The Essential 11

Separating who you are from what you achieve can feel liberating, allowing you to find worth in simply being rather than constantly doing. Gratitude plays a powerful role in shifting focus from what’s lacking to what’s already present, helping to reframe challenges as opportunities for growth. A positive mindset doesn’t mean ignoring hardships but approaching them with the belief that they’re temporary and surmountable. Cody Askins is a successful insurance industry leader and entrepreneur. Despite facing personal and professional challenges early in his career, Cody has built a thriving business and developed a passion for mentoring and supporting other insurance agents. Today, Cody shares his life’s story, from working through illness as a 16-year-old to achieving financial success in the insurance industry. Join in as young leaders pose inquiries about life, personal development, and beyond! Quotes: “Financial services have more millionaires than any other industry in the world, and insurance is a part of financial services. So if it's going to be tough and the toughest, it might as well be the most financially rewarding.” – Cody Askins “When I start off with gratitude, it's really hard not to smile and be unhappy when you're thinking about all the amazing things happening in your life and how grateful you are for those things.” – Cody Askins “Step one of success is showing up, especially when you don't want to.” – Cody Askins “No matter what someone is going through, if they want to do the right thing, stay connected, and work through it, they can.” – Cody Askins “There's this superpower of self-awareness and self-confidence, and when you have that, people understand they can trust and rely upon you.” – Matt Beaudreau Takeaways: Develop a mindset of gratitude and positivity, even in the face of adversity. Start your day by reflecting on what you're thankful for to maintain motivation and resilience. Embrace rejection and setbacks as opportunities for growth and improvement. View "no's" as feedback to become better, not personal failures. Surround yourself with mentors and a support system that will challenge you and hold you accountable to your goals. Use the wisdom and experience of those who have walked the path before you. Consistently take small, positive actions towards your objectives, rather than relying on big, one-time breakthroughs. Compound your efforts over time to achieve lasting success. Prioritize integrity and doing the right thing, even when it's difficult. Maintain your principles and values as the foundation for your personal and professional life. Conclusion: Pursuing a resilient mindset begins with small, consistent practices like journaling, mindfulness, or taking a moment to appreciate life’s small wins. These simple actions gradually build the clarity and strength needed to face challenges with a calm and focused approach. Over time, they shape how we respond to obstacles, helping us navigate them with greater ease and confidence. This effort to nurture positivity and awareness ultimately empowers us to handle life’s ups and downs more effectively.

Fitness has a unique way of boosting confidence by showing you what your body and mind are capable of achieving. The discipline of working out can translate into a stronger belief in yourself, helping to push through self-doubt. Overcoming negative thought patterns often starts with small mental shifts—like focusing on progress instead of perfection—and celebrating even the smallest wins. Cultivating self-acceptance and resilience takes time, but it begins with treating yourself with the same patience and encouragement you’d offer to someone you care about. Brooke Ence is a fitness enthusiast and former CrossFit competitor. With a diverse background in sports and dance, Brooke has carved out a unique path, navigating the challenges of the entertainment industry and embracing her authentic self. Today, Brooke shares her career story, discussing her experiences in the Wonder Woman and Justice League films, and the importance of self-awareness and confidence in overcoming insecurities. Join in as young leaders pose inquiries about life, personal development, and beyond! Quotes: “I am not good at pretending, and I don't mean in the sense of acting. I mean, I can't cover up my feelings. If I feel something or know something, I'm either going to ask the question or I'm not.” – Brooke Ence “I had to work through my own feelings and insecurities every day. At this point, I'm older. I've done a lot of growth for myself.” – Brooke Ence “I want to be the person that you would assume I am based on things you watch online, social media, interviews, and in-person interactions.” – Brooke Ence Takeaways: Develop self-awareness through regular self-reflection, identifying the root causes of insecurities and challenging negative thought patterns. Celebrate the unique strengths and capabilities of your body and embrace physical fitness as a means to build confidence and resilience. Practice compassion and uplift others by offering genuine compliments, encouraging a culture of mutual support and empowerment. Seek out mentors and role models who embody authenticity and inspire you to stay true to your values. Approach new experiences with an open mind, recognizing that each opportunity can offer valuable lessons, even if it doesn't align with your long-term goals. Conclusion: Physical fitness plays a vital role in enhancing not only physical health but also mental and emotional well-being. Regular movement and exercise provide the strength and focus needed to face life’s challenges with confidence and clarity. Beyond its physical benefits, fitness supports a balanced mind and a sense of purpose. By prioritizing physical activity, individuals can build a foundation for a healthier, more resilient life.

