Ep. 038 Rebecca Rutschmann - AI Coaching Consultant

AI, and the Future of Coaching with Rebecca Rutschmann

In this episode, I sit down with Rebecca Rutschmann, thought leader, technologist, and coach, to explore the evolving relationship between AI and human-centered coaching. From her early values-based approach to her career in tech, Rebecca’s journey has led her to the forefront of AI-driven coaching tools and frameworks.

We dive into why values like radical acceptance, presence and curiosity are more essential than ever—especially as coaching integrates AI into practice. Rebecca also explores the ethical, emotional, and technical challenges that come with building humanized AI systems, and how coaches can work with (not against) this technology.

Whether you're a coach, leader, or simply curious about the intersection of humanity and innovation, this is a must-listen conversation filled with honesty, insight, and inspiration.

Key Topics:

  • The role of values congruence in family, coaching, and leadership

  • How AI tools can enhance—not replace—the coaching relationship

  • The importance of building ethical and principled AI frameworks

  • The future of hybrid coaching: human and machine in collaboration

🎧 Tune in to explore how embracing change and staying rooted in values can guide us through the future of coaching and beyond.

Ep. 037 Meaghan Frank, Dr. Konstantin Frank Vinifera Wine Cellars

Vines & Values: Exploring the Essence of Finger Lakes with Meaghan Frank

Welcome to the first episode of Vines & Values—a special series of the Value of Values podcast where we explore the intersection of core values, viticulture, winemaking and the wine business. 🍷✨ In this kickoff episode, I sit down with Meaghan Frank, fourth-generation leader of Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery, one of the most historic and influential wineries in the Finger Lakes region and the USA.

Meaghan shares how her family's deep-rooted values—from “people as a source of our strength”, integrity and respect to education and empowerment—shape not just their wines, but also their company culture. We also explore a powerful question: Does a wine region have its own values framework? Can Keuka Lake and the Finger Lakes embody a distinct "Valroir"—a fusion of core values and terroir?

Key Topics:
🍇 The evolution of Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery and its commitment to people as a source of our strength
🍷 How core values shape a winery’s culture and long-term success
🍷 Why the H.E.L.M. (Hilda, Eugenia, Lena & Margrit) is central to the winery’s history and importance in steering the culture
🌍 Exploring the concept of Valroir—how values and terroir intertwine
📚 The role of education and mentorship in the wine industry
🛠️ Unique company initiatives—from team-wide WSET training to workplace meditation circles

This conversation sets the stage for an exciting journey into how values define winemaking, leadership, and legacy. If you love wine, culture, and deep conversations, you won’t want to miss this episode.

🎧 Listen now and explore the soul of winemaking beyond the glass!

Ep. 036 Vines and Values...?

What if a wine region had more than just terroir—what if it had a values framework?

In this special new series, Vines & Values, I take my exploration of core values into the world of winemaking, starting with the Finger Lakes wine region. I’m interested in exploring the deep traditions, passion, and philosophy of winemakers, this series goes beyond the technical aspects of wine and uncovers the values that shape the people, the businesses, and ultimately, what ends up in the bottle!

I’m sharing a little behind the reason for doing a series called Vines & Values, introducing the wineries that helped launch this project, and sets the stage for the compelling conversations ahead.

Topics Covered:

  • The origins of Vines & Values and how it connects to The Value of Values podcast

  • Why values matter in winemaking and business

  • What to expect from future episodes

Let us know—what do you think shapes a winery beyond terroir? BTW…I’ll be talking about this in terms of “Valroir” (values + terroir).

So if you're interested in how values shape businesses, communities, and industries, stay tuned. Vines & Values is coming soon, and I can’t wait to share these conversations with you.

Ep. 035 - June Toth - A Values-Driven Leader in Action

Core Values, Leadership, and Building Community with June Toth

In this episode, I chat with June Toth, the 2024/2025 President of the New Jersey Society of CPAs and a principal at WilkinGuttenplan to discuss the power of core values, leadership, and building a thriving professional community.  June is truly a values-driven leader in action, embodying resilience, integrity, and service in every aspect of her career.

