Practically Passionate

We're excited to welcome back a familiar voice to the show, as Chris Jordan returns to share even more insights and strategies with us. Chris has worked with some of the biggest thought leaders in the industry, including Lewis Howes, Daymond John, Dr. Benjamin Hardy, Julia Carlson, Ben Nemtin, Brandon Turner, and many more. As a Content Strategist, speaker, and podcast producer, he’s helped shape the strategies behind some of the most successful brands and individuals out there. We’re thrilled to have him back to dive even deeper into the world of content, strategy, and personal branding.In this episode, Chris offers essential strategies for authors looking to promote their books and grow their audience. Whether you're just starting or have already launched, Chris shares powerful tactics for building momentum and turning readers into loyal advocates. From cold outreach to leveraging existing fans, Chris reveals the secrets to long-term book marketing success and how to foster genuine relationships w

In this episode, we’re back with Catherine Duncan as she shares her unique journey through the ups and downs of book promotion. From navigating social media and securing podcast appearances to landing coveted TV spots and organizing book signings, Catherine’s approach to marketing her book is refreshingly authentic and packed with valuable insights.Catherine is an Integrative Spiritual Consultant, Holistic Healer, and Resiliency Trainer, as well as the author of Everyday Awakening. The book offers practical tools for finding peace and purpose in a chaotic world, drawing from Catherine’s expertise in mindfulness, healing techniques, and personal growth. With advanced training in positive neuroplasticity, Reiki, EFT, and sound healing, she supports individuals through challenges like chronic illness, grief, and life transitions, while also guiding those seeking deeper meaning and emotional well-being.In addition to her podcast appearances and TV spots, Catherine has been featured in national magazines and regio

In this episode, we sit down with Catherine Duncan, a board-certified chaplain, spiritual director, and author of Everyday Awakening. Catherine shares her powerful journey from surviving childhood cancer to becoming a compassionate chaplain and healer. We dive deep into the spiritual practices and life lessons Catherine has learned while helping thousands of people through their end-of-life experiences, revealing profound insights about life, love, and death.From the peace people find at the end of life to the chilling encounters with dark energy, Catherine opens up about the spiritual lessons she’s gained through her work. She discusses the importance of forgiveness, how love is the ultimate purpose of life, and how connecting to a higher power can transform our everyday experiences.We also explore how the way we live influences how we die, the transformative power of love in our final moments, and the role of forgiveness at the end of life. Catherine shares practical exercises for tuning into our own energy

In this episode, we dive into the journey of Eric Jorgenson, entrepreneur, author, and thought leader, as he discusses his work behind The Almanack of Naval Ravikant—a book that has captivated readers worldwide, selling over 1 million copies in various formats and languages. Eric shares insights from his own experience, whether it's about making complex ideas more accessible or balancing business with personal growth.We chat about some unconventional strategies that contributed to the book’s success, from viral marketing to the power of word of mouth. We also explore the challenges and benefits of self-publishing, with Eric reflecting on how working with Scribe allowed for professional quality while maintaining the freedom to distribute as he saw fit. The episode touches on the framework of concentric circles in book marketing, starting with close relationships and expanding to broader audiences, as well as why staying true to your goals is crucial in the process.Plus, Eric gives us a glimpse into some o

Today, we're joined by Eric Jorgensen, a writer, entrepreneur, and the author of The Almanack of Naval Ravikant. Eric has a unique ability to take complex ideas and turn them into practical insights on business, personal development, and the power of curating valuable knowledge. In this conversation, we explore Eric’s journey—from the ideas that first inspired him to how he evolved into a writer and creator. He shares how powerful concepts like leverage and happiness have shaped both his personal and professional life, and how these ideas continue to guide his business decisions. We also dive into the importance of mental models, the art of being selective with your time and attention, and how Twitter has been a key platform in Eric’s personal and professional growth, despite its ever-changing algorithm. Plus, he teases his exciting new project—The Almanack of Eric Jorgensen, a collection of lessons and insights from his own journey that promises valuable takeaways for anyone looking to grow and learn, o

