Épisodes

  • From CNN To Healing Words: John DeDakis On Grief, Writing, And Resilience
    Jan 26 2026

    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.com


    Free E-book – https://dl.bookfunnel.com/afk096okro


    Apply to be a Guest on My TV show – https://www.epicchoicemedia.com


    #EPICBeginswith1StepForward, #ZanderSprague #GriefJourney #SiblingGrief #WritingProcess

    Afficher plus Afficher moins
    25 min
  • Every Mile Matters: Ironman, Cancer, And The Fight You Never See Coming With Dr. Jeff Reynolds
    Jan 19 2026

    In this powerful and deeply human episode, Zander Sprague sits down with Dr. Jeff Reynolds, nonprofit CEO, endurance athlete, author, and two-time cancer survivor. Jeff shares how training for Ironman Florida unknowingly prepared him for the hardest races of his life: prostate cancer and stage 3B colorectal cancer. From finding out he had cancer via text message to enduring surgery, chemo, radiation, and relentless recovery, Jeff reveals how an endurance mindset, gratitude, and community carried him through. They explore the lessons hidden in mile 18, the difference between being sore and being hurt, and why early screening saves lives. Jeff’s story is raw, hopeful, and motivating – a reminder that life’s biggest challenges aren’t chosen, but how we respond to them defines everything.


    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 #EnduranceAthlete #CancerSurvivor #RoutinePhysical

    Afficher plus Afficher moins
    30 min
  • Lazy Leadership, Hard Truths, And The Power Of Intentional Growth With Corinne Gavlinski
    Jan 12 2026

    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.com


    Free E-book – https://dl.bookfunnel.com/afk096okro


    Apply to be a Guest on My TV show – https://www.epicchoicemedia.com


    #EPICBeginswith1StepForward, #ZanderSprague, #LazyLeadership, #IntentionalGrowth, #LeadershipLegacy

    Afficher plus Afficher moins
    27 min
  • Running Into The Unknown: Teresa Bowser On Mindset, Mountains & Massive Miles
    Jan 5 2026

    In this electrifying episode of Epic Begins With One Step Forward, Zander sits down with ultra-runner and adventure coach Teresa Bowser, a woman who says “yes” to the kind of challenges most people sprint away from. Teresa shares how she transformed her life—from heavy partying to heavy mileage—by discovering Spartan Races, then trail running, and ultimately tackling her self-designed Project Untamed: 103.74 brutal miles with 26,000 feet of climbing. They dive into mental toughness, why the unknown excites her, the healing power of movement, and the wild hallucinations that accompany 36 hours with no sleep. Teresa explains how running helps her—and the women she coaches—shed old identities and step boldly into who they’re meant to become. This conversation is pure grit, growth, and epic inspiration.


    EpicBegins.com


    Free E-book


    Apply to be a Guest on My TV show


    #EPICBeginswith1StepForward, #ZanderSprague, #UltraRunner, #TrailRunning, #MentalToughness

    Afficher plus Afficher moins
    33 min
  • Lights, Camera, Bookings: The New Rules Of Speaking Success With Cam Beaudoin
    Dec 29 2025

    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.com


    Free E-book


    Apply to be a Guest on My TV show


    #EPICBeginswith1StepForward, #ZanderSprague, #VideoMarketing, #ProfessionalSpeaker, #Entrepreneurship

    Afficher plus Afficher moins
    32 min
  • Move To Heal: Lisa Manca On The Power Of Dance Therapy
    Dec 22 2025

    In this fascinating episode of Epic Begins With One Step Forward, Zander reconnects with fellow LPCC Lisa Manca, a board-certified Dance/Movement Therapist helping clients heal through the wisdom of the body. Lisa breaks down what dance therapy really is—no, it’s not interpretive dance with your therapist—and explains how movement, mirroring, and somatic awareness unlock emotions that words often can’t reach. She shares stories from her wide-ranging career, from group work in psychiatric prison settings to the intimate breakthroughs that happen in one-on-one sessions. Together, they explore attachment, trauma healing, and why the body reveals what the mind tries to hide. If you’ve ever felt disconnected from yourself—or curious about creative approaches to therapy—this episode will move you in every sense of the word.


    EpicBegins.com


    Free E-book


    Apply to be a Guest on My TV show


    #EPICBeginswith1StepForward #ZanderSprague #DanceTherapy #MovementPsychotherapy #BodyWisdom

    Afficher plus Afficher moins
    30 min
  • From Therapy To Toughness: Lessons From Navy SEAL Training With Michael Ostrolenk
    Dec 15 2025

    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.com


    Free E-book


    Apply to be a Guest on My TV show


    #EPICBeginswith1StepForward #ZanderSprague #NavySEALtraining #MentalToughness #HumanOptimization

    Afficher plus Afficher moins
    26 min
  • Dressing For Success—Powered By AI And Epic Determination With Anya Cheng
    Dec 8 2025

    In this inspiring episode of Epic Begins With One Step Forward, Zander chats with Anya Cheng, founder and CEO of Taelor—a groundbreaking fashion-tech company using artificial intelligence to style busy professionals. From her beginnings as a reporter in Taiwan to her work at McDonald’s, Target, and Meta, Anya’s journey is one of relentless persistence, bold pivots, and saying yes to opportunity. She shares how Taelor AI uses data, human insight, and machine learning to revolutionize the way men dress—no more shopping or laundry, just confidence delivered. Along the way, Anya reveals lessons on entrepreneurship, adaptability, and defining your true value proposition. Her story proves that success doesn’t come overnight—it’s built one small, intentional step at a time.


    EpicBegins.com


    Free E-book


    Apply to be a Guest on My TV show


    #EPICBeginswith1StepForward #ZanderSprague #Taelor #AIPoweredFashion #EntrepreneurshipAndAI

    Afficher plus Afficher moins
    30 min