Blue Stiley

How Leaders Make Decisions Under Pressure (From a Chief of Police)

Community, Mindset, Relationships /

Most leaders will never have to make decisions where lives are on the line.But at some point, every leader will be tested — and how they respond will define who they are.Today’s guest is Chief Damon Simmons, the Chief of Police in Liberty Lake, whose career has been built in moments where leadership isn’t theoretical — it’s real, immediate, and carries weight most people will never fully understand.  From serving in the Air Force to nearly two decades in law enforcement, Damon has learned what it takes to lead under pressure, build trust in both a department and a community, and carry responsibility that doesn’t turn off when the day ends.In this conversation, we talk about leadership when it actually matters, the realities most people never see behind the badge, and what it takes to lead people through moments that demand more than just words.Show Flow02:04 Damon’s journey to becoming Chief of Police03:36 The intense interview process + self-doubt05:31 Landing the role + feeling the weight of responsibility07:06 Mentors, calling other chiefs, and asking questions10:24 “They don’t work for me, I work for them”12:32 Hiring the right people + early recruiting lessons15:09 Why Damon wrote a leadership book19:09 Self-reflection as a leadership weapon21:00 Why humility is required in leadership24:17 Learning leadership from his barber28:32 Spotting when someone on the team is struggling32:55 Why Great Leaders Say “We” Instead of “I.”36:33 Self-Reflection and Correcting Old Habits40:17 How Policing Changes a Person Over Time44:36 Supporting Officers Who Can’t Continue50:18 Why Strong Leaders Still Need Help56:08 Advice for Young Officers Entering the Profession58:36 Serving a Community the Right Way59:44 Final Thoughts

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The Small Things That Turn Customers Into Regulars with Lydia Cowles

Business, Community, Relationships /

Most people think that what makes a business successful is the product.But the truth is, it’s the experience. It’s the small moments. It’s how people feel when they walk through the door.Today’s guest is Lydia Cowles, owner of 27th Heaven Bakery — a business built on from-scratch baking, consistency, and creating something people come back to again and again.Her path wasn’t traditional. From serving as a Navy officer on an aircraft carrier to building a bakery from the ground up, Lydia’s journey is about trusting a skill, taking a risk, and turning it into something real.This conversation explores what it actually takes to start a business, the challenges most people don’t see, and why the little things are often what make the biggest difference.Show Flow02:05 Meet Lydia Cowles08:10 The Reality of Starting a Bakery13:00 Getting Your First Customers18:00 Taking Pride in What You’ve Built22:00 Why “From Scratch” Changes Everything23:00 Creating Loyal Customers Through Quality24:30 Becoming Known in the Community26:00 Building a Brand People Talk About31:00 Creating an Experience That Brings People Back33:30 What Customers Actually Remember36:00 Consistency vs Creativity in Business38:30 Adapting to Customer Demand41:00 Balancing Passion with Practical Business Decisions48:00 What Most People Get Wrong About Entrepreneurship57:00 Final Thoughts#bluestiley #inspiration #motivation #selfimprovement #motivational

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Leadership Advice

How to Build Influence That Actually Matters And Why People Get It Wrong with Tyler Dickerhoof

