The Alignment Show – Détails, épisodes et analyse

What happens when we stop trying to master technology and start learning with it?

In this episode of The Alignment Show, I sit down with Joshua Hale — a self-taught “holistic tech wizard” who helps creators and entrepreneurs build businesses that serve life instead of consuming it. Joshua’s journey runs from the intensity of restaurant kitchens to the freedom of leading his own AI-driven strategy practice. Along the way, he’s learned that the most valuable skill in a changing world isn’t technical expertise — it’s curiosity.

We talk about his “teach-by-doing” approach, the mindset of an autodidact, and how authenticity becomes an asset in an era when anyone can access unlimited information. Joshua also shares his 10-80-10 Method — 10 percent human idea, 80 percent AI execution, 10 percent human refinement — and why seeing AI as a creative co-pilot, not a competitor, can expand both your freedom and your impact.

If you’ve ever wondered how to use AI without losing yourself in the process, or how to build a business around learning, purpose, and humanity, you’ll find this conversation both practical and deeply encouraging.

About Joshua Hale

Joshua Hale is a holistic tech strategist and AI mentor who helps creators and entrepreneurs build life-first businesses—ventures that align purpose, technology, and personal well-being. A self-taught innovator, he blends systems thinking, marketing strategy, and real-world experimentation to make complex technology accessible and empowering. Through his company and community work, Joshua equips people to use AI as a tool for clarity, creativity, and connection rather than complexity or control.

Resources & Links

Connect with Joshua Hale🌐 JoshuaHale.io🔗 Joshua's resources for you💼 Joshua Hale on LinkedIn

Mentioned in This Episode

* The 10-80-10 Method: Joshua’s framework for balancing human creativity and AI efficiency.

* Ikigai: The Japanese concept of finding alignment between what you love, what you’re good at, and what the world will pay for.

* Joanna Penn: Writer and podcaster who inspires creators to integrate AI ethically and creatively.

Connect with Donn King✉️ Subscribe to The Alignment Show newsletter at TheAlignmentshow.com.

🌎 Learn more about my books at DonnKing.com/Books. Take a look at Creating While Caring, my latest book.

You can get links to video or audio versions of this episode at DonnKing.com/98. Or (if you’re seeing this in email), just click on the headline to listen via your Substack app, which is probably the best way to watch/listen to either format.

You can catch the video on YouTube or audio versions of all episodes later at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon podcasts, and (always) Substack.

If you get value from the show, consider supporting us through Buy Me a Coffee. You can make a one-time contribution or sign up for regular support. Your support helps me continue helping you and others, and thank you in advance!

You can also subscribe on Substack for free OR upgrade to a paid subscription to receive the following bonus material for each episode:

* The “Big Takeaway”

* A bulleted summary of the episode

* Practical tips from the episode

* A quote to ponder

* Prefer text? We turn each podcast into an article.

Plus, Founding Members receive ebook copies of all my books as well as a sponsorship message on the podcast at least once a month.

That’s our way for saying “thanks for the support!”

Note: if you accidentally subscribe on ConfidenceCultivators.com (which used to host the show), I will comp you the equivalent subscription on King’s Chronicles, the new home of The Alignment Show.

Listen here or watch video on YouTube:

In this episode of The Alignment Show, I sit down with returning guest Jeff West, one of our “stars in alignment,” to talk about his newest book, The Hidden Heist, co-authored with Bill Cates.

Jeff has built a reputation for crafting business parables, stories that don’t just explain principles but draw you in through characters and plot. The Hidden Heist may be his boldest yet: a personal finance parable set entirely during a bank robbery. With humor, tension, and unexpected twists, Jeff and Bill tackle the money myths that hold so many people hostage, while showing the habits that can change a financial future.

We also dig into the craft of writing parables—how flawed characters, lived stories, and surprising turns make lessons stick more than any how-to guide could. Along the way, Jeff shares insights about co-authoring, weaving personal experience into fiction, and the unique role of storytelling in an age of AI.

Whether you’re curious about money, storytelling, or simply living in closer alignment with your values, you’ll find both encouragement and practical wisdom here.

