Beyond The Story with Sebastian Rusk

Hosted by Sebastian Rusk

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327

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Aug 2026

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About the show

Welcome to Beyond The Story! Are you tired of surface-level conversations? Do you want to dig deeper and explore the stories behind the stories? Then join host Sebastian Rusk on Beyond the Story, the podcast that goes beyond the headlines and explores the human experiences that shape our world. On Beyond the Story, we have intimate conversations with thought leaders, change-makers, and innovators from all walks of life. We get to the heart of their journeys, the obstacles they faced, and the lessons they learned along the way. So, if you're ready to be inspired, to learn from those who've gone before you, and to discover new perspectives that challenge and transform, then tune in to Beyond the Story with Sebastian Rusk, available now on all major podcast platforms.

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August 18, 2026Episode 31314 min

The Inspiring Story of Carter Bona - Autism, Entrepreneurship, and Purpose

In episode 313 of Beyond The Story , Sebastian Rusk interviews Carter Bona, Founder and CEO of Carter's Spectrum Golf. He is highly functioning on the autism spectrum and managing skin sensitivity and dyslexia; he took the entrepreneurial leap, creating a comfortable golf apparel line and later launching a nonprofit and publishing his own book, “Swinging Beyond the Spectrum.” Tune in to harness your unique strengths, build meaningful relationships, and take action toward your goals—no matter what obstacles stand in your way. TIMESTAMPS [00:00:05] Introducing Carter Bona’s entrepreneurial journey [00:01:34] How a pandemic fear ignited a powerful business vision [00:04:12] Overcoming obstacles—dyslexia, skin sensitivity, and product innovation [00:05:51] Taking action: sourcing, manufacturing, and bulk inventory strategy [00:07:04] Building relationships and breaking into retail [00:08:37] Turning challenges into a published book and sharing his story [00:11:10] The power of a single decision and the mindset behind success [00:13:33] Final thoughts: perseverance, positivity, and never giving up QUOTES "I wanted to start my own business so I wouldn't have to worry about having a mean boss or a bad work environment." – Carter Bona "Money's a byproduct of doing what you love." – Sebastian Rusk "If you just stay positive and stay persistent and just never give up, things will get so much better." – Carter Bona ========================== Need help launching your podcast? Schedule a Free Podcast Strategy Call TODAY! PodcastLaunchLabNow.com ========================== SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/podcastlaunchlab/ Facebook: Facebook.com/srusk LinkedIn: LinkedIn.com/in/sebastianrusk/ YouTube: Youtube.com/@PodcastLaunchLab Carter Bona Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cartersspectrumgolf/?hl=en Website Carters Spectrum Golf: http://www.cartersspectrumgolf.com/#/ ========================== Take the quiz now! https://podcastquiz.online/ ========================== Need Money For Your Business? Our Friends at Closer Capital can help! Click here for more info: PodcastsSUCK.com/money ========================== PAYING RENT? Earn airline miles when you use the Bilt Rewards Mastercard APPLY HERE: https://bilt.page/r/2H93-5474

August 11, 2026Episode 31214 min

How to Build a Business That Fits Your Life, Not the Other Way Around - Fraidel Sommer

In episode 312 of Beyond The Story , Sebastian Rusk interviews Fraidel Sommer, founder of Own Your Edge, as she shares how she leveraged her experiences to launch her Own Your Edge coaching group, now helping ambitious women across industries break limiting beliefs, challenge outdated business practices, and design workflows that honor both their professional and personal priorities. Tune in and take the next step toward the life and impact you deserve! TIMESTAMPS [00:01:26] Meet Fraidel Sommer: From Speech Therapist to #1 Mary Kay Director [00:02:48] Achieving $1M+ Revenue While Raising Seven Kids [00:04:10] Launching “Own Your Edge” Coaching for Ambitious Women [00:05:25] The Real Challenges of Building a Coaching Business [00:06:21] Breaking Limiting Beliefs & Outdated Industry Norms [00:09:38] Leveraging Network Marketing Skills for Massive Team Growth [00:10:25] Avoiding Copycat Syndrome & Building a Life-Aligned Business [00:11:47] The 4-Hour Million Dollar Workday Framework [00:13:11] Embracing Your Strengths and Unique Journey QUOTES "You have to be the architect of your business instead of just being the employee and reacting and putting out fires all day." – Fraidel Sommer "You can borrow their principles, but not their life." – Fraidel Sommer "You're teaching women how to do exactly what you've done, which I believe is the best qualification for a coach that you can have." – Sebastian Rusk ========================== Need help launching your podcast? Schedule a Free Podcast Strategy Call TODAY! PodcastLaunchLabNow.com ========================== SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/podcastlaunchlab/ Facebook: Facebook.com/srusk LinkedIn: LinkedIn.com/in/sebastianrusk/ YouTube: Youtube.com/@PodcastLaunchLab Fraidel Sommer Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fraidel_sommer/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fraidel-sommer-39aa99240/ ========================== Take the quiz now! https://podcastquiz.online/ ========================== Need Money For Your Business? Our Friends at Closer Capital can help! Click here for more info: PodcastsSUCK.com/money ========================== PAYING RENT? Earn airline miles when you use the Bilt Rewards Mastercard APPLY HERE: https://bilt.page/r/2H93-5474

