
How Stories Happen
What does it take to resonate? On How Stories Happen, experts, entrepreneurs, and business leaders dissect their signature stories piece by piece. We explore how they found and developed their ideas, how they might improve even still, and how they use a story to show up with greater impact and influence. Hosted by Jay Acunzo.
Latest episodes

Oct 25, 2024 • 1h 11min
420. Justin Cross: From Aerospace Engineer to Entrepreneur, Building a Successful Business and Overcoming Doubt
In this episode of the Grow or Die podcast, I sit down with Justin Cross, the founder of Earn Your Booze, to talk about entrepreneurship, personal growth, and the challenges of breaking away from a conventional career path. Justin shares his personal story of leaving a secure aerospace engineering job to pursue his passion for fitness and business, despite the doubt and skepticism he faced from friends and family. We dive into the mindset required to make such a bold transition and how to overcome the negativity that often comes with chasing a dream. Justin also gives valuable insight into the concept of “earning” your rewards in life—whether it’s fitness, success, or even relaxation—through hard work and delayed gratification. This episode is filled with motivational tips, discussions on building resilience, and practical advice for anyone looking to take control of their life, especially those ready to break away from the status quo and start their own ventures. Timestamps: - [00:28] – Sneak peak into the episode. - [06:14] – Exploring the dopamine-driven society and how men are becoming trapped in instant gratification cycles. - [10:45] – The connection between physical fitness, discipline, and success in business and life. - [13:19] – Breaking away from distractions such as sports and entertainment to focus on personal and professional growth. - [16:50] – The origin of *Earn Your Booze* and the challenges Justin faced when launching the brand. - [19:00] – Discussing Elon Musk's recent accomplishments and how his perseverance serves as inspiration for entrepreneurs. - [22:35] – Justin Mihaly and Justin Cross talk about dealing with criticism and learning to brush off negativity in business. - [24:10] – Testosterone and male health: How low testosterone levels contribute to poor mental and physical performance in men. - [27:30] – Why testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is important for men over 30 and how it impacts health and performance. - [30:25] – The benefits of optimized testosterone levels, beyond physical appearance—covering motivation, drive, and success. - [33:06] – Curiosity and critical thinking as key traits of high-functioning men: Why men with low testosterone lose these qualities. - [36:50] – Justin Mihaly’s experience building a personal brand and overcoming obstacles in the social media space. - [38:15] – Discussion on how society and environmental factors impact male health, specifically testosterone. - [41:32] – Exploring Justin Cross’s aerospace engineering background and how working with fighter jets shaped his perspective. - [44:15] – Insights into Justin’s time spent in the Middle East during his Navy service and how those experiences influenced his mindset. - [49:30] – Transitioning from a stable career to entrepreneurship: The critical mindset shifts required to succeed. - [52:15] – How Justin balanced working multiple jobs and his side hustle before fully committing to entrepreneurship. - [55:12] – Justin Cross’s approach to personal development, and how childhood influences shaped his path toward entrepreneurship. - [58:00] – The importance of resilience and hard work in overcoming challenges during career transitions. - [1:02:18] – The long-term payoff of choosing personal fulfillment over financial security in the early stages of entrepreneurship. Links & Resources: Follow Justin Cross On Instagram: @justin.j.cross Work With Justin Cross: https://www.earnitall.com/ Follow Me On Instagram: @jmihaly_ Follow "Grow or Die" On Instagram: @growordiepodcast Work With Me: https://www.togethermorefit.com/founder Join Substack For More Exclusive Content: https://justinmihaly.substack.com/ Join Patreon For More Exclusive Content: https://patreon.com/JustinMihaly?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink Sign Up For The Together More Elite Mentorship: https://togethermorefit.com/elitepurchase

