Thrive Radio ™

Hosted by Aimee Montgomery

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278

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Aug 2026

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About the show

Thrive Radio delivers expert, visionary insight on business, life, and relationships for people who want to do the impossible. Hosted by Amy Montgomery, the show explores real challenges, hidden obstacles, and practical strategies for creating meaningful progress—personally and professionally.

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60 recent

September 11, 202635 min

Beyond Fine: The Power of Human Connection in Life and Leadership Ep 279

What happens when your life looks perfectly fine on the outside—but deep down, you know fine isn’t enough? In this episode of Thrive Radio, I sit down with Lori Saitz, host of Fine is a Four Letter Word and a communication strategist who helps mid-sized companies strengthen culture and connection through internal podcasts. After losing her mother, Lori found herself asking a life-changing question: Do I want the next 20 years to look like the last 20? That question eventually led her to leave a 30-year marriage, reinvent her life, build a new community, and rethink what meaningful connection really looks like. We talk about why “fine” can be such a comfortable—and dangerous—place to stay, how getting quiet can help you figure out what you actually want, and what Lori has learned from more than 240 conversations with people who have reinvented their lives. We also bring those lessons into business. Lori shares how communication shapes company culture, why employees need genuine appreciation, and how internal podcasts can help leaders build trust and connection—especially during growth, mergers, acquisitions, and leadership transitions. And as AI makes it increasingly difficult to know what’s authentic, we explore why real human connection may become more valuable than ever. What You’ll Learn: * Why “fine” isn’t necessarily the same as happy or thriving * How to recognize when it’s time to make a change in your life * Why getting quiet can help you uncover what you actually want * What Lori has learned about reinvention from more than 240 podcast conversations * Why unprocessed emotions can influence your decisions, relationships, and well-being * How gratitude can strengthen relationships and leadership * Why communication is critical to a healthy company culture * How internal podcasts can humanize leadership and strengthen employee connection * Why communication becomes even more important during periods of growth and uncertainty * How leaders can make employees feel genuinely valued without spending more money * Why authentic human connection becomes more valuable as AI-generated content increases Whether you’re reevaluating your own life or leading a business through change, this conversation is a reminder that you don’t have to settle for “fine.”

August 31, 202637 min

How to Turn an Idea Into a Profitable Invention with Brian Fried Ep278

Have a great idea—but aren’t sure whether it can actually become a profitable business? In this episode of Thrive Radio, I sit down with inventor, entrepreneur, author, and innovation expert Brian Fried to talk about what it really takes to move an idea from your head into the marketplace. With 15 patents and more than 20 years of experience working with inventors and entrepreneurs, Brian shares how to evaluate an idea before investing significant time and money, research the competitive landscape, protect intellectual property, develop a prototype, and decide whether licensing or manufacturing is the right path. We also dig into one of the most important—and often overlooked—parts of innovation: determining whether customers actually want what you’re creating. Brian explains why customer discovery and honest market feedback can save entrepreneurs from expensive mistakes, and how AI is making it easier to research, visualize, evaluate, and improve new ideas. We also discuss how entrepreneurs can create a competitive advantage, build a brand around an initial product, and turn innovation into sustainable revenue. What You’ll Learn * How to determine whether an invention is worth pursuing before investing heavily in it * The first steps to take when you think you have a million-dollar idea * Why researching existing products and intellectual property should happen early * How customer discovery can prevent costly product-development mistakes * The differences between licensing an invention and manufacturing it yourself * How to create a competitive advantage that makes your product harder to copy * Where inventors commonly get stuck between having an idea and making money from it * How AI can help inventors research, visualize, evaluate, and improve their ideas * Why getting brutally honest customer feedback is more valuable than asking friends and family * How one successful invention can become the foundation for a larger brand and business

August 21, 202639 min

People-First Leadership in the Age of AI: Building a Culture That Thrives Ep 277

In this episode of Thrive Radio, I sit down with Duncan Brand, executive coach, leadership consultant, founder of Intrinsic Leader, and author of Mind the Gap. Duncan has spent decades leading organizational transformation and helping companies develop stronger leaders, healthier cultures, and workplaces where people can reach their full potential. We talk about what Duncan calls the “gap”the distance between the values leaders say they believe in and what employees actually experience inside an organization. As Duncan explains, people don't leave because of the values written on the wall; they leave because of the gap between those words and reality. We also dive into the future of leadership as AI transforms the workplace. Duncan believes the organizations that thrive won't simply be those that adopt AI the fastest. They'll be the companies that use technology to make their people more effective while continuing to invest in leadership, emotional intelligence, trust, and human potential. Duncan and I also explore why leadership starts below the surface—with your purpose, beliefs, values, and self-awareness—and why a company's culture can only grow as far as its leaders are willing to grow. In this episode, you'll learn: Why good business strategies can fail because of leadership and culture. How to identify the gap between your company's stated values and employees' actual experience. The difference between being people-first and simply being employee-centric. Why AI may make emotional intelligence and human leadership more valuable. How a leader's beliefs, values, purpose, and self-awareness influence an entire organization. Why culture isn't an HR initiative—it's an ongoing leadership practice. The three leadership capabilities Duncan believes CEOs need to develop for the next five years: self-awareness, trust-building, and comfort with uncertainty.

