Go Coach Yourself!

2025: A Sneak Peek into Awesome

• Vic Smith • Season 2 • Episode 2

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Sneak peek alert! 

In the second episode of Season 2 Go Coach Yourself! co-hosts Vic and Ryan give you a preview of what you can expect from the new 2025 Season. Tune in to hear about the three key topics for 2025, get the run down on what is changing and what is staying the same. New ideas, new possibilities, and engaging conversations await you in the 2025 season. 




Hosts:

Ryan Reichert-Estes, StackRise Coaching | LinkedIn | Insta: @stackrisecoaching

Vic Smith, WhistleSmith.co | LinkedIn | Insta: @vic_bk

Vic:

Hey Ryan,

Ryan:

Hey Vic.

Vic:

you know that feeling when it snows really hard and it's deep and it's fresh and you can see the sun glistening on it? Like that feeling, you know, you can't wait to get out there and jump around just generally like have a snowball fight, play around. You know that feeling?

Ryan:

No, no, no, no, no, no, no. I got all the snow that I needed living near Lake Erie for the first 25 years of my life, and I'll tell you, after childhood, that feeling went away very quickly.

Vic:

Okay, well, that's how I feel about 2025 and our Go Coach Yourself podcast. Like a blank canvas, fresh snow, new ideas, limitless possibilities.

Ryan:

now that I get. Because not everybody loves snow. And games until it turns into brown slush. Welcome to another episode of go coach yourself, a podcast to help you get unfucked and build the incredible life you deserve. We're Vic and Ryan two certified coaches trying to change the world. One conversation at a time. So Vic, what are we talking about today?

Vic:

Oh, So exciting. Today we're going to be sharing with our listeners what we've got in store for them. In this next season of Go Coach Yourself. 2025 and the dream is still alive.

Ryan:

I'm super excited about this as well. And if you've listened to our last episode, these first two of the second season are going to be a little different than our normal episodes.

Vic:

We interrupt this broadcast to bring you big news of 2025's season two of Go Coach Yourself.

Ryan:

Thank you for that. We, uh, we're going to give all of you an overview of what's to come, what our focus is for 2025, what's changing, what we've got staying the same. And if you want to hear about how we felt about Season 1, we released a retrospective episode two weeks ago. So go check that out. We had some fun recording it and talked through a lot of the things that we learned and really enjoyed about Season 1.

Vic:

Oh yeah, we did. That was, that was a good one and felt different enough. Yeah.

Ryan:

So let's start with something quick What's changing and what's staying the same and so, you know, staying the same we're gonna have weekly episodes That are filled with humor and laughter and fun we're still gonna bring our real perspectives to every topic we talk about and We're gonna continue to help our listeners really connect with Ideas in a different way and find ways that they can coach themselves through many of life's different scenarios Vic, do you want to tell people what's going to be different?

Vic:

Yeah, and so what's going to be different is that this season we've got three overarching topics and we're going to share those with you in a little while. When we did season one, we Pick topics that were important to us, that we found came up within our coaching quite often. They were kind of tools and techniques we wanted you all to have. And this year we're gonna focus a little differently. We're gonna bring some guest speakers in these topics, the guest speakers puts like a little less pressure on us and also mixes it up a bit and makes it a little different for you all listening. And so should we dive into the three topics and why they're important to us?

Ryan:

I think that's a great place to spend most of our conversation today because I think these are, these are really going to shape a lot of what we do and I love how you put that, like it's less pressure. And, uh, part of that for me is like, it's really clear in terms of where we want to focus and doesn't necessarily feel like it's a topic free for all with everything and anything.

Vic:

Hmm. Yeah. We will theme them around these topics and we'll signal to you in the start of the episode that this is the topic that we're talking about today, this is the theme that it fits into.

Ryan:

Awesome.

