“I've messed up in every aspect of my life in every way possible, and I've learned from it. And hopefully someone takes that and they can learn something and then make their own mistakes, too.” - Erika Ayers Badan

Do you want to discover the secret to turning your passion into a successful business? Get ready to unlock the key to transforming your passion into a thriving business.

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Unleash the power of your passion and turn it into a thriving business venture.

• Discover the key to navigating career transitions and finding genuine happiness in your work life.

• Unlock the hidden benefits of diverse work experiences and how they can elevate your professional journey.

• Master the art of building a captivating personal brand on social media to stand out in the digital world.

• Explore effective strategies for achieving a harmonious work-life balance and reclaiming your time and energy.

Erika Ayers Badan is a digital innovator, disruptor, and seasoned executive on the cutting edge of content creation, distribution, and monetization of premier and culturally relevant content. As an early adopter of internet culture, Ayers has always been interested in what’s next, driving digital entrepreneurship and large-scale revenue growth within companies.

Ayers Badan was recently named CEO of Food52 after serving as a board member and advisor since 2019.

Ayers Badan currently serves on the boards of the Premier Lacrosse League, and global public safety technology leader Axon Enterprise (AXON).

She is also the author of the book “Nobody Cares About Your Career: Why Failure is Good, The Great Ones Play Hurt and Other Hard Truths” which was released in July of 2024. Intertwined with anecdotes from her own career, Ayers Badan shares inspiring insight into how work really works, and how you can get it to work for you.

As the first-ever CEO of media magnate Barstool Sports, Ayers Badan led the company through explosive growth (+5000% in revenue and significantly more in audience), expanding the company from a regional blog to a national powerhouse brand and media company. During her 9 years steering the company, Barstool became a top ten podcasting publisher in the US, with the world's #1 sports, hockey, golf, and music podcasts, and a top 6 brand globally on TikTok. Ayers Badan has launched over 35 brands, including breakout franchises like Pat McAfee and Call Her Daddy.

Following Barstool’s exponential growth, Fast Company named Ayers Badan as one of its "Most Creative People in Business" in 2018, citing Barstool Sports' expansion into multimedia and merchandising during her tenure. That same year, Forbes ranked her 25th on its "Most Powerful Women in U.S. Sports.” In 2019, she was ranked #19 on The Big Lead's list of "The 75 Most Powerful People in the Sports Media Business." That year, she was also included on Crain's New York's "Notable Women in the Business of Sports.” Adweek named Ayers Badan as one of its "Most Powerful Women in Sports" in 2017 and 2020.

Ayers Badan has also held several senior roles at influential media and technology organizations, including President of BKSTG, CMO for AOL, VP of Branding at Yahoo! and Senior Director of MSN Branded Experiences for Microsoft.

As a dyslexic, I can see from the creative, to the manufacturing, to the economic, to the distribution, to the end result in a blink of an eye. And I can tell you where there is a discord. I might not be able to tell you right away why, but I can tell you for sure that's where it is. - Gil Gershoni

Discover the surprising journey of Gil Gershoni, a dyslexic entrepreneur who turned a childhood passion for magic tricks into a thriving creative agency. Embracing dyslexia as a superpower, Gil's radical collaboration approach has redefined the way we solve problems and foster inclusivity. But here's the unexpected twist: Gil's dyslexic design thinking has not only led to groundbreaking creative solutions but has also sparked a global movement through the "Dear Dyslexia" postcard project. Want to know how dyslexia can unlock creativity and resilience in the business world? Get ready to be inspired and join the conversation. Stay tuned for more insights and surprises.

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Unleash your passion and turn it into a thriving business.

• Harness the power of dyslexic design thinking for creative problem-solving.

• Overcome dyslexia-related challenges in education and thrive.

• Start and grow a successful creative agency from the ground up.

• Discover the meaningful impact of the "Dear Dyslexia" postcard project.

My special guest is Gil Gershoni.

For over 30 years, Gil Gershoni has been bringing together cutting edge ideas and keeping brands like Google, Apple, Spotify, and Nike ahead of the curve. After immigrating to the United States from Israel and supporting himself through a brief stint as a magician, Gershoni founded Gershoni Creative, a San Francisco-based creative agency, in 1996.

As the agency expanded, Gil realized that his dyslexia had benefits within the creative process that helped his team and clients innovate and thrive. Through his work and advocacy, Gershoni is helping others discover something he’s long known: there’s a little bit of magic in dyslexic thinking.

In 2017, Gil founded Dyslexic Design Thinking, a program that teaches people how to leverage strategies that come naturally to dyslexics to enhance how they work, think, create, and problem-solve. His mission is to educate people about dyslexia and move away from the traditional – and incomplete – perception of the condition as a debilitating limitation. For Gil, dyslexia is a hyper-ability, not just a disability. Dyslexics are often able to make surprising connections and find solutions in unexpected places – and Dyslexic Design Thinking can help linear thinkers unlock their creative potential.

Dyslexic Design Thinking has grown to include the Dyslexic Design Thinking podcast and The Bigger Picture with Amazing Dyslexics, a virtual salon series that explores how dyslexics and non-dyslexics alike can use big-picture thinking to create and innovate across different fields.

