
Why Not Now? with Amy Jo Martin
You know that thing you've been thinking about doing? Why Not Now? Amy Jo Martin, a New York Times Best-Selling Author and Personal Branding pioneer, created this show because she believes the world will be a better place if more people ask themselves, "Why Not Now?". Each episode you'll hear from Amy Jo herself and a professional Why Notter - guests like Mark Cuban, Jessica Alba, Tony Robbins, Barbara Corcoran, Billy Corgan and more - and learn how they answered the question then took action, so you can too.
Latest episodes

Jul 8, 2023 • 51min
Episode 296: Constance Schwartz-Morini - A New Playbook for Talent Management
Constance Schwartz-Morini is the co-founder and CEO of SMAC Entertainment, a talent management firm, business incubator, and Emmy-nominated production company she has created in partnership with Michael Strahan. Constance has developed the modern playbook for how athletes and entertainers navigate their multifaceted careers while developing businesses and strategic partnerships that expand reputation and onboard audiences.In this week's episode, Constance reveals her strategic negotiation tactics, ensuring clients like Snoop, Troy Aikman, Erin Andrews and Nikki and Brie Bella, walk away from the negotiation table with a deep sense of satisfaction and a strong foundation of trust in their partnerships. Amy Jo and Constance also discuss the power of nurturing both the mind and body and how that serves as a key driver in their success and overall fulfillment. Constance dives into the correlation between prioritizing health and wellness with achieving enhanced business outcomes, and offers valuable advice that she wishes she had given her younger self about trusting that inner compass and embracing your gut and intuition. Join Constance and Amy Jo as they share tangible negotiation tips, the secrets to maintaining a healthy relationship with time, and what it takes to push you over the entrepreneurial starting line. For more info and to join Renegade, head to renegade.global. Follow Renegade Global on Instagram Get Amy Jo’s newsletter. Follow Amy Jo: Instagram Twitter Facebook Why Not Now? Instagram Buy Amy Jo’s Book

May 20, 2023 • 48min
Episode 295: Jesse Draper - Invest in Women or Get Left Behind
Jesse Draper is one of the 50 most connected women in America, and a true trailblazer. Jesse is not only a highly successful venture capitalist, but is also a dedicated mother of three. As the founder of Halogen Ventures, a female focused venture fund, she has built an impressive portfolio of over 70 companies, focusing on accelerating access to capital and deal flow while championing the empowerment of female investors and female entrepreneurs. In this week’s episode, Jesse shares her inspiring journey, exploring the challenges she faced while entering the venture capital space and running a successful operation. She also addresses the need for more women managing capital and offers advice on fostering a more equitable and diverse landscape. You’ll also hear Jesse’s take on the unique struggles faced by working mothers, the constant juggle between professional demands and family life, and her passion towards transforming the realm of child care. Join Jesse and Amy Jo as they unpack the state of the union with women in investing and funding, and discover actionable steps you can take to shift the dynamic. Learn more about Jesse and Halogen Ventures here: https://halogenvc.com/team For more info and to join Renegade, head to https://renegade.global Follow Renegade Global on Instagram: https://www.instgram.com/renegade_global Get Amy Jo’s newsletter: https://www.renegade.global/newsletter Follow Amy Jo: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/amyjomartin/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/amyjomartin Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/AmyJoMartin/ Why Not Now? Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/whynotnow/ Buy Amy Jo’s Book - https://amyjomartin.com/book

