In this episode of Spartan Leadership , Josh Kosnick sits down with Pat McNamera—retired Sergeant Major, Special Operations veteran, elite performance coach, and the mind behind “Basic Dude Stuff.” Introduced by Dr. Trevor Wilkins, Pat unpacks decades of hard-earned wisdom on building strength, living intentionally, and refusing to play the victim. We cover everything from tactical readiness and civilian training to emotional control, faith, and legacy. Pat’s delivery is unfiltered, but his mess...
Jun 24, 2025•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 216
What makes a truly great leader? Why are so many influencers just echoes of others? In this powerful conversation, Chris Widener—one of the most respected speakers in the world—joins Josh Kosnick to discuss mentorship, integrity, revival, and the crisis of masculinity in modern leadership. Chris was personally mentored by Jim Rohn and Zig Ziglar, has spoken over 2,500 times, and now leads a movement for spiritual revival across America. If you want truth over trend, and purpose over platform—thi...
Jun 17, 2025•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 215
What happens when the career you built no longer feels like the life you want? In this powerful episode of the Spartan Leadership Podcast, Josh Kosnick sits down with long-time friend and coach Michael Brownlow. After years of success at Northwestern Mutual, Michael made the rare decision to walk away—not because he failed, but because he felt called to something deeper. They explore what most leaders avoid: discomfort, identity shifts, physical pain, and what it really means to pursue purpose o...
Jun 10, 2025•1 hr 14 min•Ep. 214
Nancy Gale didn’t just survive unthinkable trauma—she built something beautiful because of it. Founder of JAMAH, a luxury American-made handbag brand, and AMBITION, a nonprofit for disadvantaged youth, Nancy’s life is proof that purpose and pain can co-exist. In this conversation, we talk about her early years in Detroit, what it really takes to build a brand from scratch, and how she turned personal tragedy into a mission that’s impacted lives around the world. This episode is raw, honest, and ...
Jun 03, 2025•55 min•Ep. 213
In this episode of Spartan Leadership, host Josh Kosk sits down for an in-person fireside chat with Michael Creed, Branch Manager at Luminate Home Loans. Michael shares his journey from a paycheck-to-paycheck upbringing to becoming a successful mortgage lender. Discover Michael's perspective on building a life of legacy, financial literacy, and how he coaches his team for success. Learn about his unique approach to balancing work and personal life, and his thoughts on the importance of living le...
May 27, 2025•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 212
Former CIA operative Nic McKinley exposes the reality of human trafficking in America—and how his organization, DeliverFund, is fighting back using intelligence-grade tools. In this episode of Spartan Leadership, Josh Kosnick sits down with Nic to discuss his journey from elite U.S. Air Force Pararescueman to CIA operative, and now nonprofit founder leading the fight against exploitation and modern slavery. This is more than a conversation about trafficking. It’s a masterclass in courage, discip...
May 20, 2025•1 hr 15 min•Ep. 211
In this episode of Spartan Leadership Podcast, Aaron Williamson, The Rock's trainer, reveals the most important lesson he learned from training with The Rock. Tune in to hear about discipline, hard work, and the mindset of a US Marine. 🚨 Aaron is also a featured keynote speaker at our upcoming Bridge Builder Live event at Five Bridges Farm. Learn more here: https://www.joshkosnick.com/bridgebuilderlive 🔗 Aaron’s Website: https://www.aaronwilliamson.net 📸 Instagram: @aaronwilliamson 00:00:00 -...
May 13, 2025•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 210
What if a president could reshape the country in just 100 days? In this episode, Josh Kosnick breaks down Donald Trump's aggressive first 100 days in office—from border security crackdowns and energy independence to AI infrastructure and regulatory rollbacks. This isn’t a partisan take. It’s a hard look at speed, scale, and how leadership decisions ripple through every layer of society. Whether you love him or hate him, Trump’s pace and priorities changed the rules. We explore the impact of his ...
May 06, 2025•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 209
Today on the Spartan Leadership Podcast, Josh Kosnick sits down with Adam Guard—entrepreneur, founder of Dreamer Cigars, and creator of Dreamers Health—to talk about leadership, entrepreneurship, and how to build a brand with purpose. Adam’s journey is one of bold moves: leaving a stable real estate career the day before his wedding, building Dreamer Cigars into a viral brand with over 200 million views, and expanding his mission through Dreamers Health—a platform reshaping how people approach w...
Apr 29, 2025•56 min•Ep. 208
In this episode of the Spartan Leadership Podcast, Josh Kosnick sits down with Craig Ballantyne—author of The Perfect Day Formula, The Perfect Week Formula, and The Dark Side of Discipline. Craig has built five 7-figure businesses and helped over 260 entrepreneurs hit their first million—all while working less and living more. Craig was introduced to Josh by mutual friend Kary Oberbrunner (who’s publishing Josh’s upcoming book), and in this conversation they dive into: - How Craig went from brok...
