For Michael's sake, drop your #stepcheck in the comments! Today’s guest is Michael Smoak and this conversation was one like no other he has ever been on. This year has been tough for Michael. Losing his father to sickness at the beginning of the year created a newfound drive to make the most out of life. While this conversation surfaced his story and loss of father, it was probably the most value packed episode I have done all year. In fact I would go to say that it was my favourite episode I’ve recorded this year. Michael opens up about recording final conversations with his father, learning to laugh through chaos, and why surrendering to truth and God reframed everything. We also get into the reps behind real communication, the trap of routine-as-cage, and how curiosity hardens into conviction. We break down confidence vs ego, the table and plates mindset, and why ownership beats victimhood when life is loud. This was a good one! Key Discussion Points: • Count it all joy. Perspective is the lever • Curiosity into conviction into competence • Confidence is evidence. Ego needs applause • Be the table. Everything else is plates • Communication reps that actually work • Ownership over victimhood, always Follow Michael:https://www.instagram.com/higherupwellness/ Follow Chris:https://www.instagram.com/morechrisgriffin/ Check out our sponsor of the podcast: Dream Recovery. Use code GRIFFIN for 15% off your entire order: https://dreamrecovery.io/ Get a free podcast playbook with everything you need to know to build a successful podcast: https://thepodcastjungle.com/ Timestamps: 03:00–09:20 Laugh through chaos. Count it joy 09:20–15:40 Childhood wounds and early filters 15:40–22:00 Mortality as a compass 22:00–28:20 Parents, character, lines that stick 28:20–34:40 Cyber to creator. The jump 34:40–41:00 Sales school. Empathy and voice 41:00–47:20 Curiosity into conviction 47:20–53:40 Confidence vs ego 53:40–1:00:00 Routine or freedom 1:00:00–1:06:20 Be the table, not the leg 1:06:20–1:12:40 Mirrors in relationships 1:12:40–1:19:00 Triggers show where you aren’t free 1:19:00–1:25:20 Communication reps that work 1:25:20–1:31:40 Faith, discipline, adaptable routine 1:31:40–1:37:00 Final takeaways and thanks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
