Podcast
EPIC Begins With 1 Step Forward
Hosted by Zander Sprague · EN
Welcome to EPIC Begins With 1 Step Forward, hosted by Zander Sprague, bestselling author and acclaimed motivational speaker. If you're looking to kickstart the EPIC chapters in your life, you've come to the right place! Here, you will find inspiring stories, practical resources, and transformative insights to guide you on your journey.
Whether you're an entrepreneur scaling your business, a leader fostering a better workplace culture, an author penning your next bestseller, an athlete prepping for the big game, or simply someone striving to maximize their potential—this podcast is for you. Learn how to plan, achieve, and enjoy the journey towards achieving your EPIC goals.
Each episode showcases interviews with individuals who have conquered challenges to achieve something truly EPIC. You can do the same! With the proper guidance, timing, and skills that you'll find here—your next step can be meaningful and impactful.
The man behind the mic is Zander Sprague, an award-winning author and Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC). He's penned three popular books, including the one that inspired this podcast, EPIC Begins With 1 Step Forward: How to Plan, Achieve, and Enjoy the Journey. Get to know him better at www.epicbegins.com.
By blending his formal education, professional journey, and personal growth, Zander is dedicated to steering listeners like you towards unlocking their fullest potential and kickstarting an epic life. His infectious enthusiasm has even earned him the moniker "God of Enthusiasm."
Each episode dives deep into interviews with real people who overcame their self-doubts and fears to realize the scale of their ambitions. Gain insights into the strategies they deployed, the hurdles they cleared, and the support that fueled their momentum.
Tune in for candid discussions about the highs and lows of their personal and professional quests. Despite setbacks and obstacles, these individuals never wavered in their resilience and determination.
If a laundry list of unrealized dreams is weighing on your career or psyche, this is your wake-up call. Maybe you're paralyzed by fear of failure or trapped by harsh self-criticism, but the key to making your dreams a reality is courage. You must be brave, confront the risks, and make the jump.
Allow the inspirational narratives and wisdom shared on this podcast to embolden you to unlock your dormant potential and bring your epic ideas to life. All it takes is the resolve to stand up, muster your confidence, and take action. Remember, no goal is too lofty, no idea too wild, and no promise too good to be questioned.
Don't let anyone or your own self-doubts hold you back. To make your next move count, you'll get the essential trifecta ...
25episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
How One Simple $15 Filter Is Fighting Cholera, Malaria, And Child Death With Kurt Avery
1w ago00:29:11Tap to summarizeIn this powerful episode of Epic Begins With 1 Step Forward, Zander Sprague sits down with entrepreneur and humanitarian Kurt Avery, founder of Sawyer Products, whose innovations are transforming access to clean water around the globe. What began with outdoor products and water filtration evolved into a mission that has already impacted more than 40 million people in 80 countries. Kurt shares how Sawyer’s affordable filtration systems are helping eliminate waterborne illnesses like cholera and dysentery, while also supporting groundbreaking malaria prevention efforts for children. From disaster relief in Haiti and hurricane zones to remote villages in Africa and Central America, Kurt explains how simple, scalable solutions can save lives on a massive scale. This inspiring conversation is a reminder that epic impact often starts with solving one practical problem exceptionally well.EpicBegins.comFree E-book – https://dl.bookfunnel.com/afk096okroApply to be a Guest on My TV show – https://www.epicchoicemedia.com#EPICBeginswith1StepForward, #ZanderSprague #CleanWater #MalariaPrevention #DisasterRelief
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Success Didn’t Make Him Happy—So He Changed Everything With Stefanos Koutsoumpis
2w ago00:28:14Tap to summarizeIn this insightful episode of Epic Begins With 1 Step Forward, Zander sits down with men’s coach Stefanos Koutsoubis, who helps men break free from burnout, depression, and the illusion of success. Stefanos shares his personal journey—from achieving academic and professional milestones, including a PhD and corporate career, to realizing that external success didn’t create internal happiness. Together, they explore why so many men chase goals that leave them feeling empty, the importance of understanding emotions, and how mindfulness and coaching can transform the way we experience life. Stefanos reveals that true fulfillment comes not from reaching the finish line, but from how we show up every day. This episode is a powerful reminder to stop chasing “someday” happiness and start creating it right now.EpicBegins.comFree E-book – https://dl.bookfunnel.com/afk096okroApply to be a Guest on My TV show – https://www.epicchoicemedia.com#EPICBeginswith1StepForward, #ZanderSprague #SelfReflection #External SuccessVsHappiness #InternalHappiness
