Why Not Now? With Amy Jo Martin

By age 18, Dr. Tererai Trent was a mother of four and she had no education. She wrote her dreams down on a piece of paper and buried it in the earth to grow. Today, Tererai has her Ph.D and she’s built 11 schools for girls in Zimbabwe where she's from. In this episode, we learn about two types of hunger. The Little Hunger, which is what you seek for instant gratification, and The Great Hunger, which is what gives your life purpose. Tererai walks us through how to identify our Great Hunger. Her new book, The Awakened Woman, has a chapter called Reclaiming your voice. I ask Tererai about her thoughts on the current paradigm shift we’re witnessing with women breaking their silence. She has a unique point-of-view on how women can choose to be accountable for contributing toward a solution versus being pegged as a victim. Tererai talks about the moment she decided to write her dreams down and bury them. Why did she do this and what was her thought-process. The question you should ask yourself if you want to id

Dr. Gay Hendricks has been a leader in the fields of relationship transformation and bodymind transformation for more than 45 years. He earned his Ph.D. from Stanford and served as Professor of Counseling Psychology at the University of Colorado for 21 years. Gay has written more than 40 books, two of my favorites include The Big Leap and Five Wishes. He has appeared on more than 500 radio and TV shows including Oprah, CNN, CNBC and others. I’ve been fortunate enough to have the opportunity to work with Gay recently and his wisdom is unmatched. Most voices of authority in this realm stick with the academic theory but Gay has a beautiful way of blending and weaving through his life experiences into his teachings as well. How an argument with a mate led to Gay's Why Not Now? moment which allowed him to identify a pattern and it changed his life. The three sacred things Gay decided he wanted in a relationship. Gay shares the four steps that allow you to solve any problem. The danger of unexpressed creative pote

Maren Kate Donovan has some invaluable advice to offer as a result of her personal experience. In 2015, Maren was running her company, Zirtual, which had an $11-million run-rate and appeared to be very healthy. Due to some factors that Maren speaks about very candidly in this episode, the company suddenly came to a halt and had to let go of all its 400+ employees. How does this type of situation happen overnight? Maren will explain. She also talks about what she did next and how she got through the situation. As I’ve mentioned many times on the show, I feel strongly that entrepreneurs share their stories and lessons in order to pay them forward so other people can avoid the same mistakes. I appreciate Maren being vulnerable and doing just that. Notes from this episode: How a Why Not Now? moment led to Maren starting her first company. Maren talks about the process of raising money and its impact on the core business daily operations. What it means to be "growing broke" and how to prevent the situation. Maren

CJ Prober is the COO of GoPro. The GoPro brand is beloved by their customers and fans. What many of us don’t know is that after going public a couple years ago, GoPro took a downward turn and they struggled on Wall Street to a point where CJ himself said they "were in crisis mode". This January, CJ took the COO helm at GoPro and he was tasked with turning the ship around. No pressure, right? Imagine that. CJ talks very honestly about this process, what caused the struggle for the company and what they did to turn their numbers around. Prior to GoPro, CJ was an executive at Electronic Arts. I asked CJ what has been the most interesting use of GoPro he’s witnessed and … it’s pretty unique! You’ll have to hear about it from him.   To learn more about monday dot com, and for a free trial, go to http://hey.monday.com/amyjomartin   To learn more about the Renegade Accelerator, go to http://renegadeaccelerator.com   Get Amy Jo’s newsletter: https://amyjomartin.activehosted.com/f/21   Join the Why Not Now? Private Fa

Kate Fagan is an ESPN sports reporter and author. She recently wrote the book titled, What made Maddy Run. After I read it I asked her to come on the show. The book is about Madison Holleran, who was a college freshman that appeared to have it all. She was a University of Pennsylvania track athlete, a great student and she had a ton of friends and family that loved her dearly. According to her Instagram feed, her life looked perfect. That’s why Maddy’s death by suicide shocked everyone around her. Kate dives into Maddy’s story and sheds a different light on mental health. We talk through the role social media may have played along with other factors. Kate helps us understand the struggle of young people suffering from mental illness today. Kate talks about a Why Not Now? moment that instilled fear and how she's grateful for that feeling. Kate shares her experience in writing the book, What Made Maddy Run. After a great deal of research, Kate talks about the fact that there isn't one solo factor that caused M

