Shaping Success With Wes Tankersley | Shaping Success Network

Hosted by Wes

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509

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Nov 2026

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About the show

Success looks different for everyone. The Shaping Success Network is built around real conversations with real people. Hosted by Wes Tankersley, the network brings together multiple shows with one thing in common: honest conversations about life, success, business, relationships, perspective and everything that happens along the way. Shaping Success features conversations with entrepreneurs, athletes, business owners, creators and everyday people with a story worth telling. Shaping Success: Treasure Valley highlights the people, businesses and stories shaping communities across Idaho’s Treasure Valley. Two Nobodies Who Know Nothing brings Wes and Robert together for unscripted conversations about life, current events, success, failure and whatever else comes up. One Drink Wednesday is exactly what it sounds like — Wes and Jhae grab a drink and see where the conversation goes. Different shows. Different conversations. One network built around the belief that everyone has a story and everyone has their own shape of success.

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November 10, 2026Episode 49050 min

Shaping Success | Starting Over and Changing Toxic Workplaces with Tanya Stone

Send us Fan Mail Starting over doesn’t mean you’ve failed. For Tanya Stone, it became an opportunity to rediscover herself, rethink leadership, and help others build healthier workplaces. Tanya joins Wes Tankersley to share her journey from marrying at 19 and raising four children to rebuilding her life after divorce at 40 and pursuing a new purpose at 50. She opens up about identity, expectations, and learning when to put yourself first. We also explore her CHANGE framework—Courage, Hope, Accountability, Navigation, Growth, and Excellence—and how leaders can use reflection, honest communication, and accountability to improve workplace culture. In this episode: • Why it’s never too late to start over • How to turn setbacks into lessons • The difference between solving problems and workplace gossip • Building trust through clear communication • Why kindness and accountability belong together • Recognizing when it’s time to leave an unhealthy environment Whether you’re navigating a career change, leading a team, or wondering what comes next, Tanya’s story offers a reminder: your next chapter can begin with one intentional step. CHAPTERS 00:00 Welcome to Shaping Success 01:41 Learning Through Reflection 06:13 Marriage, Motherhood, and Rebuilding at 40 12:22 Expectations, Identity, and Finding Yourself 18:34 Relationships and the Courage to Begin Again 21:45 Turning Setbacks Into a Catalyst 24:40 Workplace Gossip vs. Constructive Conversations 28:11 Building Trust and Clear Communication 31:56 The CHANGE Leadership Framework 35:02 Courage, Hope, and Accountability 42:06 Growth, Excellence, and the Ripple Effect 45:38 Choosing a New Direction at 50 48:21 Connect With Tanya 50:10 Final Thoughts Connect with Tanya: https://stonecatalyst.com Subscribe to Shaping Success for honest conversations about personal growth, leadership, and the journey behind success. Leave a comment: What change are you ready to make? #ShapingSuccess #Leadership #PersonalGrowth Support the show For merchandise, podcast and youtube: Join The Patreon https://patreon.com/Westankersley Follow Shaping Success https://shapingsuccesspodcast.buzzsprout.com/ Get Ars Victorious https://a.co/d/5f4todG https://a.co/d/5f4todG Email Wes@westankersley.com for guest ideas or to be on the show!

November 6, 2026Episode 48954 min

Nick Perkins Returns | Rock Music, Entrepreneurship & Building a Better Life | Shaping Success Treasure Valley