You can hear audio versions of this podcast at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon podcasts, and Substack. Catch the show notes at DonnKing.com/97.

Resources mentioned in this episode include:

* Our sponsor, Butterfly Copywriting. Check it out at https://DonnKing.com/Butterfly.

* Donn King’s books. Find out about his latest and all his others at https://DonnKing.com/Books.

* All about Jeff’s new book written along with Bill Cates at https://TheHiddenHeist.com.

* A free resource from Bill Cates at https://TheOrdinaryMillionaire.com.

Remember that we have moved our home over to our new site at TheAlignmentShow.com. We encourage you to subscribe there!

If you get value from the show, consider supporting us through Buy Me a Coffee. You can make a one-time contribution or sign up for regular support. Your support helps me continue helping you and others, and thank you in advance!

You can also subscribe on Substack for free OR upgrade to a paid subscription to receive the following bonus material for each episode:

* The “Big Takeaway”

* A bulleted summary of the episode

* Practical tips from the episode

* A quote to ponder

* A topic index with timestamps

Plus, Founding Members receive ebook copies of all my books as well as a sponsorship message on the podcast at least once a month.

That’s our way for saying “thanks for the support!”

Note: if you accidentally subscribe on ConfidenceCultivators.com (which used to host the show), I will comp you the equivalent subscription on King’s Chronicles, the new home of The Alignment Show.

Dan Janal thought he was the picture of health, working out regularly, feeling fine, living fully. So when a routine checkup turned into a life-threatening diagnosis, everything changed… and so did his mindset.

In this powerful and deeply personal conversation, Dan shares how he went from shocked patient to hopeful guide, using his skills as a writer and speaker to reframe what it means to live with cancer. What begins as a health crisis becomes a life mission and a lesson in hope, presence, and purpose for all of us.

If you’ve ever faced something unexpected, or you’re looking for a practical example of living in alignment with your values even in the hardest seasons, this episode will move you.

We talked about these resources:

* Cured: Strengthen Your Immune System and Heal Your Life by Jeffrey Rediger.

* Dan’s web site for Reframing Cancer.

* Dan’s Substack.

* Lois Creamer’s episode 80.

* The world-famous Mayo Clinic.

* Our sponsor: Saleswise Live™.

* Our sponsor: Donn’s books.

You can catch video replays at the following links, or hear audio replays at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon podcasts, and Substack.

* LinkedIn

* YouTube

* Facebook

If you get value from the show, consider supporting us through Buy Me a Coffee. You can make a one-time contribution or sign up for regular support. Your support helps me continue helping you and others, and thank you in advance!

You can also subscribe on Substack for free OR upgrade to a paid subscription to receive a bonus post each month for subscribers only, including an audio version. Plus, Founding Members receive ebook copies of all my books.

UPDATE: We are experimenting with bonus material for Paid subscribers (including those who support us through regular Buy Me a Coffee payments). We will now share with Paid subscribers the following bonus material for each episode:

* The “Big Takeaway”

* A bulleted summary of the episode

* Practical tips from the episode

* A quote to ponder

* A topic index with timestamps

That’s our way for saying “thanks for the support!”

Thanks for reading The Confidence Cultivator! This post is public so feel free to share it.

What if grief could become a gateway to transformation, not just sorrow?

In this powerful episode, Donn talked with grief educator Suzanne Jabour, who shared her moving journey after the loss of her 22-year-old son, Ben. Suzanne doesn’t offer platitudes; she offers permission. Permission to grieve differently. Permission to support others more meaningfully. And permission to be curious even in the darkest places.

Whether you’re walking through your own loss or want to better support someone who is, this conversation will change the way you think about grief and connection.

Resources we discussed include:

* Suzanne’s website.

* Suzanne’s LinkedIn.

* A previous episode about managing grief with Kevin O’Connor.

* Saleswise Live™.

* Donn’s books.

* “Writing Home: A Short Story about the Real Final Frontier,” a free short story to support you in living your own values.

You can catch video replays at the following links, or hear audio replays at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon podcasts, and Substack.

