Thrive Loud With Lou Diamond

Welcome to another inspiring episode of Thrive Loud with Lou Diamond! In this episode, Lou sits down with Kate Swann—fractional COO, business advisor, and experienced board director—to dive deep into the world of fractional leadership and business growth.Kate shares her journey from being a full-time COO to stepping into fractional roles, supporting companies as they scale and transition. Discover why agility is key for growing businesses, and how Kate helps founders and leadership teams stay intentional and culture-focused during rapid change. She also addresses common hesitations about bringing in a fractional executive, explains how to maintain company culture, and offers crucial advice for organizations on the brink of transformation.If you’re curious about the benefits of fractional leadership, scaling company culture, or just want to hear two long-time friends reminisce and share laughter, this episode is for you. Don’t miss Kate’s thoughtful insights, fun recommendations, and practical tips for any bus

Get ready for an inspiring and energetic episode of Thrive Loud with Lou Diamond! In this conversation, Lou sits down with Stephen Ridley —a former investment banker turned international musician and founder of the Ridley Academy, one of the world’s leading online piano masterclasses, now boasting over $50 million in revenue and 40,000+ students.Stephen shares his remarkable journey from a tiny English village with no musical background, through personal struggles and loss, to a high-flying career in investment banking, and ultimately making the bold leap to become a street performer and worldwide music sensation. Stephen opens up about hitting rock bottom, finding passion in music, the importance of relentless self-improvement, and the real secret behind “overnight success.” He also reveals the mindset and strategies that turned his academy into a global movement, inspiring tens of thousands to learn piano in a fun, fast, and simple way.Lou and Stephen delve into everything from creative breakthroughs and ov

What if the most ancient hate in the world is making a stunning comeback—and most people don't even realize it?In this eye-opening episode of Thrive LouD, Lou Diamond sits down with multi-talented performer, activist, and host of the "Being Jewish" podcast, Jonah Platt. Together, they pull back the curtain on the recent explosion of antisemitism, revealing why it’s not a new phenomenon or a fleeting internet trend, but part of a centuries-old playbook that has found new fuel in today’s social media-driven world.Key Highlights:Jonah’s Personal & Professional Journey: Jonah shares his evolution from a Broadway performer and producer to one of the most recognized Jewish voices online, candidly discussing how personal experiences, world events, and even being diagnosed with ADHD shaped his path.October 7 and Its Aftermath: Lou and Jonah dissect how the tragedy in Israel became a catalyst for a global surge in antisemitism, and what makes this wave of hate so coordinated, widespread, and insidiou

In this truly fun episode of Thrive LouD with Lou Diamond, Lou welcomes back the dynamic duo behind the Marriage of Greatness podcast—Evan and Susan Money! Fresh from their unique marriage retreat in Uganda (including the country’s first-ever “bikini wedding” in a pool!), Evan and Susan share hilarious stories, powerful lessons, and the cultural surprises they encountered during their adventure.Lou dives deep with Evan and Susan into the joys and challenges of running international marriage retreats, what intentional connection really means, why putting down your phone may be the best thing you can do for your relationship, and the universal struggles couples face around the world. Plus, they reveal their secret formula for keeping marriage fun through their goal of 100 weddings together—already up to 33!The conversation is filled with practical relationship tips, laughs, and inspiration for couples at any stage. Whether you're single, married, dating, or just curious, you’ll take away powerful insights o

Get ready for an eye-opening, inspiring, and candid conversation on this episode of Thrive LouD with Lou Diamond! This week, Lou sits down with Susan Bratton—a globally respected sexual biohacker, best-selling author of over 44 books, and the official spokesperson for GAINSWave’s sexual regenerative treatment protocol. As the co-founder and CEO of two thriving companies, Susan is the intimacy expert for millions looking to extend both their sex span and health span.In this episode, Susan shares her personal journey from Silicon Valley executive to sexual wellness trailblazer, revealing how a quest to rekindle her marriage led to a mission helping people worldwide rediscover passion and intimacy. Susan and Lou dive deep into:Breaking myths around sex and arousalBridging the communication gap between partnersThe power of courage and straight talk in dissolving shameBiohacking intimacy, sexual wellness, and lifelong learningSurviving and thriving as an entrepreneur in a “bad neighborhood” businessSusan’s top tip

