The ThriveWell Journey | Entrepreneurship, Leadership & Life After Disruption

Mental Resilience Under Pressure: How to Win Today | Joshua Lifrak

Mental resilience is not about pretending pressure is not there. It is about learning to respond rather than react when life, leadership, business, or personal disruption puts you under stress. Joshua Lifrak joins The ThriveWell Journey to share mental performance lessons from his work with elite athletes, high-performing teams, and the Chicago Cubs during their historic rise from last place to World Series champions. L. Michael Burt and Joshua explore how to define your story, stay present under pressure, build stronger relationships, stop the storm of negative thinking, and reset your mindset through Joshua’s Mile Zero framework. This conversation connects sports psychology, leadership, mindfulness, and practical transformation for anyone rebuilding their life, identity, or direction after disruption. Listeners will walk away with a simple but powerful reminder: a winning streak starts with one win, and that win can begin with the next choice you make today. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Joshua Lifrak and His Journey 04:27 Transforming the Chicago Cubs: A Mental Skills Perspective 09:36 The Power of Team Culture and Accountability 10:03 Defining What It Means to Be a Cub 12:59 Defining Your Story: Intentions and Mindset 19:08 Building Strong Relationships for Growth 19:38 The Power of Teamwork 22:02 The Purpose of Connection 24:35 Defining Your Story 26:46 Staying Present Amidst Pressure 30:17 Finding Bliss in the Now 35:18 Stopping the Storm of Negative Thoughts 42:21 The Power of Noticing and Awareness 45:11 Choosing Growth and Learning from Failure 45:42 Mile Zero: Resetting Your Mindset 56:17 Navigating Disruption and Transformation 01:02:29 The Choice to Transform Today Connect w/ Joshua Lifrak - Resources Joshua Lifrak's Book - https://joshualiffrak.com [https://joshualiffrak.com] Limitless Minds Podcast - https://limitlessminds.com/podcast [https://limitlessminds.com/podcast] Amishi Jha's Mindfulness Training - https://miami.edu [https://miami.edu] Chicago Cubs Official Site - https://www.mlb.com/cubs [https://www.mlb.com/cubs] IMG Academy - https://www.imgacademy.com [https://www.imgacademy.com] Guest link: https://joshualifrak.com [https://joshualifrak.com] Connect w/ L. Michael & TTJ You did not lose your way. You got trapped inside a story about what happened. This free reset helps you separate the event from the meaning so you can move again. - https://bit.ly/YouDidNotLoseYourWay [https://bit.ly/YouDidNotLoseYourWay] http://ushaman.com/elixir [http://ushaman.com/elixir] - Get 10% off: USE CODE: THRIVEWELL Be a guest on The Thrivewell Journey Podcast? Send L. Michael Burt a message on #PodMatch, https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/thethrivewelljourney [https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/thethrivewelljourney] #LMichaelBurt #TheThriveWellJourneyPodcast #podmatch

How to Pivot in Life After Change and Find Purpose Again | Jeff Seckendorf

How do you know when it is time to pivot in life instead of staying committed to something that no longer fits? Jeff Seckendorf joins The ThriveWell Journey for a powerful conversation about pivoting, purpose, aging, reinvention, fun, accountability, and living fully after change. From film and scuba to coaching, endurance cycling, and world-record athletic achievement, Jeff shares what it looks like to keep creating new chapters instead of shrinking into old ones. This episode speaks to anyone rebuilding life after disruption, questioning what comes next, or learning how to tell the difference between quitting and choosing a new direction. Jeff’s story brings a grounded reminder: if something is no longer working, you do not have to stay there. You can pivot, get help, walk your talk, and create a life that still has purpose. Chapters 00:00 Embracing Change: The Power of Pivoting 06:14 Life's Pivots: From Film to Fitness 11:41 Finding Purpose: Helping Others 19:09 The Role of Motivation in Performance 29:36 Getting Unstuck: The Importance of Support 35:31 Navigating Internal States and Fun 39:31 Coaching Across Generations 43:32 The Importance of Accountability 46:04 Aging: Perspectives and Experiences 54:28 Living Life Fully and Pivoting Connect w/ Jeff Seckendorf Guest Links Website - https://coachmestrong.com [https://coachmestrong.com] Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/athletes-over-70/id1541234567 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/athletes-over-70/id1541234567] Resources Annie Duke's Book 'Quit' - https://www.amazon.com/Quit-psychology-when-know-when/dp/0062855744 [https://www.amazon.com/Quit-psychology-when-know-when/dp/0062855744] Jeff Seckendorf's Podcast 'Athletes Over 70' - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/athletes-over-70/id1541234567 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/athletes-over-70/id1541234567] CoachMeStrong.com [http://CoachMeStrong.com] - https://coachmestrong.com [https://coachmestrong.com] Connect w/ L. Michael & TTJ You did not lose your way. You got trapped inside a story about what happened. This free reset helps you separate the event from the meaning so you can move again. - https://bit.ly/YouDidNotLoseYourWay [https://bit.ly/YouDidNotLoseYourWay] http://ushaman.com/elixir [http://ushaman.com/elixir] - Get 10% off: USE CODE: THRIVEWELL Be a guest on The Thrivewell Journey Podcast? Send L. Michael Burt a message on #PodMatch, https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/thethrivewelljourney [https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/thethrivewelljourney]

