Wise Words &amp; Whisky with Wylie McGraw

If you’re digging the show, please help others join in our future conversations by leaving a 5-star review and a friendly comment on your podcast app. It only takes a moment and helps me bring on other fantastic guests for your benefit.

If you have an idea or potential guest for the show, please contact me at: wylie@wyliemcgraw.com

If you’re digging the show, please help others join in our future conversations by leaving a 5-star review and friendly comment on your podcast app. It only takes a moment, and it helps us bring on other fantastic guests for your benefit.

If you have an idea or potential guest for the show, please contact me at: wylie@wyliemcgraw.com.

Murder Made Me a Better Mother: Hope for Those Parenting in Pain, with Gold Star Widow & Best-Selling Author, Barbara Allen Feb 14, 2023

Show notes

For the parents out there, who struggle under immense stress and feel like you just cannot catch a break, I’ve got a story here that will show you just how strong you are no matter what you face, and why the love you have for your children is the source of this strength. Today we hear about a story where a husband murdered in Iraq radically transformed a woman in fear into a fearless mother, with my guest, Gold Star Widow and Award-Winning Author, Barbara Allen. And I’ll tell you it’s full of intense ups and downs. Our conversation reveals how Barbara was forced to face her deepest fears after losing her husband and why her faith allowed her to find resilience, courage, and success even in her darkest moments. She used this hope to become a beacon for others to build a better life no matter the odds. Join us as we sip The REDBREAST 12 NEAT and dig into the insights that can inspire new ways of facing and overcoming your life’s challenges as a parent.

Wise Words from this episode:

Barbara says, you get what you desire when you start asking for the right thing. Listen to her speak about how that mindset shift serendipitously introduced her to her husband just mere weeks following that request. Manifesting accelerates when you desire what you need more than what you want.

In the grand scheme of things, we are not in total control of how things turn out on the path we walk. Look less towards control and more towards your choices and considerations. Your journey is about the experience.

If you condition yourself to think that you’ll only be okay if X occurs is a recipe for letdown, not success. You will not be prepared for moments of failure, for divergent shifts, all the way to catastrophic events. Don’t place your wellbeing upon staunch outcomes.

When parenting in pain, you must insist on getting the help you need. You cannot let your ego override the insistence of assistance. Pride in the face of possible failure leads to blind spots in problem solving and attention to detail.

Barbra’s faith has naturally taught her how to “embrace the suck”, a more military oriented mindset that says, pain is part of the process, feel it and endure the discomfort to build resilience and win on the other side.

Pull your children close, no matter what you’re going through, and do not let the perspectives and opinions of others be the louder voice that influences your children. Have faith in your abilities and your intentions for your children’s best outcomes.

Guest Links:

Website - Barbara Allen - Speaker, Award Winning Author, And Gold Star Wife (barballenspeaks.com)

Connect with Wylie:

If you have an idea or potential guest for the show, please contact me at: wylie@wyliemcgraw.com

The Winning End Of A Strikeout: Using Faith To Discover The Futility Of Tying Our Identity To A Dream with Former MLB Pitcher, Josh Kalinowski Feb 01, 2023

Show notes

To those of you who strive to achieve your dreams at all costs but feel like your life is over the moment you even slightly fail, it’s time to reevaluate what your purpose might actually be. Today, with the support of my guest, CEO of Man-Made Josh Kalinowski, I’m bringing you a story about why tying who you are to what you do might actively cause you to experience more failures and less successes. Our conversation unveils how Josh’s professional baseball career abruptly collapsed and left him feeling lost. It was in those dark moments he discovered his faith, and his calling to help other men discover who they were meant to be as well. Join us as we sip WHISTLE PIG SMALL BATCH RYE NEAT and delve into the insights you need to better get to know yourself and what you’re meant to do during your time on this planet.

Wise Words from this episode:

When life throws you a curve ball, are you leaning on your faith and taking ownership of what it provides you in these pivotal moments? Do you even know what to put your faith in? If not, throw yourself into the discovery process - finding what’s meaningful to you will be life-changing.

Tying your identity to accomplishment and the pursuit of excellence isn’t helpful, it’s harmful. Not only does it put far too much pressure on yourself, but it also limits your sense of freedom and well-being.

People (especially high performers) tend to contemplate their purpose in compartmentalized buckets of either great or average. What do those definitions even mean, though, and are you actually experiencing joy by maintaining this overly critical, black-and-white mentality?

