All It Takes Is A Goal

Fear had a pretty good run the last few years. It kicked our butts, didn't it? But I'm over it, and I think it's time we take back the territory we lost. That's why I'm starting a new 5 episode series called "Bravest Summer Ever." In this first episode, I'm breaking down three reasons why we need to talk about bravery right now: fear had its moment and it's enough already, bravery is the only thing every successful person has in common (it's the skill that unlocks every other), and most impor...

Transcribed - Published: 22 June 2026

After 14 years of travel, I finally achieved Delta Diamond Medallion Status. But here's the thing: it took me over a decade even though I fly 100 times a year. Why? Because time is the currency I care about most. In this episode, I'm breaking down what your airline choice reveals about your priorities and why understanding your real values changes everything. If you live in Atlanta, Delta is unbeatable with Sky Clubs and first class upgrades. But I live in Nashville, and flying Delta means ad...

Transcribed - Published: 15 June 2026

I used to introduce myself as a "late bloomer" on hundreds of podcast episodes. It sounded casual, even humble. But here's what I was really saying: "I should have learned this earlier. Smarter people figured this out years before I did. I'm behind." That broken soundtrack has been quietly wreaking havoc in my life for years. In this episode, I'm exposing one of the most dangerous phrases you might be saying right now and showing you the four words you should say instead. Whether you learn so...

Transcribed - Published: 8 June 2026

Why do some people totally bomb when a conversation really counts? In this episode, therapist and author Jason VanRuler breaks down the five communication types that explain how we connect, where we fail, and why we keep repeating the same patterns. From Peacemakers who avoid conflict to Sparks who struggle to go deep, Jason reveals how childhood shaped your communication style and what happens when stress makes the real you show up. We also dive into the bullseye method for vulnerability (no...

Transcribed - Published: 1 June 2026

You're a pro at seeing what went wrong, why it went wrong, and exactly what it will cost if it goes wrong again. If you love a good post mortem and naturally think in terms of evidence and precedent rather than optimism and possibility, you might be an Analyst. In this episode, I'm breaking down the third procrastination profile from my new book Procrastination Proof. Analysts excel at reviewing data and learning from results but get stuck moving from analysis to future vision. You become an ...

Transcribed - Published: 26 May 2026

You're a pro at seeing what went wrong, why it went wrong, and exactly what it will cost if it goes wrong again. If you love a good post mortem and naturally think in terms of evidence and precedent rather than optimism and possibility, you might be an Analyst. In this episode, I'm breaking down the third procrastination profile from my new book Procrastination Proof. Analysts excel at reviewing data and learning from results but get stuck moving from analysis to future vision. You become an ...

Transcribed - Published: 25 May 2026

If you'd rather jump in without reading the instructions, if paperwork feels like it's slowing you down, if your first inclination is ACTION! ACTION! ACTION!, this episode is for you. I'm breaking down the hustler procrastination profile from my new book, Procrastination Proof. Hustlers excel at taking consistent action and turning thoughts into momentum faster than anyone else in the room. You thrive in the montage part of the movie where most people get stuck. You put together IKEA furnitur...

Transcribed - Published: 18 May 2026

If you have the most detailed, amazing plans but you're always waiting until everything is perfect to get started, this episode is for you. I'm breaking down the second of four procrastination profiles: the Perfectionist. You excel at creating detailed roadmaps and speak spreadsheet fluently, but you get stuck moving from planning to execution. The plan feels safe. The first real step does not. You're going to change the world just as soon as the plan is perfect, but here's the problem: the p...

Transcribed - Published: 11 May 2026

Do you have a thousand ideas and don't know what to do with them? This episode is for you. I'm breaking down the first of four procrastination profiles: the Dreamer. Dreamers excel at envisioning breakthrough possibilities but get stuck translating vision into actionable plans. You love a blank whiteboard, thrive at kickoff meetings when anything is possible, and can rattle off 10 new ideas before anyone else thinks of one. But here's your trap: you stay in dream mode because it's comfortable...

Transcribed - Published: 4 May 2026

Nobody wakes up wanting an average life. We all want remarkable marriages, careers, and relationships. But how do you actually build that? After 15 years of helping over a million people and testing hundreds of ideas, I discovered it comes down to four permissions: permission to dream, permission to plan, permission to do, and permission to review. In this episode, I'm breaking down the DPDR system from my new book "Procrastination Proof" and showing you exactly how to use it for three hours,...

