Podcast
Spartan Leadership with Josh Kosnick
Hosted by Josh Kosnick · EN
Good and Great Are the Enemies of Possible™️
Leadership and business coach Josh Kosnick has conversations with some of the greatest minds in leadership both in business, community, and politics. Guests provide insights from years of experience, delivering powerful messages to help you live a more inspired and impactful life.
22episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
From One Can to a National Brand: The Carbliss Playbook
4d ago01:12:50Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailWhat does it really look like to go from a $2,500 bet to a 9‑figure beverage brand?In this episode of Spartan Leadership, Josh Kosnick sits down with Adam Kroener, co‑founder and president of Carbliss, to break down how he went from putting a drink “in a can” and “selling the shit out of it” to building a massive ready‑to‑drink cocktail company. Adam shares how a backyard idea turned into a real business, why his wife’s 25 “better questions” became their first business plan, and how they ended up doing the exact opposite of what was on that plan once they got into the real world.Adam pulls back the curtain on formulation, distribution, culture, and the realities of scaling, including flying to California to dial in flavor because he didn’t know how to describe what he was tasting, honoring his late best friend through the parent company name, and learning to ask experts better questions instead of pretending to know it all.You’ll hear the unpolished story behind Carbliss, from early fears and $2,500 on the line to navigating explosive growth, hiring, and building a team that can sell “the shit out of it” without losing who they are.In this episode:• The $2,500 down-payment story and the “put it in a can” moment with his wife• How a non-beverage guy learned to talk to beverage experts and dial in flavor• Turning 25 questions into a business plan they eventually did the opposite of• Honoring a best friend through the parent company behind Carbliss• What it really takes to scale from an idea to a 9-figure brandConnect with Adam Kroener | adamkroener.comDrink Carbliss | https://drinkcarbliss.comFollow Josh Kosnick | joshkosnick.comTimestamps: 00:00 Cold open – “Put it in a can and sell the shit out of it” 00:57 Welcome back + who Adam is and why his story matters 02:23 Army deployment to Iraq and how it shaped his leadership 04:11 From factory floor to leading 1,000+ people in manufacturing 07:41 Early failed business, delusional confidence, and what he learned 10:22 The $2,500 bet and the origin story of Carbliss 12:32 Visionary vs. integrator – building the business with his wife 13:54 Why Carbliss tastes like the name on the can (product and flavor philosophy)39:57 Family, staying grounded, and building a life around the business 01:08:01 Legacy, the real American Dream, and Adam’s final leadership lesson#SpartanLeadership #AdamKroener #Carbliss #Entrepreneurship #StartupStory #BusinessPodcast #Founders #Leadership #BeverageIndustry #CPG #DrinkBusiness #SmallBusiness #BusinessGrowth #VeteranOwned #HusbandAndWifeTeamSupport the showCONNECT WITH ME HERE:FacebookInstagramLinkedInTwitterTikTokYouTubeSUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST HERE:Apple PodcastsSpotifyYouTube
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How to Use New Tools to Buy Back Your Time and Win | Matt Schmitt
2w ago00:36:26Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailAI isn’t here to replace you. It’s here to multiply you.In this Spartan Leadership episode, Josh sits down with entrepreneur and operator Matt Schmitt to break down why his core thesis is simple: AI + humans = superpowers. Matt shares how he went from an IT grad in the Great Recession, to buying cans for Anheuser-Busch, to building and exiting e‑commerce brands, and now to building AI tools that help small operators move like an army without losing the handshake, the character, or the relationship.They talk about how to use AI without handing over your thinking, why the “big guys” will cut people while the real competitive advantage for small businesses is keeping your people and equipping them, and how faith, marriage, and fatherhood have shaped the way Matt builds.Connect with Josh Kosnick: https://joshkosnick.comConnect with Matt Schmitt: https://www.linkedin.com/in/realmattschmittSupport the showCONNECT WITH ME HERE:FacebookInstagramLinkedInTwitterTikTokYouTubeSUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST HERE:Apple PodcastsSpotifyYouTube
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Purpose Is a Verb: Dr. Christine Whelan on Redefining Success After Your Plans Fall Apart