Apr 22, 2025•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 207
In this explosive episode of the Spartan Leadership Podcast, Josh Kosnick sits down with Emmanuel Whitfield and Jason Smith to tackle some of the most controversial topics in American leadership and culture today. From tariffs and foreign investment to Teslas getting keyed in protest and the hypocrisy of the modern media, this episode pulls no punches. We explore: Why tariffs matter (and why the media lies about them) Elon Musk as the new scapegoat The truth behind Argentina’s bombshell Hitler d...
Apr 15, 2025•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 206
Taylor Cavanaugh's life reads like a movie script: from jail, to Navy SEAL, back to jail, homeless and suicidal… then straight into the elite and brutal ranks of the French Foreign Legion. Now the only man known to have served in both elite forces, Taylor shares how he found purpose through pain, forged peace through discipline, and turned destruction into a deliberate life. 🎧 In this episode of the Spartan Leadership Podcast, Josh Kosnick sits down with Taylor to talk about: The power of daily...
Apr 08, 2025•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 205
In this episode of the Spartan Leadership Podcast, Josh Kosnick sits down with Chief Deputy Matthew Thomas of the Pinal County Sheriff's Office—one of the nation’s foremost voices on law enforcement, leadership, and border security. With over three decades of service, 700+ SWAT missions, and frontline experience battling cartel activity, Matt offers a raw, unfiltered look at what it means to lead under pressure. 🎯 Key Topics: - How to lead when lives—not just livelihoods—are on the line - Borde...
Mar 25, 2025•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 204
Welcome back to Spartan Leadership! In this powerful episode, Josh Kosnick sits down with Joe Smarro—Marine Corps veteran, former San Antonio police officer, and co-founder of Solution Point Plus. Joe has seen combat, crisis, and mental health struggles firsthand—from the battlefields of Iraq to the frontlines of law enforcement. Now, his mission is clear: bridge the gap between mental health and public safety, eradicate suicide among first responders, and equip leaders with the tools to handle ...
Mar 18, 2025•1 hr•Ep. 203
In this episode, Josh Kosnick is joined by Jason Smith, a constitutional law expert turned business owner, and Emanuel Whitfeld, a bold voice on leadership and accountability. Together, they unpack the corruption in government, the real story behind Elon Musk’s involvement with the administration, and how poor messaging is hurting conservatives. 🔥 Key Topics: The truth about Doge and why it’s exposing deep-seated government corruption. How Elon Musk went from green energy savior to public enemy...
Mar 11, 2025•51 min•Ep. 202
Men today are more isolated, confused, and directionless than ever before. In this powerful conversation, Adam Zastrow joins Josh Kosnick to discuss what it means to be a true leader in your home, business, and faith. 🚀 Topics We Cover: Defining Masculinity & the Joy in Sacrifice The Secret to Strong Leadership Fear Does Not Come from God Why Men Need Brotherhood & Accountability How to Manage Anger & Take Ownership The Radical Commitment to Relationships The Power of Faith in Leade...
Mar 04, 2025•1 hr 24 min•Ep. 201
🚨 200 EPISODES STRONG! 🚨 We’re celebrating this major milestone with a powerhouse guest— Ryan Williams , a former Navy SEAL turned entrepreneur. From the grueling intensity of BUD/S training to the high-stakes world of business, Ryan has mastered the art of resilience, leadership, and calculated risk-taking —lessons that apply to any entrepreneur looking to dominate. In this episode, Ryan breaks down: 🔥 The transition from SEAL teams to running a multi-million dollar business 🔥 Why disciplin...
Feb 25, 2025•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 200
In this episode of Spartan Leadership, I sit down with Alana Stott—entrepreneur, author, producer, and philanthropist—whose career spans security, finance, media, and global activism. Alana shares her journey from running high-stakes security operations to raising millions for charities like Heads Together with the support of Prince Harry. We also dive into her relentless fight against human trafficking and how her work earned her the prestigious MBE (Member of The Most Excellent Order of the Br...
Feb 18, 2025•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 199
How do you truly influence people? Rene Rodriguez, a leading expert in behavioral neuroscience and leadership, joins Josh Kosnick on Spartan Leadership to break down the science of influence, personal branding, and leadership development. 🔹 The Neuroscience Behind Influence 🔹 Building a Personal Brand That Commands Attention 🔹 Leadership, Emotional Intelligence & Self-Awareness 🔹 How to Prepare for the Moments That Matter 🔹 Why Your Credibility is Determined by Others, Not You 📖 Rene's...
