Character Talks

About Character Talks

Character Talks | Hosted by Chris Christie, Founder of The Character Institute. Character Talks explores the power of a single word — shaped by life's challenges, adventures, and triumphs. Each episode dives into one inspiring word, uncovering the stories and experiences behind it and how it continues to guide our guests. Through engaging conversations, Character Talks challenges you to embrace bold adventures, discover your own path, and let one word inspire your next chapter.

Publisher

The Character Institute

Category

society & culture

Language

en

Explicit

Yes

First episode

24 Apr 2020

Latest episode

5 Aug 2026

Latest episodes

31 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   5 Aug 2026

   Character Talks - EP. 30 - CONNECTION with Mish Sommers

   Character Talks | Mish Sommers — Connection What if the most important thing shaping your life isn't something you achieve... but something you notice? Every episode of Character Talks begins with one simple question: What one word has shaped your life? When Chris Christie invited organizational development consultant, executive coach, outdoor leader, and lifelong learner Mish Sommers to join the conversation, she chose one word: Connection. What follows is a thoughtful exploration of leadership, intentional living, the outdoors, vulnerability, mindfulness, and the relationships that quietly shape who we become. Together they explore: • Why connection requires intention. • The difference between reacting and responding. • How nature helps us reconnect with ourselves. • Why vulnerability is essential to meaningful relationships. • How our strengths become even more powerful when connected with the strengths of others. Whether you're a leader, parent, coach, entrepreneur, or simply someone seeking to live with greater purpose, this conversation is an invitation to slow down, look up, and reconnect—with yourself, with others, and with what matters most. One Word. One Conversation. Endless Possibilities. 🌐 Bay Consulting https://www.bayconsulting.me (https://www.bayconsulting.me) 💼 LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/mishsommers/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/mishsommers/?utm_source=chatgpt.com) ✍️ Substack – mishisommers https://substack.com/profile/92136781-mish-sommers (https://substack.com/profile/92136781-mish-sommers) 📬 Roots to Peaks Newsletter (https://theascentcollective.mykajabi.com/roots-to-peaks-newsletter) Stories and reflections on adventure, leadership, character, and living with intention. 🌲 The Character Institute (https://thecharacterinstitute.net/) Explore our leadership and character development programs. 🏕️ The Ascent Collective Community (https://theascentcollective.mykajabi.com/the-ascent-collective) Join our growing community built around connection, personal growth, and purposeful living. 🏅 Leading From Within — Athlete Version (https://theascentcollective.mykajabi.com/leading-from-within-athlete-version) Leadership development designed specifically for athletes who want to lead from within. A heartfelt thank you to our friend Chad Hollister for allowing us to feature his song "LIFE" as the theme music for Character Talks. Chad is not only an incredible musician but an extraordinary human being. We encourage you to visit his website, explore his music, and, if you ever have the opportunity, experience one of his live performances. His energy and heart are unforgettable. https://www.chadmusic.com (https://www.chadmusic.com) If today's conversation encouraged you, challenged your thinking, or reminded you of someone who has helped shape your life, we'd love for you to share this episode with them. The best conversations don't end when the microphones are turned off—they continue through the people we choose to share them with. Thank you for being part of the Character Talks community. Until next time… Keep building character. Keep asking better questions. And never underestimate the power of one meaningful conversation.

2. 

