Shows
Spartan Leadership with Josh KosnickInside LinkedIn’s Hyper-Growth Playbook with Steve CadiganSteve Cadigan, LinkedIn's first CHRO and top global talent strategist, joins Josh Kosnick on the Spartan Leadership Podcast to discuss how leaders can navigate rapid change, foster meaningful culture, and build high-performance teams. With experience scaling LinkedIn from 400 to 4,000 employees and advising Fortune 500 companies and nations, Steve shares unique insights on the future of work, the role of cross-cultural experiences in leadership, and how to create innovative, resilient organizations. Tune in to learn practical strategies for leaders who want to thrive in a shifting landscape and lead with clarity.Learn more about Steve Cadigan: https://stevecadigan.com2025-07-011h 38
Spartan Leadership with Josh KosnickPat McNamera on Real Discipline, Leadership, and Why 'Basic Dude Stuff' MattersIn this episode of Spartan Leadership, Josh Kosnick sits down with Pat McNamera—retired Sergeant Major, Special Operations veteran, elite performance coach, and the mind behind “Basic Dude Stuff.” Introduced by Dr. Trevor Wilkins, Pat unpacks decades of hard-earned wisdom on building strength, living intentionally, and refusing to play the victim.We cover everything from tactical readiness and civilian training to emotional control, faith, and legacy. Pat’s delivery is unfiltered, but his message is clear: real leadership requires action, not talk.00:00:00 - Introduction00:01:27 - Welcome to Spartan Leadership00:01:42 - Guest Introduction: Pat McNamara...2025-06-241h 07Spartan Leadership with Josh KosnickThis Is Why Most Leaders Fail | Chris WidenerWhat makes a truly great leader? Why are so many influencers just echoes of others? In this powerful conversation, Chris Widener—one of the most respected speakers in the world—joins Josh Kosnick to discuss mentorship, integrity, revival, and the crisis of masculinity in modern leadership.Chris was personally mentored by Jim Rohn and Zig Ziglar, has spoken over 2,500 times, and now leads a movement for spiritual revival across America. If you want truth over trend, and purpose over platform—this episode is for you.Timestamps:00:00 - Intro00:46 - Welcome to Spartan Leadership01...2025-06-171h 05
Spartan Leadership with Josh KosnickThe Clarity Crisis: What High Performers Learn Too Late | Michael BrownlowWhat happens when the career you built no longer feels like the life you want?In this powerful episode of the Spartan Leadership Podcast, Josh Kosnick sits down with long-time friend and coach Michael Brownlow. After years of success at Northwestern Mutual, Michael made the rare decision to walk away—not because he failed, but because he felt called to something deeper.They explore what most leaders avoid: discomfort, identity shifts, physical pain, and what it really means to pursue purpose over performance. From stories of international travel to lessons learned in stillness and struggle, th...2025-06-101h 13
Spartan Leadership with Josh KosnickJoy in the Hard Things: Nancy Gale on Resilience, Craftsmanship, and Choosing PurposeNancy Gale didn’t just survive unthinkable trauma—she built something beautiful because of it.Founder of JAMAH, a luxury American-made handbag brand, and AMBITION, a nonprofit for disadvantaged youth, Nancy’s life is proof that purpose and pain can co-exist. In this conversation, we talk about her early years in Detroit, what it really takes to build a brand from scratch, and how she turned personal tragedy into a mission that’s impacted lives around the world.This episode is raw, honest, and full of moments that’ll stay with you long after it ends....2025-06-0354 min
Spartan Leadership with Josh KosnickWhy Work-Life Balance Is a Lie | Michael Creed on Leadership, Faith & LegacyIn this episode of Spartan Leadership, host Josh Kosk sits down for an in-person fireside chat with Michael Creed, Branch Manager at Luminate Home Loans. Michael shares his journey from a paycheck-to-paycheck upbringing to becoming a successful mortgage lender. Discover Michael's perspective on building a life of legacy, financial literacy, and how he coaches his team for success. Learn about his unique approach to balancing work and personal life, and his thoughts on the importance of living legacy over leaving a financial one. Don't miss out on these valuable insights into leadership, money management, and the long-term i...2025-05-271h 09
