Not All Masculinity Is Toxic: The Truth Everyone Needs to Hear | Jon McQueen & Nick Lowery

Not All Masculinity Is Toxic: The Truth Everyone Needs to Hear | Jon McQueen & Nick Lowery

Today we have not one, but two special guests! You're in for a treat. What happens when families in crisis hand their kids over to a loosely regulated $23 billion industry promising to "fix" them? Professor Jon McQueen, a survivor of the Troubled Teen Industry (TTI), pulls back the curtain on wilderness programs, residential boarding schools, and the devastating human cost—450+ deaths and 220,000 kids sent yearly, often starting with a middle-of-the-night "transport." Jon shares his raw journey from Chicago kid to sales leader (realtor.com and more) to full-time ASU sociology professor teaching 1,900 students. He breaks down AI cheating dilemmas in education, why students feel unseen, and his groundbreaking Men & Masculinity class that challenges toxic narratives with multiple masculinities. Later, NFL legend and returning guest Nick Lowery joins for the final stretch—talking his new book Naked and Alone with 80,000 People (now on Audible!), leadership lessons from the Chiefs, factory keynotes, mental health, and his free Companion app helping first responders and beyond. This episode is packed with real talk on resilience, education's evolution, fatherhood, team chemistry, and creating connection in a disconnected world. Topics Covered * Troubled Teen Industry (TTI) survivor story & exposé * Sales-to-academia career pivot and "hacking" the system * Teaching massive classes and making students feel seen * AI cheating crisis, detectors, and mental atrophy in education * Multiple masculinities vs toxic masculinity debates * Public speaking fears and using sales skills in academia * Worst-to-first leadership and team chemistry (Chiefs stories) * Mental health companion app for first responders & veterans * Fan connection, social capital, and performing under pressure * RateMyProfessor feedback and evolving with student needs Chapters * 0:00 Cold Open: The Troubled Teen Industry * 0:40 Intro Band & Theme Song * 1:35 Scott & Mike Welcome – First Professor Guest * 2:25 Jon McQueen's Story – Son of a Marketer to Sales Life * 3:50 Pivot During COVID – Master's Degree & ASU Opportunity * 5:55 From Adjunct to Full Faculty – Teaching 443, Then 1,400 Students * 7:55 The Troubled Teen Industry – $23B Empire, 450 Deaths, Paris Hilton & Stanford Research * 12:13 Student Connection Story – The 7-Year ASU Senior Who Finally Felt Seen * 13:51 AI in Education – Cheating Detection, Syllabus Policies & The Prisoner's Dilemma * 19:28 Students Can't Read Analog Clocks Anymore * 21:07 Should Business Leaders Enter Academia? * 24:35 RateMyProfessor, Pre-Framing Classes & The Zocdoc Sales Lesson * 28:03 Men & Masculinity – Pitching the Class Nobody Takes, Toxic Masculinity & Helping Young Men * 32:30 Nick Lowery Returns – Trifecta Appearance * 32:45 Book Update – Naked and Alone with 80,000 People, Audible & P&G Keynote * 34:21 Chiefs Turnaround, Eric Bieniemy & Locker Room Chemistry * 37:16 World Cup, Messi, Fan Energy & Arrowhead Stories * 38:29 Roger Clemens & Locker Room Chemistry * 38:41 Getting Recognized at the Royals Game * 40:22 The Roast, Neil Smith & Kansas City Social Capital * 42:37 Mental Health Companion App – RFK Jr., BlueCloudX, Clinical Research & Veteran Support * 46:32 Final Thoughts, Gratitude & Outro Watch the full conversation and let us know in the comments: What’s one system or industry that needs more transparency and reform? Full episode also available on your favorite podcast app. Subscribe, like, and share if this hit home. New episodes drop weekly! Links & Socials * Unsilenced (TTI Advocacy): unsilenced.org * Naked and Alone with 80,000 People: nicklowerybook.com (Hardcover, Paperback, Audible) * Mental Health Companion App: Search “Nick Lowery Companion” or BlueCloudX Thanks for watching! If this episode moved you, hit LIKE, drop a comment with your biggest takeaway, and SUBSCRIBE for more raw stories, mindset shifts, and real conversations. New episodes drop every Tuesday morning! * TikTok: tiktok.com/@whatsyourstorypod_com [https://tiktok.com/@whatsyourstorypod_com] * Instagram: instagram.com/whatsyourstorypod_com [https://instagram.com/whatsyourstorypod_com] * X: x.com/WYSPodcast_com [https://x.com/WYSPodcast_com] * Facebook: facebook.com/WhatsYourStoryPod [https://facebook.com/WhatsYourStoryPod] This episode is sponsored by e3 wealth [https://whatsyourstorypod.com/e3-yt]. If you need someone to help build your financial future, check out their website, and tell them Mike & Scott sent you. Mike's Website: mikelindstrom.com [https://mikelindstrom.com/] Scott's Website: scottleeseconsulting.com [https://scottleeseconsulting.com/] NEW WEBSITE! whatsyourstorypod.com [https://whatsyourstorypod.com]

