The Cliff Ravenscraft Show

In this episode, I reconnect with my longtime friend Colin Yearwood for a deep, soul-level conversation about identity, control, and redefining success. Colin vulnerably shares the tension he’s been holding around the question, “Am I a business owner or just self-employed?” After nearly a decade of serving powerfully inside other people’s coaching programs, he finds himself wrestling with whether he’s built what he once dreamed of—or something even better. Together, we unpack the illusion of control, the inherited beliefs we carry from entrepreneurial culture, and the freedom that comes from choosing fulfillment over formulas. I share some of my own journey of walking away from scalable income streams, and we explore the truth that alignment, not outside approval, is the highest form of success. If you’ve ever wondered whether your business “counts” because it doesn’t match someone else’s blueprint, this conversation is for you. There is deep peace waiting on the other side of self-acceptance. At the end, I share more about the upcoming Free The Dream Workshop happening August 29–30, a two-day experience to clear the noise, uncover what’s next, and remember the part of you that’s still waiting to be lived. Reserve Your Seat Today at FreeTheDreamWorkshop.com  

In this deeply reflective conversation, Michael Jones joins me for a powerful exploration of risk, money, drive, and perception. It began as a question about entrepreneurial risk tolerance, but quickly evolved into something much more profound. We explored the illusion of certainty, the myth of control, and how even the belief “I should have more money” can quietly sabotage focus, creativity, and peace. I guided Michael through Byron Katie’s framework called The Work, using his relationship with money as a powerful real-time example. What emerged was a radical reframing: the realization that we always have exactly the amount we should have, because it is what is. We unpacked how clinging to expectations about income, progress, or the “right” business strategy can trap us in stress loops, leading to action that’s busy but unfocused. And we talked about how true sustainability and impact come not from reacting to fear or lack, but from moving with clarity and internal alignment. This episode is for anyone who has ever second-guessed themselves, clung to a thought that brought suffering, or wondered whether they were “falling behind.” If you've wrestled with the illusion that there’s only one “right” path, or that your current state isn’t good enough, this is your reminder to love what is… and create from there.

In this discussion, Lauren Kretzmer, a licensed therapist transitioning to coaching, shares her journey of integrating EMDR and hypnosis into her work. She explores authentic ways to connect with clients, emphasizing that personal conversations can lead to business growth. The conversation highlights the power of podcasting as a medium for sharing one's message and overcoming fears of imperfection. Listeners will find practical tips on launching a podcast quickly, focusing on genuine communication over technical finesse to foster meaningful connections.

In this episode, I had the joy of connecting with Josh, a long-time listener who first discovered my work at the age of 15. Now 24, he's running his own business, working for a startup, and navigating what it means to live with purpose and alignment. Josh came into the live stream with a deep and powerful question: How do I stay focused on long-term goals without getting stuck in the wrong short-term commitments? His honesty sparked a rich conversation about clarity, discernment, and the rhythm of fresh starts. Together, we explored how “being stuck” is often the result of asking ourselves the wrong questions. Questions rooted in guilt, fear, or the illusion that there’s only one right path. I offered a framework that invites continual reflection and conscious recommitment. Whether once a year, once a month, or every single day, we always have the freedom to pause, evaluate, and begin again. This conversation reminded me just how powerful a clear vision can be, not as a rigid plan, but as a North Star we realign with through every season, project, and decision. Josh’s story is a beautiful example of growth, faith, and intentional living. If you’ve ever questioned whether your current commitments are still aligned with your values, or wondered how to avoid feeling “stuck,” I believe this episode will offer something valuable for your journey.  