3w ago00:57:59Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailWhat do you do when the business, career, or life plan you built your identity on suddenly disappears?In this episode of Spartan Leadership, Josh Kosnick sits down with Dr. Christine Whelan, the “purpose professor,” to talk about why purpose is a verb—something you do every day with your gifts and values—rather than a job title or a single life calling.They unpack what happens when everything falls apart: Josh’s story of losing his business five years ago, empty nest transitions, career changes, and the quiet identity crises that come when a chapter ends. Dr. Whelan explains how to separate your purpose from your role, why transitions make purpose feel more urgent, and how to design a life where you spend more time on the things you’re gifted at and actually enjoy.You’ll hear a research‑backed definition of purpose, a fresh take on happiness as a byproduct (not the goal), and a practical framework for living with pro‑social purpose—using your gifts, in keeping with your values, to positively impact other people in the community. If you’ve ever asked “What now?” after a loss, layoff, or big life change, this conversation is for you.In this episode:• Why “purpose is a verb,” not a one‑time discovery or slogan• How to think about purpose when your business, role, or season ends• Designing work you love using a simple “T‑chart” exercise• Purpose in parenting and raising kids who live their values• Pro‑social purpose, “eco‑you” vs “ego‑you,” and why community mattersConnect with Dr. Christine Whelan: - Website: https://christinewhelan.com- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cbwhelan/Connect with Josh Kosnick:- LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/joshkosnick- Instagram: https://instagram.com/joshkosnick- Website: https://joshkosnick.com #PurposeIsAVerb #ChristineWhelan #SpartanLeadership #PurposeAfterLoss #LifeTransitions #FindYourPurpose #ChristianLeadership #BusinessLeadership #PersonalGrowth #Podcast Support the showCONNECT WITH ME HERE:FacebookInstagramLinkedInTwitterTikTokYouTubeSUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST HERE:Apple PodcastsSpotifyYouTube
Transcribe →This is the Leadership Skill Our Culture Forgot
Jun 200:23:50Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailIn this solo episode of Spartan Leadership, Josh Kosnick tackles a problem that’s quietly wrecking our society, our homes, and our boardrooms: the inability to hold two truths at the same time. From Memorial Day to the boardroom to your marriage, he breaks down how binary thinking masquerades as conviction while quietly destroying wisdom, trust, and culture.You’ll hear why being “for” or “against” everything isn’t strength, it’s rigidity — and how real leaders learn to sit in tension, honor complexity, and still make clear decisions. Josh then walks through six practical disciplines you can start using this week to build the muscle of holding two truths without folding under pressure.If you’re a leader at work, at home, or in your community, this episode will challenge how you think, how you decide, and how you show up when things get complex.🔗 Learn more and go deeper with The Kairos Code at thekairoscode.com⏱️ Timestamps00:00 – What happens when you can’t hold two truths and why it limits everything downstream 00:22 – Six practical disciplines to build the “two truths” leadership muscle 00:49 – Stop reacting: creating a gap between stimulus and response so wisdom can get in 01:28 – Welcome back to Spartan Leadership with Josh Kosnick; introducing “Two Truths” 02:01 – From BLM and “defund the police” to everyday conversations: how we’re trained to pick a side 02:26 – “Not every cop is bad, : both/and thinking in practice 02:48 – Why having to pick a side on everything has frustrated Josh for years 03:10 – How this conditioning is showing up in your home and your boardroom 03:35 – Memorial Day: honoring the men and women who gave their lives in service to this country 03:54 – Anti‑war and pro‑soldier: holding two truths that culture treats as incompatible 04:18 – Against war, honoring every fallen soldier, and why that’s now seen as controversial 05:11 – What we’ve lost in society, in homes, and in business: the ability to hold two truths 05:36 – Binary thinking feels like conviction but is actually rigidity and limitation 06:07 – How algorithms reward hot takes over wisdom and train us for performance, not discernment 07:03 – From newspapers to modern media: why the hot take wins and corrections disappear 07:28 – When two truths can’t coexist, all that’s left is power — the loudest voice wins 08:03 – Inside the boardroom: growth versus sustainability and why both are true at the same time 08:32 – Dysfunctional leadership teams: ego with a title versus searching for truth 08:59 – Visionary and Integrator: the EOS structure built on two necessary truthsSupport the showCONNECT WITH ME HERE:FacebookInstagramLinkedInTwitterTikTokYouTubeSUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST HERE:Apple PodcastsSpotifyYouTube
