The Influence Exchange

Latest Episodes:

The Battle Within: Rebuilding Yourself After Life Changes You | TJ Baird Sep 30, 2026

Show notes

Sometimes the hardest battle isn't the one happening around you. It's the one happening within you.

In episode 57 of The Influence Exchange, J.V. sits down with retired U.S. Army Command Sergeant Major, author, father, and founder of Warrior Dad Stories TJ Baird for a deeply personal conversation about resilience, leadership, family, adversity, and rebuilding yourself after life changes you.

After 32 years of Army life and multiple combat deployments, TJ realized he was no longer the same person he had once been. One of the defining moments in his journey came when his six-year-old daughter told him she was afraid of him. That moment helped put TJ on what he now calls his Reforged journey, not trying to become who he was before, but working toward the person he wanted to become.

TJ also shares his powerful concept of the Two Warriors Within. Both warriors know your dreams, your failures, your fears, and your weaknesses because they are both part of you. Every day presents a choice: Which warrior will you feed?

We discuss TJ's recovery from traumatic brain injuries, accepting help when you need it, finding purpose when you feel lost, crossing the starting line, family and brotherhood, leadership, storytelling, and the people who helped TJ rebuild along the way.

TJ also opens up about his book Warrior Dad and why sharing our experiences, even the difficult ones can become a way of serving others.

His final message is simple:

Tell your story. Have the courage to share what you've experienced because your story may help someone else continue walking their own path

TJ Website: https://www.warriordadstories.com/

TJ: The Warrior Within: https://youtu.be/Hz3U1szIJ_I?si=Li07XlRvVWTcDX3h

Buy TJ Book: https://a.co/d/03IKTKAK

Host J.V.

Episodes released weekly!

Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube and also available on all major podcast platforms.

Follow The Influence Exchange on social media.

YouTube Channel: https://youtube.com/@theinfluenceexchange?si=GRWCJS5qhiu7aAwG

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_influence_exchange?igsh=bDRzb2NwNjJyaXQ1&utm_source=qr

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@the_influence_exchange?_r=1&_t=ZP-91Ot1k669Nu

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1F2h4hbGNL/?mibextid=wwXIfr

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Small Decisions, Big Shifts: How Everyday Choices Change Your Life | Chip Scholz Sep 25, 2026

Show notes

What if the biggest changes in your life don't begin with one huge moment, but with one small decision?

In episode 56 of The Influence Exchange, J.V. sits down with executive coach, leadership strategist, and author Chip Scholz for a powerful conversation about personal growth, resilience, leadership, and how the choices we make every day shape who we become.

After experiencing career setbacks, being laid off, surviving a life-changing stroke, and rebuilding his life, Chip gained a new perspective on what it means to live and lead with intention. He shares why lasting transformation isn't created by one dramatic breakthrough, but through the small decisions we make consistently.

Chip also breaks down his Five Cs: Context, Clarity, Conditioning, Choice, and Character, a framework designed to help people understand where they are, determine what they truly want, develop the right mindset, take action, and practice personal accountability.

We also explore the difference between responsibility and control, why great leaders coach rather than dictate, the dangers of micromanagement, workplace culture, business ownership, resilience, and learning when it's time to let go.

Whether you're navigating a transition, leading a team, building a business, or simply trying to become a better version of yourself, this conversation is a reminder that your future is being shaped by the decisions you're making today.

Chip's Website: https://scholzandassociates.com/

Buy Chip Book: https://a.co/d/0j9ljNEx

Host J.V.

Episodes released weekly!

Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube and also available on all major podcast platforms.

Follow The Influence Exchange on social media.

YouTube Channel: https://youtube.com/@theinfluenceexchange?si=GRWCJS5qhiu7aAwG

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_influence_exchange?igsh=bDRzb2NwNjJyaXQ1&utm_source=qr

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@the_influence_exchange?_r=1&_t=ZP-91Ot1k669Nu

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1F2h4hbGNL/?mibextid=wwXIfr

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

How to Handle Rejection in Sales and Turn Every “No” Into Growth | Bryan Charleau Sep 23, 2026

Show notes

Rejection is part of life, but in sales, hearing “no” can become part of your everyday routine. The question is: How do you stop taking rejection personally and use it to grow?

