End of Summer Recap, Camera Flashes, and Fall Preview - Episode 173 📸☀️🍂
Episode Description 📖
Built Not Born host Joe Ciccarone takes a break from guest interviews to share an end-of-summer reflection and preview the exciting lineup of guests coming in the fall season.
Joe opens up about the "best of times and worst of times" summer, sharing the loss of his father Fran and celebrating sending his second son off to college.
This episode offers listeners a behind-the-scenes look at the podcast's growth and Joe's personal journey, while building anticipation for upcoming conversations with bestselling authors, Navy Top Gun instructors, Apple executives, and championship coaches.
Episode Highlights:
- Personal reflections on family loss and growth
- Preview of upcoming bestselling author guests
- Behind-the-scenes podcast insights
- Call to action for subscriber growth
- Introduction to the Built Not Born Blog newsletter
Host Personal Update 👨👨👦
The Worst of Times
- Loss of Father: Joe's father Fran Ciccarone passed away July 3rd after battling cancer
- Funeral Impact: 200 people attended the funeral luncheon for the 82-year-old - remarkable turnout that spoke to his father's character
- Family Process: July spent handling funeral arrangements, viewings, and reconnecting with family
- Eulogy Available: Joe recorded a special eulogy episode available on Spotify
The Best of Times
- College Send-off: Dropped second son off at college in upstate New York
- Family Milestone: Now has two sons in college (senior and freshman) and one middle schooler at home
- Positive Outlook: Both college sons are "in great spots" and expected to thrive
Upcoming Fall Season Guest Preview 🎙️
Recently Released:
Jon Gordon - Episode 172
- 18-time bestselling author
- Discussed "The 7 Commitments of a Great Team"
- $100,000 speaking fee performer
- 15-minute conversation packed with leadership insights
Coming Soon:
Jay Papasan
- Co-author of "The One Thing" - one of the most popular business books of all time
- New book: "The Rookie Real Estate Agent" (releasing next week)
- Expert on productivity, focus, and business success principles
- Specializes in thriving during recessions and crowded markets
Guy Kawasaki
- Former Apple Chief Evangelist who launched the Macintosh with Steve Jobs
- New book: "Wiser Guy" - follow-up to 2019's "Wise Guy"
- Joe received early pre-read copy
- Technology and entrepreneurship expertise
Dave Burke (Echelon Front)
- Former Navy Top Gun flight instructor
- Combat veteran who served on ground in Ramadi, Iraq with Jocko Willink and Leif Babin
- New book: "The Need The Lead"
- Currently working with Echelon Front leadership consulting
Amy P. Kelly & Julie Nee
- Co-authors discussing "Gifted Growth"
- Leadership and business development focus
Dudley Duncan
- Hall of Fame swimming coach
- Expert on succeeding in one of the most grueling sports
- Insights on mental toughness and athletic excellence
Podcast Growth Initiatives 📈
Subscription Drive
Subscribe to Built Not Born Podcast (Spotify, Apple, Google, Overcast)
- Why It Matters: Subscriptions drive algorithmic promotion within apps
- Impact: More subscribers =
