“People need to see these things. They need to know the truth... Our freedom is such a gift, such a blessing, and we need to preserve that.” 

The movie The Puppeteers just came out two days ago, and with the Canadian election upon us, this episode couldn’t come at a better time. We’re releasing it a day early so you can hear the truth, think clearly, and vote with confidence. 

Freedom is the foundation for creativity, business, and a good life. Without it, innovation dies, opportunities shrink, and people lose the power to shape their future. In this episode, we talk about why freedom matters—not just for politics, but for entrepreneurs, families, and communities—and why staying awake and aware is more important than ever. 

Our guest is the lead actor of The Puppeteers. She shares how the script opened her eyes to the real threats happening inside Canada today, from foreign interference to secret police stations. Through real stories and raw experiences, we’re reminded that democracy isn’t automatic—it’s something we all have to stand up and protect. 

Amy Rivard is a Canadian actress and singer who's performed worldwide and now stars in The Puppeteers. Her work brings powerful stories of truth and courage to life. 

We encourage everyone to become informed, to value the right to vote, and to support efforts that expose corruption. 

“If each of us is a thread in this resistance, only by linking together can we sever the strings of the puppeteers.” - Kevin Yang, director of The Puppeteers 

Expert action steps: 

1. Be intentional with your thoughts, because what you focus on shapes your reality. 

2. Stay persistent in pursuing your passion, but if your heart is no longer in it, allow yourself to pivot and follow a new path. 

3. Always strive to do your best, and consider reading The Four Agreements for timeless principles to live by. 

Lean more & connect: 

The Puppeteers is streaming exclusively on Gan Jing World and is free until April 29th. 

https://www.ganjingworld.com/live/1hjhn5c5bpe4RB3OUutLIKAVD1kb1c 

Visit https://www.eCircleAcademy.com and book a success call with Nicky to take your practice to the next level. 

“Every single person has to learn how to conquer fear and transmute it into power. If you don’t, you will be a victim to it your entire life.” 

Fear isn’t the enemy—it’s the GPS. In business and in life, fear often signals the precise place you need to push through in order to grow. Whether it’s public speaking, investing, launching a business, or simply being seen, fear has a job: to protect you. But if left unchecked, it can become the loudest voice in the room. The key is to harness it, decode it, and use it as rocket fuel. 

In this powerful session, you’ll hear about the mindset shifts that separate high performers from dabblers. From reframing failure and building belief systems to understanding how community and coaching catalyze change, the conversation is packed with strategies to help you choose courage over comfort—and success over stagnation. 

Marc Von Musser is a renowned speaker and success strategist, known for helping entrepreneurs and leaders unlock peak performance through mindset, emotional intelligence, and tactical skill-building. His work has influenced business builders across the globe. 

https://www.marcvonmusser.com/ 

Visit https://www.eCircleAcademy.com and book a success call with Nicky to take your practice to the next level. 

“Trust is not a campaign. Trust is making deposits, planting seeds, giving of yourself and your knowledge and your perspectives without expectation of return, and then return happens.” 

“The human heart is all you have left. AI is coming.” 

In today’s noisy world, trust is the new currency—and your personal brand is the vault. Building a personal brand isn’t about ego or fancy marketing campaigns; it’s about being deeply intentional, showing up authentically, and connecting through values, stories, and service. True influence starts with a clear message, delivered consistently and with heart. 

Alan McLaren shares hard-won insights from decades of experience across leadership, marketing, and sales. He breaks down the shift from hiding behind logos to leading with personality and purpose. Whether you’re a solo coach or a CEO, it’s not enough to market—you must build trust at scale. Thought leadership isn’t optional anymore; it’s your only defense in a world racing toward AI and automation. 

Alan McLaren is the co-founder of Strata Originals and a seasoned business leader with over 25 years of experience in sales, leadership, and brand development. With a passion for helping entrepreneurs become visible and trusted, he works with his business partner Leanne to guide leaders through the transformational journey of building authentic personal brands. 

Expert action steps: 

1. Intentionality in networking: 

“Networking doesn’t happen by accident. Systematize the people in your life that you want to stay connected to… If you’re trying to sell, if you’re trying to market… be positive when you do that, don’t try to sell anybody.” 

1. Celebrate others on LinkedIn to build visibility and trust: 

“Go on LinkedIn and celebrate others… say something insightful… you’re now spreading audience when you’re doing it.” 

1. Get over your fear of posting content—it’s no longer optional: 

“This is not a luxury anymore… AI is coming for you and the only thing that’s going to differentiate you is you… the human heart is all we have left.” 

Lean more & connect: 

https://strataoriginals.com/. Where Alan and his business partner Leanne help CEO’s, entrepreneurs, founders and executive teams build authority and influence with clarity, conviction and authenticity 

Reach out to Alan on LinkedIn and tell him you’d like a copy of his personal branding worksheet. 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/alanmclaren/ 

Visit https://www.eCircleAcademy.com and book a success call with Nicky to take your practice to the next level.

