Category: Podcast

What do you do when everything falls apart?

In this powerful episode, Aaron Chapman shares a story that will challenge how you see failure, faith, and forgiveness.

From working in mines and oil fields…

to building a successful mortgage career…

to losing over $5.5 million, his health, and even his memory after a devastating motorcycle accident.

Aaron’s journey is one of the most raw and honest stories of resilience you’ll hear.

But what makes this story different?

👉 He chose not to sue the person who caused the accident.

👉 He rebuilt his life from negative net worth.

👉 He found purpose through faith, relationships, and relentless action.

This episode is for anyone:

-Going through a difficult season

-Trying to rebuild after loss

-Searching for purpose in pain

-Wanting to grow in faith and leadership

You’ll walk away with a deeper understanding of:

-Why adversity can shape your greatest growth

-What true forgiveness really looks like

-How faith works when life doesn’t make sense

-Why there are no shortcuts to success

📘 Aaron’s book: Redneckonomics — a raw, unfiltered look at life, business, and personal growth.

Amazon Link: https://a.co/d/0iYLYFpG

If this episode speaks to you, share it with someone who needs encouragement today.

—

You can subscribe to the podcast at https://matthewefird.com.

Check out Matthew’s Book “Even Though, We Will” : https://a.co/d/0aRocHpq

Check out Morgan’s AI course to start using AI confidently in your business: https://knoxoutai.com

Are you a seasonal business owner who’s struggling to make ends meet during the winter months? Do you hate losing great staff when the weather turns cold because you don’t have enough work to keep them employed year-round?

You could be a perfect fit for a Lighting Pros Franchise location! Learn more about Lighting Pros Franchise here: https://lightingprosfranchise.com

Would you consider yourself a corporate refugee or portfolio investor looking to get into business ownership in the emerging market of outdoor lighting? Would you be interested in an award-winning system focused on permanent holiday lights, landscape lighting, and temporary Christmas lights? Did you know that you can do outdoor lighting all year long? You could be a perfect fit for a Lighting Pros Franchise location! Learn more about Lighting Pros Franchise here: https://lightingprosfranchise.com

Interested in having Matthew speak at your upcoming Event? Go here: https://matthewefird.com

Looking for the best AI Notetaker? Check out my link to FathomAI and get a month of premium for free! https://fathom.video/invite/UT2ZaQ

What if one simple family decision could change everything?

In this episode of the Pillars of Purpose Podcast, Matthew sits down with David Schnurman, author of 11 Suitcases, to unpack the bold decision that took his family from routine life in New York to living abroad in Barcelona.

But this isn’t just a travel story.

It’s about vision, faith, and choosing to step out of comfort—even when it’s messy.

From creating a family vision in 2015…

To saying yes to opportunities (and learning when not to)…

To navigating chaos, COVID lockdowns, and culture shock…

David shares how this journey reshaped his identity as a father, husband, and leader.

💡 In this episode, you’ll learn:

-How to create a powerful family vision that actually leads to action

-Why “saying yes” can unlock growth—but also requires balance

-What really happens when you move abroad (the real, not Instagram version)

-How shared experiences build deeper family connection

-Why stepping outside your comfort zone builds confidence in your kids

This conversation is a reminder:

You don’t need to move across the world…

But you do need to live with intention.

🎧 Listen now and ask yourself:

What vision is guiding your family?

—

You can subscribe to the podcast at https://matthewefird.com.

Check out Morgan’s AI course to start using AI confidently in your business: https://knoxoutai.com

Are you a seasonal business owner who’s struggling to make ends meet during the winter months? Do you hate losing great staff when the weather turns cold because you don’t have enough work to keep them employed year-round?

You could be a perfect fit for a Lighting Pros Franchise location! Learn more about Lighting Pros Franchise here: https://lightingprosfranchise.com

Would you consider yourself a corporate refugee or portfolio investor looking to get into business ownership in the emerging market of outdoor lighting? Would you be interested in an award-winning system focused on permanent holiday lights, landscape lighting, and temporary Christmas lights? Did you know that you can do outdoor lighting all year long? You could be a perfect fit for a Lighting Pros Franchise location! Learn more about Lighting Pros Franchise here: https://lightingprosfranchise.com

Interested in having Matthew speak at your upcoming Event? Go here: https://matthewefird.com

Looking for the best AI Notetaker? Check out my link to FathomAI and get a month of premium for free! https://fathom.video/invite/UT2ZaQ

This is one of the most personal and meaningful episodes we’ve ever shared.