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Thomas Massie vs AIPAC: $35M Primary Fight & What Trump’s REALLY Doing to America
May 2601:05:44Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailThomas Massie is facing a $35 million AIPAC-funded primary challenge—the most expensive congressional race in history. Why? Because he stood on principle instead of party loyalty. In this Leadership In Review episode, we break down what’s really happening in American politics, Trump’s broken promises on gas prices and America First, and the business lessons you need to hear.Jason Smith (constitutional law expert) and Emanuel Whitfield (entrepreneur) join Josh Kosnick for an unfiltered breakdown of principle vs. politics, foreign policy reality, and why execution beats ideas every single time—featuring the legendary Michael Jackson 3AM story.If you care about political integrity, business success, or understanding how money controls Congress, this conversation will open your eyes.⏱️ CHAPTERS:0:00 - Why We Do Leadership In Review: Real Conversations, Real Friends3:03 - Thomas Massie Primary: AIPAC’s $35M Campaign Explained5:20 - Massie’s Controversial Votes: Border Wall & Big Beautiful Bill7:20 - Principle vs Party Loyalty: Where Do You Draw the Line?9:00 - Can You Be Too Conservative? Legislative Teamwork Debate10:25 - Trump’s Broken Promises: Gas Prices & Neglecting America11:18 - Israel vs Iran Foreign Policy: The Real Debate No One’s Having13:15 - JD Vance on Team Politics: “If We Can’t Count On You…”19:00 - Big Beautiful Bill Analysis: Helping Workers or Adding Debt?20:45 - Trump’s Empathy Problem: “Patriots Will Suck It Up”22:00 - Business Success Reality: Right Place, Right People, Right Time24:00 - Kushner’s $200 Billion Saudi Deal: How Connections Work25:00 - The Tasting Room Effect: Networking That Actually Pays27:00 - Midterm Preview: What Massie’s Race Means for 202629:00 - Information Age Paradox: Why Knowledge Isn’t Power30:00 - Execution Over Ideas: Why Most People Fail30:45 - Michael Jackson’s 3AM Call: Act Before Prince Gets Your Idea🔥 KEY TOPICS COVERED:Thomas Massie Kentucky primary election, AIPAC political spending, JD Vance team politics statement, Trump second term performance, gas prices rising under Trump, America First foreign policy debate, Israel Iran policy controversy, principle versus party loyalty, congressional voting records, business networking strategies, execution versus ideas in business, Michael Jackson creative process, deal making in cigar lounges, political influence money, 2026 midterm election predictions👥 GUESTS:Jason Smith - Constitutional law background, owns The Tasting Room Madison, believes in coalition building for transformative legislationEmanuel Whitfield - Serial entrepreneur, business owner, political independent who calls out hypocrisy on both sides of the aisle---📺 MORE SPARTAN LEADERSHIP:Subscribe for monthly Leadership In Review episodes where we discuss politics, business, and life over cigars—and still walk out as friends.🔗 JOSH KOSNICK:Website: https://www.joshkosnick.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/joshkosnickLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshkosnick#ThomasMassie #AIPAC #Trump2026 #LeadershipInReview #PoliticalDebate #AmericaFirst #GasPrices #CongressionalPolitics #BusinessNetworking #ExecutionOverIdeas #MichaelJackson #EntrepreneurMindset #2026Elections #PoliticalPrinciples #spartanleadershipSupport the showCONNECT WITH ME HERE:FacebookInstagramLinkedInTwitterTikTokYouTubeSUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST HERE:Apple PodcastsSpotifyYouTube
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Inside Vortex Optics: What Really Drives the Brand and the People Behind It | Joe Hamilton