“What I want Canada to be, and I think this is where Pierre can take us, is a country that is so full of opportunity that we need to open our doors even bigger to have the best and the brightest come in because our economy is growing.” 

In a time when politics, business, and economics feel like a house of mirrors, this episode breaks down why Canada still matters—and what it will take to keep it that way. From affordability crises to bloated bureaucracy, it’s not about ideology anymore—it’s about survival. This conversation draws a sharp line between stakeholder control and individual freedom, between bureaucratic sprawl and a thriving economy rooted in opportunity. 

Ian Robertson reflects on lessons from Mike Harris’ era, where clear communication, common-sense leadership, and policy courage turned third-place polls into governance victories. He outlines how Pierre Poilievre’s focus on clarity and urgency parallels that legacy, and why the fight today is not just political—it’s structural. Whether it’s reforming immigration policy or slashing government bloat, Ian argues that Canada must choose between decline or regeneration. 

Ian Robertson is a seasoned political strategist and corporate advisor. A veteran of both Canadian politics and Bay Street, he’s the CEO of Jefferson Hawthorne. 

Lean more & connect: 

Jefferson Hawthorne – https://www.jeffersonhawthorne.com 

Also in this episode: 

Nicky’s recent appearance with Ezra Levant on rebel News: https://x.com/RebelNewsOnline/status/1909372778232377816 

Book: Values: Building a Better World for All by Mark Carney 

https://a.co/d/0WSALPM 

Visit https://www.eCircleAcademy.com and book a success call with Nicky to take your practice to the next level. 

“What I want Canada to be, and I think this is where Pierre can take us, is a country that is so full of opportunity that we need to open our doors even bigger to have the best and the brightest come in because our economy is growing.” 

In a time when politics, business, and economics feel like a house of mirrors, this episode breaks down why Canada still matters—and what it will take to keep it that way. From affordability crises to bloated bureaucracy, it’s not about ideology anymore—it’s about survival. This conversation draws a sharp line between stakeholder control and individual freedom, between bureaucratic sprawl and a thriving economy rooted in opportunity. 

Ian Robertson reflects on lessons from Mike Harris’ era, where clear communication, common-sense leadership, and policy courage turned third-place polls into governance victories. He outlines how Pierre Poilievre’s focus on clarity and urgency parallels that legacy, and why the fight today is not just political—it’s structural. Whether it’s reforming immigration policy or slashing government bloat, Ian argues that Canada must choose between decline or regeneration. 

Ian Robertson is a seasoned political strategist and corporate advisor. A veteran of both Canadian politics and Bay Street, he’s the CEO of Jefferson Hawthorne. 

Lean more & connect: 

Jefferson Hawthorne – https://www.jeffersonhawthorne.com 

Also in this episode: 

Nicky’s recent appearance with Ezra Levant on rebel News: https://x.com/RebelNewsOnline/status/1909372778232377816 

Book: Values: Building a Better World for All by Mark Carney 

https://a.co/d/0WSALPM 

Visit https://www.eCircleAcademy.com and book a success call with Nicky to take your practice to the next level. 

“It’s better for you not to go on any shows than to go on a bunch of shows half-cocked and unprepared, ruining your chances of being seen as the expert, the go-to thought leader and attracting those beautiful leads, sales and clients that you’re looking for.” 

If you’re using podcast guesting as a visibility play, you might be leaving serious money on the table. Most people jump into guest appearances with high hopes—but the wrong strategy—and end up wondering why nothing’s converting. 

There are a few critical mistakes that almost everyone makes when stepping into the podcast spotlight. You’ll hear exactly what they are in this episode—and more importantly, how to avoid them before they sabotage your credibility and cost you leads. 

This one’s short, sharp, and packed with insight. If you’re planning to grow your business through podcast appearances, don’t guest on another show until you’ve heard this. 

Visit https://www.eCircleAcademy.com and book a success call with Nicky to take your practice to the next level. 

“The most disruptive thing I’ve ever learned in terms of helping people is teaching them how to breathe.” 

Most people think success in business comes from hustling harder or hacking strategy. But often the biggest breakthroughs come from improving our health. This episode explores the powerful role that conscious breathwork plays in regulating the nervous system, boosting energy, increasing focus, and accelerating recovery—all critical to the entrepreneurial lifestyle. When you master your breath, you master your biology. And if you’re in business, your biology is your business. 

Sachin Patel brings the science, strategy, and soul of breathwork into focus. From treating chronic illness to transforming anxious entrepreneurs, he outlines how different breathing patterns impact cognitive performance, emotional regulation, and even sales conversations. His stories—of his own son, his wife, and his clients—illustrate how mouth breathing, poor posture, and unaddressed stress compromise everything from immunity to clarity. The solution? A few daily breathwork habits and a deeper connection to your body’s natural rhythm. 

Sachin is a renowned functional medicine practitioner, breathwork facilitator, speaker, and founder of The Living Proof Institute. Originally trained as a chiropractor, Sachin shifted focus to functional medicine and breathwork after recognizing how many people struggle with root-cause health issues. Today, he teaches entrepreneurs and health professionals how to use breath as a tool for healing, leadership, and performance. 

