Beyond Self-Made

Conversations on leadership, reinvention, and the truth behind success.Hosted by Michael Greenwalt.Welcome to Beyond Self-Made. I'm Michael Greenwalt - speaker, author, and someone who's lived more than one life.From poverty to the military, to the cage, to the fireground, to the boardroom and entrepreneurship, I've learned that success isn't about doing it alone - it's about who shows up, who opens doors, and who walks with you when things get hard. This podcast is about leadership under pressure, career reinvention, personal growth, and the power of authentic human connection. These interviews are stories, conversations, and lessons for people building their next chapter - together.

Beyond Self-Made is a business podcast hosted by Michael Greenwalt, with 26 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Michael Greenwalt hosts Beyond Self-Made, a business show with 26 episodes published.

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  Beyond Self-Made

  Your Greatest Pain Might Be Your Greatest Purpose | Jay Allen

  Aug 11, 202639 min

  What if the moment that broke your heart became the moment that gave your life its purpose? My guest today never set out to become famous. He set out to tell the truth. After watching his mother disappear into Alzheimer's, he wrote a song that would touch millions, raise millions of dollars for research, and ultimately change the course of his life. This isn't just a conversation about music. It's about purpose, healing, faith, and what really matters when the spotlight fades. Country artist Jay Allen has performed on national stages, appeared on The Voice , signed record deals, and gone viral with a song inspired by his mother's battle with early-onset Alzheimer's. But behind the headlines is a much deeper story. In this conversation, Jay shares the heartbreaking moment his mother no longer recognized him, how that pain became the song "Blank Stares," and why he ultimately walked away from chasing fame to pursue something far more meaningful. Together we explore: Why authenticity always outlasts image The hidden reality of the music industry Fame versus fulfillment Faith, purpose, and resilience Mental health and healing Leadership through vulnerability Supporting first responders, veterans, and caregivers Why your greatest struggle may become your greatest calling Whether you're an artist, entrepreneur, leader, or simply someone navigating life's hardest seasons, this episode is a reminder that purpose is often found on the other side of pain. Sometimes the most powerful thing you can do isn't chasing recognition. It's choosing significance. Connect with Jay Allen Website: https://jayallenofficial.com Instagram: @jayallenmusic Facebook: Jay Allen Music

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  Beyond Self-Made

  Mental Health, Music & Making a Difference: With Christine Farr

  Aug 3, 202650 min

  When people think about supporting veterans and first responders, they often think of saying "thank you." But what happens after that? In this episode, I sit down with Chris Farr , President of Northern Arizona Marine League Charities, to talk about what real service looks like after the uniform comes off. We discuss how Marine League Charities has grown from supporting Toys for Tots into an organization that helps veterans, first responders, youth programs, scholarships, and local families throughout Northern Arizona. Chris shares her personal journey into nonprofit leadership, why community matters so deeply, and how simple acts of kindness can change someone's life. We also dive into the importance of mental health, PTSD resources, and why events like the upcoming Jay Allen & Sherry Rowe Benefit Concert are about far more than great music. Every ticket sold helps provide meaningful support for veterans, first responders, and organizations working to improve mental health in our community. This conversation is a reminder that healing happens through connection, purpose, and people willing to show up for one another. Whether you've served, know someone who has, or simply want to make your community stronger, I think you'll find something meaningful in this episode. In this episode: The mission behind Marine League Charities The incredible growth of Toys for Tots in Northern Arizona Supporting veterans long after military service Mental health resources for first responders and veterans Why community involvement matters more than ever The upcoming benefit concert featuring Jay Allen and Sherry Rowe How every person can make a difference Connect. Serve. Give back. Because no one should have to carry life's hardest battles alone. #BeyondSelfMade #Veterans #FirstResponders #MentalHealth #PTSD #CommunityLeadership #Leadership #Service #MarineLeagueCharities #ToysForTots #Flagstaff #NorthernArizona #GivingBack #Community #JayAllen #SherryRowe #Podcast #LeadershipPodcast

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  Beyond Self-Made

  Teaching Humans in an AI World: Anika Jackson on education, entrepreneurship, and the future of work

