New Episodes Every Monday on Youtube, Spotify & Apple Podcasts

The Right Podcast For You!

Blue Stiley is the host of Navigating No, a podcast that explores the art of overcoming rejection, failure, and self-doubt. Through engaging conversations with guestsranging from Hollywood actors, executives, Olympians and moreBlue uncovers personal stories and strategies for turning life’s “No’s” into opportunities. Passionate about resilience and growth, Blue creates a space for listeners and viewers to find inspiration and practical advice to navigate your personal development journey.  

Latest Episode

John Duong: From Uncertainty to Passion Driven

Feb. 10th - 40 Min

Have you ever been shut out by a closed door, and wondered if there was another way in? In this riveting episode of “Navigating No.” I sit down with business strategist John Duong, who transformed every “No” into a breakthrough moment. From scaling AT&T’s corporate ladder to unleashing his creativity as a content director, John shares how pivoting from rejection can spark unprecedented success. Tune in if you’re ready to rethink setbacks and unlock the hidden opportunities in every “No.”

All Episodes

Micki Love: Defying the Odds, From File Clerk to President of cjAdvertising

Feb. 3rd - 29 Min

Has anyone ever told you “no”, for a role you knew you had the skills and ability to crush, but just needed that one chance? In this episode of “Navigating No”, I speak to Micki Love, a powerhouse in the legal consulting world who defied expectations and shattered glass ceilings. Her journey from being a file clerk, to COO and now President of cjAdvertising, is a story of hearing she didn’t have the right credentials to lead, to a masterclass in turning rejection into success. Micki’s story isn’t just about climbing the corporate ladder-It’s about building your own when the doors won’t open.

Paul Kiely: How to Avoid the No's & Embrace Success Instead

Jan. 27th - 52 Min

Paul Kiely is a friend, mentor and creative powerhouse whose career spans decades of work with iconic brands like Amazon, GM, Microsoft, PespiCo and YUM Brands. From his early days at MTV to his roles as a casting director, voice-over actor, and commercial creative, Paul’s journey is filled with invaluable lessons on persistence, adaptability, and the power of humor in overcoming challenges. He doesn’t just navigate rejection-he’s mastered the art of avoiding it altogether. By embracing serendipity and staying true to himself, he’s turned hurdles into stepping stones, proving that every “no” can lead to a better opportunity.

Paris Mullen: From Shock to Strength - Rewrite your Story

Jan. 20th - 37 Min

How would you respond if life threw you a curveball that turned your world upside down? What if the only way forward, was through radical acceptance and adaptability? 

In this powerful episode of “Navigating No”, I sit down with Paris Mullen, a passionate advocate, speaker and former model, whose life took an unexpected turn after facing a life-altering diagnosis. Confronted with deeply rooted fears and societal stigmas, Paris made the courageous decision to embrace his new reality and rewrite his story. This episode is a profound reminder that sometimes life gives you the most sour lemons and your very survival depends on having an unshakable confidence team and to remember your true worth and purpose in this world.

Russ Banham: From the #1 New York Met's Hot Dog Vendor to Pulitzer-Nominated Financial Journalist

Jan. 13th - 51 Min

Keys and lessons to a good and fulfilling life from a Pulitzer-nominated financial journalist, best selling author and Hollywood actor. On this episode of “Navigating No”, I sit down with Russ Banham, a master storyteller who has learned that in a competitive world, striving to be the best in your field distinguishes you. His incredible story from throwing hot dogs, to acting alongside Bill Murray in Meatballs, appearing on SNL, meeting The Rolling Stones, and ultimately to becoming an award-winning journalist and the author of 34 books (which include works like the corporate histories of Ford Motors, Boeing, Coors, and Harvard Business School) His career path and personal mantra, “It Just Doesn’t Matter,” reminds us to prioritize what truly counts to have a successful and fulfilling life.

Tia Wright: From Crossfit Athlete to Powerhouse Entrepreneur

Jan. 6th - 50 Min

Have you ever felt success begin to slip through your fingers and you feel like throwing in the towel? In this episode of “Navigating No”, I sit down with Tia Wright, a former competitive Crossfit Athlete turned mindset coach and gym owner. Her journey spans from competing at the highest levels of Crossfit to starting her own gym, Culture Fitness, in Arkansas. Despite facing heartbreaking setbacks, like narrowly missing her chance at the Crossfit Games multiple times, she transformed rejection into fuel for her entrepreneurial success. Her powerhouse story is a reminder that the mental game, is just as critical, as the physical!

From Lessons to Resolutions: Navigating No with Blue Stiley - 2024 Recap

Dec. 23rd - 42 Min

Join Blue Stiley and producer Brennon Poynor as they recap “Navigating No’s most powerful moments and takeaways of 2024! Featuring inspiring stories from guests like Sandy Zimmerman, Dmitrious Bistrevsky and Jean-Luc Baker, this episode dives into turning setbacks into success. Relive the year’s top lessons on embracing rejection, failure and self-doubt and turning them into personal growth, self development and professional wins. Don’t miss this uplifting look back as fuel for your New Year’s Resolutions and for an exciting preview of what’s coming in 2025!

