Maxim Smith: The Preparation Program – Redefining Education, Building Virtue, and Empowering Young Men for Real-World Success

Do you ever feel trapped by the same old script—go to college, get the job, chase security—only to wonder if you’ll end up unfulfilled and unprepared? What if there was a different path—one that builds real skills, character, and opportunity?In this episode, we sit down with Maxim Smith, the very first beta tester of The Preparation—a four-year alternative to college designed to shape capable, virtuous leaders. At just 20 years old, Maxim has already become an EMT, fought wildfires, sailed through the Strait of Magellan, packed mules in the Rockies, flown planes, and worked on geophysics crews—all while studying economics, agriculture, and languages.Maxim’s mission is simple yet powerful: to become the man he wants to be—and inspire others to start their own preparation. His story will challenge how you think about education, success, and what it really takes to thrive in today’s world.Quotes:"I think one of the benefits of going on your own path at a young age is that you can lean heavily on the people around you without them pitying you for not knowing what to do.""Almost every experience is different than you think it's going to be. The deeper you get in, the more you realize, gosh, there's so much I don't know.""The purpose of activities is not just to do fun stuff, but it's also to build smaller competencies in areas that are more fun."Key Takeaways:Redefine success: Instead of asking “What do I want to have?” start asking “Who do I want to be?” and let that guide your daily actions.Create your own preparation cycle: Pick one skill or challenge you’ve been avoiding—physical, intellectual, or creative—and dedicate the next 90 days to immersing yourself in it.Build your personal code: Write down the virtues and principles you want to live by. Use this as a compass when making difficult choices.Share your journey publicly: Start a Substack, blog, or simple weekly update on social media. Reflection plus accountability will accelerate your growth.Question the illusion of security: Ask yourself, Am I pursuing the safe path because it’s right—or just because it’s expected?Conclusion:Maxim Smith’s journey proves that growth doesn’t come from following a scripted path—it comes from embracing challenges, building skills, and pursuing virtue over comfort. His story is a reminder that the most important question isn’t “What will I achieve?” but “Who will I become?”The Preparation isn’t just an alternative to college—it’s a blueprint for becoming capable, confident, and ready to seize opportunities in an uncertain world. Whether you’re 18 or 48, the challenge remains the same: step into discomfort, create your own preparation, and start building the life—and the character—you were meant for.

Do you ever feel like leadership is reserved only for people with titles, positions, or big personalities? Maybe you’ve doubted yourself, wondering if you’re “enough” to step up—or feared that mistakes and emotions might disqualify you from leading. What if leadership wasn’t about power or perfection, but about ownership, influence, and the small choices you make every day?Today's guest, Jamie Cochran, proves exactly that. Jamie is the Chief Operating Officer at Echelon Front, the premier leadership consultancy founded by former Navy SEALs Jocko Willink and Leif Babin. Over the last 12 years, Jamie has helped organizations of every size—from startups to global enterprises—develop leaders at every level. She not only runs the operational side of the business but also teaches leadership principles in the field, guiding teams to adopt practical tools for real-world challenges.What makes Jamie unique is her belief that leadership is the solution to every problem. She shows that anyone—whether you’re a student, a parent, a CEO, or a teammate—can lead with courage, humility, and clarity. Drawing on principles like Extreme Ownership, detachment from emotion, and the power of the “read back,” Jamie equips people with tools to influence others positively, solve problems effectively, and grow through mistakes rather than fear them.Her passion is clear: helping people realize they already have what it takes to lead, and showing them how to practice leadership in every corner of life—at home, at work, and within themselves.Quotes:"Leadership exists at every level. Any human being who's interacting with other human beings has an opportunity to influence them, and so you're a leader in whatever capacity that might be.""Leadership is something that can be learned. Even the best leaders have more opportunity to grow.""Our tendency as human beings is to let our emotions or our ego or our own opinions and perspectives sort of prevent us from seeing the truth of a situation."Actionable Takeaways:Practice Extreme Ownership. Instead of making excuses or blaming others, ask yourself: What part of this situation can I own? Write down one mistake you’ve made recently and identify one step you can take to fix or learn from it.Detach before deciding. Emotions cloud judgment. Build your own “detachment action plan” (like Jamie’s daughter did)—three quick things you can do to reset when you’re angry, stressed, or overwhelmed (e.g., take a walk, breathe deeply, write it out).Use the “read back” method. When someone gives you instructions, repeat back what you heard in your own words. This not only prevents miscommunication but also builds trust and shows you’re fully engaged.Look for leadership opportunities everywhere. Ask: Where can I step up today without being asked? Whether at home, school, or work, find one area where you can take initiative and serve others.Redefine failure as growth. Instead of fearing mistakes, view them as training reps. Journal: What’s one recent failure, what did it teach me, and how can I apply that lesson moving forward?Conclusion:Jamie’s journey reminds us that leadership isn’t about rank, title, or perfection—it’s about responsibility, humility, and the willingness to own our actions. Through Extreme Ownership, detachment from emotion, and practical tools like the read back, she shows that anyone can step into leadership right where they are. Her message is clear: the problems we face are really leadership problems, and the solutions begin with us.

