Conversations on leadership, reinvention, and the truth behind success.
Hosted by Michael Greenwalt.
Welcome to Beyond Self-Made. I'm Michael Greenwalt - speaker, author, and someone who's lived more than one life.
From poverty to the military, to the cage, to the fireground, to the boardroom and entrepreneurship, I've learned that success isn't about doing it alone - it's about who shows up, who opens doors, and who walks with you when things get hard. This podcast is about leadership under pressure, career reinvention, personal growth, and the power of authentic human connection. These interviews are stories, conversations, and lessons for people building their next chapter - together.
Your Greatest Pain Might Be Your Greatest Purpose | Jay Allen
What if the moment that broke your heart became the moment that gave your life its purpose?
My guest today never set out to become famous. He set out to tell the truth.
After watching his mother disappear into Alzheimer's, he wrote a song that would touch millions, raise millions of dollars for research, and ultimately change the course of his life.
This isn't just a conversation about music.
It's about purpose, healing, faith, and what really matters when the spotlight fades.
Country artist Jay Allen has performed on national stages, appeared on The Voice, signed record deals, and gone viral with a song inspired by his mother's battle with early-onset Alzheimer's.
But behind the headlines is a much deeper story.
In this conversation, Jay shares the heartbreaking moment his mother no longer recognized him, how that pain became the song "Blank Stares," and why he ultimately walked away from chasing fame to pursue something far more meaningful.
Together we explore:
Why authenticity always outlasts image
The hidden reality of the music industry
Fame versus fulfillment
Faith, purpose, and resilience
Mental health and healing
Leadership through vulnerability
Supporting first responders, veterans, and caregivers
Why your greatest struggle may become your greatest calling
Whether you're an artist, entrepreneur, leader, or simply someone navigating life's hardest seasons, this episode is a reminder that purpose is often found on the other side of pain.
Sometimes the most powerful thing you can do isn't chasing recognition.
It's choosing significance.
Connect with Jay Allen
Website: https://jayallenofficial.com
Instagram: @jayallenmusic
Facebook: Jay Allen Music
3 Aug 2026
Mental Health, Music & Making a Difference: With Christine Farr
When people think about supporting veterans and first responders, they often think of saying "thank you."
But what happens after that?
In this episode, I sit down with Chris Farr, President of Northern Arizona Marine League Charities, to talk about what real service looks like after the uniform comes off.
We discuss how Marine League Charities has grown from supporting Toys for Tots into an organization that helps veterans, first responders, youth programs, scholarships, and local families throughout Northern Arizona. Chris shares her personal journey into nonprofit leadership, why community matters so deeply, and how simple acts of kindness can change someone's life.
We also dive into the importance of mental health, PTSD resources, and why events like the upcoming Jay Allen & Sherry Rowe Benefit Concert are about far more than great music. Every ticket sold helps provide meaningful support for veterans, first responders, and organizations working to improve mental health in our community.
This conversation is a reminder that healing happens through connection, purpose, and people willing to show up for one another.
Whether you've served, know someone who has, or simply want to make your community stronger, I think you'll find something meaningful in this episode.
In this episode:
The mission behind Marine League Charities
The incredible growth of Toys for Tots in Northern Arizona
Supporting veterans long after military service
Mental health resources for first responders and veterans
Why community involvement matters more than ever
The upcoming benefit concert featuring Jay Allen and Sherry Rowe
How every person can make a difference
Connect. Serve. Give back. Because no one should have to carry life's hardest battles alone.
#BeyondSelfMade #Veterans #FirstResponders #MentalHealth #PTSD #CommunityLeadership #Leadership #Service #MarineLeagueCharities #ToysForTots #Flagstaff #NorthernArizona #GivingBack #Community #JayAllen #SherryRowe #Podcast #LeadershipPodcast
28 Jul 2026
Teaching Humans in an AI World: Anika Jackson on education, entrepreneurship, and the future of work
AI is changing everything, but what if our greatest competitive advantage isn't technology at all?
In this episode of Beyond Self Made, Michael sits down with branding strategist, educator, and podcast host Anika Jackson, founder of Your Brand Amplified, to explore what it really takes to stay relevant in a rapidly changing world.
From building one of the world's top marketing podcasts to teaching graduate students at USC and helping entrepreneurs amplify their voices, Anika shares the winding journey that led her to a career centered on helping others succeed.
Together they discuss:
• Why authenticity has become more valuable—not less—in the age of AI
• The entrepreneurial leap and learning to bet on yourself
• How podcasting creates influence through genuine human connection
• What AI is changing in education, branding, and the future of work
• Why curiosity, joy, and adaptability may become the most important skills of the next decade
• How entrepreneurs can build businesses that reflect their values instead of simply chasing attention
This isn't just a conversation about branding. It's about identity, purpose, and why the future still belongs to people who are willing to learn, connect, and continue evolving.
If you've ever wondered how to stay relevant without losing yourself, this episode is for you.
https://yourbrandamplified.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/anikajackson/
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/your-brand-amplified/id1543221243
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/practical-pedagogy-the-art-of-teaching-for/id6784879140
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