Michael Dargie speaks with Terry Tucker, a man who’s lived many lives: Division I basketball player, SWAT hostage negotiator, undercover cop, cancer warrior, author, and motivational speaker. Terry’s journey is one of resilience, reinvention, and redefining what it means to live with purpose—even when the odds are against you.

This episode is sponsored by my new book BRANDJITSU, helping you find, shape, and share your story with the world.

Diagnosed with terminal cancer over a decade ago, Terry has endured more than 13 years of treatment, the amputation of his leg, and countless physical and emotional battles. But instead of giving up, he chose to get even more intentional. Now, he shares his story on global stages and more than 700 podcasts, offering hard-won wisdom on courage, purpose, and connection.

He breaks down his “Three F’s” (faith, family, friends), his mindset shifts (“do I have to, or do I get to?”), and what it really means to build sustainable excellence. We also learn about his favourite book, his Rocky Road obsession, and how a roomful of nurses made him feel like the most beloved man alive.

This episode is a must for anyone navigating hardship and wondering if they still matter. Spoiler: you do.

Quotable Quotes

“You don’t kill your inner critic. You just tell her to wait her turn.”

“If I can turn a death sentence into a life sentence, so can you.”

“Pain is inevitable. Suffering is optional.”

“You get to choose what kind of pain you want in life.”

“Half the nurses want me as their dad. The other half want me as their husband.”

Episode Highlights

Cancer Warrior | Living 13 years with terminal cancer

The Three F’s | Faith, family, and friends as foundation

SWAT Life | Hostage negotiator and 6’8” undercover cop

Basketball & Brotherhood | A family full of giants

Purpose Work | Turning pain into teaching

Sustainable Excellence | Principles to live an uncommon life

Legacy Book | Inspired by conversations with former players

Favourite Book | Legacy by James Kerr (All Blacks rugby team)

Ice Cream Test | Rocky Road forever

Advice to Rebels | Hitch your wagon to people who care

LINKS FROM EPISODE

Terry’s Website (motivationalcheck.com)

Terry on LinkedIn (linkedin.com/in/terry-tucker-9b5605179)

Terry on Facebook (facebook.com/motivationalcheck)

Terry on Instagram (instagram.com/sustainableexcellenceauthor)

Get Your Copy of Michael's Book:
"BrandJitsu™: Move Your Brand From 'Meh' To Memorable"
Indigo | Barnes & Noble | MichaelDargie.com

Michael Dargie welcomes Kevin Palmieri, co-founder and host of Next Level University and Podcast Growth University, for a raw and inspiring conversation about rebuilding your life with intention.

This episode is sponsored by my new book BRANDJITSU, helping you find, shape, and share your story with the world.

Kevin opens up about walking away from a high-paying job, facing mental health struggles, and using podcasting as a path to purpose. He’s now recorded over 1,900 episodes and coaches more than 50 podcasters monthly—all without using paid ads or sponsorships. He shares what it means to be vulnerable, how storytelling changed his life, and why the only real growth starts from within.

From imposter syndrome and bad interviews to fast food, tattoos, and rap lyrics, Kevin holds nothing back. This is an episode for rebels who know they’re meant for more—and are willing to do the uncomfortable work to get there.

Quotable Quotes

“You don’t need a backup plan for your purpose.”

“Everything starts and ends with self-improvement.”

“I didn’t think I’d be here—but I’m grateful I stuck with it.”

“Fast food, rap, and podcasting—I was born for the mic.”

“The people who support you will be louder than the ones who don’t.”

Episode Highlights

Next Level University | 1,900+ episodes, no guests, all growth

Starting Over | Leaving a six-figure job after suicidal ideation

Coaching Podcasters | From first client to podcast strategist

Low Point | Christmas with no money, car in collections

High Point | $1M listens + $1M earned in one day

Internal Work | Imposter syndrome never really leaves

Tattoos with Meaning | Angel vs. devil, father figures, and barbed wire

Fast Food Fave | Taco Bell wins—bodybuilder or not

Rap & Writing | Kevin’s creative escape

Rebels in Waiting | Your tribe is waiting—you just haven’t met them yet

LINKS FROM EPISODE

Next Level University (nextleveluniverse.com)

Kevin's LinkedIn (linkedin.com/in/kevin-palmieri-5b7736160)

Kevin's Instagram (instagram.com/neverquitkid)

Get Your Copy of Michael's Book:
"BrandJitsu™: Move Your Brand From 'Meh' To Memorable"
Indigo | Barnes & Noble | MichaelDargie.com

Michael Dargie catches up with novelist and writing coach April Dávila for a conversation full of unexpected turns, from evacuating wildfires in L.A. to fondling caramel tubes at Starbucks (it’s a writer thing).

This episode is sponsored by my new book BRANDJITSU, helping you find, shape, and share your story with the world.

April shares how she helps writers navigate the mental blocks that stop them from putting words on the page. Her approach blends mindfulness with craft, helping people move past their inner critic, beat imposter syndrome, and finally get the damn thing written. Her motto: persistence over talent, every day of the week.

She also talks about her upcoming nonfiction book on mindfulness and writing, belly dancing as self-care, and how asking weird questions is part of the job. And yes, her first novel is set on an ostrich farm in the Mojave. Because why not?

This episode is for anyone with a story in them—and a little weird in their heart.

Quotable Quotes

“There are two kinds of writers—those who get published, and those who quit.”

“Persistence over talent. Every day of the week.”

“You don’t kill your inner critic. You just tell her to wait her turn.”

“Once a story gets its hooks in you, you’re kind of screwed.”

“Weird isn’t weird if you own it. It’s your superpower.”

Episode Highlights

Wildfire Evacuation | The things you grab when you have 20 minutes

Writing & Mindfulness | Coaching authors through fear and resistance

The Inner Critic | Why she belongs in the corner, not the driver’s seat

Weird Questions | Life as a curious fiction writer

Books & Backgrounds | Grapes of Wrath to pandemic romance

Belly Dancing | April’s answer to self-care and teenage independence

Walking as Writing | Why movement unlocks creativity

Creative Lives | Novels about ostriches, ultramarathons, and gold miners

COVID Reading | Escaping reality with fantasy and HEA romance

Rebels in Waiting | Own your weird, find your people, write the story

LINKS FROM EPISODE

April's Website (aprildavila.com)

April's LinkedIn (linkedin.com/in/aprildavila)

Daily Writing Group (aprildavila.com/write)

Get Your Copy of Michael's Book:
"BrandJitsu™: Move Your Brand From 'Meh' To Memorable"
Indigo | Barnes & Noble | MichaelDargie.com