Sage Steele: Courage, Media Advocacy, and the Power of Speaking Up

Many young people face challenges they don’t always understand, such as stress, self-doubt, or confusion about the future. These struggles can feel overwhelming, but they don’t have to control you. The key is realizing that the way you talk to yourself can make a huge difference. It’s not about pretending everything is okay, but taking charge of your thoughts and working through problems.Garrett Powell, a golf professional and entrepreneur, shares his story of learning to balance work, family, and personal growth. He talks about how his mindset shifted when he decided to focus on effort over outcome, the importance of surrounding himself with the right people, and his deep love for his family. As he prepares for fatherhood, Garrett reflects on what truly matters and how he wants to shape his life and leadership.Matt Beaudreau also adds insight, pointing out that “you’ll never be criticized by someone doing more than you” and that criticism often comes from those who are doing less. This is a reminder to focus on what you’re doing, not the negative opinions around you.Quotes: “The way we talk to ourselves directly shapes our mindset and emotional responses.” – Garrett Powell “Effort is more important than outcome. If you focus on that, the rest will follow.” – Garrett Powell “Time is the most precious resource, and you can't get it back once it’s gone.” – Garrett Powell “You’ll never be criticized by someone doing more than you. You’ll be criticized by someone doing less.” – Matt BeaudreauTakeaways:Focus on effort, not just results. Celebrate trying hard, even if things don’t go perfectly.Prioritize relationships over impressing others. People appreciate real connections more than perfection.Own your time. Decide how you spend it and with whom you spend it.Let go of the need for approval. Fulfillment comes from being true to yourself.Conclusion:Garrett’s story reminds us that life isn’t about chasing fame or external approval. By focusing on what matters—effort, relationships, and time—we can approach life’s challenges with more confidence and peace.

So many women face health challenges they don’t fully understand—symptoms they’ve come to accept as just part of life, assuming they’re normal. But when these issues are ignored, they quietly take a toll. Breaking free from this cycle starts with realizing that feeling unwell doesn’t have to be your norm, and that there’s always more to learn about your body and health. It’s not about looking for a quick fix; it’s about taking control and being proactive about your wellness.Kelli Musa, a wellness coach specializing in autoimmune conditions and menopause, understands this firsthand. After surviving an autoimmune disease, Kelli became passionate about helping women understand their bodies, primarily through the lens of autoimmune disease and menopause. She shares her recovery journey, explaining how embracing science and functional medicine helped her transform her life. She highlights the importance of self-awareness and finding the proper support to navigate health challenges. Her story is one of empowerment, healing, and proactive care.Quotes:“It’s not right to feel poorly, it’s not right to not have energy, it’s not right to not have libido.” – Kelli Musa“You can put lupus. You can put any of these diseases into remission.” – Kelli Musa“When you get to the root cause of something, and you rebuild the system, you can actually bounce back.” – Kelli MusaTakeaways:Listen to your body. If something feels off, investigate it—don’t just assume it’s normal.Seek the proper support. Avoid generic advice—find professionals who listen and help you understand your health.Take control of your health journey. Knowledge about conditions like autoimmune diseases and menopause empowers you to make informed decisions.Challenge the norm. While healthcare often focuses on quick fixes, true healing comes from addressing the root causes and being proactive.Prioritize self-awareness. Truly understanding how your body works is the first step toward lasting wellness.Conclusion: Kelli’s journey is a powerful reminder that wellness goes beyond just managing symptoms. By taking the time to understand your body and your health, you can make lasting, meaningful changes. Approaches like peptides, functional medicine, and a holistic perspective on health can help rebuild and strengthen your body, but it all starts with being knowledgeable and proactive. When you’re in tune with your body, you can take charge of your wellness better.

