Pursue Your Passion

Hosted by Tyler Kamerman

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100

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Oct 2026

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About the show

Welcome to the Pursue Your Passion podcast! Each episode, I'll talk with someone who is intentionally pursuing their passion in their work, hobby, side hustle, family, or all of the above. We'll discuss the highs and lows, where they started, and plans for the future. I'm confident that each episode will leave you more inspired to Pursue Your Passion!

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October 20, 2026Episode 12113 min

#121 - Tyler Kamerman - Are You Leading with Love or Driven by Fear?

In this candid back-to-back solo cast, host Tyler Kamerman opens up about a recent personal realization: even after preaching on living unashamed, he caught himself operating from a place of fear in his own work, parenting, and daily stress . Drawing from conversations with mentors, a powerful framework by Tim Brand, insights from neurosurgeon Dr. Lee Warren, and his own experience pushing through a half-marathon, Tyler breaks down how fear sneaks into our lives—and how to overcome it . The main "aha" moment centers on the truth that fear doesn't get a vote in your future unless you give it one . Courage isn't waiting until the butterflies go away or until you have every detail perfectly figured out; it's recognizing that the work ahead of Key Takeaways Lead with Love, Not Fear: Fear often sneaks in under the radar, causing us to react out of stress or self-protection instead of leading with grace and love . Fear Can't Vote on Your Future: Imposter thoughts and self-doubt happen to everyone—even top leaders and public speakers—but feeling afraid doesn't mean you have to let fear drive . You Must Chase the Antelope: You won't achieve what you aren't actively pursuing; faith requires taking practical, physical steps toward your goal . Remind Yourself You Can Do Hard Things: Whether running a half-marathon, taking on a new work challenge, or stretching yourself mentally, regularly tackling difficult tasks builds spiritual and mental resilience . Progress Over Perfection: Waiting until you feel "ready" or "perfect" keeps you stuck in place; pick up your tools and take the very next step . Access The Builder's assessment mentioned in this episode here - https://wearemanyhands.org/builders-assessment/ To connect with Tyler - https://www.tylerkamerman.com/

October 13, 2026Episode 11827 min

#120 - Tyler Kamerman - Stop Hiding Your Light: How to Live an Unashamed Life

In this special solo episode, host Tyler Kamerman shares a powerful message he recently delivered as a guest pastor at a local church in Central Iowa . Walking through 2 Timothy 1:3–14, Tyler unpacks what it truly means to be "a church that is not ashamed" and addresses the quiet trap so many believers fall into - letting faith slip into background tradition rather than an active, living flame . The big "aha" moment of the message centers on where true spiritual confidence comes from . Living unashamed doesn't require a seminary degree, a massive platform, or a flawless life . When performance-based religion is traded for radical grace, the pressure to act perfect disappears . By fanning the flame of the Holy Spirit already within us, timidity is replaced with power, love, and self-discipline—allowing us to step out of the shadows and share Christ authentically right where our feet are planted . Key Takeaways Faith is Nurtured at Home: The most powerful, lasting spiritual influence starts around the kitchen table with family and neighbors, not on a giant stage . Fan the Flame You Already Have: You don't need a brand-new spiritual toolkit or perfection to be useful; stir up the gifts and the Spirit God has already placed inside you . Timidity Is Not From God: Fear of awkwardness or social pressure neutralizes our purpose, but God gives us a spirit of power, love, and a sound mind to overcome intimidation . Anchor in Grace, Not Performance: You don't share your faith because your life is completely figured out; you share it as "a beggar who found bread, showing another hungry person where to find it." Know Whom You Have Believed: Confidence isn't about knowing all the right answers, but trusting the One who holds your life and ultimate destination .

