The Story Engine Podcast

The coaching world is booming—but most platforms only make the business side more complicated. What if you had a tool that didn't just organize your coaching practice, but actually made you a better coach? On this episode of The Story Engine Podcast, I sit down with Mitch Russo, serial entrepreneur and founder of multiple software and coaching companies. Mitch introduces Click Coach, a powerful new platform designed to streamline the coaching process while helping coaches consistently deliver on the results they promise. We explore the unique features that set Click Coach apart, the philosophy behind its creation, and what this means for the future of coaching. If you're a coach—or aspire to be one—this episode will show you how to simplify your systems, elevate your practice, and focus on what really matters: transforming your clients' lives. ⏱ Episode Highlights with Timestamps [02:34] – Why most coaching platforms fail to support what coaches actually need [05:12] – The origin story of Click Coach and how Mitch saw the gap in the market [08:01] – How Click Coach helps coaches deliver measurable results with less overwhelm [11:26] – The philosophy behind coaching with clarity, accountability, and results [14:58] – Real-world examples of coaches using Click Coach to transform their practice [18:15] – Kyle and Mitch discuss the future of coaching software and AI integration [21:39] – What sets Click Coach apart from generic business platforms [25:02] – Closing thoughts: how coaches can simplify their systems and amplify their impact

Every story you tell—whether on stage, in a book, or in a conversation—has the power to change how people see you, themselves, and what's possible. But often, we miss the deeper truths in our own stories until someone reflects them back to us. On this episode of The Story Engine Podcast, I sit down with Amanda Johnson, a master storyteller who helps people uncover new possibilities by expressing their truth in talks and books. Together, we explore Amanda's own story while also unpacking practical storytelling strategies you can apply right away. From reframing limiting beliefs to structuring stories that resonate, this episode is both an intimate journey and a toolkit for better communication. If you want to share your message with more clarity, authenticity, and impact, you won't want to miss this conversation. ⏱ Episode Highlights with Timestamps [02:25] – Why reflecting back someone's story can unlock new insights and possibilities [05:41] – Amanda shares her own journey into storytelling and coaching [08:13] – The difference between telling a story and crafting one for impact [11:28] – How to identify the deeper meaning behind your personal stories [14:36] – Practical techniques for structuring talks and books that truly resonate [17:59] – Kyle and Amanda explore how vulnerability and truth connect us with audiences [21:12] – Examples of how storytelling transforms both the speaker and the listener [24:47] – Closing reflections: why your story is always evolving—and how to tell it with power

High achievers often look successful on the outside—yet underneath, anxiety, self-doubt, and pressure can take a heavy toll. What if the very drive that fuels achievement could also lead to peace and calm, instead of burnout? In this episode of The Story Engine Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Patricia Zurita-Ona, a clinical psychologist who specializes in helping ambitious leaders and high performers break free from the cycles of fear and worry. Dr. Patricia shares why high achievers are especially prone to anxiety, the hidden ways it shows up, and how her approach empowers people to cultivate calm, resilience, and self-acceptance without losing their edge. If you've ever felt like your success comes at the cost of your peace of mind, this conversation will show you how to achieve both. ⏱ Episode Highlights with Timestamps [02:19] – Why high achievers are particularly vulnerable to anxiety and overthinking [05:04] – Common patterns: how success-driven habits can mask deeper struggles [08:11] – The hidden cost of perfectionism and constant self-pressure [11:23] – Dr. Patricia's approach: moving beyond anxiety toward calm and resilience [14:42] – Practical strategies for shifting thought patterns in stressful moments [18:17] – Kyle and Dr. Patricia discuss how anxiety can become a growth signal, not just a setback [21:09] – Stories of clients who transformed their lives by reframing their relationship with anxiety [25:33] – Closing thoughts: why peace and success don't have to be opposites