In this special episode of the Pillars of Purpose podcast, Matthew opens up about the life of his son Noah—who lived for 57 hours—and the journey of faith, grief, and purpose that followed.


During pregnancy, Matthew and his wife received the heartbreaking diagnosis that Noah had trisomy 13. What followed were months of anticipatory grief—loving their son deeply while preparing to say goodbye.




Noah was born on March 7th… and passed away just two days later.


But this episode isn’t just about loss.


It’s about what happens in the middle of the storm—


when prayers feel unanswered,


when your strength runs out,


and when your faith is tested in ways you never expected.


Matthew shares how his relationship with God became his anchor, how grief impacted his marriage, leadership, and identity as a father—and how their family found a way not just to survive, but to walk forward with purpose.


This episode also introduces his new book:
“Even Though, We Will: Finding Rest in the Waves of Child Loss and the Practical Arks that Carry Us Through.”


Inside the book, Matthew breaks down:

* The emotional waves of grief

* The spiritual foundation that carried them

* Practical ways to support others in suffering

* A rare and honest perspective from a father navigating loss


This conversation is for:


• Parents walking through grief


• Friends and family who want to show up better


• Leaders trying to carry responsibility while hurting


• Anyone asking, “Where is God in this?”


If you’ve ever faced loss, confusion, or deep pain…
you’re not alone.


And even in the waves—there is still hope.

👉 Learn more / get the book: EvenThoughWeWill.com


👉 Support Noah’s Foundation or nominate a family in need


If this episode speaks to you, consider sharing it with someone who may need it today.

–

You can subscribe to the podcast at https://matthewefird.com.

Check out Morgan’s AI course to start using AI confidently in your business: https://knoxoutai.com

Are you a seasonal business owner who’s struggling to make ends meet during the winter months? Do you hate losing great staff when the weather turns cold because you don’t have enough work to keep them employed year-round?

You could be a perfect fit for a Lighting Pros Franchise location! Learn more about Lighting Pros Franchise here: https://lightingprosfranchise.com

Would you consider yourself a corporate refugee or portfolio investor looking to get into business ownership in the emerging market of outdoor lighting? Would you be interested in an award-winning system focused on permanent holiday lights, landscape lighting, and temporary Christmas lights? Did you know that you can do outdoor lighting all year long? You could be a perfect fit for a Lighting Pros Franchise location! Learn more about Lighting Pros Franchise here: https://lightingprosfranchise.com

Interested in having Matthew speak at your upcoming Event? Go here: https://matthewefird.com

Looking for the best AI Notetaker? Check out my link to FathomAI and get a month of premium for free! https://fathom.video/invite/UT2ZaQ

What if the reason your business feels stuck… isn’t strategy—but purpose?

In this episode of the Pillars of Purpose Podcast, Reed Nyffeler shares how he built a $300M business across 48 states and 9 countries—starting in an industry he had zero experience in.

His secret?

He didn’t start with experience… he started with purpose.

Inside this conversation, you’ll learn:

-Why starting with purpose gives you clarity for every decision

-The KNOW–SOW–GROW–SHOW framework to remove risk when starting or scaling

-How to delegate the right way (and stop wasting your time)

-The difference between wanting to feel better vs actually be better

-Leadership principles that apply to both business and family

If you’re a business owner feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure what to do next—this episode will help you reset your direction and move forward with clarity.

👉 Because when you become better… you don’t just grow your business—you transform your life.

—

You can subscribe to the podcast at https://matthewefird.com.

Check out Morgan’s AI course to start using AI confidently in your business: https://knoxoutai.com

Are you a seasonal business owner who’s struggling to make ends meet during the winter months? Do you hate losing great staff when the weather turns cold because you don’t have enough work to keep them employed year-round?

You could be a perfect fit for a Lighting Pros Franchise location! Learn more about Lighting Pros Franchise here: https://lightingprosfranchise.com

Would you consider yourself a corporate refugee or portfolio investor looking to get into business ownership in the emerging market of outdoor lighting? Would you be interested in an award-winning system focused on permanent holiday lights, landscape lighting, and temporary Christmas lights? Did you know that you can do outdoor lighting all year long? You could be a perfect fit for a Lighting Pros Franchise location! Learn more about Lighting Pros Franchise here: https://lightingprosfranchise.com

Interested in having Matthew speak at your upcoming Event? Go here: https://matthewefird.com

Looking for the best AI Notetaker? Check out my link to FathomAI and get a month of premium for free! https://fathom.video/invite/UT2ZaQ

Most leaders don’t fail because they lack effort… they fail because they’re focusing in the wrong direction.

