Episodes

  • 1581: Type 1 Diabetes, Cancer, and Resilience with Paula Aldis

    1581: Type 1 Diabetes, Cancer, and Resilience with Paula Aldis
    May 15 2026
    From surviving Type 1 diabetes, cancer, amputation, medical malpractice, and near-death experiences to rebuilding her happiness and marriage, Paula Aldis shares a deeply personal story of resilience, faith, and emotional healing. In this episode, Paula opens up about living with chronic illness from childhood, enduring more than 30 surgeries, and navigating years of physical and mental hardship while refusing to lose her identity or hope. https://youtu.be/W9GEKvAdFvw She discusses the emotional toll of constant medical crises, the strain it placed on her family and marriage, and the turning point that inspired her to write her memoir, The Woman Who Wouldn't Quit: Unbreakable Spirit. Paula explains how writing the book became a cathartic process that helped her reclaim her voice, process trauma, and finally move beyond simply surviving. The conversation also explores topics like adoption, parenting children with mental health challenges, PTSD in military families, finding happiness after trauma, and learning to appreciate life’s small moments again. Paula’s story is a powerful reminder that resilience isn’t about pretending to be strong—it’s about continuing to move forward, even after unimaginable pain. If you’ve ever struggled with chronic illness, emotional burnout, family hardship, or finding joy after adversity, this episode will leave you inspired by Paula’s honesty, courage, and refusal to quit. Quotes: “Find something that you can do versus what you can’t do, and I’ve had to make that my mental thought. You can still do things.” “There is getting past the most horrific things that you go through. You can get past it. You have to just get right with yourself first to move on.” “The scars will always be there, but I now see them as reminders of what I have been through. I wear them with pride.” Contact Details: Follow Paula Aldis on FacebookSubscribe to Author Paula Aldis on YouTubeShop Paula Aldis’ Books on AmazonVisit Paula Aldis’ Official Website
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    23 mins
  • 1580: Resilience After Stroke and Heart Failure with Jonathan Scott Bogner

    1580: Resilience After Stroke and Heart Failure with Jonathan Scott Bogner
    May 11 2026
    From surviving two strokes, heart failure, and a life-saving transplant to producing a powerful PBS documentary series, Jonathan Scott Bognar shares a raw and inspiring story of resilience, reinvention, and purpose. In this episode, Jonathan opens up about losing his ability to speak due to aphasia, rebuilding his career from the ground up, and how he transitioned from Hollywood film production into meaningful storytelling that educates and serves others. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cg8iomv10Wk We dive into his upcoming documentary Alive But Not Well, which explores major diseases affecting people as they age through the lens of patients, caregivers, doctors, and advocates. Jonathan explains how his own health journey sparked the idea, and why caregiving is one of the most overlooked yet universal human experiences. He also breaks down his philosophy of “rigorous optimism” and “rugged flexibility,” showing how mindset, persistence, and adaptability are critical not just in business but in surviving life itself. If you’ve ever faced adversity, struggled with reinvention, or wondered how to turn pain into purpose, this conversation will challenge you to rethink your limits and remind you to “die with memories, not dreams.” Quotes: “Everything in life is about how you view what’s happening to you—you have to choose a positive attitude, even when it’s hard.” “In order to succeed, you have to be rigid in your commitment but flexible in your approach—that’s where real progress happens.” “Rigorous optimism means you don’t always feel positive—you fight to be positive anyway.” Contact Details: Jonathan Scott Bogner Official Website
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    43 mins
  • 1579: Kabbalistic Biology and the Hidden Dimensions of Life with Dr. Michael Kosoy

    1579: Kabbalistic Biology and the Hidden Dimensions of Life with Dr. Michael Kosoy
    May 10 2026
    From zoonotic infectious diseases to Kabbalistic metaphysics, Dr. Michael Kosoy argues that modern biology is missing something critical: the invisible dimensions of life that our instruments can’t measure, but that still shape health, disease, and ecosystems. A retired but still-active CDC infectious disease researcher with over 200 scientific publications, Dr. Kosoy joins us to unpack his book “The 10 Dimensions of Kabbalistic Biology (Abridged Edition)” and explain why more data doesn’t always mean more knowledge sometimes, it actually increases uncertainty. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zDLIiLf3Swo We explore how his decades at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, his work on zoonotic diseases, and his long-term study of Kabbalah came together into a new framework he calls Kabbalistic biology. Dr. Kosoy explains why traditional, dualistic thinking in science breaks down when we confront real-world complexity (like the pandemic), how invisible structures, hierarchies, and “unknowns” still follow patterns, and why we need better tools for orienting ourselves in a fast-changing, paradox-filled world. If you’re curious about holistic science, invisible biology, microbiomes, pandemics, and the intersection of spirituality and rigorous research, this conversation offers a practical, and surprisingly grounded toolbox for thinking differently about life itself. Quotes: “The more data and more information we collect, the more uncertainty we create.” “Instead of useless debates between reductionists and holists, I propose a system for orientation between those two extremes.” “First dimension is what I call segmentation to unification—it’s your choice as an investigator to select how complex you want to see the system.” Contact Details: Connect with Dr. Michael Kosoy on FacebookDr. Michael Kosoy on AmazonDr. Michael Kosoy Official Website
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    23 mins
  • 1578: Cybersecurity and AI for Small Business Growth with Ephraim Epstein