Business, Mindset, Relationships /

Most people think influence comes from titles, platforms, or connections. But real influence starts when you’re willing to tell the truth about who you are and confront the parts of your story you’ve kept hidden.Today’s guest is Tyler Dickerhoof, an impact-driven leader, speaker, and author whose journey began on a dairy farm and evolved into a career centered on leadership, connection, and personal growth. Along the way, he’s had to face difficult moments, internal battles, and the reality that the things we avoid often shape us the most.In this conversation, Tyler shares what it actually takes to build trust and influence, why self-awareness is the foundation of leadership, and how doing the hard work internally changes how you show up externally. He opens up about the tension between who we present to the world and who we really are, and why closing that gap matters.This episode isn’t just about leadership. It’s about honesty, self-reflection, and the courage to face the things we hide so we can live and lead more fully.#Leadership#PersonalGrowth#Mindset#thebluestileypodcast#humanconnectionShow Flow0:00 Building Relationships with High-Level Mentors01:45 Hot Seat vs Hosting08:05 Growing Up in 4-H12:10 Bringing People Along as a Leader16:01 What Leaders Are Missing in Relationships19:07 Recognizing Blind Spots as a Leader23:26 The “Walls” That Hold People Back26:30 Building Real Influence in a Regional Market30:15 The Biggest Mistake People Make with Influence34:40 Starting Over: The First 90 Days38:20 Building Trust with a Team42:10 The Decision to Tell His Story45:30 Moving Forward from Your Worst Moment49:10 Hiding vs Healing52:00 From Guilt to Responsibility55:45 The Conversation You Need to Have with Yourself59:30 Unlocking Potential in Others01:03:10 The Power of Who You Surround Yourself With01:07:20 Lessons from High-Level Relationships01:11:00 What Real Leadership Looks Like01:15:10 Telling the Truth About Yourself01:19:30 Final ThoughtsThis episode of The Blue Stiley Podcast is sponsored by Dubin Law Group—a firm built on gratitude, empathy, and compassion. Founded by Matthew Dubin, Dubin Law Group has been fighting for the rights of injured clients for decades. Learn more at dubinlawoffice.comWatch The Tyler Dickerhoof Show on YouTube and catch up on his show:https://www.youtube.com/@thetylerdickerhoofshowFind out how to become the leader people want to follow and become an impact driven leader here:https://www.tylerdickerhoof.com/Connect withTyler on his LinkedIn here:https://www.linkedin.com/in/tylerdickerhoof/Welcome to The Blue Stiley Podcast, the ultimate destination for motivation, inspiration & personal growth. 🎙️💡 Subscribe to the channel if you love achieving your goals. Your future self will thank you!The Blue Stiley Podcast is where real people share real stories about pushing past fear, owning their truth, and living life at the next level. Hosted by keynote speaker, author and personal growth expert Blue Stiley, each episode delivers honest conversations and hard-earned lessons to help you grow into who you’re meant to be.—Catch shorts and full episodes of The Blue Stiley Podcast here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLVYhmZsDkCVt9PGcXwjlypwaEBjteb-Ri   📺Listen to The Blue Stiley Podcast while you’re on-the-go!  🎧 Available wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts. New episodes drop every Monday to start your week off right! Apple Podcasts and Spotify & Youtube:—Subscribe to the channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@bluestiley—Follow me here:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bluestileyLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/blue-stiley/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blue.stileyWebsites: —https://bluestiley.com/https://thesumof4.com/https://darksideforlife.com/—Looking for my book on Amazon? Here it is!https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1950241998/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=A27LPL7FZJL1FB&psc=1

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Success Doesn’t Lead to Happiness—Your Brain Is the Reason Why with Dr. Paul Jenkins

Uncategorized /

Today’s conversation is about something every single one of us deals with — our own mind.Why is it that we can know exactly what we should do and still struggle to do it? Why does the brain seem to hold us back from the very life we say we want?Dr. Paul Jenkins joins the show to break down the psychology behind purpose, why our brains resist change, and what it actually takes to start living more intentionally.Show Flow01:23 Dr. Paul Jenkins’ Backstory02:17 What Is Positive Psychology07:56 The Moment That Changed His Mindset08:14 Learning to Help Yourself First16:51 Knowledge vs Real-Life Experience19:50 What People Get Wrong About Positive Thinking23:26 Awareness and the Power of Choice38:00 How Much Control You Actually Have Over Your Mind41:00 Making the Mental Shift44:14 Finding Gratitude in Difficult Situations46:54 The Psychology of Better Questions50:58 The Hard Truth About Creating Change52:43 Living with Intention vs Reacting55:18 Why Kids See Things Differently56:26 How Adults Can Actually Find a Mentor57:30 Redefining What a Mentor Really Is58:10 Anyone Can Be Your Mentor If You Ask01:10:55 Finding Gratitude in Life’s Hardest Moments01:12:00 Why Death Isn’t the Enemy01:13:00 Learning from Bad Examples01:14:30 Identity, Drive, and Purpose01:19:58 Final Reflections on Living Intentionally01:21:17 Final Thoughts—Catch shorts and full episodes of The Blue Stiley Podcast here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLVYhmZsDkCVt9PGcXwjlypwaEBjteb-Ri   📺Listen to The Blue Stiley Podcast while you’re on-the-go!  🎧 Available wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts. New episodes drop every Monday to start your week off right! Apple Podcasts and Spotify & Youtube:—Subscribe to the channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@bluestiley—Follow me here:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bluestileyLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/blue-stiley/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blue.stileyWebsites: —https://bluestiley.com/https://thesumof4.com/https://darksideforlife.com/—#bluestiley #Leadership #Confidence #Rejection #Mindset #starwars