In this episode, Matthew sits down with Dalmo Cirne, author of The Four Streams of Leadership, to break down a powerful framework that every business owner and leader needs to understand.

If you’ve ever struggled with:

-Building the right team

-Defining your company culture

-Communicating effectively with leadership or employees

-Getting everyone aligned and moving forward

This conversation will give you clarity.

Dalmo shares how leadership is like a constant flow—moving in four critical directions:

✔ Leading yourself (culture starts with you)

✔ Leading your team (roles matter more than you think)

✔ Managing up (communication and feedback loops)

✔ Collaborating with peers (real relationships vs forced networking)

You’ll also learn:

-Why “culture hates a vacuum” (and how to fix it)

-The 3 roles every strong team needs: Visionary, Implementer, and Forwarder

-How to create feedback loops that actually improve your business

-Why leadership requires hard decisions—not consensus

This episode is practical, honest, and deeply relevant whether you’re a business owner, leader, or building your first team.

🎯 If you want to lead better and build a team that actually works, this is for you.

📌 Connect with Dalmo Cirne:

Visit: dalmocirne.com

—

You can subscribe to the podcast at https://matthewefird.com.

Are you a seasonal business owner who’s struggling to make ends meet during the winter months? Do you hate losing great staff when the weather turns cold because you don’t have enough work to keep them employed year-round?

You could be a perfect fit for a Lighting Pros Franchise location! Learn more about Lighting Pros Franchise here: https://lightingprosfranchise.com

Would you consider yourself a corporate refugee or portfolio investor looking to get into business ownership in the emerging market of outdoor lighting? Would you be interested in an award-winning system focused on permanent holiday lights, landscape lighting, and temporary Christmas lights? Did you know that you can do outdoor lighting all year long? You could be a perfect fit for a Lighting Pros Franchise location! Learn more about Lighting Pros Franchise here: https://lightingprosfranchise.com

Interested in having Matthew speak at your upcoming Event? Go here: https://matthewefird.com

Looking for the best AI Notetaker? Check out my link to FathomAI and get a month of premium for free! https://fathom.video/invite/UT2ZaQ

What do you do when life changes in an instant?

For Eric McElvenny, that moment came on December 9, 2011 — when an IED explosion in Afghanistan took his lower leg.

But two weeks later, an email from his commanding officer changed everything:

“Let me know when you’re going to run your first marathon.”

That challenge sparked a “crazy goal” that would reshape Eric’s life — training for an Ironman triathlon less than two years after his injury.

In this powerful conversation, Eric shares what resilience really looks like — not the highlight reel, but the dark days, the slow progress, and the habits that build strength over time.

Today, Eric is a Paralympic athlete, Ironman competitor, and motivational speaker who helps leaders, teams, and entrepreneurs develop resilience in the face of adversity.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The moment that changed Eric’s life in Afghanistan

• The surprising email that sparked a life-changing goal

• Why “crazy goals” create powerful motivation

• The role of mentorship and teamwork in success

• How small steps lead to life-changing opportunities

• Why resilience is a skill anyone can learn

Whether you’re a business owner, leader, athlete, or someone facing a difficult season, Eric’s story will challenge you to think bigger, persevere longer, and pursue purpose with courage.

Connect with Eric McElvenny

Website: EricMcElvenny.com

Instagram / LinkedIn / Facebook: Eric McElvenny

You can subscribe to the podcast at https://matthewefird.com.

Check out Morgan’s AI course to start using AI confidently in your business: https://knoxoutai.com

Are you a seasonal business owner who’s struggling to make ends meet during the winter months? Do you hate losing great staff when the weather turns cold because you don’t have enough work to keep them employed year-round?

