On this episode of the Circuit of Success Podcast, host Brett Gilliland sits down with Corey Schonhorst for an honest and impactful discussion about control, confidence, rejection, and daily discipline. Corey shares his journey from growing up with emotional armor built in childhood to discovering how letting go of control transformed his mindset. They dive deep into how fear, cynicism, and self-doubt can keep us stuck — and why embracing discomfort is the key to growth.

Corey opens up about overcoming imposter syndrome, how rejection became a tool for learning instead of a setback, and why gratitude, faith, and consistent routines laid the groundwork for his success. From journaling worries to reframing daily challenges, this conversation is packed with real wisdom on how to stay focused on purpose instead of fear. If you’re ready to take responsibility for your mindset and daily habits, this episode will give you clarity and motivation.

Brett and Corey also explore practical tools for handling anxiety, building confidence through action, and pushing toward your goals with intention. Whether you’re facing personal fears, professional hurdles, or the daily grind, this episode delivers actionable insights to help you move forward with resilience and purpose.

Connect with Corey and follow his journey: Instagram and LinkedIn

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In this episode of the Circuit of Success Podcast, host Brett Gilliland dives into the second installment of the F to the 6th Power framework: faith, family, fitness, firm, fun, and finances. Joined by Scott, Dan, Jason, and Tim, this conversation breaks down practical habits that help high performers stay grounded, disciplined, and intentional in every area of life. From daily prayer routines to tracking nutrition and setting quarterly goals, this episode is packed with actionable strategies.

On the faith side, the team discusses building a consistent morning routine, using Bible apps, guided prayer, journaling, and reading powerful books like Mere Christianity by C. S. Lewis, Chase the Lion by Mark Batterson, and Atomic Habits by James Clear. They share how 10 minutes a day with God can reduce anxiety and create lasting peace. If you struggle with consistency, busy schedules, or staying spiritually focused, this segment offers simple and realistic steps.

The episode also covers staying present with your spouse and kids, eliminating distractions, planning meaningful time together, building gratitude through the 3-2-1 journaling method, and transforming your health through disciplined nutrition tracking using tools like MyFitnessPal. Whether you’re a business owner, leader, parent, or entrepreneur, this conversation will challenge you to stop making excuses and start living intentionally. Success isn’t accidental. It’s built daily.

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In this episode of the Circuit of Success, host Brett Gilliland sits down with Shawn Walchef, founder of Cali BBQ Media, restaurateur, and a leading voice in storytelling and digital hospitality. Raised by his Bulgarian immigrant grandfather, Shawn shares the foundational lessons that shaped his life and leadership: stay curious, get involved, and ask for help. These principles became the backbone of his entrepreneurial journey and continue to guide how he builds businesses and relationships today.

Shawn dives into how podcasting and content creation didn’t just support his restaurant—it transformed it. By focusing on authentic storytelling, building in public, and serving the “audience of one,” he turned a local BBQ restaurant into a scalable media company working with best-in-class restaurant technology brands. He explains why vanity metrics don’t matter, why perfection kills progress, and why the real advantage comes from starting before you feel ready.

This conversation goes far beyond the restaurant industry. Whether you’re a wealth manager, business owner, or entrepreneur in any field, Shawn shares why every business is now a media and hospitality business, how smartphones have leveled the playing field, and why the future belongs to those willing to be the show—not the commercial. If you’re looking for practical insight, real-world leadership lessons, and a clear blueprint for using content to grow trust and revenue, this episode delivers.

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Grant Wistrom’s journey from a sports-driven household in Central Florida to three national championships at Nebraska and a Super Bowl with the St. Louis Rams is a story of discipline, resilience, and relentless work ethic. In this episode, Grant sits down with Brett Gilliland to share the lessons that shaped his career, from growing up under the guidance of parents who never missed a practice to navigating the pressures of elite competition at every level.

Beyond the trophies and accolades, Grant emphasizes the mental game—how he managed pressure, self-imposed expectations, and the challenges of performing under scrutiny. He discusses the importance of relationships, accountability, and self-policing teams, offering insights that translate seamlessly from sports to business and personal growth. Listeners will learn why focus, effort, and humility define true champions.

Today, Grant channels his leadership into his business ventures and personal life. He shares strategies for building high-performing teams, staying present in the moment, and investing in coaching to foster growth. From lessons on perseverance to maintaining health, mindset, and purpose after sports, this episode delivers actionable advice for athletes, entrepreneurs, and anyone striving for success on and off the field.