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Ask Me Anything: Leadership, Rejection, Star Wars, Confidence & The 3–5% Edge™ with Blue Stiley

Business, Community, Health, Mindset, Relationships /

This episode is an AMA with Blue, answering real questions from listeners across the region.From overcoming failure to building resilience and finding your path, this episode covers what it really takes to keep going when things get hard.From Star Wars to personal growth, rejection, confidence, and building a life you’re proud of, this conversation covers a little bit of everything. Blue opens up about lessons from failure, the importance of community, and what it actually takes to stay consistent when things don’t go your way.There are moments that are light and fun, and others that go deeper into mindset, identity, and how to keep moving forward when life doesn’t go as planned.If you’ve ever dealt with rejection, questioned your path, or just needed a reminder to keep going, this episode is for you.Show Flow:00:50 What Is Your Middle Name?03:18 If Everything Disappeared Tomorrow, What Would You Do?05:00 How Do You Continue to Learn and Grow?06:42 When Did You Almost Quit but Didn’t?08:30 Why Did Your Sensei Test You That Way?11:00 What Was the Hardest No You’ve Faced?13:05 Was That Your Hardest No Because of What Was at Stake?14:41 What Did Rejection Teach You That Success Didn’t?19:46 What Story Did You Want to Revisit About Rejection?22:32 How Do You Keep Going When Nothing Is Working?26:42 What Separates People Who Quit from Those Who Don’t?30:21 Why Do Some People Grow from Adversity While Others Break?31:10 Have You Always Been Confident?32:37 What Is Your Confidence Hack?35:40 How Do You Handle Imposter Syndrome?40:45 Where Does Your Positivity Come From?50:28 What Is the 3–5% Edge™ and Why Does It Matter?52:31 What Does “Find Your Table” Mean?56:26 How Do Adults Find a Mentor?01:00:33 What Is the Biggest Transformation You’ve Seen from “The Sum of 4”?01:03:45 How Should People Adapt to Different Stages of Life?01:06:10 What Did Your Knee Injuries Teach You?01:10:10 When Did Your Love for Star Wars Begin?01:11:38 What Star Wars Character Represents Your Journey?01:14:50 What Advice Do You Have for New Dads?01:20:08 What Do You Want People to Feel After Hearing You Speak?01:21:38 Final ThoughtsThis episode of The Blue Stiley Podcast is sponsored by Dubin Law Group—a firm built on gratitude, empathy, and compassion. Founded by Matthew Dubin, Dubin Law Group has been fighting for the rights of injured clients for decades. Learn more at dubinlawoffice.comWelcome to The Blue Stiley Podcast, the ultimate destination for motivation, inspiration & personal growth. 🎙️💡 Subscribe to the channel if you love achieving your goals. Your future self will thank you!The Blue Stiley Podcast is where real people share real stories about pushing past fear, owning their truth, and living life at the next level. Hosted by keynote speaker, author and personal growth expert Blue Stiley, each episode delivers honest conversations and hard-earned lessons to help you grow into who you’re meant to be.—Catch shorts and full episodes of The Blue Stiley Podcast here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLVYhmZsDkCVt9PGcXwjlypwaEBjteb-Ri   📺Listen to The Blue Stiley Podcast while you’re on-the-go!  🎧 Available wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts. New episodes drop every Monday to start your week off right! Apple Podcasts and Spotify & Youtube:—Subscribe to the channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@bluestiley—Follow me here:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bluestileyLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/blue-stiley/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blue.stileyWebsites: —https://bluestiley.com/https://thesumof4.com/https://darksideforlife.com/—#bluestiley #Leadership #Confidence #Rejection #Mindset #starwars

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How Do You Keep Going After Life Breaks You? with Tristan Hite

