Podcast Episodes

What Customers Really Remember About Your Business

Leave a Comment / Business, Community, Mindset, Relationships /

Most business owners think customers remember the service they provide.But more often, people remember how they were treated, how they felt, and the small details that made the experience stand out.Today’s guest is Shannon Thomas, co-owner of Save Your Glass Window Cleaning. Alongside her husband, she’s built a business around a simple mission: making Spokane sparkle while creating the kind of customer experience that turns first-time clients into lifelong advocates.This conversation explores what customers actually remember, why trust and consistency matter more than most people realize, and how the smallest moments can have the biggest impact on the way people talk about your business long after the job is done.Show Flow00:48 Meet Shannon Thomas02:58 Buying the Business04:18 Networking Superpower14:30 Selling by Educating18:15 Team Culture and Reviews23:08 Trust and Professionalism26:58 Hiring for Morale30:50 Strengths-Based Decisions36:37 Thank You Card Strategy39:19 Relationship Driven Referrals43:37 Owning Mistakes Fast48:54 Protecting Your Windows51:42 Power Couple Business Advice56:22 Final Thoughts

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Why Success Still Leaves So Many People Empty – Scott Lackey

Leave a Comment / Business, Health, Mindset, Relationships /

Most people spend their lives chasing success, achievement, and identity, believing that once they finally reach the next goal, they’ll feel whole.But eventually, some people wake up and realize the life they built no longer matches the person they’re becoming.Today’s guest is Scott Lackey — Army veteran, Ironman triathlete, entrepreneur, columnist, and author of Wake Up to Die Again. After years of pushing toward success, discipline, and external achievement, Scott found himself confronting deeper questions about purpose, identity, and what actually gives life meaning beyond accomplishment.This conversation is about reinvention, self-awareness, and what happens when success alone is no longer enough.Show Flow00:41 Meet Scott Lackey02:05 Hard Lessons & Highlights06:19 Lightning Strikes!09:48 Facing Fear & Sacrifice14:43 Nobody Will Know16:48 Trust Yourself Again19:28 Direction Over Distance24:48 Subtraction Not Addition30:00 Ask Anyway Make It Happen!35:05 Curiosity With Strangers40:19 Broken Promises To Ironman44:25 The Fiery Middle48:21 Military Vs Ironman Mindset50:39 Get Back Up For Love55:35 Redefining Success And Joy59:21 Writing For One Reader01:05:22 Final ThoughtsGrab a signed copy of Scott’s book here:https://scottlackey.com/Follow Scott on LinkedIn here:https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottlackey1/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.comCatch 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, Spotify, and YouTube.Subscribe to the channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@bluestileyFollow me here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bluestileyLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/blue-stiley/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blue.stiley Blue’s Websites: https://bluestiley.com/ https://thesumof4.com/ https://darksideforlife.com/

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What Credit Unions Know About Trust That Most Businesses Miss

Leave a Comment / Business, Community, Mindset, Relationships /

Most people don’t leave when things are obviously broken.They leave when everything looks fine. When people stop feeling connected, understood, or valued, they quietly start looking elsewhere long before anyone realizes there’s a problem.Today’s guest is Sarah Snell Cooke, founder of The Credit Union Connection and a trusted voice in the industry who has spent nearly three decades studying the patterns behind trust, loyalty, and human connection. As a former publisher, journalist, and now consultant through Cooke Consulting, she’s had a front-row seat to thousands of real stories that reveal why people stay, why they leave, and what actually builds lasting relationships inside organizations and communities.This conversation is about trust, communication, and the small things that make people feel seen before it’s too late.#CreditUnions#CreditUnionDifference#Trust#Loyalty#MemberExperienceShow Flow00:48 Meet Sarah Snell Cooke02:05 Credit Union Origins04:10 Why Credit Unions Win09:46 Member vs Customer12:21 Tech Gaps and AI Leap15:44 Fintech Partners and CUSOs21:39 Brand Storytelling That Pops29:39 Bundling Products Builds Loyalty30:45 Tech First Member Experience33:23 Brand Roots And Reputation35:07 Why Join A Credit Union38:15 Human Help With Smart Tech41:50 Storytelling Makes Members Heroes44:33 Trust & Consistency52:04 Marketing Repetition & Momentum56:30 Where To Find Sarah59:12 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.comCatch 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/

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How Elite Leaders Make Decisions When There’s No Clear Answer

