Charge Forward Podcast

Fundamentals Over Flash: How Discipline Creates Freedom and Builds a Resilient Kid

This one hits different. For the first time ever, my son Castle Cripps steps into the studio. If you know him, you know he’s wired a little differently. Basketball. CrossFit. Broadcasting. Finance. The kid understands how a Roth IRA works better than most college grads, and he’s not afraid of hard work. We talk about a summer that shaped him. Tough basketball camps. A coach who nearly sent him home on day one. Early mornings, protein breakfasts, CrossFit strength, and learning why fundamentals beat flash every time. Castle shares what it feels like to push through “I don’t like this” and come out stronger on the other side. We also get real about habits. Sleep over screens. Outdoor play over all-night gaming. Why calling for a ride at a sleepover isn’t quitting, it’s choosing tomorrow. There’s a fun nutrition detour, lessons from mowing lawns, and a surprisingly sharp breakdown of money, ownership, and why starting a Roth IRA early changes everything. This episode is about building a durable mindset. For young athletes. For parents. For anyone who believes discipline creates freedom. 🏀 Strength before spotlight  💪 Consistency over motivation  💰 Think like an owner early  👨‍👦 Always keep the call-me lifeline open If you care about youth sports, parenting, or raising kids who can handle real life, this episode is for you. Since the recording of this episode my Dad passed away. I lost my Dad, Best Friend and Mentor all in one moment. My son lost his Pappa, Mom lost her husband, team mate and love of her life of over 60 years.  *Don't take the little things for granted. Enjoy the moment understanding.. there will be a last moment.  Even though it is hard... be thankful for the time you had.  Let’s charge forward together. 🚀🔥  If one story, one insight, or one spark made you better this year—mission accomplished.  New episodes every Thursday / Friday (working on getting back to that after our recent loss) Subscribe, review, and keep charging forward with us. Follow & Subscribe to the Charge Forward Podcast: Linktree: https://linktr.ee/chargeforwardpodcast [https://linktr.ee/chargeforwardpodcast?utm_source=chatgpt.com]  Special Thanks to Our Sponsors:  Charge Forward Solutions – Merchant Services Sense Development – Executive & Data Services HitLab Studios – Podcast Production Rosemary Salazar – Virtual Assistant Services

Real life, real work, and choosing each other (Part 2) with Emily B. Cripps

This episode continues our story as a family that’s far from perfect but fully committed. We love our life together. Yes, it’s work. Yes, some days are hard. But we’re a team: two adults, one kid, two pups, all charging forward. We talk about raising confidence in a child through small wins, movement, sports, and showing up consistently. About finding community in unexpected places like CrossFit. About making thoughtful health decisions, from recovery tools at home to doing serious due diligence before stepping into regenerative medicine. No hype, just honest experience. We also pull back the curtain on careers, purpose, and marriage. How clinical research really works. Why the people behind the data matter. How trust, communication, and choosing your spouse wisely changes everything. And how building a good life often looks quiet, unglamorous, and deeply rewarding. If you’re building a family, a career, or a healthier version of yourself, this one’s for you. Two adults. One child. Two dogs. One direction. Charging Forward. *It is with great sorrow that we dedicate this episode to our sweet Sadie-Belle our beloved Frenchie that spent 5220 days with our family. She passed this week, we will forever be grateful as She was the one who took us from Couple to a Family. Our hearts are broken but we know that we will see her again. Rest in peace until we meet again, our sweet girl. Hit follow, share it with someone who needs a push today, and drop a comment with the bold step you are taking next.  Let’s charge forward together. 🚀🔥  If one story, one insight, or one spark made you better this year—mission accomplished.  New episodes every Thursday / Friday Subscribe, review, and keep charging forward with us. Follow & Subscribe to the Charge Forward Podcast: Linktree: https://linktr.ee/chargeforwardpodcast [https://linktr.ee/chargeforwardpodcast?utm_source=chatgpt.com]  Special Thanks to Our Sponsors:  Charge Forward Solutions – Merchant Services Sense Development – Executive & Data Services HitLab Studios – Podcast Production Rosemary Salazar – Virtual Assistant Services

From a Flaming TV to a Debt-Free Life: How We Built a Marriage That Lasts with Emily Cripps (Part 1)