Do you ever feel like you don’t quite fit into the traditional mold—whether in sports, school, or even life? Maybe you’ve tried the “standard” path but never felt at home, and deep down you wonder if there’s something more—something uniquely yours. What if the obstacles you face aren’t there to stop you, but to reveal your true strength? And what would it look like to transform those setbacks into a platform for purpose, impact, and leadership?Today's guest, Karsten Williams, embodies that very journey. From humble beginnings to becoming an 11-time American Ninja Warrior national finalist, Karsten has proven that resilience, creativity, and grit can carry you far beyond conventional boundaries. He turned his passion for movement into not only personal success, but also a mission to inspire others through mentorship, leadership, and community.Karsten Williams is an 11-time American Ninja Warrior national finalist, elite coach, and founder of Ninja Project—a movement platform redefining youth fitness and functional entertainment. With over a decade of experience across 50+ ninja gyms and events, he’s on a mission to turn everyday people into champions through movement, mindset, and mentorship.What makes Karsten unique is not just his decorated Ninja Warrior career, but his passion for creating spaces where belonging meets possibility. He’s leading a new generation to see obstacles not as limitations, but as opportunities to grow stronger, more confident, and more resilient. His story reminds us that failure isn’t the end—it’s the very foundation of greatness.Quotes:"Always stay true to you, don’t compare yourself, and don’t try to do what others can do. They might have a unique skill set that I don’t necessarily have.""I want to create a space for those people that feel like they’re maybe underserved, can come in and have their own experience, and have someone that can love on them, pour into them, encourage them, and it’s a win for everybody.""When you do get to the top or experience that success, it’s that much more meaningful and impactful because you know what the bottom feels like."Actionable Takeaways:Turn failure into fuel. Ask yourself: Where have I let a setback define me instead of refine me? Write down one failure you’ve experienced and list three lessons you gained from it.Run your own race. Don’t copy someone else’s path. Identify one area of life where you’ve been comparing yourself to others—then outline one action that reflects your strengths and style instead.Redefine obstacles. Each challenge is an opportunity to grow. This week, reframe a personal or professional obstacle by writing how it could actually serve as preparation for a future win.Create belonging for others. Who in your circle feels “on the outside” or like they don’t have a place? Reach out and invite them into an activity, group, or conversation that builds connection.Pursue impact, not just success. Ask: If I keep going the way I am, what legacy will I leave behind? Journal about one way you can shift your daily habits from self-focus to serving others.Conclusion:Karsten’s journey reminds us that obstacles aren’t roadblocks—they’re invitations to grow stronger, wiser, and more resilient. From crashing on his very first Ninja Warrior course to becoming an 11-time national finalist and mentor to thousands, he proves that success is built on perseverance, humility, and the courage to run your own race. His story challenges us to see every setback as a setup for impact—and to pursue a life that inspires others to rise above their own obstacles.

