EPIC Begins With 1 Step Forward

In this creative and insightful episode of Epic Begins With 1 Step Forward, Zander Sprague sits down with T. Christian Helms, founder of Austin-based creative agency Helms Workshop, to explore the intersection of branding, curiosity, and innovation. Christian shares his winding path from journalism student to award-winning creative director, revealing how some of the best ideas emerge when you stop forcing them and allow curiosity to lead the way. Together, they discuss the psychology of branding, why people buy based on emotion rather than logic, and the importance of embracing mistakes as part of the creative process. Christian also shares the story behind the legendary 99-pack of beer that generated international media attention. This episode is packed with wisdom for entrepreneurs, creatives, and anyone looking to bring bold ideas to life.EpicBegins.comFree E-book – https://dl.bookfunnel.com/afk096okroApply to be a Guest on My TV show – https://www.epicchoicemedia.com#EPICBeginswith1StepForward, #ZanderSprague, #Branding, #99PackBeer, #CreativeStrategy

In this deeply inspiring episode of Epic Begins With 1 Step Forward, Zander Sprague sits down with performance expert, author, and leadership pioneer Dr. Jack Groppel, who talks about the beauty of conquering yourself through resilience, reinvention, and purpose. From a painful childhood and relentless drive for achievement to becoming a nationally recognized tennis coach, sports scientist, entrepreneur, and speaker, Jack shares the powerful story behind his memoir Mountains Within. Together, they discuss failure, perseverance, identity, and the danger of tying self-worth solely to achievement. Jack also reflects on summiting Mount Kilimanjaro with his adopted son after multiple knee replacements—and the realization that the real mountain wasn’t external, but internal. This conversation is a moving reminder that epic journeys are less about conquering the world and more about becoming who you were meant to be.EpicBegins.comFree E-book – https://dl.bookfunnel.com/afk096okroApply to be a Guest on My TV show – https://www.epicchoicemedia.com#EPICBeginswith1StepForward, #ZanderSprague, #MountKilimanjaro, #SportsScience, #SelfWorth

In this insightful episode of Epic Begins With 1 Step Forward, Zander sits down with men’s coach Stefanos Koutsoubis, who helps men break free from burnout, depression, and the illusion of success. Stefanos shares his personal journey—from achieving academic and professional milestones, including a PhD and corporate career, to realizing that external success didn’t create internal happiness. Together, they explore why so many men chase goals that leave them feeling empty, the importance of understanding emotions, and how mindfulness and coaching can transform the way we experience life. Stefanos reveals that true fulfillment comes not from reaching the finish line, but from how we show up every day. This episode is a powerful reminder to stop chasing “someday” happiness and start creating it right now.EpicBegins.comFree E-book – https://dl.bookfunnel.com/afk096okroApply to be a Guest on My TV show – https://www.epicchoicemedia.com#EPICBeginswith1StepForward, #ZanderSprague #SelfReflection #External SuccessVsHappiness #InternalHappiness

In this raw and powerful episode of Epic Begins With 1 Step Forward, Zander sits down with creative strategist and podcast expert Nick McGowan for a deeply honest conversation about identity, purpose, and transformation. Nick shares his journey from childhood struggles and emotional disconnect to building a successful career that ultimately left him feeling empty and lost. After hitting rock bottom and facing moments of severe depression, he began the difficult work of reconnecting with his true self—creativity. Together, they explore mental health, breaking free from societal expectations, and the courage it takes to choose a path that aligns with who you really are. This episode is a reminder that your lowest moments can become the foundation for your most meaningful life.EpicBegins.comFree E-book – https://dl.bookfunnel.com/afk096okroApply to be a Guest on My TV show – https://www.epicchoicemedia.com#EPICBeginswith1StepForward, #ZanderSprague #Transformation #Purpose #Identity

