Bridgett Burrick Brown is the founder of the Beyond Beauty Project, a movement dedicated to redefining beauty standards and promoting self-acceptance. As a former model turned activist, Bridgett uses her platform to educate and empower individuals struggling with body image issues, particularly in the age of social media. She is a keynote speaker and workshop leader, advocating for media literacy, digital wellness, and mental health awareness. Her work has been featured in major publications, and she continues to be a leading voice in challenging the harmful narratives around beauty and self-worth.

Lessons from the Episode:

Digital wellness starts with us – Children learn from the adults around them. If we obsess over appearances, they will too.

Curate your social media feed – Exposure to diverse body types and real, unfiltered images can help reshape perceptions of beauty.

Set boundaries with technology – Establish screen-free times, limit social media exposure, and prioritize in-person connections.

Encourage self-appreciation – Shift the focus from looks to abilities, accomplishments, and personal strengths.

Take social media breaks – Studies show that even a short break from social media can significantly improve self-esteem.

Learn more about Bridgett & the Beyond Beauty Project:
https://www.beyondbeautyproject.com/

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Bridgett Burrick Brown
03:45 The Impact of Social Media on Self-Esteem
08:20 The Rise of Filters and Retouching
12:35 The Mental Health Effects of Unrealistic Beauty Standards
18:50 The Role of Adults in Shaping Digital Wellness
24:10 How to Help Kids Build Confidence Beyond Appearance
30:25 Setting Healthy Boundaries with Social Media
37:15 Final Thoughts & Practical Steps

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Joey Aviles is a keynote speaker, executive coach, and thought leader specializing in diversity, equity, and inclusion. With years of experience leading executive leadership programs for the U.S. Department of Defense, Joey has guided top leaders in developing inclusive workplace cultures. On this week’s episode of Behind the Armor, Joey sits down with Judd to talk about how embracing diversity can really only start when we choose to become “fluent in human.” Together the two discuss the importance of early childhood exposure to diverse cultures, the role of vulnerability in leadership, and how organizations can create inclusive environments.

Lessons from the Episode:

Inclusion starts with awareness: Leaders must first understand themselves before they can create an inclusive culture.

Storytelling bridges differences: Sharing and listening to stories fosters empathy and deeper workplace connections.

Vulnerability is a leadership strength: Showing authenticity encourages others to open up and fosters trust.

Psychological safety boosts innovation: Employees perform best when they feel safe sharing ideas and taking risks.

Frontline voices matter: Inclusion isn’t just about top-down leadership—frontline workers should have a say in decisions.

Learn more about Joey and get connected on his website: https://www.joeyaviles.com/.

00:00:00 - The Power of Feedback in Leadership
00:02:38 - Teaching Diversity and Inclusion to Children
00:10:29 - Seeing Diversity Through New Eyes
00:16:14 - Storytelling as a Leadership Superpower
00:24:22 - Creating Psychological Safety in Workplaces
00:30:17 - Leadership Awareness and Inclusion Strategies
00:37:45 - Bridging the Gap Between Leadership and Frontline Workers
00:43:29 - Measuring Inclusion and Employee Perspectives
00:45:54 - Receiving and Reacting to Feedback as a Leader
00:48:56 - The Lifelong Process of Growth and Inclusion

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Jenny DeRosse is a renowned speaker, coach, and advocate for personal and professional growth. As part of the Impact Eleven community, Jenny specializes in helping speakers and professionals amplify their voices by focusing on authenticity, storytelling, and audience connection. On this week’s Behind the Armor conversation, Jenny joins Judd to discuss the art of amplifying your voice and standing out in a crowded space—whether as a speaker, professional, or brand. From overcoming fears of imperfection to engaging audiences interactively, Jenny provides actionable advice for those seeking to create lasting impact in their industries.

Lessons from the Episode:

Know Your Expertise: Focus on what makes you "one of one" and position yourself authentically in your field.

Embrace Vulnerability: True connection comes from sharing your imperfect, human side.

Engage Your Audience: Use storytelling, interactive tools, and tailored messages to keep people involved.

Test Your Message: Experiment with your voice on social media and podcasts to refine your content.

Control the Closing Note: Structure your presentations to end with impact, not unpredictability from a Q&A.

Learn more about Impact Eleven and Jenny’s work on their website: https://impacteleven.com/.

CHAPTERS
00:00:00 Finding Your Unique Expertise
00:04:49 Steps to Amplify Your Voice
00:07:29 The Power of Audience Connection
00:10:42 Authenticity in Storytelling
00:14:29 Overcoming Fear and Embracing Vulnerability
00:19:34 Engaging Modern Audiences
00:24:00 Innovations in Public Speaking
00:26:32 Closing Insights on Speaking Success

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Former CEO turned keynote speaker and remote work expert, Chris Dyer knows a thing or two when it comes to creating a company culture that everyone (actually) wants to be part of. On today’s episode of Behind the Armor, Judd sits down with Chris to get to the heart of doing just that: crafting a work environment where your employees aren’t only set up to win, but also making work a place where everyone feels like they belong.