Community, Health, Mindset, Relationships /

Most people think strength is about staying strong. But real strength shows up when life changes in an instant and you still choose how to move forward.Today’s guest is Tristan Hite, a speaker, author, and advocate whose life has been shaped by profound loss and unimaginable challenges. After facing two life-altering tragedies, she was forced to confront deep trauma and uncertainty.Instead of becoming bitter or giving in to the weight of it, Tristan chose to do the hard work of healing and rebuilding her life, turning pain into purpose.This episode explores trauma, healing, and what it takes to rebuild when life breaks you.Show Flow00:19 Meet Tristan Hite 01:43 Running Into a Career in Banking04:57 The Relationship That Changed Everything10:06 A Guns N’ Roses Proposal13:10 A Tragic Loss and the Reality of PTSD17:55 Choosing “Up” and the Power of Community Support21:54 Finding Grace While Moving Through Grief25:59 Taking Small Steps Back Toward Life29:17 Letting Go of Sad Drinking and Choosing Healing31:44 Learning Gratitude and the Power of Listening34:05 The Difference Between Being a Fixer and a Listener36:00 Her Daughter’s Brain Tumor Diagnosis37:31 Hospital Room 314 and the Reality of Surgery41:23 Fighting Through Two More Years of Uncertainty45:34 Panic Attacks and the Role of Therapy50:53 Writing the Book Perfectly Imperfect56:17 Learning to Pilot Your Own Plane in Life59:26 “Babysit Yourself” and the Importance of Sleep01:05:08 Advice, Music, and Star Wars01:09:48 Final Thoughts

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What It Takes to Last in a High-Pressure Career with FOX 13’s Erin Mayovsky

Business, Community, Mindset, Relationships, Uncategorized /

Today’s guest is Erin Mayovsky, a longtime television anchor and life long journalist who has spent decades working in one of the most competitive and visible industries and careers in the world, now on Fox 13 Seattle.But this episode isn’t really about media. It’s about longevity, resilience, and what keeps people committed in high-pressure environments where performance is constant and nothing is guaranteed. In an industry where many people come and go, Erin has built a career that has lasted.This conversation explores the mindset, discipline, and values that allow someone to stay, grow, and keep showing up year after year.#ErinMayovsky #Leadership #CareerLongevityShow Flow00:25 Meet Erin Mayovsky03:26 Mentors and Early Opportunities08:53 Hustle and Support Systems10:49 Rejection and Resilience19:52 Behind the Scenes of Broadcasting26:08 Handling Trolls and Criticism30:36 The Reality of Your Digital Footprint33:49 Career Longevity and Adapting38:55 Asking for Help44:13 The Power of Listening54:46 Sideline Bloopers and Live TV58:39 Final ThoughtsThis episode of The Blue Stiley Podcast is sponsored by Dubin Law Group—a firm built on gratitude, empathy, and compassion. Founded by Matthew Dubin, Dubin Law Group has been fighting for the rights of injured clients for decades. Learn more at dubinlawoffice.comWelcome to The Blue Stiley Podcast, the ultimate destination for motivation, inspiration, personal growth, and life-changing advice. 🎙️💡 Subscribe to the channel if you love achieving your goals. Your future self will thank you!The Blue Stiley Podcast is where real people share real stories about pushing past fear, owning their truth, and living life at the next level. Hosted by keynote speaker, author and personal growth expert Blue Stiley, each episode delivers honest conversations and hard-earned lessons to help you grow into who you’re meant to be.—Catch shorts and full episodes of The Blue Stiley Podcast here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLVYhmZsDkCVt9PGcXwjlypwaEBjteb-Ri   📺Listen to The Blue Stiley Podcast while you’re on-the-go!  🎧 Available wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts. New episodes drop every Monday to start your week off right! Apple Podcasts and Spotify & Youtube:—Subscribe to the channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@bluestiley—Follow me here:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bluestileyLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/blue-stiley/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blue.stileyWebsites: —https://bluestiley.com/https://thesumof4.com/https://darksideforlife.com/—Looking for my book on Amazon? Here it is!https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1950241998/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=A27LPL7FZJL1FB&psc=1#ProfessionalGrowth#BroadcastJournalism#NewsAnchor

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Redefining What’s Possible: How You Show Up Changes Everything with Channing Cash