Oct 21, 2024 • 42min
419. LIVE Coaching Session #5 With Nickie Froiland
In this episode of the "Grow or Die" podcast, I sit down once again with my coach, Nickie Froiland, for our fifth CEO coaching session. We dive deep into the complexities of leadership and the pitfalls that can hold back business growth, particularly for founders. We break down the "7 Types of Founders Disease" and talk about the ways leaders can hinder their company's progress, even when they believe they’re pushing it forward. This session is packed with actionable insights, focusing on overcoming control issues, making smarter financial decisions, and creating a culture of trust and empowerment within your team. You’ll hear personal stories about my growth as a leader, the hard lessons I’ve learned in business, and how I’m applying these lessons to ensure the success of my company. If you're a business owner or aspiring leader looking to take your company to the next level, this episode will give you the tools and strategies to move past common obstacles. Timestamps: - [00:26] – Sneak peak into the episode. - [3:15] – Working hard vs. working dumb: Recognizing low-impact tasks that stall business progress. - [4:45] – Justin talks about hiring a new CEO and lessons learned from his previous experiences. - [6:02] – The seven types of "founders disease" that can hurt business growth. - [7:15] – Founder Disease #1: Control, and how it stifles both creativity and business expansion. - [9:05] – Founder Disease #2: Improper funding and lack of financial controls, and how Justin learned hard lessons in this area. - [10:30] – Founder Disease #3: Poor people management and hiring practices, and how to structure 90-day trial periods with new hires. - [11:50] – Founder Disease #4: Decision paralysis and over-analyzing, leading to business stagnation. - [13:00] – Founder Disease #5: Lack of a go-to-market growth strategy and the need for clear KPIs. - [15:12] – Founder Disease #6: Applying limited resources to unlimited opportunities, and the danger of chasing too many things at once. - [16:30] – Founder Disease #7: Culture and how to foster a supportive, growth-driven environment within your company. - [18:50] – Control as an illusion: How white-knuckling the steering wheel doesn’t get you to your destination any faster. - [20:00] – Understanding why the need for control is rooted in fear, and how letting go can speed up outcomes. - [22:45] – Justin discusses empowerment within his company and how to trust his managers to fully take the reins. - [25:00] – How to shift from “allowing” to “empowering” your team for long-term success. - [30:18] – The importance of living within your means and Justin’s personal approach to financial discipline. Links & Resources: Work With Nickie: https://motus9.com/contact/ Follow Me On Instagram: @jmihaly_ Follow "Grow or Die" On Instagram: @growordiepodcast Work With Me: https://www.togethermorefit.com/founder Join Substack For More Exclusive Content: https://justinmihaly.substack.com/ Join Patreon For More Exclusive Content: https://patreon.com/JustinMihaly?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink Sign Up For The Together More Elite Mentorship: https://togethermorefit.com/elitepurchase

Oct 18, 2024 • 37min
418. Why "Calories In, Calories Out" Is Bullsh*t
This conversation dismantles the oversimplified 'Calories In, Calories Out' approach to weight loss. It highlights the critical roles of metabolism, hormonal balance, and nutrient absorption in maintaining health. The discussion delves into the dangers of severe caloric restriction, sharing real-world instances like the struggles faced by *The Biggest Loser* contestants. Additionally, it emphasizes the intricate effects of dietary fats on metabolism and the need for a holistic view of health, particularly for women. Rethink your weight loss strategies with these insights!