Transcribed - Published: 27 April 2026

What if I told you there's one word that can solve procrastination instantly? A word you haven't thought about in years, but one that used to mean everything to you. In this episode, I'm sharing insights from my new book, Procrastination Proof, and revealing why permission is the pathway out of procrastination and into a remarkable life. Remember the permission slip from childhood? That magical piece of paper that unlocked field trips, soccer teams, and adventures? It's time to give yourself ...

Transcribed - Published: 20 April 2026

A creative director once drew something on a napkin that completely changed how I saw my own limitations. His name was Ted, and he showed me why I was so unhappy at 26, stuck in my fifth job in six years, and dangerously close to needing a sixth. The illustration he drew explained why it's so difficult to create something remarkable when you're trapped inside such a small, constricted world. In this episode, I'm sharing that story and asking you a challenging question: Where have you drawn th...

Transcribed - Published: 13 April 2026

Ask 100,000 people why they procrastinate and you'll get five common answers: task, time, history, fear, and ego. Maybe the project feels overwhelming. Maybe you don't have enough time. Maybe procrastination paid off in college when you still got an A on that all-nighter paper. Maybe you're afraid it won't be perfect, or maybe your ego says "I shouldn't have to do this." All valid reasons, right? Wrong. There's actually only one true reason people procrastinate, and when you hear it, you're g...

Transcribed - Published: 6 April 2026

I spent two years preparing to write my first book. You know what finally got it done? Writing one terrible page on a Tuesday afternoon in a Burger King. For years, I sang Colin Hay's "Waiting for My Real Life to Begin" hundreds of times while stuck in Nashville traffic, living in complete quicksand. Then in 2013, I started my own company and lost all my support systems overnight. I had one employee, and that employee was terrible. It was me. In this episode, I'm sharing the embarrassing situ...

Transcribed - Published: 30 March 2026

What happens when two guys who've known each other for 13 years sit down to talk about the weird journey of chasing dreams? In this conversation with comedian John Crist, we get into the stuff nobody talks about: the Excel spreadsheet he keeps of every show he's ever done (including whether he got a standing ovation), why he still sleeps in his car at gas stations with his handgun in the cup holder, and the one joke about the Confederacy he's been trying to crack for six years. We also dive i...

Transcribed - Published: 23 March 2026

This is the grand finale of our five episode arc about soundtracks, and today I'm pulling three random cards from my original Soundtracks deck to break down what they mean and how they can help you. We're talking about why starting is exciting but finishing is where the magic happens (spoiler: 92% of New Year's resolutions fail because everyone starts but only 8% finish), why feeling uncomfortable is actually a good sign that you're growing, and why the world will never be changed by the thin...

Transcribed - Published: 16 March 2026

Trying to have a conversation with your teenager? You ask how their day was and get "fine." You ask who was at the party and get "no one." You ask what they're doing and get "nothing." Sound familiar? In this episode, I'm sharing three powerful soundtracks from our Parents and Teens card deck that will help you start real conversations with your teenager. These aren't hypothetical parenting tips. I raised two teenagers, and these are straight from my own dinner table. You'll discover why "if ...

Transcribed - Published: 9 March 2026

Being an entrepreneur is challenging, which is why you need the right mindset soundtracks. In this episode, I'm sharing three powerful soundtracks from my entrepreneur card deck that will help you build and scale your business. You'll discover why relationships get you the first opportunity but skills get you the second (and why you need both), how to balance the optimism required for dreaming with the realism needed for planning, and why you don't have to be the smartest person in the room i...

Transcribed - Published: 2 March 2026

Welcome to part two of our five part series on soundtracks! This episode is specifically for parents with kids. I'm pulling three random soundtracks from our Parents with Kids card deck and breaking down why they matter. You'll discover why you can fast forward childhood but you can't rewind it (and what that means for decisions like when to give your kid a phone), why tired beats regretful (a soundtrack my daughter taught me when she studied abroad in London), and why family shows up (even w...

Transcribed - Published: 24 February 2026

Welcome to part two of our five part series on soundtracks! This episode is specifically for parents with kids. I'm pulling three random soundtracks from our Parents with Kids card deck and breaking down why they matter. You'll discover why you can fast forward childhood but you can't rewind it (and what that means for decisions like when to give your kid a phone), why tired beats regretful (a soundtrack my daughter taught me when she studied abroad in London), and why family shows up (even w...

