Cleared For Takeoff

What does it take to go from sleeping in your car at 14 years old to leading one of the most respected organizations in North America?For Julian Scadden, it started with one realization: the people creating opportunity weren't necessarily smarter—they simply knew how to connect with others.In this episode of Cleared For Takeoff, Charles Eide sits down with the President & CEO of Nexstar Network for one of the most personal conversations Julian has ever shared publicly.He opens up about growing up in a difficult environment, dropping out of high school, living out of his car, reconnecting with his father after years apart, and how mentors helped reshape his future.Julian also shares why conversations are the foundation of leadership, why work ethic is often misunderstood, and the surprisingly simple advice that changed his career forever.The conversation culminates with an inside look at one of the biggest decisions of Julian's career—leading Nexstar through the difficult choice to sunset private equity-backed memberships in order to protect the organization's mission, culture, and long-term future.Whether you're a business owner, leader, entrepreneur, or simply someone trying to navigate life's next chapter, this episode is filled with wisdom that will stay with you long after it ends.In this episode you'll learn:Why communication—not talent—is often the greatest predictor of success.How Julian went from an introverted teenager to leading thousands of business owners.The powerful story of becoming homeless at 14 and rebuilding his life.The mentors and conversations that changed everything.Why "The conversation is the relationship."The "Straight Eight" philosophy that transformed Julian's career.Why passion doesn't always come before success—and why that's okay.The massive opportunity within the skilled trades today.What leaders get wrong about work-life balance and employee expectations.How Nexstar made the difficult decision to prioritize mission over rapid growth by walking away from private equity-backed companies.The difference between growing a business and building one that can truly scale.Why the hardest leadership decisions are often the ones that define your legacy.Meet Julian:Julian Scadden is the President & CEO of Nexstar Network, a member-owned organization dedicated to helping independent plumbing, HVAC, and electrical businesses become stronger leaders and more successful companies.After overcoming an incredibly challenging upbringing—including dropping out of high school and experiencing homelessness as a teenager—Julian built a career rooted in resilience, communication, and servant leadership. Beginning as a laborer in the skilled trades, he steadily advanced through leadership roles before joining Nexstar, where he has helped guide one of the industry's most influential organizations.Known for his authentic leadership style and unwavering commitment to mission over short-term gain, Julian is passionate about developing leaders, strengthening independent businesses, and elevating the skilled trades as one of today's greatest career opportunities.Today, he leads Nexstar with a focus on helping great tradespeople become exceptional business leaders while preserving the culture, trust, and values that have defined the organization for decades.

Most people know Mount Everest as the tallest mountain on Earth.Ryan Rivard knows it as a teacher.Before standing on top of the world, Ryan experienced rock bottom. He battled addiction, lived out of his car, and fought to rebuild his life one decision at a time. Years later, after becoming sober, building a successful marketing agency, raising four children, and reclaiming his relationship with his father, he pursued one of the most dangerous challenges imaginable: summiting Mount Everest.In this powerful conversation with Charles Eide, Ryan pulls back the curtain on what it's actually like to climb Everest. From navigating the deadly Khumbu Icefall and surviving the infamous Death Zone to witnessing life-and-death decisions on the mountain, he shares stories few people on Earth can tell.But this episode is about much more than mountaineering.Ryan explains why every person has an "Everest" in life, how focusing on the next ten steps can overcome seemingly impossible obstacles, why the journey matters more than the destination, and how faith, resilience, and community helped transform his life from addiction to purpose.This conversation is equal parts adventure, leadership lesson, and reminder that no matter where you start, your future is not determined by your past.In this episode you'll learn: Why Ryan believes climbing Mount Everest is more mentally challenging than physically demanding.The incredible journey from addiction and homelessness to becoming one of the few Americans to summit Everest.What it's really like inside the Death Zone—and why more climbers die coming down than going up.The simple mindset that helped Ryan overcome impossible moments: focusing on the next ten steps.How recovery transformed not only Ryan's life but also restored his relationship with his father.Why success isn't reaching the summit—it's becoming the person the journey requires.The role faith, family, and purpose played in helping Ryan accomplish what once seemed impossible.How letting go of shame can become the turning point that changes someone else's life.Lessons from Everest that apply directly to business, leadership, and everyday challenges.Why Ryan says everyone has an "Everest"—and how anyone can begin climbing theirs.Meet Ryan Rivard:Ryan Rivard is an entrepreneur, endurance athlete, marketing strategist, and one of the few Americans to successfully summit Mount Everest.After overcoming addiction as a teenager, Ryan rebuilt his life through recovery, education, and entrepreneurship, eventually founding Bespoken, a marketing agency specializing in SEO, AI-powered marketing, and business growth. Today, he combines his experience in business with the life-changing lessons learned from some of the world's highest mountains. Ryan is passionate about helping others overcome adversity, discover purpose, and pursue seemingly impossible goals. Through coaching, speaking, and his upcoming book, he shares a powerful message of resilience, faith, and personal transformation—proving that no matter where you begin, it's possible to reach extraordinary heights.