A lot of people carry beliefs they never chose—rules they absorbed from family, school, or culture without even realizing it. When those patterns go unchecked, they quietly shape how kids see the world and what they think is possible. Breaking that cycle means doing the hard work of noticing what’s really being passed on. It’s less about giving advice and more about becoming someone worth watching.Garrett Gross is a former pro fighter from Southern Illinois who turned his life around after battling addiction. Now a father and advocate, he works with Operation 17 to fight online child exploitation. Today, Garrett shares how martial arts, faith, and strong community ties helped him rebuild. He stresses the need for men to lead with purpose, protect their families, and stay grounded in positive values. His story is one of grit, redemption, and responsibility. Join in as young leaders pose inquiries about life, personal development, and beyond!Quotes: “Bad company corrupts good morals. He who walks with wise men will be wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.” – Garrett Gross“God grants us gifts, but it’s up to us to decide how to use them—whether for good or for harm.” – Garrett Gross“Weak men are the downfall of everything. Weak leaders and weak men have been the downfall of our civilization.” – Garrett Gross“We live in a strange world, especially for young men, where there’s a tendency to label everything—often in a negative light—while fostering a false bravado around things that don’t truly matter.” – Matt BeaudreauTakeaways:Audit your inner circle - who are the people influencing your daily choices and character?Start teaching your children practical life skills now, not just sports or academic achievements.Commit to personal growth by identifying one destructive habit and creating a plan to replace it with a positive behavior.Practice open, honest self-reflection about your weaknesses without shame, viewing them as opportunities for transformation.Develop a weekly accountability system with a mentor or trusted friend who will challenge you to become a better version of yourself.Conclusion:Martial arts and combat sports offer more than just physical training—they teach focus, patience, and the value of steady effort. When practiced with intention, they become a way to build character and strengthen the mind. The lessons learned on the mat often carry into daily life, shaping how we handle stress, conflict, and setbacks. At their best, these practices help individuals grow not just as athletes, but as people.

Teenagers today are facing pressures that most adults can barely understand, and it’s easy for communication to become a one-sided effort. As mental health struggles rise, parents often feel like they’re talking past their kids, unable to break through the walls of silence or frustration. Social media, school, and emotional turmoil add layers of complexity that make meaningful conversations feel impossible. But the more parents understand the silent struggles, the more they can find ways to connect and offer real support.Kristin MacDermott is a marriage and family therapist specializing in resilience training. Her work, initially with cancer patients, evolved into creating a digital platform to support mental health for teens, military, and first responders. She developed the "Mindset Moments" program and parenting courses to improve communication between parents and teens. Today, Kristin discusses how simple, weekly conversation prompts can strengthen emotional intelligence and foster resilience. Join in as young leaders pose inquiries about life, personal development, and beyond!Quotes: “Resilience is realizing that life is not always a straight path. You can have great plans, but then your life can end up somewhere that is often way cooler than you could have imagined.” – Kristin MacDermott“The single most protective factor against depression and anxiety in adolescents is spirituality. This doesn't necessarily refer to a specific religion or even religion at all—it can simply mean a sense of transcendence, such as connecting with nature.” – Kristin MacDermott“The kind of therapist I am focuses on teaching what I know so that my clients no longer need me. Typically, I don't have clients who come to me for extended periods of time.” – Kristin MacDermott“You make normal what you make normal. If it becomes routine early on to discuss these things, talk about them at the dinner table, and identify emotions, over time, it naturally becomes a regular topic of conversation. It becomes something they focus on, pay attention to, and recognize—you establish what is normal.” – Matt BeaudreauTakeaways:Practice curiosity with teens by asking open-ended questions about their emotions, experiences, and perspectives instead of giving unsolicited advice.Create a weekly family ritual of discussing one skill or mindset topic, using simple prompts that spark genuine conversation about resilience, values, or personal strengths.Identify and discuss your teen's personal strengths together, helping them recognize their unique capabilities without judgment or pressure.Commit to being vulnerable with your teen by admitting when you don't have all the answers, showing that learning and growth are ongoing processes.Develop a family communication approach that prioritizes listening over lecturing, focusing on understanding your teen's world and building trust.Conclusion:Building strong relationships with teenagers starts by creating safe spaces for open conversations and focusing on their unique strengths. By treating them as whole individuals with valid perspectives, families can support their mental wellness in a meaningful way. Rather than trying to fix problems, the focus should be on teaching skills like communication, emotional intelligence, and self-awareness. These tools will help teenagers face personal and social challenges with confidence and grow into self-aware, resilient individuals.Links: Use the code "APOGEE30" for a 30% discount on the Parent/Teen Relationship Reset! You can read more about the reset here

