Echo chamber

What happens when you turn your hardest experiences into a reason to help others? In this episode of Echo Chamber, Westino sits down with Mr. Whiskey, a U.S. Navy veteran, speaker, podcaster, author, comedian, and preacher known for tackling difficult conversations with honesty and purpose. They explore suicide prevention, addiction recovery, mental health, faith, trauma, and the responsibility th...

The Conversations That Reveal Who We Really Are | Tom Vander Well What can 100,000 business conversations teach us about people, leadership, and life? In this episode of Echo Chamber, Westino speaks with Tom Vander Well, CEO of Intelligentics and author of This Call May Be Monitored. After analyzing more than 100,000 recorded conversations across corporate America, Tom discovered that customer ser...

What happens to everything you’ve built when it’s time to transition, sell, or step away? In this episode of Echo Chamber , Westino speaks with Scherrie L. Prince , an attorney who helps entrepreneurs navigate ownership, governance, succession, and exit planning. Scherrie shares practical insights on aligning business strategy with long-term goals, protecting what founders build, and preparing for...

What makes someone truly persuasive—and can persuasion be learned? In this episode of Echo Chamber , Westino speaks with Josh Bandoch , an internationally recognized persuasion expert and keynote speaker with two decades of experience studying and teaching the art and science of influence. Josh shares practical persuasion strategies for leaders, entrepreneurs, sales professionals, marketers, journ...

What does it really take to turn a good manuscript into a successful book? In this episode of Echo Chamber , Westino speaks with Ally Machate , bestselling author, publishing consultant, and founder & CEO of The Writer’s Ally. Drawing on decades of experience in publishing, Ally shares practical insights on writing, traditional and independent publishing, and what authors need to know to build suc...

Have you ever felt like something was missing, but couldn’t quite explain what it was? In this episode of Echo Chamber , Westino speaks with Lynda Leonce , an authenticity coach and author who helps women reconnect with themselves, uncover deeper truths, and break free from the patterns holding them back. Through coaching, workshops, events, and mentorship, Lynda offers practical guidance for livi...

What if better team performance didn’t require more meetings, more pressure, or more complicated management systems? In this episode of Echo Chamber , Westino speaks with Lia Garvin , the “Team Whisperer,” 3x bestselling author, TEDx speaker, and workplace expert with experience at Google, Microsoft, and Apple. Lia shares practical frameworks for reducing leadership overwhelm, improving team perfo...

What happens when organizations stop treating employees as a cost and start investing in their growth? In this episode of Echo Chamber , Westino speaks with Sandra Coker , founder and CEO of Human Power Solutions and international best-selling author of People Profit . Sandy shares practical strategies for building people-first workplace cultures, improving productivity, reducing workplace drama,...

What if true strength isn’t about controlling others—but learning to govern yourself? In this episode of Echo Chamber , Westino speaks with Garth Haslem , creator of Power Over Force , author, structural engineer, husband, father, and men’s group leader. Garth explores calm authority, emotional discipline, marriage, fatherhood, responsibility, and what it really means to become a strong man withou...

Can a bicycle ride across America help bridge the political divide? In this episode of Echo Chamber , Westino speaks with Teddy Bloom , a Santa Fe cyclist and community advocate riding from the Golden Gate Bridge to the Washington Monument. Along the way, Teddy is using his journey to spark conversations about free speech, equal justice, civic education, and finding common ground in an increasingl...

What does it take to create communities and events where everyone feels welcome and included? In this episode of Echo Chamber , Westino speaks with Thomas R. Wilson , writer, business owner, advocate, sensory-friendly events specialist, and community leader. Thomas shares his work supporting neurodiverse and mental health communities, building partnerships, and creating more accessible experiences...

What can losing $150,000 teach you about becoming a better trader? In this episode of Echo Chamber , Westino speaks with Mitch Abel , founder and CEO of Investment Current. After retiring at 62 and discovering he hadn’t saved enough, Mitch immersed himself in investing and trading. He shares the hard lessons, major setbacks, and four principles that helped him rebuild: education, patience, discipl...

