Dana Echert is the founder of Inspire, where she helps grow leaders with high emotional intelligence.

Her background is in HR and learning and development. After years of watching companies build trainings to fix "accountability issues" and "conflict issues," she figured out what was actually broken.....

It wasn't the people. It was the system.

In this episode of Reanimated Stories, I talk with Dana as she breaks down why the traditional model of promoting top performers into management roles is broken, and why Technical Intelligence (TQ) does not automatically translate to Emotional Intelligence (EQ).

Dana explains how the pandemic and the rise of remote work completely shifted the weight of organizational policy onto the shoulders of mid-level managers.

If you want to stop treating emotional intelligence as a "nice to have" and start using it as a data-driven tool for business growth, listen to Dana's insights.

---------------

Connect with Dana

Website: www.INSPIREskillstraining.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dana-echert/

---------------

About Reanimated Stories: Hosted by Roger Jorns, I talk with awesome business leaders about their story and we explore how to reimagine work, life, and design.

Connect with Roger:

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/roger-jorns

Website: reanimationdesign.com

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@reanimationdesign

Podcast: https://rss.com/podcasts/reanimated-stories/

---------------

00:00 Intro

00:25 Meet The Host And Guest

01:09 Dana And Inspire Mission

02:19 Leadership Shift Since 2020

06:54 EQ Versus Technical Skills

09:39 Trust And Retention Costs

13:48 Assessments And EQ Lab

17:11 Lead Yourself First

18:50 Leadership Pipeline And Burnout

24:27 Unlimited PTO Example

26:13 Getting Started And Snapshot Tool

30:07 Connect And Spotlight Series

31:35 Outro

Well if you like waking up before the crack of dawn, you're in luck!

So does my next guest Jayme Shiarla!

Jayme is an executive wellness coach, NLP practitioner, and community builder.

She wakes up at 4:03 AM every day to train her body and her brain. (Ya she is into Crossfit!)

She explains how pushing through a grueling CrossFit workout sets the tone for the rest of her day. If she can conquer her own demons first thing in the morning (because let's face it...that is EARLY!, nothing the day throws at her feels insurmountable.

We chat about how she uses Neurolinguistic Programming (NLP) to help high-performers rewire their brains. She specializes in coaching leaders who look incredibly successful on the outside but feel unfulfilled on the inside.

On top of all that, Jayme also shares the heart behind her book, 123 Quotes.

A deeply personal collection of the words that saved her life through her darkest moments.

Then to wrap it up we talk about her role helping organize The Table Network here in Austin.

This is a great episode and one you will have a hard time walking away from feeling anything less than energized!

---------------

Connect with Jayme:

Website: www.coachjayme.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/jaymethecoach

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaymethecoach/

Book: Beyond the Words: 123 Quotes to Inspire Action and Growth

Discovery Call: https://jaymeshiarlacoaching.com/client-application

---------------

About Reanimated Stories: Hosted by Roger Jorns, I talk with awesome business leaders about their story and we explore how to reimagine work, life, and design.

Connect with Roger:

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/roger-jorns

Website: reanimationdesign.com

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@reanimationdesign

Podcast: https://rss.com/podcasts/reanimated-stories/

---------------

00:00 Intro

00:23 Meeting Jayme at Table Network

01:44 Jayme’s Coaching Background

02:42 What NLP Really Means

04:18 How Jayme Got Into NLP

05:46 Coaching High Performers

07:47 CrossFit as Mental Training

10:41 Challenge Creates Change

13:07 Book Born From Darkness

17:02 Book Concept Wrap Up

17:29 Joining Table Network

18:47 Why It Feels Different

20:28 How The Event Works

22:18 Host Perspective

24:45 CrossFit Midyear Workshop

26:07 Big Vision For Tables

28:37 Challenge & Outro

Nobody talks about what it actually costs you.

Stephen Crockett has been in telecom sales since the beginning.

Entry-level rep.

A hundred cold calls a day.

All the way up to VP at a large corporation.

Then Stephen realized that playing corporate politics was not for him.

So, he decided to build his own thing: Evolve Network Solutions, a cloud-based communication provider built specifically for small and mid-size businesses.

In this episode, Stephen gets real about entrepreneurship and owning a business.

The freedom is real. But so is the accountability.

Nobody's grading you. Nobody's setting your KPIs.

You have to do that yourself. Every. Single. Week.

On top of that, we also dive into the massive evolution of the telecom industry.

Stephen explains how the pandemic turned platforms like Zoom into household names and making enterprise-level tools accessible to small businesses.

COVID didn't just change the way we work. It accelerated 10 years of tech adoption into about 10 months!

If you are a business owner trying to scale your operations or someone debating leaving the 9-to-5 grind to start your own company, Stephen's advice is a must-listen.

---------------

Connect with Stephen

Website: https://evolvesolutionsinc.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-crockett-111b2215b/

---------------

About Reanimated Stories: Hosted by Roger Jorns, I talk with awesome business leaders about their story and we explore how to reimagine work, life, and design.

