Why Conquering Yourself Matters More Than Conquering The Mountain With Dr. Jack Groppel

Why Conquering Yourself Matters More Than Conquering The Mountain With Dr. Jack Groppel

In this deeply inspiring episode of Epic Begins With 1 Step Forward, Zander Sprague sits down with performance expert, author, and leadership pioneer Dr. Jack Groppel [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jackgroppel], who talks about the beauty of conquering yourself through resilience, reinvention, and purpose. From a painful childhood and relentless drive for achievement to becoming a nationally recognized tennis coach, sports scientist, entrepreneur, and speaker, Jack shares the powerful story behind his memoir Mountains Within [https://www.amazon.com/Mountains-Within-Achievement-Mountain-Everything/dp/B0G4G8YG58]. Together, they discuss failure, perseverance, identity, and the danger of tying self-worth solely to achievement. Jack also reflects on summiting Mount Kilimanjaro with his adopted son after multiple knee replacements—and the realization that the real mountain wasn’t external, but internal. This conversation is a moving reminder that epic journeys are less about conquering the world and more about becoming who you were meant to be. EpicBegins.com [https://epicbegins.com/] Free E-book – https://dl.bookfunnel.com/afk096okro [https://dl.bookfunnel.com/afk096okro] Apply to be a Guest on My TV show – https://www.epicchoicemedia.com [https://www.epicchoicemedia.com/] #EPICBeginswith1StepForward, #ZanderSprague, #MountKilimanjaro, #SportsScience, #SelfWorth

How One Simple $15 Filter Is Fighting Cholera, Malaria, And Child Death With Kurt Avery

In this powerful episode of Epic Begins With 1 Step Forward, Zander Sprague sits down with entrepreneur and humanitarian Kurt Avery, founder of Sawyer Products [https://www.sawyer.com/], whose innovations are transforming access to clean water around the globe. What began with outdoor products and water filtration evolved into a mission that has already impacted more than 40 million people in 80 countries. Kurt shares how Sawyer’s affordable filtration systems are helping eliminate waterborne illnesses like cholera and dysentery, while also supporting groundbreaking malaria prevention efforts for children. From disaster relief in Haiti and hurricane zones to remote villages in Africa and Central America, Kurt explains how simple, scalable solutions can save lives on a massive scale. This inspiring conversation is a reminder that epic impact often starts with solving one practical problem exceptionally well. EpicBegins.com [https://epicbegins.com/] Free E-book – https://dl.bookfunnel.com/afk096okro [https://dl.bookfunnel.com/afk096okro] Apply to be a Guest on My TV show – https://www.epicchoicemedia.com [https://www.epicchoicemedia.com/] #EPICBeginswith1StepForward, #ZanderSprague #CleanWater #MalariaPrevention #DisasterRelief

Success Didn’t Make Him Happy—So He Changed Everything With Stefanos Koutsoumpis

In this insightful episode of Epic Begins With 1 Step Forward, Zander sits down with men’s coach Stefanos Koutsoubis [https://www.linkedin.com/in/stefanos-koutsoumpis/?originalSubdomain=gr], who helps men break free from burnout, depression, and the illusion of success. Stefanos shares his personal journey—from achieving academic and professional milestones, including a PhD and corporate career, to realizing that external success didn’t create internal happiness. Together, they explore why so many men chase goals that leave them feeling empty, the importance of understanding emotions, and how mindfulness and coaching can transform the way we experience life. Stefanos reveals that true fulfillment comes not from reaching the finish line, but from how we show up every day. This episode is a powerful reminder to stop chasing “someday” happiness and start creating it right now. EpicBegins.com [https://epicbegins.com/] Free E-book – https://dl.bookfunnel.com/afk096okro [https://dl.bookfunnel.com/afk096okro] Apply to be a Guest on My TV show – https://www.epicchoicemedia.com [https://www.epicchoicemedia.com/] #EPICBeginswith1StepForward, #ZanderSprague #SelfReflection #External SuccessVsHappiness #InternalHappiness

Fear Of Success Is Real—And It Might Be Holding You Back With Greg Bennick

In this energizing episode of Epic Begins With 1 Step Forward, Zander sits down with keynote speaker, author, and performer Greg Bennick [https://www.gregbennick.com/], whose career began with a simple mistake that turned into a life-changing path. What started as a missed coin-collecting class led Greg to discover juggling—and ultimately a lifelong passion for engaging audiences around the world. Greg shares insights from his book Reclaim the Moment [https://www.gregbennick.com/gregbennickbook], diving into why meaning matters, how fear of success can quietly hold us back, and why taking that first step is everything. Blending humor, storytelling, and powerful perspective, this conversation challenges you to rethink how you approach your goals and your time. It’s a reminder that epic journeys often begin with unexpected moments—and grow through consistent, intentional action. EpicBegins.com [https://epicbegins.com/] Free E-book – https://dl.bookfunnel.com/afk096okro [https://dl.bookfunnel.com/afk096okro] Apply to be a Guest on My TV show – https://www.epicchoicemedia.com [https://www.epicchoicemedia.com/] #EPICBeginswith1StepForward, #ZanderSprague #FearOfSuccess #ConsistencyIsKey #ReclaimTheMoment

From Rock Bottom To Creative Purpose: Nick McGowan’s Journey Back To Himself

In this raw and powerful episode of Epic Begins With 1 Step Forward, Zander sits down with creative strategist and podcast expert Nick McGowan [https://nickmcgowan.com/] for a deeply honest conversation about identity, purpose, and transformation. Nick shares his journey from childhood struggles and emotional disconnect to building a successful career that ultimately left him feeling empty and lost. After hitting rock bottom and facing moments of severe depression, he began the difficult work of reconnecting with his true self—creativity. Together, they explore mental health, breaking free from societal expectations, and the courage it takes to choose a path that aligns with who you really are. This episode is a reminder that your lowest moments can become the foundation for your most meaningful life. EpicBegins.com [https://epicbegins.com/] Free E-book – https://dl.bookfunnel.com/afk096okro [https://dl.bookfunnel.com/afk096okro] Apply to be a Guest on My TV show – https://www.epicchoicemedia.com [https://www.epicchoicemedia.com/] #EPICBeginswith1StepForward, #ZanderSprague #Transformation #Purpose #Identity