Building Champions for Life

2d ago

Matt Maples , shaped deeply by his family’s tradition of military service and the strong values imparted by his grandfather, has devoted his life to supporting veterans in meaningful and lasting ways. Though unable to serve himself, he has become a leader in USA Cares, focusing on the urgent crisis of veteran suicide and the unique challenges veterans face when transitioning from military to civilian life. He recognizes that veterans often lose their sense of community, identity, and purpose, which can lead to devastating outcomes without the right support. Through USA Cares, Maples has championed a proactive approach that emphasizes early intervention, emergency financial assistance, and the rebuilding of community support to prevent homelessness, job loss, and suicide among veterans. By drawing businesses, nonprofits, and individuals together, he demonstrates that leadership is about building genuine relationships and meeting people’s needs with empathy and action. The lessons he shares—from accountability and resilience to collective purpose—extend far beyond veteran care, serving as vital reminders for society about the enduring value of service, teamwork, and compassion. Matt urges everyone to make a real difference by contributing to the ongoing support of veterans in Texas. To become part of this important effort and stand with those who have served, please visit here .

Dec 10

At the heart of Marques Ogden ’s philosophy is the principle of impact—not simply pursuing personal achievement but leveraging one’s experience and insight to inspire and uplift others. He maintains that real impact occurs through the intentional sharing of wisdom, energy, and knowledge, sparking a ripple effect that extends across communities and creates lasting positive change. Marques views a supportive community as crucial, emphasizing the importance of choosing one’s environment, information sources, and associations wisely to cultivate accountability and collective progress. Marques encourages individuals to surround themselves with people who are not only honest and ambitious but also willing to deliver constructive feedback and challenge them to grow. Such a community eliminates distractions, fostering an atmosphere of signals—positive, reinforcing guidance—instead of the noise of negativity or idle gossip. Through this lens, success is seen as a communal effort, with accountability and motivation reinforced by shared values and a drive to help one another reach their highest potential. Marques Ogden’s journey serves as an invitation for others to seek their purpose, align their passion with service, and build meaningful connections. For those eager to learn more or engage directly, Marques extends a call to connect with his resources and mentorship opportunities at www.marquesogden.com .

Dec 3

Zaza Pachulia ’s enduring career in the NBA, particularly with the Golden State Warriors, offered him first-hand insight into the elements that foster a winning culture—talent, shared values, camaraderie, and servant leadership. He observed how even the most prominent figures on the team maintained humility and inclusivity, emphasizing collective achievement over individual accolades. For Zaza, the most meaningful legacy was rooted in the relationships he built and the mutual respect shared among teammates and coaches, highlighting that true fulfillment comes from camaraderie and the support extended during both victories and challenges. Beyond professional success, Zaza recognized that a life of impact stretches further than trophies or headlines. He believes the true essence of accomplishment is found in giving back, nurturing future generations, and maintaining authentic friendships that transcend the game itself. Zaza’s ongoing mission is to use his experiences to uplift others, promoting mentorship, education, and life skills that equip young athletes for success in every arena of life. If you’re inspired by Zaza Pachulia’s message about building strong communities, lifelong learning, and holistic success, learn more about his mission and the Georgian basketball academy on his LinkedIn . Discover resources, programs, and ways to get involved in supporting young athletes and helping to shape the champions of tomorrow.

Nov 12

Lance Cayko's story is more than a tale of success—it's a testament to resilience. He candidly discusses significant setbacks, including job loss and divorce, revealing how he transformed these challenges into fuel for his ambitions. His straightforward advice to aspiring entrepreneurs resonates with its simplicity and power: "Keep the faith, man. It's that simple. Don't look back, look forward. One step in front of the other. Double down on your effort, try even harder." This episode offers invaluable insights for anyone seeking to ignite their passion or navigate the complexities of entrepreneurship. Lance's experiences serve as a masterclass in converting adversity into opportunity, demonstrating the importance of perseverance and adaptability in the face of obstacles. Find inspiration in Lance's approach to building a life of purpose and success. His journey underscores the importance of embracing challenges, diversifying interests, and maintaining a forward-focused mindset. Whether you're at the start of your career or looking to reinvigorate your professional path, Lance's story provides a compelling blueprint for turning setbacks into stepping stones for achievement.