Her journey—from working full-time while attending college at night to becoming a CPA and a sought after leader in the accounting profession—highlights how mentorship, authenticity, and purpose-driven leadership can shape careers and create a culture of trust and collaboration.

We explore the importance of culture and values in the workplace, why fostering a community-driven mindset leads to success, and how organizations can attract and retain talent by staying true to their core values.

Key Topics:

  • The role of values and ethics in leadership

  • How mentorship can change careers and lives

  • Building a culture of trust, respect, and collaboration

  • The evolving landscape of the accounting profession and what the next generation values

  • Why authenticity and resilience are key traits for success

June’s passion for leadership and service is truly inspiring—this conversation is packed with insights for professionals at all levels looking to align their work with their values.

Ep. 034 - Steve Lang, CEO

Building a Values-Driven Organization with Steve Lang

In this thought-provoking episode, I sit down with Steve Lang, CEO of dancker, to explore how core values shape leadership, culture, and long-term success. Steve shares insights from his journey leading a nearly 200-year-old company, emphasizing the importance of authenticity, candor, and curiosity in fostering a workplace where employees feel engaged and valued.

We dive into the powerful role of company culture, how values influence decision-making, and why aligning personal and organizational values is crucial for sustainable growth. Steve also reveals a unique onboarding approach where he personally meets with every new hire to discuss the company’s core values—an initiative that ensures alignment from day one.

Key Topics:

  • The impact of values-driven leadership on organizational culture

  • How leaders can foster candor and curiosity to drive innovation

  • The importance of self-awareness and personal growth in leadership

  • How values alignment influences employee engagement and retention

  • Why challenging assumptions leads to stronger leadership and better decision-making

If you’re looking for inspiration on how to create a meaningful, values-based workplace, this conversation is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.

Ep. 033 - John Garrett - Speaker, Author, Podcaster

Uncovering the Power of Core Values and What’s Your “And" with John Garrett

I pod with John Garrett, author of What’s Your “And"? and host of the What’s Your "And"? podcast. John shares his journey as a keynote speaker, semi-retired comedian, and advocate for embracing the human side of professional life. Through humor and insightful storytelling, John dives into the importance of discovering and celebrating the "and"—the hobbies, passions, and personal values that make us unique.

We explore how core values shape personal and professional decisions, why they are sometimes overlooked, and how acknowledging them can lead to greater self-awareness and success. John also reflects on how organizations can create deeper connections by valuing their employees as whole people.

Key Topics:

  • The concept of the "and" and its role in professional fulfillment

  • How core values serve as a personal lighthouse in navigating life’s challenges

  • The importance of human connection in an increasingly tech-driven world

  • Practical insights for balancing professional goals with personal identity

  • Stories from John’s career as a comedian and keynote speaker

John was instrumental in helping me overcome the hurdle of starting this podcast. His encouragement and challenge to define my intention inspired me to finally take the step and do this podcast (so blame him!). John was one of my very first guests, and while I held on to this episode, I’m very excited to release it now, as the podcast is gaining traction, finding its voice, and contributing positively to our listeners’ lives. Thank you, John, for helping me take that leap!

Tune in to hear John’s unique perspective on living authentically and embracing all the dimensions of who we are. You can find John:

https://www.thejohngarrett.com/whats-your-and-book

https://whatsyourand.com/

https://www.thejohngarrett.com/podcast

(or at a local comedy club bustin’ the bookers chops for some stage time)

Get his book from the links above or from our Amazon affiliate link (but get if freom him first - https://amzn.to/4fIn4NC)

Ep. 032 - Isabelle Kent, CEO Philly Startup Leaders

Empowering Startups Through Values and Collaboration with Isabelle Kent

In this episode, I sit down with the powerhouse - Isabelle Kent, CEO of Philly Startup Leaders (PSL), to discuss how values and collaboration are reshaping Philadelphia's entrepreneurial ecosystem. Isabelle shares her personal journey as an immigrant, a serial connector, and a dynamic leader focused on creating spaces where innovation thrives.

