Finding Better Podcast

EP 206 - He Had Everything… Then Walked Away to Find His Real Life | John Salzwedel

🔥 What if the reason you feel stuck in life… isn’t because you’re lost — but because you’ve never actually decided what you want?
In this episode of the Finding Better Podcast, John Suzuki sits down with John Salzwedel — coach, speaker, and author of Stop Leaving Life on the Table — who walked away from decades of success as a CEO… after realizing he had everything society told him to want, but none of what truly fulfilled him.
Because here’s the truth:Most people don’t feel empty because they failed… they feel empty because they succeeded at the wrong things.
After spending 30 years building a successful career from the ground up — going from opening mail to becoming the owner and CEO of a national company — John hit a moment most people fear:He reached the top… and realized he didn’t want to be there anymore.
So he made a decision most people avoid.He stepped away, turned down the noise of the world, and started designing a life that actually meant something.
This conversation isn’t just about success.It’s about identity, intention, and having the courage to stop living by default — and start living by design.
Inside this conversation, you’ll learn:-Why achieving “success” can still leave you feeling empty-How to cut through the noise and discover what truly matters to you-The simple exercise that reveals your real priorities-Why most people are chasing a definition of success that isn’t theirs-How to stop leaving life on the table — and start living fully-Why fulfillment comes from alignment, not achievement-How to make bold life changes without losing yourself-The truth about purpose that no one teaches you
💡 Key Takeaways:-Success without meaning will always feel empty-If you don’t define your life, the world will do it for you-Clarity comes when you slow down and listen to yourself-You’re allowed to choose a different path — even after “making it”-Don’t leave your life on the table
Website: www.theCoach.vipFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecoach.vipLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/john-salzwedel-75986718Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnsalzwedel/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@johnsalzwedel
👍 If this message resonated with you, like, subscribe, and share it with someone who feels stuck — or someone who needs the courage to start living life on their own terms.
#FindingBetter #LifeDesign #Purpose #Mindset #PersonalGrowth #Fulfillment #Success #SelfDiscovery #Motivation #LifeLessons

What If You’re Stronger Than Your Circumstances? | Jay Setchell on Resilience, Pain & Never Quitting

🔥 What if the real reason you’re struggling… isn’t your circumstances — but your willingness to keep going when life gets hard?
In this episode of the Finding Better Podcast, John Suzuki sits down with Jay Setchell — a resilience speaker, author, and multi-time death survivor who has endured over six dozen surgeries, paralysis, traumatic injuries, and unimaginable pain… yet refuses to quit.
Because here’s the truth:Most people don’t break because life is hard… they break because they stop moving forward.
Drawing from a lifetime of extreme adversity — including near-death experiences, chronic pain, and living mostly paralyzed in a wheelchair — Jay shares the mindset that has carried him through it all:Sweat dries. Blood clots. Bones heal. So get up and keep going.
This conversation goes far beyond resilience.It dives into what it really means to live with gratitude, to reject victimhood, and to keep showing up — not just for yourself, but for others — no matter what life throws at you.
Inside this conversation, you’ll learn:-Why quitting becomes tempting — and how to push through anyway-The mindset that turns pain into purpose-Why gratitude is a daily decision (even in suffering)-How “stubbornness” can become your greatest strength-The truth about resilience that most people don’t understand-Why you must take responsibility instead of waiting for help-How small actions create momentum in the hardest moments-The power of perspective when everything seems against you
💡 Key Takeaways:-If you’re breathing, you’re not done — keep moving.-You have more to offer life than you think.-Gratitude isn’t situational — it’s a choice.-Resilience is built through action, not comfort.-If you can’t find better… create it.
👍 If this message resonated with you, like, subscribe, and share it with someone who needs a reminder to keep going — especially when life feels impossible.
#FindingBetter #Resilience #NeverGiveUp #Mindset #PersonalGrowth #Discipline #MentalStrength #Motivation #LifeLessons #Gratitude #Perseverance