Nov 5

In this powerful episode of Building Champions for Life , host Kirk Spahn sits down with Jason Reid, a successful entrepreneur turned mental health advocate, to explore the hidden struggles of high-performing youth. From the pressures of social media to the impact of emerging technologies, Jason shares invaluable insights on recognizing the signs of mental health challenges in seemingly successful young athletes and students. Jason's journey from construction industry leader to passionate mental health champion began with a personal tragedy—the loss of his 14-year-old son to suicide. This heartbreaking experience fueled his mission to bring mental health discussions into the national spotlight, particularly for high-achieving youth who often suffer in silence. Throughout the conversation, Jason emphasizes a crucial message: outward success doesn't guarantee inner well-being. He challenges parents and educators to look beyond the smiles and accolades, urging them to develop deeper connections with young people. "Do not assume that just because your kid walks around with big smiles on their face and is really good at winning that they're not struggling," Jason cautions, highlighting the importance of open, honest conversations. The episode delves into practical strategies for supporting youth mental health, from fostering interpersonal skills at a young age to navigating the complex world of social media and AI. Jason's candid reflections on his own failures and the lessons he's learned provide a powerful framework for helping young people build resilience and self-worth beyond their achievements. Whether you're a parent, coach, educator, or young person striving for excellence, this episode offers a masterclass in understanding and supporting mental health in high-pressure environments. Tune in to gain insights that could change—or even save—a young person's life.

Oct 29

Alan Lazaros's journey from pain to purpose is nothing short of extraordinary. After losing his father at age two, experiencing family abandonment at fourteen, and surviving a near-fatal car accident at twenty-six, this transformational leader discovered his calling: bringing personal development to the masses through practical, no-nonsense strategies. His story demonstrates the incredible power of perseverance and intentional growth, showing how life's most devastating moments can become the catalyst for profound transformation and success. The conversation reveals Alan's revolutionary approach to success through his habit-tracking system and the science behind achievement. With over 11,000 coaching sessions, training programs, and podcast episodes under his belt, Alan shares his proven methodology for reverse-engineering goals and building the habits that create lasting change. From his five-pointed star exercise for evaluating relationships to his UNMEDSAI filter for identifying toxic people, Alan provides concrete tools for surrounding yourself with the right influences. His emphasis on tracking metrics daily, maintaining unwavering consistency, and understanding that social life often suffers in pursuit of excellence offers a raw, honest look at what it truly takes to reach your full potential. Ready to transform your approach to personal growth and achievement? Connect with Alan Lazaros on Instagram @Lazarus88 to see his habit-tracking system in action, join his Next Level Book Club for weekly growth sessions, or explore the wealth of resources available through Next Level University. Don't let another day pass without implementing the strategies that could change your life – start tracking your habits today and begin your journey toward becoming your own hero.

Oct 22

Elizabeth Bieniek’s journey from English major to tech trailblazer is a testament to the power of curiosity. As the former Director of Innovation at Cisco, she shattered the mold of traditional tech leadership, proving that asking "why" can be more valuable than any coding skill. Her unconventional background became her secret weapon in the world of corporate innovation. In the tech industry, where ones and zeros often take center stage, Elizabeth stands out by championing the human element. She's not just talking about user experience; she's redefining how we connect in the digital age. Her philosophy of 'good peopling' isn't just a catchy phrase—it's a revolutionary approach to leadership that's making waves across industries. Elizabeth's crowning achievement, the WebEx Hologram, isn't just another tech gadget. It's a glimpse into the future of collaboration, born from her unique vision of merging technology with genuine human interaction. But perhaps her most powerful contribution is her rallying cry to embrace risk and failure. She's not just advising from the sidelines; she's leading the charge, challenging us all to step out of our comfort zones and into the exciting unknown of innovation.

Oct 15

Dr. Danny Brassell—a dynamic educator, speaker, and author is revolutionizing the way we think about learning and communication. From overcoming a childhood stutter to inspiring thousands of students and educators worldwide, Danny's journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and positive thinking. Danny shares his infectious enthusiasm for education, revealing innovative strategies to engage students and ignite a lifelong love of learning. He challenges listeners to rethink traditional teaching methods, emphasizing the importance of fun, relevance, and visual thinking in the classroom. "Don't let anybody ever tell you what you cannot do," Danny asserts, embodying the champion mindset that defines this podcast. Danny's insights on overcoming obstacles, embracing failure, and the power of applied knowledge will resonate with parents, professionals, and anyone striving for personal excellence. From turning on TV captions to improve literacy to using sports analogies to illustrate life lessons, Danny offers practical tips that listeners can implement immediately. Whether you're a teacher looking to revolutionize your classroom, a parent hoping to instill a love of reading in your children, or simply someone passionate about lifelong learning, this episode is brimming with inspiration and actionable advice. Tune in to discover how changing your story can change your life—and how you can become a champion for learning in your own sphere of influence.