Maxwell Ivey's Blog, page 8

Live on the inside with Tim Schwartz of Life After Blindness

Hello again;

I’ve been staying busy recording new interviews, and this one is one I’m especially pleased to be sharing with you.

It is with Life After Blindness

Hosted by my new friend Tim Schwartz.

First off, Tim is a talented interviewer who invests a lot of time in getting to know his guests.

Our fifteen minute get to know each other call lasted over an hour.

And both of us wished someone had pressed record as it was a masters level course in story telling for creating and growing a brand.

Another thing that made this interview special is that Tim is blind himself and he understands a lot of what I and many of his other guests have been through. So, he knows what questions need to be asked, and he doesn’t have the usual reluctance of sighted show hosts.

We talked more about my vision loss and the adaptations me, my family, and school teachers made to help me be successful.

And the best part was remembering the good days of being in the woods or on the lake with my fellow boy scouts who all happened to be blind or have some level of vision loss.

I look forward to hearing your thoughts.

I have no doubt that many of you will be seeing me in a way you haven’t before now even for loyal followers of my journey and my many interviews.

You can listen to our conversation here.

About Tim

My name is Tim Schwartz and I am a husband, father, musician, gamer, a baseball fanatic, computer geek and so much more!

I am also blind.

For several years, I have been involved with the Cincinnati Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired, having worked there in the early 2000’s. In the past, i have played beeper ball as well as ridden tandem bikes in the beautiful parks of Cincinnati, Ohio. I am an avid reader and love playing games on my home PC and iPhone. I also enjoy attending plays, movies and musicals especially whenever described for the blind. In the summer you can usually find me catching a Cincinnati Reds game at Great American Ballpark.

Above all, I value spending time with my family as well as giving back to the blind community.

I was not always blind however

At the age of 13, a routine sports physical led to the first visit to an Ophthalmologist. There appeared to be a growth found behind both of my eyes. This growth was more prevalent in the right eye than the left.

Like most teenagers, this was a very active time in my life. I played basketball and ran track as well as performed in the school band and choir. Vision impairment did not stop me from dating or participating in other social activities however.

Yet.

It was a couple of years before I really started to notice a difference in my eyesight. There were black areas or blind spots emerging inward from my peripheral field of vision. It eventually affected schoolwork and extra-curricular activities like sports and music. I was still able to find ways to perform the music I loved. This was done by memorization and working closely with others. Thankfully, my family and friends were there working hard to help me succeed.

To this point, vision loss was more of a slight annoyance than a hindrance.

I graduated high school in 1996 and went on to study Music Education at Northern Kentucky University. Unfortunately this was short lived as I only attended for one year. Before moving on however, I was able to study music for a summer in Salzburg, Austria.

This is when the vision started getting worse causing somewhat of a downward spiral.

I decided to stop driving at age 21 after a severe car accident. Then, through my mid to late 20’s, my vision got dramatically worse and I became very depressed. This was a very isolating time in my life. I held multiple jobs and I allowed my social life to suffer dramatically.

Now, in my late 30’s, I have no usable vision at all. It turns out that there were extra blood vessels growing around my optic nerves. These blood vessels squeezed my optic nerves causing my vision loss.

The wonderful thing is that through the help of a great support system and years of hard work, I’ve been able to put most of that behind me.

In 2010, I married my amazing and beautiful wife Jennifer. And in 2012, we were blessed when our daughter Alyssa was born..

I started Life After Blindness because I enjoy sharing my passions and experiences with others.

About Life After Blindness

The Life After Blindness Blog and Podcast (LAB Cast) is dedicated to the exploration of an enabled life with blindness. We strive to be a great resource for the blind and visually impaired as well as their sighted friends and family.

We do this through the sharing of news, walkthroughs reviews and personal stories. This may include news concerning assistive technology like braille devices and screen readers, accessible mainstream tech like smart phones and Voice assistants, accessible apps, games and other helpful websites.

