The Mike Muldoon Podcast: Bite-Sized Coaching Sessions Empowering Transformation in Small Doses

The paycheck was solid, the calendar was packed, and yet the days felt hollow. Trading a high-paying career for a bagel shop wasn’t a tidy narrative arc; it was a messy, early-morning choice to live with purpose instead of drifting on autopilot. From fixing dishwashers to steaming milk just right, the work became real in a way that spreadsheets never were—more sweat, more nerves, and a surprising amount of joy. I dig into what it actually means to take a calculated risk. Not a movie-montage ...

What happens when fear threatens to derail not just one dream, but two? This candid exploration of entrepreneurship and creative passion reveals the delicate balancing act many of us face when pursuing multiple callings simultaneously. Running our bagel shop has become one of the most humbling experiences of my life. Some mornings, the place buzzes with energy, customers line up eagerly, and I can feel our brand taking root in the community. Then there are the slow days when doubt creeps in,...

Anchoring bias might be the hidden force keeping you stuck in patterns that no longer serve you. This week, I dive deep into this fascinating psychological concept that shapes how we make decisions, form relationships, and even view ourselves. Drawing from my current struggles as a new bagel shop owner facing a slow month, I explore how our minds become fixated on first impressions and initial information. When business was booming in those first weeks, that became my reference point—my anch...

Ever feel like you're doing everything right but still not feeling better? You're reading the books, saying the affirmations, drinking water, going to therapy, and journaling—yet that frustrating hum of anxiety remains. If this sounds familiar, you're not alone, and more importantly, you're not broken. The truth about personal growth is that it rarely follows the straight, upward trajectory we're sold. Progress looks more like a messy scribble than a perfect arrow pointing forward. One good ...

Fear masquerades as our protector, but it's secretly our prison guard. In this powerful episode, I return after a brief hiatus to explore the fundamental truth that most of us misunderstand about fear – it doesn't actually stop death, it stops life. Having recently experienced my own business ebbs and flows at the bagel shop, I've faced those familiar waves of fear that wash over entrepreneurs during slow periods. This personal experience serves as the perfect backdrop to examine how fear op...

Have you ever stopped to consider how many times you've faced seemingly insurmountable challenges—and conquered them anyway? This profound reality check forms the backbone of this week's discussion as I explore a life-changing quote from Vex King that landed in my inbox courtesy of my wife. The quote strikes at something we all experience: that peculiar amnesia about our own strength when facing new obstacles. "So you're telling me every time you thought you couldn't get through something di...

Standing at life's crossroads, which path do you choose? The familiar one that promises safety but limited growth, or the overgrown path that both scares and calls to you? This episode explores the profound wisdom behind Robert Frost's famous poem "The Road Less Traveled" and why choosing the path of uncertainty often leads to our greatest breakthroughs. When we step away from comfort and into challenge, we discover parts of ourselves that remain dormant on the well-worn path. The road less ...

Ever noticed how life seems to break us right when we least expect it? That's what happened to me this week—literally. After weeks of moving boxes, setting up our new shop, and pushing my body to its limits, I found myself flat on the floor with my back completely out. Physical agony has a way of forcing us to slow down and listen. Broken bones fascinate me. When properly set, they actually heal stronger at the breaking point. The body reinforces what was once weak, creating greater resilien...

Have you ever noticed how fear shows up right before you're about to do something significant? That nagging voice of doubt appears precisely when you're on the edge of growth—and that's exactly where I find myself today. Between moving house, setting up a new office, and launching a coffee and bagel shop (something completely outside my wheelhouse), I've been running on excitement, stress, adrenaline, and way too much coffee. The exhaustion is real, but so is the opportunity for growth. Desp...

The weight of uncertainty bears down on us all. Economic instability, political tensions, wars, and technological disruptions like AI reshape our world daily, leaving many feeling adrift and anxious. But amid this tumult lies a profound truth: while global events spiral beyond our control, our response to them remains firmly in our hands. This episode explores practical strategies for staying grounded when everything feels overwhelming. Rather than drowning in the "what ifs" that fuel our fe...

We're living in a world that constantly demands more – more work, more success, more commitments – making it dangerously easy to sacrifice inner tranquility for productivity or approval. But at what cost? The science is clear: chronic stress leads to anxiety, depression, and even physical ailments like heart disease. Yet many of us continue pushing through toxic environments and unhealthy relationships, fearing disappointment or judgment. Today I explore how true happiness comes from activit...

What happens when a ship remains anchored in the safety of the harbor? That ship in the harbor might be protected from storms and rough seas, but it's missing its fundamental purpose. This powerful metaphor frames our exploration of personal growth, fear, and the necessity of venturing into uncertainty to discover our true potential. The harbor represents those places in life where we feel secure — the steady job that doesn't fulfill us, the relationship that's comfortable but lacks passion,...