4/1/2025
Episode 22: Stop Calling Everyone a Leader
In this episode, Joe welcomes Jason Lamb, a top leadership coach, facilitator, and speaker. With over 25 years of service in the Air Force—rising to the rank of colonel—Jason led teams across four continents and became well known for his influential articles under the pseudonym "Col Ned Stark." His writings sparked important conversations about leadership and culture within the Air Force and DoD.
In this discussion, Jason shares his perspective on why we should stop calling everyone a leader and explores the unintended consequences of promoting leadership as the only path to success within organizations. Joe and Jason dive into the importance of recognizing diverse roles and contributions beyond traditional leadership, challenging the status quo to build stronger, more effective teams.
Don't miss this insightful conversation packed with valuable takeaways for professionals at every level.
Links to ‘Ned Stark’ articles:
🔗 A Call for Senior Officer Reform
🔗 Being or Doing in the Air Force
Connect with Jason:
💼 LinkedIn
🌎 Victory Strategies
3/18/2025
Episode 21: Curiosity at Play
In this episode, Joe chats with Van Lai-DuMone—TEDx speaker, CEO of Worksmart Advantage, and author of the acclaimed book What If Pigs Can Fly?. With glowing five-star reviews, Van’s book is a practical guide to harnessing creativity and curiosity for personal and professional success.
Together, they explore:
"What If" Thinking: How reimagining challenges unlocks creativity and innovation.
The Power of Play: Using play to reduce fear, inspire ideas, and drive growth.
Breaking Limiting Beliefs: Overcoming mental barriers to achieve the impossible.
Van shares the inspiration behind her book and actionable insights to spark creativity, making this episode a must-listen for leaders and lifelong learners!
📖 Get your copy of Van’s Book here:
🔗 Connect with Van: What if Pigs Can Fly?
LinkedIn: Van Lai-DuMone
Website: https://www.worksmartadvantage.com/
Van shares the inspiration behind her book and actionable insights to spark creativity, making this episode a must-listen for leaders and lifelong learners!
3/4/2025
Episode 20: A People Strategy
In this episode, Joe sits down with Retired Air Force Brigadier General Shawn Campbell, a seasoned leader with 30 years of experience in high-stakes environments. From commanding the 3,000-person air base wing at the U.S. Air Force Academy to overseeing the Air Force’s 694,000-member personnel enterprise and managing $64 billion in funding, Shawn brings a wealth of leadership insight.
Now a Director at Victory Strategies, he works alongside Navy SEALs, Fortune 500 Executives, and TOPGUN Fighter Pilots to develop leaders and strengthen organizations. Together, they dive into critical topics like employee engagement, leadership development, workplace culture, promotions, and the importance of feeling valued in an organization.
📖 Shawn’s Book Recommendation: An Everyone Culture
🔗 Connect with Shawn:
LinkedIn: Shawn Campbell
Website: Victory Strategies
This conversation is packed with real-world lessons and actionable insights—don’t miss it! #BetterHasNoFinishLine
2/18/2025
Episode 19: Navigating Transitions
In this episode, Joe sits down with Mary Polanco—retired Air Force leader, speaker, entrepreneur, and author of Your Final Debrief. Together, they explore the emotional aspects of transition, the challenge of finding identity beyond a major career shift, and the importance of self-investment.
Mary shares powerful insights on grief, acceptance, and living a purpose-driven life while setting boundaries. The conversation also highlights the cultural shifts and challenges the idea of glorifying constant self-sacrifice.
Listeners will walk away with a fresh perspective on prioritizing themselves without guilt and embracing new chapters with confidence.
📌 Connect with Mary:
🔗 Book: Your Final Debrief
🔗 LinkedIn
🔗 Website
Tune in for an insightful discussion on growth, transition, and the pursuit of a better life. #BetterHasNoFinishLine
2/4/2025
Episode 18: Fiscally Fit
In this episode of the Waypoint Better Podcast, host Joe Bogdan sits down with financial expert Barrett Young to discuss the importance of fiscal fitness. With tax season approaching, many are evaluating their financial standing and looking for ways to improve their overall money management. Maintaining strong financial health is a key part of overall well-being, and this conversation dives into practical strategies to achieve it.
The discussion covers:
💰 The mindset of a fiscally fit person
📊 Practical tips for achieving financial stability
🛠️ How small habits can lead to long-term success
Listeners will gain valuable insights to help them strengthen their financial future and develop smarter money habits.
Book Recommendations:
Henry Hazlitt – Economics in One Lesson
Daniel Pink – Drive
Cal Newport – So Good They Can’t Ignore You
Connect with Barrett here:
LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/barrettyoung/
Youtube – https://www.youtube.com/@gwcpas
1/21/2025
Episode 17: BOOM!
