EPIC Begins With 1 Step Forward
Zander Sprague
Zander Sprague
Welcome to EPIC Begins With 1 Step Forward, hosted by Zander Sprague, bestselling author and acclaimed motivational speaker. If you're looking to kickstart the EPIC chapters in your life, you've come to the right place! Here, you will find inspiring stories, practical resources, and transformative insights to guide you on your journey. Whether you're an entrepreneur scaling your business, a leader fostering a better workplace culture, an author penning your next bestseller, an athlete prepping for the big game, or simply someone striving to maximize their potential—this podcast is for you. Learn how to plan, achieve, and enjoy the journey towards achieving your EPIC goals. Each episode showcases interviews with individuals who have conquered challenges to achieve something truly EPIC. You can do the same! With the proper guidance, timing, and skills that you'll find here—your next step can be meaningful and impactful. The man behind the mic is Zander Sprague, an award-winning author and Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC). He's penned three popular books, including the one that inspired this podcast, EPIC Begins With 1 Step Forward: How to Plan, Achieve, and Enjoy the Journey. Get to know him better at www.epicbegins.com . By blending his formal education, professional journey, and personal growth, Zander is dedicated to steering listeners like you towards unlocking their fullest potential and kickstarting an epic life. His infectious enthusiasm has even earned him the moniker "God of Enthusiasm." Each episode dives deep into interviews with real people who overcame their self-doubts and fears to realize the scale of their ambitions. Gain insights into the strategies they deployed, the hurdles they cleared, and the support that fueled their momentum. Tune in for candid discussions about the highs and lows of their personal and professional quests. Despite setbacks and obstacles, these individuals never wavered in their resilience and determination. If a laundry list of unrealized dreams is weighing on your career or psyche, this is your wake-up call. Maybe you're paralyzed by fear of failure or trapped by harsh self-criticism, but the key to making your dreams a reality is courage. You must be brave, confront the risks, and make the jump. Allow the inspirational narratives and wisdom shared on this podcast to embolden you to unlock your dormant potential and bring your epic ideas to life. All it takes is the resolve to stand up, muster your confidence, and take action. Remember, no goal is too lofty, no idea too wild, and no promise too good to be questioned. Don't let anyone or your own self-doubts hold you back. To make your next move count, you'll get the essential trifecta of right guidance, timing, and skills right here on this show. Only by consciously taking steps toward your ambitions can you truly live life to its fullest. So push past your limits and refuse to settle for mediocrity in any area of your life. With Zander and his remarkable guests as your steadfast guides, you'll find the courage you need to evolve into an extraordinary person leading an equally extraordinary life. If you've been searching for a catalyst to commence the major endeavors in your life, your search ends here. Soak in the motivating stories, invaluable advice, and plethora of resources to finally achieve your most cherished goal—and then aim even higher. Don't wait; take that crucial first step today! EPIC Choices, EPIC Life. Don't miss out on the next episode! Listen on your preferred podcast platform or right here.
4d ago
In this powerful and insightful episode of Epic Begins With One Step Forward, Zander sits down with Michael Ostrolenk , a psychotherapist-turned-human optimization coach whose 30-year career spans transpersonal psychology, somatic therapy, and elite Navy SEAL training programs. Michael shares lessons from decades of studying self-mastery, martial arts, and mental toughness—revealing how true strength begins with discipline, compassion, and character. Together, they explore emotional resilience, why grit is fading in modern culture, and the keys to thriving relationships through communication and appreciation. From the battlefield of the mind to the art of self-awareness, Michael’s journey offers practical wisdom for anyone seeking to elevate their performance and purpose. This episode is a deep dive into what it really means to live an EPIC, optimized life. EpicBegins.com Free E-book Apply to be a Guest on My TV show #EPICBeginswith1StepForward #ZanderSprague #NavySEALtraining #MentalToughness #HumanOptimization
Dec 8
In this inspiring episode of Epic Begins With One Step Forward, Zander chats with Anya Cheng , founder and CEO of Taelor —a groundbreaking fashion-tech company using artificial intelligence to style busy professionals. From her beginnings as a reporter in Taiwan to her work at McDonald’s, Target, and Meta, Anya’s journey is one of relentless persistence, bold pivots, and saying yes to opportunity. She shares how Taelor AI uses data, human insight, and machine learning to revolutionize the way men dress—no more shopping or laundry, just confidence delivered. Along the way, Anya reveals lessons on entrepreneurship, adaptability, and defining your true value proposition. Her story proves that success doesn’t come overnight—it’s built one small, intentional step at a time. EpicBegins.com Free E-book Apply to be a Guest on My TV show #EPICBeginswith1StepForward #ZanderSprague #Taelor #AIPoweredFashion #EntrepreneurshipAndAI
Dec 1