   15 Jul 2026

   Character Talks - EP. 29 - CURIOSITY with Daniel Cox

   What happens when curiosity becomes your compass? In this episode of Character Talks, Chris sits down with adventurer, photographer, and explorer Dan Cox, a man who has built an extraordinary life by asking one simple question: "Why not?" Dan's adventures have taken him far beyond the ordinary. From kayaking over 2,000 miles from the Canadian border to Key West, to becoming the first person believed to have stand-up paddleboarded the entire coast of Maine, his story is one of curiosity, resilience, and a willingness to embrace the unknown. But this conversation isn't really about paddling. It's about curiosity. It's about setting meaningful goals. It's about taking action before you feel ready. It's about finding peace in solitude and discovering what you're truly capable of when you commit to something bigger than your comfort zone. Dan's word for this episode is Curiosity, and together we explore how asking better questions can lead to richer experiences, deeper self-discovery, and a life filled with purpose and adventure. Whether you're chasing a dream, navigating a season of uncertainty, searching for your next adventure, or simply wondering if you're capable of more, this conversation will inspire you to take that first step. And don't miss one of the most powerful takeaways from the episode: "Never quit on a rainy day." Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dan_paddles/ (https://www.instagram.com/dan_paddles/) Photography Website: https://www.bethanydan.com/ (https://www.bethanydan.com/) Register for our monthly newsletter filled with inspiration, leadership insights, and practical tools for intentional living: Roots to Peaks Newsletter (https://theascentcollective.mykajabi.com/roots-to-peaks-newsletter) Explore our leadership and character development programs: The Character Institute (https://thecharacterinstitute.net/) Join The Ascent Collective, our growing community built around connection, personal growth, and purposeful living: The Ascent Collective Community (https://theascentcollective.mykajabi.com/the-ascent-collective) Interested in leadership development for athletes? Leading From Within — Athlete Version (https://theascentcollective.mykajabi.com/leading-from-within-athlete-version) A special thank you to our friend Chad Hollister for allowing us to feature his song "LIFE" as the theme music for Character Talks. We encourage you to visit Chad's website, listen to his incredible music, and experience the positive energy he brings to every performance. https://www.chadmusic.com (https://www.chadmusic.com)

3. 

   24 Jun 2026

   Character Talks - EP. 28 - EPIC with Melissa Corley Carter, PhD

   What does it mean to live an EPIC life? In this episode of Character Talks, Chris sits down with Dr. Melissa Corley Carter, known around the world as The Barefoot Dancing Rocket Scientist. Melissa's journey is extraordinary. She is a rocket scientist, seven-continent marathoner, astronaut reject, Air Force leader, speaker, certified professional coach, award-winning author, and creator of transformational experiences that help people reclaim their power and embrace their uniqueness. But this conversation isn't about accomplishments. It's about courage. It's about taking giant leaps of faith. It's about recognizing that you are already powerful, unique, and awesome—and that your greatest contribution comes not from what you do, but from who you are. Melissa's word for this episode is EPIC, and together we explore what it truly means to live an extraordinary life with purpose, authenticity, and impact. Whether you're navigating a life transition, pursuing a dream, searching for purpose, or simply looking for inspiration, this conversation will challenge you to think bigger and live bolder. SPECIAL OFFER FOR CHARACTER TALKS LISTENERS Melissa is offering a FREE "Shine Your Light" card draw session for listeners who reach out within the first three months after this episode airs. CONNECT WITH MELISSA Website: https://www.epiclifeactually.com (https://www.epiclifeactually.com) Book – Running the World: https://www.epiclifeactually.com/runningtheworld (https://www.epiclifeactually.com/runningtheworld) Running YOUR World Wisdom Card Deck: https://www.epiclifeactually.com/runningyourworld (https://www.epiclifeactually.com/runningyourworld) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melissacorleycarter (https://www.instagram.com/melissacorleycarter) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissacorleycarter (https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissacorleycarter) CONTINUE THE JOURNEY WITH US Register for our monthly newsletter filled with inspiration, tips, thoughts, ideas, and more: Roots to Peaks Newsletter (https://theascentcollective.mykajabi.com/roots-to-peaks-newsletter) Explore The Character Institute and discover our leadership and character development programs: The Character Institute (https://thecharacterinstitute.net/) Join The Ascent Collective—our community built for connection, growth, and intentional living: The Ascent Collective Community (https://theascentcollective.mykajabi.com/the-ascent-collective) Interested in leadership development for athletes? Learn more here: Leading From Within — Athlete Version (https://theascentcollective.mykajabi.com/leading-from-within-athlete-version) SPECIAL THANKS Special thanks to Chad Hollister for providing the song "LIFE." Chad is a dear friend, and we encourage everyone to visit his website, listen to his music, and soak in all the good vibes. chadmusic.com (https://chadmusic.com/)

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

1 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

3 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 47 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

70

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

60

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Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.