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Fear Of Success Is Real—And It Might Be Holding You Back With Greg Bennick
3w ago00:29:04Tap to summarizeIn this energizing episode of Epic Begins With 1 Step Forward, Zander sits down with keynote speaker, author, and performer Greg Bennick, whose career began with a simple mistake that turned into a life-changing path. What started as a missed coin-collecting class led Greg to discover juggling—and ultimately a lifelong passion for engaging audiences around the world. Greg shares insights from his book Reclaim the Moment, diving into why meaning matters, how fear of success can quietly hold us back, and why taking that first step is everything. Blending humor, storytelling, and powerful perspective, this conversation challenges you to rethink how you approach your goals and your time. It’s a reminder that epic journeys often begin with unexpected moments—and grow through consistent, intentional action.EpicBegins.comFree E-book – https://dl.bookfunnel.com/afk096okroApply to be a Guest on My TV show – https://www.epicchoicemedia.com#EPICBeginswith1StepForward, #ZanderSprague #FearOfSuccess #ConsistencyIsKey #ReclaimTheMoment
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From Rock Bottom To Creative Purpose: Nick McGowan’s Journey Back To Himself
4w ago00:35:33Tap to summarizeIn this raw and powerful episode of Epic Begins With 1 Step Forward, Zander sits down with creative strategist and podcast expert Nick McGowan for a deeply honest conversation about identity, purpose, and transformation. Nick shares his journey from childhood struggles and emotional disconnect to building a successful career that ultimately left him feeling empty and lost. After hitting rock bottom and facing moments of severe depression, he began the difficult work of reconnecting with his true self—creativity. Together, they explore mental health, breaking free from societal expectations, and the courage it takes to choose a path that aligns with who you really are. This episode is a reminder that your lowest moments can become the foundation for your most meaningful life.EpicBegins.comFree E-book – https://dl.bookfunnel.com/afk096okroApply to be a Guest on My TV show – https://www.epicchoicemedia.com#EPICBeginswith1StepForward, #ZanderSprague #Transformation #Purpose #Identity
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Marathons, Ironman, And The Power Of Starting Late With Jeffrey Weiss
May 400:28:19Tap to summarizeIn this inspiring episode of Epic Begins With 1 Step Forward, Zander Sprague sits down with endurance athlete and author Jeffrey Weiss, whose journey proves it’s never too late to rewrite your story. Starting with his first 10K at age 48, Jeffrey went on to complete marathons, ultra races—including a brutal 72-mile run—and multiple Ironman competitions in his late 50s and early 60s. He shares how setting bold, “big, hairy, audacious goals” transformed not just his fitness, but his mindset and identity. Together, they explore the power of structure, the reality of failure, and why the journey matters more than the finish line. This episode is a powerful reminder that your limits are often self-imposed—and your next step could change everything.EpicBegins.comFree E-book – https://dl.bookfunnel.com/afk096okroApply to be a Guest on My TV show – https://www.epicchoicemedia.com#EPICBeginswith1StepForward, #ZanderSprague, #Marathon, #Ironman, #RacingAgainstTime
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Think Like A Fighter Pilot: The Secret To Staying Ahead In Life And Business With Christian “Boo” Boucousis
Apr 1300:28:08Tap to summarizeIn this high-impact episode of Epic Begins With 1 Step Forward, Zander Sprague sits down with former fighter pilot Christian “Boo” Boucousis, who now helps leaders navigate overwhelm and thrive in the AI-driven world. Boo shares how the fighter pilot mindset—built on clarity, discipline, and constant reflection—translates directly into business and life. From operating at high speed in the cockpit to leading in today’s fast-moving digital landscape, he explains why comfort can limit growth and how small, intentional actions create massive results over time. Together, they explore decision-making under pressure, the power of “not yet,” and why leaders must learn to think differently to stay relevant. This episode is a powerful reminder that epic lives are built one focused step at a time—especially in uncertain environments.EpicBegins.comFree E-book – https://dl.bookfunnel.com/afk096okroApply to be a Guest on My TV show – https://www.epicchoicemedia.com#EPICBeginswith1StepForward, #ZanderSprague, #FighterPilot, #AIDisruption, #OvercomingBurnout