Transcribed - Published: 23 February 2026

What if three simple phrases could transform your relationship? In this episode, I'm kicking off a brand new five part series on soundtracks by diving into the couples deck. I'm pulling three cards at random and breaking down why these soundtracks matter for your marriage or relationship. You'll discover why every good relationship costs the same exact thing (hint: it's not money), why you should never, ever ask your spouse to be your accountability partner (seriously, change that setup right...

Transcribed - Published: 16 February 2026

81% of people work after dinner, drowning in back to back Zoom meetings where they doodle under the table, only to do real work at night. Sound familiar? In this episode, I sit down with Juliet Funt, author and consultant who helps companies turn scrap time into steel, transforming low value work into high purpose, innovative time. We dive into the signs of toxic culture, why anxious deference to the CEO is a red flag, and how to spot when you're stuck in an unhealthy organization. Juliet sha...

Transcribed - Published: 9 February 2026

Patrick Lencioni built a multimillion-dollar business, sold 10 million books, and became one of the most influential leadership voices in the world. But here's what you might not know: he never had a five-year plan, turned down opportunities to scale, and prioritized loving his work over maximizing revenue. In this episode, Pat shares the behind-the-scenes story of building The Table Group, why he kept his team at just 15 full-time employees while empowering thousands of consultants, and how ...

Transcribed - Published: 2 February 2026

Why can't leaders win anymore? No matter what you say, someone's upset. In this conversation with Carey Nieuwhof, host of one of today's most influential leadership podcasts, we unpack why 49 hours a week on our phones has created 100 different experiences in a room of 100 people. From the woman who won't use plastic cutlery to why your weird uncle believes conspiracy theories, we explore how discipleship by algorithm is fragmenting society. We also talk about the false immediacy of social me...

Transcribed - Published: 26 January 2026

What happens when you set a goal for 20,000 followers in six months and hit half a million instead? Caitlin Campbell built a seven-figure coffee business in the public eye, navigating viral videos, negative comments, and sudden fame along the way. In this episode, Caitlin shares how she went from youth pastor to coffee entrepreneur, why video 2000 was the one that changed everything, and the mindset shift that helped her turn trolls into traction. We dive into the reality of building a busine...

Transcribed - Published: 19 January 2026

What if everything you thought about optimism was wrong? In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Michael Gervais, high-performance psychologist who's worked with the Seattle Seahawks, Felix Baumgartner, and world-class performers across every field. We dive deep into why optimism isn't naive positivity but the ground zero of mental toughness, how Felix overcame crippling claustrophobia to jump from 130,000 feet, and why every world's best performer Michael has worked with is fundamentally optimi...

Transcribed - Published: 12 January 2026

Dr. James Hewitt spent years teaching Fortune 500 companies and Formula One teams how to optimize performance—while ignoring his own advice. Then he found a lump in the shower. In this fascinating conversation, James shares how a late-30s cancer diagnosis forced him to confront a hard truth: he wasn't superhuman. We dive deep into the science of human performance, from why heart rate variability matters more than sleep tracking to how your mindset about stress can fundamentally alter your phy...

Transcribed - Published: 5 January 2026

This is it—the final installment of my 50 by 50 series. I've spent four episodes breaking down 50 lessons I learned in my first half-century on this planet (yes, I said half-century). In this episode, I'm covering the final 27 lessons, from "dream big, start small" to why you need at least one Cajun friend. You'll discover why your richest-looking friends might be your poorest, why you should buy an alarm clock and leave your phone in the kitchen, why the opportunity that will change your lif...

Transcribed - Published: 29 December 2025

I just turned 50, and milestone birthdays make me reflective. Here's what I realized: I liked my 40s way more than my 30s. I'm happier, in better shape, more connected relationally, accomplishing more goals, but taking more vacation. Why? What did I do in my 40s that made it the best decade of my life? In this episode, I'm sharing the first 25 lessons from my list of 50 things that took me 50 years to learn. From "everyone should write at least one book" to "your phone is a casino that runs o...

Transcribed - Published: 22 December 2025

I just turned 50, and I've learned some things the hard way. In this episode, I'm sharing four more life lessons that took me half a century to figure out—lessons I wish I could tell my 30-year-old self. You'll discover why successful people are time machines who can shave years off your journey, why anxiety isn't something to fix but something to redeploy (this one changed everything for me), and why there's money on the ground everywhere if you're willing to pick it up. I'll also tell you w...