Send us Fan Mail 🎸 ROCK MUSIC, BUSINESS, FAMILY & PERSONAL GROWTH! 🤘 Nick Perkins is BACK on Shaping Success Treasure Valley , and a lot has changed since his first appearance! From rocking stages across the Treasure Valley with his band DYSSONANCE to launching his own landscaping business, Boulder Bros, Nick is proving that success isn’t just about making money. It’s about growing as a person, taking chances, surrounding yourself with the right people, and building a life you’re proud of. In this episode, Nick joins host Wes Tankersley for an unscripted conversation about music, entrepreneurship, fatherhood, faith, hard work, and the lessons that come with getting older. Nick shares how a single TikTok helped him land a new opportunity with Frazier Civil and the FCI Group, what it’s like balancing multiple businesses and a growing family, and how becoming a father again has changed his perspective on life. We also get into the realities of social media, dealing with negativity, accepting constructive criticism, the rising cost of living, and why the people you surround yourself with can have such a powerful impact on your future. 🎙️ IN THIS EPISODE: 🎸 DYSSONANCE — New music, live shows, and the Treasure Valley rock scene 🚜 Building a career — How TikTok opened the door to a new opportunity with Frazier Civil 💼 Entrepreneurship — Launching Boulder Bros and creating additional income 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family first — A new baby girl, an engagement, and balancing work with fatherhood 🙏 Faith and personal growth — How Nick’s journey with Christianity and Freemasonry has shaped his outlook 💪 Success and accountability — Why constructive criticism and the right relationships matter 📱 Social media — Handling negativity, building an audience, and using your platform for something meaningful 🔥 Always moving forward — Why success starts with becoming a better version of yourself ⏱️ EPISODE CHAPTERS 00:00 – Welcome Back to Shaping Success Treasure Valley 01:07 – DYSSONANCE: Live Shows and New Music 03:55 – How TikTok Helped Nick Find a New Career 06:10 – Construction and Development in the Treasure Valley 09:23 – A New Baby, Engagement, and Family Life 13:42 – Fatherhood, Military Service, and Raising Kids 16:47 – Sports, Education, and Life Lessons 23:27 – Faith, Freemasonry, and Personal Growth 26:48 – Healthcare, Taxes, and the Cost of Living 31:33 – Starting Boulder Bros and Taking Entrepreneurial Risks 35:47 – Social Media, Negativity, and Staying Positive 41:48 – Competing With Yourself Instead of Others 43:13 – Constructive Criticism and Surrounding Yourself With the Right People 47:18 – Protecting Your Peace and Defining Success 51:03 – Leadership, Making a Difference, and Moving Forward 52:35 – What’s Next for Nick Perkins and DYSSONANCE 🎸 FOLLOW THE MUSIC Check out DYSSONANCE on your favorite streaming platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music. 🎙️ ABOUT SHAPING SUCCESS TREASURE VALLEY Hosted by Wes Tankersley, Shaping Success Treasure Valley features authentic, unscripted conversations with the people who make Idaho’s Treasure Valley what it is. From entrepreneurs and musicians to business owners and everyday people doing extraordinary things, we explore the experiences, challenges, failures, and lessons that shape success. No scripts. No rehearsed answers. Just real conversations. 🍻 ONE DRINK WEDNESDAY Join Wes and Jay Finning every Wednesday at 7 PM Pacific for One Drink Wednesday on Instagram Live! Interested in sponsoring One Drink Wednesday or the Shaping Success Network? Reach out and let’s talk! 👍 SUPPORT THE SHOW If you enjoyed this conversation: 👍 LIKE the video 💬 COMMENT: What does success mean to you — money, family, freedom, or personal growth? 🔔 SUBSCRIBE to Shaping Success Network for more conversations. 📲 SHARE this episode with someone who’s working to build a better life. Always move forward. Until next time, I challenge you to find the shape of your success! #ShapingSuccess #ShapingSuccessTreasureValley #NickPerkins #Dyssonance #TreasureValley #BoiseIdaho #Entrepreneurship #PersonalGrowth #IdahoPodcast #RockMusic Support the show For merchandise, podcast and youtube: Join The Patreon https://patreon.com/Westankersley Follow Shaping Success https://shapingsuccesspodcast.buzzsprout.com/ Get Ars Victorious https://a.co/d/5f4todG https://a.co/d/5f4todG Email Wes@westankersley.com for guest ideas or to be on the show!

