Most people don’t realize they’re addicted to the very pain they’re trying to escape.

In this raw and unfiltered conversation, Emily and Jake sit down with Ruslan KD to unpack the hidden addictions behind hustle culture, the modern epidemic of performing for approval, and why rejecting God often feels like freedom… until it doesn’t.

• The difference between selfish ambition and Godly Ambition
• How to know if your goals come from calling or ego
• How pain and pruning prepare you for purpose
• What it means to lead with peace instead of pressure
• Why purpose is revealed through surrender, not striving

11:03) - Ruslan’s journey from atheism to faith (13:28) - Finding certainty in faith (15:41) - When ambition becomes surrender (18:40) - When God rebuilds what you laid down (25:19) - Breaking free from validation and fame (29:04) - How God refined Ruslan’s vision for success (36:04) - The fine line between awareness and overconsumption (41:23) - The difference between Ambition and Godly Ambition (47:01) - Why “leading a quiet life” doesn’t mean playing small (49:52) - The “Calling” Trifecta: How to find your calling (52:25) - Purpose vs Assignment: When God changes your mission (59:44) - The lie of “having it all” and the truth about seasons (1:12:53) - Ruslan’s prayer for surrender and Godly Ambition

• Godly Ambition: Unlocking the Full Potential of Your Time, Talent, and Treasure | https://a.co/d/btetVds

• Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/ruslankd
• Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/Ruslankd
• Threads | https://www.threads.com/@ruslankd
• YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/ruslankd
• The Ruslan KD Podcast | https://open.spotify.com/show/47LY6cabdJ6WiCaQkHwicq

• Website | https://meetemilyford.com
• Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/itsemily
• Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/itsemilymethod
• YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/c/ITSEMILYFORD
• Called & Crowned Podcast | https://www.instagram.com/calledandcrowned/
• FORDIVINE | https://www.fordivine.com/