Business, Community, Mindset /

When the plan falls apart, the pressure rises, and there’s no obvious next step, most people get stuck asking why it happened instead of figuring out what to do next.Today’s guest is Ben Morley, a former Air Force Lt. Colonel and C-17 instructor pilot who spent 27 years making high-stakes decisions in some of the most demanding environments imaginable. After a career built around leadership, pressure, and uncertainty, he now helps people navigate life’s biggest “why” moments and turn them into decisive “what now” action.This conversation is about decision-making, perspective, and how great leaders keep moving forward even when there’s no clear path ahead.Show Flow00:49 Meet Ben Morley02:40 What Pressure Feels Like07:13 Praise and 360 Leadership13:13 Wind the Clock Decision Making22:24 Why to What Now Transition24:54 Imposter Syndrome and Taking Action29:30 Fear Ego and Being Prepared32:01 Asking for Opportunities38:23 Seasons of Transition39:35 Caterpillar Soup Metaphor41:48 Three Self Check Questions43:46 Identity Beyond Titles48:42 Why He Wrote his Book51:40 Midair Collision Scare56:33 C17 Myths01:02:03 Cockpit Views and Wonder01:05:16 Leadership Under Pressure01:10:28 Final Thoughts

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How to Stand Out (Even If You’re Not the Most Talented Person in the Room)

Business, Health, Mindset, Relationships /

Most people think being unforgettable is about talent.But the truth is, it’s the small, intentional differences — the 3–5% edge — that separate the people who get remembered from the ones who get overlooked.Today’s guest is Jason Hewlett, a speaker and entertainer who has built his career around mastering that difference. Through his work on stages around the world, he’s learned how to create connection, stand out in a crowded room, and leave a lasting impact.This conversation is about what it really takes to be memorable — not just in performance, but in how you show up in your work and your life. We get into the idea of the 3–5% edge, why small details matter more than most people think, and how intentionality can change the way people experience you.If you’ve ever wondered why some people stand out while others blend in, this episode breaks it down.Show Flow02:25 Friendtoring and Mentoring06:55 Helping Others Shine11:15 Mentoring Success Stories15:08 Jealousy to Celebration17:56 Unforgettable Signature Moves21:58 ICM – Identify, Clarify & Magnify30:16 Presence as New Currency34:38 Origins of The Promise35:23 Promise Guy Origin36:14 Goals Versus Promises37:24 Resetting With Journaling39:09 Company Promise Examples40:32 Signature Moves Matter43:55 Be Reachable To Book45:58 Stage Nerves And Prep52:44 MC Crisis Save55:48 Chuck Norris Fill In01:00:19 Legacy And Resources01:03:30 Big Stage Perspective01:07:37 Final Thoughts#bluestiley #inspiration #motivation #selfimprovement #motivational

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What a Fire Chief Wants Every Family to Know (Before It’s Too Late)

Community, Mindset, Relationships /

Most people think about firefighters in the moment.The fire. The chaos. The pressure.But the truth is, those moments are shaped long before they happen. They’re built through preparation, discipline, and the habits you practice when no one is watching.Today’s guest is Spokane Valley Fire Chief Frank Soto, a leader whose career has been built not just on responding when things go wrong, but on preparing people to be ready when everything is on the line.His story is about trust, responsibility, and understanding that when pressure hits, you don’t rise to the occasion — you fall to your level of preparation.This conversation explores leadership, readiness, and the small things most people overlook that can determine how you perform when the moment finally comes.Show Flow00:00 Service Before Self: A Firefighter’s House Burns While He Saves Another05:23 Why Fewer People Are Applying To Be Firefighters Today10:19 Why Skill Alone Isn’t Enough15:23 Why Becoming a Firefighter Is Only the Start20:00 Saving What Matters Most in a House Fire25:30 Why a Simple Thank You Means So Much30:25 Why You Should Always Call 911 First35:12 How Firefighters Carry Trauma Home40:00 Running Into Fire Together Changes Everything44:39 Managing Crowds at Emergency Scenes49:35 You Don’t Rise to the Occasion, You Fall to Training54:45 What Makes a Great Firefighter01:00:42 Why Leadership Gets Lonely01:05:20 How Firefighters Support Each Other Off Duty01:09:52 Faith, Perspective, and Staying Grounded01:14:40 How to Recover After a Tough Shift01:20:44 What Young Families Need to Hear Today01:25:39 Final Thoughts#bluestiley #inspiration #motivation #selfimprovement #motivational

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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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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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