Spartan Leadership with Josh KosnickNic McKinley EXPOSES the Dark Truth About Human TraffickingFormer CIA operative Nic McKinley exposes the reality of human trafficking in America—and how his organization, DeliverFund, is fighting back using intelligence-grade tools.In this episode of Spartan Leadership, Josh Kosnick sits down with Nic to discuss his journey from elite U.S. Air Force Pararescueman to CIA operative, and now nonprofit founder leading the fight against exploitation and modern slavery.This is more than a conversation about trafficking. It’s a masterclass in courage, discipline, and doing what’s right when no one’s watching.🔗 Learn more about Nic’s work: https://www.d...2025-05-201h 15
The Thunder Stock ShowWho Not What | Josh Kosnick | EP 121About the guest, in his own words: Josh Kosnick is a Bridge Builder—a leader forged through fire and guided by faith. As the founder of Kairos Coaching and an EOS Implementer, he empowers individuals and organizations to align vision with execution, transforming struggles into steppingstones toward fulfillment.With firsthand experience in building and exiting three successful businesses, Josh brings a unique perspective on creating sustainable value and long-term impact. Through his masterminds and mentorship, he inspires others to embrace their calling,overcome adversity, and build le...2025-05-1651 min
Spartan Leadership with Josh KosnickThe Rock's Trainer Reveals the MOST IMPORTANT Lesson He LearnedIn this episode of Spartan Leadership Podcast, Aaron Williamson, The Rock's trainer, reveals the most important lesson he learned from training with The Rock. Tune in to hear about discipline, hard work, and the mindset of a US Marine.🚨 Aaron is also a featured keynote speaker at our upcoming Bridge Builder Live event at Five Bridges Farm. Learn more here: https://www.joshkosnick.com/bridgebuilderlive🔗 Aaron’s Website: https://www.aaronwilliamson.net📸 Instagram: @aaronwilliamson00:00:00 - Introduction00:03:24 - Joining the Marines & Early Life00:08:31 - Struggles After Service00:11:26 - Finding Purpose in Fitness2025-05-131h 10Spartan Leadership with Josh KosnickThe Trump Effect: Why His First 100 Days Hit Harder Than Ever | Ep. 209What if a president could reshape the country in just 100 days? In this episode, Josh Kosnick breaks down Donald Trump's aggressive first 100 days in office—from border security crackdowns and energy independence to AI infrastructure and regulatory rollbacks. This isn’t a partisan take. It’s a hard look at speed, scale, and how leadership decisions ripple through every layer of society. Whether you love him or hate him, Trump’s pace and priorities changed the rules.We explore the impact of his executive orders, where Congress failed to lead, and what this means for 2025 and beyond. Don’t mi...2025-05-061h 11
Spartan Leadership with Josh KosnickHow Dennis Rodman Got His Own Cigar - Adam Guard | Ep. 208Today on the Spartan Leadership Podcast, Josh Kosnick sits down with Adam Guard—entrepreneur, founder of Dreamer Cigars, and creator of Dreamers Health—to talk about leadership, entrepreneurship, and how to build a brand with purpose.Adam’s journey is one of bold moves: leaving a stable real estate career the day before his wedding, building Dreamer Cigars into a viral brand with over 200 million views, and expanding his mission through Dreamers Health—a platform reshaping how people approach wellness and vitality.In this episode, we dive into:How Adam transitioned from teacher and football...2025-04-2956 min
The Tyler Dickerhoof ShowThe Real Secret to Resilient Leadership in Recession with Josh KosnickIn this episode of The Tyler Dickerhoof Show, Josh Kosnick opens up about the emotional journey of facing betrayal and loss, and how it became the catalyst for a complete reinvention of his life and leadership. After losing everything he thought he was meant to do, Josh dove deep into the pain and grief, refusing to let himself fall into a victim mindset.Instead, he found a new path—one rooted in service, purpose, and unwavering faith. Josh shares how he embraced his true calling as a leader, coach, and speaker, determined to build so...2025-04-2359 min