August 12, 202634 min

The Power of Authentic Communication Ep 276

Learning how to communicate with confidence can change the way people perceive you, your expertise, and your business. In this episode of Thrive Radio, I sit down with Vanessa Wasche, communication coach and founder of On Point Speaking, to talk about what it really takes to become a clear, confident, and memorable communicator. Vanessa works with professionals, leaders, teams, and business owners to strengthen their public speaking and everyday communication skills. We discuss why clarity is often more important than confidence, how to organize your thoughts without rambling, and why the best communicators don’t suddenly become a different person when they step in front of an audience. We also dive into something I’m passionate about: visibility and personal branding. Vanessa and I talk about why business owners need to understand what makes them different, why authenticity matters when you’re building a brand, and how becoming comfortable being seen can dramatically change how people perceive your value. And yes—we talk about nerves, haters, awkward videos, putting yourself online, and why sometimes the only way to become confident is to keep showing up until being visible becomes normal. What You’ll Learn * How to organize your thoughts so you communicate clearly and get to the point. * Why authenticity is one of the most important elements of powerful communication. * How to manage nerves instead of trying to eliminate them. * Why clarity can be more valuable than confidence when you’re speaking. * How business owners can become more comfortable being visible online and in person. * Why understanding your competitive advantage is essential to communicating your value. * How your communication style and personal brand work together to make you more memorable.

August 6, 202642 min

Transforming Fear into Fuel: Lessons from a Hollywood Stunt Performer Ep 275

How to overcome fear, build confidence, and create lasting success starts with changing the way you think. In this episode of Thrive Radio, I sit down with former Hollywood stunt performer turned performance coach Brett Solomano to explore the mindset that separates people who stay stuck from those who consistently grow. Brett shares how performing stunts on productions like The Walking Dead and Stranger Things taught him that fear isn't something to avoid—it's often a sign you're stepping into your next level of growth. We dive into the psychology behind confidence, why entrepreneurs must continually push beyond their comfort zones, and how persistence, focus, and self-awareness create extraordinary results. Along the way, I share lessons from my own entrepreneurial journey, including building businesses through innovation, overcoming dyslexia, and why identifying the highest-leverage opportunities is often the fastest path to growth. Whether you're building a business, pursuing a dream, or simply trying to become the best version of yourself, this conversation will challenge you to think differently about fear, confidence, and what it truly means to thrive. What You'll Learn in This Podcast Why fear is often a sign that you're growing, not a reason to stop. How entrepreneurs can build confidence by taking consistent action. The difference between confidence and self-esteem, and why both matter. How to identify the highest-leverage opportunities instead of staying busy. Why persistence is often more valuable than talent when building success. How your childhood strengths may reveal your life's greatest purpose. Practical strategies for getting comfortable with discomfort and creating lasting personal transformation.

July 27, 202629 min

How Self-Awareness Builds Better Leaders, Stronger Teams & Business Growth Ep 274

Learn how self-awareness, mindful leadership, and emotional intelligence can improve business growth, strengthen teams, and create better leaders in this episode of Thrive Radio with my guest, Jonathan Reynolds, founder and CEO of Mindful Life, Mindful Work. Jonathan has spent more than two decades helping entrepreneurs, executives, and organizations build healthier cultures by developing one thing many businesses overlook—self-awareness. Through mindfulness, leadership coaching, and community, he teaches leaders how to become more present, create stronger workplace cultures, and build businesses that are aligned with their values. In our conversation, we discuss why entrepreneurship is one of the greatest personal growth journeys you'll ever experience, how self-awareness shapes leadership, why company culture always starts at the top, and how slowing down can actually help you grow faster. If you're an entrepreneur, executive, or business owner looking to build a more resilient business while becoming a stronger leader, this episode is full of practical wisdom you can apply immediately. What You'll Learn in This Episode Why self-awareness is one of the most important leadership skills you can develop. How mindful leadership creates stronger teams, healthier cultures, and better business results. The connection between personal growth and sustainable business growth. Why entrepreneurs often become the biggest bottleneck—or greatest asset—to their business. How creating a culture of belonging improves employee engagement and retention. Why simplicity, presence, and consistency often outperform hustle in the long run. Practical ways to avoid burnout while continuing to grow your business and your leadership.