Feb 27, 2023 • 1h 10min
Episode 294: Jason Mraz - The Art of Storytelling
Jason Mraz is a Grammy Award winning singer-songwriter. But what you may not know is that he's also a passionate farmer, philanthropist, and entrepreneur. In this episode, Jason talks to Amy Jo about music's power to harmonize humanity in a time where many of us feel divided. Jason and Amy Jo also discuss his Why Not Now? moment that took him from Farmville, Virginia to sunny California. After visiting the west coast for the first time, he knew he had to go back. So unsure of the road ahead, Jason dropped out of college, packed his car, and set off on a new adventure in California. This move was life-changing for Jason and crucial for his musical career dreams to come true. Jason shares how he’s developed his craft of storytelling, not only in music, but in all facets of his life and work. He talks about how he began Mraz Family Farm, growing avocado, coffee, and fresh fruit. Jason tells Amy Jo that sharing his farm's story has helped make connections locally and globally. He discusses the importance of taking time for yourself to recover & regenerate your energy so you’re ready to tackle large tasks. His time management tip? Make weekly dates with yourself to practice your craft. You’ll also get to hear how Jason brought together his three passions: music, farming, and his charity foundation. He shares how he worked with each team, creating a vision statement that wove through the fabric of each business to bring them together. Learn more about Jason: jasonmraz.com/ For more info and to join Renegade, head to renegade.global. Follow Renegade Global on Instagram Get Amy Jo’s newsletter. Follow Amy Jo… Instagram Twitter Facebook Why Not Now? Instagram Buy Amy Jo’s Book

Feb 13, 2023 • 42min
Episode 293: Kerry Michaels - Taking Control Of Your Career
Kerry Michaels is the Co-Founder & CEO of William Murray Golf. Yes…as in the actor, Bill Murray. Kerry oversees millions of dollars in annual revenue. Hers is a true story of asking for forgiveness instead of permission. This conversation is all about taking control of your own career, taking action and getting sh*t done. Kerry, and her Why Not Now? moment which you’ll hear, are hard proof of this. In this episode, Kerry shares the story of how she got into business with Bill and his brothers. As you can imagine it has been quite a ride, and the origin story itself is definitely unique. You’ll learn Kerry’s entrepreneurial lessons and challenges, especially as it relates to her role within William Murray Golf as CEO and how that has changed over time as the business has grown. She shares how she prioritized input from the entire family so the brand felt authentic from the outset, the importance of having a support system, planning for the downside of business and how delegating has been one of her biggest lessons. Kerry also talks through how she invests in herself, busts a few popular myths around balancing parenthood with entrepreneurship and shares a sweet (literally) fun fact about Bill Murray that you may not expect to hear. Learn more about Kerry: https://www.instagram.com/kerry_wmg/ For more info and to join Renegade, head to renegade.global. Follow Renegade Global on Instagram Get Amy Jo’s newsletter. Follow Amy Jo… Instagram Twitter Facebook Why Not Now? Instagram Buy Amy Jo’s Book

Jan 16, 2023 • 40min
Episode 292: Best of 2022 - Regan Walsh - Ditching Perfection The Renegade Way
This episode is the final in our “Best Of 2022” series. Regan Walsh, Chief Renegade Officer at Renegade Global, is an incredible people leader who has coached some of the top executives at Nike, Wall Street and everything in-between. She navigates her own life with constant curiosity and guides others around healthy boundaries by shifting the way people lead. In this episode, Amy Jo and Regan discuss their point of view on perfection and provide tactical steps you can take to optimize your day, as well as your relationship with perfection before paralysis kicks in. They break apart the “disease to please” and differentiate between a preference versus a requirement. Regan also explains how you can operate with a full tank of gas by taking out your head trash, shedding your shoulds and being brave before good, instead of faking it until you make it. You’ll learn the key ways Amy Jo and Regan integrate these tactics into Renegade programming. They provide personal examples of how they have reclaimed time in their own days and shifted to a mindset of “I get to.” instead of “I have to.” They will leave you motivated to ask for what you want and take action today and throughout the new year. Get Amy Jo’s newsletter: https://amyjomartin.activehosted.com/f/21 Follow Amy Jo… Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amyjomartin/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/amyjomartin Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmyJoMartin/ Why Not Now? Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whynotnow/ Buy Amy Jo’s book: https://amyjomartin.com/book Follow Renegade Global: https://www.instagram.com/renegade_global