Vic:

So the three big topics for our episodes

Ryan:

focus in this second season are going to be as follows. Number one, know and be who you are. Number two, cultivate meaningful connections. And number three, live an intentional life. And,, before we dig into these, I'll just share a little bit about, like, how we came up with this. we really looked at everything that we had worked on, Vic actually was visiting in person, so we got to have a little bit of a, an off site on site, uh, which was really fun. Um, you know, kind of

Vic:

So good.

Ryan:

throwback to our days of post it notes and whiteboards.

Vic:

I was going to say lots of post it notes, lots of Sharpie markers.

Ryan:

Yes, And so like, as we, as we focused more on what we really cared about and what we wanted to talk more about, these topics just emerged as being the three that kept coming up again and again. And so they're the places we've decided to focus. And so, uh, so what we'll do next is we'll, we'll tell you about each one and give you a little more information about why they mattered for us.

Vic:

Okay. So know and be who you are. The big idea here is clarity of self is the foundation of genuine fulfillment. So we believe that when you truly know who you are, you know what your values are, your motivations and your desires, you unlock the ability to pursue a life that feels more genuine and fulfilling to you. Clarity of self, it not only provides direction for your goals, but also strengthens your connections with other people and the world around you. And for me, this is like the center. It's the knob of everything that, that you do and what spans from you outwards.

Ryan:

I love that metaphor that makes me think of almost like a nucleus. It's like the, the, what makes you, you is right at the middle of that, of that nucleus. This, uh, this topic is super, super important to me as well. As I think we coach people and as we talk with other people, um, you know, it's, it comes up again and again, that so often people, they're not clear on what they want, or they're not clear on where they're going. And the thing that feels like it's. Many times missing is that they've not done the work or played the game if you don't like the idea of work because it doesn't have to be hard of like really figuring out who you are. What makes you special? What do you care about? What is your purpose? And so this really, you know, not only is it an important topic, but it really feels like it's at the core of everything we do from the coaching practices that we run to ignite the spark that I teach to the manager work that you lead and helping managers understand who they are at their best. Um, you know, that's, it's just so important to be clear about. That internal point of view before before we can start moving towards other things And I truly believe that not only does it actually help you see the end point or the direction that you're going, but it actually clears the path. Like it helps you get there in a way that feels so much more easeful and so much more purposeful. So I cannot wait to dig more into this one.

Vic:

Yeah, me too. I, the thing about this one that excites me is that we touched a number of these topics in season one, you know, so we talked about purpose. We talked about values. And I think that in season two, we're going to take that a little deeper in that this, this This concept of continual growth, and so you might know something about yourself, but we as humans are constantly changing and being shaped by the experiences that we have, and so self knowledge, self understanding is something that I just think it's constantly shifting and I love this idea that we're really gonna dig into that this season and you know, I'm happy to bring listeners along with us.

Ryan:

Mmm, so good. Yeah, because how often do people create a life that's built on a version of themselves that's what they think someone else wants? Or a version of themselves that their parents always, you know, put on them as something that was maybe exciting, but really isn't maybe 100 percent true to who they are today. I think, going deep in terms of understanding who you are and who you are at your best. And how that can totally reshape your entire journey.

Vic:

ain't that the truth. You know, I have a leading change and transitions session that, um, I often do with leaders, but also with individual contributors. And, you know, one of the concepts I talk about there is that often we look at change as our current self. And so we stand and we look at that thing that we've got to move to the change that's happening with everything that we hold now without realizing that by the time we get there, we will also have changed the movement to that new place creates new experiences and creates a change within us. And so often when it's hard to see, you know, you. embodying, living that change. It's because you're doing it from, from the position you're at now without this concept, without this growth mindset that you will change as well as the thing that's changing.

Ryan:

Mm, for

Vic:

And so, yeah, I'm super excited to get into, to get into this, this

Ryan:

me too. Me too. There's so much, so much to explore. All right, ready for topic two.

Vic:

Let's dig in.

