In this episode, Marc and Emily explore their very different relationships with goal setting. What starts as a reflection on abandoned international travel dreams quickly turns into a candid conversation about how goals can serve—or burden—us.

Marc shares his long history of goal-setting (and the ways it still trips him up), including his yearly list of 100 “magnet goals” and the mental gymnastics involved in sticking to goals like “visit one brewery a month.” Emily reflects on how her earliest experience with goal setting was punitive and tied to shame—shaping a lifelong tension with traditional goal frameworks.

They talk about neurodivergence, executive function, the false sense of completion that sometimes comes just from planning a goal, and the difference between forward-focused and backward-looking intentions. Along the way, they share practical reframes and offer each other new language for celebrating progress.

If you’ve ever struggled with how to make goal setting feel more human—or you’ve wondered whether there’s another way to approach productivity—this episode offers a thoughtful, honest, and often funny look at the topic.

Key Takeaways

• Not everyone has the same relationship with goals—some find them motivating, others experience them as shame-triggering.
• “Magnet Goals” can be a creative, idea-based alternative to rigid planning.
• Sharing goals publicly can create a false sense of completion.
• Neurodivergent brains often use emotional weight to create momentum, which can be both helpful and exhausting.
• Setting goals in retrospect (looking at what you did rather than what you planned) may be a more useful approach for some.

Quote Highlights

“I’m still figuring out how to set goals without shame being part of the process.” – Marc
“Maybe I’ll just do goal setting backwards—looking for the goals I didn’t know I set.” – Emily
“Goal setting feels like a dialect to you. For me, it still feels like a foreign language.” – Emily
“There’s a kind of figuring it out that feels like play—and a kind that feels like punishment.” – Emily
“I’ve been goal-setting since I was 14. And I’m still surprised how much pressure I put on myself.” – Marc

Resources & Mentions

• Magnet Goals Framework
• Enneagram Type 7 (referenced in Marc’s reflections on anticipation and follow-through)
• Zoho Campaigns & SpeakerFlow (tools Marc mentions wrangling)
• Shad Helmstetter, Zig Ziglar, Brian Tracy (classic goal-setting cassette tape influences)

Episode Summary (Long)

In this episode, Marc and Emily kick off a new part of Season 2—interviewing some of the people they deeply admire. Before bringing on guests, they decided to run through the questions themselves to see what comes up.

They each share how they’d describe themselves, what three words capture their work, what they love most about what they do, and what they’re still figuring out. Topics range from email list management and marketing fatigue to physical health, faith, aging, and what it means to start a new career in your 50s.

There’s plenty of laughter and honest reflection, plus some real talk about entrepreneurship, burnout, play, and the weird transitions of midlife. Whether you're in a career shift, navigating new rhythms, or wondering if you'll ever figure out marketing platforms, this conversation will feel familiar.

Key Takeaways

• Even seasoned professionals are still figuring things out—especially when the tools and platforms keep changing.
• Shifting careers later in life comes with new constraints—but also new clarity.
• Connection, creativity, and curiosity keep showing up as core values in both personal and professional work.
• Making space for play (from local meetups to solo hikes) adds resilience to busy lives.
• Retirement isn’t the goal—it’s more about shaping your next chapter with purpose.

Quote Highlights

“I’m still figuring out Zoho Campaigns... and I’ve been emailing people since 1999.” – Marc
“I feel like I’ve had to make an alliance with my physical body.” – Emily
“There’s a kind of figuring out that feels like frustration—and another kind that feels like play.” – Emily
“Even though I didn’t want to go out, I’m always glad I did.” – Marc
“If I ever do retire, I’ll probably need a strategic plan for what I’ll build next.” – Emily

Resources & Mentions

• Concord Leadership Group
• Zoho Campaigns
• SpeakerFlow (for tutorials)
• Dr. Sarah Glova (referenced during a goal-setting session)
• Pam Slim’s Your Body of Work

Episode Summary

In this episode, Marc and Emily walk through the major events of the last year—from career milestones to health recovery, quiet moments to chaotic ones. They talk about their kids moving across the country and overseas, their experience during a regional hurricane, and the slow return to rhythm after a tough year.

They also share what’s changed in their work: growing the Quadrant 3 Leadership Coach Certification, launching Exactly What to Say® Coaching, and figuring out how to support others while still building new systems themselves.

Along the way, they talk about play—Toastmasters, brewing beer, snail mail nights, and coding projects. It’s a wide-ranging, real conversation about navigating work and life without pretending to have it all together.

Key Takeaways

• Big life changes sometimes pile up all at once—making space to process them matters.
• Progress doesn’t always feel dramatic, but routines (like walking, therapy, or volunteering) help.
• Leading programs means also building trust in the people who will carry them forward.
• Personal and professional wins can come from unexpected places—including hobbies.
• Reflection is easier when you’ve kept a list—or a podcast.

Quote Highlights

“I want next year to be forward momentum toward longevity and strength.” —Emily

“It’s not just about what we’ve built—it’s about the coaches we trust to carry it forward.” —Marc

“Snail Mail Night at the stationery store is unexpectedly life-giving.” —Emily

“From Kindles to Kobos, from reading to coding—it’s like digital jigsaw puzzle joy.” —Marc

Resources Mentioned

• Exactly What to Say® Coaching https://EWTSCoaching.com/
• Quadrant 3 Leadership Coach Certification https://concordleadershipgroup.com/coaching-certification/
• Pam Slim’s book: Your Body of Work
• Toastmasters
• The Warehouse Theater (Greenville, SC)