Backstage Pass: Ep. 32 - The Wellness Myth That's Burning Teams Out with Todd Whitthorne

Backstage Pass: Ep. 32 - The Wellness Myth That's Burning Teams Out with Todd Whitthorne

Todd whitthorne bio

Todd Whitthorne’s unique combination of experience, education, and passion for life, has led many to describe him as, "The Ted Lasso of Wellness!"

Todd’s other descriptors include speaker, author, investor, advisor, and mentor.

Leveraging an educational background in exercise physiology, two decades as an Emmy award-winning broadcaster, and emersion within the ever-changing corporate wellness environment, Whitthorne’s message has motivated thousands of individuals to take charge of their personal health, and…to positively impact the communities they serve.

After graduating, with honors from UCLA, Todd worked as a television reporter, anchor and host in several top-20 markets including Phoenix, Washington, D.C., and Dallas/Ft. Worth.

For eight years, he produced and hosted “Healthy Living,”…a nationally syndicated radio program…while also serving as a senior executive at The Cooper Aerobics Center…considered by many to be the “Mecca of Preventive Medicine and Lifestyle.”

Since 2000, Todd has combined his experience in population health, along with a deep understanding of employee benefits, to help develop solutions which have measurably improved the lives of over one million Americans.

Identifying, building, and growing scalable solutions rank among his top priorities. Todd currently is invested in companies focused on improving metabolic health, virtual checkups, early cancer detection, and pet telemedicine.

Whitthorne’s true gift may be his ability to “connect the dots” as it relates to helping individuals, and organizations, find ways to maximize both physical and emotional health, in the midst of today’s incredibly challenging environment. In particular, Todd enjoys working with leaders who are in a position to influence, especially those who serve in public education, healthcare, and business.

In addition to his professional experience, Todd has run the Boston Marathon, rafted “Class Five’s” in Costa Rica, hiked extensively throughout Patagonia, and summited Mt. Kilimanjaro with his son.

Todd and his wife Kathy live just outside of Dallas. They have two grown children and six amazing grandchildren…all who live within a 30-minute bike ride.

show notes

On this episode of Backstage Pass, Gail Davis sits down with Todd Whitthorne, Emmy Award–winning broadcaster and former senior executive at the Cooper Aerobic Center, to explore why health isn’t a mystery — it’s a puzzle — and how small, intentional habits can lead to meaningful, lasting change.

Key topics in this episode include:

• Why health is a puzzle, not a mystery — and why most people already have the pieces

• The role priorities play in burnout, exhaustion, and overwhelm

• How the most important conversation you have each day is the one you have with yourself

• Todd’s 1% rule: why 14 minutes a day can reset energy, focus, and mindset

• The 14/90 framework: committing to 14 minutes a day for 90 days

• How small, consistent habits create sustainable change

• The connection between physical health and emotional resilience

• Why strength training is essential for long-term health and confidence

• Simple ways to improve sleep, nutrition, and daily movement

• Why investing in yourself allows you to better support and serve others

Visit gdaspeakers.com to learn more about bringing Todd Whitthorne to your next event!

Backstage Pass: Ep. 31 - Finding Hope In Your Hard with James Lawrence

Backstage Pass: Ep. 31 - Finding Hope In Your Hard with James Lawrence

james lawrence bio

James Lawrence - better known as the Iron Cowboy - is a world-renowned speaker, bestselling author, and endurance athlete who redefined human potential by completing 50 Ironmans in 50 days across all 50 states - and then doing the unthinkable - 100 full-distance triathlons in 100 consecutive days.

Before becoming the greatest endurance athlete in history, James was a successful entrepreneur, running a thriving mortgage company and helping hundreds of clients build wealth through homeownership and strategic refinancing. That same relentless mindset that powered him through thousands of miles now fuels his ventures in multi-family real estate and ownership of Crumbl Cookie franchises.

He’s been named one of Sports Illustrated’s “Fittest 50,” featured in two acclaimed documentaries, and honored alongside icons like LeBron James and Conor McGregor. But James’s story isn’t just about athletic records - it’s about purpose, resilience, and refusing to settle for average.

Originally from Calgary, Canada, and now based in Utah, James is a devoted husband to Sunny and father of five. The cowboy hat he wore during races so his kids could spot him in the crowd has become a global symbol of grit, heart, and family-driven ambition.

Whether he’s conquering the impossible on the racecourse or building businesses from the ground up, James shows audiences how to lead themselves, crush excuses, and break through their perceived limits.

Iron Hope: Lessons Learned from Conquering the Impossible

By Lawrence, James

Buy on Amazon

Iron Cowboy - Redefine Impossible

By Lawrence, James

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show notes

On this episode of Backstage Pass Gail visits with, James Lawrence, better known as The Iron Cowboy, who built his name on extreme endurance feats. But the real impact of his story? How we can all find shared hope no matter what our "hard" is.

