Success Made to Last Legends

Episod

• 
  Side Quests to Significance honors Jenna Phillips Ballard....I AM visionary and author 24.09.2026 39min

  By a miracle, Jenna Phillips Ballard is alive today. After a horrific brain injury and coma, she re-arrived in life as a visionary leader, transformational coach, artist. She is now the founder of I•▲M—a global movement dedicated to helping people embody their highest selves and live in alignment with purpose, prosperity, and love. She began her career in 2006 as a certified personal trainer and mindset coach, working with A-list clients including Ben Stiller, Blink-182, and Saudi Arabian royalty. Quickly becoming one of Los Angeles’s most sought-after fitness experts, she was featured on Dr. Phil, The Doctors, KTLA, and Good Morning LaLa Land, with editorial spotlights in Harper’s Bazaar, Lucky, Allure, and Madame Figaro. In 2011, Jenna discovered emotional intelligence and somatic healing, igniting a deeper mission to awaken the leaders of the new era. She immersed herself in leadership trainings and transformational coaching, helping top executives and influencers access their highest potential and create legacies rooted in integrity and impact. In 2016, Jenna and her husband, Brad Ballard, co-founded Ascension Leadership Academy (ALA)—a premier emotional intelligence training company that has transformed thousands of lives, helped businesses 10x their growth, and raised over $4MM for charity. Now based in Austin, Jenna continues to mentor high-level leaders, founders, and creators while expanding her I•▲M ecosystem—which includes her transformational book I•▲M Her Now, the I•▲M with Jenna Phillips Ballard podcast, her signature affirmation deck, and a line of intentional lifestyle products. In 2024, Jenna stepped into a lifelong dream and launched her career as a recording artist. Through her pop-EDM fusion of coaching and music, she brings empowerment to every beat—proving that it’s never too late to say yes to your biggest calling. Her proudest title, however, is boy mom to Jax and Jett—raising the next generation of conscious, heart-centered men.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/success-made-to-last-legends--4302039/support.
• 
  Truly Significance honors Hall of Fame Songwriter Kent Blazy with the debut of Tulsa Sessions 23.09.2026 38min

   Today's conversation is about the debut of Kent Blazy's latest album Tulsa Sessions. What makes Kent Blazy Truly Significant?Kent turned ordinary human feelings into extraordinary songs. Blazy's gift is making universal emotions feel personal. His first collaboration with a then-emerging Garth Brooks, “If Tomorrow Never Comes,” became Brooks' first No. 1 song and was named the NSAI Song of the Year in 1989. Their partnership produced additional Top 5 songs including “Ain't Goin' Down,” “Somewhere Other Than the Night,” “It's Midnight Cinderella,” and “She's Gonna Make It.” That's significant because the songwriter isn't merely entertaining people. He is helping people articulate what they feel but cannot always say. His greatest work may be measured in lives touched, not records sold There is a wonderful Truly Significant paradox in Kent's story: The songwriter often becomes invisible while the song becomes immortal. Millions of people may know the words to a song without knowing the person who helped write them. That makes Blazy a particularly interesting Truly Significant subject. His legacy is embedded in other people's memories, relationships, weddings, heartbreaks, hopes and milestones.He helped launch an important chapter of Garth Brooks' story Blazy and Brooks began writing together in 1987. Their first collaboration became Brooks' first No. 1. But the relationship went considerably deeper than songwriting. At Blazy's Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame induction, Brooks said that Blazy's friendship and love changed his life—and specifically credited Kent with introducing him to Trisha Yearwood. Brooks described that introduction as profoundly consequential to his life. That is classic Truly Significant territory: Sometimes your greatest contribution isn't what you create. It's what you make possible for someone else. He represents the Side Quest becoming the calling Kent started playing guitar and singing in bands in Lexington, Kentucky, toured with Ian Tyson, won a national songwriting competition and eventually moved to Nashville. His early professional breakthrough came when Gary Morris recorded “Headed for a Heartache,” which reached No. 5 on the country chart. The fascinating Side Quest question is: What happens when something you love doing quietly becomes the work you were called to do? For Blazy, songwriting wasn't simply a career strategy. Music was something he was drawn toward from an early age. His own current work continues to explore those musical roots—including albums inspired by The Byrds and The Beatles.His legacy extends well beyond Garth Brooks Blazy's catalog includes songs recorded by Gary Morris, Diamond Rio, Patty Loveless, Chris Young, Crystal Shawanda, Danny Gokey and others. His co-writing on Chris Young's “Gettin' You Home (The Black Dress Song)” produced another No. 1. And in 2020, he was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, an honor the Hall describes as the highest honor bestowed by Nashville's songwriting community.Kent is a beautiful example of "success vs. significance" distinction. It's never about how many hits did you write.  Significance asks: How many lives did those songs become part of? A hit has a chart position. A significant song has a life after the chart. Enjoy Any Given Day and the entire album Tulsa Sessions.   Visit www.kentblazy.com. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/success-made-to-last-legends--4302039/support.
• 
  Truly Significant honors Texas top historic hotel in Comfort- Giles Hotel with owner and Side Quester Ernie Slatinsky 21.09.2026 33min

