DFW Grit - The Podcast

In this episode of DFW Grit , Dr. James Taylor talks with Mark Verkler, LMFT, counselor and founder of Samaritan's Well, about balancing professional success with emotional and spiritual well-being. Mark shares his journey from real estate to mental health, offers insight into work-life imbalance, and emphasizes the importance of fun, friendships, and emotional restoration—especially for high-achi...

In this episode of DFW Grit , Dr. James Taylor reflects on how ego and pride in “doing it all” can actually stall growth. Sharing lessons from hiring a new associate and outsourcing tasks in his business and personal life, he challenges the glorification of the grind. Dr. Taylor makes the case that real leadership—and real success—comes from buying back your time, setting clear standards, and empo...

In this episode of DFW Grit, Dr. James Taylor sits down with James and Poly Unruh, the passionate couple behind CrossFit LFC. With zero prior business ownership experience—but a decade-old calling and deep faith—they share their bold leap into gym ownership, driven by community, mentorship, and intentional connection. From rebranding and programming shifts to fostering a warm, lifestyle-focused en...

In this episode of DFW Grit , Dr. James Taylor unpacks a powerful leadership truth: “You don’t rise to your goals—you fall to the level of what you tolerate.” Using real-life examples from his business, home life, and personal growth, he explores how tolerating small slips in standards leads to bigger consequences. From silent agreements to cultural creep, this episode is a direct call to reset yo...

In this episode of DFW Grit , Dr. James Taylor sits down with real estate investor Sharon Riddle, whose journey from corporate layoffs to multifamily property syndication is rooted in consistency, discipline, and grit. Sharon shares how she and her husband transitioned from single-family homes to building Excalibur Investments of Texas, emphasizing the importance of mentorship, scalable systems, a...

In the 100th episode of DFW Grit , Dr. James Taylor reflects on his personal and professional transformation since the show’s early days as Fueled by Spite . What began as an anger (spiteful)-driven platform has evolved into a powerful mirror of growth, vulnerability, and self-discovery. Through honest storytelling, a solo retreat, and deep introspection, Dr. Taylor shares how reclaiming emotional...

We're celebrating our 99th episode of DFW Grit with a throwback-style clip show—just like they used to do in the '90s. From Fueled by Spite to now, this episode revisits some of the most inspiring, entertaining, and unfiltered conversations we've ever had. Whether you've been here since the beginning or just joined the ride, this is a tribute to grit, growth, and the stories that brought us here....

NFL wide receiver Penny Hart shares his powerful journey from undrafted free agent to trusted contract educator. He opens up about the highs and lows of pro football, the business lessons he learned firsthand, and why understanding your value off the field is just as important as performing on it. "DFW Grit - The Podcast" is a podcast hosted by Dr. James Taylor, a top chiropractor in Dal...

In this episode of DFW Grit , Dr. James Taylor discusses the challenges faced by high-performing men in balancing their professional and personal lives, emphasizing the risk of burnout and self-destruction due to societal expectations. Dr. Taylor highlights the importance of redefining strength to include emotional awareness and support, encouraging men to find their identity beyond traditional ro...

On this episode of DFW Grit, Dr. James Taylor sits down for an interview with a young entrepreneur named Ryatt, who started a business called Ryatt's Rentals, where he rents out bounce houses. Inspired by Shark Tank and his stepdad's entrepreneurial journey, Ryatt navigated through numerous business ideas before settling on bounce houses. He successfully launched his business with savings and a sm...

In this episode of DFW Grit , Dr. James Taylor dives into the hidden danger of “collecting coaches” and the chaos that comes from listening to too many voices. He urges listeners to stop chasing endless advice and instead focus on clarity, reflection, and trusting their own gut. The key message? You don’t need more coaches—you need more action. DFW Grit - The Podcast" is a podcast hosted by Dr. Ja...

In this episode of DFW Grit, host Dr. James Taylor has an insightful conversation with Brandon Allen, the owner of Masterpiece Construction, who shares his journey from a career in pharmacy to establishing a successful construction business in DFW. He discusses the importance of collaboration, adaptability, and maintaining a passion for the work, highlighting how these elements have contributed to...