Many nonprofit leaders carry the weight of doing more with less, constantly stretching limited resources while trying to meet rising demands. That pressure can turn into a mindset where scarcity feels permanent, like a fact rather than a challenge. But sometimes the real shift happens not in the budget, but in how people see what's possible. When teams stop seeing constraints as stop signs, the work starts to move in new directions.Robin Berlinsky is a nonprofit leader and educator who focuses on fostering creative learning and collaboration. At the College of Charleston, she guides nonprofits and educators to embrace innovative approaches to growth. Today, she discusses overcoming scarcity mindsets in nonprofits and the power of building positive, abundant cultures. She emphasizes leadership, strategic funding, and the importance of board engagement. Join in as young leaders pose inquiries about life, personal development, and beyond!Quotes: “Time and money hold the value we assign to them. Some people value time more than money. Some people value money more than time.” – Robin Berlinsky“When another nonprofit leader receives a significant donation, we celebrate it because that nonprofit, standing on the stage with the big check and being in the news, demonstrates what is possible.” – Robin Berlinsky“Life is all about change; nothing remains the same. As adults, we should approach these changes with positivity and make the most of them.” – Robin BerlinskyTakeaways:Audit your current mindset about resources - shift from scarcity thinking to believing there's enough opportunity for everyone.Practice the "bless and release" approach when encountering unproductive situations or relationships that don't align with your mission.Create a culture of gratitude by sending handwritten thank you notes and celebrating others' successes, even in small ways.Develop a conflict resolution strategy that focuses on understanding, not winning - prioritize organizational growth over individual ego.Challenge yourself to have direct, honest conversations with team members about performance and cultural fit, viewing these as opportunities for mutual growth.Conclusion:Success in the nonprofit sector comes from collaboration rather than competition. By celebrating each other's achievements and maintaining clear communication, organizations can strengthen their collective efforts. Staying focused on the core mission of making a positive impact ensures that actions are aligned with long-term goals. Working together, nonprofits can create more meaningful change and better serve the communities they aim to support.Follow Robin on Instagram to stay updated on funding opportunities: https://www.instagram.com/robin_berlinsky/

It’s a common struggle—pouring hours into a business that feels more like a job than a vehicle for freedom. Even with great skills and experience, it can feel like you’re constantly chasing instead of building something that works for you. The shift happens when you start thinking beyond the clock and start packaging what you know in a way that creates real value. That’s often where both the freedom and the income start to scale.Russell Ruffino is the founder of Clients on Demand, a company that’s helped thousands of coaches sell high-ticket programs. His focus is on turning expertise into clear, results-driven offers that scale. Today, he talks about breaking through mindset blocks, building outcome-focused coaching programs, and using AI without losing the human touch. He emphasizes the importance of psychology in marketing and staying grounded in personal values while growing a business. Join in as young leaders pose inquiries about life, personal development, and beyond!Quotes: “If you truly have something transformational, you have a moral obligation to promote it as strongly as you can because there are so many people out there who need it.” – Russell Ruffino“Being promotional only feels wrong if the product you’re promoting is subpar or if you’re exploiting people.” – Russell Ruffino“The only reason to make money is to create the space to be with the people you love and to share incredible experiences with them. Nothing else truly matters.” – Russell Ruffino“I differentiate between teachers and educators. I believe it’s something ingrained in their DNA—a blend of passion and purpose.” – Matt BeaudreauTakeaways:Define a crystal-clear, measurable outcome for your coaching or business offer that solves a specific problem for your target audience.Identify the exact pain points your ideal client experiences and craft marketing that speaks directly to those challenges.Create a free lead magnet or mini-training that demonstrates the transformation potential of your core program.Challenge your internal money mindset by setting more ambitious revenue goals that push you beyond current comfort zones.Audit your current business model to ensure you're not just trading time for dollars, but building a scalable, high-ticket service that creates real impact.Conclusion:At the heart of strong coaching and business work is a clear grasp of how people think, what they struggle with, and what they truly need. It’s not about fancy tactics, but about paying close attention and offering real solutions that improve someone’s life. When you focus on solving the right problem, progress comes naturally. That’s what builds trust, impact, and long-term success—keeping things human, focused, and useful.

