Shows
Building Champions for LifeFrom WTA Champion to Mentor: Coco Vandeweghe on Cultivating Resilient, Self-Driven AthletesAt thirteen, Coco Vandeweghe chose tennis over basketball through self-reflection rather than external pressure—a decision that fundamentally altered her trajectory. This self-directed choice generated intrinsic motivation that sustained her through the brutal realities of professional tennis. When she witnessed elite players training at a professional academy, she confronted a critical truth: casual practice differs fundamentally from intentional, meticulous work. Her breakthrough came not from talent but from owning her career entirely at twenty, assembling her own team and making independent decisions after the USTA rejected her.Her guidance to parents and young athletes directly ch...
2026-01-281h 05
Building Champions for LifeYouTube Co-Founder Steve Chen on Building World-Changing InnovationSteve Chen's revolutionary insight is deceptively simple: most startups reveal viability within three to six months, making rapid experimentation more valuable than extensive planning. His trajectory from PayPal to co-founding YouTube demonstrates that breakthrough innovations emerge from treating technical and market constraints as solvable problems rather than insurmountable barriers. Steve's deliberate cultivation of inclusive organizational cultures—where frontline employees contribute product insights regardless of title—reveals that the best solutions come from proximity to real user needs. The willingness to pivot when assumptions prove wrong, combined with metrics-driven decision-making, enabled YouTube to evolve from a fai...
2026-01-2145 min
Building Champions for LifeCraig Kaplan's Vision for Transparent, Safe Superintelligent SystemsCraig Kaplan's nearly four-decade career in artificial intelligence culminated in a singular mission: ensuring that superintelligent systems embody human values rather than threatening humanity's future. His core insight—that values trump technology and that reason alone cannot generate moral frameworks—rests on philosophical foundations that superintelligent machines will never independently derive ethics and therefore must receive human values during their design phase.Kaplan's mission democratizes responsibility for AI safety by recognizing that every individual shapes superintelligent systems through their digital behavior. In education, he champions critical thinking over AI bans, emphasizing that teachers remain irre...
2026-01-1451 min
Building Champions for LifeTransforming Others' Lives Through Influence with Angela LewisAngela Lewis's accidental discovery as a basketball player at age twelve evolved into a deliberate mission to transform young lives globally through sport. Rather than relying on natural talent, she built excellence through relentless work ethic, competitive environments, and a lifelong commitment to helping others. A friend's death while she worked as a college basketball coach became her turning point, redirecting her from recruiting toward broader impact: writing books, speaking, and mentoring young people—particularly young women—to recognize their inherent power to influence others.Her philosophy centers on three critical elements: belief systems, inte...
2026-01-0738 min
Building Champions for LifeThe Prosperity Revolution: Randy Gage's Vision for Abundance-Based ConsciousnessRandy Gage's transformation from incarcerated youth to self-made millionaire demonstrates that prosperity is not determined by circumstances but by the beliefs we hold about ourselves. His Prosperity Operating System identifies how cultural programming, media representation, and familial influence create invisible limiting beliefs about money, success, relationships, and health that sabotage achievement. By recognizing these beliefs as learned constructs rather than truths, individuals can dismantle them and replace them with empowering alternatives that align with their true potential.Genuine transformation requires identifying limiting beliefs, eviscerating them through honest examination, and continuously counter-programming with positive influences...
2025-12-3141 min
Building Champions for LifeSelf-Trust Over Self-Doubt: Kate Allgood on the Science of Mental ResilienceKate Allgood's evolution from elite ice hockey player to performance coach and CEO of Quantum Performance, Inc. reveals a transformative insight: the mind is not supplementary to physical training but the primary lever through which all athletic achievement flows. During her university years, she pivoted from sports management to psychology, driven by fascination with the mind-body connection. This realization became the gateway to her life's work: helping athletes access the zone or flow state, a condition of complete presence where performance becomes effortless despite tremendous physical exertion, achieved through trusting training and surrendering to the experience...