Connect with Roger:

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/roger-jorns

Website: reanimationdesign.com

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@reanimationdesign

Podcast: https://rss.com/podcasts/reanimated-stories/

---------------

00:00 Intro

00:20 Welcome and Networking Guest

00:50 Texas Ice and Driving Lessons

04:08 Telecom Career Origin Story

05:47 Cloud Shift and Channel Sales

07:45 Cloud Misconceptions and Servers

09:42 Corporate vs Entrepreneurship Reality

14:08 Honoring Your Business KPIs

16:20 COVID Accelerates Cloud Work

18:22 Cloud Boom After COVID

18:44 APIs and CRM Integrations

19:49 Zoom Becomes a Verb

20:52 RingCentral vs Zoom Story

22:18 Telehealth and New Use Cases

23:23 Mobile App for Sales Teams

25:47 Business Texting Ring Groups

27:07 Should You Switch Providers

30:43 Onboarding and Ongoing Support

32:17 Where to Find Stephen

33:31 Outro

Well, Dan Dowdy did have it all:

A successful family plumbing business, a dream home, and a comfortable life...

Then, he sold it all, moved his wife and four kids into a camper, and launched a coaching business for tradesmen in January 2020....yup, then the world shut down.

In this episode of Reanimated Stories, I chat with Dan to talk about why he built Built for the Trades.

We talk about why the blue-collar world desperately needs leadership coaching that focuses on more than just profit.

As well as discuss the trap of sacrificing your faith, family, and health to scale a business, and how to build a company that can actually run without you.

Dan also shares his personal testimony, explaining how a series of tragic losses led him to a radical faith in God, and how a John Maxwell audiobook on a morning run changed the entire trajectory of his career.

If you are a plumber, roofer, electrician, or any other small business owner who feels like you have hit a wall, this episode will show you how to beat the bottleneck and reclaim your time!

---------------

Connect with Dan

Website: https://builtforthetrades.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BuiltForTheTrades/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/builtforthetrades/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@builtforthetrades

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/dan-dowdy-989b8111a

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@built4trades

X: https://x.com/Built4theTrades

---------------

About Reanimated Stories: Hosted by Roger Jorns, I talk with awesome business leaders about their story and we explore how to reimagine work, life, and design.

Connect with Roger:

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/roger-jorns

Website: reanimationdesign.com

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@reanimationdesign

Podcast: https://rss.com/podcasts/reanimated-stories/

---------------

00:00 Intro

00:34 Meet Dan Dowdy

01:17 Built For The Trades Origin

02:58 Launching During Covid

05:15 Why Trades Need Coaching

07:04 Leadership Lessons Learned

10:27 Faith Driven Mission

15:38 Programs And Community

19:53 Systems For Self Operating

23:42 Is Coaching Right Now

26:07 Who Fits The Trades

28:15 Where To Find Dan

29:11 Outro

Rebecca Prejean thinks bigger than that.

Roger and Rebecca sit down to talk about why most corporate training fails.

Rebecca had no lens for accessibility until her son was diagnosed with autism. Now, she runs EB Graphics and Consulting, helping companies fix their broken training, onboarding, and internal communication.

But the goal is always the same: make sure people can get the information, understand it, and act on it.

That's just good business.

Accessibility is not about shaming business owners or jumping into "cancel culture." It is about making sure your customers and employees can actually digest your information.

---------------

Connect with Rebecca

Website: https://www.ebgc.net

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rbprejean

---------------

About Reanimated Stories: Hosted by Roger Jorns, I talk with awesome business leaders about their story and we explore how to reimagine work, life, and design.

Connect with Roger:

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/roger-jorns

Website: reanimationdesign.com

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@reanimationdesign

---------------

00:00 Intro

00:40 Meet Rebecca In Austin

01:38 What She Does

02:29 Why Accessibility Matters

03:26 Inside Corporate Fixes

05:24 Beyond Disabilities

06:40 Overlays And Quick Fixes

08:31 Diagnosing The Real Problem

10:06 Building Empathy And Awareness

13:42 Personality Tests Limits

16:36 Humans Have Layers

17:41 Work Personas and Change

18:43 Employer Support and Boundaries

20:05 Accessibility Beyond Websites

21:15 Audit the Journey

23:30 Intentional Processes Not Tribal Knowledge

25:41 Accessibility as Smart Business

29:05 Fear of Getting It Wrong

29:53 How to Connect with Rebecca

31:17 Outro

People aren't Googling things the same way anymore.

They're asking AI. And if you're not showing up there, someone else is — even if they're less qualified than you.

Kevin Vaughan is an AI visibility specialist and the founder of KTV Digital. He helps small and medium-sized businesses get found in AI search and turn those educated, ready-to-buy visitors into actual customers.

In this episode of Reanimated Stories, I sit down with Kevin Vaughan from KTV Digital to break down the differences between SEO, AEO (Answer Engine Optimization), and GEO (Generative Engine Optimization).

We talk about how if you want your business to show up in those summarized answers, you have to stop writing for keywords and start writing to train the AI.

---------------

Connect with Kevin

Website:

Website:https://ktvdigital.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/texaskevin/

Free SearchScore: https://searchscore.ktvdigital.com/

---------------

About Reanimated Stories: Hosted by Roger Jorns, I talk with awesome business leaders about their story and we explore how to reimagine work, life, and design.

