Coffee & Grit

Some people survive. Some people shine. And some people walk through the fire and become the damn fire.  That describes Sparkle Lindsay perfectly!  Because this is not just another episode. It is a reunion, a revelation, and a reminder of what happens when you stop waiting and start walking toward your calling. Sparkle returns to Coffee & Grit five years after we first connected on LinkedIn. B...

Let’s get one thing straight this isn’t just another story about surviving. This is a story about choosing to rise differently with love, with grace, and with fire. Joni Woods came back into the studio just weeks before her book Burned, Blocked & Better Than Ever drops. But this conversation? It went way beyond a book launch. Joni doesn’t just talk about resilience. She lives it. From sleeping...

Let’s talk real... If you’ve ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, inconsistent with your content, or questioning whether your marketing efforts are even working… this one’s for you. Because I’ve been there too! In this solo episode of Coffee & Grit, I step back into the studio—Loudmouth Studio—to catch you up on the wild journey of building something from scratch while still trying to coach, create,...

Ever feel like you were lazy, unmotivated, or just... broken—because the traditional path never lit you up? You sat in the back of the classroom, zoned out in office meetings, watching your peers climb ladders you didn’t even want to lean against...You weren’t the problem!  You were a visionary stuck in a system that couldn’t hold you. That is exactly what fueled this impromptu recording of Coffee...

What’s up, everybody?! Welcome back to another episode of Coffee & Grit — and you already know I’m fired up for this one! It’s not every day I get to jam in the new studio with a three-time guest, a true friend, and one of the biggest difference makers I know — the Godfather of Connecting People, Steven Zyskowski, founder of Caerusnet Michigan. Steve’s was back in Michigan last week from sunny...

This episode features a powerhouse Difference Maker—Rhonda Trask, founder of Hearts CRi Michigan (HCRi)—who’s rewriting the story for foster, adoptive, and kinship families across the state. If you’ve never walked alongside a foster, adoptive, or kinship family—you probably have no idea just how isolating, exhausting, and misunderstood the journey can be. But Rhonda does. And she’s made it her mis...

What happens when you combine Southern grit, global business leadership, a little Café Du Monde, and a whole lot of faith? You get Tom Rivers. In the very first episode recorded in our new content studio (after a few hard lessons and black screens, of course), Tom and I dive into a rich conversation about starting from scratch, chasing vision, and building a life and business with purpose. From hi...

Karyn Kokeny didn’t just pivot careers—she flipped the whole damn script. In this fire-packed conversation, we talk about what it really takes to build a business, develop confidence, and 10X your life from the inside out. From her early days coaching gymnastics to climbing the corporate ladder to aligning with the Grant Cardone team, Karyn’s journey is a full-circle transformation fueled by minds...

What does it take to turn a life-shattering diagnosis into a mission that empowers millions?  In this deeply personal and raw episode, Heather Ruby, founder of With Haven AI, shares how she transformed her husband’s cancer battle into a lifeline for caregivers. Heather takes us on a powerful journey—from the panic of an unexpected diagnosis to the overwhelming weight of being a caregiver, while ru...

Ready to turn relentless curiosity into real-world freedom? In this high-voltage conversation, Jason sits down with Audrey Schultz—“Modern Frontierswoman,” successful blogger, vacation-rental investor, interior-designer-turned-realtor, and self-taught Spanish speaker—just days after they first met in Difference Maker Bootcamp.  Audrey peels back the curtain on her three-year, no-pay grind to monet...

What does it take to build a business that doesn’t just survive, but thrives on trust, integrity, and the power of human connection?   In this weeks episode, Nate Varilone, founder of Varilone Construction, takes us behind the scenes of his journey from laying tile in his first winter to building a thriving construction company known for its tight-knit team, meaningful relationships, and unwaverin...

What if the very thing you’ve been hiding could become your greatest source of power? In this unforgettable episode of Coffee & Grit, Jason sits down with Lindsey Hall—a passionate artist, photographer, entrepreneur, and mental health advocate—whose journey will both break your heart and light your fire. From the early days of shooting portraits with a hand-me-down camera to building not one,...