2025-12-2451 min
Building Champions for LifeSaving Lives After Service: Matt Maples' Vision for Veteran SupportMatt Maples, shaped deeply by his family’s tradition of military service and the strong values imparted by his grandfather, has devoted his life to supporting veterans in meaningful and lasting ways. Though unable to serve himself, he has become a leader in USA Cares, focusing on the urgent crisis of veteran suicide and the unique challenges veterans face when transitioning from military to civilian life. He recognizes that veterans often lose their sense of community, identity, and purpose, which can lead to devastating outcomes without the right support.Through USA Cares, Maples has championed a...
2025-12-1726 min
Building Champions for LifeBuilding Legacies: Marques Ogden on Overcoming Adversity and Impacting CommunityAt the heart of Marques Ogden’s philosophy is the principle of impact—not simply pursuing personal achievement but leveraging one’s experience and insight to inspire and uplift others. He maintains that real impact occurs through the intentional sharing of wisdom, energy, and knowledge, sparking a ripple effect that extends across communities and creates lasting positive change. Marques views a supportive community as crucial, emphasizing the importance of choosing one’s environment, information sources, and associations wisely to cultivate accountability and collective progress.Marques encourages individuals to surround themselves with people who are not only hon...
2025-12-1040 min
Building Champions for LifeMore Than Basketball: Zaza Pachulia on Mentorship, Mindset, and Lasting InfluenceZaza Pachulia’s enduring career in the NBA, particularly with the Golden State Warriors, offered him first-hand insight into the elements that foster a winning culture—talent, shared values, camaraderie, and servant leadership. He observed how even the most prominent figures on the team maintained humility and inclusivity, emphasizing collective achievement over individual accolades. For Zaza, the most meaningful legacy was rooted in the relationships he built and the mutual respect shared among teammates and coaches, highlighting that true fulfillment comes from camaraderie and the support extended during both victories and challenges.Beyond professional success, Zaza...
2025-12-0350 min
The Amazing Authorities PodcastReinventing Education: How ICL Academy Builds Global Young LeadersIn this episode of Amazing Authorities, host Mitch Carson sits down with Kirk Spahn, CEO of ICL Academy, to explore how his groundbreaking school is reshaping education for the next generation of global leaders, athletes, and performers. Kirk shares how ICL evolved from a civic leadership institute into a fully accredited, passion-driven online academy now serving over 1,000 students from 49 countries.He explains how their flexible model supports high-performing youth, why applied learning and community-driven engagement outperform traditional classroom methods, and how ICL integrates essential character development and mental health training into its core curriculum....
2025-11-1840 min
Building Champions for LifeBlueprints to Billions: Lance Cayko's Architectural EmpireLance Cayko's story is more than a tale of success—it's a testament to resilience. He candidly discusses significant setbacks, including job loss and divorce, revealing how he transformed these challenges into fuel for his ambitions. His straightforward advice to aspiring entrepreneurs resonates with its simplicity and power: "Keep the faith, man. It's that simple. Don't look back, look forward. One step in front of the other. Double down on your effort, try even harder."This episode offers invaluable insights for anyone seeking to ignite their passion or navigate the complexities of entrepreneurship. Lance's experiences serve as a...
2025-11-1222 min
Building Champions for LifeJason Reid on Winning at Life: The Hidden Struggles of High AchieversIn this powerful episode of Building Champions for Life, host Kirk Spahn sits down with Jason Reid, a successful entrepreneur turned mental health advocate, to explore the hidden struggles of high-performing youth. From the pressures of social media to the impact of emerging technologies, Jason shares invaluable insights on recognizing the signs of mental health challenges in seemingly successful young athletes and students.Jason's journey from construction industry leader to passionate mental health champion began with a personal tragedy—the loss of his 14-year-old son to suicide. This heartbreaking experience fueled his mission to bring mental health di...
2025-11-0540 min
Building Champions for LifeAlan Lazaros on Tracking Success: The Power of Metrics in Personal GrowthAlan Lazaros's journey from pain to purpose is nothing short of extraordinary. After losing his father at age two, experiencing family abandonment at fourteen, and surviving a near-fatal car accident at twenty-six, this transformational leader discovered his calling: bringing personal development to the masses through practical, no-nonsense strategies. His story demonstrates the incredible power of perseverance and intentional growth, showing how life's most devastating moments can become the catalyst for profound transformation and success.The conversation reveals Alan's revolutionary approach to success through his habit-tracking system and the science behind achievement. With over 11,000 coaching sessions, training programs...
