Author: michaelfritzius

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The Roadside Revelation

Kyle Stevens:

The Roadside Revelation

After years of misplaced priorities and frustration, a profound encounter with faith helped a man realign his life, family, and business.

Bio

Faith and family are the cornerstone of my life and work. Over the past 30 years, I’ve built a career dedicated to creating outdoor spaces that inspire connection, joy, and lasting memories. Transforming backyards into extraordinary sanctuaries isn’t just my business—it’s my calling. I believe that the best designs are born from intention, rooted in purpose, and created to bring families closer together. 

Beyond my work, I’m passionate about mentoring fellow entrepreneurs, helping them lead with vision and build businesses that truly matter. When I’m not working, I’m golfing with my wife or exploring the breathtaking Finger Lakes wine region we’re blessed to call home. Let’s talk about how faith, family, and a passion for design can create something truly extraordinary.

Topics

  • Transforming a business by prioritizing faith and family.
  • Balancing personal and professional life through spiritual guidance.
  • Recognizing and overcoming burnout as a business owner.
  • The role of faith in healing personal and professional relationships.
  • Lessons learned from rebranding a business with spiritual principles.
  • The importance of being equally yoked in personal relationships.
  • Aligning values to create a thriving workplace culture.
  • Shifting from a success-driven mindset to a purpose-driven life.
  • Navigating personal growth through loss and change.
  • Building resilience and finding joy after hitting rock bottom.

Guiding Questions

  • What led to your breaking point that day on the road?
  • How did your upbringing influence your faith journey as an adult?
  • Can you describe the changes you made in your business after your revelation?
  • What challenges did you face while reprioritizing your life and business?
  • How did your decision to put faith and family first impact your employees?
  • What lessons did you learn from your first marriage that influence your relationships today?
  • How did rebranding your business to “Stonewood and Waters” reflect your transformation?
  • What advice would you give to someone feeling stuck in their personal or professional life?
  • How did your clients respond to the changes you implemented?
  • What’s the biggest takeaway from your journey that you wish more people understood?

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Silence, Sweatpants, and Ed

Kevin Freidberg:

Silence, Sweatpants, and Ed

On his way to a silent meditation retreat, Kevin found himself 47 miles off course—both literally and figuratively. Over the next three days, amidst silent bows, strict rules, and an enigmatic roommate named Ed, Kevin discovered a deeper layer of self-awareness he didn’t expect.

Bio

Kevin Freidberg helps overworked technology consultants work with fewer clients without losing income. 

Now that we’ve got the SEO version out of the way, here’s Kevin in his own words:

I was a creative director and independent consultant for 15 years,

working for some of the most prestigious ad agencies and clients in the

world including: HBO, Disney, 3M, Target, The Dallas Cowboys, The New

York Times, BBDO, McCann World Group, Zeus Jones and over 500 small

businesses and solo shops. 

But early into my career, I realized one thing:

Great clients are born from great service providers.

Nightmare clients → nightmare providers

You can create your own worst enemies – without even knowing it – by not giving them what they need to help us do what we do best.

Which all comes down to creating enough value so that your clients are inspired to:

*show up to meetings

*answer questions

*give you access to their clients

And set them up to be the experts – not you

Why?

Because you will never know your clients’ businesses as well as they do.

Once you shift the burden of expertise from your plate to your clients – from the beginning of the engagement → straight through to the end → suddenly, all of your clients turn into G.O.A.T.s.

– without marketing b.s., being the cheapest or overworking.

Today, it’s my mission in life to help technology folks like you have the business and the life you deserve. 

Care to join me?

I’m here,

Kevin

Topics

  • Navigating unexpected social dynamics in silent environments.
  • Humor and humility in spiritual practices.
  • What meditation retreats teach about non-verbal communication.
  • The role of discomfort in personal growth.
  • How mindfulness practices challenge societal norms.
  • The awkward yet meaningful moments of silence.
  • What it means to truly “sit with yourself.”
  • Breaking the rules: when peace meets curiosity.
  • The psychological impact of retreating from daily life.
  • Finding connection in a world of disconnection.

Guiding Questions

  • What inspired you to attend a silent meditation retreat in the first place?
  • Can you describe the initial challenge of adjusting to complete silence?
  • What was the most surprising aspect of the retreat experience?
  • How did your interactions—or lack thereof—with Ed influence your weekend?
  • What role did humor play in processing the retreat’s structure and rules?
  • What did the “Grasshopper Bow” symbolize for you during the retreat?
  • How has the experience changed your approach to mindfulness or meditation?
  • What lessons from the retreat have stayed with you the longest?
  • Did the retreat help you confront any personal challenges or fears?
  • Would you attend another retreat, and if so, what would you do differently?