In October of 2022, Gil executive produced Dyslexic Dictionary, an exhibit in San Francisco showcasing works by dyslexic artists and leaders, including California Governor Gavin Newsom and Twitter logo designer Martin Grasser.

“If we all looked at life as ‘what are we supposed to learn and what are we supposed to achieve? What are we supposed to do here in this world, in this lifetime?’ I think we would feel more empowered.” - Melissa Muszynski

Want to achieve career transformation and follow your passion? Embrace change and find fulfillment in your work? Well, I've got the solution for you! In this captivating story, Melissa Muszynski shares her journey of turning her passion for interior design into a successful business, overcoming challenges, and following her heart. Get ready to be inspired as we dive into her story and discover the key to embracing change and achieving career transformation. Let's unlock the secrets to turning passion into a thriving business and find the fulfillment you've been seeking. Get ready to be inspired and take your career to the next level!

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Unleash the power of turning your passion into a thriving business.

• Discover effective strategies for overcoming concussions and migraines.

• Explore the intriguing world of interior design psychology and emotion.

• Embark on a transformative journey to start your own design business.

• Understand the profound impact of home environment on mental health.

My special guest is Melissa Muszynski.

Melissa is the founder and creative director of MBM Design. She offers her clients full service residential and commercial interior design coupled with strategic project management services. She has the expertise to take on projects of all sizes and complexities, ranging from single family homes to multi-story residences and offices.

Along with her commitment in providing the highest quality work for her clients, she is an active member of the CT Home Builder’s and Remodeler’s Association and serves on the Board of Directors for the Interior Design Society, Connecticut Chapter.

During her “free time” she can be seen at local art galleries, cheering at swim meets and finding design inspiration while traveling with her family.

“Imagine that instead of becoming vindictive and being reactive and going around and having a horrible time with you or anybody that is with you, you just become creative. That is the ultimate revenge, creativity.” - Mitra Manesh

Do you want to discover the powerful solution to improving teaching methods and understanding dyslexia? Experience the transformation and learn how to overcome dyslexia with creative teaching methods. Get ready to unlock the potential for improved teaching and understanding of dyslexia!

Mitra Manesh is a senior mindfulness educator at UCLA and a coach to many well-known and unknown happy people. She’s creator of “Mindful Attentionist Self- Coaching” program, a year-long inside-out deep dive into a life of choice and wellbeing. She’s also the author of the upcoming book, The Attentionist. Mitra has been a Human Right Commissioner in Ontario, Canada, a commentator/panelist for CBC and Omni TV, and an executive for numerous non-profit and for-profit entities. Her corporate clients include Amazon, Merrill Lynch, Unilever, UCLA Anderson, The Capital Group, United Health, Hugo Boss, C.A.A., EDC, Annenberg Foundation, The Senate of Canada…to name a few. Living, learning and teaching mindfulness for the past 4 decades on 4 continents has gifted Mitra with many rewards and sometimes even awards. The most surprising came when mindfulness met royalty, and she received the 50th Golden Jubilee Medal from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

“If you're really tapping into your true potential as a human being, that's not comfortable. So you can either choose a life of comfort or you can choose a life of possibility, but you cannot have both at the same time.” - Joanna Kleinman

Uncover the unexpected power of overcoming self-doubt and achieving personal growth with a simple mantra. What two words can transform your mindset and change the energy within you? Dive into this candid conversation to discover the surprising twist that can revolutionize your approach to life. Ready to unlock the hidden potential within you? Stay tuned for this eye-opening revelation.

In this episode, you will find out about:

• Mastering the Mind Method: Unleash the power to overcome self-doubt and achieve personal growth.

• Discovering the transformative benefits of psychotherapy in unlocking your potential for personal growth.

• Uncovering the essential steps to successfully publish your own book and share your message with the world.

• Exploring the evolution of turning your passion for podcasting into a thriving business venture.

• Embracing the importance of self-awareness as a key to achieving your most meaningful goals.

Joanna Kleinman is a renowned psychotherapist, leadership coach, and best-selling author who empowers coaches, psychologists, and healers with her innovative M.I.N.D Method™. This transformative model elevates coaching practices and transforms lives by helping individuals dethrone their inner critic. Blending coaching methods, spirituality, neuroscience, and psychotherapy techniques, Joanna enables clients to live the life and build the business they truly desire.

With her guidance, thousands of women have learned to think in fundamentally different ways, achieving lasting success both personally and professionally. Joanna specializes in helping those who feel burnt out, stressed, and unfulfilled in critical areas of their lives—whether it's family, career, confidence, health, or overall well-being. She also "teaches the teacher," showing coaches how to enliven and expand their practices.

Free your mind, and joy will follow. Whether you have your own practice or are looking to become who you were meant to be, Joanna Kleinman is here to help you unlock your true potential.

You've got to just have that drive to go after it because there's nobody waking you up in the morning telling you to go to work or telling you what to do when you get there. So you've got to have that relentlessness to keep moving forward and just keep pursuing the goal. - Julie Bee

Want to find the solution to enhanced business resilience and an expanded professional network? I'll be sharing the secrets to achieving that result. Let's dive in!

