When Kevin Palmieri joined me on the show, I had no idea it would be one of the most insightful, personal, and downright fun conversations I've ever had. He opened by casually referencing my a cappella background—something no other guest has ever brought up. That immediately told me he’d done his homework, and he later revealed his “hack”: listening to two minutes of five podcast episodes to quickly understand someone’s energy and style. Simple, but effective.

From there, we dove into a rich back-and-forth about everything from podcasting and coaching to masculinity, marriage, and identity. Kevin shared how he structures his workweek, balancing public-facing days with behind-the-scenes focus. I chimed in with how Fridays in internet marketing feel like pseudo-Saturdays—and how I’ve struggled with feeling “productive enough” even when I’ve technically earned the right to relax.

One of the most meaningful parts of our chat was about growing up, value systems, and leadership. I opened up about my upbringing as the oldest of eight, being homeschooled, and developing a deep-rooted need to contribute in order to feel valuable. Kevin resonated, sharing his identity as a nurturer and protector—and how he’s learned to be a guide instead of a hero when helping others.

We got into speaking careers, the illusion of success in that world, and how most people never see the unpaid grind behind a speaker’s fame. Kevin offered grounded advice about building an audience and focusing on real value before chasing paid gigs.

We even nerded out on the dynamics of male friendships, Nashville, domain flipping, and the book Who Not How—a concept I champion in nearly every episode. Kevin’s openness about his journey from low self-worth to coaching others through identity and boundary-setting was incredibly refreshing.

I ended the show by reflecting on my faith, purpose, and the belief that we’re all here for a reason. Kevin responded with his own grounded wisdom: self-worth starts with keeping promises to yourself and slowly building confidence from the inside out.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating entrepreneurship, personal development, or simply trying to connect more deeply—with themselves and others. Kevin was more than a guest. He was a mirror, a coach, and a kindred spirit. Go visit his site.

In this episode of Vision with Execution, I had the privilege of speaking with David McKee—a multifaceted coach who blends business, psychology, and spirituality into a refreshingly human-centered approach. Right off the bat, I could tell this wasn’t going to be a typical coaching interview.

David shared that he started in the music industry, driven by a deep personal connection with his mother, who had taught him music before she passed away. After avoiding music for years due to the emotional weight, he came back to it through therapy—and now he uses it as a healing and creative force, helping underappreciated artists find their voice.

But what struck me most wasn’t just his music background or even the fact that he's consulted for names like Atlantic and Universal Records. It was how methodically he approaches growth. David journals every single night. And not in some fluffy, self-help way—he literally asks himself, “What did I do today to move toward where I want to be in 10 years?” That daily accountability practice is what helps him stay focused and honest, even when things go sideways.

I resonated deeply with his focus on self-love, especially since we both opened up about our struggles. I shared how my own journey to self-love began after a family crisis that forced me to confront addiction, and how that moment became a turning point in how I saw myself. David affirmed that true love—whether romantic or for others—can only grow from authenticity. And as he put it, authenticity is even more powerful than love.

He also emphasized the “who, not how” approach—that great progress comes not from doing everything yourself, but from aligning with the right people. He’s got a coach, and recommends every entrepreneur or high performer get one too.

Before we wrapped, David gave a preview of his upcoming book, Navigate the Noise, which dives into the psychological damage of social media and how to master mindset in the age of constant digital distraction. It’s aimed at readers from 7th grade to adulthood—because as David said, it’s never too early (or too late) to learn how powerful our thoughts really are.

It was a raw, honest, and energizing episode. I left this conversation more convinced than ever that vision with execution is reality. David's Site

n this episode of The Vision with Execution Show, I had the pleasure of sitting down with entrepreneur and business coach Jake Smolarek. From the moment we started chatting, Jake’s bookshelf-lined background hinted at what was to come—a conversation packed with insight, experience, and actionable advice for anyone serious about turning their vision into reality.

Jake shared how he’s been a business coach for over two decades, helping entrepreneurs not only launch and scale their ventures but also regain control of their time. As someone who’s been in the trenches myself, I know how easy it is to let your business run you instead of the other way around. That’s where Jake’s powerful Vision GPS framework comes in.

“GPS” stands for Goals, Planning Process, and Systems—three components Jake believes are essential for navigating toward any big vision. He explained how having a vision is like setting a destination in your car’s GPS. Without it, you drift. With it—and with solid goals, a flexible planning mindset, and systems in place—you accelerate progress and avoid getting stuck.

Jake’s own 2025 vision? Appear on 60 podcasts this year to sharpen his message, grow his personal brand, and test-drive his ideas in front of new audiences. As of our chat, he’d already completed 18, which is impressive considering he’s also juggling three businesses. He emphasized that consistent, measurable action is the key to momentum—even if you’re not seeing massive results every day.

What really stood out to me was Jake’s view on progress. He dismantled the myth of linear success, pointing out how growth often looks more like a wave than a straight line. His reminder to measure success over longer timelines—and not just in daily wins—resonated with me deeply.

We also bonded over SEO, discussed distractions, and even debated the role of education in modern success. Jake’s parting message? Progress equals happiness. And with a clear vision and a working GPS, you can unlock the next level of your life—whether in business, relationships, or personal growth.

This conversation lit a fire under me. Can’t wait for our follow-up chat.