Staying firm in your beliefs while respecting others' perspectives can be challenging but essential for meaningful connections. It’s about understanding that conviction doesn’t require imposing your views on others; you can hold onto what you believe while allowing room for differing opinions. Respecting diversity of thought often comes down to listening with an open mind and engaging in conversations with empathy, knowing that every perspective has value. JP Dinnell, a former Navy SEAL and Chief Training Officer at Echelon Front, is a seasoned leader and speaker. With a decorated combat background, including a Silver Star and two Bronze Stars, he now trains others in leadership and operational excellence. Today, JP shares his experiences balancing the demands of family, faith, and his professional responsibilities. Join in as young leaders pose inquiries about life, personal development, and beyond! Quotes: “Knowledge is not power. You can have all the knowledge in the world, but if you do nothing with it, what good is it? You have to make a choice to implement that knowledge.” – JP Dinnell “Accountability is a tool. Don't use it as a crutch.” – JP Dinnell “There is a very real spiritual battle going on right now, and men need to be equipped to identify it, handle it, fight it, and lead their families.” – JP Dinnell “As men, to be capable every single day, we have to be intentional about our growth, development, and the relationships we build around us.” – JP Dinnell “Sometimes, it also means admitting what we don't know, which I've gotten better at over the years. At least I can pass along my curiosity and say, 'I think this is important for us to know. Maybe we can all learn this together.' That's a part of leadership too.” – Matt Beaudreau Takeaways: Reflect on your personal priorities and create a clear framework to ensure you're making intentional choices that align with your values as a leader, family member, and person of faith. Examine your communication style and identify ways to make it more simple, clear, and concise to foster better understanding and buy-in from those around you. Consider how you can empower and give ownership to the people in your life, whether it's your children, team members, or community, to cultivate a culture of accountability and growth. Identify opportunities to build genuine, trust-based relationships that allow you to positively influence others, even when they may be resistant to your guidance. Explore ways to share your faith and beliefs in a bold yet compassionate manner, respecting the diverse perspectives of those around you and focusing on leading by example. Conclusion: Intentionality, empathy, and a firm commitment to personal growth are essential for creating meaningful change. By focusing on these values, individuals not only improve their own lives but also improve the communities they serve. This combination encourages deeper connections, stronger relationships, and a more supportive environment for growth. In the end, personal progress and community well-being go hand in hand, driven by purpose and compassion.

The American dream of homeownership is becoming increasingly challenging in today's economic climate, but what if there's an alternative path, one that leads to affordability and financial freedom? This journey embodies the American Dream, but with a modern twist. It’s not just focused on individual success; there’s a passion for creating a path for others to achieve their dream of homeownership, especially in challenging markets. It’s redefining what it means to build wealth and stability, proving that the traditional route isn't the only way. Meet Franco Perez, founder of A Sexy Mobile Homes, a real estate entrepreneur who guides individuals and families toward homeownership through the often-overlooked mobile home market. He not only helps people find affordable homes but also educates them on construction, development, and financial strategies, empowering them to build a better future. In this episode, he shares his personal journey of overcoming adversity and building a business that helps others achieve their homeownership dreams. Tune in as young leaders pose inquiries about life, personal development, and the pursuit of a redefined American Dream. Quotes: "Housing is such a critical foundation for so many people out there that are low income, and when you don't have a foundation of housing, it's hard to be able to grow." - Franco Perez "Those that go through these heavy crises or heavy trauma are those [who] really understand that, "Hey, I don't ever want to go through that again," and I have the fear of it, of that happening, and that's what causes that revelation." - Franco Perez "The American dream of home ownership and of financial freedom... it's my drive to want to protect that and make it available for those that don't have that opportunity." - Franco Perez "Look, you guys have all the resources in the world. It's time to learn to be resourceful." - Matt Beaudreau Key Takeaways: Unearth your core values and let them guide your personal and professional life, transforming challenges into opportunities for growth and purpose. Embrace resourcefulness as a lifelong skill, actively seeking knowledge and experiences that fuel personal and professional development. Develop a keen understanding of the dynamics within different markets, positioning yourself to provide maximum value and create solutions where they're needed most. Build genuine relationships rooted in trust and collaboration, focusing on creating win-win situations that empower everyone involved to thrive. Don't be afraid to challenge conventional wisdom and explore alternative paths to success, especially when it comes to finding affordable housing solutions. Recognize the power of personal experience and leverage it to fuel your passion for helping others. Develop a strong sense of self-awareness and identify areas where you can optimize your spending habits to achieve financial stability. Conclusion: Challenging the status quo can create opportunities for positive change. This innovative approach to affordable housing demonstrates that with determination, resilience, and a focus on impact, we can redefine the American Dream for ourselves and for generations to come. It’s a story about empowering others to achieve their dreams and build a better future, regardless of the obstacles they face.

