What does skydiving have to do with leadership?

In this powerful episode of Spirits and Stories, Donald Dunn sits down with leadership coach and engineering executive Joe to explore how stepping outside your comfort zone transforms the way you lead, think, and grow.

With over 650 skydives and years of experience building high-performance teams in mission-critical environments, Joe shares practical leadership lessons on:

1. How to overcome fear and take calculated risks
2. Why growth mindset beats achievement mindset
3. How to reduce risk without becoming paralyzed
4. The importance of defining your “why” in leadership
5. How young leaders today are reshaping the future
6. Why awareness and perspective matter more than ever

Whether you're a business owner, executive, veteran transitioning to civilian life, or someone feeling stuck in your professional growth, this episode offers actionable insights you can apply immediately.

Leadership isn’t about titles. It’s about courage, clarity, and consistency.

If you’re ready to level up your leadership skills, navigate uncertainty with confidence, and push beyond self-imposed limits, this conversation is for you.

If you like podcasts that help improve peoples lives and filled with story telling, Check out https://barracksmedia.com/network

Links referenced in this episode:

1. wyserwithjoe.com
2. linkedin.com/in/wyserwithjoe
3. instagram.com/wyserwithjoe
4. https://barracksmedia.com
5. https://barracksmedia.com/network

Today's podcast dives into the magical realm of storytelling with the incredible J.F. Munroe, the mastermind behind the Legacy of the Four trilogy. We chat about how ancient powers collide with the human heart, and trust me, it's not just epic battles and mythical creatures; it’s about courage, sacrifice, and characters that’ll stick with you long after you turn the last page. J.F.'s journey from maternity leave to author is a wild ride filled with inspiration from fantasy giants like Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter. We’ll also explore the nitty-gritty of the writing process, from the chaos of creating a trilogy to the highs and lows of marketing your book. So grab a comfy seat, maybe a cup of coffee, and let’s uncover the secrets behind crafting stories that resonate!

Companies mentioned in this episode:

1. Amazon
2. Fiverr

Links referenced in this episode:

1. JFMonroeBookshelf.com

In this episode, Donald Dunn speaks with Michelle DeFilippo, founder of 1106 Design, about what self-publishing really means today — and how authors can avoid expensive publishing traps.

They break down:

1. The difference between self-publishing, traditional publishing, and hybrid publishers
2. How some publishing companies charge authors thousands while still taking royalties
3. What professional book editing and cover design actually cost
4. Why authors must hire experts instead of doing everything themselves
5. How Amazon royalties really work (and what percentage you actually keep)
6. Why most authors never recoup their investment
7. How speakers and consultants can use books to build authority and generate income
8. The truth about becoming an Amazon bestseller
9. Common mistakes new authors make

If you are a veteran, entrepreneur, speaker, or aspiring author, this episode will help you understand the real costs, risks, and opportunities in modern publishing.

Before you invest thousands into editing, design, or a hybrid publishing package, listen to this conversation.

1. 1106design.com
2. barracksmedia.com

1. 1106 Design
2. Amazon
3. IngramSpark