May 1201:06:43Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailMost conversations about Vortex Optics focus on the products. This one is about the people and the principles behind the glass.In this Spartan Leadership episode, Joe Hamilton, CEO of Vortex Optics, gives an inside look at what truly drives the brand — from his father’s original vision to the employee‑owners in Barneveld who show up like it’s their company, and the front‑line team that lives out “we’ll take care of you” every single day.We go deep on:Why Vortex once refused to let a flattering article run because it focused too much on the Hamilton family and not enough on staff and customersHow the “About You” core value (instead of “About Us”) became the lens for every decision they makeThe story behind CARE — Create A Rare Experience — and how they build systems that let humans serve humans, not hide behind policiesWhat it actually looks like to empower front‑line team members to solve problems without a scriptWhy Joe believes scale and efficiency are NOT the ultimate thing, and how that conviction shapes the way they treat one customer at a timeThe weight of being trusted with a 10‑year, life‑and‑death U.S. Army contract — and what that does to the standards inside the buildingHow legacy, stewardship, and his dad’s example keep Joe grounded as a leaderThis is not a product review, a brand commercial, or a highlight reel. It’s a behind‑the‑scenes look at how Vortex thinks, what it expects from its people, and why the culture feels different when you walk through the doors.If you’ve ever wondered, “What actually makes Vortex Vortex?” — this is the episode.Chapters:00:00 – Why this isn’t a typical CEO interview02:00 – The article Vortex refused and what it revealed03:00 – “About You,” Joe’s dad, and customer‑first values07:00 – CARE: Create A Rare Experience12:30 – A binocular, a son, and a rare experience in real life15:00 – Why scale and efficiency aren’t the ultimate thing20:00 – VIP Warranty and empowering the team to do what’s right27:00 – Inside the Army contract and raising the bar internally40:00 – Developing leaders and protecting the culture55:00 – Legacy, stewardship, and the future of VortexLearn more about Vortex Optics: https://vortexoptics.com/Connect with Josh Kosnick: joshkosnick.comFollow Joe Hamilton on Social Media: https://www.instagram.com/joehamiltonlive/#leadership #VortexOptics #companyculture #business #entrepreneurship #servantleadership #legacy #brandbuilding #customerobsession #customerservice #SpartanLeadership #podcast #businessleadership #mindset #highperformance #employeeowned #culturematters #faithinbusiness #purpose #JoshKosnickSupport the showCONNECT WITH ME HERE:FacebookInstagramLinkedInTwitterTikTokYouTubeSUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST HERE:Apple PodcastsSpotifyYouTube
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Neutral Thinking Under Fire: World Series Mental Coach on How Leaders Actually Win Today
May 500:50:52Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailWorld Series rings don’t come from hype—they come from how you think when everything is on the line.In this conversation, Josh Kosnick sits down with Joshua Lifrak, Director of Performance and Coaching at Limitless Minds and former Chicago Cubs Mental Skills Coach, to unpack the mindset systems behind the 2016 World Series run and how those same tools translate directly into the boardroom, the home, and your inner life.They break down neutral thinking, why most leaders live in reaction instead of response, and how to shift from life by default to Win Today—no matter what happened yesterday. You’ll hear real stories from the Cubs’ clubhouse, lessons from elite performers and corporate leaders, and practical mental drills you can start using tomorrow morning.If you’re a founder, executive, or business owner carrying real pressure—team, payroll, marriage, kids—this episode will challenge how you process adversity, define success, and lead when the moment gets loud.In this episode:The inside story of the Cubs’ 2016 World Series run and what was happening “between the ears” that fans never sawWhat “be present, not perfect” looks like when the scoreboard, investors, or your family are watchingNeutral thinking vs positive thinking—and why neutrality creates better decisions under pressureThe six steps from Win Today and how they connect with the Five Bridges of Kairos (Spiritual, Internal, Relationships, Environment, Legacy)Why high achievers resist “Mile Zero” and drift into complacency after big winsHow visualization actually works for elite performers—and how leaders can use it before key meetings, pitches, and hard conversationsThe illusion of choice, failure as a non‑negotiable, and what it really costs to stay comfortableReady for a room where leaders tell the truth faster?If this conversation hits home, you’re exactly the kind of leader Bridge Builder Mastermind is built for—a table of owners and executives who are done pretending everything is fine while carrying the full weight of their business and life.Bridge Builder Mastermind is for leaders who have already built something meaningful, but know there’s another level of clarity, courage, and consistency required for the next chapter. Monthly, in‑person sessions in Madison, WI where we tackle real decisions, not hypotheticals—and you walk out with concrete next steps, not just motivation.→ Apply here: https://www.joshkosnick.com/mastermindSupport the showCONNECT WITH ME HERE:FacebookInstagramLinkedInTwitterTikTokYouTubeSUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST HERE:Apple PodcastsSpotifyYouTube