D1 Athlete Gets Brutally Honest About Life After Sports | McKenna Doe

Former D1 college soccer player McKenna Doe joins hosts Mike Lindstrom and Scott Leese for a raw and inspiring conversation. McKenna shares her journey from Huntington Beach to the University of San Diego, where she played alongside her identical twin sister Mikayla. She opens up about training with future national team players, the unique bond and challenges of competing as twins, and how comparison almost derailed their relationship. The conversation explores what it was really like growing up in a sports-obsessed family, getting recruited into club soccer, and navigating the identity crisis that hit after college athletics ended. McKenna gets honest about a painful breakup, moving home to Huntington Beach for a season of self-work and renewed faith, and the leap of faith that led her to Scottsdale where she finally figured out who she truly is. She also shares her current career reflections after years of remote work and her growing excitement about transitioning into residential real estate, where she can help people with one of life's biggest decisions while staying true to her natural self. The episode closes with a fun rapid-fire round that reveals her favorite movie, current book, biggest influence, and the mom-ism she will never forget. Whether you are a former athlete searching for what comes next, someone in the middle of a personal reinvention, or simply love authentic stories of resilience, this episode delivers. Topics Covered: * Former D1 soccer player McKenna Doe story * Identical twin sister dynamics in competitive sports * Life after college athletics and identity crisis * Personal growth, faith, and major life transitions * Moving to Scottsdale and starting fresh * Future career aspirations in residential real estate * Fun rapid-fire questions Chapters: * 00:00 Intro Music * 00:01:44 Welcome and the wild connection story * 00:02:36 McKenna joins and shares how she and Scott connected through USD soccer * 00:03:43 McKenna tells her story: Huntington Beach roots and a sports family * 00:05:48 What it was like playing D1 soccer with her identical twin sister * 00:07:39 How close she and her sister are today plus exciting family news * 00:08:11 The tougher side of twin life: comparison, envy, and identity struggles * 00:09:07 Moving home after heartbreak and rediscovering herself through faith * 00:10:07 Why Scottsdale over Nashville and building a brand new life from scratch * 00:13:31 Soccer influences and why local role models meant more than famous names * 00:21:17 Career reflections, remote work challenges, and craving real connection * 00:24:00 Her dream of residential real estate and helping people achieve big moments * 00:29:00 Rapid fire: favorite beach, book, movie, biggest influence, and more * 00:31:50 Hosts wrap up the episode Share this episode with someone who needs a reminder that it is never too late to figure out who you really are Like this video, drop your biggest takeaway or your own story in the comments below, subscribe, and share with a friend who needs this message today. Thanks for watching! If this episode moved you, hit LIKE, drop a comment with your biggest takeaway, and SUBSCRIBE for more raw stories, mindset shifts, and real conversations. New episodes drop every Tuesday morning! * TikTok: tiktok.com/@whatsyourstorypod_com [https://tiktok.com/@whatsyourstorypod_com] * Instagram: instagram.com/whatsyourstorypod_com [https://instagram.com/whatsyourstorypod_com] * X: x.com/WYSPodcast_com [https://x.com/WYSPodcast_com] * Facebook: facebook.com/WhatsYourStoryPod [https://facebook.com/WhatsYourStoryPod] This episode is sponsored by e3 wealth [https://whatsyourstorypod.com/e3-yt]. If you need someone to help build your financial future, check out their website, and tell them Mike & Scott sent you. Mike's Website: mikelindstrom.com [https://mikelindstrom.com/] Scott's Website: scottleeseconsulting.com [https://scottleeseconsulting.com/] NEW WEBSITE! whatsyourstorypod.com [https://whatsyourstorypod.com]