In episode 55 of The Influence Exchange, J.V. sits down with sales professional and Pitching Sales author Bryan Charleau for a conversation about rejection, resilience, confidence, and what it really takes to build a successful career in sales.

Bryan shares why sales professionals will often hear “no” far more than “yes,” and why learning to separate rejection from your self-worth is essential for long-term success.

We also explore why you don't have to be the loudest or most outgoing person in the room to succeed in sales. Bryan explains how introverts can become exceptional sales professionals by developing skills such as active listening, understanding the customer's needs, and becoming comfortable with silence.

You'll also hear why continued learning can directly affect your earning potential. A new closing technique, a better way to handle objections, or simply asking a better question could change the outcome of your very next conversation.

In this episode, we discuss rejection, sales mindset, active listening, confidence, personal growth, professional development, resilience, and the lessons Bryan has learned throughout his career.

Whether you work in sales, lead a team, own a business, or simply want to become better at handling rejection, this conversation is a reminder that every “no” can become an opportunity to learn, improve, and keep moving forward.

Bryan Website: https://www.pitchingsalesconsulting.com/

Contact Bryan: https://www.pitchingsalesconsulting.com/contact

Buy Bryan Book: https://a.co/d/08KFr85M

Host J.V.

Episodes released weekly!

Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube and also available on all major podcast platforms.

Follow The Influence Exchange on social media.

YouTube Channel: https://youtube.com/@theinfluenceexchange?si=GRWCJS5qhiu7aAwG

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_influence_exchange?igsh=bDRzb2NwNjJyaXQ1&utm_source=qr

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@the_influence_exchange?_r=1&_t=ZP-91Ot1k669Nu

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1F2h4hbGNL/?mibextid=wwXIfr

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Why Choosing Yourself Isn’t Selfish | Catherine Cristani Sep 16, 2026

Show notes

When was the last time you truly chose yourself?

In episode 54 of The Influence Exchange, J.V. sits down with Catherine Cristani for an honest conversation about relationships, loneliness, self-worth, vulnerability, emotional connection, and what it really means to put yourself first.

Many of us spend years trying to meet other people's expectations, whether in relationships, careers, friendships, or family, without realizing how much of ourselves we may be losing along the way.

Catherine challenges us to look inward and ask some difficult questions:

What is it costing you to stay?

Who are you underneath it all?

What actually brings you joy?

Together, J.V. and Catherine explore why people sometimes enter or remain in relationships because they're afraid of being alone, and why learning to enjoy your own company can be an important part of understanding yourself.

Catherine also shares practical insights around communication and conflict, including the “power of the pause” - creating space before reacting so you can better understand what you're feeling and respond rather than simply trying to win an argument.

The conversation explores vulnerability, emotional triggers, accountability, human connection, and recognizing when a relationship or situation no longer aligns with who you're becoming.

And at the heart of the conversation is a simple message:

It's okay to choose yourself and choosing yourself isn't selfish.

Choosing yourself doesn't mean you stop caring about everyone else. Sometimes it means finally giving yourself the same respect, attention, and consideration you've been giving to everyone around you.

If you've ever struggled with loneliness, lost yourself in a relationship, questioned whether putting yourself first was selfish, or wondered what you truly want from your life, this conversation is for you.

The Influence Exchange features authentic conversations about personal growth, mindset, leadership, resilience, relationships, wealth, and the experiences that shape our lives.

Catherine Website: https://willowhealing.org/

Buy Catherine Books: https://willowhealing.org/collection/books-and-e-books

Catherine Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/willow-healing-matters-podcast/id1760975061

Host J.V.

Episodes released weekly!

Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube and also available on all major podcast platforms.

Follow The Influence Exchange on social media.

YouTube Channel: https://youtube.com/@theinfluenceexchange?si=GRWCJS5qhiu7aAwG

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_influence_exchange?igsh=bDRzb2NwNjJyaXQ1&utm_source=qr

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@the_influence_exchange?_r=1&_t=ZP-91Ot1k669Nu

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1F2h4hbGNL/?mibextid=wwXIfr

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

You Are Enough: How to Break Free From Self-Doubt & Fear | Steve Barton Sep 09, 2026

Show notes

What if the biggest thing standing between you and the life you want is the belief that you're not enough?