2025-10-2944 min
Building Champions for LifeGood Peopling: Elizabeth Bieniek on the Art of LeadershipElizabeth Bieniek’s journey from English major to tech trailblazer is a testament to the power of curiosity. As the former Director of Innovation at Cisco, she shattered the mold of traditional tech leadership, proving that asking "why" can be more valuable than any coding skill. Her unconventional background became her secret weapon in the world of corporate innovation.In the tech industry, where ones and zeros often take center stage, Elizabeth stands out by championing the human element. She's not just talking about user experience; she's redefining how we connect in the digital age. Her philosophy of...
2025-10-2240 min
Building Champions for LifeRewriting Education: Dr. Danny Brassell's Innovative Teaching StrategiesDr. Danny Brassell—a dynamic educator, speaker, and author is revolutionizing the way we think about learning and communication. From overcoming a childhood stutter to inspiring thousands of students and educators worldwide, Danny's journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and positive thinking.Danny shares his infectious enthusiasm for education, revealing innovative strategies to engage students and ignite a lifelong love of learning. He challenges listeners to rethink traditional teaching methods, emphasizing the importance of fun, relevance, and visual thinking in the classroom. "Don't let anybody ever tell you what you cannot do," Danny asserts, em...
2025-10-1545 min
Building Champions for LifeDean Taylor on Rediscovering Purpose: A Working Dad's TransformationDean Taylor's journey from a childhood dream of becoming a country music star to his current role as a life coach for working dads is a testament to the power of rediscovering dormant dreams and finding renewed purpose. His story illustrates that while our specific aspirations may change over time, the core desire to make an impact and influence others can remain a driving force throughout our lives. Dean emphasizes the importance of living the values we preach, noting that our actions speak louder than words when it comes to inspiring others, especially our children, to pursue their dreams.
2025-10-0832 min
Building Champions for LifeBeyond the Base Path: Transforming Athletic Skills into Entrepreneurial Success with James HilovskyJames Hilovsky’s journey from minor league baseball to restaurant industry veteran and franchise expert showcases the power of reinvention and resilience. His experience with the Philadelphia Phillies and subsequent climb through the restaurant business ladder demonstrates how skills honed in athletics translate to the corporate world. James draws parallels between franchising and following a well-crafted playbook, making it an ideal fit for athletes transitioning to business.Beyond business strategies, James emphasizes the importance of recreating team dynamics in professional settings. He speaks passionately about building camaraderie similar to that found in locker rooms and highlights the va...
2025-10-0127 min
ElefantenrundePutin sucht Ärger, Bahnminister ohne Fahrplan, Deutschland in KriegsfurchtMärtyrer, Drohnen, Glaubenskrieger - das weltweite Spiel mit der Angst. AfD-Schlappen bei der NRW-Wahl. Bringen Drohnen den Wirtschaftsaufschwung? Markus Söder singt Bedienungsanleitung für die Wiesn: "Touching me, touching you." Herzlich willkommen zur Elefantenrunde, dem Podcast über Strategien, Machtkämpfe und Porzellanläden. Analytisch scharf. Strategisch klug. Unterhaltsam. Die Politiknerds Frank Stauss und Hajo Schumacher lösen sich von den Aufgeregtheiten der Tagespolitik und blicken kritisch, aber entspannt auf die Weltlage zwischen Nussloch und Washington. Fragen, Anregungen, Lob bitte hier: Elefantenrunde bei Instagram. Unsere Themen: Die USA treibt ins Mittelalter. Putin und das Stockholm-Syndrom der Ostdeutschen. Erstmals fürchte...
2025-09-3058 min
Building Champions for LifeSafety First: Anna Reger's Innovative Approach to School ProtectionAnna Reger’s journey from adversity to impact is a testament to perseverance and purpose. She overcame a challenging upbringing in Houston, dropping out of high school and working in foster care. A near-fatal car accident became her wake-up call, propelling her from GED classes to college success with the help of supportive mentors.Her true championship moment came when maternal instinct met entrepreneurial spirit, leading to the creation of FlipLok—a groundbreaking classroom safety device. Anna shares her experience building a company in a male-dominated industry, driven by the conviction that her innovation could save young live...