November 6, 2026Episode 48833 min

Two Nobodies | Election 2026: Stop Making Excuses and Start Leading

Send us Fan Mail Two Nobodies | Election 2026: Stop Making Excuses and Start Leading Republicans vs. Democrats. Political corruption. Government spending. Election results. When do politicians stop making excuses and start delivering results? In this episode of Two Nobodies Who Know Nothing , Wes Tankersley and Robert Watson break down the 2026 election results and discuss what really matters when it comes to leadership in America. Whether you’re Republican, Democrat, or Independent, one question remains: Are our elected officials actually making our lives better? Wes and Robert dive into the growing political divide, the influence of money in Washington, government accountability, and why voting based on policy instead of party loyalty might be exactly what America needs. From the changing political landscape in Texas and Idaho to congressional stock trading, Social Security, government spending, and the growing frustration of everyday Americans, this conversation challenges listeners to look beyond political affiliations and demand results. In this episode, we discuss: The 2026 election results and what they mean for America Republicans vs. Democrats: Why party loyalty shouldn’t determine your vote Political corruption, congressional stock trading, and government ethics Campaign donations and the influence of money in politics Government spending, taxes, and financial accountability Social Security and concerns about retirement benefits Red states, blue cities, and the political divide between urban and rural America Idaho politics and the importance of understanding ballot initiatives Why politicians should be judged by results, not promises The bottom line: We don’t need more political excuses. We need better leadership, smarter policies, and elected officials who put the American people first. You don’t have to agree with everything we say. That’s the point. We believe the best conversations happen when people are willing to listen, challenge their own opinions, and think for themselves. Join the conversation! Do you vote based on party affiliation or individual candidates and their policies? Do you think either political party is delivering what Americans actually need? Drop your thoughts in the comments. We want to hear from you! Follow the Shaping Success Network Subscribe for new episodes of Two Nobodies Who Know Nothing every Friday, along with interviews from Shaping Success , Shaping Success Treasure Valley , and conversations on One Drink Wednesday . Instagram: @wes.tankersley YouTube: Shaping Success Network Website: https://shapingsuccesswestankersley.blogspot.com/ Robert Watson’s writing: https://globalstrategyinstitute.substack.com/ If you enjoy the conversation, like, subscribe, share, and leave a review. Every interaction helps us reach more people and keep the conversations going. #TwoNobodies #Election2026 #Politics #PoliticalAccountability #GovernmentCorruption #Republicans #Democrats #IndependentVoters #GovernmentSpending #SocialSecurity #ShapingSuccess #WesTankersley #RobertWatson Support the show For merchandise, podcast and youtube: Join The Patreon https://patreon.com/Westankersley Follow Shaping Success https://shapingsuccesspodcast.buzzsprout.com/ Get Ars Victorious https://a.co/d/5f4todG https://a.co/d/5f4todG Email Wes@westankersley.com for guest ideas or to be on the show!

October 30, 2026Episode 48729 min

Two Nobodies Who Know Nothing | Media Bias: What Aren’t They Telling You?

Send us Fan Mail Same story. Two networks. Two completely different versions. How do we figure out what actually happened—and what never made the headlines? Wes Tankersley and Robert Watson talk about media bias, missing context, and why we’re quick to trust stories that match what we already believe. From coverage decisions to a construction truck photo that sparked an argument on TikTok, we explore how perspective shapes the conclusions we draw. We get into: • The stories media outlets choose to cover—and leave out • Why we trust our preferred news sources and question everyone else’s • Political polls, campaign texts, and who actually responds • Assumptions about veterans, construction workers, and strangers online • Clickbait headlines that don’t match the actual story Before you judge the picture, read the headline, or pick a side, how much of the story do you really have? Join Two Nobodies Who Know Nothing every Friday at 5 AM Mountain / 7 AM Eastern. Subscribe for more conversations with Wes and Robert, and tell us in the comments: What makes you trust—or stop trusting—a news source? Read Robert’s work: https://globalstrategyinstitute.substack.com Support the network: https://patreon.com/westankersley #TwoNobodiesWhoKnowNothing #MediaBias #CriticalThinking Support the show For merchandise, podcast and youtube: Join The Patreon https://patreon.com/Westankersley Follow Shaping Success https://shapingsuccesspodcast.buzzsprout.com/ Get Ars Victorious https://a.co/d/5f4todG https://a.co/d/5f4todG Email Wes@westankersley.com for guest ideas or to be on the show!

