In this episode, Stephanie and I head out for a walk and simply bring you along for the conversation.

We talk about getting back into a rhythm of daily walks, shifting away from the gym, and what it’s been like to be more active again after a slower season. Stephanie shares an update on her sourdough journey, including why it’s been on pause and what might be coming next.

We also talk about a show we’ve been watching called Shrinking, how it surprised us, and why we’ve enjoyed the evolution of the story across seasons. That leads into a brief conversation about Outlander and what it’s been like watching the current season unfold.

From there, the conversation shifts into what’s happening in our world right now. We’ve got a lot coming up with family, including McKenna’s graduation, travel plans, hosting guests, and even a trip to Texas to look for an apartment as she prepares for law school.

Stephanie shares what it’s been like navigating the tension between doing the things she enjoys and keeping up with the things that need to get done around the house. That leads into a real, unscripted conversation about how we each think about planning, responsibility, and decision making in the middle of a full life.

I also talk a bit about a new system I’ve been experimenting with that I call my Insight Engine, and how it’s helping me capture ideas, reflect on coaching conversations, and generate content in a way that feels natural and sustainable.

More than anything, this episode is just a snapshot of our life right now. The conversations we’re having, the things we’re thinking about, and the season we’re in.

Thanks for being here and listening in.

In this episode, Stephanie and I recorded while out on a walk on the first day of spring, and the conversation naturally unfolded into what life has looked like for each of us over the past few weeks.

Stephanie shared her continued journey with sourdough, including what it took to finally get her starter to thrive after multiple failed attempts. What stood out to me was how much of that process came down to filtering through conflicting advice, trusting her own observations, and sticking with it long enough to see results. Now she’s not only baking consistently but experimenting with new recipes and even sharing her starter with others.

For me, I talked about returning to a 5am wake-up routine and how important those early, quiet hours are for reading, reflection, and creative thinking. I shared how reading Company of One helped me gain deeper clarity about who I’m really here to serve. Solopreneurs who genuinely enjoy working in their business and aren’t driven by scaling, exiting, or early retirement.

I also talked about the book Big Magic and how it sparked something significant for me. The idea that creative work asks for commitment led me to make a personal decision. I’ve made a contract with myself to write a book on mastermind groups. That decision immediately led to new clarity, new ideas, and even unexpected conversations opening up around the Next Level Mastermind.

We also touched on the relaunch of the mastermind, what we’re seeing so far, and how I’m thinking about creating a space that supports people from diverse backgrounds while keeping the focus on shared growth, contribution, and meaningful work.

As always, this episode is a snapshot of where we are right now. What we’re learning, what we’re experimenting with, and how we’re continuing to build a life and business together.

In this episode of Building a Life and Business Together, Stephanie and I sit down for one of our classic wide-ranging conversations. It starts, as many things do lately, with sourdough bread and quickly expands into what we’ve been watching, reading, building, and re-shaping in our life and business.

Stephanie shares what she’s been learning through her deep dive into sourdough. Not just the mechanics, but the frustration of conflicting advice, the patience required, and the realization that there is no single “perfect” method. I reflect on how much that mirrors so many creative and entrepreneurial pursuits. You eventually figure out what works for you, but not without experimentation.

From there, we talk about our recent obsession with murder mysteries. Netflix has been fueling that habit, from Agatha Christie-inspired stories to multiple Harlan Coben adaptations. We share which shows we loved, which ones felt too dark, and why certain stories pull us in while others leave us feeling drained.

We also talk about momentum. Stephanie’s decision to move her podcast from bi-weekly to weekly. The return of my Next Level Mastermind. The re-commitment to Podcast Answer Man. And the quiet but meaningful shifts happening behind the scenes that signal clarity, confidence, and forward motion.

Along the way, we share family moments, health choices, reading habits, and a few very human stories that remind us how much life is actually happening in between the “big” things.

As always, this is an honest snapshot of where we are right now. The experiments. The rhythms. The joy. And the intentional choices that shape the life and business we’re building together.

• Stephanie’s sourdough journey and the reality of learning through trial and error
• Why “foolproof” online advice often leaves out the middle steps
• How sourdough mirrors creativity, business, and personal growth
• Our recent run of murder mysteries and why we keep coming back to the genre
• Agatha Christie-inspired series and the appeal of classic whodunits
• Netflix shows based on Harlan Coben novels and which ones stood out
• Why some stories feel intriguing while others feel emotionally heavy
• Stephanie’s decision to commit to recording her podcast weekly
• How reading and everyday observations naturally create podcast topics
• The importance of having a reason to notice meaningful ideas
• Spending time with our adult kids and how those relationships have evolved
• A lunch mishap involving two Wings and Rings locations in different states
• Valentine’s Day plans, sourdough treats, and local finds
• Stephanie’s decision to eliminate Coke Zero at home for health reasons
• Blood pressure, caffeine awareness, and long-term lifestyle changes
• The return of the Next Level Mastermind and what that means for our business
• My renewed focus on weekly podcasting and relationship-driven work
• Falling back in love with reading and distraction-free e-ink devices
• Why weekends off feel different when you’re finally caught up
• The sense that momentum has truly shifted in this season of life

Until next time, we encourage you to live your life on purpose.