We spend years learning technical skills, building expertise, and chasing success. But what if the thing that determines your success isn't what you know—it's how you manage yourself? In this episode of Cleared For Takeoff, Charles sits down with international keynote speaker, executive coach, and emotional intelligence expert Rich Bracken to explore why EQ has become one of the most valuable leadership skills in today's world. Rich shares the personal story of the panic attack that forced him to rethink everything, why emotional intelligence accounts for a massive portion of professional performance, and how leaders unknowingly create cultures of fear without realizing it. Together, they dive into practical ways to improve self-awareness, build stronger teams, navigate difficult conversations, embrace vulnerability without appearing weak, and create workplaces where people feel seen, heard, and motivated to contribute their best ideas. The conversation also explores how AI should free us to become more human—not less—and why the future belongs to leaders who can build trust, connection, and psychological safety. Whether you're leading a company, managing a team, building a business, or simply trying to become a better communicator, this episode offers practical tools that can improve every relationship in your life. In this episode you'll learn: Why emotional intelligence predicts performance more than IQ • The simple 7-second habit that can change your reactions • Why "That's just the way I am" is one of the most dangerous leadership mindsets • How to build a culture where people actually share their best ideas • The balance between vulnerability and confidence as a leader • Why AI is creating more opportunities for human connection • How to become the kind of leader people willingly follow Because success isn't just about being the smartest person in the room. It's about bringing out the best in everyone else. Meet Rich Bracken: Rich Bracken is an internationally recognized keynote speaker, executive coach, and emotional intelligence expert who helps organizations build stronger leaders, healthier cultures, and higher-performing teams. After a life-changing panic attack led him to discover the power of emotional intelligence, Rich dedicated his career to helping leaders improve self-awareness, communication, resilience, and human connection. Today, he speaks around the world to organizations of every size, combining research-backed leadership strategies with his unique background as a professional DJ to create unforgettable learning experiences. Rich is also the creator of the acclaimed "Soundtrack for Success" keynote, blending music, psychology, and leadership into an interactive experience that's changing the way organizations think about emotional intelligence. He is also the author of an upcoming book on sustainable change and leadership transformation.