    1578: Cybersecurity and AI for Small Business Growth with Ephraim Epstein
    May 9 2026
    From small chiropractic clinics to multi-location hotels, my guest Ephraim Epstein of Fit Solutions (fitsolutions.biz) reveals how modern cybercriminals operate like full-time sales teams prospecting, nurturing, and “closing” attacks on businesses that mistakenly think they’re too small to be a target. We dig into real-world ransomware stories, why Office 365 and Google Workspace email accounts are the #1 breach vector, and why SMS-based two-factor authentication is no longer enough to keep your company safe. Ephraim explains how 24/7 security monitoring, penetration testing, and smarter authentication can prevent the kind of total business shutdowns he sees far too often. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BdNwdnTf_hw We also explore how AI is changing the game not just for attackers, but for defense and operations. Ephraim shares how his team uses AI to reduce labor costs, automate SMS conversations that feel human, and deliver concierge-level experiences at scale, like hotel texting systems that book spa appointments, schedule room cleanings, and answer questions with a 74% engagement rate. Finally, he opens up about the entrepreneurial lessons learned from a failed CrossFit gym, why “side hustles” often backfire, and how complementary revenue streams (IT → cybersecurity → AI) helped Fit Solutions grow while staying focused on what they do best. If you’re a business owner wondering whether your systems are really safe and how AI can actually improve your bottom line, not just sound cool, this conversation will give you a practical, story-driven roadmap. Quotes: “Opportunities are wrapped in problems—whenever I find a problem, I ask where the opportunity is and how I can turn it into an advantage.” “Side hustles are not really great—if you chase a second revenue stream that doesn’t complement your main business, both the side hustle and your core business will suffer.” “Focus on the main thing, become amazing at it, and crush it—then add complementary revenue streams that feed and strengthen your core, instead of chasing random ideas that pull you in ten directions.” Contact Details: Connect with Ephraim Epstein on LinkedInEphraim Epstein Official Website
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    Less than 1 minute
  • 1577: College Planning, Scholarships, and Teen Success Strategies with Shellee Howard

    1577: College Planning, Scholarships, and Teen Success Strategies with Shellee Howard
    May 8 2026
    College admission doesn’t have to be terrifying, unaffordable, or a giant mystery. In this episode, global educational consultant Shellee Howard of College Ready joins Robert Plank to break down how families can navigate college admissions strategically instead of emotionally. Shellee explains why “no one gets into college anymore” and “there’s no scholarship money” are myths, how her Class of 2026 students earned $10.3M+ in scholarships with 100% college acceptance, and why there is a “perfect-fit college” for every student (including tuition‑free options). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BnwsMD-hagQ You’ll hear a candid discussion on the truth about college vs. trade school, why “influencer” is not a career plan without real skills, and how AI is reshaping which majors and careers will still exist in four years. Most importantly, Shellee shares her process for helping students answer the hardest question, “Who are you?” So they can package themselves, stand out beyond GPA and test scores, and use college as a stepping stone to a meaningful future instead of an expensive dead end. Quotes: “Teach your child to love reading and to think for themselves, and they will be able to learn anything they ever want to learn for the rest of their life.” “College is a stepping stone to their future, not the end game. When students know who they are and what they’re good at, the path actually gets easier.” “Do what you love and the money will come. I’m not talking about a hobby—I’m talking about a career you deeply enjoy. People ask me when I’m going to retire; why would I ever retire when I love inspiring teenagers?” Contact Details: Connect with Shellee Howard on FacebookConnect with Shellee Howard on LinkedInShellee Howard Official Website
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    28 mins
  • 1576: Spiritual Awakening and New Earth Living with Bo Lockwood