We also cover special events and talk about places that are found to be accessible for the blind.

We are most proud to share the stories of our friends around the blind community. We feature interviews highlighting a personal journey or a roundtable discussion that delves into all facets of what it means to be blind today.

Our goal is to show the world that there can truly be a life after blindness.

Connect With Tim

Website: https://lifeafterblindness.com

Face Book: https://www.facebook.com/lifeafterblindness

Twitter: https://twitter.com/labcast

Linked IN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-schwartz-011033139

WHY DO I Promote Hosts?

People have asked me Max why do you put so much effort into including the bio, website, and social media links for the hosts of the shows you appear on?

I can see how some people think I shouldn’t be working so hard to draw attention to the host.

After all, isn’t the reason for being interviewed to drive traffic to your work?

Well, you could look at it that way. But to me this is all about showing the proper gratitude for the opportunity to share my story.

As a podcasters myself I know just how much work goes into putting on a regular show. And most people that interview me aren’t doing this for the money.

They feel an obligation to help others by sharing inspiring, uplifting, or educational content.

Or they enjoy the challenges and the experiences that go along with putting on a regular show.

So, to me sharing an interview without telling you about the host and how to find him or her would be unthinkable.

I hope you will help me thank Tim by visiting his website and podcast and sharing them with your friends, family, and social media contacts.

And I hope you know I appreciate you. I couldn’t keep doing this without you.

More importantly I wouldn’t want to. It wouldn’t be any fun without having you along on this journey.

I look forward to hearing some of your stories. And if you need help getting started, don’t hesitate to reach out to me.

Until next time thanks and take care out there, Max

Steph McCoy founder of Bold Blind Beauty visits What’s Your Excuse?

Hello again;

I’m blessed to bring you an amazing interview on The What’s Your Excuse? Show.

This time my guest is my friend and fellow blind entrepreneur Steph McCoy.

I met Steph when we traveled together to help my friend and stylist Chelsea Nguyen, to teach style and grooming techniques to young blind and visually impaired people at the Level Up Conference in Wichita, Kansas.

Amazingly enough I was given the opportunity to see Steph continue her transformation right in front of me as she faced her fears and traveled cross country solo for the first time.

And even though the Dallas, Fort Worth airport intimidated her, she persevered.

I’m looking forward to having Steph back on my show in a year or so just so I can see how much further she has come by then.

Me and Steph discuss her vision loss which occurred later in life while working in the corporate world.

We talked about the fear surrounding that and the fact that her employers were some of the good ones when it came to seeking adaptations to keep her at work.

She touched on the struggles growing up poor something she is still coming to terms with speaking about both publicly and in interviews.

She talked about the birth of Bold Blind Beauty and her avatar Abbigail who is probably more Steph then she will ever admit.

Being someone who had to be convinced of the power of my story, I got a real thrill out of hearing Steph talk about how even now she sometimes isn’t sure if she is the strong powerful woman she aspires to be and is most all of the time.

I hope you have someone in your life who will hold up that mirror and show you your greatness.

I don’t want to spoil the interview or keep you waiting.

Now On To The Show

Please Support My Sponsors

Chip and Pam Edwards at www.createmyvoice.com

who are responsible for making my blog and podcast available on Alexa and Google.

You can visit their website, or you can just say Alexa play Create My Voice.

Or you can say Google talk to Create My Voice.

Just like you can say Alexa play The Blind Blogger or Alexa play The What’s Your Excuse? Show on Tune In.

Chip will help you develop an over all voice branding strategy.

He will also help you claim the invocation or words you want people to use to find you on these audio platforms.

If you aren’t taking advantage of these growing platforms, then you are missing out on millions of potential fans, followers, clients, or customers.

If you want to see your company logo or personally designed art work on shirts, then you should reach out to Alex at www.neatoshop.com

They produce quality shirts at a reasonable price with a healthy royalty for you.