October 30, 2026Episode 48642 min

Shaping Success Treasure Valley | Cara Hipwell: Building Success Through Real Estate, Risk & Relationships

Send us Fan Mail What does it take to build a successful business, take risks, and create something that lasts for generations? On this episode of Shaping Success Treasure Valley , Wes Tankersley sits down with longtime friend, real estate entrepreneur, and Idaho Vacation Rental Association founder Cara Hipwell . From growing up on a ranch and living in a 17-foot camper with her husband to building and flipping multimillion-dollar properties in Southern California, Cara shares how hard work, calculated risks, and a willingness to figure things out helped shape her journey. After returning to Idaho, Cara continued building her real estate business while becoming an advocate for short-term rental owners across the state. She shares how she helped organize the Idaho Vacation Rental Association, worked to protect property owners’ rights, and continues helping others navigate real estate and vacation rentals. Wes and Cara also discuss the importance of building relationships, earning trust, knowing your value, raising hardworking kids, and creating opportunities for the next generation. And somewhere along the way, they even get into Highland cows, restoring old Chevy trucks, and why sometimes the biggest opportunities come from properties nobody else wants. Success isn’t always about having a perfect plan. Sometimes it’s about taking the risk, putting in the work, and figuring things out along the way. Learn more about Cara and her real estate and vacation rental services at https://idahomaven.com. Subscribe to Shaping Success for authentic conversations with entrepreneurs, business owners, and everyday people who are building their own version of success. #ShapingSuccess #ShapingSuccessTreasureValley #CaraHipwell #IdahoRealEstate #TreasureValley #Entrepreneurship #ShortTermRentals #Airbnb #RealEstateInvesting #SuccessStories Support the show For merchandise, podcast and youtube: Join The Patreon https://patreon.com/Westankersley Follow Shaping Success https://shapingsuccesspodcast.buzzsprout.com/ Get Ars Victorious https://a.co/d/5f4todG https://a.co/d/5f4todG Email Wes@westankersley.com for guest ideas or to be on the show!

October 24, 2026Episode 48532 min

Two Nobodies Who Know Nothing | Can We Create Change Without Violence?

Send us Fan Mail Can we create meaningful change without violence, or have we become so divided that we’ve forgotten how to work through our differences? On this episode of Two Nobodies Who Know Nothing , Wes Tankersley and Robert Watson tackle a conversation about political division, war, relationships, and the importance of finding common ground. Robert brings his military and strategic background into the discussion as we examine conflicts around the world, the ongoing tensions involving Iran and Ukraine, and why achieving peace should always be the ultimate goal. But this conversation goes well beyond politics. We discuss how COVID and technology have changed the way younger generations communicate, why learning to handle rejection and failure matters, and how the same problems we see between countries often show up in our marriages, relationships, and everyday lives. The biggest takeaway? We can’t change the past, but we can learn from it. And if we’re constantly focused on the problem instead of finding a solution, we’re never going to move forward. We’re also making some changes to the show! Join us live on Fridays at 5 PM Mountain Time , with new audio episodes released on Saturdays. 🎙️ Support the Shaping Success Network Join our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/westankersley Follow Robert Watson’s Taming Chaos on Substack: https://globalstrategyinstitute.substack.com Subscribe to the Shaping Success Network on YouTube and wherever you listen to podcasts. Join the conversation: Do you believe meaningful change can happen without violence? Let us know in the comments. #TwoNobodiesWhoKnowNothing #ShapingSuccessNetwork #PoliticalDivision #FindingCommonGround #ConflictResolution #PersonalGrowth #Podcast Support the show For merchandise, podcast and youtube: Join The Patreon https://patreon.com/Westankersley Follow Shaping Success https://shapingsuccesspodcast.buzzsprout.com/ Get Ars Victorious https://a.co/d/5f4todG https://a.co/d/5f4todG Email Wes@westankersley.com for guest ideas or to be on the show!

