The Next Better Podcast

068 -- AMA Show: What People Who Actually Love Their Work Understand

What People Who Actually Love Their Work Understand In this episode of The Next Better AMA Show, Coach Woody and Kristin Rinkel explore what separates people who truly love their work from those who simply get through it. Through stories of risk, authenticity, and curiosity, Coach Woody shares the mindset shifts that redefine success—not as achievement, but as alignment with your values. Key Insights or Questions * How redefining risk changes your relationship with fear and purpose * Why authenticity outperforms professionalism in both leadership and connection * The power of curiosity to deepen every relationship—personal and professional * How knowing your values transforms the way you see others * Why fulfillment is found not in avoiding failure, but in choosing growth Listener Takeaway People who love their work don’t have it all figured out—they’ve learned to stay curious, take risks, and lead from who they truly are. This conversation is a reminder that “safe” often isn’t secure—it’s stagnant. Listen in, take notes, and start asking the better questions that make work feel like purpose. Stay Connected * Watch full episodes on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@TheNextBetter] * Listen on Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/7r9m2TyNeyZVGZPWQ4tDNF?si=f1aa1a013a904777] * Listen on Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-next-better-podcast/id1693087657] * Join the Next Better Newsletter [https://www.nextbetter.me/signup] * Click here to ask a question [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdnhqYnnrhfCyOIrTZNEyCjtxtNPyzOmcLEJs4SlY5UEhkA5Q/viewform?usp=header] Timestamps 00:00 Intro — redefining “risk” and fulfillment 07:19 The real fear: not trying at all 17:59 Authenticity beats professionalism 24:30 Seeing values clearly in others 32:05 Curiosity as a connector 38:30 The exchange of value External Resources * Dare to Lead by Brené Brown * Coffee with Coach (Coach Woody’s live series)

067 -- Mom, Founder, Changemaker: Alejandra Malo on Designing Her Life

Alejandra Malo is an entrepreneur, mother, traveler, and nonprofit founder who shows us what it means to create a life that holds space for business, family, and impact. In this conversation, she shares how she built multiple ventures, stayed true to her values, and found joy in both work and life. Key Insights * Why Alejandra built her first company, Pink Team, around happiness * The leadership lesson behind “you can’t teach attitude” * How she balances entrepreneurship, motherhood, and travel * Why she started a nonprofit to give back to her community * The belief that morals matter more than languages Listener Takeaway Alejandra Malo proves you don’t need to choose between career, family, and purpose. With intention and energy, you can design a life that allows for all of it. Subscribe to The Next Better Podcast for more stories of bold choices and better paths forward. Stay Connected * Watch full episodes on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@TheNextBetter] * Listen on Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/7r9m2TyNeyZVGZPWQ4tDNF?si=f1aa1a013a904777] * Listen on Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-next-better-podcast/id1693087657] * Join the Next Better Newsletter [https://www.nextbetter.me/signup] * Click here to ask a question [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdnhqYnnrhfCyOIrTZNEyCjtxtNPyzOmcLEJs4SlY5UEhkA5Q/viewform?usp=header] Timestamps [00:02:38] Building Pink Team around happiness [00:05:16] Why you can’t teach attitude [00:31:34] Communication beyond language [00:42:22] “This is your time” — taking the leap [00:57:19] Morals over languages [01:12:40] Starting a nonprofit to give back [01:25:15] Balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship External Resources * Pink Team Cleaning Services [https://totallypink.com?utm_source=chatgpt.com] – Alejandra Malo’s cleaning company * Pink Team Foundation [https://pinkteam.org?utm_source=chatgpt.com] – The nonprofit she founded * Pink Team Foundation Gala 2025 – Fundraising event at Gathering Acres Event Center * Alejandra Malo on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/alejandramalo/]

066 -- Next Better AMA Show - How to Stay Sharp When Everyone Needs You

As a business owner, leader, or parent — you’re carrying a lot. So how do you stay clear, grounded, and focused… without burning out? In this episode of the AMA Show, Coach Woody and Kristin Rinkel unpack the strategies, mindset shifts, and leadership habits that help you stay sharp when everyone’s pulling on your time and energy. From listening as a leadership superpower to managing ambition and gratitude, this episode is full of insight for anyone juggling complexity in their career and personal life. We cover: * The energy-draining habits leaders need to unlearn * How to listen first — and why it creates stronger influence * What the Savannah Bananas can teach you about customer experience * The formula for long-term satisfaction (hint: it’s not more hustle) * Real talk on burnout, balance, and doing work that actually matters Listener takeaway: You don’t need to do more — you need to do what matters most. Tune in for honest, actionable strategies to protect your energy and lead with clarity. Stay Connected: * Listen on Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/7r9m2TyNeyZVGZPWQ4tDNF?si=f1aa1a013a904777&utm_source=chatgpt.com] * Listen on Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-next-better-podcast/id1693087657?utm_source=chatgpt.com] * Watch on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@TheNextBetter?utm_source=chatgpt.com] * Join the Next Better Newsletter [https://www.nextbetter.me/signup?utm_source=chatgpt.com] * Click here to ask a question [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdnhqYnnrhfCyOIrTZNEyCjtxtNPyzOmcLEJs4SlY5UEhkA5Q/viewform?usp=header&utm_source=chatgpt.com] Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro: Humidity jokes & Colorado catch-up 01:57 – “You have two ears and one mouth…” 04:14 – The best question leads to a deeper one 06:23 – Savannah Bananas & Fans First 13:35 – Reducing friction for your customers 20:08 – Leadership habits you need to unlearn 26:45 – Building a culture that sustains motivation 33:53 – How to find fulfillment beyond financial success 40:57 – Balancing ambition with gratitude 53:54 – How to keep your energy sharp as a parent & business owner 59:29 – “More isn’t better. Better is better.” Resources Mentioned: * Fans First by Jesse Cole * Strength to Strength by Arthur Brooks * VIA Strengths Assessment * High Performance Habits by Brendon Burchard * Pedal Stomper Productions — shoutout to Josh Trokey * The Business Fix Podcast with Chrissy Myers & Josh Troche