Recognize that we are all at different capacity levels in terms of our performance and stop judging your ability or competence based on what others’ are able to achieve. You’re not them! A challenge that’s beneficial for others can just as easily be a detriment to us, so move your focus onto finding and mastering the right hurdles for you.

Achieving goals does not truly equate to satisfaction and personal freedom. It’s the state of who you are in the pursuit of excellence, on the path of greatness, that gets you there.

Guest Links:

Website – joshkalinowski.com

Work With Josh – man-made.org

Connect with Wylie:

If you have an idea or potential guest for the show, please contact me at: wylie@wyliemcgraw.com

Confined In the Abyss: The Leadership Philosophies Of A Cold War Nuclear Submarine Officer, with Jon Rennie Dec 14, 2022

Show notes

For those of you who have ever felt constricted by your leadership abilities, this conversation might be just what you need to discover strength where you’ve ever only seen limitations. Today, with the help of my guest, CEO of Peak Demand Inc. Jon Rennie, I’ll bring you into a world where confinement gave birth to tighter team function and optimal leadership. And I’ll tell you right now, it’s pretty enlightening. Our conversation reveals how Jon’s humble beginnings molded his teamwork spirit, turning him into a successful Cold War Naval Officer who thrived in small spaces under immense pressure, and later, a businessman capable of running several successful companies. Join us as we sip The OLD FORESTER ORIGINAL BATCH NEAT and dig into the insights that can help you develop a more successful, sustainable leadership style, regardless of what restrictions you may find yourself encountering.

Wise Words from this episode:

Quality leadership comes from recognizing the intrinsic value of everyone on the team, not from outdated hierarchical mindsets that designate leaders as the value and subordinates as basic labor.

To what degree has your ego infiltrated your leadership and management style? Can you even tell? If you’re struggling to pin this down, objectively look at how you react to feedback from subordinates － it’s a great measuring tool!

Consider the fact that your leadership role is not about having all the answers, but about having really good questions. Shutting up, listening to experienced employees’ ideas, and then implementing them is one of the most meaningful actions you can take in a position of power.

What type of environment are you providing to those you call “your team” and how do you want them to feel about their contributions on a daily basis? Are they in a position where they can tap into their full leadership capabilities, and if not, what are you doing to change that?

Leadership is not just about telling people what to do, it’s extracting their individual potential and finding ways in which it can benefit the business as a whole.

Guest Links:

Podcast

Books

Website - jonsrennie.com

Connect with Wylie:

If you have an idea or potential guest for the show, please contact me at: wylie@wyliemcgraw.com

Readying for Retirement at 30: Dumping The Gen Z Attitude for Gen X Success with Business Systems Manager, Alex Chrusciel Nov 16, 2022

Show notes

To those of you who are younger corporate leaders or entrepreneurs that want more freedom within your challenging career, just know it’s going to require altering your mindset, attitude, and priorities to accomplish this goal. Today, with the help of my guest, Business Systems and Analytics Manager Alex Chrusciel, I’ll share the very principles that transform the limiting beliefs of FOMO and YOLO into sustainable, long-term success. Trust me, though, it’s not as hard as you might think － at least, as long as you’re willing to play the long game. Our conversation uncovers how Alex hit a point in his life where he felt stuck going through the motions, remorseful of where he’d ended up, and how that drove him to find the growth he craved. Join us as we sip The BALVENIE CARIBBEAN CASK 14 with a SPLASH of water and dig into the insights you need to know to propel yourself towards even your loftiest, most ambitious of goals and within a shorter period of time than you’d ever expect.

Wise Words from this episode:

Limitless desire, an openness to build upon yourself and learn more about where you can improve － those are fundamental in leapfrogging you to higher levels of success and satisfaction.

Real leadership means considering how your actions impact those you lead, not just how they impact you and your life.

It’s no secret that adulting can suck. But committing to it － prioritizing your personal growth, professional development, work, and play － is the only way to level-up your life in a holistic, balanced way.

Achieving excellence is driven by respecting those you admire and those who depend on you. Consider if you are letting any of these people down and work to change that if the answer’s ‘yes.’

Apply the old military philosophy: “Sweat more in peace, bleed less in war”. Push yourself harder when things are easy, and you’ll be able to thrive when things become difficult.