Ryan:

So, cultivate meaningful connections. The big idea that we want to share here is that connection is currency, and how you spend it shapes your life. We really believe that connection is one of the most valuable assets that each of us has, um, literally thinking of it like currency that you have to invest for building trust, fostering meaningful relationships, and creating a more fulfilling life. The way that we each individually invest in connection and how we choose to spend that currency has a lasting impact, not only on ourselves, but the people around us, whether it be family, friends, colleagues, et cetera.

Vic:

Mm.

Ryan:

And so this, this one is really important to me, especially this idea that, you know, our, our connection is currency because it really puts a sharp point on that idea that you, you, you invest You only have so much at any given time, and so you have to be really thoughtful around the connections that you are curating, the relationships that you are building, and the ones that you're putting more investment into our original topic here was focused on building meaningful relationships, but as we continue to talk it through, it was so much clearer that this was about connection and forming connection, whether it was in a very brief moment. We've talked about, you know, If you create that connection between yourself and the local barista that you see every morning, you don't have to have a deep, meaningful, long lived relationship there in the way that we often think about meaningful relationships. But that connection can change the course of your day. It can change your mood. It can change the other person, uh, in really positive ways. And so we wanted to make sure that we Could really get clear about you know, this isn't just about having a great partner relationship or you know Building that relationship with a boss or a colleague It's really about the day to day connection that we have with one another and how we choose to put our focus on that

Vic:

hmm. Mm hmm. Yes to all of that. And whenever I think about Connection, I, I, I think about the Brené Brown work, and that, you know, we, she often says, we are hardwired for Connection. You know, there are extensive studies around health and well being showing that deep and authentic connections contribute to better mental and physical health. And I love this idea of editing what are the connections that you have, where are you putting your time and energy, and is it worth it? Are you putting all your efforts into connections that don't serve you, that don't lift you up, that don't give you something that enhances your life. And you know, we're going to take a good hard look at this. And you know, for some of us, we have family or friend or, you know, loved one relationships They don't serve us. And so we're gonna, we're gonna deeply look at what is a meaningful connection and how do you get more of them?

Ryan:

There are two really big concepts within this area. Uh, one of which has been a value of mine for a really long time. And one of which is something that I've actually started developing a new relationship with over the last couple of years. So the value is trust. And for me, that was the starting point of all of this was. Focusing on trust and I think as we got clearer about what this topic was, it, it became very obvious that trust was a really critical component, but not necessarily like the whole thing and, uh, you know, we'll, we'll explore in different episodes. How, how you can build trust, how you can repair trust. Um, and really what does that look like? I think it's a really, really core idea that we could all spend more time talking about. The second concept is the idea of love and how this creates connection beyond just romantic love. Over the last couple of years, I've really tried to lean into the idea of expressing love for those in my life that I really care about. Uh, because I want them to know how important they are to me. And this, like I said, goes beyond, obviously, family or romantic relationships. But like, who are the people in your life that are so important to you, like that you would do anything for them? Nearly anything for and that you really want to make sure you investing the right amount of time and energy in because they do give you something back and you give them something and so I really I'm excited to explore that further and help dimensionalize what love could look like, you know, more broadly than maybe some of us think about it today.

Vic:

Am really into the research now around how, Um, often people get into a romantic relationship, they find a significant other, they, buy a house, they settle down. And I'm doing that in air quotes, you know, like they get married or whatever that might be. And that romantic significant other becomes their central focal points for all their love and connection. And that is unhealthy. Like, I'm really interested in this power of the friendship circle that, like, it can be sitting around it, it can be, you know, equal to, it's this idea that we are closing our lives down to this, four or five people that often we're related to or, you know, where there's, there's some, some familial or relational element to it that isn't necessarily friendship. And so I'm, yeah, like I'm all about the, the love that is in between all of those other things. Yes.

Ryan:

For sure. We're going to talk about guests and a little bit after we finish this, this overview, but who's who is absolutely going to be a guest for this topic?