* LinkedIn

* YouTube

* Facebook

If you get value from the show, consider supporting us through Buy Me a Coffee. You can make a one-time contribution or sign up for regular support. Your support helps me continue helping you and others, and thank you in advance!

You know someone who needs this kind of support. Help them out!

You can also subscribe on Substack for free OR upgrade to a paid subscription to receive a bonus post each month for subscribers only, including an audio version. Plus, Founding Members receive ebook copies of all my books.

The Confidence Cultivator is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

What does it take to follow your passion—responsibly?

In this episode of The Alignment Show, I sat down with Ahuva Gruen, founder of AG Financial CPA, to explore her inspiring journey from corporate CFO to independent business owner. Ahuva shared how she aligned her career with her lifelong entrepreneurial spirit, even in the face of major life transitions. We discussed the difference between a CPA and a CFO, why businesses need strategic financial leadership, and how individuals can responsibly pursue their dreams without sacrificing stability. Whether you're considering a leap toward your own business or looking to strengthen the one you already have, this conversation is packed with wisdom about living your values, taking smart risks, and building a thriving future.

Resources we mentioned include:

* Ahuva’s website

* Ahuva on LinkedIn

* Saleswise Live™

* Donn’s books

You can catch video replays at the following links, or hear audio replays at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon podcasts, and Substack.

* LinkedIn

* YouTube

* Facebook

Share your comments, even though the broadcast is over! We always pay attention and would love to continue the conversation.

If you get value from the show, consider supporting us through Buy Me a Coffee. You can make a one-time contribution or sign up for regular support. Your support helps me continue helping you and others, and thank you in advance!

You can also subscribe on Substack for free OR upgrade to a paid subscription to receive a bonus post each month for subscribers only, including an audio version. Plus, Founding Members receive ebook copies of all my books.

You know someone who could use this boost!

When the pandemic shook up our routines, many people didn’t just quit their jobs. They realigned their lives. That’s why I called it the Great Realignment rather than the Great Resignation. But now, five years later, is that sense of realignment still alive?

In this solo episode, I reflect on the origins of The Alignment Show and explore whether it’s time to pause and ask: Am I still living in alignment with what matters most to me?

We unpacked the difference between goals and mission, the trap of chasing the merely urgent, and how small moments of reflection, even five minutes at a time, can steer you toward a more meaningful life. I also shared a few personal stories, insights from friends of the show, and why I believe your values deserve a fresh look.

🔗 Mentioned in this episode:

* My Books

* SalesWise Live

* Wordslinger Podcast by Kevin Tumlinson for all things Kevin, along with the specific episode I mentioned.

* The Alignment episode with Kevin

* The book we mentioned about keeping your earning activities separate from your passion activities is Creating the Life You Really Want, Building the Career You Truly Desire.

* We mentioned the idea that we have crossed the mountains (which means we’ve left the “old normal” behind), and we’re not going back to the way things were before. That concept was explored deeply in Canoeing the Mountains by Tod Bolsinger.

* My other Substack is King’s Chronicles. It has a little different focus, but it is likely one that would appeal to listeners of The Alignment Show.

* We talked about the Eisenhower Matrix. You can learn more about it here.

* We mentioned Life 101: Everything We Wish We Had Learned About Life in School—But Didn't

You can catch video replays at the following links, or hear audio replays at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon podcasts, and Substack.

* LinkedIn

* YouTube

* Facebook

If you get value from the show, consider supporting us through Buy Me a Coffee. You can make a one-time contribution or sign up for regular support. Your support helps me continue helping you and others, and thank you in advance!

You can also subscribe on Substack for free OR upgrade to a paid subscription to receive a bonus post each month for subscribers only, including an audio version. Plus, Founding Members receive ebook copies of all my books.

The Confidence Cultivator is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

You know someone who could benefit from these insights.

Note: I’m running a little behind posting the show notes and audio podcast for this episode. My grandson wound up needing emergency surgery (he is OK now), and so I just now have time to get it posted. But Kevin is worth waiting for!