Dr. Paul Nystrom has spent more than two decades treating patients in emergency medicine, serving alongside Navy SEAL teams, working with SWAT units, and helping save lives in some of the most critical situations imaginable. But after years of practicing medicine, he's become increasingly convinced that many of the biggest health challenges facing Americans today aren't caused by a lack of medication—they're caused by lifestyle choices, processed foods, and a healthcare system focused on treating symptoms instead of root causes. In this episode, Charles and Dr. Nystrom discuss: What it's really like working in a Level 1 Trauma Center The most intense life-saving procedure performed in the ER Why chronic disease has exploded in America The truth about fat, cholesterol, and heart disease Why insulin resistance may be the root of many health problems The role food addiction plays in obesity and poor health Hormones, sleep, sunlight, and preventative health GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and what people should know before taking them Why personal responsibility is still the most powerful health intervention available Whether you agree with every perspective or not, this conversation will challenge assumptions and encourage you to take a closer look at the habits shaping your health. Meet Dr. Paul Nystrom: Dr. Paul Nystrom is an Emergency Medicine physician, EMS Medical Director, Navy veteran, and SWAT team medical officer based in Minnesota. After earning his medical degree shortly before 9/11, Dr. Nystrom joined the U.S. Navy, where he served as a Dive Medical Officer and worked alongside active-duty Navy SEAL teams. He later completed his Emergency Medicine residency at a Level 1 Trauma Center and has spent more than 20 years practicing medicine on the front lines of emergency care. Today, in addition to treating patients, Dr. Nystrom educates public safety professionals on health, performance, nutrition, sleep, and longevity. His mission is simple: help people become healthier, stronger, and more capable through better information and personal responsibility.

Matt Vincent is not your average guest. He's a two-time World Highland Games Champion, a former Division I athlete at LSU, a content creator, coach, entrepreneur — and a man who has faced the kind of losses that break most people. Nine knee surgeries. Chronic pain. The end of a career he didn't see coming. The collapse of an identity he'd spent 20 years building. In this deeply honest conversation with Charles Eide, Matt pulls back the curtain on what happened after the trophies stopped coming — and what it actually takes to rebuild a life worth living. Matt shares the story of discovering the Highland Games through a message board in 2008, going from amateur competitor to world champion in just a few years, and then watching it all come apart when his knee began failing in 2016. What followed was not just physical trauma, but a full-on identity crisis — losing his sport, his community, his business foundation, and his ability to manage stress through training. But what makes this conversation extraordinary isn't the fall — it's the rebuild. Matt walks through the tools that saved him: cold plunging, breathwork, journaling, gratitude practices, and learning to regulate his central nervous system. He explains, with remarkable clarity, how fight-or-flight culture keeps us trapped, why anxiety is just attachment to an outcome we're afraid won't happen, and how managing your nervous system is the single most powerful thing you can do for your business, your relationships, and your life. If you've ever felt like your identity was too tied to what you do, if you're running on fumes and calling it drive, or if you've ever wondered whether there's a version of success that actually feels like yours — this episode is exactly what you need to hear. Topics covered in this episode: Growing up in small-town Louisiana and finding identity through sport The path from LSU track and field to two-time World Highland Games Champion Nine knee surgeries and a total knee replacement — and what chronic pain does to the soul What happens when your identity disappears overnight Cold plunging, breathwork, and the science of the central nervous system Why fight-or-flight is keeping modern society stuck and manipulated Matt's daily gratitude practice using a mala — and why it works neurologically The "deload" principle: why strategic rest is the secret to sustainable high performance Designing a life on your own terms — and what a perfect day actually looks like Ego, identity, and how to let go of the story you've been telling yourself Why arguing is a waste of energy — and what to do instead Meet Matt Vincent: Matt Vincent is a two-time World Highland Games Champion, former Division I track and field athlete at Louisiana State University, entrepreneur, content creator, and mindset coach. After competing at the elite level in one of the world's most physically demanding multi-event sports — throwing stones, weights, hammers, and cabers — Matt's career was derailed by a series of devastating knee injuries that ultimately required nine surgeries and a total knee replacement. What followed was a profound personal reinvention. Drawing on mentorship from mobility pioneer Kelly Starrett (author of Becoming a Supple Leopard), exposure to Wim Hof breathwork, and years of disciplined journaling and self-inquiry, Matt rebuilt his life around the principles of nervous system regulation, intentional living, and radical gratitude. He now coaches individuals on performance mindset, leads retreats, creates digital content, and travels the country in his custom off-grid van — living proof that the best chapters of a life don't have to come first.  

