This episode of That’s Awesome wasn’t designed to teach anything - it was simply two actors catching up and comparing notes on life, work, and the strange in-between spaces of a creative career. Ryan McPartlin sits down with former co-star from Clusterfunke Christmas Vella Lovell, star of Animal Control, for a free-flowing, stream-of-consciousness conversation that moves effortlessly between humor, honesty, and the shared uncertainty that comes with chasing work you love.

They talk about acting without romanticizing it, auditions without overthinking them, and imposter syndrome without pretending it ever fully disappears. Along the way, stories from theatre, television, Vancouver during COVID, and the modern reality of self-tapes lead to an accidental realization: Vella has a way of framing life that feels suspiciously close to an accicdental motivational keynote.

There’s no roadmap here. Just laughter, perspective, and the comfort of knowing that not having it all figured out might actually be the point.

Vella Lovell, Ryan McPartlin, Mr. Mayor, Animal Control, acting podcast, actor life, creative career, Hollywood acting, imposter syndrome, uncertainty, authenticity, comedy acting, audition process, self tapes, creative process, resilience, self doubt, confidence, community, motivation, life lessons, staying grounded, behind the scenes acting, limiting beliefs,

• Catching up as friends and letting the conversation go where it wants

• Acting as a long game rather than a destination

• Hollywood’s obsession with labels and expectations

• Living with imposter syndrome instead of trying to eliminate it

• Auditions as repetition, not judgment

• Comedy, rhythm, and instinct—onstage and in life

• The isolation of self-tapes vs. the energy of real community

• Letting go of outcomes and focusing on effort

• Finding humor inside uncertainty

• Accidentally sounding like a motivational speaker without trying

• Animal Control, Mr. Mayor,

• Theatre training and television comedy

• Life lessons hidden inside everyday conversations

• Tony Robbins (purely by accident)

• Twitter, Facebook, Instagram @ryanmcpartlin & @ryanmcpartlintv

Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, and everywhere you get podcasts

Watch the full episode on YouTube at RyanMcPartlinTV channel

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Summary

In this episode of That’s Awesome, Ryan McPartlin reconnects with Dr. Bob Husband, one of the most influential communication professors in University of Illinois history and a legendary mentor whose classes shaped generations of students to become leaders in their fields long before the title “influencer” became a buzzword.

As an actor, Ryan was trained to listen - really listen- using repetition and presence to stay grounded in the moment. During this conversation, he has a realization: Dr. Husband’s communication class was actually his first acting class, teaching the same active listening skills actors rely on to create real connection on set, skills that translate directly to leadership, relationships, and influence in everyday life.

This isn’t about performing or talking louder. It’s about learning how listening, asking better questions, and reflecting what you hear builds trust, credibility, and impact. Drawing from decades in education and executive consulting, Dr. Husband breaks down how humility paired with fierce resolve creates transformational leaders - and why the most influential people in any room are often the best listeners.

communication, leadership, listening, mentorship, self-improvement, storytelling, education, humility, questions, transformational leadership, University of Illinois, influencer, actor, Captain Awesome, Chuck

Takeaways

• The most important word in any language is a person's name.
• Effective communication starts with listening.
• Asking questions is a powerful tool in conversations.
• Humility and fierce resolve are essential traits in leadership.
• Transformational leaders combine humility with strong resolve.
• Education and mentorship play a crucial role in personal growth.
• The art of storytelling enhances communication.
• Building connections through names can break the ice.
• Self-improvement begins with the willingness to ask questions.
• Community and collaboration are vital for success.

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In this episode of That’s Awesome with Ryan McPartlin, Ryan sits down with his friend Jeanna Crawford, founder of Jeanna Loves Christmas, to talk about how a deep emotional connection to Christmas — rooted in her childhood — grew into a thriving high-end holiday décor business and online brand.