Connect with Wylie:

First Responder Fountain Valley Fire Department, Fountain Valley, CA

If you have an idea or potential guest for the show, please contact me at: wylie@wyliemcgraw.com

Street Doctors: Relentless Commitment to Chaos with Firefighter Paramedic, Tylor Gilbert Nov 09, 2022

Show notes

If you’re the type of high achiever who runs towards life’s most arduous moments, that means your leadership is innate － you’ve been blessed with the ability to thrive in any environment. Today, together with my guest, Paramedic Tylor Gilbert, I’ll be introducing you how his selfless mindset relentlessly focused on service to others has ultimately allowed him to experience a more optimal, fulfilling lifestyle. I’ll tell you right now, it’s respectable and refreshing to see. Our conversation uncovers how Tylor innately knew being fulfilled in life would only be possible through the pursuit of caring for others in their darkest moments, further demonstrating that commitment and care really does make the world a better place. Join us as we sip The GLENDRONACH ORIGINAL 12 with a SPLASH of water and dig into the insights that’ll show you just how relentless altruism can empower the lives of others while completely changing your own.

Wise Words from this episode:

Who are the superheroes you look up to in your life; do you see similar qualities within yourself? Odds are good the answer’s yes, as those we’re drawn to usually carry characteristics we ourselves innately possess.

“If not me, then who?” Sometimes it takes this type of mindset to push you into the situations or environments necessary to break down limiting beliefs and break through personal barriers.

Take a paramedics approach to relationships. Triage which are dead, critical, or capable; always approach each with the standard of care that it requires.

Any decision you make, good or bad, is better than not making one at all. In the words of a certain wise TV show character, “Sometimes the only choices you have are bad ones, but you still have to choose.”

Throw out the concept of motivation because you won’t always be motivated. Motivation is a byproduct of taking action first; taking action is a byproduct of being driven.

Guest Links:

Connect with Wylie:

If you have an idea or potential guest for the show, please contact me at: wylie@wyliemcgraw.com

Successful Failure: Getting Fired From Selling Hair Plugs Made Me A Great Podcaster with Brand Architect, Jason Cercone Nov 02, 2022

Show notes

To those of you who’ve been suddenly and surprisingly forced to take a different path in life, here’s an opportunity to see this change as the right step towards the life you’re meant to build. Today, with the help of my guest, Evolution of Brand Founder Jason Cercone, I’ll share a story where a successful corporate job abruptly ends only to positively transform a side hustle passion. And I’ll tell you right now; it should resonate with you. Our conversation uncovers how Jason’s mindset, emotions, and attitude allowed him to quickly adapt to the shock of suddenly losing a job he was thriving in, and, in turn, unveil where he was meant to channel his entrepreneurial spirit. Join us as we sip The GLENDRONACH ORIGINAL 12 and dig into the insights you need to know to prepare yourself for the winds of change you’ll undoubtedly face on your quest for ultimate satisfaction and success.

Wise Words from this episode:

When loss occurs at the height of your success, it just means you were fated to go in a different direction. Rather than becoming stuck on the loss itself, go with the flow and embrace change - you might be surprised at how valuable this new phase turns out to be.

If you’re someone who’s comfortable when things are dynamic and constantly in motion rather than stagnant or linear, you have an entrepreneurial spirit within you. Take it, run with it, and see what you can create.

Perpetual learning while on your path is imperative to experience personal satisfaction. If you don’t, you’ll only find yourself trying to buy your way out of pain.

Jason states that we’re born through an intensely uncomfortable experience, yet then we’re immediately swaddled into comfort for the first several years of our life. We have to relearn how to be comfortable with discomfort in order to live a successful life.

We are predisposed to look at the negatives of life before ever acknowledging the positives. To find peace with your success, though, you must purposefully flip this script.

Guest Links:

Website – jasoncercone.com

Podcast - jasoncercone.com/evolutionofbrand/

Connect with Wylie:

If you have an idea or potential guest for the show, please contact me at: wylie@wyliemcgraw.com

Suicide is a Laughing Matter: Why Mental Health Disorders are a Gift with Former The Tonight Show Writer & Comedian, Frank King Oct 28, 2022

Show notes

To those of you who want a more rewarding life but have been told the way in which you think is “not normal”, it’s time for you to discover there’s another side of mental health -- one that can help you achieve your goals. Today, with the help of former Tonight Show Writer Frank King, I share a story where thoughts of suicide actually ended up being more of a blessing and less of a curse, fueling a fearless desire to show the world how mental health issues can actually be valuable and not just detrimental. Our conversation uncovers how Frank embraced his inherited thoughts of suicide as a gift and used his innate comedic genius to not only create a successful, fulfilling life for himself, but also teach others like him how they can do it for themselves. Join us as we sip The BALVENIE CARIBBEAN CASK 14 NEAT and dig into the insights that might just help alter your mindset enough to take bigger risks and finally live like you’ve got nothing to lose.

