In this episode of The Best You Podcast, Nick sits down with Dr. JJ Peterson—bestselling author, professor, host of The Badass Softie podcast, and former Head of StoryBrand.

JJ brings the perfect blend of humor, humility, and heart as he shares how discouraged he became watching leaders who failed to lead with integrity, empathy, or energy—and why he pivoted to build a new brand and mission that teaches leaders to be both ambitious and emotionally intelligent.

This episode is full of real-life insight—not just from JJ’s career as a communications expert, but from his recent personal transformation as a new husband and sudden stepdad to four kids. He shares what it means to live out a hero’s mindset and be a guide, how to stop playing the victim, and how to build trust through consistency and ownership.

What You’ll Learn:

● Why JJ left the corporate world to build something more unique to him

● What the best leaders do differently (and what bad leaders get wrong)

● How to live and lead without a victim mentality

● The difference between being a hero and being a guide

● What it’s like becoming a stepdad of 4 overnight—and how it’s shaped him

● How to lead at work and at home with strength and softness