In this week's episode of Fulfilling Work, Meaningful Life, host Anthony Craiker sits down with Lenny Richardson (aka Leviticus Rich). Lenny shares how his experience of getting kicked out of college and being unable to make rent led him to understand what it takes to create a flourishing life. Tapping into ancient wisdom, Lenny realized that one of the keys to having a productive and meaningful life is time management. This conversation will inspire you to pursue excellence and be intentional with your time in order to achieve your goals and flourish in life.

00:00 Introduction: Defining Your Future
00:46 Guest Introduction: Lenny Richardson's Journey
03:30 Lenny's College Struggles and Turning Point
10:45 Discovering Eudaimonia: The Path to a Flourishing Life
17:57 The Importance of Time Management
22:11 Practical Tips for Effective Time Management
28:29 Productivity Accelerator: Helping Others Succeed
31:55 Conclusion: Final Thoughts and Parting Wisdom

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About Lenny Richardson:

Lenny, also known as Leviticus Rich, is a dynamic force who has consistently shattered expectations and forged new paths. As one of the top podcasters in Northern Virginia, his show "Meeting VA" has become a platform for influential figures in the DMV area. In addition, Lenny is the head of business development at a leading medical laboratory franchise and the top productivity trainer in Northern VA, helping professionals unlock a "Better Lifestyle" through his comprehensive program, Productivity Accelerator.

Lenny is also a published author and has been featured on numerous podcasts and publications. He is passionate about helping others achieve a better lifestyle through building what he refers to as the Pillars of Eudaimonia.

Connect with Lenny:

• Instagram
• Facebook
• LinkedIn
• YouTube

Learn about Lenny's Productivity Accelerator here.

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https://fulfillingworkmeaningfullife.com/

In today's episode of Fulfilling Work, Meaningful Life with Anthony Craiker, we're diving deep into the art and science of career networking with professional speaker and author Michael Morgan. Michael has built a thriving career across multiple Fortune 100 companies — including J.P. Morgan, Chevron, Amazon, and Netskope — thanks to the strategic use of genuine professional relationships.

Drawing from his new book, The Power of Networking, Michael shares real-world strategies to help you build a meaningful network that not only lands you job opportunities but also fuels long-term career development and personal growth.

If you're looking for practical networking tips, whether you're launching your career, changing industries, or aiming for senior leadership, this episode is packed with insights to help you find meaningful work, build authentic professional relationships, and navigate your career journey with confidence.

00:00 Building Genuine Connections
00:31 Introduction to the Guest: Michael Morgan
01:56 Michael's Career Journey and Networking Success
04:21 The Power of Networking: Real-Life Examples
11:03 Dos and Don'ts of Effective Networking
18:53 Networking in a Remote Work Environment
21:04 Finding Meaning Through Networking
26:55 Final Thoughts and Parting Wisdom

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About Michael Morgan:

Michael Morgan obtained his BS from Penn State University and his MBA from Carnegie Mellon University. Coupled with his educational background, he has over 15 years of work experience across companies such as Amazon, Walmart, J.P. Morgan Chase, and Chevron. His ability to build and maintain his network throughout his educational and career journey has been fruitful in his success. He has a passion for teaching and inspiring others to achieve their goals, which has led him to write his new book "The Power of Networking".

Connect with Michael:

• Instagram
• LinkedIn
• YouTube

To book Michael for speaking engagements, purchase his book, join his email list for content, and download free resources check out: https://michaelvmorgan.com/

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https://fulfillingworkmeaningfullife.com/

In this episode of Fulfilling Work, Meaningful Life, host Anthony Craiker chats with Shannon Russell, former TV producer turned successful entrepreneur and career coach. Shannon shares her journey from the high-paced entertainment industry to establishing her own franchise and coaching business, Second Act Success Coaching. The conversation delves into the challenges and triumphs of transitioning careers, especially for those seeking more purpose and freedom. Shannon offers practical advice on how to navigate career changes, emphasizing the importance of financial planning, leveraging existing skills, and overcoming perfectionism. She also highlights inspiring stories from her coaching clients and shares the personal meaning she's found in her second act career. This episode is a must-listen for anyone contemplating a significant career shift or looking to find greater fulfillment in their professional lives.

