The Ultimate Coach Podcast

Wayne Upchurch joins Cari for a thoughtful conversation about authenticity, personal growth, and letting go of perfectionism. Drawing from his experiences in coaching, creativity, and the Being community, Wayne shares how learning to show up honestly - even in vulnerability - transformed the way he connects with himself and others. Together, they explore the power of small, consistent changes, com...

This conversation focused on exploring the concept of presence and its importance in various aspects of life, including coaching, legal practice, and personal relationships. Cari and Spencer discussed their personal experiences with presence, with Cari sharing how embracing imperfections led to self-acceptance and Spencer reflecting on how presence and grace connect in coaching and meditation prac...

Ryan and I sat down for a conversation that’s real, humble, and full of truth. He shares openly about the moment he realized he wasn’t living from his own identity — and what it took to find his way back to himself. We talk about breaking patterns, asking for support, and the kind of community that doesn’t just cheer you on… but helps you grow. It’s honest. It’s human. And it’s a reminder that you...

Ben and I open up a conversation around presence — not as a concept, but as a lived experience. We talk about authenticity, emotional transformation, and the courage it takes to face yourself right where you are. It’s an honest, grounded exploration of what happens when you stop running from your feelings and start allowing them to guide you. About Ben Welch: After living restricted and conditione...

BEING with Cari on The Ultimate Coach Podcast: Join Emma and myself for a heartfelt conversation about the beauty and challenge of simply being. Through stories of nursing, motherhood, healing, and personal growth, we explore how authenticity and love transform the way we experience ourselves — and one another. This conversation invites you to reflect on self-awareness, connection,...

BEING with Cari on The Ultimate Coach Podcast Join me and Tony as we explore what it means to live with authenticity — not as an ideal, but as a daily practice. In this episode, we uncover: How to consciously choose your “being” in every situation The connection between gratitude, growth, and joy Why kindness and awareness can transform even small moments How to align truth, fulfillment, and actio...

In this episode, Cari and Martine explore one of life’s most important questions —  “What do you truly want?” Martine shares her personal experience of realizing how much of her life had been shaped by external expectations and societal “shoulds,” rather than her own authentic desires. Through that process, she discovered the power of listening inward, honoring genuine hunger, and following w...

In this episode, Cari sits down with Kellen to explore how the choices we make with our attention, focus, and love shape our experiences, relationships, and personal growth. They discuss how attention can be a deliberate act of service, introduce the “notice and choose” framework for perspective and self-awareness, and share practical ways to bring grace into daily life. Filled with personal stori...

What’s the difference between an athlete and a champion? For Seth Pepper, it came down to mastering his mind as much as his body. This episode of  Being with Cari  is packed with powerful insights:  How visualization fueled a national championship win  Why confidence and calm can outpace raw talent  The unexpected emotion that came with victory — and what it taught him abo...

In this powerful conversation, Dr. Jeff Mars returns to The Ultimate Coach Podcast to explore how belief, commitment, and co-creation are reshaping medicine. From the surprising power of the placebo effect to surgical teams declaring their intention to create the “most incredible surgery experience in the universe,” Jeff shares how mindset and energy transform outcomes for patients and providers a...

In this final episode of The Ultimate Coach Podcast , Ipek Williamson sits down with creator, coach, and entrepreneur Rob Cressy for a high-energy, deeply inspiring conversation about possibility, creativity, and how to live fully by design. Rob shares his journey from corporate burnout to becoming a purpose-driven leader known for radiating positivity and innovation. He opens up about the mindset...

What if the real breakthrough in leadership isn’t about learning new skills but unlearning old patterns of performance? In this conversation with host Meredith Bell, Cheryl Martin shares her journey from being a high-achieving consultant to guiding leaders into deeper alignment with their authentic selves. She opens up about the personal experiences that shaped her early leadership and how her own...

What does it look like when leadership is rooted not in control, but in care? In this episode of The Ultimate Coach Podcast , host Ipek Williamson is joined by Ken Crenshaw, a deeply respected high-performance leader in Major League Baseball whose impact goes far beyond physical training. Ken shares how his leadership journey was shaped by mentors, faith, and a profound calling to serve. His persp...

