Shows
Fulfilling Work, Meaningful Life with Anthony CraikerPractical Reading Habits for a Meaningful Life (with Danny Brassell)In this episode, Anthony Craiker talks with Dr. Danny Brassell—a former teacher turned international speaker and author—about how to make reading meaningful, fun, and transformative at any age. Known for his humor and down-to-earth storytelling, Danny shares practical tips for parents who want to raise engaged readers, strategies to help kids and adults alike fall in love with books, and the surprising ways reading builds communication skills and personal growth.They also discuss the power of stories in business and everyday life, how technology can help our reading habits, and why building a reading culture at h...2025-07-1532 minFulfilling Work, Meaningful Life with Anthony CraikerImproving 1 Percent at a Time (with Hilda Fainsod)If you're ready to transform your work and life in a way that feels sustainable and meaningful, this episode is for you. Anthony Craiker talks with Hilda Fainsod, transformational and executive coach and author of Power Up, about the real barriers that hold us back—our own inner saboteurs—and how to overcome them with self-awareness, reframing, and daily practice. Hilda shares her Four-Step Breakthrough Model to help you clarify what truly matters, create lasting habits without overwhelm, and build the identity you want. You'll hear practical strategies for resisting perfectionism, taming fear of change, and making tiny 1% improvements that...2025-07-0529 minFulfilling Work, Meaningful Life with Anthony CraikerCrafting a Personal Mission Statement That Guides Your Daily Life (with Daphne Valcin)If you’re in a season where your work no longer feels meaningful—or you sense your life is out of alignment with who you really are—this episode will help you reconnect with what matters most. Executive coach and strategist Daphne Valcin shares how to craft a personal mission statement that’s not just inspirational, but actionable. She walks us through a values-based approach to leadership, time management, and career clarity—perfect for mid-career professionals seeking more purpose, better work-life balance, and deeper connection at home and in the workplace. You’ll hear stories of transformation, practical tools for measurin...2025-06-2633 minFulfilling Work, Meaningful Life with Anthony CraikerBecome the Leader People Want to Follow (with Dr. Andy Neillie)Discover how to grow into the kind of leader people trust and remember in this inspiring conversation with Dr. Andy Neillie. Anthony and Andy break down the four leadership necessities — conviction, competence, character, and covenant — and reveal how these principles can help you lead with integrity, build stronger teams, and find deeper purpose in your work and life. If you’re navigating mid-career growth, managing people, or simply striving for more meaningful work and authentic leadership, this episode offers practical insights to guide your journey. Tune in to learn how to lead yourself first, handle hard conversations, and make your w...2025-06-1826 minFulfilling Work, Meaningful Life with Anthony CraikerLearning to Act with Resilience (with Genevieve Skory)You’re checking all the boxes—career, income, productivity—but something still feels off. In this episode, we explore resilience mapping, a powerful framework for realigning your work and life with what truly matters. Guest expert Genevieve Skory unpacks how to prepare for life’s inevitable challenges by grounding yourself in your core values—so you can face obstacles without losing your way. Whether you’re feeling burned out, disconnected from your purpose, or just stuck in a cycle of chasing the next achievement, this conversation will show you how to build sustainable success rooted in meaning, not just momentum. Le...2025-06-1029 minFulfilling Work, Meaningful Life with Anthony CraikerFinding External Success and Internal Fulfillment (with Alan Lazaros)In this episode, Anthony Craiker sits down with Alan Lazaros, CEO and co-host of the Top 100 podcast Next Level University, to explore how adversity can fuel a purpose-driven life. Alan shares his journey from personal tragedy to professional success, offering career coaching insights on how to build resilience, create work-life balance, and align your skills with your calling. Whether you're seeking meaningful work, longing for deeper fulfillment, or simply tired of chasing success without purpose, this conversation will give you the tools and mindset shifts needed to achieve health, wealth, love, and a