The Story Engine Podcast

If you’re a speaker, coach, or expert looking to get on more aligned, high-impact stages—this episode is your roadmap. On this episode of The Story Engine Podcast, I sit down with James Feldman—master speaker, serial entrepreneur, and AI innovator—to discuss one of the most powerful new tools available to speakers today. James shares how his platform helps thought leaders discover curated, strategic speaking opportunities perfectly matched to their message and audience. Whether you're trying to grow your authority, generate leads, or book more paid gigs, this conversation dives deep into the systems and insights that make scaling your speaking career predictable and profitable. 🎯 Get ready to turn “How do I find more stages?” into “Here’s where I’m speaking next. 🎧 Episode Highlights: (03:12) – The biggest roadblocks speakers face when looking for stages (07:08) – How James’s AI-powered platform solves this problem (10:45) – Criteria for choosing ideal speaking opportunities (14:22) – How to position your message for curated events (18:03) – The future of speaking in a tech-enhanced world (22:40) – James’s favorite client wins and success stories (27:16) – How to take the first step to get booked more

On this episode of The Story Engine Podcast, we sit down with Dharma Funder , a coach who works with high-achieving leaders and entrepreneurs on the nervous system level to unlock lasting growth and clarity. Rather than chasing more productivity hacks or external solutions, Dharma helps clients regulate their internal state to create success from the inside out. This conversation explores how calming the nervous system transforms leadership, enhances decision-making, and clears the way for creativity and powerful performance. If you’re building something big—and feeling the pressure—this episode will help you reconnect to your body, your breath, and your best self. 🎯 Episode Highlights: (03:18) – Why traditional therapy & coaching often fall short (07:40) – Signs your nervous system is stuck in “survival mode” (12:22) – Practical tools for nervous system regulation (16:55) – The unexpected ROI of internal calm (21:30) – Stories from leaders who unlocked growth by going inward (27:10) – Dharma’s daily practice for clarity and grounded action

What if your story could be your biggest growth engine? In this episode of The Story Engine Podcast, we are talking with Tamara Thompson, founder of Broadcast Your Authority, whose work has helped experts turn their brilliance into repeatable content systems that drive massive visibility—and real revenue. Drawing on her background in documentary filmmaking, Tamara shares how she designs experiences (not just content), builds trust across platforms like YouTube and podcasts, and helps clients generate millions of dollars in ROI through authentic storytelling. Whether you're a business owner, coach, or creative, this conversation is packed with powerful lessons on building brand equity by showing up with clarity and confidence. 🎧 Episode Highlights: (00:01) – Meet Tamara Thompson: From filmmaker to founder (02:47) – Why most experts struggle to share their brilliance (06:32) – Tamara’s framework for building authority at scale (11:08) – The design thinking behind trust-building content (16:45) – Real client success stories: From invisible to impactful (21:13) – The secret ingredient: Creating “experiences,” not just clips (26:39) – Tamara’s biggest lesson from the filmmaking world (30:12) – How to align your content with high-converting outcomes

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