2025-09-2328 min
Caren MiosgaTrump spaltet die USADie politische Lage in den USA ist angespannt: Nach dem Mord an dem Polit-Aktivisten Charlie Kirk und Angriffen der Trump-Administration auf die Pressefreiheit steht das Vertrauen in die Standhaftigkeit der Demokratie auf dem Spiel. Der Unionsfraktionsvorsitzende und Transatlantiker Jens Spahn vertritt bislang einen pragmatischen Kurs gegenüber US-Präsident Trump und erkennt Überschneidungen mit deutschen Positionen – etwa in Verteidigungsfragen, der Energiepolitik und im Umgang mit China. Welche Lehren lassen sich aus der derzeitigen US-Politik ziehen? Und welche Auswirkungen haben populistische Bewegungen auf die Stabilität demokratischer Systeme – auch in Deutschland?
2025-09-2159 min
Gilda con Arne – Der Politik-PodcastGCA #2: Charlie Kirk, Bundespolizei & Überraschende Forderung von Jens SpahnSupporte uns auf: steady.de/gildaconarne
Das sind unsere Themen der Woche :
- Die Ermordung von Charlie Kirk polarisiert – in den USA und auch in Deutschland. Warum ist das so gefährlich?
- Eine Besetzung an der Akademie der Bundespolizei sorgt für Diskussionen.
- Was wir aus den Ergebnissen der Kommunalwahlen in NRW lernen können.
- Die Jens-Spahn-Forderungssaison hat wieder begonnen! Und diesmal wagt er sich auf ein für ihn eher ungewöhnliches Terrain…
Quellen und Links:
Dunya Hayali: https://www.t-online.de/unterhalt...
2025-09-1754 min
Building Champions for LifeThe Joy Success Cycle: Finding Joy in Every Task with Kevin SuraceIn this conversation, Kirk Spahn and Kevin Surace explore the journey of entrepreneurship, emphasizing the importance of passion, purpose, and joy in achieving success. Surace shares insights from his diverse career, highlighting the significance of teamwork, learning from others, and maintaining curiosity. He introduces the concept of the Joy Success Cycle, which ties joy to productivity and success, and discusses the importance of adaptability and perseverance in the face of challenges. The conversation concludes with key takeaways for young entrepreneurs, encouraging them to stay humble, curious, and focused on adding value to the world.
2025-09-1640 min
ElefantenrundeGerechtigkeit - das unterschätzte Thema für Kanzler Merz und seine CDUWarum Malocher-Mythos und Herzkammer-Geschwätz eine falsche Realität beschreiben und andere Lehren aus der NRW-Wahl. Wer in der SPD baut Brücken in die Zukunft? Warum gewinnt die AfD Stimmen, aber keine Posten? Grüße an Franks Mama Erika, 93. Fragen, Anregungen, Kritik, Lob hier: Elefantenrunde bei Instagram. Herzlich willkommen zu Strategien, Machtkämpfen und Porzellanläden. Analytisch scharf. Strategisch klug. Unterhaltsam. Die Politiknerds Frank Stauss und Hajo Schumacher lösen sich von den Aufgeregtheiten der Tagespolitik und blicken kritisch, aber entspannt auf die Weltlage zwischen Nussloch und Washington. Unsere Themen: Was hat es mit der geheimnisvollen Botschaft von Jens Spa...
2025-09-161h 11
Lauer und WehnerDrohnen über Polen, Beitragsbemessungsgrenze, Spahn und Simple-Breath
In der 198. Folge von Lauer und Wehner reden Ulrich und Christopher ob die Linken schuld an den Rechten sind, über rechtsextreme Vollseppel, Herbert Reul und die doppelte Staatsbürgerschaft in der PKS, bewaffnete russische Drohnen im polnischen Luftraum, eine absurde Debatte über die Beitragsbemessungsgrenze, eine illegale Hausdurchsuchung bei einer JUSO-Chefin im Sauerland und über die Firma Simple-Breath, die Millionen-Aufträge von Jens Spahns Gesundheitsministerium bekam, bevor sie im Handelsregister eingetragen war.