In this episode of The Influence Exchange, J.V. sits down with entrepreneur, executive coach, and creator of The Game of 10, Steve Barton, for a powerful conversation about self-doubt, fear, happiness, overthinking, forgiveness, and recognizing your own worth.

Steve shares his journey from taking over his family's flower business at just 22 years old to growing it from approximately $200,000 to more than $2 million, and the lessons he learned about mistakes, success, and happiness along the way.

You'll also hear Steve break down his Game of 10, including the simple but powerful statements:

I am enough.

I do enough.

I have enough.

Steve explains how these statements can help quiet the mental chatter, challenge limiting beliefs, and bring you back to the present moment.

J.V. and Steve also explore why we're so afraid of making mistakes, where self-doubt comes from, how gratitude can shift your perspective, why forgiving yourself can sometimes be harder than forgiving others, and what it takes to stop allowing guilt and fear to control your life.

If you've ever questioned your worth, struggled with confidence, overthought your decisions, or wondered whether you're doing enough, this conversation will challenge you to look at yourself differently.

Steve leaves us with one simple message: “Be yourself, and that's enough.”

The Influence Exchange, authentic conversations about personal growth, mindset, leadership, resilience, wealth, and the experiences that shape who we become.

Steve Website: https://www.stevebartoncoaching.com/

Host J.V.

Episodes released weekly!

Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube and also available on all major podcast platforms.

Follow The Influence Exchange on social media.

YouTube Channel: https://youtube.com/@theinfluenceexchange?si=GRWCJS5qhiu7aAwG

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_influence_exchange?igsh=bDRzb2NwNjJyaXQ1&utm_source=qr

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@the_influence_exchange?_r=1&_t=ZP-91Ot1k669Nu

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1F2h4hbGNL/?mibextid=wwXIfr

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Life Knocked Her Down Again and Again - She Refused to Quit | Sue Paulson Sep 04, 2026

Show notes

What if the hardest moments of your life were actually preparing you for your greatest purpose?

In episode 52 of The Influence Exchange, J.V. sits down with award-winning author, speaker, and personal growth mentor Sue Paulson for a heartfelt conversation about resilience, self-love, overcoming adversity, and discovering the magnificence that already exists within you.

Sue's journey is one of extraordinary perseverance. She has experienced, Two divorces, Two bankruptcies, Multiple failed businesses, A near-death experience, Two battles with cancer. Yet through every setback, she discovered something many people spend a lifetime searching for, Your circumstances do not define your future.

In this episode, we discuss

Why failure is a stepping stone to success

Learning to love yourself before loving others

The powerful "100 Things I Love About Myself" exercise

How journaling can transform your mindset

Why comparison steals confidence

he difference between self-improvement and embracing your magnificence

Finding hope during life's darkest seasons

The lessons Sue learned through cancer and healing

Why gratitude changes the way you see the world

The four inner power tools every person already possesses

One of the biggest takeaways from this conversation: You are far stronger than any challenge life places in front of you.

Sue also shares her four "Power Tools" for overcoming adversity: Determination, Courage, Faith, Hope. Whether you're navigating loss, self-doubt, failure, illness, or simply trying to find your purpose, this conversation will remind you that your greatest strength has been within you all along.

Sue's Magnificent Misery: https://draft2digital.com/book/1023929

Sue's Healing Call of Cancer: https://draft2digital.com/book/2278392

Sue's Podcast: https://magnifywithsue.com

Sue's Website: https://suepaulson.com/

Host J.V.

Episodes released weekly!

Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube and also available on all major podcast platforms.

Follow The Influence Exchange on social media.