Transcribed - Published: 15 December 2025

I'm turning 50 on December 19 (presents welcome), and as I approach the half-century mark, I've been reflecting on the lessons that have meant the most to me. When you're in your 20s, you don't have hard-fought wisdom, but at 50, there's no denying you've been around the block a few times. In this episode, I'm sharing the first five of ten life-changing lessons: how your thought life becomes your life life, why you reap what you sow (and how that's made me write 12 books), why a naturally neg...

Transcribed - Published: 8 December 2025

Don't know what to get for that person who has it all? I've got you covered. This year's Try This Gift Guide features 11 items the Acuff house absolutely loved or made in 2025—from the card game that teaches you everything about a person (SkyJo) to the weighted backpack that's making me look ridiculously in shape (GoRuck), to the brand-new Soundtracks Card Decks that are the perfect stocking stuffer. You'll also discover the best calendar ever made (yes, I'm biased), customized luggage tags t...

Transcribed - Published: 1 December 2025

I am my niece and nephew's favorite uncle—mostly because I'm their only uncle, but a win is a win. Election years turn every family gathering into "squirrely uncle season," and Thanksgiving is ground zero. You've got relatives who think differently, believe differently, and this year, vote differently. Before you get into a political argument that could cost you a decades-long relationship, here's one soundtrack to remember: "Politicians are temporary, family is forever." In this episode, I'm...

Transcribed - Published: 24 November 2025

Last year, I read more than 100 books. This year, I cut that goal down to 25—and actually got more out of them. After realizing I was flying through books without retaining much, I slowed down and found four that earned a permanent spot on my bookshelf. In this episode, I'm sharing my favorite reads of 2024: a cutthroat business memoir from the cofounder of CAA (with an amazing 10-minute meeting trick), a beautifully illustrated book about overthinking, a faith book that pulled me beyond my s...

Transcribed - Published: 17 November 2025

Have you ever noticed how easy it is to binge on other people’s success stories? Podcasts, books, courses—it all feels productive, but sometimes it’s just procrastination in disguise. I call it being a success voyeur. You’re peering through the glass, watching other people build remarkable lives, while your own goals collect dust. I know, because I did it too. In 2024, I read 100 books and didn’t change my life one bit. It wasn’t learning—it was hiding. In this episode, I’ll share how I stopp...

Transcribed - Published: 10 November 2025

I've written 11 books, but I didn't have a 10-year plan. I just got tired of my fearful mindset dictating my entire life. In my mid-30s, I threw my first bottle into the ocean—and it changed everything. In this episode, I'm sharing why you need to throw yours too. Here's the metaphor: You're on an island called "My Life," and the things you create are tiny notes you shove into bottles. When you throw them with courage and conviction, they float away to shores you've never seen—bookshelf, Spot...

Transcribed - Published: 3 November 2025

A viral tweet recently claimed that 30-year-olds today can't afford what previous generations could—a house they like, a decent car, a $100K salary, and a stay-at-home spouse. Here's the truth: I was 30 in 2006 and only achieved half of that list. We had seafoam green carpet, a purple bedroom, squirrels living in our roof, a 2-door Camry with 150,000 miles, and a two-hour commute. But we were building something. In this episode, I'm breaking down why people procrastinate when they create impo...

Transcribed - Published: 27 October 2025

81% of Americans want to write a book. Only 2% actually do. What's the difference between wanting and doing? One word: deadline. In this episode, I'm breaking down why deadlines are the secret weapon for finishing any goal—whether you're writing a book, getting in shape, or finally decluttering that garage. Your Peloton is collecting dust, your planner has cobwebs, and that Ninja Creami is just an expensive paperweight because you're missing this crucial element. I'll show you how to create r...

Transcribed - Published: 20 October 2025

Building a business and building a family both require one thing: being brave enough to be bad at something new. In this episode, Jenny and I talk about the soundtracks that have helped us stay sane through marriage, parenting, and every learning curve in between. From why the honeymoon should come six months in, to how we’ve learned to “not buy tickets” for each other’s anxious train rides, to the soundtrack that reminds us we’re raising adults, not just kids. We also unpack the logic trap o...

Transcribed - Published: 13 October 2025

Building a 7-figure business while staying married for 25 years doesn't happen by accident. In this follow-up episode, I'm sharing four more marriage secrets that have helped Jenny and me not just survive but thrive together. You'll discover why "I wouldn't bet against us" became our rallying cry when people doubted our dreams, how playing to our strengths means I handle parking while she handles money (and why we always go to bed at the same time), and what "hit the squirrel" really means wh...