Feb 11, 2025•58 min•Ep. 198
In this episode, host Josh Kosnick dives into the latest political, economic, and cultural shifts impacting leadership today. Alongside Emmanuel Whitfield and special guest Jason Smith , owner of The Tasting Room cigar lounge, they tackle: ✅ The rapid-fire executive orders shaking up policies ✅ The real impact of DEI and its unintended consequences ✅ Immigration policies under Trump’s new administration ✅ The hypocrisy of modern political narratives ✅ The controversial role of the military in fu...
Feb 03, 2025•1 hr 12 min•Ep. 197
What do NBA superstars and top business leaders have in common? Elite discipline. In this episode of the Spartan Leadership Podcast , Drew Hanlen shares how adopting an NBA-level mindset can transform your leadership, success, and resilience. From cutting sugar for 10 years as a teenager to embracing discomfort through cold plunges and relentless self-discipline , Drew reveals the mental edge that separates champions from the rest. In this episode, we discuss: 🏀 The work ethic that fuels NBA st...
Jan 28, 2025•53 min•Ep. 196
In this powerful episode of Spartan Leadership , Josh Kosnick sits down with Dave Bechtold , founder of Outside the Walls , to explore faith beyond traditional church settings. Dave shares his journey of ministry, the impact of Holy Smokes, Dads at Dave’s and others, and why real conversations often happen outside the pews—sometimes over a good cigar. 💬 Key Topics Covered: ✔️ Dave’s journey from Chicago to Madison’s faith community ✔️ How vulnerability builds trust in leadership ✔️ The mission ...
Jan 21, 2025•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 195
Dive into the latest episode of the Spartan Leadership Podcast, where Josh Kosnick and guests tackle the harsh realities facing America today. From the erosion of free speech to the government’s mishandling of resources, this highlight reel is packed with candid discussions and bold perspectives. Featured Topics: The state of free speech in America Government accountability and the $36 trillion debt crisis The role of truth in today's divided society Conspiracy theories and the fight for transpa...
Jan 14, 2025•58 min•Ep. 194
In this episode of the Spartan Leadership Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Trevor Wilkins, also known as the Angry Viking Therapist. With over two decades of experience in law enforcement and trauma therapy, Dr. Wilkins shares his no-nonsense approach to tackling mental health challenges, especially for men in high-stress professions like military, law enforcement, and first responders. Topics we cover include: - Why men avoid conversations about mental health. - The stigma surrounding vulnerabilit...
Jan 07, 2025•1 hr 30 min•Ep. 193
In this episode, I sit down with Tyler Dickerhoof, an empathetic leader, speaker, and host of The Impact Driven Leader Podcast . Tyler’s journey from self-doubt and insecurity to authentic leadership is nothing short of transformative. We dive into: Tyler’s “Four Walls of Insecurity” framework (00:50:00:00) How vulnerability and self-awareness transformed his relationships and leadership (00:10:18:02) The importance of "cleaning your windshield" for leadership clarity (00:16:37:15) Tyler’s insig...
Dec 31, 2024•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 192
Join Spartan Leadership host Josh Kosnick as he delves into the transformative power of gratitude with Matthew and Shannon Missimer, the visionary founders of the Motion of Gratitude. In this special holiday episode, they explore how to lead with purpose and live with impact through intentional gratitude practices. Discover practical tips for rewiring the brain for gratitude, the science behind it, and how it can benefit you, your relationships, and your workplace. Whether you're an individual, ...
Dec 24, 2024•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 191
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Dec 17, 2024•44 min
Join Josh Kosnick and Emanuel Whitfield on this powerful episode of the Spartan Leadership Podcast as they tackle the critical issues of leadership, politics, and societal change. From exposing hypocrisy in media narratives to addressing the need for accountability in leadership, this episode is a deep dive into the importance of demanding better leadership across all levels. 🔹 What does it mean to be a leader in today's political climate? 🔹 How can we hold leaders accountable for their action...
Dec 10, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 189
Are your finances as secure as they should be? In this thought-provoking episode of the Spartan Leadership Podcast, Josh Kosnick sits down with Christine Brunner, a seasoned forensic accountant with over 23 years of experience in litigation support and financial investigations. Known as the "brains behind the operation," Christine shares invaluable insights on safeguarding your business against fraud, maintaining financial accountability, and understanding the red flags that could save your busi...
Dec 03, 2024•55 min•Ep. 188
In this episode, host Josh Kosnick speaks with entrepreneur Ian Sperry, a devoted follower of Jesus Christ and owner/operator of Christian Brothers Automotive franchises. Ian shares his journey from ministry to business ownership, discussing how culture, leadership, and faith interplay in his life and work. The conversation explores Ian's podcast, Kingdom Flow, which features stories of faith-led entrepreneurship. 00:00 The Power of Leadership and Culture 01:08 Addressing Veteran Suicide: Sparta...
Nov 26, 2024•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 187