Their submission process is simple, and they have even uploaded my art work for me.

And you can’t discount the option of a free demo t-shirt to make sure your art is going to look right before you start ordering or offering them for sale.

About Steph

Stephanae McCoy, the visionary of boldblindbeauty.com, is a businesswoman, style-setter, blogger and abilities crusader. As a woman who loves style and happens to be blind, Ms. McCoy created Bold Blind Beauty to encourage empowerment, connect sighted/non-sighted people, and eradicate misconceptions about blindness and people living with sight loss.

Meet Her Alter Ego Abigale

Visitors are guided by stylish fashion icon Abby, a fashionista who radiates an attitude of hip, laid-back sophistication. Forever on the move, Abby is in the know about the latest styles and fashions. She walks in confidence with her white cane in hand, providing tips, answering questions, and moderating discussions.

Connect With Steph

Website: www.boldblindbeauty.com

I truly enjoyed this conversation with my friend Steph. I’m happy to have the opportunity to share her and her inspiring message with the world.

She is an amazing lady still coming to terms with just how brave she can be.

I hope you will show your appreciation by visiting her site, reading some of her posts, and sharing her with your friends, family, and social media contacts.

And I want to thank you for continuing to support me on my journey.

Until next time thanks and take care out there, Max

Alison and Lulu from comedy travel podcast 10 K Dollar Day visit What’s Your Excuse

Hello again;

This week I’m honored to have Alison and Lulu the hosts of www.10kdollarday.com

on The What’s Your Excuse? Show.

I met these two amazing ladies while attending the Independent Podcasters Conference, IndiePodCon in Atlantic City last year.

We sat at a table together exchanging comments during the other speaker’s talks.

We also competed in the create a podcast contest. Something I thought we should have won.

Personal branding expert and story teller Ben Baker was on What’s Your Excuse?

Hello again;

This week on The What’s Your Excuse? Show

I’m happy to bring you an interview with Ben Baker from Your Brand Marketing.

We had a great conversation. Mainly because we are both such big proponents of the value and power of story telling.

In his case he is teaching business owners and managers how to recruit, attract, train, retain, and promote a talented effective staff by making everyone understand what the company’s story is all about.

I asked him if this was like when successful sports teams talk about how the players have bought into the philosophy of their coaches.

And he said that was a good place to start from.

Another reason why I loved this talk is because we met through my good friend The Happiness Ambassador

They offer quality shirts at a good price. Both to your customers and at wholesale to you for events.

The submission process is very simple, and they offer free sample prints to make sure your art work shows up just like you thought it would.

And without his support of the podcast I wouldn’t have had shirts to sell at my last two live events.

Now on to the show

About Ben

Storytelling has always been a way of life for Ben. From a young age, he realized that through telling stories, people listened to him, understood him and engaged. Professionally, this is what he has been doing now for over two decades. He helps brands tell engaging stories that compel their customers to take action.

His mission is to have brands “STOP being a commodity. . . instead, be a brand worth loving!”

Connect With Ben

Website: https://www.yourbrandmarketing.com

Speaker’s Website: https://www.BenBakerSpeaks.com

Podcast: https://www.YourLIVINGBrand.live

Book: https://www.powerfulpersonalbrands.com

Online course (code: FriendsofBen50 gets you $50 off registration)

https://courses.yourbrandmarketing.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yourbrandmarketing

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/yourbrandmrktng

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yourbrandmarketing

I really appreciate having the chance to sit down and talk story telling and branding with Ben.

I hope you will all find something you can take away from it.

Often the trick is to take what we are watching or hearing and convert it into terms from our own life experiences to make sense of what we are learning and applying it in our lives.

For me I’ve always done this. I usually find equivalents from my carnival life or from things my dad taught me growing up.

Before I go I want to thank you for your continued support and encouragement.

