What makes a truly great leader? Why are so many influencers just echoes of others? In this powerful conversation, Chris Widener—one of the most respected speakers in the world—joins Josh Kosnick to discuss mentorship, integrity, revival, and the crisis of masculinity in modern leadership.

Chris was personally mentored by Jim Rohn and Zig Ziglar, has spoken over 2,500 times, and now leads a movement for spiritual revival across America. If you want truth over trend, and purpose over platform—this episode is for you.

Timestamps:
00:00 - Intro
00:46 - Welcome to Spartan Leadership
01:18 - Guest Introduction: Chris Widener
02:07 - Chris Widener’s Story
02:21 - The Power of Mentorship
08:07 - How to Find the Right Mentor
10:27 - Why Influence Is Misunderstood
14:13 - Lessons from Rohn and Ziglar
16:03 - The Danger of Imitation in Leadership
17:12 - Sahil Bloom’s Five Types of Wealth
18:04 - Plagiarism in the Speaking Industry
21:13 - Chris’s Book Writing Process
27:58 - The Core of Integrity
29:43 - Boldness in Leadership
30:37 - Self-Worth and Confidence
31:21 - Intentions vs. Actions
32:44 - Chris’s Revival Ministry
34:09 - College Campus Revivals
39:06 - Searching for Meaning
41:32 - Tithing and Trust
45:49 - Silence, Solitude, and Speaking
48:34 - Clarity Breaks and Lectio Divina
50:59 - A Vision for a Revived America
55:05 - The Emasculation of Men
57:37 - Teaching Masculine and Feminine Roles
01:00:53 - Feminism and the Perception of Men
01:01:46 - How to Connect with Chris
01:03:04 - Final Thoughts and Call to Action
________

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#SpartanLeadership #Leadership #BusinessSuccess #Mindset #Entrepreneurship #SelfImprovement #Podcast #JoshKosnick #SpartanMindset

Spartan Valor Foundation is dedicated to empowering veterans, military families, and survivors of child trafficking. Through strategic partnerships, we provide critical resources, advocacy, and hope for those who have sacrificed so much. Join us in making a difference—because no hero should stand alone.

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What happens when the career you built no longer feels like the life you want?

In this powerful episode of the Spartan Leadership Podcast, Josh Kosnick sits down with long-time friend and coach Michael Brownlow. After years of success at Northwestern Mutual, Michael made the rare decision to walk away—not because he failed, but because he felt called to something deeper.

They explore what most leaders avoid: discomfort, identity shifts, physical pain, and what it really means to pursue purpose over performance. From stories of international travel to lessons learned in stillness and struggle, this conversation is for anyone ready to stop performing and start leading.

• Learn more about Michael: https://michaelbrownlow.com 
• oin Rhino Boot Camp: https://joshkosnick.com/rhino
• Connect with Josh: https://joshkosnick.com
• Follow on Instagram: @joshkosnick

Chapters:
00:00:00 - Introduction
00:01:19 - Welcome to the Show
00:01:56 - Entering Financial Services
00:04:58 - The Attraction of Human Development
00:05:33 - The Challenge of Human Development
00:11:07 - The Importance of Self-Investment
00:11:24 - The Value of Genuine Engagement
00:14:04 - The Reality of Termination
00:15:35 - Understanding Ikigai
00:16:59 - Navigating Professional Life
00:18:20 - Identifying Career Criteria
00:21:15 - The Role of Packaging and Titles
00:24:35 - Maintaining Identity Amidst Change
00:25:24 - The Importance of Recognizing Identity
00:31:06 - Addressing the Identity Crisis
00:31:31 - The Pursuit of Mastery
00:32:37 - The Importance of Associations
00:33:44 - Leveraging AI for Personal Development
00:34:56 - Introduction to Rhino Bootcamp
00:35:12 - The Vision Behind Rhino Bootcamp
00:38:58 - The Impact of Rhino Bootcamp
00:41:33 - The Birth of Rhino Bootcamp
00:43:14 - The Value of Bias for Action
00:43:39 - The Power of Imperfect Action
00:46:41 - The Philosophy of Self-Development
00:47:38 - The Value of Personal Investment
00:50:27 - Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
00:52:37 - The Power of Authenticity
00:55:03 - The Joy of the Climb
00:56:20 - The Impact of Rhino Bootcamp
01:01:14 - The Importance of Follow-Up and Community
01:02:08 - The Lack of Personal Development Plans
01:03:40 - The Vision for Future Coaching
01:06:32 - The Importance of Leadership Skills
01:07:47 - Personal Responsibility in Li

Spartan Valor Foundation is dedicated to empowering veterans, military families, and survivors of child trafficking. Through strategic partnerships, we provide critical resources, advocacy, and hope for those who have sacrificed so much. Join us in making a difference—because no hero should stand alone.