There’s a growing weight on young men who feel like they’re stuck between who they are and who they’re supposed to be. Fear, doubt, and the constant noise of comparison create this low hum of paralysis that’s hard to shake. Some fold under it, others find a way to push through—and that difference often comes down to refusing to give up responsibility for their own life. It’s not about having the answers right away, but being willing to take back the wheel.Jason Redman is a retired Navy SEAL, speaker, and author of Overcome and The Trident. Known for his "Sign on the Door" mindset, he teaches resilience, leadership, and growth through his military and life experiences. Today, he speaks about leading at home and in life. He shares stories from combat, lessons on marriage and parenting, and stresses the value of responsibility, grit, and constant self-improvement. Join in as young leaders pose inquiries about life, personal development, and beyond!Quotes: “Every single human can relate to the bullets and bombs of life. You've been blown up by rejection and failure. You've been shot down by injury, illness or loss.” – Jason Redman“God provided the skills and talent, but it's up to you to unlock the greatest version of yourself—He wasn't the one lifting those weights; you were.” – Jason Redman“Your success and your ability to be great in this life is directly proportional to you. It doesn't guarantee you're going to accomplish every goal and dream you go after. But we need to teach kids once again that you have the power to be amazing.” – Jason Redman“You have the standards and values, you don't compromise on them, and then you build everything else and you keep building that over time.” – Matt BeaudreauTakeaways:Write your personal "sign on the door" - a clear statement of who you want to become, and place it where you'll see it daily.Choose one area (physical, personal, professional) and commit to being 10% better this month through specific, measurable actions.Have an honest conversation with your spouse or closest teammate about shared goals and dreams for the next 5 years.Pick one physical or skill-based activity that pushes you out of your comfort zone and requires consistent practice.Identify one victim mentality thought pattern you currently have and replace it with a proactive, solution-oriented mindset.Conclusion:Real leadership starts with self-awareness—knowing what matters most, staying focused on clear goals, and not allowing outside pressures to shape who you are. When people choose to face challenges head-on instead of backing down, they grow stronger and more confident in every area of life. This mindset not only builds personal strength, but also supports deeper connections and a greater sense of purpose. It's less about control and more about showing up fully, even when things are hard.

Are you feeling stuck, unable to break free from your inner critic? Do you dream of creating meaningful content but fear holds you back? What if one decision could radically change your life and help you step into your true purpose?Sebastian Rusk is a professional keynote speaker, comedian, and podcast launch expert who has transformed his life from struggling entrepreneur to purpose-driven creator. With 15 years of experience and a unique journey of personal development, Sebastian helps individuals unlock their potential through podcasting, turning personal challenges into powerful opportunities for growth and impact. Sebastian shares his incredible transformation from a struggling marketing professional to a successful podcast launch expert, revealing the power of personal accountability, self-love, and stepping into one's purpose.Quotes: "Imperfect action, along with massive action, solves a tremendous amount of life's problems." - Sebastian Rusk"Forgiveness is not about the other person. It's about us and how we feel. True forgiveness is waiving the right to ever bring it up again." - Sebastian Rusk"Boundaries don't exist to keep the bad out. Boundaries exist to keep the good in." - Sebastian Rusk“We talk about, who are you? Who do you need to become? Because if you become the person you need to become, you will do the things that you need to do to get those things done.” – Matt BeaudreauTakeaways:• Embrace complete responsibility for your life by recognizing that everything happening to you is ultimately your creation. Stop making excuses and start taking intentional, imperfect action towards your goals, understanding that waiting for the perfect moment guarantees nothing will happen. • Redefine forgiveness as a strategic act of self-love, not about absolving the other person but freeing yourself from emotional burden. True forgiveness means completely releasing the story, creating healthy boundaries, and choosing to love yourself more than you love holding onto past pain. • View podcasting not just as content creation, but as a powerful medium for personal growth, networking, and professional transformation. Use podcasting as a vehicle to interview people you want to connect with, improve your communication skills, and create a platform that allows you to step into a more authentic version of yourself. • Prioritize showing up authentically over trying to appear perfect, recognizing that your unique experiences and perspective are your greatest professional assets. Embrace the idea that being genuinely you is more powerful than trying to fit into a predetermined mold of success.Conclusion:Sebastian Rusk's transformative journey reveals a profound truth: our greatest limitations are the stories we choose to believe about ourselves. Through his raw, unfiltered narrative, he demonstrates that podcasting is far more than a content medium—it's a powerful vehicle for personal growth, authentic self-expression, and meaningful connection. By challenging listeners to embrace radical accountability, practice strategic forgiveness, and take imperfect action, Sebastian illuminates a path for anyone seeking to break free from self-imposed constraints. His message is clear and compelling: your unique voice matters, your experiences are your greatest asset, and the world is waiting for you to show up fully and unapologetically. As Sebastian would say, "The best is yet to come"—and that future begins with a single, courageous step.Book a Call w/ Sebastian: PodcastLaunchLabNow.comInstagram.com/PodcastsSUCK