Key topics in this episode include:

• James completing 50 Ironman races in 50 days across 50 states.

• The importance of balance in life and work.

• The 75 Hard challenge was influenced by a conversation with James.

• Discipline is a skill that develops over time through routines.

• Valuable lessons learned from the chaos of his endurance challenges.

• Raising over a million dollars for anti-sex trafficking efforts.

• The power of community and support is crucial in overcoming challenges.

• The difference between empowering others rather than just motivating them.

• Managing our internal dialogues.

• Suffering can be a gift that teaches resilience.

• Mindset is key to achieving daily success and happiness.

Visit gdaspeakers.com to learn more about bringing James Lawrence to your next event!

Backstage Pass: Ep. 30 - Belonging Starts When You Stop Fitting In with Sun Ah Brock

Backstage Pass: Ep. 30 - Belonging Starts When You Stop Fitting In with Sun Ah Brock

sun ah brock bio

Sun Ah was born in Korea and abandoned at 4 years old. She was adopted by a North American family and had never explored her cultural roots - until now.

Her speech shares a deeply personal story, which weaves together relatable anecdotes and examples for those who’ve experienced feelings of not fitting in. Over time, Sun Ah realized that fitting in and belonging are not synonymous with one another, and when we learn the difference, we can finally move towards living a more fulfilled life.

The audience will feel inspired to connect deeply, quickly, and authentically, and will understand why being vulnerable matters when looking to build connection. She'll also provide straightforward, actionable ideas for fostering a sense of belonging in any stage of life's journey, from our businesses to our relationships and beyond. Sun Ah is a gifted story teller, and she will inspire you to dig deep, reflect & lean into your emotions.

Sun Ah has built a multi million dollar design business and now she is on a mission to create the largest interior design community in North America. Her vision goes beyond beautiful spaces. She is building places, both physical and emotional, where people feel a deep sense of belonging.

As the founder of LUX decor, a leading interior design firm, and MARU, a fast growing platform for designers and tradespeople, Sun Ah is passionate about the power of storytelling and human connection. To her, these are the cornerstones of meaningful relationships in both life and work.

show notes

On this episode of Backstage Pass, Gail Davis talks with Sun Ah Brock about her journey of abandonment, adoption, and the search for belonging. Sun Ah shares what it was like to reconnect with her biological family in Korea and how those experiences shaped her understanding of identity, leadership, and connection.

Through powerful storytelling, she explores the difference between fitting in and truly belonging, why vulnerability matters, and how her personal experiences influence the businesses and communities she’s built. This episode is a meaningful reminder that belonging is something we create through honesty, courage, and connection.

Key topics in this episode include:

• Sun Ah’s journey of abandonment began at age four and shaped her search for belonging.

• Storytelling became a powerful tool for healing and self-understanding.
  There’s a meaningful difference between fitting in and truly belonging.

• Vulnerability in leadership creates trust and deeper connection.
  Community and human connection are essential to a fulfilling life.

• Sun Ah’s entrepreneurial work is rooted in creating a sense of home.

• Her story reflects universal themes of family, identity, and belonging.

• Understanding cultural roots can bring clarity and compassion to personal identity.

• Storytelling is one of the most powerful ways we connect in today’s world.
  Belonging is something we actively create, not something we wait to receive.

Visit gdaspeakers.com to learn more about bringing Sun Ah Brock to your next event!

Backstage Pass: Ep. 29 - The Soul On Fire Mindset For Purpose That Lasts with John O'Leary

Backstage Pass: Ep. 29 - The Soul On Fire Mindset For Purpose That Lasts with John O'Leary

John O’Leary bio

In 1987, John O’Leary was a curious nine-year-old boy. Playing with fire and gasoline, John created a massive explosion in his home and was burned on 100% of his body. He was given less than a 1% chance to live.

This epic story of survival was first showcased in his parents’ book, Overwhelming Odds, in 2006. Originally printing 200 copies for friends and family, his parents have sold 60,000+ copies. It was this book that first invited John to embrace his miraculous recovery and share it with the world.

John inspires 50,000+ people at 100+ events each year. He speaks to companies and organizations across industries, such as: sales, healthcare, safety, marketing, finance, faith, education and insurance.

Consistently described as “the best speaker we’ve ever had,” John receives nearly 100% of his engagements from referrals. His schedule is a testament to the power of his message and who he is as an individual.
His emotional story-telling, unexpected humor and authenticity make each of his presentations truly transformational.