Painkillers Nearly Killed Him, Then He Saved a 630lb Stranger | Chris Powell

In this raw and powerful episode of What's Your Story? with Mike Lindstrom & Scott Leese, we sit down with Chris Powell — the fitness transformation expert and former host of ABC’s Extreme Weight Loss. Chris opens up about the darkest chapter of his life: herniating a disc, getting hooked on painkillers, losing everything, and living out of his car. He reveals the powerful epiphany that led him to tattoo “1 through a million” down his side and commit to changing that many lives. Chris also shares the incredible true story of walking into a stranger’s home to help a 630-pound man named David lose 400 pounds — a friendship that went viral on MySpace, landed them on Oprah and 20/20, and ultimately helped Chris land his own national TV show. But the journey wasn’t one-sided. When Chris hit rock bottom, the man he saved was there to save him right back. Chris also breaks down why “hope” is the real missing ingredient in weight loss, how “Power Promises” build unstoppable momentum, his honest take on GLP-1 medications (Ozempic, Wegovy, etc.), and why the body positivity movement can sometimes do more harm than good. If you’ve ever struggled with weight, battled addiction, lost hope, or are searching for sustainable transformation, this conversation will hit hard and give you practical tools you can use today. Topics Covered: * Chris Powell’s early TV breakthrough and bold networking story * The unforgettable story of helping David lose 400 pounds * Chris’s personal battle with painkiller addiction and rock bottom * The tattoo mission that saved his life (1 through a million) * How David saved Chris right back * Landing the ABC Extreme Weight Loss show deal * David’s later struggles and heartbreaking passing * The #1 misconception holding people back in health & fitness * Why hope beats quick fixes + the “Power Promise” method * Transitioning from network TV to social media success * Handling haters and the body positivity debate * Chris’s new role as Chief Transformation Officer at Thrive Lab Chapters: * 00:00 - Podcast Intro & Theme * 01:46 - Meet Chris Powell * 02:39 - Chris’s Abbreviated Life Story & Early Struggles * 03:23 - His First Big Break: Walking Into KTVK News * 05:30 - The 630-Pound Man Named David Who Changed Everything * 07:01 - Chris’s Own Dark Chapter: Painkiller Addiction & Living in His Car * 08:04 - The Epiphany & The “1 Through a Million” Tattoo * 08:35 - How the Man He Saved Saved Him Back * 09:50 - Viral on MySpace, Oprah, 20/20 & Japanese Game Show * 10:40 - “You’re the Host!” — The Shocking ABC Phone Call * 12:27 - David’s Rollercoaster Life & Heartbreaking Passing * 13:49 - The Biggest Misconception in Health & Fitness Today * 16:34 - “Hope” Is the Real Game Changer + Power Promises * 18:25 - From Traditional TV Star to Social Media Reality * 20:30 - Multi-Platform Content Strategy That Actually Works * 24:30 - Handling Haters & The Body Positivity Conversation * 29:24 - The Full Medical & Psychology Team Behind the Show * 30:46 - Chris’s New Mission at Thrive Lab * 31:48 - Final Thoughts & Where to Find Chris Links: * Instagram: https://instagram.com/realchrispowell * TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@realchrispowell * YouTube: https://youtube.com/@realchrispowell * X: https://x.com/RealChrisPowel * Facebook: https://facebook.com/realchrispowell * Thrive Lab (Chris’s new role as Chief Transformation Officer): https://thrivelab.com If Chris’s story gave you hope or a new perspective, drop a comment below with your biggest takeaway or the one “Power Promise” you’re making this week. Your story matters. Hit like if this resonated and share it with someone who needs to hear it today. Thanks for watching! If this episode moved you, hit LIKE, drop a comment with your biggest takeaway, and SUBSCRIBE for more raw stories, mindset shifts, and real conversations. New episodes drop every Tuesday morning! * TikTok: tiktok.com/@whatsyourstorypod_com [https://tiktok.com/@whatsyourstorypod_com] * Instagram: instagram.com/whatsyourstorypod_com [https://instagram.com/whatsyourstorypod_com] * X: x.com/WYSPodcast_com [https://x.com/WYSPodcast_com] * Facebook: facebook.com/WhatsYourStoryPod [https://facebook.com/WhatsYourStoryPod] This episode is sponsored by e3 wealth [https://whatsyourstorypod.com/e3-yt]. If you need someone to help build your financial future, check out their website, and tell them Mike & Scott sent you. Mike's Website: mikelindstrom.com [https://mikelindstrom.com/] Scott's Website: scottleeseconsulting.com [https://scottleeseconsulting.com/] NEW WEBSITE! whatsyourstorypod.com [https://whatsyourstorypod.com]