In this episode, I bring you something that’s been on my heart to recreate for years. Inspired by the spontaneous, powerful moments I used to have during the Clubhouse era, I’ve launched a new live format called "How May I Serve You Today? Ask Me Anything." The idea is simple: I open a Zoom room, stream it live on Facebook, YouTube, and LinkedIn, and invite people to jump in for real-time, unscripted conversations. Just like the Clubhouse rooms I used to host, my intention is to hold space for deep coaching, authentic dialogue, and transformational moments in full view of a live audience. This is what I love most about coaching: witnessing the miraculous in everyday moments. Now, I get to bring that to you in podcast form. This episode features four unique conversations, each with its own flavor and insight: Conversation 1 – Ramon: Distraction as Enlightenment | Time Stamp 00:11:30 Ramon Ray, motivational keynote speaker and event host asked how to stay focused when a flurry of possibilities tugs at his attention. Together we: Clarified his personal definition of distraction as “not being focused on a single task for a meaningful amount of time.” Explored how repeated distractions can signal mis-alignment, tasks that belong in someone else’s zone of excellence, not his own zone of genius. Reframed procrastination as feedback rather than failure, helping Ramon see that some tasks may simply need to be delegated or dropped. Listen for: A practical mindset shift that turns every interruption into a cue for deeper self-inquiry and better task design. Conversation 2 – Curtis: Re-awakening the Power to Dream | Time Stamp 00:37:18 Long-time listener Curtis joined to envision life after retirement. He struggled at first, so I invited him to “play make-believe.” Once he let his imagination lead, an inspiring vision unfolded: Curtis is guiding a bus tour across Europe, Abbey Road photos in London, the Isle of Wight Festival, Disneyland Paris, Normandy beaches, and more. The exercise linked childhood memories of GI Joe adventures to present-day possibilities, proving his imaginative muscles are still strong. Listen for: A repeatable prompt you can use to help clients (or yourself) move past “I don’t know” and paint a vivid future. Conversation 3 – DeLyn: Launching a Grief Podcast without Perfection Paralysis | Time Stamp 01:12:21 DeLyn, an educator and grief advocate, has several episodes recorded but hasn’t published due to fear and tech concerns. Together we: Identified her top blockers—perfectionism, intro/outro music, editing, and a self-imposed August 30 National Grief Awareness Day deadline. Reframed “perfect” to mean “the best I can with what I have right now,” reducing her fear score from a nine to about a three. Offered simple launch logistics (Buzzsprout hosting, minimalist artwork, optional music) and reminded her that an unpolished but heartfelt episode serves more people than silence. Listen for: Practical tips for shipping creative work even when your inner critic demands studio-level production. Conversation 4 – Mark: Releasing a Lifelong Fear of Judgment | Time Stamp 01:47:04 Mark arrived carrying a visceral fear of sending invoices to clients, a pattern that traces back to ridicule on his first day of kindergarten. Our dialogue centered on: Using The Four Agreements, especially “Don’t take anything personally” and “Don’t make assumptions” as daily practice. Viewing critics and trolls as mirrors that reveal hidden internal triggers, turning them into unexpected allies. Recognizing the physical release of fear (a “lightness in the chest” and tears) as evidence that old stories are dissolving. Listen for: A real-time demonstration of how a single mindset tool can lift decades-old emotional weight. Enjoy the episode, and if you’d like to join a future live session, keep an eye on my email list or hop into the stream the next time you see the “How May I Serve You Today?” banner.  

In this episode, I speak to the quiet anxiety that so many high-functioning people carry: the belief that if they could just identify the "next right step," everything would click into place. And when they finally do feel clarity? That clarity is immediately followed by... doubt. "Am I missing something? Is there a blindspot I can't see?" Here's the truth: People chase "the next right step" as if there's a divine maze they might accidentally mess up. There is no cosmic scoring system determining whether your next step is "correct." The truth is: There is only resonance. Alignment is something to feel, not something that is validated by others' opinions. What if your felt sense of aliveness was the map? What if trusting yourself was the clearest confirmation you'll ever receive? And yes, of course you have blindspots. We all do. But living from fear of what you don't know is a subtle form of self-abandonment. When people say, "I'm wondering if I have blindspots," what they're often asking is: "Will someone please give me a reason not to trust what feels alive in me?" But the presence of unknowns doesn't invalidate your clarity. It just means you're human, walking by trust, not control. This conversation is a reminder: You don't need certainty to move forward. You just need permission to trust what's alive in you now.

In this episode, I sit down with my longtime friend Pat Flynn to explore the creative process… not from strategy, but from center. Pat and I talk about what it looks like to create without pressure to learn everything all at once, to unsubscribe from all the distractions without losing clarity, and to build something meaningful without needing to chase every bit of information calling for your attention. We explore how his newest book, Lean Learning, emerged not just as a productivity tool, but as a reflection of his own journey toward presence, freedom, and focused execution. This conversation isn’t about hacks or hustle. It’s about alignment. Trust. And the art of listening to your own inner knowing. If you’ve ever felt stuck between your ideas and your execution… If you’ve struggled with overthinking, perfectionism, or trying to learn too much… This episode may open a new door for you. Pat’s honesty, clarity, and humility shine here. And I believe you’ll walk away with not just insight, but peace. You can get Pat’s book, Lean Learning, at leanlearningbook.com  