If you know Philly, you’ll know why she was made for that town! If you don’t know Philly - you should - it’s people like Isabelle that make it the city that it is! The startup community is not just thriving in Philly, its exploding and PSL is one reason why. So, now you know about the startup community in Philly - it’s not cheesesteaks and Rocky references - it’s about the WORK and how your values support and fuel that work ethic - Isabelle is great and a shining example of that work ethic!

We explore how PSL fosters trust, collaboration, and inclusion is making Philadelphia a standout startup hub. From hosting unique community-driven events to building a supportive network for early-stage founders, Isabelle emphasizes the power of core values in leadership, the importance of listening, and the role of community in fostering innovation.

Key Topics:

  • How PSL’s core values drive its mission to support startups and leaders

  • The importance of trust, collaboration, and inclusion in an entrepreneurial ecosystem

  • Isabelle’s personal journey as an immigrant and how it shaped her leadership style

  • Lessons from PSL’s unique five-year vision and its impact on Philadelphia’s startups

  • How leaders can create meaningful spaces for innovation and connection

The PSL website - https://www.phillystartupleaders.org/

Ep. 031 - Stephen Tang, PhD MBA - Author, Thought Leader, CEO

Leading with Values: Navigating Crisis and Innovation with Stephen Tang

In this episode, I talk with Dr. Stephen Tang, an accomplished CEO and author of A Test for Our Time: Crisis Leadership in the Next Normal. Together, we explore the profound connection between core values, leadership, and navigating crises. Dr. Tang shares insights from leading Orasure Technologies during the COVID-19 pandemic, including how embracing values like empathy, curiosity, and resilience helped the organization create transformative solutions under extraordinary circumstances.

We discuss his perspective on hybrid work, leadership in times of crisis, and how values-driven decisions can foster innovation and align diverse teams. Dr. Tang also reflects on the universal truths of leadership, including his belief in seeking truth through curiosity and authenticity.

Key Topics:

  • The power of values-driven leadership in crisis

  • Insights on hybrid work and the evolving workplace

  • How empathy and curiosity foster innovation and resilience

  • Lessons learned from navigating personal and professional challenges

  • The importance of truth-seeking in leadership and life

Dr. Tang’s wisdom offers a roadmap for anyone looking to lead with purpose and integrity in uncertain times.

You can get his book at our affiliate link - https://amzn.to/4198fQH

Or get his book, more information about Stephen and how to book him for speaking engagements on his Web site it www.tang.ceo.

Ep. 030 - Tommie Edwards, CEO & Serial Tech Entrepreneur

Core Values, Leadership, and Building Impact with Tommie Edwards

In this inspiring episode, I sit down with Tommie Edwards, an accomplished entrepreneur, founder of Tech1M & Tedbree, and a leader passionate about creating impactful solutions. As the first CEO outside the U.S. to join The Value of Values podcast, Tommie brings a unique global perspective, highlighting how core values transcend borders and connect us all.

Tommie shares her personal journey, from learning entrepreneurial skills at the age of 16 to founding multiple tech companies such as Tech1M, an innovative recruitment automation platform powered by AI. We explore how her core values shape her leadership style and guide her career and life.

This conversation reveals how values are universal and serve as a bridge across cultures, reminding us of our shared humanity.

Key Topics:

  • The role of empathy and authenticity in leadership

  • How core values drive innovation and impact in business

  • The journey of founding and scaling Tech1M

  • The importance of global perspectives in solving problems

  • Creating a legacy through personal and professional growth

Join us for a conversation filled with wisdom, authenticity, and actionable insights on living and leading with purpose—proving that we’re more connected than we think.

