Today's episode features a discussion with Martin Hale, who opens up about his family's adoption journey and its profound impact on his life. As a father of three daughters from India, Martin shares the emotional and spiritual challenges he and his wife faced before deciding to adopt. The conversation takes a deeper dive into the values of intentionality and consistency in personal growth and discipleship. Martin discusses how being intentional in relationships and community involvement can lead to meaningful change. Through personal anecdotes, he illustrates the importance of showing up for others in a culture that often promotes isolation. His practical advice encourages listeners to actively engage in relationships, whether it’s through regular meetings or simply reaching out to friends. The episode concludes with a powerful reminder of the importance of living intentionally and consistently, reflecting the love and grace that God extends to us. Martin’s journey and insights serve as a source of inspiration for those navigating their own paths of faith, family, and community. If something spoke to you, please share it with a friend and like and subscribe to the show. Takeaways: The importance of being intentional and consistent in our daily lives cannot be overstated. Adoption reflects God's love, as we are all adopted into His family. Building strong relationships through consistent communication is vital for spiritual growth. Being a parent teaches patience and understanding, making us better individuals. It's essential to surround ourselves with supportive individuals to navigate life's challenges. Being countercultural, like stepping away from social media, can lead to a more fulfilling life. Connect w/Martin: www.neochurch.org If you want to connect with Zach, you can find/message him here: https://www.youtube.com/@ZKosturos https://twitter.com/zkosturos https://www.instagram.com/zkosturos/ https://www.facebook.com/zkosturos https://www.linkedin.com/in/zkosturos/…

In this episode, I share a framework I created for CRUSHING IT in 2025! This came out of a few articles I wrote recently. You can find them on my website at: https://kosturos.com/post/goals https://kosturos.com/post/the-dark-side-of-ambition https://kosturos.com/post/the-art-of-crushing-it This episode, and the framework are the culmination of this thought process. As you will learn, this is NOT a formula. It's meant to a guide you can use as you discover what crushing it looks like to you. Additionally, I share why I decided to change the name of the podcast from Operation Upgrade to Spoke To Me. I've been on this journey for a few years and have always wanted to call my show Spoke To Me. It was in going through the framework that it became clear to me that this is the right call. I hope something in here speaks to you! If it does, please share it with a friend, leave a review and comment, and don't forget to subscribe. Here are a few of the Jamie Winship videos I referenced... https://youtu.be/BnkbKRcByAw https://youtu.be/S1-0p6_0bCw https://youtu.be/76KzO8mn08E https://youtu.be/J3ddN1LgDgY I hope they speak to you like they did me! If you want to connect, you can find/message me here: https://www.youtube.com/@ZKosturos https://twitter.com/zkosturos https://www.instagram.com/zkosturos/ https://www.facebook.com/zkosturos https://www.linkedin.com/in/zkosturos/…

Discover how to break free from the limitations holding you back and unlock your true potential with Dr. Noah St. John, the father of afformations. He shares his inspiring journey from poverty to helping clients add billions in revenue by addressing the "head trash" that sabotages their success. Dr. St. John emphasizes the importance of asking empowering questions instead of relying on traditional affirmations, which often fail to resonate with our subconscious. By understanding the unconscious habits of highly successful individuals, you can learn to shift your mindset and behaviors to achieve your goals. Join us as we delve into practical strategies for finding your "why" and transforming your life, enabling you to serve others and create lasting value. Takeaways: Dr. Noah St. John emphasizes that finding your 'why' is crucial for personal growth and success. The concept of 'head trash' highlights the mental barriers that prevent financial success. Afformations, a method created by Dr. St. John, focus on empowering questions rather than affirmations. Successful individuals often possess unconscious habits that drive their achievements without awareness. Zach and Dr. St. John discuss how coaching can lead to transformative results for individuals and businesses. Understanding and removing mental barriers can lead to exponential growth in income and happiness. Links referenced in this episode: sendmeabooknoah.com noahsaintjohn.com powerhabitsbook.com aformations.com booknoah.com breakthroughwithnoah.com Connect with Zach Kosturos: https://kosturos.com https://x.com/zkosturos https://www.instagram.com/zkosturos/ https://www.youtube.com/@ZKosturos https://www.tiktok.com/@zkosturos https://www.linkedin.com/in/zkosturos/…

