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What can a 94-year-old teach us about life? Jeff Gould sits down with Alex Brown, age 94, to hear the wisdom that only nine decades of living can provide. Jeff believes we spend far too much time comparing ourselves to people our own age. Instead, he suggests we look 20–30 years ahead and learn from those who have already traveled the road we’re on. In this thoughtful conversation, Alex reflects on nearly a century of life — from growing up during the Great Depression, remembering Pearl Harbor as a child, serving in the U.S. Navy, building a business from scratch at age 40, and eventually selling that company after 25 years. Along the way he shares simple but powerful lessons about: • Longevity and staying healthy into your 90s • Starting a business later in life • The importance of goal setting • Parenting and family values • Faith and maintaining a positive outlook • What it’s like to witness nearly a century of world events Alex has lived through World War II, Sputnik, the Cold War, and the rise of digital technology, giving him a rare perspective on how dramatically the world has changed. And before the conversation ends, Alex shares a couple of classic jokes that show something else about long life: a sense of humor might be one of the best survival skills of all. Sometimes the best wisdom doesn’t come from experts or influencers. It comes from someone who has simply lived a long life and paid attention. Chapters 00:00 Why we should learn from people older than us 01:12 Meet Alex Brown (Age 94) 02:40 The secret to staying healthy into your 90s 03:30 Career, engineering, and building a business 04:50 Starting a company at age 400 6:00 Advice for young people entering the workforce 07:40 Advice for midlife career decisions 08:30 Retirement and finding purpose 09:00 Parenting and family values 12:00 Positive thinking and mindset 17:00 Thoughts on aging and life expectancy 18:00 The greatest inventions of the past century 19:00 Memories of Pearl Harbor and World War II 21:00 Serving in the U.S. Navy23:00 Reflections on the modern world 24:40 Alex shares a couple of classic jokes Subscribe to Jeff Gould – America’s Storyteller for conversations that capture wisdom, life lessons, and the stories behind extraordinary lives. _____ Learn all about America's Storyteller on his website: https://www.ilikethatstory.com Buy Jeff's books, CD, and audio book: https://www.ilikethatstory.net/shop Get urgent one-on-one coaching with Jeff now: https://calendly.com/jeffjgould Connect with Jeff on social media: LinkedIn — jeff-gould-americas-storyteller Twitter/X — https://x.com/jeffgouldstory Instagram — jeffgouldilikethatstory Facebook — jeffgouldilikethatstory For booking, contact: Email: [email protected] Phone: (605) 215-6414 or https://www.ilikethatstory.net/contact Send business/sponsorship inquiries to [email protected] © Jeff Gould, America's Storyteller This video is not to be reproduced without prior authorization. The original YouTube video may be distributed & embedded, if required. Callers waive all rights to privacy on this public call in show. If you need private coaching, pay for and book a call at https://www.ilikethatstory.com

Jeff Gould (“America’s Storyteller”) sits down with Thadeus Amadeus Giedd for a conversation that starts light—misheard names, funny mix-ups, and Jeff’s signature “JEFFARDY” question board—and gradually deepens into faith, leadership, fatherhood, and the power of living with intention. Thadeus, the longtime organizer behind TEDxSiouxFalls, shares what he believes makes a truly great TEDx talk: it’s not a lecture—it’s a story arc. The best speakers don’t try to cram in everything they know; they deliver one unforgettable insight, one unexpected moment, and one powerful takeaway in just 15 minutes. From there, Thadeus opens up about the ideas shaping his life right now—especially his love for Stoicism (Marcus Aurelius, Epictetus, Seneca) and how he’s combined its virtues—courage, wisdom, justice, and temperance—with what he believes Stoicism lacks most: love. For Thadeus, letting Christ into his life didn’t replace the discipline of Stoicism—it completed it. The conversation also turns personal as Thadeus talks candidly about depression, identity shifts, and how becoming a father changed him. Jeff and Thadeus explore modern parenting styles, the difference between gentleness and permissiveness, and the importance of accountability—especially the humility of admitting when you’re wrong. Later, the interview shifts to leadership lessons from a recent men’s summit featuring John Maxwell and Tim Tebow. Thadeus shares what stood out most: Maxwell’s idea of making an impression from afar but creating impact up close, and Tebow’s consistent message of living with urgency and intentionality—waking up each day asking, “How do I be a vessel today?” They close with a surprisingly emotional final moment: Thadeus gets one question to ask Jeff, and he chooses a question about memory—if Jeff could relive one day, what would it be? Jeff’s answer lands like a quiet gut punch: a return to a simple moment at the table with his mother, fully present, noticing what he couldn’t appreciate at the time. The episode ends with a shared reminder that gratitude and attention are not optional if you want a meaningful life. A funny, thoughtful, faith-forward conversation—anchored in story, grounded in real life, and full of practical takeaways. #JeffGould #AmericasStoryteller #PodcastInterview #ThadeusGiedd #TEDx #TEDxTalk #Leadership #Stoicism #FaithAndLife #ChristianPerspective #IntentionalLiving #Parenthood #LifeLessons #PersonalGrowth #Storytelling00:00 Introduction and Name Confusion 04:10 Exploring Biblical Parables 06:59 The Role of TEDx Talks 09:45 The Application Process for TEDx Talks 12:43 What Makes a Good TEDx Talk? 14:57 Stoicism and Love in Life 18:05 Parenting Perspectives and Lessons Learned 24:10 Exploring Connections with Influential Figures 27:10 Reflections on Wealth and Influence in Heaven 29:11 Making Impressions vs. Impacting Lives 32:06 Navigating Personal Struggles and Mental Health 35:57 The Power of Authenticity and Generosity 38:11 Dream Lunch with Heroes and Influencers Learn all about America's Storyteller on his website: https://www.ilikethatstory.com