Oct 14, 2024 • 52min
417. LIVE Coaching Session #4 With Nickie Froiland
In this episode of the *Grow or Die* podcast, I sit down with my personal coach, Nickie Froiland, for a deep dive into the power of ownership, self-improvement, and the mindset required to achieve success both in fitness and life. Nickie and I explore the importance of taking action, avoiding excuses, and fostering personal accountability in all areas, from health to professional growth. This conversation is packed with lessons on setting boundaries, optimizing your body, and aligning your actions with your intentions to unlock peak performance. Whether you're navigating fitness challenges, professional goals, or personal setbacks, there's something valuable here for you. We also discuss the transformative journey Nickie has taken with her health, the concept of “removing the governor” to maximize human potential, and the crucial balance between mind and body in achieving lasting results. If you're looking for motivation, clarity, and actionable advice to take control of your goals, this is the episode to listen to. Timestamps: - [1:22] –Sneak peek into the episode. - [4:10] – Justin talks about bringing on a new sales agency and the goals for success in the next 30 and 90 days. - [6:10] – Nickie’s reflections on expectations versus agreements in coaching and business partnerships. - [7:30] – Justin and Nickie outline the importance of pre-qualifying clients and setting boundaries in their coaching relationships. - [10:20] – Nickie shares her experience working with Justin to improve her thyroid health and the deeper aspects of personal wellness. - [13:05] – The concept of “removing the governor” explained: how the body’s potential is unlocked by clearing internal limitations. - [16:50] – Justin explains the process of addressing gut health issues and how it contributes to overall performance. - [19:10] – Nickie shares her personal journey of shifting from adrenaline-driven living to optimizing her metabolism. - [22:50] – Justin highlights the importance of fulfillment in coaching, and how client success impacts his satisfaction as a coach. - [25:40] – Justin opens up about his frustration when clients don't follow through and how that affects his fulfillment. - [29:00] – Exploring how to balance professional success with personal well-being and understanding clients’ deeper challenges. - [33:05] – Justin reflects on how he needs to shift his coaching approach to meet people where they are. - [38:00] – The role of post-qualification in ensuring clients are aligned and fully committed to their goals. - [42:00] – Action steps for improving client accountability and setting expectations clearly from the start. - [46:20] – Final takeaways on growth, fulfillment, and optimizing coaching relationships. Links & Resources: Work With Nickie: https://motus9.com/contact/ Follow Me On Instagram: @jmihaly_ Follow "Grow or Die" On Instagram: @growordiepodcast Work With Me: https://www.togethermorefit.com/founder Join Substack For More Exclusive Content: https://justinmihaly.substack.com/ Join Patreon For More Exclusive Content: https://patreon.com/JustinMihaly?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink Sign Up For The Together More Elite Mentorship: https://togethermorefit.com/elitepurchase

Oct 7, 2024 • 1h 7min
416. LIVE Coaching Session #3 With Nickie Froiland
In this episode of Grow or Die, I dive deep with my coach, Nickie Froiland, to discuss critical business decisions in the coaching industry. Together, we explore the challenges of scaling a coaching business, from hiring salespeople to determining the right time to bring in more coaches. I open up about my struggles with delegating tasks and the lessons I've learned about leadership and growth. The episode also touches on client acquisition strategies, retention, and the importance of maintaining a high-quality client experience. If you're running a coaching business or looking to scale, this episode is packed with actionable insights and strategic takeaways that will leave you motivated to take your business to the next level. Timestamps: - [0:00] - Introduction to the episode and opening remarks. - [2:58] - Reflecting on being late to hire salespeople and the challenges faced. - [4:49] - Discussing the importance of vetting leads and how Justin approaches sales differently. - [7:14] - Identifying the capacity of Justin’s business and his goals for scaling. - [10:21] - Diving into retention rates and discussing realistic client retention targets. - [14:12] - Breaking down Justin’s client acquisition funnel and the strategies he teaches his coaches. - [16:11] - The difference between hunting for leads and cultivating client relationships. - [19:45] - Challenges with setting high price points and why Justin’s staff struggles with it. - [24:14] - The role of the sales team and Justin’s vision for hiring external help. - [29:20] - Exploring Justin’s various revenue streams and how they contribute to his business growth. - [32:49] - Discussing the Together More mentorship program and its impact on coaches. - [38:19] - Justin’s reflection on the importance of automating parts of the business to scale effectively. - [44:23] - Planning for a sales agency and restructuring the role of coaches in client acquisition. - [50:48] - Justin contemplates bringing in a CEO to lighten his workload and take on a more visionary role. - [57:23] - Closing thoughts on fulfillment and the personal changes Justin is implementing in his business. Links and Resources: Work With Nickie: https://motus9.com/contact/ Follow Me On Instagram: @jmihaly_ Follow "Grow or Die" On Instagram: @growordiepodcast Work With Me: https://www.togethermorefit.com/founder Join Substack For More Exclusive Content: https://justinmihaly.substack.com/ Join Patreon For More Exclusive Content: https://patreon.com/JustinMihaly?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink Sign Up For The Together More Elite Mentorship: https://togethermorefit.com/elitepurchase