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Despair to Discipline

Dr. Obom Bowen:

Despair to Discipline

A life-altering transition from military to civilian life left Dr. Obom Bowen paralyzed, divorced, homeless, and at his lowest. Faced with overwhelming despair, he discovered the power of mindset, discipline, and personal development to rebuild his life. His story reveals how transformation begins with a single decision.

Bio

Dr. Obom Bowen (born 12 December 1976) is an American award-winning High Performance and Mindset Transformation Thought Provoker. He is a well-known Master Career Strategist and a seasoned entrepreneur who has a consummate understanding of human behavior, personal growth, psychology, and philosophy.

Bowen currently serves as the CEO of a world renowned training company and is well recognized for devising methods for assisting people in overcoming psychological barriers. He uses his “Today Is The Day” Methodology to assist entrepreneurs in bringing their best work to the world.

Bowen throughout his career of over 15 years has helped numerous individuals achieve business and life success. He is also a Network Marketing expert and has collaborated with global Fortune 500 companies, including Chevron, Wal-Mart, Walgreens, Intel, and many others in development to their success.

Bowen has appeared on Fox News, KUSN, and SIGN-ON San Diego, as well as Top Coastal News and the Union-Tribune, and has spoken and taught as a Facilitator for NVTSI, Reboot, and a number of colleges and universities, including UCLA, UCSD, and Central Texas College.

Topics

  • The challenges of transitioning from military to civilian life.
  • Overcoming rock bottom: lessons learned from despair.
  • The role of mindset in personal transformation.
  • How personal development can redefine your life.
  • Turning adversity into opportunity.
  • Discipline as the foundation for success.
  • Finding purpose in the darkest moments.
  • Shifting limiting beliefs around money and success.
  • The power of consistent action in achieving long-term goals.
  • Leveraging personal growth to rebuild relationships and career.

Guiding Questions

  • Can you take us back to your lowest point and what led you there?
  • What role did personal development play in turning your life around?
  • How did your military training influence your recovery and success?
  • What was the first step you took toward rebuilding your life?
  • How did your relationship with money and success evolve through your journey?
  • Can you share the importance of discipline in achieving transformation?
  • What lessons did you learn about resilience during those challenging times?
  • How did your daughters inspire you to keep going when you felt hopeless?
  • What are the key habits you developed that helped you create lasting change?
  • What advice would you give to someone facing their own “rock bottom”?

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Saved at the Edge

Andre P. Grant:

Saved at the Edge

Andre Grant’s life took a dramatic turn from rock bottom when he was faced with a life-changing decision in the Navy. Battling years of abuse, addiction, and spiritual darkness, he chose a path that led to sobriety, faith, and a profound transformation. His story is one of resilience and the miraculous power of faith.

Bio

I came from a very abusive family. I experienced, physical, mental, emotional, sexual and spiritual abuse. This took me down a very dark path. It started when I was 5 years and the turning point started, right before turning 21.

My turning point was when I got in trouble because of my drinking, while in the Navy.

A year after starting down this new life, Jesus caught up with me.

In Matthew 18 and Luke 15, Jesus says He as the Shepherd will leave the 99 and go find the lost sheep. When we find ourselves lost, all we need to do is cry out to God, and He will find us.

The second major turning point is when I trusted two men in the church I was attending before I gave my life to Jesus:

1. The pastor who took me through the initial deliverance process and

2. The homeless minister who recommended I work through my hurts and pains so I could help others do the same.

That’s where things started for me 33 years ago. I’ve seen and experienced many miracles from God since then.

Topics

  • The long-term impact of childhood trauma and finding healing.
  • Overcoming addiction and navigating the recovery process.
  • The role of faith in personal transformation and growth.
  • Spiritual warfare and breaking free from dark influences.
  • How pivotal moments can shape a person’s life trajectory.
  • Stories of miracles and their impact on faith and purpose.
  • Turning personal struggles into a mission to help others.
  • The importance of a strong support system in recovery.
  • Transitioning from despair to hope through resilience.
  • The power of surrendering to faith and trusting God’s plan.

Guiding Questions

  • Can you describe the moment when you realized you had hit rock bottom?
  • What role did your Navy experience play in your decision to seek help?
  • How did your childhood experiences shape the person you became before your transformation?
  • What was the turning point that led you to explore faith and spirituality?
  • Can you share the experience of your first encounter with God’s miracles?
  • How do you approach helping others who are struggling with addiction or trauma?
  • What advice would you give to someone who feels like they’re at the end of their rope?
  • How has your faith continued to evolve since your transformation?
  • What lessons have you learned about resilience and perseverance?
  • How do you balance your faith with your practical day-to-day life?