Is Your Money Losing Power? Bitcoin, Inflation, and the Future of Wealth | Eric Runge

Most people are asking whether Bitcoin is risky. But the better question is this: do we understand the money we already trust every single day? On this episode of The ThriveWell Journey Podcast, L. Michael Burt sits down with Eric Runge, founder of Veritas Bitcoin Strategies, to talk about Bitcoin, inflation, fiat currency, the U.S. dollar, financial trust, and what people need to understand before making decisions with money. This episode is not built on hype, panic, or quick financial promises. It is a grounded conversation about what happens when the cost of living rises, the dollar loses purchasing power, and more people ask whether Bitcoin belongs in long-term wealth. Eric breaks down fiat currency versus sound money, why the dollar is no longer backed by gold, why Bitcoin is often called digital gold, and why studying money matters before making investment decisions. Michael asks the questions many people have but may not know how to ask: What is Bitcoin? Why does it have value? How is it different from other cryptocurrencies? Should regular people pay attention? How do families, entrepreneurs, and investors prepare for a financial world changing faster than they realize? Money is not just numbers on a screen. It affects stress, family, retirement, business, opportunity, and how people plan their future. If you are trying to understand inflation, Bitcoin, the future of the dollar, or wealth in uncertain times, this episode will give you better questions and a stronger foundation. This episode is for educational purposes only and is not financial advice. Speak with a qualified financial professional before investing. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Austrian Economics and Monetary Theory 02:55 The Importance of Understanding the Dollar and National Debt 06:00 The Shift from Gold Standard to Fiat Currency 09:04 The Current State of the Dollar and Global Currency Dynamics 11:46 The Future of the Dollar and Potential Decline 14:58 Navigating Finances in a Fiat System 18:01 The Role of Bitcoin in the Financial Landscape 20:56 Understanding Bitcoin: Its Origins and Significance 23:46 Preparing for Financial Changes and the Role of Bitcoin 32:21 Understanding Scarcity and Value in Bitcoin 34:31 The Unique Characteristics of Bitcoin 36:51 Bitcoin vs. Other Cryptocurrencies 42:34 Advice for New Bitcoin Investors 46:04 The Mindset of Bitcoin Maximalists 56:28 The Importance of Financial Education Connect w/ Eric Runge LinkedIn [https://linkedin.com/in/eric-runge-veritas] Family Office Bitcoin [https://familyofficebitcoin.com/about/] Book - Bitcoin & The Family Office: An Intelligent Introduction for the Ultra Affluent [https://us.amazon.com/Bitcoin-Family-Office-Intelligent-Introduction/dp/B0GV5G5L9Y] Connect w/ L. Michael & TTJ You did not lose your way. You got trapped inside a story about what happened. This free reset helps you separate the event from the meaning so you can move again. - https://bit.ly/YouDidNotLoseYourWay [https://bit.ly/YouDidNotLoseYourWay] http://ushaman.com/elixir [http://ushaman.com/elixir] - Get 10% off: USE CODE: THRIVEWELL Be a guest on The Thrivewell Journey Podcast? Send L. Michael Burt a message on #PodMatch, https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/thethrivewelljourney [https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/thethrivewelljourney]