Oct 4, 2024 • 1h
415. Jaime Filer: Navigating Trauma, Coaching, and Self Healing
In this powerful episode of "Grow or Die", I sit down with fitness coach and mental health advocate Jaime Filer. Jaime shares her personal story of overcoming significant trauma, including the loss of her father, and how these experiences have shaped her approach to coaching and personal development. We dive deep into the power of emotional healing, the importance of behavioral changes in coaching, and how to harness trauma as a transformative tool for growth. Jaime also reflects on building strong relationships, cultivating self-awareness, and integrating biohacking techniques to manage anxiety and stress. Timestamps: - [00:00] - Episode teaser. - [3:40] - "Your following does not matter" - Jaime discusses the importance of referrals and meaningful relationships in building a successful coaching business. - [4:44] - The significance of empathy in coaching. - [7:23] - Exploring trauma in the bodybuilding industry and why it attracts broken people seeking validation. - [10:04] - Jaime shares how she began healing from her eating disorder by focusing on external habits before diving into deeper emotional work. - [13:07] - A life-changing experience with psychedelics: how Jaime used ketamine and psilocybin to gain perspective and shift her priorities in work and relationships. - [16:32] - The shift from "quality time" to "quality energy" in relationships. - [20:59] - Overcoming desire and staying focused on personal growth. - [24:10] - Jaime reflects on how emotional and mental healing improved her business, relationships, and self-awareness. - [29:00] - Grieving loss: Jaime discusses how her father's death shaped her mindset on healing and moving forward. - [35:03] - Turning emotional pain into purpose and how it shaped Jaime’s coaching approach with clients. - [39:52] - Jaime’s biohacking goals: how she regulates anxiety using techniques like cold plunging, meditation, and mindset work. - [42:16] - Anxiety explained: Jaime talks about the difference between living in the present versus anxiety about the future or past. - [48:51] - Jaime shares how she transitions from work to personal life and the importance of setting boundaries between the two. Links & Resources: Follow Jaime On Instagram: @jaim91 Work With Jaime: https://link.trm-engine.com/widget/form/dO75X81zale0h0x4qBjW Train Revenue Multiplier: https://go.trainerrevenuemultiplier.com/ FREE Anti-Gym Anxiety E-book: https://ebook.jaimefiler.com/free-ebook Follow Me On Instagram: @jmihaly_ Follow "Grow or Die" On Instagram: @growordiepodcast Work With Me: https://www.togethermorefit.com/founder Join Substack For More Exclusive Content: https://justinmihaly.substack.com/ Join Patreon For More Exclusive Content: https://patreon.com/JustinMihaly?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink Sign Up For The Together More Elite Mentorship: https://togethermorefit.com/elitepurchase

Sep 30, 2024 • 1h 4min
414. LIVE Coaching Session #2 With Nickie Froiland
Nickie Froiland, a personal development coach from Motus9, shares her insights on betting on yourself versus gambling on your future. She emphasizes the importance of overcoming challenges and pushing past limits in various aspects of life, including bodybuilding and business. Nickie encourages embracing discomfort for growth and celebrating personal wins. The discussion also highlights the emotional costs of striving for excellence and the power of gratitude in transforming relationships. Overall, it's a motivating conversation about unlocking potential and pursuing authentic growth.

