In this episode of the Balanced Warrior Podcast, hosts Michael Mertens and Coach Paul Melella interview Mike Epstein, CEO of Next Gen Agency, a leading provider of VIP outsourced business solutions. Mike shares his inspiring journey from humble beginnings in Shrub Oak, NY, to building a multi-million-dollar company while pursuing his passions as a musician and Harley Davidson enthusiast. He emphasizes the importance of creating a positive workplace culture, hiring the right people, and fostering employee engagement through meaningful incentives, team-building events, and personalized appreciation.

Mike delves into his practices of visualization, meditation, and gratitude, which have been instrumental in his success. He explains how visualizing his goals and maintaining a positive mindset have helped him overcome challenges and achieve a fulfilling life. His nightly routine of affirmations keeps him focused and aligned with his vision. For entrepreneurs, Mike stresses the value of intentional culture, clear goals, and commitment to action. His message serves as a reminder that success is not just about financial achievement but also about happiness, balance, and giving back.

This episode offers actionable insights for anyone striving for multi-dimensional success. Whether you're an entrepreneur or seeking personal growth, Mike’s story highlights the transformative power of mindset and intentionality.

If you enjoyed this podcast, please don’t be shy and share it with anyone who would benefit from its content. Visit empoweredmastery.com for more information, or contact us at info@empoweredmastery.com should you have any questions about Balanced Warrior and Empowered Mastery

In this episode, Coaches Paul, Chris, and Mike are back to dive into how to live a balanced, fulfilled life across health, wealth, and personal growth. We start off with a laugh about Halloween candy temptations and how each of us managed to (mostly) stick to our health commitments by setting some non-negotiables.

Then we get into the main focus of today’s talk: the power of introversion—and why balancing both introverted and extroverted traits can actually help you be more successful and grounded. Paul shares how he evolved from a high-energy, attention-loving kid to a coach who’s learned the value of listening and recharging. Chris talks about his need for solitude, finding his best insights when he’s off in the mountains on a hike. Mike underscores the impact of active listening and asking the right questions, explaining how it helps us connect more deeply and get to the heart of what clients really need.

We talk about the idea of "calm confidence," a mix of humility and grounded self-assurance. Building both listening and communication skills, we believe, can really level up your relationships, your leadership, and your coaching. And of course, we bring it back to martial arts: it’s a powerful way to develop confidence, discipline, and life skills—especially for kids—like eye contact, respect, and composure that carry over to everything else in life.

To wrap things up, we encourage everyone to work on both sides of the spectrum—embracing both introverted and extroverted skills to grow personally and professionally. Thanks for joining us, and tune in for more tips and strategies to find balance in all areas of your life on the next episode of The Balanced Warrior Podcast.

In this episode, Balanced Warrior coaches Chris Berlow and Paul Melella explore the five Rules of Il Il Shin to develop personal growth, self-mastery, and mindfulness. In the discussion, they emphasize the need for continuous improvement, self-awareness, and the establishment of individual rules and highlight the importance of balanced states, mental breaks, and meditation for maintaining productivity. They also stress the importance of humility, accountability, and having accountability partners in leadership. Key takeaways from the podcast…

• Practice the 10 Rules of Ill Shin: Focus on eliminating anger and adhering to principles even without external expectations.
• Daily Tea Ceremonies: Maintain rituals with family for quality time and self-reflection.
• Regular Meditation: Implement morning, midday, and evening practices for balance and clarity.
• Mentorship: Continue guiding proteges and passing on specialized knowledge to the next generation.
• Accountability Practice: Take ownership of mistakes, ask for forgiveness, and engage in service recovery when necessary.

If you enjoyed this podcast, please don’t be shy and share it with anyone who would benefit from its content. Visit empoweredmastery.com for more information, or contact us at info@empoweredmastery.com should you have any questions about Balanced Warrior and Empowered Mastery.

In this episode of Balanced Warrior, we have the privilege of hosting Jill Russack, an empowerment coach dedicated to helping high-performing women navigate career uncertainties, conquer self-doubt, and emerge as confident leaders.

Key Takeaways:

1. Cultivating a clear vision for advancing in your career.

2. Developing the ability to spot hidden opportunities and leverage them.

3. Investing in yourself, with a coach as a transformative ally.

4. Overcoming and dispelling internal narratives that hinder personal growth.

5. Embracing and aligning with your core values to shape your identity.

6. Setting clear goals and directions for personal and professional growth.

7. Embracing action over regrets to propel yourself forward.

Tune in to gain valuable insights and strategies to empower yourself on the path to success and self-actualization.