Bitte beachte, dass diese Folge bereits am Mittwoch, den 10. September 2025 aufgezeichnet wurde. Außerdem wurde sie vor dem Attentat auf Charlie Kirk am selben Tag aufgezeichnet.
In...
2025-09-151h 36
Building Champions for LifeTransforming Tragedy into Purpose with Heidi JohnsonIn this conversation, Kirk Spahn and Heidi Johnson of Charity Matters explore the transformative power of passion, purpose, and service in the nonprofit sector. Heidi shares her personal journey from a life-altering tragedy to founding a successful nonprofit organization, emphasizing the importance of storytelling, teamwork, and resilience. They discuss the challenges faced in nonprofit work, the significance of finding one's gifts, and the joy of giving back to the community. The conversation culminates in promoting Heidi's book and podcast, which aim to inspire others to discover their purpose and make a positive impact.
2025-09-0933 min
Building Champions for LifeFrom Battlefield to Boardroom: Craig Andrews' JourneyIn this conversation, Craig Andrews of Allies 4 Me shares his remarkable journey from a Marine veteran to a successful entrepreneur and author. He discusses his transition from engineering to marketing, the importance of lifelong learning, and the challenges he faced in business and health. Craig emphasizes the significance of trust, relationships, and creating positive experiences for others. His insights on perseverance and personal growth provide valuable lessons for anyone looking to become a champion in their own life.
2025-09-0237 min
Building Champions for LifeMind Over Matter: Dan Jansen on Perseverance and Giving BackIn this moving episode of Building Champions for Life, host Kirk Spahn sits down with Olympic gold medalist and world record holder Dan Jansen to reflect on one of the most powerful journeys in sports history. From skating on frozen ponds in Wisconsin to heartbreak on the Olympic stage, Dan opens up about how the tragic loss of his sister Jane shaped his mental fortitude, fueled his relentless pursuit of excellence, and ultimately led to his unforgettable gold medal moment in Lillehammer. Together, they explore the foundational “6 P’s”, and how Dan's mindset and resilience continue to inspire the next g...
2025-07-2450 min
Leaders & Legacies212 - Leadership Through Purpose - How Kirk Spahn Helps Students Excel On and Off the CourtKirk Spahn brings leadership to life at ICL Academy, a school built for students who aim higher—on the court, on the stage, or in their communities. In this conversation, Kirk breaks down what it takes to lead with purpose. He shares how ICL moves beyond academics to develop discipline, resilience, and character. The goal? To build champions for life.Kirk reveals how elite athletes and performers grow not just through hard work but through intentional structure and mindset. He details how ICL pairs students with mentors, designs custom curriculum around passions, and instills the habits of hi...
2025-07-2241 min
Educator Forever139. The Future of Education with Kirk Spahn of ICL AcademyKirk Spahn is a fourth generation educator with more than two decades in the field. After graduating from Dartmouth College, he worked for schoolmaster.net, an early online learning platform based in London.But it was the events of Sept. 11 that inspired him that inspired him to start the Institute for Civic Leadership (ICL), an award winning youth educational nonprofit organization..In this episode, Kirk tells the entire story of ICL’s founding and the challenges of online learning. He also discusses the importance of mentors in a child’s education, how the COVID 19 lockdown affected online lear...
2025-06-1135 min
Building Champions for LifeFrom Touchdowns to Tech: The Multifaceted Mission of Blake CorumIn this inspiring episode of Building Champions for Life, host Kirk Spahn sits down with Blake Corum—NFL running back for the Los Angeles Rams and two-time All-American from the University of Michigan. Known for his record-breaking rushing touchdowns and leadership on the field, Blake’s story is one of relentless dedication, resilience, and purpose. But as Kirk reveals, Blake’s impact extends far beyond football. He’s already making waves as a philanthropist, entrepreneur, and role model for the next generation of athletes.Blake opens up about his journey from a small-town upbringing to becoming a national...
2025-06-0445 min
Building Champions for LifeBeyond the Baseline: Iva Jovic’s Journey On and Off the CourtIn this episode, host Kirk Spahn sits down with rising WTA tennis star and ICL Academy student Iva Jovic for a deep, inspiring conversation about purpose, perseverance, and finding joy in the grind. Iva shares how the stillness of the COVID-19 lockdown sparked her love of tennis and how that spark ignited a journey from hitting balls on public basketball courts to winning international titles and making her mark on the pro circuit.Together, they explore Iva’s development through the Six P’s framework—Passion, Purpose, Process, People, Perseverance, and Perspective—and how she...