In this episode, you will learn about:

• Mastering the art of overcoming burnout for entrepreneurs.

• Unleashing the power of writing and publishing a business book.

• Cultivating the successful traits of entrepreneurship.

• Constructing a solid foundation of resilience in business.

• Elevating your networking game as a business owner.

My special guest is Julie Bee.

Julie Bee is a business strategist, burnout expert, assessment nerd, and author. She’s been dubbed the “small business fixer" by her clients and peers. Her book, Burned: How Business Owners Can Overcome Burnout and FUEL Success is changing how we battle, and then embrace, burnout.

With over 15 years in the entrepreneurial field, Julie has solidified her reputation as a dynamic consultant, a riveting speaker, and a leader who sheds light on the darker side of business ownership. She has a knack for transforming businesses from the ground up. Whether it's reshaping workplace cultures or empowering leaders, her influence proves game-changing for those who collaborate with her. Having been celebrated by AP News, Fast Company, and Forbes, her work is in high demand in the industry.

“If you want to be successful, you have to go from failure to failure without losing enthusiasm.” - Jonathan Levin

Are you ready for an unexpected truth? Imagine a professional athlete navigating the highs and lows of their career, only to realize that their greatest opponent is the fear of their own potential. Picture the inner battle between the love for the game and the daunting prospect of life after sports. Stay tuned to discover how a seasoned athlete confronts this inner conflict and finds the courage to embrace a new chapter.

In this episode, you will learn about:

• Mastering the Art of Overcoming Rejection: Uncover the mental strength and resilience needed to navigate rejection as a professional athlete.

• Prioritizing Mental Wellness for Peak Performance: Discover the crucial role mental health plays in sports and how it can elevate your athletic performance.

• Excelling in Post-Career Life: Unveil the strategies for a successful transition from sports to post-career life, ensuring a fulfilling and prosperous future.

• Harnessing the Power of Family Support: Explore the impact of family support on your athletic career and how it can be a game-changer for your success.

• Sustaining Focus and Motivation: Unlock the strategies for maintaining unwavering focus and motivation in sports, propelling you towards your peak performance.

My special guest is Jonathan Levin.

Jonathan Levin is a dedicated professional footballer, most recently with the Phoenix Rising Football Club, whose career reflects a deep commitment to discipline, positive attitudes, and mental health advocacy.

Jonathan recently joined the Arizona Monsoon after the Phoenix Rising. Consistently throughout his professional career, Levin has showcased his adaptability and perseverance on the field. Before joining the Phoenix Rising, Levin had impactful stints with the Las Vegas Lights FC in 2019 and 2020, appearing in 13 matches, and with FC Tulsa in 2017 and2018, where he appeared in 23 matches in two years. Previous to advancing his professional career into the USL Championship, he spent six years in the first division in Mexico with notable clubs like Pachuca, Jaguares, Veracruz, and Puebla. His skills as a versatile midfielder and central defender are marked by exceptional ball control, strategic playmaking, and a disciplined approach to the game, making him a valuable asset to any team.

He is a passionate advocate for mental health connecting with groups, pro athletes and followers to share his authentic life experiences and address life’s challenges while providing practical advice and encouragement. Through social media, media, and a speaking platform Jonathan is sharing his journey and experience with others to make a difference. He recently became a speaker for Greattly Increase a program that delivers life-based education for students to help set them up for success. The program equips high school students and youth through inspiring speakers that deliver financial education, personal and career development and mental wellness topics. Jonathan joins a short list of speakers that are mostly Pro Football Hall of Famers, and also other pro athletes, all gifted with the ability to inspire and uplift others.

“You have the control. You are your own superpower. When you start to understand that about yourself, you can do anything.” - Nikayla Russell

Discover the unexpected journey of a young entrepreneur who opened a thriving hot yoga studio at just 26, all while navigating pregnancy, a broken foot, and a studio relocation. You won't believe the resilience and passion that led to this incredible success. But that's not all – stay tuned for the surprising twists and turns that made this dream a reality.

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Discover the mental health benefits of hot yoga and how it can improve your overall well-being.

• Learn essential tips for starting a successful yoga studio business and thriving in the industry.

• Overcome challenges as a young entrepreneur in the yoga world and turn obstacles into opportunities for growth.

• Explore effective ways to integrate yoga into your daily life for a more balanced and mindful lifestyle.

• Uncover the strategies for building a strong and supportive community through yoga studios that fosters connection and positivity.

My special guest is Nikayla Russell

Nikayla Russell, also known as Nikki, is a seasoned yoga instructor and the founder of Doza Yoga studio. Her journey with yoga began during her college days, where a transformative hot yoga class left an indelible mark on her. This experience sparked her passion for the mental and physical benefits of yoga, leading her to delve deeper into the practice. With a background in sports and a love for movement, Nikki's approach to yoga is dynamic and engaging, creating a space that fosters self-discovery and wellness. Her unique perspective on the mental health benefits of hot yoga makes her a valuable resource for medical professionals and yoga enthusiasts seeking to enhance their well-being through consistent practice.