Connect with her at https://tommieedwards.com/

Ep. 029 - Amanda "Jo" Erven, Bridging Values Ethics and Leadership

Bridging Values, Ethics, and Leadership with Amanda “Jo” Erven

In this insightful episode, I sit down with Amanda “Jo” Erven, a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), and Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), to explore the deep connection between core values, leadership, and ethics. Jo is an author, educator, and ethics advocate who provides impactful Continuing Professional Education (CPE) courses to organizations, helping professionals navigate the complexities of values and ethics in today’s world.

We discuss her mantra for living authentically, “Live so that you wouldn’t be ashamed to sell the family parrot to the town gossip,” and how it reflects her commitment to transparency and integrity. Jo emphasizes the importance of recognizing and aligning personal and organizational values to foster better leadership and ethical decision-making.

Key Topics:

  • How core values form the foundation for ethical leadership

  • The evolving role of ethics in personal and professional life

  • Tools for self-awareness and bridging the gap between values and actions

  • Why younger generations are leading the way in demanding alignment with values

  • Practical exercises to identify and live by your values

Jo’s unique perspective blends humor, humility, and wisdom, offering a roadmap for anyone looking to lead with purpose and integrity.

You can find Jo on LinkedIn, just search Amanda “Jo” Erven

Ep. 028 - Bob Paulinski, Master of Wine

Curiosity, Perseverance, and Authenticity in Wine with Master of Wine Bob Paulinski

In this episode, I talk with Bob Paulinski, a Master of Wine with a passion for exploring the art and science behind every bottle. Bob shares insights from his journey, including his experience in the rigorous Master of Wine (MW) program, the humility required to succeed, and the lifelong curiosity that fuels his work.

We dive into the nuances of wine education, the dedication needed to master the craft, and Bob’s philosophy on authentic storytelling through his YouTube channel, Bob Paulinski Master of Wine. Bob also opens up about the importance of humility, gratitude, and service, discussing how these values continue to shape his career in the wine industry.

Key Topics:

  • What it means to be a Master of Wine and the journey to earning the title

  • The value of humility, perseverance, and resilience in professional growth

  • Exploring global wine traditions and their impact on culture

  • Curiosity as a driving force in wine education and storytelling

  • Using authenticity to connect with audiences in an increasingly digital world

Join us as we uncover how Bob’s passion for wine, curiosity, and values have shaped his life and career.

You can connect with Bob via his YouTube channel - www.youtube.com/@bobpaulinskimasterofwine

Ep. 027 - Saad Bounjoua, Writer, The Weekly Lift

Embracing Curiosity, Core Values, and Global Perspectives with Saad Bounjoua

In this thought-provoking episode, we welcome Saad Bounjoua, a globally experienced leader who shares his journey from corporate finance to academia and the world of geopolitics. Saad opens up about his decision to take a career break for introspection, leading him to explore his core values and passions. He emphasizes the importance of “corporate detox” and self-reflection, especially when the traditional career path leaves little room for such pursuits.

Throughout the conversation, Saad delves into the impact of global experiences on his worldview, the necessity of staying curious, and how his pursuit of a PhD fuels his intellectual and personal growth. He also discusses his newsletter, The Weekly Lift (subscribe on LinkedIn), which focuses on highlighting positive global news—a counterbalance to the doom-and-gloom narratives dominating today's media. Saad’s insights encourage listeners to stay true to their values, embrace curiosity, and seek fulfillment beyond societal expectations.

Key Topics:

  • Navigating career transitions and finding purpose outside of corporate structures

  • The importance of core values and self-reflection in defining personal success

  • How global perspectives shape understanding and empathy

  • The role of curiosity and intellectual growth in personal fulfillment

  • Using positivity to balance the challenges of global issues and news

Tune in to gain insights from Saad’s journey and explore how aligning with your core values can transform both personal and professional life.

