The Story Engine Podcast

In this episode of The Story Engine Podcast, I sit down with Sandy Martin to explore her deeply personal story of success, burnout, and transformation. Sandy built her career in the fast-paced world of high-level events—but when a health crisis brought everything to a halt, it forced her to rethink everything she knew about success, wellness, and even herself. Sandy’s journey into the world of biohacking began as a search for physical healing, but what she discovered went far beyond supplements and sleep hacks. We dive into what it means to truly be present in your healing journey, and how to reconnect with the body and self when your default mode has always been achievement. If you’ve ever felt like your ambition is costing you your health, this episode will open new doors. In This Episode: [01:05] — The buildup: when ambition collides with physical and emotional burnout [03:42] — The turning point: Sandy’s health crisis and her first steps into healing [06:20] — How the biohacking world opened up—starting with the basics [08:55] — Why being present was more powerful than the perfect routine [11:30] — Redefining success: shifting from high performance to embodied wellness [14:15] — The unexpected healing power of slowing down and tuning in [17:08] — Sandy’s perspective on sustainable biohacking as a mindset, not just tools [19:45] — Lessons for high achievers: how to create a new relationship with your body [22:10] — Final reflections on integrating healing into life, work, and legacy

In this solo episode of The Story Engine Podcast, I dive deep into a powerful paradox I’ve seen again and again while helping high-achieving entrepreneurs craft signature talks: the strengths that made you successful might be the very things holding you back—and your perceived weaknesses might be your greatest asset. From fictional heroes like Frodo Baggins to world-class leaders like Shamina Taylor, Michael R. Hunter, and even Brene Brown, I explore how vulnerability, emotion, and honesty—when used with intention—can elevate your message, magnetize your ideal audience, and unlock your next level of impact. If your message isn’t landing the way you want, this episode may reveal why. In This Episode [00:01:27] — Intro: The paradox of strength and weakness in high achievers [02:15] — Why the best talks don’t come from your biggest wins, but your most vulnerable moments [03:00] — Frodo Baggins as an archetype for unseen power and quiet leadership [06:17] — Why most leaders default to performance—and what’s waiting when they stop [07:30] — Case study: Shamina Taylor and the shift from control to surrender [10:04] — Masculine vs. feminine energy in high-achieving women [11:33] — Nelson Mandela: How forgiveness looked like weakness—but was actually power [13:09] — Case study: Michael R. Hunter and the trap of being “the magician” in business [16:20] — Turning burnout into brand alignment with personalbrand.com [19:56] — How Brene Brown’s talk changed her career by embracing raw truth [23:13] — Why you can’t strategize your way into truth—and what to do instead [24:46] — Why most experts’ talks underperform—and how to go deeper [25:53] — Final takeaway: When strength and weakness trade places, transformation begins

What if your next event didn’t just inform—it transformed? In this episode of The Story Engine Podcast, I’m joined by Phil Mershon, the creative force behind Social Media Marketing World, one of the largest and most iconic marketing events on the planet. Phil shares his hard-earned secrets to crafting truly unforgettable experiences—ones that people not only love attending but feel deeply connected to. We explore the elements that make great events magnetic and how you can take those same ingredients and infuse them into your brand, business, or team culture. Whether you’re hosting a retreat, planning a team offsite, or looking to deepen community in your business, this episode will show you how to turn a gathering into a movement. On This Episode [00:02:18] — The origin story of Social Media Marketing World [00:05:55] — What makes an event truly unforgettable (hint: it’s not just great speakers) [00:10:44] — The "secret sauce" behind memorable experiences [00:14:15] — How to make attendees feel seen, valued, and excited to return [00:18:37] — Mistakes people make when planning high-impact events [00:22:04] — How to design events that feel like an extension of your brand’s mission [00:26:11] — Infusing storytelling and sensory elements into your live experiences [00:31:30] — How leaders can bring event thinking into their everyday business culture [00:35:20] — Why inclusion and belonging are essential to experience design [00:39:10] — Phil’s advice for entrepreneurs planning their first in-person gathering

As business owners, many of us are stuck in a loop—solving problems, putting out fires, managing day-to-day crises. But what happens when we finally shift out of survival mode and into the visionary role we’re meant to play? In this episode of The Story Engine Podcast, I speak with Atiba De Souza—founder of a successful marketing agency and someone who leads with heart and clarity. Atiba shares how he made the powerful shift from reactive leader to visionary guide, and how being fully present with your team can radically transform your culture, retention, and results. If you’re ready to grow your business by growing your leadership, this episode is for you. On This Episode [00:01:42] — Why presence matters more than performance when leading a team [00:04:15] — The trap of being the “chief fire-putter-outer” (and how to escape it) [00:07:50] — Building trust, loyalty, and autonomy in your team through intentional leadership [00:10:03] — The shift from being reactive to being visionary—and why it’s critical for growth [00:14:21] — How Atiba balances coaching, delegation, and vision-setting [00:18:00] — Practical steps to empower your team without micromanaging [00:22:12] — The personal values Atiba brings into his agency culture [00:26:30] — How presence as a leader transforms your business and your mindset