Van Jones is a CNN political contributor, NY Times best-selling author and he worked in the White House as an advisor to President Obama. He’s known for being the voice of reason for both red and blue states during the 2016 election. Van has a brand new book out called Beyond The Messy Truth. He’s a social entrepreneur, a Yale-educated attorney and he’s been deemed one of the most influential people in the world according to TIME Magazine. I’ve recently gotten to know Van and I have a strong appreciation for his ability to serve as a bridge for opposing opinions. We need a lot more of that in this world. Van talks about why he believes America is so divided and what we can do to begin bridging the divide. The unique circumstances that led Van to meeting Prince (the artist) and becoming very close friends. Van describes what it was like leaving the White House and what he did immediately following. Why Van has both Republican and Democratic Presidential Candidates endorsing his book. Van shares his perspectiv

In this episode Christian Schauf and I dissect his experience on Shark Tank to pitch his Uncharted Supply Co. From the steps he took to get on the show to his strategy for making it in front of the sharks, what it’s like to be standing behind those intimidating double doors before you walk into the tank and what the process was really like behind the scenes. Christian has been to Iraq 40x bringing music and entertainment to the troops, he started a cider company, a survival products company and he’s toured as a musician among other things. He might just be the World’s most interesting man. Christian shares that most of his Why Not Now? moments have been to let something go or stop doing something in order to make space for something new. Christian talks about the power of entrepreneurs identifying open Market Space vs. looking at a crowded Market Place. Christian has had a colorful journey, involved in a diverse set of industries. We talk about his zone of genius vs. zone of excellence. What's it like to go

Ross Martin has one of the most creative and strategic minds out there. He spent 13 years as a top executive at Viacom and recently started his own agency, Blackbird. Ross has guided countless household name brands, helping them innovate and create impact. I never know what guests are going to say when I ask them to share their Why not now moment. In this episode, Ross exercises a "Why Not Now?” moment on the show and shares a few really tough experiences that he hasn’t talked about before publicly. Ross talks about Operating Systems vs. Belief Systems. What's the difference? Why do you need a belief system? A very rare diagnosis leaves Ross in a place where the sound of his own voice was too much to bare. Ross shares the building blocks of his identity, purpose and mission. Ross talks about having "bodies of work" vs. linear career paths.   Learn more about Ross: https://www.rossmartin.com/ Follow Ross: https://www.instagram.com/rossmartin/   To learn more about monday dot com, and for a free trial, go to 

Dan Reynolds is the Imagine Dragons front man and lead vocalist. The band has sold more than 27 million singles and 9 million albums. Their recent album, Evolve, went gold in less than a month and it continues to rise as they tour the globe. They’re kinda a big deal. But they haven’t always been. Dan shares things in this show that he hasn't talked about publicly before. If you want a glimpse behind the curtains and get to know the down-to-earth person behind the rockstar, you’re in for a treat. The Why Not Now? moment when Dan decided to drop out of college and pursue music full time. Dan talks about the phase before the fame when the band hustled and played in Las Vegas lounges. The various non-musical routes Dan explored during college. The very first song Dan wrote in middle school. We dissect the song 'Thunder' on the new Evolve album and talk through the meaning. The evolution of the band name. It wasn't always 'cool' and some of Dan's friends made fun of the name. Dan talks about going through a spiri

Three of my favorite Renegades, who happen to be women. Arianna Huffington, Founder of Huffington Post and Thrive Global. Dr. Jen Welter, the first female coach in the NFL and Sophia Amoruso, founder of NastyGal and GirlBoss. Arianna Huffington talks about Silicon Valley's "bro culture" and her solution for changing the "always on" celebrated mentality. Arianna talks about the moment she knew it was time to move on from Huffington Post. Sophia Amoruso talks about the imbalance of funding for female entrepreneurs and ways women can thrive during the fundraising process. Dr. Jen Welter shares her Why Not Now? story and lessons which led to her becoming the first female NFL coach. If you enjoyed these short snackable soundbites, check out the full episodes with Arianna Huffington, Sophia Amoruso and Dr. Jen Welter.   To learn more about monday dot com, and for a free trial, go to http://hey.monday.com/amyjomartin   To learn more about the Renegade Accelerator, go to http://renegadeaccelerator.com   Get Amy Jo’