Transcribe →If Your Best Days Are Behind You, You Are the Problem
Apr 2800:05:57Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailNo one sets out for a mediocre life. We drift there—one delayed decision, one small compromise at a time.In this solo episode of Spartan Leadership, Josh Kosnick shares the real story behind buying 80 acres, walking away from comfort, and deciding his best days would not be behind him, but built in front of him. You’ll hear the raw driveway moment, the tension between “good enough” and calling, and why protecting the life you’ve built can quietly kill the life you’re meant to live.If you’ve felt yourself coasting, maintaining, or living on drift, this is a calm but direct invitation to wake up, take ownership, and start building with intention again—at home, in business, and in your leadership.If this episode hits home, share it with someone who needs the reminder that their story isn’t finished—and neither are their best days.👉 Ready to stop drifting and start building with other serious leaders?Join Josh inside the Bridge Builder Mastermind—a high-accountability community for founders and leaders committed to spiritual, internal, relational, environmental, and legacy growth.Apply here: joshkosnick.com/mastermindSupport the showCONNECT WITH ME HERE:FacebookInstagramLinkedInTwitterTikTokYouTubeSUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST HERE:Apple PodcastsSpotifyYouTube
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Building a Business You Actually Enjoy (The Whole PIE of Profit, Impact, and Enjoyment) | Andy Clark
Apr 1400:50:13Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailIn this episode of Spartan Leadership, Josh sits down with Andy Clark — bestselling author, business strategist, and creator of The Whole PIE System™, a framework that helps small-business owners build companies that are more profitable, more impactful, and actually enjoyable to run.Josh and Andy go beyond the “business framework” and dig into the man behind it: the tradeoffs, breakdowns, and convictions that led Andy to redesign his life and work around profit, impact, and enjoyment instead of endless hustle. They explore the $500K–$5M bottleneck, the hidden costs of firefighting, and why enjoyment is a serious metric for leaders who want a business that serves their life, not the other way around.You’ll hear candid stories about fear, clarity, and calling; how structure creates freedom for both owners and their families; and what legacy Andy wants to leave as a husband, father, and guide to small-business leaders.🔑 Want to grow alongside high-performing leaders? Join the Bridge Builder Mastermind: https://www.joshkosnick.com/mastermindJosh Kosnick:🌐 Website: https://www.joshkosnick.com🧠 Bridge Builder Mastermind: https://www.joshkosnick.com/mastermind🎤 Speaking: https://www.joshkosnick.com/speaking📖 Book – The Kairos Code: https://www.joshkosnick.com/thekairoscodeSupport the showCONNECT WITH ME HERE:FacebookInstagramLinkedInTwitterTikTokYouTubeSUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST HERE:Apple PodcastsSpotifyYouTube
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What’s Really Happening in Iran?
Apr 701:15:19Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailWhat’s really happening with Iran, political corruption, and the growing collapse of leadership?In this episode of Leadership in Review, we break down the real issues behind global conflict, media narratives, and the erosion of trust in leadership.This isn’t surface-level commentary.This is a direct conversation about: • The Iran situation and rising global tension • Political corruption and institutional distrust • Free speech, media influence, and narrative control • Why leadership is breaking down across politics, business, and cultureWhen leadership fails at the highest levels, it doesn’t stay there—it impacts everything.So the real question becomes:What does strong leadership look like in a world like this?At Spartan Leadership, we challenge leaders to think critically, take ownership, and lead with clarity—especially when things get uncertain.Because leadership isn’t about titles.It’s about responsibility.Call to Action:Subscribe for more episodes of Leadership in Review.Share this with someone who needs to think deeper about what’s really going on.Support the showCONNECT WITH ME HERE:FacebookInstagramLinkedInTwitterTikTokYouTubeSUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST HERE:Apple PodcastsSpotifyYouTube
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