Are you stuck trying to figure out your next move? Maybe you’ve got the talent, the passion, and even the drive—but you’re wrestling with doubt, outside pressure, or the fear of failure. What if the real problem isn’t the obstacles in front of you, but the mindset you carry into the fight? What would it look like to bet on yourself fully—no plan B, no safety net—and actually win?Today's guest, Greg Siewers, knows that battle better than most. Known to many as the Michael Jordan of paintball, Greg turned an obsession he discovered at age nine into a professional career that took him around the world, earning multiple world championships and representing Team USA. But Greg’s story doesn’t stop with sports. He’s a serial risk-taker who carried the lessons of elite competition into entrepreneurship—building gyms from scratch, scaling them to six-figure revenues, selling them at a profit, and now launching a supplement brand with the same relentless drive.Greg Siewers is a former World Champion paintball player, multi-gym owner, and now CEO of MAPtrition Supplements. His goal is to simplify fitness and nutrition for all levels as he works toward reaching 1,000,000 people, helping them become healthier, happier, and more dangerous versions of themselves. Known as the Michael Jordan of paintball by fans of the sport, Greg has translated the mindset of elite competition into entrepreneurship—building gyms, scaling them to six-figure revenues, selling them for profit, and now creating a supplement brand rooted in integrity and performance.What makes Greg unique isn’t just his achievements—it’s the way he translates the high-pressure mindset of world-class athletics into the everyday grind of business and life. He knows what it means to silence doubt, push past resistance, and take risks others wouldn’t dare to try. And in this conversation, he shares exactly how you can apply those same principles to your own journey—whether you’re building a business, chasing a dream, or simply trying to lead yourself and others with confidence.Quotes:"If I just keep trying. As miserable as it is, it's okay if it's miserable, but if I keep trying, it'll work." "There was no plan B. If everything burned to the ground, I'm so able and willing to work hard to build it again that it won't matter." "No one can teach you that. So the fact that you failed and are willing to do it again, you now have a stack of undeniable proof that you are willing and able to do that thing." Actionable Takeaways:Bet on yourself with no plan B. Ask: If I stripped away the safety nets, would I still go all in? Write down one area of your life where you’ve been holding back out of fear—and commit to a decisive action this week.Focus on the “first 10 seconds.” Like Greg visualized the opening play in paintball, break down your next big challenge into the smallest first step. What’s the single action that will get you moving forward today?Reframe failure. Instead of asking, What if I fail? ask, What would I learn if I failed—and how would I rebuild? Journal through both the worst-case and best-case outcomes of a risk you’re considering.Surround yourself with A-players. Evaluate your circle—are the people closest to you challenging you to grow, or are you the smartest person in the room? Commit to connecting with one mentor, peer, or network that’s operating at the next level.Choose purpose over noise. Identify the “signal” that actually drives your goals and cut one distraction this week—whether it’s chasing trends, busywork, or other people’s opinions.Conclusion:Greg’s journey proves that greatness isn’t about avoiding failure—it’s about having the courage to step into uncertainty, commit fully, and outlast everyone else. Whether on the paintball field, in the gym, or in business, his story is a reminder that betting on yourself is the most powerful investment you can ever make.

Are algorithms controlling your voice, your reach, and even your freedom? Have you wondered why so many leaders, creators, and even ministries struggle to connect authentically in a digital world built on distraction?This week’s guest, Adam Curry, has lived through it all—and shaped much of it. Known as the “Podfather,” Adam went from MTV VJ to pioneering podcasting, transforming how millions consume media. With an uncanny ability to “see around corners,” he’s always been ahead of the curve—whether in pirate radio, television, podcasting, or now decentralized platforms like The Godcaster.Born in Washington, DC, and raised in Amsterdam, Adam has been a trailblazer at the intersection of media and technology for over 30 years. He became a household name as an MTV VJ (1987–1993), created one of the first digital agencies (On Ramp Inc.), co-invented podcasting with Dave Winer, and later launched Podcasting 2.0 to preserve free speech and independence in media. Today, through Podcastindex.org and Godcaster.fm, Adam is pioneering platforms that empower creators, churches, and communities to reclaim their voices. He also co-hosts the award-winning No Agenda Show podcast.If you care about leadership, responsibility, and preparing the next generation to thrive in an age of noise, you won’t want to miss this conversation.Quotes:"If you really go for platforms like YouTube, Instagram, X, Twitter, Facebook or TikTok, you're really at the mercy of their system.""Podcasting was so interesting because it's completely decentralized. You have a little file that you need to serve from a web server somewhere, known as an RSS feed, and that controls your destiny.""There is no such thing as artificial intelligence. There's Almighty intelligence—that certainly exists. There is artificial intimacy. That's what these things are selling, mainly right now."Actionable Takeaways:Reclaim your voice from platforms – Don’t rely solely on centralized platforms like YouTube, Instagram, or TikTok. Explore decentralized tools such as podcasting or The Godcaster that let you own your content and control your audience connection.Practice Value-for-Value – Instead of chasing ads or algorithms, ask: How can I deliver value directly to my audience, and invite them to reciprocate? Consider small ways to implement this model in your own work, family, or community.Teach responsibility through technology – When introducing kids or students to tech, focus less on consumption and more on creation. Ask: Am I raising passive scrollers or active builders? Create small projects together—record an audio story, start a blog, or make a simple podcast.Audit your relationship with AI and media – Reflect on how much time and trust you’re giving to chatbots, algorithms, and social feeds. Where are you letting them think or feel on your behalf? Take one intentional step this week to reduce dependency—whether that’s journaling, reading scripture, or having a real conversation instead of defaulting to digital interaction.Conclusion: Adam Curry’s journey reminds us that media and technology can either enslave us to algorithms—or empower us to lead with truth, freedom, and responsibility. His story challenges us to reclaim control of our voices, embrace personal accountability, and prepare the next generation to thrive in an uncertain digital world. The tools are in our hands, but the question is: will we use them to conform to the system, or to create something that truly matters?