Many young entrepreneurs find themselves stuck in jobs that barely cover expenses, leaving little time or energy to build something bigger. The dream of financial independence feels distant when every paycheck is just enough to get by. Breaking out of this cycle isn’t just about working harder—it’s about finding smarter ways to use skills, time, and resources to create real opportunities. The challenge isn’t whether success is possible, but how to take the first meaningful step toward it.Andrew Imbesi is a 26-year-old entrepreneur from Miami who helps business owners secure funding through strategic credit card use. After starting out in an Amazon warehouse and doing DoorDash, he found his passion for sales and business growth. He specializes in helping clients access 0% interest credit cards, securing funding from $50,000 to $250,000. Today, he shares his journey from a shy teen with musical dreams to a business funding expert. He explains how smart credit strategies can help entrepreneurs access capital and grow their businesses. Join in as young leaders pose inquiries about life, personal development, and beyond!Quotes: “If I could learn to communicate with anyone, I could do anything. This skill would help me in the future with employees, customers, family, and friends, creating positive outcomes for everyone involved.” – Andrew Imbesi“I always knew I wanted to create my own career—build my own path, work for myself, and grow a future rather than working for someone else.” – Andrew Imbesi“I took the skills I already had, leveraged my connections, and built on what people were already asking me for, expanding from there.” – Andrew Imbesi“Curiosity is a superpower. Part of that is being willing to ask questions, and the more you do, the better you become at knowing which questions to ask.” – Matt BeaudreauTakeaways:Map out your personal org chart this week. Identify key divisions in your work or business (sales, marketing, finance, delivery) and start documenting your successful actions in each area.Practice deconstructing businesses around you. When you visit a coffee shop, restaurant, or service provider, ask yourself: How much are they charging? What might their expenses be? What's their potential profit model?Build a credit strategy before you need money. Start with cards that offer 0% interest promotions and don't do hard credit inquiries, focusing on building a solid credit portfolio early.Spend 30 minutes this week networking in online groups related to your industry or interests. Look for opportunities to learn, connect, and potentially discover unexpected business possibilities.Challenge yourself to learn one communication or sales skill each month. Whether it's negotiation, pitch writing, or understanding customer psychology, consistent skill-building creates long-term entrepreneurial success.Conclusion:Building a successful business isn’t about having a flawless plan from the start, but about staying flexible and open to new possibilities. Opportunities often arise in ways that can’t be predicted, and those who pay attention, build strong relationships, and continuously refine their skills are best positioned to take advantage of them. The ability to adapt and make smart decisions in the moment matters more than following a rigid blueprint. Entrepreneurs who embrace uncertainty with curiosity and persistence are the ones who create lasting success.

When one woman speaks up, it’s never just about her story—it’s a challenge to the systems that rely on silence to maintain control. In a world where narratives are carefully shaped and dissent is often dismissed, reclaiming power means refusing to accept the version of reality that’s handed down. The more voices that rise, the harder it becomes to ignore the truth, no matter how inconvenient it may be. Real change doesn’t start with permission; it starts with the courage to be heard.Sage Steele is a distinguished sports broadcaster and media personality who spent 16.5 years at ESPN before launching The Sage Steele Show on YouTube. As a former SportsCenter host and basketball sideline reporter, she is known for her fearless approach to discussing controversial topics and advocating for women's rights. Today, Sage shares her journey of finding courage, navigating challenges in the media industry, and her passionate advocacy for protecting women’s sports. Join in as young leaders pose inquiries about life, personal development, and beyond!Quotes: “Don't waste my pain. If you ignore what I’ve been through, it will have been for nothing. Use this, be better, make better decisions, and don’t doubt yourself as long as I did.” – Sage Steele“I've always preached diversity of thought, and that's all I've ever wanted. I don't actually care how you vote, what you think, what you do - I care how do you treat people.” – Sage Steele“When you're vulnerable, others are more willing to be vulnerable too, and when we all share our stories, others realize they're not alone.” – Sage Steele“There’s a human element we seek—the morals and values that connect us. We’re not looking for everyone to share our opinions on everything; we’re looking for shared values.” – Matt BeaudreauTakeaways:Practice courage by speaking up for your beliefs, even when it's uncomfortable or might cost you professionally.Audit your self-talk and seek help when struggling with personal challenges instead of suffering silently.Challenge yourself to have meaningful conversations with people who think differently, focusing on shared humanity over political divisions.Reflect on areas where fear prevents you from taking action and identify one small step to push past that hesitation.Commit to supporting others by sharing your personal experiences authentically, recognizing that vulnerability can help people feel less alone.Conclusion:In a time of deep division, honest conversations and courage have the power to bring people together and drive real change. Speaking up for your beliefs, even when it comes at a cost, can break cycles of fear and complacency. Those who refuse to stay silent set an example for others, proving that progress starts with people willing to take a stand. Change doesn’t happen through avoidance—it happens when people choose integrity over comfort.