In this episode of the Balanced Warrior Podcast, hosts Michael Mertens and Paul Mellela dive into the critical concept of longevity and how to prepare for a life of multidimensional success. As they celebrate Michael's 54th birthday, they reflect on their journeys and share insights on maintaining physical, mental, and emotional health well into later life.

Key Discussion Points:

• Longevity Mindset: Mike and Paul emphasize the importance of planning not just for financial security in old age but also for physical, mental, and emotional health. They challenge the notion that aging means slowing down and instead advocate for a proactive approach to staying robust and healthy well into your later years.
• The Role of Ego and Emotional Connection: While initial motivations for health may stem from ego, such as wanting to look good, they emphasize that deeper, more emotional reasons should drive long-term health goals—like being there for your family and experiencing life fully.
• Social Health: The episode also highlights the importance of maintaining a social network, which is crucial for longevity. Mike and Paul discuss how surrounding yourself with a community that values fitness and well-being can provide positive peer pressure and accountability.

• Simple Actions, Big Impact: Mike and Paul close by emphasizing the power of making small, consistent efforts in diet and exercise that can significantly improve your health.

If you found value in this episode, share it with someone who could benefit from these insights. For more resources on achieving multidimensional success, visit empoweredmastery.com or reach out to us at info@empoweredmastery.com.

- Avoid letting summer turn into the lost quarter

- High performers celebrate, recuperate, and recharge, then swiftly return to their routines

- Adapt your habits to the changing seasons, but maintain consistent effort

- Consistency throughout the year leads to significant rewards in health, work, and career

- Take control of how you perceive and approach the summer season

• Infuse excitement into your goals by gamifying them, enabling you to eagerly adapt and explore fresh concepts

If you enjoyed this podcast, please share it with anyone who might benefit from its content. For more information, visit empoweredmastery.com or contact us at info@empoweredmastery.com with any questions about Balanced Warrior and Empowered Mastery.

This week on the Balanced Warrior podcast, coaches Chris Berlow, Michael Mertens, and Paul Melella join us to inspire and entertain. Inspired by one of Paul’s clients, who admitted struggling to stay focused amidst the current political climate, this episode is not about politics but about maintaining focus. The central question is: How do we stay productive and focused with so many distractions around us? Paul, Chris, and Mike offer powerful insights on protecting your mindset and freeing yourself from distractions so you can maximize your time and live your best life. Key takeaways include:

• Clearly define your goals and the steps needed to achieve them.
• Be ruthless with time management.
• Schedule appointments with yourself and treat your most important tasks as if you were meeting a client or customer.
• Reflect on whether your current activities are deposits or withdrawals toward your success.
• If you find yourself getting distracted, spend time in nature to regain clarity.
• Ask yourself, as a result of this information, what will I do differently?
• Let your inner voice overpower external influences.
• Most importantly, always keep the main thing the main thing.

If you enjoyed this podcast, please share it with anyone who might benefit from its content. For more information, visit empoweredmastery.com or contact us at info@empoweredmastery.com for any questions about Balanced Warrior and Empowered Mastery.

Curt Thomas, a dynamic keynote speaker with over 23 years of leadership and management expertise, shares his inspirational journey from overcoming the challenges of failing 9th grade to becoming a successful professional.

His diverse career spans from serving as an enlisted airman in the Air Force, a dedicated state trooper in South Carolina, to a seasoned account manager in a Fortune 500 company. Currently, Curt serves as a medical officer in the Air Force Reserve, demonstrating his unwavering dedication to service. Alongside, he is a thriving entrepreneur running CURT THOMAS UNLIMITED, LLC, and DENALI CONSULTING GROUP, LLC.

With a Bachelor's degree in Sociology from Claflin University, a Master's in Leadership from The Citadel, and pursuing a doctoral degree at Trevecca Nazarene University, Curt leverages his educational background and rich experiences to guide organizations towards achieving their goals through authentic leadership.

As an accomplished author of 9 published books, Curt empowers individuals to unleash their full potential and become their best selves. His impactful message emphasizes the power of mindset and resilience in the face of challenges, inspiring lasting positive change and transformation within organizations nationwide.

**Key Takeaways from the Show:**

- Curt's temporary failures fueled his drive to work harder and achieve success in life.

- Transitioning from a life he disliked to focusing on his desired identity inspired his personal growth journey.

- In the face of adversity, Curt shares the choice to either succumb like a victim or rise above challenges with resilience and a determined spirit.

- Years of personal development and learning from high achievers empowered Curt to understand the importance of mindset and attitude shifts in navigating both personal and professional difficulties, leading him to rediscover the path to success.