    1576: Spiritual Awakening and New Earth Living with Bo Lockwood
    May 7 2026
    Visionary author and conscious leadership guide Bo Lockwood joins Robert Plank to share how a series of near-death experiences, a dark divorce, and a massive brain bleed awakened him to his true purpose: helping people “always be bold” and step into their power. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zd53Loq8o1c Bo explains what New Earth Civilization really is (a state of consciousness, not a movement), how he’s gathering 1,000 change makers through PrincetonGreen.org, and the story behind his book Essence: A Gateway to Expansive Living, co-created with his 93‑year‑old spiritual mentor, Anne Emerson. You’ll learn about self-awareness, fear vs. fearlessness, letting go of attachment, and how spiritual entrepreneurs and business leaders can drive real, systemic change. Quotes: “Everything happening outside is a reflection of what’s going on inside of us. Life is a mirror.” “Unfortunately, we as humans tend to grow through struggle. It’s like a dandelion trying to break through asphalt—once it does, it begins to really bloom, and that’s how we grow too.” “It’s not fear no or fear none—it’s fear less. We always experience fear; it’s part of the human experience. The difference is that I feel the fear and do it anyway.” Contact Details: Connect with Bo Lockwood on Facebook Connect with Bo Lockwood on FacebookBo Lockwood on AmazonBo Lockwood Official Website
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    34 mins
  • 1575: AI Visibility and Empathic Marketing for Better Rankings with Mike Caldwell

    1575: AI Visibility and Empathic Marketing for Better Rankings with Mike Caldwell
    May 6 2026
    From living off the grid to helping businesses get recommended by AI, Mike Caldwell (The Marketing Medic) explains how to win in an AI-first search world without obsessing over traditional SEO. He shares how his small Mad Trapper trail race series outranks huge competitors inside AI, thanks to clear, empathic messaging that speaks to people’s difficulties, desires, dreads, and dreams. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kNjZZe-gmsQ We break down Mike’s AI Visibility Stack Message, Mechanics, Mentions, Match and why clarity beats cleverness in copywriting for both humans and AI. You’ll hear how things like schema, consistent branding, and question-based headings help AI truly “get” what you do, plus a wild story of how one popular business was basically invisible to AI because of a single WordPress performance plugin. If you want AI to recommend you (not just your bigger competitors), this episode gives you a practical roadmap that blends empathic marketing, simple technical fixes, and a human-first approach summarized in Mike’s rule: “Sell unto others as you would have them sell unto you.” Quotes: “Clarity beats cleverness. You don't need flowery copywriting—you need direct, clear copywriting. That's what your audience is going to respond to, and that is also what AI is going to understand as well.” “SEO is about tweaking the algorithm. AI visibility is about the personal side—how clearly you speak to real people’s problems and desires.” “You can have tons of five-star reviews and great content, and still be invisible to AI if the mechanics are wrong. One plugin can literally erase 95% of your site from AI’s view.” Contact Details: Connect with Mike Caldwell on FacebookConnect with Mike Caldwell on InstagramConnect with Mike Caldwell on LinkedInMike Caldwell on AmazonMike Caldwell official website
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    27 mins
  • 1574: Executive Abundance Framework for Thought Leaders with Mitchell Levy

    1574: Executive Abundance Framework for Thought Leaders with Mitchell Levy
    May 5 2026
    From redefining “abundance” for CEOs to reframing how AI changes thought leadership, my guest Dr. Mitchell Levy, PhD, shares a bold and practical framework for building a legacy that goes far beyond quarterly results. We talk about how most leaders mistakenly equate abundance with money and resources alone and why true executive abundance means bringing happiness and success to five stakeholder groups: family, employees, customers, investors, and community. Mitchell explains how over-focusing on investor returns and short-term metrics creates “short-termism,” and how shifting what you measure can completely change how you lead, hire, and make decisions. He also opens up about the intense grind of finishing his PhD dissertation, the difficulty of unwinding after months of 12–16 hour days, and what it looks like to actually live the principles he teaches. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nV_JQ50_978 Mitchell walks us through his Executive Abundance Engine clarity, credibility, consistency, and commitment and why his research shows that 98% of thought leaders lack the clarity to state their purpose in three to nine words. We explore how AI has made thought leadership ubiquitous, why trying to hoard ideas behind NDAs is obsolete, and how showing up consistently across LinkedIn, your website, podcasts, and AI search results is now essential to being seen as a credible authority. Along the way, Mitchell shares vivid stories from publishing 750+ books, sitting on a public company board, and coaching fast-growing CEOs who want their current success not to undercut their long-term impact. If you’ve ever worried about AI “stealing” your ideas, felt tension between serving investors vs. everyone else, or wondered how to align your message, brand, and behavior into a coherent legacy, this conversation will give you a clear, visual, and deeply human roadmap for leading with abundance in every part of your ecosystem. Quotes: “Executive abundance is bringing happiness and success to five different stakeholder groups. If you’re running a company, your job is to make more than just the investors happy.” “A leader’s legacy is felt in the success of their stakeholders. Legacy is not something that comes tomorrow. Legacy is something that is felt today.” “If we take care of the employees, they’ll take care of the customers. If we take care of the customers, they’ll take care of the investors. In Executive Abundance, investors are fourth, not first.” Contact Details: Mitchell Levy on InstagramMitchell Levy on LinkedInMitchell Levy on AmazonMitchell Levy official website
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    32 mins