What can our dreams reveal about faith, psychology, and the deeper parts of ourselves? In this episode of Echo Chamber , Westino speaks with Ara C. Trembly , licensed counselor, practicing psychotherapist, Christian counselor, board-certified hypnotherapist, author, and experienced public speaker. Ara shares insights from his work in psychology and Christian counseling, exploring the connection be...

What if the life you’ve built looks good on the outside—but doesn’t feel the way you want it to? In this episode of Echo Chamber , Westino speaks with Rashi, The Joy Consultant , a life coach helping women move beyond guilt, autopilot, and self-neglect to create lives that feel more intentional and fulfilling. Rashi shares how clarity, self-trust, and choosing yourself can create positive change t...

What happens when a childhood love of storytelling grows into an eight-book fantasy universe? In this episode of Echo Chamber , Westino speaks with a lifelong storyteller and composer whose creative journey began at just nine years old. From writing illustrated fantasy stories to earning music degrees and building an entire fantasy series, they share how Tales of the Ocean City evolved from a chil...

How can we know what we believe—and confidently explain why we believe it? In this episode of Echo Chamber , Westino speaks with Sheila , author, Bible teacher, worship leader, and mentor. With a master’s degree in Biblical Studies and Cultural Apologetics, Sheila shares practical insights on studying Scripture, discerning truth, understanding the Bible’s history, and developing a confident Christ...

What does it really take to create and publish an epic fantasy series entirely on your own? In this episode of Echo Chamber , Westino speaks with Rich Inman , author and creator of The Records of Eleshar . Rich shares his journey as an independent author and the realities of handling every stage of the publishing process—from writing and editing to formatting, publishing, and promotion. Discover t...

What do you do when life keeps changing the story—and you have to keep writing? In this episode of Echo Chamber , Westino speaks with Ray Hartjen , writer, musician, and author who has built a remarkable career across business, storytelling, and creative work. Ray shares insights from decades of reinvention, writing, music, and his ongoing journey with cancer, proving that every chapter can become...

What if a good laugh is the exit ramp we need from everyday stress? In this episode of Echo Chamber , Westino speaks with Peter Moore , veteran magazine editor, columnist, cartoonist, commentator, and bestselling ghostwriter. From Playboy and Men’s Health to The Colorado Sun , NPR, and his popular Substack, Peter brings decades of storytelling experience and a sharp sense of humor to almost any to...

Can the way we eat transform not only our health, but also our relationship with animals, spirituality, and the world around us? In this episode of Echo Chamber , Westino speaks with Dr. Will Tuttle , international best-selling author of The World Peace Diet , composer, concert pianist, former Zen monk, and leading voice in plant-based living, spirituality, and meditation. Will shares his perspect...

Can laughter really help us find strength in life’s hardest moments? In this episode of Echo Chamber , Westino speaks with Jane , author of Laughing Through the Storm , a hilarious and honest memoir about living through unexpected challenges, finding humor in the chaos, and discovering resilience when life takes an unpredictable turn. Discover Jane’s story: https://laughingthroughthestorm.com/

What happens when we stop letting fear, self-doubt, guilt, and shame drive our decisions? In this episode of Echo Chamber , Westino speaks with Steve Barton , executive coach, author, and creator of The Game of Ten®. With more than 47 years of business experience, Steve shares how awareness, emotional intelligence, and greater clarity can help leaders perform at a higher level while building stron...

What if you could understand your automatic responses—and learn to take back control? In this episode of Echo Chamber , Westino speaks with Alan Bodnar , an emerging neurophilosopher, researcher, and founder of The Self-Driving You. Alan shares how he turned years of research and personal experimentation into practical strategies for understanding the mind, changing automatic patterns, and becomin...

What does it take to build a successful writing career—and why would an experienced author venture into children’s books? In this episode of Echo Chamber , Westino speaks with Bret Ridgway , best-selling author and publishing expert. Bret shares his journey into children’s literature while offering practical insights and valuable lessons for authors at every stage of the publishing process. Explor...

What does it take to build resilient individuals, stronger families, and empowered communities? In this episode of Echo Chamber , Westino speaks with Michael T. Brown, LPC , a licensed professional counselor, leadership consultant, author, and longtime advocate for resilience and achievement. With more than 25 years of experience, Michael shares insights on leadership, education, community empower...