Shows
THE BOLT PodcastBest of the BOLT: Leadership Wisdom That Ignited Season One (Part 1)We celebrate a season dedicated to growth and service with a curated highlight reel on mindset, habits, leadership, and fulfillment. Guests share tools for tiny wins, deeper listening, sober clarity, and the discipline that turns choices into lasting change.Guests that were highlighted on this special episode:Kristoffer Carter: Coaching As Heart Set And Meditation - View full episodeTodd Blyleven: Courage, Service, And Real Leadership - View full episodeTiffany Lewis: Fulfillment, Motherhood, And Ambition - View full episodeChristine Hockman: One Degree Shifts Philosophy - View full episodeScott J. Allen: Who You Are Is How...
2025-12-1929 min
THE BOLT PodcastThe Spark Behind Great Workplaces: Sam Falletta on Leadership, Change, and CultureSam Falletta went from a four-cubicle call center to president, owner, and leader of a values-driven sale. In this episode, he breaks down how he built an award-winning culture by focusing on what employees truly need: strengths-based leadership, real-life support, meaningful incentives, and coaching that shifts mindsets.We explore why most engagement efforts fall flat, how culture changes in a remote world, and the personal reasons behind his decision to step back and choose presence over pressure.We close with Capiches, his collection of bite-sized life lessons inspired by his dad. This episode is packed...
2025-11-251h 00
Thriving ThroughE58 From Digital Marketing CEO to Mental Fitness Coach | Todd BertschDiscover how a mental fitness program can transform your consulting practice from reactive chaos to calm, strategic leadership that attracts better clients and higher fees.In this episode, host AJ Riedel talks to Todd Bertsch, Owner of Birch Consulting Group and Evolve Marketing. Todd transformed his leadership style and business approach after discovering positive intelligence during COVID, building what he calls an "internal pause button" that changed how he responds to business challenges, client rejections, and unexpected setbacks.Why You Should Listen to This EpisodeIf you're tired of letting client rejections derail...
2025-11-1341 min
THE BOLT PodcastThe Curious Leader with Dave Loomis: Lessons from 10,000 ConversationsIn this episode of The BOLT Podcast, Dave Loomis, founder of Loomis Marketing and author of Customer Outsight, shares powerful lessons from conducting over 10,000 customer interviews. Drawing from decades of experience with Fortune 500 companies, Dave explores how curiosity, empathy, and active listening can transform leadership and organizational growth. Together, we unpack what it truly means to lead with outsight—seeing beyond yourself to better understand, connect, and inspire those you serve.What we discuss in this episode:Nonlinear career paths shaping service mindsetValue of executive coaching and accountabilityServant leadership as a growth ad...
2025-11-0558 min
THE BOLT PodcastFirst, Next, Only: Trailblazing Leadership with Justin HiltonIn this powerful episode, Leadership Akron President and CEO Justin Hilton joins host Todd Bertsch to explore what it truly means to be a trailblazer. From his journey as the first African-American architect intern under Robert P. Madison to his leadership across higher education, corporate, and nonprofit sectors, Justin shares lessons on courage, context, and curiosity. He opens up about vulnerability, faith, mentorship, and the power of designing not just a career—but a life. A conversation filled with wisdom, humility, and hope for the next generation of leaders. Discussion points from this episode:Peo...
2025-10-211h 02
THE BOLT PodcastBrain Health as a Leadership Advantage with Eric CollettWhat if what looks like “bad behavior” is really a brain problem, not a character flaw? In this episode, I sit down with Eric Collett, CEO of A Mind For All Seasons, to explore how energy, inflammation, and brain health shape our focus, mood, and leadership performance. We unpack why fixing your “hardware” matters more than adding new “software,” and how small, science-backed shifts—like improving sleep, managing stress, and fueling your brain right—can deliver life-changing results. Eric shares practical strategies anyone can start today, from “exercise snacks” and hormetic stressors to novel learning habits that forge new neural pathways. Whe...