Matt Dubin: What happens when you stop letting Fear hold you back?

Dec. 16th- 1:06 Hr/Min

Matt Dubin is an entrepreneur and accomplished attorney, whose journey is a powerful example of turning challenges into opportunities. He shares how he faced his own limiting beliefs, overcame personal doubts and shifted his business perspective to take the Dubin Law Group to an eight-figure firm. He opens up about pivotal moments, including rejection that forced him to reevaluate his business approach and to invest in himself and mentorship. Through vivid goal-setting, a growth mindset, and the courage to take action, Matt transformed setbacks into stepping stones for powerhouse growth. 

Kristy Petersen: Turning Rejection into Opportunity in the Super Model Industry

Dec. 9th - 1 Hr

The modeling industry may look glamorous on the surface, but the reality behind the camera is filled with rejections. In this episode of “Navigating No”, I sit down with Kristy Petersen, the president and co-owner of SMG Model Management, to uncover what it truly takes to build a long-lasting career in any industry. She opens up about her own road to overcoming self-doubt and how she built the confidence necessary to succeed. We also discuss the role of social media, mentorship, believing in yourself and the importance of self-development in an evolving industry and world. 

Sensei Ron Thomas: Cobra Kai Never Dies - Life Lessons from The All Valley Tournament and Mr. Miyagi

Dec. 2nd - 1:10 Hr/Min

Sensei Ron Thomas, renowned for his role as Bobby Brown in the iconic Karate Kid films and the Netflix hit series Cobra Kai, joins us on “Navigating No” to share his incredible journey from Hollywood stardom to life mastery. In this compelling conversation, Ron dives into the lessons he’s learned and faced beyond the silver screen. From facing the ups and downs of a Hollywood career to channeling the discipline of martial arts, Ron reveals how his experiences shaped his identity and led to his calling as a motivational speaker and author beyond the dojo. 

Jen Tesky: Leading with Kindness & Resilience in Education

Nov. 25th - 45 Min

Jen Tesky is the inspiring principal, of Liberty Lake Elementary in Washington state, who fosters a culture of kindness and inclusion within her school. Her story highlights the importance of staying true to your passions and building a supportive community to thrive. From her early aspirations of becoming a pediatrician to embracing her calling as an educator, Jen’s journey as a single mother to ultimately becoming a beloved leader in education shows the power of determination, community and self-development. On this episode of “Navigating No”, Jen shares her path to becoming a principal, and how she leverages her own personal mantra “You can either get BITTER or BETTER”, when facing self-doubt and imposter syndrome. 

Darth Dmitrious: Embodying Darth Vader & Navigating Hollywood's "No's"

Nov. 18th - 1:30 Hr/Min

In this episode, we sit down with Dmitrious Bistrevsky, the talented suit actor known for bringing Darth Vader to life in Disney+’s Obi-Wan Kenobi series. From his beginnings in Spokane, WA. to working alongside some of Hollywood’s biggest names, Dmitrious’s journey is a testament to resilience, creativity, and relentless dedication. He shares his path from gymnastics and breakdancing to circus arts with Cirque Du Soleil and eventually making his mark in Hollywood as a sought-after suit actor. Along the way, he’s used every rejection as a chance to push harder, adapt and find new ways to succeed and bring authenticity to every roleeven when hidden behind the mask.

Natalie Fairchild: Creating Memorable Experiences, One Cup at a time

Nov. 10th - 53 Min

Natalie Fairchild, founder of Pacific Perks Coffee, joins us on “Navigating No” to share her journey of building a successful franchise. Her story is one of resilience, innovation, and purpose. In this episode, Natalie opens up about her entrepreneurial path, the challenges of franchising, and how she cultivated a strong team culture rooted in belonging and balance to succeed.

Geoff McLachlan: Rediscovering The Power of Play

Nov. 4th - 31 Min

Geoff McLachlan is a professional speaker who harnesses the power of play to build connections, inspire teams, and help others overcome life’s challenges. His journey is filled with lessons on resilience, from navigating unexpected turns on his path to becoming a Tedx speaker to pivoting his career during the pandemic, when in-person events were no longer feasible. Geoff believes that play and creativity are essential tools for fostering connection and resilience. 

Hope Misterek: Crafting Success by Turning Setbacks into Opportunities

Oct. 28th - 40 Min

Hope Misterek, entrepreneur and creative visionary, joins us on “Navigating No” to share her inspiring journey of resilience, career transitions, and embracing rejection. From being a stylist to launching a luxury rental business, Hope’s career is a testament to following your passions and evolving with every opportunity. Her ability to turn “no” into action and using rejection as a chance to revise, redirect, and push forward offers a refreshing perspective on setbacks.  

James Coleman: The Jedi Mindset for Overcoming Failure and Finding Opportunity

Oct. 21st - 52 Min

James Coleman, entrepreneur and vintage toy collector, joins us on “Navigating No” to share his fascinating journey through the world of high-end collectibles and entrepreneurship. As the founder of The Vinatage Alliance, a thriving private community for collectors and sellers, James has built a business rooted in trust, reputation, and authenticity. Moving hundreds of thousands of dollars in rare collectibles each month, James blends nostalgia, investment, and creativity into every transaction.