Community, Health, Mindset, Relationships, Uncategorized /

Today’s guest is Channing Cash, a Team USA Paralympian who has built a life rooted in independence, exploration, and elite performance.But this episode isn’t really about sport. It’s about rewriting expectations, challenging the quiet limits society places on people, and choosing to define yourself on your own terms. It’s a conversation about how the way you show up can reinforce boundaries—or expand what’s possible.Show Flow00:35 Meet Channing Cash06:36 Finding Purpose Through Work10:18 Banking Career and Success13:52 Surfing Changed Everything16:59 Quitting and Moving West21:25 Challenging First Impressions24:07 Dating and Independence25:50 Defining Confidence29:46 Stop Seeking Belonging34:03 Leveraging Uniqueness40:16 Nature as a Reset44:39 Aha From Kayaking47:40 Scary Moments Solo50:33 Final Takeaway Advice52:39 Where To Follow54:19 Gear Essentials56:10 Final Thoughts

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Why Consistency and Showing Up Every Day Separates the Elite from Everyone Else with John Saintignon

Business, Community, Health, Mindset, Relationships, Uncategorized /

Today’s guest is John Saintignon, a college basketball phenom who once led the nation in scoring before making a life-changing decision in less than 24 hours to take his career overseas. That choice led him into a global journey as a coach, author, and speaker, working and leading in countries around the world.But this episode isn’t really about basketball. It’s about identity, belonging, and the importance of knowing where you come from so you can understand where you’re going.Show Flow00:00 Black Belt Mindset: The Starting Point00:31 Meet John Saintignon: From Scoring Phenom to Speaker01:25 Falling in Love with Basketball in Tucson06:27 The 24-Hour Decision to Go Pro08:50 Adoption Reveal at a Turning Point12:20 Life as a Pro in Spain15:11 Chicago Bulls Tryout & No-Regrets Mindset18:47 From Player to High School Coach21:20 Coaching Journey & Oregon State24:07 Raising Kids Around the World26:40 Coaching in Bahrain28:42 Experiencing the Arab Spring31:17 Finding Purpose33:11 Becoming a Karate Student at 5035:40 DNA Search Begins38:24 The Risk of Finding Family41:39 The Breakthrough45:27 Family Reunion47:44 Choosing the Road Less Traveled50:19 Final Thoughts

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Turning Your Message Into Momentum with Armando Leduc

Business, Mindset, Relationships /

Today’s guest is Armando Leduc, an actor, entrepreneur, and CEO of Leduc Entertainment. Armando helps creators and business owners find their authentic voice and turn it into a personal brand that actually moves the needle.In this episode, the conversation digs into what it takes to go from being unseen to owning your message. Armando shares how surrounding yourself with the right people can accelerate growth, why overcoming impostor syndrome starts with real-world “stage time,” and how confronting negative self-talk head-on can unlock confidence and clarity. He also talks about the moment he committed to building his own brand, the power of relationships and trust in scaling a business, and why delegation and systems are essential for sustainable growth.This episode of The Blue Stiley Podcast is sponsored by Dubin Law Group—a firm built on gratitude, empathy, and compassion. Founded by Matthew Dubin, Dubin Law Group has been fighting for the rights of injured clients for decades. Learn more at dubinlawoffice.comShow Flow00:57 Armando’s Journey and Insights04:48 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome12:33 The Importance of Personal Branding17:29 The Power of Relationships and Networking25:26 Systemizing Success and Team Collaboration31:23 Team Dynamics and Leadership Challenges37:53 The Importance of Delegation40:57 Creating Systems and Processes48:49 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome50:56 Starting a Production Company56:00 Final ThoughtsFind out more about Armando Leduc at Leduc Entertainment and their ability to turn your business into a blockbuster movie. https://www.leducentertainment.com/#bluestiley #entrepreneurmindset #thebluestileypodcast #leducentertainment #entrepreneur The Blue Stiley Podcast is where real people share real stories about pushing past fear, owning their truth, and living life at the next level. Hosted by keynote speaker, author and personal growth expert Blue Stiley, each episode delivers honest conversations and hard-earned lessons to help you grow into who you’re meant to be.—Catch shorts and full episodes of The Blue Stiley Podcast here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLVYhmZsDkCVt9PGcXwjlypwaEBjteb-Ri   📺Listen to The Blue Stiley Podcast while you’re on-the-go!  🎧 Available wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts. New episodes drop every Monday to start your week off right! Apple Podcasts and Spotify & Youtube:—Subscribe to the channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@bluestiley—Follow me here:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bluestileyLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/blue-stiley/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blue.stileyWebsites: —https://bluestiley.com/https://thesumof4.com/https://darksideforlife.com/—Looking for my book on Amazon? Here it is!https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1950241998/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=A27LPL7FZJL1FB&psc=1

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