I appreciate your sharing my posts, visiting the sites of my guests and sponsor, and posting to social media.

So until next time thanks and take care out there, Max

Author educator and motivator Steven Green visited What’s Your Excuse?

Hello again;

I’m happy to be bringing you yet another uplifting interview on The What’s Your Excuse? Show.

This time is my friend Steven Green from makingthegrade.net

He has spent his whole life in education teaching in all aspects of our education system from junior high school to universities.

He also spent time on the administration side of the system before realizing that it wasn’t what he really wanted.

This man who grew up in a house with two educators wanted to teach and to help students truly learn how to be successful.

With that goal he ended up first tutoring on a local level and now over the net to students all over the world.

We talked about his teaching method which includes focusing on three main things.

These are managing data, managing time, and creating a daily action plan to balance both.

And while his background is in educating young people I know you are going to realize like I did that his principles can easily be applied to anything you want or need to learn in life.

After listening to our talk I’m hopeful that his advice is going to help you write your own what’s your excuse? story.

Now on to the show.

Surviver author and publisher Melanie Warner shared her journey on What’s Your Excuse?

Hello again;

First, I want to thank you for your patience with me.

In the past couple of weeks I have posted two previously recorded interviews along with a webinar I recorded on the subject of using podcasts and radio shows to gain exposure for your work.

But today, I’m excited to bring you a brand new interview on The What’s Your Excuse? Show.

My guest is Melanie Warner.

She is an incredibly strong woman who has overcome so much.

She lost a child tragically. Which lead to divorce and the collapse of her business as a magazine publisher.

She had recovered enough to write a book about her experiences in hopes of helping others suffering with a similar loss.

The book sold hundreds of thousands of copies, but she never received any of that money.

She would eventually fight to reclaim the rights to her story. She then used her experience from the publishing world to turn it into a best seller on Amazon.

She has lived on unemployment and food stamps. She knows what it is to struggle.

And most importantly she understands what it is to do everything right and then still have your world torn apart by life’s circumstances.

By the end of our conversation you will be asking yourself if Melanie can do it then what’s my excuse.

Please remember to support our sponsors.

Chip and Pam Edwards at www.createmyvoice.com

Or you can say:

Alexa play Create My Voice.

Or okay google talk to Create My Voice.

The same works for my podcast interviews.

Just say Alexa play The What’s Your Excuse? Show.

Or Okay Google listen to The What’s Your Excuse? Show.

And Chip does more than just get your blog or podcast where it can be found and enjoyed on Alexa and Google.

He will work you on a total audio or wireless voice branding strategy.

Also, please visit Alex at www.neatoshop.com

His company is the supplier of my What’s Your Excuse? shirts.

He offers high quality merchandise at reasonable prices with an excellent order process.

Whether it is your customers ordering a single shirt, or you are ordering dozens for a future event; Alex and his team make the process painless.

Without their help I wouldn’t have had the shirts to sell when I traveled to Erie Pennsylvania back in October to speak at The Disability Insights Conference.

I truly appreciate and respect the people behind both of these companies.

Now, just one last comment prior to your checking out my interview with Melanie.

She is a very open person. Even during an interview that hopefully thousands of people will hear.

She tried out a analogy that may offend some people.

I wasn’t bothered by it, but then I have had time to get to know her. And I believe her intent was to make an important point in a way people would easily understand.

She was saying how Jesus was able to share his message worldwide by starting with a group of only twelve very motivated decibels.

She then talked about how as authors we need the dedicated small group of followers. But we don’t need the viral moment that his crucifixion would have been today.

She had the big moment. She sold her book to a major publisher, but only made money when she sold it herself leaning on her own community to help promote her My Defining Moment Book.

And now she helps others do the same.

To prove that she is offering a FREE GIFT.

A MasterClass called “How to Write your Bestselling Book in 8 Weeks Or Less & Make a Profit – Even if No One Has Ever Heard of You”.