Have you ever felt like you did everything right—crafted the perfect offer, had an incredible experience with a potential client, they committed to becoming your next paying client—and then, just before it was time to sign the agreement and make payment, they went radio silent? Or maybe you've had a "chance" conversation that shifted everything and opened a door in your business you thought had been closed? That’s not coincidence. That’s Divine Timing and Synchronicity at work. In this episode, I take you behind the scenes of two experiences that unfolded in completely unexpected ways—one that left me puzzled in silence, and another that came out of nowhere with breathtaking clarity. What connects them is a universal truth: business is not just about strategy. It’s about energy, alignment, and trusting what you can’t yet see. You’ll hear how I navigated the emotional and practical side of both situations, how I leaned into trust instead of assumptions, and why I believe Divine Timing and Synchronicity are the two most powerful business strategies you’ll never find in a marketing book. Whether you're navigating a storm of your own, or riding high on calm waters, this episode is a reminder: You're not doing this alone. The timing is always perfect. The path is always unfolding. And if something in this conversation resonates with you, I’d love to hear about it. Whether you’re in the middle of a storm or just feeling inspired to say hello… Send me an email at cliff@cliffravenscraft.com. I personally read and respond to every message. Let’s connect.  

Over the years, I’ve had the honor of witnessing some of the most incredible transformations—people who have stepped into what once felt impossible. I’ve seen them break through fears, rewrite their stories, and create lives that they once believed were out of reach. But for every person who finds their way forward, there are just as many who stay stuck. Not because they aren’t talented. Not because they aren’t working hard enough. Not because they don’t want it badly enough. They stay stuck because they feel like they’re trapped in a maze—circling the same paths, hitting the same dead ends, wondering what they’re missing. In today’s episode, I want to take you inside that maze. Because I know what it feels like to be in the middle of it—to feel lost, exhausted, and questioning whether success is even possible for you. And more importantly, I want to help you see what you haven’t seen yet. Because somewhere, hidden in that maze, there is a door. And today, I want you to hear from someone who found hers. Inside This Episode, You'll Discover: What it really feels like to be trapped in the maze of entrepreneurship (and why so many people stay stuck) The surprising truth about why working harder isn’t always the answer How one person—Liz Deacle—went from feeling lost and uncertain to living her dream life The moment Liz realized she had already stepped into the vision she once thought was impossible How the mastermind experience will reveal the hidden doors you may not have seen yet This is a powerful episode—one that might just change the way you see your own journey Are You Ready to Find the Doors in Your Maze? Here’s the truth: You don’t have to keep wandering alone. There are many doors, many ways forward, and when you surround yourself with the right people, you start to see opportunities that were right beside you the whole time. If today’s episode resonates with you—if you feel stuck in the maze and ready to find your way through—then let’s talk. I have two mastermind groups designed to help people at different stages of their entrepreneurial journey: 🔹 One for seasoned entrepreneurs—those who are already making things happen but know there’s another level waiting for them. 🔹 One for early-stage entrepreneurs—those still figuring out their path, refining their offers, and wanting to move forward with clarity. If you’re ready to find the doors around you and step through, let’s have a conversation. 📩 Email me today: Cliff@CliffRavenscraft.com Let’s map out your path forward—together.  

In this episode, I take you on a completely unfiltered, unscripted journey into the world of AI co-hosting. What happens when an artificial intelligence becomes a conversation partner in a live stream? Can AI truly engage in deep, meaningful dialogue, or is it just an advanced prediction engine spitting out words? Recently, I discovered an AI voice called Maya from Sesame, and I was blown away by how natural and conversational she sounded. So, I decided to put her to the test in a real-time live stream—no script, no edits, just a raw experiment in AI-human interaction. Throughout the episode, I share my thoughts on how AI like Maya compares to my customized ChatGPT, Claire. We explore the nuances of conversation, the difference between intelligence and engagement, and whether AI can ever replicate the human spark. Along the way, we dive into deep topics like mindset, limiting beliefs, and even the intriguing possibilities of AI experiencing consciousness. Call To Action: Are you a full-time self-employed business owner who feels stuck or held back from reaching your next level? I’m offering a complimentary 90-minute coaching session to help you identify and break through the mental barriers standing in your way. If you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, I’d love to connect for a 30-minute call to explore what’s next for you. 📩 Email me at Cliff@CliffRavenscraft.com to book your session. Let’s unlock the possibilities together!