Connect with Roger:

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/roger-jorns

Website: reanimationdesign.com

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@reanimationdesign

---------------

00:00 Intro

00:47 Meet The Hosts

00:53 How Roger Met Kevin

02:37 Kevin And KTV Digital

04:20 AEO Vs GEO Explained

06:33 AI Search Shoe Store

08:37 Visibility And Touchpoints

11:49 How AI Visibility Works

17:19 Common Mistakes And FOMO

22:14 Free AI Search Score Tool

23:52 Big Tools Vs Consultants

27:39 Where To Find Kevin

29:36 Outro

Mike Nasche spent years jumping out of airplanes with the 82nd Airborne Division before getting his MBA and becoming a business coach.

Now, he helps small business owners make better decisions faster.

We sat down to talk about why so many entrepreneurs are "corporate escapees" and how military tactics (like standard operating procedures and "battle drills") apply directly to running a small business.

Mike explains why he skips the traditional suit-and-tie for a backwards hat and whiskey chats, proving that authenticity attracts the right clients.

And why waiting three years to get help is one of the biggest mistakes he sees business owners make.

If your business feels stuck at a level you cannot beat (Remember those video game boss's you couldn't get past?) Well ,Mike breaks down exactly how to overcome that plateau without signing up for endless coaching retainers.

---------------

Connect with Michael

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaelpnasche/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelpnasche/

---------------

About Reanimated Stories: Hosted by Roger Jorns, I talk with awesome business leaders about their story and we explore how to reimagine work, life, and design.

Connect with Roger:

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/roger-jorns

Website: reanimationdesign.com

---------------

00:00 Intro

00:18 Meet Mike Nash

01:25 Coaching Entrepreneurs With ADHD

03:11 Corporate Escapee Mindset

04:30 Meetings and Military Lessons

06:21 MBA and Coaching Origins

09:18 Coach First Consultant Second

11:37 Blue Collar MBA Vibe

12:49 Whiskey Chats and Networking

15:17 Authenticity and Personal Branding

17:14 Style as Conversation Starter

17:58 Fun Socks Banter

18:23 Decision Clarity Framework

20:01 Values Versus Profit Calls

21:28 Coach As Thinking Partner

24:13 Military Lessons For Business

28:50 When To Hire A Coach

33:36 Ego And Outsourcing

34:51 Where To Find Michael

35:35 Outro

If so...you're not alone.

This week I sat down with Amy, a corporate escapee turned leadership coach, to figure out why a group of superstars rarely acts like a superstar team.

Amy explains how she uses a scientific assessment to find out if your team actually collaborates or just passes the buck.

But here is the cool thing it is not just 'another boring assessment' Amy shares her unique "arts-based learning" method, proving that you do not need to be a painter to think creatively.

We talk about the 1980s Olympic basketball team, why left-brained thinkers need art the most, and why AI will never replace human trust.

If your executive team feels disconnected, this episode will show you how to start passing the ball to the right person.

---------------

Connect with Amy Swotinsky

Website: http://amyswotinsky.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amyswotinsky/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amyswotinsky/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@amy_swotinsky

---------------

About Reanimated Stories: Hosted by Roger Jorns, I talk with awesome business leaders about their story and we explore how to reimagine work, life, and design.

Connect with Roger:

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/roger-jorns

Website: reanimationdesign.com

---------------

00:00 Intro

00:23 Meet the Host and Guest

01:35 Why Leaders Dont Team

03:41 Assessment Based Diagnosis

04:58 Corporate Escapee Origin

05:51 Basketball Teamwork Lesson

10:11 Fixing Meetings With Quick Wins

13:03 Arts Based Learning Method

14:43 Science Behind Creativity

19:05 Measuring Progress and Results

20:52 Try the Assessment Offer

22:07 Where to Find Amy

23:24 AI and Future Leadership Skills

24:46 Outro

In this episode of Reanimated Stories, I sit down with Jessica Gruber, founder of the Buzzworks web design agency and COO of Success Champions Networking.

Jessica brings over a decade of experience to the table, sharing why your website should be your best salesperson.

And how to make sure it is actually doing its job.

We dive into the concept of building "Super, Sticky, Sweet" websites.

Jessica explains why you need to attract the right leads, keep them engaged with interactive content, and, most importantly, give them a clear call to action.

We also discuss how networking in the real world directly impacts your digital authority and SEO.

In addition find out how surrounding yourself with ideal clients in real life mirrors the process of building digital authority with backlinks and content.

And find out why Jessica thinks AI isn't replacing web designers anytime soon, but how you can use it to analyze your Google Analytics data.

---------------

Connect with Jessica Gruber

Website: https://buzzwks.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JessGruber

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-gruber/

Success Champions Networking: https://successchampionnetworking.com/

---------------

About Reanimated Stories: Hosted by Roger Jorns, I talk with awesome business leaders about their story and we explore how to reimagine work, life, and design.

Connect with Roger:

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/roger-jorns

Website: reanimationdesign.com

---------------

00:00 Intro

00:37 Meet Jessica Gruber

01:10 Buzzworks Origin Story

03:04 Bee Rescue Tangent

06:32 Sales Talk Into Websites

08:21 Discovery Session First

09:47 Ideal Clients and Startups

11:09 Super Sticky Sweet Framework

12:55 Networking Builds Authority

16:37 Lead Magnets That Convert

20:36 Define Your Ideal Client

22:30 Where to Find Jessica

23:47 Favorite Project and AI

26:00 Outro

Well, if you don't have a plan, you can!