Why do so many entrepreneurs struggle with overwhelm, self-doubt, and the relentless pressure to “do more”—yet still feel like they’re not moving forward? Have you ever wondered why some leaders seem to thrive under pressure while others burn out? And what if the missing ingredient isn’t strategy or hustle, but something deeper—how we show up, lead ourselves, and align with our values?In this episode, Brighton Dance, is no stranger to these challenges. With a background that blends entrepreneurship, psychology, and personal transformation, Brighton has made it his mission to help high-achievers break free from limiting patterns and step fully into the life and business they’re meant to lead. His passion is contagious, and his unique approach combines hard-won business lessons with powerful mindset shifts—making him especially qualified to speak to anyone who feels stuck in the cycle of stress and striving.Brighton doesn’t just talk about success—he lives it. From building businesses to coaching leaders through personal and professional crossroads, he’s developed a proven framework that helps people cultivate clarity, resilience, and authentic growth.If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Why am I working so hard but still not feeling fulfilled?” or “How do I create a business that truly reflects who I am?”—this conversation will challenge your perspective and give you a roadmap to lasting change.Quotes:“If you’re just running in your own self-interest, when it gets hard, you want to go easier. But if you’re thinking about your teammates, you want to win as a team, and that pushes you so much farther.” “Once you finish a race, it doesn’t really matter how well you do—you’re just so happy that you did it. It’s the best feeling ever.” “Your mind is so powerful—if you think anything negative when you’re in pain, it’s going to impact you a lot. You really need to drill in positive thoughts, even if it feels over the top.” Key Takeaways:Audit your daily alignment. Ask yourself: Am I living and working in a way that reflects my true values, or am I stuck in patterns of “shoulds” and external expectations? Write down one activity you’ll eliminate this week that drains you but doesn’t serve your purpose.Reframe burnout as a signal, not a weakness. Instead of pushing through, pause to identify what your exhaustion is telling you about boundaries, priorities, or unresolved inner conflicts. Create one new boundary in your schedule that protects your energy.Practice self-leadership before business leadership. Spend 10 minutes each morning setting an intention not just for what you’ll do today, but for how you’ll show up. For example, choose qualities like “calm,” “decisive,” or “compassionate” and consciously embody them.Redefine success on your terms. Reflect on Brighton’s challenge: What does fulfillment look like for me outside of money, titles, or growth metrics? Write a personal success statement that you revisit weekly to stay grounded.Conclusion:Brighton Dance reminds us that real success isn’t about doing more—it’s about becoming more aligned, intentional, and authentic in the way we live and lead. The strategies and systems matter, but without clarity of purpose and self-leadership, they’ll never bring the fulfillment we’re seeking.The invitation is clear: pause, reflect, and ask yourself if the life you’re building truly matches the person you want to become. Because when you lead yourself first, everything else—your business, your relationships, your impact—falls into place.