September 22, 2026Episode 1191 hr 2 min

#119 - Joe Emmons - Pruning for Purpose: Knowing When It's Time to Step Back

In the next episode of Pursue Your Passion , host Tyler Kamerman sits down with the show's long-time editor and producer Joe Emmons as he steps away to chase a brand-new season of calling. Reflecting on over four years of producing the show, business ownership, and worship leading, Joe shares his journey through a "season of pruning" - cutting back good commitments to create space for God's best. Together, Tyler and Joe unpack the heavy weight of perfectionism, the trap of imposter syndrome, and why obedience sometimes looks like a bold, resounding "no." The conversation dives deep into Joe's emerging vision for music production, his heart for mentoring the next generation of worship leaders, and the dream of creating a "Worship Barn" - a physical launching pad for creative believers. From the power of stepping into your unique identity to accepting that "done is better than perfect," this episode is packed with hard-earned wisdom for anyone sitting on unreleased dreams or wrestling with their next big transition. Key Takeaways Saying "No" Is an Act of Obedience: Letting go of good opportunities isn't a failure; it's necessary pruning to make room for what God is growing next. Done Over Perfect: Perfectionism and imposter syndrome will keep your best work locked away in Google Drive. Finish the project and put it out there! You Are the Only "You": Nobody else carries your exact mix of story, flaws, and perspective—embrace your unique footprint instead of copying others. Build a Launchpad for Others: True passion expands into community; consider how your gifts can mentor, equip, and create space for the next generation. Embrace the Discomfort: Growth doesn't happen in the cozy zone—learning to sit in uncomfortable seasons is a crucial skill for pursuing your calling. To connect with Joe: joe.emmons89@gmail.com To get in touch with Tyler: https://www. tylerkamerman.com/

September 8, 2026Episode 1191 hr 3 min

#118 - Michael Mallonee - Trading Comfort for Calling

In this powerful episode of Pursue Your Passion , host Tyler Kamerman sits down with Navy veteran and founder of Homeward Bound Veterans, Michael Mallonee. After 39 years of sobriety and a successful corporate career, Michael faced a devastating turning point when his best friend, a Special Forces Veteran, lost his battle to suicide after returning from Afghanistan. Moved by a middle-of-the-night calling and an unwavering faith, Michael launched Pathfinder transitional homes for veterans facing homelessness, trauma, and addiction using a "ready, shoot, aim" mentality to get moving fast. Throughout their conversation, Michael unpacks the powerful distinction between simply managing life's responsibilities and walking in your true, God-given purpose. From selling his own rental properties to keep the doors open to raffling off his prized 1972 Plymouth Roadrunner to fund a new home, Michael demonstrates what radical, "whatever it takes" obedience looks like. This episode will inspire you to stop overthinking your calling, step out of analysis paralysis, and lean into Jesus as you serve those around you. Key Takeaways Shift from Responsibility to Purpose : Fulfilling obligations keeps you busy, but living out your true calling gives you a reason to wake up excited every morning. Adopt a "Whatever It Takes" Mentality : Stepping into your calling requires real sacrifice, whether that means letting go of material assets or pushing past your comfort zone. Healing Happens in Community : True recovery from trauma, addiction, or isolation comes when people break bread together and build a brotherhood that has each other's back. Service is the Antidote to Despair : The ultimate cure for self-focus is getting out of your own head and using your gifts to serve someone else. To connect with Michael - https://www.hbvets.org/ To get in touch with Tyler - https://www.tylerkamerman. com/

August 25, 2026Episode 11753 min

#117 - Kris Byam - People Over Programs: Rethinking Education & Unlocking Human Potential