This week I chatted with Alberto to talk about why work feels like a mess of pointless emails and long meetings.

Cool thing is he spent years as an anthropologist looking at how groups talk to each other. He says the problem is that we treat "culture" and "communication" as soft feelings instead of actual systems.

Alberto shares a rule he uses with his clients: if you cannot name the exact thing you need to walk away with, you cannot call a meeting.

Period.

If you get an invite that doesn't list a goal, you can stay at your desk.

We talk about how surgeons and pilots use checklists to stay alive, and how those same lists can save your business day.

We also talk about why most teams have no clue what they are supposed to finish each week and how a virtual assistant can help you focus on the work that actually pays the bills.

If you feel like your day is just busy work, listen to this talk.

00:00 – Intro

01:50 – Alberto’s start as a cultural anthropologist in Mexico City

03:00 – Why "soft skills" is a label that needs to go

04:30 – Lessons from a telecom joint venture in the 90s

12:15 – Why a meeting is just a production line

15:40 – The data on why teams do not know their weekly goals

19:50 – Why leaders resist the rules they make for everyone else

24:10 – The Checklist Manifesto: How lists save lives in surgery

30:15 – Swapping your to-do list for a "to-accomplish" list

32:45 – Working with virtual assistants in your own time zone

35:50 – Outro

---------------

Connect with

Website: https://inzync.com/ https://houstondisrupt.org/

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/alberto-garcia-jurado-us

---------------

About Reanimated Stories: Hosted by Roger Jorns, I talk with awesome business leaders about their story and we explore how to reimagine work, life, and design.

Connect with Roger:

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/roger-jorns

Website: reanimationdesign.com

---------------

I recently chatted with Greg Wasserman, the man in charge of relationships at RSS.com.

Greg spent years in media sales fighting giants like Google before moving into the audio world.

He believes life boils down to two things: time and people.

If you start a podcast just to watch a download counter, you might (and probably will) quit.

But don't worry Greg breaks down and explains why the long game wins.

His philosophy instead?

Treat your podcast as an engine to build trust.

It turns cold outreach into ninety-minute talks.

This shift changes a transaction into a partnership.

And you get to meet some awesome people!

So if you have been thinking of starting a podcast, remember this:

It's about relationships!

So if you are ready to build a podcast (or business) that lasts, you need to invest in relationships!

Check out today's podcast and connect with Greg!

---------------

Connect with Greg

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregwasserman/

RSS.com: https://rss.com/?via=9f060f

---------------

About Reanimated Stories: Hosted by Roger Jorns, I talk with awesome business leaders about their story and we explore how to reimagine work, life, and design.

Connect with Roger:

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/roger-jorns

Website: reanimationdesign.com

---------------

00:00 Intro

01:03 Guest Introduction: Meet Greg

01:30 Greg's Journey into Podcasting

02:29 The Power of Relationships in Business

07:07 Using Podcasting as a Relationship Tool

11:41 Consistency and Strategy in Podcasting

17:05 Practical Tips for Podcasting Success

23:29 The Importance of Systems and Processes

30:08 Connect with Greg

32:22 Outro

You can achieve everything you want and still end up alone in your penthouse.

Sound familiar?

In this episode, Alec shares how he built the Young Professionals Network in Austin.

It's not your typical networking group.

They combine Chamber of Commerce-style connections with real community building and nonprofit work.

Whether you're building a business or just trying to find your people in a new city, this conversation offers practical wisdom about doing both well.

00:00 Intro

00:31 Meet the Host & Guest: Alec Joins Reanimated Stories

01:23 What Is Young Professionals Network? Building Community in Austin

01:59 From Chamber of Commerce to Creative, High-Energy Events + Giving Back

03:45 Why Alec Started It: Moving to Austin, Finding the Need & the Elvis Lesson

06:36 Where YPN Is Headed: New Chapters, Bigger Events & Future Conferences

07:47 Who Shows Up: Entrepreneurs, Nonprofits & Monthly Volunteer Pop-Ups

09:49 Building the Team Like a Media Company: Roles, Content, Newsletter & Podcast

11:54 Inside the Events: Topgolf Origins, Vendors, Sponsorships & Going Bigger

14:58 Biggest Lessons Learned: Commitment, Follow-Through & Event Planning Reality

18:12 How to Connect + Who Should Join (Young in Spirit)

19:26 Outro

---------------

Connect with Alec

Website: austinypn.com

---------------

About Reanimated Stories: Hosted by Roger Jorns, I talk with awesome business leaders about their story and we explore how to reimagine work, life, and design.

Connect with Roger:

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/roger-jorns

Website: reanimationdesign.com

---------------

In this episode of Reanimated Stories, I sit down with Bridget Rocha, a registered sonographer with over 15 years of experience and the founder of Connected By Heart.

After a life-altering medical emergency with her husband, Bridget realized she wanted to step away from the rushed, chaotic environment of the traditional medical field and create something deeper for families.

