Haus Talk

Built, Not Given | Pressure Reveals the Leader with Jeremy Sopko

In this episode of Haus Talk, I sit down with Jeremy Sopko for a conversation about what it really takes to build something meaningful — in business, in leadership, and in life. Jeremy doesn't sugarcoat the journey. We talk about the grind behind the scenes, the setbacks nobody posts about, and the discipline required when the excitement wears off. This isn't about overnight wins. It's about long seasons of consistency, faith, and staying committed when results aren't immediate. We unpack what separates people who talk about growth from the ones who actually pursue it — the habits, the mindset shifts, and the courage to keep showing up when it would be easier to pull back. This conversation is about ownership. About standards. About choosing responsibility over excuses. If you've ever felt the weight of leadership… if you're building something that demands more from you… if you're trying to level up without losing who you are — this episode will hit home. Because success isn't handed out. It's built — one disciplined decision at a time. Subscribe to Haus Talk and join me as we keep unpacking what it takes to live above average — through faith, discipline, and the courage to keep going when life hits hard. Haus Talk Website: https://haustalkpodcast.com/ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1TPBSzRY0khVl1Hr4lacEV?si=d9fdd6cb85d54e0d Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/haus-talk/id1850015997

Behind the Group Chat: How We Stay Accountable With Kyle Hannegan and Zach Plackemeier

In Episode of the Haus Talk Podcast, I'm sitting down with two of my closest friends and longtime business partners, Kyle Hannegan and Zach Plackemeier. We've been in the trenches together for nearly a decade — building careers, building families, and building a community that pushes each other to live above average. This conversation is all about 30 Medium, the annual challenge we run every January to start the year on the right foot. We break down exactly what it is, why we created it, and why it's become a non-negotiable reset for our mindset, discipline, and momentum. We get real about what makes this hard — the social pressure, the events, the excuses, and the moments you want to bend the rules. And we talk about why this challenge isn't about being perfect… it's about proving to yourself that you can commit without negotiating. You'll also hear us reflect on 2025 — what peak performance actually means, what valleys taught us, how leadership changes when you're building teams and raising kids, and why the goal isn't just success… it's being present for what actually matters. And to close it out, I share my 2026 mantra: Don't waste it. Because your time, your family, your health, your opportunities — you don't get them back. If you're ready to start this year with purpose, structure, and accountability… this episode is for you. Haus Talk Website: https://haustalkpodcast.com/ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1TPBSzRY0khVl1Hr4lacEV?si=d9fdd6cb85d54e0d Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/haus-talk/id1850015997

When Quitting Isn't an Option With Brian Folkerts

In this episode of Haus Talk, I sit down with one of my longtime teammates and close friends, Brian Folkerts. We played together at Washburn University, lived together as roommates, and have stayed connected through every season of life since. And if there's one word that defines Brian, it's grit. We walk through his full journey — from a Division II program to earning a shot in the NFL, getting cut, starting over, and fighting his way back. Brian opens up about the pressure, the identity battle that comes when the game is taken away, and what it really feels like to keep chasing a dream when the path isn't clear and the odds aren't in your favor. We also talk about what changed for him — the mindset shift of leaving no stone unturned, checking the ego, and committing fully to the work instead of counting the cost. That approach didn't just extend his playing career — it shaped the coach he's become today. Brian is now pouring everything he learned from the league into developing players, recently stepping into a new role as an offensive line coach at the University of Toledo, where he's building a tough, disciplined, smash-mouth brand of football. This episode is for anyone who's felt overlooked, underestimated, or forced to start over. Because sometimes the answer isn't a new plan — it's picking up the shovel and getting back to work. Subscribe to Haus Talk and join me as we keep unpacking what it takes to live above average — through faith, discipline, and the courage to keep going when life hits hard. Haus Talk Website: https://haustalkpodcast.com/ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1TPBSzRY0khVl1Hr4lacEV?si=d9fdd6cb85d54e0d Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/haus-talk/id1850015997

This Is What Winners Do with Nick Purler

In this episode of Haus Talk, I sit down with my longtime friend, mentor, and one of the most relentless competitors I've ever known — Nick Purler. Nick is a three-time Missouri state champion, NCAA All-American at Oklahoma State, and the founder of Purler Wrestling Academy — a world-class training environment that's produced elite competitors for decades. I was a student in his room growing up, so this conversation is full circle in the best way. We get deep into what actually builds winners — not just in wrestling, but in life. Nick breaks down discipline, effort, accountability, and why you can't coach everyone the same way. We talk about parenting competitors, raising tough kids without competing through them, and why some people need to be pushed while others need to be tempered. This is a masterclass on leadership, coaching, and understanding human behavior under pressure. Nick also opens up about the hard seasons — walking away from a stable career, betting on himself, facing doubt from family, navigating financial pressure, and building something meaningful brick by brick. From Covid challenges to building multiple facilities, camps, and programs, his story is proof that legacy isn't built overnight — it's earned through consistency and commitment. This episode isn't just about wrestling. It's about getting your hands dirty, attacking opportunity, and choosing the hard path when it matters most. If you're a parent, coach, entrepreneur, or anyone who wants to raise your standard and live above average, this conversation will challenge you to stop playing small and fully commit to the work. Subscribe to Haus Talk and join me as we keep unpacking what it takes to live above average — through faith, discipline, and the courage to keep going when life hits hard. Connect with our Guest: Nick Purler website: https://purlerwrestling.com/ Haus Talk Website: https://haustalkpodcast.com/ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1TPBSzRY0khVl1Hr4lacEV?si=d9fdd6cb85d54e0d Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/haus-talk/id1850015997

From the Field to Faith with Pastor Mark Griffith

In this episode of Haus Talk, I sit down with my good friend, Pastor Mark Griffith — a former college football player turned preacher, leader, and girl dad of three. Two of his daughters are adopted, and the story behind how that happened will stop you in your tracks. Mark opens up about his early years chasing football dreams, losing direction, and eventually surrendering to God's call to ministry. From drumming in church as a kid to preaching in front of thousands, his journey is a powerful reminder that purpose often comes through pain — and that obedience is one of the greatest forms of strength. We talk about faith, leadership, and the real battles that come with answering your calling. From leading a growing church at just 25, to walking through seasons of deep adversity and growth, Mark shares what it means to trust God's timing — even when life doesn't make sense. This one's packed with wisdom, truth, and heart. Whether you're leading a business, a team, or a family, Mark's story will challenge you to surrender, stay faithful, and step boldly into your next season. Subscribe to Haus Talk and join me as we keep unpacking what it takes to live above average — through faith, discipline, and the courage to keep going when life hits hard. Haus Talk Website: https://haustalkpodcast.com/ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1TPBSzRY0khVl1Hr4lacEV?si=d9fdd6cb85d54e0d Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/haus-talk/id1850015997