meaningful life.00:00 Intro00:36...2025-06-0534 minFulfilling Work, Meaningful Life with Anthony CraikerMoving Through Grief and Change with Grit and Gratitude (with Laura Bratton)Feeling overwhelmed by change or stuck in grief? You’re not alone, and you don’t have to stay there. In this inspiring episode, Laura Bratton shares her powerful story of losing her sight as a child and learning to navigate life with grit, purpose, and deep gratitude. If you're struggling to move forward, searching for resilience, or craving meaning in the middle of life’s hardest moments, Laura’s journey will show you that healing and hope are possible—one choice at a time. 00:00 Intro01:11 Meet Laura Bratton02:24 Childhood Diagnosis06:26 Teenage Realization10:52 College and...2025-05-2930 minFulfilling Work, Meaningful Life with Anthony CraikerHow to Compassionately and Consistently Prioritize Your Health (with Esther Avant)Most people struggle to consistently prioritize their health, ending up discouraged over their perceived failures. In this episode, bestselling author and health coach, Esther Avant, teaches listeners how to better focus on their health through self-compassion and small, sustainable steps. She addresses common challenges such as overcoming perfectionism, struggling with consistency, dealing with stress eating, and finding motivation to exercise. Listeners will learn practical strategies to make lasting improvements that not only contribute to better health and wellbeing, but to a more meaningful life. 00:00 Self-Compassion & Health01:55 Esther's Journey in Health & Fitness04:02 Importance of Health for a...2025-05-2028 minFulfilling Work, Meaningful Life with Anthony CraikerReduce Stress & Unlock Your Creativity in Just 10 Minutes a Day (with Susan Hensley)In this episode of Fulfilling Work, Meaningful Life, host Anthony Craiker talks with Susan Hensley, a former HR executive and current executive coach, about the transformative and stress-reducing power of art journaling. Susan shares her personal journey of battling burnout during the pandemic and how adopting a creative practice helped her manage stress and find clarity in her life. The discussion delves into the science behind art journaling, the benefits of engaging the right brain through simple creative activities, and how creativity can help unlock rigid thought patterns, reduce stress, and enhance neuroplasticity. Susan also explains how anyone, regardless...2025-05-1427 minFulfilling Work, Meaningful Life with Anthony CraikerHow Much Is Your Time Worth? (with Lenny Richardson)In this week's episode of Fulfilling Work, Meaningful Life, host Anthony Craiker sits down with Lenny Richardson (aka Leviticus Rich). Lenny shares how his experience of getting kicked out of college and being unable to make rent led him to understand what it takes to create a flourishing life. Tapping into ancient wisdom, Lenny realized that one of the keys to having a productive and meaningful life is time management. This conversation will inspire you to pursue excellence and be intentional with your time in order to achieve your goals and flourish in life.00:00 Introduction: Defining Your...2025-05-0633 minFulfilling Work, Meaningful Life with Anthony CraikerAccelerate Your Career by Leveraging the Power of Networking (with Michael Morgan)In today's episode of Fulfilling Work, Meaningful Life with Anthony Craiker, we're diving deep into the art and science of career networking with professional speaker and author Michael Morgan. Michael has built a thriving career across multiple Fortune 100 companies — including J.P. Morgan, Chevron, Amazon, and Netskope — thanks to the strategic use of genuine professional relationships.Drawing from his new book, The Power of Networking, Michael shares real-world strategies to help you build a meaningful network that not only lands you job opportunities but also fuels long-term career development and personal growth.If you're looking for...2025-04-2828 minFulfilling Work, Meaningful Life with Anthony CraikerOvercome Fear, Start Your Second Act Career, & Build a Business You Love (with Shannon Russell)In this episode of Fulfilling Work, Meaningful Life, host Anthony Craiker chats with Shannon Russell, former TV producer turned successful entrepreneur and career coach. Shannon shares her journey from the high-paced entertainment industry to establishing her own franchise and coaching business, Second Act Success Coaching. The conversation delves into the challenges and triumphs of transitioning careers, especially for those seeking more purpose and