🎧 Betting on yourself when the odds are against you — that's Chuck Cuda's story. In this episode John Suzuki sits down with Chuck Cuda, author of Ego Strength: Betting on Myself, to unpack how one life-altering choice led to prison and ultimately became the catalyst for a purpose-driven life, entrepreneurship, and legacy-building. Chuck walks us through the raw moments of accountability, the hustle of rebuilding (vending routes, UPS nights, bartending), and the strategic moves that turned small wins into businesses in real estate, physical therapy, and cannabis. This is practical, no-fluff advice for anyone facing setbacks.

Inside this conversation, you’ll learn:

How a single Thanksgiving moment of accountability changed Chuck’s trajectory. The mindset shift from “victim” to owner of your choices. Tactical steps Chuck used to re-enter the workforce, rebuild income, and scale businesses. How curiosity and willingness to do “whatever it takes” unlock new opportunity channels. Real examples of asset-first thinking — buying, fixing, and flipping to build capital. Leadership lessons on legacy, employee development, and scaling people as well as companies.

💡 Key Takeaways: Accountability is the power switch — stop blaming, start acting. Do the work: temporary, humble jobs can fund the comeback and teach resilience. Create repeatable plans and rinse + repeat — consistency wins. Capitalize on small, local, distressed opportunities; parlay returns into bigger plays. Fear is the main limiter — manage risk, experiment early, and learn fast.

Connect with Chuck: cuda@opestre.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/chuck-cuda/ https://www.chuckcuda.com

If you got value from this episode, like, subscribe, and share it with someone who needs to hear this comeback story. Leave a review — it helps more people find honest stories of growth.

🎙️ From a controlling childhood in a religious cult, to two combat tours in Iraq, to calling the shots as a live TV director — Logan’s story is one of survival, radical responsibility, and reinvention. In this episode, John Suzuki sits down with Logan to unpack the choices, the low points, and the moment that changed everything — the decision to fight not only for himself but to model resilience for his daughter.

Inside this conversation, you’ll learn:

1.How a strict cult upbringing shaped identity and led to suicidal thinking — and how Logan escaped. 2. Why joining the Air Force became both a refuge and a source of further trauma (two tours in Iraq). 3. The ways PTSD and hypervigilance followed him home, and how those effects show up in daily life. 4. The turning point: the thought that saved him and led to sobriety and radical action. 5. How Logan cold-called his way into TV directing — and why pursuing a dream is part of healing. 6. What “radical responsibility” really means and practical steps listeners can use to take control. 7. How to lead by example so your life becomes a blueprint, not a warning, for the next generation.

💡 Key Takeaways:

1. Healing often begins with a single conscious decision to stop waiting for rescue and start taking responsibility. 2. Trauma compounds when left unaddressed; professional help + sustained action are critical. 3. Purpose (like Logan’s directing dream) can be a powerful vehicle for recovery. 4. Leading by example — especially for children — can reframe personal struggle into legacy.

Connect with Logan: 🌐 Website – https://www.theloganunlimited.com/ 📸 Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/theloganunlimited/ 💼 LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/loganunlimited/

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US Veterans Day Special — What happens when military grit meets entrepreneurship? In this special episode of Finding Better, John Suzuki sits down with Army Ranger veteran and Casago founder & CEO Steve Schwab to trace a remarkable journey: from joining the Army to running the largest vacation rental management company in North America. Steve shares the real, practical lessons he learned in uniform and on the road — lessons that translate to every leader, manager, and person pivoting careers.

Inside this conversation, you’ll learn:

1. Why joining the military (and the small wins inside it) builds the confidence entrepreneurs need. 2. How Steve designed and built his life by surrounding himself with the right people. 3. The surprising overlap between leading soldiers, running a fraternity, and managing vacation rentals. 4. Practical advice for vets (and civilians) transitioning into business or leadership roles. 5. How to spot poisonous relationships and the power of choosing good people.

💡 Key Takeaways:

1. Confidence is a stack of small wins — design systems so people can win often. 2. Surround yourself with people who lift you; people are either healthy or poisonous. 3. Discipline, courage, kindness, and loyalty are leadership cornerstones — discipline can be aspirational and built. 4. Military experience creates transferable skills for entrepreneurship: structure, risk tolerance, and leadership under pressure. 5. Start scrappy, be resourceful, and lead with humility — build teams with complementary skills.

Connect with Steve Schwab: 💼 LinkedIn – www.linkedin.com/s.schwab

If you liked this episode, please like, subscribe, and share — and leave a comment below with a veteran or leader who’s inspired you.