This podcast episode focuses on the importance of guiding the next generation and instilling hope for a brighter future amidst challenges. Zach shares his reflections on the struggles young people face today, including anxiety, depression, and a sense of hopelessness, attributing these issues to a lack of positive guidance from older generations. He emphasizes the need to transform pain into power, encouraging listeners to view their hardships as opportunities for growth and connection rather than obstacles. Through personal anecdotes and insights, he inspires individuals to recognize their potential to make a positive impact and to actively participate in upgrading the world around them. The episode culminates in a call to action for listeners to share messages of hope and encouragement with those who might benefit from them, particularly the youth, who are seen as the future. Takeaways: Zach emphasizes the importance of guiding the next generation towards a hopeful future. He believes that pain can be transformed into power to create positive change. The podcast encourages listeners to challenge the negative narratives surrounding the next generation. Zach suggests that we should actively participate in building a better world together. He highlights the need for conversations that help clarify what building the kingdom looks like. Zach stresses that achieving success should not come at the expense of others. Connect with Zach Kosturos https://kosturos.com https://x.com/zkosturos https://www.instagram.com/zkosturos/ https://www.facebook.com/zkosturos https://www.youtube.com/@ZKosturos https://www.tiktok.com/@zkosturos https://www.linkedin.com/in/zkosturos/…

In this episode of the Operation Upgrade podcast, host Zach Kostouros is joined by entrepreneur Jason Wright. They discuss diverse topics from entrepreneurship and personal development to faith and mentorship. The conversation focuses on three core themes aimed at guiding young men: the importance of patience, understanding and embracing one's true identity, and the courage to stand up for one's beliefs. Jason shares his personal journey, insights on overcoming societal pressures, and actionable advice for achieving a fulfilling life. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:55 Jason Wright's Background and Journey 04:11 Defining Identity and Authenticity 07:43 Advice for Young Men: Patience, Identity, and Conviction 13:43 Navigating Fear and External Expectations 16:37 The Importance of Mentorship and Gut Instinct 17:50 Identity-Based Habits and Personal Growth 29:09 Balancing Feedback and Self-Confidence 43:01 The Importance of Following Your True Calling 43:32 The Value of Sacrifice and Opportunity Cost 44:36 Lessons from a Humble Beginning 47:14 The Power of Patience and Long-Term Perspective 48:37 Upgrading Your Life and Others 52:56 Finding Joy in Your Work 54:57 Embracing Your Unique Talents 01:03:53 Standing Up for Your Beliefs 01:10:54 The Power of Community and Connection 01:15:35 Final Thoughts and Encouragement Connect with Jason Wright: https://textitans.blog/ https://www.jasonwrightnow.com/podcast Connect with Zach Kosturos https://kosturos.com https://www.instagram.com/zkosturos/ https://x.com/zkosturos…

In this episode of Operation Upgrade, I sit down with Eric Hanson, an entrepreneur, family man, and leader whose journey from fear to freedom is truly remarkable. We dive into the story of how Eric overcame fear, trauma, and insecurity from his childhood, and how he continues to walk in his God-given identity. We explore the power of building community, leading a business with integrity, and the importance of connection in a fast-paced world. Eric shares his experience in starting a business from scratch at 41 years old and the lessons he's learned about trust, generosity, and not giving up. This conversation is packed with wisdom on navigating challenges, maintaining hope, and how embracing who you truly are can lead to profound upgrades in both personal and professional life. Key Takeaways: Overcoming childhood trauma and fear. Building a business with integrity and faith. The importance of connection and community. Learning to trust God and surrender control. How personal transformation leads to impacting others. If this episode resonated with you, hit the thumbs-up and subscribe! And, don’t forget to share it with someone who might benefit from this message! Timestamps: 0:00 - Introduction 1:00 - Eric's background and origin story 10:00 - The challenges of overcoming childhood trauma 20:00 - Making tough decisions in life and business 30:00 - The power of generosity and legacy-building 40:00 - How to overcome fear and trust God 50:00 - The importance of community and connection 1:00:00 - Eric's final thoughts and encouragement Links: Connect with Eric Hanson: https://tilladelsemarketingagency.com/ Connect with Zach Kosturos: https://kosturos.com https://www.instagram.com/zkosturos/ https://x.com/zkosturos…