In this episode, host Tyler Kamerman catches up with fellow Leadership Iowa alum Kris Byam, Director of Great Oaks High School and Career Center, to challenge the traditional status quo of education. Kris breaks down why K-12 education must be viewed through the lens of workforce development, arguing that essential career habits like communication, collaboration, and self-awareness should start as early as kindergarten. Drawing from a colorful journey that spans playing Herky the Hawk at the University of Iowa to launching innovative alternative education programs, Kris reveals the ultimate secret to student retention and transformation: putting People over Programs every single time. The conversation dives into how hands-on, trauma-informed learning and registered apprenticeships are rewriting the future for "opportunity youth." Kris shares mind-blowing real-world examples, from high school students 3D-printing prosthetic limbs for overseas amputees to building Habitat for Humanity homes, showing what happens when kids discover the "why" behind their education. Packed with wit, wisdom, and encouragement, this episode delivers a loud wake-up call for anyone trying to find their path: stop sitting around waiting for your passion to drop from the sky. Get out there, try new things, serve others, and live life to the fullest! Key Takeaways Prioritize People Over Programs: True transformation happens when you invest directly in relationships and create safe, supportive environments rather than strictly adhering to rigid curricula. Education IS Workforce Development: Foundational career habits—like communication, resilience, and problem-solving—need to be cultivated from kindergarten onward, aligning student growth directly with industry needs. Capitalize on Earn While You Learn: Registered apprenticeships offer a powerful alternative to traditional higher education, boasting retention rates over 95% because individuals feel genuinely valued and invested in. Connect the Why to the Work: Thriving happens when learning is tied to real human impact, whether that's constructing houses or fabricating medical devices for those in need. Action Precedes Passion: You will rarely find your calling by sitting on the sidelines. Passion is uncovered through trial, error, active experience, and stepping out into the world. To connect with Kris - LinkedIn (@kristopher-byam) , Facebook (@kbyam) or https://greatoakshigh.org/ To get in touch with Tyler - tylerkamerman.com

August 11, 2026Episode 11616 min

#116 - Tyler Kamerman - Iowa Kind, Chosen Hardships and Paying Your Civic Rent

In this solo "drill-down" episode, host Tyler Kamerman connects the dots across recent conversations with leadership coach Allie Jones, marathoner and wellness leader Zach Schmit, and nonprofit veteran Mary Core. Inspired by a message Tyler recently delivered at Red Rocks Ministry in Pella, Iowa, the episode centers on a simple yet life-changing three-word declaration: "Here I am." Tyler breaks down how true purpose isn't built on surface-level pleasantries or waiting until you have all the answers, but on stepping out with authentic availability. From shifting out of artificial politeness into courageous "Iowa Kind" compassion to taking 30-minute quiet walks without headphones, this conversation challenges listeners to stop living on autopilot and start leaning into intentional impact. Tyler weaves together physical discipline, emotional resilience, and community stewardship to map out what a "Here I Am" posture looks like in everyday life. You'll discover why leaning into chosen hardships builds the psychological and spiritual armor needed when unchosen life trials strike, how dialing in sleep quality directly fuels your capacity to serve, and why "paying your civic rent" through community involvement transforms both recipient and giver. God isn't searching for the most credentialed, wealthy, or naturally talented person in the room—He's looking for those willing to raise their hand, step into the messy middle, and say, "Use me." Key Takeaways Trade "Nice" for "Kind": Real connection requires moving past artificial politeness into authentic, courageous availability where "clear is kind, unclear is unkind." Embrace Chosen Hardships: Intentionally leaning into difficult physical and mental disciplines builds the spiritual and mental armor required when unchosen life trials hit. Optimize Your Health Foundation: Build long-term resilience by dialing in the foundational pillars of sleep: quality, quantity, and consistency. Pay Your Civic Rent: Actively invest back into the communities you consume benefits from by volunteering, mentoring, and building safety nets for the next generation. Uncover Your Strengths Through Community: Ask 3–4 trusted friends why you're friends and what value you bring to their lives to discover the unique, God-given gifts you can offer the world. To connect with Tyler: https://www. tylerkamerman.com/

