Backstage Pass: Ep. 34 - The Quiet Edge Leaders Are Missing with Jesse Israel

Backstage Pass: Ep. 34 - The Quiet Edge Leaders Are Missing with Jesse Israel

Jesse israel bio

Jesse Israel is a 5X Audible worldwide bestseller, a renowned keynote speaker and a visionary entrepreneur known for founding The Big Quiet movement and leading some of the largest meditations on earth, including in sold-out arenas on tour with Oprah Winfrey and in global broadcasts with Deepak Chopra. An expert in human performance and wellbeing, Jesse is a leadership coach to elite performers – from top CEOs and senior White House advisors to Academy and Grammy Award Winning actors and musicians.

Formerly a record label and tech fund founder who signed multi-platinum bands and oversaw an industry-leading music tech investment fund, Jesse blends his entrepreneurial experience with his expertise in wellbeing to help millions cultivate calm, clarity, and resilience in the face of life’s demands.

After experiencing debilitating anxiety and panic attacks during his career in the music industry, Jesse founded The Big Quiet mass meditation movement, which would go on to fill arenas with people in silence and introduce meditation to millions around the world. Globally recognized as a pioneering force in the explosive health and wellness industry, The Big Quiet played an integral role in bringing mindfulness and meditation into mainstream culture and the corporate workplace in the US.

Today, Jesse is one of the world’s leading voices in mindful leadership, with his work featured in over 200+ media publications including Forbes, the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, Ad Week and Fast Company. Through a worldwide distribution deal with Audible, Jesse released a series of Audible Originals designed to support better sleep, build vitality and enhance personal performance – 5 of which became top 10 bestsellers.

As a keynote speaker, Jesse delivers presentations for companies like Google, American Express, Aetna, Ford and Charles Schwab, and was personally invited by Oprah Winfrey to keynote each stop of her most recent arena tour with WW. In his talks, Jesse shares his Amplified Quiet Framework – a three step system to help leaders, teams, and organizations navigate uncertainty, break through performance barriers and realize their full potential by mastering the art of quieting noise.

show notes

On this episode of Backstage Pass, Gail Davis sits down with Jesse Israel, founder of The Big Quiet, to explore how quiet can become a competitive advantage in a noisy, high-pressure world.

Key topics in this episode include:

• How Jesse’s early success in the music industry (including signing MGMT) led to anxiety and panic attacks behind the scenes

•  Why “solitude deprivation” is making it harder to think clearly, feel grounded, and access creativity

•  How Jesse discovered that moments of quiet gave him an edge in decision-making and performance

•  The origin story of The Big Quiet and how it grew from small meetups into mass meditations in iconic venues

•  How Jesse landed a spot on Oprah’s arena tour

•  The three types of noise Jesse sees in every industry: the noise of the world, the noise in our heads, and the noise in our bodies

•  What event planners should know about Jesse’s Amplified Quiet framework and where it fits best

Visit gdaspeakers.com to learn more about bringing Jesse Israel to your next event!

Backstage Pass: Ep. 33 - Why the Five Love Languages Matter at Work with Dr. Gary Chapman

Backstage Pass: Ep. 33 - Why the Five Love Languages Matter at Work with Dr. Gary Chapman

Dr. gary chapman bio

Dr. Gary Chapman is an experienced and well-respected family counselor, and a well-known author having written more than forty books. He hosts a nationally syndicated radio program, A Love Language Minute, and a Saturday morning program, Building Relationships with Dr. Gary Chapman, that air on more than 400 stations.

The 5 Love Languages, one of Chapman’s most popular titles, topped various bestseller charts for years. It has been published in more than 50 languages, sold more than 14 million copies and is currently on the New York Times best-seller list. Dr. Chapman has been directly involved in real-life family counseling for more than 40 years.

Dr. Chapman holds B.A. and M.A. degrees in anthropology from Wheaton College and Wake Forest University, respectively. He received his Ph.D. degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and has taken postgraduate work at the University of North Carolina and Duke University.

Dr. Chapman and his wife, Karolyn, have been married for more than 45 years and reside in Winston- Salem, N.C. The Chapmans have two grown children, Shelley and Derek.

show notes

On this episode of Backstage Pass, Gail Davis sits down with Dr. Gary Chapman, bestselling author of The Five Love Languages and one of the most trusted voices on relationships, to explore why feeling valued is at the heart of both healthy relationships and healthy workplaces — and why good intentions alone aren’t enough.

Drawing from decades of counseling experience and real-world research, Dr. Chapman shares how the Five Love Languages framework came to life, why it resonated across cultures, and how the same principles now help organizations address disengagement, morale, and retention.

Key topics in this episode include:

• The true origin story behind The Five Love Languages

• Why people can feel unloved or unappreciated even when effort is present

• The five love languages and how they shape emotional connection

• Why most people naturally give love the way they want to receive it

• How the Love Languages framework translates into the workplace

• Research showing why lack of appreciation drives employee turnover

• Why appreciation is not one-size-fits-all at work

• A simple, brave question leaders can ask to help people feel valued

• How Dr. Chapman structures his keynote presentations to engage diverse audiences

• Why organizations that prioritize appreciation create healthier, more productive cultures

Visit gdaspeakers.com to learn more about bringing Dr. Gary Chapman to your next event.

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

Buy on Amazon

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!