August 4, 2026Episode 31124 min

The Hidden Beliefs That Are Quietly Running Your Life- Rob Reynosa

In episode 311 of Beyond The Story , Sebastian Rusk interviews Rob Reynosa, a Conscious Creation Coach, as he shares his personal journey—from experiencing a life-altering spiritual awakening, overcoming false narratives, and leaving the security of a steady job to building a thriving coaching business that impacts individuals and families across the globe. Tune in for real stories, practical insights, and motivational strategies to help you write your own success story. TIMESTAMPS [00:02:18] Rob’s awakening and the beginning of his transformation [00:05:15] The power of mindset, conditioning, and being an independent thinker [00:08:39] Leaving comfort for growth: From steady job to entrepreneur [00:13:00] Why identity work is key to success [00:17:42] The ripple effect: Transforming clients, families, and legacies [00:22:37] Final thoughts and actionable takeaways QUOTES "What you want wants you. It just needs you to give up who you think you are." – Rob Reynosa "Imperfect action often solves a majority of life's problems." – Sebastian Rusk "If you know that you're meant for something bigger...how much longer are you going to suffer staying where you're at?" – Rob Reynosa ========================== Need help launching your podcast? Schedule a Free Podcast Strategy Call TODAY! PodcastLaunchLabNow.com ========================== SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/podcastlaunchlab/ Facebook: Facebook.com/srusk LinkedIn: LinkedIn.com/in/sebastianrusk/ YouTube: Youtube.com/@PodcastLaunchLab Rob Reynosa Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robreynosa_/?hl=en ========================== Take the quiz now! https://podcastquiz.online/ ========================== Need Money For Your Business? Our Friends at Closer Capital can help! Click here for more info: PodcastsSUCK.com/money ========================== PAYING RENT? Earn airline miles when you use the Bilt Rewards Mastercard APPLY HERE: https://bilt.page/r/2H93-5474

July 30, 2026Episode 31045 min

YouTube for Business- How to Grow Your Brand and Get More Clients - Drew Hitchcock

In episode 310 of Beyond The Story , Sebastian Rusk interviews Drew Hitchcock, a YouTube strategist and growth consultant, as he shares how leadership and consistent action helped transition from a gaming enthusiast to the go-to expert for YouTube monetization optimization, achieving explosive growth for client channels, including transforming a client’s channel from under 100 subscribers to over 100,000—and making YouTube the #1 source for qualified business leads. Tune in to learn how you can harness YouTube to elevate your brand, grow your team, and achieve your most ambitious business goals! TIMESTAMPS [00:01:30] Drew’s journey from StarCraft shoutcaster to YouTube consultant. [00:04:20] Transforming clients: From 57 subscribers to 100,000+. [00:06:32] Key strategies for new and growing YouTube channels. [00:13:01] Mining comments and uncovering content opportunities. [00:15:20] YouTube as a powerful, evergreen lead generation source. [00:16:47] The reality of using ads and advice for channel growth. [00:26:46] The impact of AI and Semantic ID on YouTube today. [00:29:38] Metrics that matter: Viewers, retention, and channel health. [00:30:02] The video podcast controversy—who wins with “video podcasts”? [00:39:12] The 80/20 of getting started: Titles, thumbnails, retention, and taking action. QUOTES "YouTube is the only platform where people actively go to get educated and ultimately find the people that they want to work with and help them solve the problems they're looking to get solved." – Drew Hitchcock “Implementation isn’t just about posting—you need a system and science behind your YouTube strategy for real results.” – Sebastian Frost "Play the long game. Consistent, simple action and a focus on fundamentals are what set you up for sustainable success." – Drew Hitchcock ========================== Need help launching your podcast? Schedule a Free Podcast Strategy Call TODAY! PodcastLaunchLabNow.com ========================== SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/podcastlaunchlab/ Facebook: Facebook.com/srusk LinkedIn: LinkedIn.com/in/sebastianrusk/ YouTube: Youtube.com/@PodcastLaunchLab Drew Hitchcock YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@drewhitchcock ========================== Take the quiz now! https://podcastquiz.online/ ========================== Need Money For Your Business? Our Friends at Closer Capital can help! Click here for more info: PodcastsSUCK.com/money ========================== PAYING RENT? Earn airline miles when you use the Bilt Rewards Mastercard APPLY HERE: https://bilt.page/r/2H93-5474

