Powerful And Unpolished

What happens when a professional stuntman faces the very real possibility that his career, and even his future, could end in an instant? In this episode, Tim Salmans welcomes back longtime friend and stunt performer Daniel 'Duke' Jackson for a powerful conversation about risk, resilience, and the moments that force us to reevaluate our lives. Daniel shares stories from more than three decades in t...

In this episode of Powerful and Unpolished, Tim Salmans sits down with Carrie Rene Thomas, co-CEO of Becoming Irresistible, to explore the intersection of authenticity, visibility, entrepreneurship, and AI. Carrie shares how her experiences with dyslexia, personal growth, and overcoming challenges shaped her mission to help people amplify their impact without losing themselves in the process. Toge...

In this episode of Powerful and Unpolished , Tim Salmans sits down with photographer and video storyteller  Monique Eckes to explore the deeper meaning behind authentic visual storytelling. From photographing rescue animals to creating testimonial videos that build trust, Monique shares how photography can capture far more than appearances. It can reveal personality, connection, and the human expe...

In this powerful episode of Powerful and Unpolished, Tim Salmans sits down with Dr. Stephen Paul Edwards for a raw conversation about trauma, toxic relationships, emotional addiction, and personal transformation. Stephen shares the deeply personal experiences behind his memoir, The Venus Fly Trap: Sex, Lies and Repercussions , revealing how one intense relationship forced him to confront the darke...

In this episode, Tim Salmans sits down with developmental editor and author strategist Nanette Levin to explore what it really takes to write a book that resonates. They unpack the gap between having a powerful message and delivering it in a way that truly connects with readers. From early-stage clarity to structural decisions, this conversation reveals why writing is as much about transformation...

Why do so many businesses struggle to connect, even when they’re doing everything “right”? In this episode, Tim Salmans sits down with Lisa  Raebel to unpack the real reason marketing often falls flat and what it takes to create messaging that truly resonates. From storytelling to emotional connection, Lisa breaks down how shifting the focus from yourself to your audience can completely transform...

In this episode, Tim Salmans sits down with Michelle Medrano to explore the deeper layers of spirituality, belief systems, and personal responsibility. Together, they unpack the difference between structured religion and open spiritual practice, highlighting the courage it takes to question long-held beliefs and discover what truly resonates on an individual level. The conversation moves beyond th...

Why does success so often fall short of fulfillment, especially in leadership? In this episode, Tim Salmans sits down with returning guest Donna Riccardo to unpack why so many leaders struggle despite endless training and resources. Together, they explore the deeper traits that separate true leadership from simply holding a title. The conversation moves beyond surface-level skills into the inner w...

In this episode, host Tim Salmans sits down with Jordan White, founder of GATE (Games and Trivia Entertainment), a company built on one powerful mission: bringing people back together in real life. Born out of the isolation of the pandemic, Jordan’s work focuses on creating live, interactive experiences that spark authentic connection, laughter, and community. Jordan shares his remarkable journey...

In this episode of Powerful and Unpolished, host Tim Salmans sits down with spiritual leader and author Josh Reeves to explore the difference between the time we manufacture through busyness and the deeper “sacred time” that reconnects us with who we truly are. Josh shares the story that inspired his book Sacred Time: Finding True Peace in a Busy World and how modern life often pulls us away from...

In this solo episode, host Tim Salmans shares a major announcement and the deeper intention behind launching the Elevate for Impact private membership community. He reflects on why so many people feel weighed down by expectation, ego, and cultural noise, and what it means to create a true safe space for honest exploration. This conversation explores the idea of a personal factory reset, not to fix...

In this episode of Powerful and Unpolished, host Tim Salmans sits down with data integration specialist Jeff Cox, founder of No Bravo Sierra. Jeff shares how a college instructor’s enthusiasm sparked a lifelong career in technology and why complex systems do not have to feel overwhelming. From computer viruses to multi factor authentication, Jeff breaks down practical cybersecurity strategies ever...