  Visit Hotel Giles in Comfort, Texas and stay for a while. Meet their owner and avid Side Quester Ernie Slatinsky. Such a character. Enjoy the October 24th event at Newsom Vineyards as Ernie and Central Texas celebrate Texas Wine Month with tastings, fine food and the music of The Truly Significant Band. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/success-made-to-last-legends--4302039/support.
• 
  Truly Significant honors Bobby Kelly, author of The Next Chapter Starts Now 18.09.2026 31min

  Bobby Kelly has owned a gym for over 35 years, first in DC, then in Phoenix. He noticed our show that asks a question I've been answering with clients for decades: what lies beyond success once you're already standing on top of it? That's not a hypothetical for Bobby, it's the whole premise of my book, The Next Chapter Starts Now, which is for the high-functioning person who built a successful life and can't figure out why none of it feels like enough.Does your mission align with Bobby's? —moving ordinary lives to extraordinary through the wisdom of people who've actually lived it. Bobby shares the actual mechanics of execution once the next chapter shows up uninvited.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/success-made-to-last-legends--4302039/support.
• 
  Truly Significant honors Tom Jasper, author of Wall Street Maverick 16.09.2026 30min

  Tom Jasper is truly significant. His career on Wall Street led him to a pioneering role in the $800 TRILLION derivative market. Tom is debuting his book Wall Street Maverick: Musings on a Career of Innovation, Derivatives, Credit, and Risk.Finding your mentor is a central message from Tom along with knowing when to take risk and challenge the establishment. More about Tom....he is a Risk Magazine "Risk Pioneer" and 2002 Risk Hall of Fame inductee for his profound contributions to the field of risk management. He was instrumental in creating the foundations for today's $800+ trillion derivatives market, among other successes, during his 40+ year career on Wall Street. A business creator and innovator throughout his career, Jasper was a managing director at Salomon Brothers, where he established and led its interest rate swap business. While at Salomon, he founded and co-chaired the International Swaps and Derivatives Association (ISDA). Jasper went on to become chief executive of Primus Guaranty Ltd., a highly innovative credit default swap business. He is currently a managing partner of Manursing Partners, LLC, serves on several Blackstone Credit and Insurance (BXCI) Fund boards, and continues to give back to his community. He and his wife reside in Connecticut.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/success-made-to-last-legends--4302039/support.
• 
  Truly Significant honors Terry Young, creator of Possibility Gap and author of Possibilities Science 12.09.2026 40min

  Truly Significant celebrates Terry Young, author of Possibilities Science. He's a former Omnicom exec and thought leader from McKinsey. His concepts are so forward, so relevant and important to the future of small and large companies across the world. We think his narrative belongs with leaders that are seeking the NEXT culture that can scale for all the right reasons. Buy the book Possibilities Science beginning November 11, 2026. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/success-made-to-last-legends--4302039/support.
• 
  Truly Significant honors Cara Truitt, Founder of Hold the Room, creator of Choose the One 10.09.2026 41min

  Cara Truitt's story is worth listening to and embracing. According to Cara-"The only thing you can count on is that everyone is going through something."Thus, the power of community is increasingly important .Imagine, losing your sister, marriage and your business within one week. Cara redefines resiliency and how a network, best known as net-weaving, becomes an intentional life-line.What stands out in the conversation is Cara's superpower to make your ideas impossible to ignore. Inside that, pay attention to micro moments that matter. Hear about rituals as "sacred play" bringing real meaning that could lead to community. Community building is Cara's tapestry. It's inescable. That includes creating a TedX talk for and with you.To learn more, email [email protected]. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/success-made-to-last-legends--4302039/support.
• 
  Truly Significant honors Nancy Griffin...Founder of Women, Worth and Wellness 09.09.2026 35min