What does it really take to build a workplace people want to stay in? In this wide-ranging, story-driven conversation, Jeff Gould sits down with Wendy Alexander, an HR professional (“HR guru”) with 20+ years in talent acquisition, coaching, employee relations, and workplace culture. #HR #Hiring #Leadership #WorkplaceCulture #AI #Burnout #Recruiting #EmotionalIntelligence #TalentAcquisition #jeffgould #americasstoryteller #wendyalexander Topics covered: • Why “balance” can feel impossible (and what helps anyway) • The iPad story: boundaries, structure, and staying sane • AI at work: helpful tool or trust-killer? • The real formula for a great hire (role + manager + team dynamics) • Generational diversity: strengths, friction, and how to train for it • Leadership as coaching, not pushing • Books that shaped Wendy (Jordan Peterson, Catcher in the Rye, Enneagram work) • A candid closing question: Jeff’s biggest regret—and what saved him from it 👍 If you’re a leader, manager, recruiter, or just trying to navigate modern work without burning out—this one will hit. Chapters 00:00 Intro + “zhuzh” in post-production 03:58 Work-life balance: real vs. ideal 05:51 The “office iPad” boundary story 08:59 AI: fear, usefulness, and trust 14:38 What makes a good hire 20:09 Generational diversity at work 27:04 Retention + genuine caring 29:15 Hiring / training / leadership 32:10 HR “secret sauce”: hiring is marketing 36:08 Karaoke pick + fun pivots 42:05 Books that changed Wendy’s life 54:46 Advice: “Don’t lose yourself” 1:05:20 Jeff’s biggest regret + timing 1:10:01 Bonus: Great Gatsby debate + deeper talk ____ Learn all about America's Storyteller on his website: https://www.ilikethatstory.com Buy Jeff's books, CD, and audio book: https://www.ilikethatstory.net/shop Get urgent one-on-one coaching with Jeff now: https://calendly.com/jeffjgould Connect with Jeff on social media: LinkedIn — jeff-gould-americas-storyteller Twitter/X — https://x.com/jeffgouldstory Instagram — jeffgouldilikethatstory Facebook — jeffgouldilikethatstory For booking, contact: Email: [email protected] Phone: (605) 215-6414 or https://www.ilikethatstory.net/contact Send business/sponsorship inquiries to [email protected] © Jeff Gould, America's Storyteller This video is not to be reproduced without prior authorization. The original YouTube video may be distributed & embedded, if required. Callers waive all rights to privacy on this public call in show. If you need private coaching, pay for and book a call at https://www.ilikethatstory.com