🔗 Learn more: spartanvalor.org

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Nancy Gale didn’t just survive unthinkable trauma—she built something beautiful because of it.

Founder of JAMAH, a luxury American-made handbag brand, and AMBITION, a nonprofit for disadvantaged youth, Nancy’s life is proof that purpose and pain can co-exist. In this conversation, we talk about her early years in Detroit, what it really takes to build a brand from scratch, and how she turned personal tragedy into a mission that’s impacted lives around the world.

This episode is raw, honest, and full of moments that’ll stay with you long after it ends.

00:00 – Intro: From personal tragedy to luxury brand
01:35 – Growing up in Detroit and the roots of American craftsmanship
04:50 – Why JAMAH was built to challenge European fashion dominance
06:30 – Launching JAMAH and committing to a 25-year vision
08:10 – The artistry of American manufacturing and building connection
09:30 – The birth of the JAMAH Motorcar Collection
11:00 – Telling love stories through custom bags
13:00 – The early struggles of building a brand with no support
15:00 – Learning to trust your own vision as a founder
17:20 – A skydiving story that changed how Nancy led her business
19:00 – Why she started AMBITION and the power of consistent mentorship
21:45 – Getting to know students before trying to teach them
23:30 – The “You Don’t Know About Me” student challenge
26:00 – Nancy’s mental health journey after rape and trauma
29:10 – Finding strength through storytelling and humor
32:50 – Her mother’s murder and choosing purpose over pain
35:10 – What Sir Richard Branson taught her students
38:40 – Teaching kids the value of hard work
41:00 – Why purpose is essential for mental health and joy
44:00 – The truth about resilience (and why it’s a daily choice)
46:30 – Why leaders must hold space for two truths at once
48:00 – What Nancy learned from her father about softness
49:00 – What she hopes people say about her legacy
50:30 – Where to find JAMAH and support AMBITION
51:00 – Her unpopular belief: Simplicity is the goal

https://www.jamah.com/about-nancy

________

📅 Book a Call with Josh: https://calendly.com/josh-kosnick/30min

🔗 Follow Josh Kosnick & Get Exclusive Content: https://linktr.ee/joshkosnick

Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes featuring top business minds, elite performers, and leadership experts.

#SpartanLeadership #Leadership #BusinessSuccess #Mindset #Entrepreneurship #SelfImprovem

Spartan Valor Foundation is dedicated to empowering veterans, military families, and survivors of child trafficking. Through strategic partnerships, we provide critical resources, advocacy, and hope for those who have sacrificed so much. Join us in making a difference—because no hero should stand alone.

🔗 Learn more: spartanvalor.org

Support the show

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In this episode of Spartan Leadership, host Josh Kosk sits down for an in-person fireside chat with Michael Creed, Branch Manager at Luminate Home Loans. Michael shares his journey from a paycheck-to-paycheck upbringing to becoming a successful mortgage lender. Discover Michael's perspective on building a life of legacy, financial literacy, and how he coaches his team for success. Learn about his unique approach to balancing work and personal life, and his thoughts on the importance of living legacy over leaving a financial one. 

Don't miss out on these valuable insights into leadership, money management, and the long-term impact of giving back.
________

📅 Book a Call with Josh: https://calendly.com/josh-kosnick/30min

🔗 Follow Josh Kosnick & Get Exclusive Content: https://linktr.ee/joshkosnick

Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes featuring top business minds, elite performers, and leadership experts.