Spartan Leadership with Josh KosnickWhat if Discipline Isn’t What You’ve Been Told It Is? - Craig Ballantyne | Ep. 207In this episode of the Spartan Leadership Podcast, Josh Kosnick sits down with Craig Ballantyne—author of The Perfect Day Formula, The Perfect Week Formula, and The Dark Side of Discipline. Craig has built five 7-figure businesses and helped over 260 entrepreneurs hit their first million—all while working less and living more.Craig was introduced to Josh by mutual friend Kary Oberbrunner (who’s publishing Josh’s upcoming book), and in this conversation they dive into:- How Craig went from broke, anxious trainer to 8-figure coach- The real formula for freedom a...2025-04-221h 04Spartan Leadership with Josh KosnickTariffs, Teslas, and Truth Bombs | Spartan Leadership Ep. 206In this explosive episode of the Spartan Leadership Podcast, Josh Kosnick sits down with Emmanuel Whitfield and Jason Smith to tackle some of the most controversial topics in American leadership and culture today. From tariffs and foreign investment to Teslas getting keyed in protest and the hypocrisy of the modern media, this episode pulls no punches.We explore:Why tariffs matter (and why the media lies about them)Elon Musk as the new scapegoatThe truth behind Argentina’s bombshell Hitler documentsThe ongoing erosion of civil discourseFinancial manipulation and how it's impacting everyday AmericansAs always, we...2025-04-151h 06
Spartan Leadership with Josh KosnickFrom Rock Bottom to Relentless: The Only Navy SEAL Turned French Foreign Legionnaire | Ep. 205Taylor Cavanaugh's life reads like a movie script: from jail, to Navy SEAL, back to jail, homeless and suicidal… then straight into the elite and brutal ranks of the French Foreign Legion.Now the only man known to have served in both elite forces, Taylor shares how he found purpose through pain, forged peace through discipline, and turned destruction into a deliberate life.🎧 In this episode of the Spartan Leadership Podcast, Josh Kosnick sits down with Taylor to talk about:The power of daily disciplineRebuilding your life from nothingWhat it means to live in align...2025-04-081h 04
Spartan Leadership with Josh KosnickChief Deputy Matthew Thomas on Courage, Cartels & the Border Crisis | Ep. 204In this episode of the Spartan Leadership Podcast, Josh Kosnick sits down with Chief Deputy Matthew Thomas of the Pinal County Sheriff's Office—one of the nation’s foremost voices on law enforcement, leadership, and border security.With over three decades of service, 700+ SWAT missions, and frontline experience battling cartel activity, Matt offers a raw, unfiltered look at what it means to lead under pressure.🎯 Key Topics:- How to lead when lives—not just livelihoods—are on the line- Border realities most Americans never hear about- The human toll of cartel-d...2025-03-251h 05
Spartan Leadership with Josh KosnickHow Crisis Intervention, Therapy, Leadership, and Resilience Can Save Lives - Joe Smarro | Ep. 203Welcome back to Spartan Leadership! In this powerful episode, Josh Kosnick sits down with Joe Smarro—Marine Corps veteran, former San Antonio police officer, and co-founder of Solution Point Plus.Joe has seen combat, crisis, and mental health struggles firsthand—from the battlefields of Iraq to the frontlines of law enforcement. Now, his mission is clear: bridge the gap between mental health and public safety, eradicate suicide among first responders, and equip leaders with the tools to handle high-pressure situations with courage, compassion, and connection.🚀 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:✅ Joe’s transition...2025-03-1859 minSpartan Leadership with Josh KosnickLeadership in Review: Corruption, Leadership & The Truth | Ep. 202In this episode, Josh Kosnick is joined by Jason Smith, a constitutional law expert turned business owner, and Emanuel Whitfeld, a bold voice on leadership and accountability. Together, they unpack the corruption in government, the real story behind Elon Musk’s involvement with the administration, and how poor messaging is hurting conservatives.🔥 Key Topics:The truth about Doge and why it’s exposing deep-seated government corruption.How Elon Musk went from green energy savior to public enemy #1.The Republican messaging problem and why they fail at communication.The reality of tariffs and why Ame...2025-03-1151 minSpartan Leadership with Josh KosnickAdam Zastrow: How to Lead with Strength, Faith & Conviction | Ep. 201Men today are more isolated, confused, and directionless than ever before. In this powerful conversation, Adam Zastrow joins Josh Kosnick to discuss what it means to be a true leader in your home, business, and faith.🚀 Topics We Cover:Defining Masculinity & the Joy in SacrificeThe Secret to Strong LeadershipFear Does Not Come from GodWhy Men Need Brotherhood & AccountabilityHow to Manage Anger & Take OwnershipThe Radical Commitment to RelationshipsThe Power of Faith in LeadershipThis is an episode every man needs to hear. If you...2025-03-041h 24