What began as a small, heartfelt passion turned into a full-fledged company and creative platform. Jeanna opens up about choosing Christmas not just as a season, but as a mindset — one centered on light, joy, and intention. She shares how trusting her instincts, leading with heart, and embracing creativity helped her business grow from humble beginnings to tens of thousands of followers and a reputation that’s earned her the nickname “The Queen of Christmas.”

This conversation is about more than decorations — it’s about how the things that bring us peace and joy early in life can become the foundation for meaningful work and a purpose-driven career.

Sometimes your calling isn’t something you chase, it’s something that’s been comforting you all along. When you choose to lead with heart, passion can turn into purpose.

01:53 – Jeanna shares where her love of Christmas truly began

02:46 – The idea behind Jeanna Loves Christmas and how it started

05:02 – Growing the business from small beginnings to real momentum

07:06 – The surreal feeling of watching the brand take off

09:48 – Why Jeanna believes Christmas is a choice — and a way of life

Christmas

Holiday décor

Entrepreneurship

Creativity

Jeanna Loves Christmas

Turning passion into a career

Creative business journey

Holiday mindset

That’s Awesome Podcast

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Keywords
Golf, Jason Day, PGA, champion, childhood, trauma, overcoming adversity, professional golf, family dynamics, mental health, success, support systems, life lessons, faith, finding love

Summary
In this episode, Ryan McPartlin sits down with professional golfer Jason Day, who shares his inspiring journey from a challenging childhood in Australia to becoming one of the top golfers in the world. Jason discusses the impact of his family dynamics, the importance of support systems, and the lessons learned through adversity. He emphasizes the significance of enjoying the process of improvement and finding the right people to surround oneself with. The conversation highlights the struggles, trauma and triumphs of Jason's life, offering valuable insights into resilience, determination, and the pursuit of excellence.

Takeaways

• Jason Day reflects on his 13 PGA Tour victories and the feeling of swinging a golf club.
• Golf is addictive due to the potential for quick improvement in skills.
• Jason shares his challenging childhood experiences and the impact of his father's abuse.
• Despite the abuse, Jason's love for golf helped him focus and excel in the sport.
• Jason's mother made sacrifices to send him to a golf academy, recognizing his potential.
• The importance of having a structured routine and support system in achieving success.
• Jason discusses the pressure of being number one in the world and the challenges that come with it.
• He emphasizes the importance of loving the process of improvement rather than just the end goal.
• Finding the right life partner and support system is crucial for personal and professional growth.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the Awesome Journey
01:57 The Golfing Journey Begins
05:52 Overcoming Childhood Challenges
12:01 The Impact of Family Dynamics
15:20 Finding Purpose in Golf
21:21 The Road to Professional Golf
27:03 Achieving Success and Recognition
32:41 The Importance of Support Systems
39:06 Reflections on Success and Failure
50:25 Final Thoughts and Life Lessons

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Keywords
Ryan McPartlin, Taylor Cole, Hallmark, Supernatural, Chuck, Infertility, Comic-Con, Christmas-Con, fan engagement, Acting, personal struggles, Mental Health, Charity Events, Golf, Grief

Summary
In this engaging conversation, Ryan McPartlin and Taylor Cole discuss their experiences in the entertainment industry, the importance of fan engagement, and the challenges of personal struggles, particularly around infertility. They explore the significance of creating feel-good content, the financial burdens associated with fertility treatments, and the therapeutic aspects of acting. The conversation also touches on the joy of charity events and the fun dynamics on set, culminating in a heartfelt exchange about vulnerability and the journey of life.