In this episode, Joe welcomes the incredible John “Dragon” Teichert, a recently retired U.S. Air Force brigadier general, inspirational leader, and national security expert. John is the founder and president of Capital Leadership LLC, where he’s on a mission to develop leaders who break barriers, challenge convention, and drive innovation.
Joe and John dive into thought-provoking conversations about leadership, personal effectiveness, and staying grounded in faith and values. They explore strategies for cutting through bureaucracy, aligning your calendar and checkbook with your priorities, and thriving even when support from leadership feels lacking.
John also shares insights from his experiences at Edwards Air Force Base, a powerful “boom moment” at Mount Saint Helens, and lessons from his 2023 book. Tune in for practical advice and inspiration to elevate your leadership game!
Don’t miss this conversation with a true trailblazer. Better has no finish line!
Connect with John:
Website: www.johnteichert.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/johnteichert/
Check out his books:
Boom!: Leadership that Breaks Barriers, Challenges Convention, and Ignites Innovation - Link
Prayers for a Nation: A 90-day Devotional Guide for American Christians - Link
1/7/2025
Episode 16: Are You Equally Yoked?
In this special New Year episode, Joe is joined by his most meaningful guest ever: his wife, Joanne. As Joe’s best friend, confidant, and biggest supporter, Joanne brings her unique perspective on what it takes to build and maintain healthy relationships.
Together, they discuss the importance of relationships in all aspects of life—romantic, friendships, professional, and business—and highlight the key factors that make their own connection strong. Topics include the role of humility, shared faith and values, and the willingness to communicate openly and honestly.
This heartfelt conversation is a perfect way to start 2025, focusing on the connections that truly matter.
#BetterHasNoFinishLine
Visit Waypointbetter.com and subscribe to Joe's mailing list to get your free Leadership Philosophy Navigator tool and get early access to The Waypoint, his monthly publication where he provides quick-hitting life and leadership perspectives, along with his most up-to-date recommendations on what to listen to, read, or watch to accelerate your growth journey—all for free, with no strings attached.
11/12/2024
Episode 15: Civilianizing Mission Command Part 2
In the conclusion of this episode, Joe continues his chat with his friend and mentor, US Army Major General Retired, John Gronski. John is a proven combat leader with over forty years of service in the United States Army and is a leadership and peak performance expert, a published author, a motivational storyteller, and a much sought-after speaker and leadership seminar leader.
During their discussion the conclude exploring the concept of bringing the impactful military principle of Mission Command to the civilian sector to increase overall organizational effectiveness and improve employee engagement.
Connect with John here: www.johngronski.com
Check out John's Book Leadership Sharpeners here: https://amzn.to/4fjbfO4
#BetterHasNoFinishLine
Visit Waypointfront.com and subscribe to my mailing list to get your free Leadership Philosophy Navigator tool and get early access to The Waypoint, my monthly publication where I provide quick-hitting life and leadership perspectives, along with my most up-to-date recommendations on what to listen to, read, or watch to accelerate your growth journey—all for free, with no strings attached.
10/29/2024
Episode 14: Civilianizing Mission Command Part 1
In this episode, Joe welcomes his friend and mentor, US Army Major General Retired, John Gronski. John is a proven combat leader with over forty years of service in the United States Army and is a leadership and peak performance expert, a published author, a motivational storyteller, and a much sought-after speaker and leadership seminar leader.
During their discussion the explore the concept of bringing the impactful military principle of Mission Command to the civilian sector to increase overall organizational effectiveness and improve employee engagement.
Connect with John here: www.johngronski.com
Check out John's Book Leadership Sharpeners here: https://amzn.to/4fjbfO4
#BetterHasNoFinishLine
Visit Waypointfront.com and subscribe to my mailing list to get your free Leadership Philosophy Navigator tool and get early access to The Waypoint, my monthly publication where I provide quick-hitting life and leadership perspectives, along with my most up-to-date recommendations on what to listen to, read, or watch to accelerate your growth journey—all for free, with no strings attached.
10/15/2024
Episode 13: Who’s Accountable?
In this episode, Joe welcomes his close friend W. Scott Greene, the Strategic Business Manager for the City of Corpus Christi. Scott brings a wealth of experience, serving as a resource multiplier for City departments by providing leadership through training, collaborative workshops, and management guidance on special projects. He's also a retired Air Force Senior Enlisted Leader, Co-Founder of Llama Leadership, and my former co-host of the Llama Lounge Podcast.
Together, they explore the importance of accountability from both the leader’s perspective and the team member’s viewpoint. They discuss how organizations that foster a culture of accountability are more likely to thrive and succeed.