Scaling a business while keeping the core values intact can feel like a delicate balancing act. As things grow, it’s easy for the original culture to get lost in the shuffle or become diluted. The key is being intentional about the people you bring on board and ensuring everyone aligns with the mission. Staying true to your roots often means constantly checking in with what made the business special in the first place and protecting that, even as the company expands. Pete Roberts is the visionary behind Origin, a company dedicated to revitalizing American manufacturing and the American Dream. With a background steeped in the principles of Jiu-Jitsu, Pete has applied the lessons of timing and resilience to the world of business, sharing his insights in an upcoming book. Today, Pete shares his leadership career, discussing the challenges of maintaining a strong company culture while scaling his two businesses, Origin and Jocko Fuel. Join in as young leaders pose inquiries about life, personal development, and beyond! Quotes: “Leadership, in general, is something you practice. It's like Jiu Jitsu—you're never going to master it.” – Pete Roberts “To be trusted is more valuable than to be loved. It's an even higher honor than to be loved by someone you trust.” – Pete Roberts “Anything great in life takes 10 years to build. It takes 10 years to create something meaningful in life.” – Pete Roberts Takeaways: Reflect on your leadership approach - how can you practice leadership daily, like mastering a martial art, to navigate the ebbs and flows of your business? Assess the level of trust vs. likeability in your organization - are your employees trading time for meaningful work, relationships, and growth opportunities, or just seeking popularity? Identify the core values and purpose that drive your business, then relentlessly communicate and uphold them, even as your strategies evolve. Explore how the principles of Jiu-Jitsu, such as timing, leverage, and adaptability, could be applied to your own decision-making and problem-solving. Consider how you can better support and empower your "right-hand" employees to be solutions-oriented, resourceful, and emotionally intelligent partners in your venture. Conclusion: The key to success lies in balancing a strong commitment to core values with the flexibility to adapt strategies as market conditions change. By staying true to what matters most, while also being open to innovation, businesses can remain resilient through uncertain times. Empowering employees is also crucial, as it fosters a sense of ownership and drives collective growth. This ensures long-term stability and growth, even in the face of challenges.

Shifting away from unhealthy norms is very difficult, especially when so much of society pushes convenience over well-being. The idea of reclaiming health often starts with small, everyday changes—like making better food choices or prioritizing time together as a family. Families can feel more in control when they move away from what’s marketed as "easy" and instead focus on what truly benefits them. It’s not about perfection but about carving out healthier routines that feel right for each family. Hilary Boynton is the author of the "Heal Your Gut Cookbook" and the founder of the School of Lunch Training Academy, and Stephanie Gruenke is a dietitian and the co-host of the "Doctor Mom" podcast. Today, Hillary and Stephanie gets into the topic of nutrient-dense school lunches and empowering families to adopt healthier eating habits. Join in as young leaders pose inquiries about life, personal development, and beyond! Quotes: “Busyness is kryptonite for intuition, and intuition is the superpower that we’re all born with.” – Hilary Boynton “We really have to take ownership of what we're doing in our homes and with our families, rather than waiting for someone to come and save us. It starts with us, and I think that's one of the most important principles.” – Stephanie Gruenke “Never forget, simplicity is gourmet. It doesn't have to be Food Network worthy or complicated.” – Hilary Boynton “Protecting your family values, being around people and communities that uphold those values, and teaching your kids how to navigate relationships or situations where values might not be upheld, is so important.” – Stephanie Gruenke “Talking about how culture proceeds is crucial because the way it evolves is the defining thing. As I've always said, you make normal what you make normal.” – Matt Beaudreau Takeaways: Establish a culture of joyful, nutrient-dense eating in your home or school, as "culture precedes success." Involve your kids in the kitchen and meal planning to foster a positive relationship with food. Identify and address the root causes of picky eating, such as gut health and sensory issues, with the help of a functional health professional. Engage parents with empathy and open-ended questions to encourage them to take ownership of their family's health. Take advantage of local resources, like farmers and chefs, to build a sustainable, community-driven approach to nourishing your children. Conclusion: Creating a culture of joyful and mindful nourishment within families and schools is important for long-term well-being. Instead of depending on external solutions or quick fixes, the focus should be on empowering parents and educators to take responsibility for their own health and the health of their communities. By encouraging this sense of ownership, we can create a sustainable, community-driven approach to feeding future generations. This shift supports healthier, more connected communities and ensures a lasting impact on the next generation’s well-being.

