Alignment First Podcast

Most leaders don’t have an information problem. They have an adaptation problem. In this episode of Alignment First, I sit down with Logan Gelbrich — founder of Deuce Gym, creator of the Hold The Standard Summit, and author of Going Right — to unpack the difference between technical challenges and adaptive ones… and why that distinction changes everything about how you build teams, culture, and ca...

Bella Vasta didn’t stumble into systems, hiring, or AI. She earned them through necessity. From building a six-figure pet sitting business in Scottsdale to navigating NICU nights, divorce, and reinvention, Bella’s story is a masterclass in resilience, identity, and intentional infrastructure. In this conversation, we unpack why most business owners resist systems until crisis forces their hand, ho...

This episode is a deep, honest exploration of what happens after the uniform comes off . I got to jam with Ed Lubowicki—former Notre Dame lacrosse player, ex–Deloitte consultant, and founder of Lubowicki Performance Advisory—to unpack the identity shift athletes face when sport ends, and how to intentionally transcend and include the best parts of that chapter into the next one. Ed shares insights...

In this episode, I sit down with Rita Hudgens , holistic mindset life coach and founder of Transform University , for a grounded, coach-to-coach conversation on identity, flow, healing, and what it really means to build a life that feels aligned, not just impressive on paper. What began as a reconnection through shared space at the gym evolves into a deep dialogue on mountaintops and valleys, hust...

In this episode of Alignment First , Mycal sits down with Corbin Smith , a 30-year coaching veteran, founder of MTTS Sports Group , author of More Than the Scoreboard , and host of the More Than the Scoreboard podcast. Corbin shares the raw reality of transitioning from athlete to coach, navigating loyalty in the coaching profession, and why self-leadership is the foundation of every great team, f...

In this episode of Alignment First , I sit down with Joseph Cancilla , founder of Hana Events & Experiences , United States Marine Corps veteran, and experiential architect creating emotionally resonant events at scale. What begins as a shared Marine Corps bond evolves into a deep conversation about grief, empathy, nervous system regulation, and what it actually takes to lead with presence ins...

In this episode of Alignment First, I sit down with Jessica Depatie—producer, podcaster, shadow work educator, and branding consultant—for a deep conversation on identity, harmonics, and why true alignment matters more than marketing tactics. We explore how inner coherence shapes outer expression and what it really means to lead, and brand, from integrity. Key Takeaways 1. Niching down fails when...

In this episode of Alignment First, I sit down with Christalyne Causey, former burned-out healthcare worker turned medspa owner and performance-focused health strategist. We unpack why burnout isn’t a motivation problem. It’s a hormone and nervous system problem. From stress chemistry and dopamine addiction to sleep deprivation and modern lifestyle design, this conversation delivers practical insi...

In this episode of Alignment First, I sit down with Mo Fitzgerald — former NWSL player, strategist, facilitator, and founder of Play Street Studio — to explore why play is not a distraction from performance, but a catalyst for it. We unpack the loss of identity athletes experience after sport, the isolation of leadership and entrepreneurship, and why modern workplaces are starving for connection,...

In this episode of Alignment First, I sit down with Madeline Davis Tully — former Princeton rowing athlete and rowing coach at Stanford, Ohio State, and Boston University, national champion, and founder of MDT Leadership. We unpack what it truly means to transition from competing for championships to creating champions, the parallels between elite sport and executive leadership, and how identity,...

In this episode of Alignment First, I sit down with Christian Ponder — NFL veteran, entrepreneur, and founder of The Post, a community built to elevate athletes long after sport. We dig into identity, fatherhood, leadership, boundaries, and how to create systems that keep you aligned while building something bigger than yourself. Christian breaks down the misconceptions about athletes in transitio...

In this episode of Alignment First , I sit down with Shawn Richards , founder of Blue Sky Business Consulting and host of The Team Engagement Podcast . We dive into how leaders can maximize their human capital, strengthen communication, develop emerging leaders, and evolve their identity as their vision grows. This is a powerful conversation on building teams that can actually win. Key Takeaways W...

In this episode of Alignment First , I sit down with Megan Joseph , founder of Megalife Integrative Wellness , to explore how herbs, mushrooms, and spiritual connection can restore the body when traditional medicine can’t. We dive into her journey through Ehlers-Danlos, autoimmunity, trauma healing, parasitic detoxing, and why peace—not speed—is the real metric of health. Key Takeaways 1. True hea...