Why You’re Not Getting Better (Even When You’re Trying) | Aaron Trahan

🔥 What if getting better isn’t about working harder… but working on the right things?
In this episode of the Finding Better Podcast, John Suzuki sits down with Aaron Trahan — a leadership and performance coach who helps high performers rethink how they approach growth, success, and improvement across both work and life.
Because here’s the truth:Most people don’t fail because they lack effort… they fail because they’re focused on the wrong things.
Drawing from over 20 years of leadership experience — including running a billion-dollar business — Aaron shares the real lessons he learned the hard way:Success without awareness can still lead to failure.
This conversation goes beyond business.It dives into what it actually means to get better as a leader, a partner, a parent, and as a human being — and why most people stay stuck despite wanting more.
Inside this conversation, you’ll learn:Why “getting better” is not a solo journey-The hidden reason most people fail their goals (even with motivation)-How your calendar reveals your real priorities-Why focus — not talent — is the ultimate performance superpower-The role of subtraction (not addition) in personal growth-How blind spots hold you back more than lack of skill-The “5 Whys” method to uncover the real reason behind your goals
💡 Key Takeaways:-You can’t improve what you don’t see — awareness is everything.-Your priorities aren’t what you say — they’re what you schedule.-Focus requires saying no — and that’s non-negotiable.-A strong “why” will always lead you to the “how.”-Growth isn’t about doing more — it’s about doing what matters.
Connect with Aaron Trahan:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/aarontrahancoaching/
👍 If you enjoyed this conversation, like, subscribe, and share it with someone who’s trying to get better — but might be focusing on the wrong things.
#FindingBetter #PersonalGrowth #Leadership #Mindset #SelfImprovement #Focus #Productivity #HighPerformance #Success #GrowthMindset #Discipline #LifeLessons

EP 203 - Stop Doing More: Nell Debevoise on Letting Go to Find Better

🔥 What if the path to finding better isn’t about doing more… but doing less?
In this episode of the Finding Better Podcast, John Suzuki sits down with Nell Debevoise, a subtraction strategist who helps high achievers rethink success by removing what quietly drains their energy.
In a world obsessed with productivity, hustle, and adding more habits, Nell introduces a powerful alternative: systematic subtraction — the intentional process of letting go of what no longer serves you so you can reclaim clarity, alignment, and sustainable success.
Drawing from her personal experiences with burnout, a life-changing car accident, and her work coaching leaders alongside horses, Nell shares why the most capable and responsible people are often the most depleted — and how to break that cycle.
This conversation will challenge the idea that success always requires more effort and offer a refreshing new perspective: sometimes the best way forward is by removing what’s holding you back.
Inside this conversation, you’ll learn:
1. Why high achievers are often the most burned out2. The concept of systematic subtraction and how it works3. The difference between balance and true alignment in life and leadership4. How constant productivity pressure leads to diminishing returns5. What horses can teach us about presence and energy management6. Why stopping to ask “How is this really going?” can change everything7. The simple “Stop, Drop, Roll” method for preventing burnout
💡 Key Takeaways:
1. Success isn’t always additive — sometimes progress requires subtraction.2. Burnout often comes from responsibility and capability, not weakness.3. Alignment across work, personal life, and purpose matters more than balance.4. Constant productivity pressure leads to diminishing returns.5. Real clarity often comes from pausing and removing what drains you.
Connect with Nell Debevoise:Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nell3d/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nellddYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@Leadin3D
👍If you enjoyed this conversation, please like, subscribe, and share it with someone who might need permission to do a little less and live a little better.

EP 202 - The Truth About Self-Worth: You Don’t Have to Earn It

Are you constantly feeling like you're not enough?
In this powerful and deeply personal episode of the Finding Better Podcast, John sits down with Jillian DiIorio, President of the We Are Enough movement, to explore one of the most important truths we often forget: you are already enough.
In a world flooded with comparison, social media pressure, and constant messages telling us we need to be more, do more, and achieve more, Jillian shares a powerful message about reclaiming our inherent self-worth.
The conversation also explores the story behind the We Are Enough movement, inspired by entrepreneur Blake Mycoskie, founder of TOMS Shoes, and the personal journey that led him to realize that success, wealth, and recognition cannot fill the deeper need for self-acceptance.
This episode is about resetting the foundation of how we see ourselves.
Inside this conversation, you’ll learn:
1. Why self-worth is something you're born with, not something you earn2. How success and achievement can still leave people feeling empty3. The hidden damage caused by constant comparison and social media4. The powerful story behind the We Are Enough bracelet movement5. Why reminding someone they are enough can change a life6. How to start each day from a place of self-acceptance instead of self-criticism
💡 Key Takeaways:
1. You were born enough — your worth is not conditional.2. External validation will never replace internal acceptance.3. Small reminders can have life-changing impact.4. Choosing how you see yourself is a daily decision.5. True growth starts when you stop believing you're broken.
Connect with Jillian / We Are Enough:Instagram: @jilliandiiorioWebsite: https://weareenough.co/
👍 If this conversation resonates with you, please like, subscribe, and share this episode with someone who needs to hear that they are enough.

