In this episode, I talk with Simon Gervais, a former counterterrorism agent who once protected presidents like Barack Obama and Queen Elizabeth II, and Ryan Steck, founder of The Real Book Spy. Together, they co-wrote the new book, The Second Son coming December 1st.

What happens when you leave a life of danger for a life of storytelling? Simon opens up about trading high-stakes operations for high-stakes writing, how discipline still drives everything he does, and why believing in yourself sometimes means betting it all. Ryan shares what it was like to go from critic to creator, how he deals with self-doubt, and why collaboration can make you sharper.

We get into:

• How to push through fear when there's no safety net
• The mindset shift from control to creativity
• The truth about ambition, burnout, and purpose
• Why discipline and self-belief matter more than motivation

If you've ever wondered how to reinvent yourself or stay grounded under pressure, this one's for you. It's about learning to keep your edge, build discipline that lasts, and create a life that actually feels worth living.

Pre-order The Second Son here!

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See you guys next Tuesday!