What separates successful people from everyone else? According to Dr. Dave Martin, it comes down to one thing: wisdom. In this episode of Cleared For Takeoff, Charles Eide sits down with one of the world’s leading Christian success coaches for a powerful conversation about mindset, growth, habits, failure, faith, mentorship, and building a meaningful legacy. Dr. Dave Martin shares his journey from growing up in poverty in rural Mississippi to becoming a globally recognized speaker, author, and mentor. Along the way, he reveals the lessons that changed his life, including how mentors transformed his thinking, why successful people never stop learning, and how one idea can completely alter your future. The conversation dives deep into overcoming limiting beliefs, replacing bad habits, learning from failure, investing your time wisely, and creating a “cathedral mindset” focused on long-term impact rather than short-term success. Charles and Dave also explore: Why mindset determines your future The difference between inheritance and legacy Why fear of failure holds so many people back The power of books, mentors, and personal development How successful people think differently Why visualization and written goals matter The role faith and biblical principles play in leadership and business How entrepreneurs can create their own economy during difficult times This episode is filled with practical wisdom, unforgettable stories, and timeless principles that can help anyone grow personally, professionally, and spiritually. Meet Dr. Dave Martin: Dr. Dave Martin is an internationally recognized speaker, author, business coach, and leadership mentor known for teaching practical principles on success, mindset, personal growth, faith, and leadership. Raised in a small town in Mississippi, Dr. Martin transformed his life through mentorship, learning, and a relentless commitment to personal development. Over the years, he has shared stages with some of the world’s most influential leaders and speakers, including Zig Ziglar, Tony Robbins, and Shark Tank personalities through the nationally recognized Get Motivated Tour. Dr. Martin is the author of multiple bestselling books, including 12 Traits of the Greats, Make That Break That, The Force of Favor, and Another Shot. His teachings focus on helping people unlock their potential, develop wisdom, overcome limiting beliefs, and create lasting impact in both business and life.

What if burnout isn’t caused by working too hard… but by doing the wrong kind of work? In this deeply personal and thought-provoking episode of Cleared for Takeoff, Charles Eide travels to Tennessee to sit down with leadership expert, bestselling author, and Working Genius creator Patrick Lencioni. Known for bestselling books like The Five Dysfunctions of a Team and The Ideal Team Player, Pat has spent decades helping organizations build healthier teams and stronger cultures. But in this conversation, he shares something even deeper: the personal struggles, faith journey, and emotional breakthroughs that reshaped the way he thinks about leadership and life. Pat and Charles discuss: The real meaning behind humble, hungry, and smart Why vulnerability is one of the greatest leadership strengths How Working Genius accidentally became a global phenomenon The hidden causes of burnout and frustration at work Why great cultures are messy, human, and authentic The dangers of chasing status, approval, and achievement How faith transformed Pat’s understanding of success and identity Why understanding your wiring can change your marriage, family, and team This is a conversation about leadership, but it’s also about being human. Working Genius Resources Use code TAKEOFF for 20% off Working Genius Assessments: Working Genius Assessments Upcoming Webinar “Wondering why your spouse acts that way? Join Pat this June for a webinar around Working Genius and how it can transform your marriage.” Learn more here: The Six Types of Marriage Genius Webinar Meet Pat Lencioni Patrick Lencioni is a bestselling author, speaker, and founder of The Table Group. For more than two decades, Pat has helped leaders and organizations build healthier teams, stronger cultures, and more effective businesses. He is the author of multiple bestselling books including The Five Dysfunctions of a Team, The Ideal Team Player, and Death by Meeting, with millions of copies sold worldwide. Pat is also the creator of Working Genius, a powerful framework designed to help individuals and teams discover the types of work that give them energy and fulfillment. Through his writing, speaking, and consulting, Pat continues to shape the way leaders think about teamwork, culture, trust, and the human side of business.   Follow Pat Lencioni LinkedIn YouTube Instagram X / Twitter