#SpartanLeadership #Leadership #BusinessSuccess #Mindset #Entrepreneurship #SelfImprovement #Podcast #JoshKosnick #SpartanMindset

Spartan Valor Foundation is dedicated to empowering veterans, military families, and survivors of child trafficking. Through strategic partnerships, we provide critical resources, advocacy, and hope for those who have sacrificed so much. Join us in making a difference—because no hero should stand alone.

🔗 Learn more: spartanvalor.org

Support the show

CONNECT WITH ME HERE:
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SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST HERE:
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Former CIA operative Nic McKinley exposes the reality of human trafficking in America—and how his organization, DeliverFund, is fighting back using intelligence-grade tools.

In this episode of Spartan Leadership, Josh Kosnick sits down with Nic to discuss his journey from elite U.S. Air Force Pararescueman to CIA operative, and now nonprofit founder leading the fight against exploitation and modern slavery.

This is more than a conversation about trafficking. It’s a masterclass in courage, discipline, and doing what’s right when no one’s watching.

🔗 Learn more about Nic’s work: https://www.deliverfund.org
📲 Follow Nic on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.nic.mckinley
🎟️ Join us at Bridge Builder Live: https://joshkosnick.com/bridgebuilderlive

—

⏱ Timestamps (Chapters):
00:00 – “You Have to Decide: I Will Succeed or I Will Not Exist.”
02:15 – Welcome to Spartan Leadership
03:24 – Nic’s Path: From Pararescue to the CIA
08:26 – The Mentality Behind Special Operations
13:01 – Why Most People Fail Fast (and Keep Failing)
14:14 – Life Inside the CIA: Myths vs. Reality
19:08 – What the Public Gets Wrong About the Agency
27:08 – Why Nic Left the CIA to Fight Human Trafficking
31:14 – The Dark Truth About Trafficking in the U.S.
35:16 – The Role of Social Media in Exploitation
41:08 – DeliverFund’s AI and National Reach
44:28 – What Parents Actually Need to Know
48:01 – Why Fatherhood Is the Frontline of Prevention
50:00 – Good Dad vs. Tough Dad (Which One Protects Better?)
56:04 – What to Do If You Discover Online Grooming
58:08 – Remote Viewing, Myths & Government Conspiracies
1:06:26 – How to Lead Courageously When No One’s Watching
1:11:13 – Support the Mission: How to Help DeliverFund
1:13:08 – Final Thoughts & Call to Action

Spartan Valor Foundation is dedicated to empowering veterans, military families, and survivors of child trafficking. Through strategic partnerships, we provide critical resources, advocacy, and hope for those who have sacrificed so much. Join us in making a difference—because no hero should stand alone.

🔗 Learn more: spartanvalor.org

Support the show

CONNECT WITH ME HERE:
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SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST HERE:
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In this episode of Spartan Leadership Podcast, Aaron Williamson, The Rock's trainer, reveals the most important lesson he learned from training with The Rock. Tune in to hear about discipline, hard work, and the mindset of a US Marine.

🚨 Aaron is also a featured keynote speaker at our upcoming Bridge Builder Live event at Five Bridges Farm. Learn more here: https://www.joshkosnick.com/bridgebuilderlive

🔗 Aaron’s Website: https://www.aaronwilliamson.net
📸 Instagram: @aaronwilliamson

00:00:00 - Introduction
00:03:24 - Joining the Marines & Early Life
00:08:31 - Struggles After Service
00:11:26 - Finding Purpose in Fitness
00:13:41 - Breaking into Hollywood
00:23:59 - Zac Efron’s Transformation
00:31:08 - Intermittent Fasting & Nutrition
00:36:55 - Aging & Longevity
00:45:21 - Biohacking & Peptides
00:56:04 - Thoughts on TRT
01:03:20 - Fitness as a Life-Altering Belief
01:07:09 - Closing Remarks
________

📅 Book a Call with Josh: https://calendly.com/josh-kosnick/30min

🌐 Podcast Website: https://spartanleadershippodcast.com

🔗 Follow Josh Kosnick & Get Exclusive Content: https://linktr.ee/joshkosnick

💡 Learn More About Josh: https://www.joshkosnick.com

Spartan Valor Foundation is dedicated to empowering veterans, military families, and survivors of child trafficking. Through strategic partnerships, we provide critical resources, advocacy, and hope for those who have sacrificed so much. Join us in making a difference—because no hero should stand alone.