What if the key to transforming healthcare lies not in technology, but in presence, compassion, and purpose? In this rich conversation, Dr. Corey Anderson shares his journey into the "being movement" and how it's reshaping the culture at Black Hills Surgical Hospital. With wisdom drawn from his own transformation and collaborative work with Dr. Jeff Mars, Corey explores the profound shift from tas...

In this heart-centered and inspiring episode, host Ipek Williamson welcomes Kathleen Putta—beloved teacher, coach, and document creation guide—whose life journey offers a moving example of transformation through presence, self-love, and service. From her childhood on an Indiana farm filled with movement and joy to decades of teaching physical education and navigating the challenges of single mothe...

What if the way you listen to yourself could change everything? In this heartfelt and revealing conversation with host Meredith Bell, Peter McCammon explores the depths of self-awareness, self-love, and the radical power of listening with intention. He shares how learning to recognize and soften harsh internal judgments opened up new ways of being towards himself and others. The discussion uncover...

What if the very thing you’re trying to avoid—discomfort, failure, resistance—is the key to unlocking your highest potential? In this electrifying episode of The Ultimate Coach Podcast, Ipek Williamson welcomes Seth Pepper, a former world-ranked swimmer turned elite mental performance coach, who shares his extraordinary journey from starting competitive swimming at 14 to becoming a national champi...

How can you connect with someone at the deepest levels? You’ll discover a powerful way in this conversation that host Meredith Bell had with guest Martine Cannon. Martine opens by sharing her own transformative journey, beginning with her discovery of meditation at age 15 and culminating in her impactful work with CEOs on inner transformation.  Martine describes the profound lessons she learn...

Melanie Waite shares with Ipek Williamson her transformative journey of self-love, healing, and embracing her true essence in this powerful episode of The Ultimate Coach Podcast . From a childhood experience that shaped her self-image for decades to a life-changing breakthrough that allowed her to see herself with new eyes, Melanie's story is a testament to the impact of internal narratives and th...

In this unforgettable conversation, co-hosts Meredith Bell and Ipek Williamson explore the profound wisdom of Steve Hardison, whose way of being embodies love in action. Steve shares how love—both for ourselves and others—is the ultimate state of being, shaping every aspect of our lives. Through deep listening, self-forgiveness, and intentional choices, he reveals how we can transform not just our...

Ben Depraz-Brenninkmeijer joins Ipek Williamson on The Ultimate Coach Podcast for a deep and thought-provoking conversation about transformation, resilience, and the power of presence. He shares his fascinating journey—moving from investment banking to coaching, performing as a breakdancer, and eventually translating The Ultimate Coach book into French. Along the way, he opens up about how adversi...

What happens when you say yes to life’s unexpected opportunities? In this episode, Judy and Erik Thureson share their experiences surrounding The Ultimate Experience events with host Meredith Bell. Judy opens with the incredible story of how a Facebook contest led her to a life-changing road trip with Steve Hardison. She talks about the inspiration from her late son Jacob, the humor of her husband...

In this deeply moving episode of The Ultimate Coach Podcast , David Walsh shares his extraordinary journey of love, loss, and purpose. He takes us back to the serendipitous moment when he met his beloved wife, Lena—a chance encounter that blossomed into a profound connection. Their story, filled with beautiful memories and heartfelt moments, unfolds with both warmth and authenticity. However, life...

In this episode with host Meredith Bell, Townsend Wardlaw shares his journey from consulting to coaching, revealing the profound shift in how he works with clients. He discusses the unique fulfillment coaching brings, as it empowers individuals to uncover their own solutions and embrace new perspectives. Hear how transformative experiences with renowned coaches like Rich Litvin and Steve Hardison...

In this episode of The Ultimate Coach Podcast , Ipek Williamson sits down with Wayne Hoffman, one of the world’s top mentalists, an award-winning performer, keynote speaker, and author of Mind Candy . Wayne shares his captivating journey from a childhood fascination with magic to becoming a global entertainer and speaker, blending psychology, sociology, and illusion into a career that inspires and...