Imagine seeing your baby's face for the first time, not on a small, fuzzy monitor in a cold clinic, but on your own living room TV while you are curled up on the couch with your dog. That is the experience Bridget is creating.

Bridget helps families slow down and help families actually enjoy these fleeting moments.

We talk about how she uses the latest 4D and "5D" HD technology to bring joyful gender reveals right into the home, but she also shares a quieter, more tender side of her work.

Bridget also provides a private sanctuary for families facing life-limiting diagnoses, giving them a safe space to bond with their baby far away from the noise and sterility of a medical office.

If you are looking for a story about turning pain into purpose and finding joy in the little moments, this episode is for you.

• 00:00 – Intro
• 02:22 – What is "Connected By Heart"?
• 03:47 – The Home Experience: Big screens, comfortable couches, and pets
• 07:11 – The Tech: What is the difference between 3D, 4D, and "5D"?
• 09:20 – The "Why": How a medical emergency changed Bridget's perspective
• 11:15 – Walkthrough: What happens when the sonographer arrives?
• 13:50 – Safety: What happens if you see a medical issue during a scan?
• 15:52 – Compassionate Care: Private scans for difficult diagnoses
• 18:15 – Escaping the "chaotic" rush of the medical field
• 21:49 – Service areas in Austin & how to book
• 24:00 – Outro

---------------

Connect with Bridget:

Website: connectedbyheart.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/connectedbyheartultrasound/

---------------

About Reanimated Stories:

Hosted by Roger Jorns, I talk with awesome business leaders about their story and we explore how to reimagine work, life, and design.

Connect with Roger: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/roger-jorns

Website: reanimationdesign.com

---------------

In this episode Roger talks with Carl Richards who talks about his jump from his 25-year career in radio broadcasting to podcasting

Carl Richards dismantles the myth that the podcasting market is too saturated for new creators by pointing out a staggering statistic: while businesses compete against over 11 billion websites globally, there are only about 3.5 million podcasts, making audio a far less crowded channel for establishing authority and cutting through the noise.

For those ready to launch their own show, Carl advises against the "five-year plan" of procrastination, recommending instead that you set a hard launch date on the calendar (ideally 60 days out) to force accountability and proper planning.

This is a great conversation we had and so rich with information that this is yet another masterclass in thinking through podcasting and how to get started!

Get your notetaker out and get ready for another masterclass from one of the best in the biz!

---------------

Carl Website: https://podcastsolutionsmadesimple.com/

Connect with Carl:

https://www.facebook.com/carl.richards.148

https://www.linkedin.com/in/carl-richards-podcast-solutions-made-simple/

https://www.instagram.com/podcastsolutionsmadesimple/

https://twitter.com/carlrichards72

Free Gift

Podcast Learning Companion

https://podcastsolutionsmadesimple.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/10-Simple-Steps-to-Launching-Your-Podcast.pdf

---------------

About Reanimated Stories: Hosted by Roger Jorns, I talk with awesome business leaders about their story and we explore how to reimagine work, life, and design.

Connect with Roger: linkedin.com/in/roger-jorns

Website: reanimationdesign.com

---------------

00:00 Intro

01:10 Introducing Carl from Podcast Solutions Made Simple

02:56 Carl's Journey into Podcasting

06:21 The Evolution of Podcasting

09:55 Internal Podcasts: A New Trend

14:36 The Growing Popularity of Podcasts

19:47 Innovative Website Strategies

20:01 The Power of Podcasting

22:21 SEO and Online Presence

27:03 The Role of Social Media Algorithms

32:43 Starting Your Own Podcast

36:28 Connecting with Carl Richards & Outro

In this episode, Roger Jorns interviews Michael Ciccolone, a corporate tax attorney who is challenging the status quo of the legal industry.

Michael breaks down his unique "Fractional General Counsel" model, which offers businesses a dedicated Chief Legal Officer on a subscription basis...saving them from the skyrocketing $1,000+ hourly rates of big firms!

We discuss the critical importance of building long-term relationships with legal counsel rather than just treating them as a transactional service.

Michael also gives his expert take on Artificial Intelligence in the legal field, warning about the dangers of relying too heavily on AI for contracts and why the industry may be heading toward a new apprenticeship era.

If you are a business owner wondering how to get high-level legal strategy without the high-level price tag, this episode is for you.

00:00 – Intro: Why other lawyers think Michael is crazy

01:38 – Michael’s background as a corporate tax attorney

03:13 – The problem with $1000/hour legal fees

05:58 – Explaining the Fractional General Counsel subscription model

11:15 – The value of long-term relationships over transactions

14:38 – Will AI replace lawyers? (The apprenticeship model)

18:56 – The pitfalls of using AI for legal work (Hallucinations & Bias)

24:08 – When should a business hire a lawyer?

---------------

Chat with Michael: https://calendly.com/michael-blacklinegc/30min

Connect with Michael LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-beltran-b39b3b180/

---------------

About Reanimated Stories: Hosted by Roger Jorns, I talk with awesome business leaders about their story and we explore how to reimagine work, life, and design.

Connect with Roger: linkedin.com/in/roger-jorns

Check out my website: reanimationdesign.com

---------------

Most people think email marketing is just spamming "buy now" buttons until someone clicks.