Takeaways

• Taylor Cole has a strong connection with her fans, especially from Supernatural and Hallmark.
• Hallmark movies provide an escape from real-life conflicts.
• The Hallmark fan base is heartwarming and supportive.
• Infertility has been a significant personal struggle for Taylor Cole.
• Mindset and self-care are crucial during challenging times.
• It's important to listen to oneself and prioritize mental health.
• The financial burden of infertility treatments can be overwhelming.
• Charity events provide a fun way to give back to the community.
• Creating feel-good content is more important now than ever.
• Sharing personal struggles can help others feel seen and heard.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction
03:35 Fan Engagement and Hallmark's Impact
06:24 The Farm Project and Community Support
08:58 Personal Struggles and Growth
11:24 Balancing Personal Life and Acting
13:44 Mindset and Emotional Resilience
18:32 Journey of Surrender and Acceptance

20:52 The Power of Sharing Vulnerability
21:58 Financial Burdens of Fertility Treatments
27:09 Golfing Passion and Charity Events
30:52 Listening to Yourself: A Key to Healing
32:29 Thats Awesome Close

Watch this episode on YouTube @RyanMcPartlinTV

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Keywords

Chuck, Captain Awesome, Ellie Bartowski, Dr. Woodcomb, Sarah Lancaster, Ryan McPartlin, Hollywood journey, acting career, child star, family, career challenges, advice for actors

Summary
In this fun tv reunion, Ryan McPartlin and Sarah Lancaster explore Sarah's journey from a shy child in Kansas to a successful actress in Hollywood. They discuss the challenges of transitioning from a child star to an adult actor, the importance of family, and the lessons learned along the way. Sarah shares her experiences of navigating the ups and downs of her career, the significance of trusting the process, and the balance between work and family life. The conversation is filled with humor, nostalgia, and valuable insights for aspiring actors.

Takeaways

• Sarah Lancaster reflects on her journey from a shy child to a successful actress.
• She emphasizes the importance of trusting the process in one's career.
• The transition from child star to adult actor comes with its own challenges.
• Family support played a crucial role in Sarah's career decisions.
• Sarah's experience highlights the need for resilience in the acting industry.
• She shares the significance of balancing work and family life.
• The conversation touches on the importance of self-advocacy in pursuing dreams.
• Sarah's story illustrates the value of hard work and dedication.
• The impact of COVID-19 led Sarah to reevaluate her priorities.
• Ryan and Sarah discuss the importance of creative fulfillment in their careers.

Titles

• From Shy Kid to Hollywood Star: Sarah Lancaster's Journey
• Trusting the Process: Lessons from Sarah Lancaster

Sound Bites

• "I don't care as much anymore."
• "I want to go to the beach."
• "Trust the process."

Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction
03:31 Sarah Lancaster's Journey to Hollywood
06:10 Early Career and Breakthrough Role
08:50 Transitioning to Series Regular
11:45 Challenges After Success
14:31 Navigating Early Adulthood and Career Decisions
17:25 Support Systems and Struggles
19:52 Finding Stability in a Career
22:11 The Journey of Everwood and Beyond
23:20 Navigating the Roller Coaster of Acting
25:55 Finding Balance: Family and Career
29:19 Wisdom from Experience: Trusting the Process
32:58 Thats Awesome Close

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In this debut episode, Ryan McPartlin opens up about the evolution from The Awesome Business Podcast to That’s Awesome—a show that celebrates people, purpose, and the pursuit of being just a little more awesome. He takes us back to 2007, when he was a new dad, nearly broke, and on the verge of giving up… right before an audition that went totally off the rails.

Through humor, humility, and hindsight, Ryan reflects on what it really means to surrender, stay authentic, and root for others’ success—even when you’re questioning your own.

00:00 — The Journey of Captain Awesome

Ryan introduces That’s Awesome, explains why he shifted focus from business to storytelling, and shares how the spirit of his Chuck character became the foundation for the podcast’s message of encouragement and authenticity.

00:08 — The Audition That Changed Everything

Ryan reflects on 2007—becoming a new father, struggling financially, and missing a friend’s wedding to take one last shot at an NBC pilot. He sets the scene for a life-changing day that didn’t go as planned.

06:19 — Auditioning for Captain Awesome

A behind-the-scenes look at the fateful Chuck audition: blanking on lines (twice), ignoring good instincts, fist-bumping the producers, and walking out convinced he’d just blown his biggest opportunity.

