Alignment First Podcast

In this episode of Alignment First , I sit down with Melanie Spring , a speaker, storyteller, and intuitive guide, to explore what it means to remember who you are . We dive into the courage it takes to face your truth, the beauty of being seen without judgment, and the importance of releasing what no longer serves you. Together, we unpack how doing less allows you to be more — and how radical hon...

In this episode of Alignment First , I sit down with Craig Perra , founder of the Mindful Habit System and host of Sex Afflictions and Porn Addictions . A former attorney turned transformational coach, Craig shares how he rebuilt his life from addiction and shame through self-leadership, integrity, and mindful habits that redefine what it means to be a man in alignment. Key Takeaways Addiction isn...

In this episode of Alignment First , I sit down with J.R. Butler , Founder and CEO of Shift Group , to explore how high-performing veterans and athletes can translate their unique experiences into long-term career success. They unpack why athletic and military mindsets overlap—and how both groups can transform their service and sport into sustainable success beyond the uniform. Key Takeaways The k...

In this episode of Progress Always , I sit down with Mike Wisecup , Navy SEAL and Naval Academy grad, to unpack the parallels between leaving the military, leaving sport, and navigating identity shifts. We dig into the grit required to earn a spot in the SEAL teams, the culture of brotherhood forged through adversity, and the challenges of redefining yourself after decades in uniform. Key Takeaway...

In this episode of Progress Always , I sit down with Miriam Uriarte , a certified trauma and resilience life coach, to explore the hidden impact of shadow work, nervous system regulation, and the path to true emotional freedom. We dive into the power of mirrors in relationships, why the body holds the score, and how episodic stress can compound into chronic dysregulation. Key Takeaways Shadow work...

In this episode of Progress Always , I sit down with Rachel Gitlevich , author of What in the Actual F CK* and founder of Ray of Consciousness . We dive into her journey through cancer, brain surgeries, and near-death experiences — and how gratitude, humor, and resilience became her anchors. Rachel shares how she transformed life’s darkest moments into light, intentionality, and purpose. Key Takea...

In this episode of Progress Always , I sit down with Will, founder of Ascendance and CEO of Covenant Labs , to explore how sovereignty, technology, and self-work intersect in the new age of AI. We dive into his personal journey from depression and self-discovery to building encrypted sovereign AI systems that put ownership back into the hands of individuals and organizations. Key Takeaways Why you...

In this episode of Progress Always , I sit down with Craig Goldberg , relaxation expert, technologist, and co-founder of InHarmony . Craig is on a mission to help humanity achieve deeper calm through sound and vibration. We explore vibroacoustic therapy, its impact on the nervous system, and how intentional adversity shapes resilience. Key Takeaways Why vibroacoustic therapy is a powerful tool for...

Breastfeeding isn’t one-size-fits-all—and shame has zero ROI. In this episode, Tirza Jova, founder of Milk by Mom (and fellow Thunderbird), breaks down how freeze-drying breast milk gives families the freedom of formula with the benefits of breast milk. We get into modern postpartum realities, boundaries at work, and the mindset shifts required to lead at home and in business. Key takeaways 1) Fre...

On this Episode of Progress Always, Aaron Morrison—“the Mindset Mechanic”—joins me to unpack the shift from blue-collar leadership to inner leadership: taking radical responsibility, rewiring beliefs, and building discipline that actually sticks. We dive into escaping the “scale or bail” trap, communicating about emotions (not from them), and turning confirmation bias into your ally. Key takeaways...

In this episode of Progress Always , I sit down with Brett Stern , founder of 1Thrive and co-owner of Lord Daniel Sportswear . We dive into his journey from collegiate tennis to entrepreneurship, the lessons he carried from sport into business, and how he rebuilt the scaffolding of discipline and accountability after leaving the court. Key Takeaways The difficult transition from athlete identity t...

In this episode of Progress Always , I sit down with my brother Eryk Anders — UFC veteran, national champion at Alabama, and soon-to-be gym owner. We dive into his transition from football to fighting to entrepreneurship, how self-awareness has guided his journey, and what it really means to walk away on your own terms. Key Takeaways Why self-awareness is the most underrated skill in both sport an...