  What an honor to celebrate the significant work of Nancy Griffin. We shared P&G as a training ground and then Nancy became a wealth advisor in Canada. She spent decades helping women understand both health and wealth, but importantly WORTHINESS. Consider Nancy a pioneer, along with luminaries like Melinda French Gates and Dr. Cindy Gordan (The AI Precipice) She talks of generosity as a currency and "a whole new level of kindness." She has a particular message to women who have spent their entire lives taking care of everyone else but themselves. Enjoy Nancy Griffin, one "misbehaving, outspoken character." Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/success-made-to-last-legends--4302039/support.
• 
  Truly Significant unpacks perfectionism 07.09.2026 13min

  We are in our essence, imperfect. On this show, we explore perfectionism and the dis-ease that follows. Be grateful for a perfect kiss, perfect goodbye or even a perfect cookie.  Recognize that no single person is perfect...but maybe a chocolate chip cookie.Aim high and start tapping into your next Side Quests- your purposeful pursuit through a meaningful activity that awakens part of you that your career alone never could. Who are you becoming? Once again, thanks for signing up for our Substack newsletter where you will get exclusive stories and receive a customized Side Quest flywheel.  https://sidequesttosignificance.substack.com/ Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/success-made-to-last-legends--4302039/support.
• 
  Side Quests to Significance Ted Talk 31.08.2026 9min

  Enjoy this Ted Talk from Rick Tocquigny, the Sherpa of Side Quests. Yes, Rick is BECOMING more through Side Quests. What is life whispering to you to bring you closer to deep joy? Name a Side Quest and email to [email protected] with your ideas. Join our Substack newsletter and get exclusive stories, podcasts and a personal, customized Side Quest flywheel that notes your passion and what brings you joy.  Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/success-made-to-last-legends--4302039/support.
• 
  Truly Significant Texan Musicians honors Roger Edgington, Hall of Fame Steel Guitarist 30.08.2026 34min

  Roger Edgington is one of the most gifted steel guitarists in Texas. Thanks to his daughter Julie Fredlund (leader at ABC Home Services), we were brought together to celebrate Roger's unique talents and hear his legendary stories. Roger's roots run deep in the steel guitar forum. His Mom was a steel guitar teacher. He learned Hawaiian steel music from Mom and built a love for the genre. Texas Western Swing is Roger's favorite. He played for over 20 years each with Darren McCall and Billy Mata. He performs regularly at the Steel Guitar Convention in Dallas/Ft. Worth each year including Hawaiian classics and All of Me. (check out https://youtu.be/Kcae4GIoKX4?si=cZuUJ8fxoFxXQZwPRoger also supports the steel guitar community by teaching others how to play, as well as building and repairing steels at his hangar in Zuehl. He built a lap steel from scratch, painting it white, and has been collecting signatures on it from all of his favorite steel players, with him Mom's signature front and center.   Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/success-made-to-last-legends--4302039/support.
• 
  Truly Significant honors Dolly Parton 25.08.2026 8min

  Dolly Parton: The Side Quest That Became a Library of DreamsSome people become famous. Some people become successful. And then there are those rare human beings who become truly significant. Dolly Parton was all three—but significance was never really about the records, the awards, the rhinestones, the movies, Dollywood, or the fame. It was about what she did with all of it. Dolly understood something at the heart of Truly Significant: our greatest significance often lives on the other side of our success.She could have spent her life simply being Dolly Parton—the songwriter, singer, actress and entertainer who gave the world songs such as “Jolene” and “I Will Always Love You.” Instead, she discovered another calling. A side quest. And that side quest became a movement. It began with something deeply personal. Dolly grew up in the hills of East Tennessee in a large, poor family. Her father, Robert Lee Parton, was hardworking and intelligent, but he never learned to read or write. That fact stayed with Dolly. In 1995, she launched what would become Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, initially providing free books to children in her home county. The idea was beautifully simple: Give children books. But significance is rarely measured by the simplicity of the first step. It is measured by how far the ripple travels. Today, the Imagination Library reaches children across five countries, providing millions of free, carefully selected books every month to children from birth through age five—regardless of their family's income. And that is where Dolly's story becomes bigger than philanthropy. It becomes a lesson in significance. She turned a wound into a gift. Dolly didn't simply write a check because she was wealthy. She remembered. She remembered her father. She remembered what it meant to grow up without much. She remembered what a book could represent to a child. And rather than allowing that memory to remain simply a part of her personal history, she transformed it into an opportunity for millions of children. That is one of the great principles of Truly Significant: Your story is not just about what happened to you. It may be about what you are uniquely equipped to do for someone else because it happened to you. Dolly's father's inability to read became part of the reason another generation would have the opportunity to discover the world through books. Then came the Side Quest. This is what makes Dolly Parton's story especially powerful through the lens of Side Quests to Significance. A Side Quest isn't an escape plan. It isn't something you do because you're bored with your career. It isn't necessarily something you postpone until retirement. A Side Quest is that persistent calling that reconnects you with a part of yourself that wants to contribute. Dolly's primary quest was music. Her Side Quest was literacy. And remarkably, the Side Quest didn't compete with her career. It amplified her significance.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/success-made-to-last-legends--4302039/support.
• 
  Truly Significant honors Colonel David Bacot '90 (US Air Force retired), Veteran Resources at Texas A&M Foundation 21.08.2026 37min