Sep 27, 2024 • 1h 24min
413. Listener Q&A With Caden Thompson
In this episode of the Grow or Die podcast, we dive into a thought-provoking and raw conversation with special guest Caden Thompson. Together, we tackle some controversial topics, including the importance of personal responsibility in health and fitness, why losing people from your life can be a sign of growth, and the crucial role of mindset and environment in achieving your goals. This episode is packed with insights on everything from breaking out of comfort zones to the benefits and challenges of using performance-enhancing drugs. Whether you’re looking to level up your personal development or gain a deeper understanding of fitness and health, this episode is sure to spark some powerful reflections. Join us as we explore the hard truths about body image, discuss the impact of testosterone on performance, and examine why sometimes the best thing you can do for your growth is to let go of those who hold you back. Caden also shares his personal journey into fitness coaching and how embracing discomfort has shaped his life. Timestamps: - [0:00] - Introduction and a candid discussion on body image and societal expectations. - [3:27] - Why losing people from your life can be a positive sign of personal growth. - [6:14] - Evaluating relationships: Accelerators, stabilizers, and anchors. - [7:02] - The importance of winning habits and environment for achieving your goals. - [12:00] - The power of the one-second decision in overcoming procrastination. - [13:07] - Caden’s journey into performance-enhancing drugs and their impact on fitness. - [15:21] - The misconceptions around testosterone and health. - [18:04] - Benefits of higher testosterone on mental and physical health. - [19:06] - Understanding DHT and its effects on health and performance. - [22:00] - Supplementation strategies for optimizing performance. - [27:14] - The Superman stack: Testosterone, Anadrol, and growth hormone. - [28:12] - Cognitive benefits of supplements like Lion's Mane and methylene blue. - [29:19] - How confirmation bias limits personal growth. - [34:07] - The problem with mono-thinking and the need for critical self-reflection. - [35:01] - Shifting perspectives on fitness and nutrition. - [36:17] - The epidemic of mono-thinking in society and media. - [38:03] - The limitations of the calories in vs. calories out approach. - [41:42] - Debunking the myths around calories in vs. calories out and the importance of gut and liver health. - [46:28] - The dangers of promoting unhealthy body standards. - [50:04] - Dealing with negative feedback and uncommitted clients. - [52:16] - Overcoming imposter syndrome and building confidence as a coach. - [53:45] - Caden's personal story of transformation and becoming a fitness coach. - [57:10] - Expanding the coaching community and future plans. - [58:25] - The importance of posting content and overcoming the fear of judgment. - [59:20] - Final reflections on defeating negativity bias and embracing growth. Links & Resources: Follow Caden On Instagram: @_cadenthompson Follow Me On Instagram: @jmihaly_ Follow "Grow or Die" On Instagram: @growordiepodcast Work With Caden: https://www.togethermorefit.com/bookcaden Work With Me: https://www.togethermorefit.com/founder Join Substack For More Exclusive Content: https://justinmihaly.substack.com/ Join Patreon For More Exclusive Content: https://patreon.com/JustinMihaly?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink Sign Up For The Together More Elite Mentorship: https://togethermorefit.com/elitepurchase

Sep 16, 2024 • 1h 1min
412. LIVE Coaching Session With Nickie Froiland
Join Nickie Froiland, CEO coach and founder of Modus Nine, as she leads a transformative live coaching session. Discover how to distinguish between being 'nice' and 'kind,' and the significance of genuine leadership. Nickie tackles the emotional weight of business ownership and the struggle of delegation. She introduces the concept of 'elephants'—those overlooked issues in personal growth. Furthermore, explore the complexities of personal branding, navigating social media challenges, and the necessity of clear expectations in business relationships.

Aug 30, 2024 • 10min
411. The Power of The One Second Decision
Discover the life-changing power of the 'one second decision.' This approach emphasizes quick thinking and acting on gut instincts to overcome hesitation and seize opportunities. Hear inspiring personal stories that illustrate how immediate action can lead to growth and success. The discussion also addresses overcoming imposter syndrome and embracing discomfort, highlighting self-discipline's role in building confidence. Dive into the dangers of waiting for the perfect moment and learn how to create meaningful progress in your life.
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