Are our schools truly preparing the next generation for freedom, critical thinking, and real-world success—or are they quietly producing dependency, debt, and disconnection? Why do so many young people leave the classroom with diplomas in hand but little confidence, purpose, or practical skill? And if the system is broken, what responsibility do families and leaders have to create something better?This week’s guest, Brett Pike, has not only asked these hard questions—he’s acted on them. Once a top student in the very system he now critiques, Brett’s awakening to the failures of modern education pushed him to reimagine what learning could look like. He is the founder of Classical Learner and creator of Homeschools Connected, where he equips families with the tools to raise critical thinkers, independent leaders, and skilled young adults.Brett’s passion is contagious, his message is urgent, and his track record speaks volumes: from exposing “fake history” and faulty teacher training, to building a thriving community of parents reclaiming responsibility for their children’s development. He believes in education that fosters resilience, entrepreneurship, and strong families—foundations for a free and flourishing society.If you’ve ever questioned the traditional school path, wondered how to protect your kids from cultural chaos, or simply asked yourself, “What skills actually matter before adulthood?”—this conversation is for you.Quotes:“You have to meet people where they're at and then within that, you could plant little seeds in their consciousness.”“With proper leadership from older people, young people could view dating and the opposite sex and marriage in a much healthier way.”“Your children should know their rights. That's just fundamental. They should not only know their rights, but they should have at least a basic idea of how to exercise and defend those rights.”Key Takeaways:Reclaim responsibility for education – Ask yourself: Am I outsourcing too much of my child’s development to institutions? Identify one area this week where you can directly guide your child’s growth (e.g., teaching financial basics, involving them in home projects).Practice intellectual self-defense – Learn and teach your kids the basics of logical fallacies and source evaluation. Start small: pick one news article together and break down whether its claims are supported by primary sources or emotional persuasion.Strengthen family leadership – Reflect on your own household: Am I leading with calm strength, or reacting with panic? Take one step to model leadership at home—such as setting a clear family goal, removing a personal vice, or intentionally spending time teaching a value.Prioritize real-world skills – Choose one practical skill (gardening, carpentry, entrepreneurship, or financial literacy) and commit to practicing it with your kids this month. Tie it to a real project, like building a simple item, selling something at a market, or setting up a budget.Build community intentionally – Evaluate your current circle of friends and peers. Are they aligned with your values, or are they pulling you and your family off course? Make it a goal this week to attend one local activity, club, or homeschool group that better reflects the culture you want for your children.Conclusion:Brett Pike challenges us to rethink what true education looks like—and more importantly, who is responsible for it. Schools may teach compliance, but families can cultivate freedom, resilience, and purpose. By reclaiming our role as the primary educators of our children, instilling critical thinking, and modeling strength in our own lives, we prepare the next generation not just to get by in the world, but to lead it.The real question isn’t whether the system will change—it’s whether we will step up and build something better.

Have you ever felt like no matter how hard you push, something invisible is holding you back from the life you know you’re capable of living? Maybe it’s fear of failure, maybe it’s self-doubt, or maybe it’s the weight of old wounds you’ve never healed. What if the real obstacle isn’t outside of you—but inside?In this episode, we sit down with Dustin Fleming, a U.S. Army veteran, speaker, and transformation coach who has turned his own battles with trauma, adversity, and self-sabotage into a mission of helping others break free. Dustin’s journey from combat to personal collapse—and ultimately to healing and leadership—is proof that your past does not define your future.With a unique blend of raw honesty, hard-won wisdom, and practical strategies, Dustin challenges us to confront the stories we tell ourselves, dismantle limiting beliefs, and build a mindset rooted in resilience and purpose. His passion is helping people realize that freedom begins when you stop running from your pain and start using it as fuel.If you’ve ever asked yourself “Why can’t I get out of my own way?” or wondered what it really takes to rebuild from the ground up, this episode is for you.Quotes: "Your past doesn't dictate your future. We have a standard set in life that we can choose to make changes, and it's ending with me and my family tree." "Being able to fulfill a role that's like a servant leader, that's what fires me up about it." "If you find something that you love, you'll never work a day in your life." Key Takeaways:Face the Stories You Tell Yourself: Write down the negative beliefs or fears that play on repeat in your mind. Then ask, Is this story serving me, or is it keeping me stuck?Reframe Your Pain: Instead of asking “Why did this happen to me?” start asking “How can this experience fuel my growth?” Make a list of challenges you’ve overcome and the strengths they revealed.Create a Daily Reset Practice: Dustin emphasizes discipline and self-mastery. Start small—commit to one non-negotiable daily habit (journaling, prayer, exercise, or meditation) that grounds you and keeps you moving forward.Conclusion:Dustin Fleming’s story reminds us that the battles we fight within ourselves can be just as fierce as any fought on the outside. But they don’t have to define us. By facing our pain, rewriting the stories we tell ourselves, and choosing discipline over despair, we can create a life rooted in resilience and purpose.This conversation challenges us to pause and ask: Am I letting my past hold me hostage, or am I using it as fuel to become the person I was meant to be?The choice is always ours—and the time to choose is now.