Why This Former QB Built Companies Then Decided to Run for Governor | Hugh Lytle

What happens when a former walk-on quarterback who built and sold multiple private-equity-backed companies gets fed up with Arizona’s broken political system and decides to run for governor as a true independent? Hugh Lytle isn’t your typical politician. He’s a healthcare rebel who transformed entire segments of the industry by fixing what was broken. Now he’s bringing that same “get it done” mindset to Arizona politics — and he’s not asking for permission from either party. In this episode, Hugh opens up about the brutal legal battles he’s already fought just to stay on the ballot, the realistic math for an independent to actually win in Arizona, and why he believes this is the moment for a real third voice. He also reveals Hugh AI — a digital twin of himself that voters can talk to 24/7. This is raw, honest, and very different from the usual political interview. Topics Covered: * The “walk-on mentality” that shaped his entire career and approach to business * How he built and scaled major healthcare companies through private equity * Why he shifted from center-right to center-left after seeing healthcare disparities up close * The insane legal obstacles independents face in Arizona (and how he’s beating them) * The realistic path and math for an independent to win the governorship * His vision to turn Arizona into a global knowledge economy leader * Launching Hugh AI — a 24/7 digital version of himself for direct voter access Chapters: 00:00 – Cold open: Hugh’s frustration with two-tier healthcare 01:50 – Welcome Hugh Lytle (our first politician on the show) 03:05 – Is he still the same guy he was growing up? 04:04 – Midwest values, walk-on QB at ASU, and the rebel mindset 07:30 – Why he became a “healthcare rebel” and built massive companies 13:00 – The moment he realized healthcare was broken for entire communities 17:00 – How building companies prepared him for politics 20:00 – Why he’s running as an independent + the brutal legal fights 27:00 – The math for an independent to actually win in Arizona 33:00 – Hugh AI: His 24/7 digital twin for voters 35:00 – Final thoughts + where to follow the campaign What’s one thing you wish government would actually fix instead of just arguing about? Drop it in the comments 👇 Links: * Campaign Website: https://hughlytle.com [https://hughlytle.com] * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hughforgovernor [https://www.instagram.com/hughforgovernor] * X (Twitter): https://x.com/hughforgovernor [https://x.com/hughforgovernor] * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hughforgovernor [https://www.facebook.com/hughforgovernor] * TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@hughforgovernor [https://www.tiktok.com/@hughforgovernor] * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@hughforgovernor [https://www.youtube.com/@hughforgovernor] Thanks for watching! If this episode moved you, hit LIKE, drop a comment with your biggest takeaway, and SUBSCRIBE for more raw stories, mindset shifts, and real conversations. New episodes drop every Tuesday morning! * TikTok: tiktok.com/@whatsyourstorypod_com [https://tiktok.com/@whatsyourstorypod_com] * Instagram: instagram.com/whatsyourstorypod_com [https://instagram.com/whatsyourstorypod_com] * X: x.com/WYSPodcast_com [https://x.com/WYSPodcast_com] * Facebook: facebook.com/WhatsYourStoryPod [https://facebook.com/WhatsYourStoryPod] This episode is sponsored by e3 wealth [https://whatsyourstorypod.com/e3-yt]. If you need someone to help build your financial future, check out their website, and tell them Mike & Scott sent you. Mike's Website: mikelindstrom.com [https://mikelindstrom.com/] Scott's Website: scottleeseconsulting.com [https://scottleeseconsulting.com/] NEW WEBSITE! whatsyourstorypod.com [https://whatsyourstorypod.com]