In this episode, we’re catching up with Garrett Gunderson as he shares his journey to becoming a successful author, having sold over half a million copies of his books like Killing Sacred Cows, What Would the Rockefellers Do?, and Money Unmasked. He opens up about what helped him get there, including the importance of building solid relationships with industry pros, using personal connections, and putting together a smart marketing plan. Garrett also talks about the challenges of creating amazing content and how to get the word out so it lasts. Plus, he gives us a behind-the-scenes look at launching multiple books and the lessons he’s picked up along the way.Garrett shares some real-world tips on his book launch strategies, like pre-selling, offering exclusive bonuses, and using word-of-mouth to build buzz. He also talks about the challenge of making it to the New York Times Bestseller list and breaks down the pros and cons of self-publishing versus traditional publishing. Garrett touches on the personal conn

In this episode, we sit down with Garrett Gunderson to explore the myths and misconceptions that often hold people back when it comes to money and financial freedom. Garrett, a financial expert and entrepreneur who became a multimillionaire by the age of twenty-six, is the author of Killing Sacred Cows: Overcoming the Financial Myths That Are Destroying Your Prosperity and co-author of Curriculum for Wealth. As the founder of Wealth Factory, Garrett has made it his mission to help people rethink conventional financial advice and take a more personalized approach to building sustainable wealth. Garrett opens up about his personal journey, from his frugal beginnings in a coal-mining family to his evolution in understanding what truly drives financial success. He reflects on his childhood, where a scarcity mindset and frugality influenced his financial beliefs, and how over time, he shifted to a more abundant and productive mindset. Garrett also shares the inspiration behind his book, explaining how the loss of

Today we're doing something a bit different from our usual episodes. Throughout the week, I have conversations with many authors, and I thought it would be valuable to share some of those discussions with you. You might hear something that sparks a new idea or something that resonates with your own journey. This way, you'll get a glimpse into the real-life strategies authors are using to market their nonfiction books. These episodes will typically be 15 to 30 minutes—short, but packed with valuable takeaways you’ll want to take note of.For this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Scott J. Vrzal, who brings over 30 years of experience and holds triple certification in Applied Kinesiology. Dr. V teaches nationwide on topics such as headaches, autoimmune conditions, thyroid health, and athletic performance. He is also the author of The Headache Advantage: 7 Pain Patterns as Tools for Total Body Transformation.We dive into strategies for effectively promoting the book, including the importance of giving away f

In this episode, we dive into the world of book marketing with Brad Stulberg, bestselling author of Master of Change and The Practice of Groundedness. Brad takes us through his journey from a management consultant to a successful writer, sharing the game-changing marketing strategies that helped him sell over 100,000 copies of his books. Whether you're just starting out or looking to take your author career to the next level, Brad reveals actionable tips for building a loyal audience, navigating social media, and maintaining momentum long after your book launch.Brad opens up about the importance of persistence, timing, and shameless self-promotion, while stressing the long-term mindset needed for lasting success. He also shares the "moonshot" strategies that helped him land high-profile media spots—even when his blog had only 100 readers—and how these bold moves led to massive exposure.Plus, Brad offers powerful advice for authors at every stage: From balancing a day job while building your wri

We’re kicking off 2025 by diving deep into powerful lessons on personal growth, embracing change, and building resilience, all inspired by Brad Stulberg’s book Master of Change. Brad is a professor at the University of Michigan, co-founder of The Growth Equation (a platform helping high performers achieve sustainable excellence and success), and the author of multiple successful books, including Peak Performance, Passion Paradox, and The Practice of Groundedness—which has sold over 50,000 copies, with some selling over 100,000. He regularly writes for The New York Times, and his work has been featured in outlets like The Wall Street Journal and The Atlantic. Brad also coaches executives, entrepreneurs, physicians, and athletes on mental skills and overall well-being.In this episode, Brad shares valuable insights on handling life’s disruptions and why we should embrace change instead of trying to go back to "normal." He explains concepts like homeostasis vs. allostasis, the importance of flexibility,