EP 201 - Purpose Over Ego: The Future of Work Is Human with Florian Kemmerich

🤖 What happens when AI replaces productivity — and your identity?
In one of the most consequential conversations on Finding Better, John sits down with impact investor, entrepreneur, and purpose strategist Florian Kemmerich to explore a question that will define the next decade:
If automation replaces what we do… who are we?
Florian shares his personal turning point — from corporate high-potential executive living in “golden handcuffs” to discovering his inner child and redefining success through vocation. Together, John and Florian unpack the difference between ego-driven success and purpose-driven service — and why AI makes this distinction more urgent than ever.
Inside this conversation, you’ll learn:
1. Why fame and fortune feed the ego — but not fulfillment2. The powerful “two-chair” inner child breakthrough that changed Florian’s life3. The difference between helping and serving (and why it matters)4. Why 500M jobs may disappear — and what that means for identity5. The concept of “vocating” — building, not searching for, your vocation6. How to leverage AI without becoming dependent on it7. Why human agency is the critical skill of the future
💡 Key Takeaways:
1. Purpose comes from inside; ego seeks validation from outside2. AI should be leveraged with intention — not used as a substitute for direction3. Success without alignment leads to burnout and emptiness4. Serving others creates meaning; helping from ego creates hierarchy5. Education must evolve to include vocation alongside profession
Florian is the author of On Vocation: How to Align Your Purpose with Your Profession and has helped over 150 individuals build structured, purpose-driven pathways toward meaningful impact.
🔗 Connect with Florian:
Linkedin: https://share.google/aDJaGsNOEj6WZnjNKWebsite: https://www.buildingbridges.org/speaker/florian-kemmerich/
If this episode challenged or inspired you, please share it with someone navigating career uncertainty in the age of AI.
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EP 200 - Lessons from Two Years of Finding Better

🎉 This is Episode 200 of the Finding Better Podcast — and it’s all about YOU.
In this special milestone episode, John reflects on two years, 200 conversations, 3,000+ subscribers, and the unexpected joy of building a community focused on real-life experiences — not opinions.
From Santorini, Greece to your living room, this episode is a heartfelt thank you — and a powerful roadmap for what’s ahead in 2026.
Inside this conversation, you’ll learn:
1. The 3 core principles behind every breakthrough: Curiosity, Clarity, and Courage2. Why experience matters more than opinion3. How 52 great ideas a year can completely transform your life4. The truth about money, credit cards, and building real wealth5. Why AI is the most important career skill you can learn right now6. What parents must understand about teens and technology7. Why failing fast is the fastest way forward
💡 Key Takeaways:
1. Curiosity is a muscle — if you don’t use it, you lose it.2. Wealth isn’t about how much you make — it’s about how much you keep and invest.3. AI isn’t coming — it’s already here. Learn it or risk being replaced by it.4. Surround yourself with people who support your growth, not those who pull you back.5. One great idea per week = 52 life-changing ideas per year.
🌐 New Website Launching April 1st:Visit johnsuzuki.com for exciting updates and new resources.
If this podcast has impacted you in any way, please Like, Subscribe, and Share.Let’s make 2026 your best year ever.

EP 199 - Reclaim the Moment: Why Kindness Changes Everything, with Greg Bennick

What if the secret to stronger relationships, better leadership, and a more meaningful life starts with one simple choice? 💛
In EP 199 of the Finding Better Podcast, John Suzuki sits down with keynote speaker and author Greg Bennick to explore the power of kindness — not as a cliché, but as a strategy for life and business.
Greg shares insights from his book Reclaim the Moment: Seven Strategies to Build a Better Now and explains why believing in the possibility of kindness can completely change how we show up in the world.
Inside this conversation, you’ll learn:• Why kindness is the foundation of authentic connection• How being kind to yourself changes everything• The hidden cost of comparison culture and social media• Why success can be more intimidating than failure• How to “spin up” instead of spiraling down• What it really means to reclaim the present moment
💡 Key Takeaways:• Kindness is a choice — and it’s always available.• You can’t pour into others if you’re not kind to yourself first.• Comparison steals joy; presence restores it.• Growth requires leaping into the unknown.• When you lift one person, you lift the world.
Connect with Greg Bennick:Website: https://www.gregbennick.comStudent Programs: https://www.amazingassemblies.com
If this episode moved you, share it with someone who needs a reminder that kindness still matters.
Like, subscribe, and help us continue building a community focused on growth, authenticity, and finding better.