Explore every episode of the podcast Flourishing w/ Alex Reneman

After some questions from last week's episode, Alex decided to come back and dive deeper into catching a reset and what it means. From parenting guilt and perfectionism to inbox overwhelm and mid-life regret, this episode explores how to catch a reset even when life feels out of control. If you’re carrying too much or wondering if it’s too late to change, this is your reminder: it’s never too late to catch a reset...and start again with intention.

💬 Share this with someone who has put on their best self for you time and time again

📩 Have a question for Alex? Email us at flourish@reneman.com

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In a world that glorifies grinding, Alex challenges the myth of "catching up" and shares a liberating alternative: catch a reset. Drawing from neuroscience, leadership, and real life, this episode explores how stress + ownership can lead to resilience, and why your mindset about your workload may matter more than the workload itself. If you're overwhelmed by unfinished tasks, this episode is your permission to start fresh with purpose.

💬 Share this with someone who feels like they’re always behind, no matter how hard they work.

📩 Have a question for Alex? Email us at flourish@reneman.com

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“Excellence is not just for what I give to others... it's for how I take care of myself, too.”

Alex reflects on managing a commitment to excellence, while ensuring you are taking care of yourself in the process.

Takeaway: Be excellent. Just be excellent and intentional at taking care of yourself too.

💬 Share this with someone who needs to remember to sharpen their saw

📩 Have a question for Alex? Email us at flourish@reneman.com

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💬 Share this episode with a true leader you love and appreciate.

📩 Have a question for Alex? Email us at flourish@reneman.com

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Some people chase leadership for the title. Others earn it through trust, humility, and real impact.

In this deep-dive conversation with writer for Double E Workplace Solutions, Mike Huff, Alex Reneman unpacks the difference. They talk about what happens when people hide behind authority, why positional power is the weakest form of influence, and how real leadership starts with empathy, collaboration, and accountability.

Alex shares honest reflections on his own leadership journey- how he tries to build psychological safety, handles hard feedback, and attempts to help new team members shed the baggage of previous corporate workplaces. This episode is for anyone navigating the complex space between vision and execution as a leader... especially when others don’t show up the way you hoped.

“They want the benefits of flourishing, but they don’t want the work that comes with it.”

Not everyone who loves the fruits of flourishing is willing to help plant the seeds. Alex opens up about one of the hardest truths on the journey to flourishment: sometimes the people around you...family, friends, teammates...will love what you’re doing... but won’t help you build it. From examples in Braveheart to the tale of the Little Red Hen...Alex explore many examples of these struggles and what he's done in the midst of them.

💬 Share this with someone who loves Braveheart

📩 Have a question for Alex? Email us at flourish@reneman.com

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"Flourishing is living in alignment with your highest virtues, where your thoughts, purpose, and actions come together in a life of meaning, contribution, encouragement, and growth."

What does it really mean to flourish? Alex distills the entire philosophy of flourishing into a single sentence...then unpacks how he tries to live it out, even when happiness feels distant. From ego and leadership to storms in marriage and meaning in adversity, this episode is Alex's personal approach to trying to stay aligned through it all.

💬 Share this with a friend who is flourishing through a challenge in their life.

📩 Have a question for Alex? Email us at flourish@reneman.com

🗳️ Feedback for the show? Fill out our form here: https://forms.gle/Fo5LYrx9TZx8bLJd6

What separates elite teams from merely professional ones?

In this powerful episode, Alex unpacks what it means to be truly elite—and why process alone won’t get you there. Drawing inspiration from elite military units and years of experience scaling Mountain Leverage, he shares the mindset, cultural foundation, and performance expectations required to thrive in a fast-changing world.

This isn’t about ego or perfection—it’s about alignment, accountability, and becoming the kind of team where greatness is expected... and achieved together.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

✅ Why elite teams focus on people, not just process

✅ The difference between professionalism and elite performance

✅ How culture becomes your competitive advantage

✅ Why high performance without cultural fit will always fail

✅ The 4 categories every team member falls into—and how to move toward flourishing

✅ How to build a team that wins the right way

If you’re serious about high performance and creating a culture where people flourish, this episode will challenge and inspire you.

