Building Champions for Life – Details, episodes & analysis

In this powerful episode of Building Champions for Life, host Kirk Spahn sits down with Jason Reid, a successful entrepreneur turned mental health advocate, to explore the hidden struggles of high-performing youth. From the pressures of social media to the impact of emerging technologies, Jason shares invaluable insights on recognizing the signs of mental health challenges in seemingly successful young athletes and students.

Jason's journey from construction industry leader to passionate mental health champion began with a personal tragedy—the loss of his 14-year-old son to suicide. This heartbreaking experience fueled his mission to bring mental health discussions into the national spotlight, particularly for high-achieving youth who often suffer in silence.

Throughout the conversation, Jason emphasizes a crucial message: outward success doesn't guarantee inner well-being. He challenges parents and educators to look beyond the smiles and accolades, urging them to develop deeper connections with young people. "Do not assume that just because your kid walks around with big smiles on their face and is really good at winning that they're not struggling," Jason cautions, highlighting the importance of open, honest conversations.

The episode delves into practical strategies for supporting youth mental health, from fostering interpersonal skills at a young age to navigating the complex world of social media and AI. Jason's candid reflections on his own failures and the lessons he's learned provide a powerful framework for helping young people build resilience and self-worth beyond their achievements.

Whether you're a parent, coach, educator, or young person striving for excellence, this episode offers a masterclass in understanding and supporting mental health in high-pressure environments. Tune in to gain insights that could change—or even save—a young person's life.

Alan Lazaros's journey from pain to purpose is nothing short of extraordinary. After losing his father at age two, experiencing family abandonment at fourteen, and surviving a near-fatal car accident at twenty-six, this transformational leader discovered his calling: bringing personal development to the masses through practical, no-nonsense strategies. His story demonstrates the incredible power of perseverance and intentional growth, showing how life's most devastating moments can become the catalyst for profound transformation and success.

The conversation reveals Alan's revolutionary approach to success through his habit-tracking system and the science behind achievement. With over 11,000 coaching sessions, training programs, and podcast episodes under his belt, Alan shares his proven methodology for reverse-engineering goals and building the habits that create lasting change. From his five-pointed star exercise for evaluating relationships to his UNMEDSAI filter for identifying toxic people, Alan provides concrete tools for surrounding yourself with the right influences. His emphasis on tracking metrics daily, maintaining unwavering consistency, and understanding that social life often suffers in pursuit of excellence offers a raw, honest look at what it truly takes to reach your full potential.

Ready to transform your approach to personal growth and achievement? Connect with Alan Lazaros on Instagram @Lazarus88 to see his habit-tracking system in action, join his Next Level Book Club for weekly growth sessions, or explore the wealth of resources available through Next Level University. Don't let another day pass without implementing the strategies that could change your life – start tracking your habits today and begin your journey toward becoming your own hero.

In this moving episode of Building Champions for Life, host Kirk Spahn sits down with Olympic gold medalist and world record holder Dan Jansen to reflect on one of the most powerful journeys in sports history. From skating on frozen ponds in Wisconsin to heartbreak on the Olympic stage, Dan opens up about how the tragic loss of his sister Jane shaped his mental fortitude, fueled his relentless pursuit of excellence, and ultimately led to his unforgettable gold medal moment in Lillehammer. Together, they explore the foundational “6 P’s”, and how Dan's mindset and resilience continue to inspire the next generation of athletes and leaders. With humility, wisdom, and heart, Dan reminds us that true champions are built not by medals, but by how they rise, adapt, and serve beyond the arena.

In this inspiring episode of Building Champions for Life, host Kirk Spahn sits down with Blake Corum—NFL running back for the Los Angeles Rams and two-time All-American from the University of Michigan. Known for his record-breaking rushing touchdowns and leadership on the field, Blake’s story is one of relentless dedication, resilience, and purpose. But as Kirk reveals, Blake’s impact extends far beyond football. He’s already making waves as a philanthropist, entrepreneur, and role model for the next generation of athletes.

Blake opens up about his journey from a small-town upbringing to becoming a national champion and now an NFL standout. He shares how his “super purpose” emerged early—using his platform to serve others and build something greater than himself. Kirk and Blake explore the "Six P’s" framework that defines a true champion: Passion, Purpose, Process, People, Perseverance, and Personalization. From founding Peak Nanotechnologies to supporting youth programs through ICL, Blake embodies a new kind of athlete—one who respects tradition while boldly embracing the future.

Whether you're a student, parent, coach, or aspiring champion, Blake’s humility, drive, and deep sense of mission will leave you inspired. With candid stories, life lessons, and even a few lighthearted moments—including his favorite ice cream and superhero—this episode is a masterclass in leadership through action. Tune in to hear how Blake Corum is redefining what it means to be a champion for life.

