The Story Engine Podcast

On this episode of The Story Engine Podcast, I sit down with functional health expert and gut health specialist Josh Dech, who opens up about his harrowing journey through chronic illness, misdiagnoses, and suicidal ideation—and how it ultimately led him to a life of purpose, healing, and service. We go deep into the hidden impact of gut dysfunction on mental health, how trauma and toxic beliefs can silently sabotage your body, and Josh’s signature 5R framework for healing chronic gut issues at the root. If you’ve been told “it’s all in your head,” or “this is just your genetics,” this conversation will change everything. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, fatigue, joint pain, or feel like something’s just off—this episode is a must-listen. In This Episode [00:00] – Josh’s raw and powerful introduction: from 15 bowel movements a day to suicidal thoughts [03:20] – The shocking stat: over 60–72% of Americans have gut issues (and most don’t know it) [05:13] – Kyle’s story: How jaw pain, not diarrhea, was the first gut health red flag [08:21] – Josh’s own health crash began as a teenage wrestler with “nervous belly” [11:40] – Why diagnoses like IBS and colitis aren’t the end—they’re just paper labels [13:57] – What’s keeping people sick? The biggest lies and limiting beliefs we’re told [14:30] – Josh’s 5R Framework for healing gut issues at the root (Remove, Replenish, Rebuild, Repair, Rejuvenate) [21:03] – A milestone moment: Josh’s wife says for the first time, “Your back is clear” [23:33] – Josh shares the darkest moment: planning his own suicide in a Home Depot [25:48] – What kept him alive: the flicker of faith, fear of failure, and a future worth fighting for [29:03] – Kyle reflects Josh’s story back to him—powerful storytelling you don’t want to miss [38:00] – Final takeaway: Why your diagnosis is not your destiny—and healing is possible

In this episode of The Story Engine Podcast, I sit down with Aaron Velky to explore a powerful approach to leadership and life design that goes far beyond business strategy. Aaron shares how high-performing founders and executives can reclaim clarity, purpose, and peace—not by doing more, but by restructuring their lives to align with what truly matters. We dive into what it looks like to build an organizational chart not just for your company, but for your entire life. If you’ve ever felt like your business success is costing you your health, your relationships, or your joy—this is the conversation you need to hear. 🎯 In This Episode: (00:00) Introduction to Aaron Velky and the core question: what do you really want? (02:34) The problem with traditional business org charts and why they fail to support visionary founders. (07:12) Aaron’s story of burnout and how he reclaimed clarity through re-prioritizing his life—not just his business. (13:45) The "Whole-Life Org Chart" framework: building roles and boundaries around your personal needs. (18:20) Practical strategies for integrating health, family, purpose, and business success. (23:08) Why productivity hacks and delegation aren’t enough—and what to do instead. (28:50) How to use this system to make better decisions, build stronger teams, and avoid visionary drift. (34:17) Final thoughts: your business should support your life—not the other way around. 🎧 Listen now to discover how to reconnect with your vision, avoid burnout, and lead from a place of alignment and joy.

What if the traits that made you successful are the same ones sabotaging your most important relationships? In this powerful and heartfelt conversation, communication coach and culture consultant Tressa Yonekawa unpacks the deeper truths behind high-performing leaders who struggle with connection, both in business and at home. Tressa shares how early childhood dynamics shape our ability to relate, how high-achievers often create chaos without realizing it, and why rapid transformation doesn’t always require a 10-year process. She also reflects on her own journey—from toxic partnerships to conscious communication—and offers simple but profound tools to create real connection, even in the most high-stakes relationships. Whether you're leading a team, building a brand, or simply trying to relate more authentically, this episode offers a mirror for transformation. In The Episode: (01:20) Tressa shares how 30 years in corporate culture shaped her work with high-profile couples and leaders. (04:31) The common root cause behind high-performer burnout and misaligned communication. (06:18) How ego and perfectionism show up in business—and why they keep your team from taking ownership. (11:42) Tressa’s unorthodox approach: why change doesn’t need a process, it needs clarity. (13:09) The “hallway moment”: a raw story of verbal abuse that sparked a complete life transformation. (21:04) A breath, a pause, and the power of relational tools—how one miscommunication turned into healing. (23:16) Rebuilding a broken business partnership—what it takes to come back stronger and more aligned. (31:00) Kyle reflects Tressa’s story back to her in a signature distillation—see how the narrative transforms when it’s truly seen. (34:00) Tressa shares her final thoughts on reflection, healing, and the importance of being heard.

In this bold and eye-opening episode of The Story Engine Podcast, I sit down with Sam Itshaki—also known as Mr. Get Bigger Now—for a conversation that many avoid, but most need to hear. Sam opens up about his journey into the world of men’s sexual health and confidence, and how his non-pharmaceutical, non-surgical device is helping men (and women!) reclaim a deeper sense of power in and out of the bedroom. This isn’t just about performance—it’s about identity, vulnerability, and how sexual health intersects with personal leadership, relationships, and emotional well-being. If you’ve ever struggled with confidence behind closed doors or know someone who has, this episode offers a refreshing and grounded conversation that’s long overdue. In This Episode 🎧 Highlights with Timestamps: (01:28) Why Sam chose to talk publicly about male sexual health (04:10) How confidence in the bedroom affects confidence everywhere else (06:22) Common myths around pumping and sexual health products (10:15) The psychological effects of shame, silence, and toxic masculinity (13:40) How women respond when their partners take initiative (16:55) The evolution of Sam’s brand: Mr. Get Bigger Now (20:34) Why this work is more emotional than physical (24:19) The difference between confidence and bravado (28:45) Creating connection through vulnerable conversations (31:10) How to start having these conversations with your partner

Armando Leduc, a content creator and brand strategist for high-profile lawyers, brings a fresh perspective to marketing by applying the five love languages. He reveals how these emotional drivers can transform client relationships through personalized communication and storytelling. Armando shares examples of using Words of Affirmation in emails, Acts of Service in campaigns, and even metaphors of Physical Touch and Quality Time to build connection and trust. Discover how to harness these strategies to resonate with your audience and enhance your marketing efforts.

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