In this episode of Alignment First , I sit down with Tiffany Carole —creator of Aroma Point Therapy Fundamentals, founder of Master Creator Academy, and visionary behind the Lumina Guild—to explore the bridge between science, plant medicine, and spiritual awakening. We dive into healing as a return to wholeness, betrayal as humanity’s oldest wound, and why high performers struggle to receive suppo...

In this episode of Alignment First , I sit down with Melissa Nanavati —speaker, author, and relationship architect redefining how high performers connect and communicate at home. We dive into the neuroscience of chemistry, the power of updated agreements, and the frameworks that help couples protect their peace, presence, and power. Key Takeaways Chemistry isn’t magic, it’s biology maintained thro...

In this episode, I sit down with Kris Kluver — speaker, strategic advisor, facilitator, and founder of Life On Your Terms and Peer Circles . We explore how audacity becomes the gateway to real transformation, why most leaders are solving the wrong problems, and how to build a life that protects what matters most. We dive into identity, intentionality, time compression, and the mindset required to...

In this episode of Alignment First , I sit down with Kiefer Gilbert (bartender turned programmer, entrepreneur, coach, and ultra runner) to explore the deep psychology behind running 100+ miles, staying sober, and chasing the edges of human potential. We dive into addiction, discipline, fatherhood, faith, chaos, and what it really means to find yourself when you're miles beyond comfort. Key Ta...

In this episode of Alignment First , I sit down with Kyle Brown , the spiritual and lifestyle architect who almost died from stress . We explore his near-death experience, the cost of constant hustle, and how he rebuilt his life through total self-trust . Kyle reveals what it means to surrender, embody balance, and lead from alignment instead of ego. Key Takeaways Hustle without harmony leads to b...

In this episode of Alignment First , I sit down with Dr. Derek Price, former NFL athlete turned physician and leadership coach, to explore what it truly means to earn your strength through life’s hardest seasons. We talk faith, fatherhood, and the real work of building men who lead with peace, presence, and power. Key Takeaways Success without alignment leads to emptiness. Presence is the true mea...

In this episode of Alignment First, I sit down with Hannah Chapman, Certified Financial Planner and Founder of X² Wealth Planning, to explore how human design and emotional intelligence can transform your relationship with money. We dive into the intersection of financial strategy, nervous system regulation, and self-awareness; revealing how true abundance begins when your energy and wealth align....

In this episode of Alignment First , I sit down with Master Gunnery Sergeant (Ret.) Martin Duarte , Program Outreach Coordinator for Wounded Warriors Family Support . We talk about the real transition veterans face when the uniform comes off—redefining purpose, rebuilding identity, and rediscovering the tribe that keeps you grounded. Key Takeaways Leaving service isn’t the end—it’s the beginning o...

In this episode of Alignment First, I sit down with Jonathan Greye , one of the creative forces behind PersonalBrand.com, to explore the power of unbranding; stripping away everything that isn’t you to reveal your highest expression. We dive into the art of authentic storytelling, the courage to be seen, and how detachment fuels creativity. Key Takeaways True branding begins with unbranding —relea...

In this episode of Alignment First , I sit down with Gina Catalano , founder of Venture Solutions and author of Tandem Leadership: How Your Number Two Can Make You Number One. We explore how releasing old identities and building operational harmony can help leaders grow without losing themselves. Key Takeaways Growth requires releasing what no longer serves you. True freedom means designing life,...

In this episode of Progress Always , I sit down with Daniel Knight, founder of Unicorn Universe and professional connector, to unpack how collaboration, repetition, and courageous vulnerability create exponential growth for leaders. We explore the real meaning of masterminds, why small reps matter more than big stages, and how your future self becomes your best accountability partner. Key Takeaway...

In this episode of Progress Always, I sit down with Dr. Amber Enright — The Therapy Doctor — to explore what it means to build a life and business rooted in compassion, courage, and community. We dive into her journey from poverty and adoption to earning her doctorate at 25, leading in neurology and oncology physical therapy, and building one of Scottsdale’s most connected business networks. Key T...