JP Sears is a brilliant blend of comedy and spirituality. He has generated over 100 million views on his "How to be Ultra Spiritual" parody videos. In this episode JP gives us a peek behind the curtains and talks about how this ultra spotlight happened. JP shares a Why Not Now? moment that resulted in his very first comedy video. Advice for those who only let certain aspects of themselves show up in professionally. Why you should always bet on yourself. How JP maintains a healthy relationship with technology. JP's current Why Not Now? decision. Learn more about JP: https://awakenwithjp.com/ Follow JP: https://www.instagram.com/awakenwithjp/   To learn more about monday dot com, and for a free trial, go to http://hey.monday.com/amyjomartin   To learn more about the Renegade Accelerator, go to http://renegadeaccelerator.com   Get Amy Jo’s newsletter: https://amyjomartin.activehosted.com/f/21   Join the Why Not Now? Private Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/whynotnowpodcast/   Follow Amy Jo… FB:

Former Navy SEAL and base-jumping world-record holder Andy Stumpf is an expert in calculated risk. He shares how his years of military SEAL training and his fearless livelihood applies to the question of Why Not Now? Andy tells us how Why Not Me? and Why Not Now? are common themes in SEAL training. What do combat leadership and business leadership have in common? What's a wing suit!? And how does Andy fly 18 miles through the air in one? Andy talks about the being tied to success vs. tied to a plan. Knowing the difference between your circle of influence and your circle of concern can set you free. Follow Andy on his website, Instagram, Twitter & Facebook and listen to his podcast, Cleared Hot.   To learn more about monday dot com, and for a free trial, go to http://hey.monday.com/amyjomartin   To learn more about the Renegade Accelerator, go to http://renegadeaccelerator.com   Get Amy Jo’s newsletter: https://amyjomartin.activehosted.com/f/21   Join the Why Not Now? Private Facebook Group: https://www.

Mel Robbins is an expert on leadership and defeating doubt. She’s a thought-leader on thinking less and taking more action. Mel is an Award-Winning CNN Commentator, Best-Selling Author, and Motivational Powerhouse. She shows us how counting down from five can help you tackle your Why Not Now? and literally change your life in five seconds. Mel shares exactly when her Why Not Now? moment hit as she sat in the audience at an Oprah Winfrey event. How changing career paths or “swim lanes” has worked for Mel as she navigated from being a litigator to a handful of other professions. Using your own internal “gauge” as your guide for what to do and who to spend time with. What is the 5-second rule? How to apply the rule. We discuss the power of listening to your inner wisdom and exactly how to do this. Mel’s very new, never shared before, “Why Not Now?” moment. Follow Mel Robbins on her website, Instagram, Twitter & Facebook.   Super Coffee is hooking up Why Not Now? listeners with an exclusive 25% discount on

Rehan Choudhry is all things beautiful. He's the founder of A Beautiful Perspective and the Life Is Beautiful festival. As his good friend, I've witnessed him experience life's beautiful mess. He's seen some very high highs and very low lows over the past few years. We've been on a similar rollercoaster ride and both found ourselves no longer aligned with the "founder" seat we created. We discuss how he's navigating through life's beautiful mess both personally and professionally. He doesn't hold back. We hear the "fall 7 times and stand up 8" inspirational quotes but we don't talk about HOW to do this and WHAT made us fall. Rehan shares those details. I admire his fierce bravery. I'm proud to be along for the ride on his new venture, A Beautiful Perspective, which just launched. He's building a world-changing community by bridging the virtual world (media platform) and physical world (live events). Rehan shares a messy Why Not Now? that involved leaving the successful company he founded and starting over fr

Tom Jolly is responsible for overseeing The New York Times newspaper as the Associate Masthead Editor. He's witnessed a great deal of change over the past two decades at The Times. We talk about everything from the evolution of journalism to alternative facts, real-time fact checking and how to disconnect and keep your mind healthy. Tom led the committee charged with reorganizing the newsroom to separate print and digital production operations, served as Night Editor responsible for integrating the digital and print reports and held the Sports Editor helm for eight years. Tom shares the Why Not Now? moment that helped transform The New York Times. How some Why Not Now? moments are a slow build that brew under the surface before becoming an "ah-ha" moment. Tom explains how journalism has evolved over the past decade and past year since as a result of the election season. How does a gigantic organization like The New York Times remain agile and innovative in a time of real-time fact checking and news reporting

