Growth Now Movement with Justin Schenck

In this powerful and deeply moving episode, I sit down with my friend Terry Weaver to unpack one of the most terrifying and transformative experiences of his life. Terry opens up about surviving severe sepsis, an illness that landed him in the ICU for 10 days and very nearly cost him his life. What started as pushing through an important event quickly turned into a medical emergency that forced Terry to confront his own mortality in a very real way. We walk through the moments leading up to his hospitalization, including the pressure of hosting an event while feeling unwell and the warning signs that were easy to dismiss at the time. Terry shares what it was like inside the hospital, how quickly sepsis can take hold, and the reality of being told just how serious his condition was. This conversation sheds light on how fragile life truly is and how quickly everything can change. Beyond the medical crisis, this episode dives deep into what happens after you survive something that big. Terry reflects on how his near-death experience reshaped his definition of success, ambition, and productivity. We talk about the emotional toll of recovery, managing anxiety and racing thoughts late at night, and learning how to close mental open loops that keep us stuck in stress and fear. One of the most powerful themes of this conversation is community. Terry shares how the support of friends, family, and people he didn't even realize were paying attention carried him through the darkest moments. We explore the importance of deep relationships, showing up for others, and why real legacy has far more to do with connection than accomplishment. We also talk about gratitude in a way that feels earned, not performative. Terry shares how finding humor in difficult situations, letting go of what no longer matters, and embracing a new sense of freedom changed how he lives his life today. This episode is a reminder that success without health, connection, and presence is empty, and that the real work is learning how to live fully while we still can. In this episode, you will learn: What sepsis is and why it can become life threatening so quickly The warning signs of serious illness that are easy to ignore until it's too late How a near-death experience can completely redefine success and ambition Why community and support matter more than accomplishments during crisis Practical ways to manage anxiety, nighttime worries, and mental open loops How to reframe negative thoughts during recovery and high stress seasons Why gratitude becomes deeper and more meaningful after loss or trauma How humor and perspective can help you navigate even the darkest moments What it really means to build a lasting legacy rooted in relationships How to live with more presence, intention, and appreciation for life

In this solo episode, I open up about one of the most challenging seasons of my life. Over the past year, I've experienced the loss of two close friends and watched others battle serious illness. These moments shook me in ways I didn't expect, and they forced me to confront what gratitude really means when life doesn't go according to plan. This conversation is not about toxic positivity or pretending everything is fine. It's about understanding gratitude as a deep, intentional practice that often comes after disruption, grief, and pain. When loss enters our lives, it strips away the noise and reminds us what actually matters. Time becomes more valuable. Relationships feel more fragile and more sacred. The present moment stops being something we rush through and starts becoming something we protect. I share how these experiences reshaped my perspective on success, ambition, and what it means to truly live. As we look ahead to 2026, I talk about why it's no longer enough to chase goals at the expense of our health, our relationships, or our peace. Instead, I believe we're being invited to align our ambitions with our wellbeing, to set better boundaries, and to live with clarity and intention every single day. This episode is a reminder that gratitude isn't a buzzword or a social media caption. It's a decision we make daily. A decision to be present. A decision to love harder. A decision to stop postponing our lives for some imaginary future moment. If you've experienced loss, transition, or a wake-up call recently, this episode is for you. My hope is that it encourages you to pause, reflect, and start living more fully right now. Episode Breakdown 00:00 Reflecting on Loss and Gratitude 00:54 How Loss Changes Our Perspective on Life 01:33 Finding Gratitude in the Midst of Grief 03:12 Gratitude as a Conscious Daily Choice 04:48 Setting Intentions and Boundaries for the Future 05:33 Living with Presence, Purpose, and Clarity 06:06 Final Thoughts and Invitation to Reflect