October 23, 2026Episode 48455 min

Shaping Success Treasure Valley | Chris Flexhaug – Success Starts with Relationships

Send us Fan Mail What if success isn’t about how much money you make, what job you have, or how many times you’ve failed, but about the relationships you build and how you approach life? On this episode of Shaping Success Treasure Valley , Wes Tankersley welcomes back his good friend Chris Flexhaug of Relocate 208 for an in-person conversation about life, success, positivity, and the importance of genuinely connecting with people. Chris has lived a pretty interesting life. From commercial fishing in Alaska and working in Hollywood to selling cars and eventually finding his place in Treasure Valley real estate, he’s never been afraid to try something different. After moving from California to Idaho in 2019 without a job or a clear plan, Chris found an opportunity that turned into a career built around helping people and developing lasting relationships. But this conversation goes well beyond real estate. Wes and Chris talk about growing up, learning from their parents, overcoming setbacks, finding confidence, and why failure doesn’t have to be a bad thing. They also discuss how a positive attitude can change your perspective, why communication seems to be a lost art, and how treating people right can lead to opportunities you never expected. Wes also shares his own journey from working at Les Schwab to becoming a teacher, earning his master’s degree, and eventually walking away from a steady paycheck to pursue a career in commission-based sales. That decision helped change the way he viewed competition, personal responsibility, and success. There’s plenty of laughter along the way, including Chris’s unfortunate encounter with a fire hydrant, a little talk about whether we’re living in the Matrix, and why sometimes the most valuable thing you can give someone is your time. In this episode: Why relationships matter more than transactions Moving to Idaho without a job or a plan How failure can become one of life’s greatest teachers The difference between confidence and arrogance Why being positive doesn’t mean life is always easy Learning to compete with yourself instead of everyone else The importance of honesty, communication, and trust Why it’s never too late to change direction At the heart of this conversation is a reminder that success looks different for everyone. You don’t have to have everything figured out, but you do have to be willing to learn, take chances, and keep moving forward. Connect with Chris Flexhaug: Relocate 208 Phone: 208-760-9880 Connect with Shaping Success: Follow, subscribe, and share the episode with someone who could use a different perspective on success. Because sometimes the conversations that matter most aren’t about business at all. They’re about life. Support the show For merchandise, podcast and youtube: Join The Patreon https://patreon.com/Westankersley Follow Shaping Success https://shapingsuccesspodcast.buzzsprout.com/ Get Ars Victorious https://a.co/d/5f4todG https://a.co/d/5f4todG Email Wes@westankersley.com for guest ideas or to be on the show!

October 16, 2026Episode 48336 min

Shaping Success | The Craftsman Pat Kellner: Bringing Baseball Gloves Back to Life

Send us Fan Mail What if an old baseball glove could bring back a lifetime of memories—and even inspire a successful business? On this episode of Shaping Success , Wes Tankersley sits down with Pat Kellner, better known as The Craftsman , to talk baseball, entrepreneurship, and turning a lifelong passion into a full-time career. Pat has built a following on social media by bringing old, worn-out baseball gloves back to life. From replacing leather and relacing gloves to restoring faded lettering and preserving baseball history, his work is about much more than fixing equipment. It’s about preserving the memories attached to every glove. Wes shares his own experience sending Pat his high school baseball glove for restoration and the incredible transformation that followed. But Pat’s story goes well beyond baseball. A former high school teacher and coach, he walked away from coaching to spend more time with his family. What started as a hobby eventually grew into a thriving business, complete with his own glove care products and educational courses teaching others the craft. In this episode, we talk about: Why old baseball gloves hold so much sentimental value. How Pat turned a hobby into a full-time business. The process behind restoring and relacing baseball gloves. Growing a business through TikTok and social media. Creating his own line of glove care products. Why patience, attention to detail, and doing things right matter. Leaving a career in coaching to prioritize family. Why you shouldn’t wait for the perfect moment to start something. Whether you’re a baseball fan, an entrepreneur, or someone looking to turn a passion into something bigger, Pat’s story is a reminder that success doesn’t always start with a business plan. Sometimes it starts with something you love doing. ⚾ CONNECT WITH THE CRAFTSMAN — PAT KELLNER Website: https://thecraftsmansworks.com TikTok: @thecraftsman84 Instagram: @thecraftsman Facebook: The Craftsman’s Works 🎙️ SUPPORT SHAPING SUCCESS Help keep the conversations going and support the show on Patreon for as little as $3 a month. https://www.patreon.com/westankersley If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to like, subscribe, share, and leave a comment. What’s one piece of sports equipment from your childhood that you wish you still had? Until next time, I challenge you to find the shape of your success! #ShapingSuccess #TheCraftsman #PatKellner #BaseballGloves #GloveRestoration #BaseballHistory #Entrepreneurship #SmallBusiness #Podcast #WesTankersley Support the show For merchandise, podcast and youtube: Join The Patreon https://patreon.com/Westankersley Follow Shaping Success https://shapingsuccesspodcast.buzzsprout.com/ Get Ars Victorious https://a.co/d/5f4todG https://a.co/d/5f4todG Email Wes@westankersley.com for guest ideas or to be on the show!