065 -- The Difference Between a Nest Egg and a Retirement Income w/ Steve Selengut

In this powerful episode, Coach Woody sits down with financial coach and veteran investment manager Steve Selengut, who spent over 40 years helping clients build portfolios that generate income—not just paper gains. If you’ve ever been told that retirement is about selling off your nest egg bit by bit, this conversation will challenge that mindset. Steve doesn’t just advocate for income-focused investing—he lives it. With a strategy rooted in closed-end funds, REITs, and income securities, he shows how your money can work harder for you, even in retirement. But this episode isn’t for beginners—it’s a deep dive into a rarely discussed approach that may just change the way you think about financial fitness forever. 🔑 Key Insights from the Episode: * Why the traditional “4% rule” falls short for many retirees—and how it can actually shrink your nest egg. * The hidden incentives behind model portfolios most financial advisors push (hint: it's not your income). * What closed-end funds are—and why they’ve been quietly outperforming in income generation for decades. * Why market value isn’t the best measure of wealth—and how “working capital” reframes the conversation. * The single question you should ask your advisor: How much income is my portfolio generating for me right now? 🎧 Listener Takeaway: If your retirement plan is based on hope, market swings, or selling off stocks, Steve’s message is a wake-up call. With the right education and structure, your portfolio can become your primary source of income—without sacrificing growth. Start by asking better questions and exploring alternative strategies. Your financial independence might be closer than you think. ⏱️ Full Episode Timestamps: * 00:00 – Steve on old-school brokerage models and why the system isn’t designed for your retirement income * 00:51 – Coach Woody introduces the conversation on financial fitness and portfolio design * 03:27 – Debunking the 4% Rule: Why market downturns wreak havoc on traditional retirement strategies * 07:19 – The education gap: Why most people don’t understand what they’re invested in * 11:18 – Risks of overconcentration and the power of diversification * 14:22 – Turning portfolios into income machines—and why most advisors never talk about it * 21:41 – How to shift your financial mindset (and how Steve helps clients make the change) * 25:28 – Closed-end funds vs. traditional ETFs/mutual funds: The real difference * 30:46 – Steve’s working capital model: Focus on income, not market value * 35:13 – Steve’s personal journey: From miserable commutes to financial freedom * 39:40 – How to identify income-paying securities and analyze dividend yields * 45:31 – The difference between financial “sickness” and “fitness” * 51:39 – What to do if your current advisor won’t support an income-first strategy * 56:36 – Steve’s book, new course, and where to go next if you’re ready for change 📚 Resources & Links Mentioned: * Book: Retirement Money Secrets by Steve Selengut [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C4JL4JX6] * Website: theincomecoach.net [https://theincomecoach.net] * Course: Start the FIRE (Financial Independence Retire Early) — launching soon * AMA Questions: Click here to ask a question [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdnhqYnnrhfCyOIrTZNEyCjtxtNPyzOmcLEJs4SlY5UEhkA5Q/viewform?usp=header] 🎙️ Subscribe to the Next Better Podcast on your favorite platform: * YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@TheNextBetter] * Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/7r9m2TyNeyZVGZPWQ4tDNF?si=f1aa1a013a904777] * Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-next-better-podcast/id1693087657]

064 -- Next Better AMA Show - The Myth of Work/Life Balance Unveiled

Coach Woody goes solo in this AMA episode to tackle questions on work-life integration, fast trust-building, conflict resolution, and how to lead through tough moments with purpose and clarity. • This week’s show includes a reflection on why “balance” is outdated and how to pursue integration instead • Learn a surprisingly simple way to build trust quickly in high-turnover environments • Hear Coach Woody’s personal story of a leadership win that didn’t feel like a win • Plus: how to reset when you’re overwhelmed, how to resolve conflict fast, and what to do when your values don’t align Takeaway:Leadership is more than productivity — it’s about alignment. Coach Woody challenges listeners to root their decisions in values, recognize their limits, and stay intentional across all areas of life. Submit your question for the next AMA episode: Click here to ask a question anonymously [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdnhqYnnrhfCyOIrTZNEyCjtxtNPyzOmcLEJs4SlY5UEhkA5Q/viewform?usp=header] Links & Resources: • Website: nextbetter.com [https://www.nextbetter.com] • Newsletter: Join the Next Better Newsletter [https://www.nextbetter.me/signup] • YouTube: @TheNextBetter [https://www.youtube.com/@TheNextBetter] • Coach Lucas Woody on Instagram/LinkedIn: @CoachLucasWoody • Book of the Month: Fans First by Jesse Cole • Recommended Books: Essentialism by Greg McKeown, How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie, Lifting Up by Jen Marr Timestamps:00:00 – Intro & update on Kristin Rinkel01:45 – Quote of the day + Book of the Month02:20 – Balancing work and family: why “balance” doesn’t work09:10 – Work-fun integration + 8 areas of well-being13:40 – Building trust fast in high-turnover teams25:15 – When values don't align: turning down opportunities31:40 – When a win doesn’t feel like a win37:10 – How to reset when you're overwhelmed41:45 – Leadership books that shaped Coach Woody48:00 – Resolving conflict quickly and constructively53:10 – Hard leadership lesson: you can’t control perception58:30 – Final thoughts and CTA to stay connected