Transcribed - Published: 6 October 2025

After almost 25 years of marriage, my wife Jenny and I have learned a few things that actually work—not just the clichés you hear everywhere. In this episode, I'm sharing four practical "soundtracks" we use in our marriage and parenting that have made all the difference. From knowing when to pause an argument (hint: we do better with coffee) to understanding that winners actually quit all the time—just the wrong things—these aren't your typical relationship tips. You'll also discover why "eve...

Transcribed - Published: 29 September 2025

Feeling overwhelmed by all your goals? You're not alone—and that's exactly why we're starting with something different. Instead of brainstorming more things to do, let's celebrate what you've already accomplished. In this episode, I'm sharing the opening lesson from my Greatest Year Ever program, including the simple "I Did That!" exercise that builds the confidence you need for your biggest goals. You've already done hard things—you just haven't given yourself enough credit. Whether you grad...

Transcribed - Published: 22 September 2025

I recently told someone they should print out these 8 words and carry them in their wallet (which makes me sound ancient because who has a printer anymore?) But seriously, if you only remember 8 words from me in 2025, let it be these: "Big life, small worries. Small life, big worries." Here's the thing—if you want small worries, live a life so big you don't have time to stress over the little stuff. Stress grows in the big open chunks of unclaimed time. When I'm writing a book or planning an ...

Transcribed - Published: 15 September 2025

What if the formula for a remarkable life was so simple you could write it on a sticky note? In this episode, I share the exact mindset shift that took me from stuck in Atlanta traffic to building a life I love. You’ll hear the story of how I stopped blaming my commute, my boss, and my circumstances, and discovered that the cavalry I'd been waiting for was actually myself. The truth? Your thoughts create your actions, and your actions create your results. Remarkable or average... it’s your ch...

Transcribed - Published: 8 September 2025

Apparently, hope is controversial now. Who knew? I've been posting about hope lately, and people have been telling me I'm tone deaf because the supply chain is broken and the economy is terrible. One of my friends literally can't be happy until the supply chain is fixed (even though he doesn't work in supply chain). When did we start tying our personal lives to global numbers we don't control? I spent nearly 20 years as an excuse factory—blaming my parents, my boss, the economy, my background...

Transcribed - Published: 1 September 2025

There are only two words standing between you and the book you've always wanted to write, the business you want to start, and yes, even millions of dollars. Just two words. According to the University of Scranton, 92% of New Year's resolutions fail—and it's because nobody knows about these two powerful words. Here's the thing: nothing is successful on the first attempt. Nothing. Fear isn't afraid of your first try (we're a single-serve culture), but it's terrified you'll take that secon...

Transcribed - Published: 25 August 2025

I'm going old school today—70s and 80s motivational guru style. You know those thick plastic binders with cassette tapes that made you want to run through walls? That's the energy I'm bringing. This episode is different. It's a short, highly motivational boost designed to be replayed whenever you're discouraged and need that little bit of juice. Because today isn't just another average Monday—there's no such thing as average days when we're guaranteed none and given this one. Today is an adve...

Transcribed - Published: 18 August 2025

Let’s end this series with one of the most powerful mindset shifts I’ve learned: Throw shorter pity parties. In the final episode of my Summer Soundtracks Series, I’m sharing why it’s okay to feel the sting of failure—but not okay to camp out in it forever. I’ll unpack the difference between processing and pity, and challenge you to stop RSVPing to every pity party you throw for yourself. Let’s talk about what it looks like to feel it, process it, and then move forward. In This Episode: Grab ...

Transcribed - Published: 11 August 2025

This one hit me right between the eyes. In Part 5 of my Summer Soundtracks Series, I’m talking about a mindset I’m still learning to believe: Growth is the goal, not comfort. It’s easy to quit when things get awkward, inconvenient, or uncomfortable. I’ve done it with goals like YouTube, and I’ve pushed through it with goals like writing my first book. Today I’ll show you why discomfort isn’t a sign something’s going wrong—it’s a sign something’s going right. In This Episode: Grab a Soundtrack...

Transcribed - Published: 4 August 2025

In Part 4 of my Summer Soundtracks Series, I’m unpacking a simple but powerful mindset shift: Win the way you’ve won before. You’ve already succeeded at something in your life—and that win left clues. Today I’ll show you how to find them, repeat them, and bring that momentum into your next goal. Whether it’s a health goal, a career goal, or a personal one, you don’t need to reinvent the wheel. You just need to remember what worked—and do it again. In This Episode: Grab a Soundtrack Conversati...

Transcribed - Published: 28 July 2025