Alignment First Podcast

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...

In this episode of Progress Always, Mycal Anders sits down with Michael Hunter, the founder of PersonalBrand.com and SpiffyCheckouts.com, to discuss his journey through entrepreneurship, personal growth, and the spiritual connection to business and family. Michael has a mission to help entrepreneurs and thought leaders elevate their personal brands and create meaningful, scalable businesses. He sh...

In this episode of Progress Always, Mycal Anders sits down with Joe Tepe, the founder of The Strip CrossFit and several other fitness ventures in Las Vegas. He has created a unique gym model focused on high-level coaching, member engagement, and building a thriving fitness community. From hospitality to entrepreneurship, Joe's journey is an inspiring testament to the power of pivoting, integri...

In this episode of Progress Always, I sit down with Jonathan De Friess, a true example of transformation, from overcoming addiction to becoming a gym owner and now excelling in sales. Jonathan takes us through his journey of addiction, finding fitness through rehab, and the personal growth that led him to leave the gym business and step into a new chapter of his life. His story is one of resilienc...

In this episode of Progress Always , I reconnect with holistic gut health expert and co-founder of Soul Sessions, Joy Somers. From her competitive CrossFit days to running a CrossFit gym in Thailand, Joy has embraced a life of transformation, blending fitness, wellness, and community-building across the globe. She shares her unique journey, including the rise of her viral "coffee parties,&quo...

From Marine Corps Officer to trauma-informed coach, keynote speaker, and mother of two, Taylor Galadyk joins me on Progress Always to talk healing, identity, and feminine leadership. We explore what it really means to transition from performance to peace and the power of EMDR therapy, motherhood, and deep spiritual awareness in reshaping our self-worth. We dive into the nuanced balance between mas...

In this episode, I sit down with fighter pilot turned entrepreneur Alex Lisot, founder of Master the Military. From the U.S. Air Force Academy to traveling the world as a digital nomad to launching a life-changing veteran community, Alex shares the critical ego deaths, identity shifts, and courageous decisions behind his extraordinary journey. We unpack lessons on fatherhood, financial independenc...

In this powerful episode, Mycal sits down with Marine Corps Infantry Officer and Sherpa Executive Coach, Nick Mann—founder of The Executive Dad . Together, they unpack how modern fatherhood, personal development, and leadership intersect to create an evolved, present, and purpose-driven man. Nick shares his transition from mental health counseling to coaching, the emotional and strategic impact of...

On this episode of Progress Always , I sit down with Tina Duffy , a powerhouse in health coaching who works with LifeScape Premier, the Amen Clinic Brain Health Program, and runs her own practice, Dynamic Solutions for Life . We first connected at the Mental Health Reset Conference , where she delivered an eye-opening talk on sugar’s impact on brain health —a topic I’ve been diving deep into since...

In this deeply personal and unapologetic episode of Progress Always, Mycal reconnects with his longtime mentor, Marc Accetta—whose guidance pulled him from a valley of setbacks into a life of relentless growth and achievement. Together, they dive into the raw evolution of live events, the power of paying forward hard-earned wisdom, and the unyielding commitment it takes to transform adversity into...

In this conversation on Progress Always, Mycal welcomes back entrepreneur and founder of Peak Nutrition, Modern Warrior, and the Winter Warrior Foundation, James Stratman. They dive deep into the pivotal questions behind decision-making, embracing both the worst-case scenario and the biggest possible upside. James highlights the importance of radical honesty—both in business and personal relations...

In this episode of Progress Always , Mycal is joined by Josh Otero, founder and chairman of the Warrior Gamer Foundation. Together, they dive into the Foundation’s mission to reshape mental health support for veterans and government employees through the innovative use of gaming and AI. Mycal and Josh explore the unique ways Warrior Gamer helps build community, reduce isolation, and provide mental...