Vic:

Without a doubt, our friend, Phil. Absolutely 100%.

Ryan:

so Vic, I think that gives folks a good idea of what it is that's important for us around cultivating meaningful connections. Great. So, uh, so why don't you bring us, bring us home with live an intentional life and tell folks a little bit about that. Yeah, Live an intentional life. So the big idea here is about choice, so living

Vic:

a life that aligns with your purpose. And you know, we believe that living intentionally means that you align your actions, decisions, aspirations with your purpose and values. So it's about defining what harmony looks like for you. Recognizing the privilege of choice and then using it to create a life of meaning and impact. And one of the things that is so important to me. about this topic is that I think everybody's life should have purpose and meaning. And I think that people should be making value and purpose driven decisions. So when they're at choice, they have something that they're choosing from that's informing that choice. And I think often People don't. And that's not because it doesn't exist for them. It's because they haven't done the work. They haven't realized yet. But imagine the power if there was intention behind that, behind life, behind choice, behind decisions, like unstoppable, unstoppable.

Ryan:

absolutely. I couldn't, couldn't agree more with that idea of the power of choice and, you know, how being being in that is such a game changer. And. In this topic, I think it's very easy for us to jump to, well, not everybody has the, has the privilege of choice. And I think we'll explore through our conversations that there are absolutely privileges that give people more choice or different choices. But I think at the core of it, all of us have the ability to give ourselves the gift of showing up intentionally. Making choices intentionally, and moving toward things in a way that feels aligned with what we care about.

Vic:

Yeah, and I, I think there's, you know, I want to go back to this idea of choice and, um, that we absolutely are at choice in how we think

Ryan:

Mm hmm. How we act

Vic:

that, is the choice that we make every single moment of every single day. Like that choice is ours. Like do we, do we act in service of? who we are, who we want to become, or do we act in service of old patterns, the old thoughts that no longer serve us. This idea of an intentional life is, I think it's, there's real power here to transform in how you view yourself, your connections, and the impact you have on the world.

Ryan:

So true. So true. There's a, there's something there that you, that you mentioned. It's, it's really about how you view it. And I really think that the conversations we're going to have here are going to really help. shape or reshape the perspective that people have, uh, about what it looks like to live intentionally. Because I think it's also, you know, probably a common enough experience that each of us has seen that person in our lives that it's like, Oh, like, look how easy their life looks or look how well things are going for them. And to be in a place of, um, a place of like, you know, envy or judgment of ourselves. And like, why isn't that happening for me? And I'll tell you, one of the biggest secrets, I think, is that those people are just living intentionally, and they're living through choice, and it's not magic. So, I think everybody, everybody has access to this.

Vic:

They do and I think the, um, I think the interesting thing here is that, um, once you start thinking more intentionally and acting more intentionally, for me, it's like you stand at the top of the precipice and when you do, you make that decision, you want to do it. It's all downhill.

Ryan:

Mm.

Vic:

Maybe precipice isn't the right word. Maybe it's like the top of the mountain or whatever that is. But it's, it's all downhill. It just gets so much easier each time you, you make a new decision.

Ryan:

Yep. Absolutely. Can't wait for more conversations and, and guests, because I think we're going to have a lot of folks that have led really intentional lives, that we're going to talk to.

Vic:

Okay. Let's tease some of those guests now in terms of across these three topics. Who our listeners can expect to hear from.

Ryan:

Great. We've already actually started these conversations and I have to tell you, they have been so much fun, uh, partly because it's just something new for us and a different way for us to have a conversation, but mostly, Because the people that we are going to have conversations with are just, hands down, incredible people. I know that if you're listening to any of our episodes where we have guests that you will know that these are people that we really admire and are people that we really think are going to bring the best of a point of view around one of these big three topics. And so we've already talked with a couple folks, in the space of living an intentional life. Um, so Vic, do you want to talk a little bit about our first guest?