Yvonne Castaneda: Embracing Growth, Healing and Personal Transformation

Oct. 14th - 43 Min

Yvonne Castaneda shares her transformative journey from being a personal trainer to a mental health clinician. Overcoming cultural pressures and personal struggles, including anxiety and eating disorders, Yvonne discovered her true calling helping others heal. With insights from her book “Pork Belly Tacos with a Side of Anxiety,” she delves into stories fo personal growth, self-worth, and following one’s inner voice. 

Boyd Morrison: Turning Rejections into Best-Selling Success

Oct. 7th - 44 Min

Boyd Morrison is an American thriller novelist, actor, engineer and former Jeopardy champion. He has co-authored several books with, The New York Times fiction best-seller, Clive Cussler. Boyd shares his journey of perseverance, despite facing over 25 rejections for his third book. His relentless pursuit of success led him to self-publish on Kindle, where he found immense success that eventually caught the attention of traditional publishers and becoming a New York Times best-seller himself. On this episode of “Navigating No”, he opens up about the importance of having a growth mindset, dealing with imposter syndrome, how to embrace failure as feedback, and the value of surrounding yourself with a supportive community. Whether your’e an aspiring author or simply looking for inspiration, Boyd’s insights are sure to motivate you to keep pushing forward! 

Ellen Acuario: How Staying True to Yourself Leads to Success

Sept. 29th - 51 Min

Ellen Acuario, stand-up comedian and social media sensation, joins us on “Navigating No” to share her life long journey of overcoming rejection and finding success through vulnerable authenticity. Ellen’s rise on TikTok during COVID lockdowns, where her unfiltered content resonated with ten’s of thousands, is just one part of her story. From being rejected in radio to thriving in comedy, she has learned to embrace her true self and use humor to navigate life’s challenges. In this episode, Ellen opens up about her experiences with failure, podcasting, parenting, her children’s book “Be You: The Adventures of Penguin and Panda”, and how staying genuine helped her build meaningful connections with her audience.  

Bryan Seely: Cybersecurity, Sobriety, and the Power of Vulnerability

Sept. 23th - 53 Min

Bryan Seely is a renowned cybersecurity expert and Marine Corps veteran who shares his powerful journey of overcoming addiction, ADHD, and suicidal thoughts to rebuild his life and career. Known for exposing vulnerabilities in the FBI and Secret Service, Bryan’s path wasn’t without intense personal struggles, including self-doubt and negative self-talk. He opens up on this episode of “Navigating No” about how vulnerability and community support became essential to his personal and professional growth. From hitting rock bottom to becoming a global keynote speaker and consultant, Bryan’s story is a testament to self-trust and the importance of not facing challenges alone. 

Jean-Luc Baker: Skating Through Setbacks to Olympic Glory

Sept. 9th - 44 Min

Jean-Luc Baker is a British-American Olympic figure skater and with his skating partner, Kaitlin Hawayek, he is the 2018 Four Continents champion, the 2018 NHK Trophy champion, and a four-time U.S. National bronze medalist to name a few of his career highlights. From an early age, Jean-Luc faced immense pressures and setbacks, including injuries on his path to becoming an Olympian in the Beijing 2022 Olympics. In this episode of Navigating No, he shares his journey as a kid wearing skates to performing on the world’s biggest stage, the Olympics. and how injuries nearly derailed his career. He also discusses his transition to coaching and his venture, “Your True Step”, aimed at helping athletes discover their authentic selves.   

 

Nina Hajian: From Doubts to Dominance in Broadcasting

Sept. 9th - 41 Min

Nina Hajian, is a three time Gracie Award Winning Radio Host on The Jubal Show, and a powerhouse in radio and TV. She joins us on “Navigating No”, to share her remarkable journey of transforming rejection into a celebrated career. Her commitment to authenticity has proven revolutionary in an industry where appearances often overshadow talent. From enduring the harsh lessons of a Major Cable Network audition to her dynamic presence in major media markets, her story is a masterclass of staying true to oneself. In this episode, Nina discusses overcoming early career rejections, her pivotal shift from Sacramento, to New York and eventually back to Seattle, WA. and how she uses her platform to empower others through storytelling, community building, and her own skincare line, “T-Bazi”

 

Sandy Zimmerman: Mastering the Art of the Comeback

Sept. 9th - 1:12 Hr/Min

Sandy Zimmerman is a Hall of Fame teacher, national Judo champion, Gonzaga basketball star, Tedx speaker, keynote speaker and American Ninja Warrior champion. In this episode of “Navigating No”, Sandy shares her remarkable journey from overcoming a childhood marked by poverty, foster care and abuse, and how she defied the odds with unwavering determination and having a clear vision. She discusses pivotal moments and key figures in her life, like her sensei who believed in her Olympic potential, her wonderful family and a friend who supported her American Ninja Warrior dream. Her story, despite major injuries, is a powerhouse testament to the strength of human spirit and the transformative power of belief and gratitude.