Wise Words from this episode:

There are few things more powerful than someone feeling like they have nothing left to lose. What goal would you attempt if you knew for a fact that this was your make-or-break moment?

People become comfortable with the devil they know versus the devil they don’t. However, while it can feel better to deal with known difficulties than new ones, sometimes you just have to take the plunge into the unknown in order to grow, comfort be damned.

Don’t let your life circumstances decide your fate. You are the one who controls your choices, so you -- not destiny, not happenstance, not bad luck -- are also ultimately the one that chooses whether you succeed or fail.

What if a mental illness is not a genetic mutation but an amazing evolutionary adaptation? What if it’s actually mental ableness your peers cannot touch?

Don’t forget: every disability also comes with an ability. Rather than lamenting how your mental health makes certain situations harder, celebrate (and accentuate) the ways it can actually serve as a strength.

Guest Links:

Website – thementalhealthcomedian.com

TEDx Talk - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3D4m33DXtsI

Connect with Wylie:

If you have an idea or potential guest for the show, please contact me at: wylie@wyliemcgraw.com

4-Year-Old Face Plant: A Life-altering Rodeo Experience Determined My Path to Success with “Mr. YouTube,” David Walsh Oct 27, 2022

Show notes

If you’re the type of high achiever who wants to blow past your own limits, embracing fear is the only way to accomplish this feat. Today, with the help of my guest, YouTube Marketing Expert David Walsh, I’ll be introducing you to an intense challenge and how this type of experience activates deeper potential. And I’ll tell you; it involves blood, sweat, and － not tears － but laughter. Our conversation uncovers how David realized charging toward challenges and opportunities for the experience rather than the result is where the magic lies in shattering personal limits. Join us as we sip the classic JAMESON IRISH WHISKEY NEAT and dig into the insights you need to know to guide yourself through the right unknowns for higher levels of success.

Wise Words from this episode:

Think back to all of the childlike, fearless pursuits you once chased after. What did you step towards without fear or consideration of consequence, and how does that compare to what you’re doing now?

Choosing to go all-in on something is a deliberate state of being that attracts the resources, opportunities, and people you need to be successful. But before you can really reap these benefits and unleash the full range of your creative capabilities, you have to be honest about your level of commitment; either in or out, you have to decide.

Proper sacrifices that align with your goals are what create success.

Developing both your personal and professional life requires you to flex your intuitive side. Are you actually doing this, though, or have you shut it off by overthinking and rationalizing all your experiences?

Meeting your goals doesn’t have to only be achieved by beating out the competition or brute forcing your way to the top. There’s a time and a place where radical vulnerability and honesty will help you more than the best business strategy.

Guest Links:

David’s Rodeo Story - www.facebook.com/thedavidwalsh/posts/10160898013830992

Connect with Wylie:

If you have an idea or potential guest for the show, please contact me at: wylie@wyliemcgraw.com

How Walking into Flames Kept Me from Burnout: Life Lessons from Former Hotshot Firefighter, Scott Mulvaney Oct 26, 2022

Show notes

For those of you who want satisfaction with your success, it’s imperative to know who you are, what you stand for, and the type of environment you require to keep your energy consistently elevated. Today I’m exposing the type of standards and values that make this all possible with my guest, LIVETHEFUEL Founder, Scott W. Mulvaney. And I’ll tell you they’re simple, but very demanding. Our conversation uncovers Scott’s secret to an endless fuel source that he channels into his very successful health, business, and lifestyle brand. Join us as we sip The BALVENIE DOUBLEWOOD 12 ON THE ROCKS and dig into the insights you need to know about so you can tap into your own endless energy source.

Wise Words from this episode:

The commitment to a healthy lifestyle is one of the most important standards you can take on, as it forms a foundation for the rest of your life.

While most people focus on their bank account then simply hope the other areas of their life will fall into place later, this is neither wise nor sustainable. Don’t fall into this trap － focus on optimizing who you are then build from that.

While most people focus on their bank account then simply hope the other areas of their life will fall into place later, this is neither wise nor sustainable. Don’t fall into this trap － focus on optimizing who you are then build from that.

Success is almost wholly determined by how you’ve been conditioned to relate to money. How would you characterize your own relationship with it?

Conveniences are the natural enemy to high performance. Eliminate most of them and you’ll be amazed at how you rise to the occasion.

Situational awareness is a critical tool for life, business, and beyond. Strengthen this skill by observing yourself more then the world around you; trust me, it’ll change whenever you do.

Guest Links:

Website – livethefuel.com

Connect with Wylie: