What is the difference between a career and a calling? Why do so many successful people still feel unfulfilled in their work?

In this episode, we break down the critical distinction between chasing income and pursuing purpose. Scott Maderer explains how a career is often about making a living, while a calling is about how you are uniquely wired to contribute, serve, and find meaning. The conversation explores why the “perfect job” rarely exists, how mindset shapes fulfillment, and why aligning your time, talents, and decisions with what truly matters can transform your life.

If you’ve ever felt stuck, restless, or uncertain about your path — even while doing well on paper — this discussion will challenge how you think about success, work, and purpose.

Topics include:

• Career vs calling explained

• How to find meaningful and fulfilling work

• Why success doesn’t always equal happiness

• Mindset and behavior shifts for life direction

• Overcoming internal resistance and doubt

Perfect for entrepreneurs, professionals, and anyone questioning whether they’re living the life they were meant to live.

Links referenced in this episode:

1. inspiredstewardship.com/scratch

Companies mentioned in this episode:

1. Barracks Media Incorporated
2. Inspired Stewardship

Chris Sheran, an accomplished entrepreneur and coach, joins us to illuminate the multifaceted journey of entrepreneurship, underscoring the essential tenets of resilience and mentorship. With a rich tapestry of experiences spanning four decades, nine businesses, and personal battles against adversity, including cancer, Chris epitomizes the notion that success is often intertwined with struggle. He emphasizes the importance of creating safe spaces for entrepreneurs to share their challenges candidly, thereby fostering genuine connections and learning opportunities among peers. Through his initiative, Bootstraps and Battle Scars, he dedicates himself to guiding aspiring business owners, helping them navigate the complexities of their entrepreneurial journeys with insight derived from his own battle scars. This episode serves as a profound reminder that the path to entrepreneurial success is rarely linear, yet it is through these challenges that we cultivate our greatest strengths. The dialogue with Chris Sheran, an esteemed entrepreneur and coach, unfolds a narrative steeped in resilience, encompassing a lifetime of experiences characterized by both significant victories and profound losses. As the founder of Bootstraps and Battle Scars and the creator of the Founders Exchange, Chris embodies the spirit of entrepreneurial tenacity, sharing insights from his extensive career marked by nine businesses across four decades. His journey, punctuated by personal battles including a fight against cancer and the completion of two Ironman triathlons, offers a compelling framework for understanding the multifaceted nature of entrepreneurship. Chris's upbringing, straddling the contrasting landscapes of Southern California's urban vibrancy and rural Montana's rugged charm, has instilled in him a unique worldview. This duality informs his approach to business, emphasizing the importance of community, vulnerability, and authentic connection. In this episode, he elaborates on his coaching philosophy, which encourages entrepreneurs to 'drop the armor' and engage in honest dialogues about their challenges and aspirations. Through the Founders Exchange, he cultivates a space where business owners can openly share their struggles, fostering a culture of support that is crucial for personal and professional growth. Central to the discussion is the concept of 'battle scars,' which Chris articulates as the inevitable marks left by the trials of entrepreneurship. He asserts that these scars are not merely indicators of failure but rather badges of learning and growth. Chris reflects on the tumultuous economic landscape of 2008-2009, during which he faced both professional and personal upheaval, and emphasizes that setbacks are temporary and essential for long-term success. His optimistic perspective serves as a beacon for those navigating their entrepreneurial journeys, reminding them that resilience is cultivated through adversity. Moreover, Chris underscores the significance of mentorship and collaborative networks in the entrepreneurial ecosystem. He advocates for building relationships beyond one's immediate industry, recognizing that wisdom can be gleaned from diverse experiences. This ethos of cooperation reinforces the notion that success is not solely an individual endeavor but a collective journey where shared insights can elevate entire communities. Chris Sheran's narrative is a powerful testament to the enduring spirit of entrepreneurship, illustrating how personal experiences can empower others to forge their own paths to success.

Takeaways:

1. Chris Sheran epitomizes resilience through his experiences spanning multiple businesses and personal challenges.
2. Entrepreneurship is a journey filled with ups and downs, where learning from failures is essential for growth.

The discourse presented in this podcast meticulously examines the myriad complexities surrounding socialism, with a particular focus on its inherent failures. I engage in a profound dialogue with our esteemed guest, Doug Cardell, an expert in economic policy, who elucidates the fundamental reasons socialism often falters in practice, despite its theoretical allure. Drawing upon extensive research and historical case studies, we explore the critical role of human behavior, incentives, and the price system—elements frequently overlooked in contemporary economic discussions. Cardell’s insights challenge the popular misconceptions surrounding socialism, advocating for a clear understanding of its implications and consequences in both historical and modern contexts. This episode serves as a clarion call for informed discourse on economic systems, urging listeners to comprehend the intricacies of socialism and its practical ramifications. The discourse surrounding socialism has gained renewed vigor in contemporary society, penetrating the fabric of political dialogue and public consciousness. Our esteemed guest, Doug Cardell, an economic policy expert, delves into this multifaceted subject with a clarity that transcends the often convoluted rhetoric that surrounds it. Through his extensive research and experience, Cardell presents a compelling argument for why socialism, despite its theoretical allure, has consistently faltered in practice. He emphasizes the significance of incentives, human behavior, and the dynamics of price systems—elements that are frequently overlooked in modern economic discussions. Cardell's treatise, encapsulated in his book 'Why Socialism Struggles,' serves as a clarion call for a more nuanced understanding of economic systems and their implications for society. Throughout the episode, Cardell articulates the historical failures of socialist systems, drawing parallels with contemporary political figures who misinterpret or misrepresent socialism's foundational principles. He posits that the casual invocation of terms like socialism and capitalism often stems from a fundamental misunderstanding of their definitions and implications. The conversation navigates through the historical trajectories of socialism, examining case studies that reveal the inherent economic unsoundness of the system. Cardell's insights prompt a reevaluation of the prevailing narratives surrounding socialism, urging listeners to consider the practical realities versus the ideological fantasies that often characterize such discussions. As the dialogue unfolds, Cardell challenges the notion of equality as a foundational principle of socialism, positing that a better society is predicated not on enforced uniformity but on the recognition of individual differences and contributions. He advocates for a model where personal choices and incentives drive economic success, contrasting sharply with the limitations imposed by socialist frameworks. The episode culminates in a call to action for listeners to engage critically with the economic ideologies that shape their world, advocating for a return to principles that foster individual initiative and systemic growth.

Takeaways:

1. The discussion highlights that socialism often fails in practice, despite its theoretical appeal, due to its inherent economic flaws.
2. Doug Cardell emphasizes the importance of understanding human behavior and incentives when evaluating economic systems like socialism.
3. Historical examples, such as Venezuela's transition to socialism, illustrate the detrimental effects of government control over economic resources.
4. The podcast argues that true democracy...