She Posts the Men She Dates Publicly - Here's Her Philosophy

Julie Xander returns for her second appearance on What’s Your Story? with Mike & Scott! Fresh off the launch of her chapter in the Six Figure Chicks anthology (Scottsdale Volume 2), Julie shares the raw, authentic stories behind 18 successful women who’ve hit six figures — including the real struggles, pivots, and mindset shifts that got them there. She opens up about writing her chapter (an emotional process for a self-described “talker, not a writer”), the power of vulnerability as an influencer, her entrepreneurial family background, and why she still posts the men she dates publicly. Julie also dives deep into modern dating over 50: control issues, perfectionism vs. relaxed living, alcohol and moderation, health/longevity concerns, and why chemistry can’t be manufactured by matchmakers or algorithms. Plus: her pay-it-forward story helping a family with a child battling brain cancer, scaling challenges as a personal brand, real estate insights (including a hilarious hater story about closet space), and her packed weekly content lineup. If you’re an entrepreneur, influencer, single woman navigating dating later in life, or just love real, no-BS conversations — this one’s for you. Chapters / Timestamps: * 00:00 — Pre-roll: Julie shares a powerful line from her recent relationship * 01:22 — Welcome back Julie Xander (second appearance!) * 02:01 — Six Figure Chicks book launch update (Kindle out, Audible & paperback coming) * 02:39 — What the book is really about + the 18 women’s stories * 03:57 — Professions represented & the common hurdles women face * 05:08 — In-person gathering of the women & the “business sorority” vibe * 05:40 — Global expansion plans & future events * 05:41 — Book signing & fundraiser at Alice + Olivia (May 21) * 06:01 — Julie’s favorite part of contributing her chapter * 07:44 — Influencer journey, authenticity & vulnerability online * 09:00 — Feedback from first episode + “crazy cool” label * 10:25 — Entrepreneurial family background & dad’s reaction to her world * 12:00 — Scaling challenges when you are the brand * 14:20 — Pay-it-forward story: donating her condo to a family with a sick child * 17:27 — Dating update: recent relationship & breakup * 18:04 — Control issues, perfectionism & learning to let go * 20:00 — Alcohol, moderation & dating in your 50s * 21:00 — Health, longevity & “living life to the fullest” vs. reality * 24:20 — Why she still posts the men she dates publicly * 26:00 — Matchmaking experiences & why chemistry can’t be bought * 30:00 — Julie’s weekly content (workout, dating show, Car Talk real estate & more) * 31:00 — Real estate hater story (the closet debate) * 33:00 — Where to find Julie + book links * 33:40 — Closing thoughts & thank you Topics Covered: * Six Figure Chicks book launch & collaborative storytelling * Authenticity, vulnerability & influencer life * Scaling a personal brand business * Pay-it-forward / generosity mindset * Dating over 50: control, alcohol, health & longevity * Why posting partners publicly works for her audience * Matchmaking realities vs. organic chemistry * Real estate insights & handling online criticism * Weekly content creation routine * Entrepreneurial family dynamics Socials & Website: Instagram / YouTube / TikTok / Facebook / LinkedIn: @LifestyleJules Website: lifestylejules.com Thanks for watching! If this episode moved you, hit LIKE, drop a comment with your biggest takeaway, and SUBSCRIBE for more raw stories, mindset shifts, and real conversations. New episodes drop every Tuesday morning! * TikTok: tiktok.com/@whatsyourstorypod_com [https://tiktok.com/@whatsyourstorypod_com] * Instagram: instagram.com/whatsyourstorypod_com [https://instagram.com/whatsyourstorypod_com] * X: x.com/WYSPodcast_com [https://x.com/WYSPodcast_com] * Facebook: facebook.com/WhatsYourStoryPod [https://facebook.com/WhatsYourStoryPod] This episode is sponsored by e3 wealth [https://whatsyourstorypod.com/e3-yt]. If you need someone to help build your financial future, check out their website, and tell them Mike & Scott sent you. Mike's Website: mikelindstrom.com [https://mikelindstrom.com/] Scott's Website: scottleeseconsulting.com [https://scottleeseconsulting.com/] NEW WEBSITE! whatsyourstorypod.com [https://whatsyourstorypod.com]