Former professional bull rider Nick Morrison has survived more than 50 concussions, a broken neck, a broken back, and two devastating shoulder injuries that ended his rodeo career at just 21 years old. But his greatest battle came in 2020, when a heat-triggered neurological episode left him fully paralyzed and mute — trapped inside his own body.  @NickMorrisonComedy  #jeffgould #americasstoryteller #interview #nickmorrison #comedy #publicspeaking #rodeo #bullriding #knockedout With no insurance coverage and no rehab facility willing to take him, Nick rebuilt his brain the only way he could: one word at a time. Through music, relentless mental discipline, and unshakable faith, he fought his way back to the stage. Today, Nick is a bestselling author of Knocked Out, But Not Down, a nationally touring keynote speaker, and a stand-up comedian who has performed from Las Vegas to Fortune 500 stages — all while living daily with chronic pain. In this powerful and surprisingly funny conversation, Nick shares: • What it really feels like to ride a bull in front of 80,000 people • The terrifying moment he became paralyzed in his own home • How music rewired his damaged brain • The hidden struggles of professional athletes and veterans • Why bombing in comedy can be scarier than riding bulls • The three disciplines that carried him through adversity • This isn’t just a story about survival. It’s a masterclass in resilience, identity, and choosing joy when life knocks you out. Nick is now a nationally touring stand-up comedian and motivational speaker. His new book Knocked Out But Not Down recently debuted as a #1 Best Seller. He has performed comedy from Las Vegas to Nashville, spoken to Fortune 500 companies, and inspired crowds of thousands all over the world with his story. nickmorrisonspeaker.comnickmorrisoncomedy.com Instagram @nickmorrisoncomedy LinkedIn: NickMorrisonSpeaker Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Nick Morrison's Journey 05:37 Overcoming Adversity: The Loss of Speech 11:24 The Role of Music in Recovery 17:35 The Thrill of Bull Riding and Stand-Up Comedy 23:42 Finding Identity After Sports and Injury 30:13 Life Lessons from Adversity 36:01 The Significance of Belt Buckles 45:28 Overcoming Adversity in Life and Comedy 52:20 Maintaining Buoyancy in Life 01:02:08 The Art of Storytelling in Comedy 01:08:23 Reflections on Family and Loss Learn all about America's Storyteller on his website: https://www.ilikethatstory.com

Jeff Gould interviews Sandra Dee Robinson (“The Charisma Coach”) on presence, faith, leadership, and what horses teach about emotional alignment. ‪@RealSandraDeeRobinson‬ They start with one core idea: better questions create better conversations. Sandra explains how thoughtful, non-invasive questions quickly build trust—especially for introverts. The discussion moves into resilience, as she shares how Psalm 23 became a source of strength during a season of loss and rebuilding, reframing desperation as growth. A major focus is her work in equine-assisted leadership. Horses mirror human emotion with precision, revealing that calm authority—not dominance—drives true leadership. Stress is contagious, but so is regulation. Even physiologically, large mammals can help lower blood pressure and restore clarity. They also address fame, identity projection, comparison, and the need for embodied presence in a noisy, AI-driven world. Sandra argues that charisma is alignment—when who you are matches what you express. Five Key Takeaways: • Charisma is alignment, not performance. • Better questions unlock connection. • Calm is the foundation of leadership. • Comparison kills momentum. • Presence is a competitive advantage. Website link: www.SandraDeeRobinson.com Social: @RealSandraDeeRobinson Youtube:    / sandradeerobinsonspeakeractress       Linked In:   / sandradeerobinson   Instagram:   / meimsandradee   Facebook:   / coachsandradee   You’re invited! To stay connected with my weekly interactive Newsletter for stories, tips and invitations to new perspectives! https://sandradeerobinson.com/newslet... Learn all about America's Storyteller on his website: https://www.ilikethatstory.com

In a world that often glorifies youth and fame, the wisdom that comes with age is a treasure worth exploring. In this podcast episode, Jeff Gould and Rick Melmer delve into the profound insights that can be gained as one enters the later stages of life. Rick shares his journey, emphasizing the importance of perspective, community, and intentional living. Key Takeaways Rick Melmer’s insights remind us that life’s later stages can be vibrant and fulfilling. Embracing wisdom, engaging with others, and maintaining a balanced lifestyle can lead to a more positive outlook. In a culture that often overlooks the value of age, Rick’s journey serves as a powerful testament to the beauty of intentional living and the richness that comes from shared experiences. 00:00 The Importance of Learning from Others 06:50 Daily Regimen for a Fulfilling Life 13:00 Leadership and Teaching 18:48 Creating Leadership South Dakota 25:04 Improving Education and Leadership 42:02 The Unique Nature of Teaching 47:56 Leadership and Followership 59:24 Reflections on Life and Death 01:04:35 The Importance of Storytelling Learn all about America's Storyteller on his website: https://www.ilikethatstory.com