  TrulySignificant.com honors Colonel David Bacot '90 (US Air Force retired), Senior Director of Development for the Veteran Resource and Support Center at Texas A&M Foundation. David has lived a remarkable intersection of service, Military officer, husband and Dad. Hear about his journey as an officer, meterologist, and "Day Duck" at Aggieland. Enjoy listening to stories about his mentors Major General Tom Darling '57, Lt. Colonel Buck Henderson '62, and Colonel Chuck Wilson. Learn about the Texas A&M Foundation and how they facilitate Aggies supporting veteran and military-affiliated scholarships and  Veteran program initiatives.  Whether modest support or a major gift endowment, your investment can support extraordinary human return.. You can get involved to help Veterans by contacting www.txamfoundation.com and www. aggieveterans.tamu.edu. And a special thanks to Cody Williams, President of the Capital City Aggies Club for this valued introduction. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/success-made-to-last-legends--4302039/support.
• 
  Truly Significant honors Gary Henderson, entrepreneur, media guru and founder of Gary.Club 21.08.2026 31min

  Enjoy this conversation with Gary Henderson and his movement known as Gary.Club. Raised by a single Mom in West Virginia, Gary's headquarters is in Austin. His mission is to help people trading time for money. Learn about the particular moment in his life where the light bulb went on. Gary says "build with machines." Hear Gary's perspective on AI. If you start to solve the problem, what can you do better?   Gary taught an AI bot, Luna to do the work. Hear about Gary's Side Quests that include physical fitness and mentoring within his own family. Consider TR...time  remaining. Listen to the depth of conversation about TIME.  Gary ponders the life of a friend who died suddenly of a brain hemmorage. Change the world without exchanging your time. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/success-made-to-last-legends--4302039/support.
• 
  Truly Significant honors Alexander Kopelman, Children's Arts Guild, author of For Real: Helping Children Remain Their Authentic Self 20.08.2026 37min

  TrulySignificant.com honors writer, advocate, and co-founder of Children's Arts Guild Alexander Kopelman.  His profound book is For Real: Helping Children Remain Their Authentic Selves in a Limiting World. Alexander has guided programs that help young people challenge limiting cultural messages and express who they truly are through creativity, reflection, and self discovery. His philosophy is simple yet powerful: when adults show up authentically, childnen gain the courage to do the same. Before founding the Gulld, Alexander served as Director of Marketing at Girls Inc, the leading girls empowerment organization in the United States. Key message: Childhood is NOT a waiting room for humanity. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/success-made-to-last-legends--4302039/support.
• 
  Truly Significant celebrates the world class band The Molly McGuires with keyboard extraordinaire Larry Telford 19.08.2026 32min

   Enjoy the inside story on The Molly McGuire Band with legendary keyboardist Larry Telford. You have heard Larry on previous podcasts and on Texas Country Reporter. We love hearing the insider story on bands, how they think about opening songs, the order of the program and the disciplines required to do a show. Piece of Yourself, one of The Molly McGuire's fine originals is played at the end of the podcast.Come hear The Molly McGuire Band at The Regal Room in Austin on Friday, August 21st at 7:00 pm. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/success-made-to-last-legends--4302039/support.
• 
  Truly Significant celebrates Bob Fuest, non profit leader, Dad, role model, board president, visionary 18.08.2026 38min

