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 powerful episode of Epic Begins With 1 Step Forward, Zander sits down with chronic illness coach Jeffrey Bone to explore resilience, identity, and what happens when life takes an unexpected turn. After exposure to black mold triggered a cascade of debilitating symptoms, Jeffrey spent years searching for answers before being diagnosed with Common Variable Immune Deficiency (CVID), a rare immune disorder. He shares the emotio...
In this creative and insightful episode of Epic Begins With 1 Step Forward, Zander Sprague sits down with T. Christian Helms, founder of Austin-based creative agency Helms Workshop, to explore the intersection of branding, curiosity, and innovation. Christian shares his winding path from journalism student to award-winning creative director, revealing how some of the best ideas emerge when you stop forcing them and allow curiosity ...
In this fascinating episode of Epic Begins With 1 Step Forward, Zander sits down with voice and communication coach Wolfe Lanier, whose journey from child actor to public speaking expert led him to explore one powerful question: Why are people so afraid to use their voice? Wolfe shares his experiences navigating stage fright, rejection, identity, and vulnerability while pursuing a career in acting and performance. Together, they un...
In this deeply inspiring episode of Epic Begins With 1 Step Forward, Zander Sprague sits down with performance expert, author, and leadership pioneer Dr. Jack Groppel, who talks about the beauty of conquering yourself through resilience, reinvention, and purpose. From a painful childhood and relentless drive for achievement to becoming a nationally recognized tennis coach, sports scientist, entrepreneur, and speaker, Jack shares th...
In this powerful episode of Epic Begins With 1 Step Forward, Zander Sprague sits down with entrepreneur and humanitarian Kurt Avery, founder of Sawyer Products, whose innovations are transforming access to clean water around the globe. What began with outdoor products and water filtration evolved into a mission that has already impacted more than 40 million people in 80 countries. Kurt shares how Sawyer’s affordable filtratio...
In this insightful episode of Epic Begins With 1 Step Forward, Zander sits down with men’s coach Stefanos Koutsoubis, who helps men break free from burnout, depression, and the illusion of success. Stefanos shares his personal journey—from achieving academic and professional milestones, including a PhD and corporate career, to realizing that external success didn’t create internal happiness. Together, they explore...
In this energizing episode of Epic Begins With 1 Step Forward, Zander sits down with keynote speaker, author, and performer Greg Bennick, whose career began with a simple mistake that turned into a life-changing path. What started as a missed coin-collecting class led Greg to discover juggling—and ultimately a lifelong passion for engaging audiences around the world. Greg shares insights from his book Reclaim the Moment, divi...
In this raw and powerful episode of Epic Begins With 1 Step Forward, Zander sits down with creative strategist and podcast expert Nick McGowan for a deeply honest conversation about identity, purpose, and transformation. Nick shares his journey from childhood struggles and emotional disconnect to building a successful career that ultimately left him feeling empty and lost. After hitting rock bottom and facing moments of s...
In this inspiring episode of Epic Begins With 1 Step Forward, Zander Sprague sits down with endurance athlete and author Jeffrey Weiss, whose journey proves it’s never too late to rewrite your story. Starting with his first 10K at age 48, Jeffrey went on to complete marathons, ultra races—including a brutal 72-mile run—and multiple Ironman competitions in his late 50s and early 60s. He shares how setting bold...
In this high-impact episode of Epic Begins With 1 Step Forward, Zander Sprague sits down with former fighter pilot Christian “Boo” Boucousis, who now helps leaders navigate overwhelm and thrive in the AI-driven world. Boo shares how the fighter pilot mindset—built on clarity, discipline, and constant reflection—translates directly into business and life. From operating at high speed in the cockpit to le...
In this powerful episode of Epic Begins With 1 Step Forward, Zander Sprague sits down with author and speaker Debbie Weiss, whose life was shaped by over four decades of caregiving. From supporting her father after a devastating stroke at age 17, to raising a son with special needs, to caring for her terminally ill husband, Debbie shares the emotional toll—and resilience—behind her journey. At 50, burned out and ov...
In this fascinating episode of Epic Begins With 1 Step Forward, Zander Sprague sits down with Eric Robinson, a recently retired FBI agent whose career path is anything but ordinary. Eric shares how he went from serving as a Baptist pastor to spending 24 years in federal law enforcement. He discusses the surprising reasons behind his career shift, the reality of life inside the FBI, and the lessons learned from working cases in...
In this insightful episode of Epic Begins With 1 Step Forward, Zander Sprague sits down with career strategist Sam Alvita, founder of Work Rewritten, to unpack the rapidly evolving world of modern employment. From shrinking skill lifespans to AI-driven disruption, Sam explains why traditional career advice no longer works—and what to do instead. They discuss layoffs, the emotional toll of job loss, and the impersonal rea...
In this breathtaking episode of Epic Begins With 1 Step Forward, Zander Sprague sits down with former schoolteacher and author Alison Gieschen, who sold everything with her husband and moved aboard a 43-foot sailboat to circumnavigate the globe. Eight years, 49 countries, four continents—and countless epic unexpecteds—later, Alison shares stories of 20-foot waves, ripped sails, Chinese fishing fleets, mechanical fa...
In this extraordinary episode of Epic Begins With 1 Step Forward, Zander Sprague sits down with retired emergency physician, author, and living kidney donor Dr. Matt Harmody, whose story redefines what it means to live with purpose. Matt shares how he became part of a five-person team that set a Guinness World Record by summiting the highest point in all 50 U.S. states in record time – after donating a kidney to a strang...
In this thought-provoking episode of Epic Begins With 1 Step Forward, Zander is joined by Dorota Kosiorek, a go-to-market leader in AI, certified neuroscience-based coach, and writer from Poland. Dorota shares her journey from high-pressure consulting to a more intentional life built around rest, boundaries, and sustainable performance. Together, they explore why hustle culture misunderstands how the brain actually works, how ...
In this heartfelt and inspiring episode of Epic Begins With 1 Step Forward, Zander Sprague sits down with author and podcaster Teri M. Brown, whose life changed when she and her husband rode 3,102 miles across the United States on a tandem bicycle. What began as an adventure became a powerful journey of healing after Teri escaped an emotionally abusive marriage and doubted her own worth. She shares how trust, teamwork, and let...
Emergency medicine veteran Dr. Maureen Gibbons joins Zander Sprague to talk about what happens when your calling becomes your whole identity, and what happens when you finally. After 15 years in the ER and 13 years at a Level 2 trauma center, Dr. Moe made the terrifying choice to execute her exit plan and step away, even though she still loved the chaos. She talks about her mission to help physicians and high-achievers bu...
In this inspiring episode of Epic Begins With One Step Forward, Zander sits down with Kimberly Haley-Coleman, founder of Globe Aware, an organization offering short-term adventure with purpose through “adventure in service” trips in 26 countries. Kimberly explains how their one-week, fully coordinated experiences combine meaningful hands-on service—like building homes, installing concrete floors for sing...
In this moving episode of Epic Begins With One Step Forward, Zander Sprague is joined by John DeDakis, former CNN editor for Wolf Blitzer, longtime journalist, novelist, writing coach, and motivational speaker. Together, they talk about grief, purpose, and healing. John shares the heartbreaking losses of his sister to suicide and his son to a heroin overdose, and reflects on how those experiences shaped him as a man, a father,...
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