You could be a perfect fit for a Lighting Pros Franchise location! Learn more about Lighting Pros Franchise here: https://lightingprosfranchise.com

Would you consider yourself a corporate refugee or portfolio investor looking to get into business ownership in the emerging market of outdoor lighting? Would you be interested in an award-winning system focused on permanent holiday lights, landscape lighting, and temporary Christmas lights? Did you know that you can do outdoor lighting all year long? You could be a perfect fit for a Lighting Pros Franchise location! Learn more about Lighting Pros Franchise here: https://lightingprosfranchise.com

Interested in having Matthew speak at your upcoming Event? Go here: https://matthewefird.com

Looking for the best AI Notetaker? Check out my link to FathomAI and get a month of premium for free! https://fathom.video/invite/UT2ZaQ

Success can quietly become an idol.

In this episode of the Pillars of Purpose Podcast, Bryan Smith shares how a career crisis revealed something many entrepreneurs struggle with: tying identity to success.

After spending years building businesses and leading in the tech world, Bryan realized his title as CTO had slowly become the foundation of his identity. When that foundation shook, it forced him to ask a deeper question:

Who am I if I’m not my job?

In this conversation, we talk about:

• The moment Bryan’s faith became personal at age 27

• Why mission trips changed how his family sees the world

• How distraction and comfort can keep us from hearing God

• Parenting in a culture that constantly pulls kids away from faith

• The hidden danger of “accidental idolatry” in business success

• Why entrepreneurs must root their identity in being a child of God

Bryan also shares practical wisdom for business owners about leadership, discipline, and staying grounded in faith while building a business.

If you’re an entrepreneur, leader, or parent trying to live out your faith in a noisy world, this episode will challenge and encourage you.

Because success is a terrible place to find your identity.

You can subscribe to the podcast at https://matthewefird.com.

Check out Morgan’s AI course to start using AI confidently in your business: https://knoxoutai.com

Are you a seasonal business owner who’s struggling to make ends meet during the winter months? Do you hate losing great staff when the weather turns cold because you don’t have enough work to keep them employed year-round?

You could be a perfect fit for a Lighting Pros Franchise location! Learn more about Lighting Pros Franchise here: https://lightingprosfranchise.com

Would you consider yourself a corporate refugee or portfolio investor looking to get into business ownership in the emerging market of outdoor lighting? Would you be interested in an award-winning system focused on permanent holiday lights, landscape lighting, and temporary Christmas lights? Did you know that you can do outdoor lighting all year long? You could be a perfect fit for a Lighting Pros Franchise location! Learn more about Lighting Pros Franchise here: https://lightingprosfranchise.com

Interested in having Matthew speak at your upcoming Event? Go here: https://matthewefird.com

Looking for the best AI Notetaker? Check out my link to FathomAI and get a month of premium for free! https://fathom.video/invite/UT2ZaQ

9/11 survivor and former Secret Service agent Darin Kinder shares how surviving the World Trade Center led him to discover God’s purpose for his life.

–

On September 11, 2001, Darin Kinder should have died.

As a young Secret Service agent inside the World Trade Center complex, he ran toward danger — helping evacuate survivors from Tower 1.

But moments before collapse, he felt led away from two vehicles that were later found completely destroyed.

That day didn’t just change his life…

It reshaped his purpose.

In this powerful conversation, Darin shares:

• What it was like inside the World Trade Center on 9/11

• The moment he heard, “I am with you”

• Why God stayed silent for 5 years after he asked for his mission

• How survival led to surrender

• What it means to lead as a husband, father, and business leader

• Why true leadership begins with humility and “teaching from your scars”

Darin’s story reminds us:

We’re not meant to sit safely on the sidelines.

We’re called to step into the arena — to live lives that serve, lead, and make a difference.

A conversation about courage, obedience, and living a life that gets your “suit dirty.”

–

You can subscribe to the podcast at https://matthewefird.com.

Check out Morgan’s AI course to start using AI confidently in your business: https://knoxoutai.com

Are you a seasonal business owner who’s struggling to make ends meet during the winter months? Do you hate losing great staff when the weather turns cold because you don’t have enough work to keep them employed year-round?

You could be a perfect fit for a Lighting Pros Franchise location! Learn more about Lighting Pros Franchise here: https://lightingprosfranchise.com

Would you consider yourself a corporate refugee or portfolio investor looking to get into business ownership in the emerging market of outdoor lighting? Would you be interested in an award-winning system focused on permanent holiday lights, landscape lighting, and temporary Christmas lights? Did you know that you can do outdoor lighting all year long? You could be a perfect fit for a Lighting Pros Franchise location! Learn more about Lighting Pros Franchise here: https://lightingprosfranchise.com

Interested in having Matthew speak at your upcoming Event? Go here: https://matthewefird.com

Looking for the best AI Notetaker? Check out my link to FathomAI and get a month of premium for free! https://fathom.video/invite/UT2ZaQ

If you’re a Christian business owner looking for a biblical approach to family wealth planning and generational legacy, this episode will change how you think about money forever.