Pulling kids away from screens when so much of their world revolves around them can feel like a constant struggle. Everywhere you look, technology is the default, and it’s easy for nature to take a backseat. You want them to experience the simple joys of being outside, but it’s hard to compete with the pull of games, videos, and apps. Sometimes it feels less like a battle and more like figuring out how to balance two very different worlds. Ginny Yurich is the founder of the 1000 Hours Outside movement and the author of the upcoming book "Homeschooling, You're Doing it Right, Just by Doing It." As a former public school teacher, Ginny witnessed firsthand the shift towards more academics and less play in the education system. Today, Ginny shares her thoughts on the cognitive, physical, and character-building advantages of letting kids explore and be "bored" outdoors. Join in as young leaders pose inquiries about life, personal development, and beyond! Quotes: “You need to understand that even if you know it's right, and it truly is what's best for kids, the purpose of the institution is not to serve your individual child or family. Its primary goal is to sustain itself.” – Ginny Yurich “We often think the purpose of childhood is to become an adult, but it's actually to experience being a child.” – Ginny Yurich “I firmly believe that by choosing to homeschool, you're making many right choices, simply by stepping out of a system that isn't conducive to child development.” – Ginny Yurich “A man who views the world the same at 50 as he did at 20 has wasted 30 years of his life.” – Matt Beaudreau Takeaways: Incorporate more unstructured outdoor play and exploration into your family's daily routine, even if it means letting go of some structured activities. Challenge the traditional education system's priorities and consider alternatives that nurture your child's development. Embrace the gift of boredom and allow your children to cultivate their own imagination and problem-solving skills. Build a supportive community of like-minded families to help with prioritizing outdoor time and alternative education. Regularly review your family's priorities and make adjustments to ensure you're in an environment that aligns with your values and your children's needs. Conclusion: Nurturing a child’s imagination and allowing time for boredom are essential for developing creativity and independent thinking. We can help children develop a deeper connection with the world around them by prioritizing outdoor activities and exploring alternative education. Building a supportive community is key to navigating this unconventional path and encouraging these values. Ultimately, these practices promote a well-rounded, enriching experience that supports both personal growth and learning.

It’s tough not to feel disheartened when the systems meant to support education seem so rigid and unyielding. There’s this sense that meaningful change is always just out of reach, tangled up in politics and competing priorities. Teachers unions and government structures often get painted as the culprits, but the truth is, the issues are usually much more layered. The frustration comes from wanting something better—schools that actually meet kids’ needs—without always knowing how to break through the noise and make it happen. Corey DeAngelis is a leading voice in the school choice movement, serving as a senior fellow at the American Culture Project and the Educational Freedom Institute. As the author of the book "The Parent Revolution," Corey has been a tireless advocate for educational freedom. Today, Corey talks about his personal experiences with government-run schools and his research linking school choice to positive outcomes like crime reduction. Join in as young leaders pose inquiries about life, personal development, and beyond! Quotes: “We cannot continue to send our children to Caesar for their education and be surprised when they come home as Romans.” – Corey DeAngelis “The money doesn't belong to the government schools. Education funding is meant for educating children, not for propping up and protecting a particular institution. We should fund students, not systems.” – Corey DeAngelis “If we can create groups, much like the one we have here today, the bigger those groups become, the more effective they will be.” – Corey DeAngelis “In anything you are sending, anyone you are partnering with, and anyone you are entrusting your children to, you are giving them the nod to transfer their way of life into your child.” – Matt Beaudreau Takeaways: Arm yourself with quick, compelling responses to counter common arguments against school choice. Explore self-publishing and building your platform as a conservative author. Organize and empower parent groups in your community. Research education savings account programs in your state. These innovative policies can provide families with greater flexibility and control over their children's education. Reflect on your own educational experiences and how they shape your views on school choice. Conclusion: Meaningful educational reform begins with giving families the freedom to choose the learning environments that best support their children’s growth. By recognizing that every child has unique needs, we can create a system that prioritizes individual potential over one-size-fits-all solutions. Empowering families in this way provides greater opportunities for students to thrive and succeed. This not only benefits children but strengthens the foundation of education.