2025-10-081h 09
Love Inspired LeadershipEmbracing Change: Mental Fitness, Growth Mindset & the Gift of Connection with Todd BertschDiscover how transforming impatience into curiosity and mental fitness can spark not only your own growth, but a ripple that inspires everyone around you. In this heartfelt conversation, Todd Bertsch reveals what’s possible when you choose reflection over reaction, embrace discomfort as the birthplace of purpose, and let meaningful connection lead your next chapter.What You’ll Hear:Todd’s honest journey from impatience and self-doubt into mental fitness and grounded confidenceThe moment and the mindset shift that opened the possibility for lasting change—at work, in life, and in relationshipsWhy Positive Intelligence is more than a t...
2025-10-0153 min
THE BOLT PodcastInspiring the Next Generation of Leaders with Kemp BoydKemp Boyd, executive director, pastor, coach, and community leader, shares how true leadership comes not from what we do, but from who we are. Through powerful stories of resilience, mental health advocacy, and his HOT philosophy (Humble, Open, Transparent), Kemp reveals how authenticity, vulnerability, and mentorship can transform families, teams, and communities. Moving from a "doing" culture to a "being" culture starts with understanding who you are firstTrue vulnerability means being the best version of yourself without concern for the outcomeManaging multiple roles requires intention, communication, and strong support systemsMental Health First Aid training equips leaders to recognize a...
2025-09-241h 07
THE BOLT PodcastHow to Reclaim Who You’ve Always Been with Natalie SistonTodd and Natalie dive into Positive Intelligence (PQ) as a practical operating system for mental fitness—using the pause to shift from negative reactivity to wise response. Natalie traces her journey from Silicon Valley and the Fortune 100 to entrepreneurship, shares the origin of her bestselling book Let Her Out, and explains how pausing, presence, and rediscovering what you loved as a kid unlock confidence and authentic leadership. The episode closes with a guided two-minute PQ practice that listeners can replay anytime.Insights & takeawaysMental fitness, defined: PQ = your ability to respond to life’s chal...
2025-09-101h 00
THE BOLT PodcastThe Go-Giver Way: Leadership, Influence, and Lasting Success with Bob BurgIn this inspiring BOLT Podcast episode, Bob Burg—Hall of Fame speaker and coauthor of the international bestseller The Go-Giver—shares timeless lessons on leadership, influence, and success. From overcoming 24 publisher rejections to building a worldwide movement translated into 30+ languages, Bob emphasizes that sustainable success comes from authenticity, providing immense value, and leading with heart. Drawing wisdom from mentors like Dale Carnegie, Zig Ziglar, and his own father, Bob reveals that giving is not only the key to business growth but also to living a meaningful life. Highlights from the episode:Bob Burg and co-au...
2025-08-2737 min
THE BOLT PodcastEmbracing Imperfection: Why Perfection Kills ProgressIn this episode, we uncover how perfectionism can be a major obstacle to authentic leadership and growth. We explore the psychology behind perfectionism, how a fixed mindset stifles innovation, and introduce Positive Intelligence’s saboteurs like the Controller and Hyperachiever. Learn the beauty of wabi-sabi and discover practical strategies to shift from perfectionism to progress, including lessons from Thomas Edison’s failures and Seth Godin's MVP approach. The challenge: release a project you’ve been holding back because it's not perfect enough and take that first step toward growth.Highlights from this episode:Perfection stifle...
2025-08-1319 min
THE BOLT PodcastLove-Centered Leadership: Transforming Lives & Businesses with Carolyn CooperCarolyn Cooper shares her life-changing journey from young sales professional to love-inspired leadership expert, revealing how bringing authentic love to business transforms organizations and leaders. Her powerful approach integrates decades of wisdom into practical frameworks that help individuals unleash their true potential and lead from the heart.Highlights from this episode:Operating from the highest vibration of love creates flow, ease, and meaningful connectionPerfectionism kills progress—releasing control leads to freedom and deeper alignment with purposeThe Aim High System offers six powerful steps to transform leadership: truth, trust, value, vision, presence, and celebrationOvercoming fear re...
2025-07-281h 01
THE BOLT PodcastFrom Curiosity to Connection: Mastering the Art of Influence with Molly KetchamIn this episode, leadership expert Molly Ketcham explores how curiosity can be a transformative leadership skill, helping leaders build deeper connections and drive meaningful results. Molly shares her journey from corporate success to professional speaking, revealing how asking better questions, rather than having all the answers, can improve leadership effectiveness. She highlights the need for authentic connection, especially in a world where many employees and managers are disengaged. By discussing the distinction between fixed and growth mindsets, Molly provides practical strategies for using curiosity to foster stronger relationships, particularly in remote and hybrid work environments. Through her insights, she...