In this episode, host Kirk Spahn sits down with rising WTA tennis star and ICL Academy student Iva Jovic for a deep, inspiring conversation about purpose, perseverance, and finding joy in the grind. Iva shares how the stillness of the COVID-19 lockdown sparked her love of tennis and how that spark ignited a journey from hitting balls on public basketball courts to winning international titles and making her mark on the pro circuit.

Together, they explore Iva’s development through the Six P’s framework—Passion, Purpose, Process, People, Perseverance, and Perspective—and how she balances an elite tennis career with a meaningful academic path at ICL. From winning the Easter Bowl and the Orange Bowl to playing Wimbledon and the U.S. Open, Iva reflects on lessons learned, the power of mentorship, and her growing commitment to empowering women in sports.

This episode is a masterclass in mindset, humility, and ambition. Whether you're a student, an athlete, or someone chasing your own dream, Iva’s story will leave you motivated to push just a little harder—and believe a little more.

Join host Kirk Spahn as he embarks on a journey to uncover the mindsets, habits, and philosophies of champions and transformative leaders. In this podcast, Kirk sits down with innovators, entrepreneurs, athletes, artists, and changemakers who are redefining what it means to lead and succeed. Each episode offers deep insights, honest stories, and practical wisdom to help you unlock your highest potential. 

In this introductory episode, Kirk lays the foundation by introducing the 6 P’s that guide his philosophy of Building Champions for Life. These six pillars—Passion, Purpose, Process, People, Perseverance, and Personalization—shape not only the individuals he interviews, but also the way we can all pursue meaningful growth. Kirk unpacks how each P plays a vital role in personal development and peak performance. You’ll hear why passion fuels momentum, why purpose anchors our actions, and how process creates consistency. He also explores how the right people elevate us, why perseverance is essential to long-term achievement, and how personalization ensures our journey is truly our own. 

Whether you’re an emerging leader, a seasoned executive, or simply someone striving to live a more intentional life, this show offers tools and inspiration to help you become a champion in your own life.

Host Kirk Spahn introduces his new podcast: Building Champions for Life

Elizabeth Bieniek’s journey from English major to tech trailblazer is a testament to the power of curiosity. As the former Director of Innovation at Cisco, she shattered the mold of traditional tech leadership, proving that asking "why" can be more valuable than any coding skill. Her unconventional background became her secret weapon in the world of corporate innovation.

In the tech industry, where ones and zeros often take center stage, Elizabeth stands out by championing the human element. She's not just talking about user experience; she's redefining how we connect in the digital age. Her philosophy of 'good peopling' isn't just a catchy phrase—it's a revolutionary approach to leadership that's making waves across industries.

Elizabeth's crowning achievement, the WebEx Hologram, isn't just another tech gadget. It's a glimpse into the future of collaboration, born from her unique vision of merging technology with genuine human interaction. But perhaps her most powerful contribution is her rallying cry to embrace risk and failure. She's not just advising from the sidelines; she's leading the charge, challenging us all to step out of our comfort zones and into the exciting unknown of innovation.

Dr. Danny Brassell—a dynamic educator, speaker, and author is revolutionizing the way we think about learning and communication. From overcoming a childhood stutter to inspiring thousands of students and educators worldwide, Danny's journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and positive thinking.

Danny shares his infectious enthusiasm for education, revealing innovative strategies to engage students and ignite a lifelong love of learning. He challenges listeners to rethink traditional teaching methods, emphasizing the importance of fun, relevance, and visual thinking in the classroom. "Don't let anybody ever tell you what you cannot do," Danny asserts, embodying the champion mindset that defines this podcast.

Danny's insights on overcoming obstacles, embracing failure, and the power of applied knowledge will resonate with parents, professionals, and anyone striving for personal excellence. From turning on TV captions to improve literacy to using sports analogies to illustrate life lessons, Danny offers practical tips that listeners can implement immediately.

Whether you're a teacher looking to revolutionize your classroom, a parent hoping to instill a love of reading in your children, or simply someone passionate about lifelong learning, this episode is brimming with inspiration and actionable advice. Tune in to discover how changing your story can change your life—and how you can become a champion for learning in your own sphere of influence.

Dean Taylor's journey from a childhood dream of becoming a country music star to his current role as a life coach for working dads is a testament to the power of rediscovering dormant dreams and finding renewed purpose. His story illustrates that while our specific aspirations may change over time, the core desire to make an impact and influence others can remain a driving force throughout our lives. Dean emphasizes the importance of living the values we preach, noting that our actions speak louder than words when it comes to inspiring others, especially our children, to pursue their dreams.