Spartan Leadership with Josh KosnickRyan Williams: The SEAL Mindset for Winning in Business | Ep. 200🚨 200 EPISODES STRONG! 🚨We’re celebrating this major milestone with a powerhouse guest—Ryan Williams, a former Navy SEAL turned entrepreneur. From the grueling intensity of BUD/S training to the high-stakes world of business, Ryan has mastered the art of resilience, leadership, and calculated risk-taking—lessons that apply to any entrepreneur looking to dominate.In this episode, Ryan breaks down:🔥 The transition from SEAL teams to running a multi-million dollar business🔥 Why discipline and reliability matter more than talent in business🔥 The hardest lessons learned from...2025-02-251h 07
Spartan Leadership with Josh KosnickFrom Security to Philanthropy: Alana Stott’s Mission to Make a Difference | Ep. 199In this episode of Spartan Leadership, I sit down with Alana Stott—entrepreneur, author, producer, and philanthropist—whose career spans security, finance, media, and global activism. Alana shares her journey from running high-stakes security operations to raising millions for charities like Heads Together with the support of Prince Harry. We also dive into her relentless fight against human trafficking and how her work earned her the prestigious MBE (Member of The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire) in the King’s 2023 Honor List.We cover:✅ The defining moments that shaped Alana’s path✅ How she and Dean...2025-02-181h 01
Spartan Leadership with Josh KosnickThe Neuroscience of Influence & Leadership with Rene Rodriguez | Ep. 198How do you truly influence people? Rene Rodriguez, a leading expert in behavioral neuroscience and leadership, joins Josh Kosnick on Spartan Leadership to break down the science of influence, personal branding, and leadership development.🔹 The Neuroscience Behind Influence🔹 Building a Personal Brand That Commands Attention🔹 Leadership, Emotional Intelligence & Self-Awareness🔹 How to Prepare for the Moments That Matter🔹 Why Your Credibility is Determined by Others, Not You📖 Rene's Book: Amplify Your Influence🎙️ Listen to the full episode & subscribe for more leadership insights!👉 Connect with Josh: https://linktr.ee/jo...2025-02-1158 min
Spartan Leadership with Josh KosnickThe Leadership Review: What America Needs Now with Jason Smith | Ep. 197In this episode, host Josh Kosnick dives into the latest political, economic, and cultural shifts impacting leadership today. Alongside Emmanuel Whitfield and special guest Jason Smith, owner of The Tasting Room cigar lounge, they tackle:✅ The rapid-fire executive orders shaking up policies✅ The real impact of DEI and its unintended consequences✅ Immigration policies under Trump’s new administration✅ The hypocrisy of modern political narratives✅ The controversial role of the military in funding transgender surgeries🔹 Why are America’s most critical issues being ignored in favor of ideological ba...2025-02-031h 11
Spartan Leadership with Josh KosnickNBA-Level Discipline: The Mindset That Separates the Best | Drew Hanlen - Ep. 196What do NBA superstars and top business leaders have in common? Elite discipline.In this episode of the Spartan Leadership Podcast, Drew Hanlen shares how adopting an NBA-level mindset can transform your leadership, success, and resilience. From cutting sugar for 10 years as a teenager to embracing discomfort through cold plunges and relentless self-discipline, Drew reveals the mental edge that separates champions from the rest.In this episode, we discuss:🏀 The work ethic that fuels NBA sta...2025-01-2852 min
Spartan Leadership with Josh KosnickAuthentic Faith & Real Community: Dave Bechtold - Outside the Walls | Ep. 195In this powerful episode of Spartan Leadership, Josh Kosnick sits down with Dave Bechtold, founder of Outside the Walls, to explore faith beyond traditional church settings. Dave shares his journey of ministry, the impact of Holy Smokes, Dads at Dave’s and others, and why real conversations often happen outside the pews—sometimes over a good cigar.💬 Key Topics Covered:✔️ Dave’s journey from Chicago to Madison’s faith community✔️ How vulnerability builds trust in leadership✔️ The mission of Outside the Walls and how it’s changing lives✔️ The power of authentic relati...2025-01-211h 01