In this episode of Progress Always, I sit down with Kyle Gray, master of storytelling, author, and strategist for speakers and entrepreneurs. We dive into the hidden power of language, cadence, and vulnerability in storytelling — and how owning your story creates deeper trust, connection, and impact as a leader. Key Takeaways 1. Your story is most powerful when told to serve, not to prove. 2. Vuln...

In this episode of Progress Always , I sit down with Quincy Gregg — senior consultant at Ernst & Young, collegiate hockey player, MBA graduate, world traveler, and author in progress. We dive into his journey from undersized hockey player to global explorer and corporate leader, and how intentional adversity and curiosity fuel growth both on and off the ice. Key Takeaways Why intentional adver...

In this episode of Progress Always , I sit down with Kirk Artman , creator of the Digital Automation Diagram and (as I know him) the “AI DJ.” We dive into Kirk’s wild journey from artist to DJ to international skydiving instructor — and now into AI automation. We explore how AI isn’t about replacing humanity but returning us to it, giving people freedom to do what they truly want. Key Takeaways Th...

In this episode of Progress Always , I sit down with Greg Pignataro, co-founder of Enlightened Health and a Guinness World Record holder for Nordic curls. Greg brings a powerful blend of performance coaching, somatic integration, and emotional healing to the world of strength and conditioning. From collegiate soccer injuries to pioneering emotional pain mapping through the body, Greg’s journey pro...

In this episode of Progress Always , I sit down with Army veteran, entrepreneur, and founder of Freedom for Heroes, Mike Christensen. From restoring classic cars to leading combat patrols in Afghanistan and Iraq, Mike's journey is a masterclass in resilience, responsibility, and redefining leadership after military life. Key Takeaways Just because something was a passion doesn’t mean it has to...

In this episode of Progress Always , I sit down with the remarkable Margaux Alvarez—seven-time CrossFit Games athlete, winemaker, NBC Titan Games competitor, and entrepreneur—to explore how hardship, discipline, and presence shaped her evolution as a leader. From honoring her sister’s memory to building a business that bridges fitness and wine, Margaux shares the mindset behind her resilience and...

On this episode of Progress Always , I sit down with Zac Palmer , sales and persuasion strategist, podcast host, and a leader in emotional intelligence and conscious communication. We dig into how proximity is power, how immersive environments change lives, and how the quality of your life is directly tied to the quality of your agreements. Whether you lead a team, a household, or just yourself—th...

In this episode of Progress Always , I sit down with Jon Andersen — pro wrestler, pro bodybuilder, pro strongman, lifestyle optimization specialist, and a powerful example of what happens when your body becomes your business card . We break down Jon’s journey from the “resource room” to building multiple seven-figure companies and competing on international stages — all through radical work ethic,...

In this episode of Progress Always , I sit down with Alexus Rae , certified NLP, MER, and Hypnosis Master Practitioner and transformational coach helping women emotionally heal, reinvent themselves, and live from radical self-trust. We dive into how our unconscious mind, radical responsibility, and harmony — not balance — change the game for the fittest leaders possible. Key Takeaways True transfo...

Welcome to another episode of Progress Always , where Mycal sits down with Brent Perkins, the founder of Three X Bold , a coaching practice that helps men expand their capacity as fathers, lovers, and leaders. Brent’s journey is one of profound transformation, stepping away from a 20-year career and an 18-year marriage to reinvent himself and pursue a life of authentic boldness. In this episode, B...

In this episode of Progress Always , Mycal Anders reconnects with his old roommate from the good old days training and slinging gym memberships at Gold's Gym in Dallas, TX. Dr. Ryan Brown. Ryan is a metaphysical teacher and the founder of Fit Minds , a platform dedicated to training the mind in alignment with one’s true self. He uses metaphysics and energy practices to help people achieve high...

In this episode of Progress Always, Mycal Anders is joined by Aaron Velky, founder of Get Out of Your Own Way and creator of the Living Vision Program to dive deep into personal growth, leadership, and building a vision for a purposeful life. He helps individuals build and align their personal and professional visions. Aaron focuses on helping people unlock their potential by getting clear on thei...

In this episode, I sit down with Niko Arapkiles, the founder of Vision Espresso. We dive deep into how to tap into your highest self by turning your vision into an emotional, cinematic daily practice. Niko shares the story behind Vision Espresso, how it was born from his experience with visualization and manifestation, and how he’s using AI as a tool for personal growth — not just automation. We e...