Here is a

link to get the training for free.

Now on with the show.

About Melanie

Melanie Warner is an author, speaker, writer and entrepreneur. She is the founder of the new

Defining Moments book series

that offer positive stories of hope and healing from people who have overcome extreme challenges in life.

Warner was a successful magazine publisher for over 20 years and then tragedy hit her family when her son died. That emotional shut down led to divorce, shutting

down her company, then bankruptcy, foreclosure and even tax court. What had taken her 20 years to build was gone over night. She had to rebuild her entire life from scratch – and found a way to do it in only 2 years.

This experience inspired her to write the first book of the series –

Defining Moments: Coping With the Loss of a Child

as a resource for bereaved families. She had a major publishing deal with books in 6,000 book stores across the country. But many major book stores (including Barnes & Noble) filed bankruptcy and she never got paid for her book deal – even after 3 years and

selling thousands of books. So she took back her own rights, published her own book & it hit bestseller in only 2 weeks.

After that, she was inundated with requests to help others get their book completed, published and marketed. She teaches people how to write a book that is profitable

and how to align it with a business that makes a difference for others.

As a writer, Warner has a collective readership of 3 million readers each month. She also owns magazines and is a frequent TV and radio guest, sharing stories

from her books. She hosts a weekly TV show called Defining Moments that allows other people to share their own “Defining Moments” and inspiring stories.

Melanie is also a master life and business coach who helps people use simple tools for self-healing, managing fear and overcoming life-changing setbacks.

Connect With Melanie

You can reach her at

Melanie@MyDefiningMoments.com

Submit a story at

www.MyDefiningMoments.com

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter @Defining Moments

This was one of my favorite interviews of the year.

Melanie loved my signing and agreed with Madelyn Black and others that it is unique and I should continue doing it.

She had fun with my singing and belted out some broadway style singing of nonsense words to make the point that legal liability only comes from singing copywriter music or lyrics.

She gamely worked through the self publishing quiz allowing me to share some of my own thoughts and work out some of my own issues.

And she genuinely wants to help others share their stories in a way that will lead to their financial and emotional success.

I’m not sure I could see myself making a quarter of a million dollars a year much less a million or more like she and some of her authors are reported to have done.

But she did get my attention. And the fact that she didn’t talk down to me for my lack of hard measurable financial goals is another point in her favor.

I hope you will check out her website, watch the free video, and even consider being one of her clients.

As I often say the best way we can thank great guests for coming on my show is to help them drive traffic to their site.

I hope you will also share the post or the direct links to the interview with your friends, family, coworkers, and social media networks.

And don’t forget that without your continued interest, support, and encouragement I couldn’t keep doing this.

Your comments, likes, shares, and emails are invaluable to me.

Until next time thanks and take care out there, Max

Interview coach reiki practitioner and guided meditation leader Kim Oneill visited What’s Your Excuse

Hello again;

This week I’m bringing you another previously recorded episode of The What’s Your Excuse? Show.

I’m sharing this interview with https://www.kimoneillcoaching.com”>Kim O’Neill

to celebrate our reconnecting on Face Book this week.

She was commenting on the news that I had been selected to give the closing talk for the podcasting school at next year’s PodFest Multimedia Expo.

She reminded me of an interview I did on her show many years ago.

Back then her show was called Perk Up with Kim, and I was blessed to appear on her show.

She is a woman who helps other women find the power within them so they can progress in their lives, businesses, or careers.

She does this by teaching them the power of the law of attraction and manifesting the things they want and need in their lives.

She also works with people on their interview skills to prepare them to put their best selves forward whether it is an interview for employment or being interviewed on podcasts and radio shows.

I love how much fun we had during this interview. We laughed quite a bit, and I hope this encourages other podcasters to have more fun while doing their shows.

If you’ve been saying to yourself that I can’t overcome my experiences, background, or personal excuses; then Kim is going to help you to act on your new belief.