In this engaging conversation, Jeff Gould and Marty Hofmann explore themes of intentional living, personal growth, and the importance of integrity. Marty shares his experiences from shearing sheep to his current work in real estate, emphasizing the grit and determination required in both life and work. They discuss the concept of true prosperity, which is defined not by wealth but by the impact one has on others. The conversation also delves into the significance of daily disciplines, the balance between family and work, and the power of authenticity in building connections. Ultimately, the discussion encourages listeners to live intentionally and avoid complacency in their lives. #martyhofmann #jeffgould #interview ⁨‪@martyhofmann1‬ Connect with Marty Hofmann: Website: https://www.martyhofmann.com/ with his new website to be https://killcomplacency.com Podcast (Kill Complacency): https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/sh... Instagram:   / martyhofmann1   Facebook:   / martyhofmann1   YouTube:    / @martyhofmann1   LinkedIn:   / martyhofmann   Integrity Shearing: https://www.integrityshearing.com/ Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 02:57 The Grit of Shearing Sheep 05:56 The Cowboy Spirit and Its Values 08:58 Living with Intentionality 12:01 Defining Prosperity and Impact 15:10 The Importance of Integrity 17:49 Creating a Life of Impact 21:02 Balancing Life's Aspects 24:11 Character Development and Intentionality 28:44 The Concept of Complacency 31:47 Measuring Progress and Tracking Habits 36:31 The Journey of Running and Personal Growth 39:55 Living with Intentionality 44:40 Understanding Your 'Why' and Authenticity Learn all about America's Storyteller on his website: https://www.ilikethatstory.com

In this engaging conversation, Jeff Gould and Ali Gabriel explore a variety of topics ranging from social trends like TikTok to the intricacies of job satisfaction and parenting. They delve into the importance of decision-making skills instilled by parents, share behind-the-scenes insights from various jobs, and discuss the value of cultural exchange through travel. The conversation emphasizes the significance of interesting stories and perspectives in life, highlighting how personal experiences shape our understanding of the world. Takeaways • Conversations can be sparked by interesting questions. • TikTok is a controversial social trend affecting attention spans. • Behind-the-scenes insights from various jobs can be enlightening. • Tipping practices reveal much about service industry dynamics. • Decision-making can be guided by core values instilled by parents. • Travel experiences can shape cultural understanding and friendships. • Life advice from parents can have lasting impacts on decision-making. • Job satisfaction is crucial for personal happiness and productivity. • Effective leadership involves understanding employees' strengths and passions. • Work-life balance is essential for overall well-being. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Interesting Conversations 02:59 The TikTok Debate: Social Trends and Privacy Concerns 06:00 Behind the Curtain: Insights from Diverse Jobs 08:53 The Art of Tipping: Perspectives from Service Industry 12:00 Flight Attendant Stories: Humor and Humanity in the Skies 15:01 Life Lessons from Family: Decision-Making Skills 17:53 The Value of Fun vs. Joy in Life 20:56 Generational Perspectives on Wealth and Legacy 28:59 The Flight Attendant Era 32:01 Reflections on Parenthood 33:46 The Impact of Foster Care 36:12 Musical Aspirations vs. Language Mastery 38:02 Cultural Exchange and Lifelong Friendships 39:57 The Meaning of Missing Someone 41:58 Humor in Cultural Differences 43:59 Time Travel and Historical Fascinations 45:47 Insights from Relationship Books 47:59 Finding Fulfillment in Work 49:52 Leadership and Employee Satisfaction 52:10 Balancing Work and Life Priorities Learn all about America's Storyteller on his website: https://www.ilikethatstory.com

It's hard to find Significance if others hold you back by using your loyalty against you! Strategies in dealing with these manipulators!

If life is a race, why is it so many of us give up, slow down and turn in a mediocre life? Listen to this podcast and see if you can find the missing word. Enjoy.

All change is both exciting an scary- even Retirement! Some see it as a gaping Black Hole of dread that hampers them living out their best story. Some great tips in the episode to think about and share :) Enjoy!

A person who is living a Significant Life has certain tells. Listen to who has had Significance and who is finding it and what they have in common.

The most common emotion I see when I officiate at funerals is REGRET. Not usually for what was done- but for what WASN'T done. Listen to this episode- while there is still time ;)

Stuck in a rut, asleep at the wheel, Autopilot- Take the Autopilot Test and see how you score!

You learn a lot from funerals- the wisdom from other peoples lives is fascinating but more important extremely valuable for those who seek Significance.