Expert action steps: 

1. Tape your mouth while sleeping – Using simple medical tape at night can dramatically improve your sleep quality, enhance dream vividness, and help you wake up feeling more refreshed by encouraging proper nasal breathing. 

2. Become your own best healer – Take charge of your health by embracing the idea that your body is designed to heal itself. With the right knowledge and tools, you can activate your body’s natural healing capacity without depending solely on external treatments. 

3. Respect nature’s rules – You can’t out-hack or out-hustle nature. Things like your body’s natural rhythm, nervous system regulation, and proper rest are non-negotiables for health. Just like a plant needs sunlight, your body needs the right conditions to thrive. 

Lean more & connect: 

Go to breathworkwithsachin.com to find free resources including a breathwork guide, guided meditation, snoring guide, and more. 

Also in this episode: 

Breath by James Nestor 

The Bhagavad Gita 

Tiny Habits by BJ Fogg 

Visit https://www.eCircleAcademy.com and book a success call with Nicky to take your practice to the next level.

“If you’re in business and you’re not leveraging podcasting, you’re leaving massive opportunity on the table.” 

Most people are blind to the power of podcast guesting. It’s not just a marketing tactic—it’s the new media front door to trust, authority, and reach. The smart players? They’re skipping the gatekeepers and speaking directly to the people. If you’re building a business, a brand, or a movement, podcasting gives you time, attention, and influence you can’t buy with ads anymore. 

There’s a rhythm to this game. Get yourself on enough shows and the results compound—leads, clients, relationships, and credibility. This isn’t theoretical; it’s what works. Whether you’re a coach, a consultant, or leading a national campaign, the people you want to serve are listening somewhere. The question is—are you showing up there? 

The current vehicles are stalling. Podcast guesting is the engine. It’s not optional if you want to win—it’s essential. Skip it, and you’re leaving impact, income, and influence on the table. 

Visit https://www.eCircleAcademy.com and book a success call with Nicky to take your practice to the next level. 

“Real wealth isn’t the ultimate money. Real wealth is being in enough control of your life that you can go anywhere and speak what you believe to be true and not worry about any detractors.” 

This episode is a blueprint for conviction-driven entrepreneurship—the kind that doesn’t ask permission, isn’t easily influenced control systems, and definitely doesn’t confuse obedience with strategy. It’s about rejecting the models that train people to follow directions and building new ones that reward initiative, truth, and actual results. The ROI? A brand rooted in purpose, a business with soul, and a generation of free-thinking builders who are just hard enough to control. 

Brett Pike shares hard-earned truths on how he built Classical Learner from a handful of consultations to a K–12 curriculum and thriving platform. He teaches kids the Bill of Rights, real history, and entrepreneurship—and he’s got 13-year-olds hiring their friends and buying real estate. His model empowers families to break free from institutional programming and build a legacy that’s financially and intellectually independent. 

Brett Pike is the founder of Classical Learner and Cubs to Bears, a bestselling author, and a leading voice in the homeschool revolution. 

Expert action steps: 

1. Make reading a daily habit. If he could tell his younger self just one thing, it would be to read—constantly. Books are the fastest way to level up your knowledge and perspective. 

1. Dedicate one hour every day to building your dream. Even if you don’t know what to do yet, sitting with the intention matters. That consistent hour will eventually lead to breakthroughs and momentum. 

1. Strive to improve in every area of life, every day. Whether it’s your health, parenting, business, or mindset, commit to becoming a little better each day. It’s about relentlessly pursuing excellence, even if perfection is never the goal. 

Learn more & connect: 

Classical Learner Homeschool Platform 

https://www.classicallearner.com 

Books Page at Classical Learner Publishing 

https://books.classicallearner.com 

Also in this episode: (if anything) 

Norman Dodd Interview with G. Edward Griffin on YouTube 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YUYCBfmIcHM 

Visit https://www.eCircleAcademy.com and book a success call with Nicky to take your practice to the next level. 

“Comfort is the enemy of greatness. Complacency is the enemy of your best self.” 

Complacency kills momentum—and momentum, once lost, is brutally hard to get back. Greatness begins where comfort ends, and the longer you stay in your comfort zone, the more your dreams slip into a slow death. Resistance, as Steven Pressfield calls it, is that sneaky force that convinces you to stay put, to play small, to opt out. The only way through it is action. Cold water. Movement. Connection. Anything that shakes you out of the fog of “I’ll do it later.” 

This one’s a call to arms. If you’re coasting on yesterday’s wins, it’s time to shake things up. The advice is simple and physical: plunge into something cold, get your body moving, and talk to another human. That’s how momentum gets reignited—not through thinking or planning, but doing. The excuses have to die before the dream does. 

It’s hard either way. Discipline is hard, but so is regret. The discomfort of action is nothing compared to the pain of watching potential waste away. Choose your hard. 

Visit https://www.eCircleAcademy.com and book a success call with Nicky to take your practice to the next level.