YouTube Channel: https://youtube.com/@theinfluenceexchange?si=GRWCJS5qhiu7aAwG

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_influence_exchange?igsh=bDRzb2NwNjJyaXQ1&utm_source=qr

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@the_influence_exchange?_r=1&_t=ZP-91Ot1k669Nu

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1F2h4hbGNL/?mibextid=wwXIfr

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Success Shouldn’t Cost You Your Health: How to Beat Burnout & Lead Better | Rachael Edmondson-Clarke Sep 02, 2026

Show notes

In this powerful episode 51 of The Influence Exchange, J.V. sits down with executive leadership coach, speaker, and burnout specialist Rachael Edmondson-Clarke for an honest conversation about success, burnout, leadership, resilience, and creating a life you don't have to recover from.

Years ago, Rachael was doing everything she thought success required working harder, climbing the corporate ladder, and constantly proving herself. Until one day, her body made the decision for her, she collapsed in her office. That moment changed everything.

Today, Rachael helps executives and business leaders increase their capacity, improve their well-being, and lead with greater purpose, confidence, and resilience.

In this episode, we discuss:

What burnout really looks like before it becomes dangerous

Why high achievers are especially vulnerable to burnout

The difference between work-life balance and work-life integration

Why leaders must take care of themselves before they can lead others

Building resilient teams and healthier workplace cultures

The importance of appreciation and recognition in leadership

Creating psychological safety within your team

Why your energy influences everything around you

Practical ways to restore your mental and physical capacity

How small daily habits can prevent long-term burnout

One of the biggest takeaways from this conversation: "When you take care of yourself first, you show up better for everyone else."

Whether you're a business owner, executive, manager, entrepreneur, or someone simply feeling overwhelmed by the demands of life, this episode is filled with practical leadership advice and powerful reminders that success should never come at the expense of your health. Because true leadership isn't about sacrificing yourself. It's about building the capacity to serve others without losing yourself in the process.

If this episode resonates with you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it.

Rachael website: https://www.ellevar.co.uk/

Host J.V.

Episodes released weekly!

Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube and also available on all major podcast platforms.

Follow The Influence Exchange on social media.

YouTube Channel: https://youtube.com/@theinfluenceexchange?si=GRWCJS5qhiu7aAwG

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_influence_exchange?igsh=bDRzb2NwNjJyaXQ1&utm_source=qr

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@the_influence_exchange?_r=1&_t=ZP-91Ot1k669Nu

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1F2h4hbGNL/?mibextid=wwXIfr

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Stop Saying “I Can’t”: The Mindset Shift That Changes Everything | Diane Lampe Aug 26, 2026

Show notes

In this milestone 50th episode of The Influence Exchange, J.V. sits down with entrepreneur, author, leadership coach, financial educator, podcast host, and Diane Lampe for an inspiring conversation about mindset, confidence, leadership, wealth, and believing in yourself.

Diane didn't have a college degree. She didn't have powerful connections. She didn't have shortcuts. What she did have was the willingness to bet on herself.

After working her way from customer service to becoming a successful corporate executive, Diane realized that external success wasn't enough. That realization led her on a journey of personal growth that completely transformed her life.

Today, she teaches others how to develop the confidence, mindset, and financial knowledge needed to build a life of purpose and impact.

In this episode, we discuss:

Why self-belief is the foundation of success

The power of replacing "I can't" with "How can I?"

Lessons learned from Tony Robbins and Napoleon Hill

Why mentorship can accelerate your growth

How to identify self-sabotaging patterns

Leadership lessons that create stronger teams

Building wealth that extends beyond money

Financial education for families and future generations

Why success isn't about titles, it's about purpose

How to become the leader people truly want to follow

One of the most powerful lessons from this conversation: "Stop saying 'I can't' and start asking 'How can I?'"

If you've ever doubted yourself, felt stuck, or wondered whether you're capable of more, this episode is the reminder you've been waiting for.

If this conversation inspired you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who's ready to take the next step toward their dreams.

Diane YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@DianeLampeCo

Book time with Diane: https://dianelampe.com/discoverycall/

Buy Diane Book: https://a.co/d/01peUZKM

Host J.V.

Episodes released weekly!

Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube and also available on all major podcast platforms.

Follow The Influence Exchange on social media.