2025-07-1453 min
Networking RxThis Is How To Build A Network Through Positive Intelligence (EPS 822) Todd Bertsch, dynamic speaker and entrepreneur, shares about his journey into positive intelligence and how it transformed his life and business. Learn more about him at https://www.toddbertsch.com/ For more great insight on professional relationships and business networking contact Frank Agin at frankagin@amspirit.com.
2025-07-0928 min
THE BOLT PodcastNetworking That Works: Building Real Relationships with Frank AginNetworking isn’t about business cards or small talk; it’s about human connection. In this episode, Frank Agin, founder of AmSpirit Business Connections and host of the NetworkingRx podcast, shares why he left a successful law career to help others build trust-based relationships that fuel success. Drawing on powerful stories, including one from anthropologist Margaret Mead, Frank explains why supporting others, even during their “broken femur” moments, leads to stronger, more resilient communities. He offers practical, heart-centered strategies for making networking feel natural, especially for introverts, and reframes platforms like LinkedIn as places to build relationships, not pitch products...
2025-07-0155 min
From Fear To FireTransforming Comfort with Todd BertschThis week’s theme: Transforming Comfort
In this powerful episode, we dive into the theme of Transforming Comfort, breaking free from the safety of the familiar to pursue real growth and purpose. Todd shares how a lightning bolt, a symbol from his childhood, became the metaphor for his transformation—from breakdancer to addict, and eventually to entrepreneur, speaker, and coach. His story reminds us that transformation often comes through discomfort, whether it’s a sudden, life-altering event or a gradual realization that “just fine” isn’t enough.
Todd challenges us to stop waiting for a dramat...
2025-06-2630 min
THE BOLT PodcastThe Mindset of a Champion: Wrestling, Leadership, and Storytelling with Ben HattaBen Hatta, former wrestler and Emmy-nominated producer, explores the intense rivalry between St. Edward and Walsh Jesuit in his documentary Clash of Dynasties. Growing up in a wrestling family, Ben's journey shaped his storytelling, revealing lessons about leadership and mentorship. A pivotal moment in the rivalry, when St. Edward's coach handed his playbook to rival coach Bill Barger, exemplifies true leadership and respect for opponents. Ben highlights how wrestling’s core principles, like resilience and determination, transfer to life’s challenges, emphasizing the importance of getting back up after setbacks. His mantra, "Energy is equal to desire and purpose," fuel...
2025-06-1850 min
THE BOLT PodcastJustice, Leadership, and Legacy: Greta Johnson’s Bold Path in Public ServiceGreta Johnson’s journey through public service is a powerful testament to trusting your gut and embracing life’s unexpected turns. Rooted in blue-collar values and shaped by her parents’ resilience, Greta has followed a “five-minute plan” mindset, focusing on excellence in the moment rather than rigid long-term goals. From prosecuting cases to becoming a state representative while raising twins, and now serving in Summit County administration, she has led with heart, intentionality, and courage. Her hard-earned wisdom around sustainability, “Resting is not quitting,” reminds us that meaningful impact starts with taking care of ourselves and others. Highlights fr...
2025-06-0458 min
THE BOLT PodcastNavigating the Emotional Journey of Selling Your Business with Denise LoganIn this powerful episode, Denise Logan opens up about the emotional complexities of business exits, drawing from her own experience of struggling to leave a thriving practice. A former mental health professional and law firm founder, Denise reveals the raw, unsanitized truth of her journey, including a moment when she contemplated crashing her car to create a crisis that would justify her departure. She frames business transitions as emotional journeys, comparable to empty nesting, and emphasizes that entrepreneurs must address the deeper needs beyond money, such as structure, identity, and belonging, before deciding to exit. Denise's candid story and...
2025-05-161h 00
THE BOLT PodcastBetter Humans, Better Performance: Leadership Lessons from Peter ReaIn this insightful conversation, Peter Rea, founder of Better Humans, Better Performance, explains how virtue-based leadership drives measurable results. Drawing from his experience at Parker Hannifin, he shares research showing that 75% of performance variance comes from character, not cognitive ability. Peter explores the seven classical virtues and their application in leadership, highlighting gratitude as a key driver of engagement and performance. He also offers practical advice for parents and educators on focusing on character development. This conversation provides actionable tools for creating lasting positive change through virtue.Highlights from the episode:The seven classical...