In this episode of Reanimated Stories, Roger sits down with email strategist Ely Delaney to debunk the myth that "email is dead."

Ely shares his proven system for nurturing leads that allowed him to close a deal 10 years after first meeting a prospect!

We dive deep into why your "Call to Action" shouldn't always be "Buy My Stuff," how to start real conversations that lead to sales, and the exact strategy Ely uses to automate his follow-up so he can keep selling...even if he gets hit by a bus!

We discuss the critical difference between "pitching" and "conversing," why you should stop doing Black Friday sales, and how a simple book recommendation saved a client's business six years after Ely wrote the email.

This isn't just an interview; it's a masterclass in building trust. Learn why your emails should add value to someone's life regardless of whether they buy from you.

If you're ready to stop shouting at your list and start building relationships that pay off for years, this episode is for you!

00:00 Introduction to the Guest: Ely Delaney

01:55 Ely Delaney's Background and Expertise

03:03 The Importance of Consistent Communication

09:10 Building Relationships Through Conversations

17:06 Ely Delaney's Journey into Email Marketing

19:10 The Beginnings of Lead Generation

19:43 Building Automated Follow-Up Campaigns

20:49 The Power of Evergreen Systems

21:33 Real-Life Success Stories

24:06 The Importance of Value in Email Marketing

25:44 Maximizing Close Rates Through Follow-Up

27:12 Nurturing Relationships with Your List

31:57 Effective Lead Generation Strategies

34:27 Conclusion

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Connect with Ely:

Website: ConnectWithEly.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elydelaney/

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About Reanimated Stories: Hosted by Roger Jorns, I talk with awesome business leaders about their story and we explore how to reimagine work, life, and design.

Connect with Roger: linkedin.com/in/roger-jorns

Want a website checkup?

https://www.reanimationdesign.com/free-website-audit/

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Roger is joined by Melinda Stallings, known widely as "The Positive Consultant." Melinda is on a mission to impact the world one individual at a time by helping people rediscover their internal greatness.

Together, they dive into:

• The Power of Reframing: How to look for the "gifts" even in difficult business climates.
• Disrupt HR Austin: What makes this event an "experience" rather than a conference, and how it connects professionals through high-energy storytelling.
• The Leadership Gap: Why leaders and employees often lack a "shared language" after training, and how Melinda’s "PAL" (Positive Approach to Leadership) gamified course solves this.
• Self-Reflection: The critical question every leader must ask themselves: "Would I follow me?".

Whether you are looking to bring a spark back to your organization or simply need a dose of encouragement, this episode is packed with wisdom, laughter, and positive energy.

00:00 - Intro: "Adults have stopped playing" & Rediscovering greatness.

01:28 - Meet "The Positive Consultant": Impacting the world one person at a time.

02:40 - The "PAL" Course: Why gamified learning releases dopamine.

04:25 - The Story of Disrupt HR Austin: How Roger & Melinda met.

05:58 - What makes Disrupt HR different? (5 minutes, 20 slides, auto-advance).

11:42 - How to walk into a negative room and bring positive energy.

13:42 - We are "Human Beings," not "Human Doings".

15:37 - The power of reframing: "Look for the gifts".

17:50 - The Leadership Gap: Creating a "Shared Language" between managers and employees.

22:15 - "Everybody Needs a PAL" (Positive Approach to Leadership).

24:43 - Recognizing pain points: When an organization needs a consultant.

29:05 - The ultimate leadership question: "Would you follow you?".

30:22 - Outro: You are worth it.

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Melinda Website: https://www.thepositiveconsultant.com/

Connect with Melinda LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melindastallings/

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About Reanimated Stories: Hosted by Roger Jorns, I talk with awesome business leaders about their story and we explore how to reimagine work, life, and design.

Connect with Roger: linkedin.com/in/roger-jorns

Want a website checkup? https://www.reanimationdesign.com/free-website-audit/

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In fact, are you building relationships at all? Whether in business or in life, and if so how are you doing it, by focusing on yourself or others?

In this special solo episode to kick off the New Year, I talk about becoming a true "connector."

Inspired by the book The Go-Giver, I look at the 5 transformative laws that shift the focus from "what can I get?" to "what can I give?"

Whether you are looking to grow your business, strengthen your marriage, or simply find more fulfillment in your daily interactions, this episode offers a roadmap for being intentional and authentic in the year ahead.

00:00 Introduction and New Year Greetings

00:15 Upcoming Podcast Highlights

00:49 Book Recommendation: The Go-Giver

02:43 Networking and Building Connections

09:03 The Five Laws of Stratospheric Success

21:34 Conclusion and New Year Wishes

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About Reanimated Stories: Hosted by Roger Jorns, I talk with awesome business leaders about their story and we explore how to reimagine work, life, and design.

Connect with Roger: linkedin.com/in/roger-jorns

Want a website checkup?

https://www.reanimationdesign.com/free-website-audit/

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In this episode, Roger Jorns interviews David W. Carr, founder of Steward Your Business.

David specializes in helping professionals in technical fields—like architecture, engineering, and construction—transition from being "doers" to being effective leaders.

David discusses the danger of becoming the "frog in boiling water" by ignoring the rising pressure of business life. We explore the necessity of holistic health—physical, spiritual, and emotional—and how it directly impacts your bottom line.