October 5, 2026Episode 48231 min

Two Nobodies who Know Nothing | Facts, Feelings & Rage Bait: Why We Can’t Disagree Anymore

Send us Fan Mail What happened to being able to disagree without losing your mind? This week on Two Nobodies Who Know Nothing , Wes and Robert dig into rage bait, social media comments, facts vs. feelings, and why a 60-second clip can convince someone they know everything about you. We get into how personal experiences shape our opinions, the difference between correlation and causation, why research and polls aren’t always as definitive as they appear, and how history itself can change as new information comes to light. Then we head into politics: gas prices, Trump, Obama, Republicans, Democrats, Congress, executive orders, and why blaming—or crediting—one president for everything happening in the country misses how government actually works. The point isn’t that we have all the answers. Hell, the show is called Two Nobodies Who Know Nothing . The point is that we should still be able to think out loud, question our own opinions, look at evidence, and have a conversation with someone who sees things differently. Facts can change your perspective. Anger and personal attacks won’t. 🎙️ Two Nobodies Who Know Nothing — new episodes every Monday. #TwoNobodiesWhoKnowNothing #Podcast #RageBait #FactsVsFeelings #Politics #SocialMedia #CriticalThinking #Trump #Obama #PodcastDiscussion Support the show For merchandise, podcast and youtube: Join The Patreon https://patreon.com/Westankersley Follow Shaping Success https://shapingsuccesspodcast.buzzsprout.com/ Get Ars Victorious https://a.co/d/5f4todG https://a.co/d/5f4todG Email Wes@westankersley.com for guest ideas or to be on the show!

September 28, 2026Episode 48128 min

Two Nobodies Who Know Nothing | Everybody’s an Expert… Until They’re Not

Send us Fan Mail Everybody’s an expert on the internet — politics, gas prices, presidents, quarterbacks, GOAT debates… you name it. This week on Two Nobodies Who Know Nothing , Wes Tankersley and Robert Watson start with the insanity of social media comments and how people will argue with complete strangers — while unknowingly helping push their content further through the algorithm. Then somehow, as usual, the conversation takes a turn. 🏈 Why young NFL quarterbacks get crowned way too early 🏈 Why Year 5 might tell you more than Year 1 🏈 Joe Montana vs. Tom Brady 🏈 Michael Jordan vs. LeBron James 🏈 How much different eras and rule changes actually matter 🏈 Why longevity may be one of the hardest accomplishments in sports 🏈 And why middle-aged men should probably stop thinking they can still play full-contact football Plus, Wes explains why he briefly considered playing football again — until reality, a knee replacement, and his brother’s post-season surgeries provided a pretty convincing answer. And underneath all of it is one question: Why are we so obsessed with proving that we’re right? We’re Two Nobodies Who Know Nothing . We don’t claim to have all the answers — we’re just willing to talk about the questions. 🎙️ Watch, listen, subscribe, and tell us what you think in the comments. Who’s your greatest quarterback of all time — Montana, Brady, or somebody else? New episodes every week. #TwoNobodiesWhoKnowNothing #Podcast #JoeMontana #TomBrady #NFL #Football #MichaelJordan #LeBronJames #SocialMedia #GOATDebate #PodcastClips Support the show For merchandise, podcast and youtube: Join The Patreon https://patreon.com/Westankersley Follow Shaping Success https://shapingsuccesspodcast.buzzsprout.com/ Get Ars Victorious https://a.co/d/5f4todG https://a.co/d/5f4todG Email Wes@westankersley.com for guest ideas or to be on the show!