00:00 Intro Clip

00:39 Meet Shannon Russell: From TV Producer to Entrepreneur

02:31 The Tipping Point: Transitioning Careers

03:20 Starting a Franchise Business

04:39 Skills Transfer from Entertainment to Entrepreneurship

05:43 Challenges in Entrepreneurship

06:55 Launching a Coaching Business

08:04 Women and Career Transitions

10:27 Tips for Career Transition

15:22 Balancing Finances and Planning Your Exit

19:54 Identifying Transferable Skills

21:45 Reflections and Final Thoughts

25:36 Conclusion

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About Shannon Russell:

Shannon Russell is a Career Transition and Business Coach, an Exit Strategy Expert, and the CEO of Second Act Success® Coaching. Shannon spent over 16 years as a Television Producer before she decided to stop producing shows for others and start "producing" her own life. Shannon pivoted her career from the entertainment industry to entrepreneurship, and she now empowers women to leave unfulfilling careers and build joyful, purpose-driven businesses that allow them to live their best lives in their "second act." Shannon is the author of Start Your Second Act: How to Change Careers, Launch a Business, and Create Your Best Life , and she hosts the Second Act Success Career Podcast.

Connect with Shannon:

• Instagram
• Facebook
• LinkedIn
• YouTube

CHECK OUT SHANNON'S FREE RESOURCES FOR LISTENERS!

PRE-ORDER SHANNON'S BOOK

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In this powerful episode, Anthony Craiker talks to Dr. Deborah Heiser—psychologist, aging specialist, and author of The Mentorship Edge—to explore how becoming a mentor can unlock purpose, deepen meaning, and help you leave a lasting legacy. Discover the surprising psychological benefits of mentoring, why it's essential during midlife, and how even small acts of guidance can ripple out to change the world. If you’ve ever wondered how to make your life matter more—or how to ensure your wisdom lives on—this conversation will inspire you to take action.

00:00 Intro
00:39 Exploring Midlife Fulfillment and Mentorship
01:41 Meet Dr. Heiser and The Mentor Project
03:03 The Emotional Impact of Mentorship
06:07 Understanding Generativity and Its Importance
09:56 Intrinsic vs. Extrinsic Motivation
14:26 Building Meaningful Connections
16:55 Mentorship vs. Coaching
28:36 The Future of Mentorship and Technology
31:20 Final Thoughts

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Deborah Heiser, Ph.D., is an Applied Developmental Psychologist, a TEDx speaker, consultant, author, and Founder of The Mentor Project, and an Adjunct Professor in the Psychology Department at SUNY Old Westbury. Deborah has additionally authored peer-reviewed articles, is co-editor of Spiritual Assessment and Intervention with Older Adults, and a frequent expert guest for syndicated and local talk radio shows, international and local podcasts, and print and online media outlets.

She has been quoted in The New York Times, Seattle Times, Dallas Times and contributes to Psychology Today. Her research covers a wide range of topics related to aging, including depression identification, dementia, and frailty with grants awarded from NIA/NIH and Pfizer. She received an international award for her research on depression identification, as well as serving for 9 years on the Board of the State Society on Aging of New York and was President in 2008. Later in 2016, she served as President of Queens Psychological Association in New York.

Connect with Deborah:

• Instagram
• Facebook
• LinkedIn
• X
• YouTube
• Substack

DEBORAH'S BOOK: The Mentorship Edge: Creating Maximum Impact through Lateral and Hierarchical Mentoring

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What’s the real secret to living a meaningful life? In this powerful conversation, Kevin Palmieri—founder and host of Next Level University—joins Anthony Craiker to unpack the number one key to achieving health, wealth, and love in every area of life.

Kevin shares his journey from career burnout and deep mental health struggles to discovering true fulfillment through self-improvement, awareness, and redefining success on his own terms. Together, they explore how to shift away from chasing traditional markers of success and toward creating holistic success rooted in aligned values, purpose-driven work, and meaningful relationships.

If you’ve ever felt stuck in your career, disconnected from your goals, or unsure of what truly matters—this episode will help you reconnect with what’s possible and inspire you to take the next step forward.

00:00 Taking the First Step
00:23 Introducing Kevin Palmieri
01:58 Kevin's Journey to Fulfillment
03:20 Defining Holistic Success
05:57 The Importance of Vulnerability
08:09 Mental Health and Personal Development
11:09 Finding Fulfillment in Your Career
16:01 The Role of Self-Awareness
19:35 Emotional Reunion with Estranged Father
22:28 Understanding Fear of Success and Failure
25:13 Balancing Personal Growth in Partnerships
26:55 Handling Setbacks and Learning from Failure
31:42 Insights on Personal Development and Growth
34:19 Connecting with Kevin and Final Thoughts

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About Kevin Palmieri

Kevin Palmieri is the CSO, Founder, and Host of Next Level University, a Global Top 100 Self-Improvement podcast with more than 2,000 episodes reaching over 1 Million people in more than 175 countries. After nearly taking his own life, Kevin decided to go all-in on his dreams of being a full-time podcaster and entrepreneur. Kevin believes in a heart driven, but no BS approach to holistic self-improvement and teaching others how to get to the next level of their lives!

Connect with Kevin:

• Instagram
• Facebook
• LinkedIn for Kevin Palmieri
• YouTube

CHECK OUT Next Level University's website for information on the podcast, coaching, courses, and other content: https://www.nextleveluniverse.com/group-coaching/

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In this insightful episode of Fulfilling Work, Meaningful Life with Anthony Craiker, we are joined by Dr. Tim Newman, who shares his deep passion for teaching effective communication. Discover how Dr. Newman overcame his fear of public speaking and learn practical tips to improve your own communication skills. Most importantly, learn the secret to effective communication in any circumstance, including across generational and cultural divides, as Dr. Newman reveals how meaningful connections and strong relationships have the potential to make every significant personal and professional interaction impactful to others.

About Dr. Tim Newman

Dr. Tim Newman is a communication coach, podcast host, and a recovering college professor with over 20 years of experience helping people become powerful communicators. He created The Formula for Public Speaking, a step-by-step system that simplifies the art of speaking, and the Confident Connection Formula, a proven method to craft an elevator pitch that makes people listen, remember, and want to connect.

As the host of the Speaking with Confidence Podcast, Tim helps professionals sharpen their communication skills so they can stand out and succeed. He also brings his passion for sports into his work as a Golfweek Amateur Tour director and host of Golfweek Amateur Tour - The Podcast, where he dives into all things amateur golf, from player interviews to tour insights.

Whether he’s coaching speakers, podcasting, or growing the amateur golf community, Tim’s mission is the same, helping people connect and communicate with confidence, clarity, and impact.

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Connect with Tim:

• https://timnewmanspeaks.com/
• LinkedIn
• Instagram
• YouTube
• X

**Check Out Tim's Formula for Public Speaking Course:**

http://www.formulaforpublicspeaking.com/

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Click Here to Subscribe to Our Monthly Newsletter, Meaningful Insights.

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https://fulfillingworkmeaningfullife.com/

In this enriching episode of Fulfilling Work, Meaningful Life with Anthony Craiker, we delve into the transformative power of effective leadership and mentorship with Walter Dusseldorf, aka The Dutch Mentor. Walter's extensive background in healthcare and executive leadership informs his unique insights into developing high-performing teams and leaders. Walter stresses the significance of recognizing when to seek help and the benefits of committed mentorship in career acceleration and personal growth. He encourages leaders to adopt a mindset of continuous learning and humility and to understand their "why". If you feel stuck and unsure about how to move forward, Walter's ideas about mentorship will give you the roadmap you need to move to the next level of success while also developing strong professional relationships that will benefit you throughout your career.

About Walter Dusseldorp, The Dutch Mentor.

Walter Dusseldorp is a passionate advocate for personal development and mentorship, dedicated to empowering individuals to unlock their full potential. With a rich background in coaching and leadership, Walter has cultivated a wealth of knowledge and experience that inspires others to pursue their goals with confidence.

As a dynamic speaker and engaging storyteller, Walter captivates audiences with insights on topics such as resilience, leadership, and the importance of a growth mindset. Through a combination of real-life experiences and actionable strategies, he provides practical guidance that listeners can apply in their own lives.

Walter is the founder of TheDutchMentor.com, where he shares valuable resources and tools for personal and professional growth. With a mission to create a supportive community, he encourages others to embrace their unique journeys and strive for continuous improvement.

When not mentoring or speaking, Walter enjoys flying helicopters and airplanes which further enrich his perspective on life and learning. Committed to making a positive impact, Walter is excited to share his insights and inspiration with podcast audiences, inviting them to embark on their own transformative journeys.

Resources and Links:

• The Dutch Mentor Website – Book a free consultation.
• Walter's Books on Amazon
• Walter Dusseldorf on LinkedIn
• Walter on Instagram
• Walter on YouTube

Follow Us on Social Media:

• Instagram: @fulfillingworkmeaningfullife
• Facebook: Fulfilling Work, Meaningful Life
• LinkedIn: Anthony Craiker

Leave a rating & review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

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Have you ever found yourself chasing after the next big thing, only to realize that what truly matters was right in front of you all along? In this heartfelt episode of Fulfilling Work, Meaningful Life, Anthony and Jennifer Craiker dive deep into the importance of home and family, sharing personal stories and insights about parenting, marriage, and making sure we don’t lose sight of what’s most important.

Using The Wizard of Oz as a framework, they discuss:

• ✅ Why fulfillment isn’t just about career success—it’s about building a meaningful life.
• ✅ How parenting changes over time, from raising toddlers to guiding teenagers.
• ✅ The challenges of staying present and not always looking “over the rainbow” for the next big thing.
• ✅ Practical strategies for strengthening family bonds, including date nights and intentional connection.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the demands of life and work, this episode is a reminder to pause, appreciate, and invest in what truly matters.

Links & Resources:

📌 Subscribe to the Fulfilling Work, Meaningful Life Newsletter – Get inspiring content, episode updates, and a free 14-day Reflection Journal for creating meaningful work. Sign up here.

📌 Read Our Latest Blog Post: How to Find Meaning in Everyday Moments

📌 Follow Us on Social Media:

• 🔹 Instagram: @fulfillingworkmeaningfullife
• 🔹 Facebook: Fulfilling Work, Meaningful Life
• 🔹 LinkedIn: Anthony Craiker

📌 Recommended Reading: 📖 The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum – Find it on Amazon

Support the Show:

💡 Enjoyed this episode? Leave a rating & review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify – your support helps us reach more listeners like you!

🎙 Have a question or topic suggestion? Email us at anthony@fulfillingworkmeaningfullife.com.

00:00 Introduction: Chasing Dreams vs. Appreciating Home
01:03 Meet the Hosts: Anthony and Jennifer Craiker
01:32 The Mission of Fulfilling Work, Meaningful Life
03:32 Jennifer's Love for The Wizard of Oz
06:06 Balancing Ambition and Presence
07:34 Challenges and Joys of Parenting
10:08 Advice for Raising Teenagers
20:52 Universal Parenting: Connecting with Other Parents
24:03 Conclusion: Finding Joy in the Journey
27:50 Final Thoughts and Call to Action

https://fulfillingworkmeaningfullife.com/