Ep. 026 - Magdalena Mook, CEO International Coaching Federation (ICF)

Exploring Core Values, AI, and Coaching with Magdalena Mook

In this episode, I sit down with Magdalena Mook, CEO of the International Coaching Federation (ICF), to discuss the intersection of core values, coaching, and the evolving role of technology in the profession. Magdalena shares her personal journey from Poland to the U.S., her 20 years at ICF, and how the organization has grown from 8,000 members to over 60,000 globally.

We dive deep into the importance of aligning personal values with organizational values and how doing so creates a sense of purpose and integrity in leadership. Magdalena also touches on the evolving landscape of coaching, the ethical use of AI and technology in coaching, and the importance of mental well-being in today's world.

Key Topics:

  • The importance of aligning personal and organizational values

  • How technology, including AI, is impacting the coaching industry

  • The evolving role of ICF in promoting global standards in coaching

  • How coaching can play a role in addressing mental well-being

  • Why continual reflection on core values is essential for coaches and leaders alike

Join us as we explore how core values remain the foundation of coaching while embracing new technological advancements.

Ep. 025 - Exploring Values, Purpose, and Consciousness with Robert Krenza

In this deep and thought-provoking episode, I sit down with Robert Krenza, an experienced coach who has worked with senior leaders for decades. We dive into the intersection of values and purpose, exploring how these two concepts are deeply intertwined in both personal and professional contexts. Robert shares his belief that coaching is most effective when it starts at the personal level to unlock professional success.

Throughout the conversation, we explore how values shape purpose, how purpose serves others, and how these ideas lead to more effective leadership and personal growth. We also touch on personal purpose, spiritual growth, and reconnecting with one's core values.

Robert emphasizes that personal transformation and professional effectiveness are deeply linked, encouraging leaders to engage with their values and purpose to achieve deeper success in their roles. He also shares compelling stories about working with senior executives, breaking through their professional facades to discover the personal issues affecting their performance.

Key Topics:

  • The link between values and purpose in leadership

  • Why personal coaching is critical for professional success

  • The importance of reconnecting with values

  • Spirituality and consciousness in leadership

  • How to bring heart and mind into alignment in the workplace

Ep. 024. - Mario Casabona, Angel investor, founder of TechLaunch & Casabona Ventures, LLC

In this episode of The Value of Values, Mario, a first-generation immigrant and entrepreneur shares his journey from emigrating from Italy to founding and running a successful tech company.  

Mario reflects on the values of honesty, integrity, and hard work instilled by his parents and how these shaped his personal and business life.  He discusses the impact of immigrant culture on his work ethic and entrepreneurial mindset, emphasizing the importance of doing the work yourself before expecting it from others.

Mario also shares insights from his career, including lessons learned from mentors and his pivot from being an engineer to a successful manager and entrepreneur.  The conversation highlights his transition from working at established companies to founding his own, ultimately leading to his experience as an angel investor.  Mario touches on the importance of taking calculated risks, learning from failure, and the critical role of strong partnerships and integrity in business success.

The episode offers valuable takeaways for aspiring entrepreneurs, such as the significance of trust, perseverance, and maintaining core values throughout one’s career.

Key Takeaways:

Honesty and Integrity: These core values were central to Mario’s upbringing and business practices, leading to long-term trust and successful partnerships.

Entrepreneurship and Risk: Mario highlights the importance of taking calculated risks and learning from failures to grow personally and professionally.

Mentorship and Teamwork: Success in business often hinges on learning from mentors and fostering a strong, dedicated team.

Quotes from Mario:

“Treat people how you want to be treated.”

“Don't expect someone to do something you're not willing to do yourself.”

Link to TechLaunch:

https://techlaunch.com/

Ep. 023 - Dr. Steven Stein - founder of MHS.

In this episode, Dr. Steven Stein joins us to discuss how understanding and living your core values is crucial not only for personal growth but for building strong, resilient organizations. 💡

Dr. Stein is a clinical psychologist and the founder and Executive Chair of Mutli-Health Systems Inc. (MHS).  Dr. Stein has been pivotal in spreading and democratizing the concepts of Emotional Intelligence. 