Jan 9, 2023 • 53min
Episode 291: Best of 2022 - Phyllis Newhouse - Leading With Power
This episode was another of our most popular, and most listened to, episodes in 2022. Phyllis Newhouse has quite the resume. She is the first African American woman to lead a Special Purpose Acquisition Company (SPAC), the first woman ever to win the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of the Year award in the technology category, she’s on the board of the Women’s Presidents Organization and is a pioneer in business. She is a retired senior military officer, a CEO, an investor and serial entrepreneur. Phyllis also happens to be a “frientor” to Amy Jo (a friend and mentor). Phyllis is changing the game and rewriting the business play book, especially for women. One way she does this is with “ROCs,” which stands for Resources, Opportunities and Connections. Phyllis generously gives these out all day every day. Amy Jo has personally been a beneficiary, as Phyllis has opened many doors for her. In this wide-ranging conversation, Amy Jo and Phyllis talk about business, their relationship with money, how Phyllis looks at wealth versus revenue, and how Phyllis’ power always enters the room before she does. Phyllis also shares the impactful story about how she met Serena Williams and what has happened after that meeting. We could all take a page from this playbook. Phyllis supports women and fosters community so well. She recently just launched a program called Shoulder Up To Lead where she shares her 11 Principles of Leadership. Here is the link to check it out: http://shoulderup2lead.com/ Learn more about Phyllis, here: https://www.phyllisnewhouse.com/

Dec 26, 2022 • 56min
Episode 290: Best of 2022 - Vanessa Van Edwards - Charisma. Are You Born With It or Can You Learn It?
This episode was our most popular, and most listened to, show in 2022! Vanessa Van Edwards is the Lead Behavioral Investigator at Science of People - a company she founded over 15 years ago. She is an internationally acclaimed speaker and author of two books, Captivate and Cues. Vanessa guides people on mastering the secret language of charismatic communication, and in this episode, Vanessa dives into the specifics of charisma. We ask the question “Are you born with it or can you learn?” and Vanessa’s answer may surprise you. Vanessa grew up with social anxiety issues, leaving her feeling very awkward. She is an ambivert, which means she is somewhere in-between the introvert and extrovert spectrum. She details the Why Not Now? moment that set her on the path to being a Behavioral Investigator and how she has discovered that “Awkward” characteristics show up differently for different people, whether you are highly intelligent, the alpha in the room or constantly try to please everyone. Vanessa lists her favorite non-verbal cues used by one of the most charismatic people on the planet. These examples shine a light on the fact that you have to be willing to try new cues in order to find the ones that work for you, because the delivery of your new idea, pitch, or whatever it may be, is just as important as the idea itself. Vanessa talks through her Year of No, where she has vowed to say no to every new opportunity that isn’t directly in line with her goals. You’ll learn how she says no, how she evaluates opportunities and how it’s been going since she started saying no more this year. This episode is jam packed with tangible takeaways that you can use today to be more engaged in your non-verbal communication. Vanessa’s new book “Cues” is available now. Learn more at ScienceOfPeople.com. Get Amy Jo’s newsletter: https://amyjomartin.activehosted.com/f/21 Follow Amy Jo… Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amyjomartin/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/amyjomartin Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmyJoMartin/ Why Not Now? Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whynotnow/ Buy Amy Jo’s book: https://amyjomartin.com/book Follow Renegade Global: https://www.instagram.com/renegade_global

Dec 19, 2022 • 32min
Episode 289: Kristen Bell & Monica Padman - Shattering the Glass Ceiling and Knowing Your Worth
Kristen Bell and Monica Padman joined Amy Jo on the Why Not Now? show for our 250th Episode. Don’t miss this incredibly honest conversation about gender equality, mentorship, confidence, and asking for support. Kristen Bell and Monica Padman share some insight into their podcast, We Are Supported By... They interviewed inspirational women like Oprah Winfrey, Gloria Steinem, and Malala Yousafzai about how they have put cracks in the glass ceiling. The women share their Why Not Now? moments. Monica’s involves getting out of a situation that was too comfortable in order to see growth in her career, and Kristen’s involves finding more independence during the pandemic. The three women also talk about including men and accepting imperfect allies in the fight for gender equality. Kristen and Monica also say how important it is to continually lift other women up, citing each other as mentors. Kristen says one of her main goals is to help women see what have traditionally been viewed as weaknesses as their strengths. Kristen and Monica also talk about imposter syndrome, confidence, how that plays into negotiating and the mindset shift from feeling greedy to asking for what you deserve. Apply for Renegade today. Learn more and apply: www.renegadeaccelerator.com/ Follow Amy Jo... Instagram: www.instagram.com/amyjomartin/ Twitter: twitter.com/amyjomartin Facebook: www.facebook.com/AmyJoMartin/ Why Not Now? Instagram: www.instagram.com/whynotnow/ Buy Amy Jo’s book: amyjomartin.com/book Follow Renegade Global: www.instagram.com/renegade_global