freedom. Shannon offers practical advice on how to navigate career changes, emphasizing the importance of financial planning, leveraging existing skills, and overcoming perfectionism. She also highlights inspiring stories from her coaching clients and shares the personal...2025-04-1526 minFulfilling Work, Meaningful Life with Anthony CraikerWorried About Your Legacy? Here's the Surprising Solution (with Deborah Heiser, Ph.D.)In this powerful episode, Anthony Craiker talks to Dr. Deborah Heiser—psychologist, aging specialist, and author of The Mentorship Edge—to explore how becoming a mentor can unlock purpose, deepen meaning, and help you leave a lasting legacy. Discover the surprising psychological benefits of mentoring, why it's essential during midlife, and how even small acts of guidance can ripple out to change the world. If you’ve ever wondered how to make your life matter more—or how to ensure your wisdom lives on—this conversation will inspire you to take action.00:00 Intro00:39 Exploring Midlife Fulfillment and Mentor...2025-04-0833 minFulfilling Work, Meaningful Life with Anthony CraikerHow to Overcome Fear of Success and Fear of Failure (with Kevin Palmieri)What’s the real secret to living a meaningful life? In this powerful conversation, Kevin Palmieri—founder and host of Next Level University—joins Anthony Craiker to unpack the number one key to achieving health, wealth, and love in every area of life.Kevin shares his journey from career burnout and deep mental health struggles to discovering true fulfillment through self-improvement, awareness, and redefining success on his own terms. Together, they explore how to shift away from chasing traditional markers of success and toward creating holistic success rooted in aligned values, purpose-driven work, and meaningful relationships.If y...2025-04-0236 minFulfilling Work, Meaningful Life with Anthony CraikerHow To Break Down Communication Barriers (with Dr. Tim Newman)In this insightful episode of Fulfilling Work, Meaningful Life with Anthony Craiker, we are joined by Dr. Tim Newman, who shares his deep passion for teaching effective communication. Discover how Dr. Newman overcame his fear of public speaking and learn practical tips to improve your own communication skills. Most importantly, learn the secret to effective communication in any circumstance, including across generational and cultural divides, as Dr. Newman reveals how meaningful connections and strong relationships have the potential to make every significant personal and professional interaction impactful to others.About Dr. Tim Newman...2025-03-2527 minFulfilling Work, Meaningful Life with Anthony CraikerHow to Get Unstuck in Your Career (with Walter Dusseldorp, The Dutch Mentor).In this enriching episode of Fulfilling Work, Meaningful Life with Anthony Craiker, we delve into the transformative power of effective leadership and mentorship with Walter Dusseldorf, aka The Dutch Mentor. Walter's extensive background in healthcare and executive leadership informs his unique insights into developing high-performing teams and leaders. Walter stresses the significance of recognizing when to seek help and the benefits of committed mentorship in career acceleration and personal growth. He encourages leaders to adopt a mindset of continuous learning and humility and to understand their "why". If you feel stuck and unsure about how to move forward, Walter's...2025-03-1828 minFulfilling Work, Meaningful Life with Anthony CraikerThere's No Place Like Home--Even with Teenagers!Have you ever found yourself chasing after the next big thing, only to realize that what truly matters was right in front of you all along? In this heartfelt episode of Fulfilling Work, Meaningful Life, Anthony and Jennifer Craiker dive deep into the importance of home and family, sharing personal stories and insights about parenting, marriage, and making sure we don’t lose sight of what’s most important.Using The Wizard of Oz as a framework, they discuss:✅ Why fulfillment isn’t just about career success—it’s about building a meaningful life.