🔥 A flaming TV on date two. A honeymoon where it rained inside our room. A Hill Climb that demanded total trust.  Some couples bond over dinner… we bonded over chaos.  And honestly? We wouldn’t change a thing.  In this episode, Emily and I finally sit down together to pull back the curtain on 15 years of marriage, mistakes, miracles, and momentum. This isn’t a highlight reel. It’s the real stuff—the moments that built us, broke us, and pushed us to charge forward when quitting would’ve been easier.  💙 We talk relationships: How a polite Match rejection turned into a partnership built on calm, curiosity, communication, and choosing each other on the days it’s toughest.  💸 We talk money + marriage: Why we went full Dave Ramsey when everyone laughed at us, how we paid off a house and built the next one debt-free, and what it really feels like when life delays pile up and you’re staring at a bulldozer in the yard.  💊 We talk purpose: Emily breaks down clinical trials in a way that actually makes sense—how treatments move from an idea on paper to something that saves lives, why data integrity matters, and how COVID changed the entire industry overnight. Zero jargon, all clarity.  🌄 We talk adventure: From flipping stereotypes on a dune buggy trail in Curaçao to climbing the toughest line on day one at Windrock, our best memories usually started with “Are you sure this is a good idea?”  If you’re navigating a career pivot, building your finances, strengthening your marriage, or simply trying to keep moving when life throws a curveball, this episode will meet you right where you are.  Hit follow, share it with someone who needs a push today, and drop a comment with the bold step you are taking next.  Let’s charge forward together. 🚀🔥  If one story, one insight, or one spark made you better this year—mission accomplished.  New episodes every Thursday / Friday Subscribe, review, and keep charging forward with us. Follow & Subscribe to the Charge Forward Podcast: Linktree: https://linktr.ee/chargeforwardpodcast [https://linktr.ee/chargeforwardpodcast?utm_source=chatgpt.com]  Special Thanks to Our Sponsors:  Charge Forward Solutions – Merchant Services Sense Development – Executive & Data Services  HitLab Studios – Podcast Production Rosemary Salazar – Virtual Assistant Services

A Year of Charging Forward: Amazing Lessons One Guest at a Time (Part 3)

Thank you for sharing in our journey in the Charge Forward Podcast.  Let me first say that I apologize that we have missed you the past 4 weeks. I took a pause due to the recent loss of my Best Friend, Hero and Mentor, my Dad James M. Cripps. He was a guest 4 times in our first season and I wish he could join us again as he loved the podcast.  To our fans: Thank you for hanging in there with us during this difficult time. Jim  Every conversation this year pointed to a simple truth: real progress happens when we choose people over shortcuts and purpose over applause. From an 84-year-old owner who turned down a massive buyout to protect 500 employees, to a Dog groomer who says no to unsafe cuts because “humanity over vanity” comes first, the season became a map for building a life you’re proud of. Featured Guests & Highlights: * Larry Schmittou – Nashville Legend & Business owner who keeps turning down a massive buyouts to protect 500 employees. * Jordan Grubbs – A fresh voice redefining leadership through empathy and consistent action whild building your brand. * Nick Hiter – Building brands with integrity and reminding us that confidence is earned daily. * Clayton Geiser – Data visionary proving structure and creativity can grow any business. (Please keep Clayton and his in your prayers) * Eddie Knight – Helping business owners create lasting financial freedom through smart financial planning. * Holly Hartley Davis (Groom Garage) – “Humanity over Vanity” — where passion meets purpose for your pets. * Clarence Darkwa & Johnnie Robinson – A powerful story of immigration, perseverance, and leading with gratitude. * Tim Leeper – Building business is one thing but taking up the mission to fight for those who can't is his purpose. Kylan's light the fight to end the wrongs by Private Prisons.  * James & Melissa Smith – A marriage built on faith, family, grit and the love of great cars. * Elmer Richardson & James Cripps – Veterans working to help other veterans and to hold evil doers accountable. * Grant Burrow – From court to classroom, teaching leadership through discipline and heart. * Zade Morgan – Young entrepreneur / Special Operator who is now helping others like him adjust and be able to enjoy life with family again. * Dr. Michael Meighen – Regenerative medicine, peptides, and the science of true healing. * William Arnold – A wrongful conviction overturned - resilience personified. * Rhiannon Hiter – The heartbeat behind every great team, leading with grace and balance. Every guest brought a lesson in courage, purpose, or reinvention. If one story, one insight, or one spark made you better this year—mission accomplished.  New episodes every Thursday. Subscribe, review, and keep charging forward with us. Follow & Subscribe to the Charge Forward Podcast: Linktree: https://linktr.ee/chargeforwardpodcast [https://linktr.ee/chargeforwardpodcast?utm_source=chatgpt.com] New episodes drop every Thursday! Special Thanks to Our Sponsors:  Charge Forward Solutions – Merchant Services Sense Development – Executive & Data Services Sense-Leads – Wholesale Lead Services HitLab Studios – Podcast Production Rosemary Salazar – Virtual Assistant Services