We’re back with Ulrik Lehrskov-Schmidt, a leading expert in B2B SaaS pricing, who has worked with—and is the go-to pricing partner for—some of the biggest names in the industry, including Microsoft Western Europe, SamsungNEXT, Intel IGNITE, SAP.io, Bosch Growth, and top private equity and VC funds.In this episode, Ulrik shares his marketing journey, emphasizing that success comes through trial and error, with persistence being key—even when certain strategies don't work out. He also reveals how he uses LinkedIn to share helpful tips based on real conversations with clients.Ulrik talks about how his book has generated leads for his consulting business by focusing on the niche area of B2B SaaS pricing. He explains why pricing is a critical yet often misunderstood aspect for businesses, creating high demand for expertise in the field. He also highlights the power of specialized knowledge and how it can help businesses stand out in a competitive market.Tune in for valuable lessons on niche marketing, content

Today, we’re joined by Ulrik Lehrskov-Schmidt, a leading expert in B2B SaaS pricing, who has worked with—and is the preferred pricing partner of—some of the biggest names in the industry, including Microsoft Western Europe, SamsungNEXT, Intel IGNITE, SAP.io, Bosch Growth, and several top private equity and VC funds. With a strong academic background in analytical philosophy and finance from Harvard, and having successfully exited three businesses, Ulrik is widely recognized for his expertise in optimizing pricing strategies. In his book The Pricing Roadmap, he outlines how businesses can build pricing models that drive revenue while still delivering great value to customers. In our conversation, he shares his top strategies for SaaS pricing, how to avoid common pricing mistakes, and why focusing on outcomes can transform a business’s approach to pricing. Don’t miss this episode as Ulrik reveals powerful strategies for optimizing your SaaS pricing and explains how focusing on outcomes can accelerate growth and

In this episode, we're back with Nir Eyal, speaker, behavioral design expert, and bestselling author of Hooked and Indistractable. Nir takes us through his journey from self-publishing to achieving success as a traditionally published author. He reveals the strategies that helped him build a strong audience, such as creating engaging content, gathering early feedback, and fostering a loyal community. Nir highlights the importance of engaging with readers early on and shares how his innovative crowd-editing strategy helped build a network of contributors who spread the word about his book.Additionally, Nir offers valuable tips for authors, including the importance of crafting original content with fresh perspectives, cultivating genuine connections with readers, and targeting problem-solving communities that are more likely to engage and share the book. This episode provides essential insights on timing, marketing, and community-building—perfect for authors at any stage of their journey.Learn more about h

In this episode, we welcome Nir Eyal, a renowned author, speaker, and expert in the field of behavioral design. His curiosity about how people form habits and make decisions shaped his writing, particularly in his books Hooked and Indistractable. Hooked explores the psychology behind building habit-forming products, while Indistractable dives into the root causes of distraction, offering practical tools to help people regain focus and manage their habits. Nir delves into powerful insights on how habits are formed and how we can take control of our attention in a world full of distractions. He shares strategies like his 10-Minute Rule—a simple but effective tool to resist distractions and stay focused—and discusses why most distractions stem from internal emotional triggers. If you're looking to boost your productivity, build lasting habits, or take control of your attention in today's distraction-filled world, Nir’s practical insights and curiosity-driven strategies will guide you to greater focus a

In this episode, Pascal Bornet, award-winning AI and automation expert, keynote speaker, influencer, and best-selling author, shares how he became successful in his field and built a strong personal brand. His book, Irreplaceable: The Rise of Human-AI Collaboration, has sold over 4,000 copies within just six weeks of its release, with a goal of reaching 20,000 to 25,000 copies in the next year.Pascal frequently shares articles, updates, and insights on LinkedIn about AI, automation, and the future of work. His posts include personal reflections, industry trends, thought leadership pieces, and practical advice on how businesses and individuals can leverage AI. He also engages directly with his audience by sharing real-life use cases, success stories, and discussions on human-AI collaboration. In addition to LinkedIn, Pascal runs the website irreplaceable.ai, where he shares articles and resources designed to help individuals and organizations thrive in an AI-driven world. The site also promotes his book Irrepl