David also shares how he balances his intense work with his passion for Star Wars through his side venture, Lightside Collectibles.

If you are looking to understand your leadership voice and build a healthier organization, this episode is for you.

Connect with David:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidwcarr/

Lightside Collectibles: https://lightsidecollectibles.com/

Steward Your Business: https://stewardyourbusiness.com/

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About Reanimated Stories:

Hosted by Roger Jorns, I talk with awesome business leaders about their story and we explore how to reimagine work, life, and design.

Connect with Roger: linkedin.com/in/roger-jorns

Want a website checkup? https://www.reanimationdesign.com/free-website-audit/

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00:00 The Frog in Boiling Water: An Introduction

00:19 Meet the Hosts: Roger and David

01:27 David's Journey and Passion for Connecting People

02:10 The Birth of Steward Your Business

03:57 Star Wars and Lite Collectibles: A Passion Project

06:31 Balancing Work and Hobbies for a Healthier Life

10:11 Implementing Holistic Leadership in Business

14:02 Proactive Leadership Strategies

14:18 Balancing Personal and Professional Life

14:46 The Importance of Self-Leadership

15:13 Challenges in Engineering and Trust Building

16:40 Developing Competence in Teams

19:57 Recognizing and Valuing Team Diversity

23:01 Steps to Effective Leadership

25:35 Conclusion and Contact Information

Did you know that Stripe, Square, and PayPal can freeze your funds for up to 6 months with zero warning?

In this episode of Reanimated Stories, Roger sits down with Trey Rush of PayTech Plus to expose the dark side of "faceless" payment processors.

Trey explains why the algorithm is actually underwriting your business after you start processing transactions—like inviting everyone onto a cruise ship and then kicking half the passengers off once you're out to sea.

We dive deep into what actually makes a business "high risk" (it’s not just cannabis and gambling—furniture stores and marketing agencies are on the list too!).

Plus, see why winning a chargeback dispute is statistically less likely than a coin flip!

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Connect with Trey:

Learn your Risk: freemerchantscore.com

Connect with Trey LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/treyrush/

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About Reanimated Stories:

Hosted by Roger Jorns, I talk with awesome business leaders about their story and we explore how to reimagine work, life, and design.

Connect with Roger: linkedin.com/in/roger-jorns

Want a website checkup?

https://www.reanimationdesign.com/free-website-audit/

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00:00 Intro & The "Coin Flip" Hook

01:17 Payment Processing on "Easy Mode"

02:55 Faceless Processors vs. Agencies: What's the Difference?

04:53 The Problem with Stripe & Square ("PayFacs")

06:40 The "Cruise Ship" Analogy: When Algorithms Kick You Off

07:54 What Happens to Your Money? (The 6-Month Freeze)

09:37 What Actually Counts as a "High Risk" Industry?

11:54 Why Furniture Stores & Marketing Agencies are Now High Risk

14:19 How to Determine Your Risk Profile

16:38 Real Fraud (The Tire Shop Story)

19:33 Why You Need a Solid Refund Policy Strategy

21:18 The Chargeback Conflict of Interest (Why You Lose Disputes)

23:44 The Free Merchant Score Quiz

27:54 The Hidden Cost: How 3% Fees Eat 10% of Your Profit

29:40 The B2B Invoice Crisis: Why Half of Invoices are Past Due

In this episode, Roger interviews Michael Beltran, founder of Flash Marketing. Michael opens up about his journey from a 23-year-old with a psychology degree to running a successful marketing agency with a team of five.

They discuss the critical difference between Organic Social (content creation) and Paid Social (lead generation), and why Michael believes you must touch the entire funnel to succeed.

You will also learn his unique philosophy on the "Football Team" approach to holistic marketing and why you should treat social media algorithms like a networking relationship rather than a machine.

If you are a young entrepreneur looking to take the leap, or a business owner trying to understand why your social media isn't converting, this episode is for you.

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Flash Marketing Website: https://flash-mktg.com/

Connect with Michael LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-beltran-b39b3b180/

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About Reanimated Stories: Hosted by Roger Jorns, I talk with awesome business leaders about their story and we explore how to reimagine work, life, and design.

Connect with Roger: linkedin.com/in/roger-jorns

Want a website checkup?

https://www.reanimationdesign.com/free-website-audit/

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In this episode, Roger Jorns is joined by Rachael Garnett, founder of Eaas AI. Rachael shares her incredible personal journey of using AI art generation to recover from neurological memory loss caused by chronic Lyme disease .

We move from the personal to the practical, discussing how businesses are getting AI wrong by trying to do too much, too fast . Rachael breaks down her "Activation, Integration, and Mobilization" framework , explaining why you should ignore the hype telling you you’re "behind" and instead focus on small, specific pilot projects that actually solve problems .

If you are a leader feeling overwhelmed by technology, or someone interested in the intersection of creativity and healing, this story is for you.

We discuss the critical difference between "transactional HR" (payroll and benefits) and "strategic HR" that aligns people with business goals.

Mindy also opens up about her personal leap of faith—putting on a "squirrel suit" to jump into the world of fractional advising—and the creation of the "Alt HR Hive," a community where leaders can be vulnerable and grow together.