11:23 — Lessons Learned and Moving Forward

Ryan shares how he still got the part, how Comic-Con helped him realize his place on the show, and what it taught him about imposter syndrome, authenticity, and trusting the process.

15:58 — Looking Ahead

Ryan closes the episode with the core message behind That’s Awesome: surrender, be authentic, and root for others to succeed. Plus, a teaser for the next guest—someone who might be “even more awesome” than him.

• The evolution from The Awesome Business Podcast to That’s Awesome

• How failure and vulnerability can open unexpected doors

• Letting go of control and surrendering to something bigger

• Redefining success and belonging in Hollywood

• Finding purpose in authenticity and service

• The power of rooting for others to be awesome

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Keywords: Podcast, wellness, yoga, fitness, entrepreneurship, mobility, CARS method, digital transformation, injury recovery, mental health, digital fitness, pandemic impact, grief, online business, wellness, community, fitness industry, personal growth, resilience, entrepreneurship

Summary

In this episode of The Awesome Business Podcast, Ryan McPartlin sits down with Nicole Sciacca—former professional dancer turned mobility expert, entrepreneur, and all-around badass—to talk about what happens when life throws punch after punch… and how you roll with it. Nicole built a thriving in-person fitness business, only to have the pandemic rip it away overnight, forcing her to rebuild from scratch in the digital world. She opens up about the struggle of starting over, the frustration of adapting to an industry that changed overnight, and the mindset shifts that kept her moving forward. We get into the raw, unfiltered truth about entrepreneurship, reinvention, and why fitness is so much more than just working out—it’s about training your body and your mind to handle whatever comes next. Nicole also shares how grief has reshaped her perspective, the surprising lessons it’s taught her, and why she believes the connections we make don’t end when someone is gone. If you’ve ever felt stuck, lost, or like you’re being forced into a new chapter you didn’t sign up for, this one’s for you.

• Nicole Sciacca transitioned from a professional dancer to a wellness expert.
• Injury led Nicole to discover the healing benefits of yoga.
• The CARS method focuses on joint health and functional movement.
• Nicole's journey emphasizes the importance of mental health in physical fitness.
• Adapting to the digital age was crucial for Nicole's business during the pandemic.
• The dance community provided a strong support network for Nicole.
• Nicole's podcast, Shocking Y'all, ranks in the top 3% globally.
• Teaching yoga can be challenging without reciprocal energy from students.
• Nicole's experience with injuries shaped her approach to teaching.
• The importance of stubbornness and resilience in entrepreneurship. This is a whole untapped market.
• Go all in because now is the best time.
• Incredible courses and platforms are available for online business.
• You can just find your community online.
• Death is not the end; it is a transitional relationship.
• Life is so much more profound and beautiful than we give it credit for.
• You have to see the bigger picture.
• I still talk to Matt; he is an ascended spirit.
• The pandemic created a polarizing environment in the fitness industry.
• You don't have to become Martha Stewart; find your niche.

Sound Bites

• "I'm destined for palm trees."
• "I had to heal and I had to move."
• "I left feeling good in my body."
• "I was like, what?"
• "I had over 200 people sign up."
• "I was just convinced I could do it."
• "This is a whole untapped market."
• "What a blessing this is."
• "I still talk to Matt."

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the Awesome Business Podcast
01:53 Meet Nicole Sciacca: A Journey from Dance to Wellness
05:01 Navigating the Dance Community and Early Career
09:45 The Shift to Fitness and Healing Through Yoga
12:35 Injury and the Transformation of Teaching Yoga
18:22 The CARS Method: A New Approach to Movement
21:18 Adapting to the Digital Age During the Pandemic
24:33 Exploring the Digital Fitness Landscape
29:05 Navigating the Pandemic's Impact on Fitness
34:28 Confronting Grief and Loss
45:12 Embracing Change and Future Endeavors

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