July 28, 2026Episode 11520 min

#115 - Tyler Kamerman - Three Words that Will Completely Change Your Calling

In this special solo episode of Pursue Your Passion , Tyler takes the mic to share a powerful message he recently delivered at Red Rocks Ministries near Lake Red Rock in Pella, Iowa. Tyler dives into three small words that show up over 20 times across scripture: "Here I am." From Abraham and Moses to Isaiah and even Jesus, this phrase wasn't just a polite check-in—it was a radical, open-ended declaration of total availability, surrender, and readiness to be used by God right where they were. Tyler breaks down how "Here I am" transforms our daily walk, shifting our focus away from demanding perfection and toward simply offering our availability. He explores five key moments where this prayer changes everything: when accepting grace, setting an authentic example, loving messy people, standing strong through trials, and passing the faith along to the next generation. Get ready for an energetic, heart-stirring episode that will inspire you to stop making excuses and start stepping boldly into your calling! Key Takeaways - Availability Over Ability: God doesn't call the qualified; He qualifies the willing. He's not looking at your resume—He's looking at your heart. - Your Life Is the Real Sermon: Faith isn't just a Sunday event. How you handle Monday morning traffic, workplace stress, and everyday friction speaks louder than any sermon. - Agape Love Gets Messy: True, sacrificial love means stepping out of your comfort zone and into someone else's crisis—even when it's uncomfortable. - Trials Become Platforms: Saying "Here I am" in suffering turns your hardest seasons into your strongest testaments of hope and perseverance. - Pass the Torch: Discipleship isn't reserved for pastors. It happens over coffee, in hallways, and by walking alongside someone new in their faith journey. To connect with Tyler: https://www. tylerkamerman.com/

July 17, 2026Episode 11445 min

#114 - Mary Core - From Corporate Success to Community Calling

In this moving episode of Pursue Your Passion , Tyler sits down with non-profit powerhouse Mary Core to map out what it truly means to find your calling by serving others. Mary opens up about her profound "aha" moment, which emerged from one of her hardest personal seasons: facing a leukemia diagnosis for her 16-year-old daughter as a single mother. Through the overwhelming, hands-on support of local non-profits and a devoted faith community, Mary witnessed firsthand the power of a God-given safety net. This life-altering experience sparked her transition from a secure 21-year corporate career to a life dedicated to paying her "civic rent" through impactful non-profit leadership. Listeners will walk away inspired by Mary's practical, no-nonsense wisdom on how to discover their own "why" using simple exercises, like getting radical perspective from close friends, and how to safely navigate the volunteer world. She breaks down how anyone can use their natural professional talents - whether in IT, marketing, or accounting - to fill critical gaps in underfunded organizations. Ultimately, Mary shares an empowering message on leaning heavily on Scripture during times of crisis and building a supportive, faith-filled "posse" to help weather life's storms while actively building a sustainable future for our communities. Key Takeaways Identify What Makes Your Heart Beat: Before jumping into any cause, step back and evaluate who or what truly moves you—whether it's mentoring students, supporting the elderly, or caring for animals. Do Your Due Diligence: Don't give blindly. Use practical, transparent resources like Candid, Charity Navigator, and 990 tax forms to ensure the non-profits you support are financially sound and well-governed. Start Small to Avoid Burnout: You don't have to jump straight onto a board of directors. Start by volunteering for a single event, join a committee, test the waters, and slowly scale up your involvement. Discover Your "Why": Try Simon Sinek's friendship exercise. Ask 3 or 4 of your closest, most trusted confidants what unique value you bring to their lives. Their perspective will help reveal your natural spiritual gifts and calling. Lean on God and Your "Posse": When life throws a crisis your way, anchor yourself in God's promises and don't be proud. Lean heavily on your church family and your personal circle to carry you through. To connect with Mary: https://www.linkedin. com/in/marymendenhallcore/ To get in touch with Tyler : https://www. tylerkamerman .com/

