In this episode of The Sean Trace Show, I sit down with behavioral scientist and author Mike Rucker to unpack the myths of hustle culture, burnout, and toxic productivity. We explore the real science of happiness and why fun is essential—not optional—for success. From the power of reframing your time to the emotional toll of hyper-productivity, this conversation offers practical strategies to bring more joy, balance, and sustainability into daily life. If you’ve ever felt like you’re working nonstop but still falling behind, this one’s for you.

In this deeply moving and powerful episode of The Sean Trace Show, I sit down with Monica Brown, an “architect of transformation” from Johannesburg, South Africa. Monica opens up about her courageous journey—from surviving sexual assault and a forced marriage, to living on the streets with her daughter. But instead of letting that pain define her, she turned it into purpose. Today, she runs a safe house and mentors vulnerable people, using empathy, structure, and fierce love to help rebuild lives. This conversation is a masterclass in resilience, spiritual leadership, and what it means to believe in someone when they can’t believe in themselves.

In this powerful conversation, I sit down with former NASA rocket scientist Kevin J. DeBruin to explore his inspiring journey—from being a bullied kid to becoming a rocket designer. Kevin shares how the movie October Sky changed the course of his life, why STEM education is essential for every child, and how we can ignite the next generation of innovators. We also dive into the incredible science behind NASA’s mission to Jupiter’s moon Europa. From real-world resilience to alien oceans, this episode is a mind-expanding deep dive into dreaming big, failing forward, and building the future.

In this episode of The Sean Trace Show, social media entrepreneur Asher Dahlgren, the founder of Dahlgren Social, shares his journey of building a successful social media agency at just 17 years old. Asher dives into how Gen Z’s natural fluency in social media gives them a business advantage, the mindset shifts necessary for success, and how small businesses can dominate online marketing.

Sean and Asher also explore the importance of overcoming imposter syndrome, why young entrepreneurs should “just start”, and how stepping into discomfort is the key to long-term growth. If you're interested in social media, business, or breaking into entrepreneurship at a young age, this episode is packed with valuable insights.

What happens when the life you have built no longer feels like the right fit? In this episode I sit down with Tom Morgan founder of The Leading Edge to explore the challenges of reinvention the hero’s journey and how the universe gives us subtle nudges if we are willing to notice them.

Tom shares his own transition from Wall Street to a more meaningful path why high achievers often struggle with change and how trusting the unknown can lead to unexpected opportunities. We also dive into the idea of the “Universe Wink” those moments where life seems to align just when we need it most.

If you have ever felt stuck or unsure of your next step this conversation might just be the sign you are looking for.

In this episode of The Sean Trace Show, I had the pleasure of welcoming Bas Lebesque, a leadership coach from the Netherlands with an incredibly diverse background. From executive coaching and finance to stand-up comedy and even organizing funerals, Bas has had a fascinating journey. He shared how he went from working 100-hour weeks in the hospitality industry to becoming a high-powered trader and, ultimately, transitioning to coaching as he searched for deeper meaning in his life.

Bas and I dove deep into the psychology of self-sabotage and how shifting our mindset can help us embrace growth and change. He explained the power of stepping outside of our comfort zones, taking incremental steps toward transformation, and acting "as if"—embodying the role we want before we fully achieve it.

Throughout our conversation, Bas highlighted the mental barriers that hold so many of us back, including fear, self-doubt, and perfectionism. He introduced the concept of the “saboteur” mindset and explained how recognizing our internal blockers can be the first step toward overcoming them.

We also explored the placebo effect in personal success, the importance of putting ourselves in the right environment, and how adopting an adventurous mindset can unlock incredible opportunities. If you’ve ever struggled with self-doubt, felt stuck in your career, or simply needed a push to take action, this episode is packed with insights to help you break free from self-imposed limitations and start living with purpose.

In this episode of The Sean Trace Show, I sit down with Rachelle Berthelsen Davis, a violinist, conductor, professor of music, and passionate advocate for the transformative power of music. We explore the profound impact of music on the brain, emotional health, and cultural identity. Rachelle shares insights from her experiences as a musician and educator, discussing how music shapes lives through cognitive development, emotional therapy, and community connection. I reflect on my journey as a parent encouraging my daughter to embrace music and the importance of persistence and process in any endeavor. Together, we dive deep into the ways music transcends time, unites generations, and becomes a powerful tool for self-discovery and growth.

Chapter 7 of my "How to Not Be an A--hole" series focuses on the transformative power of self-awareness. In this episode, we discuss how understanding your triggers, seeking feedback, and owning your weaknesses can lead to personal growth and better relationships. From everyday interactions to bigger life challenges, learn practical strategies to reflect on your actions and stop the cycle of "a--holery." Tune in for relatable stories, actionable advice, and a few laughs along the way. Let's all strive to be just a little less of an asshole every day.