In this high-impact episode of Epic Begins With 1 Step Forward, Zander Sprague sits down with former fighter pilot Christian “Boo” Boucousis, who now helps leaders navigate overwhelm and thrive in the AI-driven world. Boo shares how the fighter pilot mindset—built on clarity, discipline, and constant reflection—translates directly into business and life. From operating at high speed in the cockpit to leading in today’s fast-moving digital landscape, he explains why comfort can limit growth and how small, intentional actions create massive results over time. Together, they explore decision-making under pressure, the power of “not yet,” and why leaders must learn to think differently to stay relevant. This episode is a powerful reminder that epic lives are built one focused step at a time—especially in uncertain environments.EpicBegins.comFree E-book – https://dl.bookfunnel.com/afk096okroApply to be a Guest on My TV show – https://www.epicchoicemedia.com#EPICBeginswith1StepForward, #ZanderSprague, #FighterPilot, #AIDisruption, #OvercomingBurnout

In this fascinating episode of Epic Begins With 1 Step Forward, Zander Sprague sits down with Eric Robinson, a recently retired FBI agent whose career path is anything but ordinary. Eric shares how he went from serving as a Baptist pastor to spending 24 years in federal law enforcement. He discusses the surprising reasons behind his career shift, the reality of life inside the FBI, and the lessons learned from working cases involving gangs, organized crime, white-collar crime, and crimes against children. Eric also reflects on the intense camaraderie among agents, the adrenaline of high-risk operations, and the deeper purpose that guided his work. This episode offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at the FBI while exploring courage, service, and the unexpected paths that can shape an epic life.EpicBegins.comFree E-book – https://dl.bookfunnel.com/afk096okroApply to be a Guest on My TV show – https://www.epicchoicemedia.com#EPICBeginswith1StepForward, #ZanderSprague #ChristianMinistry #CareerPivot #LawEnforcement

In this breathtaking episode of Epic Begins With 1 Step Forward, Zander Sprague sits down with former schoolteacher and author Alison Gieschen, who sold everything with her husband and moved aboard a 43-foot sailboat to circumnavigate the globe. Eight years, 49 countries, four continents—and countless epic unexpecteds—later, Alison shares stories of 20-foot waves, ripped sails, Chinese fishing fleets, mechanical failures, and even a tsunami warning after landfall. From crossing the Atlantic in blissful trade winds to hand-steering 650 miles in brutal Pacific seas, this conversation dives deep into resilience, perspective, simplicity, and freedom. Alison also reflects on how life at sea reshaped her identity, creativity, and priorities. If you’ve ever dreamed of walking away from “normal” to chase something extraordinary, this episode will expand your horizon.EpicBegins.comFree E-book – https://dl.bookfunnel.com/afk096okroApply to be a Guest on My TV show – https://www.epicchoicemedia.com#EPICBeginswith1StepForward, #ZanderSprague #OceanCrossing #Circumnavigation #TsunamiWarning

In this thought-provoking episode of Epic Begins With 1 Step Forward, Zander is joined by Dorota Kosiorek, a go-to-market leader in AI, certified neuroscience-based coach, and writer from Poland. Dorota shares her journey from high-pressure consulting to a more intentional life built around rest, boundaries, and sustainable performance. Together, they explore why hustle culture misunderstands how the brain actually works, how rest fuels clarity and creativity, and why working smarter—not longer—leads to better outcomes. Dorota also opens up about her long-term vision of building a family-owned resort and how neuroscience, visualization, and mental training help turn big dreams into actionable steps. This episode challenges the belief that burnout equals success and offers a refreshing, science-backed perspective on leadership, growth, and living well—one intentional step forward at a time.EpicBegins.comFree E-book – https://dl.bookfunnel.com/afk096okroApply to be a Guest on My TV show – https://www.epicchoicemedia.com#EPICBeginswith1StepForward #ZanderSprague #Neuroscience #WorkLifeBalance #WorkSmarter

