EPIC Begins With 1 Step Forward
Welcome to EPIC Begins With 1 Step Forward, hosted by Zander Sprague, bestselling author and acclaimed motivational speaker. If you're looking to kickstart the EPIC chapters in your life, you've come to the right place! Here, you will find inspiring stories, practical resources, and transformative insights to guide you on your journey. Whether you're an entrepreneur scaling your business, a leader fostering a better workplace culture, an author penning your next bestseller, an athlete prepping for the big game, or simply someone striving to maximize their potential—this podcast is for you. Learn how to plan, achieve, and enjoy the journey towards achieving your EPIC goals. Each episode showcases interviews with individuals who have conquered challenges to achieve something truly EPIC. You can do the same! With the proper guidance, timing, and skills that you'll find here—your next step can be meaningful and impactful. The man behind the mic is Zander Sprague, an award-winning author and Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC). He's penned three popular books, including the one that inspired this podcast, EPIC Begins With 1 Step Forward: How to Plan, Achieve, and Enjoy the Journey. Get to know him better at www.epicbegins.com. By blending his formal education, professional journey, and personal growth, Zander is dedicated to steering listeners like you towards unlocking their fullest potential and kickstarting an epic life. His infectious enthusiasm has even earned him the moniker "God of Enthusiasm." Each episode dives deep into interviews with real people who overcame their self-doubts and fears to realize the scale of their ambitions. Gain insights into the strategies they deployed, the hurdles they cleared, and the support that fueled their momentum. Tune in for candid discussions about the highs and lows of their personal and professional quests. Despite setbacks and obstacles, these individuals never wavered in their resilience and determination. If a laundry list of unrealized dreams is weighing on your career or psyche, this is your wake-up call. Maybe you're paralyzed by fear of failure or trapped by harsh self-criticism, but the key to making your dreams a reality is courage. You must be brave, confront the risks, and make the jump. Allow the inspirational narratives and wisdom shared on this podcast to embolden you to unlock your dormant potential and bring your epic ideas to life. All it takes is the resolve to stand up, muster your confidence, and take action. Remember, no goal is too lofty, no idea too wild, and no promise too good to be questioned. Don't let anyone or your own self-doubts hold you back. To make your next move count, you'll get the essential trifecta of right guidance, timing, and skills right here on this show. Only by consciously taking steps toward your ambitions can you truly live life to its fullest. So push past your limits and refuse to settle for mediocrity in any area of your life. With Zander and his remarkable guests as your steadfast guides, you'll find the courage you need to evolve into an extraordinary person leading an equally extraordinary life. If you've been searching for a catalyst to commence the major endeavors in your life, your search ends here. Soak in the motivating stories, invaluable advice, and plethora of resources to finally achieve your most cherished goal—and then aim even higher. Don't wait; take that crucial first step today! EPIC Choices, EPIC Life. Don't miss out on the next episode! Listen on your preferred podcast platform or right here.
Episodes
In this powerhouse episode of EPIC Begins With 1 Step Forward, Zander Sprague sits down with TEDx Brisbane curator and public speaking coach Juanita Wheeler to unpack the art—and science—of persuasive communication. Juanita shares her personal journey from self-described “screaming introvert” to global speaking strategist, revealing the deep research and psychology behind becoming a compelling speaker. She dives into what...
In this thrilling episode of EPIC Begins With One Step Forward, Zander Sprague welcomes Jennie “AdrenaJen” Milton—a world-traveling adventurer whose life reads like an action movie. From heli-skiing down remote Alaskan peaks to surviving a near-fatal crevasse fall, Jennie shares what it takes to face fear head-on. But her most epic challenge didn’t come on the mountain—it came in the form of brain aneurysms and life-threatenin...
In this inspiring episode of EPIC Begins with One Step Forward, host Zander Sprague welcomes solo travel coach and global citizen and storyteller Tsvety Roo. From leaving behind a corporate life to living in 22 countries and counting, Tsvety shares the empowering truth about traveling alone – and thriving while doing it. Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or just dreaming of your first solo trip, this conversation dives deep...
What does it take to survive the unthinkable? In this episode of Epic Begins With One Step Forward, host Zander Sprague sits down with author and professor AJ Otjen to share the raw, harrowing, and ultimately inspiring story behind his book, Burned Over! The Survival of Montana Firefighter Dan Steffensen. When a wall of fire swallowed Dan during what should have been a routine grassfire call, no one expected him...
Are you burned out… or just chasing someone else’s dream? This week on Epic Begins With One Step Forward, Zander Sprague sits down with success catalyst Zoia Ye (ZY) for a brutally honest, no-fluff conversation about authenticity, boundaries, and why so many of us feel stuck in lives that don’t fit. Zoia shares her personal journey of surviving domestic abuse, finding her true voice, and helping others break free from the...
Do you ever feel like you know something deep down… but you ignore it anyway? You’re not alone. In this episode of Epic Begins With One Step Forward, host Zander Sprague is joined by Sarah Gregg and Jill Ritchie, co-founders of The Intuitive Psychology Association, to explore why we’ve become so disconnected from our intuition—and how to reclaim it. You’ll learn why modern life keeps you stuck in your head, how ...