  Jul 28, 20261h 2m

  AI is changing everything, but what if our greatest competitive advantage isn't technology at all? In this episode of Beyond Self Made , Michael sits down with branding strategist, educator, and podcast host Anika Jackson , founder of Your Brand Amplified , to explore what it really takes to stay relevant in a rapidly changing world. From building one of the world's top marketing podcasts to teaching graduate students at USC and helping entrepreneurs amplify their voices, Anika shares the winding journey that led her to a career centered on helping others succeed. Together they discuss: • Why authenticity has become more valuable—not less—in the age of AI • The entrepreneurial leap and learning to bet on yourself • How podcasting creates influence through genuine human connection • What AI is changing in education, branding, and the future of work • Why curiosity, joy, and adaptability may become the most important skills of the next decade • How entrepreneurs can build businesses that reflect their values instead of simply chasing attention This isn't just a conversation about branding. It's about identity, purpose, and why the future still belongs to people who are willing to learn, connect, and continue evolving. If you've ever wondered how to stay relevant without losing yourself, this episode is for you. https://yourbrandamplified.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/anikajackson/ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/your-brand-amplified/id1543221243 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/practical-pedagogy-the-art-of-teaching-for/id6784879140

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  Beyond Self-Made

  Functioning Is Not the Same as Flourishing: My Ketamine Journey

  Jul 1, 20261h 5m

  For years, I thought healing meant learning to carry more. What if it actually means learning to carry less? In this deeply personal episode of Beyond Self-Made, I share my complete journey after finishing six medically supervised ketamine treatments. This isn't an endorsement or medical advice. It's simply an honest reflection on why I chose to explore this path, what I experienced during each session, and how it has already begun changing the way I lead, parent, handle stress, and experience life. We talk about: • Why I decided to pursue ketamine therapy after 23 years in the fire service • Trauma, first responders, and the invisible weight we normalize • Beauty, love, anger, limitless potential, and unexpected spiritual insights • The realities that aren't often discussed, including headaches, vivid nightmares, and the importance of integration therapy • The measurable changes I've noticed in stress, presence, creativity, relationships, and even physical health metrics • Why this experience wasn't about escaping life, but learning to engage with it differently Whether your path involves therapy, faith, exercise, meditation, journaling, or another approach entirely, I hope this conversation encourages you to ask one important question: What are you intentionally doing to care for the person carrying everything you've been through? If this conversation resonates with you, I'd love to hear your thoughts or experiences. Reach out through my website, michaelgreenwalt.net, or connect with me on LinkedIn and Instagram (themichaelgreenwalt). If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who might need to hear it. #BeyondSelfMade #KetamineTherapy #MentalHealth #FirstResponders #Leadership #PersonalGrowth #HealingJourney #TraumaRecovery #Neuroplasticity #Resilience #Mindset #Veterans #EmotionalHealth #SpiritualGrowth #SelfLeadership #HumanPerformance #MensMentalHealth #Purpose #GrowthMindset #MichaelGreenwalt

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  Beyond Self-Made

  Limitless: Reflections After My 2nd Ketamine Treatment - Chasing Anger, Finding Peace

  Jun 15, 202618 min

  In this deeply personal episode of Beyond Self Made, I share my reflections after my second ketamine treatment session. Unlike my first experience, which was filled primarily with beauty, love, and peace, this session took an unexpected turn. At one point, I found myself chasing what felt like a manifestation of anger through a vibrant landscape of color and energy. The harder I chased it, the further it moved away. Then something shifted. Instead of pursuing it, I realized I didn't have to. What followed was one of the most powerful moments I've experienced: a reminder that we often give power to the very things that hold us back. We also discuss: • The difference between intentional pauses and what I call a "peaceful pause" • Changes I've noticed in everyday interactions since beginning treatment • Being more present with family • Letting go of unnecessary conflict and frustration • Anxiety, deadlines, and emotional reactions • The connection between ketamine therapy and self-awareness • What it means to confront fear instead of running from it Whether you're curious about ketamine therapy, personal growth, emotional healing, or simply becoming more of who you're capable of being, I hope this conversation offers something meaningful. If there's one message I took away from this experience, it's this: Face what you're avoiding. You may be far more capable, resilient, and limitless than you realize.

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