What if fitness wasn't just about building muscle or burning calories—but about reshaping the way you lead, work, and live? On this episode of The Story Engine Podcast, I sit down with Mycal Anders, a fitness coach who helps high achievers and executives create total life transformation through the discipline of fitness. Mycal shares why training the body is the gateway to unlocking clarity, resilience, and purpose, and how his approach goes far beyond the gym to impact leadership, relationships, and mindset. Whether you're an entrepreneur, an executive, or simply someone striving for more, this conversation will show you how fitness can become the foundation for real transformation in every area of life. ⏱ Episode Highlights with Timestamps [02:21] – Why fitness is more than just health—it's a tool for leadership and clarity [05:10] – The unique challenges high achievers face when it comes to health and balance [08:36] – Mycal's approach to using fitness as an anchor for discipline and resilience [11:44] – Stories of executives who completely shifted their lives through his coaching [14:59] – How physical training impacts mental strength, confidence, and decision-making [18:12] – Kyle and Mycal discuss the ripple effect of fitness on relationships and business [21:28] – Practical steps leaders can take to start integrating fitness into their transformation journey [24:55] – Closing thoughts: why investing in your body is the key to unlocking your full potential

Entrepreneurs often find themselves juggling too many platforms—emails, landing pages, websites, and social media—leaving them stuck in complexity instead of flow. What if you could bring all of that under one roof and create more freedom, ease, and simplicity in your business? On this episode of The Story Engine Podcast, I sit down with Lisza Crisalle, an expert at streamlining systems and building automation that supports growth without the overwhelm. Lisza shares her philosophy on simplifying business, her approach to integrating tools seamlessly, and how entrepreneurs can reclaim time and focus by letting go of tech chaos. If you've ever felt buried under platforms and logins, or you've wondered how to scale your business without scaling your stress, this conversation will show you the path to building smarter systems that actually serve your vision. ⏱ Episode Highlights with Timestamps [02:18] – Why most entrepreneurs struggle with complexity in tech and automation [05:09] – Lisza's philosophy: freedom and ease as the foundation for scaling [07:42] – How consolidating tools saves both time and money for business owners [10:16] – Real-world examples of entrepreneurs transformed by streamlined systems [13:24] – The hidden cost of scattered platforms on productivity and mindset [16:33] – Lisza's process for mapping out automation that truly supports your business goals [19:08] – Kyle and Lisza discuss the role of storytelling in communicating tech solutions [22:15] – The promise of automation: more time for creativity, freedom, and growth [25:39] – Closing thoughts: how to start simplifying your systems today

How do you move from the depths of grief to a life of joy, purpose, and transformation? On this episode of The Story Engine Podcast, I sit down with Alisa Cooper, founder of Cocoon to Butterfly—a movement, program, and experience designed to guide people through the painful seasons of loss and help them emerge with renewed hope and joy. Alisa shares her deeply personal journey, the lessons she's learned along the way, and the practices that allow her to support others on their own paths of transformation. This conversation is as much about resilience as it is about healing. Whether you're navigating grief yourself, supporting someone you love, or simply seeking more joy and alignment in your life, Alisa's story and methods will leave you inspired to embrace transformation. ⏱ Episode Highlights with Timestamps [02:27] – Alisa's personal journey: how grief became the catalyst for her mission [05:43] – The importance of creating safe, supportive spaces for healing [08:19] – How transformation often feels like a cocoon stage before joy can emerge [11:06] – Practices and rituals Alisa uses to help people move through grief [14:52] – Why joy and grief can coexist—and how to honor both [18:17] – Kyle and Alisa discuss the power of vulnerability in building community [21:44] – Stories of participants who found new strength and clarity through her program [25:09] – The role of movement, creativity, and ritual in the healing process [28:35] – Closing thoughts: embracing the transformation from cocoon to butterfly in your own life

What if fear, stress, and even pain weren't enemies to overcome—but powerful allies? On this episode of The Story Engine Podcast, I sit down with Akshay Nanavati, founder and author of Fearvana. Akshay has built his life and mission around transforming our relationship with negative emotions—teaching us how to channel fear, struggle, and discomfort into fuel for growth, clarity, and resilience. Drawing from his own extraordinary experiences, including life-threatening adventures and personal battles, Akshay shares his process for reframing fear and using it as a compass instead of a roadblock. Whether you're a high achiever facing burnout or simply someone looking for more courage in daily life, this episode offers a blueprint for turning struggle into strength. ⏱ On This Episode [02:14] – Why high performers struggle with fear, stress, and self-sabotage [05:06] – The science of reframing "negative" emotions into productive energy [07:38] – Akshay's personal story: a time when Fearvana helped him in life-or-death situations [10:41] – How embracing fear builds resilience instead of draining energy [13:22] – The mindset shift that turns pain into purpose and clarity [16:08] – Practical exercises for using fear as a tool in business and life [19:47] – Kyle and Akshay discuss how to reframe failure as training, not defeat [23:11] – Why fearlessness is a myth—and why fear itself is essential for growth [26:40] – Closing insights: how to live a bold, aligned, and purpose-driven life with Fearvana