July 7, 2026Episode 30954 min

The Sleep Doctor - Dr. Michael J. Breus Reveals the Secrets to Better Sleep, More Energy, and Better HealthThe Sleep Doctor - Dr. Michael J. Breus Reveals the Secrets to Better Sleep, More Energy, and Better Health

In episode 309 of Beyond The Story , Sebastian Rusk interviews Dr. Michael J. Breus, a sleep expert, as he shares his game-changing five-step plan for mastering sleep, optimizing your wellbeing, and leading high-performing teams. Tune in now to transform your sleep, empower your leadership, and achieve new milestones by applying proven strategies. TIMESTAMPS [00:00:00] Meet Dr. Michael J. Breus: The Sleep Doctor’s Journey [00:05:38] Why Sleep Is the Currency of Effective Leadership [00:08:09] The Five-Step Action Plan for Game-Changing Sleep [00:15:00] High Performance & Handling Anticipatory Anxiety [00:16:30] The Power of the “Napa Latte” for Peak Energy [00:20:46] Sleep Disruptors: Alcohol, Movement, and Real Solutions [00:22:00] The Truth About Mouth Tape & Sleep Apnea Risks [00:24:53] Modern Solutions for Sleep Testing & Results [00:31:33] Optimizing Your Sleep Environment—and Your Team [00:43:39] Magnesium: The Real Supplement Advantage [00:47:21] Sleep, Cannabis, and the Science of Restoration [00:51:30] Practical Takeaways and Final Inspiration QUOTES "Literally everything you do, you do better with a good night’s sleep." – Dr. Michael J. Breus "The currency of life is time... and sleep is the currency of attention." – Dr. Michael J. Breus "You get to practice sleep every night. You’ll get better, you’ll get better, you’ll get better. Sleep is flexible." – Dr. Michael J. Breus ========================== Need help launching your podcast? Schedule a Free Podcast Strategy Call TODAY! PodcastLaunchLabNow.com ========================== SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/podcastlaunchlab/ Facebook: Facebook.com/srusk LinkedIn: LinkedIn.com/in/sebastianrusk/ YouTube: Youtube.com/@PodcastLaunchLab ========================== Take the FREE Sleep Quiz: sleepdoctor.com/pages/sleep-quiz Follow The Sleep Doctor : instagram.com/thesleepdoctor Purchasing a CPAP machine? Get the FREE CPAP Success Course with your machine purchase: sleepdoctor.com ========================== Take the quiz now! https://podcastquiz.online/ ========================== Need Money For Your Business? Our Friends at Closer Capital can help! Click here for more info: PodcastsSUCK.com/money ========================== PAYING RENT? Earn airline miles when you use the Bilt Rewards Mastercard APPLY HERE: https://bilt.page/r/2H93-5474