In this powerful and deeply moving episode of Epic Begins With One Step Forward, Zander speaks with Naomi Reynolds —Army veteran, author, and advocate—for an unfiltered conversation about courage, trauma, and triumph. Naomi shares her extraordinary life story, from serving proudly in the military to facing the devastating realities of sexual assault and homelessness, and ultimately finding purpose through advocacy and healing. Her book, Battle Scars to Benefits , chronicles that journey while shining light on the ongoing challenges veterans face with the VA system, mental health, and recovery. Naomi also opens up about therapy, coping with PTSD, and her mission to fight for women veterans’ rights. Her honesty and resilience remind us that every epic comeback begins with a single brave step forward. EpicBegins.com Free E-book Apply to be a Guest on My TV show #EPICBeginswith1StepForward #ZanderSprague #WomenVeteransAdvocacy #VeteranResilienceJourney #VASystemNavigation
Nov 17
In this profoundly moving episode of Epic Begins With One Step Forward, Zander Sprague welcomes poet and survivor Cyndee Dhalai , whose life story redefines resilience. From growing up in Trinidad and Tobago, challenging cultural expectations, and facing ostracism for speaking her truth, to flatlining five times and living allergic to all medication, Cyndee’s journey is nothing short of miraculous. She shares how faith, self-conversation, and sheer determination helped her move from a wheelchair to walking again—without medical treatment. Together, they explore the power of mindset, commitment, and gratitude in overcoming impossible odds. Cyndee’s wisdom—born from pain, patience, and persistence—reminds us that healing begins within. Her story proves that every day truly is a second chance at life EpicBegins.com Free E-book Apply to be a Guest on My TV show #EPICBeginswith1StepForward, #ZanderSprague, #Resilience, #Mindset, #Healing
Nov 10
In this inspiring episode of Epic Begins With One Step Forward, Zander Sprague sits down with Troy Horne —musician, Broadway actor, author, and dedicated dad—to explore a life built on bold decisions. From driving to Los Angeles with $1,500 and no plan, to signing a record deal, touring with legends, and starring in Rent on Broadway, Troy’s story proves the power of simply saying “yes” to your dreams. He shares behind-the-scenes insights from NBC’s The Sing-Off and his bestselling book Mental Toughness for Young Athletes , written with his son to help kids build resilience in sports and life. Now, with new projects like Middle Management, Troy reflects on parenting, reinvention, and the courage to chase your “not yet” dreams. https://EpicBegins.com Free E-book Apply to be a Guest on My TV show #EPICBeginswith1StepForward, #ZanderSprague, #NotYetDreams, #MentalToughness, #Musician
Nov 3
In this inspiring episode of Epic Begins With One Step Forward, Zander Sprague is joined by former CFL athlete, teacher, and executive coach Quinn Magnuson to explore a game-changing philosophy: Effort Over Results. Drawing from his professional sports background, coaching experience, and leadership training, Quinn reveals why focusing solely on wins and losses sets us up for burnout, while recognizing effort builds resilience, growth, and long-term success. Together, they unpack how celebrating small wins, embracing a growth mindset, and creating psychological safety can transform not only sports and education but also business and family life. From marathon finish lines to classroom struggles, Quinn shows that progress—not perfection—is what truly defines achievement. This conversation will inspire you to value the journey as much as the destination. EpicBegins.com Free E-book Apply to be a Guest on My TV show #EPICBeginswith1StepForward, #ZanderSprague, #EffortOverResults, #GrowthMindset, #RethinkingSuccess
Oct 27
For the 100th episode of Epic Begins With One Step Forward, Zander Sprague celebrates this epic milestone with Danny Lehr —author, coach, and master of making extraordinary achievement accessible to everyone. Danny shares how he went from a PE teacher to building businesses, training alongside Olympians, and even transforming a used beach cruiser into a bike capable of conquering 72 miles around Lake Tahoe. Drawing from his book, Win Your Next Hour , Danny breaks down his blueprint for success: Words, Invest, Note Your Wins. Together, they discuss what billionaires, athletes, and everyday achievers have in common—and how anyone can apply these principles to their own life. This inspiring conversation proves that greatness isn’t reserved for the elite; it starts with your next choice. EpicBegins.com Free E-book Apply to be a Guest on My TV show #EPICBeginswith1StepForward, #ZanderSprague, #WinYourNextHour, #SuccessBlueprint, #HighAchievers
Oct 20
In this motivating episode of EPIC Begins With One Step Forward, Zander Sprague talks with Coach Sandy Cohan , a former hockey player turned mindset development coach and author. After years of coaching elite athletes – from Olympians to college players – Sandy discovered that skill alone does not separate the good from the great. The real difference? Mindset. Together, they explore the power of belief, grit, emotional control, and focus as the true foundations of performance. Sandy shares insights from his bestselling books 99 Rules Every Athlete Needs to Know and 99 Rules Every Sports Parent Needs to Know , while also tackling the myths around confidence, failure, and growth. Whether you are an athlete, a parent, or just someone looking to level up in life, this conversation is packed with epic, actionable wisdom. EpicBegins.com Free E-book Apply to be a Guest on My TV show #EPICBeginswith1StepForward, #ZanderSprague, #MentalPerformance, #SelfAffirmation, #ShowingUp