Emergency medicine veteran Dr. Maureen Gibbons joins Zander Sprague to talk about what happens when your calling becomes your whole identity, and what happens when you finally. After 15 years in the ER and 13 years at a Level 2 trauma center, Dr. Moe made the terrifying choice to execute her exit plan and step away, even though she still loved the chaos. She talks about her mission to help physicians and high-achievers build health, time, and income freedom through systems – not just habits. If you have ever felt stuck in a role that no longer fits, this one will hit home right now. EpicBegins.com Free E-book – https://dl.bookfunnel.com/afk096okro Apply to be a Guest on My TV show – https://www.epicchoicemedia.com #EPICBeginswith1StepForward, #ZanderSprague #EmergencyMedicine #Burnout #StepAway

In this moving episode of Epic Begins With One Step Forward, Zander Sprague is joined by John DeDakis, former CNN editor for Wolf Blitzer, longtime journalist, novelist, writing coach, and motivational speaker. Together, they talk about grief, purpose, and healing. John shares the heartbreaking losses of his sister to suicide and his son to a heroin overdose, and reflects on how those experiences shaped him as a man, a father, and a storyteller. They also explore the often-overlooked reality of sibling grief, the truth that pain does not disappear when you ignore it, and how writing can be a tool for healing and growth. Find out how to manage your relationship with grief and why moving toward the pain may be the bravest step forward.EpicBegins.comFree E-book – https://dl.bookfunnel.com/afk096okroApply to be a Guest on My TV show – https://www.epicchoicemedia.com#EPICBeginswith1StepForward, #ZanderSprague #GriefJourney #SiblingGrief #WritingProcess

In this insightful episode of Epic Begins With 1 Step Forward, Zander Sprague sits down with executive coach and former corporate leader Corinne Gavlinski for a candid conversation about leadership, identity, and reinvention. Corinne shares her journey through multiple career pivots, unexpected layoffs, and the identity jolts that come from tying self-worth too tightly to professional titles. Together, they unpack the concept of “lazy leadership,” why high performers often struggle as leaders, and how intentional focus—not harder work—creates real impact. Corinne also introduces her approach to helping executives define the legacy they want to leave by lifting others, not just themselves. This episode challenges leaders to rethink success, embrace self-awareness, and ask a powerful question: How do I want to be remembered when this chapter ends?EpicBegins.comFree E-book – https://dl.bookfunnel.com/afk096okroApply to be a Guest on My TV show – https://www.epicchoicemedia.com#EPICBeginswith1StepForward, #ZanderSprague, #LazyLeadership, #IntentionalGrowth, #LeadershipLegacy

In this high-energy episode of Epic Begins With One Step Forward, Zander Sprague sits down with video marketing expert Cam Beaudoin, whose mission is simple: help speakers get booked by mastering the power of video. Cam shares how he discovered a massive gap in the speaking industry—experts want more stages, but few are willing to watch their own footage or create compelling reels. So he built a business to solve exactly that. From long-form interviews to curated demo reels for top TED speakers, Cam explains how video creates credibility, clarity, and inbound opportunities. Together, he and Zander explore confidence, craft, the grind of entrepreneurship, and why content consistency beats perfection every time. If you want more stages, this episode shows you the step-by-step path to get there.EpicBegins.comFree E-bookApply to be a Guest on My TV show#EPICBeginswith1StepForward, #ZanderSprague, #VideoMarketing, #ProfessionalSpeaker, #Entrepreneurship

In this powerful and insightful episode of Epic Begins With One Step Forward, Zander sits down with Michael Ostrolenk, a psychotherapist-turned-human optimization coach whose 30-year career spans transpersonal psychology, somatic therapy, and elite Navy SEAL training programs. Michael shares lessons from decades of studying self-mastery, martial arts, and mental toughness—revealing how true strength begins with discipline, compassion, and character. Together, they explore emotional resilience, why grit is fading in modern culture, and the keys to thriving relationships through communication and appreciation. From the battlefield of the mind to the art of self-awareness, Michael’s journey offers practical wisdom for anyone seeking to elevate their performance and purpose. This episode is a deep dive into what it really means to live an EPIC, optimized life.EpicBegins.comFree E-bookApply to be a Guest on My TV show#EPICBeginswith1StepForward #ZanderSprague #NavySEALtraining #MentalToughness #HumanOptimization