In this episode of DFW Grit, host Dr. James Taylor discusses his efforts to promote local businesses through social media and community engagement, despite facing challenges with Facebook group admins who often deny his promotional posts. Ironically those that want to help build and promote community are doing the antithesis. But don't worry, Dr. Taylor still has a commitment to supporting small b...

In this episode of DFW Grit, host Dr. James Taylor talks with John Coomer, a Texan famer, landscaper and rugby player , who discusses his experiences and insights on nature, farming, and the importance of connecting with the environment. He emphasizes the need for mindfulness and discipline in appreciating nature, while also introducing his initiative, "Comanche Cowboy," which aims to pr...

In this episode of the DFW Grit - The Podcast, Dr. Taylor discusses strategies for overcoming feelings of overwhelm and indecision when faced with a long to-do list. He emphasizes the importance of taking action through "no brainer" tasks, quick wins, and high-impact moves to build momentum and clarity. Just start moving forward, without the fear or pressure of making "perfect decis...

In this episode of DFW Grit, host Dr. James Taylor talks with Douglas Swift, who shares his inspiring journey of resilience and personal growth following a life-altering car accident. He discusses the importance of social connections, the art of pivoting in life and business, and how his experiences have shaped his approach to investing and building relationships. Make sure to check out Part 1! "D...

In this episode of the DFW Grit - The Podcast, Dr. Taylor shares insights on how to start and manage a podcast effectively, emphasizing that it's as simple as hitting record and sharing your experiences. He encourages listeners to draw inspiration from everyday conversations and interactions, highlighting that anyone can create engaging content without needing extensive equipment or experience. "D...

In this episode of DFW Grit, host Dr. James Taylor talks with Douglas Swift, a seasoned real estate professional and managing partner at WhataFund, specializing in high-yield, passive income opportunities like car washes and commercial real estate. Douglas also has an incredible story with an accident that changed the course of his life. We delve into his origin story in Part I of our interview le...

In this episode of the DFW Grit podcast, Dr. Taylor discusses the importance of understanding and processing emotions, particularly anger and sadness, as essential steps in healing. Like most good content, it came from a meme. Sometimes those meme's hit you right where you need it to hurt. Not to get all mushy but true healing comes from sitting with one's feelings, communicating about them, and f...

In this episode of DFW Grit, host Dr. James Taylor talks with Darren M. Palmer, a visionary, entrepreneur and business owner, who founded one of the industry's leading self publishing companies in the world, Self Publish -N- 30 Days. Which has allowed for Darren to become the #1 Book Coach for 7 Figure Entrepreneurs. The conversation emphasizes the importance of collaboration over competition in t...

In this episode of the DFW Grit podcast, Dr. Taylor discusses the importance of recognizing when we are doing too much and the negative impact it can have on our productivity and well-being. He shares personal anecdotes and offers practical advice on prioritizing tasks, delegating responsibilities, and setting boundaries to achieve a healthier work-life balance. Ultimately, the message emphasizes...

In this episode of DFW Grit, host Dr. James Taylor talks with Mike Kunkle, a life long Texan, music major, professional educator and a blessed family man! Mike shares his journey from music education to becoming an e-learning technology educator, highlighting the challenges faced during the transition. Mike discusses the importance of creativity in both music and technology education, emphasizing...

In this episode of the DFW Grit podcast, Dr. Taylor discusses the concept of "resurgence" for 2025, emphasizing the importance of reflection and personal growth. He shares his journey of setting intentions for the year, reclaiming one's identity, and taking actionable steps to surpass past achievements. Through personal anecdotes, he encourages listeners to embrace their authentic selves and activ...

In this episode of DFW Grit, host Dr. James Taylor interviews video producer Joel Davis, owner of Greatlight Creative, who shares insights about his journey from ministry to producing impactful video content for small businesses and nonprofits. Joel discusses the importance of storytelling in video production and highlights how he effectively engages clients to elevate their brand presence through...

After a short break, we're back and better than ever! You may notice a change for this episode... A new title! Welcome to DFW Grit - The Podcast ! In the inaugural episode of DFW Grit , Dr. Taylor explains the transition from the previous podcast name, Fueled by Spite , to better reflect broader themes of perseverance and resilience. The name change was motivated by the desire to schedule more tar...