Now on to the show

About Kim

Ever since I was a kid, I have felt purpose-driven and career-oriented. I wanted to be an actress, a singer, a private investigator, make handmade books, and even be a dental receptionist (yes, for real). In my teen years, I made a long list of 20+ professions I’d love to have, and eventually realized I’d really love to help people with their *problems* in some way.

Today, I’m a former Crime Analyst turned Transformational and Interview Confidence Coach, as well as Host of the Every Day is a New Day Show. I coach big-hearted women in accessing their inner “Wonder Woman” so they can confidently be who they are and move forward in their life and career. I help you heal and release the past so you can manifest a more desired present. Making these shifts will support you in being able to feel strong, powerful and ultimately love yourself and your life more. I help you see your strengths more clearly, and teach you how to understand the informational value of your emotions and intuition. I support you in shifting perspective and taking brave, bold steps forward. I’m certified in the following: ICF Associate Certified Coach; Certified Law of Attraction Coach; Reiki Master Practitioner; Infinite Possibilities Trainer; and Spontaneous Transformation Practitioner.

Personally, I have always known I am a passionate, purpose-driven soul who wanted to both help people, as well as have an outlet for creative expression. For many years, however, I allowed my head (and “society”) dictate how I went about achieving that (without realizing it). Along the way, however, I learned it’s been my emotions that were running the show all along – and not fully understanding their informational value is what “slowed” me down. The good thing … is what we resist persists. And what exists, can be processed and transmuted … Or … eventually erupts, becomes a massive puddle of once-stuffed-down emotions, and won’t go away until we FINALLY take time to process them. Whew! For me, taking time to shift negative self-talk and release old hurt, expectations of others and fears of abandonment and more were all part of the process for me to be able to see myself and my life more clearly, so that I could move forward.

Professionally, as a former Crime Analyst, I learned what it means to take a leap of faith and say a bigger yes to my professional dreams of coaching, energy healing and show hosting. I also learned how to embrace my spiritual self and work with my energy, despite being surrounded by an abundance of Type-A personalities and emphasis on “practicality.” Through my personal experience and professional training, I am the logical choice for supporting you in knowing and embracing who you truly are; what you desire; shifting energies; and taking action to experience new possibilities.

I have made several of my own career transitions in the last 20 years, and while some have been scary, every one has been worth it. From Registered Dental Assistant to Human Resources Coordinator, from Voiceover Artist to Crime Analyst … to Empowerment Coach, Reiki Master and Show Host. I mean it when I say – There’s NOTHING you can’t do.

I didn’t get here in one full swoop, however. There have been many detours, and I’ve learned how to extract the lesson from every situation. I’m often seen as an optimist, upbeat and bubbly – and that is the real me.

You know what’s also real?

I used to struggle with negative self talk in such a big way, I was suicidal – more than once (oh how that has NOT been easy to tell people, but it gets easier each time.)

I had an absent father which absolutely factored into my relationships with men, as well as my own self worth (little did I know)

I got married and divorced in my early 20s – oh the hell … and the healing

I put myself through college and am absolutely a strong, independent woman … who now knows how to ask for help

I’ve struggled with learning to love my body my whole life … and I’m finally getting there

It was in 2008 when my world shattered more than it ever had up to that point, that I was grasping for straws – for something or someone to come and save me. With hindsight being 20:20, I eventually came to realize that was part of my “awakening.” When you don’t have a stable inner foundation, anything can take you down – leaving you primed to rediscover and step into who you truly are, more than you may have ever before. To read more about that experience, read my chapter in the Positive Minded People Book.

Now your world does not need to be crumbling in order for us to work together, however, as we do, you’ll develop more of your own stable inner foundation. You’ll be able to see and think more clearly. You’ll be able to heal and release situations that have been weighing you down. You’ll naturally become more confident and courageous to allow yourself to take a more valued role in your own life … and I’ll teach you how to work with the Law of Attraction as you’ll be ready for abundance to flow in more easily.