Vic:

Yeah, so our first guest is Paul Middleton. He is the founder of 1st90 And he is talking to us about the power of habits. To build an intentional life. And this is a really great episode because we dig into what are the components of an intentional life and how do you build an intentional life through your day to day mindsets and habits, such a good episode.

Ryan:

so good. And then our second guest that we've talked to, is an amazing woman named Keri Harvey and Keri is actually Vic's personal trainer who you work

Vic:

whoop. whoop.

Ryan:

Who you work with at form fitness bk there in brooklyn it was my first time meeting Keri Obviously you've known Keri for a couple of years now pretty closely and i've just got to say like The conversation was so fun. she has got an amazing story that she'll share with you. And, Vic really has shared that story in day to day conversation. But talking with Keri, like the inspiration came through so powerfully, she's going to help us explore how she's moved toward the life that she's built with intention and talks about how living an intentional life doesn't mean living a perfect life. Keri just an incredible human, and, uh, I'm a little jealous that you get to know her, uh, so, so closely, but,

Vic:

get to know her too. Everyone does actually, after this episode which is going to be amazing. Yeah. And then some other guests that we'll welcome Dr. Andre Martin, who is an organizational psychologist. He does lots of work with organizations around culture. He's an author of Wrong Fit Right Fit, which is a book that he recently published to help individuals understand what it means to have the right fit at work and what you might want to consider as to whether your organization is the right fit for you. So we'll have Andre come in and talk to us too. Who else have we got Ryan?

Ryan:

Awesome we also have, a good friend Francesca Ranieri joining us. So Fran is actually the co host of the Your Work Friends podcast, which we've mentioned here before. And,

Vic:

if you haven't listened to it, you should. It's amazing.

Ryan:

Yourworkfriends. com. You'll find everything you need to connect with Fran and her co host Mel. Fran is also the founder of her own consulting organization called Frank Strategy. She just launched Frank about a year ago and is having some really, really cool conversations. Changing the way that organizations, specifically corporations think about how they achieve things and how they do things and are aligned with purpose and values in new ways. And so I'm super excited to speak with her further about the work that she's doing and really what she sees as, the future because Fran is by all means, uh, a, a futurist and someone who just loves understanding what's to come.

Vic:

She is also a kick ass human. So, cannot wait. Cannot wait.

Ryan:

Continuing the list of kick ass humans, we have Dorothy Chang, who's going to be joining us as well. So Dorothy is a fellow co active coach that Vic and I both met through CTI. She is the leader of DYY Chang Consulting, where she helps organizations really understand the conditions that they create for employees and do so from a lens of equitability and progressive thinking around, around how they operate. She's also worked previously with companies like Amazon and the Chan Zuckerberg initiative, where she has led initiatives around DEI, diversity, equity, equity, and inclusion, uh, to really help those organizations, uh, bring their purpose to life more effectively. Can't wait for Dorothy to join us. She is, she is such an amazing human and has so many great ideas.

Vic:

One of the amazing things about Dorothy is that she is so humble that she is almost uncomfortable with, in fact she is, there's no almost about it, but she is uncomfortable with any level of praise and so we're just signalling right here that we love Dorothy and so there might be some uncomfortable moments when we have her on the show.

Ryan:

Can't wait for folks to, to meet her as well. So those are just a few of the folks that we have on the books to get started for season two's guests. Um, as we mentioned earlier, our friend, Phil Brezel, we're, uh, we're coming to you soon. So you just know, just know that the ask is there. We'd love to, we'd love to talk with you.

Vic:

Yeah.

Ryan:

Why don't we wrap up having a little conversation around some things that we're looking forward to and some things that we're leaving space for as we lean into season two.

Vic:

Mm. Love that. I'm going first. If you didn't know, I am looking forward to spending more time with you on the topics that we love.