In this moving episode of EPIC Begins with 1 Step Forward, host Zander Sprague is joined by special guest Mark Collins for a heartfelt conversation about grief, healing, and the journey to reclaim purpose after profound loss. Mark shares his personal story of navigating sibling loss and how it reshaped his outlook on life, purpose, and resilience. Together, Zander and Mark explore what it really means to take one EPIC ste...
What if your purpose isn’t something to search for—but something you already are? In this transformative episode of Epic Begins With One Step Forward, host Zander Sprague welcomes engineer-turned-spiritual guide Manal El-Ramly for a soul-expanding conversation about self-worth, manifestation, and embracing the power of “not yet.”
Manal blends a sharp analytical mind with deep spiritual insight, offering a refreshing take on pe...
What does it take to create a workplace where people feel truly seen, supported, and inspired to grow? In this powerful episode of Epic Begins With One Step Forward, host Zander Sprague sits down with Traci Austin—HR strategist, leadership expert, and founder of Elevated Talent Consulting—to explore the intersection of people strategy and compassionate leadership.
With over 20 years in HR, Traci shares transformative i...
Fear can hold us back from the life we truly want, but taking just one step forward can change everything. In this episode, we dive into how small, intentional actions lead to lasting transformation. Special guest Rhonda Britten, Emmy Award winner and founder of Fearless Living, joins the conversation to share her powerful insights on overcoming fear, building confidence, and embracing progress—even when it feels uncomfor...
Taking the first step toward change can feel intimidating, especially when navigating the overwhelming weight of overcoming loss. But what if that first step, no matter how small, is the key to unlocking an EPIC life? This episode explores that very question as End-of-Life Doula Gina Economopoulos shares her deeply personal journey through grief and adversity. It's a narrative woven with threads of pain, resilience, and the unwaver...
Taking the first step toward your dreams can feel overwhelming, but it’s the key to creating an EPIC life. Just ask today’s guest and career transition coach, Shannon Russell, as she tells us more about gearing up for our second act. In this episode, she joins Zander Sprague to explore how small, intentional actions can lead to incredible transformations. Whether you’re facing challenges, feeling stuck, or unsure of where to b...
In this Epic Begins With One Step Forward episode, host Zander Sprague sits down with bestselling author and health expert Esther Avant to uncover the secrets to sustainable weight loss and lasting wellness. They dive into mindset shifts, breaking free from all-or-nothing thinking, and why structure is key to success. Esther shares practical tips for balancing nutrition, fitness, and real life—without deprivation. If you’...
Michael Morgan, author and motivational speaker, explores the power of networking and how it shapes careers, personal growth, and opportunities. He shares insights from his book, The Power of Networking, and recounts his journey from working at major corporations like JP Morgan, Amazon, and Walmart to thriving in cybersecurity at Netskope.
Discover practical strategies to build meaningful connections, maintain professional ...
In this electrifying episode of EPIC, Begins with 1 Step Forward, I sit down with international speaker and firewalking instructor Harriet Bratt. We dive into fear, resilience, and the power of stepping outside your comfort zone. From firewalking to skydiving, we explore how embracing fear leads to epic transformations. Plus, we discuss the magic of “not yet” and why small steps create a big impact. Tune in and ignite your jou...
Sometimes, life’s biggest transformations come from its toughest challenges. In this episode of Epic Begins with 1 Step Forward, host Zander Sprague welcomes Austin Page, founder of GymFlo Coaching. Austin shares his powerful journey from a near-fatal accident to building a thriving fitness business. He dives into the mindset shifts, daily habits, and resilience that fueled his fitness transformation. Whether you’re ...
Wills vs. trusts – which one truly protects your legacy? In this episode of EPIC: Begins with 1 Step Forward, host Zander Sprague sits down with estate planning expert Oscar Vasquez to break down their key differences and why having the right plan in place matters. Learn how living trusts can help you avoid probate, secure your assets, and ensure your loved ones are cared for without court interference. Do not leave your family's f...
In this episode of EPIC: Begins with 1 Step Forward, host Zander Sprague welcomes John Diggs, a former pro football player turned mind mapping expert. John shares his extraordinary journey from the NFL to building a multimillion-dollar mortgage business—only to lose it all in the Great Recession. Discover how mind mapping became the key to his comeback, helping him rebuild, refocus, and thrive. Learn how this powerful tool can brin...
Balancing law and creativity—can it be done? Host Zander Sprague sits down with Michael Stockham, a Dallas-based lawyer turned novelist, to discuss his journey from courtroom battles to crafting legal thrillers. Michael shares how a lifelong passion for writing led him to create the Jake Fox series, the challenges of balancing a demanding career with creative pursuits, and the power of persistence in achieving EPIC dreams. If you’v...
In this insightful episode of EPIC Begins with 1 Step Forward, host Zander Sprague welcomes communication expert Mario Wissa to dive into the art of global communication, exploring the power of verbal and nonverbal communication across cultures. From decoding global gestures to understanding how language shapes interactions, they take a closer look into the nuances that impact relationships, business, and everyday life. Tune in for...
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