#BetterHasNoFinishLine
Visit Waypointfront.com and subscribe to my mailing list to get your free Leadership Philosophy Navigator tool and get early access to The Waypoint, my monthly publication where I provide quick-hitting life and leadership perspectives, along with my most up-to-date recommendations on what to listen to, read, or watch to accelerate your growth journey—all for free, with no strings attached.
10/1/2024
Episode 12: We All Need to Feel SHUV’d
In this episode of the Waypoint Better Podcast, host Joe welcomes his longtime friend, Noble Gibbens, to the show. Noble, a West Point graduate, entrepreneur, speaker, leadership consultant, executive coach, and host of the EQ Gangster podcast, shares his wisdom on the power of emotional intelligence in building meaningful connections. Together, they explore the importance of one-on-one engagement and how every individual has a deep need to feel seen, heard, understood, and valued—both in their personal and professional lives. This conversation is packed with insights for anyone seeking to improve their relationships, leadership, and emotional intelligence. Tune in for a thought-provoking episode that challenges you to elevate how you connect with others!
Follow or contact Noble here:
Email: noble@arrowhead-leadership.com
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@eqgangster7840
Podcast: https://www.eqgangster.com/podcast
Arrowhead Leadership Consulting: www.arrowhead-leadership.com
Check out the Arrowhead Advantage here: https://www.arrowhead-leadership.com/ArrowheadAdvantage
#BetterHasNoFinishLine
Visit Waypointfront.com and subscribe to my mailing list to get your free Leadership Philosophy Navigator tool and get early access to The Waypoint, my monthly publication where I provide quick-hitting life and leadership perspectives, along with my most up-to-date recommendations on what to listen to, read, or watch to accelerate your growth journey—all for free, with no strings attached.
9/17/2024
Episode 11: Leadership Blind Spots
In this episode of the Waypoint Better Podcast, host Joe sits down with thought leader and human capital design expert, Jules De Leon Jaen. Together, they explore the hidden blind spots that can affect a leader's effectiveness and dive into the critical distinctions between inclusion and belonging in the workplace. Tune in for a compelling conversation packed with insights on leadership and creating an environment in which people truly feel they belong.
Connect with Jules here:
Phone: (817) 793-0535
Email: Kaizenpm2021@gmail.com
Website: Kaizenpm.com
#BetterHasNoFinishLine
Visit Waypointfront.com and subscribe to my mailing list to get your free Leadership Philosophy Navigator tool and get early access to The Waypoint, my monthly publication where I provide quick-hitting life and leadership perspectives, along with my most up-to-date recommendations on what to listen to, read, or watch to accelerate your growth journey—all for free, with no strings attached.
9/3/2024
Episode 10: Do You Really Know?
In this episode of the Waypoint Better Podcast, hosts Joe and Bodhi dive into the Dunning-Kruger Effect and explore how this cognitive bias can impact both our personal and professional lives. They share relatable examples of how falling victim to this bias can create challenges, and offer practical strategies to help you recognize and overcome it. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of the Dunning-Kruger Effect and learn how to better navigate it in your everyday life.
#BetterHasNoFinishLine
8/20/2024
Episode 9: A Warrior Ethos
In this episode, Joe is joined by a distinguished guest, Rolf Holmquist, Senior Chaplain in the United States Air Force. With deep expertise in character development, social skills, stress management, and personal transformation, Rolf shares invaluable insights on cultivating a warrior ethos, regardless of your profession. Tune in as they explore the critical role of values, purpose, character, and ethics in building mental and emotional resilience, and discuss practical strategies for personal growth and professional excellence. Whether you're in the military or any other field, this conversation will inspire you to strengthen your inner warrior.
#BetterHasNoFinishLine
8/6/2024
Episode 7: 5 Million Steps Part 2
In part two of a two-part episode, Joe and his friend Jason “Jay” France conclude their fantastic discussion. Jay is an outstanding leader, founder and CEO of Elevate Leadership Solutions, and a veteran who served in the United States Air Force for over thirty-one years, retiring as a command chief master sergeant and the command senior enlisted leader of the United States Transportation Command. He is also a published author, having recently completed his masterpiece, 5-Million Steps—a must-read for anyone seeking adventure, personal growth, and the strength to overcome their own challenges.
During their chat, they continue to explore key points from Jay’s book, with Jay sharing valuable insights and perspectives from both his leadership journey and his personal trek of self-discovery. Enjoy part two of their enlightening conversation, and if you haven’t listened to part 1, I highly recommend you go back and give it a listen.