It’s not about where you are now, it’s about where you choose to go next. It’s about what you choose to think and believe is possible for you, and what you choose to focus on. Where focus goes, energy flows. Do you know where your focus is?

Whatever is going on in your world right now, I applaud you for being brave enough to take action and consider the possibility that there is still SO MUCH MORE to come for you. You don’t have to settle for a life or career you don’t love. Take time to care for you, and know that YOU are amazing. I will always believe this about you, even if you don’t – yet. I look forward to walking side-by-side with you on your journey forward. Never give up. Keep going. It gets better.

Seminar on using podcast interviews to share your story and grow your passion

Hello Again;

Thought I’d share this webinar that me and my good friend Michael Babcock recorded on one of my favorite subjects using podcast interviews to build your business and grow your brand.

In fact it was Michael who encouraged me to start offering a service where I would get people booked on podcasts so they could gain more exposure for the work they are doing.

He was also the one who encouraged me to create an online course, offering my experience, advice, knowledge, and best practices to those who may not be ready or able to hire me directly.

That course is called On The Air, How to Use Podcasts and Radio Shows to Reach New People, Share Your Story, and Grow Your Brand.

You can download that course for free here.

Topics Covered

Why do podcasts
Media kit page
Previous interviews page
Base pitch email
Required audio-video technology
Show interview promotion
Handling setbacks

During the hour I also share a couple of my favorite stories.

And me and Michael share some of our opinions on what makes a great podcast interview.

My hope is that by watching or listening to this you will realize the importance of using podcast interviews to promote your work.

From there I would love it if you reached out to hire me or to at least have a conversation about hiring me.

But, if you aren’t ready for that yet; then the next best thing is to take advantage of the free online course.

You can always reach out to me with questions or concerns.

Also, if you sign up for the course, I’d be willing to have a short talk with you about your story and how best to present it to podcast hosts.

The one thing should learn from me is that hosts don’t book you, your products, or your services.

They Book Your Story.

Lots of you have great stories that need to be shared. The kind of empowering stories that will make the world better by their being told.

But you aren’t putting yourself out there. You think maybe other people have better more powerful stories than yours.

You wonder if you are ready. You think about your website, blog, or work so far not being good enough.

Please don’t wait until you think your story is good enough to start sharing it with the world.

It took the work of many great friends to convince me. I wasted a lot of time by needing to be convinced. I want to try to save you that time.

That’s why I offered to listen to your story and give you feedback on it.

I’m sure there are many of you who have even better stories of overcoming adversity than mine.

I bet you would be a great guest on my show if you were willing to send me that email and say pick me

Thanks for taking the time to check out the webinar.

And thanks for continuing to support me and my show.

Until next time, take care out there, Max

Powerful selfie speaker Azuka Zuke shares his inspiring story on What’s Your Excuse

Hello again;

I hope you are all doing well. I had some scheduling difficulties with a guest, so I’m sharing a previously recorded interview that you probably haven’t heard unless you are subscribed to my youtube channel.

If you don’t ask, they can’t say yes podcast guests

Hello again;

Every so often, we need to find ways to reenergize ourselves and find new fuel to continue the journey.

When it comes to who I have on the What’s Your Excuse? Show, I’ve realized it’s time to do just that.

And I have a new friend to thank for the idea.

His name is Tim Schwartz, and he is the host of The Life After. Blindness blog & Podcast.

I was doing a pre-interview in advance of sharing my story on his podcast. We had a wide-ranging conversation that I honestly wish one of us had recorded.

It was like talking to a long-time friend I hadn’t heard from in years instead of a first talk with a fellow blogger and podcaster.

From him I got the idea of offering a new service where I would help podcasters reach out to those ideal guests that they don’t yet have the confidence to go after.