It’s easy to get caught up in the chase for status and material success, especially when the world around us seems to glorify it. But there are moments when all of it feels hollow, and you start wondering if there’s something more meaningful out there. That longing for deeper fulfillment can be unsettling, like realizing you’ve been climbing a ladder leaned against the wrong wall. It’s a quiet ache that’s hard to ignore once it sets in. Bobby Maximus is a former UFC fighter, law enforcement officer, and author of the book "The Holy Trinity Workout." As a fitness and personal growth expert, he has dedicated his life to helping others overcome challenges and find fulfillment. Today, Bobby shares his thoughts on the importance of gratitude, self-care, and the pursuit of simple joys. Join in as young leaders pose inquiries about life, personal development, and beyond! Quotes: “Anger is not a real emotion. It doesn't exist on its own but stems from other underlying feelings. It's usually because you're sad, unhappy, or your feelings were hurt. Anger is what manifests.” – Bobby Maximus “No matter who you are or where you are, there would be something you have to be grateful for. There's something you're fortunate to have, something that someone else out there would value immensely.” – Bobby Maximus “Fitness is the only area of your life where you have full control. You might never be world-class, but if you show up and work hard, you will be better tomorrow than you are today.” – Bobby Maximus “I've never been a professional athlete, but I've been in better shape than most for a longer time than most and maintaining that is a priority for me.” – Matt Beaudreau Takeaways: Cultivate an attitude of gratitude - focus on what you have rather than what you lack and find joy in the simple things. Make physical fitness a non-negotiable part of your daily routine, as it's the one area of life you have full control over. Identify your passions and pursue them unapologetically, even if they don't align with societal expectations. Invest time and energy into building meaningful relationships and finding your "tribe" - the people who will support and encourage you. Regularly schedule time for self-care and activities that fill your emotional and psychological needs, not just your professional ones. Conclusion: Cultivating gratitude, prioritizing self-care, and appreciating life’s simple pleasures are key to living with greater fulfillment. Personal success is not defined by external achievements or rigid ideas of masculinity but by finding meaning in small, everyday victories. True happiness and resilience are built from within, through mindful practices that support emotional, mental, and physical health. By embracing these values, we can create a more balanced and satisfying life.

It’s disheartening to witness corruption and a lack of accountability in spaces meant to uphold trust and integrity. When leaders and organizations fail to live up to their values, it shakes the faith of those who rely on them. These sectors are supposed to serve people and bring positive change, but mismanagement or unethical behavior can leave communities feeling betrayed. It raises tough questions about oversight, responsibility, and how to rebuild credibility. Christopher Ayoub and Nathan Apffel explore the inner workings of the religious and nonprofit sectors. Nathan, a filmmaker, produced "The Religion Business," a series on financial practices and transparency issues. Chris, his business partner, brings expertise in team building and business. Today, they discuss systemic issues like donor fund misuse and propose empowering donors and exploring alternative models for meaningful change. Join in as young leaders pose inquiries about life, personal development, and beyond! Quotes: “Humans will human. Without accountability, it's not a good thing.” – Christopher Ayoub “Good intentions paved the way to hell, and we've created our own hell. What we see as a church in the US is only 111 years old.” – Nathan Apffel “The Christian church alone has enough financial resources to radically transform the world, and it wouldn't affect anybody's bottom line.” – Nathan Apffel “Anybody that's already operating in integrity will continue to do so. The only people that are going to struggle are those who have to switch over to becoming transparent.” – Matt Beaudreau Takeaways: Demand transparency from your church or nonprofit organization. Ask to see detailed financial reports and understand how donations are being used. Shift your support to smaller, community-focused ministries and charities that can demonstrate a high percentage of funds going directly to impact. Educate yourself on the legal and regulatory differences between churches and secular nonprofits. Understand the lack of oversight for many religious institutions. Become an active, engaged donor. Don't just write a check - seek out organizations that are making a measurable difference and hold them accountable. Consider supporting for-profit social enterprises that have pledged a portion of their profits to charitable causes. This model may be more effective than traditional nonprofits. Conclusion: The lack of transparency and accountability in the religious and nonprofit sectors raises serious concerns about the misuse of resources and misalignment with stated missions. Many organizations operate without adequate oversight, undermining donor trust and diminishing their impact. To address this, donors should be empowered to make informed decisions, while supporting smaller, community-driven efforts that prioritize direct impact. Exploring alternative approaches, such as for-profit social enterprises, can also help create meaningful change and rebuild confidence in these institutions.