Are you ready to boost your energy, embrace your creativity, and thrive in every area of your life? In this episode of Thrive Loud with Lou Diamond, Lou sits down with the inspiring Stephanie Rose-Vriniotis—designer, life coach, two-time author, and professional psychic—to talk about her unique journey and her latest book, "On the Market, Off the Market, and I Don't Mean Your House."Stephanie dives into her eclectic background, sharing how being a self-taught creative and a deep thinker (and a true Virgo!) led her to blend design, color energy, intuition, and empowerment coaching. She opens up about her experiences overcoming challenges, navigating divorce, and helping others reinvent themselves—inside and out!The conversation takes a fun and honest look at life after divorce, getting back into the dating world, and why it can feel like the housing market. Stephanie reveals how color and energy play a big part in her coaching and decorating process, dishes out practical tips on raising your pers

In this episode of Thrive LouD, Lou sits down with Peter Winick, founder and CEO of Thought Leadership Leverage. Peter shares his journey from spotting a gap in the marketplace back in 2008 to building a powerhouse firm that helps nonfiction authors, keynote speakers, and thought leaders transform their expertise into scalable businesses.Lou and Peter dive into the challenges thought leaders face when trying to monetize their ideas, the importance of having a clear strategy, and how to move from a practice-based model (trading time for money) to building a true business around intellectual property. Peter shares insightful stories, practical tips on navigating shiny distractions in the industry, advice on leveraging new trends and platforms, and how Thought Leadership Leverage supports thought leaders to scale their impact.If you’re a thought leader, author, or speaker looking to amplify your influence and business impact, this episode is packed with actionable insights and inspiration. Don’t forget to like,

In this episode of Thrive LouD with Lou Diamond, Lou sits down with Scott Arden, CEO of Controllers Limited, to unpack the essentials of building generational wealth through savvy use of corporations, LLCs, and trusts. Scott shares his unique journey—starting his first business at age 19!—and what inspired him to become an expert in tax planning, asset protection, and estate planning.From busting myths about tax deductions and revealing insider strategies for reducing your tax bill, to discussing how to set your family up for long-term financial success, Scott breaks down topics that every entrepreneur, business owner, and even everyday listeners can benefit from. You'll learn about:Picking the right business structure (LLC, S-Corp, C-Corp… or a combo?)Strategic ways to legally lower your taxesHow to hire your kids and give them a financial head startNavigating changing tax laws, even internationally or across statesThe surprising IRS codes that allow you to deduct things like golf clubs—or even your dog!

Join Lou Diamond on this episode of Thrive Loud as he sits down with Skip Kendall—professional golfer, PGA Tour and Champions Tour veteran, and one of the rising stars in the world of elite golf coaching. Skip opens up about his remarkable journey from competing at the highest levels of the game for over three decades to mentoring the next generation of golfing talent. He shares entertaining stories from his playing career, including a surprising connection to the Masters, and candidly discusses what it takes to build a winning mindset both on and off the course.You’ll get unique insights into Skip’s coaching philosophy, the “it factor” he looks for in junior golfers, and how he helps them skyrocket their potential—not just through physical skill but with powerful mental strategies. Plus, Skip launches his brand new YouTube channel, reveals his favorite music, movies, guilty pleasures, and even imagines his dream golfing foursome.Whether you’re a golf enthusiast, an aspiring athlete, or just someone seeking m

Get ready for an uplifting and powerful episode of Thrive LouD with Lou Diamond! In this special conversation, Lou welcomes the incredible Montell and Kristin Jordan—yes, the voices behind the iconic anthem “This Is How We Do It.” But there’s so much more to their story than music.Montell and Kristin open up about their inspiring journey from hitmaking in the music industry to strengthening marriages through their faith-driven ministry, Marriage Masterpiece. Hear how they navigated the unique pressures of fame, overcame personal struggles—including infidelity—and found hope, healing, and deeper purpose. The Jordans share their insights into what it takes to build a lasting, love-filled partnership, why vulnerability and transparency matter, and how faith became the glue that holds them together.Tune in to discover:Why Montell and Kristin chose marriage over music, faith over fame, and significance over successHow their experiences in the spotlight inspire their work with couples todayThe genesis and impact of