Be the Cause When Life Feels Unstable: Faith, Love, Marriage & Purpose

In this Friday Night Live episode of The ThriveWell Journey Podcast, L. Michael Burt brings back Reagan, Chris Gibson, and Marc Davis for an honest, unfiltered conversation about life, love, faith, friendship, marriage, identity, and the pressure people are carrying right now. This episode moves like real life. It starts with old friends catching up, but quickly opens into deeper questions: What changes when you finally become open to love? How do you keep a marriage strong for 24 years? What happens when your children grow up and your home enters a new season? How do you stay hopeful when politics, education, social media, and the economy feel chaotic? Reagan talks about healing, femininity, love after independence, and the courage it takes to admit she is ready to be fully loved. Chris shares his journey toward completing his doctorate, leading as a principal, preparing for an empty nest, and honoring a marriage that has lasted through growth, pressure, and change. Marc brings a grounded perspective on purpose, service, writing, business, and staying open to the next chapter without forcing the outcome. Together, the conversation becomes a living example of what The ThriveWell Journey is about: real people navigating real pressure while choosing faith, responsibility, love, and purpose over fear. This is not a polished panel pretending life is easy. This is a real conversation about becoming, rebuilding, and choosing who you are going to be when the world gives you every reason to react. What You’ll Hear in This Episode Reagan opens up about turning 48, becoming open to love, and realizing that healing has changed how she sees partnership, femininity, and being cared for. Chris Gibson talks about doctoral work, leadership in education, his children graduating, and what it means to move into a new season of marriage after raising a family. Marc Davis shares how he is living one day at a time, writing, consulting, serving others, and learning not to force outcomes that are not aligned. The group discusses social media, public pressure, politics, education, faith, and how to stay grounded when the world feels unstable. L. Michael Burt brings the conversation back to the central question: in the middle of all this pressure, who are you choosing to be? Chapters 00:00 Reconnecting and Reflecting on Life Changes 03:07 Embracing Love and Relationships 05:59 Academic Pursuits and Personal Growth 09:00 Life Perspectives and Open-Mindedness 11:58 The Importance of Femininity and Vulnerability 14:58 Navigating Age and Relationships 18:05 Empty Nest and Rediscovering Marriage 23:50 The Evolution of Marriage 29:59 Intentional Time Together 35:53 What the Hell Moments in Society 40:01 Finding Hope in Uncertain Times Connect w/ L. Michael & TTJ You did not lose your way. You got trapped inside a story about what happened. This free reset helps you separate the event from the meaning so you can move again. - https://bit.ly/YouDidNotLoseYourWay [https://bit.ly/YouDidNotLoseYourWay] http://ushaman.com/elixir [http://ushaman.com/elixir] - Get 10% off: USE CODE: THRIVEWELL Be a guest on The Thrivewell Journey Podcast? Send L. Michael Burt a message on #PodMatch, https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/thethrivewelljourney [https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/thethrivewelljourney]

Why Your Life Looks the Way It Does | Radical Responsibility and Self-Leadership After Disruption

In this Friday Night Live solo episode of The ThriveWell Journey Podcast, L. Michael Burt breaks down why your life often reflects the choices, beliefs, and tolerations you have been living from, even when the results are not what you want. This is not a conversation about blame. It is a conversation about radical responsibility, self-leadership, and what it means to stop living at the effect of your circumstances. If you are navigating disruption, emotional drift, financial pressure, or the painful gap between the life you have and the life you know is possible, this episode will challenge you to look at your money, your environment, and your daily choices differently. Michael walks through the distinction between cause and effect, explains why your outer world often reflects your inner posture, and gives you a practical “cause audit” to help you identify what you have been avoiding, tolerating, and reinforcing. This episode sits right in the core of The ThriveWell Journey: identity, purpose, authorship, and rebuilding your life from the inside out after disruption. Connect w/ L. Michael & TTJ You did not lose your way. You got trapped inside a story about what happened. This free reset helps you separate the event from the meaning so you can move again. - https://bit.ly/YouDidNotLoseYourWay [https://bit.ly/YouDidNotLoseYourWay] http://ushaman.com/elixir [http://ushaman.com/elixir] - Get 10% off: USE CODE: THRIVEWELL Be a guest on The Thrivewell Journey Podcast? Send L. Michael Burt a message on #PodMatch, https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/thethrivewelljourney [https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/thethrivewelljourney]