The Most Important Guest I've Ever Had: Lessons From My 11-Year-Old Daughter

The Most Important Guest I've Ever Had: Lessons From My 11-Year-Old Daughter

What can an 11-year-old teach adults about friendship, confidence, leadership, and growing up? In one of the most personal episodes of The Blue Stiley Podcast, Blue sits down with his daughter, Haiden, as she prepares to leave elementary school behind and begin a brand-new chapter in middle school. Together they talk about the teachers who changed her life, what makes a true friend, the excitement and fears of growing up, traveling the world as a family, finding confidence through sports, and why sometimes the best thing a parent can do is simply listen. Haiden’s perspective is funny, honest, and wise! It serves as a reminder that some of life’s biggest lessons come from the smallest voices. Whether you’re a parent, a kid, or simply someone reflecting on your own childhood, this conversation will leave you smiling and maybe seeing the world a little differently. Show Flow 00:29 Meet Haiden Stiley 03:00 Teachers Who Matter 05:11 Principal For A Day 07:46 Middle School Hopes & Fears 09:56 What Makes A Friend? 14:22 Including Others 15:19 Travel And Foreign Languages 18:34 Bucket List Trips 21:49 Japan Memories Tips 25:30 Proud Fifth Grade Moment 28:31 Math Wins and Grit 33:52 Being 11 Is Hard! 35:15 Listen Before Fixing 38:44 Dream Jobs and Branding 40:14 Splits and Stretch Goals 41:20 Taylor Swift and Car Tunes 42:56 Travel Screens and Star Wars 44:40 Mom, Grandma and Trusted Adults 47:23 Brotherly Love and Favorites 48:18 Cobra Kai Bonding 51:41 Growing Up and Final Thoughts

You Can't Choose Your Start, But You Can Choose Your Finish

Most people don’t get to choose where they start. We’re all handed different circumstances, different challenges, and different opportunities. But while we can’t control the starting line, we do have a say in where we finish. Today’s guest is Jule Kim, executive coach, author, and speaker. Her journey has taken her through multiple careers, unexpected pivots, and years of helping people understand what it takes to create meaningful change in their lives. In this conversation, we talk about identity, confidence, finding the right people, and the choices that shape who we become. From overcoming imposter syndrome to building communities where people feel seen, heard, and valued, Jule shares practical wisdom on how to stop letting your past define your future. Show Flow 00:37 Meet Jule Kim 02:42 From Photographer to Pivot 08:46 Passion Versus Excellence 10:38 Finding Your True Thing 20:27 Find Your People 24:37 Active Listening Skills 30:40 Be the Host Trick 32:28 Imposter Syndrome Reveal 43:01 Rewriting Your Inner Script 53:10 Beginner Mind and Ego 58:13 Karate Lesson on Self-Doubt 01:03:01 Where to Find Jule 01:07:18 Final Thoughts Find out more about Jule Kim here:https://adviceactually.com/Follow Jule on LinkedIn here:https://www.linkedin.com/in/julekim/Listen and watch Jule's Podcast here:https://julekim.com/sections/podcastsAnd grab a copy of Jule Kim's Self Love Affirmations and Reflections deck here here on Amazon:https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0CH1CL1C2/allbooks?ccs_id=6633dc55-77f1-474d-85ef-22fb1a9feab6And on her Instagram here:https://www.instagram.com/itsjulekim/This episode of The Blue Stiley Podcast is sponsored by Dubin Law Group—a firm built on gratitude, empathy, and compassion. Founded by Matthew Dubin, Dubin Law Group has been fighting for the rights of injured clients for decades. Learn more at dubinlawoffice.com

Re-Release: What Real Partnership Looks Like: A Conversation with My Wife, Heidi Stiley