June 28, 2026Episode 30818 min

Water Filtration Explained - Eric Kurbanov on Clean Water and Smart Decisions

In episode 308 of Beyond The Story , Sebastian Rusk interviews Eric Kurbanov, founder of RKIN Water Systems, as he shares his remarkable transformation from overcoming infrastructure struggles in the post-Soviet era to founding and scaling a business that’s helping thousands enjoy clean, safe, and high-quality water. Tune in for actionable insights, motivational stories, and practical steps you can take to elevate your business, mindset, and impact. TIMESTAMPS [00:00:05] Meet the guest: From Uzbekistan to entrepreneur [00:02:41] Overcoming adversity: Early experiences with water scarcity [00:07:25] Innovation in water filtration: Zero-installation solutions [00:15:26] Why clean water matters for your home and business QUOTES "So as human beings, we get used to good stuff really fast, and if it's really smooth, you just start using it and forget about it." – Eric Kurbanov "You’ve got to know exactly what you’re dealing with, and that’s the best way to do it." – Eric Kurbanov ========================== Need help launching your podcast? Schedule a Free Podcast Strategy Call TODAY! PodcastLaunchLabNow.com ========================== SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/podcastlaunchlab/ Facebook: Facebook.com/srusk LinkedIn: LinkedIn.com/in/sebastianrusk/ YouTube: Youtube.com/@PodcastLaunchLab Eric Kurbanov Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eric007/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erickurbanov/ ========================== Take the quiz now! https://podcastquiz.online/ ========================== Need Money For Your Business? Our Friends at Closer Capital can help! Click here for more info: PodcastsSUCK.com/money ========================== PAYING RENT? Earn airline miles when you use the Bilt Rewards Mastercard APPLY HERE: https://bilt.page/r/2H93-5474

June 23, 2026Episode 30721 min

How Dane Palarino Helps Men Over 35 Destroy the Dad Bod and Reclaim Their Confidence

In episode 307 of Beyond The Story, Sebastian Rusk interviews Dane Palarino, Founder of Dad Bod Sculptors, as he shares hard-won lessons on implementation, accountability, and not just reaching, but sustaining success. He lifts the curtain on the Dadbod Sculptors system, which boasts a remarkable 97% re-enrollment rate—evidence of real, lasting results. Tune in for strategies you can use to build a better business, body, and life—starting right where you are. TIMESTAMPS [00:01:13] Dane Palarino’s career evolution, business scaling, and personal transformation [00:05:29] Turning crisis into systems for sustainable change [00:08:46] The year-long Dadbod Sculptors program and principles of long-term growth [00:10:30] Tackling vices, alcohol, and creating new standards [00:17:08] The impact of congruence, relationship growth, and leading by example QUOTES "I traded my health and my happiness in exchange for this financial success that I had achieved." – Dane Palarino "You need to surround yourself with other brothers who are doing the hard thing and embracing that." – Dane Palarino ========================== Need help launching your podcast? Schedule a Free Podcast Strategy Call TODAY! PodcastLaunchLabNow.com ========================== SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/podcastlaunchlab/ Facebook: Facebook.com/srusk LinkedIn: LinkedIn.com/in/sebastianrusk/ YouTube: Youtube.com/@PodcastLaunchLab Dane Palarino Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dadbod_sculptors/?hl=en LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/the-dadbod-sculptor/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCimpE3_-KBQ6W6oc2mGyvIQ ========================== Take the quiz now! https://podcastquiz.online/ ========================== Need Money For Your Business? Our Friends at Closer Capital can help! Click here for more info: PodcastsSUCK.com/money ========================== PAYING RENT? Earn airline miles when you use the Bilt Rewards Mastercard APPLY HERE: https://bilt.page/r/2H93-5474

June 22, 2026Episode 30617 min

Tannia Suárez - How International Leaders Build Executive Presence and Command the Room

In episode 306 of Beyond The Story, Sebastian Rusk interviews Tannia Suarez, a renowned leadership communication coach and an entrepreneur, as she shares how real-world feedback, stage presence, and team clarity translate into business wins and what it takes to scale both personally and professionally. Tune in and get inspired to take ownership of your story, lead with confidence, and see the measurable results of powerful communication. TIMESTAMPS [00:00:05] The origin story: Meeting at Summit at Sea and early challenges [00:03:19] Tannia Suarez's journey from journalism to executive coaching [00:07:03] Launching a worldwide podcast and building a global brand [00:10:16] Wins, breakthroughs, and positive client transformations [00:11:14] The future of leadership, podcasting, and professional growth [00:13:37] Measuring success: Executive presence, confidence, and goal achievement [00:16:15] Final thoughts: Overcoming fear and leading with purpose QUOTES "Be afraid and do it anyway, and eventually the fear will subside." – Tannia Suarez "When you’re rested, you communicate better. When you communicate better, your company and your team have more clarity, and everything runs smoother." – Tannia Suarez "Who do we get to become as a podcaster? And a better—speaking of communication, there’s no better way to improve your communication than starting a podcast." – Sebastian Rusk ========================== Need help launching your podcast? Schedule a Free Podcast Strategy Call TODAY! PodcastLaunchLabNow.com ========================== SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/podcastlaunchlab/ Facebook: Facebook.com/srusk LinkedIn: LinkedIn.com/in/sebastianrusk/ YouTube: Youtube.com/@PodcastLaunchLab Tannia Suarez LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tanniasuarez/ ========================== Take the quiz now! https://podcastquiz.online/ ========================== Need Money For Your Business? Our Friends at Closer Capital can help! Click here for more info: PodcastsSUCK.com/money ========================== PAYING RENT? Earn airline miles when you use the Bilt Rewards Mastercard APPLY HERE: https://bilt.page/r/2H93-5474