In this episode, I'm joined once again by my friend Sarah Centrella for her third appearance on the show. Every time Sarah comes back, the conversation goes deeper, and this one couldn't be more timely. We start by talking about something so many of us are feeling right now: how fast life seems to be moving and how easy it is to lose presence if we're not intentional. Over the last two years, Sarah has lived through an incredible mix of milestones and heartbreak. She celebrated her son graduating from college, turned 50, and also experienced the sudden loss of her brother. She shares honestly about how those moments forced her to slow down, reexamine her mindset, and make space for both grief and gratitude at the same time. Sarah also opens up about fulfilling a lifelong dream of backpacking through Europe. That experience became a powerful teacher in simplicity, awareness, and living in the moment. We talk about what travel can reveal about who we are when we step away from routines, expectations, and distractions. We dive into Sarah's new book, Think It, which offers practical tools for shifting your mindset even when life feels heavy. She breaks down concepts like mental tennis, offensive versus defensive thinking, and why mindset is a skill that must be practiced consistently, not just when things are going well. This conversation is not about forcing positivity, but about learning how to take control of your thoughts so they don't control you. We also discuss the role of gratitude during difficult seasons, how to stay present in a fast paced world, and why boredom or stagnation can actually be signals that growth is needed. Sarah shares how she teaches resilience to her children, how she works through negative triggers, and why daily affirmations and reflection matter when paired with intentional action. This episode is for anyone who feels like time is slipping by, life feels heavy, or their mindset needs a reset. Sarah brings both wisdom and practical tools that can help you stay grounded, grateful, and focused on designing a life that actually feels meaningful. In this episode, you will learn: How to stay present and grounded when life feels like it is moving too fast Why gratitude becomes deeper and more powerful after loss and adversity How Sarah used travel as a tool for clarity, healing, and self awareness What mental tennis is and how to use it to redirect negative thought patterns The difference between offensive and defensive thinking in daily life How to take control of your mindset without ignoring hard emotions Why boredom and stagnation are signals for growth, not failure How to build mental resilience through consistent, intentional practice Practical ways to teach resilience and gratitude to your children How to design a life that feels intentional instead of reactive

In this episode, I reconnect with my friend, fitness expert, and midlife wellness coach, Natalie Jill. The last time we had a conversation on the show was eight years ago, and a lot has changed since then. Natalie has not only evolved her brand, but she has completely transformed the way she approaches health, aging, performance, and mindset. This is a powerful and honest conversation about what it really means to live a healthy life at any age, especially through midlife. Natalie shares how she shifted from being known for general fitness and fat loss to becoming a leading voice in midlife wellness, hormone health, and aging with intention. We talk about what sparked that transition, how she redefined her mission, and why being deeply interested in your work is the key to any sustainable transformation. She opens up about navigating the overwhelming amount of information in the health space, and how midlife can be a confusing season where symptoms change, metabolism shifts, and the old tools don't always work anymore. We dive into biohacking, natural wellness, supplements, and the role of personalized nutrition. Natalie explains why you have to become your own health detective and why cookie-cutter fitness programs often fail women and men navigating midlife. We also get into the complexities of hormone replacement therapy, how to think through GLP-1 medications, and why sleep might be the most underrated performance enhancer of all. One of the things I've always admired about Natalie is her ability to evolve and reinvent herself without losing authenticity. We discuss the pressure of showing up online, the struggle to post consistently, controversial content, and how to stay aligned with your mission even when the internet has its own opinions. This is an empowering, honest, and deeply practical conversation for anyone looking to take ownership of their health, find passion in their work again, and embrace midlife with clarity and confidence. In This Episode, You'll Learn: How Natalie Jill reinvented her brand and why midlife wellness became her mission Why midlife requires new strategies for nutrition, metabolism, and fitness How to cut through the noise in the health and wellness industry The role of biohacking and simple daily habits that actually make a difference Sleep strategies that improve energy, recovery, and overall health The truth about GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and who they are really for What most people misunderstand about hormone replacement therapy How to stay authentic and consistent in content creation Why passion, curiosity, and reinvention are essential at every stage of life How to approach midlife with empowerment instead of fear