His recent book is Hardiness, co-authored with Paul Bartone.  Check out pages 29-31 for a discussion on values identification!

Key takeaways from our conversation:

🔑 Self-awareness: Core values are essential for navigating life and making decisions, especially in challenging times.

🔑 Business success: Respect and interpersonal connection were key principles when Dr. Stein started MHS, ensuring everyone is treated well—no matter their position.

🔑 Organizational culture: Core values shape how employees are treated and create a culture where people feel valued as individuals.

🔑 Stress management: Making decisions aligned with your core values reduces stress and fosters confidence, while misaligned choices can lead to anxiety.

🔑 Flexibility & growth: Core values can evolve as we reflect more deeply on them—growth is part of the process.

Dr. Stein's insights are invaluable for leaders, entrepreneurs, and anyone looking to create a values-driven culture. Don't miss out - this conversation offers invaluable insights on harnessing the power of core values! 🎧

Ep. 022. - High Heels and Jean Shorts

Join us for an enlightening and entertaining exploration of values with the one and only MK Larsen in the latest episode of The Value of Values podcast.  Or you might just call this the first episode of the MK Larsen Podcast... either works!

MK is a communication coach who partners with clients to elevate their leadership and communication goals.  With a wealth of experience coaching executives from Fortune 500 companies, over 150 TEDx speakers, and professionals across various fields, she brings a unique perspective to our conversation.

Together, we dive deep into the arts—acting, stand-up comedy, and improv—as lenses through which we explore and live our values.  It’s a joyous celebration of being present, embracing pauses, and allowing the moment to guide us rather than rushing ahead.

Lots of laughs, profound insights, and the kind of thoughtful discussion you'd anticipate from two people who have trained in the performing arts and now use those skills as a part of our toolkit to serve our clients. This episode is as much about the journey as it is about the discoveries along the way.

Download the episode and enjoy the ride!

Find MK Larsen on LinkedIn - MK Larsen, ACC | LinkedIn

Ep. 021 - Dr. Anna Tavis - Professor and Chair of the Human Capital Management Department at NYU’s School of Professional Studies

🚀 New Podcast Episode Alert! 🚀

In this episode of The Value of Values, we sit down with a true thought leader in the HR and people analytics space—Dr. Anna Tavis. Dr. Tavis, a Clinical Professor and Chair of the Human Capital Management Department at NYU’s School of Professional Studies, has an illustrious career that spans global business, consulting, and academia.  Named to the Thinkers50 Radar in 2020 and a top 100 Global Influencer in People Analytics in 2023 and 2024, her insights are shaping the future of work.  She recently co-authored The Digital Coaching Revolution with Dr. Woodward.

🎙️ Episode Highlights:

Evolving & critical role of Academia: The importance of academia and how its evolution impacts and enriches all areas of our lives, not just preparing us for the business 🌍.

Authentic Values: Dr. Tavis dives deep into the significance of authentic, internalized values in shaping organizational culture. She challenges the idea of values being just "posters on the wall" and emphasizes the importance of translating them into meaningful behaviors and decision-making.

Cultural Context & Organizational Values: We explore how national and cultural contexts influence organizational values, contrasting the community-focused, long-term thinking of Scandinavian models (like Nokia) with the shareholder-centric approaches prevalent in many U.S. companies.

The Role of HR: Dr. Tavis discusses the evolving role of HR in building value systems and coaching leaders on people-centric decision-making. As technology and transparency force companies to align their actions with their stated values, HR’s role becomes even more crucial.

Next-Generation Priorities: We delve into how the next generation of workers prioritizes personal connections, mentorship, and community—shaping the future of work and HR architecture.

This episode is packed with thought-provoking insights that are not just relevant for HR professionals but for anyone interested in how values influence business and organizational success.