I will discuss with them what their show is really about, who their audience is, who their ideal guests are; and then do the work of getting these people to say yes.

And I decided that if I”m going to offer such a service I should start with a beta client. And who better to practice on than myself?

I ended up telling Tim that I was going to come up with a bucket list of people I want to come on the show. Further more, I promised to write this post sharing my list and letting you all see me work through the process.

I even suggested that me and Tim should do a similar exercise for his show.

And Tim has graciously agreed to be my accountability partner on this new adventure.

Now, don’t get me wrong. I am grateful for everyone who has ever reached out to me about being on What’s Your Excuse.

I’m blessed that people find my interview ability up to a level that they want to have conversations with me on the show.

But for the first time in a while, I’m actually giving some thought to who my dream guests would be. And I’m going after them.

Just one last point before I get started. This list does not include people who have already agreed to come on the show. People who I just haven’t scheduled yet. Or who I have scheduled but haven’t recorded their interview yet.

Elizabeth Gilbert

Many of you know her for the amazing book Eat, Pray, Love. But, I am a fan of another book she wrote called Big Magic. It’s about the creative process, and it includes some great advice on the creative process.

Joseph Bommersbach

He is also known as Blind Joe. He is a talented musician, singer, and performer who had a great run on The Voice.

Jessica Loomer

I met Jessica while helping my friend Chelsea present at the Envisions Level Up Conference in Wichitaw this summer. She gave a wonderful talk, and I’d love to hear her share her stories and positive approach to life.

Jeff Dunham

He is a terrifically funny ventriloquist. And from what I’ve heard about his life I believe he would have a lot to share about chasing a dream, overcoming setbacks, and finding unusual solutions.

Reba McEntire

I’ve read her biography where she talks about growing up in a family of ranchers and rodeo performers prior to her career as a singer, performer, and actress. I would love to hear more.

Danelle Umstead

The blind paraolympian in skiing who recently appeared on dancing with the stars. She is also a speaker who talks about living your impossible.

Tom Sullivan

He is a talented musician, singer, performer, entertainer, and documentary film maker who happens to be blind. But more importantly he was the first person I ever heard write about the idea of interdependence. Something that has become a big part of my own message.

Jesse Cole

He’s known as the yellow tux guy. I met him at PodFestExpo this year. Loved hearing how he turned around the Savanna minor league baseball team.

Cody Rhodes

Yes, he is a professional wrestler, actor, and entrepreneur. But I want to learn how a man turns his back on a reliable stable lifetime income from an establish company to start his own wrestling promotion.

Stephen King

Yes, he is the master of the horror genre. But he has also written a great book for writers. I’d love to find out more about how he made it through those rough times.

Alex Trebek

I’ve been a fan for years, and many in my family think I should try out. But I mainly want to talk to him about how he is continuing to live his life while fighting pancriatic cancer.

Paul McCartney

Last year I heard a 60 minutes interview he gave. He talked about never feeling good enough. About having to always improve. I think this is a message more people need to hear especially when coming from one of the best who has ever lived.

I openly admit that I may not be able to get some of the people on this list. But I made the list out with the same approach I applied to choosing what city to visit when I won the Amtrak Writers in Residence Award.

Who do I want on the show. I will be updating the list throughout the process.

Not sure if I will do that by editing this post, updating you in the comments section, or writing additional posts.

I’m also open to suggestions of people to add to this list.

There are many arenas such as business and entertainment where there are surely people with great stories to tell who I am not familiar with.

I also want to share that I have felt a new energy around my podcast from making this list. It is becoming an adventure because I’m waiting to see just how I will get them to come on the show and what we will talk about.

I’m wondering who each of these guests may introduce me to. Or what opportunities may come along from stretching myself by going after guests like these.

And I hope you will continue to come along for the ride.

Whether I am interviewing celebrities or unknown heroes you can always count on me to ask the questions I want to know the answers to.

Thanks for your continued support. And take care out there, Max