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In this episode of the Circuit of Success Podcast, host Brett Gilliland sits down with ESPN college basketball analyst Jay Bilas for a powerful conversation on preparation, leadership, and credibility. Known for his work on ESPN’s College GameDay, Saturday Primetime, SportsCenter, and ESPN.com, Jay shares how his journey through elite college basketball, coaching, law, and broadcasting shaped his disciplined approach to success.

Jay explains the habits most people never see, including relentless preparation, staying curious, and applying the “next play mentality” taught by Coach Mike Krzyzewski. He breaks down how thoughtful analysis, intellectual honesty, and respectful disagreement have helped him become one of the most trusted voices in college basketball and sports media.

The conversation also explores the evolving landscape of college basketball, including NIL, the transfer portal, player compensation, and leadership in a high-noise world. This episode delivers timeless lessons for athletes, coaches, executives, and anyone looking to build credibility, stay relevant, and lead with integrity over the long term.

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In this special roundtable episode of the Circuit of Success Podcast, host Brett Gilliland introduces the F to the 6th Power framework, a simple yet powerful model designed to help people build a future greater than their past. Recorded at Visionary Wealth Advisors, this conversation brings together six trusted leaders, each representing one of the six foundational pillars of a fulfilled life: faith, family, fitness, fun, work, and finances.

Each guest delivers practical, real-world insights you can apply immediately. Scott Vieregge shares how consistent faith practices create clarity and purpose. Dan Laure discusses intentional family leadership and raising prepared, confident children. Jason Baldus walks through his personal fitness transformation and the daily habits that drive sustainable health and energy.

The conversation continues with Tim Hammett, who explains how values-based leadership builds trust and strong workplace culture. Ted McNulty reframes fun as an intentional and necessary part of a fulfilled life. Closing the episode, Katie Martin ties all six pillars together through the lens of financial stewardship, showing how alignment across every area leads to clarity, confidence, and a life uncommon.

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In this powerful episode of the Circuit of Success Podcast, host Brett Gilliland sits down with Tim Hammett and Mike Lemp for a deep and honest conversation about personal growth, coaching, and the importance of investing in yourself. Using examples from elite performers like Michael Jordan, Tom Brady, Tiger Woods, and Michael Phelps, the discussion centers on one defining question: Do you have a coach? The episode explores why guidance, accountability, and self-investment are essential for creating a future greater than your past.

Tim and Mike share personal stories about the foundational influence of their parents, lifelong friendships, mentors, and values-based relationships. They discuss how core values such as trust, respect, and humility shape both personal fulfillment and professional success, and why surrounding yourself with the right people can accelerate growth. The conversation also highlights the power of presence, perspective, and clarity in navigating life’s most important decisions.

The episode dives into the uncomfortable truths most people avoid, including fear of change, pride, ego, and the tendency to stay within comfort zones. Tim opens up about investing heavily in coaching early in his career despite financial uncertainty, and how that commitment transformed his confidence, self-respect, and trajectory. From breaking through personal ceilings to showing up consistently even on hard days, this episode delivers timeless lessons on mindset, leadership, and why betting on yourself is one of the most important investments you can make.

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In this episode of the Circuit of Success, host Brett Gilliland sits down with Dr. Pete Paciorek, Director of Leadership and Character Development at IMG Academy, to uncover how elite athletes develop a true championship mindset. Dr. Paciorek holds a Doctorate in Youth Character Development and Servant Leadership and has spent his career as a professional baseball player, college head coach, college director of athletics, and IMG Academy National Team Baseball head coach. Coming from a family of 11 professional athletes, Pete brings a rare perspective on leadership, discipline, and long-term success.

Pete takes listeners inside IMG Academy and explains why it is far more than a world-renowned sports school. While IMG is known for producing nationally ranked teams and professional athletes, its real strength lies in holistic development. Leadership training, character education, mental performance, academics, nutrition, and life skills are all integrated to prepare student-athletes for success beyond sports. As a recipient of the Character.org “Champion of Character in Sport” Nationwide Award and author of two books on youth character development in sports, Pete shares how consistency, balance, and purpose create elite performers in every field.

This conversation goes beyond athletics and applies directly to business, entrepreneurship, and life. Dr. Paciorek breaks down how to train the mind, build resilience during adversity, create winning habits, and lead yourself before leading others. He introduces practical frameworks used at IMG Academy, explains why discipline matters most on the hardest days, and highlights the transferable skills athletes use to succeed long after competition ends. As a husband and father of three, Pete also shares powerful insights on parenting, mentorship, and legacy, making this episode a must-listen for leaders, parents, coaches, and high achievers looking to build a championship mindset in every area of life.

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