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What happens to your business… your bank accounts… your family… if you’re gone tomorrow?

In this powerful and practical conversation, Tyler McCart shares how a sudden family crisis in 2020 exposed major gaps in traditional estate planning — and how it led him to discover a more resilient, biblical approach to generational wealth.

If you’re a Christian business owner, husband, or father, this episode will challenge the way you think about legacy.

We talk about:

• Why most families have a business plan — but no family plan

• The difference between independence and biblical interdependence

• How to define your family’s values and vision

• What a “Family Bank” is and how it works

• Using whole life insurance or IUL policies inside a family trust

• How to keep capital and interest inside the family

• Breaking the “earn it, squander it, lose it” cycle

• Teaching financial discipline across generations

This isn’t about getting rich.

It’s about stewardship.

It’s about protecting your family from chaos.

It’s about building something that lasts beyond you.

If you want your wealth aligned with your faith — this episode is for you.

Connect with Tyler:

📩 Email: [email protected]

📺 YouTube: Legacy Hacks

You can subscribe to the podcast at https://matthewefird.com.

Check out Morgan’s AI course to start using AI confidently in your business: https://knoxoutai.com

Are you a seasonal business owner who’s struggling to make ends meet during the winter months? Do you hate losing great staff when the weather turns cold because you don’t have enough work to keep them employed year-round?

You could be a perfect fit for a Lighting Pros Franchise location! Learn more about Lighting Pros Franchise here: https://lightingprosfranchise.com

Would you consider yourself a corporate refugee or portfolio investor looking to get into business ownership in the emerging market of outdoor lighting? Would you be interested in an award-winning system focused on permanent holiday lights, landscape lighting, and temporary Christmas lights? Did you know that you can do outdoor lighting all year long? You could be a perfect fit for a Lighting Pros Franchise location! Learn more about Lighting Pros Franchise here: https://lightingprosfranchise.com

Interested in having Matthew speak at your upcoming Event? Go here: https://matthewefird.com

Looking for the best AI Notetaker? Check out my link to FathomAI and get a month of premium for free! https://fathom.video/invite/UT2ZaQ

What does it really look like to build a strong family on purpose?

In this powerful and practical conversation, Nick Nickell shares the lessons he learned from nearly 50 years of marriage, raising four children, and now leading as a grandfather.

From leaving a Navy career to prioritize family…

To creating traditions like the “Nickell Olympics”…

To navigating parenting struggles that became spiritual turning points…

Nick offers wisdom for parents who want to raise kids with faith, character, and responsibility — not just success.

You’ll hear how:

• Choosing family over career shaped their legacy

• Linking responsibility to real life built strong character

• A child’s failure became a catalyst for deeper faith

• Homeschooling one year at a time removed fear and pressure

• Shared experiences created lifelong connection

This episode is for parents who want to be intentional — not perfect.

Because building a family that lasts doesn’t happen by accident.

It happens on purpose.

—

You can subscribe to the podcast at https://matthewefird.com.

Check out Morgan’s AI course to start using AI confidently in your business: https://knoxoutai.com

Are you a seasonal business owner who’s struggling to make ends meet during the winter months? Do you hate losing great staff when the weather turns cold because you don’t have enough work to keep them employed year-round?

You could be a perfect fit for a Lighting Pros Franchise location! Learn more about Lighting Pros Franchise here: https://lightingprosfranchise.com

Would you consider yourself a corporate refugee or portfolio investor looking to get into business ownership in the emerging market of outdoor lighting? Would you be interested in an award-winning system focused on permanent holiday lights, landscape lighting, and temporary Christmas lights? Did you know that you can do outdoor lighting all year long? You could be a perfect fit for a Lighting Pros Franchise location! Learn more about Lighting Pros Franchise here: https://lightingprosfranchise.com

Interested in having Matthew speak at your upcoming Event? Go here: https://matthewefird.com

Looking for the best AI Notetaker? Check out my link to FathomAI and get a month of premium for free! https://fathom.video/invite/UT2ZaQ