Spartan Leadership with Josh KosnickThe War on Free Speech | Spartan Leadership Ep. 194Dive into the latest episode of the Spartan Leadership Podcast, where Josh Kosnick and guests tackle the harsh realities facing America today. From the erosion of free speech to the government’s mishandling of resources, this highlight reel is packed with candid discussions and bold perspectives.Featured Topics:The state of free speech in AmericaGovernment accountability and the $36 trillion debt crisisThe role of truth in today's divided societyConspiracy theories and the fight for transparency🎧 Subscribe for more unfiltered conversations and leadership insights.Stay Connected: 🌐 JoshKosnick.com📱 Instagram...2025-01-1457 min
Spartan Leadership with Josh KosnickMen, Mental Health, and the Angry Viking Therapist | Spartan Leadership Ep. 193In this episode of the Spartan Leadership Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Trevor Wilkins, also known as the Angry Viking Therapist. With over two decades of experience in law enforcement and trauma therapy, Dr. Wilkins shares his no-nonsense approach to tackling mental health challenges, especially for men in high-stress professions like military, law enforcement, and first responders.Topics we cover include:- Why men avoid conversations about mental health.- The stigma surrounding vulnerability and seeking help.- How cumulative trauma impacts high-stress professions.- Practical tools for mental resilience and...2025-01-071h 30
Spartan Leadership with Josh KosnickHarnessing Gratitude: The Secret Weapon of Exceptional Leaders - Matthew & Shannon MissimerJoin Spartan Leadership host Josh Kosnick as he delves into the transformative power of gratitude with Matthew and Shannon Missimer, the visionary founders of the Motion of Gratitude. In this special holiday episode, they explore how to lead with purpose and live with impact through intentional gratitude practices. Discover practical tips for rewiring the brain for gratitude, the science behind it, and how it can benefit you, your relationships, and your workplace. Whether you're an individual, parent, teacher, or corporate leader, this episode offers valuable insights and actionable steps to enhance mental health and overall well-being. Don't miss this...2024-12-241h 08
Spartan Leadership with Josh KosnickWe Need To DEMAND Better Leadership | Spartan Leadership Ep. 189Join Josh Kosnick and Emanuel Whitfield on this powerful episode of the Spartan Leadership Podcast as they tackle the critical issues of leadership, politics, and societal change. From exposing hypocrisy in media narratives to addressing the need for accountability in leadership, this episode is a deep dive into the importance of demanding better leadership across all levels.🔹 What does it mean to be a leader in today's political climate?🔹 How can we hold leaders accountable for their actions? 🔹 The untold stories of leadership failures and triumphs.This episode isn’t just about politics—it’s a masterc...2024-12-101h 02
Spartan Leadership with Josh KosnickUnmasking Financial Fraud with Forensic Accountant Christine Brunner | Spartan Leadership Podcast Ep. 188Are your finances as secure as they should be? In this thought-provoking episode of the Spartan Leadership Podcast, Josh Kosnick sits down with Christine Brunner, a seasoned forensic accountant with over 23 years of experience in litigation support and financial investigations. Known as the "brains behind the operation," Christine shares invaluable insights on safeguarding your business against fraud, maintaining financial accountability, and understanding the red flags that could save your business.What we discuss:[00:01:00] Why Christine believes people are good by nature despite financial crimes[00:03:00] What forensic accounting REALLY is (Hint...2024-12-0355 min
Spartan Leadership with Josh KosnickIan Sperry: Launching Leaders & Building the Kingdom | Spartan Leadership Podcast Ep.187In this episode, host Josh Kosnick speaks with entrepreneur Ian Sperry, a devoted follower of Jesus Christ and owner/operator of Christian Brothers Automotive franchises. Ian shares his journey from ministry to business ownership, discussing how culture, leadership, and faith interplay in his life and work. The conversation explores Ian's podcast, Kingdom Flow, which features stories of faith-led entrepreneurship.00:00 The Power of Leadership and Culture01:08 Addressing Veteran Suicide: Spartan Valor Foundation03:32 Introducing Spartan Leadership Podcast03:51 Meet Ian Sperry: Entrepreneurial Journey06:23 Overcoming Challenges in Business21:24 The Importance of Culture in Business35:56 The...2024-11-261h 07