Grab the Supplements We Discussed In This Episode: www.qualialife.com/growthnow and use the code 'GROWTHNOW' for an additional 15% OFF your order In this episode, I'm joined by Dr. Dan Pardi from Qualia for a deep, eye-opening conversation on longevity, healthspan, and what it truly means to stay youthful from the inside out. Dan has built an incredible reputation as a health communicator who can take complex scientific ideas and make them accessible and actionable for everyday people. And that is exactly what we dig into in this episode. We explore the difference between lifespan and healthspan and why maintaining our vitality, mobility, and mental sharpness matters more than simply adding years to the clock. Dan breaks down the reality of aging in today's world, the gaps in our current healthcare systems, and how modern stress, nutrition challenges, and lifestyle habits impact the way we age. From there, we dive into the rapidly growing field of longevity science. Dan walks us through the rise of research around senescent cells, often referred to as zombie cells, that contribute to inflammation, disease, and aging. We explore how removing these dysfunctional cells may be one of the most powerful ways to support long-term health and how Qualia's Senolytics are designed to assist that process. We also discuss the evolving landscape of stem cell therapy and how science is now supporting supplements and protocols that safely encourage the body's own regenerative processes. Dan shares how Qualia formulates their products, the level of research behind each ingredient, and the results they are seeing through human trials. This conversation is packed with practical, science-backed strategies you can start applying today to support your energy, cognition, and longevity. We also go deeper into Dan's personal journey, how he approaches productivity, and the daily practices that help him show up at his best. If you are looking to stay healthy, strong, and mentally sharp well into your later years, this episode will give you the tools and understanding to take your health seriously and make intentional decisions that support your future self. In This Episode, You Will Learn • What healthspan really means and why it matters more than lifespan • How modern lifestyles accelerate aging and what to do about it • The science behind senescent cells and how they impact inflammation and longevity • How senolytic products work and why they are gaining traction • The latest research on stem cell therapies and regenerative health • How Qualia approaches formulation and product testing • The daily habits that support cognitive performance and long-term wellness • How AI is influencing the future of health, medicine, and longevity • Why self-awareness, self-care, and expert guidance are essential for healthy aging • Dan's personal practices for productivity, growth, and wellbeing

In this episode, I sit down with Michael King Jr., an executive coach who works with Fortune 500 companies, consultants, creators, and entrepreneurs who want to operate at the highest level. Michael opens up about his journey from leading a thriving church to stepping into the world of executive coaching, and how that transition forced him to reexamine his identity, his purpose, and what it truly means to lead with impact. We talk about the art of storytelling and why it is one of the most underrated tools in leadership and communication today. Michael breaks down his signature prioritization framework called Now, Next, and Nope, which helps leaders gain clarity during chaotic seasons so they can focus on what actually moves the needle. He shares how this approach grew from his own real life experiences of burnout, reinvention, and learning what deserves his full attention. Michael also gives us a behind-the-scenes look at the moment he stepped away from his long-time church role and how that difficult season helped him rediscover his passion for music, creativity, and coaching. We explore the key turning points in his growth, the importance of setting boundaries, the power of saying no, and why leaving people and situations better than you found them is one of the most important leadership principles you can commit to. This conversation is packed with practical wisdom, powerful mindset shifts, and real strategies you can implement right away. In this episode you will learn: • How Michael transitioned from church leadership to executive coaching and rebuilt his identity • Why storytelling is one of the most essential tools in leadership, communication, and influence • How the Now, Next, and Nope framework works and how it helps leaders eliminate distraction • The personal breakthrough that led Michael back to music and creativity • Why saying no is critical for protecting energy, clarity, and performance • The difference between healthy growth and unhealthy pressure • How to create a life and career that feels aligned with who you are becoming • What it means to leave people, teams, and environments better than you found them • How top performers maintain balance while still aiming for excellence If you are looking for insight into high performance, clarity-driven leadership, and tools that help you operate with confidence and intention, this conversation delivers from start to finish. Tune in to hear how Michael King Jr. helps individuals and organizations unlock their full potential while staying grounded in purpose.

In this episode, I walk you through a powerful daily visualization practice that has significantly impacted my life. By visualizing both grand and small goals, and deeply immersing yourself in the emotions and sensations associated with these achievements, you can simplify the actions needed to reach them. Whether you're on stage before a large crowd or simply planning your day, coupling your visions with strong emotions and the presence of loved ones makes your goals feel attainable and real. Join me as I guide you through this transformative exercise, which I practice daily, and learn how it can help you achieve a life of fulfillment and success. Tune in, subscribe, and let's grow this movement together! 00:00 Introduction to Daily Habits 00:20 The Power of Visualization 00:54 Guided Visualization Exercise 05:18 Emotional Connection to Goals 07:04 Implementing Daily Practices 07:52 Conclusion and Call to Action