July 21, 202631 min

How to Trust Your Intuition and Make Better Life & Career Decisions Ep 273

Learn how to trust your intuition, make better life and career decisions, and confidently navigate major transitions in this episode of Thrive Radio with my guest, Adam Dickinson, former FBI intelligence analyst, executive coach, and founder of Adam Dickinson LLC. After a successful career in the FBI, Adam experienced a personal turning point that led him to explore the intersection of logic, intuition, and personal transformation. Today, he helps professionals who feel stuck, burned out, or uncertain about what's next learn how to blend analytical thinking with intuitive wisdom to make decisions they can truly trust. In our conversation, we explore why logic alone isn't always enough, how identity shifts impact both our personal lives and careers, and how entrepreneurs and professionals can overcome fear, uncertainty, and self-doubt to move into greater clarity and purpose. If you've ever questioned your next career move, struggled to trust yourself, or felt like you've outgrown the life you've built, this episode offers a fresh perspective on finding confidence through both logic and intuition. What You'll Learn in This Podcast - Why highly analytical people often struggle to trust their intuition—and how to develop both. - How to recognize the signs you've outgrown your current identity, career, or business. - The difference between intuition and anxiety, and how to tell which one is guiding your decisions. - Why major life transitions often become the catalyst for personal transformation and growth. - How entrepreneurs can combine data, strategy, and intuition to make stronger business decisions. - Practical ways to move from confusion and overwhelm to greater clarity and self-trust. - Why aligning with who you truly are creates more confidence, purpose, and fulfillment.

July 13, 202642 min

The Power of Daily Encouragement: Turning Words Into Hope, Healing, and Connection Ep 272

In this episode of Thrive Radio, Aimee Montgomery sits down with Cindy Waddle and Carl Merrell, co-founders of Dezire to Inspire, a mission-driven company creating daily encouragement cards for grief, anxiety, PTSD, depression, pet loss, celebrations, and life’s hardest moments. Cindy shares how her hospice volunteer work inspired her to handwrite 365 cards for two daughters losing their mother — a simple act of compassion that became the foundation for Dezire to Inspire. Alongside Carl, her longtime friend and business partner, she is now building a company centered on connection, hope, mental wellness, and the power of words spoken consistently. Together, they discuss entrepreneurship, friendship, branding, purpose, customer connection, and why encouragement can become transformational when you “say it every day.”

June 29, 202652 min

Healing From the Inside Out: Dr. Cindy Tjauw on Ayurveda, Energy Work & Learning to Listen to Your Body EP 271

In this episode of Thrive Radio, Aimee Montgomery sits down with Dr. Cindy Tjauw, Ayurveda doctor, Tao Tantra facilitator, energy healer, owner of Celestial Treasures, and founder of Timeless Radiance. Cindy shares her journey from business owner to healer, shaped by Chinese heritage, South American roots, Catholic upbringing, personal loss, and more than two decades of studying healing traditions from around the world. Together, Aimee and Cindy explore Ayurveda, Chinese Medicine, energy healing, crystals, emotional release, visibility, personal transformation, and what it means to stop hiding your gifts. This conversation is a powerful look at how the body stores emotions, why ancient healing systems still matter today, and how women can reconnect with their voice, their body, and their inner power. 5 Things You’ll Learn in This Episode: 1. How Cindy’s personal losses led her into a deeper spiritual and healing journey. 2. Why Chinese Medicine and Ayurveda focus on the root cause instead of only treating symptoms. 3. How emotions like anger, grief, fear, and heartbreak can be stored in the body. 4. Why visibility is not arrogance, it can be an act of service and responsibility. 5. How women can begin listening to their bodies, reclaiming their voice, and stepping into their power.

June 19, 20261 hr 0 min

The Truth About Owning a Car Wash with Beau Watson Ep 270

In this episode of Thrive Radio, Aimee Montgomery sits down with Beau Watson, a business owner with more than 22 years of experience in the car wash industry. Beau shares the real story behind what many online influencers call an “easy” or “passive” business — and reveals the pressure, financial challenges, operational demands, and hard lessons that come with owning and scaling multiple car wash locations. From starting as a teenager working at a local car wash to owning three locations in Central Texas, Beau opens up about branding mistakes, marketing lessons, staffing challenges, revenue growth, local reputation, and what it really takes to survive as an entrepreneur. This conversation is an honest look at blue-collar business ownership, the power of community branding, and why working harder isn’t always the answer. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: 1. Why car washes are not the “easy passive income” business many people claim they are. 2. How Beau went from working at a car wash as a teenager to owning multiple locations. 3. Why branding and rebranding quickly can make or break local business growth. 4. The difference between getting more traffic and building a real revenue engine. 5. Why entrepreneurship requires more than hard work — it requires better decisions, planning, and self-awareness.