Tristan Cusick is a filmmaker and entrepreneur who built Cusick Media from the ground up—taking on tour work, directing music videos, and learning business the hard way. But after years of saying yes to everything, he hit a wall. What followed was Ruak—a wellness-forward creative community aimed at helping artists take care of themselves while staying inspired.

In this episode, Tristan shares what it’s really like to lead a creative team, why failure taught him more than success ever did, and how cold plunges and community runs became part of his healing. He opens up about starting something new in the middle of a busy career, and what it means to be both creative and well—without burning out.

This conversation is about work, health, leadership, and permission. Permission to ask for help, to pivot, to rest, and to build something that reflects who you actually are.

Tim Sheppard is a minister, musician, and father who has spent over 40 years leading others in faith and family. A pioneer in early Christian music, Tim chose a life of integration—bringing his family on the road, living out his values in public, and defining success by the depth of connection rather than applause.

In this episode, Tim reflects on the sacred call of fatherhood, the tension between gifting and responsibility, and how becoming a parent reshaped his relationship with God. He shares how names carry meaning, why legacy is built in small, consistent moments, and how spiritual leadership often starts at home.

The conversation explores faith, identity, family, and what it means to carry both calling and tenderness over a lifetime.

Brandon Puckett is a CFO, a husband, a father of four, and a leader who doesn’t just talk about growth—he lives it. But he didn’t start that way. In this episode, Brandon opens up about his journey from risk-averse corporate climber to someone who’s learning to lead with intention, vulnerability, and purpose.

We talk about the kind of risk that doesn’t look brave from the outside, the hidden transformation that comes from staying put, and why the goal isn’t growth for its own sake—it’s health. Brandon shares how leadership, fatherhood, and faith have reshaped his identity, and what it really means to be safe enough to grow.

This episode is about slow change, quiet conviction, and the kind of strength that takes years to build.