Get your tickets to Growth Now Summit LIVE! today: www.growthnowsummit.com In this live episode recorded in New Orleans during the Skeleton KeyMastermind, I sit down with Roberto Candelaria for a powerful and thought-provoking conversation about one of the most underrated keys to success: willingness. Roberto's story is one of true transformation. After hitting rock bottom, he rebuilt his income, redefined his purpose, and created a business where he gets paid to be fully himself. His new book, "The Willingness Factor," breaks down how saying yes to discomfort, opportunity, and growth can completely change the trajectory of your life. In our conversation, we explore what it really means to be willing.....not just interested or motivated, but ready to take action even when fear or uncertainty shows up. Roberto shares how shifting his mindset around failure and discomfort allowed him to unlock new levels of confidence, clarity, and flow. We also dive into the science and psychology of flow state, that sweet spot where your skills and challenges align perfectly, allowing you to perform at your highest level. From dealing with imposter syndrome to finding peace in the process, Roberto's insights will challenge you to step fully into your own growth journey. This episode is filled with practical wisdom and real-life examples that will inspire you to take ownership of your path, trust your instincts, and find power in your willingness to show up. Plus, we preview Roberto's upcoming keynote at the Growth Now Summit Live, where he'll be sharing even more lessons from his journey. In This Episode, You'll Learn: What it means to live with willingness and take action even when it's uncomfortable How to overcome reluctance, fear, and limiting beliefs that hold you back The difference between growth and trauma, and how to identify both How to create flow in your life by aligning your skills and challenges Why revising your personal story is essential for long-term success Practical strategies for staying consistent, confident, and curious on your growth journey How Roberto built a business model around authenticity and self-expression Key Moments: 00:00 – Introduction and Setup 03:02 – "The Willingness Factor" and Roberto's Journey 05:08 – Facing Discomfort and Choosing Growth 12:36 – Overcoming Limiting Beliefs and Creating Your Path 20:37 – Understanding and Sustaining Flow 30:42 – Dealing with Imposter Syndrome 36:42 – Practical Tips for Staying in Flow 37:31 – Final Reflections and Growth Now Summit Preview

In this episode, I sit down with John Gafford, the owner of the largest luxury real estate brokerage in Las Vegas, leading over 550 agents and driving more than $2 billion in annual sales. But John's story isn't just about money or success. It's about ownership of your life. From his early days on NBC's The Apprentice with Donald Trump to becoming one of the most respected voices in luxury real estate, John shares how he built an empire rooted in radical honesty, unshakable self-awareness, and a growth mindset that never quits. We dive deep into: His early struggles and what it took to break into the real estate game The lessons he learned from being on The Apprentice How he turned obstacles into massive opportunities Why concerts are his version of therapy And the core principles behind his brand new book, "Escaping the Drift," — a guide to breaking out of autopilot and taking control of your life. If you've ever felt stuck, uninspired, or unsure of what's next, this episode is your roadmap back to purpose. John doesn't just talk success, he lives it, and his story will make you rethink what's possible. In This Episode, You'll Learn: How John Gafford turned rejection and setbacks into billion-dollar success The role radical honesty plays in building trust and influence What it really takes to lead 550+ agents in one of the most competitive markets in the world Why environment is everything and how changing yours can change your results How to "escape the drift" and start living your life on purpose The power of masterminds, mentorship, and surrounding yourself with the right people The daily habits and mindset shifts that separate top performers from the rest

In this powerful episode, I sit down with AJ Jones, a man whose story will completely change the way you think about success, purpose, and fulfillment. After surviving not one, but two widowmaker heart attacks, AJ was forced to confront the question most of us avoid — what does "more" really mean? AJ opens up about his life before these events, thriving in the world of financial services, climbing the ladder of success, chasing achievements, and collecting the external markers of "making it." But when life came to a screeching halt, everything changed. We talk about how those near-death experiences pushed him to redefine his priorities, shifting from titles, wealth, and possessions to finding more joy, more authenticity, and more purpose in his everyday life. AJ shares how he turned his pain into purpose through his company, 'More' Career Wellness, where he helps people align their careers and personal lives through coaching, community, and authentic connection. From his adoption story and search for belonging to the courage it took to walk away from a successful career, AJ's journey is a masterclass in resilience and intentional living. This episode is a reminder that fulfillment doesn't come from what we accumulate. It comes from who we become. If you've ever felt like you were chasing success but still feeling unfulfilled, this conversation will inspire you to slow down, look inward, and discover what "more" truly means in your life. In This Episode, You'll Learn: How two life-threatening heart attacks transformed AJ's perspective on life and purpose The difference between chasing success and living fulfilled How to find "more" in your life through joy, authenticity, and purpose The story behind More Career Wellness and its mission to empower professionals to live with intention How AJ turned pain and trauma into a platform for helping others The importance of community and self-awareness in living a meaningful life How to define success on your own terms — not the world's