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45 Years Of Caregiving – And The Aha Moment That Changed Everything With Debbie Weiss
Mar 3000:28:06Tap to summarizeIn this powerful episode of Epic Begins With 1 Step Forward, Zander Sprague sits down with author and speaker Debbie Weiss, whose life was shaped by over four decades of caregiving. From supporting her father after a devastating stroke at age 17, to raising a son with special needs, to caring for her terminally ill husband, Debbie shares the emotional toll—and resilience—behind her journey. At 50, burned out and overwhelmed, she experienced a life-changing shift that led her to reclaim her health, lose 90 pounds, and rediscover purpose. Debbie opens up about mindset, small steps, and breaking free from a lifetime of putting herself last. This episode is a heartfelt reminder that it’s never too late to rewrite your story and start living fully.EpicBegins.comFree E-book – https://dl.bookfunnel.com/afk096okroApply to be a Guest on My TV show – https://www.epicchoicemedia.com#EPICBeginswith1StepForward, #ZanderSprague #TerminalIllness #Resilience #SmallSteps
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From Baptist Pastor To FBI Agent: Eric Robinson’s Epic Career Pivot
Mar 2300:28:13Tap to summarizeIn this fascinating episode of Epic Begins With 1 Step Forward, Zander Sprague sits down with Eric Robinson, a recently retired FBI agent whose career path is anything but ordinary. Eric shares how he went from serving as a Baptist pastor to spending 24 years in federal law enforcement. He discusses the surprising reasons behind his career shift, the reality of life inside the FBI, and the lessons learned from working cases involving gangs, organized crime, white-collar crime, and crimes against children. Eric also reflects on the intense camaraderie among agents, the adrenaline of high-risk operations, and the deeper purpose that guided his work. This episode offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at the FBI while exploring courage, service, and the unexpected paths that can shape an epic life.EpicBegins.comFree E-book – https://dl.bookfunnel.com/afk096okroApply to be a Guest on My TV show – https://www.epicchoicemedia.com#EPICBeginswith1StepForward, #ZanderSprague #ChristianMinistry #CareerPivot #LawEnforcement
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Work Rewritten: How To Navigate Careers In The AI Era With Sam Alvita
Mar 1600:27:04Tap to summarizeIn this insightful episode of Epic Begins With 1 Step Forward, Zander Sprague sits down with career strategist Sam Alvita, founder of Work Rewritten, to unpack the rapidly evolving world of modern employment. From shrinking skill lifespans to AI-driven disruption, Sam explains why traditional career advice no longer works—and what to do instead. They discuss layoffs, the emotional toll of job loss, and the impersonal realities behind corporate decisions. Sam shares how to reframe rejection, build agency, and create a flexible strategy in a workforce where stability looks very different from what it did decades ago. Whether you’re entering the job market, pivoting mid-career, or adapting to AI’s impact, this episode offers practical insight and an empowering perspective for navigating change with clarity and confidence.EpicBegins.comFree E-book – https://dl.bookfunnel.com/afk096okroApply to be a Guest on My TV show – https://www.epicchoicemedia.com#EPICBeginswith1StepForward, #ZanderSprague, #CareerPivot, #SkillLifespans, #AIDrivenDisruption
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From Schoolteacher To Circumnavigator: Alison Gieschen’s Epic Leap
Mar 900:31:46Tap to summarizeIn this breathtaking episode of Epic Begins With 1 Step Forward, Zander Sprague sits down with former schoolteacher and author Alison Gieschen, who sold everything with her husband and moved aboard a 43-foot sailboat to circumnavigate the globe. Eight years, 49 countries, four continents—and countless epic unexpecteds—later, Alison shares stories of 20-foot waves, ripped sails, Chinese fishing fleets, mechanical failures, and even a tsunami warning after landfall. From crossing the Atlantic in blissful trade winds to hand-steering 650 miles in brutal Pacific seas, this conversation dives deep into resilience, perspective, simplicity, and freedom. Alison also reflects on how life at sea reshaped her identity, creativity, and priorities. If you’ve ever dreamed of walking away from “normal” to chase something extraordinary, this episode will expand your horizon.EpicBegins.comFree E-book – https://dl.bookfunnel.com/afk096okroApply to be a Guest on My TV show – https://www.epicchoicemedia.com#EPICBeginswith1StepForward, #ZanderSprague #OceanCrossing #Circumnavigation #TsunamiWarning
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