John is a two-time #1 National bestselling author. His first book ON FIRE: The 7 Choices to Ignite a Radically Inspired Life has sold 250,000+ copies and been translated into 12 languages. IN AWE: Rediscover Your Childlike Wonder to Unleash Inspiration, Meaning and Joy published in May 2020 with many saying it is the message we all need right now.

Filming is currently underway to bring John's bestseller, SOUL ON FIRE, to the silver screen. Directed by Sean McNamara, the movie has an impressive cast list including William H. Macy (Shameless), John Corbett (My Big Fat Greek Wedding), Joel Courtney (The Kissing Booth), DeVon Franklin (Jesus Revolution), and Stephanie Szostak (A Million Little Things).

SOUL ON FIRE counters the belief that we are defined by our mistakes or the difficulties we endure. It instead celebrates the parts of John's story that are most enduring and most universal—that when community comes together, when personal imperfections are embraced and when we allow who we wish we were to finally give way to the gift we already are, amazing things happen.

John's award-winning Live Inspired Podcast has more than 2.5 million downloads and enjoys world-class guests like Brene Brown, Mitch Albom, and Shawn Achor.

John considers his greatest success to be his marriage to his wife Beth, their four children and his relationships with friends and family.

In Awe: Rediscover Your Childlike Wonder to Unleash Inspiration, Meaning, and Joy

By O'Leary, John

Buy on Amazon

On Fire: The 7 Choices to Ignite a Radically Inspired Life

By O'Leary, John

Buy on Amazon

Overwhelming Odds

By O'Leary, Susan, O'Leary, Denny

Buy on Amazon

show notes

On this episode of Backstage Pass, John O'Leary shares his inspiring journey from a tragic childhood accident to becoming a motivational speaker and author. He discusses the recent premiere of the film based on his life story 'Soul on Fire,' the importance of community, and the impact of storytelling. John emphasizes the significance of pursuing a life of purpose and the power of individual choices in making a difference.

Key topics in this episode include:

• John O'Leary's journey is about resilience and community support.

• The creation and premiere of the film 'Soul on Fire' and how it reflects deeper life lessons.

• Storytelling is a powerful tool for connection and healing.

• The seven choices in John's book that guide personal growth.

• The power of one individual can change lives.

• Tailoring messages for audiences enhances their impact.

• Life is a gift, and recognizing this can transform perspectives.

Visit gdaspeakers.com to learn more about bringing John O’Leary to your next event!

Backstage Pass: Ep. 28 - The Ethics Trap Every Leader Faces with Andy Fastow

Backstage Pass: Ep. 28 - The Ethics Trap Every Leader Faces with Andy Fastow

andy fastow bio

Andy Fastow was the Chief Financial Officer of Enron Corp. from 1998 – 2001. In 2004, he pled guilty to two counts of securities fraud, and was sentenced to six years in federal prison. He completed his sentence in 2011, and now lives with his family in Houston, Texas. Andy currently consults with management, directors, attorneys, and hedge funds on how to best identify potentially critical finance, accounting, compensation, and cultural issues.

His training sessions focus on risk in the “gray zone”, where decisions that may technically be allowed give rise to risks that are not properly considered. He helps attendees better understand the limited role of auditors and attorneys, how technically-correct but ethically-challenged decisions may be interpreted by the market, and the steps they can take to become more self-aware and able to identify, price, and manage these risks.

Andy is the only Enron executive that has taken full responsibility for his actions and has both repeatedly and publicly expressed remorse. In addition to serving his prison sentence, Andy forfeited far more money than he ever earned at Enron. He is credited with being the individual most responsible for helping recover $6 billion for Enron shareholders.

His sessions are also typically awarded 1 ½ hours of CLE and CPE Ethics credits.

show notes

On this episode of Backstage Pass, Gail Davis is joined by Andy Fastow, the former CFO of Enron, to discuss about ethics, leadership, and decision-making in business. Andy shares his journey of taking responsibility for his role in the collapse of Enron, the importance of understanding risk in the gray areas of business, and how corporate culture plays a crucial role in ethical decision-making. He emphasizes the need for leaders to ask critical questions and to foster an environment where risks are identified and managed effectively. The discussion also touches on the relevance of the Enron case in today's business landscape and the importance of continuing education in ethics and risk management.

Key topics in this episode include:

• Andy Fastow takes full responsibility for his actions at Enron.

• The importance of understanding risk in the gray zone.

• Corporate culture is crucial for fostering ethical decision-making.

• Loopholes can lead to unethical behavior despite following the rules.

• Human nature often leads to overlooking hidden risks in business.

• Risk assessment should take precedence over mere compliance.

• Continuing education in ethics is vital for professionals.

• Andy encourages open dialogue and questions in corporate settings.

Visit gdaspeakers.com to learn more about bringing Andy Fastow to your next event!