📌 What We Discuss:

00:00 – Why this episode is different

00:33 – The trap of over-valuing process

01:16 – Elite vs. professional: a military analogy

03:05 – Why Mountain Leverage prioritizes elite individuals

05:10 – Scaling without losing speed

08:11 – What it really means to be elite

10:14 – Excellence without alignment is not enough

13:19 – The 4-team-member framework:

  - Languishers

  - Misaligned Stars

  - Harmonizers

  - Flourishers

20:57 – Why flourishing isn’t just about you

23:17 – Final questions to ask yourself

💬 If this resonates, share it with someone who you think is elite.

📩 Got questions for Alex? Email us at flourish@reneman.com

🗳️ Feedback for the show? Let us know: Listener Feedback Form

What do you do when uncertainty takes over?

How do you handle fear, doubt, and the unknown without getting overwhelmed?

Today, Alex unpacks the 3 key principles he relies on during times of uncertainty. These aren’t quick-fix “hacks” or feel-good advice—they’re battle-tested strategies that have helped him navigate unpredictable moments, both in business and in life.

Uncertainty is a given, but how you respond to it is a choice. In this episode, Alex reveals the mindset shifts and daily habits that help him stay centered, focused, and resilient, no matter what challenges arise.

✅ The superpower of gratitude and how it shifts your mindset

✅ Why taking care of yourself is non-negotiable during chaotic times

✅ How focusing on others can help stabilize your own uncertainty

✅ The mindset shifts that make uncertainty less overwhelming and more manageable

Success isn’t about eliminating uncertainty...it’s about learning to thrive despite it.

00:00 – Intro

0:52 – Why uncertainty is inevitable (and how to stop resisting it)

03:45 – Strategy #1: The power of gratitude in uncertain times

08:10 – Strategy #2: Why self-care matters more when life feels out of control

10:22 – Strategy #3: How shifting your focus to others creates stability

19:50 – Final thoughts & practical steps

📩 Have a question for Alex? Email us at flourish@reneman.com

💬 Enjoyed the episode? Share this with someone who’s struggling with uncertainty and might need a fresh perspective.

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Alex answers a few questions around imposter syndrome, giving/receiving feedback, and if he has ever felt completely lost. He finds that ultimately leaders sometimes don't have enough left in the tank to lead...and those around them are the one's that pull them through.

Questions for Alex? Send them in to flourish@reneman.com and we'll address them on the show!

Feedback for the show? Fill out our form here: https://forms.gle/Fo5LYrx9TZx8bLJd6

Alex reflects on feedback he personally received from the team at his company and explores some of his personal challenges.

Questions for Alex? Send them in to flourish@reneman.com and we'll address them on the show!

Feedback for the show? Fill out our form here: https://forms.gle/Fo5LYrx9TZx8bLJd6

Alex explains how he sees his role as being the "humble narrator" who tries to help others see all the value they provide.

Send this episode to a friend who needs a humble narrator every now and then...and give them a word of encouragement. Send us a message and let us know how it goes!

Questions for Alex? Send them in to flourish@reneman.com and we'll address them on the show!

Feedback for the show? Fill out our form here: https://forms.gle/Fo5LYrx9TZx8bLJd6

Alex explores the better kind of feedback, the most powerful, or simply the best - the kind you receive, not the kind you give.

Next week's theme: seeking feedback from others and taking action on that feedback

More questions for Alex? Send them in to flourish@reneman.com and we'll address them on the show!

Feedback for the show? Fill out our form here: https://forms.gle/Fo5LYrx9TZx8bLJd6

“There’s a melody of flourishment in the world… and I try to make sure I’m playing that melody so others can harmonize with it.”