I’m thrilled to welcome back one of our "Stars in Alignment"—Kevin Tumlinson. Kevin is a bestselling author, entrepreneur, podcaster, and one of the most values-centered creatives I know. He’s also someone I personally fanboy over a bit (you’ll hear why).

In this rich, wide-ranging conversation, we talked about the ongoing quest to align our lives with our values, even when life throws curveballs. Kevin opened up about shifting from discovery writing to outlining, navigating burnout, and rediscovering joy in writing after a difficult season. He also shared insights from launching a new venture, Author Anchor, which helps writers focus on what they love—writing—by offloading the rest to trained virtual assistants.

Whether you're a writer or not, this episode is about far more than craft. It's about humility, resilience, and realignment. It’s about finding your mission and having the courage to keep creating even when the world gets loud.

Among other things, in this episode we talked about:

* The mother source for all things Kevin.

* The auntie source for all things Kevin’s books (i.e., Amazon).

* The Wordslinger podcast on YouTube.

* Kevin on Substack, including his newsletter, The Writer_.

* Draft2Digital got mentioned several times. Check them out.

* Author Nation, the world’s largest author conference and multi-genre reader event, uniting authors, industry leaders, and readers for five transformative days of learning, networking, and growth.

* Author Anchor provides cost-effective Virtual Assistants. Book a free discovery call tell them Kevin Tumlinson sent you from The Alignment Show. Doing so enables you to get your first month for $49 instead of $99 (VA rates will still apply—this is a discount off the base monthly fee).

* Donn’s books, a show sponsor. It costs you nothing to check it out! You may find your next favorite read.

* Saleswise Live™, a show sponsor. Again, it costs you nothing to check it out! You may change the course of your career, which is why they’re such a great sponsor for The Alignment Show.

You can catch video replays at the following links, or hear audio replays at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon podcasts, and Substack.

* LinkedIn

* YouTube

* Facebook

If you get value from the show, consider supporting us through Buy Me a Coffee. You can make a one-time contribution or sign up for regular support. Your support helps me continue helping you and others, and thank you in advance!

You can also subscribe on Substack for free OR upgrade to a paid subscription to receive a bonus post each month for subscribers only, including an audio version. Plus, Founding Members receive ebook copies of all my books.

You know someone who needs to hear this!

And, we would love to converse with you. Questions for Kevin? Comments about what we talked about?

🎙️ The Alignment Show with Donn King welcomed Todd Payne, founder of Konnectfully, emotional intelligence coach, and former Lutheran pastor with a powerful origin story.

🔥 From being told he had "none of the gifts for ministry" to helping couples rediscover empathy and joy in their relationships, Todd brings a refreshing take on transformation, resilience, and the surprising role of the Enneagram in fostering real connection.

Oh—and did we mention? He now lives in Portugal, after losing his home to a wildfire and choosing to start over with intention. Talk about falling upward!

💬 Whether you're navigating a relationship crossroads, curious about emotional intelligence, or just love hearing how people realign their lives with purpose, this conversation is rich, real, and relevant.

Resources we discussed include:

* Todd’s website

* Todd’s LinkedIn

* We talked about videos of colorblind folks seeing color for the first time with the help of special glasses. Here is one such video among many.

* Donn mentioned his newsletter. Check it out and subscribe for free, or go paid and receive audio versions and other perks.

* Go look into Saleswise Live™.

* One of Donn’s books will encourage you or a friend.

You can catch video replays at the following links, or hear audio replays at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon podcasts, and Substack.

* LinkedIn

* YouTube

* Facebook

You know someone who could use the insights from this conversation. Why not tell them, “Hey, you would enjoy listening to this episode!”

If you get value from the show, consider supporting us through Buy Me a Coffee. You can make a one-time contribution or sign up for regular support. Your support helps me continue helping you and others, and thank you in advance! You can also subscribe for free OR upgrade to a paid subscription to receive a bonus post each month for subscribers only, including an audio version. Plus, Founding Members receive ebook copies of all my books.

Note: For the past few weeks, I’ve been uploading a video version of the podcast to Substack, but I’ve noticed a few things: (a) most listeners aren’t using Substack for video (at least, for this podcast), (b) we already provide links to the live video replays, making this redundant, and (c) splitting my focus between video and audio has likely affected the audio quality.

