LifeExcellence with Brian Bartes

Tony Horton has been at the forefront of the fitness industry for decades. He is the wildly popular creator of the most successful fitness program in America, P90X. As a personal trainer, Tony has worked with A-list celebrities, including Tom Petty, Billy Idol, Bruce Springsteen and Stevie Nicks. He is also a motivational speaker, and the author of three bestselling books.

Ari Weinzweig and his partner, Paul Saginaw, founded Zingerman’s Delicatessen with two employees and a small selection of specialty foods and exceptional sandwiches. Today, the Zingerman’s Community of Businesses has grown to 11 businesses and over $75 million in annual revenue. The company’s unique business model caused Inc Magazine to call Zingerman’s “The Coolest Small Company in America.”

Once called “The Godfather of Hispanic Marketing,” Richard Montañez started his career at Frito-Lay in 1976 as a janitor, and is recognized as the creator of the Flamin’ Hot line of products. He held various senior roles at PepsiCo and its Frito Lay divisions, before retiring in 2020. Richard shares the inside story of the world’s hottest snack brand.

Julia Whelan is a screenwriter, lifelong actor, author, and the audiobook narrator of over 500 titles. She has won numerous awards, including being named Audible's Narrator of the Year, and is considered one of the top narrators recording today. Her performance of her own debut novel - “My Oxford Year” – earned Julia a Society of Voice Arts award. Her latest novel, “Thank You For Listening,”...

Hou Yifan is a chess grandmaster, four-time Women's World Chess Champion, and the second highest-rated female player of all time. She was the youngest female player ever to qualify for the title of grandmaster, and the youngest ever to win the Women's World Chess Championship. Yifan shares the story behind her impressive accomplishments, and the most important lessons about life that we...

Craig Domann is a sports agent, keynote speaker, and podcast host. As an experienced sports attorney, Craig represents successful NFL athletes, as well as a number of pro and college football coaches. Since becoming a registered NFLPA Member Contract Advisor in 1990, he has negotiated more than a billion dollars in contracts for more than 200 NFL athletes.

Annika Sörenstam is often regarded as the greatest female golfer of all time. During her 15-year career, Annika amassed over 90 worldwide victories, including 72 on the LPGA tour, and 11 Major Championships. She is also the only player in LPGA Tour history to finish 18 holes with a score of 59.

As a legend and leader in the hotel world, Horst Schulze created operating and service standards that have become world famous throughout the hospitality industry and beyond. Horst is a founding member of both the Ritz Carlton Hotel Company and The Capella Hotel Group, and is the author of "Excellence Wins:  A No Nonsense Guide to Becoming the Best in a World of Compromise."

Chris Voss is a former Lead FBI Negotiator, and author of the book, “Never Split the Difference.” He has lectured on negotiation at business schools across the country, and has been featured in both television and print media. In 2007, Chris founded The Black Swan Group, a negotiation training and consulting organization.

Kathrine Switzer made history in 1967 by becoming the first woman to officially register and run the Boston Marathon. She would later go on to win the New York City Marathon, and to become a crusader for women’s sports. Kathrine discusses how that snowy day in 1967 both radicalized and inspired her to create opportunities for other women in running.

Lia Valencia Key went from homeless to 100 million homes when her jewelry line, Valencia Key Jewelry, was launched on QVC, one of the largest television shopping networks in the world. Lia’s jewelry was also featured in Oprah Magazine’s 2020 Favorite Things issue. Lia shares how your predicament does not determine your destiny, and the power of choosing joy. (Visit https://www.valenciakey.com/ and...

David Palmer is a retired professional squash player, and is currently the Head Squash Coach at Cornell University. He is a two-time World Champion, a four-time British Open Champion, and a World Doubles Champion. David discusses what it takes to be a top 10 squash player, and what he enjoys about transitioning from a player to a coach.

Annie Duke is an author, speaker, and decision-making consultant. As a former professional poker player, she won more than $4 million in tournament poker, and a World Series of Poker bracelet. Annie discusses decision-making under uncertainty, and her newest book, “Quit: The Power of Knowing When to Walk Away.”

Veronika Scott is the founder and CEO of The Empowerment Plan. What started as a college project – designing a coat that transforms into a sleeping bag for the homeless – has evolved into a movement that empowers homeless individuals to gain back their independence, and have their dignity restored. Veronika shares her amazing story, and the impact on those she serves.

Dr. Ivan Misner has been called the “Father of Modern Networking” by both Forbes and CNN. He’s the Founder & Chief Visionary Officer of BNI, the world’s largest business networking organization, and is also one of the world’s leading experts on business networking. Ivan discusses the phenomenal growth of BNI, and what successful networkers do that others don’t do.

Jeff Foxworthy is one of the most respected and successful comedians in the country. He is the largest selling comedy-recording artist in history, a multiple Grammy Award nominee and the best-selling author of more than 26 books. Jeff shares the story behind his hilarious redneck jokes, and the important distinction between “who he is” and “what he does.”

Lauren Johnson is a mental performance coach and keynote speaker. Prior to opening her own consulting practice, Lauren served as the Mental Conditioning Coordinator for the New York Yankees baseball team. She shares why talent is no longer enough, and what elite performers do so they can perform their best, regardless of circumstance.

Nora Roberts is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of more than 240 novels. There are currently more than 500 million copies of her books in print, and the New Yorker has dubbed her "America’s favorite novelist." Nora shares the story behind her success, and reveals her three-step process for writing a book.

Traci Morrow built a multi-million-dollar, international business in the health and wellness industry. In addition to her business success, Traci recently published her first book, “Real-Life Marriage: Navigating Your Beautiful, Messy, One-Of-A-Kind Love Story.” She shares how fitness enhances every other aspect of life, as well as the most important lessons for a successful marriage.

In 2012, at the age of just 16, Laura Dekker became the youngest person ever to sail around the world alone. Today, she is a motivational speaker, author, and professional yacht-skipper. Laura discusses what she learned about herself – and about the world – while alone at sea for 519 days.

Rich Diviney is a retired Navy SEAL commander, an expert in leadership and human performance, and the author of “The Attributes: 25 Hidden Drivers of Optimal Performance.” He discusses what it’s really like to be a Navy SEAL, as well as the hidden drivers of optimal performance.

Tom Fazio has designed and built more than 200 golf courses, including some of the most exclusive private courses in the world. He shares his philosophy and approach to design, and provides tips on how to maximize your enjoyment of the game – whether you’re a scratch golfer, or a weekend duffer.

Austin Hatch is a former college basketball player at the University of Michigan, a motivational speaker, and a survivor of two fatal plane crashes. His story was featured by ESPN in a 16-minute segment, “Miraculous: The Austin Hatch Story.” He discusses his story of tragedy, incomprehensible loss, and triumph.

At the age of 27, Cassie De Pecol became the fastest person – and the first woman – on record to travel alone to every country in the world. She discusses her incredible 18-month journey, and offers advice on facing fears, overcoming obstacles, and living the life of your dreams.

Greg Hatcher started The Hatcher Insurance Agency from scratch, and grew it in just three years to become the largest health insurance agency in Arkansas. He discusses why playing sports growing up is “the difference maker later in life,” and other qualities of high achievers.