Lessons from the Episode:

Hire for Skills over Qualifications: Building a great company culture starts with who you’re employing. Instead of hiring based on a bunch of check-box qualifications (think degrees, certifications, etc.), hire the person who demonstrates the skills and strengths you’re looking for.

Work to Improve your Strengths, not your Weaknesses: So often we’re told to work on our weaknesses in order to make those areas better, but what if they’re weaknesses for a reason? Instead of wasting time working on things we’re not inherently good at, let’s spend time instead on improving the areas where we’re already naturally gifted.

Know Who you are as an Organization: Don’t try to be a company that you’re not. When organizations tout that they’re one thing but then end up being another, employees come back unsatisfied and confused. Be who you are as an organization and be that authentically. Those individuals who are drawn to your authentic culture will show up, and help make it even better.

Embrace Mistakes: Employees are often afraid to make mistakes—so afraid that it creates a toxic, inauthentic culture. Learn to celebrate mistakes as a leader and help guide your people through “failing forward.”

Figure out what your People Really Want: As leaders it’s sometimes easy to think we know what our employees want out of working for our company, but have we actually asked them? Maybe we think they want a better benefits package, when in reality our people would actually be more satisfied with a few extra days of PTO. Figure out what would make your people the happiest at work and do your best to satisfy those wants.

Find out more about Chris and his work on his website: https://chrisdyer.com/.

Connect with him on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisdyer7?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app.

CHAPTERS

00:00 The Journey of Authentic Storytelling
02:59 Hiring for Skills Over Credentials
06:03 Understanding Strengths and Gaps in Teams
08:52 The Importance of Company Culture
12:07 Mistakes as Learning Opportunities
14:59 Creating a Safe Environment for Innovation
26:44 Building Genuine Connections with Clients
28:12 Transformative Leadership: Asking for Input
29:02 Encouraging Disagreement in Teams
30:26 Creating a Culture of Open Dialogue
32:45 Fostering a Safe Space for Disagreement
33:44 Balancing Support and Accountability in Teams
34:15 Understanding Team Dynamics and Individual Needs
38:34 The Importance of Authenticity in Workplace Culture
39:57 Defining and Improving Workplace Culture
41:22 Belonging and Security in the Workplace
43:45 Leadership and Employee Engagement
45:12 Fairness vs. Equality in the Workplace
49:28 The Power of Asking for Feedback
51:21 Connecting Authentically Through Travel

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For this week’s episode of Behind the Armor, Judd sits down with author, thought leader, and keynote speaker, Sebastian Terry. After a childhood friend Sebastian admired died unexpectedly, the loss inspired Sebastian to be more present in his own life—setting him off on a journey toward completing a list of 100 goals geared towards greater happiness, purpose, and presence. Together Judd and Sebastian dive deeper into Sebastian's story—discovering how to be authentically “you” along the way.

Lessons from the Episode:

Choose to be Present: One of the biggest lessons Sebastian learned from his friend, Chris, who passed away was about presence. Chris was always 100% present and engaged in whatever was happening around him. Choose to be present in your own life and don’t let distractions of what has happened, or what will happen, ruin your today.

Connect with Others: Purpose can be found in achieving goals for ourselves, but we tap into something even bigger when we choose to team up with others and lean into community. Find ways to help others achieve their goals, too, and watch how your purpose skyrockets.

Lead with Emotion: So much in life is formulaic and strategic. Instead of always choosing to follow a pre-designed playbook, let your heart be your guide and allow yourself to be led by the emotion that emanates from what you love most.

Challenge Beliefs before Changing Patterns: Everything we do in life flows from our beliefs. When we work to change those beliefs for the better, our patterns of behavior will change as a result. Work on building up your positive belief system and dismantling negative beliefs you may still hold from your past.

Help yourself First: You can’t change the world until you change your own worldview. Work on yourself first and then once you’ve gotten to a healthy place you can do the work of assisting others.