What if the very personality traits people called “bossy” in you are actually your most powerful gifts?On this eye-opening episode of Thrive Loud with Lou Diamond, we sit down with Andrew Adames—a Brooklyn native turned Floridian on a mission to empower others to become the best versions of themselves. Andrew’s journey moves from humble beginnings and career uncertainty to personal transformation and purposeful leadership, showing how anyone can uncover hidden talents and harness their unique strengths.Key Highlights:From Rock Bottom to Empowerment: Andrew recounts moving to Florida with nothing but a suitcase and how his dad’s leap of faith jumpstarted his journey.Spotting Hidden Leadership: Hear how an insightful supervisor at SeaWorld saw Andrew’s potential, setting him on a path to discover his calling as a leader, trainer, and, ultimately, passionate coach.The Breakthrough Moment: Andrew shares a moving story of helping a woman realize her “bossy” side was actually raw leadership ability, triggering a li

What if the secret to surviving chaos at work isn’t just strategy—it's laughter? In this eye-opening return to Thrive Loud, host Lou Diamond brings back the incomparable Kathy Klotz-Guest: speaker, podcaster, workshop leader, humorist, and “human connector.” This episode is a masterclass in how organizations (and individuals!) can harness improv, humor, and creativity to navigate relentless uncertainty, adapt to change, and strengthen connection—even in an AI-driven workplace. Key Highlights: Improv in Leadership: Kathy reveals why the “yes, and…” mindset from improv isn’t just about saying yes—it’s about embracing curiosity, experimentation, and resilience in fast-changing environments. The AI-Human Balance: Think AI is coming for your creativity? Kathy demystifies why human skills—humor, storytelling, connection—can’t be automated, and shares how to partner with AI for efficiency without losing your humanity. Culture Check: Discover why laughter is a leading indicator of healthy workplaces, and how lo

What if your favorite email marketing strategies are actually holding you back? It turns out, there’s a solid chance they might be. Dive deep into the world of marketing and sales with Lou Diamond and special guest Jennelle McGrath, the powerhouse behind Market Veep, in this illuminating episode of Thrive Loud. Together, they unlock the secrets behind thriving manufacturing companies and discover the "smarking" strategies that transcend typical marketing tactics. Key Highlights: Discover Jennelle's journey from a solopreneur to leading Market Veep, and how they became a HubSpot diamond partner and a two-time Inc 5000 fastest-growing company. Uncover why manufacturing companies are the heart of her passion and what sets them apart in the business world. Learn about the revolutionary integration of AI in marketing, from automating content creation to optimizing client interactions. Gain insights into perfecting email marketing strategies with the right segmentation and personalized content. Jennelle a

What if the key to success isn't just about motivation but about embracing a mindset of discipline and self-leadership? In this riveting episode of Lou Diamond's Thrive LouD, former NFL athlete Marques Ogden joins us to unpack his journey from the brink of financial ruin to becoming a powerhouse of inspiration. Get ready for an insightful discussion on how to face life's storms head-on. Marques, a speaker, podcaster, and business coach, delves deep into the significance of being your own CEO, a lesson impressed upon him by his rookie NFL coach. Learn about the moment Ogden realized that ego was his downfall, leading him to a transformational awakening while working as a custodian. His candid recounting of how he lost millions but rebuilt his life showcases the power of resilience and the importance of extreme discipline. Key highlights include: The danger of having an exaggerated glorified opinion (EGO) and its impact on personal and professional life. How the story of Beethoven, often labeled as a prodig

What if everything you thought you knew about therapy was wrong? Lou Diamond sits down with Diana Mandell, a dynamic force in the self-help industry. Dubbed the "anti therapist," Diana has transformed the traditional approach to mental health and relationships with her brutally honest and strategic methods. Join Lou as Diana shares her journey from being a "shit magnet" in her twenties to becoming a revolutionary figure in self-development. Hear about her turbulent experiences with traditional therapy and how these led her to develop an innovative, accountability-driven approach that emphasizes real, transformative action over passive introspection. Diana opens up about saving a girl’s life at just ten years old, her struggles with relationships, and why she feels compelled to break nearly every traditional code of ethics in therapy. Discover how she helps her clients face their own emotional challenges, how to be your own best friend, and why she believes self-awareness is the cornerstone of personal growth.