When I first crafted a talk about my own health journey—something I thought I’d never share publicly—it didn’t just grow my business… it transformed me. In this deeply personal solo episode, I share the story of how an illness I picked up in the Amazon turned into years of health struggles, shame, and self-doubt—and how stepping onto a stage to tell that story became the start of healing. But more than that, this episode is about why crafting a signature talk is more than a business asset. It’s a crucible for clarity, courage, and deep connection—with your audience and yourself. If you’re a coach, expert, or entrepreneur who wants to create a message that truly moves people—this episode is for you! In This Episode [00:02:35] — The rope swing moment that led to one of the most difficult seasons of my life [00:06:40] — Living with chronic illness and the shame of falling apart in silence [00:10:30] — The surprising event that helped me reclaim my health and my voice [00:15:18] — From health crisis to business clarity: how I turned my “curse” into my calling [00:18:45] — Why writing a great talk changes how you see yourself—not just how you speak [00:22:00] — The 3 crucibles every great speaker must face: Compression, Clarity, Courage [00:31:55] — The real reason most experts avoid doing this deep work—and why that’s a mistake [00:35:40] — How owning your truth creates magnetic content, clients, and clarity [00:41:12] — You’re not just a speaker—you’re a transformer of beliefs [00:44:33] — How to turn your hardest stories into your most defining messages

In this episode of The Story Engine Podcast, I’m joined by Claire Angelle, a powerhouse in the world of international PR and advocacy. Claire’s mission is simple yet bold: helping world changers get their messages onto more stages, in more countries, and into the hearts of more people. We dive into Claire’s unique journey—from her roots in international advocacy to her innovative approach to helping thought leaders and changemakers craft stories that resonate across borders. If you’ve ever dreamed of taking your message worldwide, Claire’s insights will inspire and equip you to make it happen. On This Episode: [00:02:35] — Claire’s journey from international advocacy to global PR [00:07:15] — Why traditional PR strategies fall short for changemakers [00:12:42] — How Claire helps speakers craft stories that resonate internationally [00:17:05] — The #1 mindset shift needed to land speaking opportunities around the world [00:22:11] — Common mistakes even brilliant speakers make when pitching themselves [00:28:30] — How to position yourself as a go-to expert without feeling self-promotional [00:34:02] — Claire’s personal philosophy on storytelling, service, and global impact

In this episode, I share the story I’ve kept quiet for years. It’s about the moment I disconnected from my emotional self and how that single, unconscious choice shaped my business, my leadership, and my voice for over a decade. I talk about the pain of building something successful that feels hollow—and how reconnecting with my story and truth became the path back to fulfillment, creativity, and power. If you’ve ever felt like your success cost you a part of yourself, this one’s for you. On This Episode [00:04:42] — Two losses that cracked open my faith—and shut down my emotions [00:10:33] — Building a “successful” business while feeling completely disconnected [00:15:58] — The moment I realized I had become the operator of a machine [00:19:41] — Why strategy couldn’t fix what was ultimately a survival pattern [00:23:07] — The difference between performance and presence—and why it matters [00:30:49] — What truly makes your message magnetic (hint: it’s not just your credentials) [00:35:24] — How I rebuilt my business by returning to my voice, creativity, and truth [00:40:50] — Reconnection is the key to magnetism—and the beginning of healing

On this episode of The Story Engine Podcast, I sat down with Josh Elledge, founder of Up My Influence, to unpack how he helps podcasters attract high-quality clients—without resorting to pressure, awkward pitches, or sleazy tactics. Josh shares how he uses podcasting as a powerful, generous tool to connect with ideal clients and create meaningful business relationships. We talk about the systems he’s built, how he filters for fit, and how showing up with generosity and intention can lead to consistent, aligned growth. If you're a podcast host or service-based business owner, this one is packed with gold. In This Episode [00:03:22] — The surprising philosophy behind Up My Influence: connection before conversion [00:07:08] — How Josh fills his pipeline with the right prospects—by inviting them as guests [00:12:45] — Why the “go-giver” model works (and how to do it without being manipulative) [00:19:30] — Filtering with integrity: how Josh qualifies ideal clients during the podcasting process [00:26:12] — What most podcasters miss when trying to monetize (and how to fix it) [00:33:01] — The real ROI of a podcast—and it’s not downloads [00:39:15] — Josh’s behind-the-scenes process for client attraction without burnout

If you’ve ever hesitated before posting on LinkedIn or wondered if it’s really worth your time, this episode is for you. I sat down with Scott Aaron—a master of consistency, confidence, and connection on LinkedIn—to unpack the story behind his hard-won presence on the platform. We explored not just his tactical strategies (which are powerful), but also the deeper personal evolution that helped him show up authentically online, day after day. Whether you're brand new to LinkedIn or want to use it more strategically to grow your business, Scott’s story is a clear reminder that confidence is built, not born—and visibility pays compounding interest when you stay in the game. In This Episode [00:03:12] The LinkedIn mistake most people make (and how to fix it fast) [00:06:49] Scott’s first post: what he learned by hitting “publish” despite fear [00:12:33] Why showing up consistently creates “compound interest” in your business [00:18:07] How Scott rebuilt his confidence from scratch after hitting rock bottom [00:23:54] Kyle reflects Scott’s growth in a powerful, emotional story mirror moment [00:28:21] The exact daily strategy Scott uses to create content and real connections on LinkedIn [00:34:15] What it really means to lead with value—and why it always works

Unlock the secret to attracting "power buyers"—the kind of high-value clients who are eager to invest in your expertise. In this episode of The Story Engine Podcast, I’m diving deep into the secret of attracting those high-value clients who are ready and eager to invest in your expertise. I sit down with brand strategist and messaging expert Fabi Paolini to explore her unique methodology for crafting a magnetic brand message. We’ll uncover how to position yourself as an authority, showcase your "angle of mastery," and create messaging that speaks directly to premium clients. In This Episode [02:15] What makes "power buyers" different from the average client? [07:40] How to uncover your unique angle of mastery [14:20] The biggest messaging mistakes that drive away high-value clients [21:35] How to position yourself as the go-to expert in your industry [30:10] Actionable steps to start attracting power buyers today If you're ready to take your messaging to the next level and bring in the right clients, tune in now! 🎧