🔗 Learn more: spartanvalor.org

Support the show

CONNECT WITH ME HERE:
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Instagram
LinkedIn
Twitter
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SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST HERE:
Apple Podcasts
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What if a president could reshape the country in just 100 days? In this episode, Josh Kosnick breaks down Donald Trump's aggressive first 100 days in office—from border security crackdowns and energy independence to AI infrastructure and regulatory rollbacks. This isn’t a partisan take. It’s a hard look at speed, scale, and how leadership decisions ripple through every layer of society. Whether you love him or hate him, Trump’s pace and priorities changed the rules.

We explore the impact of his executive orders, where Congress failed to lead, and what this means for 2025 and beyond. Don’t miss this conversation about leadership, disruption, and the true cost of “too much winning.”

🔔 Subscribe for more no-BS conversations on power, leadership, and legacy.

Spartan Valor Foundation is dedicated to empowering veterans, military families, and survivors of child trafficking. Through strategic partnerships, we provide critical resources, advocacy, and hope for those who have sacrificed so much. Join us in making a difference—because no hero should stand alone.

🔗 Learn more: spartanvalor.org

Support the show

CONNECT WITH ME HERE:
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SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST HERE:
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Today on the Spartan Leadership Podcast, Josh Kosnick sits down with Adam Guard—entrepreneur, founder of Dreamer Cigars, and creator of Dreamers Health—to talk about leadership, entrepreneurship, and how to build a brand with purpose.

Adam’s journey is one of bold moves: leaving a stable real estate career the day before his wedding, building Dreamer Cigars into a viral brand with over 200 million views, and expanding his mission through Dreamers Health—a platform reshaping how people approach wellness and vitality.

In this episode, we dive into:

• How Adam transitioned from teacher and football coach to entrepreneur
• How Dreamer Cigars exploded on TikTok and YouTube
• The story behind creating a cigar for Dennis Rodman
• How to lead with integrity in a saturated market
• Launching DC University and Dreamers Health to drive deeper impact

Adam’s story is a blueprint for entrepreneurs who want to build, lead, and leave a lasting legacy.

Subscribe for more real conversations with leaders who don't just talk leadership—they live it.

—

Connect with Adam Guard:
Dreamers Health YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DreamersHealth
Dreamer Cigars Website: https://www.shopdreamercigars.com/about
Instagram: @dreamercigars

—

Chapters:
0:00 – Intro
1:30 – Adam’s Journey: Coaching to Entrepreneurship
8:45 – Building Dreamer Cigars
14:20 – Partnering with Dennis Rodman
21:00 – Building Trust, Not Selling Out
28:15 – Dreamers Health: A New Venture
36:40 – Launching DC University
43:00 – Leadership, Risk, and Legacy
50:10 – Final Thoughts

Spartan Valor Foundation is dedicated to empowering veterans, military families, and survivors of child trafficking. Through strategic partnerships, we provide critical resources, advocacy, and hope for those who have sacrificed so much. Join us in making a difference—because no hero should stand alone.

🔗 Learn more: spartanvalor.org

Support the show

CONNECT WITH ME HERE:
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Instagram
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SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST HERE:
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In this episode of the Spartan Leadership Podcast, Josh Kosnick sits down with Craig Ballantyne—author of The Perfect Day Formula, The Perfect Week Formula, and The Dark Side of Discipline. 

Craig has built five 7-figure businesses and helped over 260 entrepreneurs hit their first million—all while working less and living more.

Craig was introduced to Josh by mutual friend Kary Oberbrunner (who’s publishing Josh’s upcoming book), and in this conversation they dive into:

- How Craig went from broke, anxious trainer to 8-figure coach
- The real formula for freedom and time mastery
- How to know if you’re chasing the wrong success
- Tactical habits to eliminate burnout

Why most people stay stuck in what Craig calls “struckling”

If you're an ambitious leader, entrepreneur, or just tired of running in circles—this is for you.

👉 Grab Craig's book: The Dark Side of Discipline: https://www.craigballantyne.com/

 🎯 Learn more about Kairos Coaching: www.joshkosnick.com
________

Welcome to the Spartan Leadership Podcast – where we dive deep into leadership, business, and personal growth with high-achieving leaders, entrepreneurs, and game-changers. Hosted by Josh Kosnick, this podcast challenges conventional thinking and pushes you to level up in every aspect of life.