David Fhima has built a global reputation for creating unforgettable restaurant experiences—but his story goes far beyond hospitality. Born in Morocco and sent to boarding school at just seven years old, David’s early life was defined by chaos, displacement, and resilience. After eventually finding his footing in Europe, he made his way to the United States, where he worked his way up from a prep cook to owning and operating 27 restaurants. In this episode, David opens up about the lessons that shaped him—from failure and loss to leadership and legacy. He challenges the way we think about success, arguing that what most people call “failures” are actually the moments that teach us how to keep winning. He also breaks down the true secret behind great restaurants—and why it has nothing to do with food. This conversation is about more than business. It’s about perspective, purpose, and what it really means to give more than you take. In this episode we'll cover: Failure Isn’t Failure—It’s the Lesson David reframes failure as the most valuable teacher in life. The hardest moments aren’t setbacks—they’re the foundation for long-term success. Hospitality Is What Brings People Back Great food isn’t enough. What truly builds loyalty is how you make people feel—creating a sense of belonging and connection. You Must Control the Vision You cannot have multiple visions inside a business. Clear direction and consistency are what allow culture and standards to scale. The Three Rules That Apply to Everything Integrity: Be honest with yourself Relationships: Invest deeply in people Embrace the chaos: Learn to prioritize, not eliminate it Success Is Built in the Details From lighting and temperature to sound and smell—every detail shapes the customer experience, even the ones people don’t consciously notice. Your Story Is Your Power For years, David ran from his past. It wasn’t until he embraced it that everything began to make sense—and fuel his purpose. Meet David Fhima: David Fhima is an internationally recognized restaurateur, entrepreneur, and hospitality leader known for creating deeply immersive dining experiences rooted in culture, connection, and storytelling. Born in Casablanca, Morocco, David’s journey spans continents—from Europe to the United States—where he built a career that includes owning and operating 27 restaurants. His concepts blend global culinary influence with an unwavering commitment to hospitality. Beyond the kitchen, David is a student of life, leadership, and human connection. His philosophy centers on integrity, relationships, and the belief that true success is measured by how much you give—not what you take. He is currently working on his first book, sharing lessons on life, food, and the human experience.

In this episode of Cleared for Takeoff, Charles sits down with Rob McClanahan, a member of the 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey team that stunned the world and captured gold in one of the most iconic moments in sports history. Rob shares never-before-heard stories from behind the scenes—what it was really like playing under legendary coach Herb Brooks, the grueling preparation that pushed the team beyond their limits, and the mental toughness required to compete against the dominant Soviet team. But this conversation goes far beyond hockey. Rob opens up about self-doubt, discipline, leadership, and the power of preparation meeting opportunity. From growing up in Minnesota to standing on the Olympic podium, his journey is packed with lessons on teamwork, resilience, and what it truly means to earn success. Whether you’re an athlete, leader, or someone chasing a big goal, this episode is a masterclass in performing under pressure—and proving you’re capable of more than you ever imagined.   In this episode we'll cover: Preparation Creates Opportunity Success isn’t luck—it’s the result of relentless preparation meeting the right moment. You’re Capable of More Than You Think The 1980 team didn’t believe they’d win gold—but they believed in the work they put in. Discipline Beats Talent Alone Conditioning, structure, and consistency gave the U.S. team a competitive edge late in games. Great Teams Are Truly Selfless No one cared who scored—the only thing that mattered was winning together. Adversity Builds Strength Grueling practices and setbacks weren’t punishment—they were preparation. Confidence vs. Self-Doubt Even at the highest level, doubt exists—but it can fuel growth if channeled correctly. Leadership Is About Pushing Limits Herb Brooks demanded more because he believed his players were capable of more. Meet Rob McClanahan: Rob McClanahan is a former professional hockey player and Olympic gold medalist, best known for his role on the 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey team that achieved the historic “Miracle on Ice.” A Minnesota native, Rob played collegiate hockey at the University of Minnesota before being selected for the U.S. Olympic team. After winning gold, he went on to play in the NHL with the New York Rangers. Today, Rob is a sought-after speaker, sharing lessons on leadership, teamwork, and high performance drawn from his experience at the highest level of competition. His story continues to inspire individuals and organizations striving to achieve extraordinary results through discipline, preparation, and belief.