In the third episode of the Operation Upgrade podcast, host Zach Kosturos interviews Tim Wimberly, a long-time friend and mission worker, along with Istvan Muntean, his new friend and collaborator. The duo share their passionate and selfless work in Romania, aiming to uplift orphans and abandoned children. Tim and Yishvon recount their personal backgrounds, transformative journeys, and the divine calling that led them to this mission. They discuss their initiatives, including therapeutic centers and transitional housing for aging-out orphans, highlighting the importance of genuine care and Christian values in changing lives. The conversation underscores the profound impact of small, dedicated efforts and the role of community and faith in driving meaningful change. 00:00 Introduction to the Operation Upgrade Podcast 01:01 Meet Tim and Istvan: Heartfelt Introductions 02:04 Tim's Journey: From Broken Home to Ministry 05:14 Istvan's Story: Overcoming Adversity 10:13 The Mission in Romania: Helping Orphans 16:22 Building a Future: The New Facility 22:06 The Impact: Transforming Lives 31:45 Conclusion and Call to Action Zach: https://kosturos.com https://www.instagram.com/zkosturos/ https://x.com/zkosturos Tim/Istvan: https://healthbridgeglobal.org/rise-together/…

In the second episode of the Operation Upgrade podcast, host Zach Kosturos welcomes longtime friend Alan Anderson. They explore Alan's journey from pastoral work to his current endeavors, emphasizing the podcast's mission to help people upgrade the world around them. The episode delves into the importance of having a true north, the concept of systems thinking over simple goal orientation, and the necessity of clarity, focus, and incremental improvements. Alan shares his experiences of overcoming personal and professional challenges, and discusses how aligning with one's unique purpose and abilities can lead to a more joyful and impactful life. They also touch on the role of value creation in business and life, the importance of having a supportive community, and the significance of joy and peace in measuring success. Alan introduces his website, DomainDominance.co, for further resources on self-assessment and personal growth. 00:00 Introduction to the Operation Upgrade Podcast 01:24 Meet Alan Anderson: A Journey of Growth 04:25 Personal and Professional Challenges 06:20 The Concept of Incremental Upgrades 08:28 Balancing Personal Growth and Professional Success 17:16 The Importance of Systems Thinking 26:17 Context and Content Creation 27:39 Finding Motivation and Clarity 27:55 Creating Value in Business and Life 29:51 Understanding Your Unique Contribution 31:32 The Importance of Self-Acceptance 33:02 Taking Responsibility and Upgrading Yourself 38:21 Defining Your True North 41:22 Balancing Personal and Professional Life 47:48 Loving the Process and Finding Joy 51:46 Conclusion and Resources Alan: https://DomainDominance.co https://www.linkedin.com/in/alanandersen https://www.instagram.com/alanandersen/ Zach: https://kosturos.com https://www.instagram.com/zkosturos/ https://x.com/zkosturos…

In this inaugural episode of Operation Upgrade, host Zach Kosturos discusses his new mission to inspire others to build, create, and serve by sharing conversations with people who are doing just that! Zach introduces his first guest, Colin Henderson, a former college athlete turned mindset coach and Fortune 500 speaker. They explore Colin's journey of self-discovery and personal growth, emphasizing the importance of identity, values, and environment in achieving success. Colin shares insights on how to cultivate a productive mindset and transform one's life. The episode aims to motivate listeners to embrace their unique potential and impact the world. 00:00 Introduction and Personal Update 00:52 Operation Upgrade: The New Mission 01:21 Podcast Format and Goals 02:13 Introducing Colin Henderson 02:52 Colin Henderson's Journey and Insights 04:13 Mindset and Identity 12:30 Values and Environment 22:02 Conclusion and Contact Information Links: Colin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/collinhendersonmindset/ https://www.instagram.com/collinhenderson/ https://thecollinhenderson.com Zach: https://kosturos.com https://www.instagram.com/zkosturos/ https://x.com/zkosturos…