In today’s episode, we dive into the gap between self-perception and how others actually see us.

My guest is Becky Scheusner, a Navy veteran, Brown University graduate, and mentor working with military-affiliated students at Brown. Becky shares her journey from a small-town girl in Kansas to serving as a Navy musician, becoming a single mother during her transition from the military, and eventually finding her place at one of the most respected universities in the world.

One of the strongest themes throughout this conversation is leadership and self-doubt.

Becky talks openly about the hesitation she once felt stepping into leadership roles, not because she lacked capability, but because she did not believe she looked like the kind of person others would naturally follow.

We explore the importance of authenticity, curiosity, mentorship, and learning to stop disqualifying yourself from opportunities before giving yourself a chance.

This episode is a powerful reminder that leadership is not always loud, and that growth often begins the moment you stop questioning whether you belong in the room.

In this solo episode, I break down a message that has been sitting with me for a long time. It is something I did not fully understand as a kid watching The NeverEnding Story, but see clearly now as an adult. This is not about a movie.

It is about what happens when people lose hope, start doubting themselves, and slowly drift away from who they are capable of becoming. Most people do not get stopped by the world. They stop themselves.

In this compelling interview, Keith Cole shares his journey from Vietnam veteran to author and mental health advocate. He discusses the silent battles of burnout, the power of faith, and practical recovery strategies to help others heal and find strength.