June 30, 2026Episode 11356 min

#113 - Zach Schmit - Redefining Wellness from the Boardroom to the Pavement

What if the corporate expectation to "leave your personal life at the door" is actually the root cause of your burnout? In this episode of Pursue Your Passion, host Tyler Kamerman sits down with workplace mental health pioneer, elite coach, and near-six-star World Marathon Major runner, Zach Schmit. Zach shares his radical upstream approach to wellness through Covenant Workplace Solutions, shattering the corporate myth of emotional segregation. The big aha moment? If you want high-performing execution in your career, you have to nurture the whole person - integrating physical fitness, proactive mental healthcare, nutrition, and a solid foundation at home. But the transformation doesn't stop in the office. Zach opens up about his grueling entrepreneurial shift in 2020, navigating his mother's cancer battle, and the heart-wrenching moment he missed qualifying for the Boston Marathon by a mere 58 seconds. This episode serves as a powerful wake-up call regarding the difference between fleeting, emotional motivation and rock-solid, faith-fueled discipline. Listeners will walk away inspired by the Japanese concept of Kaizen, continuous daily improvement, and deeply convinced that choosing intentional, hard challenges today is precisely how God prepares us for the unchosen hardships of tomorrow. Key Takeaways Shift from Reactive to Proactive: True well-being isn't a band-aid applied after a mental health crisis. Real workplace and personal culture are built upstream by investing in daily nutrition, movement, and emotional health. The Mind-Body Blueprint: Our physical and mental health are profoundly intertwined. Data shows that roughly 1 in 3 individuals suffering from long-term physical ailments eventually battle anxiety or depression. You cannot fix one while ignoring the other! Chosen Hardships Prepare You for the Unchosen: Intentionally leaning into difficult disciplines (like marathon training or starting a business) calluses your mind, refines your spirit, and builds the armor you need when life throws unexpected trials your way. Live in the Discipline Zone: Motivation gets you to the starting line on January 1st, but discipline is what keeps you running when the emotional high fades. To connect with Zach: LinkedIn @ZachSchmit or Instagram @Zach_Schmit To get in touch with Tyler: https://www.tylerkamerman.com/

June 16, 2026Episode 11249 min

#112 - Allie Jones - The Shift from Iowa Nice to Iowa Kind

In this high-energy episode of Pursue Your Passion, host Tyler Kamerman sits down with leadership coach, consultant, and creator of the "Iowa Kind" initiative, Allie Jones. Together, they unpack a cultural and professional trap that so many of us fall into: choosing the comfort of being surface-level "nice" over the radical commitment to being truly kind. Allie shares how her journey back to the Midwest exposed a deficit - the gap between the storied "Iowa Nice," and possibility of "Iowa Kind." If you've been walking on eggshells to please people instead of stepping into the courageous honesty needed to move your business or community forward, this conversation will completely reinvent how you view communication. The real "aha" moment hits when Allie drops a truth bomb about finding clarity in your career and life goals. In a world screaming with social media notifications, endless business books, and self-proclaimed expert blueprints, we have lost the ability to get quiet enough to listen to our own instincts. Allie and Tyler challenge listeners to break free from the traditional "stay small and quiet" mindset, embrace the messy friction of real hospitality, and start tuning into their internal intuition. If you are ready to stop looking for shortcuts to contentment and finally take your next right step with bold clarity, grab your headphones and press play! Key Takeaways Niceness is a Shortcut, Kindness is the Goal: "Nice" is a surface-level tool used to avoid discomfort and ensure immediate agreeableness. "Kindness" is the courageous, authentic work that prioritizes long-term connection and real progress over temporary comfort. Ditch the Gurus for Your Own Intuition: Stop looking for a five-step blueprint from outside influencers. Allie's ultimate advice for a mental breakthrough is to go on a 30-minute walk with absolutely zero audio inputs. Embrace the Friction of Real Connection: True community isn't born on social media feeds. It requires stepping out of your comfort zone, inviting people into an uncleaned house, and engaging with those who don't think, look, or act exactly like you. To connect with Allie: @alliejonesconsulting on all the socials To get in touch with Tyler: https://www.tylerkamerman.com/