Today, we’re diving into the captivating world where humanity meets artificial intelligence with award-winning AI & Automation Expert, Keynote Speaker, Influencer and Best-Selling Author with over two million followers, Pascal Bornet. Join us as we chat with thought leader Pascal, who unpacks his groundbreaking book, Irreplaceable.We explore how AI is reshaping our world and what it means for our uniquely human abilities. From genuine creativity and critical thinking to social authenticity, Pascal reveals the essential skills we need to thrive in an increasingly automated future. Tune in to discover practical insights on embracing our humanity while leveraging technology to create value and connection. Don't miss this enlightening conversation that challenges us to redefine what it means to be human in the age of AI!Learn more about his book here: https://a.co/d/bdUsTTlCheck out Pascal Bornet’s website here: www.irreplaceable.aiIf you're interested in connecting further or have any questions, fe

In this episode, we’re back with Chris Benetti, founder of Smart Author Media and host of the Smart Author podcast, for a deep dive into book marketing strategies and the evolving landscape of selling books. Chris highlights the importance of understanding customer needs and adapting marketing approaches, particularly emphasizing the effectiveness of Amazon ads for straightforward book sales. He also mentions the potential of TikTok Shop ads, though they require a lot of creative effort. We touch on book funnels, where Chris explains how they can help authors not only sell books but also convert readers into clients by offering valuable upsells. He emphasizes the need for excellent content that encourages sharing, suggesting that a truly valuable product is the foundation of effective marketing. Tune in as we explore the intricacies of lead generation, audience engagement, and the necessity of continuous testing to find what works best for each author’s unique context.Check out Chris Benetti’s website at smar

In this episode, we’re thrilled to welcome Chris Benetti, founder of Smart Author Media and host of the Smart Author podcast, who has sold over 40,000 books and invested nearly a million dollars in advertising, collaborating with industry leaders like Ryan Deiss, the author of Get Scalable. We dive deep into Chris's insights on crafting nonfiction books that resonate with readers and convert them into leads.We talk about strategies like conducting an "ask campaign" to gather valuable insights from clients, which can help shape your book’s content. Chris also highlights the common challenges authors face, such as how to balance book sales with actually converting those readers into clients and explore the need for books to serve as conversion tools rather than just personal achievements. Chris emphasizes the importance of clear calls to action and even suggests trying out split testing to refine your marketing strategy. If you’re a nonfiction author looking to write impactful books and build tru

We’re back with another episode of our Friday Sessions featuring Laura Russom, Director of Author Success. Today, we have the pleasure of introducing Kat Finnerty, author of Never Let a Good Disaster Go to Waste: Making Sense of a Life of Absurdity, A Memoir. Kat shares her inspiring journey of writing her memoir, encapsulating struggles like personal betrayal and the complexities of book marketing.In this session, we take a closer look at how Amazon ads function and the typical hurdles authors run into, particularly with profitability, shedding light on the common frustrations of the publishing landscape. We explore effective strategies for engaging with podcasts and building relationships with micro-influencers, emphasizing the importance of having a solid system for content creation. Additionally, we talk about finding the right balance between quality and quantity in marketing outreach, offering tips for boosting visibility while maintaining a practical focus on delivering real value to readers. Join us a

Today, we’re featuring a special episode from one of our Friday Sessions with Laura Russom, our Director of Author Success to share valuable insights from our years of experience in the community. This session aims to equip authors with essential tools and deepen their understanding of the publishing industry!We’re excited to welcome three amazing authors: Brooke Bussard, MD, author of Chew On This: Bite-Sized Stories about Nutrition; Nathan Tanner, who wrote The Unconquerable Leader: Mastering the Internal and External Game and Not Your Parents' Workplace: Critical Lessons for Interns and Young Professionals; and Susan Keller, whose works include Blood Brother: A Memoir and Mostly Sober: A Love Story and a Road Trip. Together, we’ll explore effective book marketing strategies and the crucial role of gathering Amazon reviews.Join us as we dive into practical tips for collecting reviews, leveraging personal connections, and using storytelling to engage potential reviewers. We’ll address common challenges