🔥 Subscribe for More Leadership Insights:

🎙 Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts: https://open.spotify.com/show/1GhkcyzKbLsVsrvCaBItoF

🎙 Listen on Apple Podcasts: 
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/spartan-leadership-with-josh-kosnick/id1441306937

📅 Book a Call with Josh: https://calendly.com/josh-kosnick/30min

🌐 Podcast Website: https://spartanleadershippodcast.com

🔗 Follow Josh Kosnick & Get Exclusive Content: https://linktr.ee/joshkosnick

💡 Learn More About Josh’s Work: https://www.joshkosnick.com

🔹 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes featuring top business minds, elite performers, and leadership experts.

#SpartanLeadership #Leadership #BusinessSuccess #Mindset #Entrepreneurship #SelfImprovement #Podcast #JoshKosnick #SpartanMindset

Spartan Valor Foundation is dedicated to empowering veterans, military families, and survivors of child trafficking. Through strategic partnerships, we provide critical resources, advocacy, and hope for those who have sacrificed so much. Join us in making a difference—because no hero should stand alone.

🔗 Learn more: spartanvalor.org

Support the show

CONNECT WITH ME HERE:
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Instagram
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SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST HERE:
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In this explosive episode of the Spartan Leadership Podcast, Josh Kosnick sits down with Emmanuel Whitfield and Jason Smith to tackle some of the most controversial topics in American leadership and culture today. From tariffs and foreign investment to Teslas getting keyed in protest and the hypocrisy of the modern media, this episode pulls no punches.

We explore:

• Why tariffs matter (and why the media lies about them)
• Elon Musk as the new scapegoat
• The truth behind Argentina’s bombshell Hitler documents
• The ongoing erosion of civil discourse
• Financial manipulation and how it's impacting everyday Americans

As always, we do it raw and unfiltered—no scripts, no spin.

🎙️ Want more real talk about leadership, legacy, and the future of this country? 

Subscribe now and hit the bell so you don’t miss a beat.

#LeadLikeASpartan #BridgeBuilder #SpartanLeadership #JoshKosnick

Spartan Valor Foundation is dedicated to empowering veterans, military families, and survivors of child trafficking. Through strategic partnerships, we provide critical resources, advocacy, and hope for those who have sacrificed so much. Join us in making a difference—because no hero should stand alone.

🔗 Learn more: spartanvalor.org

Support the show

CONNECT WITH ME HERE:
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SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST HERE:
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Taylor Cavanaugh's life reads like a movie script: from jail, to Navy SEAL, back to jail, homeless and suicidal… then straight into the elite and brutal ranks of the French Foreign Legion.

Now the only man known to have served in both elite forces, Taylor shares how he found purpose through pain, forged peace through discipline, and turned destruction into a deliberate life.

🎧 In this episode of the Spartan Leadership Podcast, Josh Kosnick sits down with Taylor to talk about:

• The power of daily discipline
• Rebuilding your life from nothing
• What it means to live in alignment with your divine design
• Why transformation isn't about motivation—it's about subtraction
• And how gratitude, not comfort, unlocks true freedom

📌 Topics Covered:
 00:05 – From Jail to Navy SEAL
 09:00 – Rejection and Redemption in the French Foreign Legion
 20:59 – What Discipline Really Means
 35:00 – Finding Your Divine Design
 47:00 – The Recipe for Self-Worth and Confidence
 58:30 – Transformation Myths Busted

👉 Follow Taylor at https://www.taylorcavanaugh.com and on Instagram @tcavofficial
🎯 Learn more at https://joshkosnick.com

Spartan Valor Foundation is dedicated to empowering veterans, military families, and survivors of child trafficking. Through strategic partnerships, we provide critical resources, advocacy, and hope for those who have sacrificed so much. Join us in making a difference—because no hero should stand alone.

🔗 Learn more: spartanvalor.org

Support the show

CONNECT WITH ME HERE:
Facebook
Instagram
LinkedIn
Twitter
TikTok
YouTube

SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST HERE:
Apple Podcasts
Spotify
YouTube