🌍 Truly International Perspective: With Dr. Tavis’s global experience, this episode brings an international lens to the conversation, making it a rich and diverse exploration of values across cultures and industries.

Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of how values can—and should—drive decision-making and organizational behavior.

VOICES - Legends

🎙️ Micro-Pod Series: "VOICES" ALERT !

Get ready to meet four LEGENDS whose voices truly need to be heard.  Each one has left an indelible mark on their respective fields, and we're honored to share their insights with you.  In our micro-pod VOICES, we take clips from our Value of Values episodes to introduce you to upcoming episodes and share inspiring ideas.

🔊 Voice 1: Dr. Anna Tavis - A towering figure in the HR world, Dr. Tavis has mentored countless CHROs from global corporations, shaping the future of human resources.  Through her academic research and teaching at NYU, she continues to influence the next generation of leaders.

🔊 Voice 2: Dr. Steven Stein - A clinical psychologist and the founder and Executive Chair of Multi-Health Systems (MHS), Dr. Stein has been pivotal in spreading and democratizing the concepts of Emotional Intelligence.

🔊 Voice 3: Mario Casabona - Recognized TWICE as a LEGEND by TechUnited for his groundbreaking contributions to technology and financing within the entrepreneurial community.  Think of him as the Eric Clapton of the entrepreneurial world—Clapton was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame multiple times.

🔊 Voice 4: Robert Krensa - For decades, Robert has been pushing the boundaries of executive coaching, challenging senior leaders, and driving transformations that transcend traditional methods.

These are the voices that have shaped industries, inspired leaders, and continue to pave the way for future generations.  Meet them here and get a sneak peek into our discussions that will be featured in upcoming episodes of The Value of Values

And that’s just the beginning!  We have many more inspiring guests lined up, from CEO spotlights to leaders who are running incredible organizations and building the companies of tomorrow.

Ep. 020 - Sean Donnelly - Professional Comedian

🎙️ Get ready for a truly special episode of the Value of Values podcast, where we venture beyond the business and coaching worlds into the heart of the entertainment field. 🎭

In this episode, we sit down with an extraordinary guest—a professional artist who isn't just a master of his craft but also unafraid to show vulnerability right from the start.  This conversation goes deep, and it stays there, offering insights that resonate far beyond the world of comedy.

Sean Donnelly is a seasoned comedian; he shares not just the laughs but also the values that have carried him through tough times as he says “tough business…easy job!”.  We delve into the stories that shaped his artistry, exploring how early experiences continue to influence his work today.  We all evolve, but what keeps you grounded and sane in that evolution?  How do you stay true to yourself in a world that constantly challenges your identity?

This episode is filled with wisdom, humor, and profound reflections on life and why his dad would say “it’s all bullsh*t” and why that resonates today more than ever!  We talk about the power of saying "NO"—a crucial skill for protecting your energy, especially in the demanding world of stand-up comedy.  Despite the "lone wolf" nature of a comedian's life, there's an incredible sense of community among these artists, bound together by shared values of hard work, respect, and integrity.

I’m incredibly grateful for the time we shared in this conversation, and while I could have easily made it a two-parter, it’s too good not to experience in full context.  What our guest shares isn't just relevant to stand-up comedy—it's applicable to all aspects of life.

PLUS, toward the end we get into some real CRAZY stuff…not sure if its controversial, conspiracy based, scienced based, quantum entanglements etc… – but this is one we will revisit for our next conversation!

Tune in for an episode that will leave you inspired, entertained, and reflective. 🎧✨

To find times to see Sean live – WHICH YOU MUST DO!!!!!  Find him on:

Insta:  seanytime

Website:  https://seandonnellycomedy.com/index.html

 

The Value of Values podcasts can be found:

On Apple Podcasts:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-value-of-values/id1711472698

 

On Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/show/7rXlF9pOumvCSBh6LUVW97?si=HRG-aTihRp-nSc-1gL3u0g