Andy Weins is the Founder of Camo Crew Responsible Junk Removal, a veteran-owned business based in Butler, Wisconsin, that specializes in eco-friendly junk removal, hauling, and demolition services. Under Andy’s leadership, Camo Crew has gained notable recognition, including features on The Morning Blend, and has become a leading force in its industry, while Andy himself is a sought-after keynote speaker and author. A fourth-generation entrepreneur and 20-year military veteran, Andy is passionate about sustainability, financial literacy for small business owners, and the power of intentional language.

If you’ve ever wondered how to transform your unique experiences into stories that captivate and drive action, you’re not alone. Many people struggle to find focus amid their varied interests, talents, and life chapters, making it tough to zero in on what stories will resonate most powerfully. Is there a secret to identifying the “sticky” themes that can shape not only your narrative, but your future career?

Andy Wines, a fourth-generation entrepreneur, seasoned military veteran, and keynote speaker, shares how he found clarity through storytelling — despite juggling multiple successful ventures. Working with a coach, Andy discovered that his attention to language and word choice was the common thread connecting all his pursuits, leading to his signature keynote, The Language of Leaders. He reveals his journey from being a jack-of-all-trades to a focused thought leader, explaining how writing forced him to distill his experiences into actionable insights. Andy delves into the ways he helps business owners confront the intimidating world of finances, using accessible frameworks like “hillbilly math” to make data-driven decisions less daunting. His stories demonstrate that small, simple changes — rather than sweeping overhauls — can spark dramatic results for entrepreneurs and leaders alike.

In this episode of Sticky: Stories That Stick, Amelia Forczak talks with Andy Wines, Founder of Camo Crew Responsible Junk Removal, about harnessing the power of words and numbers to build a lasting legacy. They explore why language matters so deeply and how shifting your internal dialogue can lead to real-world transformation. Listeners will learn practical strategies for reframing limiting beliefs, rooting business decisions in data, and developing confidence by facing uncomfortable truths — whether it’s through cleaning up your business finances or rewriting your mental scripts. Amelia and Andy’s dynamic conversation is packed with actionable wisdom and memorable sayings, making this a must-listen for anyone ready to write their own sticky story.

Darren Pleasance is the President and CEO of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), the world's largest aviation membership organization, which advocates for and supports pilots and aviation enthusiasts around the globe. Under his leadership, AOPA represents hundreds of thousands of members and over 80 international affiliates, and Darren is also a recognized author and speaker, having released his 2024 book, True North: A Handbook for Inspired Living. Darren's own journey is remarkable: he has flown private jets for celebrities, landed planes on Alaskan glaciers, worked for leading organizations like Nike and Google, and, alongside his wife Lisa, runs a horse farm in central Oregon. Passionate about inspiring others to live fulfilling and intentional lives, Darren brings unique insights from both the cockpit and the boardroom to conversations about personal growth, career pivots, and storytelling that truly sticks.

Feeling stuck in a professional rut, or wondering if it's too late to chase your true passion, can leave you questioning everything. What does it look like to build a life around what actually lights you up, even if it means changing course multiple times? And how can you transform your personal journey into stories that inspire others to do the same?

Darren Pleasance shows exactly how he solved those dilemmas, weaving his love of aviation through a career that spans flying celebrities and landing planes on glaciers to executive roles at global companies like Google and McKinsey. He explains how discovering what excites you — and making it a non-negotiable part of your weekly routine — creates a virtuous cycle of energy and excellence. He shares frameworks from his book True North, such as auditing your 168 weekly hours to prioritize meaningful pursuits, and recounts pivotal moments when choosing "the option that makes for a better story" led to bold, fulfilling transitions. Darren delves into the power of intentional trade-offs, the importance of surrounding yourself with inspiring people, and how even midlife pivots can result in a more inspired, rewarding path.

In this episode of Sticky: Stories That Stick, Amelia Forczak talks with Darren Pleasance, President and CEO of Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, about overcoming perfectionism, speaking up, and building a life that blends success with personal joy. They explore storytelling, balancing ambition with happiness, and making courageous choices that lead to "better stories." Whether you're starting fresh or seeking inspiration, this episode offers tools to help you chart your own true north.