A Year of Charging Forward: Amazing Lessons One Guest at a Time (Part 2)

Thank you for sharing in our journey in the Charge Forward Podcast.  Let me first say that I apologize that we have missed you the past 4 weeks. I took a pause due to the recent loss of my Best Friend, Hero and Mentor, my Dad James M. Cripps. He was a guest 4 times in our first season and I wish he could join us again as he loved the podcast.  To our fans: Thank you for hanging in there with us during this difficult time. Jim  In this second milestone recap, we continue to highlight the people who charged forward in real life. People who rebuilt identity, protected marriages, scaled impact, healed bodies, honored legacy, and stepped into bigger purpose. Twelve months of conversations where real change happened in real time. Featured guests and signature takeaways:  Colby Jubenville, PhD (Professor & TedX Speaker) - Leadership begins with the story you believe about yourself and the talent you develop inside others. Jill and Miles Reidelberger (Crossfit Wild Things & Wild Things Animal Hospital) - Marriage first, business second. Protect connection, schedule intimacy, set boundaries that honor your spouse. Virgil Herring (Golf Coach & TedX Speaker) - Plans shift, forgiveness frees the next chapter, and mentors show up right on time for those who stay in motion. Ron Hickland (CTD Bowling) - When rare opportunity disappears, ownership becomes the path. Grit and courage still scale niche dreams. Janis Lasmanis (Corsair Detail) - Immigrate the right way, do the right thing, and tell clients the truth even if it stings & be a man of honor. James Cripps and Don Smith: Veteran Claims, Event in service, current diagnosis, nexus letter. Clarity that unlocks life changing VA benefits. Chris Nevil: Fly Route Nashville - Drone perspective transforms coaching, safety, and decision making in sports. Quinton Horner (Wagon Wheel Title) - Work Ethic, Health and Great Fathers Anna DiCarlo (Unseen Harmony & La Belle Naturelle) - From energy healing to clean beauty products, lymphatic drainage and reiki energy therapy. Steve & Brianna Price (Libertas Cryo & Radiant Roots Coaching) cryotherapy and red light therapy, the mission is simple: reduce inflammation, recover faster, extend healthspan. El Lagutin (Shares his Dad's legacy) - Hard work, humility, and impact passed forward across generations. Jessica Quinn (Quintegrity Land design) - Going from employee to finding your way in business for yourself. Relationships are critical with vendors, suppliers and clients. Jeremy Qualls - (Executive Director of the Williamson County EIC) - Teen Innovators - National championship level entrepreneurship high school program, solving real problems like drink spike detection, proving courage has no age limit. Brandon Hurst (Manufacturing IT & ERP Director) - Shares his insights on AI and simple use of how everyday people can use it to solve real world problems.  Larry Schmittou kicks us off next week in part 3  👉 New episodes every Thursday. Subscribe, review, and keep charging forward with us. 📲 Follow & Subscribe to the Charge Forward Podcast: 🌴 Linktree: https://linktr.ee/chargeforwardpodcast [https://linktr.ee/chargeforwardpodcast?utm_source=chatgpt.com] 💡 New episodes drop every Thursday! 📣 Special Thanks to Our Sponsors: 💳 Charge Forward Solutions – Merchant Services 📈 Sense Development – Executive & Data Services 📈 Sense-Leads – Wholesale Lead Services 🎥 HitLab Studios – Podcast Production 🌟 Rosemary Salazar – Virtual Assistant Services