In this episode of Powerful and Unpolished, host Tim Salmans sits down with Jacki Cox, founder of the ACE Community, to explore why success without joy leads to burnout rather than fulfillment. Jacki shares her journey as a lifelong connector and how conscious choice, humility, and play shape real leadership. The conversation moves through goal setting without ego, learning through mistakes, and w...

In this episode, host Tim Salmans sits down with Missy Hackman, owner of Board and Brush Creative Studios in Parker, Colorado. Missy shares how creativity, openness, and shared experiences can transform self doubt into confidence and connection. What begins as a DIY project often becomes something much deeper for those who walk through her studio doors. Missy also opens up about a life altering he...

In this conversation, Tim Salmans sits down with transformational wealth coach Amy Westbrook to explore why so many people struggle with money even when the solutions seem simple on paper. Amy explains how financial stress is rarely about numbers alone. It is tied to identity, past conditioning, personal worthiness, and conflicting values. Together they break down how mainstream financial advice a...

Tim returns from a grounding break with fresh reflections on why fulfillment requires more than outward success or polished presentation. He explores how easily people become caught in expectations, cultural pressures and external image while neglecting the inner work that actually builds strength and clarity. Through personal observations, he highlights the gap that often exists between how someo...

Host Tim Salmans and returning guest Nanette Levin from Book Conductors explore a refreshing perspective on daily mindset in this thought-provoking episode. Rather than dwelling on what's wrong with the world, the duo examines what's right and how consciously shifting focus can transform both individual experiences and community interactions. The conversation begins with Tim sharing striking resea...

On this episode of Powerful and Unpolished , host Tim Salmans welcomes Australian entrepreneur and digital marketing strategist Callum Gracie for a conversation that goes far beyond business. From humble beginnings as a musician and high school music teacher to building Australia's top-performing music agency branch, Callum shares how he turned zero traction into massive momentum—all rooted in cul...

In this episode of Powerful and Unpolished , host Tim Salmans talks with Clora Romero, a property and casualty insurance professional, about her experience in the insurance industry and how recent changes—like inflation, natural disasters, and claim trends—are affecting customers and premiums. Clora explains the importance of working with an informed, accessible agent and shares insights into the...

In this episode of Powerful and Unpolished , host Tim Salmans is joined by returning guest Nanette Levin for a deep dive into the power of philosophical thinking, creativity, and the patterns that shape our lives. Together, they explore how “realism” can limit potential, why breaking from old routines can unlock new energy, and how leadership, empathy, and self-awareness are evolving in today’s wo...

Why do so many nonprofits struggle to survive — and how can we change that? In this powerful episode of "Powerful and Unpolished," host Tim Salmans sits down with Tanja Horan, founder of Tacosa 360, to explore the intersection of business acumen and nonprofit sustainability. Tanja shares her remarkable journey from tech product leader to nonprofit capacity-builder, revealing the unexpected catalys...

In this solo episode of Powerful and Unpolished , Tim Salmans reflects on the highs and lows of the past month — from personal loss to unexpected opportunities to make a difference. Through heartfelt stories, including the recent passing of a beloved pet and a spontaneous duck rescue, Tim explores how our expectations and assumptions quietly shape our daily experiences. He opens up about navigatin...

In this episode of Powerful and Unpolished , Tim explores the deeper meaning of play—not just as recreation, but as a way of living, learning, and growing. Joined by returning guest Nanette Levin, they dive into how play influences creativity, intuition, and human connection. From balancing facts with gut instinct, to observing social behavior and how modern technology shapes our interactions, the...

In this episode of Powerful and Unpolished , Tim Salmans talks with Nanette Levin, editor of his book Inner Wisdom, Outer Impact: Leading Your Life from the Inside Out . They discuss why Tim resisted writing the book, what finally pushed him to do it, and the themes that came out of the process. Topics include how people unknowingly create or perpetuate their own struggles, how habits and conditio...

In this solo episode, Tim Salmans reflects on the idea of programming and conditioning—how the habits, beliefs, and responses we carry often come from the environments we’ve grown up in or the systems we’re part of. He shares personal thoughts on decision-making, marketing tactics, and how people often react automatically, especially in charged topics like politics or religion. Tim also draws an i...