2025-05-2736 min
Building Champions for LifeBuilding Champions for Life: The 6 P's with Kirk SpahnJoin host Kirk Spahn as he embarks on a journey to uncover the mindsets, habits, and philosophies of champions and transformative leaders. In this podcast, Kirk sits down with innovators, entrepreneurs, athletes, artists, and changemakers who are redefining what it means to lead and succeed. Each episode offers deep insights, honest stories, and practical wisdom to help you unlock your highest potential. In this introductory episode, Kirk lays the foundation by introducing the 6 P’s that guide his philosophy of Building Champions for Life. These six pillars—Passion, Purpose, Process, People, Perseverance, and Personalization—shape not only the ind...
2025-05-1031 minBuilding Champions for LifeBuilding Champions for Life IntroductionHost Kirk Spahn introduces his new podcast: Building Champions for Life
2025-04-1200 min
Your Brand AmplifiedPassion-Driven Learning: Kirk Spahn's Mission to Inspire Youth Through EducationKirk Spahn’s insights on leadership and education emphasize the importance of empowering youth to create meaningful change. His journey is shaped by the values of education, entrepreneurship, and mentorship, instilled in him by his family. Through his work, Kirk advocates for a balanced approach to learning—combining traditional educational elements with modern, personalized methods. He believes that a holistic approach, focused on both academic achievement and character development, is key to preparing young people for a rapidly changing world.
Central to Kirk’s philosophy is the power of mentorship and peer-to-peer learning. He sees mentorship not just a...
2025-03-0334 min
Charity MattersEpisode 82: ICL FoundationDynamic educator and nonprofit founder, Kirk Spahn shares his inspirational story on this week’s episode of the Charity Matter’s Podcast. Kirk combined his passions of sports, his friends, education and a deep civic duty to create what is now the twenty year old ICL Foundation. Learn how one 23 year old set out to help in a small way, and today, is transforming education by teaching thousands of students how to learn and lead. One person can make a difference and Kirk's story and passion are proof.
2025-01-2956 min
MEDIASCAPE: Insights From Digital ChangemakersFrom Tennis Courts to Virtual Schools: Kirk Spahn on Innovation in EducationEver wondered how virtual education can transform from mundane to magical? In this episode, we promise you'll gain exclusive insights from Kirk Spahn, a fourth-generation educator whose journey spans competitive junior tennis, an influential stint at Dartmouth College, and pioneering work in Europe with School-Master.net. As the founder of ICL Academy, Kirk reveals how virtual education has evolved, drawing parallels to the impactful rise of e-commerce, and shares how inspiration from visionaries like Steve Jobs has shaped today's personalized and engaging online learning environments. Discover the power of multimedia in education as Kirk explains how real-world s...
2024-08-2835 min
Learning for Good | L&D Solutions and Leadership Development for Nonprofit OrganizationsLeadership Development Lessons from the OlympicsAs a training and leadership development consultant, I'm always wondering what we can learn from things around us, like the Olympics. The Olympics brings together top athletes from around the world as they compete against each other and their best selves. It takes years of practice and dedication to achieve something like this. We can learn a lot about leadership from the Olympics and I want to share that with you today with special guests Kirk Spahn and Sara Daum.▶️ Leadership Development Lessons from the Olympics ▶️ Key Points:02:06 The proc...
2024-08-1220 min
ParentingAces - The Junior Tennis and College Tennis PodcastVirtual School 3.0 with Kirk SpahnTrying to decide which type of school is best for your child is a tricky proposition at best. If the child is an elite athlete striving to reach the highest levels of the sport, it becomes even more complicated. In this week's podcast, Lisa chats with Kirk Spahn, a former collegiate tennis player who is the mind behind Dwight Global Academy, an online extension of the prestigious Dwight School based in Manhattan. We think you'll find the conversation very (pardon the pun!) educational and eye-opening! The following is an article written by Kirk and his...
2018-08-1400 min