Order a copy of Jay’s fantastic book here: https://amplifypublishinggroup.com/author/jason-france/
#BetterHasNoFinishLine
7/30/2024
Episode 7: 5 Million Steps Part 1
In part one of a two-part episode, Joe welcomes his friend Jason “Jay” France to the Waypoint Better studio. Jay is an outstanding leader, founder and CEO of Elevate Leadership Solutions, and a veteran who served in the United States Air Force for over thirty-one years, retiring as a command chief master sergeant and the command senior enlisted leader of the United States Transportation Command. He is also a published author, having recently completed his masterpiece, 5-Million Steps—a must-read for anyone seeking adventure, personal growth, and the strength to overcome their own challenges.
During their chat, they delve into key points from Jay’s book, with Jay sharing valuable insights and perspectives from both his leadership journey and his personal trek of self-discovery. Enjoy part one of their enlightening conversation, and don’t miss part two next week!
Order a copy Jay’s masterpiece book here: https://amplifypublishinggroup.com/author/jason-france/
#BetterHasNoFinishLine
7/16/2024
Episode 6: How Do You Respond?
In the latest episode of the Waypoint Better Podcast, Joe welcomes his close friend, Jose "Razor" Ramon, to the show. Jose is a Senior Executive Leader in the United States Air Force, responsible for shaping the policy and direction of workforce development for more than 400,000 personnel across the globe. During their discussion, they dive into the concept of Active Constructive Responding and discuss strategies to respond effectively to the people we hold most dear in an effort to continue to strengthen the relationships that mean the most to us. Don't miss this insightful conversation on building stronger connections!
Enjoy!
7/2/2024
Episode 5: Not too High, Not too Low
In this episode of the Waypoint Better Podcast, Joe and Bodhi dive deep into the Greek mythological tale of Icarus. They explore how this timeless story offers valuable insights into leadership, self-discipline, and self-mastery. Tune in as they analyze Icarus' journey, examining the consequences of hubris and the importance of balance in pursuing our ambitions. They also discuss the significance of recognizing and utilizing our innate gifts, avoiding the trap of living below our potential. Discover how the lessons from Icarus can be applied to modern-day challenges, helping you soar to new heights while maintaining control and purpose. Whether you're a leader, aspiring to be one, or simply looking to improve yourself, this episode is packed with wisdom and practical advice.
Enjoy!
6/18/2024
Episode 4: Are you a Professional?
In this latest episode of the WPB, host Joe welcomes his close friend Caleb Vaden to the show. Caleb is an Active-Duty Air Force executive specializing in human capital and talent management, with over 23 years of distinguished service. Currently serving as the Command Chief of the 42nd Air Base Wing at Maxwell-Gunter Air Force Base in Alabama, Caleb brings a wealth of knowledge and experience. In his role, he advises senior leadership on the readiness, professional development, effective utilization, and mission effectiveness of the base’s enlisted Airmen, impacting the lives of 42,000 personnel. Join Joe and Caleb as they dive into an engaging conversation about the key qualities, characteristics, and behaviors that define true professionals. From leadership insights to practical advice, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways for anyone looking to excel in their career. Don't miss out on this enlightening discussion!
Enjoy!
6/4/2024
Episode 3: Bridging the Gap
In the latest episode of the Waypoint Better Podcast, Joe and Bodhi tackle their first listener-requested topic: conflict resolution. Often understated as a critical leadership trait, the ability to resolve conflicts effectively can make a significant impact in the workplace. Drawing from their own experiences, Joe and Bodhi explore the nuances of handling conflicts and share practical strategies to navigate and resolve disagreements. Tune in to gain valuable insights and improve your conflict resolution skills with expert advice from our hosts!
Enjoy!
5/21/2024
Episode 2: What Are You Anchored In?
Join Joe and Bodhi in this enlightening episode as they delve into the significance of cultivating a leadership philosophy. Whether you're a seasoned leader or just stepping into a leadership role, understanding your guiding principles is crucial. Through engaging discussion and practical insights, they explore how to uncover and refine your personal leadership philosophy.
Enjoy!
5/7/2024
Episode 1: Leadership is Unfair
In the pilot episode, Joe and Bodhi pull back the curtain on the genesis of the Waypoint Better Podcast and share the inspiration that ignited this transformative venture. They also discuss the intended purpose and direction of the show then dive into one of Joe's "Leadership Truths" and explore the perspective that Leadership is an inherently unfair endeavor and not for the faint of hear.
Enjoy!
The Waypoint Better Podcast coming soon!
Welcome to The Waypoint Better Podcast, a transformative journey brought to you by the creative minds behind The Llama Lounge and the Shadows Podcast. Join us as we embrace the belief that Better Has No Finish Line and explore the topics of personal and professional growth, leadership development, resilient outlooks, and beyond. Embark with us on this adventure and discover how to navigate the path to continuous improvement.