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Breath, Strength, Sobriety

Haylie Schuster:

Breath, Strength, Sobriety

Haylie’s journey from chronic pain, addiction, and anxiety to sobriety and self-awareness began with 15 minutes a day on the yoga mat. Her transformation proves the power of small, consistent changes.

Bio

I am a single mother of two boys and a new grandmother, helping to raise him. I am a project manager for a consulting firm. I have been through more trying times then anyone would want to admit, but I have overcome them all. I’m a very driven person and constantly working on something new. I am very into fitness and health. You can find me in the gym lifting heavy weights or on my mat recovering from life.

Topics

  • Using mindfulness to manage anxiety and stress in high-pressure careers.
  • Breaking free from addiction through yoga and intentional living.
  • Chronic illness and exercise: how yoga made movement possible again.
  • Overcoming imposter syndrome with mindfulness and self-compassion.
  • How yoga supports mental health for those with bipolar disorder.
  • Transforming Type-A tendencies: embracing calm and balance.
  • Yoga as a spiritual, emotional, and physical journey—not just poses.
  • The power of consistency: small habits leading to major life changes.
  • Mindfulness and breathing as tools for navigating corporate challenges.
  • Healing through yoga: lessons learned from pain, addiction, and self-discovery.

Guiding Questions

  • What led you to finally commit to yoga in 2016?
  • How did yoga help you overcome chronic pain and fibromyalgia?
  • Can you share how mindfulness practices have impacted your mental health, especially with bipolar disorder?
  • What role did yoga play in your journey to sobriety?
  • How has your yoga practice influenced your ability to manage career stress?
  • What challenges did you face in developing a consistent yoga practice, and how did you overcome them?
  • How has yoga helped you redefine your identity from a high-strung, Type-A personality to someone more mindful and balanced?
  • Can you explain the shift from focusing solely on yoga poses to embracing the spiritual and emotional aspects of the practice?
  • How did you address feelings of imposter syndrome, and what advice would you give others facing similar challenges?
  • What’s the most surprising change yoga has brought into your life?

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Faith Through Adversity

Michael Fritzius:

Faith Through Adversity

Michael’s journey through cancer revealed a life-changing lesson: we’re often more capable than we realize, especially when we lean into faith. Through his emotional battle, he learned to focus on what he could control and trust God’s plan for him. This transformative experience led him to a career shift and a deeper faith.

Bio

After a life spent chasing career success and working 50-60 hour weeks, I was hit with a cancer diagnosis that changed everything. For years, I had tied my identity to my work, but facing cancer made me realize the importance of balance. With faith and resilience, I learned to shift my focus to what truly matters—family, growth, and purpose. I left a high-stress job for something that would challenge me in new ways, and now I regularly push past boundaries I once thought were impossible. My faith in God deepened through the process, teaching me that life’s challenges aren’t accidents but opportunities to grow and glorify Him.

Topics

  • The emotional toll of balancing career and family during a health crisis.
  • How faith provided guidance and strength during Michael’s cancer journey.
  • Shifting career paths after a life-changing event.
  • Finding inner strength and resilience in the face of adversity.
  • The role of prayer and faith in overcoming life’s toughest challenges.
  • Discovering the ability to achieve more than we think through self-discovery.
  • Releasing fear and trusting in life’s process.
  • The impact of life events on personal identity and career direction.
  • Overcoming emotional immaturity and building healthier coping mechanisms.
  • Trusting God’s plan: how faith leads to transformation in career and life.

Guiding Questions

  • How did your cancer diagnosis challenge your relationship with work and family?
  • Can you describe a moment where you felt God’s presence during your journey?
  • What was the hardest part emotionally while balancing your health battle and career?
  • You mentioned feeling betrayed—how did you navigate those feelings of anger and fear?
  • What did you learn about yourself and your ability to handle challenges?
  • Can you talk about how your faith grew during your cancer treatment?
  • How did you shift your mindset from fear to trust during your recovery?
  • What was the turning point where you decided to leave your high-stress job?
  • How has your new career path helped you find a better work-life balance?
  • What advice would you give to someone struggling with their faith during a similar crisis?

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Releasing the Fear

Lilian Ledoux:

Releasing the Fear

Lilian’s shift from traditional PR service provider to coach stemmed from the realization that educating clients on PR was just as valuable as executing campaigns. By addressing her personal fears and vulnerabilities, she unlocked new opportunities to build trust and connections with both clients and herself.