Ryan:

Me too, like that's, it's always great to spend time together and we've always talked about stuff that we love here, but I do, I do really have a level of excitement that feels fresh and even more focused for this season because it's like, Oh, these are the things that really, really matter. And so, yeah, I agree.

Vic:

Yeah. What are you looking forward to?

Ryan:

Yeah, so for me, I'm really looking forward to the end of the season. And I say that Not because

Vic:

Please explain.

Ryan:

not, because I'm in a rush to get there or I'm like, Oh, I can't wait for this to be over. Uh, but I think back to the start of season one and knowing kind of at the outset of that season, that there were going to be so many things that we had learned and so many new points of view that we had, and literally that has led us to where we are today. And so I'm just excited about how. The conversations we have continue to shape the podcast, continue to shape, our relationship and how we show up in our respective spaces in the world. And, you know, I'm really excited to find out, is it actually going to be important for us to zoom in even further on just one of these topics? Are these the topics for season two? And then we'll have new season three topics. Uh, so I'm, I'm really looking forward to trying this out, learning from it and honestly just having a lot of fun.

Vic:

I love that. I love that. What are you leaving space

Ryan:

Hmm. So, uh, I don't know that I've shared this on an episode previously, but one of the, one of the big reasons that I really was excited about podcasting was because I have done blogging and writing of long form content in the past. And it's honestly really kind of draining for me in terms of an activity. And so I'm like, Oh, a podcast will be great. We have great conversations and that doesn't require me to write a damn thing. Fast forward to writing a podcast surprise surprise. It actually involves a lot of writing

Vic:

Yep.

Ryan:

and so I I say that as a lead in to say that season one, you know Really I think helped us to understand what was required to really build an episode And I also think that that was a learning ground and now as we move into season two I want to continue You bringing great content to life for our listeners and having great conversations, but what I want to leave space for is a little more messiness. I want to leave space to not 100 percent know what it is that we're going to say, but just be okay with it because, you know what? The magic of editing can help us make it sound really good.

Vic:

Oh, I love that one of the things we said we wanted this year in this season and 2025 was less scripted moments and more what, what occurs to you right now as you're having the conversation. And so I love that you're leaving space for messy. Yes. Yes.

Ryan:

And how about you? What are you leaving space for for this season?

Vic:

I am leaving space for wonder and delight and awe.

Ryan:

Oh,

Vic:

well, I think that we have put together a season for 2025 of three topics. And a Nice list of guest speakers. And I think we could all use more joyful and awe inspired moments. And so, I'm gonna leave a bit of space for that.

Ryan:

love that. Love it. Love it. Love it. Okay. Well, Vic, I cannot say enough, and I know that we spent our retro episode last time, talking about things that we were thankful for, and I just want to say again, like, cannot express how excited I am and grateful I am to be doing this with you, this is going to be a great season.

Vic:

Ditto. Me too. Me too.

Ryan:

All right, everybody. So that's us and how we're evolving. Go coach yourself for the second season. We are so grateful to you for joining us and hope that you'll continue to find more insights and ideas in the three big areas that we're focused on. We're Ryan and Vic, and we want to thank you for joining us again on Go Coach Yourself. We'll speak with you next time.

Vic:

See you later, alligator.

Ryan:

Yes, cool, cool, cool. This is cool, cool, cool. Okay.

Vic:

That was great by the way. I love that. And if you don't like it, I'm putting it as an outtake.

Ryan:

It's actually, like, it's a character from a TV show that's stuck in my head sometimes, and he has, like, a neurotic way of saying, like, Oh, cool, cool, cool. Like, he just, Oh, okay. Wow. So

Vic:

love it, love it, love it, love it, was like, cool, cool, cool, cool,

Ryan:

cool. Cool. Cool. Yeah. So many outtakes for this episode.

People on this episode

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Ryan Reichert-Estes, CPCC

Co-host
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Vic Smith, CPCC

Co-host