What if the secret to your life's biggest breakthrough is hiding in an airport bookstore? In this episode of Thrive LouD, Lou Diamond sits down with five-time best-selling author and founder of the Thought Leader Academy, Sara Connell, who shares her transformative journey from a toxic work environment to becoming a celebrated thought leader. Sara reveals the pivotal moment when a chance encounter with a book at an airport changed her life and set her on a mission to help others share their unique stories and insights on a grand scale. Key highlights include: The revelation that led Sara to leave her job and pursue her passion for writing and coaching. Insightful advice on conquering self-doubt and the fear of judgment to amplify your voice. Techniques for leveraging neuroscience to overcome subconscious barriers and become an impactful thought leader. The power of niche marketing and defining your micro-niche to truly connect with your ideal audience. Whether you're an aspiring author, speaker, or entrepre

What if the next big leap in technology isn't just another gadget, but a transformative bridge to a smarter, more efficient future? In this eye-opening episode of Thrive LouD with Lou Diamond, meet Edward Crump, the remarkable inventor of Amazon Alexa and a significant force behind innovation at companies like Netflix and Nike. Now serving as the CTO of Champion Venture Partners, Crump shares the secrets behind his incredible journey through technology and entrepreneurship. Key Highlights: Discover how a lifelong technologist like Ed Crump started his career by selling his first program at the age of 12 and eventually played a pivotal role in creating Amazon Alexa. Learn about the pioneering projects he led at major companies like Netflix and Nike, and how he transitioned to the venture capital world with Champion Venture Partners. Gain insights into Crump's vision for the future, where personal AIs and smart environments revolutionize our daily lives while respecting data privacy. Understand the impo

What if I told you that transforming the way your business operates could lead to a 50-to-1 return on time? Nick Sonnenberg, an entrepreneur, Wall Street Journal best-selling author, and CEO of Leverage, a consultancy that specializes in operational efficiency connects with Lou on Thrive LouD. Nick unveils the secrets behind the CPR business efficiency framework, designed to bring businesses back to life through enhanced time management, efficiency, and automation. Join us as we decode the mysteries of how even the most bloated of email inboxes can be tamed, saving hours every week and unlocking exponential productivity gains. Delve into Nick’s journey from high-frequency trading to the world of efficiency consulting, and discover the common pitfalls businesses face irrespective of their size or industry. Key highlights include Nick's unique methodology for assessing organizational efficiency, the importance of selecting the right tools for your business needs, and the surprising truth about who within a comp

Ever wondered how to unlock a whopping 10 million dollars in your business just by rethinking your time management? In this episode of Thrive Loud with Lou Diamond, we dive into the fascinating world of business operations with Jhana Li, owner of SpyGlass Ops. Known for empowering over a hundred businesses to scale past 7 and 8 figures, Jhana shares her insights on how founders can regain personal freedom while skyrocketing their revenue. Key highlights include: Discover the "magic vending machine" syndrome and how it's sabotaging your leadership effectiveness. Learn about the top four bottlenecks holding 90% of online entrepreneurs back and how to overcome them. Explore the transformative power of AI in operational efficiency and why it’s time to transition your team from ‘doers’ to ‘thinkers’. Jhana's personal practices for thriving, even when the going gets tough, such as her commitment to spending time outdoors and working with a coach. Jhana also generously offers a free copy of her ebook to listeners

Could a seemingly harmless habit like sipping wine after dinner be silently shaping your life? Dive into an eye-opening episode of "Thrive LouD with Lou Diamond" as we explore the transformative journey of Jenn Kautsch, the driving force behind the Sober Sis movement. In this episode, Lou Diamond chats with Jenn about how an ordinary social custom became her lifelong mission to empower women. Jenn shares how the "mommy wine juice" culture slowly turned from a social habit into a daily ritual before she had a profound realization in her mid-forties. Listen as she enlightens us with her personal story of reclaiming mindfulness and starting the Sober Sis movement—a safe space where women can renegotiate their relationship with alcohol without fear of labels or judgment. Discover the intriguing idea of the "drinking spectrum" and the little-known "gray area" that many social drinkers occupy. Jenn's tale is not only a motivational journey toward freedom but also a wake-up call for those in similar spaces who want