Meredith as they celebrate the year, honor the guests and the community, and step forward into 2025 with renewed inspiration and purpose. About Meredith Bell:  Meredith is the Co-founder and President of Grow Strong Leaders. Her company publishes software tools and books that help people build strong relationships at work and at home. Meredith is an expert in leader and team communications, the author of three books, and the host of the Grow Strong Leaders Podcast. She co-authored her latest books, Connect with Your Team: Mastering the Top 10 Communication Skills, and Peer Coaching Made Simple, with her business partner, Dr. Dennis Coates. In them, Meredith and Denny provide how-to guides for improving communication skills and serving as a peer coach to someone else.  Meredith is also The Heart-centered Connector. One of her favorite ways of BEING in the world is to introduce people who can benefit from knowing each other.  https://growstrongleaders.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/meredithmbell About Ipek Williamson:  A beacon of change and a catalyst for transformation, Ipek Williamson is a multifaceted professional who seamlessly integrates two decades of corporate expertise with a diverse skill set as a coach, mentor, speaker, author, meditation advocate, and teacher. Her mission is to guide individuals through the complexities of modern life, helping them find deep peace and harmony. Ipek's coaching approach, rooted in Core Values, Mental Fitness, and Mind Mastery, empowers clients to unlock their hidden potential and confidently embrace change with joy. Beyond coaching, Ipek's influence spreads through her 100+ meditations on the Insight Timer App and live meditation sessions, where she shares transformative wisdom. Her impact extends to workshops, courses, and training sessions for individuals, groups, and corporations. As a Change Champion, Ipek Williamson is dedicated to promoting positive change, nurturing inner calm, and empowering others to script their own transformation stories. ipek@ipekwilliamsoncoaching.com https://linktr.ee/IpekWilliamson a href="https://ipekwilliamsoncoaching.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

    56 min
  7. Creating an Empathetic World, One Child at a Time - vicki abadesco!

    12/05/2024

    Creating an Empathetic World, One Child at a Time - vicki abadesco!

    In this inspiring episode of The Ultimate Coach Podcast, Ipek Williamson welcomes the incredible vicki abadesco!, an internationally recognized leader in social-emotional learning and empathy-based education. As the co-founder of Soul Shoppe, a nonprofit focused on empowering young people and adults with essential life skills, vicki! shares how her personal journey has shaped her mission to create a more compassionate world. vicki! opens up about her early life, how the challenges she faced became the foundation of her work, and her belief that our greatest wounds can become our greatest gifts. She introduces us to transformative tools like "The Cleanup" and "The Emotional Balloon," designed to help children and adults process emotions, repair relationships, and express their needs authentically. vicki! also shares her honor of being a fellow at the Dalai Lama Center for Ethics and Transformative Values at MIT, and how this experience continues to influence her work today. This conversation will leave you inspired by the wisdom young people bring, the power of nurturing our inner child, and how empathy can truly transform relationships and communities. Don’t miss this heartwarming exploration of creating a kinder world, one child—and one moment of connection—at a time. About the Guest: vicki abadesco! Is a nonprofit leader and mentor who is renowned for her unwavering commitment to growth and lifelong learning. Through her organization, Soul Shoppe, she and her team have touched the hearts and minds of over one million elementary school students with their conflict resolution and peacemaking curriculum. vicki! has created a lasting impact, nurturing a generation of emotionally intelligent individuals who can build strong relationships and foster inclusive communities. https://soulshoppe.org/ IG: @soulshoppers https://www.facebook.com/SoulShoppe About the Host: A beacon of change and a catalyst for transformation, Ipek Williamson is a multifaceted professional who seamlessly integrates two decades of corporate expertise with a diverse skill set as a coach, mentor, speaker, author, meditation advocate, and teacher. Her mission is to guide individuals through the complexities of modern life, helping them find deep peace and harmony. Ipek's coaching approach, rooted in Core Values, Mental Fitness, and Mind Mastery, empowers clients to unlock their hidden potential and confidently embrace change with joy. Beyond coaching, Ipek's influence spreads through her 100+ meditations on the Insight Timer App and live meditation sessions, where she shares transformative wisdom. Her impact extends to workshops, courses, and training sessions for individuals, groups, and corporations. As a Change Champion, Ipek Williamson is dedicated to promoting positive change, nurturing inner calm, and empowering others to script their own transformation stories. ipek@ipekwilliamsoncoaching.com https://linktr.ee/IpekWilliamson https://ipekwilliamsoncoaching.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/ipekwilliamson/ The Ultimate Coach Resources  https://theultimatecoachbook.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theultimatecoach Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theultimatecoachbook LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/14048056 YouTube: a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/TheUltimateCoachBook" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