2025-05-071h 06
SpeakEasy HRLIVE from the 2025 HR Collaborative! Afternoon Session Episode🎙️ SpeakEasy HR: Live from the 2025 HR Collaborative continues in the afternoon with a fresh round of impactful interviews featuring industry leaders who are shaking up how we think about recruiting, leadership, performance, and workplace culture.At 2:25, Kim Dube of ReFlex Recruiting dives into how organizations can build a Recruiting Culture of Agility, sharing strategies for staying responsive and effective in a fast-changing talent landscape. Then at 2:40, Kristie Dierig, founder of Every Spark, delivers an energizing conversation around her session It’s Time to Be Disruptive!—challenging traditional thinking and encouraging bold moves in HR.At 2:55, leadershi...
2025-04-291h 35SpeakEasy HRLIVE from the 2025 HR Collaborative! Afternoon Session Episode🎙️ SpeakEasy HR: Live from the 2025 HR Collaborative continues in the afternoon with a fresh round of impactful interviews featuring industry leaders who are shaking up how we think about recruiting, leadership, performance, and workplace culture.At 2:25, Kim Dube of ReFlex Recruiting dives into how organizations can build a Recruiting Culture of Agility, sharing strategies for staying responsive and effective in a fast-changing talent landscape. Then at 2:40, Kristie Dierig, founder of Every Spark, delivers an energizing conversation around her session It’s Time to Be Disruptive!—challenging traditional thinking and encouraging bold moves in HR.At 2:55, leadershi...
2025-04-291h 35
THE BOLT PodcastHR Like a Boss: Transforming Leadership and Empowering People with John BernatoviczJohn Bernanovich, entrepreneur, keynote speaker, author, and HR expert, challenges us to reframe how we talk about our full schedules during this deeply authentic conversation about purposeful living and transformational leadership. Drawing from his 25 years of entrepreneurial experience and his best-selling book "HR Like a Boss," John shares the pivotal mindset shifts that changed his approach to business and life. When he lost both parents in a compressed timeframe, he found himself questioning his purpose and ultimately discovered that true fulfillment comes from pouring into others rather than chasing sales or status. At its core, John's message is beautifully...
2025-04-221h 13
The Unstuck Movement with Rob Z WentzAddicted to Growth w/ Todd BertschWhat happens when a man addicted to destruction becomes obsessed with growth?This episode is with Todd Bertsch, a speaker, coach, podcast host, and former agency owner who shares his radical transformation and how he helps others spark lasting change.Todd Bertsch is a former web designer and digital agency owner turned keynote speaker, Positive Intelligence® coach, and host of The BOLT Podcast. After surviving drug and alcohol addiction, he transformed his life through personal growth, Positive Intelligence, and purpose-driven living, now empowering others to do the same.Find out more about Todd B...
2025-04-1639 min
THE BOLT PodcastShattering Silence: Kat Polsinelli on Breaking Free from Abuse and Finding EmpowermentKat Polsinelli’s journey from darkness to light exemplifies the remarkable human ability to not only survive but thrive after trauma. From childhood performances that built her confidence to surviving a decade-long abusive relationship, single motherhood at 16, and PTSD, Kat’s path is one of resilience and transformation. The conversation explores her pivotal moment of awakening when she saw her son mimicking the harmful behaviors of her abuser, igniting her decision to reclaim her identity. Kat redefines trauma, offering a practical approach to setting boundaries and nurturing self-worth. Through her business, The Lotus Effect, she embodies the belief that whil...
2025-04-1446 min
THE BOLT PodcastBuilding Niche Powerhouses: Leadership, Growth, and Positivity with Scott HubbleScott Hubble is an entrepreneurial leader who has transformed niche RV companies into industry powerhouses through market insight, people-focused leadership, and resilience. With a background in accounting, law, and business, Scott revolutionized the teardrop trailer market by blending European design with Amish craftsmanship, turning a stagnant product into a thriving business at nuCamp . His leadership philosophy centers around the belief that "people matter most," fostering cultures of innovation and care that drive success. Now, with Awaken RV, Scott is applying his approach to disrupt the molded fiberglass trailer market. Despite personal challenges, his "forward-failing" mindset drives his belief that...
