Good Work with Barrett Brooks

Ankur Nagpal, founder of Teachable and Carry, shares his inspiring journey from immigrant student to entrepreneur. He discusses the hurdles of navigating the US immigration system and the lessons learned from his early Facebook app success. Ankur reflects on the evolution of the creator economy and the challenges of scaling Teachable. He emphasizes the importance of family and meaningful work after selling his company for $250 million, while also exploring the future of content creation and his mission to democratize investment strategies for business owners.

Reflecting on essential business strategies, joy in entrepreneurship, and personal growth, the host shares insightful lessons gleaned from past guests. They tackle the unique challenges faced by $1M+ creators and highlight the transformative power of meaningful conversations. With humor, they recount youthful entrepreneurial adventures and discuss the intricate journey of podcasting, from production to distribution. Emphasizing resilience, authenticity, and the lasting impact of relationships, the episode inspires listeners to embrace their own journeys.

Ruthie Ackerman, an accomplished author and journalist, specializes in empowering others to tell their own stories. In this insightful conversation, Ruthie shares her transformative journey from journalism to teaching creative writing. She discusses the importance of memoir in understanding personal pain and resilience, and how storytelling can foster connection and healing. Ruthie also reflects on the challenges of balancing motherhood and professional aspirations, offering valuable lessons on self-discovery and growth.

Andy Crissinger, a world-class coach and facilitator, shares his remarkable journey from ministry to startup leadership and ultimately coaching. He emphasizes the importance of asking better questions for personal and professional growth. The conversation delves into the impact of literature on coaching practices, particularly focusing on five transformative books. Andy also reflects on the emotional journey of infertility and the joy of fatherhood, touching on themes of growth, resilience, and building trust in relationships.

Patrick McKenzie, known online as "patio11," is a software engineer and writer with a wealth of insights on tech and culture. He shares captivating lessons from his 20-year experience in Japan and how it shaped his view on work-life balance and autonomy. Patrick discusses the underrated learning potential of gaming, dives into the complexities of property crime, and emphasizes the importance of writing in building a career. His thoughts on transitioning from a salaryman to an entrepreneur offer both inspiration and practical advice for navigating career uncertainty.

Tim Grahl, CEO of StoryGrid and author of "The Shithead," is a book marketing guru who has helped numerous authors achieve bestseller status. In this engaging conversation, Tim reveals the moment he realized his business was broken and the secrets behind his success. He discusses the transformative power of therapy and its role in his personal and professional growth. Additionally, Tim shares insights on effective storytelling, the pitfalls of online courses, and the importance of embracing authenticity to foster deeper connections.

Mo Bunnell, founder of GrowBIG and author of 'Give to Grow', dives into the transformative power of authentic relationships in business. He shares personal stories, including his deep family connections and the importance of goal-setting. Mo discusses the impact of family rituals and community on personal growth. Listeners gain insights on overcoming self-imposed barriers and the contrast between 'doing' and 'winning' in business development. His unique frameworks provide actionable strategies that highlight how genuine connections can revolutionize careers.

Dr. Erika Siegel, a seasoned naturopathic doctor and author of 'The Nourish Me Kitchen,' shares her journey into health and wellness. She discusses the significance of mental preparation through her experiences, like a tough 40-mile hike. Erika emphasizes managing stress and sustaining health, especially for entrepreneurs facing burnout. The conversation also highlights the healing power of nature and the importance of honest communication in relationships and parenting. Discover practical strategies for emotional intelligence and holistic well-being.

Kevin Lavelle, founder of Mizzen+Main and Harbor, shares his entrepreneurial journey from revolutionizing dress shirts to navigating the nonprofit sector. He dives into the importance of principled leadership and creating meaningful workplaces. Kevin discusses his experiences in the Middle East and the necessity for nuanced conversations across political divides. He also highlights his innovative approach to baby monitoring technology and the significance of storytelling in branding, emphasizing personal connections and community engagement in business.

Brie Wolfson, Chief Marketing Officer at Colossus and founder of The Kool-Aid Factory, discusses her extensive experience in shaping company culture. She shares her journey through burnout and depression, emphasizing the importance of empathy in leadership. Brie dives into the writing process, the significance of personal identity in creativity, and her battle with technology overload. Her insights on navigating loneliness, self-soothing, and cultivating authentic connections are both relatable and thought-provoking, making for a truly enlightening conversation.