Learn more about Sebastian and his story:
Website: https://sebterry.com/
Instagram: @seb100things
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXE0i8QZpjXBInNq2ImgBeQ
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sebastian-terry/

CHAPTERS

00:00 Introduction to Authenticity and Connection
03:10 The Journey of Self-Discovery
06:01 The Impact of Loss and the Birth of a List
08:54 The Power of Helping Others
12:12 Personal Growth Through the Hoffman Process
15:00 Shedding Negative Patterns and Embracing Self-Love
17:53 Navigating Relationships and Blind Spots
21:09 The Challenge of Self-Improvement
24:46 Embracing Imperfection and Self-Love
25:55 Integration After Transformative Experiences
27:54 Patterns vs. Beliefs: Understanding the Connection
30:16 The Power of Helping Others
33:41 The Ripple Effect of Leadership
39:28 Creating a Positive Workplace Culture
41:55 Agency and Authenticity in Leadership
43:50 The Journey of Self-Discovery
46:43 Commitment to Personal Goals

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We’re back with another inspiring episode of Behind the Armor, this time diving deep into the heart of what matters with guest Bridget Hilton. From growing up in Flint, Michigan with dreams of being a rock star to founding revolutionary sound company, LSTN—Bridget has always been a pioneer. For today’s conversation, Judd sits down with Bridget to talk all things authenticity, the power of a simple change, and how we can all work to get to the heart of what actually matters in life.

Lessons from the Episode:

1. Sit and Think: So often we’re going so full speed ahead in life that we don’t actually take the time to sit and reflect on what matters most. Take the time to answer that question for yourself, it could change your life.

2. Do Something Bigger: This will look different for each of us, but it’s important to remember that life is more than building our own war chests, it’s about leaving something bigger behind for those who will come after us. What "something bigger” are you working to create today?

3. See the Miracles: There are miracles to be seen all around us, not just in the big events of life. Like Bridget witnessing the simple miracle of someone hearing for the first time, choose to see the everyday miracles that are present all around you.

4. Experiences over Material Possessions: The older we get, the more we realize life is not about how much stuff we collect, but rather about the experiences and people we get to interact with. Don’t let the accumulation of stuff or wealth get in the way of prioritizing those authentic experiences and relationships.

5. Don’t let Loneliness Win: We’re lonelier now than maybe ever before, even though we’re more connected. Work to build authentic connections in your personal life, rather than just relying on online friends or followers. Who you surround yourself with matters so much more than you know.

Learn more about Bridget and her work on her website: https://bridgethilton.com/.
And her instagram: @bridgetlhilton

CHAPTERS
00:00 From Flint to Fame: Bridget's Journey
03:13 Discovering What Matters: A Personal Reflection
06:11 The Birth of LSTN: A Mission to Help Others Hear
09:10 Transformative Moments: Hearing for the First Time
12:02 Experiential Billionaires: The Value of Experiences
14:50 Challenging Toxic Narratives: Redefining Masculinity
17:46 Living Authentically: Finding Your True Self
21:06 The Importance of Trying New Things
23:59 Community Connection: The Power of Belonging
26:48 The Ripple Effect: Impact Beyond Measure
30:04 Changing Lives: The Hearing Aid Revolution
32:54 Nature and Connection: Finding Peace
35:49 Final Thoughts: Embracing Authenticity and Joy

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In this captivating episode of "Behind the Armor," Judd Shaw engages in a profound conversation with Riaz Megji, an international human connection keynote speaker, author, and coach. With 17 years of television hosting experience, Riaz shares his insights on building extraordinary relationships through human connection. Tune in to discover the key habits that can transform your interactions and create genuine connections.

Lessons From the Episode:

1. Stay Curious Longer: Riaz emphasizes the importance of maintaining curiosity in conversations to uncover deeper insights and foster genuine connections.

2. Acknowledge Before Rebuttal: In difficult conversations, lead with acknowledgment to validate the other person's perspective before presenting your own.

3. Create Psychological Safety: Build a safe environment where team members feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and ideas without fear of judgment.

4. Communicate Permission: Explicitly give permission for others to engage or exit a conversation, which fosters respect and understanding.

5. Value-Added Vulnerability: Share struggles and lessons learned in a way that adds value and empowers others to do the same.

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In this episode of Behind the Armor, host Judd Shaw speaks with Sara Schulting Kranz, a keynote speaker, best-selling author, extreme adventurer, and retreat organizer. Sarah shares her personal journey through trauma, overcoming adversity, and finding strength through nature and human connection. She discusses the pivotal moments in her life that shaped her framework for resilience and healing, offering insights into how others can face their own challenges and emerge stronger.

Lessons From the Episode:

1. Leaning Into Adversity – Sarah highlights the importance of embracing life's challenges to unlock personal growth and transformation.

2. Finding Strength Through Vulnerability – By sharing her story, Sarah demonstrates how vulnerability can be a powerful tool for healing and connection.

3. The Power of Community – She emphasizes the critical role community and support systems play in navigating difficult times.

4. Reconnecting with Nature – Sarah found immense healing through nature and encourages others to explore its restorative power.

5. Breaking Generational Patterns – She discusses the significance of breaking harmful cycles passed down through generations, paving the way for personal freedom and empowerment.

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