YouTube Channel: https://youtube.com/@theinfluenceexchange?si=GRWCJS5qhiu7aAwG

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_influence_exchange?igsh=bDRzb2NwNjJyaXQ1&utm_source=qr

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@the_influence_exchange?_r=1&_t=ZP-91Ot1k669Nu

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1F2h4hbGNL/?mibextid=wwXIfr

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

When Life Goes Dark: Finding Grit, Gratitude & Purpose After Losing Sight | Laura Bratton Aug 19, 2026

Show notes

What would you do if you were told that one day you would lose your eyesight, but nobody could tell you when?

In this powerful episode 49 of The Influence Exchange, J.V. sits down with speaker, coach, author, and founder of UBI Global, Laura Bratton, to discuss her extraordinary journey of resilience, mindset, gratitude, grit, and courage.

At just nine years old, Laura was diagnosed with a rare eye disease and told she would eventually become blind. What followed was years of uncertainty, fear, anxiety, grief, and ultimately a life-changing transformation built on grit and gratitude.

Rather than allowing adversity to define her future, Laura learned how to navigate life's toughest challenges one day at a time, and today she helps others do the same.

In this episode, we discuss:

Losing her vision as a teenager

Navigating uncertainty and fear

The emotional impact of grief and major life changes

Why mindset matters during difficult seasons

The difference between surviving and thriving

How gratitude became a life-changing practice

The power of support systems and asking for help

Building resilience through adversity

Lessons from her book Harnessing Courage

Why you are enough, even during life's hardest moments

Whether you're facing loss, uncertainty, burnout, grief, career challenges, or simply navigating a difficult season in life, this conversation will leave you inspired to keep moving forward. Because no matter what life takes from you, it can never take away your ability to choose courage.

Laura's website: https://www.laurabratton.com/

Buy Laura's book: https://a.co/d/0gG5dBGx

Laura's contact info: https://www.laurabratton.com/book-laura

Host J.V.

Episodes released weekly!

Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube and also available on all major podcast platforms.

Follow The Influence Exchange on social media.

YouTube Channel:

https://youtube.com/@theinfluenceexchange?si=GRWCJS5qhiu7aAwG

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/the_influence_exchange?igsh=bDRzb2NwNjJyaXQ1&utm_source=qr

Tiktok:

https://www.tiktok.com/@the_influence_exchange?_r=1&_t=ZP-91Ot1k669Nu

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/share/1F2h4hbGNL/?mibextid=wwXIfr

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

From Surviving to Thriving: How Gratitude Can Change Your Life | Pamela Cass Aug 14, 2026

Show notes

What if the hardest moments in your life weren't meant to break you, but to wake you up?

In this inspiring bonus episode of The Influence Exchange, I sit down with coach, speaker, author, podcast host, and cancer survivor Pamela Cass to discuss resilience, gratitude, and finding purpose after life's most difficult challenges.

After surviving an abusive marriage, battling cancer, and overcoming burnout, Pamela shares how a simple daily gratitude practice transformed her perspective and helped her rebuild a life filled with joy and purpose. We also explore why asking for help is a sign of strength, how small habits create lasting change, and why true success is measured by the life you create not just the work you do.

If you're navigating a difficult season, feeling overwhelmed, or searching for hope and direction, this conversation offers practical wisdom and encouragement to help you take the next step.

In this episode, we discuss:

Turning life's hardest moments into opportunities for growth

The life-changing power of gratitude

Recovering from burnout and redefining success

Building small daily habits that lead to lasting change

Why asking for help is a strength, not a weakness

Finding purpose after adversity

If this episode encouraged you, please follow The Influence Exchange, leave a rating and review, and share it with someone who may need this message today.

Connect with Pamela Cass

Website: https://pamelacass.com/

Podcast: https://reigniteresiliencepodcast.beehiiv.com/

Book: https://a.co/d/064O1qzT

Host J.V.

Episodes released weekly!

Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube and also available on all major podcast platforms.

Follow The Influence Exchange on social media.

YouTube Channel: https://youtube.com/@theinfluenceexchange?si=GRWCJS5qhiu7aAwG

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_influence_exchange?igsh=bDRzb2NwNjJyaXQ1&utm_source=qr

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@the_influence_exchange?_r=1&_t=ZP-91Ot1k669Nu

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1F2h4hbGNL/?mibextid=wwXIfr