Your presence and tone can have a profound impact on the flourishment of those around you. In this episode, Alex dives into the unseen but powerful force of resonance, which is the energy and tone you carry into every room, meeting, or moment. Whether you’re leading a team, parenting a teenager, or showing up for your community, your personal frequency either harmonizes or dissonates with those around you. This episode is a powerful call to tune yourself right...so others can flourish with you.

💬 Share this with someone who needs to realize the impact they have just by showing up.

📩 Have a question for Alex? Email us at flourish@reneman.com

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Alex addresses some questions around this week's current theme of getting better at providing valuable feedback to others.

More questions for Alex? Send them in to flourish@reneman.com and we'll address them on the show!

Feedback for the show? Fill out our form here: https://forms.gle/Fo5LYrx9TZx8bLJd6

Alex reflects on having "compassionate candor" and the balance between showing love to someone and giving them valuable feedback.

Questions for Alex? Send them in to flourish@reneman.com and we'll address them on the show!

Feedback for the show? Fill out our form here: https://forms.gle/Fo5LYrx9TZx8bLJd6

Alex reflects on how he's approached different contexts in his personal life and what it means for his path to flourishment.

Questions for Alex? Send them in to flourish@reneman.com and we'll address them on the show!

Feedback for the show? Fill out our form here: https://forms.gle/Fo5LYrx9TZx8bLJd6

Alex discusses the emphasis on removal instead of resolutions in this new year and lays out his vision for 2025.

Questions for Alex? Send them in to flourish@reneman.com and we'll address them on the show!

Feedback for the show? Fill out our form here: https://forms.gle/Fo5LYrx9TZx8bLJd6

Alex reflects on 2024 and discusses 3 key areas of improvement that he has observed in his life as the year comes to a close.

Questions for Alex? Send them in to flourish@mountainleverage.com and we'll address them on the show!

Feedback for the show? Fill out our form here: https://forms.gle/Fo5LYrx9TZx8bLJd6

As Christmas approaches, Alex analyzes a LinkedIn poster's "manager wishlist" for Christmas. Alex explores how true flourishing revolves around others and not just yourself.

Questions for Alex? Send them in to flourish@mountainleverage.com and we'll address them on the show!

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In a collection of internal messages Alex sent out to his company, we get a preview of how Alex approaches strategy, two brief examples of strategy from two well-known companies, and how uncertainty creates possibility.

Questions for Alex? Send them in to flourish@mountainleverage.com and we'll address them on the show!

Feedback for the show? Fill out our form here: https://forms.gle/Fo5LYrx9TZx8bLJd6

Alex recounts his odd experience with Artificial Intelligence and ponders how its access to so much data might prove that we really aren't that special.

Questions for Alex? Send them in to flourish@mountainleverage.com and we'll address them on the show!

Feedback for the show? Fill out our form here: https://forms.gle/Fo5LYrx9TZx8bLJd6

As Thanksgiving approaches, Alex discusses one of his greatest superpowers: gratitude. He explains what it means to him and how he's operationalized it in family, business, and his community.

Questions for Alex? Send them in to flourish@mountainleverage.com and we'll address them on the show!

Feedback for the show? Fill out our form here: https://forms.gle/Fo5LYrx9TZx8bLJd6

Alex Reneman explores his personal struggle with Imposter Syndrome and how he's come to listen to it over time and turn it into a tool to better flourish in his life.

Questions for Alex? Send them in to flourish@mountainleverage.com and we'll address them on the show!

Feedback for the show? Fill out our form here: https://forms.gle/Fo5LYrx9TZx8bLJd6

This is a throwback episode that was already previously released on the podcast. Alex did this interview for our fifth episode and we thought it would be great to bring it back to our new listeners. Let us know what you think of this format!

In this episode, Alex dives into a discussion with Jim Matuga, President of Inner Action Media & Host of Positively West Virginia. Jim and Alex dig into their lives as entrepreneurs and various stories about the lessons they've learned along their paths. We hear from Jim on how he ended up being mentored by John Chambers, the fortuitous launch of his marketing agency, and how he took a SaaS product from ideation to launch. Jim also discusses how his faith has guided him & some practical examples of how he lives out his personal life for fulfillment and flourishment.

