In this powerful conversation with Tony from ISI Publishing, we explore what it really means to live by Iron Sharpens Iron how challenges, setbacks, and authenticity build stronger leaders, storytellers, and creators.

Tony shares his journey from growing up in East Cleveland to becoming an attorney, author, and publisher, helping others share their stories through books. Together, we talk about how faith, vulnerability, and representation can transform failure into wisdom.

You’ll learn how storytelling creates impact, how publishing connects to purpose, and why being authentic is your greatest business advantage.

In this episode:

-How Iron Sharpens Iron shapes Tony’s mission

-Lessons from publishing “Unlocking Potential”

-The importance of representation in leadership

-How failure and faith fuel growth

-Why storytelling builds trust, legacy, and exposure

-Finding your authentic voice through writing and podcasting

Timestamps

0:00 – Intro: Iron Sharpens Iron

3:45 – The power of representation

8:30 – From fear to publishing your story

15:00 – Overcoming imposter syndrome

21:50 – How to turn pain into purpose

27:40 – The value of mentorship and accountability

33:10 – Failure isn’t final — it’s knowledge

40:00 – Why storytelling builds connection

45:30 – Final takeaway: Keep sharpening

About ISI Publishing

ISI (Iron Sharpens Iron) Publishing empowers new authors to write, publish, and share their stories with the world. Their message: Your story matters. Someone’s waiting to hear it.

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We help business owners and creators grow their exposure through podcasting and storytelling. Want to be featured on the Failure is Knowledge Podcast? DM “SPOTLIGHT.”

Doubting your podcast? This episode shows why growth begins with belief and small risks. We break down three moves: learn what you bring, perfect your value with daily reps, and share it consistently so you stop disqualifying yourself and start building momentum.

I’m Terryl Humphrey, and I’m documenting my 90-day push to grow this podcast and business from the ground up.

You’ll learn:

-How to reframe self-doubt and identify the value you already have

-A simple practice routine to build on-camera confidence

-Why sharing early (and often) attracts the right audience

-The difference between hobby energy and business discipline

If you want to launch your podcast, share your story, and attract more customers, this is your playbook.

Every podcaster wants growth, but few are willing to take the risks that lead to it. In this episode, I share how taking consistent risks transformed my podcast, built my confidence, and helped me turn my platform into a business.

You’ll learn:

-Why “No Risk, No Growth” is the mindset every podcaster needs

-How small risks build long-term consistency and credibility

-The difference between a hobby show and a growing podcast brand

-How to plan, pivot, and learn from every setback

-Ways to turn your podcast into a platform that creates real opportunity

🎙️ Whether you’re just starting or rebuilding, this episode will remind you that growth only happens when you’re bold enough to risk failure.