So, I’m shifting back to our original approach—prioritizing high-quality audio on Substack (and podcast platforms) while directing video learners to our existing video channels. If I’ve misread what works best for you, let me know in the comments or email me at donn@donnking.com!

How do we engage in tough conversations without losing our cool—or our relationships? In this powerful episode of The Alignment Show, host Donn King sits down with Bob Burg, co-author of The Go-Giver, to discuss the art of tactful yet honest communication.

With today’s divisive climate, it often feels impossible to have meaningful discussions with those who hold opposing views—whether at the holiday dinner table or in the workplace. Bob shares practical strategies for navigating disagreements with grace, avoiding emotional reactivity, and fostering genuine connection—even when tensions run high.

The Confidence Cultivator is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

In this episode we talked about:

* Why so many conversations escalate into personal attacks—and how to stop it.

* The Ransberger Pivot technique for reframing discussions to find common ground.

* How to respond (not react) when faced with inflammatory statements.

* The secret to changing minds—without manipulation or aggression.

* When to engage—and when to walk away.

Whether you're trying to communicate better in your personal life, in business, or online, this conversation will give you tools to defuse conflict, build trust, and make your message heard.

Watch or listen for a masterclass on influence, persuasion, and the power of respectful dialogue with Bob Burg.

Here are some of the resources we shared in this episode:

* Bob’s books

* Saleswise Live™

* The Go-Giver Success Vault

* Jeff West’s books

* Let Them Theory

* Living Untethered

* Russell Moore, former editor of Christianity Today, on modern “Christians” calling the teachings of Jesus “weak.”

* Donn’s books

* Free short story: “Writing Home: A Short Story About the Real Final Frontier”

You can catch video replays at the following links, or hear audio replays at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon podcasts, and Substack.

* LinkedIn

* YouTube

* Facebook

You know someone who needs to hear this.

If you get value from the show, consider supporting us through Buy Me a Coffee. You can make a one-time contribution or sign up for regular support. Your support helps me continue helping you and others, and thank you in advance! You can also subscribe for free OR upgrade to a paid subscription to receive a bonus post each month for subscribers only, including an audio version. Plus, Founding Members receive ebook copies of all my books.

Thank you for your patience! We broadcast the episode as scheduled last Friday, but we’re just now posting the show notes and feeding the audio to those outlets. But this was a conversation worth waiting for!

The Alignment Show welcomed back Lizbeth Meredith, a writer, speaker, and resilience advocate whose journey has inspired audiences worldwide. You may remember her from Episode 76, where we explored her compelling memoir and the strength it takes to reclaim one’s life. In this episode, she returned with exciting news—her latest book, Tilka Faces the Odds, is soon available in audiobook format!

The Confidence Cultivator is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Remember her from that past episode?

This is the followup!

Among the things we discussed:

✔️ The behind-the-scenes process of recording an audiobook—the challenges, surprises, and victories along the way.

✔️ Why Lizbeth chose to narrate her own book and what it means to bring Tilka’s story to life

✔️ The resilience and reinvention that shape both her writing and her life.

✔️ How storytelling empowers us to navigate life’s unexpected turns.

✔️ A glimpse into her upcoming projects, including a travel memoir and an anthology highlighting solo travel as a path to healing.

You can access some of the following resources we discussed:

* Tilka Faces the Odds

* Pieces of Me

* Grounded in Grit

* Life 101: Everything We Wish We Had Learned About Life in School - But Didn't

* Donn’s books

* Saleswise Live™

If you get value from the show, consider supporting us through Buy Me a Coffee. You can make a one-time contribution or sign up for regular support. Your support helps me continue helping you and others, and thank you in advance! You can also subscribe for free

OR upgrade to a paid subscription to receive a bonus post each month for subscribers only, including an audio version. Plus, Founding Members receive ebook copies of all my books.

You can catch video replays at the following links, or hear audio replays at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon podcasts, and Substack.

* LinkedIn

* YouTube

* Facebook

You know someone who could benefit from hearing this. Do them and us a favor!