Welcome to The Blue Stiley Podcast. I couldn’t think of a better way to kick off this new chapter than by sitting down with the person who’s been with me through it all—my wife, Heidi. This episode isn’t just an introduction to the show, it’s a window into the foundation of everything I talk about on this podcast like resilience, trust, vulnerability, and growth.  Heidi and I share the story of how we met 36,000 feet in the air, how we’ve navigated everything from parenting, marriage and career pivots to her MS diagnosis. We get honest about the highs and lows, the hard conversations, and the moments that tested us—and brought us closer.  If you’ve ever wondered what a real partnership looks like behind the scenes, you’re going to appreciate this episode. Show Flow 01:12 Welcome to the Blue Stiley Podcast 03:01 How We Met: A High-Flying Love Story 11:11 Fast-Tracking Our Relationship 14:18 Navigating Major Life Decisions 23:09 Facing Health Challenges Together 30:25 Living with MS: Acceptance and Positivity 35:48 A Serious Conversation: Moving from Seattle 38:20 Infertility Challenges 40:25 Unexpected Surprises and COVID-19 42:25 Building Trust and Communication 45:40 Parenting Dynamics and Respect 59:12 Creating a New Life in Spokane 01:05:24 Reflecting on Major Life Decisions 01:09:06 Final Thoughts Connect with Heidi on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidi-stiley/ And follow Heidi's journey on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/heidistiley/ #bluestiley #marriageadvice #Parenting #thebluestileypodcast #motivation The Blue Stiley Podcast is where real people share real stories about pushing past fear, owning their truth, and living life at the next level. Hosted by keynote speaker, author and personal growth expert Blue Stiley, each episode delivers honest conversations and hard-earned lessons to help you grow into who you’re meant to be. — Catch shorts and full episodes of The Blue Stiley Podcast here:   https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLVYhmZsDkCVt9PGcXwjlypwaEBjteb-Ri   📺 Listen to The Blue Stiley Podcast while you're on-the-go!  🎧 Available wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts. New episodes drop every Monday to start your week off right! Apple Podcasts and Spotify & Youtube: — Subscribe to the channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@bluestiley — Follow me here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bluestiley LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/blue-stiley/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blue.stiley Websites:  — https://bluestiley.com/ https://thesumof4.com/ https://darksideforlife.com/ — Looking for my book on Amazon? Here it is! https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1950241998/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=A27LPL7FZJL1FB&psc=1

AI Is Coming for Artists. Here's What It Can't Replace.

What happens when AI can create artwork in seconds that once took artists weeks? Is the future of creativity in danger, or are we asking the wrong question? Today's guest has created work for Marvel, Disney, Star Wars, Jurassic Park, and some of the biggest brands in the world. In this conversation, Ryan Shumate explains what AI gets wrong about creativity, how artists can still build careers today, and why the thing that makes you unique may be the one thing technology can never replace. Show Flow 00:44 Meet Ryan Shumate 02:04 Early Spark and Tracing 03:56 Jurassic Park Inspiration 06:00 Family Support and Encouragement 09:31 Finding Style Through Color 11:45 Joy and Purpose in Creating 17:36 Approval Process and Clients 20:51 Imposter Syndrome and Growth 28:16 First Big Break With Marvel 32:10 Creative Magic and Fandom 34:34 Staying Humble and Grateful 36:01 Keep Knocking Forward 37:21 Social Media Era Advantage 38:29 AI Versus Human Soul 42:53 Hype Bubbles and NFTs 46:06 Using AI Without Losing Voice 48:54 What Inspires the Posters 53:31 Easter Eggs and Details 55:05 Star Wars Favorites 58:24 NDA Limits and Process 01:00:22 Audacious Goals and Pay 01:05:13 Creating From Spokane 01:10:18 Advice and Where to Find Him 01:14:51 Final Thoughts

What Customers Really Remember About Your Business

Most business owners think customers remember the service they provide. But more often, people remember how they were treated, how they felt, and the small details that made the experience stand out. Today’s guest is Shannon Thomas, co-owner of Save Your Glass Window Cleaning. Alongside her husband, she’s built a business around a simple mission: making Spokane sparkle while creating the kind of customer experience that turns first-time clients into lifelong advocates. This conversation explores what customers actually remember, why trust and consistency matter more than most people realize, and how the smallest moments can have the biggest impact on the way people talk about your business long after the job is done. Show Flow 00:48 Meet Shannon Thomas 02:58 Buying the Business 04:18 Networking Superpower 14:30 Selling by Educating 18:15 Team Culture and Reviews 23:08 Trust and Professionalism 26:58 Hiring for Morale 30:50 Strengths-Based Decisions 36:37 Thank You Card Strategy 39:19 Relationship Driven Referrals 43:37 Owning Mistakes Fast 48:54 Protecting Your Windows 51:42 Power Couple Business Advice 56:22 Final Thoughts