All It Takes Is A Goal
Jon Acuff
Jon Acuff is the New York Times bestselling author of ten books, including his most recent, All it Takes is a Goal.Published in dozens of languages, his work is both critically acclaimed and adored by readers. When he's not writing, Acuff can be found on a stage, as one of INC's Top 100 Leadership Speakers. He's spoken to hundreds of thousands of people at conferences, colleges and companies around the world including FedEx, Range Rover, Microsoft, Chick-fil-A, and Comedy Central. Known for his insights wrapped in humor, Acuff shared the stage with an American Icon when he opened up for Dolly Parton at the Ryman Auditorium.Jon lives outside of Nashville, TN with his wife Jenny and two daughters.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Jan 26, 2026 • 1h 9min
ATG 266: The Algorithm Is Retraining Your Mind (And Why You Can't Win as a Leader)
Carey Nieuwhof, leadership author and podcaster who writes about change and growth, explores how phone-driven algorithms fragment audiences. He discusses why leaders can no longer please everyone. Short takes include social media’s fake intimacy, retraining attention to read deeply, pursuing mastery in later decades, and building real relationships without skipping intimacy levels.
Jan 19, 2026 • 44min
ATG 265: The Algorithm Doesn't Care If They Love You or Hate You: Building a Coffee Empire with Caitlin Campbell
Caitlin Campbell, a coffee entrepreneur and social media creator, transformed her viral TikTok success into a booming multimodal business, Streetbrew Coffee, after initially setting a goal of 20,000 followers. She shares her journey from youth pastor to coffee mogul, discusses the key mindset shifts that helped her navigate online trolls, and the tactical approach she took to content creation. Caitlin also reveals her plans for a memoir, highlights the importance of community, and emphasizes the value of consistency in pursuing your passion.
Jan 12, 2026 • 1h 15min
ATG 264: Hope Is an Act of Open Rebellion: Why Optimism Is the Secret Weapon of World-Class Performers
Dr. Michael Gervais, a high-performance psychologist known for working with elite athletes like the Seattle Seahawks, explores the transformative power of optimism. He discusses how grounded optimism fosters mental toughness, contrasting it with naive positivity. Gervais shares insights on using systematic desensitization to overcome fears, the importance of kind self-talk, and the role of emotional intelligence in high performance. Listeners will gain practical strategies to cultivate optimism and harness it as a secret weapon in their pursuits.
20 snips
Jan 5, 2026 • 1h 6min
ATG 263: The Hyper-Optimizer's Trap with Dr. James Hewitt
Dr. James Hewitt, a former elite racing cyclist and human performance scientist, dives into the paradox of high performance and personal health. He shares his life-altering cancer diagnosis, prompting a shift from hyper-optimization to self-compassion. Discover how heart rate variability challenges conventional sleep tracking, the importance of short vacations over longer ones, and why perfectionism stifles success. James also reveals fascinating personal quirks, like his unique hotel room rituals and the surprising impact of a well-timed break on productivity.
71 snips
Dec 29, 2025 • 15min
ATG 262: 50 by 50: The Final 27 Lessons I Learned by Age 50
Discover the final 27 lessons learned by age 50, from the value of dreaming big while starting small to the wisdom of having a Cajun friend for life's rich experiences. Learn why opportunities often disguise themselves as annoyances and how the glass of water on your nightstand can be a game-changer. Explore the importance of building a welcoming home and prioritizing your health with one healthy meal a day. Plus, find out why you should ditch your phone for better sleep and be your own cavalry in life!
22 snips
Dec 22, 2025 • 18min
ATG 261: 50 Things That Took Me 50 Years to Learn: Part 3
Turning 50 sparks a rich reflection on life lessons. Embrace the writing process to better understand yourself. Volunteering combats loneliness and fosters connections. Intentional content consumption is key; be wary of negative headlines. Money can alleviate many problems, though it doesn't buy happiness. The choice of a life partner is pivotal. Surround yourself with positive influences and mentors who support your dreams. Treat your phone like a casino, and invest in a quality suitcase for better travels. Reimagine yourself; it's never too late to change.
12 snips
Dec 15, 2025 • 17min
ATG 260: 4 (more) Lessons It Took Me 50 Years to Learn (That Will Change Your Life)
Turning 50 sparks deep reflection, leading to four transformative life lessons. Discover how successful people can act as time machines in your journey. Learn to reframe anxiety into creative energy instead of viewing it as a problem. Uncover hidden money-making opportunities and the importance of teaching kids about entrepreneurship. Plus, hear why starting a family early is vital to savoring precious moments. Embrace the changes of each decade and look forward to what's next!
35 snips
Dec 8, 2025 • 18min
ATG 259: 5 Lessons It Took Me 50 Years to Learn (And You Can Steal Right Now)
As he approaches his 50th birthday, the host reflects on life lessons learned over the decades. He emphasizes how changing your thought patterns can reshape your reality. The discussion covers the principle of reaping what you sow, illustrating how small choices can lead to significant outcomes, like authoring twelve books. Additionally, he highlights the benefits of positivity, urges listeners to take personal responsibility, and challenges the notion of being too busy, offering tips on managing time effectively.
Dec 1, 2025 • 20min
ATG 258: Gift Guide 2025: 11 Hidden Gems You Won't Find Anywhere Else
Looking for unique gifts? Discover 11 gems like the SkyJo card game, which reveals secrets about friends and family. The GoRuck healthcare-inspired backpack is a stylish fitness companion. Don't miss the Soundtracks conversation starters, perfect for holiday gatherings. For book lovers, explore 150 must-visit bookstores that inspire hope. Runners will appreciate the Brooks Hyperion Max 2 shoes, while customized luggage tags add a personal touch to travel. These picks are perfect for anyone on your list!
6 snips
Nov 24, 2025 • 14min
ATG 257: Politicians Are Temporary, Family Is Forever: Your Thanksgiving Survival Guide
Thanksgiving can turn tense with family politics heating up. Learn why it's crucial to remember: "Politicians are temporary, family is forever." Establishing boundaries helps navigate tricky conversations, and preparation can save relationships. Discover practical escape tactics for those heated moments, from sneaky errand runs to hiding in the pantry. With humor and insight, get equipped to enjoy the holiday without losing loved ones over disagreements!