Dec 5, 2022 • 59min
Episode 288: Love + Work with Marcus Buckingham
Marcus Buckingham is the author of two of the best selling business books of all time. He studies psychometrics for a living and brings research into everything he does. Both his insight, and storytelling, are unrivaled. In the episode, Marcus exposes the key to life as he sees it. He dives into the fact that as humans, when we are in love, we are smarter. On the flip side, he also explains how there are consequences when love is repressed. The bio-chemical make up of our brain is unimaginable. Marcus explains how who you are, and how you contribute in the world, is massively connected to what you love. Therefore, we must find the love in what we do. We cannot sustain without love. You’ll learn how to identify what it is about your days that you love, and the 4 questions he believes you should ask every week so that you are clear on the things you love. Marcus also shares his book writing tips as well speaks to what he thinks leadership is. Additionally, Marcus showcases the similar benefits of love in a relationship and love at work. He talks about how you can differentiate yourself. Learn more about Marcus, and check out his free assessment at https://www.marcusbuckingham.com. Apply for Renegade today. Learn more and apply: www.renegadeaccelerator.com/ Get Amy Jo’s newsletter: amyjomartin.activehosted.com/f/21 Follow Amy Jo... Instagram: www.instagram.com/amyjomartin/ Twitter: twitter.com/amyjomartin Facebook: www.facebook.com/AmyJoMartin/ Why Not Now? Instagram: www.instagram.com/whynotnow/ Buy Amy Jo’s book: amyjomartin.com/book Follow Renegade Global: www.instagram.com/renegade_global

Nov 28, 2022 • 38min
Episode 287: Mike Evans - How To Unlock Personal Success with the Founder of Grubhub
Mike Evans, the founder of Grubhub, author of “Hangry” and founder of Fixer, is one of the most grounded and passionate workers around. He knows how to start from nothing and build success. Mike took Grubhub public. The company had a multibillion dollar IPO. Even though that might sound “successful” to everyone else, Mike defines success for himself. He says success is all about alignment. In this week’s episode, Mike challenges the question of “why stay?” and flips it to “why leave?”. He discusses how inertia is a terrible reason to stay in any situation. Mike and Amy Jo cover many topics ranging from Mike’s emotional leadership style to transitioning from Founder to CEO, to making decisions based off data and the idea of a perfect work life balance being a complete lie. In particular, Mike and Amy Jo discuss Mike’s evolution as an entrepreneur. You’ll learn his key takeaways from starting Grubhub and how that experience changed his business model for Fixer. Mike shares many of his tangible business tactics, one of which is the two step apology. This is something every single person can implement in business or life. Another is his focus on mission lock, which he explains is when the benefit and the profit of a business can not be divorced. There are countless takeaways, but the biggest piece of advice Mike gives is to just start. Think, and dream, bigger from the moment you begin. Don’t miss this episode with a legendary creative problem solver. Learn more about Mike and “Hangry” here: mikeevans.com Apply for Renegade today. Learn more and apply: www.renegadeaccelerator.com/ Get Amy Jo’s newsletter: amyjomartin.activehosted.com/f/21 Follow Amy Jo... Instagram: www.instagram.com/amyjomartin/ Twitter: twitter.com/amyjomartin Facebook: www.facebook.com/AmyJoMartin/ Why Not Now? Instagram: www.instagram.com/whynotnow/ Buy Amy Jo’s book: amyjomartin.com/book Follow Renegade Global: www.instagram.com/renegade_global