Siri is a former 2x World Champion and #1 ranked triathlete in the world. Yet this episode has nothing to do with swimming, biking, running or winning medals. Siri explains how athletics have helped her get out of her own head and learn to love herself. At age 23, she could barely swim and she entered a race and now realizes it stemmed from an intense hunger to be comfortable being alone with herself. Her ability to share her story and lessons so they're applicable to your life and mine is truly special. She's as real as it gets. Siri shares the Why Not Now? moment that shaped her adult life. Why Siri's journey has very little to do with triathlons. Why we often confuse the need for external vs. internal changes to make us happy. We discuss the concept of hunger and success. Can you train someone to have that intense drive? How do you unleash your own hunger? What it means to live authentically according to Siri. How Siri keeps her mind healthy. Siri's recent "Why Not Now?" moment. What Siri is reading right

Co-founder of Tory Burch LLC, founder & CEO Burch Creative Capital, a private investment company. Chris has also partnered with Ellen DeGeneres to create her ED by Ellen fashion and home goods brand. He's is a creative wizard. Now a billionaire, Chris shares his life-long entrepreneurial journey and some advice for people who pitch him their ideas. We talk about his areas of focus for future investments and industries that have caught his eye. Chris shares a Why Not Now? moment that shaped his career. Why Chris views fear as a positive thing when evaluating entrepreneurs. How getting straight F's in grade school and listening to talk radio at night led to his current path. The very beginning of Tory Burch LLC. Pet peeves Chris has for people who are pitching him to invest in their companies. What it's like to collaborate with Ellen DeGeneres. How Chris keeps his mind healthy. Something Chris has been thinking about and now he's asking himself, “Why Not Now?” What Chris is listening to right now. What kee

Mental health and suicide. Topics we rarely discuss. I share a personal story, a unique clip of Chris Cornell sharing his thoughts on the topic and the most powerful Why Not Now? conversation I have heard yet by Billy Corgan which saved his life. Why Not reach out if we need help working through something? Why Not reach out if we notice someone could use our help working through something? Why Not change the stigma? There's a specific application of this topic for entrepreneurs. Our society has encouraged us to take the leap as entrepreneurs. And we have. The idea of launching a start-up has been romanticized. Rightfully so, in many cases. The freedom to design your own day and determine the fate of your own business is enlightening. Here’s the secret that we never tend to talk about though: the ups, the downs, the stress, the lack of sleep and the weight of the world on your shoulders can easily leave you lonely. The freedom we have as business owners can leave us comfortless. Speaking from experience, there

Suzy Welch is a co-founder of the Jack Welch Management Institute, Today Show contributor, New York Times best-selling author of three books and she's on the board of the National Humane Society of the United States. Busy! Suzy talks about how most of her Why Not Now? decisions have been made in tandem with her husband Jack Welch, former chairman and CEO of General Electric.  Show Notes: Suzy shares how a big business decision was sparked from a personal Why Not Now? moment. How Suzy keeps her mind healthy. Suzy talks about a future Why Not Now? idea that involves going into business with her daughter. The criteria Suzy and Jack Welch use for making business decisions. How fear and confusion are often due to a of lack of organizing principals. What is Suzy reading? What keeps Suzy up at night? What advice Suzy would give to her younger self. Books & Reference Links: Shoe Dog by Phil Knight Hillbilly Elegy by J.D. Vance In the Dark Room by Susan Faludi Peace Like a River by Leif Enger Follow Suzy on 

Danielle LaPorte is a No BS kinda gal. That's why I dig her. Through tough love, wit, comedy and compassion, Danielle helps you help yourself. Americans spend $11 Billion a year on the pursuit of happiness. Danielle and I talk through how you can decide for yourself exactly what's needed in your life. She's a best-selling author, speaker, entrepreneur and Renegade. Show Notes: Danielle shares how and why she lives a life full of Why Notting. So much so that sometimes she has to say to herself, "Why Not wait?" on certain ideas. The question Danielle immediately asks herself after Why Not Now? WHEN? She gives the idea a birthdate. How to conduct a self-help audit. Do you really need that new book or to hire that person to tell you what you think? How Danielle and Stephen Colbert are a lot alike. I apply 'business speak' to Danielle's esoteric philosophies. What questions to ask yourself if you're tired of grasping, chasing, clinging, grinding and living on the edge. Danielle attended a meeting at the White Hou