Megan Gorman is the managing partner of a high net worth tax and financial planning firm and the bestselling author of All the President's Money: How the Men Who Govern America Govern Their Money, a book that explores the personal finances of U.S. presidents through engaging storytelling. Her book became a USA Today bestseller and has been praised for making presidential history and personal finance both accessible and entertaining, with Megan frequently appearing in media interviews and as a sought-after speaker at presidential libraries and events. With a passion for American history and a talent for turning complex financial topics into lively cocktail party conversation, Megan brings a unique perspective to the intersection of wealth, leadership, and narrative. Her approach to storytelling highlights the universal nature of financial challenges — even among presidents — and demonstrates how personal stories can captivate and resonate with any audience.

Ever wondered how a seemingly dry or complex subject, like presidential history and finance, could become so captivating that readers can't put it down? What transforms a mountain of research and technical detail into a story that truly sticks in the minds of audiences? And how do writers overcome the challenge of making highbrow material both accessible and irresistibly engaging?

Megan Gorman reveals how she cracked the code to engaging storytelling, despite initially struggling to make historical and financial topics appealing. Working closely with a writing coach, Megan learned to frame stories by humanizing historical figures, focusing on relatable struggles, and striking the right balance between essential facts and entertaining "candy." She discusses her iterative process — writing, editing, cutting, and constantly refining—to create a book that's both informative and fun. By blending highbrow analysis with juicy anecdotes, like Thomas Jefferson's wine debts or Nixon's failed orange juice startup, Megan manages to create narratives that resonate with a wide range of readers. The result is not just a collection of facts, but a fast-paced, sticky narrative that keeps readers coming back for more and makes even complicated financial lessons entertaining.

In this episode of Sticky: Stories That Stick, Amelia Forczak interviews Megan Gorman about transforming presidential finance into compelling, memorable stories. Listeners will learn how Megan turned dense research into relatable tales by including personal anecdotes, mistakes, and moments of human vulnerability — even among America's most revered leaders. Together, they discuss the importance of framing, editing ruthlessly, and practicing stories aloud to find what truly resonates. Whether you're an aspiring author, a business leader, or simply want to improve your communication, this episode is packed with practical tips for making your own stories stick. The conversation also highlights the value — and challenge — of sharing your expertise in an authentic, approachable way, ensuring that your message connects powerfully with any audience.

Amelia Forczak is the Founder of Pithy Wordsmithery, a Chicago-based copywriting and branding firm that helps thought leaders, entrepreneurs, and executives articulate their ideas with clarity and impact. A New York Times bestselling ghostwriter, she brings deep expertise in brand messaging and strategic content creation. Amelia has supported clients across industries in sharing their stories authentically and is passionate about helping professionals elevate their voices, build credibility, and connect more deeply with their audiences.

Some stories linger with us for years, while others fade from memory almost instantly. What is it about certain narratives that makes them unforgettable, capable of shifting our perspectives or even changing our paths? And how can we learn to craft stories from our own experiences that have that same lasting impact?

Amelia Forczak, a seasoned ghostwriter, shares how she uncovered the secrets behind memorable storytelling and turned them into tools for her clients and herself. Drawing from her journalism background, Amelia explains how authenticity, emotional engagement, and vulnerability make stories "sticky" — more likely to be remembered and impactful. She reveals her own challenges with Irlen syndrome and lack of depth perception, illustrating how personal struggles, when shared honestly, forge deeper connections with audiences. Amelia emphasizes that everyone has stories worth telling, and that the emotional or entertainment value of a narrative often determines whether it will resonate. Her insights provide a framework for listeners to become more confident storytellers and to recognize the value in their own experiences.

In this episode of Sticky: Stories That Stick, Amelia Forczak, Founder of Pithy Wordsmithery and New York Times bestselling ghostwriter, is interviewed by Chad Franzen of Rise25 Media about what makes narratives resonate and how vulnerability can be a storyteller's greatest asset. Listeners will learn why emotional connection and authenticity matter more than polish, how to identify the most powerful moments in their own lives, and practical tips for sharing stories that inspire action. Amelia and Chad explore not only the mechanics of storytelling, but also the courage required to share one's truth — offering advice for executives, aspiring authors, and anyone who wants their message to stick.