✅ How parenting changes over t...2025-03-1229 minFulfilling Work, Meaningful Life with Anthony CraikerHow Learning and Growth Fuel a Fulfilling LifeIs a college degree the only path to success? Or can self-directed learning be just as powerful—if not more? In this episode of Fulfilling Work, Meaningful Life, Anthony Craiker explores the impact of lifelong learning on personal growth, career development, and overall fulfillment.From the real value of higher education to the rise of informal learning through digital resources, Anthony shares insights on how to approach education with intention. Plus, he reveals the biggest pitfall in personal development—learning without action—and how to avoid it. Whether you’re looking to grow in your career, develop new skil...2025-03-0425 minFulfilling Work, Meaningful Life with Anthony CraikerHow to Break Free from Distractions through Intentional Living (with Bryan Hurd)What does it mean to live with intention? How can we break free from distractions and align our daily choices with our deepest values? In this thought-provoking episode of Fulfilling Work, Meaningful Life with Anthony Craiker, we continue the conversation with Bryan Hurd, entrepreneur and founder of The Evolution Project. Bryan shares impactful insights on personal growth, leadership, the importance of mindset, and how to prioritize what truly matters in life. Tune in to learn actionable strategies for goal-setting, time management, and finding greater meaning in your work and life.Key Topics...2025-02-2536 minFulfilling Work, Meaningful Life with Anthony CraikerEntrepreneurship, Growth, & Meaningful Success (with Bryan Hurd)What if the secret to a fulfilling career wasn’t just about making money, but about building connections, embracing growth, and aligning your work with your purpose? In this episode, I sit down with my longtime friend Bryan Hurd—real estate pro, entrepreneur, and founder of The Evolution Project—to discuss the key lessons he’s learned about success in both business and life.Bryan shares his journey from almost becoming an accountant to building a thriving real estate business, the mindset shifts that helped him navigate challenges, and the importance of intentionality in work...2025-02-1826 minFulfilling Work, Meaningful Life with Anthony CraikerHow to Stand Out at Work Part 2In this follow-up to last week’s episode, we continue our deep dive into how you can stand out at work and make a meaningful impact in your organization. We explore the power of innovative thinking, how to present ideas that actually get noticed, and the key questions to ask when identifying opportunities for improvement. Plus, I share a real-world example from my own career that helped increase efficiency and profitability.Not all ideas are equal—so how do you ensure yours are valuable? Tune in to learn how to think strategically, use data to back up your...2025-02-1125 minFulfilling Work, Meaningful Life with Anthony CraikerHow to Stand Out at Work Part 1In this episode, we kick off a two-part series on how to stand out at work and become an indispensable employee. Whether you're aiming for a promotion, a raise, or simply greater job satisfaction, these principles will help you make a meaningful contribution to your organization.Drawing inspiration from Seth Godin’s book Linchpin: Are You Indispensable?, we explore five key strategies to gain credibility, be seen as a valuable asset, and position yourself for success in your career. You'll learn:✔️ The importance of executing your role with excellence✔️ How to buil...2025-02-0421 minFulfilling Work, Meaningful Life with Anthony CraikerBONUS EPISODE: Our Experience at Podfest Multimedia Expo 2025In this short bonus episode, Anthony is joined by his wife, Jennifer Craiker, to talk about their experience attending Podfest Multimedia Expo earlier this month. They discuss some of the highlights of the conference, including a keynote presentation from John Lee Dumas and Kate Erickson Dumas from Entrepreneurs on Fire. Jennifer and Anthony also reflect on how sharing the message of Fulfilling Work, Meaningful Life with the world through podcasting brings meaning and fulfillment into their lives.Show Links:Podfest Multimedia ExpoCheck out Alex Sanfilippo's company: PodMatchRita GoodroeCheck out Courtney Elmer's company: PodLaunchSocial Media:2025-01-2910 minFulfilling Work, Meaningful Life with Anthony CraikerFive Practical Ways to Embrace ChangeIn this episode of Fulfilling Work, Meaningful Life, host Anthony Craiker dives into one of life’s inevitable certainties—change. Drawing from personal stories, timeless wisdom, and career coaching insights, Anthony explores how embracing change can lead to personal development, meaningful work, and a more fulfilling life. Whether you’re navigating a job loss, a major life transition, or simply feeling stuck, this episode provides actionable strategies to help you redefine what’s possible and thrive in the face of adversity.Listen now to discover how you can flip the script on life’s challenges and create a path fil...2025-01-2820 min