    42 min
  8. Using Systems to Create a Life That Works - Trevor Timbeck

    11/21/2024

    Using Systems to Create a Life That Works - Trevor Timbeck

    Sometimes we resort to “amateur psychology” when an area of our life isn’t going the way we’d like. It’s natural to ask WHY and look for answers that often lead to some version of “What’s wrong with me?” What if you could replace that thinking with a new system focused on actions that explore possibilities? In this episode, host Meredith Bell discussed these ideas and many others from The Power of Systems with Trevor Timbeck, who co-authored the book with Steve Chandler. You’ll hear about Trevor’s experiences that led to the realization that everything in life can be viewed as a system. Trevor also shares the system he and Steve created for writing their book that made the process fun and energizing for both of them. You’ll learn two simple questions to ask when evaluating a current system, and you may feel a sense of freedom in hearing how easy it is to start playing with a new one. Trevor has thought deeply about the power of systems, and his brilliance shines through in this conversation. Be prepared to take notes and listen to this episode more than once. There are many thought-provoking insights. About the Guest:  Trevor is a coach and author who lives and plays at the intersection of Love, Language and Leadership. He's on a mission to transform the world of leadership from fear-based command and control to love-based inspire and enroll. Trevor spent the first forty years of his life getting a masters in righteousness and has committed the next forty years to a masters in workability. He loves to walk really slowly and listen to the Universe. Website: www.trevortimbeck.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/trevor.timbeck  About the Host:  Meredith is the Co-founder and President of Grow Strong Leaders. Her company publishes software tools and books that help people build strong relationships at work and at home. Meredith is an expert in leader and team communications, the author of three books, and the host of the Grow Strong Leaders Podcast. She co-authored her latest books, Connect with Your Team: Mastering the Top 10 Communication Skills, and Peer Coaching Made Simple, with her business partner, Dr. Dennis Coates. In them, Meredith and Denny provide how-to guides for improving communication skills and serving as a peer coach to someone else.  Meredith is also The Heart-centered Connector. One of her favorite ways of BEING in the world is to introduce people who can benefit from knowing each other.  https://growstrongleaders.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/meredithmbell The Ultimate Coach Resources  https://theultimatecoachbook.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theultimatecoach Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theultimatecoachbook LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/14048056 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TheUltimateCoachBook Thanks for...

    53 min
4.9
out of 5
24 Ratings

About

Expand your state of Being to fall more deeply in love with life, with yourself, and with the possibility of an extraordinary life - a life of abundance, daily miracles, loving relationships, personal breakthroughs, powerful creations, and peace in the here and now. Our mission is to provide you with experiences of Being through people coming together and conversing. However, please do not listen to this podcast about our guests. Please listen about you. Listen about Being. When you do, we promise, your experience will be remarkable. Join us every other Thursday, as your hosts Meredith Bell and Ipek Williamson share inspired conversations with individuals whose lives have been impacted directly or indirectly by the book The Ultimate Coach written by Amy Hardison and Alan D. Thompson. When you hear something that you feel will help, heal, or add value to someone in your life, please share the episode and also leave a review. Remember, this is a podcast about Being. This is a podcast about you. Please do not listen to this podcast about our guests. Please listen about you. Listen about Being. When you do, we promise, your experience will be remarkable.

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