Ever had that whisper inside telling you there’s more? This solo episode flips the script and takes you deep into The Alchemist—not as a book review, but as a mirror to the entrepreneur’s journey. From dreams that won’t let go, to fears that keep us stuck, to the wild synchronicities that show up once we commit—this is about the power of owning your story, stepping into your Personal Legend, and t...

What if the “boring” routine is the secret to living your wildest dreams? In this powerhouse return to the mic, Mary Vance is back—and she’s more grounded, fiery, and energized than ever. Two years after her Wake the F** Up* episode, we reunite for an unforgettable conversation about what it really means to live the lifestyle, not just preach it. Mary’s not just a coach—she is the billboard for Ma...

What if you never came back home—how different would your community be? In this heart-centered episode of Coffee & Grit, I sit down with Erika McNamara—attorney, entrepreneur, and absolute Difference Maker—to unpack a journey that feels like a real-life version of It’s a Wonderful Life. From international business in China to solo law practice in Brighton, Erika’s story is one of reinvention,...

What happens when you trade in your classroom for the coaching seat — and let your story fuel your impact? In this powerful episode of  Coffee & Grit , I sit down with Julia Keider, a former teacher who turned her passion for people and purpose into a thriving coaching and consulting career. Julia’s journey isn’t just about making a career move — it’s about honoring your life experiences, embr...

What if the problem isn’t  conflict —but the way we define it? In this powerful and eye-opening episode of Coffee & Grit, I sit down with the legendary leader & EOS Implementer Mike Gruley to stir the pot on a topic most people avoid: communication that creates breakthroughs, not breakdowns. We unpack the silent killer of progress— artificial harmony —and explore how most people confuse he...

In this special solo episode of Coffee & Grit, Jason Tracey takes the mic to share the raw, unfiltered journey of self-discovery, resilience, and stepping fully into your purpose. After a last-minute cancellation, Jason seizes the opportunity to dive deep into the power of self-awareness—understanding what truly energizes you, drives you, and defines your superpower. From reflecting on persona...

There are episodes you record… and then there are episodes you feel in your bones. This is one of those. An instant classic. One of my favorites of all time. In this conversation with Stu Strahan, we go way beyond business. Stu opens up with raw honesty about the heartbreak of losing it all — and the long, quiet years of doubt that followed. He shares the moment his son reignited the entrepreneuri...

From Side Hustle to Snack Sensation: The Spicy Rise of Crosseye’s Ghost Pretzels In this episode of Coffee & Grit, we sit down with John Hyden a Difference Maker, and someone who turned late-night kitchen experiments into a full-blown viral snack brand. What started as a creative outlet during the 2008 housing crash quickly snowballed into something way bigger… thanks to a little fire, a lot o...

What if you ran your business like a college football team? That’s the question we unpack in this high-energy reunion with Desi Mayner — one of the original Coffee & Grit guests from way back in Episode 2. So much has changed since his first visit in February 2020 (pre-pandemic!), and Desi’s journey of transformation from coaching athletes to building elite business teams is nothing short of i...

Pete Lopez was 27 when he got the news no one ever wants to hear. He had a severe back injury that left him bed ridden for 3 months, and surgery was the only option. His dreams of living an active, pain-free life? Done. At least, that’s what they told him. But Pete had a choice: accept that story—or rewrite it. What happened next wasn’t just about healing himself. It was about owning his life in a...

In this episode of Coffee & Grit, Jason sits down with Jackie Kibler, a powerhouse EOS Implementer and coach who’s on a mission to empower the empowerers. From growing up in a family of entrepreneurs to leading underperforming regions in Fortune 500 companies, Jackie has spent her life helping people break through their limitations—and now, she’s doing it at scale. Jackie shares her incredible...

The Secret to Showing Up & Standing Out on Social Media... Getting in front of a camera and creating content can feel terrifying—even for the most outgoing entrepreneurs. But in today’s world, social media isn’t just a marketing tool; it’s the fastest route to building trust, attracting clients, and growing your business. So why do so many people struggle to hit record? In this episode, I sit...

Cold Calling Isn’t Dead—And Neither Is Grit Listen in as we dive in for an epic episode down with Danny Eller, a true Difference Maker, who has played a pivotal role in driving massive growth at Populist Cleaning Co. With a relentless work ethic and a deep commitment to his craft, Danny has helped elevate the company’s sales strategy, expand its reach, and solidify its reputation in the industry....