What happens when you lose everything—your job, your money, your relationships—and the identity you thought defined you? How do you rebuild when rock bottom isn’t just a phrase, but your daily reality?In this powerful conversation, we sit down with Taylor Cavanaugh, the only man to serve as both a U.S. Navy SEAL and a member of the French Foreign Legion—a rare path of resilience, grit, and transformation. But his story isn’t just about military titles; it’s about stripping away labels, confronting suicidal lows, and discovering that the foundation of a strong identity lies in something deceptively simple: daily habits, discipline, and alignment.Taylor shares his journey from homelessness and despair to finding clarity through stoic philosophy, discipline in the Legion, and personal growth rooted in deliberate action. Today, he coaches men to reclaim their power, rebuild their lives, and live with intentionality—proving that no man is ever truly out of the fight unless he chooses to quit.If you’ve ever felt stuck, lost, or overwhelmed by life’s chaos, this episode will challenge you to ask: Who is your 10.0 self? And what habits are you stacking to become him?Quotes:"It’s my daily habits that are the only thing that can make me confident about who I am, and that’s where the change really happened." "When things start getting more complex and feeling out of control, I always look back and go, am I doing the just daily basic things correct? And almost always, the answer is no." "You allow people the full benefit of suffering if they need it, which is a powerful statement, but some people need it." Key Takeaways:Audit Your Daily Habits: Ask yourself, Do my daily actions align with the man I want to become? Write down your “10.0 self” and list the habits he lives by—then start practicing one of them today.Start With the Morning: Structure your wake-up routine to set the tone for the rest of the day. Wake up earlier, avoid looking at your phone, move your body, and take 15 minutes for reflection or visualization.Return to Factory Settings: When life feels chaotic, strip back to the basics—nutrition, movement, sleep, and discipline. Check if you’re slipping on any of these before blaming outside circumstances.Conclusion:Taylor Cavanaugh’s story is proof that even in the darkest seasons of life, transformation is possible when we commit to discipline, clarity, and deliberate action. Titles and circumstances may come and go, but true strength is built in the habits we practice daily and the identity we choose to embody.This episode challenges us to look inward, strip back the noise, and ask: Am I living in alignment with the man I aspire to be? The answer doesn’t lie in waiting for the perfect moment—it’s found in the small, intentional steps you take today.👉 Connect with Taylor and follow his work:Website: www.taylorcavanaugh.comInstagram: @tcavofficialYouTube: @tcavofficialX (Twitter): @tcavofficialYouTube (Counter Culture Inc): @countercultureinc

Have you ever felt like you were doing all the “right things” in your business or career but still weren’t seeing the growth, fulfillment, or balance you longed for? Do you sometimes wonder if success means sacrificing your health, relationships, or peace of mind? What if the problem isn’t that you’re not working hard enough—but that you’re working out of alignment with your true purpose?In this episode, Taylor Quigg, knows that struggle all too well. After climbing the corporate ladder and checking all the boxes of conventional success, she realized something was missing: authentic alignment between her work, her values, and the life she wanted to live. That discovery fueled her mission to help others break free from the cycles of burnout, overachievement, and chasing external validation.Taylor is more than just a coach—she’s a guide who blends personal experience, professional insight, and a deep passion for helping people live lives of clarity, confidence, and purpose. Through her work, she empowers others to stop outsourcing their worth, reconnect with what truly matters, and build businesses and lives that feel as good on the inside as they look on the outside.In this conversation, Taylor shares her own journey of transformation, the lessons she’s learned about aligning ambition with authenticity, and practical strategies for anyone who feels stuck in the tension between success and fulfillment.Get ready for a powerful discussion that will challenge you to rethink what achievement really means—and inspire you to design a life and business that are truly your own.Quotes:“You can really do whatever you want to do, and you can change the course of your life with just a simple yes in one direction.”“We think we have to have, with social media, this huge following to have an influence. But you can have an influence in your community. You have an influence in your house.”“There’s so much to learn just hanging out and doing life together. I guess I’ve taken more of an unschooling approach without even realizing it.”Takeaways:Reevaluate your approach to education and parenting: Are you allowing your children to pursue their interests and thrive outside of traditional academic expectations?Practice vulnerability and seek community: If you’re facing a challenge, consider sharing your story to connect with others and reduce feelings of isolation.Teach and model empathy: Look for opportunities to help your children (or yourself) understand and support others, especially those facing visible or invisible challenges.Conclusion:In this episode, Taylor’s story reminds us of the power of resilience, the importance of community, and the value of forging our own paths—whether in education, business, or personal growth. By embracing vulnerability, advocating for ourselves and others, and nurturing empathy in our families, we can create lives filled with purpose and connection. Taylor’s journey is a testament to the fact that, no matter the challenges we face, we have the ability to adapt, inspire, and make a meaningful impact on those around us.