💬 Share this episode with a young entrepreneur

📩 Have a question for Alex? Email us at flourish@reneman.com

🗳️ Feedback for the show? Fill out our form here: https://forms.gle/Fo5LYrx9TZx8bLJd6

Jim's Links:

LinkedIn

Inner Action Media

STORYMaker

Humble Influence

Join Alex Reneman in a Q&A session at his company's annual basecamp. Lots of questions we're asked about flourishing and this episode was put together to give a cohesive, practical view of flourishment and how it can be used effectively in not only individual lives, but complete operational models as well.

What is the meaning behind the word flourish? How does an individual flourish? How can an organization promote the flourishment of its members? Alex dives into the importance of flourishing in his life, how he approaches it personally, and how some core cultural models at his company are at the core based around flourishment.

More questions for Alex? Send them in to flourish@mountainleverage.com and we'll address them on the show!

What should you do with someone whose usefulness has declined as your organization has evolved? Should you keep them on? Should you let them go? Alex Reneman breaks down a real-world example and explains his approach that focuses on the flourishment of not only the employee and the business, but the employee's family, community, and more.

Questions for Alex?

Contact: flourish@mountainleverage.com

In this episode, Alex Reneman dives into being present for others outside of work and how he finds it necessary to honor the time after shutting down for work by not tapping back into emails, messages, or any projects until the next morning. He explains how once he violated this practice it messed up his evening and the entire next day, while also having stolen time from his sleep and his family. Alex confirms that the importance of a work shutdown ritual is key, but you also have to honor that shutdown in after hours and really be present for others and yourself outside of work.

In this episode, Alex Reneman dives into what it means to take ownership of failures as a leader and why you must avoid seeing your employees as just workhorses built to make you succeed. You have to recognize and respect the complete humans who are your employees.

Welcome to Flourishing. This podcast explores the challenging path of growing a business, raising a family, and living in a community. These are the struggles and obstacles Alex Reneman and others have faced on this journey and all of the lessons they’ve learned along the way.

LinkedIn | YouTube

In this episode, Alex dives into a discussion with Jim Matuga, President of Inner Action Media & Host of Positively West Virginia. Jim and Alex dig into their lives as entrepreneurs and various stories about the lessons they've learned along their paths. We hear from Jim on how he ended up being mentored by John Chambers, the fortuitous launch of his marketing agency, and how he took a SaaS product from ideation to launch. Jim also discusses how his faith has guided him & some practical examples of how he lives out his personal life for fulfillment and flourishment.

Jim's Links:

LinkedIn

Inner Action Media

STORYMaker

Welcome to Flourishing. This podcast explores the challenging path of growing a business, raising a family, and living in a community. These are the struggles and obstacles Alex Reneman and others have faced on this journey and all of the lessons they’ve learned along the way.

LinkedIn | YouTube

In this episode, Alex Reneman analyzes a LinkedIn post that says what the role of a leader is, Alex expresses his disagreement and explains what he believes the #1 job of a leader in any situation is.

Welcome to Flourishing. This podcast explores the challenging path of growing a business, raising a family, and living in a community. These are the struggles and obstacles Alex Reneman and others have faced on this journey and all of the lessons they’ve learned along the way.

LinkedIn | YouTube

In this episode, Alex Reneman explores his personal experience with "work-life balance" and how it feels like an impossible juggling act. Instead, he likes to use "work-life barter", an approach where you can be most effective at what you are doing in the current moment, while not sacrificing the multiple roles you may have.

Welcome to Flourishing. This podcast explores the challenging path of growing a business, raising a family, and living in a community. These are the struggles and obstacles Alex Reneman and others have faced on this journey and all of the lessons they’ve learned along the way.