What if you could get clarity on life's biggest decisions—not by overthinking, but by listening? On this episode of The Story Engine Podcast, I sit down with Ed Rush, former fighter pilot, serial entrepreneur, and bestselling author. Ed shares powerful stories from his time in the cockpit and the boardroom, and reveals the unique process he uses to talk to God and receive insights that guide his most important life and business choices. Whether or not you consider yourself spiritual, Ed's approach offers practical tools for gaining clarity, tuning into intuition, and taking bold action. Packed with unforgettable fighter pilot stories and real-world business lessons, this episode will inspire you to trust your inner compass and navigate life with confidence. ⏱ Episode Highlights with Timestamps [02:07] – How Ed's fighter pilot background shaped his ability to make high-stakes decisions [05:22] – The process Ed uses to talk to God and why it's accessible to anyone [08:40] – Why you don't need to be religious to benefit from listening for guidance [11:15] – Ed shares a story of receiving a clear insight that shifted his business path [14:29] – How to distinguish between fear, ego, and true divine direction [18:06] – Kyle and Ed explore the overlap between faith, intuition, and entrepreneurship [21:48] – Fighter pilot lessons applied to business: making quick, decisive choices under pressure [25:12] – The surprising connection between silence, stillness, and breakthrough ideas [29:33] – Closing thoughts: why trusting guidance can unlock opportunities you never imagined

What if the key to winning over investors wasn't just in your numbers—but in the story you tell? On this episode of The Story Engine Podcast, I sit down with Ben Wiener, author of Fever Pitch, a fictional story crafted to teach startup founders how to captivate investors. Ben shares why so many pitches fail, how storytelling bridges the gap between vision and funding, and why a well-told narrative often matters as much as your deck or financials. We dive into the storytelling formula behind Fever Pitch, why founders struggle to get their message across, and how investors can use this book to better understand the entrepreneur's journey. Whether you're preparing your first pitch or looking to refine your message, this episode will help you turn your startup story into a funding advantage. ⏱ On This Episode [02:18] – Why most startup founders struggle to get their pitches across effectively [04:46] – How fiction can teach real-world lessons about storytelling and persuasion [07:12] – The unique formula Fever Pitch uses to engage readers while teaching founders [10:05] – Why investors benefit from reading stories like Fever Pitch to understand founder psychology [13:21] – The common mistakes founders make when presenting their ideas to investors [16:08] – How storytelling builds trust and emotional resonance in a pitch [19:33] – Ben's advice for founders preparing to pitch: how to stand out beyond the slide deck [23:10] – Kyle and Ben discuss why blending creativity and business is a founder's superpower [27:41] – Closing thoughts: why every founder needs to see their pitch as a story

How do you go from writing hit jingles for major brands to helping people design lives filled with purpose and creativity? On this episode of The Story Engine Podcast, I sit down with Paul Hoffman, a master creator who transformed his career in music into a mission to guide others in sculpting their lives. Paul shares how his early days as a musician and jingle-writer taught him the power of storytelling, rhythm, and discipline—skills he now uses to help people consciously create their daily habits, shape their mindset, and design an "epic life." We dive into the art of living with intention, the importance of crafting small daily rituals, and the mindset shifts that allow you to move from being reactive to becoming the true author of your story. If you've ever felt like life is happening to you instead of through you, this episode will inspire you to start sculpting with purpose. ⏱ On This Episode [02:11] – Paul shares his early career creating jingles and what it taught him about influence and creativity [05:36] – The turning point: how Paul shifted from music into personal development and leadership [08:52] – Why sculpting your life starts with small daily rituals and consistent habits [12:07] – The difference between living reactively vs. consciously designing your life [15:22] – How mindset patterns can either build or break your ability to create an epic life [18:39] – Paul's framework for "sculpting" life one decision and detail at a time [22:05] – Kyle and Paul discuss how creativity in music translates into creativity in life design [25:47] – A story of transformation: how one of Paul's clients rewrote their life narrative through this process [29:18] – Closing thoughts on how to begin sculpting your epic life today