  Bob Fuest is a truly significant guest who had a big awakening the year his Mom passed away, his son was born, and he divested himself from his business. Few people have this view of looking back and looking forward at the same moment.  His life shifted into a different gear. Hear the complete story.Bob is a Board President • Nonprofit Operator | Wealth Advisor for Highly-Driven Humans Who Serve & Do Big Things | Founder, Fuest & Klein Wealth Advisors. Let us repeat that....Advisor to Highly Driven Humans who serve and do big things! Listen to the tale of Dream Rydes and how this organization provides timely transportation to families going through oncology treatment.  Hear how you can support this organization with their upcoming gala event. As Bob says..."give back to children who have been relieved of their joy." Be inspired by this be good do good man, Dad, husband, clear thinker.  Donate to www.dreamrydes.orgBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/success-made-to-last-legends--4302039/support.
• 
  Truly Significant celebrates Luz Maria Mack- Mother, Wife, Dominican, Thought Leader, Author, Advocate 18.08.2026 31min

  Luz Maria Mack is a Truly Significant™ thought leader because she is doing something larger than writing children’s books: she is helping people understand that identity, belonging, and cultural memory are built through the stories we choose to tell—and the stories we choose not to leave out.Luz's significance through six dimensions: 1. She turns representation into belonging Luz's work isn't representation for representation's sake. Her central question is essentially: “Does a child see themselves in the story?” Her Dominican and Afro-Caribbean children's literature gives young readers cultural mirrors while also giving other children windows into experiences different from their own.The Secret of the Plátano, for example, was selected by Bank Street College of Education among its Best Children's Picture Books of 2023. That fits the Truly Significant lens beautifully: Significance happens when someone feels seen, valued, and connected because you were willing to tell the story. 2. Her "side quest" became a mission This is perhaps the strongest connection to Side Quests to Significance. Luz's path wasn't simply, “I want to become a famous author.” Her motherhood, cultural experience, professional life and encounters with the publishing world led her toward a creative calling that answered a need she saw around her.She has described moving beyond waiting for publisher approval and instead creating stories rooted in her community. That's a classic Side Quest: Curiosity → Need → Action → Significance. She didn't necessarily set out to build a cultural platform. She followed a need—and the need revealed the mission. 3. She understands that stories can preserve culture Luz isn't merely entertaining children. She is preserving pieces of Dominican and Caribbean culture for another generation. Her books explore language, music, family, heritage and identity. Her animated adaptation of ¡Pequeña María descubre su baile! won recognition at Bridge Fest and was subsequently featured on PBS. She also collaborated with Disney's Storybook Art Team on Family Is Everything, inspired by Encanto. That makes her work especially significant because culture disappears when nobody takes responsibility for passing it forward. 4. She has expanded from storyteller to "story ecosystem" builder This may be her most important evolution. Luz has moved from telling her own stories to creating platforms for other people to tell theirs. Her 2026 podcast, The Missing Book, focuses on overlooked stories and unheard voices. She interviews authors, illustrators, educators, publishers, literacy advocates and other creatives—not simply about their books, but about the people, experiences and identities behind those books. That's a profound distinction. An author creates a story.A thought leader creates space for stories. Luz is increasingly doing the latter.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/success-made-to-last-legends--4302039/support.
• 
  Truly Significant with Alex Snider author of Sometimes You Should Be Late, America's guru on Slowmindfulness 29.07.2026 50min

  Alex Snider is the son of U.S. diplomats, who has written a truly significant book about slowmindfulness titled You Should Be Late.  His turning point was a bike accident that left him with a brain injury. Alex goes in depth on our rushed culture, obsessed in busyness. Learn whether this is fear based or wild ambition. Alex is a man of deep wisdom, thoughtful lessons and courage. Remember that being constantly busy doesn't make you happy. Find out what brings you deep meaning in life. Be so mindful that you experience "to feel felt." You Should Be Late is a work of significance. Give the book to a friend or family member. Show up as your authentic self....even when running late. And lastly, notice the person in front of you. Slow down and live more deeply.Visit www.slowmindfulness.com for more information and buy You Should Be Late from your local indy bookstore today.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/success-made-to-last-legends--4302039/support.
• 
  Truly Significant honors Ann Keil Dux, Emmy Award Winning Investigative Journalist, Cancer Survivor, Executive Communication Strategist 27.07.2026 35min

  Ann Keil Dux is a person of significance. Former TV journalist, Emmy Award winner and cancer survivor, she has lived a remarkable life. You will be inspired by this whip smart, executive communications coach and strategist. Ann talks about the important soft skills fueled by emotional intelligence. She dives into high impact communication moments and how we should react authentically. Show up as the best version of yoursefl. Communicate from your real self from real places. Consider active verbs that describe you and connect with those words. Self proclaimed as THE GLUE, connect with Ann Keil Dux on LinkedIn or www.DuxCommunications.com. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/success-made-to-last-legends--4302039/support.