LinkedIn | YouTube

In today's episode, Alex Reneman defines the word "flourish" and explains how this word is the core of optimal living in his life as a business owner, father, and active member of his hometown community.

Welcome to Flourishing. This podcast explores the challenging path of growing a business, raising a family, and living in a community. These are the struggles and obstacles Alex Reneman and others have faced on this journey and all of the lessons they’ve learned along the way.

LinkedIn | YouTube

In this episode, Alex gives a quick rundown of what Flourishing w/ Alex Reneman will look like and what his intentions are for the listeners.

Welcome to Flourishing. This podcast explores the challenging path of growing a business, raising a family, and living in a community. These are the struggles and obstacles Alex Reneman and others have faced on this journey and all of the lessons they’ve learned along the way.

LinkedIn | YouTube

Alex reflects on four critical areas where he's fallen short as a CEO and how he’s resetting for the next season. This is an episode of self-assessment and recommitment to what is most important.

💬 Share this with someone who’s leading but feels like they’re falling short.

📩 Have a question for Alex? Email us at flourish@reneman.com

🗳️ Feedback for the show? Fill out our form here: https://forms.gle/Fo5LYrx9TZx8bLJd6

What if the clarity you’re chasing isn’t in doing more...but in doing less? In this episode, Alex reflects on a lesson learned after a health scare: the greatest breakthroughs in health, business, and life didn’t come from grinding...they came from pausing. He shares how modern life’s constant noise drowns out discernment, and how building in rhythms of stillness might be your smartest move this year.

💬 Share this with someone who’s always pushing...but needs permission to pause.

📩 Have a question for Alex? Email us at flourish@reneman.com

🗳️ Feedback for the show? Fill out our form here: https://forms.gle/Fo5LYrx9TZx8bLJd6

For this upcoming Memorial Day, Alex reflects on flourishing under sacrifice...not loud success or self-made posturing, but the quiet power of sacrifice, humility, and honor. From childhood parades in Grafton to combat experiences and company leadership, this episode is a call to remember those who gave everything... and to live like their sacrifice mattered.

💬 Share this with someone who's sacrificed for you

📩 Have a question for Alex? Email us at flourish@reneman.com

🗳️ Feedback for the show? Fill out our form here: https://forms.gle/Fo5LYrx9TZx8bLJd6

"I've changed your diaper"

In this special episode, Alex (@AlexReneman) talks with his 18-year old nephew (producer of the podcast) about the nature of their relationship, his journey into adulthood, and some life lessons he has picked up along the way.

If you enjoy this episode, further episodes in this series will be uploaded only on Alex's YouTube Channel (@AlexReneman) as a bonus video series unrelated to the podcast. This is a one-time special episode in audio-format!

💬 Share this with someone who's been a mentor in your life...or someone you've mentored yourself

📩 Have a question for Alex? Email us at flourish@reneman.com

🗳️ Feedback for the show? Fill out our form here: https://forms.gle/Fo5LYrx9TZx8bLJd6

Is building a great culture about getting everyone to think the same way? In this episode, Alex challenges the echo chamber mindset and makes the case for fruitful friction...the idea that thriving teams, families, and communities don't grow through sameness, but through shared purpose and courageous differences.

💬 Share this with someone who is a voice of fruitful friction for you

📩 Have a question for Alex? Email us at flourish@reneman.com

🗳️ Feedback for the show? Fill out our form here: https://forms.gle/Fo5LYrx9TZx8bLJd6

Ever feel like you’ve failed at the very thing you preach? In this episode, Alex gets real about hitting his limits, the role humility plays in flourishing, and how to recognize the warning signs before your rain barrel overflows. Whether you're a leader, parent, or just trying to hold it all together, this is a call to pause and listen before the barrel overflows (or when it overflows).

💬 Share this with someone who holds themselves to a high standard...and sometimes too high.

📩 Have a question for Alex? Email us at flourish@reneman.com

🗳️ Feedback for the show? Fill out our form here: https://forms.gle/Fo5LYrx9TZx8bLJd6