Bio

As a PR coach, Lilian empowers creative entrepreneurs, coaches and authors to unlock the superpowers behind their stories and gain the confidence to push past fear and anxiety to harness the power of PR to achieve their goals. Through 1:1 coaching, she provides clients with the personalized support, clarity and tools to build strong mindsets and launch successful PR campaigns to help them achieve their fullest potential.

Topics

  • Overcoming burnout in entrepreneurship
  • Shifting from service provider to coach
  • The power of mindset work in business
  • Using vulnerability to build trust with clients
  • How mindset affects business growth
  • Breaking free from control to embrace freedom in business
  • The importance of sharing your personal story in marketing
  • Coaching clients through fear and anxiety
  • Overcoming generational trauma in business
  • How to build an authentic personal brand

Guiding Questions

  • What was the pivotal moment when you realized you needed to make a change in your career?
  • How did working with a mindset coach help you confront your fears?
  • Can you share how vulnerability played a role in your business transformation?
  • What were some of the biggest mindset blocks you had to overcome, and how did you do it?
  • How does your personal story influence the way you approach coaching others?
  • What advice do you have for entrepreneurs who are feeling burned out or stuck?
  • How do you help your clients confront their own fears and anxieties when sharing their stories?
  • What role does authenticity play in business growth and client relationships?
  • Can you talk about how generational trauma shaped your approach to entrepreneurship?
  • How did your approach to PR change once you embraced vulnerability in your own business?

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Authenticity Over Achievement

Tiffany Simms:

Authenticity Over Achievement

When success no longer felt worth the price, Tiffany Simms chose a different path. This is the story of her shift from corporate burnout to empowering others through authentic leadership.

Bio

Tiffany is a passionate advocate for a healthier relationship with food and exercise. With a love for the water, her dog, and all things runDisney, she is on a mission to heal our nation’s approach to wellness. Her goal is to create a world where future generations never feel the need to “go on a diet” to feel healthy in their bodies. Through her Intuitive Living Program, she helps lifelong dieters heal their relationships with food and exercise, guiding them to lose 50+ pounds sustainably and with confidence.

Her ideal referral partners include personal trainers, massage therapists, hormone specialists, physical therapists, dietitians, and holistic wellness professionals who share her commitment to supporting people in their health journey—focusing on habits beyond just meal plans. She partners with plus-size gyms, communities, and apparel brands that prioritize holistic well-being over outdated beauty standards.

Topics

  • Overcoming burnout in high-pressure environments.
  • How to thrive in male-dominated industries without losing yourself.
  • The importance of alignment in personal and professional leadership.
  • Building resilience after career setbacks or toxic workplaces.
  • Redefining success beyond titles and accolades.
  • The role of self-care in effective leadership.
  • Why women need to set their own terms for success.
  • How to pivot from surviving to thriving in life and work.
  • Creating a supportive community for modern female leaders.
  • Lessons from starting over: rebuilding a career that aligns with your values.

Guiding Questions

  • What moment made you realize the cost of success wasn’t worth it anymore?
  • Can you share the most challenging part of leaving a toxic work environment?
  • How did you begin to redefine success on your own terms?
  • What role did self-care play in your transformation?
  • How can women navigate male-dominated industries without sacrificing authenticity?
  • What advice would you give to someone feeling stuck in a toxic workplace?
  • What does “aligned leadership” mean to you, and how can others achieve it?
  • How do you balance ambition and well-being in your current work?
  • What lessons did you take from your corporate experience that guide your work today?
  • How can we create better support systems for women in leadership roles?

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The One Fear Per Year Challenge

Janice Burt:

The One Fear Per Year Challenge

What happens when you face fear head-on? For Janice Burt, it meant a journey of self-discovery and growth. After a personal crisis, she committed to a “one fear per year” practice that reshaped

her life.

Bio

Janice Burt is an inspirational speaker, court certified Spanish interpreter, voiceover artist, yoga instructor, podcast host, actor, and author. She has spoken on the TEDx stage twice, with topics such as kicking the people-pleasing habit and walking through one fear per year. Her purpose in life is to share hope and encouragement with others through the power of words and messy action.

Topics

  • How fear holds us back and how to overcome it
  • Building confidence through challenges like marathons and memoirs
  • The role of courage in self-discovery and personal growth
  • Practical tips for stepping out of your comfort zone
  • The journey from people-pleaser to fearless leader

Guiding Questions

  • What inspired your “one fear per year” practice, and how did you begin?
  • Which risk was the most challenging for you, and why?
  • How has overcoming fear changed your relationships and self-perception?
  • What advice would you give to someone who feels stuck in fear?
  • Can you share how these experiences opened up new opportunities for you?
  • What are the most surprising things you’ve learned about yourself through this journey?
  • What’s your next fear to conquer, and how do you plan to tackle it?

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