2025-04-0855 min
THE BOLT PodcastTurning Pain into Purpose: Leadership, Sobriety, and Mental Health with Dan FlanaganDan Flanagan’s journey from addiction, family mental health struggles, and professional setbacks to one of purpose, service, and joy offers a powerful roadmap for transformation. Starting as a sales rep at Group Management Services, Dan faced personal challenges that eventually led him to re-evaluate his life. It wasn’t until May 2019 that he reached a breaking point with alcoholism. Committing to sobriety, now approaching six years, Dan’s foundation in faith and a "one day at a time" mindset has transformed his life. His family’s ongoing mental health struggles inspired him to co-found the Brain Enrichment Initiative (BEI), wh...
2025-04-021h 04
Unfinished BusinessTransforming Challenges into Growth | Todd Bertsch | Unfinished Business PodcastMost people want change, but they don’t know where to start or how to break through old habits. That’s where Todd Bertsch, Owner and President of Evolve Marketing, comes in. In this episode, David Sliman sits down with Todd to talk about reinvention, resilience, and rewiring your mindset to reach your full potential.
From his early struggles with addiction and rock-bottom moments to building a thriving business and helping professionals transform their lives, Todd proves that change is possible when you commit to winning the day. If you feel stuck, unmotivated, or overwhelmed, this episode will...
2025-03-2658 min
THE BOLT PodcastUnlocking Transformation: The Power of Self-Development with John GeraghtyJohn Geraghty’s inspiring journey from struggling with alcoholism to becoming an acclaimed optimal performance coach showcases the power of personal transformation. After battling alcohol from a young age, John made a life-changing decision at 29 to rebuild his life through personal development, including reading a book a week for 30 years. His transformative approach is centered around his Prism of Perspective framework, which teaches that our beliefs, energy, and presence shape how we experience life. By consciously reshaping these beliefs, we can unlock profound change. John’s own physical transformation is equally remarkable—having gone from being clinically obese and in chr...
2025-03-2658 min
THE BOLT PodcastFrom Peaks to Boardrooms: Leadership Lessons from the Edge with Lei WangIn this inspiring episode of the BOLT Podcast, host Todd Bertsch interviews Lei Wang, a leadership developer, executive advisor, and the first Asian woman to complete the Explorer’s Grand Slam—climbing the highest peak on every continent and skiing to both the North and South Poles. Lei shares her incredible journey from a corporate career in finance and technology to extreme adventure, highlighting the power of curiosity, resilience, and strategic goal-setting.Key Takeaways:Bold Beginnings: Lei set her Everest goal simply to improve her health but discovered a passion for extreme chal...
2025-03-1938 min
Breakfast Leadership ShowFrom Adversity to Empowerment: Todd Bertsch's Inspiring Journey to Transform LivesTodd Bertsch is a dynamic entrepreneur, motivational speaker, life-optimization coach, and host of The BOLT Podcast. His remarkable journey from overcoming challenges in his youth to a life-changing transformation in his 20s has shaped his career and established him as a respected figure in digital marketing, education, and leadership. In 2009,
Todd founded Evolve Marketing, a successful digital agency that reflects his curious spirit and dedication to excellence. Driven by a passion to inspire, Todd's mission is to encourage individuals to embrace change, cultivate a growth mindset, and lead lives filled with purpose and fulfillment. His commitment to...
2025-03-1727 min
THE BOLT PodcastThe Formula for Success: Unlocking Peak Health and Energy with Josh PhelanIn this episode of the BOLT podcast, Todd Bertsch sits down with Josh Phelan, a top personal trainer and founder of Chasing Optimal, to explore his inspiring journey of transformation and the powerful lessons he’s learned along the way. Josh shares his story of overcoming personal struggles, including battling unhealthy habits and the challenges of COVID, to lose 32 pounds in two months and regain his confidence. As a trainer, Josh helps business-owning men optimize their health, focusing on sustainable fitness, the power of mindset, and the importance of small, intentional steps. Throughout the conversation, they discuss the value of...
2025-03-121h 03