June 16, 2026Episode 30541 min

Ella Romand on Music, Branding, and Building a Career Behind the Decks

In episode 305 of Beyond The Story , Sebastian Rusk interviews DJ Ella Romand, an internationally acclaimed DJ, producer, and creative entrepreneur, as she shares how she leaped from traditional education to music production, fueled by her passion for technology, mentorship from key industry figures, and an unwavering commitment to her craft. Tune in for motivational stories, practical strategies, and inspiration that will push you to lead, grow, and take massive action in your own business or real estate venture! TIMESTAMPS [00:02:28] From architecture to music: Ella’s leap of faith and early career [00:04:25] Embracing technology, learning, and mentorship in the music industry [00:05:38] Launching in Miami: residencies, relationships, and team growth [00:10:25] The evolution of DJing: Adapting to industry change [00:18:08] Leveraging new tools and taking creative action [00:20:21] The art and business of sampling, licensing, and implementation [00:25:23] Performing on a global stage: Ibiza, Cannes, and beyond [00:26:36] The value of community, connections, and purposeful leadership [00:38:50] Final thoughts on authenticity, relationships, and leading with purpose QUOTES "Allow yourself to be yourself, but to the utmost, your inner child. Dance like no one's watching." – Ella Romand "Music connects us…there's something so beautiful about connecting with other people through music." – Ella Romand "I'm living in my purpose, on purpose." – Sebastian Rusk ========================== Need help launching your podcast? Schedule a Free Podcast Strategy Call TODAY! PodcastLaunchLabNow.com ========================== SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/podcastlaunchlab/ Facebook: Facebook.com/srusk LinkedIn: LinkedIn.com/in/sebastianrusk/ YouTube: Youtube.com/@PodcastLaunchLab Ella Romand Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ellaromand/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ellaromand/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/EllaRomandMusic Website: https://www.ellaromand.com/ ========================== Take the quiz now! https://podcastquiz.online/ ========================== Need Money For Your Business? Our Friends at Closer Capital can help! Click here for more info: PodcastsSUCK.com/money ========================== PAYING RENT? Earn airline miles when you use the Bilt Rewards Mastercard APPLY HERE: https://bilt.page/r/2H93-5474

June 14, 2026Episode 30419 min

How to Build a Fitness Brand That Actually Lasts - Stewart Miller

In episode 304 of Beyond The Story, Sebastian Rusk interviews Stwerat Miller, Founder of ARKHE Club and Livewire Production, as they dive into the vital themes of strong leadership, intentional goal-setting, and the power of saying “no” to protect your passion. Tune in for actionable insights, inspiring transformation stories, and the motivation you need to take your next big step. TIMESTAMPS [00:01:55] From school entrepreneur to scaling a 100,000-unit bike business [00:04:09] Committing to fitness and building a family business [00:10:13] Lessons learned: Building, exiting, and the trap of success [00:13:06] The power of saying no and focusing on your zone of genius [00:14:19] Reinvention, resilience, and creating momentum at every age [00:17:22] Keys to being present in life and business QUOTES "You're solving the problem for the first time every time. It does become tiring, but you have to believe in yourself." – Stewart Miller "Every day is Friday if you're doing it right." – Sebastian Rusk "We make work look easy, but the reality is when it feels a little bit like play, that's when you know you've found your space." – Stewart Miller ========================== Need help launching your podcast? Schedule a Free Podcast Strategy Call TODAY! PodcastLaunchLabNow.com ========================== SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/podcastlaunchlab/ Facebook: Facebook.com/srusk LinkedIn: LinkedIn.com/in/sebastianrusk/ YouTube: Youtube.com/@PodcastLaunchLab Stewart Miller Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stewartmiller/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stewart.miller.940/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stewartmillerlw/ ========================== Take the quiz now! https://podcastquiz.online/ ========================== Need Money For Your Business? Our Friends at Closer Capital can help! Click here for more info: PodcastsSUCK.com/money ========================== PAYING RENT? Earn airline miles when you use the Bilt Rewards Mastercard APPLY HERE: https://bilt.page/r/2H93-5474