If you are a business leader wondering why your team feels disconnected from your strategy, this episode offers a human-first roadmap to fix it.

Mindy Business Website: agileinhr.com

Mindy personal website: mindyhoncoop.com

Mindy LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/mindyhoncoop/

Join AltHR Hive here: bit.ly/joinAltHRHive

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About Reanimated Stories: Hosted by Roger Jorns, I talk with awesome business leaders about their story and we explore how to reimagine work, life, and design.

Connect with Roger: linkedin.com/in/roger-jorns

Want a website checkup?

https://www.reanimationdesign.com/free-website-audit/

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We discuss the critical difference between having "tech" and having "tech leadership." Jaime breaks down his approach to securing businesses by starting with a simple inventory of "stuff," and explains how to use the "Theory of Constraints" to find the actual bottleneck in your operations before you waste money on automation.

If you are tired of being the "Chief Googler" for your company's IT problems, this episode is for you.

Connect with Jaime: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaimebarraza/

Rogue 41 website: https://rogue41.com/

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About Reanimated Stories: Hosted by Roger Jorns, I talk with awesome business leaders about their story and we explore how to reimagine work, life, and design.

Connect with Roger: linkedin.com/in/roger-jorns

Want a website checkup?

https://www.reanimationdesign.com/free-website-audit/

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In this episode, Roger Jorns interviews Rob Dyer, CEO of The Georgetown Project. For nearly 30 years, this organization has been the "connective tissue" between the city, the school district, and the community to support children from birth to career.

Rob opens up about his time as a high school principal and the specific student stories—including one young man living on his own—that convinced him to move into nonprofit leadership. We discuss the vital work of "The Nest," which serves homeless and at-risk teens, and "Bridges to Growth," which supports new parents.

If you want to understand how a community can come together to ensure no child walks alone, this episode is a must-listen.

Connect with The Georgetown Project

Website: https://www.georgetownproject.org/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheGeorgetownProject

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegeorgetownproject/

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About Reanimated Stories: Hosted by Roger Jorns, I talk with awesome business leaders about their story and we explore how to reimagine work, life, and design.

Connect with Roger: linkedin.com/in/roger-jorns

Want a website checkup?

https://www.reanimationdesign.com/free-website-audit/

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We discuss the Modus philosophy of "Shared Risk," where they refuse to de-risk their engagements, often working on success fees or contingency models to align with their clients' growth. Alex also shares a case study of saving a nonprofit from predatory debt by working for free for five months , and why "destruction" is a necessary part of business creation.

If you feel like your financial reports are just for the IRS and not for you, this episode will change your perspective.

Connect with Alex:

LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-dzierbicki-modus/

Website: https://lifegivingbusiness.org/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ModusMethod

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About Reanimated Stories: Hosted by Roger Jorns, I talk with awesome business leaders about their story and we explore how to reimagine work, life, and design.

Connect with Roger: linkedin.com/in/roger-jorns

Want a website checkup?

https://www.reanimationdesign.com/free-website-audit/

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In this episode, Roger Jorns interviews Sarena Diamond of Diamond Solutions Group. Sarena is a fractional executive (not a coach) who helps leaders navigate chaos, acquisitions, and reorganizations.

Sarena challenges the traditional consulting model by arguing that leaders shouldn't create dependencies on experts; instead, they should build the capability to handle the next change themselves.

We discuss the "three steps" of successful change: building belief, enabling behaviors, and sustaining culture.

Plus, we talk about why posting your core values on a bathroom wall is a terrible way to build culture.

Connect with Sarena:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarena-diamond/ (The only one spelled S-A-R-E-N-A)
• Website: https://diamondsolutionsgroupllc.com/

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About Reanimated Stories: Hosted by Roger Jorns, I talk with awesome business leaders about their story and we explore how to reimagine work, life, and design.

Connect with Roger: linkedin.com/in/roger-jorns

Want a website checkup?

https://www.reanimationdesign.com/free-website-audit/

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Does your business have a solid foundation or are you just "throwing spaghetti at the wall" with your marketing?

In this episode, Roger Jorns interviews Brand Strategist Emily Rosales about the vital difference between visual branding (logos) and foundational branding (values and story).

Emily opens up about her previous career in the mortgage industry, explaining how a misalignment in culture led her to pivot toward a career focused on impact and legacy. She breaks down her methodology for helping business owners who feel "invisible" gain the clarity needed to connect deeply with their audience.

If you are tired of "word vomiting" when people ask what you do, this episode offers a practical "pen to paper" exercise to help you refine your message today.

Connect with Emily:

• LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilyyrosaless/
• FB: https://www.facebook.com/emilyyy2
• IG: https://www.instagram.com/_emily_rosales/
• Website: https://simplyme-coaching.com/

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About Reanimated Stories: Hosted by Roger Jorns, I talk with awesome business leaders about their story and we explore how to reimagine work, life, and design.

Connect with Roger: linkedin.com/in/roger-jorns

Want a website checkup?

https://www.reanimationdesign.com/free-website-audit/

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Discover who